Artamenes, or, The Grand Cyrus an excellent new romance / written by that famous wit of France, Monsieur de Scudery ... ; and now Englished by F.G., Gent. — Artamène. English

Artamenes, or, The Grand Cyrus an excellent new romance / written by that famous wit of France, Monsieur de Scudery ... ; and now Englished by F.G., Gent. — Artamène. English

Table of contents

Title page

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE AND MOST PERFECTLY NOBLE, THE LADY ANNE LUCAS.

THE STATIONER TO THE READER.

[1]

ARTAMENES: OR CYRVS the Great.

BOOK I.

ARTAMENES: OR CYRVS the Great. BOOK II.

The Hiſtory of Artamenes.

ARTAMENES: OR CYRVS the Great. BOOK III.

The History of Aglatidas and Ameſtris.

[2]

THE SECOND PART OF ARTAMENES, OR Cyrus the Great.

BOOK I.

THE CONTINVANCE OF THE HISTORY OF Artamenes.

ARTAMENES, OR Cyrus the Great. THE SECOND PART BOOK II.

THE HISTORY OF MANDANA:

ARTAMENES, OR Cyrus the Great. THE SECOND PART. BOOK III.

THE HISTORY OF PHILOXYPES AND POLICRITE.

[3]

Title page

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE AND MOST PERFECTLY NOBLE, THE LADY ANNE LUCAS.

THE STATIONER TO THE READER.

ARTAMENES, OR CYRUS the GREAT. The Third Part.

BOOK. I.

The Hiſtories of unfortunate Lovers.

The abſent Lover. The Firſt Hiſtory.

The ſecond Hiſtory of the Lover not loved.

The Lover in Mourning. The third Hiſtory.

The jealous Lover: The fourth Story.

The Judgment of MARTESIA.

ARTAMENES, OR CYRUS the GREAT. The Second Part. Book. II.

The Hiſtory of the Princeſs ARIMINTA, and SPITRIDATES.

ARTAMENES, OR CYRUS the GREAT. The Third Part.

Book. III.

The Hiſtory of THRASIBULUS, and ALCIONIDA.

ARTAMENES, OR CYRUS the GREAT. The Fourth Part.

BOOK. I.

The Hiſtory of the Princeſs PALMIS, and CLEANDER.

ARTAMENES, OR CYRUS the GREAT. The Fourth Part. BOOK. II.

The Sequel of the Hiſtory of AGLATIDAS and AMESTRIS.

ARTAMENES, OR CYRUS the GREAT. The Fourth Part. BOOK III.

The Hiſtory of Ligdamis and Cleonice.

[4]

The Author to the Reader.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. The Fifth Part.

Book. I.

The Hiſtory of ABRADATES, and of PANTHEA.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. The Fifth Part. BOOK. II.

The Hiſtory of MAZARES.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. The Fifth Part. BOOK. III.

The Hiſtory of Beleſis and Hermogenes, and of Cleodora, and Leoniſa.

[5]

Title page

ARTAMENES, OR, CYRVS the GREAT. The Sixth Part.

BOOK. I.

The Hiſtory of TIMANTES and PARTHENIA.

ARTAMENES, OR, CYRVS the GREAT. THE SIXTH PART. BOOK II.

The Hiſtory of SESOSTRIS and TIMARETA.

ARTAMENES, OR, CYRVS the GREAT. THE SIXTH PART. BOOK III.

The History of ARPALICE and THRASIMEDES.

[6]

Title page

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE AND MOST PERFECTLY NOBLE THE LADY ANNE LUCAS.

THE STATIONER TO THE READER.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. The Seventh Part.

BOOK. I.

The Hiſtory of ELISA.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. The Seventh Part. BOOK. II.

The Hiſtorie of CLEOBULINE Queen of Corinth.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYURS. The Seventh Part. Book. III.

The Hiſtorie of THRASILES.

[7]

ARTAMENES, OR, THE GRAND CYRUS. THE EIGHTH PART.

BOOK. I.

The Hiſtory of the King of Aſſyria, of Intaphernes, of Atergates, of Iſtrina, and of the Princeſſe of BYTHINIA.

ARTAMENES: Or The Grand CYRUS. THE EIGHTH PART, AND SECOND BOOKE.

THE HISTORY OF PERANIVS PRINCE OF PHOCEUS; AND Of the Princeſs CLEONISBE.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. THE EIGHTH PART. Book. III.

THE HISTORY OF ARTAXANDER AND TELAMIRE.

New and Excellent Romances, Printed for HUMPHREY MOSELEY, at the Princes Armes in St. Pauls Church-Yard.

New and Choice Hiſtories, Printed for HUMPHREY MOSELEY, at the Princes Armes in St. Pauls Church-Yard.

Books newly Printed this Terme, for me HUMPHREY MOSELEY.

[8]

Title page

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE AND MOST PERFECTLY NOBLE, THE LADY ANNE LUCAS,

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. The Nineth Part.

Book. I.

The History of the Prince ARIANTES, of ELIBESIS, of ADONACRIS, and of NOROMANTE.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. The Nineth Part. Book. II.

The Banquet of the Seven Sages.

The Hiſtory of PHILIDAS; and of ANAXANDRIDE.

The Hiſtory of AGLATONICE, and of IPHICRATES.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. The Nineth Part. BOOK. III.

The Hiſtory of PISISTRATES.

[9]

ARTAMENES, OR THE GRAND CYRUS. THE TENTH AND LAST PART.

BOOK I.

THE HISTORY OF ARPASIA.

ARTAMENES, OR, THE GRAND CYRUS. THE TENTH AND LAST PART. AND SECOND BOOK.

THE HISTORY OF SAPHO.

ARTAMENES, OR, THE GRAND CYRUS. THE TENTH AND LAST PART, AND THIRD and laſt BOOK.

THE HISTORY OF MEREONTES, AND DORINICE.

§

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ARTAMENES, OR THE GRAND CYRUS, AN EXCELLENT NEW ROMANCE.

Written by that famous Wit of FRANCE, MONSIEƲR de SCVDERY Governour of NOSTRE-DAME.

And now ENGLISHED by F. G. Gent.

[figure]

LONDON, Printed for HUMPHREY MOSELEY at the Prince's Arms in S. Paul's Church-yard, and THOMAS DRING at the George in Fleetſtreet. 1653.

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE AND MOST PERFECTLY NOBLE, THE LADY ANNE LUCAS.

[Page]

[Page]

MADAM,

IF I thought this but an ordinarie Romance, I would not preſume to bring it under your Honour's Protection. 'Twas Dedicated by the Author to the Dutcheſs of Longueville and to others of the greateſt Nobility of France: I have choſen to inſcribe it only to your Ladyſhip, becauſe You comprehend all thoſe excellencies which are ſhed and ſcatter'd in other ſingle Perſons. But I humbly beg pardon for preſenting a Tranſlation to You who ſo perfectly command the Original. Were it a Diſcourſe of the moſt profound Learning that Humane Nature is capable of, and written in Greek or Hebrew, I would make its Dedication to your Noble Lord, who is acknowledg'd (by thoſe that have the honour to know him) ſo to have Maſter'd all the Learned Sciences and Languages, that it is no eaſie task to find His Equal, not only among thoſe of His own noble Order, but among them whoſe Profeſſion hath oblig'd them to be Scholars: Though all His Learning (accompanied with the higheſt Fortitude of Body and Mind) dwels in ſuch eminent Candor and Meekneſs, as is only parallel'd by the like in your Ladiſhip. For if thoſe rare Vertues which adorn your excellent Soul can admit of Degrees, 'tis becauſe your Modeſty is Tranſcendent over the reſt. I confeſs (Madam) ſince I had Relation to this Book, I deſir'd to be as kind to it as I could, and I knew no better way to promote its good, than by entit'ling your Ladiſhip to it. What more particularly concerns this Edition, I ſhall tell to the Reader. Here I ſhall only ſay, that thoſe who have read it conceive it written with ſo much Wit and noble Paſſion, that the Wiſeſt Ʋnderſtanding, that is your Ladiſhips, may be ſeen to peruſe it, which was a great Motive why now it is preſented, by

MADAM,

Your Honour's moſt humble and moſt obedient ſervant. HUM: MOSELEY.

THE STATIONER TO THE READER.

[Page]

I Shall waſte no time to tell you how this Book hath ſold in France where it was born: ſince nothing falls from Monſieur de Scudery's hand, but is receiv'd there as an unqueſtionable piece, by all that have a Taſt of Wit or Honour. The Tranſlator hath inſerted no falſe ſtitches of his own, having only turn'd the wrong ſide of the Arras towards us, for all Tranſlations (you know) are no other. I have brought you alſo our Author's Illuſtrious Baſſa, which the late fam'd Author of Caſſandra and Cleopatra preferr'd before his own; whereupon our Author (for his dead Friend's ſake) hath taken a reſolution to perfect Cleopatra, as ſoon as he hath finiſh'd his own Grand Cyrus. But firſt you muſt ſhew what welcom you afford to This and his Baſſa, elſe you are not like to enjoy the remainder. If you ask why this ſhould have any Precedence before other Romances, 'tis ſoon anſwer'd, that our Author in this hath ſo laid his Sceans, as to touch upon the greateſt Affairs of our Times: for, Deſigns of War and Peace are better hinted and cut open by a Romance, than by down-right Hiſtories; which, being barefac'd, are forc'd to be often too modeſt and ſparing; when theſe diſguiz'd Diſcourſes, freely perſonating every man and no man, have liberty to ſpeak out. And though this hath ſo many Turns and Changes (which is its peculiar Beauty) yet thereby it is not made dark and Clowdy, but is every where Cyrus, that is, a bright Sun, for ſo the word ſignifies in the Perſian Tongue, as well as in Hebrew. Perhaps you would know what Cyrus this is, whether the firſt Great Cyrus who founded the Perſian Empire (whoſe life you have in Herodotus, Solinus, & Juſtin) or that other ſecond Cyrus, whoſe Inſtitution and Expedition is ſo well writ by Xenophon: Be pleas'd to know, 'Tis neither of them, and yet both; for our Author hath drain'd all the Excellencies of both thoſe Two to fill and accompliſh this his Grand Cyrus. Some literal Errata the Printer is guilty of, eſpecially in the Firſt Part, where from pag. 26. to pag. 50. he hath miſprinted Part II. (on the head of each page) for Part I. And the like in the Second Part, pag. 154. 156. 162. 174. 184. 190. 192. 194. 206. on all which pages he hath ſet Part III. for Part II. 'Tis the Printer's fault, and he ought to hear of it. And I tell you now of it, becauſe we intend no ſecond Impreſſion; ſo that if you wave this Edition, you are like to have none. Some may poſſibly quarrel with the Beginning, as too Sudden and Abrupt, ruſhing on Sinope as all on fire without any Introduction. But ſuch may know, our Author profeſſedly did it on purpoſe, for the ſubſequent Story clears it up to be ſo. And thoſe are ſtrangers to Mounſieur de Scudery, who know not he is Maſter of Judgment and Learning as well as Wit.

Farewell.

H. M.

§

ARTAMENES: OR CYRVS the Great.

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BOOK I.

THE Conflagration of Sinope was ſo great, that the very skie, the Sea, the valleys and tops of Mountains though far remote, were all illuminated by its flames: ſo, that notwithſtanding the black mask of night, all things might mournfully be diſcerned: never was object more terrible to Spectators then this; Twenty Ships might be ſeen burning all at once in the Port; which though floating in the midſt of water, did belch up flames as high as Cloudes: theſe affrighting flames, being blown by the bellowes of an impetuous winde, did oft times wend toward the Town; and as if but one huge faggot were ſet on fire, ſeem'd to conſume it all. They flaſht from place to place in an inſtant; and there was ſcarce one Quarter in all the Town, which by a dire communication did not feel its fury. All the Tackling, Cordage and Sails being ſet on fire, flew horridly into the aire, and fell down again in ſparks upon the houſes, which being thus conſumed, are forc't to yield unto this mercileſs Element, and tumble down in thoſe Streets, unto which they were before an Ornament. The hideous multitude of flames which ſtream'd through ſeverall ſtreets, and which had more or leſs fury, according to the ſubject upon which they ſeiſed, did ſeem to Combat one with another, by reaſon of the whirling winde which countermoved them; ſometimes mingling together, ſometimes parting, as if they did diſpute about the Glory of deſtroying this ſtately Town. Amidſt theſe Lightning flames, one might behold whole Clouds of ſmoak, which by their diſmall duskie colour, did add much terror to this dolefull ſpectacle: Alſo, the great abundance of ſparks (of which we ſpoke before) whiſling up and down the Town, like enflamed ſtorms of Hail, was doubtleſs moſt horne, to all beholders. Neer this confus'd combuſtion, there was a Caſtle, ſeated at the lower [Page] end of the Town, built upon the top of a ſturdy Rock, which did ſhoot it ſelf into the Sea; unto this, the flames had yet not reached, but did every moment threaten it, becauſe the violent winde did waft that way: It was likely, the fire would firſt ſeiſe upon the Gate thereof, becauſe the houſes neer it, were moſt enflamed, and neereſt ruine. In the midſt of theſe fiery flames, one might perceive ſome Churches and great ſtone houſes, which gave more reſiſtance then the reſt, and retained ſo much only as might teſtifie the Magnificence of their ſtructure, and move Compaſſion for their inevitable ruine. In ſhort, this terrible Element devoured all, or at leaſt ſeem'd ſo neer it, that the ſad ſight of ſuch a diſmall chance, did move both terror and compaſſion in all beholders.

The Amorous Artamenes, in the head of four thouſand men, marching out of a low valley, covered with a thick wood, was much ſurpriz'd with wonder at this dreadfull object, and ſeem'd ſo amazed, that he was not able to expreſs his wonder by his words: He looked, upon the Town, viewed the Gate, he caſt his eyes upon the Sea, which ſeemed all fire by reflexion from the Clouds; he gaz'd upon the Mountain tops, and ſaw all the plains plainly; he lifted up his eyes to Heaven; he had not power either to ſpeak, or go any further, as if he were unſatisfied whether what he ſaw was reall, or elſe but a deluſion of his phantaſie. Hidaſpes, Chriſantes, Aglatidas, Araſpes and Feraulas, did ſee this fatall flame, but though they were neer him durſt not ſo much as look upon him. Artamenes, turning his Horſe on to a little higher ground, did from thence perfectly perceive, that this Town, which ſo burned, was the very ſame which he intended to ſurprize that very night; and according to his provident Intelligence, brought hopes with him to relieve his Princeſs, which the King of Aſſiria there detain'd a Priſoner. He being thus extreamly tranſported with Paſſion, began to expoſtulate with the Gods; Is it poſſible, ſaid he, you can be ſo cruell and unjuſt, as to Conſent unto the Loſs of the faireſt Princeſs that ever was? and that you ſhould Predeſtinate her ruin, at that very inſtant, when I undoubtedly reſolved her ſafety? In ſaying this, he advanc't a little forward; none but Chriſantes and Feraulas followed him; Alas my Friends (ſaid he, beginning to gallop, and commanding the reſt to follow) how Lamentable are my Deſtinies? and unto what a diſmal ſpectacle have they brought me? Come follow, follow me my friends, and let us die in the ſame flames which have ſeiz'd upon my illuſtrious Princeſs; Can it be (did he ſuggeſt unto himſelf) that theſe flames which now I behold, dare offer to deſtroy my moſt ador'd Mandana? But why do I ſay, can it be? No, no, alas, it is too too true be doubted: The Gods I ſee have kindled too great a fire for her to eſcape it; had it been their pleaſure to have preſerved her, ſurely they would have Pumpt up the waves of the Sea, to Quench the flames; and never have permitted her to incur this danger: But alas, ſaid he, moſt injurious Rivall: Canſt thou endeavour thine own ſafety, more then hers? has not thy unworthineſs caus'd her deſtruction? If I did behold my divine Princeſs (ſaid he in turning towards Chriſantes,) in the hands of a Tirantique Prince who was in the head of a hundred thouſand men, ready to ſacrifice her before my eyes, I ſhould not apprehend ſo much deſpair as now; for theu I ſhould have an enemy before me which I might aſſault, though not vanquiſh; but here I have nothing to do in the world, but to throw my ſelf into theſe flames which have conſum'd my Princeſs. After theſe expreſſions, he paſſed ſilently on, a little farther, and ſeeing none neer which could underſtand, but Chriſantes, he violently broke thus into paſſion: [...] Heavens, ſaid he, am not I acceſſory to the death of my deareſt Princeſs? Is it not for the affection that ſhe bares unto me, that ſhe her ſelf hath cauſed this Conflagration, rather then ſhe would fail in her fidelity to me, the unfortunate Artamenes? But oh ye Gods, if it b [...]en I do confeſs I have deſerved all my misfortunes, and am worthy of my worſt reſentments: Chriſantes, ſeeing him ſtand ſtock ſtill in a ſilent melancholy poſture, drew neer him, and endeavoured to cheer him up: But then Artamenes, going on, and looking back with ſo ſad an aſpect as might move compaſſion out of inſenſible ſtones, ſaid unto him, No, no, Chriſantes, ſuch diſaſters as theſe are not capable of any Conſolations, There is no way for me but one, and that I'le immediatly take: yet this poor comfort remains, that the ſame fire which conſum'd both my Princeſs, and my Corrivall, which mixed both her innocency and his crime together, and which deprived me, both of the object of my hate, and of my Love, ſhall alſo deſtroy me for company, and mingle the Aſhes of my adored Princeſs, with mine together: In ſpeaking this, all the ſigns of abſolute deſpair appeared in his face: his tone was ſadly mournfull, and all his actions ſeemed preparations for preſent death. Day now began to dawn; the Suns approach did ſomewhat mitigate the horror of the accident: the Sea, the valleys, the Mountains, aſſume again their naturall colours; and the Face of this ſad Scene, ſeemed ſomething [Page] to change complexion. Feraulas, obſerved two remarkable paſſages, and hinted unto his Maſter. Sr (ſaid he) Do you not diſcover a Galley in the Sea, which ſtrives with all its power to Row from this unfortunate Town? And do you again obſerve, how every one endeavours to extinguiſh, thoſe flames which flaſh towards the great Tower, that is over the Portall of the Caſtle? I do obſerve them both (anſwered Artamenes;) Certainly (ſaid Chriſantes) theſe are infallible ſigns, that the Princeſs is not yet periſhed, but may happily be preſerved, either in this Galley, or that Tower which the flames have not yet touched: Alas (cried out Artamenes ſuddenly,) I ſhould be happy, and begin to breath ſome hopes again if this were ſo. By this time they were approached neer the Town, where he diſcovered many men, ſtriving to ſtop the fire from catching hold of the Tower. Beſtir thy ſelf (cried he out, and mended his pace,) moſt unhappy Rivall, and endeavour the ſafety of our Princeſs: Aſſure thy ſelf, that if thou doſt preſerve her from this danger, I will forgive thee all the Injuries thou haſt done me. This Prince did not continue long in the ſame reſentments; for one while he was all Prayers and Vows in behalf of his Miſtreſs; another while all Curſes and Imprecations againſt his Rivall. Preſently after, Looking upon the Galley, and diſcovering ſome Women upon the Deck, he was then in an extaſie of Joy. But upon ſecond thoughts, conſidering that though the Princeſs were one of theſe upon the Deck, yet as to him ſhe was for ever loſt; then he began to reaſſume his firſt deſpair: Afterward, when he viewed the Tower, and obſerved how the Sea and the Fire did wholly inviron it, and that happily his Princeſs might be in it, then he changed his apprehenſions, and gave order, that thoſe Troops which came to deſtroy the Town, ſhould now preſerve it, and help to extinguiſh the flames. Artamenes being in no diſpoſition to go back again, ſent Feraulas, to take Command of his Men, and to march ſpeedily after, him. Coming neer the Town, they found the Air very fiery hot, and heard ſuch hideous noiſe, that none but Artamenes himſelf would enter the roaring of the Sea, the rumbling of the Winde, the flaſhing of the flames; all theſe, added to the horrid noiſe of whole houſes tumbling, which were ſhaken into heaps of earth; the lamentable complaint of living, and the cruel cryes of dying men; all theſe diſmal dinns, which were anſwered by an Eccho from the Mountains, did make a moſt mournfull and horrid harmony, if I may call a ſound ſo full of ſad confuſion, a harmony: But all this could not divert the intentions of Artemenes: For he being now neer the Town, and all his men drawn up in a body, he addreſſed himſelf, and ſpake unto them, in theſe winning words: Imagin, my fellow Souldiers, that it is I which is in that Tower; that it is I my ſelf who am at the very brink of periſhing, between fire and water, and that it is I whom you come to ſave: Or to expreſs my ſelf a little better: Imagin a ſay that your King, your Princeſs, your wives, your fathers and your children, were all encloſed within this Tower, and with Artamenes ready to periſh; let all theſe dear relations rowſe up your ſpirits unto a gallant deportment: you muſt (my Companions) do as never yet was done; you muſt deſtroy your enemies, and yet, you muſt ſave them: you muſt fight againſt them with one hand, and ſave them with the other: In ſumme, you muſt attempt all manner of wayes to preſerve that Princeſs who may be your Queen, and deſerves to be ſo of the whole world. After this, Chriſantes, Araſpes, Aglatidas and Hidaſpes, who had each of them the Command of a thouſand Men, came unto Artamenes to receive their ultimate Orders: Feraulas was admitted unto Councel, who was no mean agent in the buſineſs; who alſo had tranſacted for Intelligence within Sinope, and unto whom Artucas had promiſed to deliver up a Port of the Town, that ſame night. Feraulas gave his vote, that it were expedient to proceed in the very ſame manner, as if the Town were not on fire, and without any further Inquiſition, to march ſtraight unto the Gate by Mars his Temple; becauſe, ſaid he, if perchance this accident has not put the whole Town into a generall diſorder, we may perhaps find reſiſtance at any other place; it being alwayes a Cuſtom upon ſuch accidents to double their Guards, leaſt the fire ſhould proceed from ſome deſign of their enemies; whereas, on the contrary, if you proceed this way, we are ſure to finde no oppoſition; for if Artucas and his Complices be not all conſum'd in fire, we ſhall certainly have their aſſiſtance; and although they ſhould be all periſhed, yet we are certain to finde none in that place to obſtruct our paſſage. This advice was good, and ſounded all reaſon. Afterwards it was put to the Queſtion, What Courſe was moſt Commodious whereby to gain the foot of the Tower. Aglatidas obſerved the fire to ceaſe on that ſide of the Gate, becauſe the Ships being ſooner conſumed then the houſes, it muſt therefore conſequently follow, that the fire muſt ſooneſt ceaſe there alſo; therefore he conceived it the moſt convenient courſe, to take the way of the Port, becauſe then they ſhould have but one ſide to guard, and becauſe that alſo this way was the eaſieſt to go unto the foot of the Tower. [Page] Artamenes, who thought each minute an age till he was there, would contradict nothing, leaſt he ſhould loſe time; he marched himſelf firſt, and gave command through the Army, to divulge it about the Town, how he had no other deſign in coming thither, but to preſerve the Princeſs; inducing the People thereby, to refuſe reſiſtance, and not impede his plot. They all begin to march; Feraulas guided Artemenes (who was like the reſt, on foot,) unto the Gate by Mars his Temple: and there they found him whom they ſought for, who was in ſuch deſpair of Artamenes coming (for this ſad ſight had much retarded him) that he was careleſs whether he threw himſelf into the flames, or lived any longer. He no ſooner ſpied them he long'd for, but he caus'd the Gates immediatly to fly open. The Guards at the place were very thin, for maugre his commands, moſt of his men ran away to ſee in what condition the fire had left their houſes, their wives, their fathers, and their children: ſo that they found no great difficulty in becoming maſters of that Guard; yet they found enough to do in defending themſelves from fire. Artamenes, in marching through the inflamed ſtreets, expoſed himſelf unto extraordinary danger, and was many times in hazard to being overwhelmed with falling fiery houſes: though the object was terrible to him when he was without the Town, yet it ſeemed much more horrid when he was within: they marched with Swords in their right hands, and Bucklers in their left; they had hotter ſervice in preſerving themſelves from burning coals, which continually tumbled upon their heads, then from the Darts of their enemies. Upon the unexpected arrivall of Artamenes, all they who ſurviv'd within the Town, did begin to double their lamentations and amazement: Many of the Grandees who before were buſie in quenching the fire of their own houſes, did quit that charitable office, and endeavoured to muſter into Arms, to make ſome reſiſtance; but alas, neither Arms, nor Captains, nor Souldiers, nor any thing fit for oppoſition, can be found in ſo confus'd a diſorder: In ſome places, men were pulling down their own houſes to preſerve their neighbors: others threw their Plate, their Jewels, and their richeſt things out at windowes, in hopes thereby of ſaving ſomething: Mothers without any care of goods, or houſes, or any thing, might be ſeen running about the ſtreets with hair burned off their heads, and nothing left, unleſs in either arm a Childe. In ſhort, the ſight was ſo ſad and terrible, that if Artamenes had not been ſo tranſported as he was, with vehemency of paſſion, doubtleſs he would have ſtopt his courſe, to have ſuccoured them, ſo worthy were they of pity, and ſo ſenſible was he of their miſery. Nevertheleſs he marched on: the report of his Arrivall was every where divulged: Aribees, the Governour of Sinope (who uſed his endeavours to prevent the fires catching hold of the Tower, and who upon this occaſion had rallied moſt of the men and Souldiers which ſurviv'd) was at his wits end, and involved into ſuch anxieties of minde, that he knew not whether was moſt expedient, to fight Artamenes, or to quench the flames; for thus he argued; What will all my ſervices advantage the King of Aſſiria, though I ſhould get the victory, whilſt he in the mean time is ruin'd by the enraging flames: on the contrary, what ſhould I get by quenching the fire, whilſt in the mean time I am taken a Priſoner by Artamenes? I, who am his mortall foe; I who betray'd the King my Maſter; I who tranſacted the conveyance away of the Princeſs his daughter; I who mov'd the People to revolt: No, no, let us fight with Artamenes, who is as terrible to the King of Aſſiria, as fire, or flames, or any thing elſe can be; let us provide for our preſervation that way: In ſaying ſo, he gave command, that all they who were quenching fire, and with engins pulling down the fired houſes, ſhould now take up Arms, and thoſe men who had none, to provide them with all ſpeed, and take them where ere they found them; let fire rather hurt their houſes then not ſuccour him. When Artamenes had paſſed through a great part of this pitifull Town, and marching along the Port, he came unto the foot of the Tower; did wonder to ſee none quenching the flames, and was amazed when he ſaw Aribees with reſolutions to fight him: What (cried he out) do I come to quench the fire, and muſt I now hinder it from being extinguiſhed? No, no, my friends, it muſt not be; Upon that he gave command that ſome of his men ſhould help to extinguiſh the fire, whilſt with the reſt he fought with thoſe whoſe office it was to have done it: When all was thus ordered, he advanced towards the main body of his enemy, in the head of which was Aribees. Artamenes, turning his eye towards the top of the Tower, there eſpied the King of Aſſiria, who ſeem'd to be in a very deſperate condition, as if he were indifferent whether he caſt himſelf into the flames, or Sea. This ſight confirmed Artamenes in his opinion, that his Princeſs was alive, and therefore he gave ſecond orders of quenching the fire: then he marched with the reſt and charged his enemy; who received him with great and deſperate reſolutions: ſo ſoon as they joyned, he got ſight of their Generall. Aribees (ſaid he aloud) I [Page] come not to fight but to puniſh thee: the fault ſhall be thy own, if I do not procure thee a Pardon from the King of Medes, upon Condition thou wilt ceaſe Arms, and help to preſerve thy Princeſs and mine. But Aribees who thought his Crimes too great to be pardoned, in lieu of Anſwer, did run at him with his drawn Sword, and began a fight in the midſt of fire: the fight was more terrible to him then the fire; for blowes fell from an invincible arm, in whom Love, hate and revenge, did kindle more then accuſtomed valour at this time, although he was ever the moſt valiant man alive. Hidaspes, Artucas, Chriſantes, Aglatides and Araspes, drew neer Artamenes: as for Feraulas, his orders were to quench the fire. The King of Aſſyria all this while did not once behold, that which would produce his ſafety or his ſorrow, his weal or his wo, and would either loſe his life or kill his enemy. Artamenes caſting up his eye often towards the Tower, ſaid to himſelf, I ſhould be infinitely happy, if my Princeſs did but ſee what I do to preſerve her: were I certain that ſhe were an eye-witneſs, either of my victory or of my death, I ſhould deſire no more. Mean while, the fight was furious: in the midſt of fight, Artamenes minde was much upon Feraulas, and his orders in quenching the fire: In concluſion he undertook a ſingle Combate with Aribees, [...] amidſt all this confuſion, which indeed was an act too opinionative and hazardous; for though this Traytor had to deal with the Gallanteſt of Men, yet deſpair might by chance have done that in him, which true valour might do in the other: yet for all this Artamenes fought full of hopes, and was confident that after this, there was nothing but a few walls between him and his Princeſs. Indeed his acts were Miracles; he ſlew all that ſtood in his way, and wounded Aribees in ſo many places, that in concluſion he had no other reſolutions but to render himſelf, if upon a ſudden an enflamed houſe had not falne upon the place of Combat, ſo that Aribees was covered with its ruin'd rubbiſh; and all men thought he had periſhed both by fire and ſword, as deſerving double puniſhment for his perfidious rebellion. Artamenes alſo, who though he had received but few wounds from his Antagoniſt, yet thought himſelf in a dangerous ſtate, when he was ſurrounded with flames and ſmak; and certainly, had he not ſhielded his head with his Helmet, he had inevitably periſhed: his Cote of Arms was burnt, and a thouſand to one but he had been ſmothered in this adventure. The fall of this houſe did raiſe ſo thick a duſt, a ſmoak ſo black, and a cloud of ſparks ſo fiery, that for a long time nothing could be diſcerned upon the place. That which moſt vexed Artamenes in this accident was, that Aribees, who was upon the very point of ſubmiſſion, had retreated forty or fifty paces, and thereby eſcaped his revenge; Artamenes touched him with the point of his ſword, but by a miracle of fortune miſſed him, and now found no enemy amidſt theſe fatall ruins. After this accident, all they who had dependance upon Aribees, were all amaz'd and fled. But this Hero Artamenes runs after them, and cries aloud, that he came with intentions to ſave, and not to hurt them: In concluſion, he perſwaded them, to lay down Arms and truſt unto the word of a Conqueror, who heretofore had given teſtimonies of his Generoſity; and ſo in a ſhort time, all ſeem'd to be on one ſide. Artamenes encouraging his men, did ſhew them by example what they ſhould do, and himſelf quenched the fire. All the people wondered to finde ſo charitable an enemy: his Souldiers pul'd down houſes with their engins of Artillery: they did employ their Bucklers and Helmets in carrying water to throw upon the fire. In ſhort, they neglected nothing which might be thought expedient in the buſineſs. Every Captain did admirably demean himſelf in this encounter; amongſt the reſt, Aglatidas ſeem'd rather to fight for death then victory, ſo couragiouſly did he expoſe himſelf unto the fury of the fight and fire: Mean while, Artamenes ſeeing the fire decreaſe, was infinitely tranſported with joy and hope to ſee his deareſt and faireſt Princeſs. She is (ſaid he in his heart,) within this Tower, and if▪ be not the moſt unfortunate wretch that ever liv'd, I ſhall preſently bleſs my eyes with a ſight of her, my moſt adored Princeſs. I may chance have the honour from her own lips to be termed her Liberator; and now I hope to ſee both the object of my Love and of my hate. The fire is now extinguiſhed and he approached under the walls of the Tower; he gave orders to ſecure all advenues and Ports of the Town: as he began to demoliſh the walls of this Tower, not yet knowing whether he ſhould meet with any oppoſition, he eſpied a man of good hanſome deportment, who opened the Gate unto him, and in lieu of diſputing his entrance (which indeed he had done, had he not known Artemenes from the battlements of the Tower) he reverently addreſſed himſelf, and in a paſſionate manner ſaid; Sr, if the Name of Thraſibulus be not quite forgotten, do him the honour to uſe all your endeavours to prevent the ruin of a moſt illuſtrious Perſon, of whoſe ſafety we ſhall utterly deſpair, unleſs your timous aſſiſtance help it. Artamenes ſuppoſed it to be the Princeſs who was in ſome extremity, [Page] and therefore did not inſiſt upon the nicety of Ceremonies with Thraſibulus, whom he preſently knew by his voice: Come along my old Conqueror (ſaid he to him,) let us haſte to releeve this illuſtrious perſon. As ſoon as ever he had uttered theſe words, he ran haſtily up the ſtairs, and many followed; among the reſt Hidaspes, Chriſantes, Aglatides, Thraſibulus and Feraulus: but they all, except Thraſibulus, wondered, to ſee no Souldiers in the Tower, nor in any other place of the fort: Araſpes by order from Artamenes ſtaid at the Gates, to prevent ſurpriſals: Artamenes was ſo tranſported with deſires of ſeeing the Princeſs, that he was at the top of the Tower before the reſt; but, O Heavens, how ſadly he was ſurpris'd with amazement, when in lieu of the Princeſs, he found none but the King of Aſſiria, who was his Rivall, and Raviſher of the Princeſs, alſo his utter enemy? an unarmed enemy, ſunk in ſorrowes: Artamenes turned toward Thraſibulus, and askt him, if this was his illuſtrious Perſon he meant: he ſeeing all the Company following with deſire to come unto the top of the Tower, and conſidering with himſelf, that his diſcourſe with the King of Aſſiria would not be fit for all publike ears, beckned unto them to retire: Then he asked where the Princeſs was, imagining ſhe might be in ſome lower room of the Fort; but he was much more ſurpriſed with wonder, when the King of Aſſiria ſaid unto him, You ſee Artamenes, a Prince more unfortunate then your ſelf, ſince he is the cauſe both of your diſaſters and his own. You may ſee (ſaid he, ſhewing him the Galley which was not yet far off, by reaſon of contrary winde) another Raviſher of your Princeſs more guilty then my ſelf, becauſe he profeſſed amity and friendſhip unto him, whereas I never gave you the leaſt hope of any Love from me. What (cryed out Artamenes in looking upon the Galley, and not regarding his enemy) is not the Princeſs here in your Power? No, no, anſwered the King of Aſſiria ſighing) the Prince Mazares, that moſt perfidious Mazares, has Raviſht her both from me and you, and hath rob'd you of the glory of your Victory; but ſince you cannot ſatisfie your Love in ſeeing your Princeſs, ſatisfie your hate, and take a full revenge upon me your Rivall enemy: you ſee, I am not in condition to oppoſe you; I was reſolved, as ſoon as this Galley was out of ſight, ſince I could not follow it, to caſt my ſelf either into the flames or Sea, and ſo finiſh my misfortunes, rather then fall into the hand of you my Rivall enemy. The enemies of Artamenes (anſwered this generous and ſad Prince,) have never any cauſe to fear him but when they have Arms in their hands. The Condition in which I finde you, is your umbrage from the heat of my anger, and preſerves you from the fury of my reſentments. After theſe words, poor Artamenes was ſo ſadded with ſorrow, as never man was more. He ſees his Princeſs, Raviſhed away the ſecond time, but cannot follow, ſince all the Ships were conſum'd, ſo that there appears no poſſibility of relief or revenge upon this ſecond Raviſher. He looks upon his firſt Rivall Raviſher, and ſees him in his Power, but ſees him unarmed, and without any deſign but death. Artamenes has now no heart, he ſees his diſaſters are without either parallell or remedy; he had ſometimes ſome thoughts (had not the generoſity of his ſoul ſtayed him) of ſatisfying his revenge upon his Rivall, and ſometimes upon himſelf: he was ſo ſurrounded vvith ſorrow and anxious cogitations, as he neither knew what he ſhould or what he would do. Preſently he heard the King of Aſſiria ſay, I ſee Artamenes, Fortune is your good friend, and the very windes are obedient unto your wiſhes, in blowing back the Galley to the ſhore, ſo that happily you may ſafely receive your Princeſs again. Artamenes looking toward the Sea, did plainly perceive the Galley was forced by contrary windes ſo neer back again, that Women might perfectly be diſcovered upon the deck; and might eaſily ſee how Saylors tug'd with all their ſtrength, to part the violence of the waves, keeping themſelves as far from Land as they could by force of oar. At this ſight Joy might be ſeen to ſparkle in the eyes of Artamenes; but as for the King of Aſſiria, ſad ſorrow and deſpair ſeem'd to be all his hopes; knowing vvell enough that though the favorable winde did waft▪ the Galley ſafe into the Port, yet the ſweetneſs of that fortune would be all Artamenes, and not his; yet he cheered up himſelf with hope of ſeeing Mazares puniſhed. I hope you will permit me (ſaid he to Artamenes,) that if it be the pleaſure of the Gods to make you happy, in ſafely reſtoring you the Princeſs,) to ſave you the labour of puniſhing this Raviſher: be pleas'd, but to allow me Combate with him, and furniſh me vvith a Sword, and I vvill promiſe you, that immediatly after my revenging victory, I will force it through my own heart: by this means I ſhall permit you to enjoy that Happineſs quietly, which as long as life is in me I ſhall always diſturb. This Revenge muſt I reſerve unto my ſelf (replied Artamenes) yet in conſideration of that reſpect which I bear unto the King of Aſſiria and his misfortunes, I will deprive my ſelf of that ſatisfaction which I could finde in revenging my ſelf upon his own Rivalſhip: But as for [Page] Mazares, I muſt reſerve the puniſhment of his perfidious fact unto my ſelf. After this, theſe two Rivals, without any more memory of old hate, applied themſelves to obſerve the Galley, both wiſhing Happineſs to the Princeſs, and Curſes upon the Raviſher, as if both of them had one and the ſame intereſt. This object had ſuch pleaſing influence, upon their eyes, their ſpirits, and their imaginations, as that now they ſeem to be very good friends. But in concluſion they ſee the Sea begin to change colour, the windes riſe, the waves boiſterous, ſometimes toſſing up the Galley as high as Clouds, and ſometimes bulging it to the bottom of the Sea with its ſurges. This ſad ſight, had likewiſe the ſame effect upon both their mindes, and moves them equally unto Paſſion; Artamenes lookt upon the King of Aſſiria with an unexpreſſable ſadneſs, and the King of Aſſiria lookt upon Artamenes, vvith a face full of black deſpair; the equality of their misfortunes did ſuſpend all their cogitations: and they apprehended all that Love could poſſibly imagin dolorous and reſentive. They ſaw, if the winde continued where it was, that the Galley would be driven againſt the foot of that Tower wherein they were, and ſo daſh all in pieces; ſo that now they begin to fear vvhat before they deſired, vviſhing the vvindes vvould now ſecond the Prayers of the Raviſher, and blow them far from Land: Mean vvhile, the ſtorm encreaſeth, and according to the ordinary capricious inconſtance of the Sea, a vvhirl-winde, did upon a ſudden ſo interſhock the waves, as the Galley was carried far from the Town with incredible celerity, ſo that theſe two Rivals loſt the ſight of it, and vvith it all their hopes and their hearts. What fears of ſhipwrack theſe two illuſtrious, but improſperous Princes, did reſent, is not imaginable. Fain they would exclude Mazares out of their Prayers for Mandana; but rather then ſhe ſhould want a wiſh of ſafety, they pray for both, and repent them of their firſt deſires. Now, when that object, vvhich before did take up their paſſionate reſentment of each other, was out of ſight, they began to conceive of one another as two Rivals and two enemies. Artamenes was upon departure, vvith intentions of committing the King of Aſſiria into ſafe cuſtody, when the King began to ſpeak thus unto him: I know Artamenes, that your Birth and Quality is equal unto mine; I am ſure of it by infallible and moſt certain grounds: I do retain much Confidence in your Generoſity, of vvhich I have had ſo much experience, and of vvhich, mangre my hate, I have been a long (though tacit) admirer. Therefore I vvill both beleeve and hope, that you vvill not deny me one favour vvhich I ſhall deſire. As you are my Rivall (ſaid Artamenes) I ſhould deny you all your deſires; but as you are the King of Aſſiria, I can deny you nothing, ſo it be not prejudiciall unto the King whom I ſerve, nor his Daughter vvhom I adore; and be confident, I will deny nothing which will not vvound my Honour or my Love: I oblige my ſelf unto it by the vvord of a Man, vvhom you ſay is not inferior unto your ſelf, although it paſs not ſo in the opinion of the World: Demand then vvhat you pleaſe, but firſt conſider well with your ſelf, leaſt, againſt my vvill you ſhould provoke me to a deniall. The King of Aſſiria, as ſoon as Artamenes had ſaid ſo, replied: I know that I am in your power, and you may transfer me into the hands of Ciaxares; I know again it vvill be of much advantage unto him, to get that King unto his fetters, a great part of vvhoſe Kingdom he hath Conquered: But I know you too Noble to triumph over me, or to inſult over your Captive Rivall; vvhom you cannot chuſe but know to be a Man of Soul, ſince he hath meaſured his Sword with yours: Suffer me therefore, to have ſo much Honour as to Contribute my endeavours towards the Puniſhment of our Common enemy, and of Releaſing the Princeſs: And I do oblige my ſelf by Promiſe, that if it pleaſe the Deſtinies to be ſo propitious unto me, as that I ſhall finde out the illuſtrious Mandana, yet I vvill never tranſact any thing unto your prejudice, untill firſt the fate of Arms in Duell, have decided our Fortunes: I confeſs Artamenes (ſaid he further) that my requeſt is ſomething difficult, yet if your ſoul be not capable of any but eaſie things, I ſhall conceive you unworthy to be my Corrivall, 'Tis true (replied Artamenes) but [...] cannot Conſent unto your deſire: It is much more eaſie for me to determin our Controverſie by the Sword, then Conſent unto your Liberty; nor is it in my power ſo much, as perhaps you imagin. As my Love is not inferior into yours Artamenes (replied the King of Aſſiria) ſo my deſire of Combat is no leſs violent in my ſoul then yours; yet I would not fight for the enjoyment of the Princeſs, ſince ſhe is not in a Condition to be the Prize of the Conqueror: but Artamenes, our beſt and moſt expedient courſe, is to purſue the Raviſher of Mandana, and to Contribute both our endeavours jointly together for her freedom, ſince our intereſts unto her are ſo equall. Do you not apprehend, that if both of us ſhould fall in Combat, then would the Glorious Mandana, remain in the Poſſeſſion of our Common Rivall, without either protection or defence? At theſe words, Artamenes paus'd; and then replied; [Page] Doubtleſs it were not juſt to expoſe our Princeſs unto ſo much hazard; nor is it fit for me who am entruſted by the King of Medes with his Army, to diſpoſe ſo peremptorily of ſuch a Priſoner as the King of Aſſiria; All that I can vvith Honour and ſafety promiſe is, to employ the beſt of my endeavours for his releaſe. But to teſtifie in the mean time, how deſirous I am to encounter ſo Gallant an enemy, and that I will if poſſible procure his freedom; I do now engage my Honour, never to pretend any thing unto the Princeſs, although ſhe were in my poſſeſſion, though the King of Medes ſhould conſent unto it, and ſhe her fair ſelf were pleaſed with it, before the fate of Arms has rendred me a Conquerour in Combat with you. I cannot deny (ſaid the King of Aſſiria) but your Arguments are Convincing; that you have reaſon to treat me as you do; and that my requeſt was unreaſonable: And, though you be wiſer then I am, yet I beſeech you confeſs I am more Amorous, ſince I have loſt ſo much reaſon, which you have retained. I muſt diſpute with you (replied Artamenes,) that Controverſie more obſtinately then the other. Then, the King of Aſſiria without any further replies, did entreat him to endeavour his releaſe, which once happily obtained, might much conduce to the ſafety of the Princeſs. Upon this Artamenes retired, and committed the guard of the Aſſirian King unto Araſpes, commanding to treat him with all obſervance and poſſible Civilities, waiting upon him unto his accuſtomed Lodging, and ſo at this time they parted. Artamenes marched through all the ſtreets; kept the People in good order, and quite quenched the fire: he ſent out ſeverall Men, to ſee if they could diſcover any happy tydings of that Galley which had carried away his Princeſs: He diſpatched Poſts unto Ciaxares, with Intelligence of all adventures, and employed all the reſt of the day in giving out Orders: At night he retired unto that Chamber where his Princeſs was wont to lie, which he knew to be the ſame by the information of Thraſibulus, unto whom he applied himſelf, with as much Civility as the inquietude of his minde would permit him; he gave order for reparation of his Ships which had been torn by the tempeſt, and conſumed by fire: He related unto Artamenes, how the King of Aſſiria did treat him with much reſpect, and permitted him to lie within the Caſtle, where he did ſee the Princeſs Mandana; and how the laſt night, they were all very apprehenſive of that noiſe which the burning of Ships did cauſe; and how the King of Aſſiria call'd for his Sword, and never reſted in a place; that he having a deſire to go unto the Princeſs Lodging, found it lockt, but found no Souldiers which uſed to guard the Fort, and eſpecially that place; that he call'd for his Servants and broke open the Chamber-door, but found no body in it: afterwards, when he deſired to go out of the Fort, he found it a thing impoſſible, by reaſon of the fire: That after all this, he often went unto the top of the Tower, where too deeply reſenting his diſaſters, he reſolved every minute to throw himſelf either into the fire or the water. Thraſibulus could make no further Relation becauſe he arived at Sinope but the day before; ſo he left Artamenes in his Chamber, who at their parting aſſured him, he vvould move the King to make him ſatiſfaction for his Ships which had been burnt: Thraſibulas did highly commend his Moderation, becauſe in all theſe ſudden and unexpected ſad diſaſters, he did not deject himſelf by unprofitable ſorrowes, but Couragiouſly endured this ſo conſiderable a Loſs. Artamenes did wake away the night in ſuch diſturbed imaginations, as cannot be conceiv'd by any but himſelf. Behold (ſaid he in his melancholy minde) the place where my Princeſs is abus'd! Me thinks I ſee her with a dolefull memory think upon me, and where perhaps ſhe mourns for the misfortunate Artamenes! Without doubt ſhe hath ſpoke ſomething concerning me; for by what other way was it poſſible, the King of Aſſiria could know, that Artamenes was more then reall Artamenes? I, who during the time I was in the Court at Cappadocia, paſſed for no other then ſuch a one as Philidaſpes, a ſillie Knight, though perhaps I was as amorous as he, and by conſequence as unlike to delude: But, alas, my moſt divine Princeſs, how fatally comes it to paſs, that I ſhould be here in your Priſon? and that I ſhould finde your Raviſher here, but not you? I finde a Rivall upon whom I cannot with Honour exerciſe my revenge; I have lamentably loſt a Princeſs whom I know not how to follow; Her Beauty, which vvas my higheſt Glory and only Happineſs, I finde now to be cauſe of my dire diſaſters, and her own miſerable misfortunes; She has met with many adorers, but yet they are ſuch as are without becoming reverence. In what places ſoever ſhe came, ſhe procured Rivals unto me, and enemies: Ah Divine eyes (cried he out,) how comes it to be poſſible you ſhould infuſe ſuch injuſt and ſo irregular reſentments? You, I ſay, which never charm'd my heart, with any other thoughts, but thoſe of fear and reverence? I who never durſt preſume ſo high as to ſay I lov'd you; I, who never lookt upon you, but was Planet-ſtruck and trembled: I, who have long, long adored you in the ſecret of my Soul: I (I ſay,) who had rather [Page] die a thouſand deaths, then any one of all my actions, ſhould in the leaſt degree in [...]ur your diſpleaſure: But for all this, you are Courted by hearts who are moſt unworthy of you; hearts which never ſtudy that reverence which is your due, but aym only at their private ſatisfaction; for my part I cannot repent me of my humble Paſſions; and in ſpite of this misfortune in miſſing this ſoul of my life, I had rather be Artamenes then Mazares; not but that he is happy in his very Crime; for he ſees her, ſpeaks to her, and has the opportunity to diſcourſe of his Paſſions; but doubtleſs her anſwers are all diſdam, and thoſe eyes, which are his glory and delight, will become his puniſhment when they ſparkle anger at him. In a word, I had rather lodge innocently in the heart of my Princeſs, then lie an offender at her feet: But oh Heavens (cried he out, in a ſudden paſſion) will you permit this terrible tempeſt to continue, and be her ruin? As he was muſing thus in theſe melancholy Imaginations, he heard a great noiſe without: and preſently Chriſantes coming haſtily unto the Chamber; Sr (ſaid he) the King of Aſſiria will eſcape, or to ſpeak truth, I think he is gone; for Araſpes hearing a noiſe in the Kings Chamber, within which (out of reverence unto him) he did not lie; opened the door, but found no King: we went all immediatly out and ſearched diligently; we finde, that under his window which is directly oppoſite unto a fireruined houſe, there is a great heap of ruinous rubbiſh, which hath filled up the Mote under the Caſtle in that quarter, ſo that it raiſed up a high hill of combuſtible ruins, by which we ſuppoſe the King eſcaped. Artamenes, though he was much moved at this unpleaſant news, yet ſent out Orders immediatly unto all the Ports of Sinope, and went himſelf to ſeek his Priſoner. As he was at one end of the Town, he diſcovered a Troop of Men in Arms at the other end; and who endeavoured to become maſters of the Port: he haſted thither, but all too late, for the King of Aſſiria was already gone, and had charged through the Court of Guard. Theſe were ſome, who were commanded by Aribes, and who every one did beleeve to be dead, but he did lie cloſe under the rubbiſh of that ruin'd houſe, which ſeem'd to bury him alive: This Man to gain more time for the King of Aſſirias eſcape, began a skirmiſh, notwithſtanding all the wounds which he had formerly received. Artamenes no ſooner ſaw him, but ſaid, What, Traytor, art thou riſen again to betray thy Maſter? if thou wilt eſcape with thy life, then thou muſt give me my death: In ſaying ſo, he made at him with ſuch a furious impetuoſity, as Aribees, though couragious enough, was forced to retreat a little; yet it was but to retard his death one moment longer, for Artamenes did preſs ſo ſore upon him, as he had enough to do to defend himſelf, and muſt needs fall under the valour of him who never fights but conquers: In concluſion, he beſtowed upon him ſuch a fatall blow acroſs his body, that in ſpight of his Curaſs he fell at his feet. Before he died, he confeſſed, that being ſo concealed under that heap of rubbiſh, he rallied as many of his men as he could, and hid them amongſt the ruins of houſes; and having in the interim enquired what Chamber the King of Aſſiria did lie in, he got up to his window in the beginning of the night, by that heap of cinders and half-burnt wood which was under it, and ſo with as little noiſe as poſſibly he could, he helped the King of Aſſiria to eſcape. At the end of this Confeſſion, this perfidious wretch loſt both his ſpeech and his life both together. All his complices, ſeeing him in ſo ſad a condition, betook themſelves to their heels. Artamenes could purſue the King no further by reaſon of the nights obſcurity. Upon his return unto the Caſtle, he ſent unto Ciaxares, to advertiſe him of the accident, and ſpent all the night in contemplation of all the mutable and capritious humour of his fate: he was much amazed, when he conſidered all his adventures, and that one ſo young ſhould be the ſubject of ſuch viciſſitudes in Fortune: Whilſt he was thus deep in thoughts, and walking in his Chamber (for his turbulent minde would not permit him ſleep) he found upon the Table a very rich Table-book, whoſe leaves were of Indian Palm; But, oh Heavens, into what an extaſie was he wrapt, when upon the opening it, he found the hand of his Princeſs: he looked upon it again moſt earneſtly, and the more he lik't the Lines, being now fully perſwaded it was her hand, and thus began to read.

The Princeſs Mandana to the King of Aſſiria.

REmember, Sr, you told me a hundred times that you could deny Mandana nothing; if you think upon that, you will not accuſe the generous Mazares of any infidelity, ſince he was moved at my deſire, to act as he did; not that he has any other intereſt in my Liberty, then ſuch as virtue does infuſe into ſouls well deſcended. Reſolve then to pardon him that Crime, which to speak truly does [Page] in ſome ſort reflect upon your own advantage, ſince it is a means to leſſen my averſion, by the teſtimony which you gave me of your Love. Know, that I will protect him in my Fathers Court, who hath protected me in yours. Know alſo, that it is by the Pardon of Mazares, by which you may obtain yours from Mandana, and may finde more room in her eſteem, then ever you could in her affection.

Mandana.

As ſoon as Artamenes had read this Letter, he preſently repented of his malignity againſt Mazares, and now made as many Prayers for his ſafety as he had before for his ruin: Appearances (ſaid he) are fallacious, and it is too much raſhneſs to Cenſure upon the Actions of another, without moſt certain knowledge. Would not any one have concluded Mazares, the moſt unworthy man upon earth? and that his infidelity unto the King of Aſſiria, had no other foundation, but his unjuſt Love? but it ſeems, that Pity and Compaſſion were the only Motives, which prompted him to his tranſaction: I perceive it is not his fault, I am not the happieſt man in the world; but if the Tempeſt do not prevent me, I ſhall hope to enjoy my Divine Treaſure; and in the mean time, I ſhall reſent the actions of Mazares, as having no other deſign in them, then ſuch as conduce unto the Liberty of my Princes, though it was my croſs fortune to come too late to relieve her: But, ſaid he, what imports it, by what means Good fortune come, ſo I enjoy it? I will therefore in this hope revive; and reſolve to become a friend unto Mazares, in protecting him againſt the King of Aſſiria. After he had thus reaſoned with himſelf, and ruminated upon what his Princeſs writ; he looked if there were any more within the book. But, alas, he found that which he expected not; it was a Letter from Mazares to the King of Aſſiria, and thus endited.

Mazares Prince of Saces to the King of Aſſiria.

I Will now no longer conceal my Crime, but will ingeniouſly diſcover unto you how great it is: I have not only been Perfidious unto you, but have alſo deluded her, whom of all the world I moſt adore, which is, the Princeſs Madana: She thinks I endeavour to leſſen her misfortunes, whilſt my Aimes are only for my ſelf. In ſhort, my ſinne is againſt her as well as you, and it proves alſo againſt my ſelf, ſince for ought I ſee, all my endeavours are ineffectuall. But what ſhould I do? It was Love conſtrain'd me, and I muſt obey. If you be truly Noble you will pity me, without any thoughts of revenge, unleſs upon your Self as well as me. Yet I muſt tell you, that I ſhall be ſufficiently Puniſhed by Mandana, as long as Artamenes keeps ſuch ſtrong poſſeſſion of her heart, and denies admittance unto you, unto me, and unto all the Princes in the world, except him: It is againſt the Law of perfect Generoſity, to puniſh me for that crime, of which your ſelf is guilty.

Mazares.

What's this I ſee? ſaid Artamenes; I expected to finde a friend, and in the turning of an eye, I have found a Rivall: and a Rivall too who perhaps has uſed my Name, and abus'd my Princeſs in conveying her away, ſhe ſuppoſing it to be my deſign, which he tranſacts for himſelf: But moſt Glorious Princeſs; can I hope for ſo much bleſſedneſs, as to be entertained into your heart, as Mazares thinks? If it be true; then I am the moſt happy; and the moſt unhappy man, both together, that ever breath'd: happy in having that Honour which all the Princes in the world cannot deſerve; and unhappy in having a Title unto that Treaſure which I cannot poſſeſs. Capritious Fortune which orders all occurrences, does never afford me any good, but ſhe makes me more reſentive of it by a deprivation; as if ſweets would not reliſh unleſs I taſted the bitter alſo: I ſhould never have known, that I was thus Loved, unleſs by the extremity of my misfortunes I had been thus brought to hate my life and wiſh my death. Whilſt he was in theſe Contemplations, one came and told him, that no Intelligence could be learnt all along the Sea coſt, concerning that Galley in which the Princeſs was: this gave him ſome hopes to mingle with his fears of her ſhipwrack, and did ſo elevate his ſpirits, that he admitted of the company of his Commanders in the Army, who followed him. Hidaſpes, Chriſantes, Aglatidas, Araſpes, Feraulas and Thraſibulus that famous Greek, all came into his Chamber; where Artamenes entertained the laſt of theſe more particularly, and told him how ſorry he was, that he could not ſo readily as he deſired, [Page] furniſh him with Ships; but if it were ſo, that his deſigns at Sea were only to ſecure himſelf from his enemies (as ſome had formerly hinted unto him) then he would promiſe him a ſafe Sanctuary in the Court of the King of Medes; and did further oblige himſelf to remit him unto his former eſtate, as ſoon as he had found out the Princeſs his Daughter. Thraſibulus returned him moſt humble thanks, for this obliging offer, and accepted of it, ſince this was all he was able to do for the preſent. The valour, and winning qualities of Artamenes, had poſſeſſed this mans ſoul with ſo much Love, ever ſince he firſt knew him, that this happy meeting proved an Antidote unto him againſt his former misfortunes. After Artamenes had thus honoured him, he went out with him and all the reſt of the Officers into the ſtreets of the Town, where the fire was quite quenched, yet all the rude rubbiſh remained; the ſad ſights which every where appeared, great beams half burnt, whole houſes quite demoliſht, and ſuch lamentable objects, infuſed ſuch melancholy imaginations into them all, as it was impoſſible to think of any thing but ſadneſs in a place ſo diſmally diſmantled: there they ſaw ſome men ſearching for their Treaſure which was buried among the cindars of their houſes. Others, who were compoſed of a more tender diſpoſition, were raking among the ruins, for the bones of their burned kindred and Friends. Artamenes was much mov'd with theſe mournfull ſpectacles; he commiſerated and comforted all he met, and promiſed unto the Inhabitants in generall, that notwithſtanding their Rebellion, he would move the King to rebuild their Town. Feraulas then preſented a man unto him who brought a Letter from the King of Aſſiria; He took the Letter, broke open the Seal, and reading it in a low voice unto himſelf, found theſe words.

The King of Aſſiria unto Artamenes.

I Commend your ſcrupulous virtue, which would not permit you to make uſe of your generoſity: Doubtleſs you could not well have conſented unto the Liberty of your Priſoner who deſired it, unleſs you had failed in that duty which you owe unto the King of Medes: As I will be juſt to you, be not you unjuſt to me, nor blame a Prince who had not made an eſcape, had you truſted him upon his Parole; nor can he think he hath committed a Crime, ſince he eſcaped your Guards with intentions to endeavour the delivery of our Princeſs. To teſtifie unto you that in breaking my Priſon I have not broken the Conditions of our Treaty, I do here promiſe you again, that I will advertiſe you of all Paſſages, and that I will make no war upon the King of Medes, but afford him ſome Auxiliaries: And that which is moſt difficult for me to perform, I promiſe you not to ſpeak a word more of my affection to the Princeſs, though it ſhould be my happy fate to deliver her; nor will I think it was your neglect which gave me my Liberty; Keep Promiſe with an Enemy if you would have him keep Promiſe with you.

The King of Aſſiria.

Artamenes read this Letter with a double reſentment both of joy and ſorrow; he was well pleas'd with the King of Aſſirias Promiſes, for the Princeſs might as ſoon fall into the hands of Labinet as his; but on the other ſide it much griev'd him, that he ſhould, in the face of all the peoole, receive ſuch a Letter from the King of Aſſiria as he muſt not ſhew unto Ciaxares, for many reaſons therein contained, and therefore he would not impart it unto any. When he was come into his Chamber, he took a leaf made of the bark of Cedar, or ſome ſuch like (for the Ancients were not acquainted with Paper,) and writ theſe words.

Artamenes, to the King of Aſſiria.

I Will never fail where once I Promiſe, but ſhall account it as a due Debt, which muſt and ſhall be paid: Be confident, that I will punctually Perform every circumſtance which was agreed upon between us; I wiſh we were now in a Condition to diſpute the Prize of which I am unworthy, which yet none ſhall ever enjoy but by the death of

Artamenes.

[Page] When this Letter was ſealed, he gave it unto the ſame man who brought the other; who drawing neerer, whiſpered him in the ear, and told him how he had Command from the King of Aſſiria to acquaint him, that if he had any occaſion to ſend unto him, he was retired unto Pteria, a Town whereof Aribees had been Governour, as well as of Sinope, and that it was now committed unto his fidelity: After this the man departed. Artamenes went out alſo, and continued his walk round the Town; he went unto the Temple which he moſt preciſely viewed, ſince it was the place where firſt began his Love: upon his departure from thence, not well knowing whither he went, or what he did, he continued his courſe along the Sea ſide, where the Galley which conveyed away his Princeſs did once ſtand: whilſt he continued his melancholy walk, with his two faithfull Companions in all his Adventures, the wiſe Chriſantes, and the valiant Feraulas, Was ever time ſo ill imploy'd (ſaid he to them) as ſince we came to Sinope? It is impoſſible to be more toſt and croſt with multitudes of ſad events, then we have been: The time is tedious alſo in conſideration of the ſmall or no utilility which any of our tranſactions have produced ever ſince: I came with hopes to releeve my Princeſs, and alas, I finde her in moſt eminent and dreadfull danger, where I cannot bring her any Aſſiſtance: When I gave any credit unto thoſe fears which ſeiſed upon my ſoul, then was I ready to caſt my ſelf into the flames and be reduc't to aſhes, as well as the Town: on the other ſide, when I rows'd up my ſoul, what pains did I take to releeve my Princeſs? I fight, I quench the flames, and puzle my ſelf, but when all is done, in lieu of my Princeſs, I finde her Raviſher, and finde him in ſuch a condition as I cannot take revenge, without a ſtain unto mine honour: And then again, I finde another new Raviſher of my Princeſs, and in ſuch a place as is inacceſſible: Preſently, I finde my Rivall Priſoner make an eſcape, and muſt pray for Mazares, whoſe ruin I deſire. Oh Deſtinies, cruell Deſtinies, who order all our Fortunes, I beſeech you, make me either abſolute happy, or abſolute miſerable; and toſs me not continually between hopes and fears, between life and death. Sr (ſaid Chriſantes unto him) after ſo many misfortunes which you have either ſuffered or prevented, you muſt hope to ſurmount them all: And it is to be hoped (added Feraulas,) after all theſe croſs events, Fortune will be weary of her obſtinacy and give over. During all this time, the Heavens were clear, the winde ſoft, and the Sea ſerene; the waves daſh gently upon the banks, and in a calm temper ſeem'd to be obedient unto that Supream Power which preſcribed them their limits. Artamenes was much pleaſed with this Halcion ſerenity; he was as much tranſported with Joy as the Raviſher himſelf could be. In concluſion, he looked along the Sea ſide, and ſaw many People aſſembled together, who by their buſie actions did ſeem to be much amazed: Artamenes was exaſperated with much Curioſity, and changing colour upon a ſudden, What can this People be doing, ſaid he to Chriſantes and Feraulas? Sr, anſwered they, Perhaps they are Fiſhers, and are untangling and drying their Nets upon the ſhore: whilſt they were walking towards them, Feraulas ſpied upon the water ſide, ſome wreck of a Ship, but beckned unto Chriſantes, not to take any notice of it unto their Maſter, who was ſo intent upon thoſe Men by the Sea ſide, that he took no notice of what Chriſantes and Feraulas had ſeen; yet he had hardly gone twenty paces further, but turning his eye towards the water which was upon his left hand, alas he ſaw it all covered with broken planks intermingled with Cordage and other wreck, and amongſt the reſt a dead Corps. Oh what horror did Artamenes apprehend? he ſtood ſtone ſtill; lookt upon the wreck, viewed the Corps; gaz'd upon Chriſantes and Feraulas, and durſt not move a ſtep further towards thoſe Men, who were not above forty paces from him, fearing to finde there the dead Corps of his deareſt Princeſs. Feraulas ſeeing him in this perplexity, ſaid unto him, What Sr, do you think there was no Ship upon the vaſt Ocean but this, that you ſhould be thus troubled at it? Do you not conſider, that ſhipwrack is a thing moſt common? This is the cauſe of my grief, anſwered unhappy Artamenes; if theſe misfortunes were Rare, I ſhould not fear ſo much. Then, maugre all his apprehenſions, he drew neerer thoſe Mariners, whoſe trade it was to look for wreck, and thrive by the misfortunes of others: Artamenes enquired of them, what they knew concerning this fatall accident; one of them anſwered, that they ſuppoſed it to be ſome Galley which periſhed this laſt night in the tempeſt, as might be conceived by what the Sea brought to the ſhore, and by what they had collected from a hanſome and well faſhioned Man who was taken up and carried into a Cabbin ſome hundred paces from the ſhoar, and who violently refuſed all thoſe aſſiſtances which we endeavoured to afford them: Artamenes without any further inquiſition, went to the Cabbin, where he found them all officious to help this half-dead Man: he preſently knew him to be Mazares, for he had often ſeen him at Babilon in the Court of Nitorcris, Mother to the [Page] King of Aſſiria, ſo that he perfectly knew him to be the Raviſher of Mandana: He la [...] upon a bed more drownd in tears then water of the Sea, and more changed by his deſpair, then by ſhipwrack. This dejected Prince, did ſometimes lift his eyes up to Heaven, and ſometimes caſt them down upon a rich Scarf which he held in his hand, and which Artamenes did know to be the ſcarf of Mandana, becauſe ſhe had heretofore refuſed him the Honour to beſtow it upon him. This ſight had ſuch a ſad operation upon the heart of Artamenes, as he reſolved to live no longer: But when ſorrow had ſilenc't his Tongue, he underſtood that Mazares who ſeem'd to be at his laſt gaſp and ſtriving to ſpeak, cried out as loud as his weakneſs would permit; Oh miſerable remainder of my fair Princeſs, why did I not periſh with her, ſince I could not preſerve her? Alas, alas, what do you do unto me? why do you ſhew me the mournfull Reliques of my unfortunate Princeſs, whom I have deſtroyed? On ye Gods who guide our Deſtinies, and are not ignorant of my endeavours to preſerve her, why did not you aſſiſt me? At this Artamenes drawing neerer, whoſe Grief, Anger, Rage, Deſpair and Love, would not permit him to reſolve, whether he ſhould kill this more then half dead man, or no; or whether he ſhould charge him with his Crime, or further inform himſelf how this fatall Accident happened. Sometimes he was in that cruell reſolution; and ſometimes he would Queſtion him: Sometimes he would lament his Princeſs, and ſometimes accuſe the Gods; ſometimes he would kill his Rivall, and ſometimes himſelf; his Tears and Lamentations would ſometimes break forth whether he would or no, and that ſo paſſionately, as Mazares underſtood who he was, by ſome who pronounced the Name of Artamenes. He then turned himſelf with as much precipitance, as a man in his feeble condition could do; and beholding Artamenes with a moſt pitifull and reſentive aſpect; Is it you, ſaid he, who was the moſt happy Man in the affection of a great Princeſs, and whom I have made the moſt unfortunate by her ruine? Is it thou (anſwered Artamenes with a heart wounded through with woe) who by thy injurious act, has undone the world, and deprived it of Her who vvas the faireſt and moſt illuſtrious in it? It is I, replied the unfortunate Prince, with his eyes drown'd in tears, who am the ſame unworthy wretch you ſpeak of; and vvho would immediatly puniſh my ſelf for it, if I had but ſtrength enough; but death I hope ere long will do it for me: me thinks I finde you too calm; I ſhould be obliged unto you, if your hand vvould undertake that office. Thoſe vvho firſt found me floating upon the water, I beleeve, do know I did not much court them to preſerve me; for it is infinitely againſt my vvill to live after the death of this divine Princeſs. But is it certain, ſaid Artamenes, that the Princeſs is dead? did you ſee her periſh? did you uſe all your power to preſerve her? did you not part from her? did you ſee her in the water? did you ſee her dead? I ſaw her upon the Galley (anſwered the ſaid Mazares,) I ſaw her fall into the Sea, and I caſt my ſelf after her; I took hold upon her by this Scarf, and held her up a long time upon the waves; but oh ye cruell Gods, one rowling billow unloos'd this fatall Scarfe, and parted us, ſo that I could never ſee her more: Ask me no more after this what I did, or vvhat I thought, for I deſired death, and freely bequeathed my ſelf unto the waves, not valuing my life at any rate; and at laſt I vvas found floating upon the water, by theſe charitable men who brought me into this Cabbin: Now Artamenes, you have all I can inform you of: Here, unhappy Prince, ſaid he, take this Scarf, which more belongs to you then me; I deſire nothing in this world, but the glory to die by your hand, if you would pleaſe to honour me ſo much; Mazares pronounced theſe laſt words ſo faintly, that every one thought him dying. Artamenes ſeeing him in this ſad condition, took the Scarf, which feebly fell from the hand of this faint Prince; and he went away from this deſpicable weak enemy, who was not worthy of his Revenge, having too ſadly ſatisfied his Curioſity. He dolefully droopt, as he walked along the Sea ſide, being followed by Chriſantes and Feraulas, who obſerved as they went whether they could eſpie any thing belonging unto this dead Princeſſe: He commanded the Mariners to go all along the ſhore, and among the Rocks, to ſee what they could diſcover: Never was man in ſo pitifull a plight as poor Artamenes. Chriſantes and Feraulas had not hearts to ſpeak unto him; nor did he himſelf know that they were near him: He lowr'd, and look't upon the water, ſuppoſing every thing he ſaw to be the dead Corpſe of his deareſt Princeſſe: he would ſometimes ſtride a moſt precipitate pace, then upon a ſudden ſtop, and ſtand in a deadly dump: after he had in vain walked very long by the water ſide, he ſtept upon a ſmall Rock which ſtretched it ſelf a little into the Sea, to ſee if the waves would reſtore unto him that which they had taken away; and commanding every one to continue their Queſt, their remained none with him but Chriſantes and Feraulas, who, ſay what he could, would not leave him: But alas, what lamentable expreſſions did poor Artamenes utter? [Page] What did he think? Am I not, ſaid he, the moſt unlucky man that ever lived? Can a more horrid torment be imagined then this, which by the Tyranny of my Fate I now endure? Ah my faireſt Princeſſe, was it the intentions of the gods only to ſhew you upon the earth? Did they make you to be the wonder of the world, and muſt not we all adore you? Ah! alas, alas, ye furious fatall flames, (cried he out looking upon the Town, whoſe ruines might be ſeen far off) what cauſe have I to curſe you for the loſſe of my unparalleled Princeſſe? I know too well it was your oppoſite element which gave me my dire and diſmall loſſe; yet mercileſſe though you be, you would have left me her precious aſhes, that ſo mine might have had the glory to be mixed with them: but the rigour of my fate is ſuch, that this inexorable element of water will not render me my Princeſſe either alive or dead, although it is her will to ſave the life of her Raviſher and my Rivall: Had the fates left this Rivall in ſuch a ſtate, as I might without blemiſh unto my honour have ſatisfied my revenge, it had been ſome light conſolation amidſt my grand misfortunes: But this barbarous Element retains my Princeſſe and ſaves my Rivall, only to tell me the ſad news how he ſaw her in inevitable danger, and left her in the arms of death; that he ſaw her in ſuch reſentments of me, as I durſt never hope for, and at laſt loſt his tongue, ſo that I could gather from him nothing but deſpair. You have this comfort yet remaining (ſaid Chriſantes) that he could not ſay he ſaw her dead, that ultimate and fatall ſyllable was not yet pronounced: Alſo it may rationally be hoped (added Feraulas) that the ſame fate which followed Mazares might alſo follow her; and haply hers much better then his, for ſhe hath no reaſon to wiſh her own death like him: yes Sir, it may very well be ſhe lives, and hath no ſad reſentments but of you. Ah Chriſantes, ah Feraulas (cried he out) this poor pittance of hope which remains at the root of my heart, may chance to cauſe a greater evil. Yet if this were not, you might be ſure, my Friends, that without any further cries, or tears, or ſighs, I would preſently follow my moſt adored Mandana, there is not any thing but this faint hope which reſtrains me: And though it be a good Preſervative, and a cordial Antidote againſt all miſfortunes, yet it is too weak to hinder me, if I once were fully perſwaded my Princeſſe were periſhed: Alas Chriſantes, me thinks I ſee her in the Sea how diſdainfully ſhe receives help from her Raviſher: Methinks I ſee that boiſterous wave take her from him, who when he he had ruin'd her, would then too late preſerve her: Me thinks I ſee the waves (oh ye gods what ſhould I ſay, what ſhould I think?) ſmother her, and ſink her to the bottome of the Sea. I ſaying ſo, tears did flow: He kiſt the Scarf with profound ſorrow, and ſadly ſaid, Oh thou which heretofore was the height of my ambition to wiſh for, and thought thee [...]he greateſt honour I durſt preſume to aſpire unto; I could never beleeve that I ſhould reſent thee with ſo much ſadneſſe: All I deſire from thee now is, to inſpire me with courage enough to vanquiſh thoſe who are enemies unto my King and my Princeſs. I look upon thee now as a motive unto my memory of Mandana, which will double my deſpair, and haſten my death. Now Chriſautes, ſaid he, do you not now wonder at the odde contrivances of my humorous fate? that I ſhould receive more teſtimonies of my divine Mandana's affection to me, from my Rivall then from her ſelf? Her ſevere vertue did diſtribute her favors with ſo much wiſedom and reſervedneſſe, that I my ſelf could never preſume of ſo much happineſſe: as I underſtood from the King of Aſſiria, from Mazares his Letter, from Mazares himſelf, and from Mazares dying, who all do tell me I had a greater ſharer in her heart, then ere I could hope for; But oh ye gods why do you afford me ſo great a bliſſe, ſo much certainty of her affection, ſince ſhe in whoſe election my felicity conſiſts, is not in a condition to love, and ſince I muſt abandon life, hope, and all which can be called happy? After he had thus vented his ſorrow, he was a while ſilent, ſometimes looking upon the Sea, ſometimes whether thoſe he had ſent to ſearch were returned; and ſometimes caſting his ſad eyes upon the Scarf, Chriſantes ſeeing the day was much ſpent, would perſwade him to walk towards the Town, becauſe the day was far ſpent. This reaſon, though it had argument enough in it to perſwade him, yet it could not have cauſed him to remove, if he had not ſeen at a good diſtance off Thraſibulus, Araſpes, Aglatides, Hidaſpes, and many others coming towards him, who out of civility did retire, to give him the liberty of enjoying his thoughts, but after they had a reaſonable time abſented themſelves, they drew near; he no ſooner ſaw them but he riſe up, and looking upon Chriſantes and Feraulas, ſaid, What ſhall I do to perſwade theſe men that my Paſſion for the Princeſſe is for her, as the daughter of Ciaxares, and not as the Miſtreſſe of Artamenes? happily you may (ſaid he unto them) but certainly, my friends I cannot; I know if Mandana could appear at this nſtant ſhe would command it, and would charm my tears; as ſoon as he had ſpoken, Thraſibulus [Page] and all the company came near, ſo that he became ſilent and met them. They perceived ſome odde adventure had chanced, and becauſe he was infinitely beloved of all, eſpecially thoſe who had neer relations unto him, they changed countenances alſo, and did participate of that grief whereof they knew not the cauſe; They were ignorant of it a good while, and it was a very very death unto Artamenes to tell them: Feraulas ſaved him the labour, and by a ſhort relation told them the ſad news; he was very brief, leſt if he ſhould aggravate the matter, Artamenes would not be able to contain himſelf, but would give too many teſtimonies of what he deſired to conceal. Thraſibulus lamented the loſſe as much as poſſible; Hidaspes being more concerned as having intereſt in the houſe of Ciaxares was deeply perplexed; Araſpes alſo did ſadly reſent it; Aglatidas who naturally was of a Melancholy Compoſition, did beſt ſympathize with ſorrow, and was ſo ſad as if he had a particular intereſt in the Princeſſe. Artamenes who thought the Town would be a better umbrage for his grief then where they were, becauſe he might ret [...] unto his Chamber under pretence of writing unto Ciaxares, therefore he walked on, giving order into Feraulas, to take them which came with Thraſibulus, and go ſeek out for intelligence either of the ſafety or loſſe of the Princeſſe: All the way he paſſed to the Town he obſerved much ſilence; Mean while, every one got information of the accident: There was an univerſall condolement for the Princeſſe, and of thoſe eminent excellencies in her; Her amazing beauty; her tranſcendency of ſpirit, and her Divinity of ſodl: Some lamented the King her Father, and his ſad reſentments: Others ſorrowed that ſuch an illuſtrions Race as the King of Medes ſhould extinguiſh in the Princeſſe by ſo fatall a Chance. In ſhort, they all lamented; and amongſt them all none knew who had leaſt cauſe to complain; Hidaſpes ſpeaking to Chriſantes, ſaid unto him; This accident makes me remember what grief the King of Perſia my Maſter reſented, when he firſt received the ſad news of young Cyrus his ſhipwrack, who as you know better then I, was a Prince of the moſt ſuperlative hopes in the world: and queſtionleſſe Ciaxares will be as ſenſible of the Princeſſe his daughters misfortune, as Cambiſes was of that Prince his ſons. I did extreamly lament that loſſe, for though I was not ſo nearly concerned as the King his Father, yet I could not chuſe but as much bewail him: Chriſantes diverting this Diſcourſe, ſaid unto the ſad Artamenes, that happily the meſſenger whom he ſhould ſend unto Ciaxares, would finde him forward in his march, he having muſtered together his men when he came away, with intentions to follow preſently after. Aglatidas, whoſe thoughts were all compos'd of Love and Melancholy, addreſſing his Speech unto Artamenes, I aſſure you, ſaid he, although I be the ſubject of Ciaxares, and by conſequence an enemy unto the King of Aſſiria: yet I cannot chuſe but pity the laſt, as one who when he ſhall hear of this ſad accident will think himſelf the moſt undone man upon earth; for (ſaid he) though he was not beloved, yet he was a Lover, and love doth ſo exceed all the other reſentments, which either nature, reaſon, or friendſhip can give, that there is no compariſon between them. As for my part, ſaid he, if in heu of a Lover who was hated, as the King of Aſſiria was, I ſhould know a Lover which was beloved, who had ſuch a loſſe, I am perſwaded my very pity of him would endure unto my death. But as the vertue of the Princeſſe was too reſerved to expreſſe any affection unto any one, therefore I muſt needs lament the King of Aſſiria, who indeed really deſerves it. Artemenes was too much troubled to anſwer unto this urgent Diſcourſe, and though he had power to reſtrain his tears, yet he had not enough to ſtop his ſighs; he only told Aglatidas that the Princeſſe was ſo full of all admirable virtues, as that all who knew her did adore her; and therefore all thoſe who had that happineſſe muſt needs lament her, whether Medes, Perſians, or Aſſyrians. Then Artamenes, becauſe he grew weary of all company, did go ſome thirty▪ paces before all the reſt. Mandana was the ſubject of every ones diſcourſe, but of Artamenes grief. Every one commended the affection, which Artamenes bore unto the King his Maſter. Although that ſad accident had as ſad an influence upon them all; yet ſome amongſt them had never ſeen the Princeſſe, and ſome again had never been in Love, ſo that a vaſt difference might be obſerved between their loſſe and his, and they were ignorant of the main principal cauſe of his grief.

When they were come into the Town, Artamenes went into his Chamber, and diſmiſſing all his attendants, remained ſadly by himſelf alone, entertaining nothing but despair, by calling to memory all his dire diſaſters: He took Mandan's ſcarffe, which he found in the hands of miſerable Mazares, and lock't it in his Cabinet; but all his care in keeping it was rather an addition unto his deſpair, then any conſolation to him in his ſorrows: And to augment his injury he recalled into memory every ſleight favour that ever he had received from [Page] his Princeſſe. This great ſoul, whoſe thoughts had never any reflexion but upon Heroik atchievements, did upon this occaſion permit the Idea, of ſo many hardy combats, ſo many victorious battles, and ſo many glorious triumphs as he had obtained, to come afreſh into his imagination, to the end his deſpair might be more excuſable, and that they might better colour the weakneſs which he ſhould diſcover in this adventure: he reſented all his atchievements, as performed in the ſervice of that Miſtreſſe whom now he thought not to be in this world. The memory of theſe were great additions unto his miſery; if it can be conceived poſſible any addition can be unto a ſorrow, which from the firſt reſentment was extream and unſupportable. He could not reſolve with himſelf, whom he ſhould ſend to carry this ſad news unto the King of Medes, and far leſſe could he reſolve to tell the diſmall ſtory with his own mouth. In ſuch confus'd and anxious thoughts did he paſſe away all that night, as he could not determine any thing upon it. In the morning, Feraulas coming to him, Artamenes asked him what news of Mazares, and whether he recovered that weakneſſe wherein laſt night he left him. Let ſome run, ſaid he, to know; and if he be able, let him be brought hither: he gave this order very haſtily, not knowing almoſt what he ſaid; but a while after, news was brought, that the Fiſher-men in whoſe Tent Mazares lay, did report, that Mazares never revived out of that ſound in which Artamenes ſaw him, but died immediately after his departure out of the Tent. The report of his death infuſed various imaginations unto Artamenes; He admired divine juſtice in deſtroying a Prince whom he knew to be moſt criminall, and murmured againſt thoſe rigid gods for ruining a Princeſſe whom he knew moſt innocent: And as his ſpirits were wholly taken upon with the grandure of his loſſe, ſo he made no ſtrict inquiſition concerning the Funerals of Mazares: The very thoughts of this Raviſher were ſo tormenting to him, that he did quite obliterate his memory. Amidſt theſe reſtleſſe thoughts, news was brought, that it was ſuppoſed Ciaxares was upon his march, with all his Army, near the Town; for a great thick duſt riſing out of a Valley was diſcovered from the top of the Tower, which could be nothing elſe but the march of his Troops. This news did much ſurpriſe Artamenes, but much more, when he ſaw Andramias arive, who informed him that within a little more then an hour Ciaxares would be in Sinope: Artamenes then began to beſtir himſelf, and ſo diſcreetly, that he was in ſome hopes to hide part of his ſorrow: he commanded all the Officers to draw up into Batalia; he mounted himſelf on horſeback, and was followed by Thraſibulus, Hidaspes, Chriſantes, Araſpes, and Aglatidas; he marched to meet the King, who when he was within the ſight of Sinope, left his Army, and marched in the company of the King of Phrygia, of the King of Hircania, of Perſodes Prince of the Caducians, of the Prince of Paphlagonia, of the Prince of Licaonia, of Gobrias, Gadates, Timocrates, Artabaſes, Madates, and Aduſias, who were Perſians and Grandees amongſt the Homotimens, like as Hidaſpes and Chriſantes, who accompanied Artamenes; Never was meeting more ſad then this; Ciaxares ſeeing the Town ſo ruin'd, could not chuſe but ſigh; Artamenes ſeeing Ciaxares, unto whom he muſt be a Meſſenger of ſuch ſorrowfull news, had not the heart to move towards him, yet ſtirring a little, and the King coming very faſt, they were preſently within thirty paces of each other. Then Artamenes, and all who accompanied him, alighted, and went on foot to meet the King. Artamenes, notwithſtanding his ſorrow, preſented Thraſibulus unto him; then Ciaxares giving them all his hand to kiſſe, commanded them to Mount; And calling Artamenes unto him, he began to diſcourſe of their tranſactions in generall; and to aggravate their misfortunes he told Artamenes that he underſtood Mazares had carried away his daughter. Sr, ſaid ſad Artamenes, you will think your ſelf more unfortunate when you ſhall know that Mazares lives not, and that it may be—At theſe words Artamenes penſively paus'd, and could tell no further. Ciaxares looking upon him with a moved aſpect, ſaid to him, What, Artamenes, have you any more ill news yet to tell me? Sr, anſwered Artamenes, the news is ſo very bad, I dare not tell it; I beſeech your Majeſties patience untill we arrive at the Town, before you be further informed; for your ſorrows will be leſſe ſeen in your Cloſet then in the open field; Ciaxares wondred at his dark diſcourſe, and looking him in the face, he perceived ſuch ſigns of ſorrow in his eyes, that he durſt not preſſe him any more to relate that which rather then his life he deſired to know, leſt if he found what he feared to be true, he ſhould diſcover too much weakneſſe before all theſe illuſtrious Princes: He gaz'd in the eyes of Artamenes, and conſulted with his own reaſon, and winded all his own thoughts to gueſſe at it: but it was eaſie to be perceived by Artamenes his deportment, and by his ſilence, that he much feared to relate all he knew, and Ciaxares durſt not enquire of that whereof he was ignorant: Mean while, thoſe which came with Ciaxares, [Page] and they who came with Artamenes talking together, the Accident was divulged amongſt them: The ſad news cauſed many murmures and mourning exclamations amongſt them; ſo that the noiſe reaching the ears of Ciaxares, he knew well enough there was ſome ſtrange adventure happened, which he muſt know: Being come to the Town, the ſouldiers which Artamenes brought with him, obſerving the orders which they received, made a guard for the King to paſſe through, and though Ciaxares did extreamly long to ſatisfie his curioſity, yet would not before all the world, but ſilently went on till he came to the Caſtle: As for his Army, he ordered it to incamp in the valley, which was between a great Hill and the Town, and which was ſpacious enough to lodge them, though they were a hundred Thouſand men. The King was no ſooner lighted, but Artamenes conducted him unto the beſt Chamber of the Caſtle; he was no ſooner there, but he carried him into a Cloſet; Come my Dear Artamenes, ſaid he to him, what ſtrange news have you to relate, which yet I have not been acquaiuted with? This demand did much ſurpriſe Artamenes, yet ſeeing there was no remedy, he was conſtrained to acquaint him with the Princeſſe ſad fortunes; he could not contain but his tears went before his tongue; Ciaxares ſeeing his tears trickle down his cheeks, ſaid to him, What would your tears tell me Artamenes? Is my Daughter dead? Then Artamenes with a profound ſadneſſe, told him in few words all he knew concerning Mandana's ſhipwrack: The report ſtruck Ciaxares to the ſoul; Never did Father expreſſe more tenderneſſe and grief for a daughter then he. Artamenes ſeeing he might now well weep it out, and not be obſerved by Ciaxares, who was blinded with his own tears, began, and continued it ſo long, as never was ſight more ſad; he ſpoke not a word to Ciaxares by way of comfort, neither could Ciaxares finde any fault with the tears of Artamenes. Was there ever (ſaid this mourning Father) any Prince more unhappy then I? Could not I have foreſeen my misfortune, by ſo many Oracles, told unto Aſtiages, that the Scepter which he bore and left unto me, ſhould ere long be transferred into the hands of a ſtranger? might not this ere long be transferred into the hands of a ſtranger; might not this have informed me, that I having but one daughter ſhould inevitably loſe her? Alas, Aſtiages turmoiled himſelf himſelf, and turned every ſtone to deſtroy them who might uſurp the Crown; but he never dreamt of preſerving her who ſhould loſe it in loſing her life! Is there no hope remains? Is it certain, ſaid he, ſhe is quite gone for ever? Well well, ſaid he, my Dear innocent daughter ſhall not die unrevenged: The gods who have puniſhed Mazares one of her Raviſhers, hath taught me what I ſhall do unto the King of Aſſiria: He ſhall die, he muſt, and that immediatly. As he is the cauſe that the Illuſtrious race of the Fam'd Dejoca is extinct in the perſon of my Daughter, ſo ſhall the King of Aſſiria's alſo extinguiſh in his own. The gods, no not the very gods ſhall prevent his death, nor mitigate my fury: Artamenes amazed at this expreſſion, ſaid, Sr, did you not meet with him whom I ſent to acquaint you with the King of Aſſiria's eſcape? What do you ſay Artamenes, that the King of Aſſiria is—(replied he angerly) I ſay Sir (ſaid he) that I ſent one to acquaint you with the King of Aſſiria's eſcape; how (replied Ciaxares angerly) is not he in my power? Is he at liberty? Ah no no, it cannot be; I cannot beleeve he is gone; I cannot eaſily think Artamenes will ſuffer a priſoner of ſuch a conſequence to eſcape. It is too true (anſwered Artamenes faintly) It was my ill and his good fortune to eſcape my guards: But, Sir, ſaid he, let not this trouble you ſo much; for if it were as eaſie for me to regain the Princeſſe, as it is to give you the death of the King of Aſſiria, your deſires ſhould have ſatisfaction: Ciaxares was not pleaſed with this Reply, and though he alwaies loved Artamenes, and had great obligations towards him, nor did he ever entertain the leaſt ſuſpicion of his fidelity; neither did he beleeve this accident proceeded from any other ground then from his negligence and improvidence; nor yet could he in all his tranſactions accuſe him of the leaſt fault, yet he reſented this eſcape but odly, and went out of the Cloſet without ſpeaking one word. Then finding all the Commanders and Grandees who followed him in the Chamber, he diſcourſed unto them concerning his lamentable loſſe with much conſtancy, though with much ſorrow, and every one of them according to their ſeveral relations, did teſtifie how they ſhared in his misfortune with him, alwaies hinting unto him that as long as the Corps was unfound, there was ſome hopes remaining: As for Artamenes he retired a while into another Chamber, where ſeveral Complements paſſed between him and all the Princes which came with Ciaxares, for they all honoured and eſteemed of him as much as of the King whom they ſerved: Mean while, Ciaxares was very deſirous to have all the paſſages concerning the King of Aſſiria's eſcape to be made more apparent unto him: he underſtood that Artamenes ordered Araſpes to command the Guard over the King of Aſſiria, and that Araſpes was [Page] one whom Artamenes loved; yet do what he could, he could not diſcover that Artamenes had any conſent in his eſcape: But amongſt thoſe who came with the King there was one who was an intimate friend of Aribees; this man when he underſtood that Aribees was dead, entertained much hatred againſt Artamenes, who finding out by chance that the King of Aſſiria had writ unto him, acquainted Ciaxares with it: Ciaxares ſent immediatly for Artamenes; he no ſooner ſaw him but he asked him very ſharply, why he did not acquaint him how the King of Aſſiria did write unto him concerning his eſcape: Artamenes was much ſtartled at this Queſtion, becauſe the Letter contained ſuch matter as muſt not be made known, and ſtood a good while before he anſwered: at laſt he told Ciaxares that it was not ſtrange he ſhould forget a thing of ſo poor importance as that, ſince he had ſo many paſſages of ſad concernment to acquaint him withall: and ſince the letter contained nothing but how the King of Aſſiria told him he had not tranſgreſſed the Laws of generoſity in making an eſcape, ſince he was not truſted upon his Parole: We ſhall be better ſatisfied, ſaid Ciaxares, by the Letter it ſelf then by words. Sir, replied Artamenes, I ſhould moſt willingly ſatisfie you, but as I was walking yeſterday by the Sea-ſide, hearkening after news of the Princes, I unfortunatly loſt it, and I ſuppoſe it fell into the water: Artamenes made this anſwer ſo coldly that it moved Ciaxares to tell him roughly contrary to his cuſtome, that he thought this chance very ſtrange, and in plain terms that the managing of this buſineſſe did not pleaſe him. Artamenes, who bore much reverence unto him as the Father of his Princeſſe, and who knew he had reaſon to ſay as much as he did, therefore he did ſilently withdraw, and becauſe Ciaxares turned his back, and would hear no more, he went out of the room. Night being come, ſome Commanders retired to the Camp: All the Princes were lodged in the Caſtle, and faireſt Houſes of the Town, which the Fire had ſpared; Ciaxares did paſſe over the night with reſtleſſe minde, but Artamenes much more, who beſides his own Paſſions did participate of the Kings, notwithſtanding his jealouſie and rough deportment towards him. It ſeems Fortune obſerves no mean, neither in her favour nor her frowns, but exalts her Favourites unto the higheſt top of felicity; and ſinks thoſe whom ſhe is diſpleaſed with into a Gulf of miſery: Thus ſhe dealt with Artamenes, who now ſeem'd to faint under the preſſure of this diſaſterous accident, and thought himſelf and his honour deeply concerned. The next morning Ciaxares ſent for him into his Cloſet: When he was come, there appear'd more anger then grief in his Countenance, which plainly told Artamenes there was ſome freſh misfortunate ſtorm ariſing; but as the ſtate ſtood with him, he valued his life and his death at the ſame rate, and was indifferent whether of them ſhould be his fate. The violences of Ciaxares, and his angry looks did not much trouble him, but he reverently asked him if he would command him any ſervice; Ciaxares anſwered, yes, he would ſee the Letter which the King of Aſſiria writ to him; And looking upon him with eyes full of anger; Look you Artamenes, ſaid he, ſee how innocent you are of the King of Aſſiria's eſcape; expound unto me this myſterious Riddle which I cannot underſtand. Artamenes was wonderfully aſtoniſhed at it, becauſe he ſaw it was the ſame Letter which he writ unto the King of Aſſiria, and which he gave unto that man who brought the King of Aſſiria's Letter unto him, yet to be better ſatisfied, he opened it, and read the very ſame words verbatim which he had written. As he was reading, he often changed colour, and was as long about it as he could be poſſible, thinking in the mean time for ſome handſome reply; for he plainly ſaw that if he did not ingenuouſly paraphraſe upon the Letter, his honour would receive a great blemiſh, ſince it would ſeem, as if he had been perfidious unto his Maſter, and held correſpondency with his enemy: On the other ſide, he thought, that if he ſhould diſcover his love, then he ſhould too much traduce the honour of his Princeſſe, which he valued at a higher rate then his own. Ciaxares who had not yet ſounded him to the bottome, was diſpleaſed at his long ſilence. What look you for Artamenes (ſaid he unto him) in that Letter? Is it for ſome fine excuſe you are ſo long pumping? Speak I ſay, and explain what you have writ from the firſt to the laſt ſyllable; In ſaying ſo, he took the Letter out of Artamenes hands, who all this while behav'd himſelf with much reverence; Sr, ſaid he unto Ciaxares, if I could produce the King of Aſſiria's Letter, your Majeſty might ſee I am not ſo guilty as you ſuppoſe me; nor that theſe compacts between us are of ſuch a ſtrain as you imagine: If you be not faulty, then inform me better, ſaid Ciaxares, ſuppoſing he had ſome ſecret reaſons in his heart which happily might juſtifie him: Ciaxares opening the Letter read aloud what Artamenes had writ, and looking ſternly upon him; How expound you theſe words, ſaid he unto him,

[Page]

I will never fail where once I promiſe, but ſhall account it as a due debt, which muſt and ſhall be paid; be confident, I will punctually perform every circumſtance which was agreed upon between us.

Speak Artamenes, ſaid he, tell me what you have promiſed the King of Aſſiria: and indeed how could you promiſe him any thing without breach of duty to me? Sir, anſwered Artamenes, you know there hath been ſome ſmall differences between the King of Aſſiria, and me. There is alſo ſome tranſactions between us, which do not at all concern your Majeſty; And that the love of honour hath a long time made us Corrivals. Tell me then (ſaid Ciaxares, aſperating his ſpeech) what colour can you gloſſe upon theſe words at the end of the Letter,

I wiſh we were in a condition to dispute for that prize of which I am moſt unworthy, yet, which none ſhall ever enjoy but by the death of

Artamenes.

What proze is this Artamenes which is ſo dear unto you? I told you Sir, anſwered he, that glory and honour is the prize, and the only cauſe of all the differences and tranſactions which the King of Aſſiria hath, or ever ſhall have with Artamenes. It is for the firſt rank in point of valour, for which I will contend as long as I live. For my part, ſaid Ciaxares, after all your plauſible expoſitions, I cannot conceive what prize you ſhould contend for, unleſſe my Crown or my Daughter: and which of theſe ſoever it be, it makes you equally culpable; yes, and you Artamenes, much more in fault then the King of Aſſiria, ſince her quality may pretend to both; but your condition, by all appearances, is far below them. Sir (replied Artamenes faintly) by this argument, you may ſuppoſe that the King of Aſſiria would never contend with me about ſuch a thing into which I could never pretend. You ſpeak (replied the King) in a tone ſo diſſonant unto your condition, that it doth rather confirm my jealouſie then extenuate it; for though the King of Aſſiria be my enemy, yet he is a King, and in that reſpect you owe him more regard then is fitting for your Diſcourſe: When I have a ſword by my ſide (anſwered Artamenes who could no longer contain) it may be, I ſhould make a King look about him as well as another man: you know ſome who can inform you whether I ſpeak truth or no: and he whoſe part you ſcorn to take can tell you ſomething, if he had not a very bad memory; I do not queſtion your gallantry (ſaid Ciaxares) nor make any doubt of your valour; but I have ſome cauſe to ſuſpect your fide [...]lity. Your Majeſty needs not to doubt of either, if you did but know me well (ſaid Artamenes to him.) It cannot be imagined his faith ſhould be corrupted, who hath had ſo commanding a power as I have had: why then (replied the King) do you not make your actions more clear and intelligible, ſince you are ſo innocent? I beſeech your Majeſty (anſwered me) Preſſe me no more to diſcover a thing which I neither ought nor can reveal: It is ſufficient, ſaid he, that the gods have ſo often imployed my hand to ſupport that Scepter unto which you think I pretend, and kept your Crown upon your head; Upbraid me not with your ſervices (retorted Ciaxares angerly) for if you remember what once you were, and what now you are, you will acknowledge they have not been ill rewarded: I have remembred them too much, and if I had loſt the memory of them, perhaps you had ere now loſt your life: Conſume no more time in contriving excuſes to palliate your crime; I ſhould be as glad as you, that you could purge your ſelf from them. Sir, replied Artamenes, I am far from upbraiding you with my ſervices; for they have been ſo inconſiderable, I ſhould not ſo much as have thought upon them but in vindication of my injured Innocency. Can you produce any proof of your pretended Innocency, ſaid Ciaxares to him; yes, anſwered Artameus, from arguments drawn from my virtue, if you were capable of knowing it. Well (Replied Ciaxares) you will not then diſeover unto me what this correſpondence is which you hold with my Enemy and Raviſher of my daughter. Sir (anſwered the innocent Artamenes) you ſhall never kuow that Artamenes; this man whom it ſeems you know not; the man who as you are perſwaded would betray you; the man whom once you loved, that this man did ever hold any intelligence or correſpondency with your enemies. I ſhall in time make you confeſſe (replied Ciaxares) for it is apparent enough both by your Letter and your Diſcourſe: and as the knowledge of every particular in this cloſe conſpiracy is neceſſary to my own ſafety, and good of my Kingdom; ſo perhaps, when you are in a cloſe Priſon, ſafer [Page] then that wherein you kept the King of Aſſiria, then I ſay you may perhaps better inform me; Sir, anſwered Artamenes (without any paſſion or tranſportation:) Priſons and puniſhments compell Artamenes to reveal what he hath a minde to conceal. My priſon ſhall thus far comfort me, that I have exchanged my ſword for fetters in a time when your Majeſty have no potent enemies to moleſt you; ſo that thus loſing me, you have but loſt an unprofitable Servant. I underſtand you very well, (replied Ciaxares in much choler) you cannot forbear upbraiding me with your ſervices; then going to the Chamber-door, he call'd for the Captain of his Guard, and commanded him to conduct him unto his Chamber, and keep him ſafe upon forfeiture of his life. The Captain who dearly loved Artamenes, and who knew how great a favourite he was, ſtood amazed at the command, not well knowing whether he ſhould obey or no; and finding ſo ſudden a Revolution in the fortune of one who the very day before was the only man in the Kingdom, and who ordered the deſtinies of Kings and Princes as he pleaſed, he was ſo confounded that he knew not what to do. But Artamenes obſerving his aſtoniſhment, Come (ſaid he) let us go (giving him his ſword) and pay this laſt ſervice unto the King, thereby teaching the reſt of his Subjects to obey with a willing minde more courſe commands then theſe: In ſaying ſo, he made low obeiſance unto the King, and followed Andramias with as ſlow a motion as if he had been free. After this, the King commanded to ſecure Araſpes, and was obeyed. It were a very difficult task to relate fully how Artamenes reſented this paſſage, and what ſtrange thoughts he apprehended. The King of Medes alſo had much reluctancy for what he did: Artamenes did more wonder at the oddneſſe of his Fate then lament it: The King repented almoſt every minute of what he had done: What ſhall I do, ſaid he, with this offender who hath done me ſo much good ſervice, and whom I loved ſo well, who hath ſtolen away the hearts both of my friends and enemies? this offender I ſay who all the world eſteems, yet none knows where he was born; Who ever met with ſo croſſe an accident? Can it be imagined that Artamenes by whoſe valour I have obtained ſo many Victories, and conquered ſo many Kings and Countries, ſhould wound his honour with Treachery? On the other ſide, what can I conceive of this Letter, which puzzles him to explain, and the Crime is ſo great that his pretence and colours cannot hide his correſpondency with the King of Aſſiria; No, no, ſaid he, Artamenes is guilty: And though it be either in matter of love or matter of ambition, he is culpable, and deſerves puniſhment. The worſt is, loving him as I do, I ſhall grieve more for him then he will for himſelf; but ſaid he ſuddenly, the ſorrows which I reſent for the loſſe of Mandana, will quite me from that of Artamenes: And my ſoul will be ſo ſenſible of the one, that there will be no room for the other. But let us uſe all expendients to bend this obſtinate ſpirit: Let us do what we can to make him confeſſe his fault, that ſo we may have occaſion of pardon. Whilſt Ciaxares was thus arguing the matter with himſelf, Artamenes, whoſe amorous ſoul could not be ſeparated from the memory of Mandana, was more troubled at her ſhipwrack then his priſon; and entertain'd more ſad apprehenſions of her loſſe, then ſorrow for his own: Do your worſt, ye rigid deſtinies, ſaid he, you cannot afflict me more; My ſoul is not ſenſible of any ſorrow, but for Mandana, therefore I defie you: Multiply your penalties upon my Perſon, and I will not complain of your injuſtice. Since my Princeſſe wants a Tomb, it is no matter though I languiſh in a Dungeon, the worſt is, it can but hinder me from a more high and generous death. Ah faireſt Princeſſe, ſaid he, whether you inhabit amongſt the dead, or amongſt the living, in heaven or upon earrh, If you could but ſee the unhappy Artamenes in Caixares Priſon, you would reſent it with wonder and ſorrow; However I complain not of his ſeverity or injuſtice ſince I ſeem culpable in his eyes; and indeed I am ſo, but it is in a far different manner then he apprehends it. I am culpable Deareſt Princeſſe, but it is againſt you, indeed I am, I confeſſe it, I am culpable in loving you, not as you are the daughter of the King of Medes, but as you are the faireſt Angel that ever lived. As you are the daughter of a great King, it was lawfull for me to love you; But as you are Mandana, I muſt love you, and not reveal it; I muſt ſuffer and not complain; I muſt adore you in my death, and I muſt die dumb, and not ſpeak a word of love: Yet alas Mandana, (cried he out) I fear, I am the cauſe of your dire misfortunes: for if I had not loved you, and your ſoul not poſſeſſed with any thoughts of grace towards me, then perhaps you might have plac't your affection upon that great Monarch of the world, and without all theſe misfortunes have been Queen unto the King of Aſſiria: then, ſaid he further, I ſhould not have been ſo happy, in the glory of her Love, nor would you have had any thought of Artemenes, the unfortunate Artamenes, a lover whoſe obſervant paſſions never offended againſt the Laws of vertue, by any exorbitant deſires; and whoſe obſequious ſoul was ever [Page] obedient unto your will, whoſe life and death is conſecrated unto your ſervice: In ſum of all, I will die (my Princeſſe) and never let Ciaxares know what the ground is of Artamenes correſpondency with the King of Aſſiria. Think not this (my Divine Mandana) a ſmall ſacrifice which I am reſolved to offer unto you in the carriage of this affair. The deſire of glory is a Paſſion as well as Love; a paſſion moſt violent and imperious; yet for all that I muſt value the honour of my Princeſſe above it: What though Ciaxares think me perfidious, it is no matter, ſince I am not ſo; I know the King of Aſſiria, though my enemy, will vindicate me; and though he be my Corrivall, yet he will ſpeak in my behalf: Beleeve on, Ciaxares, and think me a Traitor as long as you pleaſe, ſince you do not know the true ſtate of the matter; for though my Princeſſe was moſt innocent, and her vertue had but too much ſtrictneſſe in ſo pure an affection, yet for all that Ciaxares and the cenſorious Court, it may be, will never beleeve that I could be ſo long diſguiſed, without her conſent. If I ſhould diſcover who I am, it would more confirm Ciaxares in that opinion which he entertains, that I aſpire unto the Crown, although I am not born ſo far from a Crown as he imagins: Alas, ſaid he, how rigid are my deſtinies! I am afraid to juſtifie my ſelf, though it be moſt naturall to do it: My fears to offend my Princeſs tranſcend my fears of infamy, although the fear of infamy ſhould be above all other whatſoever, and though never any did more greedily thirſt after glory then Artamenes: But why ſhould I fear it as long as I have the Teſtimony of my own conſcience, and the teſtimony of my moſt mortall enemy? The gods who are protectors of oppreſſed innocency will ſurely vindicate me after I am dead: They who now accuſe me will then juſtifie me, by waies which I cannot apprehend. Truth in concluſion will be found the ſtrongeſt: Whileſt Artamenes and Ciaxares were thus tormented in their own melancholy reſentments, all the Court and all the Army were angred at the accident: The King of Phrygia, the King of Hircania, the Prince of the Caduſians, the Prince of Licaonia, the Prince of Paphlagonia, Hidaspes, Chriſantes, Aglatidas, Thraſibulus, Madates, Megabites, Aduſius, Artabaſes and Feraulas; all theſe were wonderſtrook at the impriſonment of Artamenes; and not only theſe Princes and Captaims, but alſo all the Inhabitants of Sinope, and the whole Army, all theſe did ill reſent it: As ſoon as the news was divulged, all the Kings, Princes, and Commanders, went unto the Lodging of Artamenes but were denied entrance; Ciaxares ſent for them all, and told them that he was compelied for the good of his affairs to arreſt Artamenes, and commanded them to have a care that the ſouldiers who he knew loved Artamenes very well, did notmutiny: He told them that this tranſaction would conduce much to the ſafety of the State, and the good of all the Princes his Allies. This far fetcht Diſcourſe made no impreſſions at all upon their ſpirits, but all of them unanimouſly did beſeech him to act warily in this buſineſſe of ſo great importance: You know Sir, ſaid the King of Phrygia, and I do beleeve it an abſolute impoſſibility, that Artamenes ſhould betray you; you may remember Sir, that the time was when we were at variance, and I fully perſwade my ſelf if any ſuch thing had been tranſacted by him I ſhould have known it. The King of Hircania, ſeconded and ſaid, it cannot ſink into my belief that ever he can be guilty of any treaſonable deſigns. No I warrant you, ſaid Hidaſpes, I would not beleeve it though he himſelf ſhould ſay it. If my head would be accepted as a gage for his innocency, ſaid Aglatidas, I would throw it at your Majeſties feet: If ſo much innocency as he carries, about him, had half the Army for his accuſers (ſaid the Prince of the Caduſians) the army of Artamenes would confound them all if they ſhould reſiſt. I ſhould ſhamefully belie my own eyes and my own knowledge, ſaid the Prince of Licaonia, if I ſhould witneſſe againſt him. I do not think, ſaid the Prince of Paphlagonia, that there can any one in the world be found who can or dare accuſe him. I am his Complice, ſaid Chriſantes, if he be criminall, and yet I am moſt certain that I am far from any treaſon: I have ſeen his ſoul ſtand firm, amidſt the cloud of his misfortunes, and cannot think it ſhould ſhrink in the Sun-ſhine of his proſperity: It is neither credible nor poſſible, cried Madates and Migabites both together: If your Majeſty would [...] be pleaſed to bring his accuſers face to face, I ſhould ſoon ſtop their mouths, ſaid Feraulas: In ſhort all theſe Princes and all the Captains one after another, and ſometimes altogether, did ſtrive who could pleade with ſtrongeſt arguments in behalf of this unfortunate, yet famous Artamenes: one put him in minde of his victories, another of his generoſity; one extold his valour, another his fidelity: In concluſion, they all fell off from the reverence which they owed unto Ciaxares, becauſe he would not allow Artamenes time to anſwer in his own defence: The King was then much tranſported with paſſion, and ſhewed unto them the Letter which Artamenes acknowledged to be his own hand, and ſaid unto them in great fury, Look I pray you, whether he whom you ſo violently [Page] defend be ſo innocent as you ſuppoſe him. The King of Phrygia read the Letter, and upon the firſt apprehenſion did think it a little odd, yet for all that he could not alter his minde, no more then all the reſt which heard it: after they had a while conſidered, that appearances were fallacious, but no proofs; they all unanimouſly concluded, with one voice (though they could not well argue it) that ſtill Artamenes was innocent; and that he was ſo conſiderable a Perſon, as though he were culpable, yet the King ought not to loſe him upon a ſlight occaſion. So we do apprehend it (anſwered Ciaxares,) yet notwithſtanding, I would have you know, that in this juncture of time when the Souldier is inſolent and ready to revolt, it is not ſafe to countenance turbulent ſpirits too much. When the Kings, Princes and Commanders, perceived the King ſo much in paſſion, they would preſs him no more: and the valour of Artamenes had made ſo perfect a purchaſe of all their hearts, and made them all either his very ſubjects or allies, therefore they would never quit their reſpect unto him, nor ever become unſerviceable unto him whom they ſo much loved, as doubtleſs they had done, if they had exaſperated that ſpirit, which was already too apt to kindle: Therefore they left Ciaxures to ruminate upon the matter, and gave him time to recollect what he had done, and what was beſt hereafter to be done. Mean while Chriſantes and Feraulas, upon their departure from the King; did vent a thouſand Proteſtations in behalf of their Maſters innocency, and ſtuck cloſe to their reſolutions of Conſtancy in his ſervice; They proteſted to periſh, rather then one of ſo high a ſoul ſhould ſuffer ſuch injuries: There was nothing they dor'd at but this Letter, and Artamenes had this good fortune, that every one beleeved there was ſome myſterious matter in it which he himſelf would cleer. There was not one could beleeve him to be guilty, for there was no probability, that he ſhould comply with that man whom he endeavoured to conquer, and whoſe Empire he ſtrove to overthrow. The Officers had much to do to keep the Souldiers in order; they ſo tampered with them, that they left them in a diſpoſition to be at Artamenes ſervice when ever he ſhould need them: they were glad to give them good language, and deſire their patience, telling them that Artamenes would be preſently at Liberty; and that if they ſhould raſhly go about to deliver him, it would make his Condition worſe: ſo that mixing commendations of Artamenes with their plauſible perſwaſions, they cheriſhed them, and prevented their Revolt both together, and did ſuppreſs their violences which yet did not need, without loſing their loves. But for all this, the whole Camp and all the Town did ring in his Commendations; the Name of Artamenes Ecchoed every where: the Medes; the Perſians, the Cappadocians, the Phrygians, the Hircanians; the Caduſians, the Paphlagonians, and all other Nations whereof the Army was compoſed, all cried up Artamenes, and made Songs and Elegies every one in his own Language, and after his own Cuſtom, in commendations of Artamenes, and who but Artamenes in every mouth? There was not a Captain in that vaſt Army, which vaunted not of ſome Honour which he particularly had received from Artamenes; nor was there a common Souldier which did not brag that Artamenes knew his Name and himſelf too: In ſumme, Artamenes was the ſubject of every ones diſcourſe; every Souldier left the Camp, and went into the Town to learn how Squares went with Artamenes; and every Inhabitant of the Town went into the Camp, to incite the Souldiers in behalf of their beloved Generall Artamenes; there was not one to be found, only except this friend of Aribees, who tranſacted privately and prejudicially to Artamenes in incenſing the King againſt him: Every one except him I ſay, was a well-wiſher unto Artamenes.; It was this man, who had not only got knowledge that the King of Aſſiria had writ unto Artamenes; but it was he alſo who gave the Letter unto the King of Medes: Chriſantes and Feraulas did much admire which way Ciaxares could come by it: but Heaven which would have Crimes alwayes diſcovered, made it evident at the laſt, they much beat their brains, and turned every ſtone to finde it out, but could not. But thus it fortun'd; the Meſſenger whom the King of Aſſiria ſent unto Artamenes, and by whom Artamenes returned this Letter in Anſwer unto the King of Aſſiria, did in his return back, meet with one who was Brother unto Aribees, who falling into diſcourſe with this Meſſenger, asked him whether he travelled and from whence he came, and by degrees ſcru'd out of him, what his buſineſs was: this Brother ſo tampered and ſuborned this Meſſenger, that he ſhewed unto him the Letter, and when he had read it, did by his permiſſion copy it out: he also told the Meſſenger, that he might do a moſt excellent piece of ſervice, not only unto all Medea, and all Cappadocia, but unto Aſia alſo, and indeed unto all the World, if he would return back again to Sinope, and carry this Letter unto a friend of his who waited upon Ciaxares (the very ſame man who was ſo cloſe an enemy unto Artamenes,) he further told this Meſſenger, that it would be a moſt acceptable piece of ſervice unto the [Page] King, ſo that he need not doubt of being largely rewarded: and that the King of Aſſiria who ſent him, would alſo be much pleaſed at it, he having ſo great an intereſt in the ruin of Artamenes: and that the King of Aſſiria would be as well pleaſed with the Copy as the Originall, and that he himſelf would carry the Copy to the King of Aſſiria, whilſt he did return unto Sinope, and carry the Originall unto this friend of his. He perſwaded him not to ſcruple at the Ruin of an ambitious man, whoſe aims were at univerſall Monarchy; a man whom all men ſeem'd to love, but their loves did proceed from fear, ſo that if ever fortune ſhould frown upon him, he would aſſuredly be ruin'd without recovery; and that all things would then look with new faces; and that thoſe who were now in appearance his deareſt friends, would then become his utter enemies; and that for his part he would be ſure to have the benediction of all the world, if by his means this deſign were brought about, which though it was great, yet might ſafely be negotiated without any danger at all: for all the difficulty was in delivery of this Letter unto the King, and if that were done undiſcovered, then all the peril were paſt. In ſhort, this Brother or Aribees, whoſe Name was Artaxes, did know well enough how to deal with him he ſpoke unto; ſo that giving a bag full of golden perſwaſions unto him, he gul'd this poor fully mercinary wretch, to do as he would have him. Artaxes writ unto his friend, how he had met with an admirable expedient to be revenged for the death of his Brother, and deſired him by all means to put it into execution: and that for himſelf, he would go unto Pteria, a Town not far off Sinope, whether the King of Aſſiria was retired, and would tranſact with that Prince againſt Artamenes, and there wait upon the ſucceſs of that deſign, which he had now committed unto him, not daring to appear at Court. This mercinary Meſſenger arrived at Sinope, found out that friend of Arabees and Artaxes; found him diſpoſed according unto his wiſh, and proſecuted the deſign ſo cloſe, as he brought it unto that ſtate wherein you finde it. It is a very remarkable paſſage; that this Meſſenger who was fully perſwaded he ſhould act an univerſall good unto all Aſia, in Ruining Artamenes, did to his great aſtoniſhment finde, in lieu of a generall Joy, that he had cauſed an univerſall ſadneſs; and how he had brought all things into ſo great a diſorder and confuſion, as it was hard to reduce them into their former tranquillity. This man, who certainly had a ſoul as ſimple as ſinfull, was much moved and angred, he ſhould be ſo gul'd as to ſwallow ſuch a gudgeon: ſo that he did abſolutely reſolve to addreſs himſelf unto the friends of Artamenes, and acquaint them it was he who had incenſed Ciaxares againſt Artamenes. This man, repaired firſt unto Feraulas, and ingeniouſly confeſſed all the paſſages, but with ſuch ſigns of ſo ſad remorſe, that although he was the man who had brought his Maſters life in danger, yet he would not treat him hardly. Then after he had ſouldly chid him for his firſt act, he much commended him for his ſecond, and reſolved to make more uſe of him in diſcovery of this ſecret enemy unto Artamenes. He preſently acquainted his Maſter with it, though Ciaxares had forbid any ſhould ſpeak unto him; for the Captain of the Guard being fully ſatisfied concerning Artamenes Innocency, did not obſerve his Order ſo exactly, but he gave him liberty of entercourſe by Letter: Artamenes was glad when he knew how this Letter came unto the hands of Ciaxares: for though Great Souls who are incapable of Crimes, cannot eaſily beleeve others are more culpable then themſelves; yet he entertained ſome light kinde of jealouſie, that the King of Aſſiria had a hand in the buſineſs; and the thought of that did much torment him: For, ſaid he, If by happy Fate Mandana ſhould be alive, and ſhould accidentally fall into the King of Aſſiria's hands, then what confidence, ſaid he, can I have in the word of ſuch a Prince, who is guilty of ſo perfidious a fact? All this while Chriſantes and Feraulas endeavoured to uſe all means that Fortune would afford them, towards the preſervation of Artamenes; and found it to be a very difficult buſineſs, for as the Caſe now ſtood, they knew not whether or no it becom'd their duty, to acquaint Ciaxares with the truth of Artamenes his ſtory, and all his adventures: they ſaw it would accuſe him one way, and excuſe him another: yet they conceived that his Life would be leſs in danger, as a Lover of the Princeſs, then as a Friend unto the King of Aſſiria; his Quality which was much above what it ſeemed to be, did appear unto them to be but an ill expedient, thereby to advantage him. They were full of ſo many fears and doubts as they knew not what to reſolve upon or to imagin: In concluſion, they thought it not fit or juſt, to truſt intirely unto their own opinions in a matter of ſuch high importance; nor to charge themſelves ſolely with the event of an affair, whereupon depended the ſafety or deſtruction of the moſt eminent man in the world. Therefore they concluded it moſt fit and ſafe, to make choice of ſome principall Perſons, and other ſtrange Princes who were moſt affectionate unto Artamenes, and whom he had moſt obliged to be of their Councell: They thought it beſt to let theſe [Page] know, that he whom they ſo well loved, was much more worthy of their affection and aſſiſtance, then they thought him to be; and to deſire their advice, what courſe were beſt to be taken in this transaction. They had a great deſire to ask the leave of their dear Maſter, before they went to work, but that was ſo nice a thing to truſt unto, as they would not hazard it; for he ſeem'd to be ſo careleſs of Life, that they thought, he would not take the pains to preſerve it, or uſe the beſt expedients for it; and therefore they did imagin, he would never conſent they ſhould reveal him. In their laying a foundation for this deſign, they reſolved not to truſt this ſecret unto any but Perſians, and ſtranger Princes, and not to impart it unto any Mede upon any condition: becauſe they being Subjects unto Ciaxares, might perchance diſpenſe with the Laws of Friendſhip, and reveal it, or at leaſt obſerve them with ſome reluctancy and ſcruple: So when they had fully reſolved upon this deſign, they ſought out opportunities to put it in execution; and they hoped to receive this ſatisfaction from it at the leaſt, that they had not neglected any expedient which might preſerve him who is the moſt fortunate, and unfortunate man both, that is in the whole univerſe.

The end of the firſt Book in the firſt Part.

ARTAMENES: OR CYRVS the Great. BOOK II.

[Page]

THE Deſign which Chriſantes and Feraulas undertook, was ſo Juſt, that Fortune, who is an enemy to Virtue, and was much incenſed againſt the illuſtrious Artamenes, did ſeem to ſmile in lieu of frowning upon it. Theſe two faithfull ſervants, intending to aſſemble together thoſe who had been deareſt friends unto their Maſter, excepting againſt Medes, made choice of the King of Hircania, the Prince of the Caducians, and Thraſibulus, whom Artamenes ſent to viſit ſince his Arreſt: Aduſias and Artabaces met alſo in Councell: Likewiſe all the reſt of the Princes, except the King of Phrygia, who kept near Ciaxares, in hopes to mitigate his choler: who notwithſtanding all endeavours to the contrary, was in all diſcourſes concerning Artamenes much incenſed againſt him. In concluſion, the King of Hircania, addreſting himſelf unto Chriſantes, did entreat him, that ſince he had ſo great a ſhare in the friendſhip and affection of Artamenes, and had alſo ſo long a time been related unto him, he would be pleaſed to inform them of all his Adventures, ever ſince he came into the Court of Ciaxares, alſo acquaint them with his birth, to the end that thereby they might happily finde out ſome conveniency which might conduce unto his preſervation, by the intereſt of that Prince, under whom he wat born a ſubject, or at the leaſt, to make uſe of ſome hanſome pretence, which might keep Ciaxares in ſome ſuſpence, untill his anger was a little over. Furthermore, Hidaſpes added, That Ciaxares his Army conſiſting of ſo many ſeverall Nations, he might perchance be one of them; if ſo, it were good to know his Countrey, becauſe it would be a ſtrong motive unto Ciaxares to be reconciled unto him, for by that conſequence he might win the hearts of all thoſe who have the honour to be born in the ſame Country, under the ſame Laws and Prince that Artamenes is: if he ſhould prove to be born in an enemies Country, then Ciaxares, it may be, conſidering he hath a man of that Concernment in his Power, will be ſooner induced to Preſerve him, as a means to draw ſome advantage from his enemies by it. As ſoon as Hidaspes had delivered his Vote, all the reſt [Page] did concur and approve of it. Perhaps (added Thraſibulas,) by the knowledge of his ſtory, we may come to diſcover the Reaſons, why Artamenes held Intelligence with the King of Aſſiria, and what the Cauſe may be, that he will not reveal it unto Ciaxares; for theſe are the two myſterious Labyrinths which moſt amaze us. Sirs (anſwered Chriſantes) I apprehend it as a good Omen, that you ſhould thus prevent the intentions of Feraulas and my ſelf, for we came unto Hidaſpes with the ſame deſign, and to aſſemble together all you whom good Fortune has thus happily brought unto this Houſe: The ſequell of my diſcourſe will inform you, why we made choice of Hidaspes his houſe; and why we thought it fit, that ſo many famous Medes as were friends unto Artamenes do not meet here: In a word, Sirs we come to tell you who Artamenes is. Chriſantes had no ſooner ſpoke that laſt ſyllable, but all the Princes interrupted him with Acclamations of Joy, and expreſſions of hope to have him of their Nation; No, ſaid the King of Hircanias, I ſhall not be ſo happy as to have that Honour: The Prince of the Caduſians ſaid the ſame, and all deſired it, but tacitly confeſſed they were all unworthy to be Soveraigns over ſuch a Subject, yet that he himſelf deſerved to be Monarch of the whole world: In concluſion, all the Princes were full of impatiency till they knew it; and commanding that the door ſhould be ſhut, leaſt the Narration ſhould be diſturbed, they ſit down and preſſingly deſire Chriſantes to begin. Some did put it to the Queſtion, Whether it were not fit they ſhould ſtay for the King of Phrygia; but the major part did ſo burn with deſire to know the originall of him who had ſo highly demean'd himſelf, that they would not permit ſo long delay, but did double their entreaties, that Chriſantes would ſatisfie their longing deſires: After he had paus'd a while, and recollected into his memory the Idea of ſo many great exploits as he had ſeen him perform, reſolving to follow the courſe which was concluded between Feraulas and him, he began the Story.

The Hiſtory of Artamenes.

MY task is to ſpeak of things ſo wonderfull, that I conceive it convenient to prepare you before hand, leaſt you ſhould be ſtartled with admiration: for indeed Sr (ſaid he, addreſting himſelf to the King of Hircania) the Birth and Life of Artamenes, is ſo full of extraordinary glorious and tranſcendent circumſtances, as will hardly finde belief in thoſe who only hear and have not ſeen them: therefore I think it fit to proteſt unto you, that all is pure Truth which ſhall be related unto you, and if I ſhall chance to fail or leſſen the Truth, it is the modeſty of Artamenes, which hath accuſtomed me to conceal part of his Glory, and never to aggravate the greatneſs of his Acts. Nevertheleſs Sr, this Artamenes, whoſe Valour and Virtue has rendred him ſo Famous, is not leſſened by the Greatneſs of that Prince who gave him Life: For Sr, when I ſhall tell you, that this Artamenes was before his birth Predeſtinated by the Gods to be a Terror unto all the Kings of the Earth, and that he is no other then CYRƲS, Sonne of Cambiſes King of Perſia, I ſhall tell you nothing but what is moſt true, and what I ſhall very eaſily make appear. At this, Hidaſpes and all preſent cried out; What (ſaid they with one voice) is Artamenes CYRƲS? Is Artamenes Sonne to the King of Perſia? Artamenes (replied Chriſantes) is the very ſame I tell you; and by conſequence of the moſt illuſtrious Family in the world, ſince his Predeceſſors the Valiant Perſeus, derives his Pedigree, from the Sonne of Jupiter. But (ſaid Hidaſpes) Did not you confirm me in that opinion which all the world had, of his Shipwrack? And did not you your ſelf tell me, how you changed Maſters after his death? and that he whom you then waited upon, was called Artamenes? Moſt true, Replied Chriſantes, I confeſs I did ſo, but I did it by the command of Cyrus, who deſiring to paſs under that Name, obliged me to call him ſo, and I will phraſe him ſo throughout moſt of this Relation, to the end you may more eaſily underſtand it. In the ſequell and concluſion of this my diſcourſe, you ſhall know what were his reaſons which moved him to aſſume this dignity. I muſt needs ſay (ſaid Hidaspes) you had great reaſon to prepare thoſe which hear you againſt wonder: But (ſaid Artabaſes) Thoſe have loſt their reaſon who ſuſpect the truth of it, when they ſhall conſider on what affectionate termes of familiarity Chriſantes and Feraulas were linked unto him. There need not many Arguments (ſaid the King of Hircania, ſpeaking to Hidaspes, Aduſius and Artabaces) to perſwade me that Artamenes is Cyrus: It were more difficult to think that ſuch an extraordinary man ſhould be of a common extraction. For my part (ſaid Thraſibulus) I have had ſome ſuch thoughts ever ſince the firſt day I knew him: for his high Actions would not permit me to doubt of his Quality. Perſodes Prince of the Caduſians, [Page] applying himſelf unto Hidaspes, Artabaces, Aduſius, Chriſantes and Feraulas, ſaid unto them; You are ſo highly honoured in being Subjects unto ſuch a Prince, that I muſt needs think your glorious ſervitude excels my Soveraignty; and that it is a greater Honour to obey Cyrus, then to command a hundred thouſand men. Hidaspes was ſo inflamed with deſire of knowing more preciſely all particulars concerning the Life of him, whoſe firſt Adventures he had been well acquainted with, as he deſired Chriſantes to begin his ſtory, from the firſt departure of Cyrus out of his fathers Court. But becauſe Thraſibulus knew nothing, and the other Princes never heard of the Paſſages in the Court of Aſtiages, only by common voge, which often is a lyar, therefore it were more expedient he ſhould begin his whole ſtory; ſo that the memory of thoſe who knew the Paſſages might be revived, and Thraſibulus who was altogether ignorant in them, might be informed. Chriſantes then, after a little ſilence, in contriving the method of his diſcourſe, and turning towards the King of Hircania, began thus. Sir, I will not abuſe your Patience in Repetitions of Artamenes his moſt glorious deſcent: It will ſuffice to ſay his Name is Cyrus, and derived from the illuſtrious Race of Perſides. This is enough to inform you, that there is not one more Noble in the world: Cyrus hath this advantage above others, that he is Soveraign of a people (if it befit a Perſian to ſay it) amongſt whom Virtue is loved, and vice abhorred with ſuch diſguſt, that it dares not appear unleſs under a cloak of Virtue: Artamenes moreover (for ſo I will call him yet) has the glory to be ſubject unto a Prince and Princeſs, whoſe Applauds fills the ſtory of all Nations, ſo that he derives nothing from them but what is moſt Noble and Heroicque. Now ſince the Hiſtory of the King of Medes, does much conduce to the cleering of my relation, I ſhall be forced to fetch far off a foundation to build the reſt of my diſcourſe upon. Be pleaſed to remember, how the Ancient Kings of Aſſiria became Lords of all higher Aſia; and how the wiſe and famous Deiocus Sonne of Phraortes, did incite his Countrymen, to rebell againſt their Tyrant Kings: and after he had got the Soveraignty of the Medes into his own Power, reſtor'd it into the hands of a Mede again: You know Sir, that this Great and Generous Prince, was Lineally deſcended from the Ancient Kings of Medes; and that it was he who ordained ſuch excellent Laws; who built the ſtately Town of Ecbatane; and who reduced under his obedience all the ſtate of his Anceſtors, which were the Bruſſians, the Paratecenians, the Struchatians, the Ariſentines, and the Budiens. After Deiocus, who raigned fifty three years, Phaortes his Sonne inherited the Crown, and raigned ſo peaceably, as if the Aſſirians had never uſurped. But being not content to ſit quietly in the Throne of his Predeceſſors, he began to make war againſt the Perſian, a People ſo ruſted with more then a whole age of Peace, that they finding themſelves aſſaulted by a moſt Martiall People accuſtomed to conquer, and to prevent the utter deſolation of their Country, complied with them; and Peace was ſo concluded, that the two Crowns of Perſia and Media were inſeperably intereſted; ſo that as often as Phraortes ſhould ſtand in need of their Aſſiſtance, they were obliged to lend it: Here Sir, was the firſt Connexion of the Medes with the Perſians. I need not relate how Phraortes, ſwel'd with ambition, pronounced war againſt the King of Aſſiria, who ſlept ſecurely in a downy bed of Peace within his own Dominions: Nor how, after he had raigned two and twenty years, and beſieging the Town of Minos, periſhed in the attempt: Nor how after his death Ciaxares his Sonne, the firſt of that Name among the Kings of Medes, ſucceeded in the Kingdom: nor how Fortune was ſometimes a friend, and ſometimes a fo unto this Prince: for I know you are not ignorant, how in giving Battle to the Libians, when he was at the very point of being victorious, it became ſo accidentally dark upon a ſudden, that it was impoſſible for him to continue fight, and finiſh his almoſt gotten victory: You know alſo, that in beſieging the Town of Minos (of which we ſpake before,) intending to revenge the death of his Father Phraortes, who was killed before this Town, and being at the very point of taking it, Medeas King of the Scythians appeared with an Army of a hundred thouſand men, within ſhot of his Camp: You know alſo, how this King loſt the Battle unto the Scythians, and his Empire with it, but got again into the Throne; for this Invaſion of the Scythians laſted not above eight and twenty years: You know alſo, that this Ciaxares not changing his Reſentments with his fortunes, revived the warre with the King of Aſſiria, and at laſt became Maſter of the Town of Minos: Then Sir, you know, how this firſt Ciaxares was Father unto Aſtiages, whom he left a quiet Inheritor of his Dominions: but as this Prince was born in a turbulent time, ſo I beleeve, that the reſtleſs ſpirit of the Father, was tranſmigrated into the ſoul of the Sonne, and imprinted ſuch Melancholy thoughts in this Prince his Sonne, as cauſed him to paſſe his life with much inquietude; and was partly a cauſe of all thoſe thwartings in Artamenes his fortunes: He was [Page] married very young, and in a manner, doubtleſs extraordinary, though out of my memory. The Battle which the King his father loſt unto Aliattes King of Lydia, by reaſon of that obſcurity which blinded both Armies, was a cauſe of this marriage; for after ſo ſtrange an accident, the King of Medes conſulted with the Prieſts, and Aliattes went unto the Temple of Diana at Epheſus, which by reaſon of the Oracles there, was grown in great repute: Theſe Princes were told by the Prieſts and by the Oracle of Diana, that the Gods did expreſs by this remarkable ſign, they were not pleaſed with the warre, but that they ought to reſolve upon termes of Peace. The King of Sicily, who was a mediator in the matter, did ſo negotiate between them, that the King of Lydia, who had but one Daughter, Siſter of Craeſſus, ſhould marry her unto Aſtiages, the Sonne of his enemy: So you may collect by this, that the marriage which was made up ſo ſoon after the warre of Lydia, gave me (ſome ſay) cauſe to ſay, that this Prince, born when the Starres had ſuch tumultuous influence, received from them ſuch troubleſome Inclinations. As for his Raign Sir, becauſe it is ſo late ſince it ended, it would be ſuperfluous to relate it. Let it ſuffice to tell you, how he knowing that none of his Predeceſſors, ever ſince the Famous Deiocus had enjoyed their Kingdom in Peace, therefore he alwayes ſtood upon his guard, and feared ſome Revolt: You know Sir, that he had by the Queen his wife, and ſiſter of Craeſſus, Ciaxares who now raigns, and retains the invincible Artamenes priſoner: You know alſo that he had one Daughter called Mandana, an admirable Beauty, of great virtue and wiſdome: That long ſince the Queen his wife died, and with her all his affections to any other, ſo that he would never marry more: Since this loſſe, all his thoughts are upon his young Sonne Ciaxares, and his young fair Daughter Mandana; endeavouring to keep himſelf peaceable within his own limits, without any attempts upon his Neighbours: And though he had the good fortune never to be in any conſiderable actuall warre, yet he had to be in continuall preparations for it; ſometimes againſt his antient enemy the King of Aſſiria, ſometimes againſt his Allies, and ſometimes againſt his own Subjects; yet for all theſe inquietudes, which his perpetual turbulencies did procure him, his Court held up the proudeſt head in all Aſia: For (as you know,) the Medes were alwayes addicted to Magnificence and Pleaſures, Aſtiages eſpecially who was moſt of all devoted unto all manner of Diverſions of his Melancholy and penſive cogitations: Ecbatane, was the fitteſt ſeat for it of all places in the world. This Prince therefore ever ſince the birth of his Sonne Ciaxares, did alwayes every year Celebrate a certain day of publike Jollity. It was his Cuſtom to go himſelf unto the Temple to thank the Gods for his Sonne, and offer Prayers for his Preſervation: The young Prince Ciaxares was then about ſixteen, and the Princeſs his Siſter about fourteen years of age: when one of theſe Feſtivall Ceremonies were obſerved, there chanced a ſtrange Accident, which did much diſturb their Devotion and Jocandry; for as Aſtiages was going out of his Pallace in the morning unto the Temple, and carried with him the Prince his Sonne, upon a ſudden, the brightneſs of the day became all dully dim; and the Sunne ſo eclipſed, as it caſt ſuch a black obſcurity over the face of the whole earth, as none could almoſt diſtinguiſh each other; that little light which was, gave ſuch a glooming ſhaddow, as was moſt terrible to them all: This Accident extreamly troubled Aſtiages: The People took it for no good Omen; for though thoſe which ſaw this Eclipſe, had ſeen others alſo, yet this was much more affrighting then they, as well becauſe it was much greater, as becauſe it happened upon ſuch a remarkable day: Inſomuch as they did think it more then a meer curſary and naturall accident, and concluded it to be a Commet or ſome ſign from Heaven, by which the Gods did portend and advertiſe the King and People of ſome important matter. Some remembred that terrible darkneſs which affrighted Ciaxares the Father of Aſtiages; and [...] none made it any queſtion but it was an advertiſement from Heaven, to move the t [...]gs of Medes and Lydia unto Peace, and therefore they thought this Commet to ſignifie ſome ſuch thing. To be ſhort, every one vented his peculiar phanſie, and explained the meaning of it according to his own capritious humour: Some ſaid it might preſage the Kings death: others feared the deſtruction of the Empire: Some, the loſſe of the Prince his Sonne, and all did Augure mourning conſequents. But although this obſcurity did much amaze them, yet that which followed this Eclipſe did abſolutely confound them; for after it had continued thus dark four compleat hours, the Sunne, contrary to its common naturall courſe, diſcovered it ſelf all at once in an inſtant; and was ſo hot, ſo cleer, and of a light ſo tranſplendent, as it blinded all them who durſt gaze upon it: the heat no leſſe extream then the brightneſs, for it was ſo exceſſive, as the People thought all the earth ſet on fire. All this while Aſtiages, who was alwayes naturally too apprehenſive and ſuperſtitious of ſuch Accidents, and was fully perſwaded that the Prieſts [Page] knew almoſt all things future; therefore he aſſembled them together, and commanded them to conſider ſeriouſly, what might be the meaning of this Prodigie: Doubtleſs Sir, you know how theſe men lead theirlives, which afford them leaſure enough to contemplate theſe celeſtiall Signs; and have ſo deep an inſpection into the influence of Stars, that they can by them oftentimes divine long before, what ſhall afterwards come to paſſe. The Gods alſo, do ſometimes inſpire them by ſecret wayes which are unknown unto the vulgar: Their Anſwers are as certain as Oracles, and have this advantage above them, that they have much more cleerneſs, and far leſſe riddle in them then Oracles uſe to have: ſo that Aſtiages, having got them together as I formerly ſaid; and after they had pray'd unto the Gods, and contemplated the Starres, they told the King (having prepared him beforehand to receive patiently whatſoever they ſhould tell him, leaſt he ſhould break into any violent paſſion) That according unto their ſpeculations, thoſe gifts, and that knowledge which they had received from Heaven, this great Eclipſe, which had ſuch ſupernaturall Courſes, did ſignifie either his own death, or the Princes his Sonnes, or the decline [...] his Soveraign Authority: As for the two firſt of theſe, they told him, that they [...]onceive it ſhould be either of them; becauſe they had heretofore, according to his [...]ands Calculated both their Nativities, and had collected ſeverall Aſtronomicall Obſervations concerning both their Lives; they alwayes found and concluded, that both their Lives ſhould be long; therefore, they muſt by Conſequence conclude, that it Portends decay in Dominion; and that univerſall revolution threatens all Aſia, particularly Medea; and that it ſhall be upon them ſuddenly, unleſs they make ſome happy uſe of thoſe Advertiſements which Heaven does ſignifie unto them, as Ciaxares his Father had done before him. Aſtiages was Planet-ſtruck with this diſcourſe; and conceiving that out of fear, the Prieſts had not yet revealed all they knew, did preſſe them further to declare their full knowledge: In concluſion, they told him, that in their opinions it was to be feared the extraordinary brightneſs which followed the darkneſs, and the Sunnes ſo ſudden diſcovering it ſelf in an inſtant, did ſignifie that the Prince his Sonne, following too much the Counſels of Ambitious ſpirits, would one day uſurp his Crown: The darkneſs did ſignifie his Power, which ſhould alſo be obſcured; and the brightneſs did ſignifie the ſudden ſplendor of the young Prince: But yet, for all this there was a Remedy; for the Gods did not admoniſh Men in vain: But that the King his Father when he was forewarned, did appeaſe them, in making Peace with Lybia: And ſo likewiſe ought he to render himſelf ſubmiſſive unto them; by Sacrifices, by Prayers, and by his Virtues: and that he ought to have extraordinary care, in placing Wiſe and Prudent men about the young Prince, ſuch as ſhould infuſe ſapient Inſtructions into him, and root out of his minde all thoſe corrupt ſeeds, which ill diſpoſed men had ſowed: The King no ſooner heard what theſe magick Prieſts had ſaid, but he was fully ſatisfied: for though his naturall diſpoſition was alwayes prompt, and ſuperſtitious in ſuch things, yet he had ſome apparent colour for this, becauſe Ciaxares his Sonne did begin to put forth ſome ambitious budds: and all his inclinations were Grandure and Dominion: Alſo he had many about him who fomented this naturall propenſity, ſo that the thoughts of Aſtiages no ſooner reflected upon him, but he imagined him in his Throne, ſnatching the Scepter out of his hand, and throwing him into Priſon. You may imagin Sir, how diſguſtive this diſcourſe was unto the ſoul of a Prince, who priz'd his Crown above his Life, but who in ſpite of all jealous reſentments, did yet retain the affection of a Father towards a Sonne. In the mean while, he charged the Prieſts not to publiſh what they had told him; fearing that it might cauſe his ruin if they did: and that if his Sonne ſhould come to the knowledge of it, he might chance think it no Crime to make bold with the Crown, ſince it ſeem'd to be the pleaſure of the Gods to have it ſo: Therefore, he gave expreſs command unto them, that they ſhould tell the Prince his Sonne, and divulge it unto all the People, how this Eclipſe had nothing extraordinary in it; that the Circumſtance of Day upon which it happened, was a meer Caſualty, from whence no ill conſequences can be drawn; and that they ſhould not ceaſe their Prayers unto the gods for his good fortune: The Prieſts were obedient unto his commands, but he did not reap that profit from their obedience which he expected. For ſince the People were told it threatned no evil, they apprehended and feared much more: The young Prince did imagin, that perhaps the Magicians found it foretold his death: ſo that both Court and People were in great diſorder: The King did all he could to teſtifie he harboured no ill apprehenſions in his minde: yet for all that in the midſt of the feaſting jollities, which were ſumptuouſly prepared for his diverſion, and diſguiſe of his melancholy thoughts, one might ſee him troubled, and his minde much diſquieted. His heart was poſſeſt with two Paſſions at once; Paternall affection [Page] towards a Sonne, contending with Jealouſie of his Soveraign Authority: ſo that it was eaſie to conclude, he was not at peace within himſelf: he loved the Crown as well as he did his Sonne; and perhaps was biaſſed on that ſide more then the other, as the ſequell preſently after made it appear; for adviſing with himſelf by what expedients he ſhould divert the young Ciaxares from his aſpiring thoughts, he concluded the beſt was to ſend him farre off from Court, where the Grandees of State were alwayes reſident, and who all lookt upon him, as one, who one day ſhould be their King, which was dangerous to a diſpoſition too apt already to hearken unto ill councell; yet this reſolution of removing him, was not without much anxiety and ſorrow: for he feared, leaſt this courſe ſhould more incenſe Ciaxares, for (ſaid he to himſelf) as long as he is with me, and under my eye, I ſhall need no ſpies to obſerve his actions, I ſhall my ſelf be a witneſs of them: but when he is in a farre off Country, whom ſhall I truſt to be his Protectour? may it not be well ſuppoſed, that many ill diſpoſed perſons will there ſpeak aloud, that which here they dare not ſo much as think? In concluſion Sir, when he had throughly argued the matter, and weighed every Circumſtance, he conceived he had found out a ſafer [...] then to remove him; for when he remembred, that the King of Cappadocia had but one [...]ghter living, under the tuition of the Queen her Mother, he thought that if he could bring about a Match between her and his Sonne Ciaxares, it would be an excellent way to remove him, without giving him any occaſion of complaint, and without any appearance of any cloſe deſign in it. Moreover, it might probably be conjectured, that the putting one Crown upon his Sonnes head, would ſatisfie his young Ambition, from aſpiring unto the other, and ſtifle all uſurping deſigns againſt his Father: To be ſhort, he apprehended ſo much advantage in this Match, as he bended all his endeavours to bring it about. I will not trouble you Sir, with relating all the Paſſages in tranſacting it, nor the rubbs he met withall in the negotiation; for I do ſuppoſe you are not ignorant of a Law in Cappadocia, which permits not their Kings to marry their Daughters unto any ſtrange Princes, leaſt their Kingdom ſhould become ſubject unto the dominion of a Forraigner; yet Aſtiages acted his part ſo well, and with ſuch good ſucceſs, as the Marriage was concluded: for he found it out by chance, that Ciaxares was born in Cappadocia: For the Queen his Mother going a Pilgrimage to viſit a famous Temple which was in that Country, fell ſick when ſhe was great with childe, and was delivered of Ciaxares within the confines and juriſdiction of Cappadocia. At laſt, he married his Sonne Ciaxares, unto this young Queen, whoſe Beauty and Virtue might be rated at a higher value then her Crown: As ſoon as ſhe was married, the Queen her Mother died: the People reſented her death as a puniſhment for not preciſely obſerving the fundamentall Law of the Land. Mean while, Aſtiages is ſecure, finding his Sonne wondrous well pleas'd with his condition. Alſo that the Crown of Cappadocia, and the Virtue of the Princeſs his Wife, did highly contribute unto his happineſs, and that Ciaxares ſo eſteemed of it. After this Marriage, all Pleaſures and Delights do bid adieu to Ecbatane: The young Princeſs Mandana, Daughter to Astiages, will needs depart from that Court, wherein ſhe was ſo adored; for ſince the abſence of the Prince h [...] brother, there was none could obtain any thing from the King her Father but by her interceſſion. Amidſt this calm ſerenity and univerſall quietneſs, Aſtiages had a moſt odd and horrid Dream, which is talked on by every one. As he was in conſultation again with his Prieſts, concerning the accidents of his Life; they told him, how they found, that all their former Prediction was in a likelihood to fail; but that infallibly, the Princeſs his Daughter ſhould have a Sonne, who would make himſelf Maſter of all Aſia, and by conſequence ſhould poſſeſs this Throne in lieu of his Sonne Ciaxares; and who, to conclude, ſhould cauſe a generall Revolution. Aſtiages, contrary to his old cuſtom, had much ado, to beleeve a Tale ſo unlikely to prove true, and for a long time rejected the Prieſts, thinking all their Predictions to be no better then lies, ſince they ſo failed in their firſt. But thoſe extravagant viſions, and operations of his phanſie did perplex him ſo many nights together, that he began to think again, that there might be ſome truth in their ſpeeches; yet this had not cauſed him to fear the menaces of theſe ſigns ſo much (though Dreams were much conſiderable among the Medes, eſpecially their Prieſts, who beleeved them to be the ordinary wayes, by which the Gods did communicate themſelves: unto men) if other ſigns alſo had not concurred, and augmented his fears, and ſeemed to authoriſe them. The Princeſs Mandana, who knew nothing of all theſe Paſſages, being one night in her Cloſet, which was illuminated by many Lamps of Criſtall, it was told her, the King her Father intended a viſit, for Aſtiages was reſolved to entertain himſelf with her, in hopes to temper his diſturbed minde, by the moderation of this Princeſs ſociety; who, without doubt, was as virtuous as [Page] ever any: He no ſooner was ſetled in the Room, but all the Lamps did immediatly of themſelves extinguiſh, only one which was juſt over the head of Mandana, which ſtill retain'd its light, and doubled that which all the other had loſt: Aſtiages, more troubled at this Prodigie, then at all his Dreams, conſulted afreſh with his Magicians, who aſſured him that this was an infallible ſign his Soveraignty ſhould ceaſe, and be all in ſubjection unto that one Son which Mandana ſhould be mother of, according unto the dreams which before they had interpreted unto him: The next day after when the Princeſſe was at the Temple, the Earth quaked, and all the ornaments of the Church fell to the ground, except the Image of a young Childe, which ſtill ſtood upright, holding a bow in his hand: The Magicians conſtrued this Childe to Embleme that which ſhould be born of Mandana, and become the love of all Nations, but abſolute Maſter of the moſt noble part of all the world. Since theſe accidents and reiterated prodigies, the heart of Aſtiages was all fear; The Princeſſe which before was his only joy, is now the cauſe of all his ſorrow; Yet truly he ſuffered not alone, for ſhe was ſharer with him, though in a far different manner; ſo that when ſhe knew what Expoſitions the Magicians had made concerning Ciaxares and her ſelf, this wiſe Princeſſe went to her Father, and moſt humbly deſired him not to trouble himſelf concerning her, for ſhe aſſured him, that if he thought it fit ſhe would never marry; and by that means the menaces which aim at him ſhould all become void; or rather then her life ſhould cauſe his diſgurſt, ſhe would reſolve her death, and think it a happineſſe to be a victim which would appeaſe the angry gods, and reſtore him unto his ſouls tranquillity: ſhe told him that ſhe thought it but her duty to value his ſatisfaction before her own life. When Aſtiages heard his daughter thus expreſſe her ſelf, in lieu of being moved at it, he did beleeve ſhe acted ſome peece of diſſimulation: and that it was ſome fears made her ſpeak ſo confidently: Moreover, he bethought himſelf of a Prince his Allie called Artambaſes, who was captivated by the beauty of the Princeſſe, and who entertain'd ſome far fetcht hopes of her favour. Aſtiages thought this Prince (who indeed was of a nature ambitious) might become the father of that childe which he ſo much feared, ſo that without returning any anſwer to what the Princeſſe had ſo ſubmiſſively ſaid, he ſternly commanded her not to ſtir out of her Chamber, and prepare her ſelf to be obedient unto whatſoever he ſhould command: The Princeſſe after ſhe had promiſed an abſolute, though blinde obedience, retired. Aſtiages remained in the room and in a moſt reſtleſſe minde: he could neither reſolve of his daughters death, nor put any confidence in her promiſe of never marrying: for (thought he) though her reſolution perhaps for the preſent be ſo, yet Artambaſes in concluſion will winne upon her, or perchance make head againſt me without her conſent; ſhe is young and fair, and by conſequence may be tempted beyond her green reſolutions, therefore it is dangerous to confide in her words; though I ſhould in cloſe her, Love will break the ſtrongeſt wals, and deliver her either by power or policy: If I ſhould let her be at liberty they would court her before my face againſt my will, ſo that I know not what to do, or what to think upon: but at laſt ſince he had no minde to deſtroy her, he thought it the beſt courſe to marry her, yet to marry her ſo as in all likelihood there might be no fear of what the Fares threatned. After he had a while thus wandred in his own diſcompoſed thoughts, he remembred himſelf of Cambiſes who lately ſucceeded in the Kingdom of Perſia by his Fathers [...] ▪ him Aſtiages thought moſt fit to be his guard from all his fears: For (ſaid he) I am ſure the Perſians are not ambitious: but they are juſt, and contented with their own, without any thoughts of enlarging limits: they ſecurely reſt themſelves upon the downy Bed [...] peace, and will never diſturb that ſoft repoſe in any hopes of uncertain conqueſts [...] I know Cambiſes in particular doth as much exceed other Princes in point of [...] as the Perſians in generall exceeds all other people of the world: He governs his [...] by Laws, not will: So that he is a father as well as a King unto his Subjects: Moreover the Kingdom of Perſia is not ſo abſolute but that it retains ſome ſhadow of a Common wealth, where many will not ſoon induced to undertake a war as one ſingle man may be: nor hath ambition ſo predominate an influence upon a Senate, as it hath over the minde of an abſolute Prince. In concluſion, Sir, (not to lengthen my Story with what is abſolutely neceſſary) be pleaſed to know that the King of Medes reſolved upon this Marriage, and preſently propounded it unto Cambiſes, who reſenting it with much joy, ſent his Ambaſſadors unto Ecbatane to court the Princeſſe. Aſtiages who himſelf procured the match, you may be ſure would not refuſe it, but preſently conſented, and ſent the Princeſſe his daughter into Perſia. She, according to her accuſtomed vertue, is all obedience, and in a ſhort time after, thought her ſelf the happieſt Princeſſe in the world, when ſhe found her husband owner of ſo many admirable [Page] qualities, and received from him ſuch ample teſtimonies of his affection towards her: To be ſhort, Aſtiages, according to all appearances, ſeemed to reſt in much ſatisfaction and ſecurity; and Ciaxares his Son was likely to ſucceed him in peace: Alſo the Princeſs his daughter was ſetled in ſo calm a Countrey, that according to all prudential appearances there was not any reſemblance of a war to ariſe: But this ſerenity laſted not long in the ſoul of Aſtiages: Mandana was no ſooner ſetled, but he repents of the match, and endeavours to get her again into his power. That which ſtir'd upon his jealouſie, and begot new fears was, becauſe all the ſacrifices which he offered unto the gods, did ſeem to be all rejected: And the Magicians who ſince his dreams had much buſied themſelves in contemplation of the ſtarres, and obſervation of other caeleſtiall motions, did all unanimouſly conclude, that the great Revolution which threatned Medea was at hand; and that they did every day more and more freſhly diſcover the malignancy of thoſe Conſtellations, which did portend a dire confuſion to it; Inſomuch as that there was more neceſſity to prepare how to endure it, then waies how to prevent it. Things ſtanding thus, Aſtiages ſends to entreat Cambiſes, that he would be pleaſed to permit the Queen his wife to come unto him. The Queen, although ſhe was well acquainted with the humorous diſpoſition of the King her Father, did deſire her Husband that he would be pleaſed, ſhe might have leave to pay this ſatisfaction unto him who gave her life, for ſince ſhe knew her Fathers reſtleſs ſoul, ſhe was in ſome hopes to qualifie him: And though ſhe loved Cambiſes infinitely, yet ſhe was contented, rather to leave him for a time, then cauſe a warre between him and her Father, which might chance to ariſe upon a refuſall, Cambiſes, although extreamly tender over the Queen his wife, was yet ſo complacentiall as to ſend her into Medea in an equipage befitting her quality: and to make her appear more Glorious in the Medean Court where ſhe was brought up, then before ſhe did; the King her Husband, conducted her to the frontiers, and there bad adieu with as much affectionate ceremony as is imaginable: As for Mandana, ſhe feared the King her Father would keep her for the ſatisfaction of his minde, and to free himſelf from all his jealouſies and fears, ſo likewiſe her ſoul was ſenſible of much ſorrow, when ſhe feared alſo that her Husband would not ſo part with her: but for this time they parted, Cambiſes to Perſipolis, and melancholy Mandana to Ecbatane, where at firſt ſhe was received with abundance of Joy, ſo that Aſtiages was more at hearts eaſe then he could have imagined: Before ſhe was married, many diſſwaded him from it, but now ſince ſhe was married and ſo far from her Husband, he could not conceive any thing poſſible to diſturb his quiet. He foreſaw that if he ſhould retain her long, and ſhe deſirous to depart, perhaps a warre might thereupon ariſe 'twixt him and the Perſian, but he valued that leſſe, then to ſee Mandana in a condition to have a Sonne: ſo then all was fill'd with welcomes, feaſts and jocundary; inſomuch as the Princeſs began to be in ſome hopes ſhe ſhould be deceived in her former fears. Yet amid all theſe pleaſant diverſions, her health began to impair, and viſible marks of indiſpoſition appeared in her complexion: ſhe beleeved the cauſe might proceed from her wearineſs in her journey, or from the change of (though her native) air; only it might be her reſentments of her Husbands abſence; but within a little after, ſhe certainly perceived ſhe was with childe; and this troubled her ſo much as ſhe fell abſolutely ſick: for ſhe concluded it queſtionleſs, that her Father would not ſuffer her to return in that condition: and if ſhe ſhould ſo chance as to be delivered of a Sound in Ecbatane, the beſt of her expectations would be an exchange of his Cradle for a Priſon, or ſo ordered that ſhe ſhould not have the diſpoſe of her own Childe. Sometimes ſhe imagined her Husband angry with her for concealing from him her Fathers humour, and ſo [...] troubled thoughts did diſturb her as ſhe ſtood in need of all her Conſtancy to concealed Melancholy: Mean while, ſhe reſolves to conceal her Condition as long as ſhe can: [...] keeps her Chamber continually, and for the moſt part, her bed. A while after ſhe complains of the Air in Ecbatan: and intends a requeſt unto the King her Father, that ſhe may return into Perſia, or elſe that he would be pleas'd to permit her, to go unto a fair houſe in the Country, about ſome five miles from Ecbatan, conceiving that place was moſt fit to conceal her condition in: But as ill-luck would have it, one of the Phyſicians which came to viſit her, diſcovered the truth, in ſpite of all her care to conceal it: for ſhe often complained of ſo many untrue diſtempers, thinking thereby to delude them, and divert them from knowing the true cauſe, as made them more inquiſitive. The Phyſician, hoping to be a welcome intelligencer, told Aſtiages ſhe was with Childe: ſo that when the Queen preſented her deſires unto her Father, ſhe was hanſomely denied and told, this was much better Air, ſo that if ſhe were in Perſia ſo ill as ſhe is, he would wiſh her in Medea for recovery of her health; this being both her native, and incomparably better Air then that [Page] of Perſipolis, therefore he would by no means have her think of return: That he would moſt willingly conſent unto her deſires of going into the Country, if he could be perſwaded it were better, for Ecbatan had more pleaſant Gardens by much, and the Court was fitter for diverſion of her melancholy, then any Country ſolitude could be: therefore he deſired her to remain where ſhe was. Preſently after, all her women about her are removed, and others put in their rooms: The time of her delivery drew neer, and Aſtiages is fuller, if fuller poſſible can be, of new fears: In few words Sir, Mandana is delivered of a Sonne; and timorous Aſtiages cauſeth his confident Harpagus to take it, with expreſs charge to carry it cloſely into ſome remote Mountain, and there leave it amongſt Tygers in the wilderneſs: This Prince was ſo inhumane, as he would have preſently killed him, but the Gods reſtrained him from a fact ſo foul: Harpagus being ſomewhat leſs cruel then he, would not at that time do it, but faithfully promiſed it ſhould be done: and not daring to be ſeen in the deſtruction of this Infant, he committed it unto the execution of a Shepherd called Methridates, who dwelt at the bottom of a great Mountain in the wilderneſs, whom he ſent for, and commanded him to do with this Childe, as he had received charge. And be pleas'd to know Sir, that this Shepherd carried this Childe away, which was the faireſt that ever eye beheld: During the time that this Shepherd was at the Town with Harpagus, his Wife chanced to be delivered of a dead Childe: the Shepherd brings this live one to her, which preſently began to Laugh upon her, ſhe took in her arms, and forſaking the Corps of her own dead Childe, took the care of this fair Little one, and would never let her Husband reſt untill he conſented: As for the dead Childe, he threw it out amongſt the wilde beaſts, to be there torn in pieces. This poor Nurſe whoſe Name was Spaco, thought no more of the dead one, but reſolved to become Nurſe unto the other who ſhe knew to be of ſome high quality, by the Mantle in which the Childe was lapt, it being made of cloth of gold. You may ſee Sir, It had been an eaſie matter for Methridates (living at the foot of a deſart mountain far off, but towards the north of Ecbatane, and the Euxean bridge) to have put this Childe to death, and never fear diſcovery in a place ſo rude and deſart: And you know Sir, as well as I, that all the parts of Medea towards Aſpires, are mountainous wilde forreſts covered with woods, and fill'd with ſalvage beaſts. Be pleaſed Sir to know further, that this Methridates, putting his own dead Childe into the Cradle which was very rich, and which brought Mandanaes, ſhewed it unto thoſe which Harpagus ſent thither to ſee it: Theſe men taking it, carried it unto their Maſter Harpagus, who having acquainted Aſtiages with it, received orders to entomb it amongſt the Kings of Medea. Thus you ſee Sir, the Sonne of a Shepherd in a Royal Sepulcher, and the Sonne of a great King in a Shepherds poor Cottage: Know alſo, how Aſtiages cauſed it to be divulged about the Court, that Mandanaes Sonne died of ſome diſeaſe, and told the ſame unto the Princeſs: he ſent alſo unto Cambiſes to condole the loſs: But poor Mandana all this while, although ſhe did more then ſuſpect the truth, yet ſhe with much ado continued in her Conſtancy, and took no notice: And though the deep melancholy which dwelt in her eyes, did witneſs as much, yet ſince it could not be helped, ſhe would not diſcover the cauſe, nor infuſe any jealouſies of it into her Husbands thoughts. The better to colour her grief, ſhe deſired the ſecond time leave to go into the Country, which now without any repugnance is conſented unto: And Astiages ſent afterwards unto her, to let her know, that if ſhe pleaſed, ſhe might return into Perſia; for he had this conceit, that it was the firſt Sonne of Mandana, only whom he had to fear, which being ſecured, he was then glad to be rid of the Mother, whom if ſhe ſhould detain any longer, would by her extremity of ſorrow draw a thouſand reproaches upon himſelf. As ſoon as this Liberty is obtained, ſhe preſently returns to Cambiſes, unto whom ſhe opened not a ſyllable of her troubled ſoul, but attributed the alteration of her Complexion unto her abſence from him, and her ſorrowes for the death of her Sonne. I am forced Sir, to be a little longer then is fitting in the relation of my Maſters ſtrange Infancy, who though all this while in a poor Shepherds homely Cottage, was notwithſtanding Apprehenſive of thoſe Glories which belong unto a Kingdom: Be pleaſed Sir, to know in few words, that this young Prince, though then unknown unto himſelf or any elſe to be one, did then act the part of a King, and cauſed himſelf to be called ſo amongſt all the neighbours Children, which played with him when he was but ten years of age: He made himſelf feared, loved and obeyed amongſt them, as if he had been really their abſolute Prince; One day, having puniſhed one of the boyes whom he called ſubjects, for ſome offence committed, the Father of that Childe ſo puniſhed, chanced to be an Officer in the Kings houſe; who coming to the knowledge of this paſſage, and wondring that this young poor Shepherds Sonne ſhould act the part of [Page] a King ſo well, told Aſtiages of it, and infinitely extolled the beauty and boldneſs of this Childe: The King caus'd him to be ſent for, and asked the Childe why he puniſhed the other boy: the Childe did return ſo quick an anſwer, as ſtruck the King into a wonder, ſeeing him ſpeak unto a King with as much confidence, as if he had been among the boyes: Moreover, Aſtiages was infinitely aſtoniſhed, to ſee this Sonne of a poor Shepherd, ſo much reſemble his Daughter Mandana, as never two were more like: Indeed, he had ſome ſecret ſuſpicions in his ſoul, which told him, it was the ſame that he ſuſpected him to be. In concluſion Sir, Aſtiages could not be ſatisfied, untill he ſent for the Shepherd himſelf out of his Cottage, and asking him in a terrible tone, and with ſtern looks, where he got this Childe; the poor ſimple Methridates, thinking the King had known the paſſage, and being terrified with the Kings looks and queſtion, confeſſed the whole ſtory. The King, in ſpite of all his fears, could not chuſe but like and love this admirable Childe; and after he had aſſembled all the Magicians, they told him (whether it was the truth of their thoughts, or whether it was their pity which moved them to diſſemble, I know not) that the Royalty which this Childe had exerciſed over the boyes, was an infallible ſign that the Gods had heard their prayers, and that all the Dominion which this young Prince ſhould have over the Medes, was limited and confined unto that which he hath exerciſed over the boyes, ſo that there need no more fears of him: They further told him, that the Gods do ſometimes threaten great Princes by theſe Prodigies, only leaſt they ſhould forget that duty which they owe unto them: and in concluſion they told him, that if he would be pleaſed to follow their advice, he ſhould ſend this young Prince unto the King of Aſſiria his Father. Aſtiages who conceived many affectionate thoughts of this Childe, was glad of the advice, and being himſelf of a weak ſoul, relied much upon the judgement of theſe Magicians, and was fully perſwaded, that this imaginary Royalty, was the fulfilling of his Dream; and truly Sir, as the caſe ſtands now with Artamenes, it is apparent that Astiages has no reaſon to fear Cyrus: yet though he permitted this young Prince to live, whom he named Cyrus, he would not pardon Harpagus, for he baniſhed him the Court and Kingdom: This man, who would neither be abſolutely pittifull, nor abſolutely cruell, is left without ſupport or refuge, and compl'd to the rigor of a long exile. Nevertheleſs (as I know you are not ignorant) Aſtiages ſent Cyrus unto Cambiſes his Father, writing this excuſe unto him, That to prevent certain malignant Conſtellations which threatned this Childe, he out of his affection was forced to hide him, and cauſe his ſorrowes in divulging him dead; but this ſorrow will quickly change it ſelf into a double recompence of joy, when he ſhall ſee him living, ſo well, and ſo amiable. Cambiſes received him with unexpreſſible joy; and the wiſe Mandana gave as many thanks unto her Father Aſtiages, as ever ſhe received cauſes of diſpleaſure from him; though ſhe had learned the truth of the ſtory by the information of Harpagus, who was fled thither and told her all, in hopes thereby to procure himſelf Protection. And though ſhe could not be convinc't, that Aſtiages was ſo innocent as he made himſelf, yet by the knowledge of what was paſt, ſhe was inſtructed how to prevent the like for the future: Mean while, the young Cyrus is in Perſipolis: for joy of whoſe welcome, both publike and private Sacrifices are made throughout all Perſia; and for whoſe Education, all men of high parts throughout the whole Kingdom are imployed: When Ciaxares heard of theſe paſſages, he ſent unto Cambiſes and the Queen his Siſter, to congratulate their good Fortunes in finding their Sonne; and he writ in a high Complement unto the Queen, how he wiſht his Daughter Mandana might hereafter become worthy to be the Miſtris of Cyrus, whoſe fame fil'd all the world: This young Princeſs was born unto the King of Cappadocia, about three years after the birth of Cyrus, and had the Name of her Aunt Mandana given unto her? Now Sir, to tell you how young Cyrus was educated would but abuſe your Patience, for his high atchievements ſince, does ſufficiently demonſtrate it unto all the world: I ſhall only tell you, that both the King and Queens endeavours were with all poſſible care to infuſe ſuch good diſpoſitions as now appears to be in him: For all men finde, in all his actions and all his words, ſomething ſo ſweet, ſo high, ſo complacentiall, and ſo full of goodneſſe, as it is an abſolute impoſſibility to know him and not to love him. He was marvellous well proportioned, exceeding fair, and as this charming Symmetry did from his very infancy appear in all parts of his body, yet his ſoul and ſpirit was infinitely above it. Perhaps you know, that in Perſipolis there is a pleaſant, ſpacious place, called the place of Liberty, in one Quarter thereof ſtands the Kings Palace: None inhabit within this ſquare but Grandees, and wiſeſt ſort of Perſians: for wiſedom in that Nation is no leſſe valued then Nobility by deſcent, which alſo is in very high eſteem: It was within this famous Quadrangle, wherein none but [Page] perſons of great wiſedom and Nobility did live, that the young Cyrus was educated. Amongſt us, all private men do breed their children with as much care as if they were to be all Kings, and are perſwaded that to be men, and to be virtuous are terms inſeparable: Cyrus coming out of a poor uncouth ſhepheards Cottage, unto this moſt famous and learned Academy: it was a wonder that nature ſhould furniſh him with as much prudence and wiſedom, as if he had been brought up here from his Cradle. He had for his Tutors in vertue, the wiſeſt which could be cull'd out of the Old Doctors: Active young men for the exerciſe of his body, and a younger ſort for his recreation, which were well educated in all virtuous qualities: Great care was had to prevent all ſorts of vicious perſons from coming about him, leſt they ſhould chance to corrupt his own naturall ſweet inclinations, for they knew well, that if the ſoul of a Prince who muſt rule over a People be once poyſoned, the people alſo will be infected, though here he ſaw none but examples of goodneſſe and vertue. Moderation, Liberality, Juſtice, Valour, and all the vertues were ſo eminent in him, and got him ſo much applauſe among the Perſians, that they extol'd him as a Childe ſent from Heaven rather to inſtruct, then be inſtructed by them: But I fear Sir, that I have already tranſgreſſed my limits, and by conſequence abuſed your Patience, eſpecially thoſe Perſians which hear me, becauſe perhaps they know theſe things better then I my ſelf. My Maſter lived in this Quality until his ſixteenth year of Age, And then Fortune began to offer him opportunities of diſcovering the greatneſſe and generoſity of his ſoul, both in his words and Acts; And to put in practice that greatneſſe of ſpirit which his youth did promiſe: you remember Sir, how Harpagus was baniſhed by the King of Medes for not exactly obeying his commands in putting to death this young Cyrus; This exile had formerly been of great power in Medea, being ſo in ſuch favour with the King as he made him Governour in one of his greateſt Provinces: This man did endeavour to reconcile himſelf unto Aſtiages, but all in vain: he was in this diſcontent forced to travel from Court to Court to finde out protection and relief from thoſe Princes which were enemies unto the King of Medes; and being ſome certain daies diſguiſed in Perſipolis, found out an opportunity to diſcover himſelf: His habit was Perſian, he mingled himſelf among the multitude which waited upon the Prince to hunt, and having the language of the Countrey paſſable enough, he was not known to be a ſtranger. Cyrus was lively and active at the ſports, and none are leſſe tyred, or more bold and forward at theſe ſports then he, either in following the Chaſe, or aſſaulting the wilde Beaſt at a Bay: He drew a bow, threw a dart, and uſed a ſword admirable well: he was alwaies victor in the publique games, and bore away the prize; but to return to Harpagus: he did follow Cyrus very cloſe at this great hunting whereof I ſpoke; and waited upon him ſo near, when the Prince followed a wilde bore ſo eagerly and faſt through the thick of the Forreſt, leſt he ſhould loſe ſight of the bore, as none of all the Perſians was able to follow, only Harpagus: Cyrus overtook this wilde Beaſt, bent his bow, and ſhot an arrow through his heart: After this Victory, whereof Harpagus only was a witneſſe, he ſat down, and reſted himſelf until ſome of his own ſervants came in upon a bank cloſe by a little brook, which ran acroſs the Forreſt in that place: In all theſe chaſes it is the cuſtome of the Countrey for Hunters to carry a Bow, a Quiver, a Sword, and two Javelins: This gallant young Hunter wore them all, and his Buckler alſo, for them alſo they uſe in hunting as well as wars; Ys he was thus ſitting, Harpagus drew near him: Cyrus who had not yet ſeen him, took him for a Perſian, began to ſhew him the Prize, and cried out, I have killed him, I have killed him: but Harpagus, kneeling upon the ground, told him, that he knew how he might obtain a more glorious victory then this: The Prince, thinking the man had diſcovered ſome greater Bore then this which he had killed, roſe up, and asked him heartily whether he ſhould go to get this victory? Into the head of an Army of thirty thouſand men (anſwered Harpagus) which I come to offer unto you; ſo that if you pleaſe to accept of it, you may make your ſelf Lord of a Kingdom: Cyrus aſtoniſhed at his words lookt upon him more earneſtly then before, and ſuppoſing he had ſeen him formerly, Who are you (ſaid he) that make this gallant offer? I cannot yet think my ſelf worthy of it, ſince my valour was never tried againſt any but Bear, Bores, Lions and Tigers? I am Sir (ſaid he) one that is ſent by the gods to tender you a brave opportunity of getting immortall glory. If all be true you ſay (ſaid Cyrus) ſhew me the way I muſt take, and let it be as difficult as it can be, I will follow it with all alacrity. I have already told you Sir (ſaid Harpagus) you muſt repair unto the head of an Army of Thirty thouſand men, which wait for your commands, and to conquer when you bid them. It becomes not him to command (replied Cyrus) who hath not yet learnt how to obey, it is far fitter I ſhould be their Companion then their Generall. [Page] But I pray you (Noble Stranger, whom I think I have ſeen before though not remember you) tell me where this Army is, and who they are, alſo who is the Enemy, and what the Kingdom you would have me conquer. Sir (anſwered Harpagus) I am not at all unreaſonable in my deſires, when I wiſh your aſſiſtance againſt a King who hath baſely broken the Laws of humanity againſt a Prince who is both the Love and Wonder of all which know him; A King I ſay who hath acted againſt Nature, Reaſon, and Juſtice; who by an ill governed ambitious jealouſie would againſt all humanity or conſcience take away the life of ſuch a Prince, in whoſe behalf I now ſalute you; It is in the Behalf of a hopefull, young, innocent Prince, and againſt ſuch an unnaturall unworthy King I deſire to animate you: It neerly concerns your own honour to condeſcend unto my deſires: Your deſire (anſwered Cyrus) is too full of juſtice to be denied: And not to keep me any longer from this Army which you deſire I ſhould repair unto; Inform me who is this barbarous King, and who is the injured Prince: for I do much wonder ſince I have been ſo carefully informed of all the prime paſſages of the world, I ſhould not gueſſe at them both: Sir (then anſwered Harpagus) you are the Prince which owes revenge. Yes, (ſaid Cyrus.) And by whom Noble Stranger can I be injured? I who have hardly yet begun to live, I who ever ſince I firſt breathed have been rockt in a Cradle of ſlumbering Peace, who never had enemies in all my life, and who never yet was enemy unto any, but ſuch wilde beaſts as theſe which infeſt the Forreſts? Sir (replied Harpagus, who perceived ſeverall Hunters to come from ſeveral Quarters of the Wood:) If you pleaſe to go a little further into the wood, and lend me your audience, you ſhall underſtand that you have enemies, and more terrible ones then you imagine; ſuch, as if you do not make open war upon them will make a ſecret one upon you, and that in ſuch a manner as may perhaps become moſt fatal to you. Cyrus, according to his deſire, ſtept ſome twenty or thirty paces into the Wood, and beckned with his hand unto thoſe which followed, that they ſhould not approach; Then looking moſt attentively upon Harpagus, Is it poſſible (ſaid he to him) that what you tell me can be true? and that you ſhould know my life better then I do my ſelf? And ſince you have told me who the Prince is, pray tell, who is his enemy? Sir (anſwered Harpagus) the King of Medes is he, who endeavoured to kill you, and who will yet kill you, if you kill not him firſt. How (ſaid Cyrus, more amazed then before) is Aſtiages my enemy? and is there a neceſſity I muſt be his? no, no, (ſaid he) it muſt not be; but if he have any enemies, I pray tell me them, that in his behalf I may fight, and overcome them, if I can. But to undertake a warre againſt him is a thing I neither can, nor will, nor ought to do. Aſtiages is Father of that Queen whoſe Son I have the houour to be, and I muſt look upon him as one who gave life unto her who gave me mine: neither can I forget how he treated me, with many teſtimonies of his affection to me: It was he who had a tender care of my life at my birth, and cauſed thoſe reports of my death to no other end, but to make me live: It was he who brought me out of the poor Shepherds homely houſe unto a Princes Throne; It is he who hath deſerved my Love, my humble requeſts, and good opinion. Cyrus having ended his reply, Harpagus deſired leave to ſpeak, and related unto him the whole paſſages, of which the Prince had hitherto been ignorant, for the Queen his Mother ſpoke not a word of it unto him ever ſince his return: Harpagus began then to aggravate the cruelty of Aſtiages, and to aſſert the truth of his information, by this infallible proof, that he himſelf was the man, who received that bloody command to kill him, from the mouth of Aſtiages: yet he durſt not tell unto Cyrus, how he left him with Methridates to do it for him; but he rather related, as if he was the means whereby he was preſerved: at laſt he told him, how he had received Intelligence from the Province of Paretacenes, that if he would pleaſe to command all thoſe forces which they would bring into the field, and Perſonally appear amongſt them, all Medea might eaſily be conquered: Cyrus hearkened very attentively unto this diſcourſe, and paus'd a good while before he anſwered: at laſt, he ſaid to Harpagus with a countenance more dejected then before; I know not Harpagus whether I ſhould be angry with you, or whether I ſhould thank you, but I am ſure you have made me very ſad, in telling me that I ſhould be the innocent ſubject of that Princes injuſtice, in whoſe Honour I have ſuch an intereſt: But Sir (anſwered Harpagus) your own Honour ought to be conſidered in the firſt place: Therefore it is (replied Cyrus) that revenge is not permitted me: Cruell friend, ſaid he to him; what Propoſitions do you come to make me? you offer me an Army, which I have a deſire (but dare not) to accept of? you tell me of an Enemy whom I muſt not fight with; and you propound ſo many juſt and ſo many unjuſt things all together, that it is impoſſible but my thoughts muſt waver at them: Yet know Harpagus, though I have ardent deſires of Glory, [Page] to become Famous, and to Conquer Crowns, at leaſt deſerve them, yet I cannot now accept of your offer; And though I am arrived at that age which ought to give ſome tokens of valour, yet it is requiſite as well that I give ſome teſtimonies of my Temperance; Hah Harpagus, what would you have me do? why did you not tell me of ſome lawfull Enemy? Sir (anſwered Harpagus very coldly,) I had thought that the King of Medes injuries had been convincing reaſons for you to diſpenſe with thoſe obligations of Conſanguinity, which otherwiſe would have required reſpect from you: but ſince I am (it ſeems) deceived, it becomes me Sir to be ſilent, and to be no more ſenſible of thoſe affronts which are put upon you, then your ſelf are: and ſince you are pleaſed to teſtifie your temperance ſo far, as to forget your own injuries, I ſhall perhaps (whilſt I paſſe the reſt of my dayes in exile for ſaving you) be ſorry that Cyrus, Sonne to the wiſe Cambiſes, and virtuous Mandana, ſhould ſink under the wrongs of the King of Medes, who without all queſtion will attempt upon his illuſtrious life either by Poniard or Poiſon: upon Cyrus, I ſay, from whom ſuch high acts are expected, and who may now if he had but a minde, take a full revenge, prevent the ſtorm, preſerve the Perſian ancient Laws and Liberties, become Lord of a large Kingdom, and perhaps of all Aſia; him whom the Gods by ſo many Prodigies do invite unto Soveraign Dominion, and act as I propound unto him; and who tell him that if he undertake this warre, if he ranſack all Medea, conquer all the Land, and mount into the Throne of Aſtiages, he then does no more, but what is juſt, and the pleaſure of the Gods for him to do. If it were their pleaſure to have it ſo (anſwered Cyrus ſharply) they can tell how to bring it to paſſe without my entermedling: However, I do not conceive it Juſt, and I am reſolved never to wear a Crown upon unjuſt termes. Kingdoms are not got without Combat (anſwered Harpagus,) and Glory is a Cruel Miſtris, which will never be enjoyed by any but ſuch as Court her in a field full of dangers. I ſhall expoſe my ſelf unto dangers enough (replied Cyrus) in not deſtroying him whoſe deſign is to deſtroy me: But let me entreat your Patience Harpagus, untill we can do it more Nobly, and if I be not much deceived, I ſhall acquit my ſelf with more Honour in this innocent warre within theſe woods, then in that: Mean time, to make it manifeſt, that I am indulgent towards Aſtiages, ſo I will be juſt to you, know, that if you ſhall inform me of any other, who ſhall be culpable of the like injuries, he ſhall not eſcape my revenge: For your part, Harpagus, ſince you would not conſent unto my death, nor put the cruel commands of Astiages into act; I will preſent you unto the King my Father, and the Queen my Mother; this Court ſhall be your Sanctuary, Provided that you do not hereafter propound any thing which may divert my duty to Aſtiages: I ſhall think it was the heat of your zeal to ſerve me, prompted you unto theſe unjuſt Propoſitions: and I ſhall conſider that as it is my duty to reſpect my enemy, ſo I ſhall think my ſelf obliged to gratifie him who preſerved me from his injuries. But Harpagus ſaid he with a more pleaſant aſpect, it is not now a convenient time to talk more with you, and I am very ſorry to break off any diſcourſe of Wars, Combats, Victories and Triumphs. After theſe words, this miraculous Childe turned towards the company; and Harpagus being raviſhed with the wiſdome of ſo young a Childe, accepted of his offer, only deſired him that he would be pleaſed to acquaint the Queen his Mother, and know her pleaſure, before he appeared in Court; which Cyrus did alſo promiſe him: thus Harpagus parted from him, and mingled with the multitude; and Cyrus alſo went away with intentions to follow the ſports no longer. I then had the Honour to be neer him, and was appointed by the King and Queen, to have the particular care of him: And Feraulas whom you ſee here, being but too years elder then Cyrus, waited upon him as a Playfellow, being very fit for ſuch a purpoſe, and of a cloſe reſerved inclination. Feraulas was the firſt, who obſerved how the minde of Cyrus was troubled, and coming unto me, who at that time did not minde him; Sir (ſaid he to me) methinks the Prince is very reſerved, and melancholy upon a ſudden, from whence ſhould this change ariſe? I know not (ſaid I) nor did I perceive he has had any miſchance all this day: Perhaps (ſaid he to me) the man whom I ſaw talking a long time with him in private, hath told him ſomething which hath angred him. As we were thus diſcourſing, Cyrus came neer us, and ſaid, Chriſantes, I would ſpeak with you; all the company then kept their diſtances, and the Prince began to tell me, in a low voice, all which Harpagus told unto him, with his anſwer unto it: he told it me with ſuch gravity, wiſdome, generoſity and ſpirit, as really I was amazed, and lookt upon him as a miracle: When he did expreſs that Joy which he apprehended when Harpagus offered him an Army of thirty thouſand men: Oh Heavens, with what unwillingneſs did he refuſe it: and when he would ſhew his ſorrows, that it was not permitted him to accept the offer, he expreſſed it to the life: I cannot beleeve any man of greateſt wiſdome and higheſt [Page] parts that ever this age produced, could with more prudence, wiſdome and nobleneſs, detertermine upon a matter ſo nice and curious, as he did upon a ſudden. He repented him though of his promiſe to protect Harpagus, and of preſenting him unto the Queen his Mother; for, thought he, if ſhe ſhould know of her Father Aſtiages his cruelty, it would but become her torment, and it would be an infinite grief unto him, to be a cauſe of hers. In concluſion, he ſaid unto me, Pray Chriſantes tell me, whether I have done well or no, and give me your counſel what I ſhould do in the buſineſs; for (ſaid he) although I dare truſt unto my own Courage, yet I dare not conclude too much in my own Prudence and diſcretion, ſince I have not yet attained unto ſuch years of experience as I dare truſt my ſelf: When he had ended, I gave him his deſerved commendations, and told him, I thought all he ſaid was very well: but as for acquainting the Queen with what Harpagus told him, I did not conceive why he ſhould not: Take it upon your ſelf then Chriſantes (anſwered he,) as for my part, I confeſs it goes againſt the hair of my diſpoſition to tell ſo bad a ſtory: I promiſed him that I would; When we came to Perſipolis, Cyrus went unto the Kings Lodgings, and gave me opportunity to go unto the Queens: I acquainted her with the Adventure, and it moved her unto much Joy and much ſorrow, for ſhe deſired to keep the Prince ignorant of Aſtiages her fathers cruelty: alſo ſhe did much rejoice that her Sonne was ſo rarely qualified, and had returned ſo wiſe an anſwer. Upon the whole matter ſhe charged Cyrus to ſpeak nothing of it unto the King his Father, ſince it was irrepairably paſt, and would but moſt unprofitably vex him. As for Harpagus, ſhe thought it but juſt to protect him; and that it was neceſſary to detain him ſtill in Perſea, in order to the Reconciling him unto Astiages: for ſaid this virtuous Princeſs, although the King my Father was too too blame, yet I am his Daughter, which is argument enough, for me to preſerve him to the utmoſt of my power; therefore Harpagus muſt not upon any terms depart a malecontent; ſince he has thirty thouſand men at his devotion, which may kindle ſuch a war in Medea as may prove its ruin: It were better Policie to let this my own Country be his Sanctuary, then another Princes, who by his power and Intelligence, may become prejudiciall unto me and my Father alſo. Alas, alas (ſaid he) what croſſe Fate is this? Harpagus, as he is Rebel to my Father, ſhould be my fo; but as he preſerved my Sonne, muſt be my friend, and deſerves protection. The King of Medes, as he is my Father, I owe him all obedience and love; but as he is my Sons enemy and would deſtroy him (if I may ſay it,) I do hate him. What think you Chriſantes? how can I reconcile theſe things? In concluſion, after ſhe had well weighed all circumſtances, ſhe reſolved to move the King her Husband for Harpagus his Protection, as one who had been an ancient ſervant unto her Father the King of Medes; and whom he baniſhed for ſome cauſe which afterwards ſhe would deviſe: and to ſtay him in Perſia as long as they could, leaſt he ſhould cauſe a war in Medea: But withall to contrive it ſo, as that he ſhould dwell in the Country, and not appear in Court, leaſt the entertaining of him ſhould become offenſive unto Astiages. She gave me an eſpecial charge, to prevent his coming near young Cyrus, leaſt he ſhould corrupt his thoughts: All things are tranſacted according to theſe Reſolutions: The Queen is extreamly fond of her Sonne, and commends him for his diſcretion in his carriage of the buſineſs; Harpagus is civilly treated, and preſented unto the King her husband; afterwards ſent unto one of the Kings faireſt houſes, with orders taken for his ſubſiſtency, and kept continually in hopes. All this while, Aſtiages is not rightly compoſed in his minde; but ſtill fears leaſt the menaces of the gods ſhould be ſeconded with ſome diſaſterous effects: He had Spies conſtantly at Perſipolis, who gave him intelligence of Harpagus his arrival and reception; and how he had Conference with the Prince in the Forreſt; for afterwards, ſeveral Perſians knew Harpagus, and divulged it: He alſo had advertiſement how the Province of Paretacenes, whereof Harpagus had been Governour, ſtood affected, and that he had opportunity to make head, if he had a diſpoſition to it: He had alſo ſeveral Informations, of ſecret Aſſemblies and Conſultations, the Cauſes whereof he was ignorant: All this, coming at one time to him, from divers places, added to his own timerous diſpoſition, did cauſe him to reaſſume his former fears and inquietudes: He aſſembled the whole pack of the Magi; they conſult afreſh with the Gods and Starres; they pray, and offer Sacrifices; upon the reſult of all, they tell Aſtiages, that they would never fail in their fidelity, nor conceal what they diſcover in the Starres and Victims, which ſeemed to portend nothing but deſtruction and change, and that preſently: for doubtleſs ere long the effects would follow the malignant ſigns: there needed no more to wound the ſoul of that Prince who was alwayes naturally apt enough to beleeve them: and who by other concurring circumſtances did too apparently ſee the probability of what the Magi told him. [Page] Ciaxares his Son was yet King only of Cappadocia, and had one only daughter. This jealous Prince apprehended that if young Cyrus had any deſign in forging, he might much more eaſily put it in execution then if Ciaxares had a Sonne, knowing well enough that the people do commonly more affect a King then a Queen: Moreover Harpagus being fled into Perſia, who had ſuch a ſtrong Faction, and good intelligence within his Dominions, it was therefore to be doubted things would not ſucceed well upon that ſcore. Thus Aſtiages, fearing every thing, and ſuppoſing his own ſhadow to be a Plot: and apprehending not only things ſemblable, but alſo abſolute impoſſibilities, he became the moſt wretched man that ever was. The Queen of Perſia had alſo intelligence of all her fathers diſtempers; for as he had his Spies in Perſipolis, ſo had ſhe hers in Ecbatan, who every hour advertis'd her; and who upon this news renewed her ſorrows. It was her pleaſure to honour me ſo far as to diſcover her fears, and tell me how ſhe doubted the King of Medes her Father, being prompted by his old Paſſions, would take ſome violent deſign in hand to deſtroy her Son Cyrus; her experience of things paſt was a ground for her jealouſie of things to come: I diverted her Paſſion as much as poſſible, but ſhe being a woman of a high and apprehenſive ſoul, it was not eaſie abſolutely to remove her reſentment, ſince there was ſo much reaſon in it, ſince Aſtiages might act ſuch a thing in ſome cloſe private manner as we could not foreſee. However, ſhe commanded me to have an extraordinary care of Cyrus her Son, and to prevent his hunting as much as I could, but not to let him know the reaſon; for it might be imagined that if Aſtiages had any Plot upon his life, he might there in wilde Forreſts finde a fit opportunity for it. I promiſed my obedience, and found it no great difficulty to obſerve her order: for ſince the laſt time of hunting Cyrus became ſo deeply melancholy, ſo as that which before was wont to be a pleaſant Recreation, did now but augment his humour: Yet notwithſtanding he was of ſuch a natural and ſweet Complacency, that when I attempted to obſerve the Queens Commands very punctually, I was not denied my Requeſt unto him: for as he deſired one day to hunt, more for cuſtome and company then any delectation he found in the ſport, I told him that I had ſome advice to give him, which I humbly beſought him might be well accepted: he aſſured me that he would ever follow my Counſel without contradiction; Then I told him that as hunting in his younger years might be allowed him as his buſineſſe, ſo on his riper years of diſcretion, it ſhould be uſed ſeldome and as a recreation only: therefore it would appear an act of wiſedom to forbear it, or at leaſt uſe it not ſo often as he was wont. Your Advice good Chriſantes (ſaid he to me) is very good: and it is not long ſince I did entreat Feraulas to aſſiſt me in contriving ſome ingemous waies, wherein I might more nobly imploy my time. Sr ſaid I to him, Feraulas deſerves the honor of your love, and his advice is to be asked. But I conceive it no great difficulty to finde oud many waies wherein your hours might be better ſpent then in hunting Chriſantes (ſaid he to me) it is not ſo eaſie as you imagine. Whileſt we were thus in diſcourſe, the Queen ſent to enquire for Cyrus, ſo that the hunting and our Diſcourſe both, were at this time prevented. Some few daies after, the King took a journey about ſome great buſineſſe, which would be a Moneth before his return: he left the Queen and Prince both at Perſipolis, with orders to ſtay there until his Return: After he was gone, Cyrus would hunt no more, but was compoſed all of gravity and ſadneſſe: I preſſed Feraulas to tell me the cauſe of his Melancholy, but I could not get a ſyllable out of him what the Prince had told him. I urged him again, and that ſo importunately, as at laſt he told me how Cyrus complained he could not endure this idle kinde of life, and often lamented it unto him: after this, the Prince grew to be of ſo dull a complexion as he was not knowable; The lively features which formerly moved adoration in all the Ladies of the Court, are all dampt and vaniſht: his thoughts run no more of hunting, his ſtudy is muſing and penſiveneſſe: He forgot his exerciſes of darting, ſhooting, and the like: Solitude is the only life he leades: The Queen was much troubled at this alteration: And many times told him of it, but his anſwers were, that ſome ſleight, ſimple indiſpoſition had produced theſe effects in him, and humbly deſired her not to trouble her ſelf about it any more: Harpagus all this while, he chears up himſelf in hopes that when Cyrus is elder, he may then chance to exchange ſome of his affection for ſome ambition; which might then afford him ſome opportunities of acting that which he was now but plotting. Thus being the ſtate of things, I one day obſerved the Prince more penſive and ſad then ever: and ſeeing he refuſed all manner of recreations or ſociety, I ſaid unto him, Sir, you have ever heretofore done me the honour to beleeve me whenſoever I took the boldneſſe to advertiſe you of any thing which might conduce unto your good: I perceive that of late you have habited your ſelf unto ſuch a quite contrary courſe or life then that which [Page] you were accuſtomed, as I cannot chuſe but ask the reaſon: Have you not often told me Chriſantes (ſaid he) that the joys of children ought not to be the buſineſſe of men? I have told you ſo indeed Sir (anſwered I) but yet there is a great deal of difference between playing the childe, and doing nothing at all. 'Tis true Chriſantes (anſwered the Prince) if I ſhould do no more hereafter then I do at preſent, I were not worthy to live; yet the unhappineſſe of my condition doth in this intervall, give me leiſure to contrive waies of changing my idle courſe of life. Why Sir (ſaid I to him) do you ſay your unhappy condition? Are you not the Son of a great King and a great Queen? Doth not fortune ſo much ſmile upon you as that you are beloved of your Subjects and feared of your enemies? You, I ſay, who ſhall one day be poſſeſſor of a great Kingdom, where ſuch a laſting peace is ſo ſurely ſetled as nothing can diſturb it: you whom the gods have adorned with ſo many admirable Qualities, of ſo generous a minde, ſo ſublime a ſoul; all whoſe inclinations are noble, whoſe perſon is admirably handſome, whoſe ſtrength ſo incomparable, and whoſe proportion of body, moved by ſo couragious a ſoul may eaſily prompt you to the moſt heroike actions. Suppoſe I were all theſe you tell me (anſwered Cyrus very quickly) and that they were ſpurs to quicken me unto high actions, and that the gods have given me ſuch qualities to employ them in common, poor, idle things, am I not then the moſt unhappy man alive to make no better uſe of them? If I ſhould continue this courſe of life long, poſterity would not know that Cyrus ever lived: No no Chriſantes, I am not ſo happy as you think me, eſpecially ſince the time that Harpagus talkt with me in the Forreſt: Let me tell you, I have endured ſuch anguiſh of ſoul ever ſince, as you would pity me if you knew it: and I would acquaint you with it, if you will promiſe to be faithfull and obey me; Sir (ſaid I to him) I ſhall never fail in my fidelity, and I will promiſe ever to obey you ſo far as your commands are juſt. I deſire no mote (ſaid he) then looking upon me with ſuch an aſpect as would win the heart of a ſavage man, My Dear Chriſantes (ſaid he) if you knew the torments of minde I have endured, I am ſure they would move compaſſion: Harpagus you know motioned a war unto me, and I refuſed it. Doth it repent you Sir? (ſaid I, interrupting him,) No, (ſaid he) but it troubles me that any man ſhould propound any difficult buſineſſe unto me, and I not in a condition to accept it; not to diſſemble with you, If I had followed the ſuggeſtions of my own minde, I ſhould not have been eight daies after that croſſe accident, but would have found out ſome ware in ſome Countrey or other, that I might thereby make it apparent unto Harpagus and all the world how the only reaſon why I refuſed his motion was, becauſe I thought it unjuſt, and not becauſe I thought it difficult or dangerous: Who knows (ſaid he) whether Harpagus will think it cowardiſe or temperance in me? I am now of age wherein my valour may be ſuſpected; and I ſhall never reſt ſatisfied until by ſome honourable and dangerous adventure I have juſtified my ſelf, and redeem'd my honor: This is it Chriſantes, I am infinitely weary of my idle, nor can I underſtand why you ſhould commend me as you have done unleſſe it were to rouſe up my dull ſoul unto ſprightly Action. It hath been my Leſſon never to be weary in any Action I ſhall undertake, and that delicacy is a crime: I have been taught that Valour is eſſentially requiſite in a Prince: and how he ought to fight, to know the uſe of his Bow, his Spear, his Buckler, his Sword; but to what purpoſe are all theſe if he never uſe them? what good is there in ability of body to endure hardſhip, if I ſhould be ever treading in the ſmooth pathes of the Courts tranquillity? What uſe can I make of my Valour, as long as I am lul'd in a laſie Peace? What ſhall I be better for combating with wild beaſts, which know nothing but as nature teacheth them? In ſhort, Chriſantes (not to conceal my ſoul from you) I conceive the ſapient documents and inſtructions, which have been infuſed into me, do all authoriſe the deſign which I reſolve upon as ſoon as ever I can get an opportunity for it; And what is your deſign, ſaid I to him? I would (anſwered he) leave the lazy Court, and travel into Aſſiria, and from thence into Phrygia, or any place where I ſhall hear there is any war: I have a deſire to inſtruct and improve my ſelf to the beſt advantage, I would learn to know my ſelf, and all the world. Your Deſign is great (ſaid I) and proceeds from a moſt Noble Soul; But Sir, ſuch deſigns as theſe ought not to be ſo lightly and inconſiderately taken up: I do not well know (anſwered Cyrus) how ſhall I take it, ſince fortune doth oppoſe me; but this I know, that I will employ the utmoſt of my power to undertake it: Good Chriſantes, Let me entreat you not to diſſwade me, for all you can poſſibly ſay will be in vain; I am throughly reſolved upon it: I am not ignorant of that duty which I owe unto the King my Father, and unto the Queen my Mother, I am infinitely tender of them both, but yet my deſire of honour and love of glory is above both. Whether you allow or diſallow of this Reſolution, beleeve me, Dear Chriſantes, [Page] I will finde out a way to put it in execution, or death ſhall be the only obſtacle which can hinder me. Cyrus pronounced theſe words with ſo much active animoſity, and with ſuch heroick violence, as I paws'd and wondered, and could not anſwer: his eyes more then ordiuary ſparkling: his complexion more vermilion; every part ſo agile, and his diſcourſe ſo poſitive, that there was no contradictions to be thought upon. I muſt confeſs, I did much honour this budding virtue in him; and I could not contend, with what I ſo much liked and admired: In concluſion, I deſired eight dayes time for conſideration, not liking to undertake a matter of this conſequence too raſhly, but I had much ado to obtain it, for he was reſolved to be gone whilſt his Father Cambiſes the King was in his progreſs: Then Sir, I did think my ſelf ſtrangely entangled in the buſineſs: I did perceive by the Queens intelligence from Ecbatane, that the fears and jealouſies of Aſtiages did rather much encreaſe, then any thing diminiſh: and I ſaw that this violent, ſcrupulous and ſuperſtitious Prince, would either deſtroy Cyrus, or declare a warre upon Perſia; and that it was impoſſible to prevent the one of theſe two: I preſently addreſt my ſelf unto the Queen, and told her, that I diſcovered every day more and freſh diſcontents in the Prince her Sonne, and moved her to perſwade the King her Husband, that the Prince her Sonne might undertake ſome Travels; and in a diſguiſe ſee the world, be acquainted with the Manners of other Countries, and remove from under that malignant Conſtellation, which in this place, at this time was ſo predominate. But ſhe anſwered me, That ſhe thought Cambiſes, being perſwaded the Manners of the Perſians, were more virtuous then thoſe of other People, he would therefore never conſent unto it, unleſſe he had ſome ſtrong Arguments to induce him thereunto: yet as for her part, in conſideration of the King her Father his humours, ſhe did not much diſapprove of the motion: I perceived ſhe had ſome inclinations that he Sonne ſhould be removed, but, that her Maternall tenderneſs, joyned with her deſires of concealing her Fathers cruelty from Cambiſes knowledge did impede it: and that this was her only reaſon which hindred her from abſolute conſenting to his departure: both ſhe and I did conceive much likelihood of producing good effects, provided he were ſo hanſomely diſguiſed, and not diſcovered by the Spies which Aſtiages had lurking in every corner of Perſipolis: Moreover, ſhe conſidered that the King of Medes her Father was old, and of a mutable diſpoſition: therefore it might ſo happen, that during her Sonnes travell, he might either die, or alter his minde, when he knew that he, who was the cauſe of his fears, was far enough remote from being in the head of any Army, to trouble him: and ſince he was ſo giddily travelled without any Accommodations or Train proportionable to his quality. And though the Queen did well enough reſent and underſtand all this, and confeſſed it, yet the preſence of her Sonne was ſo deer unto her, as ſhe could not fix upon this harſh reſolution, however ſo full of reaſon. I, pondering all theſe Circumſtances, and knowing that Honour was the only motive which prompted Cyrus to this deſign, alſo conceiving it the only prudential courſe for the preſervation and maintaining of Peace between theſe two great Kingdoms, then I reſolved without diſcloſing any of theſe reaſons unto the Prince, to conſent unto his deſire, and I my ſelf to be a partaker of his Fortunes, and a witneſs of his vertues, from which I expected high atchievements. Certainly it was not without great reaſon that I concealed from him the cauſes of all our fears which we apprehended of his Life, if he had ſtayed any longer in Perſia; for doubtleſs if he had known the truth, he would quickly have alterd his reſolutions, and would not have quit the Name of Cyrus for that of Artamenes, which now I adviſed him to take upon him, I cannot expreſs the joy this Prince was in, when I went unto his Chamber and told him, that he had overcome me, and that I would conſent unto his deſires, upon condition he would promiſe me, that in all the voyage, he would be pleaſed to promiſe me, to condeſcend unto mine, and be rul'd by me: Indeed, I never in all my life ſaw ſo many ſigns of full ſatisfaction, as appeared in his looks: Ha, my Chriſantes (cried he out, and embracing me) ſince you have conſented in this, fear not but I will obey you in any thing. Let us go; let ut go upon any conditions; for as long as you ſhall demand nothing but what is juſt and honourable, be confident, I will never diſobey. In concluſion Sir (not too much to abuſe your Patience,) it was reſolved, that Cyrus, and I, and Feraulas (from whom he had not hid the deſign,) and two other ſervants, ſhould be all the number. As for our ſubſiſtence, we took with us all the Princes Jewels, which were not a few nor common ones, though the Perſian Nation does openly profeſs to contemn all ſuch magnificent ſuperfluities; but the Queen following the cuſtom of her own Country, brought with her a vaſt number, and gave the moſt and beſt of them unto Cyrus her Sonne, who ſeldom wore them, unleſſe at publike Feaſts and grand Ceremonies, intending to poiſe himſelf between the magnificent Mede, and [Page] the moderate Perſian. We put up all theſe Jewels, and pretending to Hunt with a ſmall number, we did prolong the Chaſe until night; then diſperſing our ſelves in the Forreſt; and meeting at an appointed Rendez-vous, we took our way and began our voyage; the horrid ſequel where of affrights me when I think upon it: But before our departure, the Prince writ unto his Father, asking pardon for departing out of the Kingdom without his leave: He wrote another Letter alſo unto the Queen his Mother upon the ſame ſubject; and without acquainting me, he left a Note to be conveyed unto Harpagus; in which he told him, that though he had refuſed his offer, yet he ſhould ſee ere long, by what Rule he ſquared his Actions: As for my part, I thought it not good for me to write unto the Queen, leaſt the King ſhould come to ſee what I writ, and gather ſomething out of it, which the Queen would have concealed. Now Sir, Cyrus muſt ceaſe to be Cyrus; and under the Name of Artamenes you ſhall underſtand ſome of his glorious Acts. After we had layn three dayes in the wildred Forreſt, where we chang'd our habits, and travelled three nights, we arrived at Suſianes; that way ſeeming more ſafe then the other to paſſe into Aſſiria, of which you know Babylon is the Metropolis; a Town, then of the greateſt ſplendor of any that ever was. But Sir, it befits me not to ſpeak of it before you, ſince you all, except Thraſibulus, contributed to the deſtruction of it, and therefore are not ignorant: I will only tell you, that though Artamenes had no intentions to take part with the Aſſirian againſt the Phrygian, becauſe the Aſſirians were the old enemies of Aſtiages; yet we went thither to ſee the Court, which then was the greateſt and moſt pompous in all Aſia. When we approached neer it; the object did much delight Artamenes. As we paſſed along the banks of the River Euphrates, we admired the ſituation of this proud Town, which ſtood between two of the moſt famous Rivers in the world, Tygris and Euphrates. Here, paſſed by us, two men talking together, how that the Queen was poſſeſſed with great Joy, and great ſorrow, both together: Artamenes did overhear them; and you muſt know Sir, Cambiſes had alwayes a great deſire that his Sonne ſhould be taught the Languages of all the prime Nations in the world: It was his cuſtomary Speech, that it were very ſtrange a Prince ſhould not underſtand the Language of that Nation from whom he would entertain an Embaſſadour: ſo that both Artamenes and I underſtood that Language: Artamenes then underſtanding what theſe two men ſaid, addreſſed himſelf very civilly unto them, and asked them in their own Language: What did the Queen ſo much joy and ſo much ſorrow at? The one anſwered; That her joy was, becauſe about ſome eight dayes ſince, the tedious warre between the King of Aſſiria and the King of Phrygia, was happily ended: a happy Peace was concluded upon advantagious termes, and joyfully proclaimed about ſome two dayes ſince: But the joy of this great Queen, who ſolely governed the Kingdom ſince the death of the King her Husband, although ſhe had cauſed the Prince her Sonne to be crowned King, this joy I ſay was turned into great ſorrow; the reaſon of it is, becauſe ſhe having but this only Sonne, whom ſhe intended to marry unto the Daughter of a Prince called Gadates, with whom this Peace was concluded, and whom this Prince could not affect, was gone from the Court, and none knowes what is become of him. After the man had thus ſatisfied the Princes demands, and the Prince returned thanks, the man took his way and we ours: But when I lookt upon Artamenes, and found him all ſadneſs, What Sir (ſaid I to him) have you any ſuch intereſt in the buſineſs of the Queen Nitocris, as that you ſhould be a partner in her grief? Chriſantes (ſaid he to me) Although I know this Princeſs to be the glory of her Sex, and the fame of her Name and Virtues moves me to a high eſteem of her, yet it is not her ſorrow troubles me moſt; but I am vexed at the giddy fantaſticalneſs of my fortune: I come hither to ſeek for a warre and finde all huſht up in Peace: I thought to finde a turbulent Country, turmoild in confuſions and diviſions; and behold, all compos'd into tranquillity: I hearkened for the ſhrill ſound to Trumpets, and I hear nothing but acclamations of joy: I went to the Court to ſee how the moſt potent Prince of Aſia lived in this moſt ſtately Town, and it ſeems hee's fled, and nothing but Cries and Tears where I expected ſuch Magnificence: But Feraulas (ſaid he turning towards him,) this ſhall diſquiet me no more, and if other buſineſs troubled me no more then this, my heart would be more at eaſe: Feraulas, as well as I, did cheer him up, and told him, that the diſgrace which he apprehended concerning Harpagus, was nothing, nor ſo great as it ſeems he thought it: yet notwithſtanding we went into Babylon, and obſerved it with much circumſpection: The Prince viewed the Fortifications, and I was amazed to hear with what judgement he ſpoke of thoſe things in which he had never been verſed or inſtructed: The Martial humour of this Prince, caus'd us to ſtay longer upon ſuch things then any other: He did moſt ſeriouſly view the prodigious walls of the Town; the Motes and Ditches [Page] full of water which inviron'd it; the hundred gates of braſſe, which ſhut and opened into it; the River Euphrates which added much ſtrength unto it: He lookt upon theſe more preciſely then upon the magnificence of the Kings Palace, or the rare Gardens, which may be ſaid to be in the aire, becauſe they are over all the Houſes and all the walls: Nor did he much minde the Temple of Jupiter Belus, which you know is one of the greateſt Rarities in the world: In all his walks, and all his Journeys, all his thoughts, and all his diſcourſe was all of warre: If I were to take this Town (would he ſay,) I would aſſault it on that ſide: And when he ſaw a great Plain which had any riſing ground about it, he would tell me, that he ſhould be Maſter of the Field, if he gave battle unto the Enemy from that piece of ground: Thus did we view Babylon; and becauſe many things were very remarkable, we ſtay'd a moneth in it: During which time, we often ſaw the Queen, who doubtleſs was one of the greateſt Princeſs in the world: It was ſhe which built that magnificent Bridge, that huge piece of work, whereby ſhe turned the courſe of the River Euphrates, which hath ſince cauſed much ſorrow unto Artamenes: Notwithſtanding her grief for the abſence of her Sonne, yet ſhe did not deſiſt from the work, but we ſaw her every morning and evening, go her ſelf to haſten it on, which has rendred her famous unto Poſterity: In this Court we ſaw Mazares Prince of Saces, who ſince, was much engaged in my Maſters Adventures, and has cauſed him a thouſand ſad diſaſters, ſuch as was like to be at the Price of his Life. Artamenes one day thinking upon Nitocris and her great work, turned to me and ſaid: This Princeſſe makes me wonder at the induſtrious care which ſhe takes about this work: Certainly her aims in it are all for Fame and Glory; But poor I have not yet done any thing to advance my honour. Diſquiet not your ſelf Sir (ſaid I to him) ſince you are yet but young and cannot complain of any loſt time, you have much before you, and will have occaſions enough to make you talkt on: At laſt we ſatisfied his impatience and left Babylon, becauſe we had intelligence that there was ſome ſigns of a war began to appear between the King of Lidia and the King of Phrygia: But as I was not ſo forward as he to run into danger, ſo I endeavoured to ſtay him until ſuch time as the wars were publiquely declared, yet to travell both the Countries without engaging on either ſide: at my deſire he conſented, when he call'd to minde his promiſe of being ruled by me all the voyage: and he reſolved to perform his word though with much repugnancy: So we travelled thoſe Countreys which were governed by thoſe great Princes, and Artamenes, though as impatient as any to have his arms on, yet was perſwaded by me: It muſt be acknowledged that the Greek Nation hath many advantages above others, and if it were united as it is divided, and if thoſe which dwell in the ancient Countrey would concurre with thoſe who inhabit Aſia, then perhaps they would teach obedience unto all them which they term Barbarians: Well Sir, after we had ſeen many places, which would be over-tedious to relate, we came to the Town of Milete, which we found to be very factious, ſome lamenting their Prince which others had depoſed, and thoſe others plotting how to prevent his ever-reſtauration, leſt they ſhould be treated as Traitors: We ſaw the Towns of Mius and Priennds both of them within Caire: We went afterwards to Claſſomenes, to Phocius, and Epheſus, where the beautiful Temple of Diana told Artamenes, that our own Nation might be aſhamed they did not build ſuch another, but that they ſhould ſo offer their ſacrifices upon the tops of mountains: Concerning that, the beſt works of all the Sons of men were yet farre too unworthy to be the houſe of God. Certainly this Temple is a peece ſo magnificent, that it well deſerves the name of the worlds wonder. We underſtood that the late King of Lidia named Alliatte, Father of Craeſſus, who now reigns, had great devotion unto this place, and how he ſent hither offerings ſo rich as the Temple of Delphos had not the like, although it was fam'd all over the world, and more ancient then that of Epheſus: We underſtood here alſo, that the Inhabitants of that Famous Town were not well pleas'd with Craeſſus, as they were formerly with his Father, having ſome jealouſies he intended war upon them: Artamenes ſtayed here ſome daies longer then intended, purpoſely to d [...]e into the buſineſſe: During which time we could not chuſe but wonder at the multitudes of ſtrangers which reſorted hither to conſult with the Oracle. I moved Artamenes to enquire concerning the ſucceſſe of his voyage and fortunes, yet he would not, but told me that he had more reverence unto the gods then to pry into their ſecrets, nor was it fit to ſatisfie fond curioſity ſo far as to fore-know his future Fortune: yet that which chiefly reſtrain'd him (as I conceive) was his fear not to finde that in the anſwer of the gods, which he ſo much deſired, to wit, Glory, and the occaſions to acquire it, War: but the Event of things did ſhew how his fears were falſly grounded, and that the Deſtinies would have told him nothing but of his Victories and Triumphs: Whileſt we were at Epheſus, [Page] we converſed with many Grecians which came to that place, ſome out of Devotion, and ſome Curioſity: amongſt the reſt Periander King of Corinth came hither in diſguiſe, and lodged in the ſame place with us: Many terms of Friendſhip paſt betwixt him and me (if it become to ſay ſo of a Soveraign.) This wiſe Prince whoſe wiſedom was in higheſt eſteem throughout all Greece, had ſo great a phanſie unto Artamenes, as he forced me to promiſe him, as ſoon as our affairs would permit, to travell unto Corinth. After we had paſt over all Chaire and part of Lidia, we viſited both high and low Phrygia: in the firſt of theſe we ſaw that great Town of Apameus, and in the other the mountain Ida, the Port of Tenedos, the River of Xanthis, and the deplorable ruines of Troy; Artamenes ſtaied here with much delight, and viewing the places where the valiant Hector and famous Achilles fought, he could hardly ſtir off it: at laſt we paſt on, and behold the Tomb of this Demigod. As we came into Jonia, we procured a man of the Iſle of Samos, who being a great Scholar, well travelled, and very knowing in all Antiquity, became our guide, and ſhewed unto us all that was rare: Artamenes asked him a thouſand Queſtions concerning Troy and its Leaguer. There remains yet ſome ruines of the two Marble Caſtles which neither the Flames nor old Time had yet demoliſhed. The Prince was much pleaſed with the ſight, and went over all the Ruines, and Rocks, and over the Famous Rivers of Scamander and Simois. This Countrey, which heretofore did flow with Noble bloud, ſeemed now to be a Land conſecrated unto the gods of Peace; This Learned Grecian which we had with us, told us that Periander whom we had ſeen in Epheſus, was not the only wiſe man of Greece, but that the Nation was now as full of wiſe and excellent men, as in the daies of Agamemnon, Ʋlyſſes, and Neſtor. This commendations moved Artamenes to have a great deſire of going thither. So that we ſeeing the wars in Phrygia proceeded no further, I perſwaded him to paſſe into Greece, to which he conſented, and we went. To begin with the moſt famous firſt, We came to Athens, which we much admired, as well for that Famous Port of Pireus, as the excellent order of Laws here eſtabliſhed by a man of great wiſedom whoſe Name was Solon, and who did voluntarily baniſh himſelf ten years for his own Countrey: To the end his Laws might thereby not be changed, he having obliged the Citizens by Oath to obſerve them until his return: Artamenes came here acquainted with Piſiſtrates, who as ſome ſaid became Tyrannicall; Whileſt we were at Athens, there was a flying Report that Solon was in the Iſle of Cyprus. ſo that I confeſſe I did forward Artamenes his deſire of going thither, as well to ſee that fair Iſland ſeated in the Aegian Sea, alſo that Famous Temple of Venus, as to be acquainted with that prudent Graecian, but we were not ſo fortunate as to finde him there, yet it was Artamenes his good fortune to contract friendſhip with a Prince called Philoxippes, a man of high ſpirit and great vertue: But I will not trouble you with every particnlar paſſage of our Voyage, and omit many Iſlands which we ſaw in the Aegian Sea; I will only tell you that after our coming to Athens, whether my Maſter promiſed Philistaates to return, we went to Lacedemon, which government did not pleaſe him who thought all the Earth too little to fill up the chinks of his ambition. This Great Soul, thought two Kings in one Kingdom incompatible: At laſt we come to Delphos, Argos, Micenes, and Corinth, where we were magnificently treated by the wiſe Periander: for this gallant man ever thought the Laws of Hoſpitality inviolable, and that ſtrangers could not be welcomed with too much Civility: It was his pleaſure that the Princeſſe Cleobuline his daughter, whoſe beauty and wit was fam'd throughout all Greece, ſhould honour Artamenes with her converſe: he was as exact in the Greek tongue as any Native. Periander to entertain him cauſed Arion (that famous Muſician as well for his excellency in that Art as for the Dolphin which preſerved him) to play before him. I will trouble you no more Sir with many remarkable paſſages, and how my Maſter did infinitely better himſelf by the obſervation of the ſeveral Manners and Cuſtomes of thoſe people and places where he came: But in the Concluſion of all, I muſt tell you, that at the Port of Corinth where men from all parts arrive, there we came to know, that the war between Lidia and Ionia was now broke out and publiſhed, and that the ſtorm which had long hovered, was now fallen upon them: Upon this Artamenes becomes all Impatiency till he were in Arms, and preſently reſolved for Epheſus, there to engage with them againſt Craeſſus their Enemy. In taking leave of Periander he told him how deſirous he was to recompenſe the Graecians for the Civilities which he had received from them. So Periander fu [...]niſhing us with a well tackled Ship we put to Sail with a favourable winde. Artamenes thought now he had met with an opportunity to put that prodigious valor, which nature had infus'd into him into practice: his deſire of glory did elevate his ſoul ſo high, as that he was wrapt into a heaven of unimaginable joy? But Fortune which had made him wait ſo long for an opportunity, [Page] did now offer him one which he looked not for, and which was like to have proved very fatall unto him; for ſuddenly a Marriner cried out, he diſcovered four Sail of Ship coming towards them, and if we looked not well about us, they would immediatly fetch us up: The Pilot he lookt, and was more diſmayed then the firſt: for he diſcovered that it was certainly the valiant Pirate who made up to aſſault us. Pardon me, Generous Thraſibulus, (ſaid Chriſantes, and breaking of his Story) If in following my Narration exactly, if I give you a Name which was ſo much renowned in all the Seas where we paſſed. No no (ſaid Thraſibulus to him) I think never the worſe, that you ſhould give me a name which my ill Fortune made me aſſume, and which perhaps better Fates may render more conſiderable upon the Aegian, Helleſpont, and Euxian Seas, and which may wipe off all that infamy which waits upon the Quality of a Pirate: Continue on your Story, and omit not the leaſt circumſtance which relates unto the Story of Artamenes. Chriſantes, ſeeing Thraſibulus ſilent, and all the Princes prepared for attention, he went on. The Pilot then being confident it was the valiant Pirate which came with reſolutions to ſet upon us, without any further order endeavoured to ſhun all encounter, and fly from ſuch an enemy as alwaies uſed to conquer; eſpecially ſince their number ſo exceeded us: which Artamenes no ſooner ſaw but he took hold of him with one hand, and hold of the ſtern with the other; No no, ſaid he, thou ſhalt not be Maſter of this Ship if thou beginneſt to run away; Mark me, if thou doſt not immediately carry me ſtraight unto the enemy, I will throw thee into the Sea, or run thee through with my ſword: The Pilot as well as I was ſo amaz'd at his violence, as he threw himſelf at his feet, and ſaid, that he did not think he would undertake ſuch an enemy as there was no hopes or poſſibility of overcoming: Do as I bid thee, ſaid Artamenes, and leave the reſt to the gods and my courage, When I heard the Prince ſay ſo, and having learned from the Marriners how the famous Pirate was mighty ſtout; Sir, ſaid I to him) what do you mean to do? I will either conquer or die, ſaid he, and will not looſe this firſt opportunity which Fortune [...] to make uſe of my valour: But Sir (replied I) how can you conquer where there is neither poſſibility or hopes of it? Have I not told you (ſaid the Prince) if I cannot conquer I can die; and I had much rather do ſo then fly and not fight when I have occaſion offered: Sir (replied I) to retire from an enemy too numerous and ſtrong, is not a diſgraceful flight, but a prudent and honourable retreat, and you ought not to mix raſhneſſe and valour together: Diſcretion is the better part of valour; I know not how to make theſe faint diſtinctions (ſaid the Prince very roughly to me) I am afraid to be deceived by them in a buſineſſe which concerns my honour; the ſurer way is to fight, and that I'le take: Therefore (ſaid he, ſpeaking to the Souldiers and Mariners) I heartily deſire you all to prepare your ſelves for fight, and imitate me: During this Argument the four Ships which gave us chaſe, and were much better Saylors then we, were come ſo near us, that I ſaw there was no way but to prepare for defence: and it was not to be imagined that the Prince would now retreat or ſubmit without combat: Then I began to aſſiſt the Prince in giving orders: And after we had commanded them all not to row when we were almoſt within Oar-reach of the Ship, and the Pilot to make towards their Admirall, Feraulas and I rankt our ſelves next him: I muſt needs give this Teſtimony of his vertue, never was ſeen more conſtancy and alacrity in ſo great a danger, as appeared in the ſoul of this young Prince; He had got ready by him a Bow, a Quiver, abundance of Arrows upon his ſhoulder beſides ſome in his hands, alſo many Darts and Javelins, but he thought ſo little of a Buckler and of any danger, that he had wanted it, if I had not brought him one juſt when we began to accoſt the enemy: All this while the Renowned Corſaires ſees our inequality, and thought to take us without a blow, but Artamenes is of another minde, and inſpires mettle into the Souldiers and Mariners, and commands the Pilot to make towards the enemy who doth ſo punctually obey, that we were preſently within reach of each other; ſo that in lieu of Vailing Bonnet as Corſaires did beleeve we would, we ſaluted him with a Cloud of Arrows which killed many of his men whom we ſaw tumble down upon the Deck; This bold attempt made the Pirate conclude, that either ſome man of a moſt high courage was in the Ship, or elſe ſome deſperate enemy who would die fighting without ſubmiſſion: He being thus incenſed with our bold affront, begins to order himſelf like a Souldier who knew how to fight: He commanded all his Ships to encloſe us round, that ſo he might the more aſtoniſh us and take us without boarding: yet do what they could it was two hours at the leaſt before he could compaſſe us, and if the Prince would have been contented with fighting thus upon ſuch unequal terms, and have retreated without an abſolute victory, he might eaſily have avoided that danger wherein afterwards we were ſurrounded; for at laſt theſe four Ships (in ſpight of all our Pilots art) did compaſſe us about, [Page] and fell upon us with ſuch fury, as we fought in darkneſſe, by reaſon of the ſhowrs of Arrows which covered our Ship, and fell upon our her heads. Artamenes ſeeing it thus, commanded [...] to make at the Admiral and aſſault him: we all obey, we grapple, we bord him, and begin a fight, the like was never ſeen: Artamenes leapt into the Ship of Corſaires, at the ſame time when the Pirate leapt into his: ſo that in an inſtant of time theſe two Generals were amidſt their enemies: The fight is now moſt ſtrange; and that happened upon this accident, as the like I beleeve will never do again: for we were all very attentive unto Artamenes, and when he leapt unto the Pirates Ship, all of us leapt after him, except ſome few that were repulſed or killed: on the other ſide, the Souldiers of Corſaires did the like, and followed their Captain with the like fury that we fellowed ours. By this confuſion Artamenes became Maſter of Corſaires his Ship, and Corſaires Maſter of Artamenes: At their firſt entrances they both rejoyced and thought they had been Victors, but when they perceived their errour, and that they had only changed Ships: Artamenes by menaces made the Mariners of Corſaires Ship obey him; Corſaires did the like with Artamenes Mariners; they then began to fight afreſh, and ſtrive to reenter into their own Ships: The fight is furious, and this odd chance did a while prolong it, and our deſtruction; for the three other Ships of Corſaires did not perceive this changing chance, as well becauſe they were far off, as becauſe of the chick clouds of Arrows: therefore they move not a finger againſt the Ship of their Admiral in which we were, but they aſſault our Ship in which Corſaires was; ſo that he could neither defend himſelf nor offend us; My Maſter knowing him to be the Chief of the enemies, did undertake him ſingle, with ſo much vigour and reſolution, as none ever ſaw the like: And all the Mariners who were Spectators of the Combat, did aſſure us, that Artamenes more then twenty times entred the veſſel: and the Valiant Pirate did the like before any advantage on either ſide did appear; All after their example puſht the Pike, ſhot Arrows, and did ſlaſh with ſwords: As for Artamenes, he uſed all theſe weapons: for when he was far off he ſhot Arrows; when nearer he us'd the Pike; and when joyned, his Sword was not idle: The truth is, he was ſo admirable at them all, as I could not beleeve it to be him: Preſently after, the three Ships diſcover their error, and fight no more againſt their Maſter: but fall all pelmel upon us: Now when Artamenes ſaw no hopes of any thing but periſhing; and ſpying Feraulas and I near him, (Feraulas I ſay, of whoſe valour I will not ſpeak in his preſence) he turned towards us all in a fury, and ſaid, I ſee, My Friends, we cannot overcome, but if you will ſecond me, the Pirats ſhall pay very dear for their Victory; After this, what did he not do? or what can I ſay more then is truth? Though he ſaw the Ship beſet round with enemies, and though he found their Commander Corſaires of great courage; and though he ſaw moſt of his own men which remained alive almoſt all wounded, and himſelf alſo received a wound with an Arrow upon the left ſhoulder, yet for all this he was not at all diſmayed; he was ſometimes at the Prow, and ſometimes at the Poop of the Ship: Here he puſht a Pirate into the Sea, there he kild another with his Sword at one blow; and ſo beſtird himſelf that one might well know he was incapable of ſubmiſſion: All this while, Feraulas and I had the misfortunes to be ſo wounded, as we were carried out of the combat; Feraulas having two wounds with a Javeline through both his thighs; and I, two cuts with a Sword upon my right Arm: Yet for all this, though Artamenes ſaw he was quite loſt, and heard me cry unto him, that it was no diſhonour to render himſelf a Priſoner, and that the Pirate would ſave him; and though he ſaw the Deck covered with bloud, and dead men, yet this Imp of Mars, this inflexible heart of ſteel would not ſurrender, but fought on with more violence then before: In concluſion, a Valiant Greek, who was very eminent for combat, did grapple with him; they both tumble into the Sea: Then did all the Souldiers which were alive ſubmit, and the Pirate now having no enemies to reſiſt him, did ſee ſome 30 paces off his Ship the invincible Artamenes; who ſwimming with one hand, and holding his Sword in the other, did yet maintain fight againſt that Valiant Grecian, which tumbled into the Sea with him, who ſeeing Artamenes lance alwaies againſt him with much courage, began a terrible ſtrong Duell: This Greek being elder, much ſtronger, and leſſe wounded, did better reſiſt the violence of the waves, which ſometimes did ſeparate them, and ſometimes brought them together, ſometimes ſeemed to choak them both, and end their quarrell in triumphing over both; the like Combate was never ſeen upon Land: I leave you Sir to imagin what effects this wrought upon my ſoul, who by reaſon of my wound in the Arm, had loſt ſo much blood, as I could not move or help; Imagin, I ſay, what I thought when I ſaw this excellent Prince in ſuch a condition: I know not well what my deſign was, but I remember how I would have thrown my ſelf into the Sea, but was not able: at laſt the Pirate being [Page] charmed with the valour of Artamenes, and ſeeing him in this danger, commanded five or ſix of his men to take a little Boat and ſave him: Theſe men did preſently obey his command; and making towards Artamenes, commanded the ſtout Greek to forbear Combate; whereupon, he got into their Boat, and changed his deſires of killing, into endeavours of ſaving Artamenes. They did their beſt to catch hold of him, which they could not have done, if he had not been much wearied with ſwimming, and had received another wound in his right Arm againſt the Point of a Rock which was inviſible within the water: he ſtrives to ſwim faſter, and accoſt this Boat; and a violent wave wreſted his Sword out of his hand: as he was about to dive for it, thoſe which were in the Boat, catched hold, and drew him in; brought him abord the Ship, and preſented him unto the renowned Pirate, who received him with a generoſity beyond example; and ſaid unto him, Have I fought with ſo poor a courage, that you think me unworthy to be both your Conqueror and deliverer? You have fought (anſwered Artamenes) with ſo much Courage, that my fears of never equalling you make me deſpair, and I care not for receiving my Life from that man whom I would have killed and could not. The inequality of your number (anſwered the moſt illuſtrious Pirate very ſweetly) does juſtifie your valour ſufficiently, and gives excuſe enough unto your defeat: if I ſhould Triumph thus again, I ſhould never Triumph more: and I finde my victory ſo deerly bought and honourable to you; that if there were a Proſe to be given unto the Conqueror, I would give it unto you, and not aſſume it unto my ſelf: When he had ſpoken thus, he gave command that there ſhould be as great a care of Artamenes as of himſelf: And after he was informed whoſe this ſhip was, and underſtood them to be meer ſtrangers, whom Curioſity only brought into Greece, then he treated us with much more ſweetneſs then before. I ſhall not now tell you Sir, of all the Civilities which this Noble Corſaires uſed towards Artamenes and us all, becauſe the honoured Thraſibulus knows it well enough: I ſhall only tell you thus much: that if Artamenes had been his Brother, he could not have expreſſed more indulgence: My Maſters wounds were not dangerous, Corſaires was the worſe, but both quickly healed: yet Feraulas and I could not ſo ſoon recover. Now, although Artamenes could not comfort up himſelf with any honour he had gotten, ſince he was not abſolutely Conquerour in this firſt Combate which ever he had made; yet Virtue, being ever full of attractive charmes, cauſed a great league of Love, inſenſibly to grow, between him and the renowned Pirate: This Amity was the Cauſe why this illuſtrious Pirate was not ſo forward in offering my Maſter his Liberty, and why my Maſter was ſo backward in asking it. So that the occaſions of Corſaires being towards the Euxian bridge, we went along with him: not conſidering whether or no it would conduce to the good or bad fortune of Artamenes, In our paſſage thither we put in at Leſbos, where the Noble Pirate had ſome buſineſs: my Maſter and I went to ſee a cry'd up Beauty there, whoſe Name was Saphon, whom all Greece admired; indeed, we found her worthy of that fame, both for her Beauty, and the Verſes which ſhe compos'd. But Sir, to come unto the buſineſs of my Story: I muſt tell you in few words, that in our paſſage to the Euxian bridge, after we had ſailed three days and three nights, Corſaires who uſed to aſſault others, was now aſſaulted himſelf by ſix Ships. This Combate, which was both long and fierce, Artamenes would needs be in; and performed Acts ſo gallant and high, that the modeſty of the famous Corſaires made him ſay after the battell, that he ought the victory unto Artamenes: In concluſion, he thought himſelf ſo obliged unto my Maſter, that of three Ships which he had taken he would needs give him two: yet Artamenes would take but one; in which he deſign'd himſelf for the Helleſpont and the Aegian Sea, and ſo for Epheſus, intending to ſend Periander this Ship in lieu of his own, which was much torn and leakie, ſince the laſt Combate. Thus he parted from this generous Pirate, not knowing him nor being known unto him; for as they were both reſolved not to diſcover themſelves; ſo they would not ask one another that queſtion which they themſelves would not anſwer unto: And thus their friendſhip, though very great, did cauſe them both to moderate their deſires, and would not be too inquiſitive into what both of them deſired to conceal: Alſo ſuch was the diſcretion of my Maſter, that he fought in this laſt encounter, and never knew againſt whom, nor ſo much as asked the queſtion, becauſe he found that the generous Pirate made a myſtery of it. Artamenes then, with Feraulas, my ſelf, and to ſervants more which Corſaires gave my Maſter, returned from whence we came, and at firſt found a favourable winde; yet we had ſcarce ſailed ſix hours, but a terrible tempeſt began to riſe, and that ſo extraordinary and violent, as the Pilot himſelf began to tremble: the Air was duskie, the Sea boiſterous, and rowled (Montes volvuntur aquarum) mountains of waves upon us, and upon one another; it roared horribly, and toſt the Ship ſo [Page] high, and then again ſo low, as the Marriners had much ado to keep it upright: the flaſhes of Lightning, the rumbling of Thunder, and the nights obſcurity, all theſe, made us ſee when we could ſee nothing elſe, That they who are of a lofty compounded ſoul, cannot fear death, let it appear in what horror it can; for my Maſter was no more moved at it, then if he had been floating in the calmeſt River in the world; he gave out Orders without any confuſion: Though the Danger was ſo great, and Death looked ſo inevitably grim; yet fear did not ſo much as make him alter his Countenance or diſcourſe. We continued three days and three nights in this manner, and were quite driven out of our aims; for intending at the Euxian Bridge, we found our ſelves upon the fourth day at Sun riſe, caſt upon the Port of Sinope, which you know is in Cappadocia, towards the Frontiers of Galatia. I relate this Sir, that you may more wonder at the oddneſſe of phantaſtical Fate, who preſerves Artamenes from the fury of the incenſed Sea, to caſt him in the midſt of his enemies Land; for Ciaxares you know was the Sonne of Aſtiages; and indeed it was he who had more reaſon to fear the menaces of the gods then Aſtiages his Father; who was ſo old, as he had as many feet in his grave as in his Throne: Yet when we underſtood that the Court was not at Sinope, but at another Town called Pteria, I was in leſſe fears; and though I did not ſee how it was poſſible Artamenes ſhould be known, yet I endeavoured as much as might be, not to put in there, but it could not be avoided. We ſaw from the place where we were, that ſtately Temple dedicated unto Mars, which, as you know, is a little out of the Town, The next morning, whileſt our Ship was repairing which had been much torn by the Tempeſt, we went to viſit the Temple: And as things that are extraordinary, are commonly the diſcourſe of them who travel for Curioſity, and have nothing elſe to do but ſee Wonders, the Prince began to ask the reaſon, why in ſo many places as he had travelled, he ſhould finde fewer Temples dedicated unto Mars then any other of the Gods or Goddeſſes; and as if he were jealous of the Honour of that God, he called to memory all the Temples which had been dedicated unto Venus: and found, that there was many more devoted unto that Goddeſs of Love, then to that God of War: and why Sir (ſaid I to him ſmiling,) are you an enemy unto that Divinity, which is ſo much adored throughout all the world, and every one does offer Sacrifices unto her? I am no enemy, anſwered he, but I am very jealous of the others Honour, and think it fitter that Mars ſhould have more Altars then ſhe: Perhaps (ſaid I) you will not be always in that minde: I know not (anſwered he) but in the minde I am in now, War ſhall ever be preferred before Love: You have reaſon Sir (ſaid I) for the one is much more Heroick then the other, but as zealous as you are now for Mars, you may perhaps one day become a Convert and pay as much Devotion unto Venus. I cannot think ſo (ſaid he,) I am much deceived if ever that come about; As ſoon as he had ſaid ſo, we entred into the Temple, which we found magnificently adorned. There was then very few People in it, ſo that we had convenience of obſerving every thing: we found here in the Temple a ſtranger of a very hanſome garb, and well proportioned, much about the age of Artamenes, or about two years at the moſt more then he: This Gallant, obſerving the cuſtom of the Country, where they uſe to be ſoon acquainted, came amongſt us and diſcourſed with Artamenes: They earneſtly view one another, and with ſome aſtoniſhment: This Stranger found we ſpoke the Language of that Country which much reſembles that of Medes, as well as that of Aſſiria by reaſon of its neerneſs to both: he ſpoke in the ſame we did, and ſeemed to be one of an ingenious ſpirit: Preſently we ſee much company come into the Temple, and obſerved to paſſe before us preparations for ſome coſtly Sacrifice; they were a hundred white Bulls crowned with Garlands of Flowers, driven by two Men, the ordinary number for Hecatombs: we ſaw many veſſels of Gold paſſe by to receive the blood of theſe Victims: we alſo ſaw men carry the ſacred Chafing-diſhes, on which to burn their Incenſe; alſo their rich Knives wherewith to cut their Sacrifices; and all the Sacrificers in their Ceremonial habits, walked two and two together: Preſently all was ready to be ſacrificed, only there wanted the perſons who muſt offer them: As we were looking upon all theſe things with much delight, upon a ſudden we heard many ſay aloud, Room for the King; Room for the King: at theſe words the People preſſed unto both ſides▪ and made a paſſage for the King: I confeſs to you Sir, this accident did much ſurpriſe me; and I was very angry to ſee Artamenes ſo neer Ciaxares, who came this morning from Pteria unto Sinope to offer theſe Sacrifices: Artamenes, too curious and forward to ſee theſe paſſages, would, whether I would or no, range himſelf in the firſt rank of the People, juſt in the Prince his paſſe: The train of Courtiers which uſe always to walk before the King, were come to the Altar: Artamenes who much longed to ſee the King of Cappadocia, ſees him enter, and leaning upon the Arm of [Page] Aribees, who was then a great Favourite; after him entred the Princeſs Mandana his daughter; who without all manner of diſpute was abſolutely the faireſt that ever eye beheld: I no ſooner ſaw her appear, but I ſaw Artamenes alſo preſſing near her, and leaving the ſtranger which we met with for a fairer object: This Princeſs might well kindle ſuch curioſity in the ſoul of Artamenes as ſhe did: Be pleaſed Sir to remember, as I told you in the beginning of my Relation, that this Princeſs was born about three years after Artamenes, ſo that the firſt time he ſaw her, ſhe entred upon her ſixteenth year: ſhe was this day moſt richly dreſt, and though there did not appear any affectedneſſe in her habit, yet it was infinitely becoming; her Tiffany Vail of Silver did not at all hide the ſplendour of a thouſand rich Jewels ſet in Gold to deck her Hair, which was the faireſt flaxen that ever was ſeen; her Ornaments did not Eclipſe the vivacity of her ſprightly looks, which is the eſſential part of a perfect beauty: She was of an excellent ſtature, and walked with ſo much modeſt Majeſty, as ſhe did attract the eyes of all beholders: Her neck no ſnow ſo white, her eyes were blewiſh fair, but ſo ſweet, ſo lovely, ſo ſparkling, and ſo full of inviting charms as it was abſolutely impoſſible to look upon them and not admire; Her lips no Roſe ſo red, Her teeth no Ivory ſo perfect white, nor no Rule ſo even: Her complexion ſo pure, ſo clear, ſo ſmooth, and ſo exact vermilion, that all the luſtre of a flowry ſpring was ugly in compariſon of her glorious Idea: Her hands as white and clear as ever any eye beheld, for I beheld this laſt peece of beauty, as ſhe lifted up her Vail, at her entrance into the Temple, and as afterward with wonder I bebeld all the reſt: In ſhort Sir, all theſe beauties and attractive charms which laſt I related, are good arguments to render Artamenes more excuſable: He was ſo Planet-ſtruck with all the actions and motions of this Princeſs, that whether ſhe walked or ſat, whether ſhe ſpoke or were ſilent, whether ſhe ſmil'd or frown'd, ſhe was all charms, all attracts, all admirable: With this Divine apparition was Artamenes ſurpriſed, and amorouſly blaſted: So that not regarding Ciaxares, he beholds Mandana coming in ſuch a manner as I told you; but fairer by a thouſand degrees then any tongue can tell: He was ſo raviſht, that removing from his ſtation, he got up cloſe to the very foot of the Altar where ſhe kneeled: Feraulas and I ſeeing him do ſo, preſſed up alſo: and we ſaw him ſo placed that he might both ſee and be ſeen by her: for I never in the whole courſe of my life ſaw ſuch a paſſage: ſince the Princeſs of Cappadocia came into the Temple, Artamenes minded nothing but her: he knew not whether it was a ſacrifice, or only an Aſſembly, or ſome publique game for a price; he ſaw nothing but Mandana: He lookt upon her continually, and the more he lookt the more he lik't, and often changed colour: he told us afterwards how he was ſo wrapt with the Divine Viſion, as he had not power to look off her: and he aſſured us he did what he could to divert his eyes and thoughts, but it was not in his power: Mean while the Sacrifice begins, and the Chief Prieſt being proſtrate at the foot of the Altar, pronounced theſe words; the King, the Princeſs, and all obſerving a huſht ſilence.

FOr the happineſſe of this bleſſed Peace which we enjoy, Accept (O Mighty God of War) theſe pure and innocent Victims which here we come to offer, in lieu of thoſe which young Cyrus, the terrour of all Aſia would have offered, if the goodneſſe of Heaven had not eſtabliſhed the Thrones of all the Kingdoms of the Earth in Peace by his death. Receive from the King, from the Princeſſe his Daughter, from all Capadocia, and from all Medea, theſe their most devout thanks for the great benefit of his death. His death I ſay, which hath given a happy Peace unto all Aſia, and whoſe life would have put the whole Earth into confuſion and miſery.

I leave you to judge Sir, in what a caſe I was in, and how my Maſter was ſtarted though he minded nothing elſe but Mandana; for he was much aſtoniſhed when he heard himſelf named: I lookt him in the face, and he lookt upon me, but his minde was upon ſomething elſe; I removed from my ſtation to come to him: Sir, ſaid I very low, we ſhould not do ill to be gone from hence, but we ſhall do better (ſaid he bluſhing) to ſtay here; When I ſaw the Prince in that Reſolution, I durſt not preſſe him further leſt ſome notice ſhould be taken of us: Then I ſtaied by him, who notwithſtanding all this did ſtill look upon Mandana with ſo much earneſtneſſe that he neither minded the death▪ of the ſacrifices, nor the perfumes: He perceived no ſuch thing until all the Ceremonies were over, and th [...] King and Princeſſe his Daughter were going out of the Temple. Then he followed them out, and I think he would have followed them into the Caſtle whither they went to dinner, and which was ſome ſixty paces out of Sinope, if I had not ſtopt him. Sir (ſaid I, ſhewing him the way) that is your way to the Town: then Artamenes, without any anſwer [Page] to what I ſaid, but ſtill looking after the Princeſs Chariot: as long as they were within ſight he never turned his head that way: at laſt we came to the houſe where we lodged. All this while our Ship was trimming, and putting into ſome condition to make ſail; but when we came to it, there was a great alteration; for Artamenes at his going to the Temple, was all for haſte; but at return, he ſaid they made too much haſte to do it well. All dinner while, he ſpoke little, ate leſſe: for my part, although I ſaw him look very attentively upon the Princeſs of Cappadocia, yet I did not think he could ſo ſuddenly, in ſo ſhort a time be charmed. Preſently after dinner, Feraulas, whom we had loſt in the crowd, comes back; and he having more particularly enquired into the cauſe of the Sacrifice, he drew Artamenes and me aſide; Sir (ſaid he to him) you muſt prepare for your departure hence, and that preſently: and Why ſuch haſte, anſwered the Prince ſmiling? becauſe (replied Feraulas you are in a Country where the People give thanks to the Gods for your death; and think it ſuch a happineſs as they have offered Sacrifice for it. I know that already, anſwered the Prince without any motion, but ſince they think me dead they will not ſeek me alive. But Feraulas (ſaid I) do you know any more then what you had from the mouth of the Prieſt when he ſpoke in the Temple? I have learned (anſwered he) from one of the Sacrificers, that Aſtiages, being aſſured by ſeveral intelligences that young Cyrus is periſhed by ſhipwrack, and beleeves him to be dead, therefore he hath commanded that ſame day which is ſuppoſed he periſhed upon, to be a day of Thanks unto the Gods in all the Temples of Medea and Cappadocia, for delivering them from the cauſe of that apparent danger which the Starres did threaten unto them. Therefore (ſaid he to me) it concerns you to have a care of the Prince his ſafety, and to conſider what would be his Fate if he ſhould be known unto the King or the Princeſs of this Country, who do ſo much rejoyce for his death, as that they render publique thanks unto the Gods for it. During this Diſcourſe of Feraulas, Artamenes was very penſive: and perceiving I was going to ſpeak unto him, he prevented me, and ſaid, with a moſt ſad and diſconteuted countenance, Fear not Chriſantes that I ſhall be diſcovered, if any thing do it, it will be our too haſty preparations of departure: This may make us ſuſpected, therefore let us ſtay, and reſt quietly: Let us not depart tumultuouſly. In ſaying ſo, he turned from us and would not ſtay our Anſwer: Then he took a walk by the ſea ſide, being followed by two Slaves which the valiant Corſaires gave unto him, and Feraulas and I followed preſently after: But alas, this walk little pleaſed him, for we found him in a profound melancholy dump. In ſhort Sir, he was in Love; and loved ſo deſperatly, as never man was in more deep Paſſion. And as this Paſſion had taken ſuch ſtrong poſſeſſion of his ſoul; ſo the expreſſions which he had uſed againſt Love in his firſt going to the Temple, cauſed him to conceal it from us, he being aſhamed to diſcover his weakneſs. He was continually expoſtulating with himſelf what it was which thus troubled him, not well knowing whether it was Love or no: What kinde of torment (ſaid he to himſelf) is this which I endure? From whence proceeds this reſtleſneſs of minde? If the ſight of the faireſt Angel upon earth, be the cauſe, then am I the moſt miſerable man alive? Yet methinks ſuch beautifull Objects ſhould not infuſe any Paſſions but delight and joy: How comes it to paſs then that the Faireſt Proſpect which ever eye beheld, ſhould cauſe my ſorrow? I know not (ſaid he) whether I ſhould think it Love, or whether ſome worſe humour: But what is it I would have? or what is it I can have? Alas, alas, I neither know what I would, or what I can have; and hence comes all my misfortune and my ſorrows: Yet I am moſt certain of this; that if I follow my own inclination I muſt Love the Fair Mandana, as great an enemy as ſhe is unto me; But what do I ſay, I muſt Love? Ha, no no, I do explain my thoughts but ill; and my tongue betraies my heart if it do not ſay, I do Love Mandana, and that I will for ever Love her, and that I think my ſelf the moſt miſerable man unleſs ſhe Love again. But alas, alas, Miſerable unfortunate Artamenes? Came I here to ſee her offer Sacrifices of Thanks unto the Gods for my death? Did I come to learn how Cyrus can never pleaſe her, but in the Tomb wherein ſhe thinks him buried? After theſe Contemplations his Paſſion was a little qualified: But preſently hope which makes Love live, and undertake all impoſſibilities, and without which there is no ſubſiſtence, did perſwade him, that Artamenes and Cyrus were two: and that he, as he was Artamenes, was not at all intereſt in thoſe things which the Medes reſent againſt Cyrus, ſon to the King of Perſia: and that although Cyrus was hated, yet Artamenes may happily be beloved, if he uſed the means, and endeavoured by his ſervices to render himſelf worthy of it: As he was thus entertaining himſelf with this flattering argument; the ardent deſire of Fame and Glory which heretofore had held a ſtrong poſſeſſion in the heart of my Maſtes, began to come in competition, and diſpute [Page] for victory, with the Princeſs of Cappadocia: When his thoughts reflected upon this glorious Rival of Mandana, he then began to rouſe up and reſolve never to think upon the Princeſs any more: Why ſhould I (ſaid he) forſake a Miſtreſs which will never fail to recompenſe me and all which follow her; and whoſe ſervitude is ſo glorious, as ſhe rewards them which are faithfull unto her, with no leſs then Kingdoms, Crowns and immortal Glory: What is become now of my eager deſires, to know and to be known of all the world? Poor I, who ſculks under the falſe name of Artamenes; and am buried alive to ſatisfie my enemies? Have I left Perſia for nothing elſe, but to become a fooliſh Lover of a Cappadocian Princeſs? and have I left Cyrus to become a Slave unto one who thanks the Gods for my misfortunes? and who perhaps her ſelf with her own hands would throw me into my grave? No, no (ſaid he) I muſt not be ſo fooliſh as to fetter my ſelf: Recollect thy ſelf Artamenes (ſaid he) and remember how oft thou haſt been told in Perſia, that Love is a dangerous Paſſion: Stop entrance therefore into thy heart at firſt, never let it take Poſſeſ [...]ion, and domineer. But alas, (added he preſently) what do I ſay? what can I do? I ſpeak of reſiſtance, and am already fettered: I ſpeak of Liberty, and I finde my ſelf in ſtrong Chains: I think of Reigning, and am a Slave: I ſpeak of Glory and Ambition, and heaven knows, I have no higher then to be Mandanaes ſervant: and I will never ſeek any greater honour, then I can finde at the feet of my Princeſs: I plainly ſee, that I am more hers then my own, and that all my Reaſon is farre too weak to oppoſe Love: My own eyes betray me; my heart has left me, and my will is all hers; I would not Love my life but in hopes to imploy it in her ſervice: And I finde that my Reaſon, as rebellious as it is againſt my heart, begins to argue in behalf of my Princeſs; it tells me ſecretly that Love is the noble cauſe of all Heroick Actions; that it took up Lodgings in the hearts of all the Heroes: and that the famous Perſian, the firſt King of my Race, for all his valour, was overcome by it, when he firſt ſaw his Andromede: It tels me that the Gods themſelves were ſenſible of it; And that it is never idle, but in the hearts of ſluggiſh ſpirits; yet moſt agile in the ſouls of them who are truly generous. In concluſion of all, it tels me, That ſince Mandana is the Faireſt, and moſt abſolute Beauty in the world, I am excuſable if I love her: And that though perhaps I ſhall not be much commended for it, yet it aſſures me, I ſhall not be much blamed; Follow on then Artamenes, purſue thy humour which thus tranſports thee; and make no more reſiſtance againſt a Fair enemy, whom thou canſt not vanquiſh, or if thou didſt, would repent it. After the agitations and toſſings of this violent and noble ſpirit, the Prince began to mend his pace; Feraulas and I followed, but found him ſo altered, that we began to wonder; ſuch a ſorrow ſadded his eyes, and all his geſtures were ſo turbulent and diſordered, that I began to undertake him, and ſaid; Sir, I cannot underſtand, from whence all this melancholy can proceed which thus diſcompoſes your face: for though theſe Sacrifices for your death, I know, cannot be pleaſing to you; yet me thinks, ſuch a ſoul as yours ſhould contemn, and not permit them to trouble you: you I ſay, who have been taken for dead more then once, and in a more gaſtly manner, You have reaſon Chriſantes (ſaid he to me,) to think that this publike thanks is not the cauſe of my grief; for I aſſure you, that as ſoon as Cyrus does revive again, this falſe joy of his enemies ſhall be turned into ſorrow. But Chriſantes, there is another cauſe, which I would tell you if I had but confidence enough; for I do confeſs your wiſdome makes me fearfull to reveal it: Sir (ſaid I to him) one of your age had need be wiſe to judge of the wiſdome of another: This wiſdome whereof you ſpeak, knowes no cauſes of any fear you ſhould have, but ſhall think himſelf honoured whe [...] you ſhall impart any ſecrets unto him. I know not ſaid Artamenes whether or no I ſhould tell you that—at theſe words Artamenes ſtopt, and could not for his heart go any further; but not being able to expreſſe himſelf he bluſht, and ſigh'd, and ſmil'd; at laſt looking me in the face he ſaid, Do you not gueſſe my Dear Chriſantes at what I dare not tell you, and for which I fear you will chide me, when you know it? When I heard him ſay thus, the zeal he uſed in the Temple, and his eyeing the Princeſs, made me conclude he was in Love: And remembring what I ſaid unto him, at his firſt entrance into the Temple; I ſaid unto him, Is it not, that Venus has a minde to be revenged on you for taking Mars his part ſo much againſt her? I ſaid this unto him in a laughing and jeaſting manner, ſuppoſing that this humour might chance be but a peece of Gallantry, and a light Phanſie which might eaſily be blown over: But alas, Artamenes, who asked me the queſtion more in earneſt, anſwered me in ſuch a tone, as I ſaw it muſt be no common remedy that could cure his diſeaſe. But after he had fully opened himſelf, and told me all, I contributed all I could to divert his thoughts and diſſwade him; [Page] I urged the little reaſon he had to love ſo violently, and the impoſſibility of ever being beloved again: for Sir (ſaid I to him) if you appear as Cyrus, the Princeſs will be ſo far from loving, that ſhe will hate you, and Aſtiages will be ſure to load you with fetters at the leaſt: on the other ſide, if you court her as bare Artamenes, what hopes can you ever have from Mandana? Can a poor ſimple Knight pretend unto the Daughter of a great King? A Princeſs who is lookt upon as the ſole Succeſſor unto the Crowns of Medea, Cappadocia, Galatia, and Perſia alſo? for ſince they think you dead, Aſtiages and Ciaxares will doubtleſſe prepare themſelves to uſurp it, if Cambiſes die firſt; And though they both know that the Kingdom of Perſia is elective, yet ſince it hath continued ſucceſſive in the illuſtrious Line of Perſides, ever ſince his time, they will now pretend it ought to be ſo ſtill; Recollect your ſelf therefore Sir; be a man, and aſſume your Reaſon: Caſt not your ſelf away frivolouſly: Hath the gods deſign'd you for ſuch high things, and muſt you dream away your time in Love? What would you have me do (ſaid the Prince) I have not rendred my ſelf captive with fight; I have conſulted and argued with my ſelf as much as you can, and produced as many reaſons: therefore Chriſantes, I cannot promiſe to cure my ſelf upon a ſudden, there muſt be time for it: therefore urge me no more to depart from hence, but give me time to conſider: Sir, Replied I, Love is a diſeaſe whoſe venome is contagious, and of a nature ſo malignant and ſubtle, that one cannot too ſoon fly from the place infected: Thoſe who are already infected, do carry the Diſeaſe with them (replied the Prince) although they do change Air; therefore preſſe me no more to depart I conjure you, unleſſe you intend to make the Diſeaſe worſe. But (ſaid I) if you ſhould chance to be diſcovered, your Ruine were moſt certain. It would be more certain (anſwered he) if I ſhould depart, therefore pray let us ſubmit to Fortune, and talk no more of it; The Prince ſpoke to me in ſuch a manner as it was apparent he deſired I ſhould have ſome indulgence towards him, ſo that I was glad the Ship was not trim'd up; The next morning Artamenes went again to the Temple of Mars, pretending to inform himſelf of ſome particulars concerning the Country: but indeed his deſign was to finde out ſome Subjects, to ſpeak concerning the Princeſs: He fell into Diſcourſe with one of the Sacrificers, whom he found to be a man of good ingenuity; he asked this Prieſt a thouſand Queſtions, before he could handſomely bring in Mandana: at laſt the asked him, whether Ciaxares had any more Children beſides this Princeſs his Daughter? No, ſaid the Prieſt, And it is very ſtrange, for the people were wont to affect a King rather then a Queen, but now they have left off that humour; for ſince this Princeſs came at age of diſcretion, her beauty, and her vertue hath ſo dazled the eyes of all, that they will not change the Queen for any King. Artamenes was raviſht to hear the Prieſt ſay ſo, and ſaid unto him, if the beauty of her ſoul were like to that of her body, doubtleſſe then ſhe deſerved that good opinion; Yes, yes, (anſwered the Prieſt) a thouſand times more excellent and more vertuous then either you or I can imagin: for ſhe is wondrous fair without vanity or affectation; ſhe ſits in a Throne without pride, and conſiders the misfortunes of poor men with compaſſion, and her bounty doth often relieve them: Thoſe who have the honour to be more about her then I have, do ſay, that ſhe is of a moſt winning converſation: As for my ſelf I cannot ſpeak of her but with thoughts of that Piety which ſhe expreſſeth towards the gods: I can aſſure you Sir there is none more religious and vertuous then ſhe, nor of greater wiſedom and knowledge in all things that a humane ſoul is capable of: In a word (added the Prieſt) ſhe is the honour of her Sex, and a ſhame unto ours. I leave you to judge Sir, whether the Amorous Artamenes was not in an extaſie of joy, that he was not deceived in her; and whether or no this did augment his Paſſion; He lookt upon me all the time of this Diſcourſe, and was glad he had found ſo good an excuſe for his weakneſſe: He lengthened the pleaſant Diſcourſe as much as he could, and asked the Prieſt if ſhe came often unto the Temple? When ſhe was at Sinope (anſwered he) ſhe came hither almoſt every day. And where ere ſhe is, ſhe will come one day in a year with the King, to render thanks unto the gods for the death of a young Prince, who if he had lived had uſurp'd all Aſia; Then ſhe hates his memory (ſaid Artamenes bluſhing and interrupting him) and is very glad of that mans death, who would have hindred her from being Queen of ſo many Kingdoms? I never diſcovered any thoughts of hate in her (ſaid the Prieſt) and I beleeve her too good to carry malice to the grave, or to hate the man ſhe never knew, eſpecially ſuch a one as he whom report ſpeaks to have been rarely accomplſhed; ſhe knows it her religious duty to take both the good and the bad which the hand of heaven doth give with an equall Thanks; and ſince ſhe knows that Conquerors and Uſurpers cannot act their deſigns but by the permiſſion of the gods, who makes them only Inſtrumental to chaſtiſe thoſe whom it is their pleaſure [Page] to diſthrone; therefore I ſuppoſe her joy proceeds from her knowledge that the gods are appeaſed by the death of that young Prince whoſe life did portend deſtruction to us, but then this Joy is ſo moderate, and ſweetly tempered without the leaſt ingredient of hate or anger, that her ſoul keeps hell within her limits and without diſordered paſſion. To thank the gods for the death of a man, conſidering him ſimply as a man, were impious and ſacrilegious rather then any devotion: and neither the King nor the Princeſs, nor any of the Magi are ſo ill inſtructed in Divinity: But to render thanks for the death of Tyrants and Uſurpers, who would pull down Thrones, and depopulate Kingdoms, is an act both of juſtice and piety, which doth not contradict the Rules of Religion, humanity or juſtice: Artamenes did hearken unto this Diſcourſe with ſuch different reſentments, as indeed I pitied him: ſometimes he was all joy, and ſometimes all ſorrow; now in hope, then preſently in deſpair: but however he thought it a great happineſſe to hear that Mandana was owner of as much vertue and wiſedom as he ſaw ſhe was of Beauty: Mean time, this Prieſt liked Artamenes very well, and ſaid thus unto him: Friendly Stranger, If you deſire to ſee our ſtately Ceremonies, Come hither three daies hence, for thoſe which we ſhall then celebrate, will be much more magnificent and ſumptuous then theſe which you have now ſeen. Artamenes thanked him, and deſired to know the end and reaſon of them; to whom the Prieſt anſwered, that there was a Prince and Neighbour unto Cappadocia, called the King of Pont and Bythinia: This Prince being in Love with Mandana, had ſent his Embaſſadours unto Ciaxares to demand her in marriage; Artamenes being much moved at this, interrupted, and asked him, Whether this Ceremony was for the Marriage of the Princeſs? No, no, anſwered the Prieſt, for we do obſerve the cuſtom of the Aſſirians, who were our ancient Lords, that when a Princeſs muſt ſucceed unto the Kingdom, ſhe cannot by this Cuſtom marry a ſtranger: and therefore Ciaxares had refuſed the King of Pont; who being not content with this anſwer, nor able to help his paſſion to the Princeſs, hath confederated with the King of Phrygia, and declared War againſt the King of Cappadocia: ſo that their Army being ready to march, the King and Princeſs come at the time I told you, to ſupplicate the Gods, eſpecially him to whom this Temple is dedicated, that he would be pleaſed to proſper their Proceedings, and aſſiſt them in ſo juſt a War, which maintains the fundamental Law of their Land: Artamenes was ſo ſurpriſed with different Apprehenſions, as he had no minde to ask any more queſtions, but after he had in few words given many thanks, he civilly took his leave; and as he was fully reſolved, not to hide any of his thoughts from either Feraulas or me, becauſe he could receive no aſſiſtance but from us; ſo, as ſoon as he had opportunity he ſaid thus unto us; Was ever ſuch conceited Fortune as mine? are the Gods reſolved I ſhould be tormented with two violent Paſſions at one time? I am no ſooner in Love, but I am Jealous alſo; I no ſooner ſaw her Beauty and her Wiſdome, but I underſtand how it has captivated the heart of a Prince, and that an excellent Prince, whom only one bare Cuſtom of the Cappadocians has cauſed to be rejected, and nothing elſe: Who knows, whether the Princeſs does not in her heart diſallow of this Cuſtom? and whether I do not Love one whoſe ſoul is already beſtowed? Alas, alas, this Cuſtomary Law, which makes ſomething worſe for the King of Pont, makes me deſpair: For as he is a ſtranger, ſo am I; therefore, for that reaſon, as alſo many others, I can never have any hopes of Pretence unto her. Sir, ſaid I to him, if all theſe difficulties which you imagin, and which are a thouſand times greater then you do apprehend, would alter your reſolutions, I ſhould with all my heart conſent unto it: but ſince I cannot, yet do not (I beſeech) you contend with monſters, and almoſt impoſſibilities: No, no, Chriſantes (anſwered he,) never hope to make me give over my deſign; eſpecially now, ſince I can ſatisfie my deſires of Glory, and my Paſſions for Mandana both together: And ſince I finde a War in Cappadocia, why ſhould I go ſeek it at Epheſus? But Sir, ſaid I to him, If you ſhould chance be diſcovered, in what danger are you then? It is not the conſideration of any danger (replied he) that can alter me; but I ought, on the contrary, to ſeek after dangerous enterpriſes: and to give you full ſatisfaction, know, that I am abſolutely reſolved to carry my ſelf ſo Gallantly in this War, under the Notion of Artamenes, as that Cyrus may without danger come out of his Tombe afterwards. Sir, ſaid I to him; all this while the King your Father and the Queen your Mother, do think you dead, and doubtleſs are infinitely troubled at it; it is a piece of inhumanity to ſuffer them continue in it: Why ſhould not you think (as I do, ſaid the Prince,) that this report of my death, is nothing but a device of my Mothers, to divert Aſtiages from ſeeking me? and that ſhe hath acquainted the King my Father with his cruelty, ſo that this falſe news is diſperſed by his conſent, and hath ſent it to Aſtiages as true; ſo that Chriſantes your reaſons are too weak to convince me, or make [Page] me alter my reſolutions: Indeed, I did finde ſome probability in what the Prince had ſaid, not imagining, how any other way, this report of ſhipwrack ſhould ariſe: But yet notwithſtanding, I fell afreſh to perſwade him from his Paſſion: to fly from that Court which was ſo full of danger to him; and to give intelligence of his being alive, unto the King his Father and Queen his Mother; But as to the firſt of theſe, I might as well have bid him do a thing abſolutely impoſſible: As to the ſecond; as no danger could diſmay his ſoul, ſo he told me, that my reaſons were not good, but that I gave them becauſe I had no better: And as to the laſt, Know, ſaid he, Chriſantes, that Cyrus ſhall never be known unto the King of Perſia, until Artamenes has rendred himſelf famous throughout all Aſia; yes Chriſantes, Astiages ſhall eſteem of Artamenes, Ciaxares ſhall favour him, the King of Pont ſhall fear him, and Mandana ſhall Love him; otherwiſe he ſhall ſleep in the Tombe with Cyrus: and he had rather die in earneſt, then not fully ſatisfie his deſires of Glory, and alſo his Affection which he owes unto the Princeſs of Cappadocia. Sir, ſaid I to him, for my part I cannot yeeld unto Paſſion, or conſent unto the opinion of a man whoſe Reaſon is prepoſſeſſed and partial, unles I ſhould render my own ſuſpected: Thus we parted, and he went unto Feraulas, who being younger then I, was not ſo croſs unto him in his deſign, and therefore better pleaſing. I began to contemplate and weigh what courſe to take was beſt, in a buſineſs of ſuch intricacy and danger: As for Artamenes, it were a needleſs queſtion to ask how he entertain'd himſelf with Feraulas, for you may be ſure Mandana was all their diſcourſe. Artamenes asked him, if ſhe were not the moſt perfect Beauty in the world? and as he anſwered that all Perſia had not one comparable to her; that's not enough (replied the Prince:) but tell me, that all Greece, where the faireſt women in the world are, has not one who by a thouſand degrees comes neer her;) and ſay, that the famous Image of Venus, which we ſaw at Cyprus, who charmed all that came near, was illfavoured in compariſon of the Princeſs of Cappadocia, ſo much does ſhe tranſcend all the Beauties of the world! Perhaps Sir, I have inſiſted longer then was ſit upon the Paſſions of Artamenes, and their effects, but I was conſtrained to ſuffer that evil which I could not prevent, and to endure that which I could not help. Mean while, the day of Sacrifice, of which we ſpake before, approached, Artamenes muſt be there, and more haſty then any of the Sacrificers, for he was there before any doors were opened: But for all his earneſtneſs, we found the young Stranger, which we met withall in the Temple, before us, who alſo waited for the opening of the gates: My Maſter, though he knew no reaſon for it, yet had ſome ſecret odd thoughts of him, finding him there, and more forward then himſelf; and though out of his civility he could not chuſe but ſpeak unto him, yet he did it in ſuch a manner, as partly diſcovered his anger, and made me wonder, for there was never a ſweeter and more complacential ſpirit in the world then his; yet I found by his words as well as by his tone, that this young Stranger did not pleaſe him: Certainly (ſaid he to him, in meeting with him,) you are either very full of Devotion, or very full of Curioſity, that you come thus early, to ſee a Ceremony, wherein on my conſcience you have no great Intereſt, and which cannot afford you any Novelty ſince you have already ſeen them: I may ſay the ſame to you (anſwered the young Stranger) ſince I finde you as forward as my ſelf; but I will confeſs to you, that I ſaw ſuch delectable ſights in the Temple, the laſt time I met you here, that I could not chuſe but come again. I would gladly know (replied Artamenes very ſharply) which was the moſt delectable ſight you found in the Ceremony; whether the Ornaments of the Temple? the abundance of Victims? the coſtlineſs of the ſacred Veſtments? or the function of Prieſts? the confluence of People? the Majeſty of the Prince? the Magnificence of the Court? or the Beauty of the Princeſs? It might be all theſe (anſwered the ſociable Stranger:) but if I be not deceived, you your ſelf can gueſſe, which among them was the faireſt object. Since I beleeve we are of ſeveral Countreys (replied my Maſter) we may perhaps differ in our opinions, and therein alſo be ſeveral; and that which is fair to me, may chance not be ſo to you; The Perſians delight moſt in their Temples; the Serthians in their Houſes; the Graecians immortalize themſelves by their Statues; the Aſſtrians and Medes, in their magnificent Palaces: ſo every one has his Phanſie for his reaſon, and thinks nothing fair but what complies with his own humour, and carries with it the Cuſtom of his Nation: Yet, replied the Stranger, there be ſome univerſal general Beatitudes, which pleaſe and hit the Phanſie of all Nations; the Sun delights the whole world; Diamonds ſparkle in all eyes; and alſo many Perfections there are which are beautifull to all men upon earth. This diſcourſe, though it was very general, yet it did not pleaſe Artamenes; and I am perſwaded, that if one of the Sacrificers had not come to open the doors of the Temple, this diſcourſe had not ended ſo civilly as it begun; for indeed Artamenes harboured [Page] a great diſlike of him, although he had but few his equal in point of hanſome behaviour: The door of the Temple was no ſooner open, but preſently they parted, and Artamenes ſhunned converſe or meeting with him as much as he could, but mingled amongſt the company which came into the Temple. Indeed this Sacrifice was much more magnificent then the laſt; for as the People are always more forward to pray unto the Gods for deliverance from future misfortunes, then to thank them for any benefit paſt; ſo now there were many more multitudes of men, then before, more Ceremonies uſed, the Victims better adorned; and every thing more delightfull to the eye: the Princeſs alſo was more beautifull in the eyes of Amorous Artamenes then the firſt time he ſaw her: And as Love is always ingenious in conceipt, ſo my Maſter thought Mandana prayd unto the Gods with more fervency and zeal then ſhe did before: This joy'd him much, and made for his advantage, that ſhe ſhould be more earneſt with the Gods, for his good ſucceſs in War, then ſhe was in thanking them for his death: But immediatly his Joy turn'd it ſelf into a contrary Paſſion; for, Who knows, ſaid he, whether or no ſhe prays for my Rival? and whether the inward devotion of heart do not contradict the outward expreſſion of her lips? Perhaps ſhe prays more for the King of Pont then for the King of Cappadocia: and that the happy ſucceſs of her affection to that Prince, is the happy ſucceſs of the War that ſhe prays for? But what am I thinking, mad man that I am? ſaid he to himſelf? I am offending againſt a Princeſs whoſe Vertue is without blemiſh, and whoſe Soul is ſo ſweetly calm, that it cannot be poſſeſt with any Paſſion: I ſee it by her eyes, and judge it by her motions, and haply I may finde her heart not ſo ſtony inſenſible of Love? In ſhort Sir, not to abuſe your Patience; This ſecond view did confirm what the firſt begun; and one Paſſage chanced which did much augment his Paſſion, which was this; The Sacrifice being ended, the Princeſs did not go out of the Temple ſo ſoon as the reſt, but ſtayed at her private Prayers after the King: The People, knowing her cuſtom, retired, and left her at her devotion: Artamenes did not ſo, for he went not out as long as ſhe ſtayed: The young ſtranger was no forwarder to go out then he, but ſtood alwayes before Mandana: The Sacrificer, with whom my Maſter had diſcourſed three days ſince, found him out among the preſſe; and being willing to do him any favour as a ſtranger who travelled out of Curioſity, and as a man whoſe deportment and converſe had much pleaſed him; he came unto him, and told him in a low voice, that if he would have a little patience, he might hear the Princeſs ſpeak as ſhe went out of the Temple, for (ſaid he) I have a Petition unto her. Artamenes being much raviſhed with this happy accident, thanked him very civilly for his kinde offer, and prepared himſelf for this happineſſe which he did not ſo ſoon expect. The young ſtranger over-hearing this, preſſed after very boldly. The Princeſs being ready to depart, as ſhe was at the gate of the Temple, the Sacrificer went unto her, my Maſter following him, and the young ſtranger following both; The Prieſt did moſt humbly beſeech her that ſhe would be pleaſed to mediate unto the King her Father, that during theſe enſuing wars, he would have a care for the preſervation of the Temples: For Madam (ſaid he) the gods are the gods of all Nations; Cappadocia hath Altars as well as the King of Pont; and as victory inclines unto one ſide, enemies muſt not be taught how to commit Sacrilege, nor by example of others draw upon themſelvs the anger of incenſed gods. The Princeſs conceiving his deſire juſt, did thank the Prieſt, and aſſured him, ſhe would have a particular care that no diſorder in the Temples ſhould be uſed, as heretofore had been in the war between the Scythians in Medea and Aſſiria; And that ſhe would move her father to it in the beſt manner ſhe could. But Grave Thiamis (ſaid ſhe to him, for that was his Name) Be you ſure to pray unto the gods for Peace, which is the beſt way to preſerve your Temples; for my part I ſhall not be at reſt as long as the war laſts; and I confeſs, that I prefer a peace before a victory: Therefore pray unceſſantly unto the gods that they would be pleaſed to change the heart of the King of Pont, and that they would direct the heart of the King my Father to preferre the ſafety of his Subjects in generall before his particular glory: After theſe words the Princeſs went away, and left Artamenes in a wonder at her beauty and wiſedom; For though ſhe had ſpoken little, yet he found much purity of expreſſion, much ſpirit, much complacence and goodneſſe in the ſenſe of her words. In ſhort Sir, the ſtate of Artamenes was incurable: and though I had been able to have eaſed him, yet he would not hear me; But when we were returned to the Town, and I had conſidered the matter more ſeriouſly, I found no ſuch great danger in it, as at the firſt I did apprehend: for who knows (thought I) whether it be not the pleaſure of the gods by this innocent way, in ſpight of all the prudence of Aſtiages, and all his fears, to bring Artamenes unto the Perſian Crown, and to make him Lord of all Aſia? Can it be imagined [Page] that the Divine Powers who never act againſt reaſon, have foreſhewed all theſe prodigious portents unto the Magi concerning Cyrus in vain? Did they not expoſe him to the danger of being devoured by Lions and Tigers? yet did they not miraculouſly ſave him? Have they not moſt divinely accompliſhed him? Have they not infuſed great thoughts and inclinations into him? and Have they not conducted him through ſeveral Nations without a ſtop? Did they not preſerve him from the danger of that cruel combat with the Pirate? Did they not bring him by Tempeſt amidſt his enemies, and landed him at Sinope? Did they not bring him in the nick of time to be a Spectator when a ſacrifice of thanks was offering for his death? Have not the gods caſt him into love of her who offered it? Have they done all theſe wonderful things (I ſay) to deſtroy him? no no, It is impoſſible: Had not the gods deſtin'd him unto ſome greater Fortune, they would have ſuffered him to periſh by Tygers and wilde beaſts in the houſe of Mithridates, or have let him periſh at Sea, or kil'd him in ſome civil combat, or elſe this Port on which we were blown might have been a Rock. Moreover, I conceived it impoſſible that Artamenes ſhould ever be taken for Cyrus, becauſe the Cappadocians do ſeldome or never come into Perſia: I remember that the laſt time Ciaxares ſent thither, his Embaſſadour was a Medean; and I know when he returned he came not to this Court, but went unto Ecbatan; ſo that of all the places in the world which I can think of, this Court ſeems to be leaſt dangerous for him: I cannot imagine which way Aſtiages can come to know that Artamenes is Cyrus, or if he ſhould, it may well be thought he would not treat that Prince ill, who is in Arms for the intereſt of Ciaxares his ſon; neither can it be thought that Ciaxares will ſo much diſhonour himſelf as to be ſo full of fears as his father. Whereas if he were in any other Court, or if he ſhould be diſcovered in that other Court, then Aſtiages would ſuppoſe him to be cajolling and inciting his enemies againſt him, and would contrive all poſſible waies to deſtroy him. As long as Aſtiages lives, Cyrus cannot be more ſafe then in the Cappadocian Army; ſince the beginning of his Travels he is more changed then can be credited, ſo that it will be very difficult for thoſe who ſaw him at Ecbatan to know him again: or for thoſe who ſaw him ſince in Perſia, for then he was very young and very little. 'Tis true, Feraulas and I, who lived in ſome conſiderable rank at Perſipolis may chance come to be known; But we can eaſily put it off by ſaying that we changed Maſters after the ſhipwrack of Cyrus: Beſides all this; may not Fortune be truſted with any thing? Moreover, who knows but that Love is the only neceſſary Paſſion whereby to attain unto glory? Ambition in ſo young a heart as his cannot retain its violent and harſh deſires ſo long, as to adde victory unto victory: yet ſince the Genius of this age is ſo much devoted unto pleaſures, there is not a more delectable humour in the world to make the moſt rugged and difficult things ſeem feaſible and eaſie, then Love: Moreover, ſince Artamenes is ſo amiable and extraordinary handſome, who knows but the Princeſs may love him as well as he loves her? And it may be certainly concluded that ſince he is hated unknown, he will never be loved if he were known to be Cyrus. Theſe reaſons Sir moved me to give ſome ſatisfaction unto my Dear Maſter: yet becauſe I would not truſt only unto my own reaſon in a buſineſs of this importance, I cauſed a Sacrifice the next day to be offered unto the gods, that they would be pleaſed to inſpire me with knowledge how to tranſact in ſo nice a buſineſs. After the offering I found my ſelf ſo ſtrongly confirmed in my reſolutions to comply with Artamenes in his amorous deſign, as I thought it would be to oppoſe the order of heavens, if I ſhould croſs him in his affection any more. Thus Humane Prudence which is but a blinde directer in future things, moved me to conſent unto a Deſign which hath caſt my dear Maſter into that danger wherein now you finde him: I did not yeeld unto him upon a ſudden, but by degrees, and ſeem'd to reſiſt him a little at the firſt: But as ſoon as I gave my conſent that he ſhould endeavour to make himſelf eminent in the war in which he had engaged himſelf, our buſineſs was only to appear in an Equipage befitting men of ſome quality: We had yet Jewels ſufficient to carry it out, and many more then we ſtood in need of; ſo that the buſineſſe being fully reſolved upon, he writ a Civil Letter unto Periander, and commanded the Ship to make for Corinth, and to preſent that Ship and Letter unto that Famous Greek in lieu of his own which was gravelled upon the Sands in the laſt Sea combate. Whileſt the King and Princeſs ſtaid at Sinope, Artamenes ſaw them very often; and though he had ſeveral opportunities of being made known unto them, yet he refuſed them all, being reſolved to do it in a more glorious way then ſo: Mean while, all preparations for the war goes on, and news is brought every day that the King of Pont and the King of Phrygia were forward on their march towards Galatia. Ciaxares to prevent them draws ſpeedily to the general Rendezvous, endeavouring as much as he could to enter into Bithinia, and carry [Page] the war nearer his enemies Countrey: And ſince the Princeſs his Daughter was the cauſe of the war, therefore fearing leſt the enemy might attempt upon her perſon in his abſence, he would have her follow unto a Town called Anigres, which was not far from that place where he reſolved to enter the enemies Countrey: Mean while, Artamenes furniſheth himſelf with ſuch neceſſaries as are fit, to wit, Arms, Horſes, and Tents: He often met with the young Stranger which he had ſeen in the Temple of Mars: And the ſame man which ſold Arms unto Artamenes, ſold alſo unto Philidaſpes, for that was the Name which that Stranger owned; ſo that meeting together in this place they both of them knew that one and the ſame deſire of glory and honour did enflame their ſouls to engage in this warre; and were both of them but a little ſatisfied with one another; But not to inſiſt Sir upon any thing which is not abſolutely pertinent unto the Story; we come to the Rendezvous: the King viewed his Troops, and we marched towards the enemy: Artamenes with ſorrow ſaw the Princeſs go to Anigres with two thouſand men for her Convoy and Guard: But ſince it was his deſtiny to endure all that love could call rigorous, he reſolved to comfort up himſelf in her abſence with hopes of Victory and Return: My Maſter ranked himſelf in the Squadron of Voluntiers, as well to encamp and fight near the Kings perſon, as becauſe in thoſe Troops which had no particular Captain, nor obeyed any orders but the Generals, he might more eaſily conceal himſelf, and alſo becauſe they who deſired to make themſelves eminent by any notable, might there finde the beſt opportunities. The Army of Ciaxares conſiſted of forty thouſand men, that of the Enemy of fifty thouſand. I will not trouble you with relating how many of them were Archers, How many were Darters, nor how many Horſe, or how many Foot, ſince it is not pertinent to my Diſcourſe; and ſince I have ſo many Combats and Battels to relate, it is not requiſite to inſiſt upon that: For my intention is not to compoſe the Hiſtory of Cappadocia, it is the Hiſtory of Artamenes only which I rehearſe: Let me therefore only tell you, that when theſe two Armies firſt faced one another, I never in my life ſaw Artamenes ſo pleaſed: He was armed that day after a very remarkable manner. His Arms were Ruſſet wrought with flames of gold; His Plume waving and reaching to the very crupper of his Horſe, was of a lively Flame colour: His Horſe, according to the faſhion of the Countrey was trapt with ſtuds of ſteel, part Ruſſet, part gilt: Artamenes carried two Lances in his left hand with a Buckler upon the ſame Arm; Another Lance in his right hand, and a broad ſhort Sword by his ſide to uſe in the throng of his enemies: I never ſaw him ſo gallant and pleaſant in my life; And though the Perſians were never much commended for good horſemanſhip, yet he managed his with ſuch a quick facility, and ſate him in ſo brave a poſture, and with ſo fine a grace, as he did attract the eyes of all men upon him. The Armies being both ready to fall on, and charge ſounded on both ſides, Artamenes who was placed in the firſt rank, no ſooner ſaw a ſquadron vapor, but he was gone in an inſtant like a Thunderbolt above a hundred paces before the reſt, and fell upon the Enemy with ſuch a fury as he diſordered them, broke their Ranks, and ſtruck terror and death into their Army. After the fatal Clouds of Arrows which darkened the Air and fell upon both Armies, were diſpelled, and that they came to hand blows, Artamenes then performed ſuch Acts as ſurpaſſed all imagination: His three Lances held three of the enemies braveſt men; and when he drew his Sword, wo betide him that ſtood in his way, and death to him that durſt encounter: He looked every where for the King of Pont, and deſired to have a bout with him, but could not finde him, for happ would have it ſo, that whileſt he was on one ſide of the Army, the King of Pont was on the other: and though his valour broke all their ranks, ſquandred their ſquadrons, and nothing could reſiſt his valour, yet he was not ſatisfied, and thought nothing eminent enough unleſſe he either held or took the King of Pont Priſoner: His courage was much exaſperated when he ſaw Philidaſpes amidſt the thick of the confuſed fight, and obſerved him as valiant a man as the world had: his valour won him the eſteem, emulation, and admiration of Artamenes, when he ſaw none fight like him; ſo that obſerving each other with a brave emulous eye, they ſtrive to ſurmount one another; and from this time became Corrivals in Ambition and valour: Artamenes was more happy one way then Philidaspes, and fortune gave him better opportunities of ſhewing himſelf: For the King of Pont who thought he could not end the war better then by taking the King of Cappadocia Prlſoner, ſince for his ranſome he might obtain his Daughter; he therefore kept a reſerve of ten thouſand men, the beſt of all his Troops, who had Orders not to fight until a certain ſign was given, which ſhould be when they were informed where Ciaxares did keep his Quarter, then they to fall upon him and take him Priſoner: Theſe Orders were punctually obeyed. The King of Pont and the King of Phrygia ſeeing that the victory did poiſe in an [Page] equall balance, and having diſcovered the place where Ciaxares was in perſon, they give the ſignall: The ten thouſand men fell furiouſly upon us, and put our Army into great confuſion: Artamenes had the good hap to be near the King when he was compaſſed about and ruffly aſſaulted by his enemies: Indeed, if he had not been there at that time, beleeve it Ciaxares had not been now in a condition to keep him his Priſoner, for all the world did ſee he had there elſe periſhed. Artamenes ſeeing this freſh ſtorm fall upon the King, took the boldneſs to come to him, and ſaid, Sir, though I am but an unfortunate ſtranger to you, yet if your own Subjects will but do like me, you ſhould overcome (I warrant you) then, not ſtaying for any anſwer from the King; Come, Come, Follow me my brave men (ſaid he to them which were about him, trembling for fear,) If you will but take heart and follow me, I'le warrant you we will preſerve the King, and yet honour enough beſides. Theſe words, and the confidence which they ſaw in the eyes of Artamenes, did ſo rouſe up their dull ſpirits that they began to courage up: then he led them on, and charged the enemy with an unimaginable fury; Now ſince the Enemy had commands to ſpare Ciaxares his life, and to take him priſoner only, therefore they durſt not fight ſo tumultuouſly leſt then they ſhould perhaps kill him unawares; yet Artamenes ſlew ſuch a Number of them though they defended themſelves as well as they could, that it was a wonder he was not tired with killing: But whileſt he was in this gallant Fury he heard many cry confuſedly The King is taken, and immediatly after, The King is kil'd: At the ſound of theſe ſad words he turn'd about, and ſaw a body of Horſe who guarded the King whom they had taken, whether alive or dead: he made ſtraight towards them: Then animating thoſe Cappadocians which followed him, and ſpying Feraulas and me, cal'd us by our Names; Come away, ſaid he to us, Let us go and relieve the King; and let us not be leſs valiant in delivering him then onr enemies have been in taking him: Then we charged that body of Chivalry, in the midſt of which we perceived ſome confuſion, and as it were a fight. The Gallant Artamenes brake the ranks of the Enemy, and gave a death to all he met; Being come to the middle of the Squadron, he ſaw Ciaxares with ſome fifteen or twenty, who having got Arms in their hands, would not render themſelves unto thoſe who compaſſed them about: And when the Enemy ſaw that Artamenes was like to relieve Ciaxares, there was one deſperate fellow amongſt them, who thonght it was more advantagious for the King of Pont, that Ciaxaees were kil'd rather then eſcape: therefore he lifted up his arm which held a great Sword, to ſtrike the King upon his head, which was then bare, for he had loſt his Helmet in the Combat, the buckles being broken: This blow had inevitably kil'd him, if Artamenes had not ſtept in with his Sword, and run this raſh man through the heart, and made him fall at his feet, juſt as the blow was falling upon the Kings head: The King ſeeing this, called him his Preſerver and Deliverer: And my Maſter, thinking the like chance might hap again, took his own helmet from his head, and put it upon the Kings: Then without ſpeaking a word or loſing a minute of time, he went immediatly out again to fight, reſolving his buckler ſhould defend the blows from his head: This act which was obſerved both by friends and enemies, wrought different effects: The King was amazed at it, and would needs give him his head-peece again; But his enemies when they ſaw better then before the admirable beauty of Artamenes, and that martial diſpoſition which did ſo eaſily become him in Combat, they thought ſome Divinity had deſcended to preſerve Ciaxares from his enemies, and againſt whom it was no boot to reſiſt; therefore their fears did encreaſe, and many thought their heels to be the beſt arms: Artamenes followed them, and drave them upon the left wing of their own Army which put them into diſorder, ſo that he had abſolutely defeated them if night had not been ſo near, which hindred his purſuit, and cauſed both parties to retire unto their colours. Philidaſpes, though he was not preſent at all theſe paſſages, yet did he much contribute unto the happy ſucceſs of this great Action? for it was he who kept our right wing from giving ground, and who ſought with the left wing of the enemy whileſt we had our hands full in delivering the King; ſo that if he had not beeen, we ſhould have had the main bodies of both the Kings upon us, and then could never have been able to do as we did: And ſo that it may truly be ſaid it was only Artamenes and Philidaspes which preſerved Cappadocia at this time; yet ſince the art of Artamenes had the fortune to have the King for a witneſs, who thought it Artamenes only which ſaved his Crown and his life, therefore he had the greater honour and better fortune: Mean while, night invites all unto their Tents, the Victory not being abſolutely declared: Artamenes bethought himſelf of two ſlight hurts in his left Arm, which though, it did not cauſe him to bed: The King alſo received a little hurt in the hand, but we underſtood by one of our Souldiers who had been taken Priſoner and eſcaped, that the King of Pont had a [Page] conſiderable wound with an Arrow, and which was a cauſe neither ſide had any minde to fight again. Ciaxares was no ſooner come into his Tent, but he ſent to ſeek out his deliverer, and to bring him thither; yet ſince none knew the Name of Artamenes, it was next day in the morning, before Ciaxares could ſatisfie his extream deſire to ſalute and thank him for ſaving his life: at laſt, my Maſter being found out, and being ſo commanded from the King, he comes unto him; but he addreſſed himſelf with ſuch modeſty and reverence, as if he had done him no ſervice at all. After his firſt appearance before the King, every one accoſted him, and deſired acquaintance: Philidaspes alſo gave him a reſpective Complement for his good fortune the day before: all admired his hanſome preſence, and were inquiſitive to know the place where he was born: The King no ſooner ſaw him, but he went to meet him and embrace him: After theſe firſt welcomes, the King did commend him ſo much, as the modeſty of Artamenes could not endure it: Sir, ſaid he to him, I have done yet ſo little in your ſervice, that if I did not hope to do you more another time, I ſhould be very much aſhamed of this: but if I may have the honour to continue a Souldier under your Colours, the zeal which I have unto your ſervice, and the examples of theſe gallant men, which are in the Army, will create new deſires of Glory in me, and enable me to accompliſh it; and till I have done ſomething worthy of them, I dare not without bluſhing receive ſuch commendations from ſuch a Prince as Ciaxares: Your modeſty, anſwered the King, does as much aſtoniſh me as your valour, it being more extraordinary to finde that grave Vertue in one ſo young, then to fight, which is a tumultuous act, and more ſuitable with your years. Sir (replied Artamenes) your Majeſty muſt pardon me, if I think you not Phraſe it aright, and call that modeſty in me, which is but a bare reſentment of my conſciouſneſs, for ſince I have ſeen all theſe Gallant men which hear me, perform ſuch brave Acts, and amongſt the reſt (ſaid he in ſhewing him Philidaſpes) this Noble ſtranger, it would be extream boldneſs and vanity in me, to think I can deſerve any commendations for what I have done: rather I will receive them from your Majeſty, as a ſpur to quicken me up hereafter unto Gallantry, then as a recompence for what is paſt. I ſee (anſwered Ciaxares,) it is a hard matter to overcome you in anything, and this makes me afraid to ask you of what Country you are, leaſt you ſhould have no willingneſs to impart it: Sir (replied Artamenes, following the reſolution which we fixed upon when we came from Sinope, and which I forgot to tell you) I was born in that Country, where the People are from their Cradles both Wiſe and Valiant: and the reaſon why I deſire to conceal it, until I have made my ſelf worthy of it, is, leaſt my Actions ſhould become a ſhame unto it: If that be your reaſon (replied Ciaxares ſmiling) you may very well ſatisfie my Curioſity: for whether you be Greek or Perſian, which in my opinion, are the two Nations which come neereſt the deſcription you gave of yours, or whether you be the Sonne of ſome great and wiſe King, it would be an honour unto him to have you for his Country man: Artamenes with a low reverent Conge, ſaid unto him; Since you both commend and command me Sir, I will tell you that my birth is very Noble, and moreover that I am of that Country which is as conſiderable as any one upon earth: But to tell you Sir the Names of my Parents, and the particular Place where I was born, is a thing I neither can nor ought to do, having, for ſome reaſons which would very little concern your Majeſty, if you knew them, promiſed, and fully reſolved not to make my ſelf known until my return: therefore I moſt humbly beſeech your Majeſty, command me not to diſcover it: And be pleaſed to know, that when your Majeſty hath any Service to command me, he who calls himſelf Artamenes ſhall obey you: It were moſt unjuſt (anſwered Ciaxares) to exact that from you, which you are not willing to impart, and I am too much indebted to you to compell you unto any thing: See Sir, all the diſguiſe which Artamenes takes upon him; this Great and Noble Soul being exact in all Vertue, could not ſpeak the leaſt lie: After this, Ciaxares did treat him with all imaginable civility, and deſired him to Command a thouſand Horſe, whoſe former Commander had been killed in the late battle: Artamenes at the firſt excuſed himſelf, and refuſed it; but afterwards, leaſt he ſhould diſpleaſe Ciaxares, he accepted of it; he thanked the King for the Honour, and aſſured him that he would imploy it the beſt he could in his ſervice. And becauſe there was another place vacant, by the death of the former Commander alſo, Ciaxares conferred that Regiment upon Philidaſpes, whom he had known longer then my Maſter; for Aribees, who as I formerly ſaid was then a favourite, had preſented him, before the coming from Sinope. The King had no ſooner conferred this laſt Honour upon Philidaſpes, but Artamenes did congratulate with him, who returned him a civil Complement, but yet harboured within his heart many ſparks of jealouſie at all the Honours [Page] which Ciaxares had done unto Artamenes: Mean while, Artamenes is looked upon as the Kings deliverer, and it were a crime in any one not to bid him welcome. So that as well for that reſpect, as becauſe he had a natural pleaſant way of attracting the hearts of all which ſee him, therefore he is viſited, extolled and welcomed by all the Court and all the Army: The Regiment eſpecially which he commanded, were beyond all expreſſions pleas'd with him, and came to tender him their firſt offers of obedience with abundance of joy: Philidaſpes and he did alſo viſit one another; and you muſt know that Philidaspes reported his Country to be Bactrian. Now ſince the battle was bloudy on both ſides, and all things in great diſorder, therefore, neither ſide thought yet of any fighting again; wherefore the King being deſirous to advertiſe his daughter of all paſſages, and being pleaſed to honour my Maſter ſo far as to acquaint him with his deſire, commanded him to go unto Anigres, and carry his Letter unto Mandana, and alſo to acquaint her how he was alive, and preſerved by his valour; the King ſaid unto him ſmiling that a man which bore his arm in a Scarf might very well leave the Army for four daies without diſhonour or ſuſpition of being taken for a diſſector of it, and at the deſire of his friend not refuſe ſuch a Commiſſion. I leave you to judge Sir how this joyed Artamenes, and how it wrought upon his thoughts: he changed colour at The firſt motion of it, and not daring to accept of it without firſt refuſal, Sir, (ſaid he) the hurts which makes me carry my Arm in a Scarf are ſo ſmall, that they will not hinder me from fighting againſt your Enemies, if occaſion ſhould be offered, and becauſe I am afraid ſome ſuch opportunity may preſently preſent it ſelf, I dare not accept of this Commiſſion wherewith you would honour me; No No (ſaid Ciaxares, and giving him the Letter unto the Princeſſe) do not think that we will fight without you: for you are ſufficiently convinced me, that it is abſolute neceſſary to have your help before we can conquer our Enemies: But yet it is fit that a Princeſs who muſt wear the Crown of Cappadocia, as ſoon as ſhe comes at that age which is appointed by the Laws, ſhould know what ſervices you have done her, and that ſhe ſhould receive the intelligence from your own mouth, to the end you may receive from hers that acknowledgement and thanks which is your due; As Artamenes was ready to anſwer, Philidaſpes who for ſome reaſons which you ſhall hereafter know, was not pleaſed with my Maſter, ſhould have this Commiſſion, addreſſed himſelf unto the King with a very comely grace, and ſaid ſmiling unto him, If it be your Majeſties pleaſure the Princeſs ſhould be informed of all the brave acts of this gallant Stranger, I conceive that ſince he is ſo modeſt, it is not convenient to ſend him, becauſe that Modeſty will rob him of that honour which is his due; therefore if your Majeſty would be pleaſed to give me leave, I ſhall preſent his Panegyrick unto the Princeſs; I, I ſay, who was an eye-witneſs of his valour, and a great admirer of it: Artamenes hearing and ſeeing Philidaſpes ſo forward, was afraid the King ſhould conſent unto his deſire, therefore without giving the King time to anſwer, he ſaid, Sir, ſince the acts of this Gallant Stranger who ſpeaks, are ſo illuſtrious, and much more then mine, it would be but juſt in me to preſent them unto the Princeſs my ſelf: therefore without any further oppoſition unto your Majeſties Commands, I will accept of the honour, ſince there is more reaſon I ſhould ſpeak his Elogie then he mine. Sir, Replied bluſhing Philidaspes, his going will leſſen the honour of Artamenes; but (Replied my Maſter) it ſhall not leſſen the honour of Philidaspes. The King being much pleaſed with this pleaſant Controverſie (of which you ſhall hereafter know the cauſe) would be Empire in the matter, and gave this judgement betwixt them. I will (ſaid he to Artamenes) thus far hearken unto the advice of Philidaſpes, as to uſe it as an Antidote againſt your too much modeſty: I will therefore have Arbaces the Lieutenant of my Guard go along with you, to help out your modeſty, and ſpeak aloud thoſe things which perhaps you will not; ſo the King took the Letter from him, and when he had altered it gave it unto him again; Artamenes took it with as much joy as Philidaſpes ſaw it with anger: As I remember it was thus indited:

[Page]

Ciaxares King of Cappadocia and Galatia unto the Princeſs Mandana his Daughter.

HE who ſhall give you this Letter having ſaved my life, I thought none more fit to acquaint you with the danger wherein I was, then he who delivered me from it: And I could not deviſe a more prevalent way to cauſe his ſtay amongst us then thoſe praiers and deſires which I know you will make unto him: And becauſe I am acquainted with his modeſty, therefore I have ſent Arbaces with him, that he may tell you what perhaps the modesty of the other will not permit him; for I ſee he hath a better faculty in extolling the valour of another then his own. In ſhort, he hath ſaved my life, and hath vanquiſhed all my Enemies, if night had not hindred his purſuit. Pray unto the Gods that all my Captains may be like unto him: and though you cannot make him my Subject, endeavour at the least to make him my Friend:

Ciaxares.

Judge you Sir, what Joy was this unto Artamenes: Feraulas waited upon this little journey, and was a witneſs of all paſſages and my Maſters Entertainment. Alas! ſaid he to himſelf in reading the latter end of the Letter, how unneceſſary is this Praier? how impoſſible a thing it is to be a Lover of Mandana and not a friend unto Ciaxares? yes, yes, think no more of it; I am, and will be a friend unto the King of Cappadocia, and to the King of Medes alſo, and ſo great a friend too that I will be an enemy unto Cyrus; Let him keep in his Tomb ſtill, unhappy Cyrus, who is the object of all the fears and hates of theſe Princes as long as Artamenes is thus happy, keep ſtill in the obſcurity of thy Sepulchre, and never come out: Oh Artamenes, happy Artamenes, (added he) thou art going to ſee thy Princeſs, and to ſpeak unto her; to be commended by her, to be known unto her, and happily may prove ſo fortunate as not to be hated: But alas, alas, that is not enough, for to be perfectly happy is to be beloved: Thus Sir, were the ſpirits of Artamenes inſpired with all the delicate and tender paſſions which Love could contrive: Sometimes his ſoul was all joy, ſometimes again quite quaſht with fear, for who knows (ſaid he) but that for all the Kings Letter to her, I ſhall incurre her diſlike? there ere ſecret ſuggeſtions of ſoul which moves us to love or hate, for which no reaſon can be given, and againſt which there is no reſiſtance: ſo that perhaps though I be not the moſt odious of men, and though I have done ſome conſiderable ſervice to the King and her, yet, if I ſhould be ſo unfortunate as to finde ſuch an antipathy in her ſoul, then all my actions, my ſervices, and obſervances, though I owned all the vertues in the world, and though I had all the Crowns of the earth upon my head, yet I ſhould never win her affection: I may perhaps by theſe obtain her liking and eſteem, but that will not ſatisfie me: Love is ſuch a capritious Paſſion as it will never be content with any thing but Love again: And I ſhould conclude my ſelf the moſt unhappy of men, if I ſhould finde in my Princeſs only a bare eſteem without affection: The violent Raptures of his ſpirit, made him buſie himſelf about a hundred petty things which heretofore he never thought upon. As ſoon as he came to Anigres, he would himſelf chuſe what clothes to wear, and asked Feraulas a hundred times, which he ſhould take, and which did beſt become him; To [...]e ſhort, when he was dreſt and wearing a very magnificent rich Scarf of golden Tiſſue, to bear his Arm in, he was conducted by Arbaces unto the place where the Princeſs was. Artamenes Sir, did afterwards confeſs unto us that he had more timorous motions of ſpirit at that time, then when he fought with that valiant Pirate, or when he fought in the laſt battle: This great heart which never trembled in moſt horrid hangers, was now poſſeſt with ſuch fear, that had not his joy a little tempered it, he had quite ſhamed himſelf, and incurred the Princeſs diſ-favour: but at laſt being come into her Preſence-Chamber, magnificently furniſhed (Arbaces having acquainted her before, whileſt he was dreſſing himſelf, in what manner ſhe ſhould receive him) where ſhe was waited upon by a great number of Ladies which waited upon her in this voyage, and alſo many others of the Town and Province: She was that day dreſt but negligently, yes ſo fair and charming did ſhe appear in his eye, that (as he told me afterwards) he ſaw none of the other beauties and rich attired Ladies about her; ſo much was his eyes and minde poſſeſt with this powerful object. The Princeſs no ſooner ſaw my Maſter but ſhe roſe up, and having been already told of all the ſervices which he had done her father, ſhe prepared her ſelf to receive him with joy and thanks: Artamenes made [Page] two congies, and approaching with all reverence due to one of her quality, he kiſſed the Kings Letter and preſented it unto her: When ſhe had read it, he was beginning his complement, but the Princeſs in a moſt obliging manner prevented him and ſaid; What Divinity (Noble Stranger) brought you amongſt us to preſerve all Cappadocia thus in preſerving the King, and which enabled you to do him better ſervice then all Subjects could? Madam (anſwered Artamenes) you have reaſon to think ſome Divinity brought me hither, and that ſome Benevolent Divinity too, ſince it hath brought me to the honour of being known unto you, and enabled me to render ſome ſmall peece of ſervice unto the King, which might have been performed by any other hand as well as mine: Modeſty (ſaid the Princeſs, turning to the Ladies about her) is ſo eſſentially belonging unto our ſex, as I know not whether I ſhould ſuffer this Gallant Stranger to uſurp it or no: he cannot be content to enjoy his own eminent valour, unto which we cannot pretend, but he muſt take upon him our modeſty alſo; when we commend his Gallantry, as women may very allowably do when their beauty is commended: For my part, (added ſhe) and looking upon Artamenes: I finde ſome injuſtice in your proceedure, and ought not to ſuffer it, though I cannot chuſe but infinitely commend you for it. Such Madam as you (replied Artamenes) ought to receive praiſes from all the world, and not to give them unto any but very ſlightly, leſt you ſhould repent, therefore I beſeech you Madam do not run that hazard; ſtay Madam until I have the honour to be better known unto you: I know already by Arbaces, anſwered ſhe, that you are thought to be of that Nation (though you will not confeſs it) who amongſt all thoſe great qualities you attribute unto them are ſuſpected of craft and Subtlety; yet that which you have done doth well deſerve to be excepted out of the general rule, nor can I ſuſpect that your Prudence out of your exceſs of reaſon, ſhould degenerate into craft: but on the contrary, I am fully perſwaded you are the very ſame you ſeem to be. I am much obliged unto you Madam (anſwered Artamenes) that your Goodneſs is pleaſed to make ſuch a favourable exception; I can aſſure you that in doing ſo you are not deceived, and the cunning Artifice of which the Greek Nation is ſuſpected cannot be laid unto my charge; But Madam, whether I be Greek, as it ſeems you think I am, or of any other more ingenious Nation, I have ever reaſon to ſay, that ſince you have a good opinion of me, I have cauſe to fear leſt time ſhould make you alter your opinion: Time (replied ſhe) can never make any ſuch alteration, but what you have already done deſerves commendation, and for it muſt ever retain a good opinion of you, as of him that hath ſaved the life of my Father. I wiſh Madam, anſwered he, you may never loſe it, and that the moſt glorious Princeſs of the world may ever do me that honour as not to think me quite unworthy of her eſteem. After this, the Princeſs did enquire of all circumſtances concerning the fight, and Artamenes did exactly relate it excepting thoſe paſſages which concerned himſelf, and them he ſlightly paſſed over in few words, which made Mandana (who had all the ſtory of his acts from Arbaces) much to wonder: But Artamenes did not fail to ſpeak very advantagiouſly in the behalf of Philidaſpes and his valour; whom the Princeſs remembred to have ſeen at Sinope a little before her departure. In ſhort, his deport [...] was ſo happy in this firſt acquaintance, as he was highly cried up by all the Ladies: And though he had not the entire freedom of his ſoul, ſince he was ſo heart-bound, and tied by the eyes unto the beauty of Mandana, yet did he not now ſeem half ſo much bewitched as formerly he had been: His lovely preſence, diſcreet Civility, ſweet modeſty, and his handſome Garb, joyned to the Eloquence of his words and wiſedom of his minde, did blinde all the diſorders of his ſoul, and made them not perceived, ſo that he departed from this entertainment with a general applauſe. Arbaces lodged him in a Chamber of the Caſtle which looked towards the Garden, and expreſſed all the care which was due unto one who had preſerved the King his Maſter: Artamenes was no ſooner in his ſtately Chamber, but deſired to walk in that Garden which was a Proſpect unto his Chamber; ſo little reſt did his amorous inquietudes permit unto him; not but that he was infinitely joyed at the Princeſs, and the Civilities wherewith ſhe treated him; but as an effect of Love which is of ſuch a nature as it alwaies cauſeth pleaſing troubles, and never moves unto any joy or ſorrow but tumultuouſly, and in odd agitations or diſorders. Artamenes then, as happy as he was, yet was reſtleſs, and would fain have entertained more Diſcourſe with the Princeſs, ſo more ſtrongly have captivated himſelf in freſh chains and charms, which he found in her eyes and diſcourſe. However, his Reaſon doth no more oppoſe his Love, but rather aſſiſt it in contriving waies conducible unto his ſatisfaction. Sometimes he feared he had not ſpoke all he had to ſay, or that he was not well enough prepared to ſpeak what he did. However, the ſweet Idea of Mandana was it which filled every cranny of his amorous ſoul: At every turn he thought [Page] he ſaw her, and fancied every feature: telling himſelf a hundred times She was abſolutely the faireſt and wiſeſt in the whole world. After he had thus fancied her, and thinking that ſhe had ſomething of Gallantry in her ſpirit, which (without prejudice to her naturall modeſty) did incomparably ſet her off; after I ſay he had pleaſingly contemplated all theſe things over and over again; O ye Gods (ſaid he) if ſince ſhe is ſo lovely it ſhould ſo fatally fall out, as that ſhe cannot love me, what will then become of miſerable Artamenes? but (preſently recollecting himſelf) ſince ſhe ſeems to be ſenſible of benefits and glory, let us go on as we have begun, and act ſo gloriouſly, that although her Genius ſhould be againſt me, yet her eſteem of them may win her affection at leaſt eſteem of me whether ſhe will or no: For though I confeſs one may eſteem a thing a little which they do not abſolutely love; yet I conceive one cannot eſteem any thing very much which they do not love a little. Let us hope then, and render our ſelves worthy of pity if not of Love. As he was thus deſcanting upon the ſtate of his love, Feraulas told him that he ſaw the Princeſs at the end of a Walk; who according to her uſual Cuſtom came to take the Air in the Garden about the Sun-ſetting: Artamenes obſerving ſhe came towards him, had doubtleſs out of reverence gone into another walk, if ſhe had not beckned unto him to come neerer: But Sir, to avoid being tedious, I muſt in ſhort tell you, that in this walk and new diſcourſe, Artamenes diſcovered ſuch freſh Beauty, and ſo much admirable wiſdome in the ſoul of Mandana that as before he only Loved her, ſo now he adores her. The Princeſs alſo better diſcovering the ſpirit of my Maſter, conceived a very great eſteem of him, and treated him more reſpectively then at firſt. To fulfill the Kings commands, ſhe endeavoured to perſwade his Continuance amongſt them: but alas how unneceſſary was that Prayer? and what joy did he reſent, to hear her ask that which he himſelf had ſo great a deſire unto, and which was ſo ſutable unto his Paſſion? After he had brought the Princeſs unto her Chamber, who was waited upon by many Ladies of Honour, ſhe gave order he ſhould be waited upon unto his with all poſſible magnificence, and was punctually obeyed. All this while he mentioned not a ſyllable at the Table concerning the Battle, but when all the waiters were retired, and he being alone with Feraulas, all his diſcourſe was of Mandana; he asked his opinion concerning her; Whether all theſe felicities which had been conferred upon him did not pleaſe him? But before they ever thought of it, and contrary to their intention, the night was more then half ſpent in diſcourſe with Feraulas, who doubtleſs did not croſſe his fancy, ſince he found Mandana fair above all natural excellencies: At laſt, they went to bed, but not to ſleep; for when it came into his thoughts, that he was to return unto the Camp in the morning, and that Manners commanded him to take his leave before he went, then there was no room for ſleeping; but he roſe in the morning before he had ſhut his eyes, and as ſoon as the Princeſs was to be ſeen, he addreſſed himſelf unto her, and deſired he might return to the place whither his duty called him, and where the King and ſtate of things required him: But ſhe would not permit him, for ſhe told him, that ſhe deſired he ſhould be a witneſs of a Sacrifice of thanks, which ſhe would that day offer unto the gods, for preſerving by his hand, the King her father: and that he might aſſure himſelf ſhe was pleaſed with his company, ſhe expreſſed her ſelf thus, I pray you Artamenes ſtay, but I dare not command you: But you may Madam, anſwered he, and more then that, for I and all the earth ought to pay obedience unto ſuch a Princeſs. Artamenes ſtayed then the other day in Anigres, and went unto the Temple with the Princeſs, whom he had the honour to accompany: All the People cried him up with ten thouſand applauds as their Benefactor, for it was divulged in a moment, both by Arbaces and the Princeſs Domeſtiques; that it was he which preſerved the King. The next morning being come ſooner then he wiſht it, he muſt take leave, and be gone; which without doubt he did with as much grief as Love, although he durſt not expreſs either, more then by ſilence and profound reverence. She gave him a Letter to the King her Father, the effect whereof I can tell, for Ciaxares ſhewed it unto every one, in hopes to oblige my Maſter the more by it, and there was none in all the Army, which had not either ſeen it or heard the contents, which were theſe:

[Page]

The Princeſs Mandana, to the King of Cappadocia and Galatia her Father.

SIR,

IT was not without ſome reaſon, your Majeſty did miſtruſt the Modeſty of Artamenes, ſince it was only by the Lieutenant of your Guard, that I came to know what he had done for your Preſervation, and by conſequence for the preſervation of all Cappadocia, all Galatia, Medea, and of Mandana, whoſe death had been included in yours: He told me of the great danger to which your Majeſty was expoſed, but he intimated not a ſyllable of his own valour which releeved you, ſo that I might for ever have been ignorant of it, had I not heard more from others then him. I have ſo perſwaded him of your Vertue, and tyed him to your ſervice, as more endeavours had been uſeleſs. But Sir I beſeech you, let not my Prayers be fruitleſs, when they ſhall deſire you, not to expoſe your precious Life unto any more hazards: Your Majeſty may do well to conſider, how the happineſs of all the Kingdoms depend upon it; and perhaps Artamenes may not be alwaies ſo fortunate as to releeve you: Commit the care of Conquering your Enemies unto this Gallant Stranger, and employ him no more in preſerving the Life of that Prince, in which is inſeperably concerned the Life of

Mandana.

Artamenes, delivering this Letter to the King, was welcomely received; Philidaspes, who heard it read, was the only man who ſeemed to be diſpleaſed at it: The envy which appeared in his looks, diſcovered the anger and trouble of his minde. Few days after, my Maſters wounds were well recovered, and he was not idle in the exerciſe of that Regiment under his command: As the two Armies were entrenched neer one another, ſo he was continually ſending out Parties, which always returned with the advantage, for he quite beat up one quarter of the King of Phrygias Brigade: Philidaspes was alſo very fortunate in the like encounter. Now though this War was begun by the King of Pont, becauſe he was refuſed the Princeſs of Cappadocia; yet becauſe this ground for it, was not plauſible enough in the eyes of the People, ſince nothing ought to be more free then Marriages, nor nothing could be more juſt then the authority of Fathers over Children; nor nothing more unalterable then the fundamental Laws of a State, which here did forbid the banes; therefore the pretence and colour of this War was given out to be, a right he had unto two Towns, which bordered on either ſide of a great Plain, between Galatia and Bithinia; both theſe Princes conceiving, that both theſe Towns belonged unto them, though both of them were in Poſſeſſion of that Town which bordered upon their own Provinces: So theſe two Towns were declared the cauſe of the War: the one called Ceraſia, in poſſeſſion of the King of Pont; the other Aniſa, in poſſeſſion of the King of Cappadocia: But ſince the King of Pont was much wounded, and his Chirurgions told him, he would not quickly recover, therefore he protracted fight as much as he could: yet for all that, he could not chuſe but be often skirmiſhing. The victory ſeem'd always to poiſe equally, unleſs when Artamenes and Philidaspes appeared: Mean while the King of Phrygia had received private intelligence, how the King of Lydia would declare war againſt him, and enter into his Dominions: he imparted it unto the King of Pont, who was much troubled at it; knowing that if the King of Phrygia fell off, he was not able to reſiſt Ciaxares, who had under his command, not only Cappadocia and Galatia, but alſo all Media and Perſia. Whilſt the Princes were in Councel what to do in ſuch a croſſe conjuncture, the King of Phrygia adviſed, That before this News was divulged or known unto Ciaxares, it were expedient to ſend unto him, and make an offer, to determin the controverſie by Combat of two hundred men againſt two hundred men, that ſo the War may be ſooner ended, and much bloud ſpared: for, ſaid the King of Phrygia to him, if the War with Lydia do not hold me long, Pretences enough may befound out to break the Peace with the King of Cappadocia: The King of Pont ſeeing no likelihood for him to come off with honour, if Phrygia ſhould decline him, therefore he approved of this advice notwithſtanding all his bravery, and his Paſſion for the Princeſs, or his ambitious deſires of Glory. He ſent therefore Propoſitions unto Ciaxares accordingly; who held a Councel of War concerning it: Opinions were different, ſome for it, ſome againſt it; Aribees who found the continuance of the war was for his own advantage did openly oppoſe it; but yet Ciaxares conſidered [Page] that Aſtiages his Father King of Medes was ſo old he could not live long, and therefore had no minde to be engaged in a long War, ſince when his Father died he was then to leave Cappadocia and go into Medea; and conſidering the ſtate of things, how the Ponteans were more numerous then the Cappadocians, and that ſucceſſe of warre is dubious, therefore he accepted the offer: The Controverſie was to be determined within eight days. The Articles of Conditions were theſe following.

1. That both Princes ſhould draw off their Armies into thoſe two Towns which were under their reſpective ſubjections, and which were the Cauſes of the War.

2. That the Combat ſhould be fought in that great Plain between the two Towns, and where now the Armies were entrenched, and thoſe two Towns to be the utmoſt limits of them.

3. That either Prince ſhould as he pleaſed, chuſe thoſe which ſhould fight for their intereſt, without conſideration of Rank or Quality, but that valour only was ſufficient to be admitted into Combat.

4. That the Combatants of both ſides, coming out of theſe two Towns at one time, ſhould meet in the middle of the Plain where they were to fight.

5. That they ſhould fight on foot, and have no other Arms, then each man two Javelins and a Sword, but not to bring any Bows or Arrows.

6. That the two enemy-Kings ſhould ſtay the event of this Combat, each of them in the head of their own Army, neer the Town where they are to encamp, without any information but by the return of the Conqueror, it not being permitted unto the Conquered to return, or have any Quarter of Life from their enemies; nor either party to ſend any intelligence of diſadvantage.

7. That the ſucceſſe of the Combat being known; the two Kings, guarded only with two thouſand men a peece, ſhall meet in the place of fight, as well to ſalute one another, as to verifie the report of the victorious.

8. That Hoſtages ſhall be given on both ſides.

9. That theſe Hoſtages which ſhall remain in the two Camps, ſhall viſit, and ſearch the two hundred men which muſt fight, to the end, they ſhall bring no other Arms then is permitted by Conditions.

10. That after the Combate, the Party vanquiſhed ſhall abandon the Town, and draw off his Army into his own Country: that the Conquerour ſhall take Poſſeſſion of that Town for which the Warre Commenced.

11. That the bodies of thoſe two hundred men of the Parties vanquiſhed, ſhall receive no ignominy, and that their Funerals ſhall be ſolemnized with honour together with thoſe which are dead of the Party conquering, upon the place of Combate.

12. That after this, Peace ſhall be firmly eſtabliſhed between the two Princes, and Commerce allowed between their Subjects, the King of Phrygia to be compriſed within this Peace as an allie of the King of Pontes.

All theſe Articles being agreed upon, and ſigned by both Parties, they were publiſhed in both Camps, and both Armies began to move towards the Towns unto which by Articles they were to repair. The Princeſs hearing of it, deſired to ſee her Father and came unto Aniſa, the day before thoſe who ſhould be choſen Combatants were elected. I leave you to judge Sir, how all they who had a deſire to purchaſe Fame and Honour, were ſolicitous to be accepted of in this ſervice: and I leave you to judge alſo whither Artamenes and Philidaſpes would not be with the formoſt. The laſt of theſe two did preſume upon the favour of Aribees; and my Maſter, though he was extreamly thirſty of Honour, yet could not aſſure himſelf of that favour; for though he had done the King great ſervice, and his valour was ſufficiently known, yet becauſe he was a ſtranger, his fears were above his hopes, and that objection would be a great obſtacle: yet he thought that if he were not accepted to be one of them, then all his hopes of Mandana would be quaſht: For, ſaid he, what can I do to obtain her eſteem in a calm Court, where I ſhall finde no occaſions of ſerving her? but if I could be an aſſiſtant to get this victory, I ſhould then have ſome ground to build my hopes upon: But alas, I fear that I am not fortunate enough for that happineſs, and I fear Philidaſpes will be preferred before me, though he be a ſtranger as well as I: For, Sir, it is not to be imagined how theſe two young Gallants did in all their actions extreamly envy, at leaſt emulate one another. The Princeſs was no ſooner come, but Artamenes went immediatly to her without my knowledge, and as ſoon as he found an opportunity, Madam, ſaid he, I come to beg a favour, though I confeſs, I am unworthy of it: You are worthy [Page] of all (anſwered the Princeſs ſweetly) and be aſſured, if the thing you deſire be neither unjuſt nor impoſſible, you ſhall certainly obtain it: and ſince I know you are too noble and wiſe to deſire any ſuch, you cannot doubt but your deſire is granted: I know, Madam (ſaid he, doing humble reverence) that the thing I deſire is in your power, ſince it is in the Kings, who I am ſure can deny you nothing; but I confeſs I dare not aſſure my ſelf there is as much juſtice in my Petition, as there is poſſibility; and though I do but what I ought in endeavouring to obtain it, yet I know not whether you ſhall do as you ought in granting it: Nevertheleſs Madam, I will ask it, and that with as much zeal as my ſoul is capable of: and if it be ſo that the good fortune which I had in doing the King a little ſervice, has any thing obliged you, I beſeech you let me obtain this deſire, as the greateſt and moſt glorious recompence that ever I can obtain. Prevail I beſeech you moſt adored Princeſs, with the King your Father, that he will do me that great honour, to admit me to be one of the two hundred Combatants which muſt fight. That which you ask (replied the Princeſs with much wonder at his generoſity) is not impoſſible, but moſt advantagious unto the King my Father: but I muſt confeſs, I do not think it juſt, ſince, when you have ſaved his life as you have done, you ſhould receive ſo bad a recompence, as to expoſe your own in a fight, which according to the Articles muſt needs be bloody, and full of danger: You are too good Madam (anſwered Artamenes) to fear my deſtruction: But trouble not your ſelf Madam; for the care you have of me will preſerve me in the midſt of dangers; and it cannot be thought the Gods will deſtroy what you would ſave: Therefore Madam, (continued he ſmiling) ſince I ſhall fight without danger, do me the honour to aſſiſt me in my ſute: For Madam (added he, aſſuming a more ſerious look) if I do not obtain it I muſt needs fly from the place I live in, ſince I cannot live in it without diſhonour, and where they do not think me worthy to do that which two hundred others can do. If there were but one to fight, perhaps then I ſhould not dare to think my ſelf, being a ſtranger, worthy to defend your intereſt; but ſince the number is two hundred which muſt have the honour, I think Madam, I may without any great preſumption beg this noble Office: I would very willingly (anſwered the Princeſs moſt candidly) Petition you another might be choſen in your room, but ſince you do ſo earneſtly deſire it, I will promiſe you to ask the King my Father. As Artamenes was ready to anſwer and gratefully caſt himſelf at her feet, Ciaxares comes into the chamber: the Princeſs no ſooner ſaw him but ſhe went towards him, ſaying, Sir, This Noble ſtranger is ſo inſatiable of honour and glory, as not being content with the ſervice he hath done you already, would yet have you receive another victory from his hand, and deſires you to admit him into the number of the Combatants. Ciaxares, raviſhed with this Propoſition, embraced him and thanked him for his zeal to his ſervice, but it was a long while before he would conſent, and ſince the Princeſs did not ſpeak all this while, Artamenes turned towards her and ſaid, Madam, do you remember your promiſe? No, anſwered ſhe, I do confeſs I cannot keep my word, and that fighting is ſo contrary to my diſpoſition, that nothing can be obtained from me, but prayers that all Warres and Fightings may ceaſe; Ah Madam (replied he) your goodneſs obliges me, and undoes me both. Then did he ſo earneſtly importune Ciaxares, that after many denials, he conſented: not but that he was very glad a man ſo valiant as Artamenes would fight, but his denial proceeded from him as an effect of his love to him, and becauſe he feared to loſe him in this encounter. To tell you what was the Joy of Artamenes, how many thanks he gave the King, what gracefull addreſſes he made unto the Princeſs, and what excuſes he had, that he had ſo flenderly ſerved her, would be to loſe pretious time, ſince I have ſo many notable things to tell you; however I muſt needs tell you how Philidaſpes, who put on to be one of this fatall number, did miſs of his deſire; for though Aribees could have told him that Ciaxares would not admit him, yet he excuſed it hanſomly, and told him that Artamenes having ſpoken firſt, and Ciaxares having already conſented unto one ſtranger, would not by any intreaties admit of any more, leaſt the Cappadocians. ſhould murmure, who would think it a wrong done unto themſelves. This accident cauſed much ſorrow in Philidaſpes, ſo that had he not otherwiſe been more conſiderably intereſted in the King, he would have quitted the Court and Camp upon it; that which moſt ſtuck in his ſtomack, was that Artamenes ſhould be preferred before him, being a ſtranger as well as he: And though Ciaxares told him afterwards, that if he had ſpoken firſt he ſhould not have been denied, yet this did not ſatisfie him: On the contrary, the joyes of Artamenes were doubled by the ſorrows of Philidaſpes; and this great ſoul, as generous as he was, could not chuſe but rejoyce at his grief, ſuch was the violent emulation between theſe two [Page] high ſpirits. Am I not very happy, ſaid he to me, when he met me, that I muſt either overcome in the Quarrel of my Princeſs, or I muſt die for her? If I eſcape the danger, I ſhall be the Meſſenger of Victory and Triumph; or if I die, I am certain ſhe will lament me: Ah Chriſantes, what honour is this? Ha, Sir, anſwered I, what have you done? That which I ought, my dear friend, anſwered he, and that which you would have done if you had been in my caſe: But, Sir (ſaid I to him) have you forgot that Artamenes is more then ſuch a common Knight as he ſeems to be, but that he is Son to the King of Perſia? No, no, my Governour (anſwered he) and becauſe I know my birth is not common, therefore I muſt ſtrive to do things above common capacities: But Sir (ſaid I) why have you not obtained as much for Feraulas and me, as you have for your ſelf? Is it becauſe you ſuſpect our courages? Ah Criſantes (ſaid he, imbracing me) I will rather ſuſpect my own; but it was not poſſible to be done; and if I had put in for ſo many, I might perhaps have been denied my ſelf: But notwithſtanding all his reaſons, and though I was not poſſeſſed with ſuch violent Paſſions as he was, yet I was very ſorry he ſhould be engaged in ſuch a deſperate Deſign; but there was no remedy: he had got himſelf Liſted before I got knowledge of his intention. The choice of Combatants being made, the day of Combate comes on; Hoſtages were given on both ſides; they ſearch and view the Combatants, and Arms, according to the conditions of the Articles: Notice is ſent unto the King of Pont of their readineſs, who ſent the ſame meſſage back of his men. This ſelected Troop paſs before the King, who at break of day offered a Sacrifice unto the Gods for their Proſperity. Arramenes was in hopes the Princeſs would have been with the King her Father when they parted, yet ſhe not having a heart for it, ſtaied ſtill in the Temple praying for them, ſo that he was deprived of that hope for conſolation. As for my ſelf Sir, I could not chuſe but drop ſome farwell tears at parting, ſince it was not now permitted to go with him as at other times, but now we were not ſuffered to aſſiſt him or be a witneſs of his Valour: He perceived our ſorrows, and ſaw us all drooping: He looked upon us with as Gallant and Pleaſant an aſpect as ours was ſad: Cheer up, ſaid he to us, I will Conquer, Il'e warrant you; and ſo laughed at us, I ſee you are but bad Fortune-tellers; as he ſpoke theſe words, they came to the Gate of the Town where the King ſtaied. Sir (ſaid my Gallant Maſter to him, marching in the head of the Troop) I am going to make my ſelf worthy of thoſe honours which your Majeſty hath done me, and to imitate the example of theſe brave men, which go with me: And I am going (anſwered the King) to prepare a Lawrel for you and them, not doubting of good ſucceſs, ſince Artamenes, and ſuch men are to fight. Thy Glory is great, cried the hopeleſs Philidaſpes, and thou ſhouldſt not be alone, if I had as much of thy good fortune as I have of thy Valour: We ſhould be very ſtrong if we had you with us, anſwered Artamenes, but we will endeavour to vanquiſh without you: After theſe, two hundred Heroes which were devoted unto the Grandure and tranquillity of Cappadocia were gone out of the Town, and the Gates were ſhut, we had no full information of that fierce encounter, wherefore I ſhall rehearſe as much as we knew, and reſerve the reſt unto the end of my Story. When theſe two Troops came upon the Plain, they halted a little, and ſent out a Party of four to diſcover whether their numbers were equal, and Arms according to Articles: All being found right, and an equal ground choſen, they advance without any noiſe or vapour, but in a ſilent terrour: When they joyned they uſed their Javelins, which did great execution, but much more upon the Cappadocians then the other ſide; at laſt falling to their Swords, and ſhielding themſelves with their Bucklers, they begin to mix: Artamenes (as we had the knowledge of it afterwards) ſtept a little before his fellows, and at one blow with his Sword did offer the firſt Victim of this Sanguine Sacrifice: His valour was not ſo happily ſeconded, for to ſpeak in general the Ponteans had got much advantage of the Cappadocians; not but that they did behave themſelves as gallantly as men could do, but that the other ſide proved more fortunate, and their wounds leſs mortal: Artamenes looking about, and perceiving that maugre his fury, the number of the Cappadocians did diminiſh, he fell into a ſtrange rage, and acted ſuch things as indeed can neither be imagined nor credited; and it might juſtly be ſaid, that the event of Combate did abſolutely depend upon him: he was not ſatisfied with offending his Enemy, and defending himſelf, but he alſo defended every one of his Companions, and received the blows which were aimed at his next fellow. In ſhort, he did ſuch Heroique acts, and wrought ſo many wonders as he was an abſolute miracle of valour. Inſomuch as one of his Enemies whoſe name was Artanus, began to think, that for all the advantage which his ſide had gotten, it would be hard to get the Victory, and therefore he began to think how he ſhould ſave his own life, and ſculk away; for [Page] (ſaid he in himſelf, as afterwards we had knowledge) if my ſide prove ſtronger I can mix amongſt them in the end of the fight without diſcovery; and if they periſh then I ſhall ſave one by the ſhift, although I quit my Countrey and live unknown in ſome other Quarter of the world: Being thus baſely reſolved and during the confuſion of Combate, he ſtole backward by degrees until he was quite behinde all his own ſide, then he ran away ſome twenty paces off, and as if he had been kil'd fell down, then crept further and further off, inſenſibly by little and little, until he came unto a little Hill where he might be an inviſible Spectator of the Combat: All the reſt being buſied in fight, minded him not; Mean while, the ſtate of the Fight came to that paſs, as Artamenes ſaw but fifteen of his ſide againſt fourty enemies: I leave you to judge Sir, If the Pontean ſide did not hope to be Conquerors, and the Cappadocians fear defeat; yet ſince it was no boot to ask Quarter, but either to fight or die, which would make the moſt deſperate become moſt valiant: Artamenes did ſo encourage them both by words and example, as he infuſed freſh life into his fellows: As for himſelf, every one thought him abſolutely invulnerable, and ſaid that a diſmal fatality was tied to his Sword, which at every blow was dipt in the bloud of his enemies. He had a blow for all: He followed thoſe which fled or ſhrunk from him: he kil'd them which ſtood cloſe to him: In ſhort, he laid ſo about him, that from the fourty which was againſt fifteen, he brought it to be ten to ten: This reaſonable equality got him a new heart: Come on (ſaid he to his fellows) let us finiſh the Victory which is almoſt already gotten; and indeed, conſidering how the caſe was altered, he might well ſay ſo, yet he knew not that three of his nine Companions were ſo wounded that they fell preſently after; ſo that there remained but ſeven againſt ten: he himſelf was all the while ſo fortunate, as he had all this while received but one ſlight hurt on his ſide, by reaſon of his ill Curaſſe; yet it had only raſed the skin, ſo that it did not trouble him at all. This heart of a Lion, ſtill fought with the ſame fury and ſtrength that he did at firſt: He killed two of his ten enemies preſently, the third held him play a long while, yet fell at laſt: As he turned himſelf about thinking to rejoyce with his Companions, he found but one left, and three enemies upon him; he ran in all haſte to relieve him, but he came to late, for his fellow fell juſt as he came in. Now Sir, the Illuſtrious Artamenes ſtood in need of all his courage, when after three hours Combat, and that more ſharp then ever battel, he found himſelf ſingle againſt three enemies. Yet loſing neither heart nor judgement, he fought with them after a quick, moving, and nimble manner, leſt he ſhould have his enemies on all ſides him at once: and ſhewed ſuch ſprightly agility that his three Enemies found they had enough on him, and felt his Sword at every Paſſe: When they preſſed upon him, he in the turning of an eye was on the other ſide; and though all their blows did not miſſe, for bloud ran down in many places, yet for all that his ſtrength failed not. But he being reſolved either to conquer or die, and his enemies being amazed to ſee one man reſiſt them ſo long, they made at him all together at one. Artamenes ſhielding himſelf with his Buckler, charged violently through them all, and did ſeparate one of them from the other two; He fell like a Fury upon this third man, and made him fall at his feet by running him through the body. This chance made the other two to droop, but gave new courage unto Artamenes; So that now altering that manner of fighting which before he was compelled to take, when he had three againſt him: he begins to charge them with ſuch precipitation as that one of them ſtumbling upon a Buckler which was under his feet, Artamenes not loſing this opportunity fell upon the other, and kil'd him: preſently: Now, cried out Artamenes (and flouriſhing his Sword as he was turning toward his laſt Antagoniſt;) Now muſt true Valour decide the Controverſie, without mixture of Fortune, and where none can ſhare in the glory of the Conquerour: In ſaying ſo, he fell like a Lion upon this laſt Adverſary who received him with more Gallantry then uſeth to be in common ſpirits. Now has Artamenes but one to fight withal, but believe me a doughty one, whom Fortune it ſeems had reſerved to make Artamenes pay dear for his Victory: Theſe two Valiant Heroes, one of which was to carry away the Glory of the Day, took time to breathe and look about them: They ſaw themſelves all bloud, and amidſt a field covered with dead men, ſo that Victory did not look with any charming countenance: and though both of them had hopes to be victorious, yet this diſmal ſight terrified them. Preſently the Combat begins afreſh, and with ſuch fury as the like was never ſeen. He who fought with Artamenes was a man of good quality, as well as Artanus, who all this while lay lurking; and becauſe he had ſeen my Maſter ſo thunder up his fellows, durſt riſe up to aſſiſt his Partner. Here Sir, may be admired the wayes which the gods uſe, when they are reſolved to ſave one; and it muſt be acknowledged their ſecrets are inſcrutable; For the caſe ſtanding thus, could any man believe that [Page] Artanus who was all this while hid, and freſh, and ſaw my Maſter wounded in many places, ſhould not dare for all this to riſe and help his fellow to conquer one man whoſe bloud guſht out in ſo many places: but he thought it ſafer to ſtay there, and keep in a whole skinne: Thus you ſee Artanus was not very valiant, but as I have heard ſince, undertook this Engagement with very ill will: This man, ſeeing Artamenes when he was ſingle againſt three, could not be conquered, but brought it one to one; and who remembred that this laſt man who fought with my Maſter was his Corrival; and ſeeing how the caſe ſtood now, never thinking of his Country but of his revenge, his jealouſie, and his love, he reſolves to get the Victory, and never fight for it; for (ſaid he to himſelf, as afterwards he confeſſed) this combat cannot end but one of theſe two at the leaſt muſt die, ſince they fight with ſuch reſolution; and he which dies, will before his death give many wounds unto his enemy; If he which is enemy to my Country fall, I ſhall finde my Rival in a condition eaſie to be vanquiſhed; and if my Rival die, I ſhall as eaſily overcome the enemy of my Country, ſince he has loſt ſo much bloud as he can hardly ſtand, and who has ſhed ſo much of his enemies as he has left himſelf none; ſo that which ſide ſoever Fortune turns on, I will fight with the laſt man, and he ſhall die too, and I will live, and Triumph without danger. Theſe were the thoughts of Artanus, who prayed equally for the death of both his two enemies: And truly it ſo fell out, as his unjuſt prayers wanted but a little of being heard; Artamenes and Pharnaces (for we knew afterwards that to be his Name) breathing a while as we ſaid before, began a Combat, and ſuch a one, as all ambitious deſires of glory could not make more fierce: And Artamenes fearing leaſt his loſſe of ſo much bloud ſhould betray his corage; therfore he charged his enemy with all his force: ſo that Pharnaces, who ſaw there was but two ways to chuſe, either death or victory; had yet this conſolation left him, that he thought Artanm his Rival and enemy was dead, ſince he ſaw him not fighting: and this hope not to be any more croſt in his Love, begot a freſh deſire of vanquiſhing; and moved him to fight ſo fiercely, that I heard my Maſter ſay, before he knew any thing of it, that he did imagin it to be Love which ſuſtained his courage, and enflamed him with that Heroick heat. They fought yet a long time: Pharnaces wounded Artamenes in four places: Artamenes him in ſix: Their ſtrength began to fail, and their bodies to reel, ſo that to finiſh the Combat ſooner, they ſtep nearer one another: Thruſting is all their play, not uſing their Bucklers, which they were hardly able to lift; They paſſed at one another both together, but hit differently; for Artamenes ran Pharnaces through the heart; and Pharnaces ran Artamenes through his thigh; and left his Sword in it. So that my Maſter, yet holding his Sword in his hand, and couragiouſly drawing his enemies out of his thigh, holding both Swords in his hands, he cried out, I have got the victory: and preſently after, being very weak, he fell: But here's the wonder Sir, for if Artamenes had not fallen as he did, he had died, becauſe Artanus would have preſently diſpatched him: who (as we knew by his confeſſion, and as you ſhall know in the ſequel of the Story) as ſoon he perceived his Rival dead, did riſe up, and prepared himſelf to fall upon my Maſter, whom he perceived to reel; but as ſoon as he ſaw him fall, he moved no further towards him, he cared not for going to ſee him take his laſt gaſp, but went as faſt as he could to tell the King of Pont he was the Conqueror: This man (if he be worthy of that name) was fuller of joy then the true Conqueror was; for he was full of glorious fancie; he had ſeen his Rival die, and hoped that this victory would certainly obtain him his Miſtris, who was Siſter unto the King of Pont: He could not imagin any thing could be a dor unto his felicity, unleſſe his remorſe of Conſcience, and his unparallel'd Cowardize. I know very well Sir, that I have not half particularis'd this great encounter; ſince it came unto light only by Artanus, when he was vanquiſhed, and kept a Priſoner of War amongſt us; and by my Maſter, whoſe Modeſty would not ſuffer him to relate any thing wherein his own valour would be mentioned: Mean time, Artamenes is very weak, and continued ſo a long while: His ſounding caus'd his bloud to ſtop, ſo that when he recovered out of thoſe fits, he got a little ſtrength, and crawl'd up upon his knees with his Sword in his hand, as if he would look about, to ſee whether any would diſpute with him about the victory: yet he ſaw nothing but broken Javelins, half Swords, bloudy Bucklers and Men, who though dead, yet did retain grim faces of fury: on the one ſide he ſaw a Cappadocian, on the other a Pontean; on all ſides, horror and bloud in abundance: He tried often if he could walk, but found it impoſſible, by reaſon of his laſt wound, which had ſo weakned him, as he was not able to ſuſtain himſelf: Mean time, He knew it was the duty of the Conqueror to carry news of the victory, ſince their Combat had no other witneſſes; and ſince the fate of Arms had thus ordered him, he was not able, for it had left him only ſo much Life, as he was ſenſible of unimaginable pain: [Page] Alas, ſaid he, What good will my victory do me; ſince when I am dead, they will not know I am victorious? Ciaxares will repent of the Honour which he did me: and Mandana, illuſtrious Mandana will perhaps think I died in the beginning of the Combat, before I had done her any conſiderable ſervice: and that I have ſo poorly behav'd my ſelf, as Philidaſpes would have carried it better; Yet oh ye Gods, ye Juſt Gods, ye know what I have done for my Princeſs, and how dear the victory does coſt me: After this he looked round, but ſaw none; ſo that hot knowing what to do, and verily beleeving he ſhould die before any could know of his conqueſt; he began gently to draw unto him as many Javelins, Swords, Helmets and Bucklers as he could reach, and piled all theſe Arms one upon another, as if he would build a Trophie; then he took a great ſilver Buckler, which once cal'd the valiant Pharnaces Maſter, and dipping his finger in his own bloud, which by reaſon of his motion began to run again, he writ upon it theſe vermilion Letters,
To Jupiter, the Guardian of Trophies.

And plac'd it upon the top of this Glorious Pile of Arms, which he had erected neer him. After which, weak and weary as he was with this Triumphant Labour, he did lie down a little, his left arm leaning upon his own Buckler, and holding his Sword in his right, as if he would defend the monument of victory which he had compiled: But notwithſtanding this uneaſie condition, all his thoughts (as he told me ſince) were beſtowed upon his Princeſs: and the hopes he ſtill had that ſhe might come to know of his Conqueſt, made death appear very pleaſant and welcome unto him; yet if he could but have that happineſs to ſee her only once more, it was all that ever his heart could deſire. Mean time, Artanus who was gone to publiſh his falſe Triumphs, had fill'd all the hearts of his party with Joy, eſpecially the King of Pont, who though he did not much love Artanus, yet was very glad to receive this welcome news from him. The Hoſtages, which according to the Articles, remained with the King of Pont, were as much dejected; and certified the [...]ad tydings unto their Maſter, to the end that Hoſtages on both ſides might be returned, and both Princes meet in the place of Combat, with two thouſand men apeece, according to agreement: Ciaxares and the Princeſs Mandana were in a ſad perplexity; for ſeeing none of their party return, there was great likelihood things went not well on their ſide; but at laſt, being put out of doubt by return of the Hoſtages, that which at firſt was only a perplexity, becomes now an abſolute ſorrow: yet notwithſtanding, becauſe he would keep within the limits of Conditions, he goes unto the place of Combat, with that number of men as was agreed upon. The King of Pont did the like; but as for the Princeſs, ſhe mourned extreamly, and ſtaid in the Town. When the ſad News was firſt brought unto the King, the firſt word ſhe ſpoke was with tears in her eyes: Alas Sir (ſaid ſhe) poor Artamenes will never ſerve you more; the good ſervice which he did us in ſaving your Life was but ill requited: As for Feraulas and my ſelf Sir, I leave you to imagin how great our ſorrows and our deſpairs were; and though we knew the News too too true, yet we would accompany the King on to the field, and pay our laſt ſervice unto the body of our deareſt Maſter: So we went with Ciaxares, who came upon the ground juſt at the ſame time with the King of Pont: But both parties were extreamly amazed, when in coming near the place, they ſaw Artamenes, who having recovered a little ſtrength, at the ſight of the King for whom he had fought, was got up upon his knee, with his Sword in his hand, near the Trophee which he had erected, and ſeeming to put himſelf into a poſture of defence, if any ſhould oppoſe him: But amongſt all them which were aſtoniſhed, Artanus, who was waited upon as Triumpher was the moſt; eſpecially when he heard Artamenes in a loud voice, ſay to Ciaxares, Sir the victory is yours, the gods by my hand have given it unto you: when the King of Pont heard this, he ſaid, that it was himſelf to whom the victory belonged, ſince here was preſent one of his Combatants, who was not ſo much as once wounded, ready to juſtifie it: Then ſaid Artamenes, without doubt, he who told you that Lye, did run away from fight and death, and Triumphed before he had fought: for if he had been Conqueror, why did he not make an end of me? and hinder me from piling up this Trophie? I left thee for dead (anſwered the impudent Artanus,) for thou hadſt done fighting long before I came away: Thou baſe Impoſture (ſaid Artamenes to him) if I had not had more terrible enemies to fight with then thou, the victory which I have obtained, ſhould not have coſt me ſo dear; this valiant man whom thou ſeeſt dead at my feet (ſaid he in ſhewing him Pharnaces) was the laſt man of thy ſide which was in the field, and who only was in any hopes to overcome me: but as for thee, it ſeems, thou haſt not got ſo much as a ſcratcht [Page] finger in that field thus covered with dead men, and dareſt thou brag of victory? The Condition which thou art in (anſwered the malepert Artanus,) is nothing like that of a Conqueror. At theſe words, Artamenes being tranſported with anger, gathered up all his ſtrength and ſtrove to riſe; then looking about for Artanus, with a face full of lovely fury, Come (ſaid he to him, and holding his Sword in his hand) come on, thou which vauntſt of victory without a wound; weak as I am, and cut in pieces, thus ſteept in my own and enemies bloud, I will yet maintain thou art a baſe lying impoſture; and that it is impoſſible thou durſt ever fight: At theſe words he put himſelf into a fighting condition; when the King of Phrygia who came with the King of Pont, being much taken with the magnanimity of Artamenes, cried out, that there was no Juſtice, a man who ſeem'd ſo valiant, ſhould in ſuch a weak condition, undertake a new fight: My Maſter interrupting him, Sir ſaid he, Perhaps I have not ſtrength enough to live an hour, yet I have enough to fight with ſuch a feeble fellow as he. Artanus was ſo confounded at all this, that inſpite of his impudence, it was eaſie to perceive there was no truth in his words: However Ciaxares lighted from his Horſe, and both Kings were on foot: Ciaxares embraced Artamenes, and commanded to ſuſtain him, ſo that Feraulas and I ſtept in to hold him up, againſt his will. Then ſaid Ciaxares, although Artamenes were in a condition to fight, yet I know no reaſon why I ſhould ſuffer him, there being no juſtice a Conqueror ſhould hazard the victory a ſecond time: Inſomuch as this conteſt had like to have been put unto the worſt extremity; and doutleſſe if the King of Pont had not worn his Arm in a Scarf, by reaſon of a wound received in the laſt fight, this diſorder had not ended ſo well. The King of Phrygia, as one leaſt intereſted, did ſomething qualifie the anger of theſe two Princes, and told them that the buſineſs did require ſome time to examin the truth more exactly, but in any caſe not to do things overraſhly and inconſiderately: The two Kings, conſenting unto this Propoſition, retired: And Artamenes did earneſtly deſire that his Trophee might ſtand, and that Ciaxares would be pleaſed to leave a guard with it, which was conſented unto. During theſe conteſts, there was a neceſſity of carrying away Artamenes: I ſent unto the Town to get a Litter; the Princeſs, hearing of it, ſent hers; for which my Maſter (as you may imagin Sir) thought himſelf not a little obliged: After the Princes had given orders for the Funerall of the Combatants upon the place of fight with all ſolemn Pomp, as well one ſide as the other, Feraulas and I did carry Artamenes into a houſe in the Town where we had lodged ſome days before; yet Ciaxares would not ſuffer it, but cauſed him to be carried into the Caſtle: All the Kings Phyſicians and Chirurgions were brought into the Chamber: After they had viewed his wounds, put in their firſt tents, and dreſſed them, they told the King that they hoped none of them were abſolutely mortall, although two were very dangerous, ſo that by their care and his own ſtrength of nature, a happy cure was hoped for: The Princeſs alſo that firſt night, ſent many times to know in what ſtate he was; and he underſtanding of it, though the meſſenger ſpoke very low, the Phyſitians having forbidden all noiſe, he called to the meſſenger, and would himſelf receive the Princeſs Complement; after he had received it, feebly turning himſelf on one ſide, and opening the curtain of the bed, which was cloth of gold; Tell the Princeſs (ſaid he) that I ask her pardon for fighting her enemies ſo poorly, and bringing home a Victory which was yet diſputable. If I die I hope her goodneſs will pardon me; and if I ſcape, I ſhall hope to repair the fault by ſome better ſervice: Give her moſt hearty thanks for this honour of remembring me, and aſſure her that her goodneſs does not oblige an ungratefull ſoul. Mean while a Fever ſo violently ſeizes on him, as every one deſpaired of his life: I cannot tell how to expreſs the ſorrows and cares which Ciaxares and the Princeſs had of him, unleſs I ſhall tell you, that Ciaxares was as dear over him, as if Mandana had been ſick; and Mandana alſo as if Ciaxares had been ſo wounded: But in a little time, the danger was over, and I could not chuſe but wonder at the humorous conceit of Fate, which made this Prince and Princeſs, who the other day offered Sacrifices of thanks for his death, now as forward to make Prayers for the preſervation of his life. At length every one is well pleaſed to ſee that all their cares were not in vain; for after the twentieth day, his Phyſitians queſtion not his perfect recovery, but promiſe a preſent cure: As ſoon as he was in a condition to be ſeen, both all the Court and Camp did viſit him. Aribees, as great a Favourite as he was, came oft to tender his complement: Philidaſpes, in ſpite of his ambitious jealouſies which the Valour of Artamenes procured him, fail'd not to pay civilities; and the King, who ſaw him every day, brought the Princeſs to congratulate his recovery: This wrought a wonderfull effect in Artamenes: So that in few daies after his wounds healed extraordinarily; ſuch power, it ſeems, has the ſoul over the temper of the body. I will [Page] not trouble you Sir, in telling what were the entertainments at theſe two viſits; it being eaſie to imagine, that the deſerts and valour of Artamenes was the whole ſubject of their converſe: But Sir, to return unto matters of War where we left: Be pleaſed to know, that whileſt Artamenes was thus in cure, Embaſſadors paſſed continually between the two Kings, to finde out ſome expedient how to determine this difference, and bring it to Arbitrement. The King of Pont protracted it as long as he could: hoping that during this vacancy the King of Phrygia might perhaps be free from the deſignes of his enemies, and according to that he could conclude either Peace or Warre: but the matter continued ſo dubious, that it ſeemed the Gods did purpoſely ordain it ſo, to give Artamenes time of recovering his ſtrength, to vindicate his Honour, and acquire more Glory. He left his chamber ſome two moneths after his firſt wounding, and went to preſent his thanks unto the King and Princeſs: afterwards he returned civil complements unto all the Court and Camp, eſpecially unto Philidaſpes. By this time Sir, the two enemy Kings, having agreed upon Judges to hear and determine upon the reaſons and arguments of both Parties impartially, They erected a very Magnificent Tent upon the Plain where the Combate was, and cloſe by the Trophy which Artamenes had compiled: Four of the Cappadocian and Galatian Grandees, and as many of Pont and Bithinia, were conſtituted Judges of this famous Controverſie, after they had all taken ſuch oathes as were neceſſary to remove all ſuſpitions of prejudice and partiality; alſo three ſtately Thrones equally erected, and under them a long ſeat covered with Purple, for the Judges of the Field, and all this hanſomly prepared, the King of Pont and the King of Phrygia conducted Artanus to juſtifie his pretended Victory: But though he had more ſpirit then valour, he went unto this Combate much againſt his will, though it was not to be a bloudy one. Artamenes was alſo conducted by Ciaxares: Four thouſand men of both ſides ranged themſelves, half upon the right hand, and half upon the left. Theſe Kings taking their Places according to their Rank, and Judges ſitting at their feet, Artamenes and Artanus ſtood at the Barre: ſilence was proclaimed: But Sir, I will not trouble my ſelf to repeat verbatim the Speeches of theſe two Orators, I ſhall only tell you the iſſue of them; he which ſpoke firſt was Artanus, who though he was eloquent, and delivered it with a good grace, yet it made no impreſſion upon the hearers: But on the contrary, the Speech of Artamenes having the Rhetorick of truth in it, and pronounced by a man of ſuch an excellent Preſence, gained the hearts of all his Auditors: His courage did ſo ſet off his Eloquence, and wrought ſo upon the King of Pont, that he could not chuſe but admire the Spirit as well as Valour of Artamenes. At theſe words the King of Hircania begun to ſpeak and ſay, Wiſe Criſantes, I beſeech you, do not deprive us of the happineſs to know the ſenſe of what was ſpoke in this glorious Court, in which the Cauſe depending was ſo uncommon, and where the Judges were ſubjects unto them whom they were to Judge, ſo by conſequence muſt needs beget a curioſity in them who are ignorant of it. Since it is your pleaſure Sir, replied Criſantes, I ſhall relate as much as my memory is capable of. The firſt which ſpoke, as I told you already, was Artanus, who after he had made low reverence unto the Kings and Judges, began his Speech to this effect:

The Oration of Artanus.

SInce it doth not reflect upon my Honour in particular, I will not ſtand to relate unto my Judges all that I did in the Combate wherein I was; It will ſuffice if I only ſhew that it is my party which hath conquered, and who ought to enjoy the fruits of their Victory. I think there can no queſtion be made, but if it be granted I was there, and fought, that then I did overcome: therefore it imports the juſtice of my Cauſe, to make it appear by ſtrong and pregnant conjectures, ſince all the witneſſes of my actions are dead, that though I was without wounds at the end of the Combat, yet it was the particular goodneſs of the gods unto me, and not my cowardiſe which preſerved me. Imagine O ye, my Judges, what probability or likelihood there is, that I could fly or hide my ſelf in ſuch an open Plain, or that where the Combat was, where the danger was not leſs in flying, then in fighting, ſince if it had been diſcovered by any of my enemies, I had infallibly been purſued; and if by my Friends, then I had expoſed my ſelf unto their Revenge, and all the Puniſhments which were due unto one who had baſely deſerted and betraied his King and his Countrey: ſo ſhould I have incenſed againſt me, either my Friends, or my Enemies, or both; and ſo by conſequence ſhould have incurred greater danger then if I had remained fighting: Moreover Sirs, you know that none were compelled to undertake this Combat, ſo that had I not found in my ſelf heart[Page]good enough for it, I ſhould never have engaged in the buſineſs: All Pont, nor all Bithinia; were not to fight; all the gallant men of either Nation were not emploied in the encounter, ſo that if I had feared fighting, I could have declined my Engagement without any more diſhonour, then a hune dred thouſand others, who did not engage themſelves. I could have teſtified deſires to have been one as others did, yet not have accepted of it more then they; and ſince fear is alwaies witty, I could have invented excuſes enough to have put it off if I ſhould have been accepted: Theſe Circumſtances I conceive are ſufficient to convince any reaſonable and unbyaſſed man that I did fight, and if it be granted that I fought, it muſt conſequently follow that I got the Victory, ſince it belongs unto that man who remains laſt in a condition to take away the life of his Enemy; Now, every one knows how Artamenes was more unfortunate then I was: The Kings which hear me, did ſee how he was ſteept in bloud, all wounded, and ſo weak, that his Sword was more ſupported by his courage then ſtrength, and therefore they would not permit him to ſight it out in that condition: I confeſs, the great inequality between us, was extraordinary; and it might very well cauſe wonder, that of four hundred men which fought, there ſhould remain but two living, the one whereof to be wounded in ſo many places, and the other ſo freſh and whole as if he had never fought; But the gods work miracles when they pleaſe: yet can it be that wounds ſhould be taken for marks of Victory? If ſo, why hath our Tutors ſo carefully taught us to defend our ſelves from blows? Why do we wear any Bucklers? but let us go to wars without defenſive Arms: Wounds Sirs, are rather ſigns of weakneſs in the party who receives them, then of his great Courage; if men may brag of Victory becauſe they are wounded, the weakeſt, the ill-favouredſt, and moſt unfortunate have the advantage over the ſtrong, handſome, and moſt happy men: In Duels, a little ſcratch is counted a great diſadvantage: 'Tis true, his wounds are certain marks that he was in danger but it is as certain that his valour was not able to avoid them; Me thinks I hear ſome ſay that his wounds do argue for him; but if I underſtand their Language right, they pleade his defeat and my Triumph, As for this Trophy which he raiſed in my abſence; I conceive it was no difficult matter for him to do ſince he was alone; And it was a cunning deviſe of him, which ſhame of being overcome, and deſire of honour made him invent; But after all this, Sirs, ſuppoſe that I did not fight, but that I fled in the beginning of the Combat, yet where is the great advantage which he pretends unto? It is true, that then I deſerved puniſhment, but it is not true that he deſerves to have the Victory, ſince he had the advantage of one man more on his ſide then his enemy had; and ſince the ſtate of the Combat was brought unto that wherein you found him, it had been eaſie for that one man which was wanting to have kil'd him and got the Victory. Can he ſay himſelf that he ſaw me fly? if he can, I may chance doubt of the Victory, and hereafter truſt more unto his eyes then my own valour; but ſince my Enemy can ſay nothing againſt me, only that he did not ſee me fight, and that I had received no wounds: I ſhall deſire that his weak reaſons may not be accepted of, but rather mine which have truth and weight in them: For it must be a conſequent, that if I fought I conquered; and it is apparent that I fought, ſince I was accepted for a Combatant, and that of my voluntary dispoſition and deſire. And that though I did not fight, yet cannot he be declared Conqueror becauſe then he fought upon inequalities, and therefore his Conqueſt is not Lawfull; Therefore Sirs defer no longer, but pronounce judgement; for I do not oppoſe againſt the glory of Artamenes: Let it be granted he did gallantly, and that his wounds are marks of courage and not weakneſs: I will only inſiſt upon this, that there was not an enemy to oppoſe me, nor any who can speak a word in contradiction of what I ſay, unleſs that he did not ſee me fight; he (I ſay) who perhaps was ſo wounded at the beginning of the fight, that he could not ſee any thing, therefore I deſerve judgement to be pronounced on my ſide; for if he did not ſee me, his eyes were full of bloud, and therefore could not: But as for me who by the goodneſs of the Gods and my own valour did keep my ſight, my bloud and my ſtrength; I ſaw him fight, and ſaw him wounded, and fall dead, cloſe by this imaginary Trophy. So Sirs, having no more to ſay, but deſire that the honour of my Countrey and my Triumph may be no longer deferred.

As ſoon as Artanus had ended his Speech, there was heard a ſtrange odd grumbling and muttering noiſe, without any acclamations amongſt the Aſſembly: by which it might eaſily be gueſſed that the people diſliked his Diſcourſe. Artamenes told me ſince that never any thing in his life did ſo much trouble him as to endure this ignominy; yet he reſolved to anſwer without any diſturbing paſſion; and the weakneſs of this feeble fellow made him turn his anger into pity, and caus'd him to omit every thing that concerned his private injury, only ſo far as concerned the advantage of his cauſe and juſtification of his valour: After the murmure of the people ceas'd, and Artamenes had in a graceful demeanure done reverence to the Kings and Judges, the people preſſing in ſilence to hear him, he began his anſwer thus

[Page]

The Oration of Artamenes.

VIctory is ſo high a good, and Cowardiſe ſo baſe an evil, that I wonder not to finde a man who would gladly enjoy the firſt without winning it, and ſhun the ſecond though he do deſerve it. Deſire of glory and honour is born with us, and fear of infamy is found in the baſeſt of men, moſt deſerving it: Neither do I at all wonder that Artanus would triumph without fighting: But indeed I wonder that conſidering he is a man of more wit then valour, he hath not ſhaped his lie more reſemblant unto truth; and that he hath made no particular relation of his acts, which had been very requiſite, before he can convince us of his coming off ſo without wounds: at leaſt he ſhould have told us who was the God which ſo preſerved him: I am moſt certain the valour of one man could not preſerve him ſo miraculouſly, but it muſt needs be ſome other Divinity which kept him inviſible from my eyes, whenas after I only was left againſt three, I ſaw none about me but they; they (I ſay) who by their own fate rather then my force did fall before me: I am moſt certain that Artanus was none of thoſe three; yet I know that the valiant Pharnaces was the laſt of them which remained, and ſought with me ſtoutly, diſputing the Victory; and who if he had been ſeconded by ſuch a freſh unwounded man as Artanus, would eaſily have carried away the Victory from me, who was then ſo weak ſince he had almoſt done it without him; I know well enough that wounds are no infallible marks of Victory, but I know alſo that to boaſt of not being wounded is no proof of his fighting: Methinks he ſhould have at the leaſt ſhewed ſome of his Enemies bloud upon him though none of his own; but it ſeems Artanus went out as if to a Combat of ſimple Gallantry, where bloudy Victory is forbidden: I confeſs I cannot ſay any thing particularly againſt him; I neither know when he fled, nor how he hid himſelf, or how he vaniſhed: I only know that I did not ſee him fight, and this is ſufficient to convince, that he did not overcome, ſince he left me alive. There are crimes of another nature, whereof thoſe who are accuſed cannot be convinced without fight, as that ſuch a one was ſeen kill a man in the corner of ſuch a Wood, and pull him by the arms, and run his Sword through him; ſome ſuch circumſtance muſt be ſeen, or elſe thoſe who do accuſe do rather juſtifie then condemn. But here in this caſe it is quite contrary, for in ſaying negatively that I did not ſee Artanus fight, is all that I can ſay againſt him: But I do affirmatively accuſe him of a Crime of which he cannot juſtifie himſelf, only in ſaying that he ſaw me, that he fought with me, and that he overcame me, which in my opinion will not be eaſie for him to do or prove. Then furthermore, though he dares not truſt too much to the exploits which he hath performed; yet he dares ſay that becauſe he fled, and I fought upon inequalities, therefore I muſt not have the Victory: But Sirs, where found he any Law to authorize this Diſcourſe? At the beginning of a Combat, doubtleſs the number of Combatants ought to be equall, and their Arms alſo: but when once the Combat is begun, every one may lawfully take thoſe advantages which Fortune preſents, or which his Enemy ſuffers him; What though a Souldier go out of Combat either by death or otherwiſe? or if he fly, he is as well vanquiſhed as if he had been killed or taken Priſoner? and he who doth oppoſe the Victory of his Enemy no way but by flying, or ſaves his life only by not expoſing it, is moſt unworthy to have any ſhare of Honour or Glory in the Victory: But if he do, then I confeſs, that Artanus having managed his life ſo thriftily, has ſome reaſon to ſay he deſerves the Triumph better then I do, who indeed have not been ſo sparing of my bloud as he: But this Victory did depend upon the death of all enemies; if ſo, then he cannot ſay the victory was his, ſince all theſe Kings and Judges who hear me, did finde me alive with Arms in my hand, ready to defend my right, against him or any who oppoſed. Now Sirs, to make it appear that I neither fear his force nor his fortune, although he ſeems invulnerable, in a Combat where ſo many gallant men lost their lives; I most humbly deſire you to permit me Combat with him in Lists, and in the preſence of thoſe Kings who hear me: for if you will be pleaſed to grant me this Petition, which he never ſo much as mentioned, and which in juſtice you cannot deny me, I will promiſe you he ſhall vaniſh no more out of my ſight, but I will render you a better account of him. I know well that in ſome reſpects it is an injury unto the Juſtice of my Cauſe, and to the Title of that moſt illuſtrious King whoſe intereſt I maintain to put it unto a ſecond hazard: But ſince upon the whole matter, there is only his Negative, and my Affirmative, without other teſtimonies which does appear before you Judges, who can never be convinced of the truth, either by the words of Artanus or mine, but only by our Actions; therefore I conceive there is no other way to cleer the matter in question: and to tell you truth, I care not for preſerving that by my eloquence, which (without canity be it spoken) I have got by my valour: The Glory of this Victory is too great to cost the valiant Artanus not one little drop of blood; He muſt Sirs, he muſt either confeſs the truth before [Page]all you who hear us, or elſe muſt have the Life of Artamenes: and ſince two hundred men were not able to give him one ſcratch, he needs not fear one ſingle man, and one who is ſo much weakned by his wounds as he is, yet one whom I aſſure you he ſhall not vanquiſh without Honour: Therefore certainly, if he did fight before, he will not fear to fight now. I ask no more advantage for my Cauſe, O ye Judges; and you cannot pronounce any other judgement but with a trembling accent; and do what you can any other way, one ſide will complain: whereas, if I ſhall make you underſtand the truth from Artanus his own mouth, then you may boldly give Sentence, without any fear of injustice, or that either ſide will complain of you: Deny me not therefore, I conjure you, ſince I deſire nothing but what is most juſt and reaſonable: Moreover, that Artanus may oppoſe this my deſire, by hopes of avoiding Combat, though if Juſtice be granted unto me, he cannot avoid it: therfore I adviſe him to hope for Pardon, by confeſſing his fault, and ingeniouſly tell us, that he thought it better to steal a victory, then to run a hazard for it. But if he will diſpute the buſineſs, and ſtand upon termes of Juſtification, then this gallant Man must reſolve upon this courſe which I deſire, and which I beſeech you to ordain. I freely give him his choice of Arms: and promiſe this further, that though he fall into my power I will not kill him, provided he will confeſs the truth, and be more ingenuous under my feet, then he is before this majeſtical Tribunal: It is in your Power to pronounce this juſt Sentence, which I expect from you, it being the only way to make that truth appear which I affirm.

Artamenes had no ſooner ended his Speech, but all the people made a great ſhout, much different from that which they made at the end of Artanus his Oration, for then there was nothing heard but a hollow murmuring: but this was lively acclamations and applauds which ſeemed to tell the Kings and the Judges, that Artamenes muſt have the Victory: His very enemies could not chuſe but commend him, ſo charming is vertue, and ſo powerfull is truth. Artanus would have anſwered in oppoſition of Combate, but none would hear him. None of the Kings did like of this Propoſition which Artamenes made, for Ciaxares was unwilling to hazzard again the life of ſo excellent a man: and the King of Pont, not well ſatisfied, that his cauſe ſhould depend upon the hands of Artanus, whom he had no great good opinion of. Mean while, the Judges riſe, and conſult in private: During which interval, Philidaſpes, who was preſent at all the paſſages, and was driven into abſolute deſpair by ſeeing new honours every day heaped upon Artamenes, addreſſed himſelf unto Ciaxares, and moved him to take into his conſideration the ſmal time ſince Artamenes left keeping his bed, and his chamber, therefore he humbly deſired him to let him have the honour of fighting with Artanus, in caſe the Judges permitted a ſecond Combate, which favour would eternally oblige him. Philidaſpes ſpoke not ſo low, but Artamenes jealouſly obſerved him, and ſuſpected ſuch a thing, and fearing leſt he ſhould obtain his deſire, he addreſſed himſelf and ſaid, Sir, do not hearken unto Philidaſpes, ſince what he deſires is equally injurious both unto his Honour and mine; How know you that, replied the young ſtranger? I know (replied Artamenes) that ſuch a man as Philidaſpes ought not to fight with a coward, u [...]leſs he were forced to it as I am; and it is a wrong done unto my ſelf, to think that I have need of all my ſtrength to vanquiſh ſuch an enemy as he is. Although Artanus were Artamenes, replied Philidaſpes roughly, I would deſire as much. And though Artanus were Philidaſpes (replied my Maſter) I would not yield my place unto another: Ciaxares ſeeing them ſo high in conteſt, and fearing it might proceed further, did embrace them both; and commending their courages and zeal, cauſed them to embrace each other: He told Philidaſpes that he was not to be judge in his own cauſe, therefore could not ſatisfie him; and he told Artamenes, that he had no reaſon to have an ill opinion of Philidaſpes for his offer: He commanded them both to expect the ſentence of the Judges patiently. The Judges were in long Conſultations before they could reſolve what ſentence to pronounce: For though every one did verily think that Artanus had plaid the villain, yet notwithſtanding he ſo peremptorily denying it, and there being no witneſs to prove it, they were much intangled in their judgements. Thoſe of Ciaxares his ſide could not give ſentence againſt their Prince, for all they which knew Artamenes could not doubt but he had Vanquiſhed; and thoſe of the King of Pont's ſide, although they did believe the ſame, yet durſt not give ſentence againſt their Prince, becauſe their belief was grounded only upon conjectures. So that after a full Conſideration of the whole matter, they reſolved upon Combate; and gave Sentence, That he who could cauſe his enemy to confeſs he was Vanquiſhed, ſhould be eſteemed victorious: And if it ſhould ſo hap that his enemy ſhould die without confeſſion, the matter ſhould be interpreted advantagiouſly for him who killed [Page] him: That the Duel ſhould be in cloſe Liſts, as Artamenes deſired it, and in the preſence of both enemy Kings. No ſooner was this ſentence pronounced, but Artamenes was all Joy, and thanked the Judges after ſuch a manner as did preſage Victory, but ſo did not Artanus, who went along grumbling againſt the Judges and the King his Maſter; ſo that (as we came to know afterwards) this Prince being of a gallant diſpoſition, did treat him but ſcurvily, and told him ſharply, that if he had really overcome before, he might overcome again; but if he had plaied the part of a baſe coward, as he began to ſuſpect him, then he ſhould be very glad to ſee him puniſhed by the hand of Artamenes: adding further, that he ſhould not grieve ſo much for the loſs of Ceraſia, as he ſhould rejoyce at his ruine, and that the one would be a Cordial againſt the other. After all, this Prince cauſed him to be diligently watched, leaſt this coward ſhould play him a ſecond prank, and avoid Combate by ſlight, as doubtleſs he had done, if he could have found a hanſome opportunity. As for Ciaxares, he was ſorry for nothing, but that he was to hazzard the life of ſuch an illuſtrious man, and engage him in freſh danger, ſince the verieſt coward might by a miſfortunate hit, chance to wound the braveſt man in the world. Mean while, the time of Combate being limitted to be within four daies, every one retreats unto the Towns in which the Kings had encamped their ſeveral Armies. Ciaxares was no ſooner in the Town of Aniſa, but he went unto the Princeſs chamber, waited upon by Aribees, Artamenes, Philidaſpes and many others. He no ſooner acquainted her with what was reſolved upon, but ſhe preſently ſaid, What Sir, is it juſt that he ſhould be put to overcome an enemy twice? Is not one drop of Artamenes blood more worth then the conqueſt of Ceraſia? For my part (added ſhe, and held her hand before her face to hide her bluſhing) I confeſs my weakneſs, and cannot hear you talk of Combats and fights, without fear and trembling, eſpecially when they reflect upon the Life of him who has preſerved yours Sir. Madam (interrupted Artamenes) you infinitely honour me, in taking any care of my life, which could never be better expoſed then in the Kings ſervice: But Madam, never fear me in this Combate, rather be ſorry that I have ſo weak and baſe an enemy to fight withall. The fault is not in Philidaſpes Madam (ſaid Aribees unto the Princeſs) that Artamenes is expoſed unto this danger, ſince he hath endeavoured all he could to exempt him, and fight in his room; It is very true Madam (ſeconded Philidaſpes) that I aſſumed the boldneſs to Petition the King for it, but he did not think me worthy of that honour. That's not the reaſon (anſwered Ciaxares) I did not deny you becauſe I thought you were unworthy, but becauſe I thought it unjuſt. Then added my Maſter, This is another reaſon, Sir, becauſe Artamenes would not have ſuffered him, for he never uſes to yield his place unto another: The King who was afraid leaſt theſe two Gallant ſtrangers ſhould fall out upon it, broke off diſcourſe and left the Princeſſes, carrying with him all them which followed him unto Mandana. For all theſe paſſages, Love was predominate in Artamenes, ſo that he never was with the Princeſs but he obſerved her with a moſt circumſpect eye: When he was in his chamber with only Feraulas and me, he asked us what we thought of that bluſh which appeared in the face of Mandana, when ſhe talked of him, and of her diſlike that he ſhould fight any more? Was it (ſaid he to us) only an effect of her natural, ſweet and calm diſpoſition which is antipathious unto Warre? or was it, think you, the ſervice which I have done her Father that has ſomething ingaged her ſoul in ſome diſpoſition not to hate me? But alas, ſaid he preſently, (not giving us leave to anſwer) Was it not that ſhe was aſhamed, and repented of thoſe obliging words which ſhe ſpoke in my behalf? Is it not an infallible ſign that her tongue did contradict her heart? I cannot abſolutely tell what to think of that lovely bluſh which lookt ſo like Divinity, and charm'd my ſoul anew? Flatter me not dear Feraulas (ſaid he) but tell me truly, What do you think of it? and how ſhould I interpret it? Sir, (ſaid he to him) I cannot conceive any thing by it, but what makes for your advantage; for admit it to be but an effect of pity, yet it will be a good ground for you to build your hopes upon, and you may more eaſily work upon her ſoul, when ſhe ſhall be acquainted with thoſe Paſſions which you endure for her ſake: Ah Feraulas (cried he out) When will that be? How long before I muſt make it known unto her? Cyrus dares not peep out of his Tomb to tell her; and Artamenes who appears to be no more then a bare ſimple Knight, dare he entertain ſo raſh a thought, without extravagant folly? To tell you truth Sir, Artamenes his minde ran more upon the Princeſs then upon Artanus; not but that he thought upon the Combate with as much care and memory as was fitting but that when he thought upon any thing whatſoever, ſtill there was a mixture of Mandana in it: And Love which works ſuch wonders, beſtowed this priviledge upon him, that he was [Page] able to diſcourſe of Warre, of buſineſs, of news, of complements, and every thing, without ever omitting the dear thoughts of his Princeſs. Mean while, the day of Combate comes on, and he muſt go to take his leave of her, with ſuch jolly looks, as gave aſſurance of Triumph. Madam (ſaid he) I come to beg ſome Arms of you, wherewith to fight Artanus: I had rather (anſwered ſhe moſt ſweetly, but more ſad then uſual) finde out a way to make you invincible: You may do it eaſily Madam (ſaid he) if you do me but the honour to accept favourably of thoſe ſervices which I ſhall do for the King and you; and doing me only the favour, of wiſhing me Victory. For if I be ſo happy, though Artanus were the Valour of the world (as heaven knows he is not) I ſhould moſt undoubtedly vanquiſh him. If there want nothing but acknowledgement of your ſervices (replied the Princeſs) and my prayers to make you triumph, go Artamenes, go, and fear not being vanquiſhed. After this, the Princeſs, as if ſhe were weary of this kinde of diſcourſe, bad him farewell in a moſt ſweet and obliging manner; and Artamenes went towards the King, who was ready to go unto this Combate: Ciaxares was followed only with two thouſand men as before: The Kings of Pont and Phrygia met alſo with the like number in the ſame Plain and Place where the Judges pronounced Sentence, that was cloſe by the Trophy of Artamenes. There they rail'd out a piece of ground which was longer then wide, and of ſufficient bigneſs for a Combate. Artanus who thought his Sword too much, would fight with no other offenſive Arms; alwaies imagining that the fewer Arms his enemy had, the leſs ſhould he be expoſed unto them: Either of them one Sword and one Buckler was all their Arms. At the two ends of the Liſts there was two Scaffolds erected for the enemy Kings: and at either ſide another for the Judges. The four thouſand Souldiers were ranked ſome behinde the Scaffolds, ſome on the ſides of the Liſts, all remaining under their own Colours, not mixing, but ſo placed that all might ſee. At both ends of the Liſts there was two entrances for the two Combatants, into which Artamenes and Artanus entered at one time, and preſaged the event of the Combate at the firſt, by their different Aſpects: Artanus would fight on horſe back, having more confidence in his ſtrength and nimbleneſs, then in the courage and valour of him which rid him. But he knew not that the more vigorous and fierce his Horſe was, the leſs was he ſerviceable unto that Rider who was afraid to ride him, or could not guide him: Artanus then appeared in moſt magnificent Arms, and upon a milk white Horſe, ſo fine, ſo well made, and ſo ſprightly, that at firſt he invited all to look upon him: he had a lively and a proud look, pawing with his foot, ſhaking his main, foming at his mouth, and violently neighing, he began his carrear: he ſeemed impatient to carry his Maſter unto his enemy. But Sir, although the Horſe of Artanus did winne the admiration of all men, yet the ill-favoured poſture of him who rid him deſired the pity of all ſpectators: the leaſt motion of the Horſe ſhook him almoſt out of the ſaddle: and one might plainly perceive, all his endeavours were to keep him from his enemy, as if he were afraid to be too ſoon aſſaulted. As for Artamenes, he appeared otherwiſe: for though he rid upon a very hanſome black Horſe, yet this day he took but very common Armes, as being aſhamed to fight with ſo baſe an enemy. He carried his body boldly, and his countenance confidently; he ſate his Horſe gracefully, and was ſo dexterous a Maſter of him, that it was eaſie to perceive he knew how to command him: All ſuch Ceremonies as are commonly uſed upon the like occaſions being ended, and the ſignal by Trumpets no ſooner given, but putting on his Horſe to gallop, he made towards Artanus with mighty fury: he did ſo little fear his feeble enemy, that he almoſt neglected the uſe of his Buckler: As for Artanus he knew not at all what he did: for giving his Horſe too much bridle, then pulling him in too ſuddenly, one great bound bounſt him all on one ſide; then this Horſe ſhaking his head fiercely, and half rearing upright, he ſuddenly runs away with his rider to the other end of the liſts, before Artamenes could ſalute him with one blow; but Artamenes turning his Horſe, he followed him, and fell upon him before he was well got into the Saddle again: then he paid the debt he owed him, and gave him ſuch a blow with his ſword upon the right ſhoulder, that bloud ran down his gallant ſuit of Arms; Artamenes gave him another: Artanus all this while kept himſelf upon his poſture of Defence, but durſt not ſtrike ſo terrible an enemy, leſt he ſhould further provoke him, alwaies hoping that Artamenes his Horſe would tire before his, or that ſome accident or other would chance to take pity and relieve him: Mean while Artamenes was much angred, for he could kill him when he pleas'd; but that Victory would not pleaſe him: for he deſired to ſatisfie the world out of Artanus his mouth concerning the truth of the whole matter, he fought and ſpared him alſo: Notwithſtanding this advantage which Artamenes gave him, yet this [Page] wretch durſt never turn one blow back! he was hurt in four ſeveral places, not once daring to lift up his Sword againſt my Maſter: His Horſe being aſhamed to bear ſo baſe a burthen, would have thrown him; at laſt, my Maſter extreamly diſdaining ſuch a coward, gave him a luſty blow with the back of his Sword, which made him tumble upon the neck of his Horſe, who thereupon took that opportunity to throw him half dead upon the ground; his Helmet falling off his head, his Sword out of his hand; and he held faſt unto nothing but his Buckler, of which he alwaies made more uſe then any other Arms. Artamenes lighted preſently from his Horſe, and running at him with his Sword lifted up, Confeſs thou baſe enemy (ſaid he to him) all the truth of my firſt Victory? I'le confeſs all anſwered this wretched coward, (covering himſelf with his Buckler) ſo you will ſpare my life; There is ſo little honour in taking it from thee (anſwered my Maſter, holding his foot upon his neck) that I will grant it: But be ſure thou telleſt no more lies before the Judges: If thou doſt not tell all the whole truth, there's nothing ſhall ſave thee from the fury of immediate Revenge. The Judges deſcending from the Scaffold went into the Liſts towards Artamenes, who ſeeing them coming, Come, ſaid he to them, Come and hear the truth from the mouth of an Enemy. Speak it then, ſaid he to him, if thou wilt live, and defer no longer the vindication of my honour: Then the wretched Artanus being moved with remorſe, but much more with fear of death; told in few words the whole truth of the Story: ſaying only by way of excuſe, that when he perceived the manner of the fight, and that the victory was in great diſpute, that in all probability all on their ſide would be loſt, therefore he thought to have that by cunning which he could not by valour: In concluſion, he confeſſed that Artamenes was left but fifteen againſt fourty, that he brought it to be ten to ten; afterwards ſeven to ten; after that himſelf to againſt three; preſently himſelf againſt two; and at laſt himſelf againſt Pharnaces only: In ſhort, he confeſſed all he knew, and feared death, much more then infamy. And truly, ſince he was ſo pitifully bafled, he needed not to fear the loſſe of any more honour, having loſt ſo much already, that it was impoſſible for him to loſe more: The Judges, hearing the confeſſion of Artanus, did entreat my Maſter to content himſelf with this acknowledgement, and to let him riſe and live: I will let him riſe and live, anſwered Artamenes, upon condition he will live in honour, and uſe to play ſuch baſe tricks no more. The Judges then were in no more controverſie, but all agreed that my Maſter was victorious: Declaring Ceraſia to belong unto the King of Cappadocia, and ordained that the Trophee which Artamenes had piled up ſhould be hereafter built in earneſt unto the honour of Artamenes: The King of Pont did receive this news like a Prince both of courage and wiſedom, and he witneſſed more reſentment of ſorrow for the vile action of Artanus, then for the loſs of Ceraſia: As for Ciaxares he received Artamenes with extraordinary joy, which doubtleſs was no welcome news [...]nto Aribees and Philidaspes who were both preſent: As for Artanus, ſince he was of great quality, ſome of his kindred took him off, and had care of him, notwithſtanding the Kings anger: But the King told them, that though they did cure him of his wounds, yet he would never look upon him again. When the Judges of both ſides had acquainted their Maſters the Kings with their judgements, the two enemy Kings, and the King of Phrygia did meet, and ſaluted one another the ſecond time; The King of Pont told Ciaxares, that he would return unto his Army, and the next day withdraw it off from before Ceraſia, to the end he might take poſſeſſion of it; He told the King of Cappadocia, in concluſion, that he had more reaſon to eſteem himſelf happy in having the friendſhip of ſuch a man as Artamenes, then in recovery of the Town; and for his part, he would with all his heart give half his Kingdom, to have but one Souldier ſo valiant as he: Artamenes was cloſe by Ciaxares when this complement paſſed, who returned an anſwer full of modeſt civility, though all which come from a Lover of Mandana was nothing pleaſant to him: After this, the Kings departed, Ciaxares to Aniſa: All the people came out of the Town to meet him: the whole Army was drawn up into Batalia: The Princeſs her ſelf being advertiſed of all paſſages by a man whom the King had ſpeedily diſpatched with intelligence, met the King juſt at the gate of the Caſtle, where Ciaxares preſented Artamenes unto her, whom ſhe received with abundance of joy; But as ſhe did expreſs her joy that he was come off ſo ſafe from ſo dangerous an encounter, Call it not ſo Madam, I beſeech you (ſaid he to her, and bluſhing) do not wrong me ſo much as to beleeve I could think my ſelf expoſed unto any danger in this Combat. The honour which you were pleas'd to do me, in promiſing your praiers for victory, had ſuch an operation, as I became victorious without any danger. I know not (anſwered the Princeſs) whether you vanquiſhed without danger; but I am certain you did not vanquiſh without honour: Many other Complements paſſed which would be too long to relate; and [Page] Ciaxares to recompence in ſome manner the ſervices of Artamenes, beſtowed upon him, not only the Government of Ceraſia which he had conquered, and of which he thought to take poſſeſſion the day after; But the government of Aniſa alſo, with all the Countrey about it, it being vacant by the death of a former Governour. It is but juſt, ſaid the King, that Artamenes ſhould enjoy that which he hath got, and that which I had loſt but for him. Aribees durſt not directly oppoſe this great benefit which the King had conferred upon Artamenes, becauſe his ſervices did well deſerve as much; for he had performed abſolute miracles in the Battle: He had ſaved the Kings life, he had brought the enemy unto many diſadvantages: He did prodigiouſly vanquiſh in Combat of two hundred, and had concluded a General Peace by one particular Victory. But although Aribees did not abſolutely oppoſe this great recompence; yet he thought Artamenes did eclipſe him and Philidaſpes: he told the King in a low voice, that he apprehended much danger by truſting thoſe two places in the hands of a Stranger; and that it were better to recompence Artamenes by ſome other places in the midſt of the Countrey, then by thoſe Frontier Towns: yet ſay or do what he could, the King would not alter his reſolution: It was his pleaſure alſo to obſerve the ſentence of the Judges, and to erect an everlaſting Monument unto the glory of Artamenes in the place where he himſelf had compiled the Trophies: And commanded the Architectures to place all thoſe Trophies upon a magnificent Pillar of Marble, which ſhould riſe a great height with a glorious Inſcription upon it: this was in a little time after finiſhed, notwithſtanding the continuance of the war: for Sir, you muſt know that the King of Pont did very punctually keep promiſe, and retired from Ceraſia: But you muſt know alſo, that the Inhabitants of this Town did ſo extreamly love this Prince, under whoſe Government they had lived ſo long: and had been ſo ill uſed by the laſt Kings of Cappadocia under whom they once lived, that the King of Pont do what he could, was not able to perſwade them to open their Gates unto his Enemy: yet he thought that when he was gone from them they would then change their Reſolution, ſo that he would not ſend any thing of it unto Ciaxares, leſt it ſhould incenſe him againſt them, but retreated himſelf as he was obliged, leaving only one Captain with five hundred men with Orders to remain there, and deliver up the place unto thoſe whom the King of Cappadocia ſhould ſend to receive it. On the other ſide, Ciaxares being pleaſed to favour Artamenes in all things, told him very graciouſly, that he would have him go take poſſeſſion of his own Conqueſt in the head of ſix thouſand men: But when Artamenes came there, he much wondred to finde the Gates ſhut, and all the walls man'd with Souldiers to defend it and themſelves, if any would aſſault it; he thought it ſtrange that he ſhould be forced to ſtorm it; yet he would know what the people would ſay before he would fall on: He therefore commanded his Troops to keep out of Arrow-ſhot, and ſent to ſummon the Town, commanding the Inhabitants to open their Gates, according to the conditions with the King of Pont: But they being fully reſolved not to change Maſters, took up Arms, and diſarmed thoſe five hundred Souldiers which the King of Pont had left: then they prepared a Declaration, and threw it over the walls unto the Herald which ſpoke unto them, telling him, that Ciaxares might there ſee in writing their reaſons why they defended the Town againſt him; and perhaps might approve of them; alſo bidding him be gone preſently, elſe they would make him; for they were reſolved to defend themſelves though the King of Pont had forſaken them: Artamenes having read the Manifeſto, ſtood aſtoniſhed, not only at the hanſome compoſure of it, but becauſe he ſaw that never were Subjects ſo faithful unto their Prince as theſe: I do not well remember the whole contents of it, but I have not forgot that it ended in theſe words.

If we were perſwaded that we were your lawful Subjects, we would do the ſame unto the King of Pont, which now we do unto you; But as on the contrary we take our ſelves to be his, we will die a thouſand deaths rather then receive any other Maſter: We know, that he hath abandoned us, but we know withall that he did not abandon us without ſorrow; ſo that we are reſolved to keep it for him whether he will or no, and as the caſe ſtands be rather Rebeis unto him then change Maſters: If we can reſiſt you, we ſhall rejoyce and be happy: If we periſh in reſiſting you, death will free us from all ſervitude: Whatſoever befals us we will not change our King and government: If you be generous, and well adviſed (as we hope you will be) you will rather recompence then puniſh us for our fidelity: and you may be glad that we have given ſo good an example of fidelity unto your Subjects, which may teach them to be as faithful unto your ſelf when there is occaſion for it.

Artamenes finding the people to be of Heroique diſpoſitions, would not ſtorm the Town without further order, he ſent me unto Ciaxares, to carry this Manifeſto, and receive his [Page] Commands, ſtaying himſelf in the head of his Regiments, and facing Ceraſia. The King doubtleſs was much moved at this event; and Aribees who had a cunning wit did believe that the people had ſome other ground for their action, then their pure affections unto their Prince, and imagined that their Prince did prompt them to it: So that ſince the continuance did redound unto his private advantage, he did exaſperate the King as much as poſſible he could: Nevertheleſs (as we came to the knowledge of it afterwards) the only cauſe which moved the Ceraſtians unto this generous reſolution, was only their affection unto their King, and diſlike of the Cappadocians. Ciaxares ſent to the King of Pont to complain of the inhabitants, to tax him with breach of Covenant; and without any more loſs of time, he cauſed his Army to advance againſt the Town, and to enter it any manner of way whatſoever. The King ordained Artamenes his Lieutenant General; this ſtruck ſorrow and anger to the very heart of Philidaſpes, when he conſidered that now he was ſubordinate unto the only man of all the world, which was an obſtacle unto his Glory, and conſequently unto his main deſign. The Princeſs was much troubled at the accident: Philidaſpes more then ſhe: Ciaxares is reſtleſs: The King of Pont is both glad and ſad: The King of Phrygia is angry: Aribees is well pleaſed; and Artamenes is neither moved with one Paſſion or other, but keeps a medium between both, ſince he ſaw his love was not concerned in it, and that was the only thing which could move him either to joy or ſorrow. The King of Pont anſwered thoſe whom Ciaxares ſent unto him, that he was very ſorry and much offended that the Ceraſians did not obey him: and that for his part, he had done all he could: for all he could do was to command them to ſet open their Gates. But (ſaid he to the Embaſſadors) I do not think my ſelf obliged to go and beſiege them or to fight againſt thoſe who out of their extream affection to me, do caſt off obedience. It is ſufficient that I will not aid them: Beſides, they are now none of my ſubjects, they are the ſubjects of Ciaxares, and it belongs to him to order them: Yet I do, indeed, think my ſelf bound to intreat them, but not rigorouſly to compell them. This Prince, thus diſmiſſing the Embaſſadors of Ciaxares, ſent one of his own Heralds with them, whom the King of Cappadocia cauſed to be conducted unto the Wals of Ceraſia, for to ſummon them to ſurrender the Town: But they would not obey, and bid him tell his Maſter, that though he had cruelly forſaken them, yet they preferred death before ſubjection unto the King of Galatia. Ciaxares ſeeing their conſtant reſolution, did commend them for it in his heart, yet he plotted how to aſſault them; to that end he held a Councel of Warre, the reſult of which was, To carry this Town by force. In order to which, he ſate down before it: Quarters are choſen: Lines are drawn: Trenches are caſt up: Ladders and other Engines are prepared. Mean while, Philidaſpes, whom we did not believe to be of ſuch an ambitious ſpirit, was full of reſtleſs envy: It did appear ſo viſible in his eyes, that all the world took notice of it. He thought, that if he did not come off very eminently at this ſiege, he ſhould come infinitely ſhort of Artamenes, who had carried it ſo highly; and ſo by conſequence his great deſign would be ruined: He alſo thought what gallant things ſoever he did in this expedition where Artamenes was appointed Governour, they would all redound unto his advantage. Neither was the King of Pont without his ſhare of vexation in minde; for his Mandana ſtuck in it; and this affection of the people towards him, moved much tenderneſs in him towards them again. So that queſtionleſs had not the Lydian Warre which the King of Phrygia feared, diverted him, he would have been willing to begin that Warre which he had but newly ended. But Sir, it was not long before he had what he wiſht for; becauſe the King of Phrygia newly received ſome intelligence, that the King of Lydia was not in condition for Warre, a great part of his own ſubjects being lately revolted. This news begot new reſentments in the minde of the King of Pont: But whilſt he was deliberating what was beſt to be done; Ciaxares cauſed Ceraſia to be ſtormed: Artamenes did things above admiration, and Philidaſpes did no leſs. I will not Sir ſtand to deſcribe exactly all the particularities of this ſiege; having many things of greater importance to rebate: Let me tell you only in few words, that the inhabitants of Ceraſia did deſperately defend themſelves, and ſound enough for the valour of Artamenes and Philidaſpes to work [...]en; and I have ſince heard my Maſter ſay, that he never found ſuch ſtout reſiſtance as from them: nor did he ever fight more againſt the hair of his diſpoſition: for conſidering the cou [...]ag [...] minde of the men, and their incomparable fidelity, it could not chuſe but [...] him that his valour ſhould be imployed againſt ſuch men: They maintained the Town againſt four Aſſaults, with Gallantry above example: They ſaw all their Gates broken down, and a great part of their Wals demoliſht with martial Engines, before they would [Page] render themſelves: And being intrenched towards the higheſt part of the Town, they ſtill found us work enough. Philidaſpes helped not a little in this ſiege, and both Artamenes and he did ſo highly eſteem of one another, that it may well be ſaid, valour did never beget ſo much admiration, and ſo little love. But in concluſion, after theſe unfortunate inhabitants had a long time very ſtoutly reſiſted, they were compelled to yield: Yet before they were the laſt time aſſaulted, Artamenes did beſeech the King that he might ſend a ſummons unto them once more, with aſſurance of a general pardon, if they would render themſelves, and reſiſt no more, which Ciaxares conſented unto. At that very inſtant, there arrived an Embaſſador from the King of Pont, to intreat the King he would be pleaſed to pardon the inhabitants of this Town, when he had vanquiſhed them, and not to die his victory too deep in blood: He preſently returned this anſwer, that he would pardon any but Rebels. But this laſt ſummons which was ſent into the Town returned in vain, and the deſperate men made anſwer, that Let things go as they would, they had rather dye gloriouſly, then abandon their King, as he had them, nor would they ever have any other Maſter, and by conſequence could deſire nothing but death, ſince there was no other way to get their Liberty. Ciaxares finding their obſtinacy, did not only give orders to Aſſault them, and ſo take them, but do what Artamenes could, he gave orders alſo to put them all to the Sword: The loſs of ſix thouſand men at this ſiege was it which moſt incenſed him. As for Philidaſpes, never man fought better then at this laſt Aſſault: For ſeeing it was ordered that this miſerable Town ſhould be deſtroyed, he helped forward with it as he could; for it was ſome ſatisfaction unto his ambitious jealouſie, to ſee that Town ruined whereof Artamenes was to be Governour: But my Maſter ſaved it as much as poſſible, and at the end of the Combate, did force the King to grant life unto a few which remained, who were conſtrained to receive it againſt their wils. This ſad Victory was very happily gotten, both for Artamenes and Philidaſpes, neither of them having received but one ſlight hurt. Mean while, both love and anger diſturbed the King of Pont's minde: Now he only wants a hanſome pretence to begin a Warre: He ſends to Ciaxares, and much complains of his cruelty towards the Ceraſians: Ciaxares anſwers, that thoſe whom he had puniſhed were his ſubjects, and ſuch ſubjects as rebelled againſt him more then once; of whom he was not bound to render an account unto any. The King of Pont was pretty well ſatisfied with this tart anſwer, becauſe it furniſhed him with a ſlight occaſion of quarrel: He ſends back to Ciaxares, and tels him, that he would hold Alliance no longer with a Prince, who uſed his own ſubjects ſo ſcurvily, and therefore would from hence forward declare himſelf an enemy. Ciaxares, for all this, knew that he had an infallible expedient to make peace when he pleaſed, ſuch an one as would make him throw his Arms down preſently, and therefore he never complained againſt his procedure: You know Sir, that this expedient, which the King of Cappadocia did mean, was the marriage of the Princeſs Mandana unto him. But yet notwithſtanding Ciaxares received this meſſage very ſowrly, and anſwered him with as much tartneſs as the Embaſſie was full of Injuſtice. Now ſee how things are more embroyled then before: Ciaxares, whoſe Army was much weakned, retreated towards Aniſa, after he had burnt the Town of Ceraſia, as well to prevent the King of Pont from ever repairing it, as becauſe he would not be put to the neceſſity of leaving a Garriſon in it, as alſo to make it a terrible example of his revenge. Artamenes, leaſt the King of Pont ſhould think that this retreat proceeded from any fear, he did intreat Ciaxares that he might ſtay about Ceraſia with ten thouſand Foot, and four thouſand Horſe, to obſerve the motions of the enemy; and to let him ſee, that there was no fear of him. Mean while, the King might Recrute his Army out of thoſe Garriſons and Places which were near him, he might quickly make new Levies: and with thoſe Troops which he carried away with him, he might appeaſe that Tumult which was lately riſen, which was not of any deep conſideration. The King approving of Artamenes his Propoſition, conſented unto it, and appointed thoſe Troops which were to remain under conduct of my Maſter Obſerve here Sir, the ſtrange and fantaſtical effects which violent Paſſions doe produce in that ſoul which is poſſeſſed with them: Philidaſpes who was abſolutely deſperate to be put upon ſuch a neceſſity, that he muſt obey Artamenes as his Leiutenant General, and who for many reaſons was to follow the King unto Aniſa, whither he was now upon return: yet notwithſtanding all thoſe occaſions which required him to be about Ciaxares, and notwithſtanding thoſe ſecret grudges to be under command of Artamenes, he did for all that ſolicit Ciaxares to be one of thoſe which ſhould be with Artamenes; and was ſo very earneſt that he obtained his deſire; The Reaſon of his deſire was, becauſe it was an intollerable vexation of ſoul unto him, to [Page] ſee Artamenes every day purchaſe new glories and honours, and he no partaker with him; and becauſe he was abſolutely reſolved to be his inveterate Rival in point of Ambition. The King of Pont underſtanding that his enemies Army was divided, advanced immediatly with all his Forces towards Artamenes; His Army conſiſted of five and twenty thouſand men: with them he reſolved to ſwallow up Artamenes, or at leaſt make him retreat to his Maſter at Aniſa: But this inequality of number could not make Artamenes budge a bit: I took the boldneſs to tell him that there was too much hazard in the Adventure; but he anſwered me that there was more hazard if he declined Combat; ſince by that he ſhould loſe himſelf in the eſteem of his Princeſs; No No Chriſantes, ſaid he, the deſigns of my ſoul are all extraordinary and above common reach: To gain a battel upon equal terms, is the common glory and fortune of every day, which any paltry valour may chance to ſtumble upon: But to get a battle when in all likelihoods it is quite loſt, this is that which Artamenes muſt do if he will hope to preſerve himſelf in Mandana's favour; and Artamenes muſt ſuffer as Artamenes, or elſe oblige her ſo that ſhe will not hate Cyrus: In concluſion Sir, He cal'd a Councel of war; But though Philidaſpes was of Artamenes his opinion and would fight it, becauſe he would not ſeem leſs bold then Artamenes, yet all the reſt of the Captains declined it: But however at this time prudence muſt give place unto valour. Notwithſtanding Artamenes was as wary as he could, He poſſeſſed himſelf of all the advantages which the place would afford, and beſtir'd himſelf with as much vigilance and prudence as the greateſt Captain in the world could do. The King of Phrygia and the King of Pont did often fall into the Quarters o [...] Artamenes, but were alwaies beaten off with loſſe: and in what Quarter ſoever they lighted, they alwaies found my Maſter in the head, they alwaies were repulſed, and found lam [...]inoble. Theſe two Kings did ſet a high value upon him (as we afterwards came to know) for they feared Claxares more by reaſon of him then by reaſon of all his power beſides, whether conſidering him as the Son of the King of Medes, or as King of Cappadocia and Calatia: But Sir, to make a ſhort Relation; It may truly be ſaid that Artamenes gave and got three little Battles in a ſhort time: In the firſt he undertook a ſingle Combat with the King of Pont, and gave him a little hurt, and had the better of that Bout. In the ſecond the matter was more dubious, Philidaspes did miraculouſly, and attempted to take the King of Phrygia Priſoner: But in the third there hapned a chance unto Artamenes, which ſaved his life afterwards, as I ſhall tell you in the ſequel of my Diſcourſe, and indeed it doth deſerve your knowledge. Then Sir, I ſhall tell you, that it was alwaies the cuſtom of Artamenes in all fights that ever he was in, to ſeek out as much as poſſible the principall Commanders of the Enemy: He laboured with all diligence to finde out and fight with the King of Pont, as he was the King-Enemy and King-Lover of Mandana. As he was ſearching all about, he ſaw upon his right hand one Knight who defended himſelf againſt fifteen or twenty of Cappadocian Souldiers; He went to them, and he knew him to be the King of Pont who by that number had inevitably been utterly ruined; He went ſtraight to them, and making himſelf known by his voice; Hold, my Companions (ſaid he to them) Kings muſt not be overcome thus, they muſt fight more nobly, and not be oppreſſed by multitudes: Upon his words, the Cavaliers held their hands, and he addreſſing himſelf unto the King of Pont; Valiant Prince (ſaid he, and ſtopt a little) It ſhall be none of my fault but yours, if you doe not revenge the bloud which I ſpilt, and finiſh that which was the other day begun: Generous Enemy (Replied the King of Pont, going back and holding up his Sword) It would not be juſt in me to fight againſt my Deliverer; neither will I put you to take that from me which you came to give me, nor will I ever put my ſelf unto ſo much diſhonour, as to kill him who ſaved my life. But when he ſaw that Artamenes was not pleaſed with his Anſwer, and perhaps would force him to fight, he left him, and mingled ſuddenly amongſt the multitude, whither Artamenes followed but could not meet with him that day: This paſſage moved both [...]onder and ſorrow in my Maſter: For conſidering the brave acts which he had ſeen the King of Pont perform, he knew it could be nothing elſe but generoſity of ſoul which moved him to do thus: Alas (ſaid he to me, when he returned at night unto his tent) what a dangerous Rivall have I met with? and how unhappy ſhould I be if Mandana knew him as well as I do? But O ye gods (ſaid he) that this Prince did but know who he was that would have fought with him, and what the Reaſon was which moved me to ſave his Life! He knows not that I ſaved it only to take it away; for he did not look upon me as a Generous Enemy, nor ſuſpect me to be his Rivall. But Chriſantes (ſaid he to me) how is it poſſible that the ſhould know him and hate him? Have not I more cauſe to fear who am but bare Artamenes, and who am more hated as the Son of the King of Perſia then as a meer ſtranger? [Page] Afterwards as a ſpark of jealouſie he commended me to enquire with all care and wit concerning the original of the King of Ponts love, which I did, and which [...] found out, there being none in all Cappadocia which was ignorant of it: I found, that the late Kings of Pont having a war with the King of Cappadocia, and in concluſion being drawn to terms of Peace, they were to give Hoſtages on both ſides; and that the King of Pont ſent one of his children with this, who then was not the eldeſt: That within ſix Moneths after he had been in the Court of Ciaxares, his love took firſt beginning, but durſt not openly profeſs it, becauſe it was not he who was to ſucceed his Father in the Kingdom: That in concluſion his Father and elder brother being dead, and he ſucceeding in the Crown, he ſent Ambaſſadors to court the Princeſs by way of marriage, but ſhe was refuſed him upon ſeverall reaſons already mentioned. Artamenes underſtanding this was ſtrangely diſquieted, for all the vertue, modeſty and ſeverity of Mandana had much ado to perſwade him, but that this Prince who was ſo generous, ſo handſome, ſo lovely, ſo amorous, and ſo compleat a man, muſt needs in ſix moneths time obtain one corner in heart and affection; yet when he remembred how the Princeſs did cordially rejoyce at any victory obtain'd from this Prince, his fears of it begun to vaniſh and diſpell his inquietudes: But his ſoul was not yet at reſt; for (ſaid he) ſince this Prince who is very handſome, of a good deportment, extraordinary valiant, and full of wit (as they tell me) cannot gain her heart; How can I ever hope to pretend unto it? I who am a Prince indeed but dare not tell it, who paſs only for an unfortunate ſtranger, without eſtate or Countrey: So it was Sir, that after this third Combat wherein Artamenes had the better, and Philidaſpes became very eminent, he thought good to refreſh his Troops a little while, eſpecially ſince the King of Pont did the like: During which intervall, thoſe Forces for which order was given to be drawn out of ſeveral Gariſons, were come up, his new Levies alſo compleated, and then his Army amounted unto above fifty thouſand men effectual; the King of Pont recruited alſo: So that theſe two enemy-Kings were both ſtrong and able to diſpute the Victory upon equal terms: Artamenes was received both by the King and Princeſs with wonderful applauſe: Philidaſpes alſo was well welcomed, though much below Artamenes, which drave him into a moſt melancholy mood. During the time, they continued at Aniſa, they often waited upon the Princeſs, and commonly both together, which did nothing at all pleaſe Artamenes; How cruel is Philidaſpes (would he expreſs himſelf unto me) to ſteal from me the one halt of Mandanaes adorable looks, and all the ſweetneſs of her Diſcourſe? For he is ſo continually in her preſence, that though every one did not think him capable of ſuch a high ambition, yet they thought he was in love; Why doth he not hang upon Ciaxares, and ſeek his Fortune that way? Can he not let me alone with the Princeſs? Let him not think that I will ever be his Rivall in that Ambition, to become great in the Kings favour: If thou thinkeſt I do, alas thou doſt abuſe thy ſelf: No No Philidaspes, enjoy and enjoy freely all the wealth of Cappadocia: Be more in the Kings favour then ever any, I allow it, but leave Mandana only to me; take ſome other courſe to come unto that which thy Ambition aims at, and trouble not me thus in my freedom of Diſcourſe with her; which to me is a very heaven of joy: I know very well (ſaid he to us) that I dare not yet tell her of my paſſion; for her vertue commands my ſilence; her modeſty and ſeverity forbids me▪ I have not yet done things great enough to expoſe my ſelf unto ſo great a danger: yet notwithſtanding I cannot chuſe but deſire moſt earneſtly to entertain diſcourſe with her without any witneſſes: For my Friends, if ever that happy time once come unto me, none ſhall ever ſhare with me in her favour and lovely looks: I only will enjoy her eyes and thoughts: I ſhould prize this as an infinite happineſs though I ſpoke not a word to her of my paſſion. How do I know but that this Divine Princeſs who is ſo full of wit and apprehenſion will when I am alone with her perhaps gueſſe at that which I would have her know? and common courteſie cauſeth her to divide her minde between Philidaspes and me: But what is this I ſay? (ſaid he reprehending himſelf) No, No, it is not yet time to diſcover thy Love Artamenes; but keep it cloſe and let none know it: Artamenes is not yet arrived at that Point where he would be: nor hath he ſhare enough in the Heart of Mandana to arm himſelf withall againſt her Anger; He muſt firſt oblige her more by his great Services; and gain more eſteem by his Heroique Acts: force her inclinations by perpetual complaceny: divert her diſpleaſure alwaies if poſſible, and merit her love by as many amorous reſpects as ever ſoul was capable of: And then perhaps it will be time to ſpeak unto her upon terms of Love: But alas (added he) if Philidaſpes do continually enjoy her company, how can I have opportunities to do it? In conluſion, he was ſo full of fears, leaſt Philidaſpes ſhould be inſpired with Love, as well as Ambition, that [Page] thoſe different thoughts troubled him infinitely. Mean while, all the freſh Recruits were come up; and the King, before he advanced againſt his enemy, who was in the field ready to preſent him battel, would take a General view of his whole Army: And in order to that, cauſed it paſs under the Wals of Aniſa, upon which the Princeſs ſtood to behold that Martial Ceremony. Artamenes was that day in very common Arms, although he had very rich ones trimmed up, which none ever yet did ſee, but he ſaid they were not made to be ſeen, and therefore he would not wear them untill he had ſeen his enemies in them: telling Feraulas and me merrily, that Arms were never hanſom untill they were ſanguin'd with the blood of his enemies. But although he did not that day rely upon his gallant and hanſom deportment, yet notwithſtanding he did excell all the reſt of the Army, even Philidaſpes himſelf, though Philidaſpes was very hanſomly proportioned, and that day very proudly trim'd up in Arms. The Princeſs being then upon the Wals, waited upon by all the Ladies of the Court and of Aniſa, ſhe viewed the Troops, who after they were paſſed by the King and her, were by the orders of Artamenes drawn up into Battalia, who ſtood in the Head of them, and carried himſelf with ſo gallant a grace, that he did with delight attract the eyes of all upon him: It might be ſaid, that all this great body was linked unto him by an inviſible chain, ſince by the leaſt motion of his hand, or accent of his voice, it moved as he commanded; ſometimes to the Right hand, ſometimes to the Left; ſometimes to the Rear, ſometimes doubling their Ranks, and ſometimes their Files; in ſhort, there was Let [...] very Sergeant in all the Army which underſtood his office better then Artamenes did. As they were buſied at this brave exerciſe, the Princeſs diſcovered afar off upon the Plain, one of the King of Pont's Heraulds, who was eaſily known by his diſtinguiſhed habit. When he was come near the firſt Ranks, he was conducted unto the King, of whom he deſired permiſſion to ſpeak unto Artamenes concerning ſomething from the King of Pont; Ciaxares calling him, the Herauld addreſſing his ſpeech unto him, Sir (ſaid he) the King of Pont my Maſter, who eſteems you, and thinks himſelf obliged unto you, and who would not have the Victory, if it be his fortune to get it, imputed unto any baſeneſs of his men, hath ſent me to advertiſe you, that there are fourty Knights in his Camp (whom he does not know, for if he did, they ſhould all be puniſhed) who have took a ſolemn Oath, and conſpired againſt your life, to be at the firſt Battel, and not to ſeparate nor ſeek for any but Artamenes, nor fight with any but him, but either to kill him or periſh themſelves. This is the Conſpiracy Sir which the King my Maſter hath enquired out, and which was found in a Paper ſcattered in the camp, but he cannot diſcover who are the parties or who that writ it: Therefore Sir, the King of Pont and the King of Phrygia who ſent me to you, to advertiſe you of it, not daring to deſire you that both for their honour and your ſafety you would forbear [...]ight that day, knowing well that your great Spirit cannot forbear: but they adviſe you at leaſt to wear ſome ſimple unknown arms that day, to the end theſe baſe men may not eaſily diſtinguiſh you, nor effect their unworthy deſign. The Herald having delivered his Meſſage, and made low reverence, alſo Artamenes another, unto the King he deſired leave to anſwer the Herald, which he did moſt civilly, although it did much vex him he ſhould receive ſuch Obligations from his Rivall. I am much obliged unto the King, your Maſter (ſaid he unto the Herald) for the care which he takes in preſerving my life; But to teſtifie unto you that I am not altogether unworthy of that honour which he hath done me, I muſt deſire leave of the King (ſaid he in turning towards Ciaxares) that I ſtay you a little before I give you my Anſwer. Then he whiſpered Feraulas, who was cloſe by him, in the ear, and commanded him ſomething which none underſtood: but it was preſently known, for Feraulas making haſte, and my Maſters Tent not being far off, we ſaw him return preſently and followed by a Souldier which carried as a Trophee that magnificent Sute of Arms, which Artamenes had cauſed to be made for himſelf: This ſight ſurpriſed Spectators, and begot a curioſity in the Princeſs: for Feraulas obſerved that ſhe eyed the Arms, and was much aſtoniſhed at them; Certainly Sir Artamenes could not make choice of any thing more magnif [...]cent nor more obſervable. They were engraved with gold, and enamelled with ſuch lively [...] as the bow of heaven had none more glittering: All the nails were headed with Ru [...], intermingled with Emeraulds: In the middle of his Buckler was a great Sun, repreſented by Diamonds which dazled all thoſe who beheld it: Upon his Head-piece was an Eagle of M [...]ſſie gold, moſt rich, which her wings diſplayed, who bending down her head, and holding the beh [...]s top in Beak and Tallons, did ſeem to gaze upon the Diamond Sun which ſhin'd in the midſt of his Buckler: as who ſhould ſay, that this Sun, which according to Artamenes his deviſe did embleme the Princeſs, did deſerve more regard then that Sun which ſhined in [Page] the Heavens. From the Train of this proud Bird did iſſue a Plume of Feathers, admirably well mixt with twenty ſeveral colours: The Hilt of his Sword, the Scabberd, the Belt, the Gauntlet, the Sute of Arms and all the appurtenances were ſuitable unto this magnificence, which for the richneſs of the ſubſtance, the excellency of the work, and the admirable variety of colours, nothing could more invite the eye to gaze then it: As ſoon as they appeared, every one began to ask and deſire to know what Artamenes would do with them. The King lookt upon my Maſter, and ſtept nearer to hear what he would ſay, when Artamenes after a low Congy, and asking leave to anſwer the Herauld, Tell thy Maſter (ſaid he to him) that ſince my Arms are good enough to reſiſt his which are ſo dreadful, I ſhall think them therefore good enough, not to fear thoſe gallant Cavaliers who have ſuch a high opinion of their valour as that they muſt needs be fourty to fight with one: I Prethee publiſh throughout all the King of Ponts Camp; that theſe Arms which here thou ſeeſt ſhall be thoſe which I will wear upon the day of Battle. And aſſure thy Maſter from me (if the King will pleaſe to permit me) that to acknowledge his generoſity in ſome manner, there ſhall none ever aſſault in my preſence but one to one: nor ſhall his valour ſink under an oppreſſing multitude if I be there: The Herald though aſtoniſhed at the greatneſs of Artamenes ſoul, would have anſwered ſomething, but he hindered him: No No my Friend (ſaid he) do not oppoſe thy ſelf againſt my deſign, and be confident that if the King thy Maſter did but throughly know me, he would not diſallow of what I do; Ciaxares hearing what he ſaid would have oppoſed him, inſtancing, that it was not wiſedom or juſtice ſo ſlightly to hazard a life which was ſo conſiderable: My Honour Sir (Replied he) ought to be more precious unto you, therefore I moſt humbly beſeech your Majeſty, force me not unto any diſobedience: But this (Replied Ciaxares) is to no purpoſe, yet he diſmiſſed the Herauld without any other anſwer. When he was gone, and the Arms carried back unto the Tent, Artamenes was not moved at it one jot, though the advice did ſo nearly concern his life. But Ciaxares had other reſentments of it, and was much perplext, almoſt reſolving not to advance towards the Enemy, fearing to hazard that life which was ſo dear unto him: The Princeſs who ſaw the Herald come unto the King, and who knew Feraulas which carried thoſe magnificent Arms, had a great deſire to know the meaning of it; ſo that ſhe ſent one of her ſervants to enquire, who met us as we were conducting the Herald out of the Camp, after we had according to the orders of Artamenes carried him through the body of the whole Army, my Maſter being deſirous that the Herald ſhould inform the King of Pont in what a gallant it was, then we gave him at the parting according to my Maſters appointment a Diamond of a very conſiderable value. This Servant of the Princeſs enquired of us all which he deſired to know, and we told him in few words relating the generoſity of Artamenes. He was ſo generally loved, that this man ſeem'd to be much troubled at the great danger which my Maſter did expoſe himſelf unto, though he was much joyed to ſee that he turned all the deſigns of his enemies unto his honour. He acquainted Mandana with the buſineſs of the King of Ponts Herauld, and with Artamenes his Anſwer: We knew afterwards by a Lady whom the Princeſs loved very well, and unto whom Feraulas did afterwards bear a very good will, that the Princeſs did preſently change colour at the news: that it did trouble her extreamly, and that ſhe commended Artamenes highly. Philidaſpes who was alſo cloſe by the King as well as my Maſter, did alſo extoll him; but it was out of different reſentments, anger and jealouſie: Nowithſtanding I found out this anger and this ambitious jealouſie, which is inſeparable from all thoſe who aſpire unto high reputation, Artamenes had ſome light ſuſpicions that Philidaſpes was in love with the Princeſs; And I think Philidaſpes had no leſſe jealouſie of Artamenes: However both of them tranſact as if they both knew it; And they were poſſeſſed with the ſelf-ſame paſſions. The Princeſs for her part thought that they were both of them in love with honour and glory only, and dreamt not of any ſhare which ſhe had either in their hatred or love: Ciaxares queſtionleſs did love them both, becauſe they did both of them highly deſerve it, but with this difference; that his inclination did forcibly compell him to prefer Artamenes before Philidaſpes, although he had as many obliging engagements to the one as the other. It is very true that Philidaspes was much held up by Aribees, who being deſirous to oppoſe this new favourite Artamenes, did think no way ſo expedient as to make this other young ſtranger his ſtalking-horſe, who as well as my Maſter had the advantage of novelty, which is a great charm throughout the world: So that theſe two being in oppoſition one to another, he betwixt them both might better preſerve his own power and credit. Mean time, my Maſter who let no occaſions of his reſtleſs love eſcape his thoughts, reſented them very deeply when he underſtood how the Princeſs commended the King of Ponts generoſity. [Page] How unhappy am I (ſaid he to us at night when he was retired) and how ought I to ſuſpect my fortune ſince ſhe uſeth all her art to torment me? O thou too generous Enemy (ſaid he) canſt thou not conſpire againſt my life, without adviſing me to preſerve it in ſuch a cruell manner? Why doſt thou not contrive ſome other way to get the reputation of the world without making me the Subject of thy deſerving it? But (ſaid he) I am too blame that I do not make my true caſe known unto the King of Pont: It is to abuſe his generoſity, to hide from him that I am his Rivall, againſt whom perhaps he would conſpire if once he knew as much; But alas, dare I diſcover my love unto my Rival, who dare not tell as much unto my Princeſs? and can I endure that the King of Pont ſhould thus load me with obligations, and force me againſt my will to return generoſity for generoſity, and alſo to preſerve that life which I would take from him, which I ſhall infallibly do whenever any honorable occaſion offers it ſelf, unleſs he exchange his paſſions? Alas, unhappy Prince (ſaid he) that I ſhould lament thee! thee who queſtionleſs doſt eſteem of Artamenes, thou doſt wiſh him engaged in thy ſervice; that he had been born thy ſubject, and that he would become thy Creature: But O ye gods: although he were thy Creature, thy Subject, and thy Brother, yet he would be alwaies thy Rivall, and therefore thou ſhouldeſt not wiſh his life ſo much as it ſeems thou doſt. But in the mean time thou preſerv'ſt it do what I can, if what the Herauld doth inform me be true; and certainly I ſhall owe thee my life if I eſcape; ſince if I had not been prepared for it, it would have been impoſſible for me not to fall uopn thoſe diſadvantages. Ah Mandana (ſaid he pitifully) incomparable Mandana, do not beſtow all your eſteem upon my Rivall: Stay until the end of the battle, then compare his Actions and mine together, and then diſpenſe it with equity: yet nowithſtanding there is a vaſt difference between him and me; for Mandana knows the King of Pont is in Love with her, but ſhe is abſolutely ignorant of my paſſions. May be Sir (ſaid I to him) that the knowledge ſhe hath of his Paſſion is more prejudiciall then advantagious unto him: No No Chriſantes (ſaid he to me) as ſevere as my Princeſs is, and what rigorous vertue ſoever be in her, it is impoſſible ſhe ſhould deprive love of that priviledge, but that all glorious actions beget a new eſteem in thoſe who know them: yes Chriſantes, Love is a cauſe of Love; And it is without all doubt that when ſhe is perſwaded, all the Glorious and Heroique acts which are done are done for her; if ſhe do not then return Love; yet ſhe will at leaſt eſteem and ſometimes pity; ſo that Chriſantes, at this very time it may be Mandana doth eſteem and pity my Rival, and perhaps I may have ſome ſhare in her eſteem, but I ſhall have none of that pity; and I am well aſſured that in all her recompences which ſhe hath conferred upon me, there was not any ingredient of her heart or affection in them; may be ſhe infuſed into them ſuch a mercenary reſpect as belongs unto one who hacks out his Fortunes by his valour, and who looks more after recompence then glory, But as for the King of Pont he cannot be thought one of theſe: All his actions are ſutes for Love: the war he makes with her father ſpeaks the violence of his affection; His generoſity perſwades her he is worthy of hers, and all things argue for him and againſt me: I ſhould never make an end Sir, if I ſhould repeat all his words: Nevertheleſs as he was the next morning to march towards the Enemy, and after he had given order for all things neceſſary for his voyage, often charging that his Sute of Arms ſhould be ſure not to be forgotten, he waited upon the King unto the Princeſs to take his leave. Ciaxares did there highly extoll him; but after he had done his Commendations he began to chide him as much for his opinionative reſolution to carry thoſe remarkable Arms: Therefore (ſaid the King unto him moſt affectionately) I am reſolved to preſerve your life as you preſerved mine; you ſhall ſtay with me upon the day of batele. Sir (anſwered Artamenes, throwing himſelf at his feet) I am infinitely engaged unto your Majeſty for your goodneſs towards me, but I moſt humbly beſeech you to pardon me, if I do not in this obey you; But I am reſolved to reſerve my ſelf as much as poſſible, ſince it is neither wiſedom nor juſtice to expoſe my ſelf unto the fury of fourty at a time, who perhaps may wound me more dangerouſly in conſideration of that ſervice I ſhould do your Majeſty, then they could in conſideration of my ſelf; Then fight in plainer Arms, Replied the King: for though you have ſent word otherwiſe, yet you ſent without my conſent, and it is I that muſt be Maſter in my own affairs, and in my own Army. It is moſt true Sir, Replied Artamenes, But Generoſity ought to be Maſter of both our actions, and by conſequence I muſt not do that which redounds unto my own diſhonour. When the King ſaw that Artamenes would not be perſwaded, I will leave you to my Daughter ſaid he, and turned to the Princeſs, Perſwade him if you can, and I will thank you: At theſe words the King embraced the Princeſs, and went out, She waiting upon him to the door: Artamenes was then obliged to ſtay after him, and as the [Page] Princeſs returned from waiting upon her Father, whom ſhe did not part from without tears, Artamenes unto whom ſhe had given her fair hand, would needs take his leave of her; but ſhe ſtaying him in an inviting manner, Artamenes (ſaid ſhe to him) do you ſo much fear my praiers, that you will needs be gone ſo haſtily? You are dreadful in all your Actions Madam (anſwered my Maſter) and it is my duty to depart from my own generoſity rather then from you: I have no deſign (Replied ſhe) to perſwade you out of your Generoſity: but my deſire is if I could poſſible to oblige you not to expoſe without neceſſity, unto danger, a life ſo glorious as yours, and which hath been ſo ſerviceable unto my Father: You know (ſaid ſhe) that reaſon ſhould be the limits of all our actions: Valour hath its bounds, beyond which is raſhneſs rather then right valour. Madam (ſaid he interrupting her) it better becomes a man of my age, rather to go beyond thoſe ſtrict limits which your exact wiſedom preſcribes, then to ſtay ſhort of them: The exceſs is alwaies better then the defect: Your Argument is good (Replied the Princeſs) but I would have Artamenes be neither too timorous nor too bold. Madam (ſaid he, interrupting her again) it is not impoſſible▪ but I may regulate my ſelf according to this preciſe mediocrity which you deſire me. But in the choiſe of theſe two extreams, I moſt humbly beſeech you, Give me leave to incline more unto that way in which I may meet with honor, then the other where honor never comes: Oftentimes (ſaid the Princeſs interrupting him) we muſt ſurmount and overcome our ſelves; Yes Madam (anſwered Artamenes,) We muſt, ſo the Victory do not make us unworthy to conquer others; Mandana then ſaid, I do not deſire of you that you will not fight, but only that you would not wear thoſe remarkable Arms at the firſt battle. Madam (replied my Maſter) you may command from Artamenes that which is moſt hard for him to part from, without any thought of diſobedience; but for this he cannot conſent unto your deſire; a Diſguiſe (ſaid he and bluſht) is allowable in Love but not in War: In ſhort Madam (continued he and ſmil'd) it is far from my diſpoſition to hide my ſelf from my enemies, or to render my ſelf leſs remarkable. If I were ſo abſolutely qualified as to merit a Favour from the moſt excellent Princeſs upon earth, I ſhould then take the boldneſs to beg of illuſtrious Mandana that glorious and magnificent Scarf which now ſhe wears: and if I had the glory to obtain it, it would be an infallible Preſervative againſt all dangers, and an abſolute certainty of Victory: It would render me invincible in rendring me more remarkable. Artamenes (Replied the Princeſs, and bluſht her turn) hath all the excellent qualities to deſerve the care of the greareſt Princeſs of the world for his preſervation: And if I were perſwaded that this Scarf whereof you ſpeak could preſerve you invulnerable, you ſhall without all doubt eaſily obtain it: But I am ſo far from thinking it will preſerve you, that if I ſhould give it unto you, I ſhould fear my ſelf acceſſary unto your ruine, and that it would invite the arrows of your enemies unto your heart, for which end I have not kept it: You are (moſt ingenious Madam, anſwered Artamenes) and can oblige me in denial of it: But Madam (continued he with a more ſerious countenance) I have nothing to ask you, for indeed to deſire that were to deſire my enemies ſhould not ſee me, as perhaps ſome of them ſhall not, if my Fortune do not fail me, nor my courage betray me: I am glad (replied the Princeſs) that you have put me in a condition to refuſe you nothing: But Artamenes (continued ſhe) what will you do? I will vanquiſh your enemies Madam (anſwered he) and do that which ſhall make you know I have vanquiſhed them; which I could never do, if I ſhould hide my ſelf as you deſire me. As they were in this diſcourſe, in comes Philidaſpes, who came to take his leave of the Princeſs: All three changed colour at once: Philidaſpes for anger to finde my Maſter there: Artamenes for ſpite, to be ſo interrupted by him: and the Princeſs for ſhame whereof ſhe her ſelf could not tell the cauſe. Becauſe it was a good while, ſince the King went out of Mandanaes Chamber, therefore he thought fit to leave Philidaspes with her, whilſt he went to ſeek the King, but it was abſolutely impoſſible for him to ſtir; and therefore, he ſtayed there as long as Philidaſpes. As ſoon then as Philidaspes entred, the diſcourſe did alter, as though there had never been any expreſſions of Love between Artamenes and Mandana, and as though ſhe never knew that my Maſter was in Love with her? for that pure and noble fire, which afterwards did enflame his heart, his ſoul and all his faculties, was yet but a little weak ſpark; yet Feraulas and I did think (for we were both preſent at this diſcourſe) that this arrivall of Philidaspes, did a little croſſe and anger the Princeſs. He no ſooner came neer her, but ſhe ſweetly ſpoke, with abundance of civility to him; but how much ſweetneſs ſoever the incomparable Mandana retain'd in her ſoul, yet ſhe always appear'd majeſticall, modeſt, and high in her looks; ſo that my Maſter has often told me, when he was with her, he durſt not ſo much as think upon his Paſſion, much leſſe expreſs it; inſomuch as ſhe made [Page] him fear as well as Love her: Philidaspes and Artamenes ſtaid a good while with her, but durſt not openly expreſs the leaſt ſhadow of that ſecret averſion which they had one of another: And as they were both ſtrangers to her, ſhe treated them both alike with equall civilities. Yet notwithſtanding, becauſe Artamenes had the Command over Philidaspes in this Martiall occaſion, and perhaps the Inclination of the Princeſs prompted her, therefore ſhe did more honour unto Artamenes then to Philidaspes. As they were ready to depart, Go, Generous ſtranger (ſaid ſhe to them,) go and be happy; and manage your Lives ſo, in the day of battle, that I may receive all the particulars of the victory from your two mouthes; but above all things, have a care of the King. It is to me Madam (replied Philidaspes) whom that Honour belongs, for as for Artamenes, he will have enough to do with his fourty Cavaliers, without looking unto any elſe: We ſhall ſee, Madam, at the end of the Battle (anſwered Artamenes) who it is which beſt acquits himſelf of his Duty: for if I be not miſtaken, it is beſt judging upon the event. I queſtion not, replied the Princeſs, but you will both of you do ſuch things as will well become men of great Souls and high Honour: and I will go to preſent my Prayers unto the Gods, that they will be pleas'd to make you Conquer and Triumph. Upon theſe words ſhe left them both, and went immediatly unto the Temple. Preſently after, the Lieutenant of the Guard, came to tell Artamenes and Philidaspes, that the King commanded them to haſten unto their Commands; and certainly it was well this Order came ſo happily: for if their converſe had continued but a little longer in the abſence of the Princeſs, I beleeve they would have made a quarrell of it; ſo averſe were their diſpoſitions when they were together. The reaſon why they were ſo haſtily commanded away, was becauſe the Souldiery was a little in diſorder, and talked very high, in a time when it was fit for them to think of Action. They both then went after the King: and the whole Army which was already upon their March, advanced toward the enemy; who was not above two days march from thence. I know Sir you wonder to hear me tell of ſo many Battles as Artamenes fought and got in this War: But Sir, to leſſen your wonder, you muſt know, that there are not many Garriſons or places of ſtrength, neither in Bithinia, Galatia or Cappadocia; ſo that the victory doth alwaies fall unto him who can make himſelf Maſter of the field, which cannot be but by fighting and gaining of battles. The firſt day of this March Artamenes was all in a dump: And becauſe I knew it could not be the apprehenſion of this danger whereof he was forewarned, which could cauſe this reſervedneſs, but I knew that his phantaſticall paſſions of Love would oftentimes forge Mountains out of molehils, and make every triviall accident to be a matter of great importance, therefore I reſolved to ask him what it was which ſo much troubled his minde; whether it was becauſe the Princeſs denied him the Scarf which he asked, or the deniall of any thing elſe which was leſs advantagious to him? Can the reaſon of it Chriſantes (ſaid he) be, becauſe ſhe hath a care of my life? and thinks this Scarf which is ſo rich and maguificent will make me more remarked by the eye of my Enemies? Or is it not rather becauſe ſhe thinks me unworthy of it, and becauſe ſhe will not give me any cauſe of complaint: therefore her dexterous with hath contrived this obliging pretence to colour her deniall? In ſhort, whether do you think it was for Artamenes or againſt Artamenes that ſhe refuſed it? and whether muſt I commend or complain of her for it? Should I be ſad or be glad at it? Would I could rightly know the thoughts of my Princeſs, that I might regulate mine own accordingly? But alas (ſaid he) whatſoever her thoughts are, they are all reaſon, and I have no cauſe to complain: If ſhe refuſed it becauſe ſhe feared ſome fatality in it prejudicial to my life, it were an unconceivable favour; and if ſhe refuſed it becauſe ſhe thought my quality unworthy of ſuch an honour, then ſhe hath done only a wrong to Cyrus, but not to Artamenes. But O ye gods (added he) if after the ſervices which Artamenes hath done her ſhe refuſed the Scarf unto him becauſe he was but Artamenes, how can he ever hope ſhe will ever permit him to tell her that he loves her? or how can he ever hope to be beloved? No No, ſaid he, Let us not conceive ſo cruell a thought; Let us reſent the Princeſs refuſall in a more advantagious ſenſe; and let us think that what ſhe ſaid, and ſaid ſo ſweetly, was for us, when ſhe did it againſt us; Let us not interpret her meaning, and dive too deep into the ſecrets of her Divine Soul; Let us rather ſuffer our ſelves to be pleaſingly deceived, then endeavour to finde out ſo irkſome a truth; After this, Artamenes did ponder upon the Princeſs her behaviour unto Philidaſpes, even to the leaſt circumſtance; and though he perceived that himſelf was much more regarded then he, yet he could have been contented if he had not come in at all; and almoſt wiſht that his Princeſs had no cauſe of quarrel with him; therfore he chid himſelf for all thoſe fantaſticall thoughts which his Paſſion caus'd to conceive of her; Her, who as violent as ſhe [Page] ſeem'd to be, did yet permit him to follow the rules of reaſon. But to be ſhort Sir, we [...]d that day: The morrow after we came within ſight of the enemies Van-guard; and withinn the compaſs of two daies time we were in readineſs to give battle unto the Enemyy; which both ſides much deſired with equall longings. The King did all he could to hinder Artamenes from wearing thoſe remarkable Arms, but could not prevent him: I never ſaw my Maſters countenance ſo pleaſant as that morning. As for my part I trembled to think of the danger unto which he expoſed himſelf, for all his valour which I knew to be in him: Feraulus and I reſolved to follow him cloſe as near as the diſorder and confuſion of the fight would permit us, and either preſerve his life or loſe our own: Ciaxares did all he could to keep him near him; and when he perceived that there was no perſwaſions would prevail, he cocommitted the command of the right wing of the Army unto his Command; and unto Aribies the left wing, under whoſe command he alwaies ordered Philidaſpes. In ſhort Sir, without any further particularizing the order of the battle; It will ſuffice I tell you that Artamenes did prodigious acts; inſomuch as I, who was an eye-witneſs of them, could not conceive them within any compaſs of poſſibility to be done. He performed his Promiſe unto the King of Ponts Herauld, and wore thoſe magnificent Arms which I told you of: So that it was eaſie enough for thoſe fourty Conſpirators to know him and fall upon him when they found their opportunity. Their Reſolutions were (as ſince we learnt) not to aſſault him when he was alone by himſelf, but when he was buſily engaged againſt ſome others of their party; But ſince Artamenes was prepared for them, they could not act their deſign. When both parties were within the ſhot of Arrows, which had obſcured the Air with clouds of them, Feraulas and I who had no eyes but upon Artamenes, did ſee that he was more oppreſſed with them then any which were about him: that his Buckler though it was covered with a plate of gold was very much battered: and that there was ſome likelihood a great number had compacted together, who aimed all at him: But Artamenes without the leaſt aſtoniſhment or any fear of that danger wherein he was, lifting his Buckler up with his left arm, to preſerve himſelf from the Arrows which lite like hail upon him; and turning unto thoſe about him; Come my Companions (ſaid he to them) let us go and vanquiſh thoſe which fight ſo well at a diſtance, and who perhaps will not be ſo valiant with Swords as they are with Bows. In ſaying ſo, he led them on; they follow and fell on with ſo much courage and precipitation, that the Enemies left wing was diſordered and thought to call for Quarter: But preſently after they took heart, and the Combat was ſtifly diſputed: Mean while the fourty Conſpirators which were to fall upon Artamenes did not forget the promiſe which they made unto him who emploied them, and it was eaſie to diſtinguiſh him from other enemies who had no particular deſign upon his life. For theſe did alwaies ſhun our men when they aſſaulted them, and would not engage with any who fell upon them unleſs my Maſter: ſo that it is impoſſible he ſhould ever have any reſt which thoſe who fight in the bloudieſt Battles ſometimes have; for which way ſoever he ſtirred he was ready to be compaſſed about; If he charged one, then he was preſently beſet with four or five; if he killed one, he brought two more upon him for it: the more he defended himſelf the harder he was beſet; the more he made them fall the faſter they came in, and did treble their number to execute their plot. Feraulas and I contributed all our force to fight theſe cruel enemies, who fell fo fiercely upon him; yet if his own valour had no better befriended him then ours, all our aſſiſtance had been in vain: But he Sir laid about him with wonderful fury, and did things ſo much above imagination, that becauſe they are ſo incredible I dare hardly relate them: The chief of the Conſpirators was ſo ſubtle and ſo baſely wicked that he commanded his Cavaliers to endeavour all they could to kill his Horſe, that ſo he being that way overturned, ſome of their companions might more eaſily kill him: This Plot took effect twice; The firſt time I had the good fortune to be near him, and give him mine whether he would or no; and I verily beleeve he would not have accepted of him, if I had not at that ſame time accidentally light upon another, one of her ſide who was next me being killed. But for the ſecond time, I ſaw the Horſe which I gave him fall dead, and my Maſter recover himſelf from under him, fighting with thoſe that fell upon him before I could get in to his aſſiſtance, for the Conſpirators had ſo compaſſed me about, that they hindred me. A thouſand to one but he had been kil'd at this bout; yet it was the will of heaven to preſerve him, and make him ſo fortunate to kill one of thoſe Conſpirators whoſe Horſe was an excellent good one; So that Artamenes without the loſs of a minute of time, and in ſpite of all their reſiſtance which oppoſed him, he got upon him, cutting off the hand of one who had hold of the Bridle, and putting to rout all that durſt reſiſt him: In concluſion, Sir, Artamenes to my knowledge [Page] kil'd and wounded above thirty, and took many Priſoners beſides, both Conſpirators and others: Mean while, the enemies right wing ſtood out better then their left; and for all the valour of Aribees and Philidaſpes, the Victory did coſt them dearer then it did Artamenes, although they had no particular enemies to fight againſt, yet in the end they obtain'd it. Ciaxares for his part he was in the main body of the battle, fell upon the Enemy, and quite diſordered them; ſo that the Victory went clearly on his ſide: All was in a mighty confuſion, The Conquerors purſued the conquered very eagerly: ſome rendred themſelves, and threw away their Arms; Others preferred death before captivity; In ſhort, the Victory is got, and all by the valour of Artamenes, who without all queſtion was the principall cauſe: for I had forgot to tell you, that at the beginning of the battle Aribees and Philidaſpes were forced to give ground a little, by reaſon of the violent charge of the Enemy, whereof Artamenes being advertiſed, and ſuppoſing himſelf able to deal with the Enemy wich he had in hand, without them, ſent to two thouſand men, to the relief of Aribees and Philidaſpes; which Auxiliary preſerved them from being vanquiſhed, and by conſequence was the very getting of the Victory: In all this great confuſion Artamenes who had received but two fleight hurts, charged and purſued the Enemy in all places where he ſaw them rally or make any head: As for thoſe who were not in a condition to make reſiſtance, never was a Conqueror ſo full of ſweet, and full of clemency as he. As he was thus engaged in this purſuit, he diſcovered the King of Pont, whom Philidaſpes did heavily preſſe upon with twelve or fifteen men, and had inevitably kilied him, if my Maſter, who was followed by Feraulas and me with two others, had not come in to reſcue: As ſoon as he came near, ſpeaking as loud as he could, and diſperſing thoſe aſſiſted Philidaſpes: Generous Prince (ſaid he to the King of Pont) ſince you are not ſo fortunate as I am though you are more valiant; you would not perhaps ſo happily eſcape from thoſe who ſet upon you, as I have them who ſet upon me: If I do not keep promiſe with you, it is becauſe you will obſtinately fight againſt thoſe men who are not abſolutely under my Command; the King whom I ſerve being perſonally in the Army: But either render your ſelf a Priſoner, or elſe fight with me ſingle, I give you the choice of theſe two: Unto theſe words which did infinitely raviſh the King of Pont, and ſurpriſe Philidaspes,) the King of Pont began to reply juſt when a hundred of his Horſe rallied together, and ſought about for him, began to charge them who had compaſſed him about. But the King ſeeing that he could not fight with Philidaſpes who would have taken away his life, unleſs alſo he fought with Artamenes who preſerved it, went away with as much haſte as he could: This little lookt for accident did ſo ſurpriſe Philidaſpes as you cannot imagine: yet preſently after when he had recovered his amazement, never thinking to follow the King of Pont, he turned angerly towards Artamenes, and ſharply ſaid unto him, What, will you have none to triumph but your ſelf? and are you not content with your own Victories, but you muſt alſo rob other men of theirs? Artamenes looking upon him with a fiery aſpect, It is ſuch a one (anſwered he) who makes uſe of the valour of others to vanquiſh a diſtreſſed Prince, abandon'd of his men, who ought to be reproached with ſtealing a victory, and not Artamenes, who never imploys any arm but his own to obtain it; and who leaving all the Plunder of a Field unto the Souldiers, doth ſeldome make them partakers of his dangers: Thoſe whom Fortune favours (Replied Philidaſpes) need not to call any others to their help: Thoſe who dare truſt unto their own courage (anſwered Artamenes) never beg the help of Fortune: I am certain ſhe hath been your friend and helped you at this bout (Replied Philidaspes,) And certainly ſhe hath forſaken you (replied Artamenes) that you ſhould thus need the aſſiſtance of twelve or fifteen to deal with one ſingle Prince. It is an eaſie matter for you to vanquiſh (anſwered Philidaſpes) who never hath any to fight with but baſe, ſaint-hearted, and ſimple Antagoniſts. It is an eaſie matter for you to vanquiſh an abandoned King with a great number, but you would perhaps finde it a harder matter (added he, and raiſed his voice) to vanquiſh Artamenes ſingle, whenſoever you ſhall give him an occaſion to fight with you; for he deſires it, and it ſhall be to morrow morning if you pleaſe: Let us not ſtay ſo long (Replied Philidaſpes) then he ſtood upon his Guard ready to receive Artamenes, who came moſt fiercely upon him, and gave a furious blow, which doubtleſſe had deeply wounded him if his hand had not turned, and the Sword glided upon his Arms. To be ſhort, they both of them felt the weight of each others blows, and the ſtrength of their Arms, do what we could who endeavoured to part them: But here Sir, I beſeech you, admire what vertue and true valour can do; we were but only four which followed Artamenes; and they were twelve or fifteen which followed Philidaspes; who when they ſaw the diſpute that was between them, though they took his part [Page] againſt the King of Pont, yet they would not do ſo againſt my Maſter, but turned on his ſide. At this very time Claxares, followed by a great number of men did draw neer us, and cauſed theſe two ſurious Combatants to give over, and ſuſpend their choler. What Demon enemy unto my Glory (ſaid Claxares) would ruin theſe who have made me victorious? And why would ye do that your ſelves which Fifty thouſand men could not do? After theſe words he asked what was the ground of their Quarrell; and when he underſtood it, he chid Philidaſpes very much for drawing his Sword againſt one who had the Command over him; and he did a little blame my Maſter, for ſo ſaving the King of Pont. Sir (ſaid Artamenes to him) I will engage my ſelf, to repair this fault by ſome way that is more Honourable: and I will promiſe to bring you this illuſtrious Priſoner before the War be ended, or elſe periſh in the attempt: Did I not promiſe in your Majeſties preſence, that I would not ſuffer him to be vanquiſht by any numerous multitude? and I did but keep my word with him. If the King had not come—(replied the deſperate Philidaſpes) you might perhaps have been puniſhed, (then added my Maſter interrupting him) for your boldneſs and raſhneſs. The King impoſed ſilence upon them both, and by vertue of his Soveraign Authority, agreed them upon the place, and caus'd them to embrace one another before him. In concluſion, a Retreat being ſounded, they encamped upon the field of Battle, and every one returned into his Tent, and Artamenes thought upon his; Feraulas who had been wounded did the ſame: As for me, who had eſcaped more happily then they, I found my ſelf in a condition to do them both ſervice. The King came to viſit Artamenes at night, who not being able to contain his joy that my Maſter had eſcaped ſo dangerous an adventure, he expreſſed all the ſigns that poſſibly could be of a moſt dear and tender affection towards him. He ſent immediatly unto the Princeſs his fair Daughter, to acquaint her with the Victory, and Preſervation of Artamenes: and my Maſter (as you may very well beleeve) did receive this Honour from the King with much joy and reverence. All this while, though Artamenes and Philidaſpes were good friends from the face outward, yet they were not ſo at the heart; and it may eaſily be conjectured, that this laſt adventure did ſharpen their ſpirits: it begot phantaſticall reſentments in both their ſouls. For Sir, to diſguiſe the matter no longer [...] Philidaſpes, whom my Maſter thought to be only an ambitious man, did love the Princeſs as well as he; and this is the reaſon why he was ſo hot againſt the King of Pont: looking more upon him as a Lover of Mandana, then as an enemy unto Ciaxares. Nevertheleſs he drew ſome reſt unto himſelf out of this accident: for conſidering how generouſly Artamenes had preſerved the King of Ponts Life, he could not ſo much as ſuſpect my Maſter to be his Rivall; thinking it a thing impoſſible in ſuch a caſe to be a Rivall, and ſo Generous both. As for Artamenes, his thoughts ran quite contrary concerning Philidaſpes, for his ſuſpicion of his Love to the Princeſs, was by this days accident more augmented then ever. How is poſſible (ſaid he to us at night, after Ciaxares was gone out of the Tent) that Philidaſpes who cannot harbour any particular hatred of the King of Pont, unleſs becauſe he is his Rivall, ſhould offer to kill him, as he was about to do? That Prince, I ſay, who ſeems to be of a brave and Generous Soul, and is inſpired with a Gallant deſire of Glory? Ah: No, no Chriſantes (ſaid he to me) Philidaſpes Loves Mandana, if I be not the moſt deceived man in the world. Thus Sir, you ſee, that one and the ſame action produces different effects: for Philidaſpes did think, that Artamenes did not Love Mandana, becauſe he ſaved the Life of the King of Pont: and on the contrary, Artamenes thought that Philidaſpes did Love her, becauſe he did endeavour to kill him in a manner ſo diſhonourably. Yet notwithſtanding this, all theſe diverſities of opinions were ſo dubious, ſo uncertain, and grounded only upon weak conjectures, that they could not aſſure themſelves of any truth: but they entertained an inveterate averſion one againſt the other. However, ſome two or three days after the Battle, Ciaxares held a Councel of War, to conſult, Whether or no, they ſhould Purſue their Enemies, who were retreated, and who waited for a Puiſſant Recruit: And to amaze them the more, it was reſolvd to divide the Army, and ſend one part of it to beſiege a ſtrong Fort in Bythinia, which was ſeated upon a great Lake: by this means to divert, and impede thſe Forces which the Enemy expected: Mean while, the moſt conſiderable part of the Army, to ſtay and wait upon that part of the Enemy which had Rallied, and to act according as they ſhould ſee cauſe. Things being thus Reſolved upon, Ciaxares who did finde himſelf not well, returned to Aniſa, and left Artamenes Lieutenant Generall of the Army which was to keep the field; Aribees followed him, and ſent Philidaſpes with the reſt of the Troops, to beſiege that Town whereof I ſpoke before: The Capricious humour of theſe two Rivals, would not ſuffer either of them to be contented with their employment. Philidaſpes ſaw that Artamenes being in a condition [Page] wherein he might ſight with the King of Pont, had therefore the advantage of him: And Artamenes thought that the gaining of ſuch a conſiderable Town, was more advantage then gaining a Battle: for ſaid he, after the taking of the Town, be is got into a place of great importance, whereas, after the winning of a Battel, the Conqueror gets nothing but a bare empty field, without any other benefit of the vanquiſhed: But at laſt, they muſt be content; Philidaſpes departs with Sixteen thouſand men, and Artamenes ſtays with Thirty thouſand; the King reſerved no more with him, then what was neceſſary for his Guard: My Maſter had received ſuch ſlight hurts, that he kept his bed but one day: Theſe two Rivals, taking their leaves of one another in the preſence of the King, did in appearance wiſh all good fortunes one to another, but inwardly with a counterfet hate. The next morning, the King removed, and left the command of the Army unto Artamenes in ſpite of all the ſolicitations of Arabees to the contrary. There were two Priſoners which were taken in the fight, one of them was much wounded and deſired to ſpeak with Artamenes concerning ſome buſineſs of importance: My Maſter being told of it, went preſently unto their Tent, ſuppoſing it might perhaps be ſomething which might be ſerviceable to the King: when he was entred, the wounded man ſpoke firſt; Sir, ſaid he unto him, ſince you have beſtowed upon me ſuch demonſtrative marks of valour, by thoſe wounds which I have received from your hand, I will give you a full ſubject for your Juſtice or for your Clemency: Thoſe are two Virtues, replied my Maſter, in the choice of which there is no danger of being deceived; yet my nature being evermore inclinable unto Indulgence more then Rigour, you may almoſt be certain which of them I ſhall chooſe and fellow: Sir (ſaid he which was not wounded) that which my brother would ſay, and which becauſe he is very weak I will ſay for him, will ſhew you ſufficiently which you will follow, and juſtifie all the rigour which you can deviſe againſt us; for indeed Sir (continued he and caſt himſelf at his feet) we are vile, wicked men, whom our knowledge of your Vertue, hath made vertuous and in love with your Glory, and who by [...]ce do hate our Lives, untill we have by ſome poor ſervice, made a little ſatisfaction for that evil we would have done you. Artamenes hearing theſe men ſay ſo, knew not what to think; at laſt, he which was wounded began to ſpeak, and with much pain, tell him thus: Sir, not to hold you any longer in ſuſpence; and to teſtifie, we are really penitent for our Crime, ſince we diſcover it our ſelves; know Sir, that my brother and I were two of thoſe fourty Cavaliers, who conſpired againſt your Life, and who did ſet upon you with ſo much baſeneſs in the laſt Battle: Alas, my friends (ſaid Artamenes interrupting him which ſpoke, and looking upon them both without any anger) What moved you to do ſo? and what moves you to do thus? Why would you then deſtroy me? and why would you now ſave me? how dare you expoſe your ſelves unto the will of a juſtly incenſed Conqueror? Sir, ( [...] that Conſpirator) we would have deſtroyed you, becauſe we were unfortunate men, with whom, hopes of Recompence was more prevalent, then true love of Honour: But now Sir, your illuſtrious example has better taught us, and we do prefer one act of Vertue, before all the Grandure of the earth; and therefore itis, that we had either hazard our Lives in diſcovering our fault, then conceal from you, how the chief Author of that Conſpiracy is now unknown in your power; and if he ſhould chance be exchanged or delivered amongſt other Priſoners, perhaps he would act worſe then before, and attempt againſt the moſt Noble Life living upon earth: How, ſaid Artamenes, the chief Author of the Conſpiracy in my hands? Who may this man be whom certainly I never offended ſo much as to hate me; and who hates me ſo much as he prefers the death of his enemy before his own Honour? It is Artanus Sir (replied they both together:) Is it Artanus (replied my Maſter?) Yes Sir, ſaid one of them, [...] was indeed Artanus, who contrived that Note which was found in the King of Ponts Camp, and engaged us amongſt the fourty Conſpirators, who were to fight againſt none but Artamenes, and kill none but him: And that man who ſpake unto us from him, and ſhould have given that Note back unto him, did loſe it amongſt the Tents; ſo that it being carried unto the King, he cauſed this information to be given of it: But ſince neither Artames nor any of the Conſpirators were named in the Writing, nor known unto any, nor could he diſcover the Author or any of his Complices, therefore he ſent to advertiſe you of it, but was not able to remedy it by the puniſhment of them, becauſe he knew not who they were: Beleeve it S [...], it was Artanus who ſuborned us; it is he who is in deſpair, and aſhamed of what he would have done, and that he ſhould be overcome by you in a manner ſo ſhamefull unto himſelf, and ſo prejudiciall unto the Love which he bears unto the Princeſs of Pont, in aflection to whom he is deeply engaged: To get himſelf into this Princeſs favour, he came diſguiſed into the Army: where not doubting, but by that Party which he had prepared, he [Page] ſhould kill you, he intended to ſhew himſelf after the Battle with your Arms, and if I durſt ſpeak it, with your Head in his hand, to the end the King of Pont might take him unto favour, becauſe he had got the Victory over the moſt valiant of his Enemies: But Sir, the Juſtice of the Gods and your valour has prevented him: and now Sir you may diſpoſe of our Fortunes and our Lives as you pleaſe: If your wounds be not dangerous (anſwered Artamenes, looking upon him which was in bed) you may have time to repair your fault by ſome generous Act: for I cannot puniſh thoſe who repent, nor revenge my ſelf upon thoſe who are not in a condition to defend themſelves: Ah Sir, ſaid theſe two men (the one holding up his hands and the other kneeling) againſt what man, or rather againſt what good have we been ſuborned? Againſt a man who fears the gods (Replied my Maſter) taking the one of them up with one hand, and holding out the other unto his brother; and one who does preferre death before the leaſt injuſtice or the leaſt baſeneſs; And therefore (continued he) I will forget that crime which the unhappineſs of your condition cauſed you to commit; and becauſe I will recompenſe you for your Repentance, and for the good ſervice you have done in telling me the Authour of your crime is in my power, I will give give you your lives, and promiſe you liberty, which otherwiſe ſhould not have been without ranſom: Oh Sir, ſaid they, command any thing and be obeyed, for what doth not thoſe men owe who have life given them when they deſerved death? I command then, Replied Artamenes, that before you be ſet at liberty, you ſolemnly ſwear that for no conſideration whatſoever you will ever employ your valour againſt any as you did againſt me: and that you will not diſhonour your lives nor your Noble profeſſions by any ignoble actions; Fight againſt me like valiaut Souldiers as an Enemy unto your King, and do what you can to overcome me; for I promiſe not to refuſe the meaſuring of my Sword with either of you; or fall on me both together, if you have ſo good an eſteem of me that you dare not do it ſingle; but do not ſell the bloud and the life of any one; nor endeavour to gain by infamy. O Sir, ſaid they, interrupting him, we will rather run our ſwords through our own hearts, then ever draw them againſt you, nor ever imploy them in any unworthy action: After this, Artamenes did make very much of them; and having learnt who it was which kept Artanus Priſoner, who conceal'd himſelf as much as he could, he commanded him to be brought into the Tent where theſe two Cavaliers were: as ſoon as he was come thither, and ſaw him there, then he thought he was diſcovered, and therefore not ſtaying till Artamenes ſpoke to him or mentioned his his crime, I know (ſaid he) that thoſe Traitors whom I ſee, who though they had not power to reſiſt my promiſes, have yet the perfidie to accuſe me, therefore I will not go about to deny that whereof they may eaſily convince me. But Sir (ſaid he to him in a moſt ſuppliant manner, and in whom fear of death did plainly appear) what would you have a man do who in loſing his honour hath loſt his reaſon, but to cover one crime with another; and finde his own life in your death? I know this is but an ill argument; but ſince I have no other, I muſt addreſs my ſelf unto clemency, and ask pardon, ſince I cannot ask juſtice but I muſt ask puniſhment with it. This this is a ſtrange kinde of fearing ignominy (anſwered Artamenes) that you ſhould diſhonour your ſelf for fear of being diſhonoured: No No Artanus, your Paſſion hath made you extravagant: and this courſe which you take is not the way unto honour: I think that I know a little better then you how to finde out the paths which leades unto it, therefore ſet me be your Guide, and tell you without any anger or reproach, that the way to make you forget your former faults is not to commit new ones: If you have any intention to blot out of the memory of men any act which perhaps is ignominious: you muſt repair it by a hundred acts of vertue and honour; not fall from worſe to worſe: therefore Artanus I intend to ſend you unto the King your Maſter; At thoſe words Artanus changed colour, and it plainly appeared that he had rather ſtay in the hands of him whoſe life he had attempted againſt, then return unto the King of Pont: ſo that Artamenes obſerving it, Fear not Artanus (ſaid he) but that if I ſend you I will ſend ſecurity of your life with you: If I had a minde to ruine you, I ſhould not need to ſend you any whither to be puniſht: If I may gueſs at what will be hereafter by what hath already been, I finde very few hopes of your goodneſs; and if I may judge you by your preſent looks, it is eaſie to ſee in your eyes and in your way of proceeding, that your heart harbours much anger and fear, but yet for all that Artanus is no more terrible unto me living, then if he were dead: Therefore I will forget what's paſt; I will commit the future unto the gods, and behave my ſelf for the preſent like a man of courage; Do you ſo to Artanus if you be wiſe; In concluſion Sir, after much diſcourſe together, Artamenes ſent Artanus unto the King of Pont, and would never have diſcovered the crime of the man, if it had not been alwaies dangerous for Kings [Page] to keep ſuch wicked wretches about them without the knowledge of it: but he entreated him to be contented with knowledge of Artanus without puniſhing him, ordering the Herauld whom he commanded to conduct him, that he ſhould not leave the King of Pont until he had engaged his promiſe not to puniſh him: Artanus who in ſpight of all his malice could not chuſe but ſee the moderation of Artamenes, yet could not chuſe but complain of his hard fortune which made him finde ſo much rigour in the clemency of his Enemy, ſince in giving him life and liberty he gave him ſhame and confuſion alſo in ſending him unto the King of Pont and ſpoiling his reputation in the eſteem of his Princeſs whom he loved: As for theſe two Cavaliers Priſoners, after Artamenes had given them their liberty, they beſeech him not to ſend them unto the King of Pont their Maſter, but to let them hide their infamy in ſome far off Country: Artamenes who judged that perhaps theſe men might fear the revenge of Artanus, who was a man of ſome quality in his own Countrey, did conſent unto their deſires as ſoon as he which was wounded was recovered: gratifying them with great rewards at departure: When this Act was made known unto the Princeſs, ſhe did extreamly commend him for it, as well as the King of Pont when Artanus came home; ſo that my Maſter had the commendations both of his Rivall and his Miſtreſs at one time. It is true, the Prince was ignorant that he whom he ſo much extolled was the greateſt obſtacle in the world unto his deſigns; and that Princeſs alſo was ignorant of his being her Adorer. We underſtood Sir, by the Heraulds return, how the King of Pont had much ado to reſolve whether or no he ſhould ſuffer Artanus to live; but the Herauld obſerving my Maſters command not to leave him until he had obtained the Kings promiſe to let him live, the King did at laſt promiſe not to puniſh him upon condition he ſhould never come in his preſence, but for ever go out of his dominions. During all theſe paſſages, Artamenes never diſpatched any Meſſenger to Ciaxares, but he preſented his Complements unto the Princeſs; And the Princeſs never ſaw any come from the Camp unto Aniſa, but ſhe was very inquiſitive how he did, and was much pleaſed to hear all the wonders of his life related. To ſum [...] up all in few words, it may juſtly be ſaid of Artamenes, that whatſoever he did, was excellently done: And I remember at that time there was an old Cappadocian Captain who was quartered in Galatia, and had committed ſome diſorder in his Lodging, whereof the Inhabitant came to complain; Artamenes knowing him a very ſerviceable Souldier, and had lived long in Arms, deſired to give him ſuch a check as ſhould correct him but not incenſe him; thinking it fit to have ſome reſpect unto an old Officer, who had been ſo much longer in Arms then himſelf; Therefore he ſent him this meſſage in a peece of paper, that he conjured him, not to force a young Souldier to take ſo much holdneſs upon him as to chide and chaſtiſe an old Captain. I relate this paſſage Sir to the end you may know the judgement and moderation of my Maſter, and that you ſhould not wonder to underſtand that though he was a ſtranger, yet he ſo demeaned himſelf as he was as much feared, loved, and obeyed as if he were a Cappadocian born, and one of the moſt illuſtrious Families amongſt them. Mean while, the King of Pont having received great Auxiliaries from Phrygia, and ſo recruited his Army, that he was in a condition to undertake both Artamenes and Philidaspes at one time if he had pleaſed: But yet he thought it more expedient to offer fight with Artamenes before he divided his Forces, becauſe then he would be more numerous then my Maſter, intending to relieve that Town which Philidaſpes beſieged, (and which was well provided with all things neceſſary to endure it) after he had gotten the better of the day as he hoped to do: But ſince he was ſo much in love with the valour of Artamenes, and owed him his life, He would in ſome way or other requite it: The King of Phrygia and he, did ſtudy how to finde out ſome extraordinary courſe to be diſengaged from thoſe obligations wherein he had fettered them, and not to be ſo perpetually overcome, as well by his virtue as his valour; They fixed upon a ſtrange and new reſolution: 'Tis very true the King of Pont who was really generous, was concerned in it: For although he knew that Artamenes did not ſo much as ſuſpect his generoſity in that buſineſs of the fourty Conſpirators; yet ſince Artanus was baniſhed, ſome ill meaning mindes, or perhaps Artanus himſelf would forge a falſe report, that the Authour of that conſpiracy is not yet known, and will tacitly give it out, as if the King of Pont, although he did advertiſe Artamenes of it, yet was the Authour of it: and that his generoſity in ſending unto Artamenes was a meer ſubtlety: This Prince therefore did deſire to juſtifie himſelf from any ſycg ſcandalous reports: and in order to that the two Kings cauſed this command to be publiſhed throughout all the Army, exacting ſtrict obedience, that none whoſoever ſhould uſe any Bows, Arrows, Slings, Darts, Javelins, or any far off Engines againſt Artamenes, whoſe Arms were ſo remarkable, that none could miſtake him: and to uſe no other weapon [Page] but ſword only againſt him, and not to fight againſt him but only one to one, as much as the confuſion of the Battle would permit, leſt ſo gallant a man as he ſhould die by the hand of a Coward who might kill him at a diſtance with an Arrow, or leſt he ſhould be ruined by a multitude as Artanus attempted; They conceived this Act would redound unto the glory of their Nation, they thereby reſtifying unto the world that they cared not for victory upon baſe diſadvantages. The day after the publication of this Order Artamenes (who truſted unto none but himſelf in all matters of importance, and who was ſo able, ſo vigilant, and capable of every thing, (if I may ſay it) as he took upon himſelf the charge of the whole Army, and tranſacted ſucceſſively) he cauſed a party to go out with him and face the Enemy. The King of Pont being advertiſed of it by his Spies, ſent the like number to beat off thoſe who approached ſo near them: But Artamenes wondred that he was not covered with Clouds of Arrows as he uſed to be, and far from being compaſſed about by multitudes, for he never had but one at one time upon him, he himſelf aſſaulted many, but he was never aſſaulted by more then one at once: This accident did a while aſtoniſh him, for things were not wont to go ſo; yet in the heat of action he reflected but ſleightly upon it, nor thought of any thing but getting the Victory: In concluſion, a great part of the Enemy was cut off, many took Priſoners, and the reſt ſaved themſelves by flight in the diſorder of the battle. Artamenes being returned to the Camp, the Priſoners which were taken hoping to be uſed better for it, did publiſh the generoſity of their King, and the prohibition which he ordained concerning my Maſter. The Souldiers hearing ſo unuſual a procedure, and Artamenes coming to the knowledge of it, he cauſed all the Priſoners to be preſently ſet at liberty, deſiring them to tell the King their Maſter, that he ſhould preſently ſee he was not altogether unworthy of that honour which he had done him; I was by him when this happened; and he was no ſooner got by himſelf, but looking upon me with admiration, Chriſantes (ſaid he to me) what odd fortune is this, to have a Rivall who overloads me with ſo many favours, and ſo much generoſity, that I am almoſt forced to hate him? Such an one as by his good intentions unto me, drives me into a ſtrange deſpair! Doubtleſs he thinks to purchaſe the Princeſs eſteem by this way, and ſeeks more after publique acclamations then victory; Oh, if it be ſo, ſaid he, how much more terrible is he to me when he preſerves my life, then when he aſſaults me to take it away? No No too generous Rivall (ſaid this amorous Prince) I will not ſuffer thee to ſurmount me in virtue; and I am reſolved to diſpute with thee more ſtifly for the eſteem of Mandane, then ever I contended with thee for victory in the head of an Army: yes Chriſantes (ſaid he, and lookt upon me) my Princeſs ſhall never ſay that the King of Pont hath done any brave act, but ſhe ſhall ſay that Artamenes hath done another as Heroique; at leaſt, I will make ſuch a Combat in the ſecret of Mandanaes heart, as he ſhall not with juſtice overcome me, unleſs the inclination of my Princeſs be byaſſed by leaning more unto his ſide, and ſurmount me that way more then by his own merit: After this Sir, I would have ſaid ſomething, but he would not hear me. The next morning he held a Councel of War, and according to the order thereof it was thought beſt he ſhould impede the enemy from attempting to raiſe the Siege which Philidaſpes attended upon, in caſe there were any intentions of the Enemy diſcovered to take that courſe: yet he could not reſolve to contribute ſo much unto the glory of Philidaſpes, nor leave the King of Pont ſo long in the advantage of his high generoſity; Therefore he ſo wrought with all the Captains of his Army by that winning eloquence which nature and education had given him in the Greek Language, at they were all reſolved to force the Enemy unto battle, as he himſelf intended: Judge Sir whether it were a hard matter to make two Enemies meet which ſought one another, therefore it was not long before Artamenes had his deſired ſatisfaction: But here you may wonder Sir at what the deſire of glory can do in a ſoul that is truly generous: Artamenes who upon the King of Ponts notice concerning the Conſpiracy againſt his life, had choſen the moſt glorious Arms that the world could make, to the end he might better be known to them who [...]ought for him in the laſt battle, and who now thought that all who knew him by thoſe Arms would not fight againſt him neither with Bow, Arrow, Javelin or dart, nor fall upon him ſingle; he therefore left off thoſe gallant Arms, to the end he might not be known: Thus did he endeavour to ſhew unto the world that none ſhould conquer him in point of generoſity: Sir, ſaid I unto him (in the morning when he was putting on his Arms) will you hide all your gallant Acts in ſuch obſcure Arms as theſe? It is fit I ſhould, Chriſantes (ſaid he unto me) at this time, if I will ſhew my ſelf worthy of that Honor that is done me: But Sir (ſaid I,) is it not to be feared that it will take away the hearts of your Souldiers, when they cannot diſtinguiſh you from that great number who are Armed as you are? If they follow [Page] me (anſwered he) they cannot chuſe but know me; and I intend to behave my ſelf ſo, as it may be, they ſhall eaſily finde me: At laſt, Sir, they fought, and Artamenes did ſuch things as are not imaginable. Untill now he fought but like a valiant man: but at this time it might very well be ſaid, he fought like an incenſed God; one would have thought he knew himſelf incapable of Wounds, ſeeing how he adventured himſelf: He drove their Squadrons on heaps, he broke their Ranks, and charged through and through their beſt compoſed bodies: nothing could reſiſt him: In concluſion, he carried the matter ſo prodigiouſly, as he made both his friends and his enemies know him, notwithſtanding his ſimple Arms, which were all ſanguin'd with the blood which he had loſt, and which running upon his Curace made him moſt terrible to look upon: His Buckler was all mangled with Arrows which fell upon it. The King of Pont meeting him in this condition, and eaſily knowing him: It is not my fault, Generous Artamenes, (cried he aloud unto him,) ſince I have done what was fit to preſerve your Life: Nor is it my fault (anſwered Artamenes,) that your valour does not receive an advantage in my defeat, ſince I do all I can to make you Glorious; and do not ſpare a Life, which perhaps is more ways then one, an obſtacle unto your victory and happineſs. But valiant Prince, ſaid he, we have contended long enough upon points of Generoſity: Let us now try if we can fight as well as we can acknowledge a benefit, for I am much deceived, if we can otherwiſe overcome one another without diſhonour: Upon theſe words the King of Pont would have replied ſomething, but Artamenes making ſigns that he had rather fight then talk, did advance towards him; and then theſe two Gallant Men began a Combate, which perhaps had been very fatall to them both, if night and darkneſs had not againſt both their wills parted them, and by conſequence had not left both their generall and particular victories in doubt: yet notwithſtanding the advantage did fall upon Artamenes ſide; for he loſt few men, killed many, and took many Priſoners: But ſince the Combate was not ended when night came on, and ſince both of them remained upon the field in their Arms, it was difficult to ſay abſolutely which ſide was loſer, or which a gainer: yet it was partly a cauſe of taking the Town which Philidaſpes beſieged; becauſe that after this the King of Ponts Army was not ſtrong enough to be divided, nor venture to ſuccour that Town, and come between both our Armies. The next morning Artamenes having intelligence, that two thouſand men were upon the way on the Mountains which bordered upon that Plain betwixt Aniſa and Ceraſia, conducting Money unto the King of Ponts Army for payment of his Souldiers; he went to give a ſtop unto this Convey: ſo that meeting with them, he forced them into a valley environed with inacceſſible Rocks, to ſhelter themſelves; who ſeeing themſelves brought into that ſtrait condition, conſulted what they ſhould do; ſince if they fought, they were loſt; and if they ſtaid there, it would be a loſſe unto their Maſter: ſo that to ſave themſelves, and be rid of that ill condition, they beat a Parley, and ſent twelve of their Company unto Artamenes, with their Bucklers full of gold and ſilver, entreating him to accept of that for their ranſome, and let them depart: Artamenes who was alwaies more heroique in all his actions then they could imagine, told them, that he would freely give them their lives and liberty, and alſo ſuffer them to paſſe with their Gold and Silver, ſo they would leave their Bucklers which held it, behinde them, as marks of his Victory: But theſe ſtout and couragious Souldiers, throwing down all that was in their Bucklers upon the earth, and putting them upon their left Arms, taking their Swords in their right, You ſhall ſee (ſaid they-turning away towards their Companions) that our Nation never uſe to leave their Bucklers but with their lives; and may be (what inequality ſoever there is between us) you ſhall never get them without danger of your own. Artamenes ſeeing the Souldiers carry it out ſo very bravely, was ſo charmed with a generous envy, as he could not reſiſt them: And when he conſidered that he had got this advantage without honour, becauſe he got it without danger; and that as the ſtate of things were, an addition of two thouſand men could not much alter the caſe: And ſeeing theſe twelve Souldiers go away in ſuch a gallant reſolution, Valiant men (cried he to them) come again, and take both your money, your Lives and your Liberties, which you ſo well deſerve: you have overcome me, my Companions, ſaid he to them, and if you had been in the laſt Battle, the King your Maſter had defeated us. Theſe Souldiers were as much ſurpris'd with his Generoſity, as he was with theirs, and knew not whether they ſhould give any credit to his words: But at laſt they beleeved, and having acquainted their Captains with it, all ſhouted for joy and wonder, and made all the Rocks round about ring with the Name of Artamenes and his glory. Thus were theſe Gallant men releaſed out of the valley which encloſed them; who when they came unto their Camp, did publiſh the Generoſity of my Maſters Name, for which the [Page] King of Pont ſent a Trumpeter to thank him moſt heartily for his civility. But Sir, I never conſider, how I abuſe your Patience, nor how long thoſe Paſſions which I reſent for Artamenes have kept me; therefore let me reflect if you pleaſe upon the moſt important things of my Maſters ſtory. Winter drawing on when this laſt Battle was fought, and the Town which Philidaspes beſieged being preſently after taken, where Philidaspes behaved himſelf like a man of great Gallantry and prudence, and Ciaxares having had ſuch happy ſucceſs within the compaſs of eight moneths, he called off Artamenes and Philidaspes, who after they had ſetled all their Troops in their winter-Quarters, and ſeen their Enemy do the like, did come unto the King, who now returned unto Sinope. I need not tell you Sir how Artamenes and Philidaspes were entertained by the King and the Princeſs: for you may be aſſured that it was with as much civility and joy as their great ſervices could deſerve. As they were diſpoſed when they took their leaves of the Princeſs, ſo they were the very ſame at their return; the firſt time that they ſaw Mandana at her chamber, there they met; It ſeemed by Feraulas who was there and well recovered of his wounds, that the Princeſs was diſpleaſed and angry, yet ſhe ſhewed nothing but ſuch charms as were able to captivate the hearts of moſt rebellious Lovers; She diverted her Diſcourſe after ſuch an ingenious manner by her ſweet complacence, which had nothing of affectation in it, that ſhe gave them no occaſion to renew thoſe differences which paſſed between them in the laſt battle, of which the Princeſs was not ignorant. When you took your leaves of me (ſaid ſhe to them) I remember that I entreated you to look unto your ſelves ſo well, as I might from your own mouths receive the particulars of the Victory; but now I will ſpare you that labour; for I have ſuch an indiſpoſition unto war that I do not love much to diſcourſe of thoſe glorious advantages which my father hath obtained by your valour: Never fear that I am ignorant of them, or that I will ever forget them. Fame doth court and love Artamenes ſo much, and doth not hate Philidaſpes, that the leaſt of your actions muſt needs be publiſhed: My ſoul is more ingenuous then to loſe the memory of benefits: But truly I do much affect peace; the calm and quiet vertues do much better agree with my inclination then theſe lofty proud ones. That Prince then (Replied Artamenes) could be very unhappy, who hath a particular aim to pleaſe you, and could finde out no other way to pay you ſervice but by Sword, and Fire, and Bloud. Queſtionleſs (added ſhe) that a Prince who had nothing but valour, and good fortune in fighting hath not in my opinion all the qualities neceſſary to deſerve the eſteem of a reaſonable Princeſs. For if he have thoſe only and no more, I ſhould beleeve that a common ordinary eſteem might well enough content him, but he ought not to pretend unto ſo high a degree as Love: What qualities then I beſeech you Madam (replied Philidaspes) are requiſite to purchaſe that favour of an illuſtrious and great Princeſs? It is requiſite (anſwered ſhe, if I be not deceived) that his valour be not too cruell: that he love victory better then bloud, that his fury laſt no longer then fight: That he be ever civil: That he affect glory without pride, That he lookt for it in ſuch waies where he may finde it; That ſweetneſs and clemency be his predominant qualities: That he be very liberal, but liberal with diſcreet choice; That he be alwaies gratefull; That he do not envy the glory of another; That he be juſt unto his very enemies; That he be an abſolute Maſter of his paſſions: That his converſation be not lofty or proud; That he be alwaies faithfull to his friends, and terrible to his enemies; and to ſpeak all in one word, that he have all the virtues and none of the vices: You have reaſon Madam (replied Artamenes) to ſay that he ought to be exact in all, who deſerves the affection of an illuſtrious Princeſs: But Madam, doubtleſs ſhe muſt be ſuch a one as reſembles you, who without injuſtice can deſire that perfection which is not to be found amongſt men; and if ſhe never confer her affection upon any but thoſe who are worthy of it, then that treaſure would never be enjoyed by any, though without queſtion it be deſired by all the Princes upon earth. I know not (ſaid ſhe) whether the affection of ſuch a Princeſs as reſembles me, be a thing ſo precious as to be called a Treaſure; but I know very well that if ſhe reſemble me, her affection ſhould not be eaſily obtained, ſince by a premeditated deſign I am reſolved never to beſtow any part of my Love lightly, but to fight againſt my own inclinations if they ſhould offer to overcome me; I know not Madam, (ſaid Philidaſpes interrupting her) whether this hardneſs of heart be not as much to be condemned in your ſex, as you conceive pride is in ours; I do not think it (ſaid ſhe,) if I did, I ſhould perhaps change my minde: But whatſoever it be, to ſhew that I am not unjuſt, I pray know that I am as liberall of my eſteem as I am wary of my love, ſince truly I ſhall never refuſe it unto my greateſt Enemy when they ſhall deſerve it; Imagine then (ſaid ſhe to Artamenes) if I do not only much eſteem you but admire you for all thoſe gallant acts which you have performed: [Page] And imagine Philidaspes (ſaid ſhe in turning towards him) if you have not much reaſon to pretend unto a great part of my Commendations for what you have done: Thus did this diſcreet and wiſe Princeſs entertain theſe two Gallants whom ſhe perceived to be very ambitious and extreamly jealous of their honours; and therefore ſhe durſt not aggravate the great actions of my Maſter, leſt Philidaspes who ſeem'd to be the more violent and haſty ſhould be offended. Then they parted being very well pleas'd with Mandana's civilities, but much troubled to have it from her own mouth, that her affection was ſo hard to be obtained. It appeared that Philidaſpes who was as amorous as Artamenes, and did entertain the ſame reſentments, was a little more netled then he, eſpecially ſince throughout the Princeſs diſcourſe he found many more obliging terms towards his Rivall then himſelf: All this while Ciaxares thinks upon nothing but Feaſts and publique jollities. Aſtiages hearing of his Victories, ſends to congratulate with him, and ſent alſo a great Complement unto my Maſter, reflecting upon his valour: The Court was never ſo full nor ſo glorious as now: All the Officers of the Army made Sinope their Rendezvous, and almoſt all the Ladies of Quality throughout both Kingdoms repaired thither: The preſence of the Princeſs was free and open: there was not a day but the King went unto her Chamber, and by conſequence every one had permiſſion to enter: For ſince the King was very well acquainted with Mandanaes vertue: He did permit men of Quality to enter into her preſence, though he himſelf was not there, ſince the Lady of Honour her Governeſs, and all her other women were continually there, and never left her: So that it might be ſaid Artamenes did ſeem to be very happy though indeed he was not: For he had the good fortune, during the time of his paſſion to get infinite honour, to ſerve Ciaxares moſt highly; to oblige the Princeſs moſt ſenſibly in ſaving the life of her father, and overcoming all his enemies, ſo that he might be almoſt aſſured of her eſteem: But on the other ſide when he conſidered the auſtere vertue of the Princeſs, of which ſhe made profeſſion; he could never hope ſhe would ever ſuffer either Artamenes or Cyrus to preſume ſo boldly as to ſpeak of Love: Moreover, the King of Pont and his Paſſion ſtir'd up his jealouſie; and the preſence of Philidaſpes was troubleſome to him though he knew no reaſon for it: yet Artamenes and he loſt not an inch of any opportunity to ſee the Princeſs; They followed her unto the Temple; They waited upon her into the Park and Walks; and viſited her at all permitted hours; They neglected nothing that two men equally poſſeſſed with paſſion could do: But that which moſt amuſed my Maſter concerning Philidaſpes, was, that beſides his diligence about the Princeſs, one might ſee him alwaies buſie about Ciaxares and Aribees, and ſeem'd to be ſo urgent in all his actions that my Maſter did ſuſpect his ambition as well as his love, though he every moment thought him capable of both: In all matters of gallantry they were alwaies oppoſite one to another; In all their opinions they differed: 'Tis true Artamenes had this advantage that he oppoſed Philidaſpes without any ſhew of humorouſneſs in his minde, which his Rivall could not brag of: For though really he was a very compleat man, yet he was of a more violent, conceited and active temper: he was alwaies too full of contradiction in his Diſcourſe, and therefore not ſo plauſible. Truth is, it appeared one night when they were with the Princeſs that he was not abſolute Maſter of himſelf or thoughts, but ſuffered them ſometimes to rove further then he would have them; There was then but few about her, and theſe two ſecret Lovers were there almoſt alone with her. After diſcourſe upon many ſeverall Subjects, The Princeſs had a great deſire if it were poſſible to unite them, to the end they might become more ſerviceable unto her Father, and beginning to diſcourſe upon what might be the ordinary cauſe of friendſhip; I have wondred a hundred tunes (ſaid ſhe to Artamenes and Philidaſpes) that I could never diſcover any great matter of friendſhip betwixt you two; for though I know you do eſteem of one another very much, yet me thinks you love not one another ſo much as you ſhould do: I mean (ſaid ſhe) that confident friendſhip and tenderneſs of affection which dare truſt and tell all things unto him that is loved, and partake of one anothers ſorrows and joys. For you are both of you ſtrangers, and both men of ſpirit, courage and generoſity; You ſerve the ſame Prince, and you ſhould love one another; fot I beleeve your ſouls are too gallant to be capable of envy: If ſo, then how comes it to paſs that you do not love as much as eſteem one another? And why cannot I finde that Union of ſoul betwixt you, which makes Friends reveal their hearts and ſecrets one to another? Perhaps Madam (anſwered Philidaſpes) it is becauſe we eſteem too much to love one another alſo; And perhaps alſo it may be Madam (replied Artamenes,) that our ſecrets are of two great a conſequence to be revealed unto any; I would therefore gladly know (replied the Princeſs, and that very preciſely) [Page] what it is which doth diſunite you; For I do confeſs I cannot finde it out; For my part (continued ſhe) I know but of two paſſions which can hinder gallant men from loving one another, thoſe are Ambition and Love: As for the firſt of theſe, I do beleeve my Father is able to ſatisfie you both. As for the ſecond, I can neither ſuſpect that two men ſo generous as you are can be ſo weak, nor indeed do I ſee any appearance of it: And it may be that there is not one of my Women (ſaid ſhe ſmiling and looking upon them all) that hath not ſecretly chid her Beauty, becauſe ſhe has not fettered you, ſince you came to Court; where it is obſerved, that the inclination is not at all that way: Tell me, then (ſaid ſhe to them) I conjure you, and do not hide the truth of the matter from me; I leave you to judge Sir, in what a Labyrinth Artamenes and Philidaspes were noe entangled: and what an odd chance this was, that the Princeſs ſhould deſire that thing which they could not tell her, and that which would have amazed her, if they ſhould have aſſumed the boldneſs to have told what they knew, though neither of them in particular knew all they deſired to know. For it is certain, that as yet ſhe did not ſuſpect any thing either of the Paſſion of Artamenes or Philidaſpes: and that Artamenes and Philidaſpes did hate one another rather by reaſon of certain ſecret jealouſies which they had of their deſigns, then out of any certain knowledge of the truth. Yet the Princeſs, whoſe aym it was to act the moſt advantagiouſly ſhe could for the ſervice of the King her Father, and to reconcile the mindes of theſe two Men who were of ſuch eminency, did very much preſſe them, to tell her what was the obſtacle which obſtructed their friendſhip: Madam (anſwered Artamenes,) It will be a hard matter for me to tell you, ſince ordinarily I do not uſe to have any difference with thoſe I eſteem: As for me (replied Philidaſpes,) I will go a little further then that, and ſay, I am never uſed to have any thing but difference with thoſe I do not Love, whether I eſteem or diſpiſe them: my Heart (ſaid he) cannot reſt in ſuch a juſt Medium, between Love and hatred: and though I could, yet I ſhould byaſſe more to one ſide then the other: you make me much joyed (anſwered the Princeſs very haſtily, leaſt Artamenes ſhould make ſuch a reply as ſhould ſharpen the ſpirit of Philidaſpes,) for I never could ſuſpect that he could hate ſuch a man as Artamenes, who never offended you; whom all the Court knows; whom the King my Father does extreamly Love, and whom I eſteem very much: ſo Philidaſpes (continued ſhe, not giving him leave to ſpeak) ſince doubtleſs you cannot hate Artamenes, I conclude that of neceſſity you muſt Love him a little: and if ſo, I hope that I ſhall not have no hard task to make you Love him much: for, ſaid ſhe, in turning towards Artamenes, Doubtleſs you will never reſiſt me, nor ever diſagree with Philidaſpes, who is owner of a hundred excellent Qualities, and whom the King my Father eſteems infinitely; he who certainly Loves you a little, and who deſerves the approbation of thoſe who are more knowing then I am: And, added ſhe, if there be any prevalency in my Prayers, you ſhall, for the Love of me, carry it ſo for the future, that the whole Court ſhall take notice of the good correſpondence which is betwixt you, and no more wonder at the coldneſs which appears in all your actions, and in all your words, the cauſe whereof every one is moſt ignorant. Perhaps Madam, anſwered Philidaſpes, we know it not our ſelves: But, ſaid the Princeſs, whether you know it, or know it not; I hope you will do as I deſire you: The Gods, Madam (ſaid Artamenes,) for ought I ſee, are not ſo rigorous as you, ſince they allow us liberty to Love or hate thoſe whom we judge worthy of either: Be pleaſed to be ſatisfied Madam with that Lawfull Autority which your rare Qualities have given you over the hearts of all them who have the honour to come neer you; and do not Tyrannically (if that which I owe you will permit me to phraſe it ſo) impoſe upon Philidaſpes, to Love Artamenes compulſively: nor upon Artamenes to Love Philidaſpes, whether he will or no: If they will at any time Love, let them have the freedom of their own choice entire, and take not from them the Merit of their Affection: And if they will eternally hate one another, (replied Philidaspes,) let them have the liberty to do it, without any juſt offence to you. That cannot poſſibly be (replied ſhe,) for I eſteem both of you too much to ſuffer it. Why Madam, ſaid Artamenes to her (and changing colour,) Cannot I hate Philidaſpes, unleſs I do anger the Princeſs Mandana? No, ſaid ſhe, nor Philidaſpes hate Artamenes, without offending me extreamly, ſince I have ſo deſired of him the contrary. We are both of us then, very happy, and very unhappy, replied Philidaſpes: and you ſhall be both of you very reaſonable, if you will Love one another, for the Love of me. This is not poſſible, replied Philidaſpes. Indeed Madam, anſwered Artamenes, I think it would be much more eaſie for us, to hate one another for the Love of you, then to Love one another for the Love of you; for, ſaid he, both of us ayming at Glory as we do, and ſeeking out all occaſions to eminent [Page] our ſelves by obtaining the eſteem and friendſhip of the King, if you ſhould byas more unto Philidaſpes then unto Artamenes, I think that Artamenes though he durſt not complain of you, yet he would hate Philidaſpes a little: And I my ſelf think (replied this violent Prince,) that though it ſhould happen ſo to me, Philidaſpes would content himſelf with eſteeming Artamenes without any Loving him. The Princeſs was then very ſorry ſhe had undertook a buſineſs, which ſhe found much more hard to compoſe then ſhe believed; therefore ſhe thought it better to end this diſcourſe then continue it any longer. Then ſhe begun to ſpeak unto them with abundance of excellent ſweetneſs; at leaſt, ſaid ſhe, will you Promiſe me to live together as if you did Love one another; and that you will not contradict one another in any thing? Philidaſpes (anſwered Artamenes) ſeems to be ſo zealous in the Kings ſervice and yours, Madam, and I alſo the like, that it may be imagined, there will be always much concurrencie in all our deſigns: I know (replied Philidaſpes) that at the leaſt we ſhall meet one another very often: And I think that ever ſince the firſt day Artamenes arrived in Cappadocia, I have every day ſeen him. It is true that I met you at the Temple of Mars (anſwered Artamenes) the ſame day I came to Sinope: What day was that (asked the Princeſs?) It was the ſame (anſwered Philidaſpes,) whereon you offered a Sacrifice of Thanks unto the Gods, for the Death of that Prince who would have ſubverted all Aſia, and uſurped your Crown from you; I remember it very well (ſaid the Princeſs, deſiring to break off the former diſcourſe,) and I never in all my life, had ſo little devotion to render thanks unto the Gods for a Benefit as I had that day; not but that according to the Predictions of all the Magi, the Ruin of young Cyrus was a happy fate for all Aſia; but becauſe that naturally, I ever had ſuch a repugnancie in me againſt rejoycing at the death of any one, as that I had need to have a great intereſt in the Publique Felicity if I conſent unto it. Why Madam (anſwered my Maſter, bluſhing a little,) are you ſo good as not to hate Cyrus? How (ſaid Philidaſpes interrupting him, who always would be of a contrary opinion) Can ſhe hate a Prince whom ſhe never ſaw; and who is her Coſen, and who, as I am aſſured, was one of much merit? therefore it was neither reaſonable nor poſſible to hate him: But (anſwered my Maſter) it ſeems you told me, that he would have ſubverted all Aſia, and uſurped the Crown from the Princeſs: But I ſaid it (replied Philidaſpes ſharply) becauſe the Magi ſaid ſo, without ſeeing any appearances of it. Cyrus (anſwered my Maſter very coldly) would be much obliged to you if he were living: but not very much to you, replied Philidaſpes, who would have him hated when he is dead. Since the King my Father (ſaid the Princeſs to them) has both you about him, who are ſuch gallant Defendors, in his Service, I beleeve it had not been eaſie for Cyrus to deſtroy us. This opinion, Madam, anſwered my Maſter, is a great Glory to us. I ſhould have acknowledged as much, replied Philidaſpes, if ſhe had named none but me. I ſhall leave you to judge Sir, what effects this diſcourſe did beget in my Maſters ſpirit: but as he was about to reply, the King came in, and broke off further diſcourſe. After he had ſtaid a while with Mandana, he went out to walk by the Sea ſide, and every one followed him. As ill luck would have it, Aribees held the King in a long private diſcourſe, ſo that Artamenes and Philidaſpes turned to each other, and took a walk by themſelves: and ſince they came out from the Princeſs with exaſperated ſpirits, ſo they were a little while ſilent, both of them queſtionleſs recalling unto memory all that paſſed: Did ever any one ſee ſuch croſs Fortune as mine (ſaid Artamenes to himſelf) Mandana would force me to Love Philidaſpes, who Loves not me; who is oppoſite to all my deſigns; who contradicts all my diſcourſe; whom I always finde about the Princeſs; who looks upon me with envy, and perhaps is my Rivall. This laſt reflexion imprinting it ſelf very deep in his ſoul, did move anger to appear very high in his looks; and I, who was not far off, obſerved it; I think his enemy alſo, had very neer the ſame thoughts: at length I perceived Philidaſpes and he change colours both together at an inſtant; and by their muſing ſtudy which both ſtood in, I perceived them to be very angry and cholerick: After they had ſtood a while without ſpeaking a word, and ſtanding at diſtance once from the other; Artamenes on a ſudden rouſing himſelf out of his muſing, ſaw that the King and the company was a good diſtance [...]ff, and remembring what Philidaſpes had ſaid in the Princeſs preſence; You have reaſon, ſaid he, to ſay that we meet very often, ſince without any deſign we are met here ſingle together in the midſt of ſo much people: I I care not much (replied Philidaſpes briskly) for meeting here in a walk; but I muſt confeſs to you, I do not love to meet you neer the King, or the Princeſs, or in a Battle when I am upon the point of taking Kings Priſoners. For my part, replied Artamenes, I have no ſuch averſion from meeting you; and I ſhould be glad to finde you in the head of an Enemies Army, [Page] where we might diſpute the Victory, and ſhew you how to take Kings priſoners in ſuch a way as would be glorious. There needs not, anſwered Philidaſpes, an Army of fifty thouſand men to give you that ſatisfaction which you deſire, and if you deſire it, I ſhall eaſily ſatisfie your longing. It ſhall ſtick only upon you, replied Artamenes; and leaſt the pretenſions which you have at the Court ſhould hinder you from giving me this ſatisfaction, or oblige you to repent of what you have ſaid, Let us to morrow morning before Sun riſe, ſee whether the Princeſs have reaſon to deſire that Philidaſpes ſhould love Artamenes, and Artamenes love Philidaſpes. I like it well, anſwered he, and take heed leaſt the Honours which you have from the King, and the reſpects you bear unto the Princeſs do make you alter your reſolutions: Therefore, replied Artamenes, Let us meet behind the Temple of Mars, where I will ſtay for you with a Sword by day-break: Mean while I think it good to follow the King, leaſt any ſuſpiſion ſhould be of our deſign. After this they appeared before the King, and carried the matter ſo well, as none did dream of any thing which paſſed between them: I my ſelf, who as I ſaid before, had obſerved ſome diſorders in their faces, was deceived like the reſt: And I had been ſo often accuſtomed to ſee alterations in his countenance without any misfortunes to follow, that I by this could not foreſee that which followed. At night, when Artamenes was retired, he ſhut himſelf in his cloſet with Feraulas, unto whom he imparted his deſign, becauſe he had need of his help to get him out unſeen. Feraulas, as he told me, did diſſwade him, laying before him the inequality which was betwixt Philidaſpes and him, whoſe condition was ſo much inferiour, as that there was no juſtice they ſhould meaſure Swords together. But my Maſter anſwered him, that Artamenes did appear to be no more then Philidaſpes; and that in Combats valour was to be more valued then quality: At laſt he told him, that he ſhould fight better againſt a valiant Souldier, then a great cowardly King. Nevertheleſs Sir, although the buſineſs which Artamenes had in hand, might well have taken up all his thoughts, yet it did not hinder him from telling unto Feraulas all the diſcourſe which paſſed betwixt the Princeſs, Philidaſpes and himſelf: And his Paſſion did ſo much reflect upon his ſoul, as that he ſtood firm in the midſt of greateſt dangers. What ſhould be Mandanaes deſign, ſaid he to Feraulas, in ſo earneſtly deſiring that Philidaſpes and I ſhould love one another? Was it only a bare effect of her wiſdom and goodneſs? or was it ſome ſecret good will that ſhe bore unto Artamenes or Philidaſpes? Has ſhe ſeen into my heart, and there found all thoſe jealouſies which cauſe my averſion to love him? But alas, if ſhe had done ſo, ſhe would have ſeen that I adored her, and would not have been ignorant of thoſe Paſſions which I endure for her, and would have been farre off from commanding me to love him; I conceive ſhe would rather have commanded me not to come near him: Oh ye Gods, ſaid he, How ſhould I know whether it be only Ambition in him, or whether he be in Love? Whatſoever he be, I hope the Princeſs is ignorant of his Paſſion as well as of mine; that which ſhe ſaid unto us in the beginning of her diſcourſe, tels me as much. I believe you too Generous, ſaid ſhe, to ſuſpect any ſuch weakneſs in you. Ha Mandana, Illuſtrious Mandana, ſaid he, this weakneſs is glorious, and it muſt be a great ſoul only which is capable of it: But is it poſſible, ſaid he further, that my eyes, and all my actions have not yet given you the leaſt ſuſpition of my Love? Do you not conceive that all my Martial adventures, and acts which I have done, were done for you? Has any ſeen me ask any recompence for what I have done? or had I any intereſt of my own in it? And cannot Mandana, the moſt divine Mandana imagine that ſome Paſſion more noble then Ambition, did move Artamenes to his Adventures? Nevertheleſs Feraulas, ſaid he, this amiable and Princeſs, who is ſo far from having the leaſt knowledge of it, did add this unto her diſcourſe, And it may be there is not one of my women that has not ſecretly chid her beauty, becauſe it has not captivated you, ſince you came to this Court, where every one obſerved that your inclination was not that way. Ah, too unjuſt Princeſs, ſaid he, Why did you not obſerve it? and why did you not rather ſay in your ſelf, Since Artamenes does not love any in the Court, doubtleſs he lives me: But al [...]s, ſaid he, Mandana tels me by this diſcourſe, that ſhe would not have me to be her Conqueſt; and that ſhe thinks ſhe has done me honour enough in selling me, that the beauty of her women might have captivated me. Sir, ſaid Feraulas unto him, this is only Artamenes who hath received this ſlight injury. It is true, replied he, But dare Artamenes be Cyrus? Can he ceaſe to be Artamenes and not be hated? Ah cruel word (cried he again) what abundance of ſorrow, and deſpair doſt thou afford me? I wiſh Mandana knew I loved her, but I would not be the teller of it: and by what means can ſhe ever know it, if ſhe buſie her ſelf in ſeeking about the Court for one to captivate me, and if ſhe never apprehend; that none [Page] can look upon her, but needs muſt love her? and that though Artamenes be only Artamenes, having a heart ſo great as he has, he cannot abaſe himſelf to love elſewhere. That which gives me a little comfort is, ſhe treats my pretended Rival no better then ſhe does me; and that through all her diſcourſe, her words were more favourable towards Artamenes then him. If I had been well aſſured he had been my Rival, my ſorrows would have been my death, and my ſymptomes of jealouſie would have diſcovered my Love unto my Princeſs; in ſhort Sir, Artamenes talked with Feraulas as if he had nothing to do in the morning; but ſeeing he never thought of bed, he put him in minde of it, and my Maſter followed his advice, riſing in the morning by break of day. I had forgot to tell you, that Philidaſpes and my Maſter had agreed to fight on Horſeback, without any other Arms but one Buckler, and one Sword, leaſt their deſign ſhould be diſcovered, and that either of them ſhould have one Eſquire with them, to be ſpectators of the Combat. Feraulas went out with Artamenes: as ſoon as they were ready they went out at a back door, and ſtole away quietly, not being ſeen by any: They came upon the place appointed half an hour before Philidaſpes: Here Sir, Artamenes did begin very much to fear the Princeſs diſpleaſure, who when ſhe ſhould hear of a quarrel ſo ſoon after her deſires to love one another, had juſt cauſe of offence; yet this ſtrong averſion which he had towards Philidaſpes, was more prevalent then his fears, and concluded it better to expoſe himſelf once unto the diſpleaſure of his Princeſs, then not to be revenged of a Rival: He looked for Philidaſpes with much impatience: But he preſently appeared, and perceiving my Maſter ſtaied for him, I deſire your pardon Artamenes, ſaid he, for coming no ſooner, but I will endeavour to make ſatisfaction for my ſluggiſhneſs, by that diligence which I bring with me to vanquiſh you if I can. I hope, replied Artamenes, that mine will prevent you, and we ſhall preſently know whether we ſhould love or hate one another. After this, both drew their Swords, and after they had either of them made a paſs with their Horſes, as it were to put them into winde; they then ſtaid a while oppoſite one to another to take their meaſures, and ſeat themſelves in their ſaddles; after which they fell too't, and ſtruck ſo furiouſly as both of them had like to have fallen: Philidaſpes his Sword did glide upon the Buckler of Artamenes; and the Sword of Artamenes did graſe a little upon the right ſide of Philidaſpes: Their Horſes which were ready guided, did not ſtartle at a charge ſo violent, and theſe two terrible Rivals turning ſhort both together, did endeavour to croupper each other if they could, but they were both ſo quick, and fought with ſo much judgement, as it was not poſſible for either to do it: Then giving the rein to their Horſes, and making a ſecond Paſs, the Sword of Artamenes the ſecond time light upon the head of Philidaſpes, and gliding down to his ſhoulder, gave him two wounds at one blow; the Sword of Philidaſpes alſo was ſtain'd with the blood of Artamenes, and run him into the thigh through and through: My Maſter perceiving himſelf wounded, became more furious; and Philidaſpes ſeeing his blood run in divers places, did double his choller. Behold here Sir, theſe two fierce enemies as much animated, as if both of them had known each others qualities and loves: All that skill, ſtrength and valour could do, was done at this time: Artamenes preſſed upon his enemy; his enemy upon Artamenes again: Sometimes they would ſhift and husband their ſtrength warily, then upon a ſudden they would vanquiſh or die; and both did diſpute the victory ſo ſtoutly, that they began to eſteem, though not Love one another much more then before: But without troubling you with relation of every particular paſſage of this fierce Combate, I will only tell you, that my Maſter wounded Philidaſpes in ſix places, and received but three wounds himſelf: Being in this condition, Artamenes began to be deſperate to ſee himſelf ſo long reſiſted: and caſting his Buckler behinde him, putting on his Horſe with ſpur and voice, and lifting up his Sword as high as his arm could reach, he let it drive at the head of Philidaſpes ſo terribly that it bore him down half in a ſound, between the feet of their Horſes, catching his Sword into his hand as he fell. My Maſter lighted immediatly from his Horſe, and holding both Swords in his hands, did run unto him, and cried, Philidaſpes, if thou canſt riſe I will permit thee, and render thee thy Sword; but if thou canſt not, then acknowledge that Artamenes is worthy to be thy friend. Philidaſpes as theſe words recovering out of his ſound, did offer to riſe, but he could not poſſible: ſo that looking upon my Maſter with his eyes like fire, Thou haſt overcome me, anſwered he, kneeling, but thou ſhalt not overcome me alwaies, if thou beeſt ſo humane as to let me live: In this condition they were, when Aribees accidentally returned from hunting, and followed by many people, who ſeeing my Maſter with a Sword in his hand, came up to them, not well knowing whom it ſhould be: As ſoon as he was come neer, and ſaw my Maſter, he was [Page] aſtoniſhed, eſpecially when he ſaw Philidaſpes whom he had overcome. What Artamenes, ſaid he to him, you fight then with the Kings friends as well as his enemies: I will fight, anſwered he, with the Kings enemies whereſoever I meet them, and I will alſo fight with the enemies of Artamenes in what place ſoever I meet them. My Maſter then turning towards Philidaſpes; who was at deaths door for very ſpite and grief to be ſeen in this poſture, wherein he could not ſtir; Philidaſpes (ſaid he to him, throwing him his Sword) thou haſt uſed it too well to be deprived of it; and if thou beeſt as full of Reaſon as Valour, thou wilt never put me to that condition as to do thee the like favour again. Artamenes not ſtaying for his anſwer, would have got up upon his Horſe, but he ſtood in need of Feraulas his help, for his loſs of blood had extreamly weakned him, yet being a very little held up, he kept himſelf very firm in his ſaddle. But it was not ſo well with Philidaſpes, for he was very much wounded, and carried by five or ſix men unto the next houſe, there to have his wounds dreſſed. Aribees leaving ſome of his men with him, and having given order for ſome of the Kings Surgions to have a care of him, he went to acquaint Ciaxares with the accident: as for Artamenes, he would not go publikely into the Town, but went unto the Sacrificer, with whom he had diſcourſe the firſt time he came unto the Temple of Mars, having ſince that time confirmed a great league of friendſhip between them. As ſoon as he was there, and had taken order concerning his wounds, he ſent Feraulas unto the King and the Princeſs to deſire their pardon, and to beſeech them not to condemn him before they underſtood the matter.

As Chriſantes was about to go on with his Relation, the King of Phrygia came in, who coming from Ciaxares, interrupted this Relation, and told all this illuſtrious company that the Prince did continue ſtill inflexible, and that he was every day more and more incenſed againſt Artamenes: Alas (ſaid the King of Hircania, and all the reſt of the Princes who had heard Chriſantes tell the ſtory) if you did but know who this Artamenes is, whom you ſpeak of, you would much more lament him then you do: It would be very hard for me (replied the King of Phrygia) to be more ſorry for him then I am, for I have ſo great eſteem of him already, that I cannot intereſt my ſelf in the preſervation of ſo brave a man, more then I have: But you will change your thoughts (anſwered the King of Hircania) when you ſhall rightly know who Artamenes is: And you will confeſs (added Perſodes) that never was Prince more illuſtrious then he: A Prince (replied the King of Phrygia haſtily) yes Sir (replied Hidaſpes) and one of the moſt conſiderable Princes of the world. After theſe words, the King of Phrygia was very urgent with them to inform him further: Then all of them would needs tell him ſomething of it: One would tell him of his birth; another would extoll his valour; a third would relate ſome particulars of his love; and all of them, according as paſſages did moſt move them, would needs ſet out the illuſtious life of Artamenes. Chriſantes ſeeing this forwardneſs amongſt ſo many famous perſons, although thus confuſion was very glorious unto his dear Maſter, ſince it was but an effect of their paſſions towards him, did intreat them to defer the buſineſs untill another time; he himſelf undertaking to relate the beginning of this Hiſtory unto the King of Phrygia particularly, to the end that afterwards they might altogether meet, and hear the marvellous ſequel of it, from the relation of Feraulas, who was better known in it then himſelf; he being younger and more imployed in all the Paſſages of my Maſters love. All the Princes did conſent unto the reaſonable motion which Chriſantes had propounded: yet notwithſtanding they could not part ſo ſoon, but continued a good while together extolling the unfortunate Artamenes, and magnifying equally his virtues; his misfortunes, and his Glory.

The end of the ſecond Book in the firſt Part.

ARTAMENES: OR CYRVS the Great. BOOK III.

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WHilſt theſe two famous Friends of Artamenes diſcourſed of his great misfortunes and high qualities: he in the mean time rendred himſelf worthy of more praiſe then they did give him, enduring his Priſon with moſt admirable patience. The uncertainty of the Princeſs life was the only diſturbance of his ſoul; but his Captivity was too inconfiderable to move it at all. To ſpeak the truth, never man was more in Love then he; this did ſo extreamly torment him, as there was no need of any other paſſion to be added. When he cal'd in his memory the wonderfull events of his Life; and remembred how many dangers he had eſcaped; what love he had purchaſed from Ciaxares; what ſervices he had done for Mandana, and what Paſſions he endured for her: what obſtacles he had met with in his deſignes; how quiet a life he might have led, if he continued in Perſia; what Travels he has undergone; how gloriouſly Fortune had ſhined upon him; what illuſtrious Rivals he had met withall; what famous Victories he had obtained, and into what a ſad misfortune he was now reduced; All theſe, I ſay, coming confuſedly into his minde, he had much a do to give credit unto himſelf; nor when he was alone ſolitarily in his chamber, he knew not well whether he was Cyrus or Artamenes, or either of them; but he was ſure that he was the moſt unhappy Prince upon earth, who without ſome extraordinary aſſiſtance from the Gods could never hope for any ſatisfaction in his Life. The abſence of the party belov'd (ſaid he to himſelf) is, in the eſteem of all the world, the worſt misfortune. But alas, I am not ſeparated for a time only, but I fear, for ever: When I was in the Army, I knew ſhe was at Ancyra or Sinope: I knew ſhe was well; I was certain ſhe was in pleaſant company, and a delightfull place, ſo that then my abſence from her did not vex me; I had none but my own ſorrows to endure, and my only ſorrow was, to be abſent from her: The Gods do know my grief, and how the deprivation of her ſight was intollerable to me: But alas, alas, I am now in a moſt lamentable condition; for I know that my Princeſs is either dead, or [Page] elſe in the barbarous hands of ſome who detains her againſt her will; I am moſt certain ſhe is either in her grave or in a priſon: And in what place ſoever ſhe is, I know ſhe ſuffers, and doubtleſſe pities my misfortunes; yet (ſaid he) if I could with honour ſhake off my fetters, I would finde out either her Tomb or her Priſon; for the Sea, according to its cuſtome, would render me this fair Corps either alive or dead: I would either die with her in the one, or deliver her out of the other; And it would be a greater conſolation to me in my misfortunes to do ſo, then to languiſh out my life in priſon, where I endure an unjuſt accuſation, not daring to juſtifie my ſelf; not becauſe I ſhould appear unto Ciaxares more criminall as a Lover of Mandana, then as a friend unto the King of Aſſiria; not becauſe it is a crime whereby Artamenes is diſhonoured, but rather it is infinite honour unto him, and becauſe the honour of my Princeſs is infinitely above my own: that ſevere vertue whereof ſhe makes profeſſion, alwaies forbidding me to give the leaſt ſuſpicion of my love unto any whatſoever; and therefore I will die a thouſand deaths rather then let the leaſt ſhadow of it appear; Not that (O my moſt illuſtrious Princeſs) you have any reaſon to make me hide my Love as if it were vitious; or conceal any of your favours to me, as if they were not correſpondent with your virtue: for indeed what have you ever done for Artamenes which you had not good reaſon for? or which might contradict your pureſt innocence? you have oftentimes rigidly denied your ſelf and me, and hid ſome part of your good will towards me, you never gave me any more teſtimonies of it then ſuch as by ſome weak conjectures I could draw, that you did not hate me; you have oftentimes deprived me even of your very looks; you have warily reſerved your very words; and all that I can ſay of you is, that you had the power to deſtroy me, but did not: But O ye gods, Can you have ſuch a thought as to ruine a man who loves you? A Prince who hath concealed all his deſires from you, who ſtifled them in their birth, and never durſt deſire any thing which might offend the pureſt vertue? A Prince I ſay who adores you as men adore the gods, and who hath devoted unto you every minute of his life; yet for all this, it is your pleaſure I ſhould keep cloſe my paſſion, and that to me is an abſolute command: Therefore I am reſolved never to diſcover my Princeſs: I will look for death without complainr, and never reveal the true cauſe of all my ſorrows; Thus did the Amorous Artamenes paſs his time: He had this benefit in his priſon, that his Keepers did both lament and reſpect him; ſo that if he had been diſpoſed to make an eſcape, he might eaſily have done it: Andramias who commanded the Guard was a neer kinſman unto Aglatidas, who bore ſo great a Love unto Artamenes, that he neglected nothing which was in his power to deliver him: Beſides this alliance which was between Andramias and Aglatidas, there was ſome other Obligations which tied Aglatidas unto him; ſo that he permitted Aglatidas to viſit Artamenes when he pleaſed. It happened one night when all were retired to their Lodgings, that Aglatidas went unto his Chamber, and offered him all his aſſiſtance; He ſpoke unto him of ſome waies which conduced unto his flight if he pleaſed: Artamenes, did thank him very civilly, but told him that he would never come out of priſon, unleſs by the ſame power which put him in; he ſaid that guilty men might do well to ſlip out of their chains, but innocent men ought to ſtay till they were untied, and therefore he deſired him to reſt ſatisfied concerning that matter, and not to hazard the Kings diſpleaſure for the love of him: He told him that it would be a very great comfort unto him to ſee him ſometimes, eſpecially ſince his melancholike diſpoſition did beſt ſute with his preſent fortune; but that it was not juſt to permit him for his ſake to run into danger; Aglatidas then anſwered Artamenes, that he found no ſuch joy in his life as to fear the expoſing it, but in this he did not run any hazard at all, becauſe firſt the King had not ſtrictly forbid the ſeeing of him; Secondly, Andramias being his Friend, his Coſen, and one that was obliged unto him, it was no extraordinary courteſie to let him viſit his friend: Alſo his Chamber being within the Chamber of Andramias, ſo by conſequence far enough off from the Guard, he might conveniently viſit him often without being perceived and might afford him that poor comfort to have one with him, who might condole his misfortunes. Artamenes denied him, but Aglatidas was ſo urgent, that in the end he permitted him to come every night in into his chamber. There was none more fit to comfort an unfortunate man then Aglatidas, who was alwaies ſad even then when any joy appeared in the faces of them who were in his Company: This Noble melancholy man came one night unto Artamenes, and after they had a long time diſcourſed of the mutability in Fortune, and miſeries of life, they both of them were a long while ſilent. Aglatidas who knew nothing of his love, and who deſired to cheer him up a little, ſpoke thus unto him: Sir (ſaid he) I ſee you are unfortunate, yet for [Page] all that you are not ſo unfortunate but one may poſſibly be much more: That Grandure which you have loſt, may eaſily be found again: It is a common thing for a Prince to paſs from a Throne to a Priſon, and from a Priſon to a Throne again: There are many misfortunes which ſeem leſs glorious are yet more ſenſible; and the more cloſe they are kept, the more are they inſupportable: You have this ſad comfort at the leaſt (ſaid he) that all the world laments you: and ſuch great fals as yours do move compaſſion in all honeſt men. On the contrary there are misfortunes of ſuch a dire nature, as they are not pitied by any; and are ſo far from inviting compaſſions as they who endure them are accuſed of weakneſs, of folly and ſimplicity: So that to prevent the growth or encreaſe of our misfortunes and ſorrows, we muſt ſtifle our ſighs, and hide our Tears, or at leaſt never to publiſh the cauſe of our afflictions. Artamenes hearing Aglatidas talk thus, did imagine that the ſad melancholy which continually ſat upon his ſoul, and appeared in his face, was doubtleſs cauſed by love, though he never did diſcover it before this time. As curioſity to enquire after the misfortunes of ſuch as have reſemblance of our own, is a quality incident to all unfortunate men; So Artamenes ſighing and looking upon Aglatidas, Is it not poſſible (ſaid he to him) that your melancholy which I have ever thought to proceed from your naturall temper, may have ſome other ſecret cauſe which yet I never asked you? Yes Sir, Replied Aglatidas, there is one, but it is of ſuch a nature as I ought to conceal it from ſuch as you whoſe ſouls perhaps are ſenſible only of ambition and glory, who having never found the force of Love, would call all thoſe things which the paſſion produceth, folly and weakneſs, as I ſaid before, Never fear (anſwered Artamenes, ſighing the ſecond time) that my vertue is ſo ſevere as you beleeve; for though my unhappy life be not yet far ſpent, yet in ſo many travels as I have gone through, perhaps I have not been altogether inſenſible of that paſſion: Therefore my Dear Aglatidas, (ſaid he to him) if you have any deſire to comfort me in my misfortunes, let me not be ignorant of yours, and I do conjure you not to think but my ſoul ſhall be very ſenſible of them, and though I am overwhelmed with my own ſorrows, yet I ſhall make ſhift to condole yours alſo. Aglatidas did a while deny him, but at laſt being overcome by his importunity, and by the perſwaſions of Andramias, who had been a witneſs of his misfortunes, he began thus, after that the Captain of the Guards had given all requiſite Orders to prevent either diſcovery or interruption.

The History of Aglatidas and Ameſtris.

I Have often heard ſay that Love above all other paſſions does moſt fortifie or moſt enfeeble men, according unto the occaſions which preſent themſelves: and that it never doth ſo abſolutely ſubdue a ſoul, but it leaves ſome Reliques of its ancient dominion: but yet it is not ſo in my heart; this general rule, hath its exception in me; for ſince Love commanded in chief, it hath quite rooted out all ambition, it hath abſolutely extinguiſht all deſires of glory, and left no other reſentments but jealouſie and ſorrow. I will not ſtay you Sir, in telling that I am deſcended from the illuſtrious Race of famous Aglatidas, (whoſe Name I own) who did ſuch gallant acts under the Reign of Phraortes, in his Perſian, Medean, and Aſſirian Wars; for perhaps you do already know them: I will only tell you, how ſince that time all they of my Family have alwaies held the firſt Rank (next after the Princes of bloud) about the King: I was born then Sir in a high condition; and I dare ſay of my ſelf that my inclinations have not degenerated from the worthineſs of my birth. I had a father, whoſe indulgent cares did doubtleſs give me good education; and if Love had not given a ſtop unto what he expected from me, perhaps I ſhould at this day have been much above what I am. I no ſooner attained unto my ſeventeenth year, but having a deſire to get ſome eſteem in the world, and ſeeing all was peace in Medea, I went unto the King of Saces, Father of Prince Mazares, who has ſuffered ſhipwrack, where I dare ſay of my ſelf that in a little time I got ſome honour: But after his wars were ended, and peace was eſtabliſhed throughout all Aſia, I was compelled after two years ſpent among the Saceans, and in my Travels, to return unto Ecbatan, which as you know is one of the goodlieſt, moſt magnificent, and moſt delightfull places in the world. I arrived there ſome few daies after. Aſtiages received news of the death of young Cyrus, ſon to the King of Perſia, and the Princeſs his daughter. Then I know you have been Sir ſo long in Cappadocia as you cannot be ignorant of all the paſſages in Medea: of the menaces of the gods, of the fears and frights of Aſtiages, and of the joy which he conceived for that ſecurity which all Aſia hoped for by the [Page] death of that Prince, who, as men ſay, did promiſe mighty matters unto the world: I came then to the Court in a time of great jollity and feaſting, and there I ſtaid a while with all delight imaginable: The King never hunted but I was with him; There was never any meeting of Ladies but I was ſure to be there; I wore rich clothes, and recreated my ſelf in the pleaſant walks: And as you know there is not a more delightful place upon Earth then the Kings Palace, and Gardens at Ecbatan, ſo there was not one day which did not afford me freſh delights: The King was pleaſed to take more notice of me then I deſerved. I got the love of all the young Gallants in the Court, and if I durſt ſay it, there was none of the Ladies which did hate me; for as my deſign was generall to pleaſe all, ſo it had been a hard matter to have diſpleaſed any one in particular. Thus did I enjoy my youth and liberty with abundance of ſatisfaction: Whenas Artambaces who as perhaps you know had heretofore been in love with the Queen of Perſia, before ſhe was married unto Cambiſes Father of Cyrus (of whom I ſpeak, and who going from the Court upon that occaſion, was afterwards married in the Province of Ariſantine unto the daughter of a great Prince in that Countrey, and who went away from Ecbatan, and carried with him his only daughter about fifteen years of age, whom he loved extreamly, and who doubtleſs did deſerve as much.) It chanced ſo at that time, being glutted with variety of pleaſures, and weary of the tumultuous court, I took Horſe (being waited upon by only one ſervant) to go and enjoy my ſolitude, at a fair Houſe which my Father had ſome thirty miles from Ecbatan: I departed very melancholy and lumpiſh, not knowing any cauſe for it at all, my deſign being only to recreate my ſelf in viewing the Pictures, Statues, Gardens, Grotts, and Fountains about my Fathers Houſe, that thereby I might make my converſation more pleaſant at my return to the Town. But alas Sir, little did I think what would hap unto me in this Voyage; I have often wondred ſince at the pains which I took to captivate my ſelf, and how I found out a way which lead me into ſuch a Labyrinth of trouble as hath diſquieted all my life, When I came into a great high way a hundred paces of the Caſtle, I ſaw a chariot overturn'd which was quite broken in peeces; the magnificence of it did tell me that it belonged unto ſome perſon of quality; but ſince there was no Grooms about this Chariot of whom I could enquire, I went on: being come unto the firſt Gate of the Caſtle, the Porter who opened the Gate told me that Artambaces whoſe Name and Quality I knew very well, coming from the Countrey to Ecbatan, had the misfortune to break one of his Chariots, and ſeeing he could travell no further that day, deſired to ſtay there that night whileſt his Chariot was repaired: The Porter told no more then that Artambaces was there, but mentioned not a word of Hermaniſta his wife, or Ameſtris his daughter; So after I had given order for the beſt entertainment poſſible, I went ſtraight into the Garden, where I was told he was: But Sir, I was much amazed, when croſſing a Quarter in the Garden, I ſaw in a green Arbour the faireſt Lady that ever eye did look upon, and whom I did not know at all; for Ameſtris had never been at Court: This beauty was no leſs ſurpris'd to ſee me, then I to meet her in that place: For ſhe thinking there had been none in the houſe but Servants, ſhe little expected there one of my Garb: It was very hot, and ſhe had none with her but one of her women; ſhe had pulled off her Cypreſs, wherein ſhe uſed to cover her fair neck; and being bare armed, ſhe lay negligently upon a bed of green graſs, her head lying upon the knees of that woman, which was with her: I no ſooner ſaw her but I ſtopt, and as ſoon as ever ſhe perceived me, ſhe ſtarted up and put on her Cypreſs: we both did bluſh at the paſſage; but certainly it was out of different apprehenſions, modeſty cauſing that in her which Love did in me: For Sir, the firſt minute of this fatal view was the firſt minute of my Paſſion; yet, notwithſtanding all my unparallel'd aſtoniſhment and wonder, I ſaluted the adored Ameſtris with much devotion; and beginning diſcourſe, Madam (ſaid I, to let her know who I was) I did not think to finde ſuch fair and pleaſing company in my Fathers Houſe; and if I had known that ſuch an one as you had been in the Arbour, the reverence I owe unto ſuch as you ſeem to be (though I think there is not ſuch another in the world) would have taught me better manners then to diſturb your reſt. Sir (anſwered ſhe) it belongs to me to deſire pardon for interrupting the pleaſure of your ſolitude, which it ſeems you came to take in this pleaſant place: But Sir, (ſaid ſhe in beginning to walk on) It is my Fathers part to make excuſes for the freedom which he took upon him to lodge with you to night, ſince an unexpected peece of luck did force him to it: Seeing then that her deſign was to conduct me to her Father, I preſented her my hand, and eaſily obſerved by this firſt addreſs, that ſhe had a deſire to make me know who ſhe was: for there appeared in all her actions ſo much gallantry, ſpirit and modeſty, as I ſaw ſhe was Miſtreſs of as much Soul as Beauty. Madam (ſaid I, conducting [Page] her, and anſwering unto what ſhe ſaid) it is a great happineſs to be interrupted by ſuch an one as you; and I think there is no reaſonable man, who would not for ſuch a bleſſedneſs not only quit his ſolitude but the Court alſo with all its magnificence and pleaſures: I alwaies lookt for Flattery (ſaid ſhe ſmiling) out of Ecbatan, and perhaps I ſhall well enough defend my ſelf againſt it here; but I do confeſs unto you that I do fear it a little here where I did not think to be aſſaulted. When you came into the Arbor where I was, I was commending unto my woman whom you ſaw with me, the innocency of theſe woods, and the honeſt ſimplicity of our Countrey, but for ought I ſee the dominion of Flattery extends it ſelf further then I imagined, ſince there is no ſafety for humility and modeſty within thirty miles of Ecbatan; If you ſhould Madam (replied I) forbid all thoſe praiſes which without doubt the Court will pay you, then certainly you muſt forbid your own knowledge, and be ignorant that you are the faireſt beauty in the world. By this time we were approached ſo near Artambaces and Hermaniſta his wife, as in lieu of her anſwer, ſhe told him who I was, and obliged me as was fit, to preſent my Complement unto them: they made many excuſes for the freedom which they had taken; I profeſſed that my Father was much obliged unto them for it; and that for my own particular I took it for an infinite honour: they anſwered me with the like civility; and their converſation ſtood too much upon Ceremony: ſo dangerous it is to ſtay long in the Countrey from the Court: After this they began to commend the hanſomeneſs of the Gardens and Fountains. And Ameſtris did like the beauty of the place ſo well, that ſhe could not beleeve Ecbatan had any place could pleaſe her better: although ſhe heard many wonderfull reports of it. Artambaces enquired concerning Court-news, and was ſatisfied in a hundred things whereof he was ignorant before, becauſe they happened ſince his departure: I had the happineſs to finde a great diſpoſition in Artambaces and Hermaniſtra to affect me: As for Ameſtris I was well ſatisfied to finde ſome hopes that ſhe woule not hate me: And ſince ſhe was of an excellent judgement, knowing there was much difference between the Court and the Countrey-Tone, ſhe would ſpeak but little, and with much moderation, being reſolved to reſerve her ſelf until ſuch time as Ecbatan▪ had a little gloſſed her, before ſhe would ſuffer her charming ſoul to ſhine. And it was a ſecret which many who come out of the Countrey unto the Court, may make good uſe of, if they deſire to get eſteem there; for their manners, cuſtomes, and faſhions are ſo contrary, that let theſe new comers do what they can, they will run into many abſurdities, if they talk much, and the more they expoſe themſelves the more they become ridiculous. Ameſtris therefore kept her firſt converſation very reſerved: but yet it was impoſſible to hide thoſe rare qualities wherewith ſhe was adorned. During one day and a half that Artambaces ſtaied at my Fathers houſe, I gazed ſo long upon the ſplendour of Ameſtris Beauty, as I was dazled: I wondred at the cleanneſs of her accent; the ſweetneſs of her expreſſion; with what a naturall eloquence ſhe ſpoke: I admired alſo at the ſolidity of her judgement, the gallantry of her ſpirit; the quickneſs of her wit; the complacence of her humour, and the charms of her diſcretion in reſerving her ſelf. During the time that theſe welcome gueſts were there, I ſtudied all the diverſions I could deviſe to entertain them: I carried them to hunt in a Park which was behinde the Garden; I led them into all the ſhady Walks in the heat of the day; where, what with the Singing of the Birds, the noiſe of the Fountains, the curioſity of the flowry Borders, the Statues and Pictures in the Galleries, and my converſe, I gave ſome ſatisfaction to theſe illuſtrious perſons, who aſſured me they thought themſelves welcome. After then Sir I had treated them with all the magnificence I could poſſible, they reſolved to depart; but it was not in my power to ſtay there any longer, though I came with intentions to ſtay ſeven or eight daies; I told Artambaces I would be his guide, and go to blaze the apparition of that bright Star unto the Court, (pointing at Ameſtris;) ſhe bluſht at the phraſe, and replied without pride or affectation. The Chariot being put into order, we parted; I took Horſe, and kept continually on that ſide where Ameſtris did ſit: and all the way I did as I did the firſt minute I ſaw her, to wit, look upon her, and adore her with ſo much delight and ſatisfaction, as I thought it impoſſible there ſhould be ſo many vexations in Love was talked of: My eyes, my heart, my thoughts, my ſoul, and all, was upon Ameſtris: But all this while I found my ſelf ſo tranquil, and ſo pleaſingly contented, that I beleeved this kinde of Love which I bore unto this excellent beauty, was no other then ſuch as men uſe to have unto all beautifull objects: I did finde that I had nothing elſe in any admiration; and as I know that I had never ſeen any thing ſo beautifull, ſo I wondred not at any thing elſe: I did infinitely joy to ſee her; to have the honour to be near her and hear her ſpeak: Thus did we paſs on the time and the way from my Fathers houſe until we came at Ecbatan. During [Page] which intervall I acquainted Ameſtris with all the delights and diverſions of the Court; She asked what Ladies had the Empire in matter of beauty, and who were eſteemed the beſt wits: And a hundred ſuch Queſtions as theſe, which Artambaces or Hermaniſta or Ameſtris do put unto me; She knew the Court before ſhe came there: at laſt we arrived at Ecbatan, and went unto the ancient Palace of Artambaces which is one of the faireſt there: I ſuppoſe Sir, that you do well remember, how this famous Town hath ſeven wals one within another, that the battlements for diſtinguiſhment are all of ſeverall heights; And to make the object more magnificent unto the eye of thoſe who behold them, they are painted all with ſeverall colours; thoſe of the ſirſt were white; thoſe of the ſecond height black; thoſe of the third red, the fourth blue, the fifth orange, the ſixth ſilvered, and the ſeventh gilt: And Sir, be pleaſed to know, that within the circuit of this laſt wall was the Palace of the King of Medes, ever ſince the famous Deiocus did build theſe proud wals; and within the circuit of that wall next it were the Palaces of thoſe perſons which were of the higheſt quality: The Palace of Artambaces was between the wall with golden battlement, and that with ſilver; and as chance would have it, my Fathers joyned unto it: As we were arrived at the gate of Artambaces Palace, there we found a great number of his ancient friends, who there expected him: ſo that I could not preſent my hand unto my adored Ameſtris, to conduct her unto her chamber, becauſe that great number of men which were there, ſtept in before, and preſented themſelves unto Hermaniſta and her: Untill now Sir, my ſoul was all joy; and love, that dangerous Serpent, was lurked ſo cloſe under thoſe pleaſing flowers, that I did not diſcover its ſting: But from the firſt minute of my thoughts to part from Ameſtris, and to take my leave of her, then did love appear unto me immediatly in a moſt horrid ſhape, I ſaw him armed with his Bow and Arrows: I ſaw him with a Torch in his hand, and knew him perfectly to be the moſt terrible of all the Gods: No ſooner did I perceive the company preparing to depart, but I bluſht, and became dumb immediatly, I was all ſerious and ſad; and looking upon Ameſtris, without a heart or a tongue, my minde told her many things which ſhe could not underſtand: In concluſion, part we muſt, and part we did, but it was with ſo much ſorrow, and ſo much love, that never was Paſſion like unto mine. My Father asked me at night, why I return'd ſo ſoon? But as I was going to anſwer, in comes a Gentleman from Artambaces, to thank him for all civilities which he had found at his houſe; and indeed it fell out happily for me, becauſe my ſoul was unquiet, and all ſo diſordered that I knew not how to frame a hanſom anſwer unto my Fathers queſtion. I retired then unto my chamber, and was very indifferent what became of me: Me thought the Idea of fair Ameſtris haunted me alwaies, and I could not forbear admiring her Beauty, her Wit and her Judgement: my imagination preferred her before all that the Court had amiable; and I could finde nothing comparable to her: I was aſtoniſhed to ſee one brought up in the Country, and in a Country ſo far remote, ſhould not be diſtinguiſhed from thoſe which were moſt accompliſhed in the Court, neither in her Garb, or her Habit, or her Language; I conſidered her as an abſolute miracle: Then, thus eſteeming of her, you may be certain that I admired her with abundance of ſatisfaction. But that which I did think moſt ſtrange, was that in ſpite of my heart, I was unquiet and melancholy. What would I have? (ſaid I unto my ſelf) How comes it to paſs that the beauty of my lov'd and ador'd Ameſtris ſhould not produce the ſame effects in my ſoul, which other beautifull objects do uſe to do? for commonly the ſight of Fair and Fine things does fill our imaginations with delight; from whence comes it then, my divine Ameſtris, that in thinking upon you, I ſhould be thus turbulent and diſordered? but on the contrary, have I not ſufficient cauſe to be content? I have ſeen you the firſt of any in your coming to the Court; and had the good fortune to finde you in a houſe where I was able to pay ſome part of that ſervice which is your due; and after ſuch a manner it was performed, as the civility muſt needs invite you to prefer me before the acquaintances you ſhall get at Court: At the leaſt I have this advantage, to be the firſt of your acquaintance who admires you, and—(at this word I ſtopped, not knowing whether I ſhould ſay) who eſteems, loves, and adores you: But determining the matter in my ſelf, after I had a while conſulted with my thoughts, No, no, my heart (ſaid I) conſider it no more; confeſs that thou doſt eſteem and love, and adore Ameſtris; and if there be any other phraſe more fit to expreſs ſo violent a paſſion, make uſe of it upon this occaſion, and publiſh unto all the world how happy thou art to be the firſt Conqueſt of ſo perfect a beauty? From whence then comes all this melancholy? (ſaid I in my ſelf, and examining the cauſe) but alas Sir, I was yet a very ſimplician in love; and did not know that the nature of this paſſion was to bring a reſtleſs diſpoſition with it. I knew not that the happineſs which a lover hopes for, does afflict him; [Page] that the favours he enjoyes do make him reſtleſs; and that which he has loſt makes him deſparate: I was ſuch a novice as I knew not that grief and melancholy were inſeparable concomitants of love, That a Lover never gets a conqueſt without pain: That he can never keep his Miſtreſs without trouble, nor cannot loſe her unleſs he loſe his reaſon alſo: But yet I reſted not long in this ignorance, for I had ſuch ſad experience of its rage, as never man became more knowing then my ſelf in all the fantaſticall, giddy humours of love. After I had throughly conſulted with my apprehenſions, I did conclude, that without all manner of doubt, I was in Love; and that reſtleſs diſpoſition which reigned over me, did very apparently proceed from that fear which is alwaies born with Love, to wit, leaſt he which loves ſhould not be beloved by her he does Love. And when I began to think, that perhaps all my ſervices would not finde a favourable reception; this word perhaps did ſeem moſt ſad unto me; and that uncertainty was ſo tormentive, that I became almoſt mad: So that if I durſt have followed that folly which poſſeſſed me, I ſhould have accuſed Ameſtris of that which ſhe never thought upon, and deſired her to recompenſe a love which yet ſhe knew not of, and of which I my ſelf but a little before was ignorant. I ſhall deſire your pardon Sir, if I do particularly relate unto you the rovings of my paſſion: For I conceive it will be pertinent unto my deſign, that you ſhould know them; leaſt you ſhould be aſtoniſhed to finde with what violencies I have been tormented in all the ſequel of my life. After I had then paſſed over that night with much turbulency of minde, I aroſe in the morning, and intended to preſent my ſelf with my father unto Artambaces, to accompany him when he went unto the King, ſuppoſing it to be in ſome kinde a rendring of ſervice unto Ameſtris, in paying it unto one who was ſo near and dear unto her: In concluſion, Artambaces after he had ſaluted my Father, thanked me for my laſt civility, as a thing which obliged him very much; for he was not ignorant that Aſtiages looked favourably upon me: We went then unto the Court, and to the King, where I could not chuſe but ſpeak of Ameſtris unto every one I met. I publiſhed unto all them whom I knew to be in love already, that their conſtancy would be put unto a dangerous triall: and I warned all them which were not in love, that if they had any deſire to preſerve their liberty, to be ſure they never looked upon Ameſtris. Upon the matter, I may ſay I ſpoke ſo, that I ſpoke too much, as you ſhall know by the ſequel of my diſcourſe. Preſently after I asked my ſelf what deſign I had, in deſiring to gain ſo many hearts unto Ameſtris? and where ſome ſecret reſentments of jealouſie bad me be ſilent in the midſt of all my diſcourſes of her. Going the next day unto Hermaniſta, I underſtood ſhe was not to be ſeen, becauſe ſhe found her ſelf very ill the laſt night. Then I went to viſit ſome other Ladies, not in hopes of any diverſion, for there was now no thoughts of any ſuch things in me, but only with Ameſtris: but my intentions were to ſpeak of her, not fearing to procure my ſelf any Rivals: ſo I went unto the rareſt beauties of all the Court and Town; and though it was not very judiciouſly done, to commend unto any fair one, the beauty of another, and that ſo extraordinarily as I did: yet I did it with ſuch aggravations, as I was ſure that I procured my ſelf the hate of all thoſe I ſaw that day: And I uſed the matter ſo, as there was none but Ameſtris her ſelf, who was ignorant that I was in love with her. I moved jealouſie in ſome, envy in others, and a curioſity in the wiſeſt: The next day Hermaniſta found her ſelf to be reaſonable well diſpoſed: all the Court came to viſit, and I amongſt the reſt the firſt: Ameſtris was very hanſomly dreſt that day; and I thought her ſo wonderfull fair, as I wiſht a hundred times that I might be ſo happy as to be her ſlave: She entertained me with much civility, and deſired me ſweetly, that I would tell her the names of all thoſe which came to viſit her, leaſt ſhe ſhould out of ignorance commit a fault againſt their quality: You may well ſuppoſe Sir, that I received this command with abundance of ſatisfaction, and went not that day from her. I confeſs unto you that I paſſed it over with different thoughts: both joy and ſorrow mingled in my ſoul; ſo that I could ſay I enjoyed not pleaſure without pain; nor any pain without pleaſure: It is very true as I told you before, that the whole Court came to viſit Hermaniſta; and it is more true, that the beauty of Ameſtris did charm them all: Not a man did enter, but was amazed; nor a woman, though the faireſt in all the Court, but bluſht to ſee her ſelf excelled by any Country Lady: It would be a hard matter to tell you Sir, how much I joyed at the glory of Ameſtris, or to tell you how it troubled me to think that I was ſure to have as many Rivals as men which ſaw her. That which moved moſt admiration in me, was, that in this firſt day of her viſits, ſhe committed not the leaſt abſurdity in all this ſo great and ſo long a converſation; and that ſhe received the commendations which every one did give her with ſo much modeſty, that the faireſt of our Ladies, in ſpite of their ecclipſe, could not chuſe but love her, and [Page] confeſs ſhe deſerved the eſteem of all the world: When moſt of the company was gone, only ſome five or ſix, whereof I was one; I began like the reſt to commend her, but ſhe told me that though perhaps ſhe had not committed any groſs abſurdity in this meeting, yet ſhe had ſo many obligations to me, that though it may be ſhe did deſerve ſome commendations, yet ſhe was not to receive them from me; I would have anſwered her, and told her that ſhe might very well pretend unto my beſt commends and praiſes, yet ſhe would not ſuffer me, but began to diſcourſe of what ſhe had ſeen before: She highly commended the beauty of all thoſe who viſited her, and enquired more particularly of them; praiſing ſometimes the wit of one, and ſometimes the hanſom behaviour of another: I muſt confeſs unto you Sir, that I was very much perplexed; for I obſerved every one found her to be ſo fair, that I was afraid to ſatisfie her curioſity, in ſpeaking over well of any that might be my Rivall: And I found by her inquiſitive curioſity of every one, that ſhe had a deſire not to be hated of them: I ſpoke therefore with as much moderation as I could: I commended my deareſt friends, though contrary to my cuſtom, with leſs zeal; leſt I ſhould perhaps help them to deſtroy my ſelf. Night drawing on, I muſt leave her; and as ſoon as I went from her, I went unto the King, where we talked of nothing but the beauty of Ameſtris, and that ſo advantagiouſly, as the King deſign'd a viſit unto Hermaniſta; and Artambaces told her ſhe might expect him the next day; though his age, you know, might very well have diſpenſed with thy curioſity of ſeeing fair Ladies: But the next day the King went thither, and, as the reſt did, acknowledged Ameſtris for a miracle: I cannot tell you how many ſlaves this Beauty captivated; how many Lovers threw off their old fetters, and entred into hers; and what a ſtrange Revolution ſhe cauſed amongſt all the Gallantry of Ecbatan. But I can very well'tell you, that there was not one in all the Court which had not ſeen her, and which did not love her, or at the leaſt admire her, except one who was my friend called Artabes, brother unto Megabiſes, who was there; and who as you know is allied a little unto the Royall Family; This man was of a good diſpoſition, and ſhewed much affection towards me; and I alſo returned unto him ſo much fidelity that I preferred him before all the reſt of my friends: Arbates affected ſolitude, and never car'd for the converſation of Ladies, ſo that ſay what you would unto him, he could not be won unto this viſit; He was contented to ſee Artambaces, but he had never ſeen Hermaniſta, and by conſequence Ameſtris; yet I viſited this bright Star with a conſtant aſſiduity, and I had better opportunities then any other for it, becauſe there was a very great League of friendſhip betwixt Artambaces and my Father: Ameſtris had ſuch an abſolute power over my ſoul, and I ſo much reverence of her, that I duſt not diſcover the paſſions of my heart unto her, but did hide them with as much pains as others to make theirs known, ſuch were my fears to anger her: Amongſt many others I perceived that Megabiſes was one who was fettered in the chains of Ameſtris. This did very much vex me, and as I never uſed to conceal my ſoul from Arbates, ſo I acquainted him that his Brother Megabiſes was become my Rivall, and asked his Counſel in the buſineſs: He gave it me, and doubtleſs moſt faithfully; He told me that if he could poſſible he would cure me of my dangerous diſeaſe; but if he found that he could not, then he would endeavour to cure my Brother: But he told me in the mean time how he thought it fitting that ſince I was the firſt Lover of Ameſtris, ſince ſhe came to Court, So I ſhould be alſo the firſt which ſhould diſcover my Paſſion unto her: I thanked him for his faithfull advice, and was ſo importunate with him to ſee Ameſtris, that in the end I prevail'd, upon condition I would undertake to prepare her ſo as the converſation might be ſolitary, without multitudes of company. I went then unto Ameſtris, whom by good fortune I found alone, ſo that I had an opportunity to ſpeak unto her unheard by any: Madam (ſaid I after other indifferent Diſcourſe) you will perhaps think me very bold in not being contented with that honour which I have in coming to you my ſelf, but that I muſt alſo beg leave to bring a friend of mine, who paſſionately deſires to receive the ſame honour, although it was never his cuſtome to viſit Ladies: I am the more obliged (anſwered ſhe) and ſince you think him worthy to be your friend, it would be a happineſs to me to become mine: Madam (ſaid I and changing colour) I would deſire one favour from you, and if it be poſſible obtain it, that you would carry it ſo with my friend as he may only eſteem and admire you without loving you: I think (ſaid ſhe ſmiling and bluſhing both together) that you deſire a very difficult matter: but ſince you forbid only impoſſibilities I will do what I can to ſatisfie you; Ah Madam (ſaid I unto her) little do you think what you have ſaid, you would think this which I deſire to be impoſſible, if you did but know your ſelf as well as I do: Aglatidas (anſwered ſhe with a more diſpleaſed ſmile) know, that I pretend [Page] unto no more, then that you who are a friend unto Artambaces my Father, ſhould not live with me as others do, from whom I endure their flatteries out of complacence and cuſtome; but as for you I would not have you uſe it, and if you continue theſe kinde of ſpeeches unto me, you will force me to carry my ſelf ſo towards you, as perhaps diſpleaſe you: Why Madam (ſaid I to her) will you let all the world commend you, and will you not permit Aglatidas to ſay that all the world does love you? or at the leaſt I am certain it is ſo, if I may judge others by my ſelf. I confeſs, (ſaid he ſmiling, and turning her Diſcourſe unto a jeſting) that ſince you ſpeak your affection unto me after ſo unuſuall a way, and ſince, not in ſpeaking of your own fancy but the fancy of the Court in generall, I have no reaſon to blame you in particular: But (ſaid ſhe then, and changed her Diſcourſe) Go, bring your Friend, and as for the reſt, leave the care of it unto my ſmall merits; without any fear of his being captivated. I wiſh Madam (Replied I) that he may be more happy then one of his deareſt friends is: You are ſo unwiſe (replied ſhe) that one may finde of your ſpeeches more ſubject to pity you then to quarrell with you, therefore Aglatidas for this once I will be more indulgent to you; in ſaying ſo, ſhe riſe, and went unto a Balcone which opened into a Garden; ſhe called two of her women unto her, ſo that I ſaw ſhe deſired to break off diſcourſe. Then I went unto Artambaces and Hermaniſta, from whom after I had held a little diſcourſe, I departed, and went to finde out Arbaces, unto whom I imparted the permiſſion I had obtained from Ameſtris: I related unto him all that I ſpoke unto her, and all her anſwers, and how I deſired her to give Arbaces leave to enjoy his freedom: It ſeems (ſaid he unto me ſmiling) that you are not only jealous of Megabiſes and others who have ſeen your Ameſtris, but you are alſo jealous of Arbaces who never ſaw her, and who never deſired to ſee her, and who never would have ſeen her if you had not deſired him: Arbaces ſpoke this with ſuch an angry ſmile, that I was much puzzled; certainly if I had not already asked leave of Ameſtris to bring him, I ſhould have been well contented to have let it alone: But as the caſe now ſtood I ſhould have ſeemed too giddy-headed unto my Friend, and Ameſtris would have thought it ſtrange if I did not bring him: yet when I conſidered that Megabiſes was his Brother, and a Lover of Ameſtris, I thought my ſelf ſafe enough; and that which ſo much troubled me before, did now not at all diſquiet me, ſuppoſing that Arbaces would never become a Rivall unto his Brother and his Friend both at once: I remained ſilent a good while after I had propounded unto my ſelf that Arbaces ſhould not ſee Ameſtris: but upon a ſudden I ſaid No No, I will not deprive Ameſtris of the acquaintance with ſo compleat a man as Arbaces; or him of the incomparable delight in hers; but if ſhe ſhould chance to enchain me (ſaid he ſmiling) what would become of our friendſhip? then if you break thoſe chains (anſwered I) for the love of me, our friendſhip will be more ſtrong; But what if I cannot (Replied he) will you then blame me? I know not (Replied I) but yet I know that I do not ſee how any one ſhould love a Rival: Never then (anſwered he) put me to the hazard of loſing your friendſhip; and ſince Ameſtris is ſo terrible and dangerous, leave me to my ſolitude, and let me enjoy my liberty; for if I ſhould have the misfortune to loſe it, I know not whether I ſhould hate you more for being the cauſe of it, or you me for being your Rival: not that I finde any diſpoſition in my ſelf why I ſhould fear any ſuch thing at all; but on the contrary I perceive the ſpirits of the moſt rationall men are ſo weakned by this Paſſion, as I will never be without an Antidote, againſt this ſo dangerous a poiſon: Fear me not Aglatidas (ſaid he to me) and beleeve, that if I do loſe my Liberty, it ſhall not be without ſtrong oppoſition: When you were catcht, Love took you unprovided, and put a trick upon you: You went into the Countrey to enjoy your ſolitude, and unexpectedly you finde Ameſtris there; you were not prepared for ſo ſudden an aſſault: Your eyes were blinded with over-ſudden light; Your reaſon was confuſed, and your heart was ſupriſed: and therefore it was no wonder if ſhe captivated a man who had no Arms wherewith to defend himſelf. But it is not ſo with me, for all the world tels me of it, you your ſelf tell it, and that a hundred times, how Ameſtris is the Faireſt upon earth; and from theſe Reports I have fancied ſo perfect an Idea of her, that I am abſolutely perſwaded ſhe cannot ſurpriſe me; and perhaps too I have over-fancied her, and ſhall finde her a meaner Beauty then my expectation lookt for: Moreover, I go with reſolved intentions to diſpute with her for my heart, as much as poſſible; and ſince my Brother loves her, and you love her, very reaſon ſaies, that there is no danger I ſhall be captivated: I told him that I wiſhed as much; yet I could not chuſe but fear the contrary. Arbates not being able to forbear laughing, you are ſo ſimple (ſaid he to me) that the very fear which I have to be like you, may well [Page] make your minde at reſt; yet notwithſtanding let me tell you whileſt it is time, if you pleaſe, I will not ſee her: ſince there is nothing but hazard in it; I confeſs unto you Sir, that I was in a hundred mindes whether or no I ſhould take him at his word, but I could not reſolve upon it; I found ſuch folly in my procedure, that I was confounded at laſt, I told Arbates that I would not alter my minde, but to morrow after dinner we would go unto Ameſtris. Arbates as I have deſcribed him, was ſomething ſolitary, but he was none of thoſe angry Melancholiques whoſe converſation was clowniſh or incommodious; but on the contrary he was of a very pleaſant diſpoſition in any company which pleaſed him. The cauſe of his reſervedneſs was not any melancholique compoſition in his natural temper, but it was becauſe he was of a more delicate fine ſpirit, which without much difficulty could not endure the leaſt fault in his friends: he looked for perfection in every thing, and could not endure defects; ſo that ſince it was a hard matter to finde many exactly perfect, therefore he found but few to love, and many to ſhun: As for me, he did me the favour to finde an exception for me out of the generall Rule, and forced his inclination to love me. The next day we went unto Ameſtris, with whom we found Megabiſes who was the moſt aſtiduous obſervant of all my Rivals, and moſt to be feared, being without queſtion the handſomeſt and compleateſt man about the Court. As ſoon as we entred, I preſented Arbates unto Hermaniſta, and after to Ameſtris; They received us both with much civility, and treated us after ſuch a manner as I might diſcern they eſteemed thoſe whom I did; for beſides the common reſpect which was due, and which they rendred unto his condition and merit, they did things in ſuch an obliging manner, as told me without words that the Favours which Arbates received, were partly done for the Love of Aglatidas. To ſpeak truly thoſe firſt welcomes which he received, becauſe they could not be attributed unto his merit, in ſo ſhort acquaintance, therefore they were far from moving any jealouſie in me, but rather much joyed me, not but that I had ſome farre fetcht fears leſt this civility ſhould engage Arbates more then I would have him, but becauſe ſhe did quickly diſſipate them. The Converſation therefore was very pleaſant that day, for Megabiſes was ſo ſurpris'd to ſee his brother amongſt Ladies, that he could not forbear telling Ameſtris this was one of the greateſt miracles of her beauty: Think not Madam (ſaid he) that my Brother comes hither to finde in you all thoſe excellencies which all the world admires: But on the contrary Madam, I dare aſſure you that he would be raviſht with joy to finde if it were poſſible any imperfection in your beauty; or any fault in your Language: any dullneſs in your wit; or any harſhneſs in your humours. Perhaps it would be advantagious unto Megabiſes, and many others (Replied Arbates) that the fair Ameſtris had ſome imperfections, ſo that ſhe could cenſure theirs; but as for me (who never look for any defects but becauſe I look for perfections) I am raviſht with joy to finde them all in one; and to ſee my ſelf undeceived in that errour wherein I have been, in beleeving that there was nothing perfect in the world; You are a very good flatterer, for a ſolitary man, Replied Ameſtris. I am very ſincere Madam (Replied he) and therefore I freely tell you what I think: After this Hermaniſta diverted the Diſcourſe; News and Court-diverſions was all that afternoons entertainment. For my part I ſpoke but little all the day: I was ſo taken up with looking upon Ameſtris, and obſerving Megabiſes, Arbates, and Otanes, that I cared not for diſcourſe: I ſaw Megabiſes grew every day more in Love; and a hundred others alſo were daily captivated: Arbates for a man who affected ſolitude methought was much pleaſed with this firſt daies converſation: and Ameſtris did deal her civilities with ſuch equalitie, and covered her thoughts with ſo much modeſty, that I could not diſcover any partiality: Indeed I was very unquiet all the time, inſomuch as Ameſtris perceiving it did pleaſingly chide me, ſaying, that if ſhe had not known how I had a better reputation then my friend, ſhe ſhould have taken Aglatidas for Arbates, and Arbates for Aglatidas: Yet I thought my ſelf happy that Ameſtris would take any notice of my naughty humour; and Arbates was very well ſatisfied, ſo that his accuſtomed ſolitude appeared no more Melancholy then any other. Night being come, every one retires to his own Lodging: I carried Arbates unto my Fathers houſe, and becauſe I had a minde to treat him civilly I carried him upon a Tarraſs where we ſaw the River Orontes, which runs by Ecbatan: We took two turns upon that Tarraſs, and ſpoke not a word: Arbates not daring perhaps to tell me what he thought of Ameſtris; nor I daring to ask him his opinion: But here Sir, you may admire at the fantaſticallneſſe of Love: I proteſt unto you, I equally feared that Arbates would commend Ameſtris too much, or that he would not commend her enough: I feared that he would not diſapprove of my choice; and I feared that he himſelf would chuſe where I had choſen before him. I being then thus perplexed, [Page] as I have told you, and walking ſilently two turns about the Turraſs, at laſt I broke the ſilence, and ſaid with a little forced ſight, Well Artabes, have you defended your ſelf very well: has not the fair Ameſtris made a Rivall of the deareſt friend I have? You are ſo jealous (anſwered Artabes) that to break that ill habit, I will not ſatisfie your curioſity: I will only tell you thus much, that I think Ameſtris to be worthy of all admiration: But if you admire her (ſaid I to him) I believe you love her alſo: That is not an abſolute neceſſity (anſwered he) nor a neceſſary conſequence, yet I will not talk any more of it; for I would work a cure upon your minde, and inſenſibly unaccuſtom you not to fancy monſters to fight withall: Ah my dear Artabes (ſaid I to him) leave me not in the midſt of theſe uncertainties; Tell me I beſeech you, what are your reall thoughts of Ameſtris? What would you have me tell you (anſwered he) if I commend her, you will ſay I am in love; and if I diſcommend her you will ſay that I either deceive you, or have loſt my reaſon: It is no matter (ſaid I to him) though you ſhould let me know that you only eſteem her, but I would know whether your heart be not taken; and whether you love her ſo much, as you muſt one day hate me for it. I know not what's to come (anſwered he) but for the preſent I know I am infinitely obliged unto you, for bringing me to the knowledge of the faireſt Lady in the world. I conſeſs Sir, that ſeeing Artabes ſpoke with ſuch freedom of ſpirit, I did beleeve all his tart anſwers had been only in jeſt, and mocks at my imbecillity: ſo that being aſhamed of my ſelf, I left off troubling him, and went quietly to ſupper. In concluſion, I found, that though Artabes was extreamly wounded with the beauty of Ameſtris, yet he would not be forced to love her, and by the power of his vertue, he reſiſted it as much as he could, and ſtrove with all his ſtrength not to become a Rivall unto his brother and his friend, ſuch a friend too, who had made choice of him to be his confident, and without whom he had never ſeen Ameſtris. It is to be beleeved that what he told unto one who was a friend both to him and me, was true; that he did all things poſſible not to love her: But Sir, all was in vain; love made a wonderfull ſtrange alteration in him: Untill now he ſeemed to be the moſt ſincere and faithfull friend unto me of all men that ever I did meet withall; but he became upon a ſudden the vileſt cheat upon the earth: We met many daies, but not a word of Ameſtris, as if he had never ſeen her: He did ſo cure all my jealouſies of him by this cunning, that I deſired him to let us viſit her ſometimes, but he denied it very ſtifly: and indeed he was many dayes and never went unto her: But to my misfortune, I knew afterwards that he had ſeen her thrice in the Temple, twice walking in the Garden of the Kings Palace; and once walking upon the banks of the River Orontes, where ſhe often uſed to walk: Artabes then ſeeming unto me to be farre from any deſign upon Ameſtris, I kept correſpondency with him, I ſpoke to him concerning my Paſſion, and asked his counſell. When I told him that I had not yet followed his counſell in diſcovering my love unto her as ſoon as I could, becauſe ſhe did ſhun all ſuch occaſions; then he anſwered me thus; When I counſelled you to ſpeak of your paſſion ſo ſoon, I did not then know Ameſtris: But oh Gods, Aglatidas (ſaid he) I have much altered my opinion upon ſight of her, and finde, that the grave modeſty which I obſerved in her countenance, doth tell me you muſt not diſcover your love too haſtily and lightly unto her. Beleeve me (ſaid this treacherous friend) you muſt not think to tell Ameſtris of any love, untill you rendred her a hundred ſervices, and untill you have brought her to that paſſe, as ſhe cannot deny you without ingratitude. This way (ſaid I) is very far fetcht; Yes it is ſo (ſaid he) but it is very ſure, and the other very dangerous: for (ſaid he) what if ſhe ſhould be diſpleaſed when you diſcover your paſſion? if ſhe ſhould forbid you to ſee her? if ſhe ſhould ſhun you, or if ſhe ſhould hate you; what courſe would you take then? Surely (replied I) I ſhould die: But (continued I) if ſhe be never acquainted with my paſſion; if I never muſt tell her, but let my Rivals be more favoured then my ſelf, and ſpeak of their loves, how can ſhe come to know of mine? Would you have her recompen [...]e me for that which ſhe is ignorant of? I would have her know it (anſwered he) but I would have it after ſuch a manner as will not diſpleaſe her; I would have her heart engaged a little to embrace your love when you tell it openly: But who ſhall engage, replied I, this illuſtrious heart of Ameſtris? Your endeavours, your ſervices, your reverence, and your ſilence (anſwered he) whereas others procure her hatred by their importunities: And believe me Aglatidas, although I am not acquainted with matters of love, more then by report of others; as I have examined the paſſion in it ſelf, knowing the cauſe, I can gueſs at the effects: Be aſſured then, that if you love, Ameſtris will come to the knowledge of it; Love is a fire, which ſhines as well as burns; and cannot be, but be diſcovered. Therefore Aglatidas reſt contented concerning that: Let all your cares be to finde out waies of ſerving [Page] her whom you adore, and make her plainly know your love without telling her. Thus Sir, this cunning Artabes, who knew well enough my diſpoſition, cauſed me to reſolve not to diſcover my paſſion more then I had already, unto Ameſtris, or any elſe: But though all the Court did ſuſpect me to be in Love, yet I confeſſed it unto none but Artabes: And though many others did appear to be before me, yet I kept my ſelf within the limits which my unfaithfull friend preſcribed me; I promiſed to order my ſelf according to his directions: and he alſo promiſed me to take off one of my moſt dangerous Rivals, not conceiving it; as he told me, that this deſign was advantagious unto Megabiſes. Indeed he promiſed very fair; but alas, all was for his own ends, as afterwards you ſhall know. Then Sir, the true reaſon why he would not go ſo often unto Ameſtris, was, not only to hide from me his love unto her, but alſo that the counſell which he intended to give unto Megabiſes his brother might not be ſuſpected. In the morning therefore he went into his chamber where he found him alone, and after diſcourſe of a hundred indifferent matters, he asked him how he would beſtow the day? Megabiſes who did not ſuſpect the ſubtilty of his brother, anſwered him ingeniouſly, that he would ſpend the day with Hermaniſta: You ſhould have ſaid Ameſtris anſwered Artabes laughing and ſcoffing at him) for what vertue is there in Hermaniſta: If Ameſtris had no beauty, I believe you would not viſit Artambaces ſo often. It is true (anſwered Megabiſes) but what do I more then all the Court does? Aglatidas who is your ſpecial friend, is not he continually with Ameſtris as well as I? Yes (anſwered the falſe Artabes) and I would to heavens he were not ſo; for loving his quiet as I do, I wiſh he would not trouble himſelf with a deſign which cannot be advantagious unto thoſe who are ſo much bent upon it. I know very well (replied Megabiſes) that love is a reſtleſs paſſion, which affords no ſerene delights; yet for all that, if Artabes did experimentally know it, he would not be ſo forward to blame thoſe who are poſſeſſed with it; and would finde, that how rigorous ſoever the pains of love do ſeem to be, yet it affords more delight, then all the pleaſures in the world, which are not cauſed by it. Yet this wherein you are engaged (anſwered Artabes) is ſo full of danger, that I would do any thing in the world which were in my power to divert you; begin then with Aglatidas (ſaid Megabiſes embracing his brother) and beleeve me I ſhall be more obliged unto you for curing his diſeaſe then mine. I'le do my beſt (replied Arabes) and perhaps I have already done more to him then you. Oh heavens (replied Megabiſes) is it poſſible that you can divert Aglatidas from prejudicing me concerning Ameſtris? Certainly (anſwered Artabes) I will do all that is in my power that Aglatidas ſhall not prejudice other lovers of Ameſtris: But deceive not your ſelf, and know that it is not with any intention that Megabiſes ſhall get any more intereſt in her by it. But on the contrary, I wiſh with all my heart that he would prejudice others no more then I would have Aglatidas prejudice him: What then would you have me do? (replied Megabiſes) I would (anſwered Artabes) have you ſtrive to ſtifle a paſſion which has much weakneſs in it in generall, and will in this particular procure you much unprofitable trouble: for, ſaid he, there are a hundred more which promote the ſame deſign; and which is more; you are to Court one whoſe heart is ſtone, and therefore difficult to be pierced. Difficulty (anſwered Megabiſes) is the life of love: Yes, replied Artabes, but impoſſibilities will make it die: It is true, anſwered Megabiſes, but why is it impoſſible that one of my quality ſhould marry the daughter of Artambaces? I do not hold it abſolutely impoſſible, replied Artabes, that Megabiſes ſhould marry Ameſtris: But I do not hold it an eaſie matter to be beloved, for I know by Aglatidas, who is very well informed of it, that Ameſtris, for all her modeſty, is ſo paſſionately in love with her own beauty, that ſhe is abſolutely incapable of loving any thing elſe: Then brother, do you imagine it ſuch a happineſs to marry a woman who loves her looking glaſs better then her husband? and whoſe ſoul is ſenſible of nothing but her own attracts. Moreover, continued he, aſſuming a more ſerious countenance, Ameſtris is daughter to Artambaces, a baniſhed man eighteen years ſince, and who has made his peace no otherwiſe, but becauſe Ciaxares (who hates him in behalf of the Queen of Perſia his ſiſter) is not now here: Do you not think, ſince Aſtiages is ſo very old, that Artambaces muſt pack out of Ecbatan the very ſame day that Ciaxares leaves Cappadocia, and aſſumes the Crown of Medea? Imagine then Megabiſes, what pleaſure you will have in leaving this Kingdom to live in the Province of the Triſantines with a proud inſenſible woman, who will waſt your fortunes in lieu of advancing them; and who then perhaps will not be ſo fair (for a hundred things beſides age may decay a beauty) nor contribute anything to your ſatisfaction. Ah brother, ſaid Megabiſes, you are deceived, Ameſtris will be for ever fair: Do but aſſiſt me ſo farre as to marry her, and never trouble your ſelf with my good fortunes [Page] afterwards: What though I be baniſhed? I care not though ſhe be inſenſible, it is no matter, ſo we be baniſhed together; for then I ſhall enjoy my good fortune with more freedom, and if ſhe be incapable of loving any thing, then I ſhall be free from all cauſes of jealouſie: Therefore if you love me, aſſiſt, but no more oppoſe my paſſion: You deſire that of me which I cannot do (anſwered Artabes) we muſt not give poiſon unto frantique friends when they ask it, principally to you. Hard-hearted, inſenſible brother (replied Megabiſes) I do almoſt wiſh you my Rival to puniſh you for condemning my paſſion ſo ſeverely, and to teach you experimentally that love is not a voluntary buſineſs: You would perhaps repent you of your wiſh; replied Artabes, if it could poſſibly be; but however confeſs unto me thus farre, that you would be more happy if you were at liberty, then you are at preſent: then promiſe me only that you will endeavour a while to break out of your priſon: Never think it poſſible for me to do it; replied Megabiſes, but becauſe I will not deny you in every thing, I will promiſe you to try; though to tell you truth, it is as good as if I promiſed you nothing. Artabes perceiving that he could work no more upon the minde of his brother, left him for that time; reſolving to diſpenſe with the intereſt of a brother and a friend, and promote his own love before theirs. I was perſwaded, as he ſaid himſelf, that he was forced unto this by the extremity and violence of his paſſion; and that he did take up the humour without much reſiſtance unto himſelf: But I am perſwaded that let love be never ſo potent, it neither can nor ought to force us unto things which are contrary unto Honour or Honeſty: and that though this paſſion be the moſt noble, yet it muſt not excuſe any baſe or wicked act. However Artabes was involved into a moſt perplexed condition: He was deeply in love with one whom he durſt not viſit, leaſt changing his retired life; he ſhould grow to palpable and become ſuſpected by his brother and my ſelf: He was violently in love, but durſt not diſcover it: He had two Rivals whom he loved and whom he was engaged to love: His brother commanded him not to be his hinderance; and he had paſſed his promiſe to aſſiſt me: He aſſured me that he would do all in his power to reclaim Megabiſes; and he told Megabiſes that he would ſet Aglatidas free: What ſhould he do then to ſee Ameſtris; to betray his brother; to deceive his friend; and to promote himſelf unto their prejudice: He knew they were inſeparable from Ameſtris: what courſe could he then take to viſit her every day without being ſuſpected by us both? and what cunning could he uſe to bring about his deſign? Prepare your ſelf Sir, to hear the moſt notable piece of Treaſon that ever love did prompt any man unto, and be perſwaded that you muſt needs be amazed at what I am to tell you. Artabes then a while after came and told me that he had imployed the beſt of his endeavours to reclaim his brother, and cure his paſſion; and indeed, as the thing was true, ſo he related it ſo punctually, as I made no queſtion of the truth: I thought my ſelf ſo obliged unto him for it, that I think if he had diſcovered his own love unto me, I ſhould have returned ſo much friendſhip unto him; as to have died, and yielded up my intereſt of Ameſtris to him alſo; ſo ſenſible was I of ſo great a benefit and addicted unto the Laws of Generoſity. Whileſt Artabes had ſufficiently amuſed me for ſome time by the relation of all he had ſaid unto Megabiſes, and all Megabiſes anſwers unto him; He perſonated himſelf of another humour with his Brother, and feigning himſelf by little and little to be very compaſſionate unto his Brother, heacted his part ſo well, that Megabiſes made him his deareſt confident; He was his only Oracle, and was guided only by his Orders as well as I. As Artabes feared nothing more, then that Megabiſes and I ſhould finde him alone with Ameſtris, and moreover, finding that according to his plot there was a neceſſity of our being often with her, ſo I was ſure to give notice unto Megabiſes of the time when I ought to be with her, and alſo to give me notice in my courſe when my brother ſhould be there; Inſomuch as ſince he tranſacted in our buſineſs we never ſaw Ameſtris one without the other: Love and jealouſie moved him to fear one Rivall ſingle with Ameſtris more then many together. Yet he had this piece of prudence to deſire me both for my intereſt and his own, not to quarrell with my brother, and to aſſure me alwaies upon his word, that he would tranſact with all his power to ruine the deſigns of Megabiſes, which alſo as he told me did not pleaſe him: He alſo adviſed my Brother not to quarrell with me, leſt when we were gone far off to fight, others might in the interim ſtep in and ſupplant him: And thus we lived: Megabiſes he complained that I was a perpetuall obſtacle unto him; and I complain'd that Megabiſes was the ſame to me; As for Ameſtris ſhe lived in ſuch wiſedom and reſervedneſs that her vertue could not diſcover any of his Projects. It is certain that notwithſtanding her impartiall behaviour and civility which ſhe uſed unto all that came unto her; yet every one obſerved that Megabiſes and I had a greater ſhare in her eſteem then any elſe: and that Otanes who doubtleſs you have ſeen in [Page] the Court of Medea, was the man moſt hated and ſcorn'd: for my part I could not diſcover any more extraordinary favour from her then unto many others: but thought that Megabiſes was the happier of the two; inſomuch as I could not forbear to complain continually of Artabes: Megabiſes for his part he thought that I was better treated then himſelf, and complained alſo of his Brother, who indeed intended to betray us both alike: One night then, when we were alone in my Chamber, My dear Artabes (ſaid I to him) how long will you hold me in hopes? and how long muſt the Paſſion of Megabiſes perſecute me? Why has the enticing eyes of Ameſtris made a Lover of my Friends Brother, and ſuch a Lover upon whom they look more favourably, if my jealouſie do not much deceive me? Ah my dear Artabes (ſaid I) if Migabiſes had not ſuch relation unto you, my ſword ſhould long ſince have done me right, and revenged that injuſtice which is done unto my Love, which I am ſure preceded his, and which perhaps would have been more faithfull and ſincere unto me. Artabes ſeemed much touched at my complaints and ſorrows: Sometimes he would deſire pardon for his Brothers injuries; ſometimes thank me for the reſpect which I had unto his friendſhip; and ſometimes he entreated me to continue it: After he had asked as much as he deſired, looking ſuddenly upon me with a troubled countenance: You ſhall ſee Aglatidas (ſaid he) If Artabes did not love you, and love you as much as one can love another, he would not make that Propoſition unto you which he is about, and act ſuch a piece of Treaſon as he has premeditated: Know then (ſaid he) I know but one way which will infallibly break the deſigns of Megabiſes upon Ameſtris: Ha my dear Artabes (ſaid I) let us quickly take that happy way, if it will rid me of my Rivall who is ſo much to be doubted; You know (ſaid he to me) that Megabiſes loves me with abundance of tenderneſs, ſo that he will perhaps do that for my preſervation which he would not do for my prayers and reaſons: I muſt then (ſaid he) for a certain time ſeem more troubled and melancholique then I uſe to be; and when he asks me the reaſon of it, and preſſeth me importunately more then once, I will tell him that I am in love with Ameſtris; and that all my trouble and melancholy was nothing elſe but my endeavours to overcome my own paſſions which I could not do; In concluſion, I will entreat him, and preſs him to take ſome care of my life, and with tears, and ſighs, and ſorrows diſpute with him for the Victory: I know very certainly (ſaid he) that he loves me moſt dearly, and that it will go hard with him to reſiſt me: I bluſh (ſaid this vile perfidious Artabes) my dear Friend, to propound ſo horrid a Treaſon, but what will not one do for a Friend he loves? But My dear Artabes, (ſaid I, embracing him, and fearing he ſhould be offended at what I was intended to tell him) ſince the Friendſhip you have with me moves you ſo ſtrongly to deceive Megabiſes; what would you not do both to him and me if you ſhould chance become in love with Ameſtris? And may I not fear that counterfeiting to be ſo in Love, you ſhould become really ſo? Is it ſo (Replied the crafty Artabes, ſeeming very angry) do you thus take the proofs of my affection? Take heed Aglatidas, leſt if I keep within the ſimple limits of reaſon, I do not aſſiſt Megabiſes againſt you, and prefer the conſideration of bloud before that of Friendſhip: Artabes pronounced theſe words with ſo ſerious a look, that I thought I had angred him; ſo that checking my ſelf I began to truſt in his Promiſes, and ſpoke him ſo fair that his counterfeit choler was appeaſed, and his anſweres were ſo well that my fears did vaniſh: I confeſs Sir, that at the firſt this Propoſition did aſtoniſh me, but conſidering the benefit which I might perhaps receive by it, and reſolving that I would never loſe Ameſtris without loſing my life; I thought it better to have recourſe unto gentleneſs then force, and conſented unto his Plot, having no ſuſpicion or jealouſie; or any imagination of his real being in love with her: fearing only leſt he ſhould hereafter be entangled: Mean time this was ſufficient for him to have the freedom of ſeeing Ameſtris without incurring any diſpleaſure from me; but yet he wanted the ſame advantage over his Brothers minde, therefore the next morning he went unto him and deceived him as well as me, and almoſt after the ſame manner, though the reaſons which he uſed were not the ſame: he found Megabiſes in the Kings Garden, where he was informed he might finde him: as ſoon as he met him; What makes you here Brother (ſaid he unto him) whileſt perhaps Aglatidas is with Ameſtris: at leaſt I am certain he went this morning to Artambaces: You would do much better (anſwered Megabiſes roughly) to be no more his friend, but rather leave him unto my fury and jealouſie, then to tell me of his tenders to Ameſtris: Never think that I am able to endure this complacentiall way; my Patience will not alwaies ſuffer Aglatidas to be the Friend of Artabes, and to be favoured by her I love; Aglatidas I ſay who of all my Rivals is the only man I fear, and he alone can come in competition with me. Artabes was ſurpris'd and aſtoniſhed at this, and looking upon [Page] Megabiſes, Why Brother (ſaid he) would you have me break with Aglatidas, becauſe he is your Rivall? He who is ſo generous as not to break with me although you be his Rival and I your brother; who has asked me pardon a hundred and a hundred times, for that it was his ill fortune to be ſo engaged in the Love of Ameſtris; who moreover loved her before you knew her; and who has lately given me ſome hopes to conquer his paſſion for the love of you and me? yet for ought I ſee (ſaid the crafty Artabes ſeeming very angry, and offering to go away) you take all the good offices which I have done you in ſo bad a ſenſe, as I will trouble my ſelf no more about them. Ah my dear Brother (ſaid Megabiſes, ſtaying him) I pray you pardon an unfortunate man who hath loſt the uſe of his reaſon, and leave him not thus in deſpair: I ſaw (continued he) that you loved my Rivall ſo much that I took you for him, and againſt my will my anger ſurpriſed me, and forced me to ſay ſomething, which perhaps has angred you: But pardon me I moſt heartily beſeech you: and ſince it is ſo that you love me and love Aglatidas both, cauſe him, I conjure you, to leave loving Ameſtris, for I am not able to endure it, he muſt either leave loving or elſe I muſt leave living: You are very violent (Replied Artabes) and what likelihood is there to help a man who is ſo uncapable of reaſon? one who would have to renounce all manner of generoſity, to ſatisfie an unruly paſſion? Love (replied Megabiſes) excuſes all ſorts of injuries; Remember what you ſay (Replied Arabes) and to prevent ſuch an incovenience as that my Brother and Friend ſhould quarrell, I will become a Traitor unto Aglatidas in behalf of Megabiſes. At theſe words Artabes ſtopt, the better to examine himſelf concerning the Propoſition which he was to make (for Megabiſes related it all afterwards) and after he had a while ruminated upon the matter, he began to ſpeak in a more ſerious Tone, Hitherto Brother (ſaid he) I have tranſacted with Aglatidas only by perſwaſive reaſons, to give over his Paſſion, he I ſay who reſpects you much, and who doubtleſs bears as great a Love to you as me: But now ſince I perceive your Love is grown unto ſuch an extremity, and ſince I fear my affection to Aglatidas ſhould hazard his life, I will follow your own Maximes without conſideration of what is juſt or what unjuſt. I will therefore counterfet a falſe friendſhip unto Aglatidas, and ask his pardon for a ſecret which I am to reveal; I will tell him that when I endeavoured to reclaim his Love, that it was meerly for my own intereſt, and not for his nor yours; In concuſion, I will earneſtly pray him and preſs him, that he will give me leave to love and ſerve Ameſtris, as a hundred others do the like; telling that otherwiſe it will coſt me my life, conjuring with all feigned tears and ſighs not to hate me or ſuffer me to deſpair: But how will this feat advantage me (Replied Megabiſes?) I hope (anſwered Artabes) that perhaps he will yeeld Ameſtris unto me, or at the leaſt when he knows that I am in love with her, he will not think it ſtrange if I viſit her, and not ſuſpect that I am with her upon your account: Ah Brother, ſaid Megabiſes, if Aglatidas knows how to love he will never yeeld unto you, but will diſpute the matter as well with you as me: However (Replied Artabes) you will get this advantage by it, that you will have a faithfull man about Ameſtris, who will defeat all the deſigns of your Rivall, and advance your own: Your reaſon is good (anſwered the too credulous Megabiſes) but Brother (ſaid he) I ſaw you once with Ameſtris, was it not becauſe you did then a little love her? When I was there (Replied Artabes ſmiling) I loved your Rivall too well, and it was at his importunity that I came thither; and he thought ſo little of any ſuch thing, that I think you need not be jealous of your Brother: Conſider it well (ſaid he) and reſolve whether I ſhould ſerve you, or whether I ſhould not: For I aſſure you I ſhould think my ſelf much obliged unto you, if you would not imploy me in any ſuch infidelity to my friend: Megabiſes ſeeing ſuch an indifferency in the minde of Artabes, aſſured himſelf, nor could ſuſpect that man who loved both Aglatidas and himſelf ſo much, would ever fall in love with Ameſtris: And thus Sir he cozened both him and me, and brought all things to the paſſe he deſired: In concluſion he aſſured me that he had acted his part unto Megabiſes according as was covenanted between us: He expreſſed his ſorrows and deſpair to the life, and told me that he would not abſolutely promiſe him to ſee Ameſtris no more, but he had given him permiſſion to ſee her, and to endeavour with her in his behalf, ſwearing unto him, that if I found her more tractable, he ſhould then abſolutely retreat, and leave him in quiet poſſeſſion of his good fortune; Then Sir, the ſame which Artabes told me he told alſo unto Megabiſes: and perſwaded him that I reſpected you ſo much as to yeeld up Ameſtris unto you, and that he ſhould alſo permit him his leave to ſee, and then Sir there was nothing which could oppoſe his joy; ſo that he told us ſeverally there was no more to be done, but for him to court her in their behalfs daily, and to gain her eſteem by ſome particular civility: But ſaid I then to him, My [Page] dear Artabes, if ſhe ſhould chance to love you in earneſt, during this fiction, where were we then? I fear not that (anſwered he, and doubtleſs it was the leaſt of his fears) for my own defects aſſure me of the contrary; And moreover (continued he) I will faithfully promiſe you that when I am alone with her I will not then ſpeak a word to her but in your behalf, and therefore there is no danger at all: In a word Sir, Artabes did ſo work upon the minde of Megabiſes, and mine, as we did conſent that he ſhould viſit Ameſtris, and that he ſhould be very aſſiduous with her, I leave you to judge Sir, if ever the like chance happened: and if ever there was a more proſperous cheat for a while; for ſince I thought that Megabiſes retired himſelf, becauſe he thought Artabes would be better treated then himſelf: I wiſht Artabes all good ſucceſs: Alſo Megabiſes having the ſame thoughts, had alſo the ſame deſires: Thus did both of us pray for our greateſt enemy and our moſt dangerous Rival: and whileſt he was tranſacting our Ruines we gave him as many thanks as if he were perpetuating our felicity: He went daily to Ameſtris who treated him with abundance of civility, and ſhewed him more favours then any elſe, becauſe ſhe conceived his viſits were only in conſideration that he had quitted his ſolitude, and changed his courſe of life: he had freedom of diſcourſe with Ameſtris when he pleaſed, and that with more reſpect then either of us: for as we were both of us perſwaded that when he diſcourſed alone with her, he ſpoke unto our ſeverall advantages, we endeavoured to facilitate the way unto him; and we our ſelves furniſhed him with Arms to deſtroy us: for in lieu of imploying thoſe precious minutes with her in private to the advantages of Megabiſes or me, he all the while was endeavouring to get himſelf into her good opinion: But for the firſt daies, it was after ſo handſome and reſpective a way, that ſhe could not be angry: and if ſhe did ſuſpect any ſuch thing as love, ſhe thought alſo that he had never given her any occaſions of diſpleaſure; ſhe behaved her ſelf unto him with much reſervedneſs, but yet as I have ſaid with very much civility, becauſe indeed he was worthy of it, both in reſpect of his quality, and of his wit; Megabiſes asked him every day whether I began to change my thoughts, and I asked him very often, if his Brother did pity his counterfected Paſſion: To this he anſwered me, that he began to have very much hopes of him; and to the other, that yet he knew not what to hope of him: To the one, that the thing was poſſible, that the thing was poſſible, but difficult; to the other, that notwithſtanding all the difficulty he would bring it about: and to them both that nothing ought to be done precipitately, if they would have it done will; and that they ought to give time of conſideration and contrivance of the matter: In ſhort Sir, this Impoſtor tranſacted his enterpriſe ſo cunningly, that whereas he ſhould have acted for us, we both of us acted for him, and gave him a thouſand thanks for his knavery: We met oft all together at the Chamber of Ameſtris, and both Ameſtris, and both Megabiſes and my ſelf endured torments beyong imagination: Sometimes our Paſſions were turned all into deſpair, ſometimes jealouſies mingled; Megabiſes ſuſpected his Brother was more my Servant then his: I alſo thought that Artabes would betray me to favour him, ſometimes we were all fears, and ſometimes we did apprehend that Artabes neither was in love nor ever would be. As I remember I told you, that by the orders of my unfaithfull friend I was never to ſpeak openly concerning my Paſſion for Ameſtris: But though I obſerved that order moſt exactly, yet dare ſay the fair Ameſtris was not ignorant what power her bewitching eyes had over my heart: And although my tongue did never reveal the ſecrets of my ſoul, yet all my actions, my looks, and alſo my common diſcourſe of indifferent matters, did clearly evidence (I knew not how) the violence of my love, eſpecially unto any that was poſſeſſed with any inclination to judge things for my advantage: I was obliged for the juſtification of Ameſtris, and her favours to me, to ſay, that ſince it was her pleaſure to honour one ſo much, it was becauſe ſhe knew that Artambaces and Hermaniſta allowed of it; it being certain, as I was well informed ſince, that it was their deſire I ſhould become a ſervant unto Ameſtris, becauſe I was the firſt man of all the Court which had the honour to be known unto her, and becauſe I had never ſaid or done any thing which diſpleaſed her, but was upon all occaſions diligent to ſerve and direct her: Yet notwithſtanding her ſlight diſpoſition not to hate me, did not at that time afford me much happineſs, becauſe the ſeverity of her wiſdom, and prudence of her civilities was ſuch, that none could reaſonably gueſs ſhe bore any good thoughts of me; neither fear ſhe had any ill, becauſe of her aſpect, ſuch was the wiſdom and judgement of her behaviour. Yet I dare ſay that Artabes as proſperous as he was in his knavery, had ſome angry times; for when he was with Ameſtris, between Megabiſes and me, it was impoſſible but he ſhould be ſtung with ſome remorſe of conſcience, for betraying his brother and his friend, and ſometimes apprehend the end of the adventure; not but that he had foreſeen all things; and that if his deſign did [Page] not hit, he was not to ſeek for excuſes: His deſign was, that when he had aſſured himſelf of the favour of Ameſtris, to ask pardon of us both, for covering his love to Ameſtris with the cloak of a ſeeming it to be affection unto us, and to ſeem ſo extreamly ſorry for the accident, that we ſhould pity him: He imagined that for his brother there was no fear of his life from him, and as for me, he believed that our friendſhip, and the reverence I bore unto Ameſtris would hinder me from ſpoiling his deſing; and after all, the fair Ameſtris would not expoſe her ſelf unto any danger of cauſing a quarrell. Thus had Artabes laid the foundation of his Plot: But Fortune, which meddles in many matters, would not ſuffer it to hit: And thus we lived for a reaſonalbe long time: Then Artabes ſeeing how he was baited both by his brother and himſelf: and thinking that he was upon good terms with Ameſtris, he began to expreſs his paſſion more openly then formerly he had, and intended to open his deſign unto her; and a while after he found a favourable opportunity. He told Megabiſes and me ſeverally, that now he was reſolved to know which of us two ſtood beſt in the favour of Ameſtris; but to that end we muſt not go unto her this two daies, but give him the opportunities to entertain her in private: We both conſented unto his deſire, though on my ſide with much ado: He went then unto Ameſtris, unto whom he could not ſpeak the firſt day, by reaſon of much company; there happened to be then there one of her lovers, called Oltanes, an illfavoured man, and moſt diſpleaſant both to her and all the Court: This man was ſeldome from her; not but that Ameſtris had a very great diſlike of him, but becauſe he being a man of quality, Artambaces would not forbid him his houſe: It was this man who did moſt hinder Artabes from ſpeaking unto Ameſtris the firſt day: but the next day after proved more happy, for he found her without any company beſides her own women: She her ſelf was leaning upon a Belcone which looked into the Garden; ſo that he might deliver his minde without being heard by any: At firſt their diſcourſe was upon indifferent things; but ſince he had a hidden deſign, and deſired to fall inſenſibly into diſcourſe of ſomething which might diſcover it unto her: Madam (ſaid he to her) I found you yeſterday in ſuch a ſolitude as was not uſual with you, very like unto that humour out of which you have drawn me; I ſhould think my ſelf much honoured (anſwered ſhe) in being a means to regain you unto your friends: But I believe it rather the perſwaſions of Megabiſes and Aglatidas which had that power over you, then that I contributed any thing at all. Megabiſes and Aglatidas (replied he) has not ſo much power over me as the fair Ameſtris: You are very unjuſt then (anſwered ſhe) for in my opinion they have more right unto that power then Ameſtris hath, who deſires power over none but her ſelf: That which you reſerve unto your ſelf (replied Artabes) is doubtleſs much better then all the reſt of your Empire: though I aſſure you, that you have an abſolute dominion over all thoſe who have the honour to come near you; and for my particular, I preferre you before all the Crowns in the world: If difficulty in getting of any thing (anſwered ſhe) do add any thing to the value, then you have reaſon to eſteem me ſo, ſince it is moſt certain, that it is no eaſie matter, ever to get an abſolute power over the heart of Ameſtris. That would be too much, Madam, to deſire an abſolute Sovereignty in ſo glorious a place (replied Artabes) and I know ſome men, whoſe ambition would be contented with leſs, and account themſelves moſt happy if you would acknowledge them for your ſlaves: For my part (replied Ameſtris) without thinking that Artabes would more clearly explain himſelf, I would adviſe none, either to give or receive any fetters; and by my good will, none of my friends ſhall ever become unhappy: Ah Madam, (ſaid Artabes then) continue alwaies in ſo juſt a minde, and never repent it: To repent of things which are juſt, replied ſhe is doubtleſs a crime, which I do not intend ever to commit: If ſo Madam, replied he, why do you ſuffer one man in the world (who adores you without parallel, and whoſe rigorous ſilence cannot expreſs himſelf) without ſhing upon his misfortune, by your favourable aſpect? you I ſay, who expreſſe your ſelf ſo divinely, and ſay, that by your conſent none of your friends ſhall ever be unhappy? Ameſtris ſtood a while without an anſwer, not knowing well whether Artabes ſpoke concerning Megabiſes, my ſelf, or himſelf: She was ſo ſuſpriſed at the diſcourſe, that ſhe knew not well how to expound it: but the firſt diſorder of her ſpirit being paſſed over; I know not Artabes (ſaid ſhe in a higher tone) whether or no you have any deſign upon me, to make me follow your accuſtomed humour, and preferre ſolitude before ſociety: but I know very well, that though you do not change me, you move me to adviſe you to reſt your ſelf quiet in your own cloſet, and trouble my chamber no more: I cannot be any where but with you (replied Artabes precipitately, who was naturally of a haſty violent temper, though he ſeemed dull and melancholique unto thoſe that knew him not very well.) Surely Artabes (ſaid Ameſtris in looking [Page] upon him with many marks of anger in her eyes) you do not know me? Pardon me, Madam, anſwered he, I know you very well, and cannot be ignorant, that you are the faireſt, and moſt amiable in the world: but it is you Madam, added he, who knows not the unfortunate Artabes; he, I ſay, who adores you, as devoutly as men adore the Gods; he, whoſe thoughts are all upon you; and who ſeeks nothing upon earth elſe; I ſay, who will die, and die a thouſand deaths rather then live without the love of Ameſtris: Then you muſt prepare your ſelf for death (replied ſhe and broke off his diſcourſe) for Ameſtris will not beſtow her eſteem eſteem nor love, nor friendſhip upon any, who want thoſe reſpects unto me which are fitting. It to adore you to want reſpect? replied he: To tell me as much, is, anſwered ſhe: Do as the Gods do then (anſwered Artabes) and know my thoughts, and like them, receive my praiers, and grant me that which it is your pleaſure I ſhould not ask: I'le grant nothing, ſaid ſhe, unto them who render themſelves unworthy, no not my compaſſion, which I ſeldom refuſe unto any in miſery: But Artabes (ſaid Ameſtris) I deſire no more of your company, and forbid you ever viſiting me any more: In ſaying ſo, ſhe would have gone away, but he ſtaied her: Since this is the laſt time (ſaid he unto her) that I muſt have the bleſledneſs of your company, you may very well hear me all I would ſpeak, and it is but fit I ſhould let you know what Artabes is; to the end, that before you do abſolutely deſtroy him, you may conſider well whether you have any reaſon for doing it: I know but too much, replied ſhe, and it would have been better for him if I had known leſs: You do not yet know Madam, ſaid he, that he who ſpeaks unto you does love you ſo extream violently, that there is no crime which he hath not committed for your ſake; he hath betraied his friends, he hath coſened his kindred, he hath diſhonoured himſelf, and there is nothing which he hath not done, which might make him reſt capable of getting your affection, and to hinder all others from poſſeſſing it. The reaſon, Madam, why I tell you what I have done, is, that you may know what I can do: If there be any of my Rivals which diſpleaſes you, do but ſeem to wiſh, and I ſhall preſently rid you of them; but (continued he) Megabiſes and Aglatidas they are more fortunate then I, if you deſire to preſerve them, hide ſo all your advantagious thoughts of both of them, that I do not perceive them, and that they themſelves do not perceive them. Megabiſes and Aglatidas, replied ſhe, are wiſer then you are, in my opinion: I know not Madam, anſwared he, whether they be wiſer; but I know very well, that if they be more happy then I, they ſhall not be ſo long: At theſe words Ameſtris grew ſo extreamly angry, that ſhe uſed all the vile and ill terms ſhe could invent againſt Artabes, who doubtleſ did often repent him of his violence, though in vain: This crafty and ſubtle man, by the violence of his paſſion and ſorrow, had loſt all policy and craft upon this occaſion. As they were upon theſe terms, a ſervant came in and told Ameſtris that there were a great number coming to viſit her; but ſince ſhe found her ſpirits a little diſordered, and left any ſigns of anger or ſorrow ſhould appear in her face, ſhe left Artabes upon a ſudden, and went into her Cloſet to compoſe her countenance. Mean while Artabes went out of the chamber, but in ſuch a fury, and ſo deſperate as poſſible a man could be: Sorrow ſo poſſeſſed him, that becauſe he could not reſolve to ſee either Megabiſes or me: he took his horſe and went for ſome certain daies into the Çountry, leaving order to tell every one, that important buſineſs ſo hapned that he was forced to go without bidding adieu to any of his friends, or ſeeing us: Mean while, Megabiſes and I, who knew nothing of the truth, and who were in abſolute diſpute, becauſe Artabes had rendred us no account of the diſcourſe which he had with Ameſtris, we would go the next day unto her; but we were told that ſhe was not well, and would not be ſeen: The next day we went again and ſaw her, but much more melancholike then accuſtomed: Methought ſhe treated us more coldly then formerly ſhe was accuſtomed. I leave you to imagine Sir, how troubled I was; for as I beleeved that Artabes had ſpoken to her concerning me, the laſt time he was with her, ſo I expounded this coldneſs in her, in a cruel ſenſe: Megabiſes, as I have heard ſince, he was at no more reſt then I, and therefore paſſed all that afternoon in much melancholy: But here may be admired Sir, how Fortune diſpoſes of things; All the while I was thus tormenting my ſelf, and had truſted the conduct of my Love unto a Friend who had betraied me, my Father, I knowing nothing of it, was an earneſt ſolicitor for my happineſs, as you ſhall know. I was then very melancholike both at the abſence of Artabes, and the coldneſs which I obſerved in the Countenance of Ameſtris; when my Father ſent for me, and propounded unto a Marriage, with the Daughter of Artambaces, not only as a thing which he wiſhed might be, but as a thing already done up amongſt them. Sir, Replied I, this which you propoſe is too advantagious to [Page] be conſented unto without much Joy: But do you think Sir, that Ameſtris does reſent it with the like gladneſs? Ameſtris, anſwered he, does not yet know of it; but I beleeve ſhe is ſo well educated to be obedient unto her Parents, who I know do deſire it as much as I; Sir, ſaid I to him, I would know it from Ameſtris, and not from Artambaces; It is your own office (replied my Father) to inform your ſelf of her thoughts and deſires: I leave you to judge Sir, how infinitely I was joyed at ſuch welcome news: it was ſo abundantly pleaſant, that I reliſhed it but imperfectly, and it moved ſuch violence in my ſoul that I could not reſent it as I ought: Oh Heavens, how oft did I wiſh, the perfidious Artabes were there to be a witneſs of my good fortune, and to ask him pardon for the diſpleaſure Megabiſes did reſent: Mean time, becauſe I thought it ſtrange, that they ſhould marry me Ameſtris, before I had acquainted her with my Love; I took an occaſion the next morning to viſit her, and it was my happineſs to finde her alone: I obſerved, that ſhe did often change colour, and I imagined, as indeed it was true, that ſhe had been acquainted with the intention of Artambaces concerning our Marriage, of which he had ſpoken unto her, an hour before I came: But alas Sir, what ſtrange inquietudes did this fair and amiable divinity afford me? and how great were my fears, that ſhe had no diſlike of me, becauſe they had propounded it unto her! Madam (ſaid I to her almoſt trembling) dare Aglatidas be ſo bold as to ask the fair Ameſtris, whether the many changings which he perceives in her fair face, be a good or a bad omen for him? I think, ſaid ſhe (bluſhing very much) that I have heard the Magi ſay, that men ought not to conſult with any but the Starres, to know their Fortunes, and not to trouble themſelves at ſuch lame and ſlight obſervations. I think (replied I) that thoſe who deſire to know whether they ſhall be Rich, or fortunate in War, ought to do as you ſay; but I beleeve that they who would know nothing elſe but what the heart of Ameſtris thinks, ought to conſult with nothing but her eyes; and ought to ask their good fortune from nothing elſe but them. Ameſtris (anſwered ſhe) is is not conſiderable enough to give Felicity or bad fortune unto any: But, Aglatidas may believe that Ameſtris will never ſeek her own good fortune, but by the will of thoſe who ought to diſpoſe of her: But Madam, ſaid I, if thoſe whom you ſpeak of ſhould adviſe you unto a thing which is repugnant unto your minde, would you obey them without murmur? I would, doubtleſs (replied ſhe) as long as I have life; and I hold it better for my ſelf to do that which I ought, then to do that which pleaſeth me: It is a moſt ſevere virtue, replied I, and methinks it is a little too blind an obedience; for Madam, unto how much deſpair would that man be driven, who ſhould be ſo happy as by the choice of your parents to be a husband unto the divine Ameſtris, if he ſhould afterwards know that ſhe obeyed her parents only, and married him by conſtraint? I would hide my thoughts ſo cloſe, anſwered ſhe, that he ſhould never know it: Ah Madam, ſaid I to her, do not abuſe your ſelf ſo much, this is a thing which cannot be; Therefore Madam, I conjure you by all that is moſt yenerable and holy, to tell me ingenuouſly upon what terms am I in your heart? for I cannot think my ſelf more unhappy, then that you ſhould be ignorant how you are abſolute Commander over mine; yes Madam, ſaid I, you know that ſince the firſt minute I had the honour to ſee you, I have loved you with unequalled paſſion: that I have ſerved you with as much reverence as any can the Gods; and ſecretly adored you with every atom of my heart: Then Madam, it's your part to let me know whether I muſt hope or fear, whether you can endure me without averſion, or whether you like me out of Complacencie without compulſion; it is abſolutely in you to determine upon either my good or my bad fortane: I have already told you (replied ſhe) that I have no power in my own felicity, and therefore by conſequence cannot have in anothers: But Aglatidas, ſince I have received a command from Artambaces and Hermaniſta to entertain you, when you ſpeak of your affection, let me tell you with much ſincerity, that I think the choice which they have made for me is very advantagious for me, and ſo much, that when I underſtood it, I was in much confuſion; and if you obſerved any alterations in my countenance, doubtleſs it was, becauſe I was aſhamed to be no more worthy of the honour which you do me, then I am: Ameſtris pronounced theſe words with ſuch reſervedneſs, that I could not diſcover her heart, which put me into great perplexity and melancholy: I was at this time almoſt angry with my father for ſo ſoon putting forward my good fortune; for, ſaid I to my ſelf, how ſhould I know now whether or no Ameſtris loves me; Ameſtris, I ſay, who is the wiſeſt Lady upon earth, and one who would dwell with the ill-favour deſt man if ſhe once married to him: So very much was I poſſeſſed, Sir, with this kinde of unquietude, that I could not hide it from Ameſtris: Madam (ſaid I to her) you ſee here before you the moſt happy and the moſt unhappy [Page] man both, of all men upon earth: The moſt happy, in the noble hope which Artambaces gives unto my father, that Ameſtris will not refuſe me; but the moſt unhappy, in that I cannot know whether Aglatidas be the choice of Ameſtris or Artambaces: What will it advantage you to know it, or to know that which I know not my ſelf? For as I have ever been ſtrongly of this opinion, that I ought not to diſpoſe of my ſelf, ſo I am contented to deny my heart my own choice, and ſubmit my ſelf unto a blinde obedience: Then Madam (ſaid I unto her) if your Parents ſhould command you to accept of Megabiſes or Otanes, would you obey them? I have already confeſſed it if I be not much miſtaken, replied ſhe: Oh heavens (cried I) Madam, why will you not make me happy? I will not deny you happineſs (anſwered Ameſtris) if my conſent be neceſſary unto it: But Madam (ſaid I, interrupting her) how ſhall I be aſſured that your conſent is more then a conſtrain'd obedience? ſince you tell me that you will obey, though never ſo repugnant to your minde: You are very unjuſt Aglatidas, ſaid ſhe to me, to deſire that I ſhould tell you my thoughts, and I only to gueſs at yours; therefore endeavour to diſcover them if you can, and content your ſelf to know thus much, that Artambaces has the heart of Ameſtris in his power, and if he diſpoſe of it unto you, as very likely he will, then you ſhall have an abſolute and lawfull power over it: This is not yet enough Madam, ſaid I unto her, I would preciſely know what you thought of Aglatidas at that very time before Artambaces did ſpeak unto you in his behalf? I thought, ſaid ſhe, doubtleſs as all other reaſonable people would think: But were you ſo abſolutely indifferent, ſaid I to her: You are too inquiſitive (anſwered ſhe ſmiling and bluſhing both) and if I ſhould continue anſwering you thus, it ſhould go hard but I would ſay ſomething which ſhould be either to your diſadvantage or my own. After this manner Sir did this wiſe and nimble Lady free her ſelf from my perſecution, and cured me a little of my melancholy humour; for I thought ſhe ſpoke theſe laſt words in ſuch a manner that I might very well expound them in a favourable ſenſe for my ſelf: Then thought I my ſelf moſt happy; and if Artabes had but been at Ecbatan, there was nothing more which I could have wiſhed; yet ſince perſons of Quality do never marry in Medea, without the Kings conſent, Artambaces and my Father did conceal it ſome certain daies, untill they found a fit time to acquaint Aſtiages with it; But Sir, they were happy daies for Aglatidas, what delights did he not finde in the converſation of Ameſtris: for ſince her Father commanded her to reſpect me as one that was to be her husband, I found in her ſoul ſo ſweet a complacence, and obſerved ſuch tenderneſs towards me, that I might very well ſay, I was fully recompenſed by theſe bleſſed minutes, for all the ill ones that ever I ſuffered: Yet ſhe would never confeſs that ſhe loved me, or ever did love me; but permitting me to hope what might be hereafter, ſhe ſaid enough to ſatisfie me that ſhe did not hate me: Artambaces and my Father having met with that fit opportunity which they waited for, ſpoke unto the King concerning our marriage, who preſently conſented unto it, becauſe he knew not that Megabiſes pretended unto Ameſtris: The conſent of Aſtiages was no ſooner obtain'd, but immediatly the matter was divulged about the Court: Megabiſes being preſently informed of it, went preſently unto the King, and deſired him to forbid the Banes; but the King told him he ſpoke too late, that his word was paſt, and the thing was abſolutely without remedy: Megabiſes went away from the King ſufficiently Malecontent, and reſolved of another way to compaſs his end, he ſought an occaſion to meet me, and having found me, without any more preamble, Aglatidas (ſaid he to me with a low voice in my ear) you ſhall not enjoy Ameſtris, but by the death of Megabiſes; therefore, without more ado, let us go out at the gate which opens towards the Mountains, and compleat your joyes by my deſtruction. Megabiſes (ſaid I to him) I need no preſſing to go whither you would have me; but I confeſs I would not, if poſſible otherwiſe, take Sword in hand againſt the brother of Artabes: But you may (replied he) if you will yield Ameſtris unto me: Ameſtris, replied I, Ah, no no, Megabiſes, I can never yield her, and if there be no other way to give you ſatisfaction, we muſt follow your intention: In ſaying ſo we went out, as ſoon as we were rid of thoſe which were about us, and came unto the foot of a great Rock under a great Hill, where he would have us fight, I confeſs that the friendſhip of Artabes troubled me a little, and I had no minde to loſe the bloud of his brother: But when I began to think that Megabiſes was my Rivall, and that the poſſeſſion of his Ameſtris depended upon his life or death, all other conſiderations vaniſhed, and fury become maſter of my ſpirit: We were no ſooner at the place which he aimed at, but we drew our Swords, for it was ſo near the Tower, that though we were on foot, yet we need no taking our breaths: Megabiſes came up to me with ſo much fury and violence, as let me know I had a dangerous enemy to deal with; and I dare ſay he received [Page] me with ſo much reſolution, as he had no ill opinion of my courage; We being both of us nimble and well skild at weapon, did hold out many blows without a wound, which I believe did anger us both: So that we reſolved to put the matter unto Fortune, and not to ſtand fencing any longer. Artabes, the politique Artabes, having in all likelihood invented ſome new cheat for us, and returning to Town, ſaw us afar off at the foot of the Rock; who not knowing who we were, rid up unto us with drawn Sword to part us: But, O heavens, how he was ſurprized when he knew us; and what variety of thoughts he had upon it: Megabiſes being his brother, it may eaſily be beleeved, he would intreat me to hold, and regarding me as his friend, he obliged his brother to uſe his Sword no more againſt me: But when he did reſent us as his Rivals, I know not whether he had a minde to ſet upon us both, and lay aſide all reſpects of fraternity or friendſhip: yet natural reſentments alwaies appearing firſt upon ſudden accidents, Artabes no ſooner ſaw us and knew us, but he cried out as loud us he could to hold our hands: his voice being known unto us both, and both Megabiſes and my ſelf being moved at it, we turned aſide and ſaw Artabes with drawn Sword, as I ſaid before, who having got between us, in parting us, not lighting from his horſe, What ſtrange fury poſſeſſes you (ſaid he unto us) and what new quarrel is riſen between you? The fault's not mine, my dear Artabes (ſaid I to him) the Gods do know with what unwillingneſs I came to it; Why then 'tis you Megabiſes (ſaid Artabes to him) who without conſideration that Aglatidas my friend, and contrary unto your promiſe, have begun this quarrel in my abſence? It was I indeed (replied he) who invited him to it, and who will ſend him to his grave, unleſs he either ſend me to mine firſt, or yield Ameſtris to me: Artabes, who knew not how things ſtood ſince his departure, and would not have his brother Megabiſes to enjoy Ameſtris, no more then he would have his friend Aglatidas; therefore looking upon us both; You are too furious (ſaid he) and have loſt your reaſon; I never heard ſay that Artambaces would give his daughter unto him that was moſt valiant, therefore in lieu of fighting to no purpoſe, go both unto him together, and he to him he conſents, let him continue quiet poſſeſſor of Ameſtris: Ah my dear Artabes, you have pronounced a moſt favourable ſentence, for Artambaces has promiſed his daughter unto me: Yes, ſaid Megabiſes, and the King has conſented; therefore judge you if it be not time to fight with Aglatidas, or whether I am in ſuch a condition as to follow your counſell. At theſe words Artabes, who doubtleſs would never have given that counſell, but that he imagined Artambaces would never beſtow his daughter upon men that would quarrel about her, and thereby he might get advantage by it, therefore he began to change coulour, and looking upon me with eyes full of rage and deſpair; And is it true, ſaid he unto me, that they have promiſed you Ameſtris, and that Ameſtris hath conſented? It is true, ſaid I to him, and I rejoice in the good fortune, and Ameſtris did obey without any murmure: Hah, if it be ſo, ſaid he, Megabiſes let me ſight with the happy lover of Ameſtris, and do not you meddle, for I have more intereſt then you have, and Aglatidas ſhall be more innocent in cauſing my death, if it chance, then yours; In ſaying ſo, he fell upon me with much fury, and I ſtept aſide, not being willing to fight with my friend, and yet wondering from whence theſe words ſhould proceed. Megabiſes very generouſly ſtept in betwixt us (and incenſedly ſaid unto him) What wilt thou ſhame us both, and make all the world beleeve we were two againſt one? Retire, or elſe my thoughts of honour and love ſhall make me forget thoſe of nature; at theſe words I let fall the point of my Sword, to let Artabes ſee I had no deſire to fight with him: How now Artabes, ſaid I to him, can I beleeve what I ſee? and can Aglatidas imagine that Artabes is become his enemy? Ah, no no, ſaid I, I can never believe it; for I cannot hate any unleſs the lovers of Ameſtris And it is under that notion (anſwered the furious Artabes, lighting from his horſe, and advancing towards me) that I cannot ſuffer your good fortune, and which prompts me to diſpute the matter with you unto my very laſt drop of bloud: Are you a lover of Ameſtris? (ſaid Megabiſes) as well as I? Yes, I am (replied he unto us) and ſo zealous a lover too, that none ſhall ever enjoy her as long as I live: I leave you to judge Sir, how Megabiſes and I did wonder; and admire a little the various effect of Artabes his language: I who a little before did love this perfidious friend, and hated Megabiſes, as ſoon as I heard him ſo expreſs himſelf, the love I had formerly to him extinguiſhed, and the hate which I bore unto the other ſuſpended, this new jealouſie operating upon my fancy more ſtrongly then the old one: Megabiſes for his part, looking upon me as one that had been deceived by Artabes as well as himſelf, [...] leſſen his averſion to me, and increaſe his hate of the other: And Artabes being all deſpair and violent paſſion, made no difference, as I thought, between his brother and me his friend; although I think he was the moſt unhappy, it being to be thought, that the [Page] mage of his crime and double treaſon did often preſent it ſelf into his minde, and tormented him without ceſſation; yet Artabes could not now fight with me, becauſe indeed I refuſed, and becauſe Megabiſes would not ſuffer him; and on the other ſide, he would not ſtay to be a witneſs of the Combate which was begun between Megabiſes and my ſelf, nor was he as furious as he was able to fight againſt us both, nor would I have ſuffered him to fight with his brother. But becauſe Megabiſes was not leſs amazed at the love of Artabes then I was; Since when, brother (if I may call you Rival, ſaid he to him) have you been in love with Ameſtris? Since the firſt minute that ever I ſaw her: (anſwered he) What (ſaid I to him, interrupting him) did you fall in love with her that day I carried you unto her? Yes, cruel friend, replied Artabes, it was you which forced me to go, and who forced me to betray you afterwards; to deceive Megabiſes, to offend Ameſtris, and to diſhonour my ſelf: There-Aglatidas (ſaid he) ſince I can be no longer your friend, it muſt of neceſſity be that either you or I muſt die: It were better, ſaid I unto him, that you did repent of your crime: I cannot repent (anſwered he) untill Aglatidas and Megabiſes leave loving Ameſtris: Since it cannot be but upon thoſe terms (ſaid Megabiſes and I both together unto him) we muſt bethink our ſelves whether it be better to pardon or to puniſh you: As we ſtood thus arguing the matter, we ſaw a number of people coming towards us, who being told that we went out of the Town together, came to ſeek us, having ſome ſuſpition of our quarrell: The furious Artabes, having no minde to ſtay, took horſe, and told me in my ear, that three daies hence he would expect me from morning till night, in a certain place which he appointed, and told me that if I were not the baſeſt coward that ever lived, I would come thither and give him ſatisfaction: Then he preſently rid away, and we loſt the ſight of him. Thoſe men who ſought us, did finde us, and brought us to the Town, but for all their vigilance, both Megabiſes and I eſcaped them, and went out to fight ſome five hundred paces from Ecbatan. I will not trouble you with relating the particulars of our Combate; I will only tell you, that I was ſo fortunate as to hurt Megabiſes ſlightly in the hand, and diſarm him: I thought it not fit to go into the Town the ſame day, becauſe Megabiſes was allied unto the blood Royall, and it would ſeem ſome diſreſpect in me to fight with him, though it was not I who began the quarrell: I went therefore unto a friends houſe, without thinking that this way led me unto the place which Artabes had appointed: for if I had conſidered it, it may be I ſhould not have took that way, ſo much was my former love to him ſtronger then my preſent hate: But Sir, I forgot to tell you that in diſarming Megabiſes, my own Sword did break, ſo that in the end of the Combat I could not reſtore unto him his own, ſince it ſeemed not juſt unto me that he who had the good fortune to be Conqueror, ſhould himſelf be diſarmed: Therefore I had then Megabiſes Sword, by reaſon of the f [...]ilt which was of a very extraordinary faſhion: So that as I came to the place Artabes had appointed, and where he punctually expected me: he no ſooner ſaw me but he knew the Sword of Megabiſes, and thought I had killed him: This fight ſuſpended all other thoughts for a time: Why now (ſaid he in coming towards me) I do not only ſee him who enjoyes Ameſtris, but alſo my brothers murderer: Your brother (ſaid I to him in going back) is not in that condition; and if it were as eaſie for me to leave loving Ameſtris, as it is to render you your brother, we ſhould be quickly friends: That cannot be ſo, ſaid he, for none of our Family uſe to quit their Swords but with their lives, but however it be, you muſt fight with me, and though that ſhould not be, yet I have other cauſes to hate your life; and wiſh your death: In the name of the Gods Artabes (ſaid I to him) do not urge me to kill the man I ſo much love, and lend me ſo much patience as to hear me a little: Artabes at theſe words ſtayed, and did not preſs upon me ſo hard: I began then to ſpeak of a hundred things (notwithſtanding my hate, and my reſentments) to bring him unto reaſon, though I could not do it; Why, ſaid I to him, do you not remember that I was your friend? Yes, ſaid he, but I remember better that you are my Rival, and ſuch a Rival who is to marry Ameſtris: The Gods are my witneſſes (ſaid I to him) I would yield her to you, if it were in my power, notwithſtanding all your treaſons againſt me: So would not I, anſwered this deſperate man) if it were my caſe; for if I thought my heart could ſtoop to yield her unto any one, I would run my Sword through it, for a puniſhment for a thought ſo baſe and unworthy of Ameſtris, But, replied I, though I ſhould not marry Ameſtris, perhaps Artabes would never be the better, but another might be more happy then us both: That other, replied he, ſhould be unto Artabes as Aglatidas is at preſent, that is, a man whoſe ſight nor life I could endure: If I look upon you a [...] friend, I am confounded at my treacheries which I cannot reperit of; If I look upon you as the Vanquiſher of my brother; I muſt revenge his diſhonour: If I look upon you as my [Page] Rival, I muſt hate you, and kill you if I can: But, ſaid I to him, muſt I ſight with you with the Sword of Megabiſes? and wound you with the Arms of your brother? My brother, ſaid he, is my Rival as well as you, and you imploy none but the Arms of an enemy againſt me, when you imploy his: In the name of our former friendſhip (ſaid I to him) do not force me to fight: In the name of our hatred and love to Ameſtris (replied he) diſcourſe no more: Upon theſe words he fell upon me, and I was forced to look to my ſelf: I was a long time only putting by the blows he gave, ſo long that I obſerved his anger and fury had loſt him his judgement; he ſtruck at random, and laid himſelf open all the while, and if I had a minde, I could have run him through a hundred times: But when I obſerved how he fought, I pitied him: and he ſhould not have died if he himſelf had not cauſed his deſtruction: When the Combat had laſted a long while, he obſerved how I ſpared him, and then that which ſhould have relented him, did the more exaſperate his fury; ſo that making a Paſs at me, and ſtepping on the wrong ſide with great violence he ran himſelf upon my ſword, which pierced him to the hilt; I drew it out inſtantly, but it ſeem'd I gave a freer paſſage for his ſoul, for he died immediately without ſpeaking one word. I confeſs to you Sir, I never found my ſelf more troubled then now, for indeed I loved Artabes very dearly, more I was ſorry it ſhould ſo fall out as as to be with his Brothers ſword; but that which I was moſt ſenſible of, was, becauſe it would retard my marriage, and force me for a time to forbear the Court, ſince Artabes was a man of that Quality: yet it ſo fell out that Artabes fell upon me, there were divers people Spectators of our actions, and ſuch as were able to teſtifie in my behalf if neceſſity ſhould require it: But as my ſorrows were extream, after I had entreated thoſe people to take care of the body of my unfaithfull and unfortunate friend, I went unto a Kinſmans houſe not far off that place: I was no ſooner there but I diſpatched a Letter to my Father, to Artambaces, and to Ameſtris, to acquaint him with the accident, and I neglected nothing which was fit to be done upon ſuch an unlucky occaſion: I will not loſe ſo much time as to relate the various cenſures of ſeveral men, ſince you will eaſily conjecture them: The death of Artabes made a great noiſe throughout the Court: The chance to fight with two Brothers in a day, and to kill Artabes with his Brothers Sword, were circumſtances, that in appearance did aggravate the matter; but in ſubſtance did not at all make me more guilty: yet notwithſtanding, Aſtiages ſeemed much incenſed, and Megabiſes thought his Brother had betrayed him, and was his Rivall, yet he could not chuſe but ſhew much reſentment of his death, and cloak the intereſt of his Love with Revenge of his Brothersdeath: Artambaces therefore and my father reſolved that for a while I ſhould keep cloſe, and get from Ec [...]atrn as I could, to the end a new quarrell with Migabiſes might be prevented; and they did both of them contribute all their endeavours to compoſe the matter: they had no ſooner reſolved upon my departure, but I was acquainted with it; and that I did foreſee as much, yet I could not chuſe but be much ſurpriſed at it: The thought of that felicity wherein I was before, and the condition wherein now I was fallen, did ſo much ſad me, as I hardly had the power over my own reaſon; I therefore ſent to beſeech my Father that he would be pleaſed to give me a little time to reſolve upon this irkſome departure, and to prepare my ſelf for it, which was eaſily granted unto, becauſe he knew I was in a Houſe which you ſafely conceal me; and he thought, though Aſtiages was much incenſed againſt him, yet he ſuppoſed that he would not long continue ſo againſt the Son of one who had ſo long time ſerved him. I ſtayed here ſome few daies, during which time I want three Letters unto Ameſtris, to obtain leave of her that I might come, and bid her adien, but notwithſtanding all my urgent praiers, and reaſons, I beleeve ſhe would never have ſuffered me, if I had not employed a Kinſman unto net, who was alſo a prevalent friend of hers: In concluſion Sir, I obtained Licenſe to come one night into the ſtately Gardens which are about a hundred paces from Ecbatan upon the South ſide, and whoſe vaſt extent was ſuch, that it deſerved the phraſe of a great Park rather then a great garden: Hither it is where thoſe who are weary of the tumultuous Town, uſe; to come and walk, there being much leſſe company then in the Kings Garden, or upon the Bank of Orantes. Perhaps you remember Sir, that in that place there is a great Border whoſe Partitions are graſſe, in the midſt of which there is a ſtately Fountain whoſe Baſſin is half ſable, half argent; whoſe ſides are coloured Maſſie green, whoſe largeneſs and coolneſs affords a very pleaſant neat unto thoſe which deſire to reſt themſelves: Then Sir, this great border is environed with a Table and thick wood, in which is many paths cut, and which by a hundred turns and returns makes the walk very long and difficult to finde the way out. Alſo it is much leſs frequented that not at all leſs pleaſant then the reſt; But becauſe the other [Page] borders are neerer the entrance, therefore they were more uſed, and none but ſolitary and melancholy perſons uſed to go unto this Fountain: It was in this place where the fair Ameſtris being perſwadeed by my Kinſwoman and her Friend reſolved to meet me: It would be hard Sir for me to tell you all the joy which I received at this welcome news: I forgot that I was to ſee her upon terms of bidding her farewell, and never thought of what might follow this enterview. I thought only of her permitting me to ſee her in a place where I might diſcourſe of my Love; and where perhaps I might receive ſome teſtimony from her that ſhe was not diſpleaſed with me. I came thither before break of day for fear of diſcovery: I paſſed away all the morning and the afternoon in a little Lodge at the farre end of the Walk, where none dwelt but the Gardiner, who for a little money will do what you pleaſe; the Sun no ſooner began to decline neer her Bed, but I aroſe, and went into the thick wood which compaſſeth about the green border of graſs, looking and longing with much impatiency for the coming of Ameſtris with abundance of impatience; The winde whifled not a leaf, but I thought I heard her coming, and her fair Idea preſented it ſelf ſo lively in my fancy, as though I ſaw her often when I ſaw her not: At laſt, the Sun being ſet, this glorious Star appeared, and I ſaw her come out of a part of the Wood, attended by my Kinſman, and three or four of her women; for though this ſecret meeting was no crime, yet this wife Lady did chuſe rather to come accompanied with a reaſonable number then a few. I no ſooner ſaw her, but I went to meet her, and preſenting her my hand, I led her unto the Fountain, where we were certain to be heard by none, nor fear any ſurpriſall: At firſt I thanked her for her goodneſs towards me with all the reverence and reſpect that was poſſible; but ſince time was precious, ſhe was no ſooner ſeated, but I kneeling unto her, whileſt my Cozen and the reſt of her women diſcourſed of the beauty of the place, ſome ſix paces from us: Madam (ſaid I to her) may the unfortunate Aglatidas beleeve that you have honoured him ſo far as to ſee him here with a good will? and was it not by chance that he hath this delight to meet you? No, Aglatidas (anſwered ſhe) it was by my own conſent that I ſee you, and I beleeve that my Father having commanded me to honour you very much, would think it no crime in me to give you this teſtimony of my eſteem, and (if I durſt ſay it) of my friendſhip: Ha Madam (ſaid I to her) hide not my happineſs from me, and if it be ſo that I am ſo happy as to move you unto any ſlight acknowledgement of my Paſſion, let me know Madam, whether it be your pleaſure to preſerve my life, and think not that I am of their humour who uſe to flatter themſelves, and expound all things to their own advantage; but on the contrary I do alwaies uſe to be jealous of my ſelf, and doubt whether any can eſteem me: therefore Madam, I beſeech you be ſo indulgent unto my weakneſs as not to incline ſo much unto that ſevere humour, which makes you think Love to be a crime, and which cauſeth you to uſe only theſe cruell words of eſteem and friendſhip in all your diſcourſe, but thoſe of Love and Paſſion are never heard from you: Be pleaſed to conſider that I am an unfortunate man, and am to be an Exile in ſome Countrey where I can finde no joy: Think I conjure you that I have need of ſome conſolation, during this cruell abſence, and that if you do not afford me ſome ſigns of your affection, I muſt die with deſpair and ſorrow; Do you think Aglatidas (ſaid ſhe to me) that theſe are ſmall things which I do for you? to come into the Garden, to admit you private Diſcourſe, and to hear you diſcourſe of your Paſſion, which how lawfull ſoever it be, yet has danger in it ſince it is ſo powerfull? and which cannot be endured by a maid without injury to her modeſty, if ſhe be really reaſonable: Why Madam (ſaid I to her) does a Paſſion which Artambaces and Hermaniſta approve of leave any ſcruple in the minde of Ameſtris? and is it a crime in Aglatidas, (who has not one ſingle thought to offend you) to tell you of his Love? Ha Madam, if it be ſo, I ſhall think my ſelf the moſt unhappy man upon earth; No No, Aglatidas (ſaid ſhe to me) I will not be ſo ſevere: I conſeſs (ſaid ſhe caſting down her eyes) that I eſteem too much to be angry with you for loving me, and I wiſh you may alwaies do ſo; I know not Aglatidas, if it were true that I did love you, ſince you would have me beleeve you love me; I know not I ſay whether it be not out of courſe to tell you as much, or whether it be not better to let you gueſs at my thoughts, then to explain them plainly; for indeed Aglatidas (ſaid ſhe) abſence does often weaken the ſtrongeſt affections: and if it ſhould ſo fall out that you ſhould alter, Ameſtris ſhould never enjoy her ſelf, if ſhe had once confeſſed her ſelf ſenſible of your Love: Ha Madam (ſaid I unto her) let not that conſideration deprive me of one favourable word from you: and be confident that when Aglatidas does not love his adored Ameſtris, then he is not in this world: Time and abſence are two potent enemies (Replied ſhe) Yes Madam, againſt weak men (replied I) but Aglatidas [Page] is not of that number, your fair eyes have too ſtrongly tied his heart ever to be diſengaged. But you Madam (ſaid I) whom all the earth adores, does tell me that you have reſerved one corner of your ſoul for ſome one of my illuſtrious Rivals, which you have not given unto me; for Madam I muſt conclude this from all that you have ſaid, that I am beholding unto Artambaces for all the favours of Ameſtris: You are not beholding to him for this Walk (replied ſhe) ſince none knew of it: Good gods Madam (ſaid I to her looking upon her) will you not determine my fate? and either poſitively tell me you hate Aglatidas, or you love him? the firſt is not juſt (Replied ſhe) and the other though it were no fault yet it were not very handſome. I beſeech you then Madam (ſaid I to her) be pleaſed to let me explain all your actions, and all your words unto my advantage, to make your eyes confeſs you love me, and let ſilence be a conſent ſince words muſt not. I permit you (ſaid ſhe to me bluſhing) to think all that will preſerve the life of Aglatidas, and to bring him to me full of fidelity home again; It is enough Madam (ſaid I to her) it is enough, and ſince it is your deſire I ſhould be conſtant, there needs no more to make me the happieſt of men: But Madam ſince you have by ſuch a glorious Commandment engaged me to be faithfull, dare I then perſwade my ſelf, that ſince you have done ſo, you will be ſo your ſelf? Beleeve it Aglatidas (ſaid ſhe then unto me) Ameſtris does not uſe to engage her heart upon eaſie tearms, and ſince you have a Place in it, nothing ſhall take it out but death: I leave you to judge Sir what effects theſe favourable words wrought in my ſoul; Then I took Ameſtris by the hand, and kiſſing it whether ſhe would or no, with as much reverence as love, I thanked her in ſuch paſſionate terms, that I dare ſay they mollified her heart; yet ſince I left Megabiſes, Otanes, and a hundred more in Love, Madam (ſaid I to her) I have one favour to deſire which I dare hardly name, and which yet I cannot conceal: then ſhe preſſed me to know what it was, aſſuring me that any thing which was not unjuſt, ſhould not be denied: that which I deſire Madam is, if without forfeiture of my reſpect I may name it, that you would be pleaſed to be as reſerved of your favors as you can both unto Megabiſes and Otanes, and a hundred others who are your ſervants, and not to let all my Rivals be happy, whileſt the unfortunate Aglatidas ſuffers unimaginable torments: I do ingeniouſly confeſs, Madam, that my deſire is unreaſonable, but Love knows no Laws of reaſon, nor can be kept within limits: I cannot promiſe you (anſwered ſhe) not to ſee them whom you call your Rivals: but I will aſſure you I will not give them any favourable reſpect: This is too little to ſatisfie my jealouſie Madam (Replied I) unleſs you will be pleaſed to do me ſo much honour as to promiſe me to reſpect them as little as can be poſſibly: for Madam (ſaid I) though your eyes be never ſo much diſpleaſed, yet they are alwaies lovely, ſo ſprightly and ſo divine, that it is much better to ſee them in their anger, then not to ſee them at all: Therefore Madam I beſeech you have compaſſion upon my imbecillity, and refuſe me not the conſolation to hope that my enemies ſhall not gain by my abſence: and that I may not be the only man which ſhall be deprived of that happineſs in ſeeing you: I would Aglatidas (ſaid ſhe to me) ſee your heart at reſt concerning that, and aſſure your ſelf that I will with as much care affect a ſolitude, as I ſhould rejoyce in your preſence and preſervation: But in conſenting unto this which you deſire, I muſt tell you thus much, that I will engage my ſelf no further then civility will permit, thinking it not juſt I ſhould promiſe more: That perhaps may be too little Madam (ſaid I) to ſatisfie my Love, though it be enough to ſatisfie one that gives Laws unto the whole world, and receives none from any but his own will: And indeed it is too much for me, if I do rightly conſider my little and your great merit, I ſhould conſume too much time Sir, if I ſhould relate all that was ſpoken at this ſad but pleaſant conference, but ſince it was grown very late, Ameſtris would part, and I parted from her both with ſorrow and ſatisfaction: The more obliging words ſhe had given me, the more unhappy did I conceive my ſelf in leaving her: and I could almoſt have wiſhed that ſhe had been leſſe favourable, that I might have been leſſe grieved: After I had a while continued my ſo much intereſted thoughts, I did ſo much love the cauſe of my grief that my grief became precious and pleaſant unto me: And I cheriſhed them with more care then I can expreſs unto you: and from that fatall minute when I left Ameſtris, until this, wherein I ſpeak unto you, I almoſt never ceaſed from entertaining them: I followed Ameſtris by my eyes as long as poſſible, and parted from her ſighing, not being able to ſpeak adieu: I returned unto my melancholy lodging, not minding my way, nor any thing elſe but my ſorrows; The Idea of Ameſtris with all her attracts, and charms, and all her ſplendour, appeared unto me, notwithſtanding the darkneſs of the night. Two daies after this enterview, I went into the Province of Ariſantines▪ where Artambaces [Page] procured a convenient Retreat for me, with one of his Friends who had been Governour of a conſiderable place; I will not relate my Melancholy ſorrows all this voyage and exile. It's enough you know that the violence of my love was ſo predominate in my heart, and my ſoul was ſo much infected with that Paſſion, as I was never at reſt: And to more augment my ſorrows, I was no ſooner departed but I received the ſad news that Hermaniſta being ſeiſed upon by a violent Feaver, did die the ſeventh day, and that Artambaces who loved her with unſpeakable tenderneſs, was fallen ſick upon it; But the misfortune ended not here, but a few daies after I heard that the loving Husband followed his wife to the grave: And that Ameſtris by Orders from the King was committed unto the Guardianſhip of one that was allied unto Megabiſes, and not at all a friend unto me: Imagine Sir, into what a condition this diſmall news tranſported me; for I was infinitely bound unto Artambaces and Hermaniſta; and moreover I reſented the ſorrows of Ameſtris: I imagined that I ſaw her in the hands of her enemies, who would not eaſily ſuffer me to ſee her, and upon the whole matter, I had nothing to relie upon but the fidelity of Ameſtris, which me thought I had not well enough deſerved, to put too much confidence to it: Not but that I knew my Father did very much deſire our Marriage: But yet there was ſome cauſe to fear, leſt if when he ſaw the King alter his minde in favour of Megabiſes, who had already made his peace, that then my Father ſhould comply with the time and alter his minde, in hopes he might more eaſily obtain my pardon: Thus I lived in ſuch Melancholy as may be more eaſily conceived then expreſſed: Ameſtris alſo for her part her life was very full of bitterneſs: I did write unto her conſtantly every week by an expreſs meſſenger whom I ſent, and ſhe did me ſo much favour as to anſwer me, and that with ſo much wit and wiſdom both, as her Letters moved no leſs wonder then love in me. As ſhe was extreamly troubled for the loſs of Artambaces and Hermaniſta, ſo ſhe writ unto me in ſuch ſad expreſſions as would have inſpired ſorrow in a ſoul that was in its height of jollity: She expreſſed ſuch tenderneſs for thoſe ſhe loved, that I almoſt wiſhed my ſelf in the room of Artambaces and Hermaniſta, that I might ſo receive the feeling teſtimonies of her affection. Alas, ſaid I, how well does this fair Lady know how to love thoſe whom it is her pleaſure to love? and how infinitely happy ſhould I be in the enjoyment of her affection in quiet and liberty? But whilſt I ſigh't and complain'd away my daies and nights, without any other comfort but the Letters of Ameſtris, my buſineſs rather went worſe then mended, becauſe Megabiſes having ingratiated himſelf in the Kings favour, did impede it; in ſo much as my Father alwaies ſent me word I ſhould come no nearer Ecbatan but reſt in patience: Ameſtris alſo feared I ſhould run ſome hazard for the love of her; and leaſt I ſhould expoſe my ſelf unto ſome freſh quarrell with Megabiſes or Otanes, who were buſie about her; he praied very importunately not to return too haſtily: Thus I ſaw I was arreſted, and remained in the moſt cruel anxiety that eve [...] did Lover; I knew that Megabiſes was ever upon better terms with Ameſtris then any other of my Rivals; that for a long time ſhe had treated us with equal reſpect: that Megabiſes was hanſome, and had Courage, Wit and Quality enough. Moreover I conſidered that his Eſtate was much augmented by the death of his brother Artabes, and that he was much in the Kings favour: So that as I made all theſe things Arms wherewith to perſecute my ſelf, I did charge my ſelf with all thoſe misfortunes which I feared; imagining, that if I had not killed Artabes I ſhould not have had ſuch cauſe to fear that Megabiſes could marry Ameſtris, becauſe he was not ſo rich, nor perhaps in ſuch favour: Thus did I live the moſt unhappy of men, alwaies perſwading my ſelf, that what I wiſht for, would never happen; and that which I feared would fall out every minute. Sometimes I could not hope that Ameſtris would continue ſincere and faithfull; ſometimes I conceited her Letters were but diſguiſements of her thoughts, and that all the teſtimonies of her affection were but tricks to delude me; but yet (as I knew afterwards) the amiable Lady preſerved her faith, and her ſelf inviolably for me; for ſhe did not only reſerve her Love for me; but ſhe acted ſo vigorouſly and ſo ſeverely with all the reſt of her Lovers, that if ſhe had inſpired meaner paſſions, her cruelty to them had abſolutely cured them. But as her beauty never begot any but violent loves they could not quite give over their deſign, but did daily perſecute her; yet her time of mourning which ſhe did really (as well in her heart as her habit) obſerve, furniſhed her with a ſpecious pretence of reſervedneſs and melancholy, ſhe kept her ſelf within thoſe limits as exactly a [...] upon ſuch occaſions is required: And ſhe became ſo ſolitary and retired, as thoſe who loved her had much ado to get ſo much opportunity as only to ſee her: The firſt moneth of her mourning being over, ſtill ſhe did not alter her ſable mode, but did refuſe all manner of diverſions whatſoever; only the converſation of Menaſtes (for ſo they called him that was [Page] my kinſman and her friend) was ſome comfort and pleaſure unto her: They went out ſometimes together to walk in the ſame Garden where I ſaw her laſt, and ſhe teſtified all that love could infuſe into a virtuous Lady, and certainly he infuſed in my behalf as much reſentments as he could into the adored Ameſtris: But alas, I was not a jot more happy; and I looked upon things much otherwiſe then they were: not but that I ſuppoſed Ameſtris to be faithfull unto me, and did really love me: But, O heavens, this pleaſant imagination, how delightfull ſoever it was, yet did it not free me from impatience; but I had an extream deſire which moved me to go unto Ecbatan, with greater hopes to ſee Ameſtris conſtant, then to ſee Ameſtris unfaithfull: In concluſion, I was ſo prompted both by my Love, and by my Jealouſie, that I reſolved for Ecbatan ſecretly, and to go unto that Gardiner, where I ſtaied a day, when I took my leave of Ameſtris, and whom I found very pliable to receive gifts, and do me any good office I ſhould imploy him in; ſo I went with one man only, making all poſſible haſte to be at Echatan, before any report of my departure could come either to my Father or to Ameſtris, becauſe I had obliged him with whom I dwelt, not to write of it unto the Court: My deſign was to arive in the night for fear of being known; and having ſent my ſervant unto the lodging which I appointed him, I went preſently to the Garden reſolving to inform my ſelf ſecretly how Ameſtris did before I ſaw her; after my ſervant had carried my horſes unto their lodging at the next Town: I paſſed away all the night in that place where I ſaw her laſt; and calling into my memorial the favourable words which I had from her fair ſelf; I was in ſuch delighting ſatisfaction as I cannot expreſs unto you: I know not by what ſecret charms this place did qualifie the turbulency of my ſoul; but I am certain that ſince I came thither, not any jealouſie or melancholy, or any other diſtempered paſſion troubled me, only my impatience, and longing deſires to ſee Ameſtris; and that was ſo great, that as I told you, I walked all the night, it being an abſolute impoſſibility to ſleep. Then, as I could no way let Ameſtris know of my arivall but by my kinſman, I muſt therefore ſtay untill day time; but I had the misfortune to underſtand that he was gone into the Country, and would not return untill the next day: Yet notwithſtanding I conceived it better to confine my ſelf unto my patience, then to hazard the diſpleaſure of Ameſtris, by letting her know the news by any way then as ſhe was accuſtomed to receive it. I will not tell you Sir, how reſtleſs I was that day in the Gardiners houſe, whither I was retired, to prevent my diſcovery: But I will tell you that as ſoon as the Sun was ſet, that I thought there was no danger to be within the little paths of the thick wood which compaſſed about the graſs border, in the midſt of which was the Fountain, as I have already told you▪ then I went thither to rejoyce my ſelf in that place, where I laſt ſaw her I loved: I look upon all the places where Ameſtris had been, eſpecially that where ſhe did ſit: It was here, in this very place (ſaid I) where the incomparable Ameſtris aſſured me of her conſtancy, when ſhe commanded it upon me, and where ſhe permitted me to think any thing that might conduce unto the preſervation of Aglatidas, and bring him back full of fidelity unto her: See (ſaid I to my ſelf, and as if I had ſeen her) ſee here adored Amestris, the ſame Aglatidas, the very ſame you deſired him to be, that is the moſt faithfull, the moſt amorous, and moſt paſſionate of all your Lovers: But my loved and adored Amestris (ſaid I) I hope you alſo will retain the ſame I left you; and I hope to have nothing to contend about, but that ſevere vertue which forbids you things moſt innocent: As I was in the midſt of theſe pleaſant contemplations, I diſcovered through the boughs of trees, on the other ſide of the green Border, one who ſeem'd to be Ameſtris, waited upon by three other women. I looked upon her moſt earneſtly, and I was confirmed in my belief: I ſaw ſhe made towards the Fountain, after ſhe had looked about her, to ſee if the coaſt was clear from any interruption of her ſolitude, ſhe ſat down by that pleaſant ſource, directly in the ſame place where I kneeled unto her when I took my leave: She leaned her head on one ſide upon her left hand, which did lie upon the moſs-colour edge of the Fountain, and letting her right hand negligently upon her garment, ſhe looked upon the water like one that was in a profound ſtudy, at leaſt as I might judge by her poſture, for her face was not towards me: But, O heavens, what operation had this viſion upon my ſoul? My heart trembled, my ſpirits were diſordered; and I was not maſter of my reaſon; I would have advanced towards her, though I had not power to ſtirre: and I know not what odd fancy, which I cannot expreſs, moved me to ſtay unſeen, rejoycing a while at that good fortune which chance afforded me beyond my hopes: Indeed Sir, my joy was ſo abſolutely predominate to my ſoul, as I was never ſenſible of the like; for I did not only ſee Ameſtris in a place where I hoped preſently to ſpeak unto her, but I ſaw her in ſuch a place as moved me to think ſhe thought of me; and that the end of [Page] her coming thither was but to remember our laſt diſcourſe: O moſt happy Aglatidas, ſaid I to my ſelf, what doſt thou muſe upon? Why doſt thou not preſent thy ſelf unto thy faithfull Ameſtris? upon theſe words, violently bending the bows which hindred my paſſage, I was going out of the wood to throw my ſelf at her feet, and to interrupt the thoughts ſhe had of Aglatidas, by rendring her Aglatidas himſelf: But when I was almoſt out of the Wood, and ready to enter into the green Border, I ſaw one on the other ſide, who by his garb and gallant aray, ſeem'd to be a man of quality: Then I retir'd with as much haſt, as I advanc'd before, and as Love is alwaies ingenious to perſecute thoſe who acknowledge it for their Soveraign, I ſuddenly exchanged my joy for inquietude; which of my Rivals is this, ſaid I, which comes to interrupt the thoughts of divine Ameſtris from her dear Aglatidas? Ha, ſaid I, if it be true, that I am in any corner of her heart, why ſhould I envy him that throws himſelf at her feet, to acquaint her with his paſſion? But who knows, ſaid I preſently, whether or no Ameſtris does not ſtay her to meet this happy Rivall? and whether ſhe do not prophane that place by her infidelity, which I took to be a teſtimony of her affection? Doubtleſs (ſaid I, being much tranſported, and hardly my ſelf, when I ſaw him advance towards her) this inconſtant woman ſtayes for him; for if it were not ſo, he would not make ſuch haſte, but would approach her with leſs ſtraining himſelf: But, O heavens, what multiplicity of ſorrows ſeized upon me, when I perfectly ſaw that he who came unto her was not only my Rival, but the moſt of all dangerous Rivals, Megabiſes▪ I could not think on it without extraordinary turbulency: Yet ſince from the place where I lay hid I could not ſee the face of Ameſtris, neither durſt I change place for fear of making ſuch noiſe as might diſcover me, therefore I could not preciſely know whether ſhe ſaw him coming or no: Yet as jealouſie blinds all objects, I did imagine ſhe ſaw him coming towards her; and by conſequence, becauſe ſhe did not riſe and go to him, therefore I beleeved ſhe ſtaied for him; and that there was a great familiarity between them, becauſe ſhe did him not the honour to ſalute him, nor uſe any manner of Ceremony: I know not Sir how I ſhould expreſs unto you my ſad reſentments at that time; but I am moſt certain that Love did never invent any ſo cruel to torment thoſe ſhe would puniſh, then that which I endured upon this occaſion. In concluſion Sir, to make it known unto you, that what joy ſoever the ſight of that fair and dear Perſon had given me in the inſtant before, I muſt tell you I could not chuſe but paſſionately deſire I were deſtroied, I wiſhed ſhe would riſe and be gone from that place: But, ſaid I, if ſhe go away I ſhall ſee her no more, yet if ſhe ſtay, I may perhaps ſee her beſtow her favours upon my Rivall; If ſhe ſhould riſe he would follow her, and I ſhould not ſee the manner of his treatment: But if ſhe do not go away, ſaid I, is it not an infallible proof that Megabiſes and ſhe are upon good termes? Go then, adored Ameſtris (ſaid I, joyning my hands) and ſtay not for my greateſt enemy: But alas, this illuſtrious Lady, never thought of going; for ſhe was ſo taken up with thoughts of Aglatidas and his long abſence, that ſhe never ſaw Megabiſes, until he was ſo neer her that ſhe could not ſhun him. She no ſooner perceived him, but ſhe roſe, contrary to my expectation: and as I knew afterwards, asked him with much ſeverity, why he came to moleſt her ſolitude: But, oh Heavens, as I did not ſee the face of Ameſtris, nor her ſidelity to me, nor her rigour towards Megabiſes, ſo I was not a jot ſatisfied: I was in a hundred mindes to ruſh out of the wood, and break off their diſcourſe which I could not underſtand: I thought to aſſault Megabiſes before the face of Ameſtris: yet ſeeing he had not a Sword, and I but one, I changed that deſign and deferred my revenge; and notwithſtanding my deſpair, my jealouſie, and all I ſaw, I had ſo great a reſpect unto Ameſtris, that though Megabiſes had had a Sword as I had mine, yet in conſideration of her, I think that I ſhould not have dared to have ſet upon him; beſides the conſideration of a ſcurvy noiſe which this manner of doing it would have raiſed: Therefore then I remained an immoveable ſpectator of this tedious diſcourſe: for as I exactly learned aftwards, after ſhe had ſhewed Megabiſes how ill ſhe took his abrupt intruſion, ſhe would have gone away: but he did conjure her ſo urgently to hear him, as the laſt time, proteſting unto her, that if after he had expreſſed himſelf, ſhe ſhould then for bid him any hopes of her affection, he would never importune her any more, nor ſee her; Ameſtris thinking ſhe had found a good occaſion to be delivered from the perſecution of Megabiſes, told him at the laſt, that he might ſpeak, upon condition it ſhould be the laſt time; and upon condition he would abſolutely reſolve, to follow her order whatſoever it might be: Megabiſes being glad in the midſt of his deſpair, that he had obtained permiſſion to ſpeak, after a low reverence, thanked Ameſtris for the favour ſhe had done him: But alas Sir, How deep a wound did this thanks make in my heart? and how little did I [Page] underſtand the truth of the paſſage? the Fountain was in the midſt of the Green Border; the Border was very large; the Wood which compaſſed it about, was every where equally diſtant from the midſt where they were, and the Border round: I was too far off to underſtand: I could come no neerer without diſcovery: I ſaw not the face of Ameſtris: I ſaw Megabiſes in a poſture of thanks for ſome favour, and I could conceive nothing but cauſe of deſpair; nor do nothing, but endure the moſt intollerable Hell that ever was. Yet Megabiſes, not to loſe his precious time, whereupon the joy or the ſorrow of all his life did depend, began to ſpeak unto her in theſe termes: You know Madam, ſaid he to her, that my Love to you has ever been ſo full of reverence, that it never almoſt durſt appear in your eye, but when deſpair had robd me of my reaſon, and forced me to reveal it: Yes Madam, I have ſuffered, I have endured without complaint, untill the news of that good fortune which Aglatidas was to enjoy, for me to diſpute with him for an Honour, unto which I thought I had as much right as he: For, indeed Madam, our Qualities are equall: I have Loved you ſince the firſt minute I ſaw you: I have ſerved you with an unparalleled aſſiduity, and unexampled fidelity: and all this Madam without receiving one favourable word from you, nor one common Smile which had the leaſt ſweetneſs intended in it towards me: I have found you civil, it is true; as long as only matters of indifferency were in agitation: but as ſoon as I had diſcovered my Paſſion, ha Madam, then, thoſe eyes, thoſe fair eyes which I adore, never looked upon me but in anger: you have ſhun'd me as an enemy: and to lap up all in a few words, I beleeve you have hated me: Yet for all this Madam, I have not left adoring you: you I ſay, who has deprived me of my reſt, and troubled the tranquility of my life: who has made me loſe a Brother whom I much loved: you rob'd him of his reaſon and vertue, and cauſed me to hate him; you have preferred the man who kil'd him with my own Sword: Yet Madam, I Love you ſtill, and ſhall eternally Love you: yet notwithſtanding there remains ſome beams of underſtanding in me, though my ſoul and ſpirits be infinitely troubled: and I deſire to conjure you to tell me without diſſimulation, What is the Cauſe of your averſion towards me? to the end I may regulate my reſentments: for although I know well that your Marriage was reſolved upon with Aglatidas, and I know that Artambaces Loved him, yet I am not reſolved whether it was by his choice or yours. Therefore tell me Madam I conjure you, Whether your inſenſibility of my Love, be an effect of your Sumpathy with Aglatidas, or your naturall Antipathy to Megabiſes: Speak Madam, I beſeech you, to the end I may know after what manner I ought to tranſact; and fear not my deſpair: but on the contrary I promiſe to acknowledge your ſincerity for a double favour when you ſhall pronounce the ſentence of death upon me. I could Madam (ſaid he) without further troubling my ſelf to diſcover your true thoughts, make uſe of other means, and take other courſes to effect my deſigns: you know that I do not ſtand upon ill termes with the King: and that you are at preſent with one of my friends and allies, who might advantage me more wayes then one; and that either by cunning, or the Authority of Aſtiages, I could take more violent and infallible courſes. But Madam, I cannot, I am not capable of ſuch wayes: the heart of Ameſtris is a thing which can never be gotten with ſatisfaction, but by her ſelf: therefore Madam, it muſt be you only which with ingenuity can tell me the ſecret of your ſoul: for if it be not engaged, then I ſhall eſteem my ſelf a moſt happy man, and will not deſpair of good fortune; but if Madam it be engaged, it is but juſt, that I only ſhould be unhappy and not be perpetually a trouble unto you, either to your ſelf, or to that happy Rivall whom you have choſen: Speak Madam I beſeech you (ſaid he to her in a moſt ſuppliant and paſſionate manner) and deny not unfortunate Megabiſes this ſmall favour: At theſe words he ſtopt, and with much impatience waited for the anſwer of Ameſtris, which I could not underſtand: But alas mine was more cruell? and when I thought that perhaps the anſwer of Ameſtris unto Megabiſes was favourable: I was upon the point of reſolving to leave the place where I was, and interrupt their Diſcourſe: Yet notwithſtanding it being the nature of jealouſie to nouriſh poiſon, and to ſeek that which will maintain it, and ſhun that which would deſtroy it, ſo I kept my ſtation, and endeavoured to know by the countenance of Megabiſes, whether the anſwer of Ameſtris was gracious to him or no: for (as I told you before I could not ſee hers: This wiſe Lady then, being moved with ſome compaſſion towards Magabiſes, reſolved to try if ſhe could cure him, by telling him her very reall thoughts: But here admire Sir the fantaſticall effects of Love: Ameſtris diſcovered more things now to my advantage, unto Megabiſes, then ever ſhe had diſcovered unto me in all her life, and whileſt ſhe was telling them, I took them for ſo many injuries done unto my [Page] own heart, ſuppoſing all her actions and geſtures to be Teſtimonies of a new Paſſion: and all thoſe words which I could not underſtand to be ſo many infidelities: After then a little ſtudy upon that which ſhe would anſwer, I know not (ſaid ſhe to him) whether what you tell me be your reall thoughts or no; but I know very well that I will not diſſemble mine: Know then Megabiſes that I have eſteemed you according to your deſerts, and I held you in a degree of friendſhip as long as I beleeved you intended nothing but civility towards me; but ſince you have given me ſuch teſtimonies of a violent paſſion, I do think that I ought not to deceive you by any falſe ill-grounded hopes: for ſince I was reſolved abſolutely to obey my father, I would never give my own minde leave to determine upon any thing: What (ſaid Magabiſes interrupting her) if Artambaces had commanded you to accept of my ſervices, would you have conſented? Doubtleſs I had (anſwered ſhe:) But (ſaid he) have you the ſame reſolved blinde obedience for Aglaridas? and did not your own choice precede the choice of Artambaces? It did not precede his,: anſwered this lovely Lady: But Megabiſes, it is ſo ſtrongly confirmed that nothing can alter it: Never think (ſaid ſhe) that by acknowledging I do not hate Aglatidas, this ſhould give you any ground for hope, that ſince my heart is ſo ſenſible of him, it can ever be ſo of yours: No Megahiſes deceive not your ſelf, I love Aglatidas, becauſe my Father when he was dying commanded it, and becauſe my own inclination does not refuſe it, and becauſe my own reaſon argues for him: But beſides all this I muſt acknowledge ſomething more unto you, and tell it in hopes to cure you, though I cannot without bluſhing tell you that I doe love him, and I will love him eternally: I have no other reaſon to give you but I do and will love him: Love (ſaid ſhe) is doubtleſs a Paſſion, which if it were poſſible we ought not to have: But when it is entertained, and innocent as mine is, it ought to be made illuſtrious by an inviolable conſtancy; My Fathers command hath rendred the originall of this Paſſion in me to be no crime; and I muſt not make it become criminall by infidelity; never think Megabiſes that there is any thing offenſive unto you in the affection I have unto Aglatidas: I choſe him not, but he was given unto me, but ſince I have accepted of him, I muſt preſerve him till death, and keep my ſelf for him as long as I live: yet notwithſtanding to reſtifie that I will do all I can for you; I perſwade you to regulate your thoughts if you can: Content your ſelf with my eſteem and friendſhip, and be confident you ſhall enjoy both them as long as I live: Amoſtris having done ſpeaking, the unhappy Megabiſes, who bore an unconceivable reſpect unto her, in lieu of breaking into complaints and reproaches, thanked her for her freedom and ſincerity, and teſtified with tears in his eyes that he was much obliged unto her for offering unto him her eſteem and friendſhip; but as he had a little changed his ſtarion, ſo that I could ſee no more then his ſide; I could not perceive any melancholy in his face, I only ſaw a geſture, as if he had given thanks for ſomething, which (as you may conceive) did not a little vex me; yet Megabiſes after he had a little deplored his misfortune, and admired at the change and his own moderation, told Ameſtris, that he durſt not promiſe her an alteration in his thoughts: But at the leaſt Madam (ſaid he) I will ſo hide them that you ſhall never perceive them, and ſo far I will promiſe you: I will not have you (ſaid he ſighing) divide your heart: No Madam, ſince I can have no room in your affection ſuch as I with never beſtow your eſteem nor your friendſhip upon me neither: Drown all thoſe petty favours in the love you bear unto too happy Aglatidas, and give nothing unto unfortunate Megabiſes, only one favour which he deſign'd to ask you: After this Madam he will be as good as his word, he will ſpeak unto you no more: therefore Madam (ſaid he with eyes full of teans) refuſe not to grant me this Requeſt; and permit me during this Baniſhments which I intend, to ſay, that you have not abſolutely forſaken me▪ Aſſure your ſelf (ſaid Ameſtris to him) any thing which will neither offend againſt my own duty, nor Aglatidas ſhall not be denied you; Say then only Madam (added he) that if deſpairing Megabiſes had been happy, he might have been loved by the divine Ameſtris, and that being unfortunate ſhe hath only ſome ſlight compaſſion upon his misfortune: I have already ſaid the firſt (anſwered ſhe) and for the ſecond, as I am neither blinde nor ſtupid, and do ſee things as they are; and as I ought to ſee them, and to ſay more, I think as I ought to think of them: but ask me no more and remember your Promiſes: I die, if I remember them Madam (anſwered he) but I will never forget them: at theſe words he kneeled to give her thanks and bid his laſt adieu, and before ſhe had any time to hinder it, or make any ſign, ſhe was diſpleaſed with it, he kiſſed her hand twice: Oh Heavens Sir, what did I think I ſaw what I now tell you? at that very inſtant both my Love and my Love and my Jealouſle gave place unto another paſſion, and that was hatred; or to ſay better, [Page] Hatred, and Love, and Jealouſie, Anger, Fury, Rage, met and mingled all together in my minde: and all ſtriving to be predominate in my ſoul, put it into a great diſorder, ſo that I had no reſpect for Ameſtris; I began then to come out of the wood where I was hid, and reſolved to beſtow a thouſand taunts upon her, and perhaps worſe upon Megabiſes, when preſently I diſcovered the King attended by the whole Court, who contrary to cuſtom came to walk there: the Guards no ſooner appeared but Ameſtris parted from Megabiſes, who for his part went to lament his misfortunes in ſome ſolitary place; But they neither of them came towards the place where I was, and ſtaied alone, not being able either to complain or revenge my ſelf: I went into the thick of the wood, but ſo tormented by all paſſions that I could not fix my minde upon any object; I no ſooner began to think of the infidelity of Ameſtris, but I thought of Megabiſes his good fortune: and as ſoon as I thought to come plain of my Miſteſs, but I began a deſign to revenge my ſelf upon my Rivall: My ſoul was ſo tormentingly toſled that I was not a minute at quiet in my ſelf; yet as the King came late, ſo he ſtaid not long: Night coming on apace I only waked and ſtaid in the Garden, I remember the Moon ſhined very weakly that night, becauſe ſhe was at the laſt end of her courſe, and that dim Melancholique light ſuited beſt with my humour, after I had ſent my Servant to fetch my Horſes, I paſſed away the night without ſetting down or reſting my ſelf, only a little while upon the ſide of the Fountain: I walked in every path, and one might have ſaid I was ſeeking my Miſtreſs and my Rivall in every corner of the wood, although I knew neither of them were there; But when I came to the place where I ſaw them together, It was here (ſaid I) where I ſaw the unfaithfull Ameſtris beſtow a favour upon my Rivall, ſuch a one as I durſt never pretend unto: Here it was, in this place (added he) where I received ſuch a favour as I thought none could ever have obtained but my ſelf: Yes Ameſtris, I thought your virtue was ſo preciſe that without the aſſiſtance of Artambaces I ſhould never have obtained any place in your heart: but for ought I ſee, Megabiſes needs none to help him unto the Soveraignty of your heart; and your inconſtancy has excluded the unfortunate Aglatidas: But cruell Lady (ſaid he) muſt you needs chuſe the very ſame place which was the only Teſtimony of that love you gave me, and there beſtow your favours upon Megabiſes? Muſt you needs betray me there where you promiſed your fidelity unto me? Is it poſſible but that in ſpeaking unto Megabiſes you ſhould remember Aglatidas? Does not the murmure of this Fountain, with which you ſaw me mingle my tears at parting, put you in minde of him? Did not that moſſe-green Cuſhion upon which you leaned remember you that I bedewed it with my tears? Cruell and perfidious Lady, have you forgot how you drew back your fair hand which I would have kiſſed, and which Megabiſes hath obtained with your full conſent: Why (unjuſt and ungratefull Ameſtris) were you ſo liberall unto him, and ſo [...]igardly of your fayours unto me? Do you not remember how you permitted me to think of any thing that might preſerve Aglatidas, and bring him back unto you full of fidelity? Would you have him preſerve himſelf only to ruine him? and did you deſine him to continue conſtant, to the end he might be more ſenſible of your infidelity? If it had been your minde I ſhould have been unhappy, had not that been enough, but you muſt make me ſenſible of it alſo? Had it not been more honour for you to have treated me ill then to betray me? You had been only cruell then, and perhaps leſs unjuſt; but as you have now uſed me; you are cruell, wicked, perfidious, and inhumane; But alas (ſaid I) is it poſſible that all the while I courted Ameſtris, ſhe did not love me? Whether it is that ſhe alwaies did deceive me or has changed her minde? Muſt I look upon Ameſtris, as one that is a cheat, and inſenſible, ſuch a one as laughs at the misfortunes of another? or muſt I think her weak, unconſtant, and a Lover of novelty? who loves thoſe ſhe ſees, and forgets thoſe ſhe ſees not? Such a one as gives her heart to any, that asks it? But alas (ſaid I) that heart, that glorious heart, has coſt me too dear in the obtaining for that to be ſo. How many tears have I dropt? how many unprofitable ſighs? and what abundance of pains have I taken before I could receive the leaſt ſhadow of any good will unto me? what then can I think of you unfaithfull Ameſtris? have you ever loved me? or have you ever hated me? Ha, No No (ſaid I preſently) you did love me when I laſt left you; I diſcovered your heart moved, I perceived in your eyes whether you would or no, ſome tears of tenderneſs which your modeſty did ſtrive to keep in: You did hide ſome of your reſentments from me, you grieved when I left you, and certainly you did then love me moſt lovely Ameſtris; But unhappy man▪ that I am, you did not love me more then you had reaſon for: I [...] (ſaid I) that abſence is moſt dangerous, but alas, I was abſent for the love of you. Moreover you have alwaies writ unto me, as if you had continued faithfull and [...] I ſee you [Page] the moſt unfaithfull woman that ever was: Ha, too happy Megabiſes (ſaid I) never think you ſhall enjoy your happineſſe quietly: for I muſt revenge the wrong that you have done me. Is it thou, who by ſome trick or other has altered the heart of Ameſtris; and ſeduced her from her good inclinations to me: It muſt be thou doubtleſs who is the only cauſe of her Crime, and my misfortune: I will therefore have this reſpect unto Ameſtris, as not to ſpeak any thing unto her concerning it; nor complain of her injuſtice, nor charge any but him only who has made her culpable. But Oh Heavens (ſaid I) Ameſtris is one of an excellent wit and judgement; ſhe cannot eaſily be deceived: Artabes as cunning as he was, could do no good upon her: No, no; let me not flatter my ſelf (ſaid I) the heart of Megabiſes holds correſpondence with Ameſtris; ſhe is as culpable as he: and he enjoyes not her affection, but becauſe ſhe has given it unto him. If I ſhould tell you all I ſaid, Sir, and all I thought upon, I ſhould not finiſh my ſad ſtory this night, but ſhould too much abuſe your patience and goodneſs: I will only relate, that I intended a hundred times to quit Ameſtris, to forget her, and ſcorn her: then again I reſolved a hundred times alſo, to repent and Love her eternally, maugre her crime: there was only one reſolution which I kept conſtantly in my minde, which was, to kill Megabiſes, whereſoever I found him; but yet I did not know ſometimes whether I ſhould Love or hate Ameſtris: yet however I was fixed upon it to ruin my Rivall: Day and my Horſes were no ſooner come, but I ſent my Servant to know whether Megabiſes was with her, and inform me of it; but to my ill fortune, he was gone into the Country, and none of his men could tell which rode he took: This chance did much diſpleaſe me; and the thought, that this meeting of Megabiſes and Ameſtris, was only to bid adieu in that place, did double my deſpair: Then I ſent to ſee whether Menaſta was returned out of the Country, to the end I might make my complaints unto her of the perfidy of her friend; but I underſtood ſhe was fallen ſick, and could not ſo ſuddenly return: Then was I the moſt deſpairing man upon earth: I had ſeen ſuch paſſages as moved me not to doubt of the Infidelity of Ameſtris: I ſaw her more fair then ever, at leaſt in my imagination: My Rivall was abſent; my only confident was ſick, ſo that I had no opportunity either to lament or revenge my ſelf. I ſtayed two dayes cloſe in a little Town neer Ecbatane, in this deplorable condition, with intentions to be informed whether Megabiſes was gone; but do what I could, there was no certainty of it to be learned: I was only told that he went that way which leades into the Province of the Ariſantines, which was the place of my retreat: yet becauſe there was divers croſs wayes conducting to ſeverall places, I could not conclude any certainty thereupon; yet I did imagin that he was gone to ſeek me out and fight with me, that ſo he might more quietly enjoy Ameſtris: This thought made ſuch impreſſion in me, that I took horſe to return, enquiring very exactly all the way for him: ſometimes thinking I had found him, and then preſently found my ſelf deceived: I came at laſt to the place of my retreat without any intelligence of Megabiſes: At my return I found a Letter from Ameſtris which came during my abſence, and which did vex me ſo much as it would have pleaſed me if my minde had not been prepoſſeſſed: but ſince it is not very long, and ſerves to the purpoſe which I intend, I will relate it to you; and if I be not miſtaken it was thus indited;

From Ameſtris unto Aglatidas.

SInce you have ſo much Curioſity and deſire to know how I do, and what my diverſions are, know, that I do ſhun the tumultuous Court as much as hanſomely I can; that there is only one, whoſe Converſation I can endure without regret; and that I do as much as I can, make this Converſation ſolitary and retired, you may very well imagin that I do not chooſe the Gardens of the Palace for my walks, but the Fountain in the Green Plain, is the ordinary place where I entertain that only one Perſon, who at preſent can afford me any delight in Ecbatane: there it is where I entertain my ſelf: I will not tell you Aglatidas all my thoughts in this retired place, for perhaps it will more conduce unto your quiet, to keep you ignorant; and perhaps alſo it will be more advantagious unto Ameſtris if you do not gueſs at them.

I beſeech you Sir, to wonder at the odneſs of this accident; If I had received this Letter, before I had ſeen what I did, I had been raviſhed with joy: for then I ſhould have underſtood this ſolitude whereof ſhe ſpeaks, to have been for the Love of Aglatidas; I ſhould have taken that only Perſon which ſhe could endure, to have been my Cozen with whom ſhe had diſcourſt of me; I ſhould have thought her going to the Fountain in the Green Plain, had [Page] been to remember the laſt time I ſaw her: and ſhould doubtleſs have thought her Letter to be infinitely obliging, ſince in telling me it would not conduce to my quiet, that I ſhould know her muſing thoughts, I ſhould have interpreted her meaning was, that the knowledge of her ſorrowes would augment mine: And I ſhould have thought that none could expreſs affection more ſtrongly and gallantly then ſhe did in the end of her Letter, in ſaying, that perhaps alſo it would be advantagious for her that I ſhould not gueſs her thoughts: But Sir, this Letter did work a far different effect in my minde; and I expounded it in a quite oppoſite ſenſe to what ſhe did mean it: I did apprehend it ſo inhumane, that ſeeing ſhe betraied me and had written to me in a double ſenſe, I beleeved that the more to oblige Megabiſes, ſhe had ſhewed him the Letter: yes yes perfidious Ameſtris (ſaid I in reading the Letter, and commenting almoſt upon every word) I have ſome deſire to know what you do, and what are your diverſions, I know indeed that you do not lie when you write unto me that you ſhun the tumult of the Court, and that there is but one perſon whom you can endure without regret, and that you alſo do what you can to have that converſation in a ſolitary and retired place: you tell me cruell Ameſtris, that I may imagine you ſhun the Gardens of the Palace for your walks; but perfidious as you are. I cannot imagine you go unto the Fountain in the green Plain unto any other end then to entertain Megabiſes: yet I do underſtand and ſaw with my own eyes that the only perſon in Ecbatan which can pleaſe you is the too happy Megabiſes: You ſay further, that you entertain your ſelf: Ah, I have ſeen too much, cruell Ameſtris, I wiſh the gods I had not ſeen it: But you have reaſon (ſaid [...]) to ſay, that it would conduce unto my quiet to be kept ignorant of your Muſings, and more reaſon to ſay that it would not be advantagious unto Ameſtris that I ſhould gueſs at them: But how (unjuſt Lady) can you acknowledge them a wrong, and not repent of them; but perhaps you writ this Letter before that cruell diſcourſe with Megabiſes: and indeed I was not miſtaken in my conjecture, for looking upon the Date of the Letter, and remembring the day I ſaw them together, I found it was writ the day before it: This did put me into ſo hot a chafe, that I was reſolved to uſe all poſſible means for the curing of my ill-grounded Paſſion: You may eaſily conceive that I took up this reſolution with abundance of ſorrow, and that I was to endure more then one Combat before I could overcome: I reſolved to wait until Fortune gave me an opportunity to be revenged of Megabiſes, and not to travell the world over in queſt of him, as I once intended: and I reſolved to ſurmount thoſe reſentments which Love had infuſed into my ſoul: I would not anſwer Ameſtris nor ſeek for any Conſolation in reproaching or taxing her for her crime; but I commanded him who uſed to receive the Letters, to ſend them back again without letting me ſee them or opening of them: If you ever were in love Sir, I need not tell you what I endured upon this occaſion: You will eaſily know that it is a moſt difficult thing to break ones heart of a violent paſſion: That I have reaſon enough not to think upon Ameſtris; yet I thought perpetually upon her: and it is in vain to make any offers to ſcorn her, ſince I did ever eſteem her more then all the world: I ſought out company and diſcourſe, thinking to divert my ſelf that way; but it was ſo diſtaſtefull that ſolitude was leſs ſupportable: I called books to my relief, but in them I found nothing but good improfitable Counſels: I went to hunt▪ but I found that my wearineſs of body did nouriſh the diſtempers of my minde: In concluſion I reſolved to let time cure that which nothing elſe would: But O Heavens, this remedy was long and tedious. All this while the innocent Amestris, ſhe hearing no news of me, and ſeeing all her Letters ſent back, gave over writing to me any more, and was in a very ſad condition: Sometimes ſhe imagined I was dead, but my Cozen underſtood from my Father that it was not ſo: They endeavoured, but in vain, to finde out the cauſe of my ſilence; and the innocence of Amestris was ſuch as ſhe could not gueſs at it: She had ſome fears that Megabiſes would render but an ill account unto me, and had told him ſome tales of her: But upon ſecond thoughts ſhe could not beleeve him ſo baſe as to do ſuch a vile act, nor me to be ſo weak as to beleeve him ſince I was his Enemy and Rivall; ſo that there was no likelihood of any ſuch thing; for he was too much a man of honour to uſe any ſuch cheats▪ alſo he was going to live in a place where he could enjoy no fruits of his policy, ſince it was then known that his deſpair had carried him into thoſe wars which were then up in Lidia: What did not then the amiable Ameſtris think? and of what crime did ſhe not accuſe the unfortunate Aglatidas? She thought him to be unconſtant, that ſome new beauty and freſh paſſion had wrought a change in him, and upon that thought ſhe would forget her ſorrows, and repent ſhe had ever loved him: She told a hundred Stories againſt me and my Love, and did all ſhe could to take that heart from me which ſhe had given me; Menaſta who loved [Page] me very well, and who was returned out of the Countrey, was not able to excuſe me, but ſhe nouriſhed all her angry thoughts againſt me: Indeed Sir, it might very well be ſaid that we were both of us as unfortunate as we were innocent, In the mean time, he with whom Ameſtris lived, and who had a deſire to pleaſure Megabiſes, and who ſeeing that he was abſent, alſo knowing that there were abundance which pretended unto Ameſtris, intended to take a Voyage in the Province Ariſantines, where the greateſt part of his Eſtate was, to take ſome order concerning urgent buſineſs there; for Sir, it was unknown at Court, whither I was retired, and this man did not know I was there. Ameſtris who could not endure the Court was much againſt her minde, and who deſired to hide her ſorrows, was very glad of the motion, and much the more (as I heard ſince) becauſe ſhe hoped coming into that Province where I was, ſhe might finde out the cauſe of my alteration, of which yet ſhe was ignorant: In the mean time, as the abſence of Megabiſes did facilitate the matter, my Father having obtained my favour with the King, commanded me to return unto Ecbatan, juſt at the ſame time when Ameſtris went out of it. I confeſs I received this news with ſorrow, and ſhould have been content to have continued longer in baniſhment: Yet notwithſtanding I thought to tell things as they were, and ſeemed to beleeve that my heart was ſufficiently cured from fear of any more wounds at the ſight of Ameſtris: I then returned unto Ecbatan and met her not, becauſe ſhe took another way: I cannot relate Sir what troubles my minde was in when I came near Ecbatan, when I entred into it, and paſſed by the Palace gate of Artambaces. I feared to meet Ameſtris, and I looked about me exactly in paſſing through all the ſtreets: I would have deceived my ſelf, and not known the place where ſhe was: But alas, that I ſhould know my ſelf ſo little, and that I ſhould be ſo ignorant of what was to come: I was no ſooner lighted from my Horſe, but I went to my Fathers chamber who received me with unexpreſſible joy: though he reſented ſome ſorrows to ſee my face ſo altered as it was: for indeed Sir I was ſo much changed, that I doubted whether I ſhould have been taken for my ſelf: My Father at laſt told me that he had been ſo ſollicitous about the buſineſs which concerned my life, that he never thought of preſſing forward the buſineſs of my marriage, becauſe that might have too much incenſed Megabiſes both unto love and unto revenge: Sir, ſaid I unto him, you have done very well, for at the preſent, Marriage is a thing which I more fear then deſire: My Father deſired me to explain that Enigma, but I excuſed it, and went unto my old Chamber in a mighty melancholy. The next morning my Father carried me unto the King, who received me very well, and who would have reconciled the Family of Megabiſes and ours, but as for Megabiſes he was not yet returned unto Ecbatan. In going from the Court, I was not long alone, for the report of my return was no ſooner divulged in Ecbatan, but many of my friends came to viſit me: And ſince my Love unto Ameſtris was known unto every one; After the firſt complements were paſſed Arbatan the Brother of Harpagus (whom the King had heretofore employed to deſtroy young Cyrus) who was in the Catalogue of my beſt friends, asked me if I did not meet the fair Ameſtris upon the way as I returned to Court: I bluſht at the name of Ameſtris, and asked my friend whether Ameſtris was in Ecbatan or no; to which he anſwered, that queſtionleſs ſhe was not: But here Sir, admire what Love can do! I was no ſooner aſſured of her abſence but I reſented both joy and ſorrow together: and my minde was ſo divided upon this occaſion, as I could determine upon nothing: yet notwithſtanding I think that if the ground of my heart had been well examined, I ſhould have more deſired her return to Ecbatan then rejoyced at her abſence: not that I was fully reſolved never to make the leaſt ſhadow of Love unto her, but, not to diſguiſe the matter, I did yet love her more then I thought I ſhould: and it is the naturall quality of Love to deſire the ſight of the party loved: I reſerved my minde ſo cloſely all the time of this converſe, that I never was the firſt which ſpoke: I had a hundred deſires, that every one ſhould ſpeak unto me of it, but I never durſt ſpeak of it my ſelf: ſince I had no other confidents unto whom I durſt open my Paſſions; but Artabes who now was dead, and Menaſta who was gone with Ameſtris: I could not make misfortunes known unto them who already knew them not. Yet notwithſtanding I altered my reſolution, and Artaban did ſo diligently ſeek my friendſhip, and enquired concerning the cauſes of my profound melancholy which appeared in my face, and all my actions, that I being moved by his affection and my own ſorrows, did acquaint him with the originall of my Love, with its progreſs and end; for ſometimes I was ſo bold as to ſpeak as if I were no more in Love. It chanced one day when we were both alone together, and diſcourſing of ſome Paſſages at Court, I took the heart to tell Artaban that the time was when I loved Ameſtris; But Sir, in pronouncing theſe words I bluſht: And [Page] Artaban, embracing me, ſaid, Ah my dear Aglatidas, you do love ſtill, your face does betray you, your heart has more ſincerity then your tongue: I know not whether I love yet (ſaid I unto him ſighing) but I do know very well that I ought not to love her any longer, and more then that, I will not love her any longer. Love (anſwered he unto me) does not uſe to ask counſesl of reaſon, nor deſire the conſent of our wills to ſubject us; The ſame violence which made it maſter of our hearts whether we would or no, can maintain it by the ſame waies: Love (ſaid Artaban) is not a lawfull King but a Tyrant, which does not more kindely uſe them who do not defend themſelves, then they who will diſpute with it for their liberty, and who will have the Soveraignty where it would reign: Whatſoever it can do (ſaid I) whether I love Ameſtris or whether I love her not, ſhe ſhall never have any more ſhews either of Love or hatred from me: You will ſoon change this Opinion (Replied he unto me:) There needs not many words to prove that every minute of your Life ſpeaks Love unto her; all your Diſcourſes, and all your actions do manifeſt that you will be alwaies faithfull unto her: your Paſſion of her is very lively painted in your eyes: for (ſaid he, not giving me time to anſwer him) From whence elſe can this ſtrange alteration which appears in your face, in your ſpirits, and in all your humours procede? from what cauſes can ariſe this profound melancholy, this Solitude which you prefer before all your friends; theſe continuall ſighs; that indifferency wherewith you look upon all Court-diverſions, from whence can theſe proceed but from your being in Love? I do not nor will not love Ameſtris any more (replied I) and I hate all the reſt of the world beſides, except Artaban. And why do you hate them? (anſwered he) ſo many brave and gallant men, who do court you, and infinitely honour you? what will they do? what will ſo many fair and amiable Ladies as are in Ecban ſay? what has nature and they done that you ſhould thus hate them? No no Aglatidas (continued he) deceive not your ſelf, you do love Ameſtris and you do love her ſo much as you hate all the world beſides: If you did not love her, doubtleſs you would not hate others, but would love them as all other grave men uſe to love them: If I did love Ameſtris (ſaid I to him) I ſhould have wiſhed her return, and have known of her departure, and have reſented it: This reſentment (Replied he) is no leſs a mark of your Love then your wiſhes; for Ameſtris cannot be terrible unto you: you cannot fear her return but you muſt love her: Moreover (ſaid he) what other ground can you finde for your Melancholy? You are beloved of all the world; you have a Father which conſents unto any thing you deſire; your quality is inferiour unto few; you are abundantly rich; you enjoy youth and health; you are of a compleat and handſome deportment (ſaid he flatteringly) you have courage and reputation enough: What is it then Aglatidas that you want? Where is any ground for your Melancholy? The remembrance of my misfortunes (anſwered I) the remembrance of your misfortunes (replied he) ſhould cauſe your joy when they are paſt: You had better have ſaid your misfortunes do continue: But I beſeech you (ſaid he) what will make you happy? They muſt be things impoſſible (ſaid I to him) nothing elſe but that Ameſtris had never been perfidious: What then (Replied Artaban) is your good fortune ſo inſeparably annexed unto Ameſcris? Can you never be happy without Ameſtris? You are very urgent (ſaid I to him) and I will anſwer you no more: Tell me you cannot anſwer, but at the ſame time confeſs that you are the moſt in love of any man in the world: But my Dear Aglatidas, (ſaid Arbatan) why do you conceal ſo great and dangerous a diſeaſe which can never be cured but by diſcovering it? I hide it (ſaid he and changing colour) becauſe I think it incurable; and if I did not infinitely love Arbatan, I ſhould not tell him as I do, that in deſpight of my reaſon and againſt my will, Ameſtris the perfidious Ameſtris does take up all my thoughts, and poſſeſſes my heart whether I will or no: As I left ſpeaking, Artaban embracing me, began; Now (ſaid he to me) you have told me your diſeaſe, I will endeavour to cure it: I beleeve you wiſh it (ſaid I to him) but it is not ſo eaſie to do as to ſay it; for know Artaban, that though Ameſtris ſhould repent her of her infidelity, and come to me with tears in her eyes, I could not yet be perfectly ſatisfied: the remembrance of what is paſt would keep me in continuall inquietude for the time to come; and I ſhould poſſeſs a treaſure which I ſhould be in perpetuall fears to loſe: As often as ſhe gave me any obliging language, I ſhould imagine that the ſame expreſſions were uſed in favour of my Rivall: And I could not reſpect the heart of Ameſtris otherwiſe then as a prophaned Altar: What if Ameſtris (ſaid then Artaban) ſhould with all her charms and beauty ask pardon for her weakneſs and change, would you refuſe her? Ah cruell friend (ſaid I to him) what delight can you take in perſecuting me in lieu of preſerving me? and telling me of ſuch impoſſibilities? But if it ſhould ſo happen (ſaid he to me) [Page] how would you uſe her? In ſpight of all my inquiſitive jealouſies which fills my heart, I think I ſhould throw my ſelf at her feet, and hearken unto her repentance, to aſſure her of my eternal love, and to require more exact fidelity from her, then hitherto ſhe has obſerved. But alas, how far am I from that condition? But will you follow my counſel (ſaid Artaban to me?) I will do any thing (ſaid I to him) that would procure me ſome conſolation. If ſo (ſaid he) neglect not what I ſhall tell you, and know, that conſidering the ſtate of your ſoul, I have found an infallible remedy, either to make Ameſtris give you full ſatisfaction, or elſe to rid you of your paſſions to her. If I ſhould hearken unto Reaſon (ſaid I unto him) I ſhould rather chuſe the ſecond then the firſt; but if I hearken unto my own heart, I ſhould prefer the firſt before the ſecond. Know then (ſaid Artaban unto me) ſince Love is ſo noble a Paſſion, as nothing can recompenſe it but it ſelf; and is ſo powerfull, that nothing can overcome it but its own forces: you muſt love, to make Love ceaſe; and the hatred which commonly ſucceeds that Love, is but Love diſguiſed under an appearance of anger; which is more dangerous then if it appeared in its natural colours. In ſhort, Aglatidas (ſaid he to me) you muſt cure one Paſſion with another; and to make you leave loving Ameſtris, you muſt love another Beauty. Alas (replied I then) how eaſie a matter it is for Artaban to give ſuch counſel, and how hard it is for Aglatidas to follow it? But (anſwered he me) the Remedy which I will tell you ſhall be eaſie, and not ſo impoſſible as you think it: Truly, ſaid he, as long as you remain in this kinde of ſolitude wherein you now live, it will not be an eaſie matter for you to engage your ſelf in any new love: But you ought to look upon thoſe which may entangle you; you muſt expoſe your ſelf unto the waves, and throw your ſelf into the Sea, to avoid ſhipwrack: The diſeaſe is ſo dangerous, and the phyſick ſo extraordinary, that you muſt almoſt die in hopes to live the longer. But do you believe (ſaid I to him) that it is poſſible that I ſhould not only love any other Beauty, but that I can endure it? You may queſtionleſs if you will (anſwered he;) but at the firſt you muſt only feign a love of ſome other, and perhaps it will at length become a reall Love. If it do come to paſs, that you do love another, then you'l jeer at the inconſtancy of Ameſtris; and if it do not come to that paſs, yet at the leaſt, it will be a handſome revenge for the injuries you have received. Perhaps, ſaid he, this fiction may bring your Miſtris unto ſome reaſonable tearms; and her jealouſie may give you that your love could not bring about. This Remedy, ſaid I to him, is very dangerous, very uncertain, and very difficult; for you ſay, that perhaps I ſhall love, and perhaps I ſhall not love another; perhaps I may revenge my ſelf; perhaps Ameſtris will ſee her error. In a word, all is grounded upon perhaps'es; that is to ſay, upon little or nothing; and I ſee ſo much uncertainty in this remedy, that I cannot think it good. Will you have another, ſaid he to me? I have one, ſaid I to him, which is infallible, and that is death, which will doubtleſs rid me from all my ſorrows. That is the laſt Remedy which you muſt uſe (anſwered Artaban) and it muſt never be made uſe of, but when all others have failed. In concluſion, Sir, what Arguments ſoever he could uſe, I could not conſent unto him that day: But a while after, hearing that Ameſtris was to return, he did ſo importune me to follow his counſel, as I reſolved to follow this counſel, though it went much againſt the ſtrain of my mind. There was then in the Court a Lady called Anatiſa, one indeed of great merit and beauty, yet one whoſe beauty had never made many conqueſts, and was doubtleſs far leſs fair then Ameſtris; yet fair enough: Chance would have it ſo, that the ſame day whereon I had conſented to try the remedy which Artaban had preſcribed, I found her in the walks of the Garden in the Palace, where I had not of a long time been, becauſe I had ſhunned company as much as poſſible: And as I neither had nor could have any particular inclination unto any, nor had any liberty to chuſe in a time when none but Ameſtris could pleaſe me. Chance, I ſay, making me meet Anatiſa ſooner then another, I did not refuſe diſcourſe with her, as I was uſed to do with all other Ladies, ſince my return to Ecbatan; I mean as much as civility would permit me: I ſpake then unto that Lady divers times that day; and although our diſcourſe was upon nothing but upon very indifferent things, ſhe thought her ſelf much obliged to me, becauſe I had done more unto her then unto any other Lady ſince my return to Court. And certainly it was advantagious to me, that the ſolitude wherein I had lived, did help me to perſwade the world unto that which I would have it believe; elſe doubtleſs it had not been ſo eaſie for me to deceive it, as it deceived it ſelf, and likewiſe if Anatiſa had not helped me to delude it: For Sir, I did not think that the complacency which this fair Lady rendred me, was any effect of my merit; but on the contrary, I plainly ſaw it had a reflexion from Ameſtris, it being moſt certain that Anatiſa would not have treated me ſo favourably as ſhe did, but that ſhe conceived it did redound [Page] much unto her honour, that the man who had formerly loved the faireſt Beauty of the World, ſhould quit thoſe fetters to be captivated in hers. This petty jealouſie of Beauty, cauſed Anatiſa then to treat me with all poſſible civility; and I finding ſo much facility to execute what Artaban adviſed me unto, did tranſact as he would have me: Not Sir, that I could ever reſolve to tell Anatiſa that I loved her, as well becauſe in very truth I had no ſuch paſſion in me, as becauſe I thought it did too much treſpaſs upon the Laws of Generoſity; yet my manner of living with her did tell the Court as much, and likewiſe told the thoughts of Anatiſa the ſame, for I did viſit her very oft, I almoſt ſpoke unto none but her, I appeared very melancholy and diſordered; ſo that all the world took theſe things to be effects of a freſh paſſion. Anatiſa, on the other ſide, did ſee that I was chained unto her ſociety, and that I did upon all occaſions which were offered, commend her; that I refuſed the company of all other women but ſhe; and that in our Diſcourſes I did often appear as if I were a little frantick, not knowing what I would ſay. But alas, all theſe which ſhe took to be effects of my love to her, were onely effects of that which I bore unto Ameſtris, how perfidious ſoever ſhe ſeemed to be unto me. Really, I did ſometimes repent the following of Artaban's counſel, and all others alſo, when I began firmly to reſolve of loving Anatiſa, and to baniſh Ameſtris from my heart and memory. Change, change, (ſaid I to my ſelf) this feigned Paſſion unto a real one, and be no longer faithful unto one that hath betrayed me; do not betray one that has nothing in her but ſincerity for me. 'Tis true, Anatiſa is not ſo fair as Ameſtris, yet perhaps ſhe will love me more faithfully: Tell her then that thou loveſt her (ſaid I to my ſelf) although thou yet doſt not; ſo that being obliged by Generoſity not to lie, thou maiſt no longer remain in any fears of returning unto inconſtant Ameſtris, or to ever ſee her, or ſpeak unto her, when ſhe returns, as they ſay ſhe will. This thought, Sir; did ſo fortiſie it ſelf in my minde, that I went three or four daies together unto Anatiſa, with intentions to tell her I loved her, but ſome intervenient paſſage or other hindred me from executing them; but when I found the opportunity, notwithſtanding all my determinate reſolutions, I was dumb when I was about to ſpeak unto her; I diverted the diſcourſe, my tongue would not obey, my heart revolted againſt my will, my will it ſelf altered and was unſetled; and indeed, not deſiring that which I deſired but one moment before, I dejected my eyes as being equally aſhamed of what I did, and what I would have done. But, Oh Heavens, that which ſhould have deſtroyed me in the opinion of Anatiſa, did confirm me; for ſhe ſuppoſing that the love and reverence which I bore unto her, had cauſed all theſe diſorders which ſhe diſcovered in my minde, ſhe did treat me more kindly, and would not ſee it. All the Court Sir, beleeved I was in love with Anatiſa; one of my Couſins did write as much unto Menaſta, who, as I have told you, was with Ameſtris; but this Lady who writ, did mention it very obſcurely, knowing that ſuch news would be reſented with ſorrow, and therefore ſhe would not plainly tell it, untill ſhe came to Ecbatan to ſee it. Mean time, I heard of two things together which much grieved me; the one was, That Ameſtris would preſently come back; and the other, That Megabiſes would very ſhortly be in Town; This buſineſs which fell out onely by accident, did ſeem unto me a thing agreed upon; and I did abſolutely conclude, that the voyage of Ameſtris was cauſed by the abſence of Megabiſes, though I could not gueſs at the reaſon. But as jealouſie alwaies inclines more unto that which will augment it ſelf, then that which would leſſen it, I did not buſie my ſelf to reaſon the matter, from whence I might perhaps draw ſome conjectures unto my advantage, but I ſought out thoſe conjectures which would more torment me. They return, ſaid I, to triumph over my miſeries before my eyes; and they cannot eſteem themſelves happy, unleſs I be the witneſs of their felicities. However, perfidious Ameſtris, you ſhall not have ſo much ſatisfaction, as to think that I am unhappy; I will carry the matter ſo with Anatiſa, as you ſhall not ſo much as ſuſpect that I love you. But as for you Megabiſes, never hope to enjoy your conqueſt quietly, for though I will pretend no more unto her, yet I will take away the enjoyment from thee, in taking away thy life, or at leaſt diſpute it unto the laſt minute of my life. Theſe tumultuous thoughts being a little appeaſed, I had ſome comfort to think, that Ameſtris ſhould believe I was in love with Anatiſa; and I was for a certain time ſo cloſely with her, as I my ſelf did wonder at it. In the mean while Ameſtris came to Town, and Menaſta was much confirmed in her belief of my new paſſion; yet notwithſtanding, ſhe would ſpeak with me before ſhe would abſolutely condemn me; and ſhe quickly found the opportunity; for indeed, as ſhe was my Couſin, I was in civility obliged to give her a viſit, which with much ado I reſolved upon; yet I would not go alone: but do what I could, ſhe ſpoke unto me particularly of it. [Page] Is it poſſible (ſaid ſhe to me) that what I hear can be true? Can any man who has been ſo happy, as not to be hated by Ameſtris, think upon loving Anatiſa? Ameſtris (ſaid I unto her) has not thought Aglatidas worthy of her; and I do not know Menaſta, whether ſhe or I has made the worſe choice: She perhaps did that out of weakneſs or an humour, which I have done out of Reaſon, and to be revenged on her. But Menaſta, let us talk no more on it; ſhe was alwaies your friend, and I my ſelf believed ſhe concealed it from you, to betray me. It muſt needs be (anſwered ſhe) that ſhe has kept it ſecret, if it be true that ſhe betrayed you, for I never knew of it; but I confeſs, I have much ado to be perſwaded of the truth. I have had more to do (replied I;) and if I my ſelf had not been a witneſs of her infidelity, if I had not with my own eyes ſeen her perfidious Treaſon, I ſhould never have believed it; no, though you your ſelf ſhould have aſſured me of it: But as I would not have believed you, ſo you your ſelf would have ſpoke againſt her; nor do I think that you will juſtifie her now. No, no, Menaſta, ſpeak no more on it, Ameſtris has betrayed me, and I have left her; ſhe has not thought me worthy of her affection, and I have not thought her worthy of mine; though, ſetting her infidelity aſide, ſhe is the admiration of all the Earth; and ſince ſhe either hates or ſcorns me, I am diſpenſed from that fidelity which I promiſed unto her. I confeſs, ſaid Menaſta, if ſhe be culpable you are not to be much blamed: But however, you are to blame; for did you ever complain unto Ameſtris? have you ever accuſed her? did you ever give her time to juſtifie her ſelf, or to repent of it? Complaints, ſaid I, are requiſite, when the Crime of the party beloved is in any doubt, or when it is ſo ſmall, as a Confeſſion may wipe it off: But when the offence is of ſuch a nature as that is which I have received, complaints do but procure new matter to be again deceived: Spare therefore your pains unto Ameſtris (ſaid I) and move her not to confeſs a thing which ſhe cannot confeſs without confuſion, as anticipated as ſhe is in the Love which ſhe poſſeſſeth. Menaſta was ſo ſurpriſed to hear me ſpeak ſo, as ſhe could not anſwer; for ſince Ameſtris never told her of any converſe which ſhe had with Megabiſes, ſhe could not imagine any other colour of complaint which I could have: ſhe thought, that to excuſe my inconſtancy, I had ſuppoſed a Crime whereof ſhe was innocent, as appeared by her eyes, and that I was much more culpable than ſhe. That which confirmed her in her opinion, was the diſorder which ſhe had obſerved in my minde; not doubting, but that the diſorder was grounded upon my being aſhamed of my weakneſs, and upon this change which I had made; yet notwithſtanding, being deſirous to augment it, I do aſſure you (ſaid ſhe) that during all this voyage which Ameſtris hath made, there was not one Lover which could commend her for her indulgency towards him, nor brag of any favour. I do not doubt it (anſwered I) for ſhe is more faithfull unto him whom ſhe has preferred before me. But who is that ſo happy Lover of Ameſtris (replied ſhe in anger) that Menaſta ſhould not know him? Since you would have a ſecret of it (ſaid I unto her) I will have ſo much reſpect unto her, as not to reveale what I know, and help her to hide that which cannot but be too much publiſhed, and of which within this little time you will make no doubt of. As we were upon theſe tearms, there came in ſo much company, that our diſcourſe could not continue longer, and I went from Menaſta in a doubled perplexity: For ſaid I, if Ameſtris were within the compaſs of repentance, her ſoul would have confeſſed ſome part of her weakneſs, or at leaſt would have found out ſome handſome pretence and excuſe for it: But in denying all, it renders her culpable of all; and ſince ſo, I have nothing to do but to revenge my ſelf: Revenge then, ſaid I, the real infidelity of Ameſtris, by a feigned infidelity. I will render my diligence unto Anatiſa, though I cannot render her my heart; I will puniſh her by this bad choice, and neglect nothing that may ſatisfie my reſentment, though I cannot ſatisfie my love. Mean while Menaſta, who was really incenſed againſt me, and thinking none would tell Ameſtris of my new Paſſion, thought fit to tell her of it, and went unto her that ſame evening. She was not the firſt who brought her the news; for amongſt ſo many as did viſit her, there was ſome who out of malice or ſimplicity had told her of that thing, wherein all the world knew ſhe had ſo much intereſt. Menaſta found her very ſad; for Sir, to make you underſtand my misfortune the better, I am conſtrained to acknowledge, that Ameſtris did love me, and loved me with ſuch tender affection, as I cannot yet think upon it, without extreme joy, and extreme ſorrow, and ſtrange confuſion both together. She no ſooner ſaw Menaſta, but ſhe made it evident by her melancholy, that ſhe was acquainted with my new Paſſion, yet at the firſt ſhe ſpoke onely of indifferent things. Menaſta for her part, not knowing well where or how to begin ſo vexatious a diſcourſe, nor knew well what ſhe ſhould ſay, did anſwer her with half broken off words. But in the end, the adorable Ameſtris [Page] not being able to hide her reſentments any longer, asked her whether ſhe had ſeen me? and whether my new love was ſo ſtrong as to make me forget my Civilities unto her? I have ſeen him (anſwered ſhe) but I have ſeen him ſo deprived of reaſon, that I would no longer acknowledge him for my kinſman, nor believe that it was Aglatidas, whom I formerly knew, and ſo much eſteemed. Indeed (ſaid ſhe to her) he courts Anatiſa, he follows her every where, and I think he really loves her. But although this Crime be too great, yet it is not that which animates me moſt againſt him, for thoſe who are naturally weak and inconſtant, do deſerve rather compaſſion then reproaches, ſince they do no more then what they cannot help: But Aglatidas would excuſe his fault by laying it upon you; this is that which I cannot endure, and this is that which I thought fit to tell you, to the end that you may puniſh his folly and ingratitude by your hatred and ſcorn. What (ſaid Ameſtris) doth Aglatidas accuſe me of any thing? Yes, replied Menaſta, he ſaies that you have betrayed him; he ſaies he ſaw it with his own eyes, that he cannot doubt of it; and that your new choice is more unreaſonable then his: Indeed (ſaid ſhe) I can ſay no more, but that he is full of folly and malice both. Ameſtris was ſo ſurpriſed at the ſtory, that her Soul, as great as it was, could not chooſe but tremble; ſhe changed colour, tears ſtood in her eyes, and her wiſdome had much ado to reſtrain them. If ſhe called to minde the love which I profeſſed unto her, and the reverence wherewith I ſerved her, ſhe conſidered my change as an unrepairable loſs: If ſhe remembred the goodneſs which ſhe uſed to me, ſhe could not enough condemn my ingratitude: If ſhe conſidered the Fidelity which ſhe conſtantly preſerved for me, ſhe abhorred my perfidie: And if ſhe obſerved the difference which was between Anatiſa and her ſelf, ſhe could not but be aſtoniſh'd at my weakneſs and blindneſs. But upon the whole matter ſhe muſt needs conclude me capable of both, and ſhe could not poſſibly doubt of it. Menaſta did aſſure me afterwards, that the wrong which I did unto her Beauty, in preferring one who was in all things ſo much inferiour to her, did not ſo ſenſibly move her, as the wrong which I did unto her Vertue, in accuſing her of inconſtancy. What, ſaid ſhe, does Aglatidas take from me that heart which he had given me? Will he neither love me, nor ſee me? And has he forgot all his Obligations which were upon him for ſuffering him to manifeſt his Paſſions? But for all this, I will puniſh my ſelf without anger, and perhaps I will cheer up my ſelf by reaſon. But Menaſta, that he ſhould excuſe his own imbecilities by accuſing me, this is a thing which is above my Patience; and makes evident unto me, that Love is a moſt dangerous Paſſion: For truly, did he ever meet with any more excuſable then I, or more innocent? I loved Aglatidas it is true, but I loved him not onely becauſe he loved me, but becauſe my Parents did believe him to be a man of wiſdome and judgement, and that he had all the qualities requiſite to be in a compleat man. Moreover, might I not well believe, that Fortune having made me rich enough, his own intereſt might move him unto that which my mean Beauty could not? And whether it was Love or Ambition which he was ſenſible of, I might well hope he would be faithfull. Yet it ſeems I was deceived in my conjectures, and I was ignorant that he could not love any thing. But alas, ſaid ſhe, is it not in our power, when Innocenſe and Reaſon has planted Love in my heart, to finde a means to root it out? Yet it muſt be, added ſhe, and I am ſo fully reſolved, that I cannot hope to bring it to paſs. In ſhort, Sir, the adorable Ameſtris being not well at peace in her ſelf, could not reſolve what to do; and ſhe deſigned the next day to take ſome ſolitary walk with her dear Confident, and endeavour to ſettle her reſolutions upon the buſineſs, and to ſhun the converſation of all indifferent people, who as the ſtate ſtood with her ſoul, did but importunately trouble her. They went the next day unto the Garden, whither very few uſed to reſort, and where Artaban by accident did meet them; he no ſooner ſaw them, but he had a great curioſity to underſtand their diſcourſe; to that end, he hid himſelf behind a thick hedge, and following them by the eye, he ſaw them ſit down in a green Arbor. Thither he went, ſhading himſelf by the boughs of a great tree which hung down, and there couched himſelf behind a little buſh of Myrhe, which was cloſe by the Arbor; he was no ſooner ſetled, but he underſtood that Menaſta anſwered unto ſomething which Ameſtris had ſaid, and which he could not underſtand: No, no, ſaid ſhe to her, you muſt not take revenge upon your ſelf, it is fit that Aglatidas alone ſhould bear the burden of his Crime. Do not confound Innocency and culpable together: Hate Aglatidas if you can, and do not puniſh Ameſtris who is in no fault. Ameſtris (replied this lovely Lady) not being able to hate where ſhe loves, what would you have her do? and why ſhould ſhe not think her ſelf as culpable, for loving where ſhe ſhould hate, as Aglatidas is for hating where he ought eternally to love? After this, theſe two Ladies [Page] began to diſcourſe upon that which might have given me the boldneſſe to accuſe Ameſtris; for (ſaid Menaſta) what likelihood is there that without any pretence or colour, he ſhould be ſo inconſiderate? Ameſtris reflecting upon what Menaſta ſaid, began to tell her that which ſhe knew not before, to wit, the converſe which ſhe had with Megabiſes; but (added ſhe) if Aglatidas had been preſent at it, he would rather have thanked me then complained: but he was far off, and Megabiſes for his part, being ever ſince in Lidia, could not inform him any thing: No No, ſaid Menaſta, that cannot be the cauſe, for he did not ſo much as name Megabiſes unto me, and without all queſtion if it had been he, Aglatidas would have named him to me, and ſpoke of him: ſo that it muſt be concluded, that he being aſhamed of his weakneſs, was forced to fly unto this impoſture, thereby to excuſe himſelf when he ſpoke unto me: Truly thoſe who commit crimes, ſaid ſhe, do ſeverely puniſh themſelves in committing them; and had you ſeen how reſtleſs and unquiet Aglatidas was when he ſpoke unto me, you would have conſented unto it: That which does moſt wonder me, ſaid Ameſtris unto her, is, that when we were in the Province of Ariſantines, we did underſtand that Aglatidas ſeemed alwaies to be melancholy: If his change had chanced ſince his return to Ecbatan, then I muſt needs conclude, that out of a capricious humour, or elſe out of reaſon, he has preferred the beauty of Anatiſa before that of Ameſtris; But I conceive Menaſta, that his change took beginning during his exile, in a time when he received moſt teſtimonies of affection from me, for I writ unto him, and that in a moſt obliging manner: But after all this (ſaid Menaſta) what do you intend to do? I intend (ſaid he) to puniſh my ſelf for my misfortune, To lament it eternally, To repent me of my weakneſſe, and ſtrive to forget Aglatidas, though perhaps it is not in my power; and to leade a cloſe and more unhappy life then ever any did. But (Replied Menaſta) I had rather you would take into your conſideration one of theſe two important courſes: The firſt is, that if you cannot perſwade your ſelf to hate Aglatidas, then to try all poſſible means that may bring him unto reaſon: The ſecond is, that if you can bring your ſelf to hate him, then to puniſh him ſeverely for his crime: Alas, Alas, Replied Ameſtris, how difficult a thing is to hate where one hath reſolved to love all their life long, and how hard it is to puniſh where one loves: I have one infallible way (ſaid Menaſta) but by the way you may admire Sir the odd deſtiny of things in this world; for Menaſta did propound the very ſame way unto Ameſtris, which Artaban had propounded unto me: to wit, that ſhe ſhould feign to entertain ſome one of her pretenders very kindely: for ſaid this Lady unto her, I have ever known Aglatidas to be extream ſenſible of honour, ſo that when he plainly ſees that his mutability has put Ameſtris into a capacity of preferring another before him, then one of theſe two things will come to paſſe, that is, he will either forſake Anatiſa, and return unto Ameſtris, or elſe at the leaſt he will be ſufficiently tormented in his heart; Moreover, who knows but that by permitting your ſelf to be loved, you may come to ceaſe loving him? Love for ought I underſtand (ſaid he) is never cured by contrary remedies, nor by any violent applications; Time and reaſon by more inſenſible waies brings many things to paſſe, therefore if you will beleeve me follow my advice; It conduceth much unto your honor (added ſhe) that the world ſhall not ſuſpect you ever loved Aglatidas; and to prevent it you muſt do as I adviſe: This laſt conſideration was very forcible upon the ſoul of Ameſtris; who after much other diſcourſe, reſolved to take my counſell. In the mean time Artaban who was raviſhed to hear the diſcourſe of theſe two Ladies, did gently ſteal away without being perceived; going in haſte unto all places where he thought to finde me, but as my ill fortune was he could not finde me: After he had in vain ſought me at the Court, in the Palace-Gardens, and at Anatiſa's Lodging, he reſolved to ſtay till night when I ſhould return, not imagining that the ignorance of what he knew could be of that importance as to be ſo prejudiciall unto me: But O Heavens, how fatall it was unto me? and how many ſighs did that journey which I then took coſt me? I have already told you Sir, that the Garden where Ameſtris was is a very ſolitary place, where very few people uſe to walk: But all ill Fortunes conſpired together to afflict me, and to make me the moſt unhappy man upon earth. Anatiſa, prompted by my evil deſtinies, deſigning to walk with ſome of her friends, made choice of that place becauſe ſhe had never ſeen it; and I did particularly chuſe it that I might there enjoy my ſad thoughts, becauſe I did verily think not to meet Ameſtris there, nor Anatiſa, nor any thing that might interrupt my muſing contemplations: But Sir I was wonderfully ſurpriſed, when in entring into the Garden, I ſaw Ameſtris afar off walking with her dear Menaſta, and at the ſame time I ſaw Anatiſa at the the foot of an Arbour, compoſing ſome flowers which ſhe had gathered: This unexpected ſight did much trouble me, and ſo ſurpriſed me that I ſtopt upon a ſudden: I [Page] knew not whether I ſhould apply my ſelf unto her whom I loved and had betraied me; or to her who loved me and whom I betraied: I ſtood in ſuch an anxiety as I could not reſolve nor can expreſs: I was in a minde to go unto Ameſtris, and my jealouſies did almoſt ſubmit unto my Love; I thought to go and throw my ſelf at her feet without regarding Anatiſa; But her crime coming freſh into my memory, I altered that determination, and began to incline towards Anatiſa; yet I made my approach ſo gentle, and was ſo unwilling to turn from Ameſtris, that I was in a minde to go unto neither, but to ſink down under the load of my ſorrows; yet my diſdain driving me out of an extream anxiety into an invincible obſtinacy: I regarded not Ameſtris, but went unto Anatiſa, unto whom I ſpoke as I was accuſtomed: But yet I acted it with ſuch diſtraction of ſpirits, as that if this Lady had not been diſtracted her ſelf with obſerving the actions of Ameſtris, ſhe might eaſily have perceived the cauſe of my inquietude; But ſhe was wrapt into ſuch an extaſie of joy to ſee her ſelf preferred before the Faireſt Lady in the world, as ſhe neither minded the alteration in my countenance, nor the obſcurity of my words. Ameſtris (as ſince I heard) now ſeeing that her ſelf which before ſhe had heard only by reports, was extraordinarily ſurpriſed: Until now, this adorable Lady reſented only ſorrow for my change, but now, ſeeing with her own eyes, Aglatidas at the feet of Anatiſa, her anger began to rowſe up her ſpirits: and a ſecret reſentment of honor did infuſe into her ſo great a deſire to be revenged for the ſcorn which I offered unto her, as ſhe could not forbear to teſtifie as much unto Menaſta. Here Sir may be admired the prodigious accident which chance only brought about in this buſineſs: I think, I told you how Megabiſes was to return within a few daies; and after he had been in the wars of Lidia, he reſolved to returned unto Ecbatan, and never thought to call me unto any account, neither for the death of his Brother whereof he knew I was culpable, nor for any other of our ancient differences. The King did ſend unto him to forbid him abſolutely, after the reconcilement which was made between our Families, and had commanded me to quarrell no more, but to ſhun meeting as much as poſſible, it being but juſt to have reſpect unto a man whoſe Brother I had killed: Megabiſes came into the Town in the night that he might be more particularly informed in the ſtate of things before he received any viſits; and reſolved to paſs away the reſt of the day in the Garden where I was, knowing it the leaſt frequented, and where alſo was Ameſtris and Anatiſa; Megabiſes then who knew him unto whom the Garden belonged, entred into it as ſoon as he lighted from horſe, and at the very ſame inſtant when Ameſtris being tranſported with anger to ſee me with Anatiſa, did ſay unto Menaſta that ſhe had good reaſon to counſell her to puniſh me: Megabiſes entring in confidently, was infinitely ſurpriſed to ſee both his Miſtreſs and his Rivall in that place: But he was more amazed to ſee me not with Ameſtris; yet Sir, ſince Megabiſes had not ſeen her ſince the time he promiſed to ſee her or ſpeak to her no more, I would make it known unto her by his reſpect that he had not forgotten to keep his word; ſo that after he had made her a moſt low reverence, he retired and would have gone out of the Garden; But Ameſtris whoſe ſpirit was highly incenſed, and thinking it a fit occaſion to be revenged, called him unto her, and received him with much civility: This afforded him as much joy as me ſorrow: For Sir, I ſaw Megabiſes enter; I obſerved how he would have gone away, and ſhe to ſtay him; I ſuppoſed that he offered to go away becauſe he ſaw me there: And I doubted not but that Ameſtris knowing of his coming, came thither purpoſely to meet him: I leave you Sir to gueſſe at the trouble of my ſoul, and the agitation of my minde: For my part I never think upon the condition wherein we were, but I wonder at the capritious humour of Fate: For Anatiſa was wrapt up into the height of joy to ſee her ſelf preferred before Ameſtris by Aglatidas, who neither preferred her nor loved her: Megabiſes for his part he was infinitely glad to be called back by her who had for ever baniſhed him, though ſhe which called him back did it not out of any affection ſhe bore unto him: onely Ameſtris and my ſelf, who if we had rightly underſtood one another, had been the happieſt of all, we were the moſt perplexed ſouls upon earth: Mean time, though Megabiſes thought himſelf very happy in being with Ameſtris, yet the remembrance of his brothers death, and the ſight of him who killed him, did ſo reflect upon his heart as he had no good minde to be where I was: Madam (ſaid he unto Ameſtris) I ſhould make a doubt whether the command which I received from the King could work ſo prevalently upon my ſpirit as to hinder me from my juſt reſentments againſt a man whom I ſee before me, if the reſpect which I owe unto you did not reſtrain me; Therefore Madam, fear leſt this reſpect ſhould not be ſtrong enough to reſiſt the apprehenſions of bloud and nature, I moſt humbly beſeech you to pardon my incivility, and give me leave to leave you: Upon thoſe words he made a very low rerence [Page] unto Ameſtris, and without ſtaying for any anſwer he went out of the Garden; She who only ſtaied him to anger me was not forward to retain him: As for me Sir who never underſtood what they ſaid, I no ſooner ſaw him gone, but I was in as great a chafe as I was to ſee him enter, imagining that he only went out to diſguiſe the appointment which Ameſtris had given him. Not being to ſtay where I was, and thinking I ſhould better hide my perplexity in walking then ſtaying there, I propoſed a departure unto Anatiſa, who conſented unto it: But ſhe, more out of vanity then complacency, would needs, do what I could, go unto Ameſtris, thinking it would be a Triumph unto her to carry her ſlave whether ſhe pleaſed: Then we went to meet Ameſtris and Menaſta, and as we came near one another, Anatiſa, not telling me her deſign, began to ſpeak unto Ameſtris, whereat I was ſo angry that I was in a minde to leave her, and be gone from that place where the object of my love and the object of my hatred were together: I neither durſt nor would look upon Ameſtris, I wiſhed with all my heart that Megabiſes were there that I might fight with him: Sometimes I thought Ameſtris leſſe fair, and Anatiſa more: But O Heavens, that ſometimes was quickly over, and I thought Anatiſa ugly, and Ameſtris Angelike fair: yet Anatiſa who as I told you, would needs triumph, and better aſſure her ſelf of her Conqueſt, ſpoke very ſpitefully unto Ameſtris; and in accoſting her, I am very happy (ſaid ſhe unto her) to meet ſuch good company in a place which is uſed to be very ſolitary, and I have reaſon to think my ſelf ſo, ſince expecting only the pleaſure of the walk, I have met alſo with the delight of company; My company (anſwered Ameſtris very coldly) is ſo far from pleaſant, that you have rather cauſe to complain, if you had not ſome other to divert you. If you ſhould put to Judges (replied Anatiſa maliciouſly) I am ſure Megabiſes who I ſaw with you would not be of your minde; and as for Aglatidas, he is no competent Judge, for he would give ſentence in my behalf: As for my part (ſaid I in a great confuſion) I do not doubt but Megabiſes findes Ameſtris to be incomparable in all things; and I confeſs (ſaid I changing colour) that he has good cauſe to publiſh, that the converſation of Ameſtris is the moſt complacentiall of any in the world when ſhe pleaſeth: Ah Madam (replied Anatiſa, who was raviſhed with joy to ſee ſuch ſigns of anger in the face of Ameſtris) be not now of that humour, and be pleaſed to ſuffer all thoſe commendations which I will give you: I deſerve ſo little (anſwered ſhe) that I will not adviſe you to imploy your time to ſo little purpoſe. There is a kinde of humility (replied Anatiſa) which honour will not admit of: Yes (replied Ameſtris) and there is alſo a kinde of falſe humour, which covers oftentimes abundance of baſeneſſe: I ſuppoſe (anſwered Anatiſa) that neither you nor I are guilty of either: I know nothing (replied Ameſtris) for none do know themſelves very well: It is much more hard (ſaid I unto her) to know the thoughts of another, eſpecially of thoſe (replied ſhe) who do counterfet to be generous and ſincere, but indeed are not ſo; I am confident (ſaid the malicious Anatiſa) that Megabiſes cannot diſguiſe his thoughts; Thoſe who like him (anſwered Ameſtris thinking to ſpight me) do affect true honour, do never uſe to do ſo: there is none but baſe men uſe to diſſemble their thoughts. I confeſs unto you Sir, thas I was infinitely perplexed to hear Ameſtris thus expreſs her ſelf, that I could not poſſibly ſtay any longer in that place: As I came not into Garden with Anatiſa, I thought my ſelf not engaged to ſtay with her: Furthermore I was not in a condition to obſerve an exact correſpondency in my actions. I had ſeen Megabiſes pleaſed ſo well, I obſerved Anatiſa ſo well content, I ſaw Ameſtris ſo fierce, contrary to her cuſtome; and I found my ſelf ſo ſad, ſo angry, and ſo deſperate, that at laſt being ſtirred by my Love, my hate, and my Jealouſie: I left this both dear and intollerable company: I went then out of the Garden with an ill intent, reſolving to be revenged upon Megabiſes, for all the wrongs that Ameſtris had done me: And to that end in lieu of entring into the Town, I went to conceal my ſelf in the houſe of one of my acquaintance, with intention to ſend the next day unto Megablſes, to meet me with his Sword. I would not advertiſe Artaban of my deſign, becauſe I knew he would contradict it; but alas, I did not know that I ſhould have been the happieſt man upon earth, if I had ſeen him, whereas now I am the moſt unfortunate. In the mean while, Ameſtris who had not treated Megabiſes ſo well, but only to anger me, had no ſooner loſt the ſight of me, but not being able to endure the company of her Rivall, ſhe thought out a pretence to leave her, and went to complain of her misfortune in ſecret unto her dear Menaſta. As for Megabiſes it may be ſaid, that his good fortune was but a flaſh and away; which ending as ſoon as it begun made it more dusky and intollerable then before. And as for Anatiſa, though her joys to be preferred before Ameſtris did laſt a little longer, yet it was but to torment her more ſenſibly afterwards. For my part Sir, I never thought my ſelf [Page] ſo unhappy as now I found my ſelf: At the firſt time when I ſaw Ameſtris favourable unto Megabiſes, I had this advantage as that ſhe took a little pains to delude me; ſhe knew not that I ſaw her; and at that time when ſhe ſpoke unto him ſo mildly, ſhe did not write roughly unto me: I might then think that her heart was divided, and that he did not ſo abſolutely poſſeſs it, but there might be a corner of it for me: Moreover, he then ſaw her to bid her adieu: but now, doubtleſſe he came not with any intention to leave her, and Ameſtris was certain in the Garden ſtaying for him: She now ſaw me before he came in, and cared not whether or no I was a witneſs, ſince ſhe did not go away before he came: As for Megabiſes he would be ſomething more diſcreet, he ſeemed to have no deſire to ſtay when he had diſcovered me; but ſhe did moſt cruelly call him back to ſpight me; ſhe looked upon me with anger, but upon him with ſweetneſſe, and commended him before my face: She (I ſay) who heretofore made profeſſion of ſuch auſtere vertue, ſhe who denied me her affection ſo obſtinately, ſhe who was ſo ſevere and rigorous unto me: How comes it to paſſe Ameſtris (ſaid I) that you have thus changed your humour? But however, I muſt be ſo bold as to trouble your felicity as well as you have done mine, and though my reſpects be ſuch as I will not revenge my ſelf directly upon you, yet you ſhall give me leave to be revenged upon Megabiſes: See Sir, how I did draw poiſon out of the moſt innocent things; and how I interpreted all the actions of Ameſtris; who for her part did as much upon mine, and who determined to be revenged upon me in a moſt cruell manner: But Sir, I muſt tell you before-hand, that he with whom Ameſtris lived, being bribed unto it by Otanus, did no longer take the part of Megabiſes for her, and did continually perſecute her, to the end that he might bring her unto that paſſe as to preferre Riches, before all other things in the world, and never to conſider the good or the bad qualities of him whom ſhe was to marry: Moreover, Artaban not finding me went to her, but her minde was not for any converſation, therefore ſhe left me alone with Menaſta in her chamber, and ſhut her ſelf in her cloſet. Then Sir, the diſcourſe between theſe two was only upon me: Menaſta, who knew that Artaban was my Confident, did ſo preſs him, as he acknowledged that it was a terrible jealouſie which had taken me off from the ſervice of Ameſtris: but do what ſhe could, ſhe could ſcrue no more out of him; for ſince he was to meet with me at night, therefore he would not diſcover any more unto her, leaſt I ſhould perhaps not allow of it. His viſit continued not long with Menaſta, becauſe he did ſit upon thorns untill he had diſcourſe with me: He was no ſooner gone but ſhe went unto Ameſtris in her cloſet, who was retired thither under pretence of writing ſome Letters of importance: She told her how after much other diſcourſe Artaban had confeſſed that it was a horrid jealouſie which cauſed my change. How (anſwered Ameſtris) Aglatidas extreamly jealous? Good Gods, how is it poſſible he can be ſo? What cauſe have I given him? Which of his Rivals is it that I have favoured ſo much as to give him any colour or cauſe of change? Has any obſerved any ſuch complacence in me? Have I ſought out any occaſions to ſee and be ſeen? Have I held any private diſcourſe with any one? Have I been a frequenter of any ſuſpected walks? Have I received any ſecret letters or writ any? Is there any one that can vaunt of any favour received from Ameſtris, except the perfidious Aglatidas? Indeed Menaſta what have I done? what have I ſaid? or what have I ſo much as thought, which can excuſe his inconſtancy? for my part (ſaid ſhe) I never knew the like jealouſie to this; But I pray tell me; ſuppoſe I could learn the ground and commencement of it, what can I do to help it? I muſt certainly never look upon any, but mew upon my ſelf eternally; How is it poſſible, in a great Court, in a populous Town, where I am ſeen by all the world, and where I ſee with equall indifferency all thoſe who come to me, that I ſhould ever finde out who it is which cauſeth his inquietude? For perhaps it is Andramias, perhaps Araſpes, perhaps Megabiſes, and perhaps the King: How ſhould I then help it Menaſta? How ſhould I cure him if I would? It muſt needs be confeſſed (anſwered my cozen) that Aglatidas has carried it very ill: Say (ſaid Ameſtris) that he has loſt his reaſon, in loſing that eſteem which he ought unto me; for conſidering how I have carried my ſelf unto him, he ought never to have made an ill interpretation of my actions, or ſuſpected them, nor beleeved any thing againſt me, though his own eyes had perſwaded him unto it. Muſt inconſtancy be a conſequent of jealouſie? For my part, I think that jealouſie makes men unhappy, but I do not believe that it ought to make them perfideous: That Aglatidas, becauſe he thinks no ſincerity in my words, will not ſee me, nor love me any more, but hate me, I do not blame him: I look upon his hatred as a conſequent of his violent love unto me; but that Aglatidas as ſoon as he thinks that I do not eſteem him, ſhould at the very ſame inſtant have a ſoul ſenſible of a [Page] freſh new paſſion; this Menaſta is a thing which cannot be. If he had loved me very well, what cauſe of complaint ſoever I had given him, it was impoſſible but he ſhould love me yet, or at leaſt not hate me; and it is more impoſſible (if I may ſay it) that he can ſo ſoon love Anatiſa. Ha, ſaid ſhe, whoſoever ſhould have told me heretofore, that I ſhould ſee Aglatidas come into a place where I was, and leave me to go unto Anatiſa, I ſhould not have beleeved it: Yet it was injuſtice (not to ſpeak of love) after he had ſeen me this laſt time, entertaining thoughts very advantagious for him, to accoſt me in ſo offenſive a manner; Could he not have reſtrained Anatiſa from coming to me? Might he not have ſhun'd the meeting? No, no, ſaid ſhe unto Menaſta, he would not, but he on the contrary had a deſire to put my patience unto the moſt vigorous Teſt: I know, added ſhe, that at the laſt he quitted the company, and went alone out of the Garden; but it was confuſion and anger, not repentance which drove him away; he was aſhamed of his crime, but he had not ſo much vertue as to diſingage himſelf: So that after all this, though he ſhould have repented, yet I ſhould not have been ſatisfied. But (ſaid Menaſta unto her interrupting her) what do you reſolve upon? I will (anſwered ſhe with a quite altered complexion) never think upon Aglatidas any more, and ſo carry the matter, that he ſhall whether he will or no think eternally upon Ameſtris: I will make him acknowledge his own crime by the thought of my innocency, and that he ſhall know my innocency by my misfortune: I muſt make him ſee that I never loved any but him, and that I have been ever faithfull unto him: But in letting him ſee it, it ſhall be done after ſuch a faſhion, that he ſhall get nothing by it. If he do not repent of his fault, ſaid ſhe, I ſhall puniſh him for loving, and if he do repent, then I ſhall puniſh him for betraying me, and puniſh him according to his deſert. I do confeſs (ſaid Menaſta to her) I cannot eaſily deviſe what kinde of revenge it is that you have contrived: It is ſo ſtrange a one (anſwered Ameſtris) that I dare hardly tell it, leaſt you ſhould divert me from it either by your reaſons, or your praiers. But how can you make him certainly ſee that you have continued faithfull, ſince you do not know what it is which hath made him jealous? 'Tis true indeed, replied Ameſtris, I do not know the cauſe of his jealouſie, but I do know him who is not the cauſe of his jealouſie; and that ſhall ſerve me, both for my Juſtification, for my Revenge, and for my Puniſhment all in one: Menaſta hearing her ſpeak ſo, and finding little ſenſe in her obſcure words, was very urgent with her, to explain her ſelf, and did oftentimes aſſure her that ſhe would not contradict her intentions, untill at length ſhe told her: You are not ignorant (ſaid ſhe to her) neither you Menaſta, nor the inconſtant Aglatidas, what an extream averſion I have ever had againſt Otanus, notwithſtanding all his wealth and quality; for I have told you both a hundred and a hundred times, that for all his Riches and condition he is the man whom of all the world I do moſt ſcorn and hate: You know alſo, ſaid ſhe, that he has loved me ever ſince the firſt day I came to Ecbatan; and that I have hated him ever ſince the firſt minute I ſaw him: Know then Menaſta, that before I will in any part reclaim the perfideous Aglatidas, I will obey my kinſman who is my Guardian, that is, I will marry Otanus, who is the ill-favouredeſt man alive, and thereby make Aglatidas ſee whether I ever loved any of his Rivals: What, ſaid Menasta, will you marry Otanus? Yes, anſwered Ameſtris, I will marry him, and I cannot make choice of a greater puniſhment wherewith to afflict my ſelf for loving Aglatidas, and alſo to chaſtiſe Aglatidas for betraying me: This is the way Menaſta, ſaid ſhe, whereby I will both juſtifie and revenge my ſelf, although I do not know him whom Aglatidas thinks to be my partner in my crime: By this courſe I ſhall be ſure to cure Aglatidas of his jealouſie: for indeed Otanus has ſo many defects that I am ſure I cannot deceive my ſelf, it being abſolutely impoſſible that Aglatidas ſhould have been jealous of him. Ah Ameſtris, ſaid Menaſta then, Do not confound innocency and crime together; puniſh Aglatidas alone, but do not puniſh Ameſtris; rather marry Megabiſes, and beleeve that you will be ſufficiently revenged of my perfidious kinſman that way: No Menaſta, ſaid ſhe, that which you propoſe is not juſt; that way would be a revenge upon my ſelf, and not upon Aglatidas; for Megabiſes is hanſome enough to make Aglatidas think that I loved him; ſo that if it were ſo that ever he loved me, he would then quit that paſſion, and ſtick cloſe unto his dear Anatiſa: Then indeed he had ſome ground to beleeve that I might love a man who indeed was worthy of it: But when he ſhall ſee that I have choſen one for a husband, whom he knows certainly I could never love, then perhaps his heart, as perfidious and inconſtant as it is will repent it of its fault: But it ſhall be an unprofitable repentance, for when I have married Otanus, I will then be as faithfull unto him, as if I did love him, and as if he were the moſt accompliſhed man of the world: Ha heavens (ſaid Menaſta interrupting [Page] her) take good heed what you ſay. Can you have ſuch a reſolution (or to give it a fitter phraſe) can you be ſo inhumane unto your ſelf, as to expoſe your ſelf unto the greateſt of misfortunes? Do you think, that you can all your life long endure the preſence of a man whoſe converſation has glutted you in one ſingle hour? I cannot endure it doubtleſs (anſwered Ameſtris) the torment which I ſhall endure will juſtifie me yet in the minde of Aglatidas; and after I have in that manner cleared my ſelf, my death immediatly and infallibly following, will beget ſuch a torment alſo in his ſoul, as ſhall never extinguiſh: If there were any other way to juſtifie my ſelf, then perhaps I ſhould not take this: But upon the whole matter, ſince Aglatidas does not himſelf complain, how can I gueſs at his diſeaſe and cure him otherwiſe? Yet (ſaid Menaſta to her) appearances are oftentimes fallatious, and for ought you know there may be ſome other cauſe which has begot this jealouſie in Aglatidas, which you are ignorant of: Though that ſhould be ſo (anſwered Ameſtris) yet Aglatidas is not more innocent: I do confeſs he might be a little jealous, and I ſhould not have been offended at him; but it ſeems he could not love Anatiſa ſufficiently, without doing me this irrepairable wrong: Therefore Menaſta, I muſt, if it be poſſible, I muſt choak this new taken up love in him by an eternall ſorrow, and an unprofitable repentance: But do you not conſider (ſaid Menaſta) that in deſtroying this love in him, you deſtroy your ſelf alſo by ſuch an unheard of way? That's it which I deſire (replied Ameſtris) and if I did not know that melancholy is a gentle poyſon, which by inſenſible degrees does operate its effects, I would not abandon my ſelf unto it: Permit me (ſaid Menaſta) to ſpeak once more with Aglatidas: When I am dead (ſaid Ameſtris) I will permit you; and then I conjure you to aggravate my ſorrows unto him that it may increaſe his: What (ſaid Menaſta to her) do you ſpeak of death and marriage together? Yes (replied Ameſtris) and as I am going to the Church, I will imagine it to be unto my grave, and ſhall hope that the Nuptiall Torches will ſoon be changed unto Funerals: But why would you die, replied Menaſta? Becauſe (anſwered ſhe) I cannot both live happily and innocently, ſince I finde it to be very criminall to love Aglatidas. In concluſion Sir, Menaſta was conſtrained to leave Ameſtris becauſe it was very late. This prudent Lady was no ſooner come unto her lodging, but ſhe ſent to ſeek me, being reſolved to ſpeak unto me, and if ſhe could to cure my minde both of this jealouſie and this new paſſion, for ſhe did verily beleeve that I was in love with Anatiſa, but all her labour was loſt: The next morning ſhe ſent alſo unto Artaban, to deſire his help in ſeeking me, but ſhe ſent a little too late for he was newly gone out: Mean while Artaban, as well as Menaſta did deſpair of finding me: And theſe two which had ſuch pleaſant things to relate unto me, were both of them much troubled that they could not learn what was become of me: They were not like to know, ſince I concealed my ſelf as cloſe as I could with intention to let Megabiſes hear from me. Indeed, day did no ſooner dawn, but I ſent a man with a note unto him, which acquainted him how I deſired to fight with him upon that Quarrell which he might eaſily gueſs at; and to let him know that the man whom I ſent would conduct him unto the place where I would expect him with a Sword in my hand: But ſo it chanced that he whom I ſent unto him found abundance of company with him, becauſe three of his friends came to him and would have him go unto the King who intended to hunt that day, and to be with him before he went; this Note therefore could not be ſo hanſomely delivered, but it was perceived, and ſuſpected what the buſineſs was, ſo that it was impoſſible for Megabiſes to give me ſatisfaction. Artaban coming to hear of theſe reports acquainted the King, who gave order to ſecure Megabiſes, and commanded to look out for me: But here Sir may be admired how fortune does ſport her ſelf at the deſtinies of men: Although I did challenge Megabiſes, yet there was almoſt none in the Court that would beleeve it, unleſs thoſe which were with him when he received the Note; and the report of it being ſpread abroad that Megabiſes and Aglatidas would fight, it was not thought likely that I who had killed his brother ſhould alſo call him to an account: Ameſtris thought it to be Megabiſes who called me in queſtion, and not I him; and did imagine that this would more confirm me in the opinion I had of her, ſo that ſhe reſolved to go on in her odd determination: Mean while Artaban with ten or twelve of his friends took horſe and all the care they could to finde me out: I knew by the return of the man whom I ſent that Megabiſes was clapt up, and that he ſent me word by him he would give me ſatisfaction as ſoon as he could: But when I perceived Artaban ſome two hundred paces off, and becauſe I would not be clapt up as Megabiſes was, [Page] I galloped away, and as I often turned my head, I ſaw Artaban before the reſt riding as hard as he could, and making ſignes with his hand to ſtay me, becauſe he would ſpeak with me. But as my misfortune had reſolved my ruine, I perſwaded my ſelf that the wiſdom of Artaban thought it not fit I ſhould call that man in queſtion whoſe brother I had killed, and indeed I my ſelf did think it unreaſonable; ſo that imagining that he had nothing to ſay unto me, unleſs that the King would make Megabiſes and me friends, the more he made ſignes to ſtay, the more I ſpurred my horſe: I did oft underſtand what he ſaid, but would not make anſwer; and I think he had overtook me, had I not met with a great Ditch which my Horſe did freely take, but his would not under a quarter of an hours beating: In the mean time, I having found a thick wood which hindered his ſight of me, I quit the common road, and took ſuch an obſcure path that Artaban was conſtrained to return very ſorry and angry that he had not ſpoke with me. I not well knowing what reſolution to take after I had contrived and deviſed a hundred deſignes, I went unto a Church which was not farre off, the Prieſt whereof I knew, with whom I had an intention to ſtay four or five daies concealed, imagining that they would reſtrain Megabiſes very long, and that as ſoon as he was at liberty, he would give me ſatisfaction; It would not be at all advantagious to you Sir, to tell you what kind of life I led in this place, ſuppoſing that you will imagine it to be moſt reſtleſs and melancholique. This Church was built in an ancient Forreſt, the trees whereof were ſo thick, that the Sun did never ſhine upon it: I wandered all the day in places leaſt frequented; Sometimes I paſſed away the time with the Magi which dwelt thereabouts, and with him with whom I lodged: I had told him that ſome grumblings at Court cauſed me to retire for a time: But whoſoever I entertained my ſelf withall, and whereſoever I walked alone, Megabiſes and Ameſtris took up all my thoughts: Perhaps, ſaid I, they are juſt now together; perhaps Ameſtris is talking of me unto him with ſcorn, perhaps ſhe is entreating him not to expoſe himſelf unto a new Quarrell; perhaps ſhe is praying againſt my life; and perhaps Megabiſes and ſhe are married: To tell you Sir, how ſadly this laſt thought was reſented, and how deeply it wounded my ſoul, is a ſtory which I cannot poſſibly relate. Upon a day then when I was moſt dejectedly walking in the Forreſt, I diſcovered a Coach full of Ladies; I no ſooner ſaw it but I ruſht into the Wood: But one of the Ladies ſpying me, Aglatidas (cried ſhe) do not fly, and but ſuffer me I beſeech you to ſpeak one minute with you: I knew the voice full well to be Menaſta's, and imagining that perhaps Ameſtris was with her, I knew not whether I ſhould ſtay or ſhun her: But at laſt hearing her call very earneſtly and very often, I turned and came to her, as ſhe was coming out of the Coach, which was very near the Church; ſhe having two friends and one ſervant with her, did leave them, and deſired them to go and ſtay in the Church whilſt ſhe did ſpeak with me concerning ſome buſineſs ſhe had with me: we being coſens, the Ladies which were with her did not think ſtrange at her freedom to me, ſo that Menaſta giving me her hand, and walking ſome twenty or thirty paces into the Wood without ſpeaking a word to each other, ſhe ſaid unto me, looking me earneſtly in the face; I do not know Aglatidas whether what I have to tell you will be welcome or unwelcome unto you, for ſince you love Anatiſa ſo well, you will not regard the marriage of Ameſtris. Ameſtris (cried I out being tranſported with ſorrow and jealouſie) is ſhe married? Yes, replied Menaſta faintly, but Aglatidas, what does the news concern you, that you ſhould be ſo troubled at it? you who have told me you did not nor would not love Ameſtris any longer? I think ſo to, replied I, and I beleeve I ſhould not love her; but I do hate Megabiſes ſo much that I cannot hear of his happineſs without an unimaginable deſpair: If Megabiſes (anſwered ſhe) have no other joy but what the marriage of Ameſtris affords him, I would adviſe you not to trouble your ſelf at his good fortune: What (ſaid I to her with a minde full of hatred, ſorrow and jealouſie, not knowing her meaning) can Megabiſes marry Ameſtris and not be the happieſt and moſt ſatisfied man in the world? Ha Menaſta (ſaid I not giving her time to anſwer) this is not poſſible, but you have more reaſon to ſay that ſince he enjoyes ſo much good fortune, that he ſhall not enjoy it long: for indeed that unjuſt Raviſher of the Treaſure which belonged unto me, and which I thought to obtain, ſhall die by my own hand: Menaſta wondering to ſee me ſo troubled, and tranſported with anger, ſhe looked upon me, and interrupting me ſaid, If you do not hate Megabiſes, I tell you again, but as the husband of Ameſtris, you may let your ſoul be in quiet, ſince it is not Megabiſes who has married her: Is it not Megabiſes that has married her, ſaid I? No, ſaid ſhe: Ah [Page] Menaſta (ſaid I with a leſſe troubled minde) do not mock me but ſpeak more ſincerely unto me; I proteſt unto you (ſaid ſhe) I do not lie; for Otanus is the man whom the incomparable Ameſtris hath married: Otanus (ſaid I to her) married Ameſtris? Otanus the uglieſt of men; he whom ſhe moſt hated? Ha, if it be ſo, then either her Kindred or the King has compelled her unto this ſtrange marriage: Not at all (Replied Menaſta) and you had more intereſt in her affections then any had: I (replied I) being all amazement? I confeſs unto you (ſaid I not knowing well what I ſaid) that I had rather ſhe ſhould have married Otanus then Megabiſes: But for all that, know Menaſta, that Aglatidas could not marry Ameſtris; or if he had been diſpoſed it would not have been advantagious to him: yes (Replied Menaſta) it would before the Beauty of Anatiſa had raſed out of your heart the love of Ameſtris: Anatiſa (replied I haſtily) had never any place in my heart: Ameſtris the perfidious Ameſtris only did reign there with Soveraignty: Menaſta not being leſs aſtoniſhed to hear me ſay ſo, then I was to her ſay Ameſtris was married, did ask me if it were very true that I loved Ameſtris yet? yes Menaſta (ſaid I unto her) I do love her yet; and though my own eyes did ſee ſuch things, as I did not think I ſhould ever ſee, yet I did leave adoring her perpetually: The love I ſhewed unto Anatiſa, was but counterfeit, and a meer effect of my deſpair: But Menaſta (ſaid I to her) what was it that ſet Megabiſes and Ameſtris at odds? and what moved her to marry Otanus? Megabiſes (ſaid ſhe to me) was never in league with Ameſtris: Ha Menaſta (Replied I) you ſaw not that which I ſaw; Ha Aglatidas (ſaid ſhe) you ſaw nothing but what I know: You may here admire Sir what ſtrange effects Love produced in my ſoul: The news of Ameſtris her marriage did infinitely afflict me; but becauſe I thought ſhe had been married unto Megabiſes, and afterwards heard ſhe was not, I did a while reſent ſome joy to mingle amongſt my ſorrows; this gave me a little comfort: But in concluſion Sir, after that Menaſta had cauſed me to ſwear a hundred and a hundred times that I did not love Anatiſa; She began to aggravate the Obligations which were upon me unto Ameſtris for her fidelity to me, and her rigour unto Megabiſes; And to make me more reſent it, ſhe told me how Ameſtris had forbidden Megabiſes for ever ſeeing her, and how he promiſed her that he would not, at the Fountain in the Green Border within the Garden, where accidentally they met. Ha Menaſta (ſaid I interrupting her) then have my eyes moſt cruelly betraied me; and done me very bad ſervice; So it was Sir, that Menaſta telling me nothing but truth, and finding my ſoul ſoftened with ſorrows, it was no hard matter for her to perſwade me: The Miſt of Jealouſie which was before my eyes did vaniſh; and I immediatly ſaw that which I ſaw not before; that is, I ſaw Ameſtris appear extreamly innocent, and my ſelf infinitely to blame; After this, Menaſta told me all that I have told you; the deſpair of Ameſtris to ſee me unconſtant, and to know that I was jealous not knowing of whom, and at laſt to juſtifie her ſelf in my minde, ſhe undertook this ſad deſtinie to marry Otanus, knowing well that it was impoſſible it ſhould be he of whom he was jealous. In concluſion Menaſta told me that whereas I might have been the happieſt of men, and given Ameſtris ſatisfaction, I had made my ſelf the moſt unhappy, and made her more unfortunate then my ſelf: Ah Menaſta (cried I out) this is not poſſible, if it be, then never was misfortune equall unto mine: She told me further, that the quarrell which I intended with Megabiſes, did haſte on her odd reſolution: That my abſenting my ſelf, and Anatiſa going into the Countrey at the ſame time, cauſed her to think that the voyage was agreed upon betwixt us: and ſhe told all thoſe who ſpoke unto her in the behalf of Otanus, that ſhe was reſolved to marry him, ſo that the buſineſs was not protracted but quickly diſpatched: At the ſame time ſhe asked the Kings conſent, who conſented willingly thereunto, ſuppoſing it to be a good expedient to reconcile Megabiſes and me, both of us being equally in the principall cauſe of our differences: Menaſta told me alſo that the King ſpoke to my Father concerning it; and that my Father ſeeing the coldneſs that was in me towards Ameſtris, and being glad that I ſhould be no longer intereſted in the Love of Megabiſes, did himſelf deſire the King to conclude up the match: In ſhort Sir, Menaſta told me that the buſineſs was ſo cloſely carried as almoſt none knew of it when they went unto the Church to be married. Alas Aglatidas (ſaid ſhe unto me) had you ſeen Amestris in that condition, you would have rather thought her going to a puniſhment then a Marriage; and might very well have ſeen her innocency by her ſorrows: I ſaw her (ſaid ſhe) an hour before this ſad Ceremony, and ſhe no ſooner ſaw me, but looking upon me with tears in her eyes, I know not (ſaid ſhe to me) whether the unconſtant Aglatidas, if he ſaw me, would reſent my ſorrows, and repent of his crime; But however Menaſta, it were requiſite that I did juſtifie my ſelf: I would [Page] let him ſee his jealouſie was ill-grounded, and I muſt die for grief; but if my praiers have any prevalency in them he muſt eternally lament it: As ſoon as ſhe had uttered theſe dolefull words, they called her to the Church, and I followed after with tears in my eyes like a ſad Mourner: Every one who ſaw her wept alſo: all that knew of the Marriage were amazed, Megabiſes although he was very patient at it, yet it infinitely ſtung him: Artaban was ready to forbid the Banes when the Ceremony was almoſt finiſhed, coming into the Church no ſooner: Otanus himſelf. was ſo ſurpriſed, and not ſo well ſatisfied as he might be, becauſe he did not very well underſtand how this good fortune did come about; and becauſe he was ſo conſcious of ſo many defects in himſelf, as he knew that he could not be beloved: indeed it was the diſcourſe of all the world, and every one vented their conceits concerning it, though there was none but Ameſtris and Menaſta which knew that Aglatidas was the only cauſe of this ſo unjuſt, ſo unreaſonable, and ſo diſcordant a Marriage. Never ask me (ſaid ſhe unto me) what Ameſtris did after this diſmall day; ſhe was all Melancholy, all altered, and I could never look upon her but with tears; if you ſaw her your ſelf, you would pity her and be ſad. As we two were thus together, Artaban (to compleat my misfortune) having at laſt diſcovered where I was, came and found me hearkening unto Menasta: He no ſooner ſaw me, but coming to me, Ah cruell Friend (cried he) what have you done? And why did you ſo obſtinately fly me? I who had the beſt and moſt delightfull news in the world to tell you? I that could have told you that your own eyes had deluded you, and that Ameſtris was moſt innocent. Menaſta much ſurpriſed to hear him ſay ſo, asked him what he meant by ſaying ſo? Then he told her before me, how he heard Ameſtris and ſhe in the Green Arbour, where he had learned by their diſcourſe, how that Ameſtris was faithfull unto Aglatidas, and that ſhe never loved Megabiſes: how that their meeting in the green border by the Fountain, was by meer chance and not appointed, how that ſhe had commanded Megabiſes never to ſee her more, and that accordingly he went away and obſerved her order, and in concluſion that he heard how Ameſtris was purely innocent. I hearing then Artaban ſpeak thus, and being no longer in any ſuſpicion of the fidelity of Ameſtris; Tell me ſome more cruell friend (ſaid I to him,) And double my misfortune by telling me thus of my good: Forget nothing which might have made me happy, to the end I may be eternally miſerable. It is hard for me to tell you Sir, what confuſion my thoughts were in upon this accident; I looked upon my errour with a horrid ſhame: I hearkned unto the juſtification of Ameſtris with abundance of joy; and I reſented my own misfortune with a ſtrange deſpair: But when my imagination preſented unto my ſoul, that Ameſtris the faireſt Lady in the world, ſhould be in the poſſeſſion of the moſt ugly and odious man; I quite loſt all Patience, and could not chuſe but lament and be ſtupid: But ſince Menaſta could ſtay no longer, ſhe left me: at laſt I ſaid to her, May I not once more ſee Ameſtris? I do not think (replied Menaſta) that ſhe will permit it; and in that minde which I left her, you can never hope for any more favour from her: Ha Menaſta, (ſaid I) do not add to my deſpair; I would gladly ſee Ameſtris, I would diſcourſe with her, I would throw my ſelf at her feet; and if you would be pleaſed to facilitate the way, I may perhaps do ſomething which would pleaſe Ameſtris, and which might render my deſpair more publique: In ſhort Sir, I ſpoke with ſuch violence as moved Menaſta to pity me: and promiſed me to deceive her friend for once: and to let me hear from her when ſhe found a ſit time for her to meet me in ſome place: After this, Menaſta went away, and Artaban who had no other buſineſs but to finde me out, and tell me that it was his deſign to prevent my misfortune, he ſtaied with me, and would not leave me in that condition wherein I was: and ſo much the willinger becauſe he ſaw the Counſell which he had given me took ſuch unfortunate effect: But I was ſo juſt as not to be angry with him for it: I accuſed only my ſelf not my friend: Muſt it not be confeſſed (ſaid I) that I am the moſt unfortunate, the moſt culpable, and therefore the moſt to be blamed of any man in the world? for indeed (ſaid I to Artaban) I have had a greater loſſe then ever any had; I have been in greater fault then ever any was; and I have ſuffered more then the moſt unfortunate man ever did; After I had ſaid ſo, I was a while ſilent, then again upon a ſudden I began to ſpeak: But Artaban (ſaid I unto him) did you ſee Ameſtris in the Church? No (anſwered he) for I was ſo troubled when meeting Menaſta who told me that Otanus had married Ameſtris, that I could be no more inquiſitive concerning a buſineſs which I could not help, and which I had helped doubtleſſe, if I had but known it one quarter of an hour ſooner: What then (ſaid I to him) is it moſt true that Ameſtris did alwaies love me? and is it alſo certain ſhe never favoured Megabiſes? and after all this can I be happy? How Artaban can this poſſibly [Page] be? No, no (ſaid I) I cannot comprehend it; ſince Ameſtris is Fidele, and Megabiſes not happy, in this reſpect the heart of Aglatidas muſt needs rejoyce: But alas, the thought that Ameſtris is Fidele, and muſt never be mine, this reſpect makes dead in ſorrow; No, no I had rather you were unconſtant then faithfull; and ſince you are never to be mine, Why do you, cruell Ameſtris, preſerve your affection for me, yet deprive me of all the conſequents? To deprive me of your ſight; your diſcourſe, and your fair ſelf? This is (inhumane Ameſtris) to conceal a Serpent under Flowers; This is the way to poiſon your preſence; and indeed it is to be barbarous under a colour of being pitifull; Alas, had it not much more availed me not to have juſtified your ſelf, then to have done it in ſuch a ſtrange, ſuch an extraordinary, and ſuch a cruell way? For in beleeving you to be unconſtant, I had none but my own misfortunes to ſupport: I then thought you happy whileſt I ſighed; and I did not know that your felicity did not cauſe my greateſt puniſhment: I had not experimentally tried that I ſhould be more ſenſible of the misfortunes of the party beloved then of my own. What, Ameſtris? Muſt you be for ever unhappy, and unhappy for the Love of me? Muſt you eternally endure the ſight of a man whom you hated, and never ſee another whom you once honoured with your Love? and all this becauſe Aglatidas ſeem'd to be perfidious unto you, and becauſe he was jealous without reaſon, though not without ſome kinde of appearance, and by conſequence without any ſhew that I loved you ſtill; though none are ever jealous of that which they do not love. Alas Ameſtris (ſaid I) Did you ſo little know your own Beauty, that you ſhould ſuffer your ſelf to be deluded by a trick ſo eaſie to be diſcovered? Could you ever think that any heart which once loved you and adored you could offer any Victims unto any other Divinity? As for Aglatidas, he might with reaſon think himſelf not beloved by Ameſtris, his own defects might authorize his ſuſpition: But as for Ameſtris, how is it poſſible, ſhe ſhould ſo much as conceive, much leſſe firmly beleeve, that any one could ceaſe from loving her? and ſo ceaſe to love her as to love any other? yet ſhe did think it, ſhe beleeved it; and ſhe has revenged her ſelf, and after ſuch a ſad manner as muſt make me eternally ſigh: for to ſay truly, there neither is, nor was, nor I think ever can be any misfortune comparable unto mine; I know not (ſaid Artaban then unto me) whether all thoſe who are not beloved will acknowledge what you ſay; Thoſe who are not loved (anſwered I) may hope that one day they may be, and that hope may ſupport them amidſt their inquietudes. But as for me, on the contrary, though I confeſſe I was beloved, I ſhall never receive any ſigns of that affection: I muſt never ſee Ameſtris again, never ſpeak to her; ſhe will never write unto me again, but ſhall be treated as one ſhe hates: No, no Artaban, I am certainly the moſt unhappy man in all the world: yet thoſe who lament for the death of their Miſtreſſes will diſpute with you for the firſt rank in unhappineſſe, although you would have all they would yeeld it unto you: they do diſpute with me for it without reaſon (Replied I) for who hinders them from following thoſe they love unto the grave? There are a hundred waies which leade to death, and the end of their evils is in their own diſpoſition: But it is not ſo with me, for as long as Ameſtris lives, this remedy is denied me: I muſt preſerve my life as if ſhe were delighted with it: for indeed I cannot leave Ameſtris, becauſe I cannot omit any occaſion which may ſerve her, and becauſe after all this I would ſee, as well as I can, how far the fidelity of this Lady will go; Then confeſſe, ſaid Artaban, that thoſe who ſee their Miſtreſſes not only unconſtant and married, but married unto thoſe whom they are more indulgent unto then the firſt they loved, have more cauſe to complain then you; I ſtaied a while at this before I anſwered; but preſently beginning to ſpeak as if I had ſeen Ameſtris: Pardon (Divine Lady) my imbecillity, and do not hate me, if in this accident I do conſider my ſelf more then you: Yes yes Artaban (ſaid I in turning towards him) I do confeſſe that I do contradict my own thoughts: and although I am deſperate at the misfortune of Ameſtris, yet I would not have her happy with Megabiſes, but I had rather ſhe ſhould be unfortunate with Otanus; I had need to call all my reaſon and my generoſity to aſſiſt me, and to keep this criminous joy from entring my heart: I cannot forbear the entertaining it when I know that he who now enjoys Ameſtris ſhall never enjoy her love: and when I know ſhe thinks upon me with ſorrow, and eternally regrets me: I would have her know my innocency as I know hers, and that I ſhould be juſtified in her thoughts as ſhe is in mine: I know (ſaid I) this will augment her ſorrow, ſince it may come to paſſe that deſpite will choak ſome part of that affection ſhe bears unto me: But, adorable Ameſtris (ſaid I) ſeek out ſome other remedies for your ſorrows, and finde it rather in the ſweetneſſe to know, that you are perfectly though improfitably loved: After this I went ſilently [Page] to walk: afterwards upon a ſudden I began to ſpeak, anſwering unto what I had thought upon: No Megabiſes, ſaid I, I will not fight with you: and though you ſhould offend me, yet if you ſtill love Ameſtris, you are more cruelly puniſhed then any death can inflict: And afterwards to ſpeak the very truth, without that Paſſion which hath blinded me, I did owe ſo much reſpect unto the bloud of his Brother which I had let out, as not to think of ſpilling his: But as for Otanus (ſaid I) how can I ſuffer him to live? and knowing the vertue of Ameſtris, how dare I ſo much as to deſire his death? What then (ſaid I to Artaban with more anger then I can now expreſſe) muſt I all my life long ſee Ameſtris, the incomparable Ameſtris, ſubject unto a man unto whom the gods have denied all things except his bare condition and his Riches? and unto whom they have not given any more ſoul then as much as will render him odious? Why Artaban is it not permitted me to ſet Ameſtris at liberty? Ha No No (ſaid I to my ſelf) I dare not attempt it, I dare not propound it unto her; I dare not ſo much as have a thought of it leſt ſhe ſhould forbid it; what ſhall I then do (ſaid I to Artaban) and what ſhould I think? So it was Sir, that I can well ſay, that I ſuffered as much as was poſſible to be ſuffered, and not die: the joy which I reſented at the innocence of Ameſtris did doubtleſs keep in my life, it not being poſſible without that cordiall to have kept my heart from breaking when I heard ſhe was married: But though I lived, yet ſurety it was to endure more ſorrow: for certainly the obſcurity of a grave was much to be preferred before the trouble and miſery which I endured: Sometimes Otanus did not ſeem ſo odious unto me as he alwaies before did ſeem; ſometimes I thought that Ameſtris did not apprehend his defects ſo great, becauſe it was grown habituall unto her to ſee them: I feared alſo that the Treaſures which Otanus poſſeſſed did not really reach his heart, but thoſe fears laſted not long: My greateſt Conſolation was to think that Ameſtris could not love him who poſſeſſed it: In the mean time the night drawing on, it was time to retire: I paſſed that night away without ſleep, and I complain'd away the two next daies; Upon the third in the morning I received news from Menaſta, who ſent me word that if I would be in the Garden about the green Border where the Fountain is by ſix of the clock at night, ſhe would bring Ameſtris thither, as not knowing that I would be there; but to prevent any diſcovery of this meeting, it were requiſite ſhe went into the thick wood on the right hand of the Fountain: Whoſoever ſhould have told me Sir but one minute before that I ſhould have another minute of joy in all my life, I could not have beleeved him: yet I no ſooner knew that I ſhould ſee Ameſtris again that day, but I abandoned my ſelf entirely: I went thither an hour before, never thinking either of Megabiſes or Otanus, or of the marriage of Ameſtris; and never thinking of any thing elſe but that I ſhould ſee her, that I ſhould ſpeak to her, and that perhaps ſhe would anſwer me favourably. And afterwards reviving upon a ſudden out of the pleaſant Lethargy of thought: Alas! (ſaid I) what can ſhe poſſibly anſwer me, which can render me leſſe miſerable, ſince the more ſweet ſhe is unto me, the more miſerable does ſhe make me? yet for all that I deſire her to be ſo, and not incenſed againſt me. I entertained all that day on this manner with Artaban, and I ſent unto Menaſta that I would not fail to be there: Mean while, this witty Lady did really delude Ameſtris (as ſince I came to know) and propounded this ſolitary walk unto her, as moſt ſuteable to her humour and preſent condition: yet notwithſtanding, ſhe thought it convenient, that Ameſtris ſhould not reſent me ſo culpable as formerly ſhe did, therefore ſhe brought her an hower ſooner unto the Walk then ſhe appointed me, to the end that ſhe might have more time to prepare her: As they were then in that little Wood where ſhe led her, the fair afflicted Lady did her ſelf begin to contribute unto the deſign, and begun a diſcourſe of which my Cozen was very glad: It muſt be acknowledged Menaſta (ſaid ſhe to her) that the misfortune which thus perſecutes me, is very rigid againſt me, ſince it will not ſuffer me to have that comfort as to know what Aglatidas does think of my misfortune: He is ſo taken up with Anatiſa, that perhaps they mock at my Melancholy deſtiny: and perhaps Aglatidas thinks my Marriage rather an effect of my humour then as a misfortune whereof he is the reall cauſe: But (ſaid ſhe) my ſoul is a little more reaſonable, for I cannot forbear wiſhing two different things at once: I no ſooner had wiſhed to know that Aglatidas was ſenſible of my misfortune, but preſently after I deſire for my own quietneſs to underſtand no more of him; never to meet him as long as I live; nor hear no more ſpoken of him: but alas, all theſe deſigns have but an ill bottom in my heart; and I have more reaſon to reſent my Marriage as a great puniſhment for any loving ſuch a perfidious man: I wiſh, ſaid Menaſta, that you had never thought him ſuch a cruell man, or that you would no longer think him ſo; but as I think you are more [Page] unhappy by reſenting him ſo; What (ſaid Amestris interrupting her,) ſhould I not beleeve that Aglatidas was perfidious? and can I think that he is not ſo ſtill? Ah No No Menaſta. I muſt not think him otherwiſe, and for the future I muſt not perſwade my ſelf of any thing that may juſtifie him: I wiſh only that he would repent of his crime, to the end that he may be a puniſhment unto himſelf: But know that as long as I do not think Aglatidas repentant and unhappy, he does not put the ſtability of my ſoul unto any dangerous triall: And it would be more cruell unto me to tell me that I was deceived; that Aglatidas was never culpable; that what I have ſeen was but an illuſion; that he hath been alwaies faithfull unto me; That he never loved Anatiſa, and that he hath ever loved Ameſtris; I confeſſe Menaſta, that if I could be perſwaded of all this, then I ſhould be more unhappy then I am: and though I ſhould not become more criminall, yet doubtleſs I ſhould become more unfortunate: But this is a thing which can never be, and a thing which I need not fear: I would to God (ſaid Menaſta to her) it were poſſible you never were acquainted with the innocency of Aglatidas: The innocency of Aglatidas (replied Ameſtris? Ha, I do entreat you not to make merry at my misfortune; it is too great Menaſta to be uſed for your diverſion; and I am more your friend then to be treated ſo. No No, replied ſhe, I ſpeak ſeriouſly; Aglatidas it is true was very unwiſe, but he was ever faithfull: What, replied Ameſtris, did not Aglatidas love Anatiſa? Aglatidas, anſwered Menaſta, never loved any but you: O Heavens (cried out this wiſe Lady) mercileſs and cruel woman that you are, why do you ſpeak thus unto me? If this you tell me be falſe, why do you tell it? and if it be true, why did you not either tell it ſooner, or eternally conceal it from me? I could tell it no ſooner, replied Menaſta, becauſe I knew it no ſooner; and I could not hide it, becauſe Aglatidas is reſolved to tell it you himſelf: Oh (replied ſhe with a quite altered countenance) whether Aglatidas be culpable or innocent, I will never ſee him as long as I live; if he be culpable he is not worthy of it; and though he be innocent, yet I ſhall be criminall to ſuffer it; therefore Menaſta talk no more of him, he does but too much take up my memory; he is but too much in my heart, and I wiſh to heaven he were leſs: After theſe words ſhe was ſilent; and Menaſta ſeeing her minde was ſo much troubled, did repent of her promiſe and was a good while before ſhe durſt ſpeak any more unto her: After ſome minutes had thus paſſed on, Ameſtris looking upon her with eyes ſwimming in tears, and beginning to ſpeak with leſs violence; But yet, ſaid ſhe, Menaſta, what moved you to ſpeak thus unto me? I durſt tell you no more, anſwered Menaſta, for ſeeing the innocence of Aglatidas did torment you as much as if he were criminall, I thought it better to ſpeak no more of him, neither as faithfull or as inconſtant: Know Menaſta, replied ſhe, that I love you ſo much as to pardon ſuch a fault, and know (ſaid ſhe bluſhing) that I deſire you to tell me all you know concerning Aglatidas, and diſguiſe nothing from me: Menaſta, ſeeing Ameſtris deſired it, told her all ſhe knew concerning my adventure; to wit how I came to be jealous by ſeeing Megabiſes with her in the Garden: how that moved me to leave writing unto her: how I did not ceaſe to love her: how Artaban had counſelled me to love Anatiſa, or at leaſt to ſeem as if I did; and how I challenged Megabiſes, and hid my ſelf to no other end but to fight with him; and in concluſion, ſeeing Ameſtris hearken favourably unto what ſhe told her; then ſhe told her further what I had told unto her; and confeſſed ſhe had diſcovered in me ſo many ſignes of abſolute deſpair, that ſhe was not able to deny me one requeſt which I made unto her, which was that I would be a means that I might once more ſee her: In concluſion, Madam (ſaid ſhe) that you may not be too much ſurpriſed at it, be pleaſed to know, that I induced you hither, only to the end that Aglatidas might preſent himſelf unto you: Ah Menaſta (ſaid Ameſtris) what have you done? unto what have you expoſed me? how do you think I can endure the ſight of a man whom I have made ſo unfortunate? and how can I deny that unto a man who might have made me all happineſs? Yes Menaſta, you have done me great wrong, if this meeting ſhould be diſcovered, would the world not think it was by my conſent? What will all the Court ſay? what may Otanus think? unto how much danger do I hazard my reputation? No no, I muſt never conſent unto what you have promiſed him: how would you have me ſpeak unto him? what would you have me ſay? Shall I tell him I love him ſtill? alas I cannot do ſo without a crime, or at leaſt it is not hanſom to do it; Shall I tell him that I hate him? Ha, good Gods, how can I ſay it? I who did not ſo, when I thought him perfidious? Speak then Menaſta, I conjure you; you have wit and virtue, and diſcretion, I beſeech you adviſe me, and adviſe me faithfully: Yet (replied ſhe, not [Page] giving her leave to anſwer) it is better to ask no counſell at all, and ſhun ſo dangerous an occaſion: In ſaying ſo, ſhe began to walk, and go away; When Menaſta did bid her look where I was coming; ſhe no ſooner ſaw me, but ſhe ſhed tears; and as ſhe turned from me to hide them, I kneeled down at her feet, before ſhe was well recovered in her ſight; I thought Sir that I had ſuch a ſhare in thoſe ſorrows which I obſerved in Ameſtris, and they did ſo augment mine, that I had much add to ſpeak; yet after much ſtraining my ſelf, I ſaid unto her, You ſee at your feet Madam, the moſt culpable, the moſt innocent, and the moſt unfortunate man that breathes, who as criminall comes to ask puniſhment; who as innocent comes to juſtifie himſelf before you; and who as unfortunate comes to beg compaſſion, and ſome comfort in his miſery: Not Madam, that I ſeek to live, but that I deſire to die more cheerfully and gloriouſly both: And this will be (Divine Amestris) if you will be pleaſed only to acknowledge that I have not meritted my misfortune; and that you would not judge me unworthy of a more happy deſtiny. I know not Aglatidaas (anſwered ſhe, and raiſing me up) neither whether I ſhould anſwer you, nor whether I ſhould hear you, but I know very well that you are the only cauſe both of your misfortunes and mine; for indeed Ameſtris is not one of whom one ought to be jealous: Why Madam (ſaid I) ſhould I give the lie unto my own eyes? Should I truſt more unto your merit and your goodneſs, then to their teſtimony? Do you not know Madam, that except the laſt time when I had the honour to ſpeak unto you, you never had given me any ſtrong arguments to beleeve but that I ſtood upon any good terms in your minde? What then would you have it Madam which ſhould ſuſtain my weakneſs upon ſuch an occaſion? If I had received ſeverall proofs and trials of your affection to me, then it had been a horrid crime to ſuſpect your inconſtancy: But what engagements had I from you Madam, which might create in me ſo great a confidence: It is true indeed that I have had ſome favourable expreſſions from you, and was permitted to interpret them in the beſt ſenſe for my ſelf, and that I have received ſome civil and obliging Letters from you: but Madam, were all theſe ſufficient to belie my own eyes; and had my paſſion been worthy of you if I had retained all my reaſon upon ſuch an accident? No Madam, to love you perfectly is to loſe all reaſon as I have loſt it; and to preſerve only reſpect as I have preſerved it; for indeed I did not complain it before all the world; I lamented in ſecret, I ſought out folitude to ſigh it out there; and when I returned to Ecbatan, I was forced to it: You returned (ſaid Ameſtris to me interrupting me and changing colour) to wait upon Anatiſa before my eyes, and to force me againſt my will to receive a paſſion which could not enter into a ſoul that was not preceded by another. Ah Madam, ſaid I to her, I beſeech you do not upbraid me with a fault which indeed I have committed, but I committed it by the counſell of another: 'Tis true I did counterfeit a love unto Anatiſa, but it was only becauſe I ever loved you; that open love was but an effect of my true concealed love; and I know not how the adorable Ameſtris ſhould ſuffer her ſelf to be deceived by ſo groſſe an artifice, and which I uſed with ſo little care; Do not think Madam that I have prophaned the ſame words which I imployed to perſwade you of my affection, and that I ever courted Anatiſa; No, I never told her that I loved her; I let her interpret my melancholy as ſhe pleaſed, but I never did ſay ſo much as I love you. I do confeſs that I once did intend it, but my heart and my tongue were, whether I would or no, faithfull unto you: Yes Madam, when I fled from you, when you thought I courted Anatiſa, even then I gave you convincing teſtimonies of the greatneſs of my affection: For to love the faireſt Lady in the world as long as ſhe is gratious and favourable, this is a thing moſt ordinary; but for me to continue loving her, when I thought ſhe had forſaken me, when I beleeved ſhe had betraied me and loved another, and I for fear of diſcovering my weakneſs ſeemed to love another; Ah Madam, this is it which makes it evident, that nothing can extinguiſh my paſſion but death, and that you will reign eternally in my ſoul: Ameſtris all the time of this diſcourſe dejected her eyes, and afterwards upon a ſudden lifting up her eye-lids with extream melancholy: Juſtifie your ſelf no more (ſaid ſhe to me) for you are yet but too much in my minde; and let me imploy that little time I have to be with you in telling you ingenuouſly my reall thoughts: I would Madam (ſaid I to her) if it may be without prejudice to that reverence I owe you, beſeech you firſt not to make me deſpair, but to let me die leſs violently; I would gladly ask you why when you thought me culpable, you ſhould then be revenged upon your ſelf? Could you not invent a puniſhment which I alone might have ſuffered the miſery which you thought I deſerved? Why did you not rather doom me to die before your eyes? Why Madam did you puniſh me by making your [Page] ſelf unhappy? I thought it beſt (anſwered ſhe) in my opinion to make you miſerable by this courſe, becauſe I could not otherwiſe juſtifie my ſelf in your minde, and I thought I could not do it more certainly then by marrying Otanus, whom you knew well I did not love, and of whom I knew moſt aſſuredly you were not jealous: Ah Madam (ſaid I to her) what do you tell me? Muſt Aglatidas hear from your own mouth ſuch cruel words? What Madam, Otanus? that ſame Otanus who I have ſeen to be the greateſt object of your averſion: Can he ever be the husband of Ameſtris? Yes, anſwered ſhe, ſince Aglatidas would not: I beſeech you Madam, ſaid I to her, have not ſuch a thought of me; but on the contrary beleeve that if you will but let Aglatidas alone, Ameſtris ſhall not be long the wife of Otanus; I pronounced theſe words in a very paſſionate violence: But oh Heavens, how aſtoniſhed I was, when I ſaw Ameſtris go back and look upon me with an imperious aire, wherein appeared no leſs anger then ſorrow: Know Aglatidas, ſaid ſhe to me, that as I have not changed my opinion of you, ſo I have not changed my vertue, I am the ſame you knew me, and ever will be, It is incapable of any injuſtice; I have loved you, I confeſs, but I loved you without a crime; Never think then, that although I ever had a great averſion towards Otanus, and had never married him out of ſuch a thought as I cannot my ſelf expreſs, yet I ſay never think that I can ever deſire not to be his Wife: The time was indeed when I did not deſire it; but ſince I am ſo, it befits me to live with him as my Husband, and not to deceive. You know (ſaid ſhe, with eyes full of tears which ſhe would have reſtrained) that I will live out all the reſt of my daies with Otanus, whom I have ever hated, as if I had ever loved him; and with Aglatidas whom I ever loved, as if I ever hated him: Why Madam, ſaid I to her, will you live with Aglatidas as if you ever hated him? What rigid vertue can impoſe ſuch a ſevere law upon you? No, no Madam, ſaid I to her, do not fear that I will uſe any violence; do not puniſh me ſo cruelly for one word pronounced againſt my will in paſſion, and without any deſign to execute it: I would have killed Megabiſes becauſe I thought you loved him, and I will not attempt againſt Otanus, becauſe you do not love him, and I will hope that you will never love him: Let then this happy Husband of the fair Ameſtris live, ſo I may have ſo much happineſs as ſometimes to ſee her, that I may be put in minde of thoſe glorious hours, wherein by the will of Artambaces I might have poſſeſſed the place which Otanus not enjoyes; let him enjoy that glorious place in peace, ſince the fatall Deſtinies would have it ſo; but let me alſo poſſeſs in peace that which you have given me; let me Madam enjoy ſome glimpſe of that felicity to the laſt minute of my life: You may, if you will, bring me to my death, as they uſe to bring Victims, that is, with Songs of joy and Crowns of flowers: Yes Madam, I ſhould die with joy and honour, if you would only permit me to render you an account of my ſorrows: And never fear that I ſhall ever deſire any thing from you which can diſpleaſe you; No, divine Ameſtris, I would only have my complaints to be favourably heard, and I would only be comforted by ſome words of pity: you have hearkned unto Megabiſes whom you do love, and will you refuſe the ſame favour unto a man whom you have not hated, nor perhaps do yet? That's the reaſon (replied ſhe) why I ought to deny it; for indeed Aglatidas I did love you, and I cannot hate you, ſo that for that very reaſon I ought to miſtruſt my own thoughts: It is not (ſaid ſhe) and the gods do know it, the affection which I bear unto you can ever cauſe me to fa [...]l in that duty which I owe unto Otanus, nor in that which I owe unto my ſelf, but becauſe I am not in a capacity ever to be yours, therefore I ought not to admit of ſeeing you or loving you: What then Madam, ſaid to her, do you intend then to hate me? I cannot do that if I would (anſwered ſhe) but I can forbear ſpeaking to you: Ah if you can do that (ſaid I to her) then you will not love me any more: And take heed Madam, you do not renew a freſh jealouſie in a deſperate ſoul, and perſwade me, that perhaps the riches of Otanus did gain your heart: Doe not Madam ſtir upon ſuch a violent paſſion in my minde; and to prevent it afford me at the leaſt ſome ſmall ſigns of indifference: For indeed Madam, If you ſhould cauſe me to deſpair, I ſhould again loſe my Reaſon abſolutely, as I did in my firſt jealouſie, and perhaps ſhall not be able to preſerve that reſpect which I ever have done: Tell me then, adorable Ameſtris, that you do not hate me, and that you would have me love you: and alſo permit me ſometimes to tell you that I am ready to die for the love of you: I will tell you more then that (ſaid ſhe;) for I will confeſſe that I eſteem Aglatidas, as I ought to eſteem him; and that I love him as well as ever I did love him; and that I will love him ſo untill I die: But after all this; he muſt ſee me no more as long as he lives: All that I can do for you is to permit you to think that when you ſhall hear of my death (which I beleeve will [Page] be ere long) that melancholy was the cauſe, and that my laſt thoughts would be of Aglatidas; Now (ſaid ſhe) you ſee all I can do, and perhaps more then I ought to do, and therefore never hope for any more: Who ever ſaw (ſaid I unto her) the like adventure unto mine? You tell me that you have loved me, and that you love me ſtill; you tell me that you will die in thoughts of me, and why will you not whileſt you are alive hear me ſometimes? It is becauſe I cannot (anſwered ſhe) without ſome offence to vertue, and without too much expoſing my reputation: Does not your innocency (ſaid I) ſuffice to ſatisfie that? No (anſwered Ameſtris) it behoves to appear as well as be vertuous: Appear then (ſaid I to her) to be good and pitifull, if it be true that you are ſo: Do you (ſaid ſhe) appear reaſonable and generous, if you will continue to be alwaies what you are: Would you have Aglatidas Madam, ſaid I, ſee you no more, and perhaps love you no more? I ought to wiſh the latter as well as the firſt (replied ſhe) but I confeſſe I cannot: What would you then have me do, ſaid I? I would (anſwered ſhe) have him love Ameſtris without any hope; that he ſhould comfort himſelf without ſeeing me; that he ſhould live with deſire of death; and that he never forget me: In ſaying ſo, ſhe would have left me, but I took her by the hand whether ſhe would or no, holding her by force, and kneeling down: In the Name of God Madam (ſaid I) either grant me what I deſire, or do not forbid my death: I can conſent unto no more (ſaid ſhe to me) honour bids me deny what you deſire, and my affection bids you live at leaſt as long as I: Have Patience Aglatidas (ſaid ſhe) perhaps the time will not be long: Ah Madam (ſaid I to her) ſpeak not thus of your death; Rather forget Aglatidas then let the Faireſt Lady in the world finde a Tomb; you might do better (ſaid ſhe) to phraſe her the moſt unfortunate, and perhaps alſo the moſt unjuſt, and the moſt inhumane: But in the Name of thoſe gods which I have already invoked Madam (ſaid I to her) let me ſpeak unto you but once more: Adieu Aglatidas (ſaid ſhe) adieu, I begin to think my heart would betray me if I ſhould hearken to you any longer, and that I ought to truſt unto my own vertue no longer: Live (ſaid ſhe) if you can, and if it be poſſible love none but Ameſtris, and never ſee her more; ſhe praies you, and if you will admit of it, ſhe commands you; I pronouncing this ſad ſentence ſhe left me all in tears; and all that I could do was to kiſſe her fair hand which ſhe drew away from mine with too much violence: you may judge Sir in what a condition I was when I ſaw Ameſtris going away with Menaſta, who all the while of our diſcourſe, ſtood five or ſix paces from us, to watch leſt any came, and underſtood nothing at all what we ſaid: I will not inſiſt Sir upon repetition of my apprehenſions, for it would but too much abuſe your patience: Let this ſerve for all, that there was never any eſteemed himſelf more undone and unfortunate then I: for indeed I found that I loved and was beloved, but for all that there is not any ingredient of hope left for me: I found that it was not permitted me to force my happineſſe from him which enjoyed it: I had no more Rivals to puniſh, I had no more inconſtant Miſtreſſes to complain upon, What comfort could I ever hope for amidſt my ſorrows? I had no power to forget one which loved me, who had all my heart, my ſpirits, my ſoul, my memory, and all, and for whom I forgot all the word beſides: There was not any hope for me to ſpeak unto her; She had forbid me to die; Indeed I found nothing but what did extraordinarily afflict me; yet notwithſtanding I would try whether by the aſſiſtance of Menaſta I could ſpeak once more unto Ameſtris, but Sir it could not poſſibly be obtained: and from that day this cruell Lady would never walk in any place, leſt ſhe meet with me: alſo ſhe feigned to be ſick, to the end ſhe might not go out at all. When I underſtood by Menaſta the full reſolution of Ameſtris, never to alter, I then determined to remove from that place where I could not ſee her; [...]eſt in conſideration of me, I might perhaps have contributed unto her death, by cauſing her reſtraint: As for Megabiſes who was as much vexed at the marriage of Ameſtris as I was, although he was thought not to love any longer when he came to Ecbatan: yet he found as well as I that it was not ſuch an eaſie matter to extinguiſh a violent paſſion. Aſtiages having heard where I was, did reconcile us, without ſeeing or embracing one another, comman ding me becauſe I had killed his brother to ſhun meeting him as much as I could poſſible. The cauſe of our laſt querrell was not known unto any, no not unto Megabiſes himſelf, who was alwaies ignorant that I had ſeen him in that fatall garden, near the Fountain in the green border: As concerning Anatiſa, I left Ecbatan before ſhe returned out of the Countrey: ſo that I cannot tell you what ſhe thought of me: I did write a Letter at my departure unto Ameſtris, which I ſent unto Menaſta, but I never had any anſwer unto it. I went wandring a while from Province to Province, not well knowing what I did, nor what courſe to take [Page] until ſuch time as the War begun in Aſſiria; I hoped there to put a period unto my misfortunes, in finding out an honourable death. During all the time I was there, I never received any news, neither from Menaſta nor Ameſtris; although I uſed all poſſible means to engage ſome or other to enquire of them: And ever ſince that you have been a witneſſe of my Melancholy, although you knew not the cauſe: And ſince that I never heard more of Ameſtris, unleſſe what I knew by Araſpes, how that Otanus was yet living, and that yet ſhe was unfortunate, and in all likelihood, ſince Melancholy did ſo remain in her face, ſhe yet perhaps loves the unfortunate Aglatidas; Now Sir, you underſtand what the adventure was which you deſired to know, and what were the misfortunes of that man who more then any man in the world wiſhes a happy end unto yours, and who expects nothing but death to put an end unto his own.

After theſe words Aglatidas was ſilent; and Artamenes thanked him for the pains which he had taken: asking him pardon for cauſing him to revive his ſorrows, and did ſeem to be extreamly ſenſible of them: I confeſs, ſaid he to him, that you are much to be lamented, and the accident which has made you ſo unfortunate was a very extraordinary event: But for all that, ſaid he to him ſighing, you do know that Amestris is living, and you need not doubt but that yet you are beloved: So that you may hope that Time and Fortune may work a happy change in your affection; But I do know ſome more unfortunate then you: I know not that Sir, replied Aglatidas, but I do know very well that I did loſe an ineſtimable Jewel in loſing Ameſtris, and that if ambition ſhould join it ſelf unto Love to perſecute me, I could not be more Melancholy then I am; yet Sir, it is very generous in you, to intereſt your ſelf more in the misfortunes of others then your own: You have unjuſt and heavy fetters of your own to complain of, and need not trouble your ſelf to lament the unhappineſs of Aglatidas, who is not worthy of that honour. Aglatidas, anſwered he, is worthy of all that is great in the world, and therefore I hope that one day, the Gods will put a period unto his misfortunes: Although I had all the qualities in the world, replied Aglatidas, thoſe which you do attribute unto me, would not create any hope in me; and as long as Artamenes continues unhappy, I know not why any who have any vertue, ſhould ground their hopes upon that reaſon which is not alwaies infallible: Thus did Artamenes and Aglatidas diſcourſe away the time untill Andramias told them that it was time to retire: Aglatidas asked Artamenes whether he could do him any ſervice, deſiring to let him know that he could contribute ſomething towards his delivery; but Artamenes thanked him, and told him that his priſon was not ſo great a misfortune, but if he could he would never come out, unleſs by the ſame hand which put him in.

The End of the Firſt Part.

§

THE SECOND PART OF ARTAMENES, OR Cyrus the Great.

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BOOK I.

THough this Illuſtrious Priſoner was careleſſe of his Liberty, yet his friends did contribute all their diligence to procure it: and Hidaſpes entertained not a thought of any thing elſe, ever ſince he knew Artamenes, to be Cyrus: Not onely Hidaſpes, Aducius, Artabaſes, Chriſantes, and Feraulas, who were native ſubjects unto the King his Father, and hereafter to be his, did all of them in particular, contrive all expedients for his ſafety: But the King of Hircania, the King of Phrygia, Perſodes, Thraſibulus, and many others alſo, were not leſſe ſolicitous. So that, to loſe no time, Chriſantes went the next morning betimes unto the King of Phrygia, with intentions to relate unto him, in a more conciſe manner, all [...]t, which the day before, he had related concerning the unhappy life of his dear Ma [...]r: but ſince they thought it expedient to keep alwayes ſome about Ciaxares, to pre [...]t him from taking any violent reſolutions againſt Artamenes, the King of Phrygia ſaid, thought it fitteſt for him, to undertake that office, ſince he was moſt affectionate, and [...]d moſt prevalencie with the King of Medes. In that conſideration therefore, Chri [...]tes did in ſhort tell him the ſtory of Artamenes, whereof he himſelf had ſeen a great [...]t, and reſolved hereafter, at more leaſure, to relate the particulars in a more ample [...]nner. Chriſantes did ſo ſatisfie the curioſity of this Prince, and did ſo extreamly [...]me him by his relation, although it was but a bare abridgement of his Life, that he [...] infinitely redouble his eſteem of Artamenes: and cauſed him to go with more diligence [...]o Ciaxares, and obſerve all his Reſentments. In the mean time, Chriſantes and Fe [...]s went unto the houſe of Hidaſpes, where the King of Hircania, Perſodes, Thraſibul [...]s, [...]ba [...]es, Aduſius, and all thoſe who heard Chriſantes the day before did Rendez-vous. [...]y no ſooner ſaw Chriſantes and Feraulas, but they did very importunately deſire them [...]niſh their diſcourſe of the glorious life of Artamenes. The Princes would have ſent the King of Phrygi [...]: but Chriſantes told him how he had already ſatisfied his Curio [...], and then they did [...]it down, whileſt Feraulas did purſue that ſtory which Chriſantes began the day before.

THE CONTINVANCE OF THE HISTORY OF Artamenes.

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WHen I call to memory all the great Acts, which Chriſantes told you yeſterday, I have much ado to think it poſſible, there ſhould be any thing elſe to tell you; And when I think upon all which remains, that I am to relate unto you, then me thinks Chriſantes hath told you nothing, ſo full of miracles is the life of my Maſters. I know Sir (ſaid Feraulas to the King of Hircania) you have not forgot, how after that combat twixt him and Philidaſpes,, wherein he had the advantage, he retired unto that ſacrificer whom he ſaw in the Temple of Mars, when he came firſt to Sinope, and from thence he ſent unto the King and the Princeſſe, to preſent his excuſes, and beg pardon for the combat which he had made, but I think you know not the ſequell of that accident: Aribeus who did patronize Philidaſpes, did all he could to cauſe the fault to reflect upon Artamenes; but although Aribeus ſpoke all that his Genius could ſuggeſt in behalf of Philidaſpes; yet the eloquence of my Maſters great ſervices ſpoke more effectually for himſelf. Nothing made a greater noiſe in the Court then this Combat: every one was inquiſitive of the cauſe, but none could finde it: It was the common diſcourſe of the Court; and every one imagined that Ambition cauſed the quarrell: but yet as none did particularly know the originall, ſo each one took the liberty to think as they would. The King was extreamly angry at the miſchance: for as they were men of high ſervice, both of them; ſo he was afraid to loſe them both, or at leaſt one, becauſe their wounds were very great; eſpecially Philidaſpes, whoſe hurts were much more dangerous then thoſe of Artamenes. And though the King did highly prize them both; yet his minde did put a great difference between them: when he begun to conſider how he owed his life unto Artamenes, and unto his valour all his illuſtrious victories, he could not chooſe but in ſpite of Aribeus and all he could ſay, prefer Artamenes before Philidaſpes. He was extreamly diſpleaſed at the matter; but he conceived he ought not to puniſh them, as well becauſe he loved them and was obliged unto them, as becauſe neither of them were born ſubjects unto him, and therefore by conſequence ought not to treat them rigorouſly; yet notwithſtanding, for formalities ſake upon ſuch an occaſion, he would have the Princeſs come to ask their pardon, which by abſolute command from the King ſhe did, though not without ſome repugnancy. After this formall ceremony he ſent to know of their healths; and to tell Artamenes, that he had done worſe in ſo expoſing himſelf, then if he had hazarded a Battle: He alſo ſent ſome obliging complement unto Philidaſpes, ſo that the buſineſſe was better paſſed over then every one did think it. That which did moſt vex Philidaſpes was to ſee all the Court take Artamenes part, except ſome old friends of Aribeus, who fauned upon his favourite. Now Sir, It is time to tell you what the Princeſs thought upon the matter: for although by the Kings command ſhe had begged pardon for theſe two Illuſtrious offenders, yet ſhe kn [...]w not, whether for her particular, ſhe could conſent unto it: I am now about ſpeaking ſuch ſecrets concerning her, as you will be inquiſitive how I ſhould come to the knowledge of them; therefore it is requiſite I ſhould now tell you, that a long time ſince, one of Mandana's women, called Marteſia, with whom I had a great league of friendſhip, did tell it unto me: for at that time there paſſed between us onely a bare common civility; and I was then altogether ignorant of what I [Page] now intend to relate. You may be pleaſed to remember, that the day before this Combate was fought, the Princeſſe uſed all her endeavours to contract a league of friendſhip between Artamenes and Philidaſpes; and how ſhe entreated them to live at leaſt, as if they did (though they could not) love one another: So that as ſoon as ſhe underſtood of their fighting, ſhe was in a great choler, and thought that they failed in their Reſpects to her. Marteſia, of whom I ſpoke, was ſhe, whom of all her women ſhe loved moſt, and in whom ſhe had moſt confidence; but untill that time Marteſia had taſted more of her liberality then her truſt: and I beleeve that what the Princeſſe thought of Artamenes upon this occaſion, was the firſt great ſecret which ſhe imparted unto her; nor had ſhe as I think any other, who ſhe pleaſed to create her confident. It was now a long time ſince the Princeſſe looked upon my Maſter with much eſteem; and indeed, I learned from Marteſia that ſhe did extreamly commend him, ever ſince the firſt time ſhe ſaw him; and ſince that time, upon a hundred accidents, ſhe has ſpoke of him after ſuch a manner as ſhe was not wont to ſpeak of any elſe; ſhe obſerved his handſome Garb; ſhe liked his pleaſant ſpirit; ſhe commended his wiſdom; ſhe admired his valour; ſhe could not comprehend his good fortune; and indeed ſhe ſaid, that Artamenes was every way a miracle, and one whom the Gods had ſent as a Protector of her fathers life, and glory of his Raigne; But upon this laſt accident, her anger had ſo incenſed her minde, as it compelled her to open her heart unto Marteſia. I know not (ſaid ſhe to her that night the fight was) whether or no I ſhould, after the example of the King, pardon Artamenes and Philidaſpes: for indeed Marteſia, could there be any thing more offenſive unto me, then this their procedure? I no ſooner deſired them to love one another, but they preſently quarrell; I wiſht them to live, as if they loved at the leaſt, and they immediately fight; even that morrow after I deſired them: in truth I cannot think they could have ſet ſo ſlight a value upon my words, neither do I think I can pardon them. I do beleeve Madam, replied Marteſia, that there is ſome hidden cauſe in the buſineſſe, which is not underſtood, and which perhaps, would juſtifie them if you knew it: for certainly they are men of ſouls, and high judgement, and men alſo who much reverence you: But they have afforded me very ill teſtimonies of it, (replied the Princeſſe very ſharply) and I intend to let them ſee I am ſenſible of the injuries: But you are alſo ſenſible of their good deeds, and being ſo, what will become of all their brave ſervices (replied Marteſia.) But Marteſia, I would fain know, (ſaid the Princeſſe to her) what I ought to think of the boldneſſe of Artamenes and Philidaſpes, and know which of them was the firſt Aſſaulter: The event of the Combate tells me that Artamenes had the better of it; but nothing tells me which of them was moſt culpable. I think Madam (replied Marteſia, who was alone with her in her cloſet) that both of them may without in juſtice be blamed; for did you not entreat them both to love one another? Yes, replied the Princeſſe, but though neither of them can be innocent, yet it is probable, they are not both of them equally culpable, and that is it which I would preciſely know; not but that I think Artamenes is leſſe in fault. And why Madam do you think ſo (anſwered Marteſia) ſince you have no more proofs for the one then the other? I know not (replied the Princeſſe) but I do more ſuſpect the haſtie violent humour of Philidaſpes, has failed in his reſpects unto me, ſooner then the wiſe temper of Artamenes: moreover, (added ſhe) the victory which Artamenes got over him is an infallible mark of the juſtneſſe of his cauſe: Indeed (ſaid ſhe bluſhing) though I cannot tell for what reaſons, yet I cannot chuſe but wiſh Artamenes be found leſſe culpable then Philidaſpes; and I ſhould be very glad that a man who has ſo much obliged ſhould give me no cauſe of complaint. It is very true, (anſwered Marteſia) that Artamenes is a man incomparable, and one whoſe merits does doubtleſſe deſerve a higher eſteem then any other: But Madam (added ſhe) what ſhould be the reaſon that a man of ſuch extraordinary vertues ſhould conceal his Quality and place of birth? It is to be beleeved (ſaid the Princeſſe bluſhing) that his Quality is equall to his carriage, for if it were not, he would never conceal it: But (ſaid Marteſia) what brought him to this Court? and why ſtays he here? for I hear ſay he never asked any thing of the King. Never any thing, (anſwered the Princeſſe) but onely leave to fight againſt enemies: yet (ſaid ſhe) his ſervices have not been ſmall, nor all his actions meanly glorious, and here this great Princeſſe began to repeat what my Maſter had done in the firſt Battell, when he preſerved the King her fathers life, out of the hands of his enemies who had inviron'd him with danger: The prodigious advantages that he got above all others; The wonderfull Combat, wherein he remained the only Conquerer of two hundred enemies: How he erected a glorious Trophe: The Combat [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] which he had with Artanus: The taking of Ceraſia: The Battles that he won againſt the King of Pontus: The remarkable Arms which he wore, to make himſelf better known unto thoſe who conſpired againſt his life: The poor ſimple Arms which he made choiſe of to conceal himſelf from thoſe who had order to ſpare his life: His generous behaviour unto thoſe valiant ſouldiers which would not yeeld their Bucklers, and of his rendring them their money again: And alſo all his other Gallantries, which ſhe remembred as freſhly and preciſely, as if they were done but yeſterday: and yet after all theſe (ſaid ſhe to Marteſia) there appears not the leaſt Ambition in his minde, and I neither know what brought him hither, what he ſtayes for, nor what he aims at: not but that the King my father would do very much for him; but upon the whole matter, his ſervices are infinitely above all recompences; and this is the reaſon Marteſia, why I wiſh him more innocent then Philidaſpes. And although Philidaſpes be a man of a high ſoul and excellent ſpirit, alſo in divers occaſions hath done good ſervice, yet there is a great difference between them: The turbulent humour of Philidaſpes, does not pleaſe me; moreover, I think him more Ambitious, and fuller of ſelf ends then Artamenes. After this manner, Sir, was the firſt diſcourſe of him: Mean while, as the king did pardon theſe two illuſtrious Offenders, the Princeſs would not make her reſentments of them to appear; ſo that ſhe ſent to know how they did. Philidaſpes was a long time very ill, and his life in ſome doubt: but my Maſters wounds were never in any danger: and within three weeks after the fight, he preſented himſelf unto the King and Princeſſe: to thank the firſt for his grace towards him, and the ſecond for interceding in his behalf. She was then in her cloſet, and none but her women with her, ſo that as Artamenes did addreſſe himſelf to give her thanks, and acknowledge the favour; Think not (ſaid ſhe to him) though I did beg your pardon, that I my ſelf in particular did conſent unto it: no Artamenes (ſaid ſhe in a more imperious Tone) It is onely the King hath pardoned you, but Mandana is yet diſpleaſed. If to die at your feet (anſwered Artamenes) would give you that ſatisfaction, I am moſt ready to do it. But Madam, what's the crime I have committed? How can that man, who does reverence you, with as much devotion as he does the Gods, poſſibly offend you? Pray tell me then (ſaid ſhe to him) whether it was not a neglect in your duty, to ſlight my requeſt as you did, when I deſired you to live peaceably with Philidaſpes? But Madam, (ſaid he) you alſo deſired Philidaſpes to live peaceably with Artamenes: 'Tis true,) ſaid ſhe) and I intend not to juſtifie him by accuſing of you: I would onely know which of you is more or leſſe culpable then the other: Indeed I know not that my ſelf, (replied Artamenes and changing colour) the ground of our quarrell is ſo dubious, that we did not explain it one to another, nor perhaps ever ſhall. Did you know one another, (demanded the Princeſſe) before you came hither? No Madam, (anſwered Artamenes) our acquaintance and our averſion began together, at this Court and almoſt at the very ſame minute: But Madam, it befits not me to ask what moved you to deſire that I ſhould love Philidaſpes: It is the duty of Artamenes onely to ask pardon for not obeying you. As I ſeldom uſe to make unjuſt requeſts (replied ſhe) ſo I am not uſed to be denied: and I did not think that Artamenes, and Philidaſpes would have been the firſt. My Maſter, ſeeing the Princeſſe angry, was moſt extreamly ſenſible of it: Ah Madam, (ſaid he to her) if I had thought I could not revenge my ſelf without incenſing you, doubtleſſe I had never done it: But Madam, is there no hope to obtain a pardon for that crime which was not voluntary? Is the Princeſſe Mandana more inexorable then the Gods, who are indulgent to all repentant tears and prayers? The Princeſſe who did really eſteem Artamenes very much, and had already entertained ſome diſpoſition to love him; ſhe ſeeing him much troubled, was afraid leſt her being more ſevere then Ciaxares, ſhould offend him; ſo that, over-ruling her own ſelf, ſhe reſolved to qualifie him, and freely pardon him: Well Artamenes (ſaid ſhe to him) the inquietude of your own ſoul does ſufficiently puniſh you; and I will inflict no other penance upon you, but that you do not any more expoſe your ſelf unto any more dangers. Ah Madam, ſaid he to her, your goodneſſe is divine in pardoning me; but it is very rigorous, that you ſhould impoſe it upon me, to be indulgent unto him who oppoſeth himſelf againſt all my deſires. I promiſe you, (ſaid ſhe to him) that if Philidaſpes do prefer any thing unto the King, which may be prejudiciall unto you, I will take your part againſt him. No Madam, (replied Artamenes) there is nothing I can crave of the King; I have received more from him then I can deſire, and if Philidaſpes do contend with me for nothing but recompenſes, we ſhall never fall out again; and for what elſe, replied the Princeſſe, can he diſpute with you about? At theſe words, Artamenes [Page] being much plunged could not chuſe but bluſh, and looking moſt paſſionately upon the Princeſſe, I think he would have diſcovered part of his deepeſt ſecrets unto her, if the King had not come into the Room: Mandana, who had a moſt admirable wit, and having exactly obſerved all the actions of Artamenes, took eſpeciall notice of his troubled ſoul, yet ſince the King was there, ſhe could not poſſibly make any long reflection thereupon. Ciaxares, after much other diſcourſe told her, how it was his abſolute pleaſure, that Artamenes and Philidaſpes, ſhould for the time to come live lovingly together; and to that end, he would have Artamenes accompany him in a walk which he intended to take; and that as they paſſed by the door of Philidaſpes, they would in paſſing by viſit him, becauſe Aribeus deſired as much, and then he would cauſe them to embrace each other: Artamenes would gladly have ſtayed behind; but Ciaxares obſerving his repugnancy, told him that Conquerors ought not to keep at ſuch diſtances with their enemies conquered: moreover he would have the Princeſſe take this walk and viſit; ſhe ſhould be his Uſher, and thereby make the buſineſſe more handſome and advantagious for him: When the Princeſſe ſaw the Kings deſire, ſhe reſiſted not, and indeed ſhe thought that ſhe ought not to be any hindrance unto ſuch an Accommodation. As for Artamenes, he ſeemed much vexed at it, and did obey with much adoe; for, as he reſented it, it was a very croſſe adventure to agree with Philidaſpes, and go unto him, and alſo to be conducted thither by the Princeſſe her ſelf: yet ſince he ſaw there was no remedy, he reſolved upon it. The King and the Princeſs took their Coaches, and went out of the Town, for Philidaſpes was not yet returned into it, by reaſon of his hurts. After they had took the Air, and ended their walk, they came unto the place where he was: The King diſcourſed in a low voice privately with Mandana, at the foot of the ſtairs a long while: Mean time, my Maſter addreſſed himſelf unto Marteſia, but ſo diſturbedly, his mind and his countenance ſo altered, that he was ſcarce knowable. Marteſia who perceived it, could not chuſe but chide him, telling him that his hatred was too violent, and that if he knew as well how to love as to hate, his friendſhip were the moſt excellent Jewel in the world: Doubt it not Marteſia, ſaid he, and if ever I love, I ſhall love more violently then I hate Philidaſpes. You make me very inquiſitive, ſaid ſhe to him in a low voyce. And I extreamly deſire to know, whether or no you do love, and who it is you love: I cannot (replied he bluſhing) ſatisfie the half of your curioſity; it not being juſt that I ſhould tell you that which I never told unto any, and perhaps never will: As they were thus diſcourſing, the King and the Princeſſe ended theirs: And my Maſter was obliged, to preſent his hand unto the Princeſſe, who eaſily had obſerved the turbulencie in Artamenes mind. The King found Philidaſpes that day in a good condition, but ſo ſurprized at the ſight of Artamenes in his chamber, that his wounds began to open, and bleed afreſh, at the ſight of him who made them, ſuch was the violent agitation of his reſentments. Ciaxares, to prevent the like reſentments in Artamenes, told him that he would have them embrace each other. The violent diſpoſition of Philidaſpes, upon this occaſion, had much adoe to contain it ſelf: Yet ſeeing the King was peremptory and would have it ſo, and that the Princeſſe complained of him, alſo all the Court being preſent, he recalled himſelf and obeyed. Mandana then cauſing Artamenes to come neerer, and telling him that it was the part of him who was moſt in health to come the greater part of the way, and indeed ſhe did gently puſh him forward towards Philidaſpes, who embracing him by force, told him, that Kings ought to be obeyed in their own Dominions. You have good reaſon for it, anſwered my Maſter; and upon the ſame ground I do as the King and the Princeſſe commands me. Whoſoever Sir, did well obſerve the motions of theſe two gallant ſtrangers, might eaſily diſcover, that there was ſome great ſecret which did lie at the heart, but none could know what it was. This viſit laſted not long, but whileſt it continued, Artamenes was alwayes looking upon Mandana, or elſe upon Philidaſpes, who for his part was ſo quaſht that he almoſt looked upon no body. The King being retired, and the Princeſſe following, both returned to the Palace, where Mandana was no ſooner arived, but ſhe had no diſpoſition to ſee any one: As for Artamenes, he ſtayed yet with the King, but with ſo much reſtleſſeneſſe, that he could not ſtay there long, therefore he alſo returned vnto his Chamber. He was no ſooner there, but ruminating upon all the paſt paſſages, he thought it no diſpleaſure, ſince he could pick ſome comfort out of it. Why ſaid he ſighing, muſt it not be permitted me to hate my enemie? will Mandana eternally contradict all my inclinations? What hidden intereſt can ſhe have in this deſigne, which muſt oblige me to love Philidaſpes, and Philidaſpes to love me? Is it onely a bare deſigne to preſerve the lives of [Page] two men whom ſhe thinks are not unprofitable unto the ſervice of the King her father? or elſe becauſe having ſome particular eſteem of Philidaſpes, ſhe would take off from him an enemy; who by all treatable means would not be reconciled? and under pretence of treating us equally, ſhe has ſome unequall biaſſed thoughts of us: But alas, (ſaid he) why ſhould I be ſo unjuſt, as to interpret the actions and words of my Princeſſe in ſuch a ſence? ſhe who ever did treat me well? what can I in reaſon complain of? Can Artamenes, as Artamenes ask any thing of the Princeſſe of Cappadocia, which he has not already obtained? She has highly commended me; ſhe has treated me with all civility; ſhe freely honours me with her diſcourſe without diſdain; ſhe has offered to be his Advocate vnto the King; ſhe has taken care of his life; when he offended, ſhe procured his pardon, and indeed, there is nothing which the illuſtrious Mandana does not do for Artamenes; But alas, although Artamenes be contented as Artamenes, yet Cyrus is nothing ſatisfied as Cyrus: This Artamenes, ſaid he, whom the Princeſſe thus favours, is not he whom I wiſh ſhe would favour: Artamenes ſeemes to affect nothing but war; he aims all at honour and glory, but he whom I would have her know and favour loves nothing but Mandana, and ſeeks for nothing but her affection. Sir, (ſaid I to him, for I was cloſe by him when he thus diſcourſt with himſelf aloud and all alone) How can this amorous Artamenes be in any hopes to be favoured as you deſire, if Madana do not know him? Would you Sir have the moſt vertuous and glorious Princeſſe of the world to love you, before ſhe knows ſo much as that you love her? And would you, replied Artamenes, have this moſt glorious and vertuous Princeſſe indure that I only as Artamenes ſhould ſpeak unto her upon terms of love? No Sir, (ſaid I) but Artamenes is Cyrus: This is reaſon (replied he) but is there not as much danger in appearing Cyrus, as Artamenes? As Artamenes, ſhe will perhaps only put me off with a little pitty, but as Cyrus ſhe will puniſh me with hatred and anger: But however, anſwered I, if you will ever be beloved, you muſt ſome way or other let her know you love her, otherwiſe you will never bring it to paſſe; Though you ſhould gain a hundred Battels, and Conquer as many Kingdoms and Empires, after all your Victories and Conqueſts you will never triumph in the heart of Mandana, unleſſe you make Mandana know that ſhe triumphs in yours. Love Sir, can never be gotten without love: The Princeſſe will commend you; ſhe will eſteem you, but never love you: for indeed Sir, all your great acts which you have performed, relates only unto your ſelf; the Conqueſt of your own heart is that which belongs to her, and which will only pleaſe her: If you deſire that your Victories ſhould become ſerviceable unto you, let her know that ſhe hath vanquiſhed the Conquerour of them all: and that he whom none could reſiſt, is captivated by her charms and beauty. But Teraulas (ſaid he to me) how dare I ſpeak to her of it? and how can I chuſe but be affrighted at the anger of a Lady whoſe modeſty is extream? and whoſe vertue is ſevere even to the very height of rigour? I do not ſay Sir, replied I, that it is convenient to ſpeak unto the Princeſſe down-right and openly of love; but only to give her ſuch an eaſie taſte as that ſhe may gueſſe at the reſt: But if in gueſſing at it (replied he) ſhe ſhould chance to hate me, what would then become of me? Fear it not (replied I) and know Sir for certain, that love was never the cauſe of hatred: Mandana may perhaps command you to be ſilent; and perhaps ſhe may reject you, but ſhe cannot hate you for loving her: The manner, Sir, of making her to underſtand it may indeed be ſomething dangerous; and therefore in diſcovering your love unto her, you muſt not hint a word of your being beloved: you muſt not ask any thing; nor hope nor pretend unto the leaſt favour; only comfort your ſelf in making your diſeaſe known unto her who is the cauſe of it; and as long as you carry it only ſo Sir, believe me, it is hard for her to hate you, let her vertue be never ſo ſevere: Indeed, ſaid I, as long as Mandana does not know you love her, it is a queſtion whether ever ſhe will love you; yet on the contrary, if you let her gueſſe at your paſſion, perhaps in ſpight of all her rigour ſhe will love you: But Teraulas, ſaid he to me, what if ſhe ſhould baniſh me? No, no, (ſaid I to him) never fear any ſuch rough treatment: So many great actions as you have done, will plead unto her in your behalf, ſo that ſhe cannot be ſo inhumane, and if I be not extreamly deceived, the buſineſſe will work better then you imagine. So Sir after this manner, a good part of the night was ſpent in reaſoning upon the matter between Artamenes and me: Artamenes reſolved to find ſome fit opportunity, of making his paſſion known unto the Princeſſe, without any point-blank expreſſions of it: But alas, whileſt we were hamering out this reſolution, Mandana took a quite contrary courſe to our expectations, and defeated our plot. I told you Sir, how ſhe retired into her melancholly cloſet, whither ſhe was no ſooner entred, but ſhe called for her confident [Page] Marteſia, and asked her what Artamenes ſaid unto her, whileſt ſhe was ſpeaking with the King her father in the entrance into Philidaſpes his houſe? for ſhe had an eye upon them when they diſcourſed: This Lady was obedient, and told her word for word all the diſcourſe; and adding her own thoughts unto thoſe of my maſter; for my part Madam (ſaid ſhe to the Princeſſe) conſidering the manner how Artamenes anſwered me, when I deſired to know whether or no he was in love, and whom he loved; I do verily think he is in love: Mandana bluſht at the word, for ſhe her ſelf began already to ſuſpect ſome ſuch thing: But ſhe being deſirous to pump the thoughts of Marteſia without diſcovering her own: With whom (asked ſhe) do you think it is that he is in love, with me? Madam (anſwered Marteſia) I have thought ſo ever ſince; though my own reaſon could not abſolutely conſent unto it: For truly, Artamenes viſits not any ſolicitouſly, he does not ſo much as ſpeak unto any of my companions, but only as far as common civility requires: he paſſes away all the day with the King or you; and if Artamenes were of any other quality then he is, he might eaſily be ſuppoſed to be in love. For Madam (ſaid ſhe to her, quaking a little) Artamenes looks upon none but you, nor ſpeaks unto any elſe; he commends you, he eſteems you, and it may almoſt be directly ſaid he adores you. He follows you to the Temple; he walks, he hunts with you, and waits upon you to all publique feaſts: when the King your Father comes to you, he is ſure to come with him; and though the King comes not, yet he never failes: He bluſhes as oft as he comes near you, or when you are alone where he is; Indeed ſaid ſhe laughing, If Artamenes were a King, or the Princeſſe Mandana, Marteſia, I ſhould believe he were in love with her: I think (ſaid the Princeſſe, interrupting her) that Artamenes has done you ſome ill office or other, for if you ſhould perſwade me of the truth of what you tell me, you may well conceive he can never be happy, nor could you ever find out a worſe way to be revenged of him. I ſhould be very ſorry Madam, (replied Marteſia aſſuming a more ſerious look) to be a cauſe of any ill unto Artamenes; But as your intereſts are more dear unto me Madam, then his; I thought it my duty to tell you, that I knew not whether it were not worth your pains Madam, to obſerve his actions, ſome certain days, that my doubts might be made more clear unto you. The Princeſſe bluſht at this diſcourſe more then ſhe did before; and leſſening her voice as if ſhe were afraid, that Marteſia unto whom ſhe ſpoke ſhould hear her; As you are wiſe and diſcreet (ſaid ſhe to her) I confeſſe that ſince this morning, I have had ſome ſuſpition of what you ſay, and I am poſſeſſed with ſuch confuſed thoughts, leſt Artamenes ſhould diſcover any of his folly, as I cannot expreſſe my ſelf; for truly in one minute I have obſerved a hundred things which before I took no notice of; or to expreſſe my ſelf better, I look upon them after another manner then I did before. Do you Remember Marteſia, the firſt day he ſaw me, after he had ſaved the life of the King my father? Did you not then think that he looked upon me with an extraordinary obſervant eye, and full of paſſion, how alſo he did not ſo much as look upon any one of thoſe beanties which were then in my company? have you not forgot, after what a faſhion he deſired me to obtain permiſſion from the King, to fight with his enemies, and after what a manner he took his leave of me? Did you not further obſerve him when I deſired him not to wear thoſe remarkable Arms? Did you not ſee, I ſay, after what kind of odd manner he denied me? and with what an amiable air he asked the ſcarfe which I refuſed? in what termes he did interpret it, when I told him, I wiſht Artamenes would neither be too prudent, nor too raſh? It is not poſſible Madam (ſaid he to me) that I can regulate my thoughts, according to that Madam which you deſire. Do you not remember alſo ſince the day that Philidaſpes and he, came together to bid me adieu? For my part I do now admire that I ſhould at that time interpret the inquietudes which I then ſaw in his face no better: Do you not yet further remember the joy which appeared in the eyes Artamenes at his return? and alſo that converſe which I had with him and Philidaſpes? But above all the reſt, (ſaid ſhe) do you remember what were the reſentments of Artamenes when I would have obliged him to love Philidaſpes? For my part (ſaid Marteſia, interrupting her) I think Madam, by all which you have remembred, and by a thouſand other trivial paſſages, which I have particularly obſerved, and which you could not ſee, that Artamenes is not only in love, but that he is alſo jealous of Philidaſpes; and that perhaps, Philidaſpes is in love with you as well as Artamenes. You are not too wiſe (ſaid the Princeſſe to her) to let me hear of too many injuries at once: No Marteſia, no, Philidaſpes is only ambitious, and for my own quiets ſake I would not ſuſpect him of any other humour; That would be too many crimes to puniſh, eſpecially for one who loves not to infflict any puniſhments at all; therefore let us not think upon any [Page] but Artamenes: But for that (ſaid ſhe) ſome handſome order muſt be taken; and if it be poſſible, I muſt prevent receiving ſuch a ſenſible diſpleaſure, for indeed I do eſteem Artamenes very much; I have many obligations upon me to him, and I ſhould be very ſorry to be put unto any neceſſity of treating him ill: Therefore Marteſia, I command you to be continually near me, and cauſe all the reſt of your companions to be ſo alſo; and leave me not alone at any time; It cannot now be long before he depart, and the time of drawing into the field comes one, therefore this conſtraint will not Continue long. After this ſhe diſmiſſed Marteſia, and remained alone in her cloſet; But oh heavens, what vexing and tyrannical thoughts did toſſe her mind? that ſmooth tranquillity which heretofore was regent in her mind, did now no more viſit her turbulent ſoul; yet ſhe continued in that reſolution which ſhe fixed upon with Marteſia. You may judge then Sir, how difficult it was for Artamenes to execute his deſign of diſcovering his paſſion unto the Princeſſe, ſince ſhe had obſtructed all thoſe wayes which formerly were wont to be open. For three weeks together, it was carried ſo handſomly, that he did not think Mandana to be at all acceſſary to it; he rather thought it to be unluckie chance which cauſed it: yet as oft as he bethought himſelf of how many favourable opportunities he had let ſlip, mavgre the aſſiduity of Philidaſpes, he was almoſt in abſolute deſpair; But when he bethought himſelf again, how that it was not now Philidaſpes who prevented the execution of his deſigne reſolved upon, he thought it then onely the malignity of his deſtiny: But ſo it was, that he was not long without this obſtacle alſo; for within twenty dayes after, the King and the princeſſe did viſit Philidaſpes; he came to preſent his thanks, and to take up the ſame room about Mandana as he was accuſtomed before; therefore Marteſia was not ſo much neceſſitated to attendance; and now Artamenes did quite deſpair of ever getting an occaſion to diſcourſe particularly with his princeſſe. There paſſed many general diſcourſes, wherein Mandana did let Artamenes know, how dangerous a deſigne his was to talk of any love; for though it was but in ſpeeches by the by, addreſſed unto another, yet ſhe ſo explained her thoughts, as he could not chuſe but think, they related unto him, conſidering the method and decorum of her words, and therefore he concluded, that to diſcover his paſſion unto the Princeſſe were to expoſe himſelf unto danger: The difficulty which he reſented, and had not foreſeen, cauſed in him moſt ſenſible ſorrow; and it night well be ſaid, though his tongue was tied, and did not ſpeak of any love unto the Princeſſe, yet all his actions ſpoke plainly for him; ſo that as I knew ſince by Marteſia; his dumb eloquence was well underſtood: and the Princeſſe did interpret his perplexities, his melancholie, his impatience, the alteration in his countenance, and his muſings, as they ought to be; ſo that ſhe doubted not at all but Artamenes was paſſionately in love with her. Here Sir, may be admired, how fallible is all humane prudence; for if my Maſter had then ſpoke unto the Princeſſe of any love, conſidering how things then ſtood, hee had irrecoverably been undone; for then ſhe would have ever treated him but badly; and doubtleſſe would have for ever baniſhed him from her; notwithſtanding all the eſteem ſhe had of him, and notwithſtanding all the great ſervices he had done unto the King her father: But becauſe he ſpoke not a word of it unto her, yet patiently endured and ſtill had her in amorous reverence, the Princeſſe had pity of him, and whether ſhe would or no, did entertain into her heart, ſuch a tenderneſſe of him, as might perhaps be phraſed love; not that this vertuous Princeſs did think it ſo, for if ſhe, doubtleſſe ſhe had ſurmounted her ſelf whatſoſoever came of it: nor that ſhe did with any heed obſerve her ſelf; but becauſe love carries with it ſuch a blinding quality, as that the cleereſt judgements cannot look about them, and which hinders them who are poſſeſſed with it both from knowing others and themſelves alſo: Sometimes ſhe would ask her ſelf many odd queſtions, which ſhe her ſelf could not preciſely anſwer: ſhe would oftentimes wonder, that Artamenes whether ſhe would or not ſhould come into her thoughts; and why ſince ſhe knew of his love, ſhe ſhould not be more angry: Why (ſaid ſhe unto her ſelf) ſhould I permit a man who comes into the Court but as a common ordinary Cavalier to love me, and I endure his ſight and company? Ah no, no Mandana, this ſtrict ſevere vertue, whereof you make profeſſion, muſt not endure it; And though 'tis true, that love can never be without hope, yet it befits me to puniſh Artamenes for his raſhneſſe and folly, for what can he ever hope for, without a wrong unto me? what can he deſire without extravagancie? and what can he ask me, without offence? But alas, ſaid ſhe, he has told me nothing that does anger me, nor indeed ought to anger me: he asks me nothing which can diſpleaſe me; I owe unto him the life of the King my father; and the King owes many victories unto [Page] him; and perhaps I owe unto him, the joy of my dayes, ſince it is to be beleeved, that the King of Pontus would have been victorious but for him; and then, I ſhould either have been his wife or his priſoner; Let me not therefore hate Artamenes becauſe he loves me; and ſince he ſpeaks nothing to me of his love, let not me ſpeak any thing unto him of my anger. Alas (ſaid ſhe ſometimes unto Marteſia) why ſhould Artamenes have any ſuch thoughts in his minde? why does he not keep within the limits of a good eſteem? For my part Madam, (ſaid Marteſia to her) I think you know not well what you ſay; nor I cannot imagine what kind of vertue that is, which takes up your ſoul, and had rather that Artamenes ſhould not love you at all, then that he ſhould love you as he does, as long as he does not ſpeak of it unto you. You put me very much to it Marteſia, (replied the Princeſſe) yet notwithſtanding I will tell you, that I do ſo much eſteem Artamenes, as in conſideration of himſelf I ought alwayes for his own tranquilities ſake, to wiſh that he were not in love with me: I know indeed Madam, (replied Marteſia) that in conſideration of himſelf, you ought to wiſh his tranquillity, but I know alſo very well, that in conſideration of your ſelf, the ſame is in ſome ſort advantagious to you, to ſee the Gallanteſt man of the world, and the moſt accompliſhed in all things, to eſteem and love you, even to the height of adoration. I doubt not (replied Mandana) it is honourable unto me, and I muſt tell you, that honour is it which I prefer before all the earth; But Marteſia I would have him keep within the limits of eſteem, and obſerve ſuch a friendſhip, as a man of his condition ought to keep unto one of mine; Tell me Madam, I conjure you (ſaid Marteſia) whether it would pleaſe you, that Artamenes, who loves you ſo well, ſhould love any other better then he does you? Indeed you put me into a Dilemma (replied the Princeſſe;) But I alwayes thought, that though Artamenes eſteemed me more then any in the world, yet I would not care if he did love me a little leſſe. Ha Madam, (replied Marteſia) you abuſe your ſelf, and one cannot have that indifferency to the affection of thoſe whoſe eſteem they deſire: Indeed Madam, it would be a great wrong unto you, that he, who of all men in the world, has moſt ſpirit and judgement, ſhould not eſteem you moſt of all the earth. Pray Madam, what does the illuſtrious Artamenes want? A Crown (replied the Princeſſe bluſhing) and let that ſuffice Marteſia, to make me fear the paſſion of any man who is not a King, and to hold all his future actions in ſuſpition, and indeed to make me more then my ſelf: For truly (ſaid ſhe) I have an enemy, which holds ſecret intelligence in my heart, and bids me love him, if one invincible Remora were removed; which doubtleſſe does forbid me Artamenes and all his high accompliſhments, and cauſes me, maugre his love, his merit, and my own reſentments, to keep my own liberty entire. Thus Sir, was the ſtate of things at that time: Artamenes was deep in love, and durſt not tell: Philidaſpes was no leſſe amorous, nor leſſe cloſe, being for diverſe reaſons engaged to diſguiſe his thoughts: Ciaxares loved them both, but Artamenes incomparably more then Philidaſpes: And Mandana, though ſhe knew it not, did doubtleſſe love my Maſter a little, and eſteem Philidaſpes, although his humorous diſpoſition did much leſſen it. At this time the Son unto the King of Armenia, called Tygranes, came to the Court of Cappadocia: A great league of friendſhip ſprung between him and Artamenes. Me an time, the ſpring approaching, certain intelligence was brought, that the confederate Kings had already drawn their Armies into the field: This news haſted on all the new levies, and all requiſite orders were given to prepare all things in a readineſſe to receive the enemie in a ſhort time: One Brigade of the Army was already in the plain of Ceracia, yet in all likelihood, it was not in any condition to reſiſt the King of Pontus, and the King of Phrygia, although they were advantagiouſly entrenched. Now ſee, Artamenes conſtrained to depart, and to depart without power to reveal that he loved; this was no ſmall diſguſt unto him: He went in all haſt to take leave of the Princeſſe, becauſe ſecond intelligence came which aſſured Ciaxares that this Army was ready to be ſhut up, between the King of Pontus forces, and a puiſſant Recruite come out of Phrygia in a few dayes; ſo that my Maſter, not having time to ſtay a minute, leſt he ſhould come too late, was forced to depart abruptly, and to lock up all his paſſion in his heart; yet for all that it appeared plain enough in his eyes, and he ſignified it ſufficiently unto the Princeſſe by his ſorrows. Go Artamenes (ſaid ſhe to him, in bidding him adieu) and be as happy as you have been; if you will oblige the King my father, have not a greater care to vanquiſh his enemies, then to preſerve your own life. Mandana ſpoke this before all the people, ſo that Artamenes durſt return her no other anſwer, then as all the reſt there did; that was, with much reverence and acknowledgement: then he left her, without any further explaining himſelf, then by ſtoln looks, [Page] and reſtrained ſighes, half cut off in the middle, as ſoon as they were breathed: As for Philidaſpes, his turn was not yet to go, for he was to command thoſe troops which were not yet in readineſſe: But my Maſter went, and was followed by all the young Gallantry of the Court, who upon this occaſion, which in all appearances was like to be full of danger, did ſet out themſelves in the braveſt Equipage; The Prince Tigranes would needs be one, and ranked himſelf amongſt the Voluntiers of whom he was chief: We made all poſſible haſte, but ſince Artamenes was not throughly informed concerning the enemies, and how they lay, when we came within fifty furlongs of the Plain of Ceracia, he ſent out Chriſantes with a Party of ten or twelve onely, to enquire of news, and to know whether all the Paſſes were open or ſhut, and whether the Armie was incloſed between the King of Pontus, and thoſe Auxiliaries from Phrygia: Mean time, he made a halt, at a ſmall uninhabited village, where they might defend themſelves, in caſe the enemies Scouts came upon them: We found hid, amongſt the old ruines of the Town ſome poor Peſants, who told us for certain, that the Confederated Kings had two mighty Armies, and that if our Army were not hemmed in, it would be preſently. Artamenes, finding the ſtate of the war, to ſtand upon as bad termes as the ſtate of his love, was vexed beyond all expreſſion. He could not endure to hear that thoſe enemies which he had formerly conquered, ſhould now be in a likely condition to Conquer. He abſolutely reſolved to die a thouſand deaths, rather then to ſurvive a defeat. No, no (ſaid he in himſelf) I cannot ever look the Princeſſe in her fair face after a beating; and if ill fortune will needs have it ſo, that I muſt be beaten, then there is no way but to prepare for death: I (I ſay) who after all my great Victories, durſt never approach her preſence but with trembling; nor ever had ſo much confidence, after I had conquered Kings, to let her know I was her ſlave: But (oh heavens) muſt I die, and Mandana not know that I die for her? And can I not have ſo much ſad conſolation, as to hope, that ſhe ſhall not be ignorant of all thoſe torments that I have endured ſince the firſt time I ſaw her? Perhaps when ſhe underſtands my love, by hearing of my death, that the knowledge of it will not then incenſe her ſoul, and eaſily pardon a man, who in loſing his life did not loſe his devotions to her; Let me tell her then by my death, that I lived not but for her: And to leſſen my crime, let me acquaint her with my condition, though not abſolutely to know who I am; It will be enough ſhe know that Artamenes is of a Royall extract, without knowing that Cyrus and Artamenes are the ſame; Let me not be my ſelf the obſtacle which ſhall hinder her from that compaſſion which I expect from her goodneſſe, nor ſtop thoſe tears which I hope will flow from the tenderneſſe of her heart: I know well enough (ſaid he) that the delights of the grave are leaſt ſenſible, but however, if I loſe the Battle and my life, I ſhall more delightingly loſe them both, by vertue of this hope, and I ſhall murmure leſſe at the rigour of my Deſtinie. This thought Sir, did ſo flatter his deſpair, that preſently he ſet himſelf to write unto the Princeſſe, and to diſcover that unto her which he had ſo long, ſo carefully concealed. After he had writ, and read, and over-read the Letter, he ſealed it, and calling me in private, Teraulas (ſaid he to me) you muſt do me a piece of very important ſervice, and do it with all poſſible exactneſſe. Sir, ſaid I to him, I ſhould eſteem my ſelf very happy, if I could find that which I have ſo long looked for, and would gladly make you know my zeal unto your ſervice: You may doubtleſſe (ſaid he) but I fear that the courage of Teraulas will fail and denie me, and I ſhall have much ado to perſwade him, not to fight at this time. I confeſſe Sir, (ſaid I to him) I cannot eaſily conceive, what it is you would command me; and it is a hard task for me, not to partake of that danger unto which you expoſe your ſelf: Yet it muſt be ſo, (ſaid he to me) conſider me either as your Maſter, your Prince, or your Friend, and deny me no more; you know (ſaid he with abundance of ſweetneſs) that I am well acquainted with the couragious heart of Teraulas, and I need no more teſtimonies of his valour; therefore let not that trouble you, and beleeve it, you can never in all your life ſo much oblige me, as you may at this time: Though indeed I might perhaps command you to do what I deſire, yet upon this occaſion I will earneſtly intreat you. At theſe words, I was not able to endure any longer; Sir, (ſaid I to him) you make me wonder extreamly, therefore I beſeech you defer no longer, but tell me preſently what I muſt do, that I may as preſently obey you. You muſt not fight at all my dear Teraulas, (ſaid he) but alwayes keep in that Quarter which is freeſt from any danger, and there expect the event of the fight, which we intend ſhall be preſently: If ſo it chance, that I fall, and die, as certainly I will, if I be vanquiſhed, then go you in all haſt, and carry this Letter unto Mandana; and let her ſay what ſhe will, tell her not that I am Cyrus; you may [Page] declare my Quality, but not directly the place of my birth; This is all, my dear Teraalas, that I would have you do, and fail me not I conjure you; be as faithfull to me in this buſineſſe as ever you have wont to be. Sir, (ſaid I to him) with tears in eyes, this is moſt cruel, that I ſhould receive a command, which I muſt not execute untill after you death [...] But I hope Sir, Fortune will ordain it otherwiſe, I wiſh it may (anſwered he) but it is not likely: Yet however do not you fail in that which I deſire you, ſaid he embracing him, and teſtifie unto me, that there is no ſervice ſo difficult, which you will not performe for me: I promiſed him Sin, to do all I could, and how could I deny a Prince that was extreamly troubled, and in love, and alſo ſtaggering in his reſolutions? Preſently after, Chriſantes returned, and brought two priſoners with him which he had taken, and who told Artamenes that the King of Phrygia's Army would not come up until the next day; and that the King of Pontus Army, in which was the King of Phrygia himſelf, would decline fighting untill the other Army was joyned with it, and then they would infallibly ſurround the Cappadocean Army, and between them both, hem it in: Artamenes was very glad of the news; and to underſtand from Chriſantes, how he had diſcovered a Paſſe which the enemies did not guard, where he might eaſily convey his men. Chriſantes had no ſooner brought this intelligence, but we immediately took horſe, and marched with ſo much haſt, and ſo happily, that night favouring our deſigne, and concealing our motion, we came unto the Camp undiſcovered or meeting any. I will not ſtand to tell you Sir, how great was the joy of all the Officers and Souldiers when they ſaw Artamenes; him whom they looked upon as a God, and beleeved invincible: As ſoon as he arrived he took a view of the Army, which he found not to exceed the number of ſixteen thouſand men: ſo that though indeed theſe Troops were the beſt of all Cappadocia, yet Artamenes thought himſelf very hard put to it. For the King of Pontus Army which had quitted their trenches and Garriſons, and whoſe vanguard was within ſight of my Maſters Army, conſiſted of twenty thouſand men, and thoſe which were to joyn with them, were fifteen thouſand men effectuall. Finding himſelf then brought unto this extremity, and ſuppoſing that his enemy would force him to fight, before Ciaxares could be advertized of it, he reſolved upon as bold an enterprize as ever any did. Beſides thoſe reaſons which I have already related, he had one more, which in my opinion was of no ſmall conſideration: He knew that Philidaſpes, would exaſperate the King to make all haſt, and would come with all thoſe Regiments which were ready to march, but Artamenes would not ſuffer him to have ſo much advantage as to engage himſelf in ſo great a danger. After ſerious conſideration of the buſineſſe, he cal'd a Councel of Warr: But the opinion of Artamenes was alwayes the reſolution of every one, and how hard and difficult ſoever, it found no contradiction: He told all the Commanders, that if they were once ſurrounded by the King of Pontus, and the King of Phrygia's Armies, there would be no ſafety for them, but if poſſible they muſt fight them ſeverally: That if they ſhould fall upon the King of Pontus Army firſt, it was to be feared that the enemy would decline it, and delay untill the Phrygian Army came up, whileſt we were buſied with them, and ſo infallibly defeat us: That if we ſhould ſtay ſtill in our Trenches, and relie upon Relief, doubtleſſe they would be forced out before Ciaxares could come to them: ſo that conſidering the ſtate of all things, the beſt courſe was to fall upon the Phrygian Army, unperceived by the King of Pontus; and that to be effected according as he had already contrived: That our Army being more in number then theirs, and theirs tired out with a tedious march, they might eaſily be defeated: after which, perhaps we ſhould be upon even termes to fight the King of Pontus; So Sir, all that Artamenes propounded, was approved of and followed: He ſent out a Party to ſtop that Paſſe, where the Phrygian Army was to march: And being certainly informed that this very night they would encamp ſome thirty furlongs off; as ſoon as night came on, he and his Army began to march ſilently, without either Trumpet, Drum, or any noiſe; and left in his own Camp, onely a ſmall guard, ſome hangers on, and ſuch as could not fight, commanding them that as ſoon as he was a pretty way off, they ſhould kindle many fires, thereby to deceive the enemy, and take away all ſuſpition of his enterprize, from the King of Pontus. I ſtaid Sir, in the Camp againſt my will, with an abſolute command from Artamenes, that if I ſaw him not return the next morning, then to go preſently unto Sinope, and acquit my ſelf of my charge: Not Sir, that you ſhould think, a Camp wherein almoſt none were, was a place of any ſecurity; but becauſe Artamenes had hopes his deſigne would ſucceed, but if it did not, then I might more eaſily and ſafely retire, as ſoon as I heard of his death: Yet Sir, though I went not with my [Page] maſter, I knew all the paſſages of this dangerous adventure: But not to forget any thing which I ſaw, let me tell you how Artamenes before his departure did encourage his Officers and Souldiers; how he embraced them, flattered them, commended them, and promiſed mighty matters to them.

Now is the time, my dear Companions (ſaid he to them) when I muſt remember you of your Ancient vertues, and bid you fight with as much fury, as if all the world were ſpectators of your actions: I cannot now look upon your valours, neither wil this dark night let me ſhew you what you ſhould do by my own example: I cannot exaſperate you by my voice, ſince our deſign is to ſurprize an enemy in the obſcurity of night▪ and vanquiſh them before they awake: your ſelves muſt be the only witneſſes of your own valours and fidelity. Never think that darkneſſe can cover either our valour or our cowardize: It will be known do what we can: The victory of our enemies, if they do get it, will teſtifie what you do. And on the contrary, when I ſee your hands full of bloudy ſpoils of dead Phrygians to morrow at the break of day, and all their Enſigns broken, then ſhall I teſtifie on your behalfs what you have done: Theſe are the ſigns, my friends, which muſt ſpeak your actions; and theſe are the marks by which you ſhall know my own valour.

After theſe words, all the Commanders and Souldiers did lift up their ſpears and ſwords to teſtifie their approbation, and by a ſilent kind of confuſed noiſe, did aſſure my maſter that they would punctually obey him. Then they began to march with all alacrity and ſpeed; and after he had put about him a white ſcarfe to be known by in the dark of night, they went upon this expedition, without any other arms then ſpears and ſwords, becauſe bows and arrows were uſeleſſe in the dark of night. Artamenes was ſo fortunate as to find his enemies faſt aſleep, which did not a little facilitate his enterprize: Since they knew the King of Pontus's army did wait upon ours, they could not dream how it was poſſible they ſhould be ſurprized; So that they ſlept ſecurely without any fear of Quarters being beaten up: Their firſt Guard did not fail in their duty; but it was ſo quickly repelled, that before the ſouldiers were awake, or could rank themſelves under their Colours, or get into any poſture of defence, they were many of them killed. He who commanded theſe forces, was called Imbas, and was very valiant; he made it appear upon this occaſion that he was ſo, ſince notwithſtanding this ſurprize and diſorder of his Army, he had rallied a very conſiderable body together, and did ſo gallantly entertain Artamenes, that for a while he was in hopes of victory. The like was never heard of, as thoſe who were in the combate did report; for after the firſt ſhock was over, wherein Artamenes had commanded all ſilence to be obſerved, he began to make himſelf known by his voice, to the end he might encourage his men; and as all did anſwer him in a Triumphant and mortal language, they made ſo great and terrible a din; that the enemy thought themſelves very ill informed, and gueſſed us to be at leaſt thirty thouſand men. The night, though dark, becauſe there was no Moon, yet not ſo obſcure by reaſon of a ſtarry firmament, but one might perceive another: And in this gloomy light, Artamenes failed not to keep good order in that combate which was ſo full of confuſion and diſorder. As he found that there was yet a good cloſe body to contend with, and which ſtoutly reſiſted him, he doubted whether Imbas whom he knew to be a man of courage, and commanded this Army, could be found or no; but ſince he could not directly ſee how to aſſault him, he bethought himſelf of a project which took effect: He ſpoke as loud as ever he could, theſe words; If the valiant Imbas would be victorious, why does he not come out and fight with Artamenes, and diſpute with him for the victory in perſon? This language cauſed Imbas to come unto him with a drawn ſword; I did not think (ſaid he) I had ſuch an illuſtrious enemy ſo near me, nor ſo lawful an excuſe for my defeat if it chance; at theſe words they fell to work, and fought, and often charged that none ſhould part them; but in concluſion, my maſter being ſtronger, and more fortunate, he ſtruck the ſword of Imbas out of his hand, and ſeizing upon his bridle, threatned to kill him if he did not render himſelf: Imbas being in that condition, without more ado rendred himſelf; and Artamenes committing him to the guard of four ſouldiers, went to conſummate the conqueſt which yet remained: The Cavalry of Artamenes trod the Phrygian [Page] Infantry under their horſes feet; And almoſt all the Cappadocian Infantry were become Cavalry; for in the diſorder, as the Phrygians were taking horſe, our men killed them, and got into their ſaddles, riding their horſes againſt their maſters friends; ſome exchanged their natural ſleep for an eternal nap: others half armed, defended themſelves as well as they could; ſome again, took the advantage of the nights obſcurity and fled for ſhame; others without any arms did obſtinately diſpute for their lives, and all in generall was in a mighty confuſion. In concluſion, Sir, after two hours diſpute Artamenes found none to fight with; and ſounding a Retreat, every one repaired to his Colours, and altogether returned to the Camp. This enterprize was ſo judiciouſly contrived, and ſo happily executed, that at break of day I ſaw Artamenes return in the head of his Troops; who calling unto thoſe who guarded his priſoner, ſuffered him to march by him: My maſter held a ſword in his hand which he had forced from one of his enemies, and Imbas who knew it, aſſured him that it was the ſword of his Lieutenant General: Never was beheld a more magnificent triumph then this; there was not a Captain nor Souldier which had not ſome Trophee of Victory in his hand: Some had Phrygian bucklers; others ſutes of bloudy arms; ſome enſigns half broken; others whole bundles of ſpears upon their ſhoulders: Some had the heads of dead ſouldiers which they carried by the hair, and a great number brought chained priſoners. The Prince Tigranes had two enſigns of his enemies which he had forced from them; and there was not one but could ſhew an aſſured mark that he was in combate: when Artamenes ſaw them all, he was extreamly joy'd, [...]e commended and cheriſhed them; and to make his word good, he ſhewed them the General of their enemies which he had taken priſoner; alſo the ſword of their Lieutenant General which he had forced from him. Artamenes was thus in his Triumphant conceits, when news was brought, that there appeared about fifty men on horſes, from Sinope ſide: he ſent out a party to diſcover who they were; but it was found to be Philidaſpes, who being envious at Artamenes honour, was come from Court without leave; and could not endure that his Rival ſhould be in any dangerous adventure wherein he was not: yet I think, Sir, that he repented himſelf of his forwardneſſe, when he underſtood that he was not to have any ſhare in that victory which was got without him. He came unto Artamenes when all the Commanders and Souldiers held their gallant Trophees in their hands, and when he knew how ſquares went by that Party which was ſent out to meet him, he had a mind to go no further; yet civility would not permit him to return: My maſter no ſooner ſaw him but he was troubled; yet notwithſtanding, there was never man more ſweet, and civil after a Victory, then he, and he went to meet him: Judge Philidaſpes (ſaid he to him) what we ſhould have done if you had been with us, ſeeing we have done thus much in your abſence: I know not (anſwered he) whether I ſhould have been partaker of your glory, but I am ſure I ſhould have been a partaker of your peril: There is enough of that yet (replied Artamenes) ſince we have yet an Army of twenty thouſand men before us to fight with: The firſt victory you have got, (anſwered Philidaſpes) is it not a certain omen or a ſecond, and perhaps in participating of the peril with you, I ſhall be no partaker of the glory? we ſhall preſently ſee that (anſwered Artamenes) for I do not think it good to [...] our enemy fortifie himſelf before we fight him. We muſt make the beſt benefit we can [...] thoſe favours which fortune affords us; ſhe is a capricious Lady and would not be ſlighted, and ſometimes withdraws her favours for ever, if they be not taken when ſhe preſents them; you are better acquainted with her then I am, (anſwered Philidaſpes) who never yet received any good from her: Let us ſee (replied Artamenes who was a little nettled at this diſcourſe) whether the good or the bad which I have received, hath brought me to that acquaintance: After this, turning towards the Commanders and Souldiers, and ſpeaking unto them with ſo much boldneſſe, and ſuch pleaſant eyes, as ſeemed a happy preſage.

Certainly (ſaid he to them) my brave Companions, Conquerours are never weary: Tell me, were ye not more weary before, then ſince you have vanquiſhed your enemies? But my dear companions, let us not deceive our ſelves, for we have yet only begun to Conquer, and we muſt ſecond that good beginning, as long as there is any to oppoſe us: Let not the number of your enemies affright you, for I can aſſure you, that we are more terrible to them then they ought to be unto us: It being a more difficult taſk to fight with ſouldiers accuſtomed [Page] to Conquer, then with thoſe that never fought. The noiſe of our Victory has animated our Army, and fainted the hearts of our enemies: Fear and Terrour has half defeated them before we come at them; and if my conjectures do not much deceive me, this ſecond Victory will come at as eaſie a rate as the firſt: The preſence of the valiant Philidaſpes will render it more facile; and fortune which alwayes favours bold and dangerous enterpriſes, will not forſake us in this. Come on my brave Companions, let us go, for if you love difficulties, you will never be without honour; and if you expoſe your ſelves to eaſe, you will never be in ſafety, but put your enemies into a condition to be alwayes as thornes in your ſides.

As ſoon as Artamenes had ended his Oration, all the Officers and Souldiers did applaud the reſolution he had taken: In purſuance whereof, he took a Muſter of his Army, to ſee how many he had loſt; and he found wanting only five hundred men, though he had defeated ſixteen thouſand: After this he commanded them all to take a little repoſe, and within two hours after to prepare for Combate: Mean while he treated Philidaſpes with all civility: But as he would have the reports of this firſt victory animate his Army, and be a foundation for a ſecond; he ſent back to the King of Phrygia, Imbas his Lieutenant General whom he had defeated, and took priſoner, as I formerly told you; commanding the Herauld which was to conduct him to tell that Prince, how gallantly this valiant man had defended himſelf; and had given ſuch teſtimony of a noble ſoul during his diſgrace, that he would not do him the diſpleaſure to keep him Priſoner during the Battle; nor deprive himſelf of that honour to vanquiſh him the ſecond time, if good fortune failed not: Philidaſpes hearing him ſay ſo, could not forbear contradicting him, and told him, that this man might be made uſe of after the Battle, if the ſucceſſe ſhould not be fortunate: If we be overcome (replied Artamenes) we ſhall have no uſe of priſoners, ſince then we ſhall be either dead or priſoners our ſelves, and thoſe whom we have already taken, will then be releaſed in ſpight of our teeths: And if we be Conquerours (ſaid he) then all will be in our own power: But it muſt be acknowledged (replied Philidaſpes) that you have given a valiant man unto your enemies: 'Tis true, replied Artamenes, but in giving that one we have releaſed many which otherwiſe ſhould have guarded him: yet ſo it was Sir, that my maſter did what he pleaſed, and Philidaſpes was ſilent: Mean while the King of Pontus and the King of Phrygia were extreamly ſurprized, when at break of day they were advertiſed in their Tents of the great ſhouts of joy which were heard in Artamenes his Army, and that many Phrygian Enſigns were ſeen there. Theſe Princes having ſeen the fires in the campes of their enemies all the night long could not imagine how it was poſible, they ſhould fight and defeat the forces which they expected: Neither could they believe that Imbas would betray his King & countrie, and take part with the Cappadocians. Soe that in their incertainties they neither knew what to think or ſay: All the Captaines and Souldiers were no leſſe troubled: and all together concluded that things went not well: But as they were ſending out to know what the matter was, they ſaw Imbas arrive, who being moved by his own generoſity and intending to excuſe his defeate by the valour of his enemies, did ſo much extol their courage, and magnified Artamenes ſo highly, that he ſtruck terror into the ſouls of all who heard him: you have ſaid enough, (anſwered the King of Pontus) to take away the diſhonour of your defeate, in ſaying it was Artamenes who overcame you: And it is enough (ſaid the King of Phrygia) to oblige us not to flie ſuch an enemy, who if wee be vanquiſhed by him it is no diſhonour: Tell then Artamenes (ſaid the King of Phrygia unto the Herauld) that we will prepare to receive him as he deſerues, and if we can, render him favour for favour, and endevour to be in that condition as at our return we ſhall ſend him priſoners after the Battle. Meane while, Artamenes was reſolved to finiſh this warr at this bout, and neglected nothing which might Conduce to his happineſſe, he met not a captaine unto whom he did not promiſe ſome recompence from the King: He never ſaw a common on ſouldier paſſe by, whom he did not call by his name; and unto whom he did not beſtow ſome obliging language: He did inſpire into them all both by his words and by his actions, ſuch an ardent deſire of glory, that he was hard able to reſtraine them, ſuch was his powerfull art to invite mens hearts, and make himſelf abſolute maſter of their mindes. After then all the Troopes had ſolaced themſelves with a ſlight repaſt, and offered a ſacrifice unto the Gods, [Page] in the head of their Armie: Artamenes marched ſtraight to the enemy in Battalia, with Prince Tigranes and Philidaspes who would not leave him, to the end that Artamenes ſhould doe nothing which he did not doe as well as hee. I Confeſſe Sir, that when I ſaw things in that condition; I could not reſolue any longer obedience unto the command of Artamenes, but I put in amongſt this young gallantrie of the court, which made up a Troop of Voluntiers, and followed my maſter. But yet I know not how he got a ſight of me, and as ſoone as he ſpied me, he made a ſigne with his hand; then I quit my rank; and as he came forward to me ſome fifteen or twenty paces, Sir (ſaid I coming to him) I beſeech you give me leave to fight: No no (anſwered he) I will not; and your diſobedience has angred me: I have done Sir, (ſaid I) ſince you will not permit it, and I will retire my ſelf. However Teraulas (ſaid he) if I die at this time, you may aſſure the Princeſſe that the day of my death was a bloody day unto my enemies, & that in one day I was both Conqueror & conquered, after theſe words my deare & beſt maſter, commanded me aloud to obſerue his orders, to the end that none ſhould think worſe of my Courage and my retreat, which otherwiſe might have been blemiſhed: After this I left him, and he marched to wards the Enemy, who did prepare to receive him. They endevoured to perſwade their Souldiers, that the former defeat of their Troops would be advantagious to them, ſince they had ſo wearied their Enemies as they muſt needs be weak; yet for all that, ſay what they could, the very name of Artamenes, did more daunt them, then all the good language of the Princes could encourage them: Meane while, both armies ſeemed to be inſpired with the ſame ſpirit and the ſame furie they both advanced, & Ioyne; the Aire is obſcured with Arrowes: the breaking of which, as they met, and claſht one againſt another, added a terrible noiſe to the martiall harmonie: Theſe firſt blowes on both ſides, did redouble their ardent deſires of vanquiſhing in the hearts of both parties: After they had emptied their Quivers, Bowes were uſeleſſe, and they draw nearer; thoſe whoſe armes were ſpears did puſh them with furious violence: ſwords followed preſently after; And both ſides coming to handy blowes, all behave themſelves like valiant ſouldiers, lead on by valiant commanders, and now begins the mortall millelanie: Every one fights, every one would vanquiſh, & every one is both aſſaulted & aſſaulter: The left wing of Artamenes his army, did foile the right of the Confederate Kings: And the right of the Princes did much ſhake the left of Artamenes: as for him, he did not only doe according as he was accuſtomed, but he did that which never was done: The Prince Tigranes did alſo ſignall himſelf at this time: Philadaſpes after their example, did all that could be expected from a man of a great ſoule: & my maſter himſelf, has often told me, notwithſtanding his hate of him, that he deſerved immortall prayſes: It is no wonder therefore if the leſſer army get the betteer of the greater; having three ſuch extraordinary men in it which ſuſtained it. It muſt be confeſſed, that the getting of the Battle deſerues to be wholy Atributed unto Artamenes. Not only becauſe a hundred times more valiantly then any other: Not only becauſe he gave out orders with more excellency of iudgment then any other: Not only becauſe he did extreamly animate his Souldiers: whom he often rallied: whom he often Supported; whom he often defended, and was in every place where need was; but alſo becauſe he did on thing which put more enemies to rout then any thing that all others did: My dear and invincible maſter who was reſolved to vanquiſh or dy, and to preſerve the honour of his firſt victory, which he knew he ſhould Loſe if he loſt this Battle, and would be accuſed for hazarding it too much: Artamenes, I ſay; who would eyther Tryumph or Periſh, did not now ſtudy to pick out enemyes to fight with, and ſpare their Blood, as almoſt alwayes he uſed, thinking it better to hazard being wounded by endevouring to take valiant men priſoners, then to kill them, as he eaſily could have done: But now at this time, he fell upon all that ſtopt his paſſage: he wounded all which did not render themſelves, and killed all that obſtinately reſiſted him: Meeting then with a body of horſe which ſtood firm, he charged them; he foiled them, and made them fly, not obſerving that the King of Pontus, that generous Rivall, whom he ſo much eſteemed and loved, was he which made moſt reſiſtances, But having wounded him in the right arme, and this Prince being out of Combate, and out of hopes to be relieved, ſince he was ſo compaſſed about with the Souldiers of Artamenes: Seeing himſelf, I ſay, in this condition, and knowing my Maſter, he had rather render himſelf unto him then any other: and in this thought, ſeeing himſelf preſt on every ſide, and ready to Periſh: I muſt render my ſelf Artamenes (ſaid this wounded Prince) I muſt ſubmit and confeſſe you deſerve to conquer: At theſe words, Artamenes knowing him, came neer, and ſeeing he could not lift his ſword, [Page] he deſperſed thoſe who preſſed upon him; you yeeld rather unto my fortune then my valour, (replied he) But however, I muſt make uſe of by good fortune, and will endeavour to ſhew you that it is accompanied with ſome vertue; in ſaying ſo, he turned towards Chriſantes, who fought alwayes neer him, and putting the King of Pontus, into his charge, goe Chriſantes ſaid he, Conduct the King unto our Camp: for he will be better waited upon there then in his own, where all is in confuſion; but look to him, (ſaid he) as a Prince who would have been our Conqueror, if al his ſouldiers were as valiant as himſelfe. Chriſantes obeying my Maſter, and guarded by two hundred horſe, did convey the King of Pontus: to whom Artamenes ſaid in parting with him, with much Civility, Sir, I would goe my ſelf to wait upon you, if the neceſſity of my office would permit me. But ſince I ſee ſome of your Souldiers with Arms in their hands, your Majeſtie will pardon me if I leave you, and goe to put my ſelf into ſuch a condition, as I may return with more reverence and leiſure to ſerve you: at theſe words, ſtooping as low as the skirt of his ſaddle, he turned his horſe; And this Conquered Prince, Submitting himſelf to the law of a Conqueror, who treated him with ſo good a grace, and followed Chriſantes, not at all then King of his liberty: yet the King of Phrygia, coming preſently after to know that the King of Pontus was taken priſoner, began to be in a mighty fury, and though he was not now much above the age of a young man, yet was he Maſter of much vigour, and Generoſitie; ſo that apprehending this loſſe, he doubled his ſtrength in his endevours to repair it: he muſtered together as many men as he could, and went himſelf into places fulleſt of danger: Artamenes being informed where this Prince did fight, went thither, and tooke as many of his men with him as he met in the way, and began a freſh combate: Nothing was to be ſeen in all places, but dead, and dying men, Souldiers throwing away their Armes either to Render themſelves or fly. And the victory was clearly on Artamenes his ſide; yet the night drawing on apace it could not be diſcerned where men fought, and where men fought not: And Philidaſpes, whom the Croud had ſeparated from Artamenes, notwithſtanding his reſolution not to forſake him; having vanquiſhed all thoſe which Reſiſted him, and not ſeeing my Maſter to give out orders, cauſed a retreat to be preſently ſounded: immediately after, every one was rallied under his own Enſigne: The party of Artamenes was abſolute Maſter of the field, and of all the Enemies Baggage which they had forſaken: But as for the Conqueror himſelf, none could tell any tydings of him: All the Captains asked one another where he was; and all the ſouldiers were inquiſitive what was become of their Generall: one ſaid, I ſaw him not, ſince in the head of our company, he rowted a whole ſquadron which reſiſted him, another ſaid, I never ſaw him ſince he killed a brave gallant man which oppoſed him: and indeed every one obſerved him the laſt time they ſaw him, by ſome heroick Act or other: But though all ſaw him in the Combate, yet none knew now where he was; he was not to be found any where; He was neither in the Camp nor in the Field of Battle; ſo that it muſt clearly be concluded, he was either a priſoner or dead: Philidaſpes himſelf was much moved at it, whether it proceeded from his generoſitie, or from a quite contrary reſentment, he was very carefull to enquire him out. For my part Sir, I never was ſenſible of ſo great a ſorrow: Chriſantes was not a little ſad; And it was well ſaid, that that there was not one in all the army, which grieved not more for this loſſe, then the gaining of two Battles did rejoyce them: In the meane time ſince Philidaſpes undertooke the Command of the Armie under the notion of the Generall: all the officers did without any difficulty receive orders from him: As for the Prince Tigranes, he was not to ſtay long in Cappadocia, nor take upon him any imployment, only as a voluntier: All the Souldiers had ſouls ſo inquiſitive of their Generall, that they muſt be better ſatiſfied concerning his fortune: They ſpoke unto Philidaſpes, to enquire of the King of Pontus into what place they believed the King of Phrygia was retreated, to the end a Herald might be ſent thither, to know if Artamenes were there a Priſoner: for indeed there was two Souldiers, who were certain they ſaw Artamenes a good way off, iuſt at night, purſuing his Enemies on that quarter where the King of Phrygia made his Retreat. It was I Sir, who was imployed unto the King of Pontus, who was Lodged in my maſters ſent. He aſſured me, that the King of Phrygia was at that Towne neareſt Ceraſia cloſe upon the River Sangar But Sir, I never in all my life found a Prince more reaſonable then he; for when I expreſſed my fears that Artamenes was taken Priſoner: If that be all (ſaid he to me) never feare him: and calling for pen and paper, though he was wounded in his right arme, yet he writ a letter unto the King of Phrygia, by which he deſired, that if Artamenes chanced to be in his power, to treat him with all poſſible civility: a Herauld then was diſpatched to the [Page] King of Phrygia: Chriſantes and I, with an infinite number of others, of all conditions, lighting abundance of Torches, went to ſearch amongſt the dead for that which we wiſhed never to finde, though we much feared we ſhould: Alas, (ſaid I to Chryſantes) can the Gods be both ſo favourable and ſo averſe unto Artamenes? would they permit him to get two glorious Victories in one day, to let him periſh thus, and let Philidaſpes enjoy the fruits of all his hardſhip? Though day did break, yet we continued on our fears, and glad we were to ſee we ſought in vain. Since we knew that Quarter where Artamenes was ſeen the laſt time, Chriſantes and I went thither, not well knowing why we ſcattered ſo from the reſt of the company: But the Deſtinies who conducted us, knew that which we were ignorant of. As we began to be in abſolute deſpair of ever finding our dear Maſter, and were reſolving to return back, we heard a pitifull weak voyce calling us; we went thither in all haſt, and found two ſouldiers ſore wounded, the one in the legg, the other in the thigh, who not being able to riſe, lay there all night, hoping for ſome Paſſenger to help them; having both of them received their wounds in that place, as they purſued the enemy: But though their wounds were great, and weakneſſe extream, by reaſon of their loſſe of blood, yet the firſt thing they ſpoke, was not to ask any help, although they were our own men; but on the contrary, one of them, ſpeaking and looking upon us (for he knew we belonged unto Artamenes,) Go (ſaid he to us) towards the ſide of that river which you ſee ſome two hundred paces off, and look carefully there, whether your Illuſtrious Maſter be not in the ſame condition that we are in. Our Maſter (ſaid Chriſantes and I both together) Alas, my friends, what can you tell us concerning him? We ſaw him yeſterday very late (anſwered the ſouldier which ſpoke before) purſuing the King of Phrygia, who retreated from fight, but as they paſſed by us, we ſaw that Artamenes was wounded, at very parting of day, for we ſaw his ſuit of Arms all bloody: We, alas, were as you ſee us, amongſt theſe buſhes, which did interpoſe between our ſight of the adverſe Party; but we ſaw the King of Phrygia before him, and a great company following after him; and we ſaw him in yonder place, which I point at, maintain a furious fight, and if I be not much deceived, there I ſaw the Illuſtrious Artamenes fall, at leaſt, I am certain, there was none ſtayed there, nor any went off, but ſome which ſwam the River, of which I am certain Artamenes was none of them. The ſouldier had no ſooner ended ſpeaking, but Chriſantes and I began to run to the place which he ſhewed us, with doubled fears which we could not expreſſe: I think we had left theſe two poor ſouldiers without help, had we not accidentally met ſome of our own men, unto whoſe care we committed them: Mean while we came to the river ſide, which is the river Sangar, that parts the Kingdom of Pontus, from the Kingdom of Bithinia: As ſoon as we came there, we ſaw all the banks covered with killed men: There was a little wood bridge, which ſeemed newly broken; and as the ſtream of this river was not impetuous we ſaw all along as far as we could look, men killed, and Arms broken; the water it ſelf was changed colour, and all the graſſe on the bank-ſides was ſanguin'd: never was object more mournfull then this: we found many of our own men amongſt the dead, and many alſo of the King of Phrygia's; But oh heavens, how I trembled, when following the river a little lower, I knew my dear Maſters-horſe, which I, ſaw dead on the ſide of the water; two of his feet in the river, as if he would have paſſed over, when he was ſhot dead with an arrow which ſtuck in his flank: Alas, alas Chriſantes (cried I) doubtleſſe our Illuſtrious Maſter is periſhed either by ſteel, or water; which way ſoever it be, wee have loſt, alas we have loſt the great Artamenes: It is impoſſible to tell you Sir, how great was our ſorrows and aſtoniſhment. We ſaw his horſe, which was very markable; and within two paces further we found his head-peece, and as the river was narrow, we could ſee his Buckler, which being within lined with wood, did flote in the water, and ſtop by ſome ruſhes which grew there: In concluſion Sir, we abſolutely concluded him loſt, ſince we had ſearched ſo exactly all along the river, and found him not; and ſince upon our returne to the Camp, the Herauld which we ſent to the King of Phrygia, brought no news of him: upon a ſecond reviewing of our ſorrows, Chriſantes and I, went again unto the fatall river, and mixed our tears amongſt it: We followed the ſides, as far as in all probability the waves could convey the Corps of our dear, dead, and honoured Maſter: and ſince this river did empty it ſelf into the Sea, not far diſtant, we imagined it might convey the Corps in that Abiſſe; at laſt Sir, we returned again unto the Camp all in deſpair, we abſolutely thought him dead, and ſo did all the Army as well as we: Never was Victory ſo ſadly reſented as this; and the loſſe of twenty Battles, had not moved ſo much [Page] ſorrow as this: Every one ſighed, all wept and lamented; the Captaines had much ado to keep in their ſouldiers from disbanding themſelves, and they did publiſh aloud, that now there was no more hopes of any victories, ſince Artamenes lived not: Some ſaid that now they would ſerve no longer, becauſe there was no more recompence to be looked for; others that they would never more expoſe themſelves to any dangers, ſince never any would be ſo exemplary as Artamenes was; All ſaid, Let us lament a General who made us to Conquer without almoſt any danger; who ever did more himſelf, then he commanded others to do: who did magnificently recompence us for the leaſt ſervices; who took all the danger to himſelf, and left the plunder to us: who by his ſweetneſſe, and charming familiarity was as well our companion as our general. You may ſee Sir, what the ſouldiers ſaid, whileſt all the Commanders lamented as much as they, either publikely, or elſe privately in their Tents: The priſoners we had taken were alſo very ſenſibly ſad at it; and could find no conſolation in their captivity, ſince they were not now under the power of Artamenes, from whom they hoped for favourable treatment: The King of Pontus particularly was extreamly grieved at it, and ſeemed to be more ſorry for the loſſe of him who had wounded him, who had vanquiſhed him, and who had taken him priſoner, then he was for the loſſe of two battles, and his liberty. Philidaſpes himſelf, notwithſtanding all their thwartings and averſions, ſeemed to be much grieved at this pittiful accident; and if he did entertain any joy, he diſguiſed it ſo well that it appeared not in his face: But whileſt all the world was mourning, I departed from the Camp full of deſpair, and told no body, no not wiſe Chriſantes, and I went to Sinope, to acquaint my ſelf of that ſad commiſſion, which my Maſter impoſed upon me, and to carry his Letter unto the Princeſſe of Cappadocia. I made ſuch haſte as I arrived there four hours ſooner then he who Philidaſpes ſent to acquaint the King with all paſſages, and to bring new Orders. But ſince I deſired to ſee none but Mandana, I went the back way of the Town, and footed it unto that gate which is next the Caſtle, and which as you know is not above twenty paces from it; after I had told them who ſtopt me at the Gate, that I came from Thermicira, they let me paſſe; ſo that I came into the Caſtle unknown unto any, becauſe it was almoſt night, and going up a pair of back ſtaires, which conducted unto the Princeſſe chamber; I came into her outward room unſeen by any. I ſent firſt unto Marteſia, to tell her that Feraulas had ſomething to impart to her in private: I underſtood ſince by this Lady, that the Princeſſe had been extreamly ſad all the day, and that ſhe was much moved when ſhe was told that I deſired to ſpeak with her, before any knew what I had to ſay: What would Feraulas have with me (ſaid ſhe to Marteſia?) If Artamenes be Conquerour, it is the King unto whom he ought to render an account of his victory; and if he be Conquered (ſaid ſhe ſighing) I ſhall but too ſoon know his misfortune. Madam (anſwered Marteſia) I can ſay nothing, for I no ſooner ſaw Feraulas, but without giving almoſt as much time as to tell me he deſired to ſpeak with you, I came to tell you. Let him come (ſaid ſhe) into my cloſet whither I will go, and do you bring him thither. Marteſia having received this order, came to me where ſhe left me, and conducted me to the Princeſſe, without opening my mouth, ſo full was I of ſorrow; I no ſooner ſaw the fair Mandana, but in ſpight of my reſtraint, my cheeks were all tears: The Princeſſe ſeeing me in that ſtate, changed colour, and ſpoke firſt with much haſte; has Artamenes (ſaid ſhe) loſt the day? and are our enemies Conquerours? Artamenes Madam (ſaid I) has vanquiſht your enemies; he has brought the King of Pontus to be your priſoner, and has won you two battles in one day; But Madam (ſaid I doubling my tears, and much ado to ſpeak) at laſt Artamenes loſt his life, and won the day. Is Artamenes (ſaid ſhe in the ſaddeſt tone, that ſhe could expreſſe) loſt in this battle? yes Madam (replied I) Artamenes is no more of this world: See (ſaid I in preſenting the Letter which my Maſter writ unto her) what he gave me before he went to fight, and what he injoyned me to deliver unto your hand after his death, if it ſhould chance in this diſmal battle. The Princeſſe at theſe words, could not reſtrain her tears no more then I: ſhe went to a table where there was a light, and did ſit ſo as I could not ſee her face, purpoſely to hide her tears; But do what ſhe could, and notwithſtanding my own ſorrows I obſerved that her grief was extream. I owe ſo much unto Artamenes (ſaid ſhe in taking the Letter) that I ſhould be very ungrateful, if I did not ſadly reſent his loſſe; and if after his death, I do not whatſoever he deſires me; for (ſaid ſhe turning a little towards me) I do imagine that this illuſtrious man would commend ſome of his ſervants unto me, and ask ſome recompences for them which he never would for himſelf. I know not Madam (ſaid I to her) what my maſter has writ: But I [Page] know that they who had the honour to be his, deſire now nothing but death; and neither pretend either unto any fortune or any life: Mean while the Princeſs, after ſhe had dried her eyes from thoſe tears which ſhe could not keep in, ſhe began to read my Maſters Letter, which as Marteſia told me afterwards, was thus indited.

ARTAMENES, TO THE Princeſſe of Cappadocia.

BEfore you read what an unfortunate Prince does write, Think I beſeech you, that he which takes this liberty to write unto you, will never write again; and he could not reſolve to fail in that reverence which he ows you, until after he had loſt his life in your ſervice. But Madam, as he durſt not diſpleaſe you as long as he lived, ſo he would not deprive himſelf of ſo much conſolation, as to hope, that you ſhould know after his death, how he lived not but unto you, and how he never loved and adored any elſe but you; Yes Madam, Artamenes, who by his birth is not abſolutely unworthy of the Princeſs of Cappadocia, is ſo conſcious of deſerving the Princeſs Mandana, that from the firſt minute he ſaw her, he never durſt tell her that he loved her; and how his love was it which cauſed all his good fortune in Armes, and all the torment of his life. No, Divine Princeſs, it was only for your ſake, that I was here in this Court diſguiſed, and unknown: it was for you I fought, I vanquiſht, and refuſed all the earth; though it is one of the moſt noble parts of it which if I had lived I had commanded. That which moſt perplexeth me at preſent is, that I cannot know whether I ſhall die Conquerour, or Conquered; If the firſt, then Madam receive the Victory as the fruits of my love, which I purchaſed at the price of my bloud; if the later, then pitty an unfortunate man who died in your ſervice, and who died adoring you: ſince I have nothing to hope for, I believe your vertue will not be offended at my reſpectful paſſion; and you ſhall never find worſe then I diſcover, ſince the first time that I write unto you is my laſt of life. There needs no other anſwer Madam, unto what I deſire, but ſome ſlight teſtimonies of ſorrow and pitty; refuſe them not then I conjure you: And that you may be the eaſier induced to pardon my boldneſs, conſider if you pleaſe Madam, that if I had lived, you had perhaps been for ever ignorant of what I now tell you, when I am entering into my Grave.

ARTAMENES.

As long as the reading of this Letter laſted, tears did ſo abundantly trickle, that ſhe was forced divers times to break off: But when ſhe had ended, knowing that ſhe was not able to reſtrain her lamentations more then ſhe could her tears, & being deſirous that I ſhould be no witneſs of her exceſſive ſorrows; Feraulas (ſaid ſhe to me) you ſee that I have not forgot how the illuſtrious Artamenes ſaved the life of the King my Father, ſince I ſo condole his loſſe, that I can take no joy in all thoſe glorious advantages which he hath atchieved for us: But (ſaid ſhe ſighing) what can be done leſſe for him, who in one day hath won two battles; hath taken an enemy King priſoner, and hath beſtowed an everlaſting peace upon all Cappadocia, then to make that memorable day, a day of ſorrow and tears for his loſſe? Grief did ſad this Princeſſe, that ſhe could hardly pronounce theſe laſt words; ſo that to be at more liberty of lamentation, Go Feraulas (ſaid ſhe to me) lament your glorious maſter, and come hither in the morning, for I ſhall be glad to ſee you: Then I made a low reverence to depart, and was at the cloſer door, when ſhe called me back; Feraulas (ſaid ſhe [Page] to me) tell me before you go, of what Country was the moſt Famous Artamenes? and exactly tell me, what was his quality? He was a Prince Madam, (ſaid I to her) and had if he had lived been a King of a great Kingdom: But Madam, this is all I have in commiſſion to tell you, my Maſter having expreſly forbidden me to tell his name: 'Tis enough, ſaid ſhe, for the glory of Artamenes, and too much for the tranquillity of Mandana: ſhe being more loaden with ſorrowes at theſe words, diſmiſſed me, and ſtaid alone, only with her dear confident Marteſia. I was no ſooner gone (as ſhe told me afterwards) but giving her my Maſters letter to read: See there (ſaid ſhe) alas there you will find the cauſe of my exceſſive ſorrow. Conſider I pray you, if ever any was more lamentable: Marteſia, obeying the Princeſſe, began to read the Letter in a low voice unto her ſelf: but Mandana would not ſuffer her: No (ſaid ſhe) Marteſia, I would underſtand, what I confuſedly beheld, and what perhaps I have read falſe. Marteſia began to read the letter aloud, but, oh heavens, how oft was this reading interrupted, and how happy had Artamenes been, if he had known her reſentments of him; whoſoever ſhould have told me within this hour (ſaid the Princeſſe to Marteſia) that I ſhould receive a declaration of love without anger; and that I ſhould pitty him which made it, and dearly loved his memory; Ah Marteſia I ſhould not have believed it. Yet I cannot chuſe but confeſſe my weakneſſe unto you, and acknowledg that I do infinitly compaſſionate the unfortunate Artamenes. I am not angry at him for loving me: yet I know not (added ſhe) whether if he ſhould riſe again I ſhould repent of what I ſay, and all I would doe, ſhould be to hide my reſentments: yet Marteſia, I doe well find, that Artamenes had a greater ſhare in my heart then ever I thought, and perhaps more then he ought to have, or I to afford him. Indeed Marteſia my ſoul is extreamly troubled, I am very ſenſible of thoſe ſorrowes which are in me, and whether I will or no, all theſe ſad paſſions doe not offend me; I perceive, (added ſhe) that the knowledg of his quality mingles a ſecret Sentment of Ioy in my ſoul: I recall his life, and all his heroick Acts, into my memory; And againſt my own mind and conſent I cannot forbear to be glad when I find all theſe things and circumſtances which have been told unto me, confirm me in the belief of his birth and love. Indeed Marteſia, not to diſſemble the truth, I do think, that as Artamenes loved me, and I had no certainty of it, ſo I did love him alſo, and knew it not: that which I named eſteem and acquaintance (ſaid ſhe and bluſht) might perhaps have been called ſomthing elſe: Indeed I know that I did oftimes wiſh a Crown upon the head of Artamenes, and knew not well why I wiſht it: and I knew moreover, that though the ſuſpitions which I had of his paſſions did diſturb me, yet I was never abſolutly unwilling that he ſhould love me: But, oh Heavens, that which is moſt conſiderable, and moſt vexatious is, that I know I ſhall reſent his death ſo deeply, as it will moleſt all the tranquillity and hopes of my life: The ſad Mandana ſtopt at theſe words: And Marteſia, though ſhe was much troubled at the loſſe of Artamenes, yet to comfort the Princeſſe told her, that the Gods were ever wont to mix bitters and ſweets, goods and bads together, and never the one without the other; and therefore, at this time ſhe muſt think that all theſe victories are bought at a deerer rate: Ah Marteſia (ſaid ſhe to her) that victory which is at the price of Artamenes life, is infinitly too dear, though it had brought me a Crown with it: For my dear Marteſia, It is a hard matter ever to be comforted after the loſſe of ſuch a Prince as he: A Prince I ſay, who was owner of all excellent Qualities and no bad ones: alſo one who loved us. But, (ſaid Marteſia to her) if he had lived you had never known as much: or if you had you would have been offended at it. I confeſſe, (replyed the Princeſſe haſtily) I ſhould have been offended, and that mortally: But Marteſia, he never told me of it, but untill he was at the point of death: I knew it not untill he was in ſuch a condition as he could not know what I thought of it; and it is this principally which cauſeth my moſt ſharp ſorrow: All the great acts of Artamenes, and all his high vertues, were things which truly did gain and merit my eſteem: but I muſt confeſſe unto you, that his reverence and reſpect of me, has abſolutly gained my heart: The Combats which he fought: the battles which he won, and all his other glorious actions, which he did, to merit my approbation, did not ſo much appertain unto me, but that he and others did ſhare in the glorie with me: But that Artamenes ſhould love me, and out of his profound reverence and reſpect unto me, ſhould not tell it me untill his death; This Marteſia reflects wholy upon Mandana: this it is which makes me plainly ſee that Artamenes he did value me: And this is it, which obliges me to love the memory of a man, who had reaſon in his love, and loved me without offending or diſpleaſing me. Madam, (ſaid Marteſia then unto her) I do conceive it juſt indeed, that you ſhould cheriſh the memory [Page] of Artamenes; but yet I know not why you ſhould ſo much injure your ſelf as to grieve ſo exceſſively: I know not (replied the Princeſſe) whether it be juſt, or handſome, but I am ſure, I can do no leſſe: I ſhould never have finiſhed my relation Sir, if I ſhould tell you all that Mandana ſaid and did upon this occaſion: She went to bed and would not eat any meat: ſhe paſſed away all the melancholy night, without a wink of ſleep. The ſame night that the King knew of the victories and death of Artamenes, by him whom Philidaſpes ſent to advertiſe him; he teſtified an extreame ſorrow for his loſſe: All the Court and all the Towne were ſad: one would have thought his Battle had been loſt, and the whole Kingdome utterly ruined: All were quite deceived, only Aribeus, who was glad in his hart, though he durſt not let it appear; ſince the King thought that the Princeſſe was yet ignorant of this ſad news, he ſent to tell her, and went himſelf the next morning to condole, and alſo comfort her, for he knew very well that ſhe did very much eſteeme Artamenes: This meeting was condoled on the Kings part very tenderly and ſadly; and very wiſely and reſervedly on the Princeſſe part; for ſhe diſcovered no more ſorrowes and compaſſion, then the intereſt of the ſtate might reaſonably cauſe in her ſoul, for ſuch a loſſe: but as ſoon as the King was gone, ſhe ſent to ſeek me, and as I could not ſtay any longer at Sinope, ſo they found me coming to take my leave on her: when I came into her Chamber, Madam (ſaid I coming neer her bed (I come to deſire your leave that I may returne to the Camp: what will you doe there (replied the Princeſſe) I would goe (replied I) to ſee if Chriſantes have ſince my departure from him, yet found the corps of my deare dead Maſter, which before we could not finde: what (ſaid the Princeſs ſighing) has not the unfortunate Artamenes received the honour of a Burial? No Madam, (ſaid I with eyes ſweld with tears) unleſſe Chriſantes have found him ſince my departure. Then ſhe enjoyned me to relate unto her all that I have told you; to wit, all that we found along the river of Sangar, and all I knew concerning the death of my dear Maſter: after I had told her all, and by my ſad relation cauſed her to bedew all her fair face with a deluge of tears, ſhe began to preſſe me again to tell her his name: For (ſaid ſhe) what good reaſon could he have to conceal it? I know not Madam (anſwered I) nor can I, I confeſſe comprehend it, conſidering the greatneſſe of his birth: But it belongs not to me to examine my Maſters reaſons; it is my duty onely, to execute his laſt Commands with all punctuall obſervance: You have reaſon (ſaid ſhe to me) and I have done you wrong in preſſing you unto ſo unjuſt and unreaſonable a thing; It is ſufficient that I know that he was of a Royall extract; and there is not any Prince in the world, let him be as great as he can be, but may deſire a Son which ſhall be like unto him: Mean while, (ſaid ſhe to me) beleeve it Feraulas, and aſſure Chriſantes of as much, that all they which had relation unto the moſt glorious Artamenes, may obtain any thing from the Princeſſe Mandana, and that which ſhe has not done for him, ſhe will do for his. You are too generous Madam (ſaid I to her) but I have already told you, tha [...] ask no more from the Gods, but onely the Corps of our dear Maſter, and the honour to bring him unto his grave; theſe words did ſo extreamly move the Princeſſe, that putting out her hand unto me, ſhe ſaid, you are worthy ſervants of ſuch a Maſter as you have loſt: Go and ſeek out with all diligence theſe glorious and ſad Relikes, until you have found it out; and when you have found it, let me be acquainted with it, to the end I may move the King my father to pay thoſe honours which are due unto his merit, and unto thoſe ſervices which we have received. After this, ſhe diſmiſſed me with a profound ſigh, and would have given me a Jewel, but I refuſed it, and went from Sinope to the Camp, that I might follow the invincible Artamenes, if I could do nothing elſe: Mean while, although the King was much troubled at the loſſe of my Maſter, yet I would not loſe the fruits of his Victory; and fearing left the King of Phrygia ſhould bring freſh forces into the Field, and relieve the King of Pontus, therefore he ſent the next morning that I parted from Sinope, a command unto Philidaſpes, to bring the priſoner King to Court, ſo that the day after I came to the Camp, Philidaſpes with ſix thouſand men, went to conduct him: He left the command of the Army, by Order from Ciaxares unto Artaxes, brother of Aribeus, and came unto Sinope with intentions to Triumph, and aſſume unto himſelf all the glorious Labours of my moſt Illuſtrious Maſter. Neither Chriſantes nor I would return to Court, but both ſtayed in the Camp, and continued our ſearch all along the fatall river Sangar, and in all places thereabouts for what we had loſt, and to lament our misfortune. The Prince Tigranes, who ſaw there was no more to do in the Army, returned to Sinope, much grieved for the loſſe of Artamenes; As for Philidaſpes, as generous as he was, I do beleeve that if he was not glad of the [Page] death of Artamenes, yet he had ſome reſemblances of it, which preſently after produced, the ſame effects in his heart. He departed from the Camp, in ſuch a manner as was not ordinary, but very magnificent: As for the King of Pontus, he had contrary reſentments in his ſoul, for he was extream ſad at the loſſe of the Battel; much grieved at the death of him which won it; angred to follow Philidaſpes as his Conquerer who was not ſo; and in extream confuſion, to appear as a conquered priſoner, before that Princeſſe whom he loved: yet amongſt all theſe bad reſentments, he had ſome ſecret joy, that he ſhould ſee her again: Mean time Philidaſpes marcht in all haſt, and as he went to Sinope, he ordained a petty Triumph, wherein might be ſeen all ſignes of mourning, as well as Victory, for the death of their General, not daring to expreſſe it otherwiſe. Then, as at the laſt Battle, all the Baggage of both Kings was all taken; ſo alſo they met with many things which the King of Phrygia had formerly taken from Ciaxares, in a war which was betwixt them: Philidaſpes made uſe of all the rich Plunder to make the Pomp more proudly Magnificent: He cauſed two thouſand men of war to march firſt, in the head of which were carried abundance of Enſignes gained from the Enemy; and the better to ſet forth the death of their General, they which carried them were in mourning.: Fifty Trumpets followed theſe Enſignes, in black Mantles and Pennons: afterwards followed fourty Coaches, covered with black, all fil'd with magnificent coats of Arms, Head-pieces, Plumes of divers colours, Bucklers of a hundred ſeveral faſhions; Swords, Bowes, Quivers, Arrows, and Lances; And all this in ſo handſome a mixture, and ſo well ſet out, with order and with confuſion both, that as they who were there told us, nothing could be beheld more beautifull and Pompous: Six other Chariots followed theſe fourty firſt, all fil'd with that which Ciaxares had formerly loſt, to wit, magnificent Pavilions, great pieces of Plate, both ſilver and gold, priſed at an ineſtimable rate and value, both for their huge Prodigouſnes, and rich engravings; a Throne of Gold, richly beſet with Onyx, Topaz, and other rare Pretious-ſtones: After theſe Charets, marcht the King priſoner on horſeback, but without a ſword, invironed with a hundred for his guard, in mourning Caſſocks, and followed with fifteen hundred Priſoners, chained four to four: Immediately after marched Philidaſpes alone, cloathed in mourning, and his horſe furniture ſutable, with the Baſton of a General in his hand; The reſt of the Regiments followed, marching in the ſame order as the firſt. As this Triumph came into the great Plain within twenty furlongs of Sinope, they of the firſt Rank ſaw a Litter, which croſſing the way about an hundred paces before them, did ſtay as if it were to let the Souldiers paſſe: yet they were no ſooner within compaſſe of looking into the Litter, but preſently making a ſtop, they began to run out of order, and cry out, It is Artamenes, it is Artamenes: This word paſſing from the firſt Rank to the ſecond, and from the ſecond to the third, and ſo thorowout all, the glorious name of Artamenes did in an inſtant fill the mouthes of friends and enemies; Captains and Souldiers, Conquerors and conquered: all ſtopt, and in a moment, all would advance to be better certified of the matter: Philidaſpes, who was afraid it ſhould be ſome ſtratageme of the King of Phrygia, to put his Souldiers in diſorder whileſt he relieved the King of Pontus, commanded every one to his place, and advanced to the place where the noiſe began. But oh Heavens, how was he ſurprized, when looking into the Litter, he ſaw that it was really Artamenes which was within it, who held his hand out to the Souldiers, and cheriſhed all them which came near him: This ſight did doubtleſſe aſtoniſh Philidaſpes, and perhaps made him ſad: But as he was one of a great ſoul, wit, and generoſity, ſo he partly hid it, without expreſſing much joy, or much ſorrow; he lighted from his horſe, and came neer my Maſter. Artamenes (ſaid he in coming to him, and preſenting him his Generals Staff) could never riſe in fitter time: he who died in the day of Victory, revives again, in the day of Triumph: In the caſe that I am in (replied Artamenes ſmiling, and moſt civilly ſaluting him) I may more aptly be taken for a vanquiſhed, then a vanquiſher: And to tell you truly, I think that I am neither fit to follow a Chariot, nor to go before it. Chariots of triumph (anſwered Philidaſpes) are not difficult to be conducted, for commonly fortune guides them; Artamenes had not leaſure to anſwer this nice complement: for all the Officers, whether Philidaſpes, who commanded them, would or no, did quit their places, and acknowledge him no more, but came to ſalute their General Artamenes; All the Regiments not daring abſolutely to quit their Ranks, becauſe of the Priſoners which they guarded, yet they preſſed ſo, that all the Souldiers might at leaſt ſee the Litter where he was. The King of Pontus, impatient to embrace his glorious Conquerour, ſent one of them who was appointed for his guard to ask leave for him to come [Page] neer: The ſouldier coming neer, and preſenting what the King of Pontus deſired, my Maſter with an unparalelled modeſty, making a ſigne to him with his hand, It is Philidaſpes (ſaid he) and not Artamenes, which can grant him that leave, and of whom he muſt ask it, ſince he received the laſt Orders from the King, and commands in Chief Philidaſpes being even confounded, and half angry at my Maſters ſweet civility, ſaid unto him, That his power was nothing ſince he was preſent, and therefore the command was in him. I care not for commanding others (anſwered Artamenes) when I am not in a condition to do that my ſelf which I bid others do: You muſt at this time (anſwered Philidaſpes) endure this inconveniencie, for I do not think there is any will take your Office out of your hand. Why you may better take it upon you then I (replied Artamenes) Your Souldiers will not conſent, replied Philidaſpes, and I think they have good reaſon for it. In concluſion Sir, after this modeſt conteſt Artamenes took upon him that Command which belonged unto him, and turning towards the meſſenger from the King of Pontus: My friend, ſaid he to him, tell the King of Pontus, that if I were able to goe, I would come where he is, and do him that reverence which is his due, and tell him that he may do what ever he pleaſes. This generous Royal priſoner came then with great joy to ſalute the man who had captived him: I could not but grieve much (ſaid he in coming to him) at your loſſe; and I never had any thought of my liberty, untill that minuit you were beleeved to be dead. Sir, (anſwered my Maſter with much ſweetneſſe) if I were not ſo wounded, as I could not ſuſtain my ſelf, Artamenes would not receive the King of Pontus after ſuch an uncivil manner; and doubtleſſe he would let him know, that he thinks his Victory very unfortunate, that he is not had in more Veneration. Never ſpeak of unfortunate (anſwered the King of Pontus) my fetters are not baſe ſince you did put them on; nor have I need of all my Victories to follow Artamenes as my Conqueror: Such as you, who deſerve to Conquer (anſwered my Maſter) ought to be but little troubled at being conquered, and it is a greater argument of your valour, then mine, that you find ſuch conſolation in your misfortune. The King of Pontus, drawing back a little, to give room unto thoſe who yet had not ſaluted Artamenes, my Maſter had a deſire to know whether or no the Victory was compleat: he asked of the King and the Princeſſe: he enquired particularly of moſt part of all the Officers; and he had the goodneſſe to ask where Chriſantes, and where I was: He cheered up thoſe with his eyes unto whom he could not ſpeak; and aſſured all the Souldiers ſmiling, that he deſired not from them any part of the Plunder or Booty. Every one deſired to know what had become of him: But he told them all, that this was not a fit place for it, and deſired their patience. After this joyfull tumult was appeaſed, Artamenes ſent to the King to acquaint him with his being alive, and that he was in the head of ſix thouſand men, who brought the King of Pontus unto him, to the end he might acquit himſelf of his former promiſe, and to tell that hee waited for his Orders; Mean time, they marched gently, and came within ſixe furlongs of Sinope. I leave you to imagine Sir, what different thoughts came into my Maſters mind: Tis true that he ſaw he returned to the Court in a moſt glorious manner, having gained two Battles in one day, and brought a King a priſoner with him: But yet he knew the King of Pontus was his Rivall, and that did make him almoſt repent the taking him: The ſight of Philidaſpes alſo did agitate in his mind, the remembrance of all their ancient differences, and ſtir'd up no ſmall turbulency in his ſoul; but of all other inquietudes, the incertainty whether or no I had delivered the letter unto the princeſſe did moſt grate in his mind: Sometimes, he deſired it were: Somtimes he feared it was: Somtimes he was incertain which he ſhould wiſh, and could not determine what to think: Philidaſpes for his part was not with out his turbulencies; he ſaw the glorious reſurrection of his enemy: and looked upon him as more his Conqueror, then the King of Pontus did: and thought it concern, [...] him as neer as the loſſe of his libertie. This Prince, though indeed he was the moſt unfortunate of all at this time, yet he did not think himſelf ſo; for he knew not that Philidaſpes, and Artamenes, were his Rivalls: but on the contrary he was in hope that my Maſter would doe good offices to the King and Princeſſe; ſo that he loved him with an extream tenderneſſe. Thus did theſe three Illuſtrious lovers of the Princeſſe of Cappadocia reſent the buſineſſe: meane while, the meſſenger which my Maſter ſent before to carry newes of his happy reſurrection, arived at Sinope: you may Imagine Sir how he was received: The King, reſented it more Joyfully then he could expreſſe, and made him which brought the happy tidings repeat it a hundred times over: The King ſent preſent to acquaint the Princeſſe, who [Page] teſtified an unimaginable ſatisfaction: The whole Court was raviſht: All the people rejoyced: Aribeus himſelf was compeld to ſeem ſo becauſe he muſt not be ſingular, and made ſome counterfet ſignes of gladneſſe as he did before of ſorrow: The Prince Tigranes who had deſigned his departure deferred it, in hopes to ſee Artamenes, and went not untill the fifth day after his return. The King, deſirous to honour my Maſter, ſent him word that he would not have him come into the Towne in a Tumult, and without Ceremony; and appointed him to encamp his Troops neer the Caſtle, about ſix furlongs from thence: and there he would have him lodg, aſſuring him, that he would come that night to embrace him: He was obeyed, and all things were as he commanded: The King then went and carried Chirurgions, and Phyſitians with him unto Artamenes: whom he chered up, the like was never ſeen: He received Philidaſpes alſo very well, but not comparable to my Maſter, who was conſtrained to go into his bed: As for the King of Pontus, he appointed unto him the beſt chamber in the Caſtle: and as a little before Ciaxares came, this Prince ſent unto my Maſter, deſiring him to obtain from the King, that he might not enter into Sinope, amongſt the reſt of the Priſoners; So my Maſter, who thought he could never enough acknowledg the generoſity of this illuſtrious Priſoner, was ever forward to render him any good office he could deſire, Provided, it did not relate unto his love: For as Ciaxares told him it was not Juſt that he ſhould enter Sinope as if he were not conquered; Artamenes, did deſire him as a recompence for all his ſervices, that the King of Pontus might come into the Town in the night, as well as himſelf. It will be ſufficient Sir, (ſaid he) that the people ſee the plunder of the field, and the other priſoners, without augmenting the misfortunes of this great Prince (unto whom I am obliged) by an unprofitable Pomp; and without making me aſhamed of thoſe honours which I deſerve not. The King could hardly reſolve what to doe, but in concluſion, he muſt yeild unto him who was ever wont to Conquer. Artamenes, beſeeched Ciaxares, that he would be pleaſed to ſee the the King of Pontus his priſoner, which at the requeſt of my Maſter he did: The enterveiw of theſe two enemy Princes paſſed with all poſſible Civility between them: meane while the King burned with an ardent impatience, to know where Artamenes had been: how he eſcaped, and how he came ſo opportunely to meet the Army, he no ſooner knew from the Chirurgions who had ſearched his wounds whilſt he went to viſit the King of Pontus, that they were all abſolutly without danger, but he preſſed him extraordinarily to relate it: Artamenes would have had a dayes diſpenſation, but the Impatiency of Ciaxares would not permit it: he exactly told them, all that which I am now going to tell you, and which I afterwards had from his own mouth: to let you know then what was becom of my Maſter, I muſt returne to the place of Battle, and tell you, that when thoſe two Souldiers of which I ſpoke did ſee him paſſe; it was true, as they believed, that he was wounded in the left ſhoulder, and yet he did not ceaſe following the King of Phrygia as far as the River Sangar. As this Prince in his retreat paſſed over a little wood bridge, which I already ſpoke of, the multitude of thoſe which followed, and which would paſs all at a time over with him, cauſed the bridge to break when he had halfe his men on the one ſide, and half on the other ſide of the river: But that which ſeemed to do him an ill office, did him a good one, becauſe by this accident my Maſter was ſtayed, and he could not continue his purſuite: yet thoſe which were on this ſide the broken bridge, redoubling their valour out of deſpair to ſave themſelves, did obſtinatly defend themſelves: on the other ſide, Artamenes, all in anger that this Prince had eſcaped him, did aſſault them with unimaginable violence, and ſo there began a freſh Combate: Thoſe which followed the King of Phrygia on the other ſide the River, thinking themſelves ſafe, endeavoured to help their own ſide by ſhooting abundance of Arrowes, from the other ſide of the River, and wee could not return the like, becauſe Artamenes had then no Archers with him: In concluſion, almoſt all they which fought being dead, and day at an end. One of the Arrows from the other ſide, ſhot the horſe of Artamenes in the flank; the horſe perceiving himſelf wounded began to run with all his ſpeed along the River ſide, and whether my Maſter would or no carried him from thoſe few of his men which remained; Afterward falling to Curvett upon a ſudden, and Leaping by the water ſide, as if he would ſwim the River, he fell dead down, in danger to Drown my Maſter, becauſe that ſince he had fought neer the bridge, he had received a wound in the thigh, ſo that he had much a doe to diſingage himſelf from under his horſe, and get out of the water on to Land. Yet notwithſtanding all the blood which he had loſt, and the heavineſſe of his Arms, he recovered himſelf. But as ſoon as he had got out of this danger, he was preſently engaged in another; for he perceived [Page] he was much more wounded then he thought to bee, it being abſolutly impoſſible to hold himſelf up; beſides the night came on, and he ſaw not one about him: yet he heard a noiſe of men which fled and paſſed by not far of that place; but becauſe he knew not whether they were friends or enemies, he Paus'd a while to deliberate whether he ſhould call them or no; but preſently, he heard no more of them, and there he lay, not knowing what to do or what would become of him, knowing well that he had not ſtrength enough to carry him to the Camp, though in the obſcurity of the night he ſhould chance to ſtumble upon the way: moreover it was ſo dark that he could not ſee, nor had he ſtrength if he had had eyes to find his helmet, and Buckler which he had loſt in fighting, though he ſought them as well as he could▪ he ſate then down at the root of a Tree, reſolving to ſtay there untill the next day: Certainly if any had ſeen him in that deplorable Condition, it would have been hard for them to beleeve, that he had gained two Battles in one day: Tooke a King a Priſoner, and Chaſed another. But after he had ſate a while in this cold manner, chance would have it, that a horſe which was left without a maſter in the fight, wandring along the River ſide, paſſed by him; as ſoon as the Animal by favour of the ſtars eſpied him, he ſtarted back with all ſpeed; but by good fortune his bridle which hung down did entangle his feet, and made him ſtumble ſo neer my Maſter, that he catching hold of the bridle, he ſeized upon him and held him: The horſe being none of the moſt metled, ſtopt preſently: and Artamenes knowing himſelf weak with loſſe of blood, and conſidering he was far from the Camp, with much ado got up, and reſolved to go unto any place, where he could diſcover any light, or houſe, thinking it were better to ask help of an enemy, rather then periſh at the foot of a Tree, where there was none to help him: he knew that there was one part of Bithyria which was not very affectionate unto the King of Pontus, whoſe father had uſurped it from thoſe which were the legitimate owners. Indeed, becauſe he could do nothing elſe, he marched ſtraight to the place where he ſaw light; As he came neer it, he ſaw it had been a goodly fair Caſtle, built with Fortifications, and which now had no Towers nor Walls: Artamenes entered it without reſiſtance; but, the feet of his horſe made ſuch a noiſe in the ears of them that were within, that Artamenes heard a great number of women crie, as if two thouſand men were coming to take them: but my Maſter putting them out of fear, by the weakneſſe of his voice, he ſaw appear a woman well on in years, and of a good deportment upon the battlement, whom four other women lighted with torches: Mean while, Artamenes being lighted from his horſe, though in great pain, he ſaw this Lady look upon him with extraordinary obſervance, and after ſhe had thus well conſidered him, not giving him time to ſpeak, ſhe cried out upon a ſudden; Ah my ſon; ah Spitridates is it you? ah Spitridates, is it poſſible I ſhould ſee you here? At theſe words, although there were men in the houſe, ſhe ran to help Artamenes, thoſe which took him by the arms ſuſtained him; all the women came near to look upon him, and this Lady which ſpoke unto him, deſiring to imbrace my Maſter, he fell into a ſound, and remained as dead in her arms, which troubled her much. In a belief he was her ſon, ſhe commanded they ſhould carry him to a chamber, to diſarm him and get him to bed; for ſince he was all bloody, ſhe knew he was wounded: By good fortune there was a young Chirurgion, which after the rout of the King of Pontus Army came thither: Mean while, though Artamenes had not ſtrength enough to anſwer that Lady, which called him Spitridates, yet he did remember it, at his coming again to himſelf; but he was much aſtoniſhed, when opening his eyes, he found he was in a fair chamber, in a ſtately bed, and many Ladies about him, amongſt which there was one who was admirably fair; he alſo ſaw her which called him Spitridates, but he ſaw all tears for his wounds, and for the Arms ſhe ſaw him have: My Maſter notwithſtanding his weakneſſe, had no ſooner recovered his ſight, and his reaſon, but he ſaluted the Ladies with much reverence: He intended to preſent a complement and excuſe his ſurprize, but this aged Lady prevented him, and ſaid unto him ſighing; Alas, is it poſſible I ſhould ſee you again? and that the Gods amongſt all my bitter misfortunes ſhould afford me this good one? to find you after I have ſo long lamented and bewailed your abſence? but alas, I find you wounded, and in Arms for our Enemies, in which, perhaps you have killed your father, or your brother, or both, for we hear no news of them, and they were in the Battle, as it ſeems by your wounds you were alſo: Ah Spitridates, what cauſe has the King given you, that after five years travels you ſhould return in Arms againſt him and your Countrey? My Maſter hearing this Lady ſpeak thus was much ſurprized, and though he could not without trouble to himſelf, yet he would needs undeceive [Page] her: If I were he whom you think me to be (anſwered he unto her) I ſhould not diſown my ſelf, but ſince I am not, I ought not to let you go on in your errour, though perhaps it might have been advantageous unto me. What, ſaid the Lady, are you not my ſon? No Madam, anſwered my Maſter, I am ſo far from being your ſon, that you have relieved an enemy, but ſuch an enemy, as hath done nothing which might in reaſon incite you particularly againſt him, ſince his deſigne aims no other, then faithfully to ſerve that King in whoſe ſervice he is engaged. I ſee my ſon (ſaid ſhe interrupting [...]m) that you are aſhamed of what you have done, and will not confeſſe who you are, ſince we hear no news of thoſe two are ſo nearly related unto you, and who perhaps you have fought withall, and knew not; nor will I (ſaid ſhe leaving him) diſturb you in that condition you are in. After this, the Lady went out of the Chamber, and left my Maſter in much wonder, ſeeing they would needs take him for one, whom he was not: He paſſed over that night very quietly, for though he had loſt much blood, yet no fever ſeized on him; and his wearineſſe cauſing him to ſleep, he was as well the next morning, as one who had two ſuch great wounds could poſſibly be hoped for. This Lady, failed not to viſit him in the morning, and renewed her complaints: ſhe then ſaw there was ſome difference between Artamenes and Spitridates, but no more then ſhe thought five years might alter, it being ſo long ſince ſhe ſaw him: My ſon, ſaid ſhe to a woman who was there, was not ſo big when he left us; he had not the ſame Symmetry of face, ſo high and ſo noble; but he was then young, and five years might make a great change in a man of his years: yet Artamenes, who would by no means lie unto her, ſpoke ſuch things unto her, as ſhe doubted of it: he beſeeched her that he might ſend a letter unto the Lieutenant General of the Cappadocean Army, but ſhe would not confent unto it: No, ſaid ſhe unto him, I cannot be yet reſolved of my doubts: My eyes tell me you are my ſon, but your words aſſure me you are my enemy, and which of them ſoever you be, peradventure you have killed my husband: at theſe words, tears flowing in her eyes; If ye be my ſon (ſaid ſhe to him) I ought to pardon you, and though you ſhould be an enemy unto the King under whoſe government we are at preſent, yet I ought to be compaſſionate, and pity you, ſince you are ſo unfortunate and generous as not to delude me; and for theſe reaſons I will aſſiſt you. I know, my ſon, that ſince you have forſaken the King of Pontus, I muſt hide you, as one that is delinquent: But, my ſon, ſaid ſhe, I am your mother, and moreover we are aſſured the King of Pontus is taken priſoner, and you know the Princeſſe his ſiſter will not entertain you in his abſence; and we do every day receive a hundred ſecret aſſiſtances, in conſideration of you; ſpeak therefore, I conjure you, and tell me exactly the truth; Tell me whether you be Spitridates, and what is your true name, and Countrey: My Maſter now found himſelf in a labyrinth: there was no colour of reaſon to tell he was Artamenes, for that would be to put ſuch a man as he, perhaps into the hands of his enemies; he beſeeched her therefore for the preſent, to beleeve that he was not Spitridates, and not to preſſe him any further to tell his name; he aſſured her, that the King whom he ſerved would not be pleaſed with it, and that for diverſe other reaſons, he could not do it. This diſcourſe was long and tedious, and cauſed my Maſters wounds to bleed afreſh; a fever ſeiſed upon him, and he was eight dayes very ill: During which time, nothing was ſpoke of but curing him, and during all which time, he was marvellous well treated by this Lady, though every day, ſhe ſometimes thought him an enemy, and ſometimes her ſon, but hearing at laſt, that her husband, and her other ſon were eſcaped the Battle and fled with the King of Phrygia, her ſoul was more tranquile, and more capable of reaſon: The next morning when ſhe underſtood my Maſter was reaſonable well, ſhe would try another way, to diſcover whether he was her ſon: She imployed that fair Lady her daughter, whom my Maſter did principally obſerve at his firſt coming; and ſhe came unto him, with two other women, and thus put him to a new triall: Brother (ſaid ſhe to him) Madam (anſwered he interrupting her) I ſhould be infinitely honour'd in the name, but ſince I am not Spitridates, I muſt needs undeceive you, and content my ſelf with the title of your moſt humble ſervant. Whatſoever you are, replied this fair Lady, you deſerve more then that phraſe, ſince, conſidering the ſtate we are in, there is none more unfortunate then we: yet to clear my doubts, both mine, and others in the houſe, I deſire you to take ſo much pains, as to open this Box, where perhaps, you may find ſomething which will pleaſe you; in ſaying ſo, ſhe preſented a Box, in which was a very rare Picture, and looked upon him with extream attention: Artamenes, who knew not why ſhe would have him open this Box, obeyed her, and was indeed well pleaſed with the picture of a Lady admirably fair: but [Page] ſince he knew not who it repreſented, and having in his heart another picture which darkned the beauty of this, there appeared no extraordinary ſurprize in his eyes; he looked upon it as a fair thing indeed, but it moved him neither unto a great joy, nor any inquietude: This fair Lady obſerving the calmneſſe with which he looked upon this picture; Ha generous ſtranger (ſaid ſhe) I am now certain that you are not Spitridates, for he was never able to look upon this picture with ſo much coldneſſe; after theſe words ſhe left my maſter, and went unto her mother: you need no longer doubt (ſaid ſhe to her) but this man is not Spitridates; for he beheld this picture without any joy or turbulency at all: he grew neither pale, nor red at it; his ſoul was quiet; his eyes appeared neither pleaſant nor ſad, and therefore it is impoſſible he ſhould be Spitridates: no Madam (ſaid ſhe to her) he is not my brother, ſince he is not a lover of the Princeſs of Pontus; I muſt conclude he is not in Love, ſince he can look upon this picture with ſo much indifferency; he I ſay, who never heard her named without a bluſh; nor ever ſaw her without aſtoniſhment: Thus ſpoke this young fair Lady, and it was her words which did indeed moſt undeceive the old one. My Maſter came to know all this which I intend to tell you, from a woman which looked unto him, and who being deſirous to oblige him, told him all ſhe knew. So Sir, this Lady being now fully perſwaded, that Artamenes was not Spitridates, did yet reſolve to treat him very well; and his merit having already gained ſo powerful an influence upon her heart, ſhe came to him the next morning, and found him in a good ſtate: Generous ſtranger (ſaid ſhe to him) ſince you have no mind to be Spitridates, be therefore what you pleaſe; and let me loſe a ſon whom I thought I had found: I beſeech you, let not the reſemblance he has unto you offend you, for of what condition ſoever you are, his name cannot be very diſhonourable unto you, ſince his Anceſtors in loſing the Crown of Bythinia, have not loſt their nobleneſſe of bloud. Madam, ſaid Artamenes then unto her, I moſt humbly deſire your pardon, if I have not rendred unto you that reverence which is your due, and my duty: Excuſe not your ſelf (ſaid ſhe) in what you have not failed, ſince (added this Lady ſighing) Princeſſes which live under the Dominion of an Uſurper, muſt not exact that, which perhaps their condition might another time require: Although, ſaid ſhe, you be not my ſon, yet you do much reſemble him, and for that reaſon, I am obliged to render you your liberty. If you be my ſon, you are in no ſecurity within this houſe; and if you be not my ſon, yet you can have no more aſſurance of ſafety; therefore it were better that you depart, and I will cauſe you to be conducted unto what place you pleaſe. My maſter was raviſhed with joy, at the generoſity of this Lady; he thanked her, and proteſted that he would ſerve her all the dayes of his life; and perhaps more effectually then ſhe believed: To which end, he deſired her to lend him a Litter which might carry him to the Camp of Ciaxares: My maſter was yet far from being well; but love adding new ſtrength unto him, he would depart the next morning; and go thither where he might hear Mandana talked on: He was waited upon with the young Chirurgion who dreſſed him; and two others who had orders, that if they met any of the King of Pontus party, or the King of Phrygia, to ſay that Artamenes was a Couſin unto their Miſtreſſe, whom they carried unto her, and who had been wounded in the laſt battle. My maſter at departure, did receive a hundred civilities from all theſe illuſtrious perſons, which he rendred back unto them afterwards with intereſt, promiſing them that ere long they ſhould hear from him. As they went the way towards the Camp, he met ſome ſtragling ſouldiers, of whom he enquired where the Army was; who anſwered that Philidaſpes the day before, went from the Camp to conduct the King of Pontus unto Sinope; So that changing their road, they went to meet Philidaſpes, which they doubted not but to do, ſince Coaches and priſoners marched ſlower then the Litter did: and he did meet them in the plain, as you have been already informed. See Sir, what my Maſters adventure was, when they thought him dead. Since the paſſage was ſomething extraordinary; Artamenes had ſo much curioſity as to ask the King of Pontus, whether there was a Prince called Spitridates, which reſembled him? The King of Pontus told him, that he had thought himſelf deceived ſeveral times, for that it was not poſſible any two ſhould be more like one another then Spitridates and he, both ſymmetry of face, compoſure of parts, and ſtature. But to return unto my diſcourſe where I left: After Ciaxares had heard from my maſters own mouth, all his adventure; he admired his good fortune, and extreamly rejoyced at it; and after a long diſcourſe, he left him and returned to Sinope. Yet notwithſtanding, it was reſolved that the next morning, all the plunder, and all the priſoners ſhould enter the Town; and that at night, the King of Pontus, and Artamenes [Page] ſhould be conducted thither. Ciaxares was no ſooner departed, but my Maſter ſent to tell the Priſoner King, he had obtained his deſire, which cauſed him to rejoyce very much: afterwards Artamenes thought of ſending back the Litter which was lent him; and in ſending it, he made choyce of the Richeſt and faireſt of all his Jewels, and preſented it unto that fair young Lady which ſhewed him the picture, deſiring her, ſhe would honour him ſo much as to receive that poor teſtimony of his acknowledgment; not daring to ſpeak of any kind of gratuity unto the Princeſſe her mother, conſidering her high Generoſity: he did moſt noblie recompence the Chirurgion which dreſſed him, and all thoſe of the houſe which had been ſerviceable unto him: who were all extreamly well ſatiſfied, as well with the richneſſe of his preſents, as with the knowledg of the manner how Artamenes was treated both by the King and all the Court: They imagined their Miſtris did not know the true quality of her priſoner. After that my Maſter had given out all neceſſary orders, and night being come, he was all alone, and at Liberty to entertaine his paſſion: I ſee my ſelf, (ſaid he unto himſelf) eſcaped from abundance of dangers, & few there are which doe not admire my good fortune: But for all this good fortune, which perhaps incites others to envie me, I cannot chuſe but eſteem my ſelf the moſt unhappy man upon earth; & doubtleſs ſhall ever be ſo vntill I ſhall obtain ſome teſtimony of my Princeſs affection: or at leaſt that ſhe does favourably accept of mine: alas (ſaid he further) if Feraulas have preſented that letter which I commanded him, perhaps ſhe has read it with diſdain, & was ſo far from having any compaſſion, that ſhe was angry: Perhaps alſo (added he) ſhe has pardoned me, and pitty did ſo tender her heart, that ſhe received my declaration without hate: But admit ſhe did ſo (ſaid he) and pardoned me when ſhe thought me Dead, who knowes whether ſhe will doe ſo now I am Living? Perhaps Feraulas has not yet delivered it, and then I ſhall continue ſtil innocent in her thoughts, as I was at parting: But then alſo (ſaid this Prince) I ſhall be unhappy that way: for if ſhe doe not know I love her: how dare I ever tell it? what would I have? (ſaid he yet) and what can I deſire? I fear that ſhe ſhould know of my love, and yet I deſire ſhe did. I doe entertaine both feares, and hopes: I deſire to ſee Mandana, and am ſo neer either my ſupream felicity or my ſupream misfortune, that my ſoul muſt needs tremble: and the uncertainty of my good or my bad deſtiny, that it diſturbs my reaſon. In ſuch thoughts as theſe Artamenes paſt away a great part of the night: yet ſleep ſeizing upon his eyes againſt his will, he was the next morning in a very good condition: and the Kings Chiurgions aſſured him, that with in a few dayes he would not only be able to quit his bed, but his chamber alſo, and be perfectly recovered. He received viſits from the Court all the day long: and ſent to preſent a complement unto the Princeſſe Mandana, who received it with much civility, and returned him the like againe; but it was after ſuch a manner, that though my Maſter did oftentimes repeat word for word all that ſhe ſaid vnto him, and contemplated upon it, yet he could not pick any thing out of it, which might either fortify his hopes and encreaſe his fears. The morning was imployed in entering into Sinope with all the Booty and Plunder, and Priſoners, conducted by Philidaſpes after all the mourning was taken of; And the Princeſſe out of a window in the Caſtle, beheld them all with a mind as turbulent as my Maſters. Night being Come; the King of Pontus was conducted by guards unto the Town, and put into a place of ſafty: but in paſſing under the window of the Princeſſe, he both ſaw her and was ſeen, by Candle light: This moved pitty in Mandana, and ſhame in the Priſoner: Artamenes followed the King of Pontus. The inhabitants of Sinope knowing that he was to enter the Town in the night, did light Candles in all the ſtreets, hanging Lamps at every window: ſo that by the ſhouts of joy, and multitudes of Lights, this night Entry was very Triumphant, and magnificent: Artamenes was accompanied by all the Grandees of the Court, who conducted him to the King: my Maſter was in one thing leſſe happy then the King of Pontus: for he ſaw not the Princeſſe in paſſing under her window, becauſe ſhe was gone to bed immediatly and faigned to be ill. Marteſia, who from the firſt minute that her miſtris heard Artamenes was alive, had obſerved much joy in her eyes, was now much amaſed to obſerve the diſturbances in her ſoul: therefore ſeeing none with her, and that ſhe might ſpeak freely: Madam, (ſaid ſhe to her) ſhall I ask whether it be barely ſome indiſpoſition in you, which moves you to go to bed; or is there ſome misfortune hapned unto you which I am ignorant of, and which diſturbs that ſatisfaction which you might take from one of the happieſt dayes in all your life? For indeed Madam you ſee the wars are ended moſt gloriouſly: you ſee that King which you would not marry, in priſon, and you ſee that Prince, whom you thought dead, and ſo much lamented, to be living. I confeſſe, my [Page] Dear Maxteſia (anſwered the Princeſſe) that I am very happy in many things but not in all; and I am ſo ſenſible of my misfortune, that I take no joy in all thoſe apparent felicities, which thoſe who know not the bottom of my heart, do think I doe; Madam (replied Marteſia) what can it be that ſhould trouble you? The King loves you; all Cappadocia Adores you: A Halcion Peace invites you unto all the delights of the Court: and as the Kings Phyſitians ſay, Artamenes wil be quickly recovered. Artamenes (replied the Princeſs ſighing) will perhaps be but too ſoone recovered; and though I wiſh him all manner of good Fortune, yet I would he were in ſuch a condition, as not to leave his chamber untill I were fully reſolved how I ſhould live with him: How Madam (replied Marteſia in a wonder, & interrupting her) Artamenes whom you wept for ſo bitterly, doe you ſay, perhaps he ſhall be too ſoon recovered? Ah Madam, certainly I did not rightly underſtand you: or els you did ill explain your ſelf: No, no, Marteſia, (replied ſhe) The Croſſneſs of my deſtiny is ſuch, as that I deſire not to ſee Artamenes as much as I did deſire his Life: For know (ſaid ſhe in changing colour) that I doe love honour and glory, above all other things; but I doe not hate Artamenes ſo much as to be deprived of his converſation without repugnancy: yet you may well think Marteſia, that after he has let me know that he loves me, I ought not to give him that liberty which heretofore he had, and that I live with him, with more reſtraint, then I did in thoſe times when I had not that tenderneſs for him, which I ſenſibly finde to be in my heart, in ſpite of all my vertue. For indeed Marteſia (ſince I may diſcover the bottom of my ſoul unto you) Let me tell you, that if Artamenes had been ſo bold as to ſpeak unto me of any love, I had then treated him but ill. I ſhould then have excluded him from my company, and perhaps I had leſſe eſteemed him, becauſe then I ſhould have ſuſpected he had not a true eſteem of me; But this way which he takes to let me know his love, (Compaſſion having ſoftned my heart) I have underſtood it without anger; and I have believed it without any difficulty: and ſince I ſaw he could have no dangerous deſigne in his affection, I did not oppoſe and ſtifle it in the beginning: but I called into my memory all his Services: and I repeated in my mind all his Services, his virtues, and all his rare Qualities a hundred and a hundred times over: all theſe have told me that he loved me in a moſt reſpectfull manner: I have given more Credit unto it then if he had told it: and I have more acknowledged it, then ever he could hope for: indeed Marteſia, his death, gave life unto my friendſhip (not to give it any other phraſe) which is an affection unto him moſt pure and innocent: Judg then, if, after I have given up my ſoul unto ſuch a harmleſſe paſſion, it will be eaſie for me to reſiſt, and overcom it. (But Madam, ſaid Marteſia to her) is Artamenes more in fault now he is living then he was in his grave? No? Anſwered the Princeſſe, but he is more to be feared: Not that I intend abſolutly to withdraw my affection from him; All that I can doe, will be to reſtrain my ſelf from giving him any ſignes of it: But Madam (replied Marteſia) why will you puniſh him, who is not in any fault? and why will you torment your ſelf in making him unhappy? Stay Madam untill he give you ſome cauſe to complaine: and if he ſpeak any thing unto you which ſhall diſpleaſe you, then it will be time enough to deprive your ſelf of his ſight. But Marteſia (ſaid the Princeſſe interrupting her) how do you think I can look upon him without extream ſhame? and how can I baniſh out of my ſoul, that affection which I entertained when I thought him dead? For my part Madam (replied Marteſia) I doe confeſs unto you, that I cannot conceive what reaſon you can have to love Artamenes when he is dead, and hate him when he is alive. Ah Marteſia (cried Mandana) how far are my thoughts from any hate? And how happy would Artamenes be if I Lov'd him a little leſſe then I did: for indeed, if I did not diſtruſt my own heart I ſhould live with him as I did before: I would ſtay, as you bid me, untill he gave me iuſt cauſe of complaint: and reſt in quietneſſe. But Madam (replied Marteſia) I ſee no cauſe why he ſhould ſo diſquiet you, for as he did write unto you, and as Feraulas told you, he is a Prince: neither do I ſee any cauſe why he ſhould be ſo offenſive unto you, in comming to tell you himſelf, what before he did write unto you: Ah my dear Marteſia, (replied the Princeſſe) that which you tell me for my conſolation, is that which moſt torments me: for if Artamenes were not of that quality he ſaith he is, his boldneſſe ſhould not have offended me, and dead as he was, I ſhould only have pitied his folly and misfortune: But now I find nothing which can offend me or anger me: upon the whole matter I muſt not chuſe my ſelf a husband: moreover, that Fatall cuſtome, which the Aſſyrians when they were lords of Cappadocia did leave upon it, will not permit me any pretence or colour to Iuſtifie the affection of Artamenes unto me, [Page] and much leſſe Mandana's unto him: So that Marteſia he muſt overcome himſelf; he muſt uſe all extream violences to do it; he muſt render Artamenes unhappy, and me unfortunate: Me thinks (ſaid ſhe) that I ſee him ſearching in my eyes for the manner of my receiving his Letter: But alas, what do I ſay? will not Feraulas tell him, that he diſcovered no ſignes of anger in my minde? but that he ſaw me weep, and bluſh, and indeed tell him that he is ſure I love him? and perhaps that I loved him, before he had made me know he loved me? Ah Marteſia (ſaid ſhe) this misfortune is befalne me, and it is in vain to hide my thoughts from Artamenes: he knows it (ſaid ſhe) he knows it; and perhaps, does imagine it otherwiſe then it is, which cauſeth him to conceive ſome criminal hopes, and to prepare himſelf for offending me: Alas (ſaid ſhe) whoſe misfortune ever equal'd mine? I muſt paſſe away all my dayes in an unparalelled retiredneſſe: I muſt deprive my ſelf of all innocent delights, leſt they ſhould render me ſuſpected: I muſt forbid entrance into my ſoul any thing that tranſcends not ſevereſt vertue. I muſt give reſiſtance unto the Merits, the ſervices and all the great Qualities of Artamenes; and my heart muſt not give it ſelf up unto him, but at his Grave; yet perhaps, at this very hour, when I am ſpeaking of him, Artamenes repents that he ſpoke unto me ſo ſoon: and perhaps he thinks that he had been better entertained if he had ſpoke unto me the firſt minuit he ſaw me; and thinks this rigid vertue whereof I make ſuch ſtrickt profeſſion is but an artificiall Cloak. But what ſhall I do? (ſaid ſhe) Certainly I do accuſe him unjuſtly, and he is innocent doubtleſſe: No, no Artamenes will interpret my tears in another ſence: he will think that compaſſion onely cauſed me to drop them: he knowes that I do ow unto him the life of the King my father; and for that reaſon onely I owe unto him my ſighes and my tears; Let me be therefore more at reſt in my ſelf, (ſaid ſhe) let me be ſatisfied with mine own innocencie; let me onely take away from Artamenes all occaſions of ſpeaking with him in private; let me hide from him that tenderneſſe towards him, which I have entertained in my heart, if I cannot overcome my ſelf; and let befall what will, let me reſolve rather to die, then to do, ſay, or think any thing which is not juſt and vertuous, and which does not give full ſatisfaction unto that love which I have unto Glory. Thus did the glorious Mandana entertain her ſelf with Marteſia, whileſt my Maſter who knew not whether ſhe had received his Letter or no, was more perplexed. Philidaſpes all this while almoſt never appeared: he ſaw the Princeſſe at his entrance into Sinope, but that was all, and whileſt he went to give orders for thoſe new Levies which he thought to command, and which were muſtered neer a Caſtle, about ſixty furlongs from Sinope, whereof he was Governour. The Princeſſe had more liberty to ruminate upon her reſolutions: Mean while, my Maſters hurts healed faſter then the Chirurgions could hope for. He was in few dayes not onely able to quit his bed, but his chamber alſo, and in a condition to go and preſent himſelf unto the King and Mandana: He wiſhed heartily that I were with him, that he might know what I had done; yet he thought it would be a long time before I came, for though he had ſent orders unto me to come unto him, yet it was ſo far off from Sinope, where we were encamped, that without extraordinary haſt I could not come ſo ſoon: So that being preſſed on by his paſſion, and in extream impatience to ſee the Princeſſe, after he had been with the King, he preſented himſelf unto Mandana, and went with ſuch agitation of ſpirit, as the like was never ſeen until now; he was wont to approach with an ordinary reverent fear: But now, he reſented all manner of fears that was poſſible to be imagined: The Princeſſe for her part, knowing that Artamenes would come unto her chamber, did often change colours, and ſometimes would be angry, that ſhe was not abſolute miſtreſſe of her own heart: As ſhe ſat upon her bed, it was more eaſie for her to hide the diſorders of her minde from Artamenes, who as ill luck to him would have it, did finde much company with the Princeſſe. He ſaluted her with all befitting reverence, and ſhe received him with all the civility that a Princeſſe of Cappadocia could pay unto a man who had obtained for her ſo many glorious Victories, and brought her a King a priſoner; yet notwithſtanding, my Maſter obſerved, that her civilities were expreſſed with ſo much reſervedneſſe, as that he ſometimes beleeved ſhe had ſeen what he had written: Doubtleſſe ſhe knows (ſaid he in himſelf) what I deſire ſhe ſhould, and which I fear ſhe does not: Preſently after, when the Princeſſe had given him ſome obliging language or other; I am deceived (ſaid he) ſhe knows it not, and I dare not tell her of it: The Princeſſe on the other ſide, ſhe was very much perplexed; ſhe condemned all her thoughts; ſhe repented of all ſhe ſaid, when ſhe commended Artamenes; ſhe thought he did interpret all her commendations to his prejudice: and then ſhe would [Page] be all ſilence, or anſwer coldly; yet ſhe feared to diſoblige him, and againſt her own inclination did repair that coldneſſe with ſome ſlight civility. This viſit did ſo paſſe, and Mandana carried it ſo handſomely, that Artamenes could not diſcover her true reſentments, and he retired with more love, and more inquietude then before. At his return, there came unto him an old Captain of horſe, who deſiring to ſpeak in private with him, and told him, that about three or four hours ſince, he met with a man on horſeback coming to the Town as he was. He demanding whither he went, the man did anſwer him very ſurlily; afterwards falling into diſcourſe of diverſe matters, they quarrelled and fought; that there were certain men came in, and parted them: But during this Combat the man dropt a Letter, which I took up after he was gone, in which there might perhaps be ſomething worth his notice. Artamenes thanked the Captain, and taking the Letter, it contained theſe words:

DO not fail in any thing which you have promiſed; and be aſſured, that for my part, I will not neglect to do what I ought: make ſure of the Guards, which have engaged their faith unto you, as I will of the Souldiers which I ſhall bring unto you: Prepare men which ſhall obſerve reſpect unto that Perſon who moſt of all the world deſerves it, and promiſe them ſuch recompenſes, as are worthy of their ſervices. Moreover, though you have told me, and though I have promiſed you, that my paſſion cannot endure it ſhould be you onely that ſhould work out all my good fortune, ſo ſtay for me, before you begin to execute your deſigne: for peradventure it may ſo fall out, that when the Princeſſe ſhall ſee the Prince of Aſſyria at her feet, ſhe will forgive his violencies, or at leaſt excuſe them: And as ſhe is equally ignorant that Philidaſpes is in love with her, and that Philidaſpes is ſonne to the Queen Nitocris. So it is fit it ſhould be I which ſhould acquaint her with both, as ſoon as we have carried her away, to the end that we may leſſen her diſpleaſure, by acquainting her with my condition and quality. He which brings this Letter is faithfull: Truſt him freely with your anſwer; and make haſte, if you will oblige the moſt amorous Prince upon the earth and the moſt thankfull.

After Artamenes had read this Letter, he was extreamly ſurprized: he commended the fidelity of the Captain; promiſed him recompence, and that he would make it known unto the King: and after he had cauſed him to ſtay a while, he gave him a very good horſe, and a fair ſuit of Arms; then he diſmiſſed him, appointing him not to be out of the way, in caſe he ſhould have any need of him: After this Officer was departed, Artamenes did read over the Letter again: Oh heavens, ſaid he, Philidaſpes is the Prince of Aſſyria, and Philidaſpes is in love with Mandana; and Philidaſpes would carry her away: I know his hand, and I know by it, that he is not more happy then my ſelf, the Princeſſe is yet ignorant both of his Quality and his Love: Let me gather ſome benefit out of this ignorance; let me be faithfull unto my enemy, and not diſcover him, leſt in the diſcovery I ſhould prejudice my ſelf; his conſpiracie muſt be defeated ſome other way: I muſt Put the Princeſſe into ſafety by taking away his life. He preſently ſent to know where Philidaſpes was: But notwithſtanding all his care and diligence it was not poſſible for him to finde him out. Some ſaid he was in that Caſtle of which he had the Command; others aſſured, he was not; ſome ſaid, he was rid out of Town for five dayes; and moſt ſaid, they knew not where he was. Mean time, as Artamenes did not know the time when this conſpiracy ſhould be acted, he found the matter required quickneſſe; yet it was a long while before he could reſolve to acquaint Mandana that Philidaſpes was one day to be the King of Aſſyria: He remembred that when he came to Babylon, this Prince was departed thence two dayes before; and he alſo remembred that he ſaw him in the Temple of Mars, the firſt day he came to Sinope: What ſhall I do (ſaid he) againſt this dangerous Rivall? ſhall I acquaint the King with this plot, without imparting it to the Princeſſe? Or ſhall I go to the Princeſſe before the King? Since the matter relates directly unto her, perhaps ſhe will be offended if I do not make my firſt addreſſes unto her. Go then, Artamenes, and diſcover the whole truth unto her, and diſguiſe it not at all. But what do I ſay? am I certain that I can be as good as my word? No, no, it is impoſſible? Can I tell my Princeſſe, that my Rival loves her? and that he is one of the greateſt Princes of the world? and that he wants nothing to compleat his good fortune, but the conſent of the fair Mandana? I that dare not ſpeak for my ſelf, muſt I ſpeak for my Rival and my enemy? Muſt I ſtifle my own ſighes, and conceal my own tears, and go to acquaint my Princeſſe with [Page] the raptures and paſſions of my Rival? A Rival that is handſom, who has a heart and a ſoul, and whom I have often heard the fair Mandana commend. Ah No, no; I had far better die: But on the otherſide (ſaid he) the conſpiracy is ready to break out, if I do not ſhew that which Philidaſpes hath written, but content my ſelf only to ſay that there is a percious deſign on foot; and that he is the contriver, who knows whether I ſhall be believed? every one knows that we two are not very good friends; and this conſpiracy has ſo little probability in it, that before I can perſwade them it is true, and endeavour to prevent it, it will be executed, the Town will be ſurprized, the Princeſſe carried away, and this happie Rival will carry with her all that can induce me to love my life: Speak then Artamenes ſpeak for thy Rival to the end thou mayeſt tranſact againſt him: If he were in a plate where I could find him, I would acquaint him with my paſſion, and not diſcover his unto the Princeſſe; and after that endeavour to leave him in a condition unlikely to carry any one away: Indeed I would do that which I am bound to do; he ſhould die, or I would die, and ſo all our differences would be terminated. But, alas, he hides himſelf; he keeps out of my violence: I know no more of his enterprize, but as much as cauſes jealouſies, fears, hatred and deſpair: I am ignorant who are his complices; I know neither when nor how they muſt act, I only know that they are deſigning my ruine. What ſhall I do unfortunate man? I loſe time, whileſt mine enemy is advancing his deſign: Go then, go to the Princeſſe; Tell her that which never any lover but my ſelf did or would do, to the party loved: Peradventure (ſaid he) I may draw ſome advantage out of my misfortune by it; I may chance diſcover in her fair eyes, the motion of her ſoul, and ſee the ſecrets of her heart; and perhaps alſo, that after I have ſpoke for another, I may find opportunity to ſpeak for my ſelf: Go then unhappy lover; follow as thy deſtiny leads thee, and defer it no longer: Hope ſtill, that in declaring the love of Philidaſpes unto Mandana, thou mayeſt cauſe her to hate him; and make all haſte poſſible leſt he execute his deſign, and carry her away, elſe he will get her into his power, and there he'l keep her: perhaps he will win her heart, obtain his pardon, and for ever enjoy her. This laſt thought moved him to reſolve, not to loſe one minute more of time, but to go preſently unto Mandana; and did ſo in all haſte, deſiring ſo much favour as to ſpeak with her in private. The Princeſſe did imagine that his drift was to ſpeak unto her concerning his love, and therefore was offended at him; ſending him word ſhe was buſie and he could not ſee her. Artamenes even deſperate at this anſwer, ſent her word the ſecond time, that he deſired to ſpeak but one minute with her concerning ſomething which related unto the ſervice of the King and her, and which would not admit of any delay; Mandana wondering at this urgency of Artamenes, did think to deny the ſight of him; but fearing that his buſineſſe might indeed concern the ſervice of the King,; ſhe commanded he ſhould enter, and commanded Marteſia with another of her women, not to ſtir out of her cloſet. My maſter then entred, and not being able with his own mouth to relate the paſſion of Philidaſpes unto the Princeſſe; Madam, ſaid he to her (after he had ſaluted her with much reverence, and preſenting the Letter which Philidaſpes had writ unto her) you will there find the juſtification of my importunity: Artamenes pronounced theſe words with ſuch a troubled minde, that Mandana fearing it was ſome new device to ſpeak unto her concerning his love, was in a mind to refuſe it; but taking it afterwards with a trembling hand, and opening it with a bluſh, ſhe was cleared of all her doubts, and ſhe learned that from Artamenes, which ſhe never did think to learn: Immediately there appeared much anger in her eyes, and my maſter received ſo much ſatisfaction, as to know aſſuredly, that Philidaſpes had no deep ſhare in the heart of Mandana: I am much beholding to you (ſaid ſhe to him) for giving me notice of ſo important a buſineſſe; but tell me, I pray you, all that you know concerning the deſign. Artamenes then told her how he came by the Letter, and told her further, that if he could have found Philidaſpes, he would have defeated the conſpiracy, and never acquainted her with it. The Princeſſe then thanked him as civilly, as the trouble wherein ſhe was would permit her; and wondering extreamly at this adventure; what (ſaid ſhe) will Philidaſpes Uſurpe a Crown by violence & Treaſon, as I do imagine his deſign is? But that a lover ſhould manifeſt his love by a raping way, is a thing without example, and above my patience: Mine I ſay (added ſhe all in diſorder) who could not indure a declaration of love from one of the greateſt Princes upon earth, after ten years ſervices, reſpects, ſighs, and ſubmiſſions. Artamenes heard theſe words with much ſorrow; and fearing to find the like, he interrupted her, and asked her what was her pleaſure he ſhould do in this buſineſſe? I would have you (ſaid ſhe) go with me to the King, and [Page] acquaint him with it, and not to forſake me when I ſhall ſtand in need of your valour: As long as I live (replied my maſter) you ſhall not need to fear Philidaſpes; and be confident Madam, if you pleaſe, that I will be no leſſe ſolicitous to defeat his wicked deſign, then you your ſelf are: I am obliged unto you (replied the Princeſſe) but let us loſe no time, but preſently go to the King: I know not Madam (ſaid my maſter) whether my zeal to you will not ſeem a neglect of duty unto him, and whether he will not take it ill, that I have told you the raſh enterprize of Philidaſpes, before I advertized him; what you ſay (anſwered the Princeſſe) is not without ſome colour, therefore he muſt be told you met with me accidentally, as you were coming with the Letter unto him, and ſo you told it unto me: Soveraign power (ſaid ſhe) is a thing ſo nice, ſo delicate, and ſenſible, that how good ſoever your intentions were, yet perhaps the King will not like your proceeding; ſo that it is not a miſſe, if you tell him a handſome little innocent lye, to colour the matter. Then they went to Ciaxares his chamber, and told him what they knew, and the manner how they came to know it: Artamenes ſent to ſeek the Captain who gave him the Letter, to the end the King might underſtand from the mouth of that officer, the whole matter. Ciaxares knowing the hand of Philidaſpes, did certainly conclude it to be a dangerous conſpiracy; He himſelf remembred, and knew that the Prince of Aſſyria was not at Babylon, nor had been a long time; therefore that confirmed him in his opinion, that Philidaſpes was he: But ſince the complices were not mentioned in the Letter they could not gueſſe at them. The Princeſſe and my maſter ſuſpected Aribeus to be one, yet ſince they knew the King loved him, they durſt not openly declare their thoughts; Mean time, Artamenes having Orders to do whatſoever he ſhould think fit for the ſafety of the Princeſſe; cauſed all the guards of the Caſtle and Town to be changed: and having cauſed all the Inhabitants of the Town to take Armes; he placed Courts of guard in every ſtreet: afterwards, he asked leave of the King, that he might go and chaſtiſe Philidaſpes, but Ciaxares would not permit him to go out of the Town; and the Princeſſe did ſo ſtrongly oppoſe it, that he thought no more of it, ſince indeed, they knew not very well where he was. The ſix thouſand men which conducted the King of Pontus, were diſpoſed of unto ſeveral Gates and Avenues about Sinope; for it was not doubted but Philidaſpes would make uſe of thoſe four thouſand men which were about the Caſtle, whereof he was Governour, to execute his deſign. Aribeus carried it extream craftily, and after the King told him of it, he ſeemed to be very zealous againſt it, and blamed Philidaſpes very much, and did ſeemingly moſt endeavour to apprehend him; ſince it was not known whether he was lying hid in the Town, or in his Caſtle, they were much confuſed: yet notwithſtanding the next morning, Artamenes was ſo urgent, that he was permitted to take the ſix thouſand men, and go to ſummon the Caſtle, to be ſurrendred up unto him, and alſo to fight the four thouſand men which were there, in caſe he found any oppoſition: But he was mightily amazed when he came there, and found none in the Caſtle, and not a man of the four thouſand Quartered about it: all he found was, that indeed Philidaſpes had been there, but went out the laſt night, and that about thirty furlongs from thence, he disbanded all his Troops, and went with a ſmall Company unto a Forreſt which was not far off: Artamenes went thither, and ſearched all about, ſending many ſmall Parties unto ſeveral quarters of the Forreſt to hear of news, yet none was to be met with, only ſome Souldiers which fled and knew nothing, but that long ſince Philidaſpes endeavoured to get the love of the Souldiers; and that ere long he did intend to imploy them upon ſome important deſign. Artamenes then ſeeing he could hear no more of him, returned to Sinope, to render an account to the King and Princeſſe of what he had done: Mean while they kept up their Guards, and held an obſervant eye upon all thoſe who had any Command of Forces in the Town. After all this Tumult and trouble, Artamenes being alone in his Cloſet, did recall into his memory, his laſt adventures, and to grieve at that extream violence, which he had obſerved in the Princeſſe mind, when ſhe was told of the love of Philidaſpes; what ſhall I do (ſaid he) and what can I hope for from her, who ſpeaks of the moſt puiſſant Prince of all Aſia, with ſo much pride and diſdain? yet (ſaid he) ſhould I have been more happy if ſhe had ſpoke with leſſe rigour then ſhe did? for as ſhe has expreſt her ſelf, I have no cauſe of jealouſie, and therefore need not to fear the greateſt torment of love: But alas, although ſhe leſſens my jealouſie, yet ſhe augments my deſpair; fo rſince one of the greateſt Princes of the world, hath declared his love unto her, and done ten years ſervices, reſpects, ſighs and ſubmiſſions, yet all this paſſe for a crime in her mind; what can I hope for, who has not a Crown▪ to preſent unto her? I who perhaps ſhall not be very well encertained [Page] by the King my Father, when I ſhall return into Perſia: I (I ſay) who am ſuch a one as I dare not tell her, nor cannot tell her unleſſe I incur her hatred? Oh heavens! what will the prevention of this dangerous Conſpiracy avail me? and why ſhould I wiſh my Rival removed, ſince the heart of Mandana is inflexible, and ſo hard that nothing can move it? As he was thus entertaining himſelf with theſe thoughts, Chriſantes and I arrived, and told him all our adventures: After our firſt welcoms, and after Chriſantes who was more weary with the haſte we made, then I was, went to reſt himſelf; My maſter embracing me with a moſt obliging tenderneſſe: What Feraulas (ſaid he to me) is become of the Letter which I gave you? is it yet in your hands? or did you deliver it the Princeſſe, when you came to Sinope, as I was told you did? Sir, (replied I) this demand, does call in queſtion the fidelity of Feraulas; and you cannot doubt of my exact obedience, but doubt alſo of my affection to you: what Feraulas (ſaid he unto me) then you have delivered it? yes Sir, ſaid I, and ſhe has received it: Ah Feraulas (ſaid he) do not make me deſpair; and if Mandana told you then any thing which diſpleaſed her, I think it were good that you did not acquaint me with it; yet notwithſtanding (ſaid he, not giving me leave to ſpeak) it is better that I knew the whole truth, that I may no longer trouble my ſelf with an unfortunate life, and preſerve an unprofitable hope. Sir (ſaid I) you are far more happy then you think you are: No, no Feraulas (anſwered he) do not flatter me, and do as I did at firſt bid you. No Sir (ſaid I to him) I do not diſguiſe the matter; and then I exactly told him all that the Princeſſe ſaid unto me. I repreſented unto him her ſorrows; I told him of her ſighes, and that I ſaw a deluge of tears flow from her eyes; that ſhe ſpoke unto me with extream tenderneſſe; that for his ſake ſhe would have me ſerve her; that ſhe was fully informed of his quality; that I told her nothing but what was his pleaſure ſhe ſhould know: and that if any judgement were to be given of eſteem and friendſhip, by the ſorrows which ſhe teſtified; I aſſured him, he was then at a very high rate in her fancy: Ah Feraulas (ſaid he to me) all that you have told me, relates onely unto poor dead Artamenes: But who knows whether Artamenes living, or if Artamenes were changed into Cyrus, he ſhould be ſo happy? He muſt hope well (ſaid I) and I aſſure you, that I ſee great appearances he will. My maſter hearkened unto all I ſaid, as if a God were ſpeaking unto him: and I got my ſelf ſo much credit in his opinion by this welcome news which I told him, that from that time he did me ſo much honour as to acquaint me with all his thoughts: He cauſed me to repeat a hundred times over what I told him before; and he was ſo inquiſitive, as he would almoſt have me tell him what the Princeſſe thought, and what ſhe ſaid after I was gone out of her Cloſet, but I could not tell him that; for as yet there was no ſuch amity betwixt Marteſia and me, although truly it was not long after that I profeſſed my ſelf her ſervant, and became her confident. Artamenes then finding himſelf much more happy then he hoped, could not leave putting further queſtions unto me: ſometimes concerning things paſt, and ſometimes what I thought of future events: yet notwithſtanding all this joy which I had brought him, ſometimes his ſoul was not ſerene, but feared that Artamenes would not be ſo happy living as he was dead. And certainly his fears were not without foundation; for at that very time when I was thus with him, Marteſia who accidentally did meet Chriſantes and me, as we arrived, went to advertiſe her miſtriſſe of it: Ah Marteſia (ſaid ſhe to her) what do you tell me? and what is Feraulas going to tell Artamenes? I ſuppoſe (ſaid this wiſe Princeſſe) that to gain the love of his maſter, he will tell a hundred things which I never ſaid unto him. He can tell nothing (replied Marteſia) but that he heard you ſigh often, and that he ſaw you weep, for the death of a man, who perhaps you would weep for again if he were really dead; I confeſs it (anſwered Mandana) but if he were dead he could never come to know my weakneſs; no (replied Marteſia) nor ever acknowledge it by his ſervices and reſpects: But (ſaid the Princeſſe) Artamenes will now know it by Feraulas, that I have done ſuch things as are never uſed to be done but unto ſuch as we love: 'Tis true Madam (ſaid Marteſia) but would you have Artamenes believe you hate him? he who has a thouſand, and a thouſand times expoſed his life in your ſervice; who has preſerved the Kings, your Father; who has gained ſo many battles; who has brought a King a Priſoner, and who at this very time prevents a conſpiracy which aims at your perſon: No Marteſia (anſwered the Princeſſe) I would not have Artamenes think I am ſtupid, ungrateful, and inſenſible, as I ſhould be if I ſhould hate him: But as I would not have him think I hate him, ſo I ſhould be very glad if he would not think I love him: I wiſh that he ſhould deſire it without hope, and content himſelf with a great eſteem and much acknowledgement. Theſe diſtinctions are too delicat, [Page] and nice (replied Marteſia) and it is not an eaſie matter to keep within that juſt mediocrity which you propoſe, nor do I think you can do it your ſelf: mock not at my weakneſſe (anſwered Mandana) but help me to hide it in not forſaking me when Artamenes is with me; for I do confeſſe I ſhould be very ſory he ſhould urge me to baniſh him: See Sir, how the Princeſſe and my Maſter did both of them reaſon the matter in private: indeed the matter was carried, as ſhe reſolved it ſhould, for during fifteen dayes it was abſolutly impoſſible for Artamenes to ſpeak with the Princeſſe privatly: ſhe carried it ſo handſomly and with ſo much Civility to my Maſter, as he could not except againſt it: yet notwithſtanding, he thought himſelf very unhappy, and not daring to complain of Mandana, did yet perpetually complain of his rigorous deſtiny: he knew very well, that the Princeſſe was the true cauſe of his diſtempers, but he had ever ſo great a reſpect unto her that he would never accuſe her, but when he could find no excuſe, nor no other cauſe of his misfortunes: yet after theſe Fifteen dayes, though Mandana did very obſtinatly avoid all manner of occaſions to be alone with Artamenes: yet fortune for all her ſeverity brought it ſo about, that my Maſter found an opportunity to talk in privat with her. The Princeſſe, ſince the Prince of Aſſyria attempted againſt her (for we will no longer call him Philidaſpes) never went out of the towne to take the Aire; all her walks were Confined unto Gardens within the walls, which were of no great Circumference. Thither ſhe ordinarily went when the ſun grew low; ſhe was alwaies waited upon by very many, ſo that it was impoſſible for my Maſter to ſpeak unto her in any language but that of eyes: yet it was a language which ſhe would not underſtand nor anſwer, for ſince the returne of Artamenes ſhe was very weary of her looks. So it happened, that the King would diſcourſe in private with the Princeſſe, in that Garden: every one, out of reverence retired to the other ſide: and as this diſcourſe continued long ſo thoſe who were not abſolutly tyed to wait upon the King did by degrees depart: ſo that when the King went out there were no more men left in the Garden, then were to wait upon him: my Maſter offering to follow him, and Ciaxares ſeeing the Princeſſe alone with her women: no Artamenes (ſaid the King to him) I will leave you to entertaine my daughter, and to divert her from that Solitude which ſhe is apt unto: This Prince was raviſht at this Command, and obeied it with joy; and the Princeſſe who was extreamly Surpriſed at the accident, Could not find any pretence to prevent it: ſhe looked all about for Marteſia, but ſaw her not: for ſhe ſeeing all the Court in the Garden could not imagine the Princeſſe would be in any need of her to prevent Artamenes from ſpeaking unto her: So that ſhe went to diſpatch other buſineſſe: There were yet four or five other of her women with her: yet they having received no particular command to keep neer her as long as Artamenes was with her; my Maſter no ſooner began to lead her in her walk, but all they ſtayed ſome ten or twelve paces behind: The Princeſſe was then in that Arbour which is directly oppoſite to the garden dore: ſo that though ſhe had a deſire to retire her ſelf, yet ſhe muſt of neceſſity walk that out: ſhe would all waies begin to diſcourſe, to the end ſhe might prevent my Maſter in his intention, who being tranſported with paſſion, and invited unto it by this favorable opportunity, interrupted her, and with much reverence ſaid unto her. If the poor ſervices, which I had the happineſſe to doe unto the King, hath any thing obliged you, (as you have divers times done me ſo much honor as to ſay they have) then, I moſt humbly entreat you Madam doe not go away ſo ſoone: but do me that honour, and give me ſo much liberty, as to diſcourſe one hour in private with me. If it be, (anſwered the Princeſſe) to diſcourſe concerning any thing which relates unto the King my father, I ſhall moſt gladly conſent unto it: but if it be not, I cannot believe you have any ſuch buſineſs with me as muſt be diſcourſt of in private. The Princeſſe bluſht as ſhe pronounced theſe laſt words, and my maſter continued ſpeaking unto her very low; that which I deſire of you (ſaid he) is more eaſie then you imagine, ſince it is abſolutely in your owne diſpoſe, without implying the Kings conſent: But Madam (ſaid he) why doe you feare Artamenes? and why will you not harken unto him? I fear, (replyed ſhe, that he does not know me well; and I fear leaſt he ſhould deſire ſuch things as I could not conſent unto; Therefore, if he will take my Counſell, he ſhall not expoſe himſelf to be denied. No Madam (replied Artamenes) my ſoul cannot be ſatisfied with that: I muſt either abſolutely leave the court: I muſt fly away for ever; I muſt die in deſpair, or elſe the Illuſtrious Fair Mandana muſt hear me: I deſire but this one only favour, I ask no more, and if you will be pleaſed to grant it, Artamenes will eſteem himſelf moſt happy: as often as you deſire, (replied the Princeſſe) to ſpeak in [Page] private, I doe alwaies imagine you come to tell me of ſome new Conſpiracie; and that there is ſome other Philidaſpes, whoſe ill deſigne I muſt know, and puniſh if it be poſſible. Tis true (replied my Maſter) that which I have to tell you, is not ſo far unlike that of Philidaſpes, but you may gueſs at it, ſince that ſame cauſe which moves him to act, moves me to ſpeak: But Madam, far from my thoughts be it to do you any violence: My thoughts are only to die: & I deſire nothing from you, but that it may be permitted me to hope from your goodneſſe, for ſome teſtimonies of Compaſſion when you ſhall hear your Rigour has cauſ'd my death: ſuch as you were pleaſed to afford me when laſt you thought me dead by the hands of your enemies: This Madam is all the Favour that I ask, and all that I will preſent unto the illuſtrious, and moſt Faire Mandana: The Princeſſe being much ſurpriſ'd at this diſcourſe, would not give any ſuddain or tumultuous anſwer, but deſigning to ſatisfie her own virtue, without giving a check unto that Amitie which ſhe bore unto my Maſter, ſhe tooke a little longer time for it; therefore ſeeing a green ſeat neer her ſhe ſat down, and my Maſter ſtood by her, bending himſelf down the better to underſtand her, whilſt the Princeſſe women leaning againſt a Raile ſome ſeven or eight paces off, did talk together. As the Princeſſe did fit, and Artamenes aſſumed again his diſcourſe, ſhe prevented him, and told him thus: I ſee Feraulas thought my tears very pretious, ſince he would not hide them from you: and the compaſſion which I had for dead Artamenes, has made living Artamenes very bold: Therefore ſince I my ſelf did contribute unto your fault, I will not treat you ſo ſeverely as if you had not this excuſe: And I think thoſe obligations which I have to you, do require that I ſhould not baniſh you upon a light occaſion, but Artamenes, after this tenderneſſe which I had towards you, and yet ſtill have, you muſt repent your ſelf of it, and correct your ſelf for it: If I ſhould repent that I loved you (anſwered my Maſter) you have pronounced the ſentence of death upon me; and I will not deferre the execution: but Madam this is a thing which I never did, nor ever can doe; Repent at leaſt replied the Princeſſe that you ever told me of it: and reſolve with your ſelf never to ſpeak of it any more: Since I have ſpoke of it once (anſwered my Maſter) if you forbid me to ſpeak of it any more, I doubt I ſhall not obey you, and my death within a few dayes will tell you of my paſſion: But Madam, I muſt tell you once, I muſt acquaint you with my love, ſince elſe perhaps you will never know it: I conjure you Madam not to refuſe me this favour: Remember Madam, that you told me, he who has the honour to ſpeak unto you, had the good fortune to be lamented by you, after he took upon him the boldneſſe to write unto you, that he loved you: Tis true (replied the Princeſſe much diſordered) but it was principally becauſe you having never told me of it, I pittied you: Continue then in the ſame bounds and limits wherein you lived before; and I will keep the ſame diſpoſitions which I had: But Madam, (anſwered Artamenes) I cannot recall whats paſt and I can do no leſſe then I have writ: Tis true (replied Mandana) but you may forbear telling me of it any more: Though that were poſſible Madam (replied Artamenes) yet my eyes and all my actions would ſpeak it for me, and my death would preſently after more ſtrongly confirm it unto you, then all my words can doe. Moreover Madam, do not think that I have rendred my ſelf your ſlave without a Combate: I have reſiſted you as much as I could: and perhaps I had ſtronger reaſons then you think I had to do ſo: I ſaw you Madam, and I loved you, though I uſed the utmoſt of my endeavours to the contrary: yet for all that, I could not break my Chains nor ſhake off my Fetters: and I have ever worn them with as much patience as reſpect: more then this Madam I have ſerved the King, or rather you, ſince I never thought upon any but you: and ſince the Armes of Cappadocia have been fortunate in my hands, it muſt be attributed unto that ambition which ſwe'ld my ſoul to render my ſelf worthy of your love: you know Madam, how I have Lived: you know that I never ſpoke one word unto you which could diſpleaſe you: and I had not ſpoke unto you of my Love, but when I thought I ſhould never ſpeak more: I concealed my Love till, death, and certainly if I had not told you of it when I was thought to be in my grave, I had never told it with my tongue: But Madam, ſince your tears revived me: ſince the gods did ceaſe thoſe ſorrowes which you reſented at my loſs, by giving me life: why will you ſo cruelly puſh me into my Coffin? and why will you not afford ſome pity upon an unfortunate Prince, ſince you had ſome compaſſion on him when he was thought to be dead? it is becauſe (replied Mandana) that the dead Prince did expiate his fault in Dying, and the Living Prince did revive his crime with his reſurrection: indeed Artamenes (ſaid ſhe with a very ſerious look) I do confeſs that I much eſteem you; that I have many obligations upon me towards you; & that your ſuppoſed death did much grieve me: but at that very ſame [Page] time I alſo declare, that I loved my own honour and glory much more then I eſteem Artamenes, though I eſteem him very much, and though I am infinitly tender of you, yet I would reſiſt and overcome it rather then conſent you ſhould entertain me with a paſſion which will render me ſuſpected: Ha Madam, (ſaid Artamenes) how ill inſtructed are you with that love which you have procured in my heart? and how little doe you know with what zeal I love you? Know Madam, that the purity of my paſſion does equall the purity of your own glorious Soul: yes Divine Princeſſe, I do love you after ſuch a Reverentiall manner, that I would for ever diſclaim my own heart, if it ſhould entertaine any unjuſt deſire. I love and prefer the Glory of Mandana before my own; and if I did find in my ſelf the leaſt vitious thought, I durſt never be ſo bold as to ſpeak unto her of love: moreover Madam, if my birth and quality had rendred me unworthy to carry your fetters, I ſhould break them in giving my ſelf a death: and I ſhould never have ſuffered the fair and illuſtrious Mandana to have a ſlave unworthy of her: Oh, I wiſh to the Gods, that Artamenes did me it that glorious title by his own virtues, as he merits it by his quality; yet Divine Mandana, it is for the love of you that Artamenes is only Artamenes: and is ſo far from being taken for the Son of a Great King, that he paſſes only for a man whom fortune favours: But Madam, in dedicating himſelf unto your ſervice, he ceaſeth not to be what he is, to wit, one that ever had a great ſoul, and alwayes uncapable of any unjuſt thought: Do not think, I beſeech you, that I have known you ſo ill, that my heart can ſuſpect you of any weakneſſe; No Madam, I never could think the Princeſſe Mandana was ever capable of any violent paſſion, yet I hoped that ſhe would tolerate me and my paſſion, ſince it was not oppoſite unto her vertue; for indeed Madam, I dare ſue for nothing elſe but onely permiſſion to love you; and to tell you ſo. You ask too much by half (anſwered the Princeſſe bluſhing) and I ſhould be unworthy of that innocent paſſion, which you do aſſure me, you bear unto me, if I ſhould conſent unto what you deſire, and if I ſuffered you to tell me that more then once, which all others, except you, never told me without being hated. This exception is moſt glorious unto me Madam (replied Artamenes) but this prohibition is alſo moſt rigorous; I would gladly know, what crime I have committed ſince my returne? You have told me that (anſwered Mandana) which you ought not to have told me; thats your crime. Then Madam I muſt have loſt my life; (ſaid Artamenes) for indeed it is come to that paſſe, as I could not live, and not love you, nor love you without telling you, nor be ſilent without dying. The Princeſſe then was ſilent a good while; afterwards, beginning to ſpeak, I muſt needs tell you Artamenes (ſaid ſhe to him) that you do extreamly anger me: I do eſteem you; I am much obliged to you, and yet I have much ado to forbear baniſhing you. Apply your ſelf I conjure you to regulate your thoughts if it be poſſible: eſteem Mandana as ſhe ought to be, then ſhe will not be offended; but on the contrary, as ſhe is ſatisfied by the ſecret teſtimony of her ſouls purity, ſo ſhe does ingeniouſly confeſſe unto you, that ſhe is joyed Artamenes does value her, and perhaps that Artamenes loves her; but ſhe would have this affection limitted, and keep within its bounds: Then ſhe would have that which is not poſſible (anſwered my Maſter) but that which is moſt equitable and fit (replied the Princeſſe) for indeed vertue does preſcribe limits unto all things. I have already told you Madam (replied Artamenes) that my paſſion does not contradict vertue: Time and your ſilence will manifeſt that (anſwered Mandana in riſing) and by theſe two, I ſhall know whether the affection of Artamenes to me, be as pure as he ſaith it is: Why Madam, replied my Maſter, do you forbid me to ſpeak? Yes (anſwered the Princeſſe bluſhing) unleſſe it be to tell me the true name of Artamenes. My Maſter ſtood amazed at this anſwer; yet notwithſtanding after he had been a while ſilent: If I ſhould tell you, replied he, you would not preſerve me in your good opinion: and if I muſt die by your ſeverity; it were better that you do blame your ſelf for the death of a poor ſimple Cavalier, then for the death of a great King. This was their diſcourſe, when a great deal of company came in, and interrupted their converſation: and ſince the Princeſſe was moved in her minde ſhe retired, and was no ſooner come into the Caſtle, but ſhe went into her cloſet, and called for Marteſia; ſhe being come, the Princeſſe chid her, becauſe contrary to her order ſhe had left her, and afterwards, related unto her what my Maſter had ſaid, and her anſwers; but with ſo much inquietude, that it was eaſie to judge there was a great combate in her heart; and that how innocent ſoever the paſſion of Artamenes was, yet her ſcrupulous vertue was not ſatisfied with that diſcourſe ſhe had with him. She ſaid that ſhe ſhould have ſpoke more roughly unto him, and that ſhe ſhould have baniſhed him. My Maſter, for his part, did complain [Page] both of Mandana, and himſelf: he found himſelf nothing ſatisfied in his love; he could not perceive that ſhe did receive his love very well, and though ſhe had not baniſhed him, yet he found no great concordance, between the relation of Feraulas, and what he did finde himſelf; and yet he preſerved ſome hopes, and lived at a little more quiet then he did before: he never ſaw the Princeſſe, but ſhe bluſhed; he never ſpoke unto her, but ſhe received his diſcourſe; and though all their talk was but general, and as it were interruptions, yet ſhe alwayes gave him ſome light ſatisfaction. But indeed (not to keep you too long with my relation) Artamenes behaved himſelf with ſo much reverence towards Mandana; and ſhe did ſo perfectly ſee, that he had no thoughts but ſuch as were full of innocence and vertue, that ſhe began not to ſhun his converſe ſo much as before, but ſometimes to give him the liberty to tell her how much he eſteemed her, yet not to dare openly to profeſſe his paſſion. One day then when he was in her chamber, being tranſported with the violence of his love, and ſeeing none but Marteſia with her, he did beſeech her with tears in his eyes, that ſhe would be pleaſed to tell him her true apprehenſions of him. That which you ask (anſwered ſhe, very obligingly, and with much ſpirit) is not perhaps of ſo ſmall importance as you think, and I conceive I am not bound to ſatisfie that man ſo far, who thinks me not diſcreet enough to be told the true place of his birth, and his right name. Ha Madam (replied my Maſter) what do you ask me? and what would you know? Ha Artamenes (anſwered ſhe) what do you alſo ask me? and what is it you would know? That which I deſire Madam (replied he) is but of a ſmall importance, for indeed, I would onely know whether you hate me; whether you be indifferent, or whether, by good fortune, you have any diſpoſition to admit of my love without repugnancie. That which I would know of you (replied the Princeſſe) does not leſſe concern me: for indeed, ſince you are not Artamenes, I ought not to conſider you as ſuch a one; and I may tell ſuch things unto a Medean, which I ought not to tell unto a Scythian: How would you have me ſpeak unto you, ſince I do not know you? Does it not ſuffice Madam (anſwered he) that you know my heart, and that you know I adore you? Not at all, anſwered ſhe, and though I do know theſe things which you tell me of, yet that is not enough to inſtruct me, how to regulate my behaviour with you. So then Madam (ſaid my Maſter) according to what I am, you will behave your ſelf more or leſſe obliging to me; Doubtleſſe I ſhall, replied ſhe. But Madam (ſaid my Maſter) of what Countrey ſoever I am, I ſhall be the very ſame you ſee me: So that, will it not be ſome injuſtice in you to hate me, becauſe perhaps I ſhall be of that Countrey which does not pleaſe you? I do not ſay I will, replied the Princeſſe, and I do promiſe you, that I ſhall alwayes eſteem Artamenes in my heart, of what Countrey ſoever he be: yet if you be (ſaid ſhe) of that Quality as you ſay, and as I beleeve you are, how is it poſſible there can be any ſuch great myſtery in concealing it: Speak then (ſaid ſhe to him) and tell me what you are, if you would have me tell you any thing. My Maſter being extreamly put to it, did not think to reveal himſelf, yet upon ſecond conſideration, he reſolved to diſcover himſelf: for conceiving that what good thoughts ſoever the Princeſſe had of him, ſhe would never manifeſt them until ſhe knew it, therefore he reſolved upon it to tell her the truth: I know Madam (ſaid he to her) that in telling you who I am, I do run a hazard to be hated; but I do know alſo, that it ought to perſwade you of the greatneſſe of my paſſion, and will do more then all my words and ſervices can do, ſince it is moſt certain, that if it had not been extreamly violent, from the very firſt minuit it began, Cyrus would never have loved you. Cyrus? (replied the Princeſſe in a mighty amazement▪) what Artamenes, was not Cyrus drowned? No Madam, replied he, I can aſſure you, he never was in danger of it. But is it poſſible (ſaid ſhe in wonder) that you are Cyrus? Yes Divine Princeſſe (ſaid he, kneeling to her) you ſee at your feet, the ſame Cyrus, whoſe life has cauſed ſo many turbulencies in the King of Medes, and whoſe death cauſed an univerſall joy thorow all Aſia, when the fair and famous Mandana did thank the Gods for it, as pitifull as ſhe is, and offered a ſacrifice unto them: yes Divine Mandana, the firſt time that my eyes had the honour to ſee you, was in the Temple of Mars, and it was there where my paſſion firſt took reſolution never to riſe up Cyrus, untill Artamenes had obtain'd permiſſion from Mandana; It is therefore in you to diſpoſe abſolutely of my Deſtiny: He will ſtay in his Tombe, if you pleaſe; and he will come out if you permit him: for indeed, ſince you have done him the favour and honour not to hate him, it does not much import whether he be Cyrus or Artamenes, and paſſe as a common Knight, or as a great Prince, ſince moſt certainly▪ he has no higher Ambition but to be loved by you. Mandana hearkened unto this diſcourſe with much attention [Page] and aſtoniſhment. At the firſt, ſhe knew not what thoughts to entertain concerning my Maſter, or whether ſhe ſhould beleeve him; but that doubt did quickly vaniſh, and ſhe was ſo well acquainted with his high generoſity, that ſhe beleeved every word he ſpoke, and made no queſtion but that he was really Cyrus: She conſidered with her ſelf, that it was no harder mater that the world ſhould falſly beleeve Cyrus to be drown'd, then to beleeve that Artamenes was killed, as all Cappadocia thought not long ſince; and that it was no more impoſſible that Artamenes ſhould be Cyrus, then that Philidaſpes ſhould be the Prince of Aſſyria: Reaſoning all theſe things in ſecret with her ſelf, ſhe was a long time looking upon my maſter before ſhe would give any anſwer; which did ſo much trouble my maſter, as not being able to conceal it; I ſee Madam (ſaid he to her) you cannot keep your word with me, not to change thoughts of Artamenes: I perceive by your ſilence, that Cyrus hath diſturbed you: Cyrus (replied the Princeſſe) has indeed a little troubled the calmneſſe of my mind; yet I will aſſure you he has done no ill office unto Artamenes; but on the contrary (ſaid ſhe ſighing) but as I find Artamenes to be much more unfortunate then I thought him, ſo alſo I find more diſpoſition in my ſelf to lament him: But I pray, ſaid ſhe, tell unto me all your paſt adventures, and do not conceal any thing from me, which concerns the beginning of that life, whoſe after years has rendred him ſo glorious: My maſter to ſatisfie her, did punctually relate unto her all that had chanced unto him: He told her what Harpagus told him concerning the ill intentions of Aſtiages towards him; afterwards what offers Harpagus did propound unto him, how he would cauſe the whole Province of Paratecenes to riſe againſt the King of Medea; he told her alſo how he refuſed his offers, and how he commanded him to make no more ſuch propoſitions: He told her alſo how deſires of Travel to ſee the wars had cauſed him to leave Perſia, and change his name: In few words, he told her of all his Travels; how a Tempeſt drove him into Sinope, and how he was in the Temple of Mars where he ſaw her thank the gods for his death. It is true indeed, ſaid the Princeſſe, that I was with the Sacrificers to render thanks unto the gods for the loſſe of Cyrus, but it is as true alſo that I did never rejoyce at his death: And that it did ever ſeem unto me much raſhneſſe in thoſe who dare undertake to explain the Oracles, and the meaning of the Star ſo preciſely: Can I believe Madam (ſaid my maſter interrupting her) that the fair Mandana did not rejoyce at the death of Cyrus? Cyrus, I ſay, whom Aſtiages would have ſmothered in his Cradle: Cyrus whom all the Magi were certain, ſhould poſſeſſe the Throne of the King of Medes, and command all Aſia. And Cyrus who from his infancy has diſturbed the tranquillity of a King, who has ſuch near relation unto you. It need not ſeem ſtrange unto you (replied the Princeſſe) that I ſhould not rejoyce at the death of a Prince whom I knew not, and who never did me any hurt, ſince you had ſo much generoſity as not to take revenge upon that King who would have put you to death: and (as you have done) to ſerve that Prince who had his life from him, who would have taken yours away. But Artamenes (ſaid ſhe unto him) for I dare not yet call you Cyrus, ſince you have told me what you are, I have not leſſened that eſteem which I had of you; and one the contrary, ſeeing I am more obliged unto you then I thought, I think my ſelf engaged to acknowledge it: yet notwithſtanding, I confeſſe that I do not well know how I ought to deal with you. If I look upon you as a Prince who would not take revenge of his enemy, by reaſon of relations in conſanguinity; As a Prince, I ſay, who in ſpight of all thoſe reaſons which might have abſolutely diverted him, yet hath not ceaſed to love me: A Prince who hath ſaved the life of the King my Father; who hath a thouſand and a thouſand times expoſed his own for him; who hath received ſo many wounds; Conquered ſo many Provinces; won ſo many Battles; took a King a Priſoner; prevented a dangerous Conſpiracy; and who has long loved me, without telling me of it, or diſpleaſing me: If I look upon you, in theſe reſpects I do confeſſe Artamenes, that without any prejudice to vertue or decency, I could wiſh, that by the conſent of the King my father, I might give you ſome teſtimonies of that extraordinary eſteem which I have of you. But if I alſo look upon you as a Prince whoſe birth began with ſo many prodigies, ſo many eclipſes which dimmed the ſplendor and heat of the Sun, who ſhook the foundations of the Temple; of whom the Stars have foretold ſo much; and all the Magi aſſures us he will be the overthrow of all Aſia: I confeſſe, I ſay, that then I cannot well reſolve my ſelf; for though 'tis true my heart tels me that they who did interpret the meaning of thoſe things, have but ill underſtood them; and that if the Stars did foretell your birth, it was becauſe the gods did preſage unto men by them, that you ſhould be a Prince whoſe vertues ſhould be extraordinary: [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] Though, I ſay, I ſhould reſent it ſo, yet this is not enough: Doubtleſſe Aſtiages and Ciaxares will never allow that Mandana ſhould diſpoſe of her affection unto Cyrus: But Mandana (ſaid Artamenes interrupting her) this ſame Cyrus who is ſo terrible unto all Aſia, is now proſtrate at your feet, and you may diſpoſe of his fate as you pleaſe; To what end Madam (ſaid he) to what end are all his Conqueſts which he hath made? Can it be imagined that he aimed at any univerſal uſurpation, ſince he hath refuſed all that the King would give him? though I have fought, an vanquiſhed, and conquered, yet doubtleſſe he hath enjoyed the fruits of all my combates, my victories and my conqueſts; I am not ſo much as maſter of my own ſword; but ſince you do reign in the heart of him whoſe hand doth guide it, you need not fear I ſhall commence any unjuſt war: It belongs unto you, Divine Princeſſe, to order the deſtinies of people and Kings; and the life of Artamenes depends wholly upon your will: yet Madam (ſaid he in a moſt ſubmiſſive manner) if it be your pleaſure that Cyrus ſhall not revive, he is ready to obey you: yes adored Princeſſe, Cyrus who can diſturbe the tranquility of all Aſia, and has hopes to reign of a great and glorious Kingdom, is ready to renounce all his rights that he hath unto the Crown of Perſia, and paſſe away all the reſt of his dayes under the cloud of Artamenes, if he find any hopes that Mandana will not leſſe eſteem him. And if it be ſo that he muſt wear a Scepter to merit you, chuſe you Madam, in what place of the world you would have him expoſe his life to get one, and certainly he will go: Things that are moſt impoſſible would appear unto me moſt eaſie, provided you will not take from me my hopes of your love; Say then, Divine Princeſſe, would you have Cyrus revive? or would you have Artamenes live? or would you have them both die? I give you the choice of theſe three wayes: Speak, I beſeech you, and conceal not your true reſentment from me. Firſt, would you have Cyrus come out of his Tomb? I dare not adviſe him to that (replied the Princeſſe) fearing if he ſhould, he ſhould enter it for ever. Will you then have Artamenes live, only as Artamenes? That would not be juſt (anſwered the Princeſſe) nor advantagious for him. Will you then Madam, (replied he) have them both die together? By no means (anſwered ſhe) for I have had too much ſorrow for the death of Artamenes, to hope I ſhould find any conſolation in the death of Cyrus and his both. What then is your pleaſure I ſhall do (replied he?) I know not (anſwered ſhe) but I deſire to take ſome time to reſolve my ſelf. But however Madam (replied my maſter) will you be pleaſed that I ſhould hope I am not hated, whether you conſider me either as Artamenes or as Cyrus? I do permit it (ſaid ſhe, and did riſe) ſince it is not juſt I ſhould be leſſe generous then you are. Thus Sir, the diſcourſe ended, which my maſter, as ſoon as he was retired, did me the honour to relate exactly unto me. Feraulas (ſaid he unto me) [...] did foreſee that Artamenes would not be ſo happy living as dead; and it was only compaſſion which moved the fair Mandana to weep. Sir (ſaid I to him, after he had told me all that I have told you) I do not ſee that you have any great cauſe of complaint, nor why you ſhould not hope for more indulgency from that ſeverity which the Princeſſe hath uſed towards you; for ſhe has not baniſhed you, nor abſolutely forbidden you to ſpeak, ſhe has only took time to reſolve her ſelf: hope Sir, hope well, and believe that it is very hard for her, after ſo many great acts as you have done, not to reſent them well; and certainly they will plead very powerfully for you in the heart of illuſtrious Mandana. Ha Feraulas (ſaid he) it is not good to be flattered up with hopes, but better to reſent ſome little diſpair; If you knew (ſaid he unto me) how my heart trembled when I expected the ſentence of death from the mouth of Mandana, the firſt time ſhe ſpoke unto me, you would have pittied me. As the ſtate of things is now, I do not know whether I ſhould ſtill continue Artamenes, or whether I may appear as Cyrus; whether I ſhould die, or whether they would have me live: I am abſolutely ignorant whether I ſhould be the moſt unhappy Prince upon earth, or the moſt happy: this cruel ambiguity muſt needs put my ſoul into great diſorder; for indeed, it is brought unto that paſſe, that I muſt expect nothing elſe but either a moſt inhumane death, or a life full of all felicities: Artamenes added unto theſe, a hundred other contemplations, which moved me unto much compaſſion, and which did clearly let me ſee, that he did love, as much as it was poſſible for any one in the world to love. But whileſt he was thus ſpeaking of it unto me, the Princeſſe was in diſcourſe with Marteſia, and told her all her reſentments: Did ever any ſee the like adventure unto mine (ſaid ſhe) whileſt I am praying and offering Sacrifices of thanks unto the gods for the death of Cyrus, that very ſame Cyrus is a witneſſe of all my Sacrifices and Prayers, and yet for all this he loves me, and follows me, and is continually with the King my Father? He hath performed a hundred glorious [Page] acts which I dare not almoſt remember, fearing they ſhould make Cyrus more predominate in my heart. Alas! Oh ye juſt gods (ſaid ſhe) why have you ſuffered men to explain your intentions ſo badly? and that they ſhould believe Cyrus would overthrow all Aſia, and ſit in the Throne of the King of the Medes? He, I ſay, who does not imploy his valour unto any other end, but the advantage of him who muſt one day have the Scepter of Aſtyages? But Madam, (ſaid Marteſia to her) who knows whether the gods have not intended that Cyrus ſhall reign in Medea by Marrying a Princeſſe, who, in all likelyhood, if things do not change faces, ſhall be the Queen of it? If the Gods had pleaſed to have had it ſo (replied ſhe) they would not have moved the heart of Aſtyages to hate Cyrus as he doth: And my dear Marteſia (ſaid ſhe) that which you imagine hath no foundation, or likelihood in it; and I muſt abſolutely forbid it, notwithſtanding all the Merits, the Quality, the Services and all the Vertues of Artamenes, and not diſpoſe of my ſelf, but according to reaſon. But yet Madam (ſaid Marteſia to her) what do you reſolve upon? and what ſhall Artamenes reſolve upon? Shall he be ſtill Artamenes? or ſhall he become Cyrus? I would have him (replied Mandana) ſeek out handſome expedients to appear Cyrus; not to be diſtaſtfull unto Aſtyages, to be protected by the King my Father, and to obtain their permiſſions to marry me; which if he can do, I ſhall not be any hindrance of his good fortune, and perhaps (if I durſt ſay it without bluſhing) I would ſhare with him in it: But if he cannot do as I ſay, within a time that I ſhall limit him, and which ſhall not be long; I muſt, my dear Marteſia, baniſh him for ever; and perhaps, deprive my ſelf for ever of all tranquillity and delights. Me thinks, Madam (anſwered Marteſia) that this reſolution is too violent; and knowing the vertue of Artamenes, and your own innocency as you do, you ought not to drive that Prince into deſpair, unto whom you are ſo much obliged. Time, Madam, begets alterations every day: you know that Aſtyages is extreamly old, ſo that this remora will quickly be removed. No, no, Marteſia, ſaid ſhe to her, I neither can nor ought to ſuffer Artamenes, after he has diſcovered his paſſion and his Quality to ſtay any longer amongſt us: If the King ſhould chance to diſcover it, had he not good reaſon to taxe me with a Crime? and might he not imagine, that I have conſpired with Cyrus to partake with him in the dominion of all Aſia, which the Magi have foretold? What better way can you finde Madam (replied Marteſia) to prevent the too ambitious deſignes of Cyrus, then to keep him alwayes neer you? as long as he ſhall be onely Artamenes, and as long as he is in love with the Princeſſe Mandana, he will never make war upon Aſtyages; he will never aſſault Ciaxares. But who knows Madam, whether if you baniſh him, this Great and Heroick ſoul will endure your Rigour with Patience? Who can tell whether or no he will bring a war upon all Cappadocia, and upon all Medea? you are acquainted with his good fortune: you know his courage; fear then, fear I ſay to incenſe it, and do not you your ſelf contribute unto the deſolation of all Aſia: Take heed Madam, take heed what you do, and do not too raſhly baniſh Artamenes. Marteſia, replied the Princeſſe, all that you ſay is very conſiderable; yet notwithſtanding, that which I think is no leſſe, and I had rather expoſe all Aſia unto danger, then my own glory: For if this revolution chance to come, doubtleſſe it is the determinate reſolution of the Gods to have it ſo; but Mandana neither can nor ought bring her ſelf into ſuſpition of a criminall intelligence, in ſuffering a diſguiſed Prince to be in the Court; One who is well proportioned, of a great heart and ſoul, and moreover one that is in love with her. Ah Marteſia, this ought not to be: Not but that if I do baniſh Artamenes (ſaid ſhe and bluſht) I ſhall baniſh him with much repugnancy and ſorrow; yet notwithſtanding, in conſideration of my own Glory, it is very requiſite that Artamenes do not ſuſpect me of any weakneſſe. I have told him of ſuch obliging things, that I do fear he will think more then I would have him, and indeed I had rather he ſhould ſuffer, and that I my ſelf ſhould ſuffer, then expoſe my ſelf to be leſſe eſteemed. But Madam (replied Marteſia) can you pronounce this ſad ſentence? I know not (anſwered ſhe) and I dare not aſſure you; yet I will ſtrive with my ſelf, as much as poſſible to hide from him that tenderneſſe which I have of him. Thus did the illuſtrious Mandana reſolve upon that cruel ſentence which ſhe was to pronounce againſt my dear Maſter; but ſince he did not yet know it, he ſtill lived betwixt hope and fear: Mean time, the King of Pontus, although he was very well treated in his Priſon, yet was he moſt unhappy; for ſince he ſaw the Princeſſe out of a window, at his entrance into Sinope, that ſight did renew in his heart freſh reſentments of love, as violent as he was capable of: The remembrance of all thoſe pleaſant dayes wherein he had formerly ſeen her in [Page] that Town, did extreamly torment him. Alas (ſaid he, as afterwards he told) what good fortune can I ever hope for? I, who during the time I was in this Court, and at liberty, never could obtain one favourable look from Mandana? what can I pretend unto who am vanquiſhed, and clog'd with fetters as I am? I do acquaint you Sir, with a few of the King of Pontus thoughts, that you may not be ignorant of any thing which paſſed at Sinope. As for Ciaxares, he lived at eaſe and peaceably, enjoyed the pleaſant fruits of Artamenes his Victories. Aribeus for his part, he tranſacted with much ſubtilty, and ſeemed to regard nothing but the managing of State affairs, wherein Artamenes would not meddle, limitting his employments altogether unto Martiall matters. At this time there came news, from the Camp, that the King of Phrygia had not yet got any conſiderable Body together ſince his defeat: And there ran a report that Bithynia would riſe, and relieve the King of Pontus; but this laſt news was not certain, nor had the priſoner King heard it, when he ſent in the morning to deſire my Maſter that he would come unto him. Artamenes who was naturally moſt civil, and who eſteemed this Prince very much, though he was his Rival, did not fail to do as he deſired him, after he had asked the Kings leave to ſee him. When he was come into his chamber, and the Guards retired, the King of Pontus ſaid unto him: Generous Artamenes, you have ſo nobly obliged me with Arms in your hand, that I cannot beleeve you will do it with leſſe joy now I am in your fetters, therefore I took ſo much liberty as to deſire my Conqueror, he would be pleaſed to come unto me, that I my ſelf might deſire him, that he would be pleaſed to be my friend, my protector, and my confident, altogether. Since fortune onely (anſwered Artamenes) cauſed you to loſe your liberty, you have given me a Title which I ought not to abuſe, and you offer unto me three Qualities, which I dare not accept of, ſince I am not worthy to be your friend, and ſince I have not power enough to be your Protector, and ſince I have not perhaps, all thoſe neceſſary Qualities which might deſerve the honour of being your confident: But Sir, without any further ſearch what attributes you ſhould give me, I do ſincerely aſſure you, that any thing which Artamenes can do to ſerve you, he will do it with much gladneſſe; for indeed you have obliged me to it, and perhaps over obliged me. The King of Pontus not apprehending the myſterious ſence of theſe laſt words, did anſwer nothing unto them, but began to commend him afreſh, and extoll his generoſity. Then when he thought he had ſaid enough, to prepare his minde not to refuſe him: Noble Artamenes (ſaid he) doubtleſſe you are not ignorant, that the Prince whom you ſee, is fettered with more chains then one; and thoſe which heretofore he received from the Princeſſe Mandana, are yet neither united nor broken, but much more ſtrong and heavy, then thoſe which your valour cauſes me to wear. Artamenes was much ſurpriſed at this diſcourſe; but ſince the King of Pontus minde was taken up with what he had to ſay, he did not obſerve it, but continued his ſpeech: I know very well you are not ignorant, that I having been heretofore ſent unto Ciaxares as a Hoſtage, during the Treaty of Peace, betwixt the late King my father and him, I remained in this Court ſix Moneths; That I fell in love with the Princeſſe Mandana; that I durſt not diſcover my paſſion otherwiſe then by ſighes; that I departed with much grief: you know alſo, that at my return, I underſtood not onely that my Father was dead, but my elder Brother alſo, ſo that as ſoon as my tears for them were dried up, and being then a King of two Kingdoms, I thought that I might without offence, pretend unto the Princeſſe of Cappadocia: I ſent Embaſſadours unto Ciaxares to demand her in Marriage; you have doubtleſſe alſo heard, how that Prince did deny her, becauſe I was a ſtranger; he I ſay, who did not need to inſiſt ſo rigorouſly upon that Law of the State nor obſerved it ſo preciſely upon that occaſion, ſince there was not a Prince in all Cappadocia, who was capable of marrying her. Since you know all theſe, Generous Artamenes, I will not trouble you with a more exact relation of them: I will onely beſeech yov will be pleaſed to aſſiſt me with your advice, what I ſhall do in this unhappy condition which I am in: But that ye may the better do it, I will open my heart unto you, and tell you that I do moſt paſſionately love the Princeſſe Mandana; and though I am vanquiſhed, yet I cannot chuſe but deſire to Reign in her heart. Tell me then, I beſeech you, what I ſhould do, and what I ſhould hope for; and wheth [...] the illuſtrious Artamenes, can by his favour, his generoſity, and his addreſſes finde an [...] means to mollifie Ciaxares, and bend the unflexible minde of Mandana, and whether h [...] can make me a Conquerour in my fetters. I do know very well (added he) that I d [...] ſpeak without ground, and without reaſon: But what would you have a paſſionate amo [...] rous man do? who can have no liberty without Mandana; who cares not for his life without [Page] leave to love her: who cannot think of any peace having ſuch an inveterat war in his heart; nor ſpeak of any Ranſom unto a Prince, with whom he can have no treaty without Mandana; I do know alſo very well that I am uniuſt to ſpeak thus unto you, But generous Artamenes, if you ever have loved, you will lament me as much as your ſelf, and you will comfort me in my miſery, though you cannot cure it. My maſter harkned unto this diſcourſe with extream ſadneſſe and diſpleaſure: He had a good mind to tell the King of Pontus, that he could never have made choiſe of a more unfit man then himſelf, to do him this office, and indeed to have told him the true cauſe, and by that means denyed his aſſiſtance: yet not knowing whether the Princeſſe would think well of it, therefore he would not take that courſe, and therefore againſt his inclination he was forced to diſſemble the truth. The condition which you are in (anſwered Artamenes unto the King of Pontus, after he had a little thought upon it) doubtleſs is worthy of compaſſion, and I do pitty you more in reſpect of the fetters which Mandana hath cauſed, then in reſpect of thoſe which fortune hath brought upon you by my hand: yet ſince it is the Princeſſe who gave them unto you, it muſt be ſhe only who can comfort you: and you demand that of Artamenes which he neither can or ought to ſerve you in: Think not Sir, added he, that it is for want of Generoſity which cauſeth me to do this; and believe, that if you did know me well, you would not ſuſpect any ſuch thing, but would acknowledg, that I do but what I ought to doe: yet to teſtifie, that I have a deſigne to acknowledg thoſe obligations which I have towards you, I do promiſe that I will endeavour to obtain an advantag [...]ous peace for you from Ciaxares, which ſhall be more advantagious then if you were not a Priſoner: and I will not neglect any thing which may obtain your liberty: But as for the Princeſſe (ſaid he) diſpence with me I beſeech you from doing you that office or ſpeaking unto her of your paſſion: ſhe is a Princeſſe who makes profeſſion of ſo much auſtere vertue; and there appears ſo much majeſty and modeſty in her looks; that though I were the greateſt Prince upon Earth and ſate triumphant upon a throne, and ſhe before me in fetters: yet I think that I could not without trembling ſpeak unto her concerning love either for my ſelf or for another: ſo Sir, in that condition which fortune hath put you, I do not think it is a ſervice which I either can or ought to perform for you. I know very well replied the King of Pontus, that I have done you wrong to move it: But Illuſtrious Artamenes, what will become of me? ſhall I die in my fetters without complaint? and can I not at leaſt obtain of you, a permiſſion once to ſee the fair Mandana? Artamenes was then much perplexed: for notwithſtanding the high vertue of the Princeſſe, yet Jelouſie did ſeiſe upon his ſoul: he ſaw that the King of Pontus was a Prince, of a good Symetry, and of much ſpirit: he imagined that this enterview could not, but cauſe him much diſpleaſure. Yet this firſt thought was preſently corrected by a ſecond which told him there was no fear of that: he told then the King of Pontus, that if he would obtain this favour he muſt ſend unto Ciaxares, who perhaps would not deny it. But Sir (ſaid he to him) if you would take my advice you ſhould not doe it: for indeed, what will the ſight of her advantage you? you will ſee her ſo fair, that perhaps you will return more unhappy then before. Ah Artamenes (ſaid the King of Pontus) you know not how to love, or to ſay better, you were never loved? for know aſſuredly, that what all vſage ſoever can be, how much ſeverity ſoever appears in the eyes of the party loved: and how much cruelty ſoever ſhe can have in her heart: what courſe Language ſoever ſhe can give, yet the ſight of her has ſome ſuch kind of ſweetneſs in it which moves delight: And I do not know, whether an ill treated Lover who ſees the party which ſo treats him, has not ſome more happy minuits, then a beloved Lover who is abſent from the party beloved. So generous Artamenes, if I can but obtain ſo much happineſſe as only to ſee Mandana, I ſhall be much comforted, although ſhe give me not one obliging word: endevour ſo, I coniure you, that Ciaxares do not deny me when I ſend unto him concerning it. I have told you Sir already, replied Artamenes, that I know not how to meddle with any thing which relates unto the Princeſſe: all that I can do is to endeavour your liberty; and that, I will ſo ardently ſolicit, as you ſhall know by that how Artamenes would acquit himſelf of that duty and ſervice which he owes you: and if he do refuſe any thing els which you deſire of him, it is becauſe he has invincible reaſons which prevents him; do you not conſider Sir, (ſaid he further unto him) that I am a meer ſtranger in Cappadocia? that I have no more power then what my ſword gives me? and that this which you deſire of me is a buſineſs which I neither can nor ought to ſerve you in? The King of Pontus, though he was moſt ignorant of the true reaſon, which moved Artamenes to deny him, yet did very well receive [Page] his excuſes; and knowing that he deſired ſuch things as were apparently impoſſible, excepting the ſight of the Princeſſe which he hoped to obtain, he asked pardon of Artamenes for moving him with unreaſonable deſires, and as my Maſter told him, that he ſhould ere long know by his endeavouring his liberty, that he would do all which was fit for him to do; this Amorous Prince deſired him not to make ſo much haſt; for (ſaid he to him) I make it a queſtion, whether it is better to be a priſoner in Sinope, or to be free upon the throne of Pontus, and Bithynia. After this Artamenes left the King of Pontus with much perplexity, and almoſt as much troubled as if Mandana had underſtood all that the King of Pontus had told him, and as if ſhe had ſeemed to be much moved at it: As he went from thence, he went to the King, who bad him very welcom, and held him long in privat diſcourſe: the King told him, that he did owe unto him all the glory of his Kingdom, and did attribute unto him all the favours which he received from heaven. He diſcourſed concerning his own marriage with the Queen of Cappadocia: of all his intanglings which he ever had with the Princes his neighbours, and what happy iſſues he had from them all: of his good fortune to have the Princeſſe his daughter, ſo rarely accompliſhed as Mandana was: then he exactly related all that the Magi had ſaid concerning the birth of the ſon to the King of Perſia: the menaces unto all Aſia, particularly to the King of Medes: How Aſtiages was perplexed: how great was his joy when he was credibly informed Cyrus was drowned. But Artamenes (ſaid he then unto him) you ought alſo to rejoyce at his loſs, and go into the Temple to offer ſacrifice of thanks unto the gods for his death as well as wee: for indeed ſince he had the ſtars on his ſide, if he had lived he would have diſputed with you for a ſhare in your victories, ſince he could not make himſelf maſter of all Aſia, without being your conqueror. Artamenes bluſht at this diſcourſe, but Ciaxares believed it was out of modeſty becauſe of the praiſes which he had given him, therefore went on with his diſcourſe, and repeated all the obligations in which he was bound unto him: I leave you to Judg Sir, whether my Maſter had not enough wherewith to entertain his thoughts withall when he returned from him. He ſaw the King of Pontus was extreamly in love: but although one cannot love a Rival, yet this Rivall moved him to compaſſion, though it was with much vexation. That which did moſt trouble him, was the maner wherewith Ciaxares expreſſed himſelf: and from thence he concluded, that Cyrus was not in a condition, to riſe out of his Tomb, though the Princeſſe her ſelf ſhould conſent unto it: ſo that he was extreamly perplexed at it. The next morning Ciaxares ſent to ſeek him, and carried him to the Temple, where he ſaw the ſecond time, thanks given unto the Gods for his death: But in lieu of giving thanks (like the reſt) ſo uneceſſary and ill grounded, he rendred thanks becauſe that ſame ſacrifice for his death, was the originall of his love: Imagin Sir, if any thing could be more ſtrangely odd, then to ſee true Cirus under the fals name of Artamenes preſent at this ceremony. He told me afterwards, that he was often moved, to caſt himſelf at the feet of Ciaxares in the middle of the Temple, and to make himſelf known who he was: but fearing the diſpleaſure of the Princeſſe he forbore, and ſtood dumb all the time of the ceremony: it was ſome Joy unto him, that Mandana ſaigning her ſelf not well, would not be preſent and aſſiſt, ſhe not having power to hear them ſpeak of a dead Prince whom ſhe knew was living. This faigned excuſe of Mandana's did furniſh my Maſter with a pretence to viſit her: he went thither as ſoon as he returned from the Temple: and finding her upon her bed, having none with her but her women, who could not hear what he ſaid, they keeping at a reſpective diſtance: I come Madam (ſaid he to her in a low voice) to give you thanks, becauſe you came not to thank the Gods for the death of Cyrus; and I come alſo to ask you, how long I muſt be ignorant, whether I muſt Live or whether I muſt Die? without all queſtion, (replied the Princeſs) I would have you live, and I would have you live happily: but to tell you truth I do not ſee any appearance of it. Why Madam (replied Artamenes) am I worſe in your favour then I was? No, (replied ſhe) but I do not ſee that you are more in favour with fortune: for indeed, the ſacrifice from whence you came, does hint unto you, that the Kings reſentments continue as they were; ſo that you may very well doubt, whether, maugre all your ſervices you can without danger diſcover what you are, not that I ever obſerved thoſe violent motions in the mind of the King which they ſay the mind of Aſtiages was poſeſſed with: But my fears are leſt, if you ſhould diſcover your ſelf, the King of Medes ſhould demand you of his ſon; and that Ciaxares ſhould not have power to refuſe you unto a Prince who gave him life: Let then unhappy Cyrus remain in his grave (then anſwered my Maſter) and let happy Artamenes live with you. The Princeſſe hearing him [Page] ſpeak ſo, leaned upon her right arm, and looking upon him, with a moſt obliging eye, though moſt modeſtly; The Gods are my witneſſe (ſaid ſhe unto him) if I have not a greater eſteem of your vertue then I have for any other; and if I do not retain in my heart, ſuch an acknowledgement and tenderneſſe of you, as cannot be but it muſt be accompanied with much good will: But indeed Artamenes, Reaſon muſt be predominate, and we muſt not conſider ſo much thoſe things which do pleaſe us, as thoſe which ought to pleaſe us; and therefore although your converſation be moſt delighting unto me, and the manner of your loving me does give full ſatisfaction to my vertue, yet notwithſtanding, I am forced to tell you, that if within the compaſſe of three moneths, (and I doubt this terme is too long) you cannot contrive a courſe which will be apparent unto me, you may revive Cyrus out of his grave without danger unto him, then you muſt return into Perſia, and live there happily if you can, and ſtrive to forget Mandana, leſt ſhe ſhould diſturb your tranquillity: But Artamenes (ſaid ſhe unto him, without giving him leave to interrupt her) to remove all cauſes of complaint, know that during this three moneths time which I allot you, I will contribute unto your good fortune as much as I can, and as much as ever handſomeneſſe will permit me. I will aſiſt you with my beſt advice; I will endeavour to diſcover the Kings minde; I will informe you by what expedients you may perhaps, gain Aribeus, who hath a great prevalence with him; and I will not neglect any thing which I can poſſibly and reaſonably do for your ſatisfaction; if notwithſtanding all this, the Law of Cappadocia be not an invincible obſtacle unto your deſigne, and that the quality of a ſtranger be not incompatible with the Kings reſentment: But when all is done, if both your endeavours and mine become fruſtrate, then you muſt (ſaid ſhe, and changed colour) reſolve your ſelf for an eternal ſeparation; and reaſon muſt abſolutely triumph over all which would reſiſt it. What Madam (replied Artamenes) will you baniſh me? and baniſh me for ever? Forbear your complaints (ſaid ſhe to him) until the time come, that there be cauſe, and think not your ſelf unhappy till you be ſo. To ſee (replied my Maſter) that you can reſolve to make me ſo, is to be ſo already: for indeed Madam, if I were as much in your minde as I might be, you would have more indulgence towards my love, and you could not reſolve to deſtroy for ever a Prince who adores you with an unequalled reverence, and who will infallibly die, as ſoon as he is ſeparated from you. I deſire you once more (ſaid the Princeſſe to him) not to vex your ſelf unprofitably; and do not mollifie my heart untill there be ſome need of it: be contented, that I am conſtrained to baniſh you, and that I do it not with much ſorrow; and that I was not more diſpleaſed at the report of your death, then I ſhall be at your abſence: But however Artamenes, Glory is to be preferred before all things, and as long as I do not ſtrive againſt you, but rather to give you all ſatisfaction, you have not juſt cauſe to complain of me. Artamenes knew well that he neither could nor ought to hope for any more from ſuch a one as Mandana; and though he ought to prepare his minde for it, yet he could not chuſe but be very much grieved at it: She knew how to comfort him ſo ſweetly in his ſorrows, by the heavenly charms of her converſation; that he preferred the evils which he ſuffered as a ſervant unto Mandana, before all felicity he could enjoy without her. He began then to follow Ciaxares more closely then before: He courted Aribeus, contrary to his own inclination, with more diligence, and neglected nothing which might get him a good eſteem in the Court, ſo that though he ſhould diſcover himſelf, they would not think of deſtroying him: And ſo it was, that he was univerſally beloved, and ſo much, that the extraordinary care he took did not create him any new ſervants, nor augment the zeal of thoſe he had before, ſo great was their zeal already. In the mean time, the man who Artamenes ſent to carry the Jewels unto the daughter of that Lady who miſtook him for Spitridates, and who had ſo charitably entertained him, returned unto Sinope, who informed Artamenes that there was like to be a new war in Bithynia: he further told him, that he found the Caſtle invironed with many Souldiers; and that when he had ſpoken unto that Lady, ſhe was extreamly ſurprized to ſee the Jewels which he had to preſent unto her daughter: That at the firſt ſhe doubted whether ſhe ſhould ſuffer her to accept of them; but in concluſion ſhe did permit her; That at his taking leave of her, ſhe beſtowed a very rich preſent upon him, and charged him to tell Artamenes, after ſhe did with aſtoniſhment underſtand it was he, that the King her husband was endeavouring to put himſelf into ſuch a condition, as that hereafter he might be able to retaliate his liberality; and to make Spitridates his ſon, who had the honour to reſemble him: worthy of that reſemblance: This man told Artamenes further; that in his returne, he ſaw all the Countrey full of Souldiers, and that ſome of [Page] them had ſtayed him for ſome certain dayes, which was the reaſon he did return no ſooner. Two hours after his arrival, there came certain news from Artaxes, that all Bithynia was in rebellion, and Pontus about to be the like; and that the King of Phrygia was compelled to retreat, becauſe that Croeſus King of Lydia was entred with an Army into his Dominions, and that a great part of his Forces did change Maſters, and ſided with thoſe who moved the people to revolt, and who in truth had much right unto the Crown of Bithynia. In concluſion, they knew Arſamones, husband unto that Lady who had treated Artamenes ſo well when he was wounded, and who took him for Spitridates her ſon, was in the head of a very conſiderable Army; and that if the King of Pontus were not ſoon ſet at liberty, and to take ſome courſe to oppoſe his Conqueſts, not onely Bithynia, which his father had uſurped, would be loſt, but Pontus alſo which was legitimately his, would be in the ſame condition. It was reported that the King of Phrygia was about new Levies in his Countrey: but yet the reports went alſo that he would have his hands full of war againſt the King of Lydia: Inſomuch as it was apparent that there would fall an infallible revolution upon the Kingdoms of Pontus and Bithynia, if they were not preſently remedied. Artamenes, finding a good opportunity to oblige the King of Pontus, and acquit himſelf of his promiſe to him, and alſo to procure his departure from Sinope, where he was not very glad to ſee him, did beſeech the King that he would not onely give him his liberty, but alſo that he would lend him ſome Forces wherewith to reduce his Subjects unto their obedience. He repreſented unto the King, that it would be much more glorious for him, and advantagious alſo to do ſo, then to detain him a Priſoner: Since if it ſhould ſo fall out, that he ſhould loſe his two Kingdoms, as very likely he was, then he would not be able to pay his Ranſom; but would be either forced to keep him alwayes, or elſe cruelly to deliver him, in a time when it was too late, and when there was no hopes to get into the Throne. Moreover, he told him that the King of Pontus was generous, and that obliging him thus gallantly, he could run no hazard of danger. In concluſion, as Artamenes was alwayes very prevalent with Ciaxares, and could perſwade him unto any thing he pleaſed; ſo, the King condeſcended unto his deſire, upon condition, notwithſtanding, that the King of Pontus ſhould deliver into his hands, two conſiderable places, which yet held unto his ſide; and that he ſhould ſolemnly promiſe, never to make any war againſt Cappadocia. Artamenes having obtained his ſuit, went preſently to the King of Pontus, who was already informed of his misfortunes, but knew no remedy: He no ſooner ſaw my Maſter, but going to him, with much conſtancy, though with much melancholy; Generous Artamenes (ſaid he to him) if in loſing the Crown of Bithynia, you had conquered it, I ſhould not be ſo ſad as I am; but that my moſt mortall enemies ſhould triumph over my misfortunes, I confeſſe that I have not patience to endure it without complaint, nor can I chuſe but much deſire that liberty, which I have deſired you to obtain for me. Sir (anſwered Artamenes) as it is my uſe to do what I ought, ſo I have effected your demands, and perhaps above your deſires, for I do not know, whether I have not gone further then you deſired. My Maſter then told him what he had done with Ciaxares, and how by this Article not to make any more war upon Cappadocia, it was to be tacitely underſtood, not to pretend any more unto the Princeſſe: As this was reaſonable, ſo he did not murmur; he grieved in ſecret without complaint, and thanked Artamenes very civilly for his Generoſity: he extreamly extolled this great Act, and thanked him who brought it to paſſe. If ever I come unto my Throne again, generous Artamenes (ſaid he to him) I ſhall owe unto you all my glory, and all my good fortune: and I do proteſt unto you, that if I can conquer again the Kingdom of Bithynia, it ſhall be your fault onely, if you do not as abſolutely command it as my ſelf: you are no more a Cappadocian (ſaid he to him) then you are a Pontean, ſo that without offence unto Ciaxares, I may well hope for the ſame happineſſe and advantage which he hath: he hath nothing now to do, but to live in peace, and I am in a way of war, and for this reaſon, I beleeve, that my wiſh is not unjuſt, nor will diſpleaſe you. Sir (anſwered Artamenes) I am much obliged unto you for theſe advantagious reſentments you have of me: But Sir, if you knew me more particularly, you would quickly change your minde; and therefore ſince you know me no better, I will not abuſe you in your error, nor receive thoſe favours from you, which doubtleſſe you would repent of afterwards: And though, it is true, I am not born a Subject unto Ciaxares, yet I am ſo tied unto his ſervice by many ſtrong reaſons and obligations, that I can never be diſingaged from him. After the firſt apprehenſions of joy in the King of Pontus mind were paſſed over; joy I ſay, for the liberty which he had obtained, and for thoſe Auxi [...]raries [Page] which were offered him, Love then began to take a place in his heart; and he could not forbear ſome expreſſions and ſignes of his weakneſs, and in the preſence of Artamenes, grieved at thoſe great neceſſities which oppreſſed him: for (ſaid he) as long as I am in priſon, I do know very well, that I ought not to pretend unto the Princeſſe Mandana; and that if I remain in them, I ſhall be ſtill in the kingdom ſo by conſequence, far off from any pretentions to her: But (generous Artamenes) in caſting off theſe fetters wherein you have enchained me, I muſt alſo caſt off thoſe which I received from the faire Mandana, at leaſt weare them in ſecret: and alas in hiding them they are not leſs heavie, nor ſhall I be leſs her ſlave: Artamenes did know well how to anſwer this diſcourſe: all he could do was handſomly to divert it, and to ſpeak of war in lieu of love: yet ſince things did very vrgently require it, he gave orders for the King of Pontus departure within a few dayes: and this Prince not being able to depart, till he had ſpoke with the Princeſſe, and took his leave of her, ſent to beſeech Ciaxares, that he would not deny him that favour: Artamenes, who was preſent with the King when this permiſſion was deſired, had a good mind to oppoſe it, yet durſt not: Yet he was much puzzled to reſolve, whether he ſhould be preſent at this enterview or not: yet notwithſtanding all the indiſpoſition he had to it, yet he would be a witneſs of it: he was in much fear that he ſhould not be able to reſtrain himſelf; yet at the laſt could not chuſe but go: The permiſſion of the Princeſſe, concerning this viſit was asked; ſhe had no great fancy unto it; yet Ciaxares having promiſed it, there was no remedy; but remembring his gallant deportment unto Artamenes, ſhe reſolved therefore to treat him civilly. The day of this Princes departure being come, all the Ladies, and all the court, who were appointed ſo to do, did then wait upon the Princeſſe: Artamenes was as diligent as any to be there, and doubtleſs as obſervant of all the paſſages in this enterview as any. Since this Treatie between theſe two Kings was ſigned by both parties, the King of Phrygia if he ſo pleaſed being compriſed; and all the priſoners releaſed, alſo the two Kings ſworn in the Temple to obſerve the Articles, and to live in peace with each other; the King of Pontus did not then addreſſe himſelf as a priſoner unto the princeſſe, but as a free Prince: and waited upon by the officers of Ciaxares, as he himſelf was: this Prince was one of an admirable preſence, and then very ſumptuous in Apparel: The Princeſſe, who perhaps would not have been ſo indulgent to him but in reſpect of Artamenes, was but very ordinarily dreſſed, nor did ſhe need to be better, for ſhe appeared that day ſo admirably fair, as that ſhe quite darkned the faireſt and moſt glorious in all the company; the King of Pontus, ſaluted her with much reverence, and ſhe received him with as much civility, ſhe would have given him the precedencie, but he would not receive it? he took that place which was next the Princeſſe, ſaying with a handſom grace, that it was not fit a priſoner of Artamenes (in looking upon my Maſter and ſmiling) to ſit in the place of the Princeſſe Mandana. Do not think Sir, (ſaid ſhe to him) that your Conqueror deſires to change either Rank or Condition with you; he is too generous to deſire that the King of Pontus ſhould not enjoy all thoſe honours which his birth hath Confer'd upon him. I wiſh to the Gods Madam, (replied this Prince ſmiling,) that every one whoſe fetters I weare, would treat me as well as Artamenes doth, for if they did, I ſhould not be in that condition I am, to wit perpetually a ſlave, and unfortunate. I do not wonder (ſaid the Princeſſe) that all they which goe to war, do not all take priſoners, ſince then every one muſt have great courage, and all be fortunate; But I do confeſſe I think it very ſtrange, that all they who do take them do not uſe them well: For my part I aſſure you Sir, that by my conſent, they ſhould not wear their fetters long, but ſhould preſently enjoy their Liberty. I doubt not Madam (replied the King of Pontus) but you are full of pitty; but Madam, there are a ſort of captives whoſe liberty does not depend upon the wills of their conquerors, and who are ever priſoners in a priſon with out any gates, grates or guards. Thoſe who are of that humour (replied the Princeſſe) muſt patiently ſuffer that misfortune for which there is no remedy, & complain of none but themſelves. I know ſome Madam, (replied the King of Pontus) which have been uſed to what you ſay, & without accuſing you of thoſe evils which they endure, & do prepare themſelves to ſuffer them as long as they live: I ſhould be very ſorry ſaid ſhe, that ſo great a Prince as you, ſhould have any juſt cauſe to complain of me, but if my memory do not much fail me, I behaved my ſelf all the while you were in the court of Cappadocia, with as much Civility as was due unto a ſon of the King of Pontus. I do acknowledg it Madam (replied this Prince) but yet I make a doubt whether you have treated me as well ſince I came unto the Crown, as before, I would have you think (replied the Princeſſe) [Page] that you have ſome cauſe to complain of your ſelf, ſince you have declared war againſt us; but I have much a doe to perſwade my ſelf, that you had any reaſon for doing ſo. If I did commit a fault (replied this Prince) I have been ſufficiently puniſhed for it: I have loſt ſeverall Battels; I have loſt my liberty: and I am in a way to loſe both my kingdomes: yet Madam, I ſhould think all theſe but ſmall, if I could but be ſo happy as to gain any room in your eſteem: I know very well Madam, that ſince I have loſt theſe Battles and appear but as a ſlave before you, are ſuch things as ſeem not to merit that honour: But yet conſider Madam, that the glory of my conqueror, does leſſen the ſhame for my defeat, and though conquered and priſoner as I am, let me not offend the Princeſs Mandana; if I begg a little room in her eſteem, ſince I muſt never pretend more unto her affection. Be not Madam leſſe generous then the King your father, and the Illuſtrious Artamenes. The laſt of theſe did ask my liberty, and the other granted it: Refuſe not then the favour which I beg of you, and do me ſo much honour to believe, that ever ſince the firſt minuite I ſaw you, I have as much eſteem and all the veneration of you than can be imagined: Indeed Madam, I adored you before I was a King: I did the ſame when I was owner of two Kingdomes; and I continued it alſo in declaring war againſt the King of Cappadocia: I did not repent of it when I was all wounds, and ſwam in my own blood; and I retained the ſame thoughts whilſt I was in thoſe fetters, which the clemency of the King your father has freed me from; and I ſhall ever keep them, whether my ſword do win me my Scepter again, or whether it cauſe me to loſe my Crownes: and as long as life is in me I muſt love you Madam with a moſt reſpectfull and violent paſſion: now you know that, Madam, which I had a moſt earneſt deſire once in my life to tell you: and which ſince told will make me die ſomthing leſſe unhappy: ſince my love is well known throughout all Aſia, though I never told it you but in the Language of my eyes; I do not fear that this ſpeaking thus boldly unto you, and before ſo great a company, will offend you; and ſince I know that my Protector (ſaid he in looking upon Artamenes) has ſom credit with you, I ſhall hope that in conſideration of him, and after his example you will not inſult over my misfortunes, nor ſpeak harſh things unto him concerning me, ſince it is the laſt time that perhaps I ſhall ever have the honour to ſpeak unto you. Artamenes harkened unto this diſcourſe with as much vexation in his mind as was imaginable: he looked upon the Princeſs; he looked upon his Rivall; and though he could not perfectly know the thoughts of Mandana, yet he thought them ſomthing too favourable to the King of Pontus, and was often in a mind to mingle converſe with them, although the quality in which he did appear did not permit him ſo to doe: yet he was very glad to hear it from the mouth of his Rivall, that he had never ſpoke of his love unto Mandana: But he was in ſome diſorder to hear thoſe high Commendations which he gave her, and knew very well that his love did render their friendſhip impoſſible. In concluſion, after the King of Pontus had done ſpeaking, the Princeſs, who roſe at the ſame time he did, lifting up her eyes and bluſhing a little: I do not know (ſaid ſhe) whether it be the faſhion of all young Princes to colour their Ambition with a more gallant paſſion, or whether it be only a ſimple deſire of glory, but I am certain that you do give me a great ſubject for my vanity, and a great cauſe to complain of you: For Sir, I cannot deny, but that it is very advantagious for me to be eſteemed by a Prince who is accompliſhed with ſo many excellent qualities: and I muſt alſo tell you, that I have ſome reaſon to accuſe you, and perhaps to puniſh you too, for ſpeaking unto me as you have done: But Sir, (ſaid ſhe to him) I will take all that you have told me as I ought to do, and will be ſo far from uſing you ill, that I do proteſt it ſhall not be long of me, if you do not depart from this court, as free in your mind as in your body, and if my prayers would conduce any thing, to ſet you in your throne again, (notwithſtanding all that is paſſed) you ſhould not want them: Madam (anſwered the King of Pontus) I had rather you had harkened unto my prayers, then to inploy yours in my behalf, but that is not a thing to be thought upon, further then to puniſh me for my raſhneſs in daring to love the moſt glorious Princeſſe upon earth: After this, the Princeſs anſwered and he replied again, then he took his leave and went out: Artamenes knew not whether he ſhould ſtay with the Princeſs or follow this Prince: he feared leſt the King of Pontus, ſhould obſerve his vexation, and he was apprehenſive leſt Mandana ſhould perceive his Jealouſie and be offended at it: So that to expoſe himſelf unto neither of theſe hazards, he went firſt unto Ciaxares, and and preſently after, the King of Pontus returned to bid adieu. This word adieu, put the mind of Artamenes into its accuſtomed tranquillity, out of his apprehenſions of Joy to ſee his Rivall packing, ſo that he began to behave himſelf with much civility towards him: Ciaxares [Page] did treat him very well at parting, & gave him a hundred horſe for his convoy unto the campe; & ſent orders unto Artaxes, commanding the army to obey this prince, & to put a garriſon into thoſe two places, which the King of Pontus was to deliver up unto the King of Cappadocia. Artamenes, waited upon by all the Court, did conduct the King of Pontus a good way out of the Town; and although he was his Rival, and entertained ſome ſparks of jealouſie of him; yet this Prince, did teſtifie ſo much friendſhip unto my Maſter at parting, that he could not forbear being much moved with him: Yet after his departure, Artamenes was in a much happier condition, then he could have beleeved: For ſince the Princeſſe knew his Quality and his affection, and ſuffered him to ſee her often: ſince he had no Philidaſpes to torment him; ſince the King of Pontus was gone, never to return again, he thought himſelf ſometimes in the height of happineſſe; and ſometimes alſo he was not without his vexations of minde: For when all was done, he muſt diſcover himſelf what he was, and expoſe himſelf unto the violent humours of Aſtyages, and perhaps unto the anger of Ciaxares: Yet notwithſtanding, ſince the one of them was far off, and the other ſeemed to love him very well, the hopes of his heart were above his fears, and he ſeemed never to be ſo well ſatisfied. Now ſince peace brought joy thorowout all Cappadocia, there was nothing to be ſeen in all the Court, but diverſions, and entertainments; and my Maſter was no leſſe frollick and gallant among the Ladies, then he was couragious in warre, and prudent in Councels. The King went at that time unto the pleaſant Town of Amaſia, which as you know is ſeated upon the river of Iris, and afterwards went unto the ſtately Town of Themiſcira, where he ſtayed, as well becauſe he had ſome buſineſſe there, as becauſe indeed the Princeſſe did love that place. For as the river Thormodon, which waſhes the feet of the walls, is one of the moſt pleaſant Rivers of the World, ſhe took great delight in walking upon the Banks; and my Maſter had the honour oftentimes to wait upon her, and found fit opportunities to give her a hundred teſtimonies of his amorous and reſpectfull paſſion. Thus did he live in much ſweetneſſe of minde, during all the three moneths which was allotted him; during which time he had gained him ſuch a powerfull eſteem in the heart of Ciaxares, that he was in ſome hopes he might diſcover himſelf without any danger. He asked counſel of his deareſt Princeſſe, who hardly durſt give it unto him, ſince ſhe feared to expoſe him unto any danger that was ſo dear unto her: yet ſhe forced him to take that reſolution, by her often remembring him, how the time ſhe gave him drew on, and that he muſt either try ſome courſe, or reſolve to depart. There needed no more to move Artamenes to hazard all, rather then leave his Princeſſe; Therefore after he had took his leave of her, as if ſhe were going to die (being uncertain how Ciaxares would receive him) he went ſtraight to the King, with intention to tell him he was Cyrus: and alſo to tell him, that the love which he bore unto the Princeſſe, though ſhe did not know it, had forced him to ſtay in this diſguiſe within this Court. As he went unto Ciaxares, one of his Officers told him that the King had received ſome news from Aſtyages which troubled him very much, and that he had orders to go ſeek the Princeſſe, to tell her ſhe muſt come unto the King: Artamenes hearing this, beleeved that it was ſome people that were in rebellion, not imagining it could be any thing elſe: But however, he thought that day not a fit time to diſcover himſelf; and that it were more fit the Princeſſe were advertized of this, leſt being ſent for by the King, ſhe ſhould be too much ſurprized, and imagine that it was becauſe he had diſcovered himſelf, and ſo ſhe might perhaps ſpeak ſomething which might prejudice themſelves; he turned then preſently, and told the Kings Officer, that he ſhould be very glad to conduct the Princeſſe unto Ciaxares, ſince ſhe muſt come, and deſired him, that it might be his Commiſſion to bring her. This man knowing what favour my Maſter was in, conſented unto his deſire, and told him him he would ſtay in the outer Chamber, and not ſhew himſelf unto Ciaxares untill he brought the Princeſſe. Artamenes went then to her Chamber, and told her his buſineſſe, letting her underſtand, by the way as they went, that he muſt needs defer the execution of his deſigne untill he knew what was the cauſe of the Kings perplexity. When they came into his cloſet, they found him walking alone; yet he no ſooner ſaw them but ſtopt; and addreſſing his ſpeech unto the Princeſſe. You had reaſon daughter (ſaid he with an altered countenance) to abſent your ſelf from the laſt ſacrifice of thanks unto the Gods for the death of Cyrus, ſince all was unprofitably rendred; and if I had known then, what I know now, I ſhould have changed the intention of the Sacrifice. The Princeſſe and Artamenes both, were mightily ſurprized at this diſcourſe, and thought verily that Ciaxares did not onely know how Cyrus was in his Court, but alſo in his Cloſet. Mandana repented [Page] of thoſe favours ſhe had diſpenſed unto my Maſter, and prepared to juſtifie her ſelf unto Ciaxares. Artamenes for his part, he was deſperate to obſerve by the Princeſſe countenance, how much ſhe was troubled, and out of his exceſſe of love, he took more thought for her ſorrow, then for all the danger whereunto he thought himſelf expoſed. But ſeeing that Mandana had not power to ſpeak, and that the King began to walk again, as if he underſtood that he had told them enough. Sir (replied my Maſter) have thoſe who have told you that Cyrus is living, told you that he hath any ill deſignes againſt Medea, or Cappadocia? There needs no more (replied Ciaxares) but the knowledge of what the Magi (who are the moſt knowing men of all Aſia) have preſaged and told us concerning Cyrus: We muſt therefore (ſaid he) endeavour to finde a remedy againſt an evil, which is yet not gone ſo far but it may be prevented; and ſince the good or bad Fate of all Aſia, depends upon the life or the death of one man, we muſt do all we can, to bring him into ſuch a condition, as that we may be able to diſpoſe of his life or of his death without any danger. Cyrus, as I underſtand from the King my father (added he, in ſtopping, and looking upon the Princeſſe) is not at this preſent in the Head of an Army of a hundred thouſand men: therefore daughter (ſaid he to her) I am not much troubled at him; and unleſſe I be very much misſtaken, he will not do us ſo much hurt as is threatned. At theſe words Artamenes verily beleeving that Ciaxares knew all the truth of the buſineſſe, was upon the point of aſſuring him, that he would anſwer for the fidelity of Cyrus, when the Princeſſe interrupting him; Sir (ſaid ſhe to the King) let us hope that the Gods, who are the Authors of all goodneſſe, will not ſuffer all Aſia to be overthrown; but perhaps they will be ſo indulgent to us, that at a leſſe rate then at the life of Cyrus, they will ſuffer us to enjoy the felicity of your Reign, in quietneſſe. I will beleeve it Daughter (replied the King) for as long as Cyrus does not appear with Arms in his hands, he will conquer no Provinces nor Kingdoms: and though we ſhould ſee him in the head of an Army, yet look upon him here, (ſaid he, and embraced my Maſter) who we will turn looſe unto him, and who I am certain will prevent his Conqueſt of all Aſia. The Princeſſe and Artamenes were yet ſurprized at what the King ſaid, as much as they were at the beginning of his diſcourſe, but yet they were much better pleaſed. Mandana who durſt never lift up her eyes till now, looked upon my Maſter, who to confirme the King in that opinion which he had of him, Yes Sir, (ſaid he unto Ciaxares) as long as Artamenes is Artamenes, you never need to fear Cyrus, although he were in the Head of an Army of a hundred thouſand men; and I am infinitely obliged unto your Majeſty, for that good opinion which you conceive of me. I cannot have too great a one (replied Ciaxares) and if the Gods had not ſent you unto my Aſſiſtance, I ſhould be much more then I am troubled at what the King my father hath ſent unto me. Then he began to tell the Princeſſe and Artamenes, how Astyages had ſent him word, that Cyrus was ſeen in Perſia, and a little after he paſſed into Medea, and that he went towards Bithynia and Pontus: How Aſtyages had again conſulted with the Magi, who aſſured him more confidently then ever, that the ſubverſion of all Aſia would happen moſt infallibly, if they did not ſome way or other appeaſe the Gods: Moreover, Astyages had ſent him word, how he had proclaimed a Command in all places within his obedience, to arreſt Cyrus if they could finde him, and to bring him unto him either alive or dead; promiſing great recompenſes unto any that could either take him or kill him: To effect which, he had cauſed to be publiſhed, the eaſier to know him, that he wore black Arms, that upon his Buckler was repreſented a ſlave, who ſeemed to chuſe chains, and refuſe a Crown; breaking the laſt, and aſſuming the firſt, with theſe words;
Moſt Heavie, but moſt Glorious.

Ciaxares added further, that he had already given order unto Aribeus to publiſh the ſame in Themiſcira, and thorowout all Cappadocia and Galatia, and to be very diligent in a buſineſſe of that importance: You may judge Sir, in what a condition Mandana and Artamenes were in, and what different thoughts did poſſeſſe their ſouls. The Princeſſe was ſo impatient while the diſcourſe laſted, that ſhe was once in a minde to go out, and ſay nothing: She had no minde to diſcover that Artamenes was Cyrus; and it was ſo much againſt her diſpoſition to contribute any thing unto this innocent fallacie, wherein for the ſecurity of my Maſter they were like to continue, that ſhe was not able to anſwer a [Page] word unto any thing the King ſaid unto her: But by good fortune Aribeus coming in to ſpeak with the King upon ſome important buſineſſe; She went out, and Artamenes conducted her unto her cloſet, unto which ſhe entered without any company but Marteſia: She was no ſooner there, but looking upon my maſter with a moſt melancholly aſpect; well Artamenes, (ſaid ſhe to him) Cyrus need not revive, but it is time that Artamenes were gone. This Prince hearing her ſay ſo, deſired to ſettle her mind as well as he could, and to make her think that there was not ſo much danger as ſhe apprehended: That according to all likelihood, he which was thus taken for him in Perſia, muſt needs be the ſame Spitridates, for whom he was taken in Bithynia; and therefore he need not be ſo much affrighted at it, becauſe very few Perſians uſe to come into Cappadocia, eſpecially any ſuch as can know him; and it does more apparently ſeem he ſhould not be known, ſince they take another for him: Although all this ſhould be ſo (ſaid the Princeſſe) yet this is not enough: for Artamenes, I have thus long ſuffered, in hopes that you would find ſome expedient or other, to diſcover your ſelf without danger; and that I might be aſſured I ſhould not be leſſe innocent in permitting the ſociety of Cyrus, then I have been in ſuffering the converſation of Artamenes. But now, ſince I ſee both Cyrus and my own honour in imminent danger, I muſt not long be indulgent unto you: Though I had but one of theſe two intereſts upon me, yet were I obliged to do ſo; but having both of them at once, Artamenes muſt, he muſt be gone, Tell me rather Madam, (ſaid Artamenes and interrupted her) that he muſt go and die; for indeed, I cannot live unleſſe I look upon you: Yes, yes Madam (ſaid he) you have ſound out an infallible way to deliver all Aſia, from that unhappy Prince, whom the Magi ſay muſt Conquer it; and you could never have pitcht upon a more certain courſe, to procure the tranquillity of Aſtyages: But Madam, I beſeech you, be not you more inhumane, then he is cruel, in pronouncing thus the ſentence of my death; he it is true, would have taken away my life, but it was in an age when I knew not the ſweetneſſe of it: Moreover I had neither ſerved no [...] loved him; whereas you with your own hand do thruſt me into my grave, after you had done me the honour to allow me a little room in your ſoul: you know well that I have ſerved you, and have adored you, and do adore you ſtill, and alſo muſt adore you, as long as I have any breath. Does the menaces of the Magi move me? and do you look upon me as that terrible Prince who muſt make all Aſia deſolate? But if it muſt be ſo Madam, that I muſt die, I do conſent unto it; I ſhall make no doubt to execute your will: There needs neither any Irons nor poyſons, to make you obeyed, incenſible Princeſſe: the reſolution to bid you adieu, is enough to put a Period unto my ſad dayes: No, no, my Princeſs, (ſaid he and kneeled) this fatal word adieu, can never come out of my mouth without my life; and do not, I conjure you, pronounce that diſmal ſentence your ſelf, untill you have conſidered upon it. Artamenes ſpoke all this I am telling you in ſuch a paſſionate manner, and with ſo much violence and reſpect together, that the Princeſſe was ſomething more qualified: do not think Artamenes (ſaid ſhe to him, in raiſing him up, and cauſing him to ſit down) but that ſorrow which I reſent in baniſhing you, will be a comfort to you in your misfortunes; What Madam, (ſaid he interrupting her) do you think any thing can comfort me, after the loſſe of Mandana? No, no, Madam, it is impoſſible. You loſe only the ſight of her, (anſwered ſhe) but does not loſe her eſteem and friendſhip, unleſſe you will render your ſelf unworthy of it, by too obſtinate a diſobedence. But Madam (ſaid he to her) though I ſhould diſobey you, you could not puniſh me any otherwiſe, then to let Ciaxares know that I am Cyrus: and though he did know it, they could but put me into priſon, and perhaps ſacrifice my life, for the tranquillity of Aſtyages. But Madam, be not deceived in this, for I had rather be fettered in Cappadocia, then Crowned in any other place of the world where you are not: And I chuſe rather to die by the hand of Aſtyages then the hand of Mandana: Mandana (anſwered the Princeſſe) would do none of this you ſpeak of; But perhaps ſhe would withdraw her affection, if you ſhould fail in your reſpects of her: Ah Madam, (replied my Maſter) is it a failing in reſpect, to deſire the being neer you that I might more adore you? Indeed Artamenes (ſaid ſhe to him, with looks full of much ſorrow and Majeſty) It concerns my own honour, and therefore cannot prevent my reſolution: If it be ſo Madam (replied he) I confeſſe you have reaſon, and the life of Artamenes is too inconſiderable, in compariſon of ſo precious a jewel: I will die then Madam, but be not ſo inhumane as to haſten my death: Let me expire gently, and refuſe me not the conſolation, to enjoy the fight of you a while: you know Madam that there remains yet fifteen dayes of the three moneths which you allotted [Page] me; and take not the benefit of them from me, unleſſe you would have me grow impatient, and perhaps diſobey you. Artamenes pronounced theſe ſad ſyllables ſo feelingly, that it was impoſſible Mandana could refuſe his deſire: but allowed him all his full time, the better to colour his departure unto Ciaxares. I do not relate all Sir, that theſe two illuſtrious perſons did ſpeak, during this diſcourſe, not what they ſaid afterwards during thoſe dayes prefixed, for it would be too tedious, nor what my maſter ſaid when he was in his chamber by himſelf. But let me tell you thus much, that never was melancholly comparable unto his; and perhaps the ſame in Mandana, though ſhe conceal'd it better. Sometimes ſhe would deſire him to promiſe her, that he would never make any war upon either Cappadocia or Medea; and he would alwayes anſwer her, that the moſt infallible way to aſſure her ſelf of that, was to keep him with her. In concluſion, ſhe wiſhed him to love her for her own ſatisfaction, and ſhe wiſhed him to forget her for his tranquillities ſake: but however, ſhe was ſtill reſolved he ſhould depart. The buſineſſe depending thus, (and whileſt Artamenes was with the Princeſſe, Ciaxares ſent to ſeek him. At the firſt, ſhe had ſome fears that the truth of the buſineſſe was diſcovered; and that the Kings ſending for him was to no other end but to arreſt him; for even that very morning Araſpes arrived at Themiſcira, and came from Aſtyages; but ſhe underſtood preſently after, that the King did ſend for him, to communicate ſome important buſineſſe unto him. For Sir, be pleaſed to know, that Astyages ſent Araſpes unto Ciaxares to tell him, That it was abſolutely his determinate deſire, that he ſhould marrie again; becauſe (ſaid he) thereupon depends the ſafetie of Medea. This Prince added further, that he knew very well the Cappadocians did not much care for having a King; and that they loved the Princeſſe Mandana ſo very well, as that they were deſirous ſhe ſhould be their Queen: But yet it was not ſo convenient for the Medes; for it was to be doubted that if ever Cyrus ſhould attempt any thing againſt them, and ſhew himſelf unto the people; the Medeans might perhaps ſubmit unto him, and not think themſelves unjuſt in ſo doing, ſince there was only a woman to reign over them: That he ſhould therefore provide for a ſucceſſor; and that it was very conſiderable, that doubtleſſe they would never be ſo forward to ſteal away the Princeſſe Mandana, but becauſe ſhe is a heir apparent, to be Queen of many Kingdoms; that therefore he had better loſe one Crown, then be expoſed by ſuch accidents to loſe two: That the Laws of the Cappadocians and Medeans are different: That the Cappadocians will not admit of a ſtrange Prince; and that on the contrary, the Medeans will never admit a ſubject unto the Queen of Cappadocia to be their King. Moreover, upon ſerious conſiderations of all his allies, and with whom he ſhould match, he conceived that Thomiris Queen of Maſſagetes, was ſhe which was moſt convenient for him: That ſhe was a Princeſſe of an admirable beautie, of a great ſpirit and heart: That ſince ſhe had a ſon of about fifteen years old, ſhe muſt ere long inveſt him into the government of his Dominions; at that it might be ſuppoſed, that this great Queen who had been accuſtomed unto Rule, would be glad to find ſuch an opportunity of ſeating her ſelf in a Throne again: That her age was ſuch, as children might well be hoped for, and ſuch as might afford him a very happy life: That there was not amongst all the Princes his neighbours, one Princeſſe whom he could marry: That ſome of them were his enemies, and the reſt had no daughters. Moreover, although Thomiris had a ſon which was fifteen years old, yet ſhe her ſelf was not above nine and twentie: That the alliance contracted with that people, would be alwayes very advantagious to him; becauſe, although they be far off his Dominions, yet it may well be ſaid that the Scythians are neighbours unto all the world, ſince having no Towns nor houſes, but living alwayes in Tents, they paſſe from one Kingdom unto another in an inſtant, as they have ſufficiently demonſtrated, when heretofore they invaded all Aſia. So that to contract alliance with them, would be a way to make himſelf powerful friends, and rid himſelf from terrible enemies. That if, notwithſtanding all this, he did not like of it, then he would have him find out ſome other way, that the Scepter and Crowns might not deſcend unto a daughter.

This Sir, was the effect of what Araſpes told unto Ciaxares from Aſtyages. Aribeus who was preſent at this diſcourſe, and in whom the King did confide; having ſecret deſigns in his thoughts (as afterwards was known) was very much amazed at it. Yet ſeeming to be in a profound ſtudy what he ſhould adviſe Ciaxares unto, being thereunto required, he did approve of all that Ciaxares mentioned; fortified it with freſh reaſons, and did aggravate thoſe which Araſpes had but ſlightly touched, and did indeed cauſe the King to reſolve of doing as he was before adviſed unto. Not but that his extraordinary tenderneſſe over Mandana, did cauſe him to contend with himſelf concerning this deſign: But ſince two Crowns ſtood in competition, and that if ever he would have the Crown of [Page] Medea he muſt do as he was deſired, therefore he conſented unto it. Then ſince Aribeus did for ſeverall reaſons wiſh Artamenes further from Court, he told Ciaxares that Artamenes was the only man which could tranſact his negotiation of marriage with the Queen Maſſagettes, and bring it unto a happy concluſion: That he was furniſhed with all requiſite qualities for it: That he was one of an excellent ſpirit, and great reputation. So that if he ſent Artamenes unto Thomiris, there was almoſt no queſtion, but he would bring about this match, which was ſo glorious for him, & important to the State: Cyaxares ſeeing much probability in what Aribeus did ſay, did approve of his councel, and preſently after ſent unto my Maſter as I have formerly told you; and ſeeming more then ordinarily indulgent, ſaid thus unto him; the Gods have not furniſhed you with ſo many different qualities, to imploy them one way: and therefore becauſe thoſe excellent gifts which you have received from heaven ſhall not be idle; After all thoſe illuſtrious ſubjects to make your valour appear, I will give you one which will try your prudence: my Maſter according unto his accuſtomed way, anſwered unto the civilities of Ciaxares with as much modeſty as ſubmiſſion, ſeeming very impatient to know wherein he might do him any ſervice; Ciaxares then told all the matter wherein Aſtyages had imployed Araſpes, and all that which Aribeus adviſed him unto, and at laſt, what he reſolved upon: moreover he further deſired him, that it might be his buſineſs to accquaint the Princeſs his daughter with the buſineſs, and ſo to endevour with her, as ſhe ſhould not love her father the worſe for it: for Artamenes (ſaid he to him) I know that ſhe eſteems you very much, and would receive the matter much better from you, then from Aribeus unto whom ſhe has no great phanſie. I leave you to Judg Sir, how much my Maſter was ſurpris'd at ſuch a propoſition: he knew not whether he ſhould contradict the Kings deſigne or approve of it, whether he ſhould undertake the commiſſion of ſpeaking unto the Princeſs, or abſolutly refuſe it, and he was in ſuch fear to offend either the King or Mandana, to blaſt either his duty or his love in ſo nice a conjuncture, that he knew not what anſwer to returne: But ſince Ciaxares had done him the honour to ask his advice in a buſineſs which was already reſolved upon, he ſaid thus unto him: That as concerning his marriage, it did not become him, to meddle, or ſpeak, or give any councell unto a King which was ſo prudent as he: that as concerning his telling the Princeſſe, he would do it, ſince he had ſo Commanded him; but as concerning his voyage to the Queen of Maſſagetes, that was a buſineſs which did not ſute with his Genius: If I were to goe and conquer her by force of Armes, (ſaid he to him) I ſhould then perhaps be proud of the imployment as ſoon as any other; but ſince I muſt uſe only perſwaſive Arguments, diſpence with me Sir I beſeech you, from ſuch a negotiation as I am leſs fit for then you think I am. Ciaxares hearing this his anſwer, thought that it did only proceed from his uſual modeſty; therefore without any more adoe, he told him that he muſt prepare himſelf for it, as ſoon as poſſible. My Maſter not being able abſolutly to reſolve upon it, did not punctually anſwer Ciaxares, but without either refuſing or accepting this office which was put upon him, he left him and went immediatly to Mandana, with orders from the King, to prepare her mind ſo handſomly, as that ſhe ſhould not complaine againſt him. As ſoon as the Princeſs ſaw Artamenes, ſhe eaſily found by him, he was come about ſome new and unpleaſing buſineſs: well Artamenes (ſaid ſhe to him) is Cyrus yet diſcovered? No Madam (replied he) but I may on the contrary very well ſay that he is but too much concealed, ſince they will needs put him upon a commiſſion which is moſt unfit for him: The Princeſs being more inquiſitive upon this anſwer, did preſs him to explain the Riddle; which he exactly did, and told her word for word, all the diſcourſe of Ciaxares; he did aggravate the tenderneſs of the Kings diſpoſition unto it, in regard of her: But after he had told her, concerning the deſigne of marriage with Thomiris, and the commands he had received to go unto the Queen of Maſſagetes, and tranſact the buſineſs, he ſet himſelf to obſerve the Princeſſe, and to diſcover by her eyes, what ſhe thought of ſuch an extraordinary accident. But, as ſhe perceived his drift, No, no, Artamenes, (ſaid ſhe to him) the loſs of a Crown does not at all diſturb my mind; and though the King my father ſhould take from me, both the Crownes of Cappadocia and Gullation, as well as that of Medea, yet you ſhould not ſee me murmur: I have a ſoul more firm and ſetled then you think I have, and they ſhall take more Scepters then one from me, before I would alter Countenance. This, Artamenes, is not that true glory which I am ſenſible of: I value not thoſe tranſient and vaniſhing honours which depend only upon Capricious fortune, and have no relation unto my own peculiar vertues, ſo that I can aſſure you, I do find nothing in my fathers deſigne, which troubles me, or which is not moſt Juſt: and I think [Page] my ſelf extreamly obliged unto him, that he ſhould ſpeak of any ſuch thing unto me. All that you ſay Madam (anſwered my Maſter) is extreamly Generous, but though you do carry your ſelf in the matter, as a moſt heroique Ladie ought to do, yet I have great cauſe to complain of my own Rigorous deſtinies: I can ſee no cauſe you have (ſaid the Princeſſe) to complaine ſo of your misfortune. Why Madam, (anſwered he) ſhall they imyloy Artamenes in taking the Crown of Medea from you, and ſhall he not lament it? he I ſay, who had rather give you all the crowns and Scepters in the univerſe. I have already told you (anſwered ſhe) that my chief felicity is not inſeparably linked unto a Crown, therefore never fear that you diſpleaſe me by obeying the King. But peradventure Artamenes (ſaid ſhe to him with half a ſmile) we are not both of one humour, perhaps I ſay, that Mandana having one Crown fewer then ſhe had before, ſhe will not ſeem the ſame in your eye, as ſhe did before: Oh Madam (cryed out my maſter, and interrupting her) do you know well what you ſay? is it poſſible that the Princeſſe Mandana can ſo innocently deſcant upon ſo nice a matter? or can you ſo eaſily part from a Crown? yes Madam, (ſaid he) it ſeems you can; but certainly they can never do it without injuſtice: yet Madam, ſince you have pronounced thoſe cruel words, I will obey the King and negotiate with as much care to take the Crown from you, as I ought in all reaſon to endeavour the conqueſt of it for you: yet, Madam, you have done me wrong in ſaying ſo unto me: to me, I ſay, who has built all my conſiderations upon your faireſt Face and divineſt Soul, and who never regarded your Crowns but only as ornaments much inferior to your vertue. Yes Divineſt Princeſſe (added he further) although you were as far off from a throne, as you are neer it, yet I ſhould be the very ſame unto you: I care not at all, for knowing that you are to command Scepters, it ſuffices me to know that you deſerve them, and leave the reſt unto my valour: If I have ſaid any thing, which expreſſeth an unwillingnes to take the Crown of Medea from you, it is becauſe I cannot tranſact againſt you: my own reſentments would certainly riſe up againſt me, if I ſhould entertaine ſuch a thought; and on the contrary, all the motions and faculties of my heart with a full conſent of my reaſon and my will, are dedicated unto your ſervice. The Princeſſe, ſeeing that Artamenes was ſo apprehenſive of a ſmall injury, did repent, ſhe did it, and to appeaſe him, Artamenes (ſaid ſhe to him) if it be ſo (as I do believe it is) that the vertue of Mandana is it which you do love beſt in her, this voyage which they impoſe upon you ought rather to Joy then Diſpleaſe you: for indeed, to ſpeak ſincerely unto you, it was rather the hopes of my being Queen of Medea, then of being Queen of Cappadocia which cauſeth them to deny me unto thoſe who pretend unto me: for although that the law which they inſiſt ſo much upon to Authorize their deniall, be really the cuſtom of the country; yet ſince there is not at this preſent any Prince in all Cappadocia, fit to marry me, that law may perhaps admit of ſome expoſition, to the contrary, and ſo in taking the Crown of Medea from me, they have removed from you one great Remora; and ſince I ſhall, nor can be, but only Queen of Cappadocia, it will not be ſo difficult for you to obtain the Kings conſent unto your deſires, provided he can ſuffer you to be Cyrus. But Madam (ſaid my Maſter then) when is it your pleaſure I ſhould put it to the hazaard? At your return (replied ſhe) and I ſuppoſe the Queen of Maſſagettes, will not denie you her aſſiſtance, after you have brought her into the Throne of Medea: Alſo, (ſaid ſhe to him) you have the advantage to depart without my baniſhment: and I ſhall have that comfort, that in leaving me, you will not grieve for me: Oh Madam (replied he) I ſhall not be the happier, for abſence is ſo great an evill unto thoſe who know truly how to love, that what occaſion ſoever it be which ſeparats them from the party beloved, they are all one unhappy: And Madam how can I be certain, that the King of Aſſyria will not attempt any thing againſt you? you know he has ſecret intelligence in the Court which we cannot diſcover: you know what he has already attempted; How then Madam, would you have me to expoſe my ſelf againſt this great danger which may and does threaten my life? It may be hoped (anſwered ſhe) that the bad ſucceſſe of his firſt deſigne, will repulſe the ſecond: I muſt take care to prevent them if he have any ſuch deſignes: and I do aſſure you they ſhall be all in vaine; And ſince ſtaying or departing is not in your choice nor mine, though this accident of abſence had not happened you muſt be contented; and you know I alwayes told you, that it was my reſolution you ſhould be gone: Therefore Artamenes, obey the King, and leave the future ſucceſſe unto the Gods. In concluſion Sir, Artamenes reſolved to depart: Ciaxares did preſs it and prepared for him the greateſt and moſt magnificent equipage, that ever was heard of before in Cappadocia: He received orders not to propound the buſineſſe which he was to negotiate at the [Page] firſt addreſſe unto Thomiris, for Ciaxares would not expoſe himſelf unto a deniall: But ſince there was ſome Pirats, which had ſeized upon many merchants ſhips which appertained unto Cappadocia in the Caſpian Sea, and that there was a kinde of a little maritine warre, betwixt the Cappadocians and theſe Pirates who belonged unto the Countrey of Maſſagettes, this was to be the pretence of his negotiation, though really it was indeed to treat ſecretly of a marriage between Thomiris and Ciaxares. I will not ſtand to relate unto you all the farewels which the King and all the Court did give unto my Maſter. Aribeus himſelf ſeemed to be more a friend unto him then ordinary: and Artamenes had all outward incitements to be well ſatisfied with him; yet for all this, Artamenes had ſuch turbulent vexations in the ſecret of his heart, as did much diſturb him; for ever ſince Philidaſpes (or to ſay better, the king of Aſſyria) vaniſhed, there was no news heard of him: They did underſtand that he was not yet returned unto Babylon, & that the queen Nicrocris was much perplexed at his long abſence: Sometimes Artamenes could hardly perſwade himſelf that Philidaſpes was the ſame he ſaid he was; and ſometimes again he did not doubt it at all. But at the laſt, all his Equipage and Retinue, being ready, depart he muſt, and bid adieu unto the Princeſſe. I was never more ſtrongly perſwaded, then upon this occaſion, that the Gods do ſometimes impart unto men, ſuch reſentments of things which ſhall ſucceed unto them in the future: For my Maſter was ſo ſunk with ſorrows to leave Mandana, and the Princeſſe though very well verſed in overcoming her own paſſions, ſeemed to be ſo troubled, that if they had certainly known they ſhould never have ſeen one another again, they could not have been more ſad. This farewell, as you may well think, was taken without any other witneſſes then the faithful Marteſia, with whom I had already contracted a great league of friendſhip. The complement was not long, and their diſcourſe was rather ſilence then words. That ſorrow which appeared in the eyes of Artamenes, was all the eloquence he uſed to deſire the Princeſſe not to forget him: and that grief which he ſaw ſet in the eyes of Mandana, was almoſt all the favour that he received from her at parting: Shall I Madam (ſaid he to her) beleeve my own eyes? will you permit me to think that I have ſome ſhare in that melancholy which I ſee in yours? Yes Artamenes (anſwered ſhe) I do permit it; and I ſhould be ſorry if you do not think that there is more in my heart then you can ſee in my face. There needed no more then this to revive my Maſter, if he had been dead: and I think alſo Sir, that there needed no more then his apprehenſion of ſorrow and joy, to make him die. Theſe two oppoſite reſentments cauſed ſo much diſorder in his ſoul, that he was dumb, and almoſt loſt his reaſon. He left the Princeſſe, and ſpoke not a word unto her, but looking as long as he could after her, he went out and took horſe, not knowing who was with him, nor what way he took, nor indeed what he did himſelf think upon: Thus did the firſt dayes journey paſſe on; the ſecond was not leſſe melancholy, and all the reſt were like them; and from the Town of Themiſcira, until he came to the banks of Araxes (that famous River which borders the Kingdom of Maſſagettes) I verily beleeve my Maſter knew not which way he took. He knew not, I ſay, whether we went thorow the Province of Aſpires, or thorow Colchides, or went over the high Mountains: In ſhort, I verily think, he knew not whether he was upon Sea or Land, or whether he went over drie Forreſts, or mariſh Rivers: he was ſo entirely taken up with his paſſion and melancholy, all the whole voyage, which was very long, that he obſerved not at all any of theſe pleaſant objects. Being at length come to the ſide of the River Araxes, we paſſed over a bridge of Boats, which were placed there for the conveniency of Paſſengers; and we began (if I may ſo terme it) to enter into a new world: For Sir, we ſaw no more Towns, nor Villages, nor Houſes, nor Temples: And all that vaſt Countrey, from the banks of Araxes unto that part which adjoyns unto the Iſſedonians, is nothing but a great huge Plain, entermixed with little Hils, which are extreamly delightful. This ſo new an object did a little expel the melancholy of Artamenes, and moved him to obſerve with much delight, that all theſe plains, and all theſe hils, were ador [...]ed with a hundred thouſand ſeveral ſents, differing in their forms, in their bigneſſe, and in their colour: Two or three hundred of them might be ſeen in one place; thirty or fourty in another; and ſome ſtanding by themſelves, ſeparated from all the reſt: there alſo might be ſeen abundance of ſelded up Pavilions, which the people uſed principally in their wars. There were alſo Chariots loaded with magnificent Canopies, under which they might ſhield themſelves from violent Rains, and Windes, and alſo be an Umbrage unto them, from the over-heat of the Sun: An infinite number of Troops might be ſeen paſſing thorow theſe plains, and added much delight unto ſo wonderfull a ſpectacle. Artamenes then [Page] after he had much admired their variety of cuſtomes, paſſed on towards the Tent Royal, for ſo in that Country do they uſe to call the place where the Court reſides. Theſe Tents do often change and remove from place to place, according to the ſeaſons of the year; although they do moſt commonly pitch them near the banks of Araxes, by reaſon of the commodities which that great and pleaſant River does bring unto them. When we came thither, we had two whole dayes journey through the Country of the Maſſagetes, before we could come unto the place where the Queen was. But Sir, to tell you truth, this voyage did afford us abundance of diverſions; and the ſight of ſo many uncouth things would not ſuffer us to be weary: Moreover, the people though mixed with many which were not native Scythians, were not mean and poor in their habit; but on the contrary, they are all very rich, ſtately, and magnificent: for their Country does abound in Gold and Copper, and they make great uſe of thoſe two mettals; but very ſeldom or never any Iron or Silver, becauſe indeed they have them not: So that their Lances, Spears, their Quivers, their Bowes, their Arrows, their ſuites of Arms, their Belts, their Swords, their Bridles, their Bitts, and all furniture belonging to Horſes; and a thouſand other things which would be too tedious to relate, are all of pure gold, or at the leaſt guilt with gold: So that every thing did make a very magnificent ſhew. We underſtood in our paſſage that the Queens Son, called Spargapiſes, was not then with her, but that he was gone with Ariantus, brother unto Thomiris, towards thoſe Provinces which lie towards the Mountain Imaus, which as you know does divide the two Scythians. Yet nothwithſtanding this abſence, we found the Court extreamly full: for ſince Spargapiſes was but fifteen years old, and Aritanus was not popular in that Country, all did adhere unto the Queen, who for a long time had the government of all, and who truly was a woman of very great qualities, though ſhe had ſome, which it were to be wiſhed ſhe had not: we alſo underſtood that there were two ſtranger Princes within that Court: One of them was Prince of the Tauroſcites, called Indathirſes, and Nephew unto a famous Scythian whoſe name was Anacharſis, who was then in travel: The other was called Aripithes, Prince of the Sauromates; So that, as we underſtood, theſe two Princes did render the Court more illuſtrious then ordinary. At laſt Sir, we diſcovered the Tents Royal a far off, or to phraſe it more rightly, The goodlieſt Town in the world; being moſt certain that never eye beheld one more magnificent: It was in extent above five and twenty furlongs ſquare, full of large ſtreets, of orderly erected Tents in an even proportion: The mixture of colours was judiciouſly obſerved: Purple, gilt, white and blew, were mingled in ſuch a confuſion, out of which one might find a rare regularity: Every Tent had upon the top, great boſſes of Gold or Copper, with waving flags in them: In divers places of the Town (if I may term it ſo) one might ſee ſome Pavilions, much higher then the reſt, which looked like our magnificent Temples and Pallaces in our Towns: In the midſt of all was the Pavilion of Thomiris; very remarkable for its beauty, prodigious for its largneſſe, and admirable for the Royal Enſigns which ſpired upon the top of this ſtately Tent: When we were come within fifteen or ſixteen furlongs of it, there appeared a great body of Cavalry, in the head of which was one of the moſt conſiderable men of all the Maſſagetes, who came from the Queen to receive my Maſter: for as ſoon as we were paſſed over the River Araxes, ſhe was advertiſed, that an Embaſſador from Ciaxares, called Artamenes was entred in her Dominions: So that at the name of Ciaxares, and Artamenes, ſhe ſent one of the beſt quality, waited upon by many others to receive him: The firſt complements being performed, we continued on our way, and when we came near it, we perceived this great ſquare of Tents, was incloſed with painted and guilded Railes, and guarded by Souldiers of a very handſome garb: We perceived alſo, that there was a little River, which did divide it ſelf into two arms; the one where of paſſed all along the outſide of this movable Town, and the other ran through the midſt, joyning again a little below this Town as before: We perceived that the Queens Pavilion, was in the midſt of a great quadrangle, unto which four great ſtreets did open, with guards on every ſide this Angle. In concluſion, they conducted my maſter into a very ſtately Tent, which was appointed for the Embaſſadors of all ſtrange Kings. Since the Train an Equipage of Artamenes was very great and magnificent, the people had no leſſe curioſity to guard us, then we had to behold them. For the Medean habit is much more glorious then any other part of Aſia: And Ciaxares was pleaſed that our garments ſhould be after the Medean faſhion, all imbroidered with Gold, and Artamenes with Pearl: We arived about noon time, and reſted our ſelves all the reſt of the day; It was the next morning before Thomiris admitted [Page] Audience unto my Maſter. I had forgot to tell you, that, in ſending to meet Artamenes, Thomiris ſent an Interpreter, who was well verſt in all the Aſiatique Languages: But my Maſter had no need of him, for ſhe underſtood the Aſſyrian Language, which of all others is the moſt univerſal, and which Artamenes alſo underſtood very well, becauſe it much reſembled that of Cappadocia: So that my Maſter being advertiſed that ſhe underſtood this Language, he prepared himſelf to addreſſe himſelf to her in it; although he preſented his firſt complement in the Cappadocian tongue, becauſe he would obſerve ceremonies, and render the due reſpect unto the King who ſent him. The hour of Audience being come, many of the Queens officers came to wait upon my Maſter, and conduct him unto her, where both the Princes which I named unto you, and all that had any grandure or beauty either in men or women, did rendezvouze to ſee this Embaſſador, of whom ſuch brave reports was divulged; though in that place they could not judge of his handſomneſſe. They carried us through three ſeverall chambers very richly hanged, before we came unto the place where ſhe was: But when we entered into that, I do confeſſe I was a little amazed; and I had much ado to perſwade my ſelf, but that I was rather at Babylon, at Ecbatan, at Themiſcira, at Amaſia, or at Sinope, then in a Camp of the Maſſagetes; ſuch magnificence and grandure did I behold. All the Chamber was hanged with Tyrian Purple, richly imbroidered with maſſie gold, in which was repreſented divers ſtories of their preceding Kings: There we beheld at the top of the Chamber, a hundred Lamps of gold, beſet with precious ſtones: The Queen was upon a Throne which was raiſed three ſteps higher, hung with cloth of gold, and a Canopie of the ſame, both of them adorned with maſſie gold plate: There was at the foot of the Throne, a little Rail and baliſter of gold, which did diſtinguiſh & ſeparate the Queen from all the reſt which waited upon her: All the Ladies richly dreſſed, did ſit on both ſides this Throne upon Cuſhions of purple, Laced with gold, and all the men ſtood behind them: Thomiris did wear that day a Robe and Mantle after the Egyptian mode, which ſeemed to be negligently caſt about her, yet was very Majeſtical, both of them were of gold Tiſſue, ſewed with ſilkes of divers colours: For the mourning of widows amongſt the Maſſagetes never laſt above the firſt year: her dreſſe upon her head was high behind, from whence hung down a Cypreſſe which reached down as low as the earth, and then turned up again to her ſhoulders, and there was faſtened: waving looſly with a great plume of feathers on her head. Her hair was flaxen, and half negligently looſe: her neck was ſmooth and white, half covered with a tranſparent Tiffiny, which was very ornamental unto the reſt of her habit: I forgot to tell you, that her gown was tacked up on the right ſide with a claſp of pretious ſtones, which cauſed to be ſeen that it was lined with Tigers fur, much ſpotted and admirably handſome; her Buskins were of cloth of gold, lined with the ſame fur, and tacked up by the head of a Lion, whoſe eyes were Rubies: Indeed it may well be ſaid that the dreſſe of Thomiris was an ornament unto her beauty, as her beauty was an ornament unto her dreſſe: This Princeſſe who indeed was nine and twenty years old, ſeemed not to exceed twenty: ſhe was of a good ſtature, and a little above the ordinary ſize; her garb was high, but proud withall, her eyes fair but full of fire: her colour ſo pure, ſo lively, and ſo freſh, as if ſhe were in the ſpring of youth: In a word, ſhe had a handſome mouth, white teeth fair hands good arms and a handſome plumpneſſe. I ſaw Thomiris then to be a fair Princeſſe; and my Maſter as prepoſſeſſed as he was, did afterwards confeſſe, that except Mandana (who without all queſtion was infinitely more accompliſhed) he had never ſeen a more ſprightly beauty then her. This Queen did riſe as ſoon as ſhe ſaw my Maſter, and deſcended unto the firſt ſtep of her Throne: That Rail of gold which they opened in the midſt, cauſed my Maſter to advance to the foot of the Throne, and ſetting his foot upon the firſt ſtep, and kiſſing her robe, he preſented unto her a box, all covered with Diamonds, in which the Letter from Ciaxares was incloſed: Telling her in few words, and thoſe in the Cappadocian Language, the cauſe of his Embaſſie: She anſwered him in the ſame tongue, but very little; and taking the box, ſhe gave it unto the Interpreter: After this, ſhe ſat down in her Throne, and my maſter did ſit in that place which was appointed for him on the right hand of the Throne, without the rail: You know Sir, that theſe kind of diſpatches, are only Letters of Credence, and ſerve only to authorize him who brings them: And that at the firſt Audience they never uſe to ſpeak concerning the depth of their buſineſſe. After then the Letters of Credence were read, and interpreted unto the Queen, and that every one began to ſpeak in the Language of his own Country; Artamenes much [Page] wondered to hear Thomiris ſay unto him in the Aſſyrian Tongue, I am not a little obliged unto the King of Cappadocia, for making me accquainted with a man, whoſe reputation has begot in me ſo great a curioſity: do not think (ſaid ſhe to him) but fame can fly over Araxes, and tell us of your Acts done in all places where you came: you muſt know that ſhe travels over the ſeas, and beleeve it ſhe is welcome when ſhe reports your honour, yes renouned Artamenes, (added ſhe) we knew you before we ſaw you: your name came before you, and our eſteem of you preceded your Arivall. I fear Madam (anſwered my Maſter unto her in the ſame language which ſhe ſpoke) leaſt I my ſelf ſhould deſtroy that glorious eſteem, and do but an ill office unto that Renown and Fame which flatters me, ſince perhaps you will believe it no more, and hereafter take all thoſe truths which ſhe ſhall tell you, for Lies: But Madam, although ſhe has done me this Favour, yet ſomtimes ſhe renders juſtice, therefore I moſt humbly beſeech your majeſtie, to believe her when ſhe tels you, that the Prince whom I ſerve, is one of the greateſt Kings in the world. I know very well replied Thomiris, that Ciaxares is indeed a great Prince, and that he is owner of excellent qualities; moreover I know that the Princeſſe his Daughter, is as admirable in beauty as Artamenes is in valour: And I know alſo (added ſhe) that your hand has made the greateſt part of all Aſia to tremble; and that you have won as many Battles as you have lived yeares: my Maſter was ſo much amazed and confounded to hear Thomiris ſpeak after that manner, as he could not chuſe but expreſſe his aſtoniſhment; Madam, (ſaid he to her) you do extreamly amaze me, for I do not remember that I ever ſaw any of this country of Maſſagetes, neither in the Cappadocian Court, and in the Army of Ciaxares: I cannot Imagine which way you ſhould come ſo well acquainted with any of our paſſages; yet notwithſtanding, it appears that your Majeſty is not very well informed, ſince all that glory which is attributed unto me, does all of it belong unto the King my Maſter: whoſe Armes, it is true, has been proſperous in my hands, but they have been ſo in all others as well as mine: I will not ſtand to relate all this diſcourſe, which was much longer then was accuſtomed at any firſt audience. The Queen did aſſure my maſter in his taking leave of her, that he ſhould have all the ſatisfaction concerning his voyage which could be hoped for: and that ſhe would pleaſe Ciaxares in all things which reaſon would admit her: Artamenes retired then, much ſatisfied with Thomiris, and much aſtoniſhed to find ſo neer the Scythians ſuch magnificent people, ſo civilized and full of ſpirit. We afterwards came to know, that it was the cuſtom of Thomiris to ſend out ſeverall men unto all the Courts of ſtranger Princes, who unknown, did from time to time give her an account, of all the paſſages throughout all Aſia; and moreover, it was the policy of both the Scythians and of the Maſſagetes who in that did imitate them, to make invaſions when they were leaſt thought upon, and to that end, they endeavoured to know exactly all paſſages in every nation, that thereby they might prevent themſelves from being ſurpriſed, and ſurpriſe others. In the mean time, the two ſtrange Princes who were in this Court, the one, as I have already told you, was called Indathirſes, and the other Aripithes, and who were both of them in love with Thomiris, ſeeing with what extraordinary civility, ſhe received my Maſter, came to ſee him the next morning: He returned them a viſit, a few dayes after, and found thoſe two Scythians to be very compleat men, principally Indathirſes Prince of Tauroſcithes, and nephew unto Famous Anacharſis. Aripithes alſo had ſpirit enough, but he was a little too ſuſpitious, and violent; whereas Indathirſes had a perfect reſemblance of the Aſiatique ſweetneſs, and not at all Salvage or rude: both of theſe Princes ſpoke the Aſſyrian language as well as Thomiris, ſo that they could hold diſcourſe with my Maſter, who did ſo raviſh and charm them, that they looked upon him as a God, ſo much did they admire his carrage, his manner of ſpeaking, his ſweetneſs, his handſomneſs, and his complexion. The Queen for her part, was very well ſatisfied, and uſed ſuch advantagious terms, that there was no doubt, but that my Maſter had by his Preſence, much confirmed her in that good opinion which ſhe formerly had of him; for we knew, that ſhe had given out theſe words, in ſpeaking of his handſomnes and good deportment, doubtleſs (ſaid ſhe) that people who do adore none but the Sun are leſs reaſonable then we, who are adviſed to repreſent our Gods in Figures, or do adore men; and queſtionleſs they who firſt gave that advice had ſeen ſome which reſembled Artamenes: for certainly there is ſomthing in him ſo great, and ſo divine which begets admiration and reſpect. In ſhort Sir, during the firſt dayes we had been in this Court, it may be very well ſaid, that every one was very well pleaſed: Thomiris was raviſhed to ſee Artamenes in her Court: the two Princes were extreamly glad of friendſhip with ſuch an Illuſtrious man: all the Court in [Page] generall, perceiving that the preſence of Artamenes did ſo much add unto their diverſions, rejoyced: The people who naturally love valiant men, look upon Artamenes with delight: and my Maſter himſelf, ſeeing the manner of his treatment, hoped for a good ſucceſs in his deſigne, and had no other vexation of mind, but that of abſence and his paſſion, which to ſpeak truth was very great; yet he was a little comforted with hopes of a ready and happy return; yet not to loſe time, whilſt he ſeemed to negotiate with the Queens Councell, concerning thoſe affairs which were the Colours of his voyage, to wit, the pirats upon the Caſpian Sea, the good information which had the moſt predominare ſtroke in the minde of Thomiris, to the end he might diſcover her thoughts, and ſmell whether ſhe would harken unto a marriage with Ciaxares: he learned out, that one called Teres had moſt credit with her, and therupon endeavoured to engage him as much as he could. But ſince there muſt be a time for that, therefore he was forced unto patience againſt his will; mean while, he ſaw the Queen every day, and almoſt every hour: She diſcourſed with him concerning all different wayes of making war: ſhe enquired at what manner he governed his people: ſhe would know, how he lived in his Court during times of peace, and ſhe diſcovered ſo much ſpirit, ſo much wiſdom, and ſo much delight in the company of Artamenes, that ſhe could not commend him enough: ſhe did all ſhe could poſſible, to keep him with her; for ſhe let him ſee all the magnifices of the Maſſagetes, and all their pleaſures: ſhe carried him to hunt; ſhe cauſes horſe races to be made, wherein he ſhewed his skill: ſhe ſhewed him dances after the Scythian manner, where thoſe who danced were habited like native Scythians, with rich Furs of divers ſorts; the Muſique though a little Salvage, yet was very delighting: ſhe ſhewed him combats and victories without blood; In ſhort ſhe neglected nothing that might divert him: He alſo ſaw one of their ſacrifices: He alſo had the ſatisfaction to ſee that Mitra, the god of the Perſians, though under another name, was alſo the god of the Scythians and Maſſagetes, and indeed more particularly then wee, for they never offer ſacrifices unto any but the Sun, which we do call ſo, and offer unto him none but horſes, thinking (ſay they) that it is but juſt, to ſacrifice unto the greateſt and moſt ſwift of all the Gods, the moſt noble and the moſt ſwift of all Animals. Thomiris treating my Maſter thus, he was courted by all the Court, and in all likelyhood, he would preſently be in a condition, to obtain what he could deſire. He obſerved that Thomiris, did reſent all imaginable Complacency in his company, both Chriſantes and I, ſaw that ſhe did infinitly eſteem him, but we could not foreſee that it, which in all appearace ſhould have advanced the deſignes of Artamenes, did retard them, my Maſter, ſpeaking with Teres concerning affairs which related unto the pirats on the Caſpian Sea: Teres by order from the Queen told him that he ſhould receive ſatisfaction, but yet he muſt allow her a little patience, becauſe Thomiris deſired that her ſon Spargapiſes ſhould return, before ſhe gave him an anſwer. In concluſion, after that Artamenes had prepared Teres by good conſiderable guifts, and thereby hoped he would be ſerviceable unto him; and told him that he would gladly know whether a propoſition of marriage with Ciaxares would be acceptable to her or no: my Maſter layed open unto this Prime miniſter of ſtate, the grandure of that Prince which was to be King of the Medes: the advantage and glory which would redound unto all Maſſagetes thereby; and forgot nothing that might induce this agent to approve of the motion; ſo that he being throughly perſwaded him ſelf, might more effectually move Thomiris to harken unto it. Teres did hear Artamenes very willingly, and ſeemed to aprove of the propoſition, and promiſed him to preſent it unto the Queen, with all diligence and affection poſſible. Mean while Thomiris, who yet knew nothing of the deſigne, behaved her ſelf as ſhe uſed to do, with abundance of civility unto my maſter: which began, not to be very pleaſant unto Indathirſes and Aripithes. for my part, I do confeſs, that I began to think Thomiris did bear ſo much eſteem unto Artamenes, as would quickly convert it ſelf into Affection: I perceived ſhe did commend him very often; that ſhe changed colour when he came neer her, and that her eyes alwayes followed him when he went from her: yet I did not tell my Maſter what I thought, for I believed him ſo poſſeſſed with his own paſſion, as that he would not regard it: yet Sir, this light ſuſpition was not without a good ground, for we knew preſently after that this great Queen, who never had loved any before: who was married extreamly young: who had continued a widdow fifteen years: who had refuſed all the Grandees of both Scythians: and who guarded her heart againſt the love of Indathirſes and Aripithes, who were both in love with her, and ſerved her above a year, yet could ſhe not chuſe but be ſurpriſed at the merit of Artamenes: But Sir, It is worthy of admiration to conſider by what wayes the Gods will contrive things, when it is their pleaſure, [Page] to bring [...]hem to paſſe. Although Thomiris did know of many of the famous Actions which my Maſter had performed, yet ſhe knew not all the particulars; therefore being very deſirous to know them all, ſhe was pleaſed to caſt her eyes upon me: ſo that my Maſter ſending me one day unto her, to tell of ſomething, ſhe did command me to relate all I knew concerning the glorious life of Artamenes: For my part, I did then think, that I ſhould rather have done my Maſter ſome ſervice by it, then augment the eſteem which ſhe had of him, (for I had then no ſuſpition of what I told you) therefore I related very exactly, all his combats; all his victories, and all thoſe paſſages which his generoſity had prompted him unto. How he ſaved the life of Ciaxares by expoſing his own: The Combat of the two hundred: The duel between him and Aritanus: The ſiege of Ceracea: The Battle which he won: The remarkable Arms which he had on that day, when fourty Cavaliers conſpired againſt his life: The common Arms which he took afterwards to conceal himſelf thereby, from thoſe who had orders to ſpare him: His Combat with Philidaſpes; and in general all his Gallantry during the war; but concerning his love, you may well imagine that I ſpoke not a word. She asked me, what his Quality was; and I told her that it was very noble, but that I had eſpecial order to diſcover no more. To tell you the truth Sir, I think that the reputation of Artamenes, his deportment, his garb, his handſomneſſe, and his ſpirit, had kindled love in the heart of Thomiris, and my diſcourſe did ſerve for bellows to the fire, and augmented it: It became ſo predominate that ſhe could not quench nor overcome it. I make no queſtion Sir, but you deſire to know how I came to dive ſo into the ſecret thoughts of the Queen; therefore, before that I do relate unto you ſuch things as will ſurprize you. I muſt recall into your memory, how under the Reigne of the firſt Ciaxares, father of Astyages, who now lives, the Scythians did invade all Medea, and after they had poſſeſſed it eight and twenty years they were expelled: Then Sir, in their return unto their own Countrey, they carried with them a great number of priſoners, of all ſexes, ages, and conditions. There was a man of quality amongſt the Maſſagettes, which followed the Scythians, and who was in love with one who was Aunt unto Aglatidas whom you know; and who indeed is a man of much merit: This man, in his return, carried her away with him, and when he came into his own Countrey married her. I tell you this Sir, becauſe this perſon was yet living when we came into this Court; and yet retained ſo great a love unto any thing that related unto Medea, that there was no good office which ſhe was not ready to render unto us: and Chriſantes had contracted ſuch a confidence with Gelonida, (for that was her name ſince ſhe came amongſt the Maſſagettes) that ſhe did faithfully advertiſe him of all things which came within the compaſſe of her knowledge: She being much promoted, and knowing a thouſand things which they were ignorant of in that Countrey. ſhe rated at a very high eſteem, eſpecially having married a man of very good Quality, and one of great eſteem among the people: ſo that by reaſon of theſe good Qualities, ſhe was choſen to be one that was alwayes with the Queen from her infancy, and continued ſo ſtill, when we came to the Court of Thomiris. Gelonida was doubtleſſe a woman of a good ſpirit, and much vertue, and therefore ſhe was conſtrained to tell ſome things unto Chriſantes (which you ſhall know) to the end he ſhould endeavour to free her from one miſchief, which without his aſſiſtance ſhe could not prevent. By her we came to know Sir, that Thomiris no ſooner ſaw Artamenes, but ſhe began to eſteem him, and had ſo great an inclination to love him, that it may almoſt be ſaid, ſhe loved him at the ſame inſtant in which ſhe began to eſteem him. This Princeſſe had a great ſoul, but naturally very paſſionate; ſhe looked upon nothing with the golden mediocrity; her weakeſt deſires were like determined reſolutions; and as ſhe was perſwaded that all her deſires were juſt, ſo ſhe ſubmitted her reaſon unto her will, and endeavoured every way to ſatisfie it: ſo that there needs no wonder at thoſe violences wherewith ſhe tranſacted, to compaſſe her deſires: yet notwithſtanding, when ſhe firſt perceived, that her heart began to engage it ſelf, ſhe began alſo to bid reſiſtance, but it was after ſuch a manner, as rather augmented the malady then cured it: and as the agitation of the Air, does kindle fire, and makes the flames more violent; ſo Thomiris, deſiring to quench thoſe ſparks which ſhe perceived in her ſoul, did inflame them more, and cauſed that ſmall ſpark, which at firſt had neither light nor heat in it, to flame, by that agitation which ſhe gave unto it. She endeavoured to know what it was which tormented her, and plainly found it to be love. How comes it to paſſe (ſaid ſhe to Gelonida, when ſhe could not hide her grief any longer) that the ſight of this ſtranger, does procure unto me both joy, and vexation? To me, I ſay, who have paſſed away thus much of my life, [Page] without the knowledge either of love or hatred? nor ever loved any thing but Liberty and Glory: Why am I troubled, ſaid ſhe, both when I ſee him, and when I ſee him not? If he have a pleaſant and delighting ſoul, why do I not endure his company, without penſiveneſſe? If he have not, why does his abſence trouble me? Do I not know very well, that Artamenes is to be but a while here, and that the ſame fortune which brought him hither, will preſently take him away again? But ſuppoſe it ſhould not (added ſhe) what have I to do with Artamenes? Do I not underſtand by one of his men, that he will not permit the place of his birth, and his Quality to be known? Moreover, do I not know, that though theſe arguments are very ſtrong, yet there is one moſt invincible one, againſt which there is no remedy? For ſaid ſhe, admit love to be a permitted paſſion; ſuppoſe Artamenes were a Prince, and a Prince of ſome of the Scythians, ought Thomiris to love him, ſince he loves not her? Oh no, no, Let us not ſubvert the univerſal cuſtome of the World. The Gods gave not beauty unto women to begin love, and court men: But on the contrary, It is their pleaſure, that this Ray of Divinity which in an inſtant doth what it pleaſes, and as well as the Sun doth ſhine and heat immediately, ſhould beget women Adorers whether they will or no. They did not give this rare priviledge unto our ſex that we ſhould renounce it; and beſides, who knows whether or no the heart of Artamenes be not already engaged? and who can tell whether he have not an averſion unto the Maſſagettes, who have ſo often matched with the Scythians? I ſee, ſaid ſhe, that he is very civil, and complacential: But for all that he is a ſtranger, he loves us not, and therefore we ought not to love him. Gelonida hearing her ſay ſo, would have confirmed her in her reſolution: But Thomiris fearing to be cured of that diſeaſe which brought her almoſt as much joy as ſorrow, prevented her; No, no, Mother (ſaid ſhe to her, for ſo ſhe often called her in private) ſpeak not yet, and do not move me to denie you; for though I ſay, I ought not to love Artamenes, yet I do not ſay that I do not love him: There muſt be ſome excuſable faults, and innocent errours. Love paſſeth amongſt us for a dangerous paſſion I confeſſe, but not for a criminal one: So, when I ſay that I ought not to love Artamenes; it is for my own quiet that I ſay it, and not for my glory: For I do not doubt, but if I ſhould move Artamenes to love me, and marry me, the Maſſagettes would not commend me for it; Native Scythians who hate all ſtrangers, would perhaps blame me; But the people over whom my Son is to reigne, and the Iſſedonians whoſe Kingdom is mine, they would eſteem me the more for it: Valour amongſt us is valued at a higher rate then a Crown; And if I ſhould make choiſe of the moſt valiant man in the World, I ſhould merit more honour, then if I had married the greateſt Prince upon earth: Spargapiſes would be beholding unto me for it; and if this Hero ſhould guide him in his firſt war, I ſhould not doubt of good ſucceſſe. So that Gelonida, when I love Artamenes, I am neither unjuſt nor criminal: and ſince my people hath oftentimes ſolicited me to chuſe for a husband, either the Prince of the Tauroſcithes, or the Prince of Sauromates: I may eaſily imagine, they will have leſſe averſion unto Artamenes, ſince they do look upon him with ſo much eſteem: But Gelonida, the main matter is, that Artamenes does not love me, nor knows that I love him; But perhaps his affection is ſetled ſomewhere elſe. As for the firſt of theſe (ſaid ſhe) he does no injury unto that mean beauty, with which they flatter me up; for though it ſhould be ſo, that it does not wound him, as doubtleſſe he does not think that I ought to accept of his affection, he would eaſily reſiſt ſuch weak thoughts, and vanquiſh them. But alas, if the ignorance wherein he is, of that which my heart apprehends of him, does hinder me from making any progreſſe in his affection, he would perhaps paſſe from a light diſpoſition to love me, into a ſtrong inclination to hate and deſpiſe me, if I ſhould make it known unto him: I would perhaps then think, that a wilde paſſion would be miſtreſſe of his reaſon, and Thomiris who does prefer his courage, his minde, and his vertues before the charmes of his perſon, would be ſuſpected of a diſhonourable weakneſſe: Alas (ſaid ſhe) into what a condition am I reduced? If Artamenes do not know that I can love him, or to ſpeak truth, that I do love him; he can never love me; and if he ſhould know it, he will never eſteem me: If it be ſo that his heart be already engaged, what would I have him do? or what can I deſire of him? No, no, (ſaid ſhe upon a ſudden) I muſt cure this diſeaſe which thus torments, how bitter ſoever the remedy be; I muſt diſmiſſe this dangerous Embaſſadour, whom I deſire might never depart from hence; I muſt, I ought, and I will do ſo; but yet I know not whether can or not. In concluſion Sir, after a moſt violent agitation, and a ſtrong conteſt with her ſelf, ſhe retired without any power what to reſolve upon: And here admire, I beſeech you, [Page] the fantaſticall humour of love, and fortune when they joyn together to perſecute any one. My Maſter unto whom the remembrance of Mandana, gave reſtleſſe thoughts, and unto whom, the impatient deſires to return would not allow a minuites reſt, did preſſe on Teres to ſpeak unto the Queen, and to induce the Queen to give him a more favourable Anſwer; He viſited her oftner then ordinary, and ſpoke unto her a long time together: Yet he could not ſo abſolutely contain himſelf, but that his melancholy would be predominate, and he oftentimes ſighed in ſpeaking to Thomiris, ſeeming as if ſomething did diſturb his minde: he did ſometimes in thinking upon Mandanas, examine the beauty of Thomiris, and very ſeriouſly fix his looks upon her face and eyes. This Princeſſe is fair indeed (would he ſay ſometimes to himſelf when he looked upon her) but my Princeſſe is infinitely above her. I do not diſcover in this, that charming modeſty and incomparable ſweetneſſe, which is the ſoul of beauty: Indeed Thomiris (ſaid he ſighing) is not Mandana, and I look upon her beauty with indifferency, but upon the other with adoration. Mean while Sir, the Queen of Maſſagettes, who underſtood not this mute language, nor could rightly interpret the looks and ſighes of Artamenes, did think, that perhaps he might love her, and durſt not tell it; and this conceit did puff her up into abundance of joy, and yet it was not a joy that was full of tranquillity: for (ſaid ſhe) peradventure the cauſe of theſe ſighes is from Themiſcira, though he be here amongſt the Maſſagettes, yet (added ſhe) it may be, that I am the cauſe of his ſorrow, as well as he is of mine, for indeed though I will not beleeve my Glaſſe, leſt it ſhould flatter me, yet the paſſions of Indathirſes and Aripithes do perſwade me to think, that it is not abſolutely impoſſible to find ſome beauty in Thomiris: Let us hope then (ſaid ſhe) and endeavour to undeceive our ſelves in the interpretation of a thing which ſo much concerns us. As ſhe was in theſe thoughts, Teres according to his promiſe unto my Maſter, came to propound unto her a marriage with Ciaxares; and ſince he did not at the firſt tell her directly the buſineſſe, but oftentimes named Artamenes, this Princeſſe did not very well underſtand what he did mean, though ſhe knew very well what ſhe deſired he ſhould ſay: But at the laſt he told her, that the buſineſſe of Pirates which was ſo much ſpoken of, was onely the pretence of Artamenes his Embaſſie, but that his right buſineſſe was to move her unto a marriage with Ciaxares King of Cappadocia, and Galatia, and who hereafter was to be King of the Medes alſo. Thomiris was much ſurprized at this diſcourſe, yet notwithſtanding, ſince ſhe had no minde to diſcover the diſquiets of her minde unto Teres, although he was in great favour with her; ſhe onely told him, that ſhe was much engaged unto Ciaxares, but that this was a buſineſſe which could not be haſtily reſolved upon: therefore, that ſhe might have the more time to conſider of her beſt courſe, ſhe bad him tell Artamenes, that he had not yet moved the matter unto her; and deſired Teres to prolong the buſineſſe as much as he could. Teres promiſed the Queen, that he would do as ſhe commanded: But the liberality of Artamenes had ſo wrought upon the ſpirits of Teres, that he told unto my Maſter the Queens true Anſwer, giving him much hopes of his Negotiation; becauſe (ſaid he) if ſhe had diſapproved of it, ſhe would have refuſed it at the firſt. This hope gave much ſatisfaction unto Artamenes, ſo that he was more frequent in his viſits, and obſerved ſome alteration in her minde: For Sir, this propoſition of marriage did move in her ſuch cruel vexations of ſoul, as ſhe almoſt loſt her reaſon. Let us doubt no longer (ſaid ſhe unto Gelonida) of Artamenes his indifferency towards us after ſuch a propoſition as this: We are ſo certain of it, that if he had told us from his own mouth, he loved us not, we could not have been more ſure. But it may be alſo (ſaid ſhe) that he obeys his Maſter againſt his will; and this melancholy which I diſcover in him, may proceed from hence, that he is conſtrained to ſpeak for another, when he would ſpeak for himſelf. This Princeſſe continued not long in one thought, but contradicted her ſelf a hundred times in one day, yet which way ſoever ſhe turned it, ſhe ever loved Artamenes: She fancied, that if ſhe could marry him, ſhe would make the name of Maſſagettes ſound thorowout the World; ſo that Ambition joyning it ſelf with love, would never ſuffer her to be at reſt. Mean while my Maſter, who was ignorant of her true thoughts, lived at his uſual rate of melancholy. But that there might want nothing to compleat the ſum of his misfortunes, it happened that Indathirſes and Aripithes, who were both of them men of high ſouls, and both in love, were very prying into the Aſſiduity of Artamenes with Thomiris. They obſerved alſo, that the Queen was much perplexed more then uſual; and that alwayes when Artamenes came to her, there did appear more joy in her countenance, then ſhe uſed to expreſſe unto any elſe. In concluſion Sir, theſe [Page] two Princes, who when we came firſt to this Court, were jealous one of another, although the Queen did treat them both alike with equall indifferency, did now ceaſe their ſuſpitious thoughts one of another, and converted their jealouſies, their animoſities, and ſuſpitions which were between them into hatred of my Maſter; they contracted between themſelves a kind of confidence and friendſhip: and my maſter cauſed that which perhaps never was ſeen before, two rivals hold good correſpondency together: They could not ſee any important cauſe why Artamenes ſhould ſtay long there: and the inſenſibility of the Queen towards them, cauſed them to think, that the inclination which ſhe ſeemed to have unto Artamenes, did not ariſe without his contributing ſomething towards it. At laſt they believed that Artamenes loved Thomiris, and Thomiris did not hate him: They diſcourſed together, as of a thing which did equally concern them both, and ſeemed to be firm friends. Shall we endure this affront (ſaid Aripithes) from this ſtranger? Muſt we ſuffer him in the face of all the Maſſagetes to obtain that in a few dayes, which we with all our cares and ſervices cannot obtain in a whole year? I know very well ſaid Indathirſes, that he is infinitely handſome, and extreamly amiable; but that which perhaps may excuſe Thomiris, will not juſtifie him, who ought not to exceed the quality of an Embaſſador. All this while Sir, they were agreed concerning my Maſters crime, but they could not concur in the way of puniſhment; for they being too gallant to think upon any baſe way of revenge: And to fight with an Embaſſador, was the way to cauſe Thomiris to baniſh them both, who doubtleſſe would not ſuffer the Law of Nations to be violated upon the perſon of Artamenes; and alſo by that courſe they ſhould expoſe themſelves unto a Forraign war; So that they had much ado to reſolve upon it: neither could they agree which of them two ſhould take this enterpriſe in hand, which was no leſſe difficult then glorious. Indathirſes ſaid it belonged unto him; Aripithes ſaid he had as much right unto it as Indathirſes; and it may very well be ſaid, that they knew not how nor when, nor why they ſhould revenge themſelves upon a Rival whom they could not deſtroy without deſtroying all their hopes of Thomiris. This was therefore their principal reaſon why they deferred their revenge, and moved them to obſerve more narrowly the actions of Artamenes and Thomiris. They conſented to render an account one to another of all they could learn out, and to tranſact joyntly, how to rid themſelves of ſuch a dangerous enemy. Certainly it were very good ſport to ſee Thomiris, Artamenes, Indathirſes, and Aripithes all together: For Thomiris thought of nothing but how to make Artamenes love her. Artamenes thought neither of Thomiris, Indathirſes, nor Aripithes, but diſpoſed of all his thoughts upon Mandana. Indathirſes and Aripithes forgot their jealouſies one of another, and thought upon nothing but Artamenes and Thomiris. Mean while my Maſter, who thought every minute an age, did preſſe Teres for the Queens anſwer: And the Queen ſeeing herſelf importun'd, aſſured Teres that Artamenes ſhould be ſatisfied within theſe three dayes: To repreſent unto you Sir, the turbulent agitations in the mind of Thomiris, during this time, would be a piece of difficulty. It will be ſufficient that I tell you, that this Princeſſe being very glorious, had much ado to permit her proud and lofty ſoul, abſolutely to command Gelonida, to ask Chriſantes whom ſhe obſerved often with her, whether Artamenes would be content to accept of that which he demanded for Ciaxares. Gelonida then did endeavour to qualifie the mind of Thomiris; and moved her to prefer the King before the Embaſſador: but Thomiris anſwered her, that ſhe preferred the vertue of Artamenes before all the Crowns upon earth: yet Gelonida (ſaid ſhe to her) I would have you carry the buſineſſe ſo, that Artamenes ſhould know I love him, and not eſteem me the leſſe for it: and order the matter ſo as my paſſion for Artamenes may be ſatisfied, with directly ſtifling my paſſion which I have unto honour. Though Gelonida was much diſpleaſed with this commiſſion, yet ſhe aſſured the Queen, ſince nothing could change her mind, to obey her with all fidelity; and ſhe did promiſe it the more ſeriouſly, becauſe ſhe feared that Thomiris could not truſt this ſecret unto any other, who would manage it better then her ſelf. The hopes which Gelonida would have had of returning into her own Country, if the Queen had married Ciaxares, moved her to be very ſorry for that paſſion which Thomiris bore unto Artamenes. Moreover, ſhe could not imagine that my Maſter could refuſe that honour which was offered unto him; and ſhe did foreſee, that if he accepted of it, it muſt needs produce a war between Thomiris and Ciaxares. Yet ſhe reſolved to ſpeak, and that quickly, for elſe the Queen would never be at reſt: having then found Chriſantes, ſhe reſolved to tell him the whole truth, and after that to tell him, that if he loved Artamenes, he would hinder him from [Page] accepting this honour which Thomiris offered him; becauſe elſe in all likelihood, he would betray his maſter unprofitably, and never enjoy any quietneſſe. Chriſantes, much amazed at Gelonidas diſcourſe, as ſoon as his wonder was a little over, aſſured her, that ſhe needed not to fear it: and that Artamenes would never accept of it: but ſince he would not give her any more direct anſwer, untill his maſter knew it, he asked her a little more time before he would abſolutely reſolve her: he went immediately unto him in his Tent, where finding only me with him; Sir, (ſaid he to him) I believe you cannot gueſſe what ill fortune I have to tell you, and to what a proof your conſtancy is put unto: Fortune Chriſantes (ſaid he to him) is it not very rigorous, when ſhe ſends us only ſuch evils as we did foreſee, but when her malice is extream, ſhe will fatally ſurprize, and overload thoſe whom ſhe intends to deſtroy: yet notwithſtanding (ſaid he) I cannot imagine, what it ſhould be that is ſo very averſe in this Court, unleſſe by misfortune it be, that Thomiris has ſome ſecret averſion to me, which cauſes her not to anſwer Ciaxares more favourably, ſo that I ſhall be compelled to return without doing any thing. Sir, (replied Chriſantes) this laſt thing may perhaps fall out ſo, but it will be by a quite contrary reaſon to what you ſay; I underſtand you not (replied Artamenes) you will perhaps underſtand me better (ſaid Chriſantes to him) when I ſhall tell you that Thomiris loves you; and loves you ſo much as ſhe offers you that which ſhe refuſes Ciaxares. My Maſter cried out at this report of Chriſantes, and it was a good while before he could believe it: No, no, (ſaid he to him) Gelonida, has either loſt her reaſon, or elſe yours is not in its right place. Thomiris who has reguarded the paſſions of Indathirſes and Aripithes, with ſuch cold indifferency for above a whole year, cannot poſſibly love Artamenes: Artamenes (I ſay) who loves not her, nor has neither ſaid nor done any thing which might make her think I did; who on the contrary has moved her to Marry the King who ſent him; and who can ſeem no more then a common Embaſſador in her eyes: So that Chriſantes you are either not the ſame you uſe to be, or elſe Gelonida has deceived you. Sir, (ſaid Chriſantes to him) there is no alteration in my mind, nor has Gelonida deceived me; for ſhe ſpoke unto me with great gravity and wiſdom: therefore I beſeech you give me your anſwer, for ſhe allowed me but until to morrow to return it unto her: Artamenes ſeemed ſo confounded to hear Chriſantes ſpeak in that manner, that it was eaſie to ſee, he had much ado to believe him: yet calling unto his memory many paſſages which he both ſaw and underſtood; and which he regarded not before, he no longer doubted the truth of what Chriſantes told him. I could have been well contented, if it had been in his power that Chriſantes and I had never known it: and his ſoul was in all things ſo generous, that he would have been well pleaſed to bear all the burthen of his cares himſelf, and have concealed them from us if it had been poſſible: But he could not do it, therefore he began to comfort himſelf with us, in multiplying his misfortunes: Had ever any man (ſaid he) ſuch fortune as I? when I began to love divine Mandana, was it not to be thought that ſuch a ſweet and bitter humor might move her to compaſſion, and to be tenderly ſenſible of it; yet, as many acts as I have performed; as many ſervices as I have done her; as much pains as I have took; as many thouſand unprofitable ſighes as I have breathed; as many tears as I have ſhed, yet all theſe could not mollifie her ſoul: It may very well be ſaid, that if I were not dead, or at leaſt ſhe thought me ſo: Mandana, the fair Mandana, would never have afforded me the leaſt teſtimony of her affection. And yet for all this ſhe reſolved to baniſh me, and that for ever, when I came hither. But alas, the misfortune which perſecuted me in Cappadocia, has not followed me hither amongſt the Maſſagetes in the like manner, but quite contrary, ſince a Queen who ſeems to be fierce, and proud, loves him who cares not for her; offers him a heart which was never asked, and would conſent unto that of her own motion, which ſhe might without injuſtice refuſe if it were asked: No, no, ſaid he to us, this perverſe accident, is neither an effect of my merit, nor the imbecility of Thomiris: It is only my mistortune, and my averſe deſtiny which would puniſh me as well by a refuſal of good things, as by thoſe which they never afforded me. Do not think divine Mandana, (ſaid he) that the ſorrows which I am ſenſible of are any effects of my refuſing a great and a fair Queen; No divine Princeſſe, I have no ſuch thoughts; My heart does too dearly preſerve the image of your Angelique beauty, to be ever moved by hers or any elſe: But I do confeſſe this perverſe accident does much diſpleaſe me; And if it were in my choice, I had rather fight two Battles, then to be put upon ſuch a neceſſity, as to make a glorious and a proud Princeſſe bluſh for ſhame and confuſion Tell then Gelonida (ſaid he to Chriſantes) that I would not believe what you told me; but that though you had perſwaded [Page] me to beleeve it, yet it had been to no purpoſe, ſince the fidelity which I owe unto the King whom I ſerve, will not permit me to accept of ſuch an honour: yet Chriſantes (ſaid he) forget not to tell Gelonida, that I gave no credit unto your words; and leave an handſom way open for Thomiris, to repent her ſelf of her firſt thoughts: which perhaps ſhe has already condemned in her ſelf. Thus Sir, did my Maſter ſay unto Chriſantes, who went immediatly unto Gelonida; and ſhe as ſoon to give an account of the anſwer, unto the Queen: But alas, this anſwer produced effects, contrary to the hopes and expectation of Artamenes; and Thomiris would not make uſe of this honeſt way to correct her firſt thoughts by her ſecond: but on the contrary it did exaſperate the mind of this Queen in lieu of appeaſing it, and this lofty Soul thought ſhe was now doubly obliged to overcome him which reſiſted her: No no, Gelonida (ſaid ſhe unto this Ladie, after ſhe had delivered the anſwer of Chriſantes) Artamenes is not ſo hard to be perſwaded as he ſeems, and perhaps he is but too well perſwaded of my honour, to compas my deſigne: This is not a buſineſſe wherin any falſneſſe can be ſuſpected, for where a Princeſſe wooes, and is the firſt which ſpeaks of love, there cannot be any doubt of it. From hence it muſt be concluded, that Artamenes who ſeems not to credit, what is told him, would either be told of it often, or elſe he would never have it ſpoke on againe; which of theſe two ſoever it be, Thomiris is not ſatisfied, unleſs it be ſo, that Artamenes thinks it to be a becoming modeſtie, and will not at the firſt anſwer unto a propoſition, which is ſo advantagious for him. But however Gelonida, I muſt at the leaſt know the heart of Artamenes, though I cannot obtaine it: And I muſt ſpeak unto him, in ſuch a manner as he cannot diſguiſe himſelf though he were as ſubtle as any Grecian: muſt you ſpeak Madam? replied Gelonida; Alas, I beſeech you, be not too haſtie in ſuch an unuſuall way, leaſt you ſhould afterwards repent it: Conſult a little better, before you reſolve it, and do not blindly follow a paſſion which will draw you into too much inconveniency, if you take not heed. No Gelonida, replied Thomiris, that paſſion which poſſeſſeth me, ſhall not cauſe me to commit a fault: but know, that at this time I do prefer the ſincerity of the Scythians my neighbours, before that handſomneſſe of Ecbatan, whereof you ſpeak ſo much: That vertue which cauſeth us to diſguiſe our thoughts, and hide that which is in the ſoule, is not the cuſtom of the Maſſagets. Amongſt you it is no matter if a woman do love, ſo ſhe do not expreſſe it: whereas amongſt us we uſe to baniſh the moſt tender thoughts out of our hearts, if we do not find them juſt. And ſo I do aſſure you, that if I could think it a crime to love ſuch an Illuſtrious man as Artamenes, I would contend with my paſſion in lieu of concealing it. But on the contrary, I do not at all hold it diſhonorable or unworthy, to affect that man whom I think worthy to command all others: I cannot ſee that there is any ſuch great myſtery in the matter as you imagine, ſince there is none but crimes which we ought to Cover and Conceal. But Madam (replied Gelonida ſuppoſe Artamenes ſhould not give ſuch an anſwer as you deſire, and as I believe he will not, would you not repent of your ſpeaking to him? I know not what I may do, (anſwered Thomiris very angrily) but I know for the preſent that I will be better ſatisfied of Artamenes his true thoughts. Good heavens Madam (ſaid Gelonida) are you not afraid to ruine that which you would promote? I do fear every thing (anſwered Thomiris) But what would you have me do? I am no more a Miſtreſs of my own will, and I do no more then what pleaſeth that paſſion which poſſeſſeth me; and becauſe I believe it juſt, I have ſubmitted my ſelf unto it. Thoniris ſpoke many other things which diſcovered the diſturbance and irregularity of her paſſionate mind: ſhe could not endure the converſation of Indathirſes and Arapithes: She thought upon nothing but Artamenes: and becauſe it was indeed the vertue of my Maſter which had ſuch a powerfull influence upon her heart, ſhe beleeved that all the effects of ſo noble a cauſe and ſo pure, were all innocent. Mean while, Artamenes was not a little perplexed with a fear to ſee Thomiris after this propoſition which had been made unto him: and the Queen for her part, ſhe knew not very well how to endure the looks of Artamenes, notwithſtanding her ſeeming reſolutions. This violent paſſion which poſſeſſed her being more predominate then her modeſty cauſed her, not to ſtay long without the ſight of the object of her affection. My Maſter, not daring to omit any part of his duty, went unto her at the uſuall howr; & as illuck would have it, found none with her bur her women, who were no hinderance unto private diſcourſe, becauſe they ſtood far off at the other end of the Room. Artamenes then, ſaluting her with a moſt humble reverence; and not daring almoſt to look upon her, leſt he ſhould put her to the bluſh, did ſpeak unto her concerning things far off that buſineſſe: But as Thomiris, [Page] retained nothing in her minde but it, ſo ſhe turned all unto her own deſigne, and were the diſcourſe never ſo far off the matter, yet ſhe did handſomely draw the ſence of it unto her own ends. After ſhe had rendred the like ſalute unto Artamenes, with as much confuſion as he; and after the firſt complements, he began to diſcourſe of the beauty of the Country of Maſſagettes, and its vaſtneſſe: It is true (anſwered ſhe unto him) our Country is not very contemptible, yet I cannot be perſwaded, but you prefer Cappadocia before it; and perhaps (ſaid ſhe bluſhing) you had rather obey there, then Command here. Doubtleſſe (replied Artamenes) it is but juſt ſo to do; for Madam, neceſſity does impoſe it upon me, to obey in Cappadocia, although I am not born a ſubject unto Ciaxares; nor can I ever have any right to command among the Maſſagettes; unleſſe (ſaid he ſmiling) the King my Maſter do ſend me to make War upon them, which your Majeſtie knows very well how to prevent. You know, ſaid ſhe to him, that Crowns are obtained more ways then one. There are Kings elective, as well as there are Kings by conqueſt: and who told you, that without fighting you could not Reign here, or at leaſt over the Iſſedonians? Reaſon Madam, told me, (replied Artamenes) knowing very well, that the Crown of the Iſſedonians is not elective: and alſo knowing moſt certainly, that your people are ſo well contented with your Government, that they will never change you. No Madam, I am not ſo meanly verſed in the ſeveral Cuſtoms of People, but that I know, that the Spartan Cuſtoms and the Maſſagettes are not alike, and that it is not here, as where the Kings are elective: But it is you Madam (ſaid he unto her, and would not give her time to anſwer) who may get ſeveral Crowns without fighting: and your vertue hath procured you ſo many Royal Adorers, as I may well ſay, you may chuſe Scepters and Crowns, when, and where you pleaſe: and although thoſe which you have of your own already be very illuſtrious, yet beleeve it Madam, there are others alſo which are not unworthy of you. For my part, (replied the Queen) I am partly of your mind in one thing; for as you had rather obey in Cappadocia, then reign here; ſo had I rather obey here then reign in Cappadocia. Perhaps Madam, replied my Maſter, you would not ſay ſo of Medea, if you were there; and the ſtately pallaces of Ecbatan, are if I be not deceived, to be preferred before your magnificent Tents: No Artamenes, replied ſhe, all the magnificence of Ecbatan moves not my minde: I ſeek for ſolid vertues, and not ſplendent Thrones; and I know you are too full of reaſon, not to be of my opinion: alſo I am perſwaded, that although we have no Pallaces nor Towns, yet if you did finde amongſt us a Princeſſe which were moſt illuſtrious in every thing, you would prefer her before her that ſits upon the Throne of Aſſyria. Doubtleſſe I know Madam, anſwered Artamenes, that I ſhould more eſteem ſuch a one in a priſon, then many others which wore Crowns: But Madam, when I ſpeak unto you of the Throne of Medea, I am not put to that trouble, ſince the Prince who muſt ſit upon it, is one that is owner of all great Vertues, and good Qualities: He knew better how to make his choiſe (anſwered Thomiris) when he committed the command of his Armes unto you: But I doubt whether he was ſo judicious, in employing an illuſtrious Conquerour to be an Embaſſadour, ſince in my opinion they are different Qualities. If fidelity (anſwered Artamenes much non-pluſt) be one of the moſt eſſential parts of this kinde of employment: I can aſſure your Majeſty, that I have as much of it as I have of Courage; and if I prove not ſo happy in this my negotiation, as I have been in War, it ſhall be becauſe Madam, your Majeſty would not have it ſo, but not my fault: No Madam, I will omit no endeavors which may conduce to the ſatisfaction of that King who ſent me; and if I cannot obtain it, then I muſt return back with much ſorrow, but I will carry nothing with me which may tax either my fidelity, or my diligence. You have not yet told me (replied Thomiris in much turbulency) the true Negotiation about which you came unto this Court; and had not Teres acquainted me, I had not known it. That which you impute unto me as a crime (anſwered my Maſter) is indeed, out of my reſpect, and if I ſay as much, as the handſomeſt expedient; for Madam, I did not think it fit to expoſe the honour of that Prince whom I ſerve, unto any diſgrace, nor expoſe your Majeſty unto the open refuſal of a great King, if the propoſition did not pleaſe you; yet notwithſtanding I hope for better ſucceſſe; and notwithſtanding all that hath been told me, to be as happy in my Negotiation, as I have been in War. No Artamenes, deceive not your ſelf, (anſwered the Queen) that which you have propoſed unto me, will not take effect, and you your ſelf are an invincible hindrance unto it. I, Madam, (anſwered my Maſter.) Yes, you (anſwered Thomiris) and therefore complain not, if Ciaxares receive no ſatiſfaction from me. I do confeſſe Madam, (anſwered Artamenes) I do not underſtand you, [Page] You underſtand me well enough Artamenes (anſwered ſhe in a faint voice, and dejecting her eyes) but it's I that does not underſtand you. You may underſtand me Madam when you pleaſe, replied my Maſter, and if I have been ill interpreted, I ſhall be moſt ready to cleer all your doubts and juſtifie my ſelf. Your crime (anſwered Thomiris) is of ſuch a quality, as I cannot accuſe you, but I muſt accuſe my ſelf, which is not an eaſie matter for me to do. As I am very confident of my own innocency (replied Artamenes) ſo I do not doubt of yours; nor can I ſuſpect a great Queen, of the leaſt errour. No Artamenes (ſaid ſhe and covering her eyes with her hand) I do not erre, when I think you worthy of a Crown. Alas Madam, (cried out my Maſter) doubtleſſe I am not rightly underſtood; and leſt I ſhould neglect that reverence which I do owe you. I think it is my beſt not to anſwer you. You ſhall anſwer me enough, in not anſwering me at all, replied the Queen, and I ſhall not need any long diſcourſe to underſtand you. But Madam (ſaid Artamenes then) ſince what your Majeſty tels me is true, I have no other buſineſſe, but to take my leave of you and return to Themiſcira, that I may no longer keep one of the greateſt Kings upon earth in a fruitleſſe hope. This laſt diſcourſe which my Maſter had premeditated to puzzle the Queen, did much ſurprize her, and put her unto ſuch a non-plus, that ſhe knew not what to anſwer; for ſhe thought that by leaving no hopes in Artamenes to promote the intereſt of Ciaxares, ſhe ſhould perſwade him, that ſhe loved him; but perceiving this courſe did produce ſo bad an effect, and that this reſolute anſwer took from her all pretence of ſtaying him, ſhe repented of what ſhe had ſaid, though ſhe knew not how to remedy it; ſhe was upon the very point of more openly diſcovering her paſſion unto him; Love and Modeſty did much contend which ſhould open, which ſhould ſhut her mouth; ſhe would ſpeak, and ſhe would be ſilent; ſhe would oftentimes change colour and look upon my Maſter, then upon a ſudden withdraw her looks, and deject her eyes, and all this with ſuch violent agitation, and turbulent irreſolution, as cauſed abundance of perplexity in my Maſter, whom this croſſe adventure made even deſperate: But in concluſion, Thomiris not being able to ſpeak down right of her paſſion unto Artamenes; and not being willing that he ſhould depart, did turn the matter another way, ſo that beginning to ſpeak again, It is not now Artamenes (ſaid ſhe to him) that you ſhall receive your Anſwer, but ſince you ſpoke unto me by Teres, it is by him I will return you an Anſwer: Mean while, we will not yet reſolve upon any thing: A minuit cannot make us alter our firmeſt reſolves. Perhaps you will deſire nothing to morrow but what you deſire now; and perhaps, I my ſelf alſo, ſhall not wiſh for any thing but what I wiſh at preſent, though I am fully perſwaded, that what I ſhall deſire is equally innocent and glorious. As they were upon theſe termes, Indathirſes and Aripithes, who ſince their jealouſie of my Maſter, became inſeparable Companions, came in, and interrupted the diſcourſe: Theſe two Princes did very eaſily obſerve a great agitation in the mind of Thomiris, and ſaw ſome ſigne of diſorder in the face of Artamenes, which they imagined was cauſed by their anger to be interrupted in their pleaſing diſcourſe, but which indeed was quite contrary. Theſe jealous Princes ſpoke little; Artamenes for his part ſaid not much: Thomiris was reſtleſſe in her mind, that not being able to endure the preſence of theſe two Princes, who loved her, and could not love them, and the delighting, and therefore cruel ſight of Artamenes, whom ſhe loved, but who loved not her, troubling her, ſhe took leave of them all; and at the ſame time quitted her ſelf of the objects of her indifferencie, and of her love. After the Queen was gone, Artamenes went out alſo with the two Princes; and ſince he was much pleaſed with Indathirſes, whom he ſuſpected not of any ſuch thoughts as he brought with him, he left them not ſo ſoon: They whoſe minds were only to diſcover his intentions, and being glad of this opportunity, propounded it unto him to walk out together: During this walk, they put a hundred odd froward queſtions unto him concerning the time he was to ſtay in this Court, unto which he anſwered very innocently: So that ſometimes he did confirm their jealouſies, ſometimes he would leſſen them, but yet commonly they rather augmented, then diminiſhed. Doubtleſſe (ſaid Indathirſes to him) It is a buſineſſe of ſome great importance, which detains you thus long in this Court, and which moved the King of Cappadocia to imploy a man of your Quality unto the Queen. My Maſter, thinking to do them a pleaſure in ſpeaking advantagiouſly concerning Thomiris, did anſwer Indathirſes in ſuch a manner as moved reſentment quite oppoſite to joy: The Queen (replied he) is a Princeſs ſo illuſtrious, that though the Negotiation were not or any great importance, yet the King whom I ſerve would ſend none unto her but a Perſon of great Quality, and if he failed in any thing, it was in that he did not make [Page] choice of one more worthy then my ſelf, to treat with ſo great a Princeſſe. I do believe (anſwered Aripithes) that he could not have found out one who had been more welcom to her; But that which moſt wonders me, added he, is to ſee the Queen treat you as ſhe does, & yet diſpatch you no ſooner: Affairs are never diſpatched in ſuch haſte, replied my Maſter, unleſſe they be ſuch as concern open wars: Thoſe which you negociate, anſwered Indathirſes, I do believe are not of that nature, I ſhould rather think them matters of love; ſince the King whom you ſerve is not married, having only one daughter unmarried alſo, and this Queen a widow; and the young King her ſon being alſo a great Prince, it is not impoſſible but love may be the ſubject of this ſo ſecret employment. No Aripithes (replied he interrupting him) it cannot be as you ſay, for the marriages of Kings and their loves are never concealed; I rather ſuſpect ſomething elſe: you may very well think (ſaid Artamenes half ſmiling) that if I had any ſuch ſecret orders, I ought not to tell you nor ſhew you my inſtructions; but I muſt leave you the liberty of your own thoughts, and give you leave to divert your ſelves in reaſoning upon ſuch a buſineſſe as I muſt never tell you: I do not think, (ſaid Indathirſes then) that your buſineſſe is matters of war, for the moſt ſecret things of that nature would quickly be divulged: But if I be not much deceived, our impaciency to know your buſineſſe is not greater then yours, to know the end of your negotiation: For the Court of Thomiris, though it be very glorious to us Scythians who are declared enemies to all magnificence; yet it is not ſo to you, who has ſeen the Court of Medea, and live in that of Cappadocia, which is not inferiour in all gallantry and pomp. My Maſter thinking he had done them a great piece of civility, did augme [...] their jealouſie, when he told them thus: I do confeſſe that Cappadocia has moſt attractive charms in it; and I do confeſſe alſo that any free and reaſonable ſoul muſt needs find very great ones in this Court of Thomiris: and though in lieu of being in a pleaſant, ſuch as hers is, ſhe ſhould reign over that people who live under the mountain Imaus, amongſt the Rockes and Precipices, yet ſhe alone were enough to make the place moſt pleaſant where ere ſhe were; and would doubtleſſe ſo charm Embaſſadors to wait long upon her, that they would make no haſte away from her. Since we are ſtrangers as well as you are, replied Indathirſes, it is not fit for us to comment upon thoſe commendations which you beſtow upon the Country of the Maſſagetes: and as for the Queen (added Aripithes) it belongs not to us to tell her what you ſay advantagiouſly of her, it being very probable, that you being facetious as you are, you have found out wayes to acquaint her with your good opinion of her. She is one, replied Artamenes, who muſt not be commended to her face; it is no leſſe injurious to take too much liberty in commending a great Queen, then it is ſcandal unto one of a mean condition: But as for Thomiris (ſaid he to them) there is no need to tell her ſhe is infinitely deſerving, and by conſequence infinitely eſteemed, ſince it is not poſſible ſhe can be ignorant of thoſe admirable qualities wherein ſhe is ſo tranſcendent. You may imagine Sir, how theſe two Rivals were ſtung at what my Maſter ſaid: Sometimes they would whiſper together, and ſometimes they would look upon Artamenes, and ſeek for that in his eyes, which they plainly ſaw in his words: As for his part, his ſpirits were ſo poſſeſſed with paſſion, and angered at this vexatious adventure wherein he was entangled, that he minded neither the diſcourſe nor actions of theſe two Princes, as we underſtood by him which waited upon them, who told it afterwards unto Chriſantes: But in concluſion Sir, Artamenes being impatient to be alone, that he might have liberty to digeſt his thoughts, did end the walk, and parted from theſe two Princes, who left him with a colder complement, then they accoſted him. We underſtood afterwards, that as ſoon as my Maſter was parted from them, they began to deſcant upon that turbulency which they obſerved in the Queens face: upon the penſiveneſſe which appeared in the eyes of their ſuppoſed Rival, when they came firſt in, and upon every word he had ſpoke unto them whileſt they were walking: But the reſult of all their arguments was, that they concluded he loved Thomiris, and Thomiris did not hate him: and in concluſion, did both think and ſpeak, as much as moſt violent jealouſie could prompt them unto. My Maſter, for his part, had not too much tranquillity, and the Queen was moſt of all perplexed: Inſomuch as ſhe was ſorry to ſee her ſelf in a manner, exceed the modeſty of her ſex: that which moſt vexed her was, to ſee her folly did not thrive: it grieved her to the heart, that neither her beauty nor her quality could move the heart of Artamenes: This moved her abſolutely to command Gelonida, to ſpeak her ſelf unto my Maſter; and pump his thoughts to the bottom of his heart: Gelonida denied a command that had ſo little reaſon in it, but Thomiris would without more contradiction be punctually [Page] obeyed: Gelonida, ſince there was no remedy, ſpoke her ſelf unto Artamenes, after ſhe had prepared his mind a little, by the aſſiſtance of Chriſantes: But the truth was, her buſineſſe was rather to help him out with a handſome pretence to refuſe the Queen, then any perſwaſion of him to her: for ſince this Lady was ſo affectionately tied unto the intereſt of Ciaxares, and conceiving that the Queen made a choice below her quality in thinking upon Artamenes; ſhe carried the buſineſſe after ſuch a manner, as did little leſſe intangle my Maſter, then if ſhe had driven on the deſign which Thomiris deſired her: Certainly he never met with a more peeviſh piece of buſineſſe: He prayed Gelonida a hundred times over, to perſwade the Queen that he eſteemed her as much as mortal man could do: But although he were extreamly in love with her, yet would he never falſifie that fidelity and reverence which he owed the King of Cappadocia. Indeed Sir, he ſaid as much unto her, as any man of the ſweeteſt and nobleſt mind could do, to conceal the ſhame and confuſion of ſo great and fair a Queen: Gelonida and he, then being agreed upon an anſwer, ſhe returned to Thomiris, who did moſt impatiently expect her: ſhe no ſooner ſaw her, but cauſing all to go out of her chamber; well Gelonida (ſaid ſhe to her) let me from your mouth hear, whether it be Thomiris or her Crown which Artamenes thinks unworthy of himſelf? It is rather he, Madam replied Gelonida, who thinks himſelf unworthy of both: But Madam, he ſaid further, that though he might without injuſtice aſpire unto that honour which your Majeſtie is pleaſed to offer him, and notwithſtanding that eſteem which he ows you, yet he reſolves rather to die then fail in duty to his Maſter: what (replied Thomiris) would he do ſo though he loved me? Certainly Madam (ſaid Gelonida, to her) it cannot be thought that love will ever corrupt his duty. He told me Madam, that he adored you in his heart; but though his life was deſtined to be unhappy, yet he would not be wicked: his vertue indeed would be great (replied the Queen) but his love would be ſmall if he could do ſo; and doubtleſſe, he expreſſed his paſſion unto you as an indifferent imaginary thing which never diſturbed his reaſon, by any experience he had of it: I could have ſpoke as he does the day before he came hither; but now, ſince I have altered my thoughts, I am perſwaded that if he loved me, he would change alſo with me; and his generoſity would be perhaps a little diſpenſed with, principally in ſuch a buſineſſe as does not directly injure his vertue: But Gelonida (added ſhe further) it is not I that can perſwade him; that which my merit cannot do, my reaſons will not: your merit Madam, replied Gelonida, has (as he aſſures) wrought upon his ſoul, as much as you can reaſonably deſire: He doth acknowledge that he both eſteems and admires you; but he adds withall, that it is in ſuch a manner, as thoſe who are native ſubjects unto their Queen, although he be not one of yours: for my part, replied Thomiris, I cannot tell what to think of Artamenes; for certain I am, there is no vitious thought in my heart, for if there were the leaſt tincture of any ſuch, very deſpite and repentance ſhould quickly cure me of that malady which troubles me; yet although that kind of imbecility does not diſturbe me, my ſoul it is not at quiet: Artamenes has induced me almoſt to hate Indathirſes, and Aripithes; I cannot indure the name of Ciaxares, which by others he has moved in, but not himſelf: every thing which might divert me, annoys me; my own thoughts vex me; and not well knowing whether I do love, or ought to love; I am only certain that I hate my own tranquillity, and that it will be hard for me ever to find it, unleſſe he will permit me to give him a Crown; and confer that upon him which indeed his vertue deſerves, and quality denies him. For my part Madam (replied Gelonida) I think that Artamenes prefers his duty before his ambition. But Gelonida (replied Thomiris very angerly) if you do imagine ſuch an impoſſibility in my deſign, why do you not tell me that Artamenes ſlights me? that Artamenes ſpeaks of me but with a faint reſpect; and that Artamenes is unworthy of my affection? Perhaps, if you carry it thus, very ſpleen will work that in my heart which reaſon could not: But you ſeem to tell me, that Artamenes ſpoke unto you with ſo much reſpect, and ſo much wiſdom, that I can hardly either complain or deſpair; For if Artamenes do eſteem me, he may chance love me; and if he love me, then that which he cals duty unto Ciaxares, will quickly ſubmit unto that duty which he ows unto Thomiris; therefore I muſt only keep Artamenes in this Court as long as poſſible I can, and ſubmit the reſt unto fortune: I do believe Madam, replied Gelonida, that it will be very difficult to keep him long, for if I be not deceived, he will preſently ask leave to depart: he may ask it, (anſwered this violent Princeſſe) but he ſhall not obtain it: The orders which I ſhall give will ſtop his paſſage over Araxes. This was the diſcourſe of Thomiris and Gelonida: But to the end that Teres ſhould not underſtand her intentions, ſhe gave him order [Page] to tell my Maſter that if he would have a little patience, ſhe would within a few dayes, give him a peremptory anſwer. Artamenes was then very much perplexed, for Gelonida did let him know by Chriſantes, that the Queens paſſion was every day more and more violent: Teres on the contrary, told him that there was great hopes in his traſanction: Indeed, he neither knew well what to think, nor what to reſolve upon: He did ſtill urge Teres to preſſe on the buſineſſe, and told him plainly, that if he received not an anſwer within a ſhort time, he would be gone without it. Mean time, this bad ſucceſſe did much torment him; not only becauſe he was ſorry that he diſturbed the tranquillity of Thomiris; nor becauſe Ciaxares would be perhaps diſpleaſed with him; but becauſe he apprehended Mandana might i [...]agine that he did not uſe his beſt endeavour in the buſineſſe, ſince the ſucceſſe of it might deprive that Princeſſe of a Crown. He was forced therefore unto patience; and to wait upon the iſſue of that buſineſſe, which in all appearance would not ſucceed handſomly. Thomiris, ſince ſhe had ſpoken unto Artamenes in ſuch plain termes, was two dayes and would not be ſeen by any, under colour of being not well: During which time, Artamenes the better to entertain himſelf with his melancholly contemplations, went out to walk upon the banks of that Rivolet, which as I told you, did run along the Tents Royal, and went with very little company; He would ſometimes leave us among ſome certain Trees which grew there, and there command us to ſtay; he would walk alone by himſelf, and go ſo far ſometimes that he would be out of our ſight. Two dayes after that Gelonida, had ſpoke unto him, Indathirſes, and Aripithes, who had obſerved a great ſecrecy between Chriſantes and her, and conceived things much otherwiſe then they were, were extreamly tormented with their jealouſies, and without any further reſolution, would clear all their doubts of being revenged upon Artamenes. But yet the difficulty was to agree, which of them it ſhould be which ſhould execute it; for ſaid Aripithes unto Indathirſes, if you ſhould call Artamenes in queſtion, and he give you no ſatisfaction, you muſt then fight with him, and then perhaps you would pretend a new right unto Thomiris by this combate: No, anſwered Indathirſes, I promiſe you never to pretend any thing unto her without her free conſent: So that you may eaſily imagine, that my quarrel with Artamenes is not the way to procure her favour if ſhe love him, but it will put you into leſſe danger of her hatred then my ſelf: But ſo it was Sir, that they could not agree upon the matter; they were rather ready to fall upon one another, for it is imaginable, that union which was grounded upon jealouſie was not indiſſolvable, and ſo they parted very ill ſatisfied with one another; and Indathirſes ſeeing my maſter go out of the Tent to walk, followed only by two or three of his men, he went after with an equal number, to ſeek him by the River ſide where he often walked: As ſoon as Artamenes ſaw him, he went towards him, and accoſting him with much civility; I am happier then I thought (ſaid he to him) ſince I expected nothing in my walk but ſolitude, and find ſuch good company; Indathirſes anſwered my Maſter civilly enough before the company: and beginning to go on, Indathirſes propounded it to walk on foot, and my Maſter conſenting unto it, they gave their horſes to their men, and walked alone along the River ſide: As ſoon as they were at a reaſonable diſtance, and ought of ſight of their men; Indathirſes looking upon Artamenes, I know not (ſaid he to him) whether the buſineſſe I have to tell you, will ſurprize you; but I do know very well it can never trouble you ſo much as it has me: I know not (replied Artamenes) whether or no it will ſurprize me until I do know it; yet I can aſſure you, that I uſe not to be ſo at any perverſe events; but alwayes prepare my ſelf to receive the worſt malice of fortune with a quiet mind: my buſineſſe with you now (replied Indathirſes) is not of that quality: but before I explain my ſelf any further, tell me I beſeech you, whether ſince you came amongſt the Maſſagettes, you ever heard of the cauſe which brought me into this Court of Thomiris? Since I do uſe to be ſincere (replied Maſter) I muſt confeſſe they tell me it is becauſe you are in love with Thomiris: and that both you and the Prince of Sauromates are poſſeſſed with the ſame paſſion: Knew you as much before you ſaw Thomiris? I did ſo (anſwered my Maſter) why then did you not defend your heart (added Indathirſes) againſt her charms? and ſince you make ſuch publike profeſſion of generoſity, why would you diſingage two Princes, who have received you with all poſſible civility? for I am certain that the Queen loves you, and I conceive that you love her: for this Princeſſe would for a whole year together obſtinately deny her affection unto me, to place it upon a man, who never asked it, or does not love her: I do confeſſe (anſwered Artamenes coldly) that what you tell me does more ſurpriſe me then I thought it would: But ſince I [Page] do not uſe to give any explanations of this nature, unto any who complaine of me, and ſpeak unto me in ſuch an Aire as you do, I can ſay nothing to you, but that I reverence the Queen more then to ſuſpect her of any ſuch imbecility, as you accuſe her of: And for my particular, if I have been any obſtacle, unto your affection, I have done nothing but what I ought; but yet (replied Indathirſes) you do not directly tell me, whether or no you love the Queen, and whether the Queen loues you, and whether your buſineſſe at Court will quickly be diſpatched? I will give you no other anſwer (replied my Maſter) but as I did before, that I have done nothing but what I ought to do; and if you be not contented with it, then you muſt look out a way to get better ſatisfaction, for I will not refuſe you any that I can. I do know very well, (replied Indathirſes) that to aſſault an Embaſſador, is in ſome degree a violation of the law of nations, which all the people in the world thinks ſacred; but ſince I am a ſtranger as well as you, I do not think my ſelf obliged by the lawes of this Countrey; nor that I am any thing injurious unto honour, if I demand reparation for the affront which you have offered, in cauſing Thomiris to hate me. Moſt Juſt (anſwered my Maſter without any dorr at it) and if you pleaſe to walk ſome two hundred paces further out of their ſight which follow us, you having a Sword as well as I, we may there end all differences, and ſee whether the love you bear unto the Queen, will make you Conqueror without any danger. Artamenes told us afterwards, that his anger to ſee himſelf perſecuted by a man unto whom he was not any Rivall, did ſo tranſport him, that he was not leſs incenſed then if he had been in love with the Queen. Indathirſes then accepting the offer, they began to walk untill they were out of any ſight of their men, who never minded them: Indathirſes, and Artamenes drawing their Swords, began the combat, the particulars whereof I cannot well relate, ſince all we know was from the mouth of the Combatants, whoſe modeſtie would not permit them to ſet out their own valours: Artamenes told us that Indathirſes ſhewed himſelf a man of great Courage, and much valour, in this dangerous attempt: They made ſeverall paſſes at on another without a touch: but at laſt, ſince it was my Maſters deſtinie ever to vanquiſh, his Sword was ſanguin'd with the blood of Indathirſes: The hurt was but ſlight, yet ſince it was in his right Arme, it much troubled him: ſo that fearing he ſhould not be long able to manage his Sword; he reſolved to come up very cloſe unto my Maſter, who received him as gallantly: Indathirſes was as tall as my Maſter: but there was ever ſuch a ſtrange vigour in the heart of Artamenes, as it allwayes doubled his ſtrength in any dangers, and which ever made him victorious; ſo that after a little time of diſpute, Artamenes catcht hold of Indathirſes Sword, and preſenting his own ſword unto his breſt cauſed him to confeſs himſelf vanquiſhed: my Maſter having both ſwords in his hands; you will now acknowledg (ſaid he) that Artamenes is not altogether unworthy of the affection of Thomiris? I will confeſs (replied Indathirſes) that you have valour enough to vanquiſh me, and that my fortune is not good enough to diſpute with you for her: and I do confeſſe, replied my Maſter, reſtoring him his ſword, and imb [...]acing him (that I am not in love with Thomiris, That I never was nor ever will be: How, (replied Indathirſes) are not you a lover of Thomiris? No, (replied Artamenes) and by my good will, ſhall never be any hinderance unto your felicity with her: ſince it is ſo (replied Indathirſes) why would you fight? becauſe I would better perſwade you of the truth, (anſwered my Maſter) and not ſuffer you to ſuſpect my valour: Indathirſes was ſo much ſurpriſed and charmed with the generoſity of Artamenes, that he could not chuſe but deſire him to explain this Riddle, and uſed ſuch preſſing termes, and ſo full of ſubmiſſion, that my Maſter promiſed him he would; yet ſince he was hurt in the Arme, he perſwaded him to returne unto his tent to be dreſſed: the difficulty was how to get thither unperceived, and ſince it was not poſſible, Artamenes deſired him not to be troubled at it, for leaſt that Thomiris ſhould be offended with him and baniſh him, that he would take it upon himſelf, and ſay that it was he who firſt aſſaulted: you are then it ſeems ſo much in her favour (anſwered Indathirſes) that you fear not her anger? Rather ſay, (replied Artamenes ſmiling) that her anger is ſo little terrible to me, that I fear not to expoſe my ſelf unto it. Mean while Sir, you may Imagine how much they were amazed which held their horſes, when at their returne they knew by the blood of Indathirſes, they had been fighting: that which moſt wondred them, was to ſee them ſeem as good friends, as when they went out: And indeed Indathirſes and Artamenes, did ever after that love dearly. My Maſter becauſe he would keep his word, after he had brought Indathirſes to his Pavilion, ſent Chriſantes to the Queen, to ask pardon for the combat which he had fought [Page] with Indathirſss: that he confeſſed he was to blame in it, therefore he begged pardon for Indathirſes as well as himſelf. Thomiris much wondered at this combat, and could not gueſſe the cauſe: Aripithes who was quite out with Indathirſes, was angry with himſelf that he could not goe unto him to ask what Artamenes had told him: yet the Queen, who could not be angry with Artamenes, reflected all againſt Indathirſes; ſaying he had extreamly offended her, by affronting an Embaſſador in her Court. Artamenes knowing it by the returne of Chriſantes, went himſelf to beſeech her in the behalfe of Indathirſes; or if ſhe would puniſh him, yet not to make that the ground of it: ſhe urged my Maſter to tell her the cauſe of the combat, but he would not be wooed to tell her: yet in concluſion procured pardon both for himſelf and Indathirſes. Aripithes, angry to be thus prevented by Indathirſes, but much more to ſee my Maſter eſcape the danger of the combat, and be victorious, reſolved, notwithſtanding his pretentions unto the Queen, to quarrel with him alſo, and to ſeek out fonan opportunity: Mean while, the Prince of Tauroſcithes, who was all impatience untill he was better informed from the mouth of Artamenes., of all which he ſaid unto him, did ſend very civilly unto him to put him in memory of his promiſe: which my Maſter the next day performed: He went unto his Tent; and ackowledged unto him, that his negotiation at this Court was, to propound a marriage between the Queen and Ciaxares; but not being able to give the reaſon, he found her very averſe in the motion; and that he began infallibly to ſee he ſhould return without effecting any thing, but the buſineſſe which related unto Pirats upon the Caſpian Sea, which was only the ſpecious pretence of his voyage; ſo Sir, (ſaid he to him) you may well Judge that I am in no fault, nor ſhall not be, although I do continue my tranſaction of the Kings intereſt whom I ſerve: But trouble not your ſelf at it, for I do aſſure you, that I am not able to effect it. And that I may the more quiet your mind in regard of my ſelf: I do confeſs unto you, that I am in love with one whoſe manicles I would not quit for all the Crowns of the world. Indathirſes gave my Maſter many thanks for his generoſity and freedom: and after he had promiſed unto him perpetuall affection, how comes it to paſs (ſaid he to him) that you cannot promote your negotiation, ſince the Queen beſtowes ſo many marks of her eſteem and affection upon you? Artamenes, deſiring to conceal from Indathirſes, the imbecility of Thomiris, told him that it was oft times the cuſtom of Kings, to ſweeten the bad ſucceſs of a buſineſs, by their way and manner of tranſacting it: yet Indathirſes was too much intereſted in the buſineſſe to be ſo eaſily deceived, and not to diſcerne the difference between the effects of common civility, and the effects of a violent paſſion: but do what he could, he could not move Artamenes to tell what he knew concerning the love of Thomiris; my Maſter alwayes telling him, that he may very well content himſelf with knowing that he had no affection unto the Queen. This diſcourſe being ended, Artamenes left him, and Chriſantes came to advertiſe him, that the Queen had given ſecret orders to obſerve his actions very carfully, leaſt he ſhould eſcape away: you may Imagine Sir, how much this news troubled him; yet he diſſembled it, and ſeemed as if he knew nothing of it. He divers times made viſits to the Queen, who did not ſpeak unto him but after an ordinary manner; ſomtimes ſhe would be melancholy, ſomtimes ſhe would paſs from melancholy, unto vexation, and ſhew ſome ſignes of anger, and fury: ſomtimes ſhe would aſſume her civill and obliging humor, ſo that it was eaſie to Judge, that one and the ſame cauſe produced different effects: my Maſter did once more preſs upon Teres, who made anſwer, that he was almoſt in deſpair of doing him that ſervice he would, but yet he could not give him any abſolute anſwer: afterwards he let my Maſter know that the Queen commanded to tell him, ſhe would have him ſtay untill the returne of Spargapiſes and Aritanus: that ſhe could neither conclude of any thing, nor ſend him away untill the King her ſon came back: But with all he told him, how ſhe had ſent ſecret orders not to returne over ſoone, and beſeeched him to pardon him if we were not able to performe thoſe good offices which he promiſed: after this, we obſerved that upon the matter Artamenes was not at liberty, and that there was alwayes many men which obſerved him: he could never walk, but he was accompanied with a great number, and had ſcarce the freedome to be in his tent without guard. The ordinary guards were not only doubled; but there was courts of guard placed in ſeverall diſtances, round about the Railes of the Camp. We underſtood by Gelonida, that to color the buſineſs, it was given out, the Queen had received I [...]telligence how Artamenes had ſecret deſignes upon the countrey; and therefore without offering any violence unto him, unleſſe her doubts were better cleared, ſhe would have him carefully looked unto. Artamenes, ſeeing himſelf, brought unto this extremity, [Page] did not know what to reſolve upon: he ſaw ſufficiently that the marriage of Ciaxares could not be brought about: he knew that if he ſhould move for new leave to depart, it would rather more reſtrain his Libertie, then do any good: he perceived by thoſe orders which were given unto the Guards about the Tent Royall, and by them which obſerved his actions, that there was no poſſibility to eſcape: nor could he deviſe how to get himſelf out of this Labyrinth. Alas (ſaid he ſometimes unto us) what can I do? what ſhall I ſay to Ciaxares? how can I ſpeak unto Mandana? Shall I tell them that Thomiris is in love with me? Is it poſſible for me to entertain them with any ſuch diſcourſe? But if I do not tell them, what will the King and the Princeſſe think of my flight? What will they ſay of ſuch ſtrange proceedings? May they not well ſay I have loſt my ſenſes? Yet as the ſtate of things does ſtand, this is the beſt which can happen unto me: My hopes of ſeeing Mandana will comfort me: and my innocence will not long lie hid: Thus was Artamenes deſcanting upon the buſineſſe when Gelonida came to tell him, that ſhe would adviſe him to be gone as ſoon as he could; but ſince he did not very well know how to do it; he thought good to colour it, and therefore he deſired leave once more to depart: But ſhe anſwered that it could not be with conveniency, and therefore he muſt abſolutely wait the return of Spargapiſes. Artamenes then ſeeing himſelf denied, and a priſoner, was extreamly melancholy; not but that Gelonida did contrive all the wayes ſhe could for his eſcape, but there was no means poſſible to bring it about. This did more diſquiet my Maſter, then any thing elſe; for if he had been permitted but a ſword in his hand, I do verily think, he would have hoped to eſcape by forcing the Guards, and killing all that oppoſed his paſſage, for ſuch wonderfull and incredible things have I ſeen him bring to paſſe. But when he began to conſider that the Queen was not thus violent and unjuſt but becauſe ſhe loved him, he could not reſolve to diſhonour her by ſuch an action; nor kill the ſubjects of that Princeſſe, who [...]e crime was an errour of love unto him. Sorrow did ſit ſo heavie upon his ſoul that Indathirſes, now healed of his hurt, and coming to viſit him, did perceive it, and did ſo urge him to acknowledge that Thomiris loved him, and that her love was the cauſe of his ſorrows, as he could interpret it no otherwiſe, and at laſt told him how the Queen expreſſed ſuch things unto him as did induce him to beleeve it: and further told Indathirſes, that he would infinitely oblige him if he would deviſe ſome way whereby he might eſcape. Now you may plainly ſee, Generous Indathirſes (ſaid he to him) that I am not your Rival, ſince I do deſire your furtherance to rid me away from Thomiris. I do indeed, (anſwered Indathirſes) and plainly ſee you are in no fault, but that on the contrary I am much obliged to you: But for all that (ſaid he) you do cauſe abundance of trouble in my ſoul; for truely, to diſcover the bottom of my heart unto you, I ſhould be leſſe troubled then I am, if Thomiris loved one who loved her: But that this Princeſſe who is ſo admirably fair and amiable; who has a ſoul ſo great, and ſo unalterably ſetled as to reſiſt the love of Aripithes and my ſelf ſo long; ſhould after all this, fall in love with a man who loves not her, I do really confeſſe unto you, that I cannot reſent it but with abundance of extraordinary ſorrow: 'Tis true, I ſhould be more jealous, if you loved her, but not half ſo much grieved: But in that ſtate wherein I do finde my ſelf, pardon me (ſaid he to him) if your admirable merits can juſtifie Thomiris in my thoughts: No, Generous Artamenes, I will love her no longer; I will either pull that paſſion out of my ſoul, or elſe Ile die: and the more to facilitate your eſcape, I will determine upon my own; To that end, I will tell the Queen, I have received orders from the King of the Tauroſcithes my father, to come unto him, and deſire her leave to be gone: Since I am not Artamenes (ſaid he ſighing) ſhe will permit it; and the better to further our deſigne, you ſhall fain your ſelf ſick: In the night you ſhall come into my Tent, and I will convey you away with me; your ſervants may alſo paſſe amongſt my Train, and we will go out ſo early in the morning, that the Guards cannot know you: You may appoint ſome ſervants to ſtay behinde, who may tell it that their Maſter is not well, they dare not go into his chamber untill it be late: This deviſe will afford you more time, and you will be further off, before your flight be diſcovered. Thoſe who watch and obſerve you in the day time, commit all the care of you in the night unto the night Guards, who watch both within, and without the Camp, ſo that the project will aparantly take effect; and I ſhall ſet you in ſuch a way, where, unleſſe I be much deceived, they will never ſeek you: In ſhort, Indathirſes told him; I will be both your guide and your convoy: But (ſaid he) do not think, that this office which I do you, is out of any intereſt or end; for let me tell you [Page] once more, I will love Thomiris no longer: Abſence which uſes to cure ſuch maladies, ſhall perfect that which anger has begun: In a word, Sir, to make my diſcourſe the ſhorter; though Artamenes was extreamly unwilling to take from Thomiris ſuch an illuſtrious lover; yet Indathirſes did preſſe it ſo upon him, that he accepted of his offer: The buſineſſe was done with more eaſe then we could expect: Indathirſes asked leave and obtained it: My maſter counterfeited being ſick; we went out of our Tent unto that of Indathirſes (which was very near) in the night: we appointed one of thoſe who was to ſtay behind at the chamber door to conceal our flight as long as he could: at the firſt break of day, we went out of the Tents Royal unperceived by any, becauſe we were mingled amongſt the Train of Indathirſes: The guards who had orders from the Queen to let this Prince paſſe, did not oppoſe our paſſe: ſo that we were got out of the Camp, and out of their furtheſt Courts of Guards undiſcovered by any: but I forgot to tell you Sir, how much it troubled my Maſter thus to leave his men; ſo that if Gelonida, who was privy to our departure, had not aſſured him, that ſhe had prevalency enough with the Queen to prevent any ill uſage unto them: I do believe he would not have gone: but this vertuous woman, did ſo faithfully promiſe to protect them, that he did believe it, and took her counſel: Leaving a Letter for Thomiris, whereby he endeavoured to colour and excuſe his departure. Mean time, our march proved ſo proſperous, that we were not found by them who queſtionleſſe did ſeek for us; for Indathirſes did lead us ſuch a way, as none would ever ſuſpect us to take. My Maſter would have quitted this Prince from being his guide any longer; yet Indathirſes would needs continue his office; for Sir, ſince he imagined, that as ſoon as the flight of Artamenes was diſcovered, the Queen would cauſe all the paſſages over Araxes to be ſtopped; therefore he conducted him unto a place higher up the River, where it parted into three diviſions, and where they might foord it over: It was juſt to the ſide of Araxes that Indathirſes conducted Artamenes, whom he loved exceedingly, although he had been a cauſe of much ſorrow unto him: My Maſter did then ask pardon, for being in ſome ſort, a cauſe of his griefs, and both of them embracing one another with equal tenderneſſe of affection, they parted with reciprocal promiſes to love one another eternally. Indathirſes looked upon Artamenes as he paſſed the River; who being landed on the other ſide, ſaluted the Prince of Tau [...]oſcithes, and he him again: Afterwards Indathirſes took the way unto his Country, though now he was a good way out of it; and we took that which conducted unto Cappadocia: But Sir, that which made the firſt dayes journeys moſt unpleaſant was, becauſe Artamenes had much ado to reſolve with himſelf what he ſhould ſay unto Ciaxares; yet after he had well bethought himſelf, he reſolved to tell him only, that he did not find things in ſo good a ſtate, as to move Thomiris openly concerning his marriage; and that this Princeſſe being perſwaded unto it by ſome ill diſpoſed perſons, cauſed a rumour to be raiſed, that he had ſome bad deſigns in agitation; that he being advertiſed, how they were jealous of his actions, demanded leave to depart; which being denied, and ſeeing they reſolved to Arreſt him, he thought it his duty to prevent it, leaſt any diſgrace ſhould reflect upon the King: In concluſion, after he had fancied what to ſay, the hopes of ſeeing Mandana again, did revive ſome joy in his ſoul; and after this, we travelled not a day wherein we did not diſcover ſome new ſatisfaction in the countenance of Artamenes: Every ſtep he took towards Mandana was a freſh delight; and his own thoughts did ſo pleaſantly entertain him, that he did not need either the company of Chriſantes or me, to divert him: Commonly he went either ſome thirty paces before, or thirty paces behind the reſt of the company, that he might ſtudy out his thoughts with more freedom. One day then when we were not above five hundred furlongs from Themiſcira, and becauſe our journey was great, we were gone out before day did appear: After we had rode above an hour, we came into a Foreſt, when the Sun from the Eaſt did firſt gild the clouds: There was one of my Maſters men, named Ortaliques, riding upon a white horſe, and being the firſt which rode that the reſt might follow him in the dark: Artamenes followed him; Chriſantes and my ſelf with ſome others followed Artamenes: Marching in this order, and this approaching light beginning to pierce through the thick Forreſt, permitting us to diſcern objects which were not far diſtant; my Maſter diſcovered upon his right hand, a great and rich Pavillion erected under ſome trees, and guarded by many Souldiers, and ſeemed as if they would forbid entrance unto any which ſhould come there: This ſight ſo extraordinary, begot a little curioſity in my Maſter: But his mind was taken up with the Idea of his Princeſſe, that it ſtopped his curioſity to ask what it was: when he was gone a little further, [Page] he could not chuſe but turn his head aſide, and he ſaw through the boughs and trees a woman who lifting up the hanging of the Tent, ſeemed to look whether or no it were day. About ten or twelve paces further, he who went firſt and was called Ortaliques, being then ſome twenty paces from Artamenes, he ſaw a man in arms, who getting upon his horſe which his Page did hold, came up to him, & asked him whether he was that Countryman? and whether he could tell him which way he ſhould croſſe the Foreſt, and never enter into the plains? No Sir, (aſwered Ortaliques) but perhaps thoſe which come after me may better inform you; then Artamenes came up and asked him what this Cavalier did ſay? But whileſt he was relating it, my Maſter ſaw a dozen horſe-men coming, who after they had looked upon this ſtranger, cried out, Its he my companions, its he; ſend preſently to inform our Captain: then one of them ſpur'd his horſe, and rode in all haſte to the place from whence they came: Mean while, the eleven which remained, fell upon this unknown Cavalier, who being retreated ſome certain paces, commanded his Page aloud, to go in all haſte, and cauſe them to depart; for (ſaid he, ſpeaking of Artamenes and the reſt, who ſeeing the inequality of the combate, had their ſwords drawn ready to defend him) this relief which the gods have have ſent me, is ſufficient to make my party good with them; after which I ſhall be with you. Indeed this ſtranger was not deceived; and the generoſity of Artamenes not permitting him to ſee one ſingle man in his preſence, aſſaulted by eleven; never ſtood conſidering what he had to do, but as ſoon as he ſaw theſe Cavaliers aſſault a ſingle man, drew his ſword, and commanded us to do the like; ſo that advancing towards theſe blades, he gave time unto him whom they would have deſtroyed, to ſpeak what I already told you unto his Page; Artamenes underſtood not what it was he ſaid, although I did very diſtinctly hear it; as ſoon as he had given that order, this unknown Cavalier, came in to diſingage my Maſter from his enemies, but he perceived that he had done it himſelf, by killing three of them with his own hands, and we, the reſt of his company ſeconding his valour as well as it was poſſible for us; ſo that this unknown partner joyning with us, it was an eaſie matter to vanquiſh the remainder of our enemies, it being moſt certain, that he was as valiant as any man in the world; he fought then as a man that would teſtifie unto his liberator, he was not unworthy of that protection which was given him: But as the laſt of his enemies fell dead by the hand of Artamenes, and as he came unto him to render him thanks, the day being full light enough, he knew him (as we imagined afterwards;) ſo that immediately altering his deſign, he recoiled back & went towards Ortaliques, who was looking round about to ſpie whether there were any more enemies to fight withall; and being come near him, tell your maſter (ſaid he in great haſte) that I am very ſorry to be ſo uncivil, and ſeem ſo ungrateful: But ſince my Deſtinies compel me to it, I hope he will excuſe me. After he had ſpoken theſe words in great haſte, he rode preſently through the trees, and followed the ſame way which the Ladies and thoſe which were with them took: Ortaliques told my Maſter what the ſtranger ſaid: This paſſage, you may well ſuppoſe did much ſurpriſe Artamenes, ſince he could not imagine why he ſhould ſo haſtily ſend this complement by his man, and how preſſing ſoever his occaſions were, it would not have retarded him more to have ſpoke it unto himſelf, as well as unto his ſervants: he thought that in fighting he heard the tone of a voice which was not altogether unknown unto him, yet he could not recal who it ſhould be: ſo that longing exceedingly to know more of this adventure, he went to look amongſt the dead, if there were none amongſt them which had been known unto him: and viewing them, he found one, who by reaſon of a great wound received in his right hand, and another in his throat which made him ſpeechleſſe, ſo that he was not to be underſtood by any thing but ſigns: this wounded Cavalier no ſooner ſaw may Maſter, but as we might conjecture by his ſigns he knew him, although none of us could remember him, or ever ſaw him: and to ſay truth it was not ſtrange at all, ſince it is very ordinary for thouſands to know the General of an Army, whom he knows not again. This man, as ſoon as he ſaw my Maſter near him, ſeemed to be very joyful, and exceedingly deſirious to make him underſtand the adventure; but the more he endeavoured to explain himſelf, the more he puzled Artamenes, for he could not pronounce a word or a ſyllable, nor was there any way to draw any conjecture from him: Sometimes he would point towards that way which the unknown Cavalier had taken, as if he wiſhed us to go after him: Sometimes he would point towards that place from whence they came, as if he expected ſome relief from thence: afterterwards, he would look about, and make us view that Pavilion, which the men belonging unto that unknown Cavalier had left, and carried away the Ladies which were in it: [Page] In ſhort, all his ſigns and actions did but augment the diſquiet of Artamenes; who to ſee if he could find any thing in that Pavillion which might better inform him, lighted from his horſe and went in; but though he could not meet with any thing which could add any thing unto his knowledge: yet notwithſtanding he could not leave it: ſometimes he was in a mind, though he knew not why, to go after him whom he had ſo opportunely relieved: otherimes he reſolved to tarry there in hopes that ſome would come and give him better intelligence of the accident: and ſometimes he would chide himſelf for loſing ſo much time which was ſo pretious: what ſhall I do here (ſaid he) and intereſt my ſelf in other mens buſineſſe, when I may be drawing neerer my Princeſſe? and as if he were aſhamed of that fault, he went out of the Pavilion: got upon horsback and commanded one of his men to take up the wounded man behind him untill he came unto the next houſe where he might be dreſſed, and from whence he might ſend to bury the dead, who by their Arms ſeemed to be Cappadocians; that which was moſt advantagious unto us upon this occaſion was, that there was none of us wounded, except Chriſantes, who received a ſlight ſcratch in his left Arme. Artamenes remembring that there was one of theſe twelve Cavaliers, which turned back as if he went to fetch relief, would needs ſtay a while to ſee if any came, notwithſtanding the counſell of Chriſantes to the contrary; for indeed he ſuppoſed if there came any men they would be numerous, and that Artamenes was not in a condition to reſiſt them, yet it was not that reaſon which hindred him from ſtaying longer? But ſeeing that the wounded man was in much danger; and that his throat with ſtrivinge to ſpeak was ſo ſwelled that the man almoſt loſt his ſenſes, and fearing it might choak him, he marched in all haſt unto the next houſe or town, as ſoon as he came there, he ſent for a Chirurgion, to ſearch the wound in his neck, and to try if there were any poſſibility to recover his voice. For three dayes together, this wounded man could not ſpeak a ſyllable, nor was there yet any likelyhood: Artamenes ſeeing that, commanded the Chirurgion to have a great care of him: he gave his Recompence before hand; and continued on his Journey: He did enquire of all thoſe whom he met with in the houſe where we were, whether there were any men ſeen lately in armes: but wee found none, neither there, nor any where upon the Road, who could informe us any thing: Artamenes was ſo poſſeſſed with a profound muſing that we marched all that day, and the next within ſix hours of night without pronouncing one ſyllable: But when we came to the banks of Thermodon, and within ſight of Themiſcira where the King told him he would ſtay till his returne, [...]oy did then a little move his heart, and turning himſelf towards me (who was next him) with a pleaſant countenance, At the laſt, Feraulas (ſaid he to me) I ſee the place where my Princeſs is, and by conſequence, I hope to ſee her preſently: But, O heavens, ſhall I find her the ſame I left her? ſhall I obtaine from the ſincerity of her vertue, ſo much happineſſe, as to hear her ſay ſhe thought upon me in my abſence? Sir, (ſaid I to him) although the Princeſs do not tell it you, yet you may well believe it, for I am moſt certaine, it is impoſſible ſhe ſhould do otherwiſe: Indeed I had good reaſon for what I ſaid; for a few dayes before we parted from Themiſcyra, Marteſia had ſo much goodneſs in her, as to truſt me with al the advantagious thoughts which the Princeſs entertained concerning my Maſter: But ſhe did ſo expreſly forbid me to ſpeak of it unto Artamenes, that I never durſt reveal them; giving him only ſome hopes in generall of being beloved, without particulariſing any thing: And to tell you the truth, I ſaw him ſo grieved at his abſence from the Princeſſe, that I made no queſtion, but if he had known all theſe ſmall circumſtances which I have told you, he would not have died for grief; But in concluſion Sir after much ſuch like diſcourſe between my Maſter and me, in comming near Themiſcyra; and after much rejoycing in hopes of ſeeing his Mandana, we came within a hundred paces of the gates, where we met one that was a ſervant unto the Princeſs: Artamenes no ſooner ſaw him, but rode towards him in all haſt, and asked him very earneſtly concerning the King, and the Princeſs. Ah Sir, ſaid the ſervant, would you had come four dayes ſooner: At theſe words my Maſter began to look pale, and preſently to convert his hopes into tears, and his joy into ſorrow, he looked in the eyes of the ſervant, for the cauſe of his diſcours, but not being able to divine it; what (ſaid he) is there any diſaſterous accident chanced unto the King or the Princeſſe? yes Sir, (replied the ſervant) and doubtleſs the greateſt that could chance, for the King has loſt the Princeſſe his Daughter; How, (replied my Maſter deſperately confounded) is the Princeſſe dead? No Sir (anſwered he) but ſhe is carried away; I do think it very happy Sir, that the minde of Artamenes was taken up with the worſt reſentment firſt: for indeed I am fully perſwaded, if the thought of her [Page] death had not inſtantly preceded his thought of her being taken away, he would have ſunk down dead upon the place. How (cried he out) is Mandana taken away? Who is the man that durſt attempt ſo raſh and unjuſt deſigne? Philidaſpes (anſwered the ſervant) whom they ſay, was the Prince of Aſſyria: Philidaſpes, replied Artamenes; Yes Sir, replied he, and the ſame misfortune would have it ſo, that a party which was ſent after her, were killed by ſome which reſcued her, of which the King is aſſured▪ Ha my friends (cried out Artamenes in turning towards us) we need not queſtion but that it was we, who have killed the protectors of Mandana; who have relieved her Raviſher, and who are acceſſary to her carrying away. Sir, ſaid Chriſantes unto him, is it not better to go into the Town, where we may be better informed of all the circumſtances in this great misfortune? Artamenes, notwithſtanding his deſpair, finding Chriſantes ſpeak reaſon, ſet forward; But heavens knows, how altered from what he was before, and what a prodigious change, ſorrow made immediately in him; he had ſo ſad and ſo terrible an aſpect all at once, as one might eaſily ſee anger mingled with his melancholy; and that now jealouſie was more in his heart then love. He preſſed the Princeſſe ſervant, to tell him how the misfortune happened: He underſtood then, that three dayes before this accident, Aribeus moved the King to hunt ſome thirty furlongs from Themiſcira, and during his abſence, the deſigne was executed; But, ſaid my Maſter to him, how could they execute it? It was no difficult matter (replied Mandana's ſervant) for the Guards were corrupted, and it was they who carried her away: alſo, it is thought one of her women betrayed her, out of a ſecret jealouſie ſhe had, that the Princeſſe preferred Marteſia before her: You know Sir, (added he) that the river Thormodon runs under the windows of the Princeſſe Mandana, and that thoſe windows are ſo low, that there needs no ſtairs to deſcend them. Then Sir, one of the Guards obſerving the hour in which the Princeſſe was uſed to retire, went and knockt at the door of the outer Chamber, as ſhe was ready to undreſſe her ſelf; that woman which was of the conſpiracy, opening the door, went and told the Princeſſe, there was one of the Guard, who had ſome important matter to acquaint her with. The Princeſſe wondring at it a little, did for all that command him to enter: Madam, ſaid he to her, I come to advertiſe you, that there is a deſigne in agitation, to carry you away this next night. The Princeſſe knowing that heretofore ſhe heard of ſuch a thing, was much aſtoniſhed; yet notwithſtanding after ſhe had thanked the man, ſhe asked him how he came to know it, and how it might be prevented? To give more credit unto my words (ſaid he to her) you need onely to ſtep unto the window, where I will ſhew you the bars half looſe. This wiſe Princeſſe being deſirous to be ſatisfied of the truth, went unto the window: That woman who was of the Plot, taking a candle to light her; But, Oh heavens, ſhe was no ſooner there but the Guard breaking out the bars of the window carried her away, for they were filed looſe before hand. I leave you to judge how the Princeſſe was amazed at it: She commanded him to hold off; but much more was ſhe aſtoniſhed, when ſhe ſaw ſix more of the Guards enter, and taking her by violence, committed her into the hands of her Raviſher, who was in a Boat under the window with many armed men. Mandana at the firſt did obſtinately reſiſt him; but was forced to ſubmit: One of her women reported, that when ſhe knew him to be Philidaſpes by his voice (for he was diſguiſed) ſhe cried out: Ha Philidaſpes, if Artamenes were here thou durſt not attempt this: But in concluſion Sir, Philidaſpes carried her away, and all her women cried lamentably out, but all in vain; for thoſe of the Guard which were not of the Plot, deſiring to enter, could not, for they which betrayed, barred the doors behind: The confuſion was ſo great that theſe women belonging to the Princeſſe Mandana, cried out on every ſide, that they had taken away their Princeſſe, and did not open the doors unto thoſe which could not enter but by breaking them. I forgot to tell you, that theſe Raviſhers did alſo take away with them that woman which was of the conſpiracy; but as for Marteſia, they would not take her; but yet notwithſtanding, this generous woman would not forſake her Miſtreſſe, but held her ſo hard and faſt by the clothes, that they were conſtrained to take her alſo: although they doubtleſſe heard the Princeſſe cry out; Ah Marteſia do not forſake me: At the laſt Sir, the Boat going with the current of the River, went at ſuch a [...]rate as they were quickly a furlong off on the other ſide of the water, where there was as many horſes waiting for them as there was men, ſo that it was not poſſible to be remedied; for before the Governour of Themiſoira could be advertized of the accident, or could know what courſe to take, they were got ſo far as there was no hopes of recovery: Yet notwithſtanding, the Captain of the Guard taking horſe with two hundred [Page] men onely, divided them into ſeverall Parties: One of them was the twelve which met Philidaſpes, and knew him rather by the Arms he wore, then by his face; for having been ſo long concealed in the Countrey, he ſo changed his habit and countenance as he was not knowable: Thoſe twelve men then knowing him, as I told you, and ſeeing a great Pavilion erected, wherein doubtleſſe was the Princeſſe, and it being probable, he would pitch his Tent as ſoon as he was a good diſtance off, one of them returned in all haſt to advertiſe their Captain, that he might ſpeedily come and relieve his men, who ſince ſome ſtrangers had took part with Philidaſpes might be in danger to be defeated; but he was ſo unfortunate, that he could not meet with him. Deſperate as not to finde him, he returned in full haſt to the place where he left his companions engaged with Philidaſpes, and with thoſe men who accidentally met him in that place: But oh heavens, he found there ten of his companions dead, and found not the eleventh at all; he ſaw the Pavilion ſtanding, but none in it, and he could not diſcover any ſigne that one of Philidaſpes his men were killed: So Sir, this man came to acquaint the King, who came hither in all haſt as ſoon as he heard of the accident. He hath ſent unto all the Ports, to prevent the paſſage of Philidaſpes, in caſe he intend to take Sea: But to tell you truth, there is no great likelyhood of catching him that way, ſince they have failed in their firſt diſcovery. Moreover yeſterday (added the ſervant) there run a Manifeſto thorowout Themiſcira, by which it appears that Philidaſpes, ſayes he is Labinet, Son unto Queen Nitocris, and ſole heir unto the Kingdom of Aſſyria. Moreover he ſayes;

THat Cappadocia by right belongs unto the Crown of Aſſyria, and therefore, he could not think of any milder way to conquer it, then by making Mandana Queen of Aſſyria; That the Law which forbids any ſtranger to marry the Princeſſe, ought not to be objected againſt him, ſince by right the Cappadocians are his ſubjects: That the reaſon why he did not ask the permiſſion of Ciaxares, was becauſe he certainly knew, that all the Medeans hating the Aſſyrians, both Aſtyages and Ciaxares would not conſent he ſhould marry the Princeſſe: That as he is not a ſtranger unto the Princeſſe of Cappadocia, no more is ſhe a ſtranger unto him: So that he hopes the Queen Nitocris will approve of his deſigne, and receive the Princeſſe Mandana with much joy.

There are many other things in the Manifeſto Sir (added he) which would be too tedious to rehearſe. During all this diſcourſe, Artamenes ſaid not a word; not that he hearkned unto it with any ſerenity of ſoul; but on the contrary, one might diſcover in his face ſuch viſible marks of turbulent paſſions, that he would make all that looked upon him to pity him: but the reaſon was, becauſe he perceived that he could not ſpeak without diſcovering too much exceſſive ſorrow unto a man in whom he had no confidence, and therefore he thought it better to keep cloſe the vaſtneſſe of grief unto himſelf. Chriſantes eaſily obſerving his diſquiet, went away in all haſt as ſoon as the ſervant had ended his relation. Yet Artamenes, not knowing well how he ſhould endure the ſight of Ciaxares without too open a diſcovery of his deſpair, ſent Chriſantes to ſee how the King did, to the end he might have more time to prepare himſelf for ſo difficult a tranſaction. My Maſter, ſeeing onely me with him, looked upon me in ſuch lamentable manner as would have infuſed pity, into the hardeſt heart of ſtone. Feraulas (ſaid he to me) Mandana is carried away, and carried away by Philidaſpes; Philidaſpes I ſay, who I could have killed ſeverall times: But oh heavens (cried he out) is it poſſible the great Antipathy between him and me whileſt I took him to be my Rival ſhould ever let me miſtake the Raviſher of Mandana, and let my own arm aſſiſt my moſt mortall enemy? What; my moſt Divine Mandana (ſaid he all in fury) were you in that Pavilion which I ſaw? and was that unknown ſtranger, Philidaſpes? Perhaps it was you I ſaw lift up the hanging of the Tent? have I both deſtroyed you and my ſelf? have I ſlaine thoſe which would have relieved you? Did I hinder them from killing Philidaſpes? was I in a condition to deliver you, and did not? did I help him to carry you away? And could that Traitor Philidaſpes who queſtionleſs knew me, accept of the aſſiſtance of his enemy? Alas, Mandana, are not you in Themiſcira? are you in the power of Philidaſpes? But oh heavens, was it not too much, you ſhould do all this by violence, but I muſt contribute unto it? & muſt the injurious Philidaſpes carry you away by the aſſiſtance of my hand, and my valour? But never think, Philidaſpes (added he) quietly to enjoy ſuch an Illuſtrious conqueſt; In what part of the earth ſoever thou art, it ſhall coſt thee thy life. Yes, though thou ſhouldſt be in Babylon, the greateſt [Page] and ſtrongeſt City of the world, in the midſt of all thy guards, ſitting upon the throne of thy fathers, yet will I puniſh thee for this moſt injurious Act. Nothing but thy blood can waſh it out of my memory, and nothing but thy death ſhall be the penalty of thy crime: oh heavens, (ſaid he) unto what dire misfortunes am I deſtinied? Ha Thomiris, that your unjuſt paſſion ſhould coſt me ſo dear, and that I ſhould be ſo rigorouſly puniſhed for troubling your tranquillity. But divine Princeſſe, ſaid he; who was pleaſed, (as they aſſured me) to pronounce my name, when they took you away; will you remember me in Aſſyria? ſhall not the tears of Philidaſpes charme you? will you not pardon his crime? will not the magnificence of Babylon blind your eyes? and that great court invite your mind? will you not praiſe the violence of Philidaſpes, to be exceſſe of love? will you not be the ſame upon the Bancks of Euphrates which you were wont to be upon the bancks of Iris and Thermodon: oh divineſt Princeſs ſhall not Artamenes be preferred before Philidaſpes? and Cyrus before the King of Aſſyria? Alas, ſaid he further, did the gods, the firſt minute that I ſaw Philidaſpes move me to hate him, that I ſhould ſerue him in ſuch an unjuſt occaſion as this? how was it poſſible my Rivall could ſo diſguiſe, himſelf? I knew him when I ought not to have knowne him; and I did not know him at that criticall time when it was moſt important for me to know it was Philidaſpes, and who Philidaſpes was. Imagine Feraulas (ſaid he to me) how great would have been my joy, if the gods had permitted me to have knowne the truth; when after I had fought and vanquiſhed Philidaſpes, I ſhould have gone unto the pavilion, where I ſhould have found my Princeſs, and delivered her and brought her back unto Themiſcira; But you may imagine how extream is my ſorrowes and my deſpaire, ſince it is I only who am the only cauſe of her loſs; it is I who put her into the hands of Philidaſpes; and am acceſſory to the taking her away, I might have Ioyned with thoſe who aſſaulted him, but alas I aſſaulted them, I might have ſaved Mandana, but alas I have Loſt her; yet I muſt repaire the Loſſe if it be Poſſible; or at the Leaſt be revenged of him who was the cauſe of it: Aſſiſt me, O ye moſt Juſt Gods, with conſtancy enough to ſupport this diſmall accident and not die: I know that death is a remedy againſt all misfortunes, and that this remedy would cure me of all mine: But divine Mandana, you have at this time done that in me, which the moſt affrighting dangers never could: yes my Princeſs, that heart which never apprehended death amidſt the moſt bloody battles, has now ſome fears of it under the heavie load of his diſcontents: I do fear, my Princeſs, I do indeed, but I think it is not a baſe and feeble fear, but ſince I fear not death for any cauſe but to expoſe my life to gain your liberty, doubtleſs you will pardon me: but alas who can tell, whether ever you ſhall ſpeak again unto Artamenes, or Artamenes ever ſpeak unto Mandana? how ever, (ſaid he) I am ſure I ſhall look Philidaſpes in the face, though he be the King of Aſſyria, and it ſhall not be long before I diſturbe his felicity. As Artamenes was thus reſenting his fate, Chryſantes returned, and told him that he might ſee the King; but ſince his returne was divulged, more then half the Court was aſſembled about Ciaxares; which newes not much pleaſed him, fearing nothing more then to have too many ſpectators of his ſorrow: The ſight of the Caſtle where he ſaw the Princeſſe laſt, redoubled his ſadneſſe: the preſence of the King, did ſo damp his ſoul and made his ſorrowes ſo apparent in the ſight of all that great aſſembly, that though Ciaxares was much ſadded, yet was he much more. This Prince no ſooner ſaw my Maſter, but never remembring the buſineſs of his voyage, he reflected upon that loſs, which he had. Alas Artamenes (ſaid he to him (Philidaſpes has not been ſo happily diſcovered in his ſecond enterpriſe, as he was in his firſt: The Gods have permitted him to force away my Daughter; I wiſh Sir, (replied my Maſter) that I could either by my valour or my good fortune, regain her; and that I could prevent the unjuſt Philidaſpes from long enjoying that treaſure which I might eaſily have taken from him: The King, not well underſtanding theſe words, deſired the explanation of them; and Artamenes could not hold from relating that buſineſſe, which moſt of any thing in the world did ſenſibly trouble him: he told the King how he had met with Philidaſpes: and how he ſaw the pavilion ſet up in the Forreſt: how he had killed them which aſſaulted the raviſher of Mandana: and how he had contributed to the carrying away of Mandana; This ſtrange event did ſo much ſurpriſe the King, & augmented his ſorrowes in ſuch a new manner as he could not heed Artamenes and his grief, which appeared exceeding much when he had ended his relation: But by good fortune; all they which ſaw him, did believe, that this exceſſive ſorrow which ſo much appeared in his face and words, was only an effect of that odd, croſs adventure which he had met withall. Inſomuch as all the Court were ſo ſad [Page] at the misfortune of the Princeſſe, as that there was none ſo little intereſted in it, as could preciſely obſerve his actions. After this fatall relation was ended, and every one ſpoke of it with wonder as well as woe, (Sir, ſaid my Maſter, ſpeaking to Ciaxares) will you permit me to go after and ſeek Philidaſpes? I cannot call him the Prince of Aſſyria, ſince I can hardly believe that a ſon of the Queen Nitocris who is one of the greateſt and wiſeſt Princeſs of the world, ſhould attempt ſo unjuſt a deſigne: True it is, (added he) that it is alſo hardly to be believed, that any man who is not of a Royall extract, durſt elſe undertake an enterpriſe ſo bold as to force away the Princeſs of Cappadocia. Ah Artamenes (ſaid Ciaxares) the averſion which you ever had unto Philidaſpes was better ground then you thought, and I doubt not but you will infinitly intereſt your ſelf in this buſineſs: Doubt it not Sir, (replied my Maſter) for I promiſe you, either to deliver her, or die by the hand of her Raviſher. After this, the King went into his Cloſet, and called Artamenes after him; to the end he might ask him, whether it was true that he came back without any traine or equipage, as he had been told. Artamenes then told him, what I have told you: But ſince the Kings ſoul was ſo ſadded with the loſs of the Princeſs, he cared not much for the bad ſucceſſe of his voyage, and having ſuch need of my Maſters valour, in ſuch a dire conjuncture of affairs; he never examined, whether what he had ſaid unto him were likely or no. Artamenes vrged him againe to give him leave to follow Philidaſpes, though there was ſmall hopes of finding him: And ſince it might ſo hap that the Princeſs might fall ſick by the way, and retard his march, Ciaxares conſented unto his deſire: and gave order for three hundred horſe to follow him, the next morning my Maſter asked the King if any thing of the conſpiracy were diſcovered; and whether he ſuſpected any as aſſiſtants unto Philidaſpes: but the King told him, that Aribeus had uſed all poſſible means to enquire into the buſineſs, yet unto this hour could never have any conjecture: my Maſter had a great deſire to tell the King, that Aribeus was not a fit man to be imployed in that inquiſition, by reaſon of the great friendſhip between him and Philidaſpes; but he ſtayed untill his Jelouſies were grounded upon better bottomes then ſurmiſes, and untill he had more plaine and convincing arguments againſt him. Then he left the King, and without the cloſing of an eye all that night, waited impatiently for break of day. Mean while Sir not to hold you with relation of all the agitations of his reſtleſs mind, and the wearineſs this laſt voyage had cauſed in him, give me leave only to tell you, that in fifteen dayes which were imployed in queſt of the Princeſſe, we met with nonewes that could afford any hopes unto my Maſter: but on the contrary, we were advertized, how after many croſs and blind wayes which they took, purpoſely to deceive followers, Philidaſpes was arived with the Princeſs at a town within his own kingdome, which is towards the frontiers of Medea, & in ſuch a place where he might raiſe an army too conſiderable for us to attempt the reſcue of the Princeſſe: we learned alſo for certaine, that Philidaſpes was really ſon unto the Queen Nitocris, & ſo we returned againe unto Themiſcira, without effecting any thing, but knowing that Mandana was in the hands of ſuch a Prince, as might, (if the Queen his mother would conſent) bring an Army of two hundred thouſand men into the field. The thought of this, though it dejected the ſpirits of all others, yet did it elevate the ſoul of Artamenes in lieu of driving it into deſpair, and the quality of his Rivall, did in ſome ſort, comfort him in his diſgrace. All the reſt which before went after the Raviſher of Mandana, did fruitleſly returne: they only told us, that the wounded man whom we left by the way, did recover of his wounds. Mean while Aribeus, (who as you ſhall know by the ſequel of my diſcourſe) was not innocent from this conſpiracy, conceiving that though perhaps my Maſter would not find Philidaſpes, yet he might perchance meet with ſome of the guards which he had corrupted and ſuborned, did pretend a journey unto Pteria whereof he was the governour, under colour that ſome ancient Greek inhabitants of Sinope, did attempt ſomthing againſt the ſervice of the King: for Sir, I think you know how this Town was built by the Mileſiens, and how that Grecian Colony has often changed maſters. Indeed it would be a difficult thing to define exactly, which is true Sinope, it is ſo filled with inhabitants of ſeverall nations; having been one while poſſeſſed by the Graecians another by the Galatians; Somtime againe by the Paphlagonians, and at this day by the King of Cappadocia. Aribeus therefore raiſed this falſe ſeditious report, that under pretence of it, he might be gone from Themiſcyra, before Artamenes returned, and ſo came unto Sinope as I ſaid before: So that my Maſter being rid of him, was in abſolute and quiet poſſeſſion of the Kings mind: But as the ſtate of things ſtood, there was nothing to be thought upon but warr. Ciaxares ſent firſt to the [Page] Queen Nitocris to ask her whether ſhe allowed of her ſons Act; and to demand the Princeſs his daughter: he ſent alſo unto Aſtyages to acquaint him with the misfortune, and require aide, mean while, he levied as many ſouldiers as ever both theſe two Kings were able to ſet out: though thoſe orders which he ſent unto Aribeus, to raiſe men in his government, was invalid unto him, for that Traytor had diſpoſed them for other deſignes. He made a ſhew as if he would execute the Kings commands; and feigning to be ſick would not come at Themiſcyra. Mean while, we underſtood by the return of him who was ſent unto Queen Nitocris, that ſhe diſclaimed the action, of the Aſſyrian Prince; and that he▪ was not yet come unto Babylon: at the ſame time, thoſe who were left among the Maſſagetes returned, and told us how Gelonida ſaved them, about fifteen dayes after our departure: they brought a Letter from that vertuous woman unto Artamenes; by which ſhe ſaid in generall, that his abſence cauſed abundance of trouble in the Court of Thomiris: That ſhe had much ado to obtaine pardon for his men; yet at laſt ſhe told her nothing but the returne of Artamenes could give her ſatisfaction: and that he muſt either repent, or elſe ſhe dye, and revenge herſelf that way: yet we had no ſooner rejoyced at the returne of our men, but we underſtood that Aſtyages falling ſick upon the news of the Princeſs being taken away by the Prince of Aſſyria; was ſo exceſſively moved at it, in conſideration of the King his ſons intereſt, and in conſideration of his hatred unto the Aſſyrians, that a Fever ſeiſed upon him and he died within four dayes: declaring by his will that all his ſubjects ſhould take up Arms for the liberty of the Princeſs Mandana. The news of his death almoſt moved my maſter to tell Ciaxares whom he was: but when he remembred all the expreſſions which he uſed, when Cyrus was diſcourſed on, his fears to be deprived of that honour to deliver his Princeſs prevented him: for ſaid he, if by chance he ſhould not change his thoughts, who knowes whether or no he will baniſh me? and whether in lieu of delivering my Princeſs, I procure my own death? perhaps he will preſently [...]log me with fetters, and ſo this Army which ought to be imployed for Mandana's liberty, will be diſabled. Mean while Ciaxares muſt prepare himſelf to take poſſeſſion of Medeas throne, and go to Ecbatan, but before his arivall, he cauſed troops to be raiſed, becauſe he would loſe no time. The Cappadocians were much troubled to ſee themſelves both with a King, and without a Queen at once, eſpecially ſince their Princeſs was in the Aſſyrian Power, foreſeeing that if they ſhould returne under their government, then their kingdom would be no more then a Province; yet this feare was not univerſall, for there were many which ſtill retained a ſecret affection unto the Aſſyrian nation. Aribeus, as every one thought, was of that mind, even at that very time when he was ſo loved by Ciaxares; ſome alſo ſaid that the originall of his houſe was extracted from Aſſyria. How ever it was, when the King was ready, not yet ſuſpecting any treaſon in Aribeus, he commanded him to come unto him, intending to declare him Regent of the Realme: but he not daring to truſt him, and fearing leſt this ſeeming honour, was but a trap to ſecure him: he ſent word back unto Ciaxares that he was ſick; and if he were pleaſed to honour him with the government of the Cappadocians, he beſeeched him to ſend ſuch orders unto him: yet the King being informed that Aribeus was not ſo ſick as he fained, began to be Jealous of him, and committed all the authority unto a man of great quality, called Ariobantes, which ſo incenſed Aribeus, as he reſolved to act as afterwards he did. Artamenes ſent Ortalques unto Artaxes brother of Aribeus, to command him in the name of Ciaxares, to continue in the King of Pontus his ſervice: Ciaxares went then to Ecbatan, and my Maſter accmpanied him. The King of Perſia at the ſame time ſent an Embſſador to the King of Medes (for henceforward we will call Ciaxares ſo) to condole with him the death of Aſtyages, and the taking away of his daughter the Princeſs Mandana; and alſo within a few dayes after, he ſent another, to congratulate his happy coming unto that Crown, and to offer him aſſiſtance in his wars againſt the Prince of Aſſyria: Now Sir, was Chriſantes very much entangled; yet he feared not that my Maſter would be known, for queſtionleſs he was very much altered as well as I, who was almoſt of the ſame age, yet he was ſure that himſelf being much elder then we would be diſcovered, ſo that againſt his will, he reſolved to tell a handſom Lie: he told then the Perſian Embaſſadors in equivocall tearmes, that he being in utter deſpaire ever to bring into Perſia that Prince whom he carried out, he reſolved to wander from Court to Court, and from Countrey to Countrey: he further told them, that in a voyage unto Greece, there he met with Artamenes, and has indiſſolvably tyed himſelf unto his fortunes: Aduſius whom you ſee here, and was then one of the Embaſſadors, moved him to relate all the particulars [Page] in the ſhipwrack of Cyrus, and to tell him whether his body was ever found: but Chriſantes demeaned himſelf very handſomly in the diſcourſe, telling him, that they which eſcaped from the ſhipwrack never knew what became of them which periſhed: Moreover, he beſeeched both him and the other Embaſſadour, not to tell Ciaxares that ever he had the honour to be with young Cyrus, leſt the hatred which he bore unto that unfortunate young Prince ſhould reflect upon him: Chriſantes alſo asked him, whether the loſſe of Cyrus did not extraordinarily perplex the King and the Queen of Perſia? Aduſius did anſwer him, that they had been much troubled at it, and ſtill were; but as they were both of them very wiſe, ſo they knew how to qualifie their ſorrows; and could not chuſe but aſſiſt that Prince which rejoyced at their loſſe: This they will do, both out of Generoſity, and Policy, ſince upon the whole matter, Ciaxares was not blameable for what he did: for the reſentments of Astyages, the predictions of the Magi, whom the Medeans much reverence, and the Manies of the ſtars did induce him thereunto. But preſently after Sir, we were informed that the Queen Nitocris was dead, and that the Prince her Son was come unto Babylon, and brought the Princeſſe Mandana thither in triumph. This intelligence did much trouble Artamenes, for as long as ſhe lived, it had been much more eaſie for him to deliver the Princeſſe then now, it being to be ſuppoſed, that vertuous Queen would never protect any injuſtice, though committed by her own Son; But ſeeing that he could not reſcue Mandana, untill he had taken the prime Town in the World, and ſubverted all Aſia, this did infinitely perplex him: not that the greatneſſe of the enterprize did at all aſtoniſh him, but becauſe he apprehended that it would take a long time to execute ſo great a deſigne▪ and would move the King of Aſſyria to take ſome violent reſolutions againſt the Princeſſe. Mean while Ciaxares having accepted the King of Perſias offer; Aducius returned in all haſt to inform the King his Maſter, and all ſides thought upon nothing but preparations for War: The King of Aſſyria, who was not ignorant of the Mede [...]n preparations, began to act his part. Mazares the Prince of Saces, who as you know was his vaſſall, and who then was in Babylon, promiſed him his aſſiſtance: And you are not ignorant Sir, how the King of Arabia, did as you did, that is, he took part with the King of Aſſyria: Alſo it is rather unto the generous Thraſibulus, whom I now ſpeak unto, then unto this Illuſtrious company, ſince there is none of them, onely he, which is ignorant of what I ſhall hereafter tell you.

Then the King of Hircania interrupting Feraulas, told him, that it was true indeed, it was onely unto Thraſibulus unto whom he was to addreſſe his ſpeech: yet notwithſtanding, although he did know a good part of what he had to relate, yet he ſhould be very glad to have it revived in his memory: Thraſibulus thanked the King of Hircania for it, and Feraulas continued his diſcourſe as followeth.

The King of Aſſyria then preparing for warre as well as we, was not onely aſſured of help from the King of Lydia, from the King of Hircania, and from the King of Arabia, but alſo from the Prince of Saces, from the Prince of the Paphlagonians, and from the Indians. As for the King of Phrygia, he was alſo preſſingly ſolicited, to take the King of Aſſyria's part, following the Treaty of Peace which was made with the Queen Nitocris▪ But ſince he had warrs with Croeſſus, and that this Prince was to aſſiſt the King of Aſſyria as well as he, he told this Raviſher of Mandana, that he was willing to aſſiſt him, provided his Troops might not mingle with the Lydians his enemies, which was promiſed him, but which was not performed. This Prince had a good minde not to engage himſelf on the King of Aſſyria's ſide: But having not ratified that Treaty of Peace which was confirmed between the King of Pontus, and Ciaxares, he reſolved upon that which he could not help. As for the King of Pontus, he was not in a condition to take either part, for he was embroyled with Civil warrs in his own Kingdom, which did extreamly preſſe, and which doubtleſſe would have deſtroyed him, if they have not already done it. Obſerve Sir, how many Kings and how many Princes had engaged themſelves on the unjuſt ſide: Moreover, Aribeus ſeeing the King of Aſſyria in poſſeſſion of the Throne of his father, did declare and publiſh thorowout all the Province of which he was Governour, that the Princeſſe conſented to go with the King of Aſſyria: He leavied Troops; called back Artaxes his brother, who was ſent to help the King of Pontus, notwithſtanding the King; laſt Orders, and perhaps conduced to the deſtruction of that Prince thereby. Having then got a conſiderable Body together, he ſent it unto Babylon: Moreover, the King of Aſſyria diſpatched an Embaſſadour unto Croeſſus, as I have told you, to ſolicite him, that he would joyn with his Army: Repreſenting unto him, that the Perſians and Medean [...] [Page] were two ſuch Nations, as if they were joyned together, they might well aſpire unto the Univerſal Dominion of all Aſia: Moreover, he urged, that there was ever an Alliance between the Kings of Lydia and the Kings of Aſſyria; ſo that in demanding Aſſiſtance upon this occaſion, which concerned the common good, though in appearance it ſeemed onely for the taking away of the Princeſſe Mandana, he ought not to be denied: Moreover yet, the conſideration of Conſanguinity ought to be no impediment in the buſineſſe; ſince if he made warre againſt Ciaxares, he did it in behalf of Mandana, and that he would never have taken her away, but with intentions to put the Crown of Aſſyria upon her head. Indeed all the world knows that Croeſſus was perſwaded by him: So that his Enemy had on his ſide, the Saces, the Hircanians, the Arabians, the higher, and lower Phrygians, the Indians, part of the Cappadocians, the Lydians, the Paphlagonians, the Serians, and the Aſſyrians: we underſtood how he endeavoured to engage the Carians in his Quarrell, but they refuſed: Mean while the King of Perſia, being ſtrongly ſolicited by the Queen his wife, ſiſter unto Ciaxares, made choice of two hundred Homotimes (theſe are the nobleſt Perſons of all Perſia) unto every one of theſe two hundred men, he gave leave to chuſe four others of the ſame Quality; ſo that that by this means they made up a thouſand men; afterwards he appointed every one of this thouſand to leavie amongſt the people, ten men with Bucklers, ten Archers, and ten Slingers, ſo that this compleated the number of thirty thouſand men beſides the Homotimes. This thirty thouſand choice men were better then fifty thouſand others: Hidaſpes whom you ſee there, had the Command of this Potent Aid, and Aduſias was his Lieutenant General. Ciaxares you may well imagine, received them with much joy, and Artamenes was ſo ſenſible of it, that I know not how to expreſſe his extaſie: Mean time, he ever was ſending out for Intelligence, and was credibly informed, that Croeſſus brought in ten thouſand horſe, and fourty thouſand Foot, Bucklers, and Archers: That the King of Phrygia had ſix thouſand Horſe, and twenty thouſand Pikes, and Bucklers: That Aribeus ſent out of Cappadocia four thouſand Horſe, and ten thouſand Foot: That Maragdus, King of Arabia, pretended to have five thouſand Horſe, ten thouſand Foot, and a hundred Armed Chariots: The Hircanians were to have alſo a hundred Chariots, and four thouſand Slingers: The Caduſians eight thouſand Foot: The Indians as many: Alſo the Paphlagonians: Beſides all theſe, the King of Aſſyria had twenty thouſand Horſe, and fourty thouſand Foot. All theſe compleated up the number to be fourty five thouſand Horſe, and neer a hundred and fifty thouſand Infantry, beſides the Chariots. On ourſide, we had ten thouſand Horſe, and fifty thouſand Foot, all naturall Subjects of Ciaxares, beſides the Auxiliaries from the Provinces of the Ariſantines, of the Struchaltes, and others, all which mounted unto ten thouſand Horſe, and fifteen thouſand Foot. So that when all were joyned together, with the thirty thouſand Perſians, the thouſand Homotimes, and five thouſand Horſe, and ten thouſand Foot for that part of Cappadocia which was not Revolted, we found that our Army was in a Gallant condition; though it was not ſo numerous as the King of Aſſyria's, ſince it conſiſted onely of five and twenty thouſand Horſe, and one hundred thouſand Foot, without any Armed Chariots: and though it was very advantagious to have thirty thouſand Perſian Infantry, and ten thouſand Medean Cavalry, yet the number was much inferiour: But my Maſter ſeemed not to be at all aſtoniſhed at the inequality, nor at the great number of Kings againſt whom he was to fight: But on the contrary, aſſuming freſh courage, in ſo important an occaſion, which might render him ſo Glorious, although the captivity of the Princeſſe did infinitely trouble him, yet notwithſtanding, hope to relieve her, or elſe die for her, cauſed him to become maſter of his melancholie. And though he was not yet known amongſt the Medes, yet his Reputation, his Gallant deportment, his ſweetneſſe, his Courteſie, and Liberality, had procured him already a great credit amongſt them, ſo that he was abſolutely adored. It was at this time, when he took a love unto Araſpes, and when Aglatidas took a love to him: but I had forgot to tell you, that Harpagus, who had all this while ſtayed in Perſia, ſince the departure of Cyrus from thence, being deſirous to return into his Countrey, made uſe of this occaſion, after the death of Astyages, who had baniſhed him, and came into Medea with Hidaſpes, who by the Comendum of the Queen of Perſia, made his peace with Ciaxares, although he knew Cyrus no more then the Perſians did. In concluſion, to abbreviate my relation, which otherwiſe would be too unpleaſant unto ſo many Illuſtrious perſons, who were eye witneſſes of what I am to tell; The Army of Ciaxares began to march, Artamenes being his Lieutenant General, and commanding the Vangard. When we were ready to enter the enemies [Page] Countrey, Artamenes ſaw upon his right hand a great Eagle, which flying with impetuous haſt, ſeemed to make towards Babylon, as if ſhe would ſhew him the way he was to follow. The flight of this Bird was looked upon as a fortunate Omen; and Ciaxares making a halt, offered ſacrifices, not onely unto the Gods of the Medes and Perſians, but alſo unto the Aſſyrian Deities, deſiring them to be propitious unto him. I will not ſtand to tell you how this great Army marched, nor how prudently Artamenes ordered this vaſt Body; I will onely relate how impatient my Maſter was to be taking priſoners, that he might enquire ſome news of Mandana. And ſeeing that ſome of the enemies Scouts appeared, he offered to go unto them, but they took their heels, and would not fight; ſo that he bethought himſelf of a ſtratagem, which was this; he cauſed in the night time, a great number of fires to be made, behinde the place where our Army encamped, and none in the place where we were: So that theſe Scouts coming in the night to ſpie, or take ſome of our men, they were extreamly amazed when they found us neer them, whom by the fires they thought further off. Some priſoners then being taken, we knew by them that the King of Aſſyria would within a few dayes leave the Princeſſe at Babylon, under the guard of Marſares, and that he would ere long be in the Head of his Army, accompanied with the Kings of Hircania, Lydia, Phrygia, and Arabia: But as impatient as Artamenes was to be doing with the King of Aſſyria, whom we will now no longer call Philidaſpes, he could not be at him ſo ſoon as he thought: For he found, that they who had diverſe times fled before him, went back over the River Gindes, which deſcending from the Mantian Mountains, paſſes thorow the Countrey of the Dardinians, and diſchargeth it ſelf into the River Tygris, and ſo empties it ſelf into the Red-Sea. Then Sir, this River is ſo violent a Current, and the Aſſyrian Troops having broken the Bridge, that it ſtopped him: Artamenes coming to the River ſide, beyond which he ſaw men in Arms, was even deſperate to ſee it was impoſſible to get over: he could not be perſwaded of the danger, untill he had found it by ſuch experience, as might have proved fatall unto him: For being exaſperated by the fury of his ſoul, and the violence of his love, he ſpurred his horſe into the midſt of the River, where the rapid furie of the water had like to have engulfed him: but being come back, by good fortune unto the ſide again, there was one of thoſe white horſes, ſuch as amongſt us are uſed to be ſacrificed unto the Sun, who of himſelf leaping furiouſly into the River to paſſe over, was preſently whirled into the bottom of the River and never ſeen again: So that Artamenes not knowing what courſe to take for a paſſage, bethought himſelf of a ſtrange extraordinary way, which was to divide the River by channels. In concluſion, he propounded this deviſe, and put it in execution: He took ſuch monſtrous pains for eight dayes together, that all Ages may hereafter ſpeak of it for a wonder: For amuzing the enemy alwayes by his preſence, on the ſide of the River, he cauſed a great Rampire of earth to be eaſt up, to blinde the Aſſyrians from ſight of the Pioners, that they might not ſee what they did, and having digged a hundred and ſixty Channels, which took their beginnings from the River, he made ſo many little Rivolets out of that great one, by dilating it into ſo many ſeveral Channels, and paſſed over without any trouble with his whole Army. This prodigie did ſo amaze the Aſſyrian Troops on the other ſide the water, that they would abide no combate, but haſted in diſorder unto the Body of their Army; thinking that none but Gods could turn the courſe of that River; and concluding afterwards that nothing was impoſſible unto Artamenes. Indeed I am fully perſwaded, that there are few things which can reſiſt the Courage of ſuch a man as he, whom Love had inſpired with a moſt Heroick heat. As ſoon as Artamenes was got on the other ſide the River, he was infinitely joyed; Imagining that ſince there was no more to do but to fight, and then enter into Babylon, nothing could debar his entrance. We marched then ſtraight unto the Enemy, who with all diligence was marching towards us: We were yet two dayes march from them, when we ſaw an old man of a handſome and comely deportment coming towards us, and followed by three hundred horſe, deſired to ſpeak with Artamenes, and having in few words told the juſt cauſe of his complaints againſt the King of Aſſyria, ſaid he was come to ask Protection from Ciaxares, and offer unto him all the ſtrength he had. Indeed Gobrias who was at this preſent in Sinope, offered unto Artamenes to put his eſtate into his power, as indeed a few dayes after, he did: And the Princeſſe Arpaſea his daughter, who is one of the faireſt Ladies in the World, did receive Artamenes moſt magnificently into a place of ſtrength, which belonged unto him, and which ſhe did by his command, and whom Artamenes left in poſſeſſion of it. But Sir, I muſt not dwell upon this, though there be many [Page] brave things dependant upon it: It was at this time, the wiſe Gobrias engaged Gadates unto Ciaxares his party; yet not to ſtay upon any thing which does not directly relate unto Artamenes, I will only tell you, how the King of Aſſyria hath given juſt cauſe unto the valiant King of Hircania, and to the Prince of the Caducians, to quit his party; theſe two Princes came and ranked themſelves on Ciaxares his ſide, or rather on Artamenes, ſince certainly the reputation of my Maſter was the moſt convincing reaſon which obliged theſe two great Princes to truſt his word: I will not ſtay to tell you how the King of Cyprus ſent alſo ſome Troops unto him, under the command of Thimocrates and Philocles: But let me tell you, that the two Armies being now in view of each other, and the day of battle being come; Artamenes was buſie in ordering his Troops into ſuch a poſture as they might vanquiſh: He commended them, and commanded them with ſuch an imperious and obliging air, as there was not a Souldier in all the Army, which was not eager to obey him. When theſe two mighty Armies were come out of their Trenches; and that the armed Chariots, the Archers, the Slingers, the Launciers and Pikes, and thoſe which uſed ſwords on both ſides were ranged into battalia, Artamenes in lieu of a long Oration, ſaid nothing but this unto them.

Which is he amongst you, my fellow Souldiers, who will be before me? who will kill the firſt enemy? which of you is it, whoſe valour will exceed Artamenes? Come on, my companions (ſaid he to them) I do proteſt that I ſhould not be leſs joyed to ſee you ſurmount me in valour, then if I had overcome the Aſſyrians.

Theſe few words pronounced by ſuch a man as Artamenes, had ſo excellent an operation in the hearts of the fouldiers, and wrought ſuch great effects, that their voice made the Air ring ſuch a peal, as reſembled a ſong of victory and triumph: Ciaxares by the advice of Artamenes, would have the word of Battle that day to be Jupiter our Protector; ſo that the combate beginning, the noiſe of both ſides was hideous, what by the confuſion of cries, the claſhing of Armes and Arrows, and the neighing of horſes, then which nothing is more aſtoniſhing. But Sirs, all you (except Thraſibulas) do know it, therefore without particularizing this dayes great buſineſſe, I will only tell you that Artamenes, ſeeking out the King of Aſſyria with much diligence, at laſt found him, being informed by one who was taken priſoner, in what quarter he would fight, and meeting with him in the throng; Let us ſee (ſaid he to him) let us ſee, whether the King of Aſſyria be more valiant then Philidaſpes, and whether I can now take away his life as eaſily, as I did preſerve it in the Foreſt where I met him? That Prince hearing theſe words, turned fiercely towards him, and knowing my Maſter by his voice, Artamenes (ſaid he to him) the King of Aſſyria perhaps is not more valiant then Philidaſpes, but he is more civil, ſince though he be now a King, he will not refuſe meaſuring his ſword with you, who paſſe but for a common Cavalier, and no more: Advance then (ſaid my Maſter to him, when he ſaw him ſtudying what to do) and be aſſured that the Raviſher of Mandana is more diſhonoured in taking her away, then he is in fighting with Artamenes: I ought not to fight with you (anſwered that Prince) ſince I owe my life unto you: but what ſhall I do? there is a ſecret thought in me, which moves me to hate you, and is more prevalent then my generoſity: after thoſe words they came together and fought: The ſword of Artamenes was died with the bloud of that Prince; and if the throng and confuſion of the general combate had not ſeparated them, I believe the death of the King of Aſſyria had put an end to the war. But at the laſt a report being divulged among all the Troops, that he was either dead or a priſoner, it made ſo great a diſorder, as the like was never ſeen: Some fought, others fled; The Kings Allies thinking the King of Aſſyria to be dead, retired: Craeſſus cauſed all his men to be drawn off and be gone, and taking the mountainous way, ſaved the reſt of his Troops from the general Rout. The King of Phrygia, who had cauſe of diſcontent given unto him, becauſe one part of his men were ranked in the ſame body with the King of Lydias contrary to what was promiſed; and he being ever in love with the glory of Artamenes, did retire, and entrenched himſelf in an advantagious place, and waited the ſucceſſe of our victory. The Prince of Paphlagonia, was taken priſoner, and almoſt all the conſiderable perſons in the Aſſyrian Army, either periſhed or changed ſides. The truth is Sir, (ſaid Feraulas, alwayes addreſſing his diſcourſe unto Thraſibulas) it may [Page] very well be ſaid, that the gods did fight for Artamenes: for it is moſt certain, that there never was ſeen ſo many great Princes altogether which did ſo weakly diſpute the victory; not but that there was great difficulty in obtaining it, becauſe though they did not fight it well, yet their inequality of number, made it no eaſie matter. Certainly, and without flattering the Perſians, the Homotimes did miracles that day; alſo the Medean Cavalry a well as the Hircanian wrought wonderful effects. Yet in this great diſorder, the King o [...] Aſſyria, who in all other adventures would rather perhaps have been killed, then given [...] ground, did now retire; when he ſaw that there was no hopes of victory, and that Maragdus King of Arabia was killed cloſe by him: Fearing without doubt, that if the noiſe of the defeat ſhould come unto Babylon before his return, there might riſe ſome ſuch diſorder as might let the Princeſſe eſcape: This ſudden retreat which he made, did certainly confirm the report of his death. The Cappadocian Troops, fearing to be under the power of Ciaxares, as a maſter which was juſtly incenſed, joyned unto that party of the Aſſyrians which were the King of Aſſyria's Convoy: And I do very well remember, that my Maſter ſeeing theſe Cappadocians fly, purſued, and cried out unto them, Why do you fly with them that are vanquiſhed? Is it not better to ſtay and triumph with Conquerors? But his words were in vain; for ſhame and fear ſtifled their repentance. To relate unto you the number of the dead; the abundance of priſoners; the vaſt multitude of Arms and Horſes; the great number of Chariots and Tents, and the infinite rich Plunder would not be much to the purpoſe: But let me tell you, that Artamenes moved Ciaxares to give all the Plunder of the field to the Souldiers; and for his own part he reſerved no more then the liberty to divide and beſtow it, more or leſſe according to the deſerts of the Captains: None of the Homotimes or Perſians would load themſelves with any of it; but he would have the chief of them which were accuſtomed to fight on foot, to take the beſt of the enemies Horſes; ſo that he made the firſt Perſian Cavalry which ever was ſeen in Aſia, But although this defeat of ſo many Kings, and the friendſhip which he had contracted with ſo many Princes, who in reſpect of him had taken the King of Medea's part, might well have ſatisfied him, yet the King of Aſſyria being neither dead nor a priſoner, and the Princeſſe being ſtill in Babylon, all ſeemed unto him as if he had done nothing; So that he was not long at reſt, but two dayes after the Battle, marched towards Babylon. In going thither, we underſtood that the King of Lydia was abſolutely retired; and that the King of Phrygia, though diſcontented with the Aſſyrian, yet waited as I told you, to ſee the ſucceſſe of things. But my Maſter deſiring to remove ſuch a puiſſant reſerve from his enemy, he ſet out a conſiderable body of Horſe under the command of Hidaſpes, to go and fight him; and indeed the deſign did thrive ſo happily under Hidaſpes, that after ſeveral skirmiſhes, they enforced the King of Phrygia's Trenches, and took him priſoner: But ſince Artamenes had been obliged unto him, during the Bithynian wars, he moved Ciaxares to uſe him very well: he left unto him the Command of thoſe his Troops which remained after his defeat, upon condition they ſhould not be imployed againſt him, at the ſiege of Babylon: for, ſaid he, the King of Phrygia will never fight againſt that Prince whom he came to aid: Artamenes ſent him with as many Medean Troops only to ſecure a paſſe, which was equally advantagious unto the King of Phrygia, if he would return, and to Ciaxares from being ſet upon from that ſide; He alſo gave liberty unto the Prince of Paphlagonia, who afterwards did not forſake him. At the laſt Sir, we came within ſight of ſtately Babylon; and although my Maſter found it very ſtrong when he was there, yet he found it much ſtronger this ſecond time, as well becauſe he now obſerved it better, as becauſe the King of Aſſyria had now a greater intereſt in it. As ſoon as he eſpied the magnificent Pallace which elevates it ſelf in the midſt of Babylon: There it is Feraulas (ſaid he to me) whither we muſt go and deliver Mandana: He did preſently begirt the Town round about with his Troops, to ſtop the paſſages of any out, and to diſcover in what place and part it beſt was aſſaultable: But to ſay truly, we found the wals ſo high, ſo thick and ſo ſtrong, that our Battering Rams could work no execution; alſo the huge deep ditches full of water hindered our approaches to make any uſe of our Engines: Moreover, it ſeemed abſolutely impoſſible to aſſault it from the River, by reaſon of that prodigious work which Queen Nitocris had made, whereby the River Euphrates was brought almoſt round the Town; as well to dilate the impetuoſity of the River, as to make the acceſſe unto the Town more difficult; for the River by that means winding and crinkling as it did, it was impoſſible that they in the Town ſhould be ſurprized by Boats, theſe turnings being ſo long, that it would be a long dayes work to come by them into Babylon, from the place [Page] where they muſt begin. I will not inſiſt upon exact relation of this Siege, or the prodigious pains which was taken in circling about ſo vaſt a Town; nor how many Towers Artamenes built up, from diſtance to diſtance anſwerable; as well to ſecure his entrenchments, and fortifie his Lines, as to diſcover what the enemies did within their wals; nor how theſe Towers were placed upon wooden piles of Palme, of a moſt prodigious height; nor all the enſignes which he prepared for this ſiege: nor will I tell you, how the valour of Mazares did appear in divers ſallyes which the beſieged made, nor how my Maſter repulſed them: But I muſt tell you in few words, that all their attempts and all they could do againſt ſo great a Town were all ineffectuall, and vaine, Artamenes deſpairing of gaining it, ſeeing that winter drew on, and that ſooner then ordinary, the fields were covered with Snow, he knew not what to reſolve upon: For although there were an infinite number of men within the town, yet were they victualled for a long time, ſo that he had no hopes to take it either by force or famine, unleſs he ſhould tarry ſo long a time, as the thought of it did affright him: at laſt he bethought himſelf of a way which yielded him ſome hopes of ſucceſſe: he did not think the River Euphrates could reſiſt him; more then the river Gindes, ſo that with the conſent and approbation of the King, he cauſed two great trenches to be made, which joyned to the River, and took the water from the River above the town and let it into the Channel againe beneath: but before he had finiſhed theſe trenches, or given paſſage for the water into them, he placed twenty thouſand men neer the paſſage where the River runns into the Town, himſelf being in the head of them, & ſent as many unto that place where the River iſſues out of the Town: things being thus ordered, he gave the ſignal to open the trenches a little before night: ſo that in leſs then two howrs, this River being made foordable; he marched himſelf the firſt up to the knees in water (in ſpite of the coldneſs of the weather, & horſe being unfit for takings towns) & did ſo encourage the reſt by his example, that all which had order for it, followed, & thus they did moſt Couragiouſly, & with fierce impetuoſity enter into proud Babylon. The aſſault [...] made at both ends of the towne in an inſtant, Hidaſpes not being leſs diligent then Artamenes My Maſter, to make ſure work, went preſently unto the palace, where as we were informed by priſoners which we took) the Princeſs uſed to lodge, and took with him the Prince Gadates, and one of the officers of Gobrias, to conduct him thither: I will not relate unto you, the amazement of the inhabitants; the hideous diſorder of the night: the Combats which he was forced unto in ſome ſtreets; and the facilities he met with in others, nor how a great ſedition which was in the town did help forward their deſtruction; nor will I ſpeak of the confuſed eccho of the noiſe, the deſolation of the women, and the generall aſtoniſhment of the people: But I will tell you how Artamenes thought upon nothing but Mandana, and went in all haſt unto the Palace: At firſt the guards made ſome reſiſtance, but as ſoon as one of them Cryed out, that the King was eſcaped, they left the gates; threw down their Armes; and left Artamenes maſter of the place: But Oh heavens it was in vaine to look for Mandana, for he could not finde either the King or the Princeſs, nor could meet with any which could informe what was become of them. As for Hidaſpes, according to orders from Artamenes, he ſecured all the publique places, and placed Courts of guard in ſeverall ſtreets, and kept in armes all the night, ſo that at break of day, more then half the army of Ciaxares was got into the town: and Artamenes was abſolute maſter of Babylon, excepting two Caſtles which rendred themſelves the next day: But neither in the Kings Palace; nor in the Caſtles▪ nor in the Temples nor in any of the houſes, (for Artamenes cauſed all to be ſearched) could the King of Aſſyria or Mandana be found: only one of the Aſſyrian women which they had placed about the Princeſs, and who followed not: which ſaid, that at the beginning of the night being accompanied with many of his men, came into her Chamber and took her and her two Cappadocian women away with him, and went down a paire of ſtairs which leads into the Garden, but whither they went afterwards, ſhe could not tell. To repreſent unto you my Maſters deſpaire is a thing impoſſible: why does the gods, (ſaid he) loade me thus with inſupportable misfortunes? why will they not permit me to deliver my Princeſs, and puniſh my Rivall? Ha Feraulas, I ſeen is impoſſible. It was very happy that Ciaxares, and ſo many Grandees accompanied him▪ and gave out neceſſary orders, to calme this huge Town; for as for my Maſter, Mandana was the only thought that he could entertaine. A whole month paſſed, without any intelligence either of the King of Aſſyria or the Princeſs, during which time he ſuffered as much torment as man could do; Alas, ſaid he ſomtimes unto me, what am I better for winning Battles; taking of townes, or ſubverting [Page] of Kingdomes, if I can neither relieve my Princeſs nor puniſh my Rivall? If it were not my own hand, that put her into the power of her Raviſher, I ſhould be leſs troubled; but ſince it was by my own valour that the King of Aſſyria carried her away; and that ſame valour cannot make me kill him, this is a thing which is a bove my patience: For to ſave the life of her enemy, when he was ſet upon by eleven Cavaliers, and not to be able to take it from him, at that time when ſo many others as valiant as himſelf felt the weight of my blowes; This is it Feraulas, that the Gods are reſolved upon my deſtruction, and that I muſt prepare my ſelf for it. I forgot to tell you Sir, that we found in Babylon a great number of Ladies, of very great quality, who having been uſed with much reſpect (for Artamenes before he entered the Town did give expreſs command that none ſhould offer any violence unto any women) came to give him thanks, and aſſured him that the Princeſſe Mandana, would thanke him alſo, for the Civility which they had received from him. At the very name of Mandana, my Maſter did double his civilities towards them: and he received this ſatisfaction however, to heare Mandana well ſpoken of as well in Babylon as Themiſcyra; it being moſt certain that this Princeſs had cauſed her ſelf to be adored amongſt them. Artamenes underſtood by theſe Ladies that his Rivall did treat her with abundance of reſpect, at leaſt in their ſight. But they told my Maſter, that ſince the beginning of the ſiege, none were permitted to come neer the Princeſs; nor any Lady to come within the pallace: I will not tell you Sir, the ſeverall reflections which my Maſter made upon all theſe things, for it would too much lengthen my ſtory; only this, that ſometimes, he knew not well whether he ſhould grieve more to underſtand that his Rivall was more rigorous unto her, ſince the ſiege of Babylon, then to uſe her as he did before. To ſpeak truth, I do believe, that what theſe Ladies had ſaid unto him, as thinking to tell good newes, did not much pleaſe him, ſo much did Jealouſie diſturb his reaſon, & ſo difficult a thing it is to prevent that humour from poſſeſſing thoſe that are moſt reaſonable. But Sir, at the laſt there was ſuch great care taken to be informed concerning the King of Aſſyria, that they had intelligence he was retreated unto Pteria, whereof Aribeus was governor: thta Mazares, conducted him thither, and that Aribeus his old friend, had received him into the town; and that the Princeſs was very ſtrictly guarded in that place; yet we neither could know then, nor at this day how they could get out of Babylon: This newes did at firſt afford much Joy unto Artamenes; who moved Ciaxares, to diſencamp his Army which lay in and about this ſtately town; and after he had left a ſtrong garriſon in it, and given all requiſite orders for keeping it, we marched with all ſpeed towards Pteria; and although this march was very long, yet ſuch was the prudent proviſion of Artamenes, as our Troopes wanted nothing nor were they worſe for it: But Sir, when we came within three dayes march of this town: that Joy which my Maſter had to know where his Princeſs and his Rivall were, was much leſſened: for we had Intelligence that the King of Aſſyria the Prince Mazares, and Aribeus, had conveyed away the Princeſs and themſelves to Sinope: when Artamenes conſidered how that town was ſeated upon the ſea, and without a navall Army it was impoſſible to beſiege it, his ſorrowes were mightily multiplyed; For indeed Ciaxares had no ſhips, neither could he get them ſo ſoone as to be ſerviceable, and yet was all in faine to beleaguer Sinope without them, ſince if they ſtormed the town from the land ſide, then the King of Aſſyria had the Sea open to ſave himſelf, and carry away the Princeſs; this was the thing which moſt of all Artamenes feared: This diſaſterous circumſtance which was a reaſon, why he durſt not beſiege Sinope with an Army of a hundred thouſand men, cauſed ſuch a ſadneſs in him as cannot be expreſſed. Deſperat then as he was, he propounded unto Ciaxares, to ſend me into Sinope diſguiſed, to the end I might ſuborne ſome or other, and try whether the town could be taken by conſpiracy. When Ciaxares could not think of a better way, he conſented unto this, and I obtained that which I my ſelf deſired, for indeed Sir, it was I who firſt made the motion unto my Maſter. I went then after I had moulded my ſelf into the habit of a Countrey Peſant; and ſince we had heretofore ſtayed a long time in Sinope, I had got my ſelf many friends: Amongſt the reſt Artucas was one, who is a kinſman unto Marteſia, and now here with us; he alwayes loved me, though he was ſomthing obliged unto the ſervice of Aribeus: when I had got into the town, and had concealed my ſelf with one who was very faithfull unto me; I perceived that it was a thing impoſſible to ſpeak with the Princeſs as I deſigned: And I underſtood that they alwayes kept Gallyes with oares, and ſhips ready for ſaile, in caſe of any need, eſpecially ſince the King of Aſſyria; underſtood, that our Army was ſo neer him. I ſmelt alſo, that [Page] though Artucas was a Captain of one of the gates in the Town, yet he did not approve of the revolt in Aribeus; but thought it very ſtrange that the Princeſſe ſhould be a priſoner in a Town which was her own: I underſtood alſo that the Prince Mazares had all poſſible care of her, and did as much as he could qualifie the violent humours in the King of Aſſyria. In Concluſion, after I had well conſulted with my ſelf what I had to do; I went one night unto Artucas, who was not a little amuſed to ſee me: After the firſt complements were paſt, I began to ſpeak of things in particular: I made him underſtand that he was engaged on the worſe ſide, not only becauſe it was unjuſt, but alſo becauſe it would ruine him: In few words, I told him ſo many things, and ſo handſomly prepared him, that he ſtaggered, and at laſt I made him reſolve to deceive Aribeus, and become faithful unto his King: We agreed then that he ſhould deliver up the Gate, on that ſide the Town towards the Temple of Mars, preciſely upon that day and hour, that I ſhould appoint him: So then when I got out of Sinope, and was returned to the Camp, I brought ſuch joy unto my Maſter, as is inconceiveable: you know Sir, (purſued Feraulas ſpeaking unto the King of Hircania) That this reſolution was fixed upon, That Artamenes ſhould come with four thouſand men only, to ſurprize Sinope; that Ciaxares ſhould follow the next day with the whole Army. But my Maſter being advanced to execute this great buſineſſe; he ſaw as he came out of a valley, that the Town which he came to ſurprize was all in a flame, and believed that the Princeſſe would periſh in it: you alſo know that in lieu of deſtroying Sinope we ſaved that little which remains; how we quenched the fire; how Aribeus fought; how he was overwhelmed, and how he being come unto the foot of the Tower in the Caſtle, the generous Phraſibulus, whom you ſee there, opened the gate, and told my Maſter, that there was in that place an illuſtrious perſon who had need of help: Neither are you ignorant, how Artamenes running haſtily up to the top of the Tower, thinking to find the Princeſſe there, he only found his Corrival: And doubtleſſe you alſo know, how my Maſter did ſee a Galley, in which the King of Aſſyria told him, that the Prince Mazares had taken away Mandana.

In concluſion, Feraulas deſiring chiefly to acquaint theſe Princes that his Maſter held no baſe intelligence with the King of Aſſyria; after he had told them all the turbulent agitations in the mindes of theſe two Rivals, whileſt they looked from the top of the ſower upon the Galley during the Tempeſt; then he moſt exactly related all the diſcourſe between the King of Aſſyria and Artamenes; making them to underſtand the promiſe which Artamenes had made, how that it was not prejudicial to the Kings ſervice; and that the intereſt of his love was the only thing which made him conceal the King of Aſſyria's Letter. Afterwards he ſlightly rehearſed the flight of this King; the death of Aribeus; the retreat of this Prince unto Pteria; how he had written unto Artamenes, and the reaſon why Artamenes did hide his Letter from Ciaxares; by what accident his anſwer came unto the Kings hands: how Artamenes believed, and almoſt ſtill believes that the Princeſſe periſhed: how he found Mazares half drowned, and indeed all that happened until the arrival of Ciaxares, and impriſonment of Artamenes. In purſuance whereof, he conjured them all to conſider what was beſt to be done for the preſervation of ſuch an illuſtrious man: For, (ſaid he to them) Sirs, all this that Chriſantes and my ſelf have related unto you, is only to give you ſome light touch of his vertue, it being moſt certain that it is infinitely above all that can be ſaid or thought.

Feraulas having ended his relation, left all thoſe illuſtrious auditors in ſo much admiration of the miraculous life of Artamenes, and in ſo much joy that they were not miſtaken in that opinion which they ever had of his innocency, that they could not chuſe but give ſome teſtimonies of it. I ever believed (ſaid the King of Hircania) that it was impoſſible Artamenes ſhould be in any fault: And I never doubted (added Perſodes) but that he was ever abſolutely innocent. The worſt is (replied Hidaſpes) that one cannot juſtifie him before Ciaxares of that crime whereof he is accuſed, but by accuſing him of another which will not leſſe incenſe him: And I doubt (ſaid Chriſantes interrupting him) that Ciaxares would be as well pleaſed with his holding ſecret correſpondency with the King of Aſſyria, as with Mandana. If the Princeſſe ſhould be dead (anſwered Aduſias) there would be no difficulty to juſtifie Artamenes in diſcovering his love; but if by happy fortune ſhe be alive (replied Feraulas) my Maſter will never forgive Chriſantes and me, for diſcovering his paſſion unto Ciaxares. For my part (added Thraſibulus) I conceive it requiſite to uſe much prudence in the matter, and not to diſcover the love of Artamenes, until ſuch time as it be thought fit to diſcover his quality. But the knowledge of his quality (replied Chriſantes) [Page] is a thing altogether as dangerous to acquaint the King with: I am of this opinion (ſaid the King of Hircania) not to do any thing ſlightly, but to bring things unto ſuch a paſſe, as to hazard nothing; and to that end, before any thing be diſcovered unto Ciaxares, it is expedient to gain the hearts of the Captains of Souldiers in ſuch a manner, that there may be neither any fear nor danger in ſpeaking unto him for Artamenes. All the Princes concurring with the King of Hircania, and approving of what he ſaid, did aſſure Hidaſpes, Aduſius, Chriſantes, and Feraulas, that they themſelves would rather periſh, then ſuffer their Maſter to be in danger of it; and that they would neglect no manner of expedient which may conduce unto his ſafety. Thraſibulus was in deſpair of any power to ſerve him any way then in his perſon and courage, which he would pawne for him. As they were thus debating, Gobrias, Gadates, Thimocrates, and Philocles came in: They were not preſent at the relations of Chriſantes and Feraulas, becauſe as ſoon as Ciaxares came to Sinope, they returned to the Camp, and lodged not in the Town, But ſince they were no leſſe affectionated unto their Maſter then the reſt of the Princes, Feraulas ſaid unto the King of Hircania, that he muſt needs engage them in behalf of Artamenes. At the name of Artamenes, Gobrias asked what he ſhould do to ſerve him? Gadates all impatience, that if it were only to die for him, he was and ever would be ready. Thimocrates and Philocles appeared to be as ready as any to ſerve him: So that the King of Hircania beginning to ſpeak, let them all underſtand, that there was nothing elſe to be done, but for every one to be ready to ſave Artamenes, if there were any attempt to deſtroy him. Upon theſe words, all the Princes did ſolemnly ſwear to unite themſelves, and take up Arms for his ſafty whenſoever there ſhould be any need. They were all upon theſe terms, when Artucas came unto Hidaſpes, and told him that he came to aſſure him, Artamenes had ſent a note unto the King which made him very glad, but none could tell him what it was; and ſince he knew him to be a lover of Artamenes, he would adviſe him to go into the Caſtle: Hidaſpes after he had given thanks unto Artucas for his counſel, acquainted all the illuſtrious aſſembly with it: who out of impatience to know what it was, went preſently unto the King, but with ſo much eſteem, and ſo much affection unto Artamenes, and did ſo intereſt themſelves in his fortune, that any would have ſaid, that they were all of them his kindred or ſubjects.

The End of the Firſt Book.

ARTAMENES, OR Cyrus the Great. THE SECOND PART BOOK II.

[Page]

IT was not without good cauſe, that Artucas told Hidaſpes, how the King of Medes was very glad and joyful, at a Letter which he received from Artamenes: And the joy of Artamenes did exceed the Kings, if it be permitted me to put a difference between things that are both of them extreams; but to diſcover the true cauſe of the ſatisfaction to theſe two Perſons, whoſe preſent conditions ſeemed to be ſo unlike: You muſt know, that the ſame day about noon, a man which heretofore had ſerved Andramias, and who ſince ſerved Artamenes in the Scythian Voyage, and was ſent by him to Artaxes, who commanded thoſe Troops which were lent the King of Pontus; upon his return unto the Caſtle of Sinope, he deſired to ſpeak with his ancient Maſter. Aglatidas was then with Andramias, who commanded the man to enter, and whom at firſt he knew not; yet he no ſooner heard him ſpeak, but he knew him by his voice. Andramias gave him his hand, and asked him if he could do any thing for him? Yes Sir, (anſwered he) for I doubt not but if you will do me the favour to let me ſpeak with Renowned Artamenes, I doubt not, I ſay, but I ſhall help him unto ſuch news to tell the King, as may obtain him his liberty. Andramias not imagining what this man could tell of any ſuch importance, urged the man to tell his buſineſſe unto him, and to tell him alſo, why he was ſo affectionate unto Artamenes? for Andramias had ſome kinde of fear to be ſurprized, and thought this to be ſome deviſe of the Kings to try his fidelity. Then Ortalques (for that was the mans name) told him that he ſerved Artamenes in the Maſſagettan voyage, and preſented unto him a piece of a torn Letter, upon which he ſaw theſe words written, not knowing to whom they were directed, nor from whom they came.

Tell it, that I am living: That they carry me into one of the two Armenia's, but I know not unto whom I ſhall go; and that the King of—

[Page] After that Andramias had read this which was writ upon a looſe piece of paper, he looked upon Ortalques, and asked who it was which gave it him? But the man without more adoe; Indeed Sir (ſaid he) the Princeſſe Mandana is living: How (cried out Andramias and Aglatidas both together) is the Princeſſe Mandana living? Yes Sirs, anſwered Ortalques, and this which you ſee writ there, is as I think her own hand. Andramias and Aglatidas having not fully ſatisfied their curioſity, urged him to tell them all he knew concerning the Princeſſe; and the man told them, that when he was engaged in the Pontean and Bithynian war, he being ſent thither, it was his hap to be much wounded, and ſtayed there a long time ſick, not being able to follow Artaxes, whom Aribeus had called away: that afterwards being deſirous to return home, he came unto a place which is neer the Euxine Bridge, in that place where the river Halis empties it ſelf: that being there, and going out one morning to walk, he ſaw a ſhip on the Sea ſome three or four furlongs off the land, cloſe by which, there was one of theſe great woodden Boats of Pine-tree, which can very well endure the waves when the windes are high, and which are uſed to carry Merchandize, into which he ſaw many perſons deſcend, and diſtinguiſhed ſome women. After this, the ſhip ſailed into the open Sea, and the Boat came ſtraight unto the mouth of the River; but ſince the ſtream in that place was very impetuous, it was a long time before the Rowers could get out of the Sea into the River: During which time, I came unto the Rivers ſide, and I took notice that there was a woman in the Boat, which did very attentively look upon me; that afterwards, hiding her ſelf behinde another woman, ſhe did ſomething, and I ſuppoſe it was to write that which you ſee upon that piece of paper: after which, another of the women coming unto the Prow of the Boat which touched the Land, and came within three paces of me, having lapped up this piece of paper in a hood, which ſhe took from her head, ſhe threw it unto me, ſeeming as if the winde had wafted it from her, for it was ſomething high, and blew it where I was: I thought that I knew the Party, and within an hour after, I recalled my ſelf, and knew certainly that it was one of the Princeſſe women, called Marteſia: The men who were in the Boat, were ſo buſie in Rowing, and ſtriving to get up the River, that I think they did not minde the action of this woman: for my part, I haſtily took up what was thrown unto me, and going a little from the ſide, I ſaw that which I now give you, and I was ſo ſurprized at it that I knew not what to think: Mean while, the Boat being paſſed the mouth of the River, it made away much more readily, and was ſo ſoon, ſo far off me, that I knew not what to reſolve upon. I had a better minde to follow this Boat, then to come unto Sinope, whither I underſtood the Kings Army was marched: for indeed ſince I knew nothing of what paſſed here, I could not well tell what they deſired me to do, yet after I had well examined the matter, I did conclude, that my beſt way was to come hither; ſo that I embarked in the firſt ſhip I did meet with, and ſo hither I came. As I went down to the Port, the burning of this Town, making me very inquiſitive, I there heard of all the paſſages of Sinope, and I made no more doubt but that it was the Princeſſe Mandana, who ſent me hither, for I verily think I ſaw her in the Boat: To tell you who carried her away is more then I can do: all I know is, that certainly ſhe is living. Andramias and Aglatidas after they heard this mans relation, doubted no more then he, but that the Princeſſe was living: But to make it more clear, Aglatidas told his Coſin, that ſince Artamenes had been ſo long in the Cappadocian Court, it was impoſſible but he ſhould know Mandana's hand, therefore the beſt way would be to ſhew him what Ortalques had brought, and not to go unto the King, and acquaint him with any thing which might move in him a falſe Joy. Andramias approved of the Propoſition, and with Ortalques entred into the chamber of Artamenes, who then was profoundly plunged into cruell thoughts of the Princeſſe death, or at the leaſt, at the apprehenſion of it. Aglatidas coming to him, and after he had ſaluted him, Sir, ſaid he to him, here is a man, whoſe name is Ortalques, who deſires to ſee you, and has brought a piece of paper unto Andramias, which hand perhaps you know. If I know the hand, as well as I know the name of Ortalques (replied Artamenes in much ſadneſſe) I ſhall eaſily tell you who writ it; for the man ſo called, ſerved me in my voyage to the Maſſagettes, and as I went out of Cappadocia to Ecbatan, I ſent him unto Artaxes who then aided the King of Pontus, and ſince that untill now I heard nothing of him. In ſaying ſo, Artamenes conſidered the Character of the paper, yet he no ſooner looked upon it but he bluſht; and looking upon Aglatidas and Andramias with ſuch extream turbulency, more then uſuall; Doubtleſſe, cried he out, the Princeſſe Mandana did write this paper which you ſhew [Page] unto me; and I have ſeen her Letters unto the King, too often to be miſtaken: Alſo I my ſelf had the honour when I came firſt into Cappadocia, to preſent one unto him from her, wherein ſhe was pleaſed to ſpeak too advantagiouſly of me, to loſe the memory of it: But I beſeech you, ſaid he unto Andramias, if you can do it without danger to your ſelf; Let me ſee Ortalques, for I do confeſſe the vertue of the Princeſſe has much intereſted me in any thing which concerns her; and I ſhould be very glad to underſtand what he knows of her: Andramias who much deſired to oblige Artamenes, cauſed the man to enter, unſeen by any of the Guards; But during that time, Aglatidas eaſily perceived, that the joy and agitation of Artamenes his mind, had a more powerful cauſe then bare compaſſion: he beheld the paper, as if he were afraid to be miſtaken: he lifted his eyes up to heaven, as if he rendered thanks for ſo great a happineſſe; he walked up and down the room, and never regarded Aglatidas, nor ſpoke to him afterwards, coming ſuddenly to himſelf, and fearing he had been too much tranſported; if you did but know (ſaid he to him) the merit of the Princeſſe Mandana, you would leſſe wonder at my exceſſe of joy; for although ſhe ought to be your Queen, I can aſſure you I ſhall intereſt my ſelf as much in her ſervice, as any ſubjects ſhe ſhall one day have in all Medea. It were to be wiſhed (anſwered Aglatidas) the King were acquainted with your zeal unto any thing which concerns her, and that he would have the ſame thoughts of you which I have: Mean while, Andramias brought in Ortalques, whom Artamenes embraced with exceeding tenderneſſe, ſeeming as if the more news he told him concerning the Princeſs Mandana, the more welcom ſhould he be: yet notwithſtanding he asked him ſo many things together, that Ortalques could not anſwer him; but at the laſt he told him as much as he knew, and as much as did not yet fully ſatisfie Artamenes: But yet notwithſtanding, the certainty of the Princeſſe her life, that did afford him an unexpreſſible joy, inſomuch as no other conſideration, could diminiſh his delight: It is your duties (ſaid he unto Aglatidas and Andramias) to rejoyce at the reſurrection of your Princeſſe; But (ſaid Aglatidas unto him interrupting him) Ortalques out of zeal which he bears unto you, has ſome thoughts which ſeem to me very reaſonable, for indeed he deſired to ſee you, with intention that it might be from your hand the King ſhould be acquainted with the life of the Princeſſe his daughter; imagining with ſome probability, that the joy which you ſhould give him, would in ſome ſort diſpoſe his mind to hearken more favourably unto what I ſhould ſpeak unto him in your behalf. Alas, (added Andramias) it may be thought, that ſince perhaps he will be neceſſitated unto a freſh war for the delivery of the Princeſſe, he will ſooner ſet you at liberty. That reaſon would be but weak, (replied Artamenes modeſtly) ſince he has ſo many other gallant men about him; were it not for the zeal which I have unto his ſervice, and which may be accounted ſomething extraordinary: But if I ſhould ſend this note unto the King, would it not reflect too much upon you Andramias? and would it not accuſe you for giving me too much liberty? No, replied Aglatidas, not at all; for ſince Ortalques did once ſerve Andramias, and afterwards ſerved you, it is nothing ſtrange that he ſhould be received into a place where he had two maſters; and that you knowing the hand, deſired to acquaint the King with this welcome news, which Andramias may carry from you: Artamenes, who did indeed deſire to be perſwaded, did conſent unto the motion which Aglatidas made; and calling for ink and paper, he writ as followeth.

ARTAMENES UNTO The KING his Soveraigne LORD.

AS long as I thought my ſelf uſeleſſe unto your Majeſtie, I endured the weight of my Chains without impatience: But the happy news of the Princeſſe being alive, perſwades me that perhaps I may be ſerviceable in her Delivery; and I now dare moſt humbly beſeech [Page] you, not to deprive me of that honour, to render you that ſervice: Solemnly proteſting unto your Majeſtie, to come into your Priſon and put on my Fetters, the very next day that the Princeſſe is at Liberty.

ARTAMENES.

Andramias taking the Letter which Artamenes writ, alſo the Note from the Princeſſe Mandana, went with Ortalques unto the King, where Aglatidas would alſo be preſent, in hopes to perform ſome good office unto ſuch an illuſtrious priſoner; and becauſe the actions of my Maſter had begot ſome ſuſpitions in him of his love, he thought that he would be very glad of liberty; and indeed, though he loved Aglatidas very well, yet he did ſtrive to conceal his joy in his own heart. They were no ſooner gone out, but being able to hold no longer, What, my Princeſſe (ſaid he) are you living? need I no more fear your death? muſt all thoſe gaſtly Images of Tombs and Coffins no longer terrifie my fancy? No, no, I can now believe you breath and live, and perhaps think upon me. Ah, whoſoever it be, either gods or men which has ſaved my Princeſſe from the waves, and from ſuch an almoſt inevitable danger, what does not Artamenes owe unto them? If it was a Divinity, it merits my vows; If it be a Mortal weight, it is worthy of all my ſervices: But whatſoever it be, ſince Mandana, Divine Mandana does live, I will permit my ſoul to take full delight, as ſhe did before all ſorrow. But alas, (ſaid he after he had been a while ſilent) I am not ſo happy as I thought my ſelf: For though 'tis true Mandana lives, yet ſhe is a Captive; and that which is moſt cruel, I am in fetters alſo, and by conſequence not in a condition to Relieve her: What King would ſhe ſpeak unto? to whom may it be imagined is ſhe a priſoner? what would ſhe expreſſe by her note? what a moſt cruel accident is this, that I cannot taſte, in quiet, the greateſt joy that ever amarous mind was capable of? yet am I not too blame (ſaid he) to deſcant thus upon the preſent condition of my life, at a time when I ſee my Princeſſe lives, and when I may hope to ſee her again? For ſince it is the pleaſure of the gods to bring her from the deep Abyſſe of the Sea, they may alſo perhaps bring me out of priſon to deliver her, and ſet her upon her Throne. But my faireſt Princeſſe, after all theſe misfortunes which I have endured, I dare not make any prayers for my ſelf; I fear leſt my own intereſts ſhould be contagious and infect yours; and for the love of you I will ſeparate them, and ask of the gods no more then what directly relates unto you. Therefore O ye Omnipotent Divinities, which govern all the Earth, cauſe them to deliver me, that I may deliver my Princeſſe; that I may have power to puniſh all her Raviſhers; to bring her back unto her father, and let her poſſeſſe all thoſe Crowns, which you have enabled me to defend, fight for, and Conquer for the King of the Medes: Oh ye moſt juſt Gods, do only as I ſay, and afterwards let me die at the feet of Mandana; and that ſhe may never have any other ſorrows but for the loſſe of Artamenes. Thus did the moſt amorous Prince in the world entertain himſelf, whileſt Andramias with Ortalques was with the King; and whileſt all his illuſtrious friends were with Hidaſpes, where they received the advice from Artucas, which made them all impatient, and moved them to go preſently unto the Caſtle, as I already told you: But to make you underſtand how Artucas came ſo ſoon to the knowledge of it; you muſt know, that when Andramias gave the Letter unto the King from Artamenes, this Prince was in a rapture of joy which cannot be expreſſed, ſo that ſome of thoſe who were then in the Chamber, without diving any further into the matter, or ſtaying for any more, did in all haſte divulge that Artamenes was in favour with the King; and it was from them which Artucas had that which he told unto Hidaſpes, as knowing him moſt affectionate unto Artamenes. The King of Phrygia, who was with Ciaxares when he received this Letter, being deſirous to take hold of that occaſion; told him that ſuch good news as that well deſerved liberty unto him who ſent it; and Ciaxares in his firſt apprehenſions of joy, did partly forget his anger againſt Artamenes, and was glad to receive from his hand this news as a ſign of his affection unto his ſervice. He then did exactly inform himſelf from Ortalques, of all he knew, and all he had ſeen, and bad Andramias that he ſhould aſſure Artamenes, it ſhould be long of himſelf if he did not ſuddently come out of priſon to relieve the Princeſſe his daughter, and that he ſhould no ſooner acknowledge the correſpendency which he held with the King of Aſſyria, [Page] nor ſhould no ſooner ask pardon for it, then he ſhould forget what was paſt, and reſtore him unto his former condition, Oh Sir, (ſaid the King of Phrygia then unto him) let not your Majeſty ſtand upon ſuch a uſeleſſe piece of formality; for I do almoſt certainly know that Artamenes is innocent; and if there were any ſecret intelligence between the King of Aſſyria and him, it was not at all prejudicial unto your Majeſties ſervice. As they were thus in diſcourſe, the King of Hircania, the Prince of the Caducians, Gobrias, Gadates, Thraſibulus, Hidaſpes, Aduſius, Thimocrates, Philocles, Artucas, Feraulas and Chriſantes came in; and immediately after Aglatidas entered, with a multitude of ſtrangers of quality, whom this ſtrange news did draw unto the King, every one being deſirous to rejoyce with him in the happy news, which did indeed deſerve a publique thankſgiving. The name of Mandana was in every ones mouth, thoſe who knew her told it unto thoſe who knew her not, and diſcourſed of all her admirable qualities; ſo that as the ſouls of all were dejected at the news of her loſſe, ſo now they were elevated at the news of her being alive: After the firſt reſentments of ſatisfaction, Ciaxares much diſpleaſed that he could not preciſely know what was the adventure of the Princeſſe, nor who carried her away, nor why they carried her unto Armenia: He knew very well that the King of that Country was his Tributary; that the Prince Tigranes his ſon was gallant and generous, and one that loved Artamenes: But he knew alſo that the old King was capritious, and humorous, and that he ſent no Troops to his Army as he was obliged to do; Ciaxares therefore did not fully reliſh his joys, but would ſometimes make his unquietneſſe apparent. Sir, ſaid the King of Hircania unto him, let not the Captivity of the Princeſſe Mandana diſquiet you, for if you would have her priſon doors flie open whereſoever they be, you need do no more but ſet open the priſon doors of Artamenes, and ſet him before ſo many Kings and Princes as now hear me: And you may be aſſured Sir, that if he be our guide, we will follow him unto Armenia, and make victory follow us. When we have rendred thanks unto the Gods (replied the King of the Medes) we ſhall then ſee how they will inſpire us: But for my part, I do not think, that in thanking them for their equity in ſaving an innocent Princeſſe, I ought to pardon a Delinquent; and ſuch a one as will neither ask pardon, nor repent; no nor ſo much as acknowledge his fault, although it be moſt apparent: Ha Sir, (cried they all with one voice, both the Kings, the Princes, the Homotimes, and all the Cavaliers) Artamenes indeed is unfortunate, but never was culpable. There is not one of us but will enter into his priſon, and remain a hoſtage for him, until he has made proof of his innocency by his new ſervices, or (to ſay better) new miracles. Ciaxares was much moved to find ſuch violent affection, in the minds of all theſe illuſtrious perſons, and could not anſwer them but with a congie; yet ſuch a one as left them in ſome hopes, inſomuch as they redoubled their reaſons and requeſts. Aglatidas was not leſſe zealous then any: And Migabiſes, (maugre their old quarrels) was amongſt them in the Kings chamber, and begged liberty for Artamenes, as well as his old enemy. The King of Phrygia did extreamly preſſe Ciaxares unto it: The King of Hircania ſpoke wonderful boldly: Thimocrates and Philocles uſed as much power, as there was in Graecia eloquence: Thraſibulus did no leſſe; Hidaſpes, and Aduſius ſpoke with extream violence, as well as Perſodes, Gadates, and a hundred others, who ſeemed all to be linked unto the intereſts of Artamenes. Ciaxares then ſeeing himſelf thus urgently preſſed; know, (ſaid he unto the King of Phrygia, and Hircania, and all the reſt) I wiſh as well as any, that Artamenes were innocent, or at leaſt that he would acknowledge his crime with repentance, upon condition I gave one of my Kingdoms; and to let you ſee that I will do all I can, I do permit you (at the return from the Temple) to go one after another unto him, to the end you may perſwade him unto obedience, and not to keep that ſecret from me, which I both will, and I ought to know. After he had ſaid ſo, Ciaxares without giving them time to anſwer, went out of the chamber, and went unto the Temple to thank the Gods, for the favour he received from them, and that they would be pleaſed to compleat the bleſſing, in rendring unto him the Princeſſe his daughter: All the people followed unto this ceremony; and the happy news being divulged both in Town and Camp, cauſed a general rejoycing every where: At their return from the Temple, he had not forgot what Ciaxares ſaid, and therefore intreated him to give order unto Andramias, that any of his friends might go unto Artamenes, and endeavour to diſcover (as he ſaid) what the King would know. The King of Medea, ſince he ſaw the ſtate of things to be as they were, would have been very glad if Artamenes would ask pardon, that he might give it unto him; ſuffered moſt of thoſe Princes and perſons of quality, to ſee Artamenes in little companies; ſo that at that time when [Page] permiſſion was given, and orders ſent unto Andromias to that purpoſe; the King of Phrygia, and the King of Hircania went to viſit him, accompanied with Chriſantes and Feraulas: leaving all the reſt in great impatience to enjoy the ſame happineſs. In going thither, they reſolved to acquaint Artamenes, that they knew he was Cyrus, and that they were not ignorant of all the reſt of his adventures, to the end, they might afterwards adviſe upon the beſt expedients to procure his liberty. Not but that Chriſantes & Feraulas did apprehend he would be angry with them, but yet they ſaw ſuch a neceſſity of it, that they would run that hazard, and rather expoſe themſelves unto diſgrace, then to hide from him a truth, which was requiſite he ſhould know: As ſoon as theſe two Kings entered, Artamenes was much amazed as well at the ſight of them, as of Chriſantes and Feraulas, for although Aglatidas had ſeen him, during his impriſonment, for Andramias did ſo much favoured his Coſen, yet none els of his domeſtiques ever ſaw him. This famous priſoner received theſe Princes with all the civility and reſpect, which Artamenes as Artamenes did owe unto perſons of that quality: but after they had ſaluted him, and moved him to embrace Chriſantes and Feraulas, they told him, ſmiling, that they came to receive orders from him, and to know what he would have them do, to deliver Artamenes out of priſon, and to put him into ſuch a condition, as he might appear to be Cyrus. At theſe words Artamenes looked upon Chriſantes and Feraulas; but the King of Phrygia beginning to ſpeak, No (ſaid he to him) do not blame theſe two men whom you ought to love better then any men in the world; and be not ſorry that we know the ſecrets of your life: They were not told us but when there was a great neceſſity, therefore murmut not, but be aſſured that what we know ſhall never hurt you. I know very well Sirs, (anſwered Artamenes) that Chriſantes and Feraulas had alwayes good intentions towards me, and that queſtionleſs they could never have made a better choyce then of you, and the King of Hircania; for all that Sirs there are ſome paſſages in my adventures which I wiſh had been never knowne, and which I ſhould never have told whilſt I had life. Had we not ſeen you in eminent danger, (ſaid Chriſantes with much reverence) we would have kept in an invincible ſecret: but we conceived, that ſince we could tell nothing which was not glorious unto you, we thought it better to acquaint theſe Kings which hear me with your Innocency, then ſuffer you to periſh. Artamenes although he was very ſorry that they knew what he would have concealed, yet forced himſelf not to ſeem ſo openly, leſt he ſhould diſoblige theſe two Princes who were thus intereſted in his fortune. Then they acquainted him with the alteration which appeared in the Kings mind, and with his obſtinate deſire to know exactly what that Intelligence was which he had with the King of Aſſyria. Since that you know all, replied Artamenes, you may underſtand that I ought not to tell him: not that I care for expoſing my life by incenſing the King againſt Cyrus: But when I think how I ſhould diſpleaſe the Princeſs Mandana by it, and ſhould expoſe her perhaps unto the anger of the King her father, Ah Sirs, I do confeſs I cannot think on it but I tremble, and therefore it is a thing which I can never do, I had much rather that Ciaxares ſhould think me perfidious, then that Mandana ſhould ſuſpect me of indiſcretion: Indeed Sirs, ſhall I tell you truly? If I have any ſorrowes for your knowing the truth of my life, it is merely in reſpect of the intereſt of this moſt Illuſtrious Princeſſe: not but that ſhe is purely innocent, or that her vertue can be ſtayned by any Calumnies, yet for all that, I wiſh you thought me to be as faulty as Ciaxares doth, and were ignorant of that which might juſtifie me: Theſe Princes hearing him ſpeak ſo, could not chuſe but ſmile, and afterwards admire the power of his reſpectfull paſſion, which moved him to prefer the intereſt of the Princeſſe, not only before his own life, but alſo before his own glory. In concluſion, after a long diſcourſe, which yet would not afford them a way to reſolve upon, they deſigned to protract the buſineſſ as long as they could, and obtaine for certain dayes permiſſion to viſit him. That in the mean time, they adviſed him, to ſpeak concerning Ciaxares as he was wont, which was, with much reverence and affection: that on their ſides, they would tell the King of Medes, how they were in ſome hopes to come unto the knowledg of ſomthing which he deſired to be informed of, yet he juſt have patience for a while: that in the interim, they would incine all the Captains and Souldiers, to ask his liberty; and in concluſion, they would Act further according as Ciaxares did appear more or leſs incenſed againſt him. Artamenes thanked them moſt civilly for their good intentions towards him. And did that which two dayes before he could not think he ſhould, which was to ſolicite them earneſtly to break his fetters; for ſince he knew the Princeſs living, and that ſhe was in captivity, his [Page] priſon became intolerable unto him. Chryſantes, and Feraulas, ſtaying after theſe Princes, told him the names of all thoſe who were acquainted with his ſtory; and he did a little blame them for making ſo many privie unto it: But Sir, (ſaid they unto him) by what other wayes can you hope to break your chaines, to deliver your Princeſs, if ſo many Illuſtrious friends as you have, ſhould be all ignorant of your innocencie? Ah (ſaid he unto them) If all you have told them will procure me my liberty, you had good reaſon to do it, and I have great cauſe to thank you: Afterwards he told of his Joy to hear the Princeſs was not periſhed, and of his diſquiet in being abſolutly ignorant in whoſe hands fortune had diſpoſed her: for, ſaid he, you know as well as I, that the King of Aſſyria is now at Pteria; and they aſſure you that Mazares is dead. Thus diſcourſing of one thing or other, yet all relating unto his love, he kept Chriſantes and Feraulas a long time with him. They were no ſooner gone out, but Perſodes, Hidaſpes, and Aduſius came in; after them followed Gobrias, Gadates, and Megabiſes: and after them againe, Thraſibulus, Thimocrates, Philocles, and Aglatides; Indeed of all thoſe who had permiſſion to ſee him, there was not one but earneſtly deſired it: Artamenes tranſacted with thoſe who had been told his hiſtory, as he did with the Kings of Phrygia, and Hircania; and with thoſe who knew it not, according as it was agreed upon between the Princes and him. Mean while Ciaxares diſpatched one unto the King of Armenia, and made choiſe of Megabiſes for that imployment: appointing him to acquaint that King, how ſince he underſtood the Princeſs his daughter was within his dominions, he deſired ſhe might be ſent back unto him, in an Equipage proportionable unto her quality: and in caſe he refuſed, then to declare war againſt him. That which incenſed Ciaxares more againſt him, was, that this King, refuſed the payment of that tribute which he ought to do, and produced ſome weak bottomed reaſons for his exemption: he never thought upon any new war which was likely, but he was ſorry for Artamenes, and harkened very favourably unto thoſe who returned from the priſon, who told him, that Artamenes did alwayes ſpeak of him with very great reverence and affection, and that according to all appearances, he was moſt certainly innocent: But after all, he would needs know this impenetrable ſecret, which they put him in ſome hopes to diſcover, yet the opinion of every one was, that ſince they fore-ſaw a neceſſity of a war with Armenia, it would move Ciaxares to pas over his firſt reſolutions. Mean time Artamenes remembred himſelf of his promiſe unto the King of Aſſyria, which was to advertize him exactly of every thing, to the end they might tranſact together for the liberty of the Princeſs: oh ye deſtinies, (ſaid he to himſelf, in calling to memory his promiſes) unto what intricate adventures do you expoſe me? It ſeems I came into this world, only to do good offices unto the King of Aſſyria: I found out his firſt conſpiracy to no other end, but to acquaint Mandana with his love, which himſelf durſt not diſcover: I went unto the Maſſagettes for nothing elſe but to facilitate his ſecond enterpriſe: And I returned back, purpoſely to ſave his life, and to help him in the carrying away of Mandana: I came now to Sinope to ſave him from the fury of the flames: and now at this time I do not underſtand of my Princeſs being alive; But to give him ſo much ſatisfaction as to know by what meanes, and to make the way eaſie unto him, to deliver her: For Indeed, ſince I have promiſed, I muſt and will keep it: But alas, how can I informe him, that ſhe is in Armenia whilſt I am a cloſe priſoner? All his Kingdom is not yet ſo abſolutly deſtroyed, but he has ſome diſperſed troopes which he can rally together: there is one part of Aſſyria which does acknowledg his Authority: The one half of Cappadocia is for him; and he may perhaps as ſoon deliver her as Ciaxares; what ſhall I do then? and what ſhall I reſolve upon? But alas, what am I doing, (ſaid he reprehending himſelf) do I conſider and doubt upon a thing which I have promiſed? No, no, waver no longer upon it: and if I deſire that men ſhould performe their promiſes with me, let me be ſtedfaſt unto my word: And alſo, ſince the King of Aſſyria is ſo gallant, let us not give him any cauſe to ſupect it, or to ſay the truth, we do but informe him of that, which he cannot chuſe but know ere long, it not being poſſible, that the life and the priſon of the Princeſs Mandana can be long concealed. Artamenes alſo conſidered that ſince Ciaxares did accuſe him for having intelligence with the King of Aſſyria, he expoſed himſelf unto abſolute deſtruction if ever it were diſcovered: but the fear of any danger was not any reaſon at all to hinder Artamenes for performing what he had promiſed, and therfore he did deſcant no longer upon it. This generous Prince reſolving then to ſend unto Pteria did look upon Ortalques as upon one whom he knew to be full of fidelity, and ſince at that time almoſt any one had liberty to viſit him, he loſt not that [Page] opportunity; ſo that it was an eaſie matter for him to excuſe his deſigne. He ſent then Ortalques unto the King of Aſſyria, after he rewarded him very nobly for the good news he brought unto him, and appointed him to tell that Prince from him, that he advertiſed him, how Mandana was living; that ſhe was in Armenia, not knowing who carried her thither: He deſired him alſo to keep his word with a man who is ſo punctual with him in ſo nice a buſineſſe. Ortalques did acquit himſelf of this Commiſſion with as much fidelity as haſt, and going out of the Town under pretence of ſome particular buſineſſe of his own, he went unto Pteria, which is not above a hundred and ſeventy furlongs from Sinope, where he found the King of Aſſyria ready to depart from thence. This Prince was raviſhed with the Generoſity of Artamenes, and was unexpreſſibly joyfull at the certainty of Mandana's life, for by his Spies which he had in Sinope, by the means of Artaxes, brother to Aribeus, who alwayes had ſome powerfull friend or other, neer Ciaxares, he knew of the ſhipwrack of Mazares, and the fears which every one apprehended of the Princeſſe being periſhed: He received Ortalques therefore very well, and after he had magnificently rewarded him, Tell Artamenes (ſaid he to him) that the King of Aſſyria cannot promiſe to be his Friend, ſince Fate will have us ever enemies, but let him aſſure himſelf, that the King of Aſſyria will not neglect the rules of generoſity, and therefore will always keep his word exactly: But whileſt Ortalques was at Pteria, and came back to Sinope, to give an account of his voyage unto his Maſter, and acquainted him with the generous anſwer of the King of Aſſyria: All the Kings and Princes were buſied in obſerving the reſentments of Ciaxares, and contriving which way they could be ſerviceable unto Artamenes: And all the Officers and Souldiers in the Army, moved by their own inclinations, and incited by their chief Commanders, did nothing elſe but ask aloud for Artamenes, that he might be rendred unto them again, elſe they reſolved never to ſtir a foot again unto any War; whileſt, I ſay, Ciaxares was yet very irreſolute what to do, though he ſeemed to incline towards ſome indulgency, Chriſantes and Feraulas were very reſtleſſe in their tranſactions: for ſometimes they went to viſit their Maſter: ſometimes they courted all the Princes which had intereſſed themſelves in his fortune: ſometimes they went into the Kings preſence, and very often unto Hidaſpes and Aduſius; ſo that continually beſtirring themſelves, and living between hopes and fears, their ſouls were never in any tranquillity. They had a deſigne, to ſend into Perſia, and advertiſe Cambyſes of the life of the Prince his Son, and the danger wherein he was, but the diſtance of the place prevented them; Artamenes alſo ſuppoſing ſuch a buſineſſe, did expreſſely forbid it, telling them, that he would never have the king his father know he was living, untill he might be informed of it without ſorrow: Moreover, he told them that courſe would be abſolutely in vain, and the readieſt way to let Ciaxares know he was Cyrus. Upon an evening then, when Chriſantes and Feraulas were both together, walking by the Port of Synope, Artucas came unto them, and deſired them to go along with him, unto a place where he would freely entertain them: They knew very well the affection which Artucas bore unto Artamenes, and remembred how he left Aribeus to become faithfull unto his Prince, and were contented to go with him: His houſe was far off the Port, and therefore leſſe conſumed by fire, but was ſtill habitable. As ſoon as they came there, Artucas carried them into a chamber, and thorow that into another, where they did finde one who at firſt they knew not, for it was dark, and candles were not yet lighted: they ſaw well ſhe was a woman of a good faſhion, and ſeemed to be fair, but yet they could not perceive her face ſo plainly as to know her: This uncertainty laſted not long, for this woman no ſooner ſaw them, but leaving the daughter of Artucas who was with her, and coming towards them, ſhe began to ſpeak, and call them by their names, to ſignifie her joy ſhe had to ſee them; ſo that the Tone of her voyce no ſooner ſounded in the ears of Feraulas, but running haſtily to her, Ah Marteſia (cried he out) is it you that ſpeaks? Can I beleeve that what I think is true? Yes, anſwered ſhe, I am Marteſia, and the very ſame you left me at Themiſcira with the Princeſſe Mandana: At thoſe words Feraulas tranſported with exceſſe of joy, did again ſalute the Lady which had ſo great a ſhare in his heart, and had ſo great a confidence in him. Chriſantes for his part, ſo much eſteemed the vertue of this woman, that he behaved himſelf towards her, with all poſſible civility. But as his ſoul was not ſo tender over her, as the ſoul of Feraulas was, ſo he was the firſt which asked Marteſia whether or no the Princeſſe were at liberty? Alas, wiſe Chriſantes, ſaid ſhe, and ſighed, I would to the Gods ſhe were, or at the leaſt, that your Illuſtrious Maſter were not a priſoner, as I underſtand he is, but [Page] that he were in a condition to relieve her. What joy ſoever Feraulas had to ſee Marteſia, this tale did leſſen it. But ſince all he thought was not to be ſpoken of before Artucas, or his daughter, who knew nothing of Artamenes Love unto the Princeſſe, Chriſantes and Feraulas did burn with deſire to ask a hundred queſtions, which they then could not enquire of; and ſhe for her part did anſwer unto many things as ſhe would not have anſwered if they had been by themſelves; however (ſaid Chriſantes) you can aſſure us that the Princeſſe is alive? for although Ortalques told us ſo, yet we ſhall be far better ſatisfied to hear you confirm it. Feraulas asked her how they eſcaped the ſhipwrack? Chriſantes would needs tell her how they grieved for the ſuppoſed death of the Princeſſe, and both of them together did make the diſcourſe ſo interrupted and full of confuſion, that it did but augment their curioſity: Marteſia deſired Chriſantes and Feraulas to ſalute a very compleat man who came with her, and was called Orſanes, telling them how he had been both her Guide and Protector. This firſt diſcourſe was not long, becauſe the night was late. But Marteſia deſired them to come again to morrow morning, for ſhe ſhould be very glad to ſpeak with them before ſhe ſaw the King, who yet knew nothing of her return, thinking it fit to enforme her ſelf of ſomethings before ſhe appeared at Court, or ſhewed her ſelf unto him; and this was the reaſon ſhe came late into Sinope, and deſired to lodge in her Kinſmans houſe, where ſhe might be welcome, and he having a daughter which was very fair and vertuous; therefore ſhe conjured them not to ſpeak a word of her return unto any. Chriſantes and Feraulas, then left her, and failed not to come the next morning as Marteſia had appointed them; and would not acquaint Artamenes with her arrival untill they knew more certainties of Mandana, whereby to ſatisfie his Curioſity, his Impatience, and his Love. Marteſia was a woman of moſt excellent Qualities, and one whoſe Aunt Artucas had married, and therefore ſhe made choiſe of his houſe in Sinope. As ſhe had ever been about Mandana, and that Princeſſe did alwayes very tenderly love her, ſo ſhe did love her again moſt paſſionately, and could not at all reliſh her liberty, unleſſe her Princeſſe enjoyed hers alſo: and though perhaps there were ſome in Sinope to whom ſhe had no averſion, yet ſhe had rather have been captive with her Miſtreſſe, then free without her: She ſeemed alſo very melancholy unto Chriſantes and Feraulas, when they came to her in the morning; and as ſhe knew how to carry things handſomly, ſhe let Artucas underſtand, that ſhe had ſome buſineſs to impart unto Chriſantes, which concerned the liberty of the Princeſſe, and which ſhe had orders not to reveal unto any but him and Feraulas: So that without ſuſpition of any thing, ſhe received them privately into her Chamber, without any other witneſſes but one woman which waited upon her, who was ſo far off the place where ſhe cauſed Chriſantes and Feraulas to ſit down, that ſhe could not underſtand any thing of their diſcourſe: when then they were come unto her, and the firſt complements were paſſed, and they ſeated in their places: Alas (ſaid ſhe to them) what ſtrange alterations do we find ſince the day you parted from Themiſcira to go unto the Maſſagettes? and how ignorant am I of all you have done ſince? onely I know that the famous Artamenes has gained ſome Battles, and ſubverted Kingdoms. But oh heavens, when I came hither, and was told that he was in priſon, how was I ſurprized and ſorrowfull? and how ſad the Princeſſe would be if ſhe ſhould know of this terrible alteration? Truely, ſaid ſhe, when I call to memory all that has hapned unto us, and that after all theſe hurryings away; ſo many perfecutions; ſo many warres; ſo many ſhipwracks, and ſo many misfortunes, that Mandana ſhould be a priſoner in Armenia, and Artamenes a priſoner in Sinope, I do confeſſe unto you, that my ſpirits are confounded. I have learned to deſpair of nothing, ſince after all this I am living, and at Sinope, and with ſome whom I am not ſorry to ſee: You are very good Marteſia (ſaid Feraulas interrupting her) to ſay ſo. And you would continue that goodneſſe (ſaid Chriſantes) if you would relate all your adventures ſince our departure from Themiſcira, and by what wayes Philidaſpes brought about his deſigne: why he being Prince of Aſſyria he appeared onely as Philidaſpes; how he treated the Princeſſe after he took her away: how Mazares fell in love; how that Prince deceived the other and took her away; how you did during the ſhipwrack; how you eſcaped it; and how it comes to paſſe the Princeſſe is not free; for I do confeſſe, this laſt event is incomprehenſible, and puts all the Court into amazement. None can imagine who it ſhould be, who has thus ſaved the Princeſſe to deſtroy her, nor can any conceive who is that King whereof ſhe ſpeaks, and why ſhe named him not in that Note which we received from her. Therefore ſweet Marteſia, I do conjure you by the Illuſtrious name of the Princeſſe Mandana, [Page] and alſo by the name of Artamenes, to tell us exactly all that you know concerning the King of Aſſyria, concerning the Prince of Saces, and concerning the King whom we cannot gueſſe: You require ſo many things, ſaid ſhe, in requiring this, that I know not whether I can in a whole day give you that ſatisfaction: I will therefore abbreviate my diſcourſe as much as I can: We do not deſire you ſhould do ſo (replied Feraulas) but on the contrary, we do befeech you, not to deprive us of one of the Princeſſe thoughts, for truly Artamenes has need of all the comforts we can afford him; and we cannot bring him a greater, then to let him know what is become of that Princeſſe whom he adores: therefore I do conjure you, to give us this ſatisfaction, for we are gladly diſpoſed to give you hearing as long as you ſhall pleaſe. But, ſaid Marteſia, do you not think it fit that I ſhould know alſo what has chanced unto you? I will engage my ſelf to tell you all (anſwered he) before we part from hence, ſo you will firſt ſatisfie our extreamly longing deſires, to underſtand your adventures; for as Artamenes has no intereſt which is not mine, ſo I am certain Mandana has none which is not yours. Marteſia ſeeing her ſelf ſo urged, did recollect her memory, to order the diſcourſe ſhe intended, into the better method; and after a little ſilence, ſhe began thus.

THE HISTORY OF MANDANA:

TO make all our adventures more clear unto you; alſo the reaſons why the King of Aſſyria did appear in the Cappadocian Court under the name of Philidaſpes, although his right name is Labinet; It is requiſite that I do begin my ſtory far off, and that I relate the Hiſtory of the Queen Nitocris, and of the Princeſſe Istrina, daughter of Gadates, as well as that of Mandana: I doubt not but you wonder to hear me ſpeak ſo preciſely of the Aſſyrian affairs; and of the particular relations of two Princes, who have the greateſt ſhare in this Hiſtory: But at the end of my ſtory, I ſhall acquaint you by what wayes I came to know, what I am now going to tell you. Doubtleſſe you know that it was the Queen Nitocris unto whom the Kingdom of Aſſyria did belong; and it was upon this reaſon, that the Prince her ſon, had not the quality of a King, although the King his father was dead. This great Princeſſe was lineally deſcended from the firſt Kings of Aſſyria; And there never was a Princeſſe ever ſince the great King Ninus, and the famous Semiramis more illuſtrious then ſhe. The King her father died when ſhe was very young; and ſhe wore the Crown at an age, when any other but ſhe had ſtrength enough to ſupport it; yet all the Aſſyrians did confeſſe that they never knew more wiſdom and prudence in any, then ſhe did manifeſt in all her actions: Yet notwithſtanding, although her own reaſon was very ripe, ſhe had a Councel which was compoſed of the moſt excellent men of the whole Monarchy who ſteered affairs. But ſince by the fundamental Law of the State ſhe could not marry any ſtranger Prince, ſo all the Aſſyrian Princes were then at Babylon; and I have heard reported, that this Court was at that time the moſt magnificent of all the world. As this Princeſſe was very fair, and was owner of the prime Crown in all Aſia, ſo ſhe moved paſſions in the ſouls of all the Princes which ever ſaw her; and I have been aſſured, that of all this great number of her ſervants, there was not one of them which were not more amorous then ambitious: I will not ſtay to tell you with what wiſdom and vertue ſhe behaved her ſelf amongſt them; only this I muſt relate, that amongſt [Page] the reſt, there were two which ſeemed to be in greateſt hopes to effect their deſign, more likely then any of the reſt, The firſt was a Prince called Labinet, as he who is now King of Aſſyria is called: The other named Gadates, who at that very time was a very miracle in beauty, in handſomneſſe, in valour, in ſpirit, in gallantry, and in vertue: his quality alſo was very high, and allied unto the Royal family. But as for Labinet, although he was nothing ſo accompliſhed, and his good qualities were more dim, yet he had this advantage, that he ſtiled himſelf to be deſcended from one of the children of Sardanapalus, if it may be called an advantage to deſcend from ſo bad a Prince) and by conſequence he pretended to have ſome right unto the Crown, although he did not at that time openly declare his pretentions. As the Queen was then very young, ſo ſhe did not conſider this reaſon of ſtate, and her ſoul preferring him which was more accompliſhed before him that was leſſe; therefore her inclination leaned towards Gadates, who doubtleſſe was moſt worthy, both both for his rare qualities, and in reſpect of his paſſion, ſince they ſay he adored the Queen Nitocris with as much purity, as men adore the Gods. This innocent paſſion having took root in the heart of this young Princeſſe, who thought ſhe could do nothing more advantagious for her people, then to give them a King whom ſhe knew moſt vertuous; ſhe began to receive the ſervices of Gadates in ſuch a manner, as this precedency above all the reſt of them which were intereſted, was made known unto them. There needed no more to trouble all the Court, principally by Labinet, who by reaſon of his pretentions unto the Crown was moſt dangerous. Queſtionleſſe this Prince had no great faults in him, although he was not owner of thoſe heroique vertues which prefer men above their own qualities: yet notwithſtanding, ambition, and love together inflaming his heart, he talked of nothing but civil wars of revolt, and of ſedition: and truly the matter was ſo forward, that every one began to bandy parties: All the diſcontented lovers made one faction: Labinet made another by himſelf, followed by ſome ſtirring ſpirits: and Gadates, he had only the Queen on his ſide. The young Princeſſe ſeeing the condition of affairs ſtand ſo, ſhe was extreamly troubled: and after ſhe had well conſulted with her ſelf, that perhaps it might coſt her a great Kingdom, ſhe took a reſolution which made the greatneſſe of her ſoul and vertue to appear. For calling Gadates unto her, who doubtleſſe ſhe loved very well, and more then ſhe had ſignified unto him; calling him, I ſay, unto her to give him a teſtimony of her affection after a new and ſurpriſing manner; Gadates (ſaid ſhe unto him) I have a deſire to tell you that which doubtleſs you are ignorant of, at the leaſt I am certain, that I have had ſome care to conceal it from you: Know then (purſued ſhe) that I have thought you worthy to wear the Crown of Aſſyria; Madam (ſaid he) it becomes the Queen Nitocris too well to take it from her; and he whom ſhe ſhall chuſe for that honour were unworthy of it, if he ſhould not content himſelf with being only the firſt of her ſubjects: Reſerve your thanks Gadates (ſaid ſhe unto him) until the end of my diſcourſe; for after I have given you this great teſtimony of my eſteem, I muſt require another teſtimony from you of your affection: If it be to die at your feet Madam (replied he) I am moſt ready to obey you, and I do not know any thing in the world which I would not conſent unto: obſerve me I conjure you; to the end I ask you nothing impoſſible. Gadates, who never durſt ſpeak of his love unto the Queen, was a little ſurpriſed, yet after this which ſhe ſpoke unto him, he quickly recollected himſelf, and looking upon her with as much reſpect as love; provided Madam (ſaid he unto her) that your Majeſty do not forbid me to adore you, I ſhal never diſobey you: No (ſaid ſhe ſighing) I do not intend that my authority ſhall extend it ſelf over the thoughts of the heart; and though, may be, my dominion would reach ſo far, yet would I not deſtroy thoſe thoughts which your ſoul has of me: But that which I would tell you is this, That the neceſſity of State affairs, and the good of my people, will not permit me to make my own choice of a husband; I would have you know, I am reſolved to aſſemble the States General of my Kingdom, and to receive a husband by the univerſal allowance of my ſubjects; If they be reaſonable, you may perhaps obtain their voices, as I would have given you mine, if they would have given me the liberty: But if you cannot procure your ſelf to be choſen by them, then reſolve with your ſelf Gadates, never to ſee me again as long as you live; but to retire unto that Province which belongs unto you, and never come at this Court. I will not ſtand, wiſe Chriſantes, to tell you all the diſcourſe between Gadates, and the Queen Nitocris, nor many other paſſages, which depend upon this diſcourſe, though they be well worth obſervation, and much concerning: I ſhall only tell you, (to the end I may come unto the more eſſential part of my diſcourſe) that do what Gadates could, he could obtain no more from her, but liberty to ſollicite the Judges of the matter. [Page] Then the Queen aſſembled the ſtates generall of her kingdome, declaring unto them, that ſhe thought upon the good & ſatisfaction of her people, & therefore left them the liberty to chuſe themſelves a King. When all the incenſed lovers heard of this, they were ſurpriſed at the declaration; they were raviſhed with the wisdom & vertue of the Queen, & came unto Babylon to ſolicite their intereſts: but in concluſion, this powerfull reaſon of ſtate which would have all cauſes and pretences of civill wars removed, induced the ſtates general to beſeech the Queen that ſhe would be pleaſed to marry Labinet, which ſhe accordingly did without the leaſt ſhew of repugnancy, & was all her life extreamly well pleaſed with her marriage, & lived very well with her husband: yet it was her pleaſure that Gadates ſhould obey her, ſhould retire unto his province and never returne to the Court. The King who knew the buſineſs, and alſo was acquainted with the vertue of this Princeſs, did much ſolicite her that Gadates might returne to Babylon: but ſhe would never conſent unto it. A while after her mariage, ſhe ſent commands unto Gadates, that he ſhould marry a Princeſs, deſcended from the Ancient kings of Bithynia who was extreamly rich and infinitly virtuous; which he did, although certainly he did ever preſerve his violent paſſion to the Queen: He lived as well with the Princeſs his wife, as the Queen did with her husband. Mean while Nitocris had a ſon, which was he whom you knew ſomtimes by the name of Philidaſpes, ſomtimes by the title of the King of Aſſyria: Gadates had alſo a ſon and a daughter: and as ſoon as they were crept out of their firſt infancy, the Queen who was then a widdow, and ſtill forbade Gadates from coming to Court, commanded him to ſend his children unto her, that his ſon who was called Intaphernes might be brought up with the Prince of Aſſyria; and the young princeſs his daughter called Iſtrina, lived in that place where there might love grow between her and her ſon, unto whom ſhe had a deſigne to marry him, as well to ſatisfie the law in marrying a Princeſs who was not a ſtranger, as to teſtifie the eſteem ſhe had unto Gadates, thinking ſhe could not better nor more innocently acknowledge thoſe ſervices which he had done her, then by preferring his daughter unto the throne of Aſſyria: It ſeems alſo, that ſhe took not this reſolution out of choyce only, but out of a neceſſity alſo: for all of the princes which had been pretenders unto the Queen Nitocris, the greateſt part of them were reſolved not to match with him, and the reſt had no daughters: ſo that the Princeſs Iſtrina was the only Lady whom the King of Aſſyria could marry. But here you may well admire how humane prudence is limited, and how this great Queen, who by ſuch publique works is rendered famous throughout all the world, and ever ſhall be to all poſterity, was deceived in her reaſons, and how that which ſhe thought would have cauſed love, did inſpire the heart of the young King of Aſſyria with averſion. The Princeſs Iſtrina was ten years of age when ſhe came to Babylon: Intaphernes her brother fifteen, and the Prince of Aſſyria fourteen: But from that very time the imperious humour which we ſaw in Philidaſpes, began to take beginning and grouth. He lived with Intaphernes after ſuch a manner, as made all believe, he would not look upon him hereafter as a brother in law: he regarded the Princeſs Iſtrina with ſo much indifferencie, that every one beleeved, were it not for feare to diſpleaſe the Queen, the averſion he had towards her would have appeared more apparently. As for Intaphernes, as he was a Prince very well borne, ſo he behaved himſelf with the Prince of Aſſyria, in all ſuch reſpects as was due, although he had much adoe to endure his loſty humour: yet ambition, and the adviſe of ſuch as had the care over him, cauſed him to be very complacentiall towards him. The young Princeſs Iſtrina, for her part, ſhe carried it with all the ſweetneſs and civillity towards Labinet, that can be expreſſed; for though ſhe was very young, yet the Crown of Aſſyria, unto which ſhe hoped ſhe was deſtined, did ſhine ſo bright in her eyes, that ſhe neglected nothing which might win upon the heart of that Prince whom ſhe hoped to marry: The Queen for her part contributed all her endeavours to plant a liking in theſe two young hearts which ſhe deſired to unite; and to that end ſhe cauſed them to ſee one another very oft, and at all feaſts and publique rejoycings, they expoſed themſelves unto the people both together, who by their acclamations and applauſes did approve of the Queens choyce: for as I have heard ſay, it was impoſſible for any eye to behold any fairer object then the Princeſs Iſtrina. As for the Prince of Aſſyria, we know that he is as well made as a man can be: Intaphernes alſo, was handſom, and of a good garb. But do what the Queen could, the averſion of the Prince her ſon, did grow with his age: ſome ill minded ſpirits, perſwaded him that Iſtrina was ambitious, and was only complacentiall towards him, becauſe ſhe would be a Queen, and therefore he accepted of all her civilities in a rejecting manner: he hated [Page] Intapherne's for no other reaſon, but becauſe he was her brother, in whom notwithſtanding no fault could be found: for certainly ſhe was of a fine ſpirit, and her complexion as lovely a brown as was in the world: mean while the Prince of Aſſyria having attained unto his eighteenth year, and the Princeſs Iſtrina fourteen: the Queen did motion her ſon to marry her: but he beſeeched her, not to preſs him yet to marry, and told her that a Prince who never yet was in any war, ought not to think of marriage. The Queen, knowing the violent humour of the Prince, thought beſt to give a little longer time, and the rather becauſe in all appearance, there was like to be a war with the King of Phrygia, who had made ſome eruptions upon the frontiers of Aſſyria. Since this propoſition: the Prince who before ſeemed only indifferent, did now change his courſe of life, and as much as he could poſſible, ſhunned meeting with the Princeſs Iſtrina; and therefore, he uſed to go every day almoſt to hunt, to the end he might not go ſo often unto the Queen: But by ſhunning the company of the ſiſter, he could not ſhake off the brother, for Intaphernes followed him alwayes, which did a little diſpleaſe him: It often chanced, that Intaphernes thinking to get his eſteem, he encreaſed his hatred: for as he did not love to be ſurmounted in any thing, ſo the extraordinary expertneſſe which Intaphernes had in darting the Javelin, ſhooting in the Bow, and ſuch activities did alwayes anger him: one time above the reſt, the Prince ſhot at a Bear, and miſſed, preſently after Intaphernes ſhot, and killed him dead: and the ſame day alſo, the Prince ſhot at a Lion, and miſſed; but Intaphernes killed him immediatly, the Prince was ſo much angred at this adventure, that he could not commend him for it, but gave out ſome bitter expreſſions againſt the action: for as ſome could not forbear commending him, ſtay, (ſaid he to the man) and keep your exceſs of commendations untill we have been both together in the wars of Phrygia: for in my opinion there is more honour in killing of a man who can defend himſelf, then in killing a beaſt which runs away. Intaphernes did not hear what the Prince ſaid, although he was very near; but ſome or other having told him afterwards, his ſpirit was a little exaſperated; and upon this paſſage did riſe a report which ſpread among ſtrange nations that the Prince of Aſſyria killed him at that hunting: The ſame report with as little truth in it, took the ſon of Gadates for the ſon of Gobrias: though the truth was only as I tell you. Mean while, the Queen, ſeeing the Phrygian affaires were protracted, did againe preſſe the Prince to marry Iſtrina, and imployed Mazares, Prince of Saces, who was then in Court, to perſwade him unto it, for the Prince of Aſſyria loved him very dearly: Mazares, according to his inſtructions and commiſſion, asked him from whence this averſion unto that marriage which was propounded unto him did proceed? for truly, ſaid he to him, the Princeſs Iſtrina is very faire: tis true (anſwered he) but ſhe is not ſuch a one as can reach my heart: why, ſaid Mazares, ſhe is of a ſweet and complacentiall diſpoſition as you can deſire: if ſhe were a little more fierce, (replied the Prince of Aſſyria) ſhe would pleaſe me more: But do you not confeſs, (replied Mazares) that ſhe is one of an excellent ſpirit and much virtue? I beleeve the latter (anſwered he,) but for the other, ſince ſhe knowes not how to move my heart, I think I may be permitted to leave it disputable: but after all this, added Mazares, you are not at liberty to chuſe, for the Princeſſe Iſtrina is the only Lady whom by the lawes of this ſtate you can marry throughout your whole kingdome: for my part I know not why you ſhould not like her, and why you ſhould not eſteem your ſelf happy in ſuch a wife, ſince ſhe is fair, ſweet, ſprightly, and vertuous: Ah Mazares, ſaid the Prince of Aſſyria, this fatall neceſſity, is the cauſe why I cannot endure the Princeſs Iſtrina: yes Mazares, I do confeſs, ſince you will know it, that this Princeſs has much beauty, ſweetneſs, ſpirit, and vertue; But for all that, although I confeſs ſhe is very amiable, yet I cannot love her, nor ever ſhall: No Mazares, Kings which are above the liberty of other men, ought not to be deprived of the liberty to chuſe a wife: It is a law which my predeceſſors have eſtabliſhed, but which I cannot obſerve, eſpecially in ſuch a juncture of time, where there is none to chuſe, or where there is ſuch a neceſſity, that if I will marry an Aſſyrian Princeſs, I muſt marry Iſtrina. For although that Gobrias have a daughter, yet the Aſſyrians make a difference between his countrey and ours, and moreover he is rather my vaſſall, then my ſubject: and I am moſt certaine, (added this violent Prince) that if the law of the ſtate, and the Queens commands would not force me to love the Princeſs Istrina againſt my will, I ſhould never love her. And I do confeſs unto you, that ſince I muſt not chuſe, I cannot love her, and the Prince of Aſſyria ſhall never be captivated with any thing in the world, ſince he ought to be free. But (ſaid Mazares unto him) Kings do not uſe to marry as other men do, and it [Page] does not much import whether they love or not love thoſe they marry. The Aſſyrians demand a Queen from you, ſatisfie them in their demands, and beſtow your heart upon none but whom you pleaſe. My heart (replied the Prince ſmiling) is a thing which I eſteem more pretious then to beſtow it upon any but a Queen: ſo that Mazares, if I ſhould chance to love one who is not a Queen, I will reſerve unto my ſelf, the liberty to give her a Crown, therefore let us ſpeak no more of it; and if you love me, act ſo in my behalf, that the Queen may not be offended at my diſobedience. The Prince Mazares indeed, did uſe his beſt endeavours to perſwade Nitocris; But there was no way to make her think well of her Sons diſobedience: She whom all the world did look upon with high eſteem; and who would leave unto her Son the moſt flouriſhing ſtate in all Aſia. Then ſhe thought good to take from her Son this pretence of War with the King of Phrygia. When the Prince knew that, and not being able to hinder it, he did think that Peace would be no ſooner publiſhed, but they would preſſe marriage upon him; So that not knowing what pretence to finde out, did bethink himſelf, to do what he could, in cauſing ſome other young Prince to be in love with the Princeſs Iſtrina; amongſt the reſt he pitched upon Mazares, and extreamly preſſed him unto it: My dear Mazares (ſaid he unto him) Let me intreat you to love Iſtrina for the love of me; doubtleſſe you have much diſpoſition unto it already: for you have told me ſhe is fair, of an excellent ſpirit, and great vertue: Why then do you not love her? becauſe (anſwered Mazares) that fatall minuit wherein my deſtinies will have me begin to love is not yet come; and becauſe the Queen will not ſuffer it, and becauſe the Princeſſe Iſtrina will not favourably look upon me: after he had, and all in vain, tormented Mazares, he went unto another, whom they ſaid was really in love with her, and durſt not tell it, and who durſt not ſo much as acknowledge it unto the Prince, nor accept of thoſe aſſiſtances which he offered him, out of his reſpect unto the Queen Nitocris, and Princeſſe whom he loved; for indeed the Prince of Aſſyria, offered then no leſſe then to take her away from them, and aſſiſt them in the moſt violent and unjuſt courſes. Seeing then, that this invention would not take, he took a perverſe reſolution to cauſe the Princeſſe Iſtrina to hate him; and ſince he knew ſhe loved her brother very dearly; he carried himſelf very coldly towards him: One evening then, when they had nothing to do but ſtay for him who went to ſigne the Articles of Peace with the King of Phrygia, the King of Aſſyria being gone out to walk upon the banks of the River Euphrates, Intaphernes followed with many others, and as they were of that age which is moſt pleaſant for the converſation of Ladies, Mazares ſaid, that thoſe Beauties which were inclined to flaxen hair, did moſt move his heart, and Intaphernes aſſured him that the brown had greateſt influence in his phancie. For my part ſaid the Prince of Aſſyria, I yet neither loved flaxen nor brown, but if ever I love any, I do not think it will be that which Intaphernes loves. Love Sir, (replied this Prince) will not give us leave to chuſe, and perhaps you may finde his tyranny in concluſion. Love (replied this Imperious Prince) may perhaps as you ſay, become my conquerour, but I am very much deceived, if I be overcome by Aſſyrian Beauties: And I can tell you there are very Glorious ones in Babylon (replied Intaphernes when he was alone with him, ſome twelve paces from the company.) Yes (anſwered he with a malicious ſmile) but ſince the Princeſſe Iſtrina cannot vanquiſh me, I fear none elſe, and I am well aſſured of my liberty in Babylon. My ſiſter (anſwered Intaphernes with much reſpect) has not ſo good an opinion of her Beauty, as to pretend unto ſuch an Illuſtrious conqueſt: But Sir, that which her charms cannot do, it is not impoſſible but other may, who have more attractive power then ſhe, and who beſide their merit, may perhaps have better fortune. It is very true (replied the Prince of Aſſyria very fiercely) ſhe is not very fortunate in her deſignes, and ſhe has reaſon to complain of her fate, that ſhe has not gotten a Crown, which as ſhe thinks ſhe deſerves. I know not Sir (anſwered Intaphernes a little ſharply) why you ſhould ſpeak thus unto me; but I know very well that the houſe from whence I am deſcended, has more times then once given Queens unto the Aſſyrian Kings: and therefore when my ſiſter by the Queens command hoped for the like honour, ſhe did no more then what was reaſonable. Fortune Intaphernes (replied this violent Prince) is not alwayes blinde in her gifts; ſometimes ſhe gives them with choiſe; and I am certain, that ſhe ſhall never by my hand humorouſly beſtow any Crown, nor ſhall ever by me, ſet ſuch upon the Throne, who ought not to look upon it, but with a trembling eye. In other Kingdoms (anſwered Intaphernes) they ſay, the Prince is above the Lawes; but in Aſſyria, the Lawes are uſed to be above the Prince, whoſe Glory it is to be ſubject unto them: and upon this [Page] Reaſon, Subjects as my Siſter, need not to tremble in looking upon that Throne whereon they may ſit. When Subjects, as your Siſter, ſhall live under the Reigne of ſuch a Prince as I (replied he) they will better learn what they ought to do, then yet ſhe knows; and they will then ſee that Reaſon is ſtronger then the Lawes, and that without injuſtice they may be broken when the Law is found unjuſt. Learn Intaphernes (purſued he) not to truſt too much unto the Law; and renounce all thoſe priviledges which you think it gives you, and content your ſelf with that alliance which you have had heretofore with the Kings of Aſſyria; and beleeve that if ever I Reigne, you ſhall never have any new alliance. May be, (replied Intaphernes) that before the Queen Nitocris has left you the Crown, you may change your minde. I underſtand you very well (anſwered the Prince of Aſſyria) you think becauſe I Reigne not yet, that you are almoſt my equal. But Intaphernes, undeceive your ſelf, and to begin to let you know that there is ſome difference betwixt you and I, I command you to retire, and to ſee me no more; If you will not, you will expoſe your ſelf: to finde but courſe entertainment. Oh Sir, replied Intaphernes, Perſons of my quality ought not to be thus uſed. I know not whether they ought to be (anſwered the Prince of Aſſyria) but I know very well, that if Intaphernes do not obey me, and that without murmuring, I ſhall give an example unto Princes which ſucceed me. Yes Sir, (replied Intaphernes in retiring himſelf) I will obey you, but it ſhall be more out of the reſpect I bear unto the Son of the Queen Nitocris, then out of fear to be ill entertained, ſince Princes that have the heart of Intaphernes, are confident that none ſhall do them wrong unpuniſhed. The Prince of Aſſyria by good fortune did not hear theſe laſt words, and there was none but Mazares which heard them. At his departure from thence Intaphernes went to take his leave of the Queen; who would not give it: The Princeſſe Iſtrina, for her part, being infinitely offended for the ill treatment of her brother, ſince it was in her behalf, did beſeech Nitocris to ſend him to her Father, but the Queen denied her, as well as Intaphernes: Alwayes telling them, that her Son would change his minde with his years, and that ſhe would order him ſo to do: Mean while ſhe was extream angry at him, and could not chuſe but ſhew it: ſo that the Prince coming to know of it, and he which went into Phrygia, reporting the Articles of Peace to be ſigned, he took a reſolution to leave the Court of Aſſyria, and that way, deliver himſelf from the perſecution which he ſuffered, and to travel unknown, untill the Queen his mother had altered her minde, or that the Princeſſe Iſtrina was married. He departed then the next morning, which was a publike day of Rejoyning for the peace of Phrygia, and carried with him onely three of his ſervants, amongſt which, there was one of them a man of Quality, and of the ſame houſe from which they ſay Aribeus is deſcended, at that time when Cappadocia was under the power of the Aſſyrians, I will hold you no longer to tell you the voyages of that Prince, who upon his going from Babylon, took upon him the name of Philidaſpes: onely this I muſt tell you, that after he had been in many Courts of Aſia, he came at the laſt unknown unto Sinope, upon that day wherein a Sacrifice was offered in the Temple of Mars, for the death of young Cyrus, a little before the Pontean, and Bithynian war.

For (ſaid Chriſantes, then interrupting her) was the day of that Sacrifice, the firſt day that the Prince of Aſſyria, under the name of Philidaſpes, did ſee the Princeſſe Mandana.

It was ſo, replied Marteſia, and it was that alſo on which he fell in love as well as the Illuſtrious Artamenes. You may ſuppoſe, that after this unto his firſt deſigne of taking away the Princeſſe Mandana, the execution whereof Artamenes endeavoured to hinder, I have little to tell you concerning him, ſince you have been witneſſes of the ſecret jealouſie which moved them to hate one another: therefore I will not inſiſt upon the violent paſſion of Philidaſpes, nor his jealouſie, nor any thing which his Love produced in his heart: yet I muſt tell you of ſome things, which you could not know. How that this man who accompanied Philidaſpes, and was deſcended from the ſame houſe of Aribeus, made himſelf known unto him, and alſo preſented Philidaſpes unto him as a man of Quality, who deſired to travel unknown; deſiring him to be favourable unto him, and preſent him unto the King of Cappadocia. This was the chief reaſon which moved Aribeus to protect Philidaſpes, and to preſent him unto Ciaxares and Mandana a few dayes before the King went from Sinope to the wars: Mean while, Love being chief Commander in the heart of the Prince of Aſſyria, and he finding an opportunity of a war in Cappadocia; he reſolved to ſtay in that Court, and live in ſuch a manner as you know very well.

[Page] But I would gladly know (amiable Marteſia, ſaid Feraulas) why the Prince of Aſſyria did not make his love known unto the Princeſſe Mandana, ſince he had not the ſame reaſons to conceal it which Cyrus had?

He had partly the ſame reaſons (replied ſhe) for indeed the auſtere virtue of the Princeſſe reſtrained him alſo as well as it did Artamenes: alſo he was not ignorant that Ciaxares would never conſent that his daughter, who was to be Queen of Medea, ſhould marry him: for doubleſſe you are not ignorant, how ſince the illuſtrious Deioces did ſet his Country at liberty, and delivered it from the Tyrannie of the Aſſyrian Kings, there has been an irreconcilable hatred betwixt thoſe two people; and that all the people would revolt from Aſtyages if he ſhould ever give his conſent unto this alliance: The Prince of Aſſyria then durſt not ſpeak of his love, unleſſe he made himſelf known; and he durſt not make himſelf known for fear he ſhould be hated and denied, as well for the reaſons aforeſaid, as becauſe the Laws, both of Aſſyria and Cappadocia, did forbid the banes. He thought then that his only courſe was, to get ſo good an opinion in the mind of the Princeſſe, as might obtain his pardon when he ſhould take her away, as he deſigned: but to execute this, he imagined that his abſolute beſt way was to make Aribeus for him and his deſign: and ſince he had obſerved in ſeveral private diſcourſes, that Aribeus was very paſſionately affected unto the Aſſyrian Nation, and that he could almoſt wiſh the Cappadocians were under their ancient Lords; he diſcovered himſelf unto him, and made him apprehend, that he could never find out a more innocent way to bring the Cappadocians under the Aſſyrian power, then by favouring his enterprize: You may well imagine by conſidering the actions of Aribeus ſince this time, that he hearkened unto the propoſition, and conſented unto it; and alſo promiſed Philidaſpes to ſerve him in all things. This Prince diſcovered himſelf unto him, a little after the taking of Ceſarea: and they reſolved that Philidaſpes ſhould make ſure of ſome ſtrong place in Aſſyria for his retreat, when he ſhould carry away the the Princeſſe Mandana; and not daring to think of carrying her unto the Court of Queen Nitocris, conſidering the manner how he parted from her: But ſince the buſineſſe required ſome time, he reſolved upon patience, and for a while to defer the execution of his deſign; yet he was in hopes of happy ſucceſſe, for he did believe, that when he had took the Princeſſe Mandana away, then the Queen Nitocris would authoriſe his enterprize, ſince it would add three Kingdoms unto Aſſyria; and as for the Law, he thought that it might well admit of a favourable conſtruction, by ſaying the Princeſſe of Cappadocia was no ſtranger, ſince the Kingdom where ſhe was born, did legally belong to him. He ſent then unto the Governour of a Town which is ſome eight dayes journey from Babylon, called Is, and which is ſcituated upon a River of the ſame name, to the end he might ſuborn him, and oblige him to be faithful unto him. But whileſt theſe things were in contriving, you were a witneſſe of all the paſſages both in Court and Army, between theſe two illuſtrious Rivals; and I have nothing to tell you, untill after the two Battles which Artamenes gained in one day: by one of which, you know, he took the King of Pontus priſoner, and afterwards all the world believed him dead: But now in this place I muſt tell you, that Feraulas, before whom I ſpeak, did perhaps haſten the execution of this firſt plot to take away the Princeſſe Mandana, ſome moneths ſooner then otherwiſe it would.

I (amiable Marteſia, ſaid he) and interrupted her?

Yes you (anſwered ſhe;) for when you thought that your Maſter was dead, in the violence of your ſorrows, you could not forbear crying out in the preſence of Philidaſpes, Alas poor Prince, muſt ſo glorious a life laſt no longer? he told me afterwards at Babylon, that then he ſtopt you, and asked you whether you Maſter was in that condition? and that you fained the exceſſe of your ſorrows, made you ſpake one word for another, but yet that did not hinder him from ſuſpecting that the matter was as you had ſaid.

It is very true (replied Feraulas) I remember that I committed this errour, and that in my extream ſorrow wherein then I was, in the extream joy I was in afterwards for the reſurrection of my dear Maſter, I had abſolutely loſt my memory. Feraulas, having done ſpeaking, and Chriſantes deſiring him to interrupt Marteſia no more; ſhe purſued her diſcourſe.

At the return of Artamenes and Philidaſpes unto Sinope, the jealouſie of the laſt did encreaſe, and he being aſſured from the Governour of the Town of Is, that he ſhould be received when he pleaſed, he thought upon nothing but ripening and acting his deſign: he ſaw alſo that he could never have a more favourable opportunity: for there being now a likely-hood of peace, he conceived that he ſhould need no more Troops then he already [Page] had, ſince he had four thouſand men about the Town, which were under his command, and a Caſtle to retire unto, to give a colour for his not being at Sinope, whileſt Aribeus was tranſacting his plot: believe you have not forgot how a Letter which this Prince writ, fell into the hands of Artamenes, and both diſcovered and prevented this conſpiracy: But you do not know, how he which loſt this Letter, coming unto Aribeus, and not finding it about him, was extreamly ſurpriſed, & confeſſed that he feared the man with whom he had fought, had found it: Neither do you know, how Aribeus, knowing that Artamenes had been with the Princeſſe and the King, went afterwards and changed the Guards, and ſent to advertiſe Philidaſpes, who after he had in the night-time diſperſed his four thouſand men, which he had under the Caſtle, in lieu of flying, as all the world believed he did, went unto Pteria, whereof Aribeus was Governour, and there did lie concealed, reſolving to wait there for a more favourable opportunity. It was for the love of him that Aribeus was ſo deſirous to remove Artamenes from the Court, ſince he was ſo great an obſtacle unto his deſign, and therefore he propounded unto Ciaxares, to ſend him unto the Queen of the Maſſagettes, to the end he might more eaſily execute his deſign, during his abſence: There happened one chance which much croſſed him, and which made him almoſt deſpair, and made him loſe much time. It was this, as ſoon as Artamenes was gone his voyage, Philidaſpes underſtood that the Governour of that Town of Is, unto which he was to retreat, was dead, ſo that he muſt ſeek out another ſanctuary before he could attmept any thing; which took up ſo much time that he could not act his deſign until Artamenes was expected back again, of whom they had heard no news ſince his departure. The Governour of the Town of Opis, which ſtands upon the River Pygris being then ſuborned, and Aribeus alſo having corrupted one of my companions named Arianta, and made for him almoſt all the Guards of the Princeſſe, he did execute his deſign at Themiſcira, where Philidaſpes was come without any danger, for he ſtirred not but in the night, and was ſo much diſguiſed for this purpoſe, that he was not knowable. Now Chriſantes, I am come unto that part of my relation which is altogether unknown unto you; But I beſeech you imagine how the Princeſſe was ſurpriſed when ſhe ſaw Philidaſpes take her away, you have heard I ſuppoſe, how I followed my dear Miſtreſſe, in ſpight of thoſe which took her away. I will not ſtay you ſo long as to relate how we left the Boat into which they put us: nor how we found horſes ready on the other ſide of the River: nor which road we took; nor who was the guide: I will only tell you that juſt at break of day, we encamped within a wood, under a Tent which was ſet up: and neither the Princeſſe nor I had ſpoke one ſyllable; nor were capable of underſtanding one ſyllable of all that Philidaſpes ſaid unto us, ſo much was her ſoul and mine ſunk with ſorrow: and I think that ſince the Princeſſe in the firſt rapture of her ſorrow, cried out unto Philidaſpes, that, If Artamenes were at Themiſcira, he durſt not have attempted this enterpriſe, ſhe ſpoke not one word at all: But after we were in the Tent, and the Princeſſe half dead, did ſit down on a cuſion, which was laid upon a footcloth, that covered all the ground of the Tent; and as I ſtood by her as well as Arianta, who did counterfet her ſorrow admirably well; Philidaſpes, after he had placed his Guards and Centinels for moſt ſecurity, came and caſt himſelf at her feet: and looking upon her with as much ſubmiſſion as he had audacity in taking her away; I know very well Madam (ſaid he unto her) that Philidaſpes is not only raſh, but the Prince of Aſſyria alſo is moſt bold, and deſerves to be puniſhed for thus offering you one of the moſt illuſtrious Crowns in the world; Yes, Divine Princeſſe, I do ſo much prize your vertue above your quality, that I do confeſſe the greateſt King in the world cannot pretend unto the honour of your love, without too great a preſumption: But Madam, ſince the Gods have ſet you above all the Kings upon earth; and that none can preſume to enjoy you without an injury; I thought that I might as well as any other, aſpire unto this happy boldneſſe which the Gods have deſtined you unto: I am perhaps leſſe worthy of it then ſome others in conſideration of my ſelf; but I am, it may be, as much deſerving as others in reſpect of that Crown I am to wear, and more then any other in reſpect of my paſſion to you; ſo that Madam, how unjuſt ſoever I am, I may perhaps merit ſome compaſſion, eſpecially if you will but be pleaſed to know, that I have done nothing, but what I could not hinder my ſelf from. For truly, if there had been any other way, to advance my hopes unto the honour which I pretend to, I ſhould never have taken this; But you know Madam, that though I ſhould have been ſo happy as not to be deſpiſed in your eſteem, yet Ciaxares nor Aſtyages would ever have conſented unto that propoſition which I ſhould have made; what then would you have a Prince do who lov'd and adored you? and who [Page] muſt either have Mandana or death? Death (replied the Princeſſe in much anger) had been a choice more juſt and fit for you; for if you love Mandana, ſhe will render your life more cruel unto you then you death would be. Perhaps Madam (replied he) that when you ſee me continually at your feet with unequalled ſubmiſſion, my tears and my ſighs may move you to compaſſion: No, no, (ſaid ſhe and interrupted him) never expect any thing either from time, or tears, or ſighs, or ſubmiſſions, or any thing elſe; the heart of Mandana ſhall never be won that way; your crime is ſo far from being waſhed away by your tears, that your bloud can never do it: Therefore Philidaſpes (for ſo bad an action, deſerves no better title) expect from hence forward, that my hate of you which began at Sinope, ſhall increaſe every minute: this ſhall be the progreſſe of my ſoul, and believe it I will not ſtop it as long as I am a Captive: Therefore, if there be yet any ſpark remaining in your mind, which your unjuſt paſſion has not extinguiſhed, know, that it will be much more advantagious for you, to repent of your crime, and ſet me at liberty, then thus to continue me your priſoner: we are not yet ſo far off Themiſcira, but you may eaſily do it, and I will engage my word, to move the King my father not to reſent this affront: I will promiſe you that the hatred which began to grow in my heart, ſince the firſt time you deſigned to take me away, ſhall vaniſh; and I ſhall think my ſelf obliged unto you, if for the love of me you will ſurmount your ſelf: I ſhall then believe you love me really; whereas, if you will not be perſwaded by my reaſons, I ſhall believe that your own intereſt, not mine, does prompt you to this action; and that ſince you have no ſubjects of your own who is owner of any Crowns, you refuſe them, and marry rather out of ambition then love. Moreover, do not ground any hopes, becauſe I do not rail againſt you for the injury, my mouth Philidaſpes is not accuſtomed unto it: neither do I know in what termes to ſpeak unto thoſe which injure me, ſince till now I never was wronged: But I am moſt certain, that I apprehend the injury you do me, as a Princeſſe of a great ſoul ought to do; and without ſuffering my ſelf to be tranſported by any unprofitable violence, I can extreamly hate you; alſo I can unalterably reſolve never to be moved, neither with your reſpects, your ſervices, your tears, your ſighs, your menaces, nor by death it ſelf, if you put me to it: Once more, Philidaſpes, bethink your ſelf, if you can repair your fault; and conſider that nothing can be more unreaſonable then to commit an unprofitable crime: Think into what a condition you are putting all Cappadocia, all Galatia, all Medea, and all Aſſyria; or indeed to ſay truly, all Aſia, into what an affrighting diſorder it will be brought; for aſſuredly Aſtyages and Ciaxares, will not endure this wrong without revenge, and all the Kings their allies will be ingaged in the Quarrel: Fear, Philidaſpes, tremble, leſt you ſhould be drowned in that River of bloud which you ſhall cauſe to be ſpilt: For there are Gods, and Gods that are juſt and will revenge: Gods, I ſay, that will defend oppreſſed innocents, and are declared enemies unto unjuſt Princes: But is it poſſible Philidaſpes, that the Queen Nitocris, who is a moſt illuſtrious Princeſſe, does know of this unjuſt deſign? Can it be poſſible to find one in the world that would adviſe you to it? No Madam (replied Philidaſpes) none gave me any counſel in it, I did not ſo much as conſult with mine own reaſon; it was love only which was my adviſer in the enterpriſe: But Madam it is now too late to adviſe Philidaſpes unto repentance; your glorious eyes, incenſed though they be, does command me not to hearken unto your words, but confirms me in my deſigns: Ah, alas, if it be ſo ſaid the Princeſſe, I forbid you to look upon me, and I for my part will never look upon you again: Go Philidaſpes, go, go out of the Tent, and enter no more, unleſſe you will augment your crime: Go out and walk in the woods I ſay, and conſult with your reaſon, if you have any: Call unto your aſſiſtance your generoſity, and dim not that honour and glory whereof you ſeem ſo amorous and jealous. The glory, Madam, which I did and ever ſhall aim at, is to ſet you upon the Throne of Aſſyria, and to ſee you command in the moſt ſtately Town in the world: Therefore, Madam, I think it but juſt to put all Aſia in arms, ſince Mandana is of higher merit then to be obtained without leſſe trouble, Perhaps when you ſee me in the head of two hundred thouſand men, you will change your mind, and be upon better termes with me, then you are with Philidaſpes, whom you thought to be no more then a common Cavalier, and who paſſed in your conceit for a man much inferiour to your quality: But, Madam, upon all occaſions wherein fortune ſhall ſmile upon me, and when I have conquered all thoſe Kings who you ſay will engage themſelves in your quarrel; I ſhall then deſcend out of my chair of triumph, to proſtrate at your feet, my ſelf, and all thoſe palms wherewith they ſhall crown me. Ah, Philidaſpes (ſaid the Princeſſe) I had rather ſee you in your grave, then in your chair of triumph after you [Page] have vanquiſhed my father. Madam (replied he) you may if you will prevent the war, and thoſe eyes, thoſe fair eyes, which you ſo conceal from me, or els incenſedly glance them, makes my armes fall out of my hands, if they but look ſmilingly upon me. I ſhall never end if I ſhould tell you that which Philidaſpes ſpoke (wiſe Chriſantes;) But in concluſion, the Princeſſe being out of all patience, and ſeeing all ſhe had ſaid was in vaine, did then command him to go out of the Tent, by ſuch an abſolute Authority, that he obeyed her. I muſt needs ſay thus much for Philidaſpes; that although he was very haſty, and did many things very violently, yet he never failed in his reſpects unto the Princeſſe: After he was gone out, we remained by our ſelves: Philidaſpes cauſed ſomthing to be preſented unto Mandana for her to eate, but ſhe would not touch a bit: yet we were not all this while he was out of the tent, at handſom freedom, for though we did not yet know that Arianta had betrayed her, yet the Princeſs had never any confidence in her, and for my part, ſhe was never any of my friends: yet the Princeſs in this deplorable ſtate, did make me know, ſhe remembred Artamenes: ſhe ſpent all that day, which was night to us, in lamenting her misfortune, and praying unto the gods to avert it: when night was come, they told us we muſt be gone, and it was with much adoe, that I moved the Princeſs to eat ſomthing: Madam (ſaid I to her in a low voice) Artamenes can perhaps fetch you out of the hands of a Prince, who is accuſtomed to vanquiſh, but he cannot fetch you out of your grave if you be once there: Tis true Marteſia (ſaid ſhe to me) but how can I live in ſuch a miſerable condition? It becomes the greateſt ſoules (ſaid I unto her) to endure the greateſt misfortunes with moſt conſtancy: Ah Marteſia (cryed ſhe) that conſtancy ſhould be ſuch a difficult vertue? It is a deceitfull virtue alſo, which commonly never calmes my eyes and face, but it leaves my heartfull of cruell agitations: Indeed Sir, I ſpoke ſo earneſtly unto her, that I conſtrain'd her to eat, and preſently after they conſtrayned us to depart: we marched in this manner three nights, before Mandana would permit Philidaſpes to ſpeak a word unto her: But in the end of the third night, as we were in the tent, and I according to the direction of Mandana looking whether Philidaſpes was out of the reach of hearing what ſhe ſaid, we heard a great noiſe, and preſently a ſervant of Philidaſpes came unto us and cauſed us immediatly to depart, not giving us any time at all. Since we heard a great noiſe ſome thirty or forty paces of us, and did not ſee Philidaſpes, the Princeſs did imagine that perhaps it was ſomerelief was coming to them; and by reaſon of that Imagination we uſed all means poſſible, both by prayers and promiſes, and alſo ſtriving not to go ſo faſt away, as they cauſed us to go, but all would not do, for a part of them which guarded us, were ſuch as never could hope for pardon, if thoſe orders which they received were not exactly obeyed: ſo they carried us to a place where we found a coach which ſtayed for us, and with a convoy of fifty horſes; we ſtayed there for Philidaſpes, who came preſently after unto us.

Here Chriſantes could not forbear telling Marteſia, what obſtacle Philidaſpes did then meet with; and how Artamenes ſaw her at the entry of the tent, but knew her not, and how he relieved Philidaſpes; how he killed thoſe which ſet upon him, and how he contributed to the carrying away of Mandana. At this diſcourſe, Marteſia cryed mainly out with wonder: and after ſhe had ſufficiently teſtified her aſtoniſhment at ſuch an extraordinary paſſage, ſhe continued her relation.

I will not ſtay, ſaid ſhe, ſince I have related unto you, this ſtrange combate, and which doubtleſs the King of Aſſyria would not have kept from Mandana, but becauſe he would not thereby occaſion the memory of Artamenes in Mandanas mind; I will not ſtay, I ſay, to repeat all our complaints during our ſad voyage; nor with what obſtinatneſs Mandana denied ſpeaking with Philidaſpes: only this, that at laſt, we came to the town of Opis, where we were lodged in a very magnificent chamber: and where Philidaſpes neglected nothing which might render our impriſonment leſs offenſive: But to tell you truly all his care was in vaine, and the Princeſs ſorrow was ſo violent, that nothing could moderate it; Mean while Philidaſpes thought that if he could move the Queen his mother to favour the matter, and that ſhe would receive the Princeſs Mandana unto her, then things would go according to his hearts deſire: for he made no queſtion but if the Queen Nitocris would take her in hand, ſhe would gaine him the heart of the Princeſs: he alſo believed that if ſhe did but once ſee Mandana, ſhe would preſently alter her deſigne of his marriage with Iſtrina, for the Princeſs of Cappadocia; and indeed, he ſent one of his men ſecretly to Babylon unto the Prince of Saces who was yet in that Court: the Queen Nitocris [Page] having ſtayed him there ever ſince the abſence of her ſon. For beſides the good eſteem which ſhe had of him, he was nephew unto her, the Queen Iarinas, his mother, (An excellent and vertuous Princeſs,) beeing ſiſter unto the late King of Aſſyria her husband. He writ then unto Mazares, to the end, he might preſent, what he writ unto his mother, the Queen, and forward his deſires: This Prince by his letter which he writ unto this Princeſs, did ask her pardon for departing from the Court without her leave, he deſired her to forget it, and that ſhe would be pleaſed to think well of his bringing the Princeſs of Cappadocia unto her, and that by her good conſent he might marry her. Then he layed open unto her all the reaſons which might induce her to approve of it, and forgot nothing that might win her approbation; but the returne of the meſſenger did not bring him all the ſatisfaction he expected; for he underſtood, that the ſame day he arrived at Babylon, there alſo arrived an embaſſador from Ciaxares, to demand of the Queen Nitocris, the Princeſſe of Cappadocia; and that the Queen did diſallow of the act, and that ſhe her ſelf would be the firſt which would take up arms to reſtore him the Princeſſe his daughter: that when ſhe read the letter which the Prince of Aſſyria had writ unto her, ſhe could not forbear expreſſing her ſelf, that ſhe was willing he ſhould bring Mandana unto Babylon, but it ſhould only be to reſtore her unto Ciaxares: yet Mazares uſed his beſt endeavours to procure the Queens conſent unto it, but all were in vaine: and he ſent unto the Prince of Aſſyria, to adviſe him, not to bring the Princeſs whom he had taken away, unto Babylon, becauſe he underſtood the Queen had promiſed Ciaxares by the Embaſſador who was returned, never to conſent unto the marriage, but to uſe all poſſible wayes to ſend her unto the King of Medea her father: And indeed, if Mazares had not put her into ſome hopes that it were more eaſie to get her out of the hands of her ſon by policy then power, ſhe had armed all Aſſyria againſt him: Mean while we were in the city of Opis, treated with all poſſible civility: although Mandana uſed all imaginable averſion and ſeverity againſt the Prince of Aſſyria: for ſhe did not only forbear ſpeaking any thing which might pleaſe him, but ſhe would not ſpeak at all unto him, and ſomtimes ſhe would not ſo much as ſuffer the ſight of him: yet Philidaſpes did as much as poſſible he could deviſe to qualifie her averſion; and ſince he ſaw, ſhe did me the honour to love me, what did he not do and ſay to move me unto his aſſiſtance? but ſay or do what he could, I could not promiſe any thing, and told him that all the Grandure upon earth, ſhould not move me to faile in my duty unto the Princeſs: yet ſince I feared the extream rigour of Mandana might exaſperate the minde of this Prince, and put him upon ſome unjuſt deſigne, I did permit him ſomtimes to ſpeak unto me of his love, and of his deſpair: indeed I do think it was not amiſs, to prevent any deſperate reſolutions in him, conſidering the violence of his love and humour: Somtimes he would ſpeak unto me concerning his love of Mandana, with as much reverence as is conceiveable; and ſometimes againe, he would be ſo violent and ſpeak ſo, as made me fear he was capable of ſome deſperate deſtiny; but when I diſcovered his minde ſo inclined, Sir, ſaid I unto him: take heed what you ſay, for the Princeſs yet does only hate you; but if ſhe once ſee, you have any thoughts of neglecting that reſpect, which is her due, ſhe will then exchange her hatred for ſcorne. Ah Marteſia (ſaid he) miſtake not my crimes and my raptures: ſorrow indeed is able to make me do the moſt Injuſt thing, but the reverence I have of Mandana prevents me; therefore Marteſia, pitty I beſeech you my weakneſs, and though you will not advantage, yet do me no prejudice I conjure you. Sir, (ſaid I unto him) I neither can help nor hurt you, for I dare never ſo much as ſpeak of you unto Mandana. But wiſe Chriſantes, whatſoever I ſaid unto the Prince of Aſſyria upon that ſubject, I think he did not believe me, but imagined, that I related all he ſaid unto the Princeſs, though he was much deceived; for as long as Arianta was with us, we diſcourſed of nothing but our ſorrowes in generall; and when we were alone, Artamenes was the only ſubject of our diſcourſe. Alas, (ſaid Mandana ſomtimes, when for a little liberty, we asked leave to walk by the river Tygris) in what deſpair will Artamenes be when he returnes unto Themiſcira and finds not us there? and when he ſhall know that Philidaſpes, that ſame Philidaſpes whom he ſo much hated, has carried me away? But oh heavens! will he not ſuſpect my vertue? can he think that Philidaſpes durſt execute ſuch a deſigne without my conſent? But on the other ſide, can he think that Mandana is capable of any ſuch thing? Ha no no, he will beleeve me to be innocent though unfortunate. Artamenes, the Illuſtrious Artamenes, will never conceive that one who has been ſo ſevere unto him, can be ſo pliable unto his Enemy: Thus did we ſpend our tedious time when we had any [Page] liberty, but that was ſeldom; for beſides Arianta, who alwayes kept cloſe about the Princeſſe, there was a great ſort of other women which Philidaſpes appointed to wait upon the Princeſſe, who almoſt never left her. But it is admirable to conſider how vertue will ſhine in thoſe who are in adverſity, although it be extream, for the Princeſſe had not been among them above fifteen dayes, but every one of them who were about her did adore her: but we could not for all that ſee an end of our miſery, nor Philidaſpes of his. Still he continued writing unto Mazares, that he ſhould ſtill ſolicite the Queen: he writ alſo ſecretly unto Aribeus, for relief if he ſhould ſtand in any need of it: He ſent alſo unto the King of Lydia, to deſire aſſiſtance, knowing him to be no friend neither unto Astyages, or Ciaxares, though there was an alliance between them: Truth, he neglected nothing that might advance his deſigne; either in inviting Princes unto his Party, or in putting the Town of Opis into a condition to abide a Siege, in caſe it ſhould be beleagured: For our parts, we neither knew what we ſhould do, or what to hope for; for we knew not that Artamenes was returned unto Themiſcira. Therefore the Princeſſe, who could not endure to be ſo in the power of a violent and amorous Prince, did one day reſolve to ſpeak with him, intending to ask a favour at his hand, which preſently I ſhall relate unto you. You may imagine how joyfull Philidaſpes was, when Arianta told him, the Princeſſe would ſpeak with him, and doubtleſſe, you believe he diligently obeyed the Command. When he was entred into the Princeſſe Chamber, Is it poſſible Madam (ſaid he to her) that the Princeſſe Mandana will ſpeak with the unfortunate Philidaſpes, unleſſe it be to pronounce the ſentence of his death? But though you ſhould do ſo, (Divine Princeſſe) I would vpon my knee receive the Doom with joy, ſo much does this honor, in commanding me to come unto you, delightfully diſturb my reaſon. Sir ſaid ſhe to him, (for through my advice, ſhe reſolved to treat him as ſhe did) ſince I have ſo often in vain deſired you to ſend me either to Themiſcira, or Sinope, or Ancyra, or Amaſia, I intend to ask you a thing which you ought not to deny me: for ſince it is ſo far from asking you to go out of your Dominions, as I conjure you to conduct me unto Babylon, to the Queen Nitocris, where I ſhall be in a handſomer condition then I can be here in this place: If you conſent unto this favour, I ſhall promiſe you, to diminiſh a little of that juſt hatred, which is growing in my ſoul; for I cannot endure that all Aſia ſhould know I am in your power, and that I ſhould have no other witneſſes of my vertue, but my greateſt enemy. Madam (replied Philidaſpes, being a little ſurprized) if you will do me the honour to go unto Babylon, with intention to be one day the Queen of it, and to take from the hands of Nitocris, that Scepter which ſhe has moſt gloriouſly ſwayed, doubtleſſe I ſhall conſent unto your propoſition: But if in going to Babylon, your deſigne be to go thereby the ſooner unto Themiſcira, pardon me Madam, if I be conſtrained to diſobey you: And to tell the truth, ſquares go not ſo handſomely there, becauſe for ſome certain reaſons I am in ſome diſguſt with the Queen, yet more for the love of you, then for any other cauſe; therefore in deſiring that Madam, you would have me carry you unto a place that will be rather my puniſhment, then my ſanctuary. It is not out of any fear that I refuſe you, but love onely forceth it. You told me once Madam, that nothing was more unreaſonable then to commit a great crime, to no end: Think not ill then, if I endeavour to prevent falling into the like fault. The Crime is already committed, Madam: I was ſo preſumptuous as to take you away; and it behoves me endeavour for ſo much happineſſe as to obtain my Pardon and your Love. The way you take (replied the Princeſſe very ſharply) makes it a hard matter to obtain either your Pardon or my Love. Do you know Madam, what may be hereafter, (replied this Prince?) I know very well (replied ſhe) that the time will never come in which Mandana will love you. Yet Madam (anſwered he) I hope there is no abſolute impoſſibility in it. Whoſoever ſhould have told me, the firſt day I came unto the Temple of Mars in Sinope, that I ſhould fall deſperately in love with you, I ſhould not have beleeved it: and whoſoever ſhould have told me the firſt time that I ſaw Artamenes in that ſame place, and on that ſame day, that I ſhould mortally hate him, I could not have believed it; for truly I ſaw no women in that Temple which could enamour me; And I found Artamenes, very handſome, well proportioned, of a good deportment, and very civil: yet I am in extream love with you, and in extream hate of him. The Princeſſe bluſht at the name of Artamenes, and the Prince who alwayes looked upon her, obſerved it: yet notwithſtanding, he durſt not then ſpeak of it; and it was at Babylon where he told me of it. The Princeſſe, ſeeing her diſcourſe was to no purpoſe, broke it off, and went away whether he would or no. A few [Page] dayes after, we heard of the death of Astyages, though Philidaſpes kept it from the Princeſſe as much as he could: but when he underſtood ſhe knew of it, he put himſelf in mourning and came to viſit her. And not long after that we heard how the Queen Nitocris died, after ſhe had finiſhed her magnificient Tombe, which is in the prime Port of Babylon, and that the diſobedience and bad action of her Son, was the cauſe of her death. Theſe two accidents did both of them extreamly trouble the Princeſſe: The firſt, becauſe he was ſo neer in kinred: The ſecond, becauſe ſhe relied much upon the vertue of the Queen Nitocris. We underſtood by one of thoſe women which they had placed about the Princeſſe, that Mazares did the Prince of Aſſyria very good ſervice at this time, and that but for him the Queen had diſpoſed of her Crown from him: We underſtood alſo by her, that the Princeſſe Iſtrina, according unto the laſt Will of the Queen, went from Babylon the next day after her death into Bithynia where her brother Intaphernes then was, who went thither to aſſiſt Arſamones in recovering his eſtate from the King of Pontus, who (as was reported) was likely to loſe both his Kingdoms. Mean while we were not perſecuted with any viſits from the new King of Aſſyria for ſome certain dayes, becauſe as indeed he had ſome Generoſity in him, he was very ſad at the death of the Queen Nitocris: Yet as Love was the predominate paſſion in his ſoul, and the firſt dayes of mourning being over, he hoped that the magnificence of Babylon might perhaps work upon the heart of the Princeſſe, which cauſed him a little ſooner to cheer himſelf up from his ſorrows for the Queen his mother, who put mourning into the hearts of all her Subjects. Mean while Mazares writ unto the King, that it was very requiſite he came preſently as ſoon as he could to ſhew himſelf unto the people, and that a Throne was ſuch a place as ought not to be long empty, leſt ſome ſhould be tempted to fill it up: Yet for all that, there was no reaſon of State ſo ſtrong as could move him to leave Mandana to go unto Babylon: but he writ unto Mazares, that he ſhould prepare all things in the moſt pompous manner againſt his entrance; and that he ſhould ſend thither unto him all things neceſſary to conduct the Princeſſe of Medea thither, for ſince the death of Astyages, we will no more call her the Princeſſe of Cappadocia. I forgot to tell you (wiſe Chriſantes) how after the death of the Queen Nitocris, the Princeſſe by my advice ſent unto the new King, to tell him ſhe was very ſorry for the death of the Queen his Mother, and how afterwards, he came to thank her for that Complement which with much ado I obtained from her. But to return unto my ſtory; The King of Aſſyria came one day unto Mandana's chamber, aſter he had civilly ſent to ask leave; and after he had with much reverence ſaluted her; Madam (ſaid he unto her) The River Euphrates is jealous of that honour, which the River Tygris hath received from you, and it is but juſt that the prime Town in the World ſhould be honoured with the preſence of the moſt Fair, and Illuſtrious Mandana. When I asked you, to go unto Babylon (replied Mandana) the Queen Nitocris was living: And when I would wait upon you thither (replied this Prince) the Throne of Aſſyria is ready to receive you, and all the people willing to ſalute you by the Title of Queen. No Sir (ſaid ſhe to him) never hope that change of place can change my ſoul, nor that the ſight of ſtately Babylon can move my heart. I had rather ſpin away my life in a Shepherds cottage, then ſit on the Throne of a King that is offenſive unto me: No Sir, once for all, I will neither command nor obey you: I will never ſit in the ſeat of that Queen whoſe vertues I cannot paralell; and I had much rather be in your priſon, then on the Throne of Aſſyria. If I were able to reſiſt, I would not I warrant you be hurried whither you would have me; nor would I willingly draw the war unto that Town which paſſeth for one of the wonders of the World: I would if I could, ſave the blood of ſo many innocent perſons wherewith it is filled: But ſince I cannot reſiſt your deſigne, Let me tell you, that I ſhall be the ſame at Babylon, I am at Opis; and that the King of Aſſyria with all his great Magnificence, ſhall move no heart of mine, more then he could when he ſeemed onely Philidaſpes. Time Madam (replied he, becauſe for all her ſeverity, he was in ſome hopes) will ſhew whether your rigorous reſolution be more ſtrong thou my perſeverance; At leaſt, if you do reſolve upon my death, I ſhall have a more Illuſtrious Tombe at Babylon, then I can have here; and you will have more witneſſes of that cruelty wherein you glory. So it was Chriſantes, that three dayes after, we muſt reſolve upon departure; and to report what our equipage was, is ſo unneceſſary it would but abuſe your patience; unleſſe you be of their humour who ſay, that liberality is the tried meaſure of love; for if ſo, then I cannot make you underſtand the greatneſſe of the King of Aſſyrias paſſion, better, then by relating the prodigious expences at the entrance of the [Page] Princeſs into Babylon. That morning which we went from Opis, we ſaw in a great court under the window of the Princeſs, Twelve magnificent Charriots, for the Ladies which were to accompany her, and another, moſt incomparably above the reſt for her ſelf. We ſaw alſo two hundred Camels for the baggage, with ſumpter clothes of Tyrian purple embroidered with gold: and when we were at the gates of the town, we ſaw in a great plaine, fifteen thouſand men in Armes, all having gilt morrions, and croſlets of the ſame with Bowes of Ebonie, and Arrowes piled with gold, who dividing themſelves into two bodies, one part marched before, the other behind, and the Charriots in the middle: As for the Camels they went ſome two hundred paces before the Souldiers: And as for the King, he went on horſe back next after the Chariot in which was the Princeſs, which went laſt of all the Charriots, he and a thouſand horſe did follow him: thus went we to Babylon, untill we were within one dayes Journey, and the King of Aſſyria deſired the Princeſs ſhould reſt her ſelf a day in a Caſtle where we lodged; mean while, all neceſſary preparations were making for our enterance: queſtionleſs you will think it ſtrange to hear talk of all this magnificence ſo preſently after the death of the Queen Nitocris; but it is the Aſſyrian faſhion as well as of Cappadocia who was once in ſubjection unto them, that the people never are in mourning above three dayes after the death of their Kings; becauſe, ſay they, there is more to rejoyce then mourne, that they have ſo gloriouſly finiſhed their raigne. See that the Babylonians had no ſooner ended their pomp of mourning for their Queen, but they were in another pomp of rejoycing for the Arivall of Mandana: yet you may be aſſured that ſhe her ſelf was no participant at the feaſt: mean time, although ſhe was reſolved to be ſeen that day as careleſly dreſt as poſſibly ſhe could, yet ſhe could not bring it to paſs: For ſince all the women which waited upon her, and waited upon Arianta and me, were of the King of Aſſyria's placing, and ſince Arianta herſelf was of conſpiracy with him; there was no cloaths that morning to be found, but ſuch as were moſt rich, and full of pearls and diamonds: for my part, I do confeſs, that this device did not anger me ſo much as it did the Princeſs, who was ready to chide me for it; Madam (ſaid I unto her to excuſe my ſelf, and becauſe indeed, it did concur with my opinion) the King of Aſſyria does think queſtionleſs to Juſtifie his action unto the people by your admirable beauty; and therefore deſires you ſhould appear in moſt glory; but, never thinks, that unleſs he look very well about him you will make all his ſubjects Rebels; and if you will follow my counſel, you ſhall appear in all your charmes; for then, if this Prince, ſhould ever attempt any thing againſt you; the people in favour of you would revolt from him: you are very ingenious (ſaid ſhe to me) to excuſe your own fault, or to ſay better, your ſimplicity: But Marteſia, as flattering as you are, you w [...]ong me much to be moved no more then you are at my diſlike of this, and to counſell me unto it, as you have done, for I beſeech you tell me, what will the unhappy Artamenes think, if he ſhould chance to know, by the report of thoſe ſpies which the King my [...]ther has in Babylon, that I ſhew my ſelf in ſuch a dreſs, as ſpeaks Joyfull, and well pleaſed? All the reſt of the magnificence cannot be imputed unto me; but it may be thought I conſented unto this. Madam, (ſaid I unto her) if you might do as you pleaſed, and had your choyce, I ſhould not then adviſe you as I do; but ſince it is not, it is a good expedient, to draw a good out of an evill; and to endeavour if it be poſſible that the ſame beauty which cauſed you to be taken away, may alſo procure you protectors if you ſhall need them: And as for what you ſay concerning Artamenes; beleeve it Madam, that if the King your father have any ſpyes in Babylon, who will report faithfully what they have ſeen, they will ſpeak more of your melancholy, then your dreſs, you need not fear it: So indeed Chriſantes, when the Princeſs could do no other, ſhe ſuffered her ſelf tobe ſo dreſſed, yet without any art or care at all: but as you know very well, her hair is ſo admirable fair, that her neglective comlineſs, was extreamly becoming. All the cloaths they brought us were made after the Medean and Cappadocian faſhion, to wit, of freſh, lively, and glorious colours: As for the women of quality in Babylon, they never wear any colour, but white; yet notwithſtanding very magnificently and gallantly dreſſed, having no colours about them but Diamond [...], Emralds, and Rubies, which gave a glorious luſtre [...] and after that day, we came to know as much, for though the Princeſs had much unwillingneſs to be ſeen, yet more then two hundred women of quality, came to do their reverence unto her: ſhe received them very civilly, but in ſo deep a melancholy, that ſhe begot as much pitty as admiration: in concluſion, we muſt depart, and in lieu of twelve Charriots full of Ladies, which we had the day before, there was now a hundred times as [Page] many: As for the Princeſs, ſhe was compelled to go into a ſtately magnificent chair of triumph, all the ornaments whereof were pure gold; It was drawn by four Tigers, harneſſed the moſt ornamentally that could be deviſed: four men of prime quality carried a ſtately Canopy over the Chair, imbrodered with Gold, Pearls, and Diamonds, and ſuch as the Sydiaonns only know how to do: I will not inſiſt upon a particular deſcription of this pomp; only tell you that all that great plaine as we came to Babylon, and which you know very well is ſet with palme trees of a prodigious height, was full of troopes, but ſuch troopes as were all armed in a moſt ſtrange magnificence. At every hundred paces diſtance, we ſaw Arches of triumph erected, upon which were very glorious inſcriptions: They were all very ſtately; and we ſaw nothing which ſpoke not Joy and Grandure: About two furlongs from the town, the Prince of Saces, who was a man very faſhionable and handſome, alſo rich in clothes, and upon a horſe of Iſabella colour with a black mane, came in the head of two thouſand horſe, to preſent unto the Princeſs from the King, great keyes of gold in a box of the ſame mettall, Topazes and Amethiſts: Madam, (ſaid he in preſenting them unto her) the King has commanded me to obey you, and from him to offer, that which he only can give you. Sir, anſwered the Princeſs (for they had informed her of the quality of Mazares) If in preſenting unto me two keyes of Babylon, you will aſſure me, that I may be permitted in the morning to open the gates, to returne unto Themiſcira, or go unto Ecbatane I ſhould accept of them, and be eternally obliged unto you for the offer; but if that liberty will not be allowed me, (purſued ſhe with a charming melancholy which eclipſed nothing of her beauty) It ſeems unto me to be a peece of injuſtice, and ſomthing inhumane, that I my ſelf ſhould keep the keyes of my priſon. So Sir, untill the King of Aſſyria, be reſolved to grant me that, I pray you keep what you offer me, ſince I think they cannot be in better hands then yours. Mazares, charmed with the beauty, ſpirit, and civility, of the Princeſs, told her, that he would not keep what ſhe was pleaſed to do him ſo much honour as to truſt him with, but that ſhe might uſe them at her own diſpoſition when ſhe came unto the town: and ſtaying no longer, he Joyned his troop which was very magnificent, with the Kings: this Prince, marched by himſelf, next immediatly after the Princeſs her triumphant Chair, but ſo glorious, ſo handſome, and ſo glittering with gold and jewels, that except Artamenes, I never ſaw a man of a better garb then he: At the entry into the town, the Princeſs was preſented with a ſpeech, or to ſay better an elogy: All the houſes were hung with rich Tapeſtry, every ſtreet ſtrewed with flowers: All the windowes were full of women, handſomly dreſſed: Trumpets and Flutes made the Aire Echo: All the people were raviſhed at the beauty of the Princeſs; and expreſſed their wonder with ſuch loud acclamations, as joyed the King of Aſſyria beyond all expreſſions; at the laſt Chriſantes, we were brought unto the pallace of the Queen Nitocris: the King of Aſſyria preſented his hand unto the Princeſs as ſhe deſcended from her Chaire, to conduct her unto her Chamber: ſhe had a good diſpoſition to refuſe it, but ſhe thought that it would appear phantaſticall, and to no purpoſe. And therefore without any incivility ſhe gave him her hand; but it was after ſuch a manner, as ſhe let ſee, it was not the quality of the King of Aſſyria, did move her unto that complacency, inſomuch as he was nothing ſatisfied with it; we paſſed through ſome chambers all upon a floor one within another, all were magnificently furniſhed; in the laſt of theſe, he made her a very low congee, and told her, that from hence forward, it was in her power to command all Aſſyria; and that he was but the firſt of her ſubjects: at the laſt, after an hour was ſpent, in accepting the complements of all the Babylonian grandees, they left us at a little liberty; and we had ſo much conſolation, as to know, that all thoſe women which waited upon the Queen Nitocris, were appointed to wait upon the Princeſs Mandana, ſo that none came about her, but ſuch as were perſons of very vertuous mindes: a little while after we were left alone, and Arianta being gone into another Chamber; the Princeſs looked upn me with extream melancholy: Ah Marteſia (ſaid ſhe) where are we now? and how ſhall we ever get out? did you not obſerue, ſaid ſhe to me, the monſtrous walls of Babylon, which are ſo thick and ſtrong, that ſeverall Chariots may paſs one by another upon them? did you not obſerve the high towers all about them; and did you not mark how the River Euphrates ſo incloſes it, as makes the acceſſe unto it very difficult, if any ſhould attempt to beſiege it? were you not aſtoniſhed at the innumerable company of people where with it is filled? and the gates of Braſs, which ſhuts them in? Is it not to be feared, that if all Aſia ſhould arm themſelves in my behalf, they could never get me out of it? and as valiant as Artamenes is, he can never vanquiſh the [Page] King of Aſſyria, as long as he is within the walls of this Town: Theſe are the thoughts, my dear Marteſia, which took up my minde, all the time of this diſguſtive Ceremony; and thus much did all their Magnifice at the entry work upon me. Madam (ſaid I unto her) The Gods can do what they pleaſe, and that which to all humane Prudence is impoſſible, to them is eaſie. You ſay well, ſaid ſhe, and I have no other hopes but what are grounded upon their Aſſiſtance. And indeed, the next morning, the Princeſſe would go unto the Temple, and they conducted her unto that of Jupiter Belus, which is one of the faireſt in the World: Mean while the King of Aſſyria endeavoured to win her by ſweetneſſe, and feared to anger her. I viſited her but one hour in a day, and that was before many people, ſo that the Princeſſe was leſſe troubled at it. The Prince Mazares, by order from the King, did often viſit her, the King deſired him, to ſpeak unto her in his behalf, knowing that there was not any man in the world had more charming eloquence in his converſation then he. Indeed this Prince did negotiate ſo admirably well to get unto himſelf the Princeſſe eſteem, and gain her love, that it was not a little conſolation unto himſelf: He was full of ſweetneſſe, civility, and reſpect: and although he did ſpeak to the King of Aſſyria's advantage, when any occaſion was offered; yet notwithſtanding, we diſcovered in his eyes an obliging melancholy; and becauſe we thought that it was onely an effect of his compaſſion towards us and our misfortunes, the Princeſſe could not forbear, ſometimes commending him. But Chriſantes, that you may the better underſtand the reſt of my diſcourſe, I muſt in this part of it, diſcover a thing unto you, which we knew not a long time after, nor which we did ſo much as ſuſpect at all. It is very true, that the unfortunate Mazares did admirably well diſguiſe his thoughts. But I muſt tell you Chriſantes, how this Prince in preſenting the Keyes of Babylon unto the Princeſſe, the firſt day we came thither, did then abſolutely loſe his liberty, and was captivated with the Beauty of Mandana, as well as the King of Aſſyria. Since he was never in lovebefore, he was not at firſt acquainted with the paſſion. He imagined (as I ſince knew by the generous Orſanes, who is now come with me, and who diſcovered unto me all the ſecrets of his Maſters thoughts) that admiration, onely joyned with pity to ſee ſo fair a Lady in miſery, was it which troubled his minde: Yet within eight dayes after, he perceived that it was more then ſo: He accepted therefore of the King of Aſſyria's Commiſſion, to ſee her often, and to ſpeak unto her in his behalf: for what reaſon had he to refuſe it? Yet notwithſtanding, he ſeemed at the firſt to ſcruple at it; but afterwards, whether he wanted a lawfull excuſe, or whether his ſecret paſſion would not ſuffer him to refuſe the ſight of her whom he loved in ſpite of his teeth, he promiſed the King, that he would viſit her, and do him the beſt ſervice he could; and indeed, he did viſit her, and endeavoured to do him ſervice: For it muſt be acknowledged, that Mazares was naturally Generous, and that love onely cauſed him to do things contrary to Generoſity. Orſanes did aſſure me, that he had diſcovered his heart unto him; and that there was no courſe which he did not uſe, to regulate his paſſion, and to keep it within the limits of eſteem and friendſhip, What unhappy deſtiny is mine? (would he ſay unto Orſanes) I lived all my life in a Court, amidſt an infinite number of Beauties, and never was in love with any, but I no ſooner lookt upon Mandana, but I am deſperately captivated. Ha Orſanes, ſaid he, how thoſe who ſay, that hope begins with love are deceived? For, what is it, I can hope for? I finde a paſſion in my ſelf, which I ought, and which I will reſiſt; and though I cannot perhaps abſolutely vanquiſh it, yet I will eternally conceal it at the leaſt: for truly I have promiſed a friendly office unto the King of Aſſyria; I am his vaſſall; I have the honour to be his Kinſman; and he has made choiſe of me for a confident of his paſſion: How can I ever overcome all theſe objections? But ſuppoſe my Generoſity ſhould ſubmit unto my love? and that I ſhould reſolve to betray a Prince unto whom I owe much reſpect? I ſhould not be the better, ſince it is to be beleeved, that a Princeſſe who treats the King of Aſſyria ſo courſely, will never receive the Prince of Saces into favour; Therefore Orſanes (ſaid he to him) there is no hopes for me, though I do love, and that ſo deſperately as I have loſt my reaſon: But, ſaid he, ſince there is no hope in my paſſion, I will hope it will continue long, or rather think, that ſince my deſpair will not cauſe my paſſion to die, it will continue for ever: Love then, ſaid he, love on, ſince it is my deſtiny; Love, and make no ſcruple at it; for indeed we cannot be maſters of our affection; it is well if we can hide them, and if I can content my ſelf with the eſteem and friendſhip of Mandana. In ſhort Chriſantes, when Mazares could not root his love of Mandana out of his heart, he reſolved to keep it [Page] ſecret, and not to give over doing a good office for the King of Aſſyria; but yet Chriſantes he ſpoke not one word in his behalf, which did not yield him a thouſand ſecret vexations; nor did the Princeſs give him a word unto his diſadvantage, which joyed him not ſo much, as he had much adoe to hide it; ſo that he was both faithful and unfaithful at once: his mouth ſpoke for the King of Aſſyria, but his heart betrayed him; and whatſoever he either ſaid or did, one might alwayes ſee his ſoul was infinitely affraid to diſpleaſe the Princeſſe Mandana: nor did I ever ſee in any one more reſpect then in him to her. Mean while, we ſuſpected nothing of his paſſion; he ſeemed ſometimes very melancholy indeed, but his addreſſes, without any words, did tell us the misfortunes of the Princeſſe did trouble him; and that he could wiſh the King of Aſſyria, would give over his deſign. Thus was the ſtate of things, when a piece of croſſe misfortune happened unto us, which did exceedingly trouble us; for when the King of Aſſyria, found no alteration in the mind of Mandana, notwithſtanding all his reſpects, and ſubmiſſions, and all the endeavours of Mazares, he began to think that the heart of the Princeſſe was already diſpoſed of; and when he called to mind all the jealouſies, he entertained that Artamenes was in love with Mandana; and when he remembred what he had heard from the mouth of Feraulas concerning the quality of Artamenes, all thought of the Princeſſe bluſhing at Opis, when Artamenes was named: Then he ſaid unto Mazares (after he had related unto him all the paſſages in the Cappadocian Court) it is no more to be queſtioned, but that Artamenes is not only a Prince, nor a Prince only that loves Mandana, but Mandana alſo loves Artamenes. You may very wel imagine, how this conceit tormented the mind of this young Prince; and how it diſquieted the thoughts of Mazares; he was ſo planet-ſtruck at it, that the King of Aſsyria, ſuppoſing that it was in conſideration of his intereſt, did heartily thank him for it. Mean while, to clear all his doubts, he found an opportunity to ſpeak in private with Arianta, who unknown to us had unluckily underſtood our diſcourſe the night before, and where the Princeſſe and I had repeated almoſt all the paſſages of his life, excepting the name of Cyrus, which happily we pronounced not. But though ſhe underſtood not all we ſaid, yet ſhe heard enough to clear all doubts, that there was a correſpondency between Artamenes and Mandana: So that when the King of Aſſyria had ſpoken with this malicious wench, he underſtood more from her then he deſired to know: Yet notwithſtanding, ſince ſhe did make but a confuſed relation of things, he reſolved to clear his doubts a little more fully, and ſpeak unto the Princeſſe her ſelf: And as jealouſie is a much more turbulent paſſion then love; ſo the King of Aſſyria, when he entered into Mandana's chamber, ſeemed unto me much altered: There was then none with her but Arianta and my ſelf: he ſaluted her with all due reverence; and began to diſcourſe of things indifferent; yet notwithſtanding all this, there appeared ſo much diſtemper in his mind, as we could eaſily perceive it: Madam (ſaid he to her, after much interrupted diſcourſe) I would gladly know one thing from you, which is of infinite importance both to me, and you alſo: If I may conveniently tell it (replied the Princeſſe) and if I know it, perhaps I may ſatisfie your curioſity. Yes Madam (anſwered he) you do know it, and to conceal it no longer, I wiſh you would do me the honour to tell me who is that great enemy who ſurmounts me, and keeps ſuch ſtrong poſſeſſion in your heart; for ſuch a one there is; elſe I know not why all my cares, my reſpects, and my ſubmiſſions ſhould beget ſuch an averſion in you to me. Sir (ſaid the Princeſſe unto him, not thinking he knew any thing relating unto Artamenes) trouble not your ſelf to find out the ſecret reaſons of my proceedings with you; and know that though I loved you, and that extream dearly, if you would take me thus away without my conſent, I ſhould never love you after it; for I have a ſtrong averſion againſt all thoſe, who once only in their lives do fail in that duty which they owe unto me. How Madam, (replied this violent Prince almoſt againſt his intention) if Artamenes had done what Philidaſpes did, would you have uſed him as you uſe me? Artamenes, (anſwered the Princeſſe bluſhing) is too wiſe for me to think he would ever commit ſuch a crime: But Sir, why do you ſpeak of Artamenes upon this occaſion? I ſpeak of him, Madam, replied he, as of a man who has overcome me more then once, but much more cruelly in your heart, then with arms in his hands; Yes Madam, this Artamenes whom I ever hated, and whom you have heretofore commanded me to love, is queſtionleſſe the man who oppoſes my glory, and my good fortunes: As I have no unjuſt thoughts (replied the Princeſſe calmly) ſo I will not deny, but I have had, and ſtill have a great eſteem of Artamenes: and you your ſelf know, I am obliged not to hate him: Thoſe obligations, (replied this turbulent Prince) would never have moved the Princeſſe Mandana, to entertain a ſecret affection unto a ſimple [Page] common Cavalier, if her heart had not been prompted unto it by ſome more potent inclination. This ſimple Cavalier whom you ſpeak of (replied the Princeſſe very angerly) appeared to be as much as Philidaſpes did at that time, and may perhaps be one day more then he, although he be King of Aſſyria: He ſhall not need to ſtay long for that, anſwered he; for ſince Artamenes is poſſeſſor of your affection, I value him above all Princes upon earth; though he be no more then he ſeems to be: you expreſſe much pride, and much humility together (replied the Princeſſe;) but Sir, after all this, I would wiſh you to unaccuſtome your ſelf to ſpeak ſo imperiouſly unto me, for I cannot indure it. The King of Aſſyria, ſeeing he had extreamly incenſed the Princeſſe, and paſſing out of his extream violence into extream ſubmiſſion; Alas Madam (ſaid he unto her) would you have me retain my reaſon, when I underſtand that the ſame heart, which I did think all the earth could not move, is not ſo inſenſible of Artamenes? was it not enough to know you hate me, but that I muſt know you love another? and that other whom I moſt hate? As long as I believed you to be inſenſible, the Gods do know that I did juſtifie you with my whole heart, as much as ever I could; and ſhould have confeſſed, that you had good cauſe to ſcorn all the Kings upon earth, becauſe there was none worthy of you: I ſhould have acknowledged that my proceedings thus with you, did deſerve to make me wait a long time for a pardon of my fault. But Madam, ſince I certainly perceive, that the only man upon the face of the earth whom I hate (though I once eſteemed him) is the only man you love; Ah Madam, I cannot keep within thoſe limits preſcribed: I have complained, I have accuſed you, I have loſt my reſpect in loſing my reaſon; if I could have pul'd my ſoul out of this violent paſſion, I ſhould have done it with abundance of joy; I have done all I can to hate you, but the Gods do know all my endeavours are in vain; for I love you more then I did: My hate of Artamenes augments, and my love to Mandana multiplies; I find freſh ſparks of love in me: and Madam, I muſt, indeed I muſt chaſe Artamenes out of your heart; my reſpects, my ſolicitations, my t [...] and ſighs muſt deſtroy him: The truth is, I muſt either die, or he muſt live no longer in your memory. The Princeſſe hearing the King of Aſſyria ſpeak ſo, did no longer doubt but that he knew ſome paſſage of her affection unto Artamenes, and therefore ſhe did not think it convenient to make a ſubtilty of her innocent friendſhip; and conſidering in what diſorder this diſcourſe had driven her ſoul, ſhe thought that perhaps when he ſaw that there was no hopes of ever being beloved, he would then let her alone in quiet; therefore, being to ſpeak, Sir, (ſaid ſhe unto him) the Gods do know whether I uſe any criminous diſſimulation; The ingenuity I uſe unto you may make you know it. Ah Madam, (ſaid the King of Aſſyria then) be not ſo ſincere, as to tell me all your advantagious thoughts of Artamenes; hide, rather from me, ſome part of his glory, and put not my patience unto ſuch a vigorous teſt. I cannot tell you any thing more then your ſelf knows, (anſwered the Princeſſe) for indeed, all the Court of Cappadocia knows, how I much eſteemed Artamenes; and I told you as much at that time when you were Philidaſpes; But all the Court of Cappadocia is ignorant of what I ſee you know, and what I will confeſſe unto you; which is, that Artamenes is of a quality equal unto yours; and that if the King my father would conſent unto it, then the affection which Artamenes bears unto me, ſhould find from me all the recompence he deſerves. Thus Sir, you ſee upon what termes the buſineſſe is, and perhaps you know more now, then yet Artamenes himſelf knows; and thus I have told you that important truth which you ſo earneſtly deſired to know: And now it is your part to regulate your deſigns and your affection to me; you have a high ſoul, which is full of generoſity; therefore I need ſay no more upon this ſubject. You may yet take ſuch a courſe as may oblige me to eſteem you, and which may yet retain the friendſhip of Artamenes. Ha, Madam, (ſaid this Prince) although your eſteem be very glorious, yet I will have none of it without your affection: nor care I for the friendſhip of that man who enjoys your affection, and who is the only obſtacle which hinders me from it: No, no, Madam, Artamenes and I muſt take more rough courſes to decide our differences; his death muſt either give you ſatisfaction for your cruelty, or mine ſhall aſſure his good fortune and yours together: In ſaying ſo he went out, and left the Princeſſe extreamly troubled. He went to Mazares, and related unto him all that Mandana ſaid: This unfortunate Prince did lend a moſt unquiet ear unto him; ſometimes he would be ſorry for the King of Aſſyria; and ſometimes he would be glad, there was ſuch an obſtacle in the heart of the Princeſſe, as would prevent the King from being loved; and ſometimes he would hope, that between a lover hated, and a lover abſent, he might perhaps thrive the better in his deſign; ſo that he reſolved to endeavour all wayes [Page] whereby he might gain the eſteem and favour of the Princeſſe: Yet he did not intend to act againſt the rules of generoſity; for, ſaid he, it ſhall not be I who will hinder the King of Aſſyria, it ſhall be Artamenes, who ſhall be the obſtacle. But Oh heavens, (ſaid he preſently to himſelf!) This Artamenes, who oppoſes the deſigns of the King of Aſſyria, will alſo oppoſe Mazares; yet (added he) Mazares ſhall not vanquiſh him by open force, nor declared war;; policy ſhall help out where force is inavailable; and ſince there is no other way to be happy, I muſt have recourſe unto ſubtilty: Mean while, ſince he perceived the King of Aſſyria was much incenſed, and in ſuch a condition as might perhaps move him to undertake ſome deſperate reſolution, he reſtrained him with all imaginable art, and cauſed him to rely much upon his ſolicitations. Indeed, he went to viſit the Princeſs, and as ſhe had much confidence in him, & was not ignorant how the King of Aſſyria told him every thing, ſhe ſpoke unto him with ſo much ſpirit, ſo much vertue, ſo much ſweetneſſe, and in ſuch an obliging manner, that Mazares did almoſt reſolve, to entertain no more then a friendſhip with her; but oh heavens, how weak a foundation had thoſe thoughts in him, when he hearkened unto the Princeſſe his heart melted: Compaſſion on her cauſed him almoſt to ſhed tears; but when he lifted up his eyes, and ſaw Mandana's freſh flames dryed up his tears, and choaked his firſt deſign by enflaming his ſoul: The Princeſſe notwithſtanding was very well ſatisfied with him; for as ſhe ſeemed to take ſome notice of the King of Aſſyria's violent humour: No Madam (ſaid he to her, after ſuch a manner as might perſwade her that he expreſſed his real thoughts) fear not the violence of the King of Aſsyria; I will engage my word unto you, to imploy all my diligence, in preventing all vitious thoughts in him: But, if I cannot diſſwade him from any ſuch deſigns, I do proteſt unto you, that from a vaſſal I ſhall become an enemy unto him; and that as long as Mazares lives, the Princeſſe Mandana, ſhall find no other violence from the King of Aſsyria, then his prayers and tears, and ſighs. You may imagine Chriſantes, how many thanks and commendations the Princeſs gave him: Truth is, Mazares got ſo much into her eſteem, that ſhe loved him like a brother; and this Prince for a while, was ſo happy, that he neither thought of Artamenes, nor any thing which might vex him: But preſently after, when the King of Aſſyria was informed of the return of Artamenes unto Themiſcira; and of his arival at Ecbatan with Ciaxares; alſo of all Military preparations againſt him; he then haſted the execution of thoſe orders which he had formerly given: for ſince that morning we came unto Babylon, he had ſent into Lydia, into Phrygia, Hircania, Arabia, Paphlagonia, and alſo unto one of the Indian Princes: The Prince of Saces alſo ſent to entreat his father that he would haſten all thoſe Levies which he was to ſend out of his country; yet we had but a confuſed notion of all theſe war-like preparations: For Mazares who would not ſpeak a word of Artamenes unto Mandana, told her alwayes that he knew no more but that he was returned from the Maſſagettes; and that there was war-like preparations in hand: The King of Aſſyria, in the mean while did often viſit the Princeſſe, and was ſometimes all violence, ſometimes all ſubmiſſion; ſometimes looking upon her with a deep ſilent melancholly; and ſometimes ſpeaking with extream anger, not daring to fix his eyes upon hers: But truly I wondered a hundred times at the goodneſſe of the Gods, that a Prince ſo imperious as this, and of ſo proud a diſpoſition, ſhould ever obſerve and keep within limits of reſpect: At firſt when we came to Babylon, all Ladies were permitted to ſee the Princeſſe, and ſhe was ſo infinitely loved amongſt them, that they were willing to do any thing to deliver her, were it not for their deſires they had that ſhe ſhould be their Queen; and therefore every Lady of quality, in relation to her own ſatisfaction; was ready to do a good office for the King of Aſſyria; yet ſince this Prince was informed by his ſpies, that they came very often unto her, they were debarred of that Liberty, and the Princeſſe was ſo ſtrictly guarded, that none, unleſſe Mazares, muſt ſee her; and the principal reaſon of it was, becauſe the common people began to grumble, that all Aſſyria ſhould be engaged in an unjuſt war: Thus did we live in moſt melancholly, and without any comfort, but the company of Mazares. The women which waited upon the Princeſſe, told us, that there came every day a great number of ſtrangers unto Babylon, and none knew what they were, for theſe women had more liberty then we, but not much: 'Tis very true, that we were in a very fine priſon, (if any can be ſo) for certainly the King of Aſſyria's palace, is the moſt ſtately thing in the world: The Princeſſe chamber was on that ſide which looks towards the great plain, along the River Euphrates, and has a proſpect of above fifty furlongs from Babylon; and you know very well, how this proſpect is full of variety and delightful, either in reſpect of the River, [Page] which there winds and turns it ſelf very pleaſantly, or in reſpect of many ſtately houſes which are obvious to the eye, and which are inviron'd round with palm trees: In that quarter was the Princeſſe lodging, out of which a Balcone jetted out, in which ſhe uſed to ſit, when the weather was fair. I remember, that one night, ſhe was ſitting there very late; and as the King her father, and Artamenes took up much of her thoughts; Imagine Marteſia (ſaid ſhe to me) how glad and ſorry both I ſhould be, if in the morning when I open this window, I ſhould ſpie a Medean, and a Cappadocian Army; really, ſaid ſhe, I think that I ſhould not be able to contain my ſelf; delight to ſee relief, and fear leſt it ſhould prove in vain for me, and fatal to them who bring it, would ſo diſturb my ſoul, that I ſhould never have ſtrength, or conſtancy enough to live out the event: But alas, Marteſia, I am not likely to be either glad or ſad, upon ſuch an occaſion: ſolitude and ſilence, that raigns in all this vaſt plain, which we dimly diſcover through the obſcurity of the night, does tell me that my defenders are not there; and we ſee nothing by the gloomy light of Stars and Moon, but only trees and this great River: It was then two dayes ſince we ſaw the Prince Mazares, and he being the greateſt part of our converſation, the Princeſſe was very ſorry that ſhe did not ſee her protector, for ſo ſhe often called him: But after the Princeſſe had ſufficiently entertained her contemplations, ſhe retired into a chamber which joyned unto that where we were, and where commonly ſhe paſſed away the day. The next morning, as ſoon as ſhe was dreſt, one came to tell her that the King of Aſſyria deſired admittance; and as ſoon as he was entered, Madam, (ſaid he to her, after he had ſaluted her with all due reverence) will you be pleaſed to do me the favour, as to go in that chamber, where commonly you uſe to be? Sir, (ſaid ſhe to him, making ſigns unto Arianta and me to follow her) Captives muſt not chuſe the places of their priſon, and in ſaying ſo ſhe followed him, who preſented her his hand, and we alſo followed them. When we were come into that chamber, the King of Aſsyria, went unto the Balcone, and drawing a great Curtain which ran upon hoops of gold, to open and ſhut as one pleaſed, we diſcovered all that great plain, which the night before we ſaw ſo ſolitary, full of Souldiers in arms; and as they were drawn up into multitudes of Squadrons, Battalia's, and Enſigns, they ſeemed to be four hundredthouſand men: You may imagine, wiſe Chriſantes, what effect ſuch a terrible object did work in the heart of Mandana; and at the firſt ſhe did imagine it to be the Army of Ciaxares, but ſhe continued not in that delighting errour; for the King of Aſsyria turning towards her; you ſee Madam (ſaid he to her) that my deſign to Conquer and deſerve you, is not judged by the Gods ſo criminal as you think, ſince they thus proſper it; and ſince ſo many Kings and Princes as there is in this Army do take my part, and ſince two hundred thouſand men are ready to expoſe their lives for the love of me. The Princeſſe, ſeeing her hopes deceived, did caſt her eyes upon the Army; and though by reaſon of the remoteneſſe ſhe could not diſcern the Enſigns, yet it ſeemed they were not Medeans: Then haſtily turning aſide, as not enduring ſo terrible an object; oh Sir, (cried ſhe out) what do you let me ſee? what kind of puniſhment have you invented wherewith to torment me? would you have me all at once reſent the wounds, your Souldiers ſhall give unto thoſe of my party? would you have me apprehend my misfortunes before they fall upon me? what would you have unhappy Mandana do? I would have you know (anſwered he) that upon your will depends the deſtiny of all Aſia: Thus many men, thus many Provinces, and thus many Kingdoms, have you brought hither, in my behalf. I know Madam (added he) that the King your Father, aſſiſted by the King of Perſia, has brought his Troops into the field, and that he is upon the banks of the River Gindes, to come to you; and therefore, Madam, I put my ſelf into a poſture of defence, and try if this laſt remedy will mollifie your heart: Conſider, if you pleaſe Madam, that the Kings of Lydia, Phrygia, Arabia, Hircania, and a hundred other moſt valiant Princes who are in my Army, do not acknowledge the King your Father, nor are they in love with you as I am, and therefore will not ſpare you as doubtleſſe I ſhall do: Conſider ſeriouſly, I conjure you, that amongſt two hundred thouſand men, one of them may eaſily deprive you of that perſon who is ſo dear unto you: Oh cruel man (cried ſhe) unto what a fearful puniſhment do you expoſe me? Ah pittileſſe Princeſſe (anſwered he) whoſe hard heart, had rather all Aſia ſhould be in arms, that it ſhould ſwim in bloud, and be ruined, and that the King your Father ſhould be engaged in a dangerous war, rather then accept the affection of a Prince who adores you, who lives not but for you, and who is ready to imply this ſame Army to Conquer more Crowns for you, if thoſe he has does not ſatisfie your ambition: you ſee Madam, two hundred thouſand men, ready to march, and ready to fight when [Page] occaſion requires: yet although ſo many valiant Captains and Souldiers be all impatient to look their enemies in the face, and fight them, yet one favourable look from you is able to make all their Arms fall out of their hands: Yes Divine Princeſs, the Fate of people depends upon your eyes: Caſt but one pleaſant look upon me; pronounce but one advantagious word unto me; be but leſſe cruel, and afford me but one ſpark of hope, and then all Aſia ſhall reſt in peace, and the King your Father in ſafety: Speak then I conjure you; or if you will not ſpeak, let your eyes ſpeak for you; ſay that you will hereafter love the King of Aſſyria; or promiſe once only, that you will love Artamenes no longer. Pronounce the doome Madam, Muſt I fight, or muſt I diſarme: But conſider well, before you give the fatal ſentence. Sir (anſwered the Princeſſe) The Gods are abſolute Maſters of all men, and Mandana ought not to uſurp that Supream authority over them: It is my part patiently to endure the miſfortunes they ſhall ſend me, and not oppoſe their wills: If they were not reſolved upon a warre they would change my heart, and alſo the heart of my father to pardon you. So, I am not in a condition to diſpoſe of my own will. It is enough I know from your mouth, that the King of Medes is in Arms againſt you; I may know thereby, that it is not permitted me, to afford you either a favourable look, or an advantageous ſyllable, or to give you the leaſt glimps of hope. Since he holds you for his enemy, I have a new cauſe to uſe you ill, nor muſt I pardon you, though I ſhould be ſo weak as to wiſh it: And though Artamenes were not living, yet I ſhould be the ſame I am unto you: Moreover, although your Army be very great, yet will I hope, the Gods will be favourable unto the juſtneſſe of my Cauſe, making all my fathers enemies to fall before him, and giving him the Victory: Yet the Gods do know, if I could with the loſſe of my life, prevent the danger of my fathers, I ſhould ſacrifice it with incredible joy: Yes Sir, if you can ſuffer me to be that Ʋictim, which will bring peace unto all Aſia, I freely conſent unto it, with all my heart: And if nothing will give you ſatisfaction, but the taking Mandana away from unfortunate Artamenes, I alſo conſent unto it, ſo you will put her into her grave; and that it may be permitted her to paſſe out of the hands of the King of Aſſyria, into the hands of Death, which ſhe would ſooner chuſe. But in the Name of the Gods Sir, be Generous: Do an Heroick act; ſurmount that paſſion which is in your heart: The conqueſt of Mandana, is not worth half the blood which will be ſpilt. Love does deceive you Sir, and that Beauty which thus charmes you, is but a pleaſing deſuſion: And although ſhe were as fair as you phanſie her, yet at the beſt, it would be but a treaſure which time would certainly ſteal from any that enjoyes it: Recollect your ſelf therefore Sir, and if there be any ſpark of reaſon in you, affect honour, and glory, and prefer it above Mandana; That is much more fair then ſhe, and will treat you better: Then will you eſteem Mandana more, and alſo ſhe will you; nor will ſhe then blame you for the injuries you have done her: Conſider that ſuch a Princeſſe as ſhe, is not worthy of ſo conſtant a love as yours; think how ſhe hates you, treats you courſly, and will never love you. In ſhort, either by reaſon, or revenge, or out of generoſity, reſtore Peace unto all Aſia, and hate Mandana, who hates you. I would do ſo Madam, (ſaid the King of Aſſyria) if I could, but alas, I cannot if I would; and I think, it is as impoſſible for me, not to love Mandana, as it is impoſſible for Mandana, not to love Artamenes. But Madam (added this Prince, in extream anger) If you love the life of your father the King of Medea, be moved with my prayers, for know aſſuredly, that there is not a valiant man in all my Army, which has not a reſolute deſigne to encounter with him: Imagine that all the Arrows in the hands of all theſe ſouldiers which you ſee, are aimed at Artamenes; that all their ſpears are ſet againſt his heart, and that all Engines, all Strategems, all offenſive Arms, are employed particularly againſt him; and that, it reſts onely in your power to take ſo many enemies off him: Therefore cruel woman, if you love Artamenes, hate not me, but give me ſome ſlight ſigne of your good will, and repentance. No Sir, (anſwered the Princeſſe) you do not yet know me; for if I would have changed my minde, it would have been when I heard the name of my Father pronounced; and that which I will not do for him, I will never do for Artamenes; Not but that (ſince you force me to tell it) I am infinite tender of that Prince, and ſhall preſerve an immoveable fidelity for him: and between a Father and a Lover, I will do what befits me, without any wavering what reſolution to take. Then Madam (ſaid he in a more ſharp Tone) we muſt go fight, and you have appointed it ſo. The Princeſſe, ſeeing that he was in earneſt, and was going away much moved, that boldneſſe which ſhe retained in ſpeaking unto him, did forſake her, and tears came in her eyes; ſhe then threw her ſelf at his feet, and faſt holding him, [Page] (Oh Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him) what are you intending to do? To fight and vanquiſh if I can, ſaid he unto her, and haſtily lifting her up: But though you ſhould vanquiſh the King my Father, yet you ſhould never vanquiſh the heart of Mandana (replied ſhe) but on the contrary, I here declare unto you, in the preſence of the gods, who hear me, that if in this War, either the King my Father, or the Illuſtrious Artamenes do die in it, you ſhall expect nothing from Mandana, but her death: Fight Sir, as long as you will, you ſhall not enjoy the fruits of your victory: And ſince the prize for which you fight is in my diſpoſe, you ſhall never obtain it: You may perhaps overcome the King my Father; and you may perhaps, cauſe Artamenes to be killed, after he once gave you your life: but you cannot hinder Mandana from dying: So that Sir, if you bring her into deſpair, ſhe ſhall alſo do the like for you. Think with your ſelf once more, and conſider it well; for indeed if you be vanquiſhed, then you will be vanquiſhed with abundance of ſhame, conſidering the injuſtice of the Action: and if you be Conquerour, you will finde no other recompence for all your pains, but the Coffin of Mandana. The gods Madam, anſwered he, did not ſend you unto the earth, to take you away ſo ſoon; and I will hope that if I return Conquerour, you will then change your thoughts of me. If ever I ſee you Victorious (replied the Princeſſe) and the noiſe of your Victory precede your returne, my death ſhall precede the day of your Triumph. But Madam (replied this Prince) what would you have me do? Since things are at that paſſe I cannot live without you; and ſince I cannot ſuffer Artamenes to live, and you to love him, but not the King of Aſſyria; yet Madam, I ſee you had rather all Aſia ſhould periſh, and you hope I ſhall periſh in it: Yes, yes Madam, I read this ſecret joy in your heart, which mingles it ſelf with your ſorrows; but yet for all that, I ſtill reſpect you, love you and adore you: Judge Madam, whether there be any compariſon between the love of Artamenes and mine: For he ſees, he is beloved of the faireſt Princeſſe upon earth, what wonder is it, that he ſhould be faithfull unto ſuch a Princeſſe who ſcorns all the Grandure of the World for him? To know the difference betwixt his love and mine, ſeem Madam to ſcorne him, as you do me, and treat but him as you treat me; then, if after that, he ſhall love you as do, I ſhall confeſſe he has more right unto your affection then I have. You know Madam, that I am Maſter in Babylon, and ſo can cauſe my ſelf to be obeyed; Yet you have commanded abſolutely here, and I let you have the liberty to ſcorne me, and all this becauſe I am poſſeſſed with ſuch a paſſion as has no paralell, which combats with all thoſe violent deſires which are in my heart, and which will not permit me to do any thing but adore you. Indeed Madam, I muſt be gone, and carry ſword and fire to the Camp of my enemies: I muſt go and ſeek out Artamenes; you will have it ſo, and I will obey you; In the mean time, I know you will pray unto the gods for his Victory and my ruine; but I conjure you to change your heart. I have onely thus much to ſay unto you Madam, That if when I am gone, the image of all thoſe misfortunes which you cauſe, ſhall happily move you to repent of ſo unjuſt a Reſolution, and would have the Wars to ceaſe; It is but ſending the meaneſt of your ſervants unto me, and write onely this word, HOPE, and at that very inſtant when I ſhall receive that happie Ticket, though I were in the midſt of Battle, and my hand lifted up to kill Artamenes, and although the Victory were almoſt ſure unto me, yet I will promiſe you (Inexorable Princeſſe) to ſound a Retreat; to flee before my enemies, to come and throw my ſelf at your feet, and look in your eyes, for a confirmation of that bleſſed ſyllable. Whileſt this Prince was ſpeaking thus, Mandana was ſo ſunk in ſorrows, that ſhe hardly underſtood him what he ſaid; and found her ſelf ſo weak that ſhe was glad to ſit down upon the ſeat which was in the Balcone; ſo that the King of Aſſyria ſeeing ſhe was inflexible, and would ſpeak no more unto him, he left her, after he unperceivedly had kiſſed her Robe: When he was in another Chamber, he cauſed me to be called unto him, but I confeſſe that I never in all my life ſaw a more deſperate man: He ſpoke unto me a hundred things which I ſhould repeat unto the Princeſſe, and I anſwered him as well as I could, to reduce him unto Reaſon. And ſince the Princeſſe menacing her own death, did much trouble his minde, Marteſia, ſaid he to me, you ſhall anſwer for the life of Mandana; ſpeak no more in my behalf if you pleaſe, but be ſure you look unto her preſervation: afterwards he ſaid the ſame unto Arianta, and all the reſt of the women about her; alſo he ſpoke much more unto Mazares, whom he was to leave Governour in Babylon; and who had been buſied in thoſe Troops which his father had ſent up to the Rendezvouz, and that was the reaſon we ſaw him not two days together. But Chriſantes, if I ſhould relate all that the Princeſs ſaid after the King of Aſſyria was departed, [Page] it would ingage me unto a long diſcourſe: ſhe roſe up, and would once againe view this multitudinous Army: But alas what ſad thoughts did it produce? Alas Marteſia, (ſaid ſhe, after ſhe had been a long while ſilent) can I ever conſent that all theſe troops, ſhould march againſt my father, and againſt Artamenes? muſt I expoſe the lives of two, who are ſo infinitly dear unto me, to a long and dangerous war? Can I who ever had an Antipathy to war, conſent, that ſo many thouſands of men, ſo many Princes, ſo many Kings, ſhould be killed for the love of me? muſt ſo many innocent ſoules ſuffer for my ſake? Ah no, no, Marteſia, I am infinitly wronged; and there was ſome paſſages in the King of Aſſyrias diſcourſe, at which I doubt whether I had my reaſon about me or no: yet I do confeſs that neither my heart nor my tongue had ſo much power as to afford him one advantagious word: I know not whether it be an effect of hatred unto him as the Raviſher of Mandana, or an effect of love unto Artamenes: But perhaps, I have not ſaid enough to qualifie him; yet what ſhould I do? ſaid ſhe upon a ſudden, doubtleſs I have loſt my reaſon; my heart and my tongue have been more Juſt, then my conceipt; for the truth is, neither peace nor war are in my diſpoſe; though I ſhould expell that hatred, which I have of that Prince who has ſo injuriouſly taken me away: though I ſhould think no more upon Artamenes, and though I ſhould reſolve to be ſo wicked as to ſubmit unto the King of Aſſyria, yet all theſe baſe courſes would not advantage me, ſince the King my father would not give over the war; and ſince the Illuſtrious Artamenes would become more bloody and furious, for culpable Mandana, then he would be for Innocent Mandana. Moreover, do I not know very well, that ever ſince the famous Dejoca who ſet Medea at liberty, and delivered them from the tyrannie of the Aſſyrians, there has been an irreconciliable hatred between thoſe two people? & were it Juſt that a Princeſs deſcended from the illuſtrious blood of the reſtorer of her countrey ſhould bring it againe into ſervitude? no Marteſia; for whether I do conſider the King of Aſſyria, as the Raviſher of Mandana, or as an enemy unto the King of the Medes, or as the enemy of Artamenes or as the tyrant of my countrey; I have behaved my ſelf towards him, as I ought to do. But Artamenes is in the ſame Army that my father is: he hath already ſaved his life, & may do ſo againe, and conſidering the juſtneſs of their cauſe, it may be hoped, the gods will protect and preſerve them both. But Chriſantes, all her contemplations of the Juſtneſs of her cauſe did not procure her ſo much reſt, as the ſight of this vaſt Army did diſquiet her: Madam, ſaid I, look no longer upon thoſe troops which ſo much trouble you; or if you will needs view them, then look upon them as a ſubject of glory for the King your father and for Artamenes: Ah, alas my dear Marteſia, (cryed ſhe) who can tell whether amongſt all theſe I look upon, I do not ſee the murderer of my father, or of Artamenes? truly Chriſantes, I was forced to pull her away violently unto another Chamber: mean while, we were informed, that the Army would depart the next morning, and that the King of Aſſyria had intelligence how the Medean Army had paſſed the River Gindes, by a prodigious invention which you are not ignorant of ſince you were there; and how they had repulſed ſome Aſſyrian troops which were on this ſide the river: the King therefore departed in all haſt, and cauſed the army to march: the Prince Mazares, moved with thoughts of honour, did much deſire to accompany him: But the King of Aſſyria would truſt the guard of Babylon and the keeping of the Princeſſe unto none but him: ſo that he conjured him to ſtay behind: and I know not whether, thoughts of love (notwithſtanding the great heart of this Prince) made him glad of it: It was the King of Aſſyrias mind that the troops which belonged unto Mazares ſhould ſtay in Babylon; to the end, that if the people did murmur at the injuſtice of this war, in his abſence, thoſe forraigne forces might keep them in obedience: but that which was moſt admirable, was this, that the King of Aſſyria, a little before he left Mazares, he drew him aſide; and with an unquiet and much diſordered mind ſpoke to him in theſe termes: you ſee my dear Mazares, that Artamenes is alwayes very fortunate and invincible: he hath got over that River in eight dayes, which might have been well a years work: he hath done that which was only the work of a god, and if I be not miſtaken, fortune has not thus friended him, to forſake him afterwards, not but that I know my army is thrice as ſtrong as the King of Medes, for, for all that I may be overcome, and alſo killed in the fight: know, that by reaſon of my unexpreſſible paſſion for the Princeſs Mandana, I am terribly tormented with this cruel thought, that if I die, then will Artamenes quietly enjoy the affection of Mandana: promiſe me therefore, I conjure you, that if I die, you will fight with Artamenes, and never deliver up the Princeſs unto the King her father untill that too happy Rivall be [Page] dead alſo: promiſe me this I entreat you, and ſeal it with an oath: for after that, I ſhall be at ſome reſt; and be leſs tormented with that envious Jealouſie which perſecutes me: and I confeſs unto you, that if I thought any one ſhould enjoy Mandana, I ſhould die deſperate: But conſidering the extream affection ſhe has unto Artamenes, I ſhall hope that if you kill him, ſhe will never love any other nor ever marry. This Mazares, is the ſervice I expect from you, and which doubtleſs you will not refuſe me, though it be ſomthing difficult, it muſt be acknowledged that you cannot kill Artamenes, but it will be a great glory unto you; and you will that way find a recompence, in doing this office for me. I leave you to Judg whether Mazares was not much ſurpriſed at ſuch diſcourſe, and you may eaſily think, that without any denyall he promiſed the King his deſire, it being moſt certaine, that ſince reports went in Babylon, Artamenes was drawing towards it, his paſſion grew more violent. So Chriſantes, the King of Aſſyria went away much ſatisfied with what Mazares promiſed, which was, to fight with Artamenes, in caſe he died. Now were we under the diſpoſe of Mazares, who doubled his civilities and goodneſs to us; and in the tormenting fears in which we continually were, to hear ſome ill news, it might be ſaid our captivity was not rigorous, yet it was very much notwithſtanding that. The Prince Mazares, never came into the Princeſs chamber, but ſhe trembled, and looked for ſome ill tidings from the army. As for him; he was more and more amorous, and I think he had need of all his generoſity, to wiſh the King of Aſſyria victory. I remember, one day, that when he ſaw the Princeſs much troubled, and that according to his cuſtom he was very melancholy, Mandana, thinking compaſſion of her misfortunes, was only the cauſe of it, Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him) I am not a little beholding unto you, ſince being what you are unto the King of Aſſyria, you are ſo good as to intereſt your ſelf in any thing which concerns me: Indeed Madam, anſwered he, you have wrought a ſtrange alteration in my heart: I confeſs notwithſtanding, that I cannot wiſh the King of Aſſyria were vanquiſhed, yet I have much ado to wiſh him victory; and all this Madam out of my love to you; and I hope you will not condemn me for it; no ſaid ſhe but on the contrary, I much commend you, and think you more innocent for truly, not to be prejudicated in the buſineſs of a Prince whom you love, and to favour the intereſt of an unfortunate Princeſs whom you ſcarſly know, is truly generous: Ah Madam, replied Mazares, do not ſay I beſeech you, that I do not know Mandana: for I know her ſo perfectly well, that none upon earth knowes her betters; and therefore I do in ſome ſort betray the King of Aſſyria: alſo I do know (added he) her own misfortunes better then ſhe her ſelf does: I doubt it not, (replied the Princeſs) for ſince you know him who is the cauſe of them better then I do, you may alſo better ſee thoſe dangerous conſequences which that cauſe may produce. Thus Chriſantes did Mazares, ſomtimes ſpeak ſuch things as might move ſome ſuſpition of his ſecret thoughts, and thus did the ingenuity of the Princeſs cauſe her to expound them without any ſubtilty: In the mean time, we were alwayes upon extream incertainties: the leaſt noiſe troubled us: I never came into Mandanas chamber, but ſhe looked in my face to ſee if ſhe found any ill news in it; and ſhe often thought, that ſhe found ſignes of victory to the King of Aſſyria in it, and the death of her father and Artamenes. But preſently after, as we ſtood in that Balcone, which I named before, we diſcovered a great thick duſt, ariſe from the earth in that great plaine a great way off: and preſently after, we diſcerned a great body of horſe appeared: this tight, and the Princeſs feares, made her look pale: But after we had well conſidered them; me thought they came too faſt, and in too great diſorder, towards Babylon to bring victory with them: Madam, (ſaid I unto the Princeſs) certainly we have had the better on it; it is eaſie to be ſeen; for beſides that they are no great number, they come in ſuch haſty confuſion, as conquerors would never do. But Marteſia, (ſaid the Princeſs to me, alwayes fearing the worſt) how know you, whether or no theſe be priſoners of war, which they ſend away; and whether the King my father, or Artamenes, be not amongſt theſe I ſee? But Chriſantes preſently after, our doubts were all cleared: for a little after theſe troopes were come into the Town, we heard a great noiſe upon the ſtaires [...] and after that; we ſaw the dore of our Chamber opened, and the King of Aſſyria enter: with his Arms all broken, and ſtain'd with blood in divers places: his ſcarfe all to [...]n and bloody [...]his plume all ruffled, broken and bloody likewiſe, for he had a ſlight wound in his ſhoulder: There were ſuch ſignes of ſorrow in his eyes, and ſo many marks of fury in his face: that the Princeſs was out of all fears of her father or Artamenes. As ſoon as this deſperat Prince was come into the Chamber; your prayers Madam are heard. Artamenes has got the better of us; and I hoped once in my life not to diſpleaſe you, in ſeeing at your feet him whom [Page] fortune has conquered: It is none of my fault Sir, (replied the Princeſs) that this misfortune is fal'n unto you; and if you would have ſuffered my prayers to have overcome you, Artamenes never ſhould have vanquiſhed you; and the victory which you would have obtained over your ſelf, had been more glory to you, then that, which Artamenes has, is honorable unto him. Madam, (replied the King of Aſſyria) can Mandana whom I have often ſeen ſo ſweet and compaſſionate over the meaneſt ſubjects of the King her father, hear with dry eyes, and calme ſoule, that for the love of her, there is a field full of dead and dying men; Charriots overthrown; Armes broken; Kings loſt their lives: Princes wounded or priſoners: an infinite number of ſouldiers wallowing in their own blood; & that neer four hundred thouſand men have fought for you, can I ſay, this obdurat Princeſs, ſee me wounded, and vanquiſhed at her feet, without one thought of compaſſion? me, I ſay, who have quite loſt all my fury as ſoon as I ſaw her; who as ſoon as I look upon her has no ſorrowes for my defeat; and who ſhould eſteem my ſelf very happy to ſuffer all theſe diſgraces if it were permitted me to hope, that ſhe would once pitty my misfortunes. Yes cruell Princeſs, though I be vanquiſhed, wounded, and misfortunat, yet you can if you pleaſe, make me the happieſt of men: but I beſeech you, do not inſult over a miſerable man; and conſider, that Artamenes is not yet got into Babylon: and Madam to temper your Joy a little, give me leave to tell you, that it is not ſo eaſie a thing to enter it, as it is to vanquiſh in the field: Battles doe more particularly depend upon fortune then fieges, and therefore I can anſwer more abſolutly for the event of the one then of the other: and Babylon ſhall all be butchered, & alſo I will burie my ſelf in its ruines, then ſuffer Artamenes to enjoy you: Sir (ſaid the Princeſs, interrupting him without any paſſionate diſorder) fear of death, does not tremble my ſoul, and you have ſo accuſtomed me to deſire it, that it is not a threatning which affrights me, if you ſhould tell me of periſhing in flames: Ha Madam (ſaid this Prince kneeling unto her) I beſeech you pardon an unfortunat man, in whom you have not left the uſe of reaſon: I thought not of what I ſaid, when I ſaid ſo unto you: but yet, what would you have me do? I have often told you and do ſo againe, that Artamenes ſhall never enjoy you as long as I live, nor ſhall Artamenes overcome me without ſome danger to himſelf, as brave and fortunat as he is. But Sir, (ſaid the Princeſs unto him) Is it poſſible you ſhould be ſo blind, as not to ſee the gods are againſt you? But Inhumane Princeſs, (replied he) Is it poſſible you ſhould not conſider that you are the cauſe of this war, and are the moſt cruel woman in the world? which way can your heart be moved? when I laſt ſpoke unto you, I ſaid in my ſelf to excuſe you, that great ſouls are never flexible with armes in their hands; and you ſpeaking almoſt in the head of two hundred thouſand men, ſaid that there would be found ſome way to reſiſt me: But now, I come unto you vanquiſht, wounded, and miſerable; (confeſs the truth) is it not ſomthing Inhumane, Barbarous, and Cruel, not to look upon me with ſome compaſſion at the leaſt? the gods do know Sir, (replied the Princeſs) that I am no lover of war, and that I am a wiſher of peace unto all Aſia: But for all that I can contribute nothing towards it but my prayers, my will depends upon my fathers; and my affection is a thing I cannot take away again after I have given it: Oh Madam, (ſaid the King of Aſſyria; interrupting her) ſpeak no more in the name of the gods, drive me not into abſolut deſpair: for I confeſs, I am afraid my reaſon has forſaken me, and that thoſe reſpects which I would have unto you untill death, will (whether I will or no) ſo ſake me alſo: ſpeak not at all, when you can ſpeak nothing but what is inſufferable: yet (ſaid he in going away) ſince my blood mingled with my tears will not move you, and ſince the vanquiſhed King of Aſſyria, is no pleaſing object unto you, I will leave you to rejoyce at the victory of Artaments, in ſaying ſo, he went out of the Princeſs chamber; and after he had taken all neceſſary order for thoſe troops, which eſcaped the Rout; and for the preſervation of the town; he went to bed: for though the wound he received was not very conſiderable, yet he having loſt much blood, it had a little weakned him: though he was dreſſed at a little town about twelve ſurlongs from Babylon: you may imagin Sir, what variety of thoughts the Princeſs had: and how impatient ſhe was to know all paſſges, but it was not poſſible for us to be better ſatisfied: we underſtood that the King of Aſſyria, after he was vanquiſhed, apprehending there might ariſe ſome ſedition within Babylon, came in all haſt, that he might be in the town, before the reports of his defeat: yet what queſtions ſoever we asked, we could receive but confuſedly the particulars of the Battle: yet they kept us up more cloſe then before, and changed chambers, with intention doubtleſs to deprive us of that conſolution, in ſeeing the victorious army of the King [Page] her father: I will relate unto you no more of the King of Aſſyria's deſpair, and how irreſolute he was in coming to Babylon, whether he ſhould ſee the Princeſſe or no: The ſhame of his defeat denied it, but his extream deſire to ſee her conſtrained it; alſo he thought that happily he might move her to pitty his misfortune: ſince he was not much wounded, he left his bed the next day, and began to prepare for a Siege, and to take all requiſite orders to hold it out. He imagined that ſince the time of lying in the field was almoſt at an end, the King of Medes could not take Babylon in one winter, but would be compelled to raiſe his Siege, and defer it until the ſpring; during which time he would uſe all the wayes he could to move the mind of Mandana, either by fair means or foul; and alſo would in the mean time prepare himſelf for a new battle. For our parts, Chriſantes, we did not fully reliſh our joys; for we ſaw Mazares ſo ſad, as cauſed us to apprehend he had diſcovered ſome ill intentions in the mind of the King; alſo it was eaſie for us to conceive that the Siege of Babylon could not be without much danger; yet this happy beginning gave us good heart; and ſo much joy as drave a great part of our fears out of our ſouls. The Gods (ſaid the Princeſſe) are too juſt and good to forſake us; and I have greater confidence in their juſtice, then in the arms of the King my Father, or the valour of Artamenes. Mean while, we treated Mazares much more civil then ordinary; for ſince we feared nothing ſo much as the violent humour of the King of Aſſyria, Mazares was the only hopes we had, to preſerve us from him; but we did not know all the intereſt he hoped for in the Princeſſe. In concluſion, as you know better then I; the Siege of Babylon began, and both ſides did as much as men of great hearts could do, both in aſſaulting, and defending: It was now, wiſe Chriſantes, that our fears were without intermiſſion; for we know there was not a day in which the Beſiegers did not make an aſſault, and in which the Beſieged did not make a Sally; ſo that our whole life was but a continued fear: Our fears were not only for the King, and for Artamenes, and Mazares, whom we underſtood commanded the parties which Sallyed very often; but I remember the Princeſſe one day, could not chuſe but complain her ſelf unto him; Generous Prince (ſaid ſhe, when ſhe was informed he had been fighting) I look upon you as the only protector which I have in Bubylon; as one who is infinitely dear unto me, and as one who is infinitely ſerviceable unto the King of Aſſyria, and as one whoſe vertue is a great conſolation unto me; yet I do know that as ſoon as you are out of the wals of Babylon, you do become one of my moſt dangerous enemies; ſince you are one of the moſt valiant amongſt them; and that the illuſtrious Mazares, whom Mandana cals her dear protector, does endeavour to kill not only that man whom ſhe reſpects as her deliverer, but alſo the King her Father: Indeed (ſaid ſhe unto him) you are very cruel to take away from me the liberty of praying for you, for indeed all that I can do upon this occaſion, is, to wiſh that you be neither conqueror nor conquered by thoſe whom you aſſault, and who are aſſaulted by you: you are all goodneſſe, (replied Mazares ſighing) to ſay ſo unto me Madam; but yet honour, Madam, will not permit me to be continually mewed up within wals, whileſt ſo many brave men arefighting: when I leave you in Babylon, I do confeſſe it is with much regret; And it is extreamly againſt my mind, that I ſhould quit the glorious title of your protector, to aſſume that of your enemy, but yet reaſon will have it ſo, and there is no way to help it; for beſides that honour which I told you of, and beſides other reaſons which I have, what would the King of Aſsyria think if I ſhould do otherwiſe? I ſhould become ſuſpected, and perhaps be deprived of the honour and liberty to ſee you; Therefore, Madam, if I be culpable in any thing, it is not in this; yet notwithſtanding, I do confeſſe, that I am infinitely to be blamed, and the condition I am in is extreamly unfortunate. Alas, ſaid the Princeſſe, I am very ſorry to be any cauſe of your diſquiets, and if could find out any way, to let Artamenes know how much I am obliged unto you; I am certain he would not fight againſt you, if he did but know you: But rather he would fight againſt thoſe of his own ſide, if they ſhould aſſault you in his preſence: I queſtion not Madam, (replied Mazares bluſhing) but if Artaments did know me by your report, he would eſteem me, but if he did know me by my own addreſſes, he would not perhaps uſe me ſo: you are very modeſt (ſaid the Princeſs to him, who did not ſuſpect any hidden ſence in his (words) & you make me wonder; but however, ſaid ſhe, I beſeech you remember two things when you go to fight: The one is, that there are in the Army which Beſiegeth Babylon, two Princes whoſe lives are infinitely dear unto me; and the other is that in you only is all the conſolation and ſupport that I have in Babylon againſt the King of Aſsyria: As Mazares was making anſwer, one came to tell him that the King enquired for him, and certainly it was [Page] advantagious for him to be ſo interrupted, for doubtleſſe he was much nonpluſt to give a direct anſwer unto the Princeſſe without contradicting his own thoughts, which were not very quiet, ſince I verily believe, that never was ſoul more paſſionate then the ſoul of Mazares, nor any more vertuous, although the violence of love induced the Prince unto ſome things that were not over juſt. Mean while, winter, contrary to the common cuſtome of that Country, did draw faſt on us, and the weather was very ſharp, which did as much rejoyce the King of Aſsyria, as it grieved us, out of our fears that the King of Medes and Artamenes would be compelled to raiſe their Siege. We had then no other recourſe, but unto our prayers; and the Princeſſe, by the mediation of the Prince Mazares, obtained permiſſion, to go unto the Temple of Jupiter Belus every day; which Temple is the moſt moſt ſtately and famous Church in all Babylon: as well becauſe that this god is the protector of the Aſſyrians, and him whom they pray unto at the beginning of Battels; as alſo becauſe of the Oracles which are there given by the mouth of a woman, whom Jupiter Belus made choice of to declare his will unto them who would know it: And ſince, I think, if my memory deceive me not, that you have heretofore told me, how you never was at the place of thoſe Oracles all the while you ſtaied at Babylon; and ſince there is no likelihood, that you ſhould ſee it ſince, conſidering the tumult and confuſion in which you put the Town, at the taking of it; It is therefore requiſite, that I repreſent it unto you in a few words; after one is entered into the ſtately court of the Temple, and paſſed through thoſe moſt magnificent gates of Braffe which opens into it; one ſhall find the door of that prodigious Tower, which ſupports ſeven others above it, unto the top of which one aſcends by winding ſtairs, ſupported by pillars of Copper: In the midſt of every pair of ſtairs, there are ſeats to reſt upon, and when one is come unto the heigheſt Turret of all, one ſhall find a little, but moſt magnificent Temple, wherein is to be ſeen a great Statue of Jupiter Belus, made of maſſie Gold, a Table of Gold alſo, and a Throne of the ſame metal, and many both great and rich veſſels; there is alſo a moſt ſtately Altar; upon which the Chaldeans who firſt conſtituted Ceremonies of Religion in Babylon, did every year at the grand Sacrifice, burn above a hundred Talents of Incenſe. As one goes out of that, they enter into another, but leſſe, in which was a Couch all covered over with gold, and a Table of the ſame metal, with a great Lamp of gold alſo upon it, which was alwayes burning. This place was not open on any ſide but the door, which being ſhut, there was no light at all; It was in this place, where that woman whereof I ſpoke, did reſide in the day time, and on that Couch ſleeps in the nights, after the example of one who is reported to be in Egypt at Thebes, and another at Patares a Town in Licia,: Here I ſay does the Propheteſs live, ſeparated from all the reſt of the world, and delivers Oracles unto thoſe who come, and conſult with her. After this, Chriſantes, I ſhall tell you, how being moved unto it either out of devotion, or by a kind of curioſity, when we were one day in the Temple of Jupiter Belus, to wit, in the great Temple below, where every one does ordinarily walk, the Princeſſe had a great mind to go into the top of the higheſt Tower, and to viſit this famous woman of Babylon, and to deſire her aſſiſtance unto the Gods, without any deſign of conſulting with the Oracle at all: How, Chriſantes, may the chance of things be admired; Mazares, who was then in the Temple, preſented his hand unto the Princeſſe, to lead her up thoſe ſtairs which were very ſteep; but both he and we were much amazed, when we came to the top of this high Tower, and found the King of Aſſyria, without any with him but the Captaine of his Guard, who was come thither to conſult with this woman; certainly, if the Princeſſe had known of his being there, ſhe would not have come thither that day: ſince be was but only entered into the little Temple, and had not yet ſpoke with the Propheteſſe, he thought this accident fell out happily for him, and intended to inform himſelf what he was to expect, as the event of his paſſion; but before he ſpoke unto the Propheteſſe, he addreſſed himſelf unto the Princeſſe, and told her very civilly; Madam, ſaid he, doubleſſe you are come hither to ſolicite the gods againſt the King of Aſſyria: But before the prayers of one ſo vertuous as your ſelf have incenſed the god of this place who is here adored; I beſeech you permit him to conſult, and in your preſence to enquire the intention of the Deity: The Princeſſe, who though ſhe could expect nothing from heaven which was not advantagious for her, conſidering the innocency of her life, and purity of her thoughts, told him that ſhe was glad to ſee ſuch ſigns of piety in him, and conſented unto what he deſired: we entered then into that little place deſtined for Oracles, where the woman who was very fair, and in very magnificent habit, asked him, as ſhe would have done the meaneſt of his ſubjects, and with no more reſpect, what he would know? I would [Page] have you (ſaid he to her very ſubmiſſively) ſupplicated that god who reveals the ſecrets of men unto you, that he would be pleaſed to tell me by your mouth, whether the Princeſſe Mandana will be eternally inhumane, and whether ever thoſe torments which I endure will have an end? At theſe words this woman opened a great gate of Gold, which was cloſe by her Couch, and kneeling down upon a Cuſhion, ſhe was a long time, holding up her head unto the mouth of a little obſcure Vault, which that golden grate did ſhut up, and which was hewed out of the thickneſſe of the wall: afterwards, being wrapt, and poſſeſſed with a divine ſpirit which tranſported her, ſhe unfolded the treſſes of her hair, which ſpread about her ſhoulders; then riſing up and turning towards the King of Aſſyria, with a face quite altered, her eyes ſparkling more then before, her complexion ruddy, and her voice more clear, ſhe diſtinctly pronounced theſe words.

The ORACLE.

Well mayeſt thou hope, to make her mourn

For all her cruelty and ſcorn,

Becauſe hereafter in her arms,

Thou there ſhalt find ſuch pleaſing charms,

As quite ſhall terminate thy pain,

And turn thy ſorrows into gain.

I leave you to imagine Chriſantes, how much was the joy of the King of Aſſyria, and how great was the grief of Mandana: how deep was the deſpair of Mazares, though he durſt not ſhew it, and what a wonder it was unto me; the truth is, I cannot expreſſe it: for we did almoſt certainly know there could be no cheat in this Oracle, ſince the King could not know that the Princeſſe would come thither; and certainly the woman was of a very great reputation, and extraordinary ſanctity, ſo that we could not ſuſpect the leaſt trick in it; alſo it was by reaſon of this good repute that the Princeſſe deſired to ſee her: but oh heavens, how many tears did this curioſity coſt her! ſhe went preſently out of the Temple, and ſpoke not a word unto this woman as ſhe did intend, and went unto the Palace extreamly melancholly: The King of Aſſyria went thither with her; and he was no ſooner in her chamber, but looking upon her with many ſigns of ſatisfaction in his countenance; Well Madam, ſaid he to her, will you contend with the gods? The gods, anſwered ſhe, are not unjuſt, and thats all my hope: They are not unjuſt I confeſſe (replied he) but withall you muſt acknowledge with me that they can be no lyers: I know it well (replied ſhe) but I know alſo that they are incomprehenſible; and it is preſumptuous raſhneſſe in men, to think they can perfectly underſtand their language. They do explain themſelves ſo clearly (replied he) that I can doubt no longer of my good fortune: They explain themſelves ſo unjuſtly in appearance (anſwered ſhe) that I cannot believe they are well underſtood; But Sir (added the Princeſſe, who deſired to be alone and at liberty to bewaile this new misfortune) if it be the pleaſure of the gods to make an alteration in my ſoul, leave all the care of it unto them, and meddle you no more with it; they have power enough to do it themſelves, if they pleaſe to have it ſo; and I pray you leave me a little quietneſſe; cruel woman (ſaid he in leaving her) do you reſiſt both heaven and earth? but however it is my part to obey you; as he went out, Mazares, who left us in the Temple came in; but ſo ſad, that I wonder we did not ſuſpect the true cauſe of it, yet we had not the leaſt thought of it: but he diſguiſed his melancholly, under pretence of that which he diſcovered in the Princeſs, which was not a little: you are very generous Mazares, ſaid ſhe to him, not to participate of the King of Aſſyria's joy, or at leaſt to hide it from me at this time; I proteſt Madam, anſwered he, you have no cauſe to thank me, for being more ſenſible of your ſorrow then the King of Aſſyria's joy, ſince, to tell you truly, my heart does it without any conſultation with my reaſon, & ſince I do nothing but what I cannot chuſe. Indeed Orſanes told me afterwards [Page] that he was no leſs troubled at the Oracle then the Princeſſe was; and this converſation at this time was not very regular, for ſometimes Mandana would be reſerved, and ſometimes Mazares would ſilently entertain his thoughts; and Orſanes has told me, that when he did ſecretly call to minde the preſent condition of his Fortune, he could not deplore it enough: Alas, ſaid he to himſelf, what can I hope for? if Mandana ſpeak, it is after ſuch a manner as makes me believe that Artamenes is the onely happy man ſhe loves: and if I hearken unto the Oracle, then the King of Aſſyria muſt have his hopes ſatisfied, and Artamenes muſt be as unfortunate as Mazares: But whileſt this Prince was thus ruminating, the Princeſſe coming ſuddenly out of her muſing; how can I think, ſaid ſhe, that my heart ſhould change its reſentments; and how can Mandana, ever reſolve to make up the felicity of that Prince, who is the cauſe of all her misfortunes? which way can I ever comprehend it? If ever this Prodigy come to paſſe, the King my father muſt firſt die; Artamenes muſt not be upon earth, and I muſt loſe my Reaſon; for without theſe I cannot comprehend how Mandana can ever be Queen of Aſſyria, as ſhe muſt be, if the Oracle be interpreted after the King of Aſſyrias expoſition. I ſhall never make an end Chriſantes, if I ſhould repeat all the diſcourſe between the Princeſſe, Mazares, and my ſelf. The next morning, the King cauſed a Magnificent Sacrifice to be offered, to thank the Gods for the Oracle he had received. But here, I beſeech you, admire the deſtiny of things; That ſame thing, for which the King did thank the gods, the ſame did incenſe the people; who began to grumble, and ſay it was fitter to offer a Sacrifice to appeaſe the Gods, then to thank them: That the war was unjuſt, that the Princeſſe Mandana was wronged; that the Babylonians ought to reſtore her unto the King her father: Thus when they began to deſcant upon the actions of their Prince, they fell to murmur, and from murmur it grew to inſolence; and from inſolence to ſedition, and at the laſt an abſolute Revolt. Mean while Winter came faſt on, and all was covered with ſnow: but all this did not make the beſiegers give over their deſigne, and continued it ſo cloſe, that notwithſtanding the vaſt greatneſſe of the Town, there entred no victuals into it: Yet notwithſtanding, the Oracle kept up the heart of the King of Aſſyria; but for all that he was neceſſitated a few dayes after; for the famine beginning to encreaſe, and pinch the people, they began to caſt off their obedience unto their King; and in one night, this great Town had more enemies in Arms within the walls, then without; although the King of Medes Army, as you know, was become vaſtly great, ſince the defeat of the King of Aſſyria, becauſe many Princes did then quit him, and joyned themſelves with Ciaxares. Never was greater confuſion then this of Babylon. Some took up Arms, to force the King of Aſſyria to reſtore the Princeſſe unto the King of Medes: Others were in Arms to keep her, and by her to make an advantagious Peace: Some there were, who being not onely deprived of all reaſon, but humanity, did ſpeak of ſacrificing her; Others, on the contrary, maintained that ſhe deſerved to have Altars erected unto her vertue and conſtancy: Some would now get, to maintain themſelves from thoſe who had too much: And others, without any other pretence, maintained they were in Arms to ſhake off the yoak of Royalty, and make themſelves free, ſince fortune afforded them ſuch a favourable opportunity: And indeed, they all talked ſo inſolently, and high, as I am verily perſwaded, that they did contribute as much to the taking of the Town by their Revolt, as all the ſtrength of Ciaxares his Army; or to ſay better, I think the gods intending to protect the Innocency of the Princeſſe, and to puniſh their Rebellion, did make uſe of themſelves for that purpoſe, and blinded them to their own deſtruction: And although it ſeemed, that the furie of the people was advantagious unto the Princeſſe, conſidering the ſtate of things: yet in lieu of rejoycing her, it did much grieve her; it being moſt certain, that nothing is more horrible, nor entrencheth ſo much upon the ſoveraigne Authority of the Gods, as this rebellious Crime, which entrencheth upon the ſoveraigne Authority of Kings, who are the Images of the gods. Yet, as the King of Aſſyria is a Prince of a great heart, and Mazares of no leſſe to ſecond him, ſo he hoped to appeaſe this diſorder, and reſolved to take the onely courſe by which popular inſolencie is reduced unto Reaſon, which is by example, and puniſhment of mutineers: But ſince the thing could not be done without ſome danger, becauſe if the beſiegers ſhould make an aſſault upon the Town, at the time that the people were ſo much incenſed, it was to be feared, they would yeeld up the Town; and the King of Aſſyria apprehended, that then he could not ſave the Princeſſe, eſpecially in the night, when the beſiegers were moſt buſie in giving Alarms, and when the people are apteſt to attempt any thing, becauſe they who are moſt forward in ſuch tumultuous occaſions, [Page] cannot be known in the dark. He conſulted then with Mazares upon it, who told him, that it was Prudence in thoſe who do not reſolve to flee, yet to know how they may do it, if any neceſſity ſhould preſſe them unto it. It is good reaſon (ſaid the King of Aſſyria unto him) for all Babylon and my Crown to boot are nothing to me in compariſon of Mandana: And at this time, if I ſhould loſe Mandana, I ſhould be in danger to loſe my Scepter as well as her, it being to be imagined, that the people will not then endure me, nor ſuffer me to carry away Mandana with my life: The main difficulty will be to finde out a way to eſcape, and get out of Babylon if I ſhould be put to it: for, as for a place of Retreat, it is eaſie to finde one; for ſince Aribeus is in Pteria, and keeps half of Cappadocia, I cannot wiſh a ſafer Sanctuary, This Traitor was ſo cunning, as to make the people beleeve, that the Princeſſe was not averſe unto ſuch an advantagious marriage; and that it was onely the King her father whom ſhe feared, and cauſed her to do as ſhe did: But before he could go unto Pteria, he muſt get out of Babylon, and that was the great difficulty, there being dangers in it both without and within the Town. All this while, the ſoul of Mazares was in torment, and his minde much divided. As he was good and Generous, he could not without great difficulty contribute any thing unto the misfortune of the Princeſſe: but as he was paſſionately in love with her, it was much more difficult for him to conſent that ever ſhe ſhould come into the power of Artamenes: and for his own particular intereſt, he had rather ſhe were in the hands of a hated Lover, then a beloved Lover: Not but that he was terrified at the Oracle, yet the averſion which the Princeſſe had unto him did make him leſſe eſteem it: and he found much more danger in Artamenes then in him. Jealouſie therefore being predominate in his heart, he applied himſelf mainly to the King of Aſſyria's deſires, and that with ſucceſſe, though it was not eaſie to get out of Babylon unſeen: But Chriſantes, I am perſwaded, that there is nothing ſo difficult, which love and jealouſie together cannot bring to paſſe. This Prince then, told the King of Aſſyria, that he would finde out an expedient for it, and bade him, ſince he deſired him to do his endeavours in it, to command the women which waited upon the Princeſſe, to let her have no clothes but ſuch as were white, according to the Aſſyrian faſhion, which yet ſhe had not worn, and alſo the like unto Arianta and my ſelf: The King of Aſſyria urging him to explain himſelf and his reaſons for it; Mazares told him, that the courſe would prove infallible; and indeed, made the King confeſſe that it was ingenious; and preſently gave orders for it, ſo that the next morning, Arianta and my ſelf, much wondred when we found all our clothes taken from us, and white ones left in their roome, ſuch as women of Quality uſe to wear in Aſſyria. I asked the reaſon of it, and they told me, the King would have it ſo, becauſe if it ſhould chance the ſedition increaſed, he might more eaſily put the Princeſſe into the Temple, and for her better ſecurity to have them paſſe for Aſſyrians: Since Mandana was not yet awake, Arianta and I did dreſſe our ſelves in them, thinking indeed, that this way might conduce to her ſafety: But when ſhe called her women, and went to dreſſe her ſelf, and when ſhe ſaw they gave her white garments, after the Aſſyrian Mode, although they were very rich, yet ſhe had ſuch and extream averſion to them, that I am verily perſwaded the gods did foretell unto her, her misfortune: ſhe would not by any means wear them, but when thoſe which waited upon her, told her with tears in their eyes, that it was not in their power to give her any other, ſhe did much againſt her minde, put them on, and ſighing ſaid, that the change of her habit, ſhould never change her heart: I would make her underſtand the reaſons which they gave for it, but ſhe was not ſatisfied with them, nor any thing pleaſed with this new kinde of compulſion. Mean while, the King of Aſſyria, and Mazares, being reſolved to puniſh the people, were very diligent in giving out orders to that purpoſe. The King in perſon, with all the Grandees of the Court, was ready to teach the people the duty which they owed unto their Legitimate King: when a Spie which had been in the Army of Ciaxares, came unto him in a great amaze, and told him that within three or four hours within night, he ſhould ſee the River Euphrates dry, and fourty thouſand men enter at both ends of the Town. At the firſt, the King of Aſſyria would not believe it, but the Spie did ſo directly name the place, where Artamenes cauſed two great Trenches to be digged, and turn the River into them, that he gave credit unto his words; and the example of the River Ginde, rendred this more probable: The Spie further told him, that if the ſnow had not hindred the Pioners, the deſigne had been executed before now. But though he was very circumſtantiall in his relation, yet notwithſtanding the King of Aſſyria with Mazares, went unto the top of the Tower of Jupiter Belus, the better [Page] to diſcover the Works of his Enemies, and when they were there, then the Spie ſhewed him, though it was far off, the earth which the Enemy had thrown up, as well to ſhelter themſelves from being ſeen, as to empty the Trenches which were to receive the River Euphrates. You may imagine, Wiſe Chriſantes, in what a condition this Prince was. He ſaw from that high Place a whole great Town in Arms againſt him: and he ſaw, that he was ready to be aſſaulted in ſuch a manner, that though the people had ſeconded him, yet he ſhould have much ado to repell his Enemies: for ſince the River Euphrates was very broad, he conceived the enemy would enter at both ends of the Town in compleat Battalia; and that he had not time to raiſe up ſuch works as would prevent them: But this was not the worſt he feared; for he thought that as ſoon as the Enemy appeared, the people would endeavour to take away the Princeſſe, and make their own conditions with Ciaxares, by rendring her unto him: And ſeeing himſelf driven to ſuch a neceſſity, as that he muſt defend the Palace where ſhe was, both againſt the people and the King of Medes, he concluded it to be a thing impoſſible. At the laſt, being out of any hopes to keep Babylon, and the Princeſſe, and love prompting him unto ſome other courſe, he endeavoured to execute that deſigne which he and Mazares had contrived: He went down from the Tower in all haſt, and ſeemed as if he would appeaſe the people by lenity, hoping thereby to gain time, whileſt Mazares put all things in a readineſſe for the execution of their enterprize at the beginning of the night, if there were any need of it: The King of Aſſyria reſolved not to depart, untill the deſigne of his Enemies was in executing; for he imagined that Artamenes would enter the Town at both ends of it, and that other places would therefore be leſſe guarded; becauſe thoſe two places would take up moſt of their men. But upon a ſudden, we heard a terrible noiſe, for the River being drained in a moment, and the beſiegers entred, they cauſed a moſt horrible diſorder, and confuſion. I ſhall not need to relate any further of it unto you, ſince I do imagine you were there; but for my Part, I never in all my life heard ſuch an aſtoniſhment as this cauſed in all the ſtreets of Babylon; In the mean time we were in great fears; for although the Princeſſe did imagine, that perhaps it was Artamenes, who would come and deliver her, yet the danger wherein ſhe apprehended him, cauſed her fears: As for the King her father, ſhe imagined that he would not venture himſelf in this attempt. As we were thus betwixt hope and fears, the King of Aſſyria came in to us; Mazares ſtayed in the garden of the Pallace; with them who were appointed for our Guard: But the King entring furiouſly, Madam, (ſaid he to the Princeſſe, to the end ſhe ſhould make no reſiſtance) the people of Babylon are in great diſorder, and ſince they beleeve you to be the cauſe of the War, they would have you in their power, therefore I muſt put you into ſome place of better ſecurity then this. Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him) ſince I have put my ſelf into the cuſtody of the Gods, it is my duty to wait upon their pleaſures, and ſubmit unto what they ſhall ordain me; and you would do me a great favour, if you would leave me unto their protection; But when ſhe ſaw four or five men in Arms enter, knowing ſhe was not in a condition to reſiſt, and not knowing that what the King of Aſſyria ſaid, was untrue, ſhe went with them, and Arianta and I followed her: ſhe asked then, where Mazares was; and he anſwering her that ſhe ſhould ſee him preſently, ſhe went whither they conducted her. Then were we led into the Garden of the Palace, where Mazares did indeed ſtay for us: Mandana no ſooner ſaw him, but letting the King of Aſſyria's hand go, ſhe gave hers unto him, ſuppoſing now ſhe had no cauſe to fear, ſince he was with her. Then they led us unto a back door, which almoſt joynes unto the Gates of the Town, which the Troops of Mazares guarded, and who were acquainted with what was deſigned. When we were ready to go out of the Garden, which was of a huge bigneſſe, we ſaw by the help of a candle, which was brought, that the King of Aſſyria, the Prince Mazares, and ten men who were to be of the Party, took every one of them a white Caſſack, which covered them all over, and that they covered their heads alſo with white. This cauſed us to think, that the white Garments which they gave us, were deſigned for the ſame uſe: as thoſe which theſe Princes, and thoſe mens were, although we could not imagine unto what end. Afterwards they brought twelve white Horſes; Saddles and Bridles were of the ſame colour: The King of Aſſyria got upon one of them, and would have the Princeſſe to ride behinde him, but ſhe refuſed, and did chuſe Mazares, though with much reluctancy: yet the noiſe in the Town did ſo encreaſe, though we were far enough from the place where it was aſſaulted, that her fear of falling into the hands of rude and inſolent people, [Page] cauſed her at the laſt to let Mazares have the care of her ſafty: Two men of quality of thoſe ten took up Arianta and me behind them: the candle being put out, and the dore open, we went ſtraight unto that gate of the town, which as I already told you was near it: then the King of Aſſyria and Mazares, commanded a Captain, in a low voice I mean a Captain which guarded that gate, to go and advertiſe, all the Princes and Souldiers, that they ſhould fight it out no longer, ſince the town was already loſt, and that as many as would might take the advantage of the dark night to ſave themſelves, and take the benefit of this gate: we were not above twelve paces from the walls, but the King of Aſſyria who went a little before, did ride very ſoftly, leſt his horſes feet ſhould make to great a noiſe, more fearing the ears then the eyes of thoſe we ſhould meet: for Chriſantes, the ingenuity of this deviſe was, in that the Prince Mazares conſidering that all the fields were covered with ſnow, and becauſe there was a great miſt when we went out, it was impoſſible that Artamenes ſhould make good his round, and therefore he thought it would be no hard matter to paſs between two Courts of guard, and never be perceived, ſince white is not eaſily diſcovered in the ſnow, and in the night; eſpecially ſince the moon did not ſhine: This invention of white horſes, and white habits made us inviſible, to thoſe who met us, and they who we did meet not being in white as we were, were diſcovered a good diſtance off, ſo that we could ſhun them before they could ſee us: there was nothing therefore that the King of Aſſyria feared but the neighing of the horſes and the horſes feet: as for the firſt of theſe he put it unto fortune, but as for the noiſe of the horſes feet, the ſnow was ſo ſoft that they could not be heard: the King of Aſſyria findding this, went a little faſter and preſently after we diſcovered the guard of Ciaxares his Army. To tell you Chriſantes, what the Princeſs thought, to ſee her ſelf in this Equipage, and out of Babylon at that time of night, and on horsback amongſt a company of men all in white going in ſuch great ſilence, I ſhould lengthen my ſtory: at the firſt ſhe was glad that ſhe had eſcaped the fury of the rude multitude, ſo inſolent as to mutiny againſt their Prince: and ſhe thought that whitherſoever they carried her, it would be incomparably, more eaſie for Artamenes to get her out of the King of Aſſyrias power, then in Babylon which ſhe thought impregnable: therefore conceiving it to be moſt advantagious for Artamenes, and for her own liberty, ſhe went with them without any reſiſtance; and thinking of nothing, but a ready way how to advertiſe Artamenes, that ſhe was out of Babylon: but ſhe no ſooner diſcovered afar off the guard which before I told you of, but ſhe changed her mind, for when ſhe ſaw her ſelf ſo near relief, ſhe was in a mind to cry out, but thinking that if ſhe did ſo, ſhe ſhould cauſe Mazares to periſh as well as the King of Aſſyria, therefore ſhe was ſilent; but whil'ſt ſhe was conſulting in her mind about it, the King of Aſſyria turned more upon his left hand, and fortunatly eſcaped this firſt danger. Yet notwithſtanding, ſince ſhe imagined that we ſhould meet ſome other troops, ſhe began to ſpeak unto Mazares, who preſently deſired her to hold her peace, generous prince (ſaid ſhe unto him notwithſtanding his deſire, and ſpeaking very low leſt the King of Aſſyria ſhould underſtand) if you have any reall compaſſion upon me and my misfortunes, permit me, as ſoon as we ſhall meet any of the King my fathers troops, to call them unto my relief, and I beſeech you promiſe me that you will not oppoſe their endeavours to deliver me: and by that conſequence, you will not hazard your own life which is very dear unto me: you may conceive I could have done it, without ſpeaking unto you, but being ſo much obliged unto you as I am: I ſhould think the gods would puniſh me if I ſhould cauſe your death: Madam (ſaid he unto her, lower then ſhe ſpoke) the gods do know how much I wiſh you ſatisfaction: But Madam I only promiſed you to prevent the King, from attempting any thing againſt that reverence which is your due: And I promiſed that without any ſcruple, becauſe I did him ſervice alſo by it, in preventing him from committing a crime: And I do againe promiſe you Madam, that as long as I live you ſhall not ſuffer the leaſt violence from him: But Madam can I in honour betray him thus? to let him be killed, and commit you into the hands of his enemies? yet notwithſtanding Madam, if you will do it you may, but I do proteſt unto you before the gods who hear me, that though I do eſcape from the fury of your ſouldiers, yet will I run my ſword through my heart, to the end I may not be blamed and ſhamed by ſuch an act which doubtleſs you have not conſidered before you did ſolicit me. Moreover Madam, ſince it is night, in ſtriking at me they may chance hit you, and ſo your deſires to recover your liberty may become your death: In the name of the gods therefore Madam, do not expoſe your ſelf unto a danger, whereof perhaps I cannot heal you: the Princeſs was ſo [Page] troubled, and Mazares ſpake ſo movingly that ſhe knew not what to reſolve upon: ſomtimes ſhe reſolved to cry out: ſomtimes pitty of Mazares reſtrained her. Afterwards taking up the reſolation to call the firſt ſhe ſaw, ſhe found that ſhe had not the power to do it, and that ſhe determined upon a thing which was impoſſible for her, for my part, I know that it was not in my power to pronounce a word, and when I would have ſpoke, I trembled out of aſtoniſhment and fear: for we ſaw in the field, many Tents, Sentinels, Courts of guard, men which marched, and others which ſtood ſtill; But the King of Aſſyria who was our guide, did ſomtimes turne to the right hand, and ſomtimes to the left; and very handſomly avoyded all thoſe, whom the whitneſs of the ſnow diſcovered unto him: But Chriſantes, to leave that place, which troubled us ſo much, give me leave to tell you, that after we had avoided the troops of Ciaxares above a hundred times, and were not above two furlongs from a wood, in which the King of Aſſyria feared no danger, becauſe it was very thick and dark, and he was acquainted with all the turnings in it, having been often hunting in it. But the horſe on which Mazares and the Princeſs did ride began violently to Neigh when we were within forty paces from a place, where a company of archers who were horſed, did then quarter, who having received orders to come neerer Babylon, did leave that place, and go thither in all haſt: ſome of theſe Archers, being already horſed, and having heard this neighing, from that ſide where they were took the Alarme, and went towards the place where they heard the noiſe; but ſeeing nothing, they would have returned, had not one of their horſes Neighed, in anſwer as it were unto the firſt, and cauſed them to advance further on; mean while the king of Aſſyria who conducted us, mended his Pace, and we went faſter then before: ſo that ſomtimes we ſaw theſe men come ſtreight towards us, and ſomtimes againe go from us: for their parts I beleeve they much vexed to hear horſes and could find none, but at the laſt being out of hopes to find us, becauſe we changed our way ſomtimes on the one ſide, and ſomtimes on the other: they ſhot their arrowes at random and levelled ſo unluckily, that one of their arrowes did give Mazares a ſlight would in his ſhoulder, and another came ſo neer Mandanas head, that the extreamity of her fears, made her to recover her voice, and to cry out, though ſhe did not intend it: this cry, being heard by thoſe who ſhot, they galloped directly to the place where they thought they heard it; But in the mean while the King of Aſſyria ſhifted places; and in lieu of going forward he went backward, and bad us ride faſter. But ſince we were not above thirty paces from the wood, he cauſed thoſe eight which carried no women to ſtand ſtill, until ſuch time as he imagined us to be in the wood, and then he and his men galloped away as faſt as they could, and vaniſhed out of the ſight of them whom he fought with a while, who doubtleſs did think there was ſome enchantment in the place: At his returne, we underſtood how they ſaw two of thoſe who aſſaulted them to fall dead, and one of his troop received a ſlight hurt. As the wood was dark, and black, the very ſame whitneſs which made us inviſible in the plaines did help the King of Aſſyria to diſcover us againe and to Joyne companies: In concluſion, Chriſantes, being come into this wood as I told you, the King of Aſſyria did lead us unto a little kind of habitation, where a ſort of poor menlived, whoſe profeſſion was to find out a kind of earth whereof the wonderfull cement wherewith the wals of Babylon were built, is made; and when day begun to break, we lighted from horſe, and paſſed away all the day in that Cabin, where our wearineſs afforded us more reſt, then the accommodations of that place could. But Chriſantes not to ſpend more time, in relating things of little conſequence, we went with much wearineſs the next night unto a little town which our army had not taken, nor as yet been on that ſide; neither was of ſtrength to defend themſelves if you had come unto it: the King of Aſſyria there got a Coach for the Princeſs, where Arianta and I found room alſo: and, both Princes went on horsback as our convoy. But without any further particularizing the way we went, we came at the laſt into Cappadocia, and a little after, unto Pteria: at our firſt arivall the Princeſs was very much joyed to ſee it; yet, a while after ſhe found her ſelf much more unhappy then ſhe thought for the thought of being then a captive in that place where ſhe had been ſo long free and abſolute, did extreamly double her ſorrow: moreover, the imagination ſhe ſhould ſo domineer over the King her fathers ſubjects, was a great vexation to her: but the great torment of all was, that ſhe was ſtill in the King of Aſſyrias power, and that ſhe knew no way to let Artamenes know where ſhe was: mean while Mazares continued alwaies very civill, obliging, and amorous, and the king of Aſſyria was ſtill very courſly treated. A few dayes after when [Page] the taking of Babylon was more certainly known, he conſulted with Aribeus what was beſt to be done, but when he heard that Ciaxares his army was marching towards Cappadocia, they brought us hither by reaſon of the conveniencie of the ſea, which the King of Aſſyria thought would be a way to prevent the Princeſs from ever coming into the hands of Artamenes. Aribeus and he endeavoured all they could to get up freſh troops, making their Rendezvous at Pteria, to the end it might not be diſcovered we were at Sinope. But preſently after, they had intelligence that your army came up ſo faſt, that it was impoſſible for them to get any ſuch conſiderable force together as could give a ſecond battle, which did drive the King of Aſſyria into extream deſpair: and ſpoke with much more violence then heretofore he uſed: yet whether he was ſubmiſſive, or whether he was furious, all was one, for he could no way move Mandana, to give him one favourable word. Yet one day, he called Mazares unto him, and layed before him all his misfortunes: truly (ſaid he unto him) I am brought to ſuch a paſs, that I have no other conſolation to hope for in my life, but to make Artamenes as unfortunat as my ſelf, although it be in a different manner: The oracle indeed does make me hope well, but Mandana drives me into utter deſpair, and fortune has ſo defeated all my deſignes, that I am reduced unto ſuch extremities, as are above both my patience and my reaſon: that which I intend (purſued this deſperat Prince) is to make ſure of the gallies and ſhips within this port, ſo that as ſoon as I ſee the army of Ciaxares appear, and find that I am not able to oppoſe it, I can then embark with Aribeus and the Princeſs, and be ſure to carry her out of the reach of Artamenes. But Sir, (anſwered Mazares much grieved) what courſe will you then take? I know not well, (replied the King of Aſſyria) but if all the Princes my allies do deny me ſanctuary within their dominions, I will rather turne pirat, then yield up the Princeſs unto Artamenes: yes Mazares, I will rather periſh a thouſand times: And if I ſee that I am purſued at ſea by Artamenes (which as yet he cannot do, having no ſhips for it) I will rather ſplit my ſhip againſt a rock, then be taken and loſe the Princeſs: moreover I muſt not be far off Mandana, but keep cloſe with her and wait upon the event of the Oracle: As for you, ſaid he, my dear Mazares, it is not juſt that I ſhould engage you any deeper in my misfortunes; though you would, I would not ſuffer it. Therefore I wiſh you to go back unto the King your father, and endeavour to be more happy then I am. Mazares was now put to a ſhrewd dilemma, for he could not conſent to leave the Princeſs alone with the King of Aſſyria; and yet he perceived by the Kings manner of ſpeaking unto him, that he would not ſuffer him to accompany him any longer; yet he preſſed him to ſtay, but the more urgent he was in it, the more obſtinate was the King: furthermore, he perceived, that if he departed, the Princeſs would be the moſt unfortunat woman in the world; ſo that both in reſpect of his pitty, and in reſpect of his paſſion, he was infinitly to be lamented: at laſt being tranſported with ſuch paſſions as was unknown unto himſelf, he came unto the Princeſs, and ingeniouſly diſcovered the King of Aſſyrias deſigne: you may well imagin what ſorrow and deſpair this newes brought unto her, eſpecially when he told that he would by no means permit him to ſtay any longer with him: Ah Mazares, ſaid ſhe unto him, I ſhall abſolutly die if you forſake me, and there is no reſolution ſo violent, which I ſhall not take, if I be left alone under the King of Aſſyrias protection: In the name of the gods, ſaid ſhe unto him, perſwade him, and tell him, that he ſhall never obtaine the leaſt part of my affection; and by conſequence, you will do him no ill office, if you can move him to harken unto my prayers and tears, and if you can procure my liberty: In the name of the gods once more conſider what a moſt lamentable deſtiny will it be for Mandana to wander upon the ſeas, with a Prince whom ſhe hates, and ſhall more and more hate him; and who ſhall reſolve to throw her ſelf into the bottom of the ſea, the firſt time that he ſhall ſpeak of his unjuſt paſſion unto her: conſider well Mazares what you have to do, and know that the gods will require at your hands, an account of my life, if you be the cauſe of my death: would you not have me live & acknowledg my great obligations unto you? would you have me die the moſt miſerable woman upon earth: Oh Madam, (anſwered Mazares, with extream melancholy) I wiſh the thoughts of my heart, and how much I would do for you were well known unto you: I do know (anſwered ſhe) that you are the moſt obliging Prince upon the earth, and that nothing hinders you from ſatisfying my deſires, but an ill grounded ſcruple of generoſity: for indeed Mazares I am fully perſwaded, that you do compaſſionate my misfortunes, and that you intend friendſhip unto me: But yet ſince you cannot ſave me, you will ſuffer me to periſh, and all becauſe you are affraid to do an unj [...]ſt act. But know generous Prince, [Page] that it is no injuſtice to prevent another from committing a moſt horrible piece of injuſtice: In ſhort Chriſantes, the Princeſſe ſpoke ſo prevalently unto Mazares, that he deſired two dayes time to reſolve with himſelf what to do; But oh heavens! Orſanes told me, that he verily believed that the turbulency of his thoughts during this time would have coſt him his life: Sometimes he reſolved to be faithful unto the King of Aſſyria in ſpight of his paſſion; ſometimes he would not quench his love, but in favour of Mandana; afterwards not being able to reſolve either upon the one or the other; he thought how he might benefit himſelf by the misfortunes of another: At the laſt (ſaid he unto himſelf) I ſee Mandana does eſteem, and is very friendly unto me; yet it is but a bare eſteem, and a friendſhip only, though ſhe muſt know that I love her: Moreover, there is a great difference between the termes on which the King, of Aſſyria ſtands, and thoſe on which I am with her, for there is a natural antipathy between her and him; but ſhe is very friendly unto me, & I am perſwaded it is not far off a diſpoſition to receive ſome impreſſions of love, as well as much tenderneſſe and eſteem; yet I know very well, that there is more likelihood that I ſhall be unhappy, then he has hopes of Mandana's love: But alas, from what other courſe can I find any more ſweetneſſe and ſatisfaction from her? If I continue faithful unto the King of Aſſyria, then he will put to Sea with the Princeſſe, and if I leave her, I am certain ſhe will hate me for being ſo inhumane, as to expoſe her unto ſo great a torment: I am certain I ſhall never ſee her again, and I am ſure to endure an intollerable torment, in thinking ſhe is with the King of Aſsyria, who ſtill has great hopes of her. On the otherſide, if I betray a Prince from whom I have the honour to be a kinſman, to whom I am [...] vaſſal, who has made choice of me to be his confident, and if I ſhould put the Princeſſe into the hands of Artamenes, ſhould I not then be the moſt unhappy man alive? I ſhould commit a crime, and ſuch a one as would make me moſt unfortunate, there being nothing more inſufferable, then to ſee the party loved, in the power of a Rival who is loved: Oh no, no, Mazares cannot make choice of either, ſince he ſees a crime, and a misfortune on both ſides. If he hearken unto reaſon, it will tell him, that we ought not to betray thoſe who truſt us: If he give ear unto his paſſion, it will tell him quite contrary, that we muſt never forſake the party loved, and that all one can do to poſſeſſe her, is juſt. Which way ſoever I carry the matter, I muſt either betray the King of Aſsyria, or the Princeſſe, and betray my ſelf alſo, ſince I wound my reputation in it; Therefore if I muſt needs commit a crime, let me commit that which is moſt advantagious to me, and which will keep me from dying deſperate. In concluſion, Chriſantes, this amorous Prince, in ſpight of all his vertue, was ſo tranſported with the violence of his love, that he reſolved not only to betray the King of Aſſyria, but to delude Mandana alſo: yet truly, I think, never any did more ſeverely puniſh himſelf then Mazares did, by his perpetual remorſe of ſoul; for I never in all my melancholly did equal his; yet ſince he was fully reſolved what to do, he ſought out means to aſſure himſelf of a Galley, and eaſily found one; becauſe the King of Aſſyria intending to make uſe of all the Galleys and Ships in Sinope, he did put out thoſe who formerly commanded them, and put in others which did more abſolutely depend upon him: There was one of theſe Captains, who knowing certainly he ſhould be put out as the reſt were, who grumbled exceedingly at it; and unto him Mazares addreſſed himſelf, in whoſe ſoul he diſcovered ſuch adiſpoſition, as was fit for his deſign: Mazares then having made ſure of this Galley, was certain he could carry away the Princeſſe when he pleaſed; for his commands paſſed within the Caſtle, as well as the King of Aſſyria's; and ſince the Caſtle was ſo near the Haven, he had not above twenty paces to go before he was at the Galley which this Captaine who was of the conſpiracy commanded, for by fortune the Galley was on that ſide: But ſince he was an expert man, and uſed to war, he told Mazares, that the better to ſecure his deſign, and alſo to ſatisfie his revenge upon his companions, he would ſet fire in all the Galleys and Ships which remained in the Port, leſt they ſhould follow after, and that all theſe new Captains might not long enjoy their new conferred offices, or at leaſt put them into ſuch a condition as they ſhould not be able to do any execution. Although Mazares did ſee it was well thought upon, and almoſt neceſſary for his deſign, yet it went againſt the hair of his diſpoſition, not for fear of the Ships, in which few people would be loſt, but leſt it ſhould fire the Town: notwithſtanding the Captain ſaid thus unto him; Sir, although Sinop [...] ſhould be ſet on fire, yet it is a Rebellious Town, and deſerves it: And as for the King of Aſſyria. who troubles you ſo much, the fire will be quenched before it can reach the Caſtle: Truth is, this Captain ſpoke ſo rationally, that Mazares conſented unto him, [Page] and the Captain took upon him the execution of the enterprize. This Prince intending to gain the heart of Mandana, deſigned to carry her into Bithynia, where he was in hopes to find ſome place of ſecurity, and indeed he could not make a better choice; for he was kinſman unto Arſamones, and Arſamones was enemy unto the King of Aſſyria, by reaſon of the Princeſſe Iſtrina, with whom he was in good favour all the while ſhe was in Babylon: Moreover he made war againſt another lover of Mandana, who was the King of Pontus, and Artamenes having moved Ciaxares to lend ſome forces unto his enemy, therefore he thought that he could not make choice of a ſafer ſanctuary. At that time there came into Sinope a famous Pirate, who was reported to be a man of quality and great courage, who being much weather-beaten, put in there to repair his Ships; The King of Aſſyria received him very kindly, and told Mazares that he was even raviſhed with the happy meeting with him, becauſe that by that time the Ships of this Pirate were ready to make ſail, he would put to Sea with him, and be under his conduct, for he was a man whom none ever knew conquered; and knew all the Seas, better then any other man. Mazares, underſtanding the King of Aſſyria's deſign ſo well, did make more haſte to execute his own; and went unto the Princeſſe, Madam (ſaid he to her, in a moſt melancholy manner) there is a predominate power, which I cannot reſiſt, and which makes me reſolve to betray the King of Aſsyria, and carry you out of his reach: He has a deſign to carry you away very ſhortly; therefore he muſt be preſently prevented; I asked you ſometime to reſolve with my ſelf, and my reſolution is ſetled; therefore, if you pleaſe, there is a Galley ready to receive you the next night: Ah, Mazares, (ſaid ſhe unto him) is it poſſible it can be ſo ſoon? To tell you Chriſantes, all that Mandana ſaid, by way of thanks for the compaſſion which he had on her misfortunes, would be a very difficult task, ſo much did ſhe aggravate her acknowledgments unto him. Mazares received her thanks with ſo much confuſion, & turbulency of mind, that ſhe thought her ſelf the more obliged, ſuppoſing that the betraying of the King of Aſsyria was the only cauſe of it. But Mazares (ſaid ſhe unto him) which way ſhall we go, to go ſafely unto ſome place where the King my father is? Madam (anſwared he) when we are out of the power of your enemy, we ſhall then think better upon that: Its true, (ſaid ſhe) and ſo preſently left him: But night being come, and well on, the Prince Mazares, who had not only gained the good will of thoſe who kept the Caſtle gates which was towards the Port, but alſo all the Souldiers in the Caſtle, went to fetch the Princeſſe, who was much troubled, what to do with Arianta, in whom ſhe did not confide; ſhe thought therefore to carry her with her, becauſe if ſhe were left behind, ſhe would make a great noiſe of the matter: We told her therefore that the King of Aſſyria, had ſent Mazares unto the Princeſſe to tell her, that ſhe muſt take Ship, and becauſe ſhe ſhould not ſuſpect any thing, we ſeeming to be very ſorry in yielding obedience to him; for we began to think that ſhe kept intelligence with the King. I forgot to tell you, that Mandana, who would as well as ſhe could make it known unto Mazares, that ſhe had a care of his protection, had writ a Letter unto the King of Aſſyria: but whileſt we were ſtaying in the outer chamber, at that hour when Mazares told us we were to depart; the Princeſſe bethought her ſelf, how ſhe had forgotten to leave the Letter upon the Table, and entreated him that he would take ſo much pains as to carry it thither, telling him, that if he would open it, he might there find what ſhe had written unto the King concerning him, ſo that the Prince took it, and carried it unto the Princeſſe chamber, where, as I adviſed him, he did read the letter; I will not relate the contents of it, for you will preſently after imagine it. So Chriſantes, we got out of the Caſtle, and we took Ship, and were preſently out of Sinope; immediately after, we ſaw the Port all on fire, and in a moment after that, all the Town alſo, which did extreamly ſurpriſe and grieve the Princeſſe; for her ſoul was ſo tender and full of pitty, that ſhe would never have conſented unto it, if ſhe had known of the project; but yet her joy to be out of the King of Aſſyria's power, did comfort her in thoſe ſorrows which proceeded only from compaſſion; and ſhe termed Mazares her deliverer a hundred times over: Mean while, the Sea began to be high, and the Marriners told us there was like to be a ſtorm, as preſently after it began, and the wind which was ſo favourable for us, turned quite contrary, and whether we would or no, did blow us above twenty times towards the Port of Sinope: To tell you how the Princeſſe was troubled at this accident, would make you ſad, as we were; It will be ſufficient to tell you, how ſhe moved Mazares to promiſe her, that in caſe the Tempeſt was above the Pilots art, or the force of Oars, he would rather ſplit the Galley againſt the Caſtle tower, then to land again in the Port of Sinope: at the laſt, day beginning to dawn, our fears were leſſe, as well becauſe [Page] the terrors of darkneſſe vaniſhed, as becauſe at the Sun riſing, the winds were calmer. The Princeſſe being then upon the deck, diſcovered that there were Souldiers in Sinope, fighting in the midſt of the flames, at the foot of the tower: She no ſooner ſaw it, but looking upon Mazares with extream joy; Ah generous Prince (ſaid ſhe unto him) perhaps the tempeſt has been our friend, ſince if it had not been, I ſhould not have ſeen what I do. See (ſaid ſhe unto him) look upon the Troops which are fighting in Sinope; without all doubt it is the King my father his Army, and perhaps Artamenes is there alſo; if ſo, it is eaſie for him to become maſter of a burning Town, and to take the King of Aſſyria alſo: Therefore my dear deliverer, give command unto the Rowers that they make no ſuch haſte away; Let them ſend one in a little Boat to ſee whether it be as I ſay, or no: For if it be, there is no need of going any further, ſince we have relief ſo near. Mazares hearing the Princeſſe ſay ſo, began to change colour; and looked a long while upon the Troops which ſhe ſhewed him, and he knew much better then ſhe, that they were the Troops of Ciaxares; therefore without giving any anſwer unto the Princeſſe, he gave command to Rowe away with all poſſible haſte. Mandana being extreamly ſurpriſed at this command, and believing that ſhe did not well underſtand him, or that the Prince had miſtook himſelf: My dear deliverer (ſaid ſhe unto him) do you know what you ſay, and did your hear me? Oh Madam, (ſaid he unto her, and kneeled) beſtow no more that name upon me, whereof I am unworthy; and ſuſpend your judgement of me, I beſeech you, until you know what I have done againſt my ſelf, before I will attempt any thing againſt you: Do not call me either your deliverer or your raviſher, nor pronounce an unjuſt ſentence againſt him who is the moſt paſſionate of all your adorers: How, (ſaid the Princeſſe, in a mighty maze) can Mazares not be generous, is it poſſible he ſhould deceive me? Is not then Mandana at liberty? Mazares, (replied the Prince, with unequalled ſorrow) was born generous, and has lived ſo, until love of Mandana did force his heart to degenerate: But Madam (purſued he) you ſhall be free; and I do proteſt unto you in the preſence of the gods, whom I have incenſed, that you ſhall never have any cauſe to complain of my violence; I will only carry you unto a place, Madam, where I may perfectly make known unto you, the moſt reſpective paſſion that ever was; you have teſtified ſome ſigns of friendſhip towards me, and I beſeech you do not preſently paſſe from friendſhip unto hatred; give me a few dayes time to acquaint you with my thoughts of Mandana. No Mazares (ſad ſhe unto him) I cannot conſent unto your deſire: you are now either the abſolute maſter of my hatred or of my friendſhip: and if you do not immediately repent of your crime, I ſhall hate you a thouſand times more then ever I hated the King of Aſſyria, and ſhall eſteem you incomparably more culpable, but alſo (interrupted the Prince) more amorous: No, no, (ſaid ſhe unto him) deceive not your ſelf in that; I ſhall never terme an unjuſt paſſion, love, but will phraſe it phrenſie, fury, or that which is worſe. Why Mazares, (ſaid ſhe all in tears) will you loſe my eſteem and friendſhip? you whom I reſpected as my protector in Babylon, as my deliverer in Sinope: I perceive you had rather be my raviſher and my enemy, and ſee me die in ſorrow, then live a happy life? Do you not ſee, (ſaid ſhe, in obſerving how the Seas began to be a little more boiſtrous) how you do incenſe the gods, and that if you do not appeaſe them by a ſpeedy repentance, they will with ſhipwrack puniſh your crime? Ah Madam, (cried out this unfortunate Prince) ſo they will be pleaſed to ſave you from the ſhipwrack, how happy ſhould I be, if I periſhed in it? and how happy ſhould I have been, if I had died in Babylon whileſt I was innocent? But Madam, what would you have me do? how could I every day look upon Mandana, and find her ſo ſweet, ſo civil, ſo pleaſing, and ſo fair, and yet not love her? ſome who never ſaw you but angry at them, yet could not chuſe but love you; and ſince I found you ſo infinitely obliging, was it poſſible but I ſhould be poſſeſſed with moſt violent paſſion? No, no, it was abſolutely impoſſible: When the Princeſſe ſaw that Mazares continued in his reſolution, ſhe began to be ſo deſperately incenſed, as I never ſaw her in my life: Alas (ſaid ſhe) into what a pittiful condition am I brought? and what unhappy conſequences does this little beauty which the gods have beſtowed upon me produce, ſince it infuſeth into thoſe who have any affection unto me, only unjuſt thoughts? But let me take courage (ſaid ſhe when ſhe ſaw the Sea more boiſtrous then ever) I ſhall preſently find an end of all my misfortunes in ending my life; and ſhall have ſo much comfort as to periſh with one of my enemies: When Mazares, ſaw the Princeſſe ſo very angry, and in ſo great a danger, and alſo that he had committed an unprofitable ſin; he became ſo extreamly deſperate, that he offered to throw himſelf into the ſea; and I think if his thoughts of the [Page] Princeſſe and her intereſt had not reſtrained him, he had done it. Madam (ſaid he unto her) I am infinitely ſorry, that I have expoſed your life unto ſo much danger: No, no, (ſaid ſhe unto him) It is onely repentance which I deſire from you; and I wiſh you to ſteer your courſe another way, that if I do ſuffer ſhipwrack, the waves may waft me unto the Cappadocian coaſt. But Chriſantes, I cannot repeat all that the Princeſſe ſaid unto Mazares, nor all his replies, but certainly although he was culpable, yet he expreſſed ſuch moving language, as made appear he was full of pity: The Princeſſe alſo expreſſed her ſelf in ſuch juſt and lamentable termes, that ſhe was able to move cruelty it ſelf: Mean while it was not poſſible to chuſe our courſe, we muſt now obey the winde and ſtorme: It did often blow us towards the foot of the Tower, and then upon a ſudden turning quite contrary, it drove us far off Sinope: We continued all that day, and the night following in continuall toſſings upon the ſurges of the Sea; ſometimes to the right hand, ſometimes to the left, and which way ſoever we went, we found danger: Oars were of no uſe; Sails would not abide the winde, which whifled from all ſides; and all this while there was no hopes of any thing but preſent death. As ſoon as day appeared and the Tempeſt ſtill continuing as boiſterous as ever, the Princeſſe deſired Mazares to repent of his Act; for as long as it was night, ſhe kept in her Cabin, where out of reſpect, Mazares would not enter, although he knew Mandana could not ſleep: but it beginning to be light, the Princeſſe as as I told you, renewed her complaints and prayers, with ſo many Tears, and in ſuch a violent manner, that Mazares without giving the Princeſſe any anſwer went unto the Pilot; and whether it was by vertue of his order (as Orſanes beleevs) or elſe by the force of the windes, we ſaw the Pilote turn the Galley towards Sinope. But, Oh Heavens, a huge blaſt of winde, meeting with a great Billow, made the Galley lean on one ſide; the Rudder broke, and the Galley grated upon the point of a Rock, ſo that it turned, and broke in turning; I catched hold of the Princeſſe, Arianta hold of me, and I heard a terrible outcry, amongſt which I knew the voice of Mazares, who cried out; O ye Juſt gods, preſerve the Princeſſe; after this I knew not what became of us: onely this I remember, that in lieu of ſeeing water, me thought I ſaw a great fire, which overwhelmed me, and made me loſe all my underſtanding: Yet Chriſantes, the prayers of unfortunate Mazares were heard, and we eſcaped this great danger: But let me tell you, it was moſt ſtrangely, and will aſtoniſh you, perhaps, almoſt as much as it did us. Be pleaſed to underſtand then, that the firſt thing I ſaw after our ſhipwrack, was as I did a little open my eyes, I ſaw men who endeavoured as well as they could to make me let go my hold of the Princeſs (for you know Chriſantes, it is the quality of thoſe who are in water to hold whatſoever they catch at): this ſight, and the hurt theſe men did me, did more revive me then all the remedies they gave me afterwards; ſo that ſtriving with them, what would you have (ſaid I to them) and who are you? We are ſuch (anſwered they unto me) as would ſave the Princeſs Mandana, and help you: at theſe words I let go my hold, and looſed the Princeſs, alſo told them, that the gods would recompence them for ſo charitable an office. After this, coming a little better unto my ſelf, I firſt ſaw Arianta, and then the Princeſs, who revived alſo as well as I, and who after ſhe opened her eyes did call upon me, almoſt not knowing what ſhe ſaid: I was yet ſo dizzy, that I had much ado to riſe from the bed whereon they had laid me, but her voice did infuſe ſuch freſh ſtrength into me, that I came unto her as ſhe was very attentively looking upon a man, who was kneeling by her bed ſide, and who holding her by the arm, did try by her Pulſe, whether ſhe had ſtrength to revive; when I was come unto her, and ſhe knew me; Marteſia (ſaid ſhe unto me, and pulling her arm out of the hands of that man who held it, with as much haſt as her weakneſſe would permit her) where are we? Madam (replied the man) you are in a place where you have abſolute power and authority; the voice ſurprizing both her and me, ſhe raiſed her ſelf to look upon him who anſwered; and then we both together found that he who thus had ſaved us, was the King of Pontus.

The King of Pontus (ſaid Chriſantes, and Feraulas, interrupting him) is he in love with the Princeſſe whom Artamenes took Priſoner? Oh heavens, can ſuch a moſt prodigious accident prove true?

Yes Wiſe Chriſantes (ſaid Marteſia) and ſee how it fell out: You very well know, I beleeve, the ill ſucceſſe which he has had in his Wars againſt Artamenes; and how in both his Kingdoms he has but one Maritine Town left, in which he was beſieged. But I beleeve you know not, how when he ſaw this Town was ready to be loſt, he reſolved to convey himſelf out of the victory of his enemies, and flee away in a ſhip, as he did. That which is the greateſt wonder is, that this Prince not knowing where to finde any ſafety [Page] for himſelf, and perhaps being preſſed unto it by the violence of his paſſion, which in the midſt of his misfortunes did not forſake him: did intend to come and offer himſelf unto Ciaxares, to help him in regaining his daughter from the King of Aſſyria; for he had intelligence of her being taken away, before he was beſieged: So that embarking himſelf with that reſolution, he came upon the coaſt of Cappadocia to informe himſelf in the ſtate of things: and he came thither juſt in the nick to ſave our lives: his ſhip which the tempeſt had toſſed as well as our Galley, was not far off us when we began to ſuffer ſhipwrack, although his Pilot endeavoured the place where we were. This Prince being ever very Generous and Noble, and ſeeing us ready to periſh ſo neer him, commanded that all thoſe who appeared above water, ſhould be ſaved if it were poſſible: for as ſhips do better endure a ſtorm then Galleys can, ſo he might do it without any great danger unto himſelf: Preſently, as if the angry waves were appeaſed by our ſhipwrack, there happened a ſudden calm at Sea, the windes were huſht immediatly; and all the mountainous waves levelled in a moment; ſo that the King of Pontus putting a ſmall boat into the [...]ea his men ſaved many others, amongſt which Orſanes who came now with me was one: As they were all buſied in this charitable office, and this Prince being upon the Deck of the ſhip, and perhaps, thinking himſelf more unfortunate in the loſſe of his two Kingdoms, then thoſe men whom he ſaw floting, were in the loſſe of their lives, he diſcovered amongſt the waves ſome women, whoſe clothes kept them above the water: This object moving him unto much compaſſion, he commanded in all haſt that his men ſhould ſave them; though no other intereſt in the world did move him unto it, but his own naturall pity: But imagine you Chriſantes how this Prince was ſurprized, when after they had took us out of the water, and brought us into his Cabin, he knew the Princeſſe Mandana. He preſently forgot all his loſſes, and thought upon nothing but ſaving that life, which had long ſince made him loſe his liberty. Theſe were this Princes cogitations; when, as I told you before, he aſſured the Princeſſe, that ſhe was in a place where ſhe had abſolute power, and authority. Mandana, knowing his voice as well as I, Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him) you ſee that you are not misfortunate alone: But to acknowledg the good office you have done me, I wiſh that you would make ſuch uſe of this opportunity, which the gods have given you, to aſſiſt an unfortunate Princeſſe, as that you may oblige her to aſſiſt you again: Madam (ſaid he unto her) I will complain of my deſtinies no longer, but I think my ſelf obliged to thank the Heavens for the loſſe of my Kingdoms, ſince if I had not loſt them, I ſhould not have had the good fortune to ſave your life, and ſhould not have hindered the Univerſe from loſing her faireſt Ornament: But Madam, you are not now in a condition to be ſpoken unto without troubling you; and ſince Marteſia is with you, alſo able to help you, the reſpects which I owe you, bids me withdraw: All my men has Orders to obey your Women, ſaid he to Arianta, and my ſelf: they need but ask what is wanting, and follow the advice of a Phyſitian, who is here with me, and who has already begun to aſſiſt you; And indeed by good fortune, there was a Graecian Phyſitian, who followed this Prince in his flight, who was very helpfull unto us; for certainly he was a man very knowing in his Art, being a Practiſer under that famous Hippocrates, who is ſo cried up thorowout the whole World. This Prince being gone out, and his men ſupplying us with all neceſſaries, we undreſſed the Princeſſe, and got her into bed: and afterwards Arianta and I having dried our clothes, and taken an admirable water, which the Phyſitian gave us, whoſe vertue was to comfort the heart, and temper the agitation of the blood, we paſſed away all that day and the next night in very good reſt; for to tell you truely, our fears of death, and the wearineſſe of our bodies, did whether we would or no, cauſe ſleep to ſuſpend our unquiet thoughts. The Princeſſe ſhe ſighed very often, and could not chuſe but admire at the prodigiouſneſſe of our chance; ſo that after ſhe waked, and ſaw I was there, and that Arianta ſlept on, ſhe called me; as our bed by her order was in her Cabin, I no ſooner heard her, but I roſe, and dreſſed my ſelf haſtily, then went unto her: I found her indeed not ill, conſidering the illneſſe of the accident, yet I found not her minde very Serene. Well Marteſia (ſaid ſhe unto me) what do you think of our Fortune? where is our hopes? Madam, ſaid I unto her, there are ſuch miraculous accidents which do befall us, that I do think it much raſhneſſe to judge what our future events will be; for truely Madam, ſince the Prince Mazares has deceived me, I can truſt no more in any one, but muſt needs miſtruſt all, yet I am moſt certain we have eſcaped a moſt miraculous danger, which ſeemed inevitable, and I hope that the ſame gods who ſaved you, wil [...] protect you: For my part, I beleeve the tempeſt did onely riſe to puniſh the unfortunate [Page] Mazares. Perhaps (replied the Princeſſe) he is eſcaped as well as we; for when our Galley was ſplit, and after we were in the water, I either ſaw him, or imagined that he held me up by a ſcarf, which I then had about me; but when I reſiſted him, and did ſtrive to be looſe from him, the ſcarf did looſe of it ſelf, and after that I loſt both my reaſon and my underſtanding faculties: Madam, ſaid I unto her, that which you tell me is more then an imagination, for your ſcarf is not to be found, and therefore it is to be thought, that the unfortunate Mazares is periſhed, and therefore the Tempeſt, as I ſaid, did riſe onely to puniſh him: And perhaps alſo (added the Princeſſe) that the gods have preſerved me, to make me more miſerable; for truly Marteſia, it is very ſtrange, that theſe two, the King of Aſſyria, and the King of Pontus, whom of all men living in the World I moſt feared to fall into their power, that one of theſe Princes, whom I thought engaged in a troubleſome War, and who perhaps, never was at Sea but this one time, that this Prince I ſay, ſhould loſe both his Kingdoms, and fleeing from a Town (which as his Phyſitian told me) he could not keep, he ſhould take the direct way to meet me; and that his ſhip, which in all reaſon, ſhould have ſhun'd the Land, ſhould get no further from it; and that he ſhould come juſt at the minuit of our ſhipwrack; that he ſhould ſave me, and keep me in his power; I tell you Marteſia, theſe prodigious caſualties make me all fear. But, Madam, (ſaid I unto her) the misfortune of this Prince will be your ſecurity: for what can a King without a Kingdome do? and what Sanctuary could he finde if he ſhould offer any violence unto you, or detain you againſt your minde? I know not my Marteſia, (anſwered the Princeſſe) but I am ſure my fears are above my hopes: not but that I have prevalent Reaſons to induce the King of Pontus to do as I would deſire; but Marteſia, my Fate is to make all men I deal with to loſe their Reaſon: I baniſh vertue out of the ſouls of them who love me; I alter all their good inclinations: And I think it a miracle, that Artamenes in loving me, ſhould retain his Generoſity. Then Chriſantes whileſt the Princeſſe was thus diſcourſing with me, the King of Pontus, who had changed his courſe, and made towards the main Sea, was no leſſe unquiet in his minde then the Princeſſe was; and going into another chamber with one of his ſervants, called Pharnabaſes, in whom he had great confidence, he began to relate the preſent ſtate of his ſoul unto him. Orſanes who is here, and who endured the ſhipwrack better then we, becauſe he could ſwim, was in another little Room neer them, where he could hear all they ſaid, and all which he related unto me the next morning: for although he had been the ſervant of Mazares, yet he was ſo ſerviceable unto us whileſt we were in Babylon, that we did not uſe him ill: Orſanes then being in that place I told you of, heard the King ſay unto the man; It muſt be acknowledged Pharnabaſes, that my deſtiny is odde, and that the gods do treat me in a rigorous manner: For beſides the conſideration of the ancient misfortunes of my Houſe, If I call to minde all which hath happened unto me by reaſon of my paſſionate love of Mandana, may I not well beleeve that I am reſerved for croſſe adventures. I was left as a Hoſtage with Ciaxares, and I became enamoured with Mandana his Daughter: I durſt not then declare it openly, becauſe that then there was no hopes of my being King: Yet I was no ſooner out of that Priſon, but I was preſently in the Throne, and then I demanded the Princeſſe Mandana of Ciaxares her father, by way of Marriage, and he denied me: I began a War, and was unfortunate in it: I was taken Priſoner, and did paſſionately love my vanquiſher: I came out of priſon by the aſſiſtance of his Generoſity: Then did I enter into a Civil War; not being able to break thoſe chains which tied me unto Mandana: What ſhould I ſay Pharnabaſes? I have been beaten, purſued, beſieged, and perſecuted by them who my Father left ſubjects unto me, and who are now become my mortall enemies: I had once two Crowns upon my head, but now I am forced to flee in one ſingle ſhip, as my onely ſafety and retreat: I am reduced unto this extreamity; I finde Mandana, whom I ever adored in my heart, at the very point of death; It was my hap to ſave her, and now I have her in my power; Ah Pharnabaſes, how much would this laſt adventure advantage me, if I could make good uſe of it? I ſhould value the loſſe of both my two Kingdoms at a low rate, if I could but conquer the heart of Mandana. But alas, that likelihood is there, that the gods will ever permit me to ſo glorious a Conqueſt? If [...]ver they had intended me ſuch a happineſſe, they would never have taken my two Crowns [...]rom me: But alſo what likelihood was there to finde this Princeſſe in ſuch a deplorable [...]ondition? or that they ſhould ever afford me ſo much joy, as to have her in my power; [...]urely they intended me ſome conſolation for the loſſe of my two Crowns: No, no, I will [...]ill hope that ſince they have given me poſſeſſion of ſuch an uneſtimable Treaſure, which [Page] does not belong unto me, and which I am unworthy of, they will render me that which does belong unto me. But oh heavens, I am not rightly amorous to remember any crowns, at the feet of Mandana: no proud paſſion, which vaunts and domineers in the hearts of all men, thou ſhalt not do ſo in mine, and love ſhall ſurmount thee: yes, in ſpite of all my loſſes, all my diſgraces; and all my ambition, this very one thought that Mandana is in my power, ſhall rejoyce me, and make me willingly forſake them all: But yet, thou unfortunat Prince, what canſt thou do? Is it poſſible that a King who is turned out of his dominions, whoſe imaginations can think of nothing but, ſubjecting thrones, Broken Scepters, and Cruſhed Crowns, can be ſenſible of any delights? but on the other ſide? is it poſſible to ſee Mandana, and Mandana riſen from the dead, and riſen by thee, and not be ſenſible of ſo much Joy as may comfort thee in all thy ſorrowes? No, no, this is a priviledg of love, which ambition cannot diſpute for: The Joyes of ambition are not alwayes ſerene; and the remembrance of my loſſes do ſomtimes trouble me: but the Image of Mandana no ſooner comes into my memory, but all thoſe melancholy thoughts forſake me, thoſe miſts vaniſh and, I ſee nothing but Mandana; yes Pharnabaſes, I no ſooner apply my ſelf unto this pleaſing thought, but I know not whether I am ſtill upon a throne, or whether I be thrown out of it; whether I be upon the ſea, or whether I am upon earth: I know only that I never think upon regaining my kingdomes, nor of revenging my ſelf upon my enemyes: All my thoughts are how to vanquiſh the civility of my Princeſs. But Pharnabaſes the enterpriſe is extreamly difficult, and I ſhall have much a do to find out ſuch reaſons, as can give me any hopes of ſoftening the ſeverity of Mandana. The obligation Sir, which ſhe owes you, (replied Pharnabaſes) is argument ſufficient to move her mind; and I think that ſuch a one as▪ owes unto you a life were extreamly unjuſt, if ſhe did deny you her affection: alas Pharnabaſes (ſaid the King unto him) it ſeemes you are not acquainted with Mandana: yet know thus much, that although I ſhould expoſe my own life a thouſand and a thouſand times to preſerve hers, yet would ſhe owe me nothing; for it is no more then duty of all ſuch as have the honour to know her, to do as much, out of their love unto her, and I ſhould do as much, although I were certain to be extreamly hated eternally. But Pharnabaſes, my Joy to have ſuch a treaſure in my poſſeſſion, which I value at a far higher rate then the empire of all Aſia, is both a moſt ſweet, and a moſt bitter, grief unto me, ſince I ſhall not now be troubled by the misfortune of any Rivall; for I underſtand by one of them who eſcaped the ſhipwrack, that the Princeſs was ever very averſe unto the King of Aſſyria; and that though he had her in the prime town in the world, yet could he not move her at all: what can I then hope to do? who cannot preſent her with any crowns or ſcepters and has nothing left in my power to give her but that ſame heart which ſhe has ſo often refuſed: Ah Pharnabaſes! Ambition is a great incitement unto love, Crowns and Scepters moves hearts which are moſt inſenſible: I cannot think, a Prince who is driven out of his dominions, and can preſent nothing but a ſhare in his misfortunes, is in a condition to ſtrike deep into the mind of Mandana: For my part, (ſaid Pharnabaſes) I think you complaine of this accident, which you rather ought to rejoyce at, becauſe if you reſtore the Princeſs Mandana unto her father, I am certain that the ſame army wherewith he intended to take Babylon, and ſince is maſter of it, and which as theſe men who have eſcaped from the ſhipwrack, do ſay, will be preſently returned into Cappadocia, ſhall be imployed to reconquer your eſtate againe: and I am certain, that Artamenes who you ſo much ſpeak of will not deny you his aſſiſtance: I do confeſs Pharnabaſes, and am fully perſwaded that it would be more prudent and Judicious to take the courſe you ſpeak of, rather then to humour my extream paſſion: But yet in doing ſo, I ſhould be more ambitious then amorous, and love a crown better then I do Mandana, and not prefer her as I do above all the Crowns and Scepters upon earth: for although he do give me his army, yet will he not give me his daughter: ſo that if I part with her I ſhall be almoſt certain to regain my Crown, but then I ſhall be certain alſo to loſe Mandana: Ha Pharnabaſes there is no compariſon in the choiſe of theſe two; and I had much rather never get my Crown, then never ſee Mandana againe: But Sir, anſwered Pharnabaſes, all your thoughts of ambition and Crowns will be but thorns in your heart, and you would be ſtill unhappy unleſs you were loved: and I do make it a grand queſtion whether you ever will be ſo: as long as you are without a Crown, without a Scepter, without a habitation, but as thus a wanderer, a fugitive, and an unfortunat man: conſider Sir, I beſeech you, that by reſtoring this Princeſs you will gaine a potent protector, and find a ſafe ſanctuary: and that if [Page] you do not reſtore her, then you know not where to find a place of retreat in all the earth: and you will ruine your ſelf under the arms of an enemy, who in the turning of an eye can command two hundred thouſand men: I do confeſs Pharnabaſes (anſwered the King) that all you ſay is true: But I know alſo that I have a more formidable enemy in my own heart which I know not how to overcome, and who I ſhould be ſorrie if he did ſo: yes Pharnabaſes, the ſight of Mandana has ſo much inflamed my paſſion, that I can harken unto nothing but what will ſatisfie it. I know that in lieu of a gallant act, I ſhall commit a crime; but what ſhould I do? It is the violence of love enforceth me to it: and I conceive it a thing abſolutly impoſſible to have one who is beloved as I love Mandana in ones power, and voluntarily to part with her: moreover there are not the ſame reaſons why ſhe ſhould hate me, as there are why ſhe ſhould hate the King of Aſſyria; for I did not take her away as he did, but on the contrary I ſaved her life, and reſcued her out of the arms of death: ſhe cannot therefore without great injuſtice call me her Raviſher, ſince I did only preſerve that treaſure which the gods did ſend me as a cordiall after all my loſſes: But alas, how can I keep this unvaluable treaſure in a poor ſingle ſhip without any refuge or retract? and can I find in my heart to make her unto whom of all the earth I wiſh moſt happineſs, ſo infinitly unhappy? Truth is, Chriſantes this Prince after ſuch an extream agitation of his mind, could not reſolve upon any thing; but when he underſtood by the phyſitian that the Princeſs was in ſo good a condition that ſhe might be ſeen, he ſent, to deſire permiſſion that he might viſit her. At his firſt approach unto her, he expreſſed much Joy, to ſee ſo many ſigns of health in her countenance, conſidering the accident; not but that there was much melancholy in the eyes of the Princes; but ſince ſhe was ever ſo fair that ſhe could not ever look ill, he thought better of her then indeed ſhe was: moreover, rhe King, ſeeing her the day before in a worſe condition, did think, ſhe Looked well then: The Princeſſe, as owing her Life unto him, Received him with a Civilitie, and after ſhe had cauſed him to ſit down, ſhe ſaid unto him with as much ſpirit as ſweetneſſe: you ſee here Sir a wonderfull effect of fortunes inconſtancie: for when you Left me laſt at Sinope, I was in a condition then to doe you a favour; but now, I am in a condition to Receive one from you: War, brought you into my fathers priſon, and fortune has brought me into yours: and I rejoice in my captivitie, ſince I have an opinion that he who has ſaved my life, will ſuffer me to enjoy it; and perhaps will remember that he went out of Cappadocia without any ranſome; but Sir, I do not ſpeak this with any intention to quit my own; but on the contrary, I am certain that the King my father will both pay it, and alſo if you pleaſe, aſſiſt you in the reconqueſt of the kingdomes of Pontus and Bythinia: I am at this preſent Madam, (replied the King) ſo rich, ſince I have the honour to ſee you in a place where I have power, that I cannot think of any conqueſts: and if you had not remembred me of my misfortunes, in ſpeaking to me of my priſon, I think I ſhould have abſolutly forgot all my loſſes and diſgraces: But they are ſo conſiderable (replied ſhe) that they cannot chuſe but be remembred at all times, and in all places: yet generous Prince, there wants a remedy, againſt them: doubtleſs Madam, you may, (ſaid the King ſighing) if you pleaſe, yes, (anſwered the Princeſe) but it muſt be by the valour of another: therefore Sir, I beſeech you make towards Sinope, that we may ſend one of your men on ſhore to get information where the King my father is: my deſigne was, (replied the King) to go and offer my ſelf unto him, that he would be pleaſed to accept of my aſſiſtance, in recovering you out of the King of Aſſyrias power; but now the courſe and end of my voyage is altered: you may better proceed in your voyage (ſaid the Princeſs) ſince in reſcuing me from death, you have done that alone, which you could not have done with two hundred thouſand men, if you had been to deliver me out of the power of the King of Aſſyria: ſo that Sir you ſhall come into the camp of Ciaxares as a Prince who has done more then a puiſſant army could do: yes Madam (anſwered he kneeling notwithſtanding the oppoſition of the Princeſs) but Madam do you know my thoughts? and if you do know them, can you think that the loſs of my two kingdoms, can alter them: I think Sir (replied the Princeſs) that if you did eſteem me, you will do ſo ſtill; and you may in all reaſon think, that ſince you have not changed your thoughts, no more have I mine, but that I continue ſtill the very ſame I was; oh Madam (replied he) will you continue ſo inſenſible, and ſo inexorable for ever? did the gods ſend me to raiſe you from the dead, that you ſhould ſo cruelly give me my death? I do confeſs Sir, (anſwered the Princeſs raiſing up her ſelf a little) that I owe my life unto you; but if you gave it me, with any intentions it ſhould be a torment unto me, I do freely permit you [Page] to take it again when you pleaſe: No Madam, replied he, you ſhall never loſe it that way, for it is a jewel which I will ever defend with the hazard of mine own. Sir, (anſwered ſhe) do you think that there is neither fire, nor ſword, nor poiſon, can ſend me to my grave: No, no, you deceive your ſelf if you think it, and there are other kinds of death more cruel then they, though they do not look ſo horridly: yes Sir, ſaid ſhe, I do prefer the moſt violent death above a ſervitude; and I ſhall think you more innocent in killing me, then keeping me by force, or in making me die by deſpair: but generous Prince, I cannot believe you have any ſuch deſign, and when I remember how bravely you treated a man, who did every day endeavour to catch you into his power; when I remember, I ſay, how you advertiſed Artamenes of the conſpiracy againſt his life, and how you did command he ſhould not be ſhot at; I cannot think that ſince ambition left you your reaſon free, love ſhould ſo deprive you of it, as not to conſider in what ſtate your buſineſſe is in, and though you were not generous, but prudent only and intereſted, yet would it be very advantagious for you to reſtore me unto the King my father, and abſolutely prejudicial unto you to retain me long: I ſee very well Madam (anſwered he) that all you ſay is moſt reaſonable, yet I muſt be maſter of more reaſon then I am, before I can execute it: That which moſt comforts me in this adventure, Divine Princeſſe, is, that I ſee you never were in love, ſo that I have no other impediment to remove, but that of inſenſibility: For indeed Madam, if you did but know what it was to love, you would never ſpeak thus unto me, and you would know that all other paſſions in compariſon of it are nothing: But Sir (replied ſhe and bluſht) I think that they who love, deſire to be beloved again, and that it is a general rule, all lovers would not incur the hatred of them they love: if ſo, then conſider if you pleaſe, that by reſtoring me to my father you will at the leaſt obtain ſome of my eſteem, and perhaps my friendſhip; and that if you do not reſtore me, I ſhall then hate you above all compariſons, more then I think you love me. Your eſteem, Madam, and friendſhip (anſwered the King) are two things which are infinitely pretious, and ought fully to ſatisfie ſuch as do only eſteem and honour you: But love, Madam, is a paſſion, much more tyrannical, and will be ſatisfied with nothing but the ſame; think it not ſtrange then, I beſeech you, if the hopes which you give me to enjoy your eſteem and friendſhip, do not move me to forſake the intereſt of my love: But Sir, replied ſhe, then in lieu of obtaining my love, you will find my extream hate: who knows, Madam, (anſwered he) whether a little time may not move an alteration in your heart? and whether pitty may not procure that from you which nothing elſe can? Conſider, I beſeech you Madam, that he whom you ſee here before you, has a ſoul ſo poſſeſſed with violent paſſion, as never man had the like; and if you will know it, be pleaſed to conſider but two things: Firſt, that one only favourable look from you, does comfort, more then the regaining of my two Kingdoms would: Secondly, that though perhaps, I might obtain ſufficient forces from the King your father, to reconquer them, if I ſhould reſtore you unto him; yet I had rather chuſe to loſe them both then be deprived of you: Take heed Sir what you ſay, replied the Princeſſe; for in reſtoring me my liberty, you will only want the ſight of me; but if you do not reſtore me, you will not only loſe my eſteem, but alſo in a few dayes my life; whereas on the contrary, if you pleaſe, you may ſit in your Throne again in glory, and have this ſatisfaction to boot, that I ſhall be moſt extreamly obliged unto you: A Throne, Madam (anſwered he) is not neceſſary for that Prince who cannot live without you; and if during my late wars I had not retained ſome hopes, to find out wayes whereby I might move your heart by my perſeverance, I ſhould not have ſo obſtinately diſputed the victory with thoſe who have vanquiſhed me: not Madam, but that I know you have great reaſon to deſpiſe and ſcorn that Prince whom fortune has forſaken: But yet Madam, it is worth conſideration, to think how inconſtant this fortune is: who one day, perhaps courts him, whom the next day ſhe cruelly perſecutes; and this very accident in meeting with you, perſwades me that all my misfortunes are blown over, and that a ſerene calm will follow my boiſtrous ſtorm; yes Madam, the ſight of you ſpeaks ſerenity unto me, and infuſeth lively hopes into the ſouls of them who before were ſunk in ſorrows; I hope therefore Madam, that good fortune will follow, as long as I am with you, and that there is no Country, I ſhall not find a ſanctuary in, as long as I carry you thither; yet notwithſtanding Madam, I do promiſe you, never to uſe any thing but my tears, and ſighs, and prayers, and perſeverance, wherewith to overcome you: fear not therefore Madam, to be engaged in my fortunes; and believe it, that when I ſee I cannot obtain your love by theſe innocent wayes, you ſhall then receive your liberty by the end of my life: [Page] How Sir, (replied the Princeſſe, with her eyes full of tears) muſt I not have my liberty till [...]ou die? I beſeech you do not force me to deſire it, it is a thing I never yet wiſhed unto [...]y moſt mortal enemies; and I ſhould be very ſorry to be compelled to wiſh it unto a Prince who has ſo many excellent qualities, to one who has ſaved my life, and one who doubtleſſe will never forſake the wayes of vertue, [...] perſecute me; moreover, Sir, into what part of the world ſoever you ſhall carry me, [...] King my father will follow yo [...] Artamenes, whoſe valour is not unknown to you, [...]ill perhaps compel you to d [...] now will be a favour, if you will be pleaſed to do it: If I could Madam, (r [...] in a moſt paſſionate geſture) doubtleſſe I would do it, and prevent [...]ers and menaces: But alas, Divine Princeſſe, I cannot; all that is in my [...]s to tell you, that if it be your pleaſure, I will caſt my ſelf into the Sea, or run my [...] through that heart which I have dedicated unto you; I ſhall do it willingly at the very ſame minute you command it, and ſo by my death ſet you at liberty; it is not the will of the gods (replied the Princeſſe) that we ſhould expiate one ſin by committing another, and therefore I ſhall never bid you die in that manner: But Sir, I do intreat you with all the affection which I am capable of, that you would not make me unhappy by making your ſelf culpable, or by making me bear the burthen of your misfortunes; when the King [...] that all he ſaid, did but more incenſe the Princeſſe, he roſe up, and in all reverence co [...]eeing, ſaid unto her; We ſhall ſee madam, whether the gods will change my heart, o [...]pitty move yours: after this, without giving any time to anſwer, he went out of her Cabin, and preſently after Orfanes entred, who not knowing what the King had ſaid unto the Princeſſe, came to tell as what he had heard. Mandana thanked him, and told him that his maſters crime ſhould not be imputed unto the ſervant, but that if ever ſhe came into a condition to be able, ſhe would requite him: My maſter, Madam, (ſaid he unto her) was ſo infinitely reſpective of you, that if he were alive, certainly he would repair his fault; and I verily believe we had not ſuffered ſhipwrack if he had obeyed you, and changed our courſe when you deſired: However Orſanes, replied the Princeſſe, if I have any need of your help, I believe you will not deny it; you may command me Madam, the the moſt difficult ſervices, (anſwered he) and ſhall certainly be obeyed. And truly I think there was not a more officious man in the world then this, nor more underſtanding; it was by his reports I came unto much of what I have related unto you. Orſanes being gone out, the Princeſſe began to lament her miſfortunes, and Arianta alſo began to repent that ſhe had been a cauſe of them, and that, with ſuch extream ſorrow, as ſhe almoſt loſt her reaſon; for this woman, though none did think of accuſing her, did begin to accuſe her ſelf, and beg the Princeſſe pardon, with a promiſe hereafter of inviolable fidelity: She told her further, how ſhe conceived it would have been a good piece of ſervice unto her, to contribute all ſhe could to make her Queen of Aſſyria: and truly, ſhe ſpoke ſo ingeniouſly, and with ſo repentant a ſorrow for her fault, as the Princeſſe pardoned her. Mean while the King of Pontus had his ſhare in ſorrow; he neither durſt viſit the Princeſſe, nor could for bear it: fain would he deliver her up to her father, and fainer would he keep her; and not knowing whither to go, or what to do, we wandered many dayes together upon the Seas, and the Pilot received no other orders, but to keep far from any land, and avoid meeting with any Ships. You may judge unto what patience we were put; I ſpoke often unto the King of Pontus, but all in vain; and the three laſt days which we were upon the Sea, he came not into the Princeſs chamber: But at the laſt, when the King bethought himſelf, how the King of Armenia would pay no more Tribute unto the King of the Medes, ſince the death of Aſtyages, he believed that he might find a ſafety there, for there was alliance between them: So that one morning as our Ship lay at anchor, cloſe by the mouth of the River Halis, the King ſent a little Cock-boat to procure a greater boat, to Rowe up by ſtregth of Oar the ſaid River; and one was preſently gotten, ſo that then he came unto the Princeſſe Cabin: Madam (ſaid he, with a diſordered countenance) it is not juſt to let you any longer endure the inconveniency of the Sea, you will find leſſe diſcommodity in a River. I ſhall ſuffer equall inconveniency in both (anſwered ſhe) as long as you continue thus unreaſonable. Madam, ſaid he unto her, my deſign is to carry you unto the King of Armenia. The Princeſſe was glad when ſhe ſaw that we were indeed to leave the Sea; and ſhe hoped for more help upon Land, or in a River, then in a Ship on the midſt of toſſing waves: And although ſhe knew that the King of Armenia had an ambitious and ſtirring ſpirit, alſo would be glad of any pretence for a war; yet the Prince Tigranis his ſon, who was very vertuouſly diſpoſed, and who ſhe had heretofore ſeen at Sinope, did comfort her a little: She went therefore whither they carried her without any [Page] contradiction: It was the Princeſſe deſire that Orſanes and two others might go with which was all we could obtain, of fifteen or twenty which were ſaved from ſhipwrack, and the King of Pontus took only thirty of his own men; but we knew not what he did with his Ship: Then began we to boat up the River by force of Oar, but becauſe the River did run there with a very ſwift current, it was a long time before we could get into it, and we were almoſt alwayes upon the Land, becauſe the middle of the River did run more rapidly: As we looked about us, the Princeſſe eſp [...] Ortalques upon the River banks, and knew him at the firſt; but I ſuppoſe that I need not particularize any further concerning this paſſage, ſince [...]magine that you already know them by him, for Artucas told me, that he came hither: ſh [...] ſooner ſaw him, but pulling out a little inkhorn, which ſhe ever carried about her, and hiding her ſelf behinde Arianta and my ſelf, ſhe writ what doubtleſſe you have ſeen, or at leaſt heard of it by Ortalques: but as ill luck would have it, the King of Pontus, who was buſie in ſeeing them Rowe, turned his head towards us, as ſhe was writing, ſo that ſhe had not time to end her Note, but gave it unto me; I lapped it up in my hood, and as the Boat almoſt touched the Land neer Ortalques, I threw it unto him, as if the winde had carried it from me, and ſeemed as if I did not care whether or no I had it again; ſo that they ſtayed not the Boat for it, for if they had, the current of the water would have driven the Boat back again into the Sea: Without doubt Chriſantes you know that this River has its originall among the Mountains in Armenia; that it runs along by the ſide of Lydia; and that it ſpreads it ſelf upon the right hand towards Mantiana, and on the left hand towards Phrygia: that afterwards on the right hand it moiſtens a great part of Cappadocia, and on the left hand Paphlagonia; ſo that there were ſome places by which we were to go, that the King of Pontus feared very much, and which the Princeſs alſo feared, becauſe it was on that ſide of Cappadocia, where the people by the perſwaſions of Aribeus were revolted, and took part with the King of Aſſyria: But as ſoon as we were paſt Cappadocia, he ſuffered us ſometime to ſtay in the night time, that the Princeſs might more quietly take reſt and ſleep: and to that end, they made her a Cabin in the Boat, which ſeparated us from the reſt of the company, and where none but her own ſervants entered, excepting the King of Pontus: At laſt Chriſantes, as neceſſity is alwayes ingenious, the Princeſs did not apprehend it an abſolute impoſſibility for us to make an eſcape, ſo that I conſulted with Orſanes, and we reſolved to endeavour it: The Princeſs would have a candle burning alwayes in the night time, in our Cabin; but the better to execute our deſigne we put it out: And proſecuting our reſolution, one night when we were neer a great Wood, Orſanes who lay on the outſide of our Cabin, came under the hangings on our ſide, and went quietly into the water, which was not very deep in that place, intending to take us, one after another, and carry us aſhore, and then to hide our ſelves in the thick of the great Wood, which we obſerved very neer us: And ſince the night was very dark, and we but two to be carried, the Princeſſe would not be carried firſt, becauſe ſhe ſhould then be alone upon the Banks, ſo that ſhe would have Orſanes carry me firſt; But Oh Heavens, what ill fortune was it that I obeyed her? and how much injury did the Princeſſe do her ſelf in commanding it? For Orſanes and I were no ſooner at Land, but the King of Pontus waking, and ſeeing no light in our Cabin, cried out to him that ſtood Centinel (who had not perceived us becauſe it was very dark) and bade him look well to the Princeſſe; ſo that at this Cry, the Watermen who alwayes kept a dark lanthorn, did bring it, and there they found the Princeſſe all alone in a great amazement. Orſanes and I, ſeeing this, would have returned what danger ſoever would hap unto us: but the Watermen Rowing away with all their ſtrength, by order from the King of Pontus, Cry and call as long, and as loud as we could, they would not ſtay to take us in: The King queſtionleſſe imagining, that we had got ſome conſiderable ſtrength upon Land to execute our deſigne; We heard the Princeſſe call ſometimes Marteſia, and ſometimes Orſanes: but preſently after we neither heard nor ſaw any thing, although the Moon preſently after began to break out, and the River in that place did ſo turn and winde, that it was impoſſible for us to ſee the Boat: You may well imagine Chriſantes, how great my ſorrows, and my fears were: Firſt, to ſee I was ſeparated from the Princeſſe: Secondly, to finde my ſelf alone with a man upon the banks of a great River, neer a great Wood, in the midſt of the night; The reſt of the night we paſſed away and followed the River ſide, hoping alwayes, that the Moon would ſhine ſo cleer, that we might once more diſcover the Boat: At the laſt, we being very weary, and having found a little habitation of Fiſher-men by the water ſide, we ſtayed there, and found there more helps then we could hope for from men of ſuch [Page] Quality. We told them our adventure, diſguiſing our names, and the qualities of the perſons, becauſe we were in Paphlagonia, and deſired them to informe us, whether it were poſſible to overtake the Boat we told them of: they told us that it was abſolutely impoſſible to overtake them with another Boat, conſidering the number of their Oars, and the time we had loſt to follow them: nor was it more eaſie to follow with Horſes, becauſe the River doth turn and winde very much: and their Boat taking alwayes the middle of the River, has by conſequence leſſe way to go then they who go by the ſides: Moreover, not far from thence the River divides into two, and who can tell which way they would take? In concluſion Chriſantes, we had no other courſe, but to finde out ſome way how to come hither; where I did ſuppoſe I ſhould finde the King. I had by good fortune the Picture of the Princeſſe about me, in a very rich box, which upon this occaſion did us very good ſervice: for when I had taken out the Picture, I ſent Orſanes unto the next Town to ſell it, and to buy a Coach and Horſes, whileſt he left me amongſt the fiſher-men: At his returne we did recompence thoſe honeſt men for their courteſies, and came in all haſte hither, where we thought verily to finde Artamenes alſo, but little did we think to finde him a Priſoner. Now wiſe Chriſantes you know thus far of the Princeſſe her fortune: and I did very much deſire to relate it unto you, before I ſpoke with the King, to the end that when you were informed of our adventures, and my ſelf alſo better inſtructedin the ſtate of things, I might more judicially know what to ſay, or not to ſay.

Marteſia having ended her ſtory, Chriſantes and Feraulas thanked her for the pains ſhe had taken, and began to conſider the wonderfull paſſages ſhe had told them. They could not ſufficiently admire the conſtancy of the Princeſſe, and her immoveable vertue wherewith ſhe acted throughout all her adventures. They conſidered her as carried away by the greateſt King of all Aſia, whom ſhe hated: they then looked upon her as in the power of a Prince, whom ſhe very much eſteemed; and yet they think upon her, as ſhe is in the power of a King, without a Kingdome: They obſerved the greatneſſe of the firſt, did not terrifie her from treating him leſſe rigorouſly; That the eſteem which ſhe had of the ſecond, did not alter her heart; and that the misfortunes of the third, did not move her to treat him leſſe civilly, then if he were upon his Throne: The truth is, they ſaw Mandana was ſo worthy of Artamenes, and Artamenes of Mandana, that when they conſidered how they were ſeparated, and how both of them unfortunate, their converſation could not chuſe but end in ſighes and teares, and all other ſignes of compaſſion: Firſt, for ſo many misfortunes as the Princeſſe had been expoſed unto; Secondly, by reaſon of that ſtrange Oracle which threatned a greater misfortune unto Artamenes, then his impriſonment. Feraulas was over-joyed to ſee Marteſia again; and Chriſantes, who did very highly eſteem her vertues, did bid her very welcome back: yet before they parted, they made a ſhort relation according to their promiſe, of all the adventures of Artamenes: As well his voyage unto the Maſſagettes, as his returne to Cappadocia: and alſo all the Aſſyrian War: They related alſo the lamentable encounter that Artamenes had with Mazares, when he was dying, who had from him the ſcarfe whereof ſhe ſpoke in her relation, and which Artamenes knew to be the ſame which Mandana had refuſed him, a little before he went to fight: But (added Feraulas) I am certain he was much more ſad, when he received it, then he was when it was denied him: Truly (ſaid Marteſia) the deſtiny of that ſcarfe is very ſtrange; for I beſeech you conſider by what an odde way Fate has brought it into Artamenes hands: Firſt you know that it was of moſt rare Golden Tiſſue, and admirably wrought by the Princeſſe her ſelf, for her own diverſion, and that was the reaſon why ſhe valued it ſo much, though ſhe had other reaſons to deny it Artamenes, when he deſired it from her at Aniſa: But as if ſhe valued it at a higher eſteem, becauſe Artamenes had deſired it, ſhe commanded me to have an extraordinary care of it, and would wear it no more. Afterwards when we returned to Sinope, I carried it thither, and when we departed from thence, and went unto Amaſia, and from thence to Themiſcira, I left it there amongſt a hundred other things which belonged unto the Princeſſe; ſo alſo, when we returned thither again with the King of Aſſyria, there I found it; for Aribeus did not ſuffer any diſorder in the Caſtle: and that ſame night we went away, this ſcarfe, I know not how, fell out of my hands; and immediately, being moved unto it, by I know not what conceit, Madam (ſaid I unto the Princeſſe, who came in as I took it up) ſhall this ſcarfe which you value ſo much, and which you denied Artamenes, remain in the hands of the King of Aſſyria: No Marteſia (ſaid ſhe unto me) it ſhall not: for if Artamenes ſhould hereafter ſee him wear it in any combate, he would imagine perhaps, that I [Page] gave it him: In concluſion, Feraulas, ſhe took it, and wore it, and ſee by what Fate Mazares came by it; and how Artamenes received that from one of his Rivals, which the Princeſſe had refuſed him. Laſt of all, Feraulas and Chriſantes, reſolved that Marteſia ſhould ſtay a day or two before ſhe ſhewed her ſelf, to the end they might have leaſure, firſt to relate what ſhe had told them unto their dear Maſter, and whileſt they had conſulted with his friends, when would be the fitteſt time the King ſhould ſee her. Marteſia deſired Feraulas to aſſure Artamenes that ſhe would moſt ſeriouſly intereſt her ſelf in his fortunes; and that ſhe did moſt paſſionatly wiſh, that this little ſhadow of liberty which was permitted him of late, might be ſpeedily ſeconded by an abſolute freedome, ſo as he might be in a condition to go and relieve the Princeſſe. After this, Chriſantes and Feraulas left her, and went to give Artamenes ſo much ſatisfaction, as to hear of Mandana's Fidelity and Conſtancy.

The End of the Second Book.

ARTAMENES, OR Cyrus the Great. THE SECOND PART. BOOK III.

[Page]

THeſe two faithful ſervants of a famous Maſter, could not ſatisfie their deſires until the next morning; becauſe it was not poſſible to find Artamenes alone by himſelf, ſince Ciaxares had given this liberty to viſit him, unleſſe it were in a morning before he did riſe out of his bed: for every one did earneſtly deſire the benefit of that priviledge; and every one to make this priviledge to continue longer, told Ciaxares, that Artamenes did bend at laſt, and would diſcover what he deſired: This generous priſoner was extreamly impatient to be at liberty, that he might free Mandana; but although love took up all his ſoul, he did not forget that Araſpes was in priſon as well as himſelf, and he ſent very often to ſee how he did; and did apparently teſtifie that his impriſonment did augment the rigor of his own: He was extreamly raviſhed with admiration, when Chriſantes and Feraulas came unto him as he was in bed, and told him Marteſia was come to Sinope; the name of Marteſia cauſed him to leap up for joy, imagining that Mandana was not far off; and the relation which afterwards they made unto him of Mandana's adventures, and of her fidelity to him, made ſo great a rapture in his ſoul, as he was not able to receive ſuch good news in its full delight; for indeed Chriſantes and Feraulas told him alſo of that Oracle which the King of Aſſyria had received at Babylon: And alſo, to hear that the Princeſſe was in the power of the King of Pontus, whoſe excellent merit he very well knew, was another means to moderate his exceſſive joy. Do you admire Chriſantes, (ſaid he unto him) the humorous diſpoſition of Fate, which procures me the moſt accompliſhed and moſt reaſonable men in their loves, to be my Rivals? For truly if Mandana had been courted only by Princes of brutiſh paſſions, ſuch as would ſpeak of nothing but violences, of ſword, or fire, or bloud; who would make themſelves to be loved, by ſuch courſes as commonly procures hatred; ſuch as pretend only unto vitious favours, and ask them with daggers in their hands, and fury in their eyes, then I would not fear that the Divine Mandana would prefer them before Artamenes. But Chriſantes, I have much reaſon to fear what now you come to tell me; and as you relate the ſtory unto me; the raviſhers of Mandana are a hundred times more to be feared, then if [Page] they were leſs reaſonable, & not ſo ſubmiſſive. But Sir, (ſaid Feraulas) I beſeech you conſider, that the King of Aſſyria is now not with Mandana: Alſo you are certain, that Mazares is not alive, and ſhe is only in the power of a King who has not a kingdom: It is true, replied he, but this King without a Crown, deſerves a hundred, and that is it, which makes him terrible unto me, yet notwithſtanding, he was ſomtimes very glad to know that the Princeſs was in Armenia, and ſomtimes againe he would be ſorry for it; for though the virtue of Tygranes was a comfort unto him, yet the violent and ambitious diſpoſition of the King his father, cauſed ſome ſorrow in him. Feraulas then preſented Marteſia's complement unto him, which he received very kindly, and ſent back Feraulas preſently unto her, to teſtifie his thanks, and ſorrow that he was not in ſuch a condition, to come hinſelf and tell her what he thought; and alſo to let her know, how much he thought himſelf obliged unto her, for acquainting him with the Princeſs thoughts: he alſo ſent Chriſantes unto the Princeſs which had intereſted themſelves concerning his liberty, to conſult with them upon the return of Marteſia: and all of them conceived that the ſooner ſhe ſhewed her ſelf unto the King, it would be the better; for they thought that the certainty of the Princeſs fortune, and the infallible appearance of a new war, would much conduce unto his freedom. Chriſantes then, advertiſing Marteſia of the reſolution, ſhe appeared the ſame night, and ſaid ſhe came but then to town. The King received her with extream joy and ſhed many tears of tenderneſs, for he knew how the Princeſs his daughter loved her? ſhe acquainted him with all the removes and rapes of Mandana, and with every paſſage excepting what related unto Artamenes, which ſhe handſomly concealed with much care, naming him but once in all her relation: nor did ſhe mention the Oracle received at Babylon, leſt it ſhould trouble him, and diſpleaſe Artamenes, and as ſhe was very witty, ſo ſhe did deliver every thing or paſs it over, as it might be either advantagious or prejudiciall: Ciaxares was glad that the Princeſs was in the King of Pontus power, ſuppoſing that a Prince who was deprived of his own kingdomes, would hardly find protection in another. He beleeved that the King of Armenia would be glad to have a new pretence for a war, and upon that thought he ſighed, and could not chuſe but ſecretly wiſh that Artamenes would put himſelf into a condition to relieve her, by confeſſing what he deſired to know from him. After the King had welcomed Marteſia, he would have had her lie in the Caſtle, but ſhe beſeeched him to let her return back unto her kinſman; whither ſhe went accordingly, and was viſited by all the Ladies of the town, and alſo by all the Princes and men of quality in Sinope: mean while, all the friends of Artamenes were continually ſoliciting the King in his behalf: and indeed the King did ſeem much to deſire it, yet was very obſtinatly reſolved to know either his innocency, or his crime: yet he had ſuch confuſed thoughts, that he himſelf knew not well what to reſolve upon, untill the return of Megabiſes whom he had ſent into Armenia, for if by it, he found that his daughter would be reſtored, then would he be leſs indulgent towards Artamenes; But if on the contrary, ſhe were refuſed, and that he muſt be forced unto a freſh war, then he knew how neceſſary the liberty of Artamenes would be unto Mandana's; thus being in himſelf irreſolute, the King of Phrygia, the King of Hircania, and all the reſt of the Princes who were advocates for Artamenes, could not get one peremptory word from him: As they were upon a day altogether about him, intelligence came, that there appeared many ſtrangers and forrain troops upon the plaine coming towards Sinope: and preſently after, Thimocrates and Philocles came in and told the King, that the Prince Philoxypes a favorite unto the King of Cyprus their maſter, and an ancient friend unto Artamenes, having married the Princeſs Agariſta his ſiſter unto the Prince of Sicily, had obliged him upon the marriage to ſend ten thouſand men unto Artamenes, to the end he might preſent them unto his majeſty; and that he would be ſo pleaſed as to permit them to have ſome part of that honour which theſe troops would get, under the command of ſo great a King, and by the valour of ſo gallant a man as Artamenes. Ciaxares bluſht at the diſcourſe, and ſomwhat wondred, that he who was to preſent the Sicilian troops, was himſelf in ſuch a condition as to need the help of another, alſo he very civilly accepted all that Thimoerates and Philocles ſaid unto him; and permitted him who commanded theſe ſouldiers, who was brother unto the King of Sicily, to enter. Ciaxares himſelf to do him the more honour, would go upon the wals of the town to ſee theſe troops, come in, which he found to be very gallant, compoſed of handſom men, well armed, and accoutred: and the Prince who commanded them, young and handſom. After the King had viewed theſe Sicilian troops under the wals, and had ordered them to encamp cloſe by the troops of Cyprus, [Page] they two being in amity one with another, the young Prince who was their General, called Artibies, was brought by Thimocates and Philocles unto Ciaxares, who told him that Artamenes was not in a condition to be preſent. Artibies enquiring the cauſe, was much ſurpriſed at it, and made ſome doubt whether he ſhould continue his offer unto Ciaxares, conſidering Philoxypes would never have moved his brother to ſend theſe troops, but only in favour of Artamenes. But Thimocrates and Philocles conceiving that in caſe of neceſſity they might be uſefull unto Artamenes, told him, that he ought not to decline from his offer unto the King, but that he ſhould when he ſpoke unto the king acquit himſelf of his commiſſion, and tell him, that it was the intereſt of Artamenes which moved Philoxypes unto it. This young Prince was no ſooner come before Ciaxares, but after he had ſaluted him, Sir (ſaid he unto him) I was in hope to have been preſented unto you, by one who ought to be very dear unto you, and one who has made himſelf moſt Illuſtrious throughout all the world; but I ſee that Thimocrates, and Philocles have great need to comfort me in my ſorrowes to be deprived of that advantage: For indeed, although the Prince of Sicily my brother and ſoveraigne, and the Prince Philoxypes, have ſent me for the ſervice of your Majeſty, and accordingly I have obeyed them, yet for my own particular I muſt confeſs unto you, I ſhould have been extreamly Joyfull, if I could hope to learn under the Illuſtrious Artamenes that myſtery in which he is ſo exactly knowing. You may find ſo many other expert commanders in this army (ſaid the King and ſhewed him all thoſe about him) that though my affaires will not permit me to ſet Artamenes at liberty, yet you will find no cauſe to repent you came amongſt us; Sir, replied the King of Phrygia, we are all but Schollars unto Artamenes, and this Prince has great reaſon to grieve, as he does, for the privation of ſo great an advantage. Since this diſcourſe was not pleaſant unto Ciaxares, he turned it to ſomthing elſe, and asked very inquiſitively concerning the health of the King of Cyprus, and of Philoxypes, and alſo of the Prince of Sicilie: but ſay what he would, yet Artibies would alwayes bring in Artamenes. If the King ſpoke concerning the King of Cyprus, he would then anſwer that this Prince had ever a good opinion of his prudence, ſince he underſtood how he had committed the conduct of his army unto Artamenes: If Ciaxares asked him any thing concerning Philoxypes then he would anſwer him, that Philoxypes had a great deſire to come himſelf, and command in the room of Thimocrates, only that he might learn of Artamenes; if Ciaxares ſpoke any thing concerning the Prince of Sicilie, then would Artibies tell him, that if he were not ſo infinitly uxorious, & loving unto the Princeſs his wife, whom he had newly married, he would have come hither himſelf purpoſely to be acquainted with Artamenes, of whom fame ſpoke ſo loud: at the laſt, when Ciaxares ſaw that no diſcourſe though never ſo far off the matter, but ſtill the name of Artamenes was in the mouth of Artibies, he told him, that it was not juſt he ſhould be kept any longer from his reſt, and commanded him to be lodged in the beſt lodgings, and treated with all poſſible civilitie: But before, Artibies left him, he deſired permiſſion to go and ſee Artamenes in priſon, whom he hoped to have ſeen in the head of an army: unto which deſire Ciaxares conſented: then he went immediatly unto the priſon of Artamenes, conducted by Aglatidas, Andramias, Thimocrates, and Philocles. Artamenes, at the name of Philoxypes, and the Princeſſe Agariſta his ſiſter, did expreſs much friendſhip unto Artibies. This Prince preſented unto him one of his Captaines named Leontidas, who Artamenes knew to be an eſpeciall friend unto Philoxypes, who at his coming from him did charge him to preſent unto Artamenes the continuance of his friendſhip, and to deliver a letter unto him. Artamenes receiving it with much Joy (for he did infinitly eſteem Philoxypes, although he had not been long in the Iſle of Cyprus) deſired Artibies that he might read it: The contents were theſe.

PHILOXYPES UNTO ARTAMENES.

I Am very glad that fortune was of my opinion, and has given you that which I ever thought you moſt worthy of, ſince the firſt time I had the honour to ſee you: I wiſh, that ſince ſhe was not blind in ſerving you, ſo ſhe may not be inconſtant in continuing it; but that you all your [Page]life enjoy that hapineſs, which none who knows you, can without injuſtice envie. Moreover, I had not married the Princeſs Aghariſta my ſiſter, but upon condition that the Prince of Sicilie her husband, ſhould ſend ſome Troops unto you: and I hope, that for my ſake, the Prince Artibies will be welcome unto you; and that after he has purchaſed your eſteem by thoſe rare qualities whereof he is owner, you will admit him ſome part in your friendſhip; But to tell you ſomething which is more delightful, that I may thereby the more oblige you, be pleaſed to know, that the ſame famous man, whom you came into our Iſle to ſeek, out of your deſire to be acquainted with his vertues, is in love with yours: And if the good of his Country had not called him back unto Athens, he had done that for Artamenenes, which Artamenes did for Solon. If you deſire to be further acquainted with my fortunes, I have entreated Leontidas to inform you; and to aſſure you that I am not more in love with the beauty of Policrite, then I am with the glory of Artamenes.

PHILOXYPES.

After Artamenes had done reading the Letter, he redoubled his civilities towards Artibies, ſhewing unto him the Letter of Philoxypes; you ſee, (ſaid he unto him) how the wiſhes of that Prince, are not effectual, and how fortune whereof he ſpeaks has forſaken me: But (ſaid he in turning towards Leontidas) it is from you Sir, that I muſt receive much conſolation in my miſery, in relating unto me, what concerns the Prince Philoxypes: for truly, if I be not miſtaken, there muſt needs be a great alteration in him, if it be ſo as he ſayes in his Letter, that he hath been in love, ſince when I was acquainted with him, he was in love with nothing but books, pictures, muſick, and ſuch excellent arts, and if he had any miſtreſſe then, certainly it was the vertue of Solon, whom I heard him often ſpeak of: Oh Sir, (replied Leontidas) there is indeed great alterations in the life of the Prince Philoxypes, ſuch as doubtleſſe will much ſurprize you, as they did not only the Court, but all the Kingdom of Cyprus; ſince I believe there was not one in all the Towns of Pathos, Amathuſes, Salmes, and Citherea, who has not without admiration heard of his adventure: Artamenes then ſeeming to be deſirous of knowing the fortune of ſo famous a Prince: Leontidas promiſed him to come unto him the next morning, and ſatisfie his deſire. The reſt of this day was ſpent in civilities to Artibies; and the next morning Thimocrates and Philocles being deſirous to know what accidents had happened in the Court of Cyprus ſince they left it, waited upon Leontidas unto Artamenes, who as ſoon as they came in, becauſe they would loſe no time, did ſit down, Leontidas being in the miſt of them, began his diſcourſe thus.

THE HISTORY OF PHILOXYPES AND POLICRITE.

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SIR, ſince your abode in this our Iſland hath not been long; that you may the better underſtand this Story, it is requiſite that you know part of the Cuſtomes of this Iſland, the which I will in a few words acquaint you with, that my enſuing Diſcourſe may appear leſſe tedious to you. You muſt then know, Sir, that this good Iſland, which for its precinct ſituation, fertility, for the beauty and greatneſſe of its Towns, and its Magnificent Temples, paſſeth for the moſt famous and moſt conſiderable of as many lie on the Aegean Sea, hath alwayes been conſecrated to Venus; and that love, which every where elſe is a paſſion, which hath no particular priviledges, is in this place accounted a religious act. All that are borne here, ſeem as if they were bound to love from their very birth; all the Temples are dedicated to Venus, under ſeveral names; all the pictures and ſtatues here, repreſent only this Goddeſſe, and depend only upon her. You ſhall find here Cupid ſet out every where, and thoſe who inſtruct us elſewhere vertuouſly in our youth, by teaching us how to overcome our ambition, anger, hatred, envy, and all other paſſions; deal otherwiſe with us here, perſwading us only how to love innocently. But as there is nothing ſo pure or refined, which meets not with alteration and corruption at the laſt; a ſtrange diſorder crept in long ſince amongſt us: for you muſt know the firſt Temple which was conſecrated unto Venus, was that of Venus Urania, who we ſay, is the daughter of Heaven. This Venus, as we believe, inſpires only rational reſentments, and vertuous paſſions: whereas on the contrary, there are ſome Temples on the utmoſt borders of the Iſle towards the South, built long ſince the former, which are dedicated unto Venus Anodema, as much as to ſay, to Venus coming forth from the foam of the Sea. Now Sir, theſe Temples do differ very much, as do their reſentments, who offer ſacrifices at them; yet as thoſe Religions wherein Libertiniſm paſſeth for a vertue, are grounded with moſt eaſe, the Religion of Venus Anadiomena, hath for a long time prevailed over that of Venus Urania; and our Iſland hath ſeen things which makes thoſe even bluſh with confuſion, who remember they have heard them ſpoken of by their forefathers: but thanks to Heaven, a vertuous Queen, who lived ſome ſixty years ſince, did re-eſtabliſh all the Temples of Venus Urania; made almoſt all thoſe of Venus Anadiomena, be beaten down; aboliſht all the ſhameful cuſtomes which were introduced in Cyprus, and left only pure reſentments amongſt us of that paſſion, which is the ſoul of the Univerſe, and which is the ſole entertainer of civil ſociety. We are now taught [...] love our Goddeſſe, our Princes, our Laws, our Countrey, our fellow-Citizens, our Parents, Brethren, wives and Children; and laſtly, to our ſelves, to the end that we may do no ſhameful act. We are taught alſo to love Glory, Sciences and Arts; to love innocent paſtimes, and to love beauty and vertue above all that hath been ſpoken of: in fine, we are taught that he who loves not, is not rational; and that not to have a ſenſe of all theſe aforementioned things, is to be very much to blame. You may eaſily imagine then, that [Page] this being a belief generally held amongſt us, the Court of Cyprus muſt needs be a pleaſing abode, ſince every one there loves handſome actions, and handſome perſonages. True it is, that according to the rules of Venus Ʋrania, the love by her permitted, is ſo pure, ſo innocent, ſo free from having any thing to do with the ſenſes, and ſo free from fault, as ſhe ſeems to ſuffer us to love others only, that we may make our ſelves become the more lovely, through our care of meriting true glory, of becoming accompliſht, and of getting that Courtly Air, and pleaſing converſation, which is only inſpired by love. This Sir, is the preſent condition of our [...]ſland; all delights are here, but all innocent. Love is the predominant, and univerſal paſſion in it, but ſuch a paſſion, as is not incompatible with vertue and modeſty, and which hinders not many lovers from complaining of their Miſtreſſes rigour. Publique feaſtivals are here frequent, converſation free enough, but wholly ſpiritual, games for prizes very uſual, pleaſing Bals, excellent Muſick, and Women in general infinitely handſome, full of gallantry, and perfectly vertuous. But of all the reſt, the Princeſſe of Salmis, ſiſter to Philoxypes, was the Court-Star, till ſuch time as ſhe withdrew her ſelf from thence. The Princeſſe of Aghariſta, now Princeſſe of Sicily, is alſo very taking, and the famous Artaphil doubtleſſe bears a great renown. To boot with theſe, there is one called Timoclea, and an hundred others, of ſomewhat a meaner condition, which are wonderfully handſome. But Sir, leſt I may prove too tedious, I will briefly tell you that the King who now reigns in Cyprus, is but two years elder then Prince Philoxypes, who is deſcended from the Race of Demophon, ſon to Theſeus, who is held in great eſteem amongſt us. Philoxypes in his younger years, you may eaſily judge was one of the lovelieſt perſonages which could be ſeen; for though he be now twenty eight years old, he continues to be ſo extraordinarily handſome, and ſo well behaved, as it may eaſily be gueſt what he was when a childe; and though he were wiſe even from his cradle, and knowing, even from the time he began to ſpeak, yet ceaſed he not to be of a pleaſing humour, and comportment, ſuch as is only infuſed by youth, and the air of the Court, and which is the charm of converſation amongſt Ladies. In fine, ſet one article aſide, Philoxypes may be truly ſaid, to have fully ſatisfied and made good all the precepts of Venus Ʋrania.

He reverenced the Goddeſſe, he loved his Prince, kept the Laws, he loved his Country, his fellow-Citizens, was ambitious of glory, which he went in queſt of at fifteen years of age in the Mileſian War, wherein he gave ſingular teſtimony of his carriage. He loved the Sciences, and all the liberal Arts; delighted in innocent paſtimes, and loved vertue above all things; but as for beauty, he had only a general admiration for it, and never felt in himſelf any particular addition or adheration to any whatſoever handſome Lady. You may imagine Sir, how ſtrange this ſenſibility appeared in a Court where it met not with any example, and in a man ſo fit to occaſion love. Yet was he ſo lovely, as he was not for this the leſſe beloved; he was ſo liberal, ſo magnifical, ſo full of complacency, acd ſo civilly behaved, as he was the wonder of the world.

When Solon after having eſtabliſht thoſe famous Laws at Athens, went from thence, reſolving to forgoe his country for ten years, to the end that he might make no alteration there, he came to our Court; Philoxypes, who was then but eighteen years old, had a great affection for him, as he had likwiſe for Philoxetes; inſomuch, that as long as Solon abode in our Iſle, Philoxetes gave over all his other delights, and the frequenting of the Ladies companies to faſten himſelfe totally to him: whom that he might enjoy with the more freedome, he caried him to a Town of his which is called Apia; built by Demaphon in a very ſtrong, but rocky ſituation, and of hard acceſſe, all the Countrey about it being craggy, dry, and exceeding barren. Solon being come thither, ſhewed him how that they that laid the foundations of that Town, might have made it much more pleaſanter, if they had built it upon the banks of the River Claria, in a ſpatious and fertile plain, which lies at the foot of the Mountaine, where the other Town was ſituated; hardly had Solon ſpoke his thought, when Philoxypes reſolved to put it in execution and began already to give all neceſſary orders for it. And indeed Solon was the Architect who guided this great enterpriſe, Philoxypes giving him the glory thereof, for he called this new Town Soly, to perpetuate the memory of the name of Solon. This place being not far from Paphos, one of our Kings moſt uſual abodes, they went oft to the Court; where our Ladies complained ſometimes of Solon, who by bereaving them of Philoxypes, bereft them of their faireſt ornament; and to ſhew you how great this Princes inflexibility was, Solon whoſe vertue is not auſtere, to juſtifie himſelf to thoſe that blamed Philoxypes for this, telling him that love [Page] was a paſſion which ſweetned all other paſſions, and which did ſometimes exceed them all. That for his part, he confeſt he would never ſet his whole heart againſt it, & that he thought it no ſhame to be once in his life overcome thereby. Philoxypes ſaid in his defence, that he loved all that was lovely, that he had a paſſion for all beautiful objects, and that no man ever lov'd ſo much as he. But notwithſtanding all his univerſal affections, there was no one ſo fair in all the Court, who could boaſt in her particular to have inthralledhis heart; & who peradventure had not more then once conſulted with her glaſs, to know by what innocent art this ſo famous heart might be taken: but at laſt, after having ſtaid a good while, Solon went his way much taken with Philoxypes his vertue, and made ſome verſes in his praiſe before he imbarked for Egypt. He who was commended by all Greece, did highly commend this young Prince, ſaying, that Nature had taught Philoxypes in eighteen years, what Art could not teach in an Age, and that a man might ſee in him by way of prodigie, all the ages of man put together; that is to ſay, the innocence of infancy, the charms of youth, the fortitude of a more advanced age, and the wiſdom of old age. After his departure, Philoxypes was ſomewhat melancholly, but this humour being over, he ſpent ſome time in travel, and did not only ſee whole Greece, but likewiſe the famous City of Carthage, which did then wage war with the Maſſilians, who inhabit a place which they have of late made famous, by a cry'd up Academy, wherein eloquence, and all the Grecian Sciences are rarely well taught.

I will not relate unto you all the gallant actions he did in Africa, nor what befel him during that Journey, which continued till ſome moneths before you came to Cyprus; where Solon ſtayed awhile again, not ſuffering himſelf to be ſeen almoſt by any one. But I will tell you that Philoxypes at his return to Court, charm'd all the world; and that the King himſelf grew ſo far in love with him, as never was known ſo great a favour as his, nor yet ſo little envyed; neither did he make uſe thereof, but for his Maſters glory, and to do good to as many as he could; he received no rewards, but to enrich ſuch as ſtood in need thereof; all the advices he gave, were good; he did none but good offices: and thus he ſtood fair in the opinion of the great ones, and of the people, as well as in that of the King; and there were none but our Ladies who continued to accuſe him of inflexibility. Thus did he live amidſt delights, in the ſtatelieſt and moſt gallant Court of all the world, without envy, without love, and without melancholy. But the King was not this mean while ſo happy as he; for after having had ſome flitting paſſions, which had notwithſtanding much diſquieted him, he fell mightily in love with the Princeſſe Aretephile, who certainly is very beautiful, and hath an hundred good qualities; but who with all this was extreamly ambitious. The King was no ſooner aware of the violence of this his paſſion but that he diſcovered it to Philoxypes, and entreated him to intercede for him with Aretephile, who at that time did often viſit the Princeſſe Aghariſta, ſiſter to Philoxypes. You may imagin this Prince did not refuſe to aſſiſt him, ſince his affection was innocent; yet did he ſometimes crave pardon of the King, if he did not much bewail him in his diſquiets: For Sir, ſaid he, love being a malady which I am not acquainted with, and which I have much to imagine is ſo great, as man would have it thought, I confeſſe I do not ſo much compaſſionate your Majeſtie, as peradventure I ought; and conſequently, I may perchance not ſo fully exaggerate your ſufferings as I ſhould do, when I ſpeak with the Princeſſe Aretephile. Fear not Philoxypes, ſaid the King, that I complain of your inflexibility; on the contrary, if you had a more tender heart, I would not have choſen you for the confident of my paſſion: and did I think that you could become my rival, I would not give you Commiſſion to ſpeak ſo often with my beloved Princeſſe. But my intention not being to ſpeak of the Kings love, otherwiſe then as it relates neceſſarily to Philoxypes adventures; I will only tell you, that though Aretephile were raviſht to ſee her ſelf beloved by the King, yet aiming at the Crown of Cyprus, ſhe thought ſhe was a little to diſguiſe her ſenſe thereof, and to make it a harder matter for the King to win her, then ſhe had found it to win the King: So as this Princeſſe behaved her ſelf with much diſcretion and reſervedneſſe, and mingling continually ſeverity with mildneſſe, the King ſtood long in need of Philoxypes aſſiſtance, whom Aretephile, who knew what power he had with the King, uſed with all poſſible civility. Philoxypes was notwithſtanding ſometimes much troubled at the continuance of this paſſion, which made him for his recreation, go to a very ſtately houſe, which the famous Solon had cauſed to be built for him near Soly, and wherein he had made a collection of whatſoever Greece had of moſt rare and curious, were it either for pictures, or ſtatues. In this place it was, which is called Claria, where wondering ſometimes at the [Page] Kings paſſion, he did me the honour to bemoan himſelf to me of his employment, and he himſelf gave me a thouſand pleaſant marks of his inflexibleneſſe, by thoſe things which he uttered againſt love. This mean while, though the King were much in love with Aretephile, yet he had ſomewhat to do to perſwade himſelf to marry her, becauſe indeed, in reaſon he ſhould much rather have married the Princeſſe Thimoclea, by reaſon of ſome claim ſhe pretended to have to the Principality of Amathuſa; Inſomuch as the King being yet unreſolved what to do, had not as yet acquainted Aretephile, nor let her be acquainted that his love tended meerly to ſet her upon the Throne; but onely following the cuſtome of Cyprus, he had ſufficiently witneſſed his ſervice, and to purchaſe her eſteem, had done whatſoever a handſome and ingenious Prince ſeconded by Philoxypes, could do, who though he were himſelf inſenſible of love, was notwithſtanding a very great gallant; ſo as Aretephile who was abſolutely reſolved never to part with her heart for leſſe then a Crown, treated the King ſometimes ſeverely enough, inſomuch as the whole Court was troubled thereat, and Philoxypes delight lay onely in Hunting, and in his ſtately Countrey-Houſe. Some other times Aretephile fearing leſt ſhe her ſelf might extinguiſh the fire which ſhe had kindled in the Kings heart, was ſomewhat more kinde unto him, and by the Prince his Joy, rejoyced the whole Court. 'Twas then in one of theſe pleaſant conjunctures of times, that Philoxypes to oblige the King, made the Princeſſe of Salamis his ſiſter, and the Princeſſe Aghariſta, do him the honour to entertain the King, upon a day that he invited the King and all the Court, to go from Paphos to Claria, and to paſſe one whole day in his retiredneſs, which indeed deſerved to receive ſo Princely a company. Never was there ſo gallant an Aſſembly as this; It was wholly compoſed of young and handſome perſonages, of great birth, and underſtanding: and one would have ſaid, that fortune had favoured Philoxypes, in ordering it ſo as that all perſons of Quality who were peeviſh or of ill humour in the Court, were either ſick that day, or buſied about ſome important affairs, ſo as this well compacted company was not troubled with the importunity of any of their companies: On what ſide ſoever they did caſt their eye, they met with nothing but goodly objects, there was no fear of being wearied or annoyed, Philoxypes had taken ſuch excellent order for all things; were it either for the ſtately furniture of the Houſe, for the magnificency of the Feaſt, or the excellency of the Muſick, as the King to give him the higheſt praiſe he could, ſaid aloud, that if Philoxypes had been in love, and that his Miſtreſſe had been in that company, he could have done no more then he did. On the contrary, Sir, ſaid Philoxypes, I think that if I had been in love, all things would have been much more in diſorder, then they are; it ſeeming impoſſible to me that a man ſhould loſe his reaſon, and yet have leiſure enough to think of ſuch trivial affairs. The King began then to oppoſe Philoxypes, and to tell him, that he did little know the effects of this paſſion; and this he did more then once, as well for that he could hardly finde a more pleaſing entertainment by diſcourſe, as alſo that by reproaching Philoxypes with his ignorance of love, he thereby found an opportune means to make the Princeſſe Aretephile, who liſten'd unto him, know that the paſſion he had for her, had made him very expert therein. Philoxypes did defend himſelf the beſt he could; Sometimes he ſaid the fear of not being beloved kept him from loving; ſometimes that he had ſo nice a ſoul as did avoid ſuch pleaſures as could not be purchaſed without pain; and conſequently that love not being a voluntary thing he was not to blame for that he did not love: and for his laſt reaſon, he ſaid that the difficulty of the choice made him that he neither did, nor could reſolve on any; for Sir, ſaid he to the King, how is it poſſible to have the affrontedneſſe to prefer any one of ſo many handſome perſonages as I ſee before all the reſt? Ah, Philoxypes, ſaid the King, the more you ſpeak of love, the more pity do you move in me; and (ſpeaking low in his ear) the more ſaid he, do you make me ſee that my Confident will never be my Rival. After this, all the Ladies, and all the men of Quality, began to argue the matter with him; he did ſometime almoſt hate them all for their reproaching him with his inflexibility. When they had dined, Philoxypes led all this fair Aſſembly into a ſtately Gallery, painted all over by the hand of an excellent Maſter, named Mandrocles, who is of the Iſle of Samos, and who having finiſht this rare work, ſome few dayes before this great Feaſt, was returned to his own Countrey.

The ſtory of Venus Ʋrania, was the ſubject of all thoſe pictures, in whom nothing but modeſty was to be diſcerned. The Painter had not drawn the Graces all naked, as they uſually are drawn, but had clothed them in tranſparent Tiffeny, which rendred all thoſe [Page] figures very delightfull: In one of the draughts, you might ſee Venus deſcend from Heaven in a Chariot, all of burniſht Gold, drawn by Swans; a thouſand little Cupids ſeemed to hover about her, and to be the firſt that lighted in the Iſle of Cyprus, which is repreſented in the ſame piece, to prepare all things to receive her: In another piece, all thoſe little Cupidons, erected unto her an Altar of Turfs, and made dreſſings of flowers to adorn her: In another piece, this goddeſſe teacheth Cupid how to chuſe his golden ſhafts, which he meant to uſe; and in another, ſhe put a Torch into his hand, and ſhewing him the Sun, which is painted at the top of that piece, ſeems as if ſhe would tell him, that ſhe would have the flames wherewith he ſets hearts on fire, to be more pure then the beams of this glorious Conſtellation. In fine, Sir, this goddeſſe is repreſented in above twenty parts of this Gallery; but though in different poſtures, you may ſtill diſcern the ſame countenance. Though all in this Gallery be beautifull, this Figure is incomparably beyond all the reſt: all the reſt are pictures, but this ſeems to be effectually a divine Perſonage; for certainly there was never any thing ſeen of ſo much handſomeneſſe; all the fair Ladies who Philoxypes had brought thither, were amazed to ſee it, and maugre themſelves confeſſe that their Glaſſe ſhewed them nothing like it. All their eyes were fixt upon a face ſo full of beauty, and they all agreed in one, that the Painters imagination had far out-done what ever Nature had done of moſt accompliſht. After they had well eyed this Venus, for my part, ſaid the Princeſſe Aretephile, I would fain know whether Philoxypes heart could reſiſt a perſonage who ſhould perfectly reſemble this picture? Since I have been able (replied he) to behold all theſe Ladies that are here, without daring to profeſſe my ſervice, it is to be believed, I ſhould be as inſenſible for her, or rather as full of reſpect for her, as I have been for all the reſt that I ſee, who are no leſſe fair then this Venus. 'Tis not notwithſtanding (ſaid he ſmilingly, and without any other deſigne, then to ſay ſomewhat of gallantry to entertain converſation) that I am not glad that this picture is onely the effect of the famous Mandrocles imagination. For I confeſſe unto you, there is a certain charming, modeſt, and paſſionate air in the eyes of this goddeſſe, which would peradventure pleaſe me too much, were it a living beauty. Philoxypes had no ſooner ſaid this, but all the company began to ſmile at this firſt mark of his tenderneſs, which they had never before obſerved in him. There was not any one of them who would not willingly, if it had been poſſible, have inſpired life into this picture, that they might ſee whether Philoxypes might be bent by her or no; and whether his rebel heart to love, would prove proof againſt her extraordinary charms. If this could be, ſaid Princeſſe Thimoclea, I wiſh at leaſt that this fair perſonage, ſhould have as much ſweetneſſe in her foul as in her eyes, to the end that nothing might be wanting to Philoxypes happineſſe. On the contrary, ſaid the Princeſſe of Salamis, me thinks it were to be wiſht, that (to puniſh my Brother for his inflexibility) ſhe were as cruel, as fair; and I doubt me, added Aretephile, whether for his greater puniſhment, ſhe were not to be wiſht to be proud and ſtupid: or rather, ſaid Princeſſe Aghariſta, inconſtant, fickle, altering her humour every day; and for his yet further puniſhment, added the King ſmilingly, that ſhe were all that you all have ſaid. At theſe words Philoxypes deſired ſo much favour of them, as that they would ſuffer him to enjoy that quiet which liberty beſtows on them who poſſeſſe her: But the Sun being already low, he mentioned a walk to this fair company, who without reſiſtance gladly accepted thereof. He led them into a large plot of ground, which makes an Iſland; for he had drawn a branch of the River of Claria round about it. Paſſing from thence over a little bridge, with ballaſters of braſs, he led them into an Allie of Orange Trees, twelve hundred paces long, which the Sun could never get into, ſo large are thoſe Trees, and ſo thick covered with leaves and flowers. Amidſt this Allie there croſſes a Channel of running water; at laſt you come to a place where eleven Allies croſſe one another; at the end of which, the River is every where ſeen, as if it were ſo delighted with that place, as it were loth to leave it. All theſe Allies are either of Orange Trees, or Citron Trees, or Myrrhe, or Lawrel, or Pomegranats, or Palm Trees: but after being come to the end of one of theſe Allies, into which Philoxypes ſent them, they found themſelves in a large Meadow, which is cut thorow in the middle by the River, which gathered together in that place, ſeems to be a great Channel, which hath on its Banks neither Canes, nor Ruſhes, nor Reeds, nor little Shrubs, but is onely bordered by thick Turff, and all beſprinckled over with Flags of differing colours, with Narciſſus's, with Lillies, and all other flowers, which love moiſture and freſhneſſe. There are likewiſe on this River, great ſtore of Swans, which ſwim ſo demurely, as you would think they were afraid to trouble [Page] the water which bears them up: and that there might nothing be wanting to this entertainment, Philoxypes had ſo ordered it, as this River was all covered over with Boats, made like Gallies, painted with lively colours, and guided by young Boyes in Maratin apparel, but very handſom; who rowing gently with Oars painted red and green, came to the banck to receive this gallant company, who were played unto on ruſtick Muſick by young Shepherds very quaintly clothed, who drove herds along that Meadow on the other ſide of the River. Their Shepheards crooks were all trimmed with braſs guilt over, and ſtrewed over with cypers; their Flutes and little Bagpipes were as well deckt as were their ſheep, all whoſe hornes were loaded with flowers. In divers parts of this Meadow, were a hundred lovely Shepherds, clothed in white, with hats of roſes, who to make the place the more pleaſing, mixt the melody of their voices to the ruſtick Muſick aforeſaid. So ſweet a place being doubtleſly proper to infuſe joy, and pleaſure, being no diſpoſition to cruelty; the King found Aretephile a little more gentle; and all the worſt treated lovers of this company, found at leaſt ſome truce to their ſufferings, and were maugre themſelves delighted with ſo lovely a place, which was bounded about by a very high Palleſade, wherein Niches placed at equall diſtances, were ſtatues of white Marble, the rareſt that were ever ſeen in Greece.

But I may ſeem to be my ſelf inchanted in a place ſo full of charms, ſince I ſtay ſo long thereon: I muſt then haſte to make this fair company depart, whom Philoxypes waited on back to Paphos, after having offered them a famous banquet. Some few days after, being returned home, with intention to entertain himſelf alone there for two dayes, he ſpent all that time very contentedly: But Philoxypes his humour lying rather to like general beauties, wherein art hath nothing to do, then thoſe where art undertakes to perfect nature, went out of his Park, and unaccompanied by any ſave one ſervant, he went to the River ſide, intending to walk along it till he ſhould come to the head thereof, which is not far from thence, and which certainly is one of the goodlieſt things in the world: For this miraculous Spring-head, which of it ſelf makes a River, is incloſed by Rocks of an unacceſſible height; at the foot of the greateſt, and higheſt whereof, is a large cave which extends it ſelf even to the loſs of ſight, both on the right hand and on the left, under unacceſſible Rocks. At the bottome of this Cave, is a ſilent ſpring, which ſometimes riſeth up to the top of the den, and ſometimes falls ſo low, as it is not above five or ſix foot high. This inequality is the cauſe why the River of Claria, as well as all the others of Cyprus, paſs rather for a fair Torrent, then for a River; though this be not poſitively ſo, for it is never altogether dried up, as are all the reſt. As he went towards this Cave, he got off horſe-back, leaving his horſe with his ſervant, commanding him to wait his return, and not to follow him.

Thus did he walk all alone, along theſe Torrents, with the ſight and noiſe whereof, he he was much delighted, when raiſing up his eyes, he might ſee ſome twenty paces off, a very handſome woman, though in mean habit, who was ſate upon a Rock, all covered over with moſs; and who ſeemed to take pleaſure in eying attentively the fall of waters which came ruſhing at her feet, as if to do her homage. At firſt Philoxypes thought not to trouble the contentment of one whoſe humour was ſo conformable to his, to ſit muſing upon the River ſide, and to turn a little aſide, that he might not interrupt her. But being come a little neerer, and ſeeing that her apparrel though clean, and handſome, gave her not out to be a perſonage of quality, he went directly towards her, becauſe that was the eaſieſt way. But being come very neer her, and the noiſe his walking made, having made this woman look about, he was ſtrangely taken; not only to ſee the handſomeſt creature in the world, but to diſcern perfectly that, that miraculous Venus which he had in his Gallery, and which he had alwayes taken onely for the effect of a handſome imagination, was really the picture of this perſonage; Philoxypes, raviſht at this ſo ſtrange apparation, changed his colour; and ſaluting this maid with more civility then her condition ſeemed to require, he advanced yet neerer her; but ſhe riſing up in haſte, and having not without a bluſh paid him his ſalute, as if ſhe had been troubled to be ſeen alone in that place, ſhe haſted to go unto an old man and a woman well advanced in years, who were not above twenty paces off her; yet fearing by like to be followed, ſhe turned her head twice towards Philoxypes, who was ſtill the more dazled with her beauty, and more confirmed in his opinion. This Prince ſurpriſed at this encounter, had a great deſire to know who this young and ſo wonderfull handſome maid might be; and to know alſo how Mandrocles could come to draw her picture; and why Mandrocles had always told [Page] him, that the picture which he had drawn, was only an effect of his fancy: He followed her with his eyes as far as he could; but having ſtood ſtill a pretty while, not knowing why he did ſo, he loſt ſight of her amongſt thoſe Rocks after ſhe was come up to thoſe ſhe went unto, ſo as he could no more diſcover her.

Philoxypes did not overmuch endevour it, though his minde led him very much thereunto, but coming neer the River ſide, inſtead of continuing to walk towards the Spring head, he went down the ſtream; and were it by hazard, or out of deſign, he happened to reſt himſelf upon the ſame Rock covered with moſs, on which he had ſeen the fair maid fit. Philoxypes being there, could think on nothing, but on this fair unknown one, and upon the pleaſing adventure which had befaln him. He then remembred the diſcourſe which had paſt in the Gallery, and what he had ſaid of that picture which every one ſo much commended; and delighted to entertain himſelf upon this ſubject, how glad ſaid he unto himſelf, would Princeſſe Aretephile be, if ſhe knew what had befaln me, and how would the King mock me if he heard it? They would certainly ſay, that the Goddeſs had wrought a miracle to puniſh me, by making me meet with a Country wench, of whom to make the object of my choice. But ſaid he, preſently after, this Country maid is fairer then whatſoever there is of beauty in the Court; and I ſhall ſufficiently revenge my ſelf of all our Ladies, if I can once more meet with her, and let them ſee her. He then reſolved to return the next day to the ſame place, and in the mean time not to ſpeak of her till he had found her again. He then returned home, but full of amazement; at his firſt arival, he went ſtrait to his Gallery, and grew ſo confident in his belief, that his Venus Ʋrania was the very picture of this fair unknown one, as he doubted no more thereof. He compared all the features of this picture, with the image which he bare about in his mind, not finding any difference between them ſave that the original was farre above what ever Mandrocles with all his art, could repreſent. He ſeemed to have obſerved in her face, a much more pleaſing youthly aire, a much more majeſtical modeſty, and a ſweetneſs infinitely more alluring. In fine, the Prince Philoxypes, who had wont to be more in his Cloſet, then in his Gallery, perceiving that the ſight of this picture detained him there, whether he would or no, went forth much perplext to ſee that once in his life time, he could not maſter his affections. He paſt the reſt of that day, and all the next night, not being able to eface this pleaſing phantaſm out of his minde. The next day he returned to the ſame place where he had ſeen that fair one, ſtill thinking how he ſhould be pleaſed to cauſe her to be ſeen by the King, and the whole Court. But though he went up the River, even up to the head thereof, he could not finde her; he ſought her long in vain; and being angred thereat, he ſought whether he could not finde ſome little track about that place where he had ſeen the fair unknown one; but it being all Rocky, no impreſſion of footſteps could be ſeen there, nor could there be any track found amongſt the Rocks. Deſperat then, as he was, not to finde any knowledg of what he ſo much deſired, he returned back, abſolutly reſolving not to return any more to that place: yet was he no ſooner at home, but that he wiſht to be at the River ſide; he enquired of all his ſervants, if they had never met any body thereabouts, which reſembled that Venus; and askt them very particularly, in what places, and into what houſes Mandrocles went when he painted with his Gallery? They anſwered, that they had never ſeen her whom he ſpoke off, and that Mandrocles was a ſolitary man, who ſaw no body, who ſpent all his time in deſigning amongſt thoſe Rocks; and that he took almoſt alwayes the way towards the head of Claria. Philoxypes not able to learn any more, did what he could to think no more thereon; but though he had reſolved to return next day to Paphos, he ſtayed at Claria, (for his houſe bears the name of the River which paſſeth by it) and whatever deſigne he had, never to return to ſeek out the fair unknown one, his feet maugre himſelf, bare him always towards the place where he had met her. He returned often from thence, not knowing why he would not willingly go thither, nor why he went thither, not having any thought of ſo doing. But at laſt yeelding to his curioſity, he returned towards thoſe Rocks, reſolving to ſuffer himſelf to be guided by fortune; leaving always his ſervant and his horſe where he left them the firſt time.

He wandred then long amongſt thoſe Mountains, when being weary, he ſate himſelf down, which he had hardly done, upon a neighbouring Rock, when he might diſcover afar off a little Cottage, in a place which appeared very ſavage unto him: ſo as riſing up, it may be, ſaid he unto himſelf, 'tis here where the Gods have hidden the Treaſure, which I ſeek for. And indeed he had not walked far, when he ſaw the fair unknown one, [Page] accompanied by the ſame old man, and the ſame woman which he had formerly ſeen, and by three or four others all meanly clothed, which ſeemed to take a by-way which led to a little Temple, which lies towards the Sea ſide, and which was built for the accommodation of ſtrangers, who traffique in that Iſland, and land on that ſide. The Temple not being above ſix furlongs from this little rurall habitation, 'twas but a walk to go thither on foot.

Philoxypes raviſht at this encounter, went towards them; and addreſſing his ſpeech to the old man, after having ſaluted, and looked on the fair unknown, with more admiration then at firſt; Father, ſaid he, know you who they be that live in that little houſe which I ſee yonder amongſt the Rocks? Sir, ſaid he they are people who merit not the honour you do them in ſpeaking to them; nor do I know how my Cabbin ſhould cauſe curioſity in a man of your condition.

Whileſt the old man ſpoke, Philoxypes had his eyes fixt upon the fair unknown one ſo attentively, as he made her bluſh, and forced her to turn her head aſide; he willingly would have ſpoken to her, but that (as he told me afterward) hee was affraid to ruine himſelf in ſo pleaſing an inchantment; and that he would finde as much rudeneſſe in her converſation, as ſhe had ſweetneſſe in her eyes; to boot, that he ſaw her to be ſo modeſt, as he eaſily imagined ſhe would not ſpeak long unto him in her parents preſence, (for he perceived ſhe behaved her ſelf as if ſhe were the old mans daughter) he enquired alſo of the good old man, if he went oft to that Temple? whether his abode there had been long? whether he were of Cyprus, or no? whether that were his whole family? and a hundred other things to continue the converſation. To all which, though the other anſwered exactly, Philoxypes did hardly hear any thing he ſaid; and thus they parted, after he had tane his leave of them all, hardly knowing what he ſaid.

Not having learnt any thing, but that he had once more ſeen the fair unknown one, that ſhe was much more lovely then he had thought her to be, that he knew her abode, and the Temple whither ſhe ſomtimes went. He purſued her with his eyes as far as he could; but at laſt being aſhamed of what he did, and ſeeking a reaſon for it, he returned back the ſame way, and went into his Gallery, it being the only place in all his houſe, wherein he pleaſed himſelf. When he was come thereinto, he began to walk with more diſquiet then he had wont to be acquainted withall. And far from his former deſign of bringing the fair unknown one to the Court, he did as far as in him lay, put on a reſolution of never ſeeing her more himſelf: ſo much was he affected with this ſecond ſight.

To this purpoſe, he went forthwith out of his Gallery, got on horſe-back, and returned to Paphos; the King who loved him dearly, and who had as much of friendſhip for him, as of love for the Princeſſe Aretephile, complained of his ſo long abode in the Countrey, and made as much of him as could be. He immediatly entreated him to viſit the Princeſſe Aretephile, becauſe there had been ſome little quarrel between them, which he acquainted him withall, making the moſt he could of it.

Philoxypes obeys him, viſits the Princeſſe, and makes them friends: but let him do what he pleaſeth, or go whither he will, his thoughts are ſtill buſied about the fair unknown one; he compares her with all the beauties that he ſees, and whether he behold Aretephile, Thimoclea, Aghariſta, or whoſoever elſe, he can ſee none but his ſiſter, the fair Princeſſe of Salamis, who comes any way neer her for beauty; but he preferred the other a thouſand times before her, as being a thouſand times more beautiful then whatſoever the world hath of beauty. Two dayes after he returned to Claria, and the next day he went to the aforeſaid little Temple, whither thoſe that were of the Iſland went ſeldome or never, it being only built for ſtrangers.

And this was the reaſon wherefore the beauty of the fair unknown one, had not been noiſed abroad, neither in Apia, which is not far from thence, nor in Soly, which is very neer it, nor in Claria which joynes upon it. Philoxypes, then maugre himſelf, went thither, whether he was no ſooner come, but he ſaw the fair maid ſtill accompanie with the ſame company, who devoutly prayed to the Goddeſſe that is there adored. In fine, Sir, to keep that no longer from you, which Philoxypes had much adoe to acknowledg to himſelf, this laſt ſight fully conquered him; for the ſacrifice being ſomwhat long, love had time enough to faſten him with his chains not to be untyed. You may believe it had been eaſie for Philoxypes to have ſpoken to this maid, as ſhe came out of the Temple, and to have followed her home, if he had pleaſed; but though love had already gotten the upper hand in his heart, yet had it not [Page] driven out ſhame from thence. And Philoxypes did me the honour to tell me afterwards, that he was ſo aſhamed of his own weakneſſe, and of the meanneſs of this maids condition as he ſometimes wiſht to be dead.

This little aſſembly being gone, and he being returned home ſtrangely perplext, what ſaid he to himſelf, is it poſſible that Philoxypes, that unflexible Philoxypes, who could never be wrought upon by all the fair Ladies of Cyprus, ſhould be in love with one born in a Cottage, bred up amongſt Rocks, and ſavage people? Ah, no, no: it cannot be. I would rather rip out my heart, then ſuffer it any longer to retain ſo mean, and ſo unworthy an affection. But (ſaid he preſently afterwards) there is ſomewhat of Divinity in ſupream beauty, which is not to be reſiſted. And if this unknown one be more fair then all the Princes of the world, ſhe better deſerves the love of the inflexible Philoxypes, then all they do. Yet I am ſure, ſaid he, when the wiſe Solon told me, That a man might without ſhame be once in his life time overcome by love; he underſtood it not to be by the love of a ſhepherdeſſe, as doubtleſly ſhe is—at theſe words not having power to end his ſpeech and ſay, Whom I love; ſhame ſtopt his mouth, and for awhile he ſaid nothing.

Then ſuddenly re-aſſuming his ſpeech, No, no, ſaid he, Solon would not approve the folly which poſſeſſeth me: For in fine, to love a perſon ſo beneath ones ſelf, a perſon, whoſe name one is affraid to ask; one to whom one hath never ſpoken, and to whom I dare not ſpeak, for fear of finding her mind unworthy of her beauty, one who peradventure will not underſtand my language, who peradventure hath neither vertue nor goodneſſe, and whom the Gods have endowed with extraordinary beauty, only for my confuſion, and to make me deſpair; once more it cannot, it muſt not be; ſo dreadful an evil muſt be early withſtood; and as there are ſome venemous whoſe miſchief is only cured by themſelves, the fair unknown one muſt cure me of the malady ſhe hath cauſed in me.

I muſt once more ſee her, and ſpeak to her, to the end that the blemiſhes of her mind, and her rude converſation, may drive that beauty from my heart, which her charming beauty and pleaſing eyes hath placed there. But good Gods, replied he unto himſelf, is it poſſible ſo fair a perſonage ſhould have any defaults? Think Philoxypes what thou wilt do; and fear leſt whileſt you think to finde a cure for your evil, you render it incurable.

Thus Philoxypes reaſoned with himſelf, who in effect reſolved to go the next day to the Cottage, where the fair unknown one dwelt, with intention to ſpeak unto her, and ſo to cure himſelf, imagining that his ſhame to ſee himſelf in that Cottage, and the maids groſs converſation, would infallibly ſalve his paſſion. But he knew not that 'tis an uſual effect of love to make thoſe who are in love, make uſe of all pretences, whereby they may come near thoſe whome they love, not knowing themſelves why they go thither.

Philoxypes failed not then to go the next day towards the rocks, at foot whereof according to his cuſtome he left his ſervants: But as he went, he was much diſquieted; ſometimes he wiſht this young maid might neither have wit nor attraction; and by and by, deſired again he might meet with nothing in her which might detract from her beauty. In fine, not knowing whether he deſired to be ſick or cured, whether he would be free or a captive; and not knowing alſo under what pretence to make this odd viſit, he marcht on till he came to a little Valley, ſeated between Rocks, ſtoln as it were from the world, and very fit, to ſay the truth, to hide ſo infinite a precious treaſure. At the foot of this little Valley, there lies a pleaſant Meadow; and upon the ſide of theſe Rocks, a little Wood of Myrtle, and wild Pomegranats, intermingled with ſome Orenge Trees. At the bottome of this Wood, there ſtands a little Houſe very low built, but in indifferent good repair: As Philoxypes drew near it, his troubles re-doubled, and he was almoſt tempted to turn back, ſo aſhamed was he of his weakneſſe. But at laſt being forced on by love, he entred into the fore-Court of this houſe, cloſed in with Lawrels no higher then ones elbow, which are very common in this Iſland. At laſt ſeeing a door open, he came into a little Chamber, decently, though but meanly furniſhed; in which he found a fair unknown one, and two other women who made Garlands of flowers, intending to carry them the next day to the Temple, and give them to the Prieſt who lived there, to adorn the Victime, which was to be offered, there in ſacrifice. You may imagin, how much aſtoniſhed this young maid might be, to ſee ſuch a one as Philoxypes enter her Cabin, who is alwayes richly clothed, and who as you know, is of a very ſtately behaviour; ſhe no ſooner ſaw him, but riſing up in haſte ſhe let all her flowers fall, thereby affording Philoxypes occaſion of commencing converſation, who ſtooped down to gather up the faln flowers: Sir, ſaid ſhe, endeavouring [Page] to hinder him, pray trouble not you ſelf, for our Woods and Meadows abound in the like, ſo as I may eaſily repair this loſſe, if theſe were ſpoiled. Thoſe which your Woods and Fields produce, ſaid he, are not of ſuch worth as theſe, which I reſtore you, becauſe they have not been gathered by ſo fair a maid as you. Sir, ſaid ſhe, bluſhing, the Goddeſſe to whom I intend to offer them, will look more upon the intention of my heart, then upon my face, which certainly hath nothing in it, which may occaſion you to ſpeak as you do. But Sir, ſaid ſhe, (not giving him leave to interrupt her, to the end ſhe might change the diſcourſe) you have perhaps ſomewhat to command my Father, who will be very much troubled tha the is not here, that he might have the glory to obey you: but he is gone forth with my Mother, and will not return till night.

Philoxypes hearing her ſpeak with ſo much judgement, and ſuch civility, he having at moſt expected nothing but innocency, and ſimplicity in her converſation, had hardly the power to anſwer her. He beheld her with admiration, and liſtened to her with aſtoniſhment; he obſerved a decent negligence in her apparel, and her tone of ſpeech ſo exceſſively charming, as he was raviſht; ſhe ſpoke not only Greek, but with all the Attique purity, and Courtly ſmoothneſſe; her action was moreover infinitely becoming, having nothing in it, neither of affected, nor yet of Clowniſh. He found ſuch modeſty in her looks, and ſo lovely a freſhneſſe in her complexion, as he had hardly liberty to reply; yet after ſome ſtrivings within himſelf, 'tis true, fair maid, ſaid he, I had ſomewhat to ſay unto your Father, but till ſuch time as I ſhall ſee him, give me leave to ask you why he makes choice of ſo ſolitary an abode. Sir, ſaid ſhe, ſuch is my reſpect unto him, as I never informed my ſelf of what you deſire to know; but I have ſometimes thought that this place is not of his choice, and that he lives here, only to fit his mind unto his fortune, which not having deſtin'd him a Palace, hinders him not from thinking himſelf happy in his Cottage.

But is it poſſible, ſaid he, that this auſtere ſolitarineſſe ſhould not ſeem tedious to you? Sir! (replied ſhe with a modeſt ſmile) you will doubtleſly think me very ruſtick and ſavage, when ſhall dare to ſay, that the only trouble I have met withal amidſt theſe Rocks, ſince I have lived here, is that wherewith I am now poſſeſt, to ſee you in a place, where I uſe not to ſee any one; and where certainly I would not ſee you, were I in a condition to do otherwiſe; it not appearing ſeemly to me, that one of your condition, ſhould buſie himſelf in talking ſo long with ſuch a one as I am. I ſhould be very unhappy, ſaid Philoxypes, if ſhould have offended you, or have appeared too importunate: but lovely perſonage, tell mee I beſeech you, your name, and your Parents name, and tell me what God or Goddeſſe 'tis that comes to inſtruct you in theſe Woods? Sir! ſaid ſhe, my name is Policrite, my Father is called Cleanthes, and my Mother Megiſto; but as for thoſe Gods which you ſay do teach me, they have as yet taught me ſo little, as I am ignorant even of civility: to witneſſe which, I ſhall take the boldneſſe to ſay, that ſince thoſe on whom I depend are not here, I ſhall deſire you not to take it ill, if I intreat you not to tarry any longer in a place, wherein you will find more of incommodity, then content. I ſhall not alter my mind, replied Philoxypes for what you ſay, but muſt once more affirm, that doubtleſly the Gods have in a moment inſpired you, with what others have much ado to learn in their whole lives. For that you ſhould be the faireſt maid in all the world, and fairer in a Cottage, then Queens are in their Palaces; though this be very much, yet it is not impoſſible, but that living amongſt Woods and Rocks, you ſhould behave your ſelf, and ſpeak as you do, 'tis this fair Philocrite, that I cannot comprehend; nor can I imagin that you were born here amongſt theſe ſavage Rocks; 'tis true, Sir, ſaid ſhe, I am not of this Iſland by birth; but was ſo young when I parted from Creta, as I hardly remember any thing thereof. 'Tis true, the converſation which I have here, cannot have given me the accent of the Countrey, for I ſpeak with none but thoſe of this family, who are no more of Cyprus then I.

What, Policrite, ſaid Philoxypes, do you ſpend your whole time without ſpeaking, and yet ſpeak as you do? Once more, this Cottage is unworthy of you; and ſome means muſt be found out to draw you hence. I am ſo well contented here, Sir, ſaid ſhe, as I ſhould thereby receive an injury; and I imagin you have no ſuch deſign; therefore I conjure you to leave me in that ſolitarineſſe that you found me; for neither will I ſay much more unto you, not being able to ſpeak any thing of mine own experience.

Philoxypes, who obſerved that this young maid was indeed troubled to ſee him tarry ſo long with her, though it were in no diſ-obliging manner, was loth to anger her; ſo as [Page] with much violence uſed upon himſelfe, after having ſaluted her with ſuch reverence, as if ſhe had been upon a Throne, he offered to be gone. But, Sir, ſaid ſhe, with much candour, you know my name is Policrite, and I cannot tell my Father what his name is, that hath done him the honour to inquire after him; replied this Prince, tranſported with love, my name is Philoxypes. Alas, Sir! anſwered Philocrite, I beg your pardon, if I have not uſed you with ſuch reſpect as I ought. Is not then, ſaid he, my name unknown unto you? No, Sir, ſaid ſhe, and I have heard my Father, though he knows you not himſelf, ſay ſuch things of you by the report of others, as I am ſure will make him rejoyce exceedingly when he ſhall know that you will do him the favour to command him any ſervice. Philoxypes, inchanted to hear Policrite ſpeaking in ſuch ſort, ſaid unto her a thouſand paſſionate and obliging things, if ſhe would have underſtood them; to which ſhe ſtill replied with ſuch readineſſe and modeſty, as he ſtill became in love with her more and more.

He then took his leave of her, and departed from this Cottage, with an unconceivable ſorrow; being come to the ſame place where he firſt ſaw her, he ſtayed; and beholding on the one ſide his goodly and magnificent Palace of Claria, and on the other ſide this little Countrey Cottage: Ah, Philoxypes, cried he, who would believe, that in the condition thy ſoul is in, thou canſt prefer this unluckie Cottage before that ſtately Palace? and that thy heart ſo inſenſible of love, and ſo ambitious of true glory, can abaſe it ſelf before Policrite's feet? But then, ſaid he again, is it poſſible that Philoxypes ſhould love any thing which is not the handſomeſt thing in the world? And if it be ſo, Policrite ought to be the object of his deſires and love. I ſay, Policrite, in whoſe looks is no Art, whoſe words are ſincere, all whoſe thoughts are innocent, who knows not what a ſin is, whoſe heart is not prepoſſeſt with any paſſion, who as yet loves nothing but the Woods, Fields, Flowers, and Fountains; who is hardly conſcious of her own beauty, and whoſe inclinations are doubtleſly all vertuous. But when all is done, ſaid he, after a little pauſe, love is a weakneſſe, from whence I have till now defended my ſelf, only becauſe I did verily believe, that it was handſome not to be capable thereof; but to love a perſonage of ſo unequal birth, is a folly, which I ought by all means to withſtand. For in fine, with what face ſhall I dare to appear at Court? How fair ſoever Policrite be, I dare not ſhew the irons ſhe makes me wear; they muſt either be broken by force, or ſo cunningly conceal'd, as no man may ever diſcern them.

With this reſolution did Philoxypes return home, and from thence to Paphos; but he was ſo poſſeſt with melancholy, as he was forced to fain himſelf ſick. The King, who ſaw him that very night, both with himſelf, and with the Princeſſe Aretephile, perceived his perplexity, and preſſed him to know the cauſe: But Philoxypes anſwered him as he had done the reſt. The Court was very great that day, and all that was gallant, was there; which occaſioned Philoxypes in his ravings, to enquire of himſelf an hundred and an hundred times, why, ſince he was to love, it was not ſome of thoſe illuſtrious perſonages? Yet though he would uſe violence upon himſelf, and endeavour to love by reaſon, he could never compaſſe it. And Policrite's image was ſo deeply imprinted in his heart, as nothing could deface it. He paſſed over three dayes thus with very much diſquiet, and on the fourth maugre himſelf, he returned to Claria, and from thence to Cleanthes, whom at his firſt approach, he found leaning upon a little Palliſado of Lawrels, which incompaſſed his Court. As ſoon as this wiſe Old man ſaw him, he ſtept unto him, and received him with ſuch Civility as had nothing of Ruſtick in it. Sir, ſaid he, I thought my Daughter had been deceived when ſhe told me your Name, which kept me from coming to Claria to receive your Commands; to boot, that 'tis hard to imagine, that a Man of my Fortune and Age may be any wayes ſerviceable to ſuch a Prince as you. Vertue and Worth, ſaid Philoxypes, makes friends unto it ſelf of all Ages, and of all conditions. But Cleanthes, the only thing I deſire to know of you, is whether it be out of neceſſity, or out of choice, that you inhabit this little Houſe? for, if it be the former, you ſhall not tarry long here; and if the latter, I will come and live with you ſometimes; at which Cleanthes ſmiled, and ſaid, Poor Cottages, Sir, are no proper abodes for great Princes. 'Tis very true, ſaid Philoxypes, neither ought great Worth to be confin'd to little Cottages, but doth much better become great Palaces: I therefore proffer you my Houſe Claria, where you and your Family may live more commodiouſly then here. Sir, replied Cleanthes, 'tis handſome for a perſonage of your condition and worth to be willing to relieve the diſtreſſed, but it were not juſt to abuſe that goodneſſe, which may be better employed on ſome better occaſion. For, in fine, Sir, I ſuffer no want in this Cottage, my mind being no greater then it; I here live [Page] in quiet; and finding in this little corner of the earth ſufficient to keep me from being troubleſome to any body, I live here much more happily then thoſe who live in Palaces, and whoſe deſires are not therein bounded. But wiſe Cleanthes, ſaid Philoxypes, will you not tell me what Fortune 'tis that hath brought you hither, and acquaint me preciſely with your condition? Sir, ſaid the good Old man, I am deſcended of honeſt Parents, of an indifferent Fortune; for mine, you ſee it is mean enough, and I aſſure you my worth is not extraordinary. I was forc'd to forgo my Countrey, for many reaſons, too long now to tell, and to ſeek out a place of Retirement in this Iſland, where I have lived a good while; but ſaid Philoxypes, are you not afraid leſt Policrite, who may juſtly be termed a Treaſure, may not be ſafe in ſuch a place as this? if I ſhould grant, anſwered Cleanthes, that Policrite ſhould be what you ſay, ſince this Treaſure is only known by Prince Philoxypes, I ſhould think it ſafe enough; you have reaſon, Father, ſaid he, for what you ſay, for I engage my ſelf to protect you, againſt what, or whoſoever ſhall go about to injure you. After this Cleanthes led him into his Houſe, where he found Megiſto, Cleanthes wife, who received him ſo Civilly, as he eaſily diſcern'd that there was nothing of Ruſtick nor ſavage in this family. She had by her young Policrite, and another maid handſome enough, whom Policrite called Siſter, and whoſe name is Dorida: But, good Gods, how fair did Policrite appear to Philoxypes that day? Her hair which hung careleſs over her neck, and which were the one half covered by a thin Tiffany, were tied back behind her head, with a Garland of Orange and Pomgranate flowers, over which hung a thin Veil, with which ſhe covered her Face when ſhe went in the Sun, and which very well became her Dreſſing: The reſt of her Apparel was white, of a handſome ſhape; her Sleeves, which were very large, were truſt back with Ribbonds of ſeveral colours; and though there was nothing of ſtately in this habit; and that inſtead of Pearls and Diamonds, ſhe was only deck'd with flowers, yet was there ſomewhat of ſo handſome and ſo comely in her dreſſing, as ſhe never appear'd ſo fair to Philoxypes, the more he ſaw her, the more he was in love with her; and were it that he entertained Cleanthes, that he ſpoke to Megiſto, that he addreſſed himſelf to Policrite, or that he ſaid ſomewhat of civility to Dorida, he was ſtill more and more taken. What did he not do to make them tell him ſomewhat more then Cleanthes had told him, and to perſwade them that he might fit them with a better Lodging? He offer'd Cleanthes Jewels to diſpoſe of at his pleaſure; but let him do what he could, he could learn nothing, nor obtain nothing, ſave only leave to come and viſit them ſometimes, which they granted him, meerly becauſe they knew not how to deny it him. I will not ſtay to tell you how frequently Philoxypes returned thither during twelve Dayes ſpace which he ſtaid at Claria, without returning to Paphos; but I will tell you, that Cleanthes, who had underſtanding enough, & Megiſto who wanted not any, eaſily perceived that it was Policrite's beauty which occaſioned this Prince his ſo frequent Viſits, he read her a long Leſſon, and wiſht her to have a care of her ſelf, and that ſhe ſhould conſider that Philoxypes his affection could not but redound to her prejudice: and that therefore ſhe ſhould live with him, as with one whom ſhe ſhould never look upon but meerly with reſpect, not ſuffering him to engage her in any particular affection. This mean while Philoxypes, who perceived he ſhould never have the Freedome to ſpeak to Policrite in particular, unleſſe it were by chance, came ſo often thither, as he met her once unaccompanied by any ſave the young Dorida. This being too fair an occaſion to let ſlip, he drew near unto her, and expreſſing much Love in his looks, Think not, Policrite, ſaid he, that I have any thing of miſs-becoming to ſay unto you, though I have diligently watched to entertain you alone; 'Tis only that not knowing how you will receive my affection, I was not deſirous to have any witneſſes of my misfortune or happineſſe. Sir, ſaid ſhe, with a Maidenly-bluſh, before you ſpeak, conſider I beſeech you where you are; mark well the Cottage wherein I live, and ſee what cloathes I wear. No, Policrite, reply'd he, I ſee nothing but your Eyes, and had you a Crown of Diamonds on your head, I ſhould no more minde it then what you ſpeak of; ſo firmly are my looks fixt upon your Beauty. Permit me then, Sir, ſaid the diſcreet and fair Maid, to teach you another thing, which it may be you are ignorant of, and which ought to keep you from ſaying any thing of unfitting to me. 'Tis, Sir, that this very Policrite, whom you ſee in this Country Cottage, who is thus ſimply attir'd, who is only known to theſe Woods and Rocks hath notwithſtanding her meanneſſe and ſimplicity, ſo tender a ſenſe of Honour, that ſhould you offend her never ſo little therein, ſhe were able to die for ſorrow and diſlike. Be careful then, Sir, to ſay nothing which may make Policrite believe, that you know her not; for, in fine, ſhe hath ſuch a paſſion for Vertue, [Page] as ſhe ſhould have much ado not to hate thoſe who ſhould ſay any thing unto her in oppoſition thereunto. Fear not, ſaid he, faireſt Policrite, that I ſhall ſay any thing to you, which ſhall offend you, at leaſt, which ſhould offend; for I proteſt unto you in the preſence of the gods, who hear me, that the paſſion which you have for flowers, fountains, and for theſe inamel'd fields, is not more pure, nor more innocent, then that which I have for Policrite; and if there be any difference between them, 'tis that the affection which I bear to her, is ſo violent and ſtrong, as there is nothing which I ſhall not willingly undertake to witneſſe it unto her: You cannot better do it, Sir, ſaid ſhe, then in doing me the favour to ſay no more ſuch things unto me, which will onely ſerve to trouble the quiet of my life, ſince if I ſhould not believe you, I ſhould certainly be ſomewhat troubled to think you would laugh at my ſimplicity; and if I ſhould beleeve you, I ſhould almoſt deſpair, for being the cauſe why a great Prince ſhould contract a paſſion ſo unworthy of him, and from whence he can never reap any advantage.

For in fine, Policrite knowing her ſelf, and knowing you alſo, would not her ſelf commit a fault, nor yet cauſe you commit one for love of her; do not therefore ingage your ſelf Sir, in ſo angerſome an adventure: Let me alone (ſaid ſhe, looking upon him with an eie, which did rather detain him then drive him away, though it were done without art) let me alone I ſay, amongſt our Woods and Rocks, and get you to your Palaces, where you will be much better then here. Philoxypes was aſtoniſhed to hear Policrite ſpeak thus, when throwing himſelf at her feet, No, no, divine Policrite, ſaid he, you are not what you appear to be; and though you were ſo, yet would your vertue place you in a degree above all the Queens in the World. Sir ſaid ſhe, raiſing him up, think not that I am to be won by flatteries; for though I know not the World by mine own experience, I know it by my Parents relation. I therefore know that love is a dangerous paſſion, and not knowing preciſely what it is, I know it ought to be avoyded; and that I ought rather to apprehend that love which you ſay you bear me, then any other. And wherefore, Policrite, ſaid he, do you thus treat that innocent paſſion, which you raiſed in my heart? Becauſe ſaid ſhe, it cannot be but injurious to Philoxypes, or to Policrite. But ſay for God's ſake ſaid he, ſuppoſe that Policrite were a Princeſſe, or that Philoxypes, were of the ſame condition that Policrite is; what would you then think of him? I cannot tell ſaid ſhe, but this I know Sir, that though I ſhould eſteem him never ſo much; nay, though I ſhould love him very much, Cleanthes and Megiſto ſhould alwayes abſolutely diſpoſe of me. Say then ſaid he, if they ſhould be favourable, would you without any repugnancy obey them? Sir ſaid ſhe, ſmiling a little, I have been ſo told that I muſt not lightly truſt any one, as I think it not convenient to reveal ſo great a ſecret to you. Hereupon Cleanthes and Megiſto returned, and broke off their diſcourſe; Philoxypes preſently obſerved that theſe two perſons were troubled at his viſits; he therefore reſolved not to be ſo frequent in them, leſt he might for ever loſe a happineſs, which now he might ſometimes enjoy. Thus, Sir, Philoxypes after ſome ſhort diſcourſe departed, and returned not onely to Claria, but to Paphos, whither the King had alſo ſent for him; not being able to let him be ſo long alone and ſolitary, all the Ladies, and the whole Court complained of him, and could not comprehend the reaſon of his ſo long retiremement; The King continued to give him new teſtimonies of his affection, by beſtowing on him the government of Cithera, which was falne void by the death of the former Governour. He acquainted him with what had befalne him during his abſence, with Princeſſe Aretephile, and conjur'd him to ſpeak alwayes to her in his behalf. For ſaid he, Aretephile hath taken a phancy to be ſure of the Crown of Cyprus, before ſhe give me her heart, and I will have her give me her heart, before I give her the Crown. Philoxypes promiſed the King to ſpeak to Aretephile, but it was with ſuch ſadneſs as all the Court took notice of it. He did almoſt alwayes little better then rave, he would miſtake, and ſay one thing for another, he ſhunn'd company, and as ſoon as he could, he returned to Claria. He found more reſiſtancy in Policrite, then he thought to have met withall; for ſhe, fearing all things, durſt hardly look upon this Prince; the difference of his condition, though it made her more obliged unto him in her ſoul, yet was it the reaſon why ſhe treated him ſo coolly. Philoxypes would have preſented the whole Family, but they all refuſed to receive any. This mean while he was ſtill more unhappy; for though he loved Policrite paſſionately, and that he valued her more then all the world beſides, yet could he never put on a reſolution of making any one acquainted with this his ſo meanly placed paſſion: He would certainly have been able to live with Policrite in any deſert Iſland; but he knew not how he could avow the marrying a Maid of her condition, to the [Page] world; yet did he ſtill love her with a reſpectfull affection, not giving way to any ſinfull deſire: That pure and unartificiall vertue which he ſaw in Policrite, infuſed into him a greater reſpect for her, then if ſhe had been ſeated on a Throne; he then perceived he loved, without hope of ever finding a remedy for his evil, upon leſſer termes, then reſolving to abandon the Court, and Kingdom, and to ask Policrite of Cleanthes upon ſo vexaatious termes; but that which moſt of all afflicted him was, that he knew not how he ſtood in Policrite's affection; he found her milde and civil, he obſerves no marks of hatred in her countenance; but there was therein alſo ſo great a reſervedneſſe, and ſo exact a modeſty, as he could not penetrate her thoughts: He thought alſo, that Policrite was grown ſomewhat more melancholy then ſhe had formerly been, and indeed he was not miſtaken, for Philoxypes his handſomeneſſe, his good behaviour, his wit, and civility, being things not to be ſeen without liking; young Policrite could not ſee her ſelf belov'd of ſuch a Prince as he, without having her heart a little toucht with acknowledgement; yet ſeeing her ſelf in a condition ſo far beneath his, and out of a ſenſe of vertue ſhe muſt reſiſt this budding affection, ſhe could not but be afflicted at this conqueſt which ſhe had made; and to bemoan her ſelf thereof to her dear Dorida who had wit enough. Siſter, ſaid ſhe unto her, how happy are you in compariſon of me, who can take pleaſure in walking abroad, in gathering of flowers, in hearing birds ſing, and the fall of waters, and in not being reduced to a condition of complaining of too much good fortune: For in fine Dorida, Philoxypes heart is a conqueſt which I am ſure the greateſt Queens would be proud to have made; yet whilſt they might innocently rejoyce thereat, I muſt be therewithall afflicted: I could wiſh I had never ſeen him; or at leaſt I think I could: For when all is done, though me thinks I could heartily deſire that he would love me no more, yet am I glad to ſee him. But if love, replied Dorida, be ſo powerfull a thing as it is ſaid to be, how know you but that Philoxypes may love you well enough to Marry you? Ah ſiſter, anſwered ſhe, as I would do nothing misbeſeeming me, ſo neither would I that Philoxypes ſhould do any thing that might misbeſeeme him to do: But, ſaid Dorida, belike then you love Philoxypes, ſince you intereſt your ſelf in his honour, againſt your ſelf. Policrite bluſht at this diſcourſe, and looking confuſedly upon Dorida, if you were better acquainted with this paſſion then I, ſaid ſhe, I would tell you whatſoever my ſoul is ſenſible of, to the end I might know what to think of it; But I cannot yet believe that this dangerous diſeaſe be yet got into my heart; for if you remember well, we have heard Cleanthes ſay, and we have read it more then once, that love makes one loſe their reaſon; that it cauſeth a thouſand pains, and vexations, that it ſometimes makes people do amiſſe; and I thank Heaven, I do not yet feel any of all this; Me thinks my reaſon is free enough, and I am well enough pleaſed with the melancholy which poſſeſſeth me: For tis true, I oft times talk I know not what, but I delight in doing ſo; and though I would not love Philoxypes, yet there are certain moments wherein I am well enough pleaſed that he ſhould love me: But as for any thing of fault, ſo far am I from being willing to commit any, as I proteſt unto you, that were it for no other reaſon, then not to loſe Philoxypes his eſteem and good opinion, I would die a thouſand deaths rather then do any thing that ſhould be unjuſt. You may then believe, that whileſt I love vertue, and would become worthy the affection of ſo great a Prince, I will never do any thing contrary to reputation. I believe you, anſwered Dorida; but for all this Siſter mine, you deceive your ſelf, if you believe you love not not Philoxypes: For in a word, you do not love what you lov'd before you knew him, you are ſomewhat more comely, you conſult oftner with the Chriſtall fountains, and you are quite another thing then you were. Ah Siſter, replied Policrite, if that were true which you ſay, I would quickly take order for it, I would never ſee Philoxypes, but to uſe him harſhly: to the end, that he hating me, I might no longer love him. Theſe two young people having entertained themſelves thus upon the bank of a little rivolet, Cleanthes and Megiſto, who had altered their mindes, came thither; and bidding Dorida withdraw a little; Megiſto began to ſay; Policrite! it is not many dayes ſince I told you, that in reſpect of your condition, you ſhould never look upon Philoxypes, but with a great deal of reſpect; but fearing leſt through that inequality which you may believe to be between you and him, you may not appear to be ſo much obliged to him for his affection, as indeed to put ſomewhat too great an eſtimation thereupon: Cleanthes and myſelf have reſolved to tell you, that your true condition conſidered, you are not bound to behold Philoxypes at any time, but with a great deal of indifferency: For in a word, ſaid Cleanthes, not to diſguiſe the truth from you any longer, you are what you think not your ſelf to be, [Page] and we are likewiſe that which you know not, and what you ſhall not as yet know; becauſe the Gods have not permitted us as yet to let you know it: But to ſhew you how much you are more obliged then you think for, to be vertuous, know Policrite, that you are of as Noble blood as any is in all Greece: And how anſwered Policrite, interrupting him am I not what I alwaies thought to be? No daughter ſaid he; to number Kings amongſt your Anceſtors, is not the greateſt mark of honour that you make boaſt of. There is ſomwhat of more Auguſt in your race, then what I ſpeak of: Therefore that I might raiſe up your heart, I thought it good to truſt you with this important ſecret, (which I charge you not to reveal to any one) as alſo to let you know the better how much bound you are not to doe any thing unworthy of your Fathers houſe, nor of the condition you are borne in. Policrite was exceedingly joy'd to hear Cleanthes ſpeak after this manner, though her joy was not over quiet; for ſhe was in trouble to know more preciſely what was told her. Father ſaid ſhe, leave me not in ſuch perplexity; tell me a little more plainly, I beſeech you, ſo pleaſing a truth, and let me know who I am.

The Gods have forbidden us it, my daughter, anſwered he, by the mouth of an Oracle: you muſt be content with what you have heard: but make uſe thereof to defend your ſelf againſt Philoxypes love; and far from looking on him, as on a Prince who hath done you too much honour: look rather on him, as on one whom you ſhall favour by your permittance.

This is not, ſaid Cleanthes, to deny, but that Philoxypes is endow'd with all the virtues and qualities requiſite for a great Prince; but tis, my childe, to let you know, that there is a certain pride which doth not miſ-become a young maide to defend her ſelf thereby againſt love, when we have an eſteem; for thoſe that are above us, tis hard to gainſay, if they intreat. And on the contrary, when we beleeve them to be beneath us, or at leaſt but our equals, we ſtand not much upon denying them unjuſt things. Policrite aſſured then Cleanthes and Megiſto, That though ſhe had known nothing of what they now had told her, ſhe ſhould never have done any thing contrary to that decency which ſhe had learnt of them. But how much were they miſtaken, if their deſign were to hinder Policrite from loving Philoxypes.

Sometimes ſhe was filled with joy, to know that ſhe was of Noble deſcent; and afterwards, being willing to make uſe thereof; to drive there by the beginning of affection which Philoxypes worth had already raiſed in her, out of her heart, ſhe found it the more fortified by this knowledg. For ſaid ſhe, the knowledg of what I am, doth not take from the obligation which I ow him; ſince he knows not that I am any thing more then what I ſeem to be.

But for me, who now know what I am, why ſhould I not hope that the Gods permitting Philoxypes to know my true condition, may not ſo order it, as that I may love him and be blameleſs, and be beloved by him innocently? No, no, Policrite added ſhe, let us no longer defend our heart any longer with ſuch opiniatrecie; let us content our ſelves with concealing our reſentments, and do nothing that ſhall be faulty: and let us not reject, as a miſchief the love of a Prince, to whom the wiſeſt King of the world would not refuſe to give his daughter. But it may be, ſaid ſhe, that Philoxypes doth but counterfeit, that he hath ſinfull thoughts towards thee, and that thy ſimplicity abuſeth thee.

Stay then, ſaid ſhe, to be reſolved herein, and make triall of his conſtancy and fidelity, by an appearing indifferency, which may leave him without hope.

Thus was Policrite minded, when Philoxypes came to her as ſoon as ſhe ſaw him ſhe began to go towards her Cottage; but he, advancing haſtily, ſtayed her; yet not being above twenty paces from it, and there being two of her womenſervants at work in a Cloſe hard by them, ſhe ſtayed. What, Policrite, ſaid he, you ſhun a Prince, who ſhuns all the world for love of you? Sir, ſaid ſhe, (after ſomwhat more an imperious manner then before, though ſhe intended not ſo to do) I do what peradventure you ought to doe: For in fine, what advantage can you hope for by your viſits and ſolicitations? The contentment ſaid he, to hear from your fair mouth, that you do not hate me: If that be all you deſire to be ſatisfied in, replied ſhe, you may eaſily compas your deſires; but ask no more, upon pain of refuſall. What, lovely Policrite, ſaid he, will you never love me, and ſhall all I can do to win your affection, prove uſeleſs? no, 'tis impoſſible, were you as inſenſible, as thoſe pictures which I have of you. My pictures, replied Policrite? Yes, added Philoxypes, I am not ſo unfortunate as you think for; in deſpite of you, and [Page] without your conſent, I have the contentment of ſeeing you dayly.

Ah! ſaid Policrite, I perceive Mandrocles hath [...]etrayed me, and hath falſified his word. Philoxypes askt her then, how ſhe came to know Mandrocles? She told him how that famous Painter walking dayly when his leiſure would permit him, amongſt thoſe rocks to draw ſome landskips, had one day by chance light upon their houſe: where, having ſeen her, he had begg'd leave of Cleanthes to draw her picture, which Cleanthes would have refuſed him, but that ſeeing his importunity, he was afraid leſt he might ſpeak of her to him at Claria, and that therefore he gave way unto his deſire, upon condition that he ſhould not make uſe of this picture, in any of his pieces, but as of a head made by fancy and imagination, and making him take a ſolemn oath, never to ſpeak with any body whoſoever, of any acquaintance he had with them. That ſince that time, as long as Mandrocles tarryed at Claria, he came to teach her to deſigne, and had drawn her picture in twenty ſeveral poſtures. She then enquired of Philoxypes, whether Mandrocles had ſpoken to him of her, or no? And he told her the whole truth: but you may perceive, ſaid Philoxypes, that the Goddeſs whom you repreſent, intends not that you ſhould alwayes be inhumane, ſince ſhe would her ſelf appear in your vizage.

Sir, ſaid ſhe, not being of your Iſle, my devotion leads me rather to be a Votreſs to Diana, then to worſhip Venus Ʋrania, therefore it is not this your reaſon that will prevail with me: to boot, that his Goddeſs approving only of ſuch paſſions as are innocent, will certainly never counſel me to admit of yours. Verues ſelf, replied Philoxypes, would adviſe you to it; and did you know my heart, you would need no other Councellor then your ſelf. It would take up ſo much time, replied ſhe, to make me know it, as I ſhall adviſe you not to undertake the work. But ſaid he, if I do undertake it, and if I make it evident to you, that never man loved any thing as I love you, what will you then think? I would think, ſaid ſhe, that you were very unfortunate, in having ſo paſſionatly loved one, who is unworthy of ſo much honour. But ſaid he, would you think your ſelf any waies obliged unto me? I ſhould be ſorrie for you, ſaid ſhe, and would wiſh your cure either by abſence, or by forgetfulneſſe.

Ah! cruel maid, ſaid he, wiſh it rather by your compaſſion and charity; and promiſe me only that you will afford me leiſure to perſwade you, that I am the moſt in love of all men. To do as you ſay, ſaid ſhe, would be to be ſomwhat perſwaded thereunto already; therefore (and with this, ſhe walked towards her Cottage) I will liſten no longer to you. After this manner did Philoxypes paſs away his time; having but very few moments of delight, amongſt many houres of anguiſh.

This mean while, he could not endure to tarry at Paphos, and when he went thither, all he could do, was only to viſit the Princeſs Aretephile, which the King compelled him to do; but he appeared ſo melancholly, and ſo changed, as he was hardly to be known. The King, who loved him dearly, was much afflicted to ſee it; he together with the whole court, ſought what might be the occaſion of this alteration; but they could not find it. The King, askt it of Philoxypes ſelf, but could learn nothing. Philoxypes anſwering alwaies, that it was ſome melancholy, which proceeded certainly from his temper, and from ſome little indiſpoſition of health.

But ſaid the King, ſolitarineſs is no uſual cure for ſuch incommodities; wherefore you ought not to go any more to Claria: Yet affairs went ſtill on thus, yea even when Winter was come, which did the more aſtoniſh the whole Court; they knew he built no more at Claria, that the Painters and Engravers, who had been ſo long there, were all gone; that the ſeaſon was foul; that when he went thither, 'twas but with a ſmall traine; and that he walked alwaies alone: they ſaw a ſtrange ſadneſs in his face, and a wonderfull alteration; and all this without any appearing cauſe. The King heaped favours and honours upon him; he askt him an hundred times, what he would deſire of him: he had not any one enemy; the whole Court loved him; he was exceeding rich; he appeared not to have any ſickneſs, as the Phyſitians could perceive: In fine, his melancholy and retiredneſs, were things which could not be gueſt at. The whole Court talkt of nothing elſe; and the King was ſtrangely troubled at it; who, not knowing how to inform himſelf of what Philoxypes ailed, he be thought himſelf of me, whom he knew this Prince did love particularly, and in whom he did more confide, then in any other.

Thus upon a day, when Philoxypes was gone to Claria, the King ſent for me; and after having aſſured his Majeſtie, (as it was true) that I knew nothing of particular concerning this Prince his melancholy, he did me the honour to command me to go to him, and to [Page] uſe all my cunning to diſcover what it was that was in his minde: For, ſaid he, Leontidas, I do ſo love Philoxypes, as I cannot live content unleſs I ſee he do ſo likewiſe, and were it to give him half my Kingdom, I would doubtleſly do it, rather then not to give him ſatisfaction.

I then departed, reallie intending to endeavour to ſatisfie the Kings curioſity, who certainly ſtood in need of Philoxypes preſence, to counſel and comfort him concerning Aretephiles behaviour; for I think there was never known a ſtiffer combat between ambition and love.

I went then to Claria where I found Philoxypes in his uſuall melancholy; the which I made the greater, becauſe I hindred him from going that daie to Cleanthes. At firſt ſight of me, he endevoured notwithſtanding, to inforce himſelf to honour me ſo much, as to ſeem glad to ſee me; but it was after a faſhion, which made me eaſily ſee that his heart gainſaid his words; and that notwithſtanding any friendſhip he had for me, he wiſht I had tarried ſtill at Paphos.

Leontidas, ſaid he, I am much beholding to you for coming to viſit me in a ſeaſon, when the Countrie hath loſt all its ornaments; and when the Court is fulleſt of diverſions.

Sir, ſaid I, you commend me with leſs reaſon, then the Court complains of you; for to forgo Paphos for Claria, when you are there, 'tis to forgo the Court, for the Court; nay, for the moſt pleaſing part of the Court: but to forgo Paphos, only to ſeek out ſolitarines at Claria, as you do, Oh, Sir, ſaid I, (not ſuſpecting him notwithſtanding of any paſſion) 'tis all that a Prince in love, who is upon bad tearms with his Miſtreſſe, can do. Philoxypes bluſht at theſe words, and looking upon me with a kind of ſmile, which did not, notwithſtanding drive the melancholy from his countenance; I perceive, Leontidas, ſaid he, I am not ſo much beholding to you, as I had thought, ſince doubtleſly you are come hither rather to chide me, then to viſit me.

I am come, Sir, ſaid I, to trie whether I may not be able to ſerve you in a time when all the world believes that ſomwhat of great importance, which they cannot gueſs at, doth afflict you. Leontidas, ſaid he, I am much bound to you, but I ſhould be ſo more, if you could hinder the Court from looking ſo far into my heart. For I confeſs ſaid he, I finde it ſomwhat hard that a man may not look inwards ſomtimes, though whilſt he does ſo, he is hardly maſter of his own minde.

Sir, ſaid I, were you leſs beloved, you would not ſuffer under this perſecution which you complain of: This kinde of Love, replied he, cauſeth in me no ſmall ſuffering: For what can I more rationally do, then to conceal my Melancholy in a retiredneſs, to the end that I may not trouble the joy of others. But Sir, ſaid I, tis the cauſe of this Melancholy which every body ſeeks after, and none can finde: as for my particular, I muſt crave your pardon if I do. For Sir, tis not ambition that torments you. No, Leontidas, ſaid he, if I were ſick of that diſeaſe, the King would quickly cure me. Neither is it revenge, ſaid I, for not being hated by any, it is not to be believed that you are poſſeſt with hatred. You have reaſon for what you ſay, ſaid he; and ſighing added, I think I am mine own greateſt enemy. It is not ſaid I again the paſſion which you have for books, for that paſſion may cauſe ſolitarineſs, but not ſuch melancholy as you are poſſeſt withall. And moreover, you have had that paſſion a long time, without the product of ſo bad an effect. It is not books, certainly ſaid he, which cauſe my trouble, which were I capable of reaſon, would rather be my comfort. It is not Love ſaid I, that torments you, for you ſee none that can cauſe it in you. Conclude then, ſaid he, taking me in his armes, that there is no more to be ſaid, but that I hate my ſelf, that I have loſt my reaſon, and if my friends be wiſe, they will let me alone, and will leave the knowledg, or cure of my malady, to the proceſs of time.

Sir ſaid I, ſhall Leontidas, who hath ſo particular an affection for you, be dealt withall as others are? ſhall he have known nothing more of your concernments, then do your enemies, if any ſuch you have? Ah, Sir, ſaid I, you muſt if you pleaſe do otherwiſe, & to prove to you that Leontidas doth in ſome ſort deſerve you ſhould do ſo, know Sir, that hitherto I have ſpoken unto you as a ſpie, ſent by the King, who will know at whatſoever prcie, what tis that afflicts your minde. But after having bootleſly acquitted my ſelf of my commiſſion, I ſpeak no longer Sir, as one ſent by the King, but as one who is reſolved to ſerve you with his life, if it ſhall be needfull; and never abſolutly to give you over till he know the cauſe of your Melancholy: for Sir, if there be no cauſe of this Melancholy, and that it be but a [Page] diſtemper of humours, I muſt ſtay here, that I may endeavour, maugre your ſelf, to divert you; and if there be any cauſe for it, Leontidas muſt likewiſe ſerve you therein, if there ſhould redound no other benefit to you thereby, then to help you to keep it concealed from the King, and from the whole Court, if you deſire it ſhould be concealed from them.

I do not know any way, ſaid he, to keep it undiſcovered better, then to tell it to no body.

But Sir, ſaid I, if you treat me with this indifferency, when I ſhall returne to Paphos, and the King ſhall ask me what I think of your Melancholy, I muſt needs ſay ſomething to him.

And what will you ſay to him, replied Philoxypes? I think Sir, ſaid I, that to revenge my ſelf for the little confidence you have in me, I will ſay what I do no wayes believe, to wit, that you are in love; and that the ſhame of you former inflexibleneſſe, or of your new weakneſſe, hinders you from avowing it: nay, I will peradventure tell him, ſaid I, in mockery, that that Venus Ʋrania, which people have ſo much quarrel'd with you about ſince the great Feaſt which you made here, and which did precede but a few dayes your melancholy humour hath ſtruck you effectually in love. In fine Sir, there is nothing ſo odd, which I ſhall not ſay to revenge my ſelf for the wrong you do the paſſion which I have to your ſervice.

During this diſcourſe, Philoxypes changed colour twenty times; and were it out of friendſhip, or out of my importunity, or that indeed thoſe that are in love, love naturally to ſpeak thereof, he took me by the hand, led me into his Cabinet, and after having made me take ſundry ſolemn Oaths, never to diſcover what he ſhould ſay unto me; and all this with as much ceremony, and preſſure, as if he had ſome conſpiracy to diſcover unto me againſt the ſtate, or ſome attempt upon the Kings perſon; he told me that he was in love.

What Sir, ſaid I, theſe retirements, theſe Melancholies, and this impenetrable ſecret, which all the world in vain ſeeks to finde out: Is it onely that you are in Love? Ah, Leontidas, ſaid he, mock not at my miſery; for it is greater then you can imagine. But Sir, ſaid I, I have much ado to imagine that you can be ſo unfortunate as you ſay, ſince I cannot conceive that there is e're a Princeſſe in the Kingdom (except Ambitious Aretephile, who will be Queen) who will not favourably entertain your affection, when you ſhall make it known unto her. Alas! ſaid he, with a ſigh, Love hath dealt much more cruelly with me then you are aware of; and ſince I muſt diſcover unto you the ſecret of my heart, know that I have met with an invincible reſiſtance in one who lives amongſt theſe Rocks, and dwels but in a Cottage.

Yes Leontidas, I have found a maid, or to ſay better, I have found Vertue it ſelf, wholly pure, and under the viſage of Venus Ʋrania, which hath, and doth yet reſiſt me. A maid who is not touch'd with Ambition; in whom beauty cauſeth no affectation, nor pride; who hath ſimplicity and wit, gallantry and ſincerity; and who in a ſandy and deſart place, which the gods alone have pointed out unto me, ſpeaks better then all the wittieſt Ladies in the Court.

But when all this is done, ſhe lives in a Cottage, her condition appears to be very mean, if I conſider all that is about her; and when I conſider onely her ſelf, or do but hear her ſpeak, ſhe appears to be upon a Throne: Her Governours are vertuous, and diſcreet; but ſtill Leontidas they live in a Cottage, and will not abandon it. At laſt, ſaid he with tears almoſt ſtanding in his eyes, I am the moſt unfortunate of all men: I have a paſſion which I cannot overcome, and which I will not have known: I too much reſpect Policrite's worth (for ſo is ſhe called of whom I ſpeak) to have any ſinfull deſire towards her, which though I ſhould have, it would be to no purpoſe: I likewiſe am too great a lover of Glory, to reſolve to marry a maid of this condition without much repugnancy; Yet can I not live without her: my ſufferings are ſuch that I cannot expreſſe them; and ſeeing no remedy for my Malady, I bear it patiently without complaining of it, and void of all hope but death.

Philoxypes told me this in ſo feeling a manner, as I much pitied him: He then told me all that had befallen him: How t'was he met Policrite, how he was ſurprized, that it was ſhe by whom Mandrocles had drawn the picture of Venus Ʋrania, and all the reſt which I have told you. I was ſomewhat ſurprized at this fantaſtick paſſion, chiefly when I call'd to minde Philoxypes former inflexibleneſſe; Yet did I endeavour to comfort him. Sir, ſaid I, ſuch a beauty as that is which you repreſent unto me, and ſuch a one as I have [Page] ſeen in the Venus in your Gallery, bears ſome excuſe with it, of what condition ſoever the poſſeſſors are, eſpecially when it occaſions onely ſome paſſing paſſions, and which are of no long durance, as I will hope yours will prove. No, no, ſaid he Leontidas, do not deceive your ſelves; I will love Policrite till death. But Sir, not to abuſe your patience, perceiving Philoxypes grievance too great to be cured, I ſmothered it, and ſweetned it as much as poſſible I could. He then led me into his Gallery to ſhew me his excuſe, though I had ſeen his pictures many times before: we afterwards walked abroad, but he being able onely to walk one way, we were ſoon amongſt the Rocks, in a place from whence we might uncover Policrite's habitation, which we no ſooner ſaw, but bluſhing with confuſion, he ſaid, 'tis there my dear Leontidas where ſhe that I adore doth live; 'tis underneath that roof, which I prefer before the proudeſt Palaces, that Philoxypes findes ſome moments of content: and 'tis there in fine that all my joy and happineſſe is circumſcribed. Sir, ſaid I, there needs no greater proofs of Policrites beauty, then the ſmalneſſe of her Cottage; and whoſoever ſhall imagine that Philoxypes affection is placed therein, cannot doubt but that he hath argued the matter with himſelf as much as he was able.

In fine, Sir, after that he had enlarged himſelf in expreſſing Policrites charming beauty, not ſuffering me to ſee her for fear of offending her: I muſt think of returning to Paphos, for I had promiſed the King to return that very night. I asked Philoxypes what I ſhould ſay unto him; any thing ſaid he my dear Leontidas, rather then the truth of my adventure: For in the minde that I am of, I think that I ſhould run mad if the King ſhould know it.

I then left him after he had made me ſwear a hundred times, not to diſcover the leaſt part of his misfortune. I went to finde out the king, who expected me with much impatiency, and who had purpoſely withdrawn himſelf early, to the end that I might ſpeak with more freedom to him when I ſhould return.

And how, Leontidas, ſaid he? what doth our ſolitary companion do?

Sir, ſaid I, terming him as you do, your Majeſty may eaſily gueſſe at what he does. He muſes, he walks, he reads; looks upon his pictures, and ſtatues; goes from one place to another, and ſeeking eaſe every where, he findes it no where.

But Leontidas, ſaid he, you ſpeak to me as Philoxypes doth, and 'tis not that which I expect from you.

Sir, ſaid I, I have done all I am able to ſatisfie your majeſty; but I confeſſe my journey hath not been ſo ſucceſsfull as I hoped for: For all that Philoxypes ſayes, is onely that he findes himſelf ſomewhat ill diſpoſed, and that he is poſſeſt with a Melancholy which he cannot maſter.

Did you ask him ſaid the King, whether it were not that he did wiſh for ſomwhat which I have not bethought my ſelf to give him, becauſe I knew not that he did deſire it?

Oh, Sir, ſaid I, (thinking I had done well) it is not Ambition that torments Philoxypes, who is ſo ſatisfied with your Majeſties goodneſſe, as he deſires nothing more then what he hath.

Have you then diſcovered, ſaid he, that he hath any thing of private diſcontent againſt any one of this Court? For if it be ſo, I will make his intereſt mine, and will as ſeverely revenge any injury done unto him, as if it had been done unto my ſelf.

Sir, ſaid I, Philoxypes appears to be ſo well beloved of all the world, as 'tis hard to think any one ſhould injure him. I know not then what to imagine, ſaid the King; but if Philoxypes's Ambition be ſatisfied, and that it is not hatred nor revenge that doth trouble him, he muſt needs be in Love.

Your Majeſty, Sir, ſaid I, doth too well know Philoxypes's inflexibleneſſe, to ſuſpect any ſuch thing in him. No Leontidas, ſaid he, Philoxypes's paſt obdurity, is not a Reaſon ſtrong enough to perſwade me that he is obdurate ſtill. I am almoſt confident that 'tis this paſſion which robs me of Philoxypes's company; For in fine, he hath all the marks of one in Love. His countenance is altered, he not having been ſick; he is melancholy without any appearing cauſe; he doth little elſe but rave; he cannot ſtay long in a place; he conceals his melancholy from us; he cannot endure that one ſhould take notice of it; he gives over thinking of his affairs; he viſits none but by conſtraint, and unleſſe it be the Princeſſe Aretephile, whom he hath ſeen by my command, he hath not viſited any one Lady ſince we were at Claria.

Sir, ſaid I, part of what you alledge to prove that Philoxypes is in Love, me thinks [Page] makes for the contrary: For if he were in Love, he would certainly ſeek out the party beloved; we ſhould never ſee him from her: inſtead of being melancholly, he would ſtudy to play the Gallant more, and would be the more ſociable: and inſtead of ſeeking out ſolitarineſſe, as he doth, me thinks he ſhould rather adde to the Court diverſions: and that his chiefeſt imployments ſhould be muſick, Baals, converſation, and going abroad.

You ſay well, anſwered the King, for what concerns ordinary paſſions, or ſuch Lovers as have been fortunate in their affections; but there are certain giddie-headed paſſions out of the common road, which ariſing from a melancholly anguiſh, feed themſelves therewithal, and ſhun whatſoever affords delight. But that which doth a little trouble me, is that I cannot imagin who 'tis that Philoxypes can love, and be hardly dealt withal by, for certainly there is never a Lady in all my Court, who would not glory in having won his heart: and moreover I have not obſerved that he hath applied himſelf to converſe with any one in particular, yet doubtleſſe Philoxypes is in Love.

Sir, ſaid I, be not ſo reſolute in your aſſertion, till you have ſtronger proofs thereof, and tell you may at leaſt conjecture who it is he is in love withall. The King began then to number over all the Ladies of the Court, one by one, and found not any one of them that he was likely to be in love withall.

He then began to walk not ſaying one word: ſoon after I ſaw ſome colour come in his face, and preſently, me thought, he was much diſquieted.

Leontidas, ſaid he, you know more then you will tell me.

Sir, ſaid I, I have ſaid nothing but truth unto your Majeſty. For in fine, Philoxypes his ambition is ſatisfied; he hath no enemies that I know of; and if I be not deceived, the faireſt Ladies of the Court have no great power over him.

Ah! Leontidas, ſaid he, you conceal the truth from me; but I know it without your telling. Yes, Leontidas, ſaid he, Philoxypes doth Love, and ſo love, as doubtleſſe he is much afflicted thereat, and which he will withſtand and overcome: were not my thought true, he would not make his paſſion ſo great a ſecret. But good Gods, ſaid he, how unfortunate am I? and to what ſtrange extreamity am I reduced; for in fine, Leontidas, ſaid he, confeſſe the truth, Philoxypes, mauger himſelf, is become my rival, and his grief for it is the cauſe of his melanchollie.

Ah! Sir, ſaid I, (not having leaſure to think of what I ſaid) I know not the cauſe of Philoxypes his melancholly; but I very well know he is not in Love with the Princeſſe Aretephile, and that he too much reſpects your Majeſtie to ſuffer ſuch a thought enter his breſt.

Think well Leontidas, ſaid he, on what you ſay: you aſſure me you know not the cauſe of Philoxypes his melancholly, and yet you know he is my rival: once more Leontidas, if you know the buſineſſe, let me know it: or if you know it not; confeſſe my ſuſpicions are well grounded, and fear not for all this, that I wiſh any harm to Philoxypes: on the contrary I ſhall be beholden to him for it.

I was extreamly troubled to hear the King talk thus; for without violating what we hold moſt ſacred, I could not reveal Philoxypes his ſecret, which he had made me ſwear above a hundred times not to do.

To conſent likewiſe that the King ſhould ſuſpect him to be his Rival, me thought it was a buſineſſe of too great importance to leave him in that opinion; but the more I perſwaded him to the contrary, the more firmly did he believe it. No, ſaid he, I am cauſe of mine own misfortune, and of Philoxypes his misfortune too: 'tis I who made him viſit Aretephile more then any other; 'tis mine own hand that has enthral'd him, and 'tis I who am the cauſe of all his ſufferings: For, ſaid he, I eaſily comprehend he ſeeks out all this ſolitarineſſe only to rid him out of this paſſion: nay, I have obſerved that of late he hath been troubled as oft as I have ſpoken to him to ſpeak to Aretephile, that he hath ſhun'd ſuch Commiſſions as much as he could; and I am too much perſwaded that he hath argued the buſineſſe ſtifly with himſelf, and I am the only cauſe of what he ſuffers.

Good gods, ſaid he, how great is my misfortune? there is not any one man in all my Kingdom, whom I ſhould not hate if he were my Rival, unleſſe it be he; and there is not any Lady in the Court, in whoſe Love he would not have been happy, except Aretephile.

But Sir, ſaid I again, I proteſt unto you he is not in love with her; and I proteſt to you, replied he, expreſſing an extream grief, that Philoxypes is my Rival; for were it not ſo, he would not conceal his paſſion from me.

The reſpect he bears to you, ſaid I, ought to hinder him from ſo doing, if he were in Love.

[Page] No, no, replied he, you ſhall no longer abuſe me; and I am equally perſwaded of Philoxypes his love, of his innocency, and of my misfortune. For in fine, that the man in the world that I love beſt, ſhould fall in Love with the onlieſt Lady that I can Love: and that I ſhould ſee my ſelf cruelly neceſſitated, either to forſake Aretephile, or to ſee Philoxypes die, it is an unſufferable adventure.

Sir, I beſech you, ſaid I, expect till ſhe hath once more ſeen Philoxypes, and have abſolutely commanded him to diſcover his heart unto her, before you reſolve on any thing; and if you pleaſe I will bring him hither to morrow morning.

No, no, replied the King, you ſhall not ſtir out of the Palace this day; nor ſhall you ſee Philoxypes before me. In effect this Prince gave one of his ſervants charge over me; and commanded me to withdraw into a Chamber, which was appointed for me in the Palace.

'T would be too difficult a thing to repreſent unto you my vexation, and the Kings diſquiet: ſince to tell you true, he had as much friendſhip for Philoxypes, as Love for Aretephile.

Who ever ſaw, ſaid he, (for he himſelf told it afterwards) an adventure like to mine? I have a Rival whom I muſt love in deſpight of me, and who gives me more occaſion to love him, for the affection he bears to my Miſtreſſe, then for all the ſervice he ever did me; and then for all the good offices he hath done me to her, it being certain that I need only look upon him, to ſee what he ſuffers in my conſideration; and that I need only conſider what life he leads, to ſee how much I am beholden to him. I obſerve in his eyes a melancholly, which makes me apprehend his death: and I ſee in all his actions, viſible ſigns of his love to Aretephile, and of his reſpect to me. What ſhall I do, ſaid he? ſhall I ſeem not to know this paſſion, and let Philoxypes die? But 'tis no longer time to conceal what I think, ſince Leontidas knows it. Leontidas who is ſo much his confident, and ſhares ſo deeply in his friendſhip: ſhall I alſo tell Philoxypes that I know his love, and not complain of him? and if I ſhould complain, how weak a ſuccour would this be? I ſhould peradventure haſten his hour of death, by making him deſpair. But ſhall I quit Aretephile, and and let my friendſhip exceed my Love? Philoxypes his paſſion is unjuſt; but paſſions are not voluntary, and he hath done what ever he could, or ought to have done, ſince not being able to keep from loving; he hath yet kept from making his love known; and hath rather choſen to hazard his life by his reſpectful ſilence, then to preſerve it by making his paſſion known, which he knows will diſpleaſe me.

The King paſt the night in this manner very unquietly: ſometimes he was agitated with anger, and hatred, not knowing whom he hated, or on whom he deſired to be revenged: ſometimes he did a little blame Philoxypes, for not having at the very firſt acquainted him with his paſſion: ſometime he betook himſelf to Aretephiles beauty; but at laſt he blamed himſelf.

Then ſuddenly conſidering the pittiful condition into which Philoxypes was brought, and what an unhappy life he led, his heart was ſo touched with compaſſion, as he did almoſt love his pretended Rival, better then his Miſtreſſe. He then called to mind, how that all the favours he had received from her, had been husbanded, and obtained by Philoxypes his means. He paſt the next morning in like perplexity, and ſtrange irreſolutions; at laſt having dined ſomewhat early, he went well accompanied to lie that night at Claria, not affording me any opportunity to give any notice thereof to Philoxypes; for he into whoſe cuſtodie I was given, thinking it had been for ſome buſineſſe of another nature, treated me as a priſoner of the State, and would not give me the leaſt liberty.

The King commanded me to follow him, ſo as I came with him to Claria, he not having ſpoken one word all the way long, but muſing ſtill on his adventure: But when we were come thither, Philoxypes's people told the King, that their Maſter was not at home; and that according to his cuſtom, he was walked out all alone. The King informed himſelf carefully of one of his ſervants, who had a long time waited on him, whether he knew not the cauſe of his Maſters melancholly: this ſervant who loved his Maſter dearly, that he might make uſe of the honour the King did him in ſpeaking to him, ſaid;

Sir, I know not what my Maſter ailes, but this I know, that if your Majeſtie out of your goodneſſe find not ſome means to cure him of the melanchollie which poſſeſſeth him, he will certainlie not live long; For he eats little, hardly ſleeps at all, does nothing but ſigh, cannot endure that one ſhould ſpeak to him about buſineſſe, wanders whole dayes in the fields; and I once heard him cry out, when he little thought I did ſo, Good gods, what would the King ſay,[Page]if he ſaw how great my ſadneſſe is! and how hardly would he gueſſe at the cauſe of my death?

In fine Sir, ſaid this man, with tears almoſt in his eyes, I know not what to ſay, but I am very certain your Majeſtie will loſe the faithfulleſt of all your ſervants, if you loſe the Prince my Maſter.

Whileſt this man ſpake thus, I was ſtrangely in pain; for I ſaw all that he ſaid tended to confirm the King in his opinion: I was much the better for beckning unto him, he never looked on me, ſo intent was he to what he ſaid.

The King on his part ſighed, and having left the other, well, Leontidas, you will not have it that Philoxypes is in Love, nor that it is Aretephile whom he loves? Sir, ſaid I, I confeſſe I am ſtill of that belief, and I would your Majeſty could reſolve to be ſo too.

O Unfortunate Philoxypes, cried the King! (not anſwering me) how ſad is this diſtemper? and how unfortunate am I my ſelf, that I cannot abſolutely cure thee of the malady that poſſeſſeth thee. I would then have gone to find out Philoxypes, that I might acquaint him with the Kings ſenſe before he ſaw him, but the King would not ſuffer me: but making the way be ſhewn unto him, which Philoxypes moſt uſually went, we went directly towards the head of Claria.

Philoxypes was this mean while gone to Cleanthes his houſe, where the face of affairs was a little altered; for Policrite knowing that her condition was not what ſhe believed it to be, Philoxypes his deſart had made a further advancement in her heart then formerly: neither could ſhe ſo well hide her affection, but that Cleanthes and Megiſto were much to their grief aware thereof.

Yet was Philoxypes ne're awhit the more happy: for Policrite having tane a Fancy to make trial of his affection by an appearing indifferency, did very carefully conceal from him, the affection ſhe had for him.

And in truth that very day that the King came to Claria, where we miſt of Philoxypes, ſhe had cauſed as much trouble in him, as admiration. For being gone to her, and having found her at the root of a tree, where ſhe was deſigning out a corner of the Countrey which pleaſed her, he began to entertain her with his paſſion, and to tell her how it grew ſtill more violent upon her.

Sir, ſaid ſhe, if I may be permitted to do ſo, I ſhould tell you, That if you deſire to win my good eſteem, you ſhould do better to tell me, that your paſſion grows every day more moderate: for to tell you the truth, I do ſomewhat apprehend theſe extravagant paſſions which I have heard ſpoken of, and which they ſay, does diſorder reaſon, makes men loſe the reſpect they ow to vertue, though it inhabit in a Cottage, and which occaſion a hundred ſtrange things, the very hearing whereof cauſeth horrour; Therefore, Sir, if you would oblige me, you will ſatisfie your ſelf with telling me, you have affection enough for me, to wiſh if it were poſſible that Fortune had been more propitious to me, that I had been born of a higher condition then I am, or at leaſt this not being ſo, I might reſt content with my own condition, without envying others.

To love you with indifferency, ſaid Philoxypes, (who acquainted me afterwards with this their converſation) your beauty ſhould be indifferent, your vertue and diſcretion ſhould be ſo alſo: in fine that inexpreſſible Charm, which I find in every of your words, looks, and actions, ought not to inchant me as it doth: But divine Policrite, apprehend nothing from the violence of my paſſion; for the ſtronger it is, the fuller of reſpect ſhall I be, and the more obedient to your will.

Sir, ſaid ſhe, if what you ſay be true, ſpeak no more thereof I beſeech you; for not comprehending that I may lawfully give you any part of my affection, me thinks I ought intreat you to entertain me no longer with yours.

But Divine Policrite, ſaid he, for whom do you reſerve that glorious affection, which you cruelly affirm I ſhall never enjoy?

At theſe words ſhe bluſht, and modeſtly bowing down her eyes, I reſerve it ſaid ſhe, for our woods, fields, rocks, and fountains, whereof Sir, ſaid ſhe, ſmiling, I think you will not be jealous.

I ſhall not be jealous of them ſaid he, but I ſhall envy them, and I ſhall not eaſily endure that you ſhould love things to my prejudice, which cannot love you again. But cruel maid, will you ſay nothing to me of more obliging? and forgoing the Court as I do for love of you, and renouncing what ever is in the world, except it be Policrite; is it poſſible you ſhould not deal with me a little leſſe ſeverely? I do not deſire you to love me, ſay only that [Page] you are not ſorry that I love you; and add if you pleaſe, that if I be not beloved, tis becauſe you neither do nor will love any thing.

For what's to come, ſaid Policrite, tis a thing to which I ought not to anſwer with ſuch aſſurance; and as you knew not the day before I had the honour to be known unto you, that you ſhould ſo oft forgo your Pallaces to come to this Cottage wherein I live: how do I know whether the reſolution which I now take of ſuffering no affection to enter my heart, will ſtill continue? No, Sir, we muſt not truſt ſo abſolutly in our ſelves; nor can I anſwer otherwiſe then for my preſent opinions.

Shew me then, replied he, what they really are; to the end I may know what to do.

Sir, ſaid Policrite, having much eſteem, and much of reſpect for you, I muſt confeſs I ſhould be ſorry that you ſhould love one long, whoſe condition were not anſwerable to yours, and that I could not receive a much greater diſpleaſure.

Philoxypes, who knew not the hidden ſenſe of theſe words, anſwered, That ſupream beauty had in it, ſomewhat of Coeleſtiall, which did ennoble all thoſe that were therewithall indued.

In my opinion ſaid ſhe, a certain proportion is requiſite in all things to occaſion love, therefore do not deceive your ſelf; and if I were at any time to love any body, it ſhould certainly be one of my own condition: nor ſhould I ever reſolve to marrie any one that were not ſo.

What Policrite! ſaid Philoxypes, much afflicted, do you ſpeak the truth?

Yes, Sir, ſaid ſhe, and time will make you finde it ſo.

But Policrite, replied he, you remember not that you are a miracle, and that there are no men of your condition amid'ſt theſe Rocks, who deſerve ſo much as to look upon you.

I will then love nothing, Sir, ſaid ſhe, and ſo ſhe roſe up, for ſhe ſaw Cleanthes and Megiſto coming, who much troubled at this Prince his ſo frequent viſits, eſpecially, having obſerved what they thought they had done in Policrites behaviour, deſired him not to give himſelf the trouble to come ſo often thither.

Philoxypes, who was ſomewhat moved at thoſe cruel words (as he underſtood them) which Policrite had uttered which made notwithſtanding ſo much for him, could not with his accuſtomed moderation receive the diſcourſe of Cleanthes and Megiſto, but anger might eaſily be ſeen in his face, and grief in his eyes.

Cleanthes, ſaid he, ſince I come not hitner to rob you of the treaſure which the Gods have given you, withſtand not the ſatisfaction which I finde in admiring that virtue in Policrite which you have infuſed into her.

Sir, ſaid Cleanthes, though I very well know your worth, I cannot but fear leſt Policrite, who hath not yet lived long enough to know preciſely what bounds to put to the reſpects ſhe ows you, may be failing in ſomething either to you, or to her ſelf.

No, no, ſaid Philoxypes, ſomewhat roundly, you need not fear what you ſay, you may rather fear leſt her ſeverity and yours make me loſe my reaſon. In fine, this converſation, though full of reſpect to Policrite, was ſo paſſionate, as Cleanthes and Megiſto were much troubled at it, and Policrites ſelf was ſufficiently diſquieted thereat, and was ſorry that ſhe had ſpoken ſo deſpitefully to Philoxypes. But at laſt this Prince departed much diſcontented, and much in love: and as he returned back with intention to get on horſe back where he had wont to leave his followers, he met the King who was lighted on foot, and on whom I had the honour to wait.

You may imagine how much he was ſurpriſed at this ſight. As ſoon as he ſaw the King, ſtriving as much as he could to hide his Melancholy, he mended his pace. And having done his obeyſance, Sir ſaid he, your Majeſty quits Paphos in a ſeaſon wherein you are not much accuſtomed to ſeek out ſolitary walks.

You have a reaſon for what you ſay, ſaid the King, but it ſeems leſs ſtrange to me that I ſhould come to ſeek for Philoxypes at Claria, then that I ſhould finde him amongſt the Rocks. The day being fair enough, though in Winter, the King who could no longer ſtay from acquainting Philoxypes with what he had in his heart, made a ſigne to the few that waited not on him to ſtand off, and commanded me to ſtay.

There remained none then with him but Philoxypes and my ſelf; we all ſtood ſilent for a good while, and certainly had all of us much differing thoughts. The King ſeeing Philoxypes ſo altered, ſo melancholy, and ſo perplext, endevoured to make his friendſhip [Page] out-go his Love: Philoxypes would have found by the King's eyes and mind, what the King had to ſay to him, and why he had taken this journey, fearing by the ſignes which I made, leſt he had diſcovered his paſſion.

For my particular, I was ready to go wilde, to think I could not advertiſe Philoxypes, nor durſt not tell the King what I knew of his love, whom he took to be his Rivall; but at laſt this long ſilence wherein every one of us ſaid ſeveral things unto our ſelves, was firſt broke by the King, who looking in much obliging manner upon this Prince, imbraced him, and ſaid, be not offended that I know the ſecret of your ſoul, and that I am not ignorant of the paſſion which torments you.

Philoxypes ſurpriſed to hear the King ſpeak thus, looked with a bluſh upon me; & the King imagining (as it was true) that he thought I had betrayed him, looked upon me too: & to puniſh me (as he told me afterwards) for not having told him the truth, not giving me leave to ſpeak, & not diſabuſing Philoxypes, In what he had conceived of me: once more ſaid he, my dear Philoxypes, be not afflicted that I have diſcovered your love, and believe I eſteem you never a whit the leſs.

Sir, replied Philoxypes, me thinks if your Majeſtie did know the true cauſe of my affliction, you ſhould be ſo good as to bewaile me, and not to ſpeak of it.

No, Philoxypes, replied the King, my goodneſs ſhall extend it ſelf much further then ſo, for you: I am come hither expreſly to accompany you in your ſolitarineſs: for ſince I cannot make you happy, I muſt at leaſt make my ſelf unhappy with you.

Sir, ſaid Philoxypes, you altogether confound me; take no ſuch reſolution I beſeech you, leave me to bear the puniſhment of my weakneſs alone, believe me I ſhall infinitely praiſe your goodneſs, if you will ſuffer me to die in peace a midſt theſe woods and Rocks.

The King touched with extream compaſſion, once more ſtraightly imbraced Philoxypes, and looking upon him with a very ſad look, I crave your pardon ſaid he Philoxypes, if I cannot as yet abſolutely yield Aretephile to you: but I am come hither to endeavour to gainſay for your ſake the paſſion I have for her, as you have ſtroven a long time for my ſake to ſuppreſs the paſſion which ſhe hath occaſioned in you.

Philoxypes ſurpriſed at the Kings diſcourſe, felt two contrary agitations at the ſame time: he was grieved to finde his odd opinion, and joyed that he knew not the true cauſe of his love, as he thought he had done. And believing that he might eaſily diſabuſe him in a thing ſo falſe as the former was, he reſolved to continue the concealment of his true paſſion.

The King then had no ſooner ſaid what I have told you, but Philoxypes ſtepping back a little, ſaid, what Sir [...] does your Majeſty ſuſpect me of ſo much boldneſs as to be your Rivall? Confeſs, ſaid the King, for I know your misfortune hath been ſuch, as not to be able to reſiſt Aretephiles charmes. But Philoxypes, I blame you not for it; twas I that firſt made tryall thereof; I know how inevitable they are; you have done more then I my ſelf ſhould have done: it may be had I your Part to play, I ſhould have betrayed my maſter, inſtead of reſolving to die of grief and ſorrow, as you have done for my ſake. Thus Philoxypes, I am not diſpleaſed with you for loving Aretephile.

Sir, ſaid Philoxypes, to witneſs unto you that I am not in love with her, I promiſe you never to ſee her more, nor yet ever to come within Paphos, or at leaſt never to ſpeak to that Princeſs.

I very well know ſaid the King, your Generoſity rather leads you to reſolve on death, rather then to be failing in your duty. But Philoxypes, to the end you may not object unto me, That I have done nothing to vanquiſh my ſelf, I am come to ſtay at Claria, as well as you, that I may endeavour to cure my ſelf of this paſſion, and to yeild up Aretephile to you. You on your ſide ſhall do the like, and he that is firſt cured, ſhall ſurrender his part in her to the other.

But my dear Philoxypes, ſaid he, you are yet more unhappy then you think for, for when I ſhould ceaſe to love Aretephile, you would not have won her heart: you know how ambitions ſhe is, that her ſoul is onely ſenſible of greatneſs: and when I ſhould have yielded up my miſtreſs to you, unleſs I ſhould alſo yield my Crown unto you, you would not winne much upon her inclination.

But in fine ſaid he (not affording Philoxypes leaſure to anſwer him) if I yield up Aretephile, to you, it will not be hard for me to yield you up my Crown. And in a word, I will not be upbraided with your death.

I will do what I can to cure my ſelf, to the end that you may cure your ſelf; and if we [Page] can neither of us cure our ſelves, we will at leaſt die together.

Sir, ſaid Philoxypes, I vow by whatſoever I hold moſt ſacred, and moſt holy, that I have not the leaſt pretence to the Princeſs Aretephile.

What then ſaid the King, who did not believe him, is the cauſe of your retreat and Melancholly? I confeſs Sir, I was a hundred, and a hundred times ready to break my word which I had paſt to Philoxypes; but ſeeing the trouble he was in, and that in fine he could not reſolve to tell the King the truth, I withheld whilſt Philoxypes anſwered, That what his Majeſty did command, did not deſerve his curioſity, and that he could not tell it him.

Being by this time late, we returned to Claria, where the King ſpoke ſtill after the ſame manner to Philoxypes, as Philoxypes did alſo to him. Having found a moment of time to entertaine Philoxypes alone, I would have perſwaded him to have acquainted the King with the truth; but he could never reſolve to do ſo, ſaying it would be ſufficient to let him ſee he was not in love with Aretephile, if he ſhould never ſee her more.

This mean while, the more obſtinacie and grief the King found in Philoxypes, the more did he compaſſionate him, and the more he laboured to overcome his own paſſion.

And to this purpoſe he ſtayed eight daies at Claria, all which time Philoxypes was ready to go mad, as well in conſideration of the Kings opinion, and more for that he could not get to ſee Policrite.

I do not think the King would ſo ſoon have left this retiredneſs, had he not been advertiſed that an Ambaſſador from Amaſis King of Egypt, was come to Paphos, which forct him to return. But Philoxypes, do he what he could, muſt needs go along with him: Not ſaid the King, I will not ſee Aretephile, without ſeeing you at the ſame time. The Melancholy which I ſhall ſee in your eyes, muſt be to me an Antidote againſt the Charmes which I ſhall ſee in hers.

We went then to Paphos, but good gods how little delightfull was the Court then, and how much troubled did the Ambaſſador finde the King, who was three daies without ſeeing Aretephile, and Philoxypes being in unimaginable paine for the above ſaid reaſons, ſeemed to grow ſtill more Melancholy, whereat the King was ſtill more and more afflicted.

Ambitious Aretephile was this mean while not without her perplexity, as well by reaſon of the Kings journey to Claria, as that he came not to viſit her; and for that ſhe heard he was returned wonderfully ſad.

But at laſt the King deſirous ſtill to confirm himſelf in his belief, brought Philoxypes with him to Princeſs Aretephile, hoping to diſcover his paſſion better there, then in any other place.

Philoxypes, who thought there was no better means to undeceive the King, then in letting him ſee that he took no pleaſure in looking upon this princeſs, was ſtil carefull to look another way; but that which he did to dis-deceive the King, did the more deceive him: for ſaid he to himſelf, unfortunate Philoxypes cannot indure the ſight of her whom he loves, and whom he will not love.

He accuſed himſelf then of too much inhumanity, in expoſing him to ſo great a puniſhment, and ſeeing how ſtrangely perplext he was, his viſit was not long.

This mean while, he having during this viſit eyed his pretended Rivall, as much as his miſtreſs, and having been much diſquiet, the Princeſe was not much ſatisfied with his converſation, and knew not whereunto to attribute the cauſe of the change which ſhe ſaw in him.

At his coming forth he ſaid a thouſand obliging things to Philoxypes, and Philoxypes made as many proteſtations to him of his being unconcerned in Aretephile. But at laſt, that I may ſhorten my diſcourſe as much as I may; Philoxypes being perſecuted by the Kings conceit, anger'd at Cleanthes diſcourſe, much afflicted at what Policrite had ſaid, and much more that he could ſee her no more, and that he durſt not return to Claria, fell dangerouſly ſick, all the Phyſitians gave up their opinions, that unleſs ſome cure were found for his Melancholy, he would infalliblie die. The feaver continued ſeven daies upon him very violently, during which time the King was greatly diſconſolate; and during which time I had tane a little journey to Amathuſe, about ſome buſineſs that I had there, for I think if I had been at Paphos, I ſhould have had much adoe to have kept Philoxypes his ſecret from the King.

[Page] As oft as the King came into his chamber, and ſaw him in that pitifull condition, he reſolved to think no longer on Aretephile, but as ſoon as he came from him, or that Philoxypes grew any thing better, this reſolution ſlackned a little.

Nor was he yet reſolved what to do, but the feve [...] having at laſt left Philoxypes, and the Phyſitians continuing ſtill to affirm that he would infallibly die, if the cauſe of his Melancholy whence his malady proceeded, were not taken away: The King ſeemed to have put on a very ſtrong reſolution to pluck from out his ſoul the paſſion which poſſeſt him.

He then reſolved to viſite Aretephile no more, who not knowing what to think of this change in the King, thought it might be he was offended that ſhe had not all this while been to ſee Philoxypes, whom he ſo dearly loved, eſpecially ſince almoſt all the Ladies of the Court had been to viſite him. For during his ſickneſſe, the Princeſſe of Salamis, and Princeſſe Aghariſta had never left him, ſo as the Ladies might with decency enough go thither.

Yet ſo it happened, that the day that Aretephile came thither, Philoxypes being much better then he was, they were gone forth, ſo as Aretephile going accompanied with four or five of her women, found him all alone. Tis true, ſhe was not there long without company, for the King came thither preſently after. Philoxypes bluſht when he ſaw him come in, and ſeemed ſo amazed at this encounter, as if he had been really in love with Aretephile; the King who obſerved this his change of countenance, being much concerned to ſee that he ſhould be the cauſe of Philoxypes danger: after a great ſtrife within himſelf; drew near to Princeſſe Aretephile, who out of her reſpect would have given him her place, which he would not accept of: and after having looked upon her a while without ſpeaking, he ſighed, and ſaid, Madam, will you not cure Philoxypes?

Sir, ſaid ſhe, if his health depend on me, your Majeſty ſhould ſoon be eaſed of the grief his ſickneſſe cauſeth in you.

Philoxypes, who found a great alteration in the Kings countenance, was afraid leſt he might ſay ſomewhat which might have made Aretephile know his opinion of him; wherefore not affording the King leaſure to reply;

Sir, ſaid he, though I believe Princeſſe Aretephile be able to do great things, and to charm great pains, yet I think I may ſay without offending her, that thoſe evils which I lie under, depend not on her will; and that none but the gods themſelves can withdraw me from the grave. Philoxypes pronounced theſe words in ſo ſad a manner, as endeavouring to overcome whatſoever oppoſed his deſigne of ſaving Philoxypes: drawing yet a little nearer to the Princeſſe Aretephile, for fear leſt they that were in the chamber might over hear him.

Madam, ſaid he, (making a ſigne to Philoxypes, that he would not be interrupted) I ſhall tell you a thing which will much ſurprize you. I conjure you notwithſtanding to give it a favourable interpretation; and to oblige me ſo far as to believe that upon better termes then the ſaying of Philoxypes life, I would not tell it you, no not though mine own life were concerned therein.

Oh, Sir, cried out this ſick Prince, if your Majeſty end what you have begun to ſay, you will haſten my death inſtead of retarding it.

Princeſſe Aretephile, amazed to hear what ſhe heard, and not able to gueſſe what the matter ſhould be, looked ſometimes upon the King, ſometimes upon Philoxypes; but at laſt the King compleating his determination, 'tis you, Madam, ſaid he to the Princeſſe Aretephile, who ſend Philoxypes to his grave; your charms have been more powerfull then his reaſon, though his nobleneſſe hath been yet greater then his love. He loves you divine Aretephile, not daring to tell you ſo; he will not ſo much as acknowledge it, yet I know for certain, that unleſſe you take compaſſion on him, he will infallibly die.

I therefore ſpeak no more to you in my own behalf, ſaid; he, in a ſtrange melancholy manner, but deal leſſe rigorouſly with him, then you have done with me, ſince he deſerves it better: and if your Ambition be not to be ſatisfied without a Sovereign power, I promiſe you divine Princeſſe, that if I cannot place Philoxypes upon the Throne, he ſhall alwayes be ſo neer, as his place ſhall hardly be diſcernable from mine.

In fine, ſaid he, if Philoxypes die, I ſhall die, and ſo I ſhall for ever loſe you: but if you ſave Philoxypes, I may at leaſt hope to languiſh on a while; and to ſhare part of your eſteem, not being able to pretend any longer to any part of your affection. Nor think not ſaid he, that this which I do, is any mark of weakneſſe in my affection, ſince on the contrary it denotes the violence thereof.

[Page] For in fine, if I could reſolve to abandon you, and to follow Philoxypes to the grave, I would not yeeld up to him the part I pretend to have in your affection, though he be more worthy thereof then I; but not being able to ſee him die for my ſake, without expiring with grief; I muſt live, that he may live, and conſequently muſt endeavour for a while to prolong the ſatisfaction I take in ſeeing you.

Aretephile was ſo aſtoniſht to hear the King ſpeak after this manner, and Philoxypes ſo afflicted, as aſtoniſhment and ſorrow producing the ſame effect in theſe two perſonages, they ſtayed a good while without ſpeaking.

Aretephile had opinion good enough of her beauty, to ſuffer her ſelf eaſily to be perſwaded that Philoxypes was in love with her, and ſhe had likewiſe opinion good enough of his Generoſity, to believe he durſt not diſcover his paſſion.

But as nothing that was not King could touch her heart, ſhe was ſtrangely perplext to hear what ſhe heard, and ſometimes ſhe thought 'twas peradventure but a pretext ſought by the King to break with her.

Philoxypes on his ſide thinking that at the laſt he muſt be fain to tell the King the truth, that he might diſabuſe him, was ſo ſtrangely confuſed, as he could not open his mouth: ſo as the King ſeeing them both ſo ſurprized, and finding that peradventure his love might quickly make him unſay all that his friendſhip had made him affirm, roſe up, and without expecting what Aretephile would anſwer; Madam, ſaid he, the pitifull condition which you ſee Philoxypes is in, perſwades you better then I can do, and he doubtleſly will pardon me, if I ſpeak not ſo long to you for him as I have formerly done to you for my ſelf: which ſaid, he went his way, though Philoxypes deſired him to tarry; aſſuring him that he would wholly diſabuſe him.

This mean while, though Aretephile had a great minde to be gone too, yet being imbitter'd in minde, and deſirous to know a little more preciſely, what the buſineſſe of this ſo ſtrange adventure would prove, ſhe ſtaied a little after the King, and looking upon Philoxypes, who appeared to her to be ſo ſtruck mute, as if he had been in love with her: Is it you Philoxypes, ſaid ſhe, that have loſt your reaſon, or is it the king? for I confeſſe unto you, I know not whether of the two it is, and that I cannot comprehend either of you.

I confeſſe Madam, ſaid Philoxypes, that I am not maſter of my reaſon; but Madam 'tis a malady which you are no wayes cauſe of, and whereof I accuſe you not: had you any deſigne then ſaid ſhe, to make me loſe the Kings good opinion? or is it that the King ſeeks ſome bad pretext to bereave me of it? But if it be ſo Philoxypes, there needs not ſo far a fetch about the buſh. You need but give me reaſon of the leaſt ſuſpition, and I aſſure you I ſhall not long lament the loſſe of ſo divided a heart as his is. For till now, the King did alwayes love his Crown better then Princeſſe Aretephile, and by his this dayes diſcourſe, he will make me believe that he loves you better then me.

Madam, ſaid Philoxypes, I beg it as a favour from you, not to blame the King upon ſo ſmall reaſon; and not to blame in him the compaſſion he is pleaſed to have of an evil, which he believes you to be the cauſe of.

I engage my ſelf Madam, to free him from the error of his opinion; for though your charms be without compare, the reſpect which I have alwayes born to you, and that which I ſhall alwayes bear to the King, have aſſuredly warranted me from almoſt an inevitable danger, for thoſe who have not had ſo powerfull reaſons to withſtand your beauty; therefore Madam, do not diſquiet your ſelf, and do me the honour as to promiſe me to pardon the Kings injuſtice, in deſiring that I ſhould ſhare with you in a heart where you ought [...]ly to reigne.

But Madam, the King had given me the place which I now enjoy, before he loved you; you ought not therefore be troubled thereat.

No, no, replied ambitious Aretephile, you will not eaſily be able to juſtifie the King: he is Generous, I confeſſe, but he is but a bad lover, and whoſoever can yeeld up his intereſt in the party beloved, his love is certainly very indifferent.

This being ſaid, ſhe bid him farewell, and left Philoxypes ſo much grieved, as his malady encreaſed. Fearing then leſt he might die, and leave the king in the opinion he was in, he ſent to deſire him that he might ſpeak with him; and this was juſt as I returned from Amethuſa. I happened to be by the King when he received this meſſage, who inſtantly went to Philoxypes, but with ſo much diſcontent, as I pitied him: he had repented himſelf more then once of what he had ſaid to Aretephile, and not knowing whether ſhe might not have ſaid ſomewhat obliging to Philoxypes after he had left them together, he returned unto him much diſquieted.

[Page] When we came thither, he enquired whether the Princeſſe Aretephile had tarried there long after him or not, and being told not, he entered into Philoxypes chamber, who was glad to ſee me with the King.

Sir, ſaid he, I ſee it is time that I confeſſe my weakneſſe to you, and that I diſabuſe you.

The King, who could not reconcile theſe two things, anſwered him only with a ſigh, and being ſet down by his bed ſide, Philoxypes ask'd him pardon for the trouble he had put his Majeſty to, and deſired me to acquaint the King with what I knew of his adventure; deſiring him not to be offended that I had not told his Majeſty the truth, ſince unleſſe I ſhould have drawn down the anger of Heaven upon me for perjury, I could not have revealed his ſecret, after the Oaths that he had made me to take to the contrary. I then began to acquaint the King with all that I knew touching Philoxypes love: but all I could ſay to him, appear'd to be ſo incredible, as it was a long time before he could believe it. At laſt he told Philoxypes, that unleſſe he ſhould let him ſee Policrite, he would not believe what he had heard.

Philoxypes perceiving the Kings obſtinacy, told him, that though he was very ill, he would be carried to Claria, in caſe he were any thing better the next morning, imagining he ſhould ſooner recover his health being near Policrite, then if he ſhould ſtay at Paphos.

All this while the King did not believe what I had told him; ſometime a man might ſee ſome ſign of rejoycing in him: Ha! my dear Philoxypes, would he ſay, is it poſſible that you were not my Rival, and that I was deceived: if it be ſo, I think I ſhall adore that Policrite you ſpeak of, inſtead of blaming the love you bear her; ſince thereby I ſhall not be inforced to yield up what I hold dearer then my life, and that my confident will not prove my Rival.

But obſerve Sir, the extraordinary effects of love. Philoxypes was very ſick when he ſent to deſire the King to come unto him: but when once he had any thought of returning to Claria, he grew better: he ſlept all the next night quietly enough, and the next day was carried in a Litter to Claria, whither the King went to lie that night.

The next day Philoxypes left his bed, and the following day, notwithſtanding all his weakneſſe, he got on horſeback together with the King, waited on but by very few: and came to the foot of the mountains where they were to light. Being there, the King followed by none but Philoxypes and my ſelf, went towards Cleanthe's Cottage, which as ſoon as we diſcovered, Philoxypes, who had need enough howſoever to reſt, ſtaid a while, and ſhewing it to the King, Sir, ſaid he, ſtrangely confuſed, ſee the place which made me forgo Paphos: ſee the inch of all the earth, that likes me beſt, and where you go to ſee one, who peradventure will rather make you Philoxypes his Rival, then Philoxypes ſhall prove yours.

He ſpoke this with a ſmile, by which it viſibly appear'd, that the hope of reſeeing Policrite had brought joy into his heart: yet did he fear diſpeaſing her, and to anger Cleanthes, by bringing the King thither: but there being no remedy, he reſolved to do it, neither did this fear juſtle out his joy.

When the King had ſufficiently conſidered the greatneſſe of Philoxypes his affection, in reſpect of the meaneſſe of Policrites Cottage; and that he had notwithſtanding acknowledged that there was ſomewhat of wilde in that deſert, which was not diſpleaſing: we went on, and came at laſt to that little Paliſadoe of Lawrels, wherewith Cleanthes his Court was incloſed. We entred thereinto, and Philoxypes ſtepping before the King, went to the houſe, where he found the dore ſhut: he knock'd, but no body anſwered, which made him at firſt believe, that Cleanthes his whole family was gone to the Temple, where he once ſaw Policrite.

Yet ſince there might be ſome body there who might not hear, he knock'd again, and knock'd ſo hard, that a young ſlave who ſerved Cleanthes, came and opened the door, who very well knowing Philoxypes, told him, after that Philoxypes had ask'd him where his Maſter was, that he could not tell him what he deſired to know; and that all that he knew was, that Cleanthes, Megiſto, Policrite, and Dorida, were gone from thence, and were not to return thither any more: that they had carried along with them the women, which they had brought from their own Countrey; and that his Maſter had commanded him to wait his further directions there, not knowing wherefore he was gone, nor why he left him there.

[Page] Philoxypes, ſurpriz'd and afflicted at this Diſcourſe, was a good while without ſpeaking; The King thought at firſt that there was ſome trick in it, and that Philoxypes had made me ſay what I had ſaid, only to abuſe him; but at laſt this young Slave being ſtept into the Houſe, and returning preſently; Sir, ſaid he to Philoxypes, when Policrite was ready to depart from hence, ſhe drew me aſide, unſeen by any one, and gave me this which I give to you, ordaining me ſo to do if you ſhould come hither. Philoxypes taking immediately what the Slave preſented him with, opened the Letter, whileſt the King did me the honour to ſpeak with me, and read theſe enſuing words.

POLICRITE TO PHILOXYPES.

I Know not Sir, whither it is that Policrite is convey'd, but I very well know that Philoxypes is the cauſe of her exile: not being peradventure, likely ever to have the Honour to ſee him. I thought I might without blame, let him know my minde by this Letter, which I refuſed to acquaint him withall, the laſt time which I ſpoke with him. He may then be pleaſed to know, that at firſt not eſteeming my ſelf worthy of his affection, by reaſon of my birth, I with-held mine from him as much as I was able; but that having learnt ſince, that I am not of the condition I appeared to be, and that there have been Kings of my Race: I confeſs I was gladded that I could not reproach Philoxypes for having an inclination too diſproportionable for his degree: and that I thought it became me to let him know what I am, to the end he may not think he doth any thing unworthy of himſelf, if he ſometimes think upon Policrite, who will alwayes with much contentment think upon his worth, whether his fortune be to lead his life in a Cottage or in a Palace.

POLICRITE.

PHILOXYPES, as ſoon as he had read this Letter, came to the King, and preſenting it unto him; Sir, ſaid he, your Majeſty may read in this Letter my innocency, and my misfortune. The King began then to read aloud what Policrite had written; but good God in what pain was the unfortunate Philoxypes that he could not interrupt him; but as ſoon as he had read it out, looking upon him with a fixt and grieved eye; how ſay you now? Sir, ſaid he, am I yet in love with Princeſſe Aretephile, or am I not the moſt unfortunate man in the world? the King, imbracing him, a [...]ked him pardon for his ſuſpitions, and of the trouble he had given him; but my dear Philoxypes, ſaid he, I ſhall be ſufficiently puniſhed for it, as well in reſpect of your ſorrow, which ſhall alwayes be raine; as for Aretephile, who will not eaſily forgive me, yet ſaid he, you have wherein to rejoyce, ſince you learn two things at once of great importance, and of great conſolation. For now you know that Policrite loves you, and that ſhe is of Princely deſcent: Could you have asked more of the gods, if you had been to have had your wiſhes granted you?

[Page] Ah! Sir, ſaid Philoxypes, that which you alledge to comfort me, is the greateſt part of my misfortune: For 'tis true, I find that Policrite does not hate me, and that ſhe is of birth equal with my ſelf, but at the ſame time this lovely and cruel perſonage tels me, ſhe ſhall never ſee me more, and that ſhe knows not whither ſhe is carried.

Oh! Sir, I ſhould be more to blame were I in love with Princeſſe Aretephile, but I ſhould be leſſe miſerable: I ſhould have reaſons to gainſay my paſſion; but here I ſee nothing which doth not fortifie and augment it.

In fine, after Philoxypes had ſufficiently bemoaned himſelf, he left the King, and went to ask a hundred things of the young ſlave, without being able to learn any thing, either of Policrites birth, nor whither Cleanthes and Megiſto were gone; all he could learn was only that 'twas above a fortnight ſince they were gone: nothing elſe could be gotten out of this young Slave, neither by prayers, promiſes, nor threats, whoſe fidelity Philoxypes, for all his rage, could not chuſe but approve of: but not being able to learn any more, he waited back upon the King to Claria.

For my part I was never more at my wits end; for the King was ſo ſad, as well for his own occaſion, as for thoſe of Philoxypes, as he could not reſolve to ſay any thing, neither by way of bemoaning himſelf, nor yet of comforting Philoxypes, whom he ſo dearly loved.

Philoxypes on his part was more perplex'd: he was ſorry to forgo that Cottage though his beloved was no longer there; he ſometimes looked back upon it, ſometimes he looked upon Policrites Letter, which the King had given him back.

He would ſometimes lift up his eyes to heaven, then again fix them on the earth, and walking ſometimes without ſpeaking, ſometimes fetching deep ſighs, he ſeemed not to know whether the King were there or no, or whether he were alone, ſo deep was his melancholly. At laſt we came to Claria, but good gods, how ſad was the converſation the reſt of that day!

At laſt ſaid the King to Philoxypes, you have this advantage, to know that Policrite is much obliged to you, that ſhe hath nothing to reproach you withal, that you have not offended her, and that whereſoever ſhe is, if ſhe think of you, 'tis only to bewail your abſence: where on the contrary, I have incenſed Aretephile, whoſe aſpiring ſoul does doubtleſly accuſe me of want of affection, and who will take it very ill, that I prefer'd your life before my love to her.

But Sir, ſaid the afflicted Philoxypes, you know where the Princeſſe Aretephile is, you may make your reaſons known to her, you may ask her pardon for that fault, which an exceſſe of Generoſity made you commit: you may ſit and ſigh by her, and may appeaſe her anger. But for my part Sir, ſhould I complain, ſhould I ſigh, ſhould I pour forth torrents of tears amidſt theſe Rocks, would all this reſtore to me my Policrite? ſhould I thereby learn where ſhe lives? It may be Cleanthes is put to Sea, and it may be I ſhall never know, neither who Policrite is, nor where ſhe is.

Ah! Sir, ſaid this diſconſolate Prince, if you knew the cruelty of my adventure, you would eaſily know that I am the moſt unfortunate man in the world: for if I loved one that did hate me, deſpight might cure me: if I loved one that were inconſtant, the ſcorn I ſhould have of her weakneſſe, might conſolate me: if I were jealous, a part of my melancholy would paſſe away in ſeeking how I might prejudice my Rivals: were Policrites abſence bounded, the hope of her return, how long ſo e're it were, would allay my diſcontents. Nay, were any perſon whom I ſhould love, dead, I think my ſufferings would not be ſo great as they are. For in fine, my malady is ſuch, as doth ſtupifie reaſon, and makes the ſoul almoſt inſenſible.

In this manner did the King and Philoxypes entertain themſelves. I endeavoured to comfort them both, but to tell you truth, my reaſons were not liſtned unto; as for Philoxypes, he knew not what remedie to ſeek for; for having learned by the Slave who gave him Policrite's Letter, that 'twas a good while ſince ſhe went away, he could not dream of following her, nor knew he where to ſeek after her.

All he could do, was to give order to his people to watch night and day about the Cottage, with directions to ſtay any who ſhould come thither, that they might learn by them what this too faithful Slave would not diſcover; and to follow him whereſoever he ſhould go, believing probably that Cleanthes had not left him alone in that houſe, without ſome ſecret reaſon, and without having a deſign to return; or at leaſt to ſend ſome body thither on his behalf, or that the Slave himſelf ſhould return to him.

[Page] As for the King it fared not thus with him: he knew that it was at Aretephiles feet that he was to ſeek for pardon: he would not, notwithſtanding make his dear Philoxypes returne ſo ſoon to Paphos, but ſtaid the next day at Claria.

But though there was no hope of finding Policrite, Philoxypes deſired the King that he would be pleaſed to ſend to all the ports of the Iſland, to know whether Cleanthes had tane ſhipping in any of them or no, it being eaſie to be known, by reaſon of the many women that were in his company, which would make him remarkable. The King promiſed him to do what he deſired, but conjured him alſo not to refuſe to go with him to Paphos, to aſſiſt him in getting Aretephiles pardon. Philoxypes appeared viſibly diſpleaſed to be forced to returne to the Court, but being ſo much obliged to the King, and the King being upon ill tearms with his Miſtreſs, onely out of his Love to him, he thought it became him to go, as he did. When we were come to Paphos, the King went that very night to Princeſſe Aretephiles lodgings, and found her onely accompanied with her women. She received him with all the civility that was due to his condition, but alſo with as much coolneſs as could be expected from an incenſed party.

Seeing Philoxypes with the King, Sir, ſaid ſhe, with a malicious ſmile, did not I tell you Philoxypes would recover without my medling with him. Madam, ſaid he, Philoxypes is much worſe then I believed him to be; but thanks to Heaven, I will not lay his death to your charge, ſince you are not the cauſe of his diſquiet. May it pleaſe the Gods that you put not Philoxypes in a condition of reproaching you with my death!

No, no, Sir, ſaid ſhe, your life is in no danger, as long as Philoxypes lives, your Majeſty needs fear nothing. Alas Madam, cry'd the King, deal not ſo hardly with me! Alas, Sir, ſaid ſhe, go not about I beſeech you to perſwade me to things ſo directly oppoſite one to another, in ſo ſhort a time; it is not above four or five days ſince you did me the honour to tell me at Philoxypes his lodging, that you would no more ſue to me for your ſelf; that my affection was a thing wherein you did no longer deſire a part; and if I remember well, you did alſo intreat me not to deal ſo rigorouſly with Philoxypes, as I had done with you. And it may be, ſaid ſhe, (expreſſing an extremity of Malice) that yeelding much to your intreaties upon that occaſion, I ſhould have granted what you have demanded for Philoxypes, had my friendſhip been neceſſary to ſave his life; but ſince God be thanked, he needs it not, he may be pleaſed to content himſelf with my eſteem; and your Majeſty may likewiſe be ſatisfied with my reſpect, which is all I can or ought to give you. For in fine to make me believe that you love me, after being able to permit that another ſhould love me, and you your ſelfe wiſh me to love him, is a thing not eaſie to be underſtood, nor yet eaſily disgeſted: believe me, Sir, ſaid ſhe, to love ones Rivall, better then ones Miſtreſſe, is a thing whereof there are not many examples, and which may allow me to let thoſe know, who ſhall be acquainted with the buſineſs, that tis an excellent way to make a faithful ſervant, and a very bad invention to make a Princeſs love him, who treats her after that manner. Shall the compaſſion I had of Philoxypes, Madam, replied the King, deſtroy me for ever in your good opinion? me, I ſay, who underwent an unexpreſſible torment, before I could reſolve to pitty him? me, who did not yield you up, ſave onely becauſe I could not abandon you, and who found that Philoxype's death did haſten mine? If you could have loved Aretephile, anſwered the Princeſſe, more then Philoxypes, you would have lamented his misfortune and yours; you would have endeavoured to have cured him by abſence, or by a thouſand other waies; you would have bewailed his death when it ſhould have happened, and would yet have been comforted, by the ſole ſight of Aretephile: but becauſe you love Philoxypes better then you love Aretephile, you reſolve without much difficulty to loſe her. Yet Sir, you could yield up to Philoxypes no more then that part which you held in her, which was not peradventure ſo great as you believe.

Ah! inhumane Princeſſe ſaid the King, make me not deſpair, and know that when I made a ſurrender of you to Philoxypes, I was reſolved to die. It may be Sir, ſaid ſhe, if I had ſo much weakneſſe as to lend a favourable ear to what you now ſay, that upon the firſt occaſion that ſhould preſent it ſelf; and upon the firſt ſuſpicion you ſhould have that any one ſhould bear me never ſo little good will, you would again conjure me to be his cure. No, no, Sir, ſaid ſhe, with a yet more ſerious face, you never loved me, nor do you know what it is to love: Love is ſomewhat above reaſon, or generoſitie, which hath reaſons of its own: a man may give his own life for his friend, but as for the Miſtreſs whom he loveth, it would be more juſt, and more uſuall, to quit all his friends for her [Page] intereſt, then to yield her up to any one friend. In fine ſaid ſhe, you may perchance have thought you could have lived without me; for had you dream't you muſt have dyed, me thinks you might as well have dyed without yielding up Aretephile to Philoxypes, as after having ſurrendred her to him. But Sir, ſince you have rather choſen to ſpecifie an extraordinary mark of Generoſity, then to give the commoneſt proofe of love, I have no more to ſay; neither have I more to do, but to preſerve my heart as free as it hath alwaies been. The King ſeeing he could not appeaſe this haughty ſpirit, call'd Philoxypes in into his aid; come, ſaid he, come make amends for the fault which you have innocently committed; and if you will preſerve my life, as I would have done yours, be a mean of replacing me in the condition wherein I was before I had compaſſion of you. Madam, ſaid Philoxypes, addreſſing his ſpeech to the Princeſſe, if you judge of the Kings love to you, by his Friendſhip to me, what may you not expect from thence; ſince to ſave my life, he could for ſome few moments onely renounce the poſſeſſion of ſo ineſtimable a jewel. And will you not then believe, That upon the leaſt occaſion which ſhould preſent itſelf, he would for your ſervice ſacrifice, not onely Philoxypes, but even all his ſubjects, nay, even his own life? No Sir, ſaid ſhe, you are not ſo much bound to the King, as you imagine, and inſtead of your deſiring me to judg of his love to me, by the friendſhip he beares to you, I ſhall adviſe you to judge of his friendſhip to you, onely by his love to me; and to believe, that ſince he was able to yield me up, he never had ſo reſolute a paſſion for Aretephile, as to deſerve that Philoxypes ſhould be much beholden to him, for what he hath done for him, ſince he would have done the like for any other. But cruell princeſſe, ſaid the King, what will you have me to do? me thinks ſaid ſhe, I ſhoud demand no unjuſt thing of you, if I ſhould humbly intreat you to think no longer on Aretephile, and quietly to enioy the life of Philoxypes, which hath coſt you ſo little.

Ah, ſaid he, if I ſhould have purchaſed the life of Philoxypes, at the loſſe of your affection, I ſhould have bought it more deare, then if I ſhould have given my Crown for it. Confeſs the truth, ſaid this malicious Princeſſe, if Philoxypes had been as ſick of Ambition, as you did think him love ſick, he would not for certain be yet cured, and you would not ſo ſoon have forgon your Scepter, as you did Aretephile. Philoxypes, who eaſily conceived the hidden ſenſe of theſe words, whereunto the King replied not, ſo was he overborn with grief, ſaid, Madam, if the King ſhall confeſs unto you that he hath done amiſs, and ſhall ask your pardon for it, will you be more inexorable, then are the gods, and will you ſhew no mercy? when the King, ſaid ſhe, ſhall have done to cure me of any malady of minde, if any ſuch ſhall befall me, ſo extraordinary a thing, as that which he hath done for you, I ſhall then ſee of what minde I ſhall be. In fine, Sir, All that the King and Philoxypes could do or ſay, did no waies avail with this imperious Princeſſe.

When they were come from her, and were returned to the Palace; Philoxypes who was well acquainted with Aretaphiles humour, told the King, he knew a way how to work his reconcilement with her: Alas, ſaid the King, there are few things I would not do to purchaſe that content: ſpeak therefore, my dear Philoxypes: muſt I be long in paine? muſt I ſigh abundantly, and pour forth abundance of tears? and muſt I be everlaſtingly proſtrate at her feet? No Sir, ſaid he, you ſhall onely put the Crown upon her head. but replied the King, I would gladly not have owned Aretephiles love to her Ambition; on the contrary, I would have had the Crown of Cyprus to have been a reward of her affection to me.

Five or ſix daies being thus paſt over, and Philoxypes, not being able to tarry any longer at the Court, he deſired leave of the King to return to Claria. Thoſe who the King had ſent to the Port towns which were neereſt to Paphos, returned at the ſame time, but brought no news of Policrite; ſo as the unfortunate Philoxypes returned to his ſolitarineſs in great deſpair.

He had yet engaged the King not to diſcover the cauſe of his melancholy; nor were there any that knew it, but he, the Princeſſe Aretephile, and my ſelf; nor did the Princeſſe know any more, then that Philoxypes was faln in love with one that he knew not.

It would be very hard to relate unto you what life he led; when it was fair weather, he went to viſit Policrite's Cottage, and all the places where he had ſeen her, or ſpoken with her; he went to ask more queſtions of the ſlave who was there, and whom they had ever had an eye unto, not finding any one that ſpoke with him, nor that he ſpoke [Page] with any one. But all the addreſſes this Prince could make, could not prevail againſt the fidelity of this ſlave, who deſerved a better condition.

When Philoxypes could not walk abroad, he walked in his Gallery, gazing on the picture of his dear Policrite. When he called to minde how contented a life he led before he fell in love, he almoſt wiſhed he had never ſeen Policrite; but when he remembred her charming beauty, her bewitching minde, and the happy hours which he had enjoyed in her company, though ſhe had alwayes concealed the eſteem ſhe had for him; he preferred all the ſorrows he had ſuffered ſince he was in love, before all his former pleaſures.

Oh! would he ſometimes ſay to himſelf, when he ſhould read Policrite's letter; how ſweet, how pleaſing, and how cruel things have I learnt in one day? Policrite is of illuſtrious birth, Policrite will alwayes remember me, and Policrite will never more ſee me. Alas, if it be ſo ſaid he, why have I not recourſe to death, and what ſhall I do with ſo unfortunate a life? Then ſuddenly remembring that Policrite was alive, and that ſhe did not hate him, he conceived a beam of hope, that peradventure ſhe might make enquiry after him, and knowing how miſerable a life he led, ſhe might at laſt reſolve to let him know in what part ſhe lived.

This thought afforded him onely ſo much hope as to keep him from dying; not ſo much as to comfort him in his misfortunes. Living then in this manner all the reſt of the Winter, he went ſometimes to ſee the King, when the King could not come to him; and deſpairing of all remedy, he onely expected death, or news of Policrite: the one or the other, whereof were the object of all his thoughts, and the bounds of all his deſires. The Spring it ſelf, which ſeems to inſpire joy into whole Nature, wrought no alteration in him. He beheld the roſes in his Gardens bluſh, with the ſame melancholy as he had ſeen his Knots white with Snow in Winter. Thoſe who watched over Cleanthes his ſlave, brought him word one morning, that he was ſuddenly dead. This angerſome news did redouble his grief, in as much as for that he ſeemed▪ concerned in any thing which belonged to Policrite; and that this ſlave appeared to him worthy of ſuch good fortune, as that in loſing him, he loſt almoſt all hopes of ever diſcovering where Policrite was. He forbare not notwithſtanding, to have watch kept for a while, to ſee whether any body ſhould come to that rural Cottage, or no: but at laſt, weary of wearying out his people, he diſpenced with their further trouble therein; and abandoned his fortune abſolutely to the guidance of the gods.

As he was one day in this ſad mood, Solon came to Claria: he was at firſt much joyed to hear a name he ſo dearly loved; but conſidering what an alteration there was in him, ſince he had ſeen him, and how confounded he ſhould be to acknowledge his weakneſſe to him, though he knew that lawfull love was not a paſſion to which Solon had declared himſelf an enemy, this joy ſuffered a little allay. He went notwithſtanding with much eagerneſſe to meet him; but ſadneſſe having ſo deeply ſeized upon his heart and eyes, the ſatiſfaction which he received to ſee the famous Solon, was ſo inward, as there hardly appeared any ſigne thereof in his countenance. Solon no ſooner ſaw him, but he obſerved his melancholy; and Philoxypes on his part, looking on Solon, inſtead of the peacefull phyſiognomy, and that chearfull and pleaſing aſpect which he had wont to have in his eyes, he ſeemed to ſee a great deal of ſorrow.

The firſt complements being over, and Philoxypes having brought Solon to his Chamber; Sir, ſaid he, the ſight of you would ſurely much rejoyce me, did I not ſee ſome ſignes of ſorrow in you, of which I muſt needs requeſt to know the cauſe▪ Noble Prince, replied Solon, I ſhould have prevented you, and have deſired to know the cauſe of your melancholy, before having afforded you leaſure to informe your ſelf of mine. But I confeſſe unto you, the Law-giver of Athens, is not at preſent in a condition of preſcribing Laws unto himſelf; and that the ſorrow I feel, is ſtronger then my reaſon. Philoxypes, embracing him then ſtraitly, conjured him to tell him the reaſon thereof, and deſired him to believe he would do all that lay in his power to comfort him.

But Sir, ſaid he, I thought that Philoſophy had been a ſalve to you againſt all the misfortunes of life; and that ſorrow was a thing unknown to Solon, to whom whole Greece gives the name of Wiſe.

Philoſophy ſaid this famous Athenian, is a vain-glorious Art; which boaſts of governing in places, wherein ſhe hath no great power; ſhe may doubtleſly ſaid he, teach men to be vertuous, make them know whole Nature, reach them how to diſcourſe, and give them Laws and Precepts for the government of Kingdome and Common-wealths; Nay, ſhe may oft-times make us overcome our paſſions; but when an equitable feeling, which nature gives [Page] us, is to be overcome, believe me Philoxypes, the ſame Philoſophy which hath ſometimes made us loſe Crowns without change of countenance, or which hath made us not ſtick to refuſe them, is weak in leſſe eminent occaſions. And in my particular; I may ſay, I have been thrice in my life time abandoned by her; though peradventure I have been aſſiſted by her upon an hundred difficult occaſions. But yet ſaid Philoxypes, ſhall I not know what 'tis that afflicts you? It very well behoves that I tell it you, ſaid Salon, ſince 'tis from you alone that I can expect any help. I will not repeat unto you, ſaid he, the ſo many particulars of my fortune which formerly I have acquainted you withall, for I believe you have not forgot them; but that you may perfectly know the cauſe of my grief, I muſt howſoever take the riſe of my diſcourſe afar off; and tell you ſome circumſtances of my life, which you have not yet known. You know I never believed that marriage was incompatible with Philoſophy and true Wiſdom, as Thales that famous, Mileſian did imagine; you know likewiſe that I married a perſonage of great worth and underſtanding, by whom I had children, who died ſoon after they were born; one onely ſon excepted, whom I have bred up carefully, intending to make him worthy of that noble blood whence he is deſcended. He was about 14 or 15 years old, when I was at Milet, about ſome affairs of mine; where I viſited wiſe Thales, who was one of my very good friends. He civilly reproacht me with my weakneſſe, and ſaid, I did ſufficiently witneſſe my indulgency to love, by a little image of Cupid, which I one day conſecrated to that Deity, and placed in the Park belonging to the Academy, there where they who run with the ſacred Torch, are wont to aſſemble themſelves. Paſſing from one thing to another, we ſpake of the happineſſe, and of the misfortunes of marriage, and thus our diſcourſe varying, as it oft fals out from our firſt ſubject, we ſpoke of news and other ſuch like matters.

Preſently after, Thales feigning to have ſome order to give to one of his folk about his own affairs, roſe to ſpeak to him in his ear, and came and took his place again. Not long after, I might ſee a ſtranger come, whom I knew not, who told him he was come from Athens, not above ten dayes ago. Preſt by the naturall deſire of curioſity, to know whether there was nothing of new befaln in my Countrey, ſince my departure thence, I askt him whether he knew any thing conſiderable there or no? No, ſaid he, ſave onely that the day I came away on, I ſaw the Funerall obſerved of a young youth of the beſt rank, whereat all the people of note in the Town, were preſent, and were very ſenſible of the ſorrow this childes death would cauſe in his Father, who was not then at Athens. I confeſs, when I heard him ſpeak thus, my colour changed, fearing my ſon might be concerned; which made me ask him whether he knew not the name of that unfortunate Father? I have forgot it, ſaid he, but I know he is a man of great integrity, and who is much eſteemed of in that place.

I confeſſe Sir, that ſince Philoſophy teacheth ſincerity, as well as modeſty, I thought I might be the man ſpoken of; was willing to know the truth, without offence to good manners; his name doubtleſly, ſaid I, was not Solon: pardon me, ſaid he, his name came juſt to my memory as you pronounced it. To what end ſerves it to deny it? I could not hear ſo ſad news without ſorrow, and that ſo great as Thales pitied me, and jeſting at my weakneſſe, asked me whether it were advantageous for a wiſe man to marry, or no? Putting himſelf thereby in a condition to have ſtudied Philoſophie for others, not being able to make uſe thereof himſelf. After this, he told me there was not one word true of all that this man had ſaid; that he had not ſo much as been at Athens of a long time; and that he had ſaid all this by his directions, which he had cauſed to be given him, when he roſe from me to ſpeak in the ear with one of his ſervants.

At my returne to Athens, I found my ſon alive indeed, but I found the whole Town in confuſ [...]on, by reaſon of ſome diſorder that had happened between thoſe that were deſcended from Megacles, and thoſe that were come of them that had been of the Ci [...]onean conſpiracie. The Megarians ſurprized the port of Niſa, and re-took the Iſle of Salamina, which had cauſed me ſo much trouble. And to adde to the misfortune, all the people were ſei [...]ed on with a ſuperſtitious ſnare, which perſwaded them that ſpirits returned; that fantaſmes and apparitions appeared; and this imagination prevailed ſo much with moſt of them, as there was an univerſal humiliation.

Thoſe who had the charge of the ſacred things, ſaid, that they found infallible ſignes by the Victims, that the Town needed purification, and that the gods were incenſed by reaſon of ſome ſecret offence committed.

To this effect, by the advice of the wiſeſt ſort, they ſent an Expreſſe to Creta, to Epimenides [Page] the Phaeſtien, who was and doubtleſly is ſtil, an incomparable man, a man whoſe life is altogether pure, innocent, and holy: who eats no more then what is ſufficient to maintain life, and whoſe ſoul leans as little to the ſenſes, as in this life it can: who is very learned in the knowledge of heavenly things; and who paſſes in his Countrey, not only for one who hath ſometimes Divine Revelations, but is by the people of Crete believed to be the ſon of a Nymph, called, Balta, However if it be Sir, he is a man of extraordinary knowledge and vertue.

Epimenides, not refuſing the entreaties that were made unto him, came to Athens, and of ſo many famous men as were in that noted City, did me the favour to chuſe me for his moſt intimate friend, having through his wiſdom, and through the peoples belief in him, diſſipated all their falſe imaginations, and that by Prayers, Sacrifices, and Ceremonies, he had rid them of all their fears, he would yet ſtay awhile at Athens for my ſake; where certainly he told prodigious predictions to a hundred ſeveral people. As we were ſpeaking one day of humane weakneſſes, and how little a man ought to rely upon his own ſtrength, nor yet upon Philoſophie; I acquainted him with what had befallen me with Thales the Mileſian, and how much aſhamed I was, not to be Maſter of my firſt opinions. Solon (ſaid he to me) is eaſie to be overcome on that ſide, and as often as fortune will make uſe of the affections of nature againſt him, ſhe will certainly overcome him: For he hath a ſoul as tender upon ſuch encounters, as ſtrong againſt ambition: But Solon, ſaid he, you are to be bewailed if you do not reſolve to believe me; and believe that what you underwent whileſt you were with your friend Thales, is little in compariſon of what you ſhall one day ſuffer in the perſon of a Daughter, of whom your wife is at this preſent with Child.

I have, ſaid, he, obſerved your birth, and your life, and I find that this child, which will be ſoon born, will be a prodigie for beauty and vertue; and will alſo be one of the happieſt women in the world, if you will believe my counſel: but alſo if you will not believe, and follow it, ſhe will be the moſt unfortunate. In fine, ſaid he, if you do not what I ſhall ſay unto you, you ſhall have the diſcontent to ſee that your Daughters beauty will make your Country deſolate; and that after having refuſed the ſoveraign power (as you will one day refuſe it) ſhe will make one of your Citizens fall in Love with her, who will become the Tyrant of the Common-wealth, which will make her reſolve to die, rather then to marry him.

I confeſſe I was much troubled to hear Epimenides ſpeak after this manner; for I had heard him foretel divers things, which I had ſeen punctually fall out according to his predictions. I then deſired him to tell me what he would have me to do, to preſerve a man who did ſacrifice his whole life to the glory of Athens, from having a daughter who ſhould cauſe love in him that would be the Tyrant thereof. He told me then, That ſince it was not yet known in Athens that my wife was with Childe, I ſhould conceal her great belly; ſend her into the Countrey, and when ſhe ſhould be brought to bed, that I ſhould cauſe this daughter to be ſecretly brought up, not ſuffering her to know whoſe childe ſhe was, nor yet any other body whoſoever, except thoſe who were to have the care of her education, that if it ſhould ſo fall out, as I ſhould be forced to forſake my Countrey, I muſt during my exile, leave her in ſome Iſland upon the Egean Sea; and that things being thus carried, ſhe ſhould be infallibly happy, and I ſhould not need to fear that ſhe ſhould be beloved by the Tyrant of Athens. In fine, Sir, to ſhorten my diſcourſe, I obeyed Epimenides his adviſe; I ſent my wife into the Countrey, where when her time was come, ſhe was brought to bed of a Daughter: wondering at the accompliſhment of the beginning of this prediction, I continued to follow Epimenides his directions, who at his departure (after having refuſed all the preſents that were made him, and taking for his reward, only a branch of the Sacred Olive) told me that my Daughter would one day cauſe as much joy in me by her vertue, and good fortune, as ſhe would cauſe ſorrow in me by reaſon of her loſſe. Theſe obſcure words continued fix'd in my memory, ſo as I put my Daughter into the hands of a Siſter of mine whom I loved very well, who was married in Corinth, and was come to ſee me: truſting only her and her husband, with the ſecret which Epimenides had acquainted me withal.

I will not ſtay to tell you, that ſoon after I loſt my wife, for which I was very much grieved; neither will I entertain you with the diſorders of Athens, which are too well known to all men; nor yet with the relation how I was ſolicited to accept of the Soveriagn power, being put in mind that there had been Kings of my Race, and that one that was deſcended from the illuſtrious Chodrus, need make no ſcruple to accept the Scepter: nor [Page] with what ſtedfaſtneſſe I rejected thoſe who made ſo unjuſt a propoſition to me, following Epimenides his predictions. Neither will I tell you what Laws ▪ there eſtabliſhed, you know them, and know how they were obſerved; nor yet the reſolution which I took to quit my Countrey, for the ſpace of ten years; to the end that I might make no further alterations, and leave the people leaſure to accuſtom themſelves to their new Laws.

But I will tell you, that being ready to take my voluntary baniſhment from Greece, and not forgetting what Epimenides had told me, I came to Corinth, unknown: and having told my ſiſter that I was obliged to leave my Daughter in an Iſland during the time of my exile: This vertuous perſonage, who loved her no leſſe then a Daughter, which ſhe had of her own, had married a Gentleman of extraordinary worth, and who had long lived a retired life, ſo as ſhe eaſily prevailed with him, not to abandon my Daughter, who really appeared to me, to be the ſweeteſt childe I ever ſaw. I conſulted the Gods touching my deſign, who confirmed me therein. Thus I took this little Family along with me in my ſhip; and being deſirous that the place of exile for theſe whom I ſo dearly loved, might be a pleaſant place, I choſe this Iſle to leave them in.

Whileſt Solon diſcovered thus at large, Philoxypes, who longed to interrupt him, could no longer forbear: did you, Sir, ſaid he, leave a Daughter in this Iſland? Yes, ſaid Solon, with a ſigh, and I ſaw her here about four years ago, when I would be ſeen by none but by you: and Sir, if I may be allowed to ſay ſo, I ſaw her ſuch a one as Epimenides had deciphered her, to wit, handſom, full of wit and vertue.

When I firſt left thoſe, to whoſe guidance I committed her, I willed them to ſay they were of the Iſland of Crete: At this word, Philoxypes changed colour, remembring that it was of thence that Cleanthes ſaid himſelf to be. But Sir, ſaid he, how was this daughter called, that the gods gave you? Policrite replied Solon. Policrite, ſaid Philoxypes, is Policrite, Sir, then your daughter? Solon ſurpriſed at Philoxypes queſtion, changed colour alſo, and feared leſt this Prince might have known ſomewhat of Policrite, which might diſpleaſe him more then the uncertainty he was in of her life or place of abode.

[...]ow Sir, ſaid he, come you to know my daughter, whom to ſay truth, I left near enough to you, but whom I had alſo left in a place, where I thought not you ſhould have met with her; and that when you ſhould have met with her, you [...]ould not have known her to be what ſhe is? It was the gods, replied Philoxypes, who brought me to the knowledge of her; and 'tis the gods likewiſe, ſaid he, who have taken her from her Cottage, doubtleſly to puniſh me for not preciſely knowing the daughter of that famous Solon. At laſt, he defired this Law-giver to go into his Gallery, which was painted ſince his laſt being at Claria; and ſhewing him the ſeveral pictures of Policrite, under the figure of Venus Ʋrania; behold, Sir, ſaid he, the Goddeſſe which made me know Policrite. Solon ſurpriſed with the ſight, looked on Philoxypes, and not comprehending how he could come by thoſe pictures without Policrites conſent; Sir, ſaid he, Epimenides aſſured me that Policrite ſhould be vertuous; but theſe pictures make me believe, that being bred up amongſt the Rocks, ſhe may have become too indulgent. Ah, Sir, ſaid Philoxypes! how far is Policrite from what you ſpeak of? but ſhall I dare to acquaint you with my boldneſſe? and ſhall I dare to enquire of you, before I acquaint you with my misfortune, and yours, wherefore you left her in that place? Solon, who knew Cleanthes and Megiſto's integrity, who knew likewiſe how vertuous Policrite was, condemned his firſt ſuſpitions, and haſted to tell him how when he firſt arrived in our Iſland, he made Cleanthes and his Family come on ſhore as paſſengers which he knew not, that afterwards he placed them near the Sea ſide, but that being afterwards at Claria, and whileſt he aſſiſted him in the building of that Town to which he would give his name, being walk'd abroad all alone, he had obſerved that little deſer place where he placed Policrite, having given Cleanthes wherewithal to build that little Cottage, and wherewithall to ſubſiſt commodiouſly during the time of his exile. That paſſing from Africa into Aſia, to go to Croeſus his Court, he would firſt come once again to Cyprus, that he might ſee his dear Policrite. That he had been a whole moneth in that Cottage, Policrite not having all that while either known his name, nor that he was her Father; and that afterwards he came to viſit him at Claria; that he confeſt he had in that journey diſcovered ſtranges light in the young maids underſtanding, which obliged him to be very ſenſible of her loſſe: For, ſaid he, I can find no body now in that Cottage, and cannot learn, neither why thoſe that did inhabit there have left it, nor how long it is ſince they went from thence, nor what way they are gone.

[Page] But you Sir, ſaid he, be pleaſed I beſeech you to let me hear all whatſoever you know of my daughter, and conceal nothing from me; for I confeſs I ſtand upon thorns. Philoxypes having obſerved that Solon was really very impatient to know how he came to know Policrite, and how he had got ſomany Pictures of hers, told him the whole truth; he made him call to mind his former inflexibility, and how he had told him long ſince that a man might once in his life be overcome by love without any [...]ame. Then he told him what glorious and gallant company he had had at his houſe; how miraculouſly this Venus was eſteemed by them all: the conteſtation which he had with them thereupon; how afterwards he met with Policrite, at the head of the River Claria; how ſurprized he was to ſee that the Pourtrait of his Venus, ſhould be the picture of this unknown maid; how much he was troubled that he could not finde her again; how happily he met Cleanthes as he was going with his Family to the Temple: how he ſaw her the third time when he found her in the Temple; how at laſt he diſcovered her Cottage, and his ſundry thoughts thereupon: he acquainted him with the firſt viſit he made to Policrite, when he found her making Garlands of Flowers; what ſpeech he had with Cleanthes and Megiſto; and in fine, how violently he was taken with her. He told him alſo, how he had endeavoured to ſuppreſs his paſſion, by reaſon of the ſuppoſed meanneſs of her birth: what an alteration this paſſion had wrought in his minde: how the Court was ſtartled at his Melancholy; the Kings odd conceipt thereupon, his diſcourſe with the King, and with the Princeſſe Ar [...]tephile: how angry this Princeſſe was, and how much he himſelf was perplext: how it came to paſs that Mandrocles had drawn Policrite's Pictures; and in fine, he told him all that had befallen him: and when he had ended his recitall, not affording Solon leiſure to ſpeak, thus you ſee, Sir, ſaid he, I am no longer that Inflexible Philoxypes which you formerly knew me to be, but I may ſafely proteſt unto you, that I loved Policrite in a Cottage, with the ſame reſpect as if ſhe had been ſeated on a Throne: and I may alſo aſſure you, that my paſſion for her was as pure, as if I had known ſhe had been your daughter.

Do not blame me then, I conjure you, ſince I have onely adored Solons virtue and worth in Policrite's perſon; for tis her virtuous minde which I am more enamor'd of, then of her perſonall beauty; yet do I deſerve to be puniſh'd, for doubtleſly my frequent viſits have cauſed Cleanthes to change his abode. He knew not Philoxypes, and Imagined he might have abuſed him in Policrite: But to prove, ſaid he, that I lived reſpectfully with her, and that I never received a favourable word from her, ſee (ſaid he, Sir, ſhewing him the letter which he had received) the innocent and cruell ſigne of acknowledgment, that this Divine Perſonage hath given me, ſince that at the ſame time when ſhe ſaies ſhe will remember me, ſhe ſaies alſo ſhe ſhall never ſee me more: yet Sir, ſaid he, if my paſſion do diſpleaſe you, you ſhall ſee how ready I will be to die, as ſoon as you ſhall have given me the leaſt occaſion ſo to do; ſince that is the only way whereby I can pluck her from out my heart: but on the contrary, if you do truly love me, you will rather bewail me, then accuſe me; you will promiſe me not to oppoſe me, if the Gods reſtore Policrite to you: and you will ſuffer her to be Miſtreſs of that ſtately town which was built by your directions.

I wiſh, Sir, I were able to offer her ſundry Scepters; but I think not that he who refuſeth them, will ſtick much to beſtow his daughter on a Prince, who thinks himſelf happie in being but near a Throne, and to aſſiſt his King to ſuſtain the weight of his Scepter.

When Philoxypes had made an end of ſpeaking, and Solon had read Policrite's letter; my Daughter ſaid he, is yet wiſer then I thought her to have been: and ſince ſhe hath been able to reſiſt the charms of Philoxype's greatneſs and worth, I finde Epimenides had reaſon to ſpeak of her, as of a miracle.

Be you then aſſured, ſaid he, Sir, That if the Gods reſtore my Daughter to me, I ſhall bring no other obſtacle to your deſignes, then my humble deſire that you will ſeriouſly conſider, whether ſhe be worthy or no of the honour you would do her: for if you continue in your reſolution, and that I ſhall know that ſhe doth indeed deſerve a part of the favours which you vouchſafe her, I ſhall be ready to command her to look on you, as on him whom the gods have choſen to make her happy and glorious.

I do not tell you Philoxypes, that the famous Exceſ [...]ides, my Father, who left me poor onely out of his own Magnificency, was deſcended from the illuſtrious blood of King Chodrus; for theſe are not things which I think then ought much to boaſt of: But I will [Page] aſſure you, that all thoſe of my Houſe, ſince they have left the Crown, have been as good Citizens, as their Forefathers were good Kings; and that for my particular, I had alwaies rather oppoſe my ſelf to Tyranny, then be a Tyrant.

In fine, ſaid he, as it is not to your greatneſs that I give Policrite, I pretend alſo, that Policrite's virtue, ſhall ſupply the place of a Crown.

But alas, ſaid Philoxypes! how will you give me this Divine Policrite, if we know not where ſhe is? She muſt be begg'd of the Gods, replied Solon, ſince tis from them alone that we are to expect all the good that can befall us.

In fine; ſir, Philoxypes conceived an unexpreſſible joy, to finde Solon ſo favourably diſpoſed towards him. But alſo his grief was no leſs extream, to think that Solons good intentions would prove of no uſe, if Policrite were not found. Yet was he ſomewhat comforted with the ſight of ſo famous a man, and the converſation of one ſo perfectly wiſe, made his ſorrow appear at leaſt more moderate, though really it was alwaies very great. Nay, I remember he told me that notwithſtanding all his ſadneſs, he forgot not you, ſir, but entertained Solon with the diſcourſe of you, as of a very extraordinary Perſonage.

This mean while the King, having heard of Solons arrivall, and how that Policrite was his daughter, was exceeding glad, and would have him and Philoxypes to come to Court; ſo as this Prince his love was no longer ſo great a ſecret.

Imagining that Cleanthes was not gone out of the Iſland, command was ſent again to all the Towns and Villages, to give an account of what ſtrangers lived in them, but do what they could, they could learn no acceptable news.

This mean while the Court grew very melancholy; for Princeſſe Aretephile, not able to put on a reſolution of pardoning the King, the King by an odd phanſie of Love, reſolved alſo to winn this Princeſſe her heart, before he would aſſure her to make her his Queen.

Philoxypes on his part was mad to think he could not finde out Policrite, and that he had been the cauſe why Solon had loſt her: and Solon was alſo very ſad that he could hear no newes of his daughter; eſpecially at a time when he was of neceſſitie to return to Athens, where he had learned that there were great diſorders, and that all things tended towards Sedition.

He knew that there were three ſeverall Factions there: that one Licurgus was chief of thoſe that inhabited the plains; that Megacles, ſon to Alcmeon, commanded over thoſe of the ſea coaſt, and that Piſiſtrates, whom certainly you knew when you went to Athens, was chief of the mountaineers. So as though all that numerous people had punctually obſerved his Lawes, ſince his departure, yet the face of affairs was likely ſoon to alter.

Solon being then neceſſitated to be gone within a few daies, told Philoxypes, That the intereſt of a mans country, was to be preferd before all things elſe: and that he who choſe rather to conceal his daughter, then to expoſe her to the love of a Tyrant, would not abandon his Country, to expect in vain to hear of one whom certainly the Gods would preſerve if ſhe were worthy of their care; ſo as he had no more to do, then give. him full leave to marry her if he ſhould finde her; Philoxypes being at that ſame time both much afflicted, and much joyed; thankt Solon for the honour he did him; but the winde not ſerving for his departure, and his ſhip not being ready, he muſt have patience for a while, During this interval of time, Solon underſtood that there was a famous Temple about ſome forty miles from Paphos, dedicated as were almoſt all the reſt in the Iſland, to Venus Ʋrania, where 'twas ſaid this Goddeſs delighted more to be honour'd, then in any other Temple: becauſe the cuſtome there was, that all the Ceremonies were performed by maids of good deſcent, who dedicated themſelves to the ſervice of that Goddeſs, and who were to ſerve her three years in her Temple before they were to marry.

Solon who believed he could not imploy the time better, which much againſt his will, he was to ſtay in Cyprus, then in praying to the Gods, moved Philoxypes to go thither, who eaſily gave way thereunto: ſo as getting on horſeback the next morning, and attended but by a few ſervants, they came to this Temple, which is very delightfully ſeated.

I know Sir, I ſhould not ſtay to acquaint you with all the Ceremonies of the ſacrifice, which upon this occaſion was offered for Solon and Philoxypes, yet it being famous amongſt us for what enſued thereupon, I will crave leave to do it; as alſo becauſe peradventure, [Page] you have not ſeen the like: For tis a ſacrifice which doth not coſt the victims lives, but on the contrary, makes them recover their liberty.

This Temple is fairly enough built: the Altar is ſtately, at the foot whereof, and juſt in the mid'ſt, is placed a great candleſtick of Gold with twelve branches, whereon Chriſtal lamps hung which were all lighted inſtantly after. Fifty maids, clothed in ſilver Tiffany, mingled with blew, to denote the originall of that heavenly Venus whom they ſerved, having each of them a Coronet of flowers on their head, and ſprigs of Mirrh in their hands, ranck'd themſelves on the two ſides of the Temple, ſhe onely excepted who was to perform the Ceremony, who ſtaid in the middle.

At the foot of this golden candleſtick, there was a great Cheſt or Coffer of the ſame mettal, wherein there was fire which they termed ſacred, becauſe it is only lighted by the agitation of certain ſtones conſecrated to the Goddeſs: ſhe who offered the ſacrifice in the name of Solon, and Philoxypes, put Amber, Frankincenſe, Benjamin, and divers other perfumes, into this Pile of wood: This being done, and having made a little Pile of the dry boughs of Myrh upon the Altar, ſhe took a Torch made of perfumed wax, wherewith ſhe ſet it on fire, and with the ſame Torch ſhe lighted fifty others which were placed in ſundry parts of the Temple: after this, one of theſe maids brought two Turtles tied together with threads of gold and blew ſilk; and before her who carried the Birds, went four other maids ſinging a Hymn after the Lydian manner: after theſe came four others, bringing with them two Swans tyed together with a ſtring of blew and gold, and followed by four more who ſung as did the former.

Theſe maids who carryed the Victims, kneeled down before the Altar, which being done, ſhe who did the Ceremony, (to the end that ſhe might not irritate Venus Anadiomena, who had been formerly worſhipped in that Temple, by the honour that was done to Venus Ʋrania) took Roſes and Cockles, which ſhe ſtrewd upon the Altar, and taking a great ſhel of the Mother of pearl full of ſea water, taken up towards the eaſt, ſhe ſprinkled the Victims therewith.

The holy knife, adornd with Orientall Aggat, was likewiſe prepared, as it were to ſacrifice them; but the maids who ſung continually forbad them in the behalf of Venus Ʋrania, ſo as ſhe who carried the Turtles, and the other who carried the Swans, drawing near her who performed the Ceremony, ſhe untied them, and opening one of the windows of the Temple, at the ſame time when they threw new perfumes into the pile of wood, they were loſt in that cloud of perfume which aroſe, and flying towards heaven, ſeemed as if they went to carry up the vows of Solon and Philoxypes, to the Goddeſs to whom they were offered up.

After this, all the maids which were in the Temple, began a Canticle of joy, and one of them taking a little Fagot of Myrrh, which was bound about with threads of Gold, ſwept together the aſhes of the little pile, to ſee whether all were quite conſumed or no; for this is one of the tokens that the Sacrifice hath been well received.

In purſuit after this, they went to viſit the ſacred garden, wherein the Turtles and Swans, deſtined to the ſervice of the Goddeſs, are bred up, to ſee whether thoſe that were offerrd up unto her, were returned thither or no: for when this falls not out, tis an infallible obſervation that the ſacrifice hath not been well accepted of, and that the Goddeſs thinks not thoſe birds pure enough to be preſented unto her another time. But as for Solon his Sacrifice, it had all the marks of a happy Sacrifice; the Pile was totally conſumed, the perfumes mounted ſtreight upright toward the Temples Roof, the birds flew Eaſt-ward, and were found in the ſacred Garden. In fine, theſe maids aſſured Philoxypes and Solon, that their vowes were well accepted of by the Goddeſs; and that they had not of a long time offered any Sacrifice, which had been ſo well accepted of.

Having then returned acknowledgments to the Divine Ʋrania, theſe two returned to Paphos: Solon did ſo pleaſantly entertain Philoxypes, and ſaid ſuch fine things to him, as not taking heed, he miſt the way by which they came. Thoſe who followed them, thought that Philoxypes, who very well knew that way, intended to go ſome whither that they knew not of, ſo as they let him go on. Continuing to ride on thus by this by-way, they ſtrayed not onely from the way they were to go, but came at laſt to a place where there was no beaten track at all: finding themſelves at the Sea ſide, amongſt wilde, and almoſt inacceſſible Rocks, the ſight hereof recall'd into Philoxypes memory the deſart wherein he had found Policrites abode.

[Page] But at the ſame time he found that he had loſt his way; and that he knew not where he was: yet it appearing delightfull enough unto him, though ſandy enough, he ſaid to Solon, that continuing to go along the Sea-ſide, they ſhould meet with ſome path which would lead them back into the right way; wherefore they did not return back, but continued on their way; and Philoxypes rode formoſt, that he might be a guide to thoſe that he had led out of the way.

Being advanced a good way, he might ſee five or ſix fiſhers Cottages, built upon the Sea-ſide, and heard the voyce of certain women, who ſeemed to bewail ſome misfortune.

He then mended his pace, not knowing why the voice of thoſe women had had ſuch an operation in him; and being come neer them, he knew Megiſto, and Dorida, and found them ſorely weeping, and accompanied with many other women, who wept as well as they, and who not minding him, looked all towards the Sea.

He then looked the ſame way they did, where, alas! he might ſee Policrite, all alone in a little boat floating, without either oars or rudder; who not knowing what to do, was upon her knees praying to Heaven; for though the Sea went not very high, yet was it ſomewhat moved; and moreover, the Rocks bearing back the Waves on that ſide, and a breath of air blowing from land, the Boat went ſtill further off.

Philoxypes ſeeing Policrite in ſo great a danger, and not ſeeing any Boat that he might make uſe of, lighted ſuddenly off Horeback, and threw himſelf into the Water, ſwimming ſtraight towards Policrite.

So as when Solon, who was a little behinde, was come to the Sea-ſhoar, you may eaſily imagine how much he was ſurprized to ſee Megiſto covered with tears, Policrite all alone in a Boat, which the Waves bore towards the full Sea, and Philoxypes ſwimming towards Policrite; but he was ſo far from her, as it was to be believed that (the Boat floating ſtill forward) his ſtrength might fail him before he could get up to her; and that Solon might ſee his dear Daughter periſh in his ſight, as alſo a Prine whom he loved no leſſe then her.

To tell you alſo how ſtrangely aſtoniſh'd Megiſto was, to ſee Philoxypes throw himſelf into the Sea, and preſently after to ſee Solon come, is not a thing eaſily done. Nor yet to ſet forth Policrites thoughts, when ſhe knew Philoxypes, and ſaw him in ſo great danger for her ſake.

This gallant perſonage told us notwithſtanding afterwards, that ſhe no ſooner knew him, but the object of her vows altered; and that ceaſing to think on her own danger, all her prayers were poured forth for Philoxypes. This mean while Solon was upon the ſhore with Megiſto, whoſe minde was not then at liberty enough to tell him how this misfortune hapned; telling him onely that Policrite was loſt.

And to ſay truth, I think that upon this encounter, Solons wiſdom was put to a greater triall then ever it had been: and that it was much more eaſie for him to refuſe a Crown, then to ſee Policrite and Philoxypes in the danger they were in, without giving apparent tokens of deſpair.

Yet this famous man kept himſelf within the lawfull bounds of ſorrow; and not doing any thing unworthy of himſelf, did notwithſtanding, feel what ever pains a tender and generous ſoul could ſuffer under.

This mean while though Philoxypes was but lightly clad, for the ſpring was already very hot in our Iſland, he could not ſwim with that facility as he might have done, had he been naked; ſo as Policrites Boat driving ſtill away, he could not get up unto it.

One might ſee this young maid uſe ſome bootleſſe endeavours to ſtay this little Boat, but 'twas impoſſible for her to do it: nay, ſhe did things which ſhe her ſelf knew were of no avail, yet could not keep from doing them.

One might likewiſe obſerve Philoxypes to ſtrive to his utmoſt, and then he ſeemed to be ready to periſh through wearineſſe. But at laſt being got near the Boat, ſometimes one might ſee the Boat driven near unto him by one Wave, and ſometimes born from him by another; for it went to and fro with the wind.

It was ſo near him as he might hear Policrites voice, not being able to anſwer her, ſo much was he out of breath with ſwimming.

Sir, ſaid ſhe, Let me periſh; do you return to the ſhoar; and ſtrive not bootleſly to ſave me.

[Page] You may imagine whether ſo obliging a command did not oblige Philoxypes to redouble his forces. At laſt, Sir, after that Solon had ſeen the Waves riſe up more then once, ready to over-turn the Boat, and ſwallow up Philoxypes, who was now able to do no more, a great Wave having driven the Boat towards him, he luckily laid hold of the rope whereby it was faſtened formerly to the Sea-bank.

You may imagine, Sir, what Philoxypes joy was then, as likewiſe what that of Policrite, Solon, Megiſto, Dorida, and the other women that were upon the ſhore; they all ſhouted for joy.

Yet, was it not yet time to rejoyce; For though it be not hard to guide a floating Boat, yet Philoxypes was ſo weary, as there was reaſon to deſpair of his ever accompliſhing what he had ſo happily begun; he was ſeen to ſink twice under water, yet never quit the rope which he had in his hand. Think Sir, how great Policrites grief was then, and with how many tears ſhe repaied the pains he took to ſave her. One might obſerve this Amorous Prince do two contrary things; for he would look back upon the ſhore, that he might the ſooner bring back his Dear Policrite thither; and ſometimes believing he ſhould periſh without ſaving her, he would at leaſt have the contentment of ſeeing her at his laſt gaſp.

He looked thus, ſometimes towards the ſhore, ſometimes on Policrite: and things were in this condition, when Philoxypes and Solons ſervants, who carried a good way behinde by reaſon of ſome accident which had befallen one of their horſes, were come up, amongſt which was one of Philoxypes his gentlemen, who being skilfull in ſwimming, threw himſelf inſtantly into the water, and helped his dear Maſter to guide Poliorite back unto the ſhore, where this Prince was no ſooner arrived, but that his force failing him he ſwounded.

'Tis needleſſe to tell you what Solon, Megiſto, and all the reſt that were on the ſhore, did to aid him. As for Policrite, ſhe was ſo ſurprized, and ſo afflicted, to ſee what condition Philoxypes was in, as ſhe was not ſenſible of the joy of having eſcaped ſo great a danger: but at laſt, after having carried Philoxypes into one of thoſe little Huts, and having by the means they uſed, brought him to life again, and dried his apparell, he asked where Policrite was? whom Solon brought to him out of a little chamber whither ſhe had retired her ſelf, though ſhe had not yet perfectly ſhook off the fear ſhe had been in of her ſelf, and of Philoxypes.

But at laſt all being retired that were in that little Hut, ſave Megiſto, Policrite, Dorida, Philoxypes, and Solon. Solon deſired Megiſto to tell him, why ſhe had quitted the little abode which he had cauſed to be built for her? wherefore ſhe was come to this place, and where Cleanthes was? wherefore they had left no order to acquaint him with their removall? and how this laſt misfortune had befallen Policrite? But, ſaid he, Siſter, ſpeak freely without any wiſe diſguiſing the truth. For Prince Philoxypes knowes I am your Brother, that Policrite is my Daughter: and I know alſo that he does her the honour to love her; therefore conceal nothing for his reſpect, for he hath now a deeper ſhare in Policrite, then I have, ſince I have given her to him; and that he may now lay a new claim unto her, by having ſaved her life.

I leave you to imagine, Sir, how Policrite was ſurprized to know that ſhe was Solons Daughter, whom ſhe knew to be a great and excellent man, but whom ſhe know not to be her Father; and to know at the ſame time that ſhe was beſtowed on Philoxypes; ſhe bluſh'd, but with a great deal of modeſty; and looking upon Megiſto, as if ſhe would ask her whether it were true or no, that ſhe was Solons daughter? ſhe confirmed her in that belief; and afforded her leiſure ſo to confound the joy ſhe had to ſee Philoxypes again, with that of her knowing her ſelf to be daughter to ſo famous a man, as nothing appeared in her countenance but what ſo great an honour might cauſe in her.

Philoxypes beginning then to ſpeak, ſaid as obliging things to Solon in Policrites behalf, as in his own; and Megiſto was ſome-while before ſhe could ſatisfie her Brothers curioſity. But at laſt ſhe told him; That knowing the love Prince Philoxypes bore to Policrite, ſhe had thought it fitting to acquaint Policrite onely, that ſhe was more then what ſhe took her ſelf to be, to the end ſhe might know how to treat Philoxypes with more indifferency; and that ſhe might think her ſelf the leſſe obliged to him for his affection: That Cleanthes and ſhe, having obſerved that this had produced a contrary effect in Policrite, and Prince Philoxypes having ſhewed much paſſion in the laſt viſit which he made them, ſhe confeſt the ones worth, and the others youth, had cauſed ſome apprehenſion in her: that [Page] in purſuit hereof, knowing that the King was at Claria, and fearing leſt Philoxypes might ſpeak to him of Policrites beauty, ſhe had adviſed Cleanthes to quit his abode, which in effect they had done, and were come to this little Maritine Hamlet, where Cleanthes was acquainted with an old Fiſherman, who had left them his Hut, being himſelf gone to live with a ſon of his: that they had left a young Slave at their former place of abode, with direction, that if Solon ſhould come thither, he ſhould wiſh him to come the firſt day of the next enſuing Moon, to a Temple which they named unto him, where Cleanthes would not fail to be on the ſame day to meet him when he ſhould come thither.

That ſince that time, Cleanthes had learnt by the Prieſt of the little Temple which was near their former abode, that this Slave was dead; ſo as knowing that the time of Solons return drew near, Cleanthes reſolved to go live himſelf alone at Paphos, knowing that when he ſhould return to Cyprus, he would not fail to wait upon the King, and ſo he could not miſſe of him; to which purpoſe he was gone thither that very morning: that Policrite, who had no better paſtime, eſpecially ſince they had left their former abode, then to draw every day ſomething or other upon her Table-books: ſeeing all the Fiſher-men were gone from their little Hamlet, leaving no Boat behinde them, ſave that wherein they had ſeen her, and wherein there was neither Rudder nor Oar, ſat down in it, and not minding whether it were well faſtened to the ſhore or no, was deſigning forth that little rurall float of Boats, which went ſtill further from her: that ſhe was ſo attentive to her work in hand, that as ſhe her ſelf had told them, ſhe did not perceive the Boat wherein ſhe was, was looſened from the Land, and went floating as the windes blew it: ſo as ſaid Megiſto, coming forth to look after Policrite, I ſaw her in the poſture I have told you, and skreek'd out ſo loud, as I made her perceive the danger ſhe was in, not being able to help her, there not being one man left in the whole Hamlet; and all the fiſher-boats, having already doubled a Cape of Land, whereby we loſt ſight of them.

Megiſto having ended her relation, Solon 'gan admire the providence of the gods in the guidance of worldly things; and conſidering that unleſſe Philoxypes and he had loſt their way, Policrite in all appearance had been loſt, he could not ſufficiently praiſe the goddeſſe, who had ſo well received his ſacrifice; in effect, this Temple of Venus Ʋrania, hath got much renown by this adventure. But Sir, to abuſe your patience no longer, I will onely tell you, that in ſtead of going to Paphos, Philoxypes and Solon went the next day to Claria, whither they brought Megiſto, Policrite, Dorida, and all the women that attended them, after that Philoxypes had largely rewarded all the Fiſher-mens wives for their Hoſpitality and courteſie ſhewed to Policrite. To tell you how great Philoxypes and Policrites joy was, would be no eaſie matter, and to relate unto you in what termes this happy Lover expreſt his ſatiſfaction to Policrite, and with what an obliging modeſty ſhe received the teſtimony of his affection, and gave him ſome marks of hers, would be to undertake too difficult a task. For to learn in one and the ſame day, that ſhe was Daughter to the ſo Illuſtrious Solon, and that ſhe was to be wife to Philoxypes, were two things wherewith her ſoul was divided. Philoxypes failed not to ſhew Policrite her Pictures in his Gallery, which, though rarely handſome, came much ſhort of her. The next day Solon ſent to enquire out Cleanthes at Paphos, where he was found and brought to Claria. Neceſſary order being taken for it, Cleanthes, Megiſto, Policrite, and Dorida, had clothes made anſwerable to their condition.

The next morning the Princeſſe of Salamis, and the Princeſſe Aghariſta, being advertiſed by their brother Philoxypes of the truth of his Adventure: theſe two fair Princeſſes, I ſay, who loved him dearly, who had learned Policrites Illuſtrious birth by this advertiſement, and who did reverence Solon as a god, went to Claria, to conduct this beautifull creature to Paphos.

But good gods! how they were ſurprized with her extreme beauty, comparing which with her Pictures, they found her to exceed them far; but if ſhe appeared fair unto them, ſhe ſeemed yet more ſpirituall.

She had ſomewhat in her of admirable modeſty, which having nothing in it of Ruſtick, rendred her yet more pleaſing: ſhe had a ſoul doubtleſly fraught with all that innocency which ſhe had preſerved amidſt thoſe Rocks: but withall a minde and humour, wherein were all the Charmes which the Court could afford.

For Megiſto being rightly Solons Siſter, knew as well as any one what was requiſit in, and did neceſſarily become thoſe of her Sex, and had perfectly inſtructed Policrite therein.

[Page] Young Dorida appeared alſo to be very fair, and lovely at the Court; where the King received Solon, Cleanthes, Megiſto, Philoxypes, and Policrite, with unexpreſſible joy and honour. And this ſo much the more, as that being at laſt, reſolved to content Princeſs Aretephiles ambition, that ſo he might ſatisfie his own love, had made her be told the day before, that it ſhould be her fault if ſhe were not Queen.

But if Aretephile were Queen of Cyprus, Policrite was the Queen of Beauty; none but the Princeſſe of Salamis could any way diſpute that glorious Empire with her. In fine, Sir, there was nothing heard of now, but feaſts and rejoycing. Solon being of neceſſity to be gone, they haſted the conſummation of thoſe famous marriages: The king would have one Ceremony ſerve for them both; nor did Cyprus ever ſee any thing of more glorious, though it were done with precipitation. Solon called then to mind Epimenides his predictions, and confeſt that there was ſomewhat of Divine in that holy man. But his Countreys intereſt prevailing more with him, then whatſoever other intereſts, he departed for Athens, ſo as ſome tears of ſorrow did for a while a little allay Policrite's joy; but to comfort her, young Dorida was left with her, when Cleanthes and Megiſto imbarked themſelves with Solon. This was the condition Sir, wherein this great man left the Court of Cyprus: to wit, the King highly content: Queen Aretephile as highly ſatisfied; and Philoxypes and Policrite ſo happy, as wiſhes could not adde thereunto.

Within a few dayes after, the Prince of Sicily ſent to ask the Princeſſe Aghariſta, ſiſter unto Philoxypes, in marriage; and it was conſented unto. Alſo it was included in the conditions of the marriage that he ſhould ſend ſome certain Troops unto you, as the King of Cyprus already had. And ſince it was I who had the honour to conduct the Princeſſe Aghariſta into Sicilie, I accepted of the employment which was offered me, to come hither: And returning unto Cyprus to accommodate my ſelf with neceſſary equipage, the Prince Philoxypes charged me to relate his adventure unto you; and to entreat you from him, that you would not leſſen his good fortune by depriving him of your friendſhip, which is infinitely dear and pretious unto him.

As ſoon as Leontidas had made an end, Artamenes aſſured him, that if the felicity of Philoxypes were never leſſened but by the want of his affection, he might be certain to be happy for ever. Thimocrates and Philocles ſeemed to be exceeding joyed at the ſatisfaction of a Prince whom they infinitely loved; Artamenes alſo was doubtleſſe as pleaſant as any one in his preſent condition could be: But his ſtate ſtood upon ſuch terms as he could not hear of either any good or bad adventures without ſome ſorrow; for when the felicity of any one was diſcourſed upon, and comparing it with his own misfortunes, he alwayes ſighed: and alſo when he heard of any diſaſterous acoident, he ſighed ſtill: So that it was very true, that experience in misfortunes makes a ſoul ſenſible of compaſſion. He rejoyced then at the good fortunes of Philoxypes, but it was with a ſigh; and he teſtified unto Leontidas, how ſorry he was not to be in a condition, wherein he might make the Prince Artibies and himſelf ſee, how infinitely dear the recommendations of Philoxypes was unto him. But Leontidas (ſaid he unto him) you are come to ſerve a great and moſt juſt King, who will never ſuffer your vertues to be unrecompenſed, as well as if I were at liberty. Sir (anſwered Leontidas) it would be a difficult matter to perſwade all Aſia, that the King of Medes is juſt in all things, as long as you are a priſoner. Kings (replied Artamenes with much wiſdom) do ſometimes commit injuſtice, innocently; becauſe they are perſwaded they have reaſon for what they do; and ſuch as ſuffer ſuch injuſtice as I ſpeak of, are themſelves unjuſt, if they do not endure them without murmur or complaint. Thimocrates, Philocles, & Leontidas were raviſhed with the prudence of Artamenes: and to ſee he knew how to make uſe of bad fortune as well as good; and ſo they left him, making a thouſand new proteſtations of inviolable fidelity. But all the while he endured his ſtrict impriſonment with invincible patience; all his illuſtrious friends had no other thoughts but how to get him out. Ariobantes, whom Ciaxares had left Regent in the Kingdome came from Themiſcira unto Sinope, as well to render an account of his office, as to advertiſe the King, how all the inhabitants of Themiſcira, Amaſia, and that part of Cappadocia, which was not revolted, began to ſpeak high, that they would ſend deputies unto the King, to deſire him that Artamenes might be ſet at liberty. Sir, (ſaid Ariobantes unto Ciaxares) all Galatia ſayes the ſame: and all your three Kingdoms cannot brook, that a man whom they reverence as a god, ſhould be in priſon: Alſo that which I tell you of Cappadocia and Galatia, I underſtand that all Medea intend the ſame: Ciaxares harkened unto Ariobantes, but returned no anſwer, becauſe he ſtaied for the reſult of the King of Armenias anſwer, before he would [Page] reſolve upon any thing: Mean while, Chriſantes and Feraulas were continually negotiating, both by their own endeavours, and the ſolicitations of all the Kings, Princes and friends which Artamenes had: Ciaxares was never without ſome about him who was ſpeaking for this illuſtrious priſoner: The King of Phrygia was no ſooner gone out, but the King of Hircania came in, and after him ſucceeded Perſodes or Hidaſpes: In ſhort, either by Aglatidas, or Thimocrates, or Philocles, or Gobrias, or Gadates, or Thraſibulus, or Madates, or Artucas, the name of Artamenes was perpetually pronounced. If Ciaxares went to the Temple, the ſacrificers ſpoke of him: If he went into the ſtreets of Sinope, the inhabitants kneeled and begged his liberty: If he went out to walk in the fields or Camp, all the ſouldiers petitioned for their General: and except that old friend to Aribeus, who alwayes held intelligence with Artaxes, there was not one but was ready to ſerve Artamenes: ſo that this man whoſe name was Metrobates, was doubtleſſe the only man, that had a deſign to deſtroy him: Marteſia for her part, who was informed by Feraulas of all that paſſed, was extreamly glad to ſee the merit of Artamenes ſo applauded; and to ſee that it was not with him, as with other favourites, who when fortune forſakes them, then all the world does the like; but that on the contrary, the love of every one augmented with his misfortunes: She alſo received every day by Feraulas, a complement from Artamenes: who told her that his priſon had wrought no alteration in him, but that he ſtill retained his paſſion, as well as his civilitie: As all things ſtood in this condition, Megabiſes returned, and came unto the King, when very many were with him, and more ſtill preſſed after him when he entered, to hear news: Ciaxares no ſooner ſaw him, without making any ſecret of his anſwer, well, Megabiſes (ſaid he unto him) let us know how they have received my Daughter into Armenia; will that King reſtore her unto me, as he is obliged to do? Sir, anſwered Megabiſes, my journey has not had happy ſucceſſe; I cannot know who the King is which the Princeſſe ſpoke of in her paper: the King of Armenia will not acknowledge that ſhe is in his dominions, although there is great appearance ſhe is: nor did I find the Prince Tigranes in his fathers Court. But yet (ſaid Ciaxares unto him) how did that King receive you? Sir (anſwered Megabiſes) when I came at Artaxates, and had ſent unto the King to demand audience, he made me wait three dayes; and during that time I was always carefully obſerved by ſeveral people: Afterwards, according to thoſe commands which I had received from your Majeſty, I told him, that ſince you underſtood the Princeſs your Daughter was within his dominions, you had ſent me unto him to demand her: I thought (ſaid he unto me very fiercely) you were come to ſolicite me about the payment of that Tribute, which I paid unto Aſtyages, but will not pay unto Ciaxares, ſince I never promiſed it: But as for the Princeſſe Mandana, ſhe is not in my power, and though ſhe were, queſtionleſſe I would not reſtore her, but would keep her for a hoſtage, until by an authentique Treaty, your Maſter would acknowledge, that the Kings of Armenia, are not Tributary Kings. Sir, (ſaid I unto him) conſider well what you ſay, before you diſmiſſe me: for the King my Maſter knows moſt certainly that the Princeſſe is in your dominions: I will cauſe her to be ſearched for, ſaid he unto me, and ſhe ſhall be treated according to her quality; but if ſhe be here, I tell you once again, that I will not ſend her unto the King of Medes, until he has quitted his pretenſions unto any Tribute out of Armenia: Let him be contented, (ſaid he unto me) that fortune has given him ſuch a man as has made him ſo full of conqueſts; and let that comfort him for the loſſe of a poor Tribute. Sir, (ſaid I unto him) if you give me no other anſwer but that, I have orders to tell you, that the King my Maſter, will come himſelf with an Army of an hundred thouſand men and fetch the Princeſſe his daughter: Go then ſpeedily (ſaid he unto me) and bid him prepare himſelf; and tell him, there are no ſuch valiantſouldiers in the world as thoſe who fight for their liberties: and that ſince Artamenes is in priſon (as I underſtand he is) the Prince Tigranes my ſon will not make any great difficulty of it to fight him; and perhaps victories will not come ſo cheap unto him as they have done. Megabiſes did know very well that there was no great prudence in ſpeaking thus unto Ciaxares, before ſo many people; nor to tell ſo preciſely what the King of Armenia ſaid concerning Artamenes: But thinking that perhaps it would be advantagious unto him, he reſolved to do ſo: Then he ended his relation, by telling, that after he went out from the King of Armenia, they brought him commands to be gone out of Artaxates the next morning, and that they guarded him unto the utmoſt frontiers of Armenia. Ciaxares hearing the anſwer of this Prince, was in a high and cholerick paſſion; and preſently reſolved upon war: No, no, ſaid he, I make no queſtion but Mandana is in Armenia; ſhe her ſelf has writ it, and Marteſia confirms it; alſo the anſwer [Page] of this audacious Prince do tell it plainly: But yet (ſaid the King of Phrygia unto Megabiſes) were you not enformed by any whether there were any forraign Princeſſe arrived at that Court? Yes Sir, ſaid he, for I heard, that there came once ſome women, whoſe quality every one was ignorant of; and that they were ſent unto a Caſtle, towards the Countrey of the Chaldeans, but ſtayed not at Artaxates. No, no, (ſaid Ciaxares once again) there needs no more information; Mandana is in Armenia, and I muſt carry the war thither. And by conſequence (ſaid the King of Phrygia, with as much generoſity as boldneſſe) we muſt have Artamenes out of priſon; for Sir, if your ſouldiers do not ſee him in the head of them, but that he ſhould be left at Sinope, they will march but very ſlowly into Armenia, and perhaps not fight as they uſed to do, when they come there: alſo (added the King of Hircania) I cannot believe there is any better way to move the gods to become propitious, then to protect that man whom they have ſo much favoured. Theſe two Princes were not the only perſons who ſpoke thus, for every one in the chamber ſaid the ſame. It ſeemed that the preſent neceſſity did work upon his former reſolutions; and he did not ſo obſtinately deſign to preſſe out what the intelligence was which Artamenes held with the King of Aſſyria; inſomuch as there ſeemed to be great hopes of his ſpeedy freedome. The King of Medes did ſuffer them to commend him in his preſence without any anger, he did not reject their prayers in his behalf, and without any direct conſenting, he made as if there were ſome reſolutions in him of altering his opinion, but carried it as if himſelf would have the advantage of doing it, and not as forced unto it by any other. Theſe reſentments being perceived by all the illuſtrious company, they ſpoke no more unto him concerning Artamenes, fearing to prejudice him, whom all the world would advantage. Yet they went from the King in great hopes of his liberty, ſo that preſently a general voice went about all the Town and Camp, that Artamenes was to be ſet at liberty; Artamenes himſelf was told as much for certain: His guards all wept for joy, Andramias could not hold from hoping to ſee him preſently in the ſame condition he was formerly; Marteſia was ſo tranſported, that ſhe could not expreſſe her raptures of joy: Chriſantes and Feraulas were ſo glad of it, that Artamenes himſelf could be no more; for in conſideration of the Princeſſe, and the ſtate ſhe was in, he priſed his liberty as the greateſt good which could befal him. Well, (ſaid he in himſelf) I may once again hope to do Divine Mandana ſome ſervice; Oh heavens! could I ever believe to be in ſuch a ſtate as either to deliver my Princeſſe or to die in her ſervice? Can I flatter my ſelf with ſuch a pleaſing thought, as both to ſee and be ſeen by her? Is it poſſible I ſhould ever have the liberty to diſcourſe with her of my moſt adoring paſſion? If this be ſo, why ſhould I complain of thoſe hardſhips I have endured? ſince I ſhall receive ſo ample a recompence: Thus did Artamenes entertain himſelf, whileſt all the Town and Camp was rejoycing by reaſon of their hopes of his liberty; and to give him an addition of joy, Feraulas came into his chamber, and confirmed the news, telling him that it was not without ground; and falling into diſcourſe concerning Mandana, he repeated almoſt all that Marteſia told unto Chriſantes and himſelf: at the laſt, remembring himſelf how they had told him that when Marteſia was on the banks of the River Halis, amongſt the fiſhermen ſhe made uſe of a box which had a picture in it, to bring her unto Sinope, and that the picture was Mandana's: Ha Feraulas, ſaid he unto him, is there no means, by vertue of that credit which I know you have with Marteſia, to move her unto ſo much favour as to ſend me that picture, with a promiſe to reſtore it unto her, if ſhe pleaſe, the ſame day I come out priſon? Sir, ſaid he unto him, I do not think Marteſia will deny it upon that condition: but as for giving it abſolutely unto you, I think that her fears to diſpeaſe the Princeſſe (who as you know is of ſuch a nice vertue, as that ſhe will ſcruple at the ſmalleſt things) will not permit it: alſo ſhe her ſelf is ſo much enamoured with it, that it would be a piece of great difficulty to obtain it from her for ever; but yet for a certain time doubtleſſe ſhe would not refuſe it: Artamenes then engaged Feraulas to uſe his beſt endeavours; and Feraulas charged with this commiſſion, left him, and left him with more joy then he had a long time found in his heart. Ciaxares for his part, was ſecretly pleaſed in himſelf to be overcome, and as it were conſtrained to free Artamenes; yet ſometimes he would be very angry that he could not exactly know what that intelligence was which he could not diſcover: But after all, the high merits of Artamenes, the great acts he had done: the many obligations unto him; the preſent neceſſity of his valour; all theſe were to prevalent in his mind, that he reſolved to ſet Artamenes at liberty, the ſame day he was to march with his Army towards Armenia. But whileſt he was in ſo advantagious a reſolution for himſelf, and ſo beneficial [Page] for his daughter; ſo pleaſing unto the famous priſoner, and ſo generall a joy unto all Aſia, eſpecially ſuch as had intereſt themſelves in his fortune, Metrobates only, that cloſe enemy of Artamenes, and that old friend unto Aribeus, was in extream ſorrows. This man had a ſoul ſo ambitious, that he valued not by what ſtairs he aſcended unto greatneſs, ſo he could but get up. There hapened many paſſages in his tranſactions, which moved Artamenes whilſt he was in the height of his fortune, not to eſteem him; & by conſequence not to doe ſuch good offices as he did unto all others: For Artamenes, thought it a piece of great injuſtice unto unfortunate men of honour, to load with benefits thoſe who deſerved them not, whilſt others more meritorious were in miſery. Moreover, Metrobates being linked unto the fortunes of Aribeus, had ever followed his principles: and Artamenes deſtroying him juſt at that time when Metrobates was in higheſt hopes to receive recompence for all the ſervices he had done him, this man therefore was ſo much incenſed againſt Artamenes, that he would enterpriſe any thing which might conduce unto his ruine. Chriſantes and Feraulas were informed of his bad intentions, but ſince he did not openly tranſact againſt their maſter, and ſince they could not deviſe what ill office he was able to do him, they had not recourſe unto any violent wayes to defeat him; as well becauſe they were both wiſe and virtuous, as becauſe it might be prejudiciall unto Artamenes: neither could they handſomly diſcover his deſignes; for the party who informed them of the ill will of Metrobates, dyed a little after with ſorrow that he had been the cauſe of Artamenes his impriſonment: moreover, as the ſtate of things then ſtood, they had no ground to believe any thing could obſtruct his liberty, ſince it was demanded by a great Army, and by three whole kingdomes. But on the contrary, it was almoſt an infallible certainty, that a man who was equally beloved both of vanquiſhed and Vanquiſhers would be ſet at liberty, and that none durſt ſhew their hatred, no not Metrobates himſelf. As he was burning in his ſecret envie at the univerſall joy which all the world expreſſed for the freedome of Artamenes, He received intelligence from Artaxes who was commander in chief at Pteria, and who underſtood that Ortalques had been to tell the King of Aſſyria ſomething, though he could not exactly tell what; but it was in all probability Artamenes who ſent him, for he knew him to be his ſervant, and that he had brought orders from the King, when he was in Bythinia: he whom Artaxes ſent unto Metrobates, was commanded not to go into Sinope, leſt he ſhould be ſtopped, but to ſend ſome unſuſpected meſſenger to bid meet at the Temple of Mars: Metrobates, having received this notice, failed not to go thither: and he no ſooner underſtood from the confident of Artaxes of Ortalques his voyage unto Pteria, but he began to conceive ſome hopes of diſturbing the publique joy: But ſince he had many things to talk of with this man, and fearing to be ſeen in his company, at a place ſo much frequented as a Temple, they went to walk by the Sea-ſide, and juſt in the ſame place where Artamenes had heretofore been, when he found the ſignes of the Princeſſe her ſhipwrack: and being come cloſe unto the Cabin where the Prince Mazares had been carried, and where they told Artamenes he died. When he was there, he deſired to find out ſome pretence to reſt himſelf, to the end he might write unto Artaxes: having Ink and Paper in his Pocket, for that purpoſe. But as chance ſometimes works wonders, the fiſhers who dwelt in that Cabin, and who were very affectionate unto Artamenes, though he had been but a little while amongſt them, ſeeing ſuch a man as Metrobates amongſt them, took the liberty to ask, whether Artamenes was going to be ſet at liberty, as the reports of the town went and as they wiſhed it? Metrobates was ſurpriſed to heare Artamenes named in a place where he thought there was none who had any intereſt in his fortune; he asked them, whether they knew him whom they ſeemed to love ſo well? and they anſwered, that they had the honour to ſee him in this Cabin; and told him, how he found Mazares there when he was dying; and the better to circumſtance their tale, they told him in their manner, how that Prince ſpoke unto him concerning the Princeſſe Mandana, and gave him a Scarf, alſo ſaid thus unto him. Is it you, whom the affection of a great Princeſſe, has made you the moſt happy man, and whom I have made the moſt unfortunate, by depriving you of one who loved you ſo well? Though they did not directly relate the ſame words which Mazares uſed, yet they uſed others, which made the matter worſe, thinking it more advantagious for Artamenes, by relating how the Princeſſe loved him well, ſince the Prince Mazares as he was dying, ſaid it: But ſaid they further, certainly Artamenes does love her alſo, for he put a hundred queſtions unto the dying Prince, and when he was told that in all likelihood ſhe was dead, he went out of this Cabin ſo furiouſly and deſperate, as [Page] never was man; and taking a ſcarfe with him which the other had given him, he went unto the Se-aſide, as if he would have thrown himſelf into it: Metrobates who had his comment upon every word theſe poor honeſt men related, began to ſuſpect that Artamenes was in love with Mandana, and that this ſecret which was between the King of Aſſyria and him, was a ſecret of Love and Jealouſie together. So ſeeming to like of the peoples affection unto Artamenes, and telling theſe fiſhers, that he would ere long be at liberty, he went out of the Cabin, and taking his leave of Artaxes his friend, returned to Sinope, well ſatisfied with his voyage: As he paſſed by the houſe of Artucas, he accidentally ſaw Feraulas and Chriſantes come out, who had been to viſit Marteſia; and to afford him more matter, to prejudice Artamenes, one of Metrobates his domeſticks was brother unto a boy which ſerved Artucas: ſo that when he ſaw Feraulas and Chriſantes come out of this houſe, he deſired to know whether they frequented it very often; and to that end he imployed the ingenuity of his ſervant, to diſcover by the meanes of his brother, to find out whether it was to Artucas or to Marteſia that they went. This boy was very young, and his brother uſed both cunning, and gifts, and threatnings unto him to make him diſcover the truth: and though his maſter had forbidden him to tell that Marteſia was two or three dayes in Sinope before it was publiquely known, yet he told unto his brother, and promiſed to tell him all he knew concerning the viſits of Feraulas and Chriſantes: ſo that he underſtood by this boy his brother, that whilſt Marteſia was concealed in the houſe of Artucas, they did both of them viſit her: and that ever ſince ſhe came thither Feraulas did viſit her every day, alſo Chriſantes, very often. There did need no more to ſatisfie ſuch a miſtruſting minde as that of Metrobates: and when he called to memory a hundred paſſages which he regarded not before, he did no longer doubt but that Artamenes was in love with the Princeſſe, and that the Princeſſe knew it, or at leaſt ſuſpected it; He being thus furniſhed with ſuch ſtrong arguments to ruine Artamenes, he went unto the Kings bed-ſide, who treated him very kindly; for this Prince knowing how Aribeus loved him, thought that ſince Metrobates was not engaged on his ſide, it was an infallible ſigne of his fidelity, not imagining how this man remained here as a ſpie for Aribeus. Metrobates then being in the night with the King, when none could diſturbe the freedome of ſpeaking, he thought to effect his deſigne. Yet notwithſtanding, he would not begin to ſpeak concerning Artamenes: but ſtayed a while in hopes the King, whoſe minde was taken up with nothing but the Armenian war, with the Princeſſe her captivity, and with the liberty of Artamenes, would ſpeak ſomthing which might give him an occaſion to execute his deſigne, without making any affectation appear in his diſcourſe: at laſt Ciaxares gave him ſuch an opportunity, as he deſired; Metrobates, (ſaid he unto him) are you of the opinion with the reſt, that Artamenes will ſerve me with as much zeale and fidelity, as he hath heretofore? Is it not to be feared that his great ſoul will not ſuffer him to forget his priſon? I believe Sir (replied, Metrobates) that Artamenes will forget all, and remember all to deliver the Princeſſe Mandana: but yet (ſaid the King unto him) Is it not poſſible to gheſſe what this ſecret is, which I muſt ask no more, ſince I am reſolved to ſet him at liberty who will not reveale it unto me? Sir, (replied Metrobates) If I durſt tell your Majeſty my thoughts, perhaps I ſhould abſolutly undeceive you in your opinion, that Artamenes will not ſerve you for the future as well as heretofore: for ſince it was my ſelf who was the cauſe of his impriſonment, becauſe from my hand you received that letter which the King of Aſſyria writ; ſo I think my ſelf in ſome ſort obliged to tell you ſomthing which I know will conduce unto his advantage, as well as I told you that which conduced unto his prejudice: when the King heard him ſpeak in that manner, he preſſed him extreamly to explaine himſelf: and Metrobates making himſelf very ingenious and ſincere, told how an accident drove him into the fiſhers Cabin, to write a letter in behalf of one of his friends which by chance he met withall, and related unto him how thoſe fiſhers told him that Artamenes was paſſionatly in love with the Princeſſe: he did ſo aggravate the deſpair which Artamenes was in when he heard the Princeſſe was dead, that he did fully poſſeſs the Kings minde with the knowledge of what he deſired to know: It ſeems Metrobates (ſaid he unto him) by your diſcourſe that Artamenes is in love with my daughter: Sir (ſaid he) I do confeſs it is in that, which I would do Artamenes ſervice; and I dare aſſure your Majeſty, that ſince he has ſuch a noble paſſion in his ſoul, he will forget his priſon, and be more valiant and faithfull then ever he was; for Sir, (ſaid he in ſuch a manner as if he had no ill intentions towards him) the love of Artamenes will do the virtue of Mandana no wrong: Beauty upon a Throne is like [Page] the ſun in heaven, every one has liberty to behold it; and as glorious light does not impaire it rayes, although it ſhine not alwaies upon flowers: ſo the beauty of the Princeſſe, although it captivate others beſides Kings, is not to be blamed. In the mean time, this ſubtle poyſon which Metrobates had infuſed into the Kings minde, did afterwards operate in his heart; and cauſed him to remember ſome light ſuſpitions which he had of Artamenes his love, when he firſt put him in priſon; he would have Metrobates repeat over what the fiſhers had told him; but Metrobates faigning as if he had not well enough remembred; nor ſufficiently harkened unto them, to aſſure himſelf that all he had ſaid was poſitively true, therefore he offered to go againe the next morning and more exactly informe himſelf. The King whoſe minde was much troubled, commanded him not to faile, but endeavour to diſcover all that ever he could concerning ſuch an important buſineſs as that. Metrobates ſeemed to be very ſorry, for thoſe vexations he had put into the Kings minde, and told him, he would uſe his beſt endeavours to learn out any thing, that might make his ſoul to enjoy its reſt. In the mean while Ciaxares was extreamly troubled; for when he remembred himſelf, that Artamenes, never asked for his liberty ſince he was impriſoned, untill ſuch time as he knew the Princeſſe was living, therefore he made that a ground of his ſuſpition, and thought he was in love with her. Moreover he remembred his extream violent ſorrowes when he returned unto Themiſcira, and related how he had relieved the King of Aſſyria, and facilitated the carrying away of the Princeſſe Mandana: he called to minde that exceſſive ſorrow he ſaw in his eyes, when he was returned unto Sinope, and acquainted him with the ſhipwrack of the Princeſſe: He paſſed over that night with ſuch reſtleſs imaginations, and expected Metrobates moſt impatiently, who ſeeming as if he had been to enforme himſelf better in ſuch things as the King deſired to know, returned and went unto the Kings Cloſſet, where the King as ſoon as he was dreſt, did uſe to be. As ſoon as the King ſaw him, he turned towards him and ſaid: well Metrobates, what more can you informe me of? muſt Artamenes be ſet at liberty, or muſt I keep him cloſer? Metrobates then ſeemed very ſad, and ſeemed as if he knew much more then he durſt ſpeak; Sir ſaid he unto him: I beg your pardon, ſince it is my deſtiny to bring none but ill news alwaies unto your Majeſtie. Such crimes as theſe (replied Ciaxares) rather deſerve recompence, then either pardon or puniſhment: for commonly, Kings never hear of ſuch things as are unpleaſant unto them but from thoſe who are his moſt faithful ſervants. Metrobates grew more bold upon the Kings anſwer, and told him, how it appeared by that diſcourſe which Mazares made of Artamenes, that he not only loved her, but alſo the Princeſſe loved him againe: Then he repeated word for word all that the fiſhers told him: How, (cryed out Ciaxares) could my daughter know of the fond paſſion of Artamenes, and endure it? If ſhe can Metrobates, my beſt courſe were to let her remain ſtill in the hands of the King of Armenia: for if ſhe be of ſo ſlaviſh a ſoul, ſhe cannot be better then in the priſon of my enemy. Sir, (ſaid he unto him) I beſeech your Majeſtie be not ſo much tranſported: the affection of the Princeſſe is not perhaps ſo much to be blamed, for Artamenes is furniſhed with ſuch high qualities, that although his condition ſeemes to be but mean, ſince he will not tell us what it is, yet the Princeſſe is excuſable, though ſhe ſhould be ſomthing indulgent towards him: No, no, Metrobates (ſaid the King) you do not ſpeak as you think; Such as my daughter ought to receive only teſtimonies of reſpects from ſuch as Artamenes; and ought to reject the leaſt ſuſpition of any love, and baniſh it from them for ever. That which does moſt puzzle me (ſaid the King) is that I have impriſoned both Artamenes and Araſpes; becauſe finding a correſpondencie between the King of Aſſyria and Artamenes I ſuppoſed that Araſpes helped the King to eſcape: But if Artamenes be in love, is it credible he ſhould ſet his Rivall at liberty? and ſince it is ſo that he did not ſet him at liberty: what can this ſecret intelligence be which moved him to write, as he hath unto him: indeed Metrobates, I know not how to expound this Riddle: if I look upon the King of Aſſyria's letter, I finde that Artamenes is ambitious, and has treated with my enemy: if I harken unto the diſcourſe of Mazares, I find Artamenes is a raſh man, and my daughter has loſt her wits, what ſhould I think of theſe things? and how ſhall I tranſact? Mandana is a captive in Armenia, and Artamenes is a priſoner in Sinope; I am talking of giving him that is here his liberty; and intending to ſend an Army to deliver the other in Armenia: Yet if it be ſo, that Artamenes is in love, and that Mandana knows it, and ſuffers it; I muſt then ruine Artamenes, and forſake Mandana. But in doing ſo, I muſt diſhonour my Daughter in the eyes of all Aſia, and alſo diſhonour my ſelf. Sir (replied then [Page] the wicked Metrobates) I hope your Majeſty will never come to that, for if it ſhould appear, (as I think it will not) that Artamenes is ſo much in fault, as ſhall move you to ruine him, you will not want other ſpecious pretences to cloak it, and never bring the Princeſſe upon the Stage. But Sir (added he) I think it not expedient, your Majeſty ſhould ſo ſoon releaſe Artamenes; but endeavour firſt to make matters more clear then yet they are; for me thinks theſe Sicilian Troops which are come hither, and which Philoxypes ſent unto Artamenes to be preſented unto you, are to be a little ſuſpected; there being already ſome of Cyprus Troops in your Army, which had never been in it but by his means: And truly, if you remember it, the Prince Artibies ſpoke unto your Majeſty after an odde manner: And Megabiſes alſo at his returne from Armenia, told ſuch things unto you, as makes me conjecture, that there is ſome cloſe deſigne, which muſt not be ripe untill Artamenes be at liberty. Who can tell Sir, whether all that is reported in Armenia, concerning the Princeſſe be true? The friends of Artamenes do perhaps retain her by force in ſome place; and there is ſomething in it which deſerves to be made more cleer before Artamenes be ſet free: And if your Majeſty will appoint me, I ſhall uſe my beſt endeavours to make a more exact diſcovery. The King, whoſe ſoul was highly incenſed, did command to do it accordingly: and becauſe he would not ſeem to be moved with the counſels of Metrobates, who feared leſt his deſigne ſhould be prevented, he would ſee no body that day, but cauſed it to be given out, he was not well: Mean while, Metrobates reſolved to return at night, and tell the King all he knew concerning the journey of Ortalques unto Pteria; and how Marteſia was three dayes concealed in the houſe of Artucas, before ſhe would appear at Court: Alſo how Chriſantes and Feraulas did frequently viſit her all the while. But Metrobates was more happy in his project then he thought to be: for the young Boy who was with Artucas, told his brother, who ſerved Metrobates, that it was not above two hours ſince Feraulas was with Marteſia, who was in private with him in her Cloſet: Their diſcourſe together was long, and the name of Artamenes and Mandana was much uſed between them; that ſhe opened a Box, and gave him ſomething, which he beleeved to be a Letter: That Feraulas after this went out, and as he departed from her ſaid, he would immediately carry that which ſhe had given him, unto that party who expected him with much impatience. This Boy ſaid further, that he went out after Feraulas, and followed him to the Caſtle, and afterwards unto the Chamber where Artamenes was kept priſoner. Metrobates having met with this intelligence, went unto the King with as much Melancholy in his face, as he had joy in his heart: As ſoon as he was entred into his Chamber, and ſaw none with him, Sir, ſaid he unto him, I am forced to acquaint you, that without all queſtion there is ſome conſiderable matter in it which muſt be diſcovered: for indeed (ſaid he) I am certainly informed by a friend which I have in Pteria, that ſince Artamenes was a priſoner, Ortalques who brought the news of the Princeſſe being living, hath been from Artamenes with the King of Aſſyria, who ſince is gone from thence, and none knows where he is: Alſo I underſtand further, by one of Artucas his Domeſticks, that Marteſia was three dayes in his houſe before ſhe ſaw your Majeſty: ſhe, I ſay, who had no more to tell you, but that the Princeſſe Mandana was not dead: I know ſhe ſent a Letter unto Artamenes, and that there paſſeth not a day, but Feraulas doth viſit her: Moreover I obſerve, that Chriſantes and he are continually going from one place to another: ſometimes to the King of Phrygia; ſometimes unto the King of Hircania; ſometimes to Hidaſpes, Thimocrates, Gadates, Gobrias, and others. Then Sir, all theſe Princes, are great admirers of Artamenes and his valour, and are apt to undertake any thing in his behalf. But (ſaid Ciaxares then unto him) what courſe ſhould I undertake to be more fully ſatisfied of theſe things, which I hardly need to make any doubt of? Sir, (ſaid Metrobates unto him) I beleeve your Majeſty would diſcover all, if Ortalques were arreſted and brought to render an account of his voyage unto the King of Aſſyria: and if the Cabinet of Artamenes were ſearched, who ſince he is in hopes of liberty, will doubtleſſe keep the Letter which Marteſia ſent unto him: It would not be amiſſe if Artucas, Marteſia, Feraulas, and Chriſantes were ſecured: Moreover (added he) ſince certainly the quality and birth of Artamenes is very mean, I would have theſe men compelled to declare it: for the knowledge of it would produce three conſequences: It would aggravate his crime againſt the Princeſſe: his ingratitude to you more odious: and would perhaps baniſh him out of the minde of Mandana, if it be true, as in all likelihood it is, that her heart is full of affection unto Artamenes. The minde of Ciaxares was ſo ſharp upon this advice, as he never conſidered how dangerous the deſigne was: but on the contrary, [Page] he beleeved that if he ſhould let all all theſe Kings and Princes underſtand that Artamenes was a Traytor; a man of a mean and deſpicable birth, and had abſolutely failed in thoſe reſpects which he ought unto the Princeſſe his Daughter, they would all deny him any protection, and would with the firſt give counſell to deſtory him: not but that he was much put to it, whom he ſhould chuſe for executioners of his Orders: But as Metrobates was as bold as wicked, he offered himſelf, ſo his majeſty would give him power, to act what he had adviſed unto. Ciaxares was a long while before he could reſolve with himſelf; but at laſt, he thought the firſt buſineſſe would be to ſearch the Cabinet of Artamenes, and to that effect, he ſent Orders unto Andramias, by Metrobates, to be aſſiſtant. Metrobates went then to Andramias, whom he did not finde with Artamenes: But ſince great liberty was now allowed to viſit this famous priſoner, Arbaces Lieutenant of the Guards under Andramias ſuffered him to enter with twelve of the Kings Guard which followed him, for the King commanded him to make uſe of force, if a bare command would not do it. As he entered into the Chamber, he ſaw Artamenes locking his Cabinet very haſtily becauſe of the noiſe he heard. Sir, ſaid he, going unto him, The King has Commanded me to bring this Cabinet unto him, and I beſeech you be pleaſed to permit me to yeeld obedience unto him. Metrobates (ſaid Artamenes unto him, and ſtanding between the Table and him) cannot eaſily perſwade me that the King has given him any ſuch Commiſſion, and therefore ſince I think he acts without his Orders, I will endeavour to hinder him from ſatisfying his particular curioſity. Sir, (ſaid Metrobates unto him, and calling in the Guards, who were in the outer Chamber) I am able to yeeld obedience unto the King, therefore do not force me to uſe any violence upon you. Artamenes was ſo deſperate at this accident, that he knew not what was beſt for him to do. It was in vain to reſiſt; and to let him carry away the Cabinet, in which was a buſineſſe of that import, he could not reſolve, therefore turning towards the Table to open it. Then, ſuffer me (ſaid he) to take that out, which is none of my own, before I give it you. But Metrobates having ſeized upon the Cabinet, commanding the Guards to keep off Artamenes; they were in a minde not to obey him: Yet when Metrobates threatning them, that the King would puniſh them, they hindred Artamenes from taking the Cabinet out of his hands: and Metrobates carried it away, the Guards following him. He came then with all ſpeed unto the Kings Chamber, commanding Arbaces to let none enter unto Artamenes untill new Orders: but as he went he was not without his conceits; for indeed he did not directly know what it was which Marteſia had ſent unto Artamenes, and he was fearfull it would not prove a buſineſſe ſo criminall as he wiſhed it: Yet ſince he could not imagine what innocent intelligence there could be between them, he went to Ciaxares with much boldneſſe, and alſo much hopes; the reſiſtance of Artamenes ſeeming unto him to be an infallible mark, that there was ſomething in that Cabinet which would make againſt him: He did therefore very much aggravate the deſpair of this Illuſtrious Priſoner; and breaking open the Cabinet which was not full, becauſe, Mandana's ſcarf remained upon the Table, when Artamenes did ſhut it, upon the entrance of Metrobates; then they began to look what was within it; and there was found ſome jewels and perfumes, one of Homers Illiads rich bound up; likewiſe the Lawes of Lycurgus and Solon; the Comedy of Theſpis, ſome Verſes of Sappho, and Erina's compoſing; certain Enigmaes of the Princeſſe Cleobuline; ſome ſmall Geographicall papers; the modell of Babylon; the deſcription and encampment of Ciaxares his Army before that Town; ſome Songs of the famous Arion, and many other ſuch things: All this while Metrobates deſpaired of finding any thing againſt Artamenes, and Ciaxares was very glad of it: but at the laſt, finding a little golden enamel'd Box, Ciaxares ſaw that the Picture of Mandana was within it, about which this Deviſe was written in the Cappadocian Language.
I am better in your Heart.

This picture was made for a Princeſſe of Cappadocia, whom Mandana loved very well and who loved her moſt tenderly again: So that this Princeſſe dying before ſhe had this picture, Mandana gave it to Marteſia, who deſired it of her. But alas, how extreamly was Ciaxares ſurpriſed to find it there! and how jocund Metrobates, to ſee himſelf happier then ever he hoped for: The Kings mind was ſo much troubled, that he neither knew what he did, nor what he ſaw, He read this harmleſſe Motto which he thought to be ſo criminal; and afterwards cried out, who could have thought that ever Mandana would have ſpoke ſuch a would unto Artamenes? How could that ſevere vertue which ſhe ſeemed to [Page] own, ſuffer her to imagine ſuch a piece of gallantry as this, in favour of a ſimple Cavalier, who wanders about the world, and none knows what he is? Ha, ſince it is ſo, as it is but too too true, Mandana has ſome further deſignes: Perhaps ſhe is hid in the houſe of Artucas, where ſhe ſtaies only untill Artamenes be at liberty; and then when he has got himſelf in the head of all thoſe forces which are of his intelligence, he will take my Crown from me, and ſubvert my Throne. No, no, (ſaid he unto Metrobates, and throwing the picture into the Cabinet again) we muſt loſe no time; the guards of Artamenes muſt be changed: Chriſantes, Feraulas, Artucas, Orcalques, Marteſia, and Andramias alſo muſt be ſecured, for I ſuſpect him alſo. Sir, (ſaid Metrobates) I know very well that this deſign is ſomething dangerous to execute, yet I humbly offer my ſelf and will adventure it, ſo I may have your Majeſties Guard to aſſiſt me: then I believe the reſpect which all people ows unto you, will keep them from oppoſing your will: So that except Andramias and Artucas who are men of rank, and Marteſia who is a woman of quality, all the reſt are inconſiderable; as for Chriſantes and Feraulas they are ſtrangers, and doubtleſſe are no more to be feared then their Maſter: and I am ſure there is no danger in ſecuring Ortalques. The King then recalling into his mind the diſcourſes of Mazares unto Artamenes; and the journey of Ortalques unto the King of Aſſyria: the ſecret carriage of Marteſia with Artucas: the frequent viſits of Feraulas and Chriſantes: the picture of Mandana in the hands of Artamenes; and ſuch a paſſionate Motto, too gallant for a Lady which made profeſſion of ſo much vertue, he thought queſtionleſſe to diſcover ſome great crime; and queſtioned no further but Artamenes was in love, and that Mandana allowed of it: In concluſion, being tranſported with anger, he cauſed Metrobates to take fifty of his Guard, to execute his pleaſure before the paſſages in Artamenes Chamber was noiſed abroad. Andramias coming into the Caſtle as Metrobates was going out, he was eaſily arreſted, as well as Ortalques who was with him: From thence going to take Artucas, he found Chriſantes and Marteſia there, and took them three; conducting Marteſia and a woman to wait upon her in a Coach unto the Caſtle, but carrying Chriſantes and Artucas on foot; afterwards, he went to look for Feraulas, but could not find him; for hearing by good fortune, that Metrobates had been in his Maſters Chamber with a Guard, he was gone unto Hidaſpes to acquaint him, where he found the King of Phrygia: Preſently after he was come thither, they heard of Andramias his arreſt; and alſo how Ortalques, Marteſia, Chriſantes, and Artucas, were impriſoned in the Caſtle: and that Artamenes was kept more cloſe then ever. So that hearing of all theſe paſſages at one time, and knowing that Metrobates had been to ſeek for Feraulas; the King of Phrygia would not have him ſtir out of the houſe of Hidaſpes, becauſe he might be much more ſerviceable unto his Maſter then if he were in priſon. This Prince having ſent in all haſte to acquaint all the famous friends of Artamenes with it: they all went unto the King as faſt as ever they could to know the cauſe of this ſudden change. The King of Phrygia, the King of Hircania, Perſodes, Thraſibulus, the Prince of Paphlagonia, the Prince of Licaonia, Ariobantes, Gadates, Artibies, Hidaſpes, Aduſius, Aglatidas, Gobrias, Madates, Artabaſes, Leontidas, Megabiſes, Thimocrates, Philocles, and many others, came thither; but it was told them, they could not ſee the King: Yet notwithſtanding ſince they feared leſt he ſhould fall upon ſome violent reſolution, they preſſed ſo much, that at the laſt he commanded the King of Phrygia, and the King of Hircania only ſhould enter, where they found him extreamly ſad. Sir, (ſaid the King of Phrygia unto him) we are come hither to know whether your Majeſty has any need of us: Yes, (anſwered the King in great rage) I do not think you will any longer protect and defend ſuch an ungrateful, raſh, and ambitious man as Artamenes; Who came into my Court, with no intent but to diſhonour me: and aſſumes ſo much boldneſſe, as to fix his eyes upon my Daughter: All her Raviſhers are leſſe worthy of my hate then he, ſince in taking her away, they have done nothing which is unworthy of her: But this inſolent fellow, in raviſhing away her heart, has done her an irrepairable wrong, and mortally offended me. The King of Aſſyria, although he was a ſtranger unto her, and an enemy to the Medes, is yet a great King: The King of Pontus, although he hath loſt both his Kingdoms, yet he retains the Quality of a King: The Prince Mazares was Royally born, and lived in expectation of a Crown: But as for Artamenes, do doubtleſſe he was born in a priſon; his Parents were ſome ſlaves, elſe he would not hide his condition from us as he doth. Sir, replied the King of Phrygia, Artamenes has performed ſuch Martiall Actions in War, as me thinks ſufficiently denotes the contrary to what you ſay. Artamenes (replied Ciaxares) has committed ſuch a Crime in ſtealing away my Daughters heart, that I will never pardon [Page] him; for he ſaw I denied her unto the King of Pontus, who had then two Crowns: He ſaw, that I Armed above a hundred thouſand men, to fetch her out of the power of one of the greateſt Kings in al Aſia; and yet he preſumes to bear ſuch an aſſection unto her, as cannot be innocent; For if he do not deſign to marry her, then his aims are to defame her: and if his preſumptuous thoughts do aim at marrying her, then his deſign is to ſet a ſlave upon the Throne of Medea, and doubtleſſe to depoſe me hereafter, ſince it is not poſſible he can ever hope that I ſhould conſent unto his deſign: The truth is he has ſuch unjuſt, ſo ſtrange, and guilty thoughts, that death is too ſmall a puniſhment for them, and him that owns them: yet Sir, (replied the King of Hircania) what new matter have you againſt him, ſince you were once in a mind to acquit him? A hundred things (anſwered Ciaxares) which makes me think of nothing but his ruine. Sir, (replied the King of Phrygia) ſuch a reſolution as that ought not to be tumultuouſly undertaken; and though Artamenes were culpable (as I believe him innocent) yet he hath ſo gained the hearts of the ſouldiers, that it is much to be feared, that if you ſhould ruine him, it would make a great diſorder in your Camp: Not at all (replied the King) for when I ſhall fully know the baſeneſſe of his birth, as doubtleſſe I will know it, ſince know it, ſince I have Chriſantes in my power; and when I have publiſhed unto the world by a Declaration, that a common ſouldier of fortune, and perhaps ſomething worſe, is ſo audacious as to think upon the daughter of a King, and to take away his Crown; I believe there will be none ſo unjuſt as to oppoſe me in puniſhing ſuch a one: For truly, it is moſt ſtrange that ſuch a man as Artamenes ſhould be ſo inſolent as to dare ſo much as to look upon my daughter: My daughter, I ſay, who hitherto has appeared as wiſe and prudent, as any in the world: But Marteſia ſhall tell me, by what charms ſhe loſt her reaſon, and by what enchantments Artamenes made her forget her duty both unto her ſelf and me. But Sir, (replied the King of Phrygia) you did accuſe Artamenes for holding intellignece with the King of Aſſyria as a lover of your daughter, and now you accuſe him for loving her himſelf; how can you reconcile theſe two things which ſeem ſo directly contrary? I know not (replied Ciaxares) but the rigour of puniſhment, and fear of death, will doubtleſſe make Chriſantes, Ortalques, and Artamenes himſelf, confeſſe that I yet know not: But Sir, (ſaid the King of Hircania) what convincing reaſons have you for it? I have a hundred, I tell you (replied Ciaxares) all which do plainly let me ſee that Artamenes does hold intelligence with my enemy and with my daughter, and that my daughter hates not him; there needs no more to move me to pronounce ſentence of death againſt a man whom I ſo much loved, although he was of ſo haſe an extract. But Sir, replied the King of Phrygia, what if he ſhould prove the ſon of a great King? he would have told it long ſince, replied Ciaxares, if he had been ſuch a one: but certainly he is only a forward ambitious man whom fortune favours, and whom the ſimplicity of my daughter has made both happy and culpable; and when I am fully informed in all the circumſtances of his crime, out of his own mouth, and by the confeſſion of Marteſia, Chriſantes, and Andramias, whom I ſuſpect to be too much his friend: when I ſhall know, I ſay, by Artucas, Ortalques, Araſpes, and by Feraulas, if I can catch him, all that love and ambition did prompt this ſecret enemy unto, then I will call you all to be witneſſes of his condemnation. Sir, (ſaid the King of Phrygia unto him) I do moſt humbly beſeech your Majeſtie, not to condemn him upon ſurmiſes, & appearences he is perhaps one whom you do not know how great he is; and that affection which he has unto the Princeſſe, alſo the intelligence he hath held with the King of Aſſyria, are not ſo criminal as you ſuppoſe them: aftewards, the King of Hircania added; I dare tell your Majeſtie thus much, that thoſe ſervices which Artamenes has done you, deſerves a pardon for greater crimes then theſe: It is true, (replied Ciaxares) and truly I was reſolved to pardon him for holding intelligence with my enemy: but that ſuch a man as he ſhould have any attempts upon my daughter, I ſhall never pardon that. Theſe Princes ſeeing Ciaxares ſo incenſed, would not urge him any further at that time; they only intreated him to examin the buſineſſe very well, and not to condemn him but upon convincing proofs; as, that he was abſolutely of a guilty correſpondency with the King of Aſſyria; that he had plotted ſome unjuſt deſign with the Princeſſe Mandana; and that he ſhould prove no more then a vile ſlave (as he ſuppoſed him) or a common Cavalier: after this they left him, intending to adviſe altogether what was moſt expedient to be done: As they went out of the Kings Cloſet, all they who were in the chamber gathered about them, to know how ſquares went; ſeeming by their diſcourſe and actions, that they were ready to undertake any thing in behalf of Artamenes; but thoſe Kings, being unwilling to enform them of any thing in that [Page] place, went unto Hidaſpes, whither they were waited upon by all this multitude of brave men which this great alteration brought unto the King. They were no ſooner there, but Feraulas who there expected them, deſiring to ſpeak a word in private unto the King of Phrygia, told him, that ſince he went out, he underſtood that Metrobates had taken the Cabinet of Artamenes from him, and carried it unto the King; he told him further, how certainly he would find Mandana's picture in it, which was never made for him; and that Mandana did not give it unto him, as it would be eaſily proved; and that Marteſia did lend it unto him that ſame day: But though it was an eaſie matter to juſtifie the Princeſſe concerning this picture, yet there was no pretence to colour the love which Artamenes bore unto Mandana, which ſeemed to be the cauſe why he deſired to have this picture in his priſon. In concluſion, ſince all thoſe who were with Hidaſpes, were all of them friends unto Artamenes, this Prince ſaid unto thoſe who were not acquainted with his ſtory, that he would engage his word unto them, Artamenes was the moſt faithful ſervant Ciaxares ever had; and that it would be a piece of good ſervice unto the King of Medes, to hinder him for acting ſuch a piece of great injuſtice: That moreover it was eaſie to be ſeen how Metrobates the old friend of Aribeus, was imployed in this buſineſſe; and that it was to be feared, this revengeful man, did much incenſe the King: That in the mean time it is expedient to keep the ſouldiers ſtill in their good opinion of Artamenes and his innocency; and to that end it were requiſite for every one to go immediately and give out all neceſſary orders in the Camp accordingly: and moſt of that illuſtrious company went in all haſte to divulge the report of a new piece of injuſtice which had been due unto the famous and innocent priſoner; and none remained there but ſuch as knew the ſtory and life of Artamenes; To wit, the King of Phrygia, the King of Hircania, Perſodes, Thraſibulus, Hidaſpes, A [...]uſius, and Feraulas, and then they conſulted what was moſt expedient to be done in ſuch a diſaſterous buſineſſe: They all imagined that Chriſantes would never ſpeak a word, neither concerning his Maſters love, nor his birth, what torments ſover they put upon him: but they imagined alſo, that the more he denied to tell who Artamenes was, they more apt would the King be to believe, that his condition was baſe, and alſo thought him more criminal: They had ſome fears of Ortalques, leſt he ſhould confeſſe ſomething which might prejudice; for Feraulas underſtood from Artamenes, what his buſineſſe was at Pteria: They apprehended alſo that Marteſia, out of her fears of death, would diſcover nothing but the innocent affection of Artamenes unto the Princeſſe: and being deſirous to juſtifie Mandana, ſhe would never tell who Artamenes really was: In concluſion of all, the apprehended nothing but apparent cauſes of fear; and ſo no greater hopes in any thing then force; and they conceived that it was no certain way to ſave his life neither, ſince Ciaxares kept him in the Caſtle, and might chop off his head before they could be in any condition to relieve him; they reſolved then to ſee how things would go in the morning, and in the mean time to keep themſelves in a readineſſe to reſiſt all manner of violence, if there ſhould be any need. Feraulas ſpent that night in continual ſtirring; he went out of the Town unto the Camp, and there from Tent to Tent, from Hut to Hut, to infuſe freſh deſires into all the Captains and Souldiers to ſave the life of Artamenes; and returning unto the Town at break of day, he paſſed through four or five ſeveral places, before he could come at the houſe of Hidaſpes. Never was ſuch a diſorder ſeen; all the inhabitants of Sinope ſaid that they never could nor would ſuffer ſuch a man as he to periſh: The Souldiers both of the Town and Camp, ſpoke high, and ſaid they would not endure it: The Kings private Guards did but unwillingly obey and if Metrobates had not been very cautious, he would have found himſelf in a very ſad condition: but he had no ſooner arreſted all theſe whom by the Kings orders he was to impriſon, but he ſent in all haſte unto Artaxes, to ſend him a thouſand men, ready at the Gates of Sinope, in the beginning of the night, and at the ſame time he told the King, that he brought them from a Town whereof he was Governour: And Metrobates carried it ſo, that he cauſed theſe rebel Troops to enter into the Town and Caſtle that night; ſo that the next morning the friends of Artamenes were amazed, to ſee all ſtrange faces, and Souldiers they knew not. Mean while, Chriſantes, Ortalques, Artucas, Andramias, Araſpes, and Marteſia, were to anſwer Metrobates unto theſe three equſtions; The one, who Artamenes was? The other, what was the intelligence which he held with the King of Aſſyria? And the laſt, when he began to be in love with Mandana? Chriſantes fearing to prejudice his Maſter in ſaying he was Cyrus, and conceiving that he ſhould as much prejudice him, if he left him in the conceipt of his mean original, took therefore the medium betwixt thoſe two extreams, and ſaid, that he was [Page] deſcended from the moſt noble family, but that it was not permitted him to tell any further: & as for the matter of intelligence with the King of Aſſyria, he ſaid that it was advantagious rather then any thing prejudiciall unto Ciaxares, but he would ſpeak no further concerning that particular. As for his demeanure towards Mandana, her to him, he ſaid that ſince ſhe was ſomuch obliged unto him, & was a debtor for the life of her father, & for ſo many victories which he had obteined for him, it was not at all ſtrange if ſhe did much eſtem of him, but forany further, he knewnot any thing. Ortalques for his part, he ſaid that he knew nothing of any particulars between the King of Aſſyria and him, which could be any way obnoxious unto the Kings ſervice; for he knew they were enemies one to another: Andramias could make no anſwer, but all in the negative, unto all the queſtions; for indeed, he knew nothing at all concerning them. As for Marteſia, ſhe told Metrobates with as much prudence as boldneſs, that though her miſtreſs had truſted her with any ſecret, yet would ſhe never diſcover it, and that ſince ſhe was placed with the Princeſſe by the King himſelf, ſo ſhe would render an account unto none but him. All this while, Artamenes was unconceivably perplexed. What, ſaid he in himſelf, ſhall ever I be the cauſe that the King does accuſe my Princeſſe? cannot her virtue, her ſeverity, and rigor keep her from their ſuſpitions? but that they will blame her, and perhaps unjuſtly condemn her? oh moſt imprudent man that I am, to truſt in thoſe hopes they gave me? ought I not rather to have feared the capritious humour of my fortune: which did not promote me but only to throw me down with more precipitation? Alas Mandana, will the King think that you gave me that picture which he ſaw? and from thence will conceive a hundred falſe imaginations and all as falſe as it. Somtimes Artamenes fearing the fury of Ciaxares towards the Princeſſe, did rather wiſh her in the power of a reſpective Rivall as the King of Pontus was, then in the power of a violent and incenſed father, as Ciaxares was: Theſe apprehenſions laſted not long, but he repented himſelf of his former wiſh; and when he conſidered that all hopes of his liberty was loſt; and that he had cauſed the misfortunes of ſo many innocent perſons; and how little appearance there was to avoyd them otherwiſe then by death, he fell into extream deſpair: his great ſoul notwithſtanding did alwaies endeavour to reſiſt his ſorrowes: And if it had been only in conſideration of himſelf, he would not have ſtood in need of all his conſtancie. All his guards were changed, and thoſe Souldiers which Artaxes had ſent were placed about him: ſo that he received no conſolation at all. Since the King was well acquainted with his reſolutneſs, although he once intended to examine him himſelf, concerning his birth, concerning the correſpondency with the King of Aſſyria, and concerning his love, yet he did alter his opinion, and reſolved to uſe others in the buſineſs whom he had in his power: and to that end, he promiſed them recompenſes, he terrified them with moſt cruell puniſhments, and began to uſe them courſly: But do what Metrobates could, he could not make them alter their anſwers, neither Chriſantes, nor Marteſia, nor Ortalques: for as for the three others, they had nothing at all to ſay, Artucas did confeſs his coſen was three dayes in his houſe, before ſhe ſhe went abroad, but he ſaid, the reaſon was, becauſe ſhe was not in a condition to be ſeen, or at the leaſt, ſhe gave him no other reaſon for it, and though indeed Marteſia did deſire to ſee Chriſantes and Feraulas, he could not tell what the buſineſs was. Metrobates did not relate their anſwers unto the King rightly, but on the contrary, did aſſure him they trembled when they ſpoke, and often contradicted themſelves, and that ere long they would tell all: Mean while, the King would needs ſee Marteſia, although Metrobates oppoſed it as much as he could: ſo that this couragious woman was guarded unto him: after ſhe had done all due reverence unto the King, and behaving her ſelf boldly like one that was innocent in the buſineſſe. Marteſia, (ſaid he unto her) you are the confident both of Mandana and Artamenes: and I muſt have the truth from your mouth though I have met with it other wayes. Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him) ſince I know not any thing which can prejudice thoſe two Illuſtrious perſons you name, I ſhall eaſily anſwer you: How Marteſia (replied the King very angry) do you not think it prejudiciall unto Mandana, to love Artamenes, as moſt certainly ſhe does? I think Sir (replied ſhe) that the Princeſs were one of the moſt unreaſonable women in the world if ſhe did not highly eſteem him, and one of the moſt ungratfull alſo, if beleeving him ſo innocent as he is, ſhe did not acknowledg thoſe ſervices which he has done your Majeſty: But Sir, all the thoughts of the Princeſſe are confined unto theſe two; ſhe eſteems him, and thought her ſelf obliged unto it. But Marteſia, replied the King, vertuous Princeſſes, who only eſteem a bare Cavalier ſuch as Artamenes, do not uſe to beſtow their pictures upon him; Oh Sir, cryed [Page] out Marteſia, the Princeſſe never gave that picture unto Artamenes; if it be found in his hands, it muſt needs be Feraulas who is a good friend of mine, and unto whom [...]ent it, that ſhewed it unto him, as a fine peece, for that picture Sir, was never made for me, much leſs for Artamenes: and if we were at Themiſcira, I could eaſily prove [...]t was made for the Princeſſe of Pteria who died before ſhe received it. Indeed Marteſia, replied the King, this picture is found in the Cabinet of Artamenes, and doubtleſs, Mandana did ſend it by you to comfort him in her abſence: No Sir, ſaid Marteſia, I cannot endure that the Ca [...]umnie of wicked men ſhould make you beleeve ſo; I do invoke all thoſe gods whom I adore to witneſs, that the Princeſſe does not know that Artamenes hath it, and you would be the moſt unjuſt Prince upon earth, if you ſhould accuſe the moſt innocent and the moſt vertuous Princeſſe in the world of any ſuch thing. But what were you doing, (replied he) thoſe three dayes which you were with Artucas, before you ſaw me? Marteſia being not well able to anſwer this laſt queſtion, changed colour: yet preſently aſſuming her confidence, Sir, (ſaid ſhe unto him) ſince I was not then in ſo handſome a condition to appear at Court, I had no diſpoſition that another ſhould acquaint you with what I had to ſay, therefore I thought that thoſe three days might well be ſpared, ſince I knew you were not ignorant how the Princeſſe was living: But all that while (replied the King) you ſaw Chriſantes and Feraulas: It is very true (ſaid ſhe) I did ſo, and [...] endeavoured to comfort them in their ſorrowes, and to give them ſome hopes, that ere long your Majeſty would know how innocent their Maſter was: you might have contented your ſelf (ſaid this violent Prince) with concealing the weakneſs of your miſtreſs, without juſtifying ſuch a bold and unthankfull perſon, as never remembring the baſeneſs of his birth, durſt caſt his eyes upon my daughter. Sir, replied Marteſia, when the King of Aſſyria was in your Court under the name of Philidaſpes, you then thought his condition no greater then that of Artamenes: It is very true, replied the King, but that is no argument to perſwade me Artamenes is any other then what I think him to be: yes Sir, replied Marteſia, I ſhould rather think Artamenes to be the ſon of a great King, then the ſon of a ſlave, what King, (ſaid Ciaxares very angerly) can he be ſon unto? the King of Phrygia hath none? was the King of Hircania ever married? hath the King of Armenia more then two whom all the world knowes? Had the King of Arabia ever any? is not the ſon of the King of Saces drown'd? or can he be ſon unto the King of Perſia, who as they ſay was never heard of and whoſe father yer mourns for? Sir, ſaid Marteſia (whom the name of Cyrus cau [...]ſh) I c [...] whoſe ſon Artamenes is; but let me tell you; that I am [...] perſwaded th [...] does not know what he is; the King then being tranſported with Chol [...] [...]ſe but take part with [...] [...]amous [...]oner, and to [...] Princeſſe, of [...] and her ſelf [...] I know [...] to [...] a diff [...] [...]etween [...] I can make [...] Marteſia and [...] Marteſia) yo [...] day repent of [...] ſay [...] being able to ſcrue no [...] Marteſia, [...] her back, and w [...]ly troubled▪ He might know by her anſwers, although [...] denied all, that there was a ſecret in the buſineſs which ſhe would not reveale: The [...]s of Mazares, and Mazares dying were conſiderable, Mandana's picture was a con [...]ing argument: the concealment of Marteſia with Artucas; the frequent viſits of [...]aulas, and Chriſantes: Ortalques his voyage unto Pteria, and a hundred circumſtances which came into his memory, did moſt ſtrongly perſwade him, that Artamenes was moſt culpable; and the impoſſibility to find out his true condition, did the more confirm him in his belief that he was of a baſe deſcent, not but that when he conſidered ſometims whether he would or no▪ how this extraordinary man had ſaved his life, had got him ſo many battles, had ſubmitted ſo many Kings, he could not chuſe but wonder at the obſcurity of his birth: yet ſince he could not underſtand what it was, he concluded, that it was ſuch as he was aſhamed to confeſs: ſo that paſſing from this thought unto another: Is Mandana (ſaid he) deſcended from ſo many Illuſtrious Kings, and who her ſelf muſt one day raign over ſo many people, and ſuch great kingdomes, ſo weak, as to endure the unjuſt paſſion of an unknown man: Ah No, no, I muſt puniſh Artamenes for his boldneſs, and Mandana for her weakneſs; furthermore, when he ſaw that Feraulas would not ſuffer himſelf to be apprehended, he did imagin that to be an infallible ſigne of his knowledg of many things: for he knew that Feraulas was of ſuch a couragious ſpirit, [Page] as the fear of his life would never make him flee away. In concluſion, the king did ſuck ſo much venome out of every imagination, that his minde became ſo much incenſed againſt Artamenes, as he would not ſuffer the king of Phrygia to ſpeak any more in the behalf of him. The king of Hircania, was no leſſe rudely rejected then he: And ſeeing ſo many Princes and men of high Quality about him: How is it poſſible (ſaid he unto them all) that you ſhould thus importunately preſſe me, in the behalf of ſuch a man, as you know not who he is? If he would himſelf ſay, he were a Subject unto any one of you, I ſhould then with more patience hear you intereſt your ſelves in his fortunes. But queſtionleſſe, he is of ſome ſuch inconſiderable Countrey, that he is aſhamed to own his very Nation; and yet all of you ſpeak for him as if he were the Son of ſome great king, or as if I ſhould incenſe all the Kings upon earth by puniſhing him: But (ſaid he unto them in a mighty fury) either ſpeak no more in his behalf, or let me know your reaſons why you ſhould ſo eagerly intereſt your ſelves: For let me tell you this, once for all, and it ſhall be my ultimate Reſolution, that if within two dayes ſpace, Artamenes do not confeſſe his faults, his life ſhall pay for it, and ſatisfie revenge; and afterwards at more leiſure all his complices ſhall follow him. After Ciaxares had thus expreſſed himſelf, he went into his Cloſet, and left all the Kings and Princes extreamly dejected. They all went then unto the houſe of Hidaſpes, becauſe he was moſt interreſſed in him, and becauſe they were more free and at liberty there then any where elſe: When they were all there, the King of Phrygia having conſulted with the King of Hircania, with Hidaſpes, Aducius, Artabaſes, Thraſibulus, Madates, and Feraulas, they concluded, that ſince Ciaxares did object againſt Artamenes, the baſeneſſe of his Quality, and thought that his greateſt crime, therefore it was requiſite to tell him who he was, and try if that way would prevent him from his violent reſolutions. They conceived, that ſince Aſtyages was dead, Ciaxares perhaps would not ſo much ſtartle at the Stars, and predictions, of the Magi, as the King his father did: but that when he ſhould know Artamenes was the ſonne of a King, his Coſin, and had thirty thouſand Perſians in his Army, he would perhaps look better about him, before he deſtroyed him; and that if it ſhould once come to open force, the Souldiers would fight with more fury for the ſon of a king, then they would have done for an unknown ſtranger. This reſolution was not fixed upon without great Conteſts, but after the grounds of it were well examined, it was ſo determined, and they reſolved, that after they had given all requiſite Orders unto their Regiments, they woul [...] [...]act the next morning accordingly, and that in the mean time [...] as they could to [...] about Ciaxares that morning, to [...]eſſe might [...] ſpread, and be [...] [...]onferenc [...] King o [...] were on [...] fore Ci [...] ſafety [...] and in [...] be ſaid, [...] day. T [...] [...]a, the King of H [...] L [...]nia, [...] Prince of Paphlagonia, Gobria [...], [...] Th [...] Philocles, Leontidas, Megabiſes▪ Ariobantes, Hidaſpes, Aduſius, Madates, Art [...] Aglatidas, and a hundred others were there. But their haſt was notwithſtanding ſo [...] full, for do what they could it ws impoſſible for them to ſee the King t [...] morning [...] would by all means dine that day in private, becauſe he would avoid the ſoncitations [...] many as were oppoſite unto his deſigne. But at laſt, know that they were all of them extreamly importunate to ſpeak with him, and were come into his Chamber, he came out of his Cloſet in a high fury, abſolutely reſolved upon the death of Artamenes. Preſently after according unto the laſt dayes reſolutions, Feraulas came alſo into the Chamber, and thruſting thorow the pr [...], to get neer the King, he preſented himſelf before him with as much boldneſſe as reverence: Ciaxares being infinitely ſurprized to ſee him. What Feraulas (ſaid he unto him) do you fear death ſo little, that you dare put your ſelf into the power of a Prince, who has cauſed you to be ſought for as a Delinquent? It is not death Sir (anſwered he) that I ſtand in fear of; but my greateſt fear is, leſt your Majeſty ſhould precipitately act a piece of high injuſtice upon the perſon of my Maſter: Therefore I come to tell you that Artamenes is ſo far from being of any obſcure extract, as he is the Son of a great and good King: of what unknown Countrey I pray you, is the Father of Artamenes King? (replied Ciaxares) Ah my friend, this excuſe is too groſſe, and I cannot believe it, unleſſe [Page] all theſe Princes confirm what you ſay; If that be Sir, replied Feraulas, you may very well believe, that Artamenes is the Son of a great King, ſince there are thirty thouſand of his Fathers Subjects in your Army; and all theſe Kings and Princes who hear me, are able to atteſt the truth of it: Truth is Sir, Artamenes is Cyrus, ſonne to the King of Perſia; and Hidaſpes, Aduſius, and ſo many famous Perſians as you ſee about you, are all to be one day his Subjects Is Artamenes Cyrus (replied the King of Mades) away, away, it is impoſſible? Sir, (ſaid Hidaſpes) the thing is ſo true, that nothing upon earth can be more. Yes Sir (purſued Aduſius) and we are able to make it moſt apparent unto you; the report of his ſhipwrack was moſt falſe: and Cyrus was never in any danger of death, but in your Majeſties ſervice. You know (ſaid the King of Phrygia) that this is not likely to be an invented buſineſſe; for if it were not true, Hidaſpes would not ſay it. I know (replied Ciaxares, infinitely unquiet, and troubled in his minde) that the thing which you diſcover unto me, is the way, to haſt his ruine; for Artamenes, as he is onely a raſh, ingratefull, and a deluding man, and a particular enemy unto Ciaxares, who according to his Clemencie, or Juſtice, may pardon or puniſh him: But if it be true, that he is Cyrus, then it is as true that he is the generall enemy of all Aſia, and ought to be deſtroyed: You are all of you as well as I, concerned in this publike intereſt (ſaid he unto all about him, except Perſians) It is your Tyrant who is in priſon: one, whom all the Magi ſay, will ſubvert all Aſia, and become our Maſter: And if any thing can perſwade me, that Artamenes is Cyrus, it is his moſt prodigious exploits. But Sir, ſaid the king of Hircania, all his prodigious exploits conduce unto your Majeſties advantage: All his Combats, Victories, and Conqueſts, are yours; and he findeth no other ſhare in them but his Fetters. No, (replied Ciaxares) becauſe by the favour of the gods I have prevented him: But, (ſaid he in looking upon Feraulas) does Mandana know he is Cyrus? Sir, replied he, I know nothing concerning the Princeſſe, further then that I am certain, there is no criminous intelligence between her and my Maſter, and that his affection towards her, did never cauſe him to neglect his reſpects neither to her nor you. The affection which your Maſter has (replied Ciaxares very ſharply) is onely an unlimited Ambition, and a thought of horrible revenge; he intends to puniſh Ciaxares, for that which Aſtyages in the behalf of all Aſia, did intend to do in his Cradle; but I ſhall without any ſcruple at all, do that which he attempted not without much fear; fo [...] have more convincing Arguments inducing me unto it; and alſo mor [...] convincing Rea [...] [...]ied the king of Phryg [...]a) to avert you from it. Cyrus replied Ciaxa [...] but [...]le to hurt: But Cyr [...] is [...]lpable fort [...] thing, and to execute what he [...] It [...] [...]lſo a man who attempts [...] execute all [...] Cyrus [...] very true [...] you ſer [...] Ra [...] King in [...] He comes [...] Court, and [...] in a diſguiſe, [...] was to [...]educe the minde of my Daughter; Doubtle [...]ſe [...] diſcovered himſelf unto her; he has infuſed Ambition into her ſoul: She looks up [...] as the Conqueror of all Aſia: And without conſidering, that he cannot make him [...] Maſter o [...] unleſſe he throw her Father out of his Throne; ſhe hearkens unto him, [...]uffers him, ſhe loves him. But thanks be unto the Heavens, I am able to puniſh them [...]h at once, ſince if ſhe love Artamenes, as I make no queſtion but ſhe does, then ſhe [...]ill ſuffer a death in the perſon of this raſh man, untill I can get her unto ſuch a place, as [...]ſhall make her ſuffer in her own. Oh Sir, (cried out all the men which were in the Chamber) we beſeech you, either grant us the life of Cyrus, or elſe we beſeech you give us our deaths. How (replied Ciaxares extreamly aſtoniſhed) my Subjects, my Vaſſals, and my Allies, all ask life for their Tyrant? or at leaſt will be ſo one day? We beg the life (ſaid they all with one voice) of a man, whom the gods did ſend to be the Legitimate Maſter of all men, and have adorned him with Vertues accordingly; and one who, although he was able to have got out of priſon (added Hidaſpes) yet would not attempt it. A man (purſued Gobrias) who would not live but to do you ſervice. You may ſay (added Gadates) a man, who would never have vanquiſhed but for your Glory: A Prince (purſued Thraſibulus) who has made all the Wiſe men of Greece adore him: And one (added the king of Hircania) who has converted all them whom he has vanquiſhed, to be his friends. Say [Page] rather (purſued Feraulas) one who has made his moſt mortall enemies admire [...] Adde unto theſe (ſaid Aglatidas) that the deſtiny of Artamenes is ſo extraordinary and glorious, that his moſt mortall enemies do owe their lives unto him. You may further ſay (added Artibies) that thoſe who hardly know him, are ſo much charmed by his Vertues, that they are ready to die for him. For my part added Thimocr [...]es) I ſhould think my life could never be better employed, then in ſaving ſuch an Illuſtrious Prince as he: Indeed (replied Philocles) your lot would deſerve envy if you could obtain that favour; for what applauſe did not that man deſerve who ſhould have the honour to reprieve ſo vertuous a Prince? A Prince, replied Megabiſes, who is valiant in the higheſt degree. Who is as liberall as valiant (purſued Artabaſes) who is as prudent as couragious (added the Prince of Licaonia). Who is as milde and ſweet after a Victory, as he is furious in fighting (replied Madates) Whoſe reputation is fam'd thorowout the World (ſaid Leontidas) Who is owner of all the Vertues (added the Prince of Paphlagonia) And to ſumme up all in few words (purſued Ariobantes) he is a man who never did any ill, but alwayes good. [...]ow, (ſaid Ciaxares in a great fury) did Cyrus never do any ill? has he not rendred himſelf ſo prevalent and powerfull in the mindes of my Friends, my Enemies, my Allies, my Neighbours, and my Subjects, that it ſeems as if I durſt not puniſh him? Is not this crime great enough to ruine him: to the end that I may teach others to be more reſpective unto me? But as it poſſible (added he) that there ſhould not be one amongſt you all who loves his liberty, and is a hater of that man, whom ſo many Predictions might move you to look upon as a Traytor: In the meane while, ſince you neither reſpect my Intereſt, not your own, nor the Intereſt of all Aſia, I will look onely to my ſelf, and will puniſh this pretended Cyrus, as a man who is come into my Court to betray me; as one that has conſpired with my daughter againſt my life; as one that has voluntarily let the king of Aſſyria eſcape; as one that holds a criminous correſpondency with him, and as a man who indeed would ruine me. Take heed Sir, (ſaid Hidaſpes) what you do; for after all this, Cyrus is not your Subject, and the King my Maſter knowes well enough how to be revenged upon you for ſuch a piece of high injuſtice. In the name of the gods Sir, (ſaid the king of Phrygia) do not reſolve upon any thing in the heat of your choler. In the name of the gods (replied Ciaxares) ſpeak not a word more unto me either concerning Artamenes or Cyrus: But be ye all aſſured, that I take him for my ſecret Enemy, for a [...]uce [...]f my Daughter, and for the Tyrant of all Aſia, and nothing ſhall ſave him: and therefore [...]ſince his deſtruction is inevitable; prepare your ſelves to hear preſently of [...]th: In ſaying ſo, he cauſed Feraulas to be guarded a [...]d left them. Immediately [...]r, the king of Phrygia was advertized, that Metroba [...] [...] given Orders, that the [...]s ſhould ſuffer none to come into the Town from the Camp, none to go out of the [...] So that when he made it known unto the king of [...]; and all the [...] [...]s about him, they [...]d [...]oubt whether they ſho [...] have liberty [...]go out [...]le, and whether Artamenes were not already dead: For Metrobates ſpoke unto [...] alow voice ſince he came into his Chamber, and told him that he had underſt [...] Cyrus.

The End of the Second Part.

§

§

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THE CONTINUATION OF ARTAMENES OR The Grand CYRUS, THAT EXCELLENT NEW ROMANCE:

Written by that Famous Wit of FRANCE, MONSIEUR de SCUDERY Governor of NOSTRE-DAME.

And now ENGLISHED by [...]. [...]. Eſq

LONDON, Printed for [...] at the Prince's Arms in S• Paul's Church-yard; and [...] at the George in Fleetſtreet, [...]

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE AND MOST PERFECTLY NOBLE, THE LADY ANNE LUCAS.

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MADAM,

THe Great CYRUS now makes his ſecond Addreſs to Your Honour: his Former ſo proſper'd under Your Ladiſhips name, that He vows to think of no other Dedication. For at his firſt entrance into our Language, He reſolv'd to caſt himſelf at the feet of ſome Excellent Perſonage, whoſe Extraction ſhould be Illuſtrious as your own name of NEVILL (which confeſſedly is as great as our Chronicles can boaſt of) and a Perſon accompliſh'd with all the Titles of Honour, Knowledg, and Vertue, as well as thoſe powerfull Ornaments of Nature. And at all theſe Capacities He found himſelf bound to make choice of Your Ladiſhip: For He knew (if His Story met any Exception) You were beſt able to give him all the Protection your whole Sex could afford: And if there could be any poſſible Addition, He might ſafely expect it from your own Noble Lord, whoſe Learned Soul is ſo Heroically ballanc'd, as at once might challenge both Ariſtotle and Hercules; and yet (which is ſtronger) conceals theſe Tranſcendencies from the Eye of the World, becauſe He knows the World is now at worſt, and incapable of Correption. Therefore (MADAM) I were ſtrangely bold to preſent Your Ladiſhip with a common Romance: but all the judicious Witts I have met with, do aſſure me the GRAND CYRUS is a noble uſefull Work; the Plots are deeper, the Turns and Changes much more frequent, the Diſputes and Arguments farr ſtronger, than in other Compoſitions: For, the famous Author is not only a Scholar, a Traveler, and a Souldier, but one of the moſt eminent Wits of France, and in every page hath left ſome marks and impreſſions of his Spirit. The former Volume left CYRUS at the Block; This ſhews what means were uſ'd to preſerve him, a Felicity which all good Princes have not enjoy'd. And amidſt all, the Scenes of Honour amd Love are ſo twiſted, that every Noble Lover may here meet his own Flame, and learn both how to manage and advance it till he reach his deſires. But I treſpaſs too much on your Ladiſhips precious minutes, which are ſtill taken up by the nobleſt Conſiderations. My only hope is, that you that can ſo exactly judg, can alſo pardon

Your Honors moſt humble and moſt obedient Servant HƲMPHREY MOSELEY

THE STATIONER TO THE READER.

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I Have now publiſh'd the Two firſt Volumes of the GRAND CYRƲS; there are Three more to Print, which ſhall be diſpatcht with all poſſible Expedition, for I purpoſe to be ready with One every Tearme. When lately I began to publiſh the First in Engliſh, the Author had not finiſh'd his own Originall French; but if He then had, I ſhould ſcarce have given you the Whole at once, becauſe I would follow my Author's Example; who dividing his Work (into Ten Parts, and Thirty Books) publiſh'd them ſucceſſively in equall Volumes, as I do in Engliſh; though I make but Five Volumes of his Ten; for in France they pay above Four times the value of what you have them here. I ſhall not commend it, for all that have read the former Volume will ſave me that labour. If you wave this Opportunity of buying the Books as now they are wrought off (in hopes at laſt to have them all together) you will be deceived; for I am perfectly reſolv'd (and do now give it under my Hand) that I will not Re-print it; though I have good cauſe to wiſh I had Printed a greater Number. The Printer again hath miſtaken a few Figures on the head of ſome Pages: as, page 25, for 27. and page 104, for 110. And after page 290. the Figures are repeated from 282. And page 241, 243, 245. 'tis BOOK I. for BOOK II. I could have conceal'd this, but I choſe to deal openly, eſpecially in a Work that deſerves ſo well as this of the GRAND CYRƲS.

H. M.

ARTAMENES, OR CYRUS the GREAT. The Third Part.

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BOOK. I.

EXtream Fears turning the Souls of all the Kings, Princes, and Heroique Perſons into Fury, they once determined to caſt off all the reſpects which they owed unto Ciaxares. But afterwards, conſidering, that the Guards of the Caſtle did depend abſolutely upon Metrobates, they altered their determinations, and took a more rational courſe. They went with all haſt unto the Houſe of Hidaſpes, there to adviſe upon the beſt remedy againſt a diſaſter of ſo great importance: great indeed, ſince it ſo nearly concerned the Life of the moſt Illuſtrious Prince upon Earth. Their fears of not geting out of the Caſtle proved groundleſs: for Metrobates contented himſelfe with the execution of the Kings Orders unto the Gates of the Town, which was, That none ſhould be permitted to go out of Sinope to the Camp, nor none from the Camp to enter the Town: Theſe Heroes were no ſooner with Hidaſpes, but he, that famous Perſian, ſpoke haſtly thus unto them: Sirs, Whether you look upon Cyrus as Artamenes, or upon Artamenes as Cyrus, you are all of you obliged to ſave him, if it be poſſible; There is not one amongſt you all, whom he hath not obliged, and by conſequence not one amongſt you, who ows not your beſt aſſiſtance unto him. As for us Perſians (ſaid he, ſpeaking to Aduſius, Artabaſes, Madates, and concerning himſelf) we were the baſeſt Varlets upon earth, if we would not die to ſave his life, or revenge his death. And you Sirs, (if it be permitted me to ſay ſo in the heat of my zeal) would be very unjuſt, if not ungrateful, in not doing the ſame with us. As for you (ſaid he unto Ariobantes, Megabiſes, and Aglatidas,) who are natural Subjects unto Ciaxares, although the Intereſt of Cyrus does not concern you, yet the Honour of the King, your Maſter, ought to move you, and make you to undertake any expedients which may prevent the ſpilling of that blood, which as pure as it is, will ſtain his life with an infamous brand, never to be waſhed out: whether therefore ye be Phrigians, Hercanians, Grecians, Aſſyrians, Medes, Caduſians, Paphlagonians, or Perſians. Let us all ſpeedily reſolve upon ſome expedient; or to expreſs my ſelfe better, Let us ſpeedily put it into act, and loſe not a minute of time, leſt Metrobates prevent us.

[Page] No ſooner had Hidaſpes ended his Speech, but all the Kings, Princes, and Heroes, teſtified their reſolutions to imploy the moſt deſperate remedies, againſt ſo deſperate a diſeaſe; and to hazard their lives a thouſand times to preſerve the life of Cyrus. They contrived all imaginable wayes to effect their Deſigne, and the heat of their zeal did ſo tranſport them, that they propounded an hundred different Propoſitions; and ſome of them ſuch, as the execution of them was impoſſible: for the accident did ſo diſturb their Reaſon, and animate their Courage, that all of them did ſtrive how to ſignal themſelves, by the dangers they would undertake in the enterpriſe. Some would have them go by open force unto the Caſtle, and demand Artamenes; others adviſed to joyn the ſubtlety of the Fox to the fury of the Lion: and others would have them go kill Metrobates immediately: Some adviſed to go and raiſe the people; ſome others would have them cauſe the Army to advance; and all of them concluded to tranſact, and beſtir themſelves, to ſave the life of Cyrus. Since they looked upon Ciaxares, as a prejudicated Prince, yet ſince they were all of them really generous, they had not one thought of attempting any thing upon his Perſon; but only ſo far as might get that Hero out of his hands, unto whom he owed the Glory of his Raign, and the Conqueſt of many Kingdoms.

In concluſion, it was reſolved upon, to let ſome one down the walls of the Town by cords, that he might go unto the Camp, and make it known unto the Perſians, that the only Son of their Soveraign was in danger of death, if they did not ſpeedily relieve him; hoping that afterwards, all the whole Army would come unto the Gates of Sinope, and move Ciaxares not to execute his Deſign with ſo much precipitation: In the mean time it was reſolved that Ariobantes, and Megabiſes, ſhould return into the Caſtle, and advertiſe them concerning all paſſages, and alſo to try if they could any ways qualifie the King: For their parts, they aſſembled all their friends which they had within the Town, to wait until the Army came up, and to be in readineſs for any attempt, if there were a neceſſity of it, and to ſtir up the people, if there were no other remedy; but there was no need of taking any thought for that, becauſe they perceived the people to come out of the Caſtle in tumults, and as they walked the ſtreets, nothing could he heard but the name of Artamenes, pronouncing it with troubled ſpirits: Immediately after, the people of Sinope ſeeing all their hopes turned into fears, and their joys into ſorrows, grew into ſo great a commotion, that there was not any who followed his accuſtomed courſe; ſhops were ſhut, the women ſpoke loud in the ſtreets, Merchants conſulted together upon what was beſt to be done, the Gentry flocked about the King and Princes, to hear what was done in the Caſtle; and the confuſion was ſo tumultuouſly apparent, that it was eaſie to perceive, they wanted but little of a declared Revolt. That which did moſt of all augment the Tumult, was the Orders which Metrobates had given to ſuffer none to enter, or go out of the Town: for they who were come dut of the Camp into the Town, being deſirous to return thither again; and they who were gone out of the Town into the Camp, being alſo deſirous to come back, and both reſtrained; The one endeavouring to come in, the other to go out, made ſuch an hideous Garboil at the Gates, that the noiſe of them ſounded throughout all the Town, and one benefit accrued by it; for ſince all the Souldiers which Metrobates had brought from Pteria, were all buſied either at the Gates of the Town, or at the Caſtle; it was leſs difficult for Madates during the obſcurity of the night to get over the wall and ditch. He went then in all haſt unto the Camp, and acquainted all the Perſians that Artamenes was Cyrus, and that their Prince would preſently be put to death, if they did not interpoſe their lives to ſave his; when he came there he found the Camp already in diſorder, by the return of ſeveral Captains, and Souldiers, who were denyed entrance into the Town, who reported that certainly they would put Artamenes to death, and perhaps all their Commanders, and Princes alſo. Madates then found the Army in a fit poſture for his deſigne; if he met any Captains, It muſt be you (would he ſay unto them) which muſt ſave the invincible Artamenes, you who have been ſharers with him in the honour, and you who he has ſo favourably looked upon: If he ſpoke unto the Common ſouldiers, It muſt be you (would he ſay to them) who muſt preſerve your valiant General, who would ever be in the deepeſt dangers, but would never have any ſhare in the Magnificent Plunder wherewith you are enriched. If he ſaw any Phrygians, he told them that it was their Kings Command to come unto Sinope, and demand Artamenes: If he ſaw any Hircanians, he would tell them the ſame from their King, and ſo the like unto all the ſeveral Nations which were in the Army: ſo that the Diſcourſe of Madates, meeting with that violent paſſion which had taken root in the hearts of all the Captains and Souldiers towards Cyrus, (for we will not hereafter call him Artamenes,) it is not at all ſtrange if Madates did ſo ſuddenly [Page] kindle ſo great a fire, out of matter which was ſo combuſtible. The Name of Cyrus was quickly divulged throughout all the Army: for the thirty thouſand Perſians, who had it from their Commander in chief, unto whom Madates had imparted it, did preſently diſperſe it abroad. And as this great Body was moved by one Soul, every one ranged himſelf under his Colours, and deſired to be conducted unto Sinope.

The Name of Artamenes, and of Cyrus, ecchoed from Company to Company, from Regiment to Regiment, and above an hundred thouſand men did in an inſtant talk, and beſtir themſelves, to relieve him whom they regarded as a God, both in times of Peace, and War. Mean while, the King of Phrygia, and the King of Hircanias Troops, grew great in the Town, compoſed of all the Men of Quality in Sinope, and of thoſe who were not permitted to return unto the Camp. The people alſo, who at the firſt did only grumble, do now take Arms, and randezvouz into Companies in divers Quarters of the Town. Ariobantes, and Megabiſes, were within the Caſtle, where the diſorder was greater then either in the Camp, or Town. Metrobates moved Ciaxares with all his Arguments to pronounce the laſt Sentence of death againſt Cyrus: and Ciaxares himſelf was at the ultimate reſolution; both of them did foreſee the dangerous conſequences of ſo diſmal a deſigne; but choller did ſo prepoſſeſs the Spirit of Ciaxares, that he diſguiſed his thoughts: And the wicked Metrobates, that he might expel out of the Soul of Ciaxares all juſt fears of an univerſal ſubverſion of his Empire by the death of Cyrus, did blow the coals of his fury, and quen ched all ſuch apprehenſions in him. Sir, (ſaid he unto him) the reaſon why all theſe Kings, and Princes, are ſo hot and zealous in the behalf of Cyrus, is only, becauſe they hope that if they can get him out of priſon, they ſhall receive a recompence for it: but if he were once in his Grave, you ſhould ſee them in another mind: The fidelity of Courtiers never follows Favourites further then their Funerals; If therefore you would allay the tumult of the people, diſſipate the factions of Grandees, and huſh the force of the Army, you muſt ſpeedily put both Cyrus and Artamenes to death; and cauſe that neither of thoſe Names be any longer pronounced: It is but a requiſite Victim to appeaſe that ſtrom which he hath raiſed; ſince certainly Cyrus ſhall no ſooner be in a condition, to move no further hopes nor fears, but the diſorder will ceaſe, and you ſhall be King again of many Kingdoms, and enjoy your Crowns in quietneſs. This ſo violent and unjuſt diſcourſe wanted not a favourable ear from Ciaxares; not but that whether he would or no, he did remember all thoſe great Services which Cyrus had done him under the Name of Artamenes, and that tender affection which once he bore that Prince; but he was oppoſite unto all that either Juſtice or Piety could inſpire into him, and hearkened not unto any thing but fury and revenge. All the reſt of the priſoners which were in ſeveral places of the Caſtle were aſtoniſhed, when they ſaw their Guards changed, and themſelves treated worſe then ordinary: They alſo heard a very great noiſe, which begot both fears and hopes in them: Marteſia never heard the door of her Chamber open, but ſhe had thoughts both of death and liberty. Chriſantes whoſe ſoul ſtood immovable, looked upon every thing with an indifferent eye. Fearaules never thought upon any thing but his dear Maſter: Andramias being accuſtomed to command others, did impatiently endure to be commanded: Araſpes took his fetters patiently: Artucas without ever rep [...]nting of the Services he had done unto Cyrus, endured his priſon without murmur: Ortalgues that moſt faithful ſervant, found this conſolation in his miſery, that it was for his Illuſtrious Maſter which he ſuffered: Mean while Cyrus ſeeing all his hopes of liberty like to be ſeconded by a violent death, beſtowed all his thoughts upon his Princeſs: and without accuſing Ciaxares, or murmuring at his injuſtice, his only wiſh was, That Mandana might be happy when he was dead: This wiſh was no ſooner made, but he did almoſt recall it; for ſaid he in himſelf, thoſe Services which I have done her, and all the Princes which I have taken, and my moſt reſpected paſſion towards her, does merit ſome light remembrance, and ſome ſighs from my Princeſs for me: Yes, Divine Mandana, I may without offence pretend unto ſo much honour as to be lamented by you, ſince hereto ore your goodneſs afforded me ſome tears at the news of my death: But I ſhould be infinitely unjuſt, if I ſhould deſire that my ruine ſhould diſturb the tranquility of your life; Live then, Divine Princeſs, though I die; but do not quite blot out the memory of too happy Artamenes, and moſt unhappy Cyrus; live in all abundant happineſs, and let no ſadneſs ſit upon your Soul.

This paſſionate apprehenſion dwelt not long in his heart, without the interruption of another: ſometimes the Image of Mandana all in tears, did preſent it ſelf unto his fancie, and made him find a ſad conſolation, and ſome ſweetneſs in the horrours of his Tomb: Whileſt [Page] this Illuſtrious Priſoner beſtowed all his thought upon Mandanae, all things were in a fearefull confuſion: Metrobates received news after news all the night long, That all the Town was up in Arms; that the Army was upon its march towards Sinope; that the Kings of Phrigia and Hircania had muſtered a conſiderable body of Men together; and that there was ſmall Likelyhood the King ſhould find any obedience, either from People, or Souldiers, or Officers. In this deſperate extremity he made his Laſt endeavour to move Ciaxares, to put Cyrus to death; and indeed, the King did fully intend it. Metrobates had ſent orders unto Artaxes to ſend him two Thouſand men more, the next night following, and to come a back way by the Sea ſide, where the Troops of the Armie could not ſtop them; and this was the Reaſon, why the matter was not more haſtily executed: Notwithſtanding, when he heard the great hurly burly more and more increaſe, and receiving continual intelligence, of freſh diſorders; and ſeeing at the break of day the ſtate of things, he wrought ſo upon Ciaxares, that he was upon the Point to bid them put Cyrius to death, when the Grave Thiamis, one of the ſacrificers belonging to the Temple of Mars, who was accidentally ſhut up in the Town, came with all the Magi of Sinope, and deſired to ſpeak with Ciaxares. Metrobates would needs avert the King from hearing him: but a ſecret app ehenſion moved Ciaxares not to follow the counſel of this wicked Man, but would needs hearken unto Thiamis. Permiſſion then being given for him to enter, this Venerable old man, followed by abundance of the Magi, all dreſſed in ſuch mourning veſtments as they were wont to weare at Publique Mournings, appeared before the King both with much reverence and boldneſs, and looking upon him with eyes full of melancholy, but yet full of ſuch ſevere Majeſtie as begot both fear and Reverence, he ſpoke thus unto him.

The Diſcourſe of THIAMIS unto CIAXARES.

SIR, as it is our duties to be moſt faithful Subjects unto Kings as our Maſters, ſo it is our duty alſo, to be bold in declaring thoſe important truths unto them, which concerns the good of their ſtate and Perſons, when occaſions preſent themſelves. Therefore being inſpired by the Gods, and without any fears of diſplea [...]ng you, I come to beſeech your Majeſty to hear me, but to hear me without prejudication: It concerns, Sir, not only your own glory, but the glory of your Empire, the ſafety of many Kingdoms, and indeed of all Aſia, and perticularly your own ſelf; therefore I conjure you, once more to hear me favorably without interruption. I know Sir, by the publique voice, that Artamenes is Cyrus; that he is the ſame Prince who was uſher'd into the world by ſo many Prodigies; for whom both Heaven and Earth have interrupted the order of all the univerſe: The ſtrongeſt and moſt ſtately Temples have tottered: The lights of many Candles did of themſelves extinguiſh, and miraculouſly encorporate themſelves into one flame: The Sun it ſelf was eclioſed, and its ſplendor and heat was afterwards redcubled. All the Victims have pronounced his Grandure, and all the Stars have written it in Characters of Gold: Indeed Sir, we have obſerved ſo much of him, that w [...] are moſt certain, the perſon of Cyrus is extraordinary; and one whoſe Life is not to be under the Juriſdiction of any Kings upon Earth: I know very well, you will think it ſtrange that thoſe men, who according to your orders have offered ſacrifices of thanks unto the Gods for his death, ſhould now intercede for his life. But Sir give me leave to tell you, that all humane Prudence is erroneous, and oftentimes in lieu of directing do delude us: nor ought man to be ſo Preſumptious as to penetrate the ſecrets of Heaven: It is true Sir, that the Magi of Ecbatan, perceiving that the Gods intended a great alteration in all Aſia, did think that ſome great evil was menaced; ſo that when intelligence was brought of the ſuppoſed death of him, who ſhould be the cauſe of it, they rendred thanks unto the Gods, for the death of that Prince, who they thought would make uſe of unjuſt courſes, to ſubvert the Throne, and would become the grand Tyrant of the world. But now at this day, ſince we know that Artamenes is Cyrus, we doe clearly perceive that we have been deceived; and that all the ſignes and Prodigies, did rather ſpeak infinit good, then menace any bad misfortunes. Give me leave to ask you Sir, what has the moſt Illuſtrious Artamenes done, ever ſince the firſt day of his arival at Sinope, when I had the happineſs to ſee him in our Temple? For my part, I am certain, that this valour has brought us more cauſes of ſacrifices of thanks unto the Gods for the Victories which he hath brought you, then any four ages ever produced either in Cappadocia, Galatia, or Medea. The Gods, Sir, did not permit him to perſerve your Life, that ſhould become Maſter of his; nor is he born your ſubject, but you ought to treat him as your equal. If the famous Artamenes were not the Son of a King, but born in your own Dominions, then might [Page] you abſolutely diſpoſe of his Life and fortune, without rendering an account unto any but the Gods for it: But he is born a Subject unto another Prince, unto whom he is Son, as well as Subject, and you ought not to uſurp that Authority which does not belong unto you. Moreover sir, thoſe ſuch eminent Perſons, as he, whom the Gods have ſent to advance your glory, ought to be ſacred in your eſteem. When we rejoyced at the falſe newes of the death of Cyrus, we did then ſuppoſe he would prove a wicked man, and imagined that he ſuffered ſhipwrack by the permiſſion of the Gods: But now, ſince we doe know him to be the moſt virtuous of men, and the greateſt Prince upon earth, we ought rather to worſhip him then put him to death. Indeed Sir, when I conſider what he has done for you; how he hath preſerved all Cappadocia by preſerving your Life; how many Battels he hath won for you; how many Kings he hath ſubjected; what Towns he hath taken; and that the proud City of Babylon which aſpired unto univerſal Monarchie, hath been ſubdued by his valour; I doe confeſs, I cannot underſtand by what Principles you tranſact; You, I ſay Sir, whoſe Prudence and goodneſs we have all admired. Why was the Sun Eclipſed, and afterwards appeared in far greater Splendor then before, but only to manifeſt, that when he ſhould have extinguiſhed all other powers, his own ſhould be infinitly more great, then ever the others were? Doe not tell me, that all theſe ſignes did mark him out for a terrible Prince, whoſe death was to be deſired: No Sir, deceive not your ſelfe: The Gods do uſe to give us hopes as well as fears, and Promiſes as well as menaces: And if it be their intentions that Cyrus ſhould reign, they intend that it ſhall be by juſt wayes. They have foretold him to be one of the greateſt Conquerors in the world, whoſe victorious hand has planted Lawrels upon all the Rivers of Aſia: A Prince he is, who is the love of all Nations, who ſurmounts all, either by force or favour; yet in the midſt of all his victories and Conqueſts he is abſolute Maſter of his Ambition, and proſtrates all his Triumphs, and all his Glory at your feet: So that Sir, to accompliſh the will of the Gods, Cyrus muſt Reign by your means: Nor know I any other interpretations of all thoſe prodegies, but this, That you your ſelf cauſe Cyrus to Reign hereafter by giving unto him the Princeſs Mandana, who is your ſole Heir. I do ſee that this my diſcourſe does incenſe you, in lieu of appeaſſing you; yet for all that, I am obliged to tell you from thoſe Gods whom I ſerve, and with whom I have conſulted by extraordinary Sacrifices, ſince the impriſonment of this Prince, That if you put him to death you will deſtroy your Empire; you will make all your Subjects, ſlaves unto your enemies, and perhaps alſo—

As Thiamis was going on with his diſcourſe, and as Ciaxares was incenſed with the boldneſs of his language, they heard a great noiſe from the Court before the Caſtle. Ariobantes, and Megabiſes, were in a Balcone over againſt it, and ſaw, that it was a great multitude of people, and Souldiers together; who without any Diſcipline or Commanders, did demand Artamenes. This bold attempt did move Thiamis to proceed in his diſcourſe to the King, but he in his great choller rejected him, and ſeemed to be more incenſed. Ariobantes ſent Megabiſes to advertiſe the King of Phrigia that nothing could molifie Ciaxares. Though Thiamis had been denied, yet would he not go out of the Caſtle, but ſtaid in another chamber, hoping to meet with ſome more favorable opportunity to be better harkened unto: during this while Metrobates was advertiſed that the whole Army was at the gates of the Town, and would have entrance: fain would he conceal this bad news from the King; but yet it muſt be known, and therefore he told him; who was troubled at it beyond all imagination. He was in a Caſtle with a very few people with him; and in a revolted Town, whoſe gates, although they were guarded by men which were for him, yet the Town was aſſaulted by an Army of a hundred Thouſand men without, and by a great part of the Inhabitants within: All this while he accuſed Cyrus, as the cauſe of all theſe diſaſters, not conſidering that he was only the innocent cauſe. But never was the like ſeen, both without, and within the Town: The Army made the Air Eccho, with the glorious name of Artamenes, and Cyrus: the Souldiers of Metrobates had work enough: A hundred ladders in a place might be ſeen reared againſt the walls, and Soldiers covered with their Bucklers running up them: others uſing that warlike Engine which the Ancients called Battering Rams, all ſtriving to mount the top of the wall; ſome fell down; others more ſtrong and happy got up and beat off their enemies, maintaining fight upon the walls whilſt the reſt of their Companions entred the Town in that place: As the valour of them who ſcaled the walls was great, ſo the valour of them who ordered the Battering Rams was no leſs; Theſe huge Engins which were moved by Arms that were infinitly zealous for the ſafety of Cyrus, did thump ſuch great blows againſt the gates and walls, that they made them ſtagger: The ſound of theſe Rams, whoſe heads were of fine Copper, which is called the Gold of Corinth, was ſo terrible that, Thunder was never louder.

[Page] There were an hundred other Engines, which by antiquity were termed Baliſtae, and Catapultae, and Onegri, which ſhot whole clouds of arrows and ſtones againſt the walls, and into the Town: They were no calmer within the Town, then without; for all the people were ſo animated, that nothing could be more terrible. The Kings of Phrygia, and Hircan [...]a, did wiſh that things would have looked with another face; and they were extreamly vexed to be conſtrained to make uſe of ſuch a dangerous remedy, ſince there is nothing in the world more to be avoided, then the Rebellion of the people: But that which cannot be helped muſt be endured; and they endeavoured to qualifie this Popularity as much as they could; thinking that this ſtriking ſome apprehenſions of fear into Ciaxares, would be enough to ſave Cyrus: Mean while the Gates of the Town were broken open, and thoſe who defended the walls forſook them, who not knowing whether to retreat were all killed, both by them without, and within the Town. This great Army being entered in ſeveral places of the Town, did not ſtay to plunder, but preſently inviron'd the Caſtle. Metrobates would fain have fled if he knew how; but Guards were ſet on all ſides both by Sea and Land; That Ciaxares himſelf had no other thoughts but to die in defending himſelf, after he had firſt put Cyrus to death; whatſoever Thiamis and Ariobantes could ſay was vain, for the King was all fury and deſpair: Mean while, Metrobates the vileſt wretch upon earth, not knowing what to do, went to the Chamber of Cyrus; and counterfeiting both pity and generoſity, told him, that if he would promiſe him two things, he would ſet him at liberty; this Prince having no mind to promiſe him any thing, he was forc'd to expreſs himſelf, that if he would beſtow the Government of Pteria upon him for his ſecurity, he would then kill Ciaxares, and ſhewed him ways how he could bring it to paſs. For Sir, (ſaid this villanous man) this is the only way to prevent your death, and to make you Lord of all Aſia. This vicious Propoſition was ſo horrid in the apprehenſion of Cyrus, that he thruſt Metrobates out of his Chamber, and as good luck was, a Souldier which guarded this gallant Priſoner, heard all their diſcourſe. This Traitor then, ſeeing no way but ruine, thought how to make all in the Caſtle periſh with him; yet ſince he imagined that ſome accident might fall out, wherein the Perſon of Cyrus might ſtand him in ſome ſtead, therefore he was not ſo haſty to kill him: Mean while, the noiſe and tumult increaſed; and all that the Kings and Princes could do, to reſtrain the Souldiers was in vain: for ſince the greateſt part of them were not Subjects unto Ciaxares, they were extreamly animated by the thirty thouſand Perſians, who would deliver their Prince: They caſt off that Reverend reſpect unto Kings, which ought to be imprinted in the ſouls of Subjects, inſomuch as they were ready to act any violence. They had already brought the Ladders unto the Caſtle; and I am verily perſwaded, they would have ſet it on fire, if they had not feared the burning of Cyrus among the reſt. The Battering Rams were brought unto the Gates, and two thouſand men ready to make an Aſſault when the breach was made; and alſo an hundred thouſand men more to ſecond them, when preſently a great noiſe upon the left hand was heard, which ought to be underſtood, notwithſtanding the tumultuous confuſion of voices, to be a noiſe of joy. Preſently after, the Kings of Phrygia, and Hircania, accompanied with Perſodes, Artibies, Aduſias, Artabaſes, the Prince of Pophlagonia, Thimocrates, Philocles, and many others, did ſo ſee Hidaſpes, Thraſibulas, Aglatidas, and the faithful Orſanes, conducting Cyrus, whom they had happily delivered out of a window, by breaking the bars, as ſoon as ever Metrobates had left him: This ſight did produce a prodigious effect: and every one that had a tongue, pronounced the Name of Cyrus, or Artamenes, for as yet they gave him both names indifferently. In the mean while this generous Prince, as ſoon as he perceived the Ladders, and Rams, and all ready to aſſault the Caſtle, ſpeaking not a word of his intentions unto his illuſtrious friends, did upon a ſudden with his ſword in his hand (for he had one given as ſoon as he was delivered) ſeperate himſelf from them who were about him, and went ſtraight unto the Gate of the Caſtle: ſo that Ciaxares who was then in a Balcone to ſee what the Cry of Joy ſhould be, did ſee Cyrus ſeparated from his deliverers, and at the Gate of the Caſtle in a poſture to defend it againſt them who for his liberty did aſſault it: This Act being ſeen unto an hundred thouſand ſeveral perſons, did cauſe as many admirations in their ſouls: and moved them to ſuſpend their Action. Ciaxares, who a minute before thought Cyrus to be a priſoner, did not well know, whether what he ſaw, was true: In the mean while this generous Prince, being before the Gate, holding his ſword in one hand, and making ſignes unto the people with the other, that he deſired to ſpeak, he did in an inſtant cauſe as huſht a ſilence, as before there was tumultuous noiſe.

Do not think, my Deliverers, (ſaid he unto Thraſibulus, Hidaſpes, Aglatidas, and Orſanes,) [Page] that I will accept of any liberty which ſhall be imployed againſt the King; No, no, I do not value Glory at ſo poor a rate, as to prefer my life before it: If I did come out of priſon, it was only my-Companions (ſaid he, looking upon the Souldiers) to come and teach you that reverend reſpect which you ow unto your Maſter: Force me not to turn this ſword againſt you which heretofore has rendered you victorious: Obey, obey the Kings Commands, without the leaſt contradiction: and if he demand my head of you, you ought to give it him without reſiſtance: Did I ever teach you (ſaid he, and doubled the fervency of his ſpeech) to rebel againſt your King? Did you ever perceive by any of my actions, that I would allow of what you have done? No, no, deceive not your ſelves, I can never be woon unto an act ſo criminal, which makes me culpable as well as you. For after all this which you have done, I am not a whit more innocent then I was before, but I rather find, that the King without any injuſtice, and may [...]hop off that mans head, who hath raiſed all his Subjects againſt him: Lay down your Arms then; and if you deſire to ſerve me, cauſe all the ſouldiers to return unto the Camp, and all the inhabitants to their houſes, whileſt I, after I have begged your pardon from the King, will return unto my fetters. Cyrus having ended his ſpeech, a great huming noiſe was heard all over; thoſe who underſtood not what he ſaid, asked of others; and thoſe who did underſtand him, did with admiration, Cry out, and every one did abſolutely ſay, that they would die a thouſand deaths rather then he ſhould periſh: When he perceived that they would not obey him, he then turned towards the Caſtle, looking up to the Balcone, where Ciaxares ſtood, and ſpeaking as loud as ever he could: Command Sir, (ſaid he unto him) that they ſuffer me to come unto you, to the end I may die in defending you againſt your rebellious Subjects. Thraſibulus, Hidaſpes, and Aglatidas, who indeed feared that they would not let him enter, did range themſelves on his ſide; but he looking upon them with great turbulency of ſpirit, ſaid unto them; No, my too generous friends, come no nearer, unleſs, ſince I cannot turn the point of my ſword againſt you, you will provoke me to turn it againſt my ſelf.

Whileſt theſe paſſages happened in that place, the King was in extream agitation of ſoul; for at the ſame inſtant in which he ſaw Cyrus in that generous poſture, a Souldier preſenting himſelf at his feet; Sir, (ſaid he unto the King) that Illuſtrious Priſoner, whom my companions, and my ſelf did guard, is eſcaped; But if it be permitted me to ſay it, your Majeſty need not to be troubled at it: for he is too generous to do any harm, but it is the wicked Metrobates who you had more need to be troubled at: The King was ſo-much ſurprized and troubled both at what he ſaw, and what he heard, that his ſpirits were not at ſo much liberty as to inform himſelf further, by what the Souldier deſired to ſpeak; if Thiamis, and Ariobantes, had not moved him unto a further curioſity: But at laſt the Souldier being commanded to ſpeak on, he told the King in few words, how he overheard the Propoſition which Metrobates had made unto Cyrus, how he offered to kill Ciaxares upon condition Cyrus would give him the Government of Pteria: Thiamis, and Ariobantes, took hold upon this favourable opportunity, and aggravate the hainouſneſs of this wicked act: The King did yet make ſome doubt of the truth, but the Souldier continuing his tale; Sir, (ſaid he) to juſtifie the truth of what I tell you, give me leave to acquaint you further, that Metrobates no ſooner knew of the eſcape of Cyrus, but in lieu of advertiſing you, he provided for his own ſafety, and as the Ladders by which Cyrus was delivered, did remain ſtill at the window, he made uſe of them, that way to go out of the Caſtle, having carried along with him a party of my fellow-ſouldiers; for my part, I ſhould have come to advertiſe you of this horrid motion, as ſoon as I heard it, if I had then the power to have done it; But being ingaged upon my duty, in the outer Chamber of Cyrus, when Metrobates came thither, I could not get out, until after his eſcape. The King was extreamly troubled at this relation, yet not altogether believing it, he ſent into all places of the Caſtle to ſeek for Metrobates, and to ſee whether they who delivered Cyrus had not killed him: But he knew that Cyrus had been delivered without any reſiſtance; he knew alſo that Metrobates went the ſecond time to the Chamber of Cyrus, and perhaps with an intention to kill him, though he had no orders for it, and when he found him eſcaped, it ſeems he eſcaped himſelf, in the ſame way as the ſouldier related. Now Sir, (replied Thiamis) I hope you will no longer reſiſt both Heaven and Earth: Do you not now ſufficiently ſee the innocency of Cyrus, through the crime of Metrobates? I know very well (anſwered Ciaxares) that Cyrus is generous, but I cannot yet ſo clearly diſcover his innocency: As ſoon as he had ſaid ſo, Marteſia, Chriſantes, Feralus, Araſpes, Artucas, and Ortalgues, did all of them enter: for ſuch a fear had ſeized upon the ſouldiers, ſince Metrobates who placed them there was eſcaped, that they looked after their priſoners [Page] no longer. Ciaxares being much ſurprized at the ſight, and not knowing whether his Perſon was ſafe amongſt ſo many people whom he had hardly uſed, did yet manifeſt his confidence, and asked all about him very angerly, Whether or no he was King, ſince they were ſo bold as to fail in their due reſpects unto him? Sir, (replyed Chriſantes) when we ſaw that our Guards did leave us, we ſuppoſed your Majeſty had no further uſe of us: and I thought (added Marteſia) that it would conduce much unto your glory, and preſervation, to tell you once again Sir, that Cyrus is innocent. See Sir, (ſaid Thiamis, forcing him to take notice of this laſt Act of Cyrus, in hindering his friends from coming nearer him) whether you have any reaſon to reprehend the Servants of ſuch a Maſter, whoſe generous Soul does oppoſe againſt his own deliverance, and becomes an enemy unto his Reſcuers: Oh Heavens, Cried out Ciaxares, what ſhall I do? what can I, or what ought I to do? Command me (anſwered Thiamis) to go and fetch Cyrus unto you, and treat him kindly, as he deſerves. But he holds intelligence with my Enemy, (replied the King.) You may ſee, Sir, (replied Ariobantes) by the manner of his acting, that he holds no culpable correſpondence with him: but he is culpable at the leaſt in relation to my Daughter, and therefore cannot be innocent. You may ſee that Sir, (replied Marteſia) by a Letter which I will preſent unto you, and which by good fortune I found in that Chamber where I was priſoner, which formerly was mine: This Letter was never ſeen by any but Cyrus, nor did he ever impart the Contents of it unto Chriſantes, or Feraulas; and the Princeſs although ſhe was moſt innocent, yet would ſhe not ſuffer it to remain in his hands, and therefore it remained in mine: I did think, I had loſt it, but by good fortune I found it in a little Trunk which was ſent from Themiſſira unto Sinope, and I have brought it unto your Majeſty, to let you ſee how criminal Mandana is. Ciaxares then taking the Letter, which he knew perfectly to be his Daughters hand, he read it with much circumſpection, and trouble.

The Princeſs MANDANA, unto CYRUS.

SInce it is your deſire I ſhould write my ultimate reſolution unto you: I ſhall repeat that which I have already ſpoken unto you; which in Sum is this, That all the obligations whereby I am bound unto you, and all the Services which you have rendred unto the King my Father, ſhall never move me to recede from the exact and rigorous rules of virtue: I do know very well, that you did never deſire any thing from me to the contrary: Therefore you ought not to be ſurprized, if I again tell you, That if you do not find out ſome expedients, and wayes to make the King my Father acquainted, who you are, and procure his conſent within the time prefixed: you muſt return into Perſia, and never ſee me more: This is the totall Sum of all I can, or ought to do.

MANDANA.

The King having read the Letter, and ſeeing Cyrus oppoſe his own friends, and command the Souldiers to lay down their Arms: Let him live (ſaid he) let the happy Cyrus live, whoſe own virtues has more induced my Soul to ſave him, then an hundred thouſand men could do. It is your Office, Grave Thiamis, (ſaid he) to pronounce the ſame unto the Souldiers: and it is yours Ariobantes, to give out all neceſſary orders for the ſafety of the Caſtle. Oh Sir (cried out Chriſantes, Feraulas, and all the reſt who were in the Chamber,) as long as Cyrus lives, your Majeſty need not to fear any thing: Mean while, Thiamis deſiring to execute the Kings Order with all ſpeed, and not to give him any time to repent of ſo gracious a Sentence, went down unto the Gate of the Caſtle, followed by all the Magi which waited upon him. As ſoon as the Gates were opened, Cyrus came up, and endeavoured to enter, and forbid entrance unto any elſe; All his Deliverers and Partakers did advance, all the Captains and Souldiers cried out, that he ſhould not enter, and made a terrible noiſe: But when the Gates of the Caſtle were wide open, and none but the Magi and Sacrificers appeared, the tumult ceaſed; every one kept his ſtation, and ſilence to hear what Thiamis would ſay unto them: Cyrus then ſaluted the Magi with much reverence, holding down his ſword, and looking upon him with as little diſmayedneſs as if his life were not at all in danger; Is it from you, Grave Thiamis, (ſaid he unto him) that I ought to re-aſſume my fetters? No Sir (anſwered he) the Miniſters of the Gods do not uſe to abaſe themſelves ſo low, as to execute the injuſtice of men. But generous Prince, I come to proclaim that liberty which the King hath granted unto you: The flight of Metrobates hath cleared his ſoul from all doubts, and the Gods, unto whom you are moſt precious, have by your own victories freed you from that [Page] danger which ſeemed to be inevitable. Come then, Sir, and triumph, come and receive that tenderneſs of foul which the King keeps for you: Cyrus then making moſt low reverence unto Thiamis, Doubtleſs it is your pious prayers (ſaid he unto him) rather then any virtue in me, which hath wrought this happy change in the King. But grave Thiamis, Does the King eſteem me as a juſtified man, or as a criminal, whom he pardons? you ſhall know that from his own mouth, replied Thiamis. This grave Magi, had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but Cyrus turning himſelf towards his illuſtrious friends, did intreat them to let him enter alone; but he could not hear their Anſwer; for this good news having in a moment paſſed from mouth to mouth, nothing could be heard but thoughts of joy; yet certain miſtruſts did remain in many minds, and they could not be ſatisfied with any thing: Some would have Hoſtages before he entred, others asked whether Thiamis, whoſe wiſdom and integrity was known unto all the world, would anſwer for him: Inſomuch, as hearing himſelf named by ſo many voices, and different men; No, no, (ſaid this ſage Sacraficer unto them, as loud as he could ſpeak) fear nothing, but truſt me with the Perſon of Cyrus: It is my office to conduct Victims unto the feet of Altars, not into the hands of Executioners. I uſe to appeaſe the Gods by ſacrifices, not but I do not uſe to execute vengeance upon men: Let your obedience (ſaid he unto them) reſtifie that your zeal is grounded upon good principles; and in lieu of ſerving, do not prejudice your moſt Illuſtrious General. Mean while, the King of Phrygia, the King of Hircania, Perſodes, Thraſibulus, Artibies, the Prince of Paphlagonia, Hidaſpes, Artabaſes, Thimocrates, Philocles, Leontidas, Megabiſes, Aglatidas, Orſanes, and many others came near, and deſired that they might follow Cyrus into the Caſtle; but Thiamis told them, it would better accommodate the buſineſs, if ſome part of them only, did enter in with him, and the other part remain without, to keep the ſouldiers and people within the limits of their duties: leſt ſome Banique fears, ſhould freſhly incenſe them, and leſt they ſhould imagine Cyrus is ill uſed, and moreover it would be much more requiſite they ſhould endeavour to take Metrobates, who was yet out of the Caſtle. After this conteſt, Cyrus entred; the King of Phrygia, Hidaſpes, Artabaſes, Aduſius, Thraſibulus, and Aglatidas, only following him, the King of Hircania, and all the reſt remain without, to take all requiſite courſes to prevent any new commotion. In the mean while, Thiamis was no ſooner gone towards the King, but this Prince was entred into his Cloſet, whither he ſent for Chriſantes, and Marteſia only.

Theſe two Perſons had both of them ſo much ſpirit and diſcretion, and had told Ciaxares ſo much, that they made his ſoul deſirous to hear the juſtification of Cyrus with delght: for ſince neither his truth nor his paſſion was not any longer to be concealed as a ſecret, it was much more eaſie for them then before, to make his innocence appear: Chriſantes did then with all ingenuity confeſs, of what nature that intelligence was which Cyrus held with the King of Aſſyria: and cauſed him ſo well to underſtand, that it was no criminous correſpondence, as that the King would ſigh for ſorrow, conſidering into what a bad condition this ſuppoſed crime had brought him: Marteſia, for her part, did juſtifie his Miſtreſs ſo handſomly, and did ſo ſincerely and briefly relate all the paſſages, that he himſelf found no cauſe of complaint: There was nothing but that Picture which was found in the Cabinet of Cyrus, which moved him to conceive it to be too much for a Princeſs of ſo great a vertue, as Mandana profeſſed: for although Marteſia had told him it was made for the Princeſs of Pteria, yet there was no proof of it; but as good fortune was, Marteſia did bethink her ſelf of a paſſage which would clear the buſineſs. Sir, (ſaid ſhe unto him) Ariobantes, who as you know was Brother unto the Princeſs of Pteria, for whom that Picture was made, is able to witneſs that I tell you no lye; he may perhaps know it, if your Majeſty ſhew it unto him; for I do remember he was with the Princeſs the ſame day it was finiſhed, and that the Princeſs his Siſter falling ſick the next day after, ſent Ariobantes unto the Princeſs for it: But the Picture-drawer being deſirous to take it with him, that he might do ſomething unto the Dreſs, ſhe could not receive that ſatisfaction ſhe deſired: So that the ſame Princeſs died, and as I told your Majeſty, never received it: As ſoon as Marteſia had told this, Ariobantes entred, who gave the King an account of thoſe Orders he had given for the Guard of the Caſtle. Ciaxares then fetching out the Cabinet of Cyrus, which he always kept in his Cloſet, ever ſince the wicked Metrobantes brought it unto him, he took out the Picture of Mandana, and ſhewing it unto Ariobantes, asked him, whether ever he had ſeen it before? Yes, Sir, (anſwered he, after he had a while looked upon it) doubtleſs I have ſeen it, and that more then once, for I ſaw it when the Princeſs out of her goodneſs was pleaſed to let it be taken for my Siſter, and I ſaw it afterwards, when it was carried unto Marteſia, a few days before the Princeſs was carried away by the [Page] King of Aſſyria: I remember alſo, how I perſwaded her to keep that which was intended for my Siſter: O Sir, (cried out Marteſia) this is ſufficient to juſtifie the Princeſs, ſince your Majeſty knows ſhe never ſaw Cyrus ſince that time; and therefore could not give him this Picture. Thus was the ſtate of things when Thiamis came and told the King, he had brought Cyrus unto him; who to appear with more ſubmiſſion before Ciaxares, had left his Sword with Feraulas in the outer Chamber, where he did imbrace him, and Andrameas, Artucas, and Araſpes, deſiring their pardons for thoſe inconveniences which they had ſuffered for the love of him: Ciaxares then, at that time calling to mind how much he was indebted unto Cyrus, under the notion of Artamenes, and what Artamenes had done in his preſence under the Name of Cyrus, he calmed his mind, and commanded him to enter: Marteſia would have gone out of the Kings Cloſet, but Ciaxares ſtaying her: No Marteſia, ſaid he unto her, you muſt have your ſhare in the Pacification, as you have had in the War. Preſently after, the King of Phrygia entred, who would have ſpoke ſomething by way of excuſe unto the King. But Ciaxares taking him by the hand, Speak not of any excuſes, ſaid he unto him, ſince it is my part rather to make excuſes for not believing you, then yours for not obeying me.

The Grave Thiamis followed the King of Phrygia, and preſented Cyrus unto Ciaxares. This Prince did ſo much reverence the Father of Mandana, that he would have thrown himſelf at his feet, as if he had been criminal, yet the King would not ſuffer him, but lifted him up, and imbraced him moſt tenderly; asking him, whether Cyrus could forget all the injuries which had been done unto Artamenes? Artamenes, replied he, ſhall never your forget benefits, nor ever he will ſuffer Cyrus to be ungratefull. But Sir, I moſt humbly beſeech your Majeſty, give me leave to anſwer directly with diſguiſing the leaſt part of truth unto every queſtion that ſhall be asked me: and that you will be pleaſed to honour me ſo far as to tell me, Whether there do yet remain any grounds of ſuſpicion, or fears of my fidelity in you? and if it appear that I ever failed in that duty which I owe you, if I cannot give ſatisfaction by my reaſons, I ſhall be more ready to ſubmit unto ſuch puniſhments as you ſhall ordain. For Sir, what thoughts ſoever they have infuſed unto you concerning Cyrus, I can moſt certainly aſſure you, that he ſhall ever be moſt ſubmiſſive unto your will, inſomuch as there is not the meaneſt of your Subjects whom you may of right command, but my own natural inclination, gives you the ſame Supremacy over me: Now Sir, you ſee what are all the moſt real thoughts of him whom they ſay is the Ruiner of all Aſia; of that grand Uſurper, who muſt ſubvert Kingdoms, uſurp Crowns, and raign by unjuſt courſes. You may very well imagine Sir, that the ſame Prince who conceals himſelf from thirty thouſand of his Fathers Subjects which were in your Army, had no very ambitious deſigns; eſpecially, ſince for fear to offend you, he reſolved to loſe his life, before ever he would diſcloſe his quality. Enough, enough, (anſwered Ciaxares, with tears in his eyes, and imbracing him again) juſtifie your ſelf no further, for the more you endeavour it, the more you prejudice me, and the greater culpable ſhall I appear: It were more for my glory if you appeared leſs innocent. I am in fault enough, replied Cyrus moſt modeſtly, ſince I was ſo unfortunate as to diſpleaſe you, and to be the innocent cauſe of rebellion in your Subjects; I beſeech you, Sir, (added Cyrus in a moſt reſpectful manner) to charge me only with their crime, and puniſh my Perſon for it. No, no, replied the King very ſweetly, the very ſight of Cyrus has renewed ſo much tenderaffection in my ſoul, that I cannot think of any puniſhing, but rather I will recompence them all in your Perſon, for preventing me from committing ſuch an horrid piece of injuſtice, whereby I ſhould have deprived all Aſia of her greateſt Glory, and principal Ornament: Therefore to reduce the ſouldiers and people unto the duty, reaſſume your Charge, Command them to return unto the Camp, and prepare them and your ſelf alſo to go very ſhortly into Armenia, to deliver Mandana from her Captivity. Oh Sir, replied Cyrus, I deſire not ſo much it is enough that you give me leave to obey, and not command: Permit me only ſo much liberty as to fight in the firſt rank in the firſt Battel, and I ask no more. I do not know any (anſwered the King of Phrygia) that dare preſume to be your General, and there is none who thinks it not an honour, that you ſhould be his. The Gods (ſaid Thiamis, interrupting them) being ſole Authours of all the happineſs which befals us, it is requiſite to render thanks unto them to morrow by a ſolemn Sacrifice: Moſt true, Grave Father, ſaid the King unto him, therefore it is expedient that Cyrus do cauſe the Troops to go out of Sinope, to the end we may offer the Sacrifice with more tranquility.

Cyrus then obeying Ciaxares after he had made an hundred Proteſtations of inviolable fidelity, went out to give all requiſite Orders concerning the buſineſs: The King of Phrygia, [Page] and Ariobantes ſtayed ſtill with Ciaxares to keep his mind in the ſame reſentments. Marteſia asked leave from the King to go back unto the houſe of Artucas, as ſoon as the Troops were retired, which he conſented unto, thinking that place fitter for her, then the Court where now there was no women: Mean while Thiamis waited upon Cyrus to the Caſtle gate, where after many imbracings he left him, and went to take order for the Sacrificers. The ſouldiers no ſooner ſaw Cyrus, but they began their acclamations and ſhouts of joy, not doubting now but that his peace was perfectly made; yet notwithſtanding, he behaved himſelf with ſo much moderation, as was admirable; telling all thoſe who came about him, that the King was ſo gracious as to pardon them; therefore ſaid he unto them, it is your duties to extol his goodneſs: and reſolve with your ſelves to become worthy of it, by your gallant Deportments in the Armenian War, whither very ſhortly he will ſend you. Mean while, the King of Hircania, and all the Princes which ſtayed without the Town, ſaluted him, and great joy was expreſſed on all ſides afterwards, having aſſembled all the chief Commanders, he gave command to carry the Army out of the Town immediately, and to leave none in the Town but only ſo many as uſually were in it. Preſently after, the King ſent orders to change the Guards of the Caſtle: as for thoſe at the Port of Sinope, they all periſhed when the Town was entered; ſo that reſtoring Andramias unto his charge, they drew off the ſouldiers which Metrobates had placed in the Caſtle, the number whereof was not great, becauſe many had eſcaped with him. Cyrus commanded him to be ſearched for very narrowly, but all in vain. This Prince went in Perſon to the principal Port of the Town, to ſee the Army paſs; ſo that ſeeing all the Regiments one after another, he might more conveniently command them unto their duties: And becauſe he was beloved, and feared, and reverenced by all the ſouldiers, they obeyed him without the leaſt murmur, and returned as joyful as if they had won a battel, and as well content as if they had been loaded with plunder: within three hours, the Town was quiet, and the whole Army without the walls, excepting thoſe Companies neceſſary for the Guard of the Ports and Caſtle, whither he returned to render an account unto Ciaxares of what was done: The King of Hircania, and all they who had not ſeen the King ſince all theſe adventures, were preſented unto him by Ariobantes; and the night cauſing every one to take leave; Cyrus, by orders from Ciaxares was lodged in his old Chamber, where he was no ſooner entred, but every one came to teſtifie their joy for his liberty: But after all complements had paſſed, and none but Chriſantes, and Feraulas with him, he imbraced them with extream affection. Well, my dear friends, ſaid he unto them, Do you think we have now made our peace with Fate? or is this ſerene calm which we now begin to enjoy, only a breathing to give us more leiſure in preparing your ſelves for new misfortunes? The Gods (replied Chriſantes) have made trial of your vertue by ſo many ſeveral ways, that it is a piece of great difficulty to foreſee what ought to enſue hereafter.

But now Sir, (ſaid Feraulas) you are at liberty, you are alſo known to be Cyrus; Ciaxares knows it; nor is he ignorant of your love to the Princeſs, and the Princeſs her ſelf eſteems you. It is true, (replied Cyrus ſighing) but yet the Princeſs is in Armenia, and in the power of the Rival. Yes Sir, replied Feraulas, but it is ſuch a Rival, whoſe ambition Fortune has ſo croſt, that it cannot poſſibly be thought ſhe will favour him with any part of her affection: With ſuch diſcourſe as this, Chriſantes, and Feraulas, entertained their dear Maſter, until he was in bed: yet he was no ſooner laid, but all the prodigious revolutions of his Fate came into his memory. The Image of Mandana appeared in his fancy, and entertained him until after midnight; Sleep was no ſooner cloſing up his eyes, but his imaginations being filled with his Princeſs awaked him. The next day, in the morning, Ciaxares ſent him his Cabinet, within which, he had put the Magnificent Scarf of Mandana very carefully, but he found not the Picture of the Princeſs in it; becauſe the King had ſent it back unto Marteſia, who was returned to Artucas, as before I told you: his murmur at it was only in ſecret; and he went unto the King, who prepared himſelf for the Temple of Mars, where the grave Thiamis attended him: But that he might make it evident unto the people, that he was really reconciled unto Cyrus, he walked through the Town talking unto him: The whole Town did ring joyful acclamations, to ſee the moſt Illuſtrious of men at liberty: All the Kings and Princes which were at that Court, did wait upon this Ceremony; and the preſs was ſo great between the Town, and the Temple of Mars, that there remained none in Sinope, but only thoſe who guarded the Ports. As the King lighted from horſe, (for they did ride thither) within ten or twelve paces of the Temple Gate, Cyrus who was next him, obſerved four or five men, whoſe faces ſeemed odd, and were unknown unto him, who endeavored to come nearer. Although he had not any reaſon at all to ſuſpect, or fear any thing; yet notwithſtanding, as if he were [Page] inſpired by Heaven unto it, he fixed his looks upon on of theſe men, who had a very bad promiſing Phiſiognomy, preſently after he perceived two of theſe men, pull out daggers; the one deſigning to ſtab Ciaxares, and the other advanced towards him, with the ſame intentions. The moſt generous Cyrus did immediately interpoſe between the King and the aſſaſſinate and received that blow upon his left hand which was aimed at Ciaxares: whilſt with his right hand, he forced the dagger out of that hand which ſtrook with it, and laid him dead at his feet: there were eight or ten others who abetted theſe two who undertook to kill the King and Cyrus, and who ſeeing the deſign faile, did make eſcape, during the amazement which every on was in, at the adventure: but Cyrus drawing his ſword did ſo purſue theſe conſpirators through the midſt of this great croud of men, and aſſaulted them ſo furiouſly, that moſt of them periſhed by his own hand: for after he had in a minute put the King into the Temple, and commited him into the cuſtody of the King of Phrigia, and many others; he purſued the aſſaſſinates cloſe unto the Sea ſide, whether they fled, and where a fiſhers boat did wait upon them, that thereby they might eſcape away. Although there was a world of people about Ciaxares, yet the thing was ſo ſudden, and ſo few ſaw the firſt paſſage, that it was a long while before it was known what the matter was: and certainly had not Cyrus interpoſed, Ciaxares had bin killed and perhaps the aſſaſſinates eſcaped.

But Cyrus, being aided Principally by Feraulas and Araſpes, purſued them and killed them, and took one of them after they had well wounded him, who, rather then he would be taken would have thrown himſelf into the Sea, when Cyrus catched him by the hair; No, no, Traytor, ſaid he unto him, I muſt firſt know who you are, and upon what ſcore you have made this attempt: he had no ſooner ſaid ſo but for all the diſguiſe of his habit, and face, and though he was all over ſmeered with blood yet he knew him to be Metrobates, who endeavoured all he poſſibly could, either to eſcape, or kill himſelf, or elſe throw himſelf into the Sea: But ſeveral of the Kings guard being come in, Cyrus did put him into their cuſtody, and commanding them to follow with him, he went unto Ciaxares, who was at the houſe of Thiamis which joyns unto the Temple: as ſoon as Cyrus appeared, the King did cloſly embrace him, and this being the ſecond time that he did owe his Life unto him, he did acknowledg it a hundred times over, and expreſſed as many teſtimonies of repentance for what he had done againſt him. Sir, (ſaid he unto him, and cauſing that Traytor whom he had taken to be brought neerer) I give the Gods moſt hearty thanks, that they have ſhewed you the difference betwixt Metrobates, and my ſelf: As ſoon as the King heard that Name, and looked upon him, but he knew him: Oh thou Vilain (ſaid he unto him,) is it thou that makes ſuch attempts upon my life, as well as upon the life of Cyrus? for the King did perceive the intentions of thoſe two men who would have killed them: Yes, it was I (anſwered the Traytor moſt furiouſly) who not enduring to commit unprofitable crimes, intended to commit two, which would ſomething advantage me: From whom, wicked wretch, (replyed the King) didſt thou expect a recompence for ſuch an act? From ſo many Kings and Princes (replyed he) as Artamenes by his good fortune has ſubjected unto you, who by this my Act would have been no longer Tributaries: The King of Phrigia, and the King of Hircania did then begin to ſpeak, and ſay that he ought to ſpeak more perticularly concerning this wicked action: but he, without further preſſing, and conceiving no hopes of life although he ſhould eſcape of his wounds, told them that they need look for no other Author of the conſpiracy then himſelf; and as for his complices, they were all of them dead. He confeſſed further, that ſeeing himſelf ruined, when Cyrus went out of Priſon, he himſelf went out alſo; That ſince his Principles was only Ambition, he conceived all his fortunes utterly undon ſince Cyrus was at liberty: and that he thought he ſhould receive a large recompence from the King of Aſſyria, if he had at once took away the life of him who poſſeſſed his Dominions, and the life of him who had conquered him, and contended with him for the Princeſs Mandana. Metrobates confeſſed this, with ſo much inſolent ingenuity that the truth of it was not at all ſuſpected. As for thoſe who aſſiſted him, they were all of them known to be the ſame Souldiers which went out of the Caſtle with him, and which he had brought from Pteria. The King, being not able to endure the ſight of ſuch a villain any longer, who had attempted both againſt his own life as well as againſt the life of Cyrus, commanded him to Priſon, until ſome ſevere puniſhment for ſuch crimes were better reſolved upon; but that needed not, for he dyed in the hands of the Chyrurgions, and ſaved himſelf thereby, from a more tormenting death. Mean while the ſacrifice became a ſacrifice of real thanks unto the Gods; and Ciaxares renewed the tenderneſs of his affection towards Cyrus and to augment it, if it were poſſible, ſo that his mind enjoyed abundance of tranquility. The Grave Thiamis, who from the firſt day that he ſaw Cyrus under the notion, of Artamines, and had ever [Page] moſt dearly loved him, did make an excellent oration, full of ſtrong arguments to confirm Ciaxares in his good opinion of him: I ſhould abſolutely have loſt my reaſon (ſaid the King unto him) if I ſhould be ungrateful unto that man who hath hazarded his own life to ſave mine, after my intentions of putting him to death: for grave Thiamis, (ſaid he unto him) this moſt generous Prince, was contented to receive that blow upon his left hand which was intended at my heart, and to interpoſe his own body, between the Aſſaſſinate, and mine. No no, added he, never fear, but that I ſhall as long as I live, look upon Cyrus, as my Protector and Preſerver, and as a Prince whom indeed the Gods has ſent unto me, for my Glory and Felicity: Theſe were the apprehenſions of Ciaxares, when he retired himſelf ever deſiring to have Cyrus neer him: This action, being divulged not only unto all the people of Sinope, but the Camp alſo; Applauds and acclamations of joy were redoubled, and Artamenes was never ſo precious to the ſoul of Ciaxares as now Cyrus is, ſo that which in the compaſs of three days, the the Kings Soul, and all the hearts both in Court, Camp, and Town were full of joy. Ciaxares would needs ſend unto Perſia to the King his Brother and Queen his Siſter, to let them know that Cyrus was alive: he then remembred, how at the birth of Mandana, the Queen did ſend to rejoyce with him for it, and he out of a peece of Galantry ſent back this complement, That he wiſhed his Daughter might hereafter becom Worthy to be the Miſtris of Cyrus: and he gave Madates, whom he ſent thither to preſent the ſame complement this ſ [...]cond time, unto his Siſter: Cyrus alſo deſired the King to give him leave to ſend on of his own ſervants, and he pitched upon Arabaces for it, whom Chriſantes did ſend a letter by, o [...] rather a Hiſtory of the wonderful life of his dear Maſter; alſo excuſing his long ſilence: and telling that there was an unreſiſtable fatality in it, which prevented him from doing any otherwiſe. After this, there was nothing that diſturbed the mind of Ciaxares, but the abſence of the Princeſs; yet ſince he replyed ſo much upon the valour of Cyrus, his care of her was moderated by his hopes, and his ſoul did reſt in great ſecurity: In the mean time, ſince it would be a long time before the Army could march into Armenia, and ſince Cyrus had ſo great a deſi [...] know preciſely where the Princeſs was, he moved Ciaxares, to ſend Araſpes diſguiſeed into Armenia to diſcover where thoſe women, of whom Megabiſes ſpoke when he returned out of that Country, were placed: for ſince Araſpes was very well verſed in the Armenian language, he was the fiteſt for that imployment: Ciaxares then approving of the motion, diſ [...]atched Araſpes thither with orders to find out the King, who doubtleſs world ere long be upon the Frontiers: Cyrus, the better to move him and all his inginuity to diſcover where Mandana was, did not only give him all neceſſary Inſtructions but a hundred good Admonitions beſides; inſomuch as though Araſpes had been of the dulleſt capacity, as indeed he was nimble, yet Cyrus did preſcribe ſuch exact order unto him, that he doubted not of a happy expedition: and as Araſpes uſed to be very familiar with Cyrus, ſo he could not chuſe but tell him, that if Megabiſes had been as well inſtructed by Ciaxares, as he was by him, doubtleſs he would have rendered a better account of his Embaſſie, and brought back more certainty of the place where the Princeſs was, then he did: I do underſtood you very well (replyed Cyrus both embracing him, and ſighing) I do confeſs Araſpes I have ſpoken too much, when I conſider your ingenuity; but me thinks I have ſpoke to little unto you, when I apprehend how much this voyage concerns me. If you ever were in love (purſued he) you will doubtleſs excuſe me for being ſo importunate with you to uſe your beſt endeavors; but I ſee you are an incenſible man, who may perhaps be one day Captivated by ſome beauty or other, who will puniſh you for the raillery you are pleaſed to uſe to your friends. After this, Cyrus embraced him again and could not forbear repetitions of what he had already told him. And as ſoon as this faithful ſpy was gone, Cyrus knowing that the King was buſie with the King of Phrigia, went unto Marteſia, with whom he deſired to diſcourſe privatly, concerning his deareſt Princeſs: As ſoon as ſhe ſaw him come into her chamber, ſhe would have thanked him for the honour he did her, but he would not permit her, No no (ſaid he unto her,) my ſweet Marteſia you have now, no reaſon to complement with me, the viſit concerns my own intereſt, and therefore regains no thanks; and I do take ſo much delight in your company, that you are not at all obliged unto me for it. Sir, (ſaid ſhe unto him in a low voyce, although there was none but the daughter of Artucas in the chamber who adreſſed her ſelf to Feraulas as ſoon as Cyrus entred) I do very well underſtand your moſt obliging diſcourſe, and to teſtifie that I do rightly underſtand it, I will no longer deprive you of that delight which you take in talking of the Princeſs; and I will ask you, whether you beleeve ſhe would grieve for your Impriſonment, and rejoyce at your liberty if ſhe were here? I dare not beleeve it Marteſia (replyed this Prince with an amorous ſigh and bluſhing) indeed I dare not, leaſt I ſhould deceive my [Page] ſelf; and unleſs your goodneſs can diſſipate my fears, and teſtifie the weakneſs of my hopes, I do not know, either what to think, or believe.

Marteſia then preſenting a chair unto him, and taking another for her ſelf; and the daughter of Artucas called Erenice, being gone unto the window, diſcourſing with Feraulas. Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, I cannot think, but knowing as you do, the greatneſs of the Princeſs Spirit, and alſo your own merit, and many obligations whereby you have obliged her unto you, that you can poſſibly doubt, but ſhe will be very ſorry for your impriſonment, and very glad for your enlargement: Why may I not doubt it, (replied Cyrus) ſince you are pleaſed to be ſo inhumane, as that you will not ſo much as lend me the Picture of Mandana? Have I not reaſon to think, cruel woman as you are, that you do but deal with me according to the reſentments of our moſt incomparable Miſtreſs? for if you had not known that ſhe conceives only a poor common bare eſteem of me, could you have endured to ſee me a Priſoner, a moſt unfortunate man; abſent from her I moſt adored, and deprived of all conſolations, and denied me that Picture which would have been a Cordial in all my ſorrows, and an Antidote againſt any miſeries? Confeſs the truth, Marteſia, was not your cruelty in that buſineſs, only an effect of thoſe ſecret thoughts, which you knew to be in the heart of our D [...]vine Princeſs? You are ſo very ingenious to perſecute your ſelf, replied Marteſia, that I do not well know whether I ought or can undeceive you. Yet notwithſtanding Sir, ſince I muſt needs be ſincere with you, I ſhall ingeniouſly tell you, that all the cruelty wherewith you charge me, proceeds from my ſelf, and the Princeſs has no part in it: Not but that (and queſtionleſs you would conceive it ſo) ſhe would not take it well, that I ſhould give you that Picture which ſhe gave unto me: yet for all that her thoughts are not diſadvantagious unto you, although ſhe be a little ſevere; ſhe was a lover of vertue and glory before ſhe was acquainted with you; and you muſt not think it ſtrange if ſhe continue ſo ſtill. Yet Marteſia, (replied Cyrus) would ſhe have been leſs vertuous if you had given me that picture? No Sir, replied ſhe, but I had been leſs reaſonable: Well Marteſia, (ſaid he) be more inhumane unto me, then Fortune is unto a King from whom ſhe hath taken away his Crowns? for ſhe notwithſtanding, does allow him the ſight of that Princeſs whom he loves, and has her in his power: Cruel woman, muſt the King of Pont every minute look upon the real ſubſtance of Divine Mandana, and do you deny Cyrus the ſight of her picture? You have again Marteſia, diſcovered thoſe ſecret reſentments which are in the heart of our Princeſs, and are diſadvantagious unto me. Sir, (anſwered ſhe ſmiling) you had ſome reaſon to tell me, that I ought you no thanks for this honour you have done me in coming to ſee me, ſince I ſee you came with a deſigne to quarrel with me: You may make Conditions of peace when you pleaſe, ſaid he unto her, and indeed, it is but doing what formerly you have done: Lend me that picture of Mandana unto that day I ſhall deliver her, for I know the King hath reſtored it unto you. Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him) you are very urgent, but do you not conſider what misfortune this picture was like to have cauſed? Do you not conſider (ſaid he unto her) how much joy it will be unto my ſoul? I know it very well (ſaid ſhe unto him) by that joy which this picture does uſually afford my ſelf: Ah Marteſia, ſaid he, you comprehend it but imperfectly, if you judg of my thoughts by yours: Why Sir, replied ſhe, Do you think▪ I do not love the Princeſs, as much as my capacity of loving is able? Yes Marteſia, replied he, I do believe you love her with all imaginable affection; and I do think Feraulas loves me with the like affection; but certainly he knows how to love one who you know, more perfectly, then he ought to love Cyrus: You are very good (ſaid ſhe unto him bluſhing) in permitting Feraulas to love any one more then your ſelf. But indeed I am not ſo indulgent; and what reſpect ſoever I bear unto you, I cannot yeild that you ſhould love the Princeſs better then I do: But for all that, I do conceive i [...] fit to make my peace with you; and therefore to compoſe all differences, I will lend you her picture unto the day you depart for Armenia, and putting her hand into her pocket, ſhe produced it, and gave it unto him. Cyrus was raviſhed with joy, and received it with as much reverence, as if Mandana were preſent; he kiſſed it, and pleaſed Marteſia ſo well, that ſhe repented not of her complacency in lending it.

After this, Cyrus having had no conference with her ever ſince his departure from Themiſcira, asked her an hundred ſeveral queſtions; he deſired her to relate every thing concerning the taking away of the Princeſs by Philidaſpes; after what manner ſhe was carried unto the City of Opis: how ſhe was entertained at Babylon, in what ſort ſhe lived there; how the King of Aſſyria treated her, how ſhe behaved her ſelf towards Mazares; how they came out of Babylon to come unto Sinope: which way Mazares got her away, under colour of ſetting her at liberty; and laſtly, how ſhe fell into the hands of the King of Pont after he had loſt [Page] his Kingdoms: Marteſia did fully ſatisfie his curioſity, but yet ſhe would not mention that favourable Oracle which the King of Aſſyria received at Babylon, leſt ſuch an averſe ſtory ſhould too much vex him: ſo that he thought himſelf ſometimes moſt perfectly happy: For when Marteſia did mention with what conſtant reſolution Mandana had repulſed the paſſions of three great Princes, and all of them moſt compleat men, he was wrapt in unexpreſſible joy; and endeavouring to make her ſpeak of more paſſages which were in his advantage. But yet, (ſaid he unto Marteſia, and looking as earneſtly upon her as if he would penetrate into the bottom of her heart, and know every truth in it,) this noble fury with which the Divine Mandana reſiſted all my Rivals, was doubtleſs only an effect of her vertue; and the miſerable Artamenes, and unfortunate Cyrus, was not any cauſe of it at all. Would you have me be ſo complacential (replied Marteſia angerly) as not to contradict you? I deſire to know, (ſaid he) the pure and perfect truth, upon condition it drive me not into deſpair. No Sir, replied ſhe, I ſhall not drive you into diſpair, when I ſhall tell you (though I had it not from the mouth of the Princeſs) that I ſee no reaſon ſhe had ſo obſtinately to reject the King of Aſſyria's affection, unleſs the Illuſtrious Artamenes had his entrance into her heart. But ſaid he unto her, being full of joy, Certainly the Princeſs did not ſpeak as much; theſe are but your own conjectures, upon which you ground theſe thoughts; and intend to flatter me? But however Marteſia, I d [...]murmur againſt Mandana, I have received more honours from her, then I can deſerve: [...]hough ſhe ſhould treat me coarſly, and puniſh me for my raſh boldneſs, doubtleſs I ſhould not complain. After this manner did Cyrus and Marteſia diſcourſe, as oft as he could; having now only three things to do. The one was to go into the Camp, and give out all requiſite Orders for the Armenia War. The other to preſent all imaginable humility unto Ciaxares. And the laſt, to go and viſit Marteſia: ſuppoſing it to be a kind of ſeeing his Princeſs, to ſee her whom ſhe loved, and eſteemed ſo much: Indeed, Marteſia was a Lady who was excellent in all things; ſhe was owner of all good qualities; her beauty was none of thoſe which do planet ſtrike, at the firſt ſight; but it was ſuch as the more one conſidered it, the more freſh charms they found in it; for ſhe had an excellent ſpirit, and a ſolid mind; exceedingly complacential and diſcreet, and the more one knew her, the better one liked her: Feraulas was not the only man who courted her; for during the time ſhe was conſtrained to remain at Sinope, all the Court did viſit her; all the Ladies of the Town were obſervant of her; and all the Princes, obſerving with what civility Cyrus did treat her, came daily unto her, and were much delighted in her company, for indeed, it was ever very pleaſant: her ingenuity was not only natural, but much adorn'd with Art, underſtanding moſt of the languages in all Europe, and Aſia. Amongſt the reſt of her Viſitants, Thraſibulus, and all thoſe illuſtrious Grecians of the Army, to wit, Thimocrates, Philocles, and Leontidas, were often with her: The Prince Artibies was he who was moſt frequent with her, inſomuch as the Company was full of ſweet diverſions, being compoſed of perſons exceedingly pleaſant. One day among the reſt, as Marteſia and Erenice her Coſen were alone together, the Prince Artibies, accompanied with Thimocrates, Philocles, and Leontidas, coming to ſee her, the Company queſtionleſs was very delightful, ſince certainly the Grecians of that time were of a much more delicate and refined Spirit, then other Nations. Artibies, though he was a Cicilian, yet he was a moſt compleat Prince, and although he ſeemed to be very melancholick, yet was very ſociable. Thimocrates had Nature for his friend, who adorned him with all the advantages of body, that ſhe could contrive in one of his Sex; he had alſo a quick and nimble wit, which rendred him moſt pleaſant unto company. Philocles was not leſs exact and compleat in all things, and the complacency of his humour was extreamly charming. Leontidas was exceeding tall and handſom: The compoſure of his face was noble, his Phiſiognomy had I know not what kind of furious, ſweet and meloncholy compoſition, ſuch as did not at all diſpleaſe: and although there was ſome kind of diſcord in his humours, and a phantaſticalneſs in his mind, yet was he exceedingly pleaſant.

Theſe four being altogether with Marteſia, and the love of Cyrus being now no ſecret, that was the ſubject of their diſcourſe; and after they had diſcanted upon the moſt conſiderable paſſages thereof, or at leaſt, which were in their knowledg, every one began to complain of his misfortunes, according unto his own apprehenſions: For my part, ſaid Thimocrates, that which I think to be moſt lamented in him, is, that he has been almoſt always abſent from her he loves; for as long as ſhe was in Capadocia, the Bithinian War did abſent him; and after his return unto Themiſcira, he never ſaw the Princeſs whom he loved. This queſtionleſs is a great misfortune (replied Philocles) but yet ſince he lives in ſome hopes to be beloved, his abſence is not without ſome conſolation; and he has yet had no experience of that which in [Page] love is more rigorous. Although he has had no experience of it, neither by abſence, nor the hate of the Princeſs whom he loves, yet doubtleſs he was apprehenſive of it, when he believed her to be dead, as once he did: when I do imagine in what horrid frights he was, when he feared to find his Princeſs reduced into aſhes by the Conflagr [...]tion of Sinope: and when I fancy him, hearing from the mouth of Mazares in the fiſhers Cabin, how his Divine Princeſs periſhed;

I do confeſs my compaſſion of him is extream; and I do conceive, that all the delights which he can hereafter enjoy, cannot equal thoſe torments which he then endured. It is moſt certain (ſaid Leontidas who had not yet ſpoken) that abſence is a very grand affliction: not to be beloved is an angry fate; and the death of the party beloved is doubtleſs, a very ſad piece of mourning: But yet for all this, if the Illuſtrious Cyrus was never jealous, (as I could never hear he was) then does he owe ſacrifices of thanks unto the Gods of love, for preventing him from that torment, which exceeds all others a thouſand degrees. But Leontidas, replied Marteſia, do you conceive jealouſie to be a greater ill, then the death of the party loved? Ah Leontidas, ſaid ſhe, think well what you ſay. I have ſufficiently thought upon it, replied he, and I do feelingly ſpeak concerning a paſſion which I have been too well acquainted with. For my part (ſaid Erenice) I do conceive jealouſie to be a very great evil; and do not think it ſtrange that Leontidas ſhould rank it among the greateſt puniſhments of [...]: but that Thimocrates ſhould ſpeak abſence to be the moſt rigid thing in the world, [...]ceive that his ſoul is a little too nice and delicate. That man muſt be moſt inſenſible (replied he) which does not find abſence to comprehend in it ſelf all other horrours: That only is his ſhare, who was never loved, replied Philocles, for if I may ſo phraſe it, he heaps up all the evils of love into one; and he who has had no experience of this, is ignorant of the ſupream misfortune, That is a misfortune, added Thimocrates, wherewith a generous man will not be long tormented, ſince there is nothing in the world more juſt, natural, and reaſonable, then to ceaſe them that love not us. He who laments for the death of his Miſtreſs (replied Philocles) if he be wiſe, has moſt reaſon to comfort up himſelf, ſince there is no poſſibility to find a remedy for his misfortune: he who is abſent may find out ſome comfort from his hopes of return; and he who is jealous may cure himſelf, either by his knowledge of the vertue of her he loves, or elſe by his own merit, or elſe by deſpiſing her. You are not well acquainted with jealouſie, anſwered Leontidas very fiercely, ſince you imagine it can be cured by ſapient reaſons; for it perverts all the reaſons under the Sun; and puts the whole order of nature out of tune: Other misfortunes whereof we diſcourſe have this advantage, that they ſeem no greater then they are, but jealouſie is of ſuch a Capricious, Phantaſtical, Malignant a nature, that it magnifies all objects, like unto thoſe falſe magnifying glaſſes invented by ſome Mathematicians. It does not only make one ſenſible of real evils, but only of thoſe which are meerly imaginary; it cauſes one to ſuffer in that for which there is no ground at all. I do confeſs, ſaid Marteſia then, that Leontidas has deſcribed jealouſie unto us, in ſuch an ingenious manner, that I doubt not but if ever he was inlove, this paſſion has not much tormented him. To ſpeak the truth unto you, replied he, I tell my tale out of my own ſad experience; and therefore I may the better be believed, when I do maintain the jealouſie is the moſt horrid torment that can be endured: If that authority (replied Thimocrates) be ſufficient to juſtifie, that abſence comprehends all the evils which love can afflict, I ought to be believed as well as you; ſince the better part of my life has been droopingly conſumed in abſence from her I love. Upon the ſame reaſon (replied Artibies) I muſt not yield unto either, ſince I do but too ſadly know, that the death of her one loves is the end of all joys, and an Epitome of all ſorrows. Although it be but a piece of folly (ſaid Philocles) to publiſh unto the world that one could never be loved; yet I am conſtrained to acknowledge that out of my own experience I have found this Theſis true; As it is the greateſt felicity in love, to be beloved, ſo by the rules of contraries, it is the greateſt miſery, not to be beloved by her one loves. For my part, (ſaid Marteſia) I wonder at nothing more, then that each of you ſhould ſo opinionatively maintain his thought; for indeed it is a difficult thing not to think worſe of ones own misfortune, then of anothers: and every one is apt to be partial in his own cauſe, and therefore I do not think any of you to be competent Judges upon ſo nice a queſtion; although I know you all to be men of much wiſdom and ingenuity. Then muſt you be Judge, replied Thimocrates,; for I am certain you are accompliſhed with all neceſſary qualities for the offices, ſince you are of a clear apprehenſion, and not intereſted at all in any of theſe things. It is true, replied ſhe, but yet I never had any experience: yet notwithſtanding, I do confeſs, (ſaid ſhe, and looked upon them all) that you have raiſed ſo great a curioſity in me, to know [Page] all your adventures, that if I durſt I would accept of that offer, which Thimocrates hath made unto me: and therefore I beſeech you all to relate them unto me: For my part, ſaid Artibies, I have nothing to do but to lament, & be lamented, & therefore I ſhall be ready to give you ſatisfaction in few words, and afterwards my reaſons to ſtrengthen my cauſe: An abſent Lover (replied Thimocrates ſighing) who uſes to engrave his misfortunes upon the barks of trees, and to ſpeakunto the rocks, rather then not ſpeak at all, refuſeth not to tell you his diſcontents. For my part, ſaid Philocles, I was never ſo happy as to procure a favourable ear from any that I loved, but I ſhall hope to find ſome ſweetneſs from another whom I do infinitely eſteem. There is none then but the jealous Leontidas (ſaid Marteſia turning towards him) who will not ſatisfie my curioſity. No Madam, ſaid he, I will not be any obſtacle unto your ſatisfaction; for I am not ſo ſpating of my words and ſecrets, as I am jealous of my Miſtreſs. But ſweet Marteſia, after you have heard the recital of our adventures, and our reaſons upon them, you muſt pronounce a ſoveraign ſentence, which is the moſt unfortunate: he who is almoſt always abſent from her he loves; or he who is not loved at all; or he whoſe Miſtreſs is dead, or he who is plunged deeply in jealonſie: To the end, that he who is the moſt miſerable, may have ſo much conſolation as to be lamented more then thereſt, and that your pity and compaſſion be his prize for the pains he hath taken in relating his misfortunes, and reaſons. At the hazard at doing injuſtice through ignorance (anſwered Marteſia) I do accept of the honour to be your Judg, upon condition that Erenice, my dear Coſen, will aſſiſt me in giving ſentence: No, anſwered that pleaſant Lady, I will not ſhare with you in your Title, but will reſerve unto my ſelf the liberty to lament him the moſt, who perhaps you will pity the leaſt. As they were thus in diſcourſe, Cyrus, accompanied only with Aglatidas entred: and ſince he heard them in the outer Chamber ſpeak with much heat; If there be any conteſt amongſt you (ſaid he, addreſſing himſelf unto Marteſia) you know that your ſide ſhall ever be mine. You honour me too much (anſwered ſhe) but Sir you muſt know that I am ſo far from quarrelling with theſe gallant men, that they have conſtituted me their Judg: and ſince I ſhall out diſhonour my Office, I beſeech you to undertake it, and to decide a famous difference, which is riſen between the Prince Artibies, Thimocrates, Philocles, and Leontidas. Heavens, preſerve me, repled Cyrus, from entertaining any thoughts ſo unjuſt, as to diſpoſſeſs you from an impolyment ſo honourable: and I ſhould rather take you for my own Judg, if I had any difference, then take the Office from you. After this complement, as he was the moſt civil Prince upon earth, and ſtood in need of the valour of all theſe Commanders, to deliver Mandana, ſo at this time, to gain their hearts the more, he doubled his complacency to wards them: conceiving that the more he commended them, the more couragiouſly they would fight for his Princeſ. He demanded them in moſt ſweet and pleaſant terms, what might be the cauſe of their conteſt, and having in few words told it unto him: Be judg Sir, ſaid ſhe, whether I was in the right in thinking you a better Judg in ſuch a caſe then my ſelf: I ſhould be over partial, (replied he, and ſighed,) and queſtionleſs, your unintereſted reaſon would judge with more equity, then I ſhould with all my experience: Afterwards, ſince this buſineſs did indeed ſympathize with his own inclination, he was pleaſed to beſtow an afternoon in ſuch a divertion as was very ſutable unto his own fortune, having no other buſineſs of conſequence to do that day: for he had been at the Camp in the morning; and he had already been with the King, and diſpatched all buſineſs to Echatan. After then he had placed Marteſia conveniently to hear every one that ſpoke, and ſitting himſelf by her, alſo all the reſt ſeating themſelves in order: It was his pleaſure, that Thimocrates ſhould begin, and addreſs his Speech unto Marteſia, as his Judg, although ſhe did oppoſe it, after a while of ſilence, during which time Cyrus asked Marteſia in a low voice, whether ſhe did not pity that man, who ſuffered all the miſeries which theſe four Lovers did complain againſt. Thimocrates began his ſtory thus.

The Hiſtories of unfortunate Lovers.

BEfore I begin to relate my particular misfortunes, I do conceive it requiſite to conjure you, that you become not partially biaſſed, by the elegant diſcourſes of thoſe who deny the condition which I aſſume, in being the moſt unfortunate lover in the world: for I very well perceive, that they being leſs unfortunate then my ſelf, have more freedom of Spirit then I have, and therefore can better relate their ſtories. He who is not loved, will doubtleſs dreſs himſelf in the moſt amiable language, and will not omit any thing which may perſwade you to compaſſion: he who laments for the death of his Miſtreſs, deſiring to move pity, uſeth all his eloquence to perſwade unto it: The jealous Leontidas will be ſure to magnifie all his imaginary [Page] ſufferings with his Reetorick, ſince he is poſſeſſed with a paſſion that is accuſtomed to make the leaſt things that can be imagined, ſeem great ones.

Marteſia ſeeing Thimocrates expect her anſwer, did aſſure him, that ſhe would not be ſo much convinced by words, as ſhe would be by realities, and reaſons; therefore, ſaid ſhe unto him, Do not you rely too much upon your own eloquence, in ſeeming to fear it in others? and ſo ſhe commanding him to begin his Story, he obeyed, and began thus.

The abſent Lover. The Firſt Hiſtory.

THat Abſence whereof I complain, and which I do maintain, does comprehend all the miſeries which love can cauſe, is ſo great a puniſhment unto one who exactly knows the newneſs of the paſſion, as I am not afraid to ſay, that he who can be abſent from her he loves without extream ſorrow, did never receive any great joy in the perſon he loved, and does not deſerve to wear the noble Title of a Lover, I ſay again, the noble Title of a Lover, ſince it is moſt certain, that he is not capable of that Heroick imbecility, which hath moved many illuſtrious perſons, who are ſometimes ſurprized with it, to act ſuch great attempts, as it hath done: Amongſt all thoſe who did ever reſent this kind of miſery whereof I now ſpeak, certainly, I am the man, who hath had moſt rigid experience of it, ſince love did only ſhew me that amiable perſon whom I adore, to make me more ſenſibly apprehend her abſence, with all the cruel conſequences that are imaginable: Therefore I do not doubt; but at the end of my ſtory, I ſhall obtain the prize of compaſſion, and my impartial Judg will ſentence me to be the moſt unhappy of all theſe who contend for this mournful Title.

Since I came into Aſia, commanding the Regiments of the King of Cyprus, and ſent hither by the Prince Philoxipes; perhaps you are yet ignorant, how I was not born within that Kingdom. Give me leave therefore to acquaint you that Delphos, ſo famous throughout the world for the magnificent Temple of Apollo, and for the ſanctity of the Oracles, is the place of my birth: and I muſt needs tell you, that I am deſcended from an illuſtrious Race, ſince I am branched from him whom the Gods thought worthy, ſo many ages ſince, to conduct unto the ſoot of Mount Parnaſſus, near the Caſtalian Fountain, there to receive the firſt Oracle which was diſpenſed; whoſe daughter afterwards was choſen to be the Prime Pithian, who pronounced ſo many important verities unto ſo many private perſons, Towns, Provinces, Republiques, and Kings. Since that time, thoſe of my family have ever held the prime Rank in their Countrey; and moſt commonly the famous Councel of Greece, which we termed the Aſſembly of Amphictions, was never held, but ſome of my Race were elected in it: I being therefore of a conſiderable extraction, and the Son of one whoſe vertue was above his quality; I was educated with all indulgent care. And though it may be ſa [...] that the Town of Delphos is an Epitome of the World, by reaſon of that huge multitude of all Nations, which reſort thither, and therefore it was not neceſſary for the Inhabitants to travel, for their further inſtruction in forraign Cuſtomes, yet my indulgent father would needs ſend me as a Student unto Athens, and afterwards to remain at Corinth until I was twenty years of age; And I did practiſe in both thoſe famous places, all the Arts which one of my quality could require, as well in all the excerciſes of the body, as in the ornaments of the mind, and knowledge of the liberal Arts; ſo that when I received orders to return unto Delphos, it might be ſaid, that I was a ſtranger in my own Countrey, ſince certainly I knew no body, yet did I know the names of all the prime houſes of quality in the Town, and I remembred alſo ſome old men and women: but as for the young men of my own rank, or any of the ſpringing beauties, I had no acquaitance at all amongſt them. Thus came I then unto Delphos, eſteeming Athens, and Corinth, as my Countrey, where notwithſtanding I lived without any private engagement, although I had ſeen many rare beauties in both places. As I came into Delphos, I underſtood, that my father having ſome important buſineſs, was gone unto Anticires, and at his departure had left order that I ſhould follow him as ſoon as I arrived. The firſt night, I was viſited by very many, but amongſt others, one of my Coſens named Meleſandres, ſuted beſt with my diſpoſition: and truly he was a youth full of ſpirit, and goodneſs, whoſe agreeable humour, was great delight unto me in my melancholy; as he did infinitely pleaſe me, ſo I had the good fortune not to diſpleaſe him; and we did preſently contract ſuch an amity, as death only could diſſolve. After our firſt civilities, I acquainted him with the orders which I received not to ſtay any longer at Delphos, but to go unto Articires: but he told me that I muſt needs defermy departure for one day longer, for there was a very ſtately Ceremony to be performed the next day, and I muſt needs ſee it, I enquired what it was; he told me that there were Embaſſadors in Delphos from Craeſus, King of Lidia, who came to conſult with the Oracle, [Page] and who had brought with them ſuch magnificent offerings, as were the richeſt in all Aſia Since theſe offerings muſt remain in the Temple, (ſaid I un [...]o him) I ſhall ſee them army return. It is true, replied he, but you cannot ſee in one day all the beauties in the Town aſſembled, as they will be to morrow at the Temple, nor can you ever ſee a Ceremony ſo great as this; For they do not uſe to receive private offerings in ſuch ſtate as they will do the offerings of Kings: As for the Ceremonies, ſaid I unto him ſmiling, I can eaſily diſpenſe with them. But ſince you aſſure me, I ſhall ſee all the beauty of Delphos at once, I will take your counſel, and not depart until the next day. Meleſander and I, parted upon theſe terms, the next morning he came betimes, and ſince I was a ſtranger, undertook to ſhew me all the Ceremony, and get ſuch a place where we might ſee all. How indifferent ſoever I ſeemed to be concerning theſe feaſts, yet I obſerved them with much delight: I went as others did, to ſee the treaſures of the Temple, which were ſhewed unto the Ambaſſadours of Craeſus, before they brought their offerings: I admired, as well as they, at a moſt magnificent Chain of pearl, which once they ſay, the famous Helen was owner of: and at another alſo which called Eriphile Miſtreſs: I ſaw there that flately Throne of gold, which the Grandfather of the King of Phrygia did beſtow, and the fix great diſhes which Giges ſent thither, which weighed thirty Talents; alſo ſeveral Statues given by ſeveral Princes: The ſheaves of gold which they of Smirua and Apollonia offered; two Tuns of Maſſie gold which were of curious workmanſhip, and would contain an hundred Gallons of water, being made uſe of it at a Feaſt, which we call Theophanies: I ſaw afterwards (amongſt ſuch amighty Maſs of wealth, which I cannot exactly deſcribe, and wh ch were given by all the Republiques of Greece.) Obeliſque of a miraculous Manufacture, given by Rhodophes that famous Lady, with whom, the Brother of prudent Sapho was in love; who to make it appear, ſhe was in Egypt, where ſhe lived a great part of her life, ſhe gave thoſe wonderfull Piramids, which are talked of throughout the world: after I had well obſerved all theſe Rarities, and a thouſand others, which I ſhall forbear to ſpeak of; every one went to take his place, and the Ceremony of the ſacrifice did begin: Thoſe who were to conſule with the Oracle, did come unto the foot of Parnaſſus, which is juſt over againſt the Temple, where they did purifie themſelves at that famous Caſtalian Fountain; from thence they went into the Temple of the Muſes, which is built upon that river, which run [...] into that of Apollo, and where the Pithian, being under a glorious Canopie, and upon a ſtately Throne; ſhe receives the demands of them who came to conſult with the Gods: after which, ſhe retires behind the ſacred Curtain, where being inſpired by the Gods, ſhe delivers the Oracles unto them who enquire of her: Give me leave, alſo to tell you, beſides the rich offerings of Craeſſus, I ſaw the Statue of a woman of a great ſtature, all of moſt pure gold, and moſt admirable workmanſhip: a Lamp alſo of engraved gold, as rich as is imaginable. But notwithſtanding all theſe wonders, after the Companie began to ſettle themſelves, I left off regarding them, but turned my head towards the Gate of the Temple, to obſerve all the Ladies which entred, and ask Meleſander their names: yet becauſe the croud was very great, I could not diſcern them all, and many paſſed by which I could not diſcover; but I ſaw many beauties enter, which I looked upon with a very indifferent eye, and ſerene mind, without any penetration of heart: yet when the Ceremony was ended, the better to view all the Ladies, Meleſander and I went cloſe to the Gate, to ſpeak with two or three of his friends; and I ſaw one come from behind the Pillars of Marble, which ſuſtains the Arch of the Temple, whom doubtleſs thoſe Pillars had obſcured from my fight as long as the Ceremony laſted; ſhe was a beauty ſo admirable fair, that I was dazled at the ſparkle of her eyes, and magick of her complection: I no ſooner ſpied her, but without further harkning unto what they talked, I pulled Meleſander by the arm, and without taking my eyes off that wonderful object which had enchanted them, Meleſander, ſaid I unto him, ſhewing her, Tell me the name of yonder miracle: Her name is Teleſile, replied he, whoſe name is as famous for the charms of her wit, and pleaſantneſs of her humour, as it is for the excellency of her beauty. At the Name of Teleſile, thoſe who were with us interrupted our diſcourſe, and looking upon her as ſhe paſſed by us, we congyed unto her, and followed her, that we might the longer ſee her: ſince ſhe was well acquainted with Meleſander, and much eſteemed him, ſhe gave him a Salute with ſuch a pleaſing ſmile, and ſo obliging an Air, that as her beauty did ſeem greater in my fancie, ſo alſo did my admiration; and I perceived ſuch an unquiet joy in my heart, and ſuch an interior tumult in my ſoul, that I knew not what I did; and to exculſe my imbecility at that time, I was forced to tell them, that very few hearts were ever aſſaulted with ſuch beautiful and poweful Arms as theſe which wounded mine: Teleſil [...] was about ſeventeen years of age; her ſtature was tale and ſtately; her garb was delightful; her [Page] action was free, and natural: her hair was the pureſt black that ever eye beheld: her complexion was ſo lively fair, that it was not to be looked upon with imagination of Snow and Vermilion, Lillies and Roſes mixed together: for Nature had adorned her face with her pureſt collors, adding unto theſe her ſprightly and ſparkling eyes, mixt with ingenious ſweetneſs, an admirable mouth, fair teeth, and white neck, ſuch as did infinitly Captivate my heart.

But alas, I had no ſooner vewed the faireſt Teleſile, but I could not view her any more; for ſhe went preſently out of the Temple; and the next day, I went out of Delphos; ſo that I was no ſooner in love but I was abſent. As we went out of the Temple and had loſt the ſight of her, becauſe her houſe was very near it, Meleſander and I going to dine together, and his friends having left us alone: Meleſander, (ſaid I unto him) if you be not in love with Teleſile, I muſt needs conclude you are either in love with ſome other, or elſe you are not capable of loving any thing, for I think it impoſſible, that any heart which is not either prepoſſeſſed or incenſible, can reſiſt ſuch an admirable beauty as hers. If Thimocrites, anſwered he and ſmiled, did not fall in love at Athens or Corinth, I beleeve he preſently will at Delphos, and I do heartily thank the Gods, that I ſhall not be his Rival, if he chance to fix upon Teleſile, as I do find ſome likelyhood that he will: I do not yet know, ſaid I unto him, whether or no I ſhall love her: but I am ſure I do already infinitly admire her: That is a good degree unto love, replyed he unto me, But yet Thimocrites (added this officious friend, aſſuming a more ſerious countenance) do not render your ſelf a Captive without ſome reſiſtance, ſince there are many difficulties in the Conqueſt of Teleſile. I will reſiſt, ſaid I unto him, by flying away: for you know I intend to be gon to morrow; but yet I beſeech you what may thoſe difficulties be in the Conqueſt of her? Is it poſſible that a Lady whoſe eyes ſparkle ſo much ſweetneſs, ſhould be more ſecure then other Ladies? Teleſile (ſaid he unto me) has hitherto been very indifferent unto all the Courtſhips which any have rendered her, but that is not the reaſon why I ſpeake of ſuch difficulties in her conqueſt, for the merit of Thimocrates might win more upon that ſcore then any other could; but there is ſomething more capritious on her fortune then ſo: be pleaſed to know then, (ſaid he, ſeeing me to expect his farther relation) that Teleſile is of a very good houſe, ſince ſhe is daughter unto Diophantes, which name you know, and who perhaps is very poor, and perhaps alſo very rich. Unleſs you interpret this Riddle, ſaid I unto him, I cannot underſtand it. You will eaſily underſtand it, replied he, when I ſhall tell you that Diophantes the father of Teleſile is very poor, becauſe he ruined himſelf in the Boetian Wars, and therefore Thimocrates, Teleſile will be alſo very poor, although ſhe be the only daughter of her Father, it being moſt certain that although that houſe do yet ſubject, yet it is abſolutely ruined: I perceive, ſaid I unto him, that Teleſile is very poor, but I do not ſee how ſhe can be rich: You will underſtand both, replyed he, when I ſhall inform you, how ſhe hath an uncle called Crantor, who is very old and never married: he is the richeſt man, not only in Delphos, but throughout all Phoſides, unto whom ſhe ſhall be Heir if he do not dote and marry again, or diſpoſe of his eſtate unto ſome other, as by the Law he may: ſo that ſince Crantor is an old humorous and covetous man, and will ſettle his eſtate upon his Niece or any elſe, but doth profeſs much affection unto her by his diſcourſe, Teleſile remains between both hopes and fears to be either the richeſt or the pooreſt Lady of her quality. This incertainty is the reaſon why her Father does not think upon her marriage, not yet knowing what the deſtiny of his daughter will be. That which beſt pleaſeth thoſe who are in love (ſaid I unto him) is, that Crantor cannot diſinherit her of her beauty. Tis true, (ſaid he unto me) for ſhe has many Lovers who do look upon the treaſure of the Uncle, as well as the ſtarlike eys of the Neece, ſo that never any had a larger Catalogue of ſervants then ſhe: for ſhe is courted, not only by ſuch as her beauty has Captivated, but alſo by all the rich and covetous, and all the ambitious poor ones that are in Delphos: ſome of them not over engaging themſelves, but ſtaying to ſee what Crantor will do; and others do ſtrive to marry her, poor as ſhe is, and will put all their hopes of the future to hazard: yet either by reaſon of Teleſiles indifferencie, or Diophantes his prudence, all her lovers are kept at a diſtance, and hope well. See Thimocrites the fate of this fair one, with whom I do adviſe you, not to engage your ſelf inconſiderately. I gave Meleſander thanks for his counſel, and entring into other diſcourſe we dined and pleaſantly paſſed away the reſt of the day together: yet do what I could, it was impoſſible to drive the beauty which I had ſeen out of my Imagination; nor could I forbear diſcourſe concerning her, although I did reſolve it: When we did meet any one of quality in the ſtreets; there goes a greedy lover of Teleſile (ſaid I unto Meleſander,) and when I looked upon any Lady, I could not chuſe but ſay, ſhe was not half ſo faire as Teleſile, and named▪ her above a Thouſand times in a day, before I ever thought upon it. Mean while the Morning came, and I muſt go unto Anticira, and although this place had [Page] a reputation to recover reaſon in them that had loſt it; yet it deprived me of mine, I was then ſome ten or twelve days with my Father, for love had not yet imprinted the beauty of Teleſile ſo deeply in my heart, but that I could endure this abſence; yet would it not ſuffer me to belong from her: Notwithſtanding, although I can ſay that ſorrow did not much ſeize upon me during this journey, yet I am certain that I found little joy in returning to Delphos, where I had yet no acquaintance but with Meleſander: but to tell you truly, my heart held greater inteligence with Teleſile then I was awar of. And certainly there was ſome ſimpathitical Power in it, which in a minuit did force me to love her, whom I loved all my life. I perceived it at my entrance into Delphos; for meeting a Coach full of Ladies as they were going into the Country, as ſeemed by their equipage, I looked preciſely into it. But oh Heavens, what pleaſing trouble did I find in my ſoul when I ſaw Teleſile in it, a Thouſand times more fairer then ſhe ſeemed before, when I ſaw her in the Temple: the Coach went ſoftly by reaſon of ſome ſtop in the way, which of it ſelf was very narrow, ſo that I had leaſure to obſerve her with more attention then I did at the firſt time, for ſhe had not pulled down her hood, but alas, I my ſelf did draw a curtain between me and her beauty, after I did ſalute her with a very low conguy, I looked upon her ſo earneſtly, and perhaps too impudently, that ſhe bluſhed, and pulled down her hood, as if the ſun had trubled her. As ſoon as I was in the Town I went unto Meleſander, and told him that fortune had as great a care of my preſervation as he had; for to guard me from the inchanting charms of Teleſile, ſhe was gone out of Delphos as I came in: You have better inteligence of her actions, (ſaid he unto me ſmiling) then ſome of her lovers, that are of more ancient acquaintance then you are: for ſhe did undertake a little journey unto one of my Coſens, and I thought that none could yet have known it: But ſo it is, (ſaid I unto him) that I do know of it, for I did ſee her depart: though I do not think that I am yet in love with her, (ſaid I laughing, though I ſpoke it ſeriouſly) yet am I very glad to underſtand her journey is but ſhort, and will not be long before ſhe return. It will not be above four days, ſaid he, during which time I muſt ſhew you all the rarities in Delphos, in hopes if it be poſſible to find an antidote in the eyes of ſome other beauty, againſt the chrams of Teleſile. I did laugh at the pleaſant invention of Meleſander, and conſented to do as he would have me: and during thoſe four days, he carried me unto all the beauties: But the truth is, his deſign took no effect; nor ſerved to no other purpoſe but to let me ſee that there was none in Delphos who came within a Thouſand degrees of Teleſile: Mean while, this fair one, returned from the country: and her return did give freſh invitations of viſit unto all her friends; Meleſandor went to her, and whether he would or no I went with him; though he told me a hundred times that he was unwilling to contribute unto the loſs of my liberty: but in concluſion, my prayers prevailed with him, and he preſented me unto the mother of Teleſile, who treated me very civilly; and afterwards, I was preſented unto Teleſile her ſelf, in whom I found ten Thouſand alluring charms more then I could have imagined, although I fancied her Idea in my mind, as fair as fancy could imagine: I ſaw her, I ſaw ſhe was moſt ſweet and civil, moſt modeſt and gallant, and of a moſt pleaſing ſpirit, indeed amongſt a Thouſand perfections I found not one fault: but that which pleaſed above all was, That amongſt ſo many ſervants as Courted her, I could not obſerve ſhe ſavored any, and by conſequence engaged mee the more, and notwithſtanding her ſweet diſpoſition, ſhe had ſuch a kind of noble pride in her ſoul, as made her to Triumph over all hearts without vanity: and ſhe made abſolute Conqueſts of all that ſaw her, without contributing any of her endeavors to do it. As love was reſolved upon my diſtruction, ſo it moved her, that day to give me ſome hopes to thrive in my new begun paſſion: for as I told her that my intentions were to wait upon her the firſt day I came to Delphos: You have been a long while (ſaid ſhe) in executing thoſe intentions which were a great honour unto me ſince; If I miſtake not, you were here that day the King of Lidea offered his preſents in the Temple, and if my memory betray me not, I ſaw you there with Meleſander; and I did then look upon you as a ſtranger, whoſe name I much deſired to know; and indeed (ſaid ſhe moſt obligingly) I did enquire it of one of my friends, but could not be ſatiſfied. This diſcourſe, which was only civil, and might have paſſed for diſcourſe ſake between two ſtrangers, had ſuch an influence upon me, that I conceived it to be a happy Omen: afterwards I told her for my Juſtification, that I had ſince been at Anticira, and returned not until that day ſhe went out of Dolphos; and that then I did my ſelf the honour to ſalute her neer the Gates of the Town: ſhe then ſeemed as if ſhe did not mind it, becauſe ſhe could not acknowledg it, without taking notice how earneſtly I looked upon her; but afterwards, ſhe was ſo good as to confeſs that it was ſo. This innocent paſſage cauſed her to bluſh, and from thence I grounded freſh hopes unto my ſelf. I parted from her as ſtrongly fettered in the [Page] chains of love as ever man was, and fully reſolved to dedicate my ſelf unto her ſervice. I never endeavored, as others uſe, to reſiſt my paſſion; but on the contrary, I cheared up my ſoul in the humour as much as I could. I did imagin, that happily I might chance to be the fortunate man, for whom her ſoul was moſt ſenſible: for, ſaid I, ſince all the men in Delphos do find their Courtſhips fruitleſs, I may more certainly conclude that ſhe has not yet met with ſuch a man, as ſhe can fancy: If I do conſider her as rich, it will the ſooner advance my deſigne, becauſe my Father will not then oppoſe it; if I do conſider her as poor, I ſhall be the more eaſily happy, for then her Father will not refuſe the motion: indeed I did fancy a facility out of every thing, and ſo much feared leſt my reaſon ſhould contradict my paſſion, as that I did never conſult with it at all: I deſired to keep it as a ſecret, from Meleſander, but it could not be; the flame which the fair eyes of Teleſile, had kindled in my heart, was too great, and ardent not to appear in mine, and I expreſſed too many ſigns of my affection, to conceal it or keep it from being diſcovered: he could not motion any diverſtiſement wherein I could take any pleaſure, walks were but muſing unto me; Muſique made me only ſigh my ſelf into a dampiſh ſtudy; the ſight of all the Ladies in the Town, moved me no more then a ſtone. The ſight of Teleſile only was my dilectable object, and did with intereſt recompence me for the loſs of all other delights: I was ſo tranſported with joy, when I ſaw her but one ſingle minute, that Meleſander ſaw plainly I was in love, as well as by my muſings and melancholy: It was very requiſit therefore to acknowledg it unto him; and to deſire him that he would not oppoſe me in ſuch a thing as could not be remedied, but that he would aſſiſt me in my deſign: I told him this, after ſuch a manner, as he might well know, his councels took no effect, and therefore, he did moſt willingly promiſe me his help. Then I went ſeveral times unto Teleſile, and the ofter I went, more charms and greater civilities I found: This new Conqueſt which ſhe had made upon my heart, was quickly divulged throughout the Town, eſpecially unto both our Fathers, who were neither of them diſpleaſed at it: For the beleef which my Father had, that ſhe would be very rich, was glad in hopes of ſuch a fortune, as might repair the Profuſions of his youth; for truly, his Magnificence, and Liberality had much engaged it. And Diophantes for his part, fearing left his daughter ſhould become poor, was not ſorry that ſuch a man as I, was in love with her: But he carryed the matter ſo cunningly, that he ſeemed not to take any notice of it: and he was ſo well acquainted with the vertue of his daughter, that he did not fear ſhe would too far engage her ſelf, though ſhe was courted by a multitude of men. But amongſt the number of her ſervants, there was one, who was exceeding rich, and indeed much above me, though he was not of any conſiderable family, yet was he very aſſiduous and violent in his paſſion. This man was called Androclides, and had a ſiſter who did often viſit Teleſile: and lodging neer Crantor, was ſometimes viſited again, ſo that Androclides had a very great advantage of me; for his ſiſter did not only ſolicite Teleſile, but her uncle alſo: This was a very conſiderable circumſtance for him who had as amorous an eye, upon the riches of Crantor, as upon the beauty of Teleſile: For my part, it was the riches of her own ſelf which I ſought after; and preferred one ſight of her before all the Treaſures upon Earth: My endeavours to move her heart, were only by letting her fee how much mine ſuffered: for indeed a few days after, I endured as much torment as a man in love could poſſibly do; ſo that I ſaw her no more; and was ſo far from any hopes, as I abſolutly diſpaired: if I conſidered her as rich, then I thought Andnoclides would obtain the approbation of Diophantes, and Crantor to my abſolute prejudice. If I thought upon her as poor, then my Father would thwart my deſign: but the thing which moſt grieved me, was that which at the begining did moſt pleaſe me, I mean, that cloſe indifference which ſhe uſed unto all: for finding her the ſame unto me as unto others, the ſame equality ſeemed ſevere unto my ſelf, which ſeemed a delight when it was uſed unto others: Yet notwithſtanding, I no ſooner ſaw her, but my ſorows vaniſhed: and indeed the very ſight of the Perſon beloved, is an infallible remedy againſt all miſeries: there is ſuch a ſecret kind of charmin it, as ſuſpends the moſt ſenſible ſorrows. I were not able to ſupport my miſery, unleſs I did ſometimes enjoy her preſence: my paſſion is grown to that extremity, that I am not only unhappy when I am from her; but I am far from happineſs when I am not alone with her: neither is that ſufficient to diſſipate my diſcontents, and compleat my joy, unleſs I be reſpected, nor yet that, unleſs ſometimes my eyes do incorporate with hers, which moves a joy ſo pure in my ſoul, as uſually the exceſs thereof produces a moſt pleaſing diſorder in the hearts of all them which knows truly how to love.

Thus for a long time did I live with her, finding no fit opportunities to diſcover my love, otherwiſe then by my reſpects and ſubmiſſions: for beſides that abundance of ſervants which [Page] were continually courting her, I obſerved, that though ſhe was ever very civil, yet ſhe prevented all occaſions of my talking in private with her, and the Siſter of Androclides was alſo ſo circumſpect about her, that I could never diſcourſe of any things but ſuch as were indifferent: I intreated Meleſander to diſſemble a love unto this Siſter, whoſe name was Atalia; to the end, he diſcourſing often with her, he might take her off, and afford me opportunity to talk with Teleſia; but in lieu of doing that office for me, he returned me an angry anſwer without any aſſiſtance. But to make ſome proofs of the miſeries of abſence, as it was the moſt pleaſant time of the year, and Diophantes having a houſe under the Mountain of Himelta, which was the moſt pleaſant Seat of all Phocides, he often went thither, and five or ſix of thoſe journeys, with his whole family, made me as reſtleſs as any heart could be capable of: every minute ſeemed a day, every hour a whole year, and every day an age, but ſuch an age, wherein melancholy was the ſole commander of my ſoul; When I underſtood that Diophantes carried company with him, I was ſorry for it, becauſe I feared leſt ſome ſhould plead for my Rival, when none went with him, then I pitied the ſolitude of Teleſile; and her diſcontents which I did imagine ſhe found, did move the like in me: when Atalia went with her, I was deſperate; when ſhe was in Delphos, the frequent converſation which ſhe had with Crantor, did extreamly trouble me; and I enjoyed not one minute of reſt, as long as Teleſile was abſent. Delphos was as a deſart unto me, the whole Town did put on another face when ſhe departed, and put on a freſh luſtre when ſhe returned: if I walked at any time to ſhun company, my walk was always towards her lodging; and I walked ſo far one day in a muſing ſtudy, that it might rather be termed a journey, then a walk. The Sun by its abſence did not work a greater change upon the Univerſe, then the glorious eyes of Teleſia did upon my heart, when they were abſent: Sometimes would I ſay unto my ſelf, Did ſhe but know I loved her, I ſhould have ſo much ſatisfaction at the leaſt, as to think, that perhaps ſhe ſometimes thinks upon me, and that though I am abſent from her eyes, yet I am not ſo from her ſoul. But alas, purſued I, I am certainly further abſent from her thoughts, then from her perſon, and the unhappy Thimocrates has not place either in her heart or memory: But ah me, would I ſomtimes ſay in my ſelf, Do I not ſee Teleſile in every place? is ſhe not continually in my mind, in my ſoul, in my imagination, and in my memory? Yes, yes, Teleſile is inſeperable from Thimocrates, but for a conſolation in ſo cruel an abſence, Thimocrates ought to be as inſeparable from Teleſile, and for a comfort in my ſorrows, ſhe ought to endure a part of that which I endure, ſo that ſhe might the better judge of my ſufferings, by what ſhe ſuffers her ſelf: yet were there any equity in wiſhing the moſt amiable and excellent Lady in the world to ſuffer that for me, which I ſuffer for her? No, no, I am injuſt in my deſires, and do wiſh things moſt unreaſonable; All that I deſire therefore ſhall be, that where ſhe is, ſhe will not think upon any of my Rivals; that Androclides eſpecially have no place in her memory, and that the unhappy Thimocrates have a little room there. Perhaps it may be ſaid unto me, that in my complaint againſt the miſeries of abſence, I do confound things, and mingle ſome paſſages of jealouſie amongſt my ſtories; yet it is moſt certain, that none of thoſe jealous thoughts had ever come unto my heart, but during abſence; and the truth is, I cannot think it poſſible for any to be abſent from the party loved, but he muſt be a little jealous; yes, and after a more cruel manner then they are, who are jealous through fantaſticalneſs, or weakneſs, in the ſight of the party whom they love; but I never had the leaſt thought of any ſuch thing in the preſence of Teleſile; my jealouſie did alwayes vaniſh at her appearance, as a miſty vapour does when the Sun breaks out; and her abſence made my ſoul ſenſible of all the miſeries which love can cauſe. Mean while, the report of all the Town was, that Crantor did often viſit Atalia, and that ſhe did ſolicite extreamly for her brother; and it was believed that within few days Androclides would marry Teleſile. This report had not yet reached my ear, Meleſander during this time was gone into the Country; and abſence was ever ſo fatal unto me, that the abſence of my friend, as well as my Miſtreſs, was very vexatious unto me. My father, who knew of the buſineſs, and would not have me ſo much diſhonoured as to have Androclides preferred before me; and who alſo knew that as long as I continued at Delphos, it would be a difficult matter for me to ceaſe my love unto Teleſile, but that I ſhould never endure that Androclides ſhould marry her, and would oppoſe it by all ways, that an amorous heart could imagine; he therefore determined upon a courſe, which cauſed me moſt ſenſible ſorrow, although in all appearance it ſhould have rejoyced me, becauſe it was honourable.

At that time, when the famous Councel of Greece, whereof before I ſpoke, was aſſembled: my father to the end he might ſend me away from that place, where he apprehended ſome misfortune might befall me, procured me to be choſen by the Amphictions, to be ſent unto Milete, [Page] (from whence the Prince Thraſibulus was come for ſome reaſons, which would be too long to relate,) to the end I might bring back a true relation of all the paſſages in that famous Town, which then was divided into two oppoſite factions: for although the Mileſians had ſent a Deputy unto the Aſſembly, which did ſit in the Temple of Apollo, as Judges of their differences, although the Aſiatique Greeks did not uſe to acknowledg them to be ſo, yet notwithſtanding, ſince it was the party oppoſite unto the ſage Thales the Mileſian, the Amphictions, would be informed by ſome other way, and I was named for the buſineſs: Queſtionleſs there was never any of my age had ſuch an honour conferred upon him, and at any other time I ſhould have infinitely rejoyced at it: for indeed, to be choſen by the Grandees of Greece, for an Agent unto the Mileſians in a buſineſs of that concernment, was an honour, which any man who was not in love might be highly ambitious of. This abſence procured me miſery inſupportable; It was true, that the buſineſs was honourable, and very likely not to laſt long; my Rivals were all vexed at it, and it might well procure more eſteem in the mind of Teleſile, yet did I receive this honour with extream ſorrow, and ſince it would abſent me from her I loved, all ambitious thoughts were far from my heart; and my miſery ſeemed ſo great, that I could think upon nothing but it; yet there was no remedy, I could not without diſhonour refuſe it, nor deny it unleſs I ſhould loſe my ſelf in the opinion of Teleſile, and the world. Both my honour and my love therefore requiring it, I did obey, and within three days after departed, I endeavoured as I could, to defer it for a while, but it could not be obtained: I had therefore no more to do, but to imploy that ſhort time I was to ſtay in Delphos, as well as I could; I committed the preparations for my journey altogether unto my ſervants, and buſied my ſelf in nothing but watching opportunity to ſpeak with Teleſile in private; being fully reſolved after a long conteſt with my ſelf, to acquaint her with my love, if I could: but I was ſo unfortunate the two firſt dayes, that▪ I could neither ſpeak with her, nor ſee her, becauſe ſhe was not well: The laſt day of my being at Delphos being come, I was extreamly ſad: Alas, ſaid I unto my ſelf, muſt I depart, and not ſo much as ſee Teleſile? or acquainting her how that I love her the beſt of any man in the world? No, no, I cannot do it; death would then be more ſweet unto me then my departure. I did riſe that day extream early, although I knew it would be noon before I could ſee Teleſile, if I ſaw her at all, but indeed the reaſon was, becauſe I was not Maſter of my reaſon, or my own thoughts. I went to bid adieu unto ſeveral of my acquaintance, but in what Quarter of the Town ſoever they dwelt, I was ſure to paſs by the houſe of Teleſile, either in going, or coming, or both, thinking it ſome kind of conſolation to be near her, though I could not ſee her: I received all complements concerning my voyage ſo coldly, as ſurprized every one that obſerved it: and I carried my ſelf ſo indifferently, as I wonder none told the Amphictions, they had made a bad choice of ſuch an Agent, for ſuch an important buſineſs.

In the afternoon I went to Diophantes to bid him adieu, he imbraced me very civilly, but ſince I found him within two paces of his own gates, our diſcourſe was not long, and I asked his permiſſion to bid adieu unto the reſt of his family: he told me that Taxile his wife was not within, but yet although Teleſile was alone, and not well, yet he deſired ſhe ſhould ſee me, and commanded one of her women to conduct me unto her Chamber: Diophantes would have been ſo ceremonious as to conduct me himſelf, but I would by no means ſuffer him: at laſt he left me, and I went by his permiſſion to bid adieu unto Teleſile: I was ſo happy as to find her alone without any company, but two women which waited upon her: As her ſickneſs was not great, ſo ſhe kept her chamber, and not her bed: a little heavineſs in her eyes, me thought, made her more amiable, and I thought her ſo fair that day, as my ſorrows to leave her increaſed: Though ſhe had been told I was coming into her Chamber, yet was ſhe much ſurprized at it. Thimocrates (ſaid ſhe unto me) what's the reaſon you viſit me at ſuch a time, when none ſees me? It is Madam (ſaid I, ſaluting her, and coming to her with all reverence) becauſe Diophantes thought it juſt to permit me, ſo much honour as to ſee you, and bid you adieu, before I went unto Milete. As I had not ſeen her ſince I was choſen for that negotiation, ſhe ſeemed to be very much joyed at the honour which was done me, and commanded a chair to be given me, ſhe expreſſed much civility unto me concerning that buſineſs. If my adored Teleſile had expreſſed ſo much joy in her eyes, for any good fortune which had arrived unto me, without ſuch a diſmal ſeparation from her, I ſhould have received it with extream delight, and eſteemed my ſelf moſt happy, but ſince my paſſion thought her ſomething cruel in rejoycing at that which deprived me of her preſence, I anſwered her complements only with ſighs. Madam, ſaid I unto her, you are extreamly good to rejoyce at any thing which is advantagious unto me; but I do not know whether you would be as ſenſible of my bad fortune, [Page] as you ſeem to be of my good. You ſuſpect my Generoſity (replied ſhe, ſmiling) ſince you think that I will intereſt my ſelfe only in the good fortune of my friends. Truly Thimocrates, (added ſhe, and ſweetly chiding me) you take my rejoycing at your good fortune in ſo bad a ſence, that if any averſe accident happen unto you, I think I may without injuſtice not be ſorry for it, and I am a little angry that it will be a long time before I can be revenged upon you, after that manner; for you are going unto a place where you will have much applauſe; you will return back hither, after you have acquitted your ſelf as worthy of that imployment which is conferred upon you, with abundance of honour. But ſince I cannot revenge my ſelf by not taking any part in your misfortunes, perhaps I ſhall do it in not taking any part of your joy. Since revenge is ſecret (replied I unto her) and ſince I ſee you would puniſh me, I will afford you a moſt fit ſubject; and tell you, that I am at this preſent the moſt miſerable of all men living. The moſt miſerable? (replied ſhe craftily,) for ſhe perceived that I intended to ſpeak concerning my paſſion, which ſhe had formerly obſerved.) If you be ſo, then do not acquaint me with your misfortune: for I do not hate you enough to rejoyce at it, nor can I at this time grieve at it without the hazard of my health; which, ſince you are very generous, I hope you will conſider it: I then ſaid, Truly Madam, (replied I) when I told you that you would ſhare only in my good fortunes, but not in my bad: But ſince I have not ſo much vanity as to think that my moſt violent ſorrows, will move any other then ſlight ones in you, I will diſcover ſome part of my misfortunes unto you: Then you are fuller of revenge then I am, (replied ſhe) for I do preſently repent of my intentions to be revenged, and you do perſiſt to puniſh me for a thing which I did but one minute think upon: I do intend no revenge or puniſhment Madam, (ſaid I unto her) but on the contrary, I endeavour to give you an occaſion of it. No Thimocrates, ſaid ſhe unto me, I would not have you acquaint me with any thing, which may be diſadvantagious unto you. Doubtleſs (ſaid I unto her) you do already know, that which cauſeth my misfortune, and I have told it unto you ſince I came hither. If you did tell it unto me (ſaid ſhe in great amazement) then I did not underſtand you. Pardon me Madam (replied I) for you gave me an anſwer unto it. Then ſurely I do not remember it (ſaid ſhe) and certainly it is no great misfortune ſince it made no deeper impreſſion in my memory. Hence it is, Madam, ſaid I unto her, that my departure is ſo indifferent unto you: You know, ſaid ſhe, that I uſed ſome expreſſions of joy at it. You would have done me a greater favour (ſaid I unto her, and bluſhed) if you had been troubled at it: and it were more equitable to lament the ill you have cauſed, then to rejoyce at the good which you did not cauſe. Oh Thimocrates, (ſaid ſhe unto me) I will not ſhare either in your joys, or ſorrows, for I perceive you ſpeak not ſeriouſly. Madam (ſaid I unto her) you cannot, without doing me manifeſt wrong, think, but that I ſpeak with all poſſible ſincerity, when I do aſſure you, that I ſhall depart from you with ſuch exceſſive ſorrow, as cannot be compared unto any thing, but the ſame paſſion which cauſed it.

Teleſile ſtood amazed at my diſcourſe, but deſiring to turn it into a piece of Raillery; Thimocrates, (ſaid ſhe unto me laughing,) I ſee you are in the faſhion, and as other young Gallants of your age and quallity in Delphos, do uſe, you muſt make a ſhew as if you did not hate me. But know, I beſeech you, that I did never contribute any thing unto your humour: and that I do know my ſelf too well to believe any ſuch things; and for your particular, I do eſteem you ſo much, that I will not believe you: for Thimocrates, if I ſhould once believe you were in earneſt, I ſhould then accord your company, which yet is very delightfull unto me: therefore if the ſight of me do give you any ſatisfaction, deſiſt from that which will be prejudicial unto you, and counterfeit affection no longer. I do not counterfeit (ſaid I unto her) but tell you a moſt certain truth, when I tell you, that my ſoul loves you more then all the reſt of your lovers, put them all together. Since my father (replied Teleſile) did not give you any permiſſion to talk of any ſuch things, I think I may without any incivility deſire you, either to change your diſcourſe, or elſe to make haſte, and take your leave. That is a moſt cruel word (ſaid I unto her) and I will defer it as long as I can; if it be poſſible I can do it at all, and not die. As ſhe was about to anſwer me, and aſſumed a more ſerious countenance, which made me tremble, Atalia, the Siſter of Androclides, came in: Siſter (ſaid Atalia unto her, for ſo they called one another) I did think that I only ſhould have enjoyed that priviledge which you were pleaſed to grant me, of ſeeing you whileſt you continued ill: and yet though I perceive that Thimocrates enjoys that happineſs as well as I, I will not be jealous: There is this difference betwixt you two, (anſwered Teleſile) that you are here by my own conſent, and Thimocrates is here by the conſent of my father. Since it is ſo (replied Atalia) I am very well ſatisfied: So am not I, (replied I) but on the contrary, ſhall lament my departure from Delphos: You [Page] have no reaſon to do ſo, replied Atalia, ſince this voyage will prefer you unto honour. I do not, value that at all, replied I. You have no reaſon to do ſo (anſwered Teleſile, who durſt hardly look upon me) ſince there is nothing which ought to be ſo dear unto you: After this, two of her Cofens entred, and I was obliged to go away. But when Teleſile, who would not be uncivil before thoſe Ladies, brought me to her Chamber door, Madam, ſaid I unto her, in a low voice, if I do not die with ſorrow during my journey, my heart ſhall return full of the ſame paſſion which at this departure it is poſſeſſed with: I wiſh your voyage may be proſperous, (ſaid ſhe unto me bluſhing) and I wiſh (ſaid ſhe in a low voice) you may return wiſer then you ſeem to be at parting, to the end Teleſile may for ever eſteem you, as according to your merit ſhe ever did. She ſpoke with ſuch a modeſt Air, ſeeming to be neither ſerious nor in jeſt, that I knew not well how to reſent it: So that from the time of parting, I found my heart ſo extreamly troubled, as that for many hours after I could not think upon any thing: But the next morning I departed in ſuch deſpair, as is not expreſſible; for every ſtep being further from Teleſile, I was ſenſible of ſo much ſorrow as none can imagine, who never had trial of the like miſery: Queſtionleſs it was much advantagious unto me, that my inſtructions were in writing, ſince certainly I ſhould have very ill acquitted my ſelf of my Commiſſion, if they had truſted unto my memory: Teleſile was all my thoughts. I conſidered how I left the ſiſter of Andraclides in her Chamber; how I had left an infinite number of her Lovers at Delphos: my imagination did preſent every one of them unto me, both the rich and the poor ones; the handſom and ill favoured; not one of them, but ſometimes I did fear them: in ſuch a cruel manner does abſence make every thing appear. When I was in Delphos, my ſoul found ſometimes ſome tranquility, for when I was wi [...]h my amiable Teleſile, I was not unhappy; and when I was not with her, yet I knew where ſhe was, what ſhe ſaid, how ſhe did: So that, if Androclides ſhould not ſee her more then I did, I ſhould not have cared for any others; for he was the richeſt, and more welcome then all the reſt. But when I began to conſider, that it was abſolutely impoſſible for me to know how ſhe did, I was then moſt extreamly melancholy: I conc [...]ited her in the mornings t [...] be in the Temple, waited upon by Troops of Rivals: in the afternoons I did imagine h [...]r to be diſcourſing with them, and they with her; at night, me thought I ſaw her talk of a [...]l the paſſages in the day: but of all the four and twenty hours, I could not find one minute, wherein I could reaſonably hope, ſhe ever thought upon me. Thus did I live without any conſolation, until I began to think that Meleſander was returned unto Delphos; for this I confeſs, I began ſometimes to chear up my ſelf in the thought, that this officious friend would ſometimes ſpeak unto her concerning me, ſince at my departure I left a Letter for him which deſired as much. But although this thought produced ſome ſweet minutes, yet it was ſeconded by others of a more bitter temper; for I had ſuch an extream deſire to know, how ſhe would ſpeak concerning me unto Meleſander, after I had diſcovered my paſſion unto her, that it did make me moſt melancholy and reſtleſs: I could meet with nothing that was pleaſing or ſutable unto me, my inclination was ſo diſpoſed unto choler, that the leaſt fault of my Servant did at this time anger me more then the greateſt would at another: and if love had not ſomething tempered me, and told me that I muſt acquit my ſelf of my imployment with ſome honour, certainly I ſhould have rendred but a ſtrange account of my negotiation: but when I conſidered, that the honour which might accrue unto me by it, might render the more in favour with Teleſile, I began to rouze up my ſpirits, and no ſooner arrived at Milete, but began to tranſact with as much alacrity and diligence as was poſſible: I will not inſiſt upon the paſſages of this great buſineſs, ſince it would be too long to relate, and is not at all pertinent unto the ſtory of my Love, which is the only thing I aim at: Give me leave to tel [...] you only thus much, that notwithſtanding all my cares, I was two whole months in Milete, and heard not any news from Delphos, becauſe the winds were continually contrary for any Navigation; I thought at firſt, that my ſorrows would diminiſh, but yet my ſoul would not ſuffer them; for I found that time did more augment my melancholy; and certainly thoſe paſſions which leſſ [...]n by long abſence, are of a mean quality, and never knew extreams. Whenſoever the wiſe Thales, with whom I tranſacted againſt the oppoſite faction, told me of any obſtacle in our affairs, I appeared to be ſo extreamly troubled at it, that this wiſe man, who could not d [...]ve into my heart, did think me the moſt ambitious man of honour in the world, and the beſt Agent that ever could be choſen: when it pleaſed the Fates that I had happily finiſhed all my buſineſs, I departed from Milete, and returned to Delphos: And if it become me to ſay it, I got honour enough by the tranſaction of that important Affair; the wiſe Thales did me the favour to write unto the Amphictions in my behalf, and in ſuch a manner as was very advantagious for me, ſo that I had very good cauſe of rejoycing, but my ſoul was accuſtomed [Page] unto melancholy, that it could not reliſh any manner of joy; for amidſt my hopes of ſeeing Teleſile again, my fears to find ſome alteration in her fortune, which might prove diſadvantageous unto me, did infinitely trouble me; yet notwithſtanding, when I did imagine I ſhould ſee her, and that mine eyes ſhould again incorporate with hers, I was infinitely pleaſed: In ſhort, to abreviate my diſcourſe, I arrived at Delphos, but it was ſo late that my father was in bed; ſo that I went to lie with Meleſander, in hopes to hear ſome news of Teleſile: and ſince he kept no very good hours, I went into his Chamber; this pleaſing ſurpriſe cauſed him to imbrace me with extream joy, and I him with no leſs: But yet not knowing what I ſhould hear concerning Teleſile, I durſt not much rejoyce: I looked in his eyes for that which was in mine own, and after I deſired hi [...] to bid his ſervants retire. Well Meleſander (ſaid I unto him) is Teleſile the ſame ſhe was? Is ſhe as fair as ever? Has not my abſence been favourable unto ſome of my Rivals? I have ſo many things to tell you (anſwered he) that I know not where to begin: and there has been ſuch alterations in your affairs, that you will much wonder at them.

Ah Meleſander, (ſaid I unto him) Tell me quickly in groſs what they are? But if Teleſile be either dead, or married, tell me only that I muſt die, to the end my deſpair may laſt no longer. Teleſile, replied he, is living, and as fair as ever, neither is ſhe yet married unto any of your Rivals. This anſwer having calmed my ſoul; and being now only inquiſitive to know what this alteration might be, I underſtood, that as ſoon as I departed, all my Rivals rejoyced at my abſence, though the cauſe of it did trouble them, becauſe indeed I was the Rival they moſt feared: amongſt the reſt Androclides was well pleaſed at it; yet, ſaid Meleſander unto me, ſince his mind is divided between the hoped for riches of Teleſile, and her beauty, he deſired his Siſter to ſolicite as much as ſhe could againſt all his Rivals, and to prepare the mind of Teleſile for him as well as ſhe could; and without telling her the true ground of his affection, he did deſire her to protract the buſineſs as long as ſhe could. But the truth is, although he was in love with Teleſile, yet he deſired not to marry her until Crantor had ſetled his Eſtate upon her, as he hoped he would by the ſolicitations of his Siſter, which was very frequently with him. But to make you better underſtand (O my equitable Judg) all that Meleſander told me; be pleaſed to know, that Atalia, who loved the riches of Crantor, as well as her brother, did make as if ſhe believed that Androclides deſired her to ſolicite for him, only out of his affection unto Teleſile, and that being ſo paſſionate as he was, he would marry her either poor, or rich: ſo that ſhe having obſerved that Crantor was moſt ſenſibly moved at her beauty, (for indeed ſhe was very fair) ſhe omited nothing that might win upon the heart of a covetous man; ſhe diſcourſed with him concerning nothing but houſhold matters: ſhe would chide him for his ſuperfluous expences, and ſeemed to affect all the delectations which men of his age & diſpoſition uſe; inſomuch as Crantor eſteemed her as ſhe deſired, and propound marriage unto her. Atalia, who was not very rich, being Siſter unto Androclides by the mothers ſide, did harken unto the Propoſition, and asked counſel of none, but aſſuring Crantor of her conſent; ſhe ſent unto Androclides in the morning to come and ſpeak with her: Brother, ſaid ſhe unto him, as ſoon as he came into her Chamber, If it be really true that you love Teleſile, I have great news to tell you, for the truth is, I know of an infallible way how you may marry her, if you pleaſe: Dear Siſter (ſaid he unto her) how infinitely ſhould I be obliged unto you, if by your frequent converſation with Crantor, you could move him to do that which in all reaſon he ſhould? I ask your pardon (ſaid he unto her) for cauſing you to keep company ſo much with a man of his years, whoſe humours cannot be any thing agreeable, or pleaſant unto you. Brother (ſaid ſhe) I perceive you do not underſtand the way how you may marry Teleſile, nor do you know what I would do to compaſs it: and therefore I will tell you, that it cannot be brought about, unleſs I ſacrifice my ſelf for you, and deprive my ſelf of all manner of pleaſures in this world. I ſhould be moſt unhappy, replied Androclides, if my felicity ſhould make you unfortunate: but yet what odd way is this, which I cannot imagine? It is (ſaid ſhe, bluſhing, and half laughing) that Crantor being perſwaded I am [...]ch, would marry me. Androclides was ſo amazed at this, that he thought he had miſtaken her. Would Crantor (ſaid he) marry you? what does he intend by that? He intends, ſaid ſhe unto him, to marry Teleſile unto you, as ſoon as he hath married me: ſo that Brother, your good fortune does at preſent abſolutely depend upon my will: for if I do ſatisfie his paſſion, he aſſures me he will ſatisfie yours; and he will move Diophantes to give Teleſile unto you: Brother (purſued ſhe) to marry a man of his age and humour, is a thing which I can never do with great repugnancie; yet my love to you is ſo prevalent, that I will maſter my averſion towards him, and I do aſſure you, that the delight which you will receive by enjoying Teleſile, will comfort me, much more then all the treaſures [Page] of Crantor. Whileſt Atalia ſpoke thus unto him, he was ſo aſtoniſhed, that he knew not what to anſwer: and ſince he was much troubled to make his ſiſter underſtand, that avarice had as great poſſeſſion of his ſoul as love, he went very ſubtil to work. Dear ſiſter, ſaid he unto her, I ſhall never give my conſent that you ſhould make yourſelf unhappy, all the days of your life, for the love of me; and although I do paſſionately love Teleſile, yet I will never marry her upon ſuch conditions as that you ſhall marry Crantor. Brother, ſaid ſhe unto him, if there were any other remedy for your diſeaſe, I ſhould never have recourſe unto this; but ſince there is none, I am reſolved to be generous, and oblige you whether you will or no: I know very well, ſaid ſhe further, that you wiſh in your heart, that I were already the wife of Crantor, ſo you might marry Teleſile, and that it is out of a complement you are oppoſite to that which you think will not pleaſe me; for I cannot think you beleeve me ſo baſe, as to imagine more ſatisfaction in the riches of Crantor, then I expect melancholy in his diſpoſition: ſo that being perſwaded you cannot be happy but by my means, therefore I am reſolved to contribute unto your happineſs without your conſent. Oh dear Siſter, anſwered he, I will never ſuffer it: do you not conſider the extream old age of Crantor, his humours, and his coveteous diſpoſitions?

Brother, ſaid ſhe, I will not think upon any thing but the admirable beauty of Teleſile, the enjoyment of whom, will make you eternally happy. Androclides even deſperate to heare Atalia talk ſo, told her, that ſince it was her own intereſt which moved her unto this, he deſired her to conſider, how in marrying Crantor ſhe would infinitly diſpleaſe Teleſile, ſince ſhe prevented her from being the richeſt match in all Phocides. For my part ſiſter, ſaid he unto her, I ſhould find happineſs enough in the beauty of Teleſile, but I knew not whether ſhe would find it without the Treaſures of Crantor, and whether ſhe will not be revenged upon me for the prejudice you ſhould do her: No, no (replied Atalia) for ſince Teleſile has not a coveteous ſoul, ſhe will not care ſo much as you think for that loſs; but rather be glad to find ſuch a fortune as yours. So that all the evil in it will only reflict upon me: all the hope is, it will not continue long, Androclides uſed many arguments to diſſwade, and Atalia to perſwade, whilſt neither of them expreſſed their real thoughts, but both endeavoring to deceive each other: And thus they parted, Androclides conjuring his ſiſter not to conſent unto the marriage, and ſhe ſaying that ſhe was reſolved upon it. Afterwards, ſince ſhe was abſolute Miſtris of Crantors mind, ſhe ſent to deſire him that he would come unto her, and ſhe carried the matter ſo cunningly, that ſhe perſwaded him to marry her without any Ceremony, by reaſon of Diophantes; and ſince Androclides her brother intended to marry his Neece, ſhe did not need to ask his conſent. So that without any longer delay, he marryed her the next morning, in the preſence of five or ſix perſons who had dependance upon himſelf, and the next day following carried her into the country, to avoyd ſuch talk, as uſes to be of ſuch marriages. Mean while Androclides was extreamly troubled at it, and the ſtar-like eyes of Teleſile could not comfort him; but when he underſtood the buſineſs was paſt, he fell into an inconceivable diſpaire. Yet ſince he did not abſolutely beleeve it, he went unto a friend of his, who often viſited Teleſile, to enquire the certainty of is; and found there more then he expected, for Teleſile was there alſo, being come to enquire of Crantors marriage: That which was moſt obſervable, was that Androclides ſeemed more troubled at it then Teleſile, whoſe generous Soul ſtood unſhoken at the accident; and whoſe mind was ſo free as to obſerve, that the ſorrows of Androclides were grounded upon an intereſt: he addreſſed himſelf unto her amazedly, end deſired her not to think that he was acceſſory unto his ſiſters deſign, but would have prevented it if he could: I beleeve it, (anſwered Teleſile coldly) and I know you well enough to make any doubt of it. But Androclides, ſaid he, ſince the fair Atalia your ſiſter, is perhaps more joyed to have gotten the wealth of Crantor, then I am ſorry for the loſs of it, I do conceive it more juſt for you to go and rejoyce with her, then to ſtay here, and trouble your ſelf with me, who I aſſure has patience and reaſon enough about me, to endure as great a misfortune as this is. It ſeems, ſaid Androclides, that I am more ſenſible of your misfortunes then you your ſelf is: It ſeems alſo, replied ſhe, that your diſpoſition and mine is different, and therefore do not look upon things after the ſame manner: Teleſile did not intend any long viſit, and therefore ſhe returned home, where ſhe found Diophantes, and Taxale, extreamly troubled, at the news which they had heard of: This wiſe young Lady did comfort them as well as ſhe could; and though ſhe was ſenſible enough of the loſs, yet ſhe deſired them, not to reſent it ſo deeply, aſſuring them for her part, that ſhe had no ſuch kind of ambition, ſhe would not be troubled at all for it, ſo they would cheare up themſelves. In the mean time, all the lovers of Teleſile, were much ſurpriſed: thoſe who were not rich durſt not think any [Page] more of marrying one who was not, left they ſhould make both her and themſelves miſerable: they imagined alſo that ſhe would not conſent unto it, there being greater reaſon why a woman which is rich, ſhould marry a compleat man who hath little, then that two perſons of quality who are both poor, ſhould marry together. But as for Androclides, though he was very rich, yet ſince he found a great alteration in the fortunes of Teleſile, he found an alteration in her alſo; yet he was aſhamed to make his appear unto the world at firſt, and truly he did affect her with as much love as he was capable of, and therefore he did viſit her according to his uſual cuſtom, and found all his Rivals there alſo: for never was any ſo much pityed as ſhe was upon this occaſion, and they could not have ſhared deeper in her ſorrows, if ſhe had loſt all that was dear unto her: But yet within a few days after, viſits were not ſo frequent, and amongſt the reſt, Androclides did often balk the houſe, and when he did ſtep in to ſee her he ſpoke only concerning things indifferent; and one day, pumping for a handſom pretence to eſtrange himſelf the more, he told her, that he obſerved Diophantes her father did of late ſalute him very coldly, and as he heard, he uſed to ſpeak very ill concerning Atalia, who was his ſiſter, and it therefore reflected upon him.

Androclides, (ſaid Teleſile unto him, who knew the real reaſon of this exceptation) you need not trouble your ſelf ſo much as to ſeek for any pretence to cloak your deſires of ſeeing me no more, it is free for every one to follow his own inclination: and ſince I know you cannot love the faireſt woman upon Earth, unleſs ſhe be rich: ſo my humour is ſomething contrary toy ours, for I cannot love the richeſt man in all Greece, if he be not owner of a ſoul which ſoars higher then his riches: So that I think it will be advantageous unto us both, if you deſiſt from offering out of a falſe kind of generoſity, your complements unto one who has loſt all that can make her amiable in your eye. Androclides was ſo ſurpriſed at the freedom of Teleſiles diſcourſe, that he began to proteſt, his thoughts were all contrary to what ſhe ſaid, but it was with ſuch a forced airc, and in ſo many ambiguous words, as if he feared to ſpeak to much, or engage himſelf further then he had a mind: Teleſile then looking upon him with a ſcornfull kind of ſmile; No, no, Androclides, (ſaid ſhe unto him) diſſemble it no longer, and leave meat liberty to enjoy a Treaſure which I prefer before ſuch things as moſt moves your diſpoſition, I mean a Liberty to enjoy my thoughts alone: Androclides taking opportunity by the toppin, made uſe of this occaſion, and quite left off his viſits, as many others beſides did; ſo that within a ſhort time the houſe of Diophantes was as ſolitary, as before it was tumultuous, and full of people. Teleſile wondered at the weakeneſs of men; and when ſhe beheld her ſelf in a glaſs, ſhe asked her ſelf whether or no her beauty changed: but finding the ſame eyes, the ſame complexion, and the ſame in every thing ſhe was before, ſhe began to receive ſo great an averſion againſt all men, that ſhe was very glad to be rid of their company: But ſince the noyſe of this alteration was high in every quarter of the Town, Diophantes to leſſen it went into the country: ſo that when I was returned unto Delphos I found her not in it: and I was informed by Meleſander of all this I have related unto you. This abſence ſat ſadly upon my ſoul, for I fancied ſuch hopes of my ſeeing Teleſile againe, that the privation of ſuch a happineſs made me not ſenſible of that joy I might well apprehend, in underſtanding I was rid of all my Rivals, and in hopes that hereafter Teleſile would look upon me more then before: for certainly I did as much rejoyce at her poverty, as Androclides did grieve at it, becauſe I thought it a fit occaſion to let her know the greatneſs of my love: But when I conſidered that ſhe was not in Delphos, hopes extinguiſhed, and fears revived in my ſoul: I apprehended, that the buſineſs of ſome men might make her hate all, and I could not find any ſatisfaction in any thing: The next morning, I rendred an account of my imployment, and received all the applauds from the Amphictions which could poſſibly be hoped for: My Father was ſo well pleaſed with me, that he expreſſed many marks of affection: All my friends did upon this occaſion viſit me. And had I not been in love, doubtleſs I had found ſubjects of joy enough; but abſence from Teleſile did bitter all my joys; and the deſire I had to teſtifie unto her, that I was not of the humour of thoſe men who had forſaken her, did trouble me much, as if ſome grand misfortune had happened unto me. During all this time, I could not endure the company of any but Meleſander, becauſe I could not freely diſcourſe of my love with any elſe, and becauſe he was ſo complacential as to hear me favorably, which queſtionleſs is one of the moſt ſenſible conſolations, which one who is abſent from her he loves, can enjoy: But after I had ſighed away many a, day Diophantes returned and brought Teleſile with him, who was fully reſolved to avoyd the converſation of men, as much as handſomneſs would permit her: I no ſooner heard ſhe was returned to Delphos but I went unto Diophantes, who entertained me with much civility; Taxile did the like, and ſo did her adored daughter, [Page] yet with this alteration, her civility was more ſerious and cold then formerly. Yet notwithſtanding, I was ſo over-joyed to ſee her, and to find her without any of my old Rivals, that I made no reflection upon it until after I was gone: This firſt viſit laſted no [...] long, for ſince they came in late, it was neither diſcretion nor manners to ſtay any longer with them. So that I told Teleſile, only with my eyes that I loved her; who would neither underſtand nor anſwer me in that language, which ſhe her ſelf firſt taught me. But when I was returned unto my Chamber, the faint coldneſs of Teleſile troubled me; and I imagined that perhaps ſhe was offended at my diſcourſe with her at my departure; yet I hoped that my conſtant perſeverance, might win upon her: The next morning I did as I was accuſtomed, before I went unto Milete, which was, to go unto the Temple, where I know ſhe would be. There I found Androclides, and the greateſt part of thoſe who loved her before my departure: but they had all of them changed their places, for whereas they were wont to ſit cloſe unto certain Pillars of marble, cloſe unto Teleſile, where I firſt ſaw her, they now diſperſed themſelves into ſeveral other Sears: yet I, who not like them, was no changling, did ſeat my ſelf as I uſed in a place where I might ſee her, and ſhe me; at the firſt ſhe took no notice of me, becauſe ſhe was intent upon her devotions unto the Gods, but afterwards ſhe turned her eyes towards me, and I ſaluted her with ſuch reverence, as might make it appear I was in love with her; Teleſile returned my complement with a bluſh, and me thought ſhe looked Androclides in the eyes, as if ſhe would thereby tell, that all the world had not rejected her; and indeed her looks had ſuch an influence, that though her action was without any deſigne, yet Androclides changed both colour, and place; and immediately went out of the Temple, as one that was aſhamed of his baſeneſs, and would have been very glad, if I had been as unworthy as himſelf. I underſtood afterwards that the conſtancy of my affection, had almoſt made him renew his, and conquered his covetous inclination.

But yet in concluſion, he was contented to ſhun Teleſile, and me both. For my part I let ſlip no opportunity of ſeeing her I loved: and it had been very difficult for her not to do me ſo much favour, as to make a difference betwixt me, and thoſe who had caſt her off; yet notwithſtanding, ſhe was ſo abſolutely reſolved to love none at all, that ſhe did treat me with much indifferencie: Thus did I live a long while, and could not find a fit opportunity to talk in private with her; becauſe ſhe her ſelf took away all occaſions of it: But at the laſt I met her upon the banks of the River Cephiſes, which runs by Delphos, where all the Ladies of the Town uſed to walk, and left their Coaches at the end of a large Meadow, ſet round with mirtles, moſt delectable: there ſhe was with two others of her friends, who after they had taken a turn or two, did meet with ſome men of their acquaintance, who led them by the hand, whileſt I did the like unto Teleſile, and could diſcourſe with her without being underſtood by any but her ſelf; for the freedom is greater at Delphos, then at Athens, or Corintis, by reaſon of the multitude of ſtrangers which reſort thither, and do inſenſible introduce the Cuſtomes of their Country. But Oh Heavens, how was I gravelled, when I offered to begin diſcourſe! I no ſooner reſolved to ſpeak one thing, then I did contradict it, ſo that we walked a long while without a word between us both: but in concluſion, my paſſion ſpurring me up, I began with a ſigh, and ſaid; I wiſh the Gods were pleaſed, adored Teleſile, you underſtood the thoughts of my heart without my tongue, and that you gueſs how much I adore you. I can eaſily ſatisfie your wiſh, ſaid ſhe unto me, for I am ſo very well acquainted with the hearts of all men, that I muſt needs know yours.

Oh Madam, ſaid I, make no cruel compariſons, nor, I beſeech you, confound Androclides and Thimocrates together: Androclides, ſaid ſhe, is thought to be very prudent; and Thimocrates ſaid I, i [...] very amorous. Thimocrates, replied ſhe, can perhaps diſſemble better then others, but for all that his ſoul is ſubject to the ſame imperfections that other men are, who begin to love, and never think upon it: continue it through cuſtome, and end it out of an humour, doing every thing without any reaſon. Oh Madam, (ſaid I unto her) how ill do you interpret Thimocrates, if you ſhould think ſo of him? For indeed, I muſt confeſs, that I began to love you, whether I would or no, but I continue it both out of mine own free diſpoſition and reaſon: I departed from you as full of paſſion as ever man, I endured that cruel abſence with unimaginable ſorrow, and I return with affection infinitely augmented: although, I thought it a thing moſt impoſſible, that my love of you could admit of any increaſe, ſince the firſt minute I began to fix it upon you. Thimocrates, ſaid ſhe unto me, Androclides within this three months would have ſaid the ſame unto all the men of Delphos, when he ſpoke unto them concerning me: Moreover the ſuppoſed beauty of Teleſile, has now loſt all its charms, ſince Crantor has put her out of any hopes of his riches. The reaſon why Androclides loved Teleſile (ſaid I unto [Page] her) was the riches of another, but I adore her for her own riches: No, no, Divine Lady: (ſaid I) it is thoſe eyes, it is that mind which I regard, and indeed it is only your own merit which I love, which I ſerve, and which I will adore as long as I live. Beauty, Thimocrates, (ſaid ſhe unto me) though I were owner of it, yet it is a thing which is as ſoon loſt as any thing elſe; ſo that though your ſoul is not ſenſible of anyſuch ſordid paſſion, as to prefer riches before honour and virtue; yet I have no good aſſurance of your affection, and I am perſwaded that you will do that hereafter out of weakneſs and inconſtancy, which Androclides has done out of covetouſneſs. No, Divine Teleſile, anſwered I, you do not know me: yet to be ſincere unto you, I do confeſs that the loſs of your beauty would be an inconceivable grief unto me, but it would be in relation to your ſelf, not that it is abſolute neceſſary to keep in that fire of affection which is throughly kindled in my heart: but I look further, and I find ſo rich a beauty in your mind, moſt charming Lady, that although thoſe glorious flames in your eyes were extinguiſhed, yet your ſoul has beauty enough to raviſh mine, although you were not fair at all: But Teleſile has yet ſeen ſo little of the Spring time of her beauty, that it is [...] long time till the Autumn. It is for want of experience then (ſaid ſhe ſmiling) that I ought to diſtruſt my ſelf: And therefore Thimocrates, not to deceive you, I pray you know this, that how coarſly ſoever fortune has treated me, yet will I carry it as highly as ever, and will be much more hard to be perſwaded then before: I ſuſpect all men, and my ſelf alſo; therefore give over your deſigne, if you will be ruled by me: and I conceive you may do it without any diſhonour; for when one runs away with a croud, (ſaid ſhe laughing) he hides his flight amongſt the reſt: but if you ſhall perſiſt in your Courtſhip of me, and afterwards make [...] retreat, you will then be taxed with abſolute inconſtancy: Give over then, Thimocrates, go, and leave Teleſile at reſt: for ſhe will neither love, nor beloved, ſhe thinks her ſelf ſo rich in her own vertue, that ſhe deſires no more. You ſhall poſſeſs my heart (ſaid I unto her) whether you will or no: I ſhall know that (ſaid ſhe ſmiling) whether you will or no; and ſo mixing with the reſt of the company, we walked on, and I had not any opportunity to ſpeak any more in private with her; and my mind wa [...] ſo buſie with thinking whether I had cauſe of hopes or fears, that I knew not what any ſaid. But to ſhorten my diſcourſe, I ſhall in few words tell you, that the hundred thouſand ſervices and ſolicitations which I rendred unto Teleſile, move ſome acceptance of them, ſhe knew that her father would not diſlike of my affection; and ſhe her ſelf did ſo like of my proceedings and addreſſes to her, that ſhe entertained them with as much acknowledgment, as ſhe ſcorned them th [...] had forſaken her. In a word, I arrived unto ſuch a happy condition with her, that ſhe believed I loved her, and gave me leave to tell her as much.

In the mean while, Androclides, ſince he could not endure the ſight, either of Teleſile, or me, went into the Countrey, and ſo in time many others of her former Lovers, ſo that I thought my ſelf in a very happy condition; for I ſaw Teleſile everyday, and ſhe was ſo ſweet as to ſeem as if I were welcome: ſhe had not directly told me that ſhe loved me; but as I one day took an occaſion to ſpeak with her, ſhe told me that there was news abroad which would make Androclides hate her more then he did; which was, that Atalia was like to bring forth a Succeſſor unto Crantor, and it was true, but ſhe looked ſo attentively upon me when ſhe told it, as if ſhe would find the bottom of my heart by the colour in my face. No, no, ſaid I unto her, ſubtle Teleſile, you cannot find anything in my face which does not ſpeak that real thoughts of my heart, and you ſhall never find anything in my heart, which ſhall make me unworthy of yours. I wiſh I may not, ſaid ſhe haſtily: She had no ſooner pronounced this laſt word, but ſhe bluſhed as if ſhe had committed a crime, and endeavouring to mitigate that obliging interpretation which I might have made upon it, but it was with ſuch a pleaſing confuſion, that I placed that minute in the number of the moſt happy ones that ever I had in my life; but Heaven knows it was ſeconded with as great a misfortune, as I thought that a happineſs: for I was no ſooner at my lodging, but my father ſent for me, and told me that he [...]ood in great need of my company in a journey which he intended in the morning, & that I muſt prepare my ſelf for it; I endeavoured to excuſe it, but could not: but preſently after, I underſtood by Meleſander, that my father did complain unto a friend of his, of my love unto Teleſile, telling him that he ſuffered it, as long as there was any hopes of her being rich; but that he would not ſuffer it now that hope was taken away: ſo that when I had vanquiſhed the rigor of Teleſile, and was almoſt ſure of Diophaxtes his conſent, unto whom I had made addreſſes by Meleſander, a new obſtacle ſtarted up, and I muſt be ſenſible of all the horrid rigors of a [...]ong abſence; for, to depart from her one loves, is doubtleſs a great miſery; but to depart from her one loves, who loves him again, is incomparably the moſt diſmal diſaſter that can poſſibly [Page] come unto a man: yet notwithſtanding I muſt prepare my ſelf for it, and go with my father unto the furtheſt part of all Phocides, towards Megares: I knew not whether it were expedient to tell him that I took my leave of Teleſile: but depart we did, and during this voyage, this misfortune happened, that the Commonwealth had given my father ſuch an imployment, as was exceedingly beneficial, and augmented his eſtate: ſo that I met with nothing but obſtacle upon obſtacle; and I was as much grieved at my good fortune, as I could not be more, if the worſt had happened. During this time, my father uſed all his arguments to avert my love; and ſometimes alſo, I endeavoured as much as I could to perſwade him to prefer the vertue of Teleſile before any thing elſe; but when I found that the more I teſtified my conſtancy, the more I retarded my return to Delphos; I diſſembled my thoughts, and made him believe that abſence had wrought the cure upon my love-ſick mind: But alas, how extreamly was he deceived in his belief, for I was never in my life ſo deeply plunged in the gulf of love, as then I knew that Teleſile loved me, and I underſtood by Meleſander, that my abſence much troubled her, and I fancied ſuch a Heaven of delight in ſeeing her again, that I thought upon nothing elſe. Yet I knew that my father would not return to Delphos of a long time, if I did not very much think that I was abſoluted averted from Teleſile; Therefore I did v [...]zard my affection, and began to make frequent viſits, (for we were in a great and populous Town,) and I fixed upon one above the reſt who was indifferently fair: but yet I entertained not one thought of her which did leſſen my love of Teleſile: This Lady was of a moſt ſweet, but melancholy compoſition, and by conſequence [...] could better think upon Teleſile when I was with her, then if ſhe had been ſprightly, and airy. Theſe viſits produced thoſe effects in the mind of my father, which I expected; for now he thought I had quite forgotten Teleſile, ſince I was in love with Pheretime, for ſo was her name. But ſince he did not approve of this ſecond choice, no better then of the firſt becauſe though Pheretime was of a noble family, yet not ſo illuſtrious as he expected, therefore he reſolved to return unto Delphos: But although this harmleſs diſſimulation wrought good effects upon my father, yet they produced bad ones upon Teleſile, who, as I came afterwards to know, was informed by the means of Androclides, ſhe not knowing it came from him, that I was deeply engaged with Pheretime: ſo that when I returned unto Delphos, I found an alteration in her mind; and I underſtood by Meleſander, that for this fifteen dayes ſhe could not endure to hear him talk of me as ſhe was accuſtomed: Diophantes alſo ſeemed to be changed as well as ſhe; for knowing that my father was averſe to any aliance with him, his mind was much angered, ſo that for ſome certain dayes, I was as miſerable as any lover could be in the preſence of the party loved: but at the laſt finding an handſome opportunity to ſpeak unto her; What have I done Madam, (ſaid I unto her) has abſence removed me out of your heart? are you culpable of the weakneſs which I have heard you condemn? Thimocrates, ſaid ſhe unto me, charge not me with your own crimes, be contented that Teleſile does not complain of you, not but that ſhe hath ſufficient cauſe for it, but ſhe will not becauſe ſhe is generous: Therefore, (ſaid ſhe with a forced ſigh) fear not, that my upbraidings of you ſhall moleſt that delight which you take in thinking upon Pheretime. Pheretime? (ſaid I in much amazement, and underſtanding then the cauſe of her alteration,) Ah Madam, you do not know me, you do not know her, nor do you know your ſelf, if you can believe that I can think upon her when I ſee you: I ever thought upon you Madam, when I ſaw Pheretime, nor did I ever think upon her ſince I came to Delphos: Oh Heavens, and moſt unjuſt Lady, ſaid I unto her, If he has wronged me, who muſt I require ſatisfaction from? for I never ſaw Pheretime, but only to that end I might the ſooner return unto Delphos, and ſee Teleſile: Then did I moſt ſincerely relate all the paſſage unto her; afterwards I beſeeched her to tell me who was her informer of this falſe news: And after much praying preſſing, conjuring, and importuning Teleſile, ſhe named the perſon who informed her, and is appeared to be an eſpecial friend unto Androclides. In the mean time, as my heart was innocent and faithful, and all my ſpeeches unto her moſt true, I made my peace with Teleſile, inſomuch as ſhe did not at all ſuſpect my conſtancy: but yet ſhe was very angry with her ſelf for ſeeming ſo jealous of me, which was the reaſon that I did not find her ſoul ſo free and quiet as it was wont to be; however I thought my ſelf extreamly happy, and I told Diophantes that I did not deſerve to be puniſhed for that obſtacle which my father did intend unto my deſigne. Now was there nothing which vexed me, but that againſt my heart I muſt not viſit Teleſile ſo often, leſt my father ſhould again ſend me away, as formerly he did; but although I did not go any more unto her houſe, yet I did meet her in other places, and ſaw her almoſt every day; I did ſeveral times move her unto marriage without the conſent of my father; but ſhe was ſo noble and diſcreet, that ſhe would not permit it, and told that Diophantes [Page] her father would be againſt it as well as ſhe, therefore ſhe thought it the beſt courſe to wait patiently and quictly until the heart of my father altered: but I enjoyed not this calm very long, for by ſome fantaſtical humour of Fate or other, we were almoſt continually ſeparated: one while a friend of mine had a quarrel; and I in point of honour muſt be his ſecond, which cauſed me to fl [...]e from Delphos: another while Diophantes was ſick in the Countrey, and Teleſile was with him: ſometimes abſences did ariſe without any reaſon or ground in the world, as if Fortune had no other deſigne but to perſecute ſome long abſences, ſome ſhort ones, ſome premeditated, ſome upon a ſudden: I no ſooner came unto Delphos, but went out of it; and ſhe no ſooner returned but I went out: And it may be truly ſaid, that I never parted from her, but ſome misfortune or other fell out: There was continually ſome little quarrel or other between us, which abſence was the cauſe of: and I remember one day, I was ſo fantaſtical as to complain that I found her always too fair at my returns: for ſaid I unto her, my adored Teleſile, if my abſence ſhould trouble you, as yours does me, I ſhould find the freſhneſs of your fair complection look more pale upon it, and ſhould ſee ſome ſignes of melancholy in your ſprightly eyes, which would make me extreamly glad; whereas on the contrary I ſee a joy which diſquiets me, fearing that my return is not the only cauſe of it. In a word, I had as much trial of abſence in all its kinds, as ever man had, and ſuffered as deeply as any Lover could do. But whether I was abſent out of any advantageous reaſon, or by reaſon of any angry accident, my ſoul was never ſenſible either of joy or ſorrow, which thoſe ſeveral cauſes might have moved: nor did I apprehend any other motions in my ſoul then ſuch as love only was cauſe of: After then a months abſence, and a hundred thouſand ſorrows, I returned to Delphos, where I underſtood that Atalia the Siſter of Androclides, and wife of Crantor, was dead, in child-bed of a Son, and that the Son alſo died a few dayes after the mother: ſo that Teleſile was in greater hopes then ever, to be the richeſt fortune in all Greece: for it ſeems that Crantor repented of his marriage, and was not at all pleaſed with Atalia: ſo that now my father could not upbraid me with the ſmall portion of Teleſile any longer, but thought me moſt happy in my choice: For my part I could never ſuſpect that ſhe would ſuffer the change of her fortune to change her mind, but I feared that Diophantes would to my prejudice take exceptions againſt my father; ſo that to make the more haſte, I went with poſt-ſpeed unto a houſe which my father had, about two dayes journey from Delphos, where then I was, with intentions to acquaint him with my affection unto Teleſile, but as ill luck was, I could not find him there, but muſt wait eight dayes before his return: for the men he left at home, knew only when he would return, but not whither he was gone: At his return, I did acquaint him with my buſineſs, and received an anſwer according unto my hopes, ſo that I returned unto Delphos the moſt ſatisfied man in the world. I underſtood alſo when I came there, that Crantor was ſuddenly dead; ſo that after I had firſt been at mine own lodging, to put my ſelf in a condition firſt to appear before Teleſile, I went unto her, but I was infinitely amazed to find almoſt all the Town there, and moſt eſpecially all my old Rivals, in the firſt rank of whom was Androclides: yet notwithſtanding ſince the condition of Diophantes deſerved ſo much civility, upon ſuch an occaſion of mourning, I perſwaded my ſelf that it was the [...]r buſineſs unto him, and not to her, who I thought they durſt never be ſo impudent as to ſpeak unto after ſo much buſineſs, but I was much deceived in my conjectures, for as ſoon as the firſt dayes of ceremonious mourning were paſt; Teleſile was importuned by all thoſe who had before unworthily rejected her, and by ſome alſo who never thought upon her before.

Then did I engage Meleſander to ſpeak unto Diophantes, and tell him that he might very well make a difference, between me and the reſt of Teleſiles pretenders: but whether becauſe now the choice being in him, he would not be too haſty, or becauſe he intended a revenge upon my Father, he returned him a very cold anſwer, and would not give any conſent, but rather put into diſpaire: yet had I ſo much conſolation as to find no alteration at all in Teleſile, but ſaw her ſcorn all thoſe whom her Fortunes rather then her beauty, had invited thither: Yet, as if Fortune would have it, there came at that time to Delphes a man of great quality, called Menecrates, who had been long in Travel, and at his returne fell in love with Teleſile, who having ſhare in the crimes of the reſt, troubled me very much: for he was hanſome; of an Illuſtrious Family, and his fortunes very Noble; yet notwithſtanding, Teleſile did behave her ſelf ſo wiſely, that the very ſight of her did diſſipate all my [...]ears, and gave me ſo much freedom of ſpirit, as to laugh at the diſſembled actions of all theſe unworthy lovers, [Page] who were ſo much aſhamed, and whoſe ſpirits were ſo dejected, that they durſt hardly ſpeak: but yet they waited upon her, and viſited her whether ſhe would or no: as for Androclides, he went more prudently to work, for he laboured more to gain Diophantes the Father, then to appeaſe the diſpleaſure of the daughter. I know not what means he uſed, but I was told that he had ſo inſinuated himſelf into the favour of the Father, that there was great likely-hoods he ſhould ſhortly be the husband of the daughter. I went immediately unto her, in hopes to quallifie my fears, and to receive ſome freſh teſtimony of affection from her which might confirm me: but I found Androclides there, who being more confident by reaſon of his hopes in Diophantes, did ſpeak unto her concerning his paſſion more openly then he did before the death of Crantor. When I underſtood below, that he was alone with her, I went up in all haſte, and as ſoon as I came unto the Chamber door, ſtayed there, not well knowing whether I ſhould enter, or harken; but the door being open, and the hangings hiding me, I ſtayed to hear their diſcourſe, and heard Teleſile ſay in a ſharp tone; No Androclides, deceive not your ſelf, It is not I who ought to recompence you for all your cares and ſervices: for it is not Teleſile whom you loved, nor who loves you, and therefore ſhe is not at all obliged unto you. When I heard this well-pleaſing diſcourſe, I confeſs I reſolved not to enter ſo ſoon; and indeed I could never prefer any thing, above the ſight of her I loved before this time. Then I heard Androclides tell her, that he valued not the Treaſures of Crantor, but only for the love of her: Rather ſay for the love of your ſelf, replyed Teleſile, and know, that though you ſhould imploy all your life in perſwading me, that you love me, I ſhould not beleeve it; No, no, Androclides, I value not my ſelf ſo low, as to accept of half a heart; a heart which has doted upon that which is unworthy to be put in the balance with Teleſile, and is the object only of baſe ſouls: Indeed I ſhould ſooner pardon one that is unconſtant, who ſhould reject me for one that is fairer then my ſelf, then I would a covetous wretch, who rejects me, becauſe I am not rich enough for his pallat: for confeſs the truth (ſaid ſhe unto him,) if I ſhould be ſo fooliſh as to marry you, and ſhould afterwards by any croſs accidents loſe all thoſe things which are the baſſis of your affection; that I ſhould have neither any Lands, nor Jewels, nor any houſes or houſhold-ſtuff, but that Teleſile ſhould be without any of theſe charms which you value moſt; confeſs the truth, I ſay Androcldes, would you love her ſtill? Doubtleſs I ſhould, anſwered he in much amazement: I cannot beleeve it, (anſwered ſhe) but Androclides, I will let you ſee that I am not guilty of that crime with which you tax me, and that it is not the preſent condition of my Fortune, which moves me to ſpeak ſo violently, know therefore—

When Teleſile ſaid ſo, I confeſs my heart began to beat, and I made ſuch a noiſe behind the hangings, as I might well have been heard, if Teleſile had not been in paſſionate choller, and Androclides amazed. But after I was quietly ſetled I heard her purſue her diſcourſe; Know therefore (ſaid ſhe) that it is not the alteration in my fortunes which moves me to treat you as I doe; and though I were in the ſame condition I was within this Month, yet ſhould I not pardon you for what you have done, for truly I can never marry any man but ſuch an one as I eſteem, and I cannot eſteem that man, wheloves me only for what I have, and for ſuch things as are below my ſelf. Teleſile had no ſooner ſaid this, but I fearing leſt Androclides ſhould by his ſubmiſſions molifie her, did haſtily enter into her chamber; and ſo amazed my Rival, that he could not hanſomly recollect himſelf: Since what I had heard did fill my heart with joy, my company, if I dare ſay it, was more pleaſant unto her, then Androclides, for ſince he never loved her, but for ends; his reſentments of her ſcorn, was more groſs, and his ſorrows more apparent: his baſe behaviour before, alſo ſtruck him dumb, and did Captivate his ſpirits: for my part, I did imagin that I lead him all that day in Triumph: preſently after, there came in many Ladies, and in the general diſcourſe, I ſpoke many ſtinging words concerning Androclides, and he anſwered me in ſuch a language, in which he deſigned the like unto me, but knew not how, for he could not upbraid me with any thing, although I rubbed up a hundred ſeveral truths which were very unpleaſant unto him. Teleſile took great delight to ſee me quip him in that manner; yet as ſhe was very prudent, ſo ſhe did divers times divert the diſcourſe, fearing it might come to a ſharper buſineſs: Not that ſhe thought I would be ſo uncivil as to quarrel with Androclides in that place; but becauſe ſhe imagined he would be eaſily nettled, ſince he was ſo culpable, and that the wittieſt and ſineſt kind of Raillery, would incenſe him to become furious: and truly it was a difficult matter for me, in ſpite of all generoſity, not to inſult upon any unfortunate Rival that day. In going from Teleſile, he went to Diophantes, who was walking towards the Caſtalian Fountain: ſo that when I returned home, I underſtood by Meleſander, that my Rival was with the Father of my Miſtris, and [Page] I underſtood the next morning, that Diophantes, more valuing the great eſtate of Androclides, then his rejecting of Teleſile, and perhaps excuſing his inclination by his own, did abſolutely command his daughter to look better upon Androclides; for indeed he was fully reſolved, ſhe ſhould either marry him or Menecrates, I came to know thus much by one of her women, which Meleſander helped me unto, who heard all the diſcourſe between Diophantes, and Teleſile: So that all the hopes and conſolation which I had was only in Teleſile, who I knew very well did ſcorn Androclides, and did not love Menecrates, nor did ſhe hate me: All I feared was her great virtue, which perchance would not contradict the commands of her Father: for that woman which told me what Diophantes had ſaid unto his daughter, did not tell me what anſwer Teleſile returned, ſaying that they ſpoke ſo low, ſhe could not underſtand it: I being then in this condition went one evening unto Meleſander to conſult with him, what was the beſt remedy againſt ſuch a diſaſter: his ſervants told me that he was gone out to walk in a great Meadow behind the Temple of the Muſes, there I went alſo, but in ſieu of finding my friend. I found Androclides walking all alone: The ſervants of Meleſander told me ſo confidently that their Maſter would be there, and it being ſomething dark, I alſo being prejudicated, miſtook him, and thought him to be Meleſander, ſo that coming cloſe to him, Muſt Teleſile, ſaid I unto him, be continually troubled with the covetous Androclides? Androclides (anſwered he, and knowing me by my voyce) will continually perſecute Teleſile, though it were to no other end but to perſecute Thimocrates; and Thimocrates (anſwered I, being extreamly ſurprized at my miſtake) will quickly rid her both of her perſeentors and mine, when I ſhall pleaſe; In ſaying ſo, I layd my hand upon my ſword: and Androclides without loſs of time, drawing his, and I mine after him, he fell feircely upon me, pronouncing ſome words undiſtinctly which I could not underſtand: I ſhall not ſtand to particularize a Combate which was without witneſſes, but leave you to judg by the event, at what I did: Androclides, was doubtleſs both gallant and well skilled, ſo that if I had not been more fortunate then he, at this bout doubtleſs I had been vanquiſhed: yet the fight was not long, for being run through the body he fell, reeling as far as a little gate of the Temple, which was never uſed, but upon certain days of Sacrifice: I went unto him, thinking he was only wounded, and moving him to acknowledg the advantage, I found he was without more motion, or any appearance of life: yet in point of generoſity I would try whether there was any way of help unto him, whilſt Menecrates paſſed by, being waited upon by ſome ſervants, and ſince the Moon ſhined very cleer, he perceived the glittering of my Sword at the gate of the Temple; and knowing it was no place for any ſuch buſineſs, he came ſtraight unto me, but when I perceived ſeveral men, I retired in all haſt, not being known by them, though Menecrates cauſed ſome of his ſervants to follow me: but he remained with Androclides, whom he knew, and though he was his Rival, yet took care of him. Some ſacrificers hearing a noyſe ran thither, and were much amazed at the prophanation, for the place where we fought was ſacred ground, and the gate of the Temple was all blood. They carried this Corps unto the next houſe, where he ſhewed ſome ſigns of life, in ſo much as by virtue of ſome ſpirits, he recovered ſpeech, and told all the truth unto Menecrates, and ſo by conſequence my act was made known unto all my Rivals by two malevolent witneſſes. Androclides knowing that now Thimocrates had ſpoiled his hopes of Teleſile, would not beſmear him with a lye: Menecrates thinking himſelf obliged unto me for ridding him of a terrible Rival whom Diophantes prefered before all the reſt, would make me a recompence by his ſincerity: yet however, the Combate cauſed a great neyſe about the Town: the place where he was wounded did aggravate the crime: The Bithian made lond complaints, the people of Delphos ſaid it was an ill paſſage: and ſince Androclides was dead, which was the next day, I knew there was no ſafety for me in the Town. Preſently after the Combate, I retired unto Meleſander, who the ſame night convayed me unto the houſe of a friend, where in all likelyhood they would not ſearch for me: It is not an eaſie matter to relate unto you my ſorrows upon this occaſion: for when I conſidered how I muſt leave Teleſile, in a time when Diophantes would infalibly marry her, and in a time when ſhe had a Thouſand ſervants, I wiſhed with all my heart, that Androclides were alive againe: And if I had killed the deareſt friend upon Earth, I could not have greaved more, then I did for the killing of my Rival: Teleſile was extreamly ſad at it: and both by her natural goodneſs, and many other ſigns, ſhe teſtified as much: In the mean while, I am proſecuted and fought after: and all the endeavours of my Father to qualifie the matter were in vain: All he could do, was to protract the matter, and keep them from pronouncing ſpeedy Condemnation: ſince the Councel of the Amphictions did not ſi [...] [Page] I had leſs protection, then if they had: At the laſt, the ſentence was, that I ſhould be baniſhed for three years, and not to return into any part of Phocides upon pain of death: This ſentence of Grace, was indeed to me a ſentence of death: for when I conſidered what joy my Rivall would apprehend; how much my baniſhment made for them, and how I had ruined my ſelf, my reaſon was ſo confounded, that I was not maſter of my own thoughts: I told Meleſander that I would not go out of Delphos, but remain ſtill concealed, and indeed I ſtayed then above a month after my condemnation; during which time I underſtood that my Rivals were every day with Teleſile, nor could I blame her, ſince ſhe could not avoid them: and though I underſtood by Meleſander that ſhe was exceeding ſenſible of my misfortune, which ſhe out of her goodneſs was pleaſed to call hers, yet I could not endure to be deprived of her ſight: In the mean time, I was in danger to be taken three or four times, and I was forced to change the place of my retreat above ſix times, becauſe Meleſander and I were informed that it was diſcovered where I was: nor was it either ſtrange or difficult, for all my Rivals were ſpies unto them which proſecuted againſt me: So that Teleſile not liking that I ſhould expoſe my ſelf unto ſo much danger for her, did write a Letter unto me, by which ſhe abſolutely commanded me to depart not only out of Delphos and Phocides, but alſo out of Greece. Since I did lie concealed I had written very often unto her, but did receive no anſwer: after I had read her Letter, I anſwered her, that ſince it was her pleaſure I ſhould depart, I beſeeched to permit me the ſight of her, and to bid her adieu: Meleſander did all he could to hinder me from asking ſuch a favour as might ſo much endanger me, and which perhaps Teleſile would not conſent unto; but I did peremptorily tell him, that I would never out of Delphos until I had ſpoken with her. This faithfull friend then went unto her, and told her my full reſolution: ſhe was extreamly angry: ſhe told Meleſander, that my affection unto her was inconſiderate: that her honour was not deare unto me: that I was not reaſonable, and that I asked ſuch a thing which ſhe ought not to conſent unto; and therefore ſhe proteſted that ſhe was reſolute, and would not upon any terms allow it; but, ſaid Meleſander unto her, were it not better to ſuffer it, then to ſuffer them to find out Thimocaates, and put him to death? Ah Meleſander (ſaid ſhe unto him) you are no leſs unreaſonable then your friend, to preſs me unto that which I will not do, and to urge me unto it againſt my mind: At the laſt, after a long conteſt, ſhe told him, that ſo he would contrive a way, which would not any way expoſe me unto danger, and which would be handſome for her, ſhe would ſee me, though (ſaid ſhe) it be to ground me in my obſtinacy: Meleſander then bethinking himſelf, propoſed unto her, to make a viſit unto one of his couſins, as formerly ſhe uſed to do, who was one of great merit and virtue, unto whom he would bring me the night before ſhe came thither. But (ſaid ſhe unto him) what wil your couſin think? what wil your ſelf think? & what wil Thimocrates think? No, no, Meleſander, I cannot, I cannot conſent unto ſuch a meeting; and indeed he could not that day perſwade her. But the next day, I was in ſuch danger to be taken, that I was glad to take a new Sanctuary, and ſhe fearing to be the cauſe of my death, it moved her to conſent to ſee me at Meleſanders couſins, provided that ſhe and he would be preſent at our diſcourſe. I cannot expreſs the joy I then apprehended when I heard I was to ſee Teleſile, though it was only to bid her adieu. But in ſhort, I was that night carried unto Meleſanders couſin, where my adored Teleſile ſhould meet me the next morning, waited upon only by that woman, who was my confident: It is not eaſie for me to diſcribe how this viſit did go againſt the hair of her diſpoſition, and againſt that preciſe virtue whereof ſhe made profeſſion: ſhe came unto the chamber, where I was alone with Meleſander, and her couſin, as if ſhe had committed a great crime in coming, and addreſſing her ſelf unto her, What will you think of me, (ſaid ſhe unto her,) for coming to you with reſolutions to quarrel with your friends? I ſhould think (anſwered ſhe, for we had told her all the buſineſs) that you would have been moſt inhumane, if you had expoſed ſo precious a life as that of Thimocrates unto danger. Madam, (ſaid I then, not giving her time to anſwer) I moſt humbly beſeech you pardon the trouble I have put you unto, and beleeve that if I could poſſibly have done otherwiſe, I ſhould not have forced your inclination ſo far. After this we all ſat down, and diſcourſed a long time of the misfortune which had faln upon me, and of the reſolute obſtinacy of my enemies in proſecuting againſt me, ſince Teleſile would not permit me any privacy with her: But ſome or other deſiring to ſpeak with Meleſanders Couſin about ſome important buſineſs, ſhe deſired Teleſile to excuſe her a little while, and when ſhe had ſpoken with this party in another chamber ſhe would return unto her again: ſo that without neglecting this opportunity, whileſt Meleſander went unto the window with a woman which accompanied his couſin; Madam, ſaid I, are you then reſolved upon my departure, and that I muſt abſent my ſelf from you without any knowledg whether you will honour Thimocrates with any remembrance [Page] of him? But Madam, he is not able to depart upon ſuch conditions: The affection he bears unto you is too violent to endure it: and if you be not pleaſed of your goodneſs to give him ſome obliging hopes, to comfort him in his abſence, he will not depart at all. I ſhall tell you, for your ſatisfaction, replied Teleſile, that I do much lament your misfortune, and am ſo ſorry that I ſhould be the cauſe of it, as that your abſence will much grieve me, and I ſhall heartily wiſh and long for your return.

This is much Madam, (ſaid I unto her in a moſt reſpectful manner) but it is not enough to preſerve the life of a man who muſt be an age from you. I know not (ſaid ſhe) whether this which I ſay unto you be enough for you, but I am perſwaded Thimocrates, that it is a little too much for me, yet I do not repent of what I ſaid, (ſaid ſhe ſmiling) but if you pleaſe I will repeat it again. Not to trouble you with any repetitions of what you ſaid already Madam, (ſaid I unto her) I beſeech you ſpeak ſomething more then yet you have. What would you have me ſay? (ſaid ſhe.) I deſire (replied I) that my adored Teleſile will aſſure me, that my abſence ſhall not root me out of her heart, and that neither Menecrates, or any other of my Rivals, ſhall ſupplant me, and take poſſeſſion of it. I promiſe you, replied ſhe, to ſatisfie you in your firſt ſcruple, and permit you to hope that none of the reſt ſhall prejudice you, without any fears of being deceived: For indeed Thimocrates, I have ſo bad an opinion of all men, that I wonder how you come to be ſo much in my opinion: You lo [...]den me with honours and delight (ſaid I unto her) but Madam, notwithſtanding all theſe ſweet and gracious favours you are pleaſed to conſent unto, I am afraid of your virtue, I fear that when Diophantes moves you to marry Menecrates, I fear, I ſay, that abſent▪ Thimocrates has no ſuch prevalency in your heart, as to hinder your obedience. Thimocrates, ſaid ſhe then unto me, me thinks you may be very well contented with what I have already ſaid, without forcing me as you do to give a more rigid anſwer. Ah Madam, (ſaid I unto her being extreamly tranſported with ſorrow) I underſtand you too well, I ſee you will not chuſe Menecrates, but you will accept of him if it be the pleaſure of Diophantes. If he will abſolutely have it ſo, replied ſhe, doubtleſs I ſhall obey him. Since it is ſo, ſaid I unto her, I need not think any more of my departure from Delphos: But I will ſtay, Madam, I am reſolved upon it, and ſay what you will unto me, I will never leave you in ſuch a cruel incertainty: But Thimocrates, ſaid ſhe, you have loſt your reaſon in ſpeaking as you do. But inhumane Teleſile, replied I, you have loſt your goodneſs in anſwering me as you do. For what would you have that man who infinitely adores you, do? who when he is gone, leaves you in a mind to marry him, whom of all the reſt of my Rivals, Diophantes intends to propoſe unto you? from whence can I have any conſolation, cruel Lady, during ſo long and rigid an abſence? Can I ever contemplate your beauty? without thinking, that perhaps it is the felicity of Menecrates, not mine, to enjoy it? Can I with any delight remember that ſweetneſs which has ſeveral times proceeded from you, ſince I am in fears that you will be eternally ſevere unto me? Can I with any ſatisfaction think upon theſe favourable words which I hear, when I do imagine, that perhaps I ſhall never hear any more? Indeed Madam, is it poſſible I ſhould live at a diſtance from you, in ſuch uncertainties? No, no, indeed I cannot; and I had much rather die before your eyes, and by the hands of mine enemies, then to go upon any ſuch terms. But Thimocrates, ſaid ſhe unto me, what is it which you deſire? I do not deſire Madam, ſaid I unto her, that you ſhould promiſe the unfortunate Thimocrates to marry him: I only deſire, that you would aſſure him not to marry either Menecrates, nor any elſe during my abſence. You inſiſt upon good ſecurity (ſaid ſhe unto him ſmiling, notwithſtanding the melancholy of her eyes;) But yet Thimocrates, all that I can ſay unto you is, that I will endeavour as far as any handſomneſs will permit me, to break off my fathers deſignes in marrying me unto you; but to promiſe you that I will ſo far diſhonour my ſelfe as openly to diſobey my father, is a thing which I cannot do: and perhaps (ſaid ſhe almoſt againſt her intentions) if you ſhall render your ſelf worthy of it by your obedience, I ſhall do more then I will promiſe you; but indeed Thimocrates, (ſaid this vertuous Lady) we muſt not merit our misfortunes through our own imbecilites, nor truſt too much unto humane prudence, but leave ſomething unto the conduct of the Gods, who in ſpire of all our endeavours will bring us unto that paſs they would have us: I do confeſs that conſidering the manner wherein Teleſile expreſſed her ſelf, I had good reaſon to be contented, although I was not; but I did ſo violently preſs her father, that ſhe was ready to leave me in an anger, ſeeing I would not depart, unleſs ſhe promiſed me all that I deſired: She then called Meleſander to her relief, and his Couſin alſo, who juſt then returned unto us; and do what I could, it was not poſſible for me to obtain any further from her: Then ſhe did command me ſo peremptorily to depart as ſoon as I could, that at laſt I reſolved upon it: [Page] Meleſander put me into ſome hopes, that as ſoon as I was gone they would endeavour to procure a revocation of the Sentence: but for all that, I was ſo diſmally deſperate at my departure, that I was not capable of any conſolation. Mean time Teleſile left me, before I could ſpeak one word more unto her, for when I perceived by her actions that ſhe intended to be gone, my reaſon left me, and I neither knew what ſhe ſaid unto me, nor what I my ſelf did; I knew only that ſhe held out her hand unto me, which I in all humility and reſpect did kiſs, and then ſhe immediately vaniſhed out of ſight; ſo that being in no hopes to ſee Teleſile any more, I thought upon nothing but my departure, I had a good mind firſt to fight with Menecrates, but Meleſander diſſwaded me, ſaying, that ſince Teleſile had ſo many lovers, it would be an everlaſting fatal piece of work to kill them all. In concluſion, within two days after this interview, I departed with Leontides, who is here at this preſent, whom the King of Cyprus had then ſent unto Delphos; & who returned at that time: Since all Countrys where Teleſile was not, were indifferent unto me, I followed Leontides, and reſolved to wander through all the Iſlands of the Aegian Sea, as I did, until the King of Cyprus & the Prince Philoxipes, did me the honour to give me the Command of their Troops with Philocles: you may very well imagine then, that this laſt abſence was infinitely horrid unto me, becauſe it was to be a long one, Menecrates, as I underſtood, and an hundred other freſh ſervants ſince I came from Delphos, are continually courting Teleſile; Diophantes perpetually moves her to make choiſe of an huſband: Menecrates is a moſt compleat man: my enemies are continually more and more hot againſt me: and all my Rivals ſolicit ſecretly, to prevent any revocation of my ſentence; for reports went that I only was the cauſe which moved Teleſile to deny them in their ſuits: ſo that I have no foundation to ground any certainties upon; although Teleſile be not yet married, yet I know not what ſhe may do, ſince ſhe only afforded me ſome hopes: and therefore I have great reaſon to fear, that either her weakneſs or her vertue will render me moſt miſerable, either by her obedience unto her father, or by ſuffering her ſelf to be woon by Menecrates: See hear, O my moſt equitable Judg, what experience I have had of all thoſe horrid rigours in being abſent from the party loved: and it will be no difficulty to make it appear unto you, by reaſon as well as by example, that abſence is ſuch an evil as incomprehends all the reſt▪ Indeed, as love has its beginning by ſight, and is continually kept alive by the ſame, ſo it muſt neceſſarily follow, that abſence is that which is moſt oppoſite unto it. And as nothing is more delightful then the ſight of her one loves, ſo nothing is more cruel then not to ſee her; ſhort abſences augment love, but long ones turn it into furie and deſpair: when a determinate time is limited, then impatiency until that time is expired will admit of no reſt: and when there is no certainty how long the abſence ſhall continue; melancholy does damp all the ſweets of any hope: and indeed, whether it be long, or ſhort, terminate, or without limits, I am moſt confident that whoſoever knows how to love, they are moſt inſupportable unto him, and will maintain, that abſence comprehends all other evils, and is moſt ſenſible of all manner of ſorrows. He who does maintain that not to be loved, is the greateſt torment of love, is much in the wron [...], and cannot compare his ſufferings unto mine: ſince to ſpeak of things in general, he who finds a ſcorn upon all his ſervices, ought to uſe the like ſcorn as a remedy for it, and by a generous reſentment may cure himſelf of his unaccepted paſſion: But a lover who is loved, and abſent from her he loves, he can do nothing elſe but ſuffer; for to think that remembrance of paſt favours is ſweet, is an errour: in love when one is abſent, ſince ſorrow is all the felicity he can enjoy as long as he is abſent. He who mourns for the death of his Miſtreſs is doubtleſs worthy of compaſſion: but yet there is a notable difference betwixt him, and a lover that is abſent: The greateſt evil in death is only the abſence of the beloved object, and I dare boldly ſay, that after the firſt great blow has wrought its firſt effect, the ſoul finding it ſelf in a condition of neither any hopes or fears, does by little and little return unto it ſelfe again, and will be in ſuch a calm as ſhall inſenſibly appeaſe all the tumults of his paſſion, and ſweaten thoſe bitter ſorrows which at firſt he endured: But abſence, when hopes, and fears, and all other paſſions, are tumultuouſly active, is a puniſhment which every day augments it ſelf, and can find no remedy, but its own end, or the end of him that endures it: yet perhaps it will be objected, That jealouſie has an horrour above abſence: But I anſwer by way of Queſtion unto thoſe that ſay ſo, Who is he that ever was long abſent but he was jealous alſo? and what effects can jealouſie produce, which abſence does not the like? yet notwithſtanding this difference may be put between them, that a jealous man who ſees his Miſtreſs, enjoys ſome happy minutes which he who ſees her not cannot obtain: and alſo there is a great diſtinction to be made, between a ſorrow which bottomed only upon a phantacie, and a ſorrow which reaſon does uphold and authorize. A jealous man who is with his Miſtreſs, although [Page] he be unfortunate, yet doubtleſs has ſome pleaſing minutes, either in croſſing the deſigns of his Rival, or contemplating upon revenge, or in diſcovery of ſome intricate buſineſs which he deſires to know; and although theſe delights are not full of tranquility, yet they are delights: but an abſent Lover is ſo extreamly miſerable, that he cannot find a delectation in any thing; and therefore O my equitable Judg, ſince I have had ſuch experimental trials of all the miſeries in abſence, and am the moſt unfortunate of all Lovers, I deſerve the greateſt ſhare in your compaſſion.

Thimocrates had no ſooner ended, but Marteſia turned towards Cyrus, and asked him what he thought of his Story and Reaſons: and Cyrus anſwering as he thought. In truth, (ſaid he ſighing) you were unjuſt if you ſhould deny Thimocrates that compaſſion which he demands; for his diſcourſe has ſo ſenſibly moved me, that I know not how to expreſs my ſelf. Sir (anſwered ſhe unto him) Thimocrates obtains from me what he deſires, for I could never know a gallant man miſerable, but I did ſenſibly intereſt my ſelf in his ſorrows. Beſtow not all your compaſſion upon him, I beſeech you, (ſaid Philocles) but reſerve a ſhare for me. For my part (ſaid the Prince Artibies) I muſt only deſire to be lamented, ſince my misfortune is ſo great, that whoſoever knows it muſt needs do ſo much for me. I know not, (ſaid Leontidas) whether I ſhall lament or no: but I am ſure there is no compariſons betwixt the miſeries which I endure, and thoſe which Thimocrates complains of. You muſt give me leave to make a doubt of that, replied the abſent Lover. Before any judgment can be given (ſaid Erenice) we muſt underſtand all your misfortunes. And to underſtand them (ſaid Aglatidas) we muſt give over diſcourſe, and hearken unto them. 'Tis true, replied Marteſia, but ſince Thimocrates ſpoke the firſt concerning Philocles, who maintains that not to be loved, is the greateſt miſery in love, and afterwards he anſwered unto what the Prince Artibies ſaid, who thinks the moſt ſevere puniſhment of his paſſion to be the death of her he loves; and ſince he named Leontidas the laſt, who thinks jealouſie the greateſt torture of all; I think Sir, ſaid ſhe, and looked upon Cyrus, that it is not amiſs to follow that order, and that Philocles ſpeak the firſt, of theſe three which remain: Cyrus approving of her opinion, and Philocles ſitting over againſt Marteſia, who was to be Judg, he began thus.

The ſecond Hiſtory of the Lover not loved.

SInce you do know the Concluſion of my Adventure, before I acquaint you with the beginning, or the Sequel; and ſince by conſequence, that pleaſing ſuſpention which makes a diſaſterous Story harkened unto with delight, is not to be found in my Story. I therefore conceive it fit not to abuſe your patience with any long Relation: I will only acquaint you, that although I was born a Subject unto the King of Cyprus, yet my family was originally from Corinth, and that I had honour to be allied unto the wiſe Periander, who at this day is their Soveraign. I had no ſooner attained my ſixteenth year, but my father ſent me unto that Court, unto an Uncle I had there, and under the tuition of a Governour, with intentions I ſhould remain there; for ſince he had then many children, he was very deſirous to keep up his name in his ancient Country, which was then ready to extinguiſh, there being none of that name left but only my Uncle, who was very old; I will not go about to deſcribe famous Corinth unto you; for I ſpeak before ſo many underſtanding Auditors, who are ſo well informed of every thing which is worthy of knowledg, that it would be in vain for me to diſcourſe of the beauty, magnificence, and ſplendor of it: There are none here I am ſure which hath not heard of that famous Iſthmos, which is ſo well known unto all the world: and of that ſtately Caſtle which commands that goodly Town, and defends it: alſo of that great and convenient Port, which do infinitlely adorn it, and of the huge Commerce which continually does fill it, making it ſuperfluouſly rich in all abundance of delights, and whatſoever can be imagined to render a place delectible, is to be found there: The Prince who governs it is a man of a moſt high ſoul, the Queen his wife, called Meliſſa, is alſo admirable fair, and has a daughter, who without all contradiction is the faireſt, and moſt accompliſhed Lady in the world. This was the State of the Houſe Royal when I came to Corinth; Periander alſo had a Son, but he was at Epidaurus with his Grandfather by the mothers ſide, who was Prince there: ſo that all Court divertiſements did flow from Meliſſa, and the Princeſs Cleobuline her daughter: and I muſt needs ſay, that if there were any diſpoſition in me to goodneſs, I was in ſuch a place as I muſt needs advantage my ſelf: For the Court of Periander was always full of the greateſt men in all Greece, and it was his Generoſity to honour ſtrangers ſo much, that his Palace was continually full of men of ſeveral Countreys: But ſince I was not yet arrived unto ſuch an age, as [Page] required the converſation of the wiſeſt, and moſt knowing men; I betook my ſelf rather unto ſuch things as might divert me, then unto ſuch as might inſtruct me. The famous Arion, whoſe melodicus voice, tuned to the raviſhing Aires of his warbling Harp, which made him ſo famous throughout the world, was both my Maſter, and my friend: my inclination was ſo intent upon muſick; that in lieu of making it my diverſion, it was almoſt my profeſſion: and indeed my Governour would ſometimes chide me for being too ſerious upon it only, though in it ſelf it was a commendable quality. I then began to participate of other divertiſements, and the famous Theſpis being come unto Corinth, I was charmed with his Poſies, and witty Commedies. So that as I had learned to ſing a little with Arion, I became a Poet with Theſpis, there being a Genius in me which prompt me unto it: Pictures alſo moved my diſpoſition that I practiſed to limbe, and without being excellent in any thing, I did almoſt know every thing. Thus did I recreate my ſelf until it pleaſed love did diſturb my delights, by the very ſame thing in which I ſo long time delighted: and ſee how the misfortune came to paſs. Cleobulus one of the wiſe men of Greece, and Prince of Lindus, ſent unto Periander concerning ſome important Affair: but his Agent dying at Corinth, I was made choice of to go unto Cleobulus, (for I had now attained unto twenty years of age,) and ſince this Prince had one daughter called Eumetes, whom the people called Clobuline, after her father, though her name was not ſo, and ſince it was the ſame with the Illuſtrious Daughter of Periander, I confeſs that I was much pleaſed with the voyage, and becauſe I had a great deſire to be known unto the Princeſs of Lindus, of whom I had heard ſpoken ſo much, both of vertue, and ſpirit, and ſince I had no buſineſs at Corinth, I was very glad to depart: and ſince the Princeſs Cleobuline did eſteem me much above my deſerts, and held a great correſpondency with that excellent Lady unto whom I went, by reaſon of their ſutableneſs in their ſpirits and humour, ſhe did me the honour to ſend a Letter unto her by me, to the end I might be the more acceptable unto her; and ſince this flattering and obliging Letter was the cauſe of my love; And I have ſo perfectly remembred it, that I believe I ſhall not alter a word in relating it unto you: though I muſt needs bluſh in telling it, to make you the better underſtand the beginning of my paſſion: And thus it was.

The Princeſs CLEOBULINE, unto the Princeſs EUMETIS.

WHat ſhare ſoever I ſhall participate in that joy, which Philocles goes to receive inſeting you, and in that happineſs which his acquaintance will bring unto you; I know very well that I am neither friend nor Couſin to prefer the intereſt of another before my own, ſince I cannot (me thinks) ſufficiently rejoyce at the delight you will take (in the perſon of Philocles) to know all that is admirable in Corinth, and that he will find in you all that is illuſtrious in Greece: This petty Jealouſie moves me to tell you that which his modeſty will queſtionleſs conceal: how that beſides thoſe eſſential qualities, which of themſelves are enough to make a moſt compleat man, he is one of A [...]poles beſt Diſciples, and greateſt FAvourite of the Muſes, eſpecially of thoſe Muſes which are your friends: Move him therefore to impart thoſe qualities, which he uſes to bide from all but ſuch as are like you: Make him ſhew you his Verſes, his Pictures, and his Aires, all of his own compoſing: I have charged him to bring me back a Character both of your mind, and face; and if you pleaſe, let him not ſteal it againſt your will, but afford him ſuch convenient time, as he may worthily acquit himſelf of his Commiſſion which he has received from me: make an exchange with him, ſome of his Verſes, for ſome of your ingenious Riddles, which you have compoſed, and which troubles all them that would unfold them. But after all this, remember that I do but lend, not give, this Treaſure unto you: Send him therefore generouſly back, and do not ruine Corinth by retaining Philocles with you, Since I have diſcourſed that which perhaps he would have concealed: Tell me at his return what progreſs he hath made in your opinion of him: what ingenious Pieces he has written of you, and how many Conqueſts he has made amongſt your Ladies; for I know him too modeſt to tell any thing advantagiouſly concerning himſelf, and too judicious to talk of any thing but you at his return: I could tell you much more concerning him, I will leave it unto you to diſcover ſome vertues of his ſoul, which are more excellent then his wit: After all this, be pleaſed to conſider him as my kinſman, and that you have promiſed to eſteem every thing that is dear unto me: And laſtly know that I am your

CLEOBULINE.

[Page] This Letter ſo full of flattery being written, the Princeſs as I came to take my leave of her, told me with as much Gallantry, as Civility, that ſhe had engaged me deeply in many things by her Letter unto the Illuſtrious Eumetis, but that ſhe was not ſorry for it, ſince ſhe knew I would not paſs for one of a prejudicated opinion. Madam, ſaid I unto her, what you tell me makes me afraid, leſt intending to favour me, you ruine me. See, ſaid ſhe unto me, ſhewing me her Letter wh [...]ch was yet unſealed, whether you will not gallantly perform what I have promiſed in your behalf. I would then have excuſed my ſelf, and not have ſeen it; yet ſince ſhe abſolutely commanded me, I obeyed her: But as ſoon as I had read ſeven or eight lines I bluſhed for very ſhame; and not daring to read any further, Oh Madam, ſaid I unto her, what have you done? and what have I done, that you ſhould in ſuch an ingenious manner do me ſo bad an office? No no, Madam, (ſaid I, and would have given it back unto her,) I muſt not carry that which would diſhonour me. Yet you may ſee it at the leaſt, (ſaid ſhe laughing) though it be only to teach you what you ought to do, if you do not agree that can do as I ſay; and ſince I refuſed, ſhe took the Letter, and read it aloud: I confeſs I was ſo confounded at it, that I could not chuſe but interrupt her; and although prayſes be ſweet eſpecially unto young men, yet I was extreamly fearful, I could not be able by my preſence to make good what the Princeſs Cleobuline had ſaid of me: But ſince I did abſolutely refuſe it, ſhe made uſe of her abſolute Authority to make me take it, and after her Commands to ſeal it; I muſt take it, and promiſe her to deliver it, although I knew it might much prejudice me, ſince certainly all exceſſive commendations in new acquaintances is very dangerous, eſpecially unto perſons the moſt accompliſhed, although it be not an eaſie matter to reſiſt flattery: So, not well knowing what I ſhould do with this Letter, I took it, and departed with a man of good quality, called Antigenes; of the ſame age with my ſelf, who intended the ſame voyage, and certainly he was as pleaſant company as any in Corinth: we were at that time two intimate friends; we were of the ſame height, of the ſame garb, and loved the very ſame things, and he had a Genius as well as I unto Poetry, Limming, and Muſick: If the Princeſs Cleobuline had known of his journey, doubtleſs ſhe would have mentioned him in her Letter, for ſhe highly eſteemed him; but he concealed his intentions from all the world, not deſiring that his father ſhould know whither he went, fearing ſome conſiderations of his family ſhould obſtruct his curioſity: But Antigenes and I embarqued together, and arrived at Jaliſſa, a Town where the Prince Cleobulas did commonly reſide. I preſented the Packet which I brought from Periander; I rendred him an account of the buſineſs between them, and I preſented Antigenes unto him, who received him very nobly, and whoſe name he knew; but ſo it happened that the Princeſs his daughter was in the Countrey, two dayes journey from thence, recreating her ſelf in the company of ſeveral Ladies, and intending to continue her divertiſements for ſome certain days yet longer. I deſired then to take hold of that opportunity, and making it therefore known unto Cleobulas, that I had a Letter unto the Princeſs Eumetis, and that I was very glad, I durſt not offer to depart from him, and carry it unto her: he returned me an anſwer according to my deſires, that it were not juſt he ſhould deprive his daughter of ſo much happineſs as to receive news from a Princeſs whom ſhe honoured ſo much, and that he would not deprive himſelf (as he ſaid moſt civilly) of the delight he took in my company by permiting m [...] to go unto her: and therefore he ordered one to take the Letter from my hand, and to give it unto her; and alſo by the ſame Meſſenger he appointed the Princeſs his daughter to return, being deſirous that I ſhould ſee his Court in all its glory, for he had been a Widower many years. Thus was the buſineſs ordered; one came and took the Letter which I had for the Princeſs, and ſo ſhe received it by another hand, and not mine: commanding him who carried it, to let her know that I preſented it in that manner unto her, by the Command of the Prince her Father. Mean while be pleaſed to know, that there was a Corinthian Family of men in high repute which dwelt there, the prime man of which houſe was called Alaſis, who had one daughter, whoſe name was Philiſta, who the Princeſs of Lindus had carried with her. This Lady was indeed a moſt admirable beauty, not that the figure of her face was ſo regularly compoſed, but ſhe was young, flaxen haired, fair, of an handſome height, and good garb; ſhe was, as I ſaid before, a moſt admirable and ſurprizing beauty: ſhe had a tranſcenden▪ mind, and her wit was very agreeable unto all company: ſhe then being with Eumetis, when this Letter was preſented, after ſhe had read it, ſhe turned towards Phileſta, and ſhewing it unto her, See, ſaid ſhe unto her, what the Princeſs Cleobuline ſayes concerning one of her Couſins.

Philiſta having read the letter, In truth Madam, ſaid ſhe unto her, if Philocles be as the Princeſs Cleobuline has deſcribed him, ſhe has good reaſon to call him a Treaſure, and to [Page] deſire his returne quickly. True, ſaid ſhe, but the ſooner to reſtore him unto her, the fair Philiſta, muſt cloud ſome part of her charmes, as it is likely ſhe will, if it be true that reſemblance is a cauſe of love: your diſcourſe Madam (anſwered Philiſta) is very obliging and full of flattery: but it is not altogether ill grounded: for if Philocles have as great a deſire to ſee me, as I have to know, it would be a great ſtep unto love, and I do aſſure you, that if you do not return ſpeedily unto Aliſſa, my curioſity to ſee him will much diſquiet me, and indeed (ſaid ſhe laughing, for ſhe was of a gay and jocund humour) if he reſemble his picture, according to the diſcription of him, he is ſuch a man as I could wiſh either in the way of a ſutable friend, or an accompliſhed gallant; or an agreable husband: and queſtionleſs, replied the Princeſs, Philiſta has all the accompliſhments requiſit to conquer the heart of as gallant a man as Philocles ſeems to be, by the relation of the Corinthian Princeſs: Yet, replied ſhe unto her, it would not be an act of Juſtice, ſince he came hither free, to make him return a Captive: and therefore I have a kind of deſire not to obey the Prince my Father, who has commanded me to return to morrow: Oh Madam (ſaid Philiſta then) I beſeech you, not drive me into diſpair; for I am certain that I ſhall not ſtay with you, if you do not return, ſo high is my impatience to be acquainted with ſuch a man as this. Thus did theſe two Ladies divert themſelves, in diſcourſing of me, as the Princeſs of Lindus did tell me afterwards. But to keep my ſelf within the limits which I preſcribed at the begining of my diſcourſe, I ſhall only tell you, how that ſame day, and the next following, I was the ſubject of Philiſta's mirth, who talked of nothing but me, and my name was up continually amongſt them, as long as their journey laſted. The woman which waited upon the Princeſs waged war with Philiſta about me, and all of them had ſo great a longing to ſee me, that I verily beleeve, if I had known of the paſſages, I ſhould have returned unto Corinth before I ſaw the Princeſs of Lindus; at the laſt ſhe came to Aliſſa, but it was ſo very late, by reaſon of ſome accident which befell the Coach, that coming firſt unto Philiſta's lodging, ſhe would not be ſet down at it, do what the Princeſs could, but continued the conteſt concerning me; Philiſta, ſaid ſhe unto her at parting, remember that I have entreated you, to hide half your attracting charms tomorrow when you come unto the Palace; then, without giving Philiſta any time to reply, the Coach went on, and Eumetis went unto the Prince her Father in his cloſſet, whether he was retired, ſo that I was not then with him, but it was the next day before Antigenes and I had the honour to ſalute her: But the greateſt wonder was, that when the Prince Cleobulus, did us the grace to preſent us unto her the next morning as ſhe was going unto the Temple, and as ſhe paſſed through a Garden where we were with the Prince her Father, ſhe found ſuch a ſimilitude, and ſo much conformity between Antigenes and me, that not yet knowing our names very perfectly, ſhe doubted which of us two was he, of whom the Princeſs Cleobuline ſpoke in her Letter: So that addreſſing her ſelf unto us with a complement which obliged us both, ſhe asked me, whether I was he of whom the Princeſs Cleobuline had ſpoke unto her in her Letter; Yes Madam (ſaid I unto her) I beleeve it is, for ſhe knew not that Antigenes was to come thither; then did ſhe redouble her civilities; and Antigenes making it known by his garb, that he was not one of a mean quality, we both waited upon her unto the Temple: and in the afternoon we went unto her, and ſhe talked a long time of the Princeſs Cleobuline, with all teſtimonies of eſteem and amity poſſible: ſhe asked me whether ſhe was not the moſt perfect beauty in the world? ſhe enquired of her recreations, and of her imployments, and ſhe was pleaſed to be ſo civil, as to tell me, whileſt Antigenes was in diſcourſe with other Ladies, that now ſhe began to know mee, and that ſhe was much puzzled before, to diſtinguiſh which of us two Antigenes or I, was Philocles. But ſaid ſhe unto me, to puniſh my ſelf for this fault I would have him go and viſit a fair Corinthian we have here amongſt us, and try whether ſhe can diſtinguiſh you, before ſhe be informed: if ſhe can, I ſhall then confeſs I deſerve puniſhment for my error; if not, I ſhall at leaſt be comforted. I anſwered unto this, according unto my duty, but ſhe not hearing me, ſent to know how Philiſta did, and why ſhe came not thither that day: he who had this order, having done his meſſage returned, and told her in a low voyce, yet not ſo low but any might well underſtand him, that Philiſta did moſt humbly thank her for that favour, and that if ſhe had not found her ſelf ſomething ill, ſhe would have honoured her ſelf and waited upon her, but ſince her glaſs had that morning perſwaded her ſhe was not in a condition to make any conqueſt, ſhe would therefore try if ſhe could ſtrengthen her ſelf by ſleep: The Princeſs laughing at the anſwer: certainly (ſaid ſhe, ſpeaking unto a Lady named Steſilea who was next her) Philiſta is of a maſt admirable wit: and in a low voyce ſhe told me what her anſwer was, and what was the cauſe of it. It is requiſite Madam, ſaid Steſilea unto her, that you honour her ſo far as to go and viſit her, and to ſurprize [Page] her the more, to carry with you theſe two ſtrangers. The Princeſs who thought upon nothing but how to divert her, and knew not that there was any envy between Steleſia, and Philiſta, (which made her deſire ſhe might be ſeen in her careleſs dreſs) conſented unto the motion, and they carried Antigenes and my ſelf unto this fair Corinthian. But firſt ſhe ſpoke much good unto us of her, and we were no leſs deſirous to ſee her, then ſhe was to ſee us. As for Antigenes ſhe had never ſo much as heard him named ſince he came unto Iliſſa, nor had ever ſeen him, for as I ſaid before, ſhe was not born at Carinth, though her Father was, but ſhe was born at Iliſſa: We followed then, the Coach in which the Princeſs was, in another; and when we came to the gate, ſhe gave her hand unto Antigenes, the more to deceive her, and obliging me to lead Steſilea, and follow her, we found Philiſta in a dreſs as if ſhe had been ill indeed, though her complexion and eyes ſpoke her to be in perfect health: This fair Lady was alone in her chamber, in ſetting forth her Jewels, as if ſhe intend that night or the next day to go unto ſome Ball: What Philiſta (ſaid the Princeſs unto her) I thought to have found you in bed, and I find you ready to goe unto ſome publique Feaſt? Pardon me Madam, (ſaid ſhe unto her ſmiling) you rather find me preparing my ſelf for a war, for you know very well, (ſaid ſhe unto her in a low voyce,) and ſhewing her all her Diamonds, and Pearls which were upon the Table) that theſe are the arms which thoſe who have no beauty, muſt truſt unto, upon any important occaſion: And behold a good on, (ſaid the Princeſs, anſwering her alone) for I have brought you two in Lieu of one Philocles; in ſaying ſo, ſhe cauſed Antigenes and me to advance together. But Philiſta wondering, Madam, ſaid ſhe, that is not poſſible, ſince I have much a do to beleeve one ſuch can be found in all the world: No no, (ſaid the Princeſs, who had forbiden us to let Philiſta know which was the true Philocles) I muſt not be ſo ſatisfied; I will ſee whether you who was ſo much taken with the diſcription; can know which is the ſubſtance: and therefore I will give you two houres time to find out which of theſe two illuſtrious ſtrangers, do moſt reſemble the Character which the Princeſs Cleobuline gave in her Letter to me: you are as well acquainted with the deſcription as I am, and therefore you cannot fail in your Judgment. But Madam, anſwered Philiſta, you which would have me find him out, did you do it your ſelf? you ſhall know that afterwards, replied ſhe, and then ſitting between Philiſta's bed and the fire, ſhe would needs have this beauty placed between Antigenes and my ſelf: I do confeſs, that this Lady did at the firſt inchant me both with the ſplendor of her beauty, and by her diſcourſe: I already knew, that ſhe deſired to ſee me, and the meſſage which ſhe had ſent did flatter me, and diſpoſe my heart to deſire very earneſtly that ſhe would not take Antigenes for me: and it ſeems alſo that Antigenes deſired to be miſtaken, for whom he was not, and we were both of us ſo mute upon the matter, that to ſpeak truly we did neither of us reſemble that Philocles in Cleobulines Letter: But yet (ſaid the Princeſs then) what think you Philiſta? which of theſe two take you to be the man, ſo accompliſhed, and univerſally knowing in all dilectable things, and for whoſe acquaintance your curioſity did ſo trouble you? Do you think Madam, replied ſhe, that I dare name him after you? and why would you have me procure an enemy of him, I name not? You do not well conſider what you ſay (replyed the Princeſs) for if you name neither you will offend them both, and the other way you will offend but one. For my part (ſaid Antegines with a troubled ſpirit) I am certain, that though you ſhould not name me, yet I ſhould not be your enemy: for though I be Philocles, yet I am ſure I am not ſuch a one as is Carracterized in the Princeſs of Corinths Letter, and if I be not Philocles, I ſhould be very injurious to complain, not to be taken for another: No no, ſaid the Princeſs, I will not ſuffer you to ſpeak any more, you ſhall not help Philiſta to know you, for ſhe has ſuch a diſcerning wit as vaunts to diſcover the moſt cloſe thoughts of a heart: ſhe has ſeen you, and ſhe has heard you ſpeak, there needs no more: Anſwer me (ſaid ſhe unto her, by pointing with her hand, which is Philocles; I do not know Madam (ſaid Philiſta unto her with a moſt pleaſing melancholy) which is the true Philocles, but I know well (ſaid ſhe and turned from me towards Antigenes) whom I wiſh were he. You do well to wiſh (replied the Princeſs raviſhed that ſhe could not gueſs right) ſince you cannot really make him ſo; and all that he can be for your ſatisfaction is, that indeed he is worthy to be ſo: I wiſh the Gods Madam, replied Antigenes with extream joy, that what you ſay were true: and I wiſh the Gods, replied Philocles very ſadly, that I were not Philocles, but in the room of Antigenes: never was ſeen ſuch a medly of opinions as was in every one in the company: The Princeſs of Lindus was glad that Philiſta, had not gueſſed right, and by cohſequence was ſorry to perceive ſome malancholy in my eyes: Philiſta, ſhe was vexed that the name of Antigenes was not Philocles, and that ſhe might be twited for being miſtaken. Steſilea was very well ſatisfied that Philiſta was in the wrong. [Page] Antigenes was raviſhed with joy, though in reſpect of me, he would not expreſs it: but for my part I was all confuſion and anger: in the mean while theſe two laſt named paſſions, which do not uſe to contribute any thing to the cauſes of love, did yet quicken that paſſion in me: I did not at the firſt intend to let Philiſta know, that I was not altogether unworthy to be Philocles, but only in point of honour: yet the truth is, that was too tender a reaſon to reſtrain me. Fair Philiſta (ſaid I unto her with a ſerious look) you are only miſtaken in the name, ſince moſt certainly, Antigenes is owner of all thoſe qualities mentioned to be in that Philocles, in the Princeſs of Corinths Letter.

Antigenes, replied my friend, who was now become my Rival, is not ſo much obliged unto this fair Lady, as you imagine: Why ſo, replied the Princeſs? The reaſon is Madam, replied he, becauſe ſhe does not poſitively ſay, that ſhe thinks me to be Philocles, ſhe is only pleaſed to wiſh I were ſo. That ſeems unto me the [...]more obliging (ſaid Steſilea) for if ſhe had only ſaid, ſhe thought you to be him, it had been barely a mark of her eſteem; but ſince ſhe beſtows an advantagious wiſh upon you, it is an evident ſigne of her inclination towards him. You need not take ſo much pains (ſaid Philiſta, ſmiling) as to interpret my thoughts in [...]my preſence; for if any do make any doubt of them, I ſhall my ſelf expound them. No Madam, ſaid I unto her, I beſeech you interpret them no further, leſt Antigenes die for joy, and I for ſorrow; if you ſhould expreſs more marks of your inclination to him, and if I ſhould perceive any further averſion in you towards the true Philocles. Philiſta, hearing me ſay ſo, would have expreſſed her ſelf unto me in ſome civil language, thereby to make her peace with me: but the more ſhe deſired to ſpeak, the more ſhe was gravelled. For ſeeing how much ſhe had already obliged Antigenes, ſhe had no mind to diſingage him, ſo that ſince ſhe could not handſomly deliver her ſelf, nor keep within that juſt mediocrity ſhe endeavoured, the Princeſs and Steſilea laughed, and were exceedingly delighted in obſerving her diſorder: and ſhe perceiving it. I ſee Madam, ſaid ſhe unto her, that you jeer me, becauſe I would engage two in lieu of one. But yet be pleaſed to know (ſaid ſhe very angerly) that though Antigenes is not Philocles unto all the reſt of the world, yet he ſhall be ſo unto Philiſta. And I am very much deceived, if (though he ſhould not have al [...]thoſe qualities which the Princeſs of Corinths Letter does attribute unto the right Philocles) my converſation with him, do not in a little time infuſe them all into him. I ſtand in great need of it then Madam, (ſaid Antigenes unto her,) and that it is the greateſt honour I can pretend unto; You are already ſo cloſe, ſaid I unto him, that I ſhall hardly know you any longer. But not to abuſe your patience any longer, thus did that day paſs away, and after we had waited upon the Princeſs unto her Chamber, Antigenes and I went into ours, for they joyned cloſe together, but both of us retired, and not a word paſſed betwixt us at parting: and afterwards he coming into my Chamber, and ſilently ſitting down: Doubtleſs, Antigenes, ſaid I unto him, you are muſing upon your own honour. I am thinking, ſaid he, what I ſhall do to ſupport that great Name which the fair Philiſta has beſtowed upon me. And do not you, (ſaid he unto me laughing) pity me, to ſee me thus charged, and will not you infuſe ſome of your excellent qualities into me, that I may thereby ſave the honour of Philiſta? Philiſta, ſaid I unto him, does know your merits ſo well, and perhaps has made a Conqueſt upon your heart, that I know not why I ſhould pity you: and Philocles ſtands more in need of the help of Antigenes, then Antigenes of his: I would by this diſcourſe have moved my friend to have diſcovered his thoughts unto me, but he would not: ſo that I making him my example, I ſpoke no more unto him concerning Philiſta. In the mean time, I beſeech you take notice, and admire at the phantaſtical honour of my fate.

As Philiſta was a Lady of honour, and a little humouriſh, ſhe was ſo vexed to be ſo miſtaken, that ſhe did really entertain an averſion to me, and reſolved to ſet ſuch a value upon the qualities of Antigenes, that if he had been one of her ancienteſt friends, ſhe could not more deeply intereſt her ſelf in his honour then ſhe did: and I believe alſo that her own natural inclination did biaſs that way. That which was the greateſt cauſe of her ſpight, was, that when ſhe turned towards Antigenes, and named him, ſhe was verily perſwaded out of her ſubtlety that it was Philocles, and therefore ſhe did confidently fix upon him: for ſince ſhe underſtood I did ſing well; ſhe ſet her ſelf to obſerve both our voices as we ſpake, and finding that the tone of Antigenes was more ſweet then mine, ſhe thought he had been Philocles, though what both of us ſpoke were the very ſame words: yet for all this, I did oftentimes applaud this beauty; and ſince all the Court was acquainted with this accident, every one did contend againſt her, which did ſo much exaſperate her phantaſtical Reſolution, that ſhe could not endure to hear any ſpeak well of me; not but that ſhe made a ſhew, as if what ſhe did was only out of her Gallantry; but the truth is, I am fully perſwaded that from the very firſt time of ſeeing [Page] us, her Genius was averſe towards me, and inclinable towards Antigenes. Obſerve now, how we imployed our ſelves, he endeavouring to anſwer the Princeſſes of Corinths Character of Philocles, better then my ſelf, and I alſo to ſhew that I was not abſolutely unworthy of her applauds. Then, it is moſt certain, that the Princeſs of Lindus, either in reſpect of the Princeſs Cleobuline, or my good fortune, did me the honour to take my part: and all the Court after her example, did put ſome difference between Philocles and Antigenes, and the fair Philiſta did put as great a difference between Antigenes and Philocles; for in any company, or in walking, or at Bills, I found that Lady who of all the world did beſt pleaſe me, and my fancie, every day doing a thouſand things with intention to diſpleaſe me, and yet whether I would or no, I was pleaſed: Whether I would or no, I ſay; for certainly, I did all I could not to love her, but all in vain, and impoſſible; for there was ſuch of I know not what kind of gallant and pleaſant Aire in her, which I could not reſiſt: ſo that from the firſt minute of my paſſion I was moſt unfortunate, and much more then they who are made ſo by an hundred thouſand accidents which may chance in love: ſince certainly, a natural antipathy and averſion cannot poſſibly be overcome by any wiſdom, whatſoever cruelty is qualified by teers; furie is allayed by ſubmiſſion, an imperious mind is mitigated by obedience; an inconſtant perſon recollects himſelf ſometimes by [...]the example of an unparalled conſtancy; in all theſe cares there are ſome remedeis to be found: but all the humane wiſdome upon earth knows not how to vanquiſh a natural antipathy, ſince it is the thing will changes all objects, as well as jealouſie. In the mean while I could not find ſo much conſolation as to complain againſt Philiſta: for, argued I with my ſelf, what would I have her do? for her opinion is rooted in her heart with her conſent unto it, nor did her reaſon contribute any thing unto her averſion: and ſince there are ſome men who do hate Roſes, which almoſt all men love; Why ſhould I blame Philiſta for her ſecret hatred of me? by this argument would I have diſſwaded my ſelf from loving Philiſta: but the buſineſs came unto that height, that though Philiſta would not be uncivil, yet ſhe could not diſſemble, but her inclination to Antigenes, and averſion unto me was apparent: when he ſpake any thing, ſhe applauded it to the skies; if I ſpoke never ſo well, I was puft at: if at any meeting, ſhe danced with Antigenes, it was with ſuch an aire, as made it apparent that ſhe was taken out by a hand that pleaſed her: ſhe carried her ſelf with a finer grace, her eyes were more ſprightly and gay, ſhe danced more lightly, and with a more ſwimming behaviour: ſhe would then attract the looks of all the company, and delight all the company as much as ſhe dulled me: but on the contrary, when I did take her out ſometimes againſt her mind, ſhe ſeemed as if ſhe were not the ſame perſon: and I believe were it not that Antigenes would have ſeen her dance ill, ſhe would not have ſo much as minded the Tune, ſo negligent and careleſs was her action; and that ſo apparent, that the Princeſs did tell her of it. Philiſta (ſaid ſhe unto her) I once intreated you to hide half of your charms from Philocles, but I intended not that you ſhould ſhew him all your incivilities; and me thinks you would not do ill, if you did a little more equally impart your favours. But Madam, (anſwered ſhe, and laughed) did not you tell me, that it would be unjuſt that Philocles ſhould return a Captain unto Corinth? Yes replied the Princeſs, but I would not have him go from Alliſſa diſcontented, therefore if you love Philiſta, be not ſo partial in your civilities. Philiſta bluſhed at this diſcourſe, for ſhe underſtood her well enough that the Princeſs did accuſe her of too much complacency with Antigenes, yet ſeeming to take no notice of it, ſhe told her that ſhe would correct her ſelf for it; and indeed I found her for a while much more civil; and ſince I was ignorant of the Princeſs her diſcourſe unto her, I was infinitely joyed at the alteration; and Antigenes who was no leſs in love with Philiſta, then I was ſeemed to be ſenſibly diſpleaſed at it. As he had ſeveral opportunities of ſpeaking with her, ſo had he ſeveral private diſcourſes alſo, wherein, as I believe, he acquainted her with part of his thoughts. But as for me, it was a thing impoſſible to do ſo.

Whileſt this happy interval, wherein ſhe was grown more complacential continued: I met with a fit opportunity to ſpeak with her, as ſhe was walking, and I reſolved to cloſe with that bleſſed time; ſo that upon the firſt occaſion which ſhe gave me, to alter our general diſcourſe into more particular. Is it poſſible (ſaid I unto her) fair Philiſta) that you ſhould not oppoſe this good fortune which I now enjoy? Can you at the laſt reſolve to know Philocles to be the ſame he is, that he is, (ſaid I, without giving her time to anſwer) the moſt faithful and paſſionate of all your Servants. Ha Philocles, ſaid ſhe, I know you better by the Princeſs of Corinths Letter, then I do by your diſcourſe. That Character of me whereof you ſpeak, Madam, (ſaid I unto her) was full of flattery, and I do not think it ſtrange, you ſhould not believe it was made for me, but my diſcourſe, Madam, is moſt ſincere, and true. [Page] I ſhould be very angry it ſhould, (ſaid ſhe interrupting me) both in reſpect of your intereſt, and my own. Why then you muſt, (ſaid I unto her) for it is not more true, that you are the faireſt Lady upon earth, then it is certain, that I am the moſt. Stop there, Philocles (ſaid ſhe) loſt you force me to anſwer you more ſharply; and know, I could not know you when I would, I will not know you when I could. You might have known me Madam, (ſaid I unto her) in knowing your ſelf, ſince it is not poſſible you can be ignorant of the force which is in thoſe inevitable charms of your beauty, your mind, your wit, and how they have charmed me every way unto your ſervice. No Philocles, ſaid ſhe unto me, deceive not your ſelf, I never knew any thing, but what I had a deſire to know: my eyes do never ſhew me any thing but what pleaſeth me, and my reaſon does ſometimes comply with my deſires, becauſe they are not unjuſt, and alſo yield ſomething unto my will. It would be more advantagious for me, (ſaid I unto her coldly,) if your will did yield ſomething unto your reaſon. What would you have me do? (ſaid ſhe, and laughed) and why do you not take the ſame counſel which you give me, ſince you have need of it? If my reaſon (ſaid I unto her) ſhould tell me that it were a crime to love you, I believe I ſhould endeavour not to commit it. And though mine would perſwade me, replied ſhe, that Philocles were the moſt amiable man alive, yet Philiſta would not love him. By what way then is it poſſible to come unto your heart, ſaid I unto her. I know not that my ſelf, anſwered ſhe, and if there be any blind parts, which may conduct any one unto it hereafter, it muſt be chance that makes him find it out. Since it is ſo, anſwered I, I am reſolved to ſeek it all my life. But not find it for all that, (ſaid ſhe) therefore Philocles trouble your ſelf no further in it.

I did intend to ſpeak further unto her, but divers others came and joyned with us, ſo that our diſcourſe altered, and ever ſince ſhe carefully avoided all manner of private conference with me. In the mean while Antigenes and I did live together, as it were by conſtraint, for we never diſcourſed but of things indifferent. The Name of Philiſta which was ſo dear unto us both, was never ſo much as pronounced amongſt us when we were alone together. Antigenes obſerving that the civilities of Philiſta unto me, did not continue, his diſpleaſure at it did vaniſh: ſo that ſeeing there was nothing to be feared from me, in lieu of hating me as his Rival, he pitied me as his friend, and reſolved ſome time or other to ſpeak ſincerely unto me concerning it: and coming one morning unto my Chamber, he ſaid unto me, that he thought himſelf the moſt unfortunate man in the world, becauſe he imagined that I was in love with Philiſta, as well as he; and proteſted unto me, that if he had obſerved any inclination in her to love me, he would rather die then be any obſtacle to my felicity: but ſince he ſaw her mind was ſo far from any advantagious thoughts of me, he thought he was not injurious unto me, [...] falling in love with one whom I could not love before him, ſince we ſaw her both together the firſt time, and ſince the firſt minute of her ſight was the firſt beginning of his paſſion: Indeed he ſpoke unto me with as much generoſity as I Lover, who would not quit his Miſtreſs, could do: and I anſwered him with as much diſcretion, as a deſperate man, and one who had ſome vertue was capable of, ſpeaking unto a Rival that was more happy then himſelf, and one who he eſteemed as his friend: I confeſſed ſo ingeniouſly unto him, that I had no lawful cauſe to complain againſt him; but I told him further, that for all that it was impoſſible for me but to be infinitely angry at his good fortune; That it was but a piece of raillery to think that two Rivals could ever be true friends, and that all which generoſity and prudence could do in ſuch caſes, was, to prevent them from being mortall enemies. Moreover, ſince I was too juſt to deſire him to give over his deſigne, ſo I deſired him not to take it ill I continued mine, and told him, he might well enough agree unto ſo much liberty, ſince there was very ſmall appearance it would any thing advantage me.

In concluſion, after a long conference, we agreed to diſcourſe no more together concerning Philiſta, but both of us to endeavour all we could to obtain her love: and that he who of us two could arrive at that honour, ſhould move that fair Lady to pronounce a ſentence of death againſt him ſhe loved not. After this, Antigenes and I lived better together, and was as civil one to another as any men could be, who endeavoured all they could to ruine one another, ſince the Prince Cleobulus would retain me a long time with him, and ſince I had received new Orders from Periander, which would imploy me longer there: I had the leiſure to put in practice ſuch expedients, as are uſually advantagious in matters of love. I followed Philiſta whitherſoever ſhe went: I was perpetually in conference with her, I ſpoke of her eternally unto all my acquaintance, and I applauded no other beauty but hers, but was continually whenſoever I had any occaſion extolling her to the Heavens: I compoſed verſes in her honour, which were better reliſhed by all the Court then thoſe of Antigenes, though perhaps his were more [Page] ingenious: I added muſick unto my poetry; I compoſed Aires as well as words, and ſung them my ſelf with all the art I had, ſo joyning the charms of harmony unto my expreſſions, I ſighed as I ſang, and endeavoured to enchant her heart by her ears: I was at vaſt expences in clothes, in Balls, in Collations, and Banquets, and in all manner of Liberalities; I got the friendſhip both of all her friends, and all her Lovers: Alaſis her father loved me very well, a brother ſhe had did not hate me; her women, and all her Domeſticks, were all woon by my gifts; I ſpoke unto her with as much reverence as he who approaches unto the Gods, I expreſſed my paſſion both in Verſe and Proes, my tears alſo did often plead in my behalf: The violence of my love did ſometimes, whether I would or no, blow furie into my eyes, and diſpair into my diſcourſe: I ſaw I was vexed, jealous, my face changed, and to ſay all in few words, the moſt miſerable man in the world, yet I could not alter her heart from that ſtubborn [...]verſion which ſhe had towards me. I remember that one of her intimate friends, who afterwards became mine alſo, asked her one day, Whether it was poſſible ſhe ſhould not eſteem me, ſince I had the good fortune to get ſome ſhare in the eſteem of all the world beſides, ſhe did then acknowledge unto him, that ſhe knew very well I did not deſerve thoſe rigid treaments I received from her: yet for all that, ſhe could not help it: and that ſince ſome men do fall in love, when they know no reaſon for it; ſo it was no wonder if there were ſome which hated, when they had no cauſe. But (ſaid that friend unto her) thoſe who love, as you ſay, do ordinarily reſiſt againſt their paſſion. It is true, replied ſhe, but it is only becauſe that paſſion might move them unto ſome diſhonourable actions. And do not you (replyed her friend) act ſome unjuſt ones? No, anſwered Philiſta, for I am not bound to love all the gallant men which are in the world; but eſteem my ſelf very happy, that I have ſo good a remedy againſt ſo terrible an enemy. But (ſaid this charitable Confident further unto her) why do you not defend your ſelf with the ſame Arms againſt Antigenes, which you uſe againſt Philocles, ſince you do only fight for your own liberty? Cruel friend (ſaid ſhe unto him) urge me not ſo far, I conjure you, and force me not to tell you that which I dare not think upon without a bluſh: Content your ſelf with this conſideration only, that love and hatred are two tyranical paſſions, which oftentimes do mock both at Reaſon and Prudence: all that I can ſay unto you, is, that I have not reſiſted that ſtrong averſion which I have unto Philocles, becauſe it can never do me any harm, and that I have much reſiſted againſt that ſympathy and inclination I have towards Antigenes, becauſe it may be prejudicial unto me.

Thus did this conference paſs, whileſt we were every day with the Princeſs, unto whom all the Ladies reſorted, but amongſt the reſt, Steſilea, who indeed was a very paſſable beauty, was moſt frequent: This Lady had a good wit, but ſuch a jealous and envious mind, that ſhe wiſhed her ſelf the only fair one in all the world: yet was my heart ſo altogether taken up with Philiſta, that I perceived not things moſt viſible. So that I, not knowing ſhe abhorred her Rival in beauty, did ſometimes diſcourſe with her: ſhe was ſo crafty, and full of ſpirit, or at leaſt, made many believe ſo, that indeed ſhe ſuited her ſelf with my humour: ſhe began to diſſwade me from my paſſion; afterwards to pity me, and complain of the incivilities of Philiſta towards me, and of her indulgence towards Antigenes, and carried the matter with ſo much art, that her company was more agreeable unto me, and requiſite to comfort me: Then did I diſcover the bottom of my heart unto her, I laid open all my imbecility before her, and conjured her to become my friend, I asked her advice, I moved her to ſuffer me that I might relate all my misfortunes unto her, beſeeching her to have ſome thoughts of pity towards me, ſince Philiſta had none: She harked to all this, as if ſhe had been all goodneſs; ſhe was much moved at my miſery, and made me value her at ſo high a rate, that I eſteemed her as a moſt ſincere friend: I had not one jealous thought, but I imparted it unto her: as ſoon as Philiſta had looked upon me with any diſreſpect, or any roughneſs, I made my complaint unto Steſilea. So that ſince Philiſta did avoid all occaſions of ſpeaking with me, and ſince Steſilea on the contrary, gave me all poſſible freedom, all the Court in a ſhort time did obſerve my ſecret conference with this Lady: and ſince they knew, there was a ſecret hatred between thoſe two Ladies, they could not imagine I would chuſe the enemy of Philiſta for my Confident, but believed that I had altered my mind, and that the continuation of my addreſſes unto Philiſta were only to hide my new paſſion unto Steſilea the better, Antigenes was extreamly joyed at it, and all the Court was glad I had cured one paſſion by another, Steſilea, when I was not with her, was joyed to ſee her deſigne had ſo proſperous event: Philiſta only in point of honour which reflected not upon me, but, Steſilea, was moved with much ſpite: this fiery and inflexible ſpirit was not at all molified towards me, but her deſigne only was to make me hate Steſilea, it ſhe could, by any kind of crabbed courſe ſhe could invent.

[Page] But to compleat up the Sum of my misfortunes, ſince I could not be in any favour with her of whom I would be loved, I was loved by another unto whom I could grant no further then friendſhip: I muſt therefore tell you, that Steſilea did find ſomething ſo noble, ſo pure, ſo great, and ſo vertuous in my paſſion unto Philiſta, that ſhe deſired that from me which I could give unto any but the other: ſo that tranſacting for her own intereſt, ſhe gave me an hundred crafty counſels which I followed, becauſe they ſeemed to be good, although they did much diſadvantage me concerning Philiſta. This being the ſtate of things, Antigenes came one morning unto my Chamber; and coming unto me with open Arms; My dear Philocles, ſaid he unto me, what pleaſure do you take in concealing your good fortune, and my own from me? Antigenes, ſaid I unto him, not anſwering coldly unto ſuch ſignes of tenderneſs as he expreſſed; If it be true that I am happy, I am afraid you would not be ſo glad. I proteſt unto you (ſaid he unto me) that your contentment is as dear unto me, as my own: and I could not be more joyed if the fair Philiſta ſhould love me, then I am, that you do not love her any longer. I love the fair Philiſta no longer, ſaid I unto him all amazed. Ah Antigenes, do not deceive your ſelf, for that is ſo rooted a paſſion in me, that it and I muſt die together. But (replied he, more amazed then I) all the Court, and Philiſta her ſelf, thinks you are in love with Steſilea. Does Philiſta (ſaid I all ſurprized) think I am in love with Steſilea? Yes, anſwered he, and I, like all the world, believed it alſo: This diſcourſe did ſo much aſtoniſh me, that I was never more troubled in all my life then at that time, fearing this might make worſe for me in the opinion of Philiſta, and grieved that I muſt now be deprived of the conſolation which I found in the ſociety of Steſilea: ſo that without any longer conference with Antigenes, I parted from him, proteſting, that I was never more in love with Steſilea then at that time, and that I would take ſuch order as ſhould undeceive the world in their opinion, that I was in love with Steſilea: yet ſince I was upon terms of friendſhip with that Lady, and thought my ſelf obliged unto her, and had received conſolation from her, therefore I conceived it not fit to change my courſe of familiarity with her, before I acquainted her with the reaſon. Going then unto her by a blind way, taking all heed that I ſhould not be perceived, I found her alone in her Chamber only with two of her women: As ſoon as ſhe ſaw me, ſhe eaſily perceived, that there was ſome new croſs accident in the wind. What's the matter Philocles? (ſaid ſhe unto me) Has Philiſta given you ſome freſh affront? Philiſta (ſaid I unto her) has not much contributed unto the diſaſter whereof I now complaine; but Steſilea againſt her will is a greater cauſe then ſhe. She bluſhed at this diſcourſe, I cannot eaſily gueſs (ſaid ſhe) what harm I can poſſible have done unto you, nor know I any but one remedy which I could wiſh, which is, to remove that paſſion out of your heart which torments you, though I know you will not think that which would cure you, to be a remedy. But Philocles, ſaid ſhe, leave me no longer in ſuſpenſe, but tell me I beſeech you, how I have contributed unto that ſorrow which I ſee in your eyes. Your beauty, ſaid I unto her, is the true cauſe of it. Philocles, ſaid ſhe ſmiling think well what you ſay unto Steſilea. I do ſo, ſaid I unto her, for if ſhe were not ſo fair as ſhe is, all the Court would not report it that I am in love with her: Philiſta would not have thought it, and Antigenes would not have believed it: but becauſe the truth is, her beauty is extream, and becauſe ſhe cannot imagine why I ſhould ſo frequently viſit her, unleſs I give her my whole heart, therefore they do believe it: all the Court does eſteem me happy in changing my chains: Antigenes rejoyceth, and Philiſta is angry, and this I have gotten by coming ſo often unto Steſilea. The truth is, things are brought into ſuch a condition, that I am forced to deprive my ſelf of the greateſt comfort I have, which was, to be often with you. Why Philocles, (replied ſhe in a great amaze) becauſe fond rumours run you love me, will you therefore hate me? Heavens guard me, ſaid I unto her, from a thought ſo unjuſt; for I ſhall eſteem you as long as I live, and my friendſhip unto you ſhall be as conſtant as my love is unto Philiſta. But ſweet Steſilea, ſince you are pleaſed to admit of my confidence only in relation to my own intereſt, I hope you will permit me to withdraw my ſelf from ſeeing you upon the ſame reaſon, to the end I may undeceive Philiſta. The Gods do know, ſaid I further, how difficult it is, to reſolve upon ſuch a deſigne; and the Gods do know, (anſwered ſhe with a ſigh) you have no reaſon to take ſuch a reſolution. What then would you have me do? (ſaid I unto her) for if Philiſta continue in a belief that I love you, ſhe will never love me; and your beauty is ſo admirable, that as long as I continue my viſits unto you, ſhe cannot be convinced of the contrary, and therefore I beſeech you, permit me amiable Steſilea, to deprive my ſelf of the happineſs in ſeeing you, eſpecially ſince your intereſt is not concerned in it: for ſince it is not the pleaſure of the Deſtinies that my heart can be yours, I would not contribute any thing unto the belief which the world aſſumes, whileſt in the mean I am the moſt miſerable [Page] man upon earth, who out of fear to diſpleaſe her who loves me [...], [...] forced to q [...]t another, which hath given me ſo many Teſtimonies of her goodneſs, and who doubtleſs [...] me for this laſt misfortune: Indeed I do (replied ſhe bluſhing) and perhaps more then [...]ought. But I am to be lamented as well as you: for if it be ſo that the court beleeves you be in love with me, what ſtrange tales will be told unto my diſadvantage if you leave off your ſeeing me upon a ſudden? will they not ſuppoſe that you have either fooled Steſilea, or that it is carried ſo out of ſubtilty? No no, Philocles, the alteration muſt not be ſo ſuddainly: or if you will needs have have it ſo, you muſt in regard of my honour, make it ſeem as if I treated you [...]: but if ſo, ſaid I, I ſhall not juſtifie my ſelf in the opinion of Philiſta, ſince ſhe will have ſome can be to think, that I quitted you, only becauſe you chaſed me away. And indeed, it was [...] of Steſilea, to make Philiſta think ſo. But Philocles, replyed ſhe, do you think that Jealouſie is a bad procurer of love: for my part, I think it an excellent good one; and am fully perſwaded that if you were really in love with any other Lady, then Philiſta, ſhe would love you the better for it; Yes, ſaid I unto her, but you muſt imagine that her affection would be then very indifferent unto me, if I ſhould love her no longer: Its true, replyed ſhe, but if this way wereleſs unjuſt then Philiſta her ſelf is, you would be for ever happy.

Steſilea pronounced theſe words in ſuch a manner, that the tenderneſs of her friendſhip was of another nature then mine: and it troubled me ſo much, that the reſt of our conference was in very ambiguous phraſes from both parties, which I beleeve perſwaded us, that both of us underſtood one another: But ſince I could not alter my heart, and would not deceive a Lady unto whom I had profeſſed ſo much amity, I parted from her, complaining againſt my ſelf, and as I beleeve, giving her ſome reaſon to complain againſt her ſelf, for the cruel reſolution I had taken to diſcourſe no more in private, nor to ſpeak with her but very ſeldom. Mean time, ſince this viſit laſted very long, and was known unto Antigines, this change in my courſe of living with Steſilea, did not work thoſe effects I hoped, and the rumour went that this ſeperation, was a compact only twixt her and me: inſomuch as Philiſta was not at all undeceived: and Steſilea made high complaints whenſoever ſhe [...]ound opportunity for it: Saying, it was ſtrange I ſhould have ſo little care of her reputation, as to ſacrifice it, for one who loved me not: During all this while, Philiſta, though ſhe would love me her ſelf, did what ſhe could to make me hate Steſilea; yet do what ſhe could I ſtill retained a friendly opinion of her: It is very true, that it did conduce to my greater perſecution: for I was even deſperate, to ſee that I was the cauſe of her diſquie [...]s. Thus ſtood the ſtate of things, when I received an expreſs order to returne unto Corinth: you may imagine into what a damp this drove my ſoul. I was to leave a Lady whom I loved, but who loved not me: I forſook another Lady, who did a little love me, and whom I doubted not but ſhould ruin me, as much as ſhe could in the opinion of Philiſta, during my abſence: But for one piece of good fortune to me, that father of Antigenes hearing where he was, did peremptorily command him to return, ſo that this was no ſmal conſolation unto me, nor was the news I heard of Alaſis his returning unto his own Country very ſhortly, leſs joyful to me; but I kept it very cloſe from Antigenes; becauſe I had the intelligence by an indirect way: The Prince Cleobulus did embrace meat parting, and the Princeſs his daughter, who indeed was a moſt admirable Lady, gave me a Letter to the Princeſs of Corinth, which was writ no leſs in my advantage then that I brought. But when I was to bid adieu unto the Princes, and afterwards unto Philiſta, that was a doleful ſtory to me: Antigenes and I met both there together, and I had ſo much ſatiſfaction by it, that I hindered him from ſpeaking in private unto Philiſta, but yet I found ſo much diſſatisfaction alſo, as to ſee a notable difference in the adieus of this beauty: every time ſhe looked upon Antigenes in this laſt conference, I ſaw in her eyes a melancholy cloud, which without any dim unto her beauty, did augment her ſweetneſs, and when by chance ſhe looked upon me, I could find nothing but indifferency, or diſdain; ſhe bid me adieu, and hardly looked upon me; but her eyes followed the happy Antigenes, as far as they could poſſibly ſee: To tell you how Antigenes and I lived together, during our Navigation, would be ſupe [...]fluous, it being eaſie to be imagined we muſed continually upon the matter; and hardly ſpoke a word, but thought the more. I was ſomething comforted, in that I brought my Rival away with me. As for Steſilea, I took no leave of her, though I endeavored it: Diſpight, and ſorrow, and honour, would not let her diſcover her weakneſs. At the laſt we arived at Corinth, where Periander, and the Princes Cleobuline received me with joy: but yet there was no delights to be ſo uſed in it for me: I ſhuned all ſuch company, as formerly I was wont to court: Arion only was he who did a little comfort me, for he was of a great ſpirit, and paſſionate Soul: I found in his diſcourſe and ſongs, I knew not what kind of charming power, which [Page] did allay my ſorrows, and keep me alive. Mean time, I was even deſperate to ſee Antigenes, would not engage himſelf unto any freſh beauty: and thus did I live for almoſt a whole year: but in the end, it was known that Alaſis father of Philiſta would come with his daughter (for he had not a wife) to inhabit in his ancient country: Oh Heavens! how this news rejoyced me! but this joy was qualified when I underſtood, that the elder Brother of Philiſta had married Steſilea, a little before their departure from Jaliſſa, and that ſhe came alſo with them: Indeed this marriage did much augment my ſorrows, yet did I hope, that ſince Steſilea was virtuous, the change in her condition would work upon her Soul, and that it would be more advantagious unto me to have a friend, ſo neer alied unto Philiſta. Antigenes was ſo glad of this news, that his joy appeared in all his actions, which did not a little trouble me; but in concluſion, this long'd for company arrived: you may very well imagine, that I prepared the mind of Periander, of Meliſſa, and of the Princeſs Cleobuline, to receive that Lady who was ſo infinitly dear unto me, very favourably: and I waſ ſo happy as to underſtand that Philiſta knew how I had done her that good office: but though ſhe did acknowledg her ſelf obliged unto m [...] for it, yet did ſhe love me not a whit the better, but came unto Corinth the very ſame I left her at Jaliſſa, which was, very bitter againſt me, and very ſweet unto Antigenes: as for Steſilea, I found a no [...]ble alteration in her: for her beauty was a little impaired and ſhe had a mask of ſo ſad a melancholy on her pace, that I durſt never ask her the cauſe: and ſince I did not ſeek for any occaſions to ſpeak in private with her, ſhe alſo did avoyd them as well as I: In the mean while, there was no hing which I did not, that might divert Philiſta, for ſhe durſt not openly refuſe my civilities, becauſe her father, having ſome obligations upon him towards me, would have took it ill from her: I ſhewed her then all that was delightful in Corinth: Poo [...] Arion did ſing ſo often to her for love of me, as I was aſtoniſhed, that a voice and a harp, which charmed the Dolphins, could not ſweeten the feirceneſs of her obdurate Soul. But ſhe was all this while immoveable, Steſilea for her part, was not only reſolute never to expreſs any Teſtimonies of her affection to me, but intended to cheriſh that averſion which Philiſta had unto me: and indeed, this unjuſt Lady, ſince their new alliance had perſwaded Philiſta, that I was in love with her. So that Philiſta did treat me worſe at Corinth, then at Jaliſſa. I could never go unto Philiſta, but I found Steſilea in her chamber or elſe Philiſta was in hers, which angred me to the heart: for I think there is nothing more irkſome, then every day to ſee together one whom I love, which loves not me, and another who loves me, and I love not her; though her whom I do love, thinks that I do love her whom I do not love. Yet did I endure this Torment a long time, without finding any conſolation in any thing, and not obtaining one favourable word from Philiſta. I remember one day, when I came unto this hard hearted Lady, one deſired to ſpeak with Steſilea: I took hold of that opportunity, and beſeeched her to tell me, if ſhe could poſſibly remember all the ſorrows which I ſuffered at Jaliſſa, and not have ſome thoughts of repentance: then did I repeat the original of my love, and a hundred Thouſand petty things, which had taken ſo deep a root in my heart, that I reſented them as if they were yet to come: But Philiſta hardly hearing me, did anſwer me far from the purpoſe, and in ſuch a ſlighting manner, as would have cauſed any other then my ſelf, to have out run his pacience. Since I did complain in moſt reſpective manner; Truly Philocles (ſaid ſhe unto me ſmiling,) you muſt pardon me, for I do not remember what you ſaid unto me; I know very well, that I had the honour to ſee you at Jaliſſa; but to imagine, that I ſhould here remember either what you ſaid or what you did there, would be to abuſe your ſelf; for I uſe to charge my memory with very few things; Time paſt, and time to come, are two things I never think on: What moſt unjuſt Lady▪ ſaid I unto her) do you not remember how oft I have told you how paſſionately I loved you. Although I ſhould remember ſuch a thing (replied ſhe) yet ſhould you be never the better for it. Then repeating the places where I expreſſed my paſſion, ſometimes in the Garden, other times at the Princeſs of Lindus lodgings, and ſeverall times at her own, I perceived that ſhe did not remember one quarter of thoſe things I told her: which vexed me more then if ſhe had given me the worſt language, there being nothing ſo offenſive, nor a greater ſign of ſcorn or indifference, then oblivion. Is it poſsible (ſaid I unto her being much moved a [...]d grieved at it) that I ſhould remember all the actions of Philiſta, all her words, and even all her looks, and that ſhe would not remember one of the hundred thouſand torments which I endured, and which ſhe cauſed? Oh moſt obdurate and cruel woman, muſt I be more unhappy then ever? what do you think, (ſaid ſhe laughing at my anger and complaints) I thought to be only hated (ſaid I unto her) but by this cruel oblivion, I ſee I am in a more deplorable condition then I thought: ſince I am moſt certainly ſcorned: I ſee now you have a Soule which is not only incenſible of me, but [Page] (if it may be permited me to ſay it) it is a moſt dead Soul; you look upon me, and will not ſee me; you hear me, and will not underſtand me: nor am I cettain whether or no you heare me now. Yes, anſwered ſhe, and I underſtand very well that you tell me of one of the moſt fantaſtical things in the world, but I will not promiſe you to remember it when you are out of my ſight. In the name of the Gods (ſaid I unto her) treat me not thus: hate me, if you cannot love me; but do not forget all that I doe and ſay. Why Philocles, (ſaid ſhe unto me) had you rather be hated, then forgoten? Without all queſtion I had (anſwered I:) But in the mean time (replyed ſhe) there is nothing more contrary to love then hatred: Pardon me (ſaid I unto her) for there is at the leaſt ſome thought in a Soul which hates, nor is it abſolutely impoſſible, but love may kindle amongſt the ſparkes of anger: but a cold and inſenſible Soul which retains no memory of all one does to move it, what hopes is there of any tenderneſs or acknowledgment? how can it ever love thoſe it never thinks on? But yet (replyed ſhe) I cannot conceive it better to be hated then forgotten. Alas fair Philiſta, ſaid I unto her, you were never either hated or forgotten: But I, whom you have cauſed to know bo [...]h too experimentally, do really profeſs I had rather you would remember me, and hate me, then not remember me at all: Yet hatred in my opinion, is a very great obſtacle unto love (ſaid ſhe.) Yes, ſaid I, but oblivion is a greater, ſince it is an abſolute impoſſibility any love ſhould ariſe out of it, as it poſſible may out of anger and hatred. In one word Madam, I think it ſo inhumane an act to baniſh an unfortunate lover out of remembrance, that I think it leſs cruelty to put him unto death: Baniſh me out of your heart therefore Madam, if you cannot endure me, but leave me I beſeech you a little room in your memory: forget if you pleaſe to ſpeak ill of me, & to complain of me for loving you ſo obſtinately againſt your will, but I beſeech you forget not how my love has importuned you: Is this Philiſta (ſaid I unto her) which I now beg too much? Yes, replyed ſhe, for hatred is a turbulent paſsion, which diſturbs the reſt of all thoſe who have it; whereas oblivion on the contrary, is a dull ſleepy ſpirit, which has nothing of choller in it, and which makes one paſs away their time with pleaſure. Then (ſaid I unto her, not being maſter of my own reſentments, ſo much was I incenſed) I beſeech you forget the delights, which the converſation of Antigenes affords you, as well as the perplexity which the company of Philocles does cauſe: No, (replyed ſhe in a ſcoffing raillarie) I have a better way then ſo, for I always remember what pleaſes me, and forget what perplexeth me. As I was begining to anſwer, the princeſs Cleobuline entred, and I immediately went out, it being impoſsibls for me to ſtay any longer with her who denied me every thing but her hatred. It ſeemed after this, that fortune began to ſmile a little upon me, but it was only to make me more ſenſible of her frowns, as after wards you ſhall know. It fell out ſo, that Antigenes was forced to go unto Thebes upon ſome urgent occaſions; ſo that I enjoyed ſo much happineſs as to be quitof my beloved Rival, and in his abſence to ſpeak with more liberty unto Philiſta: but the more I entertained her, the more did it augment her averſion, and to that extremity, as ſhe could not endure me: Yet did I ſolicite, as if I were not out of all hopes: I courted the friendſhip of her Brother and of Alaſis very diligently, and I ſo obtained it, that both of them did openly teſtifie they ſhould be very glad to have Philiſta marry me: My Uncle, who liked of this aliance, and knew I was in love with this Lady, did ſpeak unto them concerning me, after he had firſt written unto my father about it, but ſpoke not a word to me, until after they had given him favorable anſwers. So that I ſaw no obſtacles at all, but only Philiſta her ſelf, but that was ſo great a one, as it was invincible: Her father had no ſooner commanded her to look upon me as one who was to be her husband, and expreſſed himſelf ſo peremptorily that he expected an abſolute obedience without any reſiſtance, but ſhe fell into extream diſpaire: ſhe imployed Steſilea to his brother, but in vain, and indeed ſhe found all her tears her complaints, and her prayers to no purpoſe. In the mean time, the rumour of this marriage ran all about, and all the Court rejoyced for the love of me: and every one came unto her to tender their complimental ſervices; but to avoid ſuch perſecutions ſhe feigned to be ill, and by this cuning device ſhe deprived me as well as the reſt of her ſight: Steſilea was with her all this while, doing me as ill offices as ſhe could: and aſsiſting Antigenes to my prejudice. The melancholy of Philiſta was ſo extream, that ſhe became ſick in earneſt in feigning to be ſo, and ſo ſick too, that Phyſitians thought ſhe would dye; but afterwards, ſhe recovered, and was able to endure company, but yet ſhe continued in a languiſhing manner and ſo very melancholy, that her humour could not be known. I among the reſt came to ſee her, and ſhe durſt not deny me: yet did I ſee her almoſt without any ſatisfaction out of any opinion I was the cauſe of all her ill.

During this time, many did ſpeak unto her in my behalf; and the Princeſs Cleobuline would [Page] needs know of her why ſhe carried the matter ſo violently againſt me, but ſhe could not poſſibly get any other anſwer from her, but that ſhe did not know the cauſe her ſelf; ſhe agreed with the Princeſs, that I was of ſuch a family as that alliance with me would be an honour unto hers: that I had a better eſtate then ever ſhe could hope for, that I had a [...]air eſteem in the world; and doubtleſs I loved infinitely, ſince I continued it notwithſtanding her extream diſdain: but yet for all this, ſhe would always ſay that ſhe could never love me: and that there was ſomething in her heart which ſhe could not maſter, and which was oppoſite unto any thing that would be advantagious unto me. But, ſaid the Princeſs unto her, is it not your ſecret choice of Antigenes, which denies Philocles any entrance into your heart? No, (ſaid ſhe unto her) for though I had no liking at all unto Antigenes, and though my heart were abſolutely free, yet ſhould I ever have an averſion to Philocles: for indeed, ſince I do not hate him out of any reaſon, but out of a ſecret cauſe, which I underſtand not, I need ſeek no further. The Princeſs who did me the honour to favour me, ſeeing the fancie of Philiſta, endeavoured to withdraw my affection, but ſince there was ſo great a ſympathy in me to love her, as there was antipathy in her to hate me; ſhe could not prevail. I did acknowledge againſt my mind, that there was in Corinth as excellent beauties as Philiſta every whit, as ſprightly and noble; but yet for all that I could not chuſe but love her above them all: ſo that finding as great an impoſſibility to make me forget her, as there was to move her to love me, ſo we continued both moſt miſerable. Steſilea only found in her heart ſome malignant ſatisfaction at our miſfortunes, taking much pleaſure, doubtleſs to ſee that man whom ſhe had loved, to be hated by her he loved: and alſo to ſee her whom ſhe imagined to be the cauſe why ſhe was not loved again, to be miſerable both by my paſſion, and her own. In the mean while Alaſſis was much incenſed againſt Philiſta, ſo much as he ſent her word he was reſolved to ſee her no more until ſhe reſolved to marry me, and live complacentially towards me: her brother was in the ſame humour, ſo that ſhe having no hopes in her, but all deſpair, ſhe lived ſo melancholy a life, that all the Court diſcourſed of it: yet ſhe ſuffered not alone, for I did participate of her miſeries in a moſt cruel manner: ſometime I would needs reſolve to love her no longer, and almoſt imagined my ſelf able to do it: But alas, I had no ſooner took up that reſolution, but my walk carried me unto her, whether I would, or no. Antigenes was all this while abſent, and there was none to cauſe all my miſeries, but Philiſta. One day when I was with her, when it fortuned, Steſilea contrary to her cuſtome, was abſent; after ſome Ladies which were with her were gone away; we both of us did ſit mute, and ſpoke not a word to one another. Philiſta deeply muſing, and never looking at me, and I continually gazing upon her, and durſt not begin diſcourſe: I found ſo great an alteration in her face, that I wondred at it. But when ſhe looked up, and [...]perceived her eyes ſo full of tears, which ſhe could not reſtrain, that ſhe did endeavour it as much as poſſible: I was ſo ſenſibly moved at it, that it was impoſſible any ſhould be more.

Madam, ſaid I unto her, May I take ſo much liberty, as to ask, whether thoſe tears which I ſee, proceed from any cauſe which is known unto me? Yes, ſaid ſhe in a languiſhing manner; and more then that, you may cauſe them to ceaſe. I, Madam, (ſaid I unto her?) Yes, replied ſhe, for if you were as generous as you ſhould be, I ſhould be at more quiet, and you alſo: and indeed, why cannot you hate me? The ſame queſtion, may be asked Madam, (replied I) why, cannot you love me? The reaſon is, ſaid ſhe, becauſe I cannot. The ſame reaſon is for me, Madam, ſaid I unto her, for I can no more ceaſe from loving you, then you ceaſe from hating me. Know then however, ſaid ſhe, that by reaſon of this impoſſibility I am not in any fault. Be pleaſed to know alſo by the ſame reaſon (anſwered I) that I am moſt unfortunate, ſince I cannot live without you, nor you live with me: but I better underſtand upon what reaſon I love you, then I do what reaſon you have not to endure my love. Look for neither any reaſons, nor excuſes, for what I do, ſaid ſhe, for I not look for any my ſelf. Perhaps, ſaid I unto her, that time and my ſervices may at length alter your mind. No, Philocles, replied ſhe, deceive not your ſelf: I have hitherto carried the matter as well as I could, I have invented pretences and excuſes to defer the marriage, which my father will needs make up with you: I have counterfeited ſick, and that ſo long until I was really ſo; but for all this, if he, or you, or both, do not alter your reſolutions, I am fully reſolved to diſobey him openly, and by conſequence be blamed by all the world: yet I cannot do otherwiſe. Alas Madam, ſaid I unto her, are you abſolutely determined to oppoſe my good fortune? Call not that marriage, good fortune, ſaid ſhe, which would be ſo diſadvantagious both for you, and me; for what pleaſure can you find in ſeeing me perpetually melancholy, and receiving an hundred ſignes of indifferency from me? No, Philocles, you would not find any happineſs in it, and therefore if you be wiſe think [Page] upon ſome other courſe: and I am ſo generous, ſaid ſhe, as that I would not puniſh a man who loves me (as you do) ſo cruelly; no [...] is your own intereſt in this buſineſs, leſs concerned then mine: And I am moſt certain, ſaid ſhe, that I ſhould never marry you, although the whole earth would be given to purchaſe my conſent; I do conſider alſo, that affecting honour, as I do, I ſhould think my ſelf infinitely obliged unto you, if you would not force me to an urgent neceſſity to reſiſt my father; but of your ſelf reſolve to forſake me. To forſake you Madam? (ſaid I unto her with extream ſorrow) Oh H avens▪ how can I obey you? Had you rather (ſaid ſhe) that I ſhould look upon you as my perſecutor, and that I ſhould turn my indifference into fury againſt you, and deſpair againſt my ſelf? And have you a mind to make me as miſerable, as you are unfortunate? you may very well think, that if I could love you, I would obey my father, but ſince I am not able to do it, what grand injuſtice is it to wiſh me unto things above my power? No Dominion was ever ſo tyranical, as that which one pretends unto over the ſoul: Think well with your ſelf, Philocles; conſider it; and if there be any reaſon remaining in you, make uſe of it in qualifying your own misfortunes, and making mine to ceaſe. Madam, ſaid I unto her, do you intend that I ſhould leave you the liberty to marry Antigenes [...] Oh no, no, I love you too well over to conſent unto it. If I were perſwaded that your diſdain of me, proceeded from a natural antipathy which you could not overcome, I ſhould then be ſo reſpective of you, as that I would reſolve to die in reſolving never to expreſs any more ſymptoms of my love, or perſecuting you any longer: But unjuſt Lady that you are, ſince your averſion to me is cauſed only by your inclination unto Antigenes, and that you would not caſt off Philocles, but only to give him room in your affection: be pleaſed to know that I cannot brook it, nor will ever ſuffer it: Antigenes has been my friend, it is true, but ſince he is become my Rival, he muſt prepare himſelf to unlooſe the bands of friendſhip: I have hitherto reſtrained my reſentments, I have ſeen him favoured and loved, but I will never ſee him the Husband of Philiſta; and therefore, to make all parties happy, alter your deſigne, Philiſta. It muſt be the Gods muſt alter it, anſwered ſhe, and ſince I cannot think they ever will, all that I can ſay unto you, is, that although Antigenes were not in the world, though I had never known him, yet ſhould I be the ſame unto you I am. But however Madam, ſaid I unto her, confeſs the truth, Antigenes ſhould have the honour to be the fair Philiſta's choice, if Alaſis would conſent unto it. I am too ſincere, replied ſhe, to deny what you ſay. O moſt cruel Lady, ſaid I unto her, will you make me abſolutely deſpair? But Philocles, ſaid ſhe, would you have me loſe my reaſon? what right have you unto any part of my will? Did I ever give you any hopes, ſince the firſt time I know you? No, ſaid I unto her, but you have procured in me abundance of love. Am I to blame, replied ſhe? Have I not an hundred times deſired you to ceaſe from loving me? 'Tis true, all that ever you ſaid unto me was in vain, for Philocles ſhall never enjoy me. And I ſwear by the Heavens, ſaid I, Antigenes ſhall never enjoy Philiſta, as long as Philocles lives. I had rather chuſe that misfortune then the other, (replied ſhe.) Would you ſo? (ſaid I, with a mind full of anger, jealouſie, and love.) I have already told you ſo, anſwered ſhe. Since it is ſo (purſued I) be pleaſed to know, that if you will you may be rid of the unfortunate Philocles; he ſhall not perſecute you any more; nor unleſs you pleaſe, ſhall ever ſee you again. Which way (ſaid ſhe) can I obtain ſo great a happineſs? By breaking off with Antigenes, ſaid I unto her, and ſolemnly promiſing never to ſee him no ofter them me: for to imagine, that you ſhould caſt off me, and I ſuffer you to enjoy a thouſand happy days with my Rival, is a thing impoſſible. I know very well Madam, that I do in ſome ſort tranſgreſs againſt the reſpect which I owe you; but whoſoever has no more reaſon then I have, is not ſubject unto any Law of Complacencie: Speak then, Madam, I beſeech you, Is it your pleaſure, Philocles ſhall ſee you no more? it is in your power, and you may do it preſently. If I were your wife, replied ſhe, what would, you then do? If I ſhould enjoy that honour, ſaid I unto her, I ſhould then truſt my ſelf with your vertue, but ſince I am only the object of your averſion and diſdain, I muſt truſt unto my ſelf: therefore Madam, if you would not have me move Alaſis to compel you unto what he has promiſed me, write a Letter unto Antigenes, which ſhall abſolutely forbid him to ſee you, at his return, and I ſhall immediately leave you in peace, upon condition that the promiſe which you ſhall make be ſincere, which is, that you will never marry Antigenes. You tell me of ſuch horrid things (anſwered ſhe) that I cannot poſſibly endure them: you alſo have given me ſuch diſmal anſwers, replied I, that I wonder I can hear them and live; but how ever Antigenes ſhall never thrive by my diſgrace: yet ſince I can never be yours, replied ſhe, why ſhould you care whoſe I be: Why Madam? (ſaid I unto her) alas, you do not know the fury of that paſſion which rules in me, to think there is no difference between a Rival that is loved, and another which is not: I know [Page] that to loſe the poſſeſſion of her one loves, is a cruel fate, but to ſee her enjoy the Rival which ſhe loves is infinitely more terrible, therefore never imagine that I can ever change my thoughts; Allow me then ſome time to conſider upon ſuch a fatal Propoſition. I am contented Madam (ſaid I unto her ſighing) and afterwards aſſuming more calmneſs of mind, I would to the Gods, Madam, ſaid I, that during this time of conſideration, you would change your thoughts of me: and thus did I leave Philiſta; and left in a moſt unquiet mind: for ſhe ſaw I had given her an occaſion to be delivered of all my importunacies, yet it was upon condition to quit her ſelf from Antigenes whom ſhe loved: On the other ſide, ſhe fear'd that if ſhe perſiſted any longer in her obſtinacy, her father would either force her to marry me, as there was great likelyhood he would, or elſe I would kill Antigenes: for my part I was in no leſs perplexity then ſhe, for I had ſeen Philiſta ſo ſick, or altered, and ſo melancholy, that I feared the being a cauſe of her death: Moreover, I thought ſuch an angry piece of buſineſs, to force her inclination in marrying me againſt her will, by the authority of her father, that I could hardly reſolve upon it: Sometimes a generous diſdain made me aſhamed of my unworthy perſeverance, but peſently after love became predominate, and took up its firſt place, chaſing all other thoughts from my heart; ſometimes anger would ſo tranſport me, that I would not marry her, but only to take her from Antigenes, and treat her ill afterwards; this ſeeming the ſweet way of all: ſometimes again, when my mind was more ſerene, I would win her no way but by my ſubmiſſions: But the Reſult of all my thoughts was, that Antigenes ſhould never marry her: Mean while Alaſis was angry at the proceeding of his daughter, and began to haſten on the marriage, ſending her word by her brother; that it was his peremptory pleaſure ſhe ſhould conſent unto it: Seeing her ſelf then in ſuch a narrow and deſperate condition, ſhe ſent for me: and with tears in her eyes, Philocles (ſaid ſhe to me) you have overcome me. Ah Madam, ſaid I unto her, is it poſſible? Yes, ſaid ſhe, and upon condition you will break off with my father, I promiſe you to break off with Antigenes. O Heavens, Madam, ſaid I unto her, how diſmal is this victory, and how dear do I buy thoſe tears? But Madam, ſaid I, Can you caſt off Antigenes, purpoſely to caſt off Philocles? Keep, ſaid ſhe, within the limits of your Propoſition, unleſs you intend to drive me into ſome deſperate reſolution: Philiſta pronounced theſe words in ſuch a manner, that notwithſtanding my choller, I did pity her. Madam, ſaid I unto her, what aſſurance can I have that you will caſt off Antigenes? This Letter, ſaid ſhe, which you ſhall give, or ſend unto him: I beſeech you, added ſhe, ſince I do for you, all that I can, do for me what you ought, and ſee me no more I conjure you. In ſaying ſo, ſhe left me, and went into her Cloſet: but ſo pale, ſo changed, and ſo much ſorrow in her eyes, that I ſaw Antigenes was more in her favour then I had thought. It is not eaſie for me to tell you the ſtate of my ſoul at that time: I quitted her, and her Chamber, and went unto my own, where opening Philiſta's Letter, I read theſe words.

PHILISTA unto ANTIGENES.

SInce Philocles hath promiſed me to ſee me no more, I do conjure you by that power, which you have given me over you, to do the ſame. This is the only way, which can keep me from becoming his, and it is by his will only, that mine is not tyrannized over by my father. To prevent my marrying of him, whom I love not, I muſt deprive my ſelfe of him, whom doubtleſs I would have loved, if it had been permitted me. But what ſhould I do? Fates will have it ſo, and there's an end: Mean time, remember that I expect obedience from you, and that I never ſee you; alſo that you neither quarrel with Philocles, nor he with you, concerning me: for ſince he deprives himſelf of all he loves, (which is my ſelf) for the love of me: It is but juſt that you do as much for him, ſince it conduceth to the tranquility of

PHILISTA.

"Oh Heavens, what variety of thoughts did this Letter beget in me! one while I was pleaſed in thinking Antigenes ſhould ſee Philiſta no more: immediately after I was all ſorrow to ſee how ill I ſtood in her fancie. I thought a hundred times, and a hundred times to alter my reſolution: and as oft again to follow thoſe reſolutions I had taken, I deſired a friend of mine to go unto Alaſis, and to beſeech him moſt humbly, that he would not uſe any forcings upon the inclination of Philiſta, but at the leaſt to give her ſome time to conſider upon it, It ſo fell o [...]t, that I was to take a journey upon ſome important buſineſs, and was within a few days to leave Corinth; Alaſis began preſently to ſuſpect the truth, and would needs have it ſo, that notwithſtanding [Page] the averſion of his daughter I muſt marry her: but I departed, without biding adieu unto any, and went unto Antigenes: you may eaſily imagine that I undertook this journey with extream ſorrow: as ſoon as I came to Thebes, I enquired where Antigenes lodged; and found the place, but they told me, that he was gone into the Gardens, which are beyond the Caſtle of Cadmus: being ſhewed the way, I went thither, and found him there, with many beauties walking in the walks which were very large: As I eſpied him at the end of one walk, I paſſed into another, not deſiring to ſpeak unto him before ſo many: and coming unto the end of a walk juſt oppoſite to that where he was, I ſaw the converſation of thoſe Ladies, and him, was very high, gallant, and pleaſant; and me thought, for a man that was in love at Corinth, he was a little too blith, and merry at Thebes: but ſince I was not in the ſam [...] humour wherein I ſaw him, I would not mingle into the company of ſuch who were all unknown unto me but my Rival, but returned, and waited for him at his lodging: ſince it was late before he returned that night, my patience would hardly hold out, yet I had ſo great a deſire to give him this cooling news, that I ſtayed ſtill: he was no ſooner come in, but going into the Chamber, where his men had placed me, I went towards him in a cold kind of manner; but I was much ſurpriſed to ſee him come unto me with a freer countenance then ever he did ſince we were Rivals: Is Philocles, ſaid he unto me, at Thebes? Oh Heavens, is it poſſible! Yes, anſwered I unto him, and he came hither purpoſely to Antigenes, by order from Philiſta: Are you upon ſuch good terms with her (ſaid he unto me) that ſhe ſhould give you any ſuch Commiſſion? You ſhall ſee by her Letter, ſaid I unto him, and gave it him. Antigenes bluſhed in taking of it, and going unto the Table whereon there was a Candle: I confeſs, ſaid he, I cannot gueſs at the buſineſs, but after he had read the Letter, without any ſuch great reſentment as I expected: No, no, Philocles (ſaid he unto me, repeating ſome words of Philiſta's Letter,) Antigenes ſhall not quarrel with you; and though you would quarrel with him, yet he will not ſuffer it to be ſo. I do confeſs this diſcourſe of Antigenes did much ſurpriſe me; but after he had imbraced me, he told me how the Gods had cured him of his paſſion: And though I cannot confeſs it (ſaid he) without ſhame, yet for your tranquility, I w [...]ll acknowledge my mutability, and tell you that I am now in love at Thebes, as I was at Corinth. How, ſaid I unto him, is Antigenes whom Philiſta loves inconſtant? and is Philocles whom ſhe hates and ſcorns faithful? So it is, replied he, and I can give you no other reaſon for it, unleſs this, that the Gods would not have me any longer continue a Rival unto one of my deareſt friends. I did not at the firſt, give any credit unto the words of Antigenes but the next morning he ſhewed me the Lady whom he then loved, who indeed was a miracle of beauty: I enquired further in the Town, I found that ever ſince he came to Thebes, he ſeemed to be in love with her. Then did we renew our ancient friendſhip; and I returned unto Corinth, with permiſſion from him to make Philiſta acquainted with his inconſtancie; hoping that perhaps it would conduce unto my advantage: But alas, this hope was ill bottomed, for ſhe not being able to revenge her ſelf upon Antigenes for his infidelity, would needs caſt all her revenge upon me, and treated me more cruelly then ever.

At that time her father died, ſo that now fearing none, but having the ſtaff in her own hand, ſhe did beat me with it, and not ſee me any more: and to compleat my misfortune, this cruel Lady, being well recovered in her health, and fairer then ever, returned unto Jaliſſa, unto an Aunt of hers there, and a little while after was alſo married there; never ſhewing any thing but ſignes of extream averſion unto me, or at the beſt, indifferencie: ſo that by conſequence I may well ſay, that I have not only been deprived of all the ſweets of love, but have alſo had ſad experience of all its bitters; never being any without doubt, which could equal this: I could not endure the place where I had been ſo long tormented; and notwithſtanding any thing that any could ſay unto me, I left Corinth, and returned unto Cyprus, where I continued adoring that obdurate Lady; ſo that without hopes of ever being loved, I perſiſted ſtill, and ever ſhall do in love; and by conſequence muſt be the moſt unfortunate man that ever loved, or lived: Abſence is doubtleſs a moſt ſenſible evil, but to be abſolutely caſheered out of the heart of her one loves, is much more cruel then to be only out of her eyes: this evil has a thouſand remedies, which may cure, at the leaſt, comfort it. The remembrance of pleaſing paſſages joyned unto the hopes of return, does ſweeten many an hour, whatſoever Thimocrates is pleaſed to ſay; nor do I know whether the joy and pleaſure which one takes to ſee his Miſtreſs again after a long abſence from her, be not greater then all the miſeries that abſence can cauſe: But to imagin that one is not loved no [...] ever ſhall be, this is an incomprehenſible miſery, at [Page] the leaſt to one that hath had experience of it: for this grand abſence comprehends all other ſorts of abſences, ſince in the very preſence of her one loves, he is abſent from her heart and mind, unto which no other abſence can be comparable: I do confeſs that doubtleſs the death of a miſtris is more rigorous then abſence; but I cannot endure any ſhould ſay, that he who is not loved ſhould be leſs miſerable then he who loſeth that which he loves: This laſt evil is certainly, a moſt violent one; yet notwithſtanding, according to the intention of nature, it loſeth ſomething of its force as ſoon as it is come unto its limit: but this which I endure, contrary to the order of all the univerſe, is more violent and durable: the longer it laſts, the more it augments, whereas the other on the contrary does at length deminiſh. That impoſſibility which there is, to raiſe one from the dead, make a Soul reſt it ſelf, whether it will or no, in its own ſorrow: it ſhuts it ſelf, as one may ſay, within the Tombe of her he loves, and lulling it ſelf a ſleep in the Coffin with her, its ſorrows by degrees does there languiſh, and he has ſome conſolation there, that he can be dew with tears, the aſhes of his Miſtreſs. But a ſcorned love, who ſees himſelf dead in the heart of is Miſtreſs, injoys no reſt: for being perſwaded, that it is not abſolutely impoſſible, but ſome altertaion or other may happen in his buſineſs he plots a hundred ſeveral devices, which none of them bitting the make he aimed at, does continually drive him into d [...]ſpair: all his hope is to b [...]n quiet, and not to be comforted: and doing every thing which others uſe to do which may make themſelves loved, he does them all in vain, the more he loves, the more he is ſcorned or without any power to cure himſelf or ever deſiring it, he endures an incredible forment. Jealouſie, indeed is a very dangerous poyſon: but it ſpits not all its malignits on the heart of that lover, who thinks himſelf ſometimes loved, and [...] jealouſie can ever be ranked amongſt the greateſt miſeries, doubtleſs it muſt be, when he who is jealous is perſwaded that the Lady whom he loves had never one good thought of him. Yet it com [...]s not neer that torment which I endure; for I am perſwaded, that if I had only one ſingle thought. I ſhould hereafter be loved by Philiſta but one poor day; the very thoughts of that one day would ſweeten all my miſeries, and fortifie my hopes as long as I lived. A jealous man may himſelf imagin that perhaps, what he thinks is not ſo; for that paſsion does commonly inſpire only [...]ncertain thoughts, and ill grounded phanſies: But when one finds by a long, and a ſad experience, that there is an abſolute unalterable averſion in the heart of her he loves: what more pleaſant thought can he have, then the deſire of death? For truly, all the cares, the ſervices, the ſighs, the tears, and every thing elſe which the moſt faithfull lovers do, are all done, that by them they may obtain the happineſs to be loved: that is all the recompence of love, the prize which is only aimed at, and without it all other things are nothing: and to obtain it, they will willingly ſuffer whole years of miſery: he then that is deprived of that which is the end, the aim, and wiſh of all lovers, who ever did love, do love, or ever ſhall love; muſt needs be the moſt lamentable; and I dare affirm, that I ſuffer more then any one in the World can, and by conſequence, it would be extream Injuſtice, not to lament me more, then any unfortunate men, who ſuffers leſs.

Thus did Philocles, relate, and end his Story, with his reaſons, which ſeemed ſo ſtrong unto Marteſia, that ſhe could not forbear her bitter invections againſt Philiſta, in ſo much as Philocles was forced to take her part and excuſe her: For my part, ſaid Cyrus, as I muſt needs blame her, ſo I muſt needs pity Philocles: for the Gods it ſeems are much incenſed againſt her, for making her to look upon that as a misfortune, which would have made her infinitly happy: But ſince ſhe her ſelf, replied Erenice, is the cauſe of her misfortune, me thinks, Sir, that ſhe deſerves it. Philocles ſaid Aglatidas, is queſtionleſs, much to be lamented: for if fortune had only croſſed his deſigns, he would more eaſily have endured it, then to ſee Philiſta, do it. This miſery is great indeed, replied Thimocrates, but when I think upon what I ſuffer, I think it little: but I conceive it more inſupportable then yours, replied the Prince Artibies, though a Thouſand degrees ſhort of mine: Oh I wiſh to the Gods, that the adored Lady whoſe loſs I mourn for, were in ſuch a condition, that I might ſuffer the ſame for her: This is a very ſtrange wiſh added Leontidas, yet I do not know whether thoſe which I have often made in my jealous fits, would not ſeem more ſtrange unto you: It is not your time to ſpeak yet, ſaid Marteſia, but if you be pleaſed to think well of it, Sir, ſaid ſhe, and looked upon Cyrus, the Prince Artibies, according unto the order which you approved of, ſhall tell his ſtory before Leontidas: You are their Judg, replied Cyrus, and it is only you, unto whom they all muſt be obedient, and I beleeve the Prince Artibeis is well pleaſed with it. Then after he had called to mind, all [...]he diſmal Ideas, of his dead Miſtriſs, his countenance altered, his eyes were more melancholy then before, and after he had ſighed two or three times, he began his Story thus.

The Lover in Mourning. The third Hiſtory.

[Page]

THe remembrance of misfortunes is doubtleſs very pleaſing unto thoſe who do not endure them any longer, and who like men eſcaped from ſhip-wracke, and out of all fears do tell the dangers they have avoyded: But the miſery which I endure being eternall, or at the ſooneſt, muſt not end but with life, it is hard for me to have a Soul ſo free, as to exactly tell you, the original and progreſs of my paſſion: And though it were poſſible to find ſome ſweetneſs in complaining againſt ſuch evils, yet would there be none in the remembrance of ſuch paſt pleaſures, which can never be injoyed. Pardon me therefore I conjure you, if I deſcant upon nothing but what is fatally diſmal: and think not ill of me, if my ſoul which is uſed unto no thoughts but death, does entertain you with dull and melancholy relations, and fill your imaginations with nothing but Urns, Coffins, and Tombs. I ſhall not inſiſt to tell you the reaſons, why the Prince of Cicilie my brother, ſent me unto Thebes, ſince it is not pertinent unto your knowledg, that it was my paſſion, brought me thither: it will be ſufficient to inform you that I was two whole years there: But perhaps it is not altogether impertinent to let you know that the Princeſs my Mother, was deſcended from the race of Cadmus ſon of Agenor, who was ſo illuſterous amongſt tho Thebans. I went then to Thebes in an equipage befitting my birth: I was received there with much honour: and within a few days I was acquainted with all that were great and noble there. He who then was Poetarch, that is, Captain General of Poetia had a ſon called Palimnis, neer of my age, with whom I contracted a moſt intimate friendſhip, and who ſhewed me all the Ladies of quality in Thebes, amongſt which I found abundance of rare beauties. But in all the companies wherein I was, I heard no diſcouſe but of the ſickneſs of one in the Town, whom all reports made to be the faireſt in the world: and I asked Polimnis whether it was true, that this perſon whom they ſaid was in danger to dye, was fairer then any I had ſeen in Thebes? He aſſured, that ſhe had more beauty then all the reſt, put them all together: afterwards I underſtood ſhe was his Conſin, and deſcended from Etocles nephew of Creon, and ſon of Jocaſtus who wore the Crown with ſo many miſfortunes, and that this Lady had all the rare qualities which could render one moſt perfectly accompliſhed. I began then upon theſe reports, to intereſt my ſelf in her condition; and every day asked Polimnis how this fair ſick Lady did? not yet being more ſenſible of any ſorrow, as you may well ſuppoſe, then the love of any beautiful things in general might cauſe, and ſuch as natural compaſſion might infuſe into a man, who had a tender ſoul and quick imagination. However, it was an eaſie matter to diſcover her lovers, for they were all of them ſo melancholy, that the moſt diſcreet amongſt them did ſhew their paſſions by there tears, or at leaſt by their ſighs, Upon a day when Polimnis and I paſſed by the door of Leontina (ſo was this fair Lady called) and the ſame who had cured Antigenes of his love to Philiſta) we ſaw many men go haſtily in, and ſaw others come out, with eyes and faces all tears. Polimnis ſtayed one of Leontinas woemen who he ſaw grieving very much, and ſhe told him, that her Miſtris was dying, and that ſhe was going to fetch one of her friends whom ſhe deſired to ſpeak with, before ſhe loſt her ſpeech. Polimnis, who was of kin to this ſick Lady, and loved her very well deſired of me permiſſion to go unto her; I was ſo far from denying him, that I ſaid I would go with him. We entred into the houſe, where the condition of Leontina had cauſed ſuch diſorder, that much ceremony was not to be obſerved: all the doors were open; all the domeſtiques in tears: ſeveral chambers through which we paſſed were full of people, and when we came neere her chamber, Polimnis having not yet met with any who could exactly tell him the ſtate of his Couſen, left me at the door, and entred himſelf into her chamber, which he found full of men, who had no more reaſon to enter then he had: and coming neer the Canopy of cloth of Gold, I ſaw upon a bed which was under it, the incomparable Leontina in a ſound: but Oh Heavens, how this ſight did ſurprize and trouble me! The fight of ſo great a beauty, in ſo pitiful a caſe, did deeply penetrate my ſoul? ſhe lay neglegently, on one ſide, with her head a little turned: her hair half looſe, her right arm out of bed; her neck alittle open, her eyes ſhut, h [...]r mouth half open, without any ſigne of life; only a weak kind of breathing, which was hardly diſcernable, yet although the paleneſs of death was upon her face, I who entred after Polimnis, could ſay, that I never in all my life ſaw any ſo fair: you may well imagin how ſad I was to ſee her in that condition; and to obſerve, that all remedies and phiſique would do her no good, which in an houre after, I thought, I ſaw her ready to expire. Polimnis, who ſaw me neer him, would diverſe times move me to go out, and avert our eyes from ſo ſad an object: but ſeeing none tooke any notice of us, but that without any offence we might [Page] remain there, I held him, and would not let him go out; for I was ſo much moved to ſee Leontina in that condition, though I had never ſeen it in any other, that indeed I was turned a very ſtock, and could not ſtir. But at laſt, when I was almoſt paſt all hopes, I preſently perceived, I ſaw a freſh colour appear upon the paleneſs of her cheek, and as it were drive away that mortal paleneſs which had ſpread it ſelf over all her face: Preſently after, ſhe opened her eyes, but though ſhe did immediately ſhut them again, I ſaw ſomething ſo ſplendid in them, that I was dazled; a little after that, ſhe ſighed, and turned her ſelf with ſo much ſtrength, that ſhe gave evident ſignes and hopes of her amendment: ſo that the Phyſicians being put in ſome hopes, they cauſed all to go out of the Chamber, but ſuch as might be uſeful, that ſhe might have no more air, and they better help her: It is impoſſible for me to tell you, how half dead Leontina did raiſe an immortal paſſion in my heart: Let it ſuffice, O my equitable Judg! that you know I loved her, though dying as ſhe was, and compaſſion did ſo molifie my heart, that love wounded it without reſiſtance.

After this, I was more careful then Polimnis was to enquire every day how ſhe did & alſo more diligent then all the reſt of her ancient Lovers. Mean while it was the pleaſure of the Gods to reſtore her unto the earth: ſhe recovered, and ſhe lived in perfect health, and that ſo fair, ſo charming, and ſo admirable in all things, that I eſteemed my ſelf infinitely happy in being her Slave. Polimnis, carried me unto her, as ſoon as I was in a condition to be ſeen, and I was received with much civility; I found alſo ſo many graces in her mind, that there was no need of any beauty to captivate mine, if it had not been ſo already. I ſhall tell you, (but follow that rule which I propoſed) how I did all ſuch things, as a ſpringing love does uſually produce; how I endeavoured to pleaſe her, to divert her, and to get my ſelf into her eſteem: But I ſhall only tell you, that though I was not very improſperous in theſe three things, yet was it very long before I could receive any ſignes of complacencie in her towards my paſſion. Leontina was very civil, it is true, but ſo ſhe was unto all the world, yet my love was not at all ſatiſfied; but though I thought ſhe did not love me at all, yet did I continue to love her infinitely, as after her recovery it appeared: for ſhe being gone into the Countrey with ſome of her friends, there ran a rumour about all Thebes, that ſhe was drowned in going over the River Iſmenes, the Coach being overturned in the midſt of the water: This ſad accident was related with all manner of circumſtances; how Leontina was found dead, ſome five or ſix paces from the place where the Coach was broke, and there was no queſtion made of the truth in this tragick news: It is hard for me to tell you how I received it, I loſt my ſpeech, and almoſt my life, I cannot tell you what I then ſaid or did, my reaſon was ſo confounded, and my ſorrows told all the world, that I had much ado to hide my paſſion, becauſe the humour of Leontina was not to affect thoſe publick Adorers, who make a vanity of their paſſion: ſince it was two days journey from Thebes unto the place where they ſaid this diſmal misfortune happened, it was long before we could be informed of the certainty. But Oh Heavens! every hour was an age, and I paſſed them all without any hopes; and if Polimnis who was acquainted with my love, had not prevented me, I had gone my ſelfe unto the place, where they ſaid Leontina was drowned: But my impatience was ſo high, that I took horſe, and went out of Town, though it were but to go into the way through which the Corpſs of Leontina was to come: Polimnis knowing of it, followed me, and deſiring to comfort me, he told me that I was happy his Couſin had been no more favourable unto me, ſince if ſhe had loved me, I ſhould have been much more unfortunate then I was: Ah unjuſt friend, ſaid I unto him, you know not how to love, do you think it poſſible I ſhould be more grieved then I am? No, no, ſaid I unto him once again, you do not know what are the effects of love. Alas, (ſaid I never thinking Polimnis ſtood by) Leontina is dead: Leontina the beauty of the world is moſt miſerably loſt; ſhe did not love me, it is true, but perhaps ſhe might have loved me hereafter, and becauſe ſhe did not at the preſent love me, muſt I therefore leave lamenting her; and was not my love of her ſufficient to make me eternally bewail her loſs? Yes, yes, (ſaid I, and turning towards Polimnis) there needs no more to prove unto you, that I muſt be for ever joyleſs, I loved Leontina, and I have loſt her, what needs more to make me deſperate? We do never uſe to mourn for them who loves us when we do not love them; and we do always mourn for them we love, though they love not us. Lament, lament eternally, and weep for the incomparable Leontina. As I was thus condoling, Polimnis not hearkening unto me, but looking towards a great plain, (for Boetia is a very flat and open Countrey) I ſtopped and looked as he did, and caſting my eyes the ſame way, I ſaw a Coach appear, guarded and conveyed by ſome horſe: After Polimnis and I had looked a while, whileſt the Coach drew near us, we knew it to belong unto that ſame fair one, whoſe loſs I ſo lamented: [Page] Ah Polimnis, (ſaid I diſtractedly) look where they bring the Corpſe of Leontina: in ſaying ſo, this ſad object did ſo work upon my ſpirits, that my ſoul was too weak to ſupport ſo great a grief: I would have put my horſe on towards the Coach, which was coming towards us, but not knowing what I did, but having abſolutely loſt my reaſon, I went backward in lieu of forward; Polimnis coming towards me, ſeeing my countenance change, my eyes twinkle, and I holding him by the hand, ſaid in an undiſtinguiſhable tone, (I ſhall ſee her dead Polimnis) and after this, he ſaw I let the bridle of my horſe fall, and if he had not held me up, I had fallen my ſelf; he then took me by the Arme, and one of my men helping him, they took me off my horſe very gently, and ſet me upon the ground ſome two paces from the way, where I lay in a ſound: Polimnis was then in a pitiful caſe, to ſee his friend dying, and his Couſin dead: but as he was very buſie about me, and the Coach came nearer, he was extreamly ſurpriſed to hear Ladies in it laughing and ſinging; then did he riſe up to look who they were, and he ſaw Leontina in the Boot of the Coach, who knowing him cauſed it to ſtay, that ſhe might ask him what he was doing there, but caſting her eyes at the ſame time upon me; Oh Heavens! ſaid ſhe, is not that the Prince Artibies which I ſee? Yes, replied he, it is the ſame, and he is in great need of your help; but ſaid he unto her, how did you riſe from the dead, for all in Thebes thinks you ſo? It is not now a time to tell you, replied ſhe, but rather to help your friend: In ſaying ſo, ſhe came out of the Coach, as all the reſt of h [...]r friends did, and commanding one of her men to go in all haſte unto the next houſe for ſome water to fetch me out of my ſound, Leontina did moſt charitably come to me, and laid her hand upon my Arme, to try how my pulſe did beat: Mean while he who w [...]nt for water, returning, they threw ſome in my face, and by little and little I revived. But Oh Heavens! how was I ſurprized to find my ſelf in that condition, and to ſee my admired Leontina living, though my imagination during this long ſound was filled with her death. When Polimnis ſaw what I would revive, he came towards Leontina, who turned towards him, asked what was the cauſe of this accident: Your ſelf, inhumane Couſin, ſaid he unto her, and then in few words he told her, the news of her falſe death, was the cauſe of his true and real ſorrow: but though ſhe ſeemed not to believe it, yet ſhe afterwards told me, that ſhe was fully perſwaded of it, eſpecially by my manner of looking upon her, when I returned unto my ſelf, by the confuſion I was in, to find my ſelf in that condition, and by an hundred other things which I did and ſaid upon that occaſion.

But in concluſion, after I was fully aſſured that Leontina was living, and had thanked her for her charitable help, ſhe would not ſuffer me to take horſe, but deſiring her friends to make room for me, ſhe took me into her Coach, which I was conſtrained to accept of, for I had not yet recovered out of my weakneſs and ſorrows. In our return to Thebes, I underſtood, how that which raiſed the reports of her death, was that indeed ſhe found the River of Iſmenes very high, and being likely to be put to ſwim, ſhe thought of no way but periſhing, yet by good fortune they turned the Coach back again to the ſide, and it did not overturn until they were near the Banks, ſo that ſhe and all her friends were eaſily relieved, and rid out of their fears to be drowned; but they ſtayed a day to refreſh themſelves after this fright, and reſolved not to continue on their journey, until the River was lower: ſo it is to be imagined, that ſome or other ſeeing only the Coach overturned, had raiſed this report. However, this accident was very favourable unto me; and the mute eloquence of my ſounding had more Rhetori [...]k in it to perſwade Leontina, then all my words: I found her, me thought, nothing ſo rigid unto me as ſhe uſed; and if it were pertinent at this time to remember delightful paſſages, I ſhould tell you that for two months together, I fully taſted of all the ſweets, which hopes of being loved could feaſt me with all; but ſince it is not at all pertinent, I ſhall only tell you, that after ſo many happy days Antigenes (as you heard from Philocles) arrived at Thebes, and there, as many others did, fell in love with Leontina. As he was a man of a very pleaſant converſation, of an agreeable diſpoſition, quick-witted, and gallant, he moved ſo much jealouſie in me, as maugre all my endeavours, I could not hide it, and I think that once I made it too apparent unto Leontina, in ſo much as ſhe was more offended with me for my jealouſie, then ſhe was for my love, when I had made it known unto her; ſo that both to correct and puniſh me, ſhe treated Antigenes more civilly, then ordinary. In concluſion, the matter was ſo carried, that though Leontina knew well enough, ſhe did not love Antigenes, yet to be revenged on me, ſhe reſolved to treat him more favourably then any. And ſince her heart was not placed in her forehead, every one believed that ſhe preferred Antigenes before all the teſt of her Servants: and all my friends at Thebes, came to comfort me; in ſo much as my ſorrows and my ſpite, made me reſolve to overcome my paſſion: I contended with it, and [Page] I vanquiſhed, at leaſt thought ſo, for I could never look upon Leontina without anger; I ſhunned her with care, and I thought that I paſſed from one extremity unto another, and hated her. Then did I deſire Polimnis, that we might go and hunt for a certain time at a ſtately houſe his father had, about an hundred Leagues from Thebes, beyond Mount Helicon, thither then we went, and my ſoul, as I thought, was in much tranquility, and ſufficiently diſ [...]ngaged from Leontina.

Upon a day, a friend of Polimnis invited us to a feaſt, where we were all in our altitudes of meriment and joy, with divers other perſons of quality in that Neighbourhood. That ſame day, unjuſt man that I was, in my height of raillery I mocked two or three times, at the complacency of Leontina towards Antigenes, my heart being, as I thought, never better pleaſed, then when I had handſomly twitted the perſon whom I hated, or thought I had hated: Then it happened that a man came in, and addreſſed himſelf unto me, who had heard all the paſſages of our diſcourſe concerning her; Sir, ſaid he, Artibies will be ſufficiently revenged, for Antigenes ſhall never enjoy Leontina: How, (ſaid I unto the man) has ſhe quitted him for another, as ſhe did me for him? No, ſaid he, but death has done it for you both. Is Leontina dead? (ſaid I unto him) Yes, replied he, ſhe died at Chalcos, whither her father had carried her: Indeed I underſtood that ſhe had been in the Iſle of Eubeus, for ſince it is ſeparated from Boetia only by a little Arm of the Sea, the families of quality do make alliances one with another, and Leontina had an Aunt at Chalcos. This man then told me that there came certain news unto Thebes, that Leontina was dead, and that one of his friends aſſured him in the Iſmenian Temple of Apollo, that he ſaw her Funeral at Chalcos, I looked upon him then, and ſpoke not a word, and afterwards I left the Company very abruptly with an extreamly troubled mind, and knew not what to think on it. I loſt my ſelf in a Wood, not far from the houſe, purpoſely becauſe Polimnis ſhould not find me; my ſoul was ſadly troubled, my heart was ſobbing out my ſorrows, and my reaſon was not againſt the troubles of my ſpirit: I would have perſwaded my ſelf, that to loſe her who had treated me ill, and one whom I hated, was rather a good then a bad misfortune. But alas, my imagination no ſooner fancied this adored Lady in her Tomb, but my hatred vaniſhed, and my love revived: I did not any longer conſider her as inconſtant, or unjuſt, but did look upon her as the faireſt in the world, and as her whom above all upon Earth, I loved, I made ſome ſlight attempts to quell my ſorrow, but it was impoſſible for me to do it: and love, ſince I became paſt all hopes, returned into my ſoul with all its vigour: as ſoon as I apprehended Leontina gone, all other cogitations vaniſhed out of my mind; and deſpair was ſo predominant, that I was not a Maſter of my own actions: I walked ſometimes faſt, ſometimes ſlow, ſometimes I ſtopt, and ſpoke aloud, though I was alone, and ſometimes ſhed tears in abundance of bitterneſs, and ſometimes again my heart was ſo full, that I could neither cry, nor ſigh, nor ſpeak: but Polimnis afterwards knowing this news of Leontina's death from the ſame man, he ſought me out, and having found me in a moſt deplorable condition, and as he told me afterwards, more altered in my face then ever he ſaw man in his life; What, ſaid he unto me, can the Prince Artibies lament the death of her he hated? and is he more troubled at it then I am, who have more reaſon to grieve then he? My hatred (ſaid I unto him ſighing) is dead with Leontina, and my love is revived to puniſh me for hating her. Indeed, my grief did cauſe ſuch a prodigious reſentment in my ſoul, that I never was more deeply plunged in the gulf of love then now, and by conſequences never more unfortunate: Two days together, was I in this condition, at the end of which a violent feavor ſeized upon me, but for my cure and comfort, I afterwards underſtood that this news of Leontina's death was falſe: and that it was true there was an admirable beauty whoſe name was alſo Leontina, was dead at Chalcos, but that ſhe was only a Kinſwoman to that Leontina at Thebes; I underſtood alſo, that their conformity in name and beauty, had deceived thoſe who had ſpread abroad the rumour of my dear Leontina's death. Polimnis no ſooner knew this, but coming unto me with open Arms; Courage Artibies, (ſaid he unto me, imbracing me, and ſmiling) you muſt now begin to hate Leontina again, ſince ſhe is not dead; and then he told me the original of the errour, which cauſed ſo great a confuſion in me, that paſſing from extream ſorrow, into the contrary extreamity of joy, my feaver increaſed, and it was thought I would have died that night following, but the Gods reſerved me for a further miſery, and reſtored my health; bringing me alſo unto Thebes, where I found Leontina alive: I had a deſire to hate her ſtill, but it was impoſſible. Why (ſaid I ſometimes unto my ſelf) has this falſe report, which has wrought no alteration in the heart of Leontina, ſo much changed mine? yet muſt I ſubmit, whether I will or no, unto this new revived paſſion, which has got the dominion of my mind, ſometimes I was aſhamed, and ſometimes [Page] again I rejoyced at it: ſuppoſing, that to be in the world, and not to love Leontina, was the moſt high injuſtice upon Earth. Yet when ſhe was informed by Polimnis, that my love of her was the cauſe of my Feaver (as indeed ſhe did not hate me) ſhe changed her way of living both with Antigenes and my ſelf: and conferred thoſe favours upon me, which ſhe withdrew from him, and if he had not gone out of Thebes preſently after, he had found by experience how ſad a thing it was to ſee another better loved then himſelf.

I did then mollifie the heart of Leontina: ſhe permited me to expreſs my love unto her, and indeed acknowledged unto me, that if her parents would conſent unto it, ſhe would like better to live in Cicilie, then in Greece, though there was a great difference, in the goodneſs of the Countries: yet was I not without great croſſes, for the father of Leontina, would not conſent to marry his daughter out of his own country: This obſtacle was extreamly tormentive, and ſeemed invincible, for ſince the father of Leontina would not marry his daughter unto a ſtranger, the Prince of Cicilie my brother, would not permit me to dwell there as a bare Cittizen of Thebes. I was then grieved to ſee Leontina, perſecuted by her parents for the love of me, for I underſtood that the reſiſtance which they made unto my deſigne, did moſt ſenſible greive her; But yet after ten thouſand croſſes and thwartings Polimnis did ſo earneſtly ſolicite the matter, as he removed this Remora, and won the parents of Leontina to give her unto me, provided the Prince of Cicilie conſented unto my marriage: I immediatly ſent unto him, and by the mediation of the Princeſs my mother, who was a Theban, I obtained his conſent. Now, you may imagine me the happieſt man alive. Leontina was never ſo fair as then; and ſince ſhe now lived with me more freely then uſual, and expreſſed ſuch thoughts of her Soul as were advantagious unto me, I thought that never was felicity comparable unto mine. Nothing was thought upon but Feaſts and pleaſures: All preparations for our marriage were in readineſs: as a magnificent Feaſt, as all rich marriage clothes; a mask alſo was prepared, and a general Bill was to be kept three days together: In concluſion, that day, which I thought the happieſt that ever dawned, did come, and in the morning I ſaw Leontina in a moſt glorious dreſs, who notwithſtanding her modeſty was pleaſed to make it appear in her eyes, that ſhe did participate in my joy: She was conducted unto the Temple by her father, and waited upon by all the Ladies in the Town: I alſo waited upon her, according unto the cuſtom, and was accompanied by all my friends: But as ſoon as ſhe came to the Alter, ſhe was ſuddenly taken, as ſhe ſaid, with an extream pain, and terrible beating at her heart, ſhe was forced to ſit down, not being able to kneel any longer: and finding her ſelf very ill, ſhe was forced to complain unto ſome of her Couſins which were next her: As my eye was always upon her, I ſaw ſhe grew high coloured, and was very ſick. But alas, why ſhould I inſiſt ſo long upon vain circumſtances? Leontina could not accompliſh the Ceremony: ſhe was ſo good as to excuſe it unto me, and they carried her home in a chair, where a feaver feized ſuddenly upon her: and notwithſtanding her youth, and all the art of Phyſicians, and notwithſtanding all my prayers, the ſeventh day her diſeaſe was at the height: you may ſuppoſe that as the terms ſtood then betwixt us, I had the liberty to ſee her, during her ſickneſs, at all houres, which handſomeneſs would permit: I ſaw her then endure it with admirable patience, and ſhe ſeemed to be ſorry for nothing, but that ſhe was to leave me: ſhe did hide a great part of her pain from me, leaſt it ſhould too much grieve me: and though ſhe thought to dye, ever ſince the firſt minute of her falling ſick, yet would ſhe not ſpeak a word of her death unto me, until the laſt day of her life: Oh moſt diſmal and unhappy day! I ſaw her then endure and hardly complain, and I received from her own dear mouth, a thouſand aſſurances of a moſt innocent, and pure affection: ſhe deſired me to continue mine unto her memory, after her death: and after ſhe had invoked the Gods, ſhe commanded me to ſubmit, as ſhe her ſelf did, unto their will; her ſpeech failed, yet ſhe ſtill looked upon me; and after her ſight was alſo gone, yet ſhe held her hand out, and weak as ſhe was ſhe gave it unto me; then breathing out a deep ſigh, ſhe expired, not looſing one jot of her beauty, nor ſtrugling into any unſeemly poſture. Ask me not, Oh my juſt Judg, what I did or what I thought, ſince you may well imagine, that a man who grieved for her whom he was not loved, and wept for her whom he thought he hated her, would be abſolutely deſperate, when he ſaw her dying, before his eyes, at ſuch a time when he was beleved, and ſteady to enjoy her; I apprehended it ſo ſadly, that if Polimnis had not been, I had killed my ſelf at the firſt minute of my ſorrow; but his care of me was ſo great, that I may almoſt call him the cauſe of all my ſorrows I have ſuffered ſince that time, and of all thoſe I ſhall ſuffer hereafter: I thought the face of the whole Univerſe was altered: I looked not upon any thing as I was wont, or to ſay better, I ſaw nothing but Leontina either dead or dying: when they took me away by force from that fair Corps, her image did follow me [Page] in all places: and drooping as I was it appeared to my phancy in a hundred different manners: her Tomb was more ſacred unto me, then the Temple: her Name as holy as Angels; and my ſorrows were ſo ſweet unto me, that I hated all them that would comfort me: Although the places where I had been with her, did augment my grief, yet did I frequently viſit them: Thoſe whom ſhe did tenderly love were they only whom I could endure, and although I had been alone in the world, I could not have been more ſadly ſolitary, and whoſoever has not tried what it is to ſee her whom he loves, die, doubtleſs do not know the moſt ſupream misfortune. I do confeſs abſence to be a great miſery, but what kind of abſence can be comparable unto that eternal and terrible abſence, which is never to return, which carries the party beloved into ſuch obſcure and dark Cells as humane ſpirits cannot enter: and into ſuch ſad and doleful places, from whence no news of her is ever to be hoped for: Truly my apprehenſions are ſo ſtrange, as oft as I imagine, that the moſt fair and perfect Leontina ſhould be no more then an heap of aſhes; that I am aſtoniſhed, any ſhould offer to contend with me for the firſt place amongſt unfortunate men. I know very well, that not to be loved is a grand misfortune, but to loſe her whom one loves, and to loſe her for ever, is a far greater: for he who is not loved, does wiſh and deſire a happineſs which he never had any trial of, nor does he know the ſweets belonging unto love; whereas to ſee her (who honoured a man with her affection) to die, is to loſe a Treaſure which he poſſeſſed, and whoſe riches he knew how to value: Moreover, the worſt treated Lover in the world may yet comfort up his heart with ſome hopes, which he, whoſe Miſtreſs is in her Tombe, can never have: his ſoul is abandoned of all comforts, and remains in ſuch a horrid deſpair, as certainly is inconceiveably by any but ſuch as had had experience of it: nor am I ignorant that jealouſie is a terrible torment; yet whoſoever ſhall well conſider the cauſe of jealouſie, ſhall find, that fear to loſe her he loves, is it which cauſeth his diſquiet: for if he were aſſured, he ſhould never loſe his Miſtreſs, his ſoul would be terene, not would he care a pin for having an hundred Rivals: Moreover, a jealous lover may find out an hundred ways to buſie himſelf in, out of which he may find out ſome comfort: But to ſee her one loves in her coffin, is ſuch a miſerable object as leaves the ſoul in ſo ſad an unquietneſs, as is a thouſand times worſe then all the pains in the world he knows not whither to go, nor what to do; all the Univerſe is indifferent unto him: The more pleaſant the time paſt was unto him, the more inſupportable it makes the preſent, and all the time of his life which is to come, has nothing ſweet, but his hopes of death. Moreover, jealouſie being a paſſion, which of its own nature is mu [...]able, various, changing, and uncertain; it produces fear and hope an hundred times in a day, and by conſequence admits of ſome relaxation of mind: But the death of the party loved is a torment continually rigorous, which no time can ever remove: for indeed, though I ſhould live out an hundred Ages, yet would Leontina be the ſame unto me, as now ſhe is, dead: Slight, petty ſorrows may be leſſened by habit, cuſtome, and time; but grand, and violent afflictions, the longer they laſt, the more inſupportable they are, and more augment: Let me further tell you, that the impoſſibility to find a remedy for ſuch a ſorrow, is only a cauſe of conſolation in the mouths of Philoſophers; but in the ſoul of a Lover, it is the greateſt torment of all others: Yes, yes, that horrid thought, that all the Kings upon Earth, that all the valour of Heroes, that all humane Prudence, cannot revive a dead beloved Miſtreſs, is that which properly can be called an abridgment of all the ſorrows which love can cauſe: Pronounce the ſentence then, Oh my moſt juſt Judge, that I am the moſt worthy of your pity, by reaſon of great miſfortune; and I ſhall confeſs that the miſeries of Thimocrates, of Philocles, and of Leontidas, do more deſerve your pity, then mine does, in reſpect of their own perſonal merits, ſo that rendring juſtice both unto the misfortue, and the misfortunate, I ſhall have leſs cauſe to complaine of your Equity, then I have to complaine of my Deſtiny.

The Prince Artibies ended his diſcourſe with ſo much ſadneſs of heart, that he had much ado to pronounce the laſt words diſtinctly, ſo extreamly did the remembrance of Leontina's death perplex his mind: his melancholy did participate it ſelf unto all the ſouls of that Illuſtrious Company: and he forced compaſſion, even from them that contended with him, for the firſt Rank amongſt the unfortunate: Notice was taken of his ingenious and paſſionate ſilence, by which he concealed the reſt of his adventures, ſince the death of the fair one whom he loved; as if he would tacitely intimate unto them, that ſince her death he did not value his own life. After that melancholy humour, which this fatall Story had cauſed in their minds, was a little diſſipated, every one maintained his own opinion, and that with obſtinate heat. But Cyrus, ſeeing it was late, told Marteſia, that it was time Leontidas related [Page] his adventure and reaſons, if ſhe intended to pronounce judgment that day, ſo that as a Judg impoſing ſilence, ſhe appointed Leontidas to begin: which accordingly he did in this manner.

The jealous Lover: The fourth Story.

SInce Sorrow has its different operations, according to the ſeveral tempers of thoſe who are poſſeſſed with it; ſince it is ſometimes mute, and ſometimes eloquent, you muſt not wonder, if it work not in me, as it does in the Prince Artibies, who by reaſon of his exceſs of ſorrow, has ſhortned his relation: But I, who am none of thoſe whom ſorrow makes dumb, and who on the contrary never ſpeaks but when I have great cauſe of complaint, cannot do ſo; nor can I, as I conceive, in few words expreſs the greatneſs of my ſufferings. I ſhall be as little impertinent as I can, and therefore in ſhort, give me leave to tell you, that the Iſle of Cyprus is my Countrey, and that I have the honour to be of a Family ſufficiently illuſtrious; I ſhall hereafter tell you, that I went out of this famous Iſle which is conſecrated unto the Mother of love, ſo young, that I had not time to fall in love with any: for the war which was then between the people of Samos, of Priennes, and of Miletes, moving me to learn there, that myſtery, which the drowſie peace of my Countrey could not teach me, I left it; and in my choice of theſe three Countreys, the fame of the valiant Policrates, who was made Soveraign in the Iſle of Samos, did invite me into his, though perhaps his cauſe was not the moſt juſt, unleſs you will allow the Right of Conquerours, to be the moſt ancient of all others. So then, it was in this famous Iſle, and in the Court of this illuſtrious Prince, where my Love took firſt begining, and where my jealouſie has treated me cruelly. The reputation of the happy Policrates is ſo great, that I need not characterize him unto you; yet notwithſtanding ſhall in few words tell you, that juſtice would have much ado to find a man in all Greece more accompliſhed then he, nor more fit to diſtribute his favours with more equity, rendring himſelf moſt perfectly happy, without giving cauſe of murmur unto any. He is as never man before was; for he is born only a Citizen of Samos, and he is become Soveraign of the ſame without hate: he has all the Authority of a moſt abſolute Tyrant, yet he enjoys the love of his people as much as if he were their Father: All deſignes of war are proſperous under his hands; he is become terrible, not only in the Jonian, but through all the Aegean Sea; The greateſt Kings think it an honour to be his Allies, and all his Neighbours both love and fear him: he is very handſom, of a good preſence, and great Spirit, of a diſpoſition, as ſweet in time of peace, as it is furious in time of war: you may well ſuppoſe then, that the Court of Policrates muſt be very delightful and gallant; ſince it is commonly like as the Prince, ſo is his Court: when I arrived at Samos, he was ready to imbarque, and to go and fight with the Prince of the Mileſians; ſo that after I was preſented unto him, by a man of quality, named Theanor, whom I knew at Paphos, I imbarked the next day with him, before I had ſeen any in Samos, but only Officers of Gallies, with one of which called Timeſias, I had a quarrel at my imbarking, and two other ſmall ſquabbles during the voyage: This expedition was not long, but very proſperous; and we returned Conquerours over thoſe we fought againſt. Policrates at his return unto Samos, was entertained with high magnificence: and ſince I had ſo much happy honour to get ſome part of his love during our Navigation, ſo had I alſo ſome ſhare in thoſe delights which he was pleaſed to to take at his return. The ſame night I came to Samos, after all the magnificence which was prepared for the entry of Policrates was paſt, Theanor whom I affected as much as I was averſe unto Timaſias, would needs ſhew me, as a ſtranger, all the ratities of the Town. He carried me into the Temple of June, unto whom that Iſland was conſecrated, which doubtleſs is one of the greateſt and faireſt in the world, and which they more eſteemed at Samos, becauſe the Architect who built it was a Samion: from thence we walked towards a famous Water-courſe, which ſurpaſſeth the greateſt wonder that ever I ſaw in the world; for it runs through a Mountain which is an hundred fathom high, upon the top of which is a way made, which is above ſeven furlongs in length, and eight foot wide: at the end of this way is digged a pond about twenty Cubits deep, and from this moſt clear and abundant fountain they conduct water into the Town: after I had well admired at this prodigious work of Eupalina, (for the undertaker of this Water-courſe who was of Magares, was ſo called) we came into the Town, and went to walk upon a Hill, ſome twenty fathom high, and two furlongs in length, and above, which extends towards the Sea, and railed on both ſides with Balaſters of Corinthian Copper, which makes the goodlieſt object in the world when one comes to Samos: [...] much to know the beginning of Autumn, and the ſeaſon [Page] of the year moſt pleaſant, a great number of Ladies reſorted thither to walk towards the Evening, as it was the cuſtom of thhe Countrey: at this time they came in greater numbers then ordinary, for ſince we had taken four Galleys from the enemy, it was a kind of honour unto Policrates to be deſirous of ſeeing thoſe marks of his victory: All the Ladies therefore of Samos came thither where we were; all the men of quality, as well thoſe that had been the Voyage, as thoſe which ſtayed behind, came thither alſo: The Prince Policrates himſelf did take a turn or two, and indeed I never ſaw ſo glorious a ſight, as this walk, and thoſe in it: The Sea was all ſerenity, and though the Sun was ſet, yet was there day and light enough to diſcern the beauty of all the Ladies: ſince I knew none of them as yet, I looked upon them all with indifferencie; I was much pleaſed to ſee ſome leaning over theſe ſtately Balliſters, and beholding the Galleys gained from the enemy; and others leſs curious, but more ſolitary, looking only upon the open Sea: ſome complement which ſuch Captains as they had not ſeen ſince their return; others in more ſerious and private conference; others again without any deſigne but to ſee, and be ſeen, walked by Troops, and the general deſigne of all was to walk, and talk, and take the pleaſure of the Evening. Theanor was not a little troubled in telling me the names of all the beauties; for as for all the reſt, I ſpared him the labour of information: ſince this divertiſement was new unto me, and that it was long ſince I ſaw any Ladies, I made it late before I could reſolve upon departure, yet the night drawing on by little and little, we could hardly diſtinguiſh one another: but yet many men came ſtill in, becauſe the Moon began to riſe.

Theanor having left me to ſpeak unto ſome Lady; I walked a while alone, and after ſeveral turns, walking behind two men, whom I did not think I had known, I ſaw ſomething white fall from the pocket of one of them: my firſt thought was to tell him, but not knowing any reaſon why, my ſecond was to take up that which I ſaw fall, and afterwards to give it him, after I had ſeen what it was: ſtooping then preſently, and finding what I ſought for, I looked, and ſaw as well as the obſcurity of the night would permit, that it was a Caſe of a Picture: The time while I took it up, and looking what it was, alſo conſidering whether I ſhould look in it, or reſtore it before I looked, was ſo long, that he who had loſt it, did mingle among other company: ſo that in lieu of ſeeing two men before me, I ſaw a Troop of Ladies, and found it impoſſible to reſtore that which I had found unto the right owner: after this I looked for Theanor, to tell him my adventure, but the darkneſs of the night had ſo ſeparated us, that we could not meet, but ſtaying no longer, I went unto the houſe where I lodged at my firſt coming to Samos, my Servants according to my orders ſtaying there for me, I went in all haſte with a longing curioſity to ſee what I had found: I was no ſooner come into my Chamber, but going unto the Table, and the Candle, I began to look upon this Picture which I had pulled out of my pocket, as I came up the ſtairs, that I might ſooner ſee it; and I found that it was Gold with a circle of Rubies and Diamonds round about it: and I did not ſtand any longer looking upon it, though it was very curious and rich, but opening the lid haſtily, I was more dazled at the ſplendent beauty of what I found within it, then I was at the luſtre of thoſe jewels which adorned this Caſe: I found there the picture of a young and a fair woman, but ſo freſh and lively, that I did not conceive it a flattering piece: and one might eaſily ſee by the excellency of the Art, that the Limner took delight in drawing after ſo fair a Model: It muſt be confeſſed, that nothing upon earth could be more beautiful then this picture: I looked upon it therefore with admiration; and calling to mind the Ideas of all which I had ſeen fair in the walk, I could not remember I had ſeen that Lady whom this Picture reſembled, and indeed ſhe was not there: I opened, and ſhut this Caſe ſeveral times, being not able to forbear looking, and admiring at ſo fair a thing, afterwards I began to pitty him who loſt it, and ſometimes alſo; I envied him; for I imagined that it was given unto him, and I eſteemed him ſo infinitely happy in being loved by ſo fair a Lady, that I was troubled at it: yet at the laſt I went to bed and ſlept, but it was not without a dream of this picture which I found; I roſe the next morning very early, but with ſo hot a curioſity to know the Lady whoſe ſhadow this was, and him who had this ſo conſiderable loſs, that my curioſity might almoſt be termed jealouſie: I dreſſed my ſelf in all haſte, and I went unto Theanor, who was ready to go out of his lodging: he excuſed himſelf for loſing me laſt night in the croud, but giving him no time to continue his complement, and not taking any notice of his melancholy I told him that our ſeparation was ſo happy unto me, as I had rather cauſe to thank, the [...] complain againſt him; for (ſaid I, ſhewing him the Caſe and Picture) ſee what I found laſt night, and help me, I conjure you, to diſcover who that happy Lover is, who has been ſo unhappy, as to loſe ſo precious a jewel, a [...]ards the Name of this beauty, if you [Page] know it. Theanor bluſht at the ſight of the picture, and after he had taken it in his hand, he was a long time looking upon it, as if he had not known the party it reſembled, but urging him to ſpeak, As for the name of this fair Lady, ſaid he unto me, if you were not a ſtranger in Samos, you would not be ignorant of it: for the fair Aloidamia has rendered it too famous, to be unknown unto all that have any reaſonable Souls in our Iſland: but as for that happy lover, as you call him, who loſt it, I know him not, but perhaps, ſaid he, this picture was beſtowed upon ſome of her friends: But ſaid I unto him, it was a man who let it fall, and not a lady; That may be alſo, replied he, for ſhe has ſeveral Couſins, whom ſhe might beſtow a picture upon, without any ſcandal unto her honour: but if you will follow my advice, ſaid he, you ſhall not ſhew this picture unto any, leſt you ſhould make ſo fair a Lady your enemy: It is not my intention (ſaid I unto him) to provoke her, but I have a very great deſire to know this Lady whom this picture repreſents: I ſhall better inform my ſelf, ſaid he unto me, and then I ſhall render you an account, but in the mean while, ſpeak not a word of this picture, but if you pleaſe leave it in my hands, for I beleeve it will be as ſafe, in mine, as yours: for, ſaid he, I have a kind of fear you cannot for bear ſhewing it unto ſome or other. I promiſe you, ſaid I unto him, neither to ſpeak of it or ſhew it unto any; but pardon me if I do not render it unto any but him who loſt it; and that too but unwillingly, for it does infinitly pleaſe me. Theanor uſed all his arguments, that he might keep it, but I did ſo obſtinately deny it, that he was forced to be contented: after which we went unto Policrates at Court, and with him unto the Temple. After dinner, this Prince did me the honour to preſent me unto the Princeſs Herſilea his ſiſter, who was a Lady moſt admirably accompliſhed, with whom there was then many Ladies, and amongſt the reſt, one named Meneclida, with whom it was ſaid Policrates was in love. There alſo did I ſee the wonder of the world Alcidamia, ſo admirably fair, that I never ſaw any ſo amiable. The Princeſs Herſilea willing to grace a new Favorite of the Kings, did place me next this glorious beauty, whoſe Soul did ſo powerfully ſecond the charms of her face, that I could no longer preſerve my freedom. Theanor coming into the company, and ſeeing me next Alcidamia, ſeemed unto me, as if he were troubled at it, yet did not then take any notice of it: and my mind was alſo ſo much diſordered, that Alcidamia had not any reaſon to think my converſation very agreeable. Which of all theſe (ſaid I in my ſelf, in looking upon all the men which followed Policrates to his ſiſter) is that both happy and unfortunate lover who has loſt this picture which I have found?

Afterwards I began to think how much this Lady would be aſtoniſhed, if I ſhould ſhew her this picture which I had about me: afterwards I bethought my ſelf, how infortunate that man would be, who ſhould fall in love with ſo fair a Lady as this, whoſe heart might perhaps be already ingaged: and indeed I had a thouſand ſeveral thoughts in a ſhort time, and it may be almoſt ſaid, that jealouſie, which uſes to follow love in others, did precede it in me, ſince it is certain that I found all the ſymptomes of jealouſie in me, before ever I gave her any teſtimony of my love any manner of way: I enquired very diligently of all the lovers of Alcidamia, hoping to find out him unto whom this picture belonged: but thoſe of whom I enquired told me, That there was not a man of quality in all Samos which loved her not, ſo that all my conjectures finding no foundation, but (ſaid I unto them) has ſhe not made choice of any? That is a thing (ſaid they) not eaſily to be diſcovered, for Alcidamia is wiſe, and able to diſguiſe her thoughts if ſhe pleaſe; all we can ſay is, that if ſhe have any Favorite, her diſcretion conceals him, ſince it is certain there goes no rumour of any about the Court. Thus did two or three days paſs away, during which time I often ſaw Alcidamia either with the Princeſs, or in the Temple, or walking, or at her own houſe, for I urged Theanor to carry me thither: I ſay I urged him, for he excuſed it as much as he could: Mean while, I was continually conjuring him to tell me if he could, to whom the picture of Alcidamia belonged, and he always anſwered me, that this unprofitable curioſity ought at the leaſt to be well intended; and that though he did know whoſe it was, yet would he never tell me, unleſs I would promiſe him before hand to make good uſe of that knowledg, and not incenſe Alcidamia by it. Since I did not yet think I ſhould be fettered in the chains of love, I promiſed him what he deſired: ſo that a few days after, he came one morning unto my chamber, and ſeeming to be very joyfull, Leontidas, ſaid he unto me, I have at laſt diſcovered him, unto whom the picture which you found belongs, and he is a perſon of ſo high a quality as you have reaſon to rejoyce that it is in your power to do him ſo great a favor as to reſtcre it. I bluſhed at this diſcourſe of Theanor, who ſeeing me change my colour, changed himſelf alſo, and asked me why I did not thank him, and ſatisfie his curioſity and deſire? It is Theanor, anſwered I, becauſe I have altered my mind, and now do fear as much to know who is the owner, as I deſired it before; [Page] and my reaſon is, becauſe I cannot yet reſolve to reſtore it: But I am engaged that you ſhall, (anſwered Theanor much ſurprized) for I did not think you deſired to know the owner, with any intention to do him ſo much injuſtice. But yet Theanor, (ſaid I unto him) I beſeech you who is the owner? I muſt not tell you, replied he, ſince you will not reſtore it: The party who permitted me to truſt you with this ſecret, did not allow me to acquaint you, but upon condition you will reſtore it, for otherwiſe it is not juſt to acquaint you with ſuch a ſecret as this. But ſaid I unto him, is he who owes this picture in love with Alcidamia? Deſperately, replyed he: And was this picture given him by that fair Lady? When you have reſtored it me, replied he, you ſhall know that, but until then, I have no commiſſion to tell you any thing. Cruel friend, replied I unto him, I had rather have this picture then your ſecret, and if I reſtore it unto any, it ſhall be rather to the party who gave it, then to him who loſt it: Oh Leontidas, ſaid Theanor, I beſeech you do not as you ſay, unleſs you intend moſt abſolutely to diſoblige me. As we were thus talking, one came and told me, that Policrates asked for me, ſo that I was conſtrained to leave Theanor: but, oh Heavens, how melancholy was I all that day! for indeed after this which Theanor told me, I doubted not but my conjectures were well grounded, and that this picture was not given by Alcidamia unto him that loſt it. I began to perceive alſo that I was not right maſter of my reaſon; and I reſolved to love Alcidamia notwithſtanding all will or reaſon, or any thing elſe. Am I not very inconſiderate (ſaid I unto my ſelf) to ſuffer ſuch a growing paſſion without any oppoſite, which moſt apparently will coſt me abundance of ſorrow? I know that Alcidamia has fixed her love, and what would I obtain of her? Shall Leontidas ſuffer a Rival to reſt in the heart of this beauty? or ſhall he drive him out? But who is the Rival, ſaid I? alas, alas, I know him not at all; perhaps it is ſome man, who is unworthy of ſuch an honour; perhaps it is Theanor himſelf, and whoſoever it be, ſaid I, he is not over paſſionate a lover, ſince he does not make himſelf known by his death, after ſuch a loſs: All this while Theanor was no more at reſt then I, for, to diſcover the truth unto you, he was in love with Alcidamia, and it was himſelf who loſt this picture, though he durſt not confeſs it unto me: for ſince I was very young, he durſt not truſt too much unto my diſcretion, but thought to ſcrue this picture out of my hands by craft, and under the name of another: and obſerving indeed that I was become his Rival, he knew not what courſe to take, ſo that both of us were much perplexed, for Theanor knew that Alcidamia would extreamly hate him, if ſhe ſhould know he had loſt this picture, and I alſo feared as extreamly that it was his. Then did I enquire of ſeveral perſons, whether Theanor was in love with Alcidamia, and to my ſorrow I found he was: you may then imagine how much I was troubled at it, for I was obliged to love him, both by my own inclination, by reaſon, and indeed by duty, ſince indeed he had done me many great favours towards Policrates, and had taken my part with much zeal againſt Timaſias, of whom I ſpoke before, ſo that I found it againſt the Law of generoſity, not to reſiſt my paſſion; and I ſtrived with all my power to give a check unto my ſelf, but all in vain, for love did ſo much, and ſo abſolutely command my Soul, and ſo much withdrew my affection from Theanor, that I was often in a wonderful confuſion. Alcidamia was then ever predominate in my heart, and it was more eaſie for me to quit my friend, then her whom without any compariſon I loved more then he: All my buſineſs was then to colour this infidelity, and to that end I thought it beſt to acquaint him firſt with my paſſion, faigning to be ignorant of his. I went unto him, and found him in his chamber more unquiet then my ſelf, for he began to ſuſpect me for his Rival. Theanor, for ought I ſee (ſaid I unto him) is as melancholy as Leontidas, though doubtleſs he be not ſo amorous. Since we have been almoſt always in the wars together, ever ſince we were acquainted (anſwered he very coldly) we never diſcourſed but of gallant matters, and I do not know, why you ſhould now ſuppoſe that you are more amorous then I, or that I cannot be ſo much as you. My meaning is (ſaid I unto him, a little dampt, for I knew that what I did was not very generous) that if it be as true you love any Lady violently, as it is certain I do moſt deſperately love the incomparable Alcidamia, I ſhall extreamly pity you, as I deſire you to pity me. I thought (replyed Theanor with ſuch a coldneſs as much ſurprized me) that your heart could not avoyd the charms of that beauty: But Leontidas (ſaid he after a little ſtudy) you are not he alone who loves that inchanting Lady, and that picture which you found, ought (me thinks) to have nipt your growing paſſion in the bud. But quite contrary, ſaid I unto him, it is that which makes it grow the faſter, for when I do not ſee Alcidamia, then I do look upon it, and it preſerves the memory of her beauty ſo freſh in my Soul, that I can never forget it. After this, Theanor was a while ſilent; afterwards aſſuming a more ſerious countenance, he told me, that loving me as he did, he was very ſorry to ſee me engaged in a love which would coſt me much ſorrow, and that if it were permitted him to name the Rival unto whom that picture belonged, he ſhould make me acknowledg, [Page] that I ought not any longer to continue loving Alcidamia: Though you ſhould make me acknowledg it, ſaid I unto him, yet all would be in vain, becauſe my paſſion does not depend upon my will: though it ſhould be your ſelf which is that happy Rival you ſpeak of, or though it ſhould be Policrates himſelf, yet muſt I continue loving Alcidamia: Love then Alcidamia, ſaid he unto me bluſhing, but never hope to be ſo ſoon loved again, and do not perſwade your ſelf that ſhe will ever give you her Picture; for I can aſſure you, that he who is owner of that which you have, did not obtain it without abundance of ſorrow and trouble, although ſhe do not hate him unto whom ſhe gave it.

Cruel friend, ſaid I unto him, why do you infuſe as much jealouſie as love in me? Becauſe, replied he, I would cure your love by your jealouſie. No no, ſaid I unto him, that's not the way to deſtroy it, and the more you make me know that Alcidamia does favour that happy Rival, the greater envy and deſire ſhall I have to diſtrub his felicity, and the more reſolutely ſhall I continue loving Alcidamia. Let me tell you once again, ſaid he unto me, you may continue loving Alcidamia, but let me alſo tell you once again, that you ſhall not be ſo ſoon loved: I confeſs that this coldneſs of Theanor made me almoſt deſpair: for after I had conſulted with my reaſon, I concluded that this coldneſs of his proceeded from his confident aſſurance of the affection of Aleidamia, ſo that not looking upon Theanor any longer as an officious friend, with whom I ſhould keep any good correſpondence, but I looked upon him as a Rival in favour, and by conſequence as a mortal enemy: ſo that changing my deſigne, my countenance, and my voice, In the Name of the Gods, Theanor, ſaid I unto him, tell me the name of him who is owner of this Picture, that I may exactly know whom to hate: I cannot, replied he, until you have reſtored the Picture of Alcidamia. The Picture of Alcidamia, (ſaid I, not knowing almoſt what I ſaid, ſince jealouſie had ſo troubled all my ſenſes,) No no, I cannot do it at the price of that Secret, which I deſire to know; for not deſiring to know the name of my Rival, but with intentions to remove him out of the heart of Alcidamia, I ſhall not reſtore him this Picture. However (ſaid Theanor) I beſeech you promiſe one juſt deſire, which is, not to ſhew this Picture unto any; ſince thereby you do more wrong unto Alcidamia, then to your Rival, who I believe will not become your enemy, until he ſee, that you find more favour then himſelf. I confeſs then, that I thought to have laid aſide all patience, but ſeveral people coming in, we parted at that time, and I went from Theanor, the moſt ſad and melancholy man alive. Certainly, ſaid I, this cruel friend thinks himſelf ſo ſure of Alcidamia's heart, that he is in no fear to loſe it: or elſe he ſcorns Leontidas ſo much, that he cares not for his being a Rival. But it may be, ſaid I, that my conjectures may deceive me, and thoſe who told me that Theanor loved Alcidamia, may be deceived themſelves. At the laſt, I concluded, that either Theanor did not love Alcidamia, or elſe that he was loved: I wiſhed the Gods, that it might prove the firſt of theſe. I being in theſe uncertainties, I reſolved to ſatisfie my ſelf a little better, and to talk unto this fair Lady, and to diſcourſe of ſeveral things concerning Theanor, thereby, if poſſible, to diſcover the truth, ſo that not thinking to make my own paſſion known unto her, I endeavoured only to diſcourſe concerning my Rival: I went then unto the Princeſs Hirſilea, where I knew ſhe would be; and after that ſeveral people were come in, and gone out again, at the laſt I addreſſed my ſelf unto Alcidamia, who according to her uſual cuſtom, entertained me with much civility; preſently after, Policrates came in, and almoſt all the men of quality in Samos followed him, except Theanor, who melancholy retained him at home: after a little while of general diſcourſe, Policrates having ſome private buſineſs with the Princeſs his Siſter, took her to the window which opened unto the Main Sea, and left me an opportunity to execute my deſigne; me thought alſo that Alcidamia did contribute her willingneſs unto it, though truly, it was in ſuch a manner as did add unto my unquietneſs: As it was but a little while that I had yet been at Samos, ſhe had no reaſon to ſpeak unto me concerning any thing, but general things; and as ſhe had obſerved that Theanor was more friendly unto me then any other, ſo ſhe was readier to entertain diſcourſe with me, then thoſe with whom I had yet no particular acquaintance. After then we two had been a while together, and ſaid nothing one to another, What have you done with your friend, ſaid ſhe unto me, and how comes it to paſs Theanor is not here, now all the Court is preſent? This unexpected queſtion ſurpriſed me; and I could not hear the name of my Rival from the mouth of Alcidamia without a bluſh: for truly, though I intended to ſpeak concerning Theanor, yet did I not think ſhe would begin the firſt. Madam, ſaid I unto her, I have left him in his Chamber ſo melancholy, that at the preſent I did not think his humour fit for company. You [...]re then a very ill friend, ſaid ſhe unto me ſmiling, to leave your friend in ſuch a caſe. It was becauſe his humour was ſo ſullen (ſaid I unto her) that my preſence was trouble ſome unto [Page] him, and perhaps alſo more then anothers would be: In truth, Leontidas, replied ſhe, you vex me, for Theanor is a very compleat gallant man, and if any great misfortune ſhould befal him, I ſhould be extreamly ſorry. Madam (ſaid I, more unquiet, more curious, and none jealous then ever,) Since I have been but a while at Sames, I cannot be well acquainted with the news of the place; but you, who knows all, I ſuppoſe you are not ignorant, that Theanor's diſeaſe, as I think, proceeds from a violent paſſion. Aloidamia thinking then, that I would ſpeak in behalf of Theanor, changed her colour, and looking upon me more ſeriouſly then before; I knew not, ſaid ſhe, that your friend was in love, neither do I think he is but indeed Leontidas, if there be no other cauſe of his melancholy, but that, I ſhould not pity him ſo much as I do: It is becauſe perhaps, (ſaid I, and looked more attentively upon her) you know he is not to be pitied, but that he is loved by the party whom he loves. I know not, anſwered ſhe, whether he be loved or hated, for I am neither his Miſtreſs, nor his Confident. I wiſh the Gods that half you ſay were true, (ſaid I, interrupting her very ſharply) for Leontidas would then be much more happy then he is. Leontidas (ſaid ſhe ſmiling) was born in that Iſle which was conſecrated unto the Mother of Love, where Gallantry is Law, where they never ſpeak of any thing but love; and where the Ladies are never entertained with any diſcourſe but ſuch as obliging, ſweet, and flattering: but we who reverence another Deity, are leſs gallant then they, and alſo, if you pleaſe to have it ſo, ſomething more ſevere, I muſt tell you as a ſtranger, that you muſt not mention any ſuch things unto our Ladies, who would perhaps be more offended at you then I am, becauſe they do not know how to excuſe the e [...] ſtom of your Countrey as I do: All your Ladies? (replied I haſtily) Ah Divine Alcidamia, you do not know Leontidas, if you think he will ever ſay unto any other but you, that he is deſperately in love. Seriouſly Leontidas, ſaid ſhe, either correct this ill habit which you have brought over with you, or I ſhall complain unto your friend, and deſire him to break you off it, if it be poſſible. He cannot, anſwered I, though he ſhould attempt it. Then muſt I fly your company, replied ſhe, until ſuch time as you have better learned our cuſtomes. It is the cuſtom Madam, for all that, replied I, to adore ſuch beauties as you: And it is alſo the general cuſtom of all places, replied ſhe, except Cyprus, that thoſe beauties of whom you ſpeak are glorious, noble, and ſevere, and will not ſuffer any diſcourſe of ſuch things. But is it poſſible, replied I, that all the beauties in Samos ſhould be inexorable? Was there never any that would ſuffer themſelves to be loved, and have permitted hopes that they themſelves would hereafter love? and have beſtowed their pictures upon their ſervants, and have been complacential many other ways unto ſuch as they have accepted on? I know not, (ſaid ſhe, wondering why I ſhould uſe this odd diſcourſe;) or if I did, their example ſhall never be followed by Alcidamia. But however Leontidas, let me once more intreat you to leave off this ill cuſtom, if you have a mind to enjoy any of my company. Alcidamia ſpoke this in ſuch a manner, as I was afraid ſhe would baniſh me her converſation: and ſince my jealouſie perſwaded me that ſhe was ſo ſevere unto me only becauſe ſhe would be more faithful unto my Rival, even very ſpite made me entertain love ſtill in my heart, ſo that beginning to ſpeak again, If it be only an ill habit, ſaid I unto her, you would be unjuſt to think it poſſible I can lay it off upon a ſudden; therefore Madam, I conjure you to allow me ſome certain days to unaccuſtom my ſelf: Alcidamia, who was very glad to turn the diſcourſe into raillery, ſaid, that ſhe would allow me the reſt of the day: but I uſed ſo many arguments, and urged her ſo much, that I obtained eight days, after which I was not to ſpeak a word of my paſſion, or love, ſhe telling and laughing, that ſhe would complain unto Theanor, if I broke my word. Thus [...] lieu of ſpeaking of my Rival, Alcidamia ſpoke firſt unto me; and in lieu of diſcovering [...] thoughts of him, I declared my love unto her: In my going out from the Princeſs, I thoug [...] my ſelf for a while to be very happy in that I had let her know I loved her: but when called to mind all that Alcidamia ſaid unto me, I obſerved that ſhe changed colour as [...] ſhe heard Theanor named, and that I had no cauſe to doubt but that ſhe loved him: then [...] I become extreamly reſtleſs in my mind, and if I had not had ſome obligations upon me [...] wards Theanor, I believe I ſhould have found out more violent ways to ſatisfie my ſelf, th [...] thoſe I took: yet not well knowing what courſe to take, I was moſt reſtleſly miſerable What will it advantage me, ſaid I, to have the Picture of Alcidamia, if Theanor have [...] heart? Give over then, that deſigne which may bring into an hundred inconveniences. [...] perhaps, ſaid I afterwards, this Picture was ſtoln from her, yet if it was ſo, yet certainly [...] was ſtoln by ſome that was in love with her; and though it were happy for me if it [...] ſo, yet it is a great misfortune to be Rival unto a man who hath obliged me: All this wh [...] the ſoul of Theanor was no more quiet then mine: for as I told you before, he was Pa [...] ſionately [Page] in love with Alcidamia: from whom, as I underſtood afterwards, he had not obtained any thing: not but that the Picture which I found was his, but it was not given him by Alcidamia, who knew not that he had it; for be pleaſed to know that ſhe cauſed it to be made, and gave it unto a friend of hers named Acaſta, and indeed, it was ſhe who was the owner of it. But within a little while after, Policrater being ready to imbarque for a freſh war, every one went to take leave of their acquaintance, and a great number of quality went unto Acaſta, to bid her adieu; and amongſt others, Theanor came, as ſhe was newly gone out to make a viſit; and when he found none below, he went into her Chamber, and found upon the Table the Picture of Alcidamia, which ſhe had forgot to take with her; ſo that loving her, as he did, and being ready to depart out of Samos, he did, as I think my ſelf ſhould have done, if I had been in his room; that is, he took this picture, and not the Caſe, which indeed was too much to be taken, and went out ſo happily, that he was not ſeen by any. Preſently after, Timaſcas who was a Couſin to Acaſta, came unto the houſe, and found none in it alſo; he went into his Couſins, and found it as Theanor left it, that was, all open, and the Caſe of the Picture upon the Table, which he had forgot to ſhut: ſo that Timaſias, who was alſo in love with Alcidamia, and had ſeen it often in the hands of his Couſin, wondred why the Picture was not in it: ſo that knocking to cauſe ſome to come unto him, he asked how it came to paſs that the Caſe ſhould lie upon the Table without the Picture? The women, much ſurprized at it, told them that they knew not, but ſaid, they ſaw it there ſince their Miſtreſs went out; afterwards they accuſed Timaſias, being a Lover of Alcidamia, for taking it, and began to deſire him that he would put it in again: he denied very hotly, and in the mean while Acaſta returned, and heard of the buſineſs: at the firſt, ſhe believed as her women did, and imagined that her Couſin, whom ſhe knew to be much in love with Alcidamia, had taken it, and ſay what he could, ſhe would believe no other, inſomuch as ſhe was extreamly angry with him: yet ſince he ſwore ſo deeply, that he took it not, that ſhe enquired who elſe came into the houſe. But her women, to excuſe themſelves of their negligence, did ſwear, and proteſt, as alſo all the reſt of the Domeſticks, [...]that there came none thither, but Timaſias. Yet Theanor, to take away all ſuſpicion of him, returned unto Acaſta to bid her adieu, and not mentioning his being there before, ſhe complained unto him of her loſs, but he gave a crafty in lieu of a comforting anſwer, that if he had loſt it, he ſhould die for ſorrow: In concluſion, he departed with his concealed treaſure, and making another Caſe which he had to ſerve for that Picture, for all thoſe Pictures are made almoſt of one ſize, he imbarked as well pleaſed as Timaſias was angry; for he imagined that it was ſome of his Rivals who had ſtolne this Picture.

In the mean while Alcidamia hearing of it, did at the firſt ſuſpect that Acaſta had given it unto her Couſin: But Acaſta made it appear that it was otherwiſe, for ſhe being perſwaded that it was he who took it, ſhe quite fell out with him at his return. Alcidamia for her part, took it extreamly ill he ſhould be ſo bold as to commit ſuch a theft, and treated him very ill every time he ſpoke unto her after his return. As ſhe was upon very civil terms with Theanor, though ſhe did not much favour him, ſo ſhe complained unto him, as ſhe did unto others, and ſeemed to be ſo extreamly offended at the Preſumption of Timaſias, that he durſt never tell her it was himſelf who was the thief, fearing to ineur that hatred, which ſhe bore unto his Rival, who was the ſame man that became my enemy the firſt day I arrived at Samos. You ſee then, how Theanor not being any extraordinary Favourite, came unto the Picture of Alcidamia, for I came to know of all theſe paſſages moſt exactly afterwards: and you ſee alſo the reaſon why he would not tell me the Picture was his, which was, becauſe he certainly knew Alcidamia would hate him as ſoon as ſhe knew it. At the firſt my young years only did reſtrain him, but afterwards when he found that I was in love with Alcidamia, then he thought good to poſſeſs me with an imagination that ſhe was in love, and that ſhe had given this Picture unto ſome one, hoping thereby to avert me from my paſſion: he perceived, that though he had confeſſed unto me he loved her, yet that I would not give over loving her ſince I told him of it; ſo that, having no mind to fight with me, nor to ruine himſelf in the opinion of Alcidamia, by confeſſing it was he who ſtole the Picture, or by telling me a lye that ſhe did give it unto him, he was as far from knowing what reſolution to pitch upon as I was: and for ſome days we ſhunned one another with as much care as we ſought for one another before. During which time, I ſaw Alcidamia, as oft as I could poſſible: and preſuming upon that priviledge which ſhe had given me, I diſcourſed of my paſſiotate love unto her, and ſhe ſeemed always to think, that it was only a habit of ſpeaking which moved me to expreſs my ſelf ſo unto her, bidding me to remember that I reckoned the dayes [Page] aright, which ſhe had alloted me. Yet being a whole day, and not ſeeing her, I went to walk by my ſelf in the publick Gardens of the Town, which are as full of beauty as thoſe of Policrates: and to contemplate with more freedom, I took a cloſe walk, where having a deſire to look upon the Picture of Alcidamia, I took it out of my pocket, and finding a convenient Seat, I began to conſider it with much delight, but preſently after I looked upon it with much melancholy, conſidering the cruel doom ſhe had pronounced againſt him who loſt it; and I think my jealouſie moved me to pronounce ſome words, which moved Timaſias, who unknown to me was walking in another Alley cloſe by mine, to look who it was which ſpoke; for ſince I ſpoke but with a half voice, and had uttered but three or four words, he did not know me by my voice: he came then cloſe up to the walk where I was, and looking through the thick leaves, he ſaw the Picture, and knew it to be of Alcidamia, and the ſame which ſhe had heretofore given unto Acaſta, and the very ſame that he took away; for he knew that Alcidamia had never ſuffered her picture to be taken but that once. Since it was but a little time that I had been in Samos, and ſince I had never any familiarity with Timaſias ſince out laſt difference, he never perceived that I was in love with Alcidamia, ſo that he was extreamly ſurprized to ſee the Picture of her he loved in the hands of his enemy, and a Picture alſo which had cauſed Alcidamia to hate him, and the ſame which every one thought he ſtole: That which did moſt amaze him, was, becauſe he thought I was not acquainted with either Alcidamia, or Acaſta, and ſince it was loſt before I came unto Samos, ſo that he could not tell what to think of this adventure: yet being reſolved to be further ſatisfied, he went haſtily unto the end of that walk where I was, and found me ſo attentive in looking upon that Picture which I held in my hand, as all I could do was to ſhut the Caſe before he was cloſe at me: ſince we were upon terms of civility, though there was no great love betwixt us, I roſe up when he came near me, and after a cold ſalute, I offered to continue on my walk without ſtaying with him, when he accoſting me with a troubled aſpect, Leontidas, ſaid he unto me, although you are none of my intimate friends, yet ſince you are a man of honour, I hope you will tell me one truth, which much imports me, and which I much deſire to know from you. I know not replied I, whether I ſhall tell you that truth which you deſire to know, but I am certain, I ſhall not tell you a lye. Tell me then, ſaid he, who gave you the Picture of Alcidamia, which by chance I ſaw in your hands as I was walking in the Alley joyning unto this. Though ſo much curioſity, ſaid I unto him, as you have to obſerve my actions, does not perhaps deſerve ſo much ſincerity, yet I ſhall tell you, that fortune only gave it unto me, and that I am not beholding unto any for it. Timaſias hearing this anſwer, did think I would not tell him what I knew; ſo that being angry, I knew very well (anſwered he) that you have more cauſe to thank fortune for it, then the incomparable Alcidamia, who queſtionleſs would not give it you; but I ask, by what accident did blind fortune put it into your hands? Since I am not obliged (anſwered I with a much incenſed ſpirit, becauſe I had ſome ſuſpicion Timaſias was my Rival) to tell you all the truths I know, and that in the quality of a man of honour, I am only engaged to tell you no lye, I will not tell you any more, think what you pleaſe. But you ſhall tell me (replied he roughly) of whom you had that Picture. Leontidas (anſwered I, and looked fiercely upon him) was never uſed to [...] which he has not any mind to have known, eſpecially unto men who are not in the Catalogue of my friends. Then as your enemy (replied he, and laid his hand upon his Sword) I will make you acknowledg who gave you that Picture, and alſo compelyou to reſtore it. No ſooner had he ſaid ſo, but without any return, I drew my Sword, and we began to fight: As he was very nimble, and I very lucky, we fought a good while without any hurt, but I coming cloſe unto him, after I had given him a ſlight touch in the left Arme, we diſputed the victory very ſtiffly; when we were in the heat of fight, and I had got ſo much advantage, as to preſent my Sword unto his breaſt, to make him acknowledg my victory, Policrates coming to walk there, entred; and followed by abundance of others, amongſt the reſt Theanor, who was the firſt who came in to part us. The fury wherein then I was to ſee that my old Enemy, and new Rival, ſhould be pulled out of my hands, made me begin to quarrel with Theanor: But Policrates coming in, I was forced to change my courſe, and to ask him pardon, for, contrary to his Orders, quarrelling with Timaſias. Since then he loved me more then my enemy, and ſince I was a ſtranger, and the other his Subject, all the blame did light upon Timaſias; but he, deſiring to juſtifie himſelf, Sir, ſaid he, if you did know the cauſe of our quarrel, doubtleſs you would excuſe me, and ſay that I have done no more then I ought. I cannot believe, replied Policrates, that you had any reaſon to quarrel with Leontidas, and therefore, I would underſtand all the particulars of the buſineſſ. Sir, (ſaid I, even deſperate that it muſt be known I had this Picture in my hands, and [Page] fearing that Policrates ſhould move me to reſtore it) you will ſpend a great deal of time, which would be better imployed in many other things then this, and it will ſuffice, if you be only perſwaded, that both of us have done nothing but what men of courage and honour ought to do: but ſay what I could Policrates was ſo ſolicited by Timaſias, who deſired to be juſtified concerning the theft of this picture, and to be ſatisfied concerning it, began to relate the buſineſs. Then Timaſias puting them in mind of the loſs of Alcidamia's picture (for all the Court knew it was taken away) and alſo puting them in mind how he as a lover of Alcidamia, was accuſed for it, and how ill ſhe had treated him concerning it, he afterwards told them that he ſaw the ſame picture in my hands, and that he only deſired to know of whom I had it, that he might thereby juſtifie himſelf: knowing well that it was not I who took it, ſince I was not then at Samos when it was ſtoln from Acaſta.

During this diſcourſe of Timaſias, I had variety of apprehenſions in my mind, for I was extreamly joyed to know certainly, by what he ſaid, that this picture was not given unto him who loſt it, and ſometimes my jealouſie diminiſhed as much as my love encreaſed, but ſeeing afterwards with what fervency my enemy ſpoke, and that I did contribute unto his juſtification, and perhaps unto his admiſſion into Alcidamia's favour, I was then even abſolutely deſperate. Yet as ſoon as Timaſias had done ſpeaking, Policrates, who had a piercing wit, not yet imagining the truth of the buſineſs, and thinking only that I had a deſire to conceal the name of him who gave me this picture, told me, that he would not move me to tell before all the world who it was, but deſired me to tell him in private, which if I would do, it ſhould ſuffice for the juſtification of Timaſias, that I did publiquely acknowledg, ſome one who likely did take it from Acaſta, had given it unto me. I leave you to imagine how much I was joyed that I was not able to juſtifie my enemy and my Rival: ſo that I began to relate with all ingennity which truth could have, how I found it as I was walking: concealing to my ſelf the ſuſpitions which I had that it was Theanor who loſt it, for ſince they were only bare ſuſpitions, I could not reſolve in my mind, which of theſe two Rivals I had better ruine: at the firſt, my diſcourſe did a little ſurprize Policrates, ſo that to confirm him better, I told him that Theanor, who was there by him, knew well I did not lye, ſince I went unto him, and told him the adventure which I had the firſt night I came unto Samos, and ſhewed him this picture, and out of my curioſity deſired him to inform me who he might be who had loſt it, and to tell me the name of her whom it repreſented. So Theanor was conſtrained to be my witneſs, and Policrates doubted not of the truth of what I ſaid. So that it appearing I told no lye unto Timaſias, and that he had no reaſon to think I ſpoke not ſincerely unto him, he commanded us to embrace one another: but firſt Timaſias beſeeched Policrates that I ſhould reſtore unto Alcidamia the picture which I found: You make me beleeve, (ſaid I then unto Timaſias) that perhaps it was your ſelf which loſt this picture, and that repenting your ſelf of that theft which wounded your reputation, you would have it reſtored. Timaſias grew red in the face with anger at this diſcourſe, and returned no anſwer, and that which did moſt vex him, was that every one beleeved it ſo, and publiquely talked of it, and I beleeve Theanor did contribute all he could to make it paſs ſo: for my part, I was even raviſhed to ſee Policrates laugh at what I ſaid, and addreſsing my ſpeech unto him, ſaid, that it would be an odd thing, that ſince I took nothing from any one, they ſhould oblige me to reſtore that which fortune gave me: or that I ſhould be puniſhed, before I commited a crime, or looked upon, like him who was the real robber, if he were known. Timaſias would have anſwered, but Policrates begining to ſpeak, and deſiring to take up this quarrel, told me that as my puniſhment, I ſhould ſhew him this picture: Sir, ſaid I unto him, it conduceth ſo much unto the honour of Alcidamia to be ſeen, that I do it without any difficulty at all, upon condition you will promiſe me to do me ſo much honour as to reſtore it: Then after that promiſe I did ſhew it unto him: he no ſooner ſaw it but looking upon the caſe, Leontidas, ſaid he unto me, you need not wonder at the anger of Timaſias, for by the richneſs of theſe precious ſtones wherewith it is ſet, it was to be imagined that perhaps you were his Rival, ſince it is not uſual to be at much charges for an indifferent perſon: Sir (replied I) it was my fortune to find that picture in that caſe: yet to ſhew I am not covetous, I am ready to reſtore it without the picture, unto Timaſias, if it was he who loſt it. Policrates, fearing that this diſcourſe might breed worſe blood, commanded us peremptorily, to embrace one another, which without any incivility we did, though very coldly: after which, reſtoring me the picture, when he had contemplated it with ſuch a ſeriouſneſs as if he had never ſeen the perſon is repreſented, he told me ſmiling, that a lover of Alcidamia would be very happy in having that honour which I had in it, and in obtaining that by fortune which would not have been ſo eaſily obtained from her ſelf. After this, he went unto the princeſs his ſiſter, and [Page] would have me wait upon him: But as for Ti [...]aſias he retired himſelf, being much grieved that his combate had no better ſucceſs, but yet very glad in his imagination that what he had done might perhaps undeceive Alcidamia, but for all that, he himſelf was deceived, for ſhe ſtill did think that it was he who took it, and afterwards loſt it in walking, and to recover it again he fought with me. You may imagine what a noiſe this accident did make in the Court: and had publiſhed it, before we came unto the Princeſs, whither Theanor came not. Alcidamia, who by chance was there, no ſooner ſaw me but ſhe bluſh [...], and was aſhamed to know I ſhould have her picture. As ſoon as Policrates entred, he cauſed me to come neer the Princeſs H [...]rſilea, by whom Aloidamia ſtood: and relating unto them what they knew already, There needs no more, ſaid he, to compleat this advanture, if Leontidas were really in love with Alcidamia, as well as Theanor and Timaſias are, the one of which is his friend, and the other his enemy; then might we ſee how one that is born in the Iſle of Cyprus would carry himſelf amidſt all thoſe circumſtances. Sir, ſaid I unto him bluſhing, and ſmiling, if there need no more then that to make to adventure handſome, you need wiſh no more. Harken not Sir unto Leontidas (ſaid Alcidamia) as if he ſpoke ſeriouſly: for Sir, you know it is the cuſtom of his Country to treat all Ladies thus: There are ſix days yet, ſaid ſhe, which I have to correct you in, and he hath promiſed me that afterwards he will ſpeak no more in that manner unto me: How, ſaid Policrates ſpeaking unto Alcidamia, have you given him leave to ſpeak in that manner unto you, for ſix days? Yes Sir, replied ſhe and bluſht, but it is upon condition to ſpeak no more ſo unto me afterwards; And we will beleeve him (ſaid the Princeſs Herſilea ſmiling:) Indeed I cannot (replied Policrates looking upon Alcidamia) for I am perſwaded that ſince Leontidas has once told you that he loves, he will always tell you ſo; But it ſhall be in vain (replied Alcidamia, ſince I ſhall not harken unto him: Yet Sir, ſaid ſhe, if it were fit, I could complain of a piece of injuſtice which you have done me, in not appointing Leontidas to reſtore my picture unto me. Policrates, having a pleaſing phancy, as I underſtood afterwards, to ſee me vexed, anſwered, that his reaſon was, becauſe he would not conſent unto a thing of that nature at the requeſt of Timaſias, but at hers. If that be all, ſaid ſhe, I humbly beſeech you, command him to reſtore it unto me preſently. I can only intreat him (ſaid Policrates) for I am not his Maſter. You may command me Sir, in all things, ſaid I unto him, but as for this, I conceive it would be ſo unjuſt to do it, that I cannot beleeve you will: And what injuſtice is there in it, replied Alcidamia, ſince it is but to render me my own? In truth, ſaid the Princeſs, you have leſs right unto it then Leontidas; for did you not give it unto Acaſta? Yes, replyed ſhe, but though I did, yet Leontidas has no right unto it. For my part, ſaid Policrates, I find that Alcidamia is not to blame: And I find, ſaid the Princeſs Herſilea, that ſhe has no reaſon to have it from him: for ſince Acaſta was ſo careleſs in looſing it, and Leontidas ſo careful in keeping it, it is better in his hands then hers: Oh Madam, ſaid I unto her, how infinitly am I obliged unto you, and what ſufficient thanks can I poſſibly render you? Whilſt I was thanking her, and ſhewing ſuch reaſons as might more convince them in my favour, I ſaw Policrates ſpeak low unto Alcidamia, and her laugh as well as he: and methought afterwards, I ſaw them ſm [...]le once or twice pri [...]ately at one another, and indeed Policrates was diſpleaſed at Alcidamia, ſince ſhe confeſſed ſhe ſufferd me to ſpeak unto her concerning my love, and the more to oblige me, told her that he beleeved I was really in love with her: but for further ſatisfaction, he ſaid unto her, Will you continue obſtinate all this day in deſiring him to reſtore your picture? How Sir, ſaid ſhe, all this day? ſpeaking in a low voyce to him: Yes, and all my life long, or at the leaſt until he do reſtore it. Yet ſince I did not hear what he ſaid, and ſince I ſaw Policrates ſmile very often whilſt Alcidamia preſſed me to reſtore the picture, I was much unquiet in my mind. But as the Princeſs took my part, and was glad that the affection of Policrates heretofore towards Timaſias whom ſhe loved not, did leſſen towards him, and increaſe towards me; ſhe ſaid, that abſolutely ſhe would never ſuffer me to reſtore this picture; for (ſaid ſhe to Alcidamia, in my behalf) you have no more right unto it ſince you gave it unto Acaſta, and ſhe has no more right unto it then you, ſince ſhe loſt it ſo negligently: but Leontidas has more right then either of you, ſince he found it ſo fortunately; ſince he has won it by his valor, ſince he has prevented him who ſtole it from injoying it, and ſince indeed he deſerves it. Then Policrates, to divert himſelf a little longer, ſaid unto Herſilea, that it were more juſt that the picture remained in his hands. But without giving him ſo much time as to tell his reaſons, the ſentence of the Princeſs was followed; Alcidamia always declaring that ſhe would never conſent unto it: in concluſion the Prince retired, and I alſo: then after I had examined my memory concerning all the accidents of that day, I found more bad then good fortune in them: indeed I was extreamly joyed that this Picture which I had was not given, and that I might almoſt [Page] ſay it was my own; and might look upon it without any circumſtance of ſecreſie: But I was extreamly troubled when I found my friend and my enemy were both my Rivals: for I might very well imagine, that Theanor would never have perſwaded me that this Picture was given unto him who loſt it, but in hopes thereby to make me alter my deſigne: nor could I be ignorant conſidering the manner of Timaſias his action, that he was deeply in love with Alcidamia: and afterwards calling to memory the ſeriouſneſs of Policrates in looking upon the Picture, how he whiſpered with her, and divers times ſmiled at her: remembring, I ſay, all theſe trivial circumſtances, I imagined that this Prince was in love with her alſo: ſo that, to ſpeak ſincerely unto you, I was no leſs jealous of him, then I was of my friend, and my enemy. I might have had ſo much conſolation (if I had known how to have taken it rightly) as to have thought that Alcidamia did neither love him, nor Theanor, nor Timaſias, but I apprehended it with ſo many tormenting fears, as if I had known that certainly ſhe was in love with them all; for if I had apprehended it ſo, then all my jealouſie would have had but one object, whereas now I ſuffered as many torments as if Alcidamia had loved them all one after another. On which ſide ſoever her ſenſible ſoul inclines, (ſaid I) I have great cauſe to fear that every one of theſe three terrible Rivals may move her heart. Theanor is a very compleat man, wiſe, complacential, diſcreet, and witty, able to act all that a paſſionate love can inſpire, and ruine me before I know where I am: ſo that if Alcidamia do affect the Courtſhip of ſuch a man, I have great reaſon to fear him.

Again, If ſhe be affected unto Fame, Valour, and Liberality, Timaſias is a brave and gallant man, who may eaſily attract her inclination: But Oh Heavens, ſaid I, If ſhe be ambitious, what ſatisfaction may ſhe not find in Policrates? if ſhe affect glory, there it is to be had; if ſhe love riches, ſince he is Maſter of the Seas, he can fetch her more, if his own will not content her: and thus repenting in my mind, all the good qualities of Policrates, I endured unimaginable torments, eſpecially when I conſidered the good fortune of this Prince, which always was waited upon with ſucceſs in all his enterpriſes. No, no, ſaid I, all I have to do, is to inform my ſelf whether Policrates loves Alcidamia, for if he do, certainly ſhe will love him: afterwards, when I conſidered that of all my three Rivals, there was only Timaſias, againſt whom I could vent all my reſentments, for the other two, one of them was my friend, and the other my Maſter: then did I almoſt loſe all my reaſon, ſo that I paſſed away that night moſt unquietly: yet was I not fully reſolved in my mind, that Policrates was in love with Alcidamia, I did but only ſuſpect it, not believe it; for commonly, I began with fear; afterwards, I ſuſpected; and after that to believe what I feared, and ſuſpected to be really true: After then a tedious and vexatious night, Theanor came unto my Chamber in the morning, who being ſtill reſolved to conceal the truth, and to take my love off from Alcidamia, if he could, came now to tell me how glad he was of the advantage which I got the day before over my enemy; but yet he was very ſorry to obſerve me every day more and more inclined to love Alcidamia: yet if I would permit him to deliver his diſſwading reaſons, he believed that I would think no more of it. The moſt prevalent reaſon, that can be, ſaid I unto him, I heard yeſterday from Policrates, which was, that you and Timaſias both are in love as well as I with her: But Theanor, I cannot help it, I muſt whether I will or no be your Rival, and ſince it is permitted Timaſias to love Alcidamia, me thinks, you may allow Leontidas the ſame liberty. When I began firſt to love her, I knew not that you did ſo alſo, but now at this day, ſince love has got the maſtery, and abſolute dominion of my heart, it is in vain for me to ſtrive againſt it. Theanor perceiving that I knew he was in love, did not abſolutely deny it: but he told me then, that it was true, he loved Alcidamia, as all the reſt of the Court did; yet it was as true, that for ſome reaſons which he wiſhed I knew, he endeavoured with all his power to overcome his paſſion.

In concluſion, he uſed ſuch obſcure and ambiguous expreſſions, as made me plainly perceive that the only reaſon why he would withdraw his affection from Alcidamia, was becauſe Policrates had a ſecret mind unto her. Ah, my dear Theanor, (ſaid I unto him, though he was my Rival, though Policrates be more to be feared then he,) I do already know as much as you tell me. Theanor, who only had invented what he told me, purpoſely to diſſwade from the ſervice of Alcidamia, was much ſurpriſed to hear me ſay ſo; and fearing that he had ſpoken a truth, when he thought he had told me a lye, he preſſed me to tell him what I knew concerning the love of Policrates, which (as he ſaid) was ſuch a ſecret as he thought none had known it but himſelfe: But I, who was no leſs inquiſitive then he, did ſwear unto him he ſhould never know what I knew, unleſs he did firſt expound unto me all that he had formerly told me concerning Alcidamia's Picture, which he aſſured me was given unto him that loſt it. [Page] Theanor ſeeing himſelf ſo preſſed, [...]nd being extreamly deſirous to be ſatisfied of what I had ſaid unto him concerning Policrates his love unto Alcidamia, and being aſhamed of telling me a lye, reſolved to tell me another which ſhould make good the firſt, and perhaps his own deſigne: he told me then, after he had pawſed a while, as if he were half doubtful whether he ſhould impart the ſecret unto me, and after he had made me ſolemnly ſwear that I would never ſpeak of it, how Policrates was in love with Alcidamia, and had been long: for that the buſineſs was managed by a Lady in the Court, called Mene [...]lida, whom every one thought Policrates loved, though ſhe was only a Confident unto Alcidamia: How Alcidamia, though ſhe was very vertuous, yet anſwered his affection with reciprocal complacency; and how this Picture about which ſo much ſtir hath been, was given, though it ſeemed to be ſtoln: Is it poſſible, ſaid I unto him, that this can be? Yes, ſaid he unto me, for Policrates a little before his voyage, deſired Alcidamia to give him her Picture, and ſhe conſented; yet ſince ſhe would not ſuffer it to be taken in ſecret, for fear of diſcovery; ſhe ſeemed as if ſhe would give her Picture unto Acaſta, intending to have two drawn at a time, but the Painter falling ſick, as ſoon as he had finiſhed one for Acaſta, Alcidamia durſt do no other but give it unto her, becauſe ſhe had promiſed: But the Prince, going unto Acaſta to bid her adieu, and ſeeing ſhe had left this Picture upon her Table, whileſt ſhe went upon a viſit unto the Princeſs Herſilea, he commanded me to go and ſteal it for him, which I did accordingly; for at that time Alcidamia and I were not kind at all, and I cared not though Policrates loved her. How Theanor, ſaid I unto him did you ſteal Alcidamia's Picture, and do you aſſure me, that ſhe promiſed it unto the Prince? Yes, replied he: But, ſaid I unto him, it was not Policrates who loſt it that night I found it: for when that accident happened, the Prince was gone into his Chamber long before: Theanor was non pluſt at this anſwer: but upon ſecond thoughts, No no, ſaid he, deceive not your ſelf; for the Prince Policrates does uſe to walk in the night, and come privately without any company with him into that walk, ſo that doubtleſs it was he, though you did not know him, who let that Picture fall that night you ſound it. But I remember, that I found you very melancholy the next morning, what was then in your mind? Nothing but ſorrow, replied he, to find that abſence had not altered the heart of Policrates, for as ſoon as ever he landed, he ſent to ſee how Alcidamia did. What did that concern you, ſaid I, ſince you were not then in love with her? and why did you trouble your ſelf with any ſorrow, ſince ſhe was ſo indifferent unto you? I told you, anſwered he, that indeed ſhe was ſo when I firſt imbarqued, but I did not tell you, ſhe was ſo at my ſecond return. It was no wonder then, ſaid I unto him, that Policrates was ſo deſirous to have me reſtore it unto Alcidamia. Then, to ſatisfie his curioſity, I told him how this Prince continued ſtill his earneſt deſires unto me, to reſtore it unto her, how he was [...]ly whiſpering with her, and wi [...]king at her, whileſt ſhe was import [...] ning me for it, and indeed I told him ſo exactly all my obſervations of every petty circumſtance, which then did ſeem ſuch ſtrong arguments unto me, of Policrates his love, that I made no doubt at all of the truth. As for Theanor, he was even raviſhed with joy to underſtand that I knew nothing which could diſquiet him, for he was not of ſo jealous an apprehenſion as I was. But Theanor, ſaid I unto him, What do you your ſelf reſolve upon? To overcome my paſſion, (ſaid he unto me; hoping that I would follow his example,) for, to be a Rival unto a Sovevereign, is an odd preſumption. I am very glad you are ſo wiſe, ſaid I unto him, and that my friend [...] from being my Rival. Being a ſtranger as you are, replied he, you do expoſe your ſelf unto an angry adventure in loving her that Policrates loves, unto whom you are obli [...] Being his Rival (ſaid I unto him, half angry) as you are, me thinks, you take a great deal of [...] him: but yet if you will admit of any Lover of Alcidamia, it ſhould be my ſelf b [...] other, [...]ion have a greater influence upon your ſoul then friendſhip. Theanor ſuffered this diſcourſe without any ſharp reply, as well becauſe he had no mind to fall out with [...], as becauſe he was guilty of doing me wrong in deceiving me: but we parted in this manner, he left [...] jealous of him, but much more of Policrates, who being ſo amiable and handſome as he was, became intolerable unto me. As ſoon as Theanor was gone out, I went unto Alcidamia, where I found Timaſias, whom Acaſta had brought thither, to [...] how ſhe had wronged him in accuſing him for ſtealing her Picture: and though Alcidamia could not be [...] from that belief, yet at the importunity of Acaſta, ſhe permitted him to ſee her, and that he might hereafter take the honour to viſite her: ſo that when I came in, Timaſias was ready to go out, and thanked her for this great honour which ſhe had done him. When I had heard theſe laſt words of his complement, I imagined the matter, & was ſo very angry at [...] that all the [...]ny perceived it. As ſoon as he was gone, Alcidamia turning towards [...] to you, ſaid ſhe, that Timaſias is beholding, for the permiſſion to ſee me ſometimes, [Page] which now I conſented unto, ſince if you had not quarrelled, I ſhould have ſtill believed, that it was he who took my Picture. If it be the intention (ſaid I unto him) which ſets a price upon all good offices, Timaſias has no reaſon to thank me for it, ſince I did never intend him any ſervice in it. Preſently after, Policrates came in, Theanor, and ſeveral others followed him; Timaſias, alſo proud of his new obtained favour, came in with Policrates almoſt as ſoon as he was gone out. Imagine me now in the midſt of three Rivals, the leaſt of which I was in great jealouſie of; which ſide ſoever I turned mine eye did meet with angry objects: for ſince it was very hard for Alcidamia, but ſhe muſt often lookt upon either Policrates, or Theanor, or Timaſias, though ſhe had no deſigne at all in her looks, I ſuffered more then I am able to expreſs: I would gladly have fixed her eyes upon mine, and none elſe, but alas, I was not ſo happy as to have my wiſh: for you muſt know, that Alcidamia, whoſe equal and impartial humour would drive all her Servants into deſpair, ſhe uſed ſuch a certain kind of indifferent civility, without any choice at all, as if ſhe knew diſtinction of the men which viſited her, though one were of the moſt delicate ſpirit in the world: and ſhe had a phantaſie to gain and win upon every one by this innocent way, ſo that by conſequence ſhe was very civil and ſweet, and complacential unto all that came near her, and uſed an univerſal kindneſs unto all; ſhe never ſeemed to be troubled at them who did moſt importune her: ſhe was ſo abſolute Miſtreſs of her ſelf, that ſhe could change and vary when ſhe pleaſed, and was ſo witty, that ſhe knew how to turn diſcourſe as ſeemed good unto her: you may imagine therefore how I was tormented that day; when Policrates talked with her, I could not endure it, and I thought that her joy, which ſhe apprehended at it, made her ſeem fairer. If ſhe looked upon Timaſias, I imagined it was only to engage him deeper then before: and if ſhe turned towards Theanor, I feared that her looks would not cure him of his paſſion, as he told me he deſigned. When Policrates ſpoke unto Meneclida, who was then with Alcidamia, I ſuppoſed it to be out of ſubtlety, and as unto his Confident of his paſſion: and if Alcidamia did me any civility, or held me in any general diſcourſe, I looked upon her as one who would deceive me, and returned her a peeviſh anſwer: I confeſs unto you, that I could have wiſhed Alcidamia fair only in my eye, or elſe that ſhe were unto all the world inviſible: I wiſhed they would eſteem her, and her honour was not indifferent unto me; but for all that, I would not have them love her, and I think, I ſhould have rather wiſhed them to hate her. The diſcourſe of all this day was very agreeable unto all the company, except me. The Prince Policrates, chiding me for my melancholy, told me, that I was ſurely a very diſcreet Lover, and that he could not gueſs at any cauſe of melancholy I ſhould have, ſince I had the Picture of the faireſt perſon upon Earth: Sir, ſaid I unto him haſtily, It is not ſo great a happineſs to have the Picture of the fair Alcidamia only from the hands of fortune: but if I ſhould have ſo much happy honour as to receive it from her fair hand, I ſhould then eſteem it much more precious then I do, although I do eſteem it a high [...]ate already. Before you receive it from her hands, ſaid Policrates ſmiling, ſhe muſt get it out of yours: and therefore your beſt way will be to reſtore it unto her, as I deſired you yeſterday: And as I deſire to day, ſaid Alcidamia. If I were ſure you would give it me again to morrow, replied I, I ſhould doubtleſs reſtore it to day; but I ſhould be very unhappy to deprive my ſelf of that honour which I do already enjoy, in hopes of a greater good, which perhaps you will never honour me with: Afterwards Meneclida ſeemed as if ſhe were very jealous that I ſhould have Alcidamia's Picture, and not ſhe, and becauſe the excellent and only Picture-drawer which drew it at Samos was gone unto Epheſus. This pleaſing conteſt between theſe two beauties was ſo hot, that Alcidamia to appeaſe Meneclida, gave her a Seal of a very rare Emerauld, her name engraven upon it, which ſhe wore about her Arme in a flame coloured Ribon: the gift was ſo magnificent, both for the Luſtre of the Stone, and for the Art of the Ingraver, who was the famous Theodorus, that Meneclida would not accept it, but upon condition that ſhe would take another Bracelet which ſhe wore, the claſp whereof was Rubies, and in the midſt thereof a very fair Diamond. This exchange paſſing in my preſence, I was ſo bold as to ſay, that I preferred Alcidamia's Picture before them both, as magnificent as they were: T [...]en did Theanor make ſignes at me, as who would ſay I muſt not declare my ſelf ſo openly before Policrates. But I, who was not Maſter of my paſſion, would needs chear up my jealouſie, by thoſe ſignes of my love which I expreſſed, before my two Rivals. In the mean while I muſt tell you that the eight day being come, after which Alcidamia would not hear me ſpeak any more concerning my love, I diſcourſed ſo long, and ſo ſeriouſly unto her, that ſhe perceived ſhe muſt prepare her ſelf for a long perſecution: all that I had ſaid unto her until then might have been interpreted, as gallantry only, but ſo it could not be at this time: for it was impoſſible for me to hide my jealouſie from her, when I [Page] was expreſſing my ſelf in love: and I think verily, that I thought more of conjuting her not to love my Rivals, then I did of intreating her to permit me leave to love her: after this, I lived in perpetual vexation and anguiſh of mind, though I did, if I durſt ſay it, ſometimes find ſome glimps of goodneſs towards me, in the heart of Alcidamia, but yet I durſt not put any truſt in her: and I think that unleſs I lived alone with her in an unhabited Iſland, where never any Ship came, I could not have fancied ſufficient ſecurity from my Rivals. Therefore was I extreamly miſerable, for I muſt whether I would or no, find Policrates every day with her, and endure the frequent viſits of Theanor, who could not hide his thoughts ſo cloſe but I could eaſily diſcover he was in love with Alcidamia: and I was forced alſo, unleſs I would quit Samas, to ſuffer Timaſias, who was my Mortal enemy.

And to ſpeak truth, whoſoever hath not had tryal of all theſe three kinds of jealouſies, does not know what it is to be rightly jealous: but mine reſted not here: for be pleaſed to know that there was a man in the Court, of a very baſe condition, who had been a ſlave unto Xanthus, the Philoſopher, the ſame time that famous Eſope was with him, and who was infranchized by their Maſter, the ſame day as that excellent authour of thoſe witty fables which are ſo famous every where, was ſet at liberty; the pleaſant and merry making humour of this man brought him into the Court, and procured him the liberty to feaſt without any exception, upon all the world. Since Alcidamia, as I told you before, was ſo complacential as to ſuffer thoſe who were even troubleſome unto her, you may eaſily imagine that ſhe would not baniſh thoſe from her, who diverted her: ſo that this old friend of Eſope was continually with her; then ſince he knew all the news of the Court, and could tell it handſomely, he had always ſomething or other to tell her in ſecret, and ſhe had always ſomething to ask him in private, ſo that there paſſed not a day but I ſaw them whiſper long together, and ſomtimes laugh, although I knew not at what: And I ſaw this, I tell you, ſo frequent, that maugre my jealouſie of Timaſias, of Theanor, and of Policrates, I was alſo jealous of Hiparchus, for that was his name, who was as much below me, as Policrates was above me. This poor piece of jealouſie troubled me more then all the others, becauſe it brought me ſomtimes even to ſcorn Alcidamia. After this Hiparchus could never move me unto any laughter, how pleaſant and witty ſoever his Raillery was, for it is not poſſible for one to be both a good Buffon and a Rival unto any. This was the manner of my life, when Policrates (who indeed was in love with Meneclida, though for ſome ſtate reaſons, he did not then make it appear openly) intended a recreation upon the Sea, or rather a great fiſhing, at which all the Court Ladies were to be; the Princeſs Herſilea invited them all unto this Sea Feaſt: and though doubtleſs it was intended only for Meneclida, yet I ſuppoſed it to be for Alcidamia, with whom ſhe held a great privacy and familiarity at that time: for ſince the accident of the picture, Acaſta, who before that was her prime confident, was now no longer ſo, but Meneclida had the higheſt place in her heart. All things being prepared for this grand fiſhing, and the day being ſet down; they were conſtrained to defer it, becauſe there arrived an Embaſſador from Amaſis King of Egypt, who loved Policrates very well, and who ſent to tell him, that his good fortune would procure him ſome unquietneſs of mind, for it was the ſaying of a very wiſe man, it was abſolutely impoſſible to be always happy: he did therefore adviſe him to prepare himſelf for ſome misfortune, by ſome voluntary loſs, to the end, that if any angry and croſs accident fell out, his Soul ſhould not be ſurprized with it: Policrates received this counſell by many teſtimonies of gratitude for the care which ſo great a King did take of him, and he went into a Galley with this Egyptian Embaſſador, and as it was reported, he threw into the Sea, upon a premeditated deſign, a Jewel of an ineſtimable value, to the end it might cauſe him ſufficient grief: Yet it was not ſo; but ſee what was the ground of this report, which was rumoured not only throughout all Aſia, but all the world. The morning that this Embaſſador came, and had been treated with all poſſible magnificency, Policrates deſired to recreate himſelf at this great fiſhing. This being in the end of Autumn, which commonly is the moſt pleaſant time of the year at Samos, the Sea was ſo calm, that it was moſt delectable being upon it, yet not ſo good for fiſhing, for the great calm is not the moſt proper for it.

Twelve gilded Galleys were provided for this glorious company; all of them had moſt magnificent Tents upon the deck: and a Thouſand waving Flags of divers colours, in ſeveral places of the Galleys: but above the reſt, that which was appointed to carry the Prince Policrates, the Princeſs Herſilea, the Egyptian Embaſſador, the fair Meneclida, the incomparable Alcidamia, and other Principal Ladies of the Court, was the moſt glorious and gallant Galley in the world. Yet I who thought all this magnificency was only an effect of Policrates his love of Alcidamia, did obſerve it more then any other, though without any delight: I got into this [Page] Galley where ſhe was, and that day was ſhe fairer then ever Galathia, Thetis, or Venus, could by the Art of any hand be drawn: All the Nets which were uſed were of ſilk; all the fiſhers were dreſſed in Tritons habit, and all the Ladies like the Nereides. As we were in ſuch a place of the Sea, as was full of fiſh, Policrates preſented unto all the Ladies, Lines, and Angle-rods of Ebonie, and blue ſilk lines with hooks of Gold. This Prince who naturally was civil unto all, did as much as he could hide his affection unto Meneclida, and taking one of thoſe Angle-rods, gave it unto Alcidamia, before he gave one unto Meneclida, which paſſage you may well imagine did extreamly trouble me; ſo that whileſt every one was taken up with delights, I was toſſed in a turbulent Sea of jealouſie.

Theanor, and Timaſias, who were in another Galley, did ſo fix their looks upon that, wherein Alcidamia was, that I believe they did not think their fiſhing good ſport, in theirs; for my part, all my imployment was to obſerve what Policrates did, and to my great miſery, I was no leſs unquiet, when he ſpoke unto Meneclida, then when he diſcourſed with Alcidamia, becauſe I conceived her to be only a Confident of his love. I obſerved that whileſt the Egyptian Embaſſadour was entertaining the Princeſs Hirſilea, and whileſt many Ladies were buſie in their ſports, ſome fiſhing, and others looking on, Policrates, as I told you before, preſenting a Rod and a Line unto Alcidamia, before Meneclida, ſaid unto her out of his Gallantry, that if ſhe were as happy in taking of fiſh, as ſhe was of hearts, ſhe would catch fiſh enough. Then I know not how Meneclida, taking her Angle-rod in her hand, did ſo entangle it in that Ribon which ſhe wore about her Arme, and which Alcidamia had given her; but I am ſure ſhe let it fall, and gave a great cry upon it, and that if Policrates had not ſtooped haſtily, and catched it, it had certainly fallen into the Sea: Then holding it in his hands, he expreſſed many ſignes of joy, as well as Meneclida, who infinitely eſteemed it, as well for its own value, as for the hand which gave it: But as for Policrates, who only valued it as coming from the Arme of Meneclida, he told her, that in lieu of reſtoring it unto her, he would keep it unto the end of the fiſhing, for fear ſhe ſhould loſe it again: Then calling me unto him, Have not I more right unto this Seal, Leontidas, ſaid he, then you have unto the Picture of Alcidamia? And may I not keep it if I will from the fair Meneclida, as well as you the Picture from Alcidamia? ſince you found yours in a place where it would not have been for ever loſt, as this which I happily preſerved would have been. Sir, ſaid I unto him very angryly, becauſe I ſuppoſed he only loved the Seal becauſe it was Alcidamia's, you were ſo oppoſite unto me concerning this Picture whereof you ſpeak, that for all the reſpect I owe you, I have much ado to judge favourably in your behalf. Then muſt the fair Alcidamia aſſiſt me, ſaid he, in perſwading the fair Meneclida that I may enjoy that which ſhe loſt. Sir, replied ſhe, moſt cruelly as I thought, I ſhall never be oppoſite unto any thing which may be advantagious unto you, and I find that Meneclida has made this Seal which I gave her ſo precious by her wearing it, that you have great reaſon to deſire the preſervation of it: If the Prince, replied Meneclida, be of my mind, he will value it upon the ſame ſcore as I did; that is, becauſe it was yours.

In concluſion, After this conteſt Meneclida did conſent that Policrates ſhould wear her Seal the reſt of the day, ſo that he putting it on his Arme, ſeemed to be as pleaſant and glorious as if he had got ſome great Conqueſt: Indeed, he was as glad as I was ſad, for as the paſſage ſeemed unto my apprehenſion, it was never given unto Meneclida, but under a private deſigne to be given unto Policrates. I imagined that Meneclida did purpoſely put it off, and let it fall, and indeed I imagined all that could torment my mind: After they had taken all the delight that fiſhing could afford, and had divers times ſeen them draw their Nets, ſo loaded with fiſh that they broke, and gave liberty unto all thoſe pretty priſoners, which they only took for the pleaſure of taking them, and to look upon their ſilver Armour: and after the Ladies had tired themſelves with taking many Dares, and other fiſhes, there was in every Galley a magnificent Collation prepared, and moſt harmonious Muſick: afterwards, the Sun not being towards Evening any thing offenſive unto the Ladies, the Tents were all taken away, and this illuſtrious Company enjoyed as pleaſant a ſeaſon as ever was. All the Ladies took off their hoods. The beauty appeared in full luſtre, every one was entertaining themſelves with thoſe that were m [...]ſt agreeable unto their fancie, and I was the only man who was ſolitary, and held coverſation with none but my ſelf: I ſaw Policrates ſit between Alcidamia and Meneclida, ſpeaking ſomtimes to one, and ſometimes to another. Meneclida, becauſe the day grew old, and night came on, asked for her Seal: and as he ſeemed unwilling to reſtore, ſhe preſſed the more to have it, but ſtill this Prince denied it, as ſeeming extream unwilling to part with it. Sir, (ſaid ſhe ſmiling, as afterwards I knew, for then I ſaw only by their action, and did not [Page] underſtand their words) If any but the Prince Policrates ſhould ask this Seal as a favour, he would be ſuſpected a paſſion, little leſs gallant then love. To ſhew you, ſaid he, that I am not very covetous, I will reſtore the Seal upon condition you will only give me the Ribon which is tied unto it; in ſaying ſo he began to unty it notwithſtanding her reſiſtance; and as ſhe ſtill denied it, ſaying, to excuſe her ſelf, that ſhe ſhould loſe it if ſhe had not the Ribon alſo, the Seal fell out of the hands of Policrates into the Sea, and he not able to catch it, for they leaned over a gilded Rail, which was by the ſides of the Galley. Policrates was even deſperate at the accident: Meneclida very angry, and when the loſs was divulged, every one ſhared in the Princes ſorrows, for being the cauſe of ſuch a loſs unto Meneclida: I only rejoyced, and was raviſhed that he could not enjoy ſuch a favour as came from Alcidamia; for I did not underſtand that he intended to reſtore it when he let it fall: See, ſaid he, the great misfortune of Policrates, ſince the firſt that befals him is without a remedy: But the more he appeared troubled, the more did I alſo, becauſe my jealouſie was augmented by it. The Egyptian Embaſſadour to comfort him, wiſhed that never greater misfortune might befal him: an [...] as long as the day laſted, either at Sea, or in the Palace, after our return to Court, nothing but this accident was talked on.

The next morning, Theanor, the more to afflict me, did craftily tell me, that Policrates, to repair the loſs of Meneclida, had in the Evening ſent two other Seals unto her, and Alcidamia, the faireſt and richeſt in the world, beſeeching her to keep the one, and give the other unto Meneclida. This piece of Gallantry drove me into abſolute deſpair; and though I underſtood at the ſame time by another beſides Theanor, that Alcidamia did make very nice in accepting what the Prince had ſent her, and that Policrates was glad to uſe the authority of the Princeſs his Siſter to beg acceptance, yet was I not leſs jealous, for I conſidered that Alcidamia had a Seal which came from Policrates, and I imagined that the other which was given unto Meneclida, was but a colour for giving the other, and as a kind of recompence for the good offices ſhe had done him: Moreover this Ribon which remained in the hands of Policrates, and which he kept ſo carefully, did infinitely augment my pangs of jealouſie, ſo that I enjoyed not a minutes reſt: There happened the next morning another accident, which did extraordinarily trouble me, and which every one looked upon as one of the moſt miraculous chances, and as the greateſt ſigne of good fortune that ever happened unto any one: for Policrates, ſome two dayes after this grand entertainment, having riſen betimes in the morning, with intentions to go and hunt, and being in a marble walk in the midſt of the Caſtle, ready to take horſe, he ſaw two old fiſhermen approaching him with humble reſpect, and preſented a fiſh unto him which they had taken, of a monſtrous bigneſs, which two other fiſhers carried upon a bundle of Sea-reeds. This fiſh being an extraordinary fine one, and wonderfully large, Policrates looked upon it with much delight; and cauſing him who brought it to be well rewarded, he took horſe, and went to hunt as he intended: but at his return, one of his officers coming unto him as he was entring into the Caſtle, preſented unto him the ſame Seal, which Meneclida and he let fall into the Sea, the laſt great fiſhing day, which they found in this miraculous fiſh which was preſented unto him, who doubtleſs had ſwallowed it at the very ſame inſtant that it fell into the water. I was then cloſe by Policrates, ſo that I could eaſily obſerve how pleaſingly he was ſurprized at this prodigious accident, and to get that again which he thought to be for ever abſolutely loſt: And indeed, this piece of good fortune was ſo extraordinary, that though Policrates had not been at all in love, yet muſt it needs rejoyce him: and ſince Meneclida was ſo much raviſhed to regaine that into her poſſeſſion which was ſo very dear unto her, Policrates alſo did teſtifie his in ſuch exceſs, that it made me more jealous then ever, imagining that whatſoever I ſaw him do, was always for Alcidamia: he gave unto that Officer which preſented it unto him as much as enriched him for his life: he redoubled his liberality to the fiſher-men who preſented the fiſh: and making choice of me unluckily amongſt the reſt, he appointed me to carry this welcome news unto Alcidamia, and Meneclida, until he could come himſelf to ſee them: Mean while, all the Court admired at this ſtrange accident, and could not chuſe but talk of it. After this, ſaid the Egyptian Embaſſadour unto Policrates, you may truſt Fortune, or defie her: ſince the faireſt of fiſhes did ſwallow it, and afterwards ſuffered himſelf to be taken by ſuch a Fiſher as was ſo honeſt as to preſent you with it, and after all this to find an Officer ſo truſty and faithful, as to reſtore a jewel of that value, is a piece of as great good fortune as is imaginable, and ought to perſwade you, that you ſhall be ever happy. If ſo (anſwered Policrates very civilly) you your ſelf muſt rejoyce alſo, as at a thing which ſpeaks the proſperity of the King your Maſter, ſince I my ſelf can never be happy, unleſs he be ſo alſo. Mean while I went againſt my mind, to diſcharge my ſelf of my Commiſſion, [Page] but it was after ſuch a faint manner, as let Alcidamia and Meneclida ſee very well that my mind was much perplexed: I found unto my greater grief, that Hiparchus, who had not been hunting, was with them, and that Timaſias and Theanor both, whom we left at the Gates of the Town, was there alſo: I related my buſineſs then in ſuch a manner, as was a fit ſubject for the raillery of Hiparchus: for ſeeing in what a melancholy tone I told this newes of joy and delight, he vented a hundred of his flaſhes, which were bitter unto me, and pleaſant unto them, in ſo much as if Meneclida had not handſomely turned the diſcourſe, my melancholy would perhaps have appeared more then I would have it: after this, I muſt go and render an account unto Policrates of what the Ladies ſaid unto me: but though they did both of them load me with a hundred civilities towards him, yet I paſſed them over in a ſlight manner, and told a ſhort ſtory, that Meneclida was very glad there was any hopes to have her Seal ſoon again.

Policrates was then in his cloſet, and no body with him, but my ſelf, and he asked with extream curioſity, what Meneclida and Alcidamia had ſaid unto me? and ſince I returned him no manner of pertinent anſwer, he came upon me with queſtion upon queſtion, and put ſay Soul into ſuch a horrid torment, that I was diverſe times ready to caſt off all reſpect unto him: but the Prince obſerving the diſcompoſure of my mind, did ask what it was which troubled me, ſince I anſwered only with a bow, he begun to muze, and afterwards looking earneſtly upon me, Leontidas, ſaid he unto me, you are either in love, or elſe I am the moſt miſtaken man in the world: But if it be ſo, ſaid he, I wiſh for your own quiet ſake it be not with Alcidamia, for ſhe is one of ſuch an indifferent humour as will much trouble the tranquility of your mind in obtaining your deſired end: When I heard Policrates ſpeak in this manner, and perceived his deſire to know my thoughts, but I was at ſuch a non-plus, that I could not ananſwer him: The Prince obſerving my diſorder, ſmiled, and imbracing me with abundance of ſweetneſs, Leontidas, ſaid he unto me, fear not to diſcover your imperfections unto me, for I am reſolved to diſcover mine unto you, and the more to oblige you, I pray you know, that the ſame Policrates who every one conceives ſo happy, is oftentimes tormented with a ſecret which troubles the goodneſs of his fortunes. Sir, (ſaid I then unto him, being extreamly tranſported) it ſeems to me, that Alcidamia is not very averſe unto you: Alcidamia indeed, ſaid he unto me, does ſometimes qualifie the ſeverity of Meneclida, but yet for all that, all that ſhe does in my behalf is to prevent her friend from treating me ill, but truly ſhe is very favorable unto me. I confeſs, when I heard Policrates expreſs himſelf thus, I thought at the firſt it was only to deceive me. Yet this Prince perceiving my miſtruſt of him, and gueſſing at a great part of my thoughts, he was too good as to deſire me, that I would utter them unto him, and I was ſo bold as to obey him. And after I had in ſome ſort acknowledged, that I had been deceived, Policrates then underſtanding my error, did diſſipate it in ſuch a manner, that there remained not any more ſuſpition in my Soul, and I perfectly knew, how all that Theanor had ſaid unto me was falſe, which put me into ſuch a collorique fume againſt him, that I was not maſter of my own reſentment. I told not then Policrates all I knew, and I conceived it more noble to be revenged upon him my ſelf, then to make uſe of the Authority of the Prince for it. Now did Policrates really love me, and to cure me of my jealouſie, he made me that confident of his paſſion unto Meneclida, and to oblige me the more, he offered me all his aſſiſtance to Alcidamia: and indeed he ſpoke ſo much in my advantage, when he went the next morning to carry Meneclida her Seal, that the fair Alcidamia did look much more favorably upon me. In the mean time, going to look out Theanor, that I might acquaint him with my reſentments, I underſtood how he was gone into the Country for ſome days: I heard alſo that Timaſias was faln ſick, and ſtirred not out of his chamber; So that I found my jealouſie of Policrates vaniſhed, and rid of two Rivals for a while, and finding alſo the favor of this Prince, I entred into a very great league of friendſhip with Alcidamia, and was for almoſt a week a moſt happy man. But alas, the beginning of my good fortune was the beginning of my greater Torment. For as long as I thought my ſelf not at all loved by Alcidamia, my jealouſie, though great then, yet was not comparable to what afterwards, ſince ſhe favoured me ſo far as to tolerate my affection, and permit me ſome hopes of hers hereafter; for regarding her then as one in whom I had ſome right, I was therefore much more tormented in thoughts of the loſs: I muſt now augment my train, thereby to have more ſpies to obſerve what ſhe and all my Rivals did: when Theanor returns we muſt fight: I had alſo many ruffles with Timaſias, and many ſuſpitions of Hiparchus, and indeed I was at that paſs as I wiſhed Alcidamia might ſee no body. I followed her every where, or cauſed her to be followed: I was always melancholy, and muſing, for though Alcidamia did out of her goodneſs unto me create much [Page] hope in me, yet ſhe did not leave off her complacential humour unto all people, but was ſo generally civil unto all, as made me abſolutely deſpair, and perſecuted me beyond imagination: and truly it was abſolutely impoſſible for me, not to be perpetually giving her ſome marks of my ſuſpition, though I did never intend as much: if ſhe had hereupon been ſo indulgent as to cure me, perhaps ſhe might have done it: but on the contrary, my jealouſie incenſed her, and made her uſe all the means ſhe could to add fire unto my jealouſie, for ſhe took every opportunity of converſing with one of my Rivals: ſhe let ſlip no occaſion of walking abroad, and recreating her ſelf, and lived as beſt pleaſed her ſelf, and as if I were not jealous of her: not that I could ever find ſhe did any thing which was not fit, or what other Ladies of her quality did: but me thought ſhe was bound to pitty my weakneſs, to yield a little unto my capritious phantaſm; and to reſtrain her ſelf ſomething more then ſhe did: yet for all that, this inhumane Lady looked upon me as her perſecutor, and treated me ſo cruelly, that I underſtood ſhe railed againſt my ſuſpitions and fears unto Policrates, and unto Hiparchus alſo; inſomuch as all my jealouſies revived even of the very Prince: So that with an angry mind, I went one day to viſit her, when ſhe was all alone, yet when I was with her, the one half of my fury vaniſhed, and I ſpoke unto her with much reſpect. This diſcourſe began at the firſt with things indifferent, though it was not my cuſtom to do ſo when I was alone with her: But not knowing how to begin handſomely, for fear I ſhould too much incenſe her, I ſtammered, and was wandered ſo impertinently from the purpoſe, that Alcidamia could not chuſe but laugh: when I ſaw that, I grew red with choller, and no longer able to hide my thoughts, You are obliged unto me, ſaid I unto her, for giving you ſo often a ſubject to divert the Prince Policrates, and to laugh with Hiparchus. They two are of ſuch different diſpoſitions (ſaid ſhe) that I cannot think one thing is able to divert them equally. It is much harder for me to comprehend (ſaid I unto her) how they can both be poſſibly in one heart: They eaſily may (anſwered ſhe very ſharply) and many others beſides, for certainly Leontidas, there is often in one heart, both love and harred, ſcorn and friendſhip, indifferency and averſion. I know it well (ſaid I unto her,) and I know very well alſo which of all theſe, I ought moſt to pretend unto: Since doubtleſſ you are not ignorant (replied ſhe in a more malicious tone) of the price of thoſe ſervices which you render, it is eaſie for you to gueſs it: I gueſs it better, replied I, by the capritious humour of another, then by my ſelf: But you may gueſs at it more exactly, replied ſhe, by your own capritious humour, then by any thing elſe, if it were poſſible for you to know it: Call you that capritious, Madam (ſaid I unto her) to adore you only of all the people in the World, to look upon you only, and to wiſh nothing upon Eirth but to be loved? I know very well, ſaid ſhe, that you look upon none but me, and perhaps if you looked upon me leſs, you would be looked upon more favorable: Why Madam, replied I, do you think it poſſible to love perfectly, and not endeavor, as much as may be, to ſee the perſon loved? I think, ſaid ſhe, that the way to make ones ſelf to be loved, is to pleaſe, and not to be always buſie in depriving the party who is loved of all things ſhe delights in. But if the perſon who one loves, anſwered I, do love again, ſhe will take no delight in perſecuting him whom ſhe thinks worthy of her affection; but would find much more pleaſure in pittying his weakneſs, and deſiring to cure them. For my part (ſaid ſhe) indeed I am not ſo full of goodneſs: for I know not how to pitty thoſe evi [...] in any one, which they voluntarily cauſe in themſelves; An Madam, ſaid I unto her, how little do you know him of whom you ſpeak, if you think that he does voluntarily cauſe his evils? No, no, deceive not your ſelf I beſeech you, jealouſie is a tyrannical paſſion, as well as love, which begins in our hearts whether we will or no: which angments alſo in ſpite of all reſiſtance, and in the end, do what we can, will ruine us. Since it is ſuch an incurable diſeaſe, ſaid [...]he, it is in vain to go about the cure: and the beſt diſcretion is to hide it ſo that others ſall not perceive it. I would I could, ſaid I unto her, but how is it poſſible Madam to ſee you continually Invironed with perſons who are agreeable unto you, and not to expreſs ſome glimp [...] of perplexity? What, ſaid ſhe, would you never have me look upon any but ugly perſons? that I ſhould be always in ſolitary and melancholy places? that I ſhould hate muſick and mirth? that I ſhould never walk abroad? that converſation ſhould diſpleaſe me? and that I ſhould dron [...] away all my life in ſolitude? I wiſh not ſo much Madam, ſaid I unto her, but I confeſs I deſire with all my heart, if it were poſſible, that the Prince Policrates, Theaner, Timaſ [...]as, and Hiparchus, were none of them ſo much in your favor as Leontidas. Alcidamia bluſhed at this diſcourſe, and after a while of paw [...]ing, ſhe began to tell me, what rank all theſe perſons held in her heart, and firſt for Policrates, ſhe told me that ſhe eſteemed him as a great Prince, who was paſsionately in love with Meneclida her friend. That as for Theanor, ſhe neither had any hatred not friendſhip towards him: as for Timaſias, ſhe had a greater diſpoſition to hate him, then to [Page] love him; and as for Hiparchus, ſhe ever loved his company, but never his perſon. When I heard Alcidamia ſay ſo, I was even raviſhed with joy; and would have returned her thanks, but ſhe prevented me; and ſaid, No no, Leontidas, make no ſuch haſte, I tell you not all this for your ſatisfaction, but my own: It is for my own particular honour, that I aſſure you all theſe perſons whom I have named have no ſecret place in my heart; But it is for your tranquility, that I tell you ingeniouſly, becauſe you ſhall not be deceived, that you have no more place in my heart then they have. Why Madam, ſaid I unto her, will you never love Leontidas? No, not the leaſt thought, replied ſhe, as long as he continues jealous, and ſince I cannot think, but he will be always ſo, I cannot think, that I ſhall ever entertain any affection to him. But conſider, cruel Lady, ſaid I unto her, that this jealouſie is only an effect of love. If you loved me then a little leſs, replied ſhe, I ſhould love you a little more; for indeed, Leontidas, I had rather marry a man that hates me, then one that loves me with any engredient of jealouſie in his love: therefore deſiſt from courting me any more, ſince all will be in vain. But, ſaid I unto her, were I once aſſured, that I were the happy man you mean to make choice of, my jealouſie would ceaſe. No, ſaid ſhe, I will not expoſe my ſelf unto ſuch a danger: for there are many Lovers who are not jealous at all whileſt they are ſervants, yet are ſo when they come to be Husbands. But I can never think that he who is jealous, when he has yet no right unto the perſon whom he loves, will never ceaſe to be ſo when he has married her. Therefore Leontidas, you have put an unremoveable obſtacle between your pretenſions unto me, and your ſelf. And how much ſoever I may eſteem you, I ſhall tell you once again, that I ſhall never marry you. When I heard Alcidamia thus expreſs her ſelf, I would have proteſted unto her, that I would never be jealous any more; but in very ſpeaking unto her, I do confeſs, that I found ſuch certains ſymptoms in my ſelf, as told me, that I was not yet in a condition to be abſolutely cured of that Malady which tormented me: In the mean time, I could not move Alcidamia, to alter her reſolution, nor yet any other anſwer from her: I made ſeveral attempts upon my ſelf ſeveral days, not to appear jealous, but ſeemed to be pleaſant, and agreeable to all Societies: I ſpoke unto Theanor, I ſaluted Timaſias with more civility then formerly: I would ſometimes jeſt and quibble with Hiparchus: but to tell you truly, I did all theſe ſo ill favouredly, and in ſuch a forced manner, that I made Alcidamia laugh more heartily, then if I had ſpoke the moſt pleaſant things in the world. This put me into ſuch an inward chafe, that I did ſilently blame her. What would you have me do, ſaid ſhe, you counterfeit it ſo ſcurvily, that I cannot for my life but laugh. This her carriage towards me, did extreamly offend me, but yet ſhe continued her conſtant courſe of ſweetneſs, civility, and complacency unto every one, whileſt I continued my accuſtomed vexation of mind, and was always reſtleſs and miſerable: Not knowing then what courſe to take, but knowing well that Alcidamia was fully reſolved upon what ſhe told me, I went to conſult with the Philoſopher Lanthas, whom I was well acquainted with, and conjured him to preſcribe me his beſt phyſick, to cure my jealouſie; for knowing him to be a man of profound knowledg in every thing, and one that all his life had ſtudied the nature of paſſions, I had great hopes in his documents, and ſapient adviſes to find a remedy: The evil whereof you complain (anſwered he) is not ſo eaſily cured as you imagine, not know I any but one remedy, yet it is moſt infallible to thoſe that will obſerve it: Let me hear it quickly, I beſeech you, ſaid I unto him, for let it be as difficult as it will, I am fully reſolved to apply it. There is no way, replied he, but to leave off loving, and without this, thoſe whoſe ſouls are tainted with that dangerous paſſion, can never be abſolutely delivered from it. But, replied I, all in anger, you muſt teach me at the ſame time how to leave loving: By leaving the ſight of her you love, anſwered he. Your remedies are very harſh, ſaid I unto him. Your diſeaſe is great, replied he; and the maladies of the mind, as well as thoſe of the body, when they are grown to extremities, they muſt have extream remedies. Is there no poſſibility, ſaid I unto him, to cure jealouſie ſome other way? No, not when it is violent, replied he, and ſtronger then the love which firſt gave life unto it; for truly this paſſion is ſo bere [...] of reaſon, that it can never judg of any thing rightly: A man that is jealous in the exceſs, is like a remedy, unto which nature lends no help, and unto whom all remedies are uſeleſs. In other paſſions, reaſon cauſes the owner ſometimes to receive the remedies preſcribed; but a jealous man will find no help from any advice: for being accuſtomed to be often deceived, he can never diſcern the truth: ſo that after a long diſcourſe, the reſult of all my philoſophical advice was, That if I would ceaſe being jealous, I muſt ceaſe loving; and if I would ceaſe loving, I muſt ceaſe ſeeing the Party whom I love: Then did I quit her, and went to walk alone, and very buſie I was with my ſelf, to reſolve what courſe to undertake: but I could not that day fix upon any thing, and I believe, if the mercileſs Alcidamia had not ſo infinitely augmented my [Page] jealouſie by her manner of proceeding with me, it would have been long before I had determined with my ſelf. But the great feaſt of Juna being now come, and all the Iſle of Samos in publick jolity; ſhe gave me ſuch freſh cauſes of complaint, in all the Aſſemblies where ever I ſaw her; and ſhe had ſo fully perſwaded me, that ſo long as I was jealous, ſo long ſhould I be hated; that in concluſion, I reſolved, ſince I could not ceaſe from being ſo, I would ceaſe from loving if I could, and to depart from Samos: I was inventing an handſom preſence for my departure, yet not telling the truth unto any but Policrates, of whom I was then leſs jealous, I quit his Iſle, notwithſtanding all his perſwaſions to the contrary, and I did quit it without bidding adieu unto any: But that I might go out compleatly unhappy, as I paſſed by Alcidamia's Lodging, I ſaw Timaſias and Hiparchus enter, and I knew by Theanor's Servants who were at the door, that he was there before then: I had ſo ſtrong a phancie of that joy, which my Rivals would reſent in my abſence, that I was in a mind not to depart, yet wraſtling with my mind with all my power, I at the laſt imbarqued, and returned to Cyprus, a little before the Prince Philoxipes fell in love with the fair Policrita; ſince that, I have lived a moſt unquiet and unhappy life: for indeed, abſence has done no good at all upon me, but I ſtill continue more amorous and more jealous, and by conſeq [...]ence more unfortunate then ever Lover. Since my ſeparation from Alcidamia, I am not only jealous of my Prince, my friend, my enemy, and another of an inferiour quality unto me, but I am jealous alſo of every one whom I do imagine ſees her; and when you ſee me ſometimes ſtand in dull dumpiſh ſtudy, and melancholy muſing poſture, then am I calling them all into my memory one after another, and imagining that Alcidamia is treating them better then ſhe did me. Let not Thimocrates then pretend, that abſence comes near the rigour of jealouſie, ſince there is no compariſon between them.

The Remembrance of what is paſt, the hopes of what is to come, (as the Prince Artibies hath very well obſerved) does bring a thouſand conſolations unto an abſent Lover, that is beloved: But a jealous Lover cannot find any thing either in his remembrance of the time paſt, or in his hopes of the time to come, which can afford him any quietneſs of mind: An abſent Lover, never looks for any things but ſuch as are agreeable, and delightful, the hopes of which are ſweet unto him, as the ſight of his Miſtreſs, her company, and many ſuch advantages; whereas jealouſie is ſo irregular from all rules of reaſon, that he does often wiſh not to ſee his Miſtreſs. I know very well, that not to be loved, is a grand miſery: yet not ſo great by far as his who imagins himſelf not only not loved, but imagins that the perſon whom he loves, does love an hundred thouſand others better then himſelf: Neither is the death of the party loved with all its terrours, ſo tormentive as jealouſie. A Lover who laments the death of his Miſtreſs, has this conſolation at the leaſt, that he is pitied by every one, it moves compaſſion in his moſt mortal enemies: whereas on the contrary, a jealous Lover moves not the leaſt jot of pitty from his deareſt friends: thoſe that are the moſt diſcreet amongſt them, can do no more, then not to ſpeak againſt him: but the ordinary ſort do moſt commonly openly jeer, and mock at him for it: and yet though he ſee it in them all, he knows no remedy. Moreover, that kind of ſorrow which is cauſed by death, hath ſome limits; there can come nothing new nor worſe unto him who reſents it: But a jealous Lover does every day endure an hundred thouſand freſh and worſe puniſhments then ever he could foreſee: and does ſo invent them himſelf, that he is his own puniſher. When death hath raviſhed that which is deareſt unto one away, there is yet this advantage remaining, that all the paſſions of his ſoul, except that of love, do reſt in peace, and ſuffers one to weep in a kind of tranquility: But there is perpetual trouble & confuſion in that heart which is poſſeſſed with jealouſie: Hatred diſputes with love for the Empire; fear drives out all hopes; fear takes place of tenderneſs; diſpair often follows; one repents an hundred times in a day of his own wiſhes: one deſires death not only upon himſelf, but his Miſtreſs alſo: one cannot ſee things as they are; for whereas according to the order of nature, the ſenſes do commonly delude the imagination; Here on the contrary, the imagination deludes the ſenſes, and afterwards does force the ears, and the eyes, to think, (if it may be properly ſaid ſo) that they hear and ſee that which they do not: and yet for all this, the knowledg of theſe errours cannot cure the mind of thoſe who know them; and jealouſie indeed may more firly be phrayſed Whichcraft, Inchantment, or Magick, rather then a bare paſſion. Pronounce Judgement then in my favour, Oh my moſt ingenious, and juſt Judg; and deny not your pitty unto the moſt unfortunate Lover in the world.

Leontidas having finiſhed his Diſcourſe, Marteſia deſired Cyrus to pronounce Sentence upon theſe four famous Lovers: But he denying it with moſt ſweet and obliging civility, and [Page] alſo refuſing to give her any counſel: ſhe was forced to uſe her own ingenious apprehenſiuns. After that ſhe had then pawſed, and ſtudied a while to recal into her memory, what ſhe intended to utter, ſhe pronounced her Sentence with a very handſome Grace, though not without a bluſh, in theſe terms.

The Judgment of MARTESIA.

I Know very well, it was my own curioſity to know the Adventures of theſe four illuſtrious Perſons, which moved me unto ſo much injuſtice, as to accept of the quality of being their Judg: But I know alſo that all of you have ſo excellently expreſſed your ſelves, and your reaſons, and ſo perfectly deſcribed your ſufferings, that it is almoſt impoſſible I ſhould be erronious in my opinion; I declare then with audacity, that Thimocrates, though abſent, yet ſince he is loved, is the leaſt unfortunate of the four: That Philocles, though not loved, yet is he not the moſt unfortunate of all, ſince that which cauſeth his miſery, may perhaps, hereafter, cauſe his cure: And as for Leontidas, I affirm that he is the leaſt to be pitied, though I am perſwaded he has endured more miſery then all the reſt. And to conclude, I declare, that the Prince Artibies in lamenting his dead Miſtreſs, is moſt worthy of compaſſion, and him whom I moſt pitty, though I am ſenſible of the miſeries of all the reſt, except the jealous Leontidas, for whom, I reſerve much eſteem, but little pitty.

Marteſia had no ſooner pronounced Sentence, but Leontidas began to ſpeak: Did I not tell you, replied he, that it is one of my misfortunes not to be pittied by any? However, replied Cyrus, I conceive that Marteſia is moſt juſt in her Judgment. The reſpects which I owe her, ſaid Thimocrates, prevents my complaints: I am not ſo reaſonable as you are, ſaid Philocles, for I confeſs that I do complain a little. For my part, ſaid Artibies, I do much commend her, ſince truly the pity of this illuſtrious Lady, is the greateſt conſolation that I have received ſince my loſs.

Since now it was very late, Cyrus did riſe up after many applauds of Marteſia. Aglatidas and Erenice did the ſame: and after Cyrus had diſcourſed a while in private with Marteſia, concerning his Dear Princeſs, he went out, accompanied with all thoſe illuſtrious, but unfortunate Lovers, and went unto Ciaxares, with a mind wholly poſſeſſed with his own paſſion, and with the Idea of Mandana in it, which no terene thought could remove out of his heart.

The End of the firſt Book.

ARTAMENES, OR CYRUS the GREAT. The Second Part. Book. II.

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THe thoughts of Cyrus were wholly imployed concerning the Delivery of his Princeſs, and therefore he diſourſed with Ciaxares, whom he found in his Cloſet, thinking upon nothing but preparations for the Armenia War. That which did moſt impede the Expedition in both their fancies, was the Town of Pteria, which yet being in the hands of Artaxes, there was no likelihood of the Armenian Progreſs before it was taken. Yet to engage themſelves in a Siege, amidſt their great impatience to deliver Mandana, was ſo harſh a thought, that they could hardly reſolve upon it. But yet not withſtanding, ſince they had good intelligence, that very ſmall Forces were within it, being moſt of them diſperſed ſince the King of Aſſyrias departure: and underſtanding alſo, that the two thouſand men which Metrobates ſent for the laſt time, were alſo diſperſed by the way, and never returned back: When they heard that the Army of Ciaxares had entred Sinope, by Scalado, it was reſolved upon, that Cyrus, with ſome Regiments ſhould attempt to take it: But the next morning, intelligence was brought, that the Inhabitants of Pteria, hearing that Artamenes was delivered, and that he was Cyrus, conſulted ſecretly amongſt themſelves, and reſolved to return as ſoon as they could under the obedience of their lawful Prince; and to prevent the puniſhment which they deſerved by a generous repentance: ſo that having plotted the deſigne, they killed Artaxes, and all the Souldiers in the Gariſon; that they had taken the Caſtle, and were abſolute Maſters of the Town, and ſent the Keys thereof unto Cyrus by ſix of the Chief Inhabitants of the Town, beſeeching him to preſent them unto the King. This news did extreamly rejoyce theſe two Princes, who did very graciouſly receive theſe repentant Rebels; as generouſly pardoning them, as they did generouſly execute their deſigne. Nothing was now thought upon, but an haſty March with the Army into Armenia: and indeed, after a general Muſter of all their Regiments, it was reſolved that the Vantguard ſhould be drawn forth within ſix days, and ſhould advance as far as the Frontiers, whether all the reſt ſhould preſently follow. The mind of Cyrus was then high with hope; for ſeeing ſo great and gallant an Army, and ſo many Kings, Princes, and illuſtrious men engaged in his Quarrel, he had a good foundation for ſo much confidence, as to think the Victory almoſt certain: It was alſo to be thought that if the King of Armenia would not reſtore the Princeſs, nor acknowledg that ſhe was within his Dominions, it was becauſe he deſired that they ſhould offer to diſcharge him of that Tribute which he owed unto the Kings of Media: Yet Cyrus for all this was much troubled to imagine what was become of the King of Pont, of whom Megabiſes did not ſpeak, and of whom he heard no ſpeech at [Page] Artaxates. But hoping to be are long cleared of all his doubts and fears, by delivering Mandana, he was as gay, and pleaſant as any abſent lover could be, who was in hopes ere long to ſee his Miſtreſs, and vanqniſh his enemies. Never was he more ſweet and civil to all the Officers and ſoldiers then now: he was perpetually imployed in obtaining ſomething from Ciaxares for them, who having renewed in his heart all the old affection which he had heretofore towards him when he thought him to be only Artamenes, was pleaſed to conſent unto what ſoever he required from him, now he was known to be Cyrus. Aglatidas, who was none of thoſe whom Cyrus leaſt eſteemed, came unto him one morning, and importuned him to obtain for Otamus the Government of the Ariſantines Province, which was now vacant by the death of him who formerly enjoyed it. For Otamus? (ſaid Cyrus unto him with much wonder:) Yes, Sir, (ſaid he) it is for Otamus that I beg this favor, or indeed to ſay better, it is for the fair Ameſtris; for be pleaſed to know, that I am informed by a Letter from Artaban, that there is a man, who is a mortal enemy unto Artambares, her father, labours to obtain it from Ciaxares, therefore Sir, I moſt humbly beſeech you be pleaſed to prevent him, ſo that the incomparable Ameſtris, whom they ſay is extreamly melancholy and ſolitary, may not receive this addition unto her ſorrows: for ſince all her eſtate is in that province, it would be a great diſcomfort unto her, to ſee the grand enemy of her family a Governour over her.

It is very right, anſwered Cyrus, but were it not more juſt if I ſhould obtain it for your ſelf, rather then for Otamus? ſince thereby the King would be better ſerved, and the eſtate of Ameſtris no leſs protected. Your goodneſs is abundant Sir, replied Aglatidas, to offer ſuch an honour unto me, Yet Sir if you will be pleaſed to oblige me, do not think of doing any thing for a man whoſe love ſurmounts his ambition, and who courts nothing but death to finiſh all the ſorrows he endures, therefore ſince I cannot accept of this Government, I conjure you Sir, once more, to obtain it for Otamus: I ſhall do it, ſaid Cyrus unto him, but it ſhall be upon condition that you let Ameſtris know, it is your ſelf who has done her this good office. Aglatidas would not conſent unto that; and Cyrus was forced to conſent unto his deſire without any conditions: Since Ciaxares was not able to deny any thing unto him to whom he was a debtor for all, Cyrus no ſooner asked but obtained this Government, and the very ſame hour, ſent unto Ecbatan with orders accordingly for it: Yet did Ciaxares wonder what reaſon Cyrus had for this requeſt, knowing that Otamus was a ſtranger unto him, and though he did know, yet could he never love him. This made ſuch a noiſe in the Court, that every one was inquiſitive, by what motives Cyrus did it: and Megabiſes, who knew how the intereſt of Ameſtris was concerned in it, was he who firſt hit upon the buſineſs, and who imagined that Cyrus was moved unto it at the requeſt of Aglatidas: ſo that every one did preſently after know it, and admired his generoſity: The ſame day, there arrived an Envoy or Meſſenger from the King of Aſſyria, who hearing by the publique voyce at the place where he was retired ſince his departure from Pteria, that the principal reaſon why they retained Cyrus a Priſoner, was becauſe he was accuſed for ſuffering him to eſcape, and for holding intelligence with him, he reſolved to pay that debt which was due to generoſity, and to acquit and juſtifie him, from that unjuſt accuſation. Cyrus no ſooner knew that this Meſſenger was arrived at Sinope, but he went immediately unto Ciaxares, ſaying he would not ſee him, but in his preſence. Ciaxares told him very obligingly, that to remember his paſt errors was ſomething injurious unto him: but yet for all that, Cyrus prevailed, and the King of Aſſena's Meſſenger was brought before Ciaxares. After he had preſented his Letters of Credence, at that Ciaxares was wiling to hear him; Sir, (ſaid he unto him) I have orders from the King my maſter to tell you, for the juſtification of Artamenes, who in my coming hither I underſtand to be Cyrus, that it was not he who helped the King my Maſter to eſcape out of Priſon, and that Cyrus never held any intelligence with him which was repugnant unto that ſervice which he owes you; But ſince I find him at liberty, I conceive it impertinent to inſiſt any longer, as my orders injoyned me, to clear his innocency therein. I had it in charge alſo to tell you, that if you would ſet him at liberty, as my commiſſion was moſt humbly to deſire you, then to declare unto you afterwards, that he intended to make no war any longer againſt you, nor againſt any elſe but thoſe only that were protectors unto the raviſher of the Princeſs Mandana: That therefore he offers unto you all thoſe forces which he is now leavying within that little part of his Dominion [...], which your powerfull Army has yet left him: He offers alſo his own perſon, if you will be pleaſed to promiſe him ſecurity from danger: and in concluſion aſſures you, that he will never attempt any thing againſt you. He commanded me alſo to make it known, if it were poſſible, unto the illuſtrious Artamenes, that he thought it to be Artaxes, who ſent the Letter unto Metrobates, becauſe it was from the hand of Artaxes he had received a copy, [Page] which he would have made paſs for an original: and to find it out, he had brought with him the writing which the King his Maſter had given him, as if it were the hand of Artamenes, which indeed was found to be the hand of Artaxes, who durſt not reveale unto the King of Aſſyria, that plot which he had laid to ruine Cyrus. Ciaxares, comparing the relation of paſſages which Chriſantes had made unto him, the ſame day he was ſet at liberty, unto the relation of this Envoy, was much joyed at it: So that treating him very civilly, he told him, he ſhould receive his anſwer in the morning; for he had no mind to give him his diſpatch then, becauſe he would honour Cyrus by taking his advice in the buſineſs. After then this Meſſenger was retired, and that they might talk with freedom, Cyrus did exactly relate unto Ciaxares what he had promiſed the King of Aſſyria, in the top of the Tower in Sinope, when the Prince Mazares was carrying away Mandana. And being now in no ſuch conditions as needed any diſguizement, he ingeniouſly told him, that he had paſſed his word unto the King of Aſſyria, as that whenſoever fortune ſhould be ſo favorable unto him, as that he had delivered the Princeſs Mandana, and removed all thoſe obſtacles which did oppoſe his good fortune, he would never marry her, until he had fought with him. But why (ſaid Ciaxares) did you make him that unjuſt promiſe? Becauſe Sir (replied he) when the King of Aſſyria did unjuſtly deſire me to ſet him at liberty, and I being faithful unto you, would not conſent unto it, I then thought that this Prince might ſuſpect, that I retained him for my own particular intereſt, as if I were glad to be eaſed of ſuch a terrible enemy: So to let him ſee I had no thought in me ſo unworthy, I made that promiſe: And to ſpeak ſincerely unto you Sir, if I had not promiſed the ſame unto him then, I ſhould do it now; nor can I ever live happy, unleſs I make the King of Aſſyria confeſs, that if Fortune favour me in any thing, ſhe ſhall not do as one that is blind, who diſpenceth all her favours without choice; and therefore I conjure you Sir by all the prevalency of my earneſt prayers, to let me keep within the limits of our conditions, ſince for my part I ſhall never break them. Ciaxares at the firſt would not conſent, but after he had conſidered the buſineſs every manner of way, he reſolved to follow himſelf the conditions of Cyrus, conceiving it would confirm thoſe conqueſts which he had already made, to have the conquered King of Aſſyria in his Army; for he knew very well, that thoſe forces which the King of Aſſyria could bring with him, would not be conſiderable, not able to make any attempt againſt him. Then in the morning he told the meſſenger of that Prince, how ſince at the preſent the intereſts of Cyrus were his own, he ſhould obſerve and perform all his promiſes; and that he might aſſure the King his Maſter, his perſon and his forces ſhould be ſafe in his Army whenſoever he would come into it, though the firſt taking away of Mandana might move him to treat him ill, and that Cyrus ſhould punctually keep his word with him: That which principally induced Ciaxares to do thus was, becauſe he thought he ſhould be better able to prevent the combat of Cyrus, and the King of Aſſyria, when that Prince was in his Army, then when he was in his own, and his declared enemy. Alſo by this way he was put out of all fears, that the Princeſs Mandana ſhould fall the ſecond time into the King of Aſſyria's power, no [...] ſhould he need to divide his forces, one part to make head againſt him, and the other to go into Armenia. He conſidered further alſo, that though ill fortune ſhould needs contrive it ſo, that Cyrus muſt fight with this Prince, and be overcome, yet he ſhould not be thereby engaged to give the Princeſs his daughter unto him, ſince Cyrus was engaged no further then his own intereſt, and not to cauſe her to marry him.

In the mean while, all things being in readineſs for a march, Cyrus deſired permiſſion to command the Van-guard, and deſired that half of the Perſian Regiments might follow him: As Ciaxares could not deny him any thing, he obtained his deſire, and reſolved to depart only with twenty thouſand men, that all the Voluntiers ſhould follow; that the King ſhould alſo march preſently after with the body of the Army, and that the Rear-guard ſhould be commanded by the King of Hircania, the King of Phrygia to be with Ciaxares. Never was ſeen ſo much jollity as was amongſt thoſe Regiments which were choſen for this Van-guard, nor was ever more ſenſible ſorrow, then was amongſt thoſe Officers and ſouldiers which were not firſt commanded out, as who ſhould ſay they apprehended that Cyrus would conquer all without them, and that they ſhould have nothing to do, nor any ſhare in the victory when they came up. Whileſt every one was preparing for departure of this illuſtrious Heroe, remembring his promiſe to the Inhabitants of Sinope, he beſeeched Ciaxares to make good his word, and to imploy ſome of his good deeds in the repairing of that Town. Ciaxares was pleaſed it ſhould be rebuilt out of the publike ſtock, and appointed Ariobantes, who ſtayed in Cappadocia to keep all in order there, to get Architectors out of Greece, to repair the ruines of fireconſumed Sinope; commanding further, that as there was the Statue of that famous Mileſia, [Page] called Autolicus, who was the firſt founder of the Town; ſo there ſhould be another made for Cyrus, as the ſecond founder, which was done accordingly. Mean while this renowned Prince went to bid adieu unto Marteſia, who grieved for his departure; he deſired him to reſtore the picture which ſhe lent him, upon condition to reſtore it, when he firſt went unto the Armenian war; but he looking earneſtly upon her, Cruel woman, ſaid he unto her, how would you have me conquer, if you take that from me, which muſt render me invincible: You have brought home ſo many victories without this help, replied ſhe, that I believe you have no need of it. Cyrus hearing her ſay ſo, thought that ſhe would needs have him reſtore it, and therefore he grew extremely ſad, his countenance changed, his eys became melancholy, and all ſo diſordered, that Marteſia having pity upon him, ſaid, Sir, I am contented to prolong the time, ſo you will promiſe to reſtore this picture of my Princeſs unto me, when you have delivered her: Cyrus returned thanks with all poſſible joy, and asking her whether he could ſerve her in any thing, ſhe told him, how ſhe had a deſign to be a little neerer Mandana, that ſhe might the ſooner ſee her, when he had ſet her at liberty, and that ſhe deſigned to go with one of her cozens, who within this three daies would return unto the Frontiers of Armenia, where ſhe dwelt, and therefore ſhe deſired him to give her a convoy thither. Feraulus, who was quick to hear this, did what he could to obtain that Commiſſion, but Cyrus obligingly excuſed it, becauſe he could not be ſo long without his only confident, unto whom he could freely diſcourſe of his love, and told him, that it was unjuſt in him to deſire his being ſo neer Marteſia, whileſt he himſelf was ſo far from Mandana; and therefore he gave Ortalgues orders to wait upon her, as a convoy in her voyage, with two hundred horſe. Marteſia beſeeched him further, to give Orſanus leave to return unto the King and Queen of Saces, conceiving it juſt, that ſince they did him the honor to truſt their ſon the Prince Mazares with him, that he ſhould go and give them a particular account of his loſs. Cyrus remembring how much his dear Princeſs was obliged unto him, and how carefull he had been of Marteſia, and becauſe he had been one of thoſe who had helped to deliver her, would let him ſee, and told him himſelf, that he ſhould find him very thankful: After that, rewarding him whether he would or no with a very rich recompence, he diſmiſſed him, and then he bid adieu unto Marteſia. He asked alſo the Prince Thraſibulus, whether he deſired the reſtoration of ſome ſhips in lieu of thoſe he had loſt; but that generous Prince anſwered him, he ſhould be aſhamed to accept of them at this time, but he would firſt go unto the Armenian war, and there render himſelf worthy of that glorious protection, which he had promiſed him. Cyrus having now nothing to do at Sinope, went to take his leave of Ciaxares, who did imbrace him with unparallel'd kindneſs: Thoſe Commanders which went not with him, came to bid him adieu, and teſtified freſh ſorrows, that it was not their good hap to follow him. Cyrus had in his eys that day ſuch a kind of noble and ſprightly fury, as preſaged a happy victory; and to ſpeak truth, his Phiſiognomy did ſpeak him ſo great and happy, that whoſoever ſaw him, could not imagin it poſſible he ſhould be overcome. This Prince was of a very aſpiring and advantageous talneſs, and alſo moſt exactly made; his head was moſt admirable handſom; all the art which Medeans uſed to their hair, was not comparable unto that becomingneſs which nature only uſed unto his; the colour, which was as lovely brown as every eye beheld, it was wreathed with a hundred thouſand pleaſing and delightful curls, negligently hanging down, and lying upon his ſhoulders; his complexion was moſt pure and clear, his ſprightly eys were black, full of ſweetneſs and Majeſty, his mouth was delicious and ſmiling, his noſe ſomething like an Eagles, the cimetry of his whole face was of a moſt admirable compoſure, his countenance moſt noble, and all his features ſo high and gallant, that certainly it may be truly ſaid, never man upon earth was in every particular by themſelves, and all parts together, better compoſed then Cyrus; ſo that whoſoever ſaw him upon the day of his departure from Sinope, mounted upon as fine a horſe as ever eye beheld, in his moſt magnificent and rich ſuit of Arms, and that day wearing the glorious Scarfe of Mandana over it, it was no wonder if all the people in Sinope did follow him out of the Town, with a million of benedictions and wiſhes of victory, and alſo with tears at his departure; he was followed by all the Officers and Voluntiers, ſo that this great number of men of quality, all in rich habits, and admirably mounted, did make a moſt glorious ſhew; the Prince Thraſibulus, the Prince Artibies, Hidaſpes, Gobrias, Gadates, Chriſantes, Aglatidas, Megabiſes, Aduſiut, Themocrates, Leontidas, Philocles, Feraulas, and a thouſand others were in this illuſtrious number; yet in the midſt of all this glorious tumult, and in ſpire of all the cares which Cyrus had upon himſelf, Mandana was continually in his heart and mind; and during all the long march, without neglecting any thing that did become the General of an Army, he failed not in the leaſt circumſtance, to do what did become a moſt faithful lover; but every hour that he could [Page] ſteal from his neceſſary cares, he dedicated to the memory of Mandana, yet did it not at all prejudice his admirable and providential forecaſt, but he gave out ſuch orders for the marches and quarters of his Army, that the places of his paſſages had no cauſe to complain againſt his ſouldiers. After they had marched ſeveral days, and at laſt came within a hundred furlongs of the river Licus, which parts the leſſer Armenia from Cappadocia, ſome Scouts of the Army brought unto Cyrus (who was refreſhing his men and horſes in a Forreſt) a man, whom they imagined to be a Spy, yet one who asked to ſpeak with their General; but Cyrus was pleaſingly ſurprized, to ſee it was Araſpes, diſguiſed in the habit of an Armenian Merchant, who was unknown unto the Cicilians, who took him; he imbraced him then with joy, and drawing him aſide; Well my dear Araſpes, (ſaid he unto him) have you been more happy in your expedition then Megabiſes was? and can you tell us more news of the Princeſs Mandana, and the King of Pont, then he did? I know Sir, anſwered he, as much almoſt as could be known, unleſs I had ſeen the Princeſs Mandana, or heard her named. But to relate what I have learned, I muſt tell you, how in the habit wherein you ſee me, and knowing the Armenian language very well, I have been taken for an Armenian, even in Artaxates it ſelf, where the Court does now reſide; there did I converſe with divers perſons, and underſtand that the King of Armenia does ſtill give out, that the Princeſs Mandana is not in his Dominions; and that he hath publiſhed, the King of Medes does demand her, only as a pretence to make a new war upon him, becauſe of the tribute which he would not pay him: The people alſo, as I underſtand, did a long time believe it ſo, but of late the people have altered their opinions, and every one does think, that the Princeſs Mandana is at this preſent in a Caſtle, not above fifty furlongs from Artaxates towards the Caldeans, and which is built upon the bank of a little river, which empties it ſelf into Araxes at that place; that which begets this conceit is, becauſe they hear there was two Ladies brought thither, about the ſame time that it was reported the Princeſs Mandana came thither; theſe two Ladies are kept in the Caſtle, guarded very carefully, and uſed with great reſpect: One who ſaw them, reports, that one of thoſe Ladies is admirably fair, and very melancholy; I enquired as exactly as I could, without danger of diſcovery, of every particular concerning that Lady, and I find by all circumſtances it muſt be the Princeſs, for they aſſured me ſhe was very fair, yellow haired, of a good ſtature, and of a modeſt aſpect: Beſides all this, I my ſelf obſerved, that the young Prince Phraartes, brother unto the Prince Tigranes, who now is ſick in the high Armenia, and he comes thither often very privately, ſo that it is eaſily to be imagined, there is ſome perſon of great importance in that place. Moreover I muſt tell you, that going one day into this Caſtle with a Merchant of Artaxates, whoſe friendſhip I had purchaſed by ſome trivial preſents, in hopes by his means to get entrance, under a colour of curioſity. I did at laſt get in as far as the firſt Court, and had certainly ſeen all the Caſtle, and all the Gardens, and by conſequence the Princeſs; if by ill luck the Prince Phraartes had not at that time come in. They no ſooner knew of his coming, but they endeavoured to conceal us, becauſe they had received an expreſs command to let none enter: As he came in, they cauſed us to go out in all haſt, yet as I went through a paſſage in the Baſe Court, I ſaw that Prince in a Balcone courting a Lady, which ſeemed unto me to be the Princeſs Mandana, as I could gueſs ſo far off, and in a moments paſſing, and ſeeing only but one ſide of her head, nor being able to ſee nothing perfectly, but her ſtature, and the colour of her hair. This, Sir, is all I can tell you concerning the Princeſs, and all I could poſſible gather; for ſince that time they would not upon any term, permit me to come again into the Caſtle, nor can I hear any thing concerning the King of Pont: It is not to be doubted (ſaid Cyrus) but that it was the Princeſs Mandana which you ſaw, the viſits of the Prince Phraartes are inſallible teſtimonies of it; but Araſpes, added Cyrus, is this Prince as handſom as his brother Tigranes? I know not Sir (replied he ſmiling, for he was uſed always to be very free with Cyrus) for I never had the honor to ſee the Prince Tigranes, yet I know that Phraartes is not ſo handſom as the illuſtrious Artanones. Cyrus laughed at the diſcourſe of Araſpes, and imbracing him again, I have done ill, I confeſs (ſaid he unto him) to ask you ſuch a queſtion, and I deſerve your raillary for not asking firſt, whether the Caſtle be well fortified, whether the paſſage over that river be guarded, and whether you think, according to all appearance, the reducing it unto our power will coſt us dear? But Araſpes, love is ſuch an imperious paſſion, that its intereſt will be firſt conſidered, and therefore you muſt excuſe me. After this, Araſpes told him, that the Caſtle ſtood in a Town ſo great, that it was but weak, that it was very irregular, in reſpect of its exceſſive length, that unleſs it had ſix thouſand reſolute men to guard it, it is not impoſſible to be taken: The difficulty of the buſineſs was, becauſe it was within fifty furlongs of the Town of Artaxates, which is the greateſt Town of both Armenia's, and all the forces which the King [Page] of Armenia had, were quartered in the Suburbs of it. Moreover, ſince there are not many great towns in this Kingdom, becauſe of the abundance of paſturage, which make all the country infinitely populous, and that ſo prodigiouſly full, as when the Inhabitants only do muſter into Battalia, they make a terrible ſhew; therefore he beſeeched him not to take it ill, if he ſhould adviſe according to his opinion, not to attempt any thing, until all his Army was come up, and to content himſelf till then, with ſeizing upon a paſſage over the river, which was ſlenderly guarded, becauſe that what intelligence ſoever the King of Armenia received, concerning the march of Ciaxares his Army, he could not believe that he would make war upon him in good earneſt, but imagined always, that it was only to fright him unto the payment of that tribute which was demanded: Cyrus then gave Araſpes thanks for the pains he had taken, and the danger he adventured in his behalf; and cauſing him to put [...]ff his Merchants habit, and to take a horſe of his; he purſued his march, after he had held a Councel of War concerning the aſſaulting of the paſſage over the river, only to honor the Officers which were with him, for in all Councels, his own opinion was the reſolution of them all: He diſpatched a meſſenger immediately to Ciaxares, to acquaint him with the intelligence of Araſpes, and deſire of vanquiſhing reviving in his heart, he haſted forward the march, and prepared to force the paſſage over the river preſently, omitting nothing that a moſt prudent and couragious Captain could do, upon ſuch an occaſion; his deſign was preſently executed, and eaſily affected: Thoſe trenches which the Armenians kept, being inforced within one quarter of an hour, he became maſter of the river, and in his enemies country, and with the loſs of not above fifteen or twenty men; he cut in pieces all that made reſiſtance, and entirely defeated them. When he came from Sinope, his intention was to ſtay at that place with the Army; but ſince his power was abſolute, he altered his firſt reſolution, and reſolved to deliver Mandana, if it were poſſible, before the King came up, conceiving that the fewer men he had to participate in the danger, the more would the Princeſs be obliged unto him, and alſo the more glorious would the action be: That which did moſt prompt him unto this deſign, was news late come, that Ciaxares finding himſelf not very well, would defer his advance three daies longer; and in reſpect of that accident, his march would be the ſlower: but that which did moſt of all incite him unto this quick expedition, and dangerous attempt, was his conſideration of the King of Aſſyria's coming, and it was odious unto him to think that his Rival ſhould ſhare with him in the glory of delivering his Princeſs; reſolving then to ſtay no longer, he left two thouſand men to keep that paſs over the river, and went ſtraight unto the great town of Artaxates, which was ſcituated in a moſt fertile Plain upon the river Araxes, and neer that place, where by the Councels of Hanibal, another King of Armenia did a long time after cauſe the new Artaxates to be built. This town had but few Advenues, yet were the walls ſo weak, and in many places ſo ruined, that all its ſtrength did conſiſt in the multitude of the Inhabitants, and truly it was ſo prodigiouſly vaſt, that no other heart, but that of Cyrus, durſt ever have attempted it: Since he was come ſo neer this huge town, (where the King of Armenia was ſtaying until his Army, which already conſiſted of ten thouſand men, was ſtrong enough to come into the field) he would himſelf needs go, and diſcover the ſcituation of the Town and Caſtle, which he deſtred to take; and after he had circumſpectly viewed and obſerved all places round, the enemy never daring to appear but a far off, ſay what Chriſantes and his moſt faithful ſervants could unto him, he would hazard all to deliver his Princeſs. Then he cauſed twelve thouſand men to march in the night unto that place, and he left ſix thouſand at ſeveral places to ſecure his retreat, if need ſhould be, and to guard the paſſage over Araxes; beſides two thouſand which he left to make good the paſſe over the river, which runs between Armenia and Cappadocia. After then he had drawn up his forces neer a little wood, and drawn out thoſe who were to make an aſſault upon the Town and Caſtle, although he had intelligence that all Artaxates was up in Arms, and all the Townſmen ready to come out againſt him, yet did not this great heart ſaint, but on the contrary, the greatneſs of the danger infuſing new ſpirit into him, he made choice of a little riſing ground, which was between the Town and the Caſtle; and after he had drawn ſix thouſand men into Battalia, upon this hill, and had placed ſix terrible Engines, which ſhot great huge ſtones, to oppoſe any relief which the King of Armenia expected; he went with four thouſand others to aſſault the town, in which they had placed three thouſand ſouldiers, entrenched ſome few days before Cyrus came within ſight of Artaxates.

This Aſſault was given in four ſeveral places at once, after that four Rams had battered the Barricadoes, and Walls: and that with ſo much fury, that the enemies were at the firſt affrighted: Any who had ſeen Cyrus beſtir himſelf, would have ſaid he was invulnerable, conſidering [Page] how he expoſed himſelf unto the clouds of his enemies arrows. The firſt Aſſault was commanded by the Prince Thraſibulus: The ſecond by Hidaſpes: The third by Aglutydas: as for Cyrus, he would reſerve himſelf to fight within the Town, againſt any that durſt relieve the Caſtle: The firſt Breach was on that ſide where Cyrus ſtood, and thoſe which defended it, flying with all haſte unto another Barricado, were there killed, and helped to enfor [...] others by their own defeat: Mean while, both Thraſibulus, and Aglatidas, were happy in their attempts, and he Souldiers alſo, animated by the example of their valiant Commanders, planted Ladders againſt the walls, ſo that when the Inhabitants ſaw themſelves aſſaulted on all ſides, they fled to ſave their lives; ſome threw down their Arms, and ſubmitted, others in a tumultuous diſorder ran away; ſome to avoid the Sword of their enemy, finding the Bridg too narrow for ſuch a throng, fell into the River, and were miſerably drowned: ſome would have defended the Bridg, but the valour of Cyrus, who never ſits down after a victory, did enforce them away, and purſued them: he killed all that reſiſted, and pardoned all that ſubmitted; he who commanded the men at that paſs, was a man of great heart, and was there killed becauſe he would never ask Quarter: and of thoſe three thouſand which were placed in that quarter, there was very few which were not either wounded, or taken priſoners. The Prince Artibies, who would needs fight that day as a Voluntier, received two mortal wounds, which did moſt extreamly trouble Cyrus. Mean while, thoſe within the Caſtle ſeeing themſelves not able to hold out againſt ſuch valiant Enemies, and the Princeſs which was in it, promiſing them great recompences, if they would render themſelves unto this invincible Conquerour, they began to beat a pa [...]ley, which did ſo infinitely rejoyce Cyrus in hopes to ſee his dear Mandana preſently, that he was never in his life more ſenſible of any paſſion then at that time: yet did he much wonder, that the King of Pont, whom he knew to be ſo gallant and brave, did not appear: How comes it to paſs, ſaid he to himſelf, that I doe not ſee him upon ſuch an occ [...]ſion as this, with Arms in his hands? If he do well remember himſelf of ſome good effices which I have done him, why does he not reſtore unto me my Princeſs? If he will not reſtore her, why does he not come out and fight with me? Certainly, ſaid he, he muſt be either dead, or elſe ſome odd policy which I cannot underſtand cauſes the King of Armenia to keep him priſoner in this Caſtle; but all theſe reflections did quickly vaniſh out of his mind: his almoſt certain hopes that he ſhould immediately deliver Mandana, turned all into joy: He parlied then with the Captain of the Caſtle, he promiſed him all his deſires, provided he would preſently render him the Princeſs whom he there guarded: and the Captain obeying him, and truſting unto his word, which Cyrus did always keep even with his moſt mortall enemies, he ſet open the Gates, let all enter that would, and cauſed thoſe few Arms which were in it to be laid down: As ſoon as Cyrus was in the firſt Court, Where is the Princeſs? (ſaid he unto the Captain.) She is yonder Sir, (replied he, ſhewing him a walk) where indeed he ſaw two Ladies coming towards him: his imagination being wholly upon Mandana, he went in all haſte unto theſe Ladies; but coming near, the firſt Lady lifting up her Cyprus, and preſently ſtopping, as if ſhe were ſurprized at the ſight of Cyrns, he ſaw one of the faireſt objects, doubtleſs in the world, yet at this time moſt unſutable unto his phancy; ſince he ſaw, ſhe was not his Princeſs, he then turned towards the Captain, to accuſe him, for ſo deceiving him: but the Lady addreſſing her ſelf with a ſomething diſordered countenance, Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, the King of Pont my Brother, was ſo gallantly treated by you, when he was your priſoner, that I muſt needs hope for the like favour from you, ſince you are too generous to deny protection unto one of the moſt unfortunate Princeſs upon earth: Cyrus was ſo troubled, that he had not delivered Mandana, and ſo ſurprized to hear that this Lady was Siſter unto the King of Pont, that for a while he was not able to anſwer, yet clearing up his mind, You are not deceived Madam, (ſaid he moſt cruelly unto her) when you believe I ſhall treat you with all the reſpect due unto me of your quality: for though the King your Brother, be him I aim at, and came to ſeek in Armenia, yet ſhall I render unto you all the ſervices that are in my power: As this fair Princeſs was about to anſwer, Intelligence came unto Cyrus, that there was ſuch a prodigious multitude of people coming out of Artaxates, that his Preſence was requiſite in the Army: Pormit me then Madam (ſaid he unto her, and taking her by the hand) that I wait upon you unto your Chamber, and there leave you Miſtreſs of the Caſtle, till I have finiſhed the victory. In ſaying ſo, he conducted her unto her lodging, where after a ſhort complement, and leaving Chriſantes within, to ſee he wanted nothing, he went down into the Court, where he met ſome Souldiers and Captains bringing in the Prince Artibies wounded, that he might be there dreſſed with more conveniency: when Cyrus ſaw him in that condition, and obſerving how thoſe which bore him were very weary and weak, and troubled in the carriage of him; yet [Page] notwithſtanding all the croud, and all the ſorrows of his ſoul; this Prince did with his own hands help to carry him unto his Chamber and laid him upon a bed, commanding all poſſible care to be taken of him: After this, Cyrus took horſe, and ſeeing he could not ſatisfie his love by the delivery of his Princeſs, he would however ſatisfie his glory, by doing the boldeſt act in the world, every ſtep he made, he received intelligence upon intelligence concerning the Troops that were coming out of Artaxates, but how great ſoever they made the danger appear, yet he went to draw up his own forces, and reſolved to fight them though they were an hundred thouſand men, if they did begin the Aſſault: and indeed they were no leſs, for from the little valley under the Hill, where Cyrus ſtood, unto Artaxates, all the Countrey was covered with multitudes of enemies, who ſeemed as if they intended to fight: for the King of Armenia held a Councel of War about it without the walls of the Town, and advanced unto a little Village, which was cloſe by the valley that ſeparated the two Armies & there he made a halt; yet the Great Cyrus kept his ſtation ſtill, continually facing this innumerable multitude of enemies, who ſtood and durſt not fall on: This great buſineſs was carried with ſo much good fortune, and prudence together, that it was ſix hours after the Caſtle was taken, before it was known to them of Artaxates.

In concluſion, after much conſultation, the King of Armenian concluded that it was not expedient to fall upon ſuch a Prince, as uſed to fight like a Lion, and overcome all that came near him. The Prince Phraartis who was pretty gallant, would have put it to the hazard, what ere came on it: but his advice being not followed, becauſe an old experienced Captain maintained, That it was not wiſdom with freſh new Troops of Townſmen, untrained in war, to aſſault Souldiers dyed in blood, and a General the Greateſt in the world, eſpecially he having the advantage of ground. Cyrus was well ſatisfied with the fight of his enemies, he faced them from morning until night, and would have preſented them Battel if they durſt have excepted it, though they were above twenty to one. The night came on apace, and covered the ſhame of the Inhabitants of Artaxates, in re-entring their Town, after they had only ſeen that Caſtle taken, which was ſo very conſiderable unto them, in reſpect of the River Araxes, which runs by it: yet was the ſoul of Cyrus far from ſatisfaction, and this great and bold act produced nothing but ſorrow unto him; for his hopes were ſo high to deliver the Princeſs Mandana, that nothing elſe could anſwer them: as ſoon as he ſaw all the Armenian Troops were entred into their Town, and after he had placed good guards, he went to take his reſt that night in the Caſtle which he took: After he had enquired concerning the ſtate of the Prince Artibies, whom they ſaid was very ill, and after he underſtood the Princeſs of Pont was retired; he went into his Chamber only with Feraulas: Well Feraulas, (ſaid he unto him extreamly melancholy) what do you now think of my fortune? Do you not confeſs me to be the moſt unhappy Prince upon Earth? I think Sir, replied Feraulas, that it is the part of the conquered to complain, and of the Conquerours to rejoyce; No, no, Feraulas, ſaid he: It is not glory and honour, which is the predominant aim of my heart: and though I had defeated this huge multitude of enemies, which I only looked upon, I ſhould have been ſtill as melancholy as I am: neither Conqueſts, nor reputation, nor honour, is the mark I now aim at: It is only Mandana, I look after, and ſince I find her not, I think my ſelf as unfortunate as if I had been vanquiſhed. Araſpes lyed not, (ſaid he) when he told me he had ſeen a Lady of quality in the Caſtle; that ſhe was fair, yellow-haired, and of a good ſtature; but alas, this Princeſs as fair as ſhe is, yeilds me no ſatisfaction by her ſight. I conceive Sir, ſaid Feraulas, that it is conſiderable, to have got the Siſter of the King of Pont into your hands, a Lady of whom I have heard a good report, when I was in the Bythinian war: ſo that in all probability, it will keep that Prince in ſome fears. Ah Feraulas, anſwered he, and ſighed, how dear ſoever the Princeſs of Pont is to him, Mandana is much more: he will eaſily diſpenſe with a Siſter for a Miſtreſs: If he ſhould have my brother; if I had one, or my father in his power, it would make me to do any thing to releaſe them, but never upon ſuch conditions as to quit Mandana: Alſo knowing me ſo well as he does, he will not fear mine ill entertainment of his Siſter, although he do not reſtore Mandana, he knows too well that it is not my Genius to do a baſe, unjuſt, and cruel Act; and ſo ſince he conceives no danger, he will keep Mandana ſtill.

But Sir, ſaid Feraulas, are you fully aſſured that this Lady is the Princeſs of Pont? Yes, replied he, for now I call to memory a Picture which the wife of Arſamones cauſed the Princeſs her daughter to ſhew me, to the end ſhe might diſcover whether or no I was Spitridates, I do very well ſee that it is ſhe, for that picture reſembles her extreamly: But, replied Feraulus, if it be ſhe, I wonder ſhe does not take you for Spitridates, as the Bythinean Princeſs did? [Page] becauſe doubtleſs, replied Cyrus, the King her brother has formerly acquainted her with out extream reſemblance. But however Feraulas, ſuch things as theſe, we muſt not diſcourſe of: Let Mandana, only Mandana be the only object of my thoughts, and the ſubject of our diſcourſe: did I but know where ſhe was, my Soul would be at ſome reſt: for though ſhe were in Artaxates, I would without ſtaying for Ciaxares, attempt her delivery. Doubtleſs you might, replied Feraulas, for after this which we have ſeen; if you do not enforce it, it may well be ſaid, the reaſon is becauſe you would not; and the inhabitants owe you thanks, for all thoſe miſeries which you will not do them, when it is in your power: After they had thus diſcourſed a good while, Cyrus did lye down upon the bed, more to reſt himſelf then to ſleep; but he had not leaſure to do that, for one came to tell him; that the Prince Artibies was at the laſt gaſp, and deſired to ſee him: He did riſe immediately, and went unto him Walſo he found him at the very point of death, but in ſo free a mind, and quiet ſo us, that Cyrus was ſurpriſed at him: I am deſperately forty, (ſaid he unto him, coming heer him) that I ſhould be partly a a cauſe of your deplorable condition: No, (moſt generouſly did this dying Prince anſwer) rather rejoyce with me, who ſince the death of Leontina, looked for nothing from the wars but ruine: I could never in any place have died with more honor, then neer you; nor ſhall I deſire life, but ſhall die with more joy then I can expreſs, if you will promiſe me to cauſe my aſhes to be incloſed within the Tomb of Leontina: In pronouncing this name, which was ſo dear unto him, he expired without the leaſt motion, by reaſon of his great loſs of blood: yet had he this ſatisfaction before he died, to hear Cyrus promiſe what he deſired, for he weakly held out his hands, and caſt his eyes towards him, by way of thanks: That which was moſt admirable in this ſad accident was, that death did not afright out of his countenance thoſe pleaſing ſigns of deſire to dye, which he ever more ſince the death of his Miſtreſs. The heart of Cyrus was exceedingly tendered at the loſs of this young Prince, who doubtleſs did own all the accompliſhed qualities that might merit his eſteem and friendſhip: he teſtified his ſorrow by moſt apparent ſignes: and though his Tomb was covered with the ſpoils of vanquiſhed enemies, and hung about with Trophes of broken Arms, yet was it further honoured, in that his aſhes were watred with the tears of the greateſt Prince in the world: In the mean while, day did begin to break, and inteligence was brought that there was ſo great a Tumult within Artaxates, and ſuch an univerſal amazement, that the King of Armenia was gone out of it with his whole Court, and a great part of his Forces, retreating unto certain inacceſſible Mountains, where he had ſome Caſtles very well fortified, he underſtood alſo that the King had carryed the Queen his wife, and the Princeſſes his daughters with him: and he imagined that perhaps Mandana might be there alſo: his deſire was to go after them immediately: but he was confidently told that before he could be in readineſs to ſee forward, the King of Armenia would be got within his Sanctuary, where he had nothing to fear but fami [...]. Yet ſince Cyrus would not truſt unto what was told him, he took horſe, after he had commanded an Egyptian Chyrurgion which was in the Cyprian Brigado, to imbalm the Corps of the Prince Artibies, after ſuch as excellent manner as was uſed in his Country, and which would keep the Corps a long while is corruptable: he gave orders alſo to preſent a complimentive excuſe unto the Princeſs of Pont, that he could not ſee her untill his return, and theſe orders being given, he went with two hundred horſe only; to be ſhewed theſe Mountains, and indeed he perceived it impoſſible to arrive thither in any time: he then reſolved to go and poſſeſs himſelf of ſome advantagious placed betwixt thoſe Mountains and the: Town to prevent any communication between them: But no ſooner did tho [...] which were appointed for that deſign under Hidaſpes begin to march, but the Inhabitants of Artaxates multiplying their fears, had held a tumuluous councell, and conceived it more ſafe for themſelves, to ſubmit unto ſuch a Conqueror as; Cyrus; then any longer to reaſt ſuch an [...] Prince: They ſent then Deputies unto him, to beg [...], and that in ſuch ſubmiſſion terms as if his whole Army had been at their Gates: As he was the ſweeteſt prince upon Earth unto all ſuch as reſiſted him not, ſo he deſired no more from them, but a bare oath of Fidelity: he did not conceive it expedient, with ſo few Forces as he had, to [...]ngage himſelf within that Town, but contented himſelf, to poſſes himſelf of both the ends of Artaxes, and ſome Caſtles which were indifferent ſtrong, in divers Entrances into Artaxates, to the end he might thereby take all relief away from the King of Armenia, and all ma [...] communication between the town, and the mountains▪ where he was: [...] continued his deſign of ſending Hidaſpas with twelve hundred men only to the foot of the mountains, [...]by to prevent the country from carrying in of proviſions; after all which he reſolved to wait un [...]il Ciaxares came up, before he would make any other; attempts; and [...] he had given our all expedient and neceſſary orders, he returned unto the Caſtle [...] [Page] whence he came, with much impatience to diſcourſe with the Princeſs of Pont, imagining, that perhaps ſhe could tell where the King her brother was, and by conſequence where the Princeſs Mandana was.

Having then reſted himſelf a while, and put himſelf into a fit and handſom garb to appear before her, he ſent to ask whether he might be permitted the honor to ſee her: As ſhe did no leſs deſire it then he, though for different reaſons, ſo ſhe ſent word back, that ſhe ſhould be very glad to entertain his viſit; ſo that going immediately unto her, he was received with all poſſible civility, and he rendred her all the ſubmiſſion and reverence, as if ſhe were in Heraclea. After the firſt complemental ceremonies were performed; Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, if fortune had been as favourable unto the King my brother, as you were unto him in procuring his releaſe, I would not have loſt thoſe Kingdoms which he once poſſeſſed: I know not Madam (replied Cyrus) whether the King of Pont has not been a greater gamer by the loſs of his Kingdoms, then he would have been in keeping them: But I am moſt certain, that I prefer that favour which fortune has beſtowed upon him ſince he loſt them, before all he had before ſhe deprived him of them; and I wiſh unto the Gods with all my heart, that he were reinveſted, and ſet upon thoſe Thrones again which he has right unto, upon condition he would reſtore that unto which he has no right at all. This diſcourſe is ſo obſcure unto me, (ſaid the Princeſs of Pont) that I am not able to return a pertinent anſwer; for indeed I know very well, that the King my brother has loſt the Kingdom of Pont, and Bythinia alſo; that he was forced to depart from the laſt town that was left him, and to fly away in a Ship to ſeek ſecurity for his perſon from you; but I do not know how Fortune which deprived him of this Throne, has made him a gainer ſince: But I underſtood ſince, that he was not with you, and I was told, the laſt (without any certainty) that he was here in Armenia, whether I came to ſeek him, yet cannot find him. How Madam, ſaid Cyrus, is not the King of Pont, and the Princeſs Mandana in Armenia? I do not believe, anſwered ſhe, that the King my brother is here; and though he were, indeed I cannot imagine how the Princeſs Mandana ſhould come hither. Cyrus ſeeing with what free ingenuity this Princeſs ſpoke unto him, told her all, how the King of Pont had ſaved the Princeſs Mandana from ſhipwrack; how he left his ſhip, and took boat up the river Halis to come into Armenia; ſo that Madam, ſaid he, I do not ſee it poſſible but he muſt be here, and I wonder you ſhould not know it: I have had ſo little liberty, ſaid ſhe, ſince I came into Armenia, that it is not impoſſible but he may be here, and yet I not know it: But Sir, how can it be, that he, of whom you ſpeak, who has divers times ſpoken unto me concerning you, as the man, whom of all the world he moſt eſteems, though he knows not your quality, ſhould any way diſoblige you? He, I ſay, whom you have ſo much obliged, he unto whom you gave both life and liberty, and he who had an intention to preſerve you, at a time when you were in danger: He never had any intention to deſtroy me, replied Cyrus, but he has moſt cruelly wronged me: Ah Sir, ſaid ſhe, he did not deſcribe Artamenes unto me, to be ſo unjuſt, as that he ſhould think it to be a wrong, which was done without deſign; nor can I think him changed, ſince he was Cyrus; he is not changed at all, replied he, for he loves the Princeſs Mandana now, as he loved her then, although the King of Pont did not know it then, ſo that Madam, you may eaſily judge, he does not at all oblige me in carrying away the Princeſs, and retaining her againſt her will. I ſhould not ſpeak thus unto you Madam, ſaid he, if the affection I bear unto her were not now known over all Aſia, and if I were not forced to juſtifie my ſelf [...]o the opinion of ſo excellent a Lady as you; Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, I can ſay nothing to it, yet for your conſolation let me tell you, that the King my brother owes ſuch a profound reverence unto the Princeſs Mandana, that you need not fear any ill treatment of her; and if I knew where he were, I would beg of you permiſſion to go and try whether I could move him to reſtore her unto her father. Cyrus returned thanks unto this Princeſs with much affection, and ſhe diſcourſe on both ſides was [...]o very obliging, that Cyrus did wonder to find a diſpoſition ſo ready to do him any good office in the Siſter of his Rival. It is very true, ſhe was ſo handſome, and ſo amiable, that it was impoſſible but one muſt needs eſteem her infinitely, and be in terms of friendſhip, though not in love with her. Moreover, ſince ſhe found in Cyrus the reſemblance of a perſon, who was moſt dear unto her, ſhe expreſſed more obliging civility towards him, then ſhe perceived in her ſelf, ſo that for three or four dayes Cyrus did viſit her every ſpare hour, wherein he did not viſit ſome guard or other, and a great friendſhip grew betwixt them; for after Cyrus had ſatisfied the curioſity of this Princeſs, by making a ſhort relation of his fortunes unto her; and ſince he aſſured her, that if the King her brother would reſtore the Princeſs Mandana, he would help him to recover his loſt Kingdoms; ſhe thought the condition good, and ſhe her ſelf alſo believed, that as ſoon as the King of Pont ſhould know, [Page] that Artamenes is Cyrus, and that Cyrus did love, and was loved by Mandana, he would change his deſign: So that conceiving ſhe ought not to look upon this Prince, as the King her brothers enemy, ſhe regarded him, as both her, and his protector, and as a Prince, who perhaps would become a Mediator between the King of Pont, and the new King of Bythinia; ſo that ſhe enjoyed pleaſure and ſatisfaction in the ſight and converſation of Cyrus: This Prince was for ſome certain days a little troubled to obſerve, that this Princeſs never ſaw him, but ſhe changed colour, and ſighed often when ſhe looked upon him: But remembring the picture which was ſhewed him in Bythinia, he concluded, that Spitridates, whom he reſembled, was not only in love, but it muſt needs be, that he was loved alſo: and ſince he had great hopes in the negotiation of this Princeſs, with the King her brother, when it was known where he was, and ſince he knew that there was nothing ſo engaging, as to be a confident unto one who is in love, and he knew how to carry the matter ſo handſomly without too much preſſing, ſo that I moved her ingeniouſly to acquaint him with the misfortunes of her life, to the end ſome expedient remedies againſt them might be applied, and that he might find out means to prevent her misfortunes, as ſhe would his, if it were poſſible. One morning when Cyrus heard that Ciaxares would come up within three days, and that the King of Armenia had not any victuals to hold out long, his mind being in more tranquility, by reaſon of his hopes to be ſatisfied from the King of Armenia himſelf, where her he ſought for was, he went unto the Princeſs of Pont, to put her in mind of her promiſe; but though ſhe was very willing to give him ſatisfaction, yet had ſhe no mind that her adventures ſhould come out of her own mouth, but that one which was with her, who was well acquainted with every circumſtance, even to the leaſt of her thoughts, might make a relation of them. Cyrus conſented unto the motion, and for the preſent retired, but preſently after dinner he returned unto her chamber, where he found her who was to relate the misfortunes of the Princeſs of Pont, who was her ſelf gone into her Cloſet with ſome Armenian women which waited upon her: This Lady who was to make the relation, was called Heſionida, one of very good quality, originally from Bythinia, whoſe mother was Governeſs unto the Princeſs, and who indeed was a kind of Governeſs her ſelf unto her; for ſince ſhe was ſix or ſeven years elder then Araminta, her mother, who was very old and ſickly, committed the charge unto her, ſo that ſhe was exactly knowing in all the paſſages of that Court; and ſince ſhe had a moſt charming wit, and was very ſweet and complacential in all juſt things, ſhe made the Princeſs of Pont, even adore her. Cyrus, who knew the quality of Heſionida, by the information of one of the Princeſs men, did treat her very civilly, and full as reſpective complements returned as given: Then did they ſit down, and thus did Heſionida begin.

The Hiſtory of the Princeſs ARIMINTA, and SPITRIDATES.

THe order which I have received from the Princeſs, to make an exact relation unto you of her misfortunes, requires, Sir, that you arm your ſelf with abundance of patience, for they are ſo numerous, that they cannot be comprehended in a ſhort ſtory: and neceſſity compels me to let you underſtand, not only thoſe which relate only to the Princeſs her ſelf, but thoſe alſo which concern her father; the uſurpation of the Kingdom of Bythinia is the real cauſe of all thoſe miſeries ſhe endures: You Sir, who has won ſo many battels thereabouts, do know, that a river only divides the Kingdom of Pont, and the Kingdom of Bythinia, ſo that it is not at all ſtrange, that an ambitious King of Pont ſhould ſtretch his limits over it: But I believe, that the courſe he took will appear ſo unjuſt unto you, that you will hardly endure ſo much as the relation of it. Be pleaſed to know, Sir, that the Grand-father of the Princeſs Ariminta, was a very violent Prince, one that was moſt jealous of his authority, and as adventurous as any man in the world, all his life was wholly taken up in wars with his Neighbours, ſometimes againſt the King of Phrygia, other whiles againſt the King of Cappadocia and Galatia, and ſometimes againſt the King of Paphlagonia; but in all theſe wars he was continually aſſiſted by the King of Bythinia, which then reigned, who was father unto Arſamones, who now is upon the reconqueſt, yet notwithſtanding he bore a ſpleen in his heart againſt him, becauſe he once oppoſed a new war, which he would needs undertake againſt Cappadocia, without any ground or reaſon for it; for ſince Bythinia was between the Kingdom of Pont and Galatia, he could not make any attempts upon it, unleſs that Prince gave him a paſſage through his Dominions, which he refuſed to do. After this, he always looked upon Bythinia, as a great Obſtacle unto his ambitious deſigns: But Sir, it befits me, to paſs this over very ſlightly; for ſince I am originally a Bythinian, the love of my Country may perhaps make me ſpeak more then is fit, conſidering the [Page] reſpect which I am obliged to render unto thoſe Kings, from whom the Princeſs whom I ſerve is deſcended; yet muſt I not make that crime a ſecret, which is publikely known unto ſo many Kingdoms, ſince it is the very foundation of all I ſhall tell you. Be pleaſed to underſtand then in few words, that the King of Pont, deſiring to confer with the King of Bythinia, about ſome important affairs, which he ſaid concerned them both, both theſe Kings drew towards their Frontiers, and ſince the river Sangar is the limits unto both of thoſe Kingdoms, they made choice of a moſt pleaſant Iſland, wherein there was a very fair houſe, fit for this enterview, which was made ready with all poſſible magnificence: But yet ſince this Iſle belonged unto the King of Pont, he therefore was at all the expences of theſe feaſts, which laſted three days in all imaginable prodigality and ſplendor: The laſt of theſe three days the King of Bythinia was ſeized upon with ſo ſuddain and violent a ſickneſs, that the Phyſicians did give him over, and it was impoſſible that he ſhould be tranſported out of this Iſle, where the King of Pont ſtayed with him, expreſſing ſo many teſtimonies of real ſorrow, that all the world were deceived in him, and eſpecially the King of Bythinia more then any elſe. This Prince then, having only one ſon, about ſix years of age, and having buried the Queen his wife, ſeeing himſelf in this extremity, and thinking to prevent the King of Pont, whom he knew to be of an ambitious humour, from uſurping Bythinia, he would declare him Governour over the Prince his ſon; ſo that being in this deplorable condition, unto which all the Kingdom believed he was brought, by a poyſon which the King of Pont had given him, he aſſembled all the Grandees of Bythinia, which waited upon him, to this enterview, and declared unto them, how he intended the King of Pont, during the minority of his ſon, ſhould have the Government of his Dominions, and diſpoſure of all things, with this proviſo yet, to confer the offices of Government only unto the Bythinians. The King of Pont made a ſhew, as if he were unwilling to accept of this offer; but at the laſt, this unfortunate Prince preſſing him more urgently unto it, he promiſed him to preſerve the Crown of Bythinia, as his own; and he ſpoke with ſo much ſeeming generoſity, that he cauſed him to die a ſatisfied, though a violent death. Though all the Grandees of Bythinia did ſeem to approve of this reſolution, not daring to deſire their dying King, yet after he was dead, reports of poyſon making great noiſe, they oppoſed againſt it, and made uſe of the guards unto the late King to ſecure the perſon of their young Prince, who was within fifty furlongs of that place, in a Caſtle where the Kings of Bythinia uſed to bring up their children, until ſuch times as they were fit to be taken out of the hands of women: But the King of Pont foreſeeing ſuch a deſign, cauſed all the Garriſons of all the towns along the river, ſecretly to redouble their guards, ſo that in drawing them out, he quickly made up a little Army, with which he ſeized upon the perſon of the young Prince, and made himſelf maſter of Bythinia, procuring the favour of ſome Grandees in the Kingdom by golden arguments. After this, he returned into Heraclea, where he educated the young Prince Arſamones; at the firſt, he cauſed all honors due unto a King of Bythinia to be rendred unto him, to the end he might the handſomer deceive the Bythinians, and allure them to receive his orders: But afterwards, when he had well eſtabliſhed himſelf, he publiſhed a Declaration, by which he would make it appear, that the late King of Bythinia did acknowledge his Kingdom had been formerly uſurped from the Kings of Pont; and by which he ſaid, that the late King deſired his ſon ſhould be only a ſubject unto him, who now raigned: In ſhort Sir, Force, not Juſtice was his Law, and Arſamones was now created only as a Prince, not a King, and was indeed no more then a Slave which is loaded with heavy chains of gold, he wore them with an unexampled patience and diſſimulation: Thoſe who uſe to dive deep into the reaſon of things, could not comprehend why the King of Pont ſhould put the father to death, yet ſpare the ſon: but whether it was out of fear, to force the Bythinians unto a war againſt him, or that he was reſtrained from it by a predominate power of the Gods, which would not ſuffer him, yet he did it not: Arſamones then lived as a ſubject, and married a Bythinian Princeſs, which was permitted, becauſe ſhe was not rich; but in recompence thereof, ſhe was at that time admirable fair, and at this time as vertuous as fair; then you know Sir her vertues and condition as well as I do, ſince you were with her, when you were taken for the Prince Spitridates; he permitted alſo a ſiſter unto the King, whom he had impriſoned, to marry the Prince Gadutes, yet it was becauſe Nitecris Queen of Aſſyria, did procure it. Mean while the King of Pont, who had only one ſon died, and Arſemones changed Maſters, though not condition; for indeed Sir, this new King of Pont and Bythinia, father of the Princeſs Araminta, although he was not ſo criminal as the King his father; yet finding himſelf in poſſeſſion of two Crowns, he kept them, and never would hearken unto any reſtitution, ſo that Arſemones was forced to diſſemble ſtill, and ſeem to be contented with his fortune, becauſe he had no power to make it better: for the King [Page] of Pont was then in amity with all his Neighbours, and Arſemones had neither any troops, nor money to raiſe them. Mean while Sir, the King of Pont had two ſons, and one daughter, and the Prince Arſamones had one daughter, and two ſons, the elder of which is Spitridates, who ſo much reſembles you: As the Queen of Pont died very young, ſo the Princeſs Araminta was but five years old when ſhe loſt her mother: and as my mother had the honor of that great Queens love, ſhe moved the King her husband, to confer the Government of the Princeſs Araminta upon her: But to ſhew you the piety and vertue of this Princeſs, I need only tell you, that ſhe appointed my mother to cheriſh as much as ſhe could, a love and friendſhip between her children, and the children of the Prince Arſamones, wiſhing heartily, that he might hereafter become ſo generous, as to reſtore the Kingdom of Bythinia unto the right heir. You may be pleaſed to conceive Sir, that ſhe did moſt willingly obey ſo juſt a command; and truly there was no great difficulty to beget a love amongſt them, ſince they were all ſo amiable; and it muſt needs be acknowledged, that never was a more jolly ſight, then this little Court of young Princes and Princeſſes: But amongſt the reſt, the amity between Spitridates eldeſt ſon of Arſamones, and the Princeſs Araminta, was extraordinary; for the firſt of theſe two Sir, you need only to remember your own infancy, to imagin him, ſince truly there is a moſt wonderful reſemblance betwixt you and him; and as for the Princeſs of Pont, you need only to look upon her, and judge, that ſhe was fair from her cradle: The ſiſter of Spitridates, named Ariſtea, is alſo, as you know, very fair; and the Prince Sinneſis, elder brother unto Ariandus, who is now King of Pont, was of a good ſtature, and handſom, as well as his brother, whom you do know; and the youngeſt ſon of Arſamones, called Euriclides, as alſo a very handſom Prince, of theſe Sir, did the Court of Pont conſiſt; ſo that ſince peace on all ſides ſeemed now to be ſolidly eſtabliſhed, there was no thoughts but upon the education of theſe young Princeſſes and Princes, and to contrive all the pleaſant recreations their ages were capable of: The King of Pont himſelf, out of policy, did command my mother to do the ſame, which the Queen his wife had appointed her to do out of vertue; for he conceived, that if his eldeſt ſon ſhould marry a daughter of Prince Arſamones, that would more confirm the poſſeſſion of the Kingdom of Bythinia in his houſe. The ſtate of things ſtanding thus, all the recreations of theſe young children were together; their walks, their huntings, their balls, their muſiques, cauſed them continually to be together; and I dare affirm, that their education was ſuch, as made them ceaſe, being children, much ſooner then their age permitted them; and though they lived together with all equal civility, yet their inclinations began to make ſome difference, and I perceived that Spitridates did much more reſpect the princeſs Araminta, then the prince Euriclides his brother: I obſerved alſo at the ſame time, that the prince Sinneſis was more indulgent towards the princeſs Ariſtea, then he who is now the King of Pont: And ſince my mother had acquainted me with the Kings intentions, and alſo with the Queens, to the end I might be ſerviceable that way, I was even raviſhed to ſee ſo happy a beginning in the deſign, and I believe alſo, that the prince Arſamones, and the princeſs Arbiana his wife did like it well. I perceived then that love did kindle in theſe two young hearts, and I ſaw them love one another, and knew it not themſelves; for Sinneſis and Spitridates did render a thouſand petty ſervices unto thoſe princeſſes which they adored, not knowing they were in love, more then the princeſſes whom they loved. But the princeſs Ariminta being in her fourteenth year, and the prince Spitridates his ſixteenth, they began to be ſenſible of their paſſions: The joy which he was wont to have when he ſaw the princeſs became more moderate, and though ſhe uſed her accuſtomed civility towards him, yet was he not ſo well ſatisfied, as before; his heart moulded ſuch deſires, as that he did not know what he himſelf deſired, but not knowing very well what he wanted to compleat his good fortune, he became very melancholy: As the princeſs Araminta did very much eſteem him, and as he pleaſed her eye better then any ſhe ſaw in the Court, ſo ſhe was the firſt which perceived it, and asked me whether or no I knew from whence this alteration in the humour of the prince Spitridates did ariſe; and when I anſwered her, that I knew not, ſhe told me, that it much troubled her, and that ſhe would ask him the reaſon her ſelf. Madam, ſaid I unto her, and ſmiled, it is not always fit to be ſo inquiſitive; how do you know, whether the prince Spitridates would have the cauſe of his melancholy known? And why ſhould be hide it (anſwered ſhe unto me) from one that would pity him, if I could not help him? He would hide it perhaps (ſaid I unto her, and laughed) becauſe he does not know the cauſe himſelf. Ah Heſionida, ſaid ſhe unto me, Spitridates is too full of reaſon to be troubled without a cauſe, and if I thought that were all, I would quickly cure him. As I was ready as anſwer, the princeſs Ariſtea came in, and a little after her the valiant Pharnaces, who had the honor to be the laſt man that fought with you in the combat of two hundred; and alſo at the [Page] ſame time, the coward Artanus came in, who accompanied Spitridates thither. After their converſation had continued a prety while, the prince Sinneſis made a motion unto his ſiſter the princeſs to go and walk, ſhe was ſo complacential as to conſent. This prince was then ſixteen years old, and the princeſs Ariſtea fifteen; and I believe he had already expreſſed ſome ſlight marks of his paſſion unto her, which ſhe knew of, but neither much accepted, nor rejected them. When they were in the garden, the prince Sinneſis, after ſhe had talked a while with the princeſs his ſiſter, preſented his hand unto the princeſs Ariſtea, and Spitridates took the princeſs Araminta by the hand, and ſo they walked; ſo that Pharnaces and Artanus ſeeing that their aims were prevented already by Spitridates, went away in a jealous fit. Mean while, the ſmall experience of this young Lady cauſing me to fear that ſhe would too urgently ask Spitridates the thoughts of his heart, I followed preſently after, and handſomly turned the diſcourſe another way: for ſince my mother, as I told you before, was both ſickly and aged, and ſince I was ſix or ſeven years elder then the princeſs, I was a kind of an under-governeſs, the King appointing it ſo, and the princeſs was glad of it, becauſe ſhe did me the honor to love me. But Sir, to return unto my diſcourſe, the princeſs Arbiana being come into the garden, intending to ſpeak with me concerning ſome important buſineſs, I was conſtrained to leave the prince and princeſs, and by conſequence to leave them at liberty to diſcourſe together, for the prince Sinneſis did not at all moleſt them, being buſied enough in his Courtſhip with the princeſs Ariſtea: Since we walked ten or twelve paces behind them, I could not hear their words, but only gueſs by their manner of actions. But in the end, I ſaw the princeſs Araminta come ſuddainly towards us, ſaying ſhe was weary with walking, and would reſt her ſelf; ſo that leaving Spitridates, ſhe fat down upon ſeats of graſs. I obſerved all the paſſage very exactly, and ſaw Spitridates bluſh in quitting the princeſs, and ſhe alſo bluſhed, though ſhe did hide it with her Hood: All the reſt of the day ſhe ſeemed much diſquieted, though ſhe did ſtrive to hide it with all her care: Upon her return unto her chamber, ſhe went into her Cloſet, and called none of her women with her, as ſhe was accuſtomed; I went in unto her, and found her leaning againſt the window in a ſerious deep ſtudy. Madam, ſaid I unto her, and laughed, ſince you did not think it unhandſom to ask the prince Spitridates what was the cauſe of his melancholy, I hope you will not think it impertinent in me, if I ask you, what's the cauſe of your muſing at this time. At the firſt ſhe would have perſwaded me, that ſhe muſed no more then ordinary, yet ſeeing ſhe could not; But Heſionida, ſaid ſhe unto me, did you not tell me it was not good to be too inquiſitive? Yes Madam, replied I unto her, but I am not the princeſs Araminta, nor are you the prince Spitridates, ſo that without any fear of offending, I have reaſon to ask what it is which troubles you, ſince my only end is to help it, if it be in my power. Truly Heſionida, (ſaid ſhe unto me) there is nothing in my mind which vexes me. Truly Madam, replied I, there is ſomething which does trouble you, and if you will not do me the honor to tell it unto me, I ſhall think that the prince Spitridates has diſcovered unto you the cauſe of his melancholy, and that it has infected you: The Gods preſerve me, ſaid ſhe unto me haſtily: You know then Madam what it is, ſaid I unto her.

The Princeſs bluſht ſeeing ſhe could not deny it, and coming nearer me with the greateſt ingenuity and ſweetneſs in the world; It is true, ſaid ſhe unto me, I do know it; and if you did but know how angry and aſhamed I was, doubtleſs you would extreamly pity me. But Heſionida, ſaid ſhe, why did you not deſire me more earneſtly then you did, not to ask Spitridates, the cauſe of his melancholy? for I do imagine that you knew it, or at leaſt ſuſpected ſomething. I confeſs unto you, that the Non-plus of this young Princeſs, and the anger which I ſaw in her eyes moved me almoſt to laugh at her, yet I did reſtrain it, leſt I ſhould have too much incenſed her: And after I had intreated her to tell me, what their conference was, and ſhe many times excuſing, but at the laſt conſenting unto my deſire, told me: You were no ſooner entred into diſcourſe with the Princeſs Arbiana, ſaid ſhe unto me, but being extreamly impatient to know what it was which troubled Spitridates, I entred into diſcourſe with him. You are ſo changed, ſaid ſhe, of late, that all your friends do wonder it, nor can they imagine the cauſe of your melancholy: I do not think they do, anſwered he unto her, nor is there any in the world unto whom I will impart it. How, replied ſhe unto him, Is it ſuch a diſpleaſure as you would not have any know it? then it ſeems you would not have any pitty you, or comfort you: I wiſh the firſt, replied he unto her, but I dare not wiſh the ſecond. How can they do either, replied ſhe, when they are ignorant of your ſufferings? Did you not tell me, anſwered he, that all my friends do wonder, and are ſorry for my melancholy? and if ſo, can they not pity me, unleſs they know the cauſe of my ſorrows? No, not I, anſwered ſhe, for perhaps you eſteem your ſelf unfortunate in ſome things, for which I would not pity you at [Page] all. What may thoſe things be, replied he, and ſighed, for which the Princeſs Araminta has no compaſſion? If you ſhould envy at the honour of another, ſaid ſhe, and that trouble you, I would not all pity you for it. But ſuppoſe I were in love, anſwered he, would you pity me then? No, anſwered ſhe, but on the contrary, I would eſteem you much more for it, ſince every one ought to be in love with honour and glory; But indeed Spitridates, ſaid ſhe, ſince it is not your mind I ſhould know what it is which torments you, I ſhall not pity you, but ſhall believe you think me not diſcreet enough to keep a ſecret. Ah Madam, replied he, I do not fear that you would publiſh that which I ſhould tell you. What do you fear then, (anſwered ſhe, with ſuch a pretty ſimplicity, as made him almoſt deſperate.) I fear, anſwered he, that you would hate me. And why ſhould I hate you, anſwered ſhe, for truſting me with a Secret? Perhaps you would hate me, anſwered he, if you ſhould know that Spitridates is not unfortunate in any thing, but in that he loves the fair Princeſs of Ponts more then he ought: He had no ſooner pronounced theſe words, but immediately I ſaw (ſaid ſhe) my dead Heſionida, a thouſand things which I did not ſee before, and I was ſo confounded at my ſimplicity and innocency, that I durſt not look upon him, yet after I had reaſſumed my confidence, You have reaſon, (ſaid ſhe, being both angry, and aſhamed) to think that the Princeſs of Pont will hate Spitridates, if he ſhould love her too much, and as your friend I advice you to keep your Secret ſo cloſe, that none may ever know it. I will obey you, Madam, ſaid he, you your ſelf ſhall be the only one in the world, who ſhall ever know it, or to whom I ſhall ever reveal it. I no ſooner heard him ſay ſo, But I was ſo much aſhamed that I came unto you, ſaid ſhe, and returned no anſwer: After that the Princeſs had ended her relation with many ſignes of ſhame, and anger in her eyes, ſhe asked me, what ſhe ſhould do? And I adviſed her, to avoid any private conference with Spitridates, as handſomly as ſhe could, without any incivility to him: and to behave her ſelf towards him as to a Prince whom perhaps ſhe might one day marry, and perhaps not: and to carry the matter ſo with him, that he may eſteem you much; and to obtain this eſteem, you muſt be neither too indulgent, nor too ſcornful unto him: and that ſince ſhe was very young, I deſired her, not to keep any thing which Spitridates ſhould ſay unto her, or ſhe anſwer him, as a Secret from me, becauſe it was very dangerous to truſt ones ſelf with a buſineſs ſo nice as this was, eſpecially in an age ſo young as hers. This young and wiſe Princeſs did promiſe what I deſired, and indeed, did moſt exactly keep her word, and do whatſoever I deſired her.

As Spitridates was one of the moſt wiſe and diſcreet young Princes in the world, he did for a while content himſelf, that he had diſcovered his paſſion unto the Princeſs Araminta, without any further perſecution, fearing ſhe ſhould treat him ill. Inſomuch as ſeeing him live in ſuch a moderate and diſcreet reſervedneſs, I did imagine that this young Princeſs perhaps knew not yet the difference between a bare piece of Gallantry, and Courtſhip, and a real declaration of love, ſince there is uſed, for ought I can hear, the ſame language, both for the one and the other, and that there is nothing which makes the difference between them, but the tone of the voice, and the manner of pronouncing words: ſo that I did believe this was all his meaning in it, and I would have made the Princeſs believe as much, who out of modeſty did give credit unto what I told her, though that belief had no ground in the bottom of her heart. Mean while the Prince Sinneſis, who was of a more froward ſpirit then Spitridates, and who, as things then ſtood, had not ſo great a reſpect unto the Princeſs Ariſtea, as Spitridates had unto Araminta, did openly diſcourſe of his paſſion; yet do what he could, he could never obtain one favourable look from that Lady: ſhe carried her ſelf indeed very civilly unto him, yet it was, as being the Son of the King of Pont, and as Brother unto the Princeſs Araminta, with whom ſhe held a great intimacy, not at all as being her Lover. All the Court were puzzled to find out the cauſe of this her cold averſion to him, for they all knew, that if Ariſtea did not marry the Prince Sinneſis, ſhe ſhould never be Queen: for my part I ever thought, that her reaſon why ſhe treated him in that manner, was becauſe of the incertainty in his deſigne, and that as ſoon as the King ſhould ſpeak unto Arſamones concerning it, ſhe would then alter her courſe with him: Mean while, Sir, the Princeſs Araminta, did darken all the beauties in the Court, and in all Heraclea, with the ſplendor of her beauty: and ſince there was none but only Ariſtea, which did not ſeem ugly in her preſence, ſhe conquered a thouſand hearts, and without any deſign o [...] hers, did captivate a thouſand Slaves. Amongſt the reſt, the valiant Pharnaces, and the Coward Artanus were ſo captivated, that they could not conceal their paſſions from all the Court, though fain they would have kept them ſecret; Not but that they were both of them of the prime quality in all the Kingdom: yet durſt they not look ſo high: but love is of its own nature a myſterious ſecrecy: and moreover the gallant Air of this young Princeſs made them afraid [Page] to diſcover themſelves: They were moſt aſſiduous in waiting upon her, yet ſo full of reſpect, that ſhe could find no fault with their proceedings, ſince at this time, Artanus was very young, his cowardize was not yet diſcovered, and ſince he had a good wit, and not unhandſom, he was well enough eſteemed on, and received into company as a man of his quality ſhould be. As for Pharnaces, Sir, I need not ſpeak of his Gallantry, ſince the laſt act of his life ſpeaks better for him then I can. But let me tell you, that he was one of thoſe real Heroes, which uſe to look with fury in the face of their enemies, and with pleaſing favour in his ordinary converſation: he was both wiſe and modeſt; and though he ſpoke but little, yet had he a pleaſant wit, becauſe whatſoever he ſaid was ſo juſt, and premeditated, that it was agreeable to all hearers: he was alſo much eſteemed Princes, and Princeſſes; and amongſt the reſt, he who now is King of Pont, (but then only Prince Ariandes) loved him extreamly. Thus Sir, (you ſee the ſtate of things, the Princeſs Araminta was courted by Spitridates, Pharnaces, and Artanus: the Prince Sinneſis loved the Princeſs Ariſtea, and alſo loved Spitridates very well: and the Prince Argandes, not being in love with any, no more then the Prince Euriclides, contracted a moſt intimate friendſhip with Pharnaces. In all publick feaſts, at Horſe-races, B [...]lls, Walkings, all theſe Lovers appeared according to their particular deſignes; and the Court of Pont for a while, was one of the moſt gallant and pleaſant Court in all Aſia: Since Phrygia, and Lidia were near, Muſicians out of both thoſe Kingdoms were procured, which much augmented their delights, and ſince Heraclia is certainly one of the goodlieſt Towns, that ever the Grecians built, and the Countrey about it moſt pleaſant, not only becauſe of the Sea, which lies on one ſide, but alſo becauſe of a great and delightful River, which runs under the walls: and it may well be ſaid, that all innocent diverſions and pleaſures in the world, did reign in the Pontean Court: For the King, as I already told you, did out of policy deſire that Sinneſis ſhould marry the daughter of Arſamones, and that Spitridates ſhould marry the Princeſs Araminta, and was much pleaſed with the Gallantry, and Courtſhip of theſe young Lovers, who all this while let no opportunity ſlip, to pleaſe their Princeſſes. But above all the reſt, Spitridates was moſt officious: all his actions were plauſible, every word he ſpoke had a charming ſpel in it: and his very ſilence was ſometimes ſo eloquent and agreeable, that I confeſs, I looked upon this young Prince, as one moſt worthy to marry the Princeſs Araminta: ſo that without any thing oppoſing his paſſion, all my care, was that the Princeſs did not receive him too favourably: But that did little trouble me, for although ſhe did very much eſteem him, and had alſo a good inclination towards him, yet was ſhe ſo naturally modeſt, and preferred her honour before all things elſe, that ſhe perplexed him as much as if ſhe had a ſtrong averſion to him: ſo that when he would diſcourſe of his love unto her, ſhe would moſt ſharply forbid him, and plunge him into a deeper melancholy: when I perceived the alteration in Spitridates; Madam, (ſaid I unto her one morning when ſhe was alone) do you remember the day when you asked me whether I knew the cauſe of the Prince Spitridates his melancholy? and will you not now take it ill, that if in my turn I ask you what it is which thus diſquiets you at this time? Heſionida (ſaid ſhe unto me) If you will abſolutely know it, you ſhall; but you would do me a greater pleaſure, if you would ſave me the labour of [...]lating the follies of that Prince. Truly Madam, ſaid I unto her, I do ſo much eſteem Spitridates, that I am much troubled at his ſorrows, and this is the reaſon that I deſire to know the cauſe of them. Then did I urge ſo much that I moved her to acknowledg how Spitridates had ſpoken unto her concerning his paſſion, and how ſhe had ſharply forbid him to do any more, and that ſhe believed he would not be ſo bold as to diſobey her. But (ſaid I unto her, to pump her mind, after I had commended her for what ſhe had done, ſo ſhe had done it without any ſcorn of that Prince.) If Spitridates, ſhould be exactly obedient, and never any teſtimonies of eſteem come from him, would you then thank him for it? Do you think, ſaid ſhe, and bluſht, that I command things which I would have done? But Madam, ſaid I unto her before you make any freſh queſtions, I beſeech you anſwer a little more directly unto mine, and tell me truly, whether if the Prince Spitridates ſhould ſpeak unto you no more, wait upon you no more, neither unto the Temple, nor into the Walks: if he ſhould never care for pleaſing you, or rendring you a thouſand ſervices every day: if he ſhould look upon you with cold indifferent eye, or perhaps ſlight you, [...]what would you then think? would not all theſe diſpleaſe you? But replied ſhe, and laughed. I did not forbid him ſpeaking, nor command him from thoſe things which civility requires: Then I underſtand you, Madam, ſaid [...] unto her, and ſmiled, you would have Spitridates love you, and not tell you of it. No, replied ſhe, you do not rightly interpret my words. I do expound them as I ought to do, ſaid I [...]to her, nor is it forbidden you to ſuffer a Prince, who in all appearances muſt be your Huſband to love you. But Madam, I beſeech you remember, that you carry your ſelf ſo unto him, [Page] that if ever that happineſs befall him, you may never repent your ſelf of any word, either too bitter, or too ſweet unto him; and it is after this rule which I conjute you to direct your ſelfe in your carriage towards Spitridates: for I am certain, that if you punctually obſerve what I ſay, you ſhall never ſpeak any thing unto him, which may cauſe repentance: Thus much ſhe did promiſe me, and ſo our conference ended. All this while, Spitridates was not the only ſingular Lover of the Princeſs: for ſince Artanus was as bold with his tongue, as he was timerous in combate, after he had carried himſelf a while in a reſpective manner, he did at laſt un [...]end himſelf unto his natural inclination, which was always inſolent, if his hare-like courage had not a little reſtrained him: but ſince in this war, there was no great danger of life, he was as bold as a Lion: for upon a day when Spitridates was with the Princeſs, and when Artanus came in, and the Prince received a meſſage from Sinneſis to come unto him, that they might go and hunt together: ſo that Artanus remaining alone with the Princeſs Araminta, after ſome common diſcourſe, ſhe asked him why he went not unto the Chaſe with the Prince hes Brother? and he anſwered her, that this recreation was not predominate over his paſſion: Though you do not go out with any love to the ſport, replied ſhe, yet you may go out of love to the Company. So I ſhould, replied he, if you would go alſo: I am much obliged unto you, anſwered the Princeſs, but there is no reaſon you ſhould have no more complacency towards my Brother the Prince; not that I can much blame you, for not affecting a pleaſure which ought to be uſed only as a diverſion, and not as a profeſſion of life; for I think it moſt proper to preſerve the health of the body by the exerciſe, and not to poliſh the minds of them that follow it in exceſs, and do nothing elſe: It is very true, replied Artanus, and I am of your mind: and I conceive it fitter for great Kings to hunt after their enemies, and to take Kingdoms: and for fair Princeſſes (ſaid he with extream boldneſs) to take hearts: but I would not have them do, as they uſe in hunting, where they take all they meet with: I wiſh they would take by choice, and not by chance. If ſo, replied the Princeſs, there would perhaps be many taken which are free. You may Madam, if you pleaſe, (replied he moſt inſolently) ſausfie me in many things at once concerning this ſubject: for you may tell me what would the Deſtiny be, of the Prince Spitridates, of Pharnaces, and of Artanus, if this kind of hunting were in uſe; he pronounced the laſt of theſe names ſo low that the Princeſs did not well underſtand it; yet half hearing, and ſeeing by the diſorders in his face, that ſhe was not miſtaken, ſhe anſwered him very ſharply after this manner: If the deſtiny of thoſe three perſons whom you name depended upon me, two of them ſhould moſt aſſuredly be happy. And what of the third? (ſaid he.) As for the third, ſaid ſhe, he ſhould doubtleſs have what he deſerves; & that is, a good ſhare of the averſion, and diſeſteem of the Princeſs Araminta. I am very glad then, anſwered he, that this kind of hunting is not in faſhion: And I am very ſorry, ſaid ſhe, that you have ſo ill invented it. But however Madam ſaid he, and roughly interrupted her) you know not how to make your ſelf eternally adored by him, who the beſt of any man in the world knows your worth: He whom you ſpeak of, repied the Princeſs, would do better to acknowledg the reſpect he ows me: and to teach him I forbid you to ſpeak any more unto me: then did I enter into the Chamber, and Artanus went out; and I ſaw ſo many ſignes of anger in the Princeſs, that I wondred, but ſhe did preſently ſatisfie me, and related the impudence of Artanus unto me, with as much anger as a perſon of honour could have, againſt one that had affronted her: I cheared her up as much as I could poſſible, and confirmed her doubtleſs in her deſigne to let Artanus know, that he knew not his du [...]y. But that ſhe might not be ignorant in any of her Conqueſts, the unfortunate Pharnaces brought in the Princeſs Ariſtea unto her, where the converſation was as it uſed to be, very indifferent and pleaſant; and ere they were awate, they fell into diſcourſe concerning Lovers, Paſſion, Gallantry, and Declaration of love: and as the Princeſs Araminta was yet angry in her mind, at the paſſage of Artanus: For my part, ſaid ſhe, I cannot conceive any thing more inconſiderate, then for any man to tell her that loves him not, how he is deeply in love with her: and if any one ſhould this way fail in their reſpects unto to me, it ſhould not be an eaſie matter for him that committed it, to repair his fault. Then Madam, (replied Pharnaces, and ſighed whether he would or no) it ſeems it would pleaſe you beſt that he ſhould love you long before he tell you: He muſt not tell me at all, replied the Princeſs, at the leaſt, if he will be certain, I ſhall not hate him. How ſhould any know your humour, replied he? An hundred ways, ſaid the Princeſs Ariſtea: But Pharnaces, added ſhe is their any of your friends that deſires to know it? Yes Madam, ſaid he, and if the Princeſs Araminta (then he blaſht, and looked upon her) had not told me what ſhe has done, the faireſt princeſs upon earth had been importuned: And the moſt faithful Lover in the world had been [...] [...]ntertained. Perhaps, ſaid the Princeſs, that fairone whom you ſpeak of, is not of my humour. [Page] Pardon me, Madam, replied he, for it I ſhould name her, you would ſay ſhe were. The Princeſs perceiving by ſeveral paſſages what Pharnaces deſired ſhe ſhould know, ſince he carried the buſineſs more diſcreetly then Artanus, ſhe was not angry at him; but yet continued all that day in a very fertting humour.

In the Evening, at the return from hunting, the Prince Sinneſis, who by the rigour of the Princeſs Ariſtea, was almoſt deſperate, came to ſee Araminta, and conferring in private with her; Siſter, ſaid he, Will you have no pity upon me? Are you not ſo compaſſionate as to do me a good office unto the inexorable Ariſtea? Did I entertain any thought of her which was not innocent, I ſhould never deſire your aſſiſtance? But loving her with ſuch pure affection as I do, and knowing that the King will conſent I ſhould marry her, I think I may without any offence unto you, conjure you to imploy all your ingenuity, to make me acceptable unto her. I conceive your choice, and deſires ſo juſt and reaſonable, (replied the Princeſs) that I cannot condemn them, and if to ſpeak in your favour unto the Princeſs Ariſtea, will give you ſatiſfaction, I ſhall with all joy and willingneſs pleaſe you, though in my opinion, that which you call rigour in her, is only an effect of her modeſty: and becauſe perhaps ſhe does not think, that you do really intend to marry her; but looks only upon your paſſion as a piece of Courtſhip and Gallantry. Pardon me, dear Siſter, ſaid he unto her, for this Princeſs does rightly underſtand my intentions, and her coldneſs does proceed from ſome other hidden cauſe which I cannot underſtand. I ſhall uſe all my beſt endeavours, replied the princeſs, to diſcover it: and will to morrow go unto her, before ſhe be ready, that I may with more freedom talk with her. There is another way, anſwered he, to proſper my deſigne, more eaſie, and more prevalent, then that. Then let me hear it, replied the princeſs: Since you cannot gueſs it, replied he, or at leaſt will not, I fear you will not undertake it: Do you think, Sir, anſwered ſhe, and laughed, that one can gueſs at thoughts? and can you ſuſpect my willingneſs to ſerve you? Since you do aſſure me that my fears were cauſleſs, ſaid he, then dear Siſter, let not your coldneſs unto the prince Spitridates cauſe the princeſs Ariſtea to be revenged upon me; but be pliant unto him, if you would have her be ſo unto me: The princeſs bluſht at the diſcourſe of Sinneſis & not knowing whether he ſpoke ſincerely, or only to diſcover her thoughts: In truth, ſaid ſhe, you have ſo ſurprized me, that I almoſt know not how to anſwer you: for I am ſo little perſwaded of Spitridates his ſufferings, that if your miſerie be not greater then his, I cannot conceive there needs any ſuch extraordinary remedy as that you propoſe. No, no, Siſter, ſaid he unto her, you do not think as you ſay, nor ought you to think ſo: for Spitridates loves you even to the very height of adoration: and I made him confeſs it unto me whether he would or no, when we were hunting together. Spitridates (replied ſhe and was much aſhamed) would not have choſen a better confident: I do acknowledg it (replied the prince Sinneſis, and could not be interrupted) for if you will really oblige me, you muſt treat him better then hitherto you have done. But Sir, ſaid ſhe, ſince there is ſo great an intimacy between you and Spitridates, there is no need that I ſhould meddle in the buſineſs, you may do it well enough without me. Cruel woman, ſaid he unto her, why do you ſay ſo? Do you not know that there is more powerful eloquence in one of your looks to perſwade Spitridates, then in all my beſt Rhetorick? In ſhort, unleſs you have a mind abſolutely to loſe me, you muſt entertain the love of that prince, who deſerves you better then any other, and who doubtleſs is adorned with all thoſe admirable qualities, which may invite your, and the King my fathers choice of him: But, ſaid he, and ſmiled, If I be not much miſtaken in the Rules of phyſiognomy, I ſee that Spitridates, maugre all your ſeverity and wiſdom, is not much hated. And then not giving her any time to anſwer, he called that Princeſs unto him who was talking with me at the other end of the Chamber. The Princeſs was ſo much aſtoniſhed that ſhe knew not what to do, or ſay: Certainly Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, you have loſt your reaſon in hunting, and I do believe you will not approve to morrow of what you do to day: Mean while the Prince Spitridates obeying his call, came unto him. I have been as good as my word ſaid Sinneſis unto him; and I have done that ſervice for you which I deſire you will do for me: Sir, replied Spitridates, what you deſired from me was ſo ſmall in compariſon of the glorious office which you offered me, that I bluſh for ſhame. It is my part to bluſh for ſhame, ſaid the Princeſs, to ſee unto what a ſtrange adventure the Prince my Brother hath expoſed me. Whatſoever it be, ſaid Sinneſis unto her, and taking her by the hand, It concerns the life both of Spitridates, and Sinneſis: and I do here declare unto you, in the preſence of the Gods who hear me, that if you uſe Spitridates ill, I ſhall become your utter enemy. After this without giving her any time to reply, ſpeaking aloud that all they which waited upon him might hear; I will leave you Spitridates ſaid he unto him, to ſpeak the reſt your ſelf, and went out immediately: Leaving the Princeſs ſo non-pluſt, that [Page] ſhe knew not what to reſolve upon, for ſhe knew well enough the violent paſſion of Sinneſis unto Ariſtea, and his imperious humour. But though ſhe did very much eſteem of Spitridates, yet was ſhe angry to ſee that ſhe could not avoid his diſcourſing of his paſſion to her: So in this perplexity of mind, ſhe was along while ſilent, and before Spitridates durſt open his mouth: Yet ſince he feared ſhe would accuſe him of ſome indiſcretion, in acquainting the prince her brother with his love to her, I did at laſt begin the diſcourſe.

I do not know Madam, ſaid he unto her, whether I ſhall be ſo unhappy, as to be ſuſpected of raſhneſs and imprudence; but when you ſhall underſtand how the Prince, after he was pleaſed to acquaint me with the honor he intended unto my ſiſter, was alſo pleaſed to tell me, that he knew of my paſſion unto you, and that he would be ready to do me any good office: When you underſtand I ſay, that at the firſt I deſired him not to meddle, and did not confeſs unto him my affection unto you, till he had urged me above a hundred times, then I hope you will conceive it very difficult for a man, who adores you as I do, to refuſe ſuch a prevalent aſſiſtance, having ſuch need of it as I had: For heavens know Madam, I could never find by any of your actions, any reaſonable ground to build the leaſt hope upon. After that Spitridates had done ſpeaking in his own juſtification, the Princeſs lif [...]ing up her eys, which ſhe continually held down as long as he ſpoke: I am glad ſaid ſhe unto him, that the buſineſs is as you tell me; and that I ſ [...]e this accident is grounded only upon the imagination of the Prince Sinneſis, who to induce you to do him a good office, would perſwade you to love, to love me better then you do. But Spitridates, let not thi [...] at all ingage you, and I do proteſt unto you, that I think nothing but what I thought before my brother ſpoke unto me; therefore I pray, let you and I reſt upon the ſame terms we did, and endeavour only to perſwade the fair Ariſtea, whom I ſhould be infinitely joyed to ſee, matched according to her merit. An Madam (cried out the Prince Spitridates) do not ſo cruelly torrure me, nor render all the promiſes which the Prince Sinneſis hath made me, ſo in effectual. What hath he promiſed, replied ſhe? He hath pur me in hopes, anſwered he, that you will give a favourable ear unto me: If he continue until to morrow in the ſame mind, replied ſhe, then I ſhall conſider what I have to do; in the mean while, I adviſe you to retire your ſelf, with a reſolution to do my brother all the good [...]ffic [...]s you can unto the fair Ariſtea, without any other intereſt or deſign concerning me: In ſaying ſo, ſhe riſe up, and went away, ſo that pitridates was conſtrained to leave her, without any returning any anſwer. As ſoon as this Prince was gone, ſhe called me; but though ſhe ſeemed to muſe upon the matter, yet ſeemed ſhe not very melancholy; and to tell you truly, I believe, that ſince ſhe did eſteem Spitridates very much, ſhe was not at all angry with her ſelf, after ſhe had well conſidered it upon, that ſhe had expreſſed ſome marks of affection unto him, as without any wrong unto her modeſty ſhe might well do, ſince her brother had ſpoken ſo unto her I confeſs alſo, that when the Princeſs had acquainted me with the paſſage, I was raviſhed with joy, to ſee ſo happy a beginning of that deſign, which my mother was to tranſact by the laſt will of the Queen of Pont; for as ſhe was even dying, ſhe commanded her to low as many ſeeds of friendſhip and love between theſe young Princeſſes, as poſſibly ſhe could. Mean while, the Prince Spitridates, as ſoon as he was gone from her, went unto Ariſteas chamber, with intent to do the like good office unto the Prince Sinneſis, which he had received from him, and thinking he had brought the beſt news in the world unto [...] young and fair Princeſs. Siſter, ſaid he unto her, and ſpeaking low, leſt any of her women ſhould hear, you ought to entertain me with more then ordinary ceremony, for I bring you ſuch a Crown, as is not unworthy of you. If ſuch a thing as that were in your diſpoſition; (anſwered ſhe, and laughed as well as he) I believe you would be ſo ambitious as ſo keep it for your ſelf, and not offer it unto me. Do you not know, ſaid he unto her, and ſighed, that one violent paſſion drives out another; and that ſince I am ſo deeply in love with the Princeſs Araminta, I have no other ambition but to pleaſe her. In ſhort, Siſter, ſaid he, the Prince Sinneſis would marry you; and I have Commiſſion to tell you as much, and to move you to entertain him, as he deſerves: I am very ſorry brother, replied ſhe, that you have undertaken any ſuch Commiſſion; for indeed the Prince Arſamones hath abſolutely forbidden me to give any hopes of it unto the Prince Sinneſis, and therefore I dare not entertain the leaſt thoughired it: Bu [...] certainly, ſaid Spitridates, he does not believe his deſign is real, asicisq Pardon me anſwered ſhe, for I did ingeniouſly tell him that it was: And did he not acquaint your with his reaſons, replied Spitridates? No, replied Ariſtea, though the Princeſs my mother did preſs him unto it very importunatly, as I underſtand by one of her women who [...] heard her Then came one [...] and ſaid that the Prince Atſamones was coming into the chamber, and indeed ſo he did preſently after. As ſoon as he entred, he cauſed all to withdraw, except [Page] the Prince his ſon, and the Princeſs his daughter, who were both of them a little ſurprized. After he had a while ſilently looked upon them; I know Spitridates, ſaid he unto him, that you are yet ſo young, that your green experience has need of ſome advice; and though you were born with high and noble inclinations, yet may you be capable of ſome imbecilities which may be diſhonorable, and perhaps deſtructive unto ſuch as do not arm themſelves againſt them: I would have you know, both you and your Siſter, unto whom I have already ſpoken, that it is not my mind ever to have any alliance with the uſurpers of my fathers Kingdom; I was born unto that Throne which they unjuſtly enjoy; and doubtleſs I am able to reſent many things, which your young innocent years are not capable of, eſpecially being born infortunate: But ſince I believe you both to be generous, and worthy to be deſcended from the ancient Kings of Bythinia, your Predeceſſors and mine, I conjure you Spitridates, ſtoutly to guard your heart againſt the charms of the Princeſs Araminta, which have already a little ingaged you; and I command you Ariſtea to keep you from the Prince Sinneſis; for it would be as diſhonorahle in you to ſit upon the Throne by ſuch an unworthy way, as it would be in Spitridates to renounce it, as he would, if he ſhould too deeply ingage himſelf in the affection of the Princeſs Araminta: Thoſe who have loſt Crowns, ought to be poſſeſſed with no paſſions, but only deſire to get them again, and to ruine thoſe that uſurp them; therefore ſince I cannot unworthily degenerate, I would contract no alliance with thoſe, whom I ought, and will ruine upon the firſt occaſion which ſhall preſent it ſelf: Diſſimulation is excuſeable in weak oppreſſed people, but yet not ſo far as any ſuch alliance; and if hereafter I ſhall arrive to ſuch a condition, as to pull my enemies out of that Throne which they uſurp, I would not deſtroy my own children with them; live then with them in all appearing civility, but ingage no further, unleſs you will be unworthy of your ſelves, and my affection. I know very well, that to ſpeak thus unto perſons of your age, ſeems to be imprudent: but I know alſo, that ſince you are deſcended from ſo many Kings, you muſt needs be generous, and have ſouls ſenſible of ambition; and therefore I do not doubt, but you will honor what I ſay unto you, and willingly obey me. As ſoon as Arſamones had ended his ſpeech unto them, he went away, not receiving any other anſwer from either Spitridates or Ariſtea, but their humble reverence: For this Prince had cauſed all his children to reſpect him ſo much, that they durſt hardly look upon him when he was gone: Spitridates did ſo deeply grive at it, that the Princeſs Ariſtea, who was no leſs ſad then he, was moved to cheer him up: Brother, ſaid ſhe unto him, ſince you have both more wit, and more generoſity then I have, I hope you will not ſo deſperately reſent this accident: and the exceſſive ſorrow which I ſee in your eyes makes me take ſo much liberty, as to beſeech you not to be too much overcome by it. He, my dear Siſter, ſaid he unto her, what an advantageous thing is your inſenſibility to the prince Sinneſis unto you? It is much more eaſie for you to endure that Arſamones ſhall hinder you of a Crown, then it is for me to be hindred of the princeſs Araminta, not but that I have ambition enough in me, but it is becauſe love is predominate in my ſoul; and becauſe it is much more eaſie for me tolet the uſurpers of the Kingdom of Bythinia live in peace, then for me to live without the Princeſs whom I love. There are other Crowns in the Univerſe, which Fortune and my Sword may give me, yet there is but one, only one Princeſs Araminta in all the world: Yes, my dear ſiſter, ſhe is the only one in all the world I can adore; without her, all things elſe are nothing to me; without her, I make no difference between ſlavery and a Kingdom; yet for ought I can judge by the orders of the Prince Arſamanes, he intends I ſhould nouriſh in my heart a deſign to poynard the King of Pont, the father of Araminta, to kill the Princes her brothers, and whenſoever occaſion preſents itſelf, to bury her in the ruines of her houſe: He, no, no, I will never ſit upon a Throne by ſuch bloudy conditions; I do know very well that the Grand-father of Araminta was an uſurper; I know alſo, that the King her father poſſeſſeth the Kingdom which belongs to me; but withall I know, that ſince Araminta has uſurped the Empire of my heart, ſhe hath rendred the poſſeſſion of the Kingdom of Bythinia legitimate unto theſe of her houſe. I pretend nothing unto it, dear ſiſter, ſince I cannot come unto it but by the loſs of my Princeſs, who doubtleſs would never look upon me but with horror, if I ſhould waſh my hands in the blood of her father and brothers: The Gods do know it is not out of any feeble fear, that my ambition ſubmit unto my love; and I am ſo well ſatisfied with an inward teſtimony of my courage, that I do not care what men think of me. But you, my dear ſiſter, whoſe ſoul is ſo ſenſible of this tender paſſion, certainly you are more ambitious then I am; Can you be contented to loſe two Crowns? Do not I conjure you? Harken unto the Prince Sinneſis, and not unto the prince Arſamones, for which way is it poſſible he can bring his deſign about? he has been five and twenty years about it, and yet can find no hope [...]; he has educated me as a [Page] ſubject, and he would now hinder you from being a Queen, though he have no power to make me a King; For where are his Allies? where are his Armies? or where is any retreat for his ſecurity? he can have no deſign in it, but by way of conſpiracy againſt the perſons of the Princes; but by his favour, he ſhall execute it without me; or to ſay better, he ſhall periſh without me, ſince what he would attempt is an impoſſibility. Reſolve then, my dear ſiſter, to entertain the affection of the Prince Sinneſis, for indeed, if once you be Queen of Pont and Bythinia, the prince Arſamones would not, what ere he ſay, ſubvert that Throne upon which you ſit; he has permitted you to diſſemble, and me alſo; Let us diſſemble then, ſaid he, but let it be with him: The Gods do know, I would never do any thing contrary to that duty which I [...]we unto him, wherein my love is not intereſted; but when it concerns Araminta, I cannot obey him. Yet brother (ſaid Ariſtea unto him) you run a great hazard in diſobeying him: I ſhall run a greater in not diſobeying, replied he: And what ſiſter, do you intend to yeeld a blind obedience? I am of that Sex, anſwered ſhe, which permits me not to do otherwiſe: Can you treat the prince Sinneſis unkindly, (ſaid he unto her) who offers you two Crowns? he who hath ſpoken in my behalf unto the Princeſs Araminta? he who may perhaps give her unto me? he who has given you all his affections, and does infinitely adore you? I will not treat him unkindly, ſaid ſhe, but I will not marry him, unleſs my father conſent unto it: Would you then have me die? anſwered he: Would you then have me diſhonor my ſelf? (replied ſhe.) I would have you ſit upon a Throne, and ſave my life, and make me happy, anſwered this grieved prince. The Gods do know, ſaid the princeſs Ariſtea, that I would undertake the greateſt difficulties for you; but to marry without the conſent of Arſamones, is a thing which I neither ought, nor can do; for I believe, that neither the King of Pont, nor the prince Sinneſis would offer it, if they knew that Arſamones would not conſent: So that, ſaid ſhe, ſince prudence tells us we muſt not bring things to that paſs, as that the princes ſhould know my father is againſt our alliance with them, ſince they would then eaſily ſuſpect his reaſon; therefore all the whole buſineſs had better reflect upon me, and that I paſs for a phantaſtical Girl, that has a ſimple ſecret acceſſion to the prince Sinneſis. You are very prudent, Siſter, replied Spitridates, and it ſeems your reaſon is at liberty: But ſince it is ſo, conſider well I beſeech you, into what a deſperate condition you bring me, if you deny me this favour, at the leaſt to teſtifie unto the prince Sinneſis, that I have ſolicited you with all my power, and alſo that I have not ſpoken all in vain: permit me to hope awhile, and in the mean time the prince Arſamones may chance to change his deſign. In concluſion, Sir, Spitridates was ſo importunate with the princeſs Ariſtea, that ſhe conſented unto this laſt favour, and then he retired inconceiveably diſquieted: As he had a great ſoul himſelf, ſo he imagined ſome great deſign that his father ſhould have in denying a Crown unto the princeſs his daughter, in hopes hereafter to reconquer one for him. But for all that, love rooted all ſuch thoughts out of his ſoul, and he reſolved rather to be alwayes a ſubject, then to loſe his hope of raigning hereafter in the heart of the princeſs Araminta. In the mean time, the prince Aryandes, who was no lover of Spitridates; though he ſhewed fair, ever ſince a Horſe-race, where Spitridates won the match, and where he conceived Spitridates did not carry himſelf as he ought unto him; Perceiving that the prince Sinneſis did patronize him in his love to Araminta, he took upon him to patronize Pharnaces, and indeed ſpoke very advantageouſly for him; but he went another way to work then Sinneſis did, and told her, that he had no other intereſt in his conſideration, but her own; that for his part, he could not find it fit ſhe ſhould ever marry Spitridates, who was of a family, which in all ſound policy the Kings of Pont ſhould keep under the hatches as much as they could; and ſince ſo, he concerved that Pharnaces was the fitteſt man ſhe could caſt her eyes upon. The princeſs thanked him moſt civilly for his advice, and anſwered him, that ſhe was reſolved to poyze her ſelf with all quality unto all, and with medling in the buſineſs of her marriage, with one or other, ſhe would ſubmit that buſineſs of her life unto the conduct of the King her father. In the mean time the princeſs Araminta, to make good her word unto Sinneſis, went unto the princeſs Ariſtea, who carried the matter according as ſhe promiſed Spitridates; ſo that Sinneſis finding a little more ſweetneſs from her then ordinary, gave moſt hearty thanks unto the prince, and was ſo officious in his behalf unto the princeſs his Siſter, that indeed he moved her to uſe Spitridates with much more freedom and ſweetneſs. The prince Sinneſis alſo did me the honor to ſpeak unto me, and deſired me to prompt the princeſs his Siſter unto more kindneſs unto that prince. Now was Spitridates in all appearance the happieſt man in the world; for he was highly aſſiſted by the brother of his princeſs, he had the freedom to expreſs [...] paſſion without offence unto her, and had ſo much delight, as to obſerve by divers circumſtances, that he ſtood upon no ill terms in her heart: Yet I oftentimes wondred [Page] to find ſome ſigns of melancholy in his eyes, and to hear him ſigh often: But ſince I heard ſay, that love was an odd kind of phantaſtical paſſion, I regarded it, as one of thoſe ordinary effects which proceeds from ſuch folly, as is in the ſouls of the wiſeſt perſons, and made no other account of it: But the princeſs was not a little buſied, for Sinneſis had alwayes ſomething or other to ſay unto her, either concerning Ariſtea or Spitridates: Aryandes alſo conferred with her very often againſt Spitridates, and for Pharnaces: Spitridates was alwayes ſpeaking as much as he could for himſelf; and Pharnaces, though he durſt not ſpeak for himſelf unto her, yet was entertaining her with diſcourſe upon indifferent things, as much as poſſible he could, to the end he might prevent others from ſpeaking; only Artanus abſented himſelf for certain dayes, becauſe he durſt not look upon her; but afterwards, coming in the company of the princeſs two or three times, and being infinitely reſpective unto her, ſhe thought he had repented of his boldneſs, and reſolved to forget his crime, which for all that was not the moſt pardonable which might be committed amongſt fair and young perſons; ſhe ſuffered him then to viſit her, but yet treated him very coldly. Thus being the ſtate of things, there fell out to be ſome ſtirrings upon the borders of Phrygia, ſo that an Army muſt be raiſed, which the prince Sinneſis muſt command, and Spitridates muſt be his Lievtenant General, which did extremely anger the prince Aryandes, who was to ſtay with the King, becauſe he would have had Pharnaces to be Lievtenant General. I will not inſiſt upon relations of all the adieus which all thoſe illuſtrious perſons did take; I ſhall only tell you, that this ſeparation contracted a ſtrong leave of amity between Spitridates, and the princeſs Araminta; and that Sinneſis alſo departed with much ſatisfaction, becauſe Ariſtea, out of her complacency unto her brother, did not treat him ill when he took his leave. I ſhall not inſiſt neither upon any relation of this war, which laſted but ſix moneths, and they concluded by a happy peace. But give me leave to tell you, that Spitridates did ſo gallantly behave himſelf, as the fame of his valour did deaf all others, though both Sinneſis and Pharnaces did alſo very many miracles in that war; but indeed they cried up none but him, both in Court and Army: You may eaſily imagine then, that when he returned thus loaden with honor, he was well entertained by the princeſs. I forgot to tell you, that Artanus was not in this war, not but that he ſpoke of it as high as the braveſt; and provided the moſt ſumptuous equipage that could be procured: I remember nothing was ſo much talked on, as the magnificence of his Tents, and the richneſs of his Arms, and the bravery of every thing; yet when he was to depart, juſt at that very hour he fell ſick, and went not, though all his equipage was gone before; yet none did at that time ſuſpect any thing of the cowardly cauſe, for he was ſo diſcontented at it, in ſpeaking unto thoſe who came to bid him adieu, that he moved them to pity, not accuſe him: Yet he recovered within a few daies after & carried it ſo handſomly, that never ſpeaking of his paſſion to the princeſs, nor doing any thing which might give her juſt cauſe of complaint, he gave ſome cauſe to think, that it was his love only unto her which kept him from the Army; and indeed his deſign did ſo well take, that every one did believe it ſo: Yet when theſe princes returned, he ſeemed for certain dayes ſo much aſhamed, that he had much ado to ſhew himſelf: All the Court made it their raillary, and talked of his magnificent equipage, which was never uſed; but brought back unto Heraclea, which would have drawn any other but himſelf into more quarrels then one or two; but he carried it ſo for a while, that his humour was not abſolutely diſcovered, until he had five or ſix quarrels came upon him, but he fought none of them. Since this peace was very advantageous unto this State, the Court continued a long time very joyful. Never was the princeſs Araminta ſo fair, nor the princeſs Ariſtea ſo amiable; and by conſequence, never was the prince Sinneſis, Spitridates, Pharnaces, and Artanus, more amorous. The King of Pont, who did not alter his deſign, took a reſolution to execute it, and to make up the marriage between the prince Sinneſis, and the princeſs Ariſtea; and between the prince Spitridates, and the princeſs Araminta: Notwithſtanding, he did believe, that conſidering the ſtate of things, Arſamones might accept of theſe intentions with joy; yet ſince he was prudent, and knew the humour of that prince to be ſomething imperious, he would therfore try his reſentments of it before any further proceedings: And he was pleaſed to caſt his eyes upon me for that imployment, knowing that the princeſs Arbiana did me the honor to love me: He commanded me then, whileſt he tooks a journey for ſeven or eight dayes, to impart the deſign unto her, to the end ſhe might prepare the mind of her husband to accept of this honor, as he ought to do: You may imagine Sir, that I accepted of this Commiſſion with much joy; and indeed the pleaſure of it was ſo great, that my heart could not contain it: But I made it known unto the prince Sinneſis, unto the princeſs Araminta, and to Spitri [...]ates alſo: Yet was I much ſurprized, not to find ſo much joy in that prince as I expected; and without any interpretation of his reſentment, he ſeemed as if he would have hindred me [Page] from ſpeaking unto his Mother: yet ſince the order which I had received was urgent, I left him in Araminta's Chamber, and having a Coach ready, I went unto the Princeſs Arbiana, whom I had the good fortune to find alone in her Chamber. But though I was ſurprized at the melancholy of Spitridates, I confeſs I was amazed to obſerve it in the mind of Arbiana: ſince I loved her very well, and ſhe me alſo: I beſeeched her to explain her ſelf a little more clearly then ſhe had done: Though ſhe knew that being originally a Bythinian as I was, the intereſts of her houſe were dear unto me: yet for all that ſhe would not open her ſelf unto me further then coldly telling me, that ſhe would ſpeak unto the Prince her Husband, and that ſhe would give me an account of his anſwer before the Kings return, who was gone unto a Town in Pont, called Cabira, leaving the Princes, and the Princeſs his daughter behind him. I afterwards came to know, that I was no ſooner gone from Arbiana, but ſhe went unto Arſamones, to tell him, that ſhe deſired this double alliance with him, and that he muſt prepare himſelf to return an anſwer before the Kings return. So I ſhall, (ſaid he, without any further explaining himſelf;) in the mean time ſpeak to me no more about it, for I know very well what I have to do, Arbiana would have conjured him to tell her a little more plainly what ſhe was to expect; but he intreated her to preſs him no urcher, and to believe that he had very advantagious thoughts in his heart for his children. As Arſamones was of a very violent humour, ſhe was forced to ſubmit, and to retire into her Chamber without any deeper penetration into his thoughts: as ſhe went out of the Chamber, ſhe met Spitridates, who after ſhe had carried him into her own, did conjure her with ſo much tenderneſs to be favourable unto him, that this wiſe Princeſs was much moved unto compaſſion, and promiſed to uſe her beſt endeavours for his ſatisfaction; and alſo ſince ſhe ſaw no appearance of any poſſibility for Arſamones to get into the Throne of his fat ers, ſhe wiſhed with all her heart that theſe two marriages were conſummated. In the mean time, I was four or five days without any vexation, but at the incertainty of Arſamones his anſwer: not that I feared it would be abſolutely ill, but the melancholy of Spitridates, and the penſiveneſs of Arbiana, joyned unto ſome ſadneſs which I ſaw in the eyes of Ariſtea, made me fear there was ſomething in the wind which I could not underſtand. As for Spitridates, he was unconceivably troubled, and notwithſtanding all his end avours to hide it, the Princeſs did perceive it, yet he was ſo ingenious as to make her think, that the hopes of any great good carries with it always ſome kind of unquiet melancholy. The Prince Sinneſis on the contrary, was in high content: for although he ſaw very well that the Princeſs Ariſtea was not very pleaſant, yet he took a real ſadneſs for a piece of modeſty, and ſuted his diſcourſe accordingly. As for the Prince Argandes, Pharnaces, and Artanus, ſince they knew not the ſecrets of things, each of them ſtudied how to promote their particular deſignes, and never thought upon any ones elſe. The fifth day after the Kings departure, being come, three or four only remaining before his return: I remember that the Princeſs Ariſtea had a long conference with the Princeſs Araminta, and not knowing well any reaſon why they redoubled their amity and affection one to another; the Princeſs Araminta gave a little picture which ſhe had unto Ariſtea, the ſame which ſhe ſhewed you in Bythinia, to diſcover whether you were Spitridates or no, as afterwards ſhe ſent word unto the Princeſs: And in exchange Ariſtea gave a jewel unto Araminta, which ſhe wears at this day, and is the prettieſt thing in the world.

After that Ariſtea had left the Princeſs, Spitridates came to ſee her: & ſince he found her full of thoſe pleaſing conceits, which thoſe two fair ones had infuſed one into another; ſhe treated him better then ever ſhe did in all her life before: for ſhe was then ſo full of obliging ſincerity, as that he plainly diſcovered in her heart, that real eſteem which ſhe had of his vertue; and ſince this Prince had certainly as much ſprightly wit, as ever any had; and never any knew better how to love then he; ſo he expreſſed himſelf unto her ſo feelingly, ſo reſpectively, and paſſionately, that he did ſufficiently win upon the ſoul of the Princeſs Araminta. This conference was long, though it ſeemed ſhort, by reaſon it was pleaſing, and it was very late when Spitridates went from the Princeſs: He went afterwards to ſup with the Prince Sinneſis, and he came not unto his own Chamber until almoſt midnight. He was no ſooner in his Chamber, but one came to tell him that the Prince Arſamones ſent for him. In obedience unto his Commands, he went unto his Chamber, and in the way he obſerved the officers of the Houſe extraordinary buſie: yet his imagination was ſo taken up with the princeſs Araminta, that he leſs regarded it. When he was entred into the Chamber of Arſamones, he found there the princeſs Arbiana, the young prince Euriclides his Brother, and the princeſs Ariſtea: but the ſight did much augment his fears, when he found melancholy in the faces of thoſe two princeſſes. When he was come unto his father, Spitridates, ſaid Arſamones unto him, we ſhould be [Page] weary of our fetters, and the time is now come, when we will ſhake them off; therefore take the princeſs your Mother by the hand, and follow me without any contradiction or murmur: for it concerns the Grandure of my houſe, my own glory, and yours, and more then that, my life: Since I do owe mine unto you, replied Spitridates moſt ſadly, I have no will to diſobey you: But, Sir, dare I ask what your deſigne is? You ſhall know it preſently, replied Arſamones roughly: mean while do as I bid you without reſiſtance, ſince I am in power to make my ſelf obeyed: Spitridates hearing his father ſpeak in this manner, and ſeeing that indeed he might be compelled unto it, he gave his hand unto the wiſe Arbiana, who in a low voice conjured him to make no ſtir, and proteſted unto him that ſhe was ignorant of the deſigne. Then after orders was given for all things, this prince, followed by his children, and ſuch as he had made choice of to follow him, went down a pair of back ſtairs into the Garden, and out of the Garden, to one of the gates of the Town, which looked towards the Sea, and whoſe porter was bribed: there he found a Shallop, into which he cauſed all of them to enter, and himſelf the laſt; after he had thruſt in Spitridates with his own hands, who at that inſtant ſtaid at the ſide, as if he would conſider whether he ſhould enter or no; although he held the princeſs his Mother by the hand: all was no ſooner in, but Arſamones commanded to row away in all haſte, until they came unto the Cape of an Iſland called Acheruſiades: Since he had paid the water-men very liberally, they made away ſo faſt, that in leſs then an hour he arrived at the Creek, where they ſay Hercules landed, when he fought with that terrible Monſter; the defeat of which got him ſo great a reputation in that Countrey: You may very well judg Sir, in what a pitiful condition Spitridates was then in, who though he did not know his fathers deſign, yet was he ſure it was contrary to his love: After arrival at the place before named, out of the Shallop they went, and entred into a Bythinian ſhip, which waited there, and was guarded by three others, which the Calcedonians had ſent unto Arſamones. None of the watermen of the Shallop daring to return unto Heraclia, left it upon the River unto the wind and waves, and followed this prince who promiſed to take care of their fortunes: No ſooner was the ambitious Arſamones in the ſhip, after he had given order to make towards Bythinia, he and Euriclides entred into the Cabin, where the princeſs Arbiana was with Ariſtea, and Spitridates. When he was entred, Well, (ſaid he unto them, with an aſpect which ſpoke both fury and joy) though I am not yet a King, yet am I no longer a Slave: and he that would conquer a Crown, muſt firſt break off thoſe chains which hinders him. Come Spitridates (ſaid he unto him) let us go unto a Throne; and to make the way more pleaſant and eaſie unto you, I will tell you, that I will not oppoſe your marriage with the princeſs Araminta: but on the contrary, I intend to put you preſently in the head of an Army, to the end you may go and conquer her, and not take her from the hands of my moſt deadly enemies: when you are the Son of a King, and in expectance to be King your ſelf, you will be more worthy of her vertue and beauty then you are, and doubtleſs you would extreamly injure her to have her marry the ſon of a Slave, and a Slave himſelf. I have been twenty years in contriving this deſigne, which I now begin to execute: the City of Calcedonia is for me, as well as that of Chriſopolis, and I hope within a few dayes the King of Pont will be brought unto ſuch terms, as to ſend his Ambaſſadours unto my Court to demand Ariſtea, for the prince his Son: But whatſoever falls, I render thanks unto the Gods, that I ſhall diefree, though I cannot live a King. Spitridates, as much taken up as he was with his paſſion, could not chuſe but ſee ſomething that was great and Heroick in his fathers deſign: But how ambitious ſoever his ſoul was, love was ever the Maſter of it, and he could not conceive that any hopes of being a King could comfort him for the loſs of his Princeſs: alſo he anſwered Arſamones after ſuch a manner as was not pleaſing unto him; ſo that he was conſtrained, to be ſilent, and as much as he could ſhut up all his melancholy in his ſoul: You may well imagine Sir, what his thoughts were, during this voyage, they were ſuch and ſo ſad, that when he related them afterwards unto me, he almoſt wept. The thought not only to quit his Princeſs, but to ruine her, to declare war againſt her, and to appear her enemy after he was upon the point of marrying her, was a thing ſo horrid, as that he thought divers times to throw himſelf into the Sea: and if the Princeſs Ariſtea had not been, he had deſperately done it: Ambition was too feeble to overcome the love that was rooted in his ſoul. No, no, (ſaid he in himſelf) thou glittering and imperious paſſion, thou ſhalt never chaſe my Princeſs out of my heart; ſhe ſhall be Soveraign, and raign there, in ſpite of thee, and thy plotting power: my deſires of a Throne come infinitely ſhort of my deſires to enjoy her.

But alas, what will this divine princeſs think of me? can ſhe ever believe that I knew of the deſign of Arſamones? No, no, flatter not my ſelf, for notwithſtanding all the teſtimonies [Page] of my love that ever I gave her, ſhe will believe that I prefer the Crown of Bythinia before her: The prince Sinneſis, in lieu of being my aſſiſtant towards her, will become my mortal enemy; he will accuſe me for carrying away Ariſtea, and will ſpeak as much againſt me now, as he ſpoke for me before: I fear Araminta, the generous Araminta, will hate me now, as much as ſhe loved me before; and indeed ſhe has reaſon: For why, will ſhe ſay to her ſelf, did he diſcover his love unto me, when he was tranſacting as my declared enemy? But yet for all this, my deareſt princeſs, I am only infortunate, not criminal: Ambition was ſtirring in my heart, I muſt confeſs, but love only did abſolutely enjoy it: So not knowing what he either ought, would, or could do, the miſerable Spitridates abandoned himſelf wholly unto ſorrow, and every minute of his ſad life ſighed out a remembrance of his dear princeſs. In the mean time Sir, give me leave to tell you, how great was our wonder in the morning, when the departure of Arſamones was known; indeed it was ſo great, that I cannot remember, but tremble. The princeſs was yet aſleep, when the prince Sinneſis came to her chamber, where contrary to his cuſtom, he waked her; which no ſooner done, Siſter, (ſaid he unto her) Arſamones has carried away Ariſtea from me, and Spitridates from you; he is gone in the night with all his houſhold, and imbarqued ſecretly, not being diſcovered by any, but by this inſcription, which is poſted up at every corner in the Town, as this which I have here brought you; in ſaying ſo, he gave her the note, which contained theſe words:

The Prince Arſamones tells the King of Pont, that to marry the Prince his ſon, and the Princeſs his daughter, unto the children of a Slave, would be to make an alliance unworthy of himſelf; therefore to tranſact both juſtly and generouſly, he muſt reſtore the Kingdom of By thinia unto him, before he treat of any alliance, otherwiſe he declares war againſt him, as an uſurper of his Dominion, and as his mortal enemy.

You may well imagine Sir, how this ſurprized the princeſs; yet being wiſe, ſhe vented her reſentments of it before the Prince her brother, but inquired of him, with much reſervedneſs, all that he knew concerning the buſineſs; yet he, who was of a violent temper, uttered all that either love, choler, ſury, and deſpair could prompt him unto; ſometimes his rage roved at Arſamones; then preſently after, he ſuſpected Spitridates, as acceſſory to the deſign, and confounding the innocent and culpable together; or to ſay better, not being able to diſcern them, he railed againſt Arſamones, againſt Spitridates, againſt Arbiana, againſt Euriclides, and againſt Ariſtea alſo. During all this turbulent paſſage, the Princeſs ſpoke not a word; ſhe had a deſire to ask him, whether he had ſent unto the King, to advertiſe him of the accident, whether he had cauſed Arſamones to be purſued, and what order he had taken in the buſineſs; but not knowing what ſhe her ſelf ſhould adviſe them unto, ſhe ſuffered her ſorrows ſilently, without complaint; yet was her curioſity ſatisfied preſently after, without any further enquiry; for the prince himſelf told her, that he had ſent unto the King, and commanded two ſhips to follow Arſamones, in which Pharnaces was imbarqued. This news made the princeſs bluſh, becauſe ſhe knew, that if they were overtaken, there would be a combate, ſince Pharnaces was there; yet diſſembling the matter as well as ſhe could, ſhe told the prince Sinneſis, that according to her apprehenſion, it was Arſamones only who had any hand in the deſign. Afterwards this prince being ſo paſſionately diſordered, that he neither knew, why he ſhould leave the princeſs, nor whether he ſhould go, but he went out of her Chamber, and left her at liberty to lament. Well Heſionida (ſaid ſhe unto me, when I came to her bed-ſide) what do you think of Spitridates? or what ought I to think of him? Madam, ſaid I unto her, I have ſo ſtrong an inclination to interpret all things unto the advantage of that prince, that I am apt to believe he did all he could to prevent this deſign: If ſo, ſaid the Princeſs ſighing, he is very unfortunate; but if not, I am ſure he is very culpable; for if he had any ſecret deſign to tranſact with his father in his juſt pretenſions unto Bythinia, why did he teſtifie any particular affection unto me? or why ſhould he engage my heart to eſteem him above all the world? If he had any ſuch privy deſign, ſaid I unto her, he pretended unto you, the more to delude the Court, and hide his deſign the better. But Madam, I cannot believe it; and although the melancholy which of late I obſerved in his mind, did much amaze me, yet I am fully perſwaded, that he really loves you: If ſo, replied ſhe, then why does he go away? How can he ever hope I ſhould continue my affection to him, if he intend to make war againſt my father? Believe me Heſionida (added ſhe, tears falling from her fair eyes whether ſhe would or no) though I would gladly find out ſome good ground to juſtifie Spitridates, yet I cannot: Perhaps he thought it no unworthy act, to delude the daughter of that Prince, who [Page] kept a Kingdom from him, and to get into a Throne again, it was excuſeable, if he uſed a hundred thouſand falſe oaths, and as many lying proteſtations. But no, Spiridates, ſaid ſhe, you deceive your ſelf, Heroique vertue is more difficult to practiſe then you imagine; not is it permitted to commit crimes, though it be to gain Crowns by it. Be not ſo haſty Madam (ſaid I unto her) to condemn too raſhly, who ever ſeemed to be vertuous. Ah Heſionida (ſaid ſhe unto me) did you but know all he ſaid unto me the laſt night, you would tremble, that he thus abandons me to day, and that he ſhould declare war againſt my father; for he muſt needs know, that the Kingdom of Bythinia will never be reſtored him without a war; and he muſt needs imagine, that if he fight againſt the King of Pont, unto whom I owe my life, I ſhall my ſelf fight, and drive him out of my heart. But yet ſince ſhe had not ſufficient ground either to condemn him, or juſtifie him, ſhe knew not how to regulate her own deſires; ſhe could well have wiſhed that Pharnaces might meet with him, and bring him back unto Heraclea; yet not knowing how he ſhould then be treated, ſhe did ſometimes make prayers for his flight, and deſired that he might either not be taken, or elſe that he might vanquiſh Pharnaces: for truly, would ſhe ſay unto me, whether Spitridates be innocent or culpable, I wiſh with all my heart, he may not fall again into the hands of the King my father. Then did ſhe entreat me to enquire whether Spitridates had carried all his Train with him, and I found, that every one of his ſervants ſtayed behind, and not one of them went with him, and that the Prince Sinneſis, and the Prince Aryandes, had cauſed them all to be arreſted, who all of them did ſay, that they were altogether ignorant in the deſign of Arſamones; and alſo did affirm, that my Maſter was ignorant of it as well as they, becauſe he ſent for ſome of them to get him to bed, when Arſamones ſent for him: Though this was a ſtrong conjecture to juſtifie him in the opinion of the princeſs, yet the two Princes Sinneſis and Aryandes were ſo prejudicated in their imaginations, that they abſolutely aſſured her, that Spitridates did know of the deſign; ſo that though ſhe did not believe them, yet her ſoul ſtood upon incertainties, betwixt what they told her, and what ſhe wiſhed to be true. In the mean while, the King returned unto Heraclea, but ſo incenſed againſt Arſamones, as never man was more: And when he conſidered, that this Prince tranſacted thus, at ſuch a time when he would have ſet his daughters upon the Throne, and have given his own daughter unto his ſon; he could not then find out any excuſe for him, and never conſidered that he detained his Kingdom from him, but was as much incenſed againſt him, as if he were a rebellious ſubject. Then did Pharnaces return without meeting with him, bringing this intelligence with him, from ſome Merchants ſhips which he met withall: That he was gone unto Bythinia, where he was in danger of a ſhipwrack, as he was entring into the Port; but having eſcaped this danger, he was received as King by the Inhabitants of Chalcidonia, and alſo by them of Chriſopolis, who had ſeized upon all the Garriſons the King of Pont had there. I confeſs Sir, that upon this accident, the love of my Country did much work upon my heart, and my hopes once again to ſee a King of Bythinia, did much joy me; for ſince this was towards the end of Autumn, I thought that during winter, things might perhaps be well compoſed, and that the Princeſs Araminta might marry Spitridates, and be one day Queen of that Country from whence I had my original: So that joyning the intereſt of my Native Country, unto the intereſt of my Miſtreſs, I did endeavour all I could, to perſwade her unto ſome hopes of it; but ſhe alwayes told me, that certainly the King her father would never conſent to part with a Kingdom, unleſs force did compell him unto it: And indeed, though the ſeaſon of year was not fit to begin a war, yet Commiſſions were granted to raiſe new Regiments, to be added unto thoſe which remained of the Phrygian war. During this time, Pharnaces and Artanus were ſo joyed at the abſence of Spitridates, and were ſo aſſiduous about the Princeſs, that ſhe was extremely importuned, principally by Artanus, who divers times began again to be inſolent: As for Pharnaces, he was ſo diſcreet and wiſe, that he gave her no cauſe of offence, or if he did, it was at ſuch a time, when the Princeſs thought ſolitude the greateſt conſolation: Whenſoever ſhe walked, it was as privately as poſſible; and the better to hide the malady of her mind, ſhe oftentimes faigned to be ſick, and would ſee no body. Upon a day, when none did ſee her, there came ſuch news from Bythinia, as did much ſurprize all the Court, which was, that Arſamones had impriſoned Spitridates, and kept him very cloſe in a Chalcedonian Caſtle: Such news as this, upon any other adventure, would have extreamly grieved the Princeſs, but now it did moſt ſenſibly joy her, becauſe ſhe looked upon the priſon of Spitridates, as a convincing teſtimony of his innocency, which did compleatly juſtifie him in her opinion. Moreover, ſince ſhe did not fear, that Arſamones would ever attempt any thing againſt his life, becauſe he was his ſon, ſhe [Page] fancied great conſolation in thinking, that as long as the war laſted, he could not fight, either againſt the King her father, or againſt her brothers; ſo that if peace ſhould hereafter be concluded, ſhe could not blame him for any thing: Sometimes ſhe would grieve for the ſorrows which he endured: But for all that, as things ſtood, ſhe did not deſire he ſhould be at liberty. Did I not ever ſay, Madam (ſaid I unto her) that Spitridates was never culpable? Yes Heſionida, replied ſhe, and I am very ſorry I ſhould ſuſpect him of any ſuch injuſtice. Mean while, the Princeſs would go in the morning unto the Temple that was ſo famous in Heraclea, (and which was dedicated unto the Goddeſs Adraſtea, or otherwiſe called, Fatal Deſtiny) with intentions to invoke the Goddeſs to be propitious unto Spitridates, and to compoſe all differences between the King her father, and Arſamones. But here Sir you may admire at the power of Fortune, for we met (in this Temple of fatality) with a ſtranger newly arrived at Heraclea, and who ſeeing the Princeſs go into the Temple, went in alſo: I heard him ask, which of all theſe Ladies that waited upon the Princeſs, was called Heſionida, and I told him, I was ſhe; If ſo, replied he, do me the honor that I may ſpeak a word in private with you. I conjure you (ſaid he, and ſpoke low) by the name of Spitridates. When I heard a name ſo dear unto me, though very dangerous to be named, as things ſtood in Heraclea, I bad him retire, and go out of the Temple, and ſtay at the gate, until I ſent for him by a Slave, which I ſhewed unto him, that he might know him: Then going out of the Temple, I called this ſlave unto me, whom I knew to be witty and faithful, and ſhewed him that ſtranger, appointing him to bring him through the Pallace garden, by a back-door, and to conduct him into my chamber by a back ſtair, which was over againſt it. I would not acquaint the Princeſs with any thing, until I knew exactly what the man had to ſay unto me; ſo that after I had waited upon her unto her chamber, I went in all haſte unto my own, where I preſently ſaw him, whom I expected, coming in. I commanded the ſlave to ſtay in the outer chamber, that he might carry him back, whom he brought, after I had conferred with him; and carrying him into my Cloſet, I beſeech you, ſaid I unto him, what have you to ſay unto me concerning Spitridates? Madam, ſaid he unto me, I have orders to conjure you to help me unto the ſpeech of the Princeſs Araminta; and to aſſure you for your particular, that you are the Lady whom of all the world he moſt honors, and whom he ſtands in moſt need of. After I had received this complement from Spitridates, and obſerved by the faſhion of this ſtranger, that he was one of a good wit, and ſome quality, I deſired him to have a little patience, whileſt I acquainted the Princeſs, and obtained audience for him: She was ſo ſurprized, that it was long before ſhe could reſolve what to do: But ſince none was with her, I importuned her much, that notwithſtanding her repugnancy to ſee him, ſhe conſented. She ſent me firſt to know, whether he had any Letters; and when he anſwered, that he had, ſhe deſired they might be given unto me, but he would not by any means, ſo that ſhe was forced to go unto him, ſaying, as ſhe paſſed through the Chamber where her women were, that ſhe muſt go to ſpeak with a man, who deſired her favour to the King, about ſome important buſineſs: But afterwards ſhe commanded to bring the man into her Cloſet, where I remained with her: Madam (ſaid he unto her, after a low reverence) I beſeech your pardon, that I did not deliver the Letter unto Heſionida, when ſhe did from you deſire it: For ſince the Prince Spitridates did not know, whether you would do him ſo much honor, as to return an anſwer, he expreſly commanded me to be preſent when you read it, if it were poſſible, hoping thereby Madam, to underſtand, at the leaſt, ſome part of your thoughts. The Princeſs was ſo ſurprized, that ſhe knew not well how to anſwer him; but taking the Letter, Since my thoughts are alwayes ſuch as they ought to be, replied ſhe, I care not much if my countenance diſcover them, and therefore without any difficulty I ſhall ſatisfie Spitridates ſo far, as to read his Letter before you: In ſaying ſo, ſhe broke open the Seal, and read theſe words:

SPITRIDATES unto the Princeſs ARAMINTA.

I Am ſo infortunate, that how innocent ſoever I am, I cannot chuſe but fear you ſuſpect me to be fuller of ambition then love: and farther, that you have condemned me, before you underſtand me. He who ſhall preſent my Letter unto you, hath orders to relate the pure truth; to the end, that knowing it, you may do me no injuſtice: The priſon wherein I am ſhall be moſt ſweet, if it will but juſtifie me in your opinion, but moſt intolerable, if you accuſe me, ſince it will not let me tell you my ſelf, that I would quit all the Crowns in the Ʋniverſe for the glory of one favourable look from you. Do not ſuſpect, I beſeech you, that I [Page] have any deſire▪ to conquer them, upon conditions of loſing you; but on the contrary, believe, that I ſhall ever prefer the glorious quality of your ſlave, before the being King of all Aſia.

SPITRIDATES.

After the Princeſs had read this Letter, and ſighed whether ſhe would or no, ſhe deſired him who brought it to acquit himſelf of his Commiſſion: ſo that he related all that I have told you; that is to ſay, in what manner Arſamones had ſent for Spitridates; how he ſpoke unto him in his Chamber; how he imbarked, and what he ſaid, when he was in the Ship which waited for him: then he told her, that their Sea voyage was very proſperous until they came to Chalcedonia: but in arriving there, the Pilot miſtaking his aim, the Ship was daſhed by the violence of the waves againſt the point of a Rock, cloſe by the mouth of the Port: that the Ship ſplit, and Spitridates being at the Poop, fell into the Sea, juſt at the ſame time when another of the Ships of Arſamones was ſplit a little lower: Moreover he told her, how all the water-ſide being full of people, there was ſome Merchants of Perſipolis, who were extream compaſſionate at this accident, and deſired to ſave Spitridates: That there was two, who threw themſelves into the Sea in hopes to aſſiſt him, but both of them were drowned: and that the violence of the waves had wafted him far off: ſo that none could diſcover where he was: He further related, that when Spitridates firſt fell, he recollected his ſpirits, and becauſe he could ſwim very well, he made many attempts to land, but the waves daſhed ſo much againſt the Rocks in that place, as it was impoſſible for him to land, ſo that he was carried by thoſe billows a long way off, which were ſo high, that thoſe Merchants which did intereſt themſelves in his loſs, did loſe the ſight of him, and thought him ſhipwrackt. Yet the waves being not ſo rough where Spitridates was, with much ado he landed in a place where an old Fiſher-man was drying his Nets upon the banks, about four or five furlongs from Chalcedonia: That ſince he was exceeding weary, he did lie himſelf down upon the banks to reſt himſelf: That this old fiſher-man, pitying to ſee a man ſo lovely and handſome, and well habited, in ſo lamentable a condition, offered to carry him unto a little houſe cloſe by: That Spitridates accepted of his offer, and that not knowing any reaſon why, he intreated that charitable fiſher-man to tell it unto none that he was with him: But Sir, when this meſſenger from Spitridates related unto the Princeſs the unquiet and reſtleſs mind of Spitridates in that place, I do confeſs that he made me extreamly pity him: and indeed, it may be eaſily imagined, that ſeeing himſelf now maſter of himſelf, and that he could either return unto Heraclea, or elſe go unto Chalcedonia, that his ſoul was in a pitiful and wavering condition. If I return unto Heraclea (ſaid he) then doubtleſs I ſhall ſatisfie my love, and my Princeſs, but then I ſhall diſhonour my ſelf in the eyes of all Aſia; for then I ſhall fight againſt my own father, and for him who retains that Kingdom from him which I muſt enjoy; yet if I go unto Chalcedonia, can I ever have a heart to take up Arms againſt the father, and brothers of my Princeſs Araminta? and ſhall I leave that moſt illuſtrious Lady in an opinion that I have deceived her? that I have betrayed her? and that I expreſſed affection unto her only as a Cloak to cover my deſigne of getting into the Throne of Bythinia? Ha, no no, I can never conſent unto it. But then, ſaid he, what ſhall I do? I know not, anſwered be to himſelf: But I think, Death is the only courſe I can take, to put me into ſuch a condition as that I ſhall do nothing, either againſt my honour, or againſt my love, or againſt mine own inclination: yet I muſt reſolve upon one way, I muſt either go unto Heraclea, or Chalcedonia: If to the firſt, then I loſe my honour, but ſatisfie my love: if to the laſt, then I ſhall ſatisfie my ambition, but ruine my ſelf in the opinion of my Princeſs, which I prefer before all things, even my very life.

In concluſion, this Meſſenger told us, that after a moſt violent agitation of mind, love was the moſt predominate in his heart; yet deſiring to take a middle way between theſe two extreams, and conſidering that as the ſeaſon of the year was the War could not begin this three months; he therefore deſigned to diſguize himſelf, and return ſecretly unto Heraclea, without ſeeing either the King, or Princes, but to endeavour by my means to ſee the Princeſs, and to juſtifie himſelf unto her: to promiſe her never to fight in perſon againſt the King, her Father, and to beg leave from her to go and defend his own: That not doubting but the Princeſs would conſent unto his deſires, and knowing her to be juſt and generous, he reſolved to return afterwards unto Chalcedonia, to the end he might endeavour a pacification, and ſo to ſatisfie, if it were poſſible, both his honour, and his love. That to execute this his deſigne, he got this old fiſher to go unto the Town, and with ſome money which he had about him to [Page] buy ſuch neceſſaries as might make an handſom diſguize for his intended voyage; and to enquire whether any accident happened unto the King: That this man having bought ſuch things as he had need of, he told him, that the King and Queen of Bythinia, the Prince Eariclides, and the Princeſs, there had eſcaped from ſhipwrack, but were extreamly grieved out of fears that their eldeſt Son was periſhed: and that all the Sea-ſide was full of men, whom the King had ſent to ſeek the Prince living or dead: that they were enquiring news of him within an hundred paces of that place, and that he anſwered, he knew o [...] none: afterwards Spitridates fearing to be found out, preſently diſguiſed himſelf, giving unto, the fiſher-man a very rich jewel which he had about him: and as ſoon as it was night, he got upon a Horſe, which the fiſher furniſhed him withall: ſo after he had commanded that his clothes ſhould beSpan [...]id, and ſhewed unto none, at the leaſt not until a long while after his departure, he took his journey: I had forgot [...]o tell you, that he left a little Note with the fiſher, with orders to go within eight days after unto ſome Officer of Arſamones houſe, and give him that Note; ſaying, that he found it by chance: the words of the Note were theſe:

Aſſure the King my Father, that Spitridates is not dead, and ſince he is not capable of doing any thing againſt his honour, he will return unto him, before he ſhall have any need of his courage.

After Spitridates was gone, the poor fiſher-man, conſulting with his wiſe concerning their happy encounter, and ſearching out for a fi [...] place to hide thoſe rich clothes which Spitridates left, by ill fortune, twelve or fifteen of thoſe men which Arſamones had ſent out to ſearch about the Sea-ſide, being hungry and cold, came into this houſe, and entred ſo ſuddenly, that thoſe good people was forced to throw the Princes clothes haſtily under their Nets: one of theſe men ſaw ſomething ſhine, and moved him to ſo much curioſity as to look what it was: but he no ſooner ſaw thoſe clothes by the help of a candle, but he knew them, for he was a ſervant unto Arſamones: then ſuppoſing that this fiſher-man had perhaps found him half dead upon the Sea ſhore, and had killed him our-right for his clo [...]hes, they began to threaten him, to confeſs the truth, and to tell them what he had done with the corps of Spitridates: This poor honeſt fiſher-man ſeeing himſelf unjuſtly accuſed, and fear forcing it out, told them the whole paſſage, ſhewing them the Note which Spitridates had left with him. So that now making no queſtion but that he was alive, and eaſily imagining that he was gone towards Heraclea; they ſent one in all haſte to inform Arſamones of their adventure, and to carry the Note which Spitridates had left: ſince they conceived that they ſhould do a great piece of ſervice in bringing his S [...]n back unto him; they made all the haſte they could unto a bridg, where of neceſſity he muſt paſs: and that which did the more facilitate their deſign in finding, was, that they forced this fiſher to d [...]c [...]ibe the clothes and horſe which Spitridates had. When they overtook him, they firſt addreſſed themſelves very reſpectively, but yet ſo, as they reſolved not to let him eſcape; for they compaſſed him round about. This Prince who was but ill mounted, ſaw it was impoſſible for him to avoid being taken, uſed no reſiſtance, but prayers and promiſes: Afterwards, ſeeing that way would not work with them, becauſe they expected high rewards from Arſamones; he began to threaten them, and began indeed to force them: yet finding all his attempts in vain againſt ſo many, he yeilded, and was carried unto Chalcedonia, where Arſamones looked upon him with as many ſignes of an incen [...]d father, as a violent Prince could poſſibly expreſs: he told him, that there was no reaſon he ſhould pretend unto the Crown of Bythinia, becauſe he was unworthy of it. But to ſhew him, that he would keep it without him, he would put him into ſuch a place, as ſhould cool him, ſince he could not extinguiſh that diſhonourable paſſion which was ſo hot in his ſoul, and ſo oppoſite unto his honour. Spitridates would have excuſed the matter, but ſince he could not force his tongue to tell ſo loud a lye unto the King, as that he would not love Araminta any longer, he impriſoned him in one of the Towers in the Caſtle, not permitting any to viſit him, but the Princeſs Ariſtea, and that was not obtained without much difficulty, and only twice in a week; Afterwards this Meſſenger from Spitridates told the Princeſs, that he having the honour to wait upon the Princeſs Ariſtea, in three or four of her viſits, and they having a good confidence in him, made choice of him, to come hither, and render an account unto her of that Princes life, ſince his departure from Heraclea: aſſuring her, that the Princeſs Ariſtea continued ſo firm in her affection towards her, that nothing can change it. The Princeſs Araminta did very attentively hearken unto this relation; and ſince ſhe was fully ſatisfied and reconciled unto the Prince Spitridates, ſhe ſeemed to be moſt ſenſibly moved at thoſe miſeries which he endured in conſideration of [Page] her. I believe ſhe would not have writ back unto him, unleſs I had extreamly preſſed her unto it: and in concluſion, conſented unto my deſires: writing this Letter in the preſence of him who was to carry it.

The Princeſs ARAMINTA, unto SPITRIDATES.

I Wiſh you could be innocent, and happy both: yet ſince the malignity of my Fate will have it ſo, that you muſt not be juſtified in my opinion without your ſufferings; I do confeſs with a bluſh, that I had rather you were unfortunate, and not culpable, then culpable, and not unfortunate: But yet I reſent your Priſon as I ought to do, and I do not know whether my ſorrows can keep within thoſe juſt limits which reaſon ſhould preſcribe them. Since I require nothing from you which ſhall be againſt your honour: do not expect any thing from me contrary to mine. If the Deſtinies have ordained that we muſt be always unfortunate, yet let us make all the world confeſs that we deſerve to be more happy.

ARAMINTA.

After the Princeſs had ſhewed me that Letter, ſhe ſealed it, and gave it unto him that was to carry it: ſhe writ another alſo unto the Princeſs Ariſtea, and after much civility unto this faithful Agent of Spitridates, ſhe diſmiſſed him: and the ſlave which brought him, conducted him out of the Town where he ſhould lodg: you may imagine what conference the Princeſs and I had upon this adventure, and how often we read this Letter of Spitridates: His priſon did not ſtrike only on the heart of the Princeſs Araminta, but in the heart of the Prince Sinneſis alſo: who now did not any longer think him acceſſary to the deſigne of Arſamones, neither did he ſuſpect that the Princeſs Ariſtea had deceived him: ſo that love re-aſſuming the ſame ſeat in his ſoul as formerly, he changed his manner of negotiating. He often came to his Siſter the princeſs; and ſince it was important unto her, that the prince Sinneſis, ſhould always love Spitridates, ſhe therefore confirmed him in that opinion: So that his paſſion more ſtrongly reviving, he left off exaſperating the mind of the King his Father, as before he did, but would divers times appeaſe it, yet the King of Pont eaſily ſuſpecting the cauſe, was extraordinarily more angry at him: Some certain days after, the King of Pont had intelligence, that Ciaxares (who as you know, was then only King of Cappadocia, and Galatia) would aſſiſt Arſamones under hand; ſo that ſeeing the buſineſs more dangerous then he at firſt fore-ſaw; he deſired to compoſe the buſineſs betimes. He then ſent unto Ciaxares to demand aid, ſeeming as if he were ignorant of his ſiding with Arſamones ſecretly; He who was ſent unto him, negotiated the matter ſo handſomly, that he took Ciaxares off from declaring openly for Arſamones, but yet not being willing neither to declare for the King of Pont, he propoſed to be a Mediator between the two princes, which did extreamly grieve Arſamones, who was hereby diſabled from ſuſtaining a War: for ſince the prince of Paphlagonia and the prince of the Caduſians, had not treated with him but upon ſuch conditions as the King of Cappadocia ſhould declare, they alſo drew back from the Enterpriſe. Moreover the Inhabitants of Chalcedonia, and them of Chriſopolis, had been ſo much impoveriſhed under the Dominion of the Kings of Pont, that they were not able to ſuſtain the Charges of the War: ſo that Arſamones ſeeing upon what a weak foundation his deſigne did ſtand, reſolved to entertain ſome propoſitions of peace: But ſince he would not truſt unto the word of an enemy, becauſe the King his Father before him, had been thereby deceived: he declared unto him whom Ciaxares ſent, unleſs the King of Pont would give Hoſtages as he himſelfe offered to give. Ciaxares knowing that the King of Pont had no greater a mind to truſt Arſamones, then Arſamones had to truſt the King of Pont, propoſed that both parties ſhould give Hoſtages, which ſhould remain with him, and it was accepted on by both parties: ſo that the King of Pont ſent the prince Ariandes unto the Court of Ciaxares, and Arſamones ſent the prince Euriclides. This Treaty continued ſix entire months: at the end of which a peace was concluded: and the Sentence was, That Arſamones ſhould not aſſume the Title of King; that he ſhould render up Chalcedonia unto the King of Pont: That he ſhould enjoy the Town of Chriſopolis, and all the Countrey about it, holding it as a Vaſſal unto that prince: and that he ſhould not be obliged either to dwell, or go unto Heraclea, nor ſend the princes his children thither. Before this Treaty, the prince Sinneſis endeavoured all poſſible ways to move his Father to conclude the marriage which he deſigned, but he would never hearken unto it, which did ſo extreamly trouble the prince Sinneſis, and grieved him ſo much that he was hardly knowable.

[Page] All this while was Spitridates in priſon, and that much more cloſe then before; for ſince the return of him, who brought the Princeſs Araminta's Letter, whom Arſamones ſuſpected, the Princeſs Ariſtea was not allowed to ſee him. Pharnaces, whoſe patron was not now at Heraclea, did not ſo often ſpeak unto the Princeſs; nor could Artanus with all his inſolence and wit, find many occaſions of conference with her. Pharnaces, though ſeeing that Artanus had more addreſs unto her then he had, was very angry at his misfortune, though Artanus was no very terrible Rival unto him, yet he did divers times put affronts upon him: At the firſt this coward carried it ſo cunningly, as if he wanted no courage; yet theſe laſt injuries of Pharnaces, did much againſt his mind (the Gods do know) conſtrain him to draw his ſword; but he did as much diſhonor himſelf in fighting, as if he had not fought at all, and the averſion which the Princeſs had towards him, was ſo juſtly grounded, that none wondered ſhe ſhould treat him with ſo much coldneſs. Mean while, the news of the concluſion of peace being come unto Heraclea, and the Prine Sinneſis knowing that he muſt not marry the Princeſs Ariſtea, was ſo extreamly grieved at it, that he fell into a Fever, which upon the fourth day was at the height. The King his father hearing how very ill he was, and not being ignorant of the cauſe, ſuch an exceſſive ſorrow, mixed with anger ſeized upon him, that he died ſuddainly: Seven dayes after, the Prince Sinneſis quitted his Crown and his life, deſiring the Princeſs his Siſter, alwayes to love Spitridates, and protect Ariſtea. You may eaſily imagine in what a deplorable condition Araminta was, who without all doubt did infinitely honor her father, and loved her brother, the Prince Sinneſis, who though he was by nature ſomewhat violent, yet was he very amiable: Beſides, he loved her very well, and had a great affection unto Spitridates; ſo that in loſing him, ſhe loſt a brother, a friend, and a protector of her lover: She ſtrangely reſented this loſs, and was ſo full of ſorrow, that for three daies together ſhe could not eat: Pharnaces did not grieve ſo much, for the Prince Aryandes ever loving him ſo well, and being now King, he hoped that he would more eaſily move Araminta to be favourable unto him: As for Artanus, ſince he loſt nothing but what Pharnaces found, this ſad accident made no great alteration in his mind. I was not in ſuch a condition as to comfort the Princeſs, for my mother died at the ſame time, who out of her love to her own Country, and her earneſt deſire, that the intentions of the Queen her Miſtreſs ſhould be accompliſhed, commanded me to be abſolutely ſerviceable as much as I could unto all the houſe of Arſamones, and eſpecially unto Spitridates, as that I was more engaged unto it, then before, and I could the more eaſily obey her in it, becauſe they appointed no other Governour unto the Princeſs. Mean while, the new King of Pont, who now raigns, or to ſay better, who muſt never raign, was upon his way in returning unto Heraclea, (where they had rendred all due honors unto the two dead Princes) and it was in his journey, that he heard of the death of the King his father, and of the Prince Sinneſis his brother: Then did we underſtand, that the treaty of peace was performed, that Arſamones was gone out of Chalcedonia, and going to Chriſopolis, and by conſequence Spitridates changed his priſon. Fifteen or twenty dayes did thus paſs over, whilſt the Inhabitants of Heraclea prepared all poſſible magnificence to receive their new King: But orders came from him, which did forbid all ceremony, having no deſire to mix ſo much ſorrow with the joy. The Princeſs being extreamly melancholy, and doing nothing but pray unto the Gods, did lament and mourn in ſecret as oft as ſhe could. I moved her one evening againſt her mind, to walk in the garden of the Pallace, and ſo take the Ayr, for I perceived ſo great an alteration in her complexion, as I feared ſhe would fall ſick: When we were in the garden, ſhe made choice of a dark and narrow walk, which being railed in on both ſides, amongſt many great trees which covered it, and made it the moſt melancholy, and therefore the moſt agreeable walk in the world; for there was two fountains at the two ends, & one in the midſt, which murmured ſo much, as did incite a ſoul unto muſing: The Princeſs making choice of this gloomy place to walk in, would have no company with her but me, of whom ſhe had no ſuch fears as young perſons commonly uſe to have of thoſe which overſee their actions, for my years were not ſo many above hers, as to cauſe any averſion in her towards me, and I gave advice alwayes, rather with reſpect and ſubmiſſion, then with any domineering pride, ſo that we lived together in much ſincerity, and much obliging confidence. After we had repeated many misfortunes, and beſtowed many a tear upon the memory of Sinneſis, ſhe aſſumed ſome thoughts upon the unfortunate Spitridates. Is not that Prince unfortunate, ſaid ſhe unto me, to loſe a Kingdom, in loſing that perſon, for whoſe ſake he was reſolved to have loſt it? Certainly the King my brother, though that Arſamones ſhould permit him, yet would never conſent unto his good fortune, as well becauſe he loves him not, as becauſe he loves Pharnaces; ſo that I ſee my ſelf expoſed unto very great perſecution: Yet, ſaid ſhe, did but Spitridates know [Page] the juſtice that I render unto his merit, and how exactly I do obey the Prince Sinneſis, my brother, I ſhould have ſome conſolation, in that it would be a conſolation unto him: But alas, it is not the pleaſure of my fate I ſhould have ſo much happineſs, and I have nothing to do, but to prepare my ſelf for all imaginable miſery. Madam, ſaid I unto her, never exceſſively grieve at misfortunes which are to come, becauſe perhaps they may never come; and can you be obliged to follow the will of the King your brother, rather then the will of the late King your father? If I were only his Siſter, replied ſhe, I believe I ſhould not; but ſince I am his Subject, as well as Siſter, I think I am obliged to obey him, as I was the late King my father. After much ſuch like diſcourſe as this, obſerving that night drew on, (for it being the Spring time, the dayes were not very long) I perſwaded her to retire: yet ſince the Moon ſh [...]ned, ſhe followed not my counſel, but would ſit down at one end of the walk, neer the Fountain, within a quarter of an hour after, I ſaw a man coming towards us, whom I ſuppoſed to be ſome of the Princeſſes ſervants coming to tell her ſomething, but I was much ſurprized, when this man, whom I could not know in that dark place, came neerer us. Madam (ſaid he unto the Princeſs, bowing unto her, with much reverence) will you be pleaſed to ſuffer the unfortunate Spitridates to come and mingle his tears with yours, and help to lament your misfortunes, by grieving for his own? You may imagine Sir, how much the Princeſs and I were ſurprized, when we heard a voice which we could not but know, it was ſo great, that the Princeſs cried out ſo loud, that ſome of her women came into the walk, thinking ſhe had called; but I ſtepping readily towards them, ſaid, that ſhe did not call them, and that this was a man who had a ſuit unto the new King, and came to beg the favour of the Princeſs unto him. After this, coming neer the Princeſs, I heard Spitridates (ſince ſhe anſwered him with nothing but tears) continue ſpeaking unto her. I am even deſperate Madam, ſaid he unto her, that I ſhould renue your ſorrows, and to find that my preſence in lieu of pleaſing you, ſhould grieve you: I deſire your pardon, ſaid the unto him, for receiving you ſo very ill: But Spitridates, my weakneſs has ſo juſt a cauſe for it, that you may excuſe me: The Prince Sinneſis my brother did ſo tenderly love you, that I cannot look upon you without a revival of my ſorrows, and ſo many ſeveral things comes into my mind at once, that it is not ſtrange if my reaſon be a little diſordered; for truly, the remembrance of what is paſt, the fear of what's to come, and ſurpriz'd to ſee one ſo neer me, whom I thought in priſon, are lawful cauſes of this diſorder in my ſoul: I was in hope Madam (ſaid Spitridates) that this laſt mentioned cauſe would rather have rejoyced then grieved you; So it does, anſwered ſhe, but not ſo much as it would, if the Prince my brother were yet living: Yet tell me, I conjure you, how the choler of Arſamones is appeaſed: It is not appeaſed at all Madam, replied he, and doubtleſs I have more incenſed it by this my flight from him, which now I have made: Was it not by his conſent, ſaid ſhe unto him, that you are come out of priſon? No, replied he, the Princeſs Ariſtea is ſhe unto whom I am obliged for my liberty; for after I was brought from Chalcedonia into Chriſopolis, ſhe obſerved that the place they put me in was not inacceſſable, as that was wherein I was before; ſo that as ſoon as I was brought thither, and before my father diſcovered the weakneſs of the place, ſhe corrupted three of my guards, who out of a window, which was not barred with iron, they helped me to eſcape, and carried me diſguiſed into a houſe of the Town, where I remained three dayes: Afterwards, when we heard the news of the King your fathers death, which as you know preceded the death of the Prince Sinneſis, my Siſter adviſed me to come unto that Prince, whom ſhe then ſuppoſed to be King, and out of her goodneſs to me, ſhe gave me a great part of her Jewels for the accommodation of my journey: In my way hither, I heard of yours and my ſecond loſs; but though I did conceive it was not ſafe for me to come hither, ſince the Prince Aryandes was to be King; yet I could not deprive my ſelf of ſo much happineſs, as to come and throw my ſelf at your feet Madam, and to ask you what ſhould be the fate of my life. Would to the Gods (replied the Princeſs, and ſighed) that it were in my power to make you happy; but yet Spitridates, fortune is more powerful then I am, and I am afraid ſhe will not conſent unto it: So that you will conſent, replied he, I cannot think ſhe is able to hinder my happineſs: I wiſh that all you ſay were true, replied ſhe, but my reaſon does not ſhew me how it can be. However Spitridates, though I cannot deny but that I receive my conſolation to lament it with you, yet I cannot chuſe but tremble to ſee you at Heraclea, for the King my brother is to arrive here within theſe few dayes, and if he come to know that you are here diſguiſed, what will he think of it? Alas Madam, ſaid he, do you think to drive me from you, by telling me the King will come ſo ſoon, and that perhaps he may know I am here? Ah Madam, torment me not ſo cruelly, I have a very ſ [...]cure lodging; and ſince I have nothing to do at Heraclea, but to ſee you, I [Page] ſhall not eaſily be diſcovered: Yet however, anſwered ſhe, I may hazard both my reputation, and your life, by permitting enterviews, which how innocent ſoever they be, may be interpreted criminal. It is not late, replied ſhe, and therefore it will not be thought ſtrange, that a ſad melancholy Mourner ſhould walk ſo long; therefore Spitridates (ſaid ſhe, in riſing up) we muſt leave you: However Madam, anſwered this Prince, I beſeech you do me the honor to promiſe me another oportunity of ſpeaking with you; I cannot conſent unto your deſire, replied ſhe, but Heſinoida ſhall ſee you in any place: That indeed Madam, is a great favour, anſwered he; yet truly it cannot ſatisfie the paſſion which my ſoul has to you; and to diſcourſe with you in freedom, does ſo much import the welfare of my life, that I do declare Madam, I will never go out of Heraclea, if you do not grant my reſpective paſſion that favour which I ask: I do not beg it Madam for any merits of my own, but in the name of the Prince Sinneſis, who has ſo often pleaded in my [...]avour. This conjuration is very prevalent, replied ſhe, yet all that I can promiſe you is, to uſe my beſt endeavour that I may ſee you once again: I ſhall be every day about this hour in this walk, replied he, where I may ſafely receive your orders, for the Gardner is moſt abſolutely my faithful friend, having a long time ſerved the Prince my father, & it was he who came to advertiſe me of your being here. I cannot conſent that you expoſe your ſelf every day to the view, anſwered ſhe, but tell Heſionida where you lodge, and ſhe ſhall advertiſe you of my will. After this, the Princeſs left him, and Spitridates having told me where he lodged, it happened to be with one of my acquaintance, and whom I durſt truſt with any thing: Since the time that the Princeſs returned to her lodging, ſhe appeared more ſtudious and melancholy, then before ſhe had ſeen Spitridates; and indeed ſhe grieved extreamly, when ſhe conſidered that this Prince would extreamly incenſe the King of Pont, as he had already Arſamones by his eſcape; ſo that to avoid this misfortune, ſhe ſaw a neceſſity of moving Spitridates to depart preſently, though ſhe knew not in what quarter of the world he could find a Sanctuary, yet the miſery had no other remedy; for ſhe knew well enough the King of Pont did not love Spitridates, but affecting Pharnaces, as he did, he would ſolicite her to marry him: She knew alſo, that this Prince did never approve of the late King his fathers policy, in deſiring this double alliance with Arſamones; but on the contrary, he would often ſay, that the beſt way to eſtabliſh the Kingdom of Bythinia, was to ruine all the pretenders unto it, and not to exalt and magnifie them, ſo that on every ſide, ſhe could find nothing but misfortune unto Spitridates. It was in vain to tell her, that the Gods when they pleaſed could change the hearts of Kings; for what confidence ſoever ſhe had in them, ſhe could not hope for that in which ſhe ſaw ſo little appearance. The next morning news came, that the King would not have the day on which he intended to come to the Town preciſely known, but that at the longeſt, it would not be above four or five days: The Princeſs ſeeing then ſo ſhort a time to reſolve, and that to defer the ſeeing of Spitridates until he was come to Town would be extreamly dangerous, ſhe appointed me to ſpeak unto him, and if I could, to perſwade him unto a departure without her ſeeing him, but that was not poſſible to be done: But to tell you the truth, I did not very obſtinately oppoſe his deſign, becauſe I did beleeve it would be in vain, and becauſe I conceived this Prince had reaſon for his deſire; perhaps alſo the love I bore my Country did induce me; but whatſoever it was, I told the Princeſs what Spitridates told me, which was, that abſolutely he would either ſee her again, or die. The Princeſs perceiving his obſtinacy, and ſeeing that the longer ſhe ſtayed, the more danger there was, both unto Spitridates, and her ſelf, reſolved to permit a conference: We were long in conſulting, whether it ſhould be in the Garden, or in her Chamber; at laſt, the reſult was, it ſhould be in the Garden, becauſe ſince the Kings death, ſo much reſpect was rendred unto the Princeſs, as that none took ſo much liberty in that place, as before they uſed: Alſo becauſe, if by any misfortune the buſineſs ſhould come to be diſcovered, it might there be taken for a ſurprize upon the princeſs, then for an enterview which ſhe premeditately conſented unto, as it might, if he ſhould come into her chamber. I advertiſed this unfortunate Prince then, to be in the Garden that evening, and in the ſame walk, in which before he met the princeſs, who was in twenty minds to go back with her word; one who ſaw her, would have ſaid, ſhe was going to commit ſome crime which ſhe abhorred; and if I had not even violently forced her, I think ſhe had not gone: But thither ſhe went, without any with her but her women, who according to their cuſtom, followed her no further then that ſolitary walk, unleſs ſhe called them, ſo that I was there alone with her: Since we went thither betimes, becauſe the walk ſhould not ſeem extraordinary, Spitridates was not yet come, for he was to ſtay until it was night, not but that he was well enough diſguiſed, and his lodging ſo neer the Garden door, that he might [Page] come thither without danger: yet I did ſo ſtrickly charge him to make it late before he came, that he did obey me, and make it dark: and ſince the Moon d [...]d ſhine, it was not ſtrange that the Princeſs ſhould walk ſo late, eſpecially ſince ſhe uſed to do ſo before. I cannot relate the thankful acknowledgments which Spitridates rendred unto her for this favour; all his words were ſo full of paſſion and reſpect, that all my expreſſions are too weak to manifeſt unto you the joy this Prince reſented. The Princeſs for a quarter of an hour together did lend him a willing ear without returning any anſwer; but afterwards ſhe fetched a profound ſigh, and ſaid unto him, Spitridates indeed has ſome reaſon to invite me to this conference, but he has much more reaſon to lament and complain againſt Fortune for engaging his affection unto one, who can make him nothing but unfortunate. Fortune Madam, replied he, has no ſhare in that affection which I bear unto you: It is only your own beauty, your vertue, my own inclination and reaſon which promps me unto it: and I am fully perſwaded, that if it be but your pleaſure to doom it ſo, all the malignity of fooliſh fortune, who often perſecutes the innocent, and protects the vicious, cannot render me unhappy. Yes, yes, Divine Princeſs, If the unhappy Spitridates can but find any place in your heart, and that your goodneſs will always reſerve it for him, he defies any misfortune that can come: all the diſgraces of his family ſhall vaniſh out of his memory; his own particular diſhonours ſhall not trouble him; the pleaſing thoughts only of being in the fair Araminta's heart, ſhall charm all his ſorrows, and root them out of his mind. I underſtand Madam, ſince I came hither, that the Prince Sinneſis upon his deathbed, and before many people, did mediate in my behalf, and deſire you to look favourably upon me. This is it Madam, which makes me thus bold, and moves me to deſire you, not to deny this favour unto that prince, who never denied you any thing: Therefore, I beſeech you Madam, let not the King who now is, and who loves not me, hinder me from loving you, or you me. But yet I am his Siſter, and Subject, replied the Princeſs, interrupting him. You are alſo both Siſter and Subject unto the Prince Sinneſis, though he be dead, replied he, and the King who now raigns, having his Crown immediately from him, ought not in juſtice to obſtruct the performance of his laſt Will: ſince indeed he was his King, as he is now yours. Ah Spitridates, cried ſhe, the Will and Commands of a dead King, are never ſo well obeyed as the Commandements of a living King: a Raign of ſeven days, and in all that time death raigning over him, will by the Succeſſour be eſteemed as nothing: Yet if it be eſteemed by you, anſwered Spitridates, it is enough. Yes, replied ſhe, and ſighed, you may be confident, that the laſt words of the prince Sinneſis, confirming in my heart thoſe thoughts which your vertue had inſpired me withall, I ſhall as long as I live be the ſame I am at preſent: But alas, Spitridates, it will not make you any thing more happy, but my ſelf much more infortunate; for indeed, I do foreſee, that perhaps this will be the laſt time, that ever I ſhall ſpeak unto you: The laſt time, Madam? ſaid he, and interrupted her; then muſt this be the laſt of my life: and I beſeech you Madam, unleſs you deſire I ſhould immediately die, do not deprive me of ſome better hopes. I pray you, hope then if you can, ſaid ſhe unto him, and enjoy that comfort which I cannot find for my ſelf. Doubtleſs the reaſon is, ſaid this ſad Prince, becauſe you will not try all ways to make me happy. Perhaps, replied ſhe, I ſhall not try all ways; but I will promiſe you to do all I ought, though perhaps not all I can, to procure your ſatisfaction; but as the caſe ſtands, which way ſhould I contribute unto it? I dare not tell you Madam, anſwered Spitridates, that ſince you do not apprehend it your ſelf, it is a great ſigne, you have not any mind to do any thing for me. I would do any thing, replied ſhe, which is not againſt the rules of vertue, and prudence. Can you not then aſſure me, ſaid he, that all the power of the King ſhall not move you to marry Pharnaces? And if it be not too much to ask, cannot you permit me ſome hopes that if any advantagious alteration in my fortune chance to fall out, it ſhall inſeparably reflect upon you? I am very ſenſible Madam, that ſince I am without either Crown, or Kingdom, it is too much raſhneſs to ſpeak thus. Yet, ſince the reaſon of my unhappy condition, is only becauſe I am not upon the Bythinian Throne, which the King your Brother unjuſtly detains from me, I conceive, that the Princeſs Araminta ought not to deſpiſe me. It is very true, ſaid ſhe unto him, and I ſhall much more eſteem you becauſe you merit Crowns, then I ſhall do them that wear them without deſert. But for all that Spitridates, although I ſhould promiſe you not to marry Pharnaces, as perhaps without any crime I may, yet I fear that you would not be nearer any happineſs: for you may very well imagine that I ſhall never marry you, againſt the Kings mind: ſince it is a decency which all of my quality ought to obſerve. But ſuppoſe I ſhould marry you, what ſhould we do afterwards? you are out of all favour with the prince Arſamones for the love of me: Here is no ſafety for you by ſtaying in this Court: Neighbour Princes will not entertain you who are ſon to an unfortunate and [Page] weak prince, leſt it ſhould incenſe a young King to declare War againſt them; therefore Spitridates, though you ſhould not hearken to all rules of reaſon and prudence, yet, me thinks, your affection unto me, ſhould diſſwade you from any ſuch deſign, ſince queſtionleſs you will never carry a Princeſs diſguiſed and wandering throughout all Aſia: No Spitridates, no, I know you would not, I am ſure you love Araminta in a more noble and uninterreſted way; yet do not think, that my unwillingneſs to follow your fortunes, how harſh ſoever, is any obſtacle at all: I do proteſt, that it does not at all affright me, but it is my ſhame, that I ſhould have any ſuch reſolution, which moſt deters me; Love, Spitridates, is a moſt innocent paſſion. I confeſs, provided that all the effects be innocent alſo, and never deviate from the [...]u [...]s of reaſon; and therefore to juſtifie my indulgence towards you, I muſt not do any thing which is unreaſonable: Tell me then Madam, I beſeech you, what you would have me do, profeſſing, that ſince you do not forbid me to love you, nor to deſpair of love from you, I ſhall moſt exactly obey you. Alas I am not able to adviſe you, replied ſhe, yet the beſt courſe which I can think upon, is to travel as a ſtranger in ſome unknown Country, untill ſuch time as the Princeſs Arbiana, and the Princeſs Ariſtea, have made your peace with Arſamones. This advice you give me Madam, anſwered Spitridates, is a good expedient to bring me into the ſubjection of the King your brother, as the Prince my father is already; but I cannot conceive it a good courſe to procure me the enjoyment of the Princeſs Araminta, ſince Arſamones poſſeſſing only an unfortunate ſhare of the whole Kingdom of Bythinia, which is his due, the King of Pont will never conſent unto any alliance with poor Arſamones, more then Arſamones would with him: And therefore Madam, ſince the affection which you are pleaſed to honor me withall, will not go a little higher then the limits of ordinary prudence, I muſt reſolve upon my death. I ſee the prayers of the dying King your brother are not prevalent, ſince they cannot obtain that favour from that Princeſs, who is the ſweeteſt in the world to them that do not adore her, but the moſt rigorous unto him, who of all men upon earth does moſt reverence her. But Spitridates (ſaid he) whom do you complain of? Of you Madam, replied he, who would perſwade me that you love me, and yet deny me any remedy for a love-ſick ſoul; but if you did indeed love me, you would make me an abſolute promiſe never to marry Pharnaces; and that if the Gods would permit—As Spitridates was going on with his diſcourſe, Artanus came to tell the Princeſs, that the King was coming to her chamber: By good luck I heard his voice beyond the rail of the walk, ſo that we cauſed Spitridates to retreat in all haſt; yet for all that Artanus did ſee one with us when he came firſt into the walk; but as ſoon as he had told the Princeſs, ſhe gave her hand unto him, to the end ſhe might draw him out of the garden. We were no ſooner come unto her chamber, but the King came alſo, and Artanus having a handſom pretence to leave her, went in all haſt unto the garden again, to ſee what that man who he ſaw before was: As ill luck was, Spitridates was not yet gone out, for he found the door next his lodging ſhut: Artanus ſpying him, did then follow him, and finding him one that ſhunned him, did conclude him to be the ſame who was with the Princeſs, he then imagined that perhaps it might be Pharnaces; but Spitridates being forced to leave the cloſe walk, though he was diſguiſed, yet by the light of the Moon he knew him by his geſture and walk, or at the leaſt ſuſpected him to be Spitridates, and ſo much the rather, becauſe he heard that day by ſome Bythinians which were come unto Heraclea, that this Prince was eſcaped out of that priſon where Arſamones kept him; ſo that his ſuſpition filled his heart fuller of curioſity: He followed him out of the garden into the ſtreets, and to the houſe where he lodged: This confirmed him in his opinion, for he knew thoſe who dwelt there were friends unto Spitridates. I leave you to imagine how this paſſage grieved Artanus, yet upon ſecond thoughts he reſented it not ſo ſadly, but reſolved by it to oblige the King, and ruine his Rival, by affirming, That aſſuredly Spitridates had ſome conſpiracy againſt the State in agitation, but he would not reflect upon the princeſs, becauſe he imagined it would too much incenſe her, nor would the State reliſh it. He was much vexed that Pharnaces did not ſhare in his ſorrows, to ſee Spitridates in ſuch favour with the princeſs, as that for the love of her ſhe permitted him to be diſguiſed in Heraclea; but he reſolved to reflect the buſineſs wholly upon him, and went into the King immediately, beſeeching the honor of ſome privacy with him, concerning ſome very important buſineſs. The King then went out of the princeſs chamber into his own, where Artanus told all the ſtory: The King no ſooner heard that Spitridates was in Heraclea diſguiſed, but he apprehended ſome conſpiracy plotting againſt him; ſo that without loſs of any longer time, he ſecretly commanded the Captain of his Guard, to go unto the houſe which Artanus ſaw Spitridates enter, and to ſecure his perſon: the King was obeyed; Spitridates not able to defend himſelf, [Page] is taken by the Guards, and impriſoned in a Tower, where Delinquents of high quality uſed to be ſecured: You may imagine how extreamly was the princeſs ſurprized, to hear within an hour after that Spitridates was arreſted; at the firſt ſhe apprehended, that the King would think he was diſguiſed for her; yet hearing nothing but conſpiracies againſt the State talked on, though ſhe thought her ſelf ſafe enough in relation to her reputation, yet ſhe feared the life of Spitridates was not ſo ſafe; you may imagine then how ſadly ſhe ſighed away that night. But to diſguiſe the matter, I told all her women that the princeſs was not well, and therefore would go to bed, and I would ſtay with her to comfort her; but yet it was more then I could do, for ſhe did look upon the matter ſo full of danger unto Spitridates, that it troubled her extreamly, and him no leſs then her: Since they ſaid nothing when they took him, he knew not whether this enterview was diſcovered, or whether he was taken only, as being found diſguiſed in Heraclea; but yet the next morning his doubts were all cleared, for the King ſent to examine him, what he came thither for? what his buſineſs was? and who were his Confederates in his conſpiracy? Spitridates not hearing them ſpeak one word concerning the princeſs, was exceedingly joyed, and anſwered, That after he eſcaped out of the prince his fathers priſon, and hearing in Chriſopolis, that the prince Sinneſis was King, he came unto Heraclea, in hopes to find a Sanctuary under the ſhelter of his favour; that when he came hither, and heard his raign laſted but ſeven dayes, he was much ſurprized, and ſo grieved at it, that he had not ſo much freedom of ſpirit, as at the firſt to reſolve what courſe he ſhould take; that in concluſion, he reſolved to addreſs himſelf unto the King which now raigned, and to deſire of him the ſame protection which he hoped for from the late King his brother, but that he had not time to execute his deſign, becauſe he was taken within an hour after his firſt arrival. Thoſe who examined him, ſaid, That there was no neceſſity of diſguiſing himſelf, in coming to demand protection from the Prince Sinneſis, who loved him; unto which he anſwered, That he diſguiſed himſelf only to get into Heraclea, out of Bythinia, and to make his voyage more ſecure, then if he had travelled with a train equipage and habit ſuitable to his quality. Although theſe his anſwers were very reaſonable, yet did they not ſatisfie the King, but he ſtill believed, that there was ſome hid deſign in it: And though he was not ignorant of Spitridates his affection unto the Princeſs Araminta, yet he knew her vertue ſo well, that ſhe would never have any conſent in this diſguiſement, but he believed, that ambition was the only end of this adventure; Pharnaces and Artanus did much confirm him in that belief: The firſt of theſe believing ambition to be his deſign, becauſe he wiſhed it; and the other ſeeming to believe it, that he might the ſooner ruine Spitridates: Yet ſince he deſired that jealouſie might torment Pharnaces as well as himſelf, he acquainted him, that Love was the greateſt cauſe of this Princes diſguiſement: He imagined alſo, that he might perhaps by this way ruine Pharnaces in the opinion of the Princeſs Araminta, conceiving that Pharnaces to ruine his Rival, would infuſe this new ſuſpition into the King, which when the Princeſs ſhould know, ſhe would be extreamly incenſed againſt him; and indeed at the firſt, the deſign d [...]d take as Artanus did deſire it: for Pharnaces was much more troubled, to hear that Spitridates had ſeen the Princeſs, then he was to think he had deſigns againſt the State: Jealouſie, as generous as he was, did rouze up his heart to inſult over an unfortunate man, and moved him to tell it unto the King in all aggravating circumſtances: When the Princeſs heard of it, ſhe was infinitely angry with him; ſo that Artanus found out a way thereby to ruine both his Rivals at once, and make them as unfottunate as himſelf; for his own ſhare, he deſerved it, ſo did not the reſt, eſpecially Spitridates, who was far from deſerving ſuch diſaſterous deſtines: But yet there is all ſpying inquiſitions uſed, to find out, whether this Prince had held intelligence with any; thoſe with whom he lodged, are all arreſted, and examined, but do what they could, nothing was to be gotten out of them, or any elſe, which did either juſtifie or condemn him; that which much contributed unto his misfortune was, That the King of Pont was ſo melancholy and ſad, as none could hardly know him, ſo much had it altered him; at firſt, every one did think the death of his father and brother was the cauſe, but preſently after it was known, that his love unto the Princeſs Mandana was the real cauſe of his diſtemper; for whilſt he was as a hoſtage with Ciaxares, (as you already know) he became more deſperately in love with her, then ever any, ſo that his ſoul being deeply perplexed with the abſence of her he loved, it was more apt to be incenſed againſt, and leſs able to know the innocency of Spitridates; yet being without all doubt a very gallant man, he behaved himſelf very well towards the Princeſs his Siſter; and though Pharnaces had told him of the meeting betwixt Spitridates and her, yet did he not ſpeak any thing ſharply unto her, but on the contrary, coming one day to viſit her, after he had firſt, without [Page] any choller, ſaid as much unto her as any wiſe and diſcreet Prince could do upon the like occaſion, to diſcover her thoughts; he afterwards told her, that he had perhaps incurred her diſpleaſure in cauſing Spitridates to be arreſted, ſince he underſtood ſhe had a great eſteem of him, both by the Command of the late King his Father, and alſo the late King, his Brother: yet he was nec [...]ſſarily forced unto it by reaſons of State for the good of his people. Moreover he told her that he did not at all ſuſpect her as any confederate with Spitridates in his conſpiracy, who queſtionleſs would deceive her, and make her believe that his love to her was only the cauſe of his diſguiſe, though indeed it was his ambition. Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, If the affection which Spitridates expreſſeth unto me, had not the authority of the late King my Father, and of the Prince Sinneſis my Brother, I ſhould not ſpeak unto you as I do intend. But ſince it has them both for his patronage; I beſeech you Sir, to believe that this Prince had never any deſigne to get a Crown by depriving you of it: for had he been that way diſpoſed, he had not been ſo long a priſoner unto his father. And without any ſcruple, I do ingeniouſly confeſs that I have ſeen him, and that it was by my invitation he came to Heraclea: Moreover I am moſt certain, that he came hither without any intentions of conſpiring either againſt your Perſon, or State. If I ſhould have the leaſt ſuſpicion of any ſuch thing, in lieu of defending, I ſhould accuſe him, and move you to puniſh him. Siſter, ſaid the King, I do not ſo much endeavour the juſtification of Spitridates, as I do the preſervation of your honour. And ſince I know you generous and full of reaſon, I cannot believe you will love Spitridates more then the honour of that family from which you are deſcended; therefore you muſt not think it ſtrange, if this Prince being criminal, be not treated with ſo much indulgence as perhaps another Prince might be; for indeed, he is of that family which muſt be kept under; therefore Siſter, the leaſt I can do is to keep Spitridates in priſon perpetually: Did I conceive him innocent, all the policy in the world ſhould [...]ever induce me to this rigour: but ſince he ſeems to be culpable, I muſt ſecure him: yet to make you ſatisfaction for the loſs of this Prince, who doubtleſs was owner of excellent parts, I conjure you to marry Pharnaces: O Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, I beſeech you ſpeak not unto me of any marriage, ſo ſoon after the Funerals of the King my Father; nor force me to diſobey thoſe Commands which the late King my Brother, when he was dying, did impoſe upon me. What Commands did he impoſe? (replied he.) He commanded me, (ſaid ſhe, and bluſht) to be conſtant unto that opinion, which he by his Will when he dyed appointed me to have of Spitridates: When he ſaid ſo, replied the King, he did not foreſee that Spitridates would be a Delinquent to the State. Oh Sir, ſaid ſhe, Spitridates is moſt innocent, and by your ſlighting of the laſt Will of the Prince Sinneſis, do not conſtrain me to diſobey you alſo in your commands of marrying Pharnaces? though he be a man of much worth, yet one whom I never loved, but eſteemed very much; and therefore ſhall never behave my ſelf but with indifferency towards him: The Princeſs thought that the King would have returned a ſharp reply, unto ſuch an ingenious declaration: But the paſſion which was in his own ſoul, doubtleſs teaching him how to excuſe in another that weakneſs which he found in himſelf, he left her without one angry word: yet deſiring her ſtill to marry Pharnaces, and telling her, that ſhe ſhould change her opinion with the Times. The Love of Mandana taking up the whole ſoul of this Prince, made him never think upon Spitridates: his thoughts for ſome certain days were wholly imployed in ſending unto Ciaxares, to demand the Princeſs Mandana in marriage, and giving all neceſſary orders for the magnificen [...]: of the Embaſſadour. In the mean while, the Princeſs foreſeeing that Spitridates would never get out of priſon, unleſs either by force or policy ſhe reſolved to ſet him free: and ſhe was the ſooner induced to it, becauſe he who commanded that Tower where Spitridates was impriſoned, was one who was much obliged unto me; for during the late Kings raign, I ſaved the life of one of his children, who was ſentenced to die for ſome grand crime, and I obtained his pardon: Then was [...] imployed to negotiate in this important buſineſs, which in fifteen days I tranſacted ſo happily that I moved this man, by the memory of my paſt benefit, preſent grituity, and future hopes, to contrive a way how Spitridates might eſcipe, and he not ſuſpected: This Tower did ſtand in the very Sea, in the top of which there was a walk: this man in the name of the priſoner asked leave for him to walk there one hour or two every day: ſo that briding two of the Guards which accompanied him, he tyed unto the top of this Tarraſs, a Ladder of ropes, as if Spitridates had eſcaped that way; and none perceiving him, this Captain of the Tower did ſhut this Prince and the two ſuborned Guards in a very private place of the Caſtle: counterfeiting after this, to be much troubled: he asked where Spitridates was, and was anſwered, that he was in the Tarraſs: Thither he went with many ſouldiers, and not finding him, he found the Ladder which he himſelf had placed there: he ſhewed it unto them [Page] which followed him, he chafed, and ſaid, that certainly their companions had betrayed him, and that doubtleſs he was gone in a little boat, ſince a great Ship could not approach; he began to fume and fret, and threaten all them that were preſent, and to accuſe them as well as thoſe who were eſcaped: and being in all appearance tranſported with fury, he went to acquaint the King, he told them, that Spitridates might certainly be overtaken, if he were immediately ſent after, and that he conceived he could not yet get into Heraclea, and therefore if they ſent out many Shallops they would infallibly meet with this priſoner, and all his complices; to be ſhort, he carried it ſo handſomly, that the King himſelf was deluded; and appointed not only many Barks to be ſent out at Sea, but alſo that there ſhould be ſtrict Guards kept at the Gates of the Town, left Spitridates ſhould get in diſguized, not conceiving that he durſt put to op [...]n Sea in a ſmall Boat; and upon ſearch there was not any conſiderable Ship wanting in the Port. Moreover, Phar [...]aces and Artanus knowing that his paſſion to the Princeſs was the cauſe of all this, perſwaded the King, that certainly he would get into Heraclea in the habit of a fiſher, or ſome ſuch diſguize, and therefore what pains did not they take to apprehend him? they founlrf the Guards at the gates; they ſet Centuries in the ſtreets: they ſearched all ſuſpected houſes; and omitted nothing that might make their wiſht for diſcovery. The King had ſome light ſuſpicions, that the Princeſs had ſome hand in this eſcape, and told her as much. But ſince he had no proofs, and was ignorant of any obligations between me, and the Captain of that Tower, for it was by the Prince Sinneſis, that I had obtained pardon for his ſon, all theſe ſurmiſes and ſuſpitions did quickly vaniſh. All this while, Spitridates was in the priſon where they never ſearched, and where he muſt remain a while before he durſt attempt a coming out. When Spitridates was informed by this Captain, that it was by my negotiation he was in priſon, but not a priſoner; he ſuppoſed that the Princeſs did alſo know of it; ſo that he deſired ſo much favour as to ſee me before he departed, which, without acquainting the Princeſs, I conſented unto it, conceiving my ſelf obliged to do ſo much for the ſon of the right King of Bythinia: but after I had given him ſome hopes of his deſire, the difficulty was how to execu [...]e it; yet ſince the Captain of the Towers wife was of the intelligence, I reſolved to go thither with one woman only, and to enter by a little back dore, which was towards the walls of the Town. It is impoſſible, Sir, for me to relate all the teſtimonies of grateful acknowledgments, which Spitridates did give unto Araminta, and me. But Heſionida, ſaid he unto me, have you not ſet me at liberty, with intentions to exile me for ever? Is it not only an exchange of this puniſhment for one more cruel? Sir, replied I unto him, it is fortune, not the Princeſs, which baniſheth you; but ſince fortune is a very unconſtant Lady, there is ſome hopes that ſince ſhe has changed ſo often unto your diſadvantage, ſhe will at length change in your favour. I wiſh ſhe may, replied he, although I cannot hope it: However Hoſionida, it would be the height of cruelty, for me to depart, and not bid adieu unto my Princeſs, or know her laſt will, and pleaſure. I can eaſily acquaint you with her intentions, ſaid I unto him, ſince ſhe has done me the honour to truſt me with her moſt ſecret thoughts: but as for ſeeing her, it is not permitted ſo much as to think upon it: Leave it unto the Gods, Sir, who perhaps will be more propitious unto you during your exile, then you imagine: But Heſionida, ſaid he unto me, and ſighed, may a miſerable and abſent Prince ever hope that the Divine Araminta will ever preſerve her affection entirely to him? Yes Sir, replied I, you may, and without any fear of being deceived: for ſince your unhappineſs is but an effect of your love to her, ſhe would be very unjuſt, if ſhe ſhould not always reſent your misfortunes: Go therefore Sir, and ſeek out ſome Sanctuary, until ſome change be found in the hearts of the two Kings of Pontus, and of Bythinia. The princeſs does very well know, that if you had any thoughts of remounting the Throne, you might have done it: and ſhe conceives her ſelf moſt ſenſibly obliged unto you for preferring her before a Crown: ſo that it is impoſſible ſhe ſhould ever forget it.

In concluſion, Sir, I made him reſolve upon his departure: and ſince he had many jewels which the Princeſs Ariſtea gave him at his departure from Chriſopolis, he would not receive any of thoſe which I offered him from the Princeſs; for I knew her intentions was to furniſh him: he therefore deſired me to deliver a Letter unto her; which he writ in my preſence, and which, if my memory faile not, was in theſe Terms.

[Page]

SPITRIDATES unto the Princeſs ARAMINTA.

I Go Madam, ſince it is your pleaſure, be I go the moſt miſerable man alive; I neither know whither I ſhall go, nor when I ſhall return, no, nor whether you wiſh I ſhould ever return, and yet I am bid to live and hope; but I can neither do the one nor the other, unleſs you command it by two lines under your hand: Therefore my divine Princeſs, I do beg it in the name of that illuſtrious Prince, who now is dead, but who yet ſhall live eternally in the memory of

SPITRIDATES.

After this Prince had given me his Letter, and a hundred things in charge to tell the Princeſs, I went unto her, and related all the paſſages of our meeting; at the firſt ſhe lamented the fate, but upon ſecond thoughts was not ſorry for it; and I was ſo importunate with her, that I moved her to return this anſwer unto that diſtreſſed Prince.

ARAMINTA unto SPITRIDATES.

MAy you live as long as it ſhall be the pleaſure of the Gods to permit; and hope, that as long as Araminta lives, ſhe will pray for you; and ſince you deſire it, ſhe bids you live, and hope.

ARAMINTA.

The Captain of that Tower coming to take this Letter, he aſſured me that Spitridates would depart that night following, with thoſe two of the guard, who helped him to eſcape, and whom he took to ſerve him. Moreover he told me, that Spitridates deſired he might ſometimes write u to him, to the end he might acquaint me with his fortune, and return my anſwers back unto him: So when night came, we were certain this Prince would depart, and the Princeſs was ſo troubled at it, that I wonder ſomething extraordinary was not diſcovered in her mind; but the next morning we were informed, that Spitridates was very ſafely gone out of Heraclea, by the ſame way, which it was conceived, he eſcaped before, the Captain providing a ſhip for him in the night: Though the Princeſs had reaſon rather to be glad that he was gone, then that he ſhould continue mued up in a priſon, yet her ſoul was extreamly ſad, when ſhe imagined that perhaps ſhe ſhould never ſee him again: But this long and tedious abſence muſt be endu [...]ed and in the interim there fell out many remarkable accidents; for as it is well known unto you Sir, Ciaxares refuſed to give Mandana unto the King of Pontus, which made him the ſooner forget Spitridates, and his anger was ſo high, that a war againſt Ciaxares muſt be declared, under a ſpecious pretence of right unto the Towns of Aniſa, and Ceraſea: You Sir are better acquainted with all the paſſages of that buſineſs then I can relate, and obtained more honor then my memory can conain; I ſhall only relate what is requiſite to inſtruct you in the ſtory of this Princeſs: As ſoon then as the King of Pontus heard, that Ciaxares had rejected him, he prepared for war, thinking that perhaps it might move him to give the princeſs Mandana unto him; he ſent for aid from the King of Phrygia, who promi [...]ed to imbrace his intereſt, according to the laſt treaty between the late King of Pontus and him, and that he would come himſelf in perſon to command his forces. Since the King of Pontus ſtood in need of all aid, he invited the prince Arſamones, and Euriclides his ſecond ſon to ſerve in his Army, and Arſamones durſt not deny him: We underſtood alſo at the ſame time, that this prince hearing how Spitridates came diſguiſed unto Heraclea, was ſo incenſed at it, that he did proteſt if ever he got him within his power, he would not treat him as a ſon, but as a rebellious ſubject, and a Delinquent unto the State; who had broke out of priſon; ſo that Spitridates, who was gone into Paphlagonia, and writ unto me as well as the princeſs, to know whether he might c [...]me ſafely unto the King her brother when he was in the head of his Army, ſhe did forbid him, becauſe Arſamones was to be there, and becauſe the princeſs Ariſtea had acquainted her with the real reſentments of Arſamones. But whileſt all preparations of war were in hand, Pharnaces and Artanus neglected no addreſſes unto the princeſs Araminta, and ſpruſed up themſelves every way to invite her love, but all their cares and courtſhip was in vain; for as there is nothing which faſtens the knot of amity more then misfortunes does, amongſt perſons truly generous, ſo Spitridates being unfortunate, by reaſon of his love unto the princeſs, was deeper rooted [Page] in her heart then before; and ſhe knowing that Artanus was the occaſion of his laſt impriſonment, and that Pharnaces did acquaint the King with their meeting, ſhe was therefore ſo incenſed againſt them, that ſhe could not endure the ſight of them; yet after that the Phrygian Regiments were drawn up to the general Rendez-vouz, and joyned with the Pontean forces, the King made ready to depart, and though Artanus had no great fancy unto any matters of war, yet he durſt not do as he did before, but made himſelf ready as others did to go; and ſince the King did not all favour his deſign upon the princeſs, he took his leave of her only in publike, but Pharnaces did not ſo; for the King of Pont going to bid her adieu, he carried Pharnaces with him, and left him there in private with her; I chanced to be then in the princeſs chamber, and I do confeſs, I ſaw ſo deep a melancholy in the face of Pharnaces, that conſidering his merit, I did much pity him, and wiſhed for his ſake, that he were able to deſiſt his love from the princeſs, ſince it was not in her power to render him happy; ſince the King was gone, and this like to be his laſt viſit, ſhe was not ſo ſevere towards him as ſormerly, but ſuffered him to ſpeak unto her: Madam, ſaid he unto her, I come to receive my do [...]m from you, before I go unto the wars, and ask you whether I muſt fight, as one that would vanquiſh, or as one that muſt die, whether I muſt preſerve my life, or abſolutely loſe it, for upon your will only, abſolutely depends my deſtiny: Yes Madam, if you permit me any hopes, perhaps I ſhall live, vanquiſh, and return; but if you intend to tell me, that I muſt not have any ſhare in any hope, then I beſeech you bid me this laſt adieu without any bitterneſs, ſince the Gods certainly will not preſerve what you deſire to deſtroy, nor draw me out of thoſe dangers unto which I will expoſe my ſelf, pronounce my ſentence then Madam, and let it be with ſincerity, though you will not with ſatisfaction: Remember I beſeech you, that he whom you deſire to make haypy cannot be ſo, and therefore you have leſs reaſon to treat me ill: If the prince Spitridates could ever enjoy your affection, I do proteſt before the Gods which hear me, I would rather die without complaint, then interrupt your felicity; but ſince that Fortune has put an unremoveable obſtacle unto his happineſs, why may not you make me happy? and why divine Princeſs will you oppoſe againſt my glory? I do not ask ſo much, as that you ſhould love me, I only beg you would not hate me, and to be more pliant unto the Kings deſires. I wiſh to the Gods Pharnaces, replied the princeſs, that your happineſs did depend upon me, as you believe it does: But to manifeſt unto you that the cauſe of complaint againſt you, has not extinguiſhed out of my ſoul that high eſteem which all the world ought to have of your merit; I will contribute as much as is in my power unto your freedom, and move you by my own ſincerity to vanquiſh your own ſoul, and to reſt ſatisfied. Know then Pharnaces, that ſince I am obliged to entertain the affection of Spitridates by the commands of the late King my father, and the Prince Sinneſis my brother, I muſt eternally pay obedience unto them; and the moſt peremptory commands of one living King, ſhall never make me diſobedient unto the will of two dead Kings: 'Tis true, I do reſolve never to marry Spitridates without the conſent of the King my brother, neither am I as fully reſolved ever to marry any elſe but him; therefore Pharnaces regulate your deſigns accordingly, and make uſe of that great courage which the gods have inſpired you withall, to vanquiſh and ſuppreſs a misfortune, which as I think requires not all the vigor of your mind to ſurmount it; live then Pharnaces, live I ſay, but let it be in liberty, that you may live happily; and ſince the want which the King would have of you, would be irreparable, I earneſtly deſire you to preſerve your life, which would conduce infinitely unto my ſatisfaction, if you could ſo far prevail with your ſelf, as only to eſteem me. But ſuppoſe Madam, replied he, that I cannot ſo prevail with my ſelf, would you not conceive it more reaſonable that death ſhould rather deliver you and me from that ſervitude which diſpleaſeth you, then to ſee me perpetually languiſhing at your feet, and vexing you? Death, ſaid ſhe unto him, is a thing ſo horrid, that I do not wiſh it unto my very enemies; and therefore I muſt needs adviſe you, not to take ſo violent a remedy as that: But Madam (ſaid he unto her with extream ſorrow) is it ſo, that you can never love the miſerable Pharnaces, nor for ſake the too happy Spitridates? I muſt needs confeſs it with much engenuity, (ſaid ſhe unto him) becauſe I may do it with much innocency. It is enough Madam (ſaid he unto her with a drooping ſadneſs) and I beſeech you do me the favour to believe, that this ſhall be the laſt time of all my life I ever ſhall importune you; and I pray unto the Gods, that the news of my death may make you know I am able to diſpute with Spitridates for the glory of perfectly loving you. After this, he left the Princeſs with ſuch a melancholy motion, and his countenance did ſo alter as he did bid her adieu, that it might well be ſaid, all the horrors of death were in his eyes, and the Princeſs could not chuſe but pity him. After this Sir, we remained at Heraclea, ſoliciting the Gods againſt you Sir, for we knew [Page] you would be in that war; but it ſeemed Heaven was not pr [...]piti [...]us [...]nto us; for you ſaved the life of Ciaxares, you conquered, and triumphed, and did ſuch wonders, that though they were unto our diſadvantage, yet could we not cauſe but admire when we heard them related: I ſhall ſlightly paſs over the beginning of this war, and in a few words tell you, that when the combate of two hundred againſt two hundred was reſolved upon, and when all the queſtion was concerning the choice, there was a great conteſt amongſt the Gallantry of our Army, who ſhould be the Combatants: and though Artanus was none of them, yet ſeemed he to deſire the liſting himſelf in the Catalogue of thoſe who were to be choſen: The election was to be by lot, and the names of thoſe who aſpired unto this honour, ſhould be put in writing, and drawn by the Captain of the Kings Guard. Pharnaces who was in the firſt degree of valour, and who looked for nothing but death ſince he could not be loved, had no fancie to truſt the buſineſs unto lot: ſo that knowing who was to draw theſe lots, he went unto him: and after a thouſand proteſtations of friendſhip, and as many prayers to grant his deſire, he gave unto him the Roll wherein his name was writ, and beſeeched him to keep it between his fingers, and give it unto him as if he had drawn it: The Captain ſmiling at his propoſition, could not chuſe but tell him, that every one who brought their names were not ſo urgent as he was to be in this Combate: Pharnaces had a ſuſpition that the Captain did mean Artanus, told him, that he could not believe there was any which did not extreamly deſire to honour themſelves by ſuch an extraordinary occaſion as this; No not Artanus himſelf, ſaid he unto him, hoping thereby to move him into a farther explanation: when the Captain heard the name of Artanus mentioned, he laughed; ſo that Pharnaces thinking his thoughts true, did preſs ſo urgently, that he told him how Artanus had been with him, and told him that this Combate being to be performed on foot, he ſhould not be able to be an actor in it; becauſe his Horſe not long ſince falling upon him, had cauſed a great weakneſs in his [...]high: yet he was not willing to make uſe of this excuſe in publick, leſt his enemies ſhould make an ill conſtruction upon it, and therefore he deſired and conjured him by all poſſible entreaties to take out the Roll wherein his name was written, from amongſt the reſt: and to gratifie the favour, he offered him any courteſie if he would be faithful and ſecret unto him. Pharnaces finding the baſeneſs of his Rival deſired to puniſh him for it, and beſeeched the Captain to draw himſelf and Artanus together in the number of the Combatants, which the Captain, as well to puniſh the cowardize of the one, as to ſatisfie the generous valour of the other, promiſed him to do: The hour of this Ceremony being come, all the Rolls were brought unto this Captain, and he put them all into a Bag, whileſt all the pretenders unto this honour ſtood about him: Since Artanus thought his Roll not amongſt the reſt, who was more forward and deſirous to be one of that number then himſelf? but how lamentably was he damped when he heard his own name to be the third Scrole which was drawn? he ſeemed ſo qualmed at the heart as every one perceived it: Pharnaces who was next him, did taunt him with ſome ambiguous language by way of Raillery, which Artanus did well enough underſtand: but afterwards the name of Pharnaces was drawn, and all the reſt in their courſe, ſo that nothing more was to be done but to prepare for combate: As for Artanus, he had never been choſen, had he not been in love wi [...]h Araminta: but he durſt never publiſh as much, nor complain of the Captain who had deceived him: yet however he reſolved to go as far as the place of combate, though he did nothing elſe. As for Pharnaces, he went thither with other kind of thoughts; for he went in hopes to periſh there, and alſo to ſee his Rival dye, but before he departed, he writ theſe words unto the Princeſs Araminta.

PHARNACES unto the Princeſs ARAMINTA.

IF Fortune ſecond my deſigne, I am going thither where by dying I ſhall vanquiſh; and where I ſhall make it known by my generous diſpair, that though I could not merit your affections by my ſervices, and by my life: yet I ſhall not render my ſelf unworthy of your compaſſion by my death.

PHARNACES.

The truth is Sir, you know, he fought like a Fury, and died a Hero: As for Artanus, I believe you are not ignorant, Sir, of the reaſon why he kept himſelf [...]id whileſt Pharnaces only was reſiſted by you, which was, his hopes that you would diſpatch his only Rival, for he made no account of Spitridates: and ſo love having its ſeveral operations, it moved Pharnaces [Page] to be more valiant then ever, and Artanus to be more cowardly then he could imagine himſelf: When we had intelligence of Pharnaces his death, and preſently after heard of Artanus his baſeneſs, we lamented the loſs of the firſt, and abhorred the villany of the other: ſo that ſince the Combate you had with him to make him confeſs his lye, he durſt never ſhew himſelf, neither to the Army, nor to the Princeſs, nor in Heraclea, but hid himſelf for a time in the Countrey, where he harboured an invetered hatred againſt you, not only becauſe you had loaded him with an intolerable burden of diſhonour and ſhame, but alſo, becauſe he ſaw you reſembled Spitridates. That Letter from the unfortunate Pharnaces, did de [...]ply imprint it ſelf in the heart of the Princeſs when ſhe read it, which as her ſoul was ever extreamly tender and compaſſionate, ſo ſhe could not look upon it without tears in her eyes; and was for a quarter of an hour together ſo drowned in a floud of ſorrows, as I believe if that illuſtrious Lover could have revived, and Spitridates had been a Spectatour, he would have dyed of a cauſleſ [...] jealouſie: In the mean while we had no intelligence from this exiled Prince; and all the conſolation which the Princeſs had, was a ſecret correſpondency with the Princeſs Ariſtea, and in doing her all the good offices ſhe was able. The King was ſo deeply perplexed at the death of Pharnaces, as poſſible could be: but ſince the love of Mandana was more predominate in his heart then any thing elſe, he cheared up himſelf with the thoughts of her; and that ſeeming peace after your victory, being again broken; Wars, as you know, began to break out more violently then before: then I muſt needs tell you, Sir, that none could ever entertain a greater admiration of any then we of you; and when we heard the wonders of all your actions related, we had a good ground for our belief, that the Gods were infinitely favourable unto Ciaxares in ſending him ſuch a Defendor: To be ſhort, it was impoſſible for any to eſteem an enemy more then we did the Illuſtrious Artamenes: Alſo when the Princeſs heard how Artanus had conſpired againſt your life, and ſuborned forty Conſpirators to deſtroy you, ſhe had ſuch a freſh and ſtrong averſion to him, that his very name was horrid unto her ear: for ſince ſhe underſtood you had ſaved the King her Brothers life, ſhe became extreamly tender of yours: and when you pardoned Artanus, and ſent him back, ſhe murmured a little (though ſhe did admire you) againſt that exceſſive generoſity which moved you to deſire the King of Pont not to puniſh him: yet notwithſtanding, ſhe negotiated ſo with the King her Brother, that ſhe procured his baniſhment out of the Kingdom, with a ſtrict command never to be ſeen in it again. Since this Sir, until that famous adventure when you took the King of Pont priſoner, and when we thought you dead, I have nothing to relate, unleſs I ſhould entertain you with thoſe ſorrows which the Princeſs apprehended, for the diſgrace of the King her Brother, and with her Lamentations for the long abſence of Spitridates. But ſince I ſhould thereby only abuſe your patience, becauſe you may eaſily imagine it without my relation, I ſhall only tell you, that the very next morning after you came wounded unto that Caſtle, where the Princeſs Arbiana, and the Princeſs Ariſtea were, there came a meſſenger from the King of Pont, who was going unto the Princeſs Araminta his Siſter with this meſſage, that he was as much grieved for the death of his vanquiſher, as he was for the loſs of his own liberty: ſi [...]ce this Envoy did but only paſs by, and was not to ſtay in this Caſtle, where Arbiana and Ariſtea were, the Princeſs Ariſtea taking you for Spitridates, did write theſe few words only in a Letter.

The Princeſs ARISTEA, unto the Princeſs ARAMINTA.

I Hardly dare tell you that Spitridates is here, becauſe he is here wounded: yet ſince I cannot make a Secret of any thing which will add unto your joy, I cannot conceal it.

ARISTEA.

You may imagine with what variety of apprehenſions the Princeſs mind was poſſeſt upon the receipt of this Letter; and underſtanding by this Meſſenger that the King her Brother had loſt two Battels in one day; That he was taken priſoner; that you were dead: You Sir, I ſay, in whom the King her Brother had ſo great a hope, her ſorrows were ſo great, that ſhe could not perfectly reliſh any joy at the pretended return of Spitridates, eſpecially hearing by the ſame relation that he returned wounded: yet ſince love, as they ſay, is a moſt imperious paſſion, and will be Soveraign in that heart which is poſſeſſed with it; therefore ſhe would ſometimes rejoyce and chear up her ſelf in hopes of ſeeing Spitridates again: but within two days after this, ſhe was deprived of that hope: for the Princeſs Ariſtea did write again [Page] unto her how ſhe had been deceived by a moſt prodigious reſemblance, ſhe intimated by her Letter, that the picture of the Princeſs Araminta did undeceive her, when ſhe ſhewed it unto him whom ſhe took for her brother; and the concluſion of the Letter was, that Spitridates was not returned; ſo that ſhe reſented the misfortunes of her brother the King of Pont, without any ingredient of conſolation, but yet notwithſtanding preſently after, when ſhe heard of your being revived, as I may ſay, it was a great mitigation of her ſorrows, eſpecially when ſhe heard that it was you who was taken for Spitridates, at the houſe of Arbiana; her hopes was, that you Sir being the moſt generous of men, would treat her brother the King of Pont very well; and her hopes alſo was the more pleaſant unto her, that Spitridates, according to the Princeſs Ariſteas Letter, would exactly reſemble him. In the mean time, ſince this Princeſs had a ſoul which was capable of all things, ſhe began to caſt her cares upon the buſineſs of State, but ſhe found them to be in extream diſorder. The King of Phrygia was retreated after the loſs of two battels in a day unto the furtheſt part of all Bythinia, and who when he was over the river Sangar, received intelligence, that Craeſſus King of Lydia was entred into his Dominions with a puiſſant Army, ſo that he was conſtrained to look after his own defence, and taken off from the aſſiſtance of others: All his Regiments alſo were exceedingly ſhattered and weakned; but yet when the Princeſs did conceive that Ciaxares having the King of Pont priſoner, he would not make any new attempts, ſince he was able to make his own conditions, without any [...]urther hazard of his forces, ſhe was then a little more at reſt.

But within a few daies after, ſhe was extreamly aſtoniſhed to hear, that all the ſouldiers after the King was taken did declare themſelves for Arſamones, and that all Bythinia was up in Arms in his behalf, and were reſolved to return under the obedience of their antient Lord. Moreover that Artanus, who was one of high quality, was returned into the Kingdom, and had alſo raiſed a great part of Pontus, and was himſelf retired unto a very conſiderable Town called Cabira, having before hand ſuborned the Governour thereof with a good ſum of money. Imagine Sir, I beſeech you, in what an intangled condition this young Princeſs was in, to ſee the King of Pont her brother a priſoner, and that Arſamones, the father of Spitridates, was not only Maſter of all Bythinia, but was alſo in the head of an Army, ready to fall upon the Kingdom of Pontus, ſo that ſhe was conſtrained with all the power ſhe had to oppoſe and make war againſt the Father of a Prince, who infinitely adored her, and whom ſhe her ſelf did not hate. She furthermore ſaw, that he who of all men living ſhe moſt ſcorned, and had the greateſt averſion unto, had bandied a conſiderable party againſt her, notwithſtanding his great affection unto her: She, poor Princeſs, had neither any forces, nor money to raiſe them; and that State was ſo imbroyled, that ſhe knew not whom to truſt; and in this pittiful diſtracted condition, ſhe knew not whether ſhe ſhould be ſad or glad at the abſence of Spitridates, for ſhe conceived it not fit for him to fight for her againſt his own father, neither did ſhe deſire he ſhould fight for his father againſt her; ſo that not knowing either what to wiſh; or what to do, ſhe prayed unto the Gods to deliver her out of this gulph of misfortunes. But in concluſion Sir, your generoſity not deceiving her hopes, but ſetting the King of Pont at liberty, unto whom you gave conſiderable Auxiliaries under the conduct of Artaxes, we received this intelligence with all acclamations of joy; and indeed the people of Heraclea took freſh heart, when they heard their Prince ſet at liberty after ſo generous a manner, publike rejoycings were appointed, and the glorious name of Artamenes was as highly celebrated in Heraclea, as it was in Sinope or Themiſcira. The Princeſs then hearing the King was upon his return, would go to meet him, and ſince we knew there was none of Arſamones his troops that way which he was to come, we went two dayes journies before to meet him; but to our great misfortune we fell into an Ambuſcado which waited for us in a Forreſt, and carried us a blind way which was unknown unto us; we knew not whether they would carry us unto Arſamones or Artanus, and in the choice of theſe two, the Princeſs knew not which to wiſh; for if it ſhould be unto Arſamones, though ſhe was in hopes of much mildneſs from him, by the mediation of the Princeſs Arbiana, and the Princeſs Ariſtea, yet ſhe imagined that the King her brother might perhaps ſuſpect ſhe did voluntarily fall into his hands, ſince he was not ignorant of her affection unto Spitridates, though he could not be ignorant that Arſamones did hate his ſon for loving her, yet notwithſtanding the very name of Artanus was ſo averſe unto her fancy, that at the hazard of being ill uſed by Arſamones, or ſuſpected by the King her brother, ſhe wiſhed rather to be carried into Bythinia, then unto Cabira, under the power of ſuch a man: But yet the choice was not in her, for towards night we were brought unto Artanus, who as amorous as he was, durſt not venture himſelf [Page] in this enterprize, but committed the carriage of the buſineſs unto a reſolute ſouldier, who heretofore was one of thoſe who conſpired againſt your life: When the Princeſs ſaw Artanus in the head of two hundred horſe ready to receive her, ſhe was ſurprized; for though he was known to be a very Coward, yet ſince to be a Mutineer and a Rebel is ſufficient to raiſe a party, his was not ſmall, and we were much grieved to ſee ſo many gallant men obeying ſuch a Captain; but we were forced to ſubmit unto fortune, and be carried into Cabira, where he was Maſter, and in which there was a Caſtle of a great ſtrength, wherein he lodged us: I will not ſtay to relate unto you Sir all the inſolencies of Artanus, for it is enough that you know him a Coward, to imagine how he would lay aſide all due reſpects when he is once the ſtronger; and ſince it is moſt ordinary to ſee them who want courage never to be ſubmiſſive, but when they are weak, yet he met with a ſoul ſo great in the Princeſs, and ſo reſolute a ſpirit, that maugre all his inſolence, ſhe ſo charmed him, that he durſt hardly come into her chamber, or to ſee her. Mean while the King of Pontus, as afterwards we heard, came to Heraclea, and was extreamly angry at the carrying away of the Princeſs his Siſter, but as the ſtate of things ſtood, he durſt not by any means divide his Army, and he knew that Arſamones was ſo ſtrong, that it would not permit him to continue a ſiege; and therefore ſince his buſineſs was either to relieve a Siſter, or to ſave two Crowns, I believe common policy might eaſily incline him unto the latter, rather then the firſt. The condition of things ſtanding thus, Artanus was ſo impudent as to ſend unto the King of Pontus, and offer unto him his forces, upon condition of his conſent unto the marriage betwixt himſelf and the Princeſs Araminta; but the King would not hearken unto any ſuch propoſitions, anſwering him. That if he had a deſire to vanquiſh his enemies without any trouble, he would wiſh them ſuch aid as he offered; and alſo bidding him have a care how he uſed the princeſs his Siſter, becauſe as ſoon as he had finiſhed the Bythinian war, he would then call him to a ſtrict account for all his demeanour: You may imagine then Sir in what a condition the princeſs was in, who knew of all theſe paſſages by one of her guards, who was ſuborned unto it: For when ſhe imagined that Arſamones would kill the King her brother, or that the King her brother would kill the father of Spitridates, ſhe did abſolutely loſe her reaſon. In the mean while the King of Pantus, after he had rallied all the forces he was able, went into the field to oppoſe Arſamones, who was already maſter of a great part in the Kingdom of Pontus, and in the firſt encounter the Prince Euriclides was ſlain, which much grieved Arſamones. But Sir, why ſhould I buſie my ſelf in relating the particulars of a war which is known all over Aſia? It is enough that I acquaint you how this Prince, as gallant as he was, yet was he almoſt quite beaten; that which contributed much unto his ruine, was Aribeus, who calling away his brother with all his forces, did much weaken him; and though the King of Pontus would not con [...]ent unto it, becauſe it was done without any order, either from Ciaxares or you, yet Artaxes obeyed the abſolute authority of Aribeus, who was then Governour of Sinope; ſo that this Prince being much weakned thereby, was forced to make a retreat into Heraclea, and to ſtay there until he had raiſed freſh forces, and be able to come again into the field: But Sir, he had not time for it, for Arſamones, after that the Prince In [...]aphernes the ſon of Gadates was come unto him, not omitting ſuch a favourable opportunity, advanced with his Army, and beſieged him within the capital Ci [...]y of all his Kingdom, which indeed was the only place that remained under his obedience; for that part which was not ſubjected unto Arſamones, yet took part with Artanus. We underſtood by ſeveral relations whilſt we were in Cabira, how the King of Pontus during this fiege, did do ſuch miracles, as that it may well be ſaid he deſerved a hundred Crowns in loſing his own: But however, ſeeing his enemies were not only Maſters of all without the Town, but alſo of one of the Gates, and that they had now nothing to do but to enforce the laſt entrenchment; ſince he had no mind to fall alive into the hands of Arſamones, he reſolved to fly away in a ſhip, and to go and offer his ſword unto Ciaxares towards the delivery of the Princeſs Mandana, of whoſe carrying away he had heard with unconceiveable ſorrow, and hoping that a [...]ter this you would aid him to recover his Dominions: And indeed he did execute the firſt part of his deſign, for he went out of Heraclea, not any thing of two flouriſhing Kingdoms remaining unto him, but the title of King, which fortune could not deprive him of. When the Princeſs received this ſad news, ſhe reſented it with inſupportable ſorrow; for Sir, be pleaſed to know, that the inſolent Artanus aſſuming new boldneſs upon this new misfortune, came unto her with more incivility then ever before we ſaw him. Madam, ſaid he unto her, ſince I ever thought that the ſtrongeſt reaſon which moved you to treat me ſo imperiouſly as you have done, was, becauſe I was a ſubject unto the King your brother, I think it therefore expedient to let you know, [Page] that now he muſt never be my Maſter again, ſince fortune has taken from him his Crown, and two Kingdoms which he enjoyed, and has nothing left him but one ſingle ſh [...]p, [...]n which he has convayed himſelf away from his enemies; therefore Madam, ſince you are not now the ſiſter of a King, you may well look upon my condition as not inferiour unto yours, and for the future carry your ſelf otherwiſe then heretofore you have done: Since you have only the heart of a Slave, replied the Princeſs, I ſhould do you too much honor to regard you as a ſimple Subject of the King my brothers; and though fortune ſhould take away his Crown, yet ſince ſhe cannot take away his birth, which is infinitely above yours, ſhe therefore cannot change my opinion of you; and though you had more Crowns then the King my brother has loſt, yet ſhould I deſpiſe and ſcorn you upon your Throne, as much as I do now; and though there ſhould be an alteration in your ſoul (as I think it impoſſible) yet ſhould you never ſ [...]e me change; therefore Artanus conſider a little better what you ſay, and remember that my fathers were ever Maſters over yours; that I have the honor to be daughter and ſiſter unto three Princes, unto whom I have ſeen you ſubject, and indeed there is an undiſpenſable obligation lies upon you, to re [...]pect and honor me all the daies of your life. The Princeſs pronounced theſe words with ſo much majeſtique choler, that ſhe made him bluſh, and forced him to make a ſcurvy excuſe for his inſolency, and a [...] laſt to leave her at liberty to lament the diſgrace of the King her brother, which we had a more particular relation of from that guard which was very faithful un [...]o us. Alas Heſionida, ſaid ſhe, how deplorable is my deſtiny? and unto what a cruel fate am I expoſed? I was bo [...]n upon a Throne, and am now a Slave, and a Slave unto him that is the moſt unworthy amongſt men: I [...] I conſider the misfortunes of my brother, I have not tears enough to lament his misfortunes; If I contemplate my own, I ſhall find them ſo diſmal, that I ſee no way bu [...] death to terminate them; hitherto I have loved Spitridates moſt innocen [...]ly, the late King my father deſired it, the Prince and King Sinneſis my brother appointed it. But now Heſionida, ſince he is ſon to an uſurper of my brothers Kingdom, and a ruiner of my Family, how is it poſſible I ſhould love him without a ſin? But Madam, ſaid I unto her, Spitridates was not in this war: 'Tis true, ſaid ſhe, but yet he is ſon unto the uſurper of the Kingdom of Pont; ſo that though my reaſon does not induce me to accuſe him, yet it is not handſom or fit I ſhould love him any longer; therefore Heſionida, whether he be innocent or culpable I ought not to ſee him any more, though he were in a place where I might do it. Moreover, in what part of the earth could he poſſibly be, where he could not hear the Pontean and Bythinian war diſcourſed on? and is it credible, that ſince he muſt needs know the ſtate of things, I ſhould never hear any news from him? if he was fuller of ambition then love, why did he not appear in the head of his fathers Army? and if he was fuller of love then ambition, why does he not endeavour to deliver me out of the hands of Artanus? and why did he not let me know that his heart did not approve of what Arſamones his father had done? I confeſs Madam, ſaid I unto her, that I cannot underſtand why Spitridates ſhould be ſo long ſilent: No more can I, replied the princeſs, and therefore in all reaſon I muſt imagine him dead, but I wiſh the Gods he may not juſtifie himſelf in my opinion by ſo ſad a way. If I ſhould Sir, repeat unto you all the lamentations and reflexions which the Princeſs had upon the King her brot [...]ers misfortunes, upon the mu [...]ability of terrene things, and upon the innocent paſſions of her ſoul, I ſhould abuſe your patience; therefore I ſhall ſlightly paſs by them, and tell you, that Artanus conſidering himſelf under the verge of a victorious A [...]my, commanded by a Prince who had conquered two Kingdoms, he was not without ſome unquiet thoughts; f [...]r alth [...]ugh he had very gallant m [...]n in his party, yet was he not at all grown more valiant him [...]elf, and notwithſtanding all his love unto the Princeſs, I believe he repented more then once of his undertakings: He alſo ſent unto Arſamones to cap [...]tulate and propound ſome conditions betwixt them. But ſince he deſired that Cabira ſhould remain in his hands for his ſecurity, and that he might alwayes keep the Princeſs Aram [...]nta under his power, Arſamones abſolutely deſiring it himſelf, would not hearken unto him, nor handſomely entertain thoſe which came from him; ſo that after this refuſal, Artanus was more perplexed then before: 'Tis true, he enjoyed ſome dayes of reſt, becauſe Arſamones falling ſick, it retarded the march of his A [...]my which was coming againſt him. As things ſtood in this condition, there came a Cavalier into Heraclea, where then the Queen Arbiana was (for it is but juſt to give her that title which is her du [...]) there came I ſay a Cavalier, who on his Buckler bore the Emblem of a Slave, which ſeemed [...]o have his cho [...]ce either of F [...]tters or Crowns, and he broke the laſt, and aſſumed the firſt, with th [...] M [...]tro, More heavy, but more glorious: As it was late when he came, ſo he was unknown at his entrance into the Town, and his deviſe was not obſerved that night; but as ſoon as he alighted from his horſe, at the houſe of an old acquaintance, he went [Page] unto the Palace where the Queen & Princeſs were; as for Arſamones he was yet ſick in the Country, whither theſe Princeſſes (with the Princeſs Iſtrina ſiſter unto Intaphernis, who was then in that Court) were the next morning to go. This Cavalier went ſtraight unto the chamber of the Princeſs Ariſtea, and deſired a ſervant to tell her there was a ſtranger which deſired to ſpeak with her in private, concerning ſome important buſineſs; the ſervant told him, that ſhe was with the Queen in her cloſet, into which he durſt not enter, but he was ſo urgent with him to tell it unto them both, that thinking the buſineſs was of ſome great conſequence, that he went in, and returned preſently back to bring him in: But Sir, he was no ſooner ſtepped into the Cloſe [...], but the Queen riſing up was extreamly ſurprized: I am very glad (ſaid ſhe unto him) to ſee you in a better condition then you were the laſt time I ſaw you in Bythinia, and when I miſtook the Illuſtrious Artamenes for the unfortunate Spitridates. Madam, you give me a very glorious name (replyed the right Spitridates, for indeed it was he whom the Queen Arbiana took for you,) but yet I wonder that you ſhould not know me. The Princeſs Ariſtea taking a candle, and looking him in the face, Madam, ſaid ſhe unto the Queen, without all doubt he whom now you ſee is my brother, and not Artamenes. Spitridates who had ſeveral times been taken for another in his travels, was not leſs ſurprized, then if he had not been formerly miſtaken; therefore telling them many paſſages which none but they could know, they then knew him, and expreſſed all the ſigns of joy and tenderneſs that poſſible could be at the meeting of one ſo dear unto them, whom they never thought to ſee again. Since the Queen his mother did alwayes love him, ſhe had uſed all poſſible endeavours to moll [...]fie the incenſed ſpiritof Arſamones, but ſhe could never move him unto it; yet becauſe ſhe would not perplex this Prince at the firſt meeting, ſhe ſpoke not any thing concerning it unto him, but only told him after ſome two houres conference, that he muſt not let it be known he was in Heraclea, until ſhe had ſpoken with him. After this he went a back way unto his chamber, where ſome tears were beſtowed upon the memory of Euriclides, and the Princeſs Ariſtea ſtaid with him, who had not ſeen him ſince the death of Sinneſis, in the memory of whom both ſighed; but before he entred into diſcourſe of any thing elſe, he asked concerning the Princeſs Araminta. I cannot Sir expreſs the ſorrows which Spitridates reſented to ſee himſelf in that place where firſt he began to love the Princeſs, and ſhe him; nor can I deſcribe his grief of heart when he conſidered that it was his own father who was the cauſe ſhe was not here now. Moreover when he fancied her to be in the clutches of Artanus, he was almoſt out of his ſenſes, and it was long before he could give ſatisfaction unto the Princeſs his ſiſter, who deſired to know what adventures he met with ſince ſhe ſaw him: But after many ſad condolements, he told her (as we knew afterwards from himſelf, that when he was diſguiſed in Paphlagonia, he writ a Letter unto the Princeſs Araminta, to ask her whether it were her pleaſure he ſhould come and offer himſelf unto the King her brother, who was then beginning the Cappadocian war, and that in lieu of receiving ſuch an anſwer as he expected he had received from the Princeſs, the moſt cruel Letter in the world, and ſuch a one as made him amazed to ſee it: And as the princeſs Ariſtea told him, that without all manner of queſtion there had been ſome cheat put upon him, he pulled out thoſe two Letters which he alwayes kept about him ever ſince he received them, and ſhewing them unto her, ſhe found them to this effect.

ARAMINTA unto SPITRIDATES.

Come not hither to offer your ſelf unto the King my brother, but rather ſeek out for your ſelf a Sanctuary, in ſome place of the world ſo far from me, that you may forget, even the very name of

ARAMINTA.

Oh brother (cried out the Princeſs Ariſtea) my eyes tell me, that the princeſs Araminta writ this Letter, but my reaſon aſſures me, that ſhe never thought it: Afterwards, without ſtaying for Spitridates his anſwer, ſhe opened the other, and found theſe words.

[Page]

HESIONIDA unto the Prince SPITRIDATES.

IT grieves me to tell you, that Glory is above all things predominate in the heart of the Princeſs: and ſhe it ſo peremptorily reſolved to obey the King, to quench her affection unto you, and to forget it, that no arguments under Heaven can alter her. Conform therefore your mind unto your fortune if you can; and ſince you are generous, ſtrive to forget her who is abſolutely reſolved never to remember you.

HESIONIDA.

I leave it unto your imagination (ſaid the Prince Spitridates, as ſoon as the Princeſs his Siſter had done reading theſe two Letters) what I apprehended, after I received what now you have read: I do eaſily imagine, ſaid ſhe, but ſince I am certain that ſome or other has put a trick upon you, I am not ſurprized at it: for truly, ſaid ſhe, as long as the Cappadocian war laſted, I continually received intelligence from the Princeſs Araminta, as I was wont to do: ſhe always enquired concerning you with extream care, ſhe has ſecretly done us an hundred good offices: and until the time ſhe was taken away by Artanus, we ever held a good correſpondency together; eſpecially ſince the war began between my Father, and the King of Pontus. Moreover, when the Illuſtrious Artamenes came into Bythinia; and when we thought it had been you, who returned thither, ſhe expreſſed abundance of joy, when I did intimate it unto her by a Letter, and I am certain that ſhe was as ſad when we acquainted her with our miſtake: But, ſaid ſhe, I muſt compare this pretended Letter from the Princeſs Araminta with ſome which I have; and ſaying ſo, ſhe opened a Cabinet which was upon the Table in her Cloſet, and taking ſeveral Letters out, ſhe ſet her ſelf to obſerve them very exactly: and ſhe found much difference in many Charactars: At the firſt ſight all the world might have been deceived; but none could be ſo deluded that ſaw the falſe Letter compared with the true one. Spitridates was ſo overjoyed at his hopes of being deceived, that for a quarter of an hour he could hardly perſwade himſelf that it was a cheat, but ſeemed to doubt of it, to the end he might move Ariſtea to give him mine aſſurance of it, and to have a pretence to look longer upon the great difference between th [...] hands. But how may it be imagined, ſaid Spitridates, this cheat ſhould come about? Pharnaces was out a man likely to do it: No, ſaid the Princeſs, but Artanus may probably be ſuch a knave: and indeed Sir, (as we afterwards came to know) it was he, who having diſcovered that Spitridates had ſent unto Heraclea by that Captain of the Tower, wherein he was a priſoner, cauſed this man who had the true anſwer from the Princeſs, and me, to be followed, his Letters were taken from him, and carried unto a man, who was excellent at imitating of hands, to be counterfeited; It happened, for the favour of his cheat, that this man who had the Letters, was brought up in the houſe of Artanus his father, unknown unto Spitridates, ſo that knowing him to be the Son of his old Maſter, he was eaſily ſuborned to carry the counterfeited Letters of Artanus, which cauſed leſs knavery to be ſuſpected. That which moved Artanus unto this, was becauſe he hoped the great courage of Pharnaces would cauſe him to be killed in this war, and then if he could but ſend Spitridates far enough, he himſelf ſhould then be the only man of quality in all the Kingdom, which could pretend unto the Princeſs. After that Spitridates was well confi [...]med in his belief of being deceivd, he related with a far more calm mind then before, the diſpair which he was in, and how he reſolved to ſeek out a death ſomewhere ſo far off the Princeſs, that ſhe ſhould never hear any more news of him: How in this ſad deſigne, he went unto that Port which was neareſt, and to imbarck in the firſt Ship which put to Saile without ſo much as asking whither it went: How by chance it was a Merchants Ship of Tenedos which took him in: How from thence he went to Epheſus, becauſe reports went that Croeſſus would aſſault it: How he was in all that war, and yet could not meet with death, although he did ſufficiently expoſe himſelf unto all dangers: How remembering himſelf, that if he would follow the ambition of Arſamones, rather then the love of the Princeſs Araminta, he might be a King: and that he preferred the Fetters of Araminta, before the Crown of Bythinia, he cauſed to be painted upon his Buckler, a Slave, who refuſed Crowns, and made choice of Chains, as I already told you: How after the concluſion of that war, he imbarqued again for Cyprus, hoping that Iſland which was conſecrated unto the Mother of Love, would be more propitious unto him, then any other; but conceiving that journey too pleaſant for an unfortunate man, he paſſed into Cicilie: afterwards, not being able to ſtay in any place, he would needs [Page] put to Sea gain, had he not met with a Perſian Magi, who being new come aſhore, did render him all imaginable honour; ſpeaking an hundred things in a language which he underſtood not: An Interpretor which he carried with him for the conveniency of his travel, told Spitridates how this man was a Perſian, who took him to be the Son of his King, whom Merchants had reported to be drowned at Chalcedonia: Spitridates hearing this, anſwered him by the Interpretor, that he was not a Perſian: that it was very true it was ſuppoſed he was drowned at Chalcedonia, but he was not: But whatſoever this Interpretor ſaid, this Perſian would not be perſwaded but all that Spitridates ſaid was but excuſes. In concluſion, Sir, he was ſo importunate with Spitridates, to confeſs that which he was ignorant of, as he was forced to leave him: But this man going un [...]o the Magiſtrate of the Town, told him that the King his Maſter, had loſt his only Son, and Succeſ [...]our unto his Dominions, who for ſome concealed reaſons, would not return into his Countrey: and how that by chance he had met with him, that he was in this Town, and ready to imbarque away. He conjured the Magiſtrate to arreſt him, and to ſend him back unto the King his Father: ſo that this Magiſtrate finding the Perſian of a grave Phiſaognomi [...], and had acquaintance with the greateſt and wiſeſt men in the Town, ſent Orders to ſtop Spitridates, as being Son to the King of Perſia, and to treat him with all reſpect as befiting his quality: you may eaſily imagine that this Prince was extreamly amazed at it; he uſed all his arguments to undeceive theſe men, but the more he denied, the more this Perſian maintained that he was Cyrus.

In concluſion, the Magiſtrate ſent both Spitridates and this Perſian unto the Prince of the place, who after he had heard them both, and fearing to commit an errour, did ſend them both unto the King of Perſia, and made choice of a man of a good inge [...]uity and quality for this imployment, and ſay what Spitridates could, he was ſent away with a great number of ſouldiers: I ſhall omit the relation of his melancholy during ſo long a voyage, during all which time he was guarded very vigilantly: I ſhall only acquaint you, that the Perſian Magi dyed during this voyage: and being come into Perſia, where the Embaſſadour which went with them, heard that all the people believed Cyrus to be dead; and that the Merchants ſaw him drowned, he began to believe Spitridates, conceiving he had no reaſon to conceal his being the Son of a King; as really he was ſo: But ſo it happened that this Embaſſadour fell ſick as well as the Magi, and dyed for company: ſo that Spitridates was now at more liberty, and ſtole away from this Embaſſadours men, when they were in the height of their mourning: but yet notwithſtanding, he was often in danger to be ſtopped by ſeveral others who took him to be you Sir: And ſince he was reſolved to draw nearer the place where we were, that he might hear in what part of the world his Princeſs was, he paſſed out of Perſia, into Medea, where he was alſo followed divers times, not knowing the reaſon why: Afterwards being come as far as the Frontiers of Galatia, there he heard of the Bythinian Rebellion, and of the War which the King his Father had declared againſt the King of Pontus; alſo he did afterwards tell the Princeſs Ariſtea, that this news did ſo cruelly perplex him, as he fell ſo extreamly ſick upon it, that never man was more violently tormented: for hearing every day a relation of his Fathers victories, and alſo of Prince Euriclides his death, he conceived this to be the worſt way to regain the opinion of the Princeſs Araminta: not that he wiſhed the King his Father were vanquiſhed, but that he himſelf knew not what to wiſh. In concluſion (ſaid he unto the Princeſs Ariſtea,) You ſee me here, dear Siſter, well recovered of my ſickneſs, againſt my will, and deſiring your advice, what courſe I ſhall take: for though my Princeſs ſhould be perfideous unto me, yet would I deliver her out of the hands of Artanus, where I underſtand ſhe is. That is not an eaſie matter for you to do, ſaid ſhe unto him, unleſs it be with the Kings forces: and the ſooner to induce him to ſee you, it is requiſite you ſeem as if you did not love that Princeſs: Ha, my deer Siſter, ſaid he, I cannot counterfeit, not know I how to owe my good fortune unto a lye. But alas, ſaid he, what might my Princeſs think of my ſilence during all theſe great alterations? Perhaps ſhe imagines that I lurk quietly till the wars be ended, that I afterwards would peaceably enjoy the fruits of the victory: but my Divine Princeſs, how unjuſt would you be in ſuch a thought? Well Sir, after many ſuch like complaints and lamentations as theſe. Spitridates retired himſelf unto the place where he was to lodg: And Ariſtea told him before he left her, that the Prince Intaphernes, the Son of Gadates, who is now in the Army of Ciaxares, had done great ſervices unto the King his Father: and that the Princeſs Iſtrina his Siſter, came unto the Queen Arbiana, preſently after the Queen Nitocris dyed, who deſired it ſhould be ſo: After this, Spitridates went away, and the next morning the Queen and princeſs ſent unto him, with advice to keep himſelf cloſe, until he heard from them, and that they were going unto [Page] the Camp where Arſamones was ſick: and ſince the Army was not above one days journy from Heraclea, they ſhould be there that ſame night: But ſince they found Arſomones very ill, it was the next day in the morning, before they could acquaint him how they had received ſome news of Spitridates, but they did not tell him he was come, becauſe they would not expoſe him unto any danger: Arſamones was much ſurprized at the news and diſcourſe of Arbiana, and the Princeſs Ariſtea obſerved both aſtoniſhment and anger in his face: yet notwithſtanding his angry and tumultuous thoughts, ſhe perceived ſome ſignes of joy mixed with them: And indeed ſince Arſamones had no other Son, though he had ſome reſentments of diſpleaſure againſt him, in reſpect of the King of Pont, yet was he very glad and deſirous to ſee him that was to be his Succeſſour: Therefore after he had pawſed a while, If Spitridates (ſaid he unto the Queen his wife) return with the mind of a ſl [...]ve, as he had when he broke out of priſon, it is but fit he ſhould be fettered again; but if he return with ſuch a mind as becomes a King, it is fit he ſhould be treated like ſuch a Prince as hereafter he may be. Therefore Madam, ſaid he unto the Queen, let him know, if you pleaſe, that he himſelf is the Arbitratour of his own deſtiny: and if he have a mind to finiſh this war, which I have ſo proſperouſly begun, and bring the Princeſs Araminta into my hands as my Priſoner, I ſhall entertain him, and give him the Command of my Army: But if he think to return, and continue his affection unto her, whom he ought to look upon as the Daughter and Siſter of our Tirantes, I ſhall let him ſee that I am Maſter of two Crowns which I have conquered, and can beſtow them upon whom I pleaſe: He has been long enough abſent, ſaid he, to forget his paſſion; therefore, (ſaid he, and looked upon the Princeſs Ariſtea) I give you a Commiſſion to dive into the ſecrets of his heart and diſcover his real thoughts: for I p [...]rceive you know more then yet you tell me, and perhaps he is already in Heracl [...]a: Arbiana would have denied it; but it was after ſuch a manner, that ſhe more encreaſed the Kings belief, ſo that he ſaid unto them, No, no, i [...] Spitridates be wiſe, let him not fear anything: therefore if he be returned, as I believe he is, return you into Heraclea, ſaid he unto the Princeſs his daughter, and if you find him ſuch a one as I ſay, then bring him hither; but if he be not, I permit him to return unto his exile again: yet I ſay, if he become with intentions of good fortune unto me, and himſelf, let him come hither in all haſte, becauſe I would then imploy him, ſince I am not well my ſelf, againſt Cabira, and give Artanus no longer time to fortifie it, and himſelf in it: The Queen hearing him ſay ſo, confeſſ [...]d the truth: and the next morning the Princeſs returned unto Heraclea, with private inſtructions from the queen, to deſire Spitridates that he would diſſemble his love; and to tell him, that when Araminta is under [...]he power of Arſamones, ſhe would intercede, and keep him from any rigorous treating of her: and that perhaps the rare merits of that Princeſs would in concluſion win Arſamones to favour her: and that to conclude all in one word, he muſt neceſſarily force himſelf, and diſguiz [...] his thoughts for a time. The Princeſs did negotiate with him very handſomly: for as ſoon as ſhe came to Heraclea, ſhe ſent to Spitridates, and uſed all poſſible arguments expedient for the buſineſs: But when ſhe found that he could not reſolve upon a diſſimulation, What do you intend to do then, (ſaid ſhe unto him) the Princeſs Araminta is under the hands of Artanus, where I believe ſhe is in a wor [...]e condition then ſhe would be under the diſpoſe of my Father, and in Heraclea, where I might be ſerviceable unto her. Ah, dear Siſter, ſaid he, my ſoul is ballanced betwixt two great extreams: I do know very well that it is my duty to get Araminta ou [...] of the power of Artanus, but I know alſo, that it does not become me to releaſe her, that ſhe may be again a priſoner: Of two evils the leaſt is to be choſen, replied the Princeſs, and as I conceive there is no compariſon betwixt theſe two. Spitridates was then a long while ſilent, contemplating whether there was not a middle way between theſe two to be taken: but the more he thought upon it, the further was he from finding it: gladly would he have preſerved his reſpects unto the King his Father; he wiſhed he were out of this vexing neceſſity of diſguiſing his real thoughts: he did moſt earneſtly deſire that the Kingdom of Pontus were reſtored unto him who loſt it, and keeping only the Kingdom of Bythinia, he might marry the Princeſs Araminta, and ſo place her upon the Throne hereafter: But yet he knew well enough that Arſamones would never conſent unto ſuch propoſitions; ſo that not knowing what courſe to take he was extreamly perplexed. Yet when he b [...] thought himſelf that Artanus had the power to peſecute the princeſs, Well, my dear Siſter, ſaid he unto her, I am too long in deliberating: and ſince I know that Araminta is in the power of m [...] Rival, it is too much to conſider upon one minute longer: Come then, let us go unto the King, and tell him, ſince he will needs have it ſo, that I am not at all in love; let us tranſact like an enemy, that I may hereafter appear a moſt real Lover: and let us not think it a diſhonour to tell an innocent lye, and to aſſume that diſguize which I would never undertake, but to ſet [Page] the moſt glorious Princeſs in the world at liberty. After much ſuch diſcourſe as this, Spitridates promiſed the Princeſs Ariſtea, to carry the matter towards the King, as ſhe deſired: ſo that without any loſs of time both of them went to Court the next morning, and would not admit of any viſits in Heraclea until he had ſeen the King: when they were come unto the Camp, they underſtood that this news had ſo much troubled Arſamones, as he was worſe then he was before; and ſince the departure of the Princeſs he expreſſed much impatiencie of ſeeing Spitridates. He was no ſooner arrived, but it was told the King, who commanded him to enter preſently, and notwithſtanding his ſickneſs, he received him with many teſtimonies of tenderneſs: But after the firſt paſſion, whereof he was not Maſter, he aſſumed a more ſerious and ſevere countenance: Spitridates, ſaid he unto him, I muſt tell you, that if it be the pleaſure of the Gods to diſpoſe of me, I would not have you to hold any Treaty, or contract any alliance with thoſe unto whom we have been Slaves: And if you do, I do diſpenſe with all my Subjects, from acknowledging you as their Prince: Sir (ſaid Spitridates unto him, and bow [...]d) Doubtleſs the Gods will permit you to enjoy your Conqueſts long, and I ſhall have leiſure enough hereafter to underſtand your intentions more preciſely: Therefore it will [...]uffice, if you will be pleaſed, to grace me ſo far as to tell me what ſervice I ſhall do you for the preſent, as I am your Subject: without any further diſcourſe of what I ought to do when I am King, as yet I am not: It is my intentions, anſwered the King, that if my ſickneſs continue, you ſhall command my Army: That you march againſt Artanus, and reduce Araminta into my power. Spitridates did then bethink himſelf of ſome words which would admit of an ambiguous ſence, which might both ſatisfie the Nicety of his Love, and might make the King believe that he would punctually obey him: and indeed, he did hit of it ſo handſomly, that the King was ſatiſfied with his anſwer, and imbraced him: after which being retired unto a very magnificent Tent which was prepared for him, he was viſited by Intaphernes, and all the Officers of the Army; for we were informed of all theſe paſſages afterwards from Spitridates himſelf: within three days after, the Phyſicians told Arſamones, that there was no danger in his diſeaſe, but yet i [...] would continue long: ſo that not to loſe time, he gave Orders unto Spitridates to go, and beſiege Artanus: yet appointing one of his Lieutenant Generals to have an obſervant eye upon [...] the actions of this Prince: Then went Arſamones with the Queen, and the Princeſs his daughter unto Heraclea; as for the Princeſs Iſtrina, ſhe was there before: So Spitridates departed for Cabira, the Prince Intaphernes being his principal Lieutenant General, with whom he contracted a great League of friendſhip: You may imagine Sir, how much we were ſurprized, when we were informed by our faithful Guard, that there arrived a Cavalier at Heraclea, having a Buckler, as I told you before, and afterwards that this Cavalier was Spitridates, and that this Prince was ſo gracious with the King his Father, that he made him General of his Army: Our wonder for a long time was ſo great, that our words could not expreſs it: Joy to hear that Spitridates was alive, and the incertainty of his deſigne in coming againſt Artanus, did ſo divide the mind of the Princeſs Araminta, that ſhe knew not whether ſhe ſhould grieve or rejoice: However Madam (ſaid I unto her, when ſhe began to grieve) I cannot chuſe but be extreamly glad to know that Spitridates is living: I have the ſame reſentments, replied ſhe, but however, my ſoul muſt needs be in ſuch unquietneſs, for Arſamones has not altered opinion: and it ſeems to be almoſt without all queſtion, that ſince Spitridates is in ſuch favour with him, they are both of one mind: Oh Madam (ſaid I unto her) cenſure not before you hear: But yet it is very likely, anſwered ſhe, that I am not miſtaken: a long abſence may eaſily bury all his affection unto me in the grave of oblivion: and he may as eaſily prefer the enjoyment of two Kingdoms, above a Princeſs whom he has not a long time ſeen, and who has nothing but misfortunes to her portion. The truth is, Heſionida, if Spitridates do continue faithful, it is a miracle; and if he do not, then doubtleſs it is the greateſt misfortune that ever could happen unto me: ſo that not knowing whether I ſhould pray for or againſt him, whether he will ſee me at liberty, or take me priſoner, my ſoul is in a moſt reſtleſs condition. I did all I could to leſſen her fears, and fortifie her hopes: But to tell you truly, I do believe they both raigned ſucceſſively in her heart for many days, and ſhe was not well reſolved in her ſelf: In the mean while Artanus was ſomething ſick upon the buſineſs; the very name of Spitridates, and of his return, did caſt him into a qualm, nor could all the power of his love cure him: ſince he had many brave and gallant men with him, they moved him, much againſt his mind, God knows, to go and meet their enemy, and to hazard a Battel: at the firſt, he did oppoſe the motion, but afterwards fearing, that if he ſhould diſcover his Cowardice, then doubtleſs they would all forſake him, therefore he conſented unto them, and reſolved to be there himſelf: ſo that all the Regiments being drawn up under the walls of the Town, where [Page] we were, he viewed them, and without bidding any adieu unto the Princeſs, he departed, leaving her under the Guardſhip of a Captain, who was abſolutely his creature: I ſhall not relate unto you, Sir, all the particulars of this war; only thus much in ſhort, that Spitridates was victor, and the Coward Artanus being much againſt his will engaged in fight, was mortally wounded by the hand of Spitridates, who took him priſoner, this perfidious wretch living only ſo long as to confeſs the counterfeiting of the Princeſs letter and mine: The ſhattered part of this defeated Army fell into the Town, and all the Commanders conſulted what to do, and reſolved to receive their orders from the Princeſs, hoping thereby to obtain more advantageous conditions by a treaty with Spitridates.

All the Captains then came unto her chamber, whilſt we were altogether ignorant of any paſſages, becauſe Artanus had taken that guard who was our intelligencer with him, and he was killed in the battel. At the firſt ſight of them ſhe knew not how to interpret their viſit; but one of them being Speaker for the reſt, ſaid thus unto her; Madam, we are come to beg pardon for our paſt rebellion, we come to tell you that Artanus has loſt the battel and his life, and we come to receive orders from you as the daughter and Siſter of our Kings; therefore Madam we beſeech you let us know, what is your pleaſure we ſhall do, whether you will render your ſelf, or whether it is your pleaſure we ſhould defend you againſt the Prince Spitridates; which of theſe two wayes ſoever you are pleaſed to command we are ready to obey you. You tell me of ſo many wonders at once, ſaid ſhe, that I cannot upon a ſuddain preciſely reſolve you; but it is moſt certain that I muſt take no other part but the King my brothers, and that his enemies are and muſt be mine, and if they will not do us juſtice, it will be much more noble to die in defending our ſelves, then cowardly to ſubmit: Yet ſince you are from rebellious ſubjects become my protectors, I do conjure you to take ſuch orders as are neceſſary for the preſervation of the Town, and not to attempt any thing without my knowledg, and for the preſent I conceive you have nothing elſe to do, but to defend your ſelf if they aſſault you. Here Sir was a great alteration in our fortune, our guards became almoſt our ſlaves, and the priſoners command their keepers: But all this while Spitridates was not without his vexations, amidſt all the joyes of his victory, ſince he was not ſo abſolute Maſter of his Army, that he could do what he would; ſo that in appearance he muſt carry himſelf as a mortal enemy againſt the Princeſs, but really as a man who preferred his love unto her above all things elſe. He ſent then to ſummon the Town, To render it ſelf unto his diſcretion, after he had ſurrounded it on all ſides, for he could do no otherwiſe, becauſe that Lievtenant General, who Arſamones did ſet as an Adjutant with him, was very ſevere and obſtinate. When the Princeſs heard that Spitridates had ſent a meſſenger, ſhe commanded him to be brought into her preſence, and with an incenſed ſpirit ſaid unto him; Tell your Maſter that the Princeſſes of Pontus are not uſed to pay obedience unto the Princeſs of Bythinia, but rather have been for a long time obeyed, and that I could never have believed that the Siſter unto the Prince Sinneſis ſhould have been thus treated withal by Spitridates: and laſtly, ſince he goes ſo unjuſtly to work, he may aſſure himſelf he ſhall find it a greater difficulty to overcome the Princeſs Araminta, then he did in defeating Artanus. After this anſwer, the Herald departed, and the princeſs being at liberty to condole with me; Well Heſionida (ſaid ſhe unto me) what do you now think of Spitridates? I think that he is come to releaſe you Madam (ſaid I unto her) and I cannot ſuſpect that he deſires to have you in his own power, but in the power of Arſamones: Servitude is not the way to liberty, replied ſhe, and very few Lovers uſe to releaſe thoſe they love by ſuch extraordinary wayes: But Madam, replied I, as the caſe is, what would you have Spitridates do? I know not, anſwered ſhe and ſighed, but I am ſure I would not be brought under the power of him who is the ruiner of my family; yet Heſionida, I have no reaſon to complain againſt fortune, but rather give her thanks, ſince ſhe has done all ſhe can to give me cauſe of excluding that tenderneſs which I kept in my heart for Spitridates, becauſe he is ſon unto the declared enemy of the King my Brother. I ſhould never [...]nd Sir, if I ſhould relate all what the Princeſs ſaid, and all that Spitridates thought upon the return of the Herald; for ſince he durſt not ſend any obliging meſſage, leſt he ſhould render himſelf ſuſpected, he perceived by her anſwer that ſhe did not think he diſſembled when he tranſacted with her as an enemy; yet had he ſome conſolation, that the Commanders of Artanus his Army did obey her, and that it was her ſelf only with whom he was to treat; ſo that changing his opinion, he call'd a Councel of War the next day; where he declared that there was no great honor to be got by forcing a Town which was kept and defended only by a princeſs, but that it were expedient, firſt to uſe all endeavours to reduce it otherwiſe, before it came to open [...]orce; ſo that to ſave blood, and the King his fathers forces, and alſo to carry the matter handſomely with a woman, [Page] he did reſolve to ſend and deſire to ſpeak with her: The Major part of Officers, who began to love Spitridates, principally Intaphernes, did approve of his deſign, and there was none who did oppoſe it but that Lievtenant General, of whom I ſpake, and he did moſt violently oppoſe it, as afterwards we came to know; but do what he could, ſince the plurality of voices carried it, he was forced to ſubmit, and Spitridates had his deſire.

He ſent then the ſecond time unto the Princeſs by one who was very faithful and truſty, with orders moſt humbly to beſeech her that he might have the honor to ſpeak with her, before he was forced to make any attempts againſt her; he commanded him to tell her, that he conjured her by the glorious name and memory of the Prince Sinneſis not to deny this favour, and that ſhe would be pleaſed to believe that he is and ever will be the ſame Spitridates which once ſhe knew him. This meſſenger received this order in private, but he ſpoke in publike before all the Captains with leſs tenderneſs, and more ſharply: Might he have followed the humour of his paſſion, he would never have thought upon the ſecurity of his perſon, but would have entred into the Town, and not ſo much as deſired her to engage her word; but ſince he was not abſolutely his own Maſter, and not to render himſelf ſuſpected by his own party, he beſeeched her ſhe would be pleaſed to come unto one ſide of the wall, which was not very high, where he might with conveniency ſpeak unto her. Theſe, Sir, were the orders which the Envoy of Spitridates received, whoſe coming was a great joy unto me, as well as to the Princeſs, who then began to hope ſhe had been deceived in her opinion of that Prince; yet ſhe was ſo ſurprized at his meſſage, that ſhe took two hours time before ſhe would return an anſwer; and to colour the matter, ſhe aſſembled all the Officers into a Councel, though it was with me reſolved upon what courſe to follow; I ſaw ſome joy in her eyes, which ſpoke her hopes that this Prince was not ſo culpable as ſhe believed him; and I perceived alſo that ſhe was reſtleſs, and knew not whether ſhe ſhould ſee him, or not ſee him: Seeing her in this anxiety, I told her ſhe was too blame in making any doubt of the matter: Ah, Heſionida, replied ſhe, It is not ſo eaſie a matter to determine, for if Spitridates come as an ambitious Prince, who prefers the poſſeſſion of two Crowns before me, I ought not to ſee him, ſince it would be to no purpoſe: But if on the contrary he be the ſame he was, yet ought I not to ſee him, ſince it is impoſſible I ſhould be the ſame to him I have been heretofore; and the ſtate of things being changed, I ought to change my thoughts alſo? therefore Heſionida, I muſt in reaſon conclude, that it is not expedient for me to ſee him; yet notwithſtanding if they counſell me to ſee him, then I will, and if I find him innocent I ſhall not hate him: If he be innocent, Madam, (ſaid I unto her) you would be very unjuſt to withdraw your affection from him, and which way ſoever I look upon the buſineſs, I find it expedient for you to ſee him, for though he be your enemy, yet as the caſe is with you now, you muſt have recourſe unto his clemency; and if he be your lover and adorer, then ought you to accept his ſervices, and rely upon his generoſity and love: The truth is, Sir, I found it no great difficulty to perſwade the Princeſs unto a parley with him; but ſince my expectations from this enterview were very great, ſo it might be in ſuch a place where they might ſpeak together with freedom, I told the Princeſs, that it would be much better if ſhe met Spitridates upon the middle of the Bridg, which ſtands over that river that runs under the walls of the Town. After the Princeſs had well conſulted, and ſince all the Officers could not foreſee any happy iſſue of this ſiege, but by ſome advantageous capitulation, and alſo ſince they ſaw no hopes of any relief, they adviſed her to ſee Spitridates, and ſhe cauſed him whom the Prince had ſent to come unto her, to tell him that ſhe conſented unto the deſire of his Maſter, commanding one of her Captains to ſhew him the place where ſhe deſired this meeting might be the next morning, and alſo to inſtruct him in ſuch orders as ſhould be obſerved, and during which time there ſhould be a ceſſation of all hoſtility. After this meſſenger had viewed the Bridg, and returned to his Maſter, who approved of the alteration of place, the reſt of the day and night following was imployed in preparations for this enterview, and making the place fit, which indeed was a moſt glorious ſight: As the river was great, the Bridg over it was alſo very large and ſtately, ſo that it contributed much unto the magnificence of this buſineſs; for juſt over the middle Arch were Liſts made ready, and covered with rich Sidonian Tapiſtry; over the head was a rich and ſtately Pavilion, truſſed up on two ſides with golden ſtrings, or to let down if the Sun did offend; ſo that the next morning Spitridates, who was all joy, in hopes to ſee the princeſs, did not ſail of his time, after he had drawn up all his forces into Batalia, in ſight of the Town, and cauſed five hundred foot, and two hundred horſe only to advance with him to the end of the Bridg. The princeſs on the other ſide commanded, that all the walls ſhould be well lined with ſouldiers, and with the like number of horſe and foot came [Page] to the other end of the Bridg: She no ſooner knew that Spitridates was come, but ſhe prepared to meet him, and that ſo fair, as I was aſtoniſhed at the mixture of ſo much melancholy, and ſo much beauty together: Since the Sun was not likely to annoy, I moved her women to dreſs her as ſhe was uſed when ſhe went to hunt at Heraclea, which was with a waving Plume over her head, to caſt a ſhadow upon her face. The Princeſs being thus dreſſed, went unto the end of the Bridg, and waited upon by all her women, and Commanders in her Army: as ſoon as ſhe appeared, Spitridates advanced, being waited upon by the like number; The princeſs came to the Bars, and went under the pavilion, under which we were alſo, but at a diſtance behind her: Spitridates did wear the lovelieſt Sute of Arms upon earth, and in ſpite of his melancholy, his garb was ſo high, and his Air ſo ſprightly and delighting, that I never ſaw him more glorious then that day; as ſoon as he eſpied the Princeſs afar off he ſaluted her with much reverence, and both of them meeting at the Bars at the ſame time, all the men of both ſides remaining under their Colours and Arms, Spitridates did bow down to the very ground, and ſhe returned him her complement very civilly: Afterwards, beginning diſcourſe, When I ſent unto you Madam, (ſaid he unto her) to beg the honour of treating with you, I never had any intentions of coming to capitulate with you, but in all humility I come to receive your commands, and to render you an account of a tedious Exile, of my return, and of what I do at this preſent: Indeed, Divine Princeſs, if the actions of the King my Father, have not rendred me unworthy of your ear, I am come to give you an account of my life paſt, and to hear from your own mouth what it muſt be for the future: Since I hear you ſay ſo, (anſwered the Princeſs) I begin to think you are the very ſame Spitridates whom the late King my Father made choice of, for his alliance; who was ſo well beloved by the Prince Si [...]eſis, and ſo really eſteemed by the unfortunate Araminta; I begin to think, I ſay, that you are the ſame Spitridates, who for the love of me endured two impriſonments, with high generoſity, and who expreſſed an hundred ſignes of a moſt conſtant affection: But yet when I look upon this Bar, and all theſe Souldiers about you, then I do confeſs, me thinks, you do not look like the ſame Spitridates I ſpeak of: but I look upon you as the Son of Arſamones: that is, a mortal enemy to the King my Brother.

Oh Madam, cryed he out, if it be your pleaſure to know what I am, I beſeech you hear; and look not upon that which may ſeduce your reaſon, and may make me paſs in your opinion for what I am not: I do confeſs, Madam, that if I did not infinitely and beyond all expreſſions love you, I ſhould think my father had ſome reaſon to take poſſeſſion of that Crown which was ſurreptitiouſly taken from off his head: yet ſince he cannot do it but by the ruine of your houſe, I ſhall look upon him (in ſpite of all conſiderations of ambition or nature) as an Uſurper of his own Kingdom; and all this becauſe my love to you has taken the whole poſſeſſion of my heart. You know, ſaid the Princeſs unto him, that Arſamones is not content with his own, but the Kingdom of Pont is now in his hands as well as the Kingdom of Bythinia: ſo that though his war were juſt in the getting of the one, yet it was moſt unjuſt in the getting of the other: I do confeſs it, Madam, ſaid he unto her, but if it may be permitted a Lover, to ſpeak ſomething in excuſe of his father, I ſhould then ſay, that ſince ambition and revenge nevernſe to keep within thoſe limits which reaſou and juſtice preſcribe unto them; it is no wonder if an injured and an ambitious Prince do not act altogether according to the rules of natural equity: But Madam, loving you as I do, I will never approve of the act: I confeſs alſo that the King my Father is injurious; that he deſerves the name of a cruel enemy, and that I am the ſon of an Uſurper: But Madam, you may remember, if you pleaſe, that when I began firſt to adore you, you were then, if I dare ſay it, in the ſame condition which I am now, and I then as you are now; for as the King my Father has taken the Kingdom of Pontus from your houſe, ſo likewiſe your Father held the Kingdom of Bythinia from mine: yet for all that, Madam, I ſhall love and adore you, and though you be the daughter of an Uſurper, (be it ſpoken without any irreverence unto that honour I owe you) yet I do for ever devote my ſelf unto your ſervice. I do wiſh unto the Gods with all the deſires of my ſoul, that the ſtate of things did ſtand upon the ſame terms they did: that I were ſtill a Subject unto your Brother; and that it were then permitted me to hope for the ſame which now I do. Your very long abſence, replied the Princeſs, did doubtleſs work ſome change in your mind, otherwiſe your baniſhment, notwithſtanding my enjoyning it, would not have been ſo long; when Spitridates heard her make that objection, he then told in ſhort, the cauſe of his departure from Paphlagonia: the cheat of Artanus: his diſpair when he believed her perfidious; his voyages, his return, and his extream ſorrows to bear of all the victories which his Father had obtained, and that ſhe was in the power of his Rival: And now Madam, (ſaid he unto her, at the concluſion [Page] of his relation) you know not what the life of unfortunate Spitridates hath been: he loved ever, even when the King your Father detained that Kingdom unto which he [...] pretend for a ſhare, and he adored you even then when he believed you to be [...] lamented all his fathers victories; he grieved at the Cor queſt of two Kingdoms [...] preferred the condition of your Slave, before the glorious Title of a King; and [...] and ever will adore you, be you unjuſt, or as incenſed as you will againſt him: [...] devoted unto you, that there is nothing which he will not attempt for you: Yes [...] you ſhould command me any thing but to turn my Arms againſt the King my Father, [...] do it: and truly if you ſhould be ſo unjuſt as to command that, I know not whether [...] [...]e were able to ſtand out long or no: Now, after all this Madam, can you believe [...] [...]e? I took up Arms, 'tis true, but it was only to kill Arta [...]us, and force you out of [...] I carry them ſtill I confeſs: but how could I have come to have known your pleaſu [...] I had ſeemed your enemy? Therefore Madam, ſince I am only unfortunate, and not [...] pable, you would be moſt unjuſt if you ſhould change your opinion of me. Though you [...] ly perſwaded me of your innocency, replied the Princeſs, yet are you not nearer [...] neſs: for truly, Spitridates, true generoſity will never allow me, to preſerve ſo pu [...] ction as that which I retain for you, ſince you are ſon unto a declared enemy of the King [...] Brother: for conſider, I pray you, in what a deplorable condition is that Prince, [...] flouriſhing Kingdoms which once he had, has not but one poor Ship in his power, and [...] more in the power of unconſtant winds and waves, then in his own; and would [...] me Spitridates to ſurrender my ſelf without any conditions? and can you think [...] Arſamones would conſent) ſit upon that Throne which belongs not to me, whil [...] my Brother who his moſt right unto it, is toſſed upon the waves, and languiſhing [...] ble exile? Oh, no no, I never will, and if you think it, you eſteem me but a little [...] me not at all: I have eſteemed you, I do confeſs, and do ſtill very much: and if [...] too weak to expreſs, think upon one more obliging for your ſatisfaction, and [...] unto it: but yet for all that, though my heart be the ſame unto you, that it was [...] yet I cannot comply with you, but as with the Son of mine enemy; therefore Spitri [...] theſe two things muſt neceſſarily be done; either move the King your Father to con [...] ſelf with the Kingdom of Bythinia, and reſtore the Kingdom of Pontus, or elſe you reſolve never to have this place but by violence and force, or at the leaſt, upon ſuch Capi [...]ulations, as ſhall permit me to go whither I ſhall hear the King my Brother is: for I do peremptorily declare my ſelf, that you ſhall never put me into the hands of Arſamones, and there is nothing which I will leave unattempted, rather then I will ſubmit unto that: I know very well that the Queen Arbiana, and the Princeſs Ariſtea would protect me: but I know withall, that all Aſia would ſuſpect me for either treachery, or weakneſs, which I am not capable of: therefore Spitridates never endeavour to make me change my thoughts, for it will be abſolutely in vain: and if there be any memory of the Prince Sinneſis yet remaining in you, promiſe me that you will never bring me under the power of Arſamones, if fortune ſhould reduce me into yours. I will promiſe you any thing, Madam, replied he, upon condition you will promiſe me not to hate Spitridates, if he be not able to compaſs all your deſires. The Gods do know, that if I were abſolute Maſter of two Kingdoms, you, and only you, ſhould be the ſole diſpoſer of them: and I ſhould without the leaſt murmur conſent unto the loſs of the Bythinian Crown once again, rather then I would in the leaſt diſpleaſe you. But alas, Madam, they are not in my power, the King my Father is in poſſeſſion, and all I can do is to imploy the Queen my mother, and the Princeſs my Siſter to perſwade him: for my part, if I ſhould quit the Army, I ſhould then fear he would not permit me to return, and ſo I ſhould diſable my ſelf from being inſeperably devoted unto your fortunes, as my intentions are: But Madam, dare I be ſo bold as to tell you, that if Spitridates were as deeply rooted in your heart as he might be, you would not tranſact thus with him? You would then leave the conduct of things unto the Gods, and wait their happy time for the re-eſtabliſhment of the King your Brother: nor would you then reject a Prince who for you has ſuffered priſons, baniſhments, and all imaginable miſeries; and who may hereafter make you change a priſon for a Throne, and bring you into a condition to give a Crown unto the King of Pontus: Not Madam, but that I am reſolved to obey you moſt exactly, but becauſe I foreſee into what a miſerable extreamity I ſhall be reduced. I do not intend to impoſe any poſſibilities upon you, replied the Princeſs, ſomething more mildly, and therefore, if you cannot obtain theſe my deſires, I ſhall ſurrender up the Town, upon condition that I may be conducted unto what place I ſhall chuſe to go unto: and if that cannot be obtained, then aſſure your ſelf I will bury my ſelf under the ruines [Page] of the Ramparts, whileſt you enjoy the pleaſant fruits of your fathers Conqueſts, and making love ſubmit unto ambition, by forgetting the Princeſs Araminta, you become as happy as I am miſerable. Ah cruel Lady, ſaid he unto her, I ſhall make it appear that I am not capable of any ſuch thoughts: No, no, Madam, you ſhall never ſee Spuridates happy as long as you are miſerable; nor will he ever be a King, until you be in a con [...]tion to be a Queen, and this I ſolemnly proteſt before the Gods who hear me: But I beſeech you, Madam, promiſe me this at the leaſt, that when I have abandoned all the world for you, you w [...]ll be pleaſed to let me follow and participate of your deſtinies, and that I may never leave you. The Princeſs was ſo moved at the expreſſions of Spi [...]es, that ſhe repented her ſelf that ſhe had in perplexed him; I will believe, ſaid ſhe unto him, that all your thoughts are generous, and I will promiſe you, not to ſuſpect your fidelity: and be perſwaded of this, that though I act as your enemy in many things, yet you ſhall be ſtill the ſame in my heart that ever you were: yet for all this, I muſt tel you, that in all likelihood we ſhall not agree. Oh Madam, ſaid he, that language is ſo cruel, as it moves me to part with my life, and ſo neither take your part, nor turn Arms againſt them I command: I am not of ſo violent a temper as you, replied ſhe; and as I do not intend to do any thing unworthy of my ſelf, ſo I do not expect or deſire any thing from you, which ſhall be diſhonourable for you: Therefore without any more unprofitable complaints, ſaid ſhe, and ſighed, I advice you to go back, Spitridates, and endeavour to induce Arſamones unto ſome reaſon: let thoſe whom you imploy, tell him, that the beſt expedient to preſerveth Kingdom of Bythinia, (which is his right) in peace; is to reſtore the Kingdom of Pontus, which is not his right: Go Spitridates, and tranſact with all your ingenuity, both for your ſatisfaction, and mine: And if you cannot induce Arfammes unto it, yet yet however remember that you preſerve my liber [...], if you deſire to preſerve your life.

Spitridates was ſo troubled at theſe words, as he hardly knew now [...]o [...]n [...]wer: Why Madam, ſaid he; would you have me leave you? Becauſe it is not convenient, anſwered ſhe: And let me tell you once more Spitridates, becauſe I deſire to die in liberty: And let me tell you once again Madam, ſaid he, and interrupted her, That I deſire to die your ſlave. I is not for thoſe who are happy, replied ſhe, to deſire death: Nor is it for thoſe who are unfortunate, ſaid he, to deſire life; and therefore Madam, if I cannot alter either the mind of the King my fathers, or yours, though I ſhould ſet you at liberty, yet ſhould I expect nothing but my grave: Since your life is and ever ſhall be, moſt dear unto me, anſwered ſhe, I deſire you ſhould preſerve it: But Spitridates once wore I adviſe you to retire, and tell your Captains that which I ſhall tell mine, which is, that you cannot give an anſwer unto my Propoſitions, before you have ſent unto the King your father: Your wits are at ſo much liberty Madam, replied he, that I perceive your heart is not over-deeply engaged: Since you have ſo great a ſoul, replied ſhe, this anſwer is not becoming you, but Spitridates, I will pardon you, and wiſh you would not think as you ſeem to do of me: In ſaying ſo, ſhe bowed unto him, and went away, agreeing firſt, that there ſhould be a ceſſation of Arms, until the anſwer of Arſamones was received; for my part I never ſaw a more lamentable parting, Spitridates was as pale as if death were in his face; the Princeſs for all her high ſoul, ſeemed ſo dejected at that inſtant, as it might well have been a cordial unto the Prince, had he been able to have diſcerned the ſadneſs of her eyes. He looked after her as long as he could, but ſo P [...]anet-ſtruck, that he knew not what he ſaw: When the Princeſs was gone ten or twelve paces from the Bar, I ſtepped to him: Sir, ſaid I, Fortune offers you a good occaſion to uſe your generoſity: Fortune, anſwered he, may be more propitious unto me in the favour of Heſionida, who may do me many good offices to the Princeſs Araminta: I ſhall do all I can Sir, ſaid ſhe, and retired, but in the mean time do you all you can. This was ſpoke ſo low and quickly, that none could hear or take any notice of it: And preſently after we went back to the Town, in which we no ſooner were, but Spitridates, ſince he could not ſee the Princeſs any longer, took horſe, and retired to his company: He told what ſhe appointed him unto his Officers, and not to loſe any time, he made choice of one Democlides to ſend unto Arſamones. This man was one of an excellent wit, and who loved the prince extreamly, ſo that he could not make a b [...]tter choice; and that he might the better underſtand all his thoughts, he related all the paſſages of his life unto him: He gave him a Letter unto the Princeſs his Mother, and another unto the Princeſs his Siſter: He writ alſo unto the King his father withall imaginable ſubmiſſion, he forget nothing, which might probable induce him to be contented with the Reconqueſt of his own Kingdom, with the uſurpation upon the Kingdom of another: He inſtructed Democlides with all the ſubtil and politique Maximes expedient for his negotiation, and to perſwade Arſamones, that it were better to poſſeſs one Kingdom in peace, then to have two upon terms of war. Whilſt [Page] Spitridates was diſpatching this Captain, the Princeſs was exceedingly grieved, and almoſt wiſhed that ſhe had not ſpoken unto him in ſo obliging a manner: Sometimes again, ſhe was very glad ſhe was not deceived in her choice, and that ſhe had no cauſe to repent her ſelf for loving Spitridates; but yet theſe moments of conſolation were very rare [...] for when ſhe conſidered the preſent condition of her fortune, and looked upon the future, ſhe found ſo many ſad objects of ſorrow, that all hopes were as far from her ſoul, as from the princes, who ſince the departure of Democlides was full of unquiet thoughts and fears, not to obtain any thing from Arſamones; and indeed his apprehenſions were not without cauſe, for all the perſwaſive arguments which the Queen and Princeſs could uſe, would not move the new King of Bythinia: This excellent Princeſs imployed all thoſe who had moſt prevalency with him, but all in vain. Democlides uſed all his politique arguments wherewith he was inſtructed, but could not perſwade more then the reſt; the tears of the Princeſs Ariſtea would not move him; but he anſwered them that moved him, generouſly to reſtore the Kingdom of Pontus unto them it belonged, that when he and his had enjoyed the Crown of Pontus as long as the Father and the Grandfather of this King had enjoyed the Kingdom of Bythinia, then perhaps there would be ſome juſtice in the reſtitution demanded: I have (ſaid he) gotten it by more legitimate and honorable wayes, then they uſurped ours; and it is but juſt, that they who have thus long fettered others, ſhould take their turn, and bear thoſe fetters themſelves, that they may experimentally know the miſeries of ſervitude; and therefore it is my poſitive pleaſure, that Spitridates aſſiſt me in taking this Town wherein the Princeſs Araminta is, otherwiſe I ſhall let him know, that he who has not the heart and courage of a King, ſhall never be my Succeſſor; but treating him as a Slave, I will caſt him into priſon with the Princeſs Araminta, whom he loves above his own honor: Democlides, according to the inſtructions of Spitridates, did put him in memory of what he ſaid unto the Prince his ſon, in the ſhip as they departed from Heraclea, how he then ſaid he would not oppoſe his marriage with this Princeſs: I remember it very well, ſaid he, but when I ſaid ſo, it was with this condition, that he ſhould go in the head of an Army to conquer two Kingdoms, and ſave me that labour; but ſince he has not performed the condition, tell him, that as it was then diſhonorable for the Princeſs Araminta to marry the ſon of a Slave, ſo now at this time it is a ſhame for him to marry a Siſter of a conquered uſurper, and the ſlave of Arſamones, as e're long ſhe ſhall be; therefore tell him from me, that within theſe few dayes I will come unto the Camp my ſelf; and becauſe it will grieve him too much to captivate her whom he values above two Crowns, let him attempt nothing againſt Cabira until I come my ſelf, bid him endeavour to overcome himſelf, or otherwiſe he ſhall know the difference between a Scepter and a priſon. You may imagine Sir, how ſadly Democlides carried this anſwer. The Queen did write unto the prince her ſon to comfort him, the princeſs Ariſtea did the like; But oh heavens, how in vain were all conſolations? Democlides underſtood at his coming away from Heraclea, that Arſamones ſent orders unto the Liev [...]enant General his Confident, that he ſhould keep a vigilant eye upon Spitridates; and I underſtood afterwards by this Democlides, that the deſpair of Spitridates was ſo great when he received this rigid anſwer from the King his father, as it was likely to have coſt him his life; yet was he very deſirous of the whole truth; and though Democlides had a deſire to have ſweetned the anſwer in the relation, yet he durſt not, becauſe the King did ſpeak it ſo publikely before all the world, that Spitridates would certainly have known it by others, and then he had juſt cauſe of complaint againſt Democlides for concealing the truth, ſince it was that anſwer upon which he intended to ground all his reſolutions. What (ſaid he, after he had underſtood it) does the King my father intend that the princeſs Araminta ſhall be his ſlave? and that ſhe who deſerves a hundred Crowns, ſhall wear fetters? No, no, Spitridates cannot ſuffer it, or at the leaſt will attempt all wayes poſſible to releaſe this incomparable and unfortunate princeſs. Do you not admire Democlides, ſaid he, at the ſtrange blindneſs of men? The King my Father has all his life complained againſt Uſurpers, and now he is become one himſelf purpoſely to make me unhappy; he, who if he pleaſe, may get unto himſelf immortal glory, and make me the happieſt man alive, whereas now he makes me the moſt miſerable. For Democlides to have got two Kingdoms, and to keep that only which he hath a right unto; and generouſly to reſtore the other, and then to beſtow the Princeſs Araminta upon me, theſe would be things which all after ages would ſpeak on with admiration; yet ſince he will not, indeed he will force me to forſake his intereſts, though he be my Father, and my King: I muſt abſolutely diſobey him, and be all the reſt of my life the moſt miſerable Prince upon earth: But the greateſt wonder is, Sir, that though ambition could never prevail againſt his love, yet his [...]ve did never exceſſively tranſport him againſt the King his Father: But maugre the violence [Page] of all his ſorrows, he began to contrive ways of releaſing the Princeſs, eſpecially ſince he newly received intelligence from the Princeſs Ariſtea his Siſter, that the King would be in the Army within theſe few days. He alſo perceived, that the Orders unto the Lieutenant General were very vigilantly obſerved: but do what he could, Spitridates was ſo adored by the Commanders, and Souldiers, that he could not bring about his deſigne. To be ſhort, Spitridates did publickly ſend unto the Princeſs, to tell her, that the King his Father had not yet returned an anſwer unto her propoſitions, and that within a few days he would come himſelf, and bring the anſwer. Mean while, after he had conſulted with Democlides how to releaſe the Princeſs, he commanded him to get into the Town diguiſed like a Peaſant, which during the ceſſation was no great difficulty: and that he ſhould go unto the Caſtle, and enquire for me, which accordingly he did: He delivered a Note unto me from Spitridates; the contents whereof was, That I ſhould give credit unto what Democlides ſhould tell me: ſo then, after he had delivered it unto me in private, he acquainted me with the ill ſucceſs of his voyage, with the deſpair of Spitridates, and his reſolution to releaſe the Princeſs, with the orders that he had taken about it: he told me further, that the Troops which were under his particular Command, were quartered all along the River ſide; That our beſt courſe would be to come out of the Town in the night by boat, and unto that place where his Troops would wait for us, and be our convoy unto Sea, which was not above fifty furlongs further, and that he had taken order for a Ship at the next Port: he t [...]ld me further, that to move the Princeſs the more to truſt her ſelf with him, Spitridates would firſt let her ſee, he truſted her; therefore, ſaid he, if the Princeſs pleaſe to give orders for one of the Gates which ſhe ſhall name unto me, to let him enter, he will be there at midnight with one page only, and no more. You may be ſure, Sir, that I went in all poſſible haſte unto the Princeſs, and carried Democlides with me. Though the news was but a ſubject of aſtoniſhment and ſorrow, yet to what purpoſe is complaints where there is no remedy? and therefore it was reſolved upon to depart the very next night. Since all her women, were placed about her by Artanus, we cared not for carrying them with us: and ſince all her Captains had once been her enemies, ſhe hardly knew whether ſhe ſhould truſt any of them, but ſince they had teſtified much affection unto her, ſince the death of Artanus, ſhe was unwilling to abandon them, and leave them in the lurch unto the victory of her enemies; yet upon more conſideration ſhe conceived it beſt not to carry any of them with her, and that the Officers being Maſters of the Town, they might make honourable conditions for themſelves when they pleaſed: Therefore the reſolution was to confide in none of them, but ſuch as were neceſſary for the buſineſs; to wit, that Spitridates might enter, and we go out; But, Sir, I have already ſo treſpaſſed upon your patience by the length of my relation, as I muſt tell you in ſhort, that I took ſuch order with two Captains, as they were wholly devoted to ſerve the Princeſs in any thing whatſoever. About midnight, Spitridates ſtole undiſcerned out of the Army, after he had left one Letter for Arſamones, and another for the Princeſs Ariſtea, and entered into the Town; Democlides conducted him unto the Princeſs Chamber: and kneeling down, Madam, (ſaid he unto her) are you ſo generous as to ſuffer the ſon of your enemy to throw himſelf at your feet? and will you be pleaſed to receive your liberty from that Prince whoſe Father would make you a Slave? Liberty (ſaid ſhe unto him, and firſt deſired him to riſe) is ſo ſecret, that one would take it from their moſt mortal enemy; but Spitridates, it is not juſt I ſhould purchaſe mine with the loſs of yours: It is enough for me to eſcape out of the tyranny of your Father, without engaging you to ſhare in my misfortunes: Therefore, do not charge your ſelf with my eſcape; ſeem to be ſorry for it; return unto the Camp, and live happily whileſt I ſeek out ſome blind corner of the world to hide my tears, and my misfortunes in. Can you Madam, give ſuch counſel unto a man whom you have promiſed to honour with your eſteem? And indeed, how eſteem him if he ſhould be ſo unworthy as to take it? No, no, Divine Princeſs, either you care not what you ſay, or elſe you ſay this only to make trial of my conſtancy: But ſince we have no time to ſpend, I beſeech you, Madam, let us depart, and when we have once taken Ship, then may you command what courſe we ſhall ſteer: as for my part, I am reſolved to wait upon you over all the world: The Princeſs did a while refuſe it, though it was but in appearance: at laſt, I interceded, and ſaid unto her, I beſeech you determine ſome way or other, the time is almoſt paſt, and Spitridates perhaps would be more in danger with his Father, then with you; and Democlides tells me, that all things are ready for our departure.

In concluſion Sir, Spitridates preſented his hand unto the Princeſs: we got happily out of the Caſtle, and Town, accompanied only with the Prince, the page he brought, Democlides, and the two Captains, which were of the plot, and ſo took boat: Never was flight more [Page] proſperous then this, for we met with no obſtacle: The Troops which Democlides commanded, guarded us to the Sea: and Spitridates having cauſed a Bridg to be broke in the night, by which other Quarters had communication with Democlides, ſo that we were very ſafe all the way: Democlides did not expoſe his ſouldiers unto any danger, for they acted according to his orders, and it is not for ſouldiers to examine the Commands of their ſuperiour Officers, but were bound to obey without any diſpute, and therefore they ran no hazard. In concluſion, we came to the Ship, which waited for us, and we imbarqued, not yet knowing whither to go; not thinking upon any thing but how to avoid the danger of falling into the power of Arſamones. When we were once in the open Sea, Spitridates came unto the Princeſs Cabin; Madam, ſaid he unto her, you are now at liberty, and there is none here who are not moſt willing to obey you: Whither is it your pleaſure we ſhould ſteer our courſe? This queſtion brought tears from the eyes of the Princeſs, for when ſhe could not find any place in the world wherein ſhe had any power, ſhe could not chuſe but fall into apprehenſions of ſorrow; yet recollecting her memory, ſhe told him, how ſhe heard that the King her Brother when he went from Heraclea, did deſigne for Cappadocia, and to offer himſelf unto Ciaxares to deliver his daughter, with intentions to demand ſome aid from you: and ſhe ſaid, that ſhe could not think upon any other place of ſafety but that: then Spitridates told her, how he heard the day before from a ſouldier which came from that Army, that the Princeſs Mandana had ſuffered ſhipwrack, and was drowned, and that certainly the King of Pont was not with Ciaxares; the Princeſs then not knowing either what to ſay or do, in concluſion reſolved, to get far enough off from Pontus, and Bythinia, and to make towards Cappadocia, to try whether what the ſouldier ſaid was true. All that night, and the next day, we ſteered that way, and towards evening a violent ſtorm did ariſe, which laſted all the night following: at laſt we were almoſt gravelled in a Bank of ſand, but by good fortune we eſcaped the danger without any hurt to the Ship: There we ſaw the Sea even almoſt covered with abundance of ſhipwrack, and neer a Rock cloſe by us, ſome men that were dead, and ſome in whom there was ſome life: It was a large while before we could put out a little boat to help any of theſe miſerable men, becauſe the Tempeſt was yet very high, but after a little calm we took two of them up, who did yet breath, and one of them I knew to be a Servant unto the King of Pontus: I no ſooner ſaw him, but I cried out, and calling him by his name, he turned his eyes towards me, and would have anſwered, but could not; It was apparent enough that he knew me, for he lifted up his hands towards Heaven, as if he did deplore the misfortune of the King his Maſter, and ſeemed aſtoniſhed to ſee me: whileſt I was buſie in applying ſuch things unto him as common humanity required, ſome or other did very inconſideratly advertiſe the Princeſs of this accident, who would needs come to ſee this unfortunate man: ſince it was ſhe who preferred him unto the King her Brother, he knew her voice as ſoon as he heard it, and when ſhe ſpoke unto him, he began to ſtrive with himſelf, and pronounced theſe words diſtinctly; Ah Madam, is it you? Yes, replied ſhe, but where is the King? In Armenia, ſaid he unto her, and ſent me to bring you—In ſpeaking theſe words he fell into a ſwound, and expired before he could end what he begun to ſpeak: The other man alſo who we brought into the Ship dyed ſpeechleſs alſo, and we could know no more: Then did we ſearch his clothes for Letters, and indeed did find one, but as ill luck was, the water had defaced all [...] the characters, except two or three by which the Princeſs knew it to be the hand of the King her Brother. This Encounter renewed all our ſorrows, and whileſt they were endeavouring to get this Ship from off this Bank of Sand, the Princeſs grieved exceedingly, not becauſe this man had been her ſlave, but becauſe he had ſomething to ſay unto her, and died before it could be known: In the mean while we got unto the open Sea, and the Princeſs deſired Spitridates to go into an Arm of the Sea not far off, where the Lower Armenia towards Pontus does border upon a little Province, which formerly was the Kings. It is a hard task Sir, to relate unto you, all the diſcourſe between Spitridates, and the Princeſs Araminta, during our Navigation: But in ſhort, they expreſſed themſelves unto each other in all the terms that love and vertue could invent: After we were come into this Arm of the Sea, we quitted our Ship: and Democlides, whom Spitridates had ordered to take money enough for a long voyage, when he came firſt from his Quarters, went unto the next Town to buy horſes, to carry us unto the River Euphrates; for as you know, this River divides the two Armenia's. Then was it put to the queſtion, what courſe Spitridates ſhould take when they came in Armenia: and it was a moſt pitiful ſtory unto him, when the Princeſs ſaid, that he muſt leave her; for I muſt confeſs unto you, ſaid ſhe unto him, that I dare not truſt too much unto the generoſity of the King my Brother, and though I do know him to be very generous, yet I will not adventure [Page] you in the power of a Prince who never loved you, eſpecially now, ſince you are ſon unto his enemy, and an enemy who hath taken two Kingdoms from him: Therefore Spitridates, ſince your vertue has preſerved me from falling into the hands of the King your Father, It befits me to preſerve you from the fury of the King my Brother: Alas, Madam, ſaid he, let not any conſiderations of my intereſt trouble you, nor hinder me from waiting upon you: for though the King your Brother ſhould treat me hardly, yet would I moſt willingly endure it for the love of you. I doubt it not at all, ſaid ſhe unto him, but however I deſire you ſhould only endure the miſeries of abſence for the love of me; for I cannot look upon you but with an eye of great eſteem, and I know that the King my Brother will not reliſh it, becauſe perhaps he will imagine that my complacency towards you proceeds from my hopes of two Kingdoms from Spitridates. But Madam, ſaid he unto her, whither would you have me go? Any whither, ſaid ſhe, where you may with ſafety to your perſon wait for a turn of fortune: and until the heart of the King your Father be molified. But Madam, replied he, ſince I moſt willingly forſake all for you, may you not di [...]penſe a little with that rigid Decorum which you obſerve in every th [...]ng? If you really love me, and think upon my paſſion and reſpects unto you, what ſorrows I have ſuffered; what impriſonments I have endured, and what exile I now undertake for you, I conceive you will permit me to live diſguiſed with you, or elſe to let us go and live together in ſome unknown place far from any acquaintance, where we may wait upon the pleaſure of the Gods, until ſuch times as I am in a capacity to reſtore one Crown unto the King your Brother, and preſent another unto you. What you now tell me, replied the Princeſs, is neither juſt nor honourable: for I ſhould thereby incenſe the mind of the King my Brother, and you the King your Father, and we ſhould expoſe our ſelves to a thouſand unprofitable miſeries. Then, ſuffer me, ſaid he, to go with you unto the King of Pontus, without any diſguiſement or baniſhment. Though he ſhould be in a diſpoſition to receive you favourably, anſwered ſhe, yet certainly it would be upon a condition that you ſhould bear Arms againſt the King your Father, which queſtionleſs you never will. nor will I adviſe you unto it; and therefore, Spitridates, of neceſſity you muſt leave me. Muſt I needs leave you, Madam, replied he in a ſad [...]one? Yes, ſaid ſhe, and if reaſon will not prevail with you, I will joyn my prayers and commands unto it. And however, you may be ſure of this advantage, that as my fortunes are, you need fear no Rivals. Ah Madam, cried Spitridates, in taking away of Crowns, they have not taken away your unparalled beauty, nor your incomparable mind, which has not a ſecond in vertue: Therefore, Madam, I muſt always doubt it, eſpecially knowing that the King your Brother will be continually exaſperating you againſt me. Look not upon Spitridates, I beſeech you, Madam, as the ſon of an Uſurper, but as a Prince who will never be King, till he can reſtore one Crown unto the King your Brother, and another preſent unto you: I have already ſaid it, and I repeat it again: you Madam, ſhall either raign, and your Brother too, or elſe I will not: and therefore, you may if you pleaſe, be ſo juſt at the leaſt, as to give him ſome aſſurance of your affection, who has conſecrated every minute of his life unto you: Do not, I beſeech you, baniſh me from you, before you aſſure me that I ſhall be entertained always in your heart, and that nothing can ever baniſh me from thence, for without this Madam, I cannot obey you. I will promiſe you, ſaid ſhe unto him to poſſeſs the King my Brother with your generoſity as much as I can; and will eternally remember the Commands of the dying Prince Sinneſis, and by conſequence keep my affection entirely for you, as long as I live. May I build upon this? ſaid this ſorrowful Prince, You may, replied ſhe, and I ſhould think my ſelf moſt unjuſt and ungrateful if I failed, ſince you are ſo generous, and ſince my affection is ſo pure and innocent, that it were a greater crime to reſiſt it, then preſerve it for you. I know not, Madam, whether I ſhould dare to tell you, that this is not enough. I know not, Spitridates, (ſaid ſhe, and interrupted him) whether I ſhould tell you, that I think it a little too much, and that you do me wrong to ſuſpect me, and complain. But Madam, replied he, what is it I beſeech you that you do for me? and what can I do more for you? You do every thing, anſwered ſhe, that I can deſire, I cannot deny it; but though I do nothing for you, yet I do all I can, or may be, more then I ought, and let that ſatisfie you. Oh Heavens! replied he, what do you do, my Divine Princeſs, which I can interpret unto my advantage? I ſhew you, anſwered ſhe, thoſe ſorrows which I cannot hide: you may ſee the thoughts of my ſoul in my eyes; and I permit you to think that my heart prefers you before all the world; and after this, Spitridates, what can you deſire more? and whether is it not more then the Princeſs Araminta ought to do for the Son of Arſamones? However, Spitridates, take heed leſt ambition be too prevalent with you during your abſence, ſince it is uſual to alter the ſouls of all men. To be ſure of that, replied he, do not baniſh me from you. I [Page] would I could not, anſwered ſhe, but it muſt be, and you muſt be gone: I ſhould be too tedious, Sir, if I ſhould repeat all this ſad conference, which truly on both ſides was ſo tender, ſo generous, and ſo full of ſorrow, that I who heard it wept; for the Princeſs deſiring, I was all the while preſent: It was in vain for Spitridates to uſe any arguments of d [...]ſſwaſion, for ſince we were got a good way into Armenia, and out of any fears of Arſamones, ſhe would needs have him leave her; and ſhe reſolved to go either into Cicilie, or Paphlagonia, and wait there for ſome alterations in fortune. He had a great deſire not to part until they certainly knew where the King her Brother was, but ſhe would not hearken to him, being much afraid leſt Spitridates ſhould fall into the hands of her Brother: So he obeyed her, but never was ſo ſad a ſeparation: he would needs have Democlides, and the two Captains, remain with her, and he keep none with him but his Page. I ſhall not relate every circumſtance of this ſad adieu, ſince the truth is, I cannot without tears, and ſo many teſtimonies of my weakneſs, as perhaps you will condemn me for it: But ſo it was Sir, that Spitridates departed the ſaddeſt man alive, and the Princeſs as melancholy as ever any in the world. Then we left the River Euphrates, and went towards Artaxates. Since the Princeſs did not know the intentions of the King her Brother, ſhe deſired not to be divulged for what ſhe was until ſhe had ſpoken with him, ſo that all the time of our travel we did not ſo ceremoniouſly render thoſe ho [...] which were her due. When we came to Artaxates, where we might eaſily conceal our ſ [...] by reaſon of its greatneſs, we were informed, that the King of Pontus had be [...]n [...] but every one told us he was not there at that time: The Princeſs could not believe it▪ [...] gined that the thing was known only amongſt the Grandees, and that for ſom [...] r [...]aſo [...] ſhe underſtood not, the King her Brother deſired to be received privately, and w [...] ceremony.

In concluſion, ſhe commanded Democlides, and the other two Captains, to be [...] tive to get true intelligence, that thoſe unto whom they addreſſed themſelves [...] for ſome d [...]e deſigne: Moreover, the Prince Phaartes, Brother unto [...] nes, and ſecond Son unto the King of Armenia, chancing accidentally to ſee [...] minta enter into a little dark Church whither we went early in a morning, he [...] b [...]a [...] his curioſity to know who that ſtranger was: for though our habits were after the [...] faſhion, he ſuppoſed ſhe was not an Artaxetian, becauſe he never heard her be [...] of: ſo that being extremly deſirous to know what ſhe was, and where ſhe dwelt, [...] one of his ſervants to follow her: He who was imyloyed in the buſineſs, having e [...] concerning us, told him, that we were people of ſome hidden deſigne, and that certain [...] Princeſs was one of great quality, though we had never ſpoke as much; and by his rep [...] this Prince was much more earneſt to know who ſhe was. At the ſame time time one of the King of Armenia's Grand-officers, who lodged near us, being informed by this Prince, that there was ſome diſguiſed people in Artaxates, who had ſome bad deſigne in agitation, and ſince all Aſia almoſt was in Arms, and knowing how he had incenſed the King of Med [...] by refuſing Tribute, he ſent unto us to know who we were: At the firſt, we diſſembled the truth, but ſince no credit was given unto us, and the Princeſs was in fear to expoſe herſelf unto ſome dangerous adventure, ſhe confeſſed all, and told them who ſhe was, and deſired to ſpeak with the King. But the King not being very well, he appointed the Prince Phaartes to go unto her, and to ſee what the matter was: Then went this Prince unto the Princeſs Araminta, whoſe beauty made a deep impreſſion upon his ſoul: She told him her quality, her condition, and her buſineſs; he without any difficulty believed her, and did aſſure her that the King her Brother came not unto that Court: He was exceedingly civil unto the Princeſs, and went in all haſte unto the King his Father, with intentions of moving him to treat her according to her quality: But the King who ever was of a ſuſpicious and covetous diſpoſition, had thoughts far different from the Prince his Sons; for he would not take any notice of her, leſt ſhe ſhould put him to ſome expences, and leſt he ſhould thereby incenſe a proſperous Prince, as Arſamones was, by protecting the Siſter of his enemy: ſo that notwithſtanding all the alliances between the Kings of Pontus, and the Kings of Armenia, he ſeemed as if he ſuſpected her, and commanded that ſhe, and all about her ſhould be ſecured: as afterwards I underſtood by one who was a Confident unto Phaartes: This young Prince did with all his power oppoſe the King his Fathers deſigne, but the King being deſirous not to have it publiſhed, charged the Prince his Son not to ſpeak of any thing which the Princeſs had ſaid unto him; intending doubtleſs to ſerve his own ends by it upon any occaſion, either by reſtoring her unto the King of Pontus, or unto Arſamones. The Prince Phaartes even deſperate at this injurious reſolution, did yet procure that we ſhould be brought into this Caſtle, with [Page] the two Captains who are here alſo: As for Democlides, the Princeſs had imployed him to go and enquire after news of the King her Brother, ſo that he was not taken as we were: You may eaſily imagine, Sir, the ſorrows of the Princeſs, when ſhe ſaw her Sanctuary was turned into a priſon, and when ſhe ſaw no poſſible means to get out without ſome extraordinary aſſiſtance from the Gods: Since then, Sir, we have been kept here, without any conſolation, but from the Prince Phaartes, who often did viſit the Princeſs; and indeed when you did take this Caſtle, his frequent viſits began to diſpleaſe; for contrary to the King his Fathers orders we were treated with ſo great a reſpect, that it was apparent he diſobeyed his Father and that love had took too deep an impreſſion in his ſoul. In the mean while we heard no news either of the King of Pontus, or Spitridates, or Democlides, nor heard we the King of Bythinia ſo much as talked on. This Sir, is the fortune of the Princeſs Araminta, unto whom, if you pleaſe, we will go, ſince I have no more to ſay, but to conjure you to protect her.

You need not move me unto that (wiſe and diſcreet Heſionida, replied Cyrus) which ſo many reaſons does invite me unto. The beauty, vertue, quality, and misfortune of this Princeſs, are arguments able to move the moſt inſenſible man alive to ſerve her, and therefore ſince you think it fit, let us go and tell her as much: for I can aſſure her, that her misfortunes are not greater then my deſires to be ſerviceable unto her: for though ſhe be a Siſter unto a Prince who is my Rival, and who detains from me that which is incomparably moſt dear unto me, yet ſhall I be as juſt unto her, as ſhe is unto Spitridates, who does not accuſe Spitridates for the ambition of his Father, but knows how to put a juſt difference, without any prejudicated opinion. After this Cyrus gave Heſionida thanks for her great pains, in relating unto him the ſtory of the Princeſs Araminta, and going unto the Chamber where ſhe was, he ſaluted her with extraordinary civility. Madam, ſaid he unto her, when I did viſit you before, I knew only your quality, your beauty, and ſome part of your mind; but now, ſince I underſtand the whole Story, and am acquainted with the height of your ſoul, your vertue, and your great misfortunes; I regard you with much more reverence and admiration, then before. The laſt of theſe whereof you ſpeak Sir, anſwered ſhe, and which is the only thing that I have any pretence unto you, does not uſually beget reſpect in the minds of men, but ſince you Sir, are none of the ordinary ſort, I muſt and ought to expect miracles from you. You may expect ſubmiſſion and ſervice, anſwered he, from all that are capable of reaſon. Then to let her know, that he hearkened unto her Story with an attentive ear; he repeated the moſt conſiderable paſſages of her misfortunes, and condoled them: Then did he exceedingly commend Spitridates, knowing that nothing is more obliging and pleaſing, then to hear the party loved well ſpoken of, and indeed he omitted nothing which was requiſite to comfort this great Princeſs, from whom alſo he hoped for ſome good office, whenſoever ſhe ſhould ſpeak with the King her Brother. After a thouſand expeſſions of reciprocal love from both ſides, he left her, and went to give neceſſary orders for matters of war. He was informed that Artaxates was very quiet, that all the Guards were very circumſpect, and that Hidaſpes, who was gone out towards the foot of the Mountains, unto which the King of Armenia was retreated, had intercepted many Carriages of Victual and Ammunition, which the Countrey would have carried unto the King: and afterwards retiring to his Chamber, he ſpent the reſt of the day in memory of his dear Princeſs: he wondred that Ciaxares came not up; he was vexed that he could not hear any thing of the Aſſyrian King; he was grieved that he could not know where Mandana was: and comparing the misfortune of the Princeſs Araminta with his own, though hers were great, yet he thought his more inſupportable. Then did he remember how Heſionida ſpoke of certain Perſian Merchants, which had ſeen Spitridates near ſhipwrack at Chalcedonia: Then did he conclude, that from thence did the reports of his death ariſe, ſince every one ſaid, there was ſuch a great reſemblance between the Prince and himſelf: and that ſince Spitridates had been in Perſia, and afterwards in Medea, from thence did ariſe all the reports of his reſurrection; and ſo his fancie paſſing from one thing to another, yet never forgetting to retain a pleaſing apprehenſion of his dear Princeſs, he paſſed away almoſt all the night without any ſleep at all, and he did think it not permittable, that he ſhould beſtow one minute of his life upon any thing whatſoever, that might exclude the paſſion which raigned in his heart.

The End of the Second Book.

ARTAMENES, OR CYRUS the GREAT. The Third Part.

[Page]

Book. III.

THe Sun no ſooner ſent out his firſt Rayes, but Cyrus had intelligence of ſome Troops which appeared upon the further ſide of the Plain, in the way towards Artaxates: Since it was not that way which Ciaxares was to come, nor had he received any intelligence of his Advance, he imagined that perhaps, it might be ſome relief going unto the King of Armenia: ſo that he took horſe, and went himſelf out to ſee who they were: he preſently diſpatched Orders unto all the Quarters of his Army to take heed of a ſurprize, and commanded them all to randezvous: then drawing out that Troop which was next him, he went out to obſerve the March of theſe unknown forces which appeared: he had no ſooner got upon a little hill, from whence one might diſcover all the Plain of Artaxates, from the bottom of the Chaldean Mountains as far as thoſe where the King of Armenia was, but he eſpied a far off ſome Troops, which ſeemed to make a halt, whileſt a party of about fifty horſes only were drawn out, and came directly towards the place where Cyrus was; he no ſooner obſerved that, but drawing out the like number of his own men under the Command of Aglatidas, he ſent them to know who they were: himſelf ſtaying in much impatience to obſerve what paſſed: ſince Aglatidas deſired nothing more then any occaſions to die honourably, he obeyed Cyrus with much joy: and after he had given ſome animating exhortations unto his men to fight gallantly, if there ſhould be any occaſion, he advanced towards them, who made towards him: when they were both of them within a flight ſhot one of another, and Aglatidas believing them for enemies, and prepared for fight, he ſaw that he who commanded this fifty horſe, did let fall the Point of his Javelin, in ſigne of peace, and cauſed all thoſe who followed him to do the like. Aglatidas being much amazed at this, kept his Javelin with his Reſt, and advanced to ſee who it was: Then the Commander in chief, of this ſuppoſed enemy, advanced himſelf alone in the poſture of one that would parley, and not fight: Aglatidas ſeeing this, ſent back thoſe which followed him, and letting the Point of his Javelin fall, he [...] went unto him, and ſaw him to be a man of a moſt admirable Garb, wearing the moſt glorious Arms that ever eye beheld, and mounted upon a moſt goodly horſe; they ſaluted one another very civilly, and afterwards this unknown Gallant, ſaid unto Aglatidas, Since I do not now come to fight with you, I pray do me the favour to conduct me unto your General; and if you think theſe fifty horſes be too many for my Guard, I will go ſingle with you upon your word: Your generoſity to truſt a man you know not, replied [Page] Aglatidas, doth let me ſee that I need not fear any thing, and takes away all diſtruſt of you, [...]nd therefore if you pleaſe, you may command your men to follow mine: In the mean while Cyrus was much aſtoniſhed to obſerve the paſſage, and could not poſſibly imagine the meaning of it: he was ſo unquiet at it, that he could not reſt any longer in that place, but advanced ſome forty or fifty paces, with a party of Officers and Voluntiers with extream curioſity. He ſaw afar off, that this ſtranger was very handſom: but being come nearer him, he was much more ſurprized to ſee it was the King of Aſſyria: This unexpected ſight did make him change colour, and brought a freſh luſtre into his face: and as for the King of Aſſyria, he no ſooner ſaw Cyrus, but he was alſo much moved: yet ſince they were both of them infinitely generous, after Aglatidas advanced to tell Cyrus, that this ſtranger whom he knew not, (for he had but only one glimpſe of him before upon the Tower of Sinope) deſired to be conducted to him; they ſaluted one another with much civility: and both of them lighting from their horſes, Cyrus ſince he was yet only the Son of a King, and the moſt civil of all men living, did render unto this King all the honours which could poſſibly be expected, as if he were yet the Maſter of Babylon, and a quiet Poſſeſſor of all Aſſyria. The King of Aſſyria did alſo pay all due civility unto Cyrus, as one that merited the Empire of all the world, and as one that was both his Deliverer, and Vanquiſher: And indeed, the complements from both were ſo high, that it was evident they ſtrived which ſhould excel in civility, and it was evident, eſpecially to ſuch as were acquainted with their intereſts, that their minds had not much tra [...] quility in them: There appeared ſuch a kind of fierceneſs in their eyes, as did diſcover the agitation of their ſouls, and ſuch a conſtrainedneſs in all their civilities, as plainly ſpoke them to be Rivals, and Enemies: After they were both alighted from their horſes, every one out of civility withdrew, and kept at a diſtance. Then (ſaid the King of Aſſyria) As I have not changed my mind, in changing my name of Philidaſpes, ſo I cannot think that you have changed your reſolution in ceaſing to be Artamenes: but that I ſhall find Cyrus to be the ſame Prince with whom I made Conditions on the top of the Tower in Sinope: I hope, I ſay, that we ſhall both of us go together in Queſt of our Princeſs; that we ſhall fight for her; that we ſhall releaſe her; and until then, we ſhall live together as if no difference were between; and then, in concluſion of all, I do expect that ſatisfaction from you which you promiſed, and that though your illuſtrious Arm has already vanquiſhed me, yet you will not refuſe to diſpute this laſt victory with me. You have reaſon to believe, replied Cyrus, that I ſhall punctually perform all my promiſes, and therefore you may think your ſelf as ſafe in the King of Medes Army, as if you were in the head of your own; for I am moſt certain, that Prince will never fail no more then I, in whatſoever he has promiſed. I am very ſenſible, replied the King of Aſſyria, that the Conquerour of Babylon may well think it ſtrange, that the ſame-Prince whom he hath vanquiſhed both in private and publick fight, who ows his life unto him, and who has no ſhare in the Princeſs Mandana's heart, ſhould, yet after all this contend for that prize which his Conquerour does deſerve, which he hath already conquered, and which ſhe hath beſtowed upon him: But yet Sir, love is all my argument: I love her, and you love her, there needs no more. And ſince love, not ambition, was the ground of our wars, to conquer Provinces, and Kingdoms only, is not an abſolute conqueſt; but it muſt be my death only which will compleat your victory, and permit you to enjoy the fruits of it without any moleſtation. Queſtionleſs, replied Cyrus, It was not ambition which ſpurred me up unto this war; and I wiſh with all my heart that you were Maſter of Babylon again, ſo the Princeſs Mandana had not been carried away: I wiſh that giddy fortune had never put me to the neceſſity of making my ſelf happy, by the ruins of ſo great a Prince as you: but ſince the caſe is upon theſe terms, let us think no more upon it: not of any thing elſe, but releaſing our Princeſs, and putting her into a condition to take the Vanquiſher, and lament the Vanquiſhed: Let us, I ſay, perform ſuch glorious acts for her deliverance, that we may both of us render our ſelves worthy of her eſteem, and compaſſion: for knowing your valour, as I do, (ſaid Cyrus with much modeſty) I ought rather to expect her compaſſion, then her affection, after your defeat; but ſaid he, I would it were come to that, ſince we cannot know where the Princeſs Mandana is. The King of Aſſyria did condole with Cyrus at the bad news, and rendring an account of all his actions, he told him, that in his departure from Pteria, he went unto a Province in his Dominions, which lies along the River Euphrates, and confines upon Armenia, that there he had raiſed ſome forces, which with ſome freſh Lev [...]es in other places, amounted to the number of twelve thouſand men: Cyrus alſo out of his high generoſity, rendred an account unto him in a conciſe manner, of the ſtate of all things: and after that the King of Aſſyria told him that all his forces were to be ordered according to his Commands, Cyrus for a while refuſed it, yet in the end, [Page] he took all neceſſary care for their encampment, and appointed them their Quarters. After this, theſe two Illuſtrious Rivals took horſe, and went towards the Caſtle where the Princeſs Araminta lodged, as if they were the beſt friends upon Earth, without any difference at all betwixt them: In the way, Cyrus ſhewed his Army as they ſtood in Battalis unto the King of Aſſyria; ſhewed him alſo their ſeveral Quarters, and the Mountains unto which the King of Armenia was retreated. Both of them did ſigh very oft; for love and jealouſie, hatred and grief, did ſo diſcompoſe their minds, that they ſtood in need of all their magnanimity to keep themſelves within thoſe limits of civility which they had preſcribed. The King of Aſſyria told Cyrus, how he heard the King of Lidia was arming himſelf without any cauſe, knowing that it was neither in behalf of Ciaxares nor himſelf.

Thus, diſcourſing upon ſeveral ſubjects, eſpecial upon their hopes to hear more of the Princeſs Mandana upon the King of Armenia's taking, they came at the laſt to the Caſtle, where Cyrius having given orders to make the beſt Chamber in it ready for the King of Aſſyria, he left him in it, and went out to take care of all things expedient unto their Deſign. The ſight of this Rival did ſo freſhly revive all the differences which had paſſed between them when he was only Philidaspes, that he longed to be alone in his Chamber, and therefore with none but Feraulas he went thither: Is it not enough (ſaid he unto this dear Confident of his paſſion) that I ſhould be ſeparated from her I love above my life, but that I muſt be tormented with his preſence, whom I hate even unto death? and yet generoſity commands me to ſuſpend all my reſentments, and civilly to comply with my moſt mortal enemy: Yet were I aſſured the divine Mandana would one day recompence me for this violence I do unto my ſelf, I ſhould have ſome conſolation. For my part, ſaid Feraulas, I conceive you may rather expect a chiding then any thanks from the Princeſs, for promiſing the King of Aſſyria to fight with him, after you have rel [...]aſed her. Oh I wiſh to the Heavens, replyed Cyrus, it came to that; No, no, Fortune, I deſire no other favor at thy hands, but to aſſiſt me in releaſing my Princeſs, and ſo let me meet my invete [...]ate enemy with a ſword in my hand: commit all the reſt unto my valour and my love; for as gallant as he is I hope for victory: But alas, in the mean time I am all fury; the fight of my old enemy Philidaſpes revives all my jealou [...]e and hate: The King of Pont alſo, who loved me before he knew I was his Rival, triumphs over all my hopes; Perhaps, I ſay, he has not only the happineſs of ſeeing her, but hath gained her heart, and obtained his pardon: ſo that ſince he did not, like Philidaſpes, raviſh her away, but ſave her from ſhipwrack, ſhe cannot look upon him as an injurious Raviſher: however he is no leſs culpable in my eyes; ſo that which way ſoever I look, I ſee none but the Raviſhers of Mandana to puniſh: yet alas, I ſee them but aſar off, ſince I muſt not fall upon the King of Aſſyria, and ſince I know not where the King of Pontus is. Amidſt theſe thoughts Aglatidas entered, and brought Artaban unto him, who came from Sinope, and aſſured Cyrus, that within theſe two days the whole Army would be come up before Artaxates: Cyrus did gladly receive him, both becauſe his news did pleaſe him, and becauſe he was a friend unto Aglatidas. He enquired very affectionately concerning the health of Ciaxares, the Kings of Phrygia and Heriania, and of all the reſt in the Army. After this, conceiving it fit to acquaint the King of Aſſyria and the Princeſs Araminta with this news, he prepared to go unto them, bidding Aglatidas very ſweetly to make his friend welcome, But (ſaid he, addreſſing himſelf unto Artaban) grieve him not with any ſtories of Ameſtris, for his own paſſion, without the addition of new misfortunes, torments him enough. I ſhould be very ſorry Sir (replyed Artaban) not to obey you in all things; but I told him as we were coming hither, how that fair Lady was not in a very happy condition: and I told him alſo how Ottanus would not accept of the Government in the Province of the Ariſantines, which you would have conferred upon him. Would not Ottanus (replyed Cyrus in great amazement) accept of a thing ſo advantagious for him? what may be his reaſon for it? I know not that, Sir, anſwered he; I, but I am certain he hath left Ecbatan, and when I came from thence reports were, that he came into Artaxates, ſo that if this be true, he is certainly upon the Mountains where the King of Armenia is. If it be ſo, ſaid Cyrus unto Aglatidas, perhaps we ſhall releaſe Ameſtris before Mandana: for it is to be ſuppoſed, that Ottanus having committed ſo baſe an act, as to ſide with the enemies of his Prince, and a Prince too who had honored him with a Government ſo much above his deſert, he will periſh and dye there: which if he do (added he, and ſmiled) Aglatidas muſt go and comfort Ameſtris. I do not know (replyed that ſad Lover) whether or no I ſhall be able to comfort others, but I am moſt certain that I have had a long time need of conſolation my ſelf. After this, he thanked Cyrus for his tenderneſs over him, and waiting upon him as far as the Princeſs Araminta's Chamber, he went to entertain his dear friend Artaban with more freedom then before, and [Page] to enquire more particularly of him concerning Ameſtris. Mean while, after Cyrus had acquainted the Princeſs Araminta with the King of Aſſyria's arrival, and with the news of Ciaxares his advance, he went unto the Chamber of his Rival, whoſe mind was altogether as turbulent as the mind of Cyrus, who in all likelyhood could never hope for the happineſs of b [...]ing beloved, although he ſhould deliver Mandana, and vanquiſh Cyrus: nor though he did flatter up himſelf with hopes in the Oracles, yet could he never pretend to have any other ſatisfaction then revenge upon him: However, ſince love and hope are inſeparab [...]e Companions, he ſometimes fancied that this his illuſtrious Rival ſhould be no ſooner out of the world, but he ſhould poſſeſs his place: yet theſe fancies did quickly vaniſh, and he did more often imagine, maugre all his oraculous aſſurance from Heaven, that as ſoon as he had killed Cyrus, he ſhould then be more hated then before: Theſe were the imaginations of that Prince when Cyrus came into his Chamber, to acquaint him with the news which Artaban brought. After he had ſtayed a quarter of an hour with him, conſulting what Quarters thoſe Troops which he brought ſhould have in the morning, he left him and went to give orders for it, and many other things.

Mean while the King of Aſſyria, after he had ſent to ask the permiſſion of Cyrus, went to viſit the Princeſs Araminta: In the mean while alſo Cyrus ſent unto ſeveral Guards which he had placed, that they ſhould not be ſurprized or amazed when they ſaw the Troops of Ciaxares advance. He ſent alſo into Artaxates, appointing them to prepare the King of Armenia's Palace for Ciaxares, and the Princeſs Araminta: for ſince the whole Army was to be joyned, he thought it expedient to make ſure as well within the Town as without. He was alſo informed by Araſpes, that Hidaspes and Chriſantes had defeated ſome Troops which the Prince Phaartes had ſent out into the Plain to forrage for victuals. After all this he retired unto his Chamber, and, as uſually he did, paſſed over the night without a wink of ſleep. In the morning he went to viſit the quarters of Hidaſpes and others; and the day following that, he would go meet Ciaxares, and carry the King of Aſſyria with him: Theſe two Princes then took horſe; Thraſibulus, ſome Voluntiers, and two hundred Horſes only waited upon them: and after he had cauſed the Aſſyrian Troops to advance, and ranked them in Battalia with the reſt, to receive Ciaxares with the more ceremony, he ſent Araſpes before, that he might prepare the King to meet with the King of Aſſyria; not but that he knew Ciaxares would keep promiſe ſince he had paſſed it, but becauſe he always uſed to obſerve order and decorum in all things. After ſome three hours march they diſcovered clouds of duſt to ariſe from the ground, cauſed by the march of the Army: Preſently after, they met: and he came up to that Regiment where Ciaxares was, with the King of Phrigia. As ſoon as the Souldiers ſaw Cyrus, they began to ſhout with ſuch great acclamations of Joy, that it may well be ſaid they forgot Ciaxares was there. Cyrus beckened unto them with his hand, and with great modeſty made ſigns unto them to be ſilent, to march, and keep their ranks; he refuſed theſe honors with ſuch a kind of obliging ſmile, as ſpoke him neither pleaſed or angry at it. The King of Aſſyria heard all theſe acclamations with much perplexity, though he would not ſhew it: and at laſt they met Ciaxares in a place where he was lighted from his horſe to refreſh himſelf, and to ſee thoſe Troops drawn out, which he intended ſhould march firſt unto Artaxates. As ſoon as Cyrus diſcovered him under the Trees, he advertiſed the King of Aſſyria, ſo that lighting from their horſes ſome twenty paces off, they went up unto him. Our invincible Hero went ſome three paces before the King of Aſſyria, with intentions to preſent him unto Ciaxares; but do what he could the King embraced him firſt, and afterwards ſaluted the King of Aſſyria very civilly, telling him, that though he had been the cauſe of all his troubles, yet it was juſt he ſhould in ſome ſort repair thoſe incivilities done unto Philidaſpes, with the reſpects which they would render unto the King of Aſſyria. Sir, replyed this Prince, if I have treſpaſſed againſt you, Fortune hath ſufficiently puniſhed me for it; not that I think the loſs of my Crown comparable to the loſs of the Princeſs Mandana: my intentions are to bring the laſt unto you, without asking you the other; and I come into your Army with reſolution to hazard my life for your ſervice: If the propitious Fate of your Arms had left me a greater number of Subjects, I ſhould have brought you a greater ayd; But ſince all are become yours, I hope you will accept of theſe twelve thouſand men which now I bring, as well as if they were a hundred thouſand, ſince they are all I have. Ciaxares returned a very civil anſwer unto him. After this, Thraſibulus, and others of quality who came from the Camp, ſaluted Ciaxares, and gave Cyrus time to beſtow a Complement upon the King of Phrigia, upon whom the King of Aſſyria did caſt a malicious eye, remembering him as one that changed ſides, and forſook him. After this, Ciaxares taking Cyrus aſide, whileſt the King of Aſſyria was in diſcourſe with Thraſibulus, he commended [Page] him for all he had done, and grieved with him, that they could not yet hear of Mandana: Cyrus rendred a ſhort and pithy account of all the Armenian Affairs ſince he came into it, and of the preſent ſtate of every thing: After which taking horſe, and giving the right hand unto the Aſſyrian King as unto the greateſt Prince of the world, they went unto the great Town of Artaxates; near which Cyrus by orders from Ciaxares did draw up all his huge Army into Battalia, that the people ſeeing it, might ſtill continue in better obedience, and that the King of Armenia diſcovering it from the Mountains, might ſooner think upon rendring himſelf: Mean while Cyrus ſent all thoſe Troops which he brought firſt to guard the Palace where the King was to quarter: he ſent others alſo to keep Courts of Guard in other publique places, and Ports of the Town. And when all was thus ordered, Ciaxares entred into Artaxates with thoſe who were ordered to quarter in it; leaving the main Body of his Army to quarter all along the River Araxes, which runs through the midſt of that great Plain: The next morning Cyrus moved Ciaxares that he would be pleaſed to permit the Princeſs Araminta to come from the Caſtle where ſhe was unto Artaxates, that ſhe might be well uſed, although ſhe was ſiſter unto the Raviſher of Mandana: Ciaxares conſented; ſo that he went, and conducted her into the Town, where Ciaxares did viſit her, and at the requeſt of Cyrus rendered her all the honour that was due unto her quality: She was lodged in a Palace by her ſelf, which formerly belonged unto the Prince Tigranes, for Cyrus did alter his former intentions, and ordered it ſo; becauſe he thought that to be more convenient for her, by reaſon ſhe would be there at more freedom. This Prince likewiſe treated thoſe two Captains which came with her very civilly; and omitted nothing that either Reaſon, civility or generoſity required: The King of Phrigia alſo did viſit this Princeſs, remembering ſtill the friendſhip that was between him and the King her brother, though now they were on oppoſite ſides, and confirming her in that high eſteem which ſhe had already entertained of Cyrus. The day after, the Reer-guard came up, under the Conduct of the Hircanian King, which was quartered alſo in the ſame Plain of Artaxates: This Prince not deſiring to lodg in the Town, more then Cyrus, who ſince the Army came up lay always in the field; and ſo did the King of Aſſyria, who, according to his old cuſtom, could not endure his Rival ſhould out-do him in any thing. Mean while a Councel of War was called to conſult whether they ſhould content themſelves with ſtopping all victuals from the Enemy, or whether they ſhould enforce the King of Armenia out of thoſe Mountains which ſeemed abſolutely inacceſſable: The King of Aſſyria, though he had been vanquiſhed and an enemy, yet had his voyce in Councel: But though Cyrus and he had both of them jealous thoughts one of another, and ever had a ſecret hatred and ſpirit of contradiction in every thing, yet in this they were both of one opinion, and were the only two which voted to force the King of Armenia out of thoſe inacceſſable Mountains: Not that they ſaw any great reaſon for their opinions; but ſince it concerned Mandana, and ſince they gave their votes in preſence of one another, they both of them aimed at the higheſt difficulties, and the moſt hazardous for themſelves. All that Hidaſpes reported from the Armenian Souldiers whom they took priſoners, and related their Prince had not victuals to ſubſiſt many days, was in vain; and they anſwered unto that, how it was not wiſdom to give credit unto reports, ſince it is common for priſoners to flatter their Conquerors with ſome advantagious tales in hopes to be better uſed. When it was objected, that theſe Mountains were inacceſſable, and that by rouling down great ſtones only, ſix thouſand men might eaſily defend themſelves againſt ſix hundred thouſand; when they could not contradict this objection, nor belye their own eyes, then they ſaid, that it muſt indeed be confeſſed ſome men would be loſt, yet the diſhonor and ſhame to have ſo great an Army at the foot of theſe Mountains, and attempt nothing, would be ballanced with it: That there was a great neceſſity of knowing where the Princeſs Mandana was, and to be ſatisfied, there was as great a neceſſity of taking the King of Armenia preſently, and not to linger out the time till famine force him out of his ſanctuary. That, whileſt they were buſie in guarding only the paſſages and advenues unto theſe Mountains, perhaps the people of both Armenia's were uniting themſelves, and gathering into a vaſt Body, which might find them more difficulties to overcome then this, and therefore for theſe Reaſons their opinions were to enforce theſe Mountains. But although the opinion of Cyrus did always uſe to lead the reſt at other times, yet it did not ſo now: for all with one conſent knowing certainly the King of Armenia had but ſcant of victuals, and ſeeing that at feweſt thirty thouſand men muſt needs periſh in the attempt, did reſolve only to ſtop all paſſages; to repulſe all thoſe that made any ſallies out of the Mountains, and to invite them unto it, to ſeem ſometimes as if they would make aſſaults in ſeveral quarters: They conceived it not juſt to let ſuch a vaſt number of people to periſh for want of a little patience, eſpecially ſince they had no certainty that the Princeſs [Page] Mandana was in the place. This advice being generally to be purſued, no more was to be done, but to keep moſt ſtrict Guards round about the mountains, and to find out all the blind paths and by-ways.

The next morning, Ciaxares would take a view of the Aſſyrian Troops, in Battalia by themſelves, which now they had mingled with the reſt, as being all of one ſide: Mean while, this Siege without a Town, was not ſo idle a buſineſs as Cyrus did imagine it, for ſince the Prince Phaartes was very gallant, and ſince love was a ſpur unto his valour, he began to beſtir himſelf, though during the firſt days, he was ſick with grief at his Fathers loſſes, and that the Princeſs Araminta was in the hands of his enemies. As he was well verſed in all the by-ways of theſe mountains, he would ſometimes come and ſend us a ſhower of Arrows, and ſo vaniſh in a moment, that none could know what was become of him: Sometimes he would come in the night unto the foot of the mountains, by ſuch blind ways through the Rocks where none but Armenians could come, and give an Alarum unto all the Camp; and ſince he had very good Spies in the Army of Ciaxares, he always made his Sallies on that ſide where Cyrus was not, for the valour of this Prince was moſt terrible unto all the Armenians. But ſince Cyrus was not uſed to be ſurprized, not ſurprize others, he reſolved every night to go into ſeve [...] Quarters, in hopes to meet with this almoſt inviſible enemy, who would never fall upon his ſide, and who he knew to be the Prince Phaartes by ſome priſoners which he had taken. Upon ſuch a deſign as this which Cyrus had, the King of Aſſyria would be ſure to make one, as well as other particular friends of Cyrus. Thraſibus, Aglatidas, Araſpes, Perſodes, Gadates, Gobrias, Megabiſes, Hidaſpes, Thimocrates, Leontidas, Philocles, Aduſias, Chriſantes, Feraulas, and many others were then with him: After they had waited ſeveral nights in vain, at the laſt it happened one night that Phaartes having no intelligence in what Quarter Cyrus was, and having a deſigne to ſend out a Captain diſguized in the habit of a Peaſant, unto Tigranes his Brother, he happened to deſcend from the mountains on that ſide, where Cyrus lay in ambuſh with ſix hundred men, which he had culled out for that purpoſe: yet he had placed himſelf ſo, that Phaartes taking a little path upon his left hand, could not come unto the foot of the mountains, but that which at the firſt ſeeing did anger him, was afterwards his advantage; for when Phaartes with half his men was paſt the foot of the mountains, Cyrus did immediatly ſtep between him, and his retreat, and perceiving that there was abundance of men amongſt the Rocks as well as in the plain, he could not tell in which of thoſe two the Prince Phaartes was; ſo that to be ſure of meeting with him, he divided his men, the one half to aſſault thoſe who were in the Rocks, and the other half to purſue thoſe in the plain, who ſeeing their Retreat cut off, endeavoured to find out another; but Cyrus purſued them very cloſe, whileſt the King of Aſſyria did ſcuffle with them among the Rocks: The Heavens was very ſerene and clear, and the Stars did give a ſplendent luſter, ſo that this nights combate proved very ſharp, and bloody: Thraſibulus and Aglatidas did do wonders in ſeconding the valour of Cyrus, who ſound no ſmall reſiſtance from thoſe he fought with: for the Prince Phaartes being there, did deſperately defend himſelf, and did things worthy of eternal memory, yet being wounded in the right arm, and left hand, ſo that he could not hold his ſword, he endeavoured to ſave himſelf: Then he fell off, being followed by fifteen or twenty of his men, whileſt the reſt kept their ground, and unperceived by Cyrus, or any of his men, he got into a little valley, wherein did fall a very rapid Torrent from the height of the mountains; there Phaartes h [...]d himſelf, hoping that when the Combate was ended, and the Troops of Cyrus drawn off, he might then perhaps get into his rocky way again. In the mean time, all the reſt of his men were cut all in pieces, and Cyrus finding no reſiſtance, went to ſee what the King of Aſſyria had done: be found him very buſie with his enemies, who did not flye according to their old cuſtom, becauſe they knew that the Prince Phaartes was engaged: yet at the laſt, hoping he might gain ſome other Paſs whereby to retreat, they retired unto a Paſs, beyond which it was not poſſible to follow them; for as it was ſo narrow that two men might make head againſt an hundred thouſand. After that they had done all that was poſſible, and were thinking upon a retreat, Cyrus enquired concerning all his friends, whom in the obſcurity of night he could not diſcern: Aglatidas being next, told him that he heard the name of Ottanus uſed in the Combate. I heard more then you, ſaid Cyrus, for I heard one cry, Ottanus is dead; as Aglatidas was about to anſwer, intelligence came to Cyrus, that ſome of the enemy had rallied together in a little valley, ſo that he went immediately thither; But Phaartes, (for it was he they meant) being advertiſed of their coming, by a ſouldier whom he had ſet ſentinal at the advenue of the valley, and finding himſelf diſabled from fighting with any, and alſo conſidering the little number of his men, and they all wounded as well as himſelf, commanded them, to throw down [Page] their Arms, and follow him, chuſing rather to truſt unto the generoſity of his enemy, then to a feeble reſiſtance, which could do him no good: and ſince he was diſabled from fighting, he thought it leſs ſhame to render himſelf unto a gallant enemy, then to flie, [...] let himſelf be killed without reſiſtance: All his men obeying him, he went unto a paſſage where he expected his enemy to come; and ſince the Moon ſhined very bright, and objects might well be diſcerned; Cyrus was no ſooner in ſight, but one of his men knowing him, becauſe he had been with Tigranes at Sinope, did ſhew Phaartes which was he: This Prince then cried out, with a moſt generous boldneſs, ſo loud as he thought he might be underſtood: Whither art thou going Cyrus? doeſt thou not know, that it is not glorious to overcome at all times? Suffer thy ſelf ſometimes to be vanquiſhed, and be aſſured that being overcome after that manner, thy victory will be more noble then if thou wert a Conquerour, and at this time there will be more honour in the triumph of thy clemency, then of thy courage and valour. Cyrus upon this ſtood ſtill, and turning towards Chriſantes, who ſtood next him, ſaid ſmilingly unto him, I ſee there is nothing more ingenious then ill fortune, nor any thing more witty then neceſſity: and how much more wiſely and eloquent we ſpeak when we are conquered, then who we are Conquerours: after this, holding out his hand unto this diſarmed enemy, whom yet he knew not; Aſſure thy ſelf (ſaid he unto him) thou ſhalt receive no harm from me, and who ſoever thou art, I will render thee any ſervice in my power, even ſo far as to give thee thy liberty; for it is my cuſtom to take them only for enemies, who are in a condition to defend themſelves. Phaartes being charmed with the high generoſity of Cyrus, ſaid unto him, I do not wonder at all that the Gods ſhould ſo continually give victory unto a Prince who knows ſo wel how to uſe it, and I wonder leſs at the extream affection which the Prince Tigranes my Brother had unto the moſt Illuſtrious Artamenes. Cyrus knowing by theſe words, that it was the Prince Phaartes, he imbraced him moſt civilly, and perceiving him wounded, he commanded horſes to be fetched in all haſte to carry this wounded Prince ſpeedily unto ſome place where he might be dreſſed; For generous Prince, ſaid he unto him, the mountains may perhaps be dangerous for you, conſidering the ſtate you are in: The horſes being brought, Cyrus commanded them to aid the Prince Phaartes, and two ſouldiers to lead his horſe, becauſe he was not able to hold the bridle by reaſon of his wounds. When he was gone, Cyrus miſſing Thraſibulus, enquired concerning him, and they told him, that he ſtayed with a wounded enemy, who rendred himſelf unto him: Feraulus ſaid further, that after the fight was ended, he cauſed this priſoner to be carried by ſouldiers to the Camp, and he himſelf followed. Since the place where now they were was not far off from the place where the Prince did quarter, they went unto his Tents, and placed the Prince Phaartes in one of the moſt magnificent Pavilions; cauſing the Chyrurgions which were in the Tent of Thraſibulus to be called, for Cyrus himſelf would ſee him dreſſed: Mean while he ſent Feraulus unto Ciaxares to inform him of all paſſages. The wounds of the Prince Phaartes being found to be more painful then dangerous, the Chyrurgions ſaid, that there was no danger, if he eſcaped a feaver; to prevent which, it was requiſite for him to reſt all that night, and a good part of the next morning. Cyrus then retired as well as the King of Aſſyria, though it went much againſt his mind to depart before he had asked him concerning the Princeſs Mandana, which conſidering the condition Phaartes was in, he durſt not mention, but reaſon at this time ruled above his love, and Cyrus reſolved to wait ſome certain hours for a ſatisfaction of his deſires: Mean time, ſince Thraſibulus yet appeared not, and ſince he underſtood the Chyrurgions had been in his Tent, he asked them, whom they dreſſed there? They anſwered him, that they had dreſſed a very handſom man, who was in great danger of death, and who told Thraſibulus an hundred obliging Stories: That Thraſibulus was very much perplexed for him, and that without all doubt he was a man of quality. Cyrus ſent to ask who it was, but Thraſibulus leaving his wounded priſoner at reſt, according to the orders of the Chyrurgions, came himſelf to relate the adventure. Cyrus no ſooner ſaw him, but he ſaw melancholy in his face, and asked him very obligingly, how he did: What, generous Prince, ſaid he unto him, are you ſo unfortunate as to wound a friend in lieu of an enemy? Sir, ſaid he unto him again, to make you underſtand the whole adventure: It is requiſite I relate the whole Story of my life, it being impoſſible otherwiſe, to comprehend the averſneſs of my Deſtiny: for, Sir, when I ſhall tell you that he who is now your priſoner, and wounded in my Tent, is Son unto the wiſe Pittacus, Prince of Mytelenes, whoſe name is Tiſſander, then you will doubtleſs know that he is Son unto one of the prime men of all Greece. I have long deſired, ſaid Cyrus, to know the life of that Prince, who hath taught me to overcome my ſelf, and I am much indebted unto your valour; but illuſtrious Thraſibulus, I have been ſo buſied with my own misfortunes, ſince you came to Sinope, that now I have [Page] no mind to deſire the relation of yours; yet prepare your ſelf ere long for the relation of it, and in the mean time go and reſt your ſelf, and take care of your wounded priſoner, who cut of my affection to you I know not whether I ſhould love or hate; and if ſome Conference which I am to have with the Prince Phaartes concerning the Princeſs Mandana, do not drive me into abſolute deſpair, and deprive me of my reaſon by depriving me of all hopes, I ſhall then hold an hour or two in diſcourſe with you in private. Thraſibulus then thanked him for his goodneſs, and retired; leaving this Prince at liberty to lie down upon his bed for two or three hours, to recover his wearineſs; his ſleep was not over quiet, for his impatience to ſpeak with Phaartes did ſo torment him, that he could take no reſt: He ſent above twenty times, to know whether he was awake, and how he did of his wounds, but ſtill the anſwer was, he was aſleep. But deſiring to ſee him before the King of Aſſyria came unto him, he went himſelf to viſit him, and came juſt as he waked, ſo that he and the Phyſicians and Chyrurgeons entered together, they found him very well, ſo that after he was dreſſed, they permitted him to perform his Complement unto Cyrus for his great care of him, not forbidding him to talk, as they did the night before. Sir, ſaid Phaartes unto him, if you treat your Enemies thus, how would you treat your Friends? You may know that by your ſelf, anſwered Cyrus, if you will; for if you will ſincerely tell me where the Princeſs Mandana is, you will oblige me to be your Friend. I ſhould be extreamly glad to ſatisfie your curioſity, if I could, replyed Phaartes, but I do profeſs before all the Gods whom we adore, that I know not where ſhe is; and to make it evident that I am ſincere, I will not ſay with the ſame confidence, that the King my father knows not, becauſe ſince he is a Prince who doth not uſe to impart matters of State unto any, he may know more of it then I do: But Sir, if you dare take the word of an Enemy, permit me to go as ſoon as I am able unto the King my father, and after I have employed all my ingenuity to diſcover the truth, I will return and give you a ſincere relation of it. Generous Prince, replyed Cyrus, you need not paſs your word, for you are abſolutely free, and may do what you pleaſe, for I ſerve a King who uſes to make good all the promiſes which I make: ſo that when it is your pleaſure to return unto the King your father, you may; but if the prayers of an Enemy have any prevalency with you, I do conjure you to move the King of Armenia to impart all he knows concerning the Princeſs Mandana, and not to force Ciaxares to ruine him: Perchance you have ſeen how potent his Army is from the tops of your Mountains, ſo that I hope both reaſon, ſenſe, and generoſity will induce you to ſatisfie my demands. Phaartes then obliged himſelf by a hundred proteſtations of ſincerity and freedom, and told him, that if the Chyrurgeons thought expedient he would be carried the next morning, though he would not accept of that favour which Cyrus offered, to releaſe him abſolutely. But, ſaid he further unto him, that you may give more credit unto my words, I will truſt you with a ſecret which much concerns my life, which is, Sir, that you have in your keeping a Princeſs who hath the ſame influence upon the heart of Phaartes, that Mandana has upon the generous Cyrus: ſo that having a pawn ſo dear and precious unto me, you may well expect that fidelity from me, which very few enemies would pay unto thoſe they fight with.

As they were thus in conference, intelligence was brought unto Cyrus, that Ciaxares and the King of Phrigia, who alſo lodged in the Town, were coming to the Camp; ſo that he went from Phaartes to meet them: Juſt as the King of Aſſyria was entering, having ſome curioſity to enquire of the Princeſs Mandana, Cyrus bluſhed, and in ſhort related the anſwer of Phaartes unto him, ſo that they went both together to meet Ciaxares, who gave them both very high commendations, but ſo, that it was eaſie to ſee he put a great difference between them. Cyrus gave him an account of all his Conference with Phaartes, and beſeeched him that he might be treated as he had promiſed, which Ciaxares eaſily condeſcended unto, conceiving indeed that it was eaſier to come unto the knowledg of the truth by the mediation of that Prince, then any other way: So that Ciaxares gave Cyrus full power to tranſact that buſineſs, and every thing elſe, as he himſelf thought beſt expedient, without making any addreſſes unto him for adviſe; and after he had beſtowed a viſit upon Phaartes and Tiſander, he returned unto Artaxates. In the mean while Aglatidas, who thought he heard the name of Ottanus mentioned in the fight, and who underſtood from Cyrus, that Ottanus was ſaid to be dead, went to ſee the Prince Phaartes, and beſeeched him to reſolve him, whether it was true that Ottanus was engaged in his quarrel, and out in the laſt Combat: Phaartes told him both were true, and that he beleeved he periſhed the laſt night, becauſe he heard one cry in the heat of Combat, that Ottanus was dead: Aglatidas underſtanding this, deſired Arbatan who knew him, to enquire more certainty of it, during the two hours of truce which was agreed upon, for the fetching off their dead, and which indeed the Enemy did [Page] deſire, principally to ſee whether Phaartes could be found amongſt them.

Artaban then went along with thoſe whom Cyrus ſent to bring off the bodies of ſome ten or twelve of his Souldiers which fell in the fight, ſeeming to look for an Officer and Friend of his who was miſſing: He ſearched very narrowly amongſt all the dead; but though he did not find the body of Ottanus amongſt them, yet was he able to carry back moſt certain news of his death: for amongſt thoſe who carried off their dead, there came alſo a ſervant of Ottanus who Artaban knew, and who ſearching for his Maſter cloſe by that Torrent which falls from the Mountains into the little valley where Phaartes was retreated, he began ſuddenly to cry out: Artaban came to him, and there ſaw amongſt ſome Rocks which ſtood in the water, a dead man, yet could not diſcover his face; yet by the reſt of his body, clothes, and very remarkable Arms, the ſervant knew it to be his Maſter Ottanus: he ſaw alſo, that his ſhoulder which lay out of the water was all bloody, and therefore concluded him to be wounded: yet ſince this Torrent was ſo rapid and deep, it was very difficult to come unto the place where the corps was, which ſtuck upon the point of a Rock: They ſent for long poles where with to draw him out, but none could be found long enough to reach him; and no other invention could be deviſed; for it was too deep to wade, and too rapid to ſwim: yet whileſt they were inventing ſome new way to draw off this corps, a great guſh of water fell from the Rocks upon that point which ſtopped him, and then the impetuous Torrent did gulf him into the bottom of the water, and there was he buried. After this, Artaban returned to the Camp with certain news of Ottanus his death, ſince his eyes were witneſſes of it, it being imaginable, that as he fled with the reſt into this little valley, he fell into this Torrent, and there periſhed; at the leaſt it was the imagination of Artaban, for all the other men were of a hundred opinions contrary to one another. All thoſe who knew the Intereſt that Aglatidas had in the death of this man, did rejoyce at it; but as for himſelf, he was too wiſe, and too well accuſtomed unto ſorrows, to paſs ſo ſuddenly from melancholy to joy: all he ſaid was, that he was not very ſorry for the death of him who was a Tyrant unto Ameſtris, and by conſequence that ſhe was rid of him: Yet Megabiſes, who upon the ſame reaſon ſhould have been glad alſo, was very ſad at it, becauſe he thought it would become the happineſs of Aglatidas: ſo that though he thought never to have loved Ameſtris again, yet he found that he loved her ſtill, by the renewing of his ſecret hate unto Aglatidas; yet he durſt not manifeſt it, for Cyrus did ſo tenderly affect him, that it was a capital crime to be his declared Enemy. All this while Thraſibulus was with Tiſander, whom the Chyrurgeons found to be in a better ſtate. The Prince Phaartes alſo did much mend upon it, ſo that he deſired Cyrus he might go the next morning unto the King his father, and acquit himſelf of his Commiſſion: Yet Cyrus would needs have him carried in a Litter, and ſo, that very morning on which the King of Armenia ſent to ſee the Prince his ſon, he was conducted by a Guard of two hundred Souldiers unto the firſt Guards of the Armenian King, with whom Cyrus renewed the Truce, until the Prince Phaartes returned with his Anſwer. During this ſhort interval, in which Cyrus hoped for a clear ſatiſfaction of his deſires, he payed all due civilicies unto every one: He went unto Artaxates to wait upon Ciaxares, and there he viſited the Princeſs Araminta, and related unto her all that Phaartes had ſaid concerning her, and what had paſſed between them, which ſhe harkened unto not without ſome bluſhes: She gave Cyrus thanks for the liberty he had given Phaartes, but it was after ſuch a manner, that he might know ſhe rather thanked him for delivering her from all new expreſſions of his affection which he would have rendered her whileſt he had continued a priſoner, then for any love ſhe bore him, though ſhe did eſteem him very much. After this, Cyrus returned unto the Camp again, contemplating always upon his dear Princeſs, or diſcourſing either with Aglatidas, or Feraulas, or Chriſantes, in whom he put much confidence: He loved Araſpes very well, yet ſince he never had been in love, he never ſpoke unto him concerning his paſſion: When he was come into the Camp, he went immediately unto the Tent of Thraſibulus, where ſince he was at leaſure, he intended to paſs that day and part of the night in hearing a relation of what he deſired ſo much to know. As ſoon as he went thither, he expreſſed his deſires of being alone with Thraſibulus, ſo that every one did leave him the liberty of Conference; and as ſoon as Cyrus ſaw this opportunity, he ſaid very obligingly unto him; Well, my old Conqueror, ſaid he, will you ſuffer your ſelf to be overcome, and acquaint me with all the circumſtances of that life which as far as I know of it is moſt glorious? You will not ſay as much of the reſt when you know it, replyed Thraſibulus and ſighed; for Sir, you will only find two things in it; that is, much weakneſs, and much misfortune: Yet ſince it is your pleaſure to have it ſo, and ſince indeed it concerns the preſent condition of my affairs that you know it, therefore I ſhall very exactly obey you: But can you [Page] endure Sir, the relation of ſo many trivial paſſages, which muſt needs be very impertinent unto you, and indeed very inconſiderable unto any who knows not what belongs to love? Praiſe them not, trivial and inconſiderable, replied Cyrus, when they concern my friends, and when my dear Thraſibulus, (ſaid he, and ſighed alſo) I am not ignorant of that miſery whereof I think you complain; tell it therefore, I conjure you, and know that I have leiſure enough to hear it, though it take up all the day, and night alſo: for ſince there is a truce with the King of Armenia, I have little other imployment, and ſince nights are but tedious, and reſtleſs unto me. Thraſibulus then ſeeing his opportunity, and knowing that it was requiſite Cyrus ſhould be acquainted with his paſt adventures, conſidering the preſent condition of his fortune, was moſt willing to obey him; and taking their ſeats, he began thus.

The Hiſtory of THRASIBULUS, and ALCIONIDA.

HAd I a Soul as ſenſible of ambition as love; I do not think it had been poſſible to endure all thoſe misfortunes which have fallen upon me: But ſince I ever thought it a greater glory to merit Crowns, then poſſeſs them; I ſtood in need of all my conſtancy, ſince I was not tormented with that proud paſſion, which has razed and ruined all the Monarchies, and Republiques in the world. And though I am ſenſible of the loſs of that Soveraignty which belonged unto me, yet did I not give my ſelf over unto deſpair and ſorrow for it, but only as this loſs was an obſtacle unto my love: ſo that it may almoſt be ſaid, I never was ſenſible of ambition until I began to be in love. But to acquaint you Sir, with thoſe miſeries I have ſuffered both in my fortune, and in my love, Give me leave to tell you, that I am the Son of Thraſibulus, Prince of Miletes, whoſe name I bear, who as long as he lived was an intimate friend of Periander, King of Corinth, and whoſe name was very notable as long as he lived, for the wars which waged for eleven years together againſt Sadiattes, the little ſon of Giges, and againſt Alliates, father of Craeſſus, which he finiſhed with too much good fortune, wiſdom, and honour, to be related in a few words, and ſince that which followed after was the foundation of all my miſeries. This war, Sir, was the more conſiderable, ſince it was begun during the Raign of Giges, when he uſurped the Crown from Heraclidus: for ſince that Ardis who ſucceeded him, did keep it from him, as likewiſe Sadiattes his Son after him, and as now Alliates does the ſame. The Prince my father, then being very buſie in the beginning of his Raign to eſtabliſh in his houſe that Soveraign Authority which belonged unto him: he could not during the firſt years of his War againſt Sadiattes, with all the forces he had reſiſt him, becauſe he had many enemies within the Town; and not daring to go out of it, left in his abſence a ſeditious party ſhould gather to a head in it, Sadiattes was abſolute Maſter of the field, and continued his wars for ſix years together, in a very ſtrange manner: for without making any attempts againſt the Town, he brought every year in the Harveſt time a very vaſt Army of Foot into the Mileſians Countrey, and without any burning of houſes, or deſtroying Towns, he only carried away all their corn, and fruits, and ſtayed no longer in the Countrey. Since my father was ſtronger at Sea, he ſaw it was in vain to attempt any thing againſt Miletes, ſince it could not be famiſhed: but his hopes were, that the Mileſians being forced to buy their corn of ſtrangers, and money growing ſcant amongſt them, then they would revolt from their Prince: But for all this, my father would not draw out of the Town, until ſuch time as he ſaw himſelf abſolute Maſter of his people, ſaying, That the Sea would bring him corn, when as nothing would bring him Miletes if it were once loſt. Afterwards when by fears he had made the people abſolutely to ſubmit unto him, he drew into the field preſently after the death of Sadiattes, and the new King of Lidia made war after another manner. The Prince my Father, without the aſſiſtance of any, unleſs them of the Iſle of Chios, (who remembred the aids which he lent them when the Erithreans made war upon them) was in a condition to fight that famous Battel of Limenia, and afterwards that upon the Banks of the River Meander, where with his own hand he killed the Prince of Phocians Son. And ſince theſe two battels were bloody unto both ſides, and the victory dubious, they gave a ſtop unto the progreſs of Alliattes, who deſpairing of abſolute victory, according to his hopes, did upon his return ſet fire unto a great field of corn, whoſe flames did not only conſume the corn, but by the greatneſs of the wind did ſet the Temple of Minerva on fire, and entirely conſumed it. This ſad accident did trouble the people of Miletes, more then it did the King of Lidia. But within a while after, that Prince falling ſick, and ſending to conſult with the Oracle of Delphos, the Pithian told the Lidians, that ſhe would return them no anſwer, until they had rebuilt the Temple of Minerva which they had burned. Periander, who knew of this anſwer, ſent to advertiſe the King my Father, [Page] that he might make the beſt uſe he could of it, ſo that a while after when the Lidian Embaſſadours came to ask leave, that they might rebuild the Temple, my father commanded all the Inhabitants of Miletus to bring all the proviſions of corn that were in the Town, and to ſet them down in the publick place of ſale, where the Embaſſadours of Lidia were to paſs: which being done according to his command, and the Embaſſadours making a report of what they had ſeen unto their Maſter, they cauſed him abſolutely to deſpair of ever overcoming my father; and ſince they ſaw the Mileſians themſelves were able to make war with four Kings at once, they offered them very advantageous and glorious conditions of peace: Alliattes then cauſed two Temples in lieu of one to be rebuilt, and afterwards recovering his health, he became a very intimate friend of my fathers, who ſince that pacification was a very quiet Poſſeſſor of his Dominions, notwithſtanding the ſeveral ſecret factions which he knew was amongſt his Subjects: for he was very conſtant, bold, and politick, one that made every one to fear him, and one who defeated all manner of conſpiracies againſt him: This being the ſtate of things, he lived a long time in great tranquility, and Miletus was queſtionleſs one of the moſt magnificent Towns of all Cairo. I was then about the age of thirteen, or fourteen; and a natural Son unto the Prince my father, called Alexideſmus, was ſome ſeventeen, or eighteen years of age: ſince he was the ſon of a Concubine, whom my father did highly affect, he loved him exceeding well, and educated him with the ſame care he did me. Since the Princeſs my mother died, when I was very young, and the Prince my father did enfranchiſe and marry that mother of Alexideſmus, that illegitimate Prince had a powerful upholder which I was deprived of; for that woman was of a witty and ſubtle ſpirit, and one that was capable of any thing: about the ſame time it was, that the wiſe Thales, ſo famous every where, returned from his long voyage cut of Egypt, where Solon was then Reſident; and he took ſo great affection unto me, as I can well boaſt without any vanity, that I am beholding unto his ſapient precepts for that little vertue which I have: had I made as good uſe of them as I ought, doubtleſs I ſhould not have been ſo unfortunate as I am: for he always read ſo many leſſons againſt love, and againſt marriage unto me, that had I followed his advice, I ſhould at leaſt have prevented one part of my miſery. The principal rule which he taught for the order of life, was, never to do that thing which we would condemn in another: But though he taught me the leſſon over and over an hundred times, yet did I not keep cloſe unto his document: for though I have often condemned others for ſuffering themſelves to be ſo far captivated by beauty, as to loſe their tranquility, I my ſelf am ſo deeply plunged in the ſnares of love, that I even loſt my reaſon. But ſince the miſeries of my fortune did precede thoſe of my love, it is therefore fit, I firſt tell you, Sir, that Melaſia (ſo was the mother of Alexideſmus called, whom my father had married ſince the death of my mother) did project a marriage for her Son with a Mileſian Lady, who was extream rich, and of high quality: This at the firſt ſeemed very ſtrange unto the world, for every one thought that I ought to be firſt thought upon: But yet ſince the Prince my father did favour the deſigne, none durſt make the leaſt murmur, and Alexideſmus continued his addreſs without any obſtacle: for though this Lady, whoſe name was Leonia, whoſe father was dead, and ſhe at the diſpoſition of her mother, had no fancie unto Alexideſmus, yet ſhe concealed it by the command of her mother: and indeed (if it be lawful to ſpeak ſincerely of a man who was the cauſer of all my miſery) Alexideſmus was far from amiable, for he had the violent humours of my father, but he wanted his wit, his reſolution, and an hundred other good qualities which he was owner of: on the contrary, he was extreamly cholerick, cruel, ambitious, weak and bold both together: as for his perſon, it was reaſonable handſom, and there was a great difference between his body, and his mind: yet ſince Melaſia had the heart of the Prince her Husband at command, he would not ſee the faults of her Son, or at leaſt ſeemed as if he knew them not: for he was continually cheriſhing and flattering him up, and made no diſtinction between me and him, though I dare boldly affirm, I was free from many vices which they winked at in him. The mother of Leonia was Siſter unto the Prince of Phoceus, whoſe Son, as I told you before, my father killed, at the laſt battel againſt the King of Lidia, ſo that in her heart ſhe hated our houſe: yet notwithſtanding the Prince of Phoceus being all ambition, he ſent he [...] word, that if ſhe could ſo contrive it, that Alexideſmus ſhould raign, and I diſinherited, that then ſhe ſhould conſent unto this match, but otherwiſe not ſo much as to think upon it. This Lady being ambitious as well as her Brother, and holding a great correſpondencie with Melaſia, did ſo cunningly break the buſineſs unto her, that there was no queſtion but to find a ſutable compliance between two women of one and the ſame diſpoſition, both of then did quickly underſtand the deſires of each other, ſince the ſame ambition did enflame them: ſo that no longer hiding the matter, they plotted together how they might [Page] make Alexideſmus Raign, and concluded to bring it about, though at the rate of many crimes committed.

Whileſt things were thus tranſacting, the Prince my Father finiſhed that good ſtrong Cittadel in Miletus; and I was continually buſied either in my exerciſes, or in the converſation of Thales, or elſe diverting my ſelf in ſuch delights as were fit for a Prince of my age: I carried my ſelf with all civility to wards Melaſia and Alexideſmus, but I do ingeniouſly confeſs that my averſion to them both was ſo great, that I had much ado to diſſemble it: All this while the marriage of Leonea went ſlowly on: for ſince the Prince of Phoceus would ſee ſome appearance of his hopes before he would conſent unto it, his Siſter whoſe name was Philodicea did cunningly protract it; neither could he bring it about ſoone, becauſe they of Prienna being forced to declare War againſt Policrates Prince of Samos, who would needs be King of the Sea, and fight with all he met, my father thought, that is common policy he was bound to oppoſe this new Soveraignty, ſince he had a good pretence unto it, and ſet forth a great Nevy of Ships, of which he was conſtrained to make me Admiral, becauſe he could not handſomely do otherwiſe, ſince he would not go himſelf in perſon unto this War. Not but that I was very young for ſuch an employment, being then but fifteen years of age; but ſince my Lievtenant General was a man of great experience, he was to manage the buſineſs, and I only to have the honour of the Title, neither do I know whether I ſhould have had that if Alexideſmus had not faln ſick, ſo that he could not go this Voyage. The Prince Philoxipes, who was then about my age, and the Prince Tiſunder, being both of them moved with a deſire of glory, came and took our parts, and carried themſelves moſt heroiquely in this War, which proved not very proſperous unto us; for the Fortune of Policrates was ſo great, that nothing could refin him: yet may I truly ſay without a boaſt, that though we were ſometimes worſted, yet was it not without glory; and though we were not ſo fortune as to conquer, yet we ſhewed our Enemies that we deſerved it. At the laſt a Peace was concluded by the mediation of ſage Bits; who to that end went from Prienna unto Samos, though it laſted not long, ſince it was impoſſible to tye up Policrates from roving at Sea, and aſſaulting almoſt all he met. At my return to Milete, I found the marriage of Alexideſmus and Leonea almoſt concluded: for during my abſence, Melaſia and Philodicea had cajolled with the chief of that faction in the Town who were oppoſite unto the wiſe Thales, who though he was a great Lover of his Countries Liberty, yet would he not buy it at the rate of any violent courſes, oftentimes ſaying, that a Tyrant who governed his Subjects in Peace was better then that Liberty which was bought at the price of a War. But there were ſome of another faction, who tranſacted upon other principles, and after another manner: for conceiving that the Prince my Father had uſurped an Authority which did not belong unto him, and deſiring to reduce the Government into a Popularity, and to prevent his Succeſſors from raigning after him, ſee how they argued the matter amongſt themſelves, without acquainting Melaſia and Philodicea with it, though they were all of the Conſpiracy. They thought, that as long as the Prince my father lived, there was no thoughts of recovering their Liberty, but all their deſign was how to carry things after he was dead: Theſe men took notice how the people of Milete did extreamly affect me, and ſeeing by my inclinations that my Raign would be milde and ſweet, they conceived it would be very difficult to make the people ſhake off their obedience; but on the contrary, foreſeeing plainly that it Alexideſmus ſhould Raign, he would prove the moſt cruel, violent and tyrannique Prince in they world, they thought it would be a moſt eaſie buſineſs to induce the people to revolt, and to ſhake off a weak and wicked Maſter: ſo that in hopes this way to ruine ſoveraign Power, the promiſed Melaſia and Philodicea, that when it was fit time, they would ſet Alexideſmus in the Throne: ſo that theſe two women were ignorant of their principles; but however they were even raviſhed with joy, to ſee their deſign like to proſper according to their wiſh; and therefore the Marriage between Alexideſmus and Leonea muſt be ſolemnized without any longer delay, and a Feaſt is prepared in Milete for it; at which the Prince of Phocius, ſeeming to forget the death of his Son, was preſent: and for a Months time, nothing but publique Rejoycings and Sports were to be found amongſt all thoſe who were not of this cloſe deſign: Every one did think it ſtrange the Prince my father ſhould marry Alexideſmus before me, ſince by uſual courſe he who was to be his Succeſſor, ſhould firſt be thought upon: But ſince it was not the cuſtom to murmur at whatſoever he did, all the Town ſeemed to be very jocund. I ſeeing which way things were like to be carried, conſulted with wiſe Thales, who always told me, that what the Gods had ordained, muſt needs come to paſs, and therefore the beſt courſe would be to ſubmit unto their Providence. The ſtate of things ſtanding upon theſe terms, and the Prince my father thinking himſelf the happieſt man upon Earth, Periander, [Page] King of Corinth, who at that time found no very exact obedience from his Subjects, did ſend unto him to ask, what would make a King that was but ill obeyed, to live quietly in his Dominions? The Prince my father, who naturally was of a jealous diſpoſuion, and one of whoſe principal Maxims was, to truſt aſecret unto as few as poſſible, and to put nothing to hazard, in lieu of writing unto Periander, or giving any anſwer unto the Meſſenger, he carried him to walk in a great Meadow, and through a great field of Corn ready to reap (for it was that time of the year) and ſaid unto him, Tell the King your Maſter what you ſee me do in this Corn field, and tell him that's my anſwer. The Meſſenger, who knew not the Contents of their Letter which he brought, began to obſerve very exactly what the Prince did, who as he walked along the field of Corn as if he were in a deep ſtudy, did break of thoſe ears of Corn which grew higher then the reſt, and medled not with thoſe whoſe weight did bend them down to the ground: Whatſoever this Meſſenger might think upon this action, yet he could not comprehend the meaning, but reſolved to tell his Maſter what he had ſeen: yet ſince it ſeemed ſomething odd, and of ſmall conſequence, after the Prince my father was entered into the Town, and this Envoy gone to his lodging, he could not chuſe but tell the matter unto a man of Milate, whom he thought to be his very good friend, and one who promiſed him not to ſpeak of it: But as ſoon as he was gone, this man told another, and that other told his friend, and that friend told another friend, and he unto the chief of the Conſpirators againſt me: As this man was of a ſubtle wit, and knew very well the ſtate of the Corinthian Affairs, and who moreover underſtood from Melaſia that Periander had ſent to ask counſel of my father concerning ſome important buſineſs, did well enough interpret the riddle, and eaſily underſtood, that the breaking thoſe higheſt ears of Corn, was as much as to ſay, that he muſt pull down the Grandees of his Dominioes, who he thought did aſpire above their quality. So that fearing leſt this leſſon which was taught unto Periander, ſhould be executed upon himſelf if ever the Prince of Milete ſhould come to diſcover his Plot, he told thoſe of the Combination, that it was requiſite they put their plot in execution ſooner then once they intended: But it was a long while before they could act their intentions, ſo that I had leaſure to go into that War, wherein Leontidas ſerved Policrates, of which he told you in his Relation at Sinope. But during my abſence Anthemius (ſo was the chief of the Conſpirators called) did ſo cunningly manage his buſineſs, that he induced Melaſia to think that the Prince my father lived too long, for ſince the vices of Alexideſmus did every day grow higher, the Prince began to make ſome difference between him and me: And Philadicea, who ſaw that her daughter would be moſt unhappy in the perſon of her husband, yet her ambition was her comfort, and ſhe continually preſſed Melaſia to move the Prince unto a Declaration in behalf of Alexideſmus, telling her that it was eaſily done, and that there did need no more but to publiſh unto the world, that ſhe was his firſt legitimate wife, and that the Princeſs my Mother was never ſo, and ſo by conſequence Alexideſmus being the elder, it was his Right to Raign, and alſo to tell the Prince my Father, that it was expedient to ſee it ſetled ſo whileſt he lived. Melaſia promiſed ſhe would, and indeed did move my Father unto it; but he would never give her a direct anſwer; ſo that her ſpirit being exaſperated, ſhe conſulted with Anthemius. The Prince of Phocius alſo came again to Milete, to conſult afreſh with the ſaid Anthemius and Melaſia; and the reſult of the Councels was, to poyſon my Father during my abſence, and cauſe Alexideſmus to be proclaimed Soveraign: The Prince of Phocius ſaid further, that he made no queſtion but I had many friends, yet ſince I was not in the Town, they would not be over violent in my behalf; and to prevent the worſt, he ſaid, he would cauſe a good ſtrong party to enter into Milete ſecretly: Anthemius wiſhed it otherwiſe, becauſe he deſired to introduce Liberty upon the death of the Prince, yet he durſt not openly oppoſe it, leſt he ſhould render himſelf ſuſpected, and diſcover the plot which he hatched in his heart.

The wiſe Thales, though very buſie at his ſtudy, yet had intelligence that ſome plot or other was in agitation, ſo that hearing of a Ship which the Prince my Father ſent with Ammunition, he writ a ſhort Letter unto me, wherein he intimated that my preſence was very neceſſary at Milete, but ſince he could not imagine at what end the pernitious plots of Melaſia, Philodicea, the prince of Phocius, and Anthemius, did aym, he writ no more unto me, hoping that I would come time enough to diſperſe all factions. In the mean while, the four perſons did almoſt all of them tranſact by ſeveral principles; for the prince of Phocius did principally aym at revange; Melaſia and Philodicea ſought to ſatisfie their ambition; and Anthemius aimed at the Liberty of his Country. But, Sir, why ſhould I trouble you thus long with the miſeries of my houſe? To be ſhort therefore, let me tell you, that Melaſia poyſoned my Father, and publiſhed a Declaration, by which Alexideſmus was acknowledged for his [Page] Succeſſor: The prince of Phocius was in Milete with a commanding power; Anthemius acknowledged Alexideſmus for his Prince, and after his example others alſo: Thoſe friends I had in Town would have taken up Arms; the people in general murmured; but the party of Anthemius and Phocius had the ſword in their hands, and were the ſtronger: When I arrived at Milete, they would not permit me entrance; and ſince my Navy had been much weather-beaten, I was in the moſt pitiful condition that ever was Prince: But ſending about two hour after to know the reaſon, Alexideſmus ſent me a counterfeit Declaration, which he had forged in my Fathers name, and as ſoon as it was dark, the wiſe Thales did let me underſtand the truth of all things by a fiſher-man, who came by water: So that in one day I heard of my Fathers death, the loſs of my Dominion, the Treaſon of my Brother, and Revolt of my Subjects, and all this without any power to help it. My Ships were much torn; I was not in a condition to attempt any thing, having not men enough to attempt any thing againſt Milete either by Sea or Land; nor knew I well how to get away from the Town, conſidering the diſorder which this affront had infuſed into my Fleet. The wiſe Thales did further ſend me his advice, and conjored me not to ruine my Country for my own private Intereſt; but to ſtay until time, my friends, the debanchedneſs of Alexideſmus, and the Gods, did revenge my quarrel, and re-eſtabliſh me in my Dominions: for without all doubt the Gods were ſo juſt, as they would in fit time puniſh my enemies, and recompence my vertue, if I were ſo patient as to make good uſe of my misfortune. When I firſt received this advice, I did much wonder at it, and I confeſs it was ſomething difficult to follow it; ſo follow it; ſo that it was neceſſity rather then choyce which made me follow his counſel. However, the Sea being very ſerene, although my Ships were in a very bad condition, yet I endeavored to put in at one of the next Iſlands, and there to accommodate my ſelf: yet did ſecretly ſend a Declaration into Milete, by which I let all my Subjects know, that the pretended Declaration of the Prince my Father was forged, and that Alexideſmus was not only a Rebel and an Uſurper, but that Melaſia his Mother poyſoned her husband purpoſely to make her ſon to raign. Since this Crime was horrid in the higheſt degree, every one would not believe it, but imagined that it was only my politique ſcandal to render them the more odious. But ſince misfortunes ſeldom come alone, I was no ſooner in the open Sea, but a tempeſtuous ſtorm began to siſe, and within two hours all my Fleet was diſperſed: The angry Billows wafted ſome of my Ships into the very Port of Milete; daſhed others againſt the Rocks, and ſplit them; ſome ſunk into the bottomleſs Abyſs; and I only with three Ships remained ſtrugling with the wind and waves: I thought a hundred times that it was impoſſible but I muſt needs periſh, and I did as often render thanks unto the Gods that I was not to ſurvive my misfortunes: But againſt my wiſh, it was my fate to live, and after a whole day and nights moſt diſmal Tempeſt I was caſt upon the Iſle of Chios, where I landed, and was permitted only to reaccommodate my Ships: for ſince thoſe Iſlanders did know of the Alteration in Milete, they were afraid that if they ſhould harbor me long in their Ports, then the Mileteans might have a pretence of War againſt them. And thus Sir I found the proverb true, That thoſe find the feweſt places of retreat who ſtand moſt in need of them, and unfortunate men ſeldom find ſanctuaries from thoſe who are not ſo themſelves. It was in vain to ſtay in hopes that any of my Ships would return; for whether they all periſhed, or were driven by the Tempeſt far off, or forſook me, and returned to Milete, I know not; but I am ſure I never heard any news of them: Two only of thoſe three which remained were fit to ſail, and the third was no ſooner ready, but I reſolved for Leſtos, to try whether that friendſhip which I had contracted with Tiſander ſon unto ſage Pittacus Prince of Mitibines, would entertain me in ſpite of my misfortunes. This generous Friend recive me with abundance of kindneſs, and induced the Prince his Father alſo to reſpect me with as high honors as if I were in full poſſeſſion of my Dominions. In this Court I flayed a long time, and ſent unto Periander King of Corinth for ſome ayd: but his hands were ſo full at home, by reaſon of ſome oppoſite Factions amongſt his Grandees, that he was in no condition to aſſiſt me. The Prince Policrates was at peace with Alexideſmus; ſo likewiſe were they of Prienne: The Prince of Phoceus alſo was for him, and engaged all thoſe of his alliance to the like: So that I ſaw no poſſibility of effecting any thing with thoſe ſuccors which the Prince of Mytilenes only could afford me. I underſtood likewiſe by that intelligence which I ever held with Thales, how he had diſcovered that Anthemins, who ſeemed ſo jealous in behalf of Alexideſmus, did privately animate the people againſt this Uſurper: ſo that there was much reaſon to believe, there would ere long be ſome freſh alteration in Milete. My beſt courſe then was, not to incenſe the people by bringing a War upon them, but to prepare my ſelf in a readineſs to enter the Town whenſover any favorable occaſion ſhould be offered. [Page] Thus was I forced to ſit ſtill, and wait for the future ſucceſs of my fortunes; but I muſt confeſs it was with ſo melancholy a mind, that nothing was able to divert me: And there was one thing which did double my miſery, which was, that the Prince Tiſander was as unfortunate as my ſelf: for be pleaſed to know Sir, that he had above two years loved, in a moſt violent and deſperate manner, that famous Lady which you ſaw at Leſbos, when we met there together, but he could never obtain ſo much as a favorable look from her, though he courted her with all poſſible inviting allurements which uſually move affection. Since the admired Sapho, of whom I ſpeak, was a miracle of wit, beauty, and affability, I could not blame him for eſteeming her above all the world; yet ſince I never had been in love my ſelf, I did extreamly condemn him for being as melancholy as my ſelf. But Sir, it is not the Hiſtory of this Prince which I intend to relate: I ſhall only thus far tell you, that he being paſt all hopes of ever moving the heart of this Leſbian Beauty, he deſired me to be the Companion of his Exile, and to travel with him over all thoſe Seas which were not far remote from Milete, in hope that abſence would be his cure. Since, in this diſgrace wherein I lived, all places were indifferent unto me, I eaſily conſented unto his deſire: So that colouring our departure as well as we could, we left Leſbos, and committed our ſelves unto Fortune. All our diſcourſe was commonly diſputes of ambition and love, and each of us maintained his opinion according to the ſuggeſtions of his heart: We had two Ships beſides that in which we were; but preſently after we had only that, for meeting the Prince Polisrates, who was much ſtronger then we, he took the other two from us, and all we were able to do was to eſcape out of his hands. This accident did extreamly incenſe me, and (if I may uſe the phraſe) firſt moved me to turn a Pirate: for it begot in me ſo hot a deſire to regain what I had loſt, that we reſolved to fall upon all we met, that would not render themſelves, conceiving it as lawful for us as for Polisrates to make prizes of what we could. In leſs then a Months time we made above twenty Combates, and I preſently got the name of a Pirate: as for the Prince Tiſander, he would not be known in any place were e're we came. It may, I confeſs, be ſaid I was a Pirate, but now am none: for ſince my deſign was only to get a ſmall Fleet by my courage, I only retained the Ships and ſuch of the men as would willingly ſerve me, and only as much as would ſuſtain us. We took three Ships from the Prince of Phoceus my Enemy, which did beyond all expreſſions joy me; and at the firſt Iſle we came at, I ſet the men on Land, and took others in their room: This did revive my hopes, ſince I began to conquer my Enemies. I underſtood from theſe Phocean Mariners, that their Prince would ere long imbatque, and go by the Euxine Bridg unto the Town of Appolonia, ſo that reſolving to intercept his paſſage, I returned from whence I came, and it was then, Sir, when I met with you as you were ſailing from Corinth to Ephoſus: Since my deſign was to fight the Prince of Phoceus, whom they ſaid would come with ſix Sail, I reſolved to ſet upon yours, and gain it if I could. Yet to ſpeak the truth, you diſputed that Victory with ſo much courage, as it may truly be ſaid that number did overcome you, and that your valor notwithſtanding was victorious. But Sir, will you give me leave to tell you, how that valiant man who fought with you in the Sea after you were both faln in, and whom I took up with you in a little Boat, was this ſame Tiſander who is now in my Tent, and who would not permit me to diſcover him unto you all the while you was in my Ship?

How, generous Thraſibulus, (ſaid Cyrus, and interrupted his ſtory,) is he whom I fought withall, and who certainly had overcome me if you had not been, is he here? Then let me entreat you at my requeſt to redouble your cares of him, for I do not think there is a more valiant man in the whole world then he: But I beſeech you go on with the Relation of his Life, which is as tender to me as my own. When Thraſibulus had admired the high generoſity of Cyrus, in intereſting himſelf as he did in the preſervation of that man who had ſo furiouſly diſputed with him for the Victory, he continued his Diſcourſe in this manner.

I will not bring into your memory, Sir, any more paſſages of that Adventure, becauſe I know your modeſty will not permit it: but give me leave to tell you, that when I landed at Leſbos, it was to ſet Tiſander on ſhoar, who had received two wounds from you, leſs in appearance then thoſe two you received from him, but much longer, and more difficult to be healed. Then Sir, according to my intended deſign, I carried you to the Euxine Bridge, where I had the good fortune to encounter him I was in queſt of, to wit, the Prince of Pheceus; for indeed, it was he, Sir, againſt whom you fought, and whom you vanquiſhed, for certainly without you I had been vanquiſhed: But as fortune was, he was not in any of thoſe three Ships which we took, but by a miracle of Fate eſcaped: Then Sir, after you refuſed thoſe two Ships which I did preſent unto you, becauſe indeed they belonged unto you more then unto me, and after that you were pleaſed to accept but of one of them; that ſame Tempeſt which did riſe within ſix [Page] hours after we parted, and which as I underſtood afterwards, did drive you ſome two days after upon the Port of Sinope, that ſame wind, I ſay, which drove you that way, did alſo by a prodigious blaſt, drive me the contrary, and carried me into the Helliſpont, and afterwards cauſed me to paſs between Lemnos, and Leſbos, then forced me more upon the left hand, until I touched upon the Iſle of Chio, and after upon the Coaſts of Guides, ſo well known by that Iſthmus which ſhoots it ſelf ſo far into the Sea, as if that neck of land did joyn it unto the Continent.

Hitherto, Sir, you may be pleaſed to look upon the moſt happy time of my life, for amongſt my misfortunes, I always enjoyed ſome happineſs, either in the friendſhip of the wiſe Thales, or in the ſweet ſociety of Tiſander, or yours: But ſince the day that I arived at Gnides, nothing but miſerable misfortunes were my lot; for be pleaſed to know that juſt upon the point of this Iſthmus, whither the Tempeſt had driven me alone, (all my other Ships being diſperſed by the ſtorm) there ſtands a very ſtrong Caſtle, which is the greateſt defence of this Iſle; A man of good quality, whoſe name was Euphranor, and who was one of the Councel of Sixty which governs that Republique, did command in that Caſtle when I came thither. This man, to my good fortune as then I thought, was upon the top of a Tarraſs, and from that height did ſee how the impetuous winds did daſh me againſt the bottoms of the walls; ſo that out of his civil humanity, he ſent preſently unto all the Mariners in the Port to aſſiſt me, and he took eſpecial care to know in what condition my Ship was, which indeed was the very ſame in which he had formerly commanded: for he ſaw it to be a man of War, and one of the goodlieſt and biggeſt that ever was ſeen in thoſe Seas, and indeed it was the ſame I fought in againſt Policrates, and in which I had the happineſs of your company. Some Mariners which knew my ſhip, told him I was that famous Pirate, who had a long time kept thoſe Seas, and who never uſed to take any money or merchandize, but only men and ſhips; aſſuring him alſo that they knew me very well, and once ſaw me aſſault a ſhip whileſt they eſcaped. But being informed by others at the ſame time, who came to ſee me, that I had not the Garb of a Pirate: that my ſhip which was much weather-beaten, and that it would be a long time before I could be in a condition to depart from Gnides; he ſent order, either out of curioſity to know who I was, or elſe for the ſecurity of his Fort, to bring me unto him. Since I knew it was the cuſtom of all Garriſons to do the like, and ſince I reſolved not to make my ſelf known, I willingly obeyed, and only one man of quality in Milete, called Leoſthenes, who would never forſake me, and three more of my own men followed me: I was brought unto Euphranor in a great Gallery, where ſeveral people were walking with him: he ſpoke unto me very ingeniouſly and civilly; he asked me from whence I came, and whither my intention was to go; he did alſo put many queſtions unto me to diſcover the truth of my anſwers: Unto which I replied ſo readily, as I did not fully give him ſatisfaction: for I anſwered, that though I ſhould tell him my name, yet would it be unknown unto him: that I came from the Euxine Bridg upon ſome important occaſions, but knew not whither I went when the Tempeſt did drive me upon that Coaſt, however I acknowledged my ſelf bound unto his generoſity in ſending his men to relieve me, and my ſhip, which if he had not done, I had certainly periſhed. Whileſt I was thus ſpeaking unto Euphranor, I obſerved how all the men in the Gallery with him flocked about me with a prejudicated opinion that I was a Pirat: Since there are only four languages ſpoken amongſt all the Ionians, and they much reſembling one another, ſo that whoſoever underſtood one might underſtand all the reſt, we underſtood one another very well; there being but little difference between the language of Milete, and that of Guides, only in the accent, for both were Greeks. But, Sir, amongſt thoſe which came about me, I ſaw four or five Ladies of handſom Garb; amongſt the reſt, the daughter of Euphranor was the faireſt that ever eye beheld; and ſince ſhe was more curious then the reſt, to ſee a Pirat, which I heard her ſay, ſhe had never ſeen before; ſhe came nearer to me then the reſt, and I did ſalute her with more ſubmiſſive reverence then I did the reſt, unto whom I only bowed my ſelf in general without any particular application: But unto Alcionida, (for that was the name of that beauty) I addreſſed my ſelf with as much humble reverence as if a Divinity had been preſent. Whileſt I was in conference with Euphranor, me thought I heard her ſay unto her companions, that I had not the Garb and Air of a Pirat, as they had formerly deſcribed Pirats unto her; ſo that to confirm her in that good opinion of me, I endeavoured to anſwer Euphranor with all the ingenuity that poſſible I could, and indeed he was ſo well pleaſed with me, that in lieu of the quality of a Pirat, which is never admitted into their Ports, he very favourably offered me his aſſiſtance, and told me, that I might ſtay in Gnides as long as I pleaſed to trim up my ſhip: after this, I retired, holding diſcourſe as long as handſomly I could; to the end I might the longer look [Page] upon the wonder of Beauty, Alcionida. But at the laſt I went out of the Gallery, and returned unto my ſhip: But ſince it leaked in very many places, I was forced to lodg in the Town; at the end of which, this Caſtle was built, ſtill retaining in my fancy the perfect Idea of this divine beauty which I had ſeen. The next morning, I went unto that famous Temple of Gnidenian Venus, where I found the divine Alcionida, and ſo charming and amiable, that I changed colour when I ſaw her. Since I wore that day a very rich Sute of clothes, ſhe hardly knew me, yet recalling my face into her memory preſently after, ſhe anſwered my ſalute very civilly; ſince ſhe was then with her mother, and ſince I paſſed but under the notion of a Pirat, I durſt not accoſt her, but conceived it fit to ask leave before I addreſſed my ſelf unto her: I conceived it fit to go and thank Euphranor, and give him a ceremonious viſit: I went unto him the very next morning, and my diſcourſe was ſo ſutable unto his diſpoſition, that he acknowledged himſelf to be very glad of mine acquaintance: After I parted from him, I bethought my ſelf, that commonly, Preſents with men, have the ſame operation that Sacrifices have with the Gods, and therefore I preſented him with an admirable Sword, the hilt of which was gold, and ſet with precious ſtones, full of moſt rare workmanſhip; for it was done by the hand of that famous Philoſopher, and Arts-maſter, whoſe skill in Gold-works none could imitate. Euphranor was much taken with this magnificent Preſent, and received it with much delight: In the mean while, I was ſo charmed with the ſight of Alcionida, that I forgot all neceſſary orders for the triming up of my ſhip, and left the care of it wholly unto Leoſthenes: I ſhould ſtay alone in my Chamber, and contemplate upon nothing but the divinity of her beauty: I ſhould ſtand a whole hour in a pleaſing ſtudy, and think upon the ſweetneſs of her looks, the pureneſs of her complect [...]on, the excellent compoſure in every part of her face, and of the modeſty which app [...]ared in all her actions, and the ſweetneſs of her mind which appeared in her Phiſiognomie: But after I had long ſtood in ſuch contemplative muſings, I ſhould upon a ſudden wonder to find my ſelf ſo imployed; I (I ſay) who ever ſince the death of my father had a mind continually full of revenging thoughts, and hatred, thinking upon nothing but how to regain what I had loſt: I confeſs, this alteration aſtoniſhed me, and was much aſhamed of ſo much weakneſs in my ſelf; I reſolved to take another courſe, aond to ſend for permiſſion to viſit the wife of Euphranor, whoſe name was Phedima: for, ſaid I unto my ſelf, I muſt not expoſe my ſelf unto ſo great a danger as to look upon ſo charming a beauty as Alcionida; for I ſcarce ſaw her above one minute, but I forgot all my enemies, what then would become of me if I ſhould diſcourſe with her, and give her time to captivate my heart? yet in a moment after I laughed at my own fears, and believed, that to quench my kindling flames, there did need no more, but to deſire I ſhould not love Alcionida, and that would ſmother it up: others, ſaid I, who are entangled with this kind of paſſion, are themſelves in the fault, becauſe they do not check and ſtifle it at the firſt, but I for my part ſhall take another courſe, and I will go and ſee Alcionida, with a firm ſetled reſolution only to admire, but never to love her. Thus Sir, thinking my ſelf ſufficiently armed againſt the charms of this admirable beauty, I ſent after dinner to ask leave that I might viſit her, and it was granted unto me. I went then, and took Leoſthenes only with me, but ſpoke not a word unto him all the way. Sir, ſaid he unto me, and laught, you are too much reſerved for the viſit of Ladies. I laughed at the obſervation of Leoſthenes, and knowing no reaſon why I ſhould acquaint him with the cauſe, I gave him no anſwer, but ſeemed as if I underſtood him not. I went then into the Caſtle which was very near, and Phedima received me very civilly. The admirable Alcionida alſo was ſo charmingly ſweet unto me, that I had all the motives poſſible to commend her: Since there was many Ladies there when I came in; after the firſt complements were paſt, Phedima addreſſed her ſelf unto thoſe ſhe was in diſcourſe with before I entered: and ſince I had the honour to be next Alcionida, I had occaſions given me to obſerve that her ſoul was as full of beauty, as her face: and I believe never any had a more charming diſcourſe then ſhe, for ſhe did ſpeak as much as poſſible could be to divert her hearers: ſhe equally ſpoke well of every thing, and kept her ſelf within the limits of Ladies knowledge; and would not diſcourſe of things too high, and above the ſphear of her underſtanding: her eloquence was excellent, but natural, and came freely, and unpumpt for, from her: and though ſhe was of the talkative Sex, yet ſhe could be diſcreetly ſilent, and lend a willing ear unto any that ſpoke, though never ſo far from the purpoſe; ſo complacential ſhe was, and wiſe, and judicious; ſo that according to this deſcription of her, you may eaſily imagine, that ſhe would permit me to ſpeak unto her; and was ſo good as to return her anſwers. After much common and indifferent diſcourſe, in which all the company did intermix, ſhe very obligingly told me, that I was ſomthing beholding unto her for the opinion which ſhe had of me before ſhe knew me: For (ſaid ſhe unto me) it was oft-times my diverſion, when the Sea was highly incenſed, to look out, and ſee the mountainous waves daſh againſt [Page] our Rocks: and it happened, that as I was looking out of my Cloſet, I ſaw how the wind did beat your Ship againſt the foot of the Caſtle; and when I ſaw that all within were ready to periſh, I confeſs my heart did beat, and I prayed unto the Gods for your preſervation: Since therefore my firſt thoughts of you were well wiſhes and pity, therefore I ſay you are a little beholding unto me. Is it then, Madam, unto your prayers that I owe my ſafety? ſaid I unto her; then it is to you that I muſt addreſs my thanks. It is unto the Gods, and not to me, replyed ſhe, that you are to render thanks; and I can claim no more but a ſlight commendation for pitying you before I knew who you were: and I know that when I met you this morning in the Temple, doubtleſs you thanked the Goddeſs of that place for your preſervation. It is moſt true, ſaid I unto her, that I went thither to that purpoſe, for then I did not know that it was unto your prayers that the Goddeſs was propitious; and at this time I do not at all wonder that the Goddeſs of Beauty ſhould grant the deſires of the faireſt Lady in the world: But Madam, perhaps now you know me, you repent of that favor you did me when you did not know me. I know not why, replyed ſhe, unleſs appearances be very fallacious, I ſhould repent of my pity, ſince miſeries are apt to move all unto it, eſpecially my ſex, and ſince you ſeem to be of another quality then I thought you to be. Oh Madam (ſaid I unto her) I do conjure you not to change your opinion of me. It ſeems then by your diſcourſe, replyed ſhe, that you rank your ſelf in the number of miſerable and unfortunate men. Yes Madam, replyed I, the moſt of any man living, not only in relation to thoſe misfortunes which have already fal [...] upon me, but alſo in reſpect of thoſe which in probability will hereafter happen. You are too ingenious to perſecute your ſelf, ſaid ſhe, in grieving for that which perhaps may happen; and for my part I do confeſs unto you, that I do equally condemn thoſe that build their happineſs upon hopes only of being ſo, and thoſe who are miſerable only out of future fears. There are a ſort of men in the world (ſaid I unto her, and ſmiled) whoſe joys and ſorrows do conſiſt only in hopes and fears. I have heard as much, replyed ſhe, and ſmiled as well as I, but for for your part, you cannot be acquainted with any misfortunes of theſe kinds, ſince living continually at Sea, you have nothing to hope for but a gentle gale, nor any thing to fear but a furging Tempeſt. Pirates (replyed I in ſuch a tone and after ſuch a manner as might make her think I was not one) are not originally out of the Sea as your Goddeſs is, but they are born upon Land as others are; and indeed Madam, ſaid I and bluſhed, my Shipwrack may tell you, that Pirates are not always amongſt the waves. You give your ſelf a name, ſaid ſhe, which ſuits ſo ill with your diſcourſe, that I do not think it belongs unto you. I do confeſs, ſaid I unto her, that I have not always had that title, nor did I take it up my ſelf, but ſince people beſtow it upon me, I ſhall keep it until it pleaſe Fortune to take it away again.

Thus did I hold the fair Alcionida in diſcourſe until all thoſe Ladies which were with her were making ready to depart, and I thought it long enough for my firſt viſit: So that giving Phedima a Complement of gratitude, and deſiring the honour to viſit her as long as I ſtayd at Gnides, I returned to my Lodging: Leoſthenes, who all that while had only the company of a ſtupid blockhead, complained againſt the longneſs of my viſit; but my mind was ſo taken up with my new paſſion, that I knew not well what he ſaid, nor anſwered him much to the purpoſe; he judging therefore by my actions that I deſired to be alone, left me and went unto the Port, to ſee whether the trimming up of our Ship went forward. I then was no ſooner at liberty, but remembering my firm reſolution which I had taken in going unto Alcionida, not to love her, I began to queſtion my ſelf whether I was free, or whether I was a captive? I examined my reaſon and my heart upon it; but oh Heavens! I found the firſt of theſe ſo engaged, and the other ſo prejudicated, that I was not a little amazed at it: I called for the ayd of ambition, ſince I heard ſay, that Paſſion of all others was able to reſiſt the power of Love; but all was in vain, and Ambition did ſubmit unto Love: yet for all that ſhe did not quite deſert my heart; but on the contrary, notwithſtanding the predominancy of Love, ſhe redoubled all her ſtrength; and I eſteemed my ſelf a hundred times more unfortunate in loſing my Dominions ſince I knew Alcionida then before, becauſe now I looked upon my misfortunes as an invincible obſtacle unto the happy ſucceſs of my new paſſion. If I were abſolute Soveraign in Milete, ſaid I, I might almoſt be certain to obtain the favor of this fair one: but ſince I am an Exile, and paſſing for a Pirate, I can never have any hopes in pretending to any ſhare in her affection; and I muſt prepare my ſelf to ſuffer all the torments that both Love and Ambition can inflict upon me. Moreover, what will the wiſe Thales ſay unto me? what will the King of Corinth think? what imaginations will the Prince of Mytilenes have? and what cenſures ſhall I incur from all the Princes and people of Jonia in particular, and from all Greece in general? when they ſhall underſtand that a Prince unjuſtly driven out of his Dominions, abuſed by his Enemies, [Page] betrayed by his own Subjects, and depoſed by a Baſtard; a Prince, I ſay, who ſhould think upon nothing but revenge and honour, and not ſuffer himſelf to be weakly overcome by the fair eyes of Alcionida without any reſiſtance. Reſiſt then, for ſhame, ſaid I unto my ſelf, and do not yield my ſelf a Captive without a Combate. But, oh Heavens! (ſaid I preſently after,) what Arms ſhould I uſe againſt her? what can I think or do, not to love her? Can I diſcover any blemiſh in her beauty? or can I find any fault in her mind? and can I ſuſpect that her Soul is not ſo generous as her face is fair, and her wit is charming? Let me try if any thing can cure me: Let me viſit her dayly, and keep a cloſe obſervant eye upon her, and enquire whether this fair one, who doubtleſs is beloved of all that know her, do not alſo love ſome one or other; and let me neglect nothing which may free me from that miſery which torments me. Thus did I reaſon with my ſelf, and could not contrive any other way to deliver my ſelf, but by diſcovering ſome defects in this incomparable beauty, or elſe to find out that her heart was already engaged. The next day then I enquired with all poſſible diligence of what I deſired to know, which I could with more eaſe do, becauſe at the ſame Lodging where I did lie, there quartered alſo a man of good faſhion, a ſtranger as well as my ſelf, who had been at Gnides a long time to harken after news, with him I did comply, to effect my deſires the ſooner: I underſtood then from him, that Alcionida was loved by all reaſonable men which ever ſaw her, but none could ever move her heart; and he told me ſo many things in her Commendations, that I made no queſtion but her Soul was as excellently fair as her face, and as great as her wit: Sometimes I deſpaired of finding any of thoſe defects which I ſought for; and ſometimes again, my heart, whether I would or no, would extreamly rejoyce at the knowledg of her excellent perfections. I could not chuſe then but ſubmit Sir, and love the fair Alcionida: but for all that, my hatred of the Prince of Phoceus, Alexideſmus, Melaſia, Philodicea, and Anthemius, was not extinguiſhed: on the contrary, I wiſhed them worſe then I did before, becauſe the miſerable condition into which they had brought me, was the obſtacle in my love: So then, not neglecting my Mileſian Affairs, I reſolved to pleaſe Alcionida, if I could; ſo that I was not a little buſily employed about it. Since Euphranor had ſome ſuſpition that I was not of that quality which I ſpoke my ſelf, he always treated me very civilly, and took it kindly when I came to viſit him; and the ofter I ſaw Alcionida, the more charming I found her, and me thought ſhe did not look upon me as a Pirate; yet was I not at all the happier, for I knew ſhe would not look upon me as a Lover: I oftentimes had a deſire to hint ſomething unto her which might make her gueſs my thoughts, but preſently after I checked my deſign; and my fears to be ill uſed moved me to be content with her civilities to me, rather then to expoſe my ſelf unto her anger: for ſaid I unto my ſelf, If I ſhould acquaint her with my Paſſion, and not my Quality, ſhe will treat me as a Pirate: Alſo if I ſhould tell her the condition I am in, what hopes is there, that ſhe ſhould give any entertainment unto an Exile, and unfortunate Prince. In concluſion, I reſolved to make her know I was in love with her, and that ſhe ſhould ſtill think that I was not of that Quality I appeared in; but not to let her know directly that I was a Prince, which was thruſt out of his Dominions, but it was ſo difficult a task to keep an even way as not to ſpeak either too much, or too little, to infuſe this knowledg into her, that I looked upon it as a buſineſs almoſt impoſsible, and lived a moſt vexatious life. Mean while Leoſthenes, who had a bold and an attempting wit, fell into league with a Couſin of Alcionida's, who dwelt with her; and that ſo deep, as I wondered at it; for this woman was full of friendly expreſsions to him. 'Tis true, he had prepared her with many little preſents which he bought privately in Gnides, and ſaid he brought them out of a far Country, ſuch as Eſſences, Powders, Perfumes, and ſuch knacks; and ſince this woman was of free diſpoſition, ſhe imparted all that ever ſhe knew unto Leoſthenes.

Upon a day then, as ſhe was in diſcourſe with him, ſhe preſſed and conjured him to tell her truly who I was; and ſince he imagined, that happily this curioſity did not proceed from her ſelf, he preſſed her as earneſtly to tell him why ſhe deſired ſo much to know it: ſo that according to her uſual freeneſs and ingenuity ſhe told him, after ſhe had made a mighty ſecret on it, that her reaſon was, becauſe Alcionida had a great deſire to know my quality; for ſhe could not believe that I was really a Pirate. As good fortune was, Leoſthenes anſwered her, as I would have appointed him if I had known of it; for he fretted and fumed, and anſwered ſo ambiguouſly, that he made her believe Alcionida was not miſtaken. As Leoſthenes had plainly perceived that I was deeply in love with Alcionida, ſo he thought it would pleaſe me in telling how inquiſitively ſhe had enquired who I was; and indeed the relation of it did ſo much joy me, that having no power to hide my paſſion, I diſcovered all my thoughts unto him, and made him my Confident: not that I thought him very fit for it, for his ſpirit was a little too [Page] inſolent; but becauſe, the truth was, I had no other to chuſe, and becauſe I could not incloſe the violence of my paſſion in ſo cloſe a place as my own heart. Oh Heavens! how many pleaſing minutes did this curioſity of Alcionida afford me? and how many fears did I apprehend, when I did imagine the knowledg of my misfortunes would bar me admittance into her heart? However, I did viſit her every day, and every day I loved her more and more violently: The moſt powerful of her charms was, that all thoſe vanities which uſually young people are moſt taken up in were much below her: this alluring Lady did never do any thing as a diverſion only: her dreſs was moſt ornamental, but ſo, as it did not require half a life to the putting it on, as moſt women uſe; her diſcourſe was never upon any trivial vanities; moreover, all the Gold and Diamonds of the Eaſt, could never adulterate her mind; but ſhe could at the firſt viſit diſcern a compleat man though in meaneſt habit, from a ſtupid Aſs in the moſt magnificent clothes upon Earth; and notwithſtanding his outward luſtre, ſhe would be ſo juſt unto real merit, that ſhe would be more reſpective unto a very Pirate who was owner of good qualities, then unto a Prince who could boaſt of nothing but his vices. I finding then ſo much wiſdom and vertue in this admirable Lady, how could I chuſe but love her. I remember, being one day with her, and leaning againſt the window in the end of a Gallery towards the Sea, whileſt other Ladies were walking behind us; See (ſaid ſhe, and ſhewed me the place where my Ship was bulged) yonder is the very place where you were like to ſuffer ſhipwrack. Pardon me, Madam (ſaid I haſtily unto her,) that is not the place where I was moſt like to periſh; for indeed it is not ſo far off you. Truly (ſaid ſhe, and did not underſtand the myſterious meaning of my anſwer) you do not know ſo well as I do the place where your Ship was in moſt danger, for theſe eyes did ſee it at that time, but I believe you were ſo buſie in giving order what to do in that extremity, that you did not obſerve the place. I know very well, Madam, ſaid I unto her, that my ſhipwrack was like to have been in your preſence, but yet for all that, thoſe who are ready to periſh, know the place better then any lookers on. For my part, ſaid ſhe and laughed, did I not conceive your Soul to be very reſolute, I ſhould think that fear might at that inſtant have a little diſturbed your reaſon, for I can aſſure you, it was at the foot of that great Rock where you were in greateſt danger. And I am moſt certain, replyed I, and notwithſtanding the reſpects which I owe you, I muſt maintain, that it was againſt this Rock againſt which I am moſt in danger, and not that which you ſpeak of. Alcionida, being not accuſtomed to find me ſo full of contradiction, did then ſuſpect there was ſome hidden ſence in my words, and bluſhing at it, I am to blame, ſaid ſhe, to argue with you concerning a buſineſs of no importance; for ſince you eſcaped the danger, it is ſufficient, and I may well be ſatisfied, without more diſcourſe upon it: But truly, ſaid ſhe, and laughed ſtill, thoſe who ſay, a wiſe Pilot will never ſplit twice upon one and the ſame Rock, do not know how difficult it is to prevent it, ſince you who ſeem ſo wiſe do not know the place where you were moſt in danger; however, let us ſpeak no more upon this Subject, but fall upon ſomething elſe which will better pleaſe you, and tell me I beſeech you when your Ship will be ready to put to ſail, for I do imagine you wiſh for your departure as much as all they who know you do wiſh your ſtay. I was much non-pluſt at this queſtion; for though it gave me a handſom opportunity to diſcover my thoughts unto her, yet there appeared in her eyes ſo much ſeverity mixed with her ſweetneſs, that I durſt not reveal it: I only told her, that I thought it not poſſible to be very earneſt in haſting away from that place where ſhe was; and ſince common civility might well exact as much as I did ſay, ſhe returned me as civil an anſwer; and all the reſt of our Conference was ſuch as this: I had been divers other times with her, and never durſt expoſe my ſelf unto her anger in declaring my love unto her; and I underſtood from Leoſthenes, that ſince the firſt day, Alcionida never ſpoke a word to her Couſin concerning me. In the mean time, I deferred the mending of my Ship as long as handſomly I could; and I could have found in my heart a diſpoſition to break ſome things which were whole, purpoſely to gain time: ſo that in lieu of three weeks, I made it ſix, that I ſtayed in the Port of Gnides. But at the laſt, the wiſe Thales, whom I had ſecretly advertiſed of the place where I was, did ſend me word, that there was a very ſeditious face upon things in Milete, and adviſed me to come thither; and then was I forced to depart, notwithſtanding the intereſt of my Love: Moreover, ſince the repairing of my Ship was ſo long in hand, there was a report in Gnides, that I had ſome ſecret deſign in it, and Euphranor himſelf ſuſpected ſomething, as I underſtood by Leoſthenes, and he from his Confident; giving it out, that as ſoon as he returned from his voyage of eight days, he would force me to explain my ſelf. All theſe conſiderations therefore requiring my departure, and my Ship being ready, when Euphranor was to go his Journey, I took my leave of him, telling him that I ſhould depart before [Page] his return, and beſeeching him to believe, that if I did not die in a buſineſs about which I went, I would return, and make my ſelf a little better known unto him. After his departure, I ſtayed four days ſtill at Gnides: during which time, Alcionida who never had been in a Ship of War, no more then three or four of her friends, ſeemed very deſirous to ſee mine; and I beſeeched her to ſatisfie her curioſity in honouring me ſo far as to come into my Ship, the laſt afternoon I was to ſtay in that Port: and having obtained the promiſe of it with the permiſſion of Phedima, I prepared to receive her with all poſſible magnificence, but yet with all the melancholy that a heart could be capable of. And when I ſeriouſly conſidered, I ſhould within thoſe four days ſee Alcionida no more; I was ſo grieved at the thought of it, that I was not able to order this intended Feaſt as I deſired: but relied wholly upon the contrivance of Leoſthenes, who did order it admirable well: for though the time of preparation was very ſhort, yet was my Ship adorned with an hundred waving Flags of ſeveral colours, on which the name of Alcionida was written in gold, and ſilver, with variety of Mottoes. There was placed upon the Deck all manner of Sea muſick, ſuch as might reſemble the Tritons, and the Nereides; and beſides theſe, there was very admirable voices in imitations of the Syrens. All the Souldiers were tricked up in the beſt Arms in the Ship.

The day and hour being come, in which I was to be honoured with ſeeing Alcionida in a place where I had any power, I went to meet her, and her Aunt which accompanied her, with ten or twelve more of her friends; as for Phedima ſhe was not very well, and therefore could not come: I was in the moſt magnificent Arms that ever I wore, with a Plume of ſeveral colours, and waited upon by Leoſthenes, and all the principal Officers of my Ship: conducting her then into this Ship, thus ordered, as I told you, the muſick begun to play as ſoon as we came near, and going into a Cabin, ſhe was amazed at the greatneſs of it; at the rareneſs of the Pictures, and the magnificence of every thing, and ſhe could not be perſwaded ſhe was in a Ship: After ſhe had well viewed theſe things, the Mariners to divert her, did in her preſence, do all they uſe to do, either in a Calm, or in a Tempeſt, which was to pull up, and let down the Sails, to turn upon a ſudden, or by degrees, to remove all that abundance of Cordage in an inſtant; and in ſhort we ſhewed her all manner of Maritine works, which uſually are wonders unto thoſe who never ſaw them. Whileſt Alcionida was viewing theſe ſights, the Banquet was brought into the Cabin wherein we were at the firſt: ſo that when ſhe entered again into it, ſhe was afr [...]ſh ſurprized with pleaſing delights: for the truth was, Leoſthenes had ordered things very well; ſhe began then to commend and thank me, but ſtill chiding me for my magnificence, and telling me with a moſt obliging ſmile, that if all Pirats were like me, they would ſhame all that Greece had moſt excellent and magnificent. I returned her a complement with with much joy, and I was extreamly pleaſed to obſerve Alcionida ſo delighted: But when I began to think, that I muſt depart that very night, (for the wind was very good) I was not able to look upon Alcionida without extream ſorrows: Alas, (ſaid I unto my ſelf, whileſt ſhe was at the Banquet with her friends, and looking moſt attentively upon her) perhaps I ſhall never ſee Alcionida again; every minute drives me further from her: And canſt thou live Thraſibulus, and endure this? haſt thou an heart to bid her adieu? Ah, no no, rather die a thouſand deaths, then admit of ſo rigorous, ſo incertain, and ſo long an abſence; ſo certain for its cruelty, and ſo inſufferable in its torments. Theſe cogitations did make ſo deep an impreſſion into my ſoul, that I changed colour twenty times in an hour; ſo that Leoſthenes drawing me aſide, when he perceived my extream melancholy, and whileſt the Ladies were eating, and according to his free and bold humour, How do you, Sir, ſaid he unto me? are you the only man in all the world, whom the ſight of the party loved does ſatisfie? Alas, Leoſthenes, ſaid I unto him, what ſatisfaction can it be to ſee this admirable beauty whom I adore, ſince I muſt ſee her no more? If that be the cauſe of your ſadneſs, ſaid he to me, why will you not ſee her all the days of your life? Alas, how can I do that, ſaid I to him? You may do it (replied he very haſtily) by permitting me to cut the Cable which faſtens the Ship unto the Anchor, and ſo let me hoiſe up Sails, and put to open Sea, as if it were with intentions to divert them, and ſo you may carry them whither you pleaſe: retaining only the fair Alcionida, and her lovely Couſin, and ſet at the reſt on ſhore, at ſome convenient diſtance from this place. Euphranor, ſaid he, is not now Gnides, and we ſhall be far enough off before our flight will be diſcovered: and however, ſaid he, whether you do it as a Pirat, or as a Lover, it will be a prize worthy of you: At the firſt, I thought that Leoſthenes had ſpoken this out of rallery: but preſently after, ſeeing he ſpoke ſeriouſly, and as one that was intereſted in it, my firſt apprehenſions was to refuſe the motion: but love in an inſtant, ſeducing both my generoſity, and my reaſon, forced me to ſay unto Leoſthenes, almoſt not knowing what I ſaid, Canſt thou tell me of no way, cruel friend, to make [Page] me happy, but by making me culpable? and doeſt thou make ſuch a pleaſing propoſition, as honour forbids me to accept? The fault is eaſily repaired, ſaid he unto me; and thoſe who are happy, do never paſs for culpable: and therefore without loſs of time in needleſs diſcourſe, go, and entertain the Ladies, and amuſe them, whileſt I take all neceſſary courſes to execute ſo happy a deſigne: Ah, Leoſthenes, ſaid I unto him, I dare not conſent unto ſuch an unjuſt propoſition, how pleaſing ſoever it be. Conſider (ſaid he again) that if you will needs be ſo exactly juſt, you may perhaps never ſee the fair Alcionida again: but may for ever enjoy her, if you follow my counſel: But then ſhe will hate me, replied I unto him: But on the other ſide, you will for ever loſe her, (anſwered he.) Look upon the treaſure, (ſaid this unjuſt friend, and pointing unto her with his finger) which you intend to loſe: Indeed Sir, what ſhall I ſay in my excuſe? Love diſturbed my reaſon: Leoſthenes ſeduced my will: and hardly knowing what I ſaid, I half conſented unto his deſires, which doubtleſs were more for his own intereſt, then mine, in relation to the Couſin of Alcionida, whom he loved; and I went as he adviſed me to entertain, and amuſe the Ladies, whileſt he cut the Cable, hoiſted Sails, and took the open Sea. Since the Banquet was ended when I entered, Alcionida came towards me with ſuch obliging civility, and ſo many ſignes of ſatisfaction in her countenance, I was ſo aſhamed for conſenting unto what Leoſthenes had propounded; as I did not only grow pale, and bluſh, both in an inſtant, but checking my thoughts, No Madam, (cried I upon a ſudden) I can never conſent unto it, I had rather die an hundred times: Come Madam, (ſaid I unto her, and preſented her my hand) and go out of this place which is unworthy of you, and never truſt your ſelf again in the hands of Pirats: But Madam, make haſte, I conjure you, leſt that repentance which now is in me, be not ſeconded by a worſe; Alcionida was ſo amazed at this, that ſhe knew not what to think; but ſhe ſaw ſo much diſorder in my face, that ſhe was in a great diſorder her ſelf, and knew not what ſhe ſhould anſwer: Then ſeeing that every one began to obey Leoſthenes; and that he had his Sword in his hand, and his Arme up to cut the Cable, I did abſolutely forbid him: Then turning towards Alcionida, do as I deſire you, Madam, ſaid I unto her, though what I deſire do coſt me my life. But (ſaid ſhe, in giving me her hand, and making ready to go out) will you not tell me, what the matter is? When you are upon the Land, replied I, and I rid of my fears, then perhaps you will gueſs what the matter is: I cannot poſſibly expreſs, Sir, the diſorder of my ſoul at that time, the aſtoniſhment of Alcionida, and likewiſe of her Aunt, and her friends; nor can I expreſs the vexation of Leoſthenes, or my deſpair: for being prompted unto it, by my love, my reſpects, and my repentance, I ſet Alcionida on land, and in her Coach, not remembring what I ſaid, or whether I ſaid any thing, or no: I know only that I left her, that I embarked, and though our intentions was not to depart until the next night, yet I cauſed the Anchors to be taken up, the Stils to be hoiſted, and left Gnides immediately, where alſo I left the Soul of my affection. Leoſthenes would have ſaid ſomething to me, but I could not endure his ſight, nor would admit of his excuſes; for I muſt needs grieve firſt for my loſs, before I could pardon his evil counſel. Within an hour after our departure, I commanded the Sails to be let down, and the Anchor caſt: And though this Command ſeemed to be very odd, yet was it obeyed: And in the mean time not knowing what I would have, I grieved moſt exceſſively, ſometimes for the abſence of Alcionida, and ſometimes for conſenting unto ſo unjuſt a deſigne, and ſometimes, I repented of my repentance, thinking that I was in no fault, and that it was rather an effect of my violent paſſion, then any diſorder of my ſoul: and in the mean while, not being able to reſolve whether I ſhould come nearer the ſhore, or put further off; although I know both honour, and neceſſity doth require the latter, yet I could not do it, until I was aſſured Alcidonia did know I loved her: ſo that I deſigned to write unto her, and ſend my Letter by one of my men in a little Cock-boat: I writ then, though Heaven knows with much ado, and if I be not very much miſtaken, the words were theſe:

THRASIBULUS, to the fair ALCIONIDA.

I Have ſo many things to ſay, that I am much puzzled where to begin. But, Divine Alcionida, I wiſh you knew, that my affection unto you is in the higheſt extream: that my quality is not as it ſeemed: that my ſorrows to leave you are unexpreſſible: that my conſenting for a minute to diſpleaſe you, will beget a miſerable repentance in me, as long as I live: and though I durſt not tell you as much, yet did I love you more then any tongue, indeed, can tell. You might perceive as much, me thinks, by the diſorders of my ſoul: you, I ſay, whoſe judgment is ſo ingenious, and piercing, I beſeech you, remember a Prince, who durſt not[Page]tell you his quality, unleſs he had acqainted you with his misfortunes alſo: Remember, that he departed from you with intentions to return, and to return the moſt paſſionate and faithful Lover in the world: but remember not, I beſeech you, that I was a while your Raviſher, unleſs you remember at the ſame time I was your Deliverer: However, Madam, though perhaps you will not retain any thoughts of tenderneſs towards me, yet I beſeech you do not think upon me with ſcorn, ſince it would be too much injuſtice to uſe him ſo, who adored you without telling it, departed from you without hope, and who ſhall love you as long as he lives, although you hate him.

After I had read this Letter over and over, unto which I did not ſubſcribe my name, I was conſtrained to make uſe of Leoſthenes to carry it; as well becauſe he did extreamly preſs me to pardon him for his evil counſel, as becauſe he was very fit for ſuch an expedition; and ſo as ſoon as night was come, he went to Gnides. Since there was a very good correſpondence between him, and her whom he loved, ſhe let him ſee Alcionida whether ſhe would or no, and unknown unto Phedima; and alſo carried him into her Chamber without any asking. When Leoſthenes gave her my Letter, ſhe made a queſtion whether ſhe ſhould read it: but after ſhe had read it, ſhe made a greater difficulty to anſwer it, being very angry againſt her Couſin for bringing him into her Chamber: Yet Leoſthenes being very bold, told her, he would never go out of her Chamber as long as he lived without an Anſwer; ſo that to be rid of his importunity, ſhe writ me theſe words.

ALCIONIDA unto the Illuſtrious Pirate.

THough I did beleeve all that you writ in your Letter to me, yet ought I not to anſwer it; or if I did anſwer, yet not ſo as would pleaſe you: Therefore I do declare unto you, that of all which you writ, I beleeve only one thing, which is, that you are not of that quality which people think you, and therefore I ask your pardon for all the incivilities which I offered unto you whileſt you were here: I ſuppoſe you to be ſo juſt, as not to deny it: And I hope you will not take it ill, that one who is a profeſſed Lover of Truth, do not make any anſwer unto ſo many incredibilities as your Letter is filled with: In the mean while be perſwaded, that it is advantageous for you, that I do not beleeve it; and had it not been for the wilfulneſs of Leoſthenes, you ſhould not have ſeen under my hand the name of

ALCIONIDA.

To be ſhort Sir, Leoſthenes returned, and brought me this Letter, which though it contained nothing but matter of indifferency; yet did it ſo much joy me, that I ſhould hardly have gone from the Coaſt of Gnides before I had writ another Letter unto her, if a Tempeſt had not riſen, and forced me to take up anchor, and put to open Sea. I went then to Milete, according to the advice of the wiſe Thales, and in my voyage I had the good fortune to meet two of the Ships which I had loſt: but in exchange thereof, I had the bad fortune to hear the Prince of Phoceus was returned to Milete, as ſoon as Thimocrates was gone to render an account unto the Amphictions of all paſſages; and that this Prince had croſſed all that Thimocrates had done in my favor; that he had eſtabliſhed the Authority of Alexideſmus, and puniſhed all thoſe who deſired to rebel, or expreſſed any zeal to my Party: So that my croſs deſtinies driving me into deſpair, I was conſtrained to retire, and wander over all our Seas, not knowing well what courſe to take. I ſent once again unto Gnides privately, to enquire what Euphranor would ſay at his return concerning my odd departure: for ſince there were many Ladies with Alcionida at that time when I left her in ſuch haſte, that I imagined the paſſage would be made known unto all the Town: In the concluſion, I underſtood that Euphranor was much amazed at the matter, and could not gueſs at my reaſon; and that things were in ſuch a ſtate, as that I could not return unto Gnides. So that being out of all hopes ever to ſee the face of my miſerable fates to ſmile upon me, I conceived it impoſſible to gain the good opinion either of Alcionida, or her father. I gave my ſelf over ſo deſperately unto ſorrow, that paſſing by Leſbos, I wou [...]d not land there, but ſent only to enquire of Tiſanders health, and writ a Letter to him, which was left with the firſt Mariners I met in the Port; wherein I told him in general without naming Alcionida, that I was to ask his pardon, for condeming that paſſion in him, which at that preſent was moſt predominate in my ſelf. After this I fell into the Hellispont, and then into Delphos, intending to conſult with the Oracle; but when I came there, I was ſo full of fears to find what I ſought for, that I could not reſolve whether I ſhould enquire [Page] of it or no: In the mean while I fell ſick, and that ſo violently, that I was not able to ſtir from thence in four Months: But at the laſt, when it was the pleaſure of the Gods that I did recover, without ever praying unto them for it, but found ſo little pleaſure in life, that I did not look upon death as an evil; then, I ſay, I imbarqued, and coming by Gnides, but landed not, I took this way: yet the winds were ſo contrary, that I was forced to leave Chios upon the right hand, whereas my intention was to paſs between that Iſle and the Iſthmus of Gnides: and being carried by the winds, I met with four Ships in that Rode: Now ſince all the world were become my enemies, and ſince I was accuſtomed to make all thoſe I met to vail their Bonnets, I would needs do ſo by theſe, but they would not: I looked upon their Flags, but knew them not, and I imagined that perhaps it might be the Prince of Phoceus diſguized: After they refuſed to vail Bonnet, I aſſaulted them, and turning towards the greateſt of the four, I gave her chaſe above an hour: ſince he had no diſpoſition to fight, he betook himſelf wholly to his ſails. but ſince my Ships were lighter then his, though greater, I came up to him, and fought him ſo ſharply, that in leſs then half an hour I became Maſter of him: I was moſt encouraged to fight, by ſeeing my other Ships had burned one of their enemies, ſunk another, and taken the laſt: So that notwithſtanding all the reſiſtance of thoſe I fought with, I ſaw my victory was certain. All that were in the Ship having ſubmitted themſelves, I entered into her with my ſword in my hand, having no other arms left, for I had not only darted many Javelins, but that only which had the name of Alcionida upon it, which I had kept ſince the day ſhe was in my Ship. I entered then, and charged my Souldiers to commit no diſorder: But going into a Cabin where I heard the voyce of women, I ſaw the fair Alcionida lying upon a bed, having a mortal paleneſs in her face, and her left arm naked and bloody, becauſe a Javelin had run quite through it, and I ſaw alſo ten or twelve women crying about her, and durſt not venture to draw this fatal Javelin out of her wound. You may imagine, Sir, what operation this object had upon my Soul: I came nearer her, and cryed as loud as ever I could, that he who threw this Javelin ſhould dye for it, if I could know who it was: I kneeled down at the ſide of her bed; I called for my Chyrurgions to come unto her; I took her fair and bloody arm in my hand, whileſt all the women about her, not knowing me, were amazed. But oh Heavens, [...] no ſooner took her by the arm, but I knew that fatal Javelin to be the very ſame which had her moſt illuſtrious Name upon it; and that it was my own ſelf which darted it, at the firſt aſſaulting the Ship. Imagine, Sir, in what a deſperate condition my Soul was in, when I ſaw it was my hand which wounded Alcionida; my amazement was ſo great, that not knowing what I did, I let her arm fall ſo rudely, that its own weight did almoſt bring the Javelin out: The pain of it did cauſe her to come out of her ſwoond, and to open her eyes juſt as the Chyrurgions entered. I, not being able to ſpeak, made ſigns unto them, to help her; and looking for my ſword with intention to run it through my own heart, I remembered Leoſthenes had taken it up when I let it fall upon my firſt ſeeing Alcionida in that condition: I would have pulled it from him, but he would not part with it, telling me, that it were a thouſand times better for me to help Alcionida, then deſperately to ruine my ſelf. I approached then nearer unto her bed; and ſeeing that ſince the Chyrurgions had pulled out the dart, ſhe was very well come unto her ſelf, I kneeled down before her, my ſorrows being ſo great that I could not cry, (for thoſe are but ſlight ſorrows which can be expreſſed by tears:) Oh Madam, ſaid I unto her, inflict what puniſhment you pleaſe upon that ſacrilegious hand which wounded you; and do not think, that though I defer the execution for a little while, it is not with intentions of living long: No, Madam, I would only ſee you in a way of recovery, to the end you may ſee me dye, and that way expiate this horrid crime which I have committed. Alcionida was ſo ſurprized to ſee me, and hear me thus expreſs my ſelf, that though ſhe had not been in ſo weak a condition as ſhe was, ſhe would not have been able to hold any long diſcourſe; therefore not anſwering at all unto what I ſaid, If I dye, ſaid ſhe unto me, I ſhall pardon you with all my heart; and alſo I entreat the Prince Tiſander, if he be living, to pardon you, as wel▪ as I. The Prince Tiſander, Madam? (ſaid I with much wonder,) is he here? As ſhe was about to anſwer, the Chyrurgions prevented her, and told me it would kill her if ſhe ſpoke any more: ſo that haſtily retiring, and leaving her with her women, I took her Couſin by the hand, and carring her to the Chamber door, asked her what it was which Alcionida ſaid unto me: But at the ſame time, ſome Souldiers which had taken Tiſander in another Ship, brought him into mine, and he knowing that it was I which he had fought againſt, deſired to ſpeak with me; and when in entrance into the Ship he underſtood that Alcionida was wounded, he was in as deſperate a caſe as I: Cruel Friend (ſaid he in coming firſt to me) what a fatal adventure is befaln us? Give me leave rather to ſay (anſwered I) what a fatal adventure is mine? Ah, [Page] ſaid he, you are not to be pitied ſo much as I, for the thoughts of friendſhip are nothing ſo tender as thoſe of love: Doubtleſs you love me, and will be ſorry for fighting with me, and for being perhaps the cauſe of her death whom I moſt adore, and intend to marry. But (ſaid I, and interrupted him) do you intend to marry this fair and moſt incomparable Lady? Yes, cruel Friend, anſwered he, and therefore imagine the ſorrows of my Soul: But I beſeech you, let me ſee this fair and unfortunate Lady. In ſaying ſo, he went into the Chamber where ſhe was, and I with him, and he no ſooner ſaw her, but taking her hand, kiſſing it, and alſo waſhing it with his tears, he expreſſed a hundred ſigns of ſorrow and affection, which I durſt not render unto her. She caſt her eyes upon me, and doubtleſs did ſo plainly perceive the ſorrows I endured, that ſhe turned away her eyes and bluſhed. Tiſander obſerving this, and fearing to be troubleſom to her, went from her, imagining the alteration of her face to proceed from no other cauſe but the extremity of her pain. We asked the Chyrurgions what they thought of her: but they could not tell what juddgment to give, until the ſecond dreſſing, not yet knowing whether any of the Nerves were moleſted, or Veins cut. In the mean time I underſtood that Tiſander, being cured of his paſſionate affection unto the fair and wiſe Sapho, did conſent unto the marriage which the Prince his father had made up between him, and the fair Alcionida, before he knew her; and that as ſoon as ever he ſaw her, he was more in love with her, then ever he was with his firſt Miſtreſs. I underſtood afterwards, that he did not know my Ship, becauſe it had been newly trimmed up at Gnides; and ſince all the Banners and Flags which Leoſthenes had ſet up for the entertainment of Alcionida did ſtand ſtill, it was not poſſible Tiſander could know it: Neither could I know his Ship, for ſince his intended marriage his Flags alſo were full of gallant devices, and other Motto's then he was accuſtomed to have. Since this Prince was really generous, and ſeeing me ſilent he did ask me pardon, if in the extremity of his ſorrows, he had ſpoke any thing which was offenſive to me. But I my ſelf was ſo much diſturbed in my mind, that I knew not what I ſhould anſwer him: But I gave orders, that all his men ſhould be ſet at liberty, and treated as my own: however, the ſight of this Prince was inſufferable to me, ſince I underſtood he was to be the husband of Alcionida, and I could not reſolve to go out of his Ship, becauſe I could not depart from her: yet not being in freedom to grieve in her preſence, I went into my own, under a pretence of giving out ſome orders, and went into my own Cabin, with a mind ſo full of ſorrows, that I was a hundred times ready to throw my ſelf into the Sea, and there bury my ſelf and all my misfortunes together; but there was a kind of ſecret chain which linked me to Alcionida, that reſtrained me, and kept me alive: And being alone with Leoſthenes, I began to deſcant upon the ſtrangeneſs of my misfortunes; and my mind being a little more quiet then before, Confeſs with me, Leoſthenes, ſaid I unto him, that I was born under a moſt malignant Conſtellation; for if you look upon the preſent condition of my fortune, you may therein find miſeries enough to make a hundred men unfortunate: Were it only the inconſideration of my ſorrows for fighting with my friend, and hurting her whom I infinitely loved, I deſerved compaſſion; though for nothing but to find my Friend my Rival, I had cauſe enough to grieve for it extreamly; were it for nothing elſe but to find my Miſtreſs enjoyed by another, I were moſt worthy of pity; and were it for nothing but wounding with my own hand that Lady for whom only I deſire to live, all my tears are too few to lament the ſadneſs of the accident: But having in one day fought with my Friend, wounded her I loved, found him to be my Rival, heard my Miſtreſs is to be married, and my own hand putting her in danger of death; Ah Leoſthenes, theſe are too many miſeries to be endured, and it would be as baſe as impoſſible for me to live under the weight of them: For indeed, what can I do? I muſt not hate my Rival, ſince he is both my Friend and my Benefactor: I never dare ſpeak any more of my paſſion unto her who firſt did cauſe it: my Soul is out of all hopes; my Love cannot now be innocent; I dare not hereafter find any fault with her: I have no reaſon to accuſe Tiſander; I have not power to acknowledg my paſſion unto him, and it were in vain if I ſhould, ſince he is the husband of Alcionida: In one word, I am in as deplorable a condition at ever any Lover poſſible can be: But alas, what do I ſay? and what would I do? I ſpeak as if Alcionida were not wounded, and wounded by my own hand, and that perhaps mortally. Oh moſt cruel thought (ſaid I,) canſt thou ever ſuffer that prophane hand which did it, to be employed in any thing but reaching a Dagger to my heart? But Sir (ſaid Leoſthenes unto me,) you are not in any fault; it was a meet chance which gave Alcionida that fatal wound. After this I ſtood a long while ſilent, and my mind was ſo filled with variety of different thoughts, that I was not Maſter of my ſelf. If ſhe dye (ſaid I) I muſt follow her into the grave; if ſhe recover, ſtill I muſt dye, for ſhe recovers only for Tiſander; who is already her husband, and ever muſt be; he who perhaps [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [...] [Page] though Tiſander had not been in love with her as he was, yet might he well perceive I was, by the diſorder of my ſoul which appeared in my eyes: ſo that he could not poſſible be ignorant of it; and he ſtood between us in ſuch a ſilent Dilimma, that none durſt interrupt him. Al [...]i [...] nida averted her looks from me, and I did court hers, whileſt Tiſander obſerving us both, did diſcover that Secret which I would have locked up in my heart. After we had been an hour with Alcionida, Tiſander impatiently deſiring to clear his ſuſpitions, told me in moſt civil language, that it was convenient to leave her at reſt that day; and moved me to go out with him into his Chamber. I was no ſooner there, but ſeeing none in preſence; I beſeech you, my dear Thraſibulus, ſaid he unto me, Tell me one thing truly, which I much deſire to know? Since it was long before I anſwered, and he ſuſpected that I would diſguiſe the truth; Nay, do not go about to colour the matter, ſaid he, for perhaps, I do not ſtand in need of your help in the knowledg of it. If ſo, ſaid I unto him, why do you deſire to know that from me, which you know already? Becauſe, replied he, I deſire to be infallibly certain, whether or no, I am ſo unfortunate as to be the cauſe of this deep melancholy, which I perceive in your mind; Tell me, my dear Thraſibulus, Has not the ſympathy of your humour with mine cauſed us both to love one Lady? and am not I ſo unfortunate as to deprive you of Alcionida? I do confeſs, that what reſolutions ſoever I had taken, not to reveal unto Tiſcander the reaſon of my paſſion, yet now it was impoſſible for me to diſguiſe it: I was ſo non-pluſt at theſe queſtions, and my eyes were ſo troubled, that my face did ſo betray the thoughts of my heart, as this Prince not doubting any longer, did cry out with extream generoſity, and moſt ſenſible ſorrow; Alas, my dear Thraſibulus, how ſad is my ſoul, that my felicity ſhould be your misfortune: for ſince we both of us do love one and the ſame Lady, we ſhall both of us be miſerable all the days of our lives. That would not be juſt, (ſaid I unto him, and ſighed, my heart melting at his obliging diſcourſe) and therefore, ask me no more: Believe, if you can, that it is ambition only which is the burden of my ſoul; Imagine your ſelf happy, and that I am ſtill the ſame inſenſible Thraſibulus, who condemned you for loving the fair Sapho: and quietly enjoy your felicity in the Divine Alcionida. I confeſs, that being tranſported with the exceſs of ſorrows, that notwithſtanding the friendſhip between us, I did not rejoyce at your ſatisfaction: all that reaſon and remembrance of that friendſhip could do, was, to oblige me not to diſturb it. I ask your pardon, generous Thraſibulus; but withall, I beſeech you remember in my excuſe, that I loved Alcionida before you did, and muſt love her as long as I live, perhaps more then you: for ſince ſhe was the firſt, ſo doubtleſs ſhe ſhall be the laſt that ſhall ever move my paſſion. But leaſt this confeſſion ſhould too much incenſe you, let me tell you, that as my love of her, is ſo purely innocent, that it cannot be offenſive either unto her vertue, or our friendſhip, or the Gods themſelves, ſo alſo is it ſo extreamly violent, that I cannot endure her ſight, or yours: for ſo miſerable do I eſteem my ſelf, that now I am paſt all hopes of Alcionida's love. Since your paſſion is ſo purely innocent, as you tell me, and ſince alſo I do believe it (anſwered he) I will promiſe you ſo great a ſhare in the friendſhip of Alcionida, that though it cannot make you abſolutely happy, yet at the leaſt it may afford you ſome conſolation: for ſince ſhe knew you, it is impoſſible, but ſhe muſt needs eſteem you, and therefore I ſhall hope ſhe will love you for my ſake. Therefore, my dear Thraſibulus, though you cannot be compleatly happy, yet do not you render your ſelf abſolutely miſerable; nor by your misfortunes interrupt my happineſs. I do once more declare, ſaid I unto him, that the glorious luſter of Alcionida's fair eyes, which has enflamed my ſoul, is as pure and ſplendent as the rayes of the Sun: But yet, moſt generous Tiſander, you muſt needs know, if you know how to love, that though a Lover do not always enjoy the beauty of a beloved and adored Miſtreſs, yet would he have the ſole and abſolute poſſeſſion of her whole heart and mind to himſelf: ſo that ſince I cannot deſire ſo great a happineſs without a wrong to you, nor indeed, never hope for it: I have no way but to die, and let you live happily. But that I can never do, replied he, if you do not live happily as well as I: Then are we both moſt unfortunate, ſaid I unto him. Time, ſaid Tiſander, may perhaps produce ſome remedy which you cannot think of. Since thoſe remedies, ſaid I unto him, are commonly long in curing, I do not think, I can ſtay the iſſue, & I believe death would ſooner work the cure then time. However, I beſeech you think, that if you had not forced me to diſcover my misfortune unto you, you ſhould never have known it: But ſince you ſcrewed out that ſecret which I deſired to hide, it is but juſt in you to rid your ſelf of a vexatious Rival, who ſhall be always a diſturber of your happineſs. When I doted upon Sapho, replied he, I did not think it poſſible ever to be cured of that tormenting paſſion which poſſeſſed me, yet her rigour to me, her compliance with another, and the all commanding charms of Alcionida, has made her moſt indifferent unto me. It is not ſo with me, ſaid I unto him, for though I believe [Page] Alcionida loves you, and moſt certainly know ſhe will never love me, yet can I not baniſh her from my heart. But for your part (ſaid I with a moſt incenſed mind) perhaps you can quit Alcionida for another, as you quit Sapho for her; and I ſhall perhaps hereafter hear, that the ſame which would be my heaven of felicity, is not ſo to you. But moſt inconſtant and unjuſt Friend, ſaid I, if ever you leave adoring this divine Lady, you will be the moſt undeſerving man that lives. I had no ſooner ſpoken this, but I repented; and found by his milde anſwer, that he would love Alcionida as long as he had life; however, he gave me ſuch ſweet and generous language, that he allayed my anger againſt him, and I began to long until night did ſeparate us, that I might enjoy my own private thoughts, and at laſt we parted. Tiſander was informed by ſome or other of the time when I was at Gnides: He underſtood from one of Alcionida's women, how I cauſed her to get haſtily out of my Ship: However, we were both of us the next day much perplexed: I durſt not ask him how Alcionida did; and yet I could not forbear; nor durſt I go to ſee her: And Tiſander, I think, as generous as he was, had variety of reſentments of it, in one and the ſame day: yet ſince he enjoyed the happineſs, and was well ſatisfied concerning the vertue of Alcionida, it was an eaſier matter for him, then for me, to tranſact with Reaſon: He was ſo generous as not to take any notice of a hundred follies which I expreſſed unto him, and to ſpeak unto me always with much affection. But that there might want nothing to make up the full meaſure of my misfortunes, it chanced that I being in a Chamber of his Ship which joyned unto Alcionida's, I ſaw her there, ſhe not knowing I was in that place, or thinking that all the partitions of a Ship being made of planks only, one might eaſily hear all that was ſpoken out of the one into the other.

Since Alcionida was now much better then ſhe was before, Tiſander thought it convenient to acquaint her with my deſperate condition, to the end ſhe might not hereafter be ſurprized at it, or elſe perhaps to diſcover her real thoughts of me: I heard him ask her, how I carried my ſelf at Gnides? what ſhe thought of me? whether ſhe really thought I was a Pirate? and, as I verily think, fearing leſt ſhe ſhould take a diſpleaſure at all theſe queſtions, he told all he knew concerning my paſſion, which did ſo much ſurprize her, that ſhe could not make any anſwer: Yet ſince ſhe perceived Tiſander knew more then her ſelf, ſhe told him ſincerely what ſhe beleeved concerning my Quality, and partly what ſhe knew concerning my Love. Then he deſired her to tell him whether ſhe had any good eſteem of me or no; and ſhe anſwered ſo obligingly in my behalf, that I thought my ſelf then much more miſerable then I was before. In concluſion, he conjured her to comply with me, as a man whom of all the world he loved moſt. Your deſire, ſaid ſhe unto him, is too dangerous for me to conſent unto; not but that I dare truſt my ſelf well enough with him, but becauſe I dare not truſt you. Tiſander did then proteſt a thouſand times unto her, that he would never be jealous. Yet notwithſtanding all his earneſt importunities, ſhe could not conſent unto it: For indeed, ſaid ſhe, if the Prince Thraſibulus do not love me, he may eaſily forbear my ſight; and if he do love me, he were moſt inhumane to continue his paſſion; Therefore, Sir, I conjure you to ſolicit me no more. When he was gone out, I heard Alcionida call one of her women which ſhe loved very dearly, and commanded her to reach a Cabinet, which ſhe opened, and took out many Letters, for I found out a little hole in the partitions of this Chamber, through which I could ſee all ſhe did: amongſt many other Letters ſhe found that which I had writ unto her, which I knew very well; and ſhe commanded this woman to take this Letter, and to teer it all in pieces, and when it was dark to throw it into the Sea. Why Madam (ſaid this woman unto her, who uſed to be very free with her) is it a greater fault to keep it to morrow, then it was yeſterday? The reaſon is, replyed ſhe, becauſe I muſt baniſh out of my heart the remembrance of that Princes affection, which without a crime I might have preſerved, when I thought I ſhould never ſee him again: but now, ſince he is here, I muſt not do ſo: I muſt not look upon him as a Lover of Alcionida, but only as a Friend of Tiſanders. What odd adventures do the Fates produce (ſaid ſhe,) why did they ſend Thraſibulus unto Gnides, only to be miſerable, and to make me reſtleſs? Not becauſe I do not eſteem my ſelf happy in the marriage of Tiſander, but becauſe I wiſh with all my heart that the Prince Thraſibulus were not ſo unfortunate: Yet did they both of them ſee the ſecrets of my heart, Tiſander would be leſs pleaſed, and Thraſibulus would be more miſerable: For the truth is, the reaſon why I did oppoſe my marriage with Tiſander, was becauſe I had ſome hopes that Thraſibulus would return unto Gnides in ſuch a quality as he told me; and that I might innocently follow my inclination not to hate him: Yet as the caſe is now, I muſt ſuppreſs thoſe thoughts (ſaid ſhe and ſighed,) and therefore do as I bid you; to the end I may if I can preſerve my heart ſolely for Tiſander, and remember Thraſibulus no more. I leave it unto you, Sir, to judg what joy and what ſorrow this expreſſion of [Page] Alcionida did infuſe into me: The ſorrow did ſo much triumph over the joy, and that cruel reſolution to forget me did ſo pierce my heart, that againſt my will I made a great noiſe; and ſince I was ſo near, that I almoſt touched the ſide of her bed, certainly ſhe heard me, for ſhe was ſilent preſently upon it, and queſtionleſs was ſorry ſhe had been ſo loud in her diſcourſe; and I beleeve, I ſhould have ſpoke to her through the partition, had I not heard ſome enter into her Chamber: So that the knowledg that I was not hated, and that I muſt for ever be miſerable, did drive me into ſuch horrid deſpair, that I ſuffered inexpreſſable torments of mind. In the mean time Tiſander, who did really love me, came to ſeek me, and carried me into the Chamber of Alcionida, entreating me, and earneſtly conjuring me, to content my ſelf with her friendſhip and eſteem. I went with him, and at my entrance I heard her charge the woman whom ſhe ſpoke unto, to do as ſhe appointed her: This made me change colour, and look ſo ſeriouſly upon her, that ſhe dejected her eyes. I ſhall tell you, Sir, what our Conference was, for I think there was never three perſons did love one another ſo well, and were all three ſo diſcontented as we were. Tiſander did moſt paſſionately love Alcionida, and he loved me alſo very well: but yet becauſe I loved her he did, I perceived that either out of his compaſſion unto me, or out of ſome other conſiderations mingled with it, he did not delight in my company. Alcionida did queſtionleſs love Tiſander, and did not hate me; but becauſe my paſſion could not any longer appear innocent, and ſince Tiſander was not ignorant of it, her mind was extreamly unquiet. For my part, I had as high an eſteem of friendſhip for Tiſander as poſſible I was capable of, and I loved Alcionida more then my tongue can tell; but ſince my Friend was owner of this ineſtimable Treaſure, and ſince he knew I loved her, and ſince I knew that Alcionida was fully reſolved abſolutely to forget me, that I was not able either to begin diſcourſe, or anſwer unto any: But indeed I went out of the Chamber with ſome kind of conſolation, though it be not ordinary to leave her one loves without much ſorrow. But Sir, not to abuſe your patience too much, give me leave to tell you, that we arrived at Leſbos and Mitilenes, where the joy was a little clouded by the news of that ſad accident which happened unto the fair Alcionida. Yet ſince ſhe was quite out of all danger, the magnificent Solemnities of her entrance were deferred but for a few days. The wiſe Prince of Mitilenes received his fair daughter with much joy; but for my part, when I ſaw her go out of the Ship, it is moſt impoſſible to expreſs my thoughts. I forgot one thing which chanced, that was a great addition of ſorrow unto me, which was, That Tiſander, the better to take order that Alcionida might be received into the Port with Ceremony, went out of his own Ship into one of mine, which was an admirable good Sailer, that he might be at Leſbos an hour or two before us, telling and embracing me, that he would commit the Guardian-ſhip of his only Treaſure unto me: As ſoon as he was gone, I had ſo great a deſire to entertain Alcionida once more in private, that without ſending to ask any leave, I entered into her Chamber; thinking ſince I underſtood from her own mouth that ſhe did not hate me, though ſhe reſolved to forget me, that I might preſume upon ſo much boldneſs. I found her ſitting upon her bed, moſt magnificently dreſſed, though ſhe had her arm in a Scarf: I beſeech you, Madam, pardon me, ſaid I unto her, for aſſuming ſo much boldneſs; but indeed, Madam, I am ſo unfortunate in every thing elſe, that I hope you will not deny me ſo much conſolation in my miſery, as to ſpeak once more in my life unto you. The Prince Tiſander loves you ſo dearly well, replyed ſhe and bluſhed, that I ſhould incur his diſpleaſure, if I ſhould refuſe you that which civility only bids me conſent unto. I conjure you, Madam, in the name of the Gods (ſaid I unto her, ſeeing none with her but that woman which I knew to be her Confident) to grant me this honour for my own ſake, and let me not be beholding unto that Prince for this favor, unto whom I am already ſo much engaged and loaded with his generoſity: Never fear, Madam, that I ſhall ſpeak any thing that ſhall either offend you or the Prince Tiſander; No, no, Madam, as violent as my affection is to you, I am not guilty of any criminal thoughts: but ſince I muſt ſhortly for ever loſe you, it is not juſt you ſhould refuſe me that innocent favor, ſince it is the laſt I ſhall ever ask you. As a Friend unto the Prince my Husband, replyed ſhe, you may hope for any thing from me; but as a Lover of Alcionida, never expect any thing. It is in this laſt named qualification, Madam, ſaid I unto her, that I hope to obtain my deſire of you. Why ask me nothing then, ſaid ſhe, for certainly you ſhall be denyed, and that with abundance of anger: Though the Prince were not your Friend, as he is, yet the reſpect which you ought to have unto me, ſhould reſtrain you from any ſuch expreſſions as theſe. Why, Madam, ſaid I unto her, do you chide me, before you know what I will ask? What you have already ſaid, replyed ſhe, is ſufficient cauſe of complaint againſt you. I know not whether I am ill interpreted (ſaid I unto her,) but I am moſt certain that my thoughts are purely innocent: For indeed, divine [Page] Alcionida, I deſired nothing now, but that you would in my preſence be pleaſed to revoke that unjuſt and cruel ſentence which you pronounced againſt me in the very ſame place you now are in, when in giving unto this woman here that Letter which I took the boldneſs to write unto you, with orders to teer it and throw it into the Sea; moreover, you then moſt cruelly ſaid, you were reſolved to forget me abſolutely for ever: Madam, I heard this unjuſt and dire doom, and now I hope for a Revocation. Alcionida was ſo amazed to hear this, and to remember that ſhe heard a noiſe, which made her know I heard her, that ſhe durſt hardly ſo much as look upon me. Did you then hear what I ſaid? (ſaid ſhe.) Yes, Madam, replyed I, I did hear; and being more juſt then you, it ſhall never out of my memory. I ask you not (ſaid ſhe, and was much aſhamed) how you durſt be ſo bold; but methinks, if you well conſider the ſence of my words, you may conclude that your procedure ought to diſoblige me. My Reaſon, ſaid I unto her, is not ſo free as to act with ſo much prudence: but I am ſure my love promps me to deſire a little room in your remembrance: This Madam, methinks, is no ſuch unreaſonable requeſt, and you may well grant ſo much unto him who has conſecrated unto you every minute of his life. After Alcionida was a little more recollected, Sir (ſaid ſhe unto me with abundance of ſorrow in her eyes) this your curioſity to diſcover my thoughts will coſt you very dear, if you love me; for I do profeſs I cannot endure the ſight of you, ſince you know ſo much of me: Perhaps, if you had ſtill continued ignorant of thoſe thoughts which my heart had of you, I ſhould have let the Prince Tiſander enjoy your company, as he deſired me: But ſince you underſtand my heart ſo well, and have told me of it, it is abſolutely impoſſible for me to conſent unto it: I cannot look upon you without a bluſh; and perhaps I ſhall hate you, out of fear only of loving you too well, and becauſe I cannot be indifferent enough towards you. Alas, Madam (cryed I out unto her) what injuſtice is this which you do me? Injuſt Prince, replyed ſhe, what reaſon have you to tell me of any ſuch things, as I cannot hear without a crime, and which I will never hear after this day? That is long enough, ſaid I unto her, for I beleeve I ſhall not live much longer: Be therefore ſo good as to tell me, that you ſhould not have hated me, if Fortune had done as much for me, as ſhe has done for Tiſander. Alcionida, Sir, was ſo full of modeſty, that ſhe could not conſent unto this deſire: But in concluſion, being moved thereunto by my ſighs and tears, I confeſs, ſaid ſhe, that of all the perſons I know, you are he whom I had the greateſt inclination to eſteem; and if it had been the pleaſure of the Gods, I ſhould have thought my ſelf very happy in contributing to your felicity; yet ſince it is not, but that I am wife unto a Prince who doubtleſs deſerves all my affections, I will uſe all the means I can to root out of my heart that tenderneſs and opinion which I had of you, and which yet, whether I will or no, remains in it. Oh Madam, I conjure you by all that's ſacred, ſaid I, not to do ſo; and I will promiſe you never to importunate you any more as long as I live, ſo you will promiſe me ſome little room in your memory: Let Tiſander ſolely enjoy you; let your beauty and your heart be only his; and reſerve only for me one of thoſe ſecret and ſolitary thoughts which uſeth to beget a pleaſing melancholy in thoſe who admit of it: Think ſometimes, moſt divine Lady, that all the while Tiſander enjoys his happineſs, the miſerable Thraſibulus endures as many torments, as that fortunate husband taſtes felicities: Alas, Madam, it is no unreaſonable demand, to ask three or four minutes in a day in remembrance of a man who as I told you before has devoted every minute of his life to think on you. Thoſe three or four minutes which you deſire, is too much for my honour to grant; and you may aſſure your ſelf, that if I could, I would baniſh you out of my memory as well as my heart, but one cannot command ones memory as one will; and perhaps, ſaid ſhe, and bluſhed, you will forget me, and I ſhall remember you whether I would or no. Alcionida pronounced theſe laſt words with ſo much charming confuſion in her face, that I kneeled to render thanks; but ſhe repenting of what ſhe had ſaid, and did ſo ſeriouſly forbid me ever to ſpeak any more of my paſſion unto her, and never deſire to have any private conference with her, that I ſaw very plainly it was her real and reſolute mind to have it ſo: and I obtained yet one quarter of an hours audience longer, during which time I could hardly move her to return any anſwer unto me, and during which I did nothing but ſigh, and look upon her, and conjure her not to forget me; I had the comfort to ſee ſome ſigns of ſorrow and tenderneſs in her eyes, and had ſome hopes of remaining in her memory whether ſhe would or no: In the mean while we were come ſo near the Port, that all I could do was to reclaim my mind, and fit it for ſuch company as would diſcourſe of nothing but joy. I ſhall not relate, Sir, all the paſſages of this Ceremony; for I had no ſhare in this publique Joy, but was rather a very trouble unto Tiſander, who was moſt really ſenſible of my ſorrows, and was a Partaker of my miſery, eſpecially when he ſaw I was reſolved to depart from Leſbos, and ſtay there no longer. He [Page] ſet the Prince his Father upon me, to uſe all his perſwaſions and motives to cauſe my ſtay in Mitilenes, until ſuch time as it pleaſed the Gods to afford me ſome ways to reconquer my Dominions: but all was in vain; and I departed not well knowing whither to go, as ſoon as my ſhips were furniſhed with all manner of neceſſaries, and as ſoon as two ſhips of his which he would needs give me were fit to put to Sea. Since my own miſeries did teach me how to compaſſionate them in others, I would not ſuffer Leoſthenes to follow my fortunes; but I left him with Alcionida's Couſin with whom he was in love, and recommended him unto the Prince Tiſander, as a man of good quality, and much merit.

I ſhall not trouble you, Sir, with any relation, of how I parted from this generous Rival, who ſhed tears that his good fortune ſhould be my miſery: for it would be impoſsible, but I ſhould bluſh for ſhame in relating unto you the obduracy of my heart towards him, though he had obliged me by a thouſand ſweet expreſsions of love unto me; nor ſhall I relate what adieu I bad unto the fair Alcionida, ſince I had not ſo much as the conſolation to ſee her charming eyes in taking my leave of her, becauſe ſhe kept her bed that day, and ſince there was many in her Chamber, I did ſee her but one minute, and in much diſorder: ſo I departed without this ſad ſatisfaction, and imbarqued with unequalled deſpair. My moſt tormenting thought was, that Alcionida was enjoyed by one whom I was obliged to love; for had he been my mortal enemy, I ſhould not have been ſo extreamly miſerable, ſince then I might have had ſome comfort in revenge. But the merit of the Prince Tiſander did moſt extreamly grieve me alſo; for I thought it impoſſible, but Alcionida muſt love him, and I wiſhed with all my heart, that ſhe had married a man whom ſhe hated. Indeed, there was not one phantaſtical, melancholy, violent, or extraordinary thought, which love did not infuſe into my heart. After this, ambition became no torment unto me; for ſince I cared not for my life, I never valued a Scepter: ſo that without any thoughts, but of my misfortunes, and of the fair Alcionida, I wandred up and down the Seas, until driven by a tempeſt, I came to Sinope, when the King of Aſſyria was there with the Princeſs Mandana; and there remained until you came and found me on your enemies ſide without any deſigne of mine to be ſo. After this, Sir, you know my life, and that nothing obſervable has befallen it but your own goodneſs in a thouſand teſtimonies of affection to me, whereof I am moſt unworthy.

But Sir, in the fight the other night, at the bottom of the Mountains, I came unto a place where I ſaw a man couragiouſly defending himſelf againſt ten or twelve Souldiers, who preſſed upon him; I made all the haſte I could up to them, to prevent his being killed; who knowing me, cried out, That Tiſander wil [...] yield himſelf unto none, but the Prince Thraſibulus: you may well imagine, Sir, that this name did much ſurprize me, and that I no ſooner heard it, but forbidding the ſouldiers to fight any longer, I went unto him, but found him ſo wounded, that preſently after he fell, and I was forced to hold him up. I knew another priſoner alſo whom the ſouldiers had taken to be Leoſthenes, whom I left at Leſbos, and who was not wounded: ſo that promiſing to pay thoſe ſouldiers their ranſom, for thoſe two priſoners whom they had taken, I cauſed the Prince Tiſander to be brought hither, who expreſſed ſo much affection unto me, that I were not worthy to live, if I were not moved with it. Mean while, I underſtood by Leoſthenes, how reports going, that Craeſſus King of Lidia, would fall upon the Iſlands, the Prince of Mitilene, went unto him, intending to diſſwade him from that deſigne, as indeed he did: ſo that Pittacus taking his ſide, left the Prince his Son, and Leoſthenes at Sardis, where they made as great preparations of war, as if Craeſſus would conquer all Aſia, though none knew what his deſigne was. I underſtood alſo that this Prince had a deſire to engage the Mileſians to his party, but the wiſe Thales did oppoſe it: I underſtood alſo from Leoſthenes, that the Prince Tiſander knowing that Craeſſus would ſend unto the King of Armenia, deſired that imployment, and obtained it, chuſing rather to travel, ſince he muſt needs be from Alcionida, then to ſtay in a Court ſo gallant as it was. So that coming to Artaxates juſt as you came thither, he was ſhut up in it; and was forced to follow the King of Armenia into the Mountains, conceiving he might more eaſily eſcape from thence, then out of Artaxates, if he ſtayed in it. And indeed, his deſigne was to eſcape at this time, when he was ſo dangerouſly wounded, and to go and render an account of his negotiation unto the King of Lidia. Leoſthenes told me further, that the Affairs at Milete had much changed faces: for Anthemius, who never ſet up Alexideſmus, but only to ruine him, had brought his deſigne [...] paſs, having ſtirred all the people againſt him: ſo that he was forced to retire to Phoc [...] with his mother, his wife, and Philodicea: So that now Milete, was as a free Town, whe [...] popular Government was begun to be eſtabliſhed: Notwithſtanding Thales, and all my friend [...] did reſiſt this new alteration, yet Leoſthenes told me, the fear was, that if the people were [Page] once accuſtomed unto liberty, they would never receive any Maſter again; and he told me alſo, that in the mean time, the Prince of Phoceus was combining with all his Neighbour Princes to promote the intereſt of Alexideſmus. But, Sir, Dare I after all this tell you, that Leoſthenes, who had married her he loved, told me, that Alcionida was never ſo fair as now? and will you excuſe my weakneſs, if I neglect all my State affairs, to diſcourſe of ſuch things as only concerns my love?

Cyrus ſeeing Thraſibulus had no more to tell him, did expreſs much grief for his misfortunes: and reſolved to apply all expedient remedies for the ſatisfaction of his ambition: for as concerning matters of love, my dear Thraſibulus, (ſaid he unto him) it muſt be the ſame hand which wounded, muſt cure you: And though Tiſander be your Rival, yet I find him ſo worthy of aſſiſtance, that I extreamly commend you for your cares of him. As Cyrus was adviſing Thraſibulus of ſuch expedients, as he thought beſt for the recovery of his Dominions, Leoſthenes entered into the Tent very haſtily. Sir, ſaid he to Cyrus, who underſtood all languages, I ask your pardon for my bold interruption: but the Prince Tiſander being at the laſt gaſp, I thought it fit to advertiſe the Prince Thraſibulus of it: At the laſt gaſp, replied Cyrus, Yes, Sir, replied Leoſthenes, for having a great deſire to write, notwithſtanding all my endeavours to diſſwade him: as he ended his Letter, all his wounds opened, and he loſt ſo much blood, that he fell into abundance of weakneſs, and ſwounding, is not yet come unto himſelf. Thraſibulus did then ask leave of Cyrus, to go and aſſiſt his moſt faithful friend, and Rival, whom he could not love in one reſpect, nor could not hate in another. But Cyrus calling to mind the high valour of this Prince, would alſo go himſelf: As they entered into the Tent, the Chyrurgeons had revived him out of his ſwound, yet with ſuch ſmall hopes of life, that they told Cyrus, who asked what they thought, he could not out-live that day: yet ſince he had a free mind, and a great ſoul, he was not at all terrified at the looks of death: and he carried it as one that was worthy to be Son unto ſuch a Prince, who was reputed the wiſeſt in all Greece: He patiently ſubmitted unto the wills of the Gods, and neither asking death, nor life, he prepared himſelf for the firſt of theſe with moſt admirable tranquility of mind, and was contented to leave the other with unparalleld contentedneſs: he knew Cyrus, as ſoon as he came in; ſo that addreſſing himſelf unto him, Sir, ſaid he, you ſee the Gods have puniſhed me for lifting up my hand againſt ſo illuſtrious a life as yours, ſince it had been much more glorious for me to have died by the invincible hand of Artamenes, then by the Souldiers of great Cyrus. It is alſo more advantagious to the Prince Thraſibulus, ſaid he, that I die, ſince then he would not be ſo miſerable as he is. Cyrus anſwered him with all poſſible civility, and would have infuſed ſome hopes of recovery, notwithſtanding all the Chyrurgions ſaid: But Tiſander interrupting him, No no, Sir, ſaid he, I cannot live, and therefore, I beſeech you, let me imploy the laſt minuts of my life in remembrance of one, who in cauſing my higheſt happineſs, has made my deareſt friend moſt miſerable: In ſaying ſo, he turned his head towards Thraſibulus, and giving him the Letter which he had let fall after he had writ it, and which was given unto him again upon his coming to himſelf. Here, my dear Thraſibulus, ſaid he unto him, take this, and I make you my Executour of my laſt Will; give it if you pleaſe unto our deareſt Alcionida: and ſince I did not murmur, when I heard her beſtow ſome ſighs for your miſfortunes, ſo I beſeech you do not murmur when ſhe beſtows ſome tears in memory of my death: ſince I ſhall no longer be an obſtacle unto your happineſs, let me have the integrity of your friendſhip: and look not upon me any more as your Rival: I do acknowledge you merit Alcionida more then I, and I will do that which fortune would not, I give up all my intereſt in her unto you: In pronouncing theſe laſt words Tiſander bluſht, and tears trickled from his eyes; ſo that Thraſibulus being extreamly moved with the generoſity of his friend, and not being able to contain his ſorrows, he came nearer him, and taking him by the hand, Live moſt generous Prince, ſaid he, and be aſſured that I will never more envy your enjoyment of the incomparable Alcionida: Indeed, I ſhall ever love her, but it ſhall be as ſhe is yours without any other pretence unto her: No, no, replied the weak Tiſander, that muſt never be: Live you, and let me die; all the favour I ask, is, that you will ſometimes ſpeak of me unto my dear Alcionida: Let me have this laſt ſatisfaction, my dear Thraſibulus, and I will leave you an unvaluable Treaſure in the Perſon of Alcionida: for her ſoul has an hundred thouſand more ſhining beauties, then her face: But in recompence of ſo rich a Preſent, promiſe me here in the preſence of Illuſtrious Cyrus, that you will tell her, I value not the loſs of life, or Grandure, or kindred, or any thing in the world, but only her: and that I find no bitterneſs in death, but only my ſorrows to leave her: and when you have done this, enjoy her quietly all the reſt of your life: and live happy longer then I have done. Thraſibulus was ſo grieved to [Page] ſee his Friend in this condition, that his love, which was wont to triumph over any other thought, was now forced to ſubmit unto his ſorrow; and to lie hid in the bottom of his heart without any diſcovery upon this ſad occaſion. He promiſed Tiſander then to perform all his Commands in moſt grieving expreſſions, and teſtified ſuch real marks of tenderneſs, that none would ever thought Tiſander had been Rival to Thraſibulas. In the mean while, this weak Prince, growing more feeble upon a ſudden, dyed, and deſiring to ſay ſomething more concerning Alcionida, he pronounced her name, and left all thoſe who ſaw him dye in ſuch admiration of his Conſtancy, and ſo molified with his diſcourſe, that had he been a prime Friend unto every one in particular, he could not have moved more ſorrows. As ſoon as the Prince Tiſander had fetched his laſt breath, and no ſigns of life appeared, Cyrus carried Thraſibulus out of the Tent whether he would or no, and left Theoſthenes to take all requiſite orders for Tiſanders Funeral, which Cyrus would have moſt magnificently performed: Having then carried Thraſibulus into his own Pavilion, he took the Letter which was directed unto Alcionida, and which was open; then with the conſent of Traſibulus he found written theſe words:

Dying TISANDER to his deareſt ALCIONIDA.

I Am ſo near my Death, that I cannot poſſibly ſay much unto you: Let me in a few words conjure you to beleeve, that I did love you beyond all expreſſions, and that I dye full of the ſame affection, and fuller then ever any, except the Prince Thraſibulus: You know he is my ſecond ſelf, and ſo receive him; I give him all my ſhare in your heart, for he deſerves it; Love him then for the love of me, and force him to love my memory, for the love of you; and as far as it is poſſible, let both of you love that Prince in his grave, who whileſt he lived loved none but you; and when he dyed, you were the only thoughts of

TISANDER.

As Cyrus was of a moſt apprehenſive and compaſſionate Soul, ſo his heart was extreamly tendered at the reading of this Letter: And Thraſibulus himſelf, notwithſtanding all the hopes he might conceive by the death of his Friend, was moſt really grieved. All poſſible care was taken, to render the laſt honours of Burial with all Ceremony befitting a man of his quality: Cyrus himſelf, the King of Phrigia, the King of Hircania, and every Prince in the Army, were Mourners, and expreſſed all teſtimonies of eſteem unto the honour of Prince Tiſander. After this, Cyrus told Thraſibulus, that both the affairs of his Dominions, and thoſe concerning his Love, did require his ſudden return unto Milete, and unto Leſbos. Then he went to give out Orders concerning the preſent Affair. In the mean time, the Prince Phraartes returning to the King his Father, found all things in a lamentable condition, becauſe their Victuals would not laſt above two days, though the King of Armenia to keep up the hearts of his Souldiers did make a ſhew as if they had enough for a Month, hoping always that Ciaxares would be weary, and draw off from Artaxates. Phraartes then, ſeeing things in that condition, told the King his Father, that there was a neceſſity of having recourſe unto the clemency of the Conqueror, ſince force was in vain; and the more to merit his favour, he thought it mſt expedient to tell Ciaxares with all ingenuity whether the Princeſs Mandana and the King of Pont were in his Dominions or no: That as for the Tribute demanded, though it were juſt to pay what's promiſed, yet he knew that the principal cauſe of the War was the Princeſs Mandana; ſo that if he had her in his hands, he might eaſily free himſelf from the Tribute by reſtoring her unto the King her father; and that if he had her not, then he ought to make it ſo apparent, as neither Ciaxares or Cyrus might doubt of it. The King then proteſted unto Phraartes, that he never knew the King of Pont or the Princeſs Mandana were ever in Armenia; And that the Princeſs Araminta being in his Dominions, had certainly raiſed that opinion of the Princeſs Mandana's being here. Phraartes told the King his father, that as he had promiſed, ſo he muſt needs acquaint Cyrus with the truth of all this: But the Souldiers being in a great Mutiny, would needs ſee all the Magazines of Victual before the Prince Phraartes departed; there was ſuch a great diſorder amongſt them, that they all forſook their Guards: So that if the moſt generous Cyrus would have violated his faith, and taken that advantage, he might eaſily entered the Mountains, and killed all thoſe that fled thither for ſanctuary; for it was eaſie to be diſcerned from the Plains, how they diſperſed themſelves in the Mountains without any order, or any Arms: But he did moſt inviolably obſerve whatſoever he promiſed; but looked upon this diſorder without taking that advantage, or knowing the true cauſe of it. [Page] But in concluſion, the King of Armenia reſolved to truſt unto the generoſity of Cyrus, and put himſelf into his hands. He ſent therefore the Prince Phraartes before, appeaſing the Souldiers, by aſſuring them that he went to make Peace. This Prince returning then unto the Camp, and being conducted unto the Tent of Cyrus, where was the King of Aſſyria, the King of Hircania, the Prince of the Caduſians, the Prince of Paphlagonia, Thraſibulus, Hidaſpes, Aglatidas, and many others; he told him, how extreamly ſorry he was that he was not able to tell him any news concerning the Princeſs Mandana, of whom the King his father had no knowledg: For Sir, ſaid he to Cyrus, to ſhew you that he is moſt ſincere, I need tell you no more, but that truſting abſolutely in the goodneſs of the Medean King and your generoſity, I have perſwaded him to deſcend from theſe Mountains, with the Queen my Mother, the Princeſſes my Siſters, the Princeſs Oneſila, wife of Tigranes my Brother, whom heretofore you have honoured with your friendſhip: You may very well judg by this, Sir, ſaid he unto him, that if he had the Princeſs Mandana in his power, he would not have done thus. When Cyrus had well conſidered upon it, he was moſt extreamly grieved, that there was no hopes of finding Mandana: The King of Aſſyria was as deeply wounded as he; yet imagining that perhaps ſhe might ſtill be in Armenia, though this Prince was ignorant of it, a moſt ſtrict ſearch was reſolved upon in lieu of a bloody War.

In the mean while Cyrus ſent in all haſte unto Ciaxares, to acquaint him with the reports of Phraartes, and to ask him whether he ſhould bring the King of Armenia unto him: But Ciaxares being not well that day, ſent him word that he abſolutely referred all unto him, and that he ſhould do as he himſelf thought moſt expedient. Cyrus having this anſwer, received the King of Armenia, and all his Royal Family, into his Tent; and obſerving a diſcreet mediocrity in his civilities, there appeared in his diſcourſe and actions all the ſweetneſs of a clement Prince, and all the Majeſty of a Conqueror: The King of Armenia ſeemed a greater Prince in his miſery, then he did in his better fortunes; for indeed he ſpoke with much boldneſs and generoſity upon this occaſion: for ſince Cyrus was much perplexed at the bad news which he received, he could not forbear ſome expreſſions of anger, for being engaged in this War, and loſing ſo much time as might have been more advantagiouſly employed in the ſearch of Mandana ſome other way. This being the condition of things, the Prince Tigranes, who was recovered of his ſickneſs, and underſtanding the bad condition of the King his fathers affairs, reſolved abſolutely to truſt unto the generoſity of Cyrus, and came unto his Tent; where with ſorrow he ſaw the King his father, the Queen his mother, the Prince his brother, the Princeſſes his ſiſters, and the admired Oneſila his wife, whoſe beauty did dazle all thoſe eyes that looked upon her: As ſoon as he appeared, Cyrus received him with many expreſſions of civility towards him; yet ſince he was upon a buſineſs of great importance, he held no long diſcourſes, but following his intention, Why Sir (ſaid he to the King of Armenia) did you not return a more clear anſwer unto the King whom I ſerve, when he ſent unto you to demand the Princeſs his daughter? and why did you make him think ſhe was in your power? My Reaſon was, replyed he, becauſe I thought he did not beleeve ſhe was in my power; and that he did but ſeek for a pretence to colour his War, and thereby move me to pay that Tribute which I formerly payed unto Aſtiages. But, replyed Cyrus, do you not think that Tribute due, and that you ought not to pay it? Yes, anſwered he; but deſire of Liberty, and alſo to leave my children abſolute and free, moved me unto that injuſtice which would have been glorious if it had ſucceeded well. If you were in the King of Medes caſe, ſaid Cyrus, and a Prince your Vaſſal ſhould have done as you did, what would you have done? If I ſhould act according to the Rules of Policy (replyed this Prince without any amazement) I ſhould ſo diſable him from having any power to hurt me, that I would leave him no more but a deſire to do it: But if I would merit that Reputation which at this day Cyrus enjoys, and keep it when I had gotten it, I would pardon that Prince; and of a rebellious Vaſſal, I would make him my grateful Friend. Be then ſo unto the King of Medes, replyed Cyrus, but be ſure you be moſt really ſo, leſt you ſhould find the fury of a puiſſant and juſtly incenſed Prince. The King of Armenia was ſo much ſurprized to hear him ſpeak in that manner, as he was afraid he had miſunderſtood him: Therefore Cyrus had the leaſure to turn towards the Prince Tigranes, and ſmiling asked him moſt obligingly in ſpite of his melancholy, what Ranſom he would give to free the Princeſs Oneſila his wife? My life, Sir, anſwered Tigranes haſtily; for ſince there is nothing in the world ſo dear unto me as ſhe, I ought to offer no leſs. Mean while, the King of Armenia perceiving by the acclamations of the people, that he was rightly underſtood, began to expreſs his gratitude and acknowledgments unto Cyrus; who to let him ſee that he was at liberty, began to treat all theſe Princeſſes with wonderful civility, and appointed Coaches to come and [Page] carry them unto Artaxates. Sir, ſaid the King of Armenia unto him, ſince you de [...] thus generouſly with us, I will not only become a Vaſſal, and a Subject; but I will be ſo fidele and free unto you, that you ſhall not only diſpoſe of all my Treaſures which are upon yonder Mountains, but alſo of my life and liberty. Cyrus returned a moſt generous anſwer unto this diſcourſe of this Prince, and aſſured him, that Ciaxares deſired no more but that he ſhould obſerve the ſame Conditions which his Fathers heretofore had done, and that he ſhould joyn his Forces unto his: We will bring them up Sir, replyed the prince Tigranes and the prince Phraartes, and we ſhall with joy be ready to dye in your ſervice, whenſoever any occaſions require it. Cyrus then did part from thoſe two Princes moſt civilly: And the Coaches being come, the Queen of Armenia and the Princeſſes her daughters were carried unto Artaxates, and into the ſame palace where the princeſs Araminta was, becauſe it was more convenient then that where Ciaxares lodged. Thus ſhe who was a priſoner in Armenia received the Queen of Armenia, as if ſhe had been in the Dominions of the King her brother. The prince Tigranes and Phraartes by the permiſſion of Cyrus waited upon the Queen their mother unto the Palace. All the way as they went, they ſpoke of nothing but the vertues of Cyrus: Phraartes extolled his valor; the Queen of Armenia, his generoſity; the Princeſſes her daughters, his ſweetneſs and clemency; and Tigranes, who was better acquainted with his Heroique qualities then they, told them a hundred pieces of gallantry which he had performed: But obſerving that the princeſs Oneſila his wife did not ſpeak at all, and conceiving that Cyrus had not yet been ſufficiently commended; Is there any man in the world, ſaid he unto her, whoſe behaviour and perſon is more noble, high and handſom, then that of Cyrus? Truly, replyed ſhe, I cannot ſpeak of his magnanimity, nor at all of his handſomneſs, for I did not obſerve it. Who then, ſaid he unto her, did attract the obſervations of my Oneſila, whileſt this generous Converſation laſted? He, anſwered ſhe, who offered his life for my Ranſom, and whom ſhe prefers before all the Univerſe: So ſweet and moſt obliging anſwer moved Tigranes to give her thanks; and then he went on with his Elogy of Cyrus, whom ſince ſhe did not obſerve, he deſcribed him unto her.

About an hour after, Cyrus carried the King of Armenia unto Ciaxares, who ſince morning found himſelf a little better: As they entered into Artaxates, never was ſuch loud acclamations in commendations of Cyrus, as upon this occaſion: All the Conquerors that ever were, who led their conquered Kings in Triumph, never had ſo much glory in the Captivity of their Slaves, as Cyrus had, and deſervedly, in ſetting the King of Armenia again upon his Throne; and after he had vanquiſhed him, let him enter into Artaxates, as if this tributary King had never been a Rebel, or himſelf a Conqueror of him. Ciaxares, at the requeſt of Cyrus, received him very well: So that in leſs then a days ſpace, there was no more Wars in Armenia; the vanquiſhed and vanquiſhers were all of one ſide; and if the princeſs Mandana were but found, there was then no more to be wiſhed: but ſince ſhe could not be heard of, the joy was only on the Armenian ſide. Ciaxares, Cyrus, the King of Aſſyria, and all thoſe who had any intereſt in this admired Princeſs, were never the nearer any ſatisfaction. A general ſearch through both Armenia's was then reſolved upon: for ſince the King of Pontus his Slave told the princeſs Araminta when he was dying, that the King his Maſter was gone into Armenia; and beſides that, ſince Mandana had written as much with her own hand, it could not be beleeved but ſhe was in ſome unknown place or other. In the mean while Harpagus came from Ecbatan to advertiſe Ciaxares, that there was a great diſpoſition amongſt the people to Revolt, by reaſon of his long abſence; and that it was neceſſary to ſend ſome perſon qualified with high Authority, to remain there until he came himſelf. Cyrus received Harpagus with much goodneſs; remembering that he was in ſome ſort a cauſe both of his love, and all the glory he had obtained: ſince if he had not come unto Perſia, and had given him that counſel which he did, perhaps he ſhould never have left the Perſian Court. But the buſineſs, which he came about, being put into Conſultation, Cyrus deſiring to oblige Aglatidas, did propoſe to ſend him unto Ecbatan, and to confer upon him the Government of the Province of the Araſantines, which Ottanus would not accept of; imagining that ſince he might well hope to enjoy Ameſtris after the death of her husband, he would not refuſe it. It was then reſolved upon, that Aglatidas ſhould depart the next morning, and go for Ecbatan; that he ſhould carry Artaban with him; and that he ſhould aſſure the Medean people, that Ciaxares would make a ſpeedy return. Upon the breaking up of the Councel, Cyrus ſent for Aglatidas, toacquaint him with this good news, which doubtleſs he received with as much joy, as Megabiſes did with ſorrow: He thanked Cyrus in ſuch fit language to expreſs his gratitude, that it was apparent his paſſion was high. He made ſhew of ſome ſorrows to leave him, and without [Page] doubt, he was as loath to part from him, as any Lover who was going to ſee his Miſtreſs could be: He aſſured him, he ſhould have his diſpatches that night, and imbracing him, Wiſh (ſaid he, my dear Aglatidas) that I were as near my happineſs and ſatisfaction, as you are when you go to ſee your dear Ameſtris; I wiſh with all my heart, you may find her as faithful, as you have deſcribed her amiable and admirable. Artaban alſo took his leave of Cyrus, and the next morning theſe two friends went together to Ecbatan: To chear up Megabiſes, Cyrus gave him one of the prime offices in the Kings Houſe which then was vacant: yet this conſolation was but weak to divert his mind, ſince Aglatidas would ere long ſee Ameſtris, but ſince there was no other, patience muſt be his remedy.

There came news that day to Court, that Craeſſus was raiſing a very puiſſant Army, and did ſolicit all the people of Ionia to take his part: ſo that Cyrus ſeeing ſo fit an opportunity to help the Prince Thraſibulus, would not let it ſlip: and the next day following, he moved Ciaxares, that in caſe Craeſſus had any deſignes upon his Dominions, as in all likelihood he had, then it were the beſt expedient to make a diverſion, and to draw the Lidian forces unto more places then one: So that it was reſolved, the Prince Thraſibulus, accompanied by Harpagus, who had much experience, having followed the late King of Medes in all his wars, ſhould go with ten thouſand men into Cappadocia, where Ariobantes would make new Levies to joyn unto thoſe Troops which Ciaxares left at his departure from Sinope, to keep that Kingdom in peace: That Thraſibulus ſhould be General of this Army on foot; Harpagus commanding under him; and without needing any new orders, he might in the name of the King, and Cyrus, puniſh, or pardon, as he thought fit. In the mean while, Cyrus had a conce [...]t in his mind, which did much vex him, that Mandana might be any where, ſince they could hear no news of her: Love, hereupon, which is always very ingenious, made him invent P [...]ts, which he ſet up throughout all parts where he had made any Conqueſts; to the end he might in leſs time, and with more expedition, hear news of Mandana. After Thraſibulus had taken his leave of Ciaxares, the ſeparation between that Prince and Cyrus was very f [...] of tender expreſſions: for ſince the firſt day they fought with one another, they had a moſt high eſteem of each others vertue, and it was impoſſible but this eſteem ſhould tie a firm knot of friendſhip between them: The Names of Mandana, and Alcionida, were often pronounced at parting, which was in private: Thraſibulus deſired Cyrus to pardon him, for leaving him before he heard any news of the Princeſs; and he aſſured him, that if he ſaw any more enemies to fight with, he ſhould never be able to do it: Cyrus did thank him with all expreſſions of civility, and deſired he would excuſe him for not going himſelf in perſon, to put him in poſſeſſion of his Dominions, and to perſwade Alcionida to obey the Commands of the Prince Tiſander: However, ſince he thought the Grecians would be very willing to aſſiſt a Grecian, Thimocrates, Philocles, and Leontidas, were choſen for it, and intreated by Cyrus to ſerve him in the Perſon of Thraſibulus: They were too gallant to refuſe any occaſion of war, yet could they not find hearts to part from Cyrus without abundance of ſorrow: Thimocrates told Cyrus at parting, that he ſaw his Deſtinies did not change, but that abſence ſtill muſt be the greateſt torment of his life, ſince certainly he could not part from him but with extream regret. Philocles did moſt obligingly complain, that he was no more beloved of Cyrus, then his Miſtreſs, ſince if he had, he would have kept him with him: And Leontidas ſuting his complement to his humour, as his friends did to their fortunes, told him, that he did not look upon all thoſe who were to enjoy the happineſs of the Princeſs, with leſs jealouſie, then he did upon the Lovers of Alcidamia. After theſe firſt Complements of Gallantry, they expreſſed effectual teſtimonies of their zeal to ſerve Cyrus in the perſon of Thraſibulus, who had gotten ſo much love amongſt all the Kings and Princes in the Army, that there was not one, who did not with much ſorrow bid him adieu: He went alſo to take his leave of the King and Queen of Armenia, of the Princeſſes his daughters, of the Princeſs On [...]ſila, of the Princeſs Araminta; of the Princes Tigranes, and Phraartes. After all which he departed with his Forces which Harpagus commanded under him: which were joyned unto the Cicilian Troops, which Leontidas commanded after the death of the Prince Artibies; with an addition of the Cyprian forces alſo, whoſe Body was ſent unto the Prince his Brother, with all honours fit to be rendred unto one of his quality, with a deſire that Cyrus might be as good as his word, and that his body might be carried to Thebes, and laid in the Tomb wi [...]h his dear Leon [...]ina, Cyrus ſent a Letter by his men who were to conduct the Corps, unto the Prince of Cicily, and another unto the Prince Philoxipes, with Orders to paſs into Cyprus, and to aſſure him of the continuance of his friendſhip, in conducting to Thebes the Corps of the Prince Artibies. Mean while, all ſearches for the Princeſs Mandana were in vain: Information was given from [Page] ſome fiſhers in the River Halis, that once upon a time, they obſerved a Boat full of Souldiers, and ſome Ladies amongſt them, but that was all they could ſay: ſo that both Cyrus, and the King of Aſſyria, did endure all the torments that deſperate Lovers could ſuffer; all the victories of Cyrus could not countervail this horrid abſence from Mandana: all the defeats and loſſes which the King of Aſſyria had, did not diſturb his mind, which was ſenſible of nothing but the loſs of Mandana: All their thoughts were imployed about this fruitleſs ſearch; during which time the Chaldeans, which were Neighbours unto the Armenians, which deſcended from their Mountains, were much moleſted by Cyrus, who in four days did quell them, and indeed made them very happy in reconciling them unto the Armenians, of whoſe friendſhip they ſtood as much in need, as the Armenians did of theirs; ſo that in all places fortune ſmiled upon Cyrus: every people did yield obedience unto him without any contradiction; and either by his valour, or by his clemency, he was Conquerour of all the world: yet for all that he could not conquer his own ſorrows, which never gave him any reſt: ſometimes he went to lament, and he lamented by the Princeſs Araminta; and for her part, ſhe did not only complain againſt her old miſeries, but againſt the new paſſion of Phraartes, which did every day grow more violent; beſeeching Cyrus not to leave her in Armenia when he went away: Ciaxares alſo did extreamly grieve for the loſs of his daughter; ſo that it may very well be ſaid, Never Conquerours had leſs joy in their victorious Conqueſts then thoſe. Cyrus did often wonder that Ortalques who went with Marteſia, and her Couſin, was not heard of: and he feared ſome misfortune had happened that amiable Lady: yet though Mandana did take up all his thoughts, yet he was always pleaſingly civil and obliging; but always grave, reſerved, and melancholy: The King of Aſſyria, who was of a more violent temper, he was not only ſad, and melancholy, but alſo he fretted, and was full of anguiſh: and if theſe two Princes had not yet had ſome hopes to find Mandana, doubtleſs they had ended all differences between them, and ſtayed no longer: for ſomtimes when Cyrus conſidered that the King of Aſſyria was the cauſe of all his miſery, he had much ado to contain himſelf: alſo when the King of Aſſyria conſidered that perhaps Mandana would not hate him, if Cyrus were not loved: his heart renewed all imaginable hatread, as he uſed to have unto him, when he thought him only Artamenes, and himſelf ſeemed only Philidaſpes: However, all intelligence which both of them received from divers parts, did not afford them any knowledg of what they deſired: and the ſmall hopes which they had, was almoſt quite extinct, when the King of Aſſyria was advertiſed by a ſecret Agent, which he had in Suſa, that Abradates King of the Suſanians was gone with ſome Troops, and none knew whither: That he carried the Queen his wife with him, and alſo a ſtrange Princeſs, and a Prince which no body knew: and that they went towards Matenes, which joyns upon Armenia, and Cicilia. As ſoon as this Prince had this news, he rejoyced; but ſince every one is apt to believe what they deſire, he made no doubt but this Princeſs which was unknown, was the Princeſs Mandana, and the unknown Prince, the King of Pontus: ſo that going in all haſte to acquaint Ciaxares, he met Cyrus, who perceiving ſo many ſignes of joy in his eyes, could not chuſe but ask him the cauſe: though it went againſt the hair to acquaint his Rival with ſuch good news, yet he told him what he knew concerning the Princeſs Mandana, which at the firſt apprehenſion did ſo joy the heart of Cyrus, that he thought to imbrace his mortal enemy, and give him thanks; but preſently after, ſome ingredients of grief did allay his jollity, when he conſidered that Ciaxares ſhould hear any thing of Mandana from his Rival, and not from himſelf; for he made no queſtion but it was ſhe, as well becauſe the King of Pontus might think to find protection from Abradates, who always hated the Medeans, as becauſe the River Halis, on which it was known Mandana was, did run that way: Moreover it was known that the Matenes were the Allies of Adrabates: So that his thoughts concurring with the King of Aſſyria's, he told him, that it was fit to acquaint Ciaxares with it in all haſte: and to take horſe the very ſame hour, to the end they might go towards the Frontiers of Armenia, to inform themſelves of Abradates his March, to follow him, and alſo to fight with him. Together then they went unto Ciaxares, who being as impatient as themſelves, after he underſtood the news, told them, that they ſhould go ſpeedily to deliver the Princeſs his daughter: ſo that without loſs of any time, they drew out two thouſand horſe out of the Medean Chavalry which was the beſt: A thouſand of the Aſſyrian Kings, and a thouſand Homotimes, which were the beſt of all the Perſian Troops. Since they received other intelligence, that Abradates had with him but two thouſand horſe in all, they took but four thouſand, that they might the ſooner overtake him, and knowing that the March of great Bodies is always ſlow: nor would they have taken ſo many, but that they feared they ſhould be conſtrained to divide themſelves, the ſooner to meet with whom they ſought for: All the Princes [Page] and Voluntiers in the Army were in this party, except the King of Phrigia, and the King of Hircania, who ſtayed with Ciaxares. Tigranes and Phraartes failed not; and never were men ſeen more eager to vanquiſh then they.

Cyrus and the King of Aſſyria had eyes which ſparkled with extraordinary fury; and they thought themſelves ſo ſure to deliver Mandana, that they began already to look upon each other as enemies: Yet did both ſides carry it moſt civilly, and with all ſincerity, but their very looks did diſcover whether they would or no the reſentments of their Souls. In concluſion they took their leaves of Ciaxarrs, and having the acclamations and prayers of all the people for a happy ſucceſs of their enterprize, they marched with incredible haſte to the Frontiers of Armenia, and as far as the Matenes Country, who were in League with all their Neighbors, and notwithſtanding all the Aſian Wars, lived in a ſecure Peace: When they were arrived there, they underſtood that Abradates was already paſt, and was gone towards a corner of Cicilie; they underſtood alſo that there was many Coaches full of Ladies which thoſe Troops conducted: So that this news renewing their zeal, they conſulted upon the beſt expedient: for all the way Abradates went there was a River, along which he muſt neceſſarily go; but ſince they could not exactly tell on which ſide he went, and on which ſide Mandana was, becauſe they were informed that Abradates had divided his Troops, one party going over a Bridg, and the other ſtayed on that ſide on the left hand; therefore they reſolved to divide themſelves alſo. So that Cyrus, generouſly giving half of his men unto his Rival, drawing lots which party he ſhould have, and which ſide of the River he ſhould take, Cyrus had that ſide which was furtheſt from Armenia, and the King of Aſſyria the other: But before they parted, they both of them renewed their promiſes to each other, not to take any advantage by delivering the Princeſs until they had fought: So after this new promiſe of mutual fidelity they parted, each of them wiſhing in his heart to be happier then his Rival. Cyrus in all impatience to find his dear Mandana went in the head of his men, and would very often be a long way before them, to enquire of all he met whether any Chavalry and Coaches paſſed that way: ſome told him, Yes, ſome again, No; and according to their ſeveral anſwers, the Soul of Cyrus was either glad or ſad: he ſent upon the left hand of the River, for he himſelf was upon the right, ſometimes Araſpes, and ſometimes Feraulas with ſome horſe, to enquire in the Villages what they could hear; and by all reports, he was aſcertained that ſome Chavalry paſſed that way. As for the Coaches full of Ladies, ſome ſaid there was ſuch, and ſome ſaid there was none at all. He was told at a place where he paſſed, that the Chavalry which he followed had left the River, and took upon the left hand: ſo that he went in all haſte the ſame way, and he came unto a place where the ways were ſandy, and where he could trace the horſes feet freſhly printed: Then did he march on with much joy for ten hours, until he came to a Bridg where he ſtayed, not knowing which ſides thoſe he followed had taken, for now the ways were not ſandy, and no prints were to be ſeen: He being now at a terrible dilemma, he paſſed over the Bridg to the other ſide; he ſent out divers men to ſeveral places, but all in vain, for they found many houſes, but none in them, ſo that he knew not what to reſolve upon: yet at laſt he thought it beſt not to be on the ſame ſide of the River which the King of Aſſyria was; ſo that going back again to the Bridg, he marched along the other ſide: After ſome thirty furlongs march, Feraulas, who was a long way before, did meet a man, who told him, he ſaw a great fight on the other ſide of the water within this hour, and within twenty furlongs from the place he was. Cyrus knowing this, with a mind extreamly inflamed that his Rival ſhould be more happy then he, returned ſpeedily to the Bridg, and paſſed over, going ſtraight towards the place where the Paiſant ſaid he ſaw the fight. He had not gone above fifteen furlongs, but he found ſome horſes and men dead; and going a little further he ſaw a field covered with dead and dying men, and a Coach which was overturned and broken. This object did infinitely move him: he ſearched and looked all about; and in the end found a Perſian amongſt thoſe that were wounded whom he knew; and being able to ſpeak, he no ſooner ſaw Cyrus, but he called him, Sir, ſaid he unto him, the King of Aſſyria has delivered the Princeſs, and put all thoſe enemies to flight which are not killed. Has the King of Aſſyria delivered the Princeſs? (ſaid Cyrus in a great amazement:) Ah my friend, doſt thou know what thou ſayſt? Yes Sir, replyed he, and has carried her away in her Coach; for this which you ſee here broken is another, and thoſe women which were in it are all in the ſame Coach with the Princeſs: Since I was wounded after the fight by one of my Companions, who would needs have a horſe from me which I had gotten, I ſaw very well how the King of Aſſyria did addreſs himſelf unto her in her Coach with all humility, and honored her; that was the reaſon why the Commander in Chief of the Enemies was not taken, for the King of Aſſyria no ſooner ſaw that Coach in his power, but he neglected [Page] all elſe, and took care of her. Cyrus hearing this news, was both joyful as poſſible could be, and alſo as ſad as any true Lover could think himſelf: He rejoyced that his dear Mandana was delivered, but ſince it was by his Rival, he grieved exceſſively. Moreover, he underſtood the King of Pontus was eſcaped, and therefore had a good mind to follow and fight him, yet he could not think that Mandana was in the King of Aſſyria's power, but he muſt needs haſte after him: ſo that leaving his deſign of following an unfortunate Rival, he went after him that was the fortunate one. He went immediately unto the Randezvouz which was appointed of at parting, but went with a mind ſo infinitely enraged, that he was not maſter of his own thoughts: The night coming faſt on, did augment his melancholy, becauſe he could not make haſte enough; but was forced to ſtay, for having left the River ſide, intending to go a nearer way, his Guides loſt their aim in the midſt of a great Forreſt full of Cypreſs Trees, and in the obſcurity of the night: ſo that in lieu of coming nearer Mandana fearing to wander further off her, he reſolved to ſtay there till break of day: moreover, his horſes were almoſt tyred, having had no reſt a long time: he therefore made a halt, and lighted from his horſe, ſitting down at the foot of a Tree, as if he would reſt himſelf, but indeed it was to perſecute himſelf with the violent agitations of his mind: Sometimes his reſentments of joy would get the predominacy; for ſaid he in his heart, Mandana is delivered, ſhe is in a place where I ſhall ſhortly ſee her, and her Deliverer ſhall not long enjoy that glorious Title, unleſs my courage betray me in this laſt and principal occaſion. But oh ye Gods, ſaid he, why muſt my Rival deliver my Princeſs? and why do you put me to the neceſſity of hating her Deliverer, and grieve for the liberty of Mandana, which I did ſo ardently deſire? I cannot purely reliſh her deliverance, for doubtleſs my Rival has already ſpoke of his love unto her, and ſhe has thanked him for what he hath done; and perhaps this laſt piece of ſervice which he hath done her (which did not coſt him one drop of blood) will work more upon her heart, then all the Combates I have fought for her; then all the battels I have won, and then all the wounds I have received. Oh my divine Princeſs (cryed he out) be a little more juſt, and look upon the ſervice which the King of Aſſyria hath done you, rather as an effect of his good Fortune, then any extraordinary teſtimony of his affection: But after all this, he hath delivered her, ſaid he; and methinks I ſee the Princeſs beſtow upon him a thouſand expreſſions of acknowledgment: Yet were I aſſured that this divine Princeſs did wiſh in her heart that it were I who had done her this good office, I ſhould be ſatisfied; but liberty is ſo ſweet, that it is moſt difficult not to love the hand that gives it. Oh ye rigorous Deſtinies, ſaid he, why would you not let me have the honour of breaking her Chains aſunder? Had ye been ſo propitious unto me, I ſhould have thought my ſelf the moſt happy Prince upon Earth: But now, though I have won ſo many Battels; conquered ſo many Kingdoms; nothing reſiſted me, all obeyed me; the King of Aſſyria himſelf thrown out of his Throne, and compelled to yield unto the fury of my Fate; yet this unfortunate Prince is now a thouſand thouſand times more happy then Cyrus, who has been reputed the greateſt Favorite of the Gods of all men living. How dare I appear before my Princeſs? and how can I contain my impatience to ſee her in his hands? When he was in Babylon, he was leſs dreadful to me then now; for then Mandana looked upon him as her Raviſher; but now the caſe is altered, and he is her Deliverer, and all that ever I did for her was not ſo advantagious to her, as this act of his at this time: Yet I am much to blame to grieve, now my Princeſs rejoyceth, and yet were I mad to rejoyce at the glory of my Rival. Perhaps I am deceived, and my adored Mandana is moſt juſt, and will remember, that though I did not deliver her when I returned from the Meſſagettes, when I ſaved the life of her Raviſher, yet it was becauſe I knew him not; and that though I did not deliver her in the taking of Babylon, it was becauſe the King of Aſſyria did take her away the ſecond time; and though I did her no ſervice at Sinope, it was becauſe the Prince Mazares to his own miſery and mine did carry her away: Therefore when ſhe conſiders that the King of Aſſyria has been her Raviſher and Detainer whole years together, it may be this laſt adventure of his will have no great operation upon her heart. But no, no, ſaid he preſently after, let me not flatter my ſelf; paſt ſervices are ſmall in compariſon of thoſe which are at preſent; and a thouſand good intentions are nothing equal to one real good office effectually done, though it coſt him who did it but little; and therefore unhappy man that I am, I may in all reaſon fear, that the King of Aſſyria hath this very day gained more upon the heart of Mandana, then I have done in all my life. Afterwards when he began to conſider, that in drawing lots which ſide of the River either ſhould take, all his wiſdom and p [...]ety could not keep him from murmuring againſt Heaven: What have I done, O ye juſt Gods, ſaid he, to merit this misfortune? Have I not, during all the Wars that ever I made, preſerved your Temples and your Altars? Have I not offered Sacrifices [Page] and Oblations unto you? Was I ever unjuſt, cruel or bloody? I loved Mandana it is true, but I loved her with unparallel'd purity: I loved her moſt paſſionately I confeſs; but ſince you made her ſo h [...]ghly accompliſhed, and made me know it, it had been a ſin to do otherwiſe, and I could not poſſibly love her leſs, and yet you inflict upon me as ſevere [...]orments, as thoſe who are moſt culpable could be puniſhed with: I would gladly ceaſe [...]y murmur, but I cannot: Fury doth command my mind; Jealouſie diſturbs my Reaſon, and I cannot endure that my dreadful Rival and my mortal Enemy ſhould be Mandana's Deliverer. After this, being out of all patience that it was not yet day, he riſe [...]p; and taking horſe, maugre all perſwaſions to the contrary, he would have them march; and becauſe he would be exemplary to the reſt, he was the firſt that groped through the thick of darkneſs, having in his mind a more gloomy melancholy then the obſcurity of the night, which was ſo dark, that no objects could be diſcerned in that great Forreſt.

The End of the third Part.

ARTAMENES, OR CYRUS the GREAT. The Fourth Part.

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BOOK. I.

AFter a long and blind March, day did by little and little appear. And Cyrus came to the River ſide, where the Guides being within their aim again, conducted the Prince to the place where he deſired to be; at the laſt he came to a place where he diſcovered Coaches, and Souldiers, going before him: This ſight ſeemed ſomething ſtrange, and made ſuch a mixture of joys and ſorrows, love and jealouſie, hopes and fears in his heart, that he knew not what to think on it: He looked upon Feraulus, and pronouncing the name of Mandana, ſhewing him the Coaches, and doubling his pace; Come, Feraulas, ſaid he unto him, let us go and enjoy the happineſs to ſee our Miſtreſs, or at the leaſt diſturb the joys of my Rival: putting on then very faſt, he overtook ſome horſmen, which were two hundred paces behind the Coaches and Troops, and knowing them at the firſt to be Meades; Is the King of Aſſyria, ſaid he unto them, with the Princeſs Mandana? We know not that, Sir, replied they; for preſently after the Combate yeſterday againſt Abradates, when he perceived that in lieu of delivering the Princeſs, he had only taken the Queen of Suſiana, he turned all fury, and took another way with part of his men. How, ſaid Cyrus, is not Mandana in this Coach which I ſee before me? No, Sir, replied they, the King of Aſſyria had intelligence that ſhe was on your ſide of the River: ſo that deſiring to come unto you, and ſhare in the deliverance of her, he took a nearer way which his Guides did ſhew unto him, and thereby ſtop the King of Pont's way, after he had paſſed the River at a place, the name whereof we have forgotten; hoping alſo to overtake Abradates, and meet with you. But ſince we ſee you here, we know neither where he, nor the Princeſs Mandana is, eſpecially ſince it appears you hear nothing of him, but return without meeting with him. Cyrus was ſo aſtoniſhed, and ſad, that the Princeſs Mandana was not delivered, and to know that if he had followed the way he firſt took, he might have done it: and that his Rival might perhaps be fighting for her at [Page] that very time whileſt he was ſpeaking on it, that not ſtaying any longer there, nor going to the Coach where Panthea was, he faced about in all haſte, ſending Araſpes to have a care of that Queen; he returned then unto the firſt place where he might have paſs over the River: and marching almoſt as faſt as if he had been alone, he was ſo much tranſported with anger againſt himſelf, that he had much ado to contain himſelf within the limits of reaſon: he wiſhed that the King of Aſſyria had met with Mandana, and he deſired alſo quite contrary: and ſince he could not compoſe his diſcordant deſires, he ſuffered intollerable torment of mind; eſpecially when it came into his thoughts that in all probability the King of Aſſyria had already delivered Mandana, or which was worſe, that neither of them could deliver her: After a long March without any intelligence, he met with ſome horſmen, which the King of Aſſyria hearing that he had paſſed over the River, did ſend unto him, to tell him, that he would ſtill purſue the King of Pontus, and alſo to advertiſe him how he underſtood, that he had left the River upon his left hand, and went as faſt as he could unto another, which he muſt needs croſs over, before he could be in Cicilie. Cyrus upon this advice, doubling his diligence, though his horſes were very weary, at laſt he overtook the King of Aſſyria, and out of a phantaſtical humour of love, and jealouſie mixed together, he was both ſad, and glad, that he had not delivered Mandana: Theſe two Illuſtrious Rivals rendred an account unto each other of their actions: and being forced unto it by neceſſity, they gave half an hours time unto their men to take a [...]light repaſt, and bait their horſes at the next Village they came unto; after which, they went together with more haſte then before, in purſuance of the King of Pontus, who could not make any great ſpeed becauſe of the Coach which carried the Princeſs Mandana: At laſt after a March until the Sun was ſet, they diſcovered this other River, which I ſpoke of before: But that which did moſt extreamly perplex them, was to ſee a wooden Bridg, over which they were to paſs, quite broken down: and caſting their eyes upon the other ſide of the water, they diſcovered in a great Meadow, about four or five hundred paces off, about fifty horſes only, and a Coach, which they did conclude to be that of the Princeſs Mandana, whom they were in Queſt of; for this broken Bridg was a ſtrong argument of it: Then were they at a Dilemma, to comprehend why they had only fifty horſes, and what was become of all the reſt; however they made no doubt but that it was the Princeſs Mandana: Since this River was very deep and impetuous, and alſo very broad, there was no poſſibility of paſſing over: Cyrus, and the King of Aſſyria, yet would make a trial, but all was in vain, and both of them were in danger to be drowned: And it was a long days march unto any Bridg; then to return as far back again; for there was no other between that place they were on, and the Sea, into which this River did empty it ſelf: nor could they paſs over in Boats, becauſe indeed there was none upon the River which was not navigable by reaſon of the ſwiftneſs of its current; neither was it full of fiſh which cauſed few fiſhers Barcks to be upon it. Thus not knowing what courſe to take, the ſight of this Coach which ſtill went further and further from them, did drive the ſouls of theſe two Princes into a great horrid purgatory: The breach in the Bridg was ſo broad, that any planks would not be ſerviceable if they had them: Thus being at their wits end, and not knowing what to do, they looked upon the Coach, which ſtill was more remote, until the Sun being ſet, and it entred into a Wood of Cedars, upon a hill beyond the meadow, they loſt the ſight of it, and almoſt thir lives; ſince all hopes of relieving Mandana was loſt. For when they conſidered how near they were their Princeſs, and wear not able to get any nearer, but were ſtill at a more dire diſtance, their ſorrows were inſupportable, though they teſtified not any viſible ſigns of it: But though both of them were in one and the ſame miſerable condition, yet had they not the conſolation to condole together, but contrarily, the ſympathy of their ſorrows did more ſeparate them, and make their miſeries more violent: and had they not both been as highly generous, as they were highly perplexed, it had been abſolutely impoſſible for them, to tranſact together as they did: yet notwithſtanding, Cyrus was much more ſad then the King of Aſſyria, who having ſome confidence in the Oracle which he received at Babylon, did never deſpair of his happineſs: But Cyrus, who had no ſuch Cordial in his miſeries, was all fears, and no hopes. The Prince Tigranes, and the Prince Phraartes, with all the reſt of quality in the Army, did uſe their beſt endeavours to chear them up, eſpecially Cyrus, who had the affectionate hearts of all the world, but yet alas, all was to no purpoſe. Since theſe Princes conceived, that thoſe Troops which had left the King of Pontus, on that ſide of the River, might chance not be far off, therefore they ſtill ſtood upon their Guard, and marched in good order, unto this Bridg over which only they could paſs the River. In the mean time, love which prompts all Lovers unto Heroique Actions, moved Cyrus, and the King of Aſſyria, (who could not endure ſo flow a March as the Body [Page] of their Troops was to keep) to take an hundred horſe only, and went before: commanding the reſt to keep the Bridg, leſt Abradates, hearing they were following after Mandana, ſhould ſieze upon it. All the reſt of the Princes did follow in this adventure, and made as much haſte, as poſſibly they could unto the Paſs over the River: They were forced to reſt their horſes for an hour or two; and then continued their March until the morning at the break of day they paſſed over this River: and then hoped nothing could ſtop them from overtaking Mandana. Cyrus thought it convenient to ſend Feraulas unto Tarſis, to the Prince of Cicilie, and to acquaint him with the buſineſs, beſeeching him to ſend unto all the Ports in his Countrey, that no ſtrangers might be ſuffered to imbarque: after which he continued his purſuit, and took that Rode which he imagined the King of Pontus to have taken. But ſince night approached, they took up their Quarters at the firſt Village, and there reſted themſelves till break of day: Then they ſounded to horſe, and marched not only till night, but until the next day at noon, without any intelligence of what they were in Queſt after. Since Cicily in that part was not large, they were near the Sea, when they ſaw two horſmen coming towards them, who being far off were unknown; but drawing nearer, Cyrus knew the horſe of Feraulas, ſo that not ſpeaking a word unto the King of Aſſyria, who followed immediately after, and prompted by his paſſion, he ſpurred on towards him, and upon a ſudden ſtood amazed to ſee that the other who came with him, was Ortalques, the ſame man who had Orders to convoy Marteſia, and had been ſo long before he returned: ſince he imagined that Ortalques could tell him no news but only of Marteſia, but thought Feraulas might happily hear ſomthing concerning Mandana, though he had an high eſteem of wiſe Marteſia, yet at the firſt he did not enquire of her, but looking upon Feraulas, as if he could divine his news; Well Feraulas, ſaid he, do you know yet where the Princeſs Mandana is? and will the Prince of Cicily do as I deſire him? Sir, replied he, I am even deſperate in being forced to tell you, that for all my haſte I could poſſibly make, I came four hours too late with orders from the Prince of Cicily, to the Port where the King of Pontus, and the Princeſs Mandana are imbarqued: How Feraulas, replied Cyrus, is not Mandana in Cicily? No, Sir, anſwered he, ſhe took ſhip yeſterday about noon: the reaſon of this misfortune was, ſaid he, becauſe the Prince of Cicily was in hunting when I came to Tarſis, ſo that I was forced to go after him, which took me up much time; for he was far off: As ſoon as I met with him, and told him the place where you ſaw the Coach, in which the Princeſs was, he did infallibly conclude that the King of Pontus would imbarque at a Port unto which he immediately ſent me, with his Captain of his Guard, and with orders to the Magiſtrates of the Town, to ſtop all ſtrangers which would put to Sea, diſpatching alſo many others into divers other places with the ſame Commands: What ſhould I ſay more, Sir, I came unfortunately four hours too late, but by good fortune I met with Ortalques, who had orders to come unto you from the Princeſs Madana. From the Princeſs Mandana, replied Cyrus, how is it poſſible he ſhould know any thing? Sir, replied Ortalques, doubtleſs you will wonder when I ſhall tell you, that having had the honour of your Commands, to convoy thoſe Ladies which went with Marteſia from Sinope, I ſafely conducted them to the ſide of the River Halis, where having a deſire to reſt themſelves, and to take the pleaſure of the water, they took boat, ſending their Coach another way unto a place where it ſhould meet them; and commanding me to come alſo into the Boat, my two hundred horſe was conducted by my Lieutenant along the River ſide: After we had been upon the water half a day, the Lady who was Couſin unto Marteſia fell ſick; and ſo extreamly, that we were conſtrained to ſtay at a Caſtle which was built upon the Banks of that River, being come unto that place, where there was no Town within twenty furlongs, I deſired to ſpeak with the Commander in chief, but ſince he ſaw Souldiers, he was very unwilling to conſent unto what I deſired of him: He asked from whence I came, whither I went, what I was, and who thoſe Ladies were: But ſince we were in Paphlagonia, where I knew there was diviſions among the people, I diſſembled the names of the Ladies, and my own alſo, telling him only, that I was a Couſin unto them, and had no other deſigne but to conduct them: he was yet very hard to be perſwaded unto my deſires; but at laſt telling me that he never uſed to entertain any in his Caſtle, but Ladies, and becauſe it was too much inhumanity, not to aſſiſt a ſick Lady, if without any danger he could do it, he conſented to receive her in, and at the requeſt of his wife, who ſeemed to be a woman of good parts to aſſiſt her: Then I went back to Marteſia, and cauſing her Couſin to be brought in a Chair which the Captain ſent us, I conducted theſe Ladies to the Gates, and afterwards I went to give orders for the quartering of my men at the next Town: yet the next day the Captain of the Caſtle invited me to lodg with him, but I refuſed; contenting my ſelf with admiſſion into the Caſtle, to viſit Marteſia, [Page] and her Couſin, who found very good helps from a Chyrurgion, and Phyſician, which were there, and who would not go away from thence a long time, as I was told at my lodging. Since Marteſia was moſt admirable amiable, ſhe had already got the love of the Captains wife; ſo that diſcourſing one day together; ſhe told her, that they were very happy whenſoever they found any occaſion to aſſiſt ſick Ladies: and ſince Marteſia knew that her dear Miſtreſs paſſed up this River; ſhe asked her if ſhe had never any occaſions to aſſiſt Ladies, till now? She anſwered her, that about three months ſince, there was one of the faireſt Ladies that ever breathed upon earth, fell ſick, and was in that Caſtle: but preſently recovering, ſhe ſtayed not in it. Marteſia being now more inquiſitive then before, asked her name, her quality, and where ſhe was: but ſhe anſwered, that ſhe neither knew her name, nor quality: but yet to tell her truly, ſhe was yet in the Caſtle; yet if her Husband knew that ſhe had diſcovered it unto her, he would be extreamly angry: ſhe told her farther that the reaſon why they were ſo nice to let them enter, was becauſe this Lady was here: yet ſhe was lodged in a Chamber of the Caſtle far off this ſhe was in, and where none entered but the men which waited upon her, and a woman which ſhe brought with her, who never left her: That there was alſo a very handſom man, who was even at deaths door with grief, whileſt this fair one was ſick: Then did Marteſia deſire her to deſcribe the beauty of this Lady, and the ſtature of the man ſhe ſpake of, and by the anſwer of this woman, ſhe certainly concluded, that the Princeſs Mandana and the King of Pontus were in the Caſtle: as ſhe was leaning againſt a window which looked towards the River, ſhe ſpied a great Boat, ſo like that in which ſhe had been with the Princeſs Mandana, as ſhe asked the Captains wife, whether that was not the Boat in which the ſick Lady came; and ſhe anſwered, yes: Then was Marteſia fully ſatisfied conceaning the truth of Mandana's being here; ſhe diſſembled her joy until ſhe ſpoke with me, which the ſame day ſhe did: It was reſolved then betwixt us; ſo to gain the favour of this Captains wife by preſents and good language, that ſhe might let us ſee this ſick Lady: and ſince ſhe was but very young, ſhe was eaſily perſwaded by ſuch allurements. To be ſhort, Sir, Marteſia tampered with her ſo handſomly, that the next morning this woman unknown to her Husband, carried her by a back ſtair into a Chamber juſt oppoſite to the Chamber of this unknown beauty, and the windows being open, ſhe ſaw the Princeſs Mandana, and Arianita, leaning againſt the window, and talking together very melancholy: Ah Ortalques cryed Cyrus out, and interrupted him; why did you not releaſe the Princeſs? Have but a little patience, Sir, replied he and you ſhall know the reaſon. Marteſia then knowing the Princeſs, and being extreamly ſurprized without any further reaſoning upon the matter, ſhe thruſt her ſelf half out of the window, and made ſo great a noiſe, that the Princeſs turning her head, and looking that way, did preſently know her, and was no leſs ſurprized at the ſight, then Marteſia was at hers. This Encounter was ſo full of aſtoniſhment, that it was impoſſible but it ſhould attract obſervance; but as good luck was the King of Pontus was not then in the Chamber with the Princeſs, and the Captain of the Caſtles wife was the only witneſs of this pleaſant ſurprize in both theſe Ladies: But yet ſhe was ſo aſtoniſhed at it, that ſhe would not ſuffer Marteſia to enjoy the pleaſure any longer: then Arianita hearing the door of the Princeſs Chamber to open, made a ſigne unto Marteſia to retire her ſelf: At laſt, Sir, when we ſaw Mandana was in the Caſtle, I deſired permittance from Marteſia to deliver her by force: yet ſhe would try firſt whether or no ſhe could ſpeak with the Princeſs, but all was in vain: for the Captains wife had no credit at all with them who were Mandana's Guard. Then we being reſolved to hazard all for the Princeſs delivery, I found means to get Ladders, I cauſed our Boat to be ready: and by a place of the wall which was poſſible to be ſcalled, I deſigned to attempt it the night following. But as ill luck was, the King of Pontus, while the Princeſs ſtayed in that place ſick, had ſent unto Abradates to deſire a retreat in his Court, and alſo a convoy unto Matenes, which the River Halis ſeparates from him; As ill luck was, I ſay, there came four hundred horſe from Suſiana, to guard the Princeſs: ſo that the King of Pontus no ſooner ſaw them, but he reſolved to depart the very next day, which being known unto Marteſia, ſhe acquainted me with it: And notwithſtanding the inequality of the number, I reſolved to fall upon the King of Pontus in his March, there being no poſſibility of forcing the Caſtle, ſince ſo many were in it. However, Marteſia, who was reſolved to follow her dear Miſtreſs, though ſhe could not deliver her, went confidently by the ſame back ſtairs unto the Chamber of the Princeſs, and called Arianita as loud as ſhe could, and told her that if her Miſtreſs would not obtain permiſſion that ſhe might ſpeak with her, ſhe ſhall be abſolutely deſperate: Arianita made ſignes unto her to be patient, and afterwards we came to know, that juſt at the ſame time when Marteſia was ſpeaking unto [Page] her, the Princeſs was telling the King of Pontus that ſhe was here, and that abſolutely ſhe would have her with her, which the King conſented unto, not knowing that I came from you, but ſuppoſing rather that ſome odd diſaſter or other had ſtayed her about this River, as ſickneſs did the Princeſs: At length, Sir, Marteſia and her Couſin, who was much minded, and all the reſt of the women went unto the Princeſs, who received them with abundance of joy: In the mean time, it was reſolved, Sir, we muſt depart from thence, and to take boat until they came to Mantiana, where Coaches would meet them: But to be ſhort, Sir, upon the next morning I fell upon the King of Pontus his Convoy, and ſince the number was ſo much unequal, all my company almoſt periſhed, and I my ſelf wounded in four places, not being able to hinder the King of Pontus from carrying away the Princeſs, who however had this conſolation added, that ſhe had Marteſia with her: But as for Marteſia's Couſin, ſince ſhe was married, ſhe obtained ſo much favor from the King of Pontus, as to ſend her back unto the place where her Coach waited for her, and he deſired the Captain of the Caſtle to be her Convoy; for my part, though I was much wounded, yet I followed after ſome horſmen with my Sword drawn, but there came two with orders from the Princeſs, that they ſhould not kill me, but to carry me unto the Caſtle, with deſires unto the Captain to uſe me well, and have a care of me, which indeed moſt civilly he did: Whileſt I was with him, I underſtood that he was born a Subject of the King of Pontus, and as fortune would have it, was married in that Country, and at laſt was made Governour of that Caſtle, which was ſcituated in Paphlagonia, where the King of Pontus was forced to ſtay that very morning, when Marteſia and Orſanus were left upon the Riverbanks, for the Princeſs was ſo exceedingly grieved at it, that thereupon ſhe fell extreamly ſick: However, Sir, as ſoon as I was well recovered, I went unto Suſa; where the Captain, whoſe intimate friendſhip I had obtained, whileſt I ſtayed with him, told me I ſhould certainly find the Princeſs; therefore I went, and indeed found her there accordingly: And ſince the Princeſs had ſo abſolute a command over the King of Pont, as, excepting her liberty, he could deny her nothing, I was ſuffered to be with her, becauſe he thought I was her ſervant before, and knew not that I belonged to you. In a few days after, I underſtood that Creſſus King of Lidia, had ſent unto Abradates, and that ſome great deſigne was in hand. Mean while, the King of Pontus fearing, that if you whom he heard was in Armenia, ſhould underſtand that he was at Suſa, you would draw that way; and ſince Abradates was not able to reſiſt you, therefore he deſigned to depart: and Abradates would not let him go alone. The Queen Panthea alſo, was ſo great a Lover of Mandana; and having a deſign to viſit the famous Temple of Diana, which is in the Matenes Countrey, would conduct her as far as the Frontiers of Cicily, intending to perform her devotions at her return. But when they came unto the River, near which ſhe was taken, as well for the conveniency of their March, as for the more ſecurity of the King of Pont: They ſeperated themſelves, the King of Pontus conducting Mandana, on that ſide the River furtheſt from Armenia, and Abradates on the other, with the Queen of Suſania, who continued their March until ſhe was taken by your Troops, for it was the ſtraight way unto that place where ſhe intended to go. As for us, we marched in ſuch great haſte, that you hardly would have had a ſight of us, as it ſeems you had, from the other ſide of the water, if Abradates after his fight and defeat, had not overtaken us, only with fifteen, or twenty of his men: This ſight did exceedingly perplex the King of Pontus, for he knew that Abradates had been ſet upon, and was beaten, but when he underſtood Panthea was taken priſoner, his ſorrows then were in the higheſt extream. I then was behind thoſe Princes, ſo that ſince both of them were in the depth of ſorrows, they took no notice of me; I heard the King of Suſa ſay unto the King of Pontus, that if he would let him have his Troops, he would go after the Raviſhers of Panthea. Since the King of Pontus had only a thouſand horſes, and Abradates, of his thouſand, only fifteen, or twenty left; he told Abradates, that if he ſhould do ſo, he ſhould expoſe Mandana, and himſelf in vain, to aſſault all your Cavalry with ſo few men: Moreover, ſaid he unto him, never fear the Queen you wife, for Cyrus is the moſt generous Prince in the world, and ſince we have the Princeſs Mandana, he will never treat Panthea ill. Therefore, ſaid he unto him, let me go unto the Bridg, which as ſoon as I am over, I will break down, and return unto you to perform your promiſe unto Craeſſus, and wait for the liberty of Panthea, by the ſame way which ſhall give it unto all Aſia. At the laſt, Sir, after much other diſcourſe whereby one might perceive much incertainty in their ſpirits, we came unto the Bridg, where Abradates left this Prince, and bad adieu unto Mandana, who when ſhe knew of Panthea's being taken, did aſſure him, that if ſhe were in your hands, ſhe were ſafe, conjuring him to move the King of Pontus to reſtore her unto Ciaxares, upon condition that he ſhould reſtore Panthea unto him. Abradates was ſo full of ſorrow, that he did not well underſtand [Page] this Propoſition: ſo that the King of Pontus fearing ſhe ſhould repeat it again, and that Abradates would make ſome reflection upon it, commandēd the Coach to drive on, he taking his fifty horſes only. When we were over the Bridg, the men of Abradates on his ſide, and we on ours, broke down the Bridg, and went our ways, that is to ſay, Abradates towards Suſa over the Mountains, and the King of Pontus towards the Cicilian Sea. But when the Princeſs Mandana, near whoſe Coach I was, diſcovered all your Cavalry, on the other ſide of the River, whileſt we were in the great Meadow, I never ſaw any in my life ſeem more ſad then ſhe: ſhe looked after you, Sir, as long as ever ſhe could ſee you; for ſhe imagined that you were there in perſon, and when we were far entered into the Wood, yet ſhe looked ſtill, in hopes of a glimpſe; at length, Sir, we came to the Port, where the King of Pontus would needs imbarque in all haſte: he found a Ship ready to put out for Epheſus, wherein he was received, he imbarqued the next day about noon, which was yeſterday. About two hours before their departure, Marteſia called me aſide, and did bid me make an eſcape away, and give you this Letter, which I was coming to bring you when I met with Feraulas, who was coming out of the Town when I came: In ſaying ſo, he preſented a Letter from the Princeſs Mandana, unto Cyrus, who received it with as much joy, as the King of Aſſyria ſaw it with ſorrow: But not being able to defer any longer the reading of it, and it pleaſing him to open it before his Rival, he broke open the Seal, and read theſe words.

The Princeſs MANDANA, unto CYRUS.

SInce I cannot tell whether or no, the King my Father be in your Army, and do not doubt but you are; therefore I addreſs my Letter unto you, deſiring you to let the Queen of Suſiana be well uſed; for it was by her, I knew that it was permitted the Illuſtrious Artamenes, to be Cyrus: and her cares have been ſo great, to ſweeten my Captivity, that I am obliged to render hers leſs rigorous, as poſſibly I can. I need not tell you, that I am the moſt unfortunate perſon in the world; for you cannot be ignorant of it. But to acknowledge, in my beſt expreſſions, the high Generoſity, in expoſing all the days of your life for my liberty, Let me ſincerely tell you, that I am as zealous a wiſher of the continuance if your glory, and good fortune: as I am of a period unto the misfortunes of

MANDANA.

The Princeſs added this Poſtſcript.

Since I ſent you falſe intelligence that we were going into Armenia, therefore I dare hardly tell you now, that I think they will carry me to Epheſus.

When Cyrus had read this Letter, he could not chuſe but look upon the King of Aſſyria, whoſe eyes alſo were fixed upon him, but with ſuch melancholy, and ſo many ſigns of ſorrow, that the joys of Cyrus were much augmented by it: yet to keep within the limits of their conditions, nor to make a Secret of any thing which related unto the intereſt of Mandana. Cyrus did read a loud this Letter from the Princeſs, which was no ſmall additament of ſorrow unto the King of Aſſyria: for though this Letter was no more then a Letter of Civility, yet it contained in it ſuch civil expreſſions, eſpecially towards the latter end, that he had much ado to forbear extravagant and violent teſtimonies of jealouſie and deſpair, he changed colour twenty times; the actions of his head and hands did ſpeak his diſtempered mind: then lifting up his eyes to Heaven, and afterwards fixing them on the eyes of Cyrus: Come, too happy Rival, (ſaid he, and ſighed) let us go unto Artaxates, that we may the ſooner go for Lidia, and there ſee what the Gods have ordained our deſtinies to be: After this, the King of Aſſyria went firſt, and not ſtaying till Cyrus anſwered, he fell into ſuch a profound penſive ſtudy, that it was eaſie to perceive, his mind was in extream torment. In the mean time, Cyrus, who would not loſe a minute of time, nor go unto Tarſus himſelf, ſent one of his ſervants to thank the Prince of Cicily, who was then preparing to receive him; and going the ſame way he came, they joyned with thoſe men whom he left to guard the Bridg, and went to overtake Panthea, at a Caſtle which was upon the Frontiers of Armenia, where Araſpes was Governour. Since ſhe was recommended unto Cyrus by very good hands, he no ſooner ſaw Araſpes, but he appointed him to wait upon her with all due reſpects, fitting her quality: And though he reſolved not to ſee her ſince Mandana was not delivered, and ſince it was ſhe only, [Page] and not Panthea was a priſoner, yet he changed his reſolution, and would give her a viſit: 'Tis very true, he carried it ſomthing cloſely, becauſe he deſired the King of Aſſyria might not be there, and that he might with more freedom ſpeak concerning his dear Princeſs: ſo that as ſoon as he was within the Caſtle, he went unto the Chamber of Araſpes, and pretending ſom e buſineſs with him, they two were alone together: ſince it was near the Queen of Suſiana's Chamber, he went thither unſeen, Araſpes and Feraulas only following him. This was it which made all the people ſay, that Cyrus was ſo faithful unto Mandana, that he would not look upon this Queen, becauſe ſhe was the moſt charming beauty upon earth. Yet it is moſt certain, he ſaw her, but he ſaw her only for the love of Mandana: he ſent for permiſſion to wait upon her, and this fair and wiſe Princeſs received him with all civility, and without any ſymptoms of any Puſilanimity. Sir (ſaid he unto him) the Princeſs Mandana had good reaſon to tell me, that you of all the Princes in the world knew how to uſe a victory, ſince though I am a Captive, yet you are pleaſed to honour me with a viſit, and to aſſure me of the life and health of the King my Lord, and Husband. I would not have you think your ſelf, Madam, ſaid he unto her, at all obliged for ſo poor and inconſiderable a ſervice: but I beſeech you, take the pains to read this Letter, (ſhewing her Mandana's Letter to him) and by it you may ſee, there are no ſervices which I do not intend to do you: for ſince the Princeſs Mandana hath written unto me, I am not Maſter of my own will, but ſubject wholly unto hers. I wiſh Sir, replied Panthea, that I could handſomly divide my gratitude between you both; for you both have highly obliged me.

After this, Cyrus enquired concerning the health and welfare of his dear Princeſs: and after he had deſired her pardon, for taking ſo much liberty to himſelf, he conjured her to tell him, how the King of Pontus uſed her. Sir, replied Panthea, for the ſatisfaction of your mind, let me tell you, that the King of Pontus is ſo abſolute a Slave unto the Princeſs Mandana, that it is a very wonder he can retain her as he doth: for excepting her liberty, there is nothing which ſhe may not abſolutely command: ſo that I can aſſure you, he gives her no cauſe of any complaint, but only that he will not part with her: for my part, I have uſed my beſt arguments to move him unto it: But his anſwers always were, that he could not: and though he never received other ſatisfaction, then to prevent all Rivals from enjoying her: he would wander about the world, until he found a ſafe place of Retreat, and ſome potent Protector who was able to defend him. Oh Madam, (cryed Cyrus out) Certainly the Gods will never protect the Raviſher of ſo divine and innocent a Princeſs. The truth is, replied Panthea, we are but deſervedly puniſhed for affording him any protection. Cyrus then ſeemed more civil unto her, then before, and told her, that if he did not depend upon the power of Ciaxares, he would immediately let her have her liberty: But ſince the Princeſs Mandana is concerned, and ſince the King her Husband had entered into league with her Raviſher; he muſt needs acquaint Ciaxeres with it before he releaſed her: yet in the mean time he aſſured her, ſhe ſhould find all due obſervances rendred unto her. Panthea returned moſt civil thanks, and both parted well ſatisfied one with another: And indeed, it is no wonder, that two ſo highly accompliſhed, ſhould much eſteem of one another: for as Cyrus was in all things tranſcendent, ſo Panthea was a moſt admirable Princeſs; her beauty was infinitely taking: It did much ſurprize the eyes, and inſpire love; ſhe was of ſo ſweet a Majeſty, and ſo charming a modeſty, that whoſoever ſaw her muſt needs intereſt themſelves in her misfortunes; In the mean while Cyrus commanded Araſpes to conduct her unto Artaxates, leaving him five hundred horſes for that purpoſe: After which, taking horſe with the King of Aſſyria, they made ſuch haſte, that in three days they came to Ciaxares: unto whom Cyrus did render an account of his voyage: from thence he went to wait upon the Princeſs Araminta, where Phraartes already was. Cyrus did ask the Princeſs pardon for departing from her without bidding her adieu; aſſuring her, that for her ſake, he deſigned nothing but to deliver the Princeſs, and not to ruine the King her Brother: and ſhe told him her fears of receiving ſome ſad conſequents of his enterprize. As Cyrus was with this Princeſs, news was brought him, that a Poſt came from Ecbatan, which moved Ciaxares to go thither: There came alſo another the ſame day from Ariobantes, who ſent him word, how he received intelligence, that Craeſſus ſent to conſult with ſeveral Oracles: and imployed in one and the ſame day men of much ingenuity and honeſty, to go unto Delphos, to Dodona, to the Temple of Amphiaurus, to Antredes Triphon [...]us; to Brachides, which is upon the Frontiers of the Mileſians: And into Africa, to the Temple of Jupiter Ammon; to the end he might either be confirmed, or diſſwaded from his intended deſigne: Mean while he raiſed a puiſſant Army, and ſolicited his Allies to arm with him. This being the ſtate of things, it was reſolved, that in conſideration Ciaxares had no [...] [Page] his health very well, he ſhould return unto Ecbatan, and pacifie all troubles there: and that Cyrus with all his Army ſhould march towards Lidia: as well to procure the liberty of Mandana, who was carried unto Epheſus which Craeſſus had conquered: as alſo to oppoſe the deſignes of that Prince: Thus both ambition and love, being the legs of Cyrus, he went with as much zeal as thoſe two violent paſſions could inſpire into a moſt Heroick and amorous ſoul. It was alſo reſolved upon, that to keep Abradates within the compaſs of reaſon, Panthea muſt be retained, and conducted into Cappadocia, towards the Frontiers of Lidia: for certain intelligence was received, that this Prince had entered into league with Craeſſus, which did very ſtrongly confirm what Ortalques had related. Since the Princeſs Araminta had no deſires to remain in Armenia, becauſe of the Prince Phraartes: and ſince moreover, Cyrus had ſome hopes in her ſolicitations with the King her Brother; he was very glad ſhe reſolved to go with the Queen of Panthea; who arrived at Artaxates as theſe reſolutions were fixed upon, and who was according to the deſire of Mandana, treated with all poſſible honours. And to that end Araſpes received new orders from Cyrus, to have an extraordinary care of it: This Prince telling him with a ſmile, which in ſpight of his melancholy did appear in his eyes, that he could not more ſafely truſt the faireſt Queen in the world with any, better then with the moſt inſenſible man upon earth. The great ſeparation was within two or three days after; for from that day Ciaxares prepared to return unto Ecbatan, with two thouſand men, amongſt which was Megabiſes: Cyrus alſo, accompanied with the King of Aſſyria, the King of Phrigia, the King of Hircania, and all the reſt of the Princes which were in the Army, began to diſencamp, and march towards Lidia, after he had ſubjected a Kingdom unto Ciaxares: The Prince Tigranes out of his affection to Cyrus, and ingratitude for his ſo generous leaving the Crown unto the King his Father, would needs follow him in this war: Phraarees alſo prompted both by his generoſity, and alſo his love to Araminta, would by no means ſtay behind: ſo that the providence of that Princeſs was ineffectual. However, to convey the Queen of Suſiana, and the Princeſs of Pontus, more conveniently; Araſpes with five hundred horſes did begin his journy the day before the Army: which was the reaſon why the meſſenger whom Abradates ſent, found not the Queen his wife at Artaxates, who was come thither to demand her: but he was anſwered, that a Prince who was allied unto the King of Medes, and who protected the Raviſher of the Princeſs Mandana, could not obtain any thing from thence. Before departure, Cyrus went to bid adieu unto the Queen of Armenia, and to condole with the Princeſs Oneſila, in parting from her dear Tigranes. After this, having a thouſand benedictions from the King of Armenia, and ten thouſand applauds from the people Artaxates, he went to wait upon Ciaxares ſome thirty furlongs on his way: This ſeparation, was on every ſide moſt tender. Ciaxares ſpoke unto him concerning the Princeſs Mandana, in ſuch terms, as might let him know, that Cyrus had as great a ſhare in her as himſelf: and he conferred ſuch an abſolute power upon him, throughout all his Empire, that it could not be greater after his death. The King of Armenia did willingly pay the Tribute which was due, and offered four times more to detray the charges of this War, but Cyrus refuſed it, contenting himſelf with that only which was due. Mean while, the remembrance of Madana was his, and the King of Aſſyria's only thoughts, during the March, and when they were forced to be together, they were always melancholy, wiſhing they were in private, and had the liberty to think of their divine Princeſs without interruption: They underſtood at their arrival in Cappadocia, that the Prince Thraſibulus, and Harpagus, ſtayed not there: but Ariobantes adding only thoſe forces which he then had unto thoſe which formerly were given him, he departed in all haſte towards the Lower Aſia; love and ambition not permitting him to ſtay for any new Levies.

Since Cyrus had nothing but Mandana in his mind, and ſince ſhe had written unto him, ſhe was going to Epheſus; to clear himſelf of all doubts, he reſolved to ſend Feraulas thither diſguiſed, knowing he could not make choice of a man more ingenious, more diſcreet, or fuller of affection to that imployment then he, and eſpecially ſince his dear Marteſia was with Mardana, it was a double obligation upon him to endeavour the liberty of that Princeſs. He accepted of that Commiſſion with much joy; and whileſt Cyrus ſtayed in Cappadocia a while, to refreſh his Troops, and to be better informed of the deſignes of Craeſſus, he went towards Epheſus with one ſervant only. The King of Aſſyria alſo ſent thither a very faithful and knowing man for the ſame purpoſe: Mean while Cyrus received intelligence from all parts, of great warlick preparations which was made at Sardis: But notwithſtanding all their intelligence, and all their ſending, not a word was ſpoken concerning Mandana, neither any certainty what Craeſſus intended: Whileſt he was in this dubious ſuſpence, ſome told him, that [Page] the King of Phrigia was earneſtly enquiring for him, becauſe there arrived that morning three ſtrangers unto his Tent, who brought him ſome news of great conſequence, at leaſt as they imagined, by his geſture, and manner of ſpeech: Preſently after that Prince came in, and as one whoſe mind was full of great Concernments, Sir, ſaid he unto Cyrus, It is fit and juſt I ſpeak concerning your intereſts, before my own. And that I tell you, I have brought hither a man who ſaw the Princeſs Mandana land at Epheſus, and who can aſſure you, ſhe ſafely paſſed over all dangers at Sea. Cyrus tranſported with joy to hear the name of Mandana, and to hear certainly where ſhe was, asked the King of Aſſyria, where he was who brought the news? And that Prince cauſing him to come near, (for he brought him with him) he preſented him unto Cyrus, who received him with ſuch a ſweetneſs, as did not only ſignifie his love to Mandana, but his own natural civility to the man: This man who was a Grecian, and named Soſicles, being a man of good quality, and wit, anſwered Cyrus very reſpectively, and made an exact relation of all he knew: he told him that as he was at Epheſus, he ſaw a Cicilian Ship come in: That the King of Pontus was in it; that he ſaw him land, and lead the Princeſs Mandana aſhore alſo; whom the Governour of Epheſus did lodg very magnificently: he told him further, that this Princeſs going unto the Temple of Diana, to perform her devotions there, had placed her ſelf amongſt the profeſſed Nuns which dwelt there: that the King of Pontus knowing of it uſed all his endeavours to get her out from thence, but the people were ſo much incenſed at it, that they would not ſuffer him: ſo that he was forced to be contented with the favour of the Governour in placing very ſtrong and ſtrict Guards at all the Ports of the Town, and round about the Temple, until ſuch time as orders was received from Craeſſus, unto whom he had already ſent: and that this was the condition of things when he came from Epheſus. Cyrus asked Soſicles a hundred more queſtions, after which, thanking him for the pains he took, he fell into private diſcourſe with the King of Phrigia; rejoycing that Feraulas would perhaps ſend him ſome happy news, ſince he was certain to find the Princeſs there. Since ſhe was in a Maritine place, Cyrus durſt not look with his Army that way, remembring the accident at Sinope, but thought it much better to ſtay until ſhe was at Sardis, there being great probability they would carry her thither; yet notwithſtanding his extream impatience to be nearer her, did almoſt make him alter reſolution, and to march that very hour. But the King of Aſſyria told him ſomething which induced him to have three or four days patience: and indeed they two ſpeaking low together, it appeared by the countenance of Cyrus, that this Prince told him ſomething which did extreamly ſurprize him, and did infuſe both joy and hope. The King of Aſſyria coming in, Cyrus out of his natural generoſity to keep all his promiſes, told him all he knew concerning the Princeſs Mandana, and moſt faithfully acquainted him with the ſtate of things: The King of Aſſyria was wrapt into as high an etxtaſie of joy as he; But to do the King of Phrigia right, and to wait upon that intelligence which he was to receive from him; before any thing was attempted, Cyrus told that Prince, he deſired to know more of that accident which be [...]el him, and which he would not tell of before; and that it was not juſt he ſhould hearken only unto things which related unto himſelf in particular, but alſo thoſe with reference unto him. The King of Phrigia told him, that Soſicles ſhould ſatisfie him therein when he pleaſed, and make him underſtand the cauſe of that Enterprize, the effects whereof he muſt wait upon. After this Araſpes came to Cyrus, to acquaint him, that the Queen of Suſiana, and the Princeſs Araminta, were the laſt night arrived at a little Village not above forty fu [...]longs from the Camp. Cyrus no ſooner knew this, but he ſent his complements unto them; and the next day he went himſelf, only with Hidaſpes, and ſome few others, not carrying the Prince Phraartes with him, becauſe his paſſion did but trouble Araminta. But ſince Panthea did not receive good reſt that laſt night, he only viſited the Princeſs Araminta, unto whom he rendred an account of the ſtate of all things; knowing it would be moſt joyful news unto her, if poſſible a happy concluſion could be put unto the War without fighting with the King her Brother. But ſince ſhe did not well underſtand the intereſts of all thoſe who ſhould contrive the buſineſs; and deſired to know the lives of two illuſtrious Perſons, who would be the foundation of it: therefore Cyrus to ſatisfie thoſe deſires, told her, that he would not be acquainted with it himſelf, but in her preſence; and therefore deſired the King of Phrigia to ſend Soſicles unto him, which immediately he did: he was no ſooner come, but Cyrus preſenting him unto Araminta, Here Madam, ſaid he unto her, is he who muſt ſatisfie both your curioſity, and mine; and acquaint you with things which doubtleſs are not common: Soſicles, ſaid he, will tell you, and omit no circumſtance in [...] life of a Princeſs, whoſe name is as famous for her beauty and vertue, as her Lover is for his courage and ſoul. After the Princeſs Araminta had added her requeſts unto thoſe of Cyrus, Soſicles knowing very well [Page] that it much imported thoſe perſons of whom he was to diſcourſe, that this Prince ſhould affect and protect them, did joyfully obey, and began his diſcourſe thus, addreſſing his ſpeech unto the Princeſs Araminta.

The Hiſtory of the Princeſs PALMIS, and CLEANDER.

PErhaps you will wonder, Madam, that a Grecian ſhould preciſely know all the intereſts of the Lidian Court: But when I ſhall have told you, that I was brought thither at ten years of age, and had the honour to be educated in the houſe of Craeſſus, amongſt the Princes, his children, your wonder will vaniſh, and I become more credible. But for the better underſtanding of what I ſhall relate, I muſt acquaint you, that my Father by Nation, was of the Iſle of Delphos, ſo famous for the renowned Temple of Apollo, though his Predeceſſours were originally of Sardis, and one of the chiefeſt Families in the Town: But the mutability of Fate beſtowing upon them a conſiderable ſubſiſtence at Delphos, they have reſided there ever ſince; and my father lived there in a flouriſhing quality, when a deſire to ſee the Countrey of his Anceſtours, moved him to go unto Sardis. Doubtleſs you will think it ſtrange, I ſhould uſher in my relation of the Adventures of a great Princeſs, which things yet ſeem impertinent: But yet I muſt tell you, that if my father had not gone to Sardis, nothing of what I ſhall tell, had ever come to paſs: therefore there was an abſolute neceſſity of knowing what I related: one morning then when he was at Delphos, walking by the Sea ſide, upon a Tarraſs in his Garden behind his houſe; and delighting to look upon all thoſe Iſlands which inviron that of Delphos, and which by reaſon of their ſcituation, are called the Iſles of Cyclades: he diſcovered a Barck, which floated gentle upon the waves, wherein appeared none but a woman, who endeavoured to guide it, but could not; for my father perceived that this Barck went one way, and ſhe did ſtrive with all her power to make it go the other: Both curioſity and compaſſion moving him to ſee a woman ſo extreamly puzzled, he got ſome Mariners who were near that place in a Boat, to go and ſee who it was; which they did, and indeed found none in it but that woman which my father ſaw; and at her feet, in a Cloth of Gold Mantle, a moſt admirable fair child about three years of age, who without any cares for its lamentable condition of fortune, ſmiled upon the Mariners, as ſoon as they came near it. The extraordinary beauty of this child, and its moſt pleaſing features, moved thoſe dull ſots to conduct that Barck whither ſhe who was in it did deſire; and looking upon the woman who held the Rudder, they asked her from whence ſhe came, and whither ſhe would go? but they were much amazed to find that ſhe was dumb, and could do nothing but ſhew them Delphos with her hand, as who ſhould ſay, there it is, I deſire to be carried. Since it was my father who ſent them out, in lieu of going to the Port, they came to the foot of the Tarraſs, where he was walking, and where there was ſtairs, by which one might go into the Sea: This woman who was very old, was at the firſt much troubled to ſee they did not carry her unto the place where ſhe deſired, but coming nearer, and ſeeming by my fathers Garb, how he was not like one that would wrong the child, ſhe was well ſatisfied, and made an hundred ſignes of God knows what, ſeeming as if ſhe had much to ſay: ſometimes ſhe ſhewed the child: ſometimes did lift up her hands and eyes to Heaven, and neither being underſtood, nor underſtanding what was ſaid unto her, ſhe moved extream compaſſion: ſhe ſhewed unto my father a paper, in which was written in Greek, in a very bad Character, and no better Orthography,
This Child is recommended unto that God, which is adored at Delphos.

My Father ſeeing this child ſo fair, ſo amiable, and young; and ſeeing alſo the woman ſo ſad, and ſeeming without any other deſigne, but to leave it unto the providence of the Gods, and ſeeing ſhe had no ſubſiſtence for this child, and her ſelf, he reſolved to pity and take care of both: This Mute alſo ſhewed him a Picture of one moſt admirable fair; dreſſed, as Venus is uſed to be, ſometimes lying upon a bed of Roſes, with this difference yet, that ſhe was covered with a glorious Mantle, and ſhewed no lower then her breſts naked: cloſe by her was Cupid preſented with his Quiver and Arrows: under all were theſe two verſes written,

The Mothers eyes does deeper wound all hearts,

Then Cupid can, with all his bows, and darts.

This dumb woman, ſhewing this Picture to my father, made ſignes for him to keep it carefully: yet he no ſooner viewed it, but he obſerved that the Cupid there repreſented, was [Page] the Picture of the Child which was in the Boat; ſo that when he had read the inſcription, he concluded the Venus there pictured was the Mother of it; and that the picture was not a meer phan [...]aſm: ſo that conceiving ſomething extraordinary in the adventure, and compaſſion alſo tender in his heart, he made ſignes unto the woman, that if ſhe would dwell in the houſe with this child, he would take care for it, and her; and ſince ſhe knew no better courſe, ſhe conſented unto it. Since my father was a Widdower, and had no children but my ſelf, he took this child as a companion for me, for at that time I was but five years of age. He then took this woman, and this child into his houſe, and diſmiſſed the Mariners, who had the Bark for their pains. Mean while, my father endeavoured to diſcover the truth of this adventure, but could be no better ſatisfied: for the more ſignes this woman made, the leſs he underſtood her: he carefully locked up the Picture and Letter which this woman gave him, and put the Cloth of gold Mantle in a place where it might be ſafely kept, giving her others in lieu of them, and hoping that hereafter theſe things might come to knowledg: he carefully obſerved the prattle of this child, who already began to pronounce ſome words, yet he could not collect any thing which might lead him to the knowledg of his Countrey. A while after this mute woman died, recommending this child unto my father by ſo many ſad ſignes, and tears, that he reſolved to have as much care of him, as of me: ſince he imagined that the Barck in which the child was found, conſidering the ſhape of it, did belong unto ſome of the Cycladean Iſles, he ſent it oft thither in hopes to diſcover unto whom it belonged: but ſince there was ſo many of them, it was no eaſie matter to make an exact ſearch: he divulged it among the Merchants which traded at Delphos, and enquired all of every one, but all in vain. Mean while, not knowing the name of this child, he called it by a name which he loved very well, which was Cleander, having a Son died a little before, who was of the ſame. I will not trouble you with relation of my fathers tender care over this Cleander, whom indeed he loved as well as me: but give me leave to tell you, that ſince this uncoth child was recommended unto the God which was adored at Delphos, who is the God of all Sciences, my father cauſed him to be educated in all Arts that Apollo himſelf could teach. So that certainly this child became an abſolute Prodigie; and ſince his fifth year, there was not a ſtranger which came to Delphos, who was not moſt inquiſitive after this young Cleander. For beſides his admirable beauty, he was owner of ſuch [...] vaſt memory, and ſharp wit, that he paſſed for a miracle. All this while we lived together like brothers; my father, as I told you, making no difference between him and me, telling every one he diſcourſed with him, that both of us were given unto him by the Gods, and therefore he ought not to make a diſtinction between us: Cleander might then be about eight years [...]ld, and I ten, when there was found in the earth an old plate of Copper, on which was engraved an ancient prophecy, which ſpeaking to Jupiter, ſaid,
I ſhall make Delphos ſhake, as immoveable as it is.

Then Madam, queſtionleſs you know, that every one conceived this Iſland was a long time overflown with waters; and that they believed it never to be firm land, but ſince Latona did [...]e in there of Apollo, and Diana: ſo that this Prophecy made all the people believe, this Iſle [...]ould be overflowed again as at firſt; and many Inhabitants thought to diſſert the Countrey: [...]y father uſed his beſt endeavours to perſwade the minds of men to the contrary, but could [...]t! and it was above a whole year, before this terrour could be diſſipated.

Since at that time, there arrived at Delphos, an Embaſſadour from Craeſſus, who came to [...]ing offerings unto the Temple of Apollo: and ſince my father whoſe name was Timocreon, received Letters by ſome of his Train, from ſome of his Couſins, who dwelt at Sardis, as inviting him thither, he reſolved to go thither with this Embaſſadour, as well to ſatisfie his earneſt [...]ires of ſeeing the ancient Countrey of his Predeceſſours, as to diſſipate thoſe fears cut of the habitants of Delphos, which had ſpread almoſt throughout all the Iſles of Cyclades: and de [...]ing the favour of paſſage from this Embaſſadours of Creſſus, whoſe name was Menaceus, [...]e embarqued in his Ship. During this Navigation, a great League of friendſhip grew between [...]y father, and this Embaſſadour: for certainly, (if it be lawful for me to ſay as much of him who gave me life) Timocreon, was no common man. But the wonder was, that Menaceus [...]nd ſuch charms in the beauty of young Cleander, that he would never ſuffer him to be out ſight: and he only was all the diverſion of the voyage: At the firſt, Menaceus took us both [...] brothers, but my father undeceiving him, and relating how he came to him, his admiration is the higher, and he could not ſufficiently wonder at the divine Providence in many acc [...]us: And ſince naturally the minds of men do moſt affect ſtrange and new things, Menaceus [Page] loved Cleander more then he did before he knew the manner of his coming to Delphos. When we landed at a Town in Ionia, where this Embaſſadour had occaſions we went afterwards by land to Sardis, where my father was received by his Allies with all poſſible civility, and teſtimonies of joy: The next morning, after our firſt arrival, Menaceus ſent my father word, that the King would have him come to Court, and to bring Cleander, and me with him. But Madam, before I further wade into my recital, it is expedient I acquaint you in what condition the Court of Lidia was at that time: Be pleaſed therefore to know, that Craeſſus had two brothers, the one called Antaleon, and the other Mexaris, who both were yet but young: Moreover, this Prince had two ſons, and one daughter, the eldeſt called Atis, ſome eleven or twelve years of age; the ſecond was dumb, and called Myrſiles, about nine or ten years old: and the Princeſs Palmis his daughter about five or ſix years of age; but yet already a very miracle of beauty. Since the Court had but newly left off their mourning for the Queen of Lidia, it was long ſince any publick Diverſions were uſed, only a Horſe-race that ſame day Menaceus preſented my father unto the King, and brought me alſo with Cleander unto him. Since queſtionleſs, you Madam, are not ignorant of the immenſe riches of Craeſſus, not of all his vaſt magnificence; I ſhall not relate unto you the ſumptuoſity of his Pallace: let me only tell you, that Cleander and I being of that age, when all that gliſters in the eye pleaſeth the mind, we were extreamly charmed with the ſight of ſo much Gold, and ſo vaſt a Riches, as we ſaw in all the Chambers through which we paſſed. Craeſſus at the very firſt was raviſhed with the beauty of Cleander, his Grace, and his boldneſs, but much more of thoſe pleaſing anſwers he returned unto all queſtions: for when Craeſſus asked him, what he thought of his Palace? This bold and ingenious child anſwered, that he thought it beautiful enough for a Temple, but much too beautiful for a houſe, ſince he conceived it not juſt that Apollo whom they worſhipped at Delphos as a God, ſhould not have ſo much gold as he had who was but a man, unleſs it were ſo, that you had more vertues and more power then Apollo had. This anſwer ſo amazed Craeſſus, that he had him come nearer him, and he carried him into a Gallery, out of which he might ſee the Horſe-race in a great Plain under it, in which was all the glory of the Court, the young Princeſs, and alſo the little Princeſs Palmis, whom Cleander eyed very attentively. Mean while, Craeſſus being much delighted with the anſwers of Cleander, asked him an hundred queſtions, and amongſt the reſt, whether he took delight in ſeeing this horſe-race? To which he anſwered, that he ſhould take more pleaſure in riding himſelf, then looking on. But, ſaid Craeſſus unto him, what would you do with the prize, if you won it? and what on the contrary would you do, if you did not win it? If I loſt it (ſaid he without pauſing) I would even die for anger, and if I won it, I would preſent it unto the Princeſs, your fair daughter, who ſtands by you. To be ſhort, Madam, what ſhould I ſay? Cleander ſo pleaſed the King. that it was his pleaſure both he and I ſhould continue with the Princes his children, and alſo knowing the abilities of my father, he would needs engage him in his ſervice. So that he was induced to give order for tranſportation of all his portable eſtate from Delphos, to Sardis, and to ſet up his reſt in Lidia.

To relate unto you Madam, the childiſh years of Cleanders life, would but abuſe your patience, and would loſe time which would be better imployed in relating his hero [...]que acts: yet let me ſay thus much for his infancy; that never any did imploy it better then he, nor more improved himſelf in all exerciſe of body, or Arts of mind, wit, and judgment. The Prince Atis, unto whoſe ſervice he was particularly devoted, and who certainly was one of the ſweeteſt Princes in the world, did love him with moſt extraordinary tenderneſs: And the Prince Myrſiles, though dumb, yet expreſſed all ſignes of poſſible affection that could be wiſhed: for Madam, this imperfection did not proceed from any defect in the ear, but tongue, and he did underſtand every thing which was ſpoken, it was not impoſſible he ſhould expreſs an affection unto Cleander. But though Atys and Myrſiles were both moſt admirably handſom, yet it muſt needs be confeſſed that Cleander had a kind of air in his countenance above them: and though he ſeemed to be below them both in his quality, yet his phyſiognomie ſpoke him much above them both. In a very ſhort time he got the love of the people: the admiration of all compleat men, the inclinations of all the Ladies; the favour of the Princes, of the Princeſs, and of the King: But that which was obſerved moſt admirable in Cleander, was, that he ſeemed to be infinitely above all his greateſt favours, not in ſcorning, but in uſing them well, and not ſeeking for them by any baſe and unworthy wayes, he enjoyed them without all pride or vanity and alſo did impart them unto ſuch as were meritorious, with as much generous liberality, [...] if he had been a King. In the infancy of his illuſtrious ſervitude, as oft as Cleander went from the Princes upon any complement unto the young Princeſs their Siſter: This little fa [...]r o [...] [Page] asked him an hundred queſtions: ſometimes whether he was not weary of Sardis; ſometimes whether the Temple of Delphos was more magnificent then thoſe he ſaw in Lidia; and by many other pretty queſtions, ſo as it was eaſily obſerved that Cleander pleaſed this young Princeſs: for when theſe Princes ſent any others which were educated with them, ſhe only returned anſwer unto the meſſage brought her, without holding any long converſe; though it is true, that ſeldome any but he was imployed upon ſuch buſineſs, for when he ſaw any ſuch deſigned, he would deſire the honour of the ſervice, inſomuch as he ſaw her almoſt every day: The great diſproportion of years between Cleander and the Princeſs Palmis, was the reaſon that her Governeſs permitted her to ſpeak longer with him, then any other: ſo that as long as Infancy laſted, he was the moſt happy in the world, ſince nothing did oppoſe his delights. Thus did we live until his ſixteenth year, when ſome Subjects of Craeſſus began to rebel, ſo that now we went to War, wherein Cleander did things beyond belief of all but the illuſtrious Cyrus, who knows it not impoſſible to be both young and gallant: So that Cleander appeared ſo high in the eyes of all the Army, that every one no leſs extolled his courage, then before they did his beauty, wit and handſomneſs: He received a ſlight wound upon the left arm, in aſſaulting an enemy as he was ſtriking at the King, which accident did double the favour of Craeſſus towards him: ſo that when we had ſubdued the Rebels, and returned unto Sardis, Cleander was no longer looked upon as a pretty child, but as a compleat and gallant man: for though he was very young, yet ſince as much wiſdom, judgment and diſcretion appeared in him, as in all reaſon could poſſibly be expected from his age, he was not dealt with as others who firſt go into the world, but on the contrary at our return from the field, the young Cleander was treated as a man of high and exact Reaſon: the Princeſs her ſelf, who then was thirteen years of age, began to hold diſcourſe with him in a more reſerved way, and leſs familiarity, though always with the ſame ſweetneſs. At the ſame time the Prince Atys, who then was about nineteen years old, fell in love with a Lady in Court called Anaxilea, and ſince Cleander was his deareſt Favorite, he made him the only Confident of his paſſion, diſcovering the very bottom of his heart unto him. This Lady was without diſpute moſt fair, but her condition was ſo much inferior to the quality of a Lidian Prince, that he imagined Craeſſus would not approve of his open profeſſion to love her. Therefore he endeavored to diſguiſe his thoughts, and to appear both more civil and more courtly to all Ladies in general, that thereby he might conceal his true affection from his father: Cleander then was for a while much troubled about it, but yet that buſineſs was not his greateſt torment: for Madam, be pleaſed to know, that at the Kings return unto Sardis, the Princeſs of Lidia appeared ſo admirably fair in the eyes of Cleander, that ſhe charmed him anew, for certainly had he never ſeen her before, he could not have been more ſurprized: and indeed there was reaſon for it, ſince during the ten Months which the War laſted, her beauty was ſo prodigiouſly improved, that all the people were forced to acknowledg, never eyes did ſee ſo perfect a beauty: ſince therefore ſhe had no leſs ſpirit then beauty, it is no wonder if the Soul of Cleander was not able to reſiſt a paſſion which had ſo moving a cauſe; and indeed it was ſo high, that he began to love without hope, and love did ſo abſolutely command his heart, that it was impoſsible for him to reſiſt. At the ſame time there was a Prince at Sardis, named Arteſilas, who was in love alſo with the Princeſs Palmis, but his paſsion was ſtuffed with ambitious thoughts. Thus it may be ſaid that Love did take his original from the Wars: for at our return from it, the Court did put on another face, and nothing but Feaſts and Gallantry were ſeen in it, which for a certain time did render it moſt delightful: but towards the end of Winter, a freſh War was talked on againſt the Miſſcans; and the Spring no ſooner budded forth but Craeſſus took the field: An entire Summer was ſpent in two Sieges, and two Battels; wherein Cleander did ſo eminently carry himſelf, that as he went from Sardis only a Voluntier, ſo he returned Lievtenant General under the Prince Atys, who commanded the Army, towards the end of the year, in the abſence of Craeſſus, whom ſome indiſpoſition of body moved to leave the field: I underſtood ſince by one who belonged unto the Princeſs, and who was my Couſin, that ſhe was much joyed at the good fortune of Cleander; telling every one that ſhe always foreſaw he was no ordinary man: After then the Miſſeans, the Chalibes, and the Mariandines were vanquiſhed, we returned again to Sardis, where Cleander began again to be looked upon with other eyes: For though he was the very ſame he was before, yet according to the common weakneſs of almoſt all men who put a difference between virtue unfortunate, and vertue in proſperity, not only the heard of people, but alſo men of parts lived with him after another manner: and he himſelf alſo did lead another courſe of life, for ſince he was every day faſter in the fetters of Love, becauſe the Princeſs every day became more fair and amiable, therefore he [Page] was much more melancholy. Since I did plainly perceive this melancholy alteration, and ſaw no reaſonable cauſe for it, I deſired him to acquaint me with it: I took this freedom upon me, becauſe the alteration in his fortune having no influence upon his heart, he loved me as well as he did before; yet notwithſtanding he would not open himſelf unto me as I deſired him: ſorrow muſt extreamly ſad his Soul, before he can confeſs he loved, and loved the Princeſs Palmis; and then all came out: I did extreamly chide him for entertaining a paſsion, which in all reaſon would never permit him any hopes, conſidering he was ignorant of his original: I uſed all my endeavors to cure him of that diſeaſe, which pleaſed him, though it did extreamly torment him: I told him a hundred times, that ſince if he pleaſed he might be happy, it were meer madneſs, voluntarily to render himſelf miſerable: But though he acknowledged I had good reaſon for what I ſaid, yet he could do no otherwiſe, and in lieu of reſiſting his love with violence, he cheriſhed it with care: For he ſaw the Princeſs as oft as he could poſſible; and diſcourſed with her upon all occaſions; he rendered her all the ſervices he could deviſe; and fettering himſelf, he groaned under the weight of his chains, not daring openly to complain; and though he was very happy in appearance, yet he was in reality moſt miſerable: for when he conſidered, that he knew not what himſelf was, and for ought he ſaw never ſhould, his melancholy became ſo inſupportable, that he was not Maſter of his own reaſon, and related ſuch a miſerable ſtory of himſelf, that I was no leſs grieved then himſelf. In the mean while the Prince Atys, whoſe quality was not leſs conſiderable with the fair Anaxilea, then his merit and affection, was ſo kindly treated, that a moſt great League of Amity grew betwixt them; and his greateſt care was to hide this ſecret Correſpondency, not only from the eyes of Craeſſus, but alſo from all the Court. This Prince conceiving he had an abſolute power over the mind of Cleander, did think the beſt way to deceive all the world was to move him to counterfeit being in love with Anaxilea: So that ſending one morning for him, and entertaining him in private, My dear Cleander, ſaid he unto him, I can never be happy without you; and unleſs you help to hide my real paſsion, by your ſeeming to love Anaxilea, I ſhall never be able to hide my happineſs, which you know will be ruined as ſoon as diſcovered: Therefore I conjure you, to court her as if you were deſperately in love; and ſo that all the Court may beleeve it: which if you do (ſaid he and embraced him) I ſhall be the moſt happy man alive: for not only all the Court will eaſily beleeve, that my thoughts are not upon her; but the King, and the Princeſs my ſiſter, will beleeve you to be in love with her: So that in deſiring this office from you which will be honorable, I hope you will not deny it: If you were in love with any, then I ſhould not deſire you to undertake it; but ſince I could never obſerve you engaged unto any in the Court, I ſhall not doubt of this favor. Sir (replyed Cleander in a wonder at the Prince's words) I am ſo bad a diſſembler of my own thoughts, that I am afraid I ſhall diſcover in lieu of concealing yours: and how do you think (ſaid he hoping to turn it into a Rallary) that a man whom yourſelf ſays never was in love, ſhould eaſily perſwade others that he is ſo: beleeve me Sir, to beget ſuch an opinion, it were requiſite to teſtifie the being ſo upon other occaſions, and I do not think there is a man in the world ſo very unfit for this employment as my ſelf. You have ſo much ingenuity and eloquence, replyed the Prince of Lidia, that you would act it moſt admirably well: for the truth is, there is nothing requiſite, but to diſcourſe often with Anaxilea, principally when much company, and when the Princeſs my ſiſter is preſent: ſince her ſociety is very pleaſant, and ſince you will diſcourſe of my Love who loves you, I hope you will not be weary of her converſation. But my dear Cleander, to the end it may the ſooner be divulged, and come quickly unto the Kings ear, I beſeech you let my Siſter perceive as ſoon as poſſible you can your addreſſes unto Anaxilea. Cleander bluſhed at the Prince's words, and ſpeaking more ſeriouſly then he did before, I know Sir, you are not ignorant (ſaid he unto him) that I would with joy dye to do you any ſervice, whenſoever any occaſion preſents it ſelf; but i [...] I may without any crime or offence ſay it, I do not think I am able to perform what you deſire of me. Why Cleander, replyed the Prince in a little amazement, can you not for my ſake diſcourſe often with the faireſt Lady in the world? Is it becauſe you are afraid to be fettered with the chains of Love? No Sir, anſwered he, my reſpects which I owe you, would prevent that danger: But I have ſo ſtrong an averſion againſt any diſſimulation, that if I ſhould undertake it, I am perſwaded I ſhould do it very ill. However, try, replyed the Prince, unleſs you will loſe me, or at leaſt tell me ingenuiouſly your true reaſon why you will not; for ſince I am fully perſwaded you love me, and knowing you to be of no phantaſtical humor, there muſt neceſſarily be ſome ſecret cauſe which moves you to deny me this favour. Truly Sir, replyed Cleander, I have no other excuſe then what I have already told you. Was I not much miſtaken, ſaid the Prince, when I thought you loved no body? and is there not [Page] ſome Beauty or other whom you love, and fear to make jealous? If it be ſo, ſaid he, tell me ſincerely: for if you be upon ſuch terms with her as to truſt her with a ſecret, I will conſent you ſhall acquaint her with mine, and ſo by that courſe you may colour your own paſsion as well as mine: for I make no queſtion, but if you love any it is ſuch a one as hath a reaſonable Soul, and will be perſwaded unto that toleration: But if you be not upon ſuch terms with her unto whom you are devoted, then tell me as much ſincerely, and I have done. Cleander then was extreamly non-pluſt; and if ſome had not come in which broke off this crabbed converſation, I know not how he would have anſwered ſuch preſſing queſtions, without vexation to the Soul of the Lidian Prince. But Arteſilas coming in upon a viſit, Cleander had ſome time to think upon an anſwer, eſpecially ſince the prince Atys had not any leaſure all that day to revive the diſcourſe: ſo that Cleander looking me out, and carrying me to walk in the Palace Gardens, he acquainted me with all the paſſage; and deſcribed his vexation of Soul, whileſt he was diſcourſing with the Prince of Lidia, in ſuch ſad expreſſions, that my Soul alſo was much ſadded in his behalf: For conſider, ſaid he, the croſſneſs of this adventure, that I ſhould paſſionately be in love with one to whom I dare not ſhew the leaſt ſign of my affection, and alſo that I ſhould be required to expreſs a thouſand teſtimonies of affection unto one whom I love not: And that which is the moſt odd of all is, that I muſt do this, to the end that ſhe whom I adore, ſhould think I am in love with her with whom I love not; and one whom he who puts me upon it would oever have me love: Ah Fortune, cryed he out, is it not miſery enough to love a Princeſs, whom I dare not acquaint with my affection, but that I my ſelf muſt perſwade her that I love another. Since it is ſo, replyed I, that you dare not acquaint her with your paſſion, and in all likelyhood never will, I conceive it need not much trouble you what ever ſhe thinks of you. Ah Soſicles, ſaid he, certainly you know not what love is: for you muſt know, that though a captivated and amorous Slave do love a Queen, he loves her yet with this incontinent wiſh, that ſhe ſhould gueſs at his paſſion: and ſince I muſt diſcover the very bottom of my heart unto you, this, my dear Soſicles, is the very period of all my deſires. I know very well (continued Cleander) that unleſs I abſolutely loſe my Reaſon, I never ought to acquaint Palmis with my Love, yet I know alſo that unleſs ſhe loſe the ſight of me, ſhe muſt needs in time gueſs at my thoughts: which if once ſhe did, my dear Soſicles, I ſhould think my ſelf moſt happy; and yet it is deſired by this, that I my ſelf ſhould be the only obſtacle unto my chief felicity: for how ſhould ever the Princeſs gueſs at my love of her, if ſhe think me in love with Anaxilea? Ha, no, no; I cannot obey the Prince; and though I ſhould promiſe him, yet I am not able to keep my word. But, ſaid I unto him, do you not conſider that if you ſhould incenſe him, he is brother unto the princeſs Palmis, and not acquainting her with the true cauſe of his complaint againſt you, perhaps he will ſpeak unto her in your diſadvantage? What would you have me do? anſwered he. I would confeſs unto the Prince (ſaid I unto him) that I am in love, and never name with whom. But, replyed he, do you not apprehend ſome fears that Atys would diſcover that paſſion, which I deſire the princeſs Palmis ſhould gueſs at? As long as you conceal the name of her you love, ſaid I, you hazard nothing. I ſhall hazard all, replyed he, for conſidering the manner how I adore this Beauty, I ſhall no ſooner confeſs that I am in love, but ſhame will bluſh the ſecret in my face; and will, in ſpite of my reſolution, let him ſee the image of my adored Palmis imprinted on my heart: For the Prince knows by his own experience, that one may love one below himſelf, and may as eaſily think it poſſible for one to love above ones quality as below it. Moreover, would it not highly offend him, that I ſhould conceal my love from him, who ſo very confidently diſcovered his to me? In a word, whatſoever I know, me thinks, he ought to know it alſo, and to truſt him but by halves, ſeems dangerous unto me. Then, ſaid I unto him, I would play a little falſe with him, and name ſome other Lady in the Court. Then Soſicles, anſwered he, how can the Prince think I love that Lady, when he ſees I never talk with her? and if I ſhould often talk with her, how ſhould the Princeſs ever imagine that I love her? After much debating upon this odd adventure, we parted without reſolving upon any thing: and the next morning Cleander was as far to ſeek for an anſwer unto the Prince, as if he had not any time of preparation for it. So that ſince Atys could not penetrate into the depth of Cleanders heart, he grew angry that he could not move him to act as he deſired; not but that Cleander uſed the moſt tender expreſſions to excuſe himſelf: yet ſince he ſaw he was in love, and would not impart it to him, he took this refuſal very unkindly, and valued not his verbal excuſes. Atys then would preſs him no further, but kept at a diſtance, and treated him much more coldly then ordinary, ſo that it became the Court diſcourſe. Since the princeſs Palmis did very much eſteem Cleander, ſhe asked the prince her brother the reaſon of this change; but he gave her ſuch ambiguous [Page] anſwers, that ſhe could not comprehend the cauſe: So that Cleander coming to her about an hour after, ſhe did ſo preſs him to tell her what was the buſineſs between the prince and him, and that ſo urgently, as he was no leſs puzzled for an anſwer to Palmis, then he was to the prince of Lidia; he told her that he knew not the cauſe of his diſgrace, but contented himſelf with being certain he never failed in any due reſpects unto that Prince: yet was ſhe far unſatisfied with this anſwer: The buſineſs went ſo far that Craeſſus heard of it, and asked the prince his ſon, why there was a greater diſtance between him and Cleander then formerly?

The Prince making no anſwer unto this queſtion, becauſe he durſt not acquaint him with the cauſe, Creſſus did read him a long Lecture againſt the inconſtancy of them, who alter their opinions upon cauſleſs grounds, commanding him not to continue any longer at a diſtance with him. However it chanced ſo, that the Prince Atis and Anaxilea fell at odds; and this Prince being of a violent diſpoſition, did abruptly caſt her off, and reſolved to leave her for ever: and the Prince had no ſooner broke off with her, but he had a great deſire to relate this adventure unto his Siſter the Princeſs Palmis, and the rather becauſe indeed he knew not whom elſe to open his heart unto, as he never had done unto any but Cleander, unto whom he did not yet ſo freely ſpeak, as uſually before. So that he being one day alone with the Princeſs Palmis, and falling inſenſibly into talk of his change, he related unto her his fondneſs of Anaxilea, and the cauſe of his coldneſs towards Cleander: and wondring in himſelf at ſo great a change in ſo little a time, I did not think, Siſter, ſaid he unto her, that I ſhould ever have diſcloſed my follies ſo freely unto you, when Cleander denied to faign a love of Anaxilea, and returned ſuch ſlender excuſes for it unto me: but ſince it is ſo now, that I dare open all unto you, I confeſs my anger of mind againſt Cleander begins to die, and in lieu thereof, I love him dearly: yet ſince I do well underſtand what reaſon he had to reſiſt me ſo obſtinately, I confeſs, that I can hardly ſpeak unto him concerning that buſineſs which puts us at ſuch a diſtance. I do conceive (anſwered the Princeſs, not ſuſpecting Cleander was in love with her) that you ought not to think the worſe of Cleander, becauſe he refuſed that office: nor do I think him ſo culpable as you imagine him; and he would never have denied it, but becauſe he is in love himſelf; for I am certain he is as much devoted unto your ſervice as poſſible can be: ſo that I muſt conſequently conclude, he never would have oppoſed the will of his Maſter, but out of fear he ſhould be put to nominate his Miſtreſs. But ſince I named mine unto him, replied the Prince, why ſhould he hide his affection from me? Becauſe, replied ſhe, and ſmiled, perhaps he is a more diſcreet Lover then you are: and to ſpeak truth, becauſe it is more ordinary and ſafe for a Prince to truſt his ſecret unto his Favourite, then it is for the Favourite to truſt his Prince. But Siſter, anſwered he, If Cleander be in love, how is it poſſible that none ſhould perceive it? Since, I am certain, added the Princeſs, he is infinitely impatient to be re-inveſted into your favour, it is expedient I propound unto him, to become his Peace-maker, upon condition he will ſincerely tell us, who it is he loves; or at the leaſt, acknowledg unto us, he is in love with ſome or other. After the Princeſs had ſaid ſo, and being indeed very deſirous to know whether Cleander was in love, and with whom, ſhe went into her Chamber: So that there being willing to divert her ſelfe, to ſatisfie her curioſity, and reſtore Cleander unto the Princes favour, ſhe called for him; Cleander, ſaid ſhe unto him, I found the Prince my brother ſo diſpoſed to remit you into his former favour, that I deſired ſpeedily to acquaint you with ſuch news as I ſuppoſed would be very welcome unto you: But in this reconcilement, there is a condition to be added, which I conceive you may without any difficulty obſerve: I ſhall never revoke, Madam, replied he, that Doome which you have pronounced: and I do eſteem my ſelf ſo unhappy in diſpleaſing that Prince, for whom I would willingly have died, that to expiate my crime, there is no puniſhment which I would not ſuffer. That which at this time I deſire of you, (ſaid ſhe, and bluſht againſt her will) is, That you confeſs before my brother, and me, whether the cauſe which moved you to deny him that favour of counterfeiting love unto Anaxilea, was not, becauſe you feared to make ſome beauty or other jealous? How Madam, (anſwered Cleander with wonder) are you acquainted now with that ſecret which the Prince would have concealed from you with ſo much care, at that time when I was unfortunately conſtrained to refuſe his deſired imployment? Yes, ſaid Atis, and interrupted her, ſhe does know it: and by this you may be aſſured, that I ſhall never reveal your ſecret unto any; for ſince I have imparted it unto her, it is a ſigne I do no longer love Anaxilea; and ſince it is ſo, you may be aſſured that there is none upon earth but the Princeſs my Siſter, unto whom I would impart a buſineſs of this nature. Sir, replied Cleander, after he had well recollected himſelf, I am moſt glad that this diſcourſe which I hear from the mouth of the Princeſs, does enable me to anſwer ſincerely, and aſſure you, that I never feared making any one jealous by [Page] faigning love unto Anaxilea. Your anſwer, replied the Princeſs, I do believe is more modeſt, then ſincere: and therefore tell us more preciſely, whether you are in love with any or no; if you will not tell us who it is whom you adore.

Madam, replied Cleander, Is it not ſufficient to juſtifie my ſelf in the opinion of the Prince, that I proteſt before you, I ſhould never have diſobeyed him, but becauſe it was an abſolute impoſſibility to do otherwiſe? No, anſwered ſhe, it is not ſufficient, for if it were, he muſt then do you the favour to pardon you, and to treat you as one that is culpable: whereas on the contrary, if you do as I deſire you, you will juſtifie your ſelf as innocent, and needs no pardon. But Madam, replied he, Suppoſe I ſhould be in love with none; yet how durſt I confeſs my ſelf to be ſo inſenſible here at Sardis, where all that can be called beauty in the world is to be found? And ſuppoſe it true, that I were in love with any one, how do you think I could tell that unto two at one time, which perhaps I never told unto her who is the cauſe of my paſſion; and which perhaps I never ſhall tell her? If it be only the number of confidents, which hinders you from declaring it, replied the Prince, and ſmiled, I am contented you tell your ſecret only unto my Siſter. No, no, ſaid the Princeſs, I am not ſo indulgent as you and I expect that Cleander ſhould acknowledge as well unto you as my ſelf, that he is in love, otherwiſe I pronounce him guilty and culpable both to you and me. I would it were the pleaſure of the Gods, Madam, (anſwered Cleander, with much confuſion in his face, and looking upon her in a moſt paſſionate, but reſpective manner) that you could look into my heart, and there ſee my moſt ſecret thoughts, ſince if you could do ſo, you would there find, that I ſpeak but what I ought to do: Truly Siſter, ſaid the Prince of Lidia, Cleander moves my pity, and I beſeech you preſs him no further; for when I call to mind my own vexation, when any did but ſuſpect what I deſired to conceal, I cannot chuſe but be ſenſible of his: You are all goodneſs, replied Cleander, and more indulgent then the Princeſs. I do confeſs it, ſaid ſhe, and ſmiled; and that which does moſt exaſperate my ſeverity, is, to ſee you do not think me diſcreet enough to truſt me with a common ſecret, for to tell me that you are in love, is not to tell me all your adventure and ſtory: Well Madam, (ſaid Cleander, even tranſported out of himſelf) if there need nothing but that to ſatisfie you, I do confeſs it, but I moſt humbly and heartily beſeech you, ask me no further: for I had rather die a thouſand deaths then tell any more. When you are fallen out with your Miſtreſs, replied the Princeſs, and ſmiled, as the Prince my brother is with Anaxilea, we then ſhall know all your Gallantry, as now we do his. I do not think Madam, anſwered Cleander coldly, that I ſhall ever be ſo far in favour with my Miſtreſs, as to fall out of it. Time will tell us all, ſaid ſhe; in the interim, I pronounce you innocent, and beſeech my brother to receive you ſo. I know not Siſter, replied Atis very pleaſantly, whether after you have reconciled Cleander and me, it muſt not be his office to reconcile us; for you have railed ſo bitterly againſt my weakneſs, that I know not how I ſhould take it. Your reaſon is now at too much liberty, anſwered the Princeſs, to take exceptions without a cauſe: but as for Cleander, ſince he is in love, we had need be circumſpect how we ſpeak unto him, for I have heard ſay, that melancholy Lovers are ſooneſt angered. By that mark, ſaid Atis, you came to know the Prince Arteſilas is in love with you. You are very apt to revenge, replied the Princeſs, to retort ſuch an angry piece of raillery unto ſo mild an anſwer: Atis could not reply unto this, becauſe Arteſilas would have heard it, if he had: but ſince the Genius and converſation of that Prince did not pleaſe him, and ſince his viſit had already been very long, he went away, and carried Cleander with him, who was ſufficiently vexed to leave his Rival in that manner with his Miſtreſs: he was all the reſt of that day with the Prince of Lidia, who treated him according to his wonted affability and freedom; but at night, when he was at liberty to confer and open himſelfe unto me, I perceived by his diſcourſe, that he was ſick of ſuch a diſeaſe which nothing could cure but death. Am I not moſt miſerable, ſaid he? for I did not deny to ſaign affection unto Anaxilea, but only out of fear, that the Princeſs whom I adored ſhould not think that I was really in love with her: and by conſequence could never imagine that I loved her ſelf: yet now I ſee that my denial of the Prince Atis to do ſo, hath perſwaded the incomparable Palmis that I am really in love with her, or elſe ſome other in the Court, as I was forced to confeſs; were ſhe not thus perſwaded, ſhe would not have been ſo pleaſant as ſhe was, but certainly if ſhe had any ſuſpition of the truth, I ſhould have ſeen more ſigns of anger in her eyes. It ſeems, ſaid I unto him, by your diſcourſe you would have thought your ſelf happy in her anger: Cleander made a pauſe at this, and after a while conſulting with himſelf▪ I think, ſaid he unto me, that rather then I ſhould die, and leave her ignorant of my love, I ſhould be contented to ſee her angry: That is a favour, (replied I, and ſmiled) which you may eaſily obtain. Ah cruel friend, ſaid he unto me, I ſtill find you more ignorant in matters of love. But ſince I muſt open all my ſecrets unto you, [Page] know, that at one and the ſame time, I wiſh things which are quite contrary to one another; and that I no ſooner ſay I ſhould be contented to ſee her angry, upon condition ſhe were acquainted with my love, but I repent of it, and had rather die then diſpleaſe her. But how were you able, replied I, to tell her that you were in love? I know not that, replied he, but I know that I had no ſooner acknowledged it, but I wiſhed that I had not: for had ſhe apprehended my real thoughts, I ſhould have ſeen her eyes full of indignation: yet to my ſorrow I ſaw ſhe thought me in love, but never ſuſpected it was with her ſelf: ſo that I endured moſt miſerable torment. Ask me not, Soſicles, what I would have her think, when I confeſs I am in love with her; for I know not my ſelf: but I am ſure of this, that to be leſs then a King, and love the incomparable Palmis, is the greateſt folly in the world: However, that I do not know ſo much as whether I am the ſon of a Free-man, or no, yet I love her, and ſhall do eternally: and I cannot brook the affection of the Prince Arteſilas. This being the ſtate of things, abundance glorious and pleaſant Company came to Sardis; for the Prince Abradates, ſecond ſon unto the King of Suſiana, who then raigned, and ſon unto a ſiſter of Creſſus, whom that King had married, came thither; And at the ſame time alſo, the fair Panthea, daughter unto the Prince of Claſomenes, a tributary unto Creſſus, came to dwell in the Court of Lidia, with the Prince her father: ſo that their arrival revived all manner of diverſions. There came unto Sardis alſo at that time a Brother of the King of Phrigia, named Adraſtus, who, as it was ſaid, had killed another of his brothers againſt his will, and deſired to be purged from that crime by that Laws of that Countrey, which between the Lidians and Grecians is ſmall difference. Since this Prince was admirably handſom, and of much ſpirit; and ſince his baniſhment was rather for a misfortune then a crime, Creſſus received him very well, and according to the cuſtom of Lidia, he was purified in the Temple of Jupiter, and then appeared in the Court as a ſtrange Prince, whom every one did honour. Creſſus allowing him a ſubſiſtance, befitting his quality, and promiſing to endeavour a reconciliation between him and his brother, the King of Phrigia. It may be ſaid of Creſſus, that he heaped up a greater Maſs of treaſures together, then ever any did, and was more magnificent then any Prince upon earth; being therein much different from the young Prince Mexaris his Brother, who was not leſs rich then he, but was more covetous then another of his brothers, named Antaleon, was ambitious, or Creſſus liberal. The Court being then ſo glorious, as I have deſcribed, Eſope ſo famous for his ingenious fables, which contained ſolid Morals in pleaſant fictions, came thither alſo, and notwithſtanding the uglineſs of his face, and deformity of his compoſure, yet the beauty of his wit, and greatneſs of his Soul, ſhined ſo at Sardis, that he was wonderous welcome: And that this renowned Town might have men of all qualities, Solon, ſo famous for his Laws, came thither alſo, who was entertained by Creſſus with all imaginable honours: So that it may be ſaid, and rightly, that Sardis was never ſo full of illuſtrious perſons as then; for every one that had any excellence in Arts throughout all Greece, either came themſelves, or ſent their works thither: ſo that which way ſoever one turned his eye, he might ſee ſomething for his inſtruction, and diverſion. But though this Court was the moſt glorious in the world, yet Cleander was there the moſt unhappy Lover upon earth: for though he was adored by all the Court, yet ſince the Princeſs Palmis was ignorant of his love, and he durſt never acquaint her with it, he lived a life extreamly melancholy: and whileſt the Prince Atis, Antaleon, Mexaris, Abradates, Arteſilas; and all the reſt of that Illuſtrious Crew, were high in all delights, ſolitary Cleander ſighed in ſecret, and wore only melancholy in his eyes: The Prince Merſiles, by reaſon of his imperfection, was alſo very reſerved and ſolitary: However, this converſation did much delight the Princeſs, who not ſuſpecting Cleanders love to her, was only curious to learn with whom he was in love: but with ſuch an odd kind of curioſity (as I underſtood by my Couſin, who ſince did tell me) that not knowing any reaſon for it, ſhe was really as fearful to know whom Cleander loved, as in appearance ſhe deſired it: for this Couſin told me, that the Princeſs diſcourſing one day with her concerning his paſſion, and bidding her to enquire concerning it, ſhe began to reckon up all ſhe could think upon, who might in likelihood be the cauſe, and though ſhe named all the beauties in the Court, yet ſhe could not find one who her mind did think fit for it; ſo that this Couſin of mine, whoſe name was Cyleniſa, and who was much in favour with the Princeſs, began to laugh; Madam, ſaid ſhe, you would either have Cleander not in love at all, or elſe you would have him fix his affection much above or much below himſelf, for I named all the Ladies who in reaſon are fit for him, conſidering the preſent condition of his fortune to fix any thoughts upon: 'Tis very true, ſaid the Princeſs Palmis, and bluſht, but I do not look out a Miſtreſs for Cleander, proportionable to his quality, ſince he knows not what it is himſelf; nor ſutable to his fortune, which is no more then very mean, [Page] but according to his vertue and merit, which is moſt extraordinary; and this is the reaſon why I cannot gueſs who it is he loves, becauſe I cannot find any one amongſt all thoſe which you have named that is worthy of his affection, and therefore I muſt needs conclude that he loves one that is below himſelf.

Thus Madam you ſee what thoughts the princeſs of Lidia had of Cleander, who yet was oftentimes much puzzled to find anſwers unto her queſtions: for when ſhe remembered that ſhe told him, he would diſcover who it was he loved, when his Miſtreſs and he fell out with one another, ſhe would always, when any opportunities were offered, ask him, whether he did not yet begin to be out of favor with his Miſtreſs; and whether ere long he would be in an humor to reveal his ſecret. If I ſhould reveal it unto you Madam, replyed he one day, doubtleſs I ſhould be out of favor with her; but as long as I conceal it, I need not fear her anger. How Cleander, replyed the Princeſs, cannot I know your paſsion, but you muſt be out of favor with her? and cannot you tell it unto me but ſhe muſt know it? No Madam, anſwered he, I ſhould no ſooner confeſs what you deſire to know, but ſhe whom I love would know my crime, by the ſhame which ſhe would diſcover in my eyes, and would moſt cruelly puniſh me for it. If it be ſo, ſaid ſhe and ſmiled, then ſtay till you jar, and till you be out of any fears to incenſe her. Thus did the Princeſs before ſhe was aware give a handſom opportunity unto Cleander to diſcover his paſsion, had he been ſo bold as to have cloſed with it; yet he was extreamly afraid of the disfavor of Craeſſus upon an odd reaſon. I think I have already told you, that Solon at his firſt coming unto Sardis was bid very welcome by that Prince: But ſince it is the Cuſtom of all Great Princes to love that one ſhould commend their Magnificence, Craeſſus having ſhewed Solon all his vaſt Treaſures, and the moſt prodigious Riches which his Houſe was adorned with, he asked him, whether he had ſeen any in all his Voyages more happy then he was? Since Solon did not think true felicity did conſiſt in ſuch things, like a man of high wiſdom, but a bad flatterer, he anſwered, that he knew many more happy then he; and amongſt the reſt he named one Tellus, who winning a Battel, and dying for his Country, ſaid, That none were happy before their death. Craeſſus thought by this ſaying of Solons, that he preferred the virtue of Cleander (who was become his great Favorite) before all the King of Lidia's Riches; and that this Prince did enjoy in him a Treaſure which he was ignorant of, and which was to be valued much above all the Riches which he ſhewed him with ſo much delight. Since nothing does more incenſe the ſpirits of men, principally Kings, then to ſcorn what they eſteem, Craeſſus could not endure this plain-dealing ſincerity of Solon, but the pleaſant and frolique humor of Eaſop [...] did much better pleaſe him: ſo that this wiſe Solon went diſcontentedly from him. As Cleander had a moſt generous Soul, ſo he did endeavor to hide this injury as much as he could, and by the orders of the Princeſs her ſelf had an eſpecial care of this Athenian Law-maker: He conducted him ſome thirty furlongs out of Sardis, which act of civility did ſo much incenſe Craeſſus, that he could not endure Cleander ſhould be ſo bold as render any good office unto the man he frowned upon; and this trivial buſineſs was like to have brought a great change upon the fortunes of Cleander: but yet the Prince Atys, and the Princeſs of Lidia, did ſo intercede, that they did procure his reconciliation. In the mean while Adraſtus became ſo deſperately in love with the Princeſs Palmis, that Arteſilas and Cleander themſelves could be no deeper wounded then he. Atis alſo renewed his old love unto Anaxilea, in ſpite of his reſolutions to the contrary: but it was after ſuch a manner, as that he made no ſecret of it; and although Creſſus did not approve of his choyce, yet he expreſſed a hundred publique teſtimonies of his paſſion to her. I think it was about this time that Abradates and Mexaris fell in love with Panthea, yet ſince that buſineſs is not pertinent to the ſtory of the Princeſs Palmis, I ſhall omit the relation of it, and only tell you, that at the ſame time Cleander was moſt unhappy: Yet had he ſo much conſolation in his miſery, as to obſerve that the Princeſs of Lidia was very averſe againſt this new Rival: but yet he knew that the Prince Atis did encourage Adraſtus in his thoughts of the Princeſs his ſiſter: For ſince the King of Phrigia had no children, and reſolved never to marry again, Adraſtus was in all appearance to be King: So that conceiving this marriage would be advantagious unto the Princeſs, he became his Advocate to perſwade her and Creſſus unto it: He preſſed the buſineſs ſo very violently in favor of the prince Adraſtus, that ſince ſhe ſaw that all her reaſons in excuſe of her coldneſs to him, would not rid her of his importunities, ſhe reſolved to employ that power which Cleander had over the mind of the Prince her brother, being ſtill ignorant of the intereſt which he had himſelf, and not knowing that he had already uſed his beſt endeavors that way: She ſent then for Cleander, and cauſing him to come into her Cloſet, after ſhe had uſed a Complement or two unto him, to prepare his conſent unto what ſhe ſhould deſire of him. [Page] and after he aſſured her ſhe might abſolutely diſpoſe of his very life; What I ſhall deſire of you, ſaid ſhe unto him, is not perhaps ſo eaſie a buſineſs as you imagine, ſince to ſatisfie my deſires it is to reſiſt with all your power the will of a Prince who you love very well, and who alſo loves you infinitely: Indeed you muſt perſwade the Prince my brother from ſoliciting me ſo earneſtly in behalf of the prince Adraſtus, and that it is enough he protects him in this Court, without any further importunities upon her: though I know well enough I have no reaſon for my averſion to him, ſince I know he is of an illuſtrious extract; and ſhall in all likelyhoods be a King: that he is handſom, and of a Soul; that he teſtifies much affection to me; that the King does not diſlike his deſign; that the prince Atis does aſſiſt him, and that my Soul is not engaged any other way: But yet for all this, I have ſo ſtrong an averſion towards him, that being out of hopes to overcome it, nor ever intending to try, I conjure you by all that's dear unto you, to employ that perſwaſive power which I know you have over my brother, to prevent him from perſecuting me any further: ſince I never oppoſed his affection unto Anaxilea, which was not very juſtly grounded; ſo, do you keep him from oppoſing my ſtrong averſion to Adraſtus, which I do confeſs alſo, it is not well grounded neither. I leave you, Madam, to judg what joy Cleander had, to underſtand from the mouth of Palmis her ſelf, that ſhe hated one of his Rivals: But ſince he was deſirous to hear her expreſs as much againſt another, Madam, ſaid he unto her with much reverence, I find the prince Adraſtus ſo unhappy in your hate, that it were a kind of cruelty not to pity him; yet I do intereſt my ſelf ſo much in any thing which concerns you, that I muſt needs tell you, there is nothing (without all exceptions) which I will not do, to deliver you from his importunities. But Madam, if after your goodneſs to command me any thing in your ſervice, it be permitted me to ſpeak ſincerely, I ſhall tell you, that one thing which moſt moves the Prince to protect Adraſtus, is his hatred of Arteſilas; and he thinks he cannot do him a more ſenſible diſpleaſure, then to be a cauſe that you ſhould prefer a Phrigian Prince before him. Therefore Madam (if I be not too preſumptuous in ſpeaking thus) it is your part, whileſt I tranſact with the Prince, to tranſact ſo with Arteſilas, that he be no obſtacle to my obtaining what you deſire. I have already told you, replyed the Princeſs, that my affection is not engaged unto any: So that though there be not ſuch an antipathy between me and Arteſilas, as there is between me and Adraſtus, yet ſince I am very indifferent towards him, it will be an eaſie matter for me to ſatisfie the Prince my brother in that; provided he let me have the freedom to be rigid towards Adraſtus, Arteſilas ſhall have no great cauſe to commend me for compliance with him. When Cleander heard the Princeſs expreſs her ſelf thus, he was ſo exceedingly tranſported with joy, that I wonder he did not make her perceive his love to her by the delight which ſparkled in his eyes. It is very true, this joy did not continue long: for when he began to conſider that the Princeſs did not ſuſpect any thing of his paſſion to her; and that by all appearances he ſhould never be able to obtain from the Prince of Lidia what he deſired, his melancholy did ſucceed his joy: But yet his certainty to know his Rivals not loved, was ſuch an eſſential cauſe of ſatisfaction, that his joys did overcome his ſorrows again; and he appeared before the Princeſs very well contented that he had dived ſo deep into her Soul: Yet ſometimes when he conſidered that the foundation of his joy was only becauſe the Princeſs was not in love with any, Oh Heaven, ſaid he, am I not out of my wits to rejoyce at that I ought to lament? for is it poſſible ever to be happy, and not be loved? and is there any hopes of being loved, when ſhe that is loved does not ſo much as know it? It is true, I am aſſured that the heart which I would be poſſeſſed of, is not enjoyed by any; yet I may be certain that it muſt never be enjoyed by me: ſo that which way ſoever I look, there is no hopes of any contentation to be found: The greateſt felicity that I can expect, is only to ſee my Rivals as miſerable as my ſelf. However, he began to be obedient unto the Princeſs; and ſince the prince Atis was a Debtor unto him for his life ever ſince the Miſſean Wars, and moreover ſince he knew that the Prince was much pleaſed with his diſcourſe, he uſed all his ingenuity and favour to diſſwade him from protecting Adraſtus, but yet all his perſwaſive arguments could not bring it about: For beſides the averſion which this Prince had unto Arteſilas, he had another predominate motive to affect Adraſtus, which Cleander in the end diſcovered, which was, becauſe Adraſtus was he who had reconciled Anaxilea and him together. So that this Lady being deſirous to gratifie ſo good an office, kept him ſtill in favour with the Prince, ſo that all the wit, cunning and credit which Cleander had with him, could not alter his ſetled reſolution: he attempted to win Anaxilea unto his deſign, but it was impoſſible, for ſhe had a ſecret grudg to him in her heart, becauſe he refuſed to counterfeit a love unto her, and ſo expoſed her fortunes unto danger; beſides, ſhe did conceive it to be a kind of ſcorn of her, when he refuſed that office. Cleander then being out of all hopes to [Page] obtain any thing for either of them, was in a hundred minds to quarrel with Adraſtus, and ſo rid the Princeſs of him by a way more violent then ſhe deſired him: but knowing ſhe would not approve of that action, and that then he ſhould loſe her for ever, he reſtrained his jealouſie and his choller, and ſuffered an incredible anguiſh of mind. Whileſt he was negotiating this buſineſs, the Princeſs, according as it was reſolved betwixt them, did treat Arteſilas ſo roughly, that Cleander would have been infinitely will pleaſed at it if the bad ſucceſs of his buſineſs had not cooled his joys. However, it was fit he ſhould give her an account of what he had done; and he went one morning with ſo many ſigns of ſorrow in his eyes, that ſhe knew what his anſwers would be as ſoon as he came into her Chamber: I ſee Cleander (ſaid ſhe, and came near him, leſt hor women ſhould underſtand what was ſpoken) that the Prince my brother prefers Adraſtus before my quiet or your prayers, and will not alter his opinion. I am even deſperate Madam, replyed he, that I am forced to tell you, I have negotiated all in vain; and then he made an exact relation of what he had both done and ſaid to bring his deſign about: But Madam, ſaid he, Adraſtus perhaps has ſome ſecret enemy in Court, who would quickly diſpatch him, if he were aſſured it would not diſpleaſe you. Oh no Cleander, ſaid the Princeſs, I would not have anothers revenge include mine; and they will extreamly diſoblige me, if they attempt any violent act againſt that Prince: Perhaps I ſhall find out a way to puniſh him for his obſtinate importunities without the need of any others help; and if what you tell me be true, that the reaſon why the Prince protects Adraſtus is becauſe he hates Arteſilas, I ſhall treat the Rival of the one, and the Enemy of the other, ſo well and kindly, that perhaps I ſhall divide the troubles which they procure me amongſt themſelves. Oh Madam (ſaid Cleander, and was amazed at this anſwer) is it poſſible that the wiſeſt Princeſs in the world ſhould be revenged upon her ſelf, by wiſhing it upon another? For Madam (ſaid he with a double addition of extream melancholy) did you not once do me the honour to tell me, that Arteſilas was very indifferent unto you? Yes, ſaid ſhe unto him, but it is better to chooſe where one is indifferent, then where one hates. In the name of the Gods, Madam, ſaid Cleander unto her, take up no ſuch reſolution, which if I dare ſay it, will cauſe you to be cenſured for one that is not phantaſtical: for ſince all the Court has been a witneſs of your ſeverity to Arteſilas, what will they cenſure when they ſee you change ſo ſuddenly? Certainly there is ſome reaſon for what you ſay, replyed ſhe, but I had rather be thought light and phantaſtical, then be continually perſecuted both by the Prince my brother, and by Adraſtus: I do confeſs, Cleander, that this kind of revenge is phantaſtical, and that I do croſs my ſelf as much as others by it; but yet I know not what courſe elſe to take. Madam (ſaid he, and interrupted her ſpeech, not being able to conſent unto her reſolution, uſing Arteſilas kindly) allow me firſt ſome few days to conſult whether I can contrive ſome better expedients to do you ſervice. No, no, ſaid ſhe unto him, deceive not your ſelf and me: I have long ſince diſcovered, ſaid ſhe and ſmiled, that you love Arteſilas no more then you do Adraſtus, therefore perhaps for your own particular revenge you would not have me revenge my ſelf this way: But Cleander, ſince you are very generous, you muſt not do thus, but on the contrary you ought to prefer my intereſt at this time before your own. Your intereſts Madam, replyed he, ſhall ever be ten thouſand times dearer unto me then my own; but upon this occaſion I dare tell you, that if you knew all the evil which you do in favoring Arteſilas, perhaps I ſay you would not do it. Cleander pronounced theſe words with ſo much confuſion in his face, that the Princeſs was extreamly ſurprized; and ſince ſhe underſtood not the ſence of them, I cannot unriddle your words, ſaid ſhe unto him, nor will I trouble my ſelf about it, therefore ſpeak more plainly, if you would have me underſtand you, or elſe ſpeak not at all, if you think it fit I ſhould not underſtand you. I think that it is the latter of theſe two which beſt becomes me, replyed he, and without any expoſition of thoſe words which ſlipped from me unawares, I ought to thank the Gods that you did not underſtand them. The Princeſs bluſhed at this diſcourſe, and by the diſorder which appeared in her eyes, ſhe let him know, that ſhe began to underſtand his meaning: But ſince he feared ſhe would treat him ill, if he gave her any time to deſcant upon his words; Madam, ſaid he unto her, what is your pleaſure I ſhould do to give you ſatisfaction? That you tell me no more of any ſuch things as I neither do nor ought to underſtand, replyed ſhe; and that you keep within the limits which I have preſcribed, in doing [...] that office unto my brother whenſoever occaſion ſhall preſent it ſelf. I ſhall be moſt obedient Madam (anſwered he with a profound reverence,) and then ſo many infallible ſigns of his paſſion appeared in his face, that unleſs ſhe had no eyes, it was impoſſible but ſhe muſt needs perceive it: and indeed ſhe did ſo clearly perceive it at that time, as ſhe could not ſufficiently wonder ſhe perceived it no ſooner: for when ſhe called to mind all Cleanders actions, ſhe accuſed her ſelf [Page] of ſtupidity, that ſhe could not ſee the only reaſon why he denied the Prince Atis to counterfeit love unto Anaxilea, was becauſe he loved her. Afterwards when ſhe called to mind, with what joy he undertook to prejudice Adraſtus, and with what ſorrow he heard her ſay, ſhe would uſe Arteſilas kindly, ſhe was ſo fully perſwaded of the truth, that Cleander could not wiſh ſhe ſhould know it better. Afterwards when ſhe remembred, how urgently ſhe preſſed him to tell her whether he was in love, and with whom, ſhe accuſed her ſelf of ſimplicity that ſhe did not underſtand the ſecret cauſe of his paſſion: yet the great inequality betwixt her ſelf, and him, made her ſomtimes to doubt of it: For (ſaid ſhe to her ſelf, as ſhe told my Couſin Cyleniſa, who after wards told me) if I believe him in love with me, then I muſt be offended at him; then muſt I deprive my ſelf of his converſation and ſight, which I confeſs does infinitely pleaſe me: Therefore I will not believe it, ſaid ſhe, but in an inſtant after a thouſand paſſages coming into her fancy, ſhe could not chuſe but believe it, and ſhe reſolved to receive thoſe reſpects which the duty of Cleander obliged him to perform in ſuch a manner, that he ſhould never forget it: yet conſidering after all this, that Cleander had ſpoken nothing which might juſtly incenſe her, ſhe thought that in reſpect of her honour, it were better, not to let him know ſhe ſuſpected any thing of his paſſion; ſo that ſhe reſolved to carry her ſelf towards him as formerly ſhe uſed.

Thus did the buſineſs depend for ſome certain days, during which time ſhe was affable enough unto Arteſilas, according to her reſolution. But that ſhe might no longer doubt of Cleanders love, Cyleniſa came to her in her Cloſet, where ſhe was retired the better to hide that melancholy which hung upon her ſoul; and ſince ſhe ſaw as much blithneſs in the eyes of this woman, as ſhe her ſelf had diſpoſition unto melancholy; What is it Cyleniſa, ſaid ſhe unto her, which makes you ſo pleaſant? Madam, ſaid ſhe unto her, ſuch an odd accident has happened unto me this day, that if I did not fear it would anger you, I would relate it: Is it poſſible, ſaid the Princeſs unto her, that this odd accident which would anger me, can divert you? You ſhall judg Madam, ſaid ſhe unto her, when you know it. The Princeſs, who uſed ſometimes to ſuffer Cyleniſa to relate what news ſhe heard, was pleaſed to hearken unto her, rather out of cuſtom and indulgence, then any curioſity: Speak then, ſaid ſhe unto her, for I ſee you have ſo great a deſire unto it, that it were pity to hinder you. Since you are pleaſed to give me leave Madam, replied ſhe, be pleaſed to know, that one of my companions being ſick, and kept her Chamber, I went one afternoon unto her, where I found divers with her, and amongſt the reſt Eſope: as ſoon as I came in, you became the ſubject of our diſcourſe, for you are not ignorant, Madam, that the love of Adraſtus, and Arteſilas, makes a great noiſe in the Court: and ſince theſe two Princes have both of them many partakers, a hundred thouſand arguments and conteſts do ariſe thereupon, eſpecially ſince they perceive you treat Arteſilas with more affability then before you uſed: ſo that this diſcourſe went on, ſome ſaid the protection of the Prince Atis would have a croſſing influence upon Arteſilas, others were of a contrary opinion, and ſaid, your own choiſe would be the deſtiny of thoſe two Lovers: ſome added that the quality of a ſtranger would be an obſtacle to Adraſtus; others, that the being a Subject unto Creſſus would choak the deſigne of Arteſilas: Indeed every one had his vie, and vented his opinion, divining the ſucceſs of theſe two Princes, and their deſignes. During all this long diſpute, Eſope leaned upon the table cloſe by me, and ſaid nothing, but had an ear unto what every one ſpoke, and a certain kind of ſubtle ſmile in his face, which moved a belief that he ſpoke not ſo much as he thought; ſo that I turning towards him, How comes it to paſs, ſaid I unto him ſmiling, that Eſope who can make the moſt ſalvage Beaſts ſpeak ſo well, will not himſelf ſpeak upon this occaſion? He, I ſay, who is the moſt ſociable and pleaſant companion of all men living? This flattery Cyleniſa, ſaid he unto me in a low voice, deſerves that I tell you after my manner a truth concerning the Subject now in diſcourſe: for if I be not very much miſtaken, all your opinions are beſides the mark. In ſaying ſo, he took a piece of paper, and after a little ſtudy where he leaned upon the table, he writ ſomething, and gave it unto me, which I have brought you to read. The Princeſs then taking the paper which Cyleniſa preſented unto her, read theſe words:

The Fable of ESOPE.

TWo Hunters were told, there was a white Hind in a Wood: they both went out to catch her with all their Nets, Dogs, Swords, and Darts, but making over great a noiſe they frighted her away, and forced her to flie: and in her flight ſhe ſtumbled upon a young Shepheard who was aſleep, whom ſhe wounded before ſhe was aware: The Shepheard awaked,[Page]and purſued her with his ſtaff, but much better then the reſt, for he followed her by paths more cloſe and covert: we ſhall one day know whether he has taken her. But for my part Cyleniſa I wiſh he may, and hope he will.

As ſoon as the Princeſs had read the Letter, ſhe bluſhed, and looked upon Cyleniſa, Well Cyleniſa, ſaid ſhe unto her, what do you underſtand by this fable? and what did he mean by it who compoſed it? Madam, replied ſhe, I had no ſooner read it, but all the Company was deſirous to know what it was, with ſuch earneſtneſs as every one uſed to have for any thing that came from Eſope: but he told them it was for me alone he writ it; ſo that ſeeing it was abſolutely reſolved not to ſhew it, they were at quiet: and I began to read what now I ſhew you: After I had read it, I confeſs, ſaid I unto him, that the beginning of this fable is very pleaſant, and eaſie to be underſtood; for I conceive the white Hind does repreſent the Princeſs, and the two Hunters, Adraſtus and Arteſilas; that the Nets, and Dogs, and the Swords, and Darts, and alſo the great noiſe, does ſignifie the actions of thoſe two Princes, who with all their ingenuity, policy, force, and magnificence, endeavour to obtain their deſires, yet doubtleſs they are very ſtupid: I underſtand alſo, by the Hind which flies away, you mean the Princeſs will not be taken by thoſe two Hunters who court her: But as for this young Shepheard who was aſleep, whom the Hind wounded before ſhe was aware, and who followed her with the reſt, but, as you ſay, much better then they, I do confeſs, I know not whom you mean: But you do know him very well, ſaid he, and ſmiled; upon this the Prince Myrſiles came in, Eſope no ſooner ſaw him, but he would needs take the paper from me: but I was ſo reſolved to ſhew it unto you, that I would by no mean part with it. The Prince Myrſiles, who obſerved the action of Eſope, and who imagined it to be ſome freſh production of his wit, came towards me, and making me to underſtand by his ordinary ſignes, he ſeemed very deſirous to ſee it; and notwithſtanding all the diſſwaſions of Eſope, I gave it unto this Prince, who ſmilingly did read it to the end, and teſtified by the action of his head, that he thought it very pleaſant, Well Sir, ſaid I unto him, it ſeems you do underſtand all this fable, whereas I underſtand only the beginning of it, I beſeech you help out my dulneſs to interpret it. I had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but the Prince Myrſiles, who you know uſed always to carry an Inkhorn about him, the better to expreſs himſelf unto thoſe who were not accuſtomed unto the language of his eyes and hands, did take the paper; and juſt in the place where he found theſe words, But in flighing ſhe ſtumbled upon a grand Shepheard: he writ under theſe words, named Cleander: and as ſoon as he had ſhewed it unto me, he blotted it out again, as you may yet obſerve, if you will be pleaſed to look upon it. I do confeſs Madam, that I was amazed, to ſee that Eſope who was a meer ſtranger, and a Prince who could not ſpeak, ſhould tell me Court news. For indeed Madam, ſaid Cyleniſa and ſmiled, if I be not much miſtaken, this fable does comprehend that truth. I ſee you are eaſie to be perſwaded, ſaid the Princeſs unto her, ſince a man whoſe profeſſion is to tell lies; and another who cannot be very well inſtructed with news, can in ſo ſhort a time perſwade you of a thing which is never like to be: the Princeſs Palmis ſpoke this ſo faintly, that Cyleniſa knew ſome angry thoughts did trouble her; and ſince the Princeſs did always love her: Madam, ſaid ſhe, I am afraid I have committed a fault in troubling you with trifles and follies, at a time when perhaps you had more ſerious matters of importance in your mind: but the honours which you have often done me, in truſting me with your moſt ſecret thoughts, made me believe you were not very ſerious, ſince I knew it not: The Princeſs who was ſo full of diſquiet thoughts, that her heart could not contain them, reſolved to make Cyleniſa, her Cabinet confident: ſo that ſhe acquainted her with all her thoughts concerning Cleander's paſſion. However, ſaid ſhe, ſince I do eſteem him very much, and ſince I believe in reſpect of my honour, he would not have me know his folly, I am reſolved to live with him as I uſed to do, and as I have already begun: But yet for all this which I have told you Cyleniſa, there is ſomething more to be conſidered; for ſince ſtrangers and dumb men can perceive it, many others will ſhortly do the like, therefore it is good to begin in time to carry my ſelf ſo, as there ſhall be no ſuſpicion that I contribute any thing unto the extravagancies of Cleander, if it come to be known. Madam (ſaid Cyleniſa, after a little time of conſideration) I do leſs wonder then I did before, that the Prince Myrſiles and Eſope ſhould ſooner diſcover things then other men; for beſides that both of them are more ingenious then others are, they have alſo more leiſure to obſerve the actions of others; one as a ſtranger who has nothing elſe to do in the place where he is, and the other nothing elſe but to hearken and obſerve. However Cyleniſa, ſaid the Princeſs, they do know it, and they can make others know it alſo; beſides how can I know but that Eſope compoſed this fable by the appointment of Cleander, who I know [Page] has ſent him many Preſents. This cannot be, replied Cyleniſa, for he could not gueſs when he came into the Company, what things would be diſcourſed upon, which would give him ſuch a ſubject to work upon as this. Moreover, Madam, you ſee this fable is not hiſtorical, ſince he ſpeaks towards the end of it, as if he knew perfectly that Cleander ſhould one day win your heart from Adraſtus and Arteſilas. That's it which affrights me, Cyleniſa, and offends me both, replied ſhe, for truly I find Eſope very bold in daring to think this of a man whoſe quality he knows not; And I alſo find him very incomprehenſible, ſaid ſhe, and bluſhed, to ſee he ſhould penetrate ſo into the bottom of my heart, as to know that if Cleander's condition were the ſame that Adraſtus and Arteſilas is, he ſhould perhaps make his fable as true at the end of it, as the beginning is: but ſince it is not, I muſt deceive Eſope; make the Prince Myrſiles change his opinion, and cure Cleander, if it be poſſible. The laſt of theſe will be the moſt difficult, replied Cyleniſa. I do not think it, ſaid the Princeſs, ſince Cleander has a reaſonable ſoul: He ſhould not be in love if he had ſo, replied Cyleniſa. But from whence comes it, ſaid the Princeſs to her, that you are ſo much perſwaded of the greatneſs of Cleanders paſſion: you, I ſay, who within this day did not ſo much as ſuſpect it. The reaſon is, Madam, anſwered ſhe, becauſe I could never apply my obſervations until now: but now, when I call to mind a hundred things which he hath ſpoke unto me, and as many other things which I have ſeen him do, I think that I was then blind in not ſeeing the cauſe: I remember one night, when my companions and I moved Eſope to relate unto us his love of that Beauty which was called Rhodopha, who was with the Philoſopher Zanthus, at the time when he dwelt there alſo, Cleander who was preſent at that Relation after it was ended, and every one commended him: For my part, ſaid ſhe unto him, I think you ſo happy to have worn the [...]etters of the fair Rhodopha, that I could envy you: for certainly it is a great miſery unto thoſe in love, when they muſt lift up their eyes too high, when they look upon her they adore; and doubtleſs it is an infinite happineſs to meet the party loved upon equal terms, and where his ſervices may be valued when they are rendred unto the party adored: I do confeſs, that then I hearkened unto this diſcourſe, and took no notice of it: but now I know the hidden myſtery of it, and can apply it: I remember again, one day when the Princeſs Claſomina came to Sardis, one day I ſay when you were ſo admirably dreſſed, and when all the eyes in the Court were dazled at your luſter, Cleander was very pleaſant with my companions and my ſelf, who were ſpeaking of your beauty, and we told him that it was a great happineſs for all men of his rank, and for all beauties whoſe aims were to conquer hearts, that your quality was ſo much above them, as you would not hinder them in captivating Lovers, and cauſing them to break their chains to aſſume yours: And why Cyleniſa, ſaid he unto me, do you think there is none but Kings and Princes have eyes to admire what is fair, and that have hearts to love them? I ſay not ſo, replied I unto him, but I ſay, that ſince the daughters of Kings, muſt not look upon other hearts then thoſe of Kings; none will preſume to offer theirs that are not ſo. Beauty, ſaid he, makes ſubjects of all conditions; and as the fair Anaxilea has made the Son of her Soveraign a Slave; ſo Queens may make their Subjects their Adorers: I do confeſs, that I heard Cleander then ſpeak, as one that only helped on with diſcourſe, but now I call to mind the Air in which he expreſſed himſelf, and now I ſee his paſſion, not only in his eyes, but in his heart. I am very angry, ſaid the Princeſs; and ſhe ſpoke this after ſuch a manner, as let Cyleniſa know, that if there were none but ſhe who could perceive it, and that Cleander would not ſuſpect ſhe had any knowledg of it, perhaps ſhe would not have been incenſed againſt him: But ſince the Prince Myrſiles, Eſope, and Cyleniſa knew it, ſhe could not endure it, but reſolved to treat Cleander very ſeverely, though ſhe eſteemed him very much, and though doubtleſs ſhe did already love him more then ſhe thought ſhe did. In the mean while, Cleander, who yet knew not what the Princeſs Palmis had determined againſt him, though it grieved him to ſee Arteſilas more kindly treated then ordinary, yet he had ſome minuts of conſolation, to ſee that after he was ſo bold as to tell her what he did, yet ſhe did not treat him worſe then uſual: for though ſhe faigned not to underſtand the ambiguity of his words, yet ſhe was not deceived; and he thought many times he diſcovered in the eyes of the Princeſs, that ſhe did perfectly underſtand him: but he enjoyed this conſolation not long, becauſe ſince ſhe knew the thoughts of the Prince Myrſiles and Eſope, ſhe changed her way of behaviour towards him, and lived with him, in much more coldneſs and reſerved then before; but yet ſhe could never bring her ſelf to that rigid ſeverity which ſhe reſolved upon; however as mild as ſhe was, Cleander did ſo reſent it, that he thought he ſhould have dyed with ſorrow: Mean while, Adraſtus having ſtill the Prince of Lidia's protection, and alſo gained the conſent of Creſſus; the marriage between the Princeſs and him, was talked on, as a thing almoſt abſolutely done; it was not openly reported, but every one [Page] whiſpered it in the ear. Indeed it might be ſaid, that it was one of thoſe publick ſecrets which are often in Court, whereof every one makes a miſtery, yet none are ignorant of it: ſo that Cleander and Arteſilas were not a little puzzled as well as the Princeſs, who could not by any means reſolve upon this marriage. During which time Cyleniſa did often ask Eſope in a raillery, whether he thought ſtill the Shepheard would take the Hind: I know not well yet whether he will catch her or no, anſwered he, but I know very well the Hunters never will. Things ſtanding upon theſe terms, and Creſſus loving the Prince Atis ſo very well, that he did not ſo much oppoſe his marriage with Anaxilea, many prodigious ſignes did appear, which ſignified that this young Prince ſhould die by a Dart. Creſſus alſo had a dream, which paſſed for an Apparition amongſt thoſe who profeſſed knowledg in ſuch things, which ſhewed him the body of his ſon dead, and run through with the point of a Javelin, with ſo many other ſuch ſad and frighting objects, that this great and wiſe Prince was aſtoniſhed at them: ſo that all the Court looked ſad upon the matter, yet the ſoul of the Prince was not at all diſmayed, neither did it interrupt his Gallantry: every one was buſie in divining which way this diſaſter ſhould happen; for peace flouriſhed throughout all the Kingdom, and the Prince was hated by none. Thoſe who knew the ambitious humour of Antaleon, Brother of Creſſus, did apprehend ſome cloſe conſpiracy, and for many days nothing elſe was ſpoken of but theſe diſaſterous predictions: Creſſus cauſed all the Arms, Darts, Spears, Javelins, to be taken out of his Palace; and he was as vigilant as many men are, who by their own prudence think to prevent the predeſtinate will of the Gods, he forgot nothing which he thought fit to preſerve the Prince his ſon, whom he looked upon as his only Succeſſour, making no account of the Prince Myrſiles, becauſe of his imperfection: a long time paſſed on, and no misfortune befell the Prince Atis, ſo that all cogitations of danger were huſh [...], except the mind of Creſſus, who was ſo extreamly poſſeſſed with apprehenſions of fear, that he began to think of marrying his ſon immediately. But the grand difficulty was to chuſe a wife, for none but Anaxilea would pleaſe him, and Creſſus would have choſe another. Yet notwithſtanding the Prince Adraſtus began to ſtagger a little in his mind: my father did him very great ſervice at the requeſt of Cleander, who thought it would be advantageous unto him, to give an example of unequal alliance; to leſſen the value that was ſet upon Adraſtus, and to ſatisfie the Prince Atis.

In concluſion, Sir, this marriage was ſolemnized with much magnificence, but not with much joy unto any, except the two Lovers, and Adraſtus: Creſſus did but give half a conſent; The Princeſs Palmis was much unſatisfied to ſee the daughter of an inferiour to ſit above her: Antaleon and Mexaris who ſhould not have been very glad that this Prince had married a Queen, could not be glad to ſee him marry his Subject: Arteſilas and Cleander, who conceived this marriage would authorize Adraſtus were angry at it, for Cleander did but ſerve him out of cunning, and becauſe he could not help it: The Prince Myrſiles was ever melancholy for his own misfortune, ſo that a far more illuſtrious alliance then this could not rejoyce him. Abradates only and the Princeſs of Claſomenes were abſolutely unconcerned, and took no part, only as Lovers of the Princeſs Palmis. But Cleander was he who had greateſt cauſe of ſorrow, for it was talked aloud, that the marriage of Adraſtus would preſently be ſolemnized. About four or five days after the marriage of Anaxilea, the Miſſians ſent to avertiſe Creſſus, that they had in their Countrey about the Mountain Olimpus, a Boar of an extraordinary and prodigious greatneſs, which waſted all their corn, and made their fields even de [...]olate, beſeeching the King to ſend ſome couragious men, with all fit accoutraments for the Chaſe, to deliver them from this terrible Animal, which might paſs rather for a fearful Monſter, then a Boar: Creſſus conſented to their deſires, but as he was ſpeaking unto his officers about it, the Prince Atis who heard of the buſineſs, came in; Adraſtus, Arteſilas, Abradates, Cleander, and many others followed him; Atis told the King his father, that he intended to be at the Chaſe: Creſſus, who ſtill was poſſeſſed with his old fears did oppoſe againſt his deſigne with much obſtinacy; but ſince the Prince could not endure to paſs in the opinion of his people, for one that never would hazard himſelf in any dangers, was reſolute, and would needs go. Yet he had hardly prevailed with Creſſus, had he not bethought of one way which convinced him. You ſay Sir, ſaid he, my death is threatned with an arrow, but I go not unto a place where any will be thrown at me: Had the prediction been, I ſhould have been pulled in p [...]ece b [...]a wild Beaſt, then you had reaſon to prevent my going unto the Chaſe: but ſince it is not, what cauſe of fears have you? The Prince Adraſtus, ſaid he, and ſmiled, will not kill me, no more Arteſilas, Abradates, or Cleander; ſo that ſince there is none to fight againſt but a wild beaſt which throws no Darts, nor has any Arms, but what nature gave him; Me thinks, Sir, you ſhould not command me that thing, which would be obeyed, but againſt my will. What will your Subject [Page] ſay, Sir, when they ſee, I dare not go unto a poor hunting? Can they ever think I dare fight and win battels, when I dare not ſo much as fight with a poor Animal? At the laſt, Madam, Creſſus did conſent; and every one prepared for this Chaſe: But when the Prince was ready to depart, the King took Adraſtus aſide, and told him, that ſince the Prince his Son was his Protectour, ſo he deſired him to be his upon this occaſion. Sir (ſaid Adraſtus to him, extreamly rejoycing at this confidence which Creſſus put in him) if I do not ſafely bring back the Prince, and victorious, deny me all the favours that ever I ſhall ask, or can hope for from you. After this Madam, they went unto this hunting, in the moſt magnificent manner that ever was ſeen in Lidia: Cleander went to take his leave of the Princeſs Palmis, but there was ſo much company preſent, that the adieu was not private, nor any thing paſſed which was obſervable: The Prince Myrſiles, and Meaxis alſo, went unto this Hunting: and as Eſope ſaw them depart, Cyleniſa asked him again, whether the Shepheard was amongſt the Hunters? Yes, ſaid he unto her, but they go not to hunt the Hind, though it were much better for them they did: When this gallant Troop of Princes and Grandees, which diſſerted the Court, came to the Mountain Olimpus, they began to be in Queſt of this Boar, and when they had diſcovered his Den, they compaſſed him about on all ſides, and every one ſtrove to get the firſt blow at this terrible Beaſt, which by his moſtrous greatneſs did affright all Beholders: they came near him, and threw all their Darts: That which the Prince did throw did miſs the Beaſt, ſo likewiſe did the Darts of Adraſtus, Meaxaris, Abradates, and others, but Cleanders Dart did hit him, and mortally wounded him; whileſt he was drawing his Sword againſt this wild beaſt, Adraſtus being envious of Cleanders honour, and miſſing his aim at that time did throw a ſecond Dart, which as all Aſia knows, pierced through the heart of the Prince Atis, who had changed his place, ſince Adraſtus looked upon him: The fall of this Prince cauſed all thoſe who ſaw him to cry out: ſo that Cleander (who was buſie with the Boar, and by giving him a great blow in the body, which made him fall, turned his head, thinking the cry had been for joy of his victory, but diſcerning better the doleful tone of thoſe ſorrowful voices, he left his fierce enemy rowling in his own blood, to go where the reſt of the company were: But he was extreamly diſmayed to ſee the Prince Atis dead, and Adraſtus ſo furious and deſperate, that never ſorrow was ſeen comparable unto his; Cleander hearing it was Araſtus; which killed him, and being tranſported with grief, went towards him with his Sword drawn, but ſeeing that all the reſt of the Princes who were more intereſted in the loſs then he was, did pity him, he did pity him alſo, and indeed to ſpeak the truth, Adraſtus was in a condition fitter to move compaſſion then choller; for I never in my life ſaw one in a more ſad and lamentable condition: he had ſuch a furious ſorrow in his countenance, and ſo many ſignes of deſpair in all his words; that his pitifull eſtate is neither expreſſible, nor imaginable: The truth is, Madam, he offered ſeveral times to kill himſelf, and they were compelled to take away his Sword, and watch him. They ſent to advertiſe Creſſus of the accident, and we all followed the Coach which carried the Prince of Lidia's Corps: never return from hunting was more ſad then this: nor never accident more mournful and amazing. Creſſus was ſo grieved, no man could be more; he called upon Jupiter the Expiator for help; He invoked the Gods of friendſhip and hoſpitality, whom Adraſtus had violated: he complained that ever he ſhould receive into his Court the Murtherer of his Son, thinking he had entertained a grateful Gueſs: he invoked the God of friendſhip, becauſe he met with his moſt mortal enemy in him, to whom he truſted his Son, and to whom he would have married his daughter: The Princeſs Anaxilea, and the Princeſs Palmis, were exceeding grieved: in the mean time we brought the Corps of the Lidian Prince to Sardis: Then did Creſſus ſee it come into the Court of his Palace, the man who killed him following, for he would never be out of ſight of it: At this ſight Creſſus reſented more ſorrow then can be told or thought: The conditions of Cleander and Adraſtus were quite different, Cleander had killed the Boar which was the cauſe of the hunting, and would have deſtroyed the Province: Adraſtus killed the Succeſſour of a great King, the Son of his protector, and his protector himſelf: and which was moſt diſmal of all, the Brother of that Princeſs whom he loved, and hoped ere long to have married: he had ſo much ſorrow, ſo much rage, and ſo many ſeveral confuſions in his eyes, as I never ſaw the like; They would gladly have kept him from the ſight of Creſſus, but he eſcaped from them that would have reſtrained him, and ran to preſent himſelf unto that prince, but in ſuch moving language, that he melced the hearts of his very Rivals: he asked what puniſhment he would appoint him? he deſired him to pronounce that which was moſt rigorous, and conjured him to make haſte, and he ſpoke indeed as if he did really deſire death; he called upon the name of the Princeſs amidſt his complaints againſt himſelf, and without any deſigne at all [Page] to live, he ſaid as much as poſſible could be to move Creſſus for a pardon of his crime, which indeed was not a crime, but a moſt ſad misfortune, and worthy of pity: Creſſus himſelf was moved unto compaſſion, and like a great and generous Prince did pardon him, deſiring him only to leave him at liberty to lament his misfortune.

Adraſtus then did leave him, and was conducted unto his lodging, where they guarded him: but the next morning, he underſtanding that they would carry the Corps of the Prince Atis unto a ſtately Tomb, which Alliaete had cauſed to be built upon the banks of a Lake, called the Lake of Giges, he ſtole from his guards the night following, and run like a mad-man to this magnificent Tomb, where he was no ſooner come, then he got up unto the top of a pinacle which was amongſt the Statues, and fell from thence with open arms upon the point of his ſword which he had taken with him, in the ſight of thoſe which followed him, who there overtook him juſt at break of day. Thus puniſhing himſelf, he deſerved the laments of all them who had greateſt cauſe to accuſe him for their misfortunes: Creſſus conſidering his Royal birth, his repentance teſtified by his blood, and his extraordinary misfortune, cauſed his Corps to be layd in the ſtately Tomb with Prince Atis, with an inſcription ſutable to ſo ſtrange an adventure. After this fatal accident, Cleander began to grow in favor with Creſſus, who looked upon him as the only man who was fit to eſtabliſh the Scepter after his death, in the hands of the Prince Myrſiles. Antaleon oppoſed theſe thoughts; for this ambitious Prince, in prejudice of his Nephew, pretended to the Crown. However, ſince there are no ſorrows ſo ſad but time does cure them, or at the leaſt mitigate them, every one began to chear up himſelf for the death of Atis; and Cleander having now no more Rivals, was ſomething leſs unhappy then before. Moreover, the Princeſs Palmis, having no thoughts of revenge for her brother the Prince Atis, or ſcorn for Adraſtus, began to treat Arteſilas as at firſt, that is to ſay, with much more rigor: but ſince ſhe had uſed much coldneſs towards Cleander, ſhe knew not what to think, or could ſhe contrive it handſomly how to bring her ſelf unto the ſame terms with him: ſhe ſaw him ſo infinitely reſpective unto her, that ſhe could not in juſtice accuſe him; nor had any deſires of uſing him rigorouſly. In the mean while, the ſeveral Intereſts of Creſſus did beget him ſeveral cauſes of War againſt the Epheſians, and he raiſed a puiſſant Army, whereof Cleander was Lievtenant General: For ſince Abradates could not engage himſelf, not knowing when the King his father would call him back, and ſince the prince Myrſiles, by reaſon of his imperfection, was not fit for that employment, the Illuſtrious Cleander had the honour; the King for divers ſecret reaſons of State, having no mind to employ either Antaleon, or Mexaris, or Arteſilas, who did extreamly murmur at it. But how great ſoever this honour was, Cleander did but imperfectly enjoy it, when he conſidered that the Princeſs did not yet certainly know that he was in love with her; or if ſhe did ſuſpect ſome ſuch thing, ſhe neither would nor could approve of it; he knew not well whether he ſhould dare to take ſo much boldneſs upon him, as to diſcover his mind a little more plainly unto her; and he was very much unreſolved upon it, when Eſope, who loved him extreamly well, came to ſee him, and to ſhew him in private before he departed all the ſtory of the Court, which he had compoſed in Fables with Morals upon them; for though this work was his Maſter-piece, yet he had ſhewed it unto very few, becauſe ſince it contained all the Privacies and Gallantries of the Court, he did not think it fit to expoſe it unto publique view: Eſope then being come to ſhew Cleander this pleaſant work, as eſteeming his approbation above all the Court beſides; after he had read over many ingenious Fables, relating unto ſeveral paſſages, Cleander found that which Eſope had made for him: and given in a paper to Cyleniſa, and ſince he underſtood it not, he asked the meaning of it; Sir, ſaid Eſope unto him, I do not think it ſo difficult; for ſome who come ſhort of your wit, and who have not ſo much knowledg of the things it repreſents, have perfectly found out the myſtery of it. Cleander became much more inquiſitive then before, and did ſo urge him to the interpretation of it, that at the laſt he moved him to tell the true meaning of it, and all the paſſages: yet he no ſooner knew it, but having no power to diſſemble his thoughts, Oh Eſope, ſaid Cleander, what have you done? I have done that, replyed he, which perhaps you never durſt do. I do confeſs it (replyed Cleander, who after he had recollected himſelf, would have diſguized his thoughts) for I do not know ſo well as you, how to diſſemble a truth, and I have no mind to tell a lye: However Eſope, ſaid he, if Cyleniſa did beleeve you, and acquainted the Princeſs with your Error, into what a condition have you brought me? But Sir, replyed Eſope, if perhaps it be ſo, that you really are in love with the Princeſs Palmis, and did never acquaint her with it, nor ever would, what condition were you then in? was it not a happy turn for you, that Eſope was ſo bold as to diſcover that which you your ſelf never durſt? No, replyed Cleander, for ſuch a man as I, who knows not what himſelf is and who [Page] has nothing but what is in the hands of Fortune, may very well ſuppoſe, that the Princeſs Palmis will think [...] cannot love her without a moſt manifeſt wrong unto her. Beleeve it Sir, [...] Eſope unto him, that [...] never wrongs a fair Lady in loving her, of what quality ſoever ſhe be, and of what quality ſoever he be that adores her, provided he go no further then love her. But, anſwered Cleander, Eſope by his own confeſſion did love one that was only a S [...]ve. But, replyed he, Cleander in loving a Princeſs, loves a fair Princeſs, and whoſoever is fair, Sir, is certainly one whoſe greateſt delight is to be thought and reſpected ſo: Yes Sir, I will maintain, that a fair Queen does always prefer a ſlave of her beauty, before all her ſubjects which birth only gave her; and a Conqueſt gotten by her eyes, will be a thouſand thouſand times more dear unto her then all the victories ſhe can get with a hundred thouſand men: therefore Sir, though I have made Cyleniſa beleeve you were in love with the Princeſs of Lidia, and though ſhe hath perſwaded her of as much, yet I warrant you, you will never be worſe in her eſteem. Yet I perceived, ſaid Cleander, that about the ſame time you ſay you compoſed this Fable, the Princeſs did treat me with more coldneſs then ever ſhe did before. That is a ſign, anſwered Eſope, you are more in her heart, then ever you thought of: for if ſhe did not fear you, and if ſhe did not indeed fear her ſelf, ſhe would never fly from a man whom ſhe eſteems very much. I pray think Sir, ſaid he and ſmiled, that ſince I have taken ſo much pains to find out the natures of Foxes, Tygers, Bears, and Lions, I am not altogether ignorant in the phyſiognomies of fair women, which are a million of millions of times more delightful objects then any wilde Animals; and therefore be aſſured from me, that ſhe hates you not, and that my Fable will one day prove as true in the end as in the beginning of it. Though Cleander knew very well that Eſope was both wiſe and ſubtle, yet he never had power to confeſs unto him that he loved the Princeſs: he only deſired him not to ſhew this Fable unto any, not to ſpeak any more of his errors, leſt he ſhould perſwade others to beleeve them. As they were thus in diſcourſe, I came in; and as ſoon as Eſope was gone, Cleander acquainted me with all their Conference; and told me, that certainly he was the cauſe of the Princeſs being ſo reſerved and cold towards him: he was extreamly deſirous to know the truth: for though her coldneſs to him was an intolerable torment, yet if he were once certain ſhe knew his paſſion, it would be ſome eaſe unto him; for yet he obſerved ſhe uſed neither any incivility nor any ſcorn of him: So after he had well conſulted with himſelf; he reſolved to go and take his leave of the Princeſs, at ſuch a time as when few were with her, and to be cleared of his doubts: he was ſo circumſpect to enquire the fitteſt opportunity, that indeed he found her alone: After the firſt Complements, which related only to his Voyage; and after the Princeſs had recommended the perſon of the King, and the perſon of Myrſiles unto his care; Madam, ſaid he unto her, doubtleſs you will think me moſt preſumptuouſly bold, in beſeeching you to honour me ſo far as to tell me, whether ever I committed any fault againſt thoſe due reſpects which I owe you, and which moved you to leſſen your obliging goodneſs, wherewith heretofore you were pleaſed to honour me withall. It plainly appears, replyed ſhe, that I put abundance of confidence in you, ſince I have recommended unto your care two perſons whom I eſteem moſt dear of all the world. Without all doubt, Madam, I am infinitly obliged unto you for it, replyed he; but Madam, ſince I am perſwaded, that he who loſeth an ineſtimable Jewel, and never miſſeth or complaineth of his loſs, ſeems that he did very little eſteem it; and I think you cannot in reaſon be offended, if I lament the change which I obſerved in my happineſs: yet in all my complaints and lamentations, I do not accuſe you of any injuſtice, but do moſt humbly beſeech you to tell me, what crime I have committed, which might merit that misfortune? Cleander has ſo much wit (replyed ſhe, and both ſmiled and bluſht) that if he have committed a crime, doubtleſs it was with his own conſent, and by conſequence not eaſie for him to repent of it, or neceſſary to accuſe himſelf: But, ſaid ſhe, with a more ſerious countenanc [...], I do not know that ever you did me any ill offices; and if you did obſerve any alteration in my humor, it was only ſince the death of my brother, when I could not have the ſame diſpoſitions to any joys, as before I might have. Madam anſwered Cleander, my misfortune did precede that of that unhappy Prince: Then perhaps, replyed ſhe, I had one fault more then I knew of; and this may be added unto the number of my others, that I am of an ill humor. The Gods preſerve me ſaid he, from accuſing the moſt accompliſhed Princeſs upon Earth, of the leaſt imperfection; No, no, Mdam, you do not, or will not underſtand me: for I do not accuſe you of any thing; but if you find me culpable, I conjure you to accuſe me, that I may repent and correct my ſelf, and that I may ask you pardon for it. Truly Cleander, replyed ſhe, I do not think there was ever any ſo earneſt and deſirous to be thought criminal, as you: but for your ſatisfaction and mine both, take notice of one thing I pray you, which is, that if I do not tell a thing the firſt time that any one asks me, they ask me ever after in vain, for I will [Page] never tell it. Then Madam, anſwered he, ſhall I never know my fault? Search in your own heart for your ſatisfaction, ſaid ſhe, and not in my words: If you be innocent, reſt quiet, for I never do any injuſtice; if you be not, repent and correct your ſelf, but howſoever let us talk no more of it; and be aſſured, that whether you be innocent or culpable, I heartily wiſh you may bring back the King my father victorious over his Enemies, and that your honour may every day grow greater. Since there never ſhall be any thing more dear unto me then to obey you, replyed he, command me ſomething, I beſeech you, wherein I may do you ſervice. It is enough, anſwered ſhe, that I deſire you to have a care of the King my father, and the Prince my brother: if it be not, I conjure you further to have a care of your own perſon, and not to expoſe it unto too many dangers, ſince it is ſo dear unto them. The Princeſs upon theſe words riſe up, and Cleander was forced to leave her, not having any power to ſpeak more plainly of his Love unto her: yet had he ſo much conſolation from this viſit, to know ſhe underſtood his paſſion, and to find her much more affable then ordinary. He departed then with as violent deſires to merit the eſteem of this Princeſs by his high actions, and to render his life as glorious, as his birth was obſcure, that it is no wonder he performed ſuch gallant things in the Epheſian War. I ſhall not make a Relation unto you, Madam, of all the paſſages there: for all Aſia knows, that many Battels were fought, wherein Cleander had all the glory: That afterwards he went to beſiege Epheſus; and though the Inhabitants thought themſelves moſt ſafe by a ſuperſtitious Ceremony of drawing a Line from the old Town to the Temple of Diana, as putting themſelves under her protection, yet they were compelled to render themſelves, maugre the ſtout reſiſtance of a couragious ſtranger who was in the Town. But certainly, to relate things as really they were, the taking of Epheſus was ſo particularly the act of Cleander, that Creſſus had no ſhare in the honour of that Conqueſt; for he being faln ſick, it was Cleander who did all at this ſiege, which was one of the moſt memorable acts that has been heard of: Arteſilas neither had the good fortune to be there, becauſe he was much wounded at the firſt Battel which was given unto the Enemies: Cleander only had the glory of it all, whereof Creſſus himſelf ſent to advertiſe his daughter in a very advantagious manner for him: But as the time of keeping the field was almoſt at an end, and as he was in hopes to return unto Sardis, to reap the ſweet fruits of his victories in the favorable looks of the Princeſs, the Miſſeans, the Dorians, and the Pamphilians did all confederate together againſt Creſſus, who reſolved to prevent them: He ſent then to the King of Phrigia for ayd; but ſince he was engaged at that time with the King of Pontus he denyed him, ſo that he was forced to go upon his own legs. But Madam, the valor of Cleander was become ſo terrible unto all theſe people, that he ended this War as happily as the other, though it was in the Winter time. Since Creſſus ſaw that Fortune ſmiled upon him, he would not ſtay there: but whilſt the King of Phrigia was buſie with the King of Pontus, he entered at the beginning of the Spring into the Dominions of that Prince, preſently after thoſe two Kings had loſt two Battels in one day. So that the King of Phrigia with his broken Troops was conſtrained to return for defence of his own Kingdom, and leave that of his Alies. As this Prince was very gallant, Creſſus found greater reſiſtance from him then he did before, and the valor of Cleander did find a glorious ſubject to work upon. Since Phrigia is not very full of Towns, almoſt all this War was performed in Schirmiſhes and Battels; but they were ſo frequent and ſo glorious for Cleander, that Creſſus could not chuſe but admire how extreamly he was obliged unto Mineceus and my father, for giving him a man of ſo heroique a courage: The King of Phrigia did fight in perſon with Cleander, who thought once to have killed him, but as he lifted up his arm a thought came into his mind, which made him change his blow, and turned it upon another next the King of Phrigia, whom he killed at that blow, ſaying in himſelf, Perhaps I am born a Subject unto that King. In ſhort Madam, after the King of Phrigia was forced to retreat into Apamea, and the ſeaſon of the year growing very bad, Cleander, after he had put his Troops into their Winter quarters, returned unto Sardis, after a compleat year ſince he had been there: 'Tis true, Renown did ſpeak ſo high in his behalf to the Princeſs Palmis, that ſhe could not forget him; yet ſhe would not admit of his paſſion, and I know not whether or no ſhe had ſome kind of fears that abſence had changed his heart. Creſſus was received with high magnificence, and Cleander was looked upon as the Conqueror of many Nations, and in that poſture wherein he came to Sardis, there was none could come in competition with him, but every one eſteemed himſelf happy in his favorable looks. But Madam, in the midſt of all theſe Triumphs, Love did triumph over the heart of Cleander: And he was more terrified that day he was to ſee the Princeſs, then he was in all the days of Battel: for he went to fight in hopes to overcome, but he expoſed himſelf unto the looks of his Princeſs in certainty to be overcome, and in uncertainty of being kindly treated. The firſt addreſs unto her was in the preſence of the King, who in favor of Cleander [Page] told the Princeſs his daughter, that ſhe ſhould regard him as the only Conqueror, and as the greateſt ſtay of his Empire: Cleander anſwered unto this with much modeſty, and the Princ [...]ſs did ſecond the King her father with many obliging civilities. But the next morning Cleander were himſelf alone to wait upon her, and ſhe entertained him, neither with her former freedom, nor her latter coldneſs: As ſhe was grown more fair, ſo he more amorous; and as victories does elevate Souls, and infuſe a kind of handſom boldneſs, which is very much becoming if it be mixed with modeſty, ſo Cleander was grown incomparable more amiable then ever he was; and on the contrary, Arteſilas, much leſs, for his envy at Cleanders glory, did make him of ſo bad an humor, that every one ſhunned him: ſo that he coming unto the Princeſs as Cleander was with her, ſhe did ſo palpably perceive the difference between them, that ſhe could not chuſe at night, in ſpeaking unto Cyl [...]niſa, but wiſh, that Cleander had the birth of Arteſilas, or that Arteſilas had all the good qualities of Cleander. However, though ſhe ſaw he was infinitely honored by all, and Creſſus eſteemed him exceedingly, the Prince Myrſiles loved him moſt tenderly, and thought he was adored by all the world, yet for all this he eſteemed himſelf very unhappy: for when he began to conſider, that he knew not who himſelf was, and that in all likelyhood this incertainty of his birth would be an invincible obſtacle unto an happy ſucceſs in his paſſion, he grew paſt all conſolation, and all additaments of honour did rather increaſe then diminiſh his ſorrows. But Madam, theſe great favors upon Cleander eclipſing Antaleon, that ambitious Prince, who thirſted after the Crown did ſecretly treat with Artaſilas, unto whom he promiſed the Princeſs Palmis his Neece in marriage, if he would help him to kill Creſſus [...]nd the Prince Myrſiles. This Conſpiracy was ſo horrid, that I will not trouble you with a particular relation of it: for when I conſider that a brother would murther a brother and a Nephew, and that a Lover ſhould embrew his hands in the blood of a Father unto his Miſtreſs, I apprehend ſuch horrors, that I muſt needs paſs them over very ſlightly, and tell you, that Eſope, who was yet at Sardis, having ſmelt out this Conſpiracy, did acquaint Cleander with it, who went ſo prudently to work, that he did not only diſcover the whole Plot, but alſo quaſht it: Antaleon was forc'd to fly for refuge to the Phrigian King, but he never reached ſo far, for in his going thither he fell down a Precipice, and ſo hurt himſelf, that within a few days after death became his ſanctuary; for it ſeems the Gods would defer no longer the puniſhment of ſo black a Crime. As for Arteſilas, nothing could be proved directly againſt him; and though afterwards it came to light that he was of the Conſpiracy, yet he ſtayd in the Court as if he had been innocent: 'Tis true, he durſt not any longer ſhew himſelf openly as a Lover of the Princeſs, for if ſhe would have harkened unto any profeſſions of love, Cleander would have been near his happineſs: For Creſſus thought himſelf ſo infinitly obliged unto him for this laſt piece of ſervice, that he eſteemed all his Treaſures too mean a recompence for it: The Prince Myrſiles for his part, being a debtor unto him for his life, thought him worthy of all things; ſo that though he knew Cleander was in love with the Princeſs his ſiſter, yet he would never take any notice of it. In the mean while Cleander, not being able to live and not have liberty to publiſh his love to her who cauſed it, did lead a moſt melancholy life; and the Princeſs alſo, not being able to forbear an expreſſion of too high an eſteem of Cleander, was extreamly troubled: For ſaid ſhe one day to Cyleniſa, |Though this eſteem do me no other hurt, but to hinder me from loving him whom my Father would have me marry, is not that too much? and ought I not to wiſh that I had never ſeen him? As I think, ſaid Cyleniſa, that would be an unjuſt wiſh, and Cleander perhaps has more reaſon then you, to wiſh he had never ſeen your beauty. You know Madam, that the King is his Debtor for many victories, and you your ſelf do owe him for the lives of two Princes who are moſt dear unto you; but as for him, I do not ſee, that he is obliged unto you at all, for truly you uſe him very coldly, becauſe you are obliged to him, and you wiſh you had never ſeen him, becauſe he is very handſom and amiable; there is not much reaſon or juſtice in theſe wiſhes. I beleeve, ſaid the Princeſs, and ſmiled, that Eſope has ſuborned you to help to make his Fable true; As Cyleniſa was about to anſwer, the Captain of the Guard unto Creſſus, who always loved Antaleon very well, though none perceived it, and who by that conſequence had not over-much love for Cleander, came to the Princeſs to tell her a piece of news which he thought deſerved a recompence, though perhaps it would not be pleaſing. Madam, ſaid he unto her, I beg your pardon for coming to tell you a thing which doubtleſs will much trouble you, but ſince by knowing it in time you may perhaps find a remedy, I therefore no ſooner knew it but I came to acquaint you. The Princeſs thinking it to be ſome new Conſpiracy, thanked him for his zeal unto her ſervice, and deſired him to ſpeak the buſineſs. Madam, replyed he, the buſineſs is ſo ſtrange, that I dare hardly tell you, for truly I was told by an Officer of the Kings houſe as a very great ſecret, that the King has a deſign to marry you unto Cleander, to the end he may aſſiſt the prince Myrſiles, [Page] to ſupport the Sc [...]pter after his death: he ſeemed to be fearful you would not conſent unto it, becauſe the original of Cleander was not known; this refuſal of yours he ſaid would anger him very much, but he would never force you unto it. Therefore Madam, conceiving you might prevent ſo great a miſery by a couragious reſiſtance, I came in all haſte to tell you what I knew concerning this ſtrange deſign, for knowing your great Soul as I do, I beleeved you would never conſent unto ſuch a thing as would be ſo diſhonorable unto you, as this. The princeſs Palmis, being extreamly ſurprized at this mans diſcourſe, and not knowing what to think of it, thanked him for his zeal, and told him ſhe would ſee him recompenced: but ſhe conjured him to obſerve two things; the one, not to ſpeak unto any one whoſoever of this buſineſs which he told her; the other, not to accuſtom thoſe who are under his charge, to dive into the ſecrets of Kings, or at leaſt not to diſcover them; that in the mean time he might beleeve, ſhe would carry her ſelf in the buſineſs, as reaſon and vertue required. Here Madam, may be admired the capricious humor of Love, eſpecially in the ſpirits of the wiſeſt perſons. The princeſs Palmis did infinitly eſteem Cleander, and perhaps did love him with tenderneſs enough: Yet as ſoon as ſhe underſtood that Creſſus would have her marry him, the obſcurity of his original did ſo much trouble her mind, that ſhe knew not what reſolution to take: She would not have Cleander leave loving her, and yet ſhe would not have him tell her that he did love her; and ſhe could by no means conſent to marry one that was not known what he was: Yet his vertue is ſo tranſcendent and apparent (would this Princeſs ſay) but his birth is ſo obſcure, that he himſelf knows not what it is: For all that Madam (would Cileniſa ſay) you know he is worthy of all things; he is owner of as many virtues as the greateſt Prince upon Earth can wiſh to have; his valor has ſet him above all the King your fathers Subjects; if all his Conqueſts were really his own, as all the glory of them is, he would be one of the moſt puiſſant Princes in all Aſia: The firſt Kings Madam, ſaid Cyleniſa, perhaps were not extracted from ſo good a houſe as Cleander; for truly, I have heard ſay, he was found in a moſt rich Mantle, made of the pureſt Cloth of Gold; the Picture of his Mother and himſelf was ſet in a moſt manificent Border, which are ſtrong arguments his original cannot be baſe. He may perhaps be born of parents rich enough, replyed the Princeſs, yet that is not enough to ſatisfie me: I know Cyleniſa, that birth and death is alike to all, both Kings and Subjects; and that the vanity to boaſt of Predeceſſors, has but a bad foundation; but yet for all that, this illuſtrious Chimera, which flatters up the hearts of all men, is ſo univerſally eſtabliſhed throughout all the Earth, that it is not contemptible. But yet Madam, ſaid Cyleniſa, it muſt be confeſſed that birth only is not very conſiderable: for if the ſon of the greateſt King in the world were in love with you, and ſuppoſe he had all imaginable faults, and not one good quality, certainly you would never love him: all the Grandure of his illuſtrious Grand-fathers and all their vertues, would not invite you to eſteem him. 'Tis very true, ſaid the Princeſs, I ſhould ſcorn him and hate him more then another who had not the ſame vices, yet upon ſome reaſon of ſtate I could marry him; yet Cleander being ſo accompliſhed as he is, does doubtleſs merit my eſteem, but yet being no Prince, nor knowing ſo much as whether he be of a noble Race, I could not chuſe, according to the common Maxims of the world, but allow ſome place in my friendſhip, yet never ſhould have any thoughts of marrying him. I know Madam, ſaid Cyleniſa, that all the world thinks as you ſay; but you Madam, who has a Soul above the vulgar reach, and who can ſee things as really they are in themſelves, not as the multitude looks upon them, what do you think? may you not well imagine that Cleanders vertue and the Kings command will prevent all blame, when you obey him without reſiſtance? Ha Cyleniſa, ſaid ſhe unto her, what queſtions do you ask me? and how do you think I ſhall anſwer you? My heart and my reaſon are at ſuch odds, that I need ſome time to conſider which of theſe two I ſhould ſatisfie; therefore for the preſent I cannot tell you which I ſhall chuſe, or what I ſhall do: for truly Cyleniſa I do not know my ſelf. This was the Conference between them: for though Cyleniſa did not make me her Confident concerning the intereſts of her Miſtreſs, yet being my Couſin we were very friendly one to another, and ſhe bore a particular affection un [...]o Cleander for my ſake, becauſe ſhe knew that my Fortune and Timocreons did inſeparably depend upon his, and therefore he rendred in common between us both his liberality, and his good offices. Cleander alſo though he knew it not, had a good Soliciter of her to the princeſs Palmis, and her adviſe was always in advantage of Cleander, in ſo much as her coldneſs towards him, which was his greateſt torment, did inſenſibly leſſ [...]n, ſo that flattering up himſelf, by this happy change, the cauſe whereof he was ignorant his hopes began to revive and comfort him; and preſently after, growing more bold in the buſineſs, he rendred his Complements unto the Princeſs with leſs circumſpection, though ever with equal reſpect: he viſited her very o [...]ten, and talked to her with leſs fear: yet I do not think that he would ever have been ſo bold as openly to declare [Page] himſelf unto her, if the illuſtrious Cyrus, who at that time was only Artamenes, had not given him an occaſion, and thus it was. Creſſus, knowing all the paſſages of the Ponteon and Bithinian War, and all the glorious Acts which the famous Artamenes did there, he had alſo a greater deſire to enquire of what Nation a man of ſuch extraordinary valor was. Thoſe who had this Commiſſion, told him, that it was not known; and further told him, how he cauſed the King of Pontus to be releaſed; and how the Princeſs Mandana was carried away by a ſtranger called Philidaspes, who was unknown as well as Artamenes, and who alſo was very gallant; adding further, that it was ſaid this Philidaſpes was ſon unto the Queen of Aſſyria, and diſcovered by a Letter which he had written unto one of his Intelligence, which Letter was intercepted. Creſſus told all this unto the Princeſs Palmis, as news which was ſomething pleaſant, ſpeaking unto her with much admiration of all the great things done by the illuſtrious Artamenes. As ſoon as he was gone from the Princeſs, Cleander came in; and ſince her mind was full with what the King had told her, ſhe began diſcourſe with him, and asked him many particulars, which ſhe had not asked the King: Conceiving that he was preſent when all this news was told unto the King; For my part, ſaid ſhe, I wiſh this Philidaſpes, though he be ſaid to be the ſon of a King, were puniſhed for the violence he hath done; and I would have Artamenes, though it be not known what he is, recompenced for his vertue. Methinks, Madam, ſaid Cleander, I ought to thank you for him, being unknown as he is, and I conceive this conformity ought to intereſt me in what concerns him. His condition (ſaid the Princeſs) is not equal with yours, for as I underſtand by the relation made unto the King, he known where he was born, and you neither know where you were born, nor what you are. Cleander ſighed at this diſcourſe of the Princeſs, who fearing ſhe had incenſed him, made haſte to ſpeak again. No, no, Cleander, ſaid ſhe, grieve not ſo much at your misfortune; for though you do not know your quality, yet all the world knows you deſerve the higheſt: And I wiſh to the Gods, for the honour of our houſe, that you were my Brother; and I am ſure the Prince Myrſiles will not be offended at my wiſh. It would be moſt glorious and obliging for me, Madam, replyed he; but for all that, Heavens forbid it ſhould be ſo, for I had rather be as I am, then be Brother unto the adorable Palmis. Do you know what you ſay? replyed ſhe; and do you not fear to offend me? Yes, Madam, I do fear, and fear it much more then you have reaſon to do: But truly, ſince I am reſolved to be ingenious, I muſt needs confeſs unto you, that I had incomparably rather be all my life a Slave unto the divine Palmis, then to be her Brother, or to be the greateſt King upon Earth; Yes Madam, I think thoſe fetters which enchain me ſo ſweet and glorious, though heavy, that I would not change them for all the gliſtering D [...]adems of the Univerſe. Cleander, ſaid the Princeſs to him, it ſeems you know me no better then you do your ſelf, for if you knew who I am, you would not uſe ſuch language. Pardon me, Madam, I beſeech you, replyed he, I know you are the daughter of a great King; that you are the faireſt Princeſs in the world, and the moſt virtuous; but I know alſo that I am the moſt miſerable man upon Earth, becauſe I am the moſt amorous. If I did not think you were beſides your ſenſes, ſaid ſhe unto him, I ſhould treat you after another manner. No Madam, ſaid he, do not deceive your ſelf, the love which I have to you permits me the uſe of my reaſon, and my ſenſes clearly, and I know moſt certainly that I ought to hope for nothing, nor do I ask any thing but a little compaſſion; for I dare not be ſo bold as to ask that which would be a remedy unto my miſery, but that only I ask which would comfort, not cure me. The King my Father, ſaid the Princeſs unto him, is ſo much your Debtor, and I alſo, that I am reſolved not to argue againſt you, though in reaſon I ought to do it: but let me tell you in leſs anger then I could, that if what you ſay be not true, though your boldneſs deſerves I ſhould forbid my ſelf ever ſpeaking with you again, yet I will forget your crime, and pardon you; but if to your misfortune there be any truth in your words, I ſhall not treat you ſo favorably. How Madam, replyed he, will you puniſh me more ſeverely for telling you an inſolent lye, then for telling you a moſt reſpective truth? I ſhall do more then that, anſwered ſhe, for I ſhall puniſh my ſelf for your crime, though I am not acceſſory to it. Alas Madam replyed he, if I am culpable, you have made me ſo, but in the name of the Gods Madam, do not condemn me upon ſo ſlight a ground; You have heretofore had ſo earneſt a deſire to know whether I was in love, and whom I loved, when the Prince Atis told you that I would not feign affection unto Anaxilea; that I did not think it ſo great a wrong to tell you the truth once in my life: Conſider Madam, I cannot in juſtice be accuſed of what I now diſcover unto you; for can it be a Crime to be overcome by one who is able to overcome the whole Earth? You ought at the leaſt to hide your defeat, replyed the Princeſs. I hide it from all the world, replyed he, knowing well that my misfortune is ſo great, that it is a ſhame unto my illuſtrious Conqueror: but for you Madam, I do confeſs I had a great deſire to diſcover [Page] it unto you: But Madam, if I can obtain ſo much from your goodneſs, as to pardon me this firſt crime, I will promiſe you to regulate my life ſo for the future, as it ſhall pleaſe you, and to ſhut up the violence of my love in my own heart. Do ſo then, ſaid ſhe unto him, and be ſure, that not one of your actions, words, or looks, may ever call into my memory the fault which you have committed this day: and I am reſolved to forget and forgive it, if you will do as I would have you, and as I ſhall appoint you. I ſhall do the utmoſt of my endeavours to obey you, Madam, replied he; but in the name of Heavens do not treat me as one that is innocent, but as one that was criminal, and you have pardoned him.

The Princeſs not being able to tolerate this conference any longer, took her leave of Cleander, being not leſs incenſed againſt her ſelf then againſt him, becauſe ſhe thought ſhe had not ſpoken ſharp enough unto him: Since he does not know, ſaid ſhe, that the King has a deſign in his advantage, what will he think of me? for hearkening unto him with ſo few ſignes of anger? And have I not ſome reaſon to fear that my over indulgence has blotted out that eſteem which he had of me? Yet, ſaid ſhe, and reprehended her ſelf, I being his debtor for the King my fathers life, and for my brothers, it were not juſt to be ſo ſevere unto him as his boldneſs deſerved: but indeed, ſaid ſhe further, whoſoever is Cleanders father, perhaps he may be of ſuch a quality, as would make me bluſh for ſhame, if I knew him, that he ſhould be ſo bold as to tell me he loved me, and I not baniſh him for ever: Ah my heart, cried ſhe, thou haſt betrayed me. For the truth is, I do love Cleander more then I thought, or ought to have done: But ſince it is ſo, I ought to learn by my own experience, that Cleander is not ſo much to blame; for ſince I cannot hate him when I would, he is excuſable, if he cannot leave loving me, when I deſire him. Let him love me then, ſaid ſhe, ſo he love me in ſecret; and tell me no more of it: but yet though ſhe was not well reconciled with her ſelf upon this point, yet ſhe was ſo ingenious as to confeſs as much unto Cyleniſa, unto whom ſhe related all her thoughts, when they were together. The truth is Madam, the illuſtrious Cleander did carry it ſo judiciouſly, and with ſo much reſpect and diſcretion to the Princeſs all that Winter, as indeed ſhe was conſtrained to let her heart yield unto that innocent paſſion, which would needs command it; yet ſhe did not let it appear unto Cleander, but under the notion of ſolid and ſincere friendſhip: alway telling him, that it muſt be always carried ſo; becauſe there was an invincible obſtacle unto his happineſs: for (ſaid ſhe to him one day, after he had obtained a revocation of that cruel Sentence, to ſpeak no more of his love) if you did meet with no other hinderances of your good fortune, but becauſe I do not eſteem you, or but becauſe I eſteem another more then you, or but becauſe I am inſenſible, time might very well alter all theſe: for I do ingeniouſly confeſs, that I find in your perſon, and in your mind, all that is requiſite to obtain my eſteem: you have rendred me an hundred thouſand ſervices in the perſon of the King, and in my own; I am perſwaded that you love me: my own inclination is not to hate you; and every thing except one only, contributes to faſten our friendſhip: But Cleander after all theſe, all Aſia knows, that you know not who you are, and it were a miracle if you ever did; therefore we muſt engage no further, but keep within the limits of friendſhip; not that I eſteem you leſs, or thinks that your original deſerves not to be high, but I do acknowledg unto you my weakneſs: Since all the world is not of my mind, I can baniſh out of my ſpirit ſome fears of being blamed, if it ſhould come to be known, that I reſerve a private room in my heart, for one that is not known who he is? Therefore Cleander in regard unto my honour content your ſelf with my friendſhip and eſteem: Love me in the ſecret of your heart as much as you will (ſaid ſhe and bluſh [...]) but never expect any more from Palmis then offices of friendſhip. I find ſo much reaſon in your expreſſions Madam, replied he, and ſo little ſatisfaction to my ſelf, that I know not how to anſwer: for as concerning my original, Madam, I have no Index to find it out, but only a moſt ſtrong perſwaſion that it is not baſe, becauſe I am ſo bold as to love you, and to love you without any manner of ſcruple. Yes, divine Princeſs, I find in my ſoul ſuch a kind of noble pride, as perſwades me, that I may adore you, and do you no wrong, yet ſince this proof is only convincing unto my ſelf, I ask no more, then what you are pleaſed to conſent unto; and as long as you do not forbid me loving you, I ſhall never complain: for Madam, the eſteem which I have of your merit is ſo great, that though I were the Son of a great King, I ſhould not think my ſelf worthy to ask your affection but upon my knee. Things ſtanding upon theſe terms, although the Princeſs did carry her ſelf towards Cleander with extream reſervedneſs; yet talking with him oftner then uſual in private, and love being of ſuch a nature as cannot be long hid, eſpecially where there is inequality between th [...] parties, Arteſilas began to perceive, that there was ſome alteration between them, and within a few days after, he did not queſtion, but Cleander at the leaſt▪ was in love with the Princeſs Palmis, ſinc [...] [Page] himſelf was but courſly treated: Jealouſie did rowſe up his heart in a very violent manner, he kept the buſineſs cloſe, becauſe he would firſt clear his ſuſpitions: But after an obſerving eye upon Cleanders actions, and aſſuring himſelf that he was his Rival, conceiving alſo that he was the only cauſe of the Princeſs her ſcorn upon him: he began to have a moſt ſtrong a verſion to Cleander, and intended to put affronts upon him, and to quarrel with him upon the firſt occaſion; That which was a quicker ſpur unto his deſign, was, becauſe he knew Cleander would ere long go to command the Army, and finiſh the Phrigian war: but how hot ſeever he was to quarrel, yet for ſome days he could not bring it about, becauſe Cleander was feldom with any but the King, or the Princeſs, unleſs ſomtimes with the Princeſs of Claſomena. As he was one day coming from her, Arteſilas met him, & ſpeaking very coldly unto him, I have ſought you ſeveral days, ſaid he, but I could never meet you, unleſs with the King, or Princeſs, in whoſe preſence you are continually. Had I known your intentions replied Cleander with the ſame coldneſs, though very civilly) I ſhould have come to you to know your pleaſure. Perhaps if you had known it, anſwered Arteſilas, you would have been ſo far from coming to me, that you would not have come to the Princeſs of Claſomena. Since I do not uſe to ſhun either my friends or my enemies, anſwered Cleander, I know no reaſon you ſhould ſpeak in that manner unto me. I know leſs reaſon you have, replied Arteſilas, to carry your ſelf as you have done of [...]. Since I have ever followed the rules of reaſon, anſwered Cleander, I do not know how I have misbehaved my ſelf. When you came firſt unto Sardis, replied Arteſilas, it was not eaſie to foreſee that your frequent viſits of the Princeſs would afterwards prejudice me, or that a man of your quality ſhould be ſo bold as to oppoſe ſuch a one as my ſelf. My quality (replied Cleander, much incenſed) is indeed unknown to me; but I had rather be received by the Princeſs for my own vertue, then for my quality only, though it were higher then yours. You may do well to think of your own, replied Arteſilas, and let mine alone: if you do not, I ſhall find out ways to remember you; therefore let me find you no more with the Princeſs, if I do—How Sir, ſaid Cleander, and interrupted him, force me not to lay aſide thoſe reſpects which perhaps I ſhould have paid unto your quality, and remember that men of carriage cannot brook to be threatned by any but the Gods only. But you ſhall ſuffer the threatnings of a man, replied Arteſilas, and perhaps find ſuch effects of it, as ſhall not pleaſe you, unleſs you correct your ſelf. Provided that our Swords be equal, replied Cleander fiercely, the inequality of our conditions ſhall not hinder me from preventing you; But Sir, do not prophane the name of the Princeſs in ſuch an occaſion, as ſhe ought not to be introduced: if you have any ſecret hatred to me, revenge your ſelf generouſly: and do me the honour to tell me with your Sword in your hand, whether it be nature or fortune which puts a difference between us. You ſhall know that preſently (replied Arteſilas, and drawing his ſword, as well as one ſervant which was with him) ſo that Cleander having but his ſervant with him alſo, the fight was upon equal numbers, though with unequal ſucceſs: for Cleander being animated by his love, by his jealouſie, and by the angry language of Arteſilas, did fight with ſuch fury, that this Prince, as gallant as he was, had a hard task to reſiſt him: ſince Cleander feared, left ſome ſhould come in to part them, he dallied not; but driving blow after blow upon his enemy, without any defending himſelf, he preſſed ſo hard upon him, that he loſt his judgment, and could neither defend himſelf, nor aſſault his foe: Not that Arteſilas wanted any courage, but becauſe the miraculous valour of Cleander ſurprized him, and put him into diſorder: he was wounded at the firſt in two places, without any touch upon Cleander; who after he had given him two other wounds, he cloſed with him, threw him upon the ground, and took away his ſword; Then after he had diſarmed him, Do you acknowledg, ſaid he, that you have ſome cauſe [...] think my birth is not inferiour unto yours? or do you not at the leaſt confeſs, that if there [...] any difference between us, it is fortune only which made it? Arteſilas was ſo wounded, an [...] aſhamed at his defeat, that he had not power to anſwer. At the ſame time ſome women which belonged to the Princeſs of Claſomena, ſpied them out of a window, at the beginning of [...] Combat, and ſent ſome men to part them. But they came not in till all was done; Cleand [...] ſervant wounded the ſervant of Artefilas, whoſe ſword was broken. Abradates came in alſo, who cauſed the Prince Artefilas to be carried unto his houſe, and who went with Cleander unto his lodging: not letting him go unto his own until he knew the cauſe of the Combat, and how the King would receive the news: Since Creſſus loved Cleander very well, and never loved Arteſilas at all, it was no hard matter to perſwade him, that Arteſilas was the Challenger, ſo that he ſeemed to be much incenſed againſt him for affronting one who was ſo [...] and high in his eſteem: The friends of Arteſilas did ſweeten the matter, and told the King th [...] the anſwers of Cleander did exaſperate him, and ſince neither of theſe two Rivals did na [...] [Page] the Princeſs; ſome ſcornful words which Arteſilas ſpoke concerning the birth of Cleander, paſſed for the ground of the quarrel.

In the mean while all the Court came to viſit him, excepting the kindred of his Enemy, and ſome of them alſo forſook him, and offered themſelves unto Cleander, whom the Princeſs ſent privately to viſit and rejoyce that he was not wounded, not knowing yet what was the cauſe of the Combat, every one thinking that it was becauſe Arteſilas did treat him as an unknown man from whence he had his original: Nothing elſe was talked of; Thoſe who had heard a hundred times how he was found, ſtill enqu [...]red and related it: The Princeſs her ſelf deſired my Father to make an exact relation of it; How he ſaw him floating in a Boat with one woman could not weild it; how he ſent Sailors to ſuccor him; how he ſaw the Child in a Mantle made of Cloth of God; how ſhe who was with him was dumb; how ſhe held in her hands a Picture, where this Child was repreſented, as Cupid is uſed to be drawn, and with him a fair Lady, which ſeemed to be his Mother by thoſe Verſes which were written underneath; and how this dumb woman dyed: The Princeſs, who never durſt ask to ſee this Picture, did prevail with the oppoſites to her curioſity, and deſired Timocreon to ſend it unto her, which he did, and it was I who carried it, unknown to Cleander, for he ſtayed with Abradates, until ſuch time as it was known whether Arteſilas would recover of his wounds, one of them being very dangerous. The Princeſs bluſht when ſhe took the Picture, not being able doubtleſs to receive the Picture of him ſhe loved without confuſion, though it was only the picture of a Child, yet a Child pictured like a God: As ſhe was always uſed to admire all beautiful things, ſo ſhe admired at this Picture, which indeed was very admirable, and obſerved how Cleander ſtill retained a great reſemblance of what he was then; but ſhe was charmed with the beauty of the Mother, whom ſhe commended with leſs ſcruple then ſhe could the ſon, though ſhe could not commend the one without the other, becauſe there was a moſt perfect reſemblance: ſhe thought the invention of the Picture and the Verſes very pleaſant; and I obſerved, that ſhe looked upon the magnificent Border of that Picture with much delight, becauſe it was an in [...]allible teſtimony that the birth of Cleander was not mean; and always extreamly commending the Limner who drew this Picture, ſhe asked me whether Timocreon would truſt her with it for a few days, that ſhe might ſhew it unto ſome of her friends? You may imagine, Madam, that I denyed her not, and that it was not long before I acquainted Cleander, that the Princeſs deſired to keep his Picture; But he anſwered me, that he ſhould think himſelf much more happy if ſhe would give him hers, ſince the one was only a bare effect of her curioſity▪ and the other would be an argument of her affection. Whileſt things ſtood upon theſe terms, News was brought that the King of Phrigia was drawing into the field: So that Creſſus commanded Cleander to prepare himſelf for a March; which he did the very ſame hour, ſending his Train before him; The King by vertue of his ſupream Authority did reconcile Arteſilas and him the next morning. At the ſame time, a Phrigian man of good quality who was an Exile came unto Sardis to treat concerning the Ranſom of a Priſoner of War, and ſince his name was known, and that he was a man of ſpirit, Creſſus received him very well, and aſſured him that if ever there was a Peace made between him, and the King of Phrigia, he would make his in particular with that Prince.

Thimettes (for that was the Phrigians name) had not been long at Sardis, but he went to preſent his ſervice unto the Princeſs; and coming to her one day when ſhe was in her Cloſe,, whileſt they went to acquaint her he deſired to ſee her, he ſaw upon the Table in her Chamber this picture of Venus and Cupid which I told you of before: yet he no ſooner ſaw it, but taking it up he ſeemed to be extreamly ſurprized; he read the Verſes; he obſerved the Border, and looked upon it moſt preciſely; and having no power to leave it, he asked Cyleniſa who gave this Picture to the Princeſs? She, knowing it was not a thing to be made a ſecret on, told him the whole truth in few words, whereat he ſeemed much moved: But Cylaniſa imagining that his ſurprize was only at the novelty of the adventure, ſhe made no reflection upon it: Thimettes contenting himſelf alſo with telling her that this Picture deſerved to be carefully kept: When he was told [...]he Princeſs was at leaſure, he went to ſee the Princeſs, but his viſit was not long: As ſoon as he came out from her, he went unto Cleander, who was returned to his own Lodging ſince Arteſilas grew better, and ſince they were reconciled: yet he could not go ſo ſoon as he intended, becauſe he met with a man in the way, who acquainted him with great news, as afterwards we came to know: but after his buſineſs was done with this man, he went to Cleander, who imagined that Thimettes came to viſit him only as the Kings Favori [...]; and when he deſired [...] with him in private, he ſuppoſed it was to ſpeak with him concerning his intereſts with the King of Phrigia, knowing that he was the next day to go unto the Army: As ſoon as they were together in private, Sir, ſaid Thimettes unto him, I have ſuch [Page] ſtrange news to tell you, that I know not whether I ſhall be beleeved at the firſt, though I do aſſure you that the illuſtrious Cleander, as unknown as he is unto all the world and to himſelf, is yet the ſon of a great King. Thimettes (ſaid Cleander, much amazed, and not daring to beleeve him) If I ſhould credit my own heart. I ought to give credit unto your words; but if I look upon all appearances, I muſt needs doubt of what you ſay. It is moſt certain though, replyed Thimettes, that you are Son to the King of Phrigia, and as certain as I am his Subject. How, ſaid Cleander, am I Son to the King of Phrigia whom I fought with, and whom I am going to fight with again? Yes Sir, anſwered he, you are ſo; and ſo certainly, that you ſhall not doubt of it, if you will but take the pains to hear me. Speak then Thimettes (ſaid Cleander haſtily) for you tell me ſuch welcome and ſuch ſtrange news all at once, that I cannot too ſoon know the truth, and that I may know whether joy or ſorrow be my Fate. Sir, replyed Thimettes, I cannot utter ſuch great things as I have to tell in few words, and the Crown which I bring you may well allow me a quarter of an hours patience: Be pleaſed to know then Sir, that the King your father who raigns at this day, who whileſt the late King lived was called the Prince Artamus, being deſperately in love with a Lady whoſe name was Elſimena, who was of a Noble blood, but not a Princeſs; and he uſed all his endeavors to make his affection acceptable: But ſince this Lady was as vertuous as fair, and yet as fair and fairer then any in either High or Low Phrigia, ſhe refuſed the paſſionate addreſſes of this Prince with much conſtancy, ever telling him, [...]hat as his love was vicious, ſo he ſhould find her rigorous. I ſhall not relate unto you Sir all the particulars of this love; only tell you, that the Prince Tydeus, brother unto the King your father, and unto the Prince Adraſtus who dyed in this Court, though then at that time a child, was his Rival, and were obnoxious one unto another, and this Lady bebehaved her ſelf with ſo much prudence between them both, that her wiſdom was admired by all he world: I had then the honour to be in favor wi [...]h the Prince Artamus, and to be the Confident of his paſſion. I happened one day to be with Elſimena, who was then at Apamea, when theſe two Rivals were both there, and when without any diſſimulation of her thoughts ſhe told them, that he whom ſhe would prefer ſhould doubtleſs be him who gave her the beſt teſtimonies of a vertuous paſſion; which they might have time enough to do, ſince both of them told her, that they could not marry her during the life of the King their father: However, ſince ſhe loved the Prince Artamus, better then ſhe did the Prince Tydeus, ſhe made a vow to ſend offerings unto Delphos, if it would pleaſe the Gods whom they adore to inſpire him with a deſign to marry her: ſo that whether it was the vertue of this vow, or that the prince Artamus grew more in love, he reſolved to marry her ſecretly: and I was a Witneſs of the Marriage, with four others of quality who lived there: It was ſolemnized in the ſame Temple where the Gordeon Kno [...] is kept, this amorous Prince reſolving that this union ſhould be more indiſſolvable then it. The buſineſs was very ſecretly done, and the Sacrafizer was abſolutely gained, that no rumors of it ſhould be divu [...]ged: and Elſimena treated the Prince her husband before the world, as if he were not ſo much as her Lover. But to free her ſe [...]f from the perſecution of the prince Tydeus, and to enjoy in more freedom the converſation of the prince Artamus, who was much more amorous after marriage then before, ſhe went to dwell with her mother at a Caſtle on the Sea ſide, whether the Prince came often unto her, unknown unto any, faigning divers ſmall Journeys, or Huntings, to colour his abſence; and I often went with him. Never was paſſion more violent then his, nor better grounded, for certainly Elſimena was a miracle of beauty, wit, and vertue. But Sir, ere long this Princeſs was with child, and preſently after gave you life: The prince Artamas was over joyed to have a Son: Some reports went about the world of his marriage: The prince Tydeus had two or three fallings out with his brother about it: The King had heard of it; and abſolutely forbid Artamus from ſeeing Elſimena, ſo that he could not viſit her without much difficulty; for he had ſo many watching eyes upon him▪ that he was not Maſter of his own actions. However Sir, you live, and have ſuch a perfect reſemblance of the Princeſs your Mother, that I never in my life ſaw two faces more like, that were of a different Sex and age. Since the prince Artamas could ſee Elſimena but very ſeldom, he appointed me to procure her picture, ſo that carrying an excellent Painter unto the place where ſhe was, ſhe would ſend him the picture of her Son as well as of her ſelf; The device of the Drawer was to paint a Venus and a Cupid, the one to reſemble her, the other you: The conceit did ſo pleaſe the Princeſs, that ſhe cauſed two to be made, intending to ſend [...] unto the Prince▪ and to keep another her ſelf: but ſince the Prince was ſtill a Lover as well as a Husband, he cauſed thoſe Verſes which you have ſeen to be written at the bottom of both pictures: The Verſes were writ in Greek, becauſe the Princeſs then learned that language, which was much in uſe among the Ladies of quality in Apamea, who had any reputation of wit. [Page] Mean while the King of Phrigia dyed, and the prince Artamas, being elder then either the prince Tydens, or the prince Adraſtus, ſucceeded in the Throne, and was in a condition to crown Elſimena his Queen: As ſoon as the Funerals of the King his father were ſolemnized, he publiſhed his Marriage, and magnificent preparations were made to receive the Princeſs at Apamea; to acknowledg her Queen before all the people, and by conſequence to declare you his legitimate Heir and only Succeſſor. This great Feaſt was ſo near, that the ſtately Coach which was prepared for the Princeſs at her entry was gone unto her; and I ſent every thing requiſite, and neglected not ſo much as a Mantle made of Cloth of God, in which you were to be wrapped that day of his Ceremonies; but alas Sir, the day was pitifully diſturbed: for two days before her departure, ſince all things were in readineſs for her ſtately entry, and the King your father joyed beyond all expreſſions, being gone towards the Princeſs, to teſtifie his ſatisfaction unto her, I met upon the way men who came to advertiſe, the King, that ſome had ſurprized the Caſtle the might before; had carryed away the Queen your mother and you, and alſo all which was of value in that place, where there was things of great conſideration, for all the Jewels of the Crown were there, Artamas having ſent them unto his dear Elſimena, ſince he was King: I leave you to judg Sir, how I was amazed: Since I was not far from the Caſtle, I went unto it; and I underſtood by the Mother of Elſimena, who dyed for grief within a few days after, that men in Arms who were unknown had ſurprized it, and had carried the Princeſs and you, with all the rich Booty, into a Ship, but none knew which way theſe Raviſhers went, becauſe it was night, having plundered the Caſtle ſo clean, that they left almoſt nothing in it: However, this ſad news muſt be carried unto the King, who received it ſo ſadly, that I thought he would have loſt both his Life and Reaſon: he cauſed a moſt ſtrict ſearch to be made every where, to ſee if it could be diſcovered who were the Actors, but all in vain: He ſent ſeveral Ships at random to ſeek about. He much ſuſpected the Prince Tydeus, both as his Rival and as an ambitious man, who had in one day taken from him his Succeſſor, and the perſon whom he loved as well as he did: but having no proofs againſt this Prince, who never had ſtirred from Court, nor ſo much as any pregnant conjectures, he could not accuſe him: Tydeus ſeemed to be much troubled at the lo [...]s, and the King your father was forced to endure a miſery, without having ſo much conſolation as to know whom he ſhould be revenged upon, nor of whom to complain. After this he ſtill made a diligent enquiry, and continually grieved for his dear Elſimena, never giving ear unto any that motioned him to a ſecond Wife, and having no other comfort but in the picture of his deareſt Elſimena. However, he could never have any confidence in the prince Tydeus [...]nce that time; who often left the Court; made many journeys, and at the laſt went to dwell in the Lower Phrigia. I ſhall not tell you Sir, how the prince Adraſtus going to viſit him had the misfortune, as he was ſhooting in his Park, to kill him with an arrow, without any deſign of it, for I know you are not ignorant of it; and thus the Juſtice of Heaven, which ſees that crime no man could ſee, did puniſh him in ſuch an extraordinary way. But give me leave to tell you, that ſome of my enemies, with much injuſtice falling upon me in the Kings preſence, and procuring his diſpleaſure, I was forced to abſent my ſelf for ſome time, and I had not come into this Court, but only to endeavor the liberty of a Nephew whom you took priſoner in the laſt Battel, and not with intentions to bear arms againſt the King my Maſter. Mean while Sir, I no ſooner ſaw you with the King of Lidia, but I found ſome features in your face which did ſo freſhly revive the image of your Mother in my mind, that me thought I knew you: yet the longneſs of the time ſince, and the little appearance of any truth in my thoughts, cauſed me not make no further reflection upon it: for I had heard you were one whom Fortune had raiſed, but I never did particularly know you, nor who you were. But Sir, as I was with the Princeſs, I chanced to ſee that Picture which I cauſed to be made, and which that dumb woman gave unto Timocreaon; this did ſo extreamly amaze me, that I knew not well what the Princeſs thought of my odd converſation, my mind being at ſuch diſtraction at it: At my coming out from her, as if this day were a day of Prodigies, I met an old man who knew me, and who at the firſt I knew not; he deſired to ſpeak with me in private concerning ſome matters of conſequence: after a ſerious look upon him, I remembered that I had ſeen him about the prince Tydeus, ſo that wondering to ſee him at Sardis, I gave him hearing. Then Sir, he told me, that ſince he had already one foot in his grave, and ready to render an account unto the Gods of all his crimes, he would endeavor to merit a pardon by an ingenious confeſſion, which he would make unto me. After this he diſcovered, that the late prince Tydeus his Maſter, was the man who cauſed the Princeſs El [...]mena and you to be carried away, out of ſome humors of jealouſie, rage, ambition, and revenge, finding ſome ſweetneſs in depriving his Rival of the only perſon he loved, and much more in taking away from him a Succeſſor, by that means to aſſure [Page] himſelf of a Crown, or at leaſt render himſelf more conſiderable in the Kingdom, ſince he ſhould be looked upon as one who hereafter ſhould be King: for he believed the King his Brother could never forget Elſimena, nor would ever marry again. This man told me then that he was the chief in the Enterprize: That the Prince Tydeus appointed him to go and dwell in one of the Iſles of Cyclades which was leaſt peopled, and to keep Elſimena from ſpeaking unto any whoſoever, intending to put neither her, nor you to death, becauſe he thought that if his crime ſhould be diſcovered, he had a moſt certain way to ſave his life, being Maſter of yours, and of the Queen your Mothers.

This man whoſe name is Acrates, told me then, that obeying his Maſter, he carried away the Princeſs Elſimena, and you, and that he took with him all the riches in the Caſtle, But leſt he ſhould be diſcovered, he took but one woman of the Queens to wait upon her, and placed none about her but a dumb Slave which he had, who was not able to reveal his ſecrets. He confeſſed that when he was come unto one of theſe Cycladean Iſlands with this deplorable Princeſs, he ſold the Ship in which he brought her: and he remained poſſeſſour of all the riches which ſhe had, with three of his Complices. He did proteſt unto me, that he did not treat her rigorouſly, but that ſorrow did ſo change her countenance that ſhe was hardly knowable; he further told me, that the Prince Tydeus, ſeeing he was not accuſed of his crime, and that in all likelihood, the King his Brother ſhould never know it, he changed his mind, and reſolved to put the Princeſs Elſimena, and you to death, fearing leſt in tract of time, that which once he thought would ſave him, ſhould now ruine him: ſo that he ſent orders unto Acrates to put you both to death: giving all the treaſures to him in recompence, and to his three Complices. As for the Souldiers and Mariners which helped to carry her and you away, they were all ſtrangers, and knew not about what they were imployed. The Souldiers being of kind of Moſtroopers, and the Mariners Pirats; men eaſily invited to any bad imployments without ſo much as asking what it is. So theſe wicked Villains, after they had ſeized upon all which reſiſted them in the Caſtle, and brought you to this Iſle, they diſperſed themſelves, having received their wages before they committed the crime, and left none with Elſimena, but a dumb Slave, and theſe four men. Acrates then having received theſe orders, did aſſure me that he reſiſted his companions as much as he could, yet being but one againſt three, he could not prevail with them, and could do no more but acquaint Elſimena ſecretly, that they had received commands to put her, and her Son to death; and that theſe men maugre his reſiſtance, would ere long execute it: he added further, that this unfortunate Queen being ſick, did not take any care for her ſelf, but all her thoughts was to preſerve your life: That ſhe took you in her Arms, and after ſhe had kiſſed you with eyes ſwimming in tears, ſhe put you into the hands of the dumb Slave, making ſignes unto her, that ſhe ſhould go and carry you to Delphos, for Elſimena being lodged by the Sea-ſide, they could ſee that Iſle out of their window: Moreover that ſhe took the picture, which they had left her, and writing ſome lines upon it in haſte, ſhe gave it unto this Slave: he ſaid, that this mute woman, finding a Mantle of Cloth of gold (in which you ſhould have been carried that day on which your Mother ſhould have been crowned) and wrapt you in it: that going haſtily out in the beginning of the night, Acrates following her at a diſtance, ſhe came unto an old fiſherman, conjuring him with all her ſignes to carry her unto Delphos, giving him for this wages a jewel which ſhe had. In the mean time, the unfortunate Elſimena did ſo grieve at her misfortune, that her Jaylors did not need either ſword or poyſon to make her die; and ſhe fell into ſuch a mortal paſſion, that ſhe never revived: The Funeral of this deplorable Princeſs was the next day performed without any Ceremony, Acrates further ſaid, that the abſence of this child did much perplex them: and upon enquiry they could hear no more, but that the mute woman had taken boat, wherein was only an old fiſherman to guide it: who being put off a good way from the ſhore (where the wife of this fiſherman ſtood) he reached to the Rudder ſo far that he fell into the Sea, and was drowned, becauſe he was too old, and too weak to ſwim: ſo that the boat was left to the wind and the waves. Acrates related further, that when his companions returned to the houſe, and could not find neither the child, nor the ſlave, they ſuſpected him as acceſſory to her flight; but he ſaid, he diſſembled it ſo well that they altered their minds; alſo flattering themſelves in their crimes, they believed this Infant would periſh in the boat which had no Pilot to guid it: ſo that after they had divided the treaſures, and ſent unto the Prince Tydeus, that the mother and the child were dead, they parted one from another, and every one took his ſeveral courſe. As for Acrates, he came to Sardis, where he has lived a moſt diſcontented and melancholy life, notwithſtanding his riches: he added further, that ſince the Combate between Arteſilas, and you, hearing of the obſcurity of your birth, and likewiſe underſtanding in what manner Timocreon [Page] found you, he made no doubt but that you were ſon to the King of Phrigia; but he ſaid, he could not reſolve to confeſs his crime unto you; yet ſeeing me, he could not hold, but muſt needs diſcover it, to the end he might find the King of Phrigia a Succeſſour, ſince there was no more of his Family left. So Sir, ſaid Thimettes, I have no more to ſay, but to deſire you that I may have the favour to ſee the paper which this Princeſs writ, for I underſtand that Timocreon hath it. Cleander was ſo amazed at this Relation, that he could hardly anſwer him: yet at laſt ſending for my father, and that he ſhould bring the paper which the mute Slave gave him, he inſtantly came, and gave it unto Cleander, who gave it unto Thimet [...]es. But he no ſooner ſaw it, then crying out, and holding up his hands; Ah Sir, ſaid he, I need not open it, to know whether it be the hand of the Princeſs Elſimena; for I know this Seal which I ſee upon it. In ſaying ſo he opened it, and reading theſe words, This Infant is recommended unto the God which is adored at Delphos: he read it over again; Doubt it not Sir, ſaid he, make no queſtion but you are Son to the King of Phrygia: Theſe Characters are ſo exactly the hand of the Princeſs Elſimena, that nothing in the world can be more certain, ſince I know her hand, and her Orthography: for I think I have carried an hundred Letters from this Princeſs to your father, who was often times pleaſed to ſhew them unto me, delighting to ſee me admire at the wit of Elſimena, who writ admirable well in any ſtrange language. Moreover Sir, I may perhaps ſhew you one thing which is very ſtrange; be pleaſed to know Sir, that a while before he married her, ſince he was pleaſed to give her ſome aſſurances of his affection in writing, he writ upon a kind of paper, the invention whereof was mine, which is not common: for Sir, after that one hath written what one pleaſeth, one may cover the Characters with a certain Compoſition put upon the paper, which will make it ſeem as if nothing were writ upon it, yet when one pleaſeth, one may eaſily take that off which covers them, and cover it again at ones pleaſure: ſo that if my memory fail me not, it was this paper which I carried unto the unfortunate Elſimena, which contained the firſt aſſurance which the Prince Artam [...] gave her, that he would marry her: ſince it was her cuſtom to cover again all the Letters which the Prince did write unto her, after ſhe had read them, that ſhe might thereby keep them more ſafely: It is requiſite that I ſhew it unto you, then going to the fire, he took away, that which hid the Chaacters of the King of Phrygia's Letter unto this amiable Lady, and he read aloud theſe words:

The Prince ARTAMAS, unto the incomparable ELSIMENA.

AT the laſt, Love hath overcome all cruel Reaſons of State, which did oppoſe my happineſs: And though I were aſſured, that by marrying you, I ſhould loſe that Crown which I am to wear, yet would I reſolve upon it, and bid the other adieu; for I make no compariſon [...] you, and all the Crowns in the world: yet I hope the Gods will preſerve it for me, [...] may make you a Queen: In the mean time Thimettes hath Orders to ask that Lady [...] gave you life, and is to diſpoſe of you, when it is her pleaſure I ſhall be happy: The Sacrificer of Apollo's Temple has promiſed me to be ſecret and faithful: and I do aſſure you, my dear Elſimena, that the never to be untied knot which is kept there, will ſooner be looſed, then that which ties my heart unto your ſervice.

ARTAMAS.

After that Thimettes had read this Letter, See Sir, ſaid he to Cleander, whether you can wiſh any more to inform your knowledg: look upon the writing of the King your father, and of the Queen your mother, which will remove all ſeruples of doubt. Moreover (ſaid he in looking upon the paper a little nearer) I perceive ſome dim line of the Queens own hand, which is diſcovered in coming near the fire, which doubtleſs was covered by the ſame ſubtle compoſition, without any intention, which by ſome chance was poured upon it, and warmed by the heat of the Sun, when the Slave had it in the Boat: And indeed, looking upon that place, where it was written; This Infant is recommended unto the God which is adored at Delphos: there was to be ſeen following; Who without doubt will reſtore him to the King of Phrygia his Father. Cleander was ſo aſtoniſhed, Timocreon was ſo glad, and Thimettes eſteemed himſelf ſo happy, at the diſcovery of ſuch an important buſineſs, that all three knew not how to expreſs themſelves. My father cauſed the Cloth of Gold Mantle to be brought in which the child was found in the boat, and which he carefully preſerved; but Thimettes before he ſaw it, deſcribed it ſo preciſely, and all things found ſo exactly as he ſaid them, that there was no ſcruple, [Page] nor objection to be made; and as oft as Thimettes minded the reſemblance between Cleander and Elſim [...]na, he wondered that he did not at the firſt know him to be ſon unto the King of Phrigia. But Sir, ſaid he unto him, after I have told you your Quality, it is requiſite I let you know your firſt Name; and that I tell you it was your fathers pleaſure, to give you the ſame with himſelf: ſo that you muſt change the famous name of Cleander, for that of Artamas, which is your own.

After this, Cleander would needs ſee Acrates, and hear from his own mouth the relation of his Crime; aſſuring Thimettes, and him alſo, that he would pardon him: However, ſince there was War between the King of Phrigia and Creſſus, it was not thought expedient to divulge the buſineſs: And Cleander, who had ſecret deſigns, which Timocreon was ignorant of, after he had embraced him, and told him, that he was no leſs a Debtor unto him for his life then he was unto the King his Father; after, I ſay, a thouſand thankful expreſſions unto Thimettes and him, he deſired them to leave him at liberty unto his private thoughts, not intending yet to treat Thimettes as a Subject unto the King his Father, nor look upon Timocreon but with his accuſtomed reſpects. Since I knew not what had paſſed, I came into the Chamber, when theſe perſons went out, and ſince he had truſted me with all his ſecrets, & diſcovered unto me all his ill fortunes, it was his pleaſure I ſhould participate both of his good and bad fortune: So that ſtaying me with him, and after he had in ſhort related all unto me, as I began to rejoyce that he was the ſon of a great King; Ha Soſicles, ſaid he unto me, how heavy do I th [...] this Crown, though yet it be not upon my head? for truly I ſee many croſs and many agreeable Conſequences of it. I conceive, replyed I, that ſince the Princeſs Palmia can deſire no more in you then an illuſtrious birth, you have reaſon to be ſatisfied, and hope to be happy. You do not conſider Soſicles, ſaid he unto me, that as ſoon as I tell I am the ſon of a King, ſo ſoon do I tell her that I am the ſon of her fathers Enemy: Moreover, do you not conceive that Croſſus thinks I ought to depart within theſe two days at moſt to go and fight the King of Phrigia? and Soſicles, how do you think I can go and tell him, that I neither can nor ought to go? May I not expect after this, that he will look upon me as Nephew to the Murtherer of the Prince his ſon? and indeed Soſicles, is there not more cauſe to fear that this ſeeming good fortune will cauſe me real miſery, then there is to hope for any end of my miſeries? If I go unto the King my father whom I have fought againſt, whom I have overcome, and whom I thought to kill with my own hands, is there not ſome reaſon to think, that he will expect the ſame valor which has been ſo fatal unto him, ſhould reſtore him that which it hath gotten from him? and yet can I ſo much as think of fighting againſt my Benefactor, and which is more then that, the Father of the Princeſs Palmis? Alſo, knowing as I do, that I am the King of Phrigia's ſon, ſhall I ſtay any longer in the Country of Creſſus? May not the King my father diſclaim me, and not acknowledg me his ſon, if I ſhould continue fighting, not only for my Enemies, but alſo againſt him? Yet Soſicles, I am put to this croſs neceſſity: Oh, I wiſh to the Gods that my Princeſs, who does not hate me as unknown, would not hate me when I am known unto her: But Soſicles, if my Princeſs cannot find a way to reconcile all theſe contraries, but ſhall think that to be her Lover, and the ſon of her enemy, are two qualities incomparable, I am reſolved to renounce the Throne, and without ever aſſuming the name of Artamas, contin [...] Cleander eternally. But Sir, ſaid I unto him, as long as you are Cleander, you muſt fight againſt the King your father. Ah Soſicles, ſaid he, the Combats already with him, have cauſed ſuch horror in me, that though I would fight again againſt him, yet I think my hand would not obey me: Did I not tell you, that I was not ſo happy as you thought me? Oh moſt cruel Fortune, canſt thou not preſent me with my benefit [...], but thou muſt poyſon them? Do but admi [...] my fortune, Soſicles: The King of Phrigia and the King of Lidia never had any Wars between them until within this year: ſo that it my birth had been diſcovered at any time then this, I had been abſolutely happy. Moreover, do you not conſider, my Deſtinies would needs have me to be the ſon of that King only, againſt whom Creſſus had declared War? Therefore muſt it not needs be confeſſed, that my fortune is very odd and ill, and that it is not eaſie to [...] it any better? But whatſoever fall, I ſhall for ever love my Princeſs, and ſhall think, that good fortune conſiſts only in the enjoyment of her heart.

As Cleander was thus thinking, a Meſſenger came to tell him that Creſſus asked for Man, and had received news, that the King of Phrigia was entered into his Dominions. I leave you to judg Madam, how this went againſt his mind, yet muſt he go unto this Prince, and did ſo; but he was ſo puzzled to anſwer him, that Creſſus perceived ſomething did trouble [...] mind, and asked what it was, but Cleander did not tell him; for ſince yet he had not ſeen his Princeſs, he knew not whether it would be her pleaſure he ſhould: he anſwered h [...]m then in [Page] obſcure words; yet ſince the Phrigian War did wholly take up the mind of Creſſus, he took no notice of them; he told him, that he muſt needs depart within this day or two to vanquiſh his Enemy, who ſeemed to have a deſign to conquer his Conqueror: But Cleander, ſaid he unto him, I would have you remember, it is the laſt Victory which gives the Prize to all the reſt; and for your part, I know you have ſo much glory and honour to preſerve, that you are no leſs intereſted then my ſelf in the good or bad ſucceſs of this War. After this he took his leave of him, and told him, that he would go and bid adieu unto all his friends. Cleander being glad to be rid of a converſation, which was ſo troubleſom, went unto the Princeſs, who beleeving that he came to bid her adieu, no ſooner ſaw him enter into her Cloſet, where ſhe was alone with Cyleniſa, but addreſſing her ſelf unto him, Though I do not doubt, ſaid ſhe, but you go to overcome your Enemies, ſince you go to fight them; yet ſince you cannot do that without hazard of your life, and without leaving me, I cannot ſee you depart without much ſorrow. Madam, anſwered he and ſighed, Victory is ſuch a thing as I ought not to think upon, and when you ſhall know what I have heard, ſince I had the honour to ſee you, I am ſure you will be of my opinion. How Cleander, ſaid ſhe unto him, have you offered any Sacrifices unto the Gods which have not been accepted? or has the Gods forewarned you by any ſiniſter preſages of ſome ſad accident? The Gods Madam, replyed he, have let me know the beſt and moſt agreeable news in the world in appearance, ſince they have let me underſtand by a marvellous accident of what quality I am: But in the name of the Gods Madam, I do heſeech you, do not hate me when you ſhall know it. The Princeſs was much amazed at this diſcourſe, and knew not how to anſwer him: yet imagining that his only reaſon was becauſe he had found himſelf of ſome mean quality, ſhe anſwered him in theſe terms, though in much impatience: Since your virtues are the ſame ſtill, of what quality ſoever you are, I do aſſure you I ſhall always eſteem you the ſame; and though the knowledg of what you are may make me change my manner of living with you, yet it ſhall never change my heart. Since it is ſo Madam, ſaid he unto her, I ſhall not fear to tell you, that I am ſon to the King of—How Cleander, ſaid ſhe, and interrupted him, what pleaſure can you have in making me ſad? Why would you have me buy ſuch welcome news with ſo much ſorrow? You ſhall ſee Madam, replyed he, that the buſineſs is not ſo well as you imagine, when you ſhall underſtand that the Prince who gave me life, is the ſame King of Phrigia whom you commanded me to vanquiſh, and that it is not lawful for me to fight againſt him. And then he told her in as ſhort a method as he could, how Thimettes had ſeen the Picture of Venus upon her Table; how Cyleniſa had told him in what manner it was found; and made relation of all he knew from Thimettes and Acrates, and neglected not any circumſtance which might juſtifie his quality unto the Princeſs, who did harken unto him with much attention and joy, though mingled with ſome unquiet thoughts. After he had ended his relation, As terrible an Enemy as you are, ſaid ſhe unto him, I eſteem you ſo much, as that I would not have you unknown Cleander again, but much rather you were the Prince Artamas: Not but that I do foreſee the angry Conſequences which this glorious Quality may bring upon you; but yet the King of Phrigia and the King my father may happily conclude a Peace, and then you could not poſſibly be the ſon of a King unleſs you had been born ſo: But, ſaid ſhe, what do you deſign? for I conceive that the thoughts of the Prince Artamas will not concur with the thoughts of the unknown Cleander. The thoughts of Cleander, ſaid he unto her, are not changed, ſince he knew he was the Prince Artamas: But I do not know whether the Princeſs of Lidia's mind be changed or no. Doubtleſs it is, replyed ſhe, for I ſhall be more civil towards the Prince Artamas, then I was to Cleander. That is not the queſtion I ask (ſaid he unto her) I only deſire that you would be pleaſed to continue the ſame goodneſs unto me, as you did before, and that you adviſe me what to do, for truly I ſtand in great need of it. They ought to be more prudent, and leſs intereſted then I am, anſwered ſhe, who can give you any good counſel. Then abſolutely command me what is your pleaſure I ſhould do, ſaid he unto her, for I make no queſtion but that you will have a care of my honour in your Commands; and therefore my divine Princeſs, I will preſcribe no limits unto you, but abſolutely refer my ſelf unto your Commands: Speak then Madam, I conjure you, and tell me, what is your pleaſure ſhall become of me? How can I diſobey Creſſus, who would have me go and fight, and vanquiſh the King of Phrigia? how can I do all this, ſince I have the honour to be Son unto that Prince? The Gods preſerve me, ſaid ſhe, from giving you any ſuch counſel. I expected no leſs from your virtue, ſaid he unto her, and give you thanks for not putting me unto ſo dangerous a Teſt, nor force me to diſobey you, nor becoming the moſt criminal amongſt men: And ſince Madam, you are pleaſed to conſent that I ſhould not fight againſt the King my father, I am [...]ully reſolved never [Page] to fight againſt yours. I do conjure you to do ſo, ſaid ſhe unto him, by the affection which you have promiſed me. There needs not ſo ſtrong a conjuration, anſwered he, for certainly I ſhould never have done it, though I had never promiſed you: But Madam, I ſee very well what I ought not to do, but I do not yet ſee what I ought to do, and yet I muſt do ſomething, and reſolve upon it preſently, for the King will needs have me depart within this day or two; all my men are already upon their March: the Troops which I muſt command are perhaps already in the King of Phrigia's hands; and the leaſt delay may prove fatal unto me. Tell me then Madam, would you have me diſcover my ſelf unto the King your father? or would you have me go and make my ſelf known unto the King of Phrigia? and that I endeavor to move him unto a Peace, whileſt you tranſact the ſame with Creſſus? Pronounce my doom, I beſeech you, but whatſoever it be, do not baniſh me from your heart, nor exile me a long time from you. Then ſaid ſhe, and ſighed, I muſt know how to do miracles, ſince under them there is no poſſibility of contenting you: for ſince the condition you are in permits me with more fitneſs to open my heart unto you, I ſhall tell you one thing which will make you wonder, and which will grieve you both, which is, that if you had ſtill continued in uncertainty of your birth, at your return from this Battel, it was the King my fathers pleaſure, that he who ſhould marry me, ſhould help the Prince Myrſiles to govern after his death, and ſupport the Scepter after his death, and was reſolved, if I can tell it you without a bluſh, to make choyce of you, and engage you unto it by his alliance. Oh Madam, ſaid Cleander, ſince it is ſo, let me not be a ſon unto the King, ſince I do not wiſh to be ſo, but only to obtain that honour. No, ſaid the Princeſs, and though ways could be deviſed to prevent your fighting againſt the King your father, none could be deviſed to hide your illuſtrious Birth, Thimocreon, Thimettes, Soſicles, and Acrates would never keep that ſecret which would deprive you of a Crown, neither do I my ſelf deſire it: But that which moves me to tell you this, is to let you ſee it would be in vain to diſcover your ſelf unto the King my father; for I underſtand this morning from the ſame perſon who gave me the firſt intelligence of it, that ſeveral ſtranger Princes have made offers of Marriage unto him, and his anſwers to them all was, that he was reſolved, as I told you before, to marry me unto one, who ſhould hereafter aſſiſt my brother to govern. How Madam, cryed out Cleander, is the quality of a Kings ſon, which I ſo much wiſhed, becauſe I thought it abſolutely neceſſary to obtain that happineſs which without it I could never hope for, is it then an invincible obſtacle unto my felicity? Ah Madam, if it be, then I reject a Crown, and had much rather be Cleander then Prince Artamas. I do not directly tell you, replyed ſhe, that this obſtacle is invincible; but I ſay it is a great one: Moreover, ſince it is permitted me to diſcover my weakneſs unto you, I muſt confeſs, I could hardly reſolve to marry a man whom all Aſia thought to be of a mean original: Therefore let us tranſact as we ought, and leave the reſt unto the providence of the Gods. This abſolute reſignation, replyed Cleander and ſighed, denotes thus much unto me Madam, that all my affection, all my cares, and all my ſervices, have obtained nothing from you but this, that you permit me to love you, without your hating me: But Madam, if you will with a little more tenderneſs towards me, conſider it, you would find, that it is not ſo eaſie a matter to do what one ought, or to know what ones duty is. Yet I think, replyed ſhe, that as long as you neither: fight againſt the King your Father, nor mine, you cannot be much blamed. But Madam, anſwered he, I do not ſee how I can do that, unleſs I diſcover my ſelf unto the King, and by his conſent ſend unto the King of Phrigia. It would be difficult, replyed ſhe, for the King your father to know you are his ſon unleſs he ſee you, eſpecially not knowing you to be in his Enemies Country: Moreover, do you think that the King my father will be contented to loſe both the Conqueror and the Conqueſt in one day? do you not apprehend more probability that he will incline more unto Policy then Generoſity in this buſineſs? No, no, ſaid ſhe, I will not counſel you to that. What will you then adviſe me unto, Madam? replyed he. Since Timocreon, replyed ſhe, knows the ſtate of your fortune, diſcover unto him the ſtate of your affection unto me alſo: I know him to be wiſe and generous; and he will not adviſe you unto any thing which ſhall be diſſerviceable either to the King his Maſter, or your ſelf.

At the laſt, after much ſuch diſcourſe as this, Cleander ſent to ſeek my father; and alſo let the Princeſs ſee Thimettes and Acrates ſecretly; and he ſhewed unto her the Letters of the King of Phrigia, and the Queen his wife. After much conſultation upon the beſt courſe, it was reſolved that Cleander ſhould depart without diſcovering any thing unto Creſſus; that my father and I ſhould accompany him; that Thimettes and Acrates ſhould go this voyage alſo; That after one days journey from Sardis, Cleander ſhould ſend one of his ſervants unto Meneceus, with a Letter for him, and another for the King, which he ſhould preſent unto him, [Page] by which he ſhould diſcover his birth, and aſſure him that he will never act any thing againſt his ſervice, nor forget his benefits: That he ſhould write alſo unto the Prince Myrſiles, unto Mexaris and Abradates, that they ſhould addreſs themſelves to the King in his behalf: That in the mean time they ſhould ſtay upon the Frontiers of Phrigia, and ſend Timocreon towards the King his father, to acquaint him with the ſtory, and to beſeech his favor unto Thimettes and Acrates, who was as generous in his Repentance, as he was weak in committing his Crime, by the Commands of his Maſter: That Cleander when he was made known ſhould endeavor to move the King his father unto Peace; and that the Princeſs as well as Meneceus ſhould on their ſide endeavor the ſame with the King of Lidia. After theſe Reſolves, ſhe reſtored the Letters back unto Timocreon, who loving Cleander no leſs then if he had been his ſon, was ready to engage his utmoſt in his ſervice. Since all theſe Conſults and Meetings could not be, but ſome Spies which the Prince Arteſilas always kept about the Princeſs would perceive it, he was preſently acquainted with it. Moreover, ſince Cleander had not bid his laſt adieu unto the Princeſs Palmis, he endeavored to obtain leave to ſpeak in private with her: and in order to that, the next morning at her return from the Temple, Cleander went unto her, and talked near two hours with her, where ſuch paſſionate diſcourſe paſſed, and ſhe returned ſuch generous and obliging anſwers, not derogating from that exact virtue whereof ſhe made profeſſion, that Cleander, as amorous as he was, could not complain, though all he could obtain from her was, that ſhe engaged her ſelf to eſteem him as long as ſhe lived. This ſeparation was ſo tender on both ſides, that it was impoſſible for Cleander to purge his eyes from that profound melancholy which had ſeized upon him: ſo that thoſe who obſerved it by orders from Arteſilas, acquainted him with what they had ſeen. Then he knowing of all theſe ſecret meetings of Timocreon, Thimettes, Acrates, Cleander, the Princeſs, and my ſelf, he conjectured that there was ſome cloſe deſign in hand: [...]e employed all inventions that he could poſſibly deviſe, to diſcover what it might be: He ſuborned one of my Fathers domeſtique ſervants with money, and by him he underſtood that my father was preparing for a Voyage, and carried with him all his beſt things: Alſo he found out that Cleander had ſent in all haſte to command his men back which were gone into the Army: he learned further, that he had layed Poſthorſes in five or ſix places which was not the way unto the Army: Indeed, he had gathered ſo much, as he perſwaded the King by one of his friends, that Cleander had ſome deſigns to betray him; that my father and I did the ſame; and that this Conſpiracy was plotted by Thimettes, who ſeemed (as this friend of Arteſilas ſaid) to be out of favor with the Phrigian King, that he might be leſs ſuſpected in this Court, and that he gave out he came only about the Ranſom of his Nephew: That it was apparent Acrates, that Phrigian, had ſome great deſign in hand, ſince Thimettes and he were gone from Sardis before he had releaſed his Nephew, which he ſaid was all his buſineſs: That Timocreon did not think his goods ſafe here during his abſence: yet Arteſilas ſpoke not a word againſt the Princeſs, but acquainted the King with all he could againſt my father. But Madam, the buſineſs was managed with ſo much ſubtlety, that building a moſt apparent Conſpiracy upon theſe grounds. The next morning Cleander being ready to take his leave of the King, having already bid adieu unto the Prince Myrſiles, Mexaris, Abradates, and alſo Arteſilas, and as he was embracing Eſope, who came to receive his Commands, Timocreon, Acrates, and my ſelf being in his Chamber, that ſame Captain of the Guard, who had heretofore advertiſed the Princeſs of the King of Lidia's deſign, came and arreſted Cleander, Thimettes, Timocreon, Acrates, and my ſelf. I leave you to judg Madam, how we were all amazed: Cleander deſired to be carried unto the King, but it was not permitted; but they carried him with us into the Cittadel of Sardis, lodging us in ſeveral Chambers. In this great diſorder, my father was ſo prudent and happy, that he appointed one of his ſervants, unperceived by any, who carried thoſe things which might be uſeful for the manifeſtation of Cleander, and ſecretly put them into the hands of the Princeſs: However, the Impriſonment of Cleander was an excellent ſalve to cure Arteſilas, who began to ſtir abroad within few days after. I will not inſiſt upon relation of the great amazement of the Princeſs, o [...] of Cleander: Nor will I tell you the wonder of Creſſus, that he ſhould beleeve a man ſo generous as Cleander was, and one unto whom he was ſo much obliged, ſhould betray him. But I ſhall tell you, that Cleander, enquiring of thoſe about him, what crime would be layd unto his charge, underſtood how the reports in Sardis were, that he intended to betray the King; to forſake his Country, and revolt unto the King of Phrigia. Knowing then what the Crime which would be charged againſt him was; and knowing alſo that his innocency could not be known, but by acknowledging the truth; and ſince he could not deny a great part of thoſe things which would be charged againſt him, he reſolved upon it, and [Page] ſent word unto the King by him who commanded the Cittadel, that he beſeeched him to ſend ſome perſon unto him whom he might truſt with a buſineſs of importance: Creſſus conceiving it advantagious for him that Cleander ſhould repent and confeſs his crime, ſent Meneceus unto him, ſuppoſing he would diſcover all the particulars of his deſign unto him more freely then unto any other.

Since Meneceus did ever love Cleander, and in ſpite of all the Gloſſes which Arteſilas and his friend did put upon their accuſation did never think him culpable, but was fully perſwaded of his innocency; Cleander did juſtifie himſelf, and related all the truth; he diſcovered unto him his birth, and acquainted him with all circumſtances, not mentioning any thing of the Princeſs. And when Meneceus asked him where the Picture and Letters were, and all other things which might juſtifie what he ſaid; he acquainted him that Timocreon had them, and he deſired him to ask him for them. After this Meneceus returned to Creſſus, and related unto him all that Cleander had ſaid: but ſince this Prince had a prejudicated opinion, he gave no great credit unto Cleander's words; yet at the ſolicitation of Meneceus, he appointed him to go unto Timocreon, for the Letters eſpecially which he ſpoke of, becauſe Creſſus had heretofore ſeen two Letters under the King of Phrygia's own hand, and by comparing them together he might judg better of the truth. Meneceus went out to find out Timocreon, who was then forced to truſt him, and confeſs that the Princeſs knew ſomething of Cleanders deſign: for thinking that he unto whom he had given all thoſe things to carry unto the Princeſs, had doubtleſs not failed, he was forced for the juſtification of Cleanders birth unto Creſſus, to intreat Meneceus that he would go unto the Princeſs Palmis for them, and to tell Creſſus that it was a Domeſtick Servant belonging to Timocreon, had givem them unto her. Meneceus who loved my father very well, promiſed him he would, and kept his word: but he was extreamly ſurprized when he came to the Princeſs, that ſhe never ſaw nor heard of this domeſtick Servant, and conſequently never received any of thoſe things, which ſhould have been delivered unto her. Meneceus ſought out for this man with all care, but all in vain, for none could tell what was become of him: ſo that not being able to produce any thing of what he had promiſed to ſhew unto Creſſus, he would not permit him to ſpeak concerning Cleander, as Son to the King of Phrygia, but looked upon it as an impoſture, and a lie, expreſly charging Meneceus not to ſpeak of it unto any, ſo that no reports of it went about the Court. You may imagine in what a ſad condition my father was when he had loſt that which would not only have juſtified Cleander unto Creſſus, but which ſhould have made him known unto the King of Phrygia. When Cleander heard of it, he was extreamly grieved at it: and the Princeſs was ſo full of ſadneſs, that ſhe could not poſſibly hide her melancholy. However, Arteſilas being recovered of his wounds, triumphed over the miſeries of his Rival. The Prince Myrſiles, and Abradates, did verily believe that Cleander was not culpable, but there was ſo much obſcurity in his juſtification, that they could not perſwade Creſſus he was innocent. As for the Prince Mexaris, though he did not think him criminal more then others did, yet it was thought he was not ſorry for his diſgrace, by reaſon of ſome ambitions thoughts; for he imagined that if Cleander were in disfavour when Creſſus died, he might more eaſily exclude Myrſiles from the Throne, and get the Crown himſelf. There was none then which openly tranſacted in the behalf of Cleander, and us, but Meneceus: the Princeſs not daring to be ſeen in it, only doing her beſt in ſecret, and by clandeſtine ways. Eſope yet muſt be excepted, who always ſpoke with boldneſs worthy of much commendations. Thus you ſee, the unfortunate Cleander (guilty in appearance, but really innocent) the moſt miſerable man alive. But what ſorrows ſoever he had to ſee he had loſt all hopes of making himſelf known unto his father, or of ever coming out of priſon, the abſence of his dear Princeſs tormented him above all: and when he thought ſomtimes how near he was unto her, and yet to have no poſſibility of ſeeing her, he was not able to ſupport his miſery with patience: However, Arteſilas who deſired that puniſhment might follow impriſonment, and who was of their mind that ſtood in fear of chained Lions; did every day invent impoſture upon impoſture to ruine Cleander, and ſuch ſcandalous and unworthy reports were ſpread up and down the Town, that the Princeſs were ſtrangely alarum'd at them. She conceived that if ſhe had ſo good a heart as to tell the King ſhe had ſeen theſe things, which would juſtifie the birth of Cleander, it might do ſome good in the buſineſs, but ſince ſhe could not do ſo unleſs ſhe diſcovered that innocent League which was between them, ſhe could not reſolve upon it: but for all that, ſeeing his enemies were not ſatisfied with his impriſonment, but aimed at his life; ſhe overcame her ſelf, and reſolved to do it. But then the difficulty was how to advertiſe Cleander of her intentions to ſpeak unto the King, in caſe he ſhould put it to the laſt extremity; for ſhe feared, that if [Page] he were not acquainted with it, he might contradict what ſhe ſhould ſay, and ſo be himſelf an obſtacle to his juſtification: ſo that conſulting with Cyleniſa upon this Subject, that Lady ſeeing her Miſtreſs in ſuch a well grounded unquietneſs; after ſhe had a while thought upon it, told her ingeniouſly, that the Son of him who commanded the Cittadel in Sardis, had a long time ſhewed himſelf one that was far from hating her; and therefore ſhe verily believed that if ſhe deſired him to do her any good office, ſhe ſhould find him very well diſpoſed unto it, what danger ſoever there might be in the attempt. The Princeſs at the firſt did make ſome difficulty on it, to truſt a young man, and a lover; but at laſt ſince ſhe knew no better expedient, ſhe conſented to imploy him. Since Cyleniſa was my Couſin, I muſt be the pretence of that ſervice which ſhe required from her Lover; and ſince I could not be juſtified unleſs Cleander was, and every one knew that his intereſts were mine, ſhe imagined that Tegeus (for that was the name of Cyleniſa's Lover) would not think it ſtrange ſhe ſhould deſire to ſpeak with him. The truth is Madam, Cyleniſa knew ſo well how to order the mind of Tegeus, that what difficulties ſoever there were to ſpeak with Cleander, he would endeavour it, and indeed kept his word: And he came to tell her the next morning, that if ſhe pleaſed, ſhe might ſpeak with him the night after. At the firſt Cyleniſa could not reſolve upon it, but afterwards Tegeus told her the buſineſs was not ſo difficult as ſhe imagined, becauſe the Gardens of the Palace joyn cloſe almoſt to the Counterſcarpe of the Cittadel, there being a back door on that ſide, and juſt there ſhe might go and ſpeak with Cleander out of a barred window, and very low, which looked that way, only letting down a Draw-bridg which was over the Mote, and under the window, where ſhe might [...] with him very conveniently, without being perceived by any, becauſe he himſelf had the guard of that ſide. Tegeus having made the matter both poſſible and eaſie, Cyleniſa agreed with him, that ſhe would walk very late in the Garden with one of her companions; and when it was the juſt hour which they ſhould agree upon, they would come unto the end of this little bridg [...]: and to give a ſigne that it was they, ſhe would bring a dark Lanthorn, which will hide the light when they pleaſed: The way being thus reſolved upon, Cyleniſa returned unto the Princeſs, to tell her what ſhe had done, but ſeeing the deſigne ſo near, ſhe repented; yet conſidering the danger wherein Cleander was, and that if ſhe ſhould neglect this opportunity, ſhe might perchance not have another, becauſe Tegeus might change his Guard, ſhe reſolved to ſend Cyleniſa to acquaint Cleander with her intentions to ſpeak for him, and that they might not contradict one another in their tales: But when ſhe began to conſider that Cyleniſa might not go alone unto that place, ſhe almoſt changed her mind, becauſe ſhe durſt not confide in any other of her women: Madam, ſaid Cyleniſa, fear and recompence will make any faithful, therefore I beſeech you, let me tamper with one of my Companions; and ſuborn the Porter of the Garden towards the Cittadel, that after ſhe and I have walked together late there, we may go with a dark Lanthorn through the great Cypreſs walk cloſe by the gate which is oppoſite to that bridg, over which I muſt paſs to ſpeak with Cleander.

Ah Cyleniſa, ſaid the Princeſs, your expedient is dangerous: There is no other Madam, replied ſhe, unleſs you will write, and truſt your Letter with Tegeus: yet ſince I am a Couſin unto Soficles, there is leſs danger in my ſpeaking with Cleander, then there is in writing unto him. The Princeſs did grieve extreamly, and not being able to conſent unto what Cyleniſa did propound, ſhe reſolved upon nothing. But Madam, ſaid ſhe unto her, it concerns the life of Cleander. But Cyleniſa, ſaid ſhe Princeſs, it concerns my own honour. I do not conceive it concerns your honour, or your vertue either, anſwered Cyleniſa, and I know not why generoſity ſhould hinder you from doing a good act out of fear to be ſuſpcted for doing a bad one; And the act Madam, though it ſhould come to be known, would rather paſs for an act of charity, then a piece of amorous [...]: and after all this Madam, ſince you are reſolved to ſpeak unto the King, and you know that he would marry you unto Cleander, and that you may well make it known you would ſave him, I cannot ſee there any ſuch hazard in the buſineſs. The Princeſs then thought to write her mind, and truſt the Letter with Tegeus to give it unto Cleander; but when ſhe conſidered of the many matters ſhe had to ſay, and that if by any misfortune this Letter ſhould be loſt, ſhe might prejudice both her ſelf, and Cleander, ſhe gave ever that deſigne, and would neither write, nor let Cyleniſa go, but remained extreamly perplexed: But Eſope coming to ſee her, and telling her, that ſo much ill was ſpoken of Cleander, as he took upon him ſo much boldneſs as to beſeech her, ſhe would protect ſuch an illuſtrious man as he was; and after this he went away but ill ſatisfied with her anſwer, ſhe began to reſolve with her ſelf, and told Cyleniſa, ſhe was contented ſhe ſhould go unto Cleander, and that ſhe left it unto her [...] to chuſe which of her women ſhe would have with her a [Page] But to abridg my diſcourſe, ſince it hath been already too long; Cyleniſa made choyce of her companion, and Tegeus ſent a dark Lanthorn; and after ſhe had received full inſtructions what to ſay, they went into the Garden with the dark Lanthorn, which gave no light but when they pleaſed, and went unto the Cypreſs Walk, cloſe by the back door, towards the Bridg which Tegeus mentioned unto Cyleniſa: but as ſhe told me afterwards, they trembled at every ſtep, and thought twenty times to return back: yet they went on, and being come unto the end of the Bridg, after the Gardener whom they had ſuborned had opened the door, Cylenſia opened and ſhut the dark Lanthorn two or three times as was appointed between Tegeus and her (for they paſſed through the Garden only by the light of the Stars;) immediately after the Bridg was let down, the window opened, and Cleander appeared, or (to ſay better) was heard.

Since this window was very low, Cleander ſpeaking in a low voyce, Is it poſſible, ſaid he unto her, that I ſhould have the happineſs to ſpeak with you, or is it a dream? Speak Cyleniſa, that I may know you, and tell me who is that which is with you. Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, you may well imagine, ſince ſhe is here that ſhe is faithful, therefore not to loſe a minute of precious time, let me haſte to tell you, that the Princeſs is reſolved to ſave your life, and to tell the King your father, that ſhe knows of your birth; ſhe deſired to advertiſe you of it Sir, leſt you ſhould differ, and contradict one another in your relations of it; then Cyleniſa acquainted him with all that the Princeſs gave her in charge, both what ſhe would ſay unto the King her father, and what Cleander ſhould anſwer. How Cyleniſa (ſaid he, after very ſerious attention) does that adored and admired Lady take any care for my life, and trouble her ſelf with ſuch difficulties as theſe? Ah Cyleniſa, I could never imagine it: But if ſhe cannot preſerve it, by any ways but by prejudice to her ſelf, tell her I conjure you, that I had much rather dye then be any cauſe of harm unto her. But Sir, ſaid ſhe, do you think that your death would be pleaſing to her? No, replyed he, I think her too good to have any ſuch thoughts; but my life is ſo uſeleſs, and will cauſe her ſo many ſorrows, that I think it in ſome ſort juſt not to preſerve it by any way which may expoſe her unto the anger of the King her father: aſſure her therefore that I can dye without murmur; tell her Cyleniſa, that I ſhould not be ſenſible of my miſery but for the love of her; and that I do not think my priſon tedious but becauſe I cannot ſee her, and provided I do not loſe her Love, I can contentedly loſe my Crown and my Life alſo. As they were thus talking, a Soldier chanced to hear the voyce of a woman, and went to acquaint the Governor, who preſently took out a Party, ſome went to Cleanders Chamber, others to the window. Tegeus would have oppoſed them, but was not able, and his father cauſed him to be taken: Mean while Cyleniſa and her companion hearing a noiſe, would have fled, and got into the Garden, but they could not poſſible: Then Cleander, ſeeing the Princeſs women taken, and could not help, he both ſpoke and did ſuch things, as might have diſcovered that which he had ſo long concealed. When Cyleniſa ſaw the Souldiers come unto her, and that there was no poſsibility to eſcape, ſhe turned the light of her Lanthorn, and made her ſelf known unto them: they then were much ſurprized, and turned their violence into civility; not one of the Souldiers but had ſeen her a hundred times with the Princeſs, when ſhe came to walk in the Cittadel. Cyleniſa, who certainly had an excellent ſpirit and wit, told them, That the danger wherein I was for the love of Cleander, was the cauſe of her coming thither; that they need not think it ſtrange ſhe ſhould endeavor to ſave her Couſin, by adviſing with him who was the cauſe of his miſery, which way they might make his innocency appear. The Souldiers did harken unto her patiently, and did not contradict what ſhe ſaid: yet they carried her and her companion before the Governor, whom ſhe would have perſwaded to let her go unto the Princeſs, and not to acquaint the King with her being there, but ſhe could not prevail: but on the contrary, ſince he was very exact, after he had placed theſe two women with much civility in one Chamber, and given orders to guard the priſoners very carefully, and his ſon alſo, he ſent to acquaint the King with the paſſage; and ſent alſo to the Princeſs, to ask her pardon for detaining her women, ſuppoſing that ſhe would not acknowledg them after ſuch an act as this. Since it may eaſily be imagined what apprehenſions all theſe Parties had upon this accident, I will not ſtay to relate them: but you may be ſure the Princeſs was extreamly ſurprized and ſad; Cleander was deſperate; poor Tegeus who loved Cyleniſa, feared ſhe would think he betrayed her; Cyleniſa was at her wits end as well as her companion; Creſſus was aſtoniſhed to hear of it; and ſent Orders unto the Governor, whoſe name was Partias, to ſend her and her companion preſently to him; and he did ſo: When Cyleniſa came before him, Is it poſsible, ſaid he unto her, that my daughter ſhould keep one about her, that would do ſuch are act ſo far unbefitting the modeſty of her Sex? Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, appearances are often fallacious; and this boldneſs of mine which ſeems ſo criminal, will perhaps appear [Page] commendable, when you ſhall hear thoſe truths which I ſhall tell you: for Sir, I am a Couſin unto Soſicles. 'Tis true (ſaid the King and interrupted her,) but it was unto Cleander with whom you ſpoke. I do confeſs it, replyed ſhe, for ſince it is by him that Soſicles may be juſtified. I might well ſpeak unto him who might make his innocency known. However it be, ſaid he, do you think my daughter would allow you to go from her at midnight? and do you think I can be perſwaded that you ſpoke unto Cleander only concerning the intereſt of Soſicles? Speak Cyleniſa, ſpeak, I ſay, and tell me ingeniouſly who ſet you a work? Then Paetias whiſpered the King in his ear, and told him, that the Souldiers who heard them ſpeak, and diſcovered it unto him, did often hear the name of the Princeſs both in the mouth of Cleander and hers. The King ſeemed to be much moved at what Paetias told him; for preſently remembering the ſorrows which the Princeſs teſtified at the impriſonment of Cleander, and her endeavors to juſtifie him, he made no doubt but that there was ſome ſecret buſineſs which Cyleniſa would not confeſs: ſo that he ſpoke more ſharply to her then before; yet ſay and do what he could, he could not make her ſpeak a word againſt the Princeſs: But her companion who was with her, bring neither ſo witty, nor ſo bold, nor ſo affectionate as ſhe (the King being adviſed to ſeperate them) he got her by promiſes and by threatenings to tell all ſhe knew: ſhe confeſſed then ingeniouſly, that the Princeſs did know of their coming; but thinking to juſtifie her, ſhe proteſted that it was only out of compaſſion to the priſoners, that ſhe ſent Cyleniſa to ſpeak with them. The King would have made her confeſs what ſhe heard of Cyleniſa's and Cleander's diſcourſe, but ſhe would not anſwer a word to that, for ſhe ſaid ſhe was ſo affrighted to be at that time in that place, that ſhe heard their diſcourſe but very confuſedly, yet confeſſing that the name of the Princeſs was often uſed. There needed no more to diſturb the Soul of the King, who now made no queſtion but that there was a ſecret Correſpondency between Cleander and the Princeſs his daughter: He went unto Cyleniſa again, but with ſuch fury in his words, and ſo much anger in his eyes, that ſhe ſtood in need of all her conſtancy to be undaunted. However, ſhe was carried back to the Cittadel, and the King ſent unto the Princeſs (for by this time it was day) to come unto him, which immediately ſhe did: He no ſooner ſaw her, but he commanded all to withdraw; then looking fiercely upon her, I never thought, ſaid he unto her, that you had a heart ſo baſe, as to beſtow any private affection upon a man that is unknown; upon a man, I ſay, who certainly is of a baſe original, ſince he hath no ſhift but an Impoſture to fly unto to ſave his life, as if he could make the world beleeve he was a Kings ſon; a man who after abundance of benefits which I conferred upon him, would in recompence betray me, and ruine me and my Dominions. When the Princeſs heard her Father ſpeak in ſuch manner, ſhe thought that Cyleniſa had confeſſed all: ſo that having no diſpoſition to deny a moſt innocent truth, and injure it by telling lyes, reſolved to diſguize the matter no longer; Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, it ſeems you think me to be very much in fault, but thanks be unto the Gods I have this ſatisfaction of Conſcience, that I am certain I am not ſo. How, ſaid he, are you not infinitely in fault to hold a ſecret compliance with a grant Delinquent to the State? Should any of my Subjects do as much, he ſhould infallibly dye for it, and judg whether your Crime be not greater then any Subjects can be; you who are my Daughter, and is intereſted in the glory of my Kingdom, and good of my People, and ought to have no other Intereſt but what is mine. Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, if I had any other then ſuch, indeed I ſhould think my ſelf moſt culpable; but ſince I have not, I moſt humbly beſeech you, to give me one quarter of an hours audience to juſtifie my ſelf. The King with much ado kept ſilence, and ſuffered her to ſpeak. This wiſe Princeſs began her diſcourſe with the affection the King had to Cleander in his Infancy; likewiſe with the affection of her Brothers; and the eſteem which ſhe her ſelf had of him, repeating in few words, and much art, all the ſervices which he had done for the King; his Victories, his Conqueſts, and all his hereique Acts: Yet relating all this after ſuch a manner as no ſuſpition might be ſhe affected him, but only as it ſhe aymed at his juſtification and truth; Yet Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him, after ſhe had called into his memory whether he would or no all his obligations unto Cleander) this man, ſo illuſtrious in every thing, to whom the Prince Atis owed his life, unto whom I am a D [...]btor for vours; he, I ſay, ſhould never have moved my heart ſo much at this time, but by two moſt powerful Conſiderations: the one is, becauſe I know you had a deſign to marry me unto him at your return from this War; the other is, becauſe I underſtand his original is equal unto mine: beſides all this, I am moſt certain, that he never had any intentions to be [...]ay you; nor ever had a more violent deſire to acknowledg all your benefits.

The King wondering and raging that his daughter ſhould know of his deſign concerning her Marriage, ſaid unto her, and interrupted her, You ought however to have ſtayed until I had [Page] commanded you to marry Cleander, before you gave him any teſtimonies of your affection: But ſince you are ſo obedient unto my will, that you would have married him if it had been my pleaſure, pray alſo hate him when I would have you; and know, that I will puniſh him for his Crime, and adhere unto no other Intereſt but mine own. Were he guilty Sir, I ſhould with all my heart do ſo, replyed ſhe, but ſince he is innocent, and the ſon of a great King, I think Sir, that I ſhould do you good ſervice in reſtraining you from incenſing the anger of the Gods againſt you by deſtroying a Prince who did never juſtly offend you: For truly Timocreon, Thi [...]ettes and Acrates told no lyes, when they aſſured that Cleander was ſon unto the King of Phrigia; I my ſelf have ſeen all thoſe things, which ſhould have juſtified his Birth: and moreover, I do moſt certainly know, that he would never have took part with your Enemies to fight againſt you. It ſeems you know very much indeed, ſaid Creſſus, and interrupted her, but though you had committed no other Crime then this, to know ſo exactly the ſecret thoughts of ſuch a man as Cleander is, a ſtranger, and a Delinquent, it were enough to deſerve no pardon. But Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, ſince I cannot juſtifie my ſelf in your opinion, unleſs I juſtifie Cleander alſo, and letting you ſee his real right and true quality, why will you not be pleaſed to allow me ſo much patience as to hear me out? Why, ſaid he unto her, would you have me beleeve your words, becauſe you have lightly given credit unto the deceiving words of Cleander? Do I not plainly ſee you are his Confederate in this groſs Impoſture, by which he would make himſelf the ſon of a King, juſt now when he is accuſed of a Crime which brings his life in danger? Where are all the convincing proofs of it? You tell me you have ſeen them, but you ſhew not one: As for this Picture which all the Court hath ſeen, and I my ſelf alſo have ſeen, that argues as much as nothing, nor any thing elſe except the King of Phrigia's Letter: as for that, I confeſs, I have ſeen, and know his Character, and it may be of ſome conſideration: but they will ſhew it ſeems only unto you who does not know it; and will not produce it to ſhew unto me, becauſe I ſhould diſcover its forgery. In a word, Cleander is unknown, and you ought to look upon him no otherwiſe; neither ought you to beleeve that I would have married you unto him, unleſs I had told you ſo my ſelf; and if by reaſon of ſome reaſon in State, I ſhould have married you to him, I know not whether or no you would have willingly obeyed [...]: Moreover, admit Cleander were the ſon of a King, yet you ought not to hold any ſecret intelligence with him: but ſince he ſaid himſelf to be the ſon of my Enemy, was it juſt in you to conceal it from me one minute? Might you not well ſuppoſe, that this very circumſtance of Enemy was enough to prevent all alliance with him? Which way ſoever then I conſider your actions, I find you ſo culpable, and in ſo deep a manner, that I cannot endure the ſight of you: Therefore retire unto your Chamber, and obey my orders without medling any more in the Juſtification. Since my own juſtification is inſeparably linked unto his, replyed ſhe, methinks Sir your command is not juſt. Go (ſaid he unto her) begone, and anſwer no more: but without inſiſting upon your pretended innocency, go and pray unto the Gods, that they will pardon you; for my part I cannot. The Princeſs Palmis would have replyed ſomething, but he would not ſuffer her; and commanded the Lievtenant of his Guard to carry her unto her Chamber, and be reſponſible for her perſon. The Princeſs then ſeeing ſhe could not prevail with the King her father, obeyed with tears in her eyes, and returned to her Lodging, without having the comfort of her dear Cyleniſa, with whom ſhe might condole her misfortunes. Her Chamber becoming now a Priſon, none were admitted, nor permitted to ſee her, no not ſo much as the Prince Myrſiles, becauſe he ſeemed always very affectionate unto Cleander: The Princeſs of Claſſomena deſired it, but was denyed: Abradates endeavored very much to do her ſervice, yet all in vain: The Prince Mexaris, though glad perhaps of theſe diſorders, yet ſeemed very angry at it: The Princeſs Anaxilea, widow of the Prince Atis, remembering what an obſtacle the Princeſs had heretofore been unto her marriage, ſhewed not much generoſity: But as for Eſope, he was conſtant, and ſpoke boldly unto the King, in behalf both of the Princeſs and Cleander: Meneceus alſo was very generous, and ſpoke high, ſo that the King grew angry with him, and employed him no more in his Councels, expreſly forbidding him to publiſh that Cleander was the ſon of a King. As for Arteſilas, though he was a Lover of the Princeſs Palmis, yet her priſon was no great grief unto him, becauſe he hoped that this diſaſterous courſe would make her repent of her affection unto Cleander, and was in hopes to tranſact in her behalf ſo cunningly, as that ſhe might think her ſelf in ſome ſort a Debtor unto him for her Liberty.

In the mean while Cleander hearing the next day by ſome of the Guards, that the Princeſs Palmis was a priſoner: all the ſorrows that ever he ſuffered in all his life, were not comparable to his ſufferings then: he ſaw his fortune was in a pitiful condition: for he knew certainly [Page] that he was the ſon of a King, and had no power to juſtifie himſelf: he appeared ungrateful and guilty towards Creſſus, and was not able to produce any convincing proofs to the contrary: he was in love with the Princeſs, and knew ſhe loved him again, but according to all appearances, he ſhould never be in a condition to enjoy her, or himſelf: he heard ſhe was a priſoner for the love of him; and this laſt conſideration made ſo deep an impreſſion upon his ſpirits, that he valued not all the reſt: until then, he ſuffered his fetters without any deſires of breaking them: but when he heard ſhe was a priſoner, he thought upon nothing but his liberty, to the end he might releaſe her: He deſired the Guards to go unto the King, and beſeech him that he might immediately dye, upon condition ſhe might be ſet free, and expreſs ſo many ſigns of real love, and in ſo moving a manner, that one of the Guards did offer him all his endeavours for his comfort at the leaſt, if he could do nothing for his liberty: Cleander did accept his offer, and conjured him to go unto the Palace, there enquire very exactly, what Orders and Guards were upon the Princeſs, that afterwards he might judg whether there was any poſſibility of ſending her a Letter. This officions Souldier did as Cleander deſired him, and went unto the Palace; but being not ſo wiſe as well affected, ſome men that are ready to do any ill offices, eſpied him, and knowing him to be one of Cleanders Guard, did acquaint the King he was there, who did command him to be ſeized upon: and ſince he gave no good reaſons for his coming to the Palace: and ſince information was given that he enquired what guards was kept over the Princeſs, they clapt him up in priſon, and the King imagined there was ſome deſign to releaſe her: ſo that to put her in a place which he conceived inviolable, and to ſend her further from Cleander, whom he would not yet put to death, as much incenſed as he was againſt him, therefore he ſent the Princeſs the next morning unto Epheſus, unto the Temple of Diana; appointing her who commanded the vowed Veſtals there, not to let her ſpeak unto any whoſoever; cauſing the Companion of Cyleniſa to be releaſed; and likewiſe the Son of Pactias, becauſe of his fathers fidelity, to have his liberty. This wiſe Princeſs deſired to take her leave of the King, but the favour was denied her: then ſhe deſired to have Cyleniſa with her; that alſo was not granted: ſo that the day following, none having the liberty to ſee her, ſhe departed from Sardis, guarded by five hundred horſe unto Epheſus, which was three days journeys from thence. But Madam, the way thither was of neceſſity behind the Garden of the Palace, and by the Cittadel, under the window where Cleander did ſpeak with Cyleniſa. It happened that this unfortunate Prince, walking in his Chamber, and contemplating his misfortunes, chanced to ſpy the Princeſs as ſhe paſſed, and knew her; ſhe alſo, looking up, ſaw him: To tell you Madam, the thoughts of theſe two illuſtrious perſons at that inſtant, and how ſad this ſight was unto both, is not an eaſie matter. Cleander would have broke the grates: the Princeſs wiſhed the Coach might go more ſafely, yet ſhe made ſignes with her head and her hand, to let him underſtand ſhe lamented his misfortunes: and he did let her ſee, by his violent and diſordered actions, though full of reſpect, how great the trouble of his ſoul was. Mean while the Coach went on, and they loſt the ſight of one another: But the Princeſs, as I was told afterwards, looked a long while after upon the place where Cleander was a priſoner. After this Madam, the Court of Lidia was as dull, as it was delightful before. In the mean time Arteſilas did not bring his deſignes to paſs, for he could not move Creſſus, either to put Cleander to death, or call back the Princeſs Palmis: Creſſus alſo knowing that the King of Phrygia was entered into his Dominions, was forced to go himſelf in perſon unto the Army: and that was one of his reaſons why he ſent the Princeſs his daughter unto Epheſus: having no mind to leave her in that place where Cleander was a priſoner: The general ſtate of things did change faces: for you know, that the King of Aſſyria who had carried away the Princeſs Mandana, ſent to ſolicit theſe two Kings who were his Allies, to enter into his Countrey: and in order unto that, they made a truce between themſelves, and did ſo: going both of them to aid the King of Aſſyria, and to oppoſe the King of the Medes whom they feared, or rather indeed the valour of the illuſtrious Cyrus under the notion of Artamenes, who was ſo terrible to all Aſia. The King of Phrygia notwithſtanding the truce, deſired that his Troops might not mingle with the Troops of Lidia. The truth is Madam, you know ſo well what paſſed in all Aſia ſince that time, as I need not ſpeak of them, nor of Cleander, who being ſtill a priſoner had nothing to do amongſt them: for after the King of Aſſyria's firſt defeat, Creſſus out of ſome diſcontent retired and returned unto Sardis, ſtill keeping us and the Princeſs priſoners. However Arteſilas was not a whit more happy; ſince neither being able to ruine his Rival, nor ſee his Miſtreſs, it may be ſaid, that he himſelf was puniſhed for their own crimes. As for Cleander he being of a very obliging diſpoſition, he got the love of all the Guards; and ſo far that they [Page] let him have the liberty to write and receive Letters, in ſpite of Pactias for bidding them to do ſo: ſo that he writ unto Eſope, to the end he might acquaint him with all news concerning the Princeſs, which Eſope accordingly did, though I know not which way he went to work: However Cleander, Thimettes, Timocreon, Acrates, and my ſelf, did live moſt melancholy lives: and ſo we lived until Creſſus who was reſtleſs to hear of all the prodigious victories of the Illuſtrious Cyrus, ſent unto all the famous Oracles in the world, though I know not what he intended to enquire of, becauſe there was no return of them, when I came from Sardis. But during the voyages of all theſe Embaſſadours who were ſent to conſult with the Gods, he ceaſed not from making great Levies; he imployed divers Envoyes to ſeveral Princes; and was ſo buſied in ſome great deſign which he had in his mind, that he thought much leſs of Cleander. Then Madam, to ſhorten my relation, I will make haſt to tell you, that Creſſus being gone to muſter his Troops, Tegeus the ſon of Pactias, and Lover of Cyleniſa, plotted with Meneceus: and found out ways to releaſe us, love being predominate over all other conſiderations; perhaps his aims and deſires were only to releaſe Cyleniſa: But Meneceus, of whom he ſtood in need, denying him any aſſiſtance, unleſs Cleander, Thimettes, Timocreon, Acrates, and my ſelf, were releaſed alſo, he conſented unto it. So that one night, when I little dream [...] of liberty, Tegeus, who had ſuborned the greateſt part of Cleanders Guard, and Garriſon of Pactias, entered into the Ci [...]tad I, and going unto Cleanders Chamber, he told him that he was at liberty: and afterwards coming where we were, he told us the ſame. That which did make the buſineſs more eaſie, was becauſe Pactias was gone two days journey from Sardis: and Arteſilas was with the King. Moreover Meneceus who had the Conduct of the buſineſs, had provided fifty horſe ready to guard us: ſo that without fight or tumult we went out of the Ci [...]tadel, at the ſame door by which the poor Cyleniſa entered. I forgot to tell you that Tegeus went not unto the Chamber of Cleander to releaſe him, till after he had been with Cyleniſa: for whom he had provided a Coach ready at the coming out of the Cittadel. However ſince Meneceus had many friends in Epheſus, and ſince beſides, that it was a place where they might more eaſily hide themſelves then any other, by reaſon of many ſtrangers which reſorted unto the famous Temple of Diana: and more then that, it was eaſie to flie away when one pleaſed, by reaſon of the Seas nearneſs. It was reſolved to retire thither; and indeed Cleander would not go any where elſe, becauſe of the Princeſs Palmis, and there was none that would leave him. The Governour of Epheſus was alſo an intimate friend of Meneceus, who though he ſhould know him to be there, yet he did not fear that he would do either him or his friends any hurt: Then Madam, when he had gone a days journey from Sardis, we diſguiſed our ſelves as well as we could, Cyleniſa alſo with a woman which waited upon her, and would not leave her, did the ſame: ſo that we came unto Epheſus as ſtrangers which come to viſit the Temple of Diana: Meneceus alſo, cauſed thoſe horſes which guarded us to enter at ſeveral Gates, and reſolved to have them always with him in caſe of any need of them. The firſt thing Cleander did, was to go about the Temple of Diana, deſiring to ſee the place at leaſt where the Princeſs was, though he could not ſee her. In the mean while, Madam, one chance moſt extraordinarily happened to the great comfort of theſe illuſtrious Lovers, which was, That ſhe who commanded the Veſtals, whoſe name was Ageſiſtrata, proved to be Siſter unto a Lady in Epheſus, with whom Meneceus in his younger days had been in love, and whom he ſhould have married, if her friends had not oppoſed it: ſo that there being this obligation then between them, there continued ſtill a great friendſhip between them, though they had not ſeen one another of a long time; Meneceus having done many conſiderable ſervices towards Creſſus, in behalf of her Husband, whom afterwards ſhe married, and ſince was dead: Menecius then confiding in her, and ſetting forth the injuſtice of Creſſus, in that he would not ſuffer Cleander to clear himſelf, and that the Princeſs his daughter was ſenſible of his innocency, he negotiated ſo well with her, as ſhe obtained of her Siſter, that Cyleniſa ſhould be entertained in the Temple, and placed with the Princeſs, not daring to ask leave for Cleander to ſpeak with her, for fear of being refuſed, and leſt it ſhould prejudice her, in lieu of ſerving her: you may eaſily imagine what joy this was unto the Princeſs Palmis, to ſee her dear Cyleniſa again, and to hear Cleander was out of priſon, and come unto Epheſus: though ſhe was ſtill very fearful he ſhould be diſcovered, and taken again: But when Cyleniſa told her he ſeldom ſtirred out, except mornings and evenings unto the Temple, and that he was well diſguiſed, ſhe was more at quiet. 'Tis true, the liberty of Cleander did make the priſon of the Princeſs more cloſe, (if: may call that ſacred place a priſon.) For as ſoon as Creſſus heard that Cleandir was releaſed, he ſent new Orders unto Ageſiſtrata, to take more care of the Princeſs Palmis, [Page] and that ſhe be better guarded: But ſince the friend of Meneceus was for us, the doubling of Guards was to no purpoſe: One ſtrange and happy accident more happened, which was, that Cleander found in the houſe where he lodged all thoſe things which ſhould teſtifie what he was; and thus it came about: Be pleaſed to know that the domeſtique ſervant whom my father had truſted with all thoſe things, and many others, ſeeing that his Maſter was a Priſoner, reſolved to ſteal all that he had of his, and embarqued for Epheſus: That he being acquainted with a ſervant in this houſe, he left with him many of thoſe things to keep, and amongſt the reſt all thoſe things which would ſerve to clear Cleander; declaring unto him, that if he dyed, he gave him all thoſe things which he left in his hands, and telling him, that he durſt not return until his Maſter were out of priſon: But the truth is, he thought that Creſſus would put my father to death, and then he might return to Epheſus, and enjoy the fruits of his Theft: yet ſince he was gone no further then the Iſle of Chio, his friend heard often from him; but indeed at laſt he underſtood that he was dead, when Cleander came to lodg with his Maſter, who was a very good friend unto Meneceus: So that deſiring to ſee what was given him, he looked upon all thoſe things which my fathers ſervant had left unto him, and there found all thoſe things which I told you of; and not being able to conceal his wealth out of joy that he had to poſſeſs it, he ſhewed the Picture unto his Maſters wife, who finding ſome reſemblance between it and Cleander, let him ſee it, as ſome extraordinary piece; ſo that to recover all that he had loſt, he recompenced him who had them, and received them again.

I leave you to judg Madam, what joy this was to Cleander, in finding a Crown, when he had no hopes to enjoy it; he made the Princeſs Palmis acquainted with this prodigious accident: But do what could be, Meneceus could not obtain permiſſion for Cleander to ſee the Princeſs: All that could be done was by the contrivance of Cyleniſa, to convey Letters unto her, which ſhe out of her goodneſs was pleaſed to anſwer. In the mean time we knew not what courſe to take, becauſe Cleander would not go and make himſelf known unto the King his father, and leave the Princeſs Palmis at Epheſus; he durſt not think of taking her away, though ſhe ſhould conſent unto it, not knowing where to find any place of ſecurity for her, or whether he ſhould be known for what he was; neither durſt he make it known unto Creſſus that he had found thoſe things which would manifeſt what he was, underſtanding by a Letter from the Princeſs, that the quality of the King of Phrigia's ſon would not at all advantage him in the opinion of the King her father. Cleander being thus unreſolved what courſe to take, he was advertiſed of two things in one day, which moved him unto that reſolution, which I ſhall tell you of; the firſt was, that I informed him of a Cicilian Ship come into the Port, in which was the King of Pontus and the Princeſs Mandana: the other was, that abſolute Orders came from Creſſus, that the Princeſs his daughter ſhould enter into Orders, and take upon her the habit of a Veſtal. You may imagine how much this ſeverity of Creſſus concerned Cleander, and how much it grieved the Princeſs Palmis, for ſhe had no inclination unto that courſe. Ageſiſtrata proteſted unto the Princeſs, that ſhe would not receive her into Orders, though ſhe would have her, becauſe her will was forced, which was poſitively againſt their Cuſtoms. This being the ſtate of things, the Princeſs Mandana ſtole away from thoſe who watched her, and put her ſelf into the Temple of Diana as a Sanctuary; and the King of Pontus could not get her out again, becauſe the people would have riſen againſt him, if he had attempted it. But Madam, ſhe was no ſooner there, but Cleander thought he had found an undoubted means to obtain an inviolable Sanctuary for his Princeſs, if in getting away the Princeſs Palmis, he could get away the Princeſs Mandana alſo, and carry her unto Ciaxares from the King of Pontus, or elſe in the abſence of Ciaxares unto the illuſtrious Cyrus: For ſaid he, If this deſign proſper, although the King my father who is with him, ſhould not acknowledg me, yet the ſervice of reſtoring the Princeſs Mandana would be acceptable to the King, that I ſhall obtain from Cyrus a protection for the Princeſs Palmis; and it may well be hoped, that the Heavens will favor ſo juſt a deſign, ſince I do only reſcue an innocent Princeſs out of the hands of her Raviſher, to reſtore her unto the King her father. This Project ſeemed ſo full of Reaſon, were it but once executed, that neither Thimettes, Meneceus, Tegeus, my father, nor I, did at all conteſt concerning it. We ſpeedily then ſought out ways to execute what Cleander had imagined: We had already ſome men with us, but not ſufficient to do it by open force; therefore policy muſt be the way: Meneceus did ſo well employ the power which he had with his ancient Miſtreſs, that he moved her to ſpeak unto her Siſter, who is one of a great virtue, much ſpirit, and greater Soul: he ſet forth the injuſtice of Creſſus and alſo the King of Pontus in ſuch a moving manner, as he forced her to acknowledg that whoſoever [Page] could ſet the princeſs Mandana and the princeſs Palmis in any places of ſecurity, would do an act which would be acceptable unto the Gods. She had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but uſing her own words he told her; that it was ſhe who was beſt able to do an act ſo generous: Yet for all this he could not move her to truſt thoſe two Princeſſes into his hands; But ſhe told him, that they had a Cuſtom amongſt them, that thoſe who were to be received into Orders, it was permitted them to go once out, to the end it might appear they came in without conſtraint: ſo that if the princeſs Palmis pleaſe, ſhe may ask that favor, and carry the Princeſs Mandana with her at the ſame time; and that ſhe would give Orders, it ſhould be upon ſuch a day, when the King of Pontus did not know of it; and that it ſhould be at a back door, where no ſtrict Guard was kept, becauſe it was never almoſt open; and then if they would conſent unto it, they might truſt themſelves with Cleander. After this, having obtained leave to ſpeak unto Cyleniſa and Cyleniſa having prepared the mind of the princeſs Palmis, and ſhe the princeſs Mandana, which two had contracted a great league of friendſhip in a few days, it was reſolved, that the princeſs Palmis ſhould faign obedience unto the will of the King her father; and that according to the cuſtom ſhe ſhould ask to go out, accompanied with Mandana, and her women; that within three paces of the Temple there ſhould be a Coach ready for the Princeſſes; That Cleander, Meneceus, Timocreon, Tegeus, and their men, ſhould guard them to the next Port; where a Barque ſhould be ready to waft them unto Phrigia, and from thence they ſhould come by Land hither: So that when I came away, the Barque was ready, and all things fitted for execution of the deſign, which in all likely hood took effect: That which would more facilitate the enterprize was, the King of Pontus was hurt with the fall of a horſe in his thigh, in going from the old Town unto the new, where the Temple of Diana ſtands: So that though their flight be noiſed about, yet he was not able to follow, for he was in great pain, and kept his bed. The princeſs Palmis deſired Cleander to promiſe her by Letter, that he would let her continue always with the princeſs Mandana, until he had made his peace with Creſſus, and until he had made himſelf known unto the King of Phrigia. However, to go more ſurely to work, Meneceus moved Cleander to ſend Thimettes, Acrates, and my ſelf, to the King his father, with all things requiſite, to manifeſt he was his ſon, and to prepare him for his better reception; alſo to acquaint the illuſtrious Cyrus with that ſervice which the generous Cleander would render him, thereby to merit his protection. I had forgot to tell you, that whileſt we were at Epheſus, Thimettes heard accidently that his friends had made his peace with the King his Maſter, ſo that preſenting himſelf unto him without fear, that Prince no ſooner ſaw him, but he received him with many expreſſions of tenderneſs. But when after this he had told him all the ſtory which I have told you, and ſhewed him the Picture, the Letters, and all other things concerning that buſineſs; and when that Prince had read his own Letter, and the Note from his dear Elſimena, whoſe hand he knew at firſt ſight, he apprehended ſo much joy and ſo much ſorrow both together, that his Soul could not determine which of thoſe two paſſions to chooſe. Since it was I who had the honour to relate the ſtory, which he harkened unto with extream attention, I was the Witneſs of this pleaſing irreſolution: but after that his joy of having a ſon, and a ſon ſo illuſtrious, had a little mitigated his ſorrows for the loſs of his dear Elſimena, he deſired to ſee Acrates, who by his generous repentance did eaſily obtain his pardon. The King had a mind to compare this Picture with that which he always kept, and which was made at the ſame time; and looking upon that Note which Elſimena writ, he knew the hand ſo perfectly, that he doubted not at all who was the Writer; but expreſſed a hundred ſigns of gratitude and acknowledgment unto Thimettes and me; and being full of impatience to acquaint the Illuſtrious Cyrus with this welcome news, he went immediately unto him, and commanded me to follow, leaving Thimettes and Acrates at liberty to reſt themſelves. So Madam, I hope that within this two or three days they will receive certain news, that this great Enterterprize has a happy proceeding.

Soſicles having ended his Relation, the Princeſs Araminta thanked him for the pains he took in ſpeaking ſo long together, and compoſing the Method of this extraordinary Hiſtory in ſo neat and elegant a manner. Cyrus for his part gave him moſt obliging language: after which Soſicles withdrew; and then, Sir, ſaid the Princeſs Araminta unto Cyrus, can it be expected you ſhould be ſo highly generous, as to promiſe me, that when the Gods have reſtored the Princeſs Mandana unto you, you will not look upon the King my Brother as your Rival? Yes, replyed he, and I will promiſe you more then that, ſince I will promiſe you to ſerve him, whether [Page] he will or no, as his Friend, which I am reſolved to be, and to reſtore him the Crown of Pontus: As for the Crown of Bithinia, ſaid he, and ſmiled, I muſt let it alone in the hands of Arſamones, to the end that the prince Spitridates may hereafter give it unto you. As they were thus in diſcourſe, the King of Phrigia entered, unto whom the princeſs Araminta expreſſed her joys, that he had found a ſon ſo illuſtrious; and then calling to mind the moſt conſiderable paſſages of his life, they could not enough admire at the wonderful providence of the Gods in all things. For my part, ſaid the King of Phrigia as oft as I remember my aver [...] inclination to this War againſt Creſſus, [...] cannot doubt but that the Gods did ſecretly advertiſe me, that I ought not to do it: however, if I can but be ſo happy as to ſee my Son reſtore the Princeſs Mandana unto the illuſtrious Cyrus, I ask no more at the hands of Heaven. That happineſs is too great for me, ſaid Cyrus and ſighed, and I never can hope for it. But yet you may very well hope it (replyed the Princeſs Araminta) for according to the Relation of Soſicles the thing ſeems to be out of doubt. When I was at Sinope, replyed Cyrus, he who ſhould then have told me, that I ſhould not have releaſed the Princeſs Man [...]ana, I ſhould not have beleeved him: and when I took Babylon, I could not imagine ſhe ſhould poſſibly get out. Then after a while of ſuch diſcourſe as this, ſince it was late, Cyrus took his leave of the Princeſs Araminta, and returned to the Camp with the King of Phrigia, and with a mind divided between hopes and fears, and abſolutely taken up with thoughts of his dear Princeſs; having alſo appointed A [...]ſpes before to let the Queen of Suſiana know, that he was ſorry ſhe found her ſelf not well, and commanding him again to have all imaginable care of her.

The End of the Firſt Book.

ARTAMENES, OR CYRUS the GREAT. The Fourth Part. BOOK. II.

[Page]

NEver did hopes flatter miſerable men with more pleaſing minutes; nor ever did fears infuſe more cruel torments, then theſe two contrary paſſions did procure unto Cyrus, and the King of Aſſyria: Mandana Releaſed, or Mandana a Captive, was the whole buſineſs of their minds; and according as theſe did preſent themſelves unto their imaginations, ſo were they either ſad or glad; though both of them had always a mixture of diſpleaſure amongſt their higheſt ſatisfaction, to think that though ſhe be at liberty, yet it was not by their aſſiſtance: yet ſince ſhe was to receive this good office from a Prince who was not yet their Rival, the thought of it did not leſſen their joys; and ſomtimes, not doubting but ere long they ſhould bleſs their eyes with a ſight of their Princeſs, they both of them began to think of vanquiſhing one another by combate, according to agreement. Three days, thus paſſed on; during which time, Cyrus diſcourſed often with Soſicles, becauſe he had ſeen his Princeſs at Epheſus; and during which time alſo, the King of Phrygia entertained Thimettes and Acrates with much ſatisfaction by reaſon of the hope which they had given him to ſee in the face of Cleander ſo perfect a reſemblance of his dear Elſimena, that he could not poſſibly doubt, but that he was his Son. The Princeſs Araminta alſo was full of joys and hopes, believing that ſince the King her Brother had Mandana no longer in his power, he would become a friend unto that Prince who offered to ſet upon his Throne: and ſo ſhe might one day be in a happier condition then ever. The Queen of Suſiana, though a Captive, and not very well in health, had yet the comfort to be ſerved with the ſame reſpect, as if ſhe were at Suſa: for Araſpes was punctual in the obſervation of Cyrus his commands, and was very aſſiduous and obſervant of that fair and wiſe Queen, whom Cyrus much honoured, and grieved he could not after ſee her: When thoſe three days were thus paſſed, Timocreon arrived, and ſought for his ſon Soſicles, to underſtand from him; how the King of Phragia had received thoſe things which Thimettes, and he had [...] unto him: after he underſtood the truth of all, he went unto the King of Phrygia's Tent, into which Cyrus entered; preſently after, Thimettes who met him, had preſented him unto the King of Phrygia: ſo that this Prince no ſooner ſaw Cyrus, but addreſſing himſelf, Sir, ſaid he unto him, this is that Timocreon who preſerved my Son; and who brings us news of what we ſo much deſire to know; but I know not whether it be good or bad, becauſe he is but newly come. Queſtionleſs, the news is but bad for me, replied Cyrus, for I do not look to be ſo happy as to hear the Princeſs Mandana is at liberty. 'Tis true, Sir, ſhe is not at [Page] liberty, replied Timocreon: but it is not long of the Illuſtrious Cleander that ſhe is not: ſince he has done things moſt difficult to bring it to paſs: and had it not been for one misfortune which we could not foreſee, doubtleſs the Princeſs Mandana, and the Princeſs Palmis, both had been at liberty.

Tell us, however, replied perplexed Cyrus, how fortune did hinder our happineſs. Sir, anſwered Timocreon, ſince I underſtand by Thimettes, you know all paſſages, ſince his departure from Epheſus, I ſhall relate nothing what has already been told, but I do aſſure you, never was buſineſs better managed then it: for when Ageſiſtrata had advertiſed Meneceus of the day on which the Princeſs Palmis was to come out; and the Princeſs Mandana was to follow her, with two women who waited upon her, and one upon the Princeſs of Lidia: Meneceus made the Barque ready, whereof he was aſſured: the fifty men which we had in the Town, lying in Ambuſcado, at all the advenues by which one could come unto that Gate, out of which the Princeſſes were to come; beſides theſe, above thirty friends of Meneceus joyned with Cleander, who kept himſelf in the head of twelve or fifteen only: for all were divided into little Troops, leaſt thoſe which paſſed ſhould ſuſpect any thing: he placed himſelf as near as he could unto the door of the Temple, having a Coach there to carry the Princeſſes unto the Sea, which was not far off, and where the Barque waited. Since there was none but Centinels ſtood in that place, becauſe it was a door out of which ſeldom any did come, that could be no hinderance in the Enterpriſe; and without killing them, it was an eaſie matter to ſecure them without being perceived by the neareſt Court of Guard: Thus Sir, all things being rightly ordered to execute our deſign; the Barque ready, the Coach come, all our men placed, at all the advenues unto the Temple: Cleander waited for the opening of the door: and the buſineſs came ſo far that the door did open; and I ſaw the Princeſs Palmis, who cauſed another Lady of an admirable beauty to paſs before her, whom I ſuppoſed to be the Princeſs Mandana: and I did but ſee her; for as theſe Princeſſes were coming out, and we advancing to receive her, there came out of a houſe cloſe by two hundred men in Arms, in the head of whom was the Prince Arteſilas: you may imagine how Cleander was ſurprized (who looked for no other reſiſtance but from the King of Pontus) when he ſaw Arteſilas in the head of them, whom he thought had been with Creſſus. But though the wonder of Cleander was great, yet that of Arteſilas was no leſs to ſee Cleander with a Sword in his hand, ſtanding between him, and the door of the Temple: However, as ſoon as the Princeſs Palmis ſpied Arteſilas, ſhe went back, and carried the Princeſs Mandana with her: The door of the Temple was ſhut in an inſtant: ſo that Cleander not being able to releaſe his Princeſs, nor Arteſilas carry her away, as he deſigned; theſe two Rivals went one to the other with as much fury as their paſſions were violent; they ſpoke one to another, but I think were not underſtood. In the mean time, all our men, who were diſperſed into ſeveral parties, gathering together about Cleander, who thought our ſelves in a condition not only to reſiſt Arteſilas, but alſo to overcome him; and Cleander fought with ſo much courage, that he killed his Rival with his own hand, and many more: ſo that after the death of this Prince, the reſt of his men diſperſed themſelves, and vaniſhed in a moment: ſo that if they had opened the Gate of the Temple again the very ſame hour, we had releaſed the Princeſſes: we knocked at the door, but I think the noiſe was ſo great, that the women durſt not open it: preſently, all the King of Pontus his men, and all thoſe belonging to the Governour of Epheſus, came up to us; and we were ſo ſurrounded with a multitude, that it is an abſolute miracle to ſee we are eſcaped; for Cleander could not reſolve to ſave himſelf by the Barque which waited for us, but would ſtill be near the Gate of the Temple; yet in the end, ſeeing an abſolute impoſſibility to reſiſt ſuch a multitude, and thinking he had received a wound in the right hand, reſolved to retreat fighting until we came to the Barque, unto which we entered in ſpite of all thoſe who purſued us, and made all haſte away: for they threw many Darts at us, and we kept them off us with our Lances: But when we were out of their reach, we looked whether the wound of Cleander was conſiderable, and found it to be more troubleſom, then dangerous: Afterwards we muſtered to ſee whether we had all our men, and except ten or twelve Souldiers whom we had out of Epheſus, and thoſe would not imbarque with us, we loſt not a man: but making a ſtrict ſearch, I found amongſt us a ſervant belonging unto Arteſilas, who in this tumult choſe rather to enter into our Barck, then to fall into the hands of the Epheſian Governour: I no ſooner ſaw him, but I knew him, and when I ſhewed him unto Cleander, Sir, ſaid he unto him, I beg your pardon for ſeeking Sanctuary under you. Friend, ſaid Cleander to him, my hatred to thy Maſter is dead with him, and ſhall not revive to hurt thee; but however tell us, by what ſtrange accident we met [Page] to day, Sir, replyed this man, none can tell you better then my ſelf what the deſign of that Prince whom I ſerved, was; ſo I have had but too much knowledg of his ſecrets, ſince the flight of the Prince Antaleon.

And then, ſince he thought to merit much from Cleander, by defaming his Maſter, in lieu of anſwering to what was asked, he told us that which we asked not; and related unto us, how the Prince Arteſilas was of that odious Conſpiracy with the Prince Antaleon: not but that we knew it already, in going between Sardis and Epheſus; but he related it unto us more exactly: Afterwards, he told us, that this Prince knowing of the Orders which Creſſus had ſent unto Ageſiſtrata, by which he appointed the Princeſs his daughter to take upon her the habit of a Veſtal, he became ſo deſperate, that ſince he had committed ſo many Crimes in vain, he was reſolved to venture upon one more, which would be profitable unto him: ſo that his plot was to carry away the Princeſs; and in order to that, he left the King upon ſome pretence or other, and diſguized himſelf and his men in habit of Paiſants, and kept them in that houſe out of which you ſaw us ſally, the Maſter of which had heretofore been his ſervant: He told us further, that Artaſilas reſolved to wait there until that door of the Temple was open, and then to ſeize upon the princeſs Palmis, and carry her unto a Ship which he had provided ready, with intention that if the door of the Temple did not open within ſixe days, then to force it in the night, and execute his deſign, as he would now have done, if he had not been prevented. So that we collected thus much from the diſcourſe of this man, that Cleander, at leaſt, preſerved the Princeſs from being carried away by Arteſilas, whom the Gods by his own hands did puniſh for being in ſuch a horrid Conſpiracy, as that of the prince Antaleon was. In the mean time, night drawing on, we went to lodg in a little Village, where we cauſed Cleanders wound to be dreſſed, and alſo three or four Souldiers more, who had been wounded alſo, and whom we left there with men to have a care of them. Afterwards, quitting the Sea, and taking horſes, which we expected to wait for us in that Town, and which we ſent thither, in caſe our enterprize ſhould fail, we are come hither; we ſtayed two days by the way, by reaſon we ſent to know ſome news of the Princeſs; and we underſtood by a man whom Meneceus ſent unto his friend, that the Guards were now extreamly much more ſtrict about the Temple, and that there was no poſſibility of attempting any thing in the like manner again. And Ageſiſtrata her ſelf was reſolved to favor the going out of the Princeſſes no more; ſhe conceiving that this ſad accident did manifeſt the Gods were not pleaſed at her connivance at it before; yet we underſtood at the ſame time, that the princeſs Palmis was fully reſolved not to do what the King her father appointed; and Ageſiſtrata ſent word unto the King, that ſhe could not receive her: We alſo underſtand, that the princeſs Mandana and ſhe are reſolved; and have promiſed not to part from each other, until better fortunes did ſmile upon them: In concluſion Sir, Meneceus and I, after we knew thus, waited upon Cleander hither. After Timocreon had done ſpeaking, Cyrus, as ſad as he was, did teſtifie unto the King of Phrigia, that he was much obliged unto his ſon, for what he had done concerning the princeſs Mandana; deſiring a pardon, for not being ſo ſenſible of joy at the receiving of his ſon, as he ſhould have expreſſed any other time: Not but that I conceive my ſelf intereſted (ſaid he) in what relates to you; but the truth is, as long as Mandana is Captive, I am not capable of any joy whatſoever. As he would have gone out, the King of Aſſyria came in; who came to enquire what news Timocreon had brought, for he had heard he was come: But as ſoon as Cyrus ſaw him, and being impatient to have him grieved as well as himſelf; Your hopes are broken, ſaid he, as well as mine, and our Princeſs is more captive then ever, as you may underſtand by Timocreon. The King of Aſſyria drawing nearer him, cauſed him to repeat all that he had told unto Cyrus, who was gone unto his Tent to lament his misfortunes with more liberty. He ſent one notwithſtanding to Cleander, to aſſure him from him, that he ſhould find a moſt inviolable Sanctuary with him, and deſired that he himſelf might have the honour to preſent him unto the King his father: And after he had ſpent two hours in conſidering the obſtinacy of his fate, and had ſent to acquaint the princeſs Araminta with this ill ſucceſs, one came to tell him, that Cleander, Meneceus and Tegeus were arrived: Making then a truce with his ſorrows for a while, or to ſay better, ſhutting them up in his heart, to welcome a Prince, whoſe reputation was ſo high, he commanded they ſhould enter, and he himſelf went to meet him. This firſt Congratulation paſſed very well on both ſides: And as doubtleſs Cleander was as handſom a man as was in the world, and of as good a carriage, Dyrus was charmed with him at the firſt ſight, and one might ſee them look upon one another with ſo many ſigns of admiration in their eyes, that it was eaſie to foreſee they would love one another moſt tenderly. I am very unfortunate [Page] Sir (ſaid Cleander unto him, holding his arm in a Scarf by reaſon of the wound he received at Epheſus) that I am forced to appear before you, having failed in that ſervice which I deſigned to do you. It is rather my part to complain, replyed Cyrus, ſince I fear my miſfortune is contagious, and is a cauſe of yours. I have more cauſe of fears and ſorrows then you, anſwered Cleander, when I apprehend my misfortunes may chance follow me in your Army. I know not, replyed Cyrus, whether your bad fortunes will follow, but I am ſure high Fame goes before you; and the name of Illuſtrious Cleander has been long known unto me, ſo that I am in love with his glory and honour; in love, I ſay, moſt pure, without any envy or jeslouſie. Happy Lovers, replyed Cleander ſmiling, are never jealous; and they who poſſeſs honour, and deſerve it, as the moſt illuſtrious Cyrus does, will eaſily permit others to love it alſo; yet Sir, at this time, I ſhall deſire nothing but the honour to ſerve you. You are ſo loaded with honours and glory, replyed Cyrus, that you have no reaſon to wiſh more then you have; yet give me leave to oppoſe your deſire of it at this time, ſince I am already ſo much obliged unto you, that I muſt needs endeavour to pay unto the Prince Artamas, that debt which I owe unto the illuſtrious Cleander. I have ſo little merited the firſt of thoſe names, replyed he, that I dare hardly take it upon me, though the King my father ſhould appoint it. Then I muſt go and move him to command you by his abſolute Authority, replyed Cyrus: and ſo he carried Cleander unto the Tent of the King his father; and preſenting him, Receive here with joy Sir, ſaid he unto him, a Prince who is worthy to be your ſon, and deſerves more Crowns, then Fortune, as prodigal as ſometimes ſhe is, knows how to give. The King of Phrigia would have obſerved the ſame ceremonious reſpects which he was uſed to render unto Cyrus; but that Prince being deſirous he ſhould embrace Cleander, and natural affection being ſtronger then all rules of Civility, he embraced him with unimaginable delight: for as ſoon as he perceived Cleander, he ſaw ſo perfect a reſemblance of his dearer Elſimena, that he changed colour, ſo that his heart as well as eyes and reaſon telling him that he was really his ſon, he received him with all the teſtimonies of a dear affection which a generous father could expreſs unto an illuſtrious ſon. Sir, ſaid Cleander unto him, can you acknowledg me for your ſon, after that which I have had the misfortune to do againſt you? Yes, replyed the King of Phrigia, and ſmiled; and it is moſt advantagious for me to do ſo, otherwiſe I muſt acknowledg you to be my Conqueror. If your goodneſs can pardon me this Crime, anſwered he, I beſeech you let it be no more remembered. It is a Crime ſo glorious, ſaid Cyrus, that I make a queſtion whether or no the King your father does wiſh it had never been committed: for as you are a Debtor unto him for your life, ſo, as he hath told me, you preſerved his in this laſt War: However Cleander, if you will diſclaim from what you have already done againſt the King of Phrigia, I ſhall oblige him to remember nothing but what the Prince Artamas ſhall do in the future. I conjure you Sir, replyed he. I command you, ſaid the King of Phrigia (if I may command in the preſence of one whom I will ever obey) that you prefer the intereſts of the illuſtrious Cyrus before your own. This is a Command ſo unjuſt (replyed the invincible Prince of Per [...]a) that I will not give Prince Artamas time to anſwer it: And I declare unto him before you, that I deſire no more from him, but what I will render unto him firſt, that is, a firm friendſhip: ſo that amidſt my misfortunes I may have the happineſs of finding an illuſtrious Friend the ſame day the King of Phrigia finds an illuſtrious Son.

The King of Phrigia, and the Prince Artamas (whom we will no longer call Cleander) anſwered Cyrus with all poſſible civility; and ſince this Conference had continued ſomething long, the King of Phrigia grew impatient to talk with his Son in private; and therefore they retired: Yet in their paſsing, the King of Phrigia carried him unto the King of Aſſyria, and unto the King of Hircania, who received him very civilly; the firſt of theſe not daring to teſtifie that ſecret diſcontent which he always had againſt the King of Phrigia. In the mean while all the Princeſs and men of Quality in the Army came to viſit the prince Artamas, who doubtleſs would have thought himſelf extreamly happy, if his love of the princeſs Palmis had not tormented him. Cyrus then ſeeing no hopes of releaſing Mandana but by force, called a Councel of War the day following; where the prince Artamas took his place with much honour, ſpeaking unto every thing which was propoſed with as much ſpirit and judgment, as if a long experience had fortified his Reaſon; and it plainly appeared, that he who I [...] to conquer betimes, is exact in the knowledg of things, when others who have not that experience are ignorant in them; and that it is not impoſſible, but that a young Conqueror may be more able then an old Captain, who hath not ſeen ſo much as he, though lived longer. The Reſult [Page] of this Councel was, that ſince the ſeaſon of the year was far ſpent, and Creſſus had attempted nothing, to ſend unto him, and demand the princeſs Mandana, before any open War was declared. The prince Artamas inſiſted moſt upon this reſolution, becauſe he could not forget his obligations unto Creſſus, notwithſtanding the ill uſage he had from him: and he uſed all his Rhetorique to perſwade Cyrus unto a tryal of all fair means before courſe was had unto the laſt Remedy of War. Cyrus had much repugnancy to that Reſolution, alledging for reaſon his ill ſucceſs of ſending into Armenia, and his repentance in ſending. But he was anſwered, that the caſes were not alike, ſince the King of Lidia could not deny, that the princeſs Mandana was in his Dominions, and therefore he muſt needs anſwer directly. Moreover, it was further objected, that it was impoſſible to beſiege Epheſus conſidering the ſeaſon of the year, and alſo conſidering he had no ſtrength at Sea, therefore the attempt ſeemed to be unreaſonable: eſpecially ſince if Creſſus would protect the Raviſher of Mandana, he muſt have a more plauſible pretence for the War in the eyes of the people. However Cyrus deſired that Feraulas might return before he ſent unto Creſſus, yet fearing he might ſtay too long, he reſolved that Hidaſpes ſhould go thither within two or three days; and in the mean time that the Army ſhould advance, and march through part of Phrigia, and enter into Lidia that way, if the Anſwer of Creſſus was not ſatisfactory.

In the interem, he had intelligence that Abradates was gone unto Sardis; and he acquainted the Queen his wife with this news, who ſeemed to be very angry at it; yet he went to viſit her, and told her very obligingly, that he was very ſorry the King of Suſiana would not rather releaſe her by becoming his Friend, then vainly endeavoring to do it by declaring himſelf his Enemy, though he aſſured her ſhe ſhould ſtill be treated with the ſame reſpect. This great Queen thanked him with Civility anſwerable to his Generoſity: And ſhe commended Araſpes ſo exceedingly, that Cyrus at the going out of her Chamber told him, that he could not pleaſe him better, then in pleaſing Panthea. From thence he went unto the Princeſs Araminta, who deſired him to contrive it ſo, that ſhe might go and ſpeak with her Brother: So that it was reſolved ſhe ſhould advance towards the Frontiers of Lidia; and that the Queen of Suſiana ſhould go this voyage with her, theſe two Princeſſes having contracted a great amity one with the other: So that it was to be hoped this Queen might perhaps be ſerviceable unto her, ſince the King her husband was in the Enemies Country. This Reſolution being pitched upon, and approved of by the King of Aſſyria, Cyrus returned to the Camp; and as ſoon as he came there, Feraulas was returned, and alſo the man whom the King of Aſſyria had ſent: but both of them related, that it was a thing impoſſible for them to convey a Letter unto the Princeſs Mandana: They would have made a full relation of the whole ſtate of things, but underſtanding that all had been related before they came, they forbore: yet they did relate how the Town and Temple were at this preſent ſtrictly guarded; how not only all the Souldiery were in Arms, but a great part of the Townſmen alſo; how they had ſent again unto Creſſus for new Orders; how the King of Pontus recovered; how a Prophecy of the Helleſpontique Sibbil, which none could interpret, made a great noiſe about the Town, ſince it would admit of a double interpretation; how this woman was admirable in Prophecies, and ſeldom was miſtaken in the event; how all the Town of Epheſus knew not whether to rejoyce or mourn, becauſe this Prophecy promiſed either great good fortune, or menaced very great miſery unto it. Feraulas and the other man ſaid, they endeavored both of them to procure this Prophecy, but could not poſſibly obtain it; for being ſtrangers and importunate, it could not be gotten: So that their voyages thriving no better, nor effecting any thing but vexation to their Maſters, they durſt hardly look upon them: Cyrus did treat Feraulas never the worſe; but the King of Aſſyria being of a more violent compoſition, could not beleeve but that the fault was in him he ſent: Cyrus then ſeeing the return of Feraulas was ineffectual, he was ready to diſpatch Hidaſpes, when he received intelligence that Creſſus at the return of his Embaſſadors from the Oracles had declared himſelf, and done the firſt act of Hoſtility againſt Ciaxares: This news ſaved Hidaspes a Journey, and haſted the march of the Army, which the next morning began to move.

The Princeſs Araminta fearing leſt thoſe firſt occaſions of war ſhould prove fatal to her Brother, moved the Queen of Suſtana to begin their journey, and haſte unto the Frontiers, that ſhe might ſpeak with the King her Brother, before he fell into the hands of Cyrus: So that Araſpes by orders for that Prince, guarded them unto a Town of Phrygia, towards Lidia, where the Army of Cyrus was to quarter, and where by conſequence they might be in ſafety.

[Page] Cyrus diſpatched a meſſenger unto Ciaxares to acquaint him with all things; and received news from Thraſibulus, which aſſured him in general, that he was in great hopes to be happy, both in his war and love. Afterwards marching as faſt as it was poſſible, an Army of above an hundred thouſand men ſhould march towards the enemy, the weather and ways were ſo very bad, and marches ſo long, that it was not expedient either to beſieg places, nor give battels: ſo that Creſſus who deſired no more then to have the glory of the firſt onſet, did block up himſelf ſo advantagiouſly, that it was not poſſible for Cyrus to give the firſt Aſſault, nor hinder him from putting his Troops in their Winter quarters. So that all which was to be done, was only to make ſome incurſions into the enemies Countrey, and skirmiſh, which did ſo exceedingly vex Cyrus, that he ſtood in need of all his conſtancy to ſupport his exceſſive ſorrow, he could not wonder enough at the proceedings of Creſſus; who had begun a war at ſuch a time: and could not chuſe but think, that he was prompted to follow ſuch military Policies, ſo contrary to all reaſon, by ſuch evil deſtinies as would ruine him. Somtimes he reſolved to diſguiſe himſelf, and go into Epheſus, to ſee if all attempts to releaſe the Princeſs were as difficult, as they were reported: Somtimes again he would go and force the Lidians in their en [...]renched quarters, notwithſtanding the ill weather, but when he conſidered, that though he ſhould do ſo; yet he had not releaſed Mandana, but ſtill the King of Pontus might carry her away from Epheſus; then he hearkened unto reaſon, and reſolved to wait, until there was ſome more probability of good ſucceſs in the war. However being much diſcontented with the incertainty of his fortune, though he never had any deſire to enquire what ſucceſs the future would produce, yet hearing the Helleſpontique Sibbel cried up with ſo many Elogies, he reſolved to ſend unto her; and indeed, ſent Ortalgues with orders to enquire when he might hope for any reſt; and to bring back her anſwer in waiting under her hand. At this time Araminta put him in mind of his word, and his deſires concurring with hers, he diſpatched Aduſius to the King of Pontus, to deſire him he would obtain liberty from Creſſus to ſpeak with the Princeſs Araminta, who much deſired to confer with him upon ſome important buſineſs. That Prince received Aduſius very civilly; and ſent unto Sardis to obtain that favour from Creſſus, which was granted unto him. The King of Pontus then, and Aduſius agreed, that their meeting ſhould be in the Temple, which was a days journey from Epheſus, having only five hundred horſe apiece for their Guards. Aduſius had orders to enquire of Mandana's health: and by the information of Meneceus he underſtood ſhe was very well but he could not poſſibly ſpeak unto her: He being returned to the Camp▪ and the day when this meeting ſhould be being ſet down, Aduſius who had negotiated before, did guard her; Araſpes was excuſed, and Araminta deſired that the Prince Phraartes might not accompany her, as he deſired. Before her departure, Cyrus and the King of Aſſyria did viſit her, and furniſhed with ſuch inſtructions, as ſuch an important buſineſs could inſpire them withall. As Cyrus was there the firſt, he had the opportunity to tell her, that ſhe might aſſure the King of Pontus, that he would engage his honour to remember all his obligations, and that he would promiſe to reſtore him his Crown, if he would reſtore the Princeſs Mandana: Moreover Cyrus, let this Princeſs underſtand that he would moſt firmly engage himſelf to be a Protectour unto Spitridates, if ſhe ſhould negotiate well for him in this buſineſs: but ſhe interrupting Cyrus, Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, I beſeech you, do not mingle my intereſts with yours, and let me have the honour to negotiate that which concerns the Illuſt [...]ious Cyrus, and the King of Pontus, my Brother. Cyrus was about to anſwer her, when the King of Aſſyria came into the Princeſs Araminta's Chamber: and adding his prayers with the prayers of his Rival, they conjured her to tranſact her beſt in that negotiation: Both theſe Princes conducted her ſome two hundred paces from the Army, after ſhe had bid adien unto the Queen of Suſiana, who was exceedingly grieved to part from her, though it was but for a ſhort time. The King of Pontus alſo prepared himſelf for this parley, and came unto the Temple according to the appointment between him and Aduſius; he arrived there ſome two hours before the Princeſs his Siſter. Since they had not ſeen one another, ſince the loſs of their Dominions, this meeting did revive the memory of their misfortunes in both their minds. As ſoon as the Princeſs came, ſhe was carried into a great Arched H [...]ll, where commonly they uſed to keep their Feaſts at extraordinary Sacrifices, which for the magnificence of the ſtructure, and beauty of the furniture, did well become the meeting of two ſuch illuſtrious perſons: After the King of Pontus had ſaluted her with many expreſſions of tender affection, they did ſit down, and all the Company withdrew.

Is it poſſible Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, that after all theſe unfortunate diſaſters I ſhould have the happineſs to ſee you again? The condition wherein you ſee me, anſwered he, is ſo miſerable, [Page] that I make a queſtion whether this meeting will grieve or comfort you; and whether that which you take for a happineſs be only ſome device of Fortune to make us more miſerable. Indeed, dear Siſter, to what purpoſe is this enterview, unleſs to make you grieve at my miſeries, as I do at yours? You may eaſily conceive by what I ſay, that I am not now the ſame Prince who condemned in you that innocent affection which you had, and I beleeve ſtil have unto the Prince Sp [...]tridates: His virtue and my own paſſion have taught me not to cenſure Love ſo ſeverely: The truth is, I was much to blame to condemn that in another which is ſo predominate in my ſelf: for ſince I ſaw you, I have loſt Battels, I have loſt my Liberty, I have loſt Crowns and Kingdoms; yet for all theſe, before I complain againſt Fortune, I muſt complain againſt Love. Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, you are in this much to be blamed and pitied, ſince if you can but overcome this paſſion, you may yet be happy. Ah Siſter, ſaid he, I ſhould not know how to love, if I ſhould imagine there can be any other happineſs in the world but in being loved by the Princeſs Mandana: But however, I beſeech you tell me what Conſiderations did move ſuch earneſt deſires in you to ſee me? was it only out of your tenderneſs, and natural affection? or was it to pity me, and your ſelf? or elſe does it relate unto ſome Intereſt of Spitridates, or Cyrus, or your own, or mine? I beſeech you acquaint me with your real deſign, that I may the better know in what manner to ſpeak unto you. Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, though all theſe Conſiderations which you have named may claim ſome ſhare in my deſign to ſee you; yet, to ſpeak ſincerely, it is your own Intereſt which moſt induced me unto it: for Sir, I muſt tell you, it is only your own fault if you be not happy, and if you do not one of the moſt hero [...]que Acts that [...]ver was done: Certainly, ſaid he, I am a very great Lover of honour; and provided that I muſt not quit the Princeſs Mandana in acquiring it, I ſhall do any thing in the world you wi [...]l propoſe unto me. Sir, ſaid the Princeſs Araminta, Mandana does not love you, nor ever will. 'Tis true, ſaid he, but as long as ſhe is in my power, her affection ſhall never make any of my Rivals happy. Do you not conſider Sir, anſwered ſhe, that by making your Rivals miſerable, you make her you love ſo alſo, and that you augment your own misfortunes ſo much the more? For I have authority to tell you, that if you could reſolve upon ſo muc [...]q [...]y▪ as to render up a Princeſs who loves you not unto Cyrus who only hath her heart, and unto whom you are a Debtor for your life, he would in exchange reſtore you a Crown, which in all probabality you never will get without him; ſince it is not ordinary to find Protectors who will conquer Kingdoms, and render them unto thoſe they protect. Siſter, ſaid that Prince and ſighed, I do verily beleeve that Cyrus would do as much as he ſays, for I know his generoſity better then you, and before you knew him: But though I do eſteem this illuſtrious Rival as much and more then ever I did; and though notwithſtanding my love, I am very ſenſible of my obligations to him for uſing you ſo will ſince he had you in his power; and alſo though I do confess, I owe my life unto him; yet for all this Cyrus is not the ſame to the King of [...]on [...]us that Artamenes was. But Sir, this Artamenes, ſaid the Princeſs, whom you loved [...]o tenderly, was then not only on your Enemies ſide, but alſo got Victories from you, and alſo oppoſed your Love, and yet though he did diſpute with you for the glory, and won ſo many Bitt [...]ls from you, ſtill you loved him, and acquainted him with thoſe Conſpirac [...]es which were plotted againſt his life; and commanded that none ſhould fight againſt him: Since that Sir, he reſtored you your Liberty, he rendered back what he had conquered in your Dominions, and gave you Forces to ſuppreſs thoſe who rebelled againſt you; and now he offers you a Kingdom, upon condition you will reſtore Mandana, whoſe love is impoſſible to be obtained by you. All this you ſay Siſter, replyed he, I confeſs is full of Reaſon, and if I had more Ambition then Love, or to expreſs my ſelf better, if my Love were not ſtronger then my Reaſon, certainly I ought, in point of Generoſity, of Policy, and Ambition, harken unto this Propoſition you make: But in that condition which my Soul is, it is impoſſible for me ſo much as to think of it; and I wonder how the P [...]inceſs Araminta can imagine, that any one can ſo eaſily part with what one loves, ſhe, I ſay, who is ſo juſt as to love a Prince whoſe father was a declared Enemy of my houſe. Sir, replyed ſhe and bluſhed, Spitridates loved Araminta, but Mandana never loved nor never will love the King of Pontus. If I ſhould love that Princeſs, replyed he, becauſe ſhe loves me, then my love would ceaſe when ſhe ceaſed loving: but ſince the foundation of my love is becauſe ſhe is the moſt amiable in the world, I ſhall eternally love her, though ſhe never love me: Had I then known, when I had the good fortune to ſave her life at Sea, that Artamenes was Cyrus, and that Cyrus was my Rival, perhaps, as the temper of my mind was then, I ſhould have reſtored her unto him: I was then ſo newly caſt out of a Throne, that I thought no Prince could live without it: But now ſince [Page] the charms of the Princeſs Mandana have enchanted my heart, and am unaccuſtomed unto Soveraignty, Love has quite aboliſhed Ambition out of my Soul; and if I could paſs away all the days of my life with this incomparable Princeſs, though it were in ſome deſert Iſle, where neither Soveraign nor Subject did inhabit, I ſhould eſteem my ſelf moſt happy. Come not then to increaſe my miſeries by awakening a paſſion, which one more ſtrong then it hath caſt into a ſleep, and which, if diſturbed by ſuch Propoſitions as theſe, would but augment my miſery. But Sir, replyed the Princeſs of Pontus, what can you ever hope for by detaining her? Could I but hope for any thing, anſwered he, I ſhould not be ſo miſerable as I am; but I do profeſs unto you, that I can hope for nothing by it, and do expect every day one misfortune after another: Yet you may aſſure Cyrus, in anſwer unto his generoſity, as far as I am able, that when I firſt did underſtand I was his Rival, I grieved as much at it, as I did at the loſs of two Crowns: But ſince it is Injuſti [...]e to deſire things impoſsible, oblige him, I entreat you, not to accuſe me of ingratitude, in not rendering up the Princeſs Mandana unto him, for I loved her before he knew her, and ſhall love her till death. Had I any thing in my power, ſaid he and ſighed, which I could offer him by way of Ranſom, I ſhould with joy preſent that any thing unto him: But dear Siſte,, ſince Fortune hath deprived me of all, and left me nothing but Mandana in my power, I beſeech you pardon me if I do not redeem your Liberty by my own Ruine: You are in the hands of a generous Conqueror, and I do not fear he will revenge the Injuſtice I do unto him, upon you: and to excuſe me in what I do, conſider I beſeech you what Love hath moved Spitridates unto: he, for your particular intereſt, hath left his Father, refuſed Crowns, and wanders unknown throughout the world; he hath done more for you, then I have done for Mandana: Therefore, my dear Siſter, pity me, and do not perſwade me unto any impoſsibilities, which I cannot do.

But Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, I did not hate Spitridates, as Mandana hates you: Moreover, if there were any apparent probability, that you keep this Princeſs for any advantage, I ſhould not ſo much oppoſe your deſign, but pity you for the misfortunes which ſhe is the cauſe of; yet conſidering the ſtate of things, I am full perſwaded, that all the power of Creſſus will ſink, and that you with her will ſink under it: for do but call to mind all the prodigious Acts which Artamenes and which Cyrus hath done, and you will find the number of his Victories ſo many, and his Conqueſts ſo great, that they cannot be remembered without wonder; and can you think the Gods did raiſe him unto that height, only to caſt him down? Has Fortune, contrary to her Cuſtom, followed him ſo conſtantly, purpoſely to forſake him afterwards? to forſake him whoſe Power doth every day increaſe, and ſeems to hold the deſtiny of all Aſia in his hand: So that plainly foreſeeing you will love Mandana, were it not much better then to reſtore her, and gain a Kingdom by it, then to ruine your ſelf by keeping her, and at length loſe her too?

Doubtleſs it had, replyed he, if I were able to do it; but ſince it is not in my power, I muſt not ſo much as think of it any more; therefore Siſter, I beſeech you, diſcourſe no more upon this Subject: for if any upon Earth could perſwade me to reſtore Mandana, it ſhould be Mandana her ſelf: and ſince I have denyed her Tears and her Prayers, pardon me Siſter, if I deny your Propoſition with abundance of eaſe, and it is not ſo difficult to deny a Crown, as it is to deny Liberty unto one who is adored: This divine Princeſs hath offered me a thing more precious then a Crown, ſince ſhe hath offered me her friendſhip, if I would give her Liberty: Judg therefore, if after this I can harken unto your Propoſitions from Cyrus. But Siſter, I beſeech you, do me the favour as not to let my Rival know how conſtant the Princeſs Mandana is unto him: but doubtleſs he is already ſufficiently perſwaded of it, and there is no need that I my ſelf ſhould confirm him in a truth ſo advantagious unto him: Uſe not my own words to make that Prince whom I ought to hate more then I do, to hate me; for really I do eſteem him ſo much, that ſometimes I curſe my Fortune for forcing me to be his Enemy, ſince I owe him my life: you may aſſure him from me, that if the diſpute were about nothing but a Crown, I would lay it at his feet, yes and my honour alſo, which is a thing more dear unto me: but as for Mandana, abſolutely I cannot do it: Moreover Siſter, the power of Creſſus is not ſo inconſiderable as you imagine it. The King of Aſſyria, ſaid ſhe and interrupted him, was much more puiſſant then he, and he ſubdued him. Creſſus, ſaid he, is ſtronger then the King of Aſſyria was, becauſe more united; and ſince his endeavors are to prevent Cyrus from lording it over all Aſia, our Souldiers fighting for their Country and Liberty, are no leſs exaſperated then my ſelf, who fights for Mandana.

[Page] The Princeſs Araminta, ſeeing ſhe could not prevail with the King her Brother, could not reſtrain her tears, and began to adde her prayers unto her reaſons, but both to no purpoſe, for ſhe was compelled to part from him without obtaining her deſired end: ſhe perceived that he was ſomething aſhamed to be ſo unjuſt and ungrateful towards Cyrus whom he eſteemed ſo much, and unto whom he was ſo great a debtor: yet love was more predominant then his reaſon, and rul'd his ſoul which was ſenſible of nothing but that paſſion. The Sacrificers of that Temple prepared a very magnificent Collation for the Princeſs Araminta: But ſhe only looked upon it, and thanked them, for her ſoul was ſo ſad that ſhe could not eat: ſhe departed from thence, and went to lie in a Caſtle, ſome fifty furlongs from thence: The parting was very ſad, for this Princeſs imagining, that perhaps ſhe ſhould never ſee the King her Brother again, or if ſhe did, it would be as a priſoner, and vanquiſhed, ſhe could reſtrain her tears. Heſionida, who ſaw into her thoughts, wept as well as ſhe: and the King of Pontus himſelf ſeemed much dejected as ſoon as he had put her into the Coach; and turning himſelf towards Aduſius, Tell your Illuſtrious Maſter, ſaid he unto him, it is not the Princeſs Araminta's fault that I do not ſatisfie him; nor is it long of my own reaſon, which tells me, I ought to do it: But tell him, generous Aduſius, it is only the Princeſs Mandana, whom he muſt accuſe for my crime: yet aſſure him, that I ſhall diſpute with him for her, with ſo much carriage, that though I be overcome, it will be without ſhame, ſince my death and my defeat will not be unworthy of my Princeſs, and my Conquerour. Aduſius promiſing to obey him, the Coach went on; and the King of Pontus taking horſe, the Princeſs returned towards the Camp, and the King her Brother towards Epheſus, with both their minds filled with various thoughts, but all melancholy.

Cyrus, and the King of Aſſyria, during the abſence of Araminta, had many a reſtleſs thought, for their hopes were not ſtrong enough to make them think that this meeting would procure the liberty of Mandana: ſince though the King of Pontus would have conſented, yet Creſſus perhaps would not: But ſince fears and hopes are the life of Lovers, they feared and they hoped, ſucceſſively one after another. The day in which the Princeſs Araminta was expected back, being come, they went to meet her; many perſons of quality, amongſt the reſt, the Prince Phraartes did follow then. Theſe two Illuſtrious Rivals, riding alone ſome diſtance before the reſt, after a while of ſilence, and tranſported with their paſſions, began to diſcourſe. Can you believe, ſaid the King of Aſſyria unto Cyrus, that our Rival will ſo much as hearken unto the Princeſs Araminta? Since I know him to be affable and civil, ſaid Cyrus, I am confident he will lend her a hearing. But ſince I knew him to be in love, ſaid the King of Aſſyria, I am confident he will refuſe the propoſition which you make him: at the leaſt, I am certain, that though you ſhould offer to reſtore unto me Babylon, and all my Dominions, which are more conſiderable then the Kingdom of Pontus; and though I were certain to be vanquiſhed in the Combate which we are to fight, I had rather die in keeping Mandana, then mount the Throne, by parting with her unto you. This thought, replied Cyrus, is worthy of your ſelf, and of the Princeſs whom we adore, and ſpeaks ſo much violent affection, as it muſt needs be concluded after this, that they who maintain love is the cauſe of love again, are much deceived; ſince if it were ſo, the Princeſs Mandana ſhould have divided hearts, being ſo infinitely loved and adored as ſhe is, both by the King of Aſſyria, the King of Pontus, and the unhappy Cyrus: for Sir, ſaid he, and looked upon his Rival, ſince you are able to refuſe one Crown, rather then part with Mandana, I would loſe an hundred, if I had them, and aſſume as many ſetters as I quitted Scepters, rather then alter my thoughts of her. As they were thus in diſcourſe, they eſpied the horſes, and immediately after, the Coach of the Princeſs Araminta: and riding before the reſt, they went to meet her: The Coach ſtaying they lighted from their horſes, and came towards her with beating hearts; yet they no ſooner ſaw her put up her hood, but they perceived by her eyes that her negotiation had not taken effect; and knew by the firſt word ſhe ſpoke, that they had more reaſon to fear then hope: yet both of them did moſt civilly thank her, eſpecially Cyrus who having no mind to ſtay her any longer in that place, told her, that they ſhould have better conveniency to acknowledge their obligations unto her at her own lodging: ſhe had a great mind to have them with her in the Coach, but there were ſo many women, that it could not be, therefore theſe Princes took horſe, and went with her unto her lodging, whither the Queen of Suſiana came, being conducted by Araſpes, who almoſt never left her. When they were come thither, this wiſe Princeſs told them what ſhe could not conceal, that the King her Brother would not reſtore the Princeſs Mandana: but ſhe expreſſed her ſelf with ſo much prudence, and ſuch good language, that [Page] ſhe did rather leſſ [...]n, then augment their reſentments againſt the King of Pontus her Brother, Aduſius acquainted Cyrus as he lighted from his horſe, with what that Prince did charge him withall: who out of his reſpects unto the Princeſs Araminta, ſeemed not tranſported with it, but ſaid, I am extreamly ſorry, that I am thus conſtrained to be an enemy unto ſo great a Prince, yet notwithſtanding Madam, I promiſe you, that though the fortune of Arms does favour me, yet I will not imploy the power of a Conquerour againſt him any further, then ſhall only concern the intereſt of the Princeſs Mandana: and do here declare unto you, that he ſhall never be further captive, then as the Princeſs Mandana makes him: that hand which hath offered him a Crown, ſhall never fetter him. But the King of Aſſyria, who was naturally of a more violent temper, had much ado to contain himſelf; and could not chuſe, for all his reſpects unto Araminta, but caſt our ſuch ſharp language as contained many menaces, and much anger. After this, Cyrus, and the King of Aſſyria withdrew, and Phraartes only, when all the Company was gone, continued his viſit.

Since the return of this Princeſs Cyrus did ſo beſtir himſelf, that though Winter was not yet paſt, he began to annoy his enemies: Not a day did paſs wherein he did not ſend out ſome skirmiſhing parties, and ſomtimes went out himſelf. He received intelligence upon intelligence from all parts; and imployed his time in informing himſelf how Mandana did: what forces Creſſus had, which way his deſignes aimed; how he might croſs them, and by what means he might releaſe his Princeſs: he gave orders for all neceſſaries fitting for a great Siege, not knowing whether he ſhould be put unto it: he diſpatched away towards Thraſibulus, for proviſion of a Fleet, in caſe he was to beſiege Epheſus. But as the Spring time of the year was near, he received ſuch news as much joyed him, which was, That Creſſus hearing fame ſpeak loud in behalf of Artamas, whom he knew by the name of Cleander, That he was really the King of Phrygia's Son, and ſo acknowledge, he reſolved to recal the Princeſs his daughter unto Sardis, and to bring the Princeſs Mandana with her, as thinking that a place of greater ſecurity then Epheſus. This news was wondrous welcome unto Cyrus, as well becauſe Mandana would be far from Sea, as becauſe he had hopes to releaſe her in the way as ſhe came: As Artamas was very well acquainted with that Country, ſo he told him, that he knew an infallible way to place an ambuſh in a Wood, cloſe by the way, where they muſt of neceſſity paſs in going from Epheſus to Sardis, which their enemies could not poſſibly avoid, and where in all likelihood he might intercept and releaſe the Princeſſes. So that their only buſineſs was to be informed of the certain time when they would ſet out of Epheſus, and what number their Convoy conſiſted of: Feraulas was diſpatched thither with Letters from Meneceus unto his friends there. Timocreon ſent alſo to Sardis, ſo did Tegeus, to the end they might every way receive intelligence, and not be miſtaken. This freſh hope put ſuch an impreſſion of joy into the heart and eyes of Cyrus, that he ſeemed more freſh and lovely then ever; his converſation being now not ſo melancholy as before, it did exceedingly delight the Queen of Suſiana, and the Princeſs Araminta: as for the laſt of which, the condition of the King of Pontus, the abſence of Spitridates, and the Courtſhip of the Prince Phraartes, all theſe conſiderations did procure her many angry hours. Panthea alſo was not without her ſhare of ſorrows, yet the civilities of Cyrus, his pleaſant addreſſes, and his ſpirit, did often times ſuſpend them; for he endeavoured as much as poſſible he could to make their captivities leſs tedions unto them.

Whileſt this was the State of Affairs, and whileſt all Aſia was in Arms, waiting for nothing, but until the Sun had dried up the field of battel, and produced freſh palmes to crown the Conquerour: Cyrus, being full of pleaſant impatience ſince he hoped ere long to releaſe Mandana, and acquire new glory, ſaw Artaban arrive, whom Ciaxares had ſent unto him; and who informed him, that all Medea was in peace, that Ciaxares was in health, and that he would ſend Aglatidas back unto him with freſh ſupplyes. At the name of Aglatidas, Cyrus imbraced Artaban, and enquired very earneſtly how he did; Sir, ſaid Artaban unto him, I have orders from him to relate unto you the ſequel of his hiſtory, which is no leſs full of admiration, then that part you know already was extraordinary: It is Megabiſes then, replyed Cyrus, who diſturbs his happineſs. It is in vain Sir, replied he, for you to gueſs at his adventures, for they are ſo ſtrange that it is impoſſible they ſhould be imagined. However, ſince Artaban ſeemed very weary, Cyrus would then keep him no longer from his reſt, but deferred the relation of it until the next day. And in the mean time he managed his time ſo well, and took ſuch orders for all things that were neceſſary, as the next day he came [Page] unto Artaban, with intention to hear this Story. Since Cyrus and he were alone, Artaban put that Prince in memory of Arbates and his Cheat; of Aglatidas and his Jealouſie in ſeeing Megabiſes and Ameſtris together in the Garden; of his Deſpair and Exile; of his ſaigned Paſſion unto Anatiſa at his return; of the ſorrows which this faigned Paſſion cauſed in Ameſtris, becauſe ſhe thought it real: how ſhe knew Aglatidas was jealous, but knew not of whom; of the odd Reſolution ſhe took to juſtifie her ſelf in his opinion, by marrying Ottanus, of whom ſhe was certain he was not jealous, nor could be; of her Marriage; of her, and his own Deſpair, when they knew their reciprocal innocency; and alſo their laſt parting. After a ſhort Revival of all theſe paſſages, Cyrus turning himſelf towards Artaban, I do very well remember them all, ſaid he unto him, the misfortunes of my friends do not ſo eaſily ſl [...]p out of my memory; and therefore I pray you ſatisfie my Curioſity, and relate all that concerns Aglatidas: Then Artaban obeying his Commands, began thus.

The Sequel of the Hiſtory of AGLATIDAS and AMESTRIS.

FOr your better underſtanding the Story of Aglatidas, and the accidents happened unto him ſince his return into Medea, I muſt acquaint you Sir with the Adventures of Ameſtris ſince her Marriage with Ottanus, and ſince that ſad ſeparation of Aglatidas and her, wherein both Love and Virtue did eminently appear, and reſide both at a time in the heart of Ameſtris. But that you may judg of her ſufferings, it is requiſite I ſhould make a particular deſcription of the perſon, humor and ſpirit of Ottanus: for ſince it was Aglatidas who ſpoke of him unto you at Sinope, and ſince I know him to be as wiſe and reſerved a man as lives, doubtleſs he would not aggravate his faults. Imagine then Ottanus to be very tall, but far from handſom; of a ſullen, fierce and ſubtle aſpect, and an unpleaſing and forced action, of a rude and boariſh converſation; with theſe qualities imagine him to be of as much ſpirit and courage as ever any had: So that if an art could have been found out to have ſeparated the good qualities of Ottanus from his bad, there was enough to be found in him to have ſufficiently furniſhed a compleat man, and alſo a very Monſter: However, ſince that ſpirit which he had was of a turbulent and reſtleſs temper, it had been better both for himſelf and for Ameſtris, if he had been a dull Blockhead, as I ſhall hereafter let you know; for if he had been ſo, he had not ſo much tormented himſelf, nor perſecuted her. You may remember Sir, how ſuddenly he became happy, by reaſon of the odd humor in that fair Lady: his happineſs was ſo great, that at the firſt he thought upon nothing elſe, but of enjoying her he loved: and ſo ſolely devoted his heart unto joy, as I beleeve he did not obſerve the melancholy of Ameſtris on the marriage day; and I think it was a long time after, before he began to take any notice whether ſhe was pleaſant or diſcontented. The truth is, his good fortune ſeemed to be as great as poſſible, for he had married with her own conſent, the faireſt, the moſt vertuous, and the richeſt Lady in all Ecbatane, who in her own choyce preferred him before all the compleat Gallants of the Court: Moreover, the two Rivals who were moſt to be feared, were out of Town, to wit, Aglatidas and Megabiſes; ſo that conſider his felicity in that reſpect, it could not but be imagined very great: Alſo, he was ſo exceſſively ſenſible of it for a while, that he ſpoke of nothing elſe: and whileſt Ameſtris was weeping in ſecret with her dear Menaſta, Ottanus was publiſhing his joy unto all the world. This prudent Lady was ſo wiſe as to hide her diſcontents from her husband: But ſince it was an intolerable torment, to be always in a conſtra ned mode, ſhe ſhunned the company of all others as much as ſhe could, and forced her ſelf only in the preſence of Ottanus. She always delighted in ſolitude more then company; and Ottanus did ſeem far from any jealouſie: But after the firſt edg of his joy was taken off, and he returned unto his accuſtomed dull humor, he began to conſider, among the reſt of his ſullen muſings, what reaſon Ameſtris had, after ſhe had ſo long a time treated him rigorouſly, to change upon a ſudden, and make him happy: he reſolved to ask her the reaſon of her ſudden alteration; he preſſed her very earneſtly to tell him her reaſons, why ſhe hated him, and why ſhe loved him: for ſaid he unto her, I am certain the change was not in me, but your ſelf.

This unexpected Queſtion did ſo ſurprize Ameſtris, that ſhe bluſhed, and gave him [...] ſatisfactory [Page] anſwer: yet ſhe told him, that as long as her Father lived, the diſpoſition of her ſelf was in him; and after his death ſhe was reſolved to marry according to her own affection; but ſhe ſpoke this with ſo much diſorder in her countenance, that Ottanus changed colour as well as ſhe: Then urging her no further, he went to walk by himſelf, as one of my intimate friends, who was alſo a friend of his, did tell me, and revealed all his ſecrets unto me: But oh Heavens, what odd phantaſtical thoughts did come into his mind during this walk? and how ſeverely did he puniſh himſelf with his own capricious phancy? Then he called to mind all the ſeverity which Ameſtris expreſſed towards him: he▪ remembered all her ſcornings of him, and the great difference which ſhe made between him and Aglatidas or Megabiſes, and did not forget any act which this fair and virtuous Lady did either in contempt of him, or in advantage unto any of his Rivals. However (ſaid he, after a memory of all theſe things) I am the Enjoyer of Ameſtris, and all my Rivals, which in appearance were then more happy, were yet really more unfortunate: What then would I have? ſaid he; and what do I want to compleat my happineſs? Then would he walk a while in a more calm temper: and thinking he had ſetled himſelf in more tranquility of mind, he gave over the thought of theſe things, and began to delight himſelf in the variety of flowers which grew in the Garden where he walked: he quitted that ſhady melancholy walk which he made choyce of at firſt, and took one of a more open ayr; but notwithſtanding the enamelled beauty and variety of flowers, as ſoon as he had changed places, he began to make compariſons betwixt himſelf and his Rivals, and he could find no reaſon in the world why Ameſtris ſhould make choyce of him before them: and though it be the cuſtom of all the world to flatter themſelves, and ſeldom to do Juſtice when they are their own Judges; yet Ottanus in this buſineſs did cenſure himſelf with all ſeverity poſſible; he concluded then, that Ameſtris ought not to have made choyce of him, ſince ſhe had no prepoſſeſſed opinion of him, or affection to him, as he knew ſhe had not: For (ſaid he) the very day before my happineſs ſhe was intolerably incenſed againſt me, I never found her more cruel or uncivil towards me in her life then that day, and the next morning the fit took her to marry me, and did ſo, though I could never conceive any Reaſon why ſhe ſhould think of ſo much happineſs for me: But what matter is it which way our good fortune comes, ſo we enjoy it? Ameſtris is mine, and all my Rivals go without her; nor is there any likelyhood they ever had any ſhares in her heart, ſince ſhe made not choyce of any amongſt them, as if ſhe had pleaſed ſhe might have done, but preferred one whom they loved not before them all: Yet for all this, ſaid he, Ameſtris did not love me two days before ſhe married me; and I am moſt certain I uſed neither any charms nor enchantments to change her heart; nor did I ſo much as ask that favour from the hands of Heaven, becauſe I ſaw ſo little probability of obtaining it, yet upon a ſudden I became happy and—Then he ſtayed a while, and went no further: Afterwards repenting himſelf of what he had ſaid, and what he thought to have ſaid; But am I very well aſſured that I am happy? and is it not ſo that I have only changed misfortunes? And indeed Ottanus (as my friend, whoſe name was Artemon, of whom I already ſpoke, ſince told me) after he had well examined the matter, and ſufficiently tormented himſelf, could never reſolve with himſelf whether he was happy or unhappy; but he went home very reſerved and melancholy: He reſolved to get the maſtery of his mind, and wraſtle with thoſe thoughts which diſturbed his good fortune; and indeed for ſome certain days did endeavor to be contented. As for Ameſtris, her thoughts were as far from any calm ſerenity, as the ſpirit of Ottanus was; and ſhe thought her ſelf the moſt miſerable woman upon Earth, eſpecially ſince ſhe knew the innocency of Aglatidas: for before that, though ſhe had an extream averſion towards Ottanus, yet ſhe had ſome conſolation in her hopes to undeceive Aglatidas in the opinion he had of her, and if he were once undeceived, then had ſhe cruelly revenged her ſelf upon him: But as the ſtate of things were, knowing that if ſhe had not married Ottanus, ſhe might have been happy, and Aglatidas contented, ſhe ſuffered unconceiveable torment of mind: ſhe could find no conſolation in condemning him who was the cauſe of her ſufferings, nor in any thing elſe but condemning her ſelf. However, Aglatidas at parting having ſent a Letter unto Menaſta to give unto Ameſtris, ſhe quitted her ſelf very faithfully, and gave it unto her though with much ado to move her unto a reception of it: For ſince Ameſtris was as virtuous as fair, ſhe conceived it ſomething againſt the Rules of Virtue to receive any expreſſions of love from Aglatidas; yet after Menaſta promiſed her it ſhould be the laſt ſhe ſhould be troubled with, ſhe read it; and this was the Contents:

[Page]

The miſerable AGLATIDAS unto the unfortunate AMESTRIS.

I Can never conſent to go far from you before I have asked Pardon for being a cauſe of your ſorrows: I would I were able, for your tranquilities ſake, to wiſh you would abſolutely forget me; but I do confeſs my weakneſs, and acknowledg that I cannot be ſo generous; but on the contrary, I deſire that the remembrance of my conſtant Paſsion may be the greateſt torment of your life. As for mine, I do promiſe you it ſhall be ſo miſerable, that unleſs you be the moſt unhumane woman in the world, you will have ſo much goodneſs as to let me know you pity me, lest I ſhould dye with deſpair.

AGLATIDAS.

After Ameſtris had read this Letter with tears in her eyes, though ſhe refuſed to receive it at the firſt, yet ſhe kept it at the laſt, and would not give it again unto Menaſta: and talking together concerning the croſſneſs of theſe accidents, Menaſta told her, that ſince things paſt and done cannot be recalled and undone, the beſt way was to make the beſt of things one could, and to comfort ones ſelf. Ah Menaſta, ſaid Ameſtris, how difficult is this counſel to be practiſed? and how hard a matter is it to find any comfort, when one is forced to ſee him continually whom one hates, and never to ſee him one loves? and I aſſure you, that ſince the time Aglatidas did juſtifie himſelf in my opinion, the averſion which I ever had towards Ottanus is ſo much augmented, as I cannot tell which is the greater torment, never to ſee Aglatidas, or continually to ſee Ottanus: for when I do not ſee Ottanus, I have but the moyety of my miſery, becauſe then I think very often upon Aglatidas without any remembrance of Ottanus: But as for Ottanus, I do confeſs my dear Menaſta with ſhame, that I never look upon him but I think upon Aglatidas, and at the ſame time look upon Ottanus as the only obſtacle of my felicity, and likewiſe the felicity of Aglatidas: I uſe my beſt endeavors to choak ſuch thoughts, but cannot hinder them: Ottanus never does any act, or ſpeaks one word, that pleaſeth me, and which does not make me remember, how Aglatidas was wont to tell me of a hundred thouſand pleaſant things: However, though I cannot be Miſtreſs over the ſecret motions of my heart, yet I ſtrive to ſet the beſt face I can upon them in his preſence; and knowing that ſince he is my Husband, both the Gods, and Vertue, and Decency, do all require my obedience unto him, and that I be complacential towards him, this duty and complacency I do pay; but it is with ſuch a horrible repugnancy, and by doing ſuch extraordinary violence to my ſelf, that I wonder it doth not coſt me both my Reaſon and my Life.

But, ſaid Menaſta unto her, the only way to find reſt and remedy, is to divert your ſelf ſometimes, and ſee the world as heretofore you have done: for when you are in company, and walking abroad in the converſation of wits, and pleaſant men, you would leſs think upon either Aglatidas or Ottanus, ſince the noiſe and tumult of the world does at the leaſt take up the mind, if not divert it, the variety of men which one ſhall ſee; news, walks, wit, muſique and diſcourſe will inſenſibly expel melancholy, and make one delight in company. Thoſe who uſe theſe Remedies, replyed Ameſtris, do certainly complain but of common ſorrows: but they who uſe ſuch as I do, do know Menaſta, that all theſe things which you propound unto me as Remedies, are ſo far from that, as they are multiplications of miſeries: and indeed, how do you think I can care for dreſſing my ſelf as I was accuſtomed, when I deſire to pleaſe none, and when all the world diſpleaſeth me? How can I endure to be perpetually in the converſation of men, who would but importune me, and grieve me more in lieu of comforting me? You know that all I can ſee, are either Friends or Enemies unto Aglatidas: So that the ſame which you think would make me forget him, will revive the remembrance of him: Should I go unto any Balls, conſidering the humor I am in, they would be ſo far from diverting me, that I do not think I ſhould know ſo much as the difference of [Page] Tunes: Muſique would but make my heart more heavy in lieu of eaſing it: As for News, which you preſcribe as a remedy, ſince it pleaſeth none but a certain ſort of men, who love to buſie themſelves in things which concerns them not, it cannot by conſequence delight me, ſince I never think upon any thing but what concerns my ſelf, and never cares for the reſt: Let it therefore be concluded Menaſta, that ſolitary walks is the only recreation I can take; and not upon the banks of Orontes, where none walk but ſuch as would only ſee and be ſeen: Certainly I ſhould ſee nothing there that would pleaſe me; and if I ſhould do ſo, perhaps Ottanus (to augment my miſery if it were poſſible) would become jealous of me. But then, ſaid Menaſta, how do you intend to live? I intend to live, replyed ſhe, as one that would quickly dye. This Reſolution, replyed Menaſta, is moſt lamentable, however I beſeech you do not baniſh me from your Company. Ah my dear Menaſta, ſaid Ameſtris, I cannot have ſuch a thought: but ſince you cannot be much in my company, unleſs you baniſh your ſelf from the reſt of the world, I ought to deprive my ſelf of my only conſolation, which is your company.

Menaſta then made new Proteſtations of friendſhip unto her, and ſo they parted; but yet Ameſtris was as good as her word, and lived a moſt retired life: And though it be the cuſtom of new married people to be moſt gay, and more expenſive at that time, then any other of their lives, yet ſhe on the contrary was more negligent of her ſelf then ever, ſhe faigned her ſelf not well, to the end ſhe might avoyd all places of pleaſure; ſhe never made any viſits, but ſuch as were of abſolute and obliging neceſſity; nor would permit any to viſit her; ſo that ſhe who of all the Court was moſt viſited and courted, became the moſt ſolitary, and leaſt frequented: ſhe was ſo early every morning at the Temple, that not only all the Ladies, but all the Gallants of Ecbatan were aſleep when ſhe was there: So that never Husband had more reaſon to be at reſt then Ottanus; and the way of living which Ameſtris uſed, was certainly enough to have ſatisfied the moſt jealous Lover in the world: Yet Sir, all theſe Antidotes againſt that Poyſon, was ſo far from ſatisfying him, that they augmented his malady, as the like was never heard: Yet notwithſtanding at the firſt, he was glad of that which did ſo much torment him afterwards; and thought, that to have a fair wife whom none ſaw but himſelf, was no mean happineſs: But yet this reſervedneſs of Ameſtris did make ſo great a noiſe in the world, that nothing elſe was talked on; and ſince it was obſerved, that neither ſhe nor Aglatidas were to be ſeen, none could underſtand the real cauſe of it; but they thought that Ameſtris lived in that manner, becauſe Ottanus was jealous, and had commanded her ſo to do: ſo that he had a hundred curſes every day, for cauſing ſo fair a Lady to live ſo miſerable a life: and ſince no Subject is ſo fit an Anvile to forge a hundred thouſand extravagant Tales upon, as a jealous Husband; Ottanus was the mark that every wit and tongue did ſhoot at; and in leſs then eight days, long Hiſtories were made of his Jealouſie: In ſo much as Artemon, of whom I ſpoke before, who was his Friend and Couſin, reſolved to acquaint him with the voyce of the people, thinking to do a good office both unto him and Ameſtris: and though he knew the ſpirit of Ottanus to be very odd, and that the buſineſs it ſelf was ſomething difficult to tell, yet he reſolved upon it, and one day went unto him: After a while of talk upon things indifferent, he asked how Ameſtris did; and as he anſwered ſhe was very well, Artemon told him all her Friends complain that they can never ſee her, or to ſpeak more ſincerely, ſaid he unto him, They complain againſt you, for they ſuppoſe ſhe would not forſake them but by orders from you: Then did he acquaint him with ſome reports of him, yet concealing the bitter part of them: Ottanus was amazed at the diſcourſe of Artemon, and ſeriouſly proteſted unto him, that he never deſired Ameſtris ſhould ſo retire from company, but that her reſervedneſs was voluntary, and proceeded from her ſelf only. No, no, ſaid Artemon, you cannot perſwade me to beleeve it; but ſince you know I am your Friend, you may very well make an ingenious Confeſſion of your weakneſs unto me: after you have done ſo, I ſhall ſay you have a mind to ſatisfie the world: But to make me beleeve, that Ameſtris, who all her life lived in the company of compleat men, and delighted her ſelf with variety of Recreations, ſhould change her courſe the very next day after her Marriage, unleſs you had commanded her, or at the leaſt unleſs ſhe knew that living ſo would pleaſe you; this, I ſay, is a thing which I cannot beleeve. I do proteſt unto you, ſaid Ottanus to him, that I am no cauſe at all of her alteration: And I do proteſt unto you, ſaid Artemon, that I do not beleeve you; yet to ſpeak ſincerely and plainly unto you, think [Page] Ottanus, that Ameſtris is yet too young to begin ſo ſevere a courſe of living; and I have heard many ſay, that a Husband who is jealous without cauſe, may afterwards have cauſe to be ſo, and thank himſelf for it: I know the vertue of Ameſtris is ſo great, that you are not in any danger of ſuch a miſery: but for all that, there is no great pleaſure to be taken in being the common talk of the world; and the more vertuous a wife is, the more fooliſh the Husband is, and more tales are told, if he be jealous: Therefore, if you will take my advice, be not ſo; or if you needs muſt be, at the leaſt hide it handſomly: A Lover, I do confeſs, may be jealous without diſhonour; and ſeldom is love long without ſome ſparks of it: yet a Husband cannot ſeem to be ſo, but he expoſeth himſelf to be the mock of all the world: I know it is ſome injuſtice to excuſe the one, and condemn the other; but ſince it is grown to be the univerſal opinion of the world, you cannot alter it; therefore alter your ſelf, if you can.

Ottanus ſeeing he could not perſwade Artemon to believe him, and being vexed to the ſoul that ſuch tales ſhould be commonly told of him, he carried Artemon whether he would or no unto the Chamber of Ameſtris, to ask her before him, whether ever he did ſo much as ſeem to deſire, ſhe ſhould retire her ſelf from the world: Artemon thinking Ameſtris would perhaps be pleaſed, if he could contribute any thing that might cauſe an alteration in her life, went with him. As ſoon as they entered, ſeeing ſhe was alone in her Cloſet: I pray, Madam, ſpeak, ſaid Ottanus to her, whether ever I deſired you to forbear any viſits, or to go any more unto Walks, or Balls: Did I ever forbid you any handſom dreſs, or refuſe any company that ever came unto you? or did I ever bid you go unto the Temple by break of day? as it is reported over all Ecbatan? Sir, anſwered Ameſtris, and bluſhed, I cannot think these are any who have ſuch an ill opinion either of you or me, as to ſay any ſuch thing: Ask Artemon, replied he, who will tell you, that becauſe you are more ſolitary then heretofore you uſed to be, it is ſaid that I am jealous. I had rather, anſwered Ameſtris, they ſhould ſay, you are jealous, and that I obey you, then ſay I go to Balls and Walks againſt your Commands. But ſince it befits me to juſtifie you, Know Artemon, (ſaid ſhe, and turned towards him) that this change which is obſerved in me, is not properly a change, ſince it was always my natural inclination, which I was forced to hide as long as Artambares and Hermaniſta lived, becauſe they were not ſo indulgent towards me as Ottanus is, who ſuffering me to be Miſtreſs of my own will, I can now live without any forcing my ſelf, as before I did: It muſt needs be confeſſed, replied Artemon, and ſmiled, that if you did force your inclination, you did diſſemble it admirably well: but however, (ſaid he further, thinking to pleaſe Ameſtris whom he much eſteemed) ſince you did hereto [...]ore force your diſpoſition to obey a father in expoſing your ſelf unto the view of the world: doubtleſs you can [...]do no leſs now to preſerve the honour of a husband, who is accuſed of much injuſtice. I do not think (ſaid Ameſtris much puzzled) that ever Ottanus will be perſwaded by ſuch ill grounded reports: for I have ſeen none ſince he was married of whom he can be jealous, and therefore I hope, that in ſpite of all malicious Rumours, he will permit me the freedom to prefer the tranquility of my Cloſet, before the tumult of the Court, of which I am weary. Then I beſeech you, tell me (ſaid Artemon, who imagined that Ameſtris ſpoke ſo only to pleaſe Ottanus) what you would have me anſwer unto thoſe who ask me how you live, and what you do? You may tell them, replied ſhe, that ſomtimes I read, ſomtimes I imploy my ſelf in works of gold and ſilver, ſomtimes I limb, and draw pictures; and ſomtimes I enjoy my ſolitude in remembring all the follies of many men, who think themſelves very wiſe, and are not ſo. Whileſt Ameſtris was thus talking, Ottanus walked up and down, and ſaid nothing; and obſerving that ſhe was angry at what Artemon had ſaid unto her, Madam, ſaid he, I hope you will no refuſe to juſtifie me, and my honour in the opinion of the world; therefore I do conjure you to look upon it, and vindicate me: for I cannot endure to be any longer accuſed for keeping you up as a priſoner.

Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, if you let your felicity depend upon the opinion of others, I think myſelf in an ill condition; and if I ſhould expoſe my ſelf unto the world again, I know not whether the ſame men that unjuſtly report you to be jealous, will not report me to be too gallant and free, therefore it is much better not to run the hazard of that danger. Then ſome came into the Cloſet, who had buſineſs with Ottanus, ſo that he could not make a reply unto Ameſtris: but he went out, and Artemon with him, leaving her alone in much wonder [Page] at the paſſage. Menaſta came to her preſently after; and obſerving ſome diſorders in her looks, What's the matter, ſaid ſhe unto her, ſince yeſterday when I left you? I am ſo angry, replied Ameſtris, that I can hardly tell you the cauſe of it; for truly Menaſta, excepting your ſelf, I had but one comfort in the world, which was my ſolitude, and which I thought I ſhould have enjoyed quietly until my death, yet they will deprive me of that: then ſhe related unto her the whole paſſage: But Menaſta, ſaid ſhe, it is true, that all the world reports Ottanus to be jealous? It is certain, anſwered ſhe, that ſuch a rumour runs about the Town, and more certain, that I never went about to undeceive them who reports it, becauſe as long as they believe that to be the cauſe of your retiredneſs, they would never look after the true cauſe; and conſequently, never find it out. And why, ſaid Ameſtris, did you not acquaint me with theſe things? Becauſe I ſaw you ſo ſad, anſwered Menaſta, that I ſcrupled whether I ſhould tell ſuch unpleaſant news: yet ſince you do know it, I wiſh it may be a means to reſtore you again unto your friends. No, no, anſwered Ameſtris, deceive not your ſelf, for I ſhall never do ſo; and were it for no other reaſon, but the having ſuch a Husband as Ottanus is, I will never ſee them again; but Menaſta, I ſhall have further cauſe not to love him; for he will by all means expoſe me to the view of the world. For my part, ſaid Menaſta, I do not think that Ottanus did preſs you unto it ſo much as you think; and he would never have ſpoke as he did, but becauſe Artemon was preſent: however, for your diverſion a little, let me tell you, that Anatiſa hearing of your marriage with Ottanus in the Countrey where ſhe is, is rapt into a little Heaven of joy: and makes no queſtion but her own marriage would be next with Aglatidas, as ſoon as ſhe came to Ecbatan: but afterwards hearing that he was vaniſhed, and had ſetled all his Affairs, as one that would not return again, her ſorrows were as great as her joyes were before: and ſince Tatlers do ſeldom get love either from ſuch as themſelves, or others, every one had a vie in diſadvantage of Anatiſa, who did ſo crack of her affection unto Aglatidas before, and of her anger againſt him now, that I believe ſhe will never be able to make any great Conqueſts, though perhaps ſhe will endeavour to repair her loſs by hopes of ſome other victory. Ameſtris did hearken unto Menaſta with ſome delight, becauſe the anger of Anatiſa, did evidently prove the fidelity of Aglatidas: for though ſhe fully reſolved never to ſee him again, yet ſhe had a ſecret deſign in the root of her heart, to love him as long as ſhe lived.

Mean while, after Artemon was parted from Ottanus, and Ottanus had diſpatched his buſineſs with thoſe who came to ſpeak with him, he was alone with his own thoughts, and calling all theſe paſſages into his memory, which before tormented him, he found his ſoul in a worſe condition then before: and that which at the firſt, afforded him ſome minuts of tranquility, was now a perpetual turbulency unto him. For (ſaid he to himſelf, as he related afterwards) from whence ſhould this ſudden alteration in the humour of Ameſtris proceed? What may be her reaſon to leave hating me? why ſhould ſhe begin to hate all the world? which way ſhould I find out the true cauſe of all this? After he had reſtleſly reaſoned upon it, and that which Artemon told him, ſticking in his ſtomack, he ſpoke unto Ameſtris at night, and conjured her, not to neglect her ſelf ſo much, but to make ſome viſits: yet as ſhe refuſed it, though with much reſpect, ſo his mind became much exaſperated; and he very roughly moved her to dreſs her ſelf, and to walk abroad, and frequent Balls, and all other places, whither a jealous and angry Husband would have forbid his wife: Inſomuch as ſhe told him, that ſhe would do all ſhe could to obey him; and in order to that, ſhe dreſſed her ſelf the next morning more handſomly then ordinary, and went unto the Temple at the ſame time which other Ladies uſed, but yet it was with ſo much melancholy in her eyes, that ſhe infuſed no joy into any of thoſe friends which ſaw her: and as ill luck was, two or three perſons having ſeen her ſo ſad, and afterward meeting with Ottanus, told him, that they would ask no more why Ameſtris was ſo long unſeen, ſince it appeared by her face ſhe had been ſick. But Ottanus, knowing that ſhe had not been ſo, did conclude, that there was ſome ſecret matter in her mind which was the cauſe of it, and which he could not diſcover. Ameſtris yet was leſs ſolitary for three or four days, but with ſo much forcing of her ſelf that ſhe was not able to endure it any longer: for if ſhe ſaw any friends of Aglatidas, her ſoul was in a very hell: if they were indifferent men ſhe met with, they gave her ſome ſuch touch concerning the pretended jealouſie of Ottanus, as did not pleaſe her; or if they were any of the diſcreeter ſort of people, they entertained her with diſcourſes ſo oppoſite to her preſent humour, that they were extreamly troubleſom to her: if any compleat man was commended, then the image of Aglatidas appeared in her fancie: if any was blamed, then the thoughts of Ottanus would direct her eyes: [Page] She thought all thoſe that looked upon her, did blame her for marrying Ottanus: So having lived three or four days thus, and not being able to endure it longer, ſhe faigned to be ſick, that ſo ſhe might not go abroad, nor receive any more viſits. But ſince ſhe could not deceive Ottanus ſo eaſily, as ſhe could the world, who ſaw her not, his torments did double upon him; and not knowing what he would have, he endured all the pangs of a jealous man, and much more then common jealouſie could infuſe: for they who are jealous have at the leaſt ſome ground for it, though he could not ſo much as imagine what the cauſe of his torments was: And not being able to contain all his turbulent cogitations within the compaſs of his own heart, he diſcovered all his ſecrets unto Artemon; who after he had obſerved the Raptures, the Reaſons and Complaints of his Couſin, could not determine what his malady was: for ſaid he unto him, It cannot be ſaid you are jealous, ſince there is no imaginable reaſon for it; for Ameſtris neither ſees nor will be ſeen by any: Ameſtris, when ſhe was free, made choyce of you, and married you, what would you have more? I would gladly know, ſaid he, why upon a ſudden ſhe reſolved to marry me; and why upon a ſudden ſhe will not look upon the world.

I do confeſs, ſaid Artemon, that the laſt of theſe is very ſtrange unto me, ſince you aſſure me it is not long of you: yet however, it concerns us who have loſt her, to complain of that, and not you, ſince you ſee her oftner, and diſcourſe more freely with her. Not at all, replyed Ottanus, for ſhe perſwades me to live as I was accuſtomed to do; and that I ſhould allow of her alteration: I know very well that heretofore ſhe did not hate Aglatidas, but there has been ſuch jars between them ſince that, as I cannot conclude any thiug upon it. But why ſhould you torment your ſelf, ſaid Artemon, ſince your wife deſires not to ſee Aglatidas more then any other, and indeed cannot ſee him, ſince he is abſent. The reaſon why ſhe lives thus (replyed he, after a little ſtudy upon it) is perhaps becauſe he is abſent. And why did ſhe marry you, replyed Artemon, if ſhe loved Aglatidas? That is it which I know not, ſaid he, but gladly would know her reaſon for it. Aglatidas, replyed Artemon, is indeed a very gallant man, but he is ſo inconſtant, that I cannot think he ever had any ſhare in the heart of Ameſtris: The pitiful Complaints which Anatiſa makes againſt him, does ſufficiently argue his inconſtancy. How, ſaid Ottanus, do Aglatidas and Anatiſa jar? Yes, anſwered Artemon, and that extreamly. Ah Artemon, ſaid Ottanus, this which you have told me, does much more perplex me. I do not ſee any cauſe you have, replyed Artemon; Aglatidas when you married Ameſtris, did love Anatiſa, as every one thought; ſince then he has caſt her off, and gone away, and what does all this concern you? I cannot untangle my thoughts, anſwered he, but I wiſh Aglatidas had continued yet in love with Anatiſa. So would ſhe too, anſwered Artemon and laughed, but ſince he is glad with a pretence to break with her, why ſhould it offend Ottanus? Then having a mind to chide him after ſuch a manner as ſhould not make him angry; Well Ottanus, ſaid he unto him, I pray reſolve me, are you Jealous, or are you only Phantaſtical? I know not well what I am, replyed he; but I am moſt certain my mind is moſt unquiet; and I find all ſymptomes of Jealouſie in my ſelf. Then this is the firſt time, anſwered Artemon, that ever a Wife made her Husband jealous, by neglecting her ſelf, by never going abroad, nor ſeeing any body, and by hiding her beauty with as much care as others take to ſhew it. Therefore I am the more to be pityed, replyed Ottanus, for I ſee no remedy for my miſery: If Ameſtris had a gadding mind of going unto Balls, and I diſl ked it, then I could hinder her from going any more; but as the diſeaſe is, I know not where to find a Remedy.

If you will follow my advice, ſaid Artemon unto him, you ſhall never ſeek for any, ſince certainly ſmall diſeaſes do commonly grow greater by remedies. My diſeaſe, replyed he, is none of thoſe which can be called ſmall. Truly, ſaid Artemon, I know not how you ſhould term it a great one. Can a greater be imagined, replyed Ottanus, then to ſee the ſame which ſhould have been my chief felicity, become my greateſt miſery? But why are you not happy? replyed Artemon, is not Ameſtris moſt fair? is ſhe not richer then any of her quality? has ſhe not as much wit as riches and beauty? and has ſhe not much more Virtue then either wit, beauty, or riches, altogether? is ſhe not affable and complacential unto you? what then would you have more? I would ſee, replyed he, into the very bottom of her heart; and ſee if there be no ſecret there, which ſhe has not already told. What, replyed Artemon, what would you have her tell? I would have her tell me (replyed Ottanus, half angry) a likely lye, rather then tell me nothing.

[Page] Artemon ſeeing Oltanus begin to be angry, would incenſe him no further, leſt he ſhould deprive himſelfe of means to be ſerviceable unto Ameſtris for the future: for though he was his Couſ [...] ▪ yet it was his generoſity which made him his friend, and which ſide to take, either hers or his was no Queſtion, ſince Reaſon would not allow him to take the part of Oltanus. However, conceiving it requiſite to hold ſome hand of complacencie with him, he ask'd him whether he would have him ſp [...]ak unto Ameſtris: but the commendations which Oltanus gave of her, would not permit Oltanus to give that Commiſſion: for he was of ſuch a humour, as he could not, without anger, heare his wife extolled, nor I think could he endure to heare any ſpeak in her diſpraiſe. Artemon, not being able to regulate his minde, went away, and left him to champ upon his owne ſullein, and melancholly humour; yet he was no ſooner gone, but the minde of Oltanus altered; and as it is uſuall with unquiet and jealous ſpirits, he writ an intreating Letter unto him, deſiring him to ſee Ameſtris the next day, and endeavour to diſcover the bottom of her ſoule: the Letter did contradict it ſelfe in two or three ſeverall places, and it was eaſily perceived, that the minde of him who writ it was not at reſt. Artemon failed not to doe as Oltanus deſired him, who in the mean time had given orders, that they ſhould let him enter, though Ameſtris ſaid ſhe was not well, and would ſee no body. When he came to her, he asked her pardon for interrupting her ſolitude; and really deſiring to doe her ſervice, he did not keep the conference which he had with Oltanus, as a ſecret: but on the contrary, he truly told her the ſtate of her husbands minde, to the end ſhe might contrive ſome wayes how to cure him, leſt his reſtleſſe diſpoſition ſhould reflect upon herſelfe: Since Oltanus had rather you ſhould tell a handſom lye, than tell nothing at all, I beſeech you invent one, and ſuch a one as may cauſe quietneſſe, both to him, and your ſelfe, if it be ſo that there be any ſecret truth in your heart, which you would not have him know. I am much obliged unto you, reply'd Ameſtris, for your expreſſions of ſincerity towards me: yet generous Artemon I have nothing to tell him, which I have not already told him: my humor, it is true, is changed, but I cannot tell the reaſon of it; yet ſince in changing it is for the advantage of Oltanus, what does he complaine of? Look for no reaſon of his complaints, reply'd Artemon, for he has none; though Madam, I am forced to confeſſe your retiredneſſe is very ſtrange: and it is not ſtrange that Oltanus ſhould wonder at that which does aſtoniſh all the Court and Towne: Yet ſince I am not ſo full of Curioſities as he, but being very full of reall reſpects unto you, I will beleeve that all you doe is well; nor doe I deſire to penetrate into the ſecrets of your heart. But in the name of the Gods, Madam, if you can tell Oltanus ſomething which may ſatisfie him; and if it be poſſible, be not ſo devoted unto ſolitude. I am able but to doe the one halfe of what you deſire me, ſaid ſhe unto him, which is, to ſhew my ſelfe unto the world a little more then I doe: But as for inventing any lyes, and telling them unto Oltanus, is a thing I cannot doe: for I ſhould tell them ſo ſcurvily that he would never believe me: yet Artemon, let me tell you, that in following your Counſell, I ſhall expoſe my ſelfe unto much miſery, it being more the likely, that ſince Oltanus is jealous, and knowes not of whome, and at a time when my Cloſet is my Priſon, and when I ſee no body, he will be much more when I haunt company. Yet however, ſince it is the pleaſure of the Gods, hee ſhould become my Husband, it is my duty to follow his will, and to force my owne: you may aſſure him that I will be obſervant unto him in all things, and ſhall pleaſe him in this, ſo he will promiſe, that as ſoon as ever he repents of his deſire I ſhould frequent the world, he will do me the favour to tell me of it; for I make no queſtion but it will be very ſhortly: afterwards Artemon aſſured Ameſtris that he would be ready to ſerve her in all things, and he went to carry this newes unto Oltanus; who was ſomething better ſatisfied than before: but yet he was not fully contented, becauſe ſhe would not tell him her reaſon why ſhee married him ſo ſuddenly, nor why ſhe began to affect ſolitude as ſoon as married: yet finding ſo much obedience in the heart of Ameſtris, all his fantaſticall humours could not finde out a reaſonable pretence of complaint againſt her.

Thus did Ameſtris, though with extream repugnance, ſuffer her ſelf to be ſeen again, and within four dayes, the noiſe being divulged about the Towne, that ſhe was viſible, all the Court and Town came to viſit her; and though ſhe was much more melancholy then heretofore, yet ſince ſhe could not chuſe but be very faire and ſp [...]ightly, and ſweet and civill, there was an univerſall joy throughout all Ecbatan, for finding an ineſtimable Jewel which was thought to be loſt: There was not a Wit about the whole Court and Town, which had [Page] not invented ſome diverſion for her & who were not very forward to teſtify ſome marks of that eſteem they held of her: It might well be ſaid, that ſome magnetique beauty was newly come to towne, who by her ſecret charmes attracted all about her: all other houſes were deſarts and ſolitary places in compariſon of hers. Thoſe who had any deſigns to pleaſe her, did not arrive at their deſired ends; for ſhee thought her ſelfe ſo miſerable, in living continually a forced life, that ſhee could not chuſe but complaine of it unto her deare Menaſta. Anatiſa, amongſt the reſt, came to viſite her with other Ladyes, and as there is alwayes in the world, a ſort of indiſcreet men, who take as much delight in talking of angry ſubjects, as others doe in pleaſing; there was a man amongſt them, who having a mind to perplex theſe two Ladyes, began to talk before them concerning Aglatidas, and his abſence, asking aloud, whether any knew the cauſe? Ameſtris and Anatiſa both began to bluſh; one out of anger, the other out of modeſty: and ſince the queſtion was addreſſed rather unto Amestris, than any elſe, ſhe anſwered, that it was ſo long ſince Aglatidas went from Ecbatan, that ſhee knew nothing of his deſignes, but perhaps (ſaid ſhee, and turned towards Anatiſa) this faire one can better inform you; I cannot tell whether it was her crueltie to him which wee muſt accuſe for the loſſe of ſo gallant a man, ſince it is to be thought her rigour baniſht him, and drive him unto deſpair. Anatiſa was ſo nettled at this crafty rallary of Ameſtris, that ſhee anſwered in ſuch a faint tone, as did apparently manifeſt, ſhee knew her cruelty was not the cauſe of Aglatidas his abſence. And ſince ſhee was not ignorant, that all the world knew it was Aglatidas who quitted her; ſhee made no ſecret of it; but looking upon Ameſtris, however, ſaid ſhe, you are obliged unto mee for taking the heart of Aglatidas from you, ſince he was ſo unconſtant as to breake off your chaines, and enter into mine. But, replyed Ameſtris, ſince it is alwayes the good intention, which ſets the value upon any good office, I beſeech you [...] pardon mee, if I doe not thank you for it, ſince I know you had not any ſuch complacentiall humor towards me in doing it. I do confeſſe, ſaid Anatiſa, I did not intend to oblige you by it: confeſſe alſo, replyed Ameſtris, that you have no cauſe to vaunt of a conqueſt which you kept ſo ſhort a time: however, ſince Aglatidas, perhaps cares neither for you nor me, I think we have done him a great deale of favour to ſpeak ſo long concerning him: Ameſtris ſpoke this after ſuch a manner as did much ſurpriſe Anatiſa, who thought that ſhe was a little too tart againſt Aglatidas, conſidering how ſhe had lived with him heretofore: and ſhe could not think that Oltanus, could recompence ſuch a loſs, and ſo ſhe went home with an unquiet minde. This was the courſe of life which Ameſtris led for a while: but ſhortly after Oltanus ſeeing ſuch a great concourſe of viſitants, and obſerving there was many which addreſſed themſelves unto him much more complacentially then uſuall; he conceived their extraordinary care, and complements to pleaſe and divert him, was done unto him rather as the husband of Ameſtris, then out of any affection to himſelf, ſo that his perplexities of mind were higher then ever: he did not intend to ſignify as much openly, yet do what he would, it was preſently perceived: he received the civilities done unto him after a conſtrain'd manner; & made but hollow returnes, & contrary to his cuſtome, he kept home ſo-conſtantly; that in a few dayes his jealouſie was knowne unto all the world, and more notice taken of it, then when Ameſtris would not bee ſeene: for then they did but ſuſpect him to be jealous, but now they made no queſtion of it: his lookes, his words, his actions, and all his reſtleſſe agitations were apparent and convincing proofes of the ſecret turbulencyes of his heart: and ſince commonly domeſtique ſervants are the ſpies which reveale the ſecrets of their Maſters unto all the world; it was knowne by the ſervants of Oltanus, that never any came unto his houſe, but he asked his Porter, who came to enquire for his wife? whether they were there then? whether he came alone? how long he ſtayed? and a hundred ſuch queſtions, which cauſed more rumours of his jealouſie then ever: he began to ſhew ſome ſignes of his anguiſh to Amestris, who made her complaints of it unto Artemon, who alwayes did very much eſteeme her, deſiring him to know of Oltanus what it was which troubled his minde, aſſuring him, that if his minde did alter, an [...] that he did not think it good, ſhe ſhould frequent the world any longer, ſhe would obey him, and retire againe with abundance of joy: Artemon did promiſe her to know what the matter was: but ſince he could not give his conſent or advice, Ameſtris ſhould be mued up againe, hee would take another way: and remembering that Oltanus to prevent all reports of his jealouſie, reſolved to permit his wife to entertaine all the [Page] Gallants of Ecbatan; hee thought that by telling him againe how his way of behaviour had expoſed him to the ſame misfortune, hee would correct himſelfe the ſecond time. But yet it did not; for as ſoon as Artemon told him that his daily keeping home with his wife; his extraordinary curioſity to know what every one ſaid of him; and who came to ſee her when he was abroad; ſuch things as theſe had got him the ſame reputation he had before, when Ameſtris did not expoſe her ſelfe unto the world: ſince it is ſo (ſaid he unto him, in a very angry tone) that whether Amestris frequent company or not, I muſt bee looked upon as a jealous man, my beſt courſe is to rid my houſe of all company, ſince it is continually ſtuff'd with a number of idle and flattering fellows, who ſpend their time in telling tales, and talking nothing but vanity. Artemon, was ſo ſurpriſed to heare Oltanus ſay ſo, that two contrary thoughts came into phanſis almoſt at one time: for he could hardly forbeare laughing at the phantaſticall humour of Oltanus, and yet he could not chuſe but bee extreamely ſorry, to ſee what perſcution was towards Ameſtris, hee uſed all his Rhetorick to bring the heart of Oltanus unto reaſon, but could not. For deferring it no longer then the very ſame night, Madam, ſaid Oltanus unto Ameſtris, I am well pleaſed with your complacency in quieting your ſolitude at my requeſt: but ſince I finde you have paſſed from one extreame unto another, and ſince you did but force your ſelfe to frequent Company, I ſhall take it kindely if you follow your owne inclination, and retire your ſelfe from all Company again: Sir (ſaid ſhee unto him with much joy in her face) you doe a very notable favour in releaſing me from that trouble which I put my ſelfe unto, by obeying you before: But Sir, that it may be carryed more handſomly, I conceive it would doe very well, to make a journey into the Countrey, to the end that at my returne, I may aſſume my ſolitude under a pretence of not being accuſtomed unto the Countrey. Oltanus wondered that Ameſtris ſhould ſo willingly deprive her ſelfe of all the good company, and gallantry which ſhe ſaw; and in lieu of being well ſatisfyed, with it, hee grew more reſerved, and unquiet, in ſo much as hee thought of changing his minde againe; yet notwithſtanding he tooke her at her word, and within two dayes after they went into the Countrey, Ameſtris carrying her deare Menaſta with her, to comfort her in all her ſorrowes: Artemon hearing of Oltanus his deſigne, came to him with intentions to divert him, but he could not poſſibly; and about two dayes after Ameſtris, not bidding adieu unto any, went into the Country, with intention if ſhe could not returne of a long time, as well, that ſhe might more conveniently enjoy her ſolitude, as alſo the better to hide, if ſhe could, the phantaſticall humours of her husband. Shee went with ſome kinde of joy; but as for Oltanus, change of aire did not change his humour: for although he ſaw Ameſtris was not only as complacentiall as any vertuous wife ought to be unto her husband, but alſo was as obedient unto him as any ſlave could be, (though ſhee could not be ſo tender of him as if ſhe had eſteemed and loved him) yet he was not ſatisfied with her, and all her reſpects of him did rather incenſe than pleaſe him. It was therefore but a melancholly voyage which they made; yet when they were come unto the end of their journey, and ſetled, Ameſtris was at a little more reſt, for Oltanus did paſs away many of his melancholly houres by walking in a great wood behinde the houſe, ſo that ſhee had more freedome to talk with her dear Menaſta, and diſcourſe often concerning Aglatidas: ſhee did at the firſt make ſome ſcruple of it, and reſolved never to ſpeak more of him as long as ſhe lived; but conſidering that her affection to him was innocent, and ever ſhould be, ſince ſhe reſolved never to ſee him again, ſhe thought to preſerve the teſtimonies of his affection in her memory, which indeed ſhe could not poſſibly forget; but notwithſtanding all her tenderneſs towards Aglatidas, ſhe determined to burn all thoſe Letters of his which ſhe had in keeping. Menaſta and ſhe diſcourſing one day upon this ſubject, and being willing to give them their laſt ſurvay before ſhe committed them unto the flame, ſhe opened her cloſet to take them out, but could not find a little Cabinet in which they were: ſhe was ſo much ſurpriſed at it, that ſhe was not able to ſpeak unto Menaſta: in the mean while ſhe ſearch'd all about her Cloſet, & all in vain: then ſhe asked one of her ſervants, who was ever very faithful, whether Oltanus did at any time come there? & was anſwered no; afterwards ſhe ask'd her if ſhe knew what became of the Cabinet, which ſhe thought ſhe had put up when ſhe came from Ecbatan? & ſhe anſwer'd, that ſhe ſaw it upon the table of her cloſet at Ecbat▪ but knew no further what ſhe had done with it. Ameſt. then recalling into her memory all that ſhe did before her coming away remembred how ſhe intended to put it up, & Oltanus coming in, ſhe cover'd it with her hood upon the table, reſolving to pack it up [Page] when he was gone, and ſo ſhee concluded, that ſhee left it there upon the table. But after Ameſtris had conſidered that Oltanus was with her, and her women had the keyes of her Cloſet, ſhee was in leſſe feare: yet at night Oltanus told her that hee muſt returne unto Ecbata upon ſome important buſineſſe; at which ſhe bluſh'd and looked upon Menaſta. I ſee (ſaid this jealous husband in mocking kinde of rallari [...]) that you envy my well-being. Pardon me Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, but indeed I had much rather you remained here then go unto Ecbatan: however it be, anſwered he, I perceive that my journey is not indifferent unto you: but your bluſhes imply either ſorrow or joy at it. Certainly the reaſon of it is (ſaid Menaſta and laughed, to the end ſhe might break off this diſcourſe) becauſe ſhe imagines that you will have her returne with you. and becauſe ſhe is ſorry to leave a place ſo ſoone which pleaſeth her. Oltanus did not reply unto this, farther than ſome muttering words which were not underſtood, but did go away to Ecbatan very ſad: for though he left his wife in a very ſolitary place, yet was he very unquiet in his minde, and could not for his heart interpret the bluſh of Ameſtris, nor why ſhe ſhould look ſo upon Menaſta, who, from that time, he ſuſpected, though he knew not for what. In the mean time, Ameſtris was not a little troubled that Oltanus ſhould goe unto that place where thoſe things were, which hee feared hee would come unto the ſight of: ſhee knew not what to reſolve upon; for ſince all the domeſtique ſervants were ſo many ſpies upon her actions, ſhe durſt not attempt to ſuborne one of them, and truſt him with the keyes of her Cloſet, to take out that little Cabinet which ſo much troubled her: nor could ſhe imagine whether Oltanus would break it open, therefore ſhe reſolved to put it to the hazard. Menaſta was perſwading her to move her husband, that he would deſire him to carry her with him; but Oltanus prevented her, and ſaid that his buſineſſe was ſo urgent and haſty, that hee could not goe in Coach; ſo that hee went himſelfe, and left Ameſtris exceedingly troubled; and certainly not without cauſe; for as ſoone as Oltanus came home, hee had a phanſie to make a ſtrict ſearch in the Chamber of Ameſtris: The houſekeeper opened all the doores but onely of that Cloſet, of which hee ſaid hee had not the key. Then Oltanus, pretending to take ſomething out which he would keep for Ameſtris, he broke open the doore, and went in onely with a ſervant of his, called Dinocrates, whom he truſted with all his ſecrets: hee ſearched in all the drawers and boxes in the Cloſet, hee lifted up all the hangings, and looked in every corner: hee was ready to goe out againe very well ſatisfied that hee found not what he ſought for; but Dinocrates lifting up the hood upon the table, hee found this little Cabinet, in which were the Letters of Aglatidas. Dinocrates cryed out as if hee had found ſome great Treaſure, and Oltanus coming towards him with a panting heart, tooke it, and opened it with all haſt and violence: But oh Heavens! when he ſaw the Letters and the names of Ameſtris and Aglatidas upon them, hee was in ſuch a fury at it, that it was a whole houre before hee read them: yet at laſt hee began, but was ſo much tranſported, that hee knew not what hee read: hee ſent immediately unto Artemon, who coming preſently unto him, ſee, ſaid hee, whether I have not reaſon to be troubled! then hee told him how he broke open the Cloſet, and how he found the Letters, and gave him one of the Letters which hee had found: Artemon perceiving it was writ whileſt Artambares the Father of Ameſtris lived, and when it was thought Aglatidas ſhould have marryed her, told him, that hee could not finde any fault at all in Ameſtris for this: How (replyed Oltanus) do you think her innocent in keeping Letters of gallantry and courtſhip, after ſhee was marryed? No no, Artemon, ſaid hee, ſhee cannot excuſe it, for ſhee that would keep the Letters of Aglatidas, would doubtleſſe keep the affection of her heart for him alſo. Then he ſhewed him that Letter which Aglatidas writ at his departure: here, ſaid he, is it which ſpeaks me the moſt unhappy in the world: I doe but too well ſee the cauſe of Ameſtris her being ſo reſerved. Artemon perceiving that the Letter was writ ſince the marriage of Oltanus, and that conſequently there muſt needes be a correſpondency betweene them, was ſilent a long while, and could not ſpeak a word; meane while, Oltanus talked faſter then a man that was not jealous could thinke in a whole day. But at laſt, Artemon ſtopping the fury of his frivilous language; Is this all the Crime of Amestris (ſaid hee unto him?) if it bee, you are not ſo unhappy as you talk of; for I cannot finde by any circumſtance in the Letter, but that ſince Aglatidas prepares himſelfe to bee miſerable, it is [Page] Ameſtris which hath baniſhed him: Moreover doe you not ſee that none knowes the cauſe of his departure? therefore I muſt needs thinke the vertue of Ameſtris to merit much commendation: I can conceive no ſuch thing, Replyed hee, for it was the duty of Ameſtris to refuſe all manner of Love-Letters, ſince ſhe was my wife, much leſſe ought ſhe to keepe them. Artemon uſed all his arguments to excuſe Amestris, but all would not appeaſe Oltanus, who without any thoughts of his buſineſſe, which brought him to the Town, returned into the Countrey the very next morning; however, Artemon would not leave him but whether he would or no went with him. In the meane while Ameſtris, was full of Feares, and when ſhee ſaw him, returned ſo unexpectedly before it was poſſible he could diſpatch the buſineſs he went about, her heart drooped, & wanted but a little of falling into a ſound. As ſoone as Oltanus lighted from his Horſe, though Artemon would have hindred him, yet he went ſtrait unto the Chamber of Ameſtris, and comming to him in a moſt uncivill fury, Madam ſaid he unto her, you are beholding to mee for bringing you ſo quickly, that which doubtleſſe you forget, and left at Ecbatan; and in ſaying ſo, he threw upon the Table all the Letters of Aglatidas, I leave you to imagine what operation the ſight of theſe had upon the heart of Ameſtris: yet ſince ſhe knew her ſelfe not ſo culpable as Oltanus thought her, ſhee recollected her Conſtancie, and without any great dauntedneſſe, Sir, ſaid ſhee unto him ſince you know it was my Fathers Command upon me, to look upon Aglatidas, as one who ſhould afterwards be my husband, me thinkes you ſhould not thinke it ſtrange that I ſhould receive Letters from him: but the laſt of theſe Letters, replyed hee, admits not of that excuſe: ſo that though you were not faulty in receiving the firſt, yet it was an unanſwerable Crime to keepe them any longer, or to receive the laſt. I doe confeſſe, ſaid ſhee, that I was not ſoe prudent as I might have beene, in not burning them, when I reſolved to marry you; but truly the Crime is not ſo great as you apprehend it; and as for this laſt Letter received, ſince, indeed it was impoſſible for me not to receive it, yet I can aſſure you that I did never returne any anſwer unto it, and that it was not in my power to ſend it back unto Aglatidas: However, replyed hee, it ſeemes hee is much in your favour. Sir, ſaid ſhee unto him, give me leave to tell you onely two things for the ſatisfaction of your minde: The one is, that I ſhall never ſee Aglatidas againe: And the other, that I will never receive any more Letters from him, nor ſhall hee from mee. It ſeemes to mee (ſaid Artemon, who was preſent at this angry conference) that Ameſtris does offer more than is reaſon; for knowing her vertue as you may do, although ſhe ſhould ſee a man who was in love with her; yet there is no neceſſity you ſhould be troubled at it. But how can I be aſſured (ſaid Oltanus to Ameſtris, not harkning unto Artemon) of this which you tell me? Sir, anſwered ſhe, you may leave me here, and not let me goe to Ecbatan, where Aglatidas, perhaps, may hereafter be. Solitude (reply'd he, and ſhoke his head) is very fit for ſecret meetings. Then carry me to the town (anſwered ſhe) that all the world may eie my actions, & all the world may know (reply'd he all in fury) your crime and my misfortune. But, who was it which brought you this laſt Letter? one who was (unknown to me anſwered ſhe, having no mind to bring the name of Menaſta in queſtion) where is Aglatidas at this preſent, asked Oltanus? I know not, replyed ſhe, for I hold no intelligence with him, nor enquire of his being. And why, ſaid he unto her, did you marry me, ſince you loved Aglatidas? I thought (anſwered Amestris) that my preferring you before all others, would have obliged you not to uſe me as you doe: I thought, ſaid he, that though you did not love me, yet you would have loved your own honour, and done nothing unworthy of your ſelfe. Truly, ſaid Artemon, me thinkes all theſe promiſes, which Ameſtris, hath made ſhould ſatisfie you: ſhe ſaith ſhe wil never ſee Aglatidas againe; ſhe will never receive any Letters from him, nor ſhall he from her, and what would you more? I would have had her not to have received this laſt Letter, reply'd he, nor have kept any of the reſt, for they are certaine teſtimonies, ſhe is no hater of Aglatidas, nor ever will be a lover of mee, and by conſequence I muſt be alwayes in feare. Sir, reply'd Amestris, I beſeech you know this, that though I were an inveterate hater of you, and did love Aglatidas as well as I doe my ſelfe, [Page] yet would I never ſpeake to him againe, and the more tender I were of him, the more circumſpect would I be to avoid meeting with him, therefore if it be poſſible, let your minde be at reſt concerning that matter, and leave me here. It is not an eaſie matter, replyed he, for that man whom you have made for ever miſerable, to leave you here, what then would you have her doe? ſaid Artemon; I know not, replyed he ſharply, but untill I be better reſolved, I doe intend that Menaſta, who is Couſin to Aglatidas, and doubtleſſe his Confident, ſhall preſently returne to Ecbatan, and that Ameſtris ſee her no more. Sir, ſaid ſhe, I beſeech you doe not wrong a Lady of her Quality and Nature ſo much; augment, if it be poſſible your force againſt me, but be not uncivill towards her, yet if it be your pleaſure that I muſt ſee her no more, let her returne to Ecbatan, ſome few dayes hence upon another pretence: I doe underſtand you very well, ſaid he unto her, you have a minde before you part with her, to conſult and agree which way you may receive ſome intelligence from Aglatidas. Sir, replyed ſhee, if Aglatidas and I were upon any termes of intelligence twixt each other, why ſhould hee bee at ſuch a remote diſtance from hence? I can ſay nothing to you, replyed hee angerly, but that you will drive me out of my Reaſon, and my Life. Artemon ſeeing that all Ameſtris could ſay, did rather exaſperate than appeaſe him, did get him out of her Chamber almoſt by force, yet being prompt unto it by his Jealous thoughts, hee would not leave the Letters of Aglatidas with her; neither would hee burne them, thinking that whileſt he kept them in his hands, he ſhould keep her better within compaſſe of her duty; hee tooke them up then, and kept them as carefully as the deareſt thing in the world, and looking upon Ameſtris with inſufferable inſolency; I hope you will permit me Madam, ſaid he unto her, to keep them now as well as you have done: I permit it with all patience, ſaid ſhe, for there is no miſery which my minde is not prepared for. After he was gone out from Ameſtris, he would by all meanes goe unto Menaſta, who was not well that day, and kept her Chamber, but Artemon diſſwaded him, and uſed ſuch Arguments, as moved him that Menaſta ſhould not return ſo ſodainly, but could not perſwade to let her ſtay long with Ameſtris: yet doe what Artemon could, he would needs change all her women, and every Servant which waited on her. It was as much as Artemon could doe, to keep Oltanus from uſing Amestris ill, or from taking up ſome odde deſperate reſolution. Yet was he much puzzled in making the choyce of a place to dwell in: for though he thought the Countrey a more convenient place then any other to obſerve the actions of Ameſtris: yet ſince his occaſions would often call him from thence, hee thought that Aglatidas might ſee him in his abſence more eaſily, and perhaps carry her away, for his foreſight was alwayes very ingenuous to torment himſelfe. Moreover he was perſwaded, and that with good reaſon, that Ameſtris ſeemed faire in the eyes of all that looked upon her, ſo that he was not onely in feare of Aglatidas, but his neereſt kindred; and his very beſt friends were not priviledged from his Jealouſie; Artemon himſelfe ſcaped not: and if he put any difference between him and others, it was in his expreſſions of leſſe Bitterneſſe, and Artemons ſuffering with more Patience, and leſſe Malice than others who delighted in perſecuting him. But the time came, that Menasta muſt returne to Ecbatan, and that Artemon accompanyed her; the parting of theſe two friends, was the ſadder, becauſe they could not confer in private together about one ſhort quarter of an houre, though Artemon did all he could to procure them that Conſolation: This generous friend at his departure from Oltanus, made him promiſe not to ſpeake any more unto Ameſtris concerning Aglatidas, and that he would live better with her, otherwiſe himſelfe in particular would complaine of him. Moreover, ſince he conceived that Amestris would fare better at Ecbatan, though ſhee ſaw no body then in the Countrey, where ſhee ſhould ſee her angry husband continually, he addreſſed his diſcourſe ſo hanſomly unto him, that by his juſtifying Ameſtris ſo much, he gave him ſome ſubject of feare that Aglatidas would not ſo ſoone make any attempts of ſeeing her in the Towne, as in the Countrey; Not that I ſuſpect, ſaid he unto him, that Ameſtris would ever contribute any thing unto it, but yet you know that Aglatidas did moſt paſſionately love her, and does not yet hate her: ſo that ſeeing you more happie than himſelfe, [Page] queſtionleſſe he will ſ [...]eke out wayes to make his ſufferings knowne unto Ameſtris, therefore if you will hearken unto me, carry her back to Ecbatan. Oltanus at the firſt, did thinke this propoſition reaſonable, but immediately after he diſapproved of it, and Artemon departed with Menasta, not knowing whether Oltanus would live in the Countrey alwayes, or returne to the Towne, and indeed Oltanus himſelfe was unreſolved what to doe. Meane time, the unexpected ſudden returne of Menaſta made a great noiſe, and the Houſhold ſervants divulging the cauſe of it, the Jealouſie of Oltanus made a freſh rumour in the world: Moreover, Anatiſa, having a ſervant who was Siſter unto Denocrates, the Page and confident of Oltanus, ſhe came to know by her meanes, that the Letters of Aglatidas were found in the Cloſet of Ameſtris; ſo that Anatiſa entring into a new fury againſt her, vented a hundred malitious tales, which in concluſion turned againſt her ſelfe, for ſhe ſpoke with ſuch Animoſity, that though ſhe ſpoke ſome truths, yet whenſoever ſhe ſpoke againſt Ameſtris, ſhe was no more believed than if they had beeneall Lyes. Meane while Oltanus was very buſie in guarding all the Advenues of his houſe: If hee chanced to ſpie a Peaſant in the woods, he preſently imagined him to be Aglatidas diſguiſed: If he ſaw any of the Servants of Ameſtris talke with any that he knew not, he would know their buſineſſe, and what they ſaid, and ſuſpected they brought ſome Letters from Aglatidas to their Miſtreſſe: to the end ſhe ſhould not currupt any of her women by any gifts, he tooke an exact Catalogue of all her Jewells, and kept it himſelfe, often viewing them to ſee whether they were all there. He ſearched every cranny, where he could imagine ſhe could hide any Letters; and it might very well be ſaid, that notwithſtanding all her Perſecutions, yet hee made himſelfe more miſerable then her; he looked upon her with eyes ſo full of tormenting Jealouſie, that ſhe might cleerly ſee the reſtleſſeneſſe of his Soule: In the meane time, he was forced to returne to Ecbatan, upon ſome urgent occaſions, and carryed her with him, not daring to leave her alone in that place. For though he did not know where Aglatidas was, yet he ſuſpected him to be lurking in ſome place neere hand, watching for an opportunity to viſit her, when he did at any time goe from her. At her returne to the Towne, he limitted her unto ſuch perſons, as he allowed her to ſee there: and principally charged her not to admit of any ſuch as made Gallantry, their Profeſſion, who Coached away their time from Street to Street, from Company to Company, onely to talke the ſame things over and over againe: Ameſtris with unequalled patience did, without murmure, as he deſired, and did not ſee ſo much as Menaſta, but in private, by the meanes of Artemon. But ſince it was the delight and deſire of all reaſonable men to ſee her, doe what ſhe could, they ſought her out in the Temples; they followed her in the Streets, and found her ſometimes in the houſes of three or foure whom ſhe was permitted to viſit. Now as there was ever a ſort of men who loved to delight themſelves, without any regard of prejudicing others; ſo there was one man among the reſt called Tharpis, who to puniſh Oltanus for his jealouſie, did augment it as much as he could: So that Amestris never went out, but he had Spies to watch whither ſhee went, that hee might follow. As often as Oltanus went out or came in, he alwayes obſerved ſome of Tharpis his officers, keeping watch at the corner of a Street next his houſe, ſo that he became as Jealous of Tharpis as of Aglatidas, and to ſay truly, he was Jealous of all the world as well as of him. When Ameſtris was not well, it was alwayes ſaid at the dore of her Lodging, ſhe was ſo extreamely ill, that none could be admitted to ſee her, and when Oltanus was ill, he alſo was ſaid to be ſo ill, that Ameſtris could not leave him; ſo that when either of them was the leaſt out of temper, it was carryed ſo, as if they were at the laſt gaſp: if any one ſpoke unto Ameſtris in a low voice, he would afterwards ask them both ſeverally what they ſaid, and that in ſuch an odde manner, as it was impoſſible to forbeare laughing. This was the life of Ameſtris, untill the death of Aſtiages, who as you know, died partly of ſorrow for the taking away of the Princeſſe Mandana. Which in a few dayes after Ciaxanes was come to Ecbatan, to take poſſeſſion of the Medean Crowne, and the Court would be very full: Oltanus imagining that Aglatidas might perhaps returne to ſee the new King, he carryed Amestris into the Countrey, though [Page] it had been more fit for him to returne to the Towne if he had been there: But as his reſolutions were commonly contrary to all reaſon or handſomeneſſe, ſo he went out of Ecbatan when all the world came in: therefore when you Sir came thither with Ciaxares, ſhe was not there, but as ſoone as you were gone to the Armenian Warre, he then returned with her, though with no intentions to uſe her any better, but lived after the ſame manner I have told you, untill ſuch time as it was knowne that Aglatidas was in the Army, and gracious both with you and Ciaxares: This newes begot two contrary apprehenſions in him: for he was glad to heare Aglatidas was ſo farre from Ecbatan, but very ill pleaſed with the honours which the King and you were pleaſed to conferre upon him; in ſo much as though every Letter, which came from the Army, ſpoke in high commendations of his valour, yet Ameſtris durſt not ſo much enquire of any newes in generall, nor of the warre, becauſe he would be apt to imagine her end was to heare Aglatidas ſpoke of. But after the Governour of the Province of Areſantines was dead, he was very deſirous to imploy all his friends, to obtaine of Ciaxares the Government thereof for himſelfe, becauſe all the eſtate of Ameſtris, which was very great, did lye in that Province: yet ſince he knew nothing could be obtained from Ciaxares, but by your mediation, hee would not make any addreſſe unto any who were Loved, or Lovers of Aglatidas: Alſo, ſince he had neglected that duty which a man of his Quality ought unto Ciaxares, at his entrance to the Crowne, and ſince his Jealouſie kept him from following the Warre, as his birth obliged him, ſo hee had not confidence enough to aske this favour, and much leſſe hopes to obtaine it, though hee ſhould aske it: But a while after he received a Pacquet, which was no ſmall amazement to him, for he found in it that you had ſent him the government of that Province from Ciaxares. At the firſt he was extreamly joyed, and though he knew not from whence this good ſhould proceed, nor could gueſſe at the truth, yet he imagined it to come from the Kings diſpoſition onely: ſo that he publiſhed it with joy, declaring that this honour was conferred upon him, though he employed none, nor made any interceſſion for it: All the Towne, upon this, did make their complementall addreſſes to him: and he permitted Amestris to entertaine all thoſe who would viſit her. But within three dayes after this firſt newes of joy, he received others which were as vexatious as the other was pleaſing: for an old Officer in the houſhold of Ciaxares, who was of his acquaintance, ſent unto him and told him he conceived it expedient he ſhould return ſome thanks unto Aglatidas for the honour which he had received from him, ſince it was only by his meditation he obtained it, intimating afterwards, your zeale Sir, in his behalf, at the requeſt of Aglatidas. When Oltanus received this Letter, he was in the chamber of Ameſtris, in which was much company; and becauſe it was known that it came from the Army, every one did draw neer at the reading of it, to heare ſome newes, and he was contented to ſatisfy them: But in his reading what I have told you, he changed colour about twenty times, and every one thought that either Ciaxares was dead, or elſe the government newly conferred upon was taken away againe. Every one asked him what ill news? for they imagined by his lookes it could not be any good: but his anſwer was, that he had received an account of ſome private buſineſſe which did not pleaſe him well, and indeed it was eaſily perceived, for ſo much diſcontent appeared in his eyes, that Ameſtris, who knew him very well, did imagine ſomething beſides his jealouſie, was a cauſe of his diſorder, yet ſhe could not gueſs what it was, but thought that perhaps ſome had ſent him intelligence Aglatidas would ere long returne to Ecbatan: however, he made ſuch a viſible teſtimony of his diſcontent to all the company, that Ameſtris withdrew: ſome came unto him, who had not yet made their complementall addreſſes unto him, as Governour; but he received them ſo ſcu [...]vily, that they conceived themſelves injured; and had he not been known to be a jealous man, and by conſequence phantaſticall, thoſe men conſidering his extravagant behaviour towards them, had quarrelled with him: but they made a ſhort viſit, and left him to the liberty of his halfe-mad humours: As good luck was, Artemon came in before he ſpoke with Amestris, after the company was gone out: if hee had not, perhaps hee would have uſed extreame violence towards her.

[Page] As ſoon as Ottanus ſaw Artemon, here (ſaid hee unto him and gave him the letter which hee had received) ſee whether I had not reaſon to beleeve that Aglatidas and Ameſtris have been alwaies very kind one to another: Artemon tooke the Letter and read it, but finding not a word in it conduced to what Ottanus talked of, nor any thing elſe but that Aglatidas had obtained for him the Government of Ariſontine Province, which hee ſo much deſired▪ how is it poſſible, ſaid hee unto him, that your reaſon and mine ſhould bee ſo oppoſite? Why, anſwered Ottanus, is it not as cleere as day that Ameſtris hath written ſecretly unto Aglatidas, that I deſired this Government, and that it would bee an excellent expedient to reconcile mee unto him, and would bee a meanes to let mee permit him the ſight of her if hee obtained it? No ſuch thing, anſwered Artemon, but I am confident of the contrarie, that a Crowne were not able to induce Ameſtris to permit Aglatidas the ſight of her, or a viſite unto you, and conſequently I muſt conclude that Ameſtris had no hand in it, and that Aglatidas did it out of pure generoſitie, becauſe hee hates you not, as you doe him. You are ſo much devoted to excuſe Ameſtris, ſaid bee very angrylie, that I beleeve there are few crimes which you would not abſolve her of if ſhee ſhould commit them: It is very true replyed Artemon, that I am ſtrongly perſwaded of her virtue, and moſt true alſo, that to puniſh one for thoughts which hee had in the bottom of a heart, were to entrench too much upon the priviledge of the gods, for they only can truly know them. However it bee, ſaid Ottanus, I will never accept of any thing as a gift from a man whom I would piſtoll. How, ſaid Artemon, being much amazed, will you refuſe the Government which you accepted of, and after you have received the complements and congratulations of all the Towne who came to rejoyce with you? Yes, ſaid hee, I will refuſe it, and render thanks unto the gods, that I neede not write any letters of thanks unto Clarans for his fine honor conferred upon mee: But what can you ſay unto thoſe who came to ſee you, replyed Artemon, if any doe meete mee, ſaid hee, and urge mee for any reaſons of my actions, I will tell them I cannot endure Ameſtris ſhould love Aglatidas, and that I am more generous then to receive a benefit from my enemy, or that hee ſhould tryumph over the heart of Ameſtris, which ſhould bee only mine; yet are you not afraid to offend Cyaxares and Cyrus by it (ſaid Artemon.) No anſwered hee, I feare nothing ſo much as to bee oblieged by Aglatidas; but why doe I terme it oblieged? I may rather ſay wronged, for what greater injury could hee doe mee then this? Had hee written unto Ameſtris and ſent her any Jewels, or had ſhee anſwered him and returned her Picture, few then would have knowne it: But by this it is divulged throughout a whole kingdome, that Aglatidas in lieu of asking a Government for himſelfe, did aske it for a man who hates him, and hath married her hee loved and ſtill loves: hee might as well tell all the world, that by this hee doth recompence the husband for the favours which hee hath received from the wife; but I ſhall take ſuch orders as they ſhall not accuſe mee of preferring any ambitious thoughts before my honour. Beleeve mee, ſaid Artemon, you runne a greater hazard of your honour by refuſing then by accepting of this Government: However it bee, ſaid hee in extreme fury, I had rather loſe my honor, then receive any benefit from Aglatidas. When the benefits of an enemy, anſwered Artemon, may prejudice us, it is prudence to refuſe them, and it is more generous to obliege an enemy, then to bee oblieged; but ſince this benefit which Aglatidas confers upon you is not of that nature, and ſince you cannot refuſe it from the hand of a King, without ruine to your ſelfe, and moving all the world to mock you, I conceive you ought not to yeeld unto your paſſion but to overcome it. Pardon mee Otanus for uſing ſuch freedome of ſpeech, the extravagancy of your reaſon moves mee thinke I am oblieged unto it: were it not that I ſee you are not Jealous of Aglatidas (replyed Ottanus with a forced ſmile) I ſhould thinke you in love with Ameſtris. Though you ſhould think ſo, replyd Artemon, I ſhould not ſo much wonder at it, as I do at your actions; And I doe confeſſe, that I cannot underſtand your deſigne in it. I would let all Medea know, ſaid Ottanus, that I will not contribute any thing unto the follie of Ameſtris. Ah Ottanus, ſaid Artemon, Let it be leaſt of your [...] that any ſhould ſuſpect any ſuch thing; you have taken ſuch ſtrickt order for that, as it can never be imputed to you. I will take a ſtricter order then yet I have done, reply'd he: Which you can hardly doe, anſwered Artemon. You ſhall ſee that e [...]re long, replyed Ottanus; and ſhall confeſſe, that my honor is more deer unto me then any thing elſe. Artemon, fearing he had ſome ſecret ill deſigne againſt Ameſtris urged him no further, but felt him, becauſe it was very late.

Hee was no ſooner gone, but Otanus went unto Ameſtris, and vented as many expreſſions [Page] as furie, jealouſie, and anger could invent, ſhe returning not one ſharp reply, or knowing the cauſe of his choller: for ſince he was fully perſwaded ſhe knew Aglatidas had obtained the government for him, he expreſſed himſelf in ſuch obſcure enigma [...]s that ſhe could not underſtand either his injuries or his reproaches. After he had fretted and fumed away almoſt all the night in perſecuting Ameſtris, he went out of her chamber unto his own, and would permit none to follow him but Dinocrates, whoſe unworthy flatterie did beſt ſuit with his inclination. He was no ſooner in his chamber, but he ſent orders to have his horſes ready by break of day; and after he had paſſed over the remainder of the night in moſt unconceiveable turbulencie of minde, as ſoon as it was day he took horſe, without any taking leave of Ameſtris, and went into the Country, to avoid the concourſe of company, not knowing what to ſay: But he was fully reſolved, rather to chooſe any death, then to accept of any thing Aglatidas ſhould obtain for him.

However, the abſence of Ottanus gave a little more liberty unto Ameſtris; for her Spies were not ſo ſtrict in their office, but ſhe had the comfort to ſee Menaſta; and ſhe ſaw Artemon alſo, who acquainted her with the cauſe of her husbands furie. But when ſhe was alone with her deer Menaſta, ſhe did confeſſe unto her, That though the jealouſie and chollerique humor of Otanus did trouble her very much; and though ſhe was vexed to the heart at the fantaſticall reſolution of her husband, in refuſing that Government, which all the world knows he ſo much deſired; Yet ſhe had ſome delight to think that Aglatidas ſhould ſtill love her ſo well, as in conſideration of her, to confer that good Office upon Otanus, whom he alwaies hated. For my part, ſaid Menaſta, I cannot chooſe but admire the various events which are cauſed by one and the ſame paſſion; for the love of Aglatidas to you, moves Ottanus not to love you; and the love of Ottanus to you, makes him not indure Aglatidas ſhould doe any thing for him. Ah Menaſta, ſaid Ameſtris, Thoſe thoughts which Ottanus hath of me, cannot be phrazed Love: and I doe conceive, that they who ſay Love and Jealouſie are inſeparable, are much deceived; I doe beleeve them to follow one another, but I cannot think them to reign both together at one time in one heart. However Monaſta, ſaid ſhe, doe you not admire at my misfortune; for doubtleſſe Aglatidas thinks he hath much obliged me by it; and I beleeve imagines that Ottanus, being well ſatisfied by it, will be leſſe rigorous to me: but, quite contrary, he doubles his perſecution upon me. Can any be more innocent then I am? You know Menaſta, that ſince the Letter I received by you, and to which I returned no anſwer, I have refuſed many others: And if at any time Aglatidas came into my memorie, it was againſt my will, in my diſcourſe with you, and yet they ſay the Gods will puniſh me for ſome great Crime. You are not ſo innocent as you think your ſelf replyed Menaſta, for why did you ever marry Ottanus? was it juſt in you, to imploy that great wit which the Gods had indued you withall, in deviſing ſuch an odd way to puniſh Aglatidas, and juſtifie your ſelf in his opinion? Oh doe not ſpeake of what is paſt, anſwered ſhe, and ſighed; let us think only upon the preſent and the future. I doe foreſee ſo many diſaſters towards you, replyed Menaſta, that you muſt pardon me, if I rather ſpeak of what is paſt, then of what is preſent or what will be hereafter; for I doe profeſſe unto you, that I cannot at all conceive, eyther what Ottanus will doe or what you will doe. For my particular, ſaid Ameſtris, I know no other reſolution, but to referr my ſelf wholly unto the guidance of the Gods, to ſubmit, without the leaſt murmur, unto their Will, and to prepare my ſelf for a perpetuall perſecution: For, to attempt the driving of jealouſie out of Ottanus his heart, is meer follie ſo to think of it, ſince what I have done will not doe it.

Theſe were the words and thoughts of Ameſtris, whilſt all the Town was troubled at the ſuddain departure of Ottanus, and ſought out for the reaſon, but could not finde it: But a few dayes after the thing was but too much divulged; for as the news of his being Governor of the Araſantins Province did fly into the Country as ſoon as it came to Town; many Deputies of great Towns came unto him; who, underſtanding that he was gone into the Country, went after him, but he would not receive them, telling them, he did not accept of that office which was put upon him. Severall perſons of qualitie in the ſame Province writ alſo unto him, but he would return no anſwer: So that theſe Deputies, wondring at it, went back to Ecbatane and complained of their uſage, asking the cauſe, but none could tell them; yet notwithſtanding, preſently after it was divulged: For Dinocrates acquainting Anatiſa with it, ſhe told it all over the Town, adding many things more then truth to make it thought Ameſtris was not ſo innocent as reported; yet ſay [Page] or doe what ſhe could, ſhe was not beleeved. However, Ottanus, who hitherto paſſed only for a fantaſticall jealous man, began now to be looked upon as a man abſolutely out of his wits and deprived of reaſon; and if they had been permitted to have ſeen Ameſtris every one would have grieved for her, and adviſed her to forſake Ottanus; but thoſe unto whom he had committed the keeping of his houſe, would not ſuffer any whoſoever to enter into it; not only becauſe he ſo commanded them, but alſo becauſe Ameſtris deſired it, contenting her ſelf with the liberty of enjoying Menaſta, and ſeeing ſometimes Artemon, the firſt of which, entring in at a back Garden dore, was not diſcovered by any. As for Ottanus, he was in a moſt unemaginable perplexitie; for notwithſtanding his jealouſie and furie, he did imagine, that what he did would ſeem very ſtrange in the opinion of the world, and that he could no way juſtifie himſelf, but by belching out lyes againſt Ameſtris; he was not able to indure his ſolitude, nor was he able to reſolve upon a returne to Ecbatane, ſince he knew not what to ſay unto thoſe who came to rejoyce with him, and whoſe complements he had received: He was perplexed on all ſides; but amongſt his varietie of different thoughts, the image of Aglatidas went never out of his minde; and when he imagined that Ameſtris, thought her ſelf obliged unto him for what he had done, he was abſolutely mad, or at the leaſt ſeemed ſo unto Artemon who came to ſee him, in hopes to perſwade him unto reaſon.

In the mean while Tharpis, who thought it a peece of Juſtice to torment that man, who did unjuſtly torment the faireſt woman upon earth, did ſeem as if he had received a Letter from the Armie, which did intimate that Ciaxares and you were ſo incenſed againſt Ottanus, for refuſing the Government which they had conferd upon him, that it would be a peece of great difficultie for him, ever to reconcile himſelf. Then, as it is the qualitie of ill news alwaies to ſpread ſooner abroad, all the Town in twenty four hours was filled with it; and reports went, That it was confirmed by four or five other Letters, though none at all came: So that Ottanus was preſently advertized of it by his Spies which he had in the Town. Theſe reports did ſo much augment his miſerie, that he was not maſter of himſelf. For ſince then your condition Sir was known unto all Ecbatan, the favour which Aglatidas had with you, was moſt terrible unto him, and doubled all his ſorrows. At the ſame time it was certainly known, that the Affairs in Armenia were diſcompoſed, and that Ciaxares would draw the war into that Country: So that Ottanus, being moved unto it by apprehenſions of rage, diſpair, revenge and jealouſie, altogether, he reſolved to caſt himſelf into the King of Armenia's Partie, though he apparenly ſaw it would be the ruine of himſelfe and loſſe of his eſtate, flattering himſelf with hopes of ſome occaſion to meet with Aglatidas, knowing he would be in that war, and he would ſeek him out, though in places fulleſt of danger.

This deſigne being reſolved upon, without communicating it unto any, he ſent for Ameſtris, who, contrary to the advice of Menaſta, obeyed him. Artemon, who was returned to Ecbatan, hearing of it, would not let her goe alone, but accompanied her whether ſhe would or no: When they drew neer the place unto which they were to goe, they eſpied Dinocrates on horſeback under a Tree, who as ſoon as he ſaw them coming galloped with all ſpeed towards the Caſtle where his maſter was. This paſſage did much ſurprize Ameſtris and Artemon, who could not deviſe the meaning of it: But they were much more aſtoniſhed, when being come into the Caſtle, they underſtood, that as ſoon as Dinocrates advertized Ottanus of their coming, hee took horſe with three or four of his ſervants, and went out at a back dore, leaving a Letter with the Captain of the Caſtle to give unto Ameſtris: He had no ſooner declared it, but ſhe opened it, and found theſe words:

OTANUS to the unworthy AMESTRIS.

I Goe from hence to hide that ſhame which you have brought upon me, and in order to that I goe amongſt men, who know neither you nor me: But the principall reaſon of my voyage is to kill Aglatidas, if I can meet with him, as I hope I ſhall: If I hear you receive the news of his death without any tears, I ſhall return, and perhaps pardon you for loving that man whilſt hee lived, whoſe death ſhould be indifferent unto you; in the mean time keeep within this Caſtle; obey him who commands it in my abſence, unleſſe you have a minde I ſhould return to puniſh you for all thoſe evils you have brought upon me

OTANUS.

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[Page] Imagine Sir, how this letter grieved Ameſtris; who ſhewing it unto Artemon, conjured him to follow after him; and notwithſtanding all the diſtwaſion of the Captain, he did ſo: But whether Ottanus made too much haſte to be overtaken, or whether Artemon took a wrong road, ſo it was he could not meet with him, but returned to Ameſtris, whom he found in a deluge of tears: She was not well perſwaded whether or no Ottanus was gone, or if he were, whether he was gone to kill Aglatidas, as his Letter expreſſed; or elſe whether he was only hid, to ſee how ſhe would behave her ſelf during his pretended abſence: But however, ſhe collected by the beginning of his Letter, that he was not gone into the Armie of Ciaxares, ſince there he would be known: After much debate upon the matter, they hit upon the truth, and Artemon beleeved he was gone into Armenia and was amongſt the Kings enemies. However, Ameſtris told him, that obedience unto her husband was her dutie, and therefore ſhe deſired him to return back: Artemon uſed all his arguments to perſwade her, that he might carrie her back again to Ecbatan: But as ſhe had no mind unto it, ſo indeed ſhe could not if ſhe would: for he whom Otanus had left commander in the Caſtle was an obſtinate and reſolved man, and would not have permitted her: Yet the ſweet diſpoſition of Ameſtris did obtain this ſingular favour from him, that Menaſta might come and ſee her. Thus was Ameſtris, after Artemons departure, in a moſt terrible ſolitude, eſpecially becauſe ſhe knew no limits of time when it would end. Her friends and Kinred did divers times offer to take her away in ſpight of him that kept the Caſtle if ſhe would conſent unto it, but ſhe never would; not ſo much, I think, out of her obedience unto Ottanus, which truly was without a paralel, as out of her own diſpoſition to avoid companie, which ſhe would not indure without conſtraint. A while after ſhe had the comfort to heare that Ottanus was certainly in Armenia, and conſequently ſhe was in leſſe fear of Aglattidas his life, conceiving it a hard matter to meet with him amongſt an Armie of a hundred thouſand men.

Thus Sir, did Ameſtris live during all the Armenean warre, untill the news was ſpread throughout all Medea, that Ottanus was dead: It was told unto her with ſo many circumſtances, that none were afraid to rejoyce openly with her, and all the world did make a publique thanksgiving for it, in behalfe and out of affection to Ameſtris. But the wonder of all was, that ſhee who of all living had moſt reaſon to rejoyce at the death of Ottanus, did receive the newes with the moſt moderation; for there was not the leaſt viſible ſigne of any inward joy in the face of Ameſtris; as it was a thing impoſſible ſhee ſhould bee ſad, ſo nothing of that paſſion appeared likewiſe; but without eyther any joy or ſorrow, ſhee made the wiſdome of her minde, and generoſitie of her ſoule moſt apparantly appeare in her diſcreet moderation, and when Menaſta asked her why ſhee was not more ſenſible of that freedom which ſhee was to enjoy, ſhee anſwered that there was ſom ſcruples of minde yet unſatisfied, and ſhee feared that the ill treatments of Ottanus would bee a meanes by which the gods would ſhorten her life. Within a few dayes after, the ſervants of Ottanus, returned all except Dinocrates, who they ſaid was ſick and ſtayed in Armenia, which confirmed the reports of his death. In the meane while the Captaine of the Caſtle where Ameſtris was, in lieu of commanding her as before, hee began to obey her as ſoone as hee heard of Ottanus his death, and ſince hee was never very ſevere in his office, ſhee treated him with much ſweetneſſe: Within a few dayes after the kindred and friends unto Ameſtris came to carry her back unto Ecbatan, where ſhee lived in all poſſible diſcretion, as if Ottanus had not at [...] beene jealous and fantaſticall; yet ſince it is not the cuſtome of mourning in Medea, to continue long, and ſince Ameſtris was never in her life more faire then at that time, the paſſionate affection of very many began to diſcloſe and diſcover themſelves by the tender of their ſervices: And amongſt the reſt Tharpis (who whilſt Ottanus was jealous, had no other deſign in ſeeing Ameſtris and following her unto all places, but to add fewel to his fooliſh fires) was now really in love with her. Artemon for his part, he thought that meer compaſſion upon the miſeries of Ameſtris was the only cauſe which prompted him to ſee and ſerve hen, but now he perceived that he loved her with more tender affection then he thought on: So that Ameſtris in loſing a huſband found many Lovers: And that which was moſt ſtrange, was, that Anatiſa only mourned for the death of Ottanus, and ſo ſad ſhe was that all the world perceived it [...] Ameſtris hearing as much, and diſcovering on it with her deer Menaſta, after ſecond thoughts Menaſta imagined the true cauſe, which was her fears that the death of Ottanus would revive th [...]ve betwixt Ameſtris and Aglatidas, if ever he returned to Ecbatan Ameſtris bluſ [...]n this diſcourſe: Ambition and abſence, ſaid ſhe, will doubtleſſe cure [Page] Aglatidas of [...] affection to me, ſo that the fears of Anatiſa are ill grounded: And [...] [...]ld [...], yet I [...]de Libertie ſo ſweet that I ſhall hardly be induced to loſe it again. If you had ſpoke this unto any friend of Anatiſa, replyed Menaſta; and ſmiled, I ſhould have thought it much Prudence in you; but in ſpeaking unto me, and to tell me that ambition and abſence can cure Aglatidas, is very ſtrange: Aglatidas, who might have obtained [...] Government for himſelf, but preferred him whom you married; No no Ameſtris, it is impoſſible, and I cannot in [...]ure to hear of it: Speak Ameſtris, tell me truly, whether or no, you ſpeak as you think? tell me ingeniouſly if it would not vexe you to [...] Aglatidas returne hither, and Court Anatiſa before your face? As for Anatiſa, replyed Ameſtris, I muſt confeſſe, it would much vexe me, and I could not indure it. Who then could you allow him to Court, ſaid Menaſta, and ſmiled? Wicked woman, replyed Ameſtris, why doe you ſo cruelly perſecute me? and why doe you force me to tell you with a bluſh, that I cannot indure Aglatidas ſhould love any thing but honour above me? Yet, ſaid Menaſta, you ſpeak as coldlie as if Aglatidas were Ottanus, I beſeech you, ſaid Ameſtris, ſpeak not of Otanus, but let him enjoy that reſt in his death which he could not have in his life, and think (ſaid ſhe with a half ſmile) that the jealouſie of Otanus has not been my only puniſhment, but the jealouſie of Aglatidas hath alſo extreamly troubled me; and therefore I had need bee wiſe in expoſing my ſelf the ſecond time to the ſame miſery. You may eaſily prevent that (replyed Menaſta wittily) by holding no diſcourſe with Megabiſes, if he return hither; and baniſh out of your heart all cauſes of complaint againſt him: and let me tell you that a ſecret ſpleen in Love, how little ſoever it be in the beginning, may end in a great quarrell: therefore hearken to my Councell, and without any more apprehenſions of Aglatidas his jealouſie, receive his affection with gratitude; for I am confident that his fidelitie deſerves it. This Sir was the State of things: Tharpis and Artemon were in love with Ameſtris, and Anatiſa was jealous; for ſince the death of Ottanus ſhe had many ſpies about the actions of Ameſtris, to the end ſhe might diſcover what intelligence paſſed between Aglatidas and her: But there being at that time ſome Commotions in Medea, it was your goodneſſe Sir, to make choyſe of Aglatidas to be ſent thither, with Commiſſion from the King for it. I cannot well deſcribe unto you Sir the impatience of Aglatidas, during this voyage; yet give me leave to tell you, that though he was going to ſee Ameſtris and Ameſtris at liberty, yet he did a hundred and a hundred times expreſſe his ſorrows to be ſo far from you Sir: The glorious name of Cyrus and the pleaſing name of Ameſtris, were perpetually pronounced, and nothing elſe, during all the voyage. As good fortune was, things were a little calmed at Ecbatane before we came there. Moreover, ſince he came with abſolute Authoritie, his arrivall was no ſooner known, but all addreſſed themſelves unto him with reſolutions of obedience; So that his entrance into Ecbatan was as if it were in Tryumph. In the mean time Artemon, Tharpis and Anatiſa were quite down in their conceits: But as for Ameſtris, ſhe was ſo quicked at his return, that ſhe hardly knew the motion of her own heart.

As ſoone as Aglatidas arrived, hee was ſo thronged and taken up with publique buſineſſe that he could not diſingage himſelfe from them, but deſired mee to goe unto Menaſta, and deſire her to know the commands of Ameſtris, and to underſtand from her how ſhee was pleaſed hee ſhould behave himſelfe as ſoone as this throng of affaires would permit him any leiſure to diſpoſe of: But Menaſta knowing the modeſt minde of Ameſtris, told mee, that Aglatidas ſhould make his firſt addreſſe by way of viſit only, as was fitting unto one of her qualitie, and that if he would be pleaſed to acquaint her with the day he intended to come unto Ameſtris, ſhe would contrive it ſo cunningly; that, provided he came in fitting times for it, there ſhould be little company when hee came. Time did ſeeme ſo tedious unto Aglatidas, that notwithſtanding his multitude of affaires, he could not chooſe but write two Letters unto Menaſta that ſame day, and goe unto her at night; for ſince ſhe was his Coſen, he was more free with her then another; and he tooke ſuch delight in diſcourſe of his deer Ameſtris, that he never thought of parting from her. But at laſt after he had ſpent two whol dayes in the Kings ſervice, being in extreme impatience to ſee his faire Ameſtris, hee went unto the Temple, where he underſtood, by Menaſta, ſhee uſed to bee; yet Ameſtris not being there that day, not daring to truſt her ſelfe before ſo much company, at the firſt meeting with Aglatidas, his hopes were diſappointed, and in lieu of ſeeing Ameſtris, he met with Anatiſa, who came thither purpoſely to ſee whether Aglatidas and Ameſtris were there. This encounter put him out of countenance, being [Page] conſcious of his crime to that Lady, and conſidering what a ſad conſequence the laſt ſight of her produced, it being the cauſe why Ameſtris was jealous, and whereupon ſhe grounded her ſtrange reſolution; hee went out of the Temple as if hee knew her not; and the time of his going unto Ameſtris being come, hee went thither with a trembling heart. As the mourning of widdowes doth not laſt above foure dayes at Ecbatan, ſo Ameſtris was out of it when wee came thither; and though ſhee had no deſire to appeare in her negligent dreſſe, at the firſt ſight of Aglatidas, yet ſhee did not dreſſe her ſelfe in any glorious manner at that time, but was in meane betweene both, ſo that not diminiſhing any of her beauty, there appeared as much modeſty in her dreſſe, as in her minde: Menaſta, who was with her when Aglatidas and I came thither, and ſince Ameſtas knew that I was not ignorant of all paſſages, my preſence did not interrupt the meeting; yet Sir it ſeemed unto mee ſomthing ſtrange, for in lieu of thoſe teſtimonies of joy, which uſually appeares in the faces of thoſe who love, and who after great misfortunes and long abſence delight to ſee one another; Ameſtris was reſerved, and concealing her ſatisfaction from Aglatidas, ſhee ſeemed ſo ſerious at the firſt, that all joyes vaniſhed out of his eyes, and his heart was ſo damped that hee had much adoe to expreſſe himſelfe in termes of common civilitie: That which did moſt of all non plus him was, that at his coming in hee found a Lady with her upon a viſit, as wee were: ſo that Aglatidas knew not in all the world how to addreſſe himſelfe, nor did Ameſtris know how to anſwer him, For to tell her hee was ſory for her loſſe had beene ridiculous and abſurd; to ſay hee rejoyced at it would offend her; and to ſay nothing had not beene hanſome; ſo that Aglatidas was not a little puzled, and I know not how hee came off with his complement, for whileſt he was performing it I addreſſed my ſelfe to Menaſta, to tell her ſhe was not ſo good as her promiſe, ſince that Ladie was there to interrupt us; and indeede as ſhee was preſent, diſcourſe was but conſtrayned, yet Aglatidas hoped that when ſhee was gone, then Ameſtris would not appeare ſo cold, but after her viſite was ended, and wee were in freedome together, ſeeing ſhee kept ſtill in the ſame poſture and would not aſſume that obliging aire and free behaviour as hee hoped for.

Madam (ſaid he unto her) Is it poſſible that you ſhould expreſſe ſuch ſenſible ſorrow at my departure, and that now you ſhould deny me ſo much happineſſe as to ſee ſome ſymptomes of joy at my return? That ſorrow which I ſhewed againſt my will (replied Ameſtris and ſmiled) did ſeem ſo criminall unto me, when I could think upon it with tranquility, that I deſire to repent of that fault now. Say rather (Madam) replyed hee, that you have a premeditated deſigne to commit another againſt the lawes of amitie, which you owe mee: For ſince you honored me with your commands, to love none but you, when I parted from you, I thinke it is lawfull for mee to ſay as much, ſince I have moſt exactly obeyed you: Yes, Madam, I have loved you, and loved none but you, and alſo in ſo high a meaſure that my honour is not deerer then it, nor my life; yet after I have ſuffered a multitude of miſeries; after a ſenſibility of all your ſorrowes and my owne; after I have preſerved a moſt violent love, without any hope; and endured a million of misforfortunes, and all only becauſe I loved you; then, after all theſe, to finde ſuch an indifference in your lookes, as perſwades mee your heart is indifferent alſo, is a very hell unto my ſoule. Doe not beleeve my lookes Aglatidas, ſaid ſhee unto him, if they tell you that my heart is indifferent to you, ſince certainly I have ever eſteemed you as much as I ought to doe. If you ſaid loved me, in lieu of eſteeming me, replyed Aglatidas, you had compleated my happineſſe. But cruel Lady, I beleeve you make no account of all my ſervices and ſufferings, but expect I ſhould make a new purchaſe of your heart: If it bee ſo I beſeech you tell mee; for I muſt needs confeſſe I am not prepared at this time to tell you that I love you, nor did I thinke you expected it, but Madam, if I was deceived I beſeech you acquaint mee with your will, and you ſhall bee moſt exactly obeyed. Whileſt Aglatidas was thus expreſſing himſelfe, and Ameſtris moſt attentively hearing, that ſeeming coldneſſe which ſhee out of her modeſty, at the firſt, affected; did vaniſh before ſhee was aware, ſo that the reall thoughts of heart, ſtealing through her eyes, did ſpeak her joyes ſo apparently, that Aglatidas had his deſired ſatisfaction, Ameſtris alſo plainly perceiving that Aglatidas was no changeling, was full of oblieging ſweetneſſe towards him. Then did they begin to relate all their ſorrowes and all their misfortunes which interveined ſince they ſaw one another, and this conference which began with a little kinde of a quarell, did end in a renuing of a moſt ſincere amitie. Since company began to come in, the conference was interrupted, but the moſt obſervable paſſage was, that Tharpis coming to Ameſtris [Page] whileſt wee were there, within a quarter of an houre, Aglatidas perceived hee was in love with her, and telling Menaſta as much, ſhee told him againe in rallarie that hee had beſt take heede of being jealous, as hee was of Megabiſes. Wicked Cozen anſwered hee, why doe you make a jeaſt of that which hath beene the greateſt torment of my life? I doe it, anſwered ſh [...]e, to prevent your relapſe into the like. By this time our viſite had laſted but too long, and therefore I [...]eckned unto Aglatidas to break off which accordingly we did: But ſince he owed another viſit unto one of his Aunts, he left me, and went to pay it: As ill luck was he found Anatiſa there, which vexed him ſo much, that he was in a minde to goe out of the Chamber: yet ſince he was diſcovered, and owed much reſpect unto the Ladie he went to viſit, and who was already riſen up to ſalute him, he went forward and performed his complements, which ſmelt a little of the diſorder in his ſoul: He ſaluted Anatiſa yet very civily, but with ſo much confuſion in his face, as he durſt hardly look upon her; for beſides his own non plus he ſaw a Lady who had good reaſon to blame him, he was afraid that Ameſtris, if ſhe ſhould hap to know it, ſhould think he ſought the occaſion to ſee Anatiſa: So that reſolving to cut his viſit very ſhort, he told the Lady whom he came unto, that this ſhould not be counted for one, but that ere long he would tender his devoirs in a more ample manner. Juſt as he had ended his complement, one came and deſired to ſpeak with his Aunt upon ſome very important buſineſſe. Nephew (ſaid ſhee unto him) I know you are in no ſuch haſte, but you may doe me the favor to keep this fair Lady companie, whilſt I goe into my Cloſet and diſpatch a peece of buſineſſe which cannot be done another time. Anatiſa was ſo raviſhed with this fit oportunitie, that ſhe never offered to goe away, but quite contrary, deſired the Lady not to make ſo much haſte, but to diſpatch her buſineſſe at leiſure. Aglatidas was ſo vexed with this angry adventure, that though he would not openly offer any incivility, yet he would have given ſome ilfavord reaſons to move Anatiſa to goe away, or elſe that he muſt himſelf be gone: But the Lady of the houſe left them together without any anſwer, or any other companie except a woman which waited upon Anatiſa, who ſtood at the other end of the Chamber: You may imagine Sir how Aglatidas was put to it, who was a long while dumbe as well as Anatiſa, who ſtayed to ſee what he would ſay before ſhe began: Yet Aglatidas conceiving it beſt not to incenſe the Spirit of that Lady too much, by too great an incivility, reſolved to make ſome excuſes unto her, and to prepare her that ſhe ſhould not take it ill, he had caſt her off as he had done: but ſince he was ſomething long in conſulting with himſelf about it, Anatiſa broke ſilence firſt. Tell me truly Aglatidas, ſaid ſhe unto him, Did you know that I was here when you came in? Certainly, anſwered he, if I had known you had been here, I ſhould out of my reſpect unto you, not have forced you to ſee a man whom you have reaſon to hate; though, to ſay truly, he never had any intentions to wrong you. That I may the better judge of your Crime, replyed ſhe, you muſt ſincerely, without any diſſimulation, tell me what it is, for truly my minde is not yet reſolved, what thoughts to entertain of you; Speak then I conjure you, ſaid ſhe, and tell me ſincerely, whether when you applyed your ſelf unto me more then unto any other, and by your aſſiduous Courtſhip perſwaded me that you loved me; whether I ſay, did you really love me, or only did diſtemble it, that you might better hide your love of Ameſtris? for it may be you quitted her at that time for me, or it may be you now quit me for her; or elſe perhaps you were ever devoted unto Ameſtris, though I cannot underſtand what reaſon you had to let her marry Ottanus: However, tell me the real truth, that I may accordingly regulate my thoughts of you. Aglatidas, being much gravelled for an anſwer, ſtood ſilent a while. No no, ſaid ſhe unto him, pump not for any excuſe, nor any diſguiſement of the matter; let me only know whether you be only an unconſtant man or an impoſtur, leſt I ſhould be unjuſt in hating you either too much or too little; for I put a great deal of difference between theſe two Crimes, which one of them you have committed. Aglatidas being deeper gravelled then ever, thought it beſt to confeſſe the very truth of the matter: Madam (ſaid he then unto her) ſince you command me to ſpeak the truth in all ſinceritie; I doe confeſſe that I was never inconſtant, but that I ever loved Ameſtris better then my ſelf: I beſeech you (ſaid he, ſeeing her bluſh for anger) let not this truth incenſe you more againſt me; for I am certain there is no cauſe of offence; and am certain alſo, that you will confeſſe as much, if you will be pleaſed to underſtand me. I doe not think you can perſwade me to it, replyed ſhe, ſince I have more reaſon to complain againſt you, then if you were inconſtant. You ſhall ſee Madam the greateſt eſteem which I had of you; for ſince I loved Ameſtris with a moſt violent and unruely paſſion, and eſteeming her above [Page] all the world, but finding great cauſe of complaint againſt her ſeverity towards me, and deſiring to cure my ſelf, if it were poſſible, of ſuch an unaccepted paſſion, I conceived you able to deface the image of Ameſtris out of my heart, and would perſwade my ſelf and all the world that I was in love with you: Judge, Madam, whether any man that was in love, and who thought the Lady he loved the moſt incomparably accompliſhed of any upon earth, could render a greater teſtimonie of eſteem then I unto you upon this occaſion: I make a queſtion whether I had been able to have rendred it in ſo high a degree, if I had been really in love with you, as in ſeeming to be ſo, and as I endeavored to become ſo really. Now if by the help of all my endeavors, I cannot paſſe above the degree of eſteem, nor reach ſo high as love, the fault is not in your beauty or wit, or any virtue wanting in you; but the only fault is, that I cannot root out of my heart thoſe firſt thoughts which took ſuch deep hold of it. Therefore, Madam, to ſpeak reaſonably, it was a wrong rather unto Ameſtris then you, when I applyed my ſelf unto your ſervice, ſince I endeavored to diſpoſe of a heart which was not in my power, but only and abſolutely in hers. Confeſſe the truth, replyed Anatiſa, Was not your only aim to make Ameſtris jealous, and never to intend any Love towards mee? Ah Aglatidas, you are deceived if you ever thought I beleeved you: Inconſtancie is ſometimes pardonable; but an impoſtur, a Cheat, a man which cozens us, there is no imaginable revenge which is not ſweet, to puniſh him withall. Had I proteſted a thouſand times (ſaid Aglatidas) that I was infinitely in love with you, or if you had done me any conſiderable favours, you had then ſome reaſon for what you ſay; but alas, Madam, I was no more then a frequent viſitor, and diſcourſed with you more then with any other; and I doe not doubt, but if I had been ſo boldes to profeſſe any matters of Love unto you, then you would have treated me more hardly then you did: but ſince it is no ſhame for all beauties to be loved, I cannot conceive I have done you any great injurie in moving you to beleeve, by ſome deep ſighs, that I loved you. No, replyed Anatiſa, you have rather done me a good turne, by giving me cauſe to think that you never loved me: However Aglatidas, I ſhall be revenged of you, and I will revenge my ſelf upon Ameſtris, that I may be the better revenged upon yourſelf: And ſince you ſay you have tryed and indeavored to love me, I thank you for it, and in requitall, I ſhall try and indevour to hate you; and if I be not much miſtaken, I ſhall bring to paſſe my deſigne better then you have yours; for I perceive I have a ſtronger inclination unto it: Expect therefore a puniſhment for you Crime, even by Ameſtris her ſelf, who perhaps ſhall not make you leſſe jealous then O [...]tanus was; for indeed Aglatidas ſome have eyes as well as you; others think her fair as well as your ſelf; and after the choiſe which ſhe made of Otanus, I beleeve few lovers are ſure of their own hearts, be they as compleat men as can be. Yet ſince you are ingenious and ſpeak ſincerely unto me, I ſhall be the like and tell you with the ſame ſincerity, that I doe already hate you more then you can love Ameſtris, and ſhall never be ſatisfied untill you be both miſerable: I ſhall not make any great blunder in the world, but ſhall revenge my ſelf in a more fine and ſubtle way. You may uſe your pleaſure (anſwered Aglatidas coldly) for ſince I reſpect all Ladies in generall and much eſteem you in particular, I ſhall be ſo effectually reſpective, that I ſhall not interpret your hatred and choller to my diſadvantage; and if I return any anſwer unto the injuries you ſpeak of, it ſhall be in complements.

As Anatiſa was ready to reply, the Aunt of Aglatidas came in, and hee took his leave of her, and left Anatiſa as much incenſed againſt him as poſſibly could be. But the angry part of this viſit was, that Tharpis came into the Chamber as the Aunt of Aglatidas came out of her Cloſet, ſo that he ſaw the private Conference which had been between him and Anatiſa, and obſerved the diſorder which appeared in the face of that Ladie: So that Aglatidas fearing this encounter ſhould prejudice him in the opinion of Ameſtris, he ſent Menaſta unto her, to acquaint her with the accident; and indeed his policie was advantagious to him; for Tharpis found out ſome means or other to acquaint Ameſtris the next morning, that Aglatidas and Anatiſa had a long private conference together at the houſe of Aglatidas his Aunt, which made it ſeem as if it were a thing appointed: but ſince Ameſtris knew it before, this deviſe took no effect, nor made any jars between Ameſtris and Aglatidas.

In the mean time Artemon and Tharpis were not a little vexed to obſerve that they did concur ſo well: But ſince Artemon was not declared a Lover, though it was apparent enough he thought he had found out an excellent deviſe to ruine Aglatidas; So that [Page] reſolving not to ſpeake yet as a Lover, hee deſigned the deſtruction of his moſt feared Rivall, by acting in appearance as the friend of Ameſtris, and the truth is, if ſhee had not perceived by a hundred circumſtances that hee was in love with her, his plot had tooke effect: for hee did mannage it moſt cunningly, as I ſhall tell you. Preſently after Aglatidas arrived, and had made many viſits unto Ameſtris, where it was eaſilie perceived hee alwaies loved her, and was never hated: Artemon, one morning deſired to ſpeake with her, and it was granted him; for ſhee was much oblieged unto him for taking her part againſt Ottanus when hee was with her, and had liberty to talke in private.

Madam (ſaid hee unto her) I know not whether my zeale will bee well taken, but I am certaine that if you could ſee my heart, you would confeſſe I am oblieged to what I did: Artemon (anſwered ſhee) I have received ſo many teſtimonies of frendſhipp from you, and you have done mee ſo many good offices, that I cannot imagine what you can tell mee, which will not bee well taken; therefore ſpeake on, I conjure you. Madam replyed hee and bluſht (for hee related the conference unto mee very fully, as I ſhall tell you at the end of my diſcourſe) I know very well that the jealouſie of Ottanus had ever a cauſleſſe foundation, and that your virtue is ſo great that no calumny can blemiſh it: But having alwaies obſerved your paſſionate love of Honour, and that you would not only bee vertuous but alſo would appeare ſo in the eyes of your very enemies, I thought it requiſite for you to take into your your ſerious conſideration all thoſe things which Ottanus hath publiſhed to the World, concerning the correſpondency betwixt Aglatidas and your ſelfe. Not Madam, but that I know his injuſtice was well perceived, yet for all that, I conceive that Aglatidas conferring the Government upon Ottanus, and hee making that the pretence of his fury againſt you, you would perhaps take away a great cauſe of cenſure from all thoſe who envie your beautie and merrit, if you ſhould a little leſſe admitte of viſites from Aglatidas. Not that I have any exceptions againſt him, for you your ſelfe have often heard mee ſpeake much good of him, upon ſeverall occaſions: Therefore I doe moſt humbly entreat you to beleeve that what I ſpeake is meerely out of zeale to your ſervice. I am much oblieged unto you (anſwered Ameſtris, knowing well enough what motive induced him to his advice) and I doe aſſure you, Artemon, that I will take your advice, as I ought to doe: yet let mee tell you, with the like fredome that you take, I am unwilling to revive the jealouſies of Ottanus after his death: for hee would have barred mee from the converſation of all the world; you your ſelf was not excepted. It is very true, replied Artemon, but all the towne talkes more of Aglatidas then any other, not that I adviſe you to baniſh him from your ſight abſolutlie: but only for a little time; and thereby ſtop the tongues of calumnies which Anatiſa perhaps will raiſe againſt you. This ſeemes to bee but ill policie, ſaid Ameſtris, therefore I had rather not conceale my thoughts, and it will be advantagious to mee, that all the world did know them, ſince thankes bee to the gods, they are not criminall. However madam, ſaid hee unto her, I beſeech you take it not ill, that I ſhould bee ſo free with you. I doe promiſe you, I will not, anſwered ſhee; but Artemon, (ſaid ſhee further, and ſmiled) you give mee this councell ſo ſeriouſly that I am fearfull you will take it ill from mee, if I doe not follow it: truely Madam, replied hee, I ſhould bee very glad you did follow it for ſeverall reaſon, but I ſee you have no inclination to it. I doe ingeniouſly confeſſe it ſaid ſhee, for I have lived ſo long in a conſtrained condition, that I deſire to enjoy freedome as farr as hanſomneſſe and decency will permit mee. But madam, ſaid Artemon, to her, you may remember the time when you told mee that expoſing your ſelfe to the converſation of the World was conſtrained and contrarie to your inclination: Did you then ſpeake as you thought, Madam, or is your minde changed ſince. But Artemon, ſaid ſhee unto him, you may remember the time when you told Ottanus that it was fit one of my age and qualitie ſhould expoſe themſelves unto the converſation of the World; Did you then ſpeake as you thought Ottanus? Or doe you not ſpeake as you thinke now? You, I ſay, who would have mee baniſh from my converſe the prime perſon that I have in Ecbatan. Madam (ſaid hee being tranſported by his paſſion) to ſpeake ſincerely and really unto you, I would never [Page] have moved you to forbear the company of Aglatidas, but only to diſcover your thoughts of him, and likewiſe to diſcover what are mine of you. I doe not ſee (ſaid Ameſtris, and aſſumed a more ſerious look) what ſhould be the riddle of theſe things. You may eaſily perceive it, anſwered hee, if you will be but pleaſed to conſider that none can converſe with you except they infinitely love you, and deſire unto themſelves a happineſſe which they fear you will beſtow upon another. I muſt confeſſe, ſaid Ameſtris to him, that your diſcourſe amazeth me, and I could never have believed you would have given me any cauſe to complain againſt you, or begun your expreſſions of affection with any thoughts of jealouſie: But Artemon, that you may ſee I forget not my obligations to you, I will take the ſame freedome as you have done, and give you ſome councell, and ſincerely tell you, that you will be the moſt miſerable man upon earth, if you ever think of loving me: Content your ſelf I pray you, that I doe beleeve you are my friend, and be confident that as long as you keep within the limits of that, I ſhall very much eſteem you; but on the other ſide I doe ingeniouſly profeſſe, that if you love mee any otherwiſe then ſo, you will loſe your labour, you will exceedingly vexe me, and I ſhall endeavour my utmoſt to perſecute you as much as ever I can. But Madam, ſaid he unto her, I beſeech you then acknowledge that Aglatidas is the cauſe of the abſolute impoſſibilitie to move your heart. When you are no more then only my friend (ſaid ſhee unto him and ſmiled) I ſhall diſcover the ſecrets of my heart unto you.

Alas Madam, ſaid he, that's an honour I ſhall never arive at; for it is abſolutelie impoſſible for me to love you more or leſſe then I doe. But when Otanus lived, ſaid ſhe unto him, you were neither unquiet nor jealous, and yet I was the ſame I am now, and you ſaw me alſo as you doe now, therefore did you love me at that time? Doubtleſſe I did Madam, ſaid he unto her, yet I did not know it by that name; but I called that eſteem, friendſhip and compaſſion, which really was moſt violent Love. For my part, ſaid Ameſtris, I cannot ſee any reaſon why your friendſhip ſhould not continue friendſhip ſtill, or why your eſteem ſhould be converted into Love. The return of Aglatidas, replied he, is the cauſe of it. I doe underſtand you very well Artemon, ſaid ſhe unto him, you had ſome ſparks of jealouſie in your minde before you knew you were in love; and beleeve me, nothing could render you more terrible to Ameſtris then that humor. I know Madam, replyed he, that the reaſon why you ſay ſo is becauſe I was allied to Otanus, but I did intend by it to let you know my ſincerity and my miſery. You would doe much better, ſaid ſhe, to let me ſee your wiſedome and diſcretion, in continuing my friend as heretofore you have been; for by that way you will be ſure to have my eſteem and friendſhip; and the other way you will force me to hate you and ſhun your companie.

Thus Sir you ſee poor Artemon, who came to ſee Ameſtris in hopes to get Agladas baniſhed, was almoſt baniſhed himſelf: therefore he began to expreſſe himſelf in the moſt obliging language he could poſſible, and ſolemnly proteſted he would never ſpeak any thing again that ſhould incenſe her; but deſired he might come ſee her, though never in private again.

All this while Anatiſa was plotting her revenge upon Aglatidas, and in order to that, ſhe made a firm league of friendſhip with Tharpis; the confidence they had in each other was ſo high, that I think they imparted their moſt ſecret thoughts: They held many councels upon it, to adviſe upon the beſt courſe; and this cunning Ladie made him promiſe her never to ſpeake openly of his love to Ameſtris, for fear ſhee ſhould treat him ill, and baniſh him her companie: for ſince there was a report that Ciaxares would, ere long, return to Ecbatan, and that Megabiſes would return with him, ſhe thought that all three rivals would puzle Aglatidas to ſome purpoſe; and if they had all three the freedom of Courting Ameſtris at once, it was ten to one but ſome jars or other would ariſe amongſt them, which would reflect upon Aglatidas. She adviſed Tharpis therefore only to get ſome faithfull Spie which ſhould be continually about Ameſtris, and never to ſpeake any thing which might incenſe her, or move her to baniſh him her companie: And the better to delude Tharpis, ſhee told him that there was a Letter which came from the Armie, intimating that as ſoon as Ciaxares came to Ecbatan, then you Sir would ſend for Aglatidas back; and therefore [Page] it was better to ſtay untill he was abſent, before he declared himſelf: Telling him further, that his principall buſineſſe ſhould bee, to hinder as much as ever he could, that Ameſtris and Aglatidas held no long private conferences together, whileſt hee ſtayed at Ecbatan. So that Tharpis was ſo perpetually with Ameſtris, as it was impoſſible to be [...]here and not finde him one. Aglatidas did divers times offer to quarrel with him, but Ameſtris did ſtrictly forbid him: for though hee did earneſtly importune her, and was a perpetual trouble, yet ſhe would not permit a quarrel, upon no other reaſon but frequencie of viſits: She would not neither have it denyed that ſhee was within, but let every one enter beſides; ſo that ſhee could never enjoy the ſight of Aglatidas, but ſhe muſt admit of the ſight of Tharpis alſo: for though his companie was pleaſant enough, yet Ameſtris, Menaſta, Aglatidas and my ſelfe were ſo confined in our freedome of diſcourſe, that when hee was preſent wee knew not what to diſcourſe upon: Every one was ſilent, purpoſely to vex him, but all was one, for ſpeake or ſpeake not, hee was alwaies there, and was the laſt man commonly that went away: So that Aglatidas could never have any opportunity of private diſcourſe with Ameſtris, but ſometimes at the lodging of Menaſta, and that too was very rare to finde none but our ſelves there. Aglatidas yet was ſo fully aſſured that Ameſtris loved him, though ſhee gave him but common teſtimonies of it, as that hee thought himſelfe unhappie in nothing but that ſhee would not name him, conceiving it too ſhort a time ſince Ottanus died to doe it with any hanſomneſſe.

This Sir was the ſtate of things when Ciaxares came to Ecbatan, and when Megabiſes followed him, whom one would have thought that time, and abſence, and reaſon would have made him forget his affection to Ameſtris, but as ſoone as hee heard of the death of Ottanus, and that Aglatidas might perhaps become happy, it revived, and hee was deepely in love with Ameſtris: when hee came to Ecbatane hee was not deceived in his conjectures, for hee found that Aglatidas was in favour with Ameſtris, and his ſoule was ſo extremely perplexed that hee could not tell whether the hatred hee bore unto his Rivall did revive his affection unto Ameſtris, or his affection to Ameſtris revive his hatred unto his Rivall: However, theſe two contrary paſſions tooke up the whole dominion of his heart, ſo that in one and the ſame day, hee did both love and hate in the higheſt exceſſe, and was equally tormented by them both, for as hee durſt not yet tell Ameſtris that hee loved her, becauſe hee had promiſed never to ſpeake any more of his love unto her; ſo ſhee durſt not make his hatred of Aglatidas appeare more then ordinary, becauſe of Ciaxares and of you Sir: ſo that hee was extremely tormented; but in the end, love being the predominate paſſion in his heart, hee conceived, upon ſerious thoughts, that though hee ſhould tell her hee loved her ſtill, yet it was no unpardonable ſinne: So that hee went unto Ameſtris with a reſolution to commit it. This viſite did both ſurprize and perplex her, for ſhee imagined that ſince Megabiſes had broke his promiſe of ſeeing her no more, hee would breake the other alſo before hee had done, and though to ſpeake reaſonably, it may very well bee ſaid, that hee was only the innocent cauſe of Aglatidas his jealouſie; yet for all that, Ameſtris had never married Ottanus, if Megabiſes had not ſpoke with her in the Garden when Aglatidas became jealous, and therefore ſhee could not chuſe but have a ſpleene againſt him: For this reaſon therefore and many others, ſhee gave him but cold entertainment, yet would ſhee not openly chide him for his breach of promiſe, becauſe Tharpis was preſent, who was an eternall obſtacle unto Megabiſes as well as unto Aglatidas.

The moſt obſervable paſſage was, that Ameſtris, being extreamly joyed that ſhee had continually one with her, who hindred Megabiſes from any private diſcourſe, did one day deſire Aglatidas, ſmiling, not to bee jealous, if ſhee treated the poore Tharpis a little kindly; to the end hee ſhould continue his aſſiduitie about her, as long as Megabiſes ſhould bee at Court. Anatiſa, who was very ſubtle and craftie, did deſire that Tharpis ſhould bee with Ameſtris, only when Aglatidas was with her, and bee no hindrance unto eyther Megabiſes or Artemon, for ſhee cared not who got the heart of Ameſtris, ſo Aglatidas loſt it. But Sir, Aglatidas was ſo exceedingly obſequious and full of reſpects unto her, that though the viſites of Megabiſes were ſo [Page] many bitter Pills to his ſtomack, and perplexed him to the heart, yet he reſolved never to tell her as much, or ſpeak unto her: But doe what he could, his eyes betrayed the ſecrets of his ſoul, and diſcovered his reſtleſſe thoughts; yet ſince ſhe was reſolved to be very ſincere and free with him, ſhee expreſſed her ſelf ſo obligingly unto him at Menaſta's lodging, that ſhe ſweetned thoſe bitter Pills at the laſt, if ſhe did not abſolutely cure him of his Maladie.

In the mean time Megabiſes watched all opportunities to ſpeak in private with her, and at the laſt found out an odd device, which was, to ſuborn the Porter by a conſiderable ſum of monie: Then when he intended to execute his deſign, hee made choiſe of ſuch a day as hee knew Menaſta would not be with Ameſtris; and acquainting the Porter with it, he obliged him to tell every one, except himſelf, that came to ask for his Ladie, that ſhee was not at home. So that the Porter obeying him, and Megabiſes ſending away his men when hee came neere the houſe, fearing if any who came thither ſhould ſee them there, they would know by them he was there alſo, he went up into her Chamber, and found no companie with her but her women: His firſt entrance did a little ſtartle her; yet imagining that company would preſently come in, and at leaſt Tharpis would not fail to deliver her from the perſecution of Megabiſes, ſhee reſolved to be ſpeaking continually unto him, and prevent him from any expreſſions of Love: So that when they were ſet and conceiving there was no ſubject fitter for a long diſcourſe then to ſpeak of you Sir; Since wee have a fit oportunitie, ſaid ſhee unto him, tell me, I beſeech you, whether Cyrus be really ſuch a one as fame ſpeaks him to bee: I doe not expect you ſhould make a large relation of all his conqueſts, but I would have you tell mee truly, whether it bee true, that he is abſolute owner of all the virtues, and hath not ſo much as one fault: for ſince I was not at Ecbatan when he was there, I miſſed the ſight of him, and would gladly know, whether all thoſe that ſpeak of him doe not flatter.

That Prince, anſwered Megabiſes, is ſo exactly accompliſhed in all reſpects, that none can flater him more then they can your beauty Madam, though they commend him in the higheſt ſtrain. But Madam, ſaid he, if Aglatidas hath not fully deſcribed him unto you, he is not gratefull enough for thoſe favours which Cyrus hath done him; and you have ſom reaſon to feare hee will bee negligent alſo in his acknowledgements of thoſe favours he hath received from you. Aglatidas, replyed ſhe, has extolled him in ſuch a high ſtrayn, as that is the reaſon why I enquire of you concerning him, conceiving it not poſſible that one Prince ſhould have as many virtues as all the men in the world together can have; therefore if I were of a condition and humor to ſhew any favours unto Aglatidas, I need not fear by this reaſon that he will be ungratefull. But Megabiſes, added ſhe, there is ſuch a vaſt difference between the fortunes of Cyrus and mine, that it is not fit they ſhould be brought into any compariſon; ſo that without any more ſpeeches of me, I beſeech you let us ſpeak only of him. I ſhall ever ſpeak of him with delight (ſaid he unto her) but only this day Madam, I beſeech you diſpenſe with it and me both, and give me leave to ſpend this oportunitie I have to bee alone with you, in beging pardon for not keeping within the limits you preſcribed me. I alſo beleeved Madam, that ſince you are pleaſed to permit me the ſight of you, ſo alſo you will permit me to ſpeak unto unto you; and what coldneſſe ſoever I obſerve in your eyes, I cannot chooſe but aſſure you, that the flame which once they kindled in my heart, is now hotter then ever it was.

Ameſtris, ſeeing ſhe could not avoid this diſcourſe which ſhe ſo much feared; and ſeeing alſo that it was in vain, ſhe turned her ſelf towards the dore, to ſee if any came in to relieve her, ſhe reſolved to anſwer him directly and ſpeedily, leſt any ſhould enter before ſhe had ended; ſo that taking up Megabiſes very ſhort, I ſee, ſaid ſhe unto him, that prudence is moſt requiſite of all the virtues, and it is fit ſometimes not to let all ones goodneſſe appear; for indeed Megabiſes my indulgence towards you in ſeeming to forget that I ever deſired you to ſee mee any more, and that you promiſed mee obedience, is the cauſe that you ſpeak as you doe: yet know that the reaſon why I did not forbid you to ſee me, or diſcourſe of a paſſion which I cannot anſwer, was becauſe I thought that this paſſion had been quite extinguiſhed, and conſequently you might perhaps become one of my friends: But ſince you indeavour to perſwade mee that it [Page] remains ſtill in your ſoul; Let me once more conjure you to keep within the limits of your promiſe. I doe confeſſe Madam (replyed hee and ſmiled) that I made this promiſe unto the faire Ameſtris, as daughter unto Artambares. who had diſpoſed of her heart unto Aglatidas, but I never made any promiſe to the wife or the widow of Otanus, who being abſolute miſtriſſe of her owne will, ought now to make more equitable Lawes then this, if ſhee deſire to bee obeyed.

That Ameſtris of whom you ſpeake, ſaid ſhee unto him, in changing condition has not changed her thoughts of you. I wiſh to the gods, replyed hee, that ſhee had changed her thoughts of Aglatidas, and that he ſhould not bee the only happy one amongſt ſo many miſerable men: Howſoever, replyed ſhee, I doe expect obedience, and ſince you cannot ſee mee but diſpleaſe me, you ſhall ſee mee no more; or at the leaſt, if I cannot avoid it abſolutely, you ſhall never ſee mee but in Melancholy and Anger. Yet Madam ſaid hee unto her, is it poſſible you ſhould marry Ottanus, and caſt off Aglatidas, for whom you baniſhed mee, and will you not now ſo much as heare the complaints of a miſerable man, on whom, out of your goodneſſe, it was your pleaſure to beſtowe ſome ſweete language when you baniſhed him? for then you told him hee might pretend unto your eſteeme and friendſhip, and that if you had not beene engaged by the command of a father, and your owne inclination to prefer Aglatidas before all the World, you would not have ſcorned him: Now Madame, ſince Aglatidas hath broken your chaines, and aſſumed thoſe of Anatiſa, before all the world, in ſo much as you married Ottanus, tell mee, I beſeech you, if after all this I have not ſome pretence unto your heart, which Ottanus unworthily poſſeſſed, and which Aglatidas hath rendred himſelfe unworthy of by his inconſtancy? Moreover Madam, grant that hee never was really in love with Anatiſa, and that by orders from you, hee did diſſemble with her, yet I will maintaine hee never did love you rightly, that could doe ſo much: At the leaſt, I am moſt certaine, that if you had impoſed any ſuch command upon mèe, I ſhould never have beene able to obey it. Obey me only in this (replyed ſhee) Never viſite mee any more, nor ſpeake of your pretended paſſion; and I ſhall impoſe no other difficulties upon you. Had I not ſeene you change your minde, replyed hee, doubtleſſe I ſhould obey you, ſince heretofore I have done ſo; but ſince I have ſeene you make choice of Ottanus before all the moſt compleat men in Medea, It is not poſſible Madam, I ſhould caſt off all hope, how rigorous ſoever you are; for I thinke I may ſpeake it without any vanity, that there is not ſo great a difference betweene mee and Aglatidas, as there was betweene him and Ottanus.

Ameſtris hearing Megabiſes ſpeak thus, and his diſcourſe bringing into her memorie, all thoſe misfortunes which hee had been the cauſe of; ſhee was extreamly troubled: ſhee wondred that none came in all that time; and turned her ſelf towards the dore upon every leaſt noiſe that her women made: however Megabiſes, doe or ſay what ſhee could, did paſſe away the greateſt part of the afternoon with her: and in anſwere to the laſt thinge which hee had ſpoke unto her, ſhee told him in generall termes, that her marriage with Ottanus, was cauſed by a ſecret which none could dive into, and that ſhee was reſolved never to declare it; diſcovering noe futher unto him, but that hee himſelf did much contribute towards it. I Madam (ſaid hee in a great amazement!) Yes, you, replyed ſhe; and therefore looking now upon you as the cauſe of all my miſery; Judge your ſelfe whether I can ever hearken unto what you tell me. I am ſo ignorant of the crime whereof you accuſe mee, ſaid hee unto her, that I cannot tell how to juſtifie my ſelf. However it bee, anſwered Ameſtris, you ſhall never alter my heart; therefore, if it be poſſible, alter yours, and aſſure your ſelfe that this is the laſt time that you ſhall ſpeak with mee in private as long as you live. Megabiſes would have replyed, but that ſhe riſe up in a great chafe that none ſhould come in to relieve her, and commanded that her Coach ſhould bee preſently made readie, ſaying ſhee would goe and viſit Menaſta. You ſee (ſaid ſhee unto him, after ſhe had given that command) how dangerous it is to give an ill example; for if you had not failed in thoſe reſpects which you owed unto me, certainly I ſhould not have failed in that civility which I owed unto you.

After this, without hearkning unto his anſwer, ſhe took up her hood, and going [Page] unto her glaſſe to put it on, ſhe conſtrained Megabiſes to goe out; yet hee did wait upon her unto her Coach: but when the Porter heard them coming down, he went and hid himſelf, that he might have ſome excuſe when ſhe returned, in caſe ſhe ſhould come to know that half of the Town came that day to ſee her; hee intended to tell her▪ at her return, if ſhe ſpoke unto him, that hee thought ſhee was gone out on foot at the garden back dore, and that moſt of thoſe who came to ask for her, came ſince ſhee went out to viſit Menaſta.

In the mean time Aglatidas paſſed away many a reſtleſſe minute; for be pleaſed to know Sir, that we went that afternoon very timely to Ameſtris, and the Porter told us ſhe was not within; and becauſe we ſaw her Coach in the Court, we asked him whether any of her friends had borrowed it, or whether ſhe was gone out on foot; and he anſwered us, that ſhe was gone out at the back garden dore: Then did wee ſeek out all the neighbourhood for her, but could not hear a word where ſhe was: After wee had made many a ſhort viſit, wee came to the houſe again, and asked whether ſhee was come home, and the Porter anſwered No: Then, ſince Aglatidas was to give her an account of a buſineſſe, which ſhe deſired him to doe for one of her friends, unto Ciaxares, hee had an extream deſire to meet with her, to let her ſee how ready hee was to obey her: So that wee went out again, to ſeek for her in all likely places; wee ſent alſo unto divers houſes, to enquire in the name of Menaſta for handſomeneſſe ſake▪ whether ſhe was there. Whileſt we were going thus from quarter to quarter, from ſtreet to ſteet, and from dore to dore, through all Ecbatane, we met with Tharpis and Artemon ſeveral times, who were ſearching as well as wee; and I think we met moſt of any qualitie in all the Court; but amongſt them all wee met with no Megabiſes; ſo that [...]eaſting with Aglatidas, I told him that fortune in depriving us of the ſight of his Miſtris; was yet favorable in delivering us from his rivall. Aglatidas bluſhed at this, and laughing as well as I, told me, that it was no laughing if Megabiſes ſhould bee all this while with Ameſtris.

But Sir, after we had the ſecond time viſited all the quarters of Ecbatan, we reſolved to come unto her houſe again, and if ſhee were not there, then goe and lament with Menaſta: but preſently after wee were anſwered, that ſhe was not yet returned, ſtaying ſome twenty or fortie paces from the houſe, wee ſaw Ameſtris come out of her houſe in her Coach, and Megabiſes on foot, without any ſervant following, who croſſing the ſtreet went into a houſe oppoſite the houſe of Ameſtris. Judge Sir, what operation this fight had upon the heart of Aglatidas: At the firſt hee looked upon me, and afterwards turning haſtily to ſee which way Megabiſes went, and which way Ameſtris, hee loſt the ſight of both; for the Coach turned into another ſtreet cloſe by, and Megabiſes went into the houſe I named before. And indeed it was happie that hee was out of ſight, for I am perſwaded hee had quarrelled with him without any more delay. Now Artaban ſaid hee unto mee, What doe you think of this? It is very odd Sir, ſaid I unto him; yet ſince the like hath happened unto you before, I would adviſe you, not to judge upon appearances. Why, ſaid he unto me, Can I make any doubt of my misfortune, when I ſee they have denyed Ameſtris to be within, both to me and every one elſe, whileſt all that while Megabiſes hath been alone with her? How Artaban, can you interpret this any waies advantagiouſly for me? When you ſaw Megabiſes, replyed I, with Ameſtris in the Garden by the Fountain, and with your own eyes ſaw him kiſſe the hand of that fair and virtuous Lady, did you not then think that you had as much reaſon to be jealous as now? yet the event did apparently manifeſt that you wronged her, and that ſhe was moſt innocent and faithfull.

I doe confeſſe it, ſaid he, yet what I now ſee is very conſiderable, and more ſtrange; and I pray you Artaban, what doe you thinke of it? I cannot tell anſwered I, yet I adviſe you to ſpeake with Ameſtris, and ſee what ſatisfaction ſhe will give, before you precipitately reſolve upon any thing; at the firſt Aglatidas could not reſolve upon that courſe, but all his thoughts were of revenge upon Megabiſes; but I conceiving by the way they went, that ſhe was gone unto Menaſta, did urge him very importunately to goe thither, and ſo we did; but I never in all my life ſaw ſuch an alteration as was in the face of Aglatidas, and coming into Menaſta's chamber, where we found much company, he never looked who he was firſt to ſalute, but obſerving [Page] the eyes of Ameſtris, he ſaw her ſo troubled and reſerved, that he took it for an argument of her crime. Madam, ſaid he aloud, It is not my fault that I did not wait upon you before this time of the day; for I have beene at your houſe three times ſince dinner, nor was there any negligence in me, ſaid Tharpis, for I have beene there as oft as Aglatidas, nor was I much ſhort in my duty ſaid Artemon, for I was there twice. Truely, ſaid Menaſta, I doe not know how Ameſtris hath this day diſpoſed of her ſelfe; for all that came this day unto me, told me they were at her houſe, and ſought her all over the towne, and could find her no where: Many that were preſent alſo ſaid the ſame. Ameſtris all the while was ſo amazed ſhe knew not what to anſwer ſince ſhe was all that while at home when they ſought for her: Menaſta, wondring at her ſilence, and never ſuſpecting any hidden miſtery in the matter, preſſed her to anſwer. Tell us, I beſeech you, ſaid ſhe unto her, what you have beene imployed in? Or if you will not, I ſhall thinke the Ghoſt of Otanus hath appeared unto you and commanded you to be retired. Truly (anſwered Ameſtris aloud) I am ſo much amazed at what I heare, that I know not what to ſay, for indeede I was never out of my owne Chamber untill I came hither, and Megabiſes (ſaid ſhe and bluſhed) hath beene with me all the afternoone. Aglatidas, thinking ſhe ſaid this only becauſe perhaps wee might ſee them come out together, could not withhold the expreſſions of ſome unquietneſſe in his lookes: But Ameſtris, deſiring to juſtifie her ſelfe before all the company. asked all thoſe who ſaid they had beene at her houſe, whom they ſpoke withall; and as ſhe particularly asked Aglatidas, who told her he enquired of the Porter; I confeſſe, ſaid ſhe aloud, ſince it is ſo as you tell me, I may bee ſuſpected of great familiarity with Megabiſes; But I can aſſure you, without any Lie, that whither it was I was in an ill humor, or he was ſo, I know not, but we found no pleaſant agreeableneſſe together. Yet Madam, ſaid Aglatidas, his viſite continued very long: I thought it ſo, replyed ſhe; yet notwithſtanding, ſaid Artemon, the converſation of thoſe who newly come from travell, uſeth to bee very pleaſant: Yes doubtleſſe, replyed Tharpis, but perhaps Megabiſes did not thinke it fit to entertain her with diſcourſe of the ſtately walls of Babylon, or the River of Euphrates, with the Grandure of Artaxates, or ſuch like: However ſaid ſhe (and interrupted him) I muſt know at my returne how this deſigne comes to paſſe: After this Aglatidas ſpoke not a word, and as Ameſtris could not chuſe but aske the eyes of Aglatidas what hee thought of this paſſage, ſo ſhe looked upon him very oft, and the more ſhee did him that favour, the more did he ſuſpect her of infidelity: Since it was now very late, the company was forced to break off, and Tharpis alſo retyred, becauſe Ameſtris made it knowne ſhe would ſup with Menaſta.

Aglatidas would have gone away before he had rendred an account of his buſineſſe, but ſhe making that her pretence to ſtay him longer then the reſt, Aglatidas ſaid ſhee unto him; I beleeve you have ſome buſineſſe with me which concernes my felfe, and therefore I would ſpeake with you. Madam, ſaid he unto her, I did not thinke you had beene very earneſt to know it, ſince you cauſed ſome to tell me you were not within the ſame day I was to render you an account of it. Doe you think (ſaid ſhe unto him, ſeeing none but Menaſta and my ſelf in the chamber) that it was by any order from me you did not enter? Madam, ſaid hee, I had good cauſe to think you ought to bee obeyed in your own houſe. And doubtleſſe you believe, ſaid ſhe, that Megabiſes was permitted to enter when every one elſe was denied? ſpeak Aglatidas (ſaid ſhe ſeeing him ſilent) what doe you think of it? I reſpect you ſo much (ſaid he and ſighed) that I dare not tell you what I think. You tell mee enough ſaid ſhee, in telling mee no more: but ſince I confeſſe that there are circumſtances and appearances againſt me, I will be ſo favorable as not to condemne you of any lightneſſe, but will juſtifie my ſelf in the preſence of Menaſta and Artaban; but after this Aglatidas, I doe expect to bee obeyed in all things, without any exception. And as ſoon as hee promiſed an abſolute obedience, Ameſtris related all the diſcourſe which had paſſed between her and Megabiſes, her vexations and anger, to ſee that none came in to relieve her, and her ſuſpition that there was ſome trick or other put upon her; ſo that to cleer the matter, ſhee ſent for the Porter; when hee was come, ſhe asked him, why he told every one that day ſhee was not within, ſince hee knew very well ſhe was? Pardon me Madam, I [Page] beſeech you, ſaid hee unto her, for the fault which I committed againſt my will, thinking you to be gone out at the garden back dore. But if you had thought ſo, replyed ſhee, you would not have let Megabiſes enter. Megabiſes! Madam (replyed hee, and ſeemed to wonder) I did not let him enter; if he did come in, it muſt needs be very timely, whileſt I ſtept into the Town about a little buſineſſe, immediatly after dinner, not thinking any would come ſo ſoon; at my return I asked a boy whether you went out ſince I went, and he told me you were gone out at the back dore; and certainly he took one of your women for you; and I doe aſſure you I ſaw none of Megabiſes his men at the gate, for if I had, I ſhould have known he had been there; but ſince I ſaw none, I could not imagine he was entred, ſince hee never comes alone. And how came it to paſſe (ſaid Ameſtris to him) that you were from the gates when I went out. Becauſe I went to the garden dore, replyed hee, thinking ſome had knocked: and to tell you the truth Madam, when I underſtood that you were not gone forth, but had given orders to make ready your Coach, I was ſo much aſhamed of my fault, that I durſt not look you in the face; but I can tell you the names of all thoſe who came to wait upon you: Then did he begin to number up all that came to ask for her that day, beginning with Aglatidas and my ſelf, and went on with Tharpis and Artemon: But Ameſtris ſtopping him, was angry that the anſwers of this man did not handſomly juſtifie her ſelf, and did let him know by her threatning language, that he was to provide himſelf of another Miſtris. When hee was gone out Ameſtris looking upon Aglatidas, did know by his eyes he was not ſatisfied: I perceive, ſaid ſhee unto him, that the anſwers of my Porter have not juſtified me in your opinion. Truly Madam, replyed he, it was not from him I expected the ſatisfaction I have need of. Yet it was hee who denyed you the Gate, replyed ſhee, and let Megabiſes enter. I confeſſe it, replyed Aglatidas; yet if Megabiſes was not preferred unto that honour by your own orders, it troubles me much leſſe; and to know that Madam, I muſt appeal unto your own mouth.

If you will take my word, ſaid ſhee unto him, you ſhall bee quickly ſatisfied: for I doe proteſt unto you Aglatidas, I gave no order at all that day eyther to open the gates or ſhut them, or deny my ſelfe unto any whoſoever, and if I had excepted againſt any, certainly it ſhould not have beene Megabiſes. Madam, ſaid hee unto her▪ you give me moſt oblieging ſatisfaction; but when I thinke of Megabiſes being a whole afternoone with you in private, and ſaw him come out alone preſently after you had taken coach, I did conclude Madam, whether I would or no, that you were eyther not ſincere (if I can ſpeake it without offence) or elſe that your Porter had betrayed you. Men of his condition are ſuch block-heads, ſaid Menaſta, that there is nothing to be concluded by their impertinent words or deedes: This fellow replyed I, ſeemes not to have done this, without ſome deſigne in it: What Artaban, ſaid Ameſtris to me, are you againſt me alſo? Pardon me Madam (ſaid I unto her) for I thinke the more I ſuſpect the Porter, the more I juſtifie you; yet Aglatidas, ſaid ſhe, I beſeech you tell me what I ſhould doe, not only to perſwade you that I never conſented unto the private conference with Megabiſes, but alſo to make the Towne believe it. I know one infallible way replyed Aglatidas and ſighed; but Madam, I am afraid you will not take it. It ſhall bee a very difficult one then replyed ſhe; for I aſſure you I am ſo extreamly vexed, that any ſhould think I conſented Megabiſes ſhould be four hours together with me in private, as I would doe any thing to undeceive them; therefore tell me Aglatidas, how I ſhould juſtifie my ſelf, both in your opinion, and in the opinion of all the world. If you will appeare perfectly innocent Madam, ſaid hee unto her, you muſt make me happy, and marrie mee; for I know no greater teſtimony of your innocency; therefore Madam, if you pleaſe, I beſeech you reſolve upon this way of juſtification. But Aglatidas, ſaid ſhee, I very well ſee, that this way would juſtifie me to your ſelf, but not to the world. I can aſſure you Madam, replyed hee, that your virtue is ſo generally known, as when they know you are fully reſolved to prefer me before all the reſt of your Lovers, they will never ſuſpect you of any familiarity with Megabiſes: I muſt confeſſe unto you Madam, that the violent paſſion of my ſoul cannot endure the torment, to ſee you and not ſee you (if it be permitted me to ſay ſo) for I doe not call that a ſeeing you, when I paſſe away [Page] a whol afternoon with you amongſt my enemies; for ſo Madam all ſincere Lovers uſe to call their Rivals: Doe not think, I beſeech you, I ſay this out of any fantaſticall jealouſie; No Madam, it proceeds from pure affection: and though the preſence of my Rivals doe trouble mee much more then any others; yet a Lover in his height of ſinceritie cannot enjoy the converſation of the partie Loved, when any ſhares with him: Love Madam, loves ſecrecy; and thoughts that paſſe from one heart into another, loves no witneſſes; permit me therefore Madam, I beſeech you, the happineſſe to tell you, that I love you above all expreſſions, and loves not to tell you ſo, even Menaſta her ſelf ſhall bee preſent.

Since Ottanus did uſe me very ill, ſaid Ameſtris, It becomes mee to doe more then others: yet ſince there are more eyes upon me then upon others, I cannot be too circumſpect: therefore Aglatidas, in conſideration of your good fortune and happineſſe as well as of my own, it is good to bee well aſſured wee ſhall bee happie together, before wee engage our ſelves too far. Ah Madam, cryed hee out, you need not doubt of my good fortune or your own. However, ſaid ſhe, I cannot give you a direct anſwer now. Will you then not juſtifie your ſelf, replyed hee? Yes, ſaid ſhee, but I would have you take my word.

All this while Menaſta and I were talking together, but ſtill overheard what they ſaid: and fearing that Aglatidas and Megabiſes would quarrel, ſhe left me and went to them: Truly Ameſtris, ſaid ſhe, I wonder at you; for doe you not reſolve in your heart to marrie Aglatidas? If you doe, why doe you defer it? would you have him fight with two or three for you? Would you have him kill one, and fly for it, and return in a diſguiſe? Would you have him finde you in the Garden again talking with ſome of your Lovers whom you would baniſh? Would you have him jealous again, and counterfeit a freſh love to Anatiſa? would you marrie another Ottanus to juſtifie your ſelf and puniſh him? Beleeve me Ameſtris, if you would avoid all theſe, you muſt marry Aglatidas preſently, and lead a happie life. Menaſta ſpoke all this with ſuch a pleaſant importunitie, that Ameſtris could not chooſe but laugh: and as for Aglatidas, hee thanked her in ſuch a manner as made it appear hee thought himſelf much obliged. For my part, I added my prayers unto Menaſta's reaſons, and preſſed Ameſtris ſo far, that ſhe could hardly chooſe but anſwer our deſires: And when ſhee went about to oppoſe againſt us, and demand time to conſider, Menaſta councelled Aglatidas to think that ſhe conſented to the private diſcourſe with Megabiſes. But doe what we could, ſhe would have two dayes time to conſider, and then to give her poſitive anſwer. After this Menaſta telling her in a low voyce, ſhe feared a quarrel with Megabiſes; Ameſtris did abſolutely command Aglatidas the contrary; and hee was forced to promiſe her he would not, provided ſhee gave him a favourable anſwer.

Thus Sir, this private conference which Megabiſes had ſo ſubtlely contrived for his own advantage, was a cauſe moving Ameſtris unto reſolutions in favour of Aglatidas. After this we retired: But notwithſtanding all that Ameſtris had ſaid, Aglatidas was very unquiet in his ſoul, and what he had ſeen had ſuch an influence upon his minde, that all the night I could not move him to ſpeak of any thing elſe. In the mean while Menaſta made Ameſtris to declare openly unto all the world in favour of Aglatidas, knowing then that none durſt bee ſo bold as to interrupt his happineſſe, conſidering what favour hee was in with Ciaxares. But ſince ſhee had a great deſire to diſcover whether her Porter had told her true or cozened her, when ſhee was returned home and in her chamber, ſhe imployed one of her women, who was very wittie and ſubtle, to enquire very narrowly, whether the Porter held any familiarity with any of Megabiſes ſervants. Madam, anſwered ſhe, I know not whether he hold any intelligence with any of his ſervants, but I am ſure, that as I returned from the Temple theſe two mornings, I ſaw Megabiſes talking with him at the corner of a blind ſtreet; yet ſince I thought that Megabiſes only asked him whether you were at the Temple, or whether you would preſently goe abroad, or ſome ſuch queſtions, I went on and took no further notice of them.

No ſooner had the woman told this to Ameſtris, but ſhee imediatly ſent for the Porter again, to ask him what Megabiſes ſaid unto him ſuch a day, ſuch an hour, and [Page] in ſuch a place. The man was ſo ſtartled at this queſtion, that he trembled, and gave but a very bad anſwer: So that Ameſtris not giving him ſo much time as to invent a lye, began to threaten him, and tell him that if hee would confeſſe the truth, ſhe would pardon him: Then after many ill anſwers, which would be too tedious to relate, hee confeſſed that Megabiſes ſent one of his men for him, that hee gave him monie; and indeed told the whol truth. After this, Ameſtris, fearing ſome future misfortune might be occaſioned by Megabiſes, reſolved to marry Aglatidas.

In the meane time Tharpis and Artemon. had their ſhares in vexations as well as others: The firſt of thoſe two had not the happineſſe of complayning to Anatiſa, for ſhe was gone into the Country, yet ſince ſhe was not above fiftie furlongs from Ecbatan, he writ unto her; as for Artemon, as deepe in love with Ameſtris as hee was, yet being more wiſe, and ſeeing how ſhe lived with Aglatidas, he deſiſted, and du [...]ſt attempt no further manifeſtations of his Love; but yet, ſince hope never leaves Lovers till the laſt gaſpe, before he quite excluded the Image of Ameſtris out of his heart he would know a little more certainly upon what terms Aglatidas ſtood with her: So that ſince we two were a kind of friends together, and knew that I was very much one unto Aglatidas, he came unto me and deſired me to tell him, in generall, whether the heart of Ameſtris was ſo deeply engaged that there was no hopes at all left for thoſe that loved her: I know very well, ſaid he unto me, you ought not to reveale any ſecret wherewith you are truſted; but however, being your friend, as I am, I know you will not refuſe to adviſe me, in a buſineſſe upon which depends the miſery or happineſſe of all my life; give me leave therefore to tell you, that I am extremely in love with Ameſtris; but for all that, if I were ſure her heart were engaged unto another, I would endeavor to recall my owne; therefore I beſeech you, tell me what is my beſt to doe: Artemon ſpoke this with ſo much ingenuity, that I thought my ſelfe oblieged to councell him ſincerely, and to doe good ſervice unto three at once: To Ameſtris, in delivering her from Artemons importunity: To Aglatidas, in taking a Rivall off his hand: And to Artemon, in curing him of a paſſion which would never be accepted; yet ſince there is no truſting the ſinceritie of a Lover, I acquainted him with nothing of what I knew concerning Aglatidas and Ameſtris, but I adviſed him to try whether he could poſſibly quit his affection; for I knew Ameſtris would never accept of it; I coloured my Councell with other reaſons; I told him, that ſince Megabiſes and Aglatidas, who were in great favour with Ciaxares, did pretend unto her, there was no hopes for him againſt ſuch Rivalls, for they had beene both in love with her before ſhe married Ottanus, and that in all likelyhood, if ever ſhe married againe, ſhe would chuſe one of them two: However, his beſt way would be to ſtay and ſee what time would produce: Artemon gave me thanks for my advice, though it went againſt the heart of a Lover. In the meane while Ameſtris, who had ſent for Menaſta, to diſcover unto her what ſhe knew concerning the trick which Megabiſes put upon her, reſolved now to deferre it no longer, but to declare openly for Aglatidas, and to tell him as much; But Ameſtris conceived, that ſince Megabiſes had ever expreſſed much paſſionate affection to her, it would not be amiſſe if Menaſta ſpoke unto him, and endeavored to prevent any quarrell; yet there was no ſuch neede: for as ſoon as Aglatidas did ask the Kings permiſſion to marry Ameſtris, Ciaxares knowing the pretentions of Megabiſes to her, did abſolutely command him, not to hinder the good fortune of Aglatidas; So that hee durſt not oppoſe it. Then ſince the buſineſſe made a great noiſe, Artemon was glad hee took my councel, and Tharpis ſeeing Megabiſes durſt not complain againſt the happineſſe of his Rivall, out of obedience to the King, hee was forced to follow his example, and hide his ſorrows.

Thus Sir you ſee Aglatidas as happie as he could deſire; for Ameſtris had made the plot of Megabiſes ſo apparent unto him, that not the leaſt ſuſpition remained in his mind. All the Kindred and Friends of Ameſtris approved of her choiſe, and all thoſe that loved Aglatidas was glad of it; not a Rivall durſt appear: Megabiſes ſhunned his Rivall and his Miſtris both: Artemon complained unto none but me, and ſweetned his ſorrows by relating unto me the virtues of Ameſtris whileſt Ottanus lived: And Tharpis went into the Countrey to Anatiſa, who was vexed in ſo high a meaſure, that it may be tearmed rage rather then ſorrow or revenge. In the meane while nothing [Page] hindred Aglatidas from his happineſſe, and he had no other torment but impatience, which never leaves Lovers untill all be compleated: All the Court and Towne rejoyced at this intended marriage; for the ſolemnitie of which, a thouſand publique diverſions were preparing: The day was ſet down by the King himſelf, who would honour this feaſt with his preſence: The invention of all the Ladies in Court and Town were upon the rack for new dreſſes againſt that day. Ameſtris and Aglatidas, diſcourſing together with more freedom then before, did ſo infuſe their ſouls into each other, that their loves increaſed, and by conſequence their happineſſe, it being certain that the felicitie of Lovers does not leſſe conſiſt in the reciprocall opinion of each others merits, then that of their paſſion.

This being the ſtate of things, and there being but three dayes untill the marriage, a chance happened which did extreamly trouble the joyes of Aglatidas and Ameſtris; I think I already told you that Anatiſa was fiftie furlongs from Ecbatan, and that Tharpis went unto her. As they were one day walking together neer the way which goes to Ecbatan, and conſulting which way they might trouble the felicitie of Aglatidas and Ameſtris, they ſpied a man on horſ-back, who left the high-way and came towards them. Anatiſa, who was not in any humor to receive viſits, would have avoided him; yet imagining that perhaps it was one who came to ſee her Aunt, with whom ſhee dwelt, ſhe continued her walk as if ſhee took no notice of him who was coming towards them: But a woman which waited upon her, knowing him to bee her brother that waited upon Ottanus, ſhe cryed our, and went with open armes to embrace him, for hee was lighted from his horſe, and gave him unto a man which waited on him. Anatiſa, at the cry of her woman, who thought her brother dead, looked upon him and knew him to be Dinocrates, who had done her much ſervice in augmenting the jealouſie of Otanus, and perſecuted Ameſtris: So that in conſideration of theſe offices ſhe talked with him, and asked how he loſt his Maſter, and why it was ſo long before he returned. Then hee made a relation, how Otanus periſhed under the Mountains of Artaxates, unto which the King of Armenia retreated; how hee ſaw his body in the Torrent, and how hee ſunk to the bottom of the water; and how hee himſelf fell ſick in a little Town; how afterwards hee had got him another Maſter, but not liking his ſervice hee quitted it and returned: and ſince hee was to paſſe ſo neer a place where hee thought ſhe might bee, hee came thither. But Dinocrates, ſaid ſhee unto him, tell mee, I pray you, whether Ottanus when hee died did hate Aglatidas. Hee hated him ſo much, anſwered hee, that I beleeve it was the cauſe of his death: for hee would not have engaged himſelf ſo far amongſt the enemies, but in hopes to meet with him, and to kill him: for my part, ſaid hee, ſince the fight-was in the night, I cannot tell how the misfortune happened, but I ſaw him dead with theſe eyes, and ſo did many others.

Whileſt hee was ſpeaking thus unto her, ſhee looked upon the hilt of his ſword, which was much too rich and magnificent for a man of his qualitie to weare, and conſidering upon it, ſhee knew it to bee the ſword of Aglatidas. Thoſe who doe not know the power of love, would wonder Anatiſa ſhould take any notice of this ſword: but for my part I think it not ſtrange at all; for I am perſwaded that every thing which belongs unto the party loved will never out of memorie. Moreover this hilt was ſo very rich and extraordinarie, that it was the more remarkable, and ſhee had ſeen it a thouſand times before. Anatiſa no ſooner knew it, but ſhee asked who gave it unto him: And he told her, that a few dayes after the death of his Maſter, as he was in Artaxates, he bought it of a Perſian Soldier, who told him hee pulled it out of the bodie of a dead Armenian at the bottom of the Mountains where they fought. Anatiſa, after this knew that Aglatidas had left his ſword (as ſometimes it may happen) in the body of him hee killed. And ſaying no more, ſhee left Dinocrates with his ſiſter, and continued her walk with Tharpis; but ſo taken up with her own thoughts, that he could not chooſe but ask her, why her minde was more muſing then ordinary. I am ſtudying, ſaid ſhee unto him, how to make you happie if I can, or at the leaſt to diſturb the felicitie of your Rivall. Hee ſtands upon too ſure terms, replyed Tharpis, for mee ever to hope for it. Not ſo ſure, ſaid Anatiſa, but if Dinocrates will bee as faithfull unto mee as heretofore he hath been, I ſhall bring it eaſily to paſſe. Tharpis [Page] was ſo impatient to know her deſigne, that he aſſured her he would ſuborn him though with half his eſtate rather then faile; ſo that ſhe told him her plot, and he did ſo well approve of it, that he was ready to thank her upon his knees, for finding out ſo rare an invention: After this, without any delay, Anatiſa called Dinocrates, and told him ſhe would make him a fortune if he would doe as ſhe deſired; Tharpis alſo aſſured him of a very rich preſent.

Dinocrates was naturally apt enough for ſuch deſignes, and therefore promiſed to obey them, whatſoever it was they would command; Then did they tell him their deſires, after they had well agreed upon the buſineſſe, and given Dinocrates full inſtructions what to doe and ſay; they found it not expedient it ſhould be knowne hee had ſeen them; ſo that after they had expreſly charged his ſiſter to conceal his return from every one, they ſent him to lodge in the Towne cloſe by, and the next morning meeting in the ſame place, Tharpis was as good as his word, and charmed him with a very conſiderable gift, after which ſhe gave him his laſt inſtructions and ſent him away charging him to be ſure that he did not goe unto Ameſtris untill there was much company with her.

One afternoon then, juſt three dayes before the intended marriage, he went unto her whileſt Aglatidas was with the King, but he found Menaſta and four other Ladies with her, who were of kin to Ottanus, and becauſe they loved her they came upon a viſite; Dinocrates watching his oportunity, went into the Chamber of Ameſtris: As ſoone as ſhe ſaw him enter, ſhe bluſhed, and the very fight of him brought freſh into her memory the perſecutions of Ottanus, and all the ill offices which he had done her; yet thinking it more generous and hanſome to diſſemble her reſentments againſt Dinocrates, and to looke upon him as one whom her husband loved, ſhee recollected her ſelfe, and ſpeaking very mildly unto him; how comes it to paſſe Dinocrates, ſaid ſhe, that it is ſo long after your Maſters death, before you returne. Madam, replyed he and ſighed, I was ſo troubled at the accident, that I fell ſick for ſorrow, but as ſoone as I recovered I returned, Madam, to give you an account of my Maſters miſfortune: I ſaw you, ſaid I unto him, when you ſought for his corps and found it in the midſt of the Torrent: It is very true Sir, replyed he, and you were a witneſſe of part of my ſorrowes that I could not get it out of the water: Were you in the fight when he was killed? ſaid Ameſtris. Yes Madam replyed he, and I touched Aglatidas, whom I knew by his voice when he ran his ſword through the body of my Maſter and could not draw it out againe: Your Maſter (replyed I, extremely aſtoniſhed, but leſſe then Ameſtris) was he killed by Aglatidas? thinke well what you ſay Dinocrates, for how could you know him in the tumult of Combat, and when there was no light but ſtarres? I told you Sir before, anſwered Dinocrates undauntedly, that I knew him by his voice; for when he fell upon my Maſter, who was then in the head of a Partie, he ſpoke ſomthing unto the men which followed him by way of encouragement: So that my Maſter, knowing the voice of Aglatidas better then I did, turned towards me and ſaid; Ha Dinocrates, yonder is Aglatidas whom I looke for, doe not forſake me: I cannot directly ſay that Aglatidas knew my Maſters voice; but I am ſure they charged one another very fiercely, and Aglatidas, more happy then Ottanus, ran his ſword to the hilts through his body, who immediatly falling Aglatidas could not draw out his ſword againe: then I ſeeing my Maſter fall, knew not whether I ſhould fall upon his murtherer, or endeavor to recover him from the feete of thoſe who were fighting; but the tumult of the combat, removing a little from that place, I tooke up the body of my Maſter, to ſee if he had any life; I pulled the ſword out of his body by little and little, and finding no breath nor life, I began to defend my ſelfe; Then Aglatidas having got another ſword, and I knowing him better then I did before, reſolved to revenge the death of my Maſter; but our Partie was growne ſo weake, that we [...] were forced to fly, and I could not returne to looke for the Corps of my Maſter unti [...] ſuch time as a truce was made, and then when I had the liberty to looke for him, [...] could not find him in the place where I left him, but immediatly after I ſaw him in th [...] midſt of a violent torrent, as Artaban ſaith, not knowing who it was that caſt hi [...] in. All the while of this diſcourſe Ameſtris was infinitely perplexed and durſt [...] looke up: The Ladies which were preſent, and underſtood the ſtate of things, w [...] [Page] very ſorry to hear this Relation: for my part, my choller was ſo high, that I could hardly refraine interrupting Dinocrates, who ſeeming to be altogether ignorant of any intended Marriage betweene Ameſtris and Aglatidas, did peremptorily juſtifie that it was hee who killed Ottanus, and that the ſword which bee drew out of his body, was the ſword of Aglatidas, for it was a ſword which was very remarkable, and hee had ſeene him weare it ſeverall times: Then Dinocrates, ſeeming as if he were very ingenious, I will not ſay (ſaid hee) that for this Aglatidas is in any fault at all; for in war none whoſoever of the enemies partie are to bee ſpared. But where is this Sword? replyed I. Sir (anſwered hee with tears almoſt in his eyes) I dare not ſhew it in the preſence of my Lady, for I cannot indure to look upon it my ſelf, nor know I upon what conſiderations I have kept it.

As hee was ſaying ſo, Aglatidas, who yet knew not that Dinocrates was returned, came into the Chamber of Ameſtris with eyes as full of joy, as if nothing could hinder his happineſſe; but perceiving an extream ſadneſſe ſit upon the ſoul of Ameſtris, ſeeing Dinocrates there, and obſerving much aſtoniſhment in me and all the Ladies preſent, hee ſtood ſtill, and bethought himſelf what misfortune could poſſibly happen. Aglatidas (ſaid I unto him) come and juſtifie your ſelf; for Dinocrates here, ſayes you killed Ottanus that ſame night when wee fought at the bottome of the Artaxaten Mountains. Who I? (replyed Aglatidas in a ſtrange amazement) how can that be ſince the illuſtrious Cyrus told mee hee heard a crye that Otanus was dead, in a place where I was not? And I my ſelf heard Ottanus named far off the place where we fought. Sir (replyed Dinocrates moſt impudently) I am very ſorry that I have uttered a truth which I ſee doth much trouble you; yet, as I ſaid before, when any one is killed in warrs, the perſon who killed him is never looked after. But Sir (ſaid one that was Cozen to Otanus and thought to juſtifie Aglatidas by the queſtion which ſhee asked) Did you loſe your Sword in that fight? Yes Madam, anſwered hee; for I could not pull it out of the body of an Armenian, but was conſtrained to leave it in him, and ſnatched another by good fortune, out of the hands of another Armenian. Ah Aglatidas, ſaid Ameſtris, what doe you tell me? Since he could not imagine why Ameſtris ſhould ſpeak ſo, or why the other Ladie ſhould ſpeak of his Sword, nor how they ſhould come to know hee had loſt it; hee turned towards mee, and I told him that Dinocrates affirmed he had the Sword, and that he drew it out of his Maſters body. The Sword, ſaid Aglatidas, is ſo knowable, that none can miſtake it for another, and I believe that every one of my friends and acquaintance knows it; but where is it, added hee? Sir, replyed Dinocrates, if it be your pleaſure I ſhould ſend for it, I will let you ſee it in the outer Chamber. Then Aglatidas preſſing him unto it, Dinocrates went out: during which time hee looked upon Ameſtris, who had no diſpoſition to look upon him: Madam, ſaid hee unto her, I ſee very well, that if Dinocrates ſhew me my Sword, and affirm hee pulled the ſame out of his Maſters body, I cannot make it clear that I did not kill Ottanus, ſince I muſt ingeniouſly confeſſe, that I left it in the bodie of a man who was in the ſame Partie Ottanus was; yet for all that Madam, I muſt needs believe the relation of Dinocrates to be falſe, ſince he hath ever been your enemie in all things; he is brother unto a woman who waits upon Anatiſa, and therfore what ever proceeds from the teſtimonie of his tongue ought to be ſuſpected. But Aglatidas, ſaid Ameſtris, I finde by your own confeſſion, that you left your Sword in a dead man; Dinocrates ſayes that man was Ottanus; and if once he ſhew you your own Sword, you can then no way contradict him, but by ſaying, that you did not know it was Ottanus whom you killed: and that's too little, abundance too little againſt ſo ſtrong and circumſtantiall a depoſition as this; therefore I conjure you to ſee me no more, untill you can better clear your ſelf. Oh Madam, cryed hee out, what fatall requeſt is this?

As Ameſtris was ready to reply, one came in and told us, that Dinocrates was in the outer Room, and had brought the Sword: Aglatidas therefore went out, and ſo did all the Ladies except Menaſta, who ſtayed with Ameſtris. As ſoon as this Sword was ſhewed, which wee knew well enough, Aglatidas looked ſternly upon Dinocrates, and not knowing what to ſay in his own juſtification, hee ſearched in his eyes to ſee if he could know by them whether hee was innocent or culpable: But Dinocrates did ſo ſubtlely diſſemble the matter, that it was not poſſible to diſcern his malice. Aglatidas [Page] was ſo full of furie in his looks, that ſomtimes I thought hee would have killed Dinocrates; and had he not imagined that he ſhould have appeared more criminall by the Act, I doe believe hee would have fallen upon him: But at the laſt, not knowing what to ſay, nor being able to aſcertain himſelf that hee had not killed Ottanus, hee went towards the Chamber of Ameſtris, with intentions to caſt himſelf at her feet though hee knew not well what to ſay: But Menaſta met him with abſolute commands from Ameſtris that he ſhould not enter, and that he ſhould be ſo reſpective of her as never to ſee her untill he could make his innocence better appeare. Aglatidas could hardly yeeld obedience, but Menaſta uſed ſuch arguments as perſwaded him. Then we went out both he and I, after we had examined Dinocrates, by a hundred croſſe queſtions, in hopes he would contradict himſelfe; but he was ſo ſubtle in all his anſweres, and in the leaſt circumſtances, that the moſt exact Judges would have beene fully ſatisfied with them, and condemned Aglatidas: After we were gone out, the Ladies ſtayed a while with Ameſtris, and afterwards went out, all except Menaſta, who ſtayed with her, as I did with Aglatidas. Dinocrates went downe alſo, and told all the ſtory unto the ſervants of the houſe, to the end the noiſe of it might be the lowder; but he might have ſaved that labor, for within foure houres after he had ſpoken with Ameſtris, nothing elſe but the oddneſſe of this accident was diſcourſed of in all Ecbatan.

In the meane time, I knew from Menaſta that ſhe had no ſooner beene in private with Ameſtris, but that faire and wiſe Lady, looking upon her with eyes ſo full of melancholy, as plainly ſpoke the trouble of her ſoule; Truly ſaid ſhee unto Menaſta, it muſt needs be acknowledged that my fate is lamentable, and that I was too blame in ever hoping for any quietneſſe, after ſo long and ſo cruell a torment; but I am at this day arived unto ſuch a height, that hope can never againe elevate my heart, and therefore can never augment my torment ſince I ſhall endure no more miſeries then I looked for. I muſt needs confeſſe (ſaid Menaſta to her) that the accident is very ſtrange; but yet ſince Aglatidas doth verily beleeve that he did not kill Ottanus, and ſince there is only the relation of Dinocrates againſt him; why ſhould you make your ſelfe miſerable all the dayes of your life by any ſuch tormenting thoughts? Becauſe replyed ſhe, I can never have any contentment of minde without honour, and will never be accuſed for doing any thing againſt decency and virtue. As ſoone as ſhe had thus expreſſed her ſelfe, Dinocrates came into her Chamber, who apprehending as hee ſeemed that he ſhould incurre the hatred of Ameſtris and Aglatidas. Madam, ſaid hee unto her, I moſt humbly beg your Pardon for the fault which I have ignorantly committed, for ſince I came directly to your Chamber, before I had ſpoken with any, I did not know of the deſignes betwixt you and Aglatidas, for if I had, queſtionleſſe I ſhould have concealed ſome part of that truth which I have uttered: But perhaps Aglatidas killed my Maſter and knew it not, or if it be your pleaſure Madam I ſhall contradict what I have already ſaid, and never ſhew the ſword unto any, to the end it may not be knowne: Dinocrates ſpoke this with ſo much counterfeit ingenuitie, that though Ameſtris had herefore ſeene a hundred demonſtrations of his malice, yet ſhee was deceived, and thought that now certainly he ſpoke ſincerely; yet ſhe would not accept of his offer, but told him that though none upon earth knew of the buſineſſe but her ſelf, yet ſhe would doe what became her. After this ſhee diſmiſſed him, and aſſured him ſhe would deſire Aglatidas not to be revenged on him, for being the cauſe of his misfortune. Doe you then intend never to ſee him again (ſaid Menaſta after Dinocrates was gone.) There is no queſtion to be made of it (anſwered ſhe) for how can any reaſon permit me to ſee the man that hath killed my Husband? But Madam, ſaid Menaſta, hee never intended it, nor can I beleeve he killed him. That is not ſufficient, anſwered Ameſtris; for though I were moſt certain, hee did never intend it, yet all's one, I would doe the ſame only becauſe the world believes it, and will ſuſpect I knew of it: Not that I can accuſe Aglatidas for killing him; but yet for all that, ſince it is known hee dyed by his hand, there needs no more to obliege me never to ſee him again, nor to render my ſelf the moſt miſerable perſon in the world. Whilſt Menaſta was talking thus to Ameſtris, I was no leſſe buſie in comforting Aglatidas, who could not chuſe but admire how the Fates did interrupt his happineſſe: for, ſaid hee, how can I poſſibly juſtifie my ſelf, ſince I am not certain whether Dinocrates [Page] ſpeak true or falſe? I am moſt certain that I knew him not to bee Ottanus, and that I heard him named farr off me: but yet for all that, I know the Sword which they ſhew mee is mine, and that I could not draw it out of the body of an enemy which fell dead at my feat, and it might bee Ottanus, ſince he was in the fight. But, ſaid I unto him, why did you not diſclaim your Sword? for I am perſwaded that Love does admit of ſome handſome innocent lies, which does no hurt unto any. I ſhould rather prejudice then juſtifie my ſelf, ſaid Aglatidas, if I ſhould have diſowned the Sword, ſince all men of any qualitie in the Court doe know it: And Megabiſes amongſt the reſt could have known it to bee a lye, for hee hath ſeen it a hundred times; ſo that Ameſtris might well have ſuſpected that I knew him to bee Otanus when I killed him: neither doe I think it generous to become happie by lying. But I doe ſo plainly ſee the gods intend my ruine, that I verily believe I cannot better obſerve their wills then by deſtroying my ſelf: yet firſt I am reſolved to ſee Ameſtris, and therefore I conjure you to goe unto Menaſta, and procure her to obtain this favour for me; for truly I cannot conceive it juſt to condemn me before ſhee hear my reaſons. Then did I goe accordingly to doe him this ſervice; but Menaſta told mee ſhee thought it would bee no eaſy matter to obtain, yet ſhee would doe what ſhee could. In the mean time Anatiſa, to take the fuller joy in her plot, returned to Ecbatan, and divulged that Aglatidas knew well enough when hee killed Ottanus, and that Ameſtris, as innocent as ſhe made her ſelf, knew it alſo. This laſt report found credit but with very few; Yet ſince Ameſtris was very inquiſitive of what the Town talked, and hearing of all the impoſtures, ſhe did ſo confirm her ſelf in her reſolutions, never to marry Aglatidas, or ſee him again, that Menaſta could not obtain leave for him to come and plead his reaſons; So that there was a neceſſitie in deceiving her, and to ſee her, whether ſhee did conſent unto it or no: not that ſhee did not all this while love him with abundance of tenderneſſe, but it was the conſideration of her honour that was predominate in her ſoul, Whilſt Aglatidas and Ameſtris were thus miſerable, Anatiſa and Tharpis rejoyced, Artemon and Megabiſes were glad; and to drive the nail unto the bottom of the plot, Anatiſa did cauſe reports to bee blown in the ears of Ameſtris, that the world did infinitely commend her reſolution of never marrying Aglatidas or ſeeing him again, ſo that ſhee gave ſuch reſolute anſwers unto Menaſta, that there was no hopes of obtaining any thing for poor Aglatidas.

Three or foure daies paſſed on in this manner; but at the laſt Menaſta, feigning her ſelfe to be ſick, purpoſely that Ameſtris might come to viſit her; her plot took effect, and Aglatidas, with my ſelfe knowing it, went thither: Menaſta gave orders that none ſhould enter except us: as for Ameſtris, though her Coach ſtood at the doore, yet every one, knowing the great familiarity betweene them, were not at all offended that ſhe ſhould enter and none elſe. When we came into the Chamber, Ameſtris was ſitting upon Menaſtaes bed, ſo that Aglatidas was upon his knees before her, ere ever ſhe knew he was entred. Madam, ſaid he unto her, and would not let her riſe, I beſeech you give me leave to preſent you with my reaſons, before you ſhall proceede to jugement, leſt you ſhould be guilty of ſome injuſtice. Ameſtris, without anſwering Aglatidas, looked upon Menaſta, as if ſhe accuſed her for deceiving her, and indeed had gone out, if Menaſta had not held her by the gowne. Alas Menaſta, ſaid ſhe, what will the world think of me, if it be knowne I permit Aglatidas to ſee mee? Alas Madam, replyed I, what ſhall we ſay of you, if you will not ſo much as heare the complaints of a man you have made moſt miſerable? If he could ſay any thing which could juſtifie himſelfe, replied ſhe, I ſhould heare him with abundance of delight, but ſince he cannot, why ſhould you deſire mee to lay ſuch a ſtaine upon my reputation, as nothing can poſſibly efface? I know not Madam what Juſtice there is in crediting the relation of a man who heretofore has told a thouſand lies againſt you. I doe confeſſe his tale is told hanſomly and confirmed with ſtrong conjectures; but for all that Madam, I doe aſſure you with all poſſible ſinceritie, and doe conjure you by all the gods whom we adore to beleeve it, that I did never intend to kill Ottanus, nor did ſo much as know whether he was in the fight or no: And I doe alſo moſt ſeriouſly proteſt, that though I did alwaies hate him, yet if I had knowne him amongſt mine enemies, I ſhould for the love of you have ſhunned meeting with him; therefore Madam, though [Page] it be true that I did kill Ottanus, as I cannot beleeve I did, yet was not the act to be imputed unto me as a crime, ſince I knew him not, yet upon the bare depoſition of one of your grand perſecutors, who hath accuſed me for killing a moſt extream Tyrant in the warrs; you Madam, will make me the moſt miſerable man upon Earth, and you will be ſo highly ſevere againſt me as not to heare my complaints. I conjure you Madam in the name of the Gods not to condemne me ſo ſleightly, or at the leaſt not to condemne me ſo ſoone. I wiſh to the gods whom you invoke, ſaid Ameſtris, that I could never condemne you, but that your innocence might appeare as cleere as the day; but Aglatidas it cannot, for truly to ſpeake ſincerely unto you, although I were moſt certain that all Dinocrates ſayes were falſe; yet were I not able to undeceive the world, and therfore I muſt never marry you: your amitie, replyed Aglatidas, were built upon a weak baſis if it were not able to withſtand ſuch a conſideration as this; for bee pleaſed to know Madam, that true virtue is not built upon the opinion of others; but when one hath that ſecret Teſtimonie of a cleere Conſcience on their ſide it is ſatisfaction ſufficient, and one never neede to make ones ſelfe miſerable for the ſatisfaction of others. But Madam, ſaid he and ſighed, I am afraid you are not ſenſible of my ruin.

Yes Aglatidas, replied Ameſtris, do not deceive your ſelf, for I have ſo high an eſteem of you, and if I durſt ſay, it, ſo great an affection, that I cannot think you guilty of any crime. I doe believe all you ſay, and conſequently doe think, that if you killed Ottanus, it was ignorantly; yet for all that, if I ſhould marry you, the cenſorious world would perhaps be apt to ſay, that you did it by my appointment; So that this thought doth ſo deeply wound my imagination and my houour, that I muſt uſe all expedients to make my very enemies think me innocent: and in order to that Aglatidas, I muſt not only refuſe to marry you, but alſo never to ſee you again; and if you have any power over your own ſoul, you will finde out ſome handſome pretence to depart from Ecbatan: yet for your comfort I doe aſſure you, becauſe I think I may doe it without a crime, that I think it an eaſier matter for me to dye then part with you. I doe moſt heartily beſeech you Madam (ſaid Aglatidas with moſt ſorrowfull eyes) eyther bee all ſeveritie or all ſweetneſſe; either content your ſelf with the innocency of my heart and let m enjoy yours, or elſe expreſſe ſo many ſignes of ſcorn and inhumanitie, that I may die with ſorrow at your feet; for what delight can you take Madam, in prolonging my life by giving me ſuch obliging language, and to augment my miſery? How doe you think it poſſible I can ſhake hands with death, as long as I think the divine Ameſtris loves mee? And how doe you think I can endure my life when I certainly ſee ſhee ſhall never be mine? and when as I am in ſome fears (if I du [...]ſt ſay it) ſome other hereafter ſhall enjoy her? Never fear this laſt, replyed Ameſtris, but on the contrary, be certainly perſwaded, that the heart which I had given you ſhall never bee in the power of any other.

Your expreſſions are moſt obliging, replyed Aglatidas; but Madam, the miſeries which I ſuffer are ſo great, that I cannot handſomly reſent that joy which thoſe advantagious words might give mee; for I ſee it is your pleaſure I ſhould never hope for any thing either from tedious time or your divine affection, or my moſt loyall fidelitie: whoſoever ſhould have told me, when Ottanus lived, that I ſhould have been more miſerable after his death, I could not have believed him; and yet there is no compariſon between then and now; Ottanus in his grave doth more cruelly torment mee then hee did alive: Yes Madam, I doe moſt ingeniouſly confeſſe, that without ever any contrivance of his death when I went from you, I had ſome hopes that it was not impoſſible I might overlive him: But the reaſon by which you now ruine mee and all my hopes, is a perpetuall reaſon, and will laſt for ever, unleſſe the gods will work miracles, and make my innocencie viſible to the world; ſo that I ſee no other end of my miſeries but death: doe not then hinder me of my only remedy by giving me any ſmooth and unprofitable language, which perhaps are but bare effects of your pittie, and proceed not from any ſuch affection as you promiſed me. Whilſt Aglatidas was thus in diſcourſe with Ameſtris, I perceived in both their faces ſuch an extraordinary ſadneſſe, that I never in my life ſaw the like: Ameſtris could hardly ſpeak, becauſe ſhee thought all her obliging language a crime; yet was her ſilence [Page] ſo eloquent and ſignificative, that Aglatidas could not make any doubt but his dear Ameſtris did moſt tenderly love him: yet making ſome ſcruple at the length of this ſad Conference, ſhe would needs go away: But Aglatidas holding her, I moſt earneſtly beſeech you Madam, ſaid he unto her, to tell me preciſely what I muſt do. I would have you live, replyed ſhe, but that you live far off from me. O Madam, ſaid he, I beſeech you do not command me things impoſſible; or at the leaſt ſo difficult, that death is much more ſweet and eaſie then obedience to them. But I require more from you, replyed ſhe, for I would never have you ſend me any Letters, nor expect any from me. This is much Madam, replyed Aglatidas, and much too much; nor know I how to yield obedience, unleſs I were able to forget you, and leave loving you. In the contrary, ſaid ſhe, I am ſo perfectly perſwaded of your innocency, that I make no ſcruple to deſire that you will love me as long as you live. In the mean time Aglatidas let me be gone; for when I think how all the Town beleeves you killed Ottanus, and ſhould know I permit you to be thus at my feet, I bluſh for ſhame, that I ſhould thus long ſuffer it. But Madam, ſaid Aglatidas, do you not conſider, that by baniſhing me from you, I leave Megabiſes, Artemon and Tharpis with you? It is very true, replyed ſhe, you do ſo, but ſince I am not able to baniſh you out of my heart, you need not envy them at all. But Madam, ſaid Aglatidas, will you ever endeavor to baniſh me out of your heart? I ought to do ſo at the leaſt, replyed ſhe, and if I do not attempt it, it is becauſe I know I ſhould loſe my labor. After theſe obliging words Ameſtris riſe up, as being aſhamed for pronouncing them; and Aglatidas ſeeing ſhe was fully reſolved to go away if he did not, he riſe up alſo, and looking upon her eyes ſo full of exceſſive ſorrow; Madam, ſaid he, and breathed a profound ſigh, I had rather I ſhould leave you then you ſhould leave me, for perhaps Menaſta will plead for me when I am gone. I do promiſe you, I will, (ſaid that faithful Kinſ woman.) And I do abſolutely forbid you, ſaid Ameſtris, unleſs you have a mind to double my ſorrows. But Madam (ſaid Aglatidas) is it poſſible my Ruine ſhould ſo much trouble you? muſt I periſh for ever? and muſt this be the laſt time that ever I muſt ſee you? No, no, Madam, I cannot imagine it; queſtionleſs you will permit me to return again, and to ſee you: for though I would yield obedience unto ſuch Commands, yet I ſenſibly ſee I am not able: Indeed Madam, I muſt needs return, whether I will or no, or whether you will or no: and though I ſee nothing but the top of that Palace where you dwell, I ſhall come and wander over the tops of thoſe Mountains beyond Orontes to receive that delight. Aglatidas expreſſed himſelf ſo cordially, and with ſo many raptures of real love, that Ameſtris was extreamly moved: ſo that not being able to retain her tears, ſhe pulled down her Hood, and making a ſilent ſign with her hand that he ſhould go away, he took her hand, and intended to kiſs it, but ſhe haſtily pulled it back, as if the hand of Aglatidas, who was (though wrongfully) accuſed of murther, ought not to touch hers: My heart is ſo purely innocent Madam, ſaid he, that I did not think my hand could prophane yours; yet ſince you think it ſo, permit me at the leaſt I beſeech you to kiſs your garment; and then he ſtooped with intentions to do ſo, but Ameſtris putting forth her hand to forbid him, and Aglatidas ſeeing her hand ſo near his mouth could not chuſe but kiſs it, ſhe not being able to prevent him, though by her face ſhe ſeemed very angry at it. After they were riſen up, Is it then your poſitive pleaſure Madam, ſaid he unto her, that I muſt depart? I wiſh you might never depart from Ecbatan, anſwered ſhe; but ſince the Fate will not handſomly permit it, I would—Ameſtris ſtopt at theſe words; and not being able to ſpeak any more, ſhe made a ſecond ſign with her hand, that he ſhould go a way; and ſo he did, but with ſo much ſorrow in his pace, as a ſadder ſight could not be ſeen. Ameſtris was no leſs grieved then he; and, as I after underſtood from Menaſta, he was no ſooner gone but ſhe threw her ſelf upon her bed, and watered it with a flood of tears, which ſhe reſtrained as long as we were preſent.

After much diſcourſe in Commendations of Aglatidas, Ameſtris deſired Menaſta to go with her into the Country, ſince ſhe was not able to hide her ſorrows for the loſs of Aglatidas; and without any more delay, it was reſolved upon to go the next morning: Menaſta went to Aglatidas from Ameſtris, and charged him not to follow; and Ameſtris was no ſooner gone, but Menasta writ a Letter, which did ſo fully charge him to obey Ameſtris, that if Aglatidas had leſs Love or Reaſon then he [Page] had, he would have punctually obeyed her. In the mean time ſeeing he was not able to alter the Reſolutions of her, who only was able to make him happy, and ſince he was not able to endure the world, he reſolved upon a departure; and preſently addreſſed himſelf unto Ciaxares, and importuned him to ſend him unto you Sir, and obtained his deſire. Before his departure he was full of many ſtrange deſigns: for ſometimes he thought of killing himſelf; other times again of fighting with Megabiſes, Artemon, Tharpis, or any Pretender to Ameſtris: but I was ſo oppoſite unto all theſe fatal Reſolutions, that I perſwaded him to depart, and let all theſe violent reſolutions alone: ſometimes I employed your name Sir, telling him it was more honorable to dye in your ſervice, then any other way. But Sir, though Aglatidas went out of Ecbatan at a quite contrary Gate to that which goes unto the place where Ameſtris was, and intending fully to obey her; yet for his heart he could not; and he was no ſooner got ſome fifty furlongs from Ecbatan, but ſending all his men ſome two days Journey from Ecbatan, he went with one ſervant only to the place where Ameſtris was: In the mean while his departure was very welcome news to Megabiſes, to Tharpis, and to Artemon: It was very pleaſant alſo unto Anatiſa, but not ſo much as to the reſt: for her deſign was only to break off the Marriage, but not to exile Aglatidas; yet her revenge upon a Rival was very ſweet, and ſhe was very well pleaſed with the fruits of her Project: Dinocrates alſo enjoyed the fruit of thoſe Preſents which Tharpis conferred upon him, and was wondrous well contented.

But Sir, to return to Aglatidas, he went ſtraight unto Ameſtris to bid his laſt adieu: She was ſo ama [...]ed and infinitly angry at him, that Menasta aſſured me, he was ready to take horſe again, before he had ſpoke four words; yet by the Rhetorick of ſome pithy perſwaſions, he obtained the liberty of an hours Conference, during all which time he could not alter one [...]ot of her reſolutions: This laſt parting went nearer the heart then the other, and both of them were in a moſt lamentable condition: When Aglatidas was gone, Ameſtris could talk of nothing but his misfortune; and ſhe repeated all the paſſages of his life, watering his memory with abundance of tears, which trickled down not only her cheeks, but her very neck and breſts. Whileſt ſhe was thus ſitting and lamenting with Menaſta in her Couch, and whileſt Menaſta was perſwading her to moderate her exceſſive ſorrow, they heard a great noiſe below in the Court, and preſently after, hearing the ſame upon the ſtairs, and then the Chamber door open ſuddenly, Ameſtris ſaw Ottanus enter, with the ſame fury he uſed heretofore, when he brought perſecuting reſolutions with him.

Ottanus! ſayd Cyrus in a great amazement, how could Ameſtris ſee Ottanus enter, when you ſay you ſaw him in the midſt of a Torrent, and ſink afterwards unto the bottom? Give me but a little patience Sir, ſaid Artaban, and you ſhall know: But yet I beſeech you give me leave to go on with my diſcourſe.

Ottanus being entered then, as I told you, ſaid Artaban, the ſight of him made Menaſta cry out, ſuppoſing it had been an Apparition; and ſtruck Amestris into ſuch a wonder, that ſhe was not able either to ſpeak or riſe up; and it was a long time before they could certainly know whether it was really Ottanus, or his ſhadow: at laſt, he looking upon Ameſtris, whoſe eyes were ſwell'd with tears, and yet ſparkled with rage and fury, and aſſuming a tone that was able to ſtrike terror into the mind of the boldeſt and moſt innocent woman in the world; You have reaſon, ſaid he unto her, to be troubled at the ſight of me, for I ſhould never have returned but to puniſh you for all your faults at once. Amestris then knowing him to be really Ottanus, and having a little recollected herſelf, ſhe riſe up, and bowed unto him with much reverence, Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, you have heretofore ſo well accuſtomed me to endure injuſt reproaches, that I have not yet loſt the habit of it. Infamous woman, ſaid he unto her, doſt thou call the charge of all thy preſent actions, unjuſt reproaches? Canſt thou beleeve me dead upon any light report, and not ſo much as cry? and muſt I find thy face all ſwell'd with tears now for the abſence of thy Lover? Know, that I have been hid ſix days in Ecbatan, in a place where I have heard of thy intended Marriage, and all thy unworthy and wicked actions; and I came hither to kill Aglatidas before thy face, hearing he was come hither to thee, but ſince I underſtand I came a little too late, I find none but thy ſelf to be revenged on. Sir, replyed Ameſtris, ſince you ſay yet [Page] know all my actions, then you know alſo, that as ſoon as Dinocrates told me that Aglatidas killed you in the Wars, I broke off with him, and reſolved never to marry him. Yes, replyed furious Ottanus, you ſeem ſo before the world, but not in private, for if thou hadſt, thou wouldſt never have come hither. I can aſſure you Sir, ſaid Menaſta, that Ameſtris did ſtrictly charge Aglatidas never to ſee her again. And I can aſſure you, anſwered Ottanus, that I came hither with intentions, that ſhe never ſhall ſee him or you again.

To relate Sir, all the crabbed paſſages which Ottanus uſed, would be to abuſe your patience: Let me only tell you, that he ſpoke as much as jealouſie, rage and deſpair could invent, both againſt Ameſtris, againſt Aglatidas, and againſt Menaſta: Then cauſing a Coach to be made ready, he forced Menaſta to return to Ecbatan, and ſhut Ameſtris up in a Chamber with one woman only to wait upon her; threatening her with all imaginable ſeverity: That which did moſt wonder Ameſtris was, that ſhe ſaw out of her window Ottanus treat Dinocrates as formerly. But Sir, ſince I know you deſire to hear of the Reſurrection of Ottanus, you, I ſay, who in the fight did hear it cryed, Ottanus is dead, I ſhall relate what I have heard from ſeveral reports: Be pleaſed to know then, that Ottanus was in the fight that night, and fighting next unto an Armenian who was his intimate Crony, he let fall a Bag of Jewels which he had, and ſtooping to take them up again, this Armenian thought that his reaſon of ſtooping was ſome wound with a Sword, or Javelin, and therefore cryed out, Ottanus is dead, though he was not: It is very true, that he had much ado▪ to riſe again, becauſe the fight was very hot in that place, and he was ſeveral times tumbled over and over: after this, as you know very well Sir, the Armenians were all vanquiſhed, and could not poſſible recover their Mountains: Moreover, you know Sir, that Phraartes retreated into a little valley, whether you followed him, ſo that Ottanus ſaved himſelf as the reſt did: But ſince he feared nothing more then to fall into the hands of Ciaxares, becauſe he was a Traytor to his Country, and principally becauſe Aglatidas was in his Army, therefore in lieu of going with Phraartes, he ſtole away, and by the favour of night did hide himſelf amongſt ſome high Rocks which are cloſe by the ſide of a River: but becauſe the Arms he wore were very remarkable, he thought it would not be eaſie for him either to hide himſelf, or to croſs the field in the day time without being ſtopped: When he ſaw that none remained in the Valley, whither Phraartes retreated, he found one dead, and changed his rich Arms for thoſe of a common Souldier, and changed all his Clothes alſo, ſo that he paſſed through all our Army without a ſtop, taken to be one of our Party by reaſon of his habit; and going on foot to the firſt Town, there he fell ſick.

But Sir, to ſatisfie you concerning the miſtake of Dinocrates and my ſelf when we ſaw the Arms of Ottanus on the back of a dead man in the midſt of a River: Be pleaſed to know, that after Ottanus had changed Arms, a Cicilian Souldier going to plunder Clothes amongſt the dead, happily light upon theſe by the help of the Moon, and being raviſhed at his happy encounter, he put off his own, and put on theſe: Preſently after two other Ecbatan Souldiers met him, who ſeeing theſe rich Arms upon his back, would needs be ſharers with him; but he denyed them, ſaying, as it may be conjectured, they belonged to him becauſe he found them: yet becauſe they underſtood not the language of one another, they fell to fight for them; and ſo near the River, that being wounded he fell into it, and ſtuck upon the Point of a Rock in the River, where Dinocrates and I ſaw him the next morning: one of theſe two Souldiers who fought with him that wore the Arms of Ottanus, being the next morning by the River ſide, and heard Dinocrates ſay it was the body of his dead Maſter, durſt not confeſs what he knew; but being weary of War, and returning to Ecbatan, I entertained him into my ſervice: ſo that when the return of Ottanus was divulged, and this man hearing me wonder that his Arms ſhould be ſeen upon a man in the midſt of a River, he confeſſed unto me the whole truth as I have related it unto you.

But Sir, to return unto Ottanus, whom I told you lay ſick in a little Town; be pleaſed to know, that he was ſo extreamly ſick, and continued ſo ſo long, that he thought twenty times of death: yet the Gods intending to make a further trial of the conſtancy of Ameſtris, they ſpared him: and when he was well recovered, he bought a horſe, (for he had Jewels of ſufficient value to ſupply himſelf with all accommodations) and departed, [Page] not knowing all this while, that the news of his death was carried unto Ecbatan, with ſo many probable circumſtances: And thinking to find Ameſtris in the ſame Caſtle where he left her, he went thither, not daring to return to Ecbatan, unleſs in a diſguiſe, becauſe he had been in Arms againſt Ciaxares: But he was much amazed to hear that every one ſhould think him dead, and that Aglatidas was not only in Ecbatan, but ready to marry Ameſtris: To make you the better apprehend what were the thoughts of Ottanus upon theſe reports, I need only tell you, that though he was an high Delinquent againſt the King, and State, yet he reſolved to go diſguiſed unto Ecbatan, and hide himſelf in ſome ſecret place where he might know all the actions of Ameſtris and Aglatidas, to the end he might diſturb their felicity when he ſaw occaſion, he diſguiſed himſelf in the habit of a Merchant, and coming in the night, lodged with one who heretofore had been his Tutor; expreſly forbidding him to diſcover that he was alive: he enquired how the ſtate of all things ſtood, and underſtood that the happineſs of Aglatidas was prevented by the return of Dinocrates, who arrived two days before him: This news was very agreeable to his fancy, and ſurprized him, not but being able to imagine why Dinocrates ſhould deviſe ſo many lies. However, in this Juncture of things, he reſolved to keep cloſe, and hear how Ameſtris diſpoſed of her ſelf; and ſince he ever loved Dinocrates, he ſent for him to the houſe where he lay concealed: Dinocrates came accordingly, and Ottanus received him with a thouſand welcoms: And though he did not know only why he had vented theſe lies, yet ſince they diſturb the hopes of Aglatidas and Ameſtris, in preventing their marriage, he thought himſelf much obliged unto him. In the mean time, Dinocrates ſeeing his Maſter alive, and being of a quick and ſubtle wit; Sir, ſaid he unto him, I thank the Gods for ſo happily inſpiring me, otherwiſe you had found Ameſtris in the Arms of Aglatidas: Then Ottanus asked him, why he had diſſembled the truth as he had done. Sir, replied he confidently; hearing at my firſt coming unto Ecbatan, that Ameſtris was within three days to marry a man whom I know you hated; I did ſo much abhor to ſee ſhe ſhould be ſo little ſenſible of her own honour, as to marry Aglatidas, of whom you had ſo many cauſes of jealouſie, that having in my poſſeſſion a ſword which I knew to be his, I told Ameſtris, that Aglatidas had killed you with it, thinking that if ſhe had any ſpark of honour in her, ſhe would never marry him after this: or if ſhe did, I ſhould at leaſt have ſo much ſatisfaction, as to ſee that all your jealouſies were not without good ground: you may well conceive Sir, how Ottanus was pleaſed with Dinoorates, and what rewards he promiſed him, for that which he had been ſo well recompenced before by Tharpis.

In the mean time he underſtood by him that Aglatidas after this had been with Ameſtris, at Menaſta's houſe; and before he would ſhew himſelf unto any others, he would obſerve a while, whether Ameſtris was really broken off with Aglatidas, or whether it was only ſo in ſhew, expreſly forbidding Dinocrates to tell any he was alive. And he obeyed him, not ſpeaking of it ſo much as to Anatiſa, or Tharpis: But afterwards, Dinocrates telling his Maſter, that Ameſtris and Anatiſa were to go into the Countrey, and that Aglatidas was to depart alſo, Ottanus thought this to be a buſineſs concluded upon between them, and that perhaps they would marry in ſecret: ſo that preparing for his departure as well as Aglatidas, he went unto a Wood, by which he imagined he would paſs, with intentions not to fall upon him by the way, but to follow him at a diſtance, & not to ſhew himſelf until he was come unto the preſence of Ameſtris: But ſince Aglatidas went out of another Gate, and took another way, Ottanus miſſed of him; and waited ſo long as his patience could laſt, ſo that he came an hour after Aglatidas was departed: Then coming unto the Court, he asked who was with Ameſtris, and they anſwered, no body, but that about an hour before Aglatidas was with her, and now gone: ſo that coming furiouſly into her Chamber, as I told you before, he ſhut up Ameſtris, he ſent away Menaſta, and ordered Dinocrates to procure ſome ſouldiers to defend him in caſe the King would arreſt him. I ſhall not lengthen my ſtory, by reaſon of the exceſſive ſorrows which Ameſtris and Menaſta expreſſed at parting; but give me leave to tell you, as ſince ſhe hath told us, that notwithſtanding all the hatred which Ameſtris had of Ottanus, and all thoſe cruel perſecutions which ſhe was to expect, ſhe had a ſecret joy and comfort to ſee that Aglatidas was juſt; [Page] and that ſhe might without any ſcruple preſerve him in her eſteem, and friendſhip.

In the mean time, Menaſta was no ſooner come to Ecbatan, but ſhe ſent for me, to tell me Ottanus was living, and returned, and Ameſtris was priſoner, and perhaps in ſome danger of her life: I could not believe all this at the firſt, but ſeeing ſo much real ſadneſs in her face, I ſuſpected not the truth of her words: I grieved as well as ſhe; and for Ameſtris ſake I wiſhed that Aglatidas had not been ſo well juſtified in her opinion, Then did we conſult which way poſſibly Ameſtris might be delivered from this tormenting perſecution, and conſidering that Ottanus was an high Delinquent againſt the King and State, I reſolved to advertiſe Ciaxares that Ottanus was living, and of the place where he was: Ameſtris approved of my deſign, and haſted me to put it into execution, becauſe ſhe feared Ottanus would either kill or poyſon Ameſtris, ſo that I went unto the King the very ſame hour, and knowing his goodneſs towards Aglatidas, and acquainting him with the place where this Delinquent was, I told him he would perhaps ſave the life of a Lady whom Aglatidas loved above all the world, if he would puniſh this Traitor to the State, and himſelf. Ciaxares no ſooner heard my advice and requeſt, but he preſently commanded the Lievtenat of his Guard to take ſome forces with him, and ſecure the perſon of Ottanus, and to releaſe Ameſtris, bringing them all to the Town.

In the mean time, Menaſta publiſhed about the Town that Ottanus was alive, and returned; and how he began to perſecute Ameſtris, every one wondered, and could hardly believe it: Tharpis was deſperate, Megabiſes and Artemon were quite down in their fancies: As for Artemon, he no ſooner heard how courſly Ottanus uſed Ameſtris, but he reſolved to go and ſee her perſecutor, in hopes to qualifie his ſeverity, but he found he was miſtaken: for ſince Ottanus knew that not only Aglatidas intended to marry her, but that Megabiſes, Tharpis, and Artemon alſo, were in love with her: he received him very ill, and was ready to quarrel with him; though he had hardly any leiſure for it, becauſe Artemon was no ſooner entred, but the Lieutenant of the Guard followed him with above an hundred man; ſo that Ottanus found himſelf in a ſad condition, knowing himſelf to be a Traitor to the State, and ſeeing he was not able to reſiſt them: Dinocrates, who went to procure ſome ſouldiers, was not yet returned: ſo that having but a few men with him, and they not very affectionate unto him, he knew not what to reſolve upon: he had a deſire to fly for it, and firſt perhaps to have killed Ameſtris, but when he perceived that the Lievtenant of the Guard had ſeized upon all the paſſages, he was in ſuch an extream fury and rage, that Artemon thought (as afterwards he told me) he would immediately have killed himſelf. In the mean time, the Captain of the Guard demanded entrance, and receiving no ſatisfactory anſwer, cauſed the doors to be broke open, and entred with all his men: Ottanus hearing this noiſe, went towards the Captain of the Guard with his ſword drawn, and Artemon ſeeing he was not able to defend himſelf, enterpoſed between them, but Ottanus ſtruck at Artemon, whileſt three of the Guard ſeized upon him, and his ſword: Ottanus finding himſelf diſarmed, and ſeized upon, vented a thouſand moſt horrible imprecations; However they cauſed him to go into his Chamber again, until orders was taken for the departure of Ameſtris, Artemon being a friend unto the Captain of the Guard, went with him unto her Chamber where ſhe was locked up: Madam, ſaid he unto her, ſince you were pleaſed to permit me the continuance of friendſhip, I beſeech you permit me that I help to releaſe you: Ameſtris was ſo amazed at the great noiſe, and at the language of Artemon, that ſhe knew not what to anſwer: But the Lieutenant of the Guard coming to her, and telling her he had orders from the King to carry her unto Ecbatan: She asked him from whence proceeded her liberty, and when ſhe underſtood that it was by the impriſonment of her Husband, ſhe expreſſed no joy at the news: However ſhe was put into a Coach with her women, and was waited upon by Artemon, and a dozen Gallants which accompanied him: As for Ottanus he was carried on horsback, and conveyed into a Chamber at Ecbatan, where Traytors to the State uſed to be put: Never did any thing make a greater noiſe then this return of Ameſtris, and the impriſonment of her Husband; I diſpatched one of my men immediately towards the Army unto Aglatidas, and went in all haſte unto Menaſta, to ca [...] [...]er unto Ameſtris.

[Page] In the mean while, Anatiſa, who ſuck'd poyſon for Amestris out of every thing, did report about the Town a very baſe report, that Ameſtris had cauſed her Husband to be impriſoned, and that Aglatidas did lie lurking in ſome concealedcorner of the Town, whileſt he imployed all his friends to the King againſt Ottanus, and an hundred ſuch falſities as theſe: But this impoſture took no deep root, though Ameſtris never heard of it; for our of a magnanimious generoſity ſhe told Menaſta and my ſelf, as ſoon as we came into her Chamber, that ſhe would ſolicit for the liberty of her Huſband; when ſhe told us this, we wondred and endeavoured to hinder her from it, but all in vain; for ſince ſhe ſaw there was glory and nobleneſs in the act, no arguments could diſſwade her from it: Then did ſhe aſſemble together ſome of her Husbands kindred, who rather in reſpect of their family, then of any amity to him, did wiſh him out of priſon: Then ſhe and they together did caſt down themſelves at the feet of Ciaxares, and begged pardon for Ottanus. This Generoſity ſeemed ſo high, that the King was charmed with it: at the firſt, [...]to try her virtue, he refuſed, and ſaid, Ottanus was unworthy to be her Husband: yet ſhe ſeconded her petition with ſo much ſpirit, and ſuch preſſing importunity, that Ciaxares promiſed her the life of Ottanus, but as for his liberty he would never conſent unto it, until Ottanus did ſolemnly promiſe never to carry Ameſtris out of Ecbatan again, or to uſe her any wayes unkindly: Ameſtris thanked the King for the cares he had of her, but ſtill humbly deſired him to releaſe Ottanus without any conditions at all, yet he would not by any means: ſince Ottanus was extreamly hated, though the goodneſs of Ameſtris did ſolicit for him, yet there was many which did ſolicit againſt him, and amongſt the reſt, one ancient enemy unto his family, did negotiate againſt him ſo openly before all the world, that Ottanus himſelf was acquainted with it.

The King within a few days after ſent for Ottanus into his preſence; and after he had told him of his perfidiouſneſs towards him, and his injuſtice towards Ameſtris, yet that virtuous Lady notwithſtanding all his cruelty to her did with much importunity beg his Life and Liberty: He told him alſo, that at her requeſt he had conſented unto the firſt of theſe; but denyed her the ſecond, unleſs he would ſolemnly promiſe never to carry Ameſtris any more into the Country, or any manner of ways uſe her unkindly: Ottanus hearing the King ſay ſo, in lieu of thanking him, or accepting of his offer, was ſo inſolent as to ask whether theſe Conditions were mentioned by the conſent of Ameſtris? The King wondering at this ſtrange effect of Jealouſie, anſwered him very ſweetly, that Ameſtris on the contrary deſired it without any conditions at all: Yet ſay what the King could, Ottanus could not directly promiſe it, but asked three days time to conſider; during which time doubtleſs he endured intolerable torment: for he apprehended, that unleſs he would ruine himſelf, he muſt punctually keep promiſe with Ciaxares, and he perceived by himſelf that he was ſo abſolutely unable to do it, that he knew not what reſolution to pitch upon: yet ſince preſent miſeries are apt to lay hold upon preſent remedies, he ſent word to the King, that he would promiſe what he deſired, ſo he might be ſet at Liberty: he was cauſed to ſolemnize this promiſe with all poſſible Ceremonies that might make it inviolable, and afterwards he was releaſed, maugre all the ſecret ſolicitations of all the Lovers and Friends of Ameſtris; and maugre all the malice of that declared Enemy unto Ottanus, who oppoſed it as much as poſſibly he could. But here Sir, may be admired the contrivances of the Gods: for as ſoon as Ottanus was out of priſon, and had rendered thanks unto Ciaxares, he met with this declared Enemy whom he knew had ſolicited againſt him; he began to ſpeak fiercely unto him, and to affront him ſo far, that he drew his Sword, which moved Ottanus to draw his alſo, and fighting, Ottanus was left dead upon the place, before any could come in to part them: his old Enemy was in little better ſtate then he, for within three days after he dyed of his wounds; though Ameſtris out of her conſtant generoſity cauſed him to be apprehended, and reſolved a revenge upon him for the death of her Husband. Since Ottanus was once thought to be dead when, he was not, every one to ſatisfie their curioſity would ſee him whether he were really ſo or no; and to ſpeak the very truth, every one rejoyced at it, except Anatiſa, Tharpis, Megabiſes, and Artemon; for though it be the natural diſpoſition of all Lovers not to grieve for the death of him that enjoyed their Miſtreſs; yet ſince theſe three Rivals were ſure that Aglatidas would now enjoy her before any of [Page] them, they had rather ſhe ſhould have ſtill continued the wife of Ottanus, then become the wife of Aglatidas. All this while Ameſtris carried her ſelf according to her accuſtomed modeſty and wiſdom: But that Dinocrates might be puniſhed for all his [...]navery at once, it chanced that coming one night to Ecbatan to fetch away all that he had there, intending to change his habitation (for he had heard of his Maſters impriſonment, when he was bringing Souldiers ſecretly unto his houſe) he met, the night after Ottanus was killed, a ſervant belonging to Aglatidas, who knowing him by the help of a Candle which accidentally paſſed by, did aſſault him ſo vigorouſly, that Dinocrates flying away, and not knowing what he did, came to ſave himſelf in my Lodging, where he fell, being wounded in three places, juſt as I entered: But though I knew him, yet ſince he fled into my houſe for ſanctuary, I my ſelf ſtopped the ſervant of Aglatidas which followed him, who out of reſpect to me retreated: yet his life could not be ſaved, for he dyed within ſix days after: yet before he dyed, he confeſſed many things, which I was very deſirous to know, amongſt the reſt, the plot of Anatiſa and Tharpis. In the mean while I was vexed to the heart that I could hear no news of Aglatidas, of whom I durſt never ſpeak unto Ameſtris, but continually unto Menaſta: But at the laſt, he whom I ſent unto him returned, and told me it was long before he could find him, and at laſt found him ſick of extream ſorrow three days journey from Ecbatan. Then Sir, to treſpaſs no longer upon patience, let me in ſhort tell you, that the news of Ottanus his death was ſuch a preſent cure of Aglatidas, that within eight days he was able to take horſe: Before he would come into Ecbatan he ſent me unto the King to obtain permiſſion to return, with as much earneſtneſs as he asked to depart; commanding me to acquaint Ciaxares with the true cauſe of his departure, and deſire of return: Then went I preſently unto the King, who was moſt willing to do any thing in advantage of Aglatidas, and aſſured me that he would perſwade Ameſtris not to be over ceremonious in her mourning for Ottanus; but it was not poſſible to obtain it of her: for notwithſtanding all the requeſts and deſires of Ciaxares, of Menaſta, of Aglatidas, and my ſelf, ſhe would by all means continue out the time of mourning according to the Cuſtom of Ecbatan. In the mean time, to prevent all new misfortunes, Ciaxares gave expreſs command unto all the Rivals of Aglatidas, never to think any more of Ameſtris, and that ſo abſolutely, that they were forced to yield obedience. After this, I ſhall not need to tell you Sir, how great was the joys of Aglatidas and Ameſtris, not how blank all the Rivals were, nor how furious Anatiſa was, for if I ſhould, the day would be too ſhort to relate them all: But give me leave to tell you, that as ſoon as Ameſtris had left off her mourning, the day of Marriage was appointed; all the Gallants of the Town came to the Feaſt; all her rejected Lovers abſented themſelves as well as Anatiſa; our two happy Lovers ſwimmed in a Sea of Joys, and were married in the preſence of the King and all the Court. After this Sir, I have no more to tell you, but that though Aglatidas does love Ameſtris much more then ever he did, yet the love of Glory, and the honour to ſerve you Sir, is ſo prevalent with his Soul, that he moſt willingly accepted of the employment which Ciaxares conferred upon him, to bring ten thouſand men unto you: though let me alſo tell you Sir, that he did not leave Ameſtris without abundance of ſorrow; and I can aſſure you, that as we conducted this fair and admirable Lady a days Journey from Ecbatan, (for ſhe reſolved to ſpend all her time of abſence from her husband in the Province of the Ariſantines) I ſaw them both as ſad, as before they were full of joy. And ſo Sir, you ſhall ſee Aglatidas again both a Husband and a Lover as unquiet and reſerved as he uſed to be.

I thank the Gods (ſaid Cyrus, when Artaban had ended) that Aglatidas has no other torments then ſuch as abſence cauſes; and I wiſh with all my heart (ſaid he and ſighed) that all thoſe who love him, may one day be in the ſame condition that he is. After this Cyrus [...] illuſtrious Friend, the novelty and ſtrangeneſs of which he could not cauſe but admiſe: Then was he forced to break off further Converſation, becauſe he was told that the King of Phrigia and the King of Hircania had ſome buſineſs of importance to communicate unto him: So that he embraced Artaban, and went out of that Room into another, where thoſe two Princes, accompanied with Tigranes, Phraartes, Artamas, Perſodes, [Page] and many others, expected him; and that with ſo much Majeſty, as it can hardly be imagined that a Prince of ſo high a Soul ſhould be ſo ſweet as to harken unto a long amorous Diſcourſe, in which he had no other intereſt, then as relating unto a man whom he loved, unleſs it were by comparing the torments which other Lovers ſuffer, with thoſe which he endured for Mandana.

The End of the Second Book.

ARTAMENES, OR CYRUS the GREAT. The Fourth Part. BOOK III.

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WHen Cyrus came unto thoſe Princes which expected him, the King of Phrygia told him, that the Lacedemonians had contracted alliance with Craeſſus, and that he thought fit to acquaint him with it. The King of Hircania alſo informed him, that the Thracians and Egyptians did arm themſelves in the King of Lydia's quarrel. As for the Lacedemonians, replied Cyrus, I do not wonder they ſhould do ſo, ſince it had been moſt unjuſt in them to deny aid to a Prince who did ſo liberally furniſh them with as much gold as they ſtood in need of, to make that prodigious Statue of Apollo, which in my Travels I ſaw neer the Mount Thornax in Laconia: But as for the King of Egypt, I do not ſee any reaſon he hath to contract alliance with Creſſus, or why he ſhould decline Ciaxares. But however, ſaid he, the more enemies we have to fight againſt, the more glory we ſhall have in overcoming them: This huge body of ſtrange Troops will do them no other ſervice but ſow diviſions amongſt them, and put their Army in diſorder; for it is impoſſible that men who fight after different orders, ſhould in ſo ſhort a time be conformable unto one and the ſame diſcipline. After this Cyrus acquainted them with the freſh ſupplies which Ciaxares had ſent him by Aglatidas: So that rouſing up their hearts by the ſprightfulneſs of his own courage, the ſame ſpirit which he infuſed into theſe Kings, they alſo infuſed unto the Captains, and the Captains unto the Souldiers; ſo that the great noiſe which all the preparations of Creſſus did make, and was ſpread amongſt them, did not at all aſtoniſh them, and they never diſpaired of victory, as long as the illuſtrious Cyrus commanded them. Their impatience to fight, though the Spring was neer, yet it made them think it long in coming: The Perſians prayed unto the Sun, which they adore, to be ſwifter in its courſe for their ſakes; the Medeans were no leſs importunate with their gods; and ſuch was the zeal of every Nation in particular, to ſee their illuſtrious Generall at an end of all his travels by the defeat of Creſſus and liberty of Mandana, that they preſented their prayers unto their gods to bring them unto a ſpeedy fight. As for Artamas, he was extremely impatient to ſee the Princeſs Palmis out of captivity. As [Page] gallant as he was, he did not deſire it ſhould be obtained by battel; for though Craeſſus had treated him very hardly, yet could he not wiſh his overthrow. In the mean time the Prince of Phraartes went very often to viſit the Princeſs Araminta, who was much diſpleaſed that he ſhould continue loving her, ſince ſhe had ſaid as much as any ſprightly and vertuous Lady could do to make him deſiſt. A few dayes after Aglatidas arrived with his freſh Auxiliaries: Cyrus received him with ſo many expreſſions of love, that Aglatidas did moſt obligingly deſire him not to lay any greater load upon him, leſt his heart ſhould not be able to contain his exceſſive joyes. But Cyrus, thinking a man that was ſo far from her he loved, as he was, could never die with overmuch joy, did ſtill preſs upon him with a hundred moſt obliging expreſſions, and aſſured him that Ameſtris was not more ſad in parting with him, then he was glad to embrace him. Afterwards being deſirous to view thoſe Forces which he had brought up, and which Aglatidas had left in Battalia ſome twelve furlongs from the Camp, Cyrus with many of great quality went unto the place where they were, and ſtanding upon a little hill he viewed them, and found them to be handſom and well armed men: So that being very well pleaſed with them, he appointed them their Quarters, and returned unto his Tent to talk with Aglatidas, not only of Ciaxares from whom he brought Letters, but alſo of all their misfortunes both paſt and preſent. Within two dayes after Aglatidas arrived, Artabaſes, whom Cyrus ſent into Perſia to the King his father and the Queen his mother, returned back, Madates ſtill ſtaying with Ciaxares. He received him with as much joy as his ſoul was capable of, conſidering the ſtate in which Mandana was, ſince he brought Letters from two ſuch as he did moſt highly reverence: He read theſe Letters with much delight; when he found they contain'd that Pardon which he deſired, expreſſed in ſuch tender and obliging terms, as did let him plainly ſee that Fame had ſpoke unto them in his behalf. Artabaſes told him ſo many things from them, as did let him ſee they had great and heroique ſouls: He was alſo loaded with moſt magnificent Preſents for Cyrus from them; and moreover aſſured him, that Cambiſes would preſently make new Levies to ſend unto him. So that when Cyrus did divulge this report unto his Army, the Souldiers rouſed up freſh hearts. Artabaſes alſo brought another Letter from the Queen of Perſia unto Chriſantes, which intimated, that in lieu of quarrelling with him for ſo long concealing her ſon, ſhe gave him many thanks for bringing him ſo well up. A few dayes after, Timocreon and Tegeus underſtood by thoſe whom they ſent unto Sardis, that the Princeſs Mandana and the Princeſs Palmis would certainly be brought thither: That a chamber was making ready in the Citadel for the Princeſs Palmis, and another in the Kings Palace for the Princeſs Mandana; and that as neer as they could gueſs, they would be conducted thither within 15 or 20 dayes; and that Creſſus intended they ſhould come by a way which ſhould almoſt always have the River Hermes between them and the Army of Cyrus. This intelligence was confirmed the ſame day by the return of Feraulas, who reported how the friends of Meneceus aſſured him, that within fifteen or twenty dayes the King of Pontus would carry the two Princeſſes unto Sardis; though he cauſed it to be publiſhed in Epheſus, that they would not carry them, untill all the Army of Craeſſus was come together, the Rendezvous whereof was to be upon the banks of Pactolus. Feraulas, having been happier in his negotiations then heretofore, found out a way by the addreſſes of a friend unto Meneceus, ſiſter unto Agiſiſtrata, to ſend a Letter unto Marteſia, and to receive her Anſwer, which he ſhewed unto his deareſt Maſter: for ſince he had not writ unto her, but for him, he therefore had as much ſhare in it as himſelf. So that after he had rendred him a full account of every thing, he ſhewed him this Letter which contained theſe words.

MARTESIA unto FERAULAS.

THE perſon of whom you ſpoke unto me being ſtill the ſame ſhe uſed to be, that is, the wiſe [...] and juſteſt in the world, you may aſſure your illuſtrious Maſter that he need not to fear any thing, but ſtill may hope for all that concerns her: O I wiſh unto the Gods, that fortune would put no other obſtacle unto his happineſs! For as much as concerns you, ſince I am perſwaded that it depends upon him, it is ſufficient that I tell you I have contributed as much as is in my power to make him happy, ſince I do every day pray unto the Gods that he may ſpeedily triumph over all his Enemies.

MARTESIA.

[Page] This Letter cauſed more joy in Cyrus then he was able to expreſs, though he did ſecretly murmure a little, that the Princeſs did not ſo much as write one word with her own hand in this Letter; yet ſeriouſly conſidering all circumſtances, he was not angry at all, and thought himſelf as happy to know her thoughts by Marteſia, as a common Lover would have been in the enjoyment of his Miſtreſs: It is an infallible teſtimony of a real and high paſſion, to be moſt ſenſible of the leaſt favors; and ſo, ſince that of Cyrus was the moſt violent and tender that ever any was, he apprehended the moſt inconſiderable circumſtance which proceeded from Mandana, with an extaſie of joy; for he imagined that Marteſia had not writ any thing in this Letter, without the Princeſs knowledge and approbation, and he was as tender and dear of it, as if ſhe had writ it her ſelf: However, to loſe no longer time in unprofitable imaginations, but the ſooner to Procure the liberty of his Princeſs, he aſſembled the King of Aſſiria, the King of Phrigia, the King of Hircania, the Prince Artamas, Tigranes, Phraartes, and ſeveral other of quality together, intending to conſult with them upon the beſt expedients for it.

Artamas, who till then had ever a great reſpect of Creſſus, conſidering now that he intended to continue the impriſonment of the Princeſs Palmis, ſince ſhe was to be lodged in a Cittadel, and not in the Palace of the King her father, he was ſo violently deſirous to prevent her coming into that Priſon, out of which he himſelf came, that he deſired pardon of Cyrus, if he delivered his opinion the firſt; for being fully perſwaded that none could propoſe a way ſo expedient as himſelf, he thought himſelf excuſable for aſſuming that liberty. Cyrus and the King of Aſſiria hearing him ſpeak ſo zealouſly, did both of them aſſure him, that they would moſt willingly hearken unto him: So that Artamas told them, how ſince the King of Pontus was to conduct the Princeſſes on the other ſide of the River Hermes, he hoped that they ſhould be able to paſs over that River without any oppoſition, becauſe the Governor of that Caſtle which ſtands at the end of that bridge over that River, and is of the ſame name, is ſo abſolutely for him, that he does not think he will deny him any thing: Moreover, he knew there was ſome diſcontent between that Governor and the King of Lydia, who intended to put him out of his Government: So that, ſaid he to them, if that bridge can be obtained, and ſince the wood which I already told you off is not above thirty furlongs from thence, it will be a ſhort cut for us to be there in convenient time, when we ſhall have intelligence that the Princeſſes are to paſs. Cyrus finding much reaſon in the advice of Artamas; it was reſolved, That without any further delay, to ſend and make ſure of this Governor, and after that, when they ſhould receive further intelligence from the friends of Meneceus of the prefix'd day when theſe Princeſſes and their convoy ſhould ſet out, that then they would the ſame hour ſet out with equal, or rather ſtronger number then thoſe of the King of Pontus, to execute this glorious enterpriſe: for they might the more eaſily effect it, becauſe they were nearer that place when they were to paſs over the River Hermes, by a days journey then Epheſus was. The thing then being thus reſolved upon, it was thought the beſt expedient, that Artamas ſhould ſend one of his own ſervants to negotiate with this beforenamed Governor: But Love was ſo violent in the ſoul of that Pirnce, that he would not truſt the tranſaction of a buſineſs upon which the liberty of the Princeſs Palmis depended, unto any other then himſelf. So that not imparting his deſign unto any but Soſicles, he diſguiſed himſelf the night following, and went to act what himſelf had propos'd, leaving a Letter for the King his father, by which he deſired pardon for undertaking this buſineſs, without firſt asking his leave; for fearing leſt he ſhould deny him, he would rather run the hazard of his diſpleaſure, then ruine a deſign upon which the happineſs both of Cyrus and himſelf did ſo abſolutely depend. The King of Phrygia was at the firſt a little angry with the Prince his Son; but Cyrus did ſo highly commend the act, that he durſt not openly ſhew his anger. In the mean time, they which commanded in the Frontier quarters towards Lydia, were making continual incurſions upon the enemy; and not a day paſſed, but they had ſome skirmiſhes, in which they got good plunder, which did animate the hearts of the Souldier to fight: Cyrus never reſerved any thing of what they got, but the glory, and the Priſoners, to the end he might releaſe them; yet did he ſo largely recompence thoſe which took them, that what ranſom ſoever the Priſoners were to give, they had it all with advantage. Chriſantes, who commanded in the utmoſt quarter, underſtanding by his Scouts, that two hundred of the enemies horſes were guarding a Coach full of Ladies, going towards the Caſtle of Hermes, intending to paſs the River there; he commanded out four hundred horſe to intercept [Page] them, conceiving that the inequality of number would effect it, and indeed ſo it ſucceeded: Though he who commanded thoſe two hundred horſe did moſt gallantly behave himſelf, but his timorous followers forſaking him, he was forced to render himſelf, deſiring Chriſantes that he would let the Prince Artamas know that he was a Priſoner unto Cyrus, and that he might obtain ſo much favor from him, as that theſe Ladies which he conducted might be carried unto the Queen of Suſiana: Chriſantes was too gallant a man to treat ſo brave an enemy (as he found him) ill; and told him, that according to the Laws of war, he muſt carry him to Cyrus, but promiſed to obtain of him what he deſired: In the mean time Chriſantes did provide the moſt convenient lodgings that he could for thoſe Ladies, amongſt which one of them was a moſt raviſhing beauty; and the next morning himſelf did Conduct theſe Priſoners unto Cyrus: But in going thither, they were to paſs through a little town where the Queen of Suſiana, and the Princeſs Araminta was, and they went by the Temple there, juſt as thoſe Princeſſes were coming out of it: Chriſantes out of his reſpects unto them, made a halt, and the coach in which the Captive Ladies were, ſtaid, and one of them knowing Panthea, cryed out ſo loud, as that Princeſs turning towards her, looked ſeriouſly upon, and knew her; And being well acquainted with Chriſantes, ſhe ſent unto him, deſiring the favour that ſhe might ſpeak with thoſe Ladies which he conducted: And ſince he was not ignorant what Reſpects Cyrus would have rendered unto that Queen, he went himſelf unto her, and ſaid he would bring them unto her houſe, as ſoon as ſhe ſhould be there; and he was giving orders accordingly for it, when news was brought him that Cyrus was coming to ſee Panthea, and the Princeſs Araminta: So that Chriſantes ſeeing the diſpoſition was no more in him, ſince his Maſter was preſent, he left the Queen, who was going into her Coach, and went to acquaint Cyrus with her deſire: This Prince then, paſſing by the Captive Ladies, ſaluted them with as much civility as if they had not been Priſoners at all; and going ſtraight to the Queen of Suſiana, with whom the Princeſs Araminta was, Madam, ſaid he unto her, and bowed down to the very ground, you will finde more conveniency at your own houſe then here, to entertain theſe Ladies which are of your acquaintance; Panthea then commanding they ſhould obey Cyrus, went to her own Lodging, and the Coach in which the Captive Ladies were, followed hers: In the mean while Chriſantes preſenting his Priſoner unto his Prince; Sir, ſaid he unto him, this enemy which you ſee here, is queſtionleſs worthy of your protection, ſince he aſſures me that the Prince Artamas is his friend: if ſo, ſaid Cyrus, and embraced him, I am ſure to be his alſo, ſince I think my ſelf obliged to love all that he loves. That honor, ſir, replyed the Priſoner, would be too great for me; and it would be enough if you will be pleaſed in conſideration of him, to treat thoſe Ladies whom I conducted with all civility: The conſideration of the Queen of Suſiana, replyed Cyrus, without any addition of the Prince Artamas, is ſufficient to oblige me unto it; and your own merit, without that Prince, is alſo enough to make me your honorer; for finding by your face, that you are a man of quality and ſpirit, and underſtanding by Chriſantes, that you have as much ſoul and heart as a man can have, there needs no more to induce me to it; and to let you ſee I am ſerious before I certainly know what you are, pray go with me to your Ladies, who are with the Queen of Suſiana: In ſaying ſo, they alighted from their horſes, and went unto Panthea's chamber, whom he found full of expreſſions of friendſhip and affection unto one of thoſe Priſoners: My dear Cleonice, ſaid ſhe unto her, am I ſo happy, as once to ſee you again? And can I grieve for your impriſonment, ſince it makes my own more ſweet? Madam, replyed Cleonice, the loſs of my liberty ſhall delight me, if it can any way adde unto your happineſs: however, it is not long of your illuſtrious Conqueror (ſaid ſhe, and looked upon Cyrus) that my Captivity is not ſweet unto me: Cyrus anſwered Panthea, according to his ordinary generoſity. After this, that Princeſs told him, how the father of this fair priſoner was born her ſubject, ſince he was the ſubject of Claſomenes, although he dwelt at Epheſus; and told him further, that ſhe had known Cleonice a long time, and loved her exceedingly, and that ſhe was of a moſt ſweet condition; conjuring him to let her be with her, and all the Ladies in her company alſo, though ſhe knew none of them. Cyrus conſented unto all her deſires; telling her, they ſhould have their liberty, if he did not think, their preſence would be more pleaſing to her, and would divert her: Afterwards Cyrus asked that Lady whoſe name was Cleonice, whether ſhe was any friend unto the Prince Artamas, thinking it impoſſible but ſhe muſt needs know him by the famous name of Cleander. Sir, anſwered ſhe, and bluſhed, I am a debtor unto that honor which I [Page] have, to be known unto the generous Ligdamis (and pointed with her hand unto that priſoner which Chriſantes took) and I make no queſtion, but when by his mediation, Artamas ſhall know we are in your fetters, he will obtain ſo much favour from you, as that our chains may be as light, as the Laws of War will permit. The illuſtrious Cyrus (ſaid the Princeſs Araminta, and interrupted her) does not uſe to impoſe heavy ones upon his priſoners; for he is much more obſervant unto the Laws of Generoſity, then the Laws of which you ſpeak: Whilſt Araminta was ſpeaking thus, Panthea looked upon Ligdamis, and thought ſhe ſhould remember the name; then addreſſing her ſelf to him, I pray Sir tell me, ſaid ſhe, and ſmiled, whether your father be not Governor of the Caſtle of Hermes? and whether you are not that ſame Ligdamis, whom reports ſay, does make a publique profeſſion to be a declared enemy of Love, and to all them that are in love? Madam, replyed he, doubtleſs I am the man you mean, though I am not the ſame I was▪ Leonice bluſhed at the anſwer of Ligdamis, but to turn it as handſomly as ſhe could, ſhe ſaid, when none asked her, that one of her Couſins being ſick in the Country, ſhe durſt not venture to go from Epheſus unto her, if Ligdamis had not offered to guard her and one of his ſiſters, which ſhe ſhewed unto Panthea, who indeed was very fair: Cyrus knowing by this diſcourſe the name and quality of his priſoner, did uſe him more civilly then before, conceiving it might advantage the deſign of Artamas: So that after a long viſit unto theſe fair Priſoners, he left them with Panthea; and charged Araſpes to treat them with all poſſible ſweetneſs and curteſie: As for Ligdamis, he carried him with him, aſſuring the Ladies that he would be as careful of him, as Panthea could be of them; and indeed in their return unto the Camp they talked together, and Cyrus to teſtifie how dear the friends of Artamas were unto him, he let him have his liberty upon his parole, and told him he ſhould have no other guards upon him but his own generoſity: Ligdamis returned thanks with all imaginable ſubmiſſion and reverence, and made the greatneſs of his ſoul ſo fully appear by his judicious anſwers, that Cyrus to his honor ſaid, That he never eſteemed any in all his life ſo much in ſo little a time: When he was come into his Tent, he bad Feralus make much of Ligdamis, as of one whoſe friendſhip he deſired to gain: In the mean time, as he had obſerved ſome words which Ligdamis uttered, and that Cleonice bluſhed twice when he was ſpoken of; ſo he imagined, or indeed knew that they were in love with one another: yet to clear the matter, he appointed Chriſantes to bid Araſpes, as he returned to his quarter, to enquire as well as he could, whether Ligdamis was not in love with Cleonice, and inform him, for it would be of concernment to know it: and to tell him further, that if he could not finde it out any other way, then to go unto the Queen of Suſiana from him, and entreat her to let him underſtand what ſhe knew concerning it; alſo to aſſure her, that it might chance ſo to fall out, that by the knowledge of it, the war of Lydia might be compoſed without fighting, ſo that by the ſame conſequence her dear Abradates would not be in any danger. Chriſantes was punctual in his obedience, and acquainted Araſpes with their Princes deſire: Araſpes, though he was full of obedient deſires, yet he thought his task very hard, ſince he had none but priſoners to enquire of: and it was to be imagined, that though he did put the queſtion unto any of them, yet they would never tell him; ſo that he thought the beſt way would be to make addreſs unto the Queen of Suſiana firſt: and accordingly he went unto her chamber, where he found Leonice with her; but which way ſoever he turned his diſcourſe, he could not diſcover any thing of his deſires; ſo that he was forced to acquaint Panthea in a low voyce with the orders he received from Cyrus, telling her that it did exceeding concern him to know the relations between Ligdamis and Cleonice. The Queen of Suſiana hearing this, told him, that ſhe knew nothing concerning Ligdamis, more then this, that when ſhe came from Suſa, he was ſuch a profeſſed enemy unto Love, that it was to be ſuppoſed he never would become a Lover; yet, ſaid ſhe, ſince I know that this curioſity in Cyrus is not without good ground, although I cannot underſtand it, yet I will promiſe him to enquire further; which that I may the better do, it is requiſite that Cleonice and I be in private together: and in order to that, do you retire your ſelf, and take ſuch a courſe, as none come in to interrupt us: In obedience thereunto, Araſpes went out, as if Panthea had ſent him unto ſome place: Then after much other common diſcourſe, Panthea asked Cleonice, whether Ligdamis did ſtill continue in his heretical opinion concerning Love? Truly, replyed Cleonice, he is very good company; that is not an anſwer unto my queſtion, anſwered Panthea; for I would know whether he be ſtill an enemy to Love and all Lovers. Cleonice bluſhed extreamly at this queſtion, and half [Page] laughing, replyed, ſince I was not the Confident of Ligdamis, when I had the honor to ſee you laſt, I know no reaſon you have, Madam, to ask me any ſuch queſtion: I ask it, anſwered the Queen of Suſiana, becauſe if Ligdamis do ever love any, it muſt needs be you. You have an ill opinion of his judgement then, replyed Cleonice: No, replyed Panthea, but on the contrary, a very good one, and that's the reaſon why I ask the queſtion. But the truth is, Cleonice, I have a great deſire to know the hiſtory of your life, ſince it is along time ſince I had the happineſs to ſee you: Truly, Madam, replyed ſhe, you have moſt abſolute power over me, though I muſt tell you it will trouble me to obey you in this: If you have any of your friends with you, replyed Panthea, who is acquainted with it, let her take that pains, and I am contented to ſave you the labour; you would much oblige me, Madam, anſwered ſhe, if you would be pleaſed to ſave us all that trouble: But the Queen of Suſiana, ſeeing ſhe was unwilling, was more importunate then before: So that Cleonice conceiving that the credit which this wiſe Queen had with Cyrus might be advantagious unto Ligdamis, if ſhe were acquainted with the intereſt ſhe had in him, reſolved to obey her. But ſince her modeſty would not give her leave to tell the ſtory of her ſelf: Madam, ſaid ſhe unto Panthea, I could well enough relate my own thoughts unto you, but I cannot ſo well tell you the thoughts of Ligdamis; therefore I beſeech you permit one that is both a friend unto him and unto me, relate what you ſo much deſire to know. Panthea conſented unto the motion, and Cleonice calling for this friend of Ligdamis and hers, who was called Iſmenea, ſhe conjur'd her to ſatisfie the curioſity of Panthea; after which, ſhe went unto the reſt of her company, which came with her, whilſt Iſmenea began her ſtory thus:

The Hiſtory of Ligdamis and Cleonice.

SInce I know that Cleonice has the honor to be known unto your Majeſty, I need not ſpeak any thing of her quality: But, Madam, ſince I know that ſhe departed from Claſemone very yong, to come and dwell at Epheſus; and ſince that time, ſhe never had the honor to ſee you, unleſs at ſome ſhort voyages which ſhe made unto Sardis whilſt you were there, I think it not impertinent to tell you, what humour ſhe appeared to be of unto us, when ſhe came to dwell in our Town. Doubtleſs you remember, Madam, that at that time Epheſus was one of the moſt pleaſant Towns of all Aſia; for when you came thither to viſit the Temple of Diana, I remember you gave that Character of it, though you did not ſtay there above four or five days. And truly, he who is the Governor of it, is ſo gallant a man, and Polixenida his wife, is a Lady of ſuch an excellent ſpirit, that they do much contribute unto the delights of all the people: and this Court, though leſs tumultuous then that of Sardis, yet is it more delightſome. You know, Madam, that when the father of Cleonice, left Claſamone to come and inhabit at Epheſus, ſhe was not above fifteen years old; and queſtionleſs you have not forgotten that Stenobea her mother was a gallant and vertuous Lady, and one who hath been very fair, and yet was reaſonably ſtill: So that when ſhe came to Epheſus, ſhe courted the world, as much as the world courted Cleonice, who indeed did appear like a new and glorious ſtar, which eclipſed all the reſt. You may well imagine then, that ſhe being ſo admirably fair, and beſides that, having the advantage of novelty, ſhe did infinitely pleaſe: So that ſince Stenobea did forbid no company coming to her, reſort thither was greater then unto any houſe in all Epheſus whatſoever: The luſtre of the daughters beauty, did draw all the compleat gallants of the Town thither. Every one was ambitious of the honor to be her firſt ſervant, and pay her his firſt ſervices: That quality which did moſt take thoſe that ſaw her, was their obſervance that ſhe knew her beauty, and was not proudly affected with it: and though ſhe was one of the moſt ſweet and civil Ladies upon the earth, yet ſhe was ſo out of a natural inclination, and not out of any deſign to pleaſe or take others who came unto her: She took her pleaſures as other did, but ſhe did not greedily ſeek after them; and though ſhe had one of the moſt charming wits of the world, yet did ſhe rather endeavor to hide ſome part, then to ſhew all the rules of it; nor did I ever in my life meet with any, who knew better how to ſpeak well, or how to be ſilent with leſs pain, then ſhe did. Thus, Madam, you ſee a perfect deſcription of Cleonice, at her firſt coming unto Epheſus: The Mother ſought after all pleaſures, and all pleaſures ſought after the incomparable daughter. Be pleaſed to know, Madam, that [Page] there was then at Epheſus a Beauty, who bore the name of Artelinda, and one who was of a good quality; and to ſpeak the very truth as it is, there was ſo many charms in every part of her, and ſuch a ſweetneſs in all her actions, as whoſoever looked upon her, could not chooſe but love her: for their was ſuch an obliging and captivating quality in her taking eyes, as made all hearts her own, before they knew where they were, or could conſult with their reaſon, at the leaſt, that great number of her lovers ſaid ſo, to juſtifie their paſſions: And, Madam, to deſcribe Artelinda the better unto you, for ſhe has ſo great a ſhare in this hiſtory, as I muſt needs let you perfectly know her. Be pleaſed to know further of her, that never was ſuch a proud inſulting Minx as ſhe was: for ſhe would not only gain the hearts of her Lovers by her beauty and her wit; but alſo by all her endeavors, by her complacency and civility; and then when any of her private particular friends did contend with her, ſhe would mock them; and jeeringly ſay, That as ambitious people think they can never get a Crown at too dear a rate; ſo one can never take too much pains to get a heart: and as Conquerors do always talk of their victories, but never ſpeak of the pains they took, ſo would ſhe brag of the hearts ſhe had got, but never remember the cares and troubles which they coſt her; and truly, I believe Artelinda was never melancholly, but when a day paſſed over her head, in which ſhe had not made ſome new conqueſt: yet be pleaſed to know, Madam, that this Lady had a mother called Anaxippa, as wiſe and diſcreet a mother as ever was, one whoſe vertue was a little too ſevere, and condemned all innocent Recreations, and who had educated her daughter in ſo great a conſtraint, that no ſuch things as diverſions were ever named or heard of: And indeed, if Stenobea had been the mother of Artelinda, and Anaxippa the mother of Cleonice, there had been far greater ſuitableneſs amongſt thoſe four perſons: For the frollique and gallant humour of Stenobea made Cleonice often think time to be very tedious: and Stenobea would often complain againſt the too ſerious diſpoſition of her daughter, and chide her for it ſecretly: Anaxippa could not endure the gadding humor of Artelinda; and Artelinda could not abide the ſtrict ſeverity of Anaxippa: The one would be continually in the Temple, at her prayers; the other would be always abroad to ſee and be ſeen: however, Cleonice and Artelinda were near neighbours, and viſited one another very often; and the contrariety of diſpoſition which was between them, and which in probability would have prevented frequency of viſits, was a cauſe of their ofter being together then any others: For ſince Artelinda found always more company at Stenobea's houſe, then at her mothers, ſhe went thither very often; and ſince Cleonice found leſs company at Anaxippa's houſe, then her mothers, ſhe was there as oft as ſhe could; ſo that theſe two beauties of contrary humors were almoſt continually together: Stenobea was glad that Cleonice was often with Artelinda, hoping ſhe would drive her out of her ſerious and melancholly mood; and Anaxippa alſo was well pleaſed that her daughter ſhould be ever in the company of Cleonice, hoping her modeſt and fevere example would correct the giddy inclination of the other. Thus did Cleonice ſeek her ſolitude at Anaxippa's houſes, and Artalinda ſeek her ſervants at Stenobea's. Cleonice endeavored to reclaim Artelinda from her gadding humors, and from letting her chief felicity conſiſt in conquering of hearts without number or choice; or having no other deſign in it but the vain-glory to make all that look on her in love with her. Yet Ligdamis was to be excepted, for ſhe could never ſubject him with all her arts, do what ſhe could: for the truth was, Ligdamis never loved any, and in all likelyhood never would; and though he was a moſt accompliſhed gallant, yet was he ſo reſolutely oppoſite unto that paſſion, that he not only would never be in love, but alſo would never love thoſe that were; and upon that ſcore he broke off with an old friend called Phocylides, becauſe he was of the ſame diſpoſition as Artelinda; and he had profeſſed ſervice to as many ſeveral Ladies, as ſhe had captivated ſervants. Thus, Madam, you ſee the humors of theſe four perſons, which were moſt ſpoke of in Epheſus. Ligdamis a moſt accompliſhed gallant, was eſteemed by all, though he would be a friend but unto very few, nor would he love any at all: Phocylides he fell in love with all the Ladies in the Town, at leaſt ſeemed ſo: Artelinda had many Lovers, and would have had all: And Cleonice without any intentions to captivate any at all, did captivate many; and the truth is, if ſhe would have given entertainment unto all that addreſſed themſelves unto her, the Empire of Artelinda had been ruined; but ſhe carried her ſelf with ſo much wiſdom and diſcretion, and was neither ſevere nor laviſh of her favours; ſo that ſhe rid her ſelf of that multitude of Lovers which were of Artelinda's humour, and ſhe did ſo publiſh it, that her heart ſhould be hard to conquer, as there [Page] was very few in all the Town, who durſt have ſo good an opinion of themſelves, as to attempt it: Many a Lover ſighed at it, but ſighed in ſecret; yet one, whoſe name was Hermodorus, was to be excepted, for he did abſolutely quit the ſervice of Artelinda, and devoted himſelf and all his ſervices wholly unto Cleonice: but ſhe had no fancy at all unto him: and the jocund humor of her mother was ſo averſe unto her diſpoſition, that ſhe did not at all anſwer his addreſſes, but lived in Epheſus with ſo great an indifferency, that ſhe could be compared unto none but Ligdamis, who did ſometimes ſee her. In the mean time, ſince it were ſtrange that friendſhip between two of ſuch contrary humors as hers and Artelinda's, ſhould laſt long, Cleonice, as I told you before, would attempt to alter Artelinda, and would perſwade her, that ſhe did injure her own beauty, by ſuffering ſo many to hope for the enjoyment of her heart: For truly (ſaid Cleonice unto her, one day when they were alone together) you can never make me believe, that this multitude of Lovers which wait upon you in the Temples, in the Streets, in the Walks, and in every houſe unto which you go, would ever wait, and ſo obſequiouſly follow you, without ſome hopes: and I can never believe they can have any hopes, unleſs you your ſelf did give them life: For to ſpeak ſincerely unto you, I ſee ſome of your adorers ſuch ill-favored men, that they can never flatter themſelves ſo much as to hope for any thing from you, unleſs you did flatter them, and beget thoſe hopes in their hearts. I do ingeniouſly confeſs, anſwered Artelinda, that I do ſo; for it is one of my beſt recreations to deceive men by fooling ſo with them, that they ſhould believe I love them. But, replyed Cleonice, do you call that fooling, when you are in ſuch earneſt, as you make them believe they are in poſſeſſion of your heart, and muſt hereafter, perhaps, be of your perſon alſo? Oh Cleonice, ſaid Artelinda, you go a little too far! the moſt favorable action that I afforded my moſt eſteemed Lover, can never move ſuch a wicked thought in him. I believe I am not deceived ſo much as you are, replyed Cleonice; for ſince it is commonly ſeen, that Lovers will hope even in the midſt of the moſt ſevere behaviour towards them, how can you imagine that men who are loaded with favors, will not hope for any thing? No, no, replyed Artelinda, miſtake me not, I am not ſo laviſh of my favors, as to loaden any with them; and if I were not afraid you would diſcloſe my ſecrets, I would diſcover the bottom of my heart unto you, to the end I may juſtifie my ſelf in your opinion: But my dear Cleonice, I am very much afraid, that if I ſhould diſcover my thoughts unto you, I ſhould my ſelf loſe my Empiredome over ſo many hearts: for if you ſhould but joyn a little cunning unto thoſe charming features in your face, I were abſolutely undone, ſince I am certain all my ſervants would then be wholly yours. You are ſo uſed to flatter, replyed Cleonice, that you flatter even your very friends; but Artelinda, that is not my deſire: however, to put you out of all fears, I do faithfully promiſe you never to make any uſe of your ſecret, and therefore be not afraid to diſcloſe your reaſons unto me, if you have any that can perſwade there is any delight to be taken in being courted by a hundred ſervants whom you neither love nor eſteem; for it is not credible you can at one and the ſame time love fair men, black men, great men, little men, men that are ſerious, others that are frolique, ſome that are pleaſant and ſprightly, others that are Clowns, Blockheads and Fools: I ſay it is altogether impoſſible, that all theſe can ever have any place in your heart. It is moſt true, replied Artelinda, and I aſſure you I do not deſire they ſhould. But why then, replyed Cleonice, do you oblige them ſo much, ſince you do not love them? Becauſe I would have the pleaſure of being beloved, anſwered ſhe; for truly, Cleonice, what is beauty good for, unleſs to captivate hearts, and to erect an Empire, without a Scepter, or Throne, or Crown, and yet one gets abundance both of ſubjects and ſlaves? But they are ſlaves, replyed Cleonice, which are not ſerviceable, but in hopes to reign, and who puts you to a great deal of trouble to gild over their fetters: for my part, ſaid ſhe, if ever I take any delight in captivating any, my fetters ſhould be ſo harſh and heavy, that I ſhould never doubt of their fidelity who ſubmitted to them. If I had any deſign to recompence them after their patience, ſaid Artelinda, I ſhould do ſo alſo: but ſince my ends are only to divert my ſelf, it would not be juſt to loaden them with ſuch ſeverities. However, Artelinda, replyed Cleonice, you do expoſe your ſelf to a world of cenſures and dangerous conſequences. But wherein am I in any fault? replyed ſhe. You are to blame in receiving Letters, anſwered Cleonice, and in anſwering ſome of them; you are continually abroad to ſee and be ſeen, you appoint ſecret meetings, and fail not to obſerve them; and though I know all this be but to talk two or three words in private, and to make a great ſecret of a buſineſs of nothing; yet for all that, [Page] it is an appointment, it is a ſecret; it is made a myſtery, and by conſequence a crime; becauſe to ſpeak the truth, Innocency ſeeks no ſuch Corners, but is open and free in all her actions. Moreover, you uſe to receive and ſend many tokens; you ſuffer them to ſteal your Picture, and ſometimes gives it: and as for Ribands and ſuch fantaſtical fooleries, there is not ſo many colours as you have given favors: I am not ſo much in fault as you conceive me, replyed ſhe; for there is not a man amongſt them all, which can brag of any favor that ever I gave them, which in any reaſon deſerved the name of a ſault; for truly, I cannot call any of thoſe which you have reckoned up by that name: nor can I ſee there is more ſin in them, then there is in dreſſing my ſelf, or curling my hair: for thereby we uſe to procure love; and by all thoſe ways for which you chide me thus, I do no more but catch ſome few heart, which would not be captivated by bare beauty only: Is not that enough? replyed Cleonice: what would you do more? I would interrupt the courtſhip of all others, anſwered ſhe; make Wives and Miſtreſſes full of jealouſie, be loved of every one that looks upon me, move hopes and fears when I liſt, have a hundred divertiſments to chuſe of, make men compoſe Elogies and Verſes in my commendation, that they talk of nothing but me, and follow me into all places; and after all this, I will not engage my heart any further then I pleaſe my ſelf in hearing others ſigh; and the truth is, I do love the gallantry, but not the gallant: There is too much danger in that, replyed Cleonice; for in the end your heart will be captivated before you are aware: Your cold reſervedneſs (replyed Artelinda, and laughed) does much more expoſe you unto that danger, then I am: I, I ſay, who am ſo accuſtomed unto tears and ſighs, that my heart is not moved at them: but you who are ſo ſevere, you will never admit of any ſuch things; if once a confident bold Lover chance to court you cloſe, and force you to hearken unto him, alas, two or three tears will molifie your heart; or to ſpeak more properly, will kindle ſuch fire in it, as will make you love him, as well as you are beloved, and perhaps better: but pray Cleonice, tell me, What will you do with thoſe fair eyes which the Gods have given you? I will obſerve, and wonder with them, replyed ſhe, how artificially you uſe yours, and take all that comes near you: yet for all that Artelinda, there is not one amongſt all ſuch kinde of Lovers as theſe, amongſt ten thouſand, that will make a good husband. Sooner then amongſt thoſe of your ſerious diſpoſition, replyed ſhe; for to tell you truly, I am ſo afraid to meet with one of my mothers humour, that I am almoſt reſolved never to have any at all: Do not think Artelinda (replyed Cleonice) that youth will laſt ever. The antipathy between old age and yong gallantry is ſo great, that nothing can be more oppoſite: and what will you do when all your gallants forſake you? Never look ſo far before (anſwered ſhe) for as for my part, I promiſe you I never will; nor will I be too prudent, leſt I be too miſerable: I will look in my glaſs, and when the Roſes and Violets of my time begin to fade, I will ſit down, and ſet my heart at reſt: If ſouldiers ſhould continually contemplate upon all the dangers that the fate of war may bring upon them, there would be but few Conquerours, or conquered. But the conqueſts of your eyes, replyed Cleonice, have ſo bad a title, that I can hardly call them conqueſts: However, they are conqueſts (anſwered ſhe) and admit I do loſe part of thoſe hearts which I have ſubjected, yet the honor is no leſs. Seriouſly, replied Cleonice, I am afraid you will never alter your minde. No, no, ſincerely, anſwered Artelinda, I never ſhall: Why, do not you think my life is more pleaſant then yours? and do you not repent of your too ſerious gravity? No, no, replied ſhe, I do not, nor deſire I to be of your temper; nor I of yours, replied Artelinda; therefore I pray you, let us both enjoy our own opinions, and I believe we ſhall love each other the better for it: for truly if you were of mine, perhaps I ſhould extreamly hate you; and if I were of yours, doubtleſs we ſhould but jar and diſagree, ſay what we could. Cleonice ſeeing ſhe was not able to alter the minde of Artelinda, did change diſcourſe, and preſently after left her: but as ſhe was readie to go out, ſhe called her back, and prayed her in a laughing manner, to ſend back unto her that fugitive ſlave which ſhe had rob'd her of, meaning Hermodorus. It ſhall not be long of me, replied Cleonice, if he do not come and aſſume his firſt fetters: But that's not enough, added ſhe, for I would not have you captivate the heart of the inſenſible Ligdamis, whom I confeſs, I could never endure: There is ſo little wiſdom in your language, ſaid Cleonice, that I will not anſwer it; and you are ſo over-wiſe, replied Artelinda, that I think my folly to be much better then your wiſdom: Thus did theſe two beauties part; Cleonice went unto her Cloſet to ſtudy, and Artelinda unto hers, to write unto ſome of her [Page] gallants; for indeed, ſhe had nothing elſe to do: Moreover, Madam, this Lady had yet a moſt Charming Modeſty, in her looks, notwithſtanding all her frolique humours; and ſhe uſed ſuch art in all her actions, that whoſoever ſaw her, and did not know her, would believe, that ſhe thought her ſelf much troubled with that multitude of ſervants, which her ſelf had ſubjected, and did carefully preſerve them.

As for Cleonice, her buſineſs was quite contrary; for ſhe did love her ſtudy and her books, better then all her Mothers Gallants, or Artelinda's Servants, or the Complaints of Hermodorus: And yet ſhe was a lover of Company, but it was the company of choice and rational men; and ſince ſhe was not Miſtreſs of her ſelf, becauſe ſhe depended upon her Mother, whoſe humours was ſo oppoſite unto hers, ſhe did exceedingly force her ſelf, and inſenſibly grew not only a horrible hater of all Gallantry and Gallants; but alſo a Condemner of Love in general, as a Paſſion the moſt dangerous of all others: yet did ſhe ſee Artelinda every day, and continually ſaw her Mothers Chamber full of thoſe kinde of men, who make open profeſſion of never going unto any place often without ſome hid deſign; who are alwayes very earneſt, and yet have not any other buſineſs but to make it thought they are loved, and are in love, and are ever more careful to perſwade the firſt of theſe, then the ſecond. Cleonice ſaw all this, but God knows, much againſt her minde, and therefore with no delight at all. About this time, I my ſelf had the happineſs to be in the Catalogue of her friends, my humour being not ſo contrary unto hers, as Artelinda's; and as Ligdamis was my Kinſman, ſo I was very well acquainted with him; and would often ſay, that ſince there was ſuch a ſimpathy of inclinations between him and Cleonice, I wondered they did not ſee one another ſometimes: when I met Ligdamis, I would ſay as much to him; ſo that acquainting both of them with each others humors, they knew one another better by my relation, then they did before; for their converſation was wont to be ſo general and confuſed, by reaſon of much company which viſited Stenobea, that they very ſeldom ſpoke one unto another: yet after my diſcriptions of Cleonice unto Ligdamis, he uſed to ſee her ofter then uſual; and ſince I was there almoſt every day, we met very often, and diverted our ſelves more conveniently then we were uſually accuſtomed: for whilſt Stenobea was entertaining one part of the company; and Artelinda buſie in captivating new Lovers, or keeping the old ones; and whilſt Phocylides was languiſhing for many Ladies at once and in the ſame place, Ligdamis, Cleonice and my ſelf, did in the mean time make our ſelves very merry at them. And indeed there is no better ſport then to ſtand by and obſerve this kinde of univerſal Courtſhip and Folly; for commonly all their actions and words are ſo contrary to all Reaſon and Wiſdom, that queſtionleſs, better ſport cannot be to an unintereſted looker on, then to obſerve them. At the firſt, Cleonice was very ſhie, and had not any ſuch confidence in Ligdamis, as before him to mock at the paſſages we ſaw: And being one day alone with her in her Chamber, I told her, ſhe did wrong her ſelf, in paſſing away her life without any particular Converſation with any. I do confeſs it Iſmenea (ſaid ſhe unto me) for certainly in the humour I am in, if I had the diſpoſe of my own ſelf, I ſhould let the ſweetneſs of my life conſiſt in the friendſhip and converſation of a ſelect number of choice and rational men, who know what true honour is, and love it; ſuch as are not capable of being deluded by gilded follies, but look upon things as really they are in themſelves, and does not make their felicity to conſiſt in ridiculous fooleries, But alas Iſmenea, where are ſuch perſons to be found? For firſt, all women which I know, are of three or four ſeveral kinds; ſome are Weather-Cocks, others are wiſe, but dull; ſome have Wit and Vertue, but ſo crabbed and harſh, that they are not pleaſant; others again are Crafty and Wicked: The fair ones, commonly are envious and jealous; the witty and ſprightly ones, proud; the fools, are inſufferable; and too much gallantry is horrid unto me: Who then would you have me keep company with? It is very true, replyed I, for moſt of the Epheſian Women at this day, are ſuch as you have deſcribed: Yet believe me, there is ſome compleat Men which are worthy of Friendſhip. Ha, Iſmenea, ſaid ſhe unto me, it is as hard a matter to finde them amongſt men, as women: But I do confeſs, that if it were poſſible to finde out ſuch a rare man as can be conſtant in all his actions, not love a hundred at once as Phocylides, but can, as I doe, abſolutely condemn this fooliſh affected Paſſion of Love, his Company were worth keeping: For I muſt needs acknowledge, that a well accompliſhed and rational [Page] man, knows more then the wiſeſt woman; his wit is of a higher ſtrain, his diſcourſe is more agreeable; he can be more complacential unto a Lady, then Ladies can be to one another; and to tell you truly, there is ſuch a kinde of diſpoſition in me, which proceeds from ſome cauſe which I am ignorant of, that makes me think ſuch friendſhip more tender and ſolid then any other: But yet my dear Iſmenea, this man I ſpeak of, muſt be ſuch a one as I ſpeak of, and not at all amorouſly diſpoſed; for I do profeſs if he be, I ſhall never truſt my ſelf with him.

As we were in this diſcouſe, Ligdamis comes into the Chamber, who ſeeing Stenobea was not within, deſired to ſee Cleonice. I no ſooner ſaw him enter, but I riſe up, and ſaid unto him. Come Ligdamis, for if you be not ſuch a man as Cleonice looks for, I ſhall never finde him as long as I live. Really Iſmenea, ſaid ſhe unto me, I ſhall take it very ill, if you tell Ligdamis what I ſaid unto you. You may take it ill if you pleaſe, ſaid I unto her, and laughed, yet I muſt needs tell him of that wonderfully ſympathie which is between you: And then I told him ſome part of what we had ſpoken. Muſt it not needs be confeſſed, there is a ſtrange conformity between you and Cleonice, ſince you have caſt off Phocylides, becauſe he was too full of Courtſhip; and ſhe hath almoſt caſt off Artelinda, becauſe ſhe hath too many ſervants? How, ſaid Cleonice, hath Ligdamis caſt off Phocylides, becauſe he was amorouſly diſpoſed? Yes, Madam, replyed he, for I will never truſt any man of that paſſionate Profeſſion; and more then that, I do not intend to truſt any, for thoſe which are not in love, may hereafter be, and therefore I will keep my ſecrets lookt up in my own heart. But Madam, Iſmenea has forced me to ſpeak that which perhaps will ruine me in your good opinion; ſince being fair as you are, and making many love you, as you have done, it is no diſcretion to tell you, I am a hater of that Paſſion which you have ſo often cauſed. Oh! Ligdamis, ſaid Cleonice, I am infinitely joyed to ſee ſo compleat a man as you are, of my opinion: for truly I did think that nothing in the world could be more prejudicial unto us then an amorous friend: For my part, I am an enemy to the Paſſion, and I beſeech you do me the favour to acquaint me with all the ill conſequences that Love hath cauſed in you, to the end I may be more confirmed in my hatred againſt that Paſſion. Thanks be to the Gods, Madam, it has not done me much hurt, replyed he, although it have my friends: But, Madam, not to tyer you with any long relations, let me only tell you, that as I was going into Greece, I met with Phocylides, and contracted a great league of friendſhip with him: So that travelling three Moneths together, I opened my very heart unto him: Yet we were no ſooner returned to Epheſus, but he had communicated all my ſecrets amongſt his Miſtreſſes; and ſome of them being none of the moſt diſcret, had ſquandered thoſe things up and down all the Town, which I had ſo ſecretly kept in the Cloſet of my Heart: And therefore I have experimentally found the danger of truſting an amorous Friend. But Ligdamis, ſaid I unto him, all men are not ſo fooliſh and indiſcreet as Phocylides. I do aſſure you, replyed Cleonice, all Lovers are alike, and no difference is to be made between them: For, ſaid ſhe, Love works ſuch an abſolute change in all thoſe in whom it is Predominate, that there is no truſt to be repoſed in them. I remember, a little before I came from Claſomenes, there was a man whoſe name was Cleanor, who profeſſed abundance of friendſhip unto me; he was perpetually at my lodging, he could not live out of my ſight, he told me the whole Cabinet of his heart; I never ſaw him either reſerved or unquiet, he was infinitely indulgent to pleaſe me, and all this without any profeſſions of Love. But I wondered to ſee him altered upon a ſudden: He fell into a conſtant mode of muſing; and I do confeſs I feared that he loved me a little too well; I found preſently after that, that I was deceived, for I knew his minde: His longeſt viſits laſted not above half an hour; he would never tell me any news, or any more of his ſecrets; all ſuch things as were wont to divert him before, did now diſpleaſe him; and he was ſo abſolutely altered from the humor he was in, before he was in love, that one would not have thought him the ſame man. One day as I taxed him with it, he to excuſe himſelf, confeſſed the whole truth, that he was in love with a Lady; and after this, he would never talk of any other thing, but of her he loved; inſomuch as he became ſo inſufferable, as I could not endure him.

Then, Madam, ſince I was extreamly glad, that Cleonice and Ligdamis were ſo well [Page] acquainted, I put in my vie amongſt them, to give them further ſubject of diſcourſe, and to that end I made a third amongſt them: Truly Cleonice, ſaid I unto her, you go a little too far; for there is a vaſt difference between giddineſs and love: you may condemn the one, but muſt make ſome exceptions of the other. Not at all, ſaid Cleonice; for I aſſure you, a reſolute Lover is as unfit to make a friend of, as any of thoſe common Lovers, who love in ſo many places, that they love no where: And truly, I believe, theſe laſt ſort are more pleaſant company then the other. Truly, ſaid Ligdamis, the fair Cleonice ſpeaks abundance of reaſon: for they whoſe mindes are not too much taken up with thoughts, are always beſt ſociety; they talk of Muſick, and Balls, and Walks and Feaſts, and all delights, wherein others have a ſhare; but a ſerious and real lover, the more amorous and faithful he is, the more reſerved and more cloſe he is to himſelf, and rather troubles, then communicates any joys unto others. But Ligdamis, ſaid Cleonice, do you ſpeak really as you think, without any diſſimulation? But Madam, ſaid he, I beſeech you tell me truly, is it poſſible a woman that is admirably fair, and infinitely loved, can have a ſoul ſo great, as to contemn thoſe triffles in which the felicity of fair ones do moſt commonly conſiſt? Ha, Madam, if you be ſuch a one, certainly men ought not to love you, but infinitely to adore you: for there is nothing upon earth more Rare, then to ſee a fair woman not deſire that her eyes ſhould burn all thoſe they ſhine upon; for, Madam, all fair eyes are moſt commonly malevolent ſtars, the influence of which, brings miſery upon men: For fair ones, to ſpeak in general, are not contented that men ſhould only render homage, and offer Incenſe; but they require more ſad ſacrifices: a thouſand hearts reduc'd to aſhes, can hardly appeaſe them, a quick and ſpeedy death cannot ſatisfie their cruelty, but they muſt inflict long and violent torments: Their higheſt felicity is to make men miſerable. And ſince ſo, Madam, how can I believe that you, whoſe beauty tranſcends all others that ever I ſaw, can ſo abſolutely renounce all the ſweets of this imaginary Empire, which beauties does pretend to have over all hearts? you eſpecially who can more ſollidly eſtabliſh that Empiredom then any other. I cannot conſent, ſaid Cleonice, that I have beauty enough, either to conquer or raign: But had I as much as were requiſite for it, yet the examples of others ſhould preſerve me from any ſuch imbecility; for really, I thing nothing ſo cruel, as to make all that comes near us out of their wits, and to hazard the being out of them our ſelves; for let them talk what they will, love is a moſt peſtilent contagious diſeaſe. You your ſelf, replied I, were never yet infected by any, though I have often ſeen ſome in your company, who had that diſeaſe upon them: When by chance ſuch a miſery is upon me, replyed ſhe, I have ſuch admirable Antidotes againſt it, that I do not fear my loſs of that health which I enjoy. Madam, replyed Ligdamis, though you cannot love any, nor will permit any to love you, yet I hope you will admit upon terms of friendſhip without offence; and will not forbid me to hope for the happineſs of obtaining that honor from you? otherwiſe I ſhould blame you. The choiſe of friends, replied ſhe, is a buſineſs of ſo great a difficulty, that there is a neceſſity of more prudence, then civility or generoſity, but I do think that friends and confidents to be a high happineſs; yet (as I ſaid unto Iſmenea, before you came in) I will never have any amorous friends, nor one that is wholly engaged, nor any that is courted with a thouſand gallants, neither will I admit of proud ones, or fools, or dotards, nor of one that wholly is taken up with the aeconomy of his houſe. In a word, were I to chooſe a friend, he ſhould have a pure minde, a good wit, and a high ſoul; one that I might love, as I might love a brother, without the leaſt thoughts of gallantry and idle courtſhip; one to whom I might impart all my thoughts, and conſequently one that is rational; but above all, one that is not in love, and gives me good aſſurance that he never will be. Ligdamis and I began to laugh at Cleonice's diſcourſe: Madam, ſaid I unto her, why do you not make choiſe of Ligdamis, to be this intimate friend you look for? I have not all thoſe good qualities which ſhe deſires, replied he; and Cleonice is too fair to aſſure me of her friendſhip, ſince it is not credible, but ſome one of that thouſand of her Lovers, and the diſeaſe which ſhe hath cauſed in them, will be too ſtrong for that Antidote which ſhe ſaith ſhe hath. I perceive Ligdamis, ſaith Cleonice, that you are afraid to be too far engaged; but let it not trouble you, ſince in the humor I am in, I ſhall not be over haſty to diſpoſe of my friendſhip. You have good reaſon, ſaid he unto her, for friendſhip is a thing too precious to be contracted in ſo ſhort a time: however Madam, I beſeech you give me leave to eſteem you with all the faculties of my ſoul, and ſtay until you ſhall think me worthy of your friendſhip. As they were thus in diſcourſe, [Page] Artelinda came in, with two or three of her ſervants at her heels, and made her change the ſubject of her diſcourſe. Ligdamis ſtaid ſtill, and changed not his place, but did ſit all that afternoon between Cleonice and me. Preſently after her, five or ſix other beauties entred, and after them Phocylides and Hermodorus, who ſince they could not get near Cleonice, were ſo melancholly and diſordered, as I could not chuſe but laugh, After general diſcourſe had laſted a long time, wherein the talk was of news, of horſe-races, and faſhions, and ſuch like, Artelinda whiſpered one of her ſervants in the ear, and whilſt ſhe was holding him talk a long while, it was good ſport unto us, that had nothing elſe to do but obſerve, to ſee how nettled the reſt were at it; and I never paſſed an afternoon away with more pleaſure: ſometimes Cleonice would purpoſely ask a queſtion of one of them, and then he would anſwer two words, and turn preſently away to obſerve Artelinda, in hopes to gueſs by her countenance at what ſhe ſaid unto their Rival. When ſhe laughed, we might ſee three or four of them at a time, knit the brows and frown, ſo that it was impoſſible but we muſt laugh for company: Then Artelinda, to appeaſe one of them which ſhe had netled, would quit the other ſhe had whiſpered with, and talk unto him; then would ſhe look whether any of the reſt were jealous, and to comfort them alſo, ſhe would talk with every one of them in their turn: on the other ſide, Phocylides was no leſs buſie then Artelinda; for being deſirous to make Cleonice and three or four others believe he loved them, his looks, his heart, his minde, his wit and tongue were all ſo divided amongſt them, that he ſeemed to be a little diſtracted; for he had no ſooner done ſpeaking with one, but he immediately accoſted another; he looked upon one, and talked with another: he ſometimes talked, and ſometimes ſighed ſo much, and was ſo extreamly puzled, that we pitted him. All this while the poor Hermodorus ſpoke not a word, and was ſo vexed, that he could not ſpeak in private with Cleonice, that it was good ſport alſo to obſerve him: when he was forced to ſpeak, he would contradict every thing in the world, unleſs when one commended the beauty of Cleonice. But to augment the averſion which Cleonice and Ligdamis had unto love; by chance there was a very compleat gallant of the Town, who had been long in love, came to ſee Cleonice, ſince his affection was very well known, there was many eyes upon him. When this Lover entered, it was good ſport to ſee with what care he endeavored to ſeat himſelf next her he loved: and at his firſt entrance, he was not ſo obſervant to ſalute Cleonice, as he was to ſee where his Miſtreſs was, that he might ſeat himſelf cloſe by her; yet he was diſappointed, for Cleonice craftily cauſed a ſtool to be given him in another place: but however, he made a ſhift, for ſeeming to have private buſineſs with Phocylides, he riſe up and whiſpered him in the ear, and afterwards went unto his Miſtreſs, and ſate by her. At the firſt, they ſpoke aloud, and the Lady made ſome ſigns he ſhould not begin to talk privately ſo ſoon: but they began inſenſibly to ſpeak in a low voyce, and by little and little did ſo forget that they were in company, that they ſpoke as high as if none had been in the Room with them, and did ſo publikely diſcover themſelves, that really I was aſhamed of them. Well Iſmenea, ſaid Cleonice in a low voyce unto me, is not all maner of love a moſt ridiculous thing? and muſt not it and all kinde of gallantry be utterly condemned? Ligdamis being deſirous to intrude, and hear what they ſaid, Cleonice did civilly thruſt him back: No, no, ſaid ſhe unto him, we are not upon thoſe terms yet. Why Madam, ſaid he unto her, you uſe me as if I were a devoted ſervant, though I have diſclaimed that quality for ever: you are ſo fit to be one when you will, replied ſhe, that I cannot yet truſt your words.

By this time the night came on, and the company broke up; when all was gone, Cleonice was ſo pleaſant, and ſo full of Satyrical expreſſions againſt all kinde of gallants and gallantry, that in my life I never ſaw her in a more jocund humor. Ligdamis came unto me the next morning to talk of Cleonice, who had ſo charmed him, that he could not enough admire her, deſiring me to imploy my beſt endeavors that he might become her friend; and I without any reſiſtance did make him a promiſe that I would, yet not aſſuring him I could obtain it: There did he ſeek for all handſome opportunities to ſee her, ofter then uſual; but ſince there was always much company at the houſe of Steonbea, he went ſometimes unto Anaxippa's, where ſhe often uſed to be, eſpecially when Artelinda was not there, preferring the company of the mother before the daughters, though her vertue was of over ſevere a ſtrain; yet whereſoever he met her, he ſtill expreſſed how great an enemy he was unto love, and being a man of an excellent wit, he expreſſed himſelf in ſuch ſignificant terms, as he highly advanced himſelf in Cleonices eſteem. Ligdamis [Page] being with her one day at her own houſe, when Stenobea was gone into the walks with half the Town following her, he began a freſh to court her for her friendſhip, and the ſooner to obtain it, he proteſted unto her that he was not in love. I do believe it Ligdamis (ſaid ſhe unto him) but what aſſurance can you give me, that you will not hereafter be ſo. I can give you that aſſurance my ſelf, Madam, anſwered he; for moſt infallibly, ſince I am not in love with you, I ſhall never be with any: you are abſolutely the faireſt teat ever I ſaw, your wit tranſcends the higheſt meaſure of any I know, either man or woman; your vertue raviſhes me, your converſation charms me; and notwithſtanding all theſe, my heart apprehends only reſpective and reverent thoughts of you: I muſt needs ingeniouſly acknowledge, that I extreamly love you in the degree and quality of friendſhip, but it is without any exorbitant or unquiet deſires: Therefore, Madam, ſince ſo much beauty, wit, vertue; ſo much eſteem, and ſo great a diſpoſition to love you, has not had that influence upon my heart, you are ſafe, and need not refuſe my friendſhip, nor deny me yours. Love me, Madam, as you love Iſmenea, and if you pleaſe a little more; for ſince I reſolve to love none upon earth but you, methinks in reaſon you ſhould not refuſe to love me a little more then any other. You expreſs your friendſhip in ſuch obliging terms, replied Cleonice, and bluſhed, that methinks I ought to ſuſpect you: But Ligdamis, do not deceive your ſelf, I deſire ſincerity; and though I am confident you are not in love with me, yet perhaps you think I am one of thoſe who only change the name of the thing, but can well enough endure a Lover under the notion of a friend: Take heed therefore what you deſire of me, and know, that the friendſhip which I ever can either give or take, is and ſhall be a moſt conſtant real friendſhip, without any folly or fond thoughts: I would only have you love me, as one brave man may love another; and I ſhall love you, as I ſhould love a vertuous woman, if I knew any worthy of my entire affection: I ask no more, anſwered Ligdamis: But firſt, ſaid ſhe, I would have you binde your ſelf by an oath, that if ever you ſhould be ſo unfortunate as to fall, in love with any beauty, to tell it unto me the ſame hour; to the end I may aſſiſt you with my counſels, and fortifie your reaſon; and in caſe you cannot become free, I may be abſolved from your friendſhip; for I ſeriouſly declare, that if ever you be in love, I ſhall be no longer your friend: But, Madam, ſaid he unto her, and ſmiled, ſuppoſe I ſhould fall in love with your ſelf, what muſt I do then? muſt I acquaint you with it as ſoon as ever I perceive it? No, ſaid ſhe, I like not that: What then muſt I do? replied he: you muſt wraſtle with your paſſion, anſwered ſhe, and overcome it, without ever telling me; and though you cannot overcome it, yet be ſure to hide it ſo from me, that I ſhall never know it. But, anſwered he, all the world ſaies love cannot be hid: Then you muſt hide your ſelf, replyed ſhe, and never ſee me again; yet added ſhe and ſmiled, I hope that will never come to paſs; for the ſpring can never bring forth more Roſes in my cheeks then it hath: I have as much beauty as ever I ſhall have; and ſince it has had no operation to move you hitherto, you may be confident it never will, and by conſequence our friendſhip will be eternal. I chanced to come into them as they were upon theſe terms, and they acquainted me with the conditions of their friendſhip: But, ſaid, Ligdamis, ſince I promiſe you faithfully never to love any, and if to my miſfortune I ſhould, to acquaint you with it; may not I ask ſome aſſurance againſt Hermodorus, and all the reſt of your lovers and adorers? For my part, ſaid I, and interrupted them, I conceive it reaſonable, Cleonice ſhould make a reciprocal promiſe: I refuſe it not, replied ſhe, for I am ſo certain never to love any, that I do engage my ſelf unto it.

Thus, Madam, after much ſuch diſcourſe as this, the friendſhip between Ligdamis and Cleonice was contracted; and for the more abſolute confirmation of it, they both of them vented a thouſand invectives againſt all love and lovers. Since that day, Ligdamis eſteemed himſelf ſo happy, that he ſaid, he never began to live, till ſince he was acquainted with Cleonice; and ſhe alſo was ſo well pleaſed with him, that ſhe hath given me a million of thanks for contributing unto their friendſhip: Then did there ariſe a great confidence between them: Ligdamis was never upon any deſign, but he did communicate it unto Cleonice: Whenſoever he went unto the Court, it was with her approbation and order, and ſhe had ſuch an abſolute power over his life, that ſhe did regulate him in matters of his acqcaintance: ſhe made him caſt caſt off ſome friends, and take in others, yet all this without any imperious Tyrannie. Ligdamis alſo was acquainted with ſome of her ſecret thoughts, ſhe imparted unto him a thouſand domeſtick grievances, which [Page] the humour of Stenobea cauſed: ſhe ſincerely told him her thoughts of all, and diſcovered the very bottom of her ſoul unto him: And ſince ſhe had not only a great and piercing wit of her own, but alſo did with abundance of pains daily add knowledge unto it, to ſhew the vaſt treaſure of her knowledge, ſhe would often inſtruct Ligdamis in many things which her modeſty made ſecrets of unto any elſe. When he was at the Army with the Prince Artamas, he would write unto her, and ſhe to him again; and that in ſuch a ſtrain, as her Letters made him almoſt as happy as her Preſence did. Afterwards Stenobea went unto Sardis, and carried her daughter with her: And ſince Ligdamis thought he might be ſerviceable unto her, he went thither alſo. And indeed he rendred her a moſt conſiderable good office during that voyage: For being very eminent in the war, the Prince Artamas, who as you know was then called Cleander, loved him very dearly, ſo that he made uſe of him in her buſineſs: Moreover, if Ligdamis met with any pleaſing news, he never was at reſt untill he had communicated it unto Cleonice, who was as complacential unto him again; ſo that a very great confidence was between them. One paſſage fell out which was like to have begun a little kind of quarrel between them: for Hermodorus was ſo importunate with Cleonice whether ſhe would or no, that ſhe was forced to anſwer him in ſuch both plain and ſincere language, as he was compelled to reſt quiet; and indeed ſhe was ſo bitter againſt him, that I wonder he did not retort: For as he was preſſing her to give him ſome reaſons why he ſhould forever give over all hopes; Since you will needs know, ſaid ſhe unto him, it is for two reaſons; the one, becauſe I am fully reſolved never to love any, nor ſuffer any ſhould love me; the other, becauſe though I did reſolve to love one, yet of all men living it ſhould not be Hermodorus: Therefore if you be wiſe, regulate yourſelf according to this anſwer, which without any diſſimulation proceeds from the full reſolves of my heart. After Cleonice had pronounced this diſmal ſentence upon this unfortunate Lover, ſhe told it unto Ligdamis and my ſelf; and both of us returned her many thanks, becauſe Hermodorus did often interrupt our converſation. But afterwards we underſtood that Artelinda, whoſe humour was to ſubject all hearts that were Rebels to Love, had uſed a thouſand ſtratagems unto him, which he never acquainted us withal; which did ſo much incenſe Cleonice againſt him, that I had much ado to appeaſe her: yet acquainting him with her reſentments, he went immediately unto her, and told her that the reaſon why he never acquainted her with it, was out of his modeſty to hide the groſs follies of Artelinda. So that this reconciliation did tye the knot of friendſhip faſter then ever; and I think it might be ſaid, that their affections had all the tenderneſs of Love, without any irregulation or diſtemper; for they had as much delight in ſeeing and talking with one another, as if they had been the deepeſt Lovers, without all the impatient conſequences of it; and they came to that height, that they were jealous without Love: for Cleonice was in continual fears that Ligdamis ſhould fall in love; and he again was infinitely afraid that ſome Lover or other would ſteal the heart of Cleonice from him: For both of them were perſwaded (and perhaps not without reaſon) that a great Love and a great Friendſhip were impoſſible to be together in one and the ſame heart. This kind of Jealouſie yet had no bitterneſs in it, nor produced any ſad conſequences, but on the contrary made their converſation more obliging and delightfull. Theſe two eſteemed themſelves exceedingly happy; and Cleonice for her part was ſo well pleaſed, that ſhe trimmed up herſelf; yet did ſhe ſhun Artelinda as much as ever ſhe could, whoſe falſe vain-glorious humour was every day more and more horrid unto her. And truly, ſince we know all her actions by means of Phocylides, who the more to oblige Cleonice, told her all, we were very ſorry that one who was brought up under ſo vertuous a Mother, ſhould be guilty of ſo much folly: for her heart was ſtill thirſting after conqueſt upon conqueſt, without any diſtinction or choice at all. Then, as the Temple of Diana did draw abundance of ſtrangers unto Epheſus; there came not a man of any quality to that place, whom ſhe did not endeavour to captivate; and certainly ſhe did effect her endeavours, for every one became her ſervants. As Cleonice, Ligdamis, and I were one day ſeeking out for a reaſon why one and the ſame Beauty ſhould pleaſe and take ſo many different humours, and ſtrangers ſo far diſtant: we concluded that Hope was the cauſe of it. For (to ſpeak in generall) it is hard for a man to ſee a fair and young Lady (whoſe affability makes men think the conqueſt of her is no impoſſibility) and not to tie himſelf a while unto her ſervice, though it be only out of curioſity. Alſo it might almoſt be ſaid, a man had been diſhonoured, if he had not ſome favour or other from Artelinda, and much more if he continued long in the ſervice. But though we were much aſtoniſhed that Artelinda ſhould captivate ſo many, yet we did [Page] much more wonder how Phocylides could delude ſo many: for we know of ſix or ſeven Ladies in Epheſus, who thought themſelves paſſionately loved; and we concluded that we were much obliged unto heaven for inſpiring us with more reaſonable thoughts. In the mean while, the frequent viſits that Ligdamis made unto Cleonice, began to make a great noiſe, and wound the mind of Atelinda, who could not believe there could be any ſociety between a man and a woman without Courtſhip: and ſince ſhe was vexed to the ſoul, that all her ſtratagems could never have any effect upon the heart of Ameſtris, ſhe began to hate them extremely. Phocylides alſo even deſperate that he could never move the mind of Cleonice, and ſuſpecting the favour of Ligdamis was the cauſe, did alſo hate them: and both of them plotting how to be revenged of them, took different wayes to bring it to paſs; for Artelinda attempted to make Cleonice jealous, and Phocylides Ligdamis. Artelinda, though ſhe did viſit Cleonice ſeldomer then ordinary, yet ſometimes ſhe did ſee her: And one day being both together, Artelinda took occaſion to ſpeak of all the reprehenſions which Cleonice twitted her withall concerning the freeneſs of her behaviour; and being one of the cunningeſt women upon earth, and the moſt flattering, after a hundred obliging complements, Was not the reaſon (ſaid ſhe unto her) why you did ſo inſenſibly decline my friendſhip, becauſe you believed all I ſaid unto you one day when we were alone together, was my real thoughts? It is very true, I did ſo, and I found your action and your words to agree ſo well, that I cannot think I did you any wrong in that belief. If that belief, anſwered ſhe, did not loſe me your affection, I ſhould not much care: As for the world in generall, I have long ſince ſet up my reſt ſo much above all it can either ſay or think, that I value it not: But I ſet a much higher rate upon you, my dear Cleonice! (ſaid ſhe, with extremely diſſimulation) for it would grieve me to the ſoul to be excluded your heart; therefore I beſeech you be ſo ſincere as to tell me, whether you can afford me your affection, as long as I continue this courſe. Cleonice thinking Artelinda had ſpoke ſincerely, conſidering her expreſſions, did ingeniouſly confeſs that ſhe could not ſeparate her friendſhip and her eſteem from one another, and that ſhe could not poſſibly eſteem one who was ſo weak as to ſacrifice her real honour for an imaginary Chimera of vain-glory, as ſhe did by having continually at leaſt a thouſand adorers about her: But deceive not your ſelf, for all theſe flatterers do not love you ſo well as you believe; and for proof of it, do but take their hopes from them one moneth, and you ſhall ſee how they will fall off: Not that there is any imperfection in your beauty, or that you want any excellent qualities which would render you moſt accompliſhed, if you did not ſpoil them by your behaviour; but the truth is, I do know thoſe whom you deceive, and who deceive you, better then you do, and ſee with more unintereſted eyes and freer judgment the precipice from which you are like to fall. Moreover, how do you imagine I ſhould truſt one who deceives all that come neer her by diſſembling her thoughts, and divides her heart amongſt a thouſand men whom I do not eſteem? And therefore blame me not, if I do not love you. Were you only poſſeſſed with a violent paſſion, though I ſhould not confide in your friendſhip, yet I ſhould pitty you, and hope ſo to cure you, that hereafter I might love you: but the diſeaſe wherewith you are infected I ſee is incurable, and I thought fit to decline you as much as handſomneſs will permit. Ah my dear Cleonice! ſaid ſhe, how much do you miſtake me? But the ſooner to obtain your pitty, if not your friendſhip, (ſaid this crafty woman) I will confeſs, and confeſs with a bluſh, what I have a long time concealed; and I will no longer conceal that Perſon whom of all the earth I love the beſt next after—Artelinda ſtopt at theſe words; and covering her face with her hand to hide her ſhame, ſhe ſtood a while ſilent: Then ſeeming to be a little better recollected, Pardon me, dear Cleonice! ſaid ſhe unto her, that my diſcourſe and mind ſhould be in ſuch diſorder: For being ready to confeſs that which I never did unto any, I found ſome contradiction in my ſelf; and though my will prompted me to diſcover the bottom of my heart unto you, yet my mouth would not permit me to pronounce his name who is the cauſe why I live as I do. Cleonice not knowing what Artelinda meant, but being very deſirous of it; I do ſo little underſtand you, ſaid ſhe unto her, that I cannot return any anſwer. But you ſhall underſtand me preſently, replied Artelinda, and ſighed: Know therefore, my dear Cleonice, that I am ſo far from affecting an univerſal Courtſhip, that I think my ſelf the moſt unhappy woman upon earth, for I am engaged in the moſt firm and conſtant affection that ever was. How? replied Cleonice, Can Artelinda love firmly and conſtantly? If I could believe that, though I condemn Love in all others, yet I think I ſhould pardon it in her. Pardon me then, ſaid ſhe: for [Page] the truth is, what you do condemn me for, proceeds from one whom I love a thouſand times above my ſelf; and one who orders the whole courſe of my life. And will this happy Lover, ſaid Cleonice, permit you to favour a thouſand others? Certainly he does, replied ſhe, and purpoſely to hide that real paſſion which is in both our ſouls: for ſo it is, that if once our affection ſhould come to be known, our happineſs would be forever ruined; and the carriage of it hitherto hath been ſo cloſe, that none in all Epheſus can ſuſpect any thing of that innocent intelligence that is between us. Yet I think it ſomthing ſtrange, ſaid Cleonice, that he ſhould let you paſs in the opinion of the world for what you are not. When there is no other way to be happy, replied ſhe, that courſe muſt be taken. Will he not be jealous of thoſe he permits you to favour? ſaid Cleonice. Very oft, replied ſhe; and that's the reaſon why ſometimes I caſt off thoſe whom he thinks I love beſt. Thus, dear Cleonice, when you thought me ſo pleaſant and gay, having a thouſand Adorers about me, then, even then was I moſt to be pittied; for I always ſaw thoſe I loved not, but ſeldom him whom I did love: Judge therefore, dear Cleonice, whether you did not uſe me cruelly in denying me your friendſhip, and in taxing me with ſo many follies: I deſire to be pardoned for not naming him who hath my heart; but I had rather you ſhould gheſs who it is, if it be poſſible. I am not to be too preſſing into the ſecrets of another, replied Cleonice, and therefore I will try if I can hit upon, him: But however, Artelinda, though I pitty you more then I did, yet I blame you no leſs: for whoſoever your Lover is, I cannot allow of ſacrificing your honour to his capricious fancie. If I ſhould name him, replied ſhe, perhaps you would forbear your cenſure, for there is not in the world a wiſer man then he.

Thus, Madam, did this conference paſs, which did exceedingly puzzle Cleonice, for ſhe ſuſpected ſome trick in it: but yet not knowing very well what to think of it, ſhe kept it to herſelf, and did not impart it either unto Ligdamis or me. Some few dayes paſſed on in theſe thoughts, and then ſhe went to viſit Artelinda, who expected her with much impatience, and prepared to receive her in private, whenſoever ſhe came. She no ſooner heard ſhe was coming, but ſhe ſet a little Box open upon the table, in which were divers things, and among others there was a Letter laid upon the top of them, which had this ſuperſcription:
LIGDAMIS to the Fair ARTELINDA.

Preſently this cunning woman retired into her Cloſet, imagining in all likelihood that Cleonice would find this Letter, and know the hand, and perhaps take it with her. And indeed ſhe was not deceived; for Cleonice was no ſooner come into the room, but ſeeing this Box upon the table, ſhe went towards it, thinking to find ſome pretty knacks which might pleaſe her: But ſhe no ſooner caſt her eyes upon it, then ſhe knew it to be the hand of Ligdamis; and no ſooner knew it, then ſhe took it up; and no ſooner took it, then, hearing Artelinda coming, hid it, and ſeemed to rumble up and down all that was in the Box, and ſhe ſaid ſhe looked not for any Letters, but for ſome Verſes only. Artelinda even raviſhed at the diſſimulation of Cleonice, took the Box out of her hands very haſtily: Truly, inſenſible Cleonice, ſaid ſhe unto her, you received my confidence ſo ill the other day, that I am reſolved to tell you no more then I did, and will not diſcover the Party whom I love unto you. Cleonice being infinitely deſirous to know whether Ligdamis loved Artelinda, did much importune her to tell her who he was, but ſtill ſhe would not: So that ſeeing all her entreaties would not prevail, and being very impatient to read this Letter which ſhe had taken, ſhe made her viſit very ſhort, and went home; and was no ſooner in her Chamber, but ſhe opened the Letter, and read theſe words:

LIGDAMIS to the Fair ARTELINDA.

I Know you are the moſt amiable upon earth: continue, I beſeech you, thoſe amorous fallacies, which make ſo many happy, and ſo many miſerable; and never fear it ſhall ever prejudice you in my opinion, for you are there ſo thought upon, that nothing can alter it: The more hearts you captivate, the more you pleaſe me, and the more ſhall I admire you: I ſhall not need to tell you how much of my ſoul is yours; let it ſuffice that you call to memory my expreſſions, [Page] the laſt time I had the happy honour to talk in private with you; for I dare not commit them to a thin piece of paper: It was happy I was ſo bold as to tell them once; and it is enough that I now proteſt my thoughts ſhall never change, but that I ſhall be forever the ſame I was within theſe three dayes.

LIGDAMIS.

After Cleonice had read this Letter, ſhe ſtood in a maze, and knew not what to think: For as ſhe knew of ſome other paſſages between Artelinda and Ligdamis, ſo now ſhe made no queſtion but there was a great correſpondencie between them; and ſhe was ſo exceedingly incenſed that Ligdamis ſhould be ſo weak, that ſhe thought ſhe could not look upon him but with angry eyes: For, ſaid ſhe, if he be in love with Artelinda, I am extremely miſtaken in him; and if he be not, yet however I muſt break off with him, ſince I can no more endure he ſhould be a Cheat, then I can he ſhould be a Lover. In the mean time he knows all the ſecrets of my heart: I have ſpoken a hundred times againſt Artelinda, I have told him what I thought of her, and in all likelihood he courts this very Lady. Yet notwithſtanding, ſaid ſhe, had he acquainted her with that friendſhip which we have contracted, ſhe would never have ſpoke to me as ſhe did. But what can I juſtly infer from all this? ſince thoſe who are ſincere, cannot eaſily gheſs what thoſe who are not ſo do think. However I muſt break off with Ligdamis, and expoſe my ſelf no more to be deceived: I will truſt none, nor love any whoſoever; but live with as much caution amongſt thoſe who profeſs friendſhip, as with thoſe that declare themſelves my enemies. Yet ſhe reſolved not to acquaint Ligdamis with what ſhe knew of him, nor knew ſhe well whether ſhe ſhould accuſe him of his crime and chide him. As ſhe was amidſt theſe contemplations, Ligdamis came into her chamber, and came from Stenobea, to bring her unto hers: As ſoon as ſhe ſpied him, ſhe haſtily took up the Letter, and hid it with much diligence, ſeeming to be as much troubled at it, as if Ligdamis were her husband, and that Letter had been to one of his Miſtreſſes. Yet could not Cleonice ſo ſoon put up this Letter but it was ſeen; nor could ſhe ſo well diſſemble, but he knew there was ſomething in her mind which angred her, and that his preſence was but troubleſom. So that coming a little neerer her, Madam, ſaid he, I undertook this commiſſion from Stenobia, to come for you, with much joy, becauſe I thought you would have willingly obeyed her: but I ſee that I am diſappointed, for I ſee you conceal a Letter which queſtionleſs you do not deſire I ſhould ſee; and your very eyes do tell me that I am troubleſom unto you. You know, Ligdamis, ſaid ſhe, that the ſecrets of others are not our own; and ſince I have no intereſt in the Contents of this Letter, I will not ſhew it unto you: In the mean time, I will obey thoſe commands which you have brought. And in ſaying ſo, ſhe prepared herſelf to go out of her chamber into her Mothers. Ligdamis would have ſtayed her, and conjured her firſt to tell him what it was which troubled her mind: Yet ſhe would not anſwer him a word, but went away into company, where both of them were very reſerved, and looked upon one another ſo ſternly, that they obſerved and made others alſo take notice of their diſtempers. As for Ligdamis, his heart durſt not reſolve upon any thing againſt Cleonice: but ſhe had other thoughts of him; for the more diſcontent ſhe found in the eyes of him, the more ſhe accuſed him, imagining that his guilt made him aſhamed, and was the true cauſe of all the diſorder which appeared in his mind. In the interim, Phocylides, who much deſired to know certainly whether Ligdamis was in Love, ſeemed according to his cuſtom, to be ſo with one that was ſiſter unto Ligdamis, who then was with us: And ſince he had wit at will, he thought it would not be a piece of any great difficulty to ſcrue it out of her. But he was at a great non-plus, when he underſtood from her, that Ligdamis was never unquiet or troubled; that he made no ſecrets of Cleonice's Letters, but on the contrary did frequently ſhew them; and that there appeared no arguments of his being in Love, only his frequent viſits, and continual commendations of Cleonice when any occaſions were offered. And he found that theſe were not abſolute arguments whereby to conclude he was in Love; ſo that he knew not either what to ſay or think: ſince he was not one of an humour to love violently, he himſelf was never much unquiet; and the Jealouſie of ſuch men may rather be termed Curioſity then Jealouſie. As for Artelinda, ſhe did ſecretly triumph in being a cauſe of Cleonice's trouble: yet was her Joy not over-full of tranquillity, becauſe ſhe was ſtill in ſome doubt there was ſome ſecret affection between Ligdamis and Cleonice: for if that were not, ſaid ſhe, ſhe would never have taken that Letter and concealed it; and if ſhe had not conceived herſelf intereſted in Ligdamis when [Page] ſhe ſaw his hand, ſhe would not have come off with ſo ſhort a viſit, nor been ſo impatient to be gone. Thus did Artelinda argue; all whoſe thoughts, ſince then, we came to know, for ſhe was not of any humour of keeping ſecrets very well. In the mean while Ligdamis could not imagine what this Letter ſhould be, which Cleonice ſo carefully concealed; nor could he conceive what it was which ſo troubled her mind: He could not think upon any thing elſe but it; and when he returned home, he would not admit of any company whoſoever. Yet did he wonder to find himſelf ſo unquiet, and was angry that he ſhould be no more a maſter of his own mind: conceiving, that friendſhip only ought not to cauſe ſo many angry hours; nor knowing any reaſon why the ſight of this Letter which ſhe ſo cloſely concealed, ſhould cauſe any ſuch ſenſible ſorrow in himſelf, ſince he was not in love with her. Yet ſince friendſhip may be as tender as love, it may be alſo a cauſe of as much unquietneſs; and one may fear the loſs of a Friend, as well as the loſs of a Miſtreſs. Finding therefore that he had ſome reaſon to be troubled, he waited with much impatiencie till the next morning, before he could cleer himſelf of his doubts: yet he could not ſo ſoon; for though he went betimes to the houſe of Cleonice, yet ſhe was gone forth before he came. But, Madam, that which cauſed her haſte, was her fancie to tell Artelinda all that had paſſed between Ligdamis and her, to the end ſhe might better be convinced of his being in love, though ſhe was abſolutely perſwaded that he was: for beſides this Letter, ſhe knew that the Father of Ligdamis would not ſuffer his ſon to marry any but one woman whom he had propoſed unto him. So that ſhe expounded all that Artelinda had told her, even as that cunning woman wiſhed. But to cleer all, Cleonice went to Artelinda's chamber, and conjured her to diſcover the name of this fantaſtical Lover who permitted her a hundred ſervants. Cleonice, ſaid Artelinda to her, I confeſs I ought to be fuller of pitty then you yourſelf have been: but you ſhall never know it, not only becauſe you are too cruel, but alſo becauſe he whom you would have me name, hearing of our private conferences, is ſo afraid I ſhould diſcover our correſpondencie unto you, that ſince yeſterday he hath written no leſs then thrice unto me, that he will abſolutely break off with me, if ever he hear I acquaint you with the league that is between us: Therefore, Cleonice, I beſeech you pardon me, and importune me no further to tell his name: I confeſs his proceeding does much aſtoniſh me, becauſe I cannot comprehend his reaſon why he ſhould ſo much fear I ſhould diſcloſe our ſecret unto you, eſpecially knowing that he eſteems you very highly. And truly, I muſt alſo confeſs (ſaid this ſubtile woman) that if you were leſs ſevere then you are, I ſhould think this Man hath told you as well as me, that he loves you, and ſo deceives us both. Therefore, Cleonice, (ſaid ſhe ſtill moſt craftily) if there be any man, who notwithſtanding your ſeverity, does tell you any delighting lyes, which do not diſpleaſe thoſe who do not believe them; I conjure you to confeſs it unto me, and name the man who told them; promiſing you that if you name him whom I mean, I will immediately acknowledge him, for I have as great a deſire to tell his name, as you have to know it: Speak therefore, Cleonice, and tell me the man, to the end that joyning our intereſts and reſentments together, we may both of us hate the man that thus divides his heart between us. For my part, ſaid Cleonice, (who found enough to confirm her in the opinion ſhe had of Ligdamis) ſince none ever talks to me concerning matters of Love, I can neither ſatisfie your curioſity nor my own. Ha Cleonice, ſaid Artelinda, you ſpeak in too generall terms to be credited; for how is it poſſible men ſhould ſee you, and not tell you at the leaſt that they think you fair, ſince I my ſelf, who am not in a capacity to love you, cannot chuſe but ſay as much? However, ſaid ſhe, you may very well ſpeak more ſincerely unto me, ſince I would truſt you with things of my greateſt importance. I do not deſire, Cleonice, you ſhould tell me who it is that you love, but who it is that loves you: I perceive very plainly you will not ſatisfie me, becauſe you will not ſo much as name Hermodorus. I ſhall not name him indeed, replied Cleonice, as well becauſe he hath ceaſed his Courtſhip, as becauſe I know it is not he with whom you hold this ſecret correſpondence. As they were thus in diſcourſe, Ligdamis hearing Cleonice was there, came into the chamber. As ſoon as he appeared, Cleonice bluſht; and Artelinda counterfeiting ſadneſs, ſhe drew her ſtool further from Cleonice, as if ſhe were afraid Ligdamis ſhould obſerve ſhe whiſpered with her.

This converſation was not pleaſing unto any but Artelinda, who had a ſecret malignant joy, to obſerve the reſtleſs minde of Cleonice, who not being able any longer to endure the company either of Artelinda, or of ſuch a perfidious friend as ſhe conceived Ligdamis to be, did riſe up, and would have gone away. He preſented his hand unto [Page] her, to lead her out; though this viſit was ſo ſhort, that it was a kinde of incivility offered unto Artelinda to go ſo ſoon; but Cleonice imagining that his going with her was only to diſſemble the better, would not ſuffer him to go with her; and to hinder him, ſhe ſaid ſhe was not going to her own houſe: adding further, with a forced ſmile, that ſhe would not incur the hatred of two ſuch friends at once, by ſeparating them ſo ſoon. Artelinda replyed unto this, according to her uſual ſubtilty, and Ligdamis could not imagine why ſhe ſhould ſay ſo; for her looks were ſo ſerious, as he could not believe it to be a bare complement, without any deſign, ſo that he would however conduct her to her coach; and as ſhort as his viſit had been, yet would he not go in again, but would ſee whether Cleonice ſaid true, in ſaying ſhe went not unto her own houſe: So that he followed after her; and Cleonice looking back to ſee whether he ſtaid with Artelinda, ſaw him follow, and thought that it was only the better to cozen her: and though ſhe told him ſhe was not going home, yet ſhe did, ſince the anguiſh of her minde would not permit her to make any more viſits. Ligdamis, as ſoon as he ſaw her go into her own houſe, knew certainly ſhe was not friends with him; and thought the reaſon of it to be, becauſe there was ſome other whom ſhe loved, of which the Letter he had ſeen, and language Cleonice gave him, were convincing proofs: She dares not, ſaid he, acknowledge her weakneſs unto me; however, ſhe might have broke off with me a little more civilly. Thus Madam, did Ligdamis argue with himſelf, who being very deſirous to ſatisfie all doubts, went the ſame hour unto Cleonice: And coming into her chamber, he did exceedingly ſurprize her. Madam, ſaid he unto her, I did not think that any little lyes (if I may ſo phraſe them) were allowable amongſt ſuch as profeſs ſincere friendſhip; however, if I durſt, I would chide you for telling me you would not go preſently to your own houſe. I did not intend it, replyed ſhe, when I told you ſo, but I altered my minde afterwards. Oh Madam, replyed Ligdamis, do not adde crime to crime: if you do not think me worthy of your friendſhip, or that you cannot keep any longer within our conditions, I beſeech you let us break off. I do not ask who that happy man is, from whom that Letter came, which you preſerve ſo ſecretly. That happy one, replyed ſhe, ſharply, is more of your acquaintance then mine. I do not know a man, replyed he, that merits thoſe favours which you do him. I do agree with you, replyed ſhe, he does not deſerve them. Why then, replyed he, do you make him your friend or lover, for I know not which of thoſe two attributes he muſt have. As for the laſt of theſe two, replyed ſhe, let us refer it unto Artelinda; and as for the other, I hope he ſhall not long wear that title. Artelinda has ſo many Lovers, replyed Ligdamis, much perplexed, that I cannot imagine which you mean. It is very true, ſaid Cleonice very fiercely: but Cleonice has ſo few friends, that you may quickly gueſs if you pleaſe; but Ligdamis, ſhame ſhuts up your mouth. Mine, Madam! replyed he, much amazed; rather ſay, a real reſpect impoſeth ſilence, and keeps me from accuſing you. You carry it very confidently, replyed ſhe, to be ſo culpable, and yet complain. I muſt do ſo, replyed he, but with much reſpect: therefore without further aggravations, I beſeech you, Madam, be ſo generous as to tell me ſincerely, whether it be fit I ſhould be any longer your friend: for ſince friendſhip as well as love ſhould proceed from a free and voluntary conſent, I ſhall trouble you no further, but free you from the trouble which my preſence cauſes; nor will I any longer diſturb the joys of that happy ſtranger, whoſe Letters are ſo dear unto you. I do aſſure you, ſaid ſhe unto him, that he who writ the Letter which ſticks ſo in your ſtomach, is one whom I will never ſee again, as ſoon as I have loſt the ſight of you. Ligdamis amazed at this anſwer, importun'd her to ſpeak more plainly: Then, ſince ſhe was fully reſolved to break off with him that very day, ſhe pull'd out of her pocket that Letter which ſhe took from Artelinda; and ſhewing it unto him, Look, perfidious and diſſembling man, whether he that writ this Letter, be my Lover or my Friend; or whether he be not rather an Impoſtor? Oh Madam (cryed he out) how fallacious are all appearances, if you think this Letter any argument of Love to Artelinda? Oh Ligdamis, ſaid ſhe, how can you be ſo impudent as to deny your crime, and juſtifie your ſelf? No, no, I am not ſo eaſily gulled, nor ever will; for I will truſt no more, and then the moſt ſubtil ſhall never deceive me. However Ligdamis was leſs grieved that ſhe ſhould complain againſt him, then to have cauſe to complain againſt her, becauſe he knew he was not culpable. But when he proffered to deliver his reaſons; ſhe prevented him, ſaying, ſhe would tell hers firſt. But Madam, ſaid he unto her, I believe you have no good ones. Why, ſaid ſhe, do you not think I have juſt cauſe to think you the veryeſt impoſtor amongſt men, to counterfeit [Page] as you have done; to condemn Love, to vent continual Satyrs againſt it, and in the ſhew of all the world to abhor it, whilſt in the mean time you loved Artelinda, and to hide your Courtſhip, wiſhed her to entertain a hundred gallants about her? Believe me Ligdamis, ſhe carries it very well; but let me tell you, that heart which you think is ſo totally yours, is not ſo: However, let me tell you, I will have no more of your friendſhip: and ſince the conditions between us was not to be in love, I have kept my promiſe. How Madam, replyed Ligdamis, is it poſſible you ſhould think I am in love with Artelinda? Why Ligdamis, ſaid ſhe, I need not doubt it, ſince I read this Letter, and know what Artelinda told me. Artelinda, replyed he, is a crafty woman, whoſe words ought always to be held in ſuſpition: and as for the Letter, Madam, if you do but underſtand the true ſenſe of it, you will finde it to be far from any ſigns of love. I do ingeniouſly confeſs my ſelf to blame in not acquainting you with the extravagancies of Artelinda; yet I hope it is not a fault impardonable: on the contrary, I conceive you are obliged unto me for it; for the reaſon why I conceal'd her follies from you, was out of reſpect and love to you, and therefore you would be moſt unjuſt and cruel if you ſhould puniſh me for it. I do moſt ſeriouſly proteſt (ſaid he unto her) that I am not in love with Artelinda, that I never was, nor ever will be. If this be not fully ſatisfaction, but that you will needs have me tell you the adventure between this Lady and me, I muſt firſt for my ſatisfaction, entreat you to ſeem as if you were ignorant of what I ſhall diſcover unto you; for truly Artelinda is ſo indiſcreet, that ſhe moves my pitty, not that ſhe is guilty of any ſuch crimes as will put one to the bluſh; for certainly never any of her moſt favored ſervants ever obtained any thing of her, which did directly; would her vertue; and becauſe ſhe knows that thoſe which ſerve her, cannot accuſe her of any crime, ſhe is therefore the more bold to ſpeak, to write, and do a hundred things which are not very handſome. A very handſom preamble (ſaid Cleonice, and interrupted him) to excuſe one whom one does not love. Ligdamis then ſeeing by the manner of her ſpeech, that there was an abſolute neceſſity of a handſom interpretation of ſuch contradictions, was forced to confeſs, that being one day with Artelinda, ſhe did with ſo much art and boldneſs together, engage him in a converſation of Gallantry, that he never in his life was more perplexed. What could ſhe ſay unto you? (ſaid Cleonice to him, being extreamly deſirous to know the paſſage) for I cannot imagine it poſſible, that ſuch a one as Artelinda could begin firſt any ſuch diſcourſe. Ligdamis ſeeing there was no way to juſtifie himſelf, but by his obedience unto Cleonice, began to relate what ſhe ſo much deſired to know. As I was ſitting very ſeriouſly by Artelinda, ſaid he unto her, ſhe asked me the reaſon of my reſervedneſs: unto which I did not anſwer, becauſe the only cauſe of my reſervedneſs was nothing elſe, but that I was engaged in company of one whoſe diſpoſition was ſo contrary unto mine: but I anſwered in an ambiguous ſenſe, ſo that ſhe much rejoyced at it, and told me with a ſmile, that ſhe had ſeen in her life-time more Lovers then one, who carried it as I did, when they loved and durſt not tell: I do proteſt unto you, ſaid I unto her, and laughed alſo, that this is not the cauſe of my reſervedneſs; for truly if I were ſo unfortunate or fond as to be in love with you, I ſhould not make a ſecret of it. You would ſay (anſwered ſhe) that I ſhould be more glad to hear of ſuch a thing, then you are fearful to diſcover it unto me, ſince all the world twits me with it. But for all that, if you chance to love me hereafter, you would not finde it ſo eaſie matter as you think to diſcover it unto me: for you are ſuch a declared enemy unto that paſſion, as you will be aſhamed to contradict your ſelf: however, ſaid ſhe, and laughed, perhaps you love me already a little; and that which makes me believe it, is becauſe I obſerve you ſhun me, and becauſe I am terrible unto you: This is a very exttaordinary ſign of love (ſaid I unto her) As extraordinary as it is (ſaid ſhe ſtill in Rallery) it is a ſign; for my glaſs tells me, that my face cannot fright you: my company is not ſo dul as to make you ſhun it; and therefore I muſt needs conclude, that you flie me becauſe you fear I ſhould overcome you, and captivate you. Captivity indeed is ſo great a miſery, ſaid I unto her, that though I avoid it for that reaſon, yet am I excuſeable: But, Madam, ſince I am ſincerely plain, I muſt tell you, that is not the reaſon why I decline your converſation: but the real reaſon is, becauſe I know not how to talk with you; to admire your beauty, I cannot, becauſe I am not ſenſible of it; to diſcourſe of wars, is not a fit ſubject for Ladies; to talk of gallartry, that would ſeem as if I did diſpute with you; to ſpeak of liberty unto one who every day captivates ſo many ſlaves, were indiſcreet; to profeſs againſt love, will be thought [...]uſtick and barbariſm: ſo that not knowing what to ſay, I flie your company as much as [...] can handſomely.

[Page] Since you are in an humour to ſpeak ſo freely unto me, ſaid ſhe to him, I pray tell me really what are your thoughts of me? Are you indifferent? or have you any averſion againſt me? Do you hate me? or ſcorn me? or eſteem me? or love me? I do proteſt unto you (ſaid I unto her, and laughed) except it be the laſt of theſe, I have a little of all the reſt: For I am very indifferent of you, by reaſon of the conqueſts you uſe to make; I am very averſe to your humour of favouring ſo many men as you do; I hate you and ſcorn you for ſome of your ſervants ſakes; and I eſteem you for the greatneſs and vivacity of your ſpirit. But to ſpeak in generall, ſaid ſhe unto me, what is the reſult of all theſe thoughts together, and what do you think of me? I think you are one of the faireſt women in the world, ſaid I unto her; but the leſs amiable, becauſe too much loved. It is well, ſaid ſhe unto me, that I can draw ſo much commendations from one that is a profeſſed enemy unto all Gallantry; and, Ligdamis, you muſt know, that Commendations is the firſt ſtep to Love. However (ſaid ſhe ſtill in railery) if it chance ever to be my hap to wound you, I promiſe you to releaſe at leaſt ſix of my Captives for the love of you. They think themſelves ſo happy in it, ſaid I unto her, that it is much better to let them alone in their chains, then to loaden me with them. I ſhall never ſee you in private, ſaid ſhe unto me, but I ſhall ask you what progreſs I have made in your heart. This, Madam, ſaid Ligdamis, was the diſcourſe between Artelinda and my ſelf. About three days after meeting me in a place where ſhe ſhewed me ſome Verſes compoſed by the famous Sapho, which were ſent her from Mitilene, I deſired her to lend them unto me; but ſhe refuſed, ſaying ſhe would ſend them to me; and ſo ſhe did indeed that very ſame night with a Letter, the anſwer unto which you have already. That I may the better believe what you ſay, ſaid Cleonice unto him, I wiſh I could ſee this Letter. That will be no difficult matter, replied he: for as I remember, I writ ſomthing upon the backſide of it concerning the fortification of Epheſus, which the illuſtrious Cleander entruſted me with. You will not tell me then, replied Cleonice, that you have kept it out of affection to the Sender. I will not indeed, anſwered he; for I ſhould think my ſelf a very fool, if I had the leaſt tenderneſs of Artelinda in me, and therefore far from love. However Ligdamis, to loſe no time, ſent one of his ſervants to look in his Cloſet for this Letter, and accordingly he brought it: but though it was torn in ſome places, yet Cleonice read theſe words, after ſhe had very circumſpectly looked upon the back-ſide, to ſee whether Ligdamis had ſpoken truth or no.

ARTELINDA unto LIGDAMIS.

TO teſtifie how much I profited by your laſt converſation, know, that my deſires were ſo much to pleaſe you, as I have not captivated any theſe three dayes. Send me word, I pray you, what conſequences this will effect upon your heart, to the end that if I cannot make any further happy progreſs therein, I may ſtop, and engage my ſelf no further: but I pray you conſider ſeriouſly before you anſwer

ARTELINDA.

After Cleonice had read this Letter and ſeriouſly looked upon it, ſhe told Ligdamis that it was not written by Artelinda. You muſt know, Madam, ſaid he unto her, that ſhe writes ſeverall hands: ſhe does not write unto her friends in the ſame character that ſhe uſeth to write unto her Lovers; and if you will be pleaſed to ask Phocylides, he will ſhew you that I ſpeak the truth.

But, Madam, Ligdamis ſpoke ſo well in his own cauſe, that he moved Cleonice to believe him; and cauſing her to compare his Anſwer with her Letter, ſhe found not the leaſt cauſe of ſuſpition. Moreover Cleonice remembring that Artelinda told her, it was her pretended Lovers deſire ſhe ſhould carry herſelf as ſhe did; and that did either plainly appear to be a lye, or elſe that it was not Ligdamis; becauſe ſhe writ, that to pleaſe him ſhe had not captivated any in three dayes. As Cleonice was thus very buſie in examination of the matter, I came into her chamber; and the quarrel between them being related unto me, I juſtified Ligdamis, and compoſed all difference between them: for I had not come to ſee Cleonice that day, but only to ſhew a Letter which Artelinda had writ unto one of her Adorers who was kinſman unto me; and ſince ſhe found it to be the very ſame [Page] character with that which Ligdamis ſhewed her, ſhe deſired pardon for accuſing him. After this, they begun new proteſtations of Frieddſhip, and lived as they did before, in much ſweetneſs and confidence in each other, all the ſtratagems and plots of Artelinda and Phocylides not being able to moleſt them. As for Hermodorus, as he loved none but Cleonice, ſo it was his only buſineſs to obſerve her: And though the frequent viſits of Ligdamis cauſed him many an angry hour, yet he ſmothered his ſorrows as well as he could: For as Cleonice had forbid him all expreſſions of Love, ſo he durſt not ſhew his Jealouſie, but ſilently ſuffered all his ſorrows in ſecret. For our parts, it may be ſaid we lived in a Paradiſe of Pleaſures; Cleonice was ſenſible of no diſtaſtes, but what the humour of Stenobea procured her, which ſhe imparting unto Ligdamis, he leſſened the burthen, and doubled all her joys. For my part, the eſteem of theſe two firm friends was fulneſs of happineſs to me: I was the Mercury who brought the news of the Town always unto them, and principally concerning Artelinda. I remember one day, hearing one of her: Lovers being gone a journey into the Country, and leaving a Brother with her as his Agent in his abſence, he himſelf fell in love with her, and ſhe would not by any means ſuffer him to talk of his love unto her, I related the whole ſtory unto them, which had a hundred odd paſſages in it: and after I had finiſhed my tale; For my part; ſaid Cleonice, I cannot comprehend how one ſhould fall in love with another after they have lived a long time together, without the leaſt ſenſibility of that Paſſion: For truly, as I imagine the manner of it, it is its quality to ſurprize one upon a ſudden, and take up the minde all at once, and not ſteal on by little and little, as Friendſhip does. Truly, ſaid I on the contrary, I think it much leſs ſtrange that one ſhould begin to love another after they perfectly are acquainted, and know the qualities of each other, then to ſee men in the higheſt extreams, and love exceſſively the firſt minute they ſee the party. Since it is certain, ſaid Ligdamis, that love is an effect of a predominate ſimpathy, rather then of any perfect knowledge, there is leſs cauſe of wonder to ſee one love at the firſt minute, then after long acquaintance. However, I am fully perſwaded, ſaid Cleonice, that one never paſſes from terms of Friendſhip, unto terms of Love; and that one is more apt to fall in love with another, of whom he had but an indifferent opinion, then with one with one with whom he was upon terms of moſt tender Friendſhip. For my part, ſaid I unto her, I am not of your opinion; for certainly it is a greater invitement unto Love, to be eſteemed, to be loved, to be courted and pleaſed with the converſation of one, then not to be at all acquainted; or if acquainted, to have but thoughts of indifferency: Nor do I believe I am much miſtaken when I affirm, that there is much more heat in the hearts of thoſe who are upon terms of violent Friendſhip, then in thoſe that are upon terms only of common and indifferent Love. Oh Iſmenea! cryed out Cleonice; you put me into an extream fright by ſaying ſo: For if you can perſwade me of that, you will make me hate Ligdamis. You would be very injuſt then, ſaid he, though Iſmenea had reaſon for one thing which ſhe affirmed; for I do verily believe with her, that a violent Friendſhip hath more heat then a mean and indifferent Love: But Madam, there is as vaſt a difference between theſe two, as there is between the heat of the Sun, and that of the Fire: The firſt of theſe warms and comforts without burning; and the other burns as ſoon as touched: This is the reaſon that Love is never without ſorrows and diſtempers; whereas on the contrary, violent friendſhip may be without any impatiency or trouble. This ſimile, ſaid Cleonice, does ſomething perſwade me againſt the opinion of Iſmenea. He ſpeaks only what will pleaſe you Madam (ſaid I unto her purpoſely to cauſe diſpute) but for all that, he cannot make me believe that a little ſtar can yellow corn, or parch the ground ſo much as the rays of the Sun. For my part, ſaid Cleonice unto me, and laughed, you make me ſuſpect there is ſome naughty affection (unto which you do not give the name) which belongs unto it. And you will perſwade me, ſaid I unto her, that you only eſteem Ligdamis, and have not thoughts of Friendſhip at all. I had rather he ſhould think ſo, ſaid ſhe, then that he ſhould think I had any thoughts of him, which might become Love. I never had ſo good an opinion of my ſelf, replyed he, nor ſo bad of you, as to imagine any ſuch thing; though, added he and laughed, if ever the fair Cleonice ſhould be capable of a kinde of affection, I wiſh it may be unto my advantage. Ha Ligdamis, cryed ſhe out, this wiſh does extreamly offend me. If I had wiſhed that you ſhould love me after another manner then you do, replyed he, then doubtleſs I had been to blame, in violating the Promiſes which I made unto you: But I cannot think it will offend you to ſay, that if of neceſſity you muſt love any, I wiſh rather it [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] were me then another. But if you do not love me, replied ſhe, (as I do not deſire you ſhould) why do you wiſh ſo as you do? for is there any thing in the world more ridiculous and extravagant, then to ſee one of my ſexe to love, and not to be loved again? Indeed, Ligdamis, I do not like you ſhould fancie ſuch fond ſuppoſitions as theſe.

But Madam (ſaid I unto her, and was much delighted with her anger) I pray tell us, ſuppoſe the caſe your own, and that Ligdamis ſhould fall in love, had you not rather it ſhould be with you then any other? Really, Iſm [...]n [...]a, ſaid ſhe unto me, I think you have both loſt your wits: Ligdamis, in wiſhing me in ſuch an injurious caſe; and you, in asking me ſuch odd queſtions. However anſwer me, ſaid I unto her. Can you think, replied ſhe, and bluſht, that there is none in the world he can be in love withall but me? There is none in all the world, Madam, replied he, who can render my weakneſs more excuſable then you: but I pray you tell me, Cleonice, ſaid I unto her, why do you ask that queſtion? I ask it, anſwered ſhe, both in relation to his intereſt and my own; for certainly, with whomſoever I can be in love, there is more poſſibility that he ſhall be loved again by any ſooner then by me, who am fully determined never to love any: Moreover, Ligdamis in loving another, does only give me a teſtimony of his weakneſs; but in loving me, he does me an injury, ſince we have concluded none can love without hope, and he can never hope unleſs he wrong me. But you, ſaid ſhe to Ligdamis, who take upon you ſo much freedom as to ſay you had rather be the object of my weakneſs then of anothers, what good reaſons can you give me for your rather? Though I had none more ſtrong, anſwered he, then that I ſhould never publiſh it, but could better conceal your affection to me then any other, yet that were ſufficient. However it be (ſaid ſhe half angry) pray let us ſpeak no more of it: for I perceive we are more apt to diſcourſe of this Paſſion, then if we were not declared enemies unto it.

The chafe in which Leonice was, made me laugh as well as Ligdamis: For to perſecute her a little, we asked her a hundred odd queſtions, unto which ſhe would anſwer ſometimes in railiery, and ſometimes in anger: but at the end of our converſation we were all in one opinion, and parted good friends. In the interim Artelinda was almoſt out of her wits, to ſee her plots, did thrive no better: but being of an humour not to grieve long for any thing, ſhe cheered up herſelf in the multitude of her Lovers. Phocylides alſo not knowing which way to trouble the tranquillity of Ligdamis and Cleonice, did deſiſt from ever thinking of it, and lived according to his accuſtomed rate, as well as Hermodorus. A little while after, the illuſtrious Cleander conferred the Government of the Caſtle of Hermes upon the Father of Ligdamis, ſo that there was a neceſſity of his going unto the Court to render thanks: And therefore he took his leave of Cleonice, who rejoyced much at the honour which was conferred upon his family. But in parting from her, though it was but for a few dayes, yet he ſeemed more ſad then he uſed to be when he parted from her upon leſs pleaſing occaſions then this: For when he went to the wars, his journies were long, and the cauſe dangerous. However, he made no great reflexion upon it then, but came to Sardis, ſuppoſing himſelf only a friend unto Cleonice, and not ſo much as ſuſpecting he ſhould ever become a Lover. Since he had the honour to be deep in Cleanders love, he retained him longer then he thought: But though the Court at that time was the moſt glorious Court in the world, as you know (Madam) much better then I do, yet was he extremely diſcontented, and ſo impatient was he to return to Epheſus, that he left the Court much ſooner then Cleander deſired; but he returned with ſo many ſymptoms of joy in his face, that Cleonice, when he came to viſit her, imagined that ſome great good fortune had happened to him which ſhe was ignorant of, though the only cauſe of all his joy was only to ſee her. However, Ligdamis was much amazed to perceive, that by little and little the tranquillity of his mind was troubled without any apparent cauſe: For his fortunes were in better ſtate then ever; his health was not impaired; he could not poſſibly be upon better terms with Cleonice then he was: There wanted nothing which could conduce unto his happineſs, but to be ſenſible of it, as formerly he had been: His reaſon ſometimes told him he could not be better. When he was out of Cleonice's ſight, he could not endure the abſence; and when he was with her, yet was he not contented: He looked upon her more, and ſpoke leſs: He was ſo extreamly unquiet, that he began to ſuſpect his mind was changed, and that he was in Love. The very firſt thought of it did raiſe ſuch a turbulent ſtorm in his ſoul, that all his Reaſon could not lay it: But in the end, examining the bottom of his heart, and comparing his former eſtate unto that wherein he was at preſent, he found he was not maſter of himſelf, but that Love [Page] was a triumphant Conqueror. To be better ſatisfied, he asked himſelf what it was he would have? what he deſired? As for matter of Fortune, ſaid he, I am fully contented, for my ambition goes no higher: As relating to Cleonice, I have good reaſon alſo to be ſatisfied with her. But he had no ſooner ſaid ſo, then he perceived preſently that he was not; but was ſo full of ſuch unquiet deſires as have no limited objects, that he ſenſibly found he was in love, and loved violently. Then did he remember, that for fifteen dayes together he had uſed no invective expreſſions againſt Love; but always when he had ſome deſire unto it, they were mixed with ſome repugnance contrary to his cuſtom. So that after a ſtrict ſurvey of himſelf, he knew moſt certainly that he was abſolutely in Love. Yet could he not think that his diſeaſe was incurable; but on the contrary thought, that to deſire againſt it, had been antidote ſufficient: yet when he conſulted with his will, he found that he had no deſire at all to be cured. However, he reſolved to wreſtle with his Paſſion; and in order to a conqueſt, he brought as many Reaſons as poſſibly he could invent, but all too weak, and fruitleſs.

Seeing then he could not vanquiſh himſelf, he reſolved at the leaſt to hide his paſſion, as well becauſe he was aſhamed of his weakneſs, as becauſe he knew that if Cleonice perceived it, ſhe would withdraw her friendſhip, and treat him ill. Sometimes he would ask himſelf, whether it was true that he was in love? What, (would he ſay to himſelf) is this the inſenſible Ligdamis, who with ſo much zeal condemned Love, and yet ſuffers himſelf to be vanquiſhed? Fie, fie, I cannot think it: However, I find my heart is not my own, my ſoul is in diſorder; the friendſhip of Cleonice doth not ſatisfie me; that which was wont to pleaſe me, troubles me; I ſtudy and muſe without a cauſe: I can find no reſt either in the abſence or the preſence of Cleonice: when I am out of her ſight, I am infinitely impatient to ſee her, and think that then my happineſs would be full; yet when I am come into her preſence, my joyes to ſee her are not pure, but mixt with deſire of ſomething elſe, though I know not what: Fain would I tell her my mind; but how can I tell her that I love her, ſince I have been ſo invective againſt Love? and contracted friendſhip with her, becauſe both ſhe and I were enemies to that paſſion? No, no, I can never be able to do it. But alas! ſaid he, and reprehended himſelf, is it poſſible I can live ſo reſtleſs without any complaint? Yet Cleonice engaged me, that if ever I ſhould be ſo unfortunate and fond as to be in love with her, I ſhould endeavour to vanquiſh my paſſion, at the leaſt to hide it; and if I could not, to baniſh my ſelf, and forbear her company. I have already found that the firſt of theſe injunctions is abſolutely impoſſible, and I do very much doubt the ſecond. My caſe is very hard, ſaid he: for all other Lovers, when they begin to love, may hope that their complaints will be heard; they are not forbid to ſpeak of their paſſions, till after they have expreſſed themſelves, ſo that they are ſure their Loves are known: But my deſtiny is very malignant, for they forbid me to ſpeak of Love, before ever I was in Love. Others, I ſay, in diſcovering their affection, are not in any danger to loſe any thing, but may hope as well as fear: Yet I am almoſt certain, that Cleonice will withdraw her friendſhip from me, as ſoon as I diſcover mine. However, ſaid he, ſince my heart hath changed, why may not hers alſo? Hope then, ſaid he, hope Ligdamis! Then preſently his ſoul was ſo full of fears, that he loſt all hope, and almoſt his reaſon: yet ſince he could do nothing elſe, he reſolved to diſguiſe his thoughts, having not a heart to tell her that he loved her, or to deprive himſelf of her ſight. He viſited her therefore as he was wont, but almoſt without any delight, by reaſon of his conſtrained way: He deſired to look upon her without diſtraction, as formerly he did, but alas it was impoſſible; his eyes, whether he would or no, betrayed the ſecrets of his heart; he wiſhed ſhe could gheſs at the motions of his ſoul: but with much care did he hide that, which rather then his life he would have her know, and which yet he durſt not tell her. Since Cleonice did not ſuſpect any thing of all this, ſhe took no notice of this alteration in Ligdamis: yet within a while after he was ſo diſtempered, and ſo reſerved, that ſhe perceived it, and asked him the cauſe with ſo much ſincerity, as let him know ſhe was ignorant of it: And he, being fearfull to acquaint her with ſuch an unwelcom truth, anſwered, that his reſervedneſs proceeded from a fooliſh indiſpoſition of melancholy, without any cauſe; and Cleonice believing him, did ſtrive as much as ſhe could to divert him by a hundred obliging endeavours.

I well remember, how at that time Artelinda afforded us an ample ſubject to ſpeak againſt Love: For, Madam, one of her Lovers being gone a journey, and leaving a Brother with her as his Agent, to preſent his Letters unto Artelinda, and to receive her anſwers, [Page] ſhe made a Captive of him, who was only a Solicitor for another, and ſhewed more favours unto him, then to the Party for whom he did negotiate. Phocylides alſo gave us another ſubject of talk, in perſwading two mortal enemies which ſhe loved, and making them both believe ſeverally, that he did but mock the other whom he hated. Having met with theſe two freſh adventures in one day; Cleonice, Ligdamis and I being together, Cleonice, according to her wonted manner, began to ſpeak againſt the fantaſtical effects of Love. Ligdamis, after he had been along while and ſpoke not a word, told her that ſhe did miſtake things, ſince theſe kinde of extravagancies are rather cauſed by the folly of them that do them, then by Love, which really had never any room in their hearts: For indeed Artelinda and Phocylides are not in love. Yet if there were no ſuch things as Love in the world, replyed Cleonice they would not do any ſuch things: But Ligdamis, ſaid ſhe; and laughed, how comes it to paſs that you make a difference between Love, and the follies of Artelinda and Phocylides? Becauſe (anſwered he coldly) I have ſo many things beſides to accuſe them of, that I will not charge them unjuſtly. For my part, ſaid ſhe, I am not ſo indulgent unto them as you are; for I do accuſe Love of all the evils in the world. Suppoſe it ſhould deprive me of my reaſon, ſaid he, would you be glad of it? No, believe me, ſaid ſhe; for I love you more then I hate Love; and therefore I aſſure you I ſhould be extreamly ſorry: But I am ſo well perſwaded of your wiſdom, that I never need fear any ſuch thing. Yet they ſay, replyed he, men muſt be in love once in their lives. I do not think that ſo general a Rule, but it will admit of ſome exceptions, replyed ſhe, and laughed; for Ligdamis has ſeen all the ſpringing Beauties in Epheſus and Sardis, and none of them could ever draw him into any danger; therefore I hope he will never be in love, and by conſequence will for ever enjoy my Friendſhip. I promiſe you all the Beauties of Epheſus (ſaid he unto her) cannot keep me from loving you. But you ſay nothing of our Sardinian Stars (ſaid ſhe, and laughed ſtill) Since you fear them not, replyed he, and bluſh'd, I need not ſpeak of them. Cleonice obſerving an alteration in the face of Ligdamis, began to repeat all the conditions of their Friendſhip. Do you not remember, ſaid ſhe unto him, that I promiſed you my Affection, as long as you were not in love, and no longer; and how you for your part promiſed, if ever you were in love, you would acquaint me with it that very ſame hour. I do not know Madam, (replyed he with a far fetched ſigh) what your commands were, in caſe I ſhould be in love with you. Though there be not neceſſity of a repetition, replyed ſhe, yet I will remember you, how I ſaid I would not have you acquaint me with it, that you ſhould endeavor to vanquiſh the paſſion; that if you could not, yet to conceal it; and if you could not do that, then to hide your ſelf, and never ſee me again. But Madam, replyed he, did you never alter your minde ſince that time? No, replyed ſhe, not at all: But Ligdamis, I hope you will finde no great-difficulty in obeying me; and ſince no other can captivate you, you will be ſtill free, and I ever your friend: Though truly your reſervedneſs and melancholy of Love hath put me into many fears; for I alwayes imagined when you came unto me, that you came with intentions to diſcover your weakneſs, and to tell me you were either in love with Artelinda or ſome other. Ligdamis did bluſh at this diſcourſe. I asked him the cauſe; and he told me it was uſual for them to bluſh who were ſuſpected of any injuſtice.

Thus, Madam, was their diſcourſe, which did double all the miſeries of Ligdamis, and grew ſo inſupportable, that he was not able to endure them: He offered a hundred and a hundred times to tell her that he loved her, and his reverent reſpects of her ſtopped his mouth. Then did he determine to diſcover his love unto her by his obedience; that was, in ceaſing to ſee her; conceiving no way better to let her know it, and not incenſe her: This way of declaring love, was a hard chapter; but ſince he could not ſpeak, ſilence it ſeems muſt ſpeak for him; and he eſteemed it one degree of happineſs in his miſery, that he hoped ſhe would thereby underſtand his meaning: Then, after a long viſit without a minute of private diſcourſe, becauſe much company was there that day, as he was going out with the reſt of the company, which went out almoſt altogether; Shall I ſee you to morrow? ſaid ſhe unto him: No, Madam, replyed he. And why will you deprive me of that honor? replyed ſhe. Becauſe I am reſolved to obey you; anſwered he, and went ont, not daring to look at her. Cleonice calling to memory all that ſhe had ſaid unto him that day, could not remember ſhe had enjoyned any thing upon him to be done to morrow; and therefore ſhe thought his memory had deceived him, but did not at all reſpect the truth.

[Page] The day following, ſhe asked me whether I ſaw Ligdamis? and alſo asked ſeveral others; who all anſwered, No; and indeed he never came out of his own Chamber, but waited with as much fear and as impatience, till Cleonice expreſſed ſome ſigns ſhe underſtood him. He told me ſince, that never man ſuffered more melancholly miſery then he did upon that occaſion; for, ſaid he, ſhe underſtands me not, and I deprive my ſelf of the happineſs of ſeeing her to no purpoſe; and if ſhe do underſtand me, perhaps it is with anger in her heart: I ſhall my ſelf deſtroy that eſteem which ſhe has of me, and perhaps ſhe will not do me ſo much favour. as to ſhew her indignation unto me, but let me alone in my lamentable exile: but Cleonice did not at all ſuſpect his Paſſion. The firſt day was thus ſpent, the ſecond aſtoniſhed her a little more, and the third day I coming unto her: What have you done with Ligdamis? ſaid ſhe to me; and what's become of him, that neither we nor any elſe can ſee him? I ſhould have ſaid he had been ſick, ſaid I unto her, if I had not met with his ſiſter in the Temple, who told me he was not ſick, but very melancholly. I cannot imagine the cauſe of it, replyed Cleonice, but muſt ſtay till he be in the humour to come and tell me. The next day being a day conſecrated unto Diana, Cleonice and I went unto the Temple, and as we came in, I ſaw Ligdamis; and ſhewed him unto Cleonice; yet he no ſooner ſaw us look upon him, but after he had bowed unto us, he went out of the Temple, which did exceedingly ſurpriſe us; for his cuſtom was, when he met with Cleonice, to regulate his devotion according to hers, and wait upon her out. The next day following, we did accidently meet with him, but ſince Artelinda and three or four more were in the company, Cleonice could hardly ſpeak unto him, yet as he paſſed on her ſide, ſhe leaned towards him; and moſt obligingly ſaid, I pray Ligdamis, tell me what you are doing? I am obeying you Madam (replyed he in a low voyce, and bluſh'd) and without any longer ſtay, he went away: and left Cleonice ſo aſtoniſhed, that ſhe knew not what to think: As ſoon as ſhe was returned home, ſhe reſolved to clear her doubts; and writ unto Ligdamis in theſe terms:

CLEONICE unto LIGDAMIS.

SInce I cannot remember I ever deſired any thing of you, which might deprive me of the happineſs in ſeeing you, do me the favour to write your minde; to the end I may chide my ſelf, and my bad memory, and that I may know your willingneſs to obey me,

CLEONICE.

After ſhe had writ this Letter, ſhe ſent it unto Ligdamis, by a Page which ſhe loved very well, who did deliver it the very ſame hour: You may imagine how Ligdamis was perplexed; he began twenty times to anſwer this Letter, and as many times blotted out what he had writ: Sometimes he thought he ſaid too much, and preſently after he thought it too little. But in concluſion, there being a neceſſity of writing ſomething, he returned this anſwer, if my memory fail me not.

LIGDAMIS unto CLEONICE.

I Would it were the will of the Gods, Madam, that my puting you in memory of that Command which you impoſed upon me, to ſee yon no more, could make me hope my obedience would procure a pardon of that Crime which did precede it: I have not ſo much confident boldneſs as to tell you what it is, unleſs your goodneſs will permit, or rather appoint me

LIGDAMIS.

After he had writ this Letter, and read it over and over, he gave it unto the Page which brought the other, commanding him to deliver it with his own hands unto his Miſtreſs, and let none ſee it but ſhe. As chance was, I came unto Cleonice, preſently after ſhe had ſent unto Ligdamis, and was with her when ſhe received his anſwer: As ſoon as the Page appeared, ſhe went towards him to take that Letter which he writ; and turning towards me, We ſhall ſee whether I have loſt my memory, ſaid ſhe; or whether I ever [Page] commanded Ligdamis not to ſee me, and have forgotten it. After this, ſhe began to read the Letter aloud: but I ſaw her bluſh at reading of the two firſt lines; her voice changed; and ſhe read the laſt ſo indiſtinctly, that I underſtood her not: Then I took the Letter and read it. Is your curioſity ſatisfied? (ſaid I, after I had read it.) Not at all, replied ſhe, for I do not well underſtand whether Ligdamis jeers, or whether he hath loſt his wits or reaſon; nor do I yet underſtand whether that command which he ſays I impoſed upon him, be grounded upon that queſtion which he asked me the other day in your preſence, which was, What he ſhould do in caſe he fell in love with me? I perceive indeed, he would make me believe he is ſo. You muſt needs confeſs, ſaid I unto her, that this declaration of his love is the moſt reſpective that poſſibly can be, and alſo the moſt private. Heavens preſerve me from thinking that Ligdamis is in love with me! ſaid ſhe: No, no, Iſmenea, I do not at all believe it, and I do repent of that ſuſpition which I had of him: Certainly he is in an humour to make himſelf ſome ſport, and would be revenged of me for the perplexity I put him into by accuſing him of being in love with Artelinda. However, ſaid I unto her, it muſt needs be acknowledged, that if he be in love, he could not carry it with more reſpect or with more gallantry. If he were in love, replied ſhe, doubtleſe he could not carry it ſo: for Lovers loſe their Reaſon, as ſoon as they begin to enter into that predicament. Yet I have heard ſay, replied I, that there are ſome men which Love makes more witty. I do think indeed, ſaid ſhe, that perhaps it may infuſe ſome wit into thoſe who had none before; but I believe on the other ſide, it takes away the wits of them that had any: And therefore I am confirmed in my opinion, that Ligdamis makes himſelf merry by this deſign; it not being imaginable he ſhould preſerve his Judgment, and be in Love. Yet for all that, ſaid I unto her, he has found out an invention to make you read the declaration of his love without any anger. I do confeſs it, ſaid ſhe, but it is becauſe I do not think as he deſires I ſhould: I am ſo afraid (ſaid ſhe and laughed) he ſhould imagine I take this ſeriouſly, and that I ſhould give him a ſubject of laughing at me all his life-long, that I will ſend for him hither immediately, that I may let him ſee by my entertainment of him, that I am not eaſily deceived. But (ſaid I unto her) ſay you ſhould be deceived, what would you ſay then? I would ſay (replied ſhe) that I am the unhappieſt woman upon earth: But why do I ſay ſo? Tell me, Iſmenea, have I not the very ſame eyes I had when Ligdamis was only my friend? Am I more charming then I was? have I any more wit? What's the matter that makes me more terrible to him then before? No, no; the mind of Ligdamis is ſtill the ſame, and ſo free, that I ſee he hath invented a more witty declaration of his love, then all the Lovers of Artelinda ever could.

But how came it to paſs, ſaid I unto her, that you bluſhed ſo at the reading of his Letter; and that your voice was ſo feeble and weak, that I had much ado to underſtand you? The reaſon was, replied ſhe, becauſe all that ſmells of Gallantry and Courtſhip doth affright me at the firſt; but preſently after I recollected my ſelf. However you make me loſe time, which is ſo precious to me: for methinks I ſee Ligdamis delighting himſelf with his own imaginations that he has made me angry. Then without more ado ſhe called one of her women, whom ſhe commanded to bring the Page unto her who carried her Letter to Ligdamis: when he was come, ſhe commanded him to go again unto him from her, and to tell him ſhe deſired he would immediately come unto her: If by chance he ask who is with me, (ſaid ſhe) tell him Iſmenea; and if he enquire whether I be merry or melancholy, tell him the truth, that I am no [...] ſad. Cleonice gave him theſe inſtructions, becauſe ſhe knew Ligdamis was wont to ask this Page a hundred ſuch queſtions; and her reaſon why ſhe bad him ſay ſo was, becauſe ſhe would not have Ligdamis think ſhe received his Letter (as he did write it) ſeriouſly: ſo afraid was ſhe, that Ligdamis ſhould believe one minute that ſhe thought him to be in love with her. The Page being gone to Ligdamis, he no ſooner ſaw him, but he thought he brought the ſentence of his death, ſigned with the hand of Cleonice: And he was preparing himſelf to read it with a ſad heart, when the Page came neer him with a pleaſant air, and preſented a very civil Complement from Cleonice, telling him ſhe deſired he would come unto her. Ligdamis amazed at this, asked the Page whether ſhe had read his Letter? and he anſwered, that he believed ſhe had more then once, for (ſaid he) ſhe had leiſure enough▪ ſince there was none with her but Iſmenea. Afterwards Ligdamis, ſeeming to enquire of his Miſtreſſes health, asked him whether ſhe was pleaſant or melancholy? And the Page anſwering according to his inſtructions, Ligdamis was ſo ſurpriſed, that he knew not what [Page] to think: He told the Page, he would wait upon her preſently; but he was not ſo quick as his word, for it was above an hour that he was deſcanting upon the meſſage which he had received, and another hour upon the pleaſantneſs of Cleonice, before he could get out of his chamber. What ſhould I think of this? ſaid he: does Cleonice underſtand me, or does ſhe not? is it poſſible that Love in wounding my heart, has troubled hers? or does ſhe not underſtand my meaning? Certainly Cleonice has wit enough, and therefore muſt needs know my deſires; and certainly alſo ſhe knows them without choller, ſince ſhe ſends for me. Go then I will, and go in hopes; yet I believe I have more reaſon to go in fear, for how can it be imagined that ſtrong averſion ſhe had to Love ſhould ſo ſuddenly alter? yet on the other ſide, ſince I am changed, why may not ſhe alſo as well as I? The ſame reaſon is equal unto us both: and ſince the beauty, wit, and merit of Cleonice hath changed my reſolution, why may it not as well change her tenderneſs of friendſhip into a paſſionate affection? Moreover, ſince Love is a grand cauſe of Love, why may not mine move hers? for certainly I love her above all expreſſions. Hope then, hope Ligdamis! Go and receive a ſentence of favour from her, who is only able to grant it.

After this, Ligdamis went unto Cleonice; who no ſooner ſaw him, but ſhe broke out into an extreme laughter, purpoſely to let him ſee he had not deceived her, and that his projects did not hit. But, Madam, Cleonice's joy did not infect Ligdamis: for on the contrary, ſeeing by her jocund air and pleaſant looks, that ſhe underſtood not what he intended and deſired, he was ſo ſerious and extremely troubled, as never man was more: Yet notwithſtanding Cleonice proſecuted her intended deſign, to let him ſee he had not deceived her. But as Ligdamis was ready to anſwer, and I to take Cleonice's part, I was ſent for home upon a buſineſs of great conſequence, ſo that I left them both together, and left them both extremely non-pluſt. Yet did I afterwards know all the paſſages, for they both of them ſeverally related them unto me that ſame night. I was no ſooner gone, but Cleonice continuing her jeers, Very well, Ligdamis! ſaid ſhe unto him; are you not aſhamed of your trim declaration of Love, which you invented to make yourſelf ſport withall? Truly, I take it very ill, you ſhould ever think I could believe it ſerious: but I believe you have ſome curious diſpoſition to anger me. Yet, Ligdamis, I am a little more ſubtile then you are, ſince I know very well it is only a piece of your Railiery. I wiſh unto the Gods, Madam, ſaid he unto her, that what you ſay were true. Seriouſly, Ligdamis, I cannot endure to hear you ſpeak thus. Seriouſly, Madam, ſaid he unto her, I can ſpeak no otherwiſe, unleſs I ſhould lie. Cleonice then looking upon Ligdamis, and ſeeing ſuch a real trouble in his face as perſwaded her he was in earneſt, was ſo amazed and incenſed, that ſhe ſtood a while and could not ſpeak: ſo that Ligdamis began the diſcourſe. Madam, ſaid he unto her, I beſeech you do not condemn before you underſtand me. You know very well, ſaid ſhe unto him, that this is not according to our Conditions, and that I ought not to hearken to any thing which you ſhall ſay, ſince you have rendred yourſelf unworthy of my friendſhip by your poor imbecillity: which though I will not yet accuſe you of, however ſince I think you have loſt your reaſon by ſome other accident, go, Ligdamis, and ſtay at home untill you recover it, and ſee me no more till then. In the name of our friendſhip, Madam, ſaid he unto her, do not thus cruelly baniſh me. That conjuration, replied Cleonice, had power to obtain any thing of me as long as our friendſhip laſted; but ſince it is at an end, I muſt deny you all things. I do proteſt unto you, Madam, ſaid he unto her, that I have not one thought in my heart which can offend you; and if there be any alteration in my ſoul, it is diſadvantagious only unto my ſelf: I muſt needs confeſs I am more unquiet and troubled then I was, I do acknowledge it; but as in relation unto you Madam, the only difference is, that I reſpect you much more then I did before: I fear you more, and love you with a greater zeal, this is all: indeed, divine Cleonice, all the alteration is, I loved you then, and I adore you now.

Whilſt Ligdamis was thus expreſſing himſelf, Cleonice looked upon him with coldneſs able to drive a man into abſolute deſpair: And upon a ſudden ſhe beginning to ſpeak, Fie, fie, Ligdamis! ſaid ſhe unto him, give over, and do not add crime to crime; content yourſelf with my friendſhip, and do not force me to hate you. Would it be juſt, Madam, ſaid he unto her, to hate me for loving you too much? Moreover, do you not conſider that I did never reſiſt you, but always moſt punctually obey you? I have ſtriven with my paſſion as much as I was able, and afterwards found I could not overcome it: I endeavoured to hide it; then ſeeing I was not able to do that neither, I would have baniſhed my ſelf. Why did you not ſeek a handſom pretence for it then, ſaid ſhe unto him, and [Page] never acquaint me with your follies? Why, Madam, ſaid he unto her, would you wiſh me to loſe my Reaſon and my Liberty both? To drown my ſoul in an ocean of turbulent thoughts, altered all my inclinations, quitted the quiet of all my life; and would you, I ſay, have been ignorant of the cauſe of all theſe miſeries, and denied me ſo much conſolation as to let you know how willing I was to obey you? Obey me then, ſaid ſhe unto him, in never ſeeing you again. Ligdamis would have ſaid ſomthing to her, but ſhe would by no means hear him; and ſeeing he had no will to go out of her chamber, ſhe went out the firſt, and conſtrained him to go out alſo.

I leave you to imagine Madam, how great his ſorrow was; and truly hers was no leſs, though it was indifferent thoughts; for Ligdamis was grieved, becauſe he feared his perſeverance would never alter the heart of Cleonice; and ſhe was ſad to break off friendſhip with Ligdamis, and deprive her ſelf of his ſociety who was ſo dear unto her. She not being able then to contain her ſorrows in her own ſoul, ſhe ſent for me, and I went unto her the ſame night, as ſoon as I came to her; My dear Iſmenea (ſaid ſhe unto me) am I not very unfortunate? and muſt it not needs be confeſſed, that I have reaſon to be ſorry you ever made me acquainted with Ligdamis? Why, ſaid I unto her, did you quarrel when I left you together? Yes, anſwered Cleonice; and ſo much, that you can never agree us again. Then ſhe told me the whole paſſage, but with ſuch diſturbed thoughts, that it was eaſie to ſee, ſhe was extreamly perplexed: for I clearly ſaw ſhe had a moſt high eſteem of the friendſhip of Ligdamis; and I perceived alſo, that ſhe reſolved never to ſee him again. Methinks (ſaid I unto her, when I heard her ſay ſo) that you are a little too haſtly in your courſes; do you not conſider, that if you break off ſo abruptly with him, all the world will be inquiſitive of the cauſe? And do not you your ſelf conſider (ſaid ſhe to me) if I do not break off with Ligdamis, he may well imagine his pretended Paſſion does not diſpleaſe me? This laſt inconveniency, ſaid I unto her, has not ſo many dangerous conſequences as the other. Truly, ſaid ſhe, I think them much more dangerous.

Indeed, Madam, I could not with any arguments alter him, but left her in a peremptory reſolution never to ſee Ligdamis again. As I returned to my chamber, there I found this unfortunate Lover waiting for me, who came to ask my advice and aſſiſtance: I told him ingeniouſly that Cleonice was much incenſed againſt him, but would not tell him all I thought, becauſe I would not too much deject him. But Ligdamis, ſaid I unto him, do you intend to be ſtill in love with Cleonice yet? With whom elſe, replyed he, ſharply, do you think I can love any but her, who is the moſt accompliſhed of her ſex? knowing her humour, as I do, replied I, and as you do alſo, methinks you ſhould never think more of her. Ha Iſmenea, ſaid he unto me, I am grown very knowing in love of late, and you remain ignorant: within this few days, doubtleſs I ſhould have ſaid the ſame; but now I know by experience, that love is infinitely more ſtrong then all reaſons, and nothing can overcome it: Therefore ſince it is not a voluntary buſineſs, or a taken up humour, it is great injuſtice to condemn thoſe that are captivated by it. You your ſelf then, replyed I, and laughed, have been often very unjuſt. I do confeſs it, replyed he, and am ſeverely puniſhed for it: However, it is but equity to pitty at the leaſt all unfortunate Lovers, who can hope for no other conſolation: And this Iſmenea is all the favour that I ask of Cleonice: She has heretofore done me the honor to ſay, that if ever I fell in love, provided it was not with her ſelf, ſhe would take it well if I diſcovered it unto her; ſhe told me that ſhe would aſſiſt me with her councel, and do her beſt to cure that diſeaſe which ſo tormented me: I beſeech you obtain only this favour from her goodneſs, that ſhe would be pleaſed to make no exceptions; but that I once more tell her into what a condition ſhe has brought my ſoul, as if it were not her ſelf with whom I am in love; and I do moſt faithfully promiſe her, to follow her advice whatever it be, and to try all remedies which ſhe ſhall preſcribe in order to my cure: If I were in love with any other, ſhe were not ſo much obliged to help me▪ Negotiate therefore for me, dear Iſmenea, and perſwade this moſt admirable Lady to be the Confident of that Paſſion which ſhe her ſelf has cauſed.

I ſhould never end, Madam, if I ſhould relate all that Ligdamis ſaid unto me; for I think Love did never inſpire any man with more delicate and pure raptures then it did him: He moved me infinitely to pitty him; inſomuch as I promiſed to uſe my beſt endeavours that Cleonice ſhould not hate him. I found it a knotty piece of difficulty to obtain of her that he might ſee her; for ſhe was many days together peremptorily reſolved never to ſee him again; but maugre all her choller, I perceived ſhe could not forget [Page] the friendſhip which was between Ligdamis and herſelf; and therefore I thought it expedient to preſs her no further then unto terms of Friendſhip, to ſee how her ſoul would reliſh that only. In the interim, Ligdamis looked at no body, and feigning himſelf to be ſick for a pretence of his not going out, he lived the moſt miſerable life upon earth; for when he remembred how happy once he was, when he was only the friend of Cleonice, and conſidered how unfortunate he was now, only becauſe he loved her, he thought himſelf a moſt deſpicable man. Four or five days paſſed on in this manner, during all which time, I ſaw Cleonice was very melancholly, and I did not ſo much as name Ligdamis unto her. Sometimes I ſaw by her eyes, ſhe expected I ſhould talk of him, and ſometimes again I ſaw ſhe did not deſire it; yet I kept conſtant unto my reſolution, and ſpoke not one ſillable of him. Divers in my preſence asked her, whether ſhe knew the cauſe of Ligdamis his retirement: Artelinda, ſhe asked her the ſame queſtion, Phocylides he another, and every one, even ſo much as Hermodorus, endeavoured to know of her, how it came to paſs he did not viſit her. Some ſaid he was ſick, others ſaid he was grieved, all concluded he would dye preſently, if the malady of his body or minde did not diminiſh.

After all the company was gone who had ſpoken to her concerning Ligdamis, ſhe turned towards me: The deſtiny of Ligdamis, ſaid ſhe, is very ſtrange; for all that love him not do ſpeak unto me of him, and you who do love him, ſaies not a word. It is true, ſaid I unto her; but the reaſon is, becauſe I love you more then I do him, and my fears to anger you impoſes ſilence. I give you thanks for that thought of me, replied ſhe, but I ſhould have thought my ſelf very much obliged to you, if you had infuſed any reaſon into the ſoul of Ligdamis, whom I eſteem ſo much, as I wiſh I could ſee him reaſonable again. It is you, Madam, ſaid I unto her, that muſt work that miracle: and then I acquainted her how Ligdamis did moſt humbly ſupplicate, that ſhe would be pleaſed to be unto him as ſhe had promiſed to be, if he had been in love with another. At the firſt, ſhe rejected his deſire, and would by no means hearken unto it; but afterwards, after a long reſiſtance, thinking that perhaps ſhe might diſſwade him by reaſon from being in love with her, ſhe promiſed to ſee him once again, and to advice with him upon ſome courſe to cure him of his diſeaſe. As ſoon as I was parted from Cleonice, I ſent for Ligdamis, who received this news with incredible joy: But, ſaid I unto him, all this is not to advice you to be ſtill in love with her. It is no matter, ſaid he unto me, I care not upon what conditions it be, ſo I may but ſee her; the very ſight of her will be an unexpreſſable comfort unto me: And indeed he ſtaid not long for that comfort, for the next morning Stenobea went abroad to make many viſits, leaving Cleonice behinde her, and I advertiſed Ligdamis of it; yet I could not poſſibly be at this meeting, but he gave me an account of it the next day.

As ſoon as he came to her, ſhe looked upon him with ſuch an auſtere aſpect, as was enough to quaſh all hopes in a Lovers heart: Ligdamis, ſaid ſhe unto him, do not think to draw any matter of advantage unto your ſelf out of this my indulgence towards you, nor flatter your ſelf ſo much as to think I am not ſo much incenſed againſt you as I ſeem to be. I reſolved of this preſent courſe, becauſe I thought our paſt friendſhip obliged me to uſe all my endeavours for your cure; and to try once more, whether I could infuſe any reaſon into your ſoul. Which way ſoever I have the honour of ſeeing you Madam, anſwered he, I am infinitely obliged unto you, and more obliged, then for all the favour you conferred upon me, during the time of our Friendſhip; ſince really I never wiſhed for this honor with ſo much ardency and zeal, as ſince I have been deprived of your ſight. Yet I am the very ſame I was, replyed Cleonice coldly. It is true, Madam, replied he, but ſo am not I the ſame I was. I am very ſorrow for it, replyed ſhe, and I would do any thing to reduce you unto that pleaſing and faithful Friendſhip which was once in you, that you were ſuch a ſolid Friend, I ſay, as could clearly ſee things as really they are; and whoſe Converſation and Friendſhip, was the very delight of my life: but alas, Ligdamis, you are not now ſuch a one as I ſpeak of: Yet why are you not? why will you force me to hate you? or at the leaſt to ſee you no more. Madam, ſaid he, I am far from being ſo unreaſonable: and if I durſt I would tell you, that I limit all my deſires only unto the ſeeing of you, and to the being your friend. Did you pretend only unto theſe two things; replied ſhe, you never would have changed thoughts, for there could not be a more tender Friendſhip then there was betwixt you and me, nor could you ſee me ofter then you did. It is true, Madam, ſaid he to her, but that affection which you [Page] had to me, and thoſe frequent viſits which I made, wanted ſomething which indeed I cannot expreſs, which yet is abſolutely neceſſary to ſatisfie an amorous man. Fie, fie, Ligdamis, ſaid ſhe, did I ever think to hear ſuch a terrible word from your mouth? You, I ſay, who has made me a hundred pleaſing Satyres againſt ridiculous Love; who has deſcribed it as the moſt dangerous Paſſion; who has told me it never laid hold on any but fools and idle people; who has promiſed me a thouſand times, it ſhould never captivate you; who has related unto me a thouſand ſad conſequences it has cauſed, and ten times as many extravagances; who has told me, that it makes all thoſe who are poſſeſſed with it to loſe their reaſon, to forget vertue, and at the leaſt makes them all miſerable. You added unto all this, that this dangerous Paſſion makes the moſt faithfull Friends become Impoſtors and Cheats; that a Lover ought always to be looked upon as one that is not fit to anſwer for himſelf, and as one that is ready to commit all ſins for the advancement of his fooliſh love. After all this, Ligdamis, would you have me look upon you as a man in love; and as one who according to your own maxims I ought to ſcorn and hate? Speak, Ligdamis, ſpeak, I conjure you; but ſpeak though, as I would have you, What would you have me ſay, Madam? replied he. I would have you ſay, replied ſhe, and aſſure me that you will be always my Friend, and that you will never be a Lover. Indeed I cannot, Madam, anſwered he: for though I ſhould force my tongue to tell a lye, yet my eyes would contradict my words, and my face would diſcover the ſecrets of my heart. Fie Ligdamis, ſaid ſhe, are you reſolved to loſe my friendſhip? Why Madam, anſwered he, I could eaſier conſent to love you leſs, then to ſay it.

But Ligdamis, ſaid ſhe unto him, you do not anſwer unto what I ſay: I pray tell me whether all you have ſpoken againſt Love, be out of your memory? No, replied he, but it is out of my heart, ſince certainly I ſee things after another manner then I did before. For my part, ſaid ſhe, I know not why you ſhould. Yes Madam, replied he, I do not ſee you as I did when I was only your friend: I find you a hundred times more fair then I did; methinks you have incomparably a finer ſpirit then you had before; you are infinitely more charming; your humours are more agreeable and pleaſing unto me; the leaſt of your words now, has more eloquence then your fineſt rhetorique had before; your very look makes my heart to beat; and you ſeem to be ſo infinitely above what you were before in every thing, that I am aſhamed I ſhould not diſcover thoſe admirable perfections in you untill I was in love: Yes, Madam, the fire does not only warm, but enlighten me, and lets me ſee a hundred things which I could not ſee before. And can you ſee, ſaid ſhe unto him, that Love is not the ſame you ſaid it was before? I do moſt plainly ſee it, replied he, and in ſuch a moſt evident manner, that I wonder how I could poſſibly reaſon ſo againſt it. I do confeſs, Madam, there is a terreſtrial, groſs, and brutal kind of Paſſion that uſurps the name of Love, yet is not, which merits the averſion of all reaſonable people: Alſo I do confeſs there is a kind of univerſal Gallantry, unworthy of a lofty ſoul: But a conſtant and pure Love, ſuch a Love as my ſoul is ſenſible of, is the moſt glorious and commendable thing in the world. It is by this Paſsion that ſouls are elevated above themſelves, and prompted unto all heroique actions. Be pleaſed, Madam, to command me any thing that is full of the greateſt difficulties, and the moſt dangerous to be executed, and I ſhall immediately attempt it. If you had impoſed any thing of this nature upon that Ligdamis who was only your friend, perhaps he would have conſidered the greatneſs of the danger, and the difficulty of his obedience, and in all likelihood would not undertake it: but this Ligdamis who loves you now, will never deliberate a minute upon any of your Commands, but is ready with his obedience at a minutes warning.

Then I command you not to love me as you do, replied ſhe, if it be ſo that your obedience has no limits. Impoſſiblities, Madam, replied he, are ever to be excepted; and therefore in this I cannot obey you, becauſe it is not in my power to love more or leſs then I do. Then I muſt never ſee you again, replied ſhe, unleſs you will endeavour to find out ways of curing your folly. Though my diſeaſe is ſuch, replied he, that I had rather die then wiſh the cure; yet I will ask you, Madam, what you conceive moſt proper and expedient for it? I would have you think upon all you have formerly ſaid unto me againſt it, replied ſhe. I remember them very well, replied he; but I find them ſo unjuſt and remedileſs, that they will not do it. Conſult then with your own Reaſon, replied ſhe, and I am confident it will change your opinion. Alas Madam, replied he, my Reaſon is ſo troubled, and ſo far from affording me any councel, that it abſolutely ſubmits unto my [Page] Paſsion. Then ſee me no more, ſaid ſhe, and try whether abſence will help you. Since theſe five or ſix dayes in which I have not ſeen you, replied he, my love is increaſed much more. Conſider then, replied ſhe, that if you love me, I ſhall hate you; and by not loving me, you will ſtill have my eſteem and friendſhip. Oh Madam, cry'd he, how moſt unjuſt is this, to love me if I do not love you, and to hate me if I do! Whatever it be, Ligdamis, replied ſhe, ſince my thoughts are not changed as yours are, but ſtill look upon Love with the ſame eyes I did before, and find you ſo unreaſonable that I cannot endure you, I muſt tell you what I conceive: Your face is changed, and your actions alſo: I find a continual reſtleſneſs in your eyes; you ſpeak more haſtily then you did before; all you ſay is unjuſt; you are ſilent when you ſhould ſpeak, and anſwer always impertinently, and indeed do every thing without reaſon: For you thought yourſelf happy heretofore in my converſation, my eſteem, my friendſhip, and my confidence; I do yet offer the ſame unto you and you are not contented. For my part, Ligdamis, you may ſay or think what you pleaſe; but I never found Love ſo fantaſtical in any as in you. The reaſon is, replied he, becauſe the Paſsion was never ſo violent in any as in me: but alas, Madam, I muſt needs think my ſelf moſt unhappy, that my love is unknown to you. Deceive not yourſelf, replied ſhe; For the more diſorder I ſee in your ſoul, the leſs diſpoſition I ſhall have to love you. That muſt needs be impoſsible, Madam, replied he: for as the fire burns thoſe that touch it, and the ſun enlightens thoſe that ſee it, ſo a pure and conſtant Paſsion muſt needs move the heart of her one loves.

You hope then that I ſhall love you! (replied Cleonice with ſuch a coldneſs as made Ligdamis almoſt deſpair) I do wiſh it, Madam, at the leaſt, replied he, but I dare not ſay [...] hope it. 'Tis very well, ſaid ſhe; indeed you could not do me a more manifeſt injury, then perſwade me to love you, and to do that which I have ſo often condemned in others. Can you imagine, Ligdamis, that I ſhould laugh at all thoſe follies in you, which we both together have condemned in others? Do you think I can take any pleaſure to ſee you miſerable for the love of me? to hear you ſigh, and make all the crabbed faces which Love uſes to force them unto that are ſubject unto it? Fie, fie, Ligdamis! I cannot endure it: And though I cannot regulate your affection, yet let me limit your hopes; for aſſure yourſelf, that a hundred years languiſhment, ſighs, tears, raptures, expreſsions, and ſervices ſhall never obtain any thing from me. Though, Madam, replied he, you cannot be ſenſible, yet I beſeech you be not unjuſt; but conſider that it is yourſelf who is the cauſe of my miſery, and therefore you are obliged to have ſome compaſsion upon me. Then be only unto me, ſaid ſhe unto him, as I am unto Iſmenea, my Confident in point of friendſhip: Love me as you were wont to do, and let me love you only as I do, and be not ſo unjuſt as to make me abſolutely miſerable without a cauſe.

I know very well, Madam, ſaid he, that by our Conditions you are not to be a friend to one that is in Love: but thoſe that make laws, can alter them. I do remember that you ſaid one day, the reaſon why you would never have a Lover for your friend, was, becauſe you once had a friend who fell in love, and was weary of you, and made but ſhort viſits; that he talked unto you of nothing but the Party whom he loved; and that you durſt not truſt him with any ſecret, becauſe he was ſure to reveal it unto his Miſtreſs. But, Madam, you need not fear any of theſe inconveniences in me: For firſt, Madam, I do proteſt I have no joy but in your company; my viſits ſhall laſt longer then ever; and if you pleaſe, I will never ſpeak unto any but yourſelf. Moreover, Madam, you need not fear my revealing of ſecrets unto her I moſt adore, ſince if I do reveal them, it is only to yourſelf who truſted me with them; therefore why will you deny me the honour and happineſs of ſeeing you? And give me leave to love you, I beſeech you: perhaps your inſenſibility will cure me ſooner then that abſence which you condemn me unto: for, Madam, when I am from you, I ſhall ſtill imagine that if I were with you, I ſhould move your heart; ſo that hoping ſtill to ſee you again, I ſhall hope alſo to be loved, and by conſequence to be continually in love: but if you permit me to continue with you, perhaps your cruelty and inhumanity will deſtroy my hopes, and afterwards my love. This Remedy, replied Cleonice, is as odd and fantaſtical as your Paſſion. It is the onely one, replied he, which in reaſon you can appoint me. Yet let us try abſence, ſaid ſhe, for I think leſs danger to be in it. I remember, Madam, replied he, I have heard you ſay that the malady which torments me was contagious: but I remember alſo that Iſmonea anſwered you, that it could never infect you: And certainly, Madam, it cannot, for as long as I have been with you, I could never perceive you the leaſt moved by it▪ Heavens [Page] preſerve me from ſuch a misfortune! replied ſhe: However, Ligdamis, ſince I perceive it a thing impoſſible at preſent to bring your ſoul unto Reaſon, all I can do for you is, to aſſure you that I am extreamly ſorry for the loſs of your friendſhip; that you ſhall ever find it ready for you, as ſoon as you are out of Love; and in order to that I enjoyn you to travel, and ſee whether that be more prevalent then my reaſons.

If there were any crime in my Paſſion, anſwered Ligdamis, or if my pretenſions were unjuſt, then I could not blame you for baniſhing me; but alas, I ask no more but that you would ſuffer me to love you: What harm does that which is in my heart do you? has it put you unto any trouble this laſt moneth I have been with you? No, replyed Cleonice, nothing troubled me, but that I did not know the meaning of your ſoul. You ſee then, replyed he, that you have no ſolid foundation for what you ſay; and that my Paſſion is not troubleſom to you in it ſelf, but only by ſuch imaginations as you apprehend of it: For truly, Madam, the Paſſion which did not trouble you a moneth ſince, was the very ſame it is now at this time: I profeſs that I am much more ſenſible of your miſeries then I was, and if it were poſſible, I am more ſecret and faithful then ever. Though all this were true, replyed Cleonice, yet I have one exception againſt you, which you cannot anſwer; which is, that ſince your heart is capable of this Paſſion, you may love another as well as me; and if you ſhould, in what a caſe were my confidence and truſt. When I was in love with none, Madam, ſaid he, you had more cauſe to fear this inconveniency then now, for then it had not been impoſſible but I might have loved another, and not you: But now I do love you, it is abſolutely impoſſible I ſhould ever love any other; for out of all doubt, you are both my firſt and my laſt love: One may perhaps, forſake a mean beauty, and fall upon another of more accompliſhed parts: but to forſake the faireſt and moſt abſolute perfection upon earth for another, was never heard of ſince Love had dominion in the hearts of men. For my part, ſaid Cleonice, I am ſo affrighted to hear you talk thus, that I hardly know what I ſhould anſwer, unleſs that it is my beſt courſe to truſt none, but miſtruſt my own Reaſon: Therefore Ligdamis, I muſt needs deny your requeſt, and entreat you to ſee me no more, at leaſt of a long time. Would you have me dye then? replyed he. No, ſaid ſhe, but I would have you become wiſe. Then I conjure you Madam, ſaid he, by that Friendſhip which you have promiſed, that I may have eight days allowed to ſee you I grant it, ſaid ſhe, though you do not deſerve the favour: yet it ſhall be with this condition, that you ſpeak not a word to me of your pretended love.

Ligdamis then was as thankful unto Cleonice for it, as if ſhe had granted him her heart; and at his parting from her, he came to me with ſo much joy in his countenance, that I knew very well his heart was really in love: He requeſted me to mediate for him, in ſuch obliging language as indeed he perſwaded me to do him that office: yet I aſſure you, it was no eaſie task, for I found Cleonice in ſuch a melancholly mood, and ſo much perplexed, that ſhe would not hearken unto any but extreamly againſt her will: The Friendſhip of Ligdamis was none of the leaſt cauſes of her grief, and her averſion to love, was a great addition to her torment. However, Ligdamis did ſee her during the eight days ſhe had granted him: but maugre all his violent reſtraints, he could not hold from uttering ſome ſymptomes of his Paſſion, either by his looks or ſighs, or his ſtudies, or elſe by ſome words which ſtole from him unawares. Moreover, as Cleonice was diſpoſed to interpret all his actions that way, ſo ſhe avoided the encounter of his eyes as much as ſhe could: She buſh'd as ſoon as ſhe ſaw him come near her; She took all care not to ſit next him; ſhe did not addreſs any ſpeech unto him, and kept ſuch a ſtrange diſtance, that I wondered to ſee ſuch an alteration between them. When I asked Cleonice why ſhe would not behave her ſelf as if ſhe were ignorant of his Paſſion. She anſwered me, that ſhe could not for her life do it, and that he muſt needs be gone from her: For (ſaid ſhe unto me the laſt day of his allowance) if he continue his love ſtill, and do not go away, I ſhall hate him extreamly. But ſuppoſe he do obey you, and go away, ſaid I unto her, and that abſence cannot cure him, what would you have him do then? do you think it juſt he ſhould be eternally baniſhed from his Country, only becauſe he loves you too well? Were he a man you did not eſteem, or that he did not deſerve it, or that you had an averſion to his perſon, what could you do more? I ſhould then do much leſs, ſaid ſhe unto me. I cannot underſtand your reaſon for that, replied I, yet I muſt needs believe you, becauſe I ſee you let Hermodorus live quietly at Epheſus, though he has loved you long. Hermodorus, replyed ſhe, is not a man whom I would honor ſo much, as to [Page] command him any thing. This honour which you do Ligdamis, replyed I, may well be called injuſtice Yet it is a favour, replyed ſhe, ſince I do all I can to preſerve his Friendſhip.

As ſhe was ſaying this, Ligdamis came in, with an intention to get his term prolonged. I no ſooner ſaw him, but taking the word from Cleonice, Come Ligdamis, ſaid I unto hime, come and hear the favourable cauſe of your baniſhment. Muſt I then be baniſhed? replyed he. Yes anſwered Cleonice, if I have any power with you. You have it Madam, moſt abſolutely, anſwered he and ſighed; but it is the office of thoſe that have the moſt ſoveraign power, not to do all they can, but all they ought to do. And I ought to do all I can, replyed ſhe, to infuſe reaſon into your ſoul, to the end I may keep you my friend. Then you do not hate me, Madam? ſaid Ligdamis. I do acknowledge it, ſaid ſhe, but I ſhall moſt infallibly hate you, if you do not obey me: When you have made tryal of abſence, which I have heard is the only remedy againſt love; and that I ſee you uſe your beſt endeavours to become wiſe, then perhaps I ſhall be ſo favourable as not to deny you my friendſhip, but permit you to keep that Paſſion in your ſoul, which you cannot exclude. I proteſt, Cleonice (ſaid I unto her and laughed) this is an admirable good one, to make that which you endure, becauſe you cannot help it, to paſs for a great favour, and to oblige men unto impoſſibilities. Though I ſee you would perſwade me I am to blame, replied ſhe, yet I do not repent it; for if it be impoſſible for Ligdamis to leave loving me, then let him give me ſome teſtimony of his Love: Therefore I conjure you, ſaid ſhe unto him, to make tryal of two remedies: The one is abſence, the other is ambition: You know Cleander loves you dearly, go then into the Court for ſix moneths, and endeavour to drive out one Paſsion, with another: but I beſeech you do not reſiſt me any longer, unleſs you will have me hate you. I know very well, Madam, replied he, that though I do obey you, yet all will do no good, ſince whereſoever I am, I am moſt certain you will be there preſent in my minde, and I am abſolutely incapable of any other ambition but of being in your favour. After this, Cleonice began to ſpeak ſo earneſtly unto Ligdamis, that I knew ſhe would be obeyed; ſo that I adviſed him to be contented: For ſaid I unto him, if abſence do cure you, then you have good cauſe to think your ſelf happy: if it do not, yet you give Cleonce the greateſt teſtimony of your obedience and love that poſsibly can be. However, Madam, ſaid he unto her, I beſeech you promiſe me, if I punctually obey you, that you will never any more command me to pull that Paſsion out of my heart, which doubtleſs will ever be there as long as I live. I promiſe you I will not, ſaid ſhe unto him: But becauſe this is not enough to keep a languiſhing exiled Lover alive, replied he; therefore Madam, I beg this favour of your goodneſs, that in caſe I do not dye of ſorrow, but live to return unto you, then that you would be pleaſed to be the Confident of my paſsion; no Ligdamis, ſaid ſhe unto him, I do not promiſe you that: but I aſſure you, that I will not hate you, if you obey me. In concluſion, Madam, not to trouble you with any impertinent relations, Ligdamis obeyed her. It was eaſie to finde a handſome pretence for his voyage, ſince it was wondered why he went no ofter to Sardis. I did my endeavours that he might take his leave before he went, but it could not poſsible be obtained. I ſaw that the cauſe of this denial was advantagious for Ligdamis: for ſhe had not refuſed that favour, but only becauſe ſhe knew it was impoſsible for her to bid him adieu, without expreſsing too many viſible ſigns of Friendſhip to him.

He departed then with intentions to go unto Sardis, but in the way thither, he heard how Creſſus had impriſoned Cleander; ſo that reſolving not to go thither, by reaſon of this accident which put all Lydia into an univerſal aſtoniſhment, he went unto the Government of his Father, there to ſpend the time of his exile, and in ſolitude to lament the misfortunes of Cleander and his own, and almoſt as much Cleanders as his own; ſince after ſo many victories, and ſo many good ſervices done unto all Lydia, he was a Priſoner without a crime.

This news being reported at Epheſus, every one was extream ſad; for indeed it was one of the greateſt misfortunes that could come to the whole Kingdom: but beſides the publique intereſt, which grieved Cleonice as it did the reſt, the particular relations of Ligdamis was a great addition unto her ſorrows. She went to viſit the ſiſter of Ligdamis upon this occaſion: but ſhe would not write unto him, though I uſed all my arguments to perſwade her; as for him, he writ often unto me unknown to Cleonice; for I had forget to tell you how this cruel Lady made him promiſe her to ſend her no letters, [Page] and that if he did write unto me, I ſhould conceal them from her: ſo that I durſt not acquaint her how abſence had wrought no effects upon the cure of Ligdamis. In the mean time, Cleonice was exceedingly ſad and ſolitary, ſo that Artelinda and Phocylides left off their viſits. Stenobea, after a hundred chidings that ſhe was not jocund enough, was forced to let her alone in quiet: ſo that Cleonice keeping her chamber very much, I was very often alone with her. At the firſt, when I began to ſpeak of Ligdamis, ſhe would be angry; yet by degrees ſhe did not only ſuffer me to talk of him, but alſo would herſelf begin the firſt. One day then when we were alone, after diſcourſe of ſeveral other things, I am certain, ſaid ſhe, in what place ſoever Ligdamis is, he can find none unto whom he can ſpeak concerning me, and therefore I hope he will quickly forget his folly. But ſaid I unto her, and looked earneſtly upon her, is it poſſible you ſhould wiſh as you ſay, that Ligdamis ſhould be indifferent towards you? Not as I ſay! anſwered ſhe. What do you ſay? (replied I half angry.) I ſay (anſwered ſhe) I wiſh that Ligdamis ſhould not love me; as for his friendſhip, I ſhould be ever glad of it, I do confeſs. But how do you think that is poſſible? ſaid I unto her: Do you not conſider, that if abſence do cure a violent paſſion, it muſt be by forgetting you, and unaccuſtoming himſelf from ſeeing you? Moreover you do not conſider, that he is now no friend unto you; that affection has changed its nature; and in all reaſon, if the remedy which you have impoſed upon him do work that effect which you expect, he will neither be your Lover nor your Friend.

Iſmenea, ſaid ſhe unto her, You are a moſt cruel woman to examine me ſo ſtrictly upon a thing which does not pleaſe me: however, why is it not poſsible that the friendſhip of Ligdamis which became Love, ſhould return to friendſhip again? I know not well the reaſon, ſaid I unto her, but I am ſure the example of it is very rare. I ſhould be very ſorry, replied ſhe, to loſe Ligdamis altogether. Yet you expoſe yourſelf unto it, ſaid I to her. But ſince I ſaw her in a leſs ſevere humour, I pray Cleonice, ſaid I, whether had you rather that Ligdamis ſhould be abſolutely cured of his paſsion, and be altogether indifferent towards you; or that he ſhould be in love with another? Since I was ever a friend unto Ligdamis (ſaid ſhe unto me and bluſht) I cannot deſire he ſhould be cured of one diſeaſe, by falling into another; and I had rather loſe his affection and love none, then to ſee him over-loaded with fetters. But, ſaid I, ſuppoſe there were an abſolute neceſsity that he muſt either love you or another, which would you chuſe? I long ſince told you what I thought upon that, replied ſhe. It is true, ſaid I unto her, but I ask you what you think now? I will not take ſo much pains, ſaid ſhe, as to think upon it: yet if ever Ligdamis do cure himſelf of his follies, I ſhall take a great delight in letting him ſee the little ſolidity there is in the hearts of thoſe that are in love; for I proteſt, Iſmenea, I do think upon Ligdamis as much as if he were here at Epheſus. Why then would you have him forget you? ſaid I to her, and laughed: Do you well know what you would have? Think upon it, Cleonice, and think upon it ſeriouſly: it would be very fine, if Ligdamis ſhould forget you, and you could not forget him. You ſpeak ſo fondly, replied ſhe, that I will not anſwer. You may do better to confeſs you cannot anſwer, replied I, unleſs you contradict yourſelf: for you no ſooner wiſh that Ligdamis ſhould think no more of you, but there is a ſecret deſire in your heart which you cannot reſiſt, that forces you to wiſh he ſhould think upon you eternally.

You preſs me ſo far, ſaid ſhe unto me, that I have no mind to ſpeak any more of it. You have no mind to be ſincere, anſwered I, nor can you anſwer directly. I think, replied ſhe, and ſmiled, you have a mind to make me loſe a ſhe-friend as well as a he, and ſeek to quarrel with me. I know not, anſwered I, and laughed, whether you will quarrel with me or no; but I am ſure you either cannot, or will not anſwer me. Really, Iſmenea, ſaid ſhe unto me, I have told you all I thought; and more then that, I aſſure you I will anſwer unto any thing you will ask, and anſwer truly. Confeſs then, ſaid I unto her, that you would not have Ligdamis forget you. I do confeſs it, ſaid ſhe and bluſht. And would it not anger you, if he ſhould love another? I do confeſs it alſo, replied ſhe, and looked down; though it be only in relation to himſelf, and not out of any jealouſie. Whether had you rather he ſhould always love you, ſaid I vnto her, or that he ſhould hate you? Ah Iſmenea! replied ſhe, you ask me ſuch odd queſtions, that I know not how to anſwer: Yet I think that I ſhould be equally angry at the love and the hatred of Ligdamis. I do not think ſo, ſaid I unto her: But ſince you will not cleerly explain yourſelf, I will ask you no more queſtions; only wiſh in revenge, that Ligdamis may forget you, that at his return he may love another, and that you cannot forget him. You are very revengefull, [Page] I ſee, ſaid ſhe unto me: but my comfort is, that what you wiſh will never come to paſs: for if Ligdamis do forget me, I ſhall forget him; ſo that it ſhall not diſquiet me at all. You have impoſed a command upon him, ſaid I unto her, in which you do not deſire he ſhould obey you, ſince if he do, you will puniſh him. Cleonice after this would have told me, that ſhe appointed him only to baniſh love from his heart: but I would not ſtay to hear her, and left her without an anſwer; conceiving the reſult of all ſhe had ſaid unto me was, that her friendly diſpoſition unto Ligdamis was grown a little more tender towards him ſince he departed: Yet I durſt not tell her that I ſometimes received Letters from him.

But yet one day when ſhe and I were together, I let one of his Letters fall by chance; which ſhe preſently took up, not imagining it to be from Ligdamis: ſhe no ſooner had it in her hands, but ſhe knew the writing; and ſhe no ſooner knew it, but ſhe bluſht extremely. I perceived her firſt thought was to read it; but her ſecond conſideration checkt her, and ſhe offered it unto me without looking into it. You are not very inquiſitive, I ſee, Madam, (ſaid I unto her, and would not take it.) Indeed I am not, ſaid ſhe, eſpecially when I am afraid to hear any thing which will not pleaſe me. If you pleaſe, you may read it, ſaid I unto her. If I could make him ſuch a one as would pleaſe me, ſaid ſhe, I wiſh he were here: but ſince all my deſires cannot change him, I had rather return it unto you unſeen. Then I taking it out of her hands, and deſiring to anger her a little, to the end I might the better diſcover her real thoughts; I told her that I would read it aloud unto her, if ſhe would not read it herſelf. Then, ſaid ſhe, I will not hear you: And after ſhe had ſaid ſo, ſhe was ſilent. Then, the better to hide the diſorder of her thoughts, ſhe fell to work in a piece of Tiſſue of gold, which lay upon the Table. After this I riſe up alſo, and ſeated my ſelf over againſt her, leſt ſhe ſhould ſee what was really in the Letter, which I read, and feigned theſe words.

SOlitude, Iſmenea! has done that which Reaſon could not: for the fair Cleonice ſhall be no more troubled with my Love. It was not Abſence only which cured my diſeaſe; I ſtood in need of a more powerfull remedy: And I met with a Lady leſs fair, I confeſs, but much more ſenſible, who makes me very well able to obey thoſe Commands which Cleonice impoſed upon me.

Ha, Iſmenea! (ſaid Cleonice, in throwing her work upon the table, and deſiring to read it herſelf) ſure this is not the Letter of Ligdamis. Surely it is, ſaid I unto her, and hid it from her, though what is in it does not pleaſe you: But pray tell me what you deſire I ſhould read. I would not have you read any thing, ſaid ſhe; but I would read it my ſelf, whatſoever is in it. Seeing then the inquiſitive diſpoſition of Cleonice, after I had a while reſiſted her, at laſt I let her ſee it; and ſpoke ſo, as if what before I feigned to read were really in it. So that immediately opening it, ſhe read theſe words.

LIGDAMIS unto ISMENEA.

IF my adored Cleonice did but know that the leſs I ſee her, the more I love her; doubtleſs ſhe would recall me, though it were only to hinder the augmentation of my Paſſion. Therefore I beſeech you (if you think it fit) let her know, that I ſhall be at the end of my baniſhment without all compariſon more in love with her, then the firſt day I began it: The remembrance of her Beauty, her Wit, her Mind, and my deſire of ſeeing her, is the only buſineſs of my ſolitude. This, Iſmenea, is my life: which would be happy in the midſt of my miſery, if I could hope to be neither hated nor forgotten

LIGDAMIS.

Whilſt Cleonice was reading, I did attentively obſerve her, and me thought I ſaw more confuſion then anger in her looks. I ſaw alſo, that in reading the end of the Letter, where Ligdamis ſaid he ſhould be happy to be neither hated nor forgotten, ſhe ſmiled a little: Afterwards returning the Letter unto me, and hardly daring to look upon me; You have taken ſuch good order, ſaid ſhe to me, that this laſt misfortune ſhall not befal Ligdamis, that he needs not fear it: But cruel woman that you are (ſaid ſhe, and aſſumed a more ſerious countenance) what pleaſure can you take in tormenting me? I [Page] know Ligdamis is your Coſin, and therefore I had been to blame, if I had wiſhed him not to write unto you: But why muſt I be the ſubject of his Letters and yours? For my part, ſaid I unto her, ſince I did only anſwer Ligdamis, you muſt accuſe him only for ſpeaking of you. As for my particular, when he ſpoke to me concerning Cleonice, I did not think it civil to anſwer him concerning Artelinda, or any other, or to anſwer his Letters any otherwiſe then to the queſtions he asked me. But what will you anſwer him? replied ſhe. I will anſwer what you pleaſe, ſaid I unto her; for I ſhall not write until to morrow. Whatſoever you write (ſaid ſhe) unto him, do not ſend him word I have ſeen his Letter. I do not ask you what I ſhall not write, ſaid I unto her, but what I ſhall. You may when I ſhall tell you, anſwered ſhe; in the mean time, if you will indeed oblige me, perſwade him very earneſtly to ſtifle that paſſion which procures him nothing but trouble.

Thus you ſee, Madam, what were the thoughts of Cleonice, during the exile of Ligdamis, who returned to Epheſus as ſoon as the time of his baniſhment was expired, without asking Cleonice any leave. As ſoon as ever he arrived, he came to ſee me, to aſſure me he was no changling, and to take counſel what he ſhould do. Since I knew the minde of Cleonice very well, I was of opinion that his beſt courſe was to ſend no Meſſages, before he went himſelf, and that he ſhould viſit Stenobea as he was uſed to do at the return from his travels. So that hearkning unto my advice, he went thither the ſame day, and I went alſo, having a great deſire to ſee how this firſt viſit paſſed; but as ill luck would have it, there was that day ſo much company with Stenobea, that he had not one minutes opportunity to ſpeak unto Cleonice in private. Artelinda and Phocylides came alſo thither; and becauſe it was a long time ſince they had ſeen Ligdamis, he was the only ſubject of the converſation. Some accoſted him with complements of ſorrow for the impriſonment of Cleander; others aſſured him they thought his travels long; and Artelinda, according to her humour, told him, ſhe wondered how he could live in ſuch a ſolitude as he had done, applying her ſelf after this, to make a very pleaſant Satyre of the Country; Maintaining, that to be in it eight day together, were enough to make one ſtupid, melancholly, and inſenſible for ever, and concluded, ſince Ligdamis had been there ſix moneths, though his ſpirit was never ſo great, yet he muſt needs be very melancholly, or for ever inſenſible. Whilſt Artelinda was thus talking, Ligdamis was ſo perplexed, that he knew not what to anſwer; and Cleonice was ſo troubled, that ſhe had little delight in that days converſation, though the next day ſhe had more: For Ligdamis came to my houſe, whither ſhe alſo came with intentions to deſire me, that I would deliver her from this obſtinate Lover, whom ſhe had no deſire to loſe. When ſhe ſaw him, ſhe thought I had ſent for him, though I did not; but yet, after ſhe had chid me a little for it, ſhe ſtaid with me: So that we three only being alone, Ligdamis addreſſing himſelf towards her, and looking upon her in ſuch a manner as might let her ſee his ſoul was the ſame: You ſee me here Madam, ſaid he unto her, at the end of my baniſhment; but it is you only who can tell me whether I be at the end of my miſery, and whether you will permit that man, who cannot be your friend, or leave off loving you, to relate the ſorrows which abſence hath procured him. I had rather you would tell me what courſes you have taken, ſaid ſhe unto him, to overcome your unjuſt Paſſion. Alas, Madam, replied he, how could I ever hope to overcome it, ſince I was never able to maſter my will ſo far, as to fight againſt it? I had not baniſhed you, replyed ſhe, but to the end you ſhould. I know it, Madam, anſwered he, but as ſoon as ever my will went about it, my heart, my minde, my reaſon, and all my faculties rebelled againſt me, and I could not chuſe but continually repent my oppoſing ſo well grounded a Paſſion; a Paſſion, I ſay, ſo noble, ſo pure and divine, that the moſt ſevere vertue could not condemn it: So that Madam I muſt love you, and love you as long as I live; and ſo that if my love be inſufferable to you, there is no other way to free your ſelf from it, but by commanding me to dye: If it be your pleaſure, Madam, ſo to doom it, I am reſolved upon obedience; for as ſoon as I ſee the divine Cleonice can better endure my death then my love, deſpair will preſently do it: Speak then Madam, is it your pleaſure I ſhould live or dye? you are abſolute Miſtreſs of my Deſtinie, and may make me what you pleaſe. If I could, anſwered Cleonice, I ſhould make you my Friend, and Ligdamis ſhould be no longer a Lover. Yet, Madam, ſaid be unto her, is it not poſſible to accuſtom your ſelf to endure I ſhould love you a little more then I did before, and to acquaint you with my ſufferings. You promiſed as much, when I parted from you, and told me you would receive my ſervices, as teſtimonies of my [Page] friendſhip. I have every day for ſix moneths together ſuffered a thouſand torments; and in lieu of accepting my obedience according to your promiſe, will you prepare new puniſhments for me? That would not be juſt (ſaid I, and interrupted them) and if Cleonice will follow my advice, ſhe ſhould not be ſo rigorous. Why do you ſay ſo Iſmenea, ſaid ſhe unto me: Can you be ſo much byaſſed by your affection to Lygdamis, as to counſel me unto any gallantry with him? That word, ſaid I unto her, is a little too much; but I do confeſs, I know no reaſon why you ſhould treat Ligdamis, as if he were not ſo much as your friend; for we are obliged to love our friends in miſeries, as well as in happineſs. I do confeſs, ſaid ſhe, that they who do not ſo, are only the falſe friends of proſperity, and deſerve not that glorious title of friend. Then if Ligdamis ſaid I unto her, hath loſt his reaſon by any manner of misfortune, and ſeeks all remedies to cure himſelf of all his miſeries and follies, but can finde none, would you not endeavour to eaſe him, and much pitty his misfortune? Doubtleſſe I ſhould, replied ſhe. Then why do you not? ſaid I unto her and laughed? for do you not ſee that he is not maſter of his reaſon? though you do not grant him ſo much affection as perhaps his folly deſires, yet receive his affection with ſome kinde of ſweetneſſe; for it is not the part of true Friendſhip, to forſake him in ſo great a misfortune as his is, to love one that is inſenſible: And for my part, if you uſe him ſo, you muſt give me leave to think you make no other uſe of your friends, but to ſerve your own ends, and to divert you, ſince you cannot endure they ſhould trouble you once in their lives. Cleonice hearing me ſay ſo, began to ſmile, and Ligdamis to thank me: And he afterwards joined his moſt perſwaſive Rethorique unto mine, and we ſo overcame her, that after two hours converſe, we obtained that Ligdamis ſhould ſtay in Epheſus, and that he ſhould ſee her, but ſtill upon condition, never to ſpeak unto her of any Love matters.

Thus then were ſome days ſpent, but ſince it was not poſſible for Ligdamis to lock up his love ſo cloſe in his heart, but that it would break out in ſome of his actions or words, there was not a day but Cleonice and he had two or three quarrels. But Cleonice did inſenſibly accuſtom her ſelf to anſwer him; and though it was always with a ſpirit of contradiction, yet it was a great comfort unto him to talk of that which took up his whole ſoul: And indeed it came to that paſs at laſt, that Cleonice became the Confident of his Paſſion, and could not endure he ſhould ſpeak of any thing elſe. And though ſhe always adviſed him never to hope for any thing, and often commanded him to quench his flames, yet in the end ſhe had no deſire to be obeyed: She would often be ſo melancholly, that every one would chide her: At the firſt this ſurpriſed me, becauſe I never ſaw her in ſuch an humour before; but after I had diſcovered the phantaſtical cauſe of her melancholly, which took her often, and left her often: and I found the fit would always take her when contrary to her intention ſhe had ſpoken a little more ſweetly concerning Ligdamis then ſhe intended; and when her memorie did chide herſelf for being not ſharp enough with him, ſhe would be ſure to be dogged all that day, both towards her ſelf and all that came near her; and on the contrary, when ſhe had the power to treat him ill, ſhe appeared more pleaſant, and nothing but joy could be ſeen in her eyes: Alſo, one could never ſee them both in a good humour at one time; for when Ligdamis was raviſhed with joy at ſome favourable word which Cleonice had ſpoke, then ſhe was always melancholly; and when he was ſad at any harſh paſſage from her, then would, ſhe be exceedingly pleaſant, ſo great was her care to hinder him from ſeeing ſhe was not inſenſible: Yet it is moſt certain, ſhe did not hate him; and though ſhe would not call her affection by the name of Love, yet her change was ſo much, that it deſerved no other name: For a hundred trivial paſſages, which ſlipt from her unawares, did ſufficiently manifeſt as much. I remember, that whilſt he paſſed under the notion of her friend only, ſhe cared not in what dreſſe he ſaw her; and I have ſeen him in her chamber ſome daies, when her dreſs was ſo careleſs, that any other beauty but hers would have loſt its▪ luſtre; and I am confident ſhe did never once in all her life conſult with her glaſs how to pleaſe him: But ſince his return it is otherwiſe; for Ligdamis never could ſee her till ſhe was dreſ [...]: She made a ſhew as if her deſign in it, was only to wean him by degrees, from that familiarity he had with her; but the true deſign was, that Ligdamis might think her more fair. I humblie ask your pardon, Madam, for making ſuch an exact relation of every trivial paſſage; for ſince you commanded it, I hope my obedience will plead for my excuſe.

Be pleaſed to know further, that as love cannot lie long hid, ſo Hermodorus, Artelinda and Phocylides preſently came to know that Ligdamis was in love, and in love with [Page] Cleonice: So that the Paſſion of Hermodorus augmented, the Love of Phocilides revived, and the Hatred of Artelinda renewed and became more violent; for ſhe was ſo vexed to ſee the heart of Ligdamis reſiſt her charms, and be captivated by Cleonice's, that ſhe uttered a hundred ſymptoms of envy. Moreover, as it is the cuſtom of many Ladies that are a little too gallantly inclined, to juſtifie themſelves by accuſing others, ſhe divulged it in two or three dayes throughout the Town, that Ligdamis was in love with Cleonice; adding further, that Cleonice was not ſo hard-hearted as ſhe was wont to be, ſaying in her railierie, that Love had wounded two hearts with one blow. The noiſe of it was ſo great in ſo little time, that it did not only come preſently unto my ears, but it reached Cleonice's alſo, who heard it with more ſorrow then I can expreſs: for I ſaw many ſigns of anger break out at her eyes; but I could not tell whether it was againſt Ligdamis, or againſt Artelinda, or againſt herſelf; and ſhe would not explain herſelf, but ſpoke many things which much puzled me: Yet I certainly knew that Ligdamis was upon better terms in her heart then he believed himſelf. For whatſoever ſhe ſaid againſt Ligdamis, or Artelinda, or herſelf, ſhe never ſaid ſhe would quit Ligdamis: but on the contrary, whatſoever ſhe ſaid, ſhe added this unto it, That if ſhe ſhould change her manner of living with Ligdamis, it would be an occaſion to make the world believe all that Artelinda ſaid was true: Afterwards ſhe would ſay, that ſince this was only her own thought, ſhe would uſe the matter ſo as none ſhould ever think Ligdamis in love with her. But in concluſion, when ſhe had uttered many contrarieties, and ſaw that all her paſt ſeverity could not hinder the world from ſaying that Ligdamis loved her: Am I not very unhappy, ſaid ſhe, that after I have paſſed all my life in quietneſs and honour, I ſhould now be expoſed to the Railierie of Artelinda?

But Madam, ſaid I unto her, this is not ſo great a crime as if you had loved him; for except Artelinda, none ſays that you love Ligdamis. If I had lived after the manner of others, anſwered ſhe, you had ſpoken well: But to hear ſuch reports upon my ſelf after I have profeſſed ſuch a ſtrict ſeverity, believe me (Iſmenea) is a moſt ſenſible grief unto me. Cleonice ſpoke this with ſo many ſigns of real diſpleaſure in her face, that indeed I was ſorry for her; and deſiring to be a little more complacential towards her, Madam (ſaid I) ſince it does ſo much trouble and torment you, though Ligdamis be my friend, yet I adviſe you to forſake him, and baniſh him the ſecond time. Ah Iſmenea, ſaid ſhe unto me and bluſht, if I could do ſo, I had done it ere this; but to my misfortune, Ligdamis has more of my heart then I have my ſelf: Not that I can call my apprehenſions of him Love, (ſaid ſhe in reprehending herſelf, and not deſiring to tell the truth) but that my friendſhip to him is ſo tender and violent, that I cannot deprive my ſelf of his ſight and converſation. We will call this affection what you pleaſe, (ſaid I unto her) yet ſince it is ſo, the matter is eaſily decided; for of two evils the leſſer being to be choſen, it is better to make choice of that which will afford you ſome houres of conſolation, then of that which will afford you none at all. But (ſaid I) my advice is not to ſatisfie yourſelf by doing any act which is contrary to handſomneſs; nor do I counſel you to regulate your actions by the different opinions of all the men in a great Town: it will be ſufficient if you do nothing contrary to the univerſal received cuſtoms of all good perſons, nor any thing which may wound vertue. This done, you may reſt your mind in quiet, and never let the capricious cenſures of others diſturb the pleaſure of your life. But ſaid Cleonice unto me, I know not well whether this manner of living with Ligdamis, though it be moſt innocent, yet whether it be not contrary to that exact handſomneſs which you ſpeak of; for the truth is, I know he is in Love, and I perceive I am ſo much his friend that I cannot hate him. For my part, ſaid I unto her, it does not ſeem to me to be criminal; eſpecially if it be conſidered that your quality and the quality of Ligdamis is equal, and by conſequence you may marry; and ſince ſo, I do not ſee that Vertue would have any that are to marry to hate one another. All paſſions (ſaid I) certainly are not crimes, though heretofore you have thought ſo; there are ſome Loves which are innocent and allowable: Therefore do not uncalm your Mind, upon every light blaſt of common Report.

You know, ſaid ſhe unto me, that the Father of Ligdamis is reſolved to marry him unto none but one. It is true, replied I: but you may well conceive, that ſince Ligdamis would not obey him when he loved none, he will not obey him now when he is in love with you: Therefore without taking notice of any Reports, I adviſe you to live with Ligdamis as you was accuſtomed: The noiſe which is vogued abroad, will quickly die; [Page] for ſince you know Artelind [...] will find ſo many ſeveral ſubjects of freſh diſcourſe, within three dayes the Love of Ligdamis will be no more talked on. However I conjure you, ſaid ſhe unto me, not to tell him that I confeſs I cannot baniſh him. But ſaid I unto her, and laughed, ſince the affection you bear him is only friendſhip, why will you hide the greatneſs of it? Believe me, Cleonice, it is not uſual to make any ſecret of friendſhip; but on the contrary, it is ſo violent in ſome, that they cannot hide it. Well, well, Iſmenea, replied ſhe, I underſtand you very well: but though what you think were true, yet muſt I tell you every thought of my ſoul? Yes, ſaid I unto her, if you love ſincerity: But ſince you do not, I will be ſo complacential as to name every thing as you pleaſe; and call that Love which Ligdamis bears you, Hatred.

After this, Madam, the mind of Cleonice was much more quiet, and Ligdamis more happy. All reports (as I ſaid) died; for Artelinda gave ſo many new cauſes of talk concerning herſelf, that nothing elſe was ſpoke of; and ſhe did not only continue the entertainment of that multitude of Servants about her, but another notable adventure fell out, which was this. As ſhe was one morning writing ſeveral Letters unto three or four of her Lovers, unto which ſhe gave ſeveral directions, and writing at the ſame time unto Cleonice to juſtifie herſelf concerning what ſhe had ſaid againſt her; after ſhe had writ all the Letters, ſhe would write no Superſcriptions upon the top; and he to whom ſhe gave the Letters, though he was a witty Knave, and accuſtomed unto ſuch offices, yet did he deceive her that day, in diſtributing them not according to her directions. So that one of theſe Lovers, whom ſhe appointed to meet at the Temple of Diana, by one of her Letters, received another Letter which was not intended to him, and which appointed him to that ſame day and viſit a Lady which he never ſaw, who was his moſt mortal enemy. That Letter which appointed the meeting at the Temple of Diana, was carried unto a man of quality who was a ſtranger, and had not been long in Epheſus: He was one, who according to the religion of his own Country, would not adore the Gods in any Temples which were built with the hands of men; ſo that this Letter did extremely ſurpriſe him. Artelinda had writ another unto one of her Lovers (who was to go out of town that day) that he would meet her in the way as ſhe went to the Temple, to the end ſhe might there bid him adieu. But in lieu of that Letter, he received another which was not intended to him, but unto another, by which ſhe deſired him to meet her at evening in the Walks by the ſea-ſide: And that which was intended for the other, was brought unto Cleonice; and that which was intended for Cleonice, was carried unto another. So that this variety of miſtakes made the beſt ſport in the world.

When the miſtaken Letter was brought unto Cleonice, we were all together; and ſhe wondred that Artelinda, with whom ſhe was not friends, ſhould write to her. She opened then this Letter very haſtily; but when ſhe looked upon the Character, ſhe preſently knew it to be the ſame in which ſhe uſed to write unto her Gallants, and not that in which ſhe uſed to write unto her friends. Then Cleonice and I began to read theſe words, which did not at all concern her.

IF you will be in the ſtreet which leads unto the Temple of Diana, about that houre I uſe to go thither; I ſhall underſtand from your own mouth, what thoughts you have of me, at parting; and you may underſtand from mine, how much your abſence will trouble me.

After we had read this Letter, we knew that he who brought it was miſtaken; but I adviſed Cleonice to ſay nothing unto the man, but that ſhe would do as his Miſtreſs deſired: And indeed we did not go with leſs deſire to be at the appointed place, then perhaps that Lover would have done for whom it was intended. Cleonice gave orders, that they ſhould acquaint her when Artelinda went out of her houſe, that we might follow after her; which was eaſily done, becauſe both were neighbours. Therefore we no ſooner knew of her going out, but we alſo went out at a back-door which was neereſt that ſtreet where the appointment was; knowing well we ſhould find her on foot, becauſe it was not the cuſtom of Epheſus to go unto the Temple of Diana in Coach. As ſoon as we ſpied her, we began to walk ſoftly, that we might obſerve what ſhe did; and we ſaw her look towards the place where ſhe expected her Lover, very ſeriouſly and often; then ſhe walkt very ſoftly, in hopes ſtill of his coming, having none with her but one woman who was acquainted with all her ſecrets. But at the laſt turning towards us, we came neerer her and met. She no ſooner ſaw Cleonice, (who ſhe thought had received her Letter, in which [Page] ſhe deſired her to ſtay within at her own houſe after dinner) but addreſſing herſelf, Come Cleonice, ſaid ſhe, it is not in this place where I muſt juſtifie my ſelf; therefore I beſeech you let me have the honour after dinner to talk with you. And then ſhe would have left her: But Cleonice craftily ſtaying her, (and counterfeiting very handſomly) Then have you changed your mind, ſaid ſhe unto her, for your Letter appointed this place, and I thought you were going ſome journey by the expreſſions of your Letter. Artelinda bluſht at this diſcourſe; and apprehending that he who carried the Letters was miſtaken, and had given one Letter for another, ſhe was in a great fume; yet being both crafty and bold, ſhe turned it to laughter, and asked to ſee the Letter, to the end ſhe might get it out of Cleonice's hands: She ſaid by way of excuſe, that ſhe had writ it unto one of her Coſins, who was not upon good terms with her mother, and was going into the Country; but Cleonice having no diſpoſition to reſtore it, ſaid ſhe had left it at home. Yet ſince Artelinda knew ſhe had writ many others, and that the ſame miſtake might chance have hapned to them alſo, her minde was very much diſordered: She durſt not return back, or would ſhe go unto the Temple, hoping ſtill that perhaps he who was appointed to meet, had received the right Letter, and would come: But yet not ſeeing him, ſhe did more and more doubt the univerſal diſorder of all her Letters; ſo that being in a reſtleſſe impatience, ſhe left us and returned home, where ſhe found all the Anſwers of her Lovers, which did ſufficiently confirm her in the miſtake: He who was to go out of Town in the morning, and had received an appointment to meet in the evening at the ſea-ſide, complained againſt her for her cruel kinde of Rallerie, and went out of Epheſus with a minde much incenſed againſt her. He who never came into Temples, and had received an pppointment to meet in the Temple of Diania, ſaid it was enough to make him change his Religion, and adore only her eyes. He who had received that Letter which was intended for Cleonice, wherein ſhe deſired him to ſtay at home, that ſhe might come and juſtifie her ſelf, writ back to her, that he was not worthy of ſo much honour, as that ſhe ſhould come to his houſe; nor knew he why ſhe ſhould juſtifie herſelf of any thing; yet adding notwithſtanding, that he would obey her. For be pleaſed to know, Madam, that the Letter was written ſo, that it would ſerve either to a man or a woman. Moreover, he who had received that Letter which appointed him to go unto a Lady whom he never ſaw, and who was his mottal enemy, thinking that Artelinda mocked him, did anſwer her in anger: Inſomuch, as Artelinda deſigning to favour four Lovers in a morning, diſobliged them all, and gave a full ſubject of revenge unto Cleonice: Yet would ſhe not publiſh this adventure at the firſt; but I, who was not ſo indulgent as ſhe, told it unto one of my friends, who divulged it all over the Town: So that all theſe Lovers having heard what happened unto Cleonice, every one of them believed her and themſelves both injured by Artelinda.

Moreover, Artelinda was ſo very angrie with him that had ſo groſly miſtaken her Letters, and uſed him ſo ill, that he told it unto very many: and in a few daies the thing was ſo univerſally known, that all theſe Lovers, except him who was abſent, ſhewed their Letters one unto another, and had ſo many jeers for Artelinda, that Cleonice found her full revenge: She found from thence another benefit, which was, that they never after this ſpoke a word more concerning the love of Ligdamis; So that both Ligdamis and ſhe did for ſome daies enjoy all the happineſſe that an innocent Love could afford: Yet did Cleonice cauſe ſome angrie hours unto Ligdamis, becauſe ſhe could not be perſwaded that love could laſt long: So that though ſhe agreed ſo far with him as to believe his love was very great, yet ſhe told him time would wear it out: So that it may be ſaid, ſhe diſquieted herſelf when fortune did not. She did divers times hinder Ligdamis from perſwading his father to alter his minde concerning his marriage, and to permit him to addreſſe himſelf unto Stenobea, to obtain her conſent of Leonice, telling him he muſt never be too haſtie in buſineſſe; and that perhaps his love would leſſen, and that ſhe would have a long trial of his Paſſion. And though Ligdamis thought this trial ſhe alreadie had was enough, yet his reſpect of her was ſo great, that he durſt not importune her againſt any thing ſhe much deſired, eſpecially ſince he had no other diſtempers of Love, but only impatience. For though Hermodorus was ſtill in love with Cleonice, alſo Phocylides had a great minde that way, and likewiſe many others, yet was he not jealous, but was as happie as any Lover could be, who had not the full enjoyments of his Miſtreſſe.

Then Madam, queſtionleſſe you know that the Princeſſe of Lydia was brought unto Epheſus, preſently after the impriſonment of Cleander. At that time Ligdamis being [Page] there, he ſought all occaſions to do him the beſt offices he could; and it was indeed by his means, that Eſope, who was then at Sardis, conveyed many Letters from this illuſtrious Priſoner unto that Princeſſe, and by whom ſhe returned anſwers. Though the buſineſs was then very ſecretly carried, and none knew it, except Eſope; yet ſince it was known, Cleander loved Ligdamis very well, Hermodorus having ſome confuſed knowledge long ſince, that he received ſome Letters from the Princeſſe, yet not knowing to whom they were directed, did ſecretly acquaint Creſſus, that Ligdamis did plot ſomething with the Princeſſe his daughter: Yet Creſſus not daring to arreſt him, becauſe he knew his father was at his Government; he would therefore endeavor to remove him firſt, and in order to that, he ſent for the father under ſome pretence or other, to come unto him, and gave orders to arreſt the ſon at Epheſus, the ſame day the father came to Sardis: But ſince he had many friends at Court, he was acquainted with the deſign of Creſſus; So that ſeeming to be ſick, he ſent his excuſe to the King, and ſent at the ſame time to Ligdamis, to acquaint him alſo, that he ſhould come away in all haſte.

I leave you to judge Madam, how ſad this ſtorie was unto two, who thought themſelves unhappy if they did not ſee one another every day: However, there was a neceſſity that Ligdamis muſt depart, and he did ſo, the ſaddeſt man alive. He offered above twenty times to diſobey his father; but when Cleonice conſidered that perhaps ſhe might be a cauſe of his impriſonment, ſhe her ſelf did haſte his departure. Then did ſhe begin again to complain againſt Love, yet not being able to wiſh that Ligdamis ſhould leave loving her; ſhe ſaid this Paſſion made none any thing elſe but unfortunate. But as if it were not enough to be grieved for the abſence and misfortune of Ligdamis, ſhe muſt alſo ſuffer the perſecution of Hermodorus; whoſe only end of proſecuting againſt his Rival, was to profit by his diſgrace. He asked Cleonice of Stenobea in marriage, who made him a promiſe of it, if he could obtain the conſent of her daughter. Phocylides alſo was more importunate then before; and ſince it was impoſſible for him to hide all his melancholly, Artelinda did explain the cauſe of it for him, unto all thoſe that could not gueſs it without her: So that Cleonice was beleagured by all ſorts of ſorrows at once. The ſiſter of Ligdamis being married to a man of good quality, whoſe eſtate was on this ſide the river Hermes, went thither with her husband; and there ſtaid not in Epheſus, any with whom ſhe might talk of Ligdamis, except me. In the mean time, Creſſus ſeeing his deſign took no effect, and not conceiving it expedient to begin a civil war in his own dominions, when he expected a forreign war upon himſelf, did diſſemble his Reſentments, ſeeming to be ſatisfied with the excuſe which the father of Ligdamis ſent him, and expreſſing no diſcontent at all; yet for all that, his deſign was, as ſoon as Ligdamis or his father came out of that place, to ſecure their perſons; and they having intelligence of theſe intentions, by friends which certainly knew it, it might be ſaid they were Priſoners, out of fear of being ſo; for they never came out of the Caſtle of Hermes: yet Ligdamis obtained once of his father, to come diſguiſed unto Epheſus (under colour of diſcovering ſome important buſineſs) to ſee Cleonice.

You may imagine, Madam, how I wondered to ſee him come one night into my chamber in a Phrygian habit, which made me at firſt not know him; yet he no ſooner ſpoke unto me (and deſired me to conceal that I knew him, unleſs I durſt truſt my women) but I knew him: So that I not conſidering his voyage was cauſed by Cleonice, Ah me Ligdamis, ſaid I unto him, good Gods, what brought you hither? Alas Iſmenea, ſaid he, I am much more miſerable then I thought I was; for ſince you do not know me, it is an evident ſign that Cleonice does not think my Paſſion as violent as hers. She thinks hers more violent then yours, replied I, but I believe ſhe does not think you diſcreet enough, in hazarding that life which is ſo dear unto her as yours is: For if you ſhould be taken in Epheſus, in a diſguiſed habit, you gave your enemies a ſufficient ground to ruine you. It is no matter, ſaid he to me, ſo I may but have the happineſſe to ſee Cleonice: Therefore to loſe no time, dear Iſmenea, procure me that favour. When I heard Ligdamis ſpeak with ſo much zeal, and perceiving that he had rather ſee Cleonice, then return into ſafety; I ſent to deſire Stenobea, ſhe would be pleaſed to permit Cleonice to come unto me, to aſſiſt me in a buſineſſe wherein ſhe might do me a great favour: I would not name any manner of divertiſment, leaſt Stenobea her ſelf, loving all pleaſures, ſhould be there alſo: But my device did not hit as I hoped; for ſhe thinking it to be ſome muſick matter, or ſuch diverſion, ſent me word that ſhe would herſelf bring her, as indeed within an hour after ſhe did.

[Page] You may well imagine how Ligdamis lamented this accident, ſince he muſt not ſee his dear Cleonice all that night; yet ſince there was no remedy, I put him in my Cloſet, and ſat down upon my bed, in expectation of Stenobea, who came preſently after, in hopes to finde ſome very conſiderable divertiſement. The merrieſt part of all the adventure was, that ſhe acquainted all the company which was with her with my meſſage, who all alſo came unto my lodging with her; ſo that in leſs then three quarters of an hour, half the Town was in my chamber, which did exceedingly amaze me; and the more, becauſe I ſaw all that were there, expected ſomething more then they found. However, though I knew none in the company would offer to go into my Cloſet, yet I was in a great perplexity, that I could not get them out of my Chamber: For as for Stenobea, ſince ſhe was a Lover of much company, and found it there, ſhe never complained, nor would ſhe ſuffer any others to complain that they were deceived in their expectation. But at the laſt, I was ſo out of all patience at this paſſage, and complained ſo much, as I plainly told them all, I had no other deſign to ſee any that night, but only Cleonice: who ſeeing ſo much Company did trouble me in earneſt, entreated her Mother to depart, and to begin the example unto others. So that Stenobea riſing up firſt, did lead the way out, and all the reſt followed, leaving only Cleonice with me.

After all this multitude was gone, which ſo troubled me, and grieved Ligdamis, I riſe up and laughed at the accident. Then Cleonice looking upon me, and ſeeing by my countenance that I had no very ſerious buſineſs with her; Is it true, Iſmenea, ſaid ſhe unto me, that you had ſome real buſineſs with me, or did you ſend for me only to divert you? My principal deſign, ſaid I unto her, has not been to pleaſe you; for you ſhall preſently ſee, that I regarded the intereſt of another more then yours. Upon that, I opened my Cloſetdoor; and putting her in firſt, I followed after her and ſhut the door. When ſhe ſaw one there in a Phrygian habit, ſhe ſtood in a maze; and much more, when he threw himſelf at her feet, and took her by the hand; Madam! (ſaying unto her) it was impoſſible for me to live, and not to ſee you. Cleonice knowing at firſt the voice of him that was ſo dear in her thoughts, could not chooſe but joy at it, and pardoned me for ſo deceiving her, and anſwered his complaint in a moſt civil and obliging manner. But preſently after, conſidering that if it were known Ligdamis was in Epheſus diſguiſed, they would arreſt him, and perhaps make that a crime againſt the State, which was only an effect of Love, her joy did leſſen; and her further fear was, that this meeting, if it were known, would reflect upon her reputation. So that repenting of her obliging language, and her expreſſions of joy; Truly Ligdamis, (ſaid ſhe after we were ſet down) Thoſe who ſay the firſt thoughts of women are always the beſt, do not always ſay true; ſince at the firſt I had an extreme delight in ſeeing you, yet my ſecond thoughts tell me that my firſt were unjuſt, and that I ought to chide you: For to ſpeak rationally, why do you put your own liberty and life into hazard? and why do you expoſe me to be ſuſpected as a Confederate with you? My reaſon is, Madam, replied he, becauſe there is a fatal muſt upon me; that is, I muſt either ſee you, or die: And as for your confederacie or honour, Madam, I cannot believe it to be in any danger, for your vertue is above the reach of calumny. Therefore (Madam) I beſeech you permit me to enjoy the happineſs and ſatisfaction of diſcourſe with you; and be ſo good as to tell me whether my diſgrace and baniſhment hath not cauſed a change in your ſoul? and whether Ligdamis muſt be hated both by Creſſus and by you, becauſe he has the honour to be in the illuſtrious Cleander's favour? You wrong me extremely, replied ſhe, to ſuſpect me of any ſuch unworthineſs; and I ſhould reſent it ſo, if you would not perhaps think that I took an occaſion to quarrel with you: To prevent which, I will forget the injury, and aſſure you that your misfortunes make my friendſhip to you more tender then before. Ligdamis was tranſported with joy at this obliging anſwer; and replied in ſuch acknowledging terms, as ſpoke his ſoul to be full of violent Love.

Thus did we paſs away this evening together, Cleonice forcing him to promiſe he would be gone the next morning before break of day; for ſhe extremely feared that his ſtay any longer would hazard a diſcovery. His deſires were to ſee her once more, but he could not poſſibly obtain it from her; ſo that he contented himſelf with ſtaying as late with us as handſomly he could. Cleonice endeavoured to hide the exceſs of her ſorrow at this parting, with as much care as Ligdamis took to expreſs his: But do what ſhe could, it appeared in her eyes; and both of them were ſo exceſſively ſad, that I profeſs I was exceeding ſorry for them. After Cleonice was gone, Ligdamis ſtayed ſtill a long while [Page] with me diſcourſing of her, and entreating me to continue his friendly ſollicitor. But in concluſion, it being very late, he left me alſo, and went to the houſe of a friend where he ſtaid till break of day. This friend, whom be thought to be the moſt faithfull ſervant in the world unto him, he truſted him with all the buſineſs of his voyage: But, Madam, be pleaſed to know that this friend, how faithfull ſoever in appearance, proved to be the Spie of Hermodorus, who underhand did uſe all poſſible endeavours to ruine Ligdamis, and marry Cleonice. So that being advertiſed by this Agent, that Ligdamis was in Epheſus diſguiſed, that he was in his houſe, and that he had been at my houſe with Cleonice; after Hermodorus had well conſidered what courſe to take, he ſent ſix men whom he hired with money, to ſeize upon the perſon of Ligdamis, to take away his ſword, and to guard him in the the chamber where they found him, appointing them to tell Ligdamis that they arreſted him by command from the Governour of Epheſus. This courſe being reſolved upon, it was preſently executed: for he in whoſe houſe Ligdamis lodged, did himſelf open the door unto thoſe who would arreſt a Delinquent unto the State. So that Ligdamis lying down to ſleep, found himſelf a Priſoner when he waked, and diſabled to reſiſt their violence.

In the mean while Hermodorus, being very glad he had his Rival in his power, did moſt impatiently wait for an opportunity to ſee Cleonice. But ſince mornings were not fit hours to viſit Ladies, he ſtaid till the afternoon; and then he came ſo ſoon after dinner, that he found her alone in her chamber. After he had rendred an officious Complement, which ſhe returned very coldly: Madam, ſaid he unto her, I am very ſorry that I muſt augment that melancholy which is in your eyes; yet I thought it my duty to acquaint you that Ligdamis is a Priſoner. Ligdamis a Priſoner! (replied Cleonice infinitely aſtoniſhed) then they have ſurpriſed the Caſtle of Hermes. No, Madam, replied he; it is in this Town that he is taken in a diſguiſe by a man of my acquaintance; who hoping to have a great recompence from Creſſus for ſeiſing upon a Delinquent againſt the State, he deſired me to lend him a houſe of mine in the way to Sardis, to keep him in more ſafety. But Madam I knowing how dear the life of Ligdamis is unto you, I have contrived a way to releaſe him if you pleaſe. I perceive, Madam, by the trouble of your countenance, that you ſuſpect the truth of my words: but the better to perſwade you, I need only tell you that he came diſguiſed unto Epheſus in a Phrygian habit, and that he has ſeen you at the lodging of Iſmenea. Cleonice after this not doubting the truth, changed countenance and diſcourſe; and looking upon Hermodorus as a man who might releaſe Ligdamis; Hermodorus, ſaid ſhe unto him, I cannot deny but that the misfortune of him you name does exceedingly trouble me: for beſides his being a kinſman unto Iſmenea whom I love very well, he is alſo my friend, and ſuch a friend, that I would do any thing to releaſe him; therefore I conjure you for my ſake, if it be in your power, to do it. Doubtleſs I can, replied he: but Madam, I know not whether you will do one thing which is abſolutely neceſſary for the obtaining of his liberty. It muſt be either a crime, or an impoſſibility, replied ſhe, if I will not: As for things only difficult, I will attempt them all to ſave the life of any unfortunate man that is a very ſtranger unto me, much ſooner for a friend whom I infinitely eſteem. Be pleaſed then to reſolve, Madam, ſaid he unto her, not only to ſave the life of Ligdamis, but of Hermodorus alſo: Yes, Madam, you may ſave them both with one word; and you ſhall no ſooner conſent that Hermodorus ſhall be happy, but Ligdamis ſhall be releaſed. Cleonice was ſo ſurpriſed at this diſcourſe of Hermodorus, that ſhe looked upon him and could not anſwer, and began to ſuſpect the truth: Hermodorus, ſaid ſhe unto him, are not you the man that hath arreſted Ligdamis? I beſeech you Madam (ſaid he unto her) before I tell you the place where he is, or who arreſted him, anſwer to what I ſaid unto you: Ligdamis is a diſgraced man, and will never be in a condition to expreſs his love again at Epheſus. Ligdamis, replied ſhe in a great fury, is a man moſt illuſtrious; and diſgraced as he is, I prefer before you or any other. But Hermodorus, you have told me enough: for ſince I ſee it is in your power to releaſe Ligdamis, you muſt either do it, or elſe reſolve upon my hatred, and that unto ſuch a degree as I ſhall never be at reſt untill I take revenge; but on the contrary, if you can be ſo generous as to releaſe him without any conditions, I ſhould be ſo much obliged to you, that certainly I ſhould treat you much better then heretofore; but to think you ſhould tyrannically engage me to marry you, that is a thing which you can never bring me to,▪ though it were to ſave my own life as well as the life of Ligdamis. But Madam, I beſeech you would you have me releaſe my Rival, to the end he may ſupplant me and [Page] take away my life, as I have preſerved his? Conſider this, Madam, I beſeech you, and do not ſo haſtily pronounce a ſentence of death againſt Ligdamis. Oh thou moſt cruel man! cryed ſhe out, being tranſported by exceſs of ſorrow; Can you commit ſo horrid a ſin? Madam, replied he, you know if he fall into the hands of Creſſus, he is in danger; yet doubtleſs I ſhall not help him, unleſs you help me. Is there no ſpark of Generoſity in you? ſaid ſhe unto him. Generoſity, replied he, bids me not make my ſelf miſerable by releaſing my Rival; it is ſufficient in thoſe that are moſt generous, not to hurt another though it be in their power. But, ſaid ſhe, you no ſooner releaſe this Rival, but he flies away preſently, and will be gone far off from Epheſus. It may be ſo, replied he: but as far as he is off you, he will be ſtill in your Heart; and therefore, Madam, I muſt ask it, before I releaſe him who keeps me from it. My Heart, replied ſhe, is not ſo eaſily obtained as you ſuppoſe. You will then not releaſe Ligdamis, replied he. You will then not merit my eſteem, anſwered ſhe, ſince at my requeſt you will not do a thing, which your own intereſt ſhould prompt you unto, if you loved your honour.

Honour (replied Hermodorus very ſharply) is doubtleſſe a glorious attribute, but a Lover thinking it to conſiſt in the enjoyment of her he loves, it is not ſtrange I ſhould ſet another price upon the liberty of Ligdamis then Cleonice does. Yet, Madam, conſider upon it, and I will come to receive your ultimate anſwer to morrow morning. Cleonice ſeeing Hermodorus ready to leave her, ſhe ſtayed him, and forcing herſelf with much ado, ſhe began to ſpeak him fair; and entreated him to tell her where Ligdamis was, but he would not tell her: So that changing from fair words to threatnings again, ſhe ſpoke as much as anger and ſorrow could invent, in behalf of him ſhe loved: But fearing leaſt this courſe ſhould haſten the deſtruction of Ligdamis, ſhe fell to her ſupplications again: But ſince ſhe could not poſſibly tell Hermodorus ſhe would marry him, he left her, ſaying he would expect her anſwer in the morning; and that he gave her this time to conſider, leaſt ſhe ſhould repent of any haſty reſolutions: And ſo he went out, leaving Cleonice in a moſt miſerable condition.

She ſent immediately unto me, and longed to impart the pittiful ſtory; and I went the very ſame hour unto her houſe, where I heard her relate all the paſſages in ſuch terms as would have moved compaſion out of the moſt hard and inſenſible ſoul. After then I had participated of her ſorrows, and a long time deſcanted upon this ſad adventure, we ſent unto that friends houſe, with whom Ligdamis ſaid he would lodge, and where yet he was, to try if we could di [...]cover how he was taken. But the wife of this perfideous man being inſtructed by her husband, ſaid that he was gone out by break of day, as ſoon as the gates of the Town were open, and that ſhe knew no more of him. You may then very well imagine, Madam, how Cleonice grieved at the misfortune of Ligdamis: In the mean time, we could not contrive how to prevent the ſad conſequences of this fatal accident; for to acquaint the Governor of Epheſus how theſe men who arreſted Ligdamis, had no authority to keep him, and that in all likelihood it was Hermodorus who had done this wrong, were only to deliver Ligdamis from Hermodorus, into the hands of Creſſus, for every one knew how the Governor had orders to arreſt him if ever he came to Epheſus: ſo that there was no more ſafty for him in ſending him to the King of Lydia, then there was in the tyranny of his Rival: Yet ſince Cleonice apprehended him to be in much danger under his Rival, ſhe determined, that if Hermodorus when he came to her, would not be perſwaded to reaſon, then to acquaint the Governor with the buſineſs: For by this courſe, ſaid ſhe, though I do not releaſe Ligdamis, yet I ſhall puniſh Hermodorus, and he ſhall not dye by his hand. 'Tis very true, ſaid I unto her, but will his death be welcomer unto you one way then the other? and do you not conſider that this way will let all the world know, Ligdamis was with you at my houſe, and perhaps make them believe you were the cauſe of his coming? But which way, replyed ſhe, can I colour it? Shall I marry Hermodorus, to releaſe Ligdamis? Ah Iſmenea, he would think his liberty then bought at too dear a rate, and yet I ſee no other way to get him out of the hands of his enemy, but by expoſing my ſelf. Then there is no more to be ſaid, but that I muſt reſolve to dye; for though I had ſo much power with my ſelf as to overcome my ſtrong averſion to Hermodorus, and ſhould give him ſatisfaction, yet perhaps he would not releaſe Ligdamis.

Afterwards conſidering what reports would be of her, when it ſhould be known that Ligdamis had ſeen her in ſecret, ſhe knew not what to reſolve upon; and ſometimes fearing the life of Ligdamis, ſometimes her own reputation, ſhe was moſt extreamly troubled: [Page] But in concluſion, after a hundred ſeveral imaginations, I adviſed her to acquaint a Kinſman unto Ligdamis who was at Epheſus with this paſſage; to the end, that when Hermodorus came unto her in the morning, he might by ſtrong hand ſeize upon his perſon, and tell him that he knew Ligdamis was in his power; and ſo he might releaſe the one with the other. At the firſt, we found no obſticle in the buſineſs, like thoſe who think the execution of any thing which they earneſtly deſire, to be eaſie: But upon ſecond conſideration, we found Stenobea to be a conſiderable hindrance, becauſe ſhe was a favourer of Hermodorus, and conſequently would not ſuffer any violence to him in her houſe; yet preſently after, Cleonice remembred that the next day her mother was to go into the Country fifty furlongs off, and would not return till the next day: This obſtacle therefore being removed, we thought our deſign to be the beſt and only expedient we could take.

Then I left Cleonice, and went to my own houſe, where I was no ſooner come, but I ſent for this Couſin unto Ligdamis, who was a very ſtout couragious man, and fit for ſuch an attempt: Aſſoon as he came, I told him his buſineſſe, and he undertook it according to my wiſh; ſo that to loſe no time, he procured a convenient number of aſſiſtants, requiſite for the execution. Cleonice and I expected the morning with much impatience. Ligdamis for his part, he knew not what to think upon the adventure; for though he was arreſted in the name of the Governor, yet he knew that they who arreſted him were not his Souldiers: Moreover, he ſaw they let him be in the houſe of one whom he took to be his friend, though the Traytor had not ſo much boldneſs as to ſhew himſelf ſince he was arreſted. He could not gueſs at the truth of the buſineſſe; but he told us afterwards, that the ſorrows which he thought Cleonice would apprehend in his misfortunes, did trouble him more then his own danger. As for Hermodorus, I believe his thoughts were more turbulent then either Ligdamis or Cleonice, ſince I cannot think it poſſible to commit any vile act with a quiet conſcience.

Yet, Madam, this longed for morning being come, Stenobea being gone, and I with Cleonce, the Kinſman of Ligdamis alſo being in my houſe, with his aſſiſtants, waiting till I ſent him word that Hermodorus was come. Cleonice and my ſelf thought our ſelves in a worſt condition then before: and though we did moſt earneſtly deſire the liberty of Ligdamis, yet when we came to the very point of executing our deſign, we diſliked it; and we were ſo little accuſtomed to tumults and noiſe, that out of our weakneſs we diſapproved of that, which our reaſon and affection wiſhed were done. In the mean time, minutes ſeemed hours unto us, and hours days, and it was noon, and not a word of Hermodorus; who whether he had ſeen me with the Kinſman of Ligdamis, or out of his ſubtilty foreſaw the accident, I know not, but he reſolved not to come, and only ſent a Letter. When we had loſt almoſt all our patience in a long expectation, we ſaw a man, who was not his own; come unto us, and gave a Letter unto Cleonice, the ſenſe whereof was this:

HERMODORUS unto CLEONICE.

SInce my reſolution depends upon yours, Madam, I ſent to know what yours is; but I beſeech you conſider, that if it be not favournble unto him who loves you moſt of all the world, it ſhall be fatal unto him whom you love beſt: Conſider ſeriouſly, and anſwer favourably, leſt you repent when it is too late.

HERMODORUS.

After that Cleonice had read this Letter, ſhee ſeemed ſo deſperate, that I thought ſhe would have dyed with grief. I asked him who brought it, where Hermodorus was? And he anſwered, that he thought he was at his own houſe; and ſaid that it was one of his men who brought this Letter to him, commanding him from his Maſter to deliver it, and bring an anſwer. In the mean time Cleonice knew not what to reſolve upon: but upon ſecond and ſerious thoughts ſhe writ back theſe words:

[Page]

CLEONICE unto HERMODORUS.

THe Reſolution which I have pitched upon, is not of ſo ſmall importance, as to be truſted unto that ſtranger which brought me your Letter: Therefore if you would know it, come hither your ſelf, for I will not write it,

CLEONICE.

I forgot to tell you, that whilſt Cleonice was writing, I ſent unto the Coſin of Ligdamis, adviſing him to follow the man who carried Cleonice's Anſwer, hoping that way to know where Hermodorus was: The man whom he did imploy in the buſineſs, was not ſo diligent as he might have been, but loſt the ſight of him in a preſs of people at the gate of Epheſus; ſo that then we thought our ſelves more miſerable then before, becauſe we were out of all hopes, ſince we believed Hermodorus would not come upon the Letter which Cleonice writ.

The Kinſman of Ligdamis enquired very diligently where Hermodorus was, but could hear no certainty: It was therefore reſolved, to ſet Spyes about his houſe the next night to watch his coming out; and if it were poſſible to arreſt him. In the mean time Cleonices Letter did much puzzle her obſtinate Lover; who to compaſs his ends, did not care to commit all manner of violences. He could not interpret her Letter, as any way favorable unto himſelf, neither did he think ſhe would ever conſent unto the ruine of Ligdamis; yet not daring to come at her in the abſence of Stenobea, becauſe perhaps, as I ſaid before, he knew the Couſin of Ligdamis was at my houſe, he reſolved to ſtay until her return, and then to go and receive from Cleonice her ultimate reſolution; and reſolving, that if her anſwer was not according to his deſire, then to put Ligdamis into the hands of Creſſus: But in expectation of this, he kept home, and cauſed himſelf to be denyed, if any enquired for him: Yet notwithſtanding, ſince the Gods are more juſt then to permit innocents to periſh, and the culpable to go free, it happened, that Hermodorus thinking himſelf not ſure enough of thoſe whom he had ſet to guard Ligdamis, would go himſelf that night unto the houſe where he was kept; ſo that coming out of his houſe with two men only, when all the world almoſt was in bed, the Couſin of Ligdamis, and thoſe who watched, eſpied him. But not deſiring to aſſault him ſo near his own houſe, leſt he ſhould be reſcued by his own ſervants, they followed him at a diſtance, till he was a good way off, before they would attempt it, and yet kept not ſo far from him, but they could fall on when they pleaſed. They were much amazed, when they ſaw him ſtay at the door of him where Ligdamis lay; ſo that to loſe no longer time, they couragiouſly aſſaulted him, but ſtriving rather to take him then to kill him, they pulled him by the arm further from that door; yet he ruffled from amongſt them, and drew his ſword: The Couſin of Ligdamis and his party being the ſtronger, they could eaſily have killed him, if their deſires to ſave him alive had not reſtrained them; and alſo had eaſily taken him, if Hermodorus had not called out aloud to the perfideous friend of Ligdamis for help; who hearing his name, came out with four of the guard belonging to Ligdamis, and the combate then proved more bloody and diſputable. In the mean while, two of the guard ſtayed ſtill with Ligdamis, who knowing their action to be unjuſt, and thinking by this noiſe, that they were in danger to be queſtioned, they thought beſt to ſecure themſelves, by obliging Ligdamis, and releaſing him: After they had held a little councel between themſelves, they made the offer of it unto Ligdamis, and confeſſed that it was Hermodorus who had unjuſtly obliged them to the action: And not to loſe the merit of their kindeneſs, they never told him that their Companions were gone to help Hermodorus; but on the contrary, they were gone out to part ſome ſtrangers which were quarrelling, and that they two for their parts would take hold of this opportunity, and releaſe him, and accordingly they carried him out of a back door: But ſince they could not poſſibly get out of Epheſus at that time of the night, they thought my houſe the ſafeſt retreat: So that knocking at my door, and deſiring ſome to tell me, that there was a Phrygian which deſired to ſpeak with me, my ſervants did accordingly. You may eaſily imagine how I was amazed, when after the door was open, I ſaw Ligdamis enter with two of his guard: Since it was late before I returned from Cleonice, and alſo had many Letters to write, ſo [Page] it happened that I wa s not gone to bed: which as it proved, was very happy; for if I had, perhaps Ligdamis had not been ſaved, becauſe then my ſervants would not have opened the doors. As ſoon as ever I ſaw him, I asked him a hundred queſtions at once; for I could not for my heart deviſe which way he ſhould be releaſed. Gladly would I have eaſed Cleonice of an ill nights reſt: but fearing it might chance diſcover what I ſo much deſired to conceal, I thought it better to ſtay untill the next morning before I acquainted her with this pleaſing news.

In the mean time, ſince it is never good truſting unto any ſuch friends as had any hands in an ill act, I appointed a Chamber for the two Souldiers, and commanded my men not to go to bed, but to watch them: Yet firſt we made them tell us all that they knew concerning Hermodorus. For my part, I would not tell Ligdamis that his Couſin had followed Hermodorus all that night, or that I believed it was he who aſſaulted him; leſt knowing his courage, he ſhould offer to go out unto his relief. I was the more induced to conceal it from him, becauſe I ſuppoſed the combat was ended: But when I acquainted him with the propoſition which Hermodorus had made unto Cleonice, with the deſpair in which ſhe was, and the anſwers which ſhe returned; he expreſſed as much hatred to his Rival, and as much love to his Miſtreſs, as was poſſible for two contrary violent Paſſions to invent. I had good mind he ſhould have gone away that ſame night, but yet he would not: however let me tell you, it was abſolutely impoſſible to perſwade him unto any ſleep, or to ſhut his eyes, though I forced him to go unto his Chamber which was made ready for him, whilſt I went into my own.

As ſoon as day appeared, I went unto Cleonice, whom I found ready to hearken unto me: For beſides as ſhe had not ſlept all that night, ſo the Couſin of Ligdamis had been with her to give an account of all paſſages between Hermodorus and himſelf: yet ſince he was ignorant what was become of Ligdamis, he ſuppoſed that his Guards had only changed his Priſon, but never thought they had releſaed him. So that her ſorrows were ſtill the ſame, till I removed them, and told her that Ligdamis was ſafe. Her joyes were then ſo exceſſive, that her thoughts were wholly upon him, and ſhe never told me what was become of Hermodorus: But after I had asked her ſeveral times, ſhe told me that the perfidious friend of Ligdamis, with three of his Guards, were killed; that Hermodorus was much wounded; that the Kinſman of Ligdamis had loſt two of his men; and that in concluſion he being alone with his men in the ſtreets, he went into this houſe to know what was become of Ligdamis, and that he found none in it but one woman, who told him that Ligdamis was gone from thence with two of his Guards. Cleonice further told me, that the Kinſman of Ligdamis was gone unto the houſe of one who was an Enemy unto Hermodorus, there to hide himſelf untill ſuch time as he knew what would become of his wounds. In the mean time we began to apprehend that Ligdamis was not ſafe in my houſe; ſo that we thought it expedient to advertiſe his Couſin, that he ſhould take orders to go out of Epheſus that very night; which accordingly he was reſolved upon, and executed. Cleonice would not afford her unhappy Lover ſo much comfort as to ſee her once before he went, leſt it ſhould be diſcovered; and thought her viſit would make it ſuſpected that he was in my houſe: For be pleaſed to know, Madam, that as rage and deſpair made Hermodorus almoſt mad, ſo he ſpread it about all the Town, that Ligdamis was in Epheſus, that he had ſeen Cleonice at my houſe, and that Hermodorus and he had fought; and a hundred more ſuch reports. All which at the firſt did not much diſquiet Cleonice, becauſe all her cares were to hear that Ligdamis was ſafe: But when ſhe underſtood that he and his Couſin were got out of the Town, with men to guard them, then theſe Reports began to trouble her; which indeed did make ſo great a noiſe, that the Governour of Epheſus cauſed a moſt ſtrict ſearch to be made. Since he was a very worthy man, and Prolixenide his wife did me the honour to eſteem me very much, ſhe did me the favour to ſend for me, and asked me very inquiſitively what I knew. When I had received this ſummons, I went unto Cleonice, to conſult together upon what I ſhould ſay, before I went: For as on the one ſide, by not confeſſing that Love was the loadſtone which drew Ligdamis hither, it would give cauſe of ſuſpition that he was a Delinquent to the State, and that he had ſome enterpriſe upon Epheſus; ſo on the other ſide, if it ſhould be confeſſed that a violent love to Cleonice was the cauſe of his coming in a diſguiſe, yet it was to be feared that it would not at all be credited: So that whether ſhe ſhould juſtifie Ligdamis, or herſelf, was the difficult knot of the queſtion, which ſhe could hardly untie. As for the firſt of theſe two, ſhe muſt needs ſpeak the truth; and for the other, ſhe was forced to the refuge of a lye, [Page] ſince certainly all appearances were againſt us, and that it was not probable Ligdamis ſhould come to Epheſus in a diſguiſe, without the conſent of Cleonice.

After a ſerious examination of the buſineſs, Love was moſt prevalent, and ſhe conſented rather to be ſuſpected, then to give any grounds of accuſation againſt Ligdamis. She then appointed me to ſpeak the truth; and indeed, I told my tale ſo well, that Polixenida believed me, and undeceived her husband in the opinion which he had, that Ligdamis contrived ſomething againſt the Kings ſervice; inſomuch, as he promiſed Polixenida to write unto Creſſus in favour of Ligdamis. However, all this could not prevent Artelinda, Phocylides, and all the Town, from a hundred various cenſures upon the accident: But as for Hermodorus, he had not any long vie amongſt them, for he dyed of his wounds the ſeventh day: So that all his accuſations died with him; and all his kindred being perſons of honor, finding his actions ſo unworthy, would not proſecute the Couſin of Ligdamis as an Aſſaſſinate, nor revenge his death, becauſe he deſerved it. However, the reports of theſe things were ſo loud, that Cleonice could not endure to hear them: So that her Aunt having a very pleaſant Seat near the River Hermes, and being ready to depart the Town, ſhe deſired Stenobea, that ſhe might go with her; and made me promiſe to paſs away the Autumn with her, ſince I could abſolutely diſpoſe of my own actions.

Cleonice, who would not have left Epheſus, but becauſe of various reports, would not give any cauſe to augment them; and therefore ſhe beſeeched her Aunt, not to paſs over the River, at the Caſtle of Hermes, where Ligdamis and his Couſin were happily arrived; but to finde out a paſſage further of, leſt reports ſhould riſe, that ſhe went to ſee Ligdamis: Yet ſhe was in a place where he ſaw her ſometimes; for though he never went out of the Caſtle, yet ſince Cleonice was in the Country, and ſo near his ſiſter, he pretended ſometimes to ſee her, ſometimes in diſguiſe, and ſometimes with a more conſiderable guard.

In the mean time, to keep my word with Cleonice, I went into the Country to her; but I did not as ſhe did, for I paſſed the River at the Caſtle of Hermes, and called upon Ligdamis, whom I found ſtill extreamly amorous, but yet extreamly melancholly, and he would not tell me the cauſe; entreating me only to ſolicite for him, and be his friend. When I came to Cleonice, I gave her an account of all the altterations in Epheſus, ſince her departure; how that Phocylides finding none in the Town to deceive, was gone to dwell at Sardis; and how Anaxippa not being able to endure the courſes of her daughter, forced her to marry a man, who the next day after the wedding, carried her into the Country where ſhe ſees none, and is doing ſevere penance for her paſt gallantries. This news, which heretofore would have much recovered Cleonice, did now only move a ſmile, and that in ſuch a conſtrained manner, that I knew her minde was not quiet. So that after I had addreſſed my ſelf in all fitting civilities to her Aunt, I began to talk in private upon the firſt opportunity which offered it ſelf; and carrying her into a walk near the houſe, What's the matter Cleonice? ſaid I unto her; from whence proceeds this extraordinary melancholly? At the firſt, ſhe told me, it was only an effect of ſolitude, and her being in the Country; but I knew her too well to be put off by ſuch an excuſe, and did preſs her a little further: What can it be, ſaid I, that thus torments you? All thoſe falſe reports which once troubled you, are quite dead; Ligdamis is a Lover, as he was, and loves you as much as ever he did. Ah Iſmenea, ſaid ſhe, I am afraid that what you ſay laſt is not true. What reaſon have you, ſaid I unto her, to think it is not? A hundred, replyed ſhe; ſo that I am certain you were deceived, when you told me one day, that Love could never become friendſhig, ſince certainly the thoughts of Ligdamis towards me are no more. Really Cleonice, ſaid I unto her, you are a moſt ſtrange woman to ſpeak thus; for is it poſſible, that you who heretofore apprehended the friendſhip of Ligdamis could never become Love, ſhould now fear that his Love ſhould become friendſhip? I do not fear it, replyed ſhe, but I believe it. And what ground have you for your belief? ſaid I unto her: A thouſand ſlight paſſages which I have obſerved, ſaid ſhe; and alſo upon a ſtrange melancholly coldneſs, which Ligdamis of late hath uſed: But yet (ſaid ſhe, and diſſembled) I do not murmure, or ſay any thing to him; but he muſt know, that though his father would change his reſolution, and permit him to marry me, yet I ſhould never conſent: Not but that (ſaid ſhe, and bluſh'd) I ſhould be glad that Ligdamis ſhould love me; but to be engaged to live with a man all my life, who changes ſo often, is a thing which I can never do: For I have cauſe to fear, that ſince he has [Page] paſſed from indifferency unto friendſhip, and from friendſhip unto love, and from love unto friendſhip again, he will repaſs at laſt from friendſhip unto indifferency, where firſt I found him, and laſt of all, from indifferency to hatred and ſcorn▪ Cleonice ſpoke all this ſo haſtily, as made me laugh; and ſo much the more becauſe I knew ſhe wronged him. But, ſaid I unto her (and looked earneſtly upon her) will you be pleaſed to acquaint me with ſome of Ligdamis his crimes? His Luke-warmneſs, replyed ſhe, is a crime, which though none but my ſelf can be ſenſible of it, yet it is ſuch a one, and ſo great, that I cannot pardon it. I cannot think, ſaid I, that Ligdamis can be ſo to you. As we were thus in talk of him, news was brought us that he was coming, which ſhe no ſooner heard of, but ſhe began to entreat me, that I would not tell him what ſhe ſaid, or chide him: Yet ſince I thought ſhe ſpoke againſt her minde, I told him all what ſhe had ſaid; at which he much wondred. He perceived that ſhe was a little more ſerious then ordinary; but ſince ſhe told him that it was cauſed by ſome news which ſhe received from Epheſus, that did not pleaſe her, he took no great notice of it, knowing he never had given her any cauſe to complain againſt him. I do not know (ſaid he unto me, after I had made a relation of what ſhe had ſaid concerning his change) whether ſhe call my melancholly luke-warmneſs; but I am moſt certain, I never in my life did love her with more zeal and violence then now.

As we were thus talking in that Alley where Cleonice and I uſed to walk, we ſaw her walking alone in another; and going towards her, when he came near, Unjuſt Lady, ſaid he unto her, can you accuſe me for loving you only in the degree of friendſhip? On the contrary, ſaid ſhe, I do commend you for it, and therefore I ſpoke unto Iſmenea of it. But yet Madam, I beſeech you what have I ſaid, what have I done or thought, which could poſſibly move you to think ſo? You are grown ſo ſtrangely melancholly, replyed ſhe, that I cannot chuſe but imagine, that though once you loved me, yet now you do not. I perceive then, ſaid he, that my melancholly is my crime: But, Madam, ſince I muſt diſcover the cauſe of it, which hitherto I have concealed, becauſe I would not make you ſharer in my ſorrows; Be pleaſed to know, that perhaps we ſhall be ſeparated for a long time, for the ſtate of things conſidered, there is great appearance that all Lydia will be turned into deſolation, and our Monarch ruined. I know very well, Madam, that your ſoul is heroick, and ſo intereſted in the publike good, that the love of your Country imprints it ſelf deep in your heart; therefore I am not afraid to tell you, that we are in expectation to ſee all Lydia in arms, and conquered by a ſtrange Prince: For, Madam, my father and I both, have received certain intelligence from the Court, that Creſſus will declare war againſt that invinceable Conqueror, unto whom half of Aſia is already ſubject, and againſt whom there is no reſiſtance: And all this in a time when the illuſtrious Cleander, who only is able to manage ſuch a war, is a Priſoner: For my part, I know not what policy there is in it; but I know well, that the way to vanquiſh, is to have a General that knows both how to fight and command; and yet Creſſus will not hear talk of the liberty of Cleander, but ſtill keeps under hatches the only man that can oppoſe ſo Puiſſant a Prince: And I pray unto the Gods, that the injuſtice of Creſſus do not draw the wrath of heaven againſt all the Monarchy: I know he hath ſent to conſult with ſeveral Oracles concerning it, and he waits only for their anſwer before they fight. There runs an odd rumour alſo, that he will give retreat unto the King of Pontus, who carried away the Princeſs of Medea: So that Cyrus being animated both by his intereſt of Love, and by his deſires of new glory, he will in all likelihood pull down the Grandure of Creſſus, eſpecially if he do not releaſe the illuſtrious Cleander.

Now, Madam, you know the true cauſe of my melancholly, which you are pleaſed to call lukewarmneſs, and want of love: But to make tryal of my Paſſion, and not to truſt unto my words, I beſeech you command me the moſt difficult things, and if you do not finde a moſt exact obedience, then tax me with want of Love to you, and hatred to my ſelf. Ligdamis expreſſed himſelf in theſe words in a manner ſo far from that lukewarmneſs wherewith Cleonice charged him, that I forced her to ask him pardon, before ſhe had time to ſpeak; and indeed, after a while of reſiſtance, he made ſo many excuſes, and ſeemed ſo aſhamed of her injurious charge, that ſhe would let him ſpeak no more by way of excuſing himſelf.

After this, we ſhared in the melancholly of Ligdamis, and found that he had great cauſe of fears: And ſince this, Madam, theſe two Lovers never quarrelled, though they were not without their ſorrows; for Ligdamis fell ſick within a few days after, and ſo [Page] dangerouſly, that it was thought he could not eſcape death. Yet at the laſt he recovered a little, though the Phyſitians did all conclude it would be long before he was perfectly recovered: And indeed he found it true, for he continued very ill untill Cleander was releaſed. Cleonice alſo had ſuch a violent Feaver, that ſhe could not return to Epheſus when the Forces of Cyrus were entring into Lydia. For my part, I was reſolved not to leave her, untill we found out ſome conveniencie for us both to return to Epheſus together: But ſince the houſe of Ligdamis his ſiſter was the ſtrongeſt in all that part of the Country, we ſtayed there till the war was begun. Then the Liberty of Cleander being known, and alſo that he was the Prince Artamas ſon unto the King of Phrygia; this news wrought ſuch a perfect cure upon Ligdamis, and his upon Cleonice, that it was reſolved amongſt us to get into Epheſus before the war grew hotter: And Ligdamis being to guard us with two hundred Horſe, we began our journey, intending to paſs over the River at the Caſtle of Hermes. But it was the pleaſure of the Fates, that we ſhould meet with the Troops of Cyrus, and become his Priſoners; yet happy in ſuch a powerfull Protection as yours, Madam, and ſuch a generous Conquerour as CYRƲS.

Iſmenea, after ſhe had ended her relation, left Panthea in much ſatisfaction of mind; and that Queen moſt obligingly telling her, that ſhe was as worthy to be Cleonices Friend, as Ligdamis her Lover. After this, Panthea calling for Araſpes, whilſt Iſmenea went to ſeek Cleonice, ſhe gave him orders to tell Cyrus, that Ligdamis was no leſs in love with Cleonice, then he was with Mandana: So that if it would conduce to end the war without fighting, Cyrus may make Peace through all Aſia: In the mean while, intreat him from me to look upon Ligdamis and Cleonice as two whoſe intereſts are very dear unto me. Araſpes, after his uſual reverence, told her he would not fail in his obedience. Afterwards he took horſe immediately, and went to give Cyrus an account of that buſineſs which Chriſantes had impoſed upon him: And coming to the Camp, he went ſtraight to the Tent of Cyrus; who no ſooner ſaw him, but imagining he had executed his Commands, be [...]alked with him in private: Come, inſenſible Araſpes, (ſaid he to him and ſmiled) what news do you bring me concerning Ligdamis? Sir, (ſaid he and bluſht) he whom you ſpeak of is moſt certainly in Love with Cleonice, as the Queen of Suſiana aſſures me. Cyrus was very glad to hear it, hoping thereby the better to advance the deſign of the Prince Artamas: So that ſending Araſpes back with orders to thank Panthea moſt civilly, he ſent for Ligdamis, who was with Feraulas in Timocreon's Tent. Ligdamis was no ſooner come, but Cyrus taking him aſide, conjured him to let him know one thing from his own mouth, though he knew it perhaps another way. Sir, anſwered he, if it be within the compaſs of my knowledge, you ſhall moſt infallibly know it alſo. I do conjure you then (ſaid the moſt invincible Prince of Perſia) to tell me whether you be not more a Captive to the fair Cleonice, then you are unto Cyrus? Sir, replied Ligdamis, (a little ſurpriſed at this queſtion) ſince my Captivity is moſt glorious unto me, I will never deny it unto you, but that the fetters of the fair Cleonice do load me more then yours: But Sir, I beſeech you (if I may be permitted to ask) why do you deſire to know it? Becauſe I would know, replied Cyrus, whether your Paſſion has not taught you to pitty others in the ſame caſe. Sir, anſwered Ligdamis, (ſtill more puzled to gheſs at the intention of Cyrus) Thoſe who are in my caſe may perhaps pitty, but their compaſsion will be but very unſerviceable unto any in the like condition. Not ſo, ſaid Cyrus, for you may do the Prince Artamas the moſt eminent ſervice that ever was done. How, Sir! replied he; I beſeech you tell me preſently what it is. You know, ſaid Cyrus unto him, that he is in Love with the Princeſs of Lydia: you are not ignorant of her impriſonment; and doubtleſs you know alſo, that ſhe is to be brought from the Temple of Diana unto the Citadel in Sardis. I do know all theſe, replied Ligdamis; but I confeſs I do not know which way I can be ſerviceable unto that Prince, who hath many wayes obliged me to do all I can. And you may do it, anſwered Cyrus, by helping him to releaſe that Princeſs whom he loves. If I can do it, ſaid Ligdamis, without betraying the King my Maſter, or commiting any unworthy acts, certainly I will do it with abundance of joy. Since I have told you that you can, replied Cyrus, you may aſſure yourſelf I will never move you to any unworthy acts. After this, Cyrus told him that the Prince Artamas was gone to the Caſtle of Hermes, to perſwade his Father that they may paſs the River, to deliver the Princeſs of Lydia, as they conduct her unto Sardis.

[Page] Ligdamis at firſt ſeemed much ſurpriſed at this diſcourſe: But Cyrus ſpeaking again, Do not think (ſaid he) generous Ligdamis, that we deſire a Paſs for all our Army, or with any intentions to ſurpriſe Creſſus, or to vanquiſh him, or to ſubvert his Empire: No, Ligdamis, we would only releaſe our Priſoner-Princeſſes, and obtain permiſſion to paſs only with ſo many men as will be able to deal with the Convoy which guards them: Thus you ſhall not contribute any thing to the ruine of your Country, but rather prevent it; ſince I do engage my word, (if by your means we can recover the Princeſs Mandana and the Princeſs of Lydia out of their power who perſecute them) to move Ciaxares to offer ſuch Conditions of Peace ſo advantagious to Creſſus, that he ſhall not refuſe them: But on the contrary, if you do not permit us this deſire, all Lydia ſhall be deſtroyed. Moreover, it is not to ſpare our blood in forcing a paſſage over the River, that we have recourſe to your aſſiſtance; but becauſe if we be put to force, it will be with our whole Army, and then Creſſus cannot bring them unto Sardis, but they will remain at Epheſus where the Sea is open to carry them away, and ſo we ſhall not perhaps recover them but by many battels and ſieges. Therefore generous Ligdamis, if it be true that the fair Cleonice hath ſenſibly moved your heart, and made you capable to conſider the caſes of other Lovers, be a friend unto Prince Artamas who ſuffers all the miſeries of a Lover. I will not ſay the fair Cleonice is in my power; for though you deny my requeſt, yet I here declare, for the Prince of Phrygia's ſake, that ſhe ſhall not be any thing leſs favourably uſed.

Oh Sir, replied Ligdamis, it is enough, and my ſilence is a crime. Yes Sir, I am to blame to let you ſpeak ſo long; and queſtionleſs I ought to believe all your propoſitions juſt, without any further examination. I reſolve, Sir, to contribute all my power unto the releaſement of the Princeſs Mandana, and the Princeſs Palmis: And therefore give me leave to tell you, that I believe the Prince Artamas will not do any good upon my Father: So that if you dare truſt me upon my word, it were expedient I went preſently to acquaint him, that my Siſter which is here with Cleonice is your priſoner as well as myſelf; and I doubt not but this conſideration will much further your deſires. But Sir, I beſeech you, I beſeech you remember your promiſe to procure the peace of my Country, if I re [...] der you the Princeſs Mandana. I do ſo ſolemnly promiſe it, replied Cyrus, that you ne [...] not apprehend the leaſt fear; ſince it is my cuſtom to keep my word unto my moſt mortal enemies, though it would coſt me a hundred Crowns. I think, Sir, ſaid Ligdamis unto him, that ſince I leave a Miſtreſs and a Siſter with you, you need not fear my return. If I durſt not truſt you, anſwered Cyrus, I ſhould not ſpeak unto you as I have done. After this, Ligdamis deſired that ſome men might go with him, leſt he ſhould be ſurpriſed in his quarters as he paſſed, and alſo to the end there might be ſome witneſſes of his tranſaction with his Father, in caſe the Prince Artamas had been denied, and ſhould be gone from the Caſtle of Hermes before he came. Cyrus having already a very high eſteem of Ligdamis, would not have let any to have gone this journey with him, but only men to wait upon him, had it not been for this laſt reaſon: but the firſt being more ſtrong, he appointed Feraulas to go with him. So that without any more delay they prepared themſelves for the Caſtle of Hermes: Ligdamis firſt writing a Letter to his dear Cleonice, leſt ſhe ſhould be troubled at his departure. Cyrus having a deſire (according to his promiſe) to let the King of Aſſyria know what Ligdamis went about; and ſince he could not but approve of any thing that might conduce to the Princeſs Mandana's releaſe, Ligdamis received a hundred kind expreſſions from him as well as from Cyrus; and engaged his word to free his Country, if Ligdamis freed Mandana.

However, though there was ſome probability that this way might prevent a long war, yet Cyrus was as circumſpect and diligent as if it were to laſt a long time. He enquired of the Priſoners concerning the Paſſes over the River, the fit places to encamp in, the moſt advantagious Forts, concerning the fortification of all their Works, and a hundred other things: And as knowing as he was in the art of war and conquering, yet he never thought he knew enough; ſo that without any manner of pride he would diſcourſe with the old Captains of his Army, and would not deſpiſe the advice of the meaneſt Souldier; though to ſpeak truth, he rather inſtructed them of whom he asked any advice, then was inſtructed by them. His Military cares robb'd him not of one thought of thoſe Civilities which he intended to the Captive Princeſſes, and to ſo many Kings and Princes as were in his Army. Yet maugre all thoſe ſeveral cares and variety of buſineſs, Mandana was the abſolute Miſtreſs of his heart, and the object of all his deſires: He did every hour flatter himſelf [Page] with hope of ſeeing her ere long at liberty, and alſo as oft fear the contrary: So that paſſing continually from hopes to feares, and feares to hopes, his ſoul was in continuall agitation. The Picture of Mandana, and the Scarf which dying Mazares left, was all his conſolation; he preſerved them with ſuch extraordinary care, as it might eaſily be ſeen, how dear ſhe was to him unto whom they related.

The ſight of the King of Aſſiria, procured him ſome vexatious hours, and he had much ado to hide his real reſentments, and to live in handſom civility with him, until Mandana's releaſment, when then he ſhould either vanquiſh, or be vanquiſhed by him. Yet had he the conſolation to think he had thrown him out of his Throne, and to know that Mandana loved him not, and that he himſelf was more happy in her affection then he: but on the contrary, that the King of Aſſiria could not in reaſon have one ſingle thought which could afford him any comfort, unleſs out of theOracle which he received at Babylon; for he ſaw his Rival arrived to the higheſt top of glory, and that he was as high in the eſteem of his Princeſs, and no way unfortunate, but in being ſeparated from her, and her being a Captive: But as for himſelf, he ſaw he was without a Crown, or any hopes either to reign in Aſſiria, or in the heart of Mandana, at the leaſt in all probability. Yet he flattered himſelf ſtill in hopes of this Oracle; and ſweetned all his ſorrows, and diſſipated all his fears, by believing that he ſhould one day by ſome way which he underſtood not, be as happy, as he was at preſent unfortunate. Alſo, he was never without this Oracle about him, and had it writ in a little Table-book of Cedar, though he had it alſo perfectly in his memory.

Thus did theſe two great Princes and illuſtrious Lovers, reaſon with themſelves during the voyage of Artamas, who found much more difficulty in perſwading the Governour o [...] Hermes then he imagined, for he did not think Ligdamis would not be there; yet was he received very civilly, as he by whoſe favour the Governor had his Government: But ſince the negotiation was for a paſſage of forraign Forces, the Governor could not hearken unto it; though the Prince Artamas told him, it was only to releaſe the Princeſs Mandana, who was the principal cauſe of the war, and to deliver the daughter of his King, who was moſt unjuſtly perſecuted. It is very true, his minde was much troubled to hear no news of his ſon, who he ſaid was gone to convoy his ſiſter and ſome other Ladies, and that he could not give him any direct anſwer, until he knew what was become of him; But when he heard by the return of ſome Souldiers an hour after, that Ligdamis was a Priſoner, and his ſiſter a captive, he exceedingly grieved at it. The Prince Artamas alſo knowing it, did give him ſome comfort; for he aſſured him that Cyrus would treat him very well, which did ſomething leſſen his ſorrow: He offered to ſend Soſicles for better intelligence; and did ſo, conceiving the Governour would conclude nothing with him, till he heard more certainly concerning his Son: But as good luck was, Soſicles meeting with Ligdamis and Feraulas in the way, that journey was ſhortned, and they all returned to the Caſtle of Hermes, where they were received with much joy; and it was hard to ſay, which had more fatisfaction to ſee Ligdamis, his father, or the Prince Artamas.

After this, the tranſaction met with no great difficulties; for aſſoon as Ligdamis related unto his father how Cyrus treated him; and how his ſiſter and all the Ladies were uſed, his heart did change, eſpecially when Ligdamis told him that Cyrus deſired a paſs for no more men then were requiſite to releaſe the captive Princeſſes, and that he ſolemnly promiſed upon his word to procure the peace of Lydia, if by his means they were releaſed. After this, the Governour having no power to oppoſe Prince Artamas, Ligdamis, and the welfare of his Country, he conſented unto their deſires; ſo that the Phrygian Prince returned back fully fatisfied: He moved Ligdamis to ſtay with his father, purpoſely to keep him in the ſame minde; but Ligdamis would not upon any terms, ſaying that he were unworthy of thoſe civilities which he had received, if he did not return. Artamas was ſtill urgent with him; but the generoſity of Ligdamis being fortified with a prevalent conſideration of Love, was fully reſolved to return: And therefore they all returned to Cyrus, who welcomed them with abundance of joy, eſpecially after he underſtood the happy ſucceſs of their negotiation. Artamas gave Cyrus many thanks for his favours unto Ligdamis, and Ligdamis beginning a freſh to applaud him, he forced the modeſty of Cyrus to impoſe ſilence; and to do it with a better grace, he hindred them from ſpeaking of himſelf, by profeſſing his own obligations unto them, for contriving [Page] things ſo as that he had hopes to releaſe Mandana. Artamas, who had no leſs intereſt in the buſineſs then he had, could not endure he ſhould thank him for any thing he had done▪ And Ligdamis, who was exceedingly obliged unto both thoſe Princes, was much aſhamed of thoſe thanks they gave him.

During this conteſtation of Civility, the King of Aſſiria hearing of their Return, came unto Cyrus, who was ſending for him, to acquaint him with the reſult of their negotiation: So that being a partaker of his Rivals joy, and hoping to ſee Mandana releaſed, he rendred a thouſand expreſſions of gratitude unto the tranſactors of the enterprize; all of them being infinitely impatient to receive ſome intelligence from the friends of Meneceus, concerning the departure of the Princeſſes, and the Convoys which were to guard them. Artamas, who was not leſs Amorous then any, was not leſs joyed in his hopes to releaſe the Princeſs Mandana, without fighting againſt the King her father. Ligdamis for his part, hoping more in the enjoyment of his dear Cleonice, if the wars were compoſed, then if they continued, was a moſt ſenſible partaker in the joys of all theſe Princes.

In the mean time, the Prince Artamas deſiring permiſſion to go and acquaint the King his father with his tranſactions; and the King of Aſſiria deſiring to contemplate upon his joys in private, both of them went away; and ſince Ligdamis and Soſicles did follow the Prince of Phrygia, Feraulas only remained with Cyrus. Indeed he was the moſt agreeble companion he could have, ſince it was to him only that Cyrus had communicated the ſecret of his Paſſion: For though Chriſantes in all other matters was highly in his favour, yet it was to Feraulas he opened the Cloſet of his ſoul, as one that was of a more ſuitable age and humour to excuſe all his imperfections. Agladitus alſo coming in, did not diſturb or alter the converſation; for he had all the qualities which Cyrus could wiſh for in a confident of his Love: His minde was clear, his ſoul was tender, and he was acquainted with this Paſſion, out of his own experience. So that Cyrus imployed two hours with him and Feraulas very pleaſingly in talking concerning the ſtate of things: This Converſation had laſted longer, if the King of Phrygia had not interrupted it, by a viſit which he paid unto Cyrus to teſtifie his joy that his ſons negotiation had took ſo good effect. The reſt of this day was thus ſpent; and the next morning Cyrus reſolved with the King of Aſſiria, and the Prince Artamas, upon thoſe Troops which they would make choice of for this ſecret expedition, when time required. After which Cyrus, who was the moſt obliging Prince upon earth, calling for Ligdamis, who had contented himſelf with writing unto Cleonice, and durſt not ſo ſoon ask leave to ſee her, he told him in a low voyce and ſmiled, that he was his Priſoner no longer;: So that, ſaid he unto him, if you be the Captive of Cleonice, go and viſit her. Ligdamis anſwered, that ſince both his Captivities were glorious, he deſired to go out of his fetters, no more then out of the fair Cleonices; yet ſince he gave him leave, he would go and viſit her, and did ſo. The day following, Cyrus accompanied with the Prince Phraartes (who never failed upon ſuch an occaſion) went to viſit the Queen of Suſiana, and the Princeſs Araminta: He found the firſt of theſe two ſomething leſs ſad, by reaſon of the hopes which Araſpes had infuſed into her, but he found the Princeſs Araminta full of melancholly, and could not gueſs the cauſe, unleſs the continuation of her misfortunes, which ſhe endurcd with abundance of conſtancy. Cyrus did all he could to comfort her; but ſince ſhe heard no news of Spitridates, ſhe was not capable of any joy. The ſight of Cyrus, as pleaſing as it might have been unto her, by reaſon of that prodigious reſemblance which was between him and Spitridates, did rather augment then leſſen her languiſhing humour: For when ſhe imagined that this Prince who was ſo admirably handſome, ſo compleat, and ſo generous, was either dead or a Priſoner, or perfideous, ſhe had much ado to exclude ſuch angry thoughts, for fear ſhe ſhould diſcover her weakneſs: However, ſhe had rather the preſence of Cyrus ſhould revive thoſe ſad thoughts, then ſee the Prince Phraartes with her, whoſe very ſight raiſed a thouſand diſtempers on her fancy, to think that her eyes ſhould allure him, and chaſe Spitridates from her; ſo that the love of this Prince was intollerable to her.

After Cyrus had continued his viſit a long while with Araminta, he took his leave of her; and to oblige Ligdamis, he went unto the chamber of his Epheſian Priſoners, unto whom he ſhewed a hundred civilities, eſpecially to the ſiſter and Miſtreſs of Ligdamis. In his going from thence, he called for Araſpes, whom he had obſerved to be very ſad: And ſince he conceived the cauſe might proceed from a diſlike unto that imployment; and [Page] ſince he loved him very well, he asked, whether he did not think himſelf a Priſoner, in keeping of Priſoners; if he were weary of it, he would put ſome other in his place. Araſpes was ſo ſurſpriſed at this Queſtion, that in lieu of returning thanks, he earneſtly asked him, whether the Queen of Suſiana or the Princeſs Araminta, had made any complaints of him, or whether he had any way diſpleaſed them or him? And Cyrus anſwering, no, but rather on the contrary they commened him; he beſeeched him to let him continue in his office, and thanked him for his goodneſs towards him. Yet it was after ſuch a manner, as made Cyrus believe that Araſpes was troubled at ſomthing which he had no diſpoſition to tell: So that without any further reflection upon it, he took horſe and returned to the Camp.

In going thither, he eſpied two men on horſe-back in the way coming towards him; and ſince the rode faſter then he did, they quickly met. But one of theſe ſtrangers no ſooner caſt his eyes upon Cyrus, and obſerving the honour which was done him, but he asked one of the followers who it was? And being anſwered, it was Cyrus, he ſtopt and alighted from his horſe, and preſented himſelf unto Cyrus, making no queſtion but to be known unto him. Then addreſſing his ſpeech unto him, Sir (ſaid he) I beſeech you give me leave to ask pardon for not rendring you that honour which I ought, upon that occaſion wherein I did you all the ſervice I could. Cyrus looking upon this ſtranger, whom he ſaw to be a handſom proper man, did ſeriouſly examine his memory whether ever he had ſeen his face: but the phyſiognomie of this young Cavalier was ſo new in his eyes, that he concluded him to be certainly miſtaken: So that anſwering very civilly, he told him that he could not remember he ever ſaw him, and by conſequence he thought him to be miſtaken, ſince he did not uſe to forget ſuch men as have any characters of Nobleneſs [...]n their faces, as he had. Afterwards cauſing him to take horſe again, and deſiring him to tell him when and where he ſaw him? This handſom ſtranger told him in the ſame language which he had newly learnt, and which was in a kind of corrupted Greek, that he had the honour to meet him in a Wood in Paphlagonia, when he had but one Page with him, and when he was aſſaulted by ſix men, from the violence of whom he endeavoured to defend him.

I do not know, ſaid Cyrus unto him, whether I ſhould let you go on in your error, leſt I ſhould be ſuſpected not to acknowledge a benefit: Yet notwithſtanding to undeceive you, and to prevent my being accuſed of ingratitude, know (Generous Stranger) that I engage my ſelf to recompence the ſervice which you did unto that man for whom you take me: But know withall, that there is a Prince in the world who does ſo much reſemble me, that at divers times and places we have been taken one for another: Therefore ſince I do not doubt but that it was he whom you relieved, and ſince I am much intereſted in his life and fortune, I pray tell me what you know concerning him, and in what place and condition you left him.

Whilſt Cyrus was ſpenking thus, the Stranger looking ſeriouſly upon him, did indeed find ſome little difference in the air of his Countenance between him and the other whoſe life he had ſaved. So that not queſtioning the truth of what Cyrus ſaid, whoſe honour was too well known to be ſuſpected of a lye; Sir, ſaid he unto him, I beg your pardon for crediting my eyes before my reaſon, which ſecretly tels me, that he who hath conquered the greater part of all Aſia, can poſsibly fall into ſuch a condition as to owe his life to ſuch an unfortunate ſtranger as I am. The Man whoſe life you have preſerved, replied he, is ſo noble, that I conceive you more honoured by it, then if I owed you mine: For to ſpeak ſincerely [...]n you, whatſoever I have above him, is rather the gift of fortune, then any effect of my valour. However I pray you ſatisfie my curioſity, and tell me very punctually what you know concerning him. But firſt, to make your relation more pleaſing, I pray let me know the name and quality of his Preſerver, to the end I may render him his due reſpect. Sir, ſaid this Stranger, my Name is Anaxaris: but as for my Quality, I beſeech you move me not to tell it; it were eaſie, if I would diſſemble, by telling an advantagious lye, to conceal it that way: But ſince I deſire no eſteem from you but what my actions and ſervices ſhall ſpeak me worthy of, I will not either under or overvalue myſelf, by ſaying my Quality is either too low or too high. Therefore without any more diſcourſe concerning it, give me leave to tell you, that the Reports of your illuſtrious Name drawing me out of my own Country to come and be myſelf a witneſs of ſo many Miracles which fame does trumpet of you: And paſsing one evening through a Wood in Paphlagonia, I ſaw a man ſitting under a Tree, who was ſpeaking [Page] unto another that was not above two paces from him, and who ſeemed to look unto two horſes which were tyed unto the trunk of a Pine-tree, leſt they ſhould break looſe. As the air and garb of him who ſeemed to be the Maſter of the other ſeemed to have much grandure in them, ſo I thought myſelf obliged to help him, as afterwards I did. I looked upon him very ſeriouſly, and methought he was very ſad; giving me ſuch a civil ſalute as I paſſed by, that I looked back at him three or four times: And at laſt I perceived ſix men come out of ſeveral quarters of the Wood, who falling upon him all at once, hardly gave him time to riſe, or put his hand unto his ſword; which yet he did ſo readily and couragiouſly, that you need not wonder (Sir) if when they told me that you was Cyrus, I thought that you were he whom I had the happineſs to ſerve; for I never in all my life ſaw ſo much courage in any man, as in that illuſtrious ſtranger. I no ſooner ſaw him aſſaulted upon ſuch diſadvantages, but I went to him, and cryed I would die in his defence; and did ſuch things as I believe I ſhould never have done, if his example had not ſhewed me the way. So it was, Sir, that after a long combat we diſengaged ourſelves from theſe Aſſaſſinates; for four of them lay dead upon the place, and two ran away. This valiant ſtranger whom I did aſsiſt, was wounded in two places, whilſt he was getting upon his horſe: So that ſeeing him to ſtand in need of help, I asked him into what place he would be conducted. He was as civil as valiant; and thanked me for my aſsiſtance in ſuch terms, as eaſily made me underſtand the excellency of his ſoul. He would have diſpenſed with me from the offer which I rendred, telling me that the Life which I had ſo much care of, was not ſo happy, as to take ſo much pains in preſerving it. Yet for all that I would not leave him, but conducted him to the next houſe which was not above four or five furlongs off: As good luck was, there was a Town not far from thence, where a Chyrurgion dwelt; and he knowing of him, ſent his Page for him. I ſtaid with him till his wounds were dreſſed, and would have ſtaid longer, if he would have ſuffered me: So that ſeeing the people of the houſe very carefull of him, I ſooner reſolved to obey him. He deſired to know my name; and I told him, as I have done you, that it was Anaxaris. But ſince it was then very late, I was forced to ſtay there in that place all that night, and lodged in a chamber next his. The Chyrurgion told me his wounds were not mortal; but he found ſo deep a Melancholy in his face, that he feared a Feaver; which added to his wounds, would make them more hard to heal. As I did lie in a Chamber which joyned unto his, and the partition was only of unjoyned Planks, I heard him paſs away that night without any ſleep: He ſpoke ſometimes very loud, and though I could not diſtinctly hear what he ſaid, yet I could often hear him pronounce the name of Araminta: I underſtood that he made many pittifull complaints againſt ſome Beauty of that name; for he would often cry out, Araminta! perfidious Araminta! why cannot I forget thee? Theſe complaints begetting in me a freſh curioſity to know whom I had ſerved, I asked his Page, before I parted: But he told me that he had ſuch ſtrict charge from his Maſter to conceal it, as I would preſs him no further. And ſo I left him, without any further knowledge what he was, then what I have told you: Yet I brought away with me ſo great eſteem of this valiant man, that thinking I had found him when I met you, Sir, I was in an extaſie of joy. But Sir, I am well ſatisfied with my miſtake; for I had rather have the honour to be known unto you, then have enjoyed my ſatisfaction in meeting with him I took you for.

The Prince Spitridates, replied Cyrus, is one of ſo high a merit, that I am not diſpleaſed if you prefer him before me, ſince in ſo doing you do but what is reaſon. In the mean time, Generous Anaxaris, I do profeſs myſelf obliged unto you for preſerving the life of Spitridates as much, as if you had preſerved mine: And therefore I do acknowledge in the preſence of all that hear me, you may juſtly accuſe me of ingratitude, if I do not render you all the good offices which can be expected from a Prince who is obliged unto it. Anaxaris anſwered theſe civil expreſſions in extreme humility, yet far from any baſeneſs: But on the contrary, as humble as he was, yet it appeared by his anſwer [...] that he was more accuſtomed to confer favours then receive any. So that Cyrus conceiving a great opinion of him, reſolved to have an eſpecial care of him; and in order to that, gave orders to place him in one of his own Tents, and that he ſhould be treated as a man of high quality, as he ſeemed to be. But as Cyrus was well pleafed with Anaxaris, ſo Phraartes was not: For ſince he was perſwaded that if Spitridates had been dead, he ſhould have been more in favour with Araminta, ſo he had a ſecret malignancie againſt Anaxaris, as ſoon as he knew he had ſaved the life of his Rival. [Page] Cyrus as ſoon as he came to the Camp, deſired to acquaint the Princeſs Araminta with ſome part of what he heard concerning Spitridates, and to diſſemble the other part, making him leſs wounded then he was; but ſince the relation was before ſo many, he thought it hard to be done.

Yet thinking it would be more conſolation unto her to hear he was wounded, then to believe he was unfaithful or dead, as ſometimes ſhe did, he ſent Feraulas to acquaint her, that a ſtranger came to the Camp, who about a moneth ſince met with Spitridates; for Anaxaris ſaid it was about that time he relieved that Prince: Feraulas, according to his Maſters commands went preſently unto Araminta, who at the firſt was extreamly joyed to hear Spitridates was alive: But not contenting her ſelf with what Feraulas told her; and deſiring to ſee the man who had ſeen him, becauſe ſhe perceived he did not poſitively conſent ſhe ſhould, therefore ſhe imagined much more concerning Spitridates then it was: So that Feraulas promiſed to entreat Cyrus from her, to let her ſee him who brought the news. Then returning to the Camp, he performed his promiſe, and Cyrus deſired Anaxaris the next morning to viſit the Princeſs Araminta, of whom the Prince Spitridates did ſo unjuſtly complain; withal conjuring him to ſay his wounds are not ſo dangerous as they were: But this warning was in vain; for Phraartes had let her know by an Armenian woman (whom he had got to wait upon her when ſhe was at Artaxates, and was all for him) that Spitridates was left for dead, and never like to recover, ſo that Araminta would not believe Anaxaris, when he told her the real truth. Cyrus hearing of her deſpair, went himſelf to comfort her, and aſſured her that Anaxaris told him no more concerning Spitridates, then he had told her: But to teſtifie how much he valued the ſatisfaction of her minde; after good notice taken of the place where Aanaxaris left Spitridates, he ſent for the Prince of Paphlagonia, and deſired him that he would ſend one of his men, to know exactly what was become of that illuſtrious Prince. Araminta rendred thanks unto Cyrus with as much civility as her ſorrows would give her leave. The Queen of Suſiana had alſo an extraordinary care of her. Cleonice and all her friends never left her; and except Phraartes, all the world did participate of her ſorrows. Until this accident unto Spitridates, ſhe was as civil unto him, as afterwards ſhe was unto Anaxaris, when ſhe knew he was his preſerver: But ſhe began to treat him much worſe then uſual, imagining that it was by reaſon of him that Spitridates had named her Perfideous.

Thus the malignant joy which Phraartes had at the misfortune of his Rival, laſted not long; but he endured all the torments that Love and Jealouſie could inflict upon him. In the mean while, Cyrus, the King of Aſſiria, and Prince Artamas began to be exceedingly impatient that they received no intelligence from the friends of Meneceus, nor from thoſe of Timocreon at Epheſus and Sardis; but afterwards their expectations were anſwered, and thoſe they expected being returned, they underſtood that the ſetting forth of the Princeſſes was deferred for eight days, preciſely nominating the day and hour they were to ſet out; naming alſo the Troops which were to guard them, and deſcribing every circumſtance with ſuch particularities, that if theſe Princes did but juſtly obſerve their true meaſures, their enterprize muſt needs take effect; yet there was ſome diſpute did ariſe amongſt them, concerning the execution of the buſineſs: For the Prince Artamas, who was very well acquainted with the Country, was of opinion to divide their Troops, and place of one part of them in a wood by which the Princeſſes were to paſs, and to hide the reſt behinde a hill which was full of Trees, and which was upon the left hand of the plain, which the high-way between Epheſus and Sardis doth croſs; to the end, that when the Coaches are juſt between the wood and the hill; and almoſt over againſt the Caſtle of Hermes, where alſo ſome men ſhould be left, they might compaſs about the King of Pontus, by cutting off his paſſages on all ſides, and might get the Princeſſes over the River, almoſt before theier enemies knew where they were. Cyrus underſtanding the ſcituation of the place better then the King of Aſſiria, did concur with the opinion of Artamas; but the King of Aſsiria was of a contrary opinion, and thought that the dividing of their Troops was the way to be vanquiſhed one after the other; and therefore more expedient to keep in one body, and give a ſudden and violent aſlault, then to have any recourſe unto ſtratagems. The Prince Artamas held conſtant to his opinion, and Cyrus confirmed it with many reaſons; but this violent Prince ſtill obſtinately oppoſing them, there was a very ſtrong conteſt among them. Ligdamis was called to the Counſel, as one that knew the Countrey beſt, and as one that was well known [Page] in military affairs; but as the happineſs or miſery of three great Princes did depend upon this buſineſs, he was ſomewhat nice in giving his opinion; ſo that not delivering himſelf abſolutely, though he inclined to the opinion of Cyrus and Artamas, the King of Aſſiria grew more opinionative and hot then before; ſo that it was reſolved to ſend Chriſantes beyond the River, to take notice of the advantages and diſadvantages of the places which they were to poſſeſs, and when he had well obſerved them to give his advice upon the matter.

But this courſe was no ſooner reſolved upon, then the King of Aſſiria ſaid he would truſt no eyes but his own, in a buſineſs whereupon the Liberty of Mandana depended; and therefore he would go himſelf with Chriſantes and Ligdamis, to ſee whether they were in the right or wrong. The King of Aſſiria had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but the great ſoul of Cyrus not being able to endure that his Rival ſhould ever lay it in his diſh, that he expoſed himſelf the moſt for the liberty of Mandana, did conteſt no more, though he knew it was againſt the rules of Prudence, and to no purpoſe, yet he told the King of Aſſiria that he would go alſo; the Prince Artamas alſo would needs be one of the party, and let them ſee how he thought of the buſineſs. Their departure was reſolved upon to be that very ſame night, in common arms; and that they ſhould carry only two hundred horſe with them, to leave them near the Caſtle of Hermes, and paſs over only with fifty to view the place which Artamas maintained to be the moſt convenient for placing of men.

This courſe being reſolved upon, Cyrus ſent for the King of Phrygia, and commited the care of all things unto him, telling all the reſt of his Captains, that he was gone only to viſit ſeveral quarters of the Army: Yet the matter could not be ſo cloſely carried, but ſome ſuſpected ſome other deſign, which they would not publiſh; ſo that Tygarnes and Phraartes keeping continually about Cyrus, and not leaving him, he was conſtrained to impart the buſineſs unto them, telling them, that if his deſign had been to fight, he would not have gone without them; but their buſineſs being only to view a place to fight on, he would ſpare them the pains of a journey wherein no honour was to be got: Yet notwithſtanding, they were ſo importunate with him, that he conſented. Aglatidas, Chriſantes, Aduſius, Feraulas, Ligdamis, Coſicles, Tegeus and Artabaſes went alſo; the ſtranger Anaxaris hearing of an expedition, asked leave to follow, and he could not refuſe him. Aſſoon as night was come, they ſet out; and made choice of that time, to the end the Spyes which Creſſus had in the Army, could not give any intelligence which way Cyrus went. Ligdamis and Soſicles only went firſt to prepare his father to give a paſſage over the River for fifty men; and all the Princes did ſo order their march, that they arrived within four furlongs of the Caſtle of Hermes two hours before day-break the next morning, where they made a halt according to the agreement with Ligdamis, who came unto them within a quarter of an hour after, and told Cyrus that all was in readineſs to receive him: But ſince there was a neceſſity of day light for that buſineſs, they thought beſt to reſt in the Caſtle till night was gone. Cyrus, and all the Princes which accompanied him, went then into the Caſtle of Hermes, where they were received without any ceremony, leſt the buſineſs ſhould be known unto the ſouldiers, who were made believe that they were the men of Creſſus diſguiſed, who came to view one of the quarters of Cyrus, and would paſs over the River in that place; not but that the Souldiers were very affectionate unto that Governor, but becauſe they would not run any hazard: So that Cyrus ſtaid a long while in the Caſtle of Hermes, as one that was a Captain unto Creſſus.

As ſoon as the ſun was up, Cyrus took horſe, followed by the King of Aſſiria, Prince Artamas, Tygranes, Phraartes, Aglatidas, Anaxaris, Feraulas, Artabaſes, Ligdamis, Chriſantes, Aduſius, Soſicles, Tegeus, and fifty Caviliers for that guard, who went to ſe [...] the place where ere long they hoped to releaſe Mandana. The Prince Artamis, to let the King of Aſſiria ſee he was in the right, marched between Cyrus and him, and as ſoon as they were over the bridge, ſhewed them with his hand the hill that was full of trees, on the ſide of the high-way; the wood which was on the right hand, and the way from Epheſus, which went on their right hand; ſhewing them ſo clearly, that what he had propoſed was moſt expedient, that if the King of Aſſiria did not approve of it, then it was more out of obſtinacy then reaſon.

Chriſantes, who was a man expert in ſuch things, ſaid, to ſecond the opinion of Artamas, That the enterpriſe could not be executed any other way; becauſe if the firſt Troops [Page] which convoyed the Princeſſes ſhould ſpie ſuch a conſiderable body of men together, as theirs ſhould be if they were all joyned, then they would acquaint the King of Pontus with it in an inſtant, by paſſing the word from Rank to Rank, untill it reached him; and then, ſince his deſign is not to gain a victory, but only to preſerve the Princeſſes whom he loves, he will cauſe them to turn back, whilſt he himſelf is facing us with all his Troops. So that unleſs an Ambuſcado be placed in ſuch a manner as the Prince Artamas propoſed, there was little hopes of any good ſucceſs in the enterpriſe. Yet notwithſtanding, the King of Aſſyria would not agree, but ſaid, that thoſe which came from Epheſus might eaſily diſcover the Souldiers which were behind the hill: And though it was obſerved unto him, that the way from that ſide was all low ground, and the hill before them making a demiround, it was impoſſible to diſcover any men behind it; yet needs would he go thither, and all the reſt followed him. After Artamas ſhewed him his error, and had viewed the Hill, they went alſo into the Wood, and wandred far in it to know all the paſſes and advenues; Chriſantes telling them, that they muſt conſider as well what to do in caſe they were vanquiſhed, as if they did vanquiſh; and they had not ſtayed ſo long in this Wood, had it not been for this reaſon. But the Prince Artamas propounding it requiſite, that the Father of Ligdamis was to provide a Boat to ſtand in that place where the Wood reached to the River, to the end that in caſe the Enemies ſhould become maſters of the Bridge, yet they might that way convey over the Princeſſes: This propoſition ſeeming good, they went to ſeek out for a Boat which was a great diſtance from thence, becauſe the River in that place was ſerpentine, and turned and winded very much. Then ſaid the King of Aſſyria, There is a neceſsity of having Boats. To which Ligdamis replied, that ſince Creſſus reſolved upon a war, there was none left upon the River, except one which the Governour kept.

But whilſt they were thus reaſoning upon an enterpriſe, which would ere long be enterpriſed, and Cyrus was entertaining himſelf with the pleaſing thought of being ere long Mandana's Deliverer; the Governour of the Caſtle at Hermes, who for the ſafety of ſo many illuſtrious perſons had ſet a Sentinel upon the top of the Tower, was advertiſed that there appeared a great body of Cavalry coming from towards Epheſus, he no ſooner heard of this, but he diſpatched one of his men immediately into the Wood to acquaint the Princes with it, giving orders unto the meſſenger to tell Ligdamis he might carry them into the Thick of the Wood towards the river, where they might be in ſafety till theſe Forces were paſſed by, which as he thought were going unto the banks of Pactolus, where Creſſus had appointed his general rendezvouz. This meſſenger obeying his maſter, and making all haſte, went into the wood to ſeek for Cyrus: But whether it was out of ſome fears that he apprehended, or that he was unacquainted with the wayes where in probability he might find him; he ſo wildred himſelf in the wood, that Cyrus had no intelligence from him. So that this Prince and all his Company took into the Plain, intending to march over it towards the Caſtle of Hermes again. But he was exceedingly ſurpriſed to ſee a great body of Horſe marching: And following the motions of his couragious ſoul, in lieu of ſtopping he advanced before the reſt; and was no ſooner entred into the Plain, but he eſpied a ſquadron of Horſe ſome fifty paces from him, and likewiſe he ſaw Souldiers between him and the Caſtle of Hermes, and all the Champaign full of Cavalry and Infantry. This undaunted ſoul ſtill did never tremble, nor was the leaſt moved at this inevitable danger; but in lieu of any haſty retreat into the wood, his firſt action was to ſtay, his ſecond was to turn his head about and ſee whether he was followed; and I know not whether his third action would not have been to have ſought out a deſperate death amongſt them, if the Prince Artamas, Tigranes, and Phraartes had not forced him to take into the wood by a way which Ligdamis had ſhewed them. Yet could he not get far into it; for ſince the Lydian Troops had ſpied them, he who commanded in chief, after he had cauſed the Body which he commanded to make a halt, he came himſelf with a hundred Horſe to know what they were, not conceiving them to be Enemies, becauſe he could not imagine how Cyrus ſhould paſs over the river. However, not to neglect any thing, he went forward; and was no ſooner twenty paces within the wood, which was thin in that place, but he perfectly perceived they were no Lydians, and moreover obſerved they were no great number. So that going after them, and giving orders for thoſe in the Plain to follow, he was preſently ſo neer as to fall on, whilſt Cyrus marching laſt, as he that had leaſt deſire to flie, would never ſo much as turn his head, or offer to take his ſword in hand, hoping by this couragious action to make their retreat more eaſie: But at laſt, [Page] Cyrus turning ſuddenly towards the Lydian Captain who marched in the head of his men, did run his horſe ſo furiouſly againſt him, and fell upon him in ſo couragious a manner that he forced him to retreat a little: All his men made a ſudden ſtop; and Cyrus [...] conding his firſt blow with another which made a river of blood to follow it, then endeavouring the retreat of his friends, he found himſelf compaſſed about with enemies on all ſides, without any hopes of eſcaping: He killed one immediately; but the multitude had certainly ſmothered him, if Feraulas by good fortune turning his head, and ſeeing Cyrus in that danger, had not called Chriſantes to his relief, who with the Prince Tigranes, Phraartes, Anaxaris, Aglatidas, Ligdamis, and many others, went unto him; as for the King of Aſſyria, who marched a long way before with the Prince Artamas, and the reſt, they were aſſaulted by another body of enemies, who were ſent to cut off their paſſages. Never was ſuch a thing heard of, as paſſed in this wood; for Cyrus knowing that the liberty of Mandana did depend upon him and his life, beſtirred himſelf like a Lyon; none who aſſaulted him eſcaped, and few who he fell upon could be ſo quick as to flye, or ſo ready as to guard themſelves, or ſo valiant as to reſiſt: So that there was very few of all them that were about him, which did not feel the weight of his arm: The valour of Tygranes was very notable, as well as that of Phraartes; the ſtranger Anaxaris behaved himſelf ſo, that Cyrus ſaw he was the moſt valiant man in the world; Aglatidas, Ligdamis, Chriſantes, Feraulas, all of them did ſhew ſuch teſtimonies of prodigious courage to ſave the life of their illuſtrious Maſter, that it is unexpreſſable. The more the number of their enemies encreaſed, the more did the valour of Cyrus double; he turned and winded amongſt the trees, with ſuch admirable dexterity, and his horſe being ſo obedient unto his hand, did ſo well ſecond his intentions that he could divers times have ſaved himſelf, if he would have left his friends engaged; but his great ſoul could not conſent unto ſuch a thought, but he would ſtill fight it out, though there was no hopes of vanquiſhing.

In leſs then a quarter of an hour, he made great heaps of dead bodies, all the bulks of trees were bloody, the green graſs was turned red, and the ground was all blood. All the Caviliers which followed him, had periſhed at this bout, and certainly he had done ſo himſelf, if the Gods had not by their ſupreme Power preſerved him. After he had ſought a long time, and ſeeing none about him but Tigranes, Phraartes, Aglatidas, Chriſantes, Ligdamis, Anaxaris, and Feraulas, his valour encreaſed; but the number of his enemies ſtill encreaſed, and one amongſt them intending to kill his horſe, did thruſt his ſword through his flank; ſo that this illuſtrious Prince could not poſſibly hold him, for this furious animal finding himſelf wounded, he ran away with his Rider whether he would or no through the thick of trees and enemies, ſome twenty paces off, where falling down dead, Cyrus had much ado to recover himſelf from under him: but having at laſt diſengaged himſelf, he perceived that he had nothing in his hand but the ſtump of a ſword, for it was broken againſt the bulk of a tree, when his horſe ran furiouſly away with him; then being in an inſtant compaſſed about with a multitude of enemies, the Conquerour of many Nations muſt needs be once conquered; yet did he offer to defend himſelf, but all in vain, for they tumultuouſly fell upon him, and took him Priſoner, he having not received one wound. Tigranes, Phraartes, Chriſantes, Aglatidas, Anaxaris and Feraulas, ſeeing that Cyrus was taken, and that it was abſolutely impoſſible to think of releaſing, they began to think of ſaving themſelves by flight if they could, all but Feraulas, who ſuffered himſelf to be taken, that he might be a partaker in his Maſters misfortune: But the reſt onely defending themſelves, and retreating towards the thick of the wood, they fled away ſo happily, that they who followed them hearing a great noiſe in the place where the King of Aſſyria and the Prince Artamas were fighting, they made a ſtop, ſearing ſome ambuſcado; during which, they got into the thick of the wood, and hid themſelves until night, all but Anaxaris, who by the ſtumbling of his horſe, was taken: However, the King of Aſſyria, the Prince Artamas, Artabaſes, Aduſius Soſicles, Tegeus, and thoſe Caviliers which were with him, had made ſuch a miraculous reſiſtance, and had killed ſo very many Lydians, that their own valour was their ruine; for thoſe againſt whom they fought, ſeeing what kinde of men they had to deal withal, ſent for freſh ſupplies: So that ſeeing on all ſides enemies upon enemies; and that the more they killed, the more they had to fight withal, they thought of ſelling their lives at as dear a rate as they could, eſpecially Artamas: for beſides the general intereſt which they all had not to be taken, he had a particular reaſon not to fall into the hands of Creſſus: Soſicles and T [...]geus might [Page] have the ſame apprehenſions, but yet they were not ſo deeply concerned as Artamas. However, that fatal Deſtiny could not be avoided; for after he had received a wound in his [...]ght arm, and in three other places beſides, he was forced to yield himſelf. The King of of Aſſyria alſo was ſurrounded with ſo many men, and was taken Priſoner; ſo likewiſe were Soſicles and Tegeus; Artabaſes and Aduſius only eſcaped this dangerous adventure. Theſe two Combates then being thus ended, and all the Lydians which had fought met, and having put the Priſoners which they had taken together, Cyrus, Anaxaris and Feraulas were much ſurpriſed, when they ſaw the King of Aſſyria, Soſicles, Tegeus, and ſome other of their Caviliers in the ſame condition: as for the Prince Artamas, he was ſo wounded, that he could not be brought.

In the mean time, theſe two illuſtrious Rivals ſeeing the equality of their fortunes, were both of them both ſad and glad. Glad, becauſe a Rival was no happier then himſelf; ſad, becauſe Mandana was without a Protector, eſpecially ſince the Prince Artamas was both taken and wounded: They were alſo very much grieved to ſee that he was known by two Lydian Captains, who had a good deſire to have ſaved him, but durſt not. Then they went to advertiſe him who commanded in chief, and to give him ſome teſtimonies of their victory, they carried with them the Priſoners which they had taken; that is to ſay, Cyrus, the King of Aſſyria, Anaxaris, Tegeus, Soſicles, Ferulas, and ſome Caviliers. At their coming out of the wood, Cyrus and the King of Aſſyria viewed all their forces which were drawn up in the plain: and as they went, theſe two Rivals obſerving by their manner of uſing them, that they did not know them, did agree together not to diſcover each other, in caſe they could finde ways to eſcape; and finding an opportunity to hint the ſame unto Feraulas, as he was witty, ſo he made it known unto the reſt of the Priſoners, hoping that not being known, they would be more negligent in guarding them, and ſo they might perhaps recover their liberty.

Yet Cyrus did extreamly fear to be carried unto the King of Pontus; and when he remembred how oft he had conquered him, and how that Prince had been his Priſoner, the preſent condition of his fortune was moſt inſupportable unto him; yet he marched on, though he knew not whither they would conduct him. The King of Aſſiria asked the queſtion of a Lydian Souldier, who anſwered, that they were to be carried unto Andramites, who in abſence of the King of Pontus commanded in chief; and as he was enquiring more preciſely into things, an Officer came and broke off their diſcourſe, imagining that the King of Aſſiria was ſuborning the Souldier to further his eſcape. After this, they marched, and were not permitted to ſpeak ſo much as to one another, each of them contemplating upon his own misfortune.

Cyrus was ſo generous, as not to upbraid the King of Aſſyria for being the cauſe of their misfortune, ſince but for him they had not come unto that place where they were taken: Mean while, they marched on, and at laſt came unto the place where Andramites was, who knew Tegeus and Soſicles as ſoon as he ſaw them; ſo that not looking much upon any others; I think my ſelf very unhappy (ſaid he unto them, for he was one of their friends) that you ſhould fall into my hands: but ſince you know what belongs unto honor, I hope you will not think it ſtrange that I ſhould ſpeak unto you as Priſoners of War, and not as unto my friends; therefore I pray tell me what you were doing in the wood, what number of men you had, and what was Prince Artamas his buſineſs, whom I know is wounded, and a Priſoner. We cannot tell you (anſwered Soſicles very prudently) what was the deſign of Prince Artamas, for we only followed him, and never enquired further; but we can very well aſſure you his deſign cannot be very dangerous, ſince he had only fifty horſes with him: And I do verily believe his deſigns were rather intentions to promote peace then war. But where paſſed you over the River? (asked Andramites.) Since I will not prejudice that Prince whom now I ſerve (anſwered Soſicles, you muſt excuſe me, if I do not tell you where we paſsed over. But where is Cyrus? asked Andramites. I ſaw him in the Camp yeſterday, when we came away (anſwered Tegeus, ſeeing Soſicles not anſwer quickly.) After this, Andramites having beſtowed a civil complement upon them, commanded an Epheſian Captain to guard them: Afterwards, looking upon the other Priſoners, he found ſomething ſo great in the aſpect of Cyrus, the King of Aſſyria and Anaxaris, though their arms and habit was very mean, that he called Tegeus again, to ask him of what quality theſe Priſoners were? And as he anſwered, that they were only common Caviliers: If all the reſt in your Army were ſuch, ſaid he unto him, Creſſus will moſt infallibly loſe the firſt battel he ſhall fight; for I muſt needs confeſs, he hath none ſuch.

[Page] After this, he commanded that the Chyrurgion belonging to the Army ſhould go unto Prince Artamas, and conſider which was the beſt way to carry him: For ſince he knew that Creſſus held the Governor of the Caſtle of Hermes in ſuſpition, therefore he durſt not go thither, leſt he ſhould render himſelf ſuſpected; ſo that reſolving he ſhould be carried unto ſome place nearer Sardis; and underſtanding that his danger was not great, he commanded the Troops to march. All the Troops then beginning to advance, and all the Priſoners yet ſtaying for want of horſes, becauſe their own were either killed or taken by ſuch Souldiers as could not be found, they ſaw appear many Coaches, in which were many women: This ſight made the hearts of Cyrus and the King of Aſſyria to beat; and both of them advancing at once towards the way ſide, by which theſe Coaches were to paſs: But when they eſpyed Mandana there, O heavens! what were their thoughts? their ſouls were diſordered, their hearts trembled, and were ſo tranſported, that they thought to diſcover themſelves, and if ſhame to appear before Mandana in ſuch a condition, had not reſtrained them; certainly they had ſtaid the Coach, and done ſome act as bold, as their loves were violent. But the thing which moſt of all diſordered their reaſon, was, that whilſt the Princeſs Palmis, next to whom Mandana did ſit, was ſpeaking unto Andramites on the one ſide of the Coach, Mandana did caſt her eyes upon theſe Priſoners; ſo that knowing Cyrus and the King of Aſſyria, ſhe could not poſſibly chuſe but cry out; which reaching the ears of theſe two Rivals, produced different effects, though ſad in both: However, the Princeſs Palmis turning herſelf at the cry which Mandana made, and asking her what ſhe had ſeen which cauſed her ſo to do, that prudent Princeſs imagining notwithſtanding the diſorder of her ſoul, that Cyrus was not known, conſidering the condition wherein he was, did ask the Princeſs Palmis pardon for it: But, ſaid ſhe unto her, I could not chuſe but be very much moved, when I ſaw a man amongſt the Priſoners, who had ſerved the King my father in a time when I thought my ſelf very happy: In the mean time, Mandana ſeeing their Coach went, on ſtill, deſired the Princeſs Palmis, to obtain of Andramites the liberty of this Cavilier, not daring then to tell the truth unto the Princeſs, leſt ſhe ſhould be overheard. Palmis deſiring nothing more then to oblige Mandana, deſired Andramites to let the Coach ſtay, and this Lieutenant General obeyed her: Then did ſhe entreat him to do her the favour to give unto her one Cavilier which Manda ſaw among the Priſoners, which he had taken. Madam, ſaid he unto her, you know I ought not to do it. I know very well, ſaid ſhe, that according to the exact and ſtrict rules of war, you are bound to deny me; but withal, I know, that being as I am. you ought to grant me all that is not prejudicial to the King: And you know Andramites, that one ſimple Cavilier can neither win nor loſe a battel. But be it as it will be, ſaid ſhe, I ask him of you; and I promiſe you the Prince Myrſiles ſhall recompence it, ſince I cannot (as the preſent condition with me is) do it my ſelf. Whilſt this Princeſs was ſpeaking unto Andramites, Mandana looked out on the other ſide, towards the illuſtrious Cyrus, who advancing ſtill forward, did both ſee, and was ſeen by her.

In the mean while, the Princeſs Palmis was ſo urgent with Andramites for the liberty of this Cavilier, that he began to conſent, and asked which it was: Then Mandana, both by her words, and pointing her hand, ſhewing him, and ſpeaking ſo prudently, that in the end Andramites not being able to deny the daughter of his King ſo ſmall a favour, was ready to reſolve upon it; yet remembring what prodious valour his men reported to be in this Cavilier, he pawſed a while, and told the Princeſs Palmis, to excuſe himſelf, that the courage of this man was ſo great, that even Cyrus, of whom fame did trumpet ſo many miracles, could not do more.

Bu [...] in concluſion, apprehending that this Princeſs (if Creſſus ſhould dye, might be revenged on him) he reſolved to ſatisfie her deſire: So that cauſing Cyrus to come near, without telling him why he brought h [...]m to that ſide where Mandana was, Valiant man, ſaid Andramites unto him, render thanks unto this [...]rinceſs for the liberty which ſhe hath obtained for you. Cyrus was ſo ſurprized at this language from Andramites, that he never thought of an anſwer; for being ſo near Mandana, & not daring to ſpeak his real thoughts, nor hardly to look upon her, his ſpirits were not ſo free as to behave himſelf as at other times: yet ſtriving with himſelf, he ſaluted the Princeſs with a moſt humble Conge, and according to the counſel of Andramites by way of thanks, Madam, ſaid he unto her, I do not know what terms to uſe, which can ſufficiently ſpeak my thanks; and if you judge of my reſertments by my words, you have cauſe to think me ungradeful. You have ſo faithful [Page] ly ſerved the King my father, replyed Mandana, that I have more reaſon to acknowledge your benefits then you mine: However (added ſhe, extreamly deſiring he ſhould be gone, leſt he ſhould be known, and yet unwilling to loſe the ſight of him ſo ſoon) fail not as ſoon as you are returned to the Camp, to let the King my father know, by the firſt poſt which goes to Ecbatan, that I will be ever what I ough t to be; and that I will never do any thing which ſhall be unworthy of the honour to be his daughter. I ſhall not fail, Madam, replied he; But ſince I fear I ſhall not be able to obey you any way, but by the Poſt which Cyrus ſends, therefore unleſs I have ſome meſſage unto him, he has ſome reaſon not to believe me. Tell him from me, ſaid ſhe unto him, that I am very ſorry he ſhould ſo often expoſe himſelf unto dangers, as he does for my ſake; and I think (ſaid ſhe, and bluſhed) that Andramites will permit me to entreat that illuſtrious Prince to do ſo no more. I ſhould be glad, ſaid Andramites, and ſmiled, that this Cavilier could perſwade him unto it; but I think he will have a hard task to do it. But, Madam, it is time to march, unleſs you will put yourſelf unto the inconveniency of night. In the mean time, this Cavalier may paſs the River when and where he pleaſes, for I will give him a horſe and a Paſport. The Princeſs thanking Andramites for his civility, turned towards Cyrus, whoſe mind was ſo troubled, that he hardly knew whether or no what he ſaw was true. But whilſt Andramites was talking unto one of his men: Will you be pleaſed to command me any other ſervice, Madam? (ſaid he unto Mandana) I deſire you, ſaid ſhe unto him, that you make good uſe of that liberty which I have obtained for you. Afterwards, Andramites came to them, and deſired the Princeſs they would be pleaſed to march; and ſo they did, Mandana looking upon Cyrus as long as ſhe could, with eyes ſwiming in tears; and Cyrus looking after the Coach, as long as ever he could ſee it. All this while, the King of Aſſyria was in intollerable torment to ſee Cyrus called unto the Coach, and not himſelf: he was above twenty times ready to have told his name, and if reſentment of honour and love had not reſtrained him, he had infallibly done it: he would needs come up to the Coach alſo, but his guards ſtopt him, and Feraulas alſo did wittily diſſwade him. But when Cyrus came to him with the horſe and paſs port which Andramites gave him, and told him that he was at liberty, his ſorrow was ſo exceſſive, that he was ſpeechleſs. Is it the Princeſs Mandana (ſaid he very low unto him, after he was returned out of his amazed ſilence) that hath obtained your liberty? It was the Princeſs Palmis (replyed Cyrus) who at her requeſt, did move Andramites to give it unto me. O ye Gods (cryed out the King of Aſſyria, and lifted his eyes up to heaven) is it by the way of ſlavery you intend to keep your promiſes with me, and make me happy? Cyrus, who did not underſtand the ſenſe of theſe words, becauſe he was ignorant of the Oracle which this Prince received at Babylon, turned himſelf towards Anaxaris, and told him, he was very ſorry that this firſt adventure they were in together, ſhould prove ſo unfortunate; but he deſired him to be confident, that he would endeavour all imaginable ways to procure his liberty.

Afterwards he addreſſed ſome civilities to Soſicles and Tegeus, then drawing Feraulas aſide, he conjured him in his captivity, to make himſelf known unto Mandana, and to let her ſee him as oft as poſſible, to the end ſhe might the ofter think upon him. Feraulas promiſing not to fail, and they who guarded the Priſoners ſaying they muſt depart, Cyrus came near the King of Aſſyria, and moſt generouſly told him, that he would endeavour his liberty with as much earneſtneſs, as if he were one of his deareſt friends, and that at the laſt he would moſt punctually keep his word with him. But withal, ſaid he, be ſure you keep yours: Alas, what can a man in chains do? replyed he. You are to be near Mandana, ſaid Cyrus unto him; and I know not whether it be more advantagious to be a captive upon that condition, or to be at liberty, and be at a diſtance from her. After theſe words, theſe two illuſtrious Rivals parted, Cyrus taking his way towards the Caſtle of Hermes with his Paſs-port, as if he had ſtood in need of it, and the Priſoners going towards Sardis, upon ſuch horſes as were given them. The King of Aſſyria at parting from Cyrus, did apprehend ſuch joy, as for a while kept his minde in much ſerenity: for when he looked before him, he ſaw the Coach wherein Mandana was: and when he looked behinde him, he ſaw his Rival going further from her, and to paſs over that River which would ſeparate them for a long while: So that though he was a Priſoner, he would rather chuſe that quality in following Mandana, then liberty with Cyrus at a great diſtance; yet theſe pleaſing thoughts did not laſt long, but on the contrary, paſſing from one extreamity unto another, he looked upon himſelf as the moſt miſerable [Page] man alive, and upon Cyrus as the moſt happy. Who did ever meet with an adventure, ſaid he to himſelf, ſo cruel as mine is? for I have not only the miſery of being a Priſoner, but alſo to ſee my Rival releaſed, and releaſed by one who makes his liberty inſupportable unto me.

Does it not ſeem as if fortune did make him a Captive only to receive the greater teſtimony of Mandana's affection? and to let me receive the moſt horrible ſign of her averſion, that poſſibly could be expreſſed? for moſt certainly, ſhe ſaw me as well as ſhe ſaw Cyrus. Was ever ſuch a piece of inhumanity as this ſeen? She ſees me a Priſoner, and a Priſoner for her cauſe; and yet in lieu of asking liberty for both, ſhe hath releaſed my Rival only, and loadned me with chains: Though ſhe would not conſider me out of any love to me, yet ſhe might well have done it out of love to himſelf, ſince my valour is not altogether uſeleſs unto Cyrus for her deliverance. But inhumane woman that ſhe is, ſhe has forced me to believe by this act, that nothing can overcome her. And yet the Gods have promiſed me that I ſhall make her ſigh and mourn for all her cruelty, and that I ſhall be at reſt: But which way is it poſſible to come to paſs?

Whilſt this tumultuous minded Prince was in theſe contemplations, Anaxaris endured his misfortune with much conſtancie; telling Tegeus, after he had ſeen Mandana, that he he did not now wonder that her beauty ſhould cauſe ſo great and long a war. Feraulas, though he was much vexed that he had not yet got a ſight of Marteſia, becauſe ſhe did ſit on the other ſide of the Coach, yet began already to project how there might be intelligence between Cyrus and himſelf. Tegeus, who had got ſight of Cyleniſa, and was known unto her, did think more of that pleaſing object; then of any danger he was in: But as for Soſicles, his thoughts ran all upon Prince Artamas, whoſe pittifull adventure he did not yet know of. In the mean time Mandana was no ſooner out of ſight of her unfortunate Cyrus, but turning towards the Princeſs Palmis, Dare I tell you, ſaid ſhe in a low voice unto her, that you have given liberty unto that illuſtrious Prince who only can make me either miſerable or happy? How, ſaid the Princeſs Palmis alſo in a low voice, was I ſo happy as to releaſe the invincible Cyrus? I wiſh to the Gods that the Prince Artamas have no worſe deſtiny then his. As ſoon as ſhe had ſaid theſe words, Andramites came unto the Princeſſes, who had been ſpeaking with a man who came to tell him that the Prince Artamas could not be carried any wayes but in a coach; and he deſired theſe Princeſſes, that they would be pleaſed to let their women preſs cloſe in one coach, and permit a Priſoner of quality, who was much wounded, to go in the other.

Andramites had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but the Princeſs Palmis began to change colour, and asked him the name of this Priſoner: but as he did not give her a direct anſwer, as if he were unwilling to tell her, ſhe knew it was the Prince Artamas. So that looking out of the Coach as it was entring into the Wood, ſhe ſaw the Prince Artamas lying at the root of a Tree, his head upon a Buckler, and his Scarf which held up his right arm bloody in divers places; his Complexion by reaſon of the loſs of blood was wondrous pale; and his eyes then being ſhut, ſhe thought him dead. Ah Andramites, (ſaid ſhe aloud, making a ſign with her hand to ſtay the Coach) how dare you look upon me, ſince your men have killed one of the moſt illuſtrious Princes in the world? The Princeſs Palmis ſpoke theſe words ſo high, that Prince Artamas heard her voice, and knew it at the firſt: Then he did not only open his eyes, but lifted up his head alſo; and leaning upon his left arm, he offered to get up, looking moſt earneſtly upon her whoſe voice he heard. But the Coach ſtaying, and Palmis going haſtily out, ſhe was with him almoſt as ſoon as he heard her voice, or had opened his eyes: But alas, how ſad was this ſight? I ask you pardon, Madam, ſaid this wounded Prince (as ſoon as he ſaw her neer him) that I am not able to render you thoſe reſpects I owe; and for having ſo ill defended that Life, which might perhaps have been ſerviceable in procuring your Liberty. It is I who ought to ask pardon, replied ſhe, for being the cauſe of your miſeries and wounds, though I did moſt devoutly pray unto the Gods for your preſervation; who though they would not make me miſerable in my own perſon, yet do moſt ſeverely torture me in yours.

Your Expreſſions, Madam, replied he, make me moſt happy; and ſince you are pleaſed to be a ſharer in my miſery, let all be converted into joy, ſince moſt certainly I ſhall die without any ſorrow. I had rather you would think of living, replied ſhe, though it were only for my ſake who cannot live without you. Palmis expreſſed theſe words with ſuch earneſtneſs of affection, that they made herſelf bluſh, and look about to ſee whether any [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] heard her: So that ſeeing the Princeſs Mandana and all the reſt of the women behind her did ask her pardon for ſo rudely leaving her; and Artamas knowing by it that ſhe was the Princeſs Mandana, expreſſed ſuch a Complement unto that Princeſs, as it appeared he knew the Paſſion of Cyrus to be moſt violent: but ſince he was ignorant of that Princes adventure, he began to ſpeak as if he were a Priſoner; untill Palmis made a ſign he ſhould be ſilent, and interrupted him by asking whether he could endure the joging of a Coach?

In the meanwhile Andramites fretting, and fearing if his indulgence ſhould come to the ear of Creſſus, he would be angry, beſeeched the Princeſſes not to trouble Artamas any longer, but to lend him one of their Coaches, ſince it was fit he ſhould be in ſome place where he might reſt himſelf. Though the Princeſs knew he had ſome other reaſon for what he ſaid, then what he expreſſed, yet they were contented to ſatisfie him, and depart from Artamas. I beſeech the Gods, Madam, (ſaid he unto her) that either my life or my death may conduce unto your Liberty. And I beſeech them (ſaid ſhe, and held her hand out unto him) that I may rather ſpend all my life in tears for my own misfortunes, then have any cauſe to ſhed them for your death: Live therefore, Artamas, if you would have me live; and neglect nothing that may conduce to your preſervation. Artamas then moſt reſpectively taking that fair and dear hand which ſhe preſented unto him, and looking upon her in ſuch a manner as if he would ask leave to kiſs it, he ſaw ſhe bluſht, and gently pulling it back, ſhe ſilently told him that he ſhould content himſelf with that favour which ſhe had already done him. So that ſaluting her with as much reverence as his wounds would permit him, he ſaw her depart with her eyes full of tears, which ſhe could no way hide but by pulling down her hood. Yet would ſhe not have her Coach to move, untill ſhe ſaw Prince Artamas in that which was to carry him unto the next Town, which was not above fifty furlongs from thence; Andramites having no mind to carry him unto the Caſtle of Hermes, becauſe of the friendſhip that was between Ligdamis and that Prince.

After this, the Princeſs Mandana and the Princeſs Palmis began to deplore their miſfortunes, and to impart their moſt ſecret thoughts. In the mean while Ligdamis, who had carried Tigranes, Phraartes, and Chriſantes unto a corner of the Wood where they ſtayed with much impatience for night, bethought himſelf of the beſt wayes to conduct them unto the Caſtle of Hermes, and there to adviſe upon the beſt courſe for Cyrus, whoſe impriſonment extreamly troubled them. Whilſt they were in this condition, they heard a noiſe, and thought themſelves diſcovered: but as good fortune was, it proved to be Artabaſes and Aduſias, who ſeeking to hide themſelves did meet with them. Yet their joy to ſee one another was qualified, when both ſides made a relation to each other of the accidents which had happened: For Ligdamis telling Artabaſes that Cyrus was taken, he was almoſt deſperate: And Aduſius telling Tigranes that the King of Aſſyria was alſo taken; and Ligdamis, that the Prince Artamas was both taken and wounded, they did nothing but make a mixture of ſorrows among themſelves. But night at laſt being come, and Ligdamis, who was well acquainted with all the turns of the wood, being gone to: ſee whether they might all come out in ſafety, found that all the Troops were gone, and the coaſt very cleer; ſo that he preſently returned to his friends, and brought them ſafe to the Caſtle of Hermes, where they had the comfort to find the illuſtrious Cyrus, who reſolved to ſtay there that night; but they found him ſo ſad, as their joyes were much mitigated. The ſight of Mandana a Captive did ſo diſorder his heart, that he could take no delight in that liberty which was given him; but when he parted from his Rival, he envied him, becauſe he could not part from him but by going further from Mandana. And as ſoon as he came to the Caſtle of Hermes, conſidering his adventure more exactly, the more he envied his Enemy. Yet ſometimes he could not well reconcile his own reſentments; he no ſooner apprehended one thing, but he ſmothered another; yet he always concluded himſelf the moſt unfortunate man alive, and much more unfortunate then his Rival, although he was a priſoner. What good has the gaining of ſo many battels done me? ſaid he; ſo many Towns taken, ſo many Provinces reduced, ſo many Kings conquered? They have indeed got me a little noiſe in the world, but they have not all releaſed Mandana, for whom only I made the war. I do not find the glory that I deſire; I do not meet with Mandana, but only for her to releaſe me, and not I her. Moſt miſerable Cyrus! (cryed he out) why doſt thou not dye of ſhame to appear before thy Princeſs in ſuch a deſpicable condition as thou didſt? Haſt thou not good cauſe to fear that ſhe releaſed [Page] thee only, to remove out of her ſight an object that was worthy of nothing but her ſcorn? how canſt thou ſuffer her to releaſe thee, who aſpires unto the glory of being her deliverer? There is a neceſſity of death upon thee; the exceſs of love and ſhame muſt make thee rather receive thy freedom from death, then from Mandana. But how can I dye (ſaid he and reprehended himſelf) when as I have ſeen her whom I ſo much deſired to ſee? and has ſeen her ſo admirably fair, and ſo infinitely generous? Hitherto I was a debtor unto the illuſtrious Mandana, only for ſome good intentions, and ſome favourable words; but now, by this adventure, ſhe has given me that which is the moſt precious thing in the world, my Liberty: She has ſo loaded me with obligations, that a million of ſervices cannot repay my debt; no, though I ſhould dye ten millions of deaths: She has kept me from falling into the power of my Rival and my enemy: She has put me into ſome hopes of breaking her chains: what would I have more? ought I not to be fully ſatisfied with my journey? It is true, many of my illuſtrious friends are Priſoners; but to my comfort, ſo is my moſt terrible Rival alſo; and I ſhall be delivered from the ſight of a Prince, whom I ſhall be glad to ſee no more, until Mandana be out of Captivity, and then ſee him with a ſword in his hands.

But why do I rejoyce at that which ought to grieve me? ſince certainly it would be more advantagious to me to have the King of Aſſyria at liberty, and in my Army, then a Priſoner with Mandana; and it would be more tolerable unto me to ſee him continually, then to know that he is continually in the ſight of Mandana; for the King of Aſſyria will be known, as ſoon as he is at Sardis; and as ſoon as he is known, Creſſus will treat him as a Prince of his quality ought to be, let the King of Pontus his Rival do what he can.

Thus will this happy Captive ſee the fair and illuſtrious Mandana; and whilſt I am turmoiling for the liberty of them both, and loaded with chains as he is, he will perhaps win the heart of my Princeſs, and take from me the ſweet fruits of all my Conqueſts: And if ſo, what good will all my Conqueſts do me? And though I ſhould overcome Creſſus, and take Sardis, and deliver only unconſtant Mandana, can I be at all happy? or if I ſhould fight with a loved Rival, can I ever have force enough to overcome him? or ſo much as deſire a victory, ſince I am certain to have no ſhare in Mandana's affection? Yes, yes, I will yet deſire to conquer, though that cruel chance do happen; and I will not think my ſelf abſolutely miſerable, if I can but out live my enemy. But why (ſaid this grieved Prince) do I torment my ſelf with imaginary miſeries, ſince I have ſo many real ones to complain of? Is it not enough that I have loſt my hopes of releaſing Mandana ſo ſoon as I thought, but I muſt further perſecute my ſelf? Yet would I gladly know whether Mandana, who could not chuſe but know the King of Aſſyria, did forbear asking his liberty for the love of me, or for the love of him; and gladly would I know, whether the reaſon why ſhe asked mine, was only to ſet me further from her. Yet methought her words and her looks were ſo obliging, as I need not doubt that ſhe is the ſame ſhe was at Sinope and Themiſcira. But yet her beauty is the ſame, ſo that I have cauſe to fear her heart is altered; for if it were true that ſhe did at all love me, ſhe could not poſſibly but be ſenſible of my miſeries; and then it is impoſſible ſhe ſhould preſerve her beauty ſo well, amidſt ſo many cauſes of ſorrow, if they were not ſweetned by ſome conſolations which I underſtand not.

Then the jealouſie of Cyrus changing object, the rare qualities of the King of Pontus began to trouble him, and preſently after the King of Aſſyria came into his fancy: but however, his minde did change objects, his ſorrow ſtill continued conſtant, and he could not any ways comfort up himſelf, becauſe in lieu of his releaſing Mandana, ſhe had releaſed him. Cyrus paſt over all the reſt of the night in ſuch turbulent agitations of minde as theſe; and he could not underſtand how it ſhould come to paſs that the King of Pontus did not himſelf conduct theſe Princeſſes: or how the friends of Meneceus and Timocrean had given them ſuch falſe intelligence concerning the ſetting out of the Princeſſes. But he underſtood from the Governour of the Caſtle, who had it from a Captain belonging to Creſſus, that their departure was publiſhed to be deferred on purpoſe to deceive any ſpyes which the Prince Artamas ſhould have about them. And that which kept the King of Pontus from being of the Convoy was, becauſe he was gone with another parry of Souldiers to a Ferry and a Ford, and to guard that place where in Probability their enemies would paſs, and intended to meet them nearer Sardis; and ſince the place where they were to meet was above fifty furlongs from the Caſtle of Hermes, he could not be there where the fight was.

[Page] Cyrus apprehending all theſe circumſtances, was much more grieved then before: For he plainly perceived, that if he had received right intelligence, Mandana had moſt certainly been releaſed: Then did he renew his complaints with more bitterneſs then before, which yet were interrupted by Artabaſes, who told him that one of the Cavaliers who had eſcaped from the fight, had brought him a Table-book which as he ſaid he ſaw fall out of the King of Aſſyria's pocket whilſt he was fighting, and which after the fight was paſt he took up. He told him further, that finding ſomthing written in it in a language which he underſtood not, and conſidering how the intereſts of the King of Aſſyria and his were linked together, he uſed his beſt endeavours to get it out of the hands of this Cavalier, and bring it unto him, ſince he knew that he underſtood the language. Cyrus took the Table-book, and being full of curioſity to ſee it (for it was Cedar, and very magnificently adorned) after he opened it, he read theſe lines in the Aſſyrian language.

The Oracles rendred at the Temple of JUPITER BELUS.

Well mayſt thou hope to make her mourn

For all her cruelty and ſcorn:

Becauſe hereafter in her arms

Thou there ſhalt find ſuch pleaſing charms,

As quite ſhall terminate thy pain,

And turn thy ſorrows into gain.

Whilſt Cyrus was reading this Oracle, Chriſantes entred, and knew it preſently to be the ſame which Marteſia told him was rendred unto the King of Aſſyria at Babylon. So that looking upon Artabaſes in ſuch a manner as let him know he was very deſirous to know who gave this Table-book unto Cyrus, and Artabaſes telling him it was himſelf; Chriſantes murmured in ſuch a manner, that Cyrus underſtood what he ſaid, and turning towards him, Did you know of this Oracle, ſaid he unto him, and when it was delivered? Chriſantes ſomething ſurpriſed at this queſtion, ſought out for a handſom excuſe, but could not meet with one: ſo that he confeſſed the truth, and told him, that Marteſia, Feraulas, and he were reſolved to conceal it from him, leſt it ſhould be an addition unto his ſorrows. Whilſt Chriſantes was excuſing himſelf to Cyrus, he was reading this Oracle over again: Afterwards when he had ended it, Is it poſſible, oh ye juſt Gods! (cryed he out) that a Prince whom you have ſo long loaded with misfortunes, ſhould be now ſo much favoured by you as to make Mandana ſigh and mourn for him; and that he ſhall find ſuch charms in the arms of my Princeſs, as ſhall terminate all his ſorrows? Why (if I may ask it without crime) did you let her hate him, and love me, if you thought him worthy of your protection? or why did you ſuffer him to be thrown out of his throne? And if I was thought worthy of your favour, why was not he my Conqueror, or why did he not kill me at the firſt battel?

Sir, ſaid Chriſantes, (and interrupted him) As it is not fit for men to preſcribe rules unto the Gods, ſo it is not fit to dive too far into the expoſition of their words. I know it very well, Chriſantes, replied he; but this Oracle is ſo clear, that there needs no other interpretation, but an expectance of the event. For my part, replied Chriſantes, I do conceive it to be more obſcure then you think it, ſince I never heard that the Gods did ſpeak in this manner of future events. Did you never hear of any Prince, replied he, ſo unfortunate as Cyrus? Do you not plainly ſee that fortune is favourable unto me, only to be the more inhumane, ſince ſhe does advance me only to throw me down a greater precipice? And on the contrary, do you not perceive that ſhe has afflicted my Rival to no other end but to make him more ſenſible of his happineſs, and dejected him purpoſely to advance him? Do you not indeed obſerve that all his misfortunes prove advantages to [Page] him, and conduce unto his happineſs? and on the contrary, all my good fortunes are moſt ſenſible cauſes of my miſery? For does not his impriſonment bring him neerer her he loves? and does not my liberty carry me further off her whom I adore? It is ſo long ſince this Oracle was given, replied Chriſantes, and ſo little good fortune hath happened unto this Prince ſince, that methinks he cannot build any great hopes upon ſuch a foundation. Ah Chriſantes, ſaid Cyrus, you diſſemble your thoughts to comfort me a little.

As he was ſaying ſo, Artabaſes was ſaid to be come from the King of Phrygia. Alas ſaid Cyrus, and ſighed, that Prince does not know that miſery is contagious, nor that his illuſtrious ſon is wounded and taken priſoner. After this he commanded that Artabaſes ſhould enter; and asking him what buſineſs he had, he told him that the King of Phrygia had ſent in all haſte to advertiſe him, that the friends of Tegeus and Timocreon which were in Epheſus and Sardis, had ſent word how they were deceived, and that the departure of the Princeſſes would be ſooner then they had formerly writ; ſo that the King of Phrygia deſires to know what courſe you intend to take. Why, I have no courſe to take but to die, replied Cyrus. He thought fit alſo, ſaid Artabaſes, to advertiſe you that they ſent him word from Sardis, how Creſſus depended much upon an Oracle which he had received from Delphos, ſo that he makes himſelf ſure of victory. Have they ſent this Oracle unto Timocreon? asked Cyrus. Yes Sir, anſwered Artabaſes, and the King of Phrygia hath ſent it unto you. In ſaying ſo, he preſented it unto him, which he found to be in theſe words.

The Oracle.

Creſſus, if to this War he go,

An Empire great ſhall overthrow.

Oh that it would pleaſe the Gods (ſaid Cyrus, after he heard the Oracle read) that I were only to loſe Empires and Crowns! if that were all, I ſhould be glad. But alas, ſince the Gods do promiſe Mandana to the King of Aſſyria, and the Empire unto Creſſus, what can remain for me? I do not know whether they will leave me a grave, or ſhew me ſo much favour as to let me die as gloriouſly as I have lived: However, I am reſolved not to yield without reſiſtance; but if I muſt loſe Mandana, and be conquered by thoſe over whom I have been a Conqueror, it ſhall be after ſuch a manner as ſhall let all the Earth know I have not merited my misfortune. But yet though it ſhould be ſo that the heavens do hate me, yet what hath Ciaxanes done, unto whom the Empire belongs? He, I ſay, who enjoyes the fruits of all my victories? Was there ſuch poyſon in my Conqueſts, that he muſt periſh, becauſe the Gods are pleaſed to ruine me? Or at the leaſt, would it be juſt to confound things ſo together, as in promiſing Creſſus that he ſhall overthrow a great Empire, that of Ciaxanes muſt be ruined? Why then I muſt die, (cryed he out) but my death ſhall coſt my Enemies and Rivals very dear. I have hitherto been ſomthing wary of my life in hopes of ſome happineſs hereafter; but ſince there is nothing but miſeries and misfortunes to be expected, I will carry it after another manner, and in ruining my ſelf will ruine as many of my Enemies as I can for company, to the end there may be fewer rejoycers at my death. But oh my divine Mandana! what's become of all thoſe favourable words you have beſtowed upon me, if the words of the Gods be true? Can I think you did not ſpeak the truth, or muſt I think your heart is changed?

In ſaying ſo, he caſt his eyes caſually upon Madates and Ortalgues, who came with Artalan, and yet he did not ſee them; and they ſeeing the turbulencie of his ſpirit, durſt not preſent themſelves unto him. As ſoon as he ſaw them, I hope you bring me ſome conſolation, ſaid he unto them, and can tell me that the King is well. He is in perfect health, replied Madates: But I left him ſomthing troubled, becauſe he had received intelligence that Thomiris hath raiſed a puiſſant Army, and gives out ſhe intends to make as deep a progreſs into Medea, as the Scythians did under the reign of the firſt Ciaxares; and to communicate this intelligence unto you, the King was pleaſed to ſend me hither. He had better have declared war againſt me (replied Cyrus moſt violently) then ſent to [Page] ask my advice: For conſidering the ſtate of things, I do think that his only way to be happy, is to be my perſecutor. But you Ortalques (ſaid he and turned towards him) who hath been conſulting with that famous woman who (as all that have ſeen her ſay) ſpeaks all truth: Pray let me have her anſwer; and tell me if you remember what I appointed you to ask her from me? Yes, Sir, replyed he, and according to your directions; I asked her when you might hope for any reſt. I alſo told her, you deſired her anſwer under her hand; ſo that ſhe giving me this paper ſealed up (ſaid he and preſented it unto him) I cannot tell you whether I have brought good or bad fortune to you. However, you may tell me whether this woman be as famous in her own Country (ſaid Cyrus whilſt he was opening the paper) as ſhe is in others? Sir, ſaid Ortalques, this Heleſpontique Sybil is beyond all compariſon more famous then all that ever preceded her; and they ſay ſhe never yet told lye unto any that ever came to conſult with her. Let us ſee then, ſaid Cyrus, what truth ſhe affords me; and then he began to read theſe words;

The Anſwer of the HELESPONTIQUE-SYBIL.

It is a Loving enemie,

Will rouſe her ſleeping hate, I ſee;

And plunge in blood a Horo's head,

No fate can keep from being dead:

This is his Deſtiny at beſt,

In only this thou ſhalt have reſt.

As ſoon as Cyrus had done reading it, he was a while ſilent, and afterwards made a ſign with his hand that every one ſhould withdraw, except Chriſantes. Then he read over again what he read before, and cauſed Chriſantes to read it alſo, who no ſooner returned the Paper, which contained this diſmal anſwer, but Cyrus looking upon him: Come Chriſantes, ſaid he unto him, how can you any ways interpret this which you have ſeen unto my advantage? Sir, replyed he, I ſee it is not eaſie to give it a favourable ſenſe, yet I do not ſee which way it is poſſible this misfortune which threatens you, can come to paſs; for this loving enemy cannot poſſibly be Mandana, it muſt certainly be Thomiris; ſo that as the ſtate of things ſtand, I cannot ſee it is poſſible you ſhould dye by her hand; yet ſhe is raiſing a puiſſant Army, replyed Cyrus; and they ſay Ciaxares had not ſent Madates unto me, but to interpret the anſwer of that Sybil which Ortalques brought unto me.

I do not underſtand, replyed Chriſantes, that you ſhould quit the War in Lydia, where Mandana is, to go and carry the war unto Maſſagetes Country where Thomiris is; or if you ſhould, that after you have conquered ſo many valiant Kings, you can ever be vanquiſhed by a woman. Nor do I my ſelf underſtand it, anſwered he, but I underſtand plainly that my ruine is inevitable: For indeed Chriſantes, both the Gods of Greece, and the Gods of the Aſſyrians do all preſage nothing but diſmal Deſtinies. The Oracle of Babylon gives Mandana to the King of Aſſyria, the Delphique Oracle promiſes the Empire unto Creſſus, if he purſue the war; and the Heleſpontique Sybil does promiſe my head unto the Queen of Maſſagetes: Yet this laſt menace is not the moſt terrible to me, for my ſoul is much more troubled for the loſs of Mandana, then for the loſs of my life: I have hitherto lived in ſuch a manner as well may afford me ſome hopes I ſhall dye with honor, and therefore I fear not the revenge of Thomiris. Let her hate me as long as ſhe pleaſes, let her arm both the Scythians againſt me if ſhe can, my ſoul will not tremble at it: But that Mandana, the moſt fair, illuſtrious, divine Mandana ſhould leave loving me, after ſhe hath given me ſome hopes of an inviolable fidelity; this is moſt intollerable: All my conſtancy, and all my reaſon, cannot keep me from expreſſions of my weakneſs. Were I but aſſured of Mandana's heart, I would not care one pin for all other misfortunes that can be threatned againſt me: The loſs of ſo many crowns, as in all appearances are to fall upon my head, ſhall not coſt me half a tear; though the implacable Thomiris were ready to take off my head, yet I ſhould rejoyce in the hopes of one tear from the fair eyes of my adored Princeſs. But alas, how can I hope for one moment of reſt, conſidering all that hath hapned in one day unto me? For it is ſo very apparent by [Page] [...]e multitude of diſaſterous adventures which have befallen me in this journey, that the Gods will overwhelm me with miſeries, and it were extream folly to retain the leaſt beam of any hope. I come (out of the fantaſtical humour of my Rival) to view the place where I hope to releaſe my illuſtrious Mandana, and in lieu of that I am taken Priſoner my ſelf; alſo the Prince Artamas, who was my only ſupporter in the War, he is alſo taken and wounded: Alſo it is my fortune to ſee the Divine Mandana; but though ſhe releaſed me, yet ſhe keeps my Rival. I had no ſooner got into a place of ſafety, but the Oracle of Babylon is brought me, which tells me the Gods intend to make my Rival happy; immediately after that, I receive another from Delphos, which precipitates me from the higheſt top of glory, into an abyſs of miſery; after this, I had hardly breathed, but Madates accoſts me with a freſh diſaſter; and I had no ſooner heard his tale, but Ortalques brings me a ſentence of death pronounced by the famous Heleſpontique Sybil: Judge, Chriſantes, if after all theſe, it is poſſible I ſhould apprehend the leaſt glimpſe of hope: However Chriſantes, I muſt not merit my misfortunes, I muſt fight for the liberty of Mandana with as much courage and zeal, as if the gods had not promiſed her unto my Rival. I muſt fight againſt Creſſus with as much magnanimity, as if the oracle had not promiſed him the Empire; I muſt alſo carry my ſelf with as much ſerenity of ſoul, as if I were not to be the Victim of Thomiris. See Chriſantes (ſaid this grieved Prince) what I ought to do, and what I will do: but I do not know whether I can or no. My ſoul is queſtionleſs above all ambition, and alſo above any fear of death: but love is ſo infinitely predominate over my ſoul, that I know not whether I can endure the loſs of Mandana, if it ſhould happen unto me: But proud Thomiris, unto whom the gods have promiſed my head; though Mandana do prove perfidious, yet you ſhall never triumph over me: For I am ſo aſſured, that my ſorrows for Mandana's inconſtancy will be my death, that I never need fear the fury of your hand▪ After this, Cyrus deſired to put in practiſe thoſe couragious reſolutions which he had ſet unto himſelf: and therefore commanded Chriſantes not to tell the anſwer which Ortalques brought unto any, leſt the Souldiers ſhould be diſmaid, and loſe that confidence which does ſuch wonders in war. After this, he went unto Tigranes, Phraartes, and the Governor of the Caſtle, with whom he conferred about many things which related unto the war, and to the Prince Artamas: Then taking horſe the ſame hour with thoſe two Princes, Chriſantes, Soſicles, Artabaſes, Aduſius, Madates, Ortalques and Ligdamis, who would not leave him, he took thoſe hundred and fifty horſe which he had left near the Caſtle of Hermes, and returned unto the Camp, with a ſoul ſo ſunk with ſorrows, that he could not poſſibly all the way he went, rid himſelf one minute from the multitude of theſe diſaſterous events: So that Mandana a Captive, Mandana perfidious, and the King of Aſſyria happy, were the only thoughts that took up the ſoul of Cyrus, all the way between the Caſtle of Hermes and his own Tent.

The end of the fourth Part. FINIS.

§

The Author to the Reader.

[Page]

[Page]

Reader,

I Am now in the midſt of a long Labyrinth of Ten Volumes, which this Book (according to the Model I have framed) is to contain.

This which I here preſent unto you, is the Fifth.

The favourable eye which hath been caſt upon the other four parts of Grand Cyrus, makes me hope for the ſame aſpect upon theſe which are to follow. And ſince I have ſpared no pains to ſet them out in ſuch a dreſs as may pleaſe you, therefore I have ſome reaſon to believe that they will anſwer all my labour.

If any one be not ſo well verſed in Hiſtory, as to be acquainted with the Ring of Giges, which I make uſe of in my Book, let him know, That it is Zenophon, Diodorus Siculus, and others, who mention it in their writings; and that it is Arioſto who borrowed this precious Jewel from them.

[Page] Let them alſo know, that it is too much obſerved in their Books to be omitted in mine; and alſo ſince Cicero in his offices hath attributed ſuch tranſcendent excellencies unto it.

This is all Reader that I have to ſay, only this, that the reſt of the Parts will ſhortly follow.

SCUDERY.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. The Fifth Part.

[Page]

Book. I.

CYrus was no ſooner come to the Camp, but he bethought himſelf how to comfort up the King of Phrygia, with all imagineable conſolations, after the impriſonment of the Prince Artamas; and to that end, without any ſtay at his own Tent, he went immediately unto that of the ſad Father, to acquaint him with all the particulars of the bad ſucceſs in his enterprize, and to aſſure him, that he would neglect no poſſible opportunities which might regain the liberty of his Son. Sir (ſaid that generous Prince, and interrupted him in his talk) had he loſt his liberty in releaſing the Princeſs Mandana, the misfortune had not ſo much moved me: But I do confeſs, that ſince I ſee his endeavours conduce not to your ſervice, I ſtand in need of ſome conſolation; it grieves me to ſee him in a condition ſo far from being able to pay that debt of ſervices which he owes you, that he is like to periſh, unleſs you become his Liberator: I cannot imagine (replied Cyrus) that our Armies are ſo inconſiderable in the King of Lidia's eſteem, as that he dare offer any violence unto any Prince who is ingaged in our quarrel, to a Prince unto whom he is a debtor for many victories; he cannot be ignorant, that Kings are obliged by the Laws of gratitude, as well as other men; and that by how much their degree is elevated above the ſphear of ſubjects, by ſo much is the ſin of ingratitude more horrid in them; therefore let not any fears of any violence from Croeſſus unto the Prince Artamas diſturb the ſerenity of your ſoul. Moreover, without all doubt, the King of Suſiana, and the King of Pontus will be his Mediators and Protectors; for they being men of generoſity, will moſt certainly oblige Croeſſus to be no more rigorous unto the priſoners which he hath taken, then I am unto the Queen Panthea, and the Princeſs Araminta. However, ſince there is no diſcretion in truſting too much unto the generoſity of enemies, I will to morrow diſpatch an Envoy unto Croeſſus, to let him know what intereſt I have in the perſon of the Prince your Son: I will alſo move the two Princeſſes, [Page] which I named before, to write ſome Letters in his favor; and my earneſt endeavours ſhall tell you how much I eſteem his perſon and how dear his intereſts are unto me. The King of Phrigia expreſſed abundance of thanks unto Cyrus for his indulgency towards him, and took the ſad diſaſter with a magnanimious conſtancy. Cyrus thought it no diſcretion to tell him that the Prince Artamas was much wounded: as well becauſe he would not oppreſs him with too great a load of ſorrows at one time, as becauſe he was in hopes to hear ſome happy news of his recovery. After this, he retired unto his Tent, where common civility obliged him to ſpend an hour or two with the Commanders of his Army who came to ſee him; and after that, he allowed another hour in diſpencing requiſite orders in his Martial matters: after which, retiring himſelf in private, with none but Chriſantes, he ſpent the reſt of the night in contemplation of his great misfortunes, and the multitude of his miſeries: And though the conſideration of them did moſt ſenſibly grieve him, yet did they not at all blunt his courage; but on the contrary, the more miſerable he perceived himſelf, the more did he rouze up his ſoul to oppoſe the malignity of his Fate; and although he had a hurt which was moſt tender and ſenſible, yet was it ever firm and unſhaken. This advantage he had, that he was ſenſible of no miſeries, but ſuch only as Love brought upon him; as for any others, his ſoul was ſeated ſo infinitely above them all, or any thing that could hap, that they never reached him, or if they did, it was but weakly. He had been a priſoner, and fallen from the top of happineſs into an Abyſs of miſery; but ſince he was not guilty of any crime, he ſtood not in need of all his vertues, to ſupport him: Death it ſelf, how terrible ſoever, could never ſtagger his ſoul, though he had a hundred and hundred times been ſo neer it, that he had reaſon to believe himſelf ſwallowed up by it: But as his ſoul was as conſtant as any Rock againſt the rigorous ſurges of Fortune, ſo was it alſo moſt tender, and ſo ſenſible, that it could not endure without unconceiveable ſorrow, all thoſe torments which Love brought upon him. This Prince, who queſtionleſs could loſe Crowns and Scepters without any alteration of countenance, could not think upon the loſs of Mandana without ſuch trembling of heart, as all his Reaſon could not maſter. He ſpent a great part of the night in talk with Chriſantes, but at laſt, being more deſirous to allow ſome reſt unto a man whom he loved, then to take any unto himſelf, he diſmiſſed him, and lamented his misfortunes unto himſelf, until very wearineſs did inſenſibly againſt his will caſt him aſleep, and gave ſome reſpite unto his reſtleſs thoughts. 'Tis true, this truce laſted not long, for he awaked by break of day; he forgot not the leaſt circumſtance of his promiſe unto the King of Phrygia; ſo that caſting his thoughts upon Aglatidas for an Envoy to Croeſſus, he cauſed him to be ſent for unto him; and appointing him a Herald to conduct him unto Sardis, he commanded him to follow after him unto the place where the Queen of Suſiana and the Princeſs Araminta lodged, to the end, that when he had obtained his deſires from them, he might there give him his laſt inſtructions. He took horſe then immediately, and a very ſmall train followed him, becauſe he deſired it ſhould be ſo: He arrived at the Queen of Suſiana's lodging, whom Araſpes ſaid was ready, and might be ſeen: Indeed that Princeſs was then newly returned from the Temple, which every morning ſhe frequented, becauſe her reſtleſs thoughts would not give her leave to ſleep much. When ſhe knew what had happened unto Cyrus, ſhe was extremely ſorry for him, and for her ſelf alſo; For truly Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him) If the Gods would have permitted you to have releaſed Mandana, moſt certainly you would have kept your promiſe, and all Warres being at an end, I ſhould have been in hopes to have ſeen my dear Abradates, and have ſeen him your friend, ſince being ſo generous as he is, I am very certain, that when he knew how you have treated me, it would have moſt ſenſibly wrought upon him. However Madam (replied Cyrus) It is in your power to do me a very good office, until it ſhall pleaſe Fate to be weary of perſecuting me. Alas Sir, (replied Panthea) Is it poſſible, conſidering my condition, that I ſhould be able to do any thing which can teſtifie my reſentments of all your favours to me? Doubtleſs you are, anſwered he, if you will be pleaſed to take ſo much pains as to write a word unto the valiant Abradates, and deſire him to move Croeſſus not to treat the Prince Artamas too hardly, and to uſe all the other priſoners which he took in this ſad adventure very well, for I make no queſtion but he will conſent unto whatever you ſhall deſire: I do not tell you Madam, that according as he ſhall do unto them, you ſhall be better or worſe treated; but on the contrary, to induce you unto a more obliging Letter, that though he ſhall deny what I deſire, yet I will never fail in thoſe duties which I owe unto your Quality and Vertue, and that by my conſent you ſhall never receive the leaſt diſtaſte. Your expreſſions are ſo full of generoſity (replied ſhe) [Page] that I were moſt unworthy of your protection, if I did not uſe the utmoſt of my power for your ſatisfaction, eſpecially ſince your demands are only ſuch as equity it ſelf ought [...]o inforce from me. After that Cyrus had returned ſome thankful language, he told her, that he would leave her at liberty to write, and go to addreſs the ſame deſires unto the Princeſs Araminta to the King her Brother. He found her no leſs diſpoſed to grant him a Letter unto the King of Pontus, then Panthea unto the King of Suſiana: She thought her ſelf ſomething intereſted in it, for the perſon of Anaxaris was now very precious in her thoughts, ſince ſhe underſtood he had ſaved the life of Spitridates, inſomuch as ſhe told Cyrus, that he was not at all beholding unto her for writing in favour of thoſe priſoners, ſince there was one amongſt them unto whom ſhe was ſo much obliged. When Cyrus had ſtayed as long with her as he thought Panthea might be in writing her Letters, he left Araminta, to give her the ſame liberty, and returned to the Queen of Suſiana's Chamber; who would needs ſhew him the Letter which ſhe had writ unto her Husband. He did a long time refuſe to ſee it, teſtifying a compleat confidence in her: But ſince ſhe would needs have him underſtand it, ſhe began to read aloud what ſhe had writ: Theſe were the words.

PANTHEA unto her dear ABRADATES.

SIR,

WHen I ſhall relate unto you all the miſeries of my Captivity, I have nothing to ſay that troubles me, but the deprivation of your ſelf: Queſtionleſs, it troubles you to be an Enemy unto ſuch a Prince, as knows ſo well how to uſe a Victory, and who renders me as much respect in his own Camp, as I was wont to receive at Suſa when I was there: Wonder not then, if I intreat you to become a Mediator and a Patron unto all the Priſoners which Croeſſus hath, or ſhall hereafter take, especially unto the Prince Artamas, who is infinitely dear unto the illuſtrious Cyrus. I do not intimate, that you may do him moſt acceptable offices in the Perſon of the Princeſs Mandana; for you may judge by thoſe which he doth unto me, how he will reſent thoſe which you do unto him: I ſay thoſe good offices which you do unto him, becauſe I queſtion not but you will repay that debt which I owe unto this generous Conquerour. However, let me aſſure you, that notwithſtanding all his favours and goodneſs to me, I muſt needs think my ſelf the moſt unfortunate woman in the world, as long as I am ſeparated from my dear Abradates.

PANTHEA.

This Princeſs had no ſooner done reading this Letter, but Cyrus rendred her a milion of thanks; and as he was ready to take his leave, the Princeſs Araminta comes in, and brings hers, which was no leſs obliging then the other; needs would ſhe have him ſee it before ſhe ſealed it; ſo that after he asked the Queen of Suſiana's leave, he read theſe words.

The Princeſs ARAMINTA unto the King of Pontus.

SInce I know what thoughts you entertain of the invincible Cyrus, I know you will be very glad to underſtand, that you may moſt ſenſibly oblige him in behalf of the Prince Artamas, whom I beſeech you to Patronize and protect; for I doubt not, but that in all things which relates not unto your love, you will be ready to do him all poſſible good offices. I thought it my duty to give you this advice, and to conjure you for my own ſake, to take especial care of one Priſoner, whoſe name is Anaxaris, unto whom I am a debtor for the life of the Prince Spitridates. I thought it alſo convenient to tell you, that ſince our laſt meeting, when I could not obtain my deſires of you, the Illuſtrious Cyrus hath not altered his courſe of treating me moſt civilly, and that the bad ſucceſs of my negotiation has not made him more rigorous: Be therefore, I beſeech you, a prevolent Defender of all the Priſoners which the King of Lydia took, especially thoſe whom I named, if my prayers have any prevalency with you, or if you value the friendſhip of unfortunate

ARAMINTA.

[Page] I wiſh unto the Gods (ſaid Cyrus after the reading of the Letter) that it were permitted me to reſtore unto you your abſolute liberty, thereby to teſtifie my acknowledgments unto you both, but I hope I ſhall not die without that ſatisfaction. In the mean time, ſince I muſt loſe no time, I beſeech you give me leave to go and diſpatch Aglatidas; and then, after that, theſe Princeſſes had returned anſwers unto his civilities, he went out, but without taking any leave, becauſe he intended to dine there: Then did he give full inſtructions unto Aglatidas, as well what to do in behalf of the Priſoners, as to enquire concerning the Princeſs Mandana: He did alſo hint unto him to have a moſt tender care of Feraulas; then going unto the Chamber of Araspes, who ſeemed alwayes to be extremely melancholly; he writ unto Croeſſus in theſe words.

CYRUS unto the King of Lydia.

THough I doubt not of your generoſity, in uſing thoſe priſoners well, whom the Fate of Warre has brought into your hands; yet I muſt needs write unto you in behalf of thoſe priſoners which one of your Lievtenant Generals did take neer the River of Hermes, especially for the Prince Artamas. Conſider, I pray you, that he ought not to be treated as a Priſoner of State, but only as a Priſoner of Warre, with whom you ought to deal according to the Lawes of Generoſity and Juſtice, both in treating him moſt kindly and civilly; his quality, his vertue, and the ſervices which he hath done you, oblige you unto it. If this be not ſufficient to induce you thereunto, let me add further, That I have not hitherto been ſo unfortunate, but that I have a good ground of hope before the Warre be ended, to retaliate civility for civility; tranſact then the matter more juſtly for my friends, then you have equitably for the Princeſs Mandana; you may put an end unto the Warre, whenſoever you ſhall pleaſe to reſtore her unto the King her Father, and be aſſured, that when you do ſo, I ſhall as zealouſly fight then for your Intereſt, as now I do for hers.

CYRUS.

As ſoon as Cyrus had writ this Letter, he gave it unto Aglatidas: he enjoyned him alſo to inquire whether the King of Aſſyria had ſeen Mandana, and to negotiate in his behalf, as well as for the other priſoners: Not but that it is a piece of difficulty, ſaid he, to be ſo officious for a Rival; yet ſince my word is ingaged, and generoſity exacts it, I muſt needs do it. He put him in mind alſo of the ſtranger Anaxaris, of Soſicles, and of Tegeus, and he was juſt ready to diſmiſs him, when Ligdamis, who followed Cyrus, to the end he might have a ſight of his dear Cleonice, came unto him, and told him, that ſince he underſtood Aglatidas was preparing for Sardis, he thought it his duty to acquaint him with ſome things there, which happily might be advantageous to him. Cyrus both thanked and imbraced him, and told him, that it appertained unto ſuch a man only as was deep in Love, to have compaſſion of another Lover. Then conjuring him to be as good as his word, to the end Aglatidas might more eaſily meet with exact intelligence, concerning Mandana, Ligdamis in order thereunto, gave him a Letter to be delivered unto a friend of his in this Lydian Court, unto whom he might ſafely intruſt himſelf, eſpecially ſince the tranſaction was a good office to the intereſts of the Lydian King. Then after Cyrus had ſeen the Letter which Aglatidas was to carry, and had once again repeated the moſt important matters which he was to negotiate, bidding him endeavour to ſee the Prince Artamas, he diſmiſſed him, and ſtayed ſtill in the Chamber of Araspes, without any other company then Ligdamis, whoſe converſation did infinitely pleaſe him, although there be a vaſt difference between a happy Lover, and an unfortunate: Yet, Ligdamis had a ſoul ſo tender and complaiſant, and did ſo ſerve himſelf into the opinion of Cyrus, that his company was a great comfort unto him. This Prince did principally intend to ſpend part of that day in this Caſtle, becauſe it was full of ſuch perſons as were poſſeſſed with the ſame paſſions, that took up his own heart. He knew Panthea loved Abradates, that Araminta loved Spitridates, and that Ligdamis and Cleonice loved moſt extremely: So that finding ſome ſweetneſs in condoling with thoſe that ſympathized with him in the ſame miſeries, he reſolved not only to dine there, but to ſpend the reſt of the day there alſo. Mean while, becauſe he would not loſe any time, he ſent Chriſantes with divers orders to the Army, to viſit the works which he was there making in a Quarter, not above fifty furlongs from thence. As ſoon as Cyrus heard that the Princeſſes were [Page] ready, he went to ſee them: for his part, he had dined in private at the Chamber of Araſpes without any other company but Ligdamis, whom he carryed along with him in this Viſit: So that the Converſation conſiſted of the Queen of Suſiana, the Princeſs Araminta; of Cleonice, Iſmenia, of Cyrus, Ligdamis and Araſpes. As ſoon as each one had placed themſelves, Cyrus turning towards the Queen of Suſiana, beſeeched her to pardon him for coming thither, to ſeek for ſome comforts in his miſeries. Sir, anſwered that di [...] creet Princeſs, if my miſeries can afford you any eaſe in yours, I ſhall endure them with much more patience then I have done. No Madam, ſaid he, I came not to ſee you to that end, but becauſe I thought you all goodneſs, and full of pity: Moſt men I meet with do think, that becauſe I am not unfortunate in matters of War, I cannot be unfortunate in any thing elſe: Indeed they think Love to be but an imaginary Paſſion, a Chimera, which raigns only in the fancy, and never diſturbs the rational parts: Whatſoever I ſay, they beleeve that the loſs of one Battel does trouble me more then the loſs of my divine Mandana; though moſt certainly, the loſs of a hundred Battels, and as many Crowns to boot, does not comparably trouble me ſo much as one hours ſeparation from that Angellique Princeſs: Imagine then, I beſeech you Madam, what a vexatious life it is, to be perpetually amongſt a company of men who are ignorant of my ſenſibilities; and) judg alſo how pleaſant it is to me to be amongſt ſuch as are compoſed all of tenderneſs and compaſſion: yet muſt I needs except Araſpes from the number of ſuch, becauſe his Soul ſeem'd always moſt inſenſible, but ſince Ligdamis became a Convert, I will not deſpair of him, but on the contrary, knowing the tenderneſs of his affection towards my ſelf, I am perſwaded it is no impoſſibility, but hereafter he may fall in love with ſome excellent Beauty or other. Araſpes bluſht at this diſcourſe: but Cyrus taking no great notice of the alteration in his face, the diſcourſe went on; and the Princeſs Araminta, addreſſing her ſelf to Cyrus, For my part, ſaid ſhe, I am of your opinion; but as for the Queen, if ſhe do not contradict you, certainly it is out of her complaiſance; for ſhe has ſeveral times told me, that ſhe never found any great comfort either in pitying or being pitied; and indeed, ſhe does ſo cloſely lock up her ſorrows in her own heart, that ſhe never ſpeaks the firſt: But, I who am nothing of her humour, have related all my misfortunes unto her; and not a day paſſeth but I am diſcourſing of them. It is very true, replyed Panthea, I do not much care for talking of any thing which concerns my ſelf; I never think of things paſt; the future is it which engroſſeth all my Soul: methinks I have ſo little enjoyed my ſelf in any thing which hath happened unto me this three or four year, that it is much better for me to think only of what is to come. Things future are ſo full of obſcurity (replyed the Princeſs Araminta) that I am ſo far from thinking of them, that I baniſh them my thoughts, leſt I ſhould forge ſuch miſeries unto my ſelf, as Fortune perhaps never thought on. Gladly would I do as you ſay, replyed Cyrus, but I find it impoſſible. For my part, ſaid Panthea, ſince fear and hope are two paſſions which divides all my Soul between them, and that I find nothing either to hope for or fear in things already paſt, I cannot reſt my mind upon them. Yet is it much better, replyed Cyrus, to have a heart divided between hopes and fears; for I do know ſome who ſtand in fear of every thing, and hope for nothing. Since the virtue is ſo great, and the Gods ſo juſt, replyed Panthea, it would be an injury unto them to deſpair of your good fortune. Since you are not happy, replyed Cyrus, and ſince the Princeſs Araminta is unfortunate, it were preſumption to be over confident of that little virtue which I own: We ſee Madam, there are ſome things which ſeem juſt in the eyes of men, which are not ſo in the ſight of the Gods: for truly, it muſt needs be acknowledged, that the King of Aſſyria, the King of Pontus, and the Prince Mazares, who dyed neer Sinope, were three Princes who could be taxed with no Crime, but that of over-loving Mandana, yet we ſee how that Princeſs, who is virtue in the abſtract, hath cauſed all the miſeries of their lives and mine: Mazares loſt his Life; the King of Pontus his Throne and Liberty; the King of Aſſyria his Crown and Liberty alſo: After all this, Madam, what ſhould we think of the future? muſt it not needs be concluded, that whoſoever never thinks of it, is certainly moſt wiſe? But yet I muſt confeſs to my ſhame, that I cannot chuſe but foreſee the miſeries which ought to befall me. It is much better therefore, replyed the Princeſs Araminta, to apply ones ſelf to the memory of things paſt. If they be delighting, replyed Panthea, to think that they are not ſtill enjoyed, is vexatious. If they be diſaſterous and irkſom, replyed Araminta, the thoughts of them now are pleaſing, becauſe they are paſt: for my part, when I remember the condition I was in when I was at Cabira, and when the Coward Artanus kept me there, methinks that ſince I am [Page] come out of his rude captivity, I may well hope to come out of one more pleaſant: And for my part, ſaid Panthea, when I remember how happy I was at Suſa, after I had overcome all thoſe obſtacles which oppoſed my happineſs, I do not think it poſſible ever to be in the ſame condition; and therefore I ſtrive as much as I can to forget thoſe things, the memory of which does but the more trouble me: However you have promiſed me, replied Araminta, to acquaint me with all the joyes and miſeries of your life, as I have acquainted you with mine. Indeed I did conſent (anſwered ſhe) that Pherenice ſhould acquaint you, and therefore your curioſity ſhall be ſatisfied without reviving ſuch things in my memory, as I wiſh I could quite eradicate: Why then (ſaid Cyrus, and addreſſed himſelf to the Princeſs Araminta) do you not urge the promiſe? Sir, replied ſhe, till now I have not had the opportunity, for it was but this morning at our return from the Temple, that the Queen did make this promiſe: Then it is fit I ſhould abſent my ſelf, replied Cyrus, leſt I ſhould hinder you from what you deſire, for indeed I dare not preſume to ask the favour, not but that I have a great deſire to hear the paſſion of the illuſtrious Abradates diſcourſed of, that I might compare his with my own; but I know the duty which I owe unto a great Princeſs, and therefore will not be too preſſing to know her ſecrets. Truly Sir (replied Panthea with a modeſt ſmile) I am not very free in imparting them, yet I am moſt willing you ſhould know the whole ſtory of my life; and it does in ſome ſort concern me, that you be acquainted with that innocent paſſion which yet poſſeſſeth the heart of Abradates and my own; therefore when you have any hours of leiſure Sir, ſhe who was appointed to ſatisfie the curioſity of the Princeſs Araminta, ſhall ſatisfie yours alſo. Methinks Madam, replied that Princeſs, that without the expence of any more time in talk of things indifferent, it could not be better imployed then in ſatisfying the deſires of the illuſtrious Cyrus, and my ſelf. Since it is my reſolution to do any thing which ſhall pleaſe you (anſwered Panthea) you may imploy the time as you pleaſe, provided I be not preſent. Then the Princeſs Araminta riſing up, ſaid, that ſhe would carry Cyrus into her Chamber, who without any further oppoſition preſented his hand to conduct her thither. Panthea did bluſh as much at their ſalutes, as if ſome crime which ſhe had committed were going to be related: But conſidering ſeriouſly it would be advantageous unto her, that Cyrus were better acquainted with the vertue of Abradates, ſhe ſent her woman, who was to relate the ſtory of her life, with the Princeſs Araminta; ſhe was one of good quality and wit, and who had alwayes been a confident of her ſecrets. In the mean while Cleonice and Iſmeni ſtayed with Panthea, unto whom Araſpes and Ligdamis, after they had accompanied Cyrus to the Chamber of Araminta, returned. Araminta being conducted by this Prince, and followed by Pherenice and Heſionida, ſhe was no ſooner in her Chamber, but deſiring Cyrus to ſit down, and placing Pherenice over againſt her, ſhe deſired her to begin the ſtory, and not to conceal from them the leaſt thought of Panthea and Abradates: After Pherenice had in a complement deſired pardon unto her deficiency to make ſuch a relation, ſhe began thus.

The Hiſtory of ABRADATES, and of PANTHEA.

THe honor which I have had to be educated with the Queen of Suſiana, and the happineſs which I have had to be ever loved of her, enables me with any difficulty to let you know all the particulars of her life, the beginning of which was much freer from diſaſterous adventures then was the ſequel. I ſhall not need Madam to ſpeak of her high birth, for you know that the Prince of Claſomena her father was of an extraction ſo illuſtrious, that the bloud of Croeſſus was not more: The Princeſs her mother was alſo deſcended from a great houſe, but ſhe loſt her ſo young, that ſhe cannot remember ſhe ever ſaw her; 'tis true, that this Princeſs was educated by one that was Siſter unto the Prince her father, and lived with him, under whom ſhe was as well educated, as ſhe could hope to be under the Princeſs her mother. Baſelina (for ſo was the ſiſter unto the Prince of Claſomena called) was a Lady of a high ſpirit, and great vertue, who ſince ſhe had loſt her Husband when ſhe was very young, would never marry again: She had been fair and Courtly; and though ſhe was as compleat in all vertue as any Lady of her Quality was capable of, yet was ſhe not of the too too auſtere Sect: She would ſay, that one muſt be young once in their life, and it was much better to be of a young diſpoſition at fifteen, then at fifty; ſo that the Prince her brother wholly referring the education of his daughter unto her, ſhe allowed her an honeſt freedome, without any rigid hand of [Page] ſeverity over her, which courſe did produce in her a more early and riper wit, then others of her age were accuſtomed to have; ſo that at twelve years of age the Princeſs of Claſomena did behave her ſelf with as much diſcretion and judgment, as if ſhe had been compleatly twenty: As for her beauty, I need not enter into any Elogies of it, ſince you may very well conclude what it was, by what it is; yet let me ſay thus much, that her beauty did at the very firſt appear, and ſhe was moſt admirably fair from her very Cradle; her diſpoſition, though ſomething ſerious, yet was ever complayſant and ſweet; ſo that joyning a perfect goodneſs unto one of the pureſt wits upon earth, and unto one of the greateſt beauties of all Lidia, it may eaſily be imagined that the Princeſs of Claſomena did attract the admiration of all the world. Some glimps of her beauty and wit did ſparkle throughout all the Town, for in her paſſage from infancy to the age of reaſon; indulgent cares to pleaſe her made all the women amiable, and the men compleat: Being both handſom and free, ſhe was adored by all that came neer her, and all thoſe alſo who heard of thoſe rare qualities wherewith ſhe was adorned; ſo that the fame of this Princeſs did in a very ſhort time ſpread over all thoſe Provinces which bordered upon that over which her Father was Soveraign. Cleonice whom you ſee here may eaſily induce you to imagine, that ſhe was not amiable only in Claſomena; for the truth is, all ſtrangers ſtayed there with abundance of delight, and did confeſs there was not ſo much wit and politneſs to be found in any Town of all Aſia, as in that. Reſidence in Claſomena became more delightful a little while after Cleonice went to dwell at Epheſus, becauſe then many ſtrangers of great quality came thither, and ſtayed a long while; amongſt which ſome were moſt compleat men, who made ſociety moſt dilectable, and took away from Claſomena that defect which was found in all the Provinces and petty Courts there, which was, that every day none but the ſame faces were to be ſeen. One thing did ſometimes much perplex the Princeſs Baſelina, which was, that there was not one man in all the principality of her brother, who was a fit match for her Neice; ſo that all thoſe who ſaw her, were ſuch as durſt only admire her, or at the leaſt durſt not expreſs any other thoughts. Amongſt all the compleat Gallants in Claſomena, there was one, whoſe name was Perinthus, being older then Panthea ſome five or ſix years, who devoted himſelf unto the Prince, and who did ſo much obtain his liking, that he would never be without him; his Father ſpent all his daies in the Princes houſe, and alſo died in the ſervice of his Maſter. It muſt needs be confeſſed, that Perinthus ſtood not in need of any commendums, for his perſon was very handſom, and his wit charming, ſo that it was impoſſible to deny him favour, to be a very compleat man as he was; he had one odd quality, which was, that he never contracted any intimate friendſhip with any one in particular; he held fair with every one, but he opened not his heart unto any; he would ſometimes ſay, when he was chid for ſo doing, that he gloried in hiding his moſt ſecret thoughts, even from his beſt friends, However, he was very well beloved: Thoſe who were frequently with him, would truſt him with their buſineſs of greateſt importance; as well becauſe he had great abilities to give good advice, as becauſe he was a man of exact honeſty, and incorruptible fidelity: Thus without diſcovering his own heart unto any, he ſaw into the hearts of many men: Perinthus was handſome, and of a good behaviour, of a pleaſant converſation, and without being either too ſerious, or too free, did equally ſort with all manner of humours, and people of what quality ſoever; and indeed as the Prince of Claſomena loved him moſt dearly, ſo the Princeſs Baſilina loved him no leſs. Panthea alſo eſteemed him as much as his de [...]ines could wiſh, all my companions did moſt tenderly affect him: All the Ladies of the Town did the ſame; and indeed Perinthus had been the moſt happy man alive of his quality, had he not entertained a ſecret enemy in his heart, which troubled all his joyes, and rendred him as unfortunate, as he ſeemed happy unto all thoſe that knew him. For Madam, to the better underſtanding the ſequel of this Hiſtory, be pleaſed to know, that Perinthus did fix his love upon the Princeſs of Claſomena above the capacity of his heart; but yet his love was ſo reſpective, ſo prudent, and ſo violent altogether, that he was never heard to utter one ſyllable of any ſuch paſſion: He has told me ſince (when by the conſequence of things which ſince fell out, he was forced to confeſs the truth) that as ſoon as he perceived this predominate paſſion, which he could not maſter, to be in his ſoul, and from which he could never hope for the leaſt ſatisfaction, he reſolutely determined to contract no intimate friendſhip, neither with any man, nor any Lady, leſt it ſhould ſo fall out, that through weakneſs he ſhould diſcover unto all the world that which he deſired to keep a ſecret. He has alſo told me, that he was ſo [Page] perfectly acquainted with the folly of loving, ſo diſproportionable to his own quality, that he durſt never ſo much as think of letting her know he loved her: For ſince the vertue of Panthea began to appear in luſtre, and to dazle his eyes, he has ſworn a hundred times unto me, that after many years of ſervice and Love, he never enjoyed one minute of any hope; however he ſtrugled with his paſſion, yet not knowing why or to what end he ſhould either oppoſe or cheriſh it: Still he loved the Princeſs, but in ſuch a ſecret manner, and with ſo much reverence, that there was not one in all Claſomena as long as we were there, no not the Princeſs her ſelf, which could have the leaſt ſuſpition of it; and truly, to ſpeak the very truth, although Perinthus was deſcended of a very Noble Family, yet there was ſuch a vaſt difference between him and her, that it is no wonder that none ſhould ſuſpect any ſuch thing; all humble reſpects was but his duty by birth, and it was an eaſie matter to umbrage his real thoughts under that, when he every day did render her a thouſand agreeable ſervices: However, conſidering with himſelf, that he could never pretend unto any of her affection, no nor ſo much as acquaint her with his, he limited his deſires to obtain her eſteem: And being deſirous to purchaſe ſome glory in the Warres, he went thither where the illuſtrious Cleander, now Prince Artamas was in Myſia; where he performed ſuch admirable acts, that if there were not a ſecret Load-ſtone which drew his heart unto Claſomena, he might well have raiſed himſelf unto a great fortune under this generous Favorite. In the end, he returned loadned with honors unto the Prince his Maſter, who made him extreme welcome at his return. The Princeſs alſo received him very well, and queſtionleſs Perinthus had this conſolation amidſt his miſeries, that he was arrived unto ſuch a point as he deſired to be. This Madam is the deſcription of Perinthus, to wit, the moſt diſcreet, but the moſt unhappy Lover in the world; and this was the ſtate of his paſſion, when the Prince of Claſomena took his reſolution to go and dwell at Sardis, and to carry thither with him the Princeſs his daughter, with intentions not to return until he had beſtowed her in marriage. As he was a Tributary unto Croeſſus, and had been at a Treaty, by which the Princes of Claſomena were obliged to live the half year at Sardis; after a long abſence from thence, under ſeveral pretences and excuſes, he reſolved to go thither, and diſcharge the duty; and the rather, becauſe he ſaw unto what a height the valour of Cleander had raiſed the Authority Royal; therefore he yeelded obedience by fair means, rather then to draw a War upon his Country, and be compelled unto it by force. Sardis being at that time in her higheſt luſtre, the whole Train of the Prince and Princeſs were very glad of the journey, except Perinthus, who fretted at it in ſecret, by reaſon of ſome reſentments proceeding from his love. Hitherto he had this advantage, that he ſaw none make any attempts of ſervice upon Panthea, becauſe as I told you before, there was not one man in all the principality of Claſomena, who could pretend marriage: But when he conſidered, that now ſhe was going to Sardis, where many men ſuitable to her own quality did inhabit, he made no queſtion but ſhe would be loved and adored by many; ſo that his fear of having many Rivals, rendred him moſt miſerable. I remember when I obſerved, notwithſtanding all his diſguiſement, that he never made any expreſſions of ſuch joys for going unto Sardis, as all the reſt did, who were to go this voyage: I asked him the cauſe, but he anſwered with as much civility as ſubtilty, that it was becauſe he ſhould no longer enjoy neither the ſight nor ſociety of all thoſe that were moſt dear unto him. For (ſaid he further, the better to diſguize the matter) all the gallantry of the men which the Prince carries with him, will there fall all in Love: Then he ſaid further, (becauſe his diſcourſe ſhould reach at me) and I ſee that all the Gallants in that place unto which we are going will fall in Love with all the Beauties which the Princeſs carries with her. My Maſter himſelf will be ſo buſie in making his addreſſes at Court, that I cannot make mine unto him: And as for the Princeſs, I believe ſhe and her thoughts will be much taken up with variety of Courtſhips; ſo that foreſeeing that I ſhall be without Maſter, without Miſtriſs, and without friends; it need not be wondered if I be not ſo gay and pleaſant as you are. For my part, ſaid I unto him, and ſmiled, I am ſo far from underſtanding your laſt diſcourſe, that I know no reaſon why we ſhould remain in the deſarts of Lybia, rather then go unto Sardis. Perinthus ſmiled to hear me ſay ſo, and without any further continuance of this diſcourſe we parted, and every one prepared for the voyage. The Princeſs Baſilina could not go this journey, for ſhe had ſome Controverſies, and Suits of great importance with the kindred of her late Husband, ſo that Panthea went to Sardis only with the Prince her Father. I ſhall not relate unto you Madam, [Page] how ſhe was received by Croeſſus, by the Prince Atis, by the Prince Myrſilles, by the Princeſs Palmis, by Antaleon, by Mexaris, by Arteſilas, and by the illuſtrious Cleander: but I ſhall imploy the time better, in relating things more neceſſary to the ſtory. Let it ſuffice that I tell you only in general, that they rendred unto the Prince and Princeſs all the honors that was due unto their quality and merit: The Princeſs Palmis, and the Princeſs of Claſomena did at the firſt contract a great league of amity, and though they were both of them fair enough to beget envy in the hearts of each other, yet the leaſt ſpark of it did not appear: Their ſouls were certainly of a far higher and more noble temper, then to be capable of any thoughts ſo baſe: but love they did, and that with all ſincerity, though to ſpeak the very truth of things, they did never enter into any ſuch deep confidence of each other, as to impart the ſecrets of their lives, not but that they had ſufficient eſteem of each other for it; but ſince Celeniſa had ingroſſed all the confidence of the Princeſs Palmis, I alſo had the happineſs to enjoy that of the Princeſs Panthea. The truth is, her ſecrets at that time were of ſmall importance, however I was much obliged to her for her imparting her real thoughts of things unto me, which ſhe never did before the reſt of my companions. I make no queſtion Madam, but you are acquainted with that contrariety of humours that is between the King of Lydia, and his Brothers, and therefore I need but hint unto your memory, that the Prince Antaleon was moſt violently ambitious, one that would ruine all ſo he could but raign; and that Mexaris was as covetous as Croeſſus was liberal, though Mexaris in riches was not inferiour to him: And certainly, this vice did never appear ſo ſtrange in any as in this Prince, as you will ſee by the ſequel of this diſcourſe: However, he was capable of one paſſion, one of whoſe noble effects was to produce liberality. I am verily perſwaded Mexaris thought that in matter of Love it was enough to give his heart, and that's the reaſon he never offered to ſtifle that paſſion which the beauty of Panthea did inſpire into his ſoul: But his only thoughts were to obtain the affection of the Princeſs, without any conditions of charge unto himſelf, and therefore he never offered to hinder his growing paſſion, but loved her as much as his ſoul was capable of loving. This fire for a while was cloſely ſmothered up in ſecreſie, and in the interim, the Princeſs was viſited and courted by all the great and illuſtrious Gallants of Sardis. Amongſt the number of thoſe who came to ſee her, there was one whoſe name was Doraliſa, of good quality, who did infinitely pleaſe her; and the truth was, ſhe was no ordinary perſon, for beſides her charming beauty, ſhe had a pleaſing and merry wit, but ſo full of reaſon, that ſhe brought all the world unto her own ſenſe of things. She had a ſubtil and witty way of jeſting, againſt which there was no defending ones ſelf, when ſhe was in the humour of it, and that which was moſt rare to be found in one of that humour, ſhe was full of goodneſs and ſweetneſs alſo; ſhe did in many occaſions more delight thoſe which heard her, then hurt thoſe whom ſhe did play upon, but yet ſhe made many ſtand in awe of her when we came to Sardis: But yet for my part, I muſt confeſs, I ever loved her without any fear, and endeavoured to confirm the Princeſs in that advantagious opinion which ſhe entertained of her; and truly I found no difficulty in doing ſo, for her own natural inclination did byaſs that way ſo ſtrongly, that ſhe loved her moſt tenderly. Doraliſa alſo made ſuch reſpectful and obliging returns unto the goodneſs of the Princeſs, that within a few daies the Princeſs of Claſomena was as affable and familiar with [...]er, as if ſhe had been acquainted from the Cradle. She underſtood from ſeveral reports, and afterwards from her ſelf, that though ſhe had living neither Father nor Mother, but lived with an Aunt, who had no compulſive power over her: and though ſhe was yet very young, yet had ſhe already refuſed above twenty offers of Marriage; for when we came to Sardis, ſhe was not above eighteen years of age, not that ſhe appeared of any rigid or ſavage diſpoſition, for rather on the contrary, ſhe was of a free and jocand Spirit; ſhe was a lover of company and divertiſements, and there was not any Gallantry in all the Court wherein ſhe had not her ſhare, inſomuch as there ſeemed no inclination in her to become one of the vailed Nuns of Epheſus, and therefore they would ſometimes deſire her reaſons why ſhe refuſed ſo many Gallants and compleat men which proffered themſelves in way of Marriage: But ſhe would alwayes anſwer with a ſmile, that it was, becauſe ſhe had not yet met with ſuch a man as ſhe ſought for, and whom ſhe phancied as a good fortune unto her ſelf. Thus turning the matter alwayes into a kind of Rallary, and leaving every one to gheſs at her meaning, they imagined that ſhe had an averſion towards Marriage, and that ſhe had no other reaſon for carrying the matter as ſhe did. The Princeſs then knowing thus much, upon a time when ſhe was not very well, and had ſent for Doraliſa to divert her, ſhe told [Page] her, that ſhe had a great deſire to know who that man was, whom ſhe ſaid ſhe ſought for, and could not find. Since it is your deſire Madam, ſaid ſhe and ſmiled, be pleaſed to know that I have a phancy never to marry any man, but ſuch a one as I am ſure loves me, and ſuch a one as I do love. The firſt of theſe, replied the Princeſs, methinks is eaſily found: It is not ſo eaſie, replied ſhe, but in truth the ſecond is as difficult, or to expreſs my ſelf a little better, impoſſible. Methinks, ſaid the Princeſs, you offer a great affront unto the Town and Court of Sardis, to think that there is not one man in it ſufficiently accompliſhed to win you by his ſervices to accept of his affection. Madam, ſaid ſhe unto her, there is a thouſand accompliſhed Gallants in Sardis, but amongſt them all, there is not one who has not already loved ſome or other, and that's my reaſon why I can affect none of them; For truly, if I could ſuffer my ſelf to be loved, and could reſolve to love, I would chuſe one whom Nature only has dreſſed up a compleat man, without the adulterate helps of Love, one who ſhould offer me a freſh new heart, which never had received any impreſſion but my own, nor burned in any flames, but ſuch only as kindled at my eyes. But Madam, where is it poſſible to find ſuch a modelled man as I ſeek after? at the leaſt I am ſure, that amongſt a hundred thouſand which I have ſeen, there is not ſuch a one to be met withall. Nature alone (added ſhe) does ſometimes make them handſom and fair, but they are never of a good behaviour if they have never been once in Love with any; and a man can never have a pleaſing ſpirit, unleſs once in his life he have made it his buſineſs to pleaſe ſome or other. The Princeſs began to laugh at the diſcourſe of Doraliſa, but afterwards ſaid unto her, Love does never infuſe ſpirit into thoſe who have none of their own. I do aſſure you Madam, replied Doraliſa, that though it do not infuſe ſpirit into thoſe who have none, yet it does marvellouſly augment and poliſh it in thoſe who have any of their own. I do believe, ſaid ſhe, that ſuch a compleat man as is deſcribed by one of the wiſe men of Greece, who is ſo much ſpoke of in the world, may be found without any ſparks of Love in him; for thoſe men require no more, but that they know how to mannage the buſineſs well which they have in hand, and that a man know honeſty, and courage, and vertue: But ſuch a compleat man as I would have, ought to have (beſides theſe things ſo abſolutely neceſſary) ſome things in him which are dilectable, and complacential, and theſe are abſolutely impoſſible to be found in a man that neeer was in Love. In ſum Madam, call into your memory all the young men whom you have ſeen enter into the world, and tell me the reaſon why there is ſo many of them, whoſe converſation are Peſantique and groſs; you will find the only reaſon to be, becauſe they want that reſpective and convenient boldneſs, and that ſprightly and gallant civility which Love only can infuſe. Their diſcourſe and actions do not pleaſe; and for my part, I like the converſation of thoſe old men, who were ſprightly Gallants in their youth, much better then thoſe young Simpliciars, who think more upon the Ribbands which they wear, then the Ladies whom they talk with. 'Tis very true, ſaid the Princeſs and ſmiled, I muſt confeſs, that I have obſerved many ſuch as you ſpeak of, but I do not attribute it unto the ſame cauſe; for I do think that their want of experience in the world, is the true reaſon why their diſcourſe and demeanour is not more dilectable. To demonſtrate unto you, ſaid Doraliſa, that it is not ſo, I beſeech you do but obſerve thoſe who never were in Love, and yet have ſufficient experience in the world, you ſhall find them ſo rude, and of ſuch a ſavage ſpirit, that there is no complacency to be found in them; you ſhall find that ſuch men are ſteel-hearted, and men of Blood, whoſe lives are ſpent in Wars, or els ſuch hunting diſpoſitions as affect only Forreſts, or ſuch dumpiſh pieces of ſolitarineſs, as are alwayes cloyſtered up in their Studies with a company of books, or ſuch as entertain themſelves in Grots and Caves in the Country; So that I muſt ingenuouſly confeſs, that it is Love only which compleats a man to be ſuch a one as I am in queſt of. However, ſaid the Princeſs unto her, ſince Love is of ſuch an efficacy as you ſpeak of, do but ſuffer your ſelf to be loved, and thoſe men who are not ſuch as you deſire, will in time become ſo. Ah Madam, cryed ſhe out, if I do not eſteem him whom I am to marry the very firſt minute that I ſhall ſee him, I ſhall never love him; and therefore I muſt find him a moſt accompliſhed man, and not make him one. Make choice then (ſaid ſhe unto her) of one of thoſe who have compleated themſelves by loving ſome other, and has made a retreat, and now loves none. I have already told you Madam, replied Doraliſa, that I would have a freſh new Maiden heart, newly kindled with pure and lively flames, and not one of thoſe hardened ones, as have burned whole years together. The truth is, as men uſe to offer unto a Divinity [Page] ſuch offerings only as were never upon the Altar of another; ſo would I have ſuch an affection as was never dedicated to any but my ſelf: So, ſince I cannot love any man who has loved one another; and ſince it is not poſſible to find out a compleat man, uuleſs he have been in Love, I am reſolved, and truly very willingly, to love none at all. This your rule is not ſo general, replied the Princeſs, but it will admit of ſome exceptions; for Perinthus you know is a moſt accompliſhed man, yet he never was in Love. Ah Madam, cryed ſhe out, it is impoſſible, Perinthus either is infallibly in Love, or at the leaſt hath been; it is impoſſible to be as he is, unleſs he were. The Princeſs then called me, Is it not truly Pherenice, ſaid ſhe, that Perinthus was never in Love? It is moſt true Madam, ſaid I unto her, that I never knew he was, nor ever knew him to be ſuſpected by any. Then certainly he is moſt ſubtil and wiſe, replied Doraliſa, for let me tell you once again, that Perinthus cannot be what he is, unleſs he had been in Love. As ſhe was ſaying ſo, he entred; So that the Princeſs beginning the diſcourſe, and being ignorant of that paſſion which was in his ſoul, ſhe told him, that ſhe was very glad to ſee him, becauſe he would help her to convince Doraliſa of an error, wherein ſhe perſiſted: But ſaid the Princeſs, and addreſſed her ſelf unto Doraliſa, I would have you ask him the queſtion, to the end you ſhall not think he dare not tell me the truth. I do confeſs Madam, anſwered Doraliſa, that I am ſo full of curioſity in the buſineſs, as though it be ſomething againſt the Rules of handſomneſs, yet I will immediately obey you; therefore Perinthus, ſaid ſhe, and turned towards him, I pray tell me whether you did not leave one in Claſſomena whom you wiſh were at Sardis. Perinthus was ſo ſurprized with this queſtion, that he bluſht, and knew not how to anſwer; So that Doraliſa turning towards the Princeſs, Very well Madam, ſaid ſhe, I am much deceived if you be not miſtaken, and if the bluſh of Perinthus do not ſufficiently argue that I am in the right. But you do not give Perinthus time to anſwer, ſaid Panthea, and you will condemn me before you underſtand him: I pray Perinthus convince Doraliſa, that it is poſſible to find ſuch a compleat man as your ſelf, who neither is, nor ever was in Love; and therefore tell her whether you left any beauty in Claſomena, who think you upon at Sardis. Since I am obliged to anſwer directly (replyed Perinthus after he had a little recollected himſelf) I do ſeriouſly proteſt unto you without any lye, that ſince I came to Sardis, I never ſo much as thought of Claſomena, or any in it: Perhaps the reaſon is (ſaid Doraliſa to the Princeſs) becauſe Perinthus is in Love with ſome of your Women, and by conſequence left none there to love. Perinthus bluſht the ſecond time at the diſcourſe of Doraliſa, which the Princeſs obſerving, and imagining that the alteration in his countenance proceeded from no other cauſe, but becauſe he was aſhamed to confeſs he loved not any. Truly Perinthus (ſaid ſhe unto him) you are a ſtrange man, in being aſhamed to confeſs that thing whereof you ought to glory; for I do conceive it Honorable, never to be vanquiſhed. There are ſome Conquerours ſo illuſtrious (replyed he very coldly) that a defeat by them may be confeſſed without any diſhonor. But whether are you in Love, or not in Love, ſaid Doraliſa, for that is it which we would know? If I be in Love, replyed he, you may think it concerns me not to diſcover it, ſince none knows it: And if I be not in Love, it concerns me not to acknowledg it alſo, ſince it is to be thought (as I collect by the diſcourſe of the Princeſs) that one cannot be any wayes a compleat man, unleſs amorous; and I muſt not poſſeſs you with an opinion which will be to my own diſadvantage. However it be (ſaid Doraliſa) though you will not explain your ſelf, yet within a while, I ſhall find out the truth; for if you be in Claſomena, there your diſquiet and melancholy will ſufficiently diſcover you; and if you be at Sardis, then I ſhall more infallibly find it out. But what if he be not in Love at all, ſaid the Princeſs, as I do verily believe he is not, then Perinthus wants none of thoſe qualities which you deſire to be in a man: Yes, he wants one thing, replyed ſhe, and that's as neceſſary as all the reſt, which is, that he love me as well as he can Love. But I conjure you Madam, never move him unto that, ſince I am moſt certain he can never love me; and if I were as ſure that he is in Love with none elſe, I ſhould look upon him as an abſolute Miracle. As Perinthus was going to reply, a meſſenger from the Princeſs Palmis interrupted the converſation, for he came upon a viſit, to ſee how the Princeſs did, and to know whether ſhe was in ſuch a condition of health as to meet her in the morning at a Hunting which they had appointed ſome few dayes ſince; or whether it was her pleaſure to defer that ſport until another time. The Princeſs, who was not very ill, but hoped to be perfectly well the day following, returned this anſwer, That ſhe was ſo far from any deſires of [Page] deferring any delights which ſhe ſhould receive, as that in the morning ſhe would aſſume the honor to wait upon her at the Chaſe. Immediately after the Prince Mexaris entred, ſo that the diſcourſe between Perinthus and Doraliſa was put off till the next day. In the mean while, the poor Perinthus was in a pitiful condition, to underſtand from the Princeſſes own mouth, that ſhe did not think him to be in Love, and his ſorrows were extreme to hear thoſe cruel words pronounced by her whom he only loved, or ever could love, and unto whom he never durſt diſcover his paſſion; and though he did, as he thought, limit his deſires to be only eſteemed by the Princeſs; yet many a minute in a day had he further wiſhes, which immediately he would ſtifle: However, ſince he was fit for any imployment, the Princeſs ſent him to ſee whether the ſervants of the Prince her Father had prepared all things neceſſary for this Hunting, and whether the Horſe which ſhe was to ride upon was ready, and well conditioned. Perinthus, who was raviſhed in rendring any ſervice unto the Princeſs, were it never ſo trivial, did ſo punctually obey her, that the next morning the Princeſs Palmis her ſelf was not better accoutred then ſhe: And really I cannot think, that a more gallant and glorious ſight could be ſeen then this Hunting diverſion. All the Ladies were dreſt, as they uſe to picture Diana, unleſs in that they had a little more care of their Beauties then that Goddeſs, who deſpiſed her own: She had about her head a Chapplet of ſuch lively coloured Feathers, as vyed with the Sun for Beauty, and preſerved her from its heat, under which ſhe wore a Vaile waving at the pleaſure of the winde, wherewith ſhe could umbrage her fair face when ſhe pleaſed: Their horſes were all trapped and trim'd with lovely coloured Ribbands in their Mains; each had a rich Scarf, in which hung a Bow and Quiver of Arrows, in one hand they held their Bridles, which were all ſtudded with boſſes of Gold, and in the other hand they held light Javelines of Ivory and Ebony all enamelled with the richeſt work of the Goldſmith, their ſaddle-cloaths were imbroydered with Pearl and Jewels: So that a ſight more magnificent and fuller of delight could not be ſeen; for all their dreſſes being in ſeveral colours, and the trimmings of their horſes ſo alſo, it made the moſt beautiful object in the world amongſt the woods and Lands of the Park: Every Lady had a Huntſman to conduct her, who alwayes rode before her, and two Footmen, on each ſide one: Each of the Princeſſes had two Women dreſt in the ſame garb following them; ſo that the Princeſs deſired Doraliſa to be one of hers, and did me the honour to make choice of me amongſt all the reſt for the other. It was ſo ordered by the Princeſs, that Perinthus ſhould be Doraliſa's Huntſman, and the Prince Mexaris was hers: The Prince Atis was Huntſman unto a Lady, whoſe name was Anaxila, with whom he was in Love; and the Prince Arteſilas was Huntſman unto the Princeſs Palmis. But ſince to tell all the paſſages of this Hunting, is nothing pertinent unto my diſcourſe, I ſhall only ſay thus much, that all the men were no leſs glorious and magnificent then the Ladies: A world of people came in Chariots to the banks of the Lake of Giges, where all the equipage of Hunting, and all the horſes did rendezvouz and wait: Doraliſa and my ſelf were in the Princeſs Chariot, becauſe we were appointed to wait upon her; and as it was the office of the Prince Mexaris, who was Huntſman unto the Princeſs, to help her out of her Chariot; ſo he was very obſequious in it, but he no ſooner appeared, then Doraliſa obſerved, that in lieu of a habit made purpoſely for this jolly recreation, as the Prince Atis, the Prince Myrſil [...]s, Arteſilas, Cleander, and all the reſt, even Parinthus had: It was a ſuit, as I was told, which he wore at a Horſe-race, ſome two years ſince; So that not being able to hold from laughing, really (ſaid ſhe to me, ſo loud as the Princeſs might hear) I ſee that all which hath been told me concerning the Prince Mexaris is not true: What have they told you (ſaid I unto her) They have confidently told me (replied ſhe) that he was in Love with the Princeſs, but ſince he is yet ſo covetous, I cannot believe him to be in Love. Mexaris was then ſo neer the Chariot, that neither the Princeſs nor I could ſay any thing to Doraliſa, and truly it was very well we could forbear laughing, not but that Mexaris was of a good port, and well made: But ſince his gold did look but dim in compariſon of that freſh luſtre which is upon any thing that is new, it was impoſſible to hold from laughing at the words of Doraliſa. Alſo ſome daies are ſo devoted to jollity, that the leaſt thing will incline the mind into a pleaſent rallary and mirth. Cleander, who was the only he that day, and who becauſe he could not be Huntſman unto the Princeſs Palmis, (though he was then her Lover, as afterwards we knew) he would not be one unto any. Colouring the matter with this pretence, that he would give orders unto all the [Page] reſt; ſo that he would go ſometimes to one, and ſometimes to another. This Hunting was in a great Park, which well deſerved the name of a little Forreſt for its large extent: A great common rode doth croſs through it, otherwiſe ſuch as would go unto Sardis would be forced to go much about; ſo that at either end of the Park there are two Gates to let paſſengers in and out. I will not ſtay you Madam with a long deſcription of this dayes Hunting, nor tell you how the Hounds hunted, or the Hart ſtood, nor how the winding of Horns made a very merry noyſe; or whether all the Hunters followed cloſe the chaſe, and a thouſand ſuch pleaſant paſſages: For beſides my want of expreſſion in fit terms, it is not the mark I aim at. And to tell you truly, the Ladies which were aſſembled together in that place, I believe came thither as much to ſhew their Beauties, as to run Harts to death: Hunting is too violent an exerciſe for them, and therefore they pleaſed themſelves in croſſing gently into ſuch places as their Huntſmen imagined in probability the Hart might paſs, and that way was eaſie enough for Ladies. At the beginning the Princeſſes and their Hunters kept cloſe together, but this glorious Troop did afterwards inſenſibly ſeparate into ſeveral companies, ſome taking one way, ſome another; ſo that without any intendment, the Princeſs was iu the midſt of a thick Wood, without any company but the Prince Mexaris, Doraliſa, Perinthus his two ſervants, and my ſelf. But ſhe no ſooner perceived it, then we underſtood by the ſhrill noyſe of horns and voices, that the Chaſe drew neer us; and indeed the Hart did paſs by ſo neer us, as at that inſtant we enjoyed the moſt pleaſure: However, as there is nothing more againſt the mind of him who affects Hunting, then not to follow when he ſees the Game running before him, the Prince Mexaris, as much in Love as he was with the Princeſs, asked leave to follow, and told her he would preſently return; ſo he rid through the thick of the Wood, which tickled Doraliſa into a laughing ſpleen ſo loud, that ſhe eaſily imparted her mirth unto Perinthus and my ſelf, ſo ſhe rid to the Princeſs: I profeſs (ſaid this joccand Lady) it muſt needs be confeſſed, that though this Prince be not very liberal, yet he is very prudent in taking ſo handſome an opportunity, to hide his paſſion to the Princeſs, and his old Imbrodery alſo, by getting himſelf ſo far off us as he doth. Perinthus, who being prompted by ſome jealous thoughts; was even raviſhed at the bitterneſs of Doraliſa againſt him, did handſomly ſecond her: The Princeſs ſeemed as if ſhe would not underſtand us, for being very diſcreet, ſhe would not be ſeen to jeer at the Prince Mexaris; but ſince we perceived ſhe could not chuſe but ſmile a little, we could not chuſe but laugh it on. In the mean time; ſince the Princeſs was reſolved not to ſtay for Mexaris in that place, ſhe asked Perinthus which way he thought ſhe might go to meet the Princeſs Palmis: But ſince he could not directly tell that, he intended, as he told me afterwards, to carry her as far from Mexaris as he could; and therefore he took a quite contrary way to that which the Chaſe had taken. As we rid on, and leſs and leſs hearing the cry of the dogs, and the voices of the Huntſmen, the Princeſs turned towards Perinthus, and moſt ſweetly ſaid unto him, That ſhe was very ſorry to hinder him from the pleaſure of the Chaſe. Perinthus replyed unto this ſurprizing language in ſuch a manner, as let the Princeſs ſee, that he thought himſelf much more happy in being where he was, than at the death of the Hart. Then the Princeſs calling to Doraliſa, Crafty Wench (ſaid ſhe unto her) who knows that the Prince Mexaris is not in Love with me, becauſe he had rather follow the Chaſe then ſtay with us: May you not as well ſay upon the ſame reaſon, that ſince Perinthus does voluntarily ſtay with us, therefore he is in Love with you? Not at all Madam (anſwered ſhe) if he be, I will make him confeſs it preſently; and indeed ſhe had opened her mouth to ſpeak unto him: When being come into the great rode which croſſeth the Park, we diſcovered upon the left hand five or ſix Horſemen riding towards us, we thought them at the firſt to be ſome of our company which belonged to the Chaſe, but coming neerer them, we did not know them: He who rid firſt was a young man extremely handſom, and of an excellent garb, whoſe ſuit, though in the Country was very rich, and ſeemed freſh and new. As ſoon as Doraliſa ſaw him, ſhe began her Rallary: This ſtranger (ſaid ſhe to the Princeſs) whoſoever he is, is doubtleſs more liberal then Mexaris; for ſince he is ſo rich and neat in his travel, what would he be at ſuch a meeting as this? His deportment does eaſily perſwade (replied the Princeſs) that he is one of Heroique virtue, and much takes my opinion of him. However, ſince the luſtre of the Princeſs Beauty did ſhine no leſs in his eyes, then his behaviour was high in hers; and ſince the dreſs wherein ſhe was that day did contribute much unto her Beauty, ſo he ſeemed to be much ſurprized, and imagined, [Page] that perhaps ſhe might be the Princeſs of Lydia: Yet ſince he was not certain, he ſtood a while unreſolved what to do: but at laſt, fearing to run into an error, in making himſelf known unto one; whom he knew not who ſhe was; and on the other ſide, being loath to fail in thoſe reſpects which were due unto a Princeſs, whoſe beauty, ayre, and habit, ſpoke to be of a moſt high Quality: He went out of the way, and ſtayed to let her paſs, and bowed with a moſt low reverence: As long as ſhe was within reach of his eyes, he ſtood ſtill and gazed after: The Princeſs alſo turned her ſelf to look upon him, but meeting with each others eyes, ſhe looked no longer. As ſoon as this ſtranger had loſt the ſight of her, he rid a few paces towards Sardis. Afterwards, his curioſity to know who this Beauty was encreaſing; and having obſerved that we left the great rode, and took ſtreight forward, he took ſuch a way as poſſibly he might meet with us again, and to have the delight of ſeeing the Princeſs once more; his project did hit, and better then he looked for. Be pleaſed to know Madam, that the Princeſs being come unto a place of the Wood where ſtood a Fountain, ſhe ſtayed there, becauſe ſhe found it much cooler then any where elſe, ſhe had a deſire to reſt her ſelf there for a while; So that both ſhe and we alighting from our horſes, ſhe ſat down upon the graſs which grew by the ſide of the Fountain: But ſhe was no ſooner ſet, then ſhe perceived ſhe had loſt a Picture which the Princeſs Palmis had given her, and which was in a Caſe of Diamonds moſt rich, yet that was not it which moſt troubled her; but it grieved her very much that the Princeſs Palmis might ſo juſtly chide her for loſing ſo negligently that thing which ſhe had given her as an eſpecial teſtimony of her affection; ſo that exceedingly vexing her ſelf for the loſs, ſhe commanded the two ſervants that waited to tye their Horſes unto Trees, and go the ſame way they came, to try if happily they could find this Picture, not that ſhe had any great hopes of finding it, after ſo many turnings and windings in a great thick Wood: But ſince ſhe had a confuſed kind of memory that ſhe had it when ſhe met this handſom ſtranger; and ſince it is the quality of every one that loſe any thing to look for it as well in places where it cannot be, as where it is, therefore ſhe ſent theſe two ſervants unto the place where ſhe met this ſtranger: Perinthus did envy their imployment, and would have gone thither himſelf, imagining that he could find any thing which the Princeſs loſt better then another, but it was her pleaſure to have him ſtay with her. Mean while, ſince theſe two ſervants had never been in the Park before, they miſtook the way, and took another, ſo that all their labour was in vain; yet they were diligent in ſearch, and that ſo long, that the Princeſs diſpaired of ever finding it, ſeeing they returned no ſooner: But preſently this handſom ſtranger appeared, who being more fortunate then they, had found this Picture; So that ſeeking for an occaſion to ſpeak unto the Princeſs, and making no queſtion but this Picture was hers, ſince he found it in that place where ſhe paſſed; and addreſſing himſelf unto her in a handſom garb, and with much reverence; Madam ſaid he in the Lydian language, and preſenting the Picture which ſhe ſo much lamented, It is my happy fortune to find that which you have loſt, and my honor to reſtore unto your fair hands that thing, which queſtionleſs muſt needs be very valuable in your eſteem: The Princeſs riſing up as ſoon as ſhe ſaw the ſtranger addreſs himſelf towards her, ſhe knew the Caſe as ſoon as ſhe ſaw it, and taking it with much joy; Generous ſtranger (ſaid ſhe unto him) had not this which you reſtore been given me by the Princeſs of Lydia, I ſhould at leaſt have offered you the Caſe, and received only the Picture: But ſince I dare not be too liberal of ſo great a Princeſſes favours, eſpecially unto a man of that ayre which your countenance promiſeth. I beſeech you accept of my thankful acknowledgments, until I meet with an opportunity to ſerve you in ſome as important way as this which you reſtore unto me is acceptable. Madam, anſwered he, I do think the ſervice in reſtoring that which you do value, to be a moſt ample recompence. Whileſt the Princeſs and this ſtranger were in diſcourſe, Perinthus went unto one of his men, and inquired who he was. The man told him, that he was ſecond Son to the King of Suſiana, named Abradates, and Son alſo unto a Siſter of Croeſſus, who was going into Sardis: So that Perinthus telling the ſame unto me, I acquainted the Princeſs in a low voice, during which time, the ſervant of Abradates inquired who the Princeſs was, and acquainted his Maſter, whil'ſt I was informing the Princeſs concerning him: So that both knowing who each other was, there appeared much joy in both their eyes: Abradates doubled his reſpects, and the Princeſs her civilities. I do eſteem my ſelf moſt happy, ſaid he unto her, that one minute of my life hath been ſpent in the ſervice of ſo fair a Princeſs. And truly I think my ſelf very happy, replied [Page] ſhe, in being thus obliged all the reſt of my life unto ſo great a Princeſs, of whom Fame ſpeaks ſo loud in his commendations. As they were thus in diſcourſe, a great noyſe of Horſes was heard, and immediately after, the Princeſſes Palmis, Anaxilea, the Prince Atis, Arteſilas, Mexaris, Myrſiles, and Cleander appeared, who without any minding of Abradates, alighted from their horſes, and began to chide the Princeſs, for preferring ſolitude before the Chaſe, and for not being at the death of the Hart. The Chaſe which I have had, replied ſhe, and ſmiled, hath been more happy then yours; and I am confident you will confeſs it (ſaid ſhe, and preſented Abradates unto the Prince Atis, and the Princeſs Palmis) when you know that I have had the company of the Prince of Suſiana, of whom you have heard ſuch Noble reports. At the ſame time, a ſervant unto the Prince Atis, who had been at Suſa, came to his Maſter, and confirmed the truth: Then did every one receive Abradates with extream joy, and afterwards with a thouſand welcomes and civilities. I do confeſs (ſaid the Princeſs Palmis to Panthea) that your Chaſe hath been more happy then ours, and that you merit all the honour. The greateſt advantage is mine, replyed Abradates, ſince I have been preſented unto you by ſo fair and illuſtrious a hand. You do not ſtand in need of any ſuch advantageous helps (replyed the Princeſs Palmis) to render you conſiderable. For my part, ſaid Panthea, I have ſtood in need of his help, for without it, I ſhould have ſuſtained a lamentable loſs; and then ſhe related the adventure of the Princeſs of Palmis her Picture. Since the place where they were was very pleaſant, they ſtayed there almoſt an hour; but afterwards, Cleander told them it was time to go and refreſh themſelves at a Caſtle on the furtheſt end of the Park, cloſe by the Lake of Gyges, over againſt the Tomb of Alliattes, and ſo the Princes and Princeſſes all together went to this Caſtle, where a magnificent Banquet and admirable Muſique waited for them: In going thither, Mexaris rid cloſe by Panthea, but he had not the freedom of diſcourſe with her, becauſe the Prince Abradates did alſo ride cloſe by her: In the mean time, the poor Perinthus followed after all, fretted to the heart, to ſee how the beauty of Panthea made every one Adorers that looked upon her: Yet as he ſince told me, he had this poor comfort in his thoughts; that perſons of her Quality are ſeldome married unto ſuch Princes as loves them, or as they love; and therefore his hope was, that if ever any enjoyed her, it would be ſome Prince, who married her perhaps more out of ſome reaſon of State, then any affection. But whil'ſt he was thus entertaining his own thoughts, Doraliſa and I obſerved how Abradates did continually eye Panthea, with extraordinary attention, not only in the way to the Caſtle, but during all the time of the Banquet and Muſique; one would have thought that ſhe only of all the company was fair, not that he was at all uncivil, or neglected any reſpects due unto the Princeſs of Lydia: But for all that, it was an eaſie matter to diſcover by his looks, that the Princeſs of Claſomena's beauty did penetrate deeper into his heart, then any oothers. Mexaris perceived it as well as we, and Perinthus much more; and I am perſwaded that Panthea her ſelf from this very firſt day did begin to underſtand the prodigious effects that her Beauty did produce in the heart of Abradates. For be pleaſed to know Madam, that (as he hath told me ſince) he was ſo deſperately in Love this very firſt ſight, that his paſſion would not admit of any augmentation ever ſince. In the mean time, after all the Ladies had moſt pleaſantly paſſed away this day, they returned to Sardis in their Chariots; every Prince did ride next them who did moſt attract their inclinations▪ to wit, Arteſilas and Cleander cloſe by the Chariot of the Princeſs Palmis, the Prince Atis next that of Anaxila, Mexaris, Abradates, and Perinthus, next the Princeſs of Claſomena. When we were come unto Sardis, all the Princes did lead their Ladies unto the Chamber of the Princeſs Palmis; after which, the Prince Atis carried Abradates unto the Chamber of Croeſſus, and preſented him unto him, who received him with many teſtimonies of affection and joy: For ſince he alwayes loved the Queen of Suſiana his Siſter very well, from whom he had received a Letter which did intimate the voyage of this Prince, he was much raviſhed to ſee him in his Court, and to find him of ſo fine behaviour and ſpirit. The Princeſs his Mother was ſo careful in inſtructing him in the Lydian language, that he ſpoke it ſo exactly, and without any accent of a ſtranger, that every one admired him. We underſtood within a few daies after, that Abradates was to ſtay a long time in this Court, becauſe he ſtood not upon good terms with the King his Father, for driving on the Intereſts of the Queen his Mother with too much zeal, againſt an Elder Brother of his, who though he had not ſo much virtue as he, yet was to ſucceed in the Kingdom: So that the King of Suſiana having with much injuſtice [Page] threatned to impriſon him, the Queen his Mother deſired protection from the King of Lydia her Brother for this her Darling Son, who had not loſt his Fathers favour, but only for the love of her. The cauſe of Abradates his exile being well accepted of by Croeſſus, he bad him exceedingly welcome, and after his example, ſo did all the Court; and truly it was but a juſt due unto his merit, for certainly a more accompliſhed. Prince was never ſeen then the Prince Abradates. Alſo, when Panthea was returned home from the Hunting to her own lodging, ſhe continually ſpoke of him all that night, which was not at all pleaſant unto Perinthus, who was preſent when ſhe related all the pleaſant adventure unto the Prince her Father. The next morning Abradates performed a ceremonious viſit unto the Princeſs Palmis, where the Princeſs of Claſomena, and all the Court were preſent; and the ſame day towards night he went unto Panthea as ſoon as he heard ſhe was returned from the Kings Palace. Some daies paſſed, before any diſcovered the affection of Abradates, unleſs it were Mexaris, Perinthus, Doraliſa, and my ſelf: But afterwards it was as apparent as the Sun, for his diſcourſe was all upon her beauty and wit, and he never neglected the leaſt occaſion of ſeeing her. Since the Love of Mexaris was not yet divulged, Abradates gave no check unto his growing paſſion; and was ignorant how that Prince had any intereſt in the Princeſs Panthea; ſo that clearly ſubmitting himſelf unto the charms of this admirable beauty, he made no ſecret of his paſſion. In the mean while Mexaris, whoſe Love had took as deep root in his heart, as any thing that was not gold could in the heart of a covetous man, began to publiſh it, but truly it was after a manner much different from his Rivals, ſo that it might rightly be ſaid, that never were two Princes more unlike in all things then theſe two: For Madam, as the ſtate of Abradates his fortunes then ſtood, it was very like that he would be compelled to live all his life an exile, without any other eſtate or fortune then his own virtue, nor any ſubſiſtence, but either what the Queen his Mother did ſecretly convey unto him, or what Croeſſus would pleaſe to give him. As for Mexaris, the caſe was otherwiſe with him, for he was not inferiour in riches unto the King his Brother: And as there was a great diſparity in their fortunes, ſo there was a greater in their diſpoſitions, for Avarice was the rule of all Mexaris his actions, and Liberality was the predominate virtue of Abrada [...]es: Indeed, I think this Prince was as liberal as valiant, and as valiant as man could be: Mexaris on the contrary was hide-bound in all things; if he built any thing, he would alwayes have ſome ſparing trick or other, which waſted and ſpoiled all the reſt of the expences which he had been at: If at any time he gave any thing, it would be alwayes too late and little, and commonly with a melancholy grudging complement: His attendance was big enough, but ſhabbed and ill accoutred: His Table was little, and naught for ſo great a Prince as he was; and diſguizing his covetouſneſs under ſome weak pretence he commonly wore very mean cloaths; ſaying, It was much folly to purchaſe any eſteem unto ones ſelf by ſuch expences: If at any time he played at any game, he played for avarice, not recreation; and conſidering how he would chafe when he loſt, it was palpable, that it was rather a Trade then a ſport unto him: The truth is, it appeared by all his actions, and ſometimes by his very words, that the limits of all the magnificence which was in his narrow heart, extended only to himſelf, and no further; this baſe diſpoſition was the reaſon that none loved him: But on the contrary, Abradates though an exile, was ſo free and liberal, that all the world adored him, and wiſhed him all the treaſures of the other: The manner of his Preſents was ſuch, as how ſmall ſoever they were in themſelves, yet they were eſteemed as great: He conferred his gifts not only ſpeedily, but with alacrity and joy, and one could not any way more ſenſibly oblige him, then to accept his favours; his Retinue was magnificent and handſome, his Table was open and good, he alwayes wore rich and good cloaths; if at any time he loſt at play, it was without turbulency or anger; he ſought for accaſions to give, as Mexaris ſhunned them: He carried it ſo, that he not only the glory of all the good deeds which he really did, but alſo of thoſe which he did not, but would have done if he had been rich: And certain there had not been any man of parts in a wanting condition in all the Court of Lydia, if Abradates had been as rich as Mexaris. After this Madam, you may eaſily judg, that Love produced very contrary effects in the ſouls of theſe two Princes, their deſigns alſo had contrary ſucceſs, yet did they act alike in all things: For Mexaris was in all things which would put him to no expence, no leſs obſequious and complayſant then Abradates: And knowing how Panthea affected Doraliſa, and eſteemed Perinthus, he would comply, and ſeem to love them alſo, inſomuch as this ſecret Lover of the Princeſs was extreamly vexed to receive a thouſand civilities from his Rivals, which he was obliged to [Page] return; yet was it ſome conſolation for him to ſee, that in all likelyhood Panthea would never love Mexaris, by reaſon of his baſe diſpoſition, and that ſhe would never marry Abradates by reaſon of his low fortunes; ſo that ſtraining himſelf, he rendred unto both theſe Princes all due reſpects, but ſpoke as little as poſſible he could: And ſince he was too wife to ſpeak openly all the ill he thought of Mexaris, and too amorous to commend Abradates, he accorded both as much as he could: So that carrying fair, both with the Princeſs and both his Rivals, his life was a mixture of ſweet and bitter hours. In the mean time, theſe two Princes as amorous as they were, had neither of them ſo much confidence as to diſcover their paſſions, when Adraſtus Brother unto the King of Phrygia came into this Court, to be purged of that crime which he had innocently committed: The Ceremony of which being performed in the Temple of Jupiter the Expiator, it chanced that Abradates was not well that morning, and could not be there; and coming after Dinner unto the Princeſs, and finding her alone, ſhe asked him the reaſon why he was not at the Ceremony? Madam, the reaſon is, replyed he, becauſe I do not much deſire to know how it is done, ſince to tell you truly, if I have committed any crime it is not Jupiter that muſt pardon me: Yet he is the greateſt of the Gods, replyed ſhe: Moſt true, ſaid he, but it is his pleaſure to leave it unto other Divinities, of whom he is Supreme, to remit thoſe crimes which are committed againſt them. For my part, ſaid Panthea, I do not think you have offended any, or that you came unto this Court upon the ſame reaſon that Adraſtus did: 'Tis very true Madam (replyed Abradates) his deſtiny and mine are different, for he came in a criminal, and I ſhall go out one: If ſo, ſaid ſhe you may be juſtified as he is: Then Madam (ſaid he unto her) it is you who muſt pardon my boldneſs, in preſuming to love you above all the world. Panthea being extremely ſurprized at this diſcourſe, though ſhe was not ignorant of his paſſion, yet ſhe looked upon him and bluſh'd, and being to ſpeak with more ſeverity in her eyes: I know very well, ſaid ſhe unto him, that it is the common cuſtome of the World to take ſuch language as this only as bare civility, and to let it paſs as a piece of Gallantry ſpoken without any further deſign: But I am perſwaded there are ſome, who perhaps could wiſh ſuch words twice ſpoken, becauſe they give no credit to the firſt: Yet ſince I have been obliged unto you from the very firſt minute of our acquaintance, and does infinitely eſteem you; therefore I muſt with all ſincerity tell you, that whether you ſpoke thoſe words in earneſt, or in jeſt, the boldneſs does much diſpleaſe me. And let me further tell you, ſince I would be loath to rank you in the Catalogue of Indifferency, that it will be more advantagious to you, to uſe ſuch language no more, and not to fail in that reſpect which is due unto one (I do not ſay of my Quality) but of that virtue which▪ I profeſs. Can it be Madam, (replyed he) that the leſs I ſpeak of my paſſion, the more violent you will believe it? I do not ſay ſo (anſwered ſhe, and ſmiled, whether ſhe would or no:) But I tell you (ſaid ſhe, and aſſumed a more ſerious countenance) that if you ſpeak any more of it, I ſhall as long as I live think that you do not eſteem me, and by conſequence I ſhall be leſs beholding to you. How Madam (cryed he out) is it a teſtimony of diſeſteem to tell you, that I adore you? If ſo Madam I ſhall ſay no more. But I beſeech you Madam interpret my ſilence alwayes as it ought to be, and remember as often as you ſee me alone with you, and ſpeak not a word, that then my heart ſayes you are the faireſt upon earth, and that I reverence you with an unparallel'd devotion, and ſhall love you as long as I ſhall live. As Panthea was ready to anſwer, Mexaris and Doraliſa came into the Chamber, but her looks gave ſuch a ſharp anſwer unto the poor Abradates, that if he could have ſuffered his Rival to have been alone with Panthea, he would have immediately quitted the Chamber; But having not ſo much power over himſelf he ſtayed, and was pleaſing enough in his converſation all the day, much company coming in within a quarter of an hour after. At firſt the diſcourſe was only of the Ceremony in the morning, unto which the Princeſs Panthea added not a word, becauſe it had given a ſubject unto Abradates to diſcover his Love; but deſiring to turn it into ſomething elſe, ſhe began to talk unto Doraliſa upon ſome affair of matters. But paſſing inſenſibly from one diſcourſe into another, every one began to chide Doraliſa, for wiſhing Nature to work a miracle in favour of her ſelf, and make up an accompliſhed man without the helps of Love, every one asked if ſhe had changed her mind: Since Mexaris had formerly loved another beſides the Princeſs, he began to argue againſt Doraliſa, and maintain his own caſe; and ſince Abradates had never been in love, he ſeconded her reaſons, for ſaying, that ſhe would never accept of any heart that had been ſcorched [Page] n any other flames beſides her own. Perinthus gave a liſtning ear unto what his Rivals ſaid, and endeavoured to gueſs at the thoughts of the Princeſs: Tell me Doraliſa (ſaid Mexaris to her) What reaſons can you give for ſcorning all compleat men, only becauſe they have been in Love with ſome other before your ſelf? The number of them is ſo large (replyed ſhe) that I cannot tell which I ſhall give you firſt, and truly that is the greateſt difficulty of my anſwer. I cannot believe it ſo eaſie a matter (replyed Mexaris) to maintain your error with all the wit you have; for what does that which is paſt concern you, as long as you know it not? By what is paſt (replyed ſhe) I can judg at the future; for whoſoever can quit another for me, give me ſome cauſe of fear that he can quit me for another whom yet he knows not, but may perhaps hereafter know her: But have you any better ſecurity for the fidelity of that man who never loved any but your ſelf? (replyed Mexaris) Such a one, replyed Abradates, did never give ſo bad an example, and there is greater grounds of hope that his firſt paſſion will be conſtant, then there is to believe that one who has loved many will ever become conſtant: It cannot be doubted, replyed Doraliſa: But the worſt of it is, I could never meet with a man of my Quality who is ſuch a one as I wiſh, one that will love me, and never was in Love before: As for ſuch as wear ſo many ſeveral fetters, as ſuits of cloaths, and offer two or three Sacrifices with one and the ſame Victime, in offering the ſelf-ſame heart unto two or three Ladies one immediately after another, I cannot endure them, but ſhould uſe them ſcurvily as long as I lived: I may perhaps meet with ſuch compleat men as will ſerve to make friends of, but I'le have none ſuch to be my Lovers, for I can never believe that any who can quit a black Beauty for a fair, or a fair for a brown, can ever have any conſtancy of heart: Admit (ſaid Mexaris unto her) that one ſhould meet with a heart of flint, which nothing can molifie; were it not wiſdom to cure the miſery by a diſcreet retreat; and if ſuch a one do afterwards love another, why ſhould he be taxed with inconſtancy, when as he would not have changed, if he had been more favourably entertained? Though I ſhould not tax ſuch a one with inconſtancy, replyed Doraliſa, yet is he ſuch a one as I ſhould never favour, ſince he is but the refuſe of another. Admit her rigour proceeded from a phantaſtical and extravagant diſpoſition (replyed Mexaris) Why would you treat ſuch an unfortunate Lover with rigour? Becauſe ſuch a man as would ever love ſuch phantaſtical and extravagant Woman as you ſpeak of (replyed Doraliſa) would never honor me by aſſuming my Chains. The truth is, whether he loved a mild or ſevere diſpoſition, whether he have been well or ill treated, whether he did reject, or was rejected: All's one to me, I ſhould never love him that ever loved any beſides my ſelf: If he have been ſeverely uſed, he knows by example how to be ſevere; if he have been favourably treated, I will think, that ſince the favours of another could not keep him, mine cannot neither; If he betrayed his Miſtriſs, there is no truſting of him; If it was ſhe who forſook him, it is to be conceived that he has made himſelf unworthy by ſome ſecret crime or other which we know not of, or at leaſt it is to be feared, he was either phantaſtical or jealous. Moreover, if ſhe whom he loved be fair, there is no ſecurity of his loving me, ſince he hath quitted her, if ſhe be not fair, it is to be thought that he reliſhed her ſo ill, that he will quit me for one that is fairer: Therefore if ever I permit any to love me, it muſt be an entire heart, and none of thoſe that has been pierced with a thouſand Arrows; it ſhall be a heart, I ſay, which is ſenſible of the leaſt touch, and not one that is hardned with the rigour of another; freſhneſs and newneſs in love, as in other things, is a grace: And whoſoever will ever hope to be acceptable, in my eſteem, he muſt perſwade me that I am, and ever ſhall be, his firſt and laſt love. I do profeſs (ſaid Abradates) that I think the opinion of Doraliſa to be very juſt; and ſo much the more replyed Panthea, becauſe by taking up that reſolution, doubtleſs one reſolves never to love any, becauſe it is to deſire an impoſſibility: I muſt needs concur with you in that opinion, replyed Abradates; So do not I (replyed Doraliſa) For I do not hold it a thing impoſſible, that one ſhould love but one only in all their life. The great difficulty of all is to find out a compleat man, who never loved any but me. The Princeſs would perſwade me Sir (ſaid ſhe, and addreſſed her ſpeech unto Abradates) that Perinthus was never in Love; and truly though I have much ado to believe it, yet I ſee that I cannot win much upon his heart, therefore I will give over all thoughts of any Conqueſts. The Conqueſt of me (replyed Perinthus, a little ſurprized) would add ſo little honour unto you Madam, that queſtionleſs you are not ſorry for it: Really Perinthus, ſaid the Princeſs, you are too much in good earneſt, and Doraliſa will perſwade me that you are [Page] in Love indeed; for if you did not fear that ſhe whom perhaps you love, ſhould know what anſwer you give unto Doraliſa, doubtleſs you would have returned her a more civil anſwer. You may think what you pleaſe Madam (replyed he) but I do not think what I ſaid to be any incivility, but that rather it deſerves the name of Reſpect. There is a kind of reſpect ſo hollow and indifferent (replyed Doraliſa) as does not at all oblige one: But however Perinthus, I am more indulgent then you think I am, for I do not complain againſt you? yet notwithſtanding to find out the cauſe of that incivility which the Princeſs doth tax you with, I ſhall keep an obſervant eye over you, to the end I may more plainly diſcover, whether ſuch an accompliſhed man as you are can be, and not be in Love. And ſince my own eye cannot be alwayes over you, I will entreat both all your friends and mine to obſerve you, as well as I will, and to give me an account of your viſits, of your addreſſes, of your words, of your Studies, of your melancholies, and if it be poſſible of your very dreams. For my part (ſaid the Princeſs) I will be the firſt that promiſeth to tell you all I know concerning him. You ſhall when you pleaſe Madam, replyed he, know all that I my ſelf know: No, no, ſaid ſhe, It is not by any verbal relations, but by a hundred paſſages which you never think upon, that I will know how to aſſure Doraliſa you love none. Perinthus is very happy (ſaid Mexaris) in that you will honour him ſo far, as to obſerve his actions, For my part, I ſhould limit my ambition to aſpire no higher then ſuch a favour: What I do for Perinthus, replyed the Princeſs, I would not do unto all the world; for truly I do deſire to dive into his heart, becauſe I think there are no ſecrets in it, or at leaſt none ſuch as I can have any intereſt in. Are you more inquiſitive Madam (replyed Abradates) after ſuch things as does not concern you, then after ſuch as do? Yes, in ſome things, replied ſhe: But however, in order to the ſatisfaction of Doraliſa (added the Princeſs, deſiring to turn the diſcourſe) I do entreat every one here to aid her in the diſcovery of that truth which ſhe deſires to know, and to obſerve Perinthus moſt vigilantly upon all occaſions: Truly Madam (replyed Perinthus) if there be no paſſion in my ſoul, then you put all theſe illuſtrious perſons unto an unprofitable trouble; and if there be any in my ſoul, then you expoſe him who has eternally devoted himſelf unto your ſervice, to a moſt ſevere puniſhment: However it be Perinthus (replyed ſhe) it muſt be ſo: Then did ſhe cauſe every one that was there to promiſe her in particular, to acquaint Doraliſa with all they knew concerning Perinthus: So that Mexaris and Abradates, as well as all the reſt, did promiſe her they would, and ſo that the poor Perinthus had the misfortune to ſee his Rivals made his Spies; yet could they not find what they ſought after, for their aims were never levelled at that mark, which this unfortunate Lover looked at. Thus Madam was the firſt day ſpent, in which Abradates diſcovered his paſſion unto the Princeſs Panthea, who ſince that day did prevent all opportunities to talk with him in private, not but that ſhe did highly eſteem him, and perhaps alſo had a good inclination to him: But conſidering the ſtate of his fortunes, ſhe thought him no convenient match, and therefore ſhe would add no fuel to thoſe flames which ſhe ſaw began to kindle in him, but lived with him after a more reſerved manner then ordinary; yet ſince it was alwayes with much civility, this reſervedneſs was rather a pair of Bellows to blow that fire in his heart, then a means to extinguiſh it: So that the more reſerved Panthea was, the more earneſt was Abradates to ſee her, and follow her in all places; his addreſſes and Courtſhips were not only to her ſelf; but unto her Father alſo, and alſo to get the love of Perinthus, Doraliſa, my ſelf, and all the ſervants, even of the meaneſt; and to ſpeak the truth, he obtained his deſires; for except Perinthus (who could not love him, becauſe he loved the Princeſs) all the world was his: Some he gained by preſents, others by obliging language, all by a free, open, and lovely aſpect, which none could reſiſt. Moreover, ſince all his own ſervants did ever adore him, they were continually preſenting Elogies, in commendation of their Maſter, unto the ſervants and women of the Princeſs. On the other ſide, all the ſervants of Mexaris were continually complaining of their Maſters nigerality, and of the little that was to be gotten in his ſervice, ſo that nothing was to be heard in Panthea's houſe but commendums of Abradates, and Satires againſt his Rival. In the mean time, ſince Mexaris thought the ſouls of others to be like his own, he conceived that as a means to move the heart of the Princeſs, and to induce her to receive the firſt proteſtations of his Love more favourably, it were firſt expedient to ſhew her the magnificence of his Treaſures; which as I have already told you, were almoſt equal to the riches of Croeſſus. Then did he invent how he might get her unto his houſe under ſome handſom colour, [Page] which might not put him unto over-much expences: And after he had well thought upon it, he reſolved to invite her to hear the Kings Muſick (which would coſt him nothing) in a great vaulted Room, which was very fit for the ſound of Inſtruments; So that the Propoſition being made by the Princeſs Palmis, whom he deſired to do him that office, it took effect within a few daies after. When Doraliſa and I heard that the Prince Mexaris did invite the Princeſs unto this Muſick at his own houſe, then did we believe his Love would break out in good earneſt; and that we ſhould ſee he was not grown unto ſuch an ill habit, but this paſſion might correct him. Then did we long for this day, with as much impatience, as was in Abradates and Perinthus; for the firſt of theſe began now to perceive that his Unkle was his Rival, and the other perceived it from the very firſt. In the mean time, ſince the Love of Abradates could not be perſwaded by any reaſon, he prepared himſelf to ſuffer the worſt that could come: Mexaris for his part, made no queſtion, but the very ſight of ſuch a vaſt Treaſure would work as much for him, as againſt Abradates, when Panthea ſhould ſee it; ſo that he longed for the day and hour when this Aſſembly ſhould be at his houſe; and he gave ſuch orders, that there ſhould not be one Room in all his houſe wherein there ſhould not be ſome ſigns of the riches and magnificence belonging to the late King of Lydia his Father, who ſince Mexaris was his Darling, gave him half of all his Treaſures: Nothing could be imagined more magnificent and ſumptuous, then all this that was ſhewed unto the Princeſs in this houſe; for not only all the ground Rooms, all the Chambers and Galleries, were moſt richly furniſhed, but alſo there was one Gallery, and three Cloſets, full of moſt rare, rich, and precious things, not only Statues and Pictures, but abundance of prodigious Cabinets, Veſſels of gold and ſilver ſet with precious ſtones of an ineſtimable value. There was alſo great figures of gold, and Diſhes of Agath, and Oriental Alablaſter inriched with Diamonds: It may rightly be ſaid, that all the chief works of the Sun and Nature were to be ſeen in that place; Pearls, Emeralds, Diamonds, Rubies, and all manner of precious ſtones. After a ſight of all theſe, Mexaris let the Princeſs Panthea ſee one admirable thing then all theſe; and the principal reaſon why he ſhewed it unto her, I believe was, becauſe it ſhould give him an occaſion to ſpeak of his Love. I make no queſtion Madam but you have heard tell of that famous Ring of Gyges, who, as you know very well, did uſurp the Crown from Heraclides, and who was the firſt King of Lydia of the Race of Croeſſus: You are not ignorant, I ſay, how it was by means of this Ring that he got upon the Throne, and afterwards, by the miraculous virtue thereof, he made himſelf inviſible unto the King Candalus, whoſe life he took away. Alliatte loving Mexaris better then he did Croeſſus, amongſt the reſt of his Treaſuries did leave him this. After this Prince had ſhewed all theſe unto the Princeſs Panthea, he called her unto a Table of pure Gold ſet with Stones, upon which ſtood a little Cabinet of Agatte, he took out this rare Ring. Madam, ſaid he unto her, after an offer of all theſe things which I have ſhewed you, in offering you the heart of him that owns them, I dare not put this Ring into your hands, leſt as a puniſhment for my boldneſs, you ſhould deprive of her ſight who is the faireſt upon earth; therefore it is requiſite you ſee the experiment of it by the means of ſome other. Though the Princeſs had often heard of the wonderful Quality of this Jewel, yet ſhe was much taken with it; when Mexaris called one of his ſervants who knew how to hold it, and cauſed him to ſhew its virtue: She obſerved, that when he turned the Stone towards himſelf, he abſolutely vaniſhed out of the ſight of all the company; ſo that without any anſwer unto the Princeſs Mexaris but this, that it was impoſſible this could be without Inchantment. All the company were no leſs amazed at it then her ſelf; and to ſay truly, the thing is ſo full of wonder, that though one had ſeen it before an hundred times, yet one ſhall be ſtill admiring at it; for as long as any one held this Stone, which is called the Heliotropus, and is found in Ethiopia, one ſhall be abſolutely inviſible.

Is it poſſible ſaid the Princeſs Araminta, and interrupted her, that it ſhould have ſuch a Quality as you ſpeak of? It is moſt certainly, true Madam, replyed Pherenice: For my part, ſaid Cyrus, I have long ſince inquired of ſeveral perſons, whether there was any truth in thoſe reports of the virtue in the Heliotropus; and if I may ſpeak it without any incivility unto Pherenice, though a hundred ſeveral perſons have aſſured me that it is very true, yet I muſt confeſs I had much ado to believe it; though when one conſiders the marvellous quality of the Adamant which attracts ſteel with ſo much violence, that it [Page] ſeems to aſſume life, and follows it, it muſt be confeſſed nothing is more to be admired: So the ſight, being of all the ſenſes moſt eaſie to be deluded, it is not impoſſible, but that there may come out of this Stone a certain kind of brightneſs which may dazle the eyes of beholders, or which may beget a kind of Miſt that may cloud the perſon which carries it from the eyes of thoſe that are ſtanders by. Moreover, there is another Stone called the Amianthus, which every one knows, upon which the fire makes no impreſſion, nor can conſume; this if well conſidered, is no leſs admirable then the Heliotropus: The brightneſs of a Stone may as well take away the ſight, or at leaſt ſuſpend the uſe of it, as the Baſilisk can kill with a look. Araminta being convinced by the diſcourſe of Cyrus, concurred with him in opinion, and Pherenice proceeded in her ſtory.

When every one had admired this miracle of Nature, the cauſe whereof was ſo ſecret a myſtery, the Princeſs Panthea would needs take this Ring, though Mexaris was exceeding againſt it, telling her he could not endure ſhe ſhould be inviſible to him, who of all men in the world took greateſt delight in ſeeing her, yet he could not prevent it, but muſt be contented. After this Ring had wrought its effect in her hands, Doraliſa took it, and when ſhe had it, ſhe went and told the Princeſs, ſhe deſired that Mexaris might alwayes wear it. For my part (anſwered Panthea in a low voice) I would not wiſh that for your ſake, for then he might often underſtand all the ill you uſe to ſay of him. In the mean time, Mexaris imagined it to be a ſhort minute of pleaſure to take away the ſight of his Rival from Panthea, and therefore told Doraliſa, that perhaps Abradates would be glad to make the experiment upon himſelf as well as ſhe: Then this Prince taking the Ring, and going to the Princeſs, he told her in ſo low a voice as none could hear; that if Mexaris did not make uſe of this very often in coming to tell her of his paſſion, he was as ſimple as covetous. As the Princeſs could not chuſe but laugh at what Abradates told her, Mexaris knew thereby, that this inviſible man made uſe of his Ring otherwiſe then he wiſhed: So that being vexed that his deſign took no better effect, he could not hold from venting ſome expreſſing of diſpleaſure. But Abradates was ſo pleaſed with vexing his Rival, and ſince Panthea began to laugh, he told her many other things very low, which made her laugh ſo heartily at the chafing of Mexaris, that ſhe could return him no anſwers; yet notwithſtanding ſhe excuſed the matter, and ſaid it was impoſſible not to laugh when ſhe heard one cloſe by her, and could not ſee him. But at length, fearing leaſt this Rallary ſhould produce ſome ſad conſequence, ſhe deſired Abradates to reſtore her the Ring, which he did; after which, ſhe gave it to Perinthus, and Perinthus to another, ſo that there was not one in all the company which had not the experiment: But at laſt they reſtored it unto Mexaris, who locked it up very carefully: After which the Muſick began, which was ſeconded with a ſhort collation, ſuitable to the avarice of him that gave it, and very unworthy of the company to whom it was preſented, yet was it ſerved up in twenty four Baſons which were the godlieſt in the world, but his ſlovenly ſervants were ſo thrifty for their Maſter, that the leaſt Baſon was worth a hundred of ſuch collations. I leave you to imagine Madam, whether this was not ſport unto Abradates, Perinthus, and Doraliſa. Methinks (ſaid Doraliſa to me) Mexaris ſhould not have left off his Ring till after this Banquet, but by it have concealed his ſhame to ſee it ſo poor. His beſt courſe had been, ſaid Perinthus, to have made it and himſelf both inviſible: The Princeſs did eaſily gheſs what we talked on, when ſhe turned towards us, and much feared leaſt Mexaris ſhould perceive it; ſo that to prevent exceptions, ſhe did fall to a very bad repaſt out of her complayſance, and told him confidently, that it was an admirable good one: One might eaſily ſee, he hardly believed her, and yet he thought it good enough, becauſe it coſt him but a little; and thus the reſt of the day paſſed on. Mexaris making no queſtion, but that after a ſight of ſo much wealth and fine things, he ſhould find Panthea very gracious unto him, the firſt time he ſpoke of his paſſion unto her. In the mean while, Abradates did emulate his Rival, for having the ſtart of him in entertaining Panthea, and began to think which way he might obtain the like happineſs. For the furtherance of his intention, he found out that there was a great number of Phrygian Muſitians then in Sardis, and you know the Lydian and Phrygian Muſick is conceived to be the rareſt, not only of all Aſia, but all the world, yet thoſe who had heard them both were of various opinions, according unto the conformity of their ſeveral humours to thoſe various harmonies: Thoſe who were of melancholy inclinations, or had paſſionate ſouls, preferred the Lydians; and [Page] thoſe whoſe temper were more ſprightly, and pleaſant, gave the prize unto the Phrygian; But all ſides did agree, that both did merit much commendations. Abradates then making uſe of this controverſie to bring about his deſign, did ſo foment the conteſt, that the next day after the entertainment of Mexaris nothing els was diſcourſed upon at the Princeſs of Claſomena's lodging, who without declaring her ſelf either for the one or the other, only ſaid, That before any exact judgment could be given, it were requiſite to hear them both on the ſame day, with a premeditated intention to obſerve them very well; and that thoſe who were competent Judges in ſuch matters ſhould have knowledg in the art of Muſique, and be impartial perſons. It were requiſite alſo, ſaid Abradates, that to put the Muſitians equally into a good humour, a prize ſhould be propounded unto that ſide which ſhould excel, to the end they might both of them ſtrive to do their beſt. After this, it was thought upon, in what place was the moſt convenient to hear them; and one of the Kings houſes, which was about thirty furlongs from the Town, was nam'd moſt convenient. Now ſince all the company did think this only a Propoſition, which would never be put in execution, each one began to order the buſineſs, only to drive on diſcourſe. In the mean while Abradates, who had not ſo lamely contrived the buſineſs as to leave it imperfect, did ſay, that the greateſt defect would be the want of a fit perſon to be a Judg. I do conceive (ſaid Mexaris, who was then with the Princeſs) that there is no great difficulty in that, but where will you find one that will give the prize unto thoſe who are judged beſt, and be at the charges of the Feaſt? When the perſon who is fit to be a Judg is named, (replyed Abradates, and ſmiled) it will be no great piece of difficulty to find the other; for I think it a much more eaſie matter to find Gold and Jewels, then to find one that is accompliſhed with all requiſite qualities to pronounce Judgment equally in ſuch a Nice, and rare buſineſs as this. Yet Madam, (ſaid he, and looked upon the Princeſs) if you will be pleaſed to take the pains I am moſt certain it would then be done without injuſtice, for you both know Muſique, and love it, and moſt undoubtedly would be equitable. Mexaris did approve of this Propoſition, and ſo likewiſe did every one, ſaying, that Abradates ſpoke all reaſon. The Princeſs did deny to take it upon her very reſolutely, and would have perſiſted in that denial, if the Princeſs Palmis had not came in, who hearing of her refuſal, did extreamly condemn her modeſty, and told her, that if ſhe her ſelf did underſtand Muſique as well as ſhe did, ſhe would not deny the deſire. In concluſion Madam ſhe conſented, and it was a thing reſolved upon, that three daies hence they ſhould go unto the Caſtle which I told you of before, and that he who made the Propoſition, ſhould provide the Muſique, not imagining there would be any other proviſion. In the mean time Madam, this generous minded Lover, who was compoſed of Liberality, did not carry it like unto Mexaris; for never was Feaſt more magnificent and gallant. To have a little more time for preparation, Abradates procured the Muſitians to ask five daies more to be added to the other three, that they might better conſort their Muſique: So that as if it was no motion proceeding from Abradates, it was deferred until then, at which time every one reſorted to the place appointed. I will not give you Madam a Catalogue of all that were there, only ſay that the whole Court was preſent; nor will I make any exact deſcription of the magnificence, for the truth is, it was ſuch that I cannot. Let me tell you the entertainment was moſt admirable, both for the neatneſs of the order, and the abundance of every thing rare and delicate that the place and ſeaſon did afford: He alſo prepared a great number of Golden Meddals for the Princeſs, on which her Picture was engraved with a facetious deviſe, that ſhe might give them unto thoſe Muſitians whom ſhe thought moſt worthy. Moreover, as Preſents for the Ladies, he had provided abundance of ſeveral ſorts of moſt curious and delightful Toyes, as Perfumes, Sweet Waters, Eſſences, Powders, and ſuch like, which ſhe was to preſent unto thoſe who kept ſilence during the Muſique, or unto thoſe who moſt commended the Muſitians, or unto whom ſhe pleaſed; and ſo under ſeveral pretences of Gallantry and Wit, there was not a Lady, nor any of any Quality, which carried not away ſome ingenuous remembrance of the Feaſt. The Princeſs her ſelf, as well as the reſt, did participate of Abradates his Liberality: And the Muſitians, in favour of whom Panthea did not declare her ſelf, alſo received very bountiful Preſents. The Princeſs knowing it, did ask him what difference there was between the Conquerours and the conquered: But his anſwer was, that the Gold which carried her Image, and paſſed through her fair hands, was of a far higher rate then that which paſſed only through his, and which had not the repreſentation of her Beauty: [Page] And truly Madam, it is ſo great a misfortune to want your judicious approbation, that thoſe who had not the honours to obtain it, did ſtand in need of ſome Cordials to comfort them. All this while Mexaris was deſperate to ſee himſelf out-done by the magnificence of Abradates, and to hear all the Ladies commend him. Perinthus alſo at the root of his heart was no leſs troubled; for having bounded his deſires that Panthea would love no body, he was exceedingly grieved to ſee Abradates ſo amiable, Courtly and indulgent to move affection: So that for all his forceings of himſelf, he was ſo very melancholly all that day, as Doraliſa took notice of him, and cauſed the Princeſs to obſerve him alſo, who beginning to chide him, did put him to the neceſſity of an anſwer for himſelf: And to colour the matter, he told her, that Muſique ever uſed to have that operation in him, and he could give her no other reaſon. For my part, ſaid Doraliſa, this ſeems to me a certain ſign that you are not the ſame you ſeem to be, for men of hard and flinty ſouls are never ſenſible of Muſique; but without all queſtion you either are in Love, or have been, ſince Harmony has ſuch a power upon your Spirits, that it makes you melancholly. It may be the reaſon is, ſaid the Princeſs, becauſe Perinthus is ſo far from loving, that he hates the Muſique, and is weary of waiting upon it ſo long. Oh Madam (cried he out) I had rather Doraliſa ſhould think me ſuch a man as ſhe looks for, and that they ſhould ſuſpect me to be in Love, then to think I am ſo ſtupid, as not to love Muſique: And ſince Madam you do love it, and think I hate it, I am afraid you entertain an ill opinion of me: Not at all, replyed ſhe, for do you not meet with many very rational men, who neither love it, or can endure to hear it: 'Tis true, replyed Perinthus, But certainly ſuch men in my apprehenſion are men of dull ſordid ſouls, and it ought to be blamed as a great fault. Do you think it a greater fault (ſaid the Prince Atis, who was preſent at this entertainment) to have ears, and not love Muſique, then to have eyes, and not love Beauty, as you have? Perinthus bluſhed at this queſtion, and had been extreamly puzled for an anſwer, if Doraliſa, as good luck was, had not ſaid, No, no, Sir, Do not deceive your ſelf, I cannot believe Perinthus to be inſenſible, I did never in my life ſee ſuch a man as he that was ſo; certainly he does love, let him ſay or do what he will. For my part (ſaid Abradates, to ſhew his obedience unto the Princeſs in obſerving Perinthus) I begin to be of Doraliſa's opinion, for I have ſeen him all this day ſo reſerved and retyred, that I do not think any paſſion except Love can ſo much alter his humour. Mexaris added, that he had ſeen him pronounce ſome words in a low voice to himſelf alone: Another ſaid, he would often fix his eyes, and muſe without regard unto any paſſage. And indeed there was not one in all the company which had not ſomething or other true or falſe to bring in againſt him, which moved every one to think him in Love, and his Rivals imployed all their wits to perſwade the Princeſs of it; yet was all this ſo far from being any addition of happineſs, that on the contrary it procured him much miſery, inſomuch as he hath told me ſince, that he was amazed he did not diſcover ſome evident ſymptoms of that paſſion which poſſeſſed his ſoul: Yet notwithſtanding all this, he did cunningly diſguiſe it, and thus was the reſt of this day ſpent. But at our return to Sardis, theſe three Adorers of Panthea had thoughts much differing one from another: For Abradates was much joyed that the Princeſs ſeemed to be pleaſed with his entertainment: Mexaris was vexed to the heart at the liberality of Abradates, and it grieved his ſoul that he had come off in his Courtſhips better then himſelf: But as for the poor Perinthus his ſorrows were unconceiveable, to ſee Abradates ſo compleat a Gallant; yet he would ſometimes comfort himſelf, in hopes that the ſtate of his Fortunes would keep the Prince of Claſomena from beſtowing his Daughter upon him. But alas, ſaid he unto himſelf, the Princeſs may for all that beſtow her heart upon him; yet (would he ſay) ſince her heart muſt never be mine, and ſince I ſhall never dare to ask it, what does it concern me, if Abradates have it? Is it not my duty to wiſh Panthea happy in every thing? And ought I not to deſire, that if ever ſhe marry, it may be unto ſuch a Prince as loves her, and ſhe can love? Yes doubtleſs I ought, if I do conſider my ſelf as a ſervant unto the Prince her Father, who infinitely honors me: But if I conſider my ſelf as Perinthus, who hath loved her from my Cradle, and ſhall do to my Coffin, I cannot chuſe but wiſh that ſhe would never love any; therefore what ſhould I do but oppoſe Abradates in all his deſigns, and favour all the projects of Mexaris, whom I know ſhe can never Love: I will imploy all the credit that I have with the Prince her Father to that end, and I will omit nothing that may ſupplant my Rival that is moſt dangerous out of the heart of Panthea. But do I know well what I ſay? (would he ſuggeſt to [Page] himſelf) No, no, I do not; There is ſuch variety of differing apprehenſions in my ſoul, that I cannot diſtinguiſh between the ſuggeſtions of my paſſion, and the counſels of my reaſon: Alas (would he ſay, fot he hath ſince told me every tittle of his thoughts) can I think that I have any reaſon at all? I, who cannot baniſh from my heart the moſt raſh and ſtubborn paſſion that ever was? but who hath been ſo far from oppoſing it, that I have cheriſhed it as much as poſſibly I could? and yet all this without the leaſt hope, or knowing at what mark I aimed. I ever knew, that I was not loved, and I confeſs my hopes were, that none elſe ever ſhould be, but I ſee Abradates ſo lovely, that I am afraid he will be loved again, and that I muſt die with deſpair. Theſe Madam were the thoughts of Panthea's three Lovers, who for her part did think much upon Abradates; for beſides her own inclination, both Doraliſa and my ſelf did nothing elſe for three daies together, but harp upon the liberality of Abradates, and the avarice of Mexaris: For my part (ſaid Doraliſa unto the Princeſs, one afternoon when none was with her) I am confident that if this Prince were not in Love, he would not be ſo liberal: But for all that (ſaid I unto her) as much as you attribute unto Love, it muſt be confeſſed, that this paſſion does not produce ſuch good effects in the Prince Mexaris; and by conſequence it muſt be concluded, that Love does not create all vertues in men: 'Tis true, ſaid Doraliſa, yet I conceive that Love does in the hearts of men, as the Sun doth in all places where it ſhines, for the Sun does not plant Roſes, but it ripens and blows them; So Love, it does not give the firſt root and inclinations of virtues, but it makes them grow and flouriſh; and queſtionleſs if Mexaris were not in Love, he would yet be more covetous then he is, he is grown to that height, replyed the Princeſs, that if I ſhould judg of his Love by his liberality, I ſhould not think it very great; yet if the trouble in doing things do ſet a greater prize upon them, replyed Doraliſa, and laughed, you are much more obliged unto Mexaris then Abradates; for certainly that little which he hath done for you, hath ſtuck more upon his ſtomack, then all that his Rival hath done, did upon his: There is no doubt of it; replyed the Princeſs, but his trouble proceeds from the baſeneſs of his ſoul: For all that, I conceive it eaſie to maintain (ſaid Doraliſa, who infinitely eſteemed Abradates) that he who gives a little trifle againſt the hair of his diſpoſition, doth more oblige, then he who gives much, and in that gift doth follow his own inclination: You are very witty Doraliſa (replyed the Princeſs) but yet it is no ſuch eaſie matter to defend the humours of a covetous man; and if there were any to judg the matter betwixt us, I dare undertake to maintain againſt you, that avarice is ſo far from ſetting any value upon any act whatſoever it be, that it entirely takes away all that ſuch a one hath done, who is poſſeſſed with that baſe paſſion. If you will be pleaſed to admit of Perinthus for a Judg (ſaid Doraliſa, when ſhe ſaw him come into the Chamber) I dare undertake the controverſie, and once in my life diſpute againſt you: I am contented, replyed Panthea, upon condition Perinthus will without any impartial complacence ſpeak his thoughts. That will be ſomething difficult, (replyed Perinthus, not yet knowing what they deſired, becauſe he underſtood only their laſt words) but after Doraliſa had acquainted him with the ſubject of their conteſt, he apprehended that the liberality of Abradates, and the avarice of Mexaris, had cauſed the diſpute, ſo that he did refuſe to be Judg in a difference, wherein himſelf had a hidden intereſt, though he durſt not reveal it; yet notwithſtanding, the Princeſs did require and exact obedience from him, and he was forced to promiſe that he would judg the matter without any partiality or complacencie; and certainly he was as good as his word, as hereafter you ſhall know. After theſe conditions, the Princeſs told Doraliſa, that it was her part to declare her reaſons firſt; That I ſhall very eaſily, replyed ſhe, I ſhall only alledg ſome of the ſtrongeſt Arguments, unto which you may reply, and interrupt me when you pleaſe, for I think it a good help unto one that cannot ſpeak very readily, to be often interrupted. Although there is no need of ſuch helps, replyed Perinthus, yet you may chance to have interruption enough, for methinks I ſee the Prince Mexaris coming, and if I be not deceived, Abradates alſo, and indeed they entred one after another preſently after. Though the Princeſs made ſigns unto Doraliſa to turn the diſcourſe another way, yet this crafty Lady ſeeming to miſunderſtand her, continued on: So that Mexaris and Abradates were no ſooner entred, but Doraliſa in her uſual jocandry began to complain, that they had hindred her of the glory in overcoming the Princeſs, and I wonder Perinthus does not murmure, becauſe you have deprived him of the greateſt honour he ever had in his life. I was ſo unworthy of it; replyed he, and ſhould have ſo ill diſcharged the office, [Page] that I am not ſorry it is taken from me. As great an inclination as I have to advance your glory (replyed Abradates, unto whom Doraliſa addreſſed her ſpeech) I muſt confeſs I am not ſorry that I have hindred you from overcoming the Princeſs, who in my opinion deſerves alwayes to conquer; yet I muſt withall acknowledg my ſelf very ſorry that I have taken any advantage from Perinthus, therefore I beſeech you acquaint us with the buſineſs: For my particular, ſaid Mexaris, my deſires do ſecond Abradates, to the end that knowing the injury I have done, I may endeavour a remedy. Since the Princeſs imagined that Doraliſa would out with all, ſhe thought it better to make no ſecret of it; ſo that telling them the matter in controverſie, but not the cauſe upon which it did firſt ariſe, both Princes did ſay, they ſhould have been extreamly ſorry, if they had interrupted ſuch pleaſing diſcourſe; though Mexaris expreſſed himſelf in a much more forced manner then Abradates did; and though he did not think himſelf to be a covetous man, yet I believe he knew he was far from prodigal. In the mean while Perinthus, who had ſo many ſecret reſentments in his mind, that he was ſorry he was very preſent, did uſe the beſt endeavours to prevent the giving his opinion upon ſo nice a matter: But Doraliſa, ſeeing the Princeſs permitted her to ſpeak, began thus to argue: Muſt it not be confeſſed Madam (ſaid ſhe unto her) that when our friends do no more for us, then what they do every day out of common courſe, we cannot count it the greateſt ſervice they can do us; and on the contrary, when we move them to do ſuch things for us as go againſt the grain of their diſpoſitions, we are more obliged unto them for doing things againſt their wills, then for doing things which is a pleaſure to them in doing. This being thus, it muſt needs be confeſſed, that a covetous man who gives little, does more oblige one, then a liberal man who gives much, ſince the one hath much grief, the other much pleaſure in giving. Truly Doraliſa, ſaid the Princeſs, ſince you allowed me to interrupt you, I cannot forbear; for I cannot allow, that becauſe my friend is guilty of a moſt abhominable vice, therefore I ſhould be at all obliged unto him for that little which he beſtowes more then unto him who is owner of an Heroique virtue: No, no, Doraliſa, do not deceive your ſelf, for there is no Juſtice or equity in it. Yet Madam (replyed Doraliſa) is there no recompence due unto this poor covetous man, for all the pain he puts himſelf unto in beſtowing his little: I do not ſay, that he who gives againſt his mind deſerves more commendations then the other; I am not ſo far out of my wits, but I do affirm, that he who loves that which he gives, and grieves for the parting from it, and cannot give it, unleſs it grate his heart, ſuch a one, I ſay, does give greater teſtimony of his affection, then he who out of his generoſity only can beſtow great preſents upon his very enemies: I do concur with you, ſaid the Princeſs, that what you alledg, may upon ſome certain occaſions hold true, and that it is not impoſſible to find ſome covetous man, who in giving little, may love better then another that gives much; but though I grant this, yet I muſt maintain, that he who gives with a grudg, does take away all the heart of his Preſent, and deſerves no thanks: I know very well Madam (ſaid crafty Doraliſa) that in caſes of Love, he who has not a heart to give all he poſſeſſeth, does Love but imperfectly; but in caſe of ordinary friends, it is but juſt to thank a covetous perſon, for the trouble be puts himſelf unto in being at any expences for us: No, no, replyed the Princeſs, never ſeparate Love and friendſhip in this caſe, for he who is a miſerable Lover, will never make a liberal friend. Then Mexaris not being able to contain any longer, I pray tell me, ſaid he, if it be a fault in a Lover not to be liberal, is it commendable in a Lady to love gifts: By no means, replied the Princeſs, I equally condemn them both, yet of the two, the Lady more then the Lover: I am of the Princeſs mind in that, replied Doraliſa: However (ſaid Abradates) He who is a Lover, muſt have a ſoul able to beſtow all: If ſo (replied Mexaris) what difference between it and prodigality? The difference is in this (replied Abradates) that the Prodigal does give without either choice or judgment, which he who gives all unto her whom he thinks worthy of his affection, doth not; for he who gives his heart, may eaſily give all the reſt which is not ſo precious. This is not our queſtion, ſaid Doraliſa, my Argument in favour of this poor covetous man is this, that his ſufferings when he gives any things, ſupplies the ſmalneſs of his gift: Though I ſhould grant this, replied the Princeſs Panthea, and acknowledg, that ſome acknowledgment were due unto ſuch a one for all the pain which he endures, yet I could not chuſe but at the ſame time have an extream averſion towards him: How is it poſſible Madam, replied Doraliſa, that gratitude and averſion ſhould be in the ſame heart at the ſame time? It is not at all impoſſible, anſwered Panthea, for one may acknowledg [Page] a benefit, and ſcorn the benefactor. Theſe two are ſo conjunct, replied ſhe, that I do not underſtand how they can be ſeparated: However it is not juſt, that he who loves his treaſures above his life, ſhould beſtow them upon an ungrateful perſon: It would be as unjuſt in me, to be friendly unto him that ſhall in his heart ſuch things as are unworthy of paſſionate Love before me; and to ſpeak rationally, all thoſe ſufferings and troubles which you mention in a covetous man, are ſtrong inducements and reaſons not to value his gifts; but on the other ſide, to conſider them as ſome bargain or exchange which he expects I ſhould return in lieu thereof, and look upon him as a man that has ſecret ends, and would not give but to receive again: I beſeech you Madam, ſaid Doraliſa, do not dive too deep into the heart of a covetous man, for there is nothing to be found that is good: But grant me only this, that his regret in giving, is a ſtronger argument of his Love and affection, then the freeneſs and facility of a liberal man can be in him. I can by no means grant ſo far, replied the Princeſs, for I am fully perſwaded that a covetous man loves nothing but his coyn and riches, and therefore I can never be obliged unto him: Pronounce judgment then (ſaid Doraliſa to Perinthus) for I am ſo weary of maintaining a bad cauſe, that I had rather loſe it, then precious time in giving bad reaſons for it: Since by your own words it appears you are of the ſame opinion with the Princeſs (anſwered Perinthus) there needs no judgment to be given: However pronounce it, replied Panthea, for I had rather get the better of the cauſe by the equity of my Judg, then the weakneſs of my Adverſary: Since you command it (ſaid Perinthus in favour of Mexaris) I ſhall condemn you both: Doraliſa for defending a good cauſe ſo ill, and you Madam, becauſe you would have a man who does all he can, loſe the merit of that little which he gives, and which coſt him more then that which the liberal beſtowes: I pronounce then, that ſometimes one may put a favourable conſtruction upon the great affection that may be in a little gift; and ſometimes it is not requiſite to proportion gratitude according to the richneſs of the gift, ſince, if he from whom we receive it, did confer it only for his own glory, we are not ſo much obliged unto him, as unto one who does not give but only for the Love of us, and who contends and ſtrives with himſelf to pleaſure us. Indeed Perinthus (ſaid the Princeſs, after he had done ſpeaking) I did not think you would have given ſentence againſt me: If I had received your commands (replied he) to lay aſide all partiality and complacence, I had not then done ſo, but ſhould have pronounced as you pleaſed: Rather ſay (replied ſhe) that it argues more ability and wit to maintain a bad cauſe, and in taking an ill ſide then a good one. However, ſince I am perſwaded you do not think as you ſay, I will pardon you. Pray Madam, ſaid Mexaris, are you as great a hater of prodigality as avarice? I know very well, anſwered ſhe, that the one is a vice as well as the other; but I muſt ingenuouſly confeſs, that I am not ſo averſe to a prodigal man as to a covetous; and the ſame temper which prompts one to give, and to eſteem thoſe which give, does prompt one to hate to be a receiver. All this argues, ſaid Drraliſa, that it is moſt convenient for a covetous Lover to have a liberal Miſtriſs. I am confident, replied Mexaris, that though it be better being the Miſtriſs of a Prodigal then a miſerable man, yet it is better being the wife of a miſerable then a prodigal man: And I am confident (replied Abradates) that a profuſe prodigal in the very concluſion of his Riot, is not ſo poor as a covetous rich wretch; for to what end does he hoard up all his Treaſures, when as he dares not ſo much as touch them? It is ample ſatisfaction, replied Mexaris, to know that he poſſeſſeth them; or rather (replied Doraliſa, that they poſſeſs him. I perceive (replied Mexaris, having a deſire to divert this diſcourſe) that if this compleat Gallant which Doraliſa looks for be not liberal, though he never was in Love, yet he ſhall never move her heart: There is no queſtion of it (replied ſhe) for certainly that virtue is rarely found in one of thoſe that never were in Love; but Love infuſeth more liberality in one quarter of an hour, then all the ſtudy of Philoſophy can in ten years. I do not wonder (ſaid Abradates) that you who have an opinion that Love inſpires all virtues, ſhould think the ſame which you ſpeak: But I would entreat you to tell me, why there are ſo many rare accompliſhed Ladies who never were in Love, and why it is more requiſite for men to be accompliſhed? The reaſon is Sir, replied ſhe, becauſe their cares to pleaſe doth refine and poliſh the wits of men, and this care does not ſuit with the Sex of Ladies, whom Nature hath made amiable without other helps. If there want nothing to make up a compleat man (replied this Prince) but to endeavour to pleaſe, I know one that would be more exact then ever any was. Abradates, in ſaying ſo, look't upon Panthea, who [Page] meeting her eyes with his, could not chuſe but bluſh, and did thereby let him know, that ſhe applied his words unto the ſame end that he deſired. The alteration in her countenance was not only obſerved by Abradates, but by Mexaris, and Perinthus: The firſt of theſe was red with anger, the other pale with ſorrow; and this trivial paſſage of almoſt no conſideration, did ſo take up the minds of theſe four perſons, that the converſation was quite ſpoiled. Panthea was vexed to the ſoul that ſhe ſhould bluſh, becauſe ſhe ſaw Abradates obſerved it: This Prince made a conſtruction of this bluſh in favour to himſelf. Mexaris on the other ſide did interpret it unto his advantage: Perinthus without any queſtion how to expound the meaning of it, did ſo certainly conclude, that Panthea had an inclination towards Abradates, that he became more miſerable then he was before: For though redneſs be ſometimes a ſign of anger as well as Love, yet the eyes of a Lover are too ſubtil to be deceived: Alſo Perinthus did ſo narrowly obſerve how the redneſs of Panthea did only adorn her, and not ruffle her countenance as an effect of cholor; for there is a great difference between ſuch a redneſs, and that which proceeds only from modeſty, or elſe from ſuch a kind of weakneſs as I dare not name, ſince thoſe who are capable of it, do not call it ſo. In the mean time the company parted, every one carried that evil which tormented him in his own heart, only Doraliſa excepted, whoſe pleaſant humours would not ſuffer her to forge Mountain miſeries out of molehil matters; and therefore ſhe went as merry home, as Mexaris and Perinthus did melancholy; yet Mexaris did verily believe, that if he would demand Panthea in Marriage from the Prince of Claſomena, he ſhould eaſily obtain her; but he believed that Croeſſus out of ſome politique reaſons of State did not deſire the match, fearing leſt the principality of Claſomena being in the hands of the richeſt Prince in all Lydia, ſhould after his death raiſe Civil War; ſo that Mexaris apprehended this as ſome obſtacle, and therefore would not publiſh his deſign, until he had brought it ſo forward, that he might execute it, whether Croeſſus would or no. And in order to this, there was a neceſſity of gaining the heart of Panthea, and the conſent of the Prince her Father, that he might have a place of retreat when need ſhould be, and therefore he courted all occaſions to obtain it. Abradates, who knew that Croeſſus would never conſent Mexaris ſhould marry Panthea, drew from thence ſome hopes for himſelf, though he fear'd the Prince of Claſomena would not be againſt it; but his fears were higher, leſt Panthea ſhould be gracious to him: He knew by a hundred circumſtances, that ſhe eſteemed him more then ſhe did Mexaris; but yet he found ſo much reſervedneſs in her humour, and ſuch ſeverity in her carriage towards him, ſince that day he diſcovered his paſſion unto her, that he was a tormented Lover, though leſs then Perinthus, who which way ſoever he looked, ſaw nothing but misfortunes, and ſad thoughts had ſo dulled his ſoul, that he became extreamly melancholy, and ſo deeply, that Doraliſa by a hundred circumſtances which would too long to relate, knew that he was in Love; and being raviſhed with joy, that ſhe was now able to maintain there never was a compleat man known, and not amorous, that ſhe did not only tell the Princeſs, but all the world, and indeed ſo far, that it was grown to a general belief Perinthus was in Love, but the difficulty was to know with whom. The Princeſs thought it to be with ſome Beauty in Claſomena, and that the melancholy which hung ſo heavy upon his ſoul, had no other cauſe but abſence. But Doraliſa, who for her ſport had obſerved him moſt narrowly, ſhe affirmed it was not at Claſomena, and that ſhe was certain of it: For the Prince of Claſomena deſired to imploy him upon ſome buſineſs of conſequence thither; and we know that he was very earneſt to beg excuſe, and was importunate until he obtained it; ſo that this is an undeniable argument his Love leans towards Sardis. The greateſt matter of wonder to the Princeſs was, that he could never be diſcovered to make any applications of Courtſhip unto any one: 'Tis true, he ſaw Doraliſa very often; but though he did much reſpect her, yet ſhe never ſaw any ſigns of paſſion. However Perinthus loſt the opinion of inſenſibility, though there was not any who could ſuſpect the true cauſe of his Love. About this time, the Prince Atis married Anaxilea, with whom I think I told you he was in Love; ſo that the Court was full of Feaſts, and all manner of delights and Gallantry; yet notwithſtanding, though Mexaris received the knowledge from the mouth of the Princeſs whom he loved, that ſhe had a ſtrong averſion towards all covetous men, yet was he not one jot the more magnificent; yet ſomething he had which was a little more then ordinary, but it was ſo very little, that it was hardly ſeen. The Prince Atis, Arteſilas, Adraſtus, Cleander, and Abradates, did all of them in gallant emulation viſe who ſhould excel in bravery: [Page] But Mexaris was very willing to be excelled in point of magnificence, and alwayes ſubmitted to the loweſt of his Rivals in matters of charge: For if he any time did keep the Ball, the company expected dirty rooms; cold collations, and mean Muſique; for ſince the liberality of him that was to pay them, did not incite them, their Harmony was ſo negligent, that time in Dances could hardly be kept at his houſe. On the other ſide, when Abradates gave any entertainment to the Court, or rather to the Princeſs Panthea, the very ſame Muſique which marred Dancing at the houſe of Mexaris, played with life, and admirable cadency at the houſe of Abradates; a Spritly Harmony did inſpire the heart when he kept the Ball: The Ladies ſeemed more fair, as well becauſe they were alwayes more curious and gay in their dreſſes, as becauſe the room was more lightſome and neat, and indeed every thing was ordered incomparably better at his houſe, then at the houſe of Mexaris, or any where elſe; for Abradates had an Ayr and a Genius ſo fit for all the Ceremonies and honours of an Aſſembly, that his very preſence only did inſpire with joy and delight. You may eaſily conceive Madam, that the Princeſs being of ſuch an excellent Spirit and ingenuity, could not poſſibly deny her eſteem unto Abradates; and in all places where he had the freedome of diſcourſe with her, though but a moment, though ſhe ſhunned it, yet was he prudent enough to hit upon convenient opportunities in expreſſing ſome marks of his affection, without any failing in thoſe reſpects which were due. Beſides the Hunting whereof we ſpoke before, and beſides the Muſique entertainment, and beſides ſeveral Balls which he kept: He had one more, and it was Races with Chariots, which was one of the moſt magnificent ſports in the world, and the moſt delighting to behold. For be pleaſed to imagine, that you ſaw in a Front before you, a hundred little Chariots of Triumph gliſtering like the Rayes of the Sun; imagine theſe Chariots drawn by the fineſt horſes eye ere beheld, and in every one of them a man moſt gloriouſly habited, who in one hand holds the Reins of the horſes, which were made of tiſſue of gold, and in the other hand a long Javeline adorned with many precious Stones, who exaſperating the Horſes by the courage of his voice, they make the Ayr eccho as loud as a thouſand Inſtruments of War: At the end of the Race were Scaffolds erected unto ſtately Tents for the Ladies, and where the Garland of Victory is given unto thoſe that tryumph by the hands of her who is choſen to beſtow it, by him who makes the entertainment: This Madam is the manner of Chariot Races at Sardis. One day there chanced an accident which was very pleaſant unto all the company, for on that day Abradates and Cleander did both of them equally win the Garland: And the Chariot of poor Mexaris, which doubtleſs was only an old one newly burniſhed up, chanced to break in the middle of the Race. This chance made miſerable Perinthus more melancholy, who ſince he was not one of them that did run, he did ſtand in the Scaffold of the Princeſs, and obſerved her joy at the diſgrace of Mexaris, and at the victory of Abradates; ſo that now he made no queſtion but this Prince had ſome ſhare in her heart, and ſo that in the midſt of all this publique joy, Perinthus was moſt ſadly melancholy: Not long after all theſe univerſal joyes were turned into ſorrows for the fatal death of the Prince Atis, which grieved all the Court, eſpecially Abradates; for he did not only lament the loſs of a Prince who had moſt excellent qualities, and from whom he expected his protection; but alſo by his death, he looked upon Mexaris as one ſtep neerer the Throne, which by conſequence might reflect upon the heart of Panthea, and become a great obſtacle to his deſign, not but that the Prince Antaleon was yet alive; yet for all that, he eſteemed it a great advantage unto his Rival to be a ſtep neerer a Crown then he was before; and I believe this conſideration was a Cordial unto Mexaris to comfort him for the loſs of his Nephew: A while after, a new misfortune chanced unto Abradates, which was, that Croeſſus reſolving to beſiege Epheſus, would not nominate either Antaleon, or Mexaris, or Arteſilas, his Lievtenants Generals, but made choice of Cleander for it, telling Abradates, he would have offered him this imployment, if the Queen of Suſiana had not ſent him word, that ſhe was in hopes of making his peace very ſhortly: So Abradates being without any pretence of diſcontent, as Mexaris had, he was forced to go unto the Wars, at a time when his Rival was to ſtay behind with Panthea. Perinthus alſo grieved to be ſo far off the only one he loved; but though Mexaris was left with her yet ſince Abradates was to be abſent as well as himſelf, his heart was more at eaſe. In the mean while Abradates, not being able to depart before he did more preciſely know upon what tearms he ſtood in the heart of Panthea, he ſought all opportunities to talk in private with her; yet ſince ſhe did carefully avoid it, and Perinthus [Page] for his own intereſt did as much prevent it as he could, he found it very difficult: For Madam be pleaſed to know, that this ſecret adorer of the Princeſs had found out an admirable device, that ſhe ſhould never be alone when Abradates came to ſee her; and thus he contrived it. Firſt he told three or four Ladies of Quality whom the Princeſs did really eſteem, and told them in great ſecret, that ſhe loved them with abundance of tenderneſs, and that they would infinitely pleaſe the Princeſs in viſiting her very often: Afterwards he promiſed them to be ſo officious as to acquaint them, when ſhe was moſt at leaſure to entertain them, and had leaſt company with her; and indeed he ſent ſo often to ſome one or other of them, that the Love-ſick Abradates could never meet with a fit opportunity to ſpeak with her in private, yet he did not ſo much accuſe his miſery as his misfortune, but knew not that it was cauſed by a Rival as miſerable as himſelf: But at laſt finding Panthea walking in the Gardens of the Kings Palace, ſhe could not avoid his company: As good luck for him was, Mexaris was not there, and as ill luck for Perinthus was, he met him there, and he led Doraliſa by the hand, who was walking with the Princeſs; yet notwithſtanding he could not in civility moleſt the converſation of two perſons of ſuch a Quality: Doraliſa told me ſince, that when Abradates preſented his hand unto the Princeſs, Perinthus did for a while let go his, yet preſently after recollecting himſelf, he took her hand again; but he was ſo much tranſported when they two talked together, that he knew not what he either ſaid or did: Sometimes when his imagination told him, that Abradates was ſpeaking of his Love to the Princeſs; he would gripe the hand of Doraliſa ſo hard for very ſpite and anger, that he would extreamly hurt her. Since Doraliſa was one of an excellent wit, and had ever found Perinthus a moſt wiſe and prudent man, and the moſt orderly civil in the world, ſhe was now much ſurprized at this paſſage: And he looking upon Doraliſa, did find that his paſſion was too ſtrong for him, and that he had diſcovered ſome ſignes of it; ſo that not knowing how to diſſemble the matter, he took the firſt pretence that came into his mind. It is very unfortunate (ſaid he unto her) that Abradates ſhould at this time come to diſturb that pleaſure which I took in theſe walks, for I cannot look upon him, but I muſt needs remember, that when we parted the laſt time, I then received ſome orders from the Prince of Claſomena concerning a buſineſs of great conſequence, which now forceth me much againſt my will to leave you very uncivilly: I conceive, ſaid Doraliſa, that in lieu of complaining againſt Abradates, you ſhould be glad of his coming to put you in memory of what you had otherwiſe forgotten: But I conceive (ſaid he, and parted from her at the end of the walk) that I have cauſe to accuſe him, [...]ince he is the cauſe that I muſt part from you, about that which does not half pleaſe me: All that Perinthus ſaid unto Doraliſa, was not at all ſatisfactory to her; yet notwithſtanding, there was ſo little reaſon to think, that thoſe turbulencies which ſhe ſaw in his mind ſhould have their original from any paſſion which the Princeſs ſhould cauſe, that ſhe would not yet believe it, but reſolved to enquire whether Perinthus after he parted from her, had really been about any ſuch important buſineſs as he pretended. During this paſſage, Abradates not to loſe a minute of his precious time, was no ſooner with the Princeſs, but beginning to ſpeak; Madam, ſaid he unto her, I have one favour to ask you, which I hope you will not deny. Since I make no queſtion but what you deſire of me is juſt, replyed the Princeſs, I think you need not fear denials: Indeed I cannot chuſe but fear (ſaid he to her) though upon examination of my thoughts I apprehend no leſs fears that you will grant my requeſt, then that you will deny me: If you fear to obtain that which you would ask (replyed Panthea) your beſt courſe is not to ask it: That would not be juſt, replyed he, For truly Madam, being upon the point of departure, my deſires are ſo violent to know upon what tearms I ſtand in your opinion, that I cannot take my leave of you, unleſs you do me the favour to inform me: But withall being conſcious of my own unworthineſs, I am afraid, and that with much reaſon, that if you do not grant my deſires, you will force me into ſuch deſpair, as I dare not ſo much as look upon you, leſt I ſhould find the thoughts of your heart in your fair eyes: However Madam (ſaid he, not giving her leaſure to interrupt him) give me leave to let you know before pou ſpeak, that whatſoever you either will or can ſpeak unto me, I ſhall for ever adore you with a moſt unequalled paſſion; and that as I have loved you from the very firſt inſtant I ſaw you, ſo I ſhall love you to the laſt minute of my life: Therefore never think, I beſeech you, that by being rigorous, you can chaſe out of my heart that paſſion which the faireſt eyes upon earth have created in it: No, no, Madam, [Page] it is impoſſible, all your power is not able to reach ſo far; doubtleſs you may make me the moſt happy or miſerable man alive, but you cannot hinder me from being eternally yours, and more yours then my own: Tell me then, I beſeech you Madam, how I ſtand in your thoughts, and whether it be permitted me to hope I am in a better condition then Mexaris? Mexaris, replyed ſhe, is a great Prince, whom I reverence with all reſpect due unto his Quality: But as for Abradates, he is not well adviſed to eradicate that himſelf which his own merit had planted in my heart, and which if he had not, I ſhould have infinitely eſteemed him; but in the humour that now I am in, he hath put a great obſtacle unto that friendſhip which I reſerved for him, by ſpeaking to me as he hath done. Is it poſſible Madam (ſaid Abradates) that I ſhould have been higher in your eſteem, if I had not given you any teſtimonies of my Love? If ſo, certainly I am the moſt happy man alive, and I have no more to ask: Deceive not your ſelf Abradates, replyed the Princeſs, for I am fully perſwaded, that ſince you have took ſo much boldneſs as to ſpeak what you have done, you do not eſteem me enough: I know not whether I have told you before, but I ſee though I ſhould tell it a hundred times, yet all would be overlittle to perſwade you, that though I do infinitely eſteem thoſe excellent Qualities which are in you; yet ſince you do not eſteem me ſo much as I deſire to be, I cannot think my ſelf at all obliged unto you for that affection which you tell is in you. Alas Madam, replyed Abradates, what higher teſtimony of a great eſteem can be given unto any, then to give ones entire heart, to make you abſolute Miſtriſs of my Deſtiny, and who would neither live nor die, but according to your Dictates and Decrees: In theſe reſolutions I appear proſtrate before you Madam; and can you ſay I do not enough eſteem you? You know very well Madam, that your eyes did never afford me one favourable look; what would you have me do now I am ready to depart, and leave ſuch a Prince as Mexaris is at Sardis. However Madam, though you will not be pleaſed to let me know how I am in your thoughts, yet I beſeech you let me know at the leaſt what place my Rival holds there; for if he be but upon worſe conditions then my ſelf, I proteſt I ſhall depart without any murmur, and without asking any further favour. If there want nothing but that ingenuous Declaration to ſatisfie you, replyed the Princeſs, and ſmiled, I pray leave me at reſt, and keep your ſelf ſo alſo. In the mean time, know Abradates, (ſaid ſhe, and aſſumed a more ſerious look) that perſons of my Quality and Virtue, never uſe to diſpoſe of themſelves, but to ſuit themſelves and minds unto their Fortunes; therefore though I had a diſpoſition to let you love me, yet I would never permit it, until I were in a condition that I might do it innocently, and without impudence. After this, I have no more to ſay, unleſs this, that you wil much oblige me, if you wil not force me to fly your company. As Abradates was ready to reply, the Princeſs Palmis came in, & broke off the diſcourſe: And as we were then in a great walk of Cypreſs Trees, planted ſo cloſe to one another, that they made a very thick hedg: It chanced as I caſt my eyes upon a place where I ſaw the Boughs to ſhake, I perceived Perinthus lurking and looking through: I no ſooner ſpied him, but I ſhewed him Doraliſa, which did much amaze her, that he ſhould be ſo earneſt to leave her to that end: Perinthus alſo was at an extream nonplus, and told her, that as he was going out of the Garden, he met with him whom he had intended to go unto about his buſineſs, which being done, he returned into the Garden again, and taking into another walk before he was aware, he had a mind to ſee whether any had come in to ſupply his place ſince he went out, before he entred again. I underſtood you very well Perinthus (ſaid ſhe unto him) you think to make me conceal your incivility by this excuſe, but truly you muſt invent a better before you prevail. Perinthus being in a terrible fear that Doraliſa ſhould go and acquaint the Princeſs and others with the diſorder which ſhe diſcovered in his Spirit, beſeeched her that ſhe would honour him with her hand again; then putting the Boughs of the Cypreſs cloſe again, he began to conjure Doraliſa in a low voice, not to ſpeak unto any of the diſorder which ſhe diſcovered in his ſoul: I promiſe you that I will not, replyed ſhe, upon condition that you will acquaint me with the true cauſe, or to ſay better, confeſs it unto me, for to tell you truly, I am confident you are in Love with the Princeſs. Ah Doraliſa (cryed he out) I muſt truſt my ſelf unto your diſcretion, but I do conjure you Doraliſa in the name of the Gods, that you do not diſcover it: I promiſe you I will not, ſaid ſhe unto him, upon condition you will be ingenuous and ſincere: Know then, purſued Perinthus, that the Prince of Claſomena underſtanding that Mexars and Abradates were both in Love with Panthea, he apprehended much joy for the firſt of theſe, and much ſorrow for the ſecond; and therefore he abſolutely commanded me to diſcover if I could, the true apprehenſions of the Princeſs [Page] his Daughter, and if it were poſſible, to prevent Abradates from having any private diſcourſe with her; yet I can ſafely ſwear unto you, that yet I have not told the leaſt circumſtance of any thing unto the Prince her Father: For ſince I am one who admires, and infinitely honour her, I could not become her Spy; yet I muſt ingenuouſly confeſs, that ſince he is here, I cannot chuſe but be angry, and ſince I could not remedy it, I thought it my beſt to retreat, leſt if the Prince ſhould chance to come, he ſhould think me ſo far from being his informer, I was a concealer of things from him, and that was my reaſon why I would not be in the ſame walk where they were. But Perinthus, ſaid Doraliſa, ſince you have no deſign to prejudice the Princeſs, what was your reaſon for hiding your ſelf ſo cloſely amongſt the Cypreſs Trees, and to obſerve her actions ſo preciſely and cloſely? I did endeavour to inform my ſelf of the truth (replyed he) to the end I might better know how to behave my ſelf between Mexaris and Abradates. Their merits are ſo different (replyed Doraliſa) that you might very wel gueſs her thoughts of them, without taking ſuch pains as to obſerve her actions: It is very true, replyed Perinthus, and ſo I do, yet ſince the preſent condition of their two Fortunes is ſo different, I cannot chuſe but be byaſſed in my wiſhes; and methinks the fair Doraliſa, for her own intereſt, ſhould deſire that the Princeſs ſhould rather remain in the Lydian Court, then go ſo far off as Suſa. In the mean time, I conjure you not to diſcover me, and to believe that I will never either ſay or do any thing, which ſhall be againſt thoſe reſpects which I owe unto the Princeſs. Doraliſa lent an ear unto all this long diſcourſe of Perinthus, but knew not whether ſhe ſhould believe him or no; for when ſhe remembred the perplexity which ſhe diſcovered in his mind when Abradates firſt came, ſhe could not doubt but that he was in Love with Panthea: But when ſhe conſidered the little probability that ſuch a man as he ſhould dare to nouriſh ſuch thoughts as thoſe in his heart, ſhe gave credit unto his words, yet her faith in them was not ſo ſtrong, but ſhe was often apt to alter her opinion: However, ſhe reſolved not to ſpeak of any of theſe paſſages; for ſaid ſhe, if Perinthus do love Panthea, he is ſo unfortunate in it, that I need not loaden him with more miſery, by inconſiderately telling the Princeſs of that which perhaps he will never tell her himſelf: And if it be as he tells me, I will not ſpeak of it neither, ſince thereby I ſhall prejudice Abradates, whom I infinitely eſteem. Perinthus for his part was well pleaſed with the handſome lye which he had invented, which truly upon ſuch a ſuddain was very ingenuous; for if Doraliſa was faithful, and did not ſpeak of it, he was fafe and at quiet, or if ſhe did tattle any thing to the Princeſs, his hope was, that ſince ſhe would believe the Prince her Father did diſapprove of the Love of Abradates, ſhe would happily and cunningly reject it. And thus the walk continued without much diſcontent, for to ſay the truth, the Princeſs was not ſorry at her heart that Abradates was in Love with her: This Prince, for his part, thought the favour he obtained to be very high, in that he heard Panthea her ſelf pronounce him happier then his Rival Mexaris was: Perinthus alſo thought he had eſcaped a great danger, ſince he had put a handſom gloſs upon the imprudent diſcovery of his paſſion, ſo that there was none but Doraliſa who was not reaſonably well ſatisfied, and ſhe was a little perplexed, that ſhe could not tell well what to believe of Perinthus. After this, Abradates could not have any more private diſcourſe with Panthea, and he muſt content himſelf to bid her adieu before much company, ſo that he durſt not make half his ſorrows appear in his eyes when he parted. As for Perinthus, ſince he was one of the houſe, he enjoyed the ſight of his Princeſs with as much freedome as he could wiſh, but it was ſuch a freedome as did him no good, ſince he durſt not make uſe of it to expreſs the paſſion of his ſoul unto her, but was forced to hide it with all poſſible care; yet in ſpite of all his cares, his melancholly would appear moſt viſible, but ſince friendſhip might produce it as well as Love, the Princeſs would not interpret that to be the cauſe, which would have been extreamly offenſive to her, if ſhe had known the cauſe. Doraliſa was not preſent when he took his leave, and it was happy for him ſhe was not; for ſince ſhe had already ſome ſuſpition of the truth, doubtleſs ſhe would have palpably perceived, that his ſorrows proceeded from a more tender cauſe then matter of friendſhip: When he was gone out of the Princeſs Chamber, ſhe called him back, and injoyned him to write (as often as any opportunities would permit him) all the news from the Army; And in return, ſaid ſhe unto him, I will oblige Doraliſa to anſwer you, though I ſhall not, and to ſend you the news of Sardis. At the firſt Perinthus was much raviſhed with theſe commands; but when he began to conſider that this favour had never been confered upon him, but to take all ſuſpitions away, that [Page] ſhe was ſo dear unto him as ſhe was; his joyes were leſs; yet on the other ſide when he conſidered it to be a favour which all his Rivals as great Princes as they were, could never obtain, he cheered up himſelf, and was leſs grieved. Moreover, ſince that Rival which he moſt feared ſhould be abſent as well as himſelf, it troubled him the leſs: Alſo he went to bid adieu unto Doraliſa, with a mind that was free and jocand enough for a Lover that was to depart: 'Tis true, he was as careful as poſſible he could to diſſemble his thoughts at this time, when indeed he ſtood in need of all his art: For Doraliſa upon premeditated thoughts told him a hundred paſſages, which would have extreamly troubled one to anſwer that was leſs ſubtil then himſelf: But he replyed unto every thing with ſuch Spirit, that ſhe found nothing but what did increaſe her doubts. In the mean while, as the Princeſs of Claſomena was a little melancholly for the departure of Abradates, ſo Mexaris was as joyful as poſſible could be, yet he found no better entertainment from Panthea; But on the other ſide, ſhe did as far as civility would permit, expreſs more coldneſs to him in the abſence of Abradates then ſhe did before; and ſhe treated him with ſuch hollow indifferecy, as almoſt ſhewed him the way to diſpair, and which moved him unto many things that troubled Panthea; For when he found, that the more obſequious he was, the leſs gracious he found her, he reſolved to tranſact ſecretly with the Prince her Father; but yet notwithſtanding, he viſited and waited upon her with all aſſiduity, though Doraliſa by order from the Princeſs did bolt out a hundred crafty paſſages, which ſurely were nothing pleaſing unto him, continually ſaying, That Sardis now was no more then a Deſart, ſince the Camp had exhauſted it, and that it was better being in the Country by a hundred degrees, then there where there is none conſiderable in the Court: But let her ſay what ſhe could, he would not be baniſhed, but did continually torment us with his company, yet had he wit and Spirit enough; but yet this baſe diſpoſition which raigned ſo tyrannically in his heart, and which made him think all loſt that he gave or ſpent, made every one not eſteem him. Moreover, the affection which every one bore Abradates did augment their averſion to Mexaris, ſo that it is no wonder the Princeſs ſhould not love that Prince whom no body loved: And on the other ſide, it had been a miracle if ſhe had either hated or forgotten Abradates, whom all the world did ſpeak of with a high eſteem, and whom ſhe knew did love her with a moſt violent paſſion; and you may aſſure your ſelf he was neither hated nor forgotten during all the Epheſian War, no nor the Myſſian and Phrygian War: Fame did Trumpet his valour ſo highly in his commendation during his abſence, that it may be ſaid he was no leſs obliged unto his own courage and valour, then unto the Princeſs for this favour toward him. As long as the War laſted, Perinthus failed not to write unto the Princeſs: But ſince he was a man of a moſt generous ſoul, you may imagine him a little troubled to pay that obedience; for how could he relate all the paſſages of the Army, and not mention all the glorious acts of Abradates, who as vvell as Cleander, did raiſe himſelf unto a high pitch of eminency? And hovv could he find a Genius to commend a Rival, and help him to conquer the heart of Panthea? His vvay vvas commonly to ſpeak of things in general, vvithout particularizing the actions of any one, contenting himſelf to ſay only, that the Enemy vvas beaten, and to declare only the advantages of the Army, as preſuppoſing that the Princeſs deſired nevvs to no other end, but as things related to the intereſt and good of the State: that in all the relations vvhich Perinthus made unto the Princeſs, the name of Abradates vvas never uſed, but only once, and that too againſt his vvill, vvhich chanced thus: Tvvo or three daies after the taking of Epheſus, Perinthus having almoſt finiſhed his Letters to the Princeſs, Abradates came into his Chamber, and preſently after him Cleander entred alſo, who knowing that it was he who ſent all the news of the Army unto the Princeſs, told him, that the meſſenger who was to carry the Packet unto Sardis would depart within this two hours: Perinthus anſwered, that he had not above two words to write; and ſince it was known to all the world that he had a moſt admirable faculty in writing, Abradates who never had ſeen any of his Letters and did not ſuſpect him to be his Rival, told him, that if there were nothing in his Letter but only a relation of the Siege, he ſhould be extreamly glad to ſee it, not doubting but he was as good at writing, as he was at acting his part in Military affairs. Cleander did ſecond the deſire: At firſt Perinthus did modeſtly refuſe, but ſeeing Cleander was importunate that he ſhould ſhevv vvhat he had vvrit, he vvas afraid that if he did not ſhevv it, perhaps it might be conceived, that he had vvrit ſomething diſadvantagious of them, ſo that ſubmitting unto the deſires of Cleander, Abradates took his Letter vvhich vvas not finiſhed, and read theſe vvords

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PERINTHUS to the Princeſs of Claſomena.

THough Victory were in your power Madam, yet your deſires of it could not be more happily accompliſhed: It waits upon the Kings Armies in all places, and nothing can withſtand them: The taking of the Town of Epheſus does well deſerve, that the moſt illuſtrious Princeſs of the world ſhould render thanks unto the Gods for one of the moſt glorious Conqueſts that ever was obtained: I believe there ought as much to be attributed unto the prevalency of your prayers Madam, as unto t [...]e valour of our Troops: The Enemy reſiſted ſo far, as conduced unto the glory of the Conquerours, but not ſo much as could keep themſelves from being conquered: It is the will of Fate, that the Lawrel wherewith Victory crowns the heads of Conquerours is not ſprinkled with much bloud, ſince there is not one of any eminent quality died in this laſt aſſault. I do not tell you

I intended to add (ſaid Perinthus after Abradates had read the Letter) the particular actions of Cleander; and many others, when I broke off: You do very well (replied Abradates) and they cannot be better commended then by your ſelf, who knows ſo well how to do it: But ſince your modeſty doubtleſs will not permit you to relate your own actions unto the Princeſs (ſaid he unto him in a ſubtil manner of obligation to ſpeak well of him) and ſince I dare not preſume to write a Letter from my ſelf unto her, having no Commiſſion for it as you have, I beſeech you let me add ſomething to your Letter; and then not ſtaying for the anſwer of Perinthus, who oppoſed him as much as in civility he could, he writ theſe words.

The excellent relation of Perinthus would be imperfect, if ſome part of thoſe praiſes which he deſerves were not included; therefore for your ſatisfaction, for his glory and my own, I beſeech you give me leave to be his Hiſtorian, and to tell you, that he hath made himſelf moſt highly eminent in all occaſions which preſented themſelves, and that except the illuſtrious Cleander, he deſerves all that glory which he attributes unto others: This Madam I thought to be the duty of a man, who pretends unto no higher ambition then to be thought the moſt humble Adorer of the faireſt Princeſs upon earth.

After Abradates had Poſtſcripted theſe words, and that Cleander had read it aloud, the heart of Perinthus was much divided; for he thought it a very advantagious piece of honour to be commended unto the Princeſs ſo highly by ſuch a Prince as he: But that he himſelf ſhould ſend the Letter of his moſt feared Rival unto his loved and adored Princeſs, was a thing not to be endured: So that to prevent it if poſſible he could, he ſaid, that he was aſhamed to be a ſender of his own praiſes, and that it would purchaſe him more ſhame then glory Moreover, he feared, that the Princeſs ſhould think very ſtrange he ſhould take upon him the boldneſs to ſend her any Letters from ſuch a Prince as Abradates (For ſaid he very ſubtilly) that ſhe be pleaſed to honour me with her commands to write unto her my ſelf, yet that is no conſequence that another ſhould do ſo alſo: Nor is it my own intereſt only which I conſider; But I am afraid (ſaid he, and turned towards Abradates) that you intend a good office in my behalf unto the Princeſs by it, yet it may make you worſe in her opinion. Since I am certain ſhe eſteems you very much (replyed this Prince, who exceedingly deſired that his Letter ſhould come into the hands of his Princeſs) I do not fear ſhe will be offended at me for preſenting a truth unto her in your advantage. No, no, ſaid Cleander, I warrant you the Princeſs will never be offended at ſuch a piece of Gallantry as this, for though ſhe be ſomething ſevere, yet ſhe is rational, and knows how to take things as they ought to be: But it would be well (added he) that Perinthus make an end of his Letter, and preſent your Encomium alſo. Abradates out of modeſty did forbid him, and Perinthus had a deſire to ſay, that he was not able to command too ſuch illuſtrious perſons ſufficiently in ſo ſhort a time; But Cleander told him, he would diſpence with him for half that trouble, and conjured him not to mention him, but forced him to end his Letter in commendation of Abradates, of whoſe paſſion he was not ignorant: So that Perinthus was forced to finiſh it in this manner, though it was not his firſt intention.

I will not tell you Madam, how the Prince Abradates hath got abundance of glory by a [Page] thouſand gallant actions; for after what he hath ſaid in my behalf, that would be ſuſpected of flattery. I can alſo aſſure you, I am very ſorry that his civilities has forced me to alter the end of my Letter, and to relate things after another manner then I intended: Nor will I tell you what Miracles the illuſtrious Cleander hath wrought, for Fame will do that office for me: But give me leave to tell you without any affected modeſty, that I was never in all my life ſo loath unto any thing, as to this in ſending you my own commendation, although it was writ by the hand of a great Prince, and ſeem to be an infinite honour unto me, that it ſhould be read by the moſt excellent Princeſs of all the world.

PERINTHUS.

When Perinthus had finiſhed, he hoped that happily they would go away, and that afterwards he might procure the meſſenger who was to carry this Letter, to ſay he had loſt it: Yet he had no ſooner ended and ſealed it, but Cleanders Envoy came in to receive his laſt Orders, ſo that poor Perinthus was forced to deliver it before them, and away went the meſſenger. Perinthus was almoſt mad at this accident: What a moſt miſerable Fate is this (ſaid he unto himſelf, as he has told me ſince) that I ſhould be the means Abradates ſhould write unto that Princeſs whom I adore? Perhaps ſhe will imagine I did voluntarily do him this office, and that I am the confident of his paſſion? In the names of all the Gods, Oh my adored Panthea (ſaid he, as if ſhe had underſtood him) be not ſo injuſt as to think I did this Prince any ſervice to you: It is too much you muſt not know I love you, without thinking that I would have you love another. But Perinthus, (ſaid he preſently to himſelf) Art thou not reſolved to content thy ſelf with the eſteem of thy Princeſs? Haſt thou not determined with thy ſelf never to diſcover thy Love unto her? And doſt thou not know, thou canſt never have any ſhare in her affection? Why then art thou not ſatisfied with that commendations which Abradates hath ſent in thy behalf, ſince it may augment the eſteem which ſhe hath of thee? If the praiſes of an Enemy be glorious, why ſhould not thoſe of a great Prince? But alas, alas, this great Prince is my Rival, and ſuch a Rival as in all likelyhood will obtain the Love of my Princeſs: It is no wonder then that thou ſhouldeſt be troubled, to be thus forced to commend him, and to receive any commends from him. Afterwards, when he conſidered with himſelf that the Princeſs would anſwer in her Letter unto what Abradates had writ, and that he ſhould be conſtrained to let his Rival ſee the Civilities of Panthea, he reſolved, that if the Letter was over-obliging unto Abradates, to ſmother it: Therefore he expected this anſwer with as much longing impatience, as if he had ſent a Declaration of his Love unto Panthea, though his curioſity was only to ſee what the Princeſs would ſay concerning Abradates, who on his ſide expected this anſwer with the ſame impatience, though not with the ſame fears, ſince it was only three daies journey between Epheſus and Sardis, the Letter of Perinthus came thither in two daies, becauſe he who carried intelligence of the taking of Epheſus went Poſt, and made great haſt. Doraliſa, who never was abſent from Panthea, was preſent as well as my ſelf, when the Princeſs received this Letter, which at the firſt ſhe began to read aloud, for knowing that Perinthus never uſed to intimate any thing but matter of news, ſhe expected no other. But when ſhe came to the place which Abradates had writ, and ſaw it in another hand different from that of Perinthus, ſhe read it in a low voice and bluſhed, whileſt Doraliſa and my ſelf had ſeveral apprehenſions of it: For Doraliſa having ſome ſuſpitions of his paſſion, imagined that perhaps he had took heart, and writ unto the Princeſs concerning it: But I, who had no ſuch conceits, only thought it ſomething which ſhe would not have us know: Yet after the Princeſs had done reading, and that the diſorder which the name of Abradates cauſed in her ſoul, was appeaſed, ſhe gave the Letter unto Doraliſa, and my ſelf to read; and being deſirous to colour the tenderneſs of heart which ſhe expreſſed, ſhe told us, That when ſhe ſaw the alteration of hands, and the name of Abradates, ſhe was afraid leſt he had intimated ſomething, vvhich vvould have given her cauſe of complaint, both againſt Abradates and Perinthus: Hovvever Doraliſa (ſaid ſhe, after the Letter vvas read) you ſee that Perinthus, though not in Love, yet he can be valiant; and that to be brave and gallant, it is ſufficient that one be only in Love vvith glory; for though I ſeemed to believe, as others did, that Perinthus vvas in Love, yet I aſſure you, I never did really believe it at all: And I aſſure you Madam, replyed Doraliſa, I am not of your opinion; doubtleſs one may be valiant and not amorous, but [Page] I do confidently maintain, that if a Gallant man vvas never in Love, he ſhall be brave and valiant, but bruitiſh withal: And ſince Perinthus, though valiant, is not bruitiſh, therefore I muſt conclude him to be in Love. However (ſaid the Princeſs) as friendly as I am to Perinthus, and as joyful as I am to ſee his praiſes wr [...]t by the hand of ſo illuſtrious a Prince, yet believe me, I am almoſt angry with him, becauſe I am forced to anſwer ſomething unto Abradates. Truly Madam (ſaid Doraliſa to her) I ſhould conceive the difficulty not great to anſwer any thing in that Letter: It is true (ſaid ſhe, and bluſhed) the difficulty is not in anſwering any thing to that Letter, but to ſomething which he ſaid unto me at parting; and then the Princeſs was pleaſed to acquaint us with the conference ſhe had with him; yet notwithſtanding, after ſhe had well conſidered upon it, ſhe reſolved to write, as I ſhall preſently relate unto you. In the mean while, Abradates and Perinthus, who waited impatiently for an anſwer from the Princeſs, were ſo exact to inquire the day when the meſſenger would return, that they knew to an hour when he would come to give an account unto Cleander: But as ill luck to Perinthus was, Cleander, who loved Abradates, and was not ignorant of his paſſion to the Princeſs of Claſomena; alſo longing to know what ſhe anſwered, went immediately unto Abradates, who was then in the Garden of the houſe where he lodged, and Perinthus with him, who in his preſence received the anſwer from the Princeſs: You may imagine what the thoughts of Perinthus were, in opening this Letter from Panthea, ſuſpecting it to be too gallant and obliging unto Abradates; and this Prince perceiving ſome diſorder in the face of Perinthus, he imagined only that it proceeded from his fears of the Princeſs anger, for ſending his Letter; ſo that he beſtowed a complement or two upon Perinthus, unto which he replyed as well as he could [...] but thought it not advantagious for himſelf to open the Letter ſo ſoon, yet Abradates and Cleander ſo preſſed him unto it, that he was forced to open it, and read aloud theſe words,

PANTHEA unto PERINTHUS.

IT appears ſufficiently, both by what you have related concerning the Prince Abradates, and the illuſtrious Cleander, and by Fame alſo, that victory is much rather a conſequent of their courage, then my prayers; yet I will never ceaſe them for the augmentation of their glory, which can never be ſo high as I deſire them. As for yours Perinthus, I find it arrived at ſo high a pitch, that I think it impoſſible to wiſh it greater: For to be commended by ſuch a Prince as merits all praiſes himſelf, is an honor ſo great, that the height of your ambition ought to be compleatly ſatisfied; yet ſince your modeſty would have debarred you from telling it, I am obliged unto Abradates for it, though otherwiſe I am ſorry for putting himſelf to that trouble: Aſſure him, that as he hath much augmented the eſteem which I had of you, ſo you have moſt ſtrongly confirmed me in my thoughts of him. After this, expect not that I ſhould return intelligence for intelligence, unleſs to acquaint you, that Doraliſa doth ſtill accuſe you, and is abſolutely perſwaded, that all thoſe glorious acts which you have done are rather effects of that ſecret paſſion which lies cloſe in your heart, then of your courage; For my part I am ſtill juſt, and take your part as well as I can, adieu: Aſſure Abradates and Cleander, that Victory ſhall alwayes follow them, if Fortune follow my deſires:

PANTHEA.

Perinthus read the Letter ſo badly, eſpecially towards the latter end, that Abradates did civilly deſire to read it himſelf again, that he might underſtand it, telling him with a ſmile, He wondred that a man who could write ſo well, ſhould read ſo ill: But oh Heavens, in what a pitiful caſe was the poor Perinthus, when he perceived the joyes of Abradates in reading this Letter, for all it contained nothing but common civility, yet he was extreamly pleaſed with it. The delight only to ſee his name vvritten by the hand of Panthea, tranſported him into a rapture of joy: After he had read it alo [...]d, he read it over again from one end to the other in a lovv voice, and vvhen he had done, he vvould not upon any tearms render it back unto Perinthus, vvhoſe perplexities vvere more exceſſive then the joyes of Abradates vvere great: he vvas not only vexed that the Princeſs ſhould return ſuch a civil anſvver unto Abradates, but he vvas afraid leſt Doraliſa ſhould fall into her old jealouſies, and in the end diſcover ſomething; yet he vvas fully perſvvaded ſhe had not yet opened any thing to Panthea, for if ſhe had, Panthea vvould: [Page] not have vvritten unto him. Thus having a ſoul ſvvelled vvith thouſand ſeveral conceits, and not one agreeable to his deſires, he ſeemed very reſtleſs; all thoſe obliging words which the Princeſs had writ relating to himſelf, did not at all ſatisfie him, becauſe he thought the commendations ſhe gave Abradates, to be a bitter potion after all thoſe ſweet civilities ſhe beſtowed upon him. In the mean time, Cleander deſiring to oblige Abradates, and never ſuſpecting that Perinthus was in Love with Panthea, he deſired Perinthus to let Abradates keep the Princeſs Letter: And indeed Perinthus, ſaid he unto him, the Letter does belong unto him as much as unto you. Dear Perinthus (ſaid this amorous Prince, and imbraced him) I heartily beſeech you grant me this favour which Cleander in my behalf hath asked, and which indeed I durſt not. Sir, replyed Perinthus, much amazed and troubled, Since you ſay your ſelf durſt not ask what you deſire, it may be imagined you know I ought not to conſent unto it: And truly what would the Princeſs ſay, if I ſhould part with it: For Sir, the more worthy you are to keep this Letter, the more do I fear to offend the Princeſs in ſuffering it: If it had been her pleaſure that you ſhould have a Letter from her, ſhe would have writ it particularly to you; but this being not ſo, I beſeech you take it not, if I deny it unto you, ſince I would not have her take it ill from me: But the Princeſs need never know it (ſaid Cleander to him) and by conſequence it cannot prejudice you. However, ſince I know it my ſelf, replyed he, it will be a perpetual trouble to my mind that I ſhould do any thing againſt my duty: But Perinthus (ſaid Abradates unto him) you will do a thing againſt the Laws of friendſhip, if you refuſe me this Letter; and therefore I pray permit me to keep it for a few daies, upon promiſe to reſtore it back. In good earneſt, ſaid Cleander, and looked upon Perinthus) you are too preciſe, if not too rigid; for be your reſpects of the Princeſs never ſo great) I cannot ſee you would do her any great injury, in truſting a Letter into the hands of a Prince) who doubtleſs would preſerve it with more care then you can have. However it be (ſaid Perinthus with a troubled viſage) I have a great deſire to do what I ought: I am fully reſolved, ſaid Abradates, not to reſtore it, unleſs I have a copy of it at the leaſt. Really Perinthus, (ſaid Cleander, and would not give him time to anſwer) you muſt do this, if you have any diſpoſition to oblige at once, both the Princeſs, and Abradates, and my ſelf. I am moſt unfortunate (replyed Perinthus) to meet with ſuch a croſs conjuncture. The truth is Perinthus (ſaid Cleander) you muſt obey your friends; and to ſet your mind at reſt, I will undertake to tell the Princeſs, if ſhe chance to know it, that you denied it with as much zeal, as if you had been in Love with her, and as if one of your Rivals had asked a copy of a Letter from your Miſtriſs. After this, Cleander not ſtaying for any anſwer from Perinthus, commanded one of his ſervants to fetch him ink and paper: Perinthus was a long while obſtinate, but at laſt, fearing leſt his obſtinacy ſhould argue the true cauſe of it ſelf, and both Abradates and Cleander divine his paſſion by it, he conſented Abradates ſhould have a copy; ſo that Abradates going into an Arbor, amidſt which was a Table of Jaſper, he ſet himſelf to write: Mean while Cleander addreſſed himſelf unto Perinthus, and perſwaded him to do Abradates all the good offices he could unto the Princeſs of Claſomena, and the Princeſs his Daughter; but Perinthus was ſo ne [...]ed and unquiet, that he had much ado to return any anſwer: He was tranſported with ſuch violent raptures at this diſcourſe, that he was a hundred and hundred times ready to ſnatch the Letter out of the hands of Abradates, and to draw his Sword; yet the preſence of Cleander, and ſeveral others which were in the Garden prevented him, and the firſt apprehenſions being over, reaſon did reaſſume his ſeat in his ſoul, and he diſſembled the matter as well as he could; and to calm the diſorders of his mind, he began to think that this Letter was only a Letter of civility, and therefore he ought not to vex ſo exceſſively at it: So that [...] anſwer to the deſires of Cleander, in behalf of Abradates; he told him, That it was very true, he had the honour to be much in the Prince of Claſomena's favour, and a little with the Princeſs; but yet it was his maxime, which lie ever obſerved, never to ſpeak unto his Maſters of any affairs which they do not firſt on themſelves: And ſince Abradates himſelf is a man of moſt high merit, it is not requiſite to imploy any either unto the one or the other. As ſoon as Abradates had done writing, he came unto them, but before he would reſtore Panthea's Letter, he wooed Perinthus to be contented with the Copy, and to let him keep the Original, but he could not poſſibly obtain it, ſo that neither of them were contented; for Abradates was ſorry he had not the real Letter of Panthea, and Perinthus was ſorry he had parted with a Copy, yet within a few daies after [Page] his ſorrows were much more bitter, for he underſtood that Abradates did grow more confident upon the Princeſs her civilities to him, and did write a hundred paſſages unto Doraliſa to tell unto the Princeſs; and afterwards, when he went from Epheſus unto the Phrygian War, which began immediately after this ended, he writ unto the Princeſs her ſelf, he knew very well they could not be Letters of ſecreſie, yet ſince he was not ignorant, that he who writ them was in Love, his ſorrows were extream, and wiſhed very often that Mexaris might thrive by the abſence of Abradates, and that the Prince of Claſomena would beſtow his Daughter upon him. But whil'ſt both Abradates and Perinthus were in theſe Wars, Mexaris was a perpetual perſecutor of the Princeſs, for he was not only an eternal troubleſome Viſitant, but knowing that there was enterchange of Letters betwixt Abradates and her, he became ſo furiouſly cholerique, that one day he quite forgot thoſe reſpects which he was accuſtomed to obſerve, and thus it chanced. Doraliſa, who knew very well what averſion the Princeſs had unto this Prince, took a great delight in twitting him with a hundred paſſages before all the company, which were not at all pleaſing unto him, and upon every occaſion ſhe would commend the virtue of liberality in general, and often of Abradates in particular. One day then, when he was with the Princeſs, and when ſhe ſaw that his diſcourſe was not pleaſing to the Princeſs, ſhe did ſo handſomely turn the talk, that Mexaris fell inſenſibly to ſpeak of prodigality, and by little and little ſhe ſcrued him up to that point, as he maintained prodigality to be the greateſt of vices. For my part (ſaid ſhe unto him) I am not of your opinion, ſince I cannot poſſibly believe, that Vice which reſembles one of the moſt Heroique Virtues, ſhould be worſe then Avarice. How, ſaid Mexaris, do you prefer Liberality in the Soul of a Prince before Valour and Prudence? And had you rather have him liberal, then wiſe and couragious? I know not, ſaid ſhe, Whether I had rather have him liberal then valiant and prudent; but I am ſure I would not have a Prince to be covetous. There are ſome (ſaid Mexaris then) who love liberality in another, only becauſe they have Mercenary Souls of their own: 'Tis true, ſaid the Princeſs, ſome ſuch there are, but not alwayes, for I am certain Doraliſa is none of them, but of a generous diſpoſition: Liberality and Generoſity, replyed he, are not the ſame: I grant it, ſaid Doraliſa, for I am not ignorant how there are ſome men liberal, who are not generous in all other actions of their life: But yet I will maintain, that he who is not liberal, is not generous, and that Prince who does not poſſeſs that virtue, cannot poſſeſs any; For can it be goodneſs to ſee a hundred men of excellent merit, who are out of favour with Fortune, and not to aſſiſt them? Is there any prudence in getting hatred in lieu of a thouſand honorers by benefits? Is there any policy in procuring enemies in lieu of benefits? Is it glorious to dote unmeaſureably upon that which ſo many wiſe men have ſcorned? Is there any friendſhip to be expected from him that denies every thing that is asked him? Can he ever be a good Maſter who never doth recompence thoſe who ſerve him? Is there any gallantry in having ſuch a hide-bound ſoul as is never ready to give? Or can he be a rare Prince that is covetous? And hath not ſuch virtues as raiſeth them above other men, for indeed I know no other virtue but liberality which ſets them above others: Valour is a virtue as Heroique in the ſoul of a ſimple ſouldier, as in the greateſt King: Goodneſs is common to all men, and commonly more to Subjects then Soveraigns: Prudence is not peculiarly theirs, others may be as wiſe, and put their wiſdome in practiſe as well as they; but as for liberality, the glory of it is peculiar only unto great ones: It is in vain for thoſe who have nothing to give, to have that virtue, ſince they cannot make it appear and ſhine in its glory: Alſo it is in vain, that great ones ſhould have the power to give, if they have not the will to do it. Yet I can hardly believe, replyed Mexaris, That it is the intention of the Gods, that thoſe men whom they honored with riches above others, ſhould laviſhly throw them away as they pleaſe: And yet it appears as clearly, replyed Doraliſa, to be the pleaſure of the Gods, that thoſe things which they give, ſhould be converted into publique good, and not hoarded up to ſatisfie the avaritious humour of a private man. We have a thouſand glorious examples of that, ſaid the Princeſs, The Sun affords his rayes and light to all the world, the Sea gives of his waters unto the Rivers and Fountains: And Kings alſo, unto whom the Gods have given authority, are obliged to contribute it, and all their cares for the good of their Dominions, and defence of their Subjects. Ha, as for matter of cares (ſaid Doraliſa, and ſmiled) I know ſome who are not very covetous of them, though otherwiſe I am ſure they are not over-liberal. I wonder, ſaid Mexaris, ſince liberality is ſo commondable, we never [Page] heard of the liberality of Doraliſa: I have already told you Sir, replyed ſhe, That the practiſe of that virtue belongs only to Princes, yet I have given more perhaps then you imagine: As for matter of cares and circumſpection (ſaid he, intending to ſpeak of the good offices ſhe had done Abradates) I know you have not been very niggardly, for you are very diligent to ſerve your abſent friends. Why Sir, (ſaid the Princeſs to him, deſiring to turn the diſcourſe.) Do you chide Doraliſa for that, as if it were a crime? I conceive it to be an excellent quality, not to forget ones friends. I perceive Madam (replyed he, tranſported with anger and Love together) That Doraliſa inſpires you with all theſe inclinations, and that ſhe has made you ſo liberal, that you will not only give your own heart, but alſo refuſe the heart of all others, except—Mexaris ſtopt at theſe words, perhaps as being angry that he had ſpoken more then he wiſhed he had; but the ayr wherewith he pronounced thoſe words did ſo offend the Princeſs, that ſhe could not forbear ſome expreſſions of diſpleaſure. 'Tis true (replyed Panthea unto the inſolent language of Mexaris) that there are very few hearts which I will accept of, though they ſhould be offered me; and yet more true, that if ever I give mine, it ſhall be unto a perſon ſo illuſtrious, that this my liberality ſhall not make me paſs for a Prodigal. How Madam (replyed Mexaris, deſiring to mend the matter.) Can I hope that your heart is not yet given? This word Hope, ſaid ſhe unto him, is not in its due place, for whether my heart be given, or not given, thoſe who wrong me, ought never to pretend unto any part of it: I do not know any that wrongs you, replyed he, unleſs it be ſuch as love you, who are unworthy: I grant it, ſaid ſhe unto him, for ſuch I mean: Yet we do not well underſtand one another, replyed he, for you mean Mexaris, and I mean Abradates, who though but an Exile, yet preſumes to look ſo high as your ſelf. Abradates has the honor to be ſo neer allied unto your ſelf, replyed ſhe, that you cannot be offended at him, unleſs you are ſo at your ſelf, therefore I do not defend him. However Sir, I beſeech you do not take it ill if I tell you freely, that if I could diſpoſe of my ſelf as I would, I ſhould receive no more viſits from you: I am contented (ſaid he in riſing up) but in exchange I will addreſs my ſelf to the Prince your Father, which perhaps will be more advantageous to me: After this, Mexaris went out from the Princeſs, who was more moved with anger againſt him, then I am able to expreſs; and I believe he did a very good office unto Abradates, for methought ever ſince that day, there appeared more eſteem of him in all the diſcourſe of Panthea. In the mean time, Mexaris went one day to the Prince of Claſomena, and after much common diſcourſe, he told him, that he could give him ſome advice which might be advantageous to him: After which, he told him, that honoring him as he did, he thought it expedient to tell him, how he thought it a piece of prudence to take ſuch order, that the Prince Abradates at his return to Court ſhould be deſired by the Princeſs his Daughter, not to carry himſelf any longer as her Lover, that he knew it was an Alliance which Croeſſus would not approve on: That moreover, it would not be advantageous unto Panthea to marry an exiled Prince, who had nothing to ſubſiſt upon but the benevolence of the King as long as his Mother lived. Afterwards he told him, that if he would tranſact the matter after this manner, ſhe would not loſe the opinion of a Prince, who might place her in a more conſiderable rank then that of Abradates. The Prince of Claſomena gave Mexaris thanks for the advice which he gave him; and ſince he was not ignorant of the affection which he bore unto his Daughter, and ſince the death of the Prince Atis, he wiſhed rather ſhe would marry him then Abradates, he promiſed him to take his counſel, inſomuch as Mexaris driving the nail more home, did diſcover his Love unto his Daughter, and moved him to make up the match before the King returned: But for all the good language which he gave unto the Father of his Princeſs, he could not move him unto his deſires, nor to give Croeſſus any ſuch cauſe of complaint as perhaps might ſtart a Civil War: So that contenting himſelf with a promiſe that he would prevent the deſires of Abradates as much as he could, and that he would favour his, he refuſed to marry his Daughter unto him without the Kings conſent, or at leaſt until he had refuſed. However Mexaris thought he had played his game very well, and had obtained very much, in that he was promiſed his Rival ſhould not thrive: And indeed that very ſame night, the Prince of Claſomena ſpoke unto his Daughter, and told her, that ſhe would highly diſpleaſe him, if at the return of Abradates ſhe did not reject all his offers of ſervice to her; and on the contrary, if ſhe did not with much civility receive the viſits of Mexaris. The Princeſs was much ſurprized, and vexed at this diſcourſe, yet anſwered with much wiſdom [Page] and generoſity both; for after ſhe had aſſured her Father that ſhe would be moſt obedient unto him as long as life was hers, ſhe beſeeched him not to injoyn her any thing unworthy of her ſelf and him: As for Abradates, ſaid ſhe unto him, though I do very much honour him, yet I can moſt eaſily obey you; but as for Mexaris, who hath moſt manifeſtly wronged me, and againſt whom I have an unalterable averſion, I moſt humbly beſeech you, do not command me to behave my ſelf ſo unto him, as if I eſteemed him, or as if I were any thing obliged to him; for beſides the injuſtice in it, I am afraid I cannot obey you in my heart. Then the Prince of Claſomena would know the cauſe of her exceptions againſt him; but though ſhe did aggravate the matter in relating of it, yet he did not take it as ſhe deſired he ſhould, but on the contrary told her, that all his miſdemeanours were only effects of his extream paſſion towards her, and therefore he did exact peremptory obedience from her: Until now Madam, it is moſt certain that Panthea never thought of Abradates, but only in the degree of eſteem, and ſhe thought it no difficulty at all unto her to treat him more coldly then uſual at his return: But yet for all that, ſhe reſolved to look a little better upon Mexaris, by caſting ſome frowns upon Abradates: But her drift was, that if ſhe concurred with her Father in half of his deſires, ſhe thought ſhe might the better refuſe him the other half; ſo that to treat Mexaris the worſe, ſhe reſolved to uſe Abradates ſomething ſeverely: But Madam, the illuſtrious Cleander returning in triumph unto Sardis after ſo many glorious Victories; the Princeſs began to perceive, that there was more difficulty in acting her reſolutions, then ever ſhe imagined: For ſince every one ſpoke of nothing but the valour of Abradates, her heart was ſo moved unto exceſſive joy, that ſhe ſaw ſhe was not an abſolute Miſtriſs of her own heart; yet ſince ſhe could not find a heart abſolutely to reſiſt her Fathers commands, ſhe permited Mexaris after a complementive ſubmiſſion, and asking her pardon to viſit her; and though ſhe held but a cold and hollow-hearted correſpondency with him, yet he Courted and followed her to all places. The day of Cleanders Triumph being come, all the Windowes in thoſe ſtreets where he was to paſs were filled with Ladies; ſo that the Princeſs being there amongſt the reſt, Mexaris, who had been a dayes journey from Sardis to meet the King, and who for ſome reaſons beſt known to himſelf, would not enter the Town with him, came to the houſe where the Princeſs was, and many other Ladies with her: As ſoon as ſhe ſaw him, ſhe was ſo exceedingly vexed, that ſhe could not chuſe but impart her thoughts unto Doraliſa: Good Madam, anſwered ſhe, by any means do not let the Prince Abradates when he paſſeth by crowned with his Laurels, have the ſorrow to ſee you with his Rival; nor let him have any cauſe to fear that this Rival has the leaſt corner of your heart. Really Doraliſa, replyed the Princeſs, I wiſh Mexaris further off me for my own ſake, without any conſideration of Abradates, but I know not which way I ſhould berid of him: I muſt then begin ſome ſtinging diſputation, ſaid Doraliſa, and that perhaps will keep him from looking out when Abradates paſſeth by: The Princeſs liked the project, but it did not take, for Mexaris was premeditately reſolved to obſerve how the Princeſs looked upon Abradates when he paſſed before her, and likewiſe to make his Rival ſad at the ſight of him ſo neer the Princeſs, and therefore he would not leave her an inch, though ſhe had no kind of inconſtant action in her garb, as many have, yet ſhe changed her ſeat above twenty times, and he likewiſe changed as often; ſometimes ſhe would ſit at the Window, and cauſe Doraliſa to ſit cloſe by her, but ſhe was no ſooner ſeated, then he would uncivilly intrude unto the ſame Window, to the end Abradates might ſee him neer Panthea, and do what ſhe could he would not be ſhaken off. I ſhall not relate unto you Madam the magnificence and glory of this Triumph, becauſe time would be but frivolouſly ſpent. But give me leave to tell you the Priſoners, the Colours, and all the plunder of the Field, taken from the enemies were paſſed by, we ſaw at the laſt (after above ten thouſand Horſemen) the King appear, and after him Abradates and Cleander, as thoſe who had merited all the glory of the Triumph. For my part, I did moſt circumſpectly obſerve all paſſages: I obſerved that as ſoon as Abradates appeared, he knew the Princeſs, and ſaw Mexaris next her, for his eyes payed their devotion only up to that Window where ſhe was. This Prince was that day of ſo becoming a garb, and his accoutrements all ſo magnificent, that I never ſaw him ſo glorious and amiable in my life. Mexaris no ſooner ſpied him, but he looked whether the Princeſs ſaw him, and indeed he was ſo happy, or to ſay more truly, ſo unhappy, that he was an eye-witneſs of the firſt thought which the ſight of Abradates did raiſe in her; for although ſhe had before this firſt ſight prepared [Page] her ſelf againſt it, yet as ſoon as ſhe ſaw him, ſhe bluſhed, and bluſhed ſo as Mexaris obſerved the joy in her eyes; what ſorrow ſoever his ſoul ſuffered, yet he ſtayed ſtill in his place: But whatſoever he ſpoke unto the Princeſs, with intention of moving her to ſpeak unto him when Abradates paſſed under the Window, could not make her anſwer him one ſingle ſyllable. Doraliſa obſerving it, Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, you need not wonder why the Princeſs is ſo ſilent, for it is impoſſible ſhe ſhould look, and hear, and ſpeak all at once: Nor would I have her, replyed he, For I wiſh ſhe would not look ſo long upon Abradates, but that ſhe would hearken unto me, and afterwards anſwer me. In the mean while, the King, and by conſequence Abradates drawing neerer, Mexaris was more ſad to obſerve how this Prince ſaluted her with ſuch Love and devotion, and in ſuch a becoming manner, that all the Ladies about Panthea did extreamly commend him: But to compleat his miſery, the Princeſs who did intend only to ſalute him with a common cold civility, could not keep within that compaſs, but moſt obligingly leaned out of the Window, and ſuch a free, ſprightly, and pleaſing ayr appeared in her face, as ſhe made it plainly appear ſhe was raviſh'd with joy, ſo that her looks did cure Abradates of more then half his ſorrows to ſee his Rival ſo neer her: In exchange, Mexaris was ſo extreamly vexed, that not being able to abide this any longer, he retired from the Window, and walked up and down the Chamber, whil'ſt the Princeſs was looking upon Abradates, who looked ſtill that way, until turning into a ſtreet upon the left hand, he could look no longer. The poor Perinthus, who being prompted by the paſſion of his ſoul, was very deſirous to ſee this firſt enterview of Panthea and Abradates, followed this Prince very cloſe, and had obſerved how the Princeſs ſaluted him moſt obligingly, he ſtayed a little behind him, pretending to ſpeak with ſome body, in hopes the Princeſs would caſt her eyes upon him; but the mind of Panthea being very buſie, he ſaluted her three or four times, and ſhe perceived him not, though her eyes were turned that way, and I think he had made all his complements to no purpoſe, if Mexaris leaving his walk, had not come unto the Window, and perceived him, and cauſed the Princeſs to perceive him alſo: Madam, ſaid he unto her, I think it may be ſaid, and not improperly, that you ſee, and you ſee not; you do not ſee that which you look upon, otherwiſe I believe Perinthus to be ſo compleat a man, that he deſerves ſome return unto his long ſalute. The Princeſs was much ſurprized at the diſcourſe of Mexaris, unto which he would return no anſwer, but ſpied Perinthus under her Window, unto whom ſhe made a hundred obliging ſigns, by way of excuſe, for not ſeeing him ſooner; ſhe called unto Doraliſa, and ſhewed him unto her. Thus did Mexaris much againſt his mind, make his Rival receive a hundred obliging favours: It is true, Perinthus was not a jot more happy for all theſe, as well by reaſon of his cruel thought that the Princeſs was not friends with him, as becauſe ſhe was ignorant of the paſſion in his ſoul. In the mean while, ſince there was a neceſſity of Mexaris his going unto the Kings houſe, and ſince the Princeſs told him ſhe would paſs the reſt of the day in the houſe wherein ſhe was, he was conſtrained to leave her: Within a quarter of an hour after he was gone, Perinthus came in, unto whom the Princeſs expreſſed a hundred teſtimonies of friendſhip towards him. Doraliſa, according to her old cuſtome, fell upon the ſecret paſſion whereof ſhe was wont to accuſe him, and did ſtrive with as much diligence to clear all her ſuſpitions, as if ſhe had ſome particular intereſt in him, and ſhe uſed all poſſible endeavours to diſcover whether his heart were already captivated, as ſhe had after ſuſpected; and therefore ſhe never ſaw him, but ſhe put a hundred odd queſtions unto him, which did exceedingly puzzle him. After much diſcourſe upon the happy ſucceſs of this War, the Princeſs asked Perinthus whether he had not contracted a great knot of friendſhip with Abradates during this War? For I conceive it very fit, ſaid ſhe, that you two were intimate friends: Friendſhip Madam, replyed he, is not like unto Love, which very commonly growes between two unequal perſons; but on the contrary, to compleat a friendſhip, there is a neceſſity that it be between two perſons of a ſuitable age, humour and quality: So that ſince I am very ſhort of Abradates in almoſt all things, it were raſh preſumption in me to pretend unto the humour of his friendſhip: For my part, ſaid the Princeſs, If I did not think that what you ſay were out of modeſty only, I ſhould wonder your opinion ſhould be ſo contrary unto mine, for I am fully perſwaded, that Love ought alwayes to be between perſons of equal condition and quality, but in matters of friendſhip it is not abſolutely neceſſary; and I ſhould think the fate of Princes to be of all men moſt miſerable, if they ſhould never have any friends but of their own condition, [Page] who are not alwayes the beſt accompliſhed men, and who however are but a very ſmall number. Since your reaſon Madam, replyed Perinthus, is much more clear then mine, perhaps I am miſtaken; but I have ever thought that Princes can have only creatures and ſervants, but few friends: Yet on the contrary, I have thought that the power of Love was never confined into ſuch narrow limits as you preſcribe: Ah Perinthus, ſaid the Princeſs, I conceive there is an abſolute neceſſity in it, yet I do not hold it impoſſible, that one of high quality ſhould and may ſtoop ſo low as to love an inferiour: But I ſay that diſproportion in Love, is one of the moſt extravagant things in the world. But Madam (ſaid Doraliſa, and ſmiled, and having a deſire to make Perinthus ſpeak) You do not conſider how this paſſion was in the hearts of men, before ever force put a difference between them, or had made ſome Soveraigns, and ſome Subjects: So that according to the firſt intention of the Gods, the neceſſary equality to make Love reaſonable, is equality of merit, and equality of perſon, and not of condition and quality, which are ſtrange things, and which ſerve oft times to render thoſe that poſſeſs them in the higheſt degree, the more contemptible and ſcorned, when they are not found to be perſons of Merit. I conceive Madam, replyed Perinthus, that Doraliſa ſpeaks much reaſon: I conceive rather (replyed the Princeſs) that ſhe ſpeaks much wit: But for all that I muſt maintain, that there is a certain kind of univerſal diſcretion, which cuſtome hath eſtabliſhed, and ought to be taken as Reaſon and Law, that the quality of perſons who are to Love, ſhould not be diſproportionable: If Love, replyed Perinthus, were a thing voluntary, I ſhould then think ſome equity in what you ſay, but ſince it is not, I conceive it to be moſt unjuſt. By this diſcourſe of Perinthus, (ſaid Doraliſa) one may conclude, that if he Love, he Loves above himſelf, or below himſelf: Perinthus (ſaid the Princeſs) ſpeaks this only in general, and makes no particular application; And to tell you truly, I do love Perinthus better then to ſuſpect him of any ſuch thing, for I think him ſo wiſe, as that he will aim at no impoſſibilities, and ſo full of honour, as that he will not Love below his Quality. Perinthus was now exceeding at an non-plus, for his Love would not permit him to confeſs the Princeſs was in the right; and to ſay ſhe was in the wrong, were either to diſcover his ſecret, or to be ſuſpected of a paſſion unworthy of himſelf: So that returning a witty enigmatical anſwer, neither the Princeſs nor Doraliſa could thereby make any certain concluſions. In the mean time, ſaid the Princeſs, we do the greateſt injury in the world unto ſo many illuſtrious Heroes, who have hazarded their lives for our ſafeties, and have not been ſparing of their blouds to the end they ſhould be talked on; for in lieu of diſcourſing upon thoſe glorious acts which they have done in the Wars, we are talking upon matters of Love, which is full of extravagancies and folly. After this, ſince now it grew late, ſhe riſe up, and went home, where Abradates was already come to viſit the Prince her Father, who received him very coldly. But as ſoon as he ſpied the Princeſs out of a Balcone, he preſently left the Father, and as his devotion called him, went unto his Princeſs the Daughter. Panthea received him with much civility, but with ſomewhat leſs freedome then he ſaw in her eyes when he paſſed by her, but his joyes to be neer her was ſo great, that at the firſt he made no great reflection upon it; and the leſs, becauſe he being alone with her, ſhe did it purpoſely to prevent his boldneſs in talking of his Love; yet he would not loſe ſuch a favourable opportunity, for as ſoon as the firſt complements of common civility were performed, and when he had expreſſed his ſorrowes for being ſo long abſent from her, alſo his joyes now to ſee her, and to ſee her fairer then ever. If it had pleaſed the ſame Gods who give you that luſtre Madam (ſaid he unto her) to have alſo rendred you a little more affable, I ſhould be the moſt happy man upon earth, I ſhould forget all the ſorrowes I have ſuffered, and ſhould think upon nothing but adoring you with delight and reverence. The Princeſs hearing Abradates ſay ſo, and knowing very well by the ayr wherewith he ſpoke, that the ſame paſſion was in his heart which he expreſſed in his words, her mind was much divided. On the other ſide, ſhe was not ſorry Abradates loved her; and on the other ſide, conſidering her Fathers charge, ſhe thought it not permittable to entertain his paſſion. In the mean time, not being able to fix her reſolutions, ſhe took the middle way, and without either too much affability, or incivility, ſhe ordered her converſation ſo, as Abradates did neither preſume, nor diſpair; yet queſtionleſs he obſerved, how her Spirits were not ſo free and genuine as they were accuſtomed, but he could not penetrate into the cauſe. At his departure from her, he went u [...]to Doraliſa, whom he highly eſteemed, and looked upon her, as one whom the [Page] Princeſs loved, to the end he might throughly inform himſelf by his diſcourſe with her, whether Mexaris had reaped any benefit by his abſence. Doraliſa was ingenuouſly free to diſcover what he had deſired to know, and told him, that Mexaris was worſe in the opinion of Panthea then ever. Moreover (ſaid ſhe unto him) I believe that Prince is not more in Love then he was when you departed, for I am ſure he is not more liberal: Alſo I have uſed my beſt arguments to perſwade the Princeſs, that he ſtayed here behind you, rather to keep and preſerve his Treaſures, then either for any Love to her, or any reaſon of State, as he would make her believe he did. Ah Doraliſa, ſaid Abradates, you do ſo fully ſatisfie my wiſhes in telling me what I deſire to know, that I am afraid you only invent it to pleaſe me: You cannot chuſe but confeſs, replyed Doraliſa, and laughed, that in probability the Prince Abradates is much more eſteemed then Mexaris: I know not whether it be probable or no, replyed he, but I wiſh with all my ſoul it were true: If that be all which wants to make you happy, replyed ſhe, then be ſo, ſince I do not think there is any one in all the Court who does not eſteem you above Mexaris, without any exception of himſelf, for indeed you are ſo terrible unto him, that he fears you. Since it is your goodneſs to anſwer me ſo favourably in all things, ſaid he unto her. I am almoſt imboldned to ask you other queſtions, which rather then my life I deſire to know. Since perhaps I do not know the ſtate of thoſe things which you would inquire of; replyed ſhe, ſo well as I did thoſe unto which I have already anſwered: My replies unto them will neither be ſo pleaſing, nor ſo certain. Ha Doraliſa, ſaid he, you do moſt preciſely know upon what terms I ſtand in the opinion of that Princeſs whom I infinitely adore: Have I not already told you, replyed ſhe, that ſhe eſteems you more then ſhe doth Mexaris? Yes, replyed he: But after a more ſerious examination of that diſcourſe, which at firſt did much joy me, I find that to be eſteemed a little more then that Prince whom ſhe eſteems not at all, is no very great favour; Therefore Doraliſa, ſince you have already ingaged me ſo far, as to tell me thus much, and ſince the violence of my Love forces me to ſpeak of that which takes up all my thoughts, I moſt earneſtly beſeech you, be ſo generous as to tell me, whether I muſt die in diſpair, or live in any hope? Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, you ask me more then I know, and by conſequence more then I can tell you: If I ſhould judg according to your merit, and by the mind of the Princeſs which is able to diſcern a compleat man, I ſhould believe that her choice would be of you; but if I judg according to the capritiouſneſs of Fortune, who makes them that moſt merit to be happy, moſt miſerable, there is cauſe to fear that many things will croſs your deſires. Fortune, replyed he, may doubtleſs ſo frown upon me, that I may never enjoy Panthea: But this Fortune ought not to make any alteration in her heart and thoughts, which is the thing I deſire to know. Since I did never preciſely ask her what what ſhe thought of you, (replyed Doraliſa) I can tell you nothing of certainty: All I can ſay is, that knowing Panthea ſo judicious as ſhe is, I think if you do not proſper in your deſires, it will be rather through the fantaſticalneſs of another, then through any averſion ſhe hath towards you. Abradates perceived that Doraliſa would not any further explain her ſelf, but he conceived that ſhe knew he ſhould be croſſed in his Love. Doraliſa the next morning went betimes unto the Princeſs, and told her all that the Prince had ſaid, and deſired to know from her what anſwers ſhe ſhould hereafter return him, for ſhe imagined that further diſcourſe might be upon the ſame Subject. You ſhall alwayes tell him, replyed the Princeſs, that you are not acquainted with my thoughts, and that you will not undertake to bring any meſſage from him to me. But Madam, replyed Doraliſa, I hope you will permit me to tell him (what you deſire I ſhould) in ſuch a manner of ayr, as I may a little better explain your meaning. As for the tone of your voice, replyed Panthea, and laughed, I will not regulate you, ſince I do not think there is any in the world who has a better art to tell things angrily without any harſh words then you, nor who can expreſs any thing more ſweetly without any groſs flattery. It is not your pleaſure Madam, replyed Doraliſa, that in telling Abradates I do not know your thoughts, I ſhould tell it in ſuch a manner, as if I knew you had an averſion towards him; and it would be an inrepairable injury in him to Love you with a moſt reſpective paſſion? No, replyed the Princeſs; nor on the other ſide would I have you to tell it in ſuch a manner as may let him think, that if you do not tell him my thoughts, it is becauſe they are very advantageous for him: What then, would you preciſely have me make him think? (ſaid Doraliſa.) I would have him think (anſwered Panthea) that without any ſuſpition of ſubtilty in your words, you dare not ſpeak unto [Page] me of him, and that you do not at all know the ſecrets of my heart concerning him, and without any perſwaſions of him that I am any thing averſe, to make him think there is much difficulty in the enterprize; and in ſum, that without either making him hate me, or accuſe me of his misfortune, or ſuſpecting me of any weakneſs, I may ſtill have his eſteem, and live in quiet. Ha Madam, ſaid Doraliſa, if all theſe muſt be interpreted by the ſound of a voice only, I had need to ſend for all the Phrygian and Lydian Muſique about Abradates to help me in the expreſſion of all theſe paſſions without any words: For ſeriouſly Madam, I cannot do all this, but I muſt either create hopes or fears in Abradates: Then infuſe fears, (ſaid the Princeſs, and ſighed.) Doraliſa, who thitherto did but jeſt with the Princeſs, according to that uſual freedome the Princeſs gave her, perceiving that the Princeſs ſighed, aſſumed a more ſerious look; and Panthea acquainting her with all that the Prince her Father had ſaid unto her, then ſhe conſidered that great circumſpection was to be uſed in ſpeaking unto Abradates, for ſhe conceived it not convenient to let him know that Mexaris was the man who thwarted his deſign, leſt ſome bad conſequences might thereupon ariſe, and ſhe knew alſo that the Princeſs would not have him think ſhe ſlighted him: So that Doraliſa undertaking the tranſaction of this negotiation, ſhe did mannage it with much diſcretion, and for ſome daies did ſo ſuſpend the Spirit of Abradates, that he knew not what to think. In the mean while Perinthus, who heard it from the mouth of the Princeſs, that nothing was more extravagant then Love between perſons of unequal quality, was ſo exceſſively ſad, that many daies could not diſſipate the melancholly which theſe words (ſpoken without any deſign) had infuſed into his ſoul; his ſorrowes were ſo exceſſive, that all the world took notice of the alteration in his humour: The Princeſs her ſelf perceived it, and as he was one morning with her, and Doraliſa there alſo, Panthea asked her, If in the opinion which he held, that Love only makes compleat men, ſhe thought, that when they ceaſe to Love, they ceaſe to have any amiable quality left in them: For if ſo, ſaid the Princeſs, it muſt be concluded that Perinthus of late hath ceaſed to Love, ſince his converſation is not as it was wont to be. No, no, Madam, ſaid Doraliſa, it is not ſo; for he who was once made compleat by virtue of Love, remains ſo all his life. True it is yet, that this paſſion which addes a hundred excellent qualities, may ſometimes become too too violent, and cauſe him in whom it raigns to be leſs pleaſant in his converſation, and even transform him from what he is. But Madam, I am ſo far from thinking Perinthus leſs ſociable, becauſe he hath ceaſed to love, that on the contrary I am perſwaded he is more in Love then ever, or perhaps he is leſs loved then ever; for commonly where one is poſſeſſed with this paſſion, it is rather from the thoughts of another then from his own, that he becomes unhappy. But yet Doraliſa, ſaid the Princeſs, you have not yet made that diſcovery which you vaunted to do ſo eaſily: It is true Madam, replyed ſhe, that I am not yet ſatisfied whether or no ſome ſuſpitions I have be well grounded. I pray, ſaid the Princeſs, acquaint me with thoſe ſuſpitions. Ah Doraliſa (cried Perinthus, who feared ſhe would tell Panthea the paſſages which were before the ſiege of Epheſus) there are ſome things which are not to be jeſted with, and I hope you are ſo good as you will not ſo cruelly diſoblige me, as to impart that for certainty which you take up on bare ſurmize, without any appearances. This extraordinary care which you take to prevent my ſpeaking of it, ſaid Doraliſa, may be an argument I am not deceived: But however, ſaid ſhe, I will impoſe ſilence upon my ſelf. The Princeſs then began to preſs Doraliſa to tell her what ſhe ſuſpected, but notwithſtanding all her importunity, ſhe could not prevail: However, ſhe raiſed a thouſand apprehenſions of fear in Perinthus, but yet without cauſe, for the principal reaſon which kept Doraliſa from telling the Princeſs what ſhe thought, was, leſt the Princeſs ſhould take it ill ſhe ſhould ever imagine that ſuch a man as Perinthus ſhould dare to look upon the Princeſs in that way of Love. Whil'ſt this converſation paſſed on in this manner, Doraliſa obſerved ſo much agitation in the eyes of Perinthus, that whil'ſt one came into the Room upon ſome buſineſs to the Princeſs, ſhe addreſſed her ſelf unto him, and told him, that he had much confirmed her in her ſuſpitions: Why Doraliſa, ſaid he, would you have me ſuffer you to tell ſuch a thing as this unto the moſt ſevere Princeſs upon earth? Really you made my heart tremble as much as if you were ready to put me out of the favour of her whom you ſay I Love: Perinthus very ſubtilly ſpoke this with as much freedome of Spirit in appearance, that he much amazed Doraliſa, and perſwaded her ſhe was miſtaken. Thus Madam did things ſtand at this preſent; Abradates was fuller of fears then hopes, Mexaris on the contrary hoped [Page] all, and feared nothing, Perinthus having neither hopes nor fears, concluded himſelf the moſt unfortunate man alive. As for the Princeſs, ſhe had as ſtrong an averſion to Mexaris, as ſhe had an inclination to Abradates, and was as friendly to Perinthus, as ſhe was either to Doraliſa or my ſelf. But whil'ſt Mexaris was taking thought which way he might obtain the Kings leave to marry Panthea, and whil'ſt Abradates thought to ſtrengthen himſelf by the friendſhip of Cleander, the conſpiracy of Antaleon was diſcovered, which made ſo great a noyſe, that I believe you are not ignorant of it, for it was the whole diſcourſe of all the Court for a long time: But Madam, to ſee the difference which was between the ſouls of Mexaris and Abradates. The firſt of theſe did ſecretly endeavour to make Croeſſus believe that this Prince had a hand in the conſpiracy, but do what miſchief he could, the King would never entertain the leaſt ſuſpition of it: But as for Abradates, his ſoul was of a more Noble temper; for there chanced to be two men who had been ſervants to Mexaris, and had received no wages from him; theſe men ſeeing the liberality of Abradates, and knowing him to be a Rival unto their Maſter, addreſſed themſelves unto him, and told him, that if he pleaſed they could accuſe their Maſter of ſuch a crime as would ſet him far enough from Court: Theſe two men, whoſe ſouls were as vile, as Mexaris was covetous, made this Propoſition unto him: Abradates heard them with horror, and did contemptiouſly reject them, and their offer: And afterwards, ſince I believe (ſaid he unto them) that you were not induced to ſo vile an act, but becauſe the avarice of your Maſter hath made you poor, I will put you into a condition wherein you may chance find out a better then he was, and not be forced to commit crimes for a ſubſiſtence; and then he cauſed greater rewards to be given unto them, then they ever could have hoped for, if though he had imployed them in the buſineſs, which they propoſed unto him: They were ſo ſurprized with this generoſity, and ſo aſhamed of their own perfidie, that they could hardly reſolve to accept of this offer, yet at laſt they did, but how magnanimious ſoever this action was, it had never been known, had not theſe two fellows quarrelled about dividing this Largeſs, and the one killed the other in the going from the houſe of Abradates; ſo that the murtherer being apprehended, and brought into the hands of Juſtice, where preſſed by the remorſe of his own conſcience, he confeſſed the true cauſe of his crime; ſo that by this accident, the Heroique action of Abradates came to be divulged to all the world, and particularly to Mexaris, who gave him but a cold complement for it. As for the Princeſs, her joy at it was ſo great, that ſhe could not chuſe but tell Abradates of it, and commend his generoſity: Madam, ſaid he unto her, I know no reaſon you have to commend me ſo highly, for it is no ſuch exceſſive virtue to prevent the doing of a bad action; yet if the act be conſidered in another reſpect, which is matter of Rivalſhip, in that I ſhould not conſent to have him ſet out of my way, it may be thought a little virtue in me, if I had not a more noble way to rid my ſelf of my enemies when they urge me unto it. Ah Abradates, ſaid ſhe unto him, you will urge me to chide you in lieu of giving you any commendations: I beſeech you then Madam, replyed he, give me ſome aſſurance that the joyes which you expreſs is not becauſe I would not give way that the Prince Mexaris ſhould be ſent further from you: I will moſt certainly aſſure you, anſwered ſhe, upon condition you will promiſe me to avoid all manner of quarrels with that Prince as much as poſſible you can: Before I make ſuch a promiſe, replyed he, the Princeſs of Claſomena muſt give me ſome aſſurance, that ſhe will look with a favourable eye upon me, otherwiſe I muſt confeſs, my diſpair may provoke me to take revenge upon my Rival for all the rigours of my Miſtriſs: That would a piece of high injuſtice, replied ſhe, to puniſh him who is not in the fault; and therefore it were better (ſaid ſhe, and bluſht) to caſt off her that is ſo ſevere: Yes Madam (ſaid Abradates) ſo I would, if I could, and not caſt off my life with her: But Madam, I love you not ſo little, as that I can deſire to love you leſs; but on the contrary, though I love you as much as for my ſoul I can, yet methinks I love you not enough: Yet truly I ſhould think my ſelf much obliged unto you, replyed ſhe, if you would look upon me with more indifferency then you do: Believe me Madam, replyed he, you would never thank me for giving you that ſatisfaction: But inhumane Lady, Is it poſſible that the pureſt and moſt adoring paſſion that ever was, can offend you? If it do not offend me, replyed ſhe, yet it muſt be confeſſed that at the leaſt it diſquiets me, and therefore I ſhould be very glad you would only eſteem me: You may as well add, anſwered he, that you wiſh that I had neither eyes nor reaſon, for otherwiſe you deſire impoſſibilities; for as long as I have my ſight, I ſhall find you [Page] the faireſt of your ſex, and as long as I have my reaſon free, I ſhall admire you as the wonder of Nature and the world, and without either eyes or reaſon, certainly I ſhould ſtill adore you: Yes Madam, my heart is totally yours, and my Love of you, and none but you, is grown to ſuch an ingrafted cuſtome, that though my tears ſhould blind me, and my ſorrowes ſink me out of my wits, yet my very pace would conduct me to you: Judg then Madam, I beſeech you, whether it be poſſible I ſhould only eſteem you: No, no, Madam, there is no poſſibility in it, I never had ſtrength enough to reſiſt the All-commanding power of your Charms, ſince I firſt had the honour to ſee you in the Wood, and by the Fountain: Take it not ill therefore I moſt humbly conjure you, that I perſevere in loving you as long as I have life: If your goodneſs and pity could reſolve to afford any teſtimonies of a particular affection, I will promiſe to lay open my heart and ſoul unto you, and never to think upon any deſigns but ſuch as you are pleaſed to infuſe, nor ever to meddle with the Prince Mexaris but according unto your Dictates; but if on the contrary, you perſevere in that ſeverity which of late you have uſed towards me, it ſhall go hard (notwithſtanding the reſpects I owe unto the Brother of Croeſſus, or the Queen of Suſiana) if I do not find out wayes of revenge upon him whom I think to be the cauſe of my misfortune. It ſeems (ſaid the Princeſs then) that my aſſurance of you, that the Prince Mexaris is not in any favour with me will take away from you all cauſe of quarrel with him: It ſeems Madam (replied he) that ſince in conſideration of him, the Prince your Father does treat me worſe then heretofore, there needs no other reaſon to induce me to ruine him: Yet if I have any power with you, ſaid Panthea, you ſhall attempt nothing againſt him. Since it is your command Madam, that for the Love of you I muſt reſpect my Rival, I beſeech you for the Love of me, give me ſome obligeing comfort. Provided you will punctually obey me (anſwered Panthea, and ſmiled) I will pardon all which you have ſaid this day: I ſhall obey you Madam (anſwered he) upon this condition, that you will pleaſe to permit me often to take new commands from your own mouth, for otherwiſe I am afraid I ſhall fail in my promiſe. As Panthea was ready to reply, Cleander entred, and cauſed the Princeſs to change the diſcourſe, who ſince that day did by little and little accuſtome her ſelf to hear Abradates complain unto her of thoſe miſeries which ſhe her ſelf had cauſed: It was her will alſo, that Doraliſa and my ſelf ſhould ſweeten thoſe bitter thoughts which he had of the Prince Mexaris; for though the Princeſs had confeſſed unto him, that ſhe eſteemed him more then any in the world, yet ſhe alwayes conſtantly told him, that ſhe could not reſolve to diſobey her Father; and thefore all that ſhe could do for him, was to promiſe, that ſhe would deny him as far as decency would permit. Some hopes he had alſo that Mexaris would not proſper in his deſign, becauſe Cleander aſſured him, that Croeſſus would certainly oppoſe that Alliance out of ſome reaſons of State, and promiſed him that he would confirm him in that opinion ſo effectually, as Mexaris ſhould never bring his hopes to paſs. Theſe promiſes and aſſurances did much leſſen the fears of Abradates: Since he knew Perinthus to be a Favourite of the Prince of Claſomena, he Courted him very much with a hundred complements: The Princeſs alſo was very glad that Perinthus had the Love of Abradates, and often bad him ſpeak as much as he could in his favour: But the more teſtimonies of eſteem ſhe expreſſed unto this Prince, the more violent deſigns did he forge in his heart to ruine him: But for all this, as he was a man of a generous Spirit, he was ſometimes aſhamed of his own weakneſs, and of the injuſtice of his thoughts; yet Love being too ſtrong a Maſter, he could not chuſe but grieve more at the paſſion of Abradates, then at that of Mexaris. In the mean time, ſince there was a good correſpondency between Panthea and Abradates, it was her deſire he ſhould be more reſerved in his viſits, to the end ſhe might better perſwade the Prince her Father that ſhe was obedient as concerning Abradates; and that ſhe might have more reaſon to reſiſt him, in caſe he would needs force her to marry Mexaris; yet did he ſee her every day, either at the Prince of Lydia's lodging, or at Doraliſa's. Thus did things reſt, until the Prince Abradates loſt a great friend, and maintainer of the illuſtrious Cleander, who as you are not ignorant was arreſted as a Priſoner. This accident raiſed a greater diſorder in the Court then I know how to expreſs, for there was not one (except Mexaris, who looking upon him as the Protector of Abradates, was glad of his diſgrace) who had not eyes full of tears, and who did not accuſe Croeſſus of much precipitation and injuſtice, for ſuſpecting him upon ſuch ſlight ſurmizes, a man who had made him a Debtor for ſo many Victories: But the tears for Cleander were no ſooner dried, but all eyes were ſwelled [Page] again with new ones for the Princeſs Palmis, who was alſo arreſted, and carried to Epheſus amongſt the profeſſed Votaries. After all this, Mexaris began to huff, and look big, with more authority then uſuall; and Croeſſus knew very well that Cleander, whom he would not acknowledg for the Prince Artamas, was very ſerviceable unto him, to make all the Grandees of his Dominions reſpectively obedient unto him. But now Mexaris began to ſpeak of his Marriage, as a match almoſt made up; and ſince it was not to be imagined he would ſpeak ſo, unleſs he had ſome aſſurance of it from Croeſſus, thoſe who told Abradates of it ſpoke ſo confidently, as if it were out of any queſtion; So that he in an abſolute diſpair went unto Doraliſa, who being then not well, the Princeſs came to ſee her. It is impoſſible Madam I ſhould tell you all that Abradates ſpoke that day unto the Princeſs, for he ſpoke ſo much, that ſhe had much ado to anſwer. Sometimes he would find fault with her lue-warmneſs towards him, ſometimes he would conjure her to aſſiſt him; preſently after, he would beſeech her to caſt off Mexaris. Thus paſſing from one diſcourſe to another, without varying from the ſame ſubject, they paſſed away all the Afternoon, and nothing was reſolved upon till Doraliſa began to ſpeak. Madam (ſaid ſhe unto Panthea) Why do you not imploy Perinthus unto the Prince your Father, you know he is very prevalent with him: 'Tis true, ſaid Panthea, But I will not diſcover my heart unto ſo many men, until the utmoſt extremity; Yet I promiſe you, ſaid ſhe, If the buſineſs be arrived at ſuch a height as Abradates ſpeaks of, I ſhall ſtrive with my ſelf to ſpeak unto Perinthus, that he would tranſact with the Prince my Father againſt Mexaris. Will you not be pleaſed to move him alſo in behalf of Abradates, ſaid this Prince unto her? That's more then I can do, replied ſhe, and I ſhould but deceive you if I ſhould promiſe it. In the mean time, Perinthus hearing as others did, that Mexaris gave out, as if he were to marry Panthea out of hand; and knowing moreover from the Prince of Claſomena, that Mexaris aſſured he was not now upon ſuch tearms as to fear Croeſſus would be an obſtacle, as he did whil'ſt Prince Atis was alive, or before the impriſonment of Cleander, therefore Perinthus thought himſelf in ſome danger from thence, as long as his buſineſs was to defeat the deſigns of a beloved Lover, he thought it advantageous, that Mexaris ſhould be preferred before Abradates: But as ſoon as he heard Mexaris talk of marrying Panthea, his deſires were to defeat the deſigns of him whoſe intereſt he advanced before. Afterwards conſidering with himſelf what a miſerable misfortune it would be unto the Princeſs, to marry a Prince, againſt whom he knew ſhe had a moſt unalterable averſion, he repented of all he had done; and when he underſtood that the match was made, and the Marriage ready to be performed, he fell into a moſt horrid diſpair, and offered above a hundred times to go and confeſs all his crimes unto the Princeſs, and then kill himſelf at her feet: For, would he ſay, What have I to do but die, ſince I can never be happy, and ſince I cannot live, unleſs I hinder the happineſs of the only perſon whom I love? But (ſometimes would he ſay) Why then cannot I give my conſent ſhe ſhould marry Mexaris? For ſince I am moſt certain that I my ſelf can never pretend unto her, there can no better way be found to take her quite from Abradates, then to beſtow her for ever unto Mexaris: But then, (would he ſay preſently after) Is not Mexaris my Rival as much as the other? And is it ſufferable that any one ſhould marry the perſon one Loves? Ha! no, no, my deſign was never that Panthea ſhould be the wife of Mexaris: I would have Abradates defeated in his deſign of her, but I would never have her beſtowed upon his Rival and mine: Then (would he ſay after) upon better thoughts, Is it juſt, that to leſſen my own miſeries a little, I ſhould render that Princeſs whom I adore, the moſt unfortunate perſon upon earth? She, I ſay, who has given me a thouſand teſtimonies of her favour and eſteem, unto whom I never did, nor durſt diſcover my paſſion: She, I ſay, againſt whom I cannot complain, though ſhe ſhould for ever baniſh me, if I ſhould preſume to tell her that I loved her; and ſhe who might without injuſtice hate me, if ſhe knew what I did againſt her. In the mean time, I cannot allow her to be the wife of Abradates; and ſince I cannot enjoy her whom I do love, there is ſome Juſtice that ſhe who infuſed that cruel paſſion into my heart, ſhould taſt of the ſame miſery, in never marrying Abradates. After he had thus diſcourſed upon the matter, and conſidered the preſent ſtate of things, he phancied a courſe, by which he thought he might prevent both Mexaris and Abradates from marrying Panthea; and this was his project. Since the commitment of Cleander, Andramites, who conducted the Princeſs Mandana, and the Princeſs Palmis from Epheſus to [Page] Sardis, was in great favour with Croeſſus, and a particular friend unto Perinthus, who was with him every day, as well becauſe they often met together at Court, as becauſe Andramites being a Lover of Doraliſa, he Courted her, and followed her in all places, and by conſequence was very oft at the Prince of Claſomena's lodging, where Perinthus was a daily gueſt. This ſecret Lover then did proceit to prejudice Abradates in the opinion of Panthea's Father, and to prejudice Mexaris alſo by the interceſſion of Andramites, whom he deſigned to imploy unto Croeſſus: And not to defer the execution of his reſolves, he went to find out his friend: He told him, that the Princeſs Panthea having an invincible averſion to the Prince Mexaris, ſhe had imployed him to find out ſome courſe to defeat all the deſigns which he had upon her, and that he knew of no better way then addreſſes unto him, that he would be pleaſed to negotiate ſo with Croeſſus, that he ſhould not approve or conſent unto the match. Andramites, who loved Perinthus, and who hoped for ſome good offices from him towards Doraliſa; and who moreover knew that Croeſſus had reaſon to diſlike the Marriage between Mexaris and Panthea, did promiſe him to negotiate ſo effectually, that he would abſolutely hinder Mexaris from ever Marrying the Princeſs by the conſent of Croeſſus, for he knew the diſlike of that Prince unto this Alliance. Perinthus returned thanks with abundance of joy, and ſtayed not long for accompliſhment of his hopes, for within two daies after, Croeſſus did forbid Mexaris from thinking of any Marriage with Panthea, propoſing unto him another match. Since Mexaris was reſolved to look more high then formerly he uſed, he took this language very fiercely: But Croeſſus being tranſported with anger at an anſwer of ſo little reſpect, did talk unto him with ſuch Authority, that Mexaris was glad to ſubmit to be ſilent, and to retire, and I believe he would have left Sardis, if his Love to Panthea had not ſtayed him. In the mean time, fearing the Prince of Claſomena ſhould cool upon the matter, he went unto him, aſſuring him that he ſhould ere long prevail with the King, and conjuring him not to alter his intentions: The truth is, the Prince of Claſomena ſaw Mexaris ſo neer unto the Crown, that he promiſed him what he could deſire. You may imagine Madam, how great was the joy of Panthea, when ſhe heard of all the paſſages between Croeſſus and Mexaris, and how Abradates was raviſht at the defeat of his Rival: Since they knew not from whence this good fortune ſhould proceed, they did attribute it only unto Croeſſus, who out of reaſons of State did diſlike and oppoſe the Marriage; So that the firſt private meeting which Abradates had with Doraliſa about it, we conſumed two whole hours in diſcourſe of nothing elſe, and rejoycing at it. In the mean while, whil'ſt Andramites was thus negotiating with Croeſſus againſt Mexaris, Perinthus tranſacted ſecretly againſt Abradates with the Prince of Claſomena; So that hoping to hinder both Princes from injoying that perſon whom both they and he loved, he became more jocand and ſociable then he uſed to be. Mexaris for his part, conſidering what courſes were moſt expedient to take, ſeemed to comply unto the Kings commands, ſeeming to ſmother the paſſion which was in his ſoul, though his intentions alwayes were to marry Panthea, and ſo he aſſured the Prince her Father in ſecret. Whil'ſt theſe things were thus carried on, Andramites, who was deeply in Love with Doraliſa, (and had been ſo before he married that fair one, who died about a year ſince) deſired Perinthus to do him all the good offices he could unto Doraliſa, which Perinthus promiſed to do; and further telling him, that if his own endeavours would not prevail, he would beſeech the Princeſs to favour his deſires. Thus was Perinthus ingaged to return the favours of Andramites; ſo that he ſet himſelf not only to ſpeak in his advantage unto Doraliſa, but he deſired me alſo to ſpeak, which accordingly I did upon the firſt fit opportunity, though I told her it was at the inſtance of Perinthus. I think Madam, that I told you already, Doraliſa did much eſteem Perinthus; and perhaps, if ſhe had been able to infuſe ſuch thoughts into his heart as ſhe deſired, he ſhould have been tender enough towards her; and ſin [...]e it was ſo, it may eaſily be imagined, that though he was importunate in behalf of Andramites, yet he was ſo far from ſerving him, that he did rather did prejudice him, yet did ſhe return no uncivil anſwers, but in ſuch a manner as he might eaſily ſee he did not very great good office for his friend. Then Madam, to perplex Perinthus the more, It chanced, that the Princeſs, who breathed ſome hopes to marry the Prince Abradat [...]s, and did foreſee that ſhe ſhould then leave Sardis, ſhe reſolved by no means to loſe Doraliſa, and therefore did project to marrry her unto Perinthus, ſince ſhe knew that Doraliſa did much eſteem him, ſhe made no queſtion, but if he could or would expreſs any affection to her, ſhe would receive him very favourably. [Page] So that at his going out of Doraliſa's houſe, where he had been to ſolicite in behalf of Andramit [...]s, he received command to come unto the Princeſs: He was no ſooner with her, but ſhe told him that ſhe would give him ſome teſtimonies of her friendſhip. I have received ſo many already Madam, ſaid he unto her, that I need not wonder to find you ſo full of goodneſs: But do what I can Madam, I am afraid I ſhall dye in ingratitude. You may ſoon acquit your ſelf in point of gratitude (ſaid ſhe) if you pleaſe. I moſt humbly beſeech you Madam (ſaid he in haſte) tell me which way? By applying your ſelf a little more unto Doraliſa (ſaid ſhe unto him,) for Perinthus, you will much oblige me, if you look upon her as one whom I deſire you to marry, to the end I may not loſe her; and that engaging you both in my ſervice, we may be for ever inſeparable: I am ſure (ſaid ſhe, and would not give him time to ſpeak) that Doraliſa for all her talk does not think you in love, no more then I do; therefore knowing how much you eſteem her, and what the merit and fortune of this perſon is, I do not think this an unjuſt Propoſition, nor that you ought to refuſe it.

Panthea having ended her ſpeech, and Perinthus returned out of that maze which the motion of the Princeſs had put him into, he anſwered her with no leſs ſubtilty then civility, though with moſt ſenſible ſorrow. I think my ſelf moſt unhappy Madam (ſaid he unto her) that you ſhould deſire of me ſuch things as are both unjuſt and impoſſible; though you beleeve it to be ſo juſt and eaſie, yet it is neither the one nor the other. Why Perinthus (ſaid the Princeſs) is it any Injuſtice that one that is a moſt accompliſhed man, and one whoſe Soul is not already engaged, ſhould marry the moſt amiable and ſpritely woman upon Earth, and one who wiſhing for a heart that never was in love, finds ſuch a one in you? Yet Madam, replyed he, though I were ſuch a one as you ſpeak, I ſhould never pleaſe her; for Doraliſa expects to be loved, and truly I cannot love her otherwiſe then I ſhould do a Siſter. Yet I pray you ſeem as if you did more (replyed the Princeſs) and I ſhall think my ſelf much obliged; and though at the firſt you can love her no otherwiſe then as a Siſter, yet time may make you love her as your Wife. Truly Madam, replyed he, I cannot do more; for not knowing you had any ſuch deſign as this, I have ſpoke unto her with extream zeal in behalf of Andramites, who is ready to dye for love of her; and who is not only every way a more accompliſhed man then my ſelf, but is a man of much better fortunes then I: therefore Madam, though I ſhould take upon me to diſſemble a love, it would be to little purpoſe after all this: moreover, What might Andramites think of my falſe proceeding? and when you have well thought upon it, what would your ſelf think of me? Ha Perinthus (ſaid the Princeſs) though you will not obey me, yet however let me entreat you not to ſolicit for Andramites; for if it be poſſible I would not have Doraliſa married in Sardis. If the Prince Mexaris marry you (ſaid Perinthus to her) you will not loſe her though ſhe marry Andramites. 'Tis true, ſaid ſhe, but thanks be to the Gods I ſhall never marry him; but I have ſome Reaſons to think I ſhall ere long leave Sardis, and return into Claſomena. If the Prince Abradates (ſaid he to diſcover her mind) ſhould be ſo happy as to marry you, he would not carry you to Suſa, for his affairs are not ſo vvell compoſed for it; and I do not knovv vvhether or no Croeſſus vvould ſuffer him to dvvell in Claſomena. Hovvever it be (ſaid the Princeſs and bluſhed) I vvould not have Andramites marry Doraliſa, but vviſh vvith all my heart Perinthus vvould marry her. I cannot betray my truſt Madam, ſaid he to her and ſighed. I cannot conceive (replyed the Princeſs) but ſince you eſteem Doraliſa ſo much as you do, and alſo loves her, as you ſay, as much as if ſhe vvere your Siſter, but you may very eaſily obey me: For, as for Andrami [...]es, added ſhe, I vvill undertake to give him ſatisfaction. As ſhe vvas ſaying ſo, Doraliſa entered, vvho finding Perinthus alone vvith her, and imagining that he vvas deſiring her to ſpeak in favour of Andramites: For Heavens ſake Madam, ſaid ſhe unto Panthea, do me the favour to tell me vvhether I vvas not the ſubject of your diſcourſe? Indeed you vvere, replyed the Princeſs, and that ſo much, that vve ſpoke of nothing elſe. I do imagine, replyed Doraliſa, that Perinthus, to teſtifie unto you as vvell as unto me, that I have not very great ſhare in his heart, hath deſired you to ſolicit me in behalf of Andramites: but Madam, if he have, I beſeech you deny him, for I do not knovv that man in the World vvhich I vvould not marry before him: Yet he is a moſt compleat man, replyed Perinthus. 'Tis true, ſaid ſhe; but ſince queſtionleſs he loved the Lady which he married, who indeed was very fair and amiable he is not fit for my purpoſe, ſince I am reſolved to have none but ſuch a one as never loved any but my ſelf. As ſhe pronounced this laſt word, Andramites entered, who eaſily perceived that the endeaors of Perinthus had not been very propitious; for Doraliſa, whoſe ſpirits were incenſed, [Page] not knowing very well at what, did jeer that day extreamly, and ſo much the more, becauſe ſhe obſerved it pleaſed the Princeſs. Within a while after, much company coming in, and Andramites talking to her in a low voyce, ſhe brought him unto ſuch a paſs, as he did proteſt unto her, that he never loved any but her, no not his wife which he married. Fie Andramites (cryed ſhe out) how is it poſſible then you ſhould ever love me, me I ſay, who am neither ſo fair nor lovely as ſhe was: Then would he have told her that he could not love his Wife, becauſe he loved her at that ſame time, and that he never would have married her, but in obedience to his father: yet all theſe were but cold arguments to help him; for ſhe being tickled with the paſſage that he ſhould tell her he never loved his Wife, and ſeeing all the company departed but Perinthus and Andramites, ſhe began to laugh and jeer, and tell him as much as ever the moſt improſperous Lover could poſſibly deſerve: and ſince it was a moſt odd kind of Complement, that one who would perſwade another to marry him, ſhould tell her he never loved his Wife, the Princeſs could not chuſe but laugh alſo. But though Andramites would excuſe all by ſaying, the Reaſon was becauſe he could love none but her, yet all his arguments would not ſerve. Perinthus alſo, deſiring to teſtifie unto his friend that he was as zealous in his behalf as he could, did maintain that Doraliſa was much beholding to him for loving her better then his Wife, or for loving her ſo much that he could not love his Wife at all. But all the arguments they both could deviſe, were not able to convince Doraliſa. Perinthus was much perplexed, for he durſt not ſpeak ſo zealouſly in behalf of his friend, as he ſhould if the Princeſs had not ſpoke unto him; for he was afraid to ſpeak much to his advantage, leſt he ſhould incenſe her ſo, that he thought himſelf in a ſtrait confinement. After this, the Princeſs was often perſwading Perinthus to alter his deſign, but ſhe found him ſtill in an unalterable obſtinacy: ſhe did not yet acquaint Doraliſa with her project: I only did know of it; for ſhe being ſtill in hopes to change his mind, ſhe would not tell Doraliſa what reſiſtance ſhe found in him. In the mean while Perinthus durſt hardly look either upon the Princeſs or Doraliſa, but fell into an extream melancholy: As for Abradates, ſince his liberality had won him all the ſervants belonging to the Prince of Claſomena, he was informed by them who heard Perinthus ſpeak unto his Maſter, that he did ſolicit for Mexaris with all his zeal: ſo that going the very ſame hour unto Doraliſa to ask her advice whether he ſhould acquaint the Princeſs with it, or ſpeak unto Perinthus, he there underſtood by Andramites that it was Perinthus alſo which moved him to induce Croeſſus unto the hinderance of the marriage between Mexaris and Panthea: for though Doraliſa did treat him very coarſly, yet ſometimes ſhe would make him tell her any thing ſhe deſired to know: ſo that Abradates imparted unto her all that he knew, and ſhe afterwards all that Andramites told her unto him; and ſince theſe two things were contraries, yet ſeemed moſt certain they did extreamly perplex him. Then they determined not to beleeve any thing, nor to reſolve upon any courſe, until they knew what the Princeſs conceived upon the matter. Doraliſa went preſently to her, and told all that both Abradates and her ſelf did know; and particularly how Andramites (thinking doubtleſs to do a good office to Perinthus and himſelf alſo) told her that it was by his negotiation that Mexaris was out of favour with Croeſſus. Truly, replyed the Princeſs, if what Andramites reports be true, I am much obliged unto Perinthus; and if that which is told unto Abradates be true, I have great cauſe of complaint againſt him, ſince he knows I cannot endure Mexaris. That which admires me moſt, ſaid the Princeſs, is, that he who informed Abradates that Perinthus did ſolicit for Mexaris, is not a man likely to tell a lye; therefore I rather think it to be Andramites who tells the untruth. No Madam, ſaid Doraliſa, certainly Andramites did not invent it. Then muſt I be ſatisfied of my doubts (replyed the Princeſs) from Perinthus himſelf; for I know him to be a man of honour and ſincerity, who I am fully perſwaded will confeſs the truth of any thing whatſoever: So that defering no longer, ſhe ſent for Perinthus; and Doraliſa coming into my Chamber, ſhe left Panthea at liberty to examine Perinthus. As ſoon as he was come, ſhe looked attentively upon him; I pray Perinthus (ſaid ſhe unto him) tell me whether I muſt chide you or thank you? I think Madam, replyed he, you have not reaſon to do either; ſince I do not remember I ever did you any conſiderable ſervice to deſerve the one, and ſince I am ſure I never intended to diſpleaſe you ſo far as to deſerve the other: Nevertheleſs, ſaid ſhe, I am informed by one that you have done me an extraordinary piece of ſervice; and by another, that you have been extreamly perfidious: Tell me therefore Perinthus, have you obliged or diſobliged me? However I promiſe you to pardon the crime if you confeſs it: [Page] Tell me then Perinthus, what I muſt think of you? Madam, ſaid he unto her, when I ſhall know whereof I am accuſed, I will ſee if I can juſtifie my ſelf. To ſhew you (ſaid ſhe unto him) That I had rather commend then accuſe you: Tell me firſt whether it is to you that I am obliged for cauſing Croeſſus to be ſo ſharp with Mexaris? It is very true Madam (replyed he) that ſince I could not think Mexaris worthy of you, and having obſerved a great averſion in you towards him, I induced Andramites to ſpeak unto Croeſſus that he would break off that Marriage, which I knew would diſpleaſe you. Thus far, replyed Panthea, I am much obliged to you: But why then, in ſpeaking unto the Prince my Father, did you not negotiate according to my mind? And why were you ſuch a defender of Mexar [...]s to him?

Perinthus hearing the Princeſs, did change colour, and ſhe perceiving the alteration which appeared in his eyes, knew by it that there was ſome truth in the reports; yet notwithſtanding, ſince Love is never without an excuſe for any crime, Perinthus found one: I muſt confeſs Madam (ſaid he unto her) that your intelligence is good, and that in certain occaſions, wherein the Prince your Father was pleaſed to intimate unto me how fully he was reſolved to marry you unto the Prince Mexaris, I did not directly oppoſe his intentions, and my reaſon was, becauſe I knew that it was not in his power to execute them: Then did I perſwade him as well as I could, not to ſuffer this Prince to marry you without the conſent of Croeſſus, which I knew he could not obtain: I did ſometimes agree with him that Mexaris was a great Prince, who in all likelyhood one day would be King of Lydia: So that Madam, without any prejudice unto your intereſts, I preſerved my ſelf in his favour, but did not deprive my ſelf of any means to do you any ſerviceable office to him when occaſion ſhould ſerve. Your anſwer (replied the Princeſs) is full of wit, and ſeems alſo to be true, ſince there is no likely reaſons why you ſhould negotiate two contraries at one time: But yet ſince there is ſomething in your proceeding which is not ſuitable to your uſual manner of tranſacting, you ſhall repair the fault, by anſwering me ingenuouſly to what I ſhall ask you; therefore if you will perſwade me that your intentions were clear, give me an exact and faithful account of all that the Prince my Father ſaid unto you, concerning me; for ſince I ſhall never attempt any thing againſt his pleaſure, and ſince I never look but to be miſerable, I do not think my demand of you is unjuſt. I do promiſe you Madam (ſaid he very craftily) to tell you every thing which he ſaid concerning the Prince Mexaris. Do not alter my words, replied the Princeſs, but ingage your ſelf to tell me all that he ſaid concerning me. Perinthus, who knew well the Princeſs would not have ſpoke ſo, but becauſe ſhe would know what the Prince her Father ſaid unto him concerning Abradates, he was ſo non-pluſed, that he knew not what to anſwer; but at the laſt, ſince ſhe preſſed him very much; I am ſo afraid (ſaid he unto her) to tell you any thing which ſhall not pleaſe, that I am ſorry to be ingaged unto what you deſire me: The Princeſs wiſhed ſhe had the hardineſs to let him know that ſhe ſhould be no leſs obliged unto him for ſpeaking in behalf of Abradates, as for ſpeaking againſt Mexaris, but he could not do it; and I believe if ſhe had made that prayer unto him, he would either have ſunk down with ſorrowes, or elſe have expreſſed ſuch marks of his paſſion as ſhe would have perceived it. After this diſcourſe, Panthea did really believe that Perinthus had no other intentions but to imploy his fortunes in ſerving her, and poſſeſſed Abradates with the ſame opinion: But as for Doraliſa, ſhe was not ſo eaſily perſwaded into that belief, but on the contrary, all her ſuſpitions of the paſſion of Perinthus began to revive in her mind; yet ſince ſhe did really eſteem him, ſhe ſaid nothing to the Princeſs leſt ſhe ſhould injure him, yet ſhe could not chuſe but impart her thoughts unto me, after ſhe had made me promiſe her ſecreſie: At the firſt, I could not believe her ſerious, but afterwards my ſuſpitions were ſtronger then hers; I abſolutely concurred with the opinion of Doraliſa, and reſolved as well as ſhe, not to prejudice ſo excellent a qualified man as Perinthus was upon bare ſuſpitions, which perhaps were ill-grounded, ſince they were built only upon conjectures, which often are fallacious, and therefore I reſolved peremptorily not to ſpeak a word of any thing to the Princeſs; yet notwithſtanding, ſince this might grow unto ſome bad conſequences, we reſolved to obſerve him very circumſpectly, and to inform each other of our diſcoveries: I confeſs Madam, that I committed one piece of lightneſs in this buſineſs, in telling Doraliſa of that Propoſition which the Princeſs made unto him concerning her Marriage; but methought it ſo manifeſt a teſtimony of that paſſion which we ſuſpected, as I could not keep it from her: I had no ſooner [Page] told it, but I wiſht it in again, yet not long; not that I told it unto her in ſuch a manner as might give her any cauſe of complaint; yet for all that, I perceived it touched her ſo to the quick, that it made her bluſh. I leave you to conſider (ſaid I then unto her to pleaſe her) whether Perinthus, eſteeming you as he doth, and proffering ſo much friendſhip, would not have received that motion which the Princeſs made with much joy, though he had no love at all towards you, if ſhe had not been in Love with ſome other, and therefore it muſt be concluded that he is in Love with another, and that other is certainly the Princeſs. If he be in Love with Panthea (replied Doraliſa) I do pardon him with all my heart for the ſame paſſion which he is poſſeſſed with, will ſufficiently puniſh him for the folly of it: But if it be with any other, I will be revenged upon him, both for his refuſal, and the injury which the Princeſs hath done me, in making ſuch an offer without acquainting me. Doraliſa, maugre her anger, yet knew very well that the intentions of the Princeſs were very obliging; but however, ſhe would not complain ſo much againſt Perinthus, as againſt her. Since this time, this cloſe Lover could hardly hide himſelf from us, in all his actions and all his words, we thought we ſaw evident ſymptomes of his Love: Alſo we obſerved him ſo cloſely, that he perceived us, and asked the reaſon. Since he feared leſt the Princeſs ſhould acquaint Doraliſa with thoſe paſſages which were between them, and fearing alſo leaſt ſhe ſhould take them ill, he doubled his civilities towards her, not daring to ſpeak unto her of Andramites, whom Doraliſa at the deſire of the Princeſs did treat leſs ſeverely, ſince it was by his means Mexaris was croſſed in his deſigns. In the mean while, Mexaris building his hopes upon the word of the Prince of Claſomena, did wait for ſome favourable opportunity, either to alter the mind of Croeſſus, or to marry Panthea whether he would or no, if there were no other remedy; ſo that he lived a life full of anxiety, and hopes of a happy ſucceſs in his deſign: Abradates was more happy then he, for being ſure of Panthea's heart, that very thought ſweeten all his bitter hours, maugre all oppoſitions and obſtacles which croſſed his compleat happineſs: But as for the miſerable Perinthus, his life was a conſtant ſeries of ſorrows, yet he had his poor intervals of eaſe, to think that Panthea neither marrying Mexaris nor Abradates, perhaps would never Marry. He has told me ſince, that when he thought that ſuch a thing might perhaps be, he was almoſt as much joyed at the very thought of it, as any Lover could be in the injoyment of his Miſtriſs. Thus did things reſt for a certain time, whil'ſt the Love of Andramites unto Doraliſa made converſation very pleaſant, ſince certainly never was any fuller of witty, odd, and gallant expreſſions then this Lady was unto him, for as he alwayes affirmed, that he had never loved any but her: So ſhe told him alwayes, that if he had loved the wife he had loſt, he had not been for her humour; and if he had not loved her, then he was moſt unjuſt, ſince ſhe was very fair and lovely, and by conſequence ſhe would never marry one that had been an ill Husband. Upon a day then, when Mexaris and Abradates were both with the Princeſs, though the laſt of theſe came but ſeldome by the orders of Panthea: Doraliſa asked them, ſince they ſpoke unto her concerning Andramites, whether ſhe had not good reaſon to reject the deſires of a man, who never dropt a tear for the death of his Wife? If he had ſeen her die, (ſaid Abradates to her) and never grieved at it, only becauſe he looked upon her as an obſtacle unto his deſign to be loved by you, he is ſo far from being guilty of inſenſibility, that you ought to commend his conſtancy, and to recompence him for it. It is true, ſaid Doraliſa, in that reſpect I am obliged to him; But why would he marry her, if he loved me? And if he did not love me, why did he not grieve for her? But if he ſhould grieve for her, ſaid the Princeſs, he could not Love you? I confeſs it, replied ſhe, and he would be more happy in it, if he did not Love me: His happineſs would be very mean, replied Mexaris, who ſhould eternally lament the death of one he did love: And I aſſure you (anſwered Doraliſa, and ſmiled) that a living Miſtriſs, who is a little phantaſtical, is as troubleſome as any dead wife, though ſhe were the worſt in the world: Your arguments, replied Mexaris, are againſt your ſelf: There are a ſort of ſlight phancies (ſaid Abradates) which beauties were only as prety vanities, which are very troubleſome to thoſe that love them: And there are ſome alſo (replied Mexaris very coldly) unto whom they are advantages, and without reaſon makes them to be preferred before other, who do not value them: It may chance ſo, replied Abradates; but I for my part, who owe much reſpect unto Ladies, and have no leſs opinion of their judgment then of their wit, I am perſwaded the commonly happy Lovers deſerve to be ſo: You have reaſon doubtleſs (ſaid Doraliſa) [Page] and thoſe fault-finding Lovers who never ſpeak but are accuſing them they love, either of fantaſticalneſs, or want of Judgment, are certainly both fantaſtical and indiſcreet themſelves: ſuch men as theſe are they who are offended at any trivial matter, and think much better of themſelves then they deſerve, conceiving high injuſtice to be done them, if they be not accepted of, and eſteemed as much as they eſteem themſelves.

It's very true (ſaid the Princeſs, not being able to forbear) and I know ſome who do as you ſay: And I do know ſome alſo (ſaid Doraliſa) and perhaps the ſame you mean: but however, ſince Love is blind as well as Juſtice, it muſt operate in the hearts of Ladies as it ought to do in the hearts of Judges, to wit, without Partiality, or Conſideration of Greatneſs, or Quality, or Menaces, or Complaints of Pretenders: It ought to judg equally with equity upon the merit and ſervices of thoſe who offer them. Why then do you not judg in favour of Andramites, replyed Abradates? Becauſe I do not find it within the compaſs of my power, replyed ſhe; all the favour that I can do him, is not to judg him at all. Yet ſince you do beleeve, ſaid Mexaris, that Love makes all the compleat men in the World, why do you not think Andramites very accompliſhed, ſince certainly he loves you infinitely? I never ſaid, replyed ſhe, that all thoſe who are in love are compleat men; but that none can be perfectly compleat unleſs he have been in love: ſo that it is not for that reaſon I refuſe Andramites, whoſe merit is very high; but only becauſe if he did love his Wife, I cannot admit of him, ſince I will have ſuch a heart as never loved any; and if he did not love her, I ſhall much diſlike him, becauſe I conceive it was his duty to love her. The general Rule then, replyed Abradates, which ſaith that Love is a cauſe of Love, and that he which loveth cauſeth himſelf to be loved, holds not true, ſince Andramites cannot move your heart. The Rule you mention, replyed ſhe, is not general, and I ſhould be very ſorry it were. But that which hath cauſed this ſaying, which is known amongſt all Nations, and ſometimes found falſe, is certainly becauſe the true intention and meaning of thoſe who firſt made it a general Rule, was never underſtood: for indeed they did never intend that to love one ought infallibly to be loved: but their meaning as well as mine certainly was, that to move another to love it is requiſite to be loving: ſo that in ſaying unto a man, If thou deſireſt I ſhould love thee, then love me, I inſtruct him in the means to obtain his end, and to make that which is good in his heart to appear; and ſometimes that which is evil, added the Princeſs. Love though ought not to be blamed Madam (replyed Doraliſa) which certainly never infuſeth any evil inclinations: And as one cannot complain againſt the Sun (which I always compare with Love) becauſe it nouriſheth a thouſand venomous vermin at the very ſame time that it blancheth the Lillies, and Rubies the Roſes: ſo Love ought not to be accuſed for the buſineſs of ſome leud Lovers that are in the World, ſince it inſpires only heroique actions, and cauſeth men to practiſe all the virtues, who without this paſſion were perhaps men of rude Souls: If men be bad, the fault is not in Love, but them: if the dunghill ſtink when the Sun ſhines upon it, the fault is not in the Sun, but in the dunghill. The Princeſs laughed heartily at the expreſſions of Doraliſa, and ſo did Abradates: But as for Mexaris, he was much netled; and the more, becauſe Doraliſa bolted out a hundred things which touched him to the quick: and once he obſerved, that when Abradates and Doraliſa looked upon one another, they ſmiled and winked in deriſion; and that Abradates by a nod of his head ſeemed to thank Doraliſa for all her bitter jeers which ſhe had vented. So that theſe things exaſperating his ſpirit, he ſpoke not a word that day, unleſs ſome ſhort and ſharp words to Abradates, who anſwered him with as much reſolution, as the Reſpect which he owed unto the Princeſs, and the Quality of his Rival, would permit him. Since ſhe obſerved the perplexities of Mexaris, ſhe endeavored to ſweeten the Converſation; and indeed the colour of this Prince ſeeming to cool a little, ſhe did not ſuſpect any ill conſequence of it. They went both from the Princeſs at the ſame time, for when Mexaris ſaw that Abradates was going, he took leave of the Princeſs alſo, and would needs be gone, though ſhe deſired to ſtay him: When they were at the bottom of the ſtairs, Mexaris talked with one of his men in a low voyce; and afterwards asked Abradates, if he would walk [...] turn in the Gardens of the Palace which were cloſe by; and Abradates anſwered, he would wait upon him; ſo they went out; Mexaris being waited upon by eight or ten of his men, and Abradates with the like number. As ſoon as they were in the Garden, Mexaris carryed Abradates into a great Walk, where none were preſent; and after he had beckened unto his men that they ſhould not follow, he ſtood ſtill, and looked upon Abradates with an imperious aſpect: I have had intentions a long time (ſaid he unto him) [Page] to ſpeak unto you; but my hopes, that of your ſelf, you would do that which a thouſand Reaſons require you ſhould, hath moved me to defer it till now, to advertiſe you, that you do not carry your ſelf, as the Son unto the Queen of Suſiana, my Siſter, ought to do: For though my age do not much differ from yours, yet I muſt exact from you ſome difference, both as you are my Nephew, and as you are an Exile, come unto this Court for Refuge, where I ought to be preferred before you. Sir (replyed Abradates with a bold civility) I do not know that I have failed in any reſpects which I owe you, either as being ſon unto the Queen of Suſiana, or as I am come for Refuge unto a place where indeed you are very conſiderable, and therefore I think I may ſafely ſay, that your complaints againſt me are unjuſt, and your manner of complaint is a little too high. Your dayly actions, replyed Mexaris, are much more injurious to me, for you cannot be ignorant of my devoted affection unto the Princeſs of Claſomena, and yet you apply your ſelf too obſequiouſly in your Courtſhip of her. Though the manner of your language, replyed Abradates, might perhaps make me excuſable, if I ſhould not render you an account of my actions and deſigns, yet the reſpect which I owe you as Brother unto the Queen my Mother, and unto the King, who gives me protection in his Court, obligeth me to tell you, that I loved the Princeſs of Claſomena from the very firſt inſtant that ever I ſaw her, and I did not know any thing of your paſſion to her, until ſuch time as I was not able to be Commander of my own: Alſo underſtanding that Croeſſus would never approve of your Marriage with her, I conceived it would be no great injury unto you, if I uſed my beſt endeavors to obtain a happineſs which you could never enjoy. But can you think, ſaid Mexaris, that the ſame Reaſon of State, which moves the King not to conſent I ſhould marry one who would render me too potent in his Kingdom, will ever permit you who are a ſtranger to marry her? No, no, Abradates, let not this imagination delude you, but be aſſured that it is not the will of Croeſſus you ſhould think of this Alliance: And conſider further, if you be wiſe, that the Prince of Claſomena will never beſtow his Daughter upon an exil'd Prince. Hitherto, replyed Abradates, I have ſpoke unto you as I am Son unto the Queen of Suſiana, as a Prince protected in Lidia, and as Nephew unto the Prince Mexaris; but now I will ſpeak to you as a Lover of Panthea, as one who knows not how to yeild unto any, and as one who will love and ſerve her as long as he lives: The truth is, ſaid he, if the caſe were ſo as that the Princeſs of Claſomena ſhould make choyce of you, then I had nothing elſe to do but dye; and I have ſo high a reſpect of her, though not of you, as to dye without complaint: but ſince ſhe makes no ſuch choyce, be pleaſed to know, that I will not alter my courſe. Though you were in Suſa, replyed Mexaris, and I an Exile protected there as you are in Lidia, you could not ſpeak more haughtily and boldly then you do. I ſhould then ſpeak more mildly, replyed Abradates, becauſe I know it unworthy to inſult over thoſe that are miſerable: And is it not as unworthy (anſwered Mexaris) to refuſe thoſe Reſpects which are due unto Protectors? I ſhall never neglect them I owe unto the King of Lidia, replyed Abradates; and I am ſorry that Love ſhould force me unto that which I do againſt a Prince ſo neer unto him. I muſt have better ſatisfaction (replyed Mexaris very fiercely,) for if you do not abſolutely renounce Panthea, I muſt call you to an account with a Sword in your hand. I will do all I can, replyed Abradates, to do neither the one nor the other. But you muſt (anſwered Mexaris) and that quickly, therefore reſolve with your ſelf which of them you will chuſe. Since you force me to tell you, replyed Abradates, I will preſerve Panthea, I will defend my ſelf, and not aſſault you, unleſs I muſt in my own defence: This is all Sir, that either Love or Reſpect can exact from me: I wiſh that I were able to yeild the Princeſs of my Soul unto you, but indeed I cannot: and though my reſolution is to do nothing againſt thoſe Reſpects I owe you, yet will I not do any thing againſt my Love. When Abradates had ſaid this, he ſaw Mexaris go towards a thick Buſh which grew cloſe by a Chriſtal Fountain in the middle of a Walk; and that he pull'd out two Swords, giving him one, and ſaying, that ſince he could not yeild Panthea, he ſhould win her if he could, for he would diſpute it with him until death. Abradates at the firſt would not take it, but only to defend himſelf from the blows of Mexaris, in whoſe face he ſaw ſo much fury as might well exaſperate him: but when he ſaw that the better language he gave him, and the more he recoyled, the more did his choller augment, and more furiouſly did he aſſault him, Love and Jealouſie being at laſt ſtronger then his reſpects unto Mexaris, he then kept his ground, and fought like one that would vanquiſh. In the mean time, ſince I beleeve you deſire to know how Mexaris could find theſe two Swords in the Buſh; be pleaſed to remember, that I told you [Page] at their going from the Princeſs, that Prince whiſpered with one of his ſervants? and let me tell you, that he then commanded him to carry thoſe two Swords unto the place appointed, which was very remarkable, becauſe of the Fountain neer it; and after this command executed, he charged him with another, purpoſely to ſend him away from that place, and appointed him to go and ſeek for a man that dwelt in the furtheſt part of all Sardis, expreſſely charging him not to ſpeak a word of theſe two Swords.

But as he went out of the Garden to ſeek this man his Maſter ſent him unto, he met one of the Princeſs ſervants at the door, who was his intimate friend, unto whom he imparted his buſineſs, and asked his advice, for the ſervant of Mexaris thought that his Maſter intended to fight with him he ſent for: But the Princeſs ſervant having more wit then he, and knowing that Mexaris and Abradates went out together, he ſuſpected ſome miſchief; and after he had adviſed him rather to return into the Garden, then go upon his meſſage, and to tell his Maſter how he underſtood the man he ſent him unto was not at home, he himſelf went haſtily unto the Princeſs, whom he found in diſcourſe with Perinthus, and acquainted her with what he knew: He had no ſooner ſpoke it, but the Princeſs cried out, and changed colour ſo much, that Perinthus could not chuſe but ſee what a particular intereſt ſhe took in the life of Abradates; for he knew her cares could not be for the other. I leave you to judg Madam, in what a pittiful perplexity he was, when looking upon the Princeſs, he ſaw her eyes all tears, and fears for the death of Abradates; and ſince ſhe knew, that in ſuch occaſions as this, a very minute is precious, ſhe came to Perinthus, entreating him with extream earneſtneſs: My dear Perinthus (ſaid ſhe unto him) you will infinitely oblige me, if you will go and prevent all miſchief that may enſue upon this quarrel; and to oblige you to make more haſt, let me tell you, that it will be the moſt conſiderable ſervice that I ever injoyned you: You moy eaſily judg how Perinthus was ſurprized and vexed at this imployment which the Princeſs did put him upon; he offered to ſpeak two or three times, but the Princeſs would not hear, but bad him make all haſt; So that poor Perinthus much againſt his mind, went to part two men, whom he would rather have fought with if he durſt: True it is, he was not the firſt that came in, for the claſhing of Swords being heard by thoſe who were in other walks, they ran in with all haſt, yet came too late alſo, for the combate was firſt ended. I ſhall not relate unto you Madam all the paſſes of it, it will ſuffice to tell you, that Abradates was Conquerour, and Mexaris wounded and diſarm'd, and confeſſing that Abradates was of an invincible valour. But I beſeech you Madam, imagine a little, what might be the cogitations of Perinthus, when in the incertainty of the event of this combate, he went unto theſe two Princes: He hath ſince confeſſed unto me, that he could never compoſe or reconcile himſelf unto his own wiſhes; Sometimes he wiſhed them both killed, ſometimes that at leaſt Abradates were vanquiſhed, and ſometimes again, finding much injuſtice and baſeneſs in his wiſhes, he wiſhed his own death, eſpecially when he reflected upon the ſorrows and fears of Panthea, leaſt any misfortune ſhould befal Abradates: Moreover, to his further miſery, he met this illuſtrious Conquerour of Mexaris, whom one of his friends with chance brought into the Garden, did follow him; and to compleat the miſeries of Perinthus, Abradates no ſooner ſaw him, but he addreſſed himſelf to him: If I can without any incivility (ſaid he unto him) deſire you to tell the Princeſs of Claſomena, that it is ſhe only who hath preſerved me from being vanquiſhed by Mexaris, I will deſire ſo much favour from you; and to aſſure her that I attribute the happy ſucceſs of my combate, unto the paſſion which I have towards her. Perinthus was ſo confounded with this diſcourſe, that he ſilently hearkned unto it, without any other anſwer then profound reverence. But Abradates taking his ſilence for a conſent unto his deſires left him, and went to expect what Croeſſus would think of his action. In the mean while, many of the Court did tranſact in his behalf, and amongſt the reſt Andramites, who to ſerve Perinthus, had diſſwaded Croeſſus from conſenting unto the Marriage between Mexaris and Panthea, did now all he could to appeaſe this Prince, thinking it as ſerviceable to Perinthus as the other: So that Croeſſus was ſo qualified, that he reflected all the fault upon his Brother, and excuſed Abradates: It was alſo his pleaſure they ſhould imbrace each other as ſoon as Mexaris was recovered: But the moſt cruel part for Abradates was, that Perinthus moved Andramites to perſwade the King, that the only way to prevent all future quarrels between them, was to charge them both equally not to think of any Marriage [Page] with Panthea: And Andramites to colour the matter, told Croeſſus, that the Princeſs her ſelf was in ſuch fears leſt either of theſe two Princes ſhould come to untimely death, by reaſon of her, that ſhe her ſelf deſired it; ſo that Croeſſus charged them both to give over all thoughts of her: 'Tis true, he ſpoke unto theſe two Rivals in different manners; for he abſolutely commanded Mexaris, and entreated Abradates, treating the one as a Subject, and the other as a Stranger, yet notwithſtanding they could not reſolve to promiſe him obedience, ſaying alwayes, that Love was ſuch a Soveraign paſſion, as they could not ſo readily ſurmount it; yet they ſpoke this with ſo much reverence unto Croeſſus, out of fears to incenſe him, leſt he ſhould ſend them both out of Sardis, that their reſiſtance did not offend, and Croeſſus believed they intended obedience, though they proteſted that they thought it impoſſible. Thus it happened, that the Conquerour was no happier then the Conquered, and Perinthus was only he who reaped the fruit of Abradates his Victory out of his joyes, to hope that the Princeſs ſhould Marry neither him nor Mexaris: But Madam, the paſſage was rare, when Perinthus returned to render an account unto the Princeſs of the combat, for though ſhe heard of others, yet ſince every one is glad to have repetitions of any thing which pleaſeth, or which they have any intereſt in: Perinthus was no ſooner come unto her, Doraliſa and my ſelf being preſent, but ſhe ſpoke unto him: Well Perinthus (ſaid ſhe unto him with much joy in her eyes) Thanks be to the Gods, the Prince Abradates and the Prince Mexaris are both alive: They are Madam, replied he, but the laſt of theſe is wounded: 'Tis true, ſaid ſhe, but ſince I underſtand his wounds are not dangerous, I cannot chuſe but rejoyce that their combat proved not more fatal: I conceive Madam, replied he, that whoſoever underſtands the true ſence of your words, will think Abradates more glorious in your language, then in his di [...]arming Mexaris. However it be (ſaid ſhe, and bluſhed) give me an exact relation of the combat. Perinthus now was extreamly put to it, and not being able himſelf to ſet forth the glory of his Rival, whom he ſaw was too deep in the heart of his Princeſs already, he told her, that he could not truly do it, for the friends of Mexaris reported one way, and the friends of Abradates another, but the principal of all was what ſhe knew already, that Abradates received not a wound, and that Mexaris was wounded. It is very ſtrange Perinthus (ſaid Doraliſa, and laughed, and who knew as well as I did the true cauſe why he would not ſatisfie the Princeſs) you ſhould be ſo ill informed of this combat: For my part (ſaid ſhe further to diſcover his thoughts) had I been at any Ball, and the Princeſs ſhould preciſely ask me what paſſed there, certainly I ſhould have related every thing with the leaſt circumſtance ſhe ſhould know, whether the Hall were ill or well furniſhed, who danced moſt, which Ladies were beſt dreſſed, and moſt fair, which of the men was the greateſt Gallant, who talked long with ſuch a one, and who with ſuch a one; and ſhe ſhould know every trivial paſſage of the Aſſembly ſo perfectly, as if ſhe were there preſent. In the mean time, you who are a brave and gallant man in lieu of relating every circumſtance, as I could have done, does only tell the Princeſs that Mexaris is wounded, and that Abradates is Conquerour. 'Tis very true (ſaid the Princeſs, and ſmiled) Perinthus is to blame: I ſhould have thought it Madam, replied he, no great diſcretion to relate a combat unto Ladies, in the ſame manner as it ſhould be related unto men: It had not been handſom indeed, ſaid Doraliſa, to have related Wars and Battels, or your own peculiar Victories: But for a ſingle Duel, and a combat wherein you have no intereſt, and which is fought between two Princes of ſuch eminency, it ought to be exactly related. I ſhall better inform my ſelf another time (replied he) and remember your inſtructions hereafter: Hereafter, ſaid the Princeſs, Heavens forbid you e're be put unto it. Panthea ſpoke this with ſuch an Empheſis, that Perinthus knowing thereby her thoughts, was dumb for a quarter of an hour together; during vvhich time, Doraliſa talking on as ſhe begun, did almoſt make him diſpair. But to return from whence I tranſgreſſed, give me leave to tell you Madam, that Abradates vvas ſo ſad to ſee that in conquering Mexaris he vvas not the better, as it vvas impoſſible he ſhould be more, though it vvas ſome comfort to ſee himſelf in better ſtate then his Rival, yet he thought himſelf moſt unfortunate: When the Princeſs knevv it, ſhe vvas alſo much troubled, though her care vvas not to ſhevv it: So as the firſt time that Abradates met her at Doraliſa's houſe, there paſſed ſuch diſcourſe betvveen them, as did confirm their amity: The Princeſs kept ſtill in thoſe limits vvhich ſhe had preſcribed unto her ſelf, never to Marry Abradates vvithout the conſent of the Prince her Father, but never to Marry Mexaris, vvhat violence ſoever ſhe vvas put unto. Thus [Page] that which in appearance ſhould quench their Paſſions, did render them more ſtrong; and Perinthus in ſtriving to prejudice Abradates did againſt his will do him better ſervice then if he had endeavored it. This cloſe Lover yet did think himſelf more happy then he was before the Combat of theſe two Rivals: for though he knew very well, that the heart of Panthea was deeply engaged, yet he had ſome hopes that ſeeing ſhe could not marry Abradates, ſhe would ſtrive to exclude him out of her mind; in ſo much as we perceived him more pleaſant and free then he uſed to be. As for Mexaris, he was ſo melancholy, that none living could be more; not but that he had ſtill good words from the Prince of Claſomena, but ſince words are but wind, and Perinthus kept him from beſtowing his daughter without the Kings conſent, he was no leſs unquiet: In the mean while Abradates and he lived with a cold kind of civility to each other, ſuch as ſeemed to be an inclination to another Quarrel. Since the King did not forbid them ſeeing of Panthea, but only from thoughts of marriage, they often met at her houſe; but more often in other places, leſt they ſhould too much incenſe Croeſſus. Thus did they live a kind of compulſive and unpleaſant lives; yet Abradates was much leſs miſerable then his Rival; ſince he did not only know himſelf not hated, but ſo much in favour with the World, that the Princeſs never went unto any place, but he had intelligence of it the very ſame hour: For ſince he was liberal unto all, his Intelligencers were moſt exactly true and faithful to him: And I am confident there was not a man of a condition whatſoever, neither about the Prince of Claſomena, nor about the Princeſs his daughter, which was not moſt really for him, except Perinthus.

On the contrary, the avarice of Mexaris was ſuch, that he had not any intelligence ſo much as from his own ſervants, ſo that he knew no more but what every one knew. After then he had lived thus ſome certain days, he fell upon a moſt unjuſt and violent Reſolution, which was, to carry away Panthea, if he could not by any means win the Prince of Claſomena to let him marry the Princeſs his Daughter ſecretly. As he entertained theſe thoughts, News was brought, that the Princeſs Baſilina Aunt unto Panthea was ſick of a mortal diſeaſe: Upon this the Princeſs, who did moſt tenderly love her, beſeeched her Father that ſhe might go and pay her laſt duties unto her who had been ſo dear unto her. Since her deſire was juſt, ſhe eaſily obtained it; and the Prince of Claſomena himſelf had gone this Voyage, if he had not been advertiſed that Croeſſus would not be pleaſed with it: his Reſolutions then were, that Panthea ſhould go alone, and that Perinthus ſhould be a Conductor; which employment you may imagine he moſt joyfully undertook; yet was he vexed to leave Mexaris with the Prince her Father and his Maſter, unleſs he had been with him alſo: yet notwithſtanding, the ſatisfaction he ſhould have to be with the Princeſs out of ſight of all his Rivals, did carry him above all other conſiderations. In the mean while, Panthea conſidering that ſhe ſhould ſtand in need of ſome comfort in this ſorrowful Voyage, deſired the Aunt of Doraliſa, with whom ſhe lived, to let her Niece go with her, which ſhe granted as willingly as Doraliſa wiſhed it: ſo that the next morning we departed, and went to Claſomena. Abradates reſented this ſeparation extream ſadly; and the greateſt aggravation of his ſorrows was, that ſince this Journey was ſo haſtily undertaken, he could not bid adieu unto the Princeſs in private: ſo that but for me he had not known that ſhe wiſhed him to remember her during this abſence. I ſhall not tell you Madam, how melancholy the Princeſs was all the Voyage, nor how great her ſorrows were, when arriving in Claſomena we found the Princeſs Baſilina ſo very ill, that there was no hopes of her Recovery: This Madam would be too tedious unto you: But give me leave to tell you, that four days after our firſt arrival this excellent Princeſs dyed; whoſe death Panthea took ſo heavily, that ſhe fell ſick her ſelf; ſo that ſhe could not return ſo ſoon to Sardis: for though her diſeaſe was not very violent, yet it was ſo great as to hinder her from travel; ſo that Perinthus enjoyed a longer happineſs then ere he looked for, in being free from the ſight of his Rivals, and continually ſeeing his Princeſs; and indeed he became ſo blith and pleaſant whileſt-we ſtayed at Claſomena, that the Princeſs would not admit of any company but his, Doraliſa, and mine: ſo that it may not unfitly be ſaid, that as Roſes grow amongſt thorny prickles, ſo the delights of Perinthus did grow amongſt his ſorrows: 'Tis true, his ſweets did laſt no longer then the ſweets of a fading Roſe: For beſides, that Love is an enemy to reſt and ſerenity, he and his delights were blaſted by a ſtinging Letter from Andramites; for it brought him news, that Mexaris was perpetually as cloſe to the Prince of Claſomena, as if he were his ſhadow: yet for all this, ſince the Princeſs was not amongſt them, they could not put their Reſolutions into [Page] execution; he hoped therefore that as ſoon as he ſaw the Prince of Claſomena, he would make him alter his deſign if he had any which were contrary to his intentions: So that his trouble at it was not ſo great as his ſatisfaction to be ſo near his Princeſs, and ſo far off his Rivals, but there vvas another paſſage vvhich vvas a much more better Pill unto him; for be pleaſed to know Madam, that the Prince Abradates, not being able to live ſo long without ſome news of Panthea, did write twice every Week conſtantly as long as we ſtayed in Claſomena unto either Doraliſa or my ſelf; or to ſay better unto the Princeſs, ſince the Contents of them all related only unto her: at the firſt he intimated his ardent deſires of obtaining licenſe to write unto her ſelf; but ſhe would not by any means permit it leſt by any accident his Letters ſhould miſcarry: but as for thoſe which were written unto Doraliſa and me, they were written in ſuch an ambiguous manner, as they would admit of ſeveral interpretations: So that the Princeſs heard from Abradates almoſt without any danger, and Abradates underſtood from us as much as he deſired to know. But the better to make our matters myſterious, we intimated unto Abradates, that when we vvould mention any thing unto him vvhich concerned the Princeſs, it ſhould be under the name of Perinthus: ſo that you may imagine that the Name of Perinthus vvas in all our Letters. It chanced once as ill luck vvas, vvhen Perinthus came to Doraliſa's Chamber as ſhe vvas vvriting unto Abradates; and though it vvas alvvays her cuſtom vvhen ſhe vvrit, to appoint her Woman that vvaited upon her, to let none enter before ſhe vvas firſt acquainted, yet ſhe did not exactly obey her all that time, but on the contrary, ſhe vvanting ſomething vvhich vvas in another Room, ſhe vvent out, unperceived by her Miſtreſs, and left the door open, hoping to return ere any came: but vvhileſt ſhe ſtayed talking vvith ſome of the Princeſs Women, Perinthus came in, vvho hearing no noiſe in the Chamber, thought that either none vvas there, or elſe that Doraliſa vvas ſick: but to ſatisfie himſelf he vvent in, and ſavv that ſhe vvas behind a Screen, vvriting upon a table oppoſite unto a great Glaſs, and her back tovvards him: Since Doraliſa's mind vvas very intent upon her Writing, ſhe never minded any noiſe, and therefore it is no vvonder if ſhe did not hear Perinthus enter, vvho being full of curioſity to ſee vvhat ſhe vvrit, that he might have ſome ſubject to tvvit her vvith, as ſhe had often him, did go tovvards her, and did tread as ſoftly as if ſhe had been aſleep, and he afraid to vvake her: at laſt he came cloſe to her, and leaning his head almoſt over her ſhoulder, he read vvhat ſhe vvrit unto Abradates; yet, could he not knovv unto vvhom this Letter vvas addreſſed: but he vvas much amazed vvhen the firſt vvord he read vvas his ovvn Name; his curioſity augmented, and he read all ſhe had vvrit, vvhich, as I remember, vvas in theſe vvords:

Perinthus yeſterday ſpoke unto me concerning you in ſuch an obliging way, that I wiſh you knew what we ſaid in your Commendations: your laſt Letter ſeemed unto him the moſt pleaſant in the world, and ſo admirably politick, that I read it no leſs then thrice unto him: You may well know, that ſince he did ſo commend you for it, I dare not after him: I have many other things to ſay, which unto you are more—

As Doraliſa had writ this laſt word, and Perinthus read it with extream impatience to ſee the ſequel, that thereby he might underſtand the beginning, which was like unto a Riddle to him, knowing that Doraliſa never ſhewed him any Letter; ſhe lifted up her eyes, and looking in the Glaſs which was oppoſite to her, ſhe ſaw Perinthus reading her Letter over her ſhoulder. She no ſooner ſpyed him but ſhe cryed out; Fie, fie, Perinthus (ſaid ſhe and hid her Letter) have you forgot that reſpect which is due unto our Sex? Why, why, fair Doraliſa (ſaid he unto her and ſmiled) are you making me ſpeak things I never thought upon? I pray let me ſee this Letter which you ſay I thought ſo pleaſant, and which was ſo polite, that I read it no leſs then three times. Doraliſa then perceiving that he had read all ſhe writ, thought it better to turn it into rallery, then make a ſerious matter of it, thinking that the more angry ſhe was, the more would he apprehend it myſterious: alſo ſince thoſe that uſe to play upon others, cannot well take ſo much liberty unto themſelves, unleſs they allow it unto others: ſo ſhe thought that ſhe had no reaſon to be angry with Perinthus, becauſe ſhe had played him a hundred ſuch tricks in her life; ſo that changing her countenance, and beginning to laugh and read the Letter, to gain more time for the explanation of it, Perinthus deſired to read it alſo, and ſhe not denying, he read it word for word. I pray Doraliſa, ſaid he unto her, why did your Pen drop ſuch a lye as this, and to whom do you tell it? for I am certain, that all the day yeſterday you [Page] did not ſpeak one word unto me; yet you tell the perſon unto whom you write, that I ſpoke a hundred times of her yeſterday in a moſt obliging manner: And you add further, that her laſt Letter was very pleaſant; and you told all theſe with ſuch a confidence, that you amazed me: However, ſaid Doraliſa, I am confident, I did you no ill office, for in ſaying all this, I ſaid nothing in your diſadvantage; but on the contrary, ſaid that you acknowledg'd it for a Polite and pleaſant Letter, and that I durſt not give her any commendations after you.

I beſeech you Doraliſa (ſaid he unto her) tell me, and ſhew me this that I commended ſo, otherwiſe I ſhall be much incenſed: Truly, anſwered ſhe, if I were a bad friend I ſhould ſhew it; but to let you ſee that I am a good one, know that a Lady in Sardis, who for her honour I will not name, did write a Letter unto me, which to ſhew her wit, ſhe hath ſtuffed full of Fuſtian and big words, which ſignifie nothing: So that knowing by her ſtile ſhe loves to be commended, doubtleſs I did her that office in the higheſt manner, ſince I told her ſhe had your commendations: I ſhould believe you Doraliſa, replied he, if you would ſhew me this her Letter: Since perhaps you are acquainted with her hand (replied Doraliſa) I will not ſhew it unto you. In the mean time, Perinthus, added ſhe, I pray leave me the liberty to finiſh out my Letter: Really, ſaid he, I do believe this is a buſineſs of ſome earneſt, for at the place where you left, it ſeems you had more matters to expreſs then complements: 'Tis true (replied Doraliſa, and laughed) therefore I deſire you to leave me: I cannot, ſaid he; for to be plain with you, I do not believe a word of all this you have told me: What do you believe then (ſaid ſhe unto him?) I know not what to believe or think, yet I am the moſt miſtaken man alive, if this Letter do not contain ſome cloſe ſecrets: If you think ſo, ſaid Doraliſa, then you are unreaſonable to preſs unto a diſcovery of it, ſince you know ſecrets are ſuch things as our friends muſt tell us themſelves, and we ought not to ask them: If I had not ſeen my name in your Letter, replied he, doubtleſs I ſhould be more diſcreet: But ſince you are ſo bold as to tell three or four lies of me, I thought I might be as bold in asking you the truth of thoſe things which I deſire to know: What would you know? (replied Doraliſa.) I would know, ſaid he, unto whom you direct your Letter: I have already told you, replied ſhe, that I will not; all that I can do for your ſatisfaction is to proteſt moſt ſolemnly, that all I have or ſhall write unto her, does not at all relate unto your intereſt: For Heavens ſake (ſaid Perinthus) do not uſe me thus, for if you refuſe me this, I ſhall relate the ſtory of it, not only to every one here, but unto all the Court alſo when I return to Sardis: Perinthus is ſo diſcreet (replied Doraliſa) that I do not fear he will ſo far incenſe me: Doraliſa has been often ſo waggiſh with me, replied he, that Perinthus would not be much to blame, if he were once in his life revenged: When you have told all you can, replied ſhe, What then will the iſſue be? The iſſue doubtleſs will be (anſwered Perinthus) that they will know you keep a ſecret correſpondence with ſome or other: They know well enough already (replied ſhe, and ſmiled) that I have not yet found this compleat man I look for; therefore my reputation will not be wounded by any thing you can ſay againſt me. Perhaps (ſaid Perinthus then, and looked ſtedfaſtly upon her) you negotiate in behalf of ſome other, and perhaps alſo you have leſs intereſt then I have in the ſecret meaning of this Letter: I ſhould have thought, replied Doraliſa, that a man who will not open his own ſecrets unto any, would not be ſo preſſing to know the ſecrets of others: However it be, ſaid he, I have ſuch an extream deſire to be ſatisfied in what I ask of you, or that you will confeſs it unto me if I can gueſs at it, that there is nothing which I will not willingly do to oblige you unto it: Let me then know what you gueſs it to be, ſaid ſhe, and afterwards I ſhall know how far I can anſwer. As they were upon theſe tearms I chanced to enter., not knowing of any conteſt betwixt them: And ſince the Princeſs feared that Doraliſa had not writ unto Abradates obligingly enough, I came to tell her ſhe ſhould not ſeal up her Letter before ſhe ſhewed it unto the Princeſs. To acquit my ſelf of this imployment, I whiſpered my meſſage into her ear, but as low as I whiſpered it, Perinthus heard it as well as Doraliſa: So that comparing what I told Doraliſa, unto what he had read in her Letter, he believed that this Letter which the Princeſs deſired to ſee, was the ſame which included his name, and he made no further ſcruple of it, but that this myſterious Letter related unto the Princeſs and Abradates. Doraliſa then offered to tell me the paſſage vvhich vvas betvveen them, but Perinthus cared no more for this Rallary, and riſing up to go avvay: I need not ask you any more, (ſaid he unto her) for I knovv it already, vvithout putting you to the trouble [Page] of telling it. Doraliſa ſeeing a great alteration in his countenance, feared leaſt he ſhould ſpeak ſomething in prejudice of the Princeſs, and therefore ſhe ſtayed him: Then telling me in three vvords the ſubject of their quarrel, to let me underſtand vvhat I ought to ſay, and to perſvvade him alſo that there vvas no myſtery in the Letter, I did vvhat I could to make him believe all this vvas but a piece of Doraliſa's ſporting Wit, vvhich vvas in a frolique humour; but I perceived he did not believe me, and ſo certainly he left us. He vvas no ſooner gone out of the Chamber, but Doraliſa and I called him back again. Upon a little conſultation together, vve concluded it better that Perinthus alone ſhould ſuſpect ſomething, then that he ſhould tell this paſſage unto ſome ſuch men as vvould tell it unto a thouſand, vvhich might produce ill conſequences. Perinthus then being returned into Doraliſa's Chamber, we ſeriouſly entreated him not to reveal this paſſage between him and her; telling him, (to the end he ſhould not deny us, and alſo to deceive him) that e're long we would acquaint him with the truth of the matter. No, no, (replied Perinthus with a hollow kind of expreſſion) I will not reveal this ſecret which is ſo dear unto you, never fear it; I reſpect the perſon to whom it relates, more then to have any ſuch thought. Doraliſa and I would have ſaid more unto him, but he went away without giving us, or we giving him any other anſwer. In the mean time, we reſolved to hinder him from acquainting the Princeſs with this accident, leſt it ſhould too much trouble her, and thought it better to comply with him, and tell exactly what he could gueſs it to be, yet we could not meet with a ready opportunity for it, for none that belonged to the Princeſs could ſee him that day, not that he had ſhut up himſelf to conceal his melancholy, but that he was gone to ſee if he could diſcover whether any of Abradates his men were in Claſomena; and indeed his queſt was not in vain, for he found out by a ſtrange chance, that there was a man lodged in the Captain of the Caſtles houſe, who would not be ſeen; ſo that by inquiring who he was, he underſtood by a ſervant of the Captains, who was my Cozen, that this ſtranger was to depart in the morning after, that he came but the day before, that he came from Sardis, and that I had ſpoke with him in the Garden. I leave you to judg Madam after this, whether a man ſo much in Love, and ſo full of wit and ſpirit as Perinthus was, would not conclude that there was a ſecret correſpondency between Panthea and Abradates, he apprehended then the very truth, and ſaw plainly that his name in Doraliſa's Letter was only an umbrage unto Panthea's name: It is a thing impoſſible to expreſs the diſpair of Perinthus: Is it not miſery enough, ſaid he, that I dare not ſo much as tell the perſon whom I adore, that I love her, but that I muſt be alſo perſecuted with a thouſand ſad circumſtances, which add bitter aggravations unto all my ſorrows? Muſt no name but mine colour the favours which the Princeſs whom I adore confers upon my Rival? Fie, fie, I cannot endure it: And the truth is Madam, this trivial inconſiderable paſſage did ſo perplex him, that he was beyond all patience: Love does infuſe ſo much folly & weakneſs into the ſpirits of the moſt compleat men, that he had not been half ſo much ſtung, if the Princeſs had expreſſed her favors unto Abradates by any other name then his. This bitter thought did ſo corrode upon his heart, that he intended to deſire the Princeſs not to uſe his name any more in her Leters; and to that end, the next morning he came unto her lodging, but ſo melancholy and altered, that Panthea thinking he had been ill, did moſt obligingly ask him how he did, telling him ſhe ſhould be extreamly ſorry he ſhould fall ſick: Whil'ſt ſhe was recovering her health, and that ſhe intended as he brought her from Sardis to Claſomena, ſo he ſhould carry her back again from Claſomena to Sardis. Perinthus received theſe marks of friendſhip from the Princeſs very reſpectively, but with ſo much ſadneſs in his face, that it was evident there was as much in his ſoul. In the mean while, Doraliſa and I did ſearch for him all that day, and it chanced when he came, that the Princeſs was gone into her Cloſet with Doraliſa, and ſome Claſomenian Ladies, and Perinthus and my ſelf were alone together, in a Tarraſs cloſe by the Chamber: There we ſilently ſtood both of us, in expectation what either would ſay unto the other: At laſt, ſeeing Perinthus ſo buſie with his own thoughts, that he minded nothing; I ſpoke firſt unto him, and I asked him whether he was deſirous I ſhould keep my word, and tell him what he had ſo much deſire to know? No Pherenice, ſaid he, and ſighed I know too much already; but I have one favour to ask, which I beſeech you do not deny me: If it be both juſt and poſſible, (ſaid I unto him) you ſhall certainly obtain it: Then I conjure you, (replied he) to let Doraliſa uſe my name no more in writing unto that perſon ſhe writ laſt; and it is much better for he [...] to make uſe of any other to hide that which ſhe would have kept [Page] a ſecret, for this may prejudice me more then ſhe is aware of: I would have deſired the ſame of Doraliſa her ſelf, but her humour is ſuch, that ſhe never hears me but in way of jeſt; and therefore I addreſs my ſelf unto you, who being of a leſs frolique diſpoſition, has doubtleſs a more tender ſoul to be moved at the deſires of your friends. Perinthus ſpoke after ſuch a mournful manner, as I perceived by his tone the ſadneſs of his heart, which moved mine to pity him: So that anſwering him as ſweetly as I could, to the end I might thereby oblige him to a confidence in me: Perinthus (ſaid I unto him) I ſhall eaſily obtain what you deſire of Doraliſa; and ſince you do forbid her to ſpeak all the good of you ſhe pleaſeth, when occaſion ſhall happen, I do aſſure you, ſhe ſhall uſe your name no more when ſhe writes unto her friend, for I know ſhe infinitely eſteems you, and would not upon any tearms give you any offence: But pray tell me, Why are you ſo incenſed againſt her for uſing your name, at a time that ſhe could not take any other that ſhe knew better? Pherenice, ſaid he unto me, if you will make me a firm promiſe of fidelity, I will impart part of my thoughts unto you: I will ſeriouſly make that promiſe, (ſaid I unto him) provided you conceal nothing from me: Since you never imparted any thing at all to me (replied he) I dare not diſcover all I know unto you, unleſs you firſt vow ſecreſie. I think after this Perinthus intended to tell me he loved the Princeſs; and ſince I longed to hear him ſpeak of his paſſion, that I might endeavour to cure him of it, I promiſed and vowed all he deſired—After which, looking ſtedfaſtly upon me: Is it not true Pherenice (ſaid he unto me with a ſadneſs in his eyes, as would have moved the moſt incenſible ſo ul to pity him) that the Letter which Doraliſa writ, was unto Abradates? and that the name of miſerable Perinthus was uſed only to umbrage the name of the adoreable Panthea: Perinthus (ſaid I unto him, and interrupted him) you do not keep within the limits of our conditions, for I promiſed not to reveal any ſecret you ſhall impart unto me; for I perceive by the very beginning of your diſcourſe, that you are ſo far from imparting and truſting me, that you deſire I ſhould impart and truſt you. Conſider well Perinthus what you ſay, and do not begin your diſcourſe with any queſtions, if you deſire I ſhould anſwer you: Neither, to tell you truly, do I very well underſtand, though what you ſuppoſe were true, what prejudice it would be to you, though your name were placed in lieu of Panthea's. If the Prince of Claſomena, (replied he very faintly) ſhould by any accident meet with one of thoſe Letters, might he not ſuſpect me of holding ſome intelligence, and that I did betray him? I, I ſay, unto whom he has ſaid a hundred times, he would not have the Princeſs marry Abradates: Ha Perinthus (ſaid I unto him) Have you not profeſſed your ſelf ſo obliged unto the ſervice of the Princeſs, as that you ought to wiſh well unto Abradates, if you did believe ſhe looked favourably upon him? Yes, and ſo you would, if you had not ſome other ſecret reaſon, which I perceive well enough, and for your tranquilities ſake wiſh were not true: Yes, yes, Perinthus, you do love Panthea, and ſome ſparks of jealouſie perſwades you that ſhe loves Abradates: This is it that makes you take it ſo ill, your name ſhould be uſed in a Letter which you think is unto that Prince: I have long ſince perceived the paſſion in you to her, yet I knew no reaſon you had to truſt none with it, but to ſmother that fire which conſumes you, a little ſpark if covered, will grow to a great flame, but a great fire will not hurt, if not covered; therefore let me perſwade you ingenuouſly to confeſs it unto me, otherwiſe you will induce me to tell the Princeſs all I know: If you will truſt me, added I, I ſhall promiſe you an inviolable fidelity; and if you will not, I do proteſt, that as ſoon as I am parted from you, I will tell the Princeſs that I think you are in Love with her, and ſhall give her ſuch evidences of the truth in it, that perhaps ſhe will forbid you ever ſeeing her again. Perinthus hearing me ſay ſo, looked attentively upon me, and ſpoke not a word: He conſidered which was the more advantageous for him, to confeſs, or not confeſs, that he loved her: If I confeſs it, ſaid he, perhaps ſhe will tell, and if ſhe tell I am undone: But if I do not confeſs ſhe will the ſooner tell, and my ruine is the more inevitable, both wayes ruin'd, what ſhall I do? Then afterwards, imagining I would never be ſo importunate to know a thing which I would condemn in him, he began to flatter himſelf with a bottomleſs hope of he knew not what, and anſwer me enigmatically. When I ſaw his ſoul begin to ſtagger, I preſſed him further, and that ſo home, that I ſaid the Princeſs ſhould preſently know he was in Love with her, if he would not acknowledg it to me. At laſt, after he had made me ſolemnly ſwear that I would never diſcover what he would tell me, [Page] neither unto Doraliſa nor the Princeſs, nor any elſe whatſoever, he promiſed to lay open the whole truth unto me; yet firſt I declared unto him that I would engage my ſelf no further then to be faithful unto him, and to comfort him; but not to further him in his paſſion.

Perhaps Madam you will ask me why I would urge Perinthus to confeſs his Love; to which I anſwer, Becauſe I thought it would be a conſiderable ſervice unto the Princeſs, if I could ſcrue my ſelf into the credit of a man who had ſuch a prevalency with the Prince her Father; and I could be an inſtrument to prevent any hurt to Abradates, whom I knew he did not love: Alſo I hoped that my advice might perhaps happily cure him of that diſeaſe which did ſo much torment him, and would be his Ruine: So that my ends were rather at the Princeſs ſervice, and the tranquility of Perinthus, then out of any curioſity that I deſired to know the ſecrets of his heart: however Perinthus confeſſed his paſſion unto me; related all his raptures, and told me all his thoughts: So that after he had expreſſed the grandure of his paſſion, his purity and conſtancy, Judg Pherenice, ſaid he unto me, whether I had not good reaſon to deſire that my Name ſhould not be employed to make Abradates happy. Perinthus (ſaid I unto him with much ſweetneſs, to the end I might inſinuate my ſelf into his opinion) I am very much obliged to you for letting me know that from your own mouth which I ſo much deſired, and I aſſure you that I will conceal this ſecret wherewith you have entruſted me, as cloſely as you can your ſelf. Ah Pherenice (ſaid he unto me) perhaps you will keep it too cloſely; and I do not know whether at the ſame time I deſire you to conceal it, I ſhould not alſo entreat you to tell it unto the—At this word Perinthus ſtopt, not being able to pronounce the word Princeſs; then preſently reprehending himſelf, No, no Pherenice, ſaid he to me, do not mind my raving, but my reaſon, which bids me rather dye for my adored Panthea, and never to let her know I dye for her; therefore be as faithful as your promiſe, and let me only have the comfort to ſpeak unto her whom ſhe loves of the torments which my paſſion puts upon me: in the mean time, as I will not entreat you to render me any good office unto the Princeſs, ſo do not you entreat me to be ſerviceable unto Abradates. The caſe is not the ſame, replyed I, for if I undertake to do you any good office to the Princeſs Panthea, I ſhould abſolutely ruine you, ſo you ſhould ask me a thing impoſſible: but if I entreat you to do a good office for Abradates unto the Prince of Claſomena, I do entreat you to do a thing which may eaſily be done. Eaſily (replyed Perinthus haſtily,) ah Pherenice, you do not know how difficult it is to do a good office for a Rival, and eſpecially a favored Rival. But Perinthus, replyed I, would you have the Princeſs marry a man ſhe hates? I would ſhe were contented, replyed he, but for a comfort unto my miſeries I would ſhe would marry none. As we were thus in diſcourſe, the Princeſs came out of her Cloſet, and went into the Garden to take the ayr, whither I followed her, but not Perinthus, but he retired as full of ſhame, as if the Princeſs did divine what he had told me. Doraliſa, who had obſerved the diſcourſe which we had together, did ask me what it was: but though ſhe and I had promiſed each other to render an account of what we ſhould diſcover concerning Perinthus; yet I did not think my ſelf obliged to tell her what I had vowed unto him to conceal; and indeed I told her nothing but what I knew before he had diſcovered himſelf unto me. After this, Perinthus ſpoke ofter unto me then he uſed, though he was ever one of my good friends: but what arguments and addreſſes ſoever he uſed to know of me upon what terms Abradates ſtood in Panthea's minds, I did not tell him one word; and as he was one day importuning me, Peace Perinthus (ſaid I unto him) and never ask me that which I would never tell you though I did know it: and be aſſured of this, that as I will never betray your truſt, ſo I will never betray the Princeſs, unto whom I owe a greater fidelity then unto you; and indeed from this time he durſt never ask me any more queſtions. Some few days after, he received a Letter from Andramites, which let him know that Mexaris had a little claſhed with the Prince of Claſomena, and that he was gone unto one of his houſes, ſome two days journey from Sardis: ſo that Perinthus did not well know whether he ſhould be ſad or glad at it: for when he conſidered Mexaris as one that was in hopes to enjoy Panthea, he was very glad he was faln foul with the Prince of Claſomena; but when he conſidered him as an obſtacle unto the hopes of Abradates, he was ſorry that Mexaris was not in that Princes favour. Yet notwithſtanding all this, his hopes that Croeſſus would never conſent that Panthea ſhould marry either Mexaris or Abradates, did procure him ſome conſolation; yet it may well be ſaid that he never enjoyed any pleaſing hours: not only becauſe he had many real miſeries upon him, but becauſe he ſucked bitter [Page] poyſon out of every thing; and when the Princeſs was recovered he grieved in lieu of rejoycing at it, foreſeeing that the return of her health would be her return to S [...]rd [...]s. Pherenice (ſaid he one day unto me when the Princeſs had freſher Roſes in her cheeks then ere ſhe had ſince her ſickneſs paled them) am not I a moſt miſerable man to ſee that the Princeſs is a more poliſhed beauty by her ſickneſs? had it impaired her, Abradates perhaps would have leſſened his Love to her, and that if ſhe had perceived it ſhe would have had leſs good will to him: but alas, I am too unfortunate to ſee that, for ſhe will return to Sardis more gloriouſly fair then when ſhe came from it. You may eaſily imagine by this Madam, how much that man was tormented, who grieved at the beauty and welfare of the perſon he loved. Within a few days after we departed, and Perinthus appeared ſo melancholy, that if I had not known the ſecret of his heart, I ſhould have thought he had left the object of all his affections behind him: Doraliſa alſo began to chide him extreamly the firſt day of our Journey, and truly that helped us to paſs on with much more pleaſure: for as oft as Perinthus, who was on horſeback, came near the Princeſs Coach, from which he was never far off, ſhe told him of a thouſand pleaſant paſſages, unto which he would anſwer with ſuch a fretting chafe as made the beſt ſport in the world. The firſt days Journey being thus paſt, we continued the next; but alas, it was not ſo pleaſant: For be pleaſed to know Madam, that being come into a thick dark Forreſt, in a place wher [...] was a great Pond, which we left upon the right hand, and which being ſhadowed with the thick Wood, was both a moſt pleaſing and a moſt terrible object: Be pleaſed to know, I ſay, that being come unto this place, we ſaw upon our left hand come from divers places of the Forreſt forty or fifty men on horſeback with ſwords in their hands; one of which I preſently knew to be the Prince Mexaris; who commanded the Coachman of the Princeſs Coach to ſtay; which accordingly he did, becauſe he thought he could do no other: for Madam, you muſt know, the Princeſs in this voyage had but one Coach, full of women, beſides her own; fifteen horſemen, and ſome footmen, but very few: 'Tis true, Perinthus might well be counted for more then one man, conſidering the prodigious acts he did that day: he no ſooner ſaw Mexaris come with a ſword in his hand, and in the head of all his men (who in coming out of the Wood rallied about him) but he put himſelf in a poſture of defence, and calling all the Princeſs men together, he ſtood between the Coach and the Prince Mexaris, who had no ſooner commanded the Coach to ſtay, but Perinthus advanced towards him with his Sword lifted up; Mexaris retreated a pace or two; and endeavoring to carry away the Princeſs without bloodſhed, or perhaps without expoſing himſelf: Perinthus (ſaid he unto him) do not force me to ruine you, nor make any vain reſiſtance againſt a man who is in a condition to force you unto obedience. No, no, Sir, ſaid Per [...]nthus, I have but a life to manage, and you ſhall not take away the Princeſs as long as Perinthus lives. Whileſt Mexaris was keeping Perinthus in talk, four of his men went to the Coach, which Perinthus ſeeing, without any more ado he fell upon Mexaris, crying out he ſhould not find it an eaſie matter to carry Panthea away as long as he lived: and indeed he aſſaulted him with ſuch fury, as Mexaris ſtood in need of all his men to relieve him, as afterward we underſtood by one of the Princeſs men. As for us, Madam, vve vvere in ſuch a fright, that vve knevv not vvhat vve ſavv: For my part, I only ſavv a great confuſion, and heard a hideous noiſe. The moſt advantagious thing for us vvas, that thoſe men vvho Mexaris commanded to ſeize upon the Princeſs vvhileſt the reſt fought, ſeeing their Maſter engaged in a Fight, of vvhich they knevv not the event notvvithſtanding the inequality of number, they let us alone, and reſolved to ſtay till they ſavv the Victory more certain, contenting themſelves vvith keeping the Coaches from ſtirring avvay: but the longer they ſtayed, the vveaker and fevver their Party grevv: for Perinthus fought vvith ſuch magnanimous courage, that I have heard certainly reported, he killed ſix of Mexaris his men with his own hands, being wounded himſelf in ſeveral places: Thoſe who ſeconded him did play their parts very well; ſince of fifteen men which he had, three were killed, and four more out of fight, he had no other hope left but to dye in defending the Princeſs: ſo that fighting in deſperation, he did ſuch things as I knovv not hovv to relate unto you. As the poor Perinthus vvas thus engaged, he ſavv ſome Caviliers galloping to the place vvhere he fought, and ſince he queſtioned not but that they belonged unto Mexaris, he gave himſelf for loſt: yet deſiring to ſell his life at as dear a rate as he could, and to kill Mexaris before he vvas killed himſelf, he advanced tovvards him vvith ſuch a fury in ſpite of all his men vvhich ſurrounded him, and engaged himſelf ſo amongſt theſe Raviſhers, that if Abradates, in the head of thoſe Caviliers vvhich Perinthus took to belong [Page] unto Mexaris had not come in to his relief, the poor Perinthus had died there. But this Prince vvas no ſooner come up vvith tvventy horſe, then the ſtate of things did put on a nevv face; foreſeeing Perinthus in danger, he made ſtreight to him, and clearly diſingaged him.

To preſent unto you Madam the aſtoniſhment of Mexaris, of Perinthus, of us, and every one, to ſee Abradates in that place, is more then language can reach unto, Mexaris then thought the Gods reſolved his ruine, Panthea hoped they would preſerve her, and Perinthus told me ſince, that when he ſaw Abradates ſave his life, he was ſo extreamly full of ſorrow, that he had a mind to fight againſt him as well as againſt Mexaris, who ſince the arrival of the Prince of Suſiana, thought it diſcretion to retreat, ſince he was wounded, and neither in a condition to carry away his Princeſs, nor fight with his Rival, yet he was hotly purſued: But ſince the principal deſign of Abradates and Perinthus was only to preſerve the Princeſs, they durſt not venture to ſcatter themſelves in the thick of the Forreſt; So that returning again towards her, ſhe called them her Deliverers, and rendred them a million of thanks for the ſervice which they had done her: Then, as ſhe obſerved, that Abradates by his arrival had ſaved the life of Perinthus, ſhe rendred him no leſs thanks for that, then for keeping her out of the power of Mexaris: And ſince ſhe did apprehend with abundance of tenderneſs all that Perinthus had done for her, ſhe did accept it with great acknowledgments. On the other ſide, Perinthus looking upon Abradates, as upon him that had reaped the fruit of all his pains, he almoſt repented of what he had done, and perhaps rather wiſhed Mexaris had carried away the Princeſs, then that Abradates ſhould ſhare with him in the glory of defending her, or that for his particular he ſhould owe his life unto him. Since that place was not very pleaſant for us to ſtay in, where nothing was to be ſeen but dead and dying men: After all theſe complements were tumultuouſly addreſſed, after the Princeſs had asked Abradates what accident brought him ſo happily thither, and after he had told her that it was, becauſe he was informed of Mexaris his deſign, by one of his Domeſtiques, therefore he immediately mounted horſe to oppoſe him, then the Coach went on. Abradates leaving ſome of his men to take care of thoſe that were not yet dead, as well enemies as friends; alſo to relieve the one, and ſecure the other: But as they were going on, the Princeſs perceived that Perinthus was wounded in his left hand, and that he loſt blood enough to weaken him, and therefore ſhe cauſed her Coach to ſtay, and cauſing him to come in, I gave him a Scarf to bind up his hand. Thus the firſt Liberator of Panthea was in the Coach, and the Liberator of Perinthus and Panthea both rid by them, and could not chuſe but render thanks unto this ſecret Lover for ſo well defending the Princeſs: But alas, what hollow-hearted anſwers did the poor Perinthus return unto all the civilities of Abradates; The only conſolation he had was ſometimes to look upon me, and to let me ſee the ſorrows of his heart in his eyes: At the firſt habitable place we came at, the Princeſs ſtayed to dreſs the hand of Perinthus, the blood being not yet quite ſtanched; after which we went on. I had forgot to tell you Madam, how after the combat was ended, we found one of Mexaris his men diſmounted, of whom we ſeized, and whom Abradates cauſed to be brought unto Sardis, that Croeſſus might be better inform'd of all paſſages. I will not tell you Madam, how extreamly that Prince was incenſed againſt Mexaris, when he heard of his intentions to take away Panthea, nor how the Prince of Claſomena was ſurprized, grieved, and angry: But give me leave to tell you that which indeed is admirable, for Perinthus who did what he could to kill Mexaris, did now uſe all endeavours poſſible by the means of Andramites, to appeaſe Croeſſus, upon no other motive, but only to make him an obſtacle unto Abradates. Thus the miſerable Perinthus, (as generous as he was) was forced by the violence of his paſſion to further him whoſe life he would have taken away, and to hinder him unto whom he was a debtor for his own, yet was he not able to effect the one nor the other; for beſides that, Croeſſus was highly incenſed againſt Mexaris for offering not only to marry Panthea contrary to his commands, but to ſteal her away: There happened another oppoſition, for the Princeſs fearing leſt Mexaris ſhould return to Sardis, and make his peace, ſhe deſired Doraliſa to treat Andramites a little better, and to deſire him that he would keep the King in his angry mind againſt Mexaris, which accordingly ſhe did; and Andramites the next morning went unto Perinthus, and told him that he could not ſatisfie his deſires, becauſe Doraliſa deſired of him the quite contrary; therefore he told him, that vvhere the caſe of a Miſtriſs and a friend comes in competition, he ſhould not think himſelf unjuſt, in [Page] giving the precedency unto Doraliſa before him: You may imagine Madam, hovv ſad Perinthus vvas at this nevvs; for he knevv very vvell Doraliſa vvould never have made this deſire, but at the inſtance of the Princeſs: Seeing then he could not oblige his friend unto his deſires, yet he ſolicited him to keep Croeſſus ſtill unto his deſign of not conſenting that Abradates ſhould marry Panthea; and indeed Andramites did promiſe him to ſatisfie that deſire, provided Doraliſa did not move him to oppoſe that alſo. This tranſaction of Perinthus did not proceed from any vvillingneſs to prejudice a Prince unto vvhom he vvas ſo much obliged, but the conſideration that he vvas his hindrance from poſſeſſing the Princeſs, was above all other conſiderations whatſoever: He never acquainted me with this negotiation, but only with the miſeries which he endured. In the mean while, that dangerous poyſon which was in his ſoul, did ſo invenom his wound that it would not heal, and his hand was as ſore as his heart; he grew weak, pale, and languiſhing, being in a gentle Fever, which never intermitted one moment: But whil'ſt he endured all theſe ſecret maladies, Abradates was much happier then he uſed to be; for the Prince of Claſomena knowing what he had done for the Princeſs his Daughter, did treat him incomparably better then ordinary, and could not in any civility forbid him the viſiting Panthea, with whom his hours were much more ſweet ſince Mexaris was not preſent. It ſeemed that Prince, (who was retired unto a Town, the Governour whereof was his creature) was dangerouſly wounded, ſo that there being no fears of his return, Abradates enjoyed as many pleaſures as Perinthus did ſorrows; yet had he this bitter ingredient amongſt his ſweets, that Croeſſus was no better diſpoſed then uſual to conſent unto his Marriage with Panthea, ſo that he had ſome Cloudy daies as well as many Sun-ſhine. After he had lived thus ſome certain time, he underſtood that Croeſſus having conferred with the Prince of Claſomena, at laſt gave him leave to return, and to carry the Princeſs his Daughter with him, to the end that abſence might extinguiſh the paſſion in Abradates his ſoul: Perinthus you may imagine did not oppoſe this deſign, but on the contrary, did ſo zealouſly prompt the Prince his Maſter unto it, and alſo ſet Andramites upon Croeſſus to haſten it, that the voyage was talked on as a thing certainly reſolved upon: So that when Abradates thought himſelf neereſt his happineſs, he feared to be furtheſt off it. The Princeſs was extreamly troubled at this reſolution, inſomuch as ſhe deſired Doraliſa to be extreamly urgent with Andramites to prevent this journey: For my particular, without either telling the Princeſs or Doraliſa, I ſpoke unto Perinthus, and told him, that I found no diſpoſition in him to ſatisfie my deſires: Then he told me at firſt, how knowing that both Croeſſus and the Prince of Claſomena, for ſome reaſons of State, would never ſuffer Panthea to marry Abradates; and therefore he thought it ſerviceable to the Princeſs to negotiate that ſhe might be further off him, leſt any longer converſation with this Prince ſhould too much ingage her heart. Moreover, the Prince his Maſter, deſired not to let ſlip this favourable opportunity to return into his own Dominions, and get out of that place where he had not liberty to retire himſelf without this reaſon: In ſhort, he told me ſo many things, and ſo handſomely, that any other beſides my ſelf would have believed that Love had no part in all his actions: But in the concluſion he ingenuouſly confeſſed, that to ſeparate Abradates and Panthea was his main deſign, which prompted him unto all he did; but he told me all this in ſuch violent raptures of Love, that as angry as I was againſt him, I could not quarrel with him, as I thought I ſhould. In the mean time, Doraliſa having ſolicited Andramites, and imployed all the power ſhe had over him, to cauſe this voyage to be broken off, telling him it was meerly in conſideration of her own intereſt, becauſe ſhe was to loſe the Princeſs: Andramites told her, he could not do her the ſervice he deſired, for the voyage was ſo abſolutely reſolved upon, that it was impoſſible to prevent it. Now you may imagine Abradates all ſorrows, and Panthea was not without her ſhare, for ſhe perceived that the deſigns of thoſe that tranſacted her ſeparation from Abradates was, that they ſhould never Marry, and therefore not to ſee each other; yet ſince ſhe had a high and conſtant ſoul, ſhe did ſo hide her own ſorrows, that thereby ſhe augmented the ſorrows of Abradates; he conceived that his Love deſerved at leaſt a melancholy look from her, if perhaps not tears from her eyes: He ſighed and ſorrowed ſo exceſſively at her inſenſibility, that the Princeſs to pacifie him, was pleaſed to meet him at Doraliſa's houſe, leſt he ſhould run into ſome violent reſolution; for ſince the Princeſs had but two daies to ſtay in Sardis, time was very precious with them, he came then to Dornliſa's houſe, and ſaw her ſo ſad all that day, as he had good reaſon to be ſatisfied at the tenderneſs of her affection, and more then himſelf had [Page] at the croſſneſs of his fortune: This Meeting was extreamly ſad, and the parting was inſupportable, not only becauſe they were to be abſent, but becauſe their abſence had no limits; and ſince the Princeſs would never be enduced to do any thing contrary to her duty, ſhe told Abradates, who did extreamly importune her, that ſhe would not ſuffer him to come and ſee her in a diſguiſe.

At laſt Madam, after all was ſaid that could be, between two perſons who were reſolved to love for ever, and who feared never to meet again, they parted: For though Abradates was to make a ceremonious Viſit unto the Princeſs to bid her adieu, he valued that but as an empty ſuperſtition, ſince he knew he could not then talk in private with her; ſo that when ſhe left him at Doraliſa's houſe, he looked upon her like a Statue, and as if he would have ſunk with ſorrow: As ſoon as ſhe was gone, ſome of the ſervants of Abradates came to tell him, that Croeſſus ſent all about to enquire for him: but ſince the mind of Abradates was much incenſed againſt that Prince, he bade them tell thoſe that looked for him, that they could not find him; and ſo he ſtayed above two hours with Doraliſa, talking of the Princeſs, and the miſerable condition he was in: after which, he went to Croeſſus, who carrying him into his Cloſet with extraordinary civility, told him, that his fortunes now looked with another face, and that he ſhould receive a Letter from the Queen of Suſiana, which would tell him that the Prince his Brother, and the King his Father were both dead, and that he was to be King: This News did extreamly ſurprize Abradates, and moved him unto much ſorrow; for though theſe two dead Princes had in their lives been both extreamly unjuſt and rigorous in exiling him, yet natural affection did produce ſuch effects in him as uſeth to be in generous perſons; ſo that he received the news of his being King of Suſiana with a mixture of ſome ſorrows; but yet ſuch ſorrows as were not above his Reaſon. Croeſſus told him, that the man who brought this news had a Letter for him from the Queen his Mother; who ſent this meſſage in particular, that ſhe conceived it expedient for him to ſtay yet in Sardis, until four Grandees of his Kingdom, who would ſet forth within three days, were come to deſire him in the Name of all his People, That he would pleaſe to come and take upon him that Scepter which the King his Father had left him, who the laſt hour of his life did expreſs his Repentance for exiling him, and did declare him his legitimate Succeſſor; ſince he lived three days after his eldeſt Son, who only cauſed that bad underſtanding between them. After Abradates knew all theſe things, he retired to his Lodging with a mind full of various apprehenſions, ſo that at firſt he could not himſelf well tell what he thought. Since it was now very late, very few did know this news that night: but the next morning there was not one which did not know that Abradates was King of Suſiana, and rejoyced at it: Perinthus himſelf was glad, becauſe he flattered himſelf with an imagination that Abradates would be forced to depart that very day, and that perhaps ambition and abſence might root out of his heart all thoughts of Love unto the Princeſs: ſo that I do verily think ſhe apprehended fewer joys at the good fortune of Abradates, then Perinthus did; becauſe ſhe feared leſt the change of that Princeſs condition ſhould work any mutable effects upon his heart. In the mean while, though all the World rejoyced that he was King; yet was he forced to a ceremonious Mourning, and to go and grieve at the very ſame thing which they in his preſence rejoyced at: The Prince of Claſomena went to him, and ſo did Perinthus alſo, hoping always that as for Abradates, in mounting his Throne, every ſtep unto it was a ſtep further from Panthea: The Princeſs for her part ſent to viſit him, and to teſtifie unto him the ſhare of joys ſhe took in the happineſs which had befallen him, and that ſhe her ſelf with the Princeſs of Lidia would come and congratulate with him. But ſince this Complement was only ſuch a one as Ceremony and Civility might exact from her, Abradates was not fully ſatisfied with it; but had rather ſhe had ſent unto him by ſome more truſty Meſſenger, who ſhould have told him ſomething in private from her. In the mean time, ſince the Princeſs was to depart within two days, his Soul ſeemed to be in a very Hell: for beſides, that it vvas not handſom for him to go ſo ſoon either to her Lodging or Doraliſa's, he thought it leſs handſome to talk of any Marriage before the Deputies from Suſiana had addreſſed themſelves, and ſo ſoon after the death of two Princes vvho vvere ſo near him; this he conceived to be out of all reaſon. In the mean time, his Love to Panthea was ſo predominate, that he conſulted not a minute vvith himſelf vvhat to do, for he vvas fully reſolved, as ſoon as he was King, to make her Queen; and not to accept of the Crown but to put in upon her head: On the other ſide, Perinthus did preſs the Prince of Claſomena vvith all his arguments to be gone from Sardis; but as good fortune for this Prince [Page] vvas, he fell ſo ſick that the Journey was deferred: This vvas no ſmall joy unto Abradates, vvho novv ſavv there vvas no ſuch great haſte required in his Tranſactions. But Madam, as it is the cuſtom of the World to judg too raſhly upon the thoughts of others, ſo, for tvvo days after this nevvs vvas brought unto Abradates, one vvould have ſaid that he never had any thoughts of Panthea; and the conceit of it did ſo pleaſingly flatter up Perinthus, that he reſented real joys. Whileſt theſe hopes vvere ſmoothing his fancy, the Deputies from Suſa arrived; who after they had preſented unto Abradates the fidelity of all his Subjects, rendered thanks unto Croeſſus from their Queen for the protection which he had given him during his unjuſt Exile, and aſſured him that ſhe would always reſent it as a great obligation upon her. After this Abradates, who had no mind to ſend either unto Panthea, or Doraliſa, or me, until he had brought things to ſuch a paſs as he deſired, went to Croeſſus in the morning, to tell him, that thinking he would never have been ſo averſe to the Marriage of Panthea and himſelf, but becauſe he would have no ſtranger Prince eſtabliſhed within his Dominions, therefore he came to declare unto him, that he was ready to renounce all the Rights and Intereſts this Princeſs had or ever ſhould have unto the Principality of Claſomena (if ſhe would conſent unto it as well as himſelf,) provided he would conſent unto his Marriage with her. Croeſſus hearing a Propoſition ſo advantagious for himſelf, was much pleaſed with it, and promiſed to motion it unto the Prince of Claſomena: After which, Abradates returning moſt hearty thanks, and conjured him to keep his word, he went the ſame day unto the Prince of Claſomena to motion the Marriage between the Princeſs his daughter and the King of Suſiana: and although he had not yet the conſent of the Queen his Mother, yet he beleeved ſhe would approve of any motion which ſhould have the Authority of Cr [...]ſſus to countenance it, who would never make the motion further then the Queen his Mother ſhould give her conſent, of which Abradates did make no queſtion: The Deputies of Suſa alſo, unto whom Abrabates had imparted his deſign, did ſo confidently aſſure him he would find no oppoſition from the Queen his Mother, that he did not fear he ſhould incenſe her by it; and ſo much the leſs, becauſe theſe Deputies told him, that all his Subjects (conſidering there was not a Princeſs in all his own Kingdom, nor in any of his neighbor Dominions, whom he could marry) would be wondrous well ſatisfied, if he brought them a Queen every way ſo illuſtrious as the Princeſs of Claſomena. Croeſſus then propounded this Match unto the Prince of Claſomena, and it ſeemed ſo advantagious unto him, that without any further conſultation he accepted of it: ſo that Croeſſus, to loſe no time, ſent for Abradates, to the end they might diſpatch away in all Poſt haſte unto the Queen of Suſiana. Since this could not be ſo cloſely carried but ſome Reports of it would fly about, a ſervant unto the Princeſs came to tell me with great earneſtneſs, that all was concluded upon, the Match was made up, and the Princeſs was immediately to be Queen of Suſiana. Though I indeed hoped ſuch a thing might be ſo, yet I confeſs I was much ſurprized at the ſuddenneſs of it: ſo that in the firſt rapture of my Joy, after I had made the ſervant tell me how he came to know it, I writ preſently a Letter unto Doraliſa (who was with Perinthus at her own Lodging) to acquaint her with it, and as I remember theſe were the words:

PHERENICE unto DORALISA.

IF it be true (as I have often heard you ſay) that he who gives much, loves much, it muſt neceſſarily be concluded, that the King of Suſiana loves the Princeſs more then ever any loved; ſince in giving her a Crown which is deſcended to him, he has given her more then ever any did: If you have a reaſonable Soul, come and help the Prince to put it upon her head, and participate in the Joys of

PHERENICE.

Doraliſa had no ſooner read this Letter, but never thinking of the conceit ſhe had, that Perinthus was in love with Panthea, ſhe gave it him to read: See Perinthus, ſaid ſhe, what Pherenice has ſent me, and go along with me immediately, for I ſhould be vexed to the Soul, if any ſhould have the ſtart of me in rejoycing with the Princeſs. Perinthus then read the Letter; but he read with ſo great a perplexity of Soul, and turbulency in his looks, that Doraliſa remembering her former conceits, How do you Perinthus? (ſaid ſhe unto him,) what troubles you ſo much? Is it poſſible that joy ſhould work the ſame effects in you that ſorrow and anger uſe to produce? For truly I ſee at one time in you [Page] both ſadneſs, anger and deſpair, but I do not ſee the cauſe, unleſs my ſuſpitions prove true, and that there be as much love in your heart, as there appears melancholy in your eyes. Ah Doraliſa (cryed he out) why was I not ſo happy as to dye in fighting with Mexaris, rather then live to ſee my ſelf in ſuch a miſerable condition? I would I could conceal my follies as hitherto I have from you; but ſince I cannot chuſe but teſtifie my paſſion by my grieving at the good fortune of the Princeſs Panthea, I had rather confeſs my crime, and have recourſe unto your diſcretion, then to deny a truth unto you which you know but too well. I do confeſs therefore Doraliſa, that I do love the Princeſs, and have loved her with as much zeal, as I now do, ever ſince I was capable of loving; but with ſuch a violent zeal, as I wonder I have not dyed a thouſand times: yet notwithſtanding there was ever ſo much purity in my Love, that I never had the leaſt hope, no nor ſo much as wiſhed for any thing, but that ſhe ſhould never marry Abradates. Yet this Abradates who is going to marry her, is he who makes her a Queen, and ſends me to my grave, and happy were I if I were in it before that fatal day of ſolemnization. Perinthus pronounced all theſe words with ſo much vehemency, and in ſuch a concerning manner, that the heart of Doraliſa who did infinitely eſteem him was much moved unto pity, and ſhe began to comfort him: I ever imagined, ſaid ſhe unto him, that you were in love with the Princeſs, but I do confeſs I never thought your paſſion ſo violent. Oh Heavens, ſaid he, could you ever think that one can love the Princeſs with any mediocrity? and how was it poſſible you ſhould know (for know it you did) the Reaſon why I denyed obedience unto the Princeſs Commands, in applying my ſelf unto your ſervice, and not beleeve my Love of her moſt violent? Did you not know that it was Panthea only that could hinder Perinthus from loving Doraliſa? and there is no queſtion, but ſince I did ſo highly eſteem you, I ſhould alſo have loved you, if my heart had not been already engaged, and therefore without any accuſing me of inſenſibility towards you, I beſeech you pity me, and help me to conceal, for a few days which I have to live, that which I have with ſo much care concealed all my life. But can you not poſſibly ſuit your mind unto your fortune? (ſaid Doraliſa:) Did you not ever know, that you could never hope for any thing from the Princeſs? no not ſo much as to endure your paſſion? Yes (replyed the ſad Perinthus, and ſighed.) Why then are you deſperate? (replyed ſhe:) Becauſe the only man who I would not have had happy, anſwered he, is now upon the point of being ſo. This ſeems to be rather a ſymptome of hatred to Abradates, replyed Doraliſa, then any teſtimony of love to Panthea. Ha Doraliſa, cryed he out, how ignorant you are in the effects of Love! for if I did not love Panthea, certainly I ſhould love Abradates: yes Doraliſa, as predominate as my paſſion is, I muſt needs acknowledg him to be a moſt excellent qualified man; but the more excellencies he hath, the more I envy his good fortune, and the more he renders me miſerable. Time, replyed ſhe, will happily cure you. Yes, if I live ſo long as to wait for its Remedies, anſwered he; but I beleeve I ſhall not, nor is it my deſire. In the mean time, ſince I would not have my deſpair appear, and ſince it is impoſſible to to hide my ſorrows, and ſince I cannot go to the Princeſs but I ſhall expreſs ſome ſigns of my Love, it is my beſt courſe to retire my ſelf. Since I have been a long time without my health, it will be an eaſie matter perhaps to make the world beleeve, that the indiſpoſition of my body is the cauſe of the indiſpoſition in my mind: this will hide the cauſe of my melancholy from thoſe few which I ſhall ſee.

Doraliſa hearing Perinthus ſpeak in this manner, did with all her arguments perſwade him to ſtrive with himſelf, and not to reclaſe himſelf from the ſociety of the world; but ſhe found no poſſibility to divert him from the deſign he intended, and therefore ſhe left him: he deſired her at parting not to ſpeak a word of his paſſion unto the Princeſs, and I do not well know, whether he did not in his heart deſire ſhe would tell her ſomething; yet ſhe told her not a ſyllable, knowing very well that ſhe could not underſtand of the paſſion he had to her, and the condition unto which he was brought, without either anger or ſorrow, or perhaps both: But though ſhe would not diſturb her Joys in telling her of it, yet ſhe told it unto me in particular, and when I ſaw ſhe knew it as well as I, then I related unto her all that I did know; and truly both of us were ſo full of pity to him, and ſo ſorry ſuch a compleat man as he was ſhould be in ſuch a miſerable condition, that we apprehended the good fortune of the Princeſs with leſs ſatisfaction then otherwiſe we ſhould: Yet ſince we hoped that time would be a Comforter unto him, it did not keep us from being very pleaſant; and indeed Doraliſa had a hundred jolly conceits upon the avarice of Mexaris and generoſity of Abradates, which ſhe told unto the Princeſs; [Page] ſhe told her alſo that ſhe was much happier then ever ſhe hoped to be, in finding ſo ſoon that which ſhe had ſought for ſo long, and could never find, to wit, a compleat man which never loved any but her ſelf; then ſhe deſired the Princeſs that ſhe would not command her any more to be kind unto Andramites, ſince now ſhe had no more need of his ſolicitations unto Croeſſus: Since Andramites (replied the Princeſs) is a friend unto Perinthus, I ſhould be very unwilling to caſt him off. Doraliſa was about to anſwer her, but the Princeſs prevented her, by asking where Perinthus was? wondering he did not preſent himſelf, and his complements of joy: Doraliſa would not tell her ſhe came newly from him, but told her ſhe knew not where he was: Then preſently after, the Prince of Claſomena ſent for Panthea, to tell her what his reſolutions were, ſo that the reſt of the day paſſed on without any thoughts of Perinthus. But the next day, when Abradates came to viſit the Princeſs, as one whom he was to marry, and when ſhe remembred that no news was heard all that while of Perinthus, ſhe began to wonder, and to ask me whether I knew what was become of him? and when I ſaid no, ſhe ſent one of her ſervants to him, and to tell him that ſhe took it ill, he ſhould not come to rejoyce with her, for the happy ſucceſs in her affairs; and that unleſs he were even at death door, ſhe ſhould have much ado to pardon this neglect. After he whom the Princeſs ſent unto Perinthus had delivered this meſſage; Tell the Princeſs, replied he, that ſince I ſhall obtain a pardon at my death, I ſhall hope e're long to die in her favour, ſince certainly I ſhall not live long. Perinthus added unto this ſome complements of courſe, but with ſuch a weak trembling voice (as he who ſpoke unto him related unto the Princeſs) that ſhe did really believe him to be very ſick; and not doubting but the Phyſitian which belonged to the Prince her Father had ſeen him, ſhe ſent unto him to know what Perinthus ailed, but ſhe wondered when the Phyſitian told her he had not ſeen him of late daies.

Doraliſa who was then preſent, would have excuſed the matter, and ſaid, that Perinthus happily had ſent for ſome other Phyſitian; but he who was there preſent aſſured the Princeſs that could not be: So that to be better ſatisfied in what condition Perinthus was, ſhe commanded that Phyſitian to go and ſee him from her, and to give her an account how he was. In the mean time Abradates thought himſelf in a heaven of happineſs, and hoped nothing could interrupt his joyes, yet did he not think his happineſs fully compleat, becauſe he had not yet met with Perinthus, and intended the next day to give him a viſit, and diſcourſe of his joyes unto him: But alas, this miſerable Lover cared as little for his viſit, as he did for the Phyſitians whom the Princeſs ſent unto him, who in obedience unto her commands went the next morning to ſee him before the Sun was up, yet did he not find him aſleep, for his cares would not permit him to reſt one minute. As ſoon as he came into his Chamber, he ſaw his face ſo altered, that he made no queſtion but he was more then ordinarily ſick; he told him then, that he wondred he would not ſend for him, and afterwards told him what commands he had received from the Princeſs, to render unto her an account of his health. At the name of the Princeſs, Perinthus ſtarted up, for he yet knew not he came from her; afterwards compoſing himſelf, he told the Phyſitian, that he was infinitely obliged unto the Princeſs for her cares of him, and that he was much beholding unto any that would undertake his cure, but yet he deſired him to ſpare his labour, for he was perſwaded all remedies were in vain; and therefore he was reſolved to try what nature alone would do, and let all arts alone. Whil'ſt Perinthus was ſaying ſo, the Phyſitian laid his hand upon his arm, do what he could, and found that his Pulſe was ſometimes weak and ſlow, and ſometimes quick and high; ſo that conceiving him to be in great need of helps, he did earneſtly perſwade him to uſe them ſo long that Perinthus was angry, and the Phyſitian to ſubmit unto his will, intending notwithſtanding to acquaint the Princeſs with his condition, and of a great neceſſity he ſhould be looked unto: Then he left him after Perinthus had deſired him to thank the Princeſs for the cares ſhe had of him, and conjured him to tell her, that he thought himſelf the moſt unfortunate man in the world, that he could not be a partaker of her joyes, but was forced to lament, when all the world rejoyced at her Marriage. This Phyſitian coming to the Princeſs, as ſoon as ſhe was ready, ſhe no ſooner ſaw him, but ſhe asked how Perinthus did; For I muſt confeſs, ſaid he, ſince he hath been ſick ever ſince he received a wound in my quarrel, I much deſire to know in what condition he is. Madam, replied he, Perinthus is very ill, and which is the worſt, he will neither tell what aileth him, nor take any remedies: What does he ſay unto you, [Page] replied the Princeſs? He ſayes, that Nature only without all our art ſhall be his Phyſitian (replied he) but for my part, I conceived that both Nature and Art, and all are too little to cure him.

The Princeſs was much ſurprized when ſhe heard him ſay ſo, and cauſed him to make an exact relation of all he had obſerved concerning the diſeaſe of Perinthus who indeed, as ſoon as he went from Doraliſa's houſe, was conſtrained to go into bed; ſo much had the agitation of his mind augmented his gentle Feaver, which his wound firſt cauſed, and which altered all his conſtitution. As the Princeſs was thus very buſily enquiring concerning Perinthus, Abradates ſent a Meſſenger to know how ſhe did; and in return of his Complement ſhe ſent him word that ſhe was very well, were it not for her ſorrows to hear Perinthus was very ſick, and would not take any remedies. After which; ſhe dreſſed her ſelf, and went unto the Temple according to her uſual manner, where ſhe met Abradates, who preſented his hand unto her as ſhe came out of her Coach. Since the Princeſs did love Perinthus very well, ſhe ſpoke of his ſickneſs unto Abradates, at her coming out of the Church; and as he anſwered that he intended to go and ſee him, ſhe ſaid that ſhe ſhould be much obliged unto him for it, and deſired him to uſe his beſt perſwaſions unto Perinthus to take ſome remedy, and to ask his Reaſons why he had refuſed; telling Abradates, that her reſpects of Perinthus moved her unto that which ſhe would not do for every one, and that his reſpects of her might perhaps move him to do that which he would not for another. Abradates, whoſe ayms were all to pleaſe the Princeſs, and who beſides did much reſpect Perinthus ever ſince he defended the Princeſs from being taken away by Mexaris, he no ſooner parted from us, but he went unto this languiſhing Lover, who paſſed only for a ſick man. You may eaſily imagine how the ſight of this Prince did diſorder his Soul, and what pains he took to diſguiſe his thoughts. As ſoon as Abradates was ſet by his bed-ſide, and that Complements of courſe were paſt; Is it poſſible (ſaid he unto him moſt obligingly) that even then when Fortune has ceaſed all her perſecutions againſt me, and when I am arrived at the height of my happineſs, that Perinthus ſhould mingle with my joys, ſo much ſorrow in refuſing to take ſuch Remedies as may make him able to be a partaker with me in my happineſs? Sir (replyed Perinthus ſadly) I perceive that the goodneſs of the Princeſs, who is pleaſed to intereſt her ſelf in the life of her moſt faithful ſervant, hath moved you to ſpeak thus: but if I be conſidered as really I am, I am moſt unworthy of this honour which I receive from you, ſo extreamly unworthy, that if I durſt I would entreat you to let me receive no more of it. You are much too modeſt Perinthus, replyed Abradates, for though you were not every way ſo compleat a man as you are in the eyes of all that look upon you, and were only the Defender of Panthea, yet your life deſerves to be moſt dear unto me; but then being both a man rarely accompliſhed, and the Defender of my Princeſs, and alſo much my friend, doubtleſs it is my duty to move you unto any thing that may make you live, to live happily. At theſe words Perinthus fetcht a profound ſigh, and lifting up his eyes towards Heaven, he turn'd his head the other way to hide the changing of his complexion: Abradates obſerving the action of Perinthus, began to ſuſpect, that his mind was more ſick then his body; yet not imagining the true cauſe, he conjectured, that perhaps it was only becauſe the Prince of Claſomena had yet done nothing for him, and that the Princeſs being to remove away, he ſhould thereby loſe his chief ſupport: So that deſiring to know whether theſe conjectures were rightly grounded, after ſome other diſcourſe unto which Perinthus anſwered very little, he told him, how ſtrange a thing it was to him, that he ſhould refuſe life now, when the Princeſs was more ſweet and gracious towards him then ever ſhe was. Ah Sir, cryed he out, you judg of others by your ſelf, but there is a great difference betwixt you and me, and ſo very great, that I am ſure the ſame which often makes you joyful, makes me ſad; ſo fatally oppoſite is your lot and mine. What ever it be Perinthus, replyed Abradates, I am moſt certain that if you live (as with all my Soul I wiſh you may) you ſhall be more happy then ever you were: for whether your mind be to go with us unto Suſa, or to dwell in Claſomena, or to ſtay at Sardis, I do engage my promiſe to advance your fortunes unto ſuch a degree, as that your ambition ſhall deſire no higher. Were I a man of Reaſon, replyed Perinthus, I ſhould render you a thouſand thanks, for giving ſuch generous language unto a man who owes his life unto you: but alas Sir, there is ſuch a horrid black melancholy at this preſent upon me, which makes me ſo unlike my ſelf, that I cannot delight in any pleaſant things: every thing which is not fatally ſad incenſeth me, and makes me angry, therefore I beſeech you leave me to my [Page] ſelf, either to mend or die quietly: But alas how can you mend, replied Abradates, unleſs you will apply your mind unto it? If I do not mend (replied he ſharply) then I ſhall die, there's an end: But dear Perinthus, replied Abradates, the Princeſs Panthea, and my ſelf ſhall grieve extreamly for you, therefore think it not ſtrange that I ſhould earneſtly perſwade you to live: It is from the commands of the Princeſs that I deſire you to have a care of your ſelf, and not thus obſtinately to refuſe all helps: The Princeſs (anſwered Perinthus, and qualified a little the agitation of his Spirits) does me a very great favour to remember me at ſuch a time, when ſhe hath better things to think upon: But alas Sir, one hath not power alwayes to live when one pleaſeth, no nor ſo much power as to wiſh it: I do confeſs, replied Abradates, there are ſome who groan under ſuch heavy ſorrows, as that ſometimes they are not Maſters of their own deſires: But for you Perinthus, Why ſhould you fall into ſuch diſpair? All the world honors your virtues; the Prince of Claſomena loves you, the Princeſs his Daughter eſteems you as much as is poſſible, and I promiſe you a moſt ſafe and welcome protection: If after all theſe your ſorrows do continue, I ſhall believe that Doraliſa had reaſon to think you were in Love: But ſuppoſe you were Perinthus, yet diſpair not, for truly could one be more unfortunate, or further from the injoyment of his deſires, then I was of Panthea? and yet you ſee a happy turn has wheel'd about my Fate: I do ſee it (ſaid Perinthus, and ſighed) but I do not ſee which way its poſſible I can be leſs miſerable then I am. However Sir, may you injoy your felicity in peace, but I beſeech you leave me to ſuffer thoſe miſeries for which I ſeek no remedy, and unto which if you offer any, your labour will be loſt. Abradates ſeeing, that the more he talked to him, the more he incenſed him, did riſe up to go away, telling him he was very ſorry that he was compelled to carry the Princeſs ſuch unwelcome news. Perinthns then conjecturing by the ſpeech of this Prince, that as ſoon as he was gone from him, he would go unto Panthea, he preſently changed his mind; for whereas before he did all he could to get him gone, now he endeavours to ſtay him longer, thinking it ſome ſatisfaction to keep Abradates from the pleaſure of ſeeing Panthea. It is moſt true, that all his language unto this Prince was ſo ill-compoſed, and ſo little ſometimes to the purpoſe, that he began to ſuſpect the true cauſe of Perinthus his diſpair; ſo that after he had anſwered three or four times unto thoſe queſtions which this languiſhing Lover uſed to keep him the longer with him, he left this Love-ſick Lover, and went unto the Princeſs, but found her not at firſt, becauſe ſhe was buſie, yet he ſtayed with me until ſhe came unto him. Since his ſuſpitions of Perinthus his Love did much diſquiet him, he ſeemed unto me very reſerved, and taking upon me the liberty to ask him, why he was ſo melancholy at a time of ſo much happineſs towards him, he told me that the ſickneſs of Perinthus did much trouble him: Afterwards, repreſenting unto me the reſtleſſneſs which he obſerved in his mind, he perceived that I knew ſomething of the cauſe, not that I ſpoke a word which might make him think ſo; but becauſe it ſeems it was my misfortune to let any eyes often diſcover the ſecret of my heart: All this while Abradates would not ſpeak out his thoughts unto me, but we ſtood and ſpoke to each other very ſeldome, yet did perfectly underſtand the thoughts of one another. But after we had a while ſtood in this ſilent poſture, Abradates deſired me not to tell the Princeſs what he would tell me; and proteſting unto me that he would never reveal what I ſhould tell unto him; after which, he asked me whether I did not think Perinthus in Love with Panthea, and whether I did not believe as he did, that his Marriage with her was the cauſe of his ſickneſs? I know not Sir, ſaid I unto him, whether it be ſo or no, but I am ſure the Princeſs does not know of it: No, no, Pherenice, (ſaid he unto me) there is not the leaſt ſpark of jealouſie in me, but many of pity to him; the eſteem that I have grounded of Panthea is ſo fully rooted in me, that though ſhe had a whole thouſand of Lovers at her feet imploring favours, I ſhould never think her capable of the leaſt weakneſs; therefore I conjure you to tell me ingenuouſly, whether you think I have not reaſon for my conjecture? for if you ſhall confirm me in my belief, I ſhall endeavour to find out ſome wayes to comfort poor Perinthus, at the leaſt, though I cannot cure him. But Sir, (ſaid I unto him) there needs no thoughts of Peri [...]thus his being in Love with Panthea, to prompt you unto any endeavours of his comfort or cure, ſince you eſteem him ſufficiently without that, to induce you unto that charitable office: I ſee Pherenice, ſaid he unto me, that you have no diſpoſition to be ſincere, yet I muſt tell you, Perinthus will die if he be not well looked unto: And I do confeſs, that ſince I am his debtor for the ſafety of Panthea, I ſhould [Page] be exceedingly troubled if he ſhould any way miſcarry. But Sir, ſaid I unto him, ſuppoſe all you imagine were true, yet what Remedy is there? Only this, replyed Abradates, to perſwade the Princeſs, that ſhe will pleaſe to command him not to deſpair. As he ſaid ſo, Panthea came into the Chamber, and no ſooner ſaw him, but ſhe asked how Perinthus did? and what he thought of his ſickneſs? Madam, ſaid he unto her, Perinthus hath told me many things, and to ſo little purpoſe, that I conceive his mind is more ſick then his body; and for my part, I think he ſtands more in need of ſome comforts then any phyſick. Yet I do not know, ſaid ſhe, that any misfortune hath happened unto him. It is moſt true (ſaid he unto her) there appears none unto us; but perhaps there is ſome happineſs which is befaln another which much grieves him. Perinthus, replyed ſhe, is not of any envious diſpoſition, no not of his very enemies, unleſs Mexaris, whoſe happineſs indeed I think he would envy. However it be, Madam, ſaid he, I am afraid Perinthus will dye, if you do not take a care of his life. Abradates ſpoke this in ſuch a manner, as let the Princeſs ſee there was ſome ſecret meaning in his words: ſo that not knowing what to think, ſhe changed colour and diſcourſe. All the reſt of the day her thoughts ran upon what Abradates told her: yet notwithſtanding after he was gone, not daring to tell us what ſhe thought of Perinthus, nor being willing to give over her cares of him, unto whom ſhe was obliged, ſhe deſired Doraliſa to go and viſit him, and appointed me to accompany her, hoping to be better informed at our Return then ſhe had been by Abradates. Doraliſa and I were glad of this employment, and went with joy, thinking we had ſo much power over the ſpirits of Perinthus, as might move him to cheer up his ſpirits, and uſe all Remedies to live: but alas, Madam, we found our ſelves extreamly deceived; for the viſit of Abradates had ſo incenſed his ſorrows, and augmented his diſeaſe, that we could not look upon him without extream compaſſion: yet was he ſomething ſatisfied that he might talk with us, and commanded all to go out of the Chamber, that he might with more freedom expreſs himſelf: But as ſoon as we began to chide him for refuſing all helps; No, no, ſaid he unto us, I ought not to think upon life; and provided I might but dye before the King of Suſiana marryed the Princeſs Panthea, I ſhould not at all think my ſelf miſerable; but I fear I cannot avoyd this misfortune.

It is ſo far between Sardis and Suſa, replyed I, that I hope it will be perfectly cured, both of your miſeries of mind and body before they can get thither; or before they can be marryed. Sure you do not know, replyed he, that there arrived within this hour a Meſſenger from the Queen of Suſiana, who hearing of the affection which the Prince her Son did bear unto the Princeſs Panthea, ſent unto him to continue his Love, and that ſhe conſented unto his Marriage: So that Abradates having now no rub in his way, will infallibly marry her, and make me abſolutely deſpair, if death do not ſpeedily deliver me. Doraliſa and I did much wonder that Perinthus conſidering his condition ſhould know the news before us, yet we imagined it not impoſſible but Andramites might be his Intelligencer, and therefore were doubted not of the truth. And after this (ſaid he unto us) I hope you are not ſo inhumane as to wiſh me live any longer; but if the Princeſs did command you to perſwade me, I pray you do not obey her: yet if the Princeſs did know my paſſion, and after that had ſo much goodneſs or cruelty (for I know not which of theſe two Epithites to uſe) as to bid me live, perhaps I ſhould ſtrive to obey her, and uſe ſome vain remedies to prevent death: but alas, you know very well that ſhe is ignorant I love her, neither dare I deſire ſhe ſhould know: yet if you ſhall think it expedient to let her know it when I am dead, and that ſhe will not hate my memory for it, I conjure you to tell her, and beg my pardon for not rejoycing at her happineſs: But ſince I limited all my hopes to endeavor ſhe ſhould love none, and ſee all thoſe hopes ruined, do not think it ſtrange if I tell you, that I cannot endure to live: Nor is it leſs expedient for the tranquility of Panthea, then my own, that I dye: For how is it poſſible I ever ſhould be Maſter of my Raptures and of my Paſſion: 'Tis true, I have been hitherto, but it is becauſe I did not ſee Abradates in his happineſs, nor in poſſeſſion of the Princeſs; Far better then had I dye, then diſturb her happineſs which I prefer before my own. Did ever any ſee more lamentable deſtinies then mine (did he ſay unto us,) for I deſire no other favour of Fortune to compleat my contentment, but that one of my Rivals may not be in favour, and I cannot obtain ſo much as it: I did reſolve to hide my paſſion as long as I lived; I maſtered my ſelf ſo far as not to deſire ſhe ſhould love me, but ſatisfied my ſelf with the bare eſteem of Panthea: but though I confined my ſelf unto more narrow limits then ever any Lover was able to do, yet I perceive Abradates becomes as happy as I am miſerable. [Page] However (ſaid I unto him) be ſatisfied with this, that you have no cauſe to complain either againſt your Rival, or your Princeſs whom you loved. Ah Pherenice (cryed he out) that which you think ſhould ſatisfie me, is it which ſends me unto black deſpair, ſince certainly I ſhould have leſs cauſe to complain, if I could complain with Juſtice of any but my ſelf. But ſince you are ſo full of Reaſon, replyed Doraliſa, why do you not follow it? Becauſe I have eyes, replyed he, yet am ſuch a ſlave as that I cannot ſee: I ſee the way which I ought to take for the recovery of my Liberty; but alas, I am chained too faſt to follow it; and nothing but death is ſtrong enough to break thoſe chains: And therefore if you be as much my friends as I beleeve you are, you will not blame me, nor deſire me to live; yet have I one favour to beg of you (ſaid he unto us in ſuch a manner as would have moved a heart of ſtone) which I conjure you not to deny me, and that is, to find out ſome expedient if it be poſſible, that my adored Princeſs may not marry Abradates until the day after my death: The term will be but ſhort, ſaid he, for if I be not much deceived, four days is my longeſt limits. I ſhould deſire, ſaid he, a ſight of my divine Princeſs before I dye, but that were to deſire to be more miſerable, and is too much for a deſpicable Lover.

I confeſs Madam, when Doraliſa and I heard Perinthus ſpeak thus, we were ſo exceedingly moved unto pity, that we could not refrain from tears; and ſo we wept with him, ſince we could not work any more upon him, and ſo left him with a promiſe to ſee him again: yet we uſed all poſſible arguments to cheer up his ſpirits before we parted, yet all in vain. Then did we return unto the Princeſs extreamly melancholy, and in the way conſidered what we ſhould ſay unto her, but could not reſolve whether or no it were beſt to tell her that ſhe was the cauſe of Perinthus his death. But the truth is, we were eaſed of that trouble, for ſhe her ſelf apprehended as much by the diſcourſe of Abradates; ſo that when we came unto her, and related the lamentable condition of Perinthus, I perceived ſhe underſtood the matter as well as we did: for when I told her, it would be very well if ſhe her ſelf would be pleaſed to go and bid him live; I know very well (anſwered ſhe and bluſhed) that I am obliged to take care of his life; but I know alſo, that if Perinthus have a Soul ſo full of ſorrow, he will not obey me. He will obey none then, replyed Doraliſa; but however Madam, if you go unto him, and uſe your beſt endeavors, then there is no fault in you if he dye. After this, Panthea excuſed her ſelf as much as poſſibly ſhe could from ſeeing Perinthus, not telling her true Reaſon, becauſe her modeſty would not permit her to ſpeak her thoughts: But at laſt Doraliſa, uſing her accuſtomed freedom with the Princeſs, told her all we knew, and with ſo much art, and obligingly for Perinthus, that the Princeſs was no leſs ſorry then angry to hear of his paſſion to her. Panthea at firſt ſeemed to hide her reſentments from us; but afterwards ſhe confeſſed that the death of Perinthus would trouble her, and would ſeem ſo bad an omen unto all the reſt of her life, that ſhe durſt not hope to paſs it happily. Then did ſhe chide us a hundred times becauſe we did not cure Perinthus of his paſſion, thinking that Reaſon were ſufficient phyſick to cure that diſeaſe. Afterwards, ſince we did importune her unto a viſit of this languiſhing Lover, ſhe was as far from conſenting unto it, as we were urgent: Madam, ſaid I unto her, he knows not that we have revealed his ſecret; and queſtionleſs you would have done him this charitable favour, if you had not ſuſpected his Love. It is ſufficient that I now know it, ſaid ſhe, to keep me from ſeeing him: not but that I ſhould be extreamly ſorry for the death of a man unto whom I am much obliged for defending me from the power of Mexaris; yet I cannot do as you deſire me: Moreover, if he do love me, my ſight will rather haſten then prevent his death, ſince he cannot ſee me but with abundance of ſorrow. Since he deſires it (ſaid I unto her) methinks it would be too inhumane to deny him that favour. You do not apprehend what Abradates might think (replyed ſhe) if he ſhould know Perinthus loved me, and that I ſhould viſit him. You may ask him leave if you pleaſe, replyed I, for I ſee him enter: And Doraliſa, in purſuance of what I ſaid, no ſooner ſaw Abradates with the Princeſs, but ſhe addreſſed her ſelf unto him; Is it not true Sir, ſaid ſhe, that the Princeſs is obliged to viſit Perinthus? There is no queſtion of it, replyed he; and if to induce her unto it there want only an addition of my petition unto yours, I ſhall moſt willingly make it unto her; and I am verily perſwaded, that if he will not mend upon the ſight of her, he will dye within a few days. Since the Princeſs would not tell Abradates the true Reaſon which reſtrained her, ſhe ſpoke ſo faintly, that he perceived ſhe might be perſvvaded, ſo that he became very importune vvith her: But at the laſt his urgency and ours together prevailed, though it put the Princeſs to the bluſh, to [Page] think how Abradates would take it, and certainly none could carry it with more generoſity then he did upon this occaſion: For ſince he had a high confidence of Panthea's heart, and her virtues, he was extreamly urgent with her to viſit Perinthus, and to uſe her beſt endeavours to ſave his life, yet he made this condition with her, which if Perinthus had known, certainly would have furthered his death, which was, that if he recovered, ſhe ſhould never ſee him again. After this, ſhe deſired Abradates would be preſent with her at this charitable viſit, but he would not upon any tearms. To relate unto you Madam all the paſſages of this viſit, is impoſſible; let it ſuffice to tell you, that Perinthus did ſtrive to die twenty times whil'ſt the Princeſs was preſent; ſometimes one might ſee him in the depth of ſorrows; preſently after, ſome ſparks of joy would glance in his eyes, as neer death as he was; then in an inſtant, diſpair would ſo ſtifle his Spirits, that one could not underſtand what he ſaid; but for all this, he ſtill kept a moſt profound reverence unto the Princeſs, he thanked her for the honour ſhe did him, telling her, that ſince he had this honour once more to ſee her, he had nothing elſe to do in the world but die: And when ſhe commanded him to take ſome helps, he ſtayed a while ſilent, then upon a ſuddain lifting up his eyes unto her: Madam, ſaid he, If you did but know what you wiſh me, when you deſire I ſhould live, you would unwiſh it again: For indeed Madam (added he in a languiſhing tone) when Doraliſa thought me to be in Love, ſhe was not miſtaken: I am in Love Madam, and I ſhould not die at this time, but becauſe I am in Love: And ſince you were ignorant of my miſeries, you are excuſeable in wiſhing me to live, becauſe you thought I might perhaps be happy. This is all Madam, that the reſpects I owe you will permit me to ſpeak of my miſeries and misfortunes.

Perinthus pronounced theſe laſt words ſo weakly, that one would have feared he would immediately expire, for his ſorrows did ſo overwhelm all his faculties, that for a quarter of an hour together he was ſpeechleſs; but yet ſince he did not loſe his ſight and underſtanding, he had the conſolation to ſee ſome tears drop from the eyes of the Princeſs, yet did ſhe hide them as well as ſhe could, and not being able to ſtay any longer in ſight of ſo ſad an object, ſhe went forth: After ſhe had appointed all the Phyſitians, both of Croeſſus and others to come unto him, they did unanimouſly conclude he could not eſcape, but indeed would die within a ſhort time, and indeed it proved ſo: It was conceived, that the ſight of the Princeſs, which we procured as a remedy, was his diſpatch, and he died that night following, and was as univerſally lamented, as ever was any in the world: The Princeſs was ſo grieved, that ſhe could not hide ſome part of her ſorrows, leſt Abradates ſhould imagine that ſhe knew ſomething of Perinthus his paſſion, before ſhe told him: But this Prince had a greater confidence in her, then to entertain the leaſt unjuſt thought; and therefore he did not think it ſtrange, ſhe ſhould grieve for a man unto whom ſhe was much obliged, and for whom he grieved himſelf. Thus the poor Perinthus, had the honour to be lamented by his Miſtriſs with her tears, to be grieved for by his Rival, and his Maſter, who did viſit him in his ſickneſs, and had all imagineable care of him; his death did for a time defer the Marriage of Abradates, for it did ſo exceeding perplex Panthea, that ſhe was not well eight daies after, during which time, news was brought, that the Prince Mexaris was dead of his wounds and ſorrows, ſo that the Court went into mourning, though his death did not much trouble us: However, ſo many ſad accidents in ſo ſhort a time did diſquiet the Princeſs, yet notwithſtanding her cauſes of joy were ſufficient to ſweeten all theſe ſorrows; and fifteen daies after her Marriage with Abradates was accompliſhed without any ceremony, becauſe of the death of Mexaris, and all magnificence was deferred until vve came to Suſa, vvhither vvithin a fevv daies after vve vvent, in an equipage ſuitable to the quality and liberality of Abradates: The Princeſs had the comfort to carry Doraliſa vvith her, notvvithſtanding all the endeavours of Andramites, and the Prince Myrſiles, though the reaſons of this Prince vvas unknovvn unto us: So this pleaſant Lady did never forſake her, but could not meet vvith this accompliſhed Gallant vvhich ſhe had been ſo long in queſt of, in Suſa no more then in Sardis. I ſhall not need to relate unto you Madam, how the Princeſs Panthea was received by her fair Mother in Law, nor how Abradates lived with her ſince ſhe was married, until the day that Fortune parted them, and the fate of Arms brought her under the power of the illuſtrious Cyrus: For if I ſhould relate the whole ſtory, perhaps I ſhould not find belief, at leaſt in ſetting forth the King of Suſiana's paſſion, which certainly was more violent then any expreſſions can ſet forth, yet not more then hers to him; and therefore I will ſay no more, but moſt humbly beſeech your pardon, [Page] for dreſſing the ſtory of two illuſtrious perſons of ſuch extraordinary virtues, with ſuch mean and common language.

The pardon you deſire (replied Araminta unto Pherenice) is eaſily obtained, and as juſt to deny it (ſaid Cyrus) ſince ſhe needs it not. Pherenice replied unto the complement of Cyrus with much civility; after which, Araminta and he began to diſcourſe of Panthea's virtues, of Abradates his liberality, and of Doraliſa's pleaſant humour: But ſince by this time it was late, Cyrus took his leave of this Princeſs, and went to Panthea's Chamber, to take his leave of her alſo, and to thank her, for that ſhe was pleaſed to let him know her adventures; he aſſured her, that Pherenice had made an elegant relation of them, and asked her pardon, that the Laws of War, his fidelity to Ciaxares, and his intereſt in Mandana, would not yet permit him to reſtore her unto the King her Husband, beſeeching her to believe, that it was not without extream ſorrow he ſhould ſo long ſeparate two ſuch illuſtrious perſons; after which, paſſing towards Doraliſa, unto whom Araſpes was talking, he beſtowed a complement upon her, telling her he wiſhed for the honour of Araſpes, that ſhe might find him to be the compleat man ſhe ſought after: At leaſt, ſaid he, he never yet was in Love with any: I aſſure you Sir, (ſaid ſhe, and ſmiled) If you do think as you ſay, you do not know him ſo well as I do, for I never ſaw ſo many ſigns of Love in Perinthus, ſince the firſt time I knew him, as I have obſerved in him, ſince this ſhort acquaintance. Araſpes bluſht at this reply of Doraliſa, and made but a poor defence for himſelf: But ſince other things came into the mind of Cyrus, he ſtayed no longer, but departed with Ligdamis, and all the reſt of his company. Criſantes at that time came unto him, and rendred an account of all thoſe Warlike Engines, which by his orders were preparing; and ſince he aſſured him, that all the works were cloſely followed, he was exceedingly pleaſed in his conceipts, that ere long he ſhould be in a condition, either to vanquiſh his enemies, or die for his Princeſs Mandana.

The end of the firſt Book in the fifth Part.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. The Fifth Part. BOOK. II.

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CYrus was no ſooner come unto the Camp, but he ſent to tell the King of Phrygia, that the Queen of Suſiana, and the Princeſs of Pontus had writ ſo effectually in behalf of the Prince Artamas, that he hoped for a happy ſucceſs of Aglatidas his voyage: The day follovving, he diſpatched an Envoy unto Ciaxares, to acquaint him with all paſſages, and to beſeech him to ſend me more Forces, to the end, that if Thomiris ſhould attempt any thing againſt him, he might keep himſelf ſtill in a poſture of defence, until he had finiſhed the War wherein he was ingaged, and releaſed the Princeſs Mandana: After which, he thought upon nothing but taking the Field, and by ſome memorable exploit to repair the misfortune which lately he received: And in order to that, his daily buſineſs was to ſee how the Warlike Inſtruments which he had given orders for went on, and in what forwardneſs they were; he went from Quarter to Quarter, taking private Muſters of every particular Troop, before he came to a General Rendezvouze, vvaiting impatiently for that happy day on vvhich he ſhould ſet forvvard into the Enemies Country: Since he had made a promiſe unto Ligdamis, never to ingage him unto any thing which might be againſt his honour and generoſity, he vvould never motion it unto him, to move his Father for a paſſage over the River by the Caſtle of Hermes; nor vvould he in conſideration of him, think of rendring himſelf Maſter of it by force of Arms, but reſolved to force a paſſage neerer Sardis, at a place vvhere there vvas a Bridg, and a little Tovvn very vvell fortified, vvhich he muſt of neceſſity take, before he could paſs over the River. In the mean time, he had daily intelligence that the Army of Croeſſus did much increaſe: He underſtood alſo, that the Aegyptians vvhich Amaſis had promiſed unto Croeſſus, vvere arrived by Sea; that the Thracians alſo joyned vvith him, and indeed that his Army vvas grovvn very numerous, that the moſt firtil Country of all Aſia vvould have much and to ſupply it. He underſtood alſo by his Spies, that this vaſt Army vvhich vvas novv upon the Banks of Pactolus aſſembled, vvould vvithin this fevv daies advance unto a place called Thybarras, whither all the Subjects of Croeſſus had orders to bring their victual for the accommodation of the Camp, every City and Tovvn being taxed and rated at a certain quantity, vvhich they vvere required to furniſh out. Cyrus then underſtanding that his Enemies vvould preſently come unto him, if he vvent not [Page] unto them, did forecaſt how to prevent them: And in order to that, he commanded a General Muſter of all his Army, which he found to conſiſt of about a hundred and forty thouſand Men: he held a Councel of War, to conſult how he might aſſault the Town of Niſomolis, where he was to paſs the River; The King of Phrigia: the King of Hircania, the Prince Tigran [...] Phraartes, Perſodes, Gobrias, Gadates, Hidaſpes, Aduſius, Chriſantes, Artabaſes, and many others, were of this Councel: Where it was Reſolved, That they ſhould not make a formal regular Siege of it, but that it were better to loſe ſome Souldiers in ſtorming of it, then to lie lingering before it until the Enemy came to relieve it with his whole Army. This was no ſooner reſolved upon, but Cyrus thought how to execute it: ſo that the day following his Troops began to draw forth: yet the firſt day he made a falſe March, purpoſely to deceive the Enemy; and indeed they were much deceived: for making no queſtion but Cyrus intended to paſs the River at the Caſtle of Hermes, and thither therefore they ſent away the greateſt part of their Forces, contenting themſelves with as many only as would keep the Gariſon of Niſomolis.

As Cyrus never uſed to neglect any thing that was his duty, he went to take his leave of the Queen of Suſiana, and the Princeſs Araminta; Moſt of the Princes in his Company did the ſame, and amongſt the reſt Phraartes, whoſe paſſion did dayly encreaſe, though the coldneſs of the Princeſs ſhould rather have leſſened it. The Conference of Cyrus with theſe two Princeſſes was upon ſome things of concernment; he did yet comfort them as much as he could, always aſſuring them that he aymed at nothing but Mandana's releaſement; and that if the Fate of Arms were ſo favorable to him, he would for their ſakes remember the perſons who amongſt his Enemies were ſo dear unto them; After which he took horſe, and went on his Journey. In the mean time, maugre the remembrance of ſo many angry Oracles and fatal Predictions which might well have made the heart of Cyrus to tremble, yet he did gloſs his ſorrows ſo well, that all the Souldiers who were ignorant of them did march with as much alacrity, as they were wont to do when they went unto a certain Victory: And when they ſaw Cyrus put on his Arms and take horſe, there appeared a moſt noble Fury in his eyes; and indeed this Prince was ſo unlike himſelf when he prepared to fight, or give out Military Orders, that there was not a greater alteration in the countenance of the Pithian when ſhe gave her Oracles, then in the face of Cyrus when the ſword was in his hand: One would have ſaid that a new ſpirit did animate him, and that he himſelf was become the God of War; his complexion grew high and lively, his eyes more ſparkling, his action more free, his voyce more clear, and every way more majeſtical: ſo that at his leaſt beck, he ſtruck terror into the Souls of all about him: Yet did there always appear a calm ſerenity in his Soul, maugre this heroique agility, which made him perpetually change his place, and be in every place to give Orders throughout all; and certainly he did it with ſo much prudence, as never any could ever tax him with commanding any thing to an ill purpoſe: Alſo, he was always obeyed with moſt exact diligence, and blind obedience; as ſoon as ever he ſpoke the word, all were ready to execute; and his preſence had ſomething in it ſo divine and terrible both, that when he was in the head of his Army, only with his all-commanding Trunchion in his hand, one might very well ſay, he made both his Friends and his Enemies to tremble, and wrought different effects in the hearts of both: for his Enemies out of very fear did often fly; and his Friends out of fear to diſpleaſe him, became incomparably more valiant: and certainly that divine heat which warmed his heart, and ſparkled in his eyes, did communicate it ſelf throughout the Army, and begot ſuch an ardent deſire of fighting, as was often a great Cauſe of Victories.

Thus did Cyrus appear when he had a ſword in his hand, and in the head of his Army, when he went to ſtorm the Town of Niſomolis. Since it was very concerning to carry it in a ſhort time, do what the King of Phrigia and Hircania could, he himſelf would needs be the firſt that fell on; and many have aſſured me, that he carryed the firſt Ladder, and was firſt upon the Enemies Rampart: This is without all diſpute, that had he not been there this little Town vvould have held out, maugre all our men, above eight days, yet by his incomparable valor it vvas reduced in leſs then tvventy four hours, vvith the loſs of very fevv men; though half of the Gariſon vvas cut in pieces, and the reſt liſted themſelves under Cyrus. Thus did the King of Lidia in a little time loſe a moſt conſiderable Paſs over the River Hermes, and at leaſt three thouſand of his beſt Souldiers. This good beginning put joy into the vvhole Army of Cyrus, and ſtruck ſuch a terror into all the Country along the River Hermse, as if all Lidia vvere conquered.

[Page] In the mean time, after a Garriſon vvas put into the Tovvn, Cyrus cauſed all his Forces to paſs over the Bridg at Niſomolis, ſo that in a day and half this great Army did over-ſpread all the Neighbouring fields, carrying vvith it ſuch a horrid fear, that from the banks of the River Hermes, unto the River Pactolus, there vvas not a Lydian heart vvhich did not tremble, the Army of Croeſſus it ſelf vvas aſtoniſhed; yet ſince it vvas much more numerous then that of Cyrus, it preſently took heart again: But ſince ſome of their Forces vvere not yet come up. Croeſſus vvas not over-forvvard to take the field, but thought it moſt expedient, to let the fury of this ſtorm vvhich made ſuch a noyſe to cool a little, conjecturing, that the Army of Cyrus vvould leſſen, vvhilſt his increaſed; yet he ſent 20000. men under the conduct of Andramites to check the over-forvvardneſs of Cyrus his Army, until ſuch time as he vvas ready to march; and ſtill confiding in the Oracle vvhich he received from Delphos ſo much, that though his Army had been vveak, as it vvas ſtrong, yet ſhould he hope for Victory, and that he ſhould ruine the Empire vvhich Cyrus vvas in expectation of. In the mean vvhile, Cyrus poſſeſſed himſelf of all paſſages, became Maſter of the Field, and left not a Tovvn on his back vvhich could annoy him, but took all in his vvay, and terror vvas ſpread ſo far, that moſt did render themſelves as ſoon as his Forces approached: That vvhich did moſt move them unto it, vvas becauſe Cyrus did treat all thoſe vvho did not reſiſt him vvith much ſvveetneſs, not permitting a Souldier to offer the leaſt inſolency unto them; but on the contrary, thoſe vvho did reſiſt the progreſs he intended to releaſe his dear Mandana, they felt the vveight of his Arm, and found too late, that it vvas no vviſdome to undertake more then they vvere able to make good, and by conſequence more then they ought to do: After then he had made ſure of all places which could any way annoy him, he intrenched himſelf, advantageouſly, within a daies march and a half of Sardis, as well to reſt his Troops, and refreſh his Army, as to inquire concerning the Enemy, alſo to expect the return of Aglatidas, yet did not a day paſs away without ſome skirmiſh or other; for ſince the 20000. men under the command of Andramites were intrenched upon the Banks of a little River that was within 300. paces of us, there was skirmiſhes continually, the ſucceſs whereof was not alwayes equal: Sometimes the Party of Croeſſus would have the better, yet commonly they were alwayes beaten, ſo that priſoners were every day taken and brought unto Cyrus, who would alwayes examine them himſelf, not only for better information of all advantages, but to ask them if they knew any thing concerning the Princeſs Mandana; for ſince ſometimes there was ſome Officers amongſt them, he pumped ſome things out of them which he deſired to know; he inquired not only of Mandana, but alſo of his Rivals. He underſtood alſo by them, that there was a ſtraner, a gallant Cavalier, and an admirable handſome man, who of late came into the Party of Croeſſus, who then was with Andramites, and had made himſelf very eminent in many ſmall skirmiſhes which had paſſed, yet could not any of theſe priſoners tell his quality, only he called himſelf Telephanes: And indeed every Party which went out, found that there was one man above all the reſt of the Lydians which was of an extraordinary valour, and made alwayes a moſt gallant reſiſtance, ſo that the name of Telephanes was cried up, both amongſt his friends and enemies: Though Cyrus was not capable of any envious thoughts, yet the fame of this Telephanes made him often deſire to meet with him, ſo that he would often go out in theſe ſmall Parties, in hopes to incounter him, but he could not meet with him: But afterwards, checking himſelf for any ſuch thoughts, conceiving it a piece of weakneſs in him to deſire combat with any but his Rivals, he gave over all his thoughts of Telephanes, and his mind was imployed only how to haſten on his Victory or his Defeat, though he could not chuſe but after ſo many dire predictions put ſome doubts of a good ſucceſs. However, he underſtood the day following, that the King of Pontus was come into the Enemies Camp, and that it was he who was to command the Van-guard.

Cyrus no ſooner heard that this Raviſher of his Princeſs was ſo neer him, but he had a much more hot deſire of fighting, which prompted him to act ſomething, before it came to main Battel: And though he knew that all theſe petty advantages which every day they got, were nothing to decide the matter, and that under a general defeat of this great Army, he ſhould never releaſe Mandana, yet he thought, that if he could either kill or take the King of Pontus, it would conduce much unto a Victory, and to the liberty of the Princeſs: So that to do both, he attempted the day following to force his Enemy, and make him quit that quarter wherein he was intrenched: But the Enemy was [Page] ſo advantageouſly ſeated, that it would be a moſt difficult task to drive them out under 10000. men, yet nothing was impoſſible to Cyrus, whoſe valour nothing could reſiſt, and if the night had not impeaded his Victory, he had carried it: His Enemy did loſe ſuch a number of men in this aſſault, that he might well be ſatisfied, though during the combat, he met neither with the King of Pontus, nor Telephanes, who was reported to carry one dead painted upon his Buckler, with this Motto, I have deſerved it; yet was Cyrus much perplexed that he could not meet with his Rival, and he was conſidering which way he might the next morning inforce the Enemy out of his Trenches, when he ſaw Aglatidas returned, and coming to him, he was no ſooner entred into his Tent, but with open arms he imbraced him: Well my dear Aglatidas (ſaid he unto him) How does my Princeſs? and how do they treat her at Sardis? Sir, replied he, they guard her ſo ſtrickly, that it was impoſſible for me to give you an exact account how ſhe doth, yet I know ſhe is in health, and that they wait upon her with much reſpect: But ſince ſhe is in the Cittadel, as well as the Princeſs Palmis, whom they guard as ſtrickly as the Princeſs Mandana, it is not in the power of Feraulas, as witty as he is, to find out any means of ſending any meſſage unto Marteſia, yet for all that I have ſeen the Princeſs: How, ſaid Cyrus, have you ſeen her, and not ſpoke unto her? I ſaw her Sir, replied he, upon the top of a Tower in the Cittadel, where ſhe came every evening to walk with the Princeſs of Lydia; but the ditches were ſo very broad, and the Tower ſo high, that I could only ſee her, and perhaps unſeen my ſelf, yet methought one of her Women which waited, made a ſign unto me with her hand, but I durſt not anſwer it. However Feraulas ſees her every day in the ſame place, for the place where the priſoners of War is lodged, is over againſt that Tower: Then it ſeems the King of Aſſyria (replied Cyrus very haſtily) does ſee my Princeſs, as the reſt do? And more then any of the reſt, ſaid Aglatidas, for he is perpetually in the Window of his Chamber, which opens that way. Ah Aglatidas (cried Cyrus out) What ſad news is this you tell me? Sir, replied he, Let it not at all trouble you, ſince certainly that Prince is not any thing the happier for it, becauſe by ſpecial Orders from the King of Pontus, who is in high favour with Croeſſus, he is ſo ſtrickly guarded, that this Prince cannot poſſibly have ſo much liberty as to ſend any Letters or meſſage unto the Princeſs Mandana. Cyrus then, calming the agitation of his ſpirits, by hearing a thing ſo agreeable to his wiſh, commanded Aglatidas to make an exact relation of all his journey, firſt asking him of the health of the Prince Artamas, and of all the reſt of the Priſoners, eſpecially of Feraulas in particular. After that, Aglatidas had told him, that the Prince Artamas was out of all danger, and that the ſtranger Anaxaris, Feraulas, Soſicles, and Tegeus were all well, he told him, how he found Croeſſus at Sardis, who treated him very civilly; that after he had read his Letter, he told him, that his recommendations were dear unto him, excepting what related unto the Prince Artamas, aſſuring him, that he ſhould have his anſwer in the morning; that afterwards, he deſired permiſſion to preſent a Letter unto the King of Pontus from the Princeſs his Siſter, and another from the Queen of Suſiana unto the King her Husband, unto which he accorded, cauſing him to be conducted unto thoſe two Princes by ſome of his guard: But I pray tell me, (ſaid Cyrus,) Were not the King of Pontus and Abradates in the Camp? No Sir, replied Aglatidas, for they were at a Councel of War, which was held neer the Town, and the King of Pontus was ready to ſet forward to command the Van-guard: But to tell you Sir, how Abradates received me is impoſſible; but I am moſt certain, he loves the Queen Panthea with a moſt extraordinary affection, and he had no ſooner read her Letter, but he aſſured me, that he would be a Protector, not only unto all ſuch priſoners as were taken during the War, as well as thoſe now at Sardis, but he would be ready to do any thing that generoſity would permit him, with a hundred obliging and ſweet expreſſions unto me: After which, being deſirous to execute the orders of Panthea that very hour, he went unto Croeſſus, as I ſhall tell you, after I have related unto you how the King of Pontus did treat me: I am confident (replied Cyrus) that he hath not forgot to be generous: Certainly Sir, replied Aglatidas, I was much ſurprized at this manner of behaviour; for Sir, you never did any favour which he does not exactly remember, he calls you his Protector and Liberator, he proteſted that he hated ingratitude, and ſwore unto me, that he would protect the Prince Artamas, and all the Priſoners, more for your ſake, then for the Princeſs his Siſter: Then he carried me unto Croeſſus, and I was a witneſs of all that the King of Suſiana and he did plead in behalf of Artamas and the reſt: Croeſſus did [Page] obſtinately affirm, that the Prince of Phrigia ought not to be treated as a Priſoner of War, but to be proceeded againſt as a Delinquent to the State: And theſe two Princes did moſt zealouſly maintain the contrary, telling him, that he had no Right at all unto that Prince, but what the Fortune of War did entitle him unto.

However, the matter could not be that day reſolved, no nor the next day, though Creſſus promiſed to diſpatch me: During which time, by the Kings permiſſion, I viſited all the Priſoners: I underſtood from Feraulas, that the King of Aſſyria was known before he came into Sardis; and that ſince his Impriſonment he is extreamly melancholy, that he ſhould not have the glory of ayding you in the Princeſs Mandana's Releaſment, and that he was forced to be obliged unto you for his Liberty; and he charged me to expreſs his ſorrows unto you, that he was not to be Partaker with you in the dangers of this War, and deſiring me to put you in memory of your Promiſes. As for the Prince Artamas Sir, he charged me with a hundred obliging Meſſages unto you, as well as Anaxaris, Soſicles, and Tegeus. Whileſt I was with theſe illuſtrious Captives, Abradates and the King of Pontus finding Creſſus very reſolute, told him, that there was two perſons who were infinitely dear unto them in your Power, and that they had great Reaſon to fear their uſage if Artamas was treated otherwiſe then as a Priſoner of War: Unto which he anſwered, that as long as Mandana was in his Power, there was no fear of either the Queen of Suſiana or the Princeſs Araminta. As Abradates was more earneſt in the buſineſs then the King of Pontus, he ſpoke ſomething home unto Creſſus, telling him that he ſaw he was much deceived; for he beleeved that if he had deſired Prince Artamas to be exchanged for the Queen his Wife, he would not have denyed him that favour; but it ſeems he was ſo far from granting him that favour, as at his requeſt he would not let him be in the ordinary Conditions of War: Adding many other things, unto which Creſſus anſwered ſo roughly, as I am very much miſtaken, if the heart of Abradates was not much exaſperated againſt him: For when I came to receive his Anſwer, I heard him relate the buſineſs unto one of his friends in a low voyce, and in ſuch a manner as I conceive as much. However, at laſt the King of Pontus and he did bend Creſſus unto their deſires; ſo that I received as good an Anſwer as I could wiſh. In taking my leave of Abradates, he charged me with a Letter unto the Queen his Wife: and appointed me to tell you Sir, that if he were abſolute Diſpoſer of Affairs, he would not only protect the Prince Artamas, but releaſe him: Adding unto all this a Chain of Gold with a Medal, on which was the Picture of Panthea, which he deſired me to take, to put me in remembrance (as he ſaid) to tell you Sir, That there was one man amongſt your Enemies, who infinitely deſires the honour to be your Friend. Sir, ſaid I then unto him, I beſeech you excuſe me from receiving ſuch a magnificent gift, as may render me ſuſpected unto the Prince I ſerve. Since your Maſters merit, replyed he, is a ſtronger and more precious Chain to tye you unto his ſervice then any I am able to give, he will never ſuſpect ſuch a man as you of any ſubornation. At laſt, there was no remedy but I muſt ſubmit unto the liberality of Abradates, and accept it. Afterwards I went unto the King of Pontus, who gave me his Anſwer unto the Princeſs Araminta his Siſter, and who charged me to tell you Sir, that you may ever expect any thing in the World from him which was not prejudicial unto his Love. After this, Aglatidas preſenting the King of Lidia's Letter unto his hands, he there found theſe words:

CRESSUS unto CYRUS.

WHat cauſe ſoever I have to treat the Prince Artamas as a Delinquent againſt my State, yet I aſſure you, that at your inſtance, and the deſires of thoſe two Princes who did ſecond you, I ſhall treat him only as a Priſoner of War; and that with much civility and ſweetneſs. I wiſh I may often be in a condition to do you the like offices; and that I may never be neceſſitated to receive the like from you.

CRESSUS.

Fortune ſhall then forſake me (ſaid Cyrus in anſwer to his own thoughts, and the King of Lidia's Letter:) After which embracing Aglatidas, he asked him whether he had heard of a ſtranger of high reputation in Sardis, whoſe name was Telephanes? Oh Sir, ſaid Aglatidas, I had forgot to tell you, that the talk in Sardis is of nothing elſe but his valor and gallant importment; yet none knows who he is: However, added he, if the [...]idians are to be beleeved, their Army is ſo vaſt and ſtrong, that Victory is made ſure of: However, [Page] they will give us leave to diſpute for it with them, replyed Cyrus. After which ſending Aglatidas unto the King of Phrigia, to give him an account of the ſucceſs in his Voyage, he ſpent the reſt of the day which he had deſigned for his own reſt, upon contemplation of the preſent ſtate of his fortunes; and to contrive ways how to releaſe his Princeſs. Doubtleſs it was a great conſolation unto him to hear that the King of Pontus was in the Army, and that the King of Aſſyria could not ſend unto Mandana. Nor am I altogether unfortunate, ſaid he, ſince my Princeſs is in a place where ſhe may think upon me with freedom: But how do I know, ſaid he, whether or no ſhe thinks well of me? Have I not more reaſon to fear that ſhe thinks upon me as the cauſe of all her misfortunes? and remembers me with horror in lieu of tenderneſs? Perhaps the ſame Gods which promiſed the King of Aſſyria that he ſhould ſee an end of all his miſery, and that he ſhould have the glory to hear Mandana ſigh for him, did make him a Priſoner purpoſely to haſten his happineſs; and it may be ſhe pities him whileſt ſhe accuſeth me, and at this very hour as I am ſpeaking of her, he has a greater ſhare in her thoughts and affection then I have. But moſt unjuſt man that I am (ſaid he, and reprehended himſelf) why do I accuſe the moſt perfect perſon upon Earth of any inconſtancy? She, I ſay, who hath given me a hundred moſt obliging teſtimonies of her unalterable conſtancy? She hath ſeen the King of Aſſyria, who was Poſſeſſor of a great Empire, and could command an Army of two hundred thouſand Men, lie proſtrate at her feet, and never be moved at his tears: Why then ſhould I now ever think, that ſince he is deprived of his Kingdom, and in fetters, and never ſpeaks to her, he can alter his mind? yet notwithſtanding, pity hath much power in it; ſhe can mollifie the moſt obdurate hearts, and ſoften the moſt fierce Souls, eſpecially ſuch as ſuffer for her; alſo ſhe delivered me, and retained the King of Aſſyria. Then afterwards when he began to conſider how the Gods had promiſed Victory unto Creſſus, and yet ſince he entered into Lidia he had nothing but good ſucceſs againſt this Lidian King, he knew not what to think: Sometimes he feared the Gods did raiſe him only to throw him down again; and in a moment after, he thought that perhaps they did never intend it: So that when one glimpſe of any hope did but ſhine upon his heart, then all his thoughts were of fighting, and vanquiſhing his Rivals. After he had reliſhed the ſweetneſs of this laſt thought, he fell aſleep, and ſlept on with more tranquility then uſually he was wont, but his ſleep was not long ſince he awaked by break of day. He was no ſooner up, but the King of Phrigia came to thank him, and expreſs his joy, that the Prince his Son was not expoſed unto the fury of Creſſus. Afterwards this Prince underſtanding from Aglatidas how infinitely Abradates loved the Queen his Wife, did adviſe Cyrus to carry her unto the Army, telling him, that ſuch an occaſion might preſent it ſelf, that her preſence and the preſence of the Princeſs Araminta might happily much advantage him: At the firſt, Cyrus did not much harken unto the counſel of the King of Phrigia, thinking that he was to employ nothing but his courage in the Releaſment of Mandana; and remembering what ſmall effects the laſt meeting of the Princeſs Araminta with the King of Pontus produced, he could not fancy any advantage by them. Yet ſince the King of Phrigia, Chriſantes, Aglatidas and Ligdamis, were not of his opinion, he yeilded unto them. Then the very ſame hour he ſent Aglatidas unto the two Princeſſes, with the Letters which he brought for them, and to beſeech them they would be pleaſed to come unto one of thoſe Towns which he had taken, and which was cloſe by the place where he was encamped: But for more civilities ſake, he writ unto them both; and the more to oblige Ligdamis, he deſired him to go with Aglatidas, and conduct the Princeſſes, with whom was his dear Cleonice; giving orders unto Aglatidas for Araſp [...]s, that he ſhould take his Troops unto Niſomolis. In the mean while Cyrus, whoſe conſtant cuſtom was to conquer all oppoſers, reſolved to enforce the Enemy, and to drive them from that quarter which they poſſeſſed, before all their Army came up; ſo that this being his full reſolution, he intended to aſſault them in ſo many places at once, that they being forced to divide their Forces, he might more eaſily vanquiſh them: yet this could not be executed in the morning, becauſe he thought it moſt expedient to fall on in the night, thereby to ſpare his Troops, and to avoyd the arrows which they who guarded the Trenches might with more judgment aym if it were not in the dark. On the other ſide, the King of Pontus deſiring to put nothing to the hazard, would not fight until the whole Army of Creſſus was arrived; and deſired that the Battel might be fought neerer Sardis, to the end that if Creſſus was beaten, he might more readily retire into the Town to defend his Princeſs, ſo that he reſolved to diſencamp the night following; and in order to that, the day was no ſooner [Page] done, but cauſing many fires to be made as uſually was wont, he marched away with all his Troops towards the plain of Sardis. Cyrus was much ſurprized when going to aſſault his Enemy, he found none there: he made ready a great body of Horſe to follow them; and himſelf being in the head of them, he purſued a long while, yet the Enemy made ſuch haſte, that he could not overtake them: ſo that conceiving it not ſafe to engage himſelf too far, he returned back, and poſſeſſed himſelf of the ſame quarter which the Lidians quitted: Yet was he extreamly ſorry to underſtand by the ſick and wounded Enemies which the Enemy left behind in their Camp, that the King of Pontus was gone to quarter on the other ſide of the River Halis, which runs along the Plain of Sardis, over againſt Pactolus, which bounders the other ſide: And judging by this that the Enemy intended to protract the War, he fell into ſuch ſad deſpair as is unconceiveable: ſo that without imparting his deſign unto any but him he ſent, he diſpatched Artabaſes unto the King of Pontus, to tell him, that ſince it was not juſt the Princeſs Mandana ſhould continue ſo long a Captive, he conjured him to obtain permiſſion from Creſſus, for a Duel between them two, and ſo to end all differences betwixt them concerning the Princeſs Mandana, offering that if he were Conqueror, to reſtore the Queen of Suſiana and the Princeſs Araminta upon condition he would reſtore the Princeſs Mandana unto Ciaxares if the Fate of Arms went on his ſide; adding further, that if Creſſus would prolong the War, he might the better ſatisfie his deſire. In the mean time, ſince Creſſus and Abradates did advance, as the King of Pontus retired, both met at the River Halis: ſo that when Artabaſes came to the Enemies Camp, he was carried immediately unto Creſſus, in whoſe preſence he muſt needs acquit himſelf of his Commiſſion. At the firſt, the King of Pontus was much amazed; not but that this Prince was as valiant as any ever breathed; but when he remembered how he owed his life and liberty unto Cyrus, and that he unjuſtly retained the Princeſs Mandana from him, he was extreamly aſhamed; and all his love and valor could not move him to accept this Combat without extream repugnance: But he was not put unto the trouble of it, for Artabaſes had no ſooner ended his ſpeech, but Creſſus told him, that he would not ſuffer the King of Pontus to fight with Cyrus for the Liberty of Mandana; and bid him tell his Maſter, that before this Princeſs was releaſed, he ſhould conquer him in ranged Battel, he ſhould take Sardis, ſubvert his Throne, and ruine his Empire.

The King of Pontus, even raviſhed that he was not put to anſwer, and ſeeing with what reſolution Creſſus ſpoke unto this Propoſition, beſeeched him that he would permit him leave to ſee Cyrus; for Sir, ſaid he unto him, though he be my Rival, yet I would preſerve my ſelf in his eſteem and I ſhould be extreamly ſorry if he ſhould think it want of heart, that I will not fight with him; Alſo I ſhould be very glad to ask him pardon for my ingratitude, and to tell him my ſelf ſome part of my thoughts. At the firſt Creſſus was unwilling to conſent: but after Abradates told him that it could be no ways prejudicial, Artabaſes was ſent back with one of the King of Lidia's Heralds to know whether Cyrus would conſent unto this meeting. Since this Prince did expect Artabaſes with much impatience, becauſe he hoped to obtain his demands, it may be eaſily conceived that his return did aggravate his ſorrows, ſince the Liberty of Mandana was yet deferred: yet he did conſent to ſee the King of Pontus, hoping ſtill to perſwade him either to reſtore Mandana, or to fight with him. The day of this Enterview being appointed, it was reſolved by both Parties that Cyrus ſhould come in the head of a thouſand Horſe unto a place where ran a little deep River about three paces broad; and that the King of Pontus ſhould meet him there with the like number; That theſe two Princes ſhould ſolemnly engage themſelves by Oath, not to aſſault each other, but to ſpeak unto each other only. The thing being then reſolved upon, the time and place appointed, and the hour come, each prepared to be at the place appointed: That which was moſt ſtrange, was the great deſire which every Commander of the Enemies Army had to know Cyrus; ſo that they were all importunate with Creſſus for permiſſion to wait upon the King of Pontus: ſo that in lieu of common Troopers, all his Company to prevent diſcontents were Colonels and Captains.

You eaſily imagine, that Cyrus when he ſaw this, ſuſpected a ſurprize, and that faith would not be kept, for he had all his men (except ſome forty or fifty men of quality) out of common Troopers only: But with the King of Pontus it was otherwiſe, for Abradate; himſelf was one, having asked leave of Croeſſus to give Cyrus thanks for his generoſity in treating the Queen his Wife ſo civilly: However, Cyrus wiſhed, though [Page] he knew no reaſon for his curioſity, that Telephanes who was ſo cried up, would be there alſo. Theſe two bodies of Cavalry, appeared then at an equal diſtance from this River, and advanced foot-pace to the ſide of it, where they, when they were within eight paces of each ſide, they both made a hault. In the mean while, Cyrus and the King of Pontus, leaving their Troops both at a time, came as neer each other as the River would permit, and without alighting from their horſes, they ſaluted each other with equal civility, yet their eyes did ſo ſparkle the agitation of their hearts, that they both ſtood ſilent a while, and could not ſpeak; and indeed Cyrus could not look upon the King of Pontus, but he muſt needs remember the care he formerly had of his preſervation, when he ſent to acquaint him with the conſpiracy againſt him, and alſo how he had ſaved the life of his Princeſs; yet he could not chuſe but remember at the ſame time, how he was the Raviſher of Mandana, and the ruiner of his felicity; nor could the King of Pontus look upon Cyrus without remembrance, how he owed both his life and liberty unto him, and how he had offered to reinveſt him in his Throne; ſo that both of them infinitely eſteeming each other, and ſo demeaned themſelves, as the greatneſs of their ſouls did ſufficiently appear. After all rumultuous cogitations of heart were allayed, and reaſon aſſumed Region in their minds: I am infinitely grieved (ſaid the King of Pontus unto Cyrus) that Fortune has ſo much obliged me unto you, and that Love ſhould make me ſo ungrateful: It is not for any ingratitude or obligations (replied Cyrus) that I accuſe you, but only becauſe you are extreamly unjuſt, in detaining a Princeſs unto whom neither Nature, nor Fortune, nor Love, hath given you any right: As for that which relates unto my own particular, I was firſt obliged unto you, and all that which I have or would have done for you, ought to be conſidered only as effects of my acknowledgment: But that you ſhould deſire to obtain that by force, which ought to be acquired by ſubmiſſion, ſervices and prayers, this is a thing moſt horrid; yet if the captivity of the Princeſs Mandana had any limits ſet unto it, then hopes of liberty in the end might ſweeten her impriſonment: but to wiſh that ſhe ſhould not be releaſed, until I have defeated a puiſſant Army commanded by three great Kings, and by the conqueſt of a great Empire, this is ſuch a piece of high injuſtice, as I cannot believe you capable of; on the contrary, I think you ought rather to endeavour my defeat by your own peculiar valour, then by the bloud of two hundred thouſand men which are in the Army of Croeſſus; and therefore I hoped, that you would have accepted of that offer of combat which I ſent unto you: How infinitely does it concern the King of Lydia, that we ſhould terminate our differences our ſelves before a bloudy War become the Arbitrator? Since if I have the good Fortune to vanquiſh you, I ſhall demand no more but the Princeſs Mandana, and if you vanquiſh me, the Queen of Suſiana and the Princeſs Araminta ſhall be reſtored. Oh ye Gods (added Cyrus) I beſeech you infuſe reaſon into the ſoul of this Prince, and let him help me to releaſe that Princeſs whom we adore. Would it were the pleaſure of thoſe Gods, whom you invoke, (replied the King of Pontus) that I were able to follow the Dictates of Reaſon; for if I could, I ſhould then reſiſt my paſſion, and overcome it: I ſhould then ſet the Princeſs Mandana at liberty, and then I ſhould make my Love ſubmit unto my ambition, and accept of all thoſe generous offers which you have made me, and by conſequence hope by your valour to regain my Kingdomes: Then though I could not conquer my paſſion, yet I ſhould at leaſt endeavour to overcome my unwillingneſs to fight with my Deliverer, and by fighting with you, I might find an end of my misfortunes, either by a glorious Victory, or an honorable death. But to ſpeak ſincerely unto you, I cannot do it, ſince I am neither Maſter of my own perſon, nor of Mandana's: When I came firſt unto Croeſſus, after I had loſt my Kingdomes, I brought him no Forces; all that I had, whereby to oblige him unto my protection, was to put the Princeſs Mandana into his power, ſo that ſince ſhe is not mine, I have no right to demand her of him again: She is ſo precious an Hoſtage, that it may be ſaid, that ſhe almoſt keeps his Empire and perſon in ſecurity: Judg I beſeech you after this what I am able to do, you have been my Deliverer, I confeſs, and ſuch a one, as unto whom I owe all I have; nor can it be denied, but Croeſſus is my Protector alſo, and by the ſame reaſon, I am as much his debtor. Never conſider, (ſaid Cyrus) what your debt is unto the King of Lydia, or unto me, but conſider what your debt is unto the Princeſs Mandana: Is it juſt, that ſince the Gods have deſtined her to wear the prime Crowns of all Aſia, you ſhould make her die in Priſon? Can your Love conſent unto that? And do you think, that to Love Mandana [Page] truly, is to make her the moſt miſerable Princeſs alive? Recollect your ſelf generous Rival, hear what reaſon ſayes unto you, and ſtrive either to overcome your ſelf, or me, I give you the choice of theſe two; if you make choice of the firſt, and will move Croeſſus unto a peace, to ſhew you that I deſire it not to ſave my ſelf the labour of a War, I do ſolemnly ingage my word to eſtabliſh you in the Throne of your Fathers, and to do as much for Croeſſus if he have any need of my aſſiſtance; but if you make choice of the other, then perſwade him that it would be very much more advantageous unto him to vanquiſh or intrap me, then to hazard it in a Battel; for truly, I cannot endure Mandana ſhould be thus a Captive, and I wonder how you can ſuffer it: I do not know (replied the King of Pontus) but there is ſuch a diſcord in my own thoughts, that every day I do both love and hate you, and am my own greateſt Enemy; yet there is not one minute in my life, in which I do not moſt deſperately love the Princeſs Mandana; I cannot fix upon any reaſonable reſolution, but am alwayes both unjuſt and miſerable: No, no, (cryed out Cyrus) it is not ſo; for ſince you ſee Mandana every day, either angry, or with tears in her eyes, your heart muſt needs melt, or diſpair, whereas I never ſee her; therefore in all likelyhood I am more unfortunate (and not you) then ever I imagined. However, I beſeech you be ſo ſincerely as to tell me, upon what tearms you ſtand with Mandana? I beſeech you do not deny me every thing; and ſince you will neither releaſe your Miſtriſs, nor fight with your Rival, however ſpeak free and ſincerely unto a Prince who would be your friend, if you would permit him: Alas Sir, (cried out the King of Pontus) your rigour is too ſharp, in deſiring me to tell you with my own mouth, that you are as much in the Princeſs Mandana's eſteem as I am little; and content your ſelf with this, that though I cannot part with her, yet have I no hopes of ever being loved: What then do you hope for (ſaid Cyrus unto him?) To die, replied the King of Pontus, before you ſhall enjoy her. There is not a better way to hinder me from enjoying her, (replied Cyrus) then to fight with me: Sometimes I think upon nothing but that, replied the King of Pontus, when I look upon you as my Rival, and my Rival beloved; and ſometimes when I look upon my obligations, I cannot think of any ſuch thing: Forget them all for ever, replied Cyrus, ſince you will not render me the Princeſs whom I adore: However do thus much for me at the leaſt, ſaid he, that you will induce Croeſſus not to draw the War out at length, but that a deciding Battel may ſpeedily be reſolved upon, and let Victory fall where it pleaſe the Fates. This I will promiſe you (replied the King of Pontus) though I am angry with my ſelf, that I can grant no more, unto one that is not only my Deliverer, but alſo a protector of the Princeſs Araminta: Do not make the reſpects which I pay unto that illuſtrious perſon any obligations unto you (replied Cyrus) ſince I pay them only in love of her and my ſelf, and not of you.

After this, theſe two Princes talked together of many things, with ſometimes generoſity, and ſometimes in anger, but Love did alwayes appear in them both: When they were ready to part, Abradates advanced, and the King of Pontus naming him unto Cyrus, that Prince ſaluted him with much reſpect, as made appear how he treated Panthea. This firſt complement being over, and Abradates rendred him thanks for his ſo generous and civil treatments of the Queen his Wife, Cyrus began to ſpeak, and looking upon the King of Pontus, Have you no pity upon the King of Suſiana? (ſaid he unto him) and will you not put me into ſuch a condition as will make me reſtore him the only perſon which can make him happy? Oh I beſeech you, let me enjoy ſo much happineſs, as that I may break the Chains of theſe two great Princeſſes in pieces, by your breaking the Chains of the Princeſs Mandana. As much intereſted as I am, becauſe I know too well what it is to be deprived of her I moſt love (replied Abradates) yet I cannot joyn my prayers unto yours Sir; and therefore without any inſulting upon the miſeries of a great Prince, I endure my own misfortunes, without any addition unto his; yet thinking my ſelf moſt happy, in meeting with ſo generous an Enemy as you Sir are. As Abradates was ſpeaking thus, and the name of Telephanes coming into the mind of Cyrus, he began to look amongſt the Lydian Cavalry if he could ſpy the Buckler, which they ſaid he uſed to wear; for though there was no deſign of any fighting that day, yet every one had their Arms. Cyrus then looking very circumſpectly amongſt them, whil'ſt Abradates was ſpeaking unto him, he ſaw a man of an excellent garb, and well mounted, in the firſt rank, who turning his head then to ſpeak unto another which was in the ſecond Rank; would not at firſt permit him to ſee his face, yet his Buckler [Page] was plainly to be ſeen; ſo that he longing to have him look towards him, he hearkened unto Abradates, but ſtill kept his eye upon Telephanes, and though he knew no cauſe for it, yet his ſoul ſwelled with extraordinary agitations, and much more when this pretended Telephanes turning his head that way, he ſaw him to be either the Prince Mazares, or his Ghoſt; for ſince he had often ſeen this Prince at Babylon before, he ſaw him in a dying poſture neer Sinope; and ſince the Idea of a Rival is alwayes rivitted in ones memory, he knew him at firſt ſight; yet ſince he certainly believed him dead, this ſight did ſo ſurprize him, that he could not chuſe but interrupt Abradates. I beſeech you (ſaid he, and pointed towards him) how long hath that Cavalier been amongſt you? and why doth he name himſelf Telephanes? The King of Pontus being very deſirous to know more of a man who had done ſo many gallant feats ſince he came into Lydia, anſwered, that he came to Sardis a little before the Princeſs Mandana; but as for his name, he knew no more of it then what himſelf told us: No, no, ſaid Cyrus, Telephanes (if my eyes be not much miſtaken) is not his name, but it is Mazares, one of the Raviſhers of my Princeſs, whom the Gods have raiſed from the dead to torment me the more. Mazares hearing himſelf named by Cyrus (for it was really he) came neerer the river, and looking mith a more melancholy then furious aſpect: Since you have diſcovered my right name, ſaid he unto him, I will not any longer conceal it: I do confeſs, that I am Mazares, the moſt culpable and miſerable man alive: But Sir, ſince I am not revived, but only to die a ſecond death, do not repent that you left me alive: I left you alive (replied Cyrus in ſuch a tone, as manifeſtly ſpoke the turbulency in his heart) becauſe I could not then take it from you with honour: But now, ſince I ſee you in a condition able to anſwer him that ſhall call you to an account, I am reſolved not to do it as I did before: We ſhall meet perhaps (replied Mazares coldly) before this War be ended, or elſe I would look for you all over the world (replied Cyrus;) and did I not know the rights of men to be inviolable, we would this very hour end all our differences. Abradates fearing that Mazares would reply ſomething that might make Cyrus not a Maſter of his own reſentment, broke off this diſcourſe, telling them both, that it was not permitted them to ſpeak unto each other at this time, ſince Cyrus obtained leave from Croeſſus, only for the King of Pontus himſelf and to parl, yet did Mazares anſwer in ſuch a manner, as made both his courage and prudence to appear. In the mean time, the King of Pontus, who loved him very well as Telephanes, yet now did not know how he ſhould look upon him; yet conſidering, that if Mazares had not carried away Mandana, ſhe had not now been in Lydia, then he had thoughts of him different from thoſe of Cyrus: And on the other ſide conſidering, that but for him, Mandana had been now either in the King of Aſſyri's power, or in the power of Cyrus, he could not have any ſuch reſentments of hatred againſt him, as uſually is againſt a Rival; yet was he ſo buſied in himſelf, what to think of Mazares, and how to behave himſelf towards him, that he medled not with their diſcourſe, which by the prudence of Abradates ended, every one retiring to his own party with different apprehenſions. Cyrus yet was the laſt that retreated, ſo unwilling was he to part from two men, whom he had ſuch a deſire to be fighting with, even both at once, rather then not at all; he was very ſorry, that he did not a little better inform himſelf, how it ſhould poſſible be that Mazares ſhould ſtill live, and why he ſhould take the King of Pontus his part, who was his Rival, and why he ſhould conceal his name: However, return to the Camp he muſt, but he returned with ſuch furious reſentments of Spirit, that he was never ſeen ſo little Maſter of himſelf as at that time. When he came to the Camp, and had given all neceſſary orders, he had a longing impatience to be alone with Chriſantes, that he might with freedom deſcant upon this odd accident. Well my dear witneſs of all my misfortunes (ſaid he unto him) what do you ſay unto what you have ſeen? (for Chriſantes was with him at this enterview) I ſay Sir, (replied he) that ſince Fortune has been ſo forward in forging ſo many prodigies to torment you, ſhe will at laſt work as many miracles to eaſe you: For my part, (replied Cyrus) I am not of your opinion, but on the contrary, methinks I have cauſe to fear, ſince this accident, that Aſtiages as wel as Mazares may revive to torment me; and that ſo many millions of men as have loſt their lives in the Armies of my Enemies in ſo many Battels as I have won, will alſo revive to recruit the Army of Croeſſus unto an incredible multitude, and that all thoſe whom I have ſo often vanquiſhed, will at laſt become my Conquerours: For truly, why ſhould I not think all theſe as poſſible as this I ſee? Did I not ſee Mazares dying in the Fiſhers Cabin? Or to ſay better, Did I not with theſe eyes ſee him dead? [Page] Did not theſe ears hear him pronounce with a feeble and weak tone thoſe ſad words concerning my Princeſs, when he gave me her Scarf, which remained in his hands after the ſhipwrack with her? Then did he loſe his tongue, and could not ſpeak one word more, when I left him, and they aſſured me moſt confidently the next morning that he wa [...]d; yet for all this, Mazares I ſee is living; Mazares is in the ſame place where Mandana is, and fights for one of his Rivals: Was ever ſuch a prodigious paſſage known? Did the King of Aſſyria whom he betrayed know he is in Sardis, perhaps he would find out ways to know how all this came about, and hereafter acquaint me; but alas, certainly the Gods are reſolved to overwhelm me with all manner of misfortunes; and have I not good reaſon to think ſo? The Oracle aſſures the King of Aſſyria, that he may hope for the enjoyment of Mandana: The Oracle does affirmatively promiſe Creſſus the Ruine of that Empire, which in all likelyhood I ſhould hereafter poſſeſs; and the Sibils anſwer pronounceth my death; yet did they conceal one part of my misfortunes, ſince they tell me that Mazares was alive.

But Sir (ſaid Chriſantes unto him) it is not Mazares who now keeps Mandana Priſoner, nor is it the King of Pontus, but it is Creſſus. 'Tis true Chriſantes (replyed Cyrus) but they were my Rivals who put her into his Power: The King of Aſſyria began my misfortunes in carrying her away from Themiſſira: Mazares encreaſed them in carrying her away from Sinope, and firſt from Babylon, both which I was ready to take and become Maſter of: But the King of Pontus exceeded them both, in ſaving her from ſhipwrack only to caſt her into a Sea of miſeries: 'Tis very true, that without laying the fault upon others, I ought to accuſe my ſelf the firſt: for indeed if Artamenes had known Philidaspes when he met him in the Wood and ſaved his life, Mandana had been at liberty, the King of Pontus had been upon his Throne, Mazares had been innocent, and I had been the moſt happy man upon Earth. However, ſince things paſt cannot be revoked, I muſt think upon the preſent and future; and endeavor my own ſatisfaction ſo far as to ſacrifice ſome of my Rivals unto my Fury and Revenge, before all theſe menaced miſeries do fall upon me: Yet this Prince could not execute his deſign ſo ſoon, becauſe his Enemies were on the other ſide of the River, and he could not eaſily come at them: Alſo, having cauſed ſome Chariots of War to be made which were not finiſhed, he was forced to ſtay a while before he could attempt any thing conſiderable: yet there happened every day ſuch Encounters between Parties, as did ſharpen the violent deſires of both ſides to vanquiſh: For ſince Creſſus kept one Paſs over the River Halis, and Cyrus another, both ſides were continually ſending out Parties.

In the mean while Aglatidas and Ligdamis did punctually obſerve the Orders of Cyrus, and waited upon the Queen of Suſiana and the Princeſs Araminta unto the Town which that Prince deſired they ſhould ſtay in, until the Battel was fought, which as he hoped would be very ſhortly: They were no ſooner there, but Panthea ſent Ligdamis to entreat Cyrus that ſhe might have ſo much liberty as to come and ſpeak with him, about a buſineſs which did much concern him: Cyrus then asked Ligdamis if he knew what it was? and he anſwered, No, but ſaid, he found Panthea ſo ſad and altered, that he was perſwaded ſhe grieved exceedingly: Cyrus, who had a natural diſpoſition to compaſſionate all in any miſery, without any longer delay, or putting her into the trouble of coming to him, he went unto the place where ſhe was, which was not above thirty furlongs from his Quarter. When he was come into the Caſtle where ſhe lodged, he asked Araſpes very privately whom he perceived very melancholy, how the Queen of Suſiana did ſince he ſaw her, and whether he knew of any new misfortune or diſtate which had befaln her of late? Araſpes bluſht at the queſtion, and anſwered Cyrus in ſuch a manner as made him think that he had promiſed fidelity unto Panthea, and would not confeſs all he knew: ſo that commending his diſcretion in lieu of [...]ding him, he went into the Queen of Suſiana's Chamber. Araſpes would have entered alſo as he uſed to do when Cyrus came, but he forbad him: When he was entered, he ſaw Panthea, and none but Cleonice with her; but ſaw her ſo ſad, that he was ſurprized: Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, I ask your pardon, for putting you to ſo much trouble. 'Tis my part rather to beg a pardon Madam (replyed he) for making you ſo melancholy, though I do not know the cauſe of it: And truly Madam, I think my ſelf reſponſable for all the miſeries which chance unto you, as long as I continue ſo unfortunate, as not to releaſe you. Sir, anſwered ſhe, I ſhould be very unjuſt if I ſhould charge you with the faults of another; and I have ſo much reſpect unto you, as not to aggravate the crime of one whom you honour with your affection: Therefore [Page] without telling you againſt whom I complain, I ſhall only entreat you—No, no Madam (ſaid Cyrus, and haſtily interrupted her) you muſt not conceal either the Crime nor the Criminal, whoſoever he be; and I do proteſt unto you, that if there be any who hath offered you the leaſt cauſe of complaint, I will puniſh him ſo ſeverely, as you ſhall ſee I am as ſenſible of any injuries offered unto thoſe I honour, as if they were done unto my ſelf. I ever did beleeve Sir, replyed Panthea that your generoſity would prompt to as much; and therefore, though it be not the cuſtom for Captives to chuſe their Keepers, yet I moſt humbly beſeech you to forbid Araſpes from ſeeing me again, and to put ſome other whom you ſhall pleaſe in his place. You ſhall be moſt exactly obeyed Madam, replyed Cyrus; but if Araſpes hath been ſo bold as to offer you any diſpleaſure, he deſerves not only to be baniſhed out of your preſence, but out of the ſociety of men as a moſt barbarous and wicked man; therefore I beſeech you, to tell me a little more preciſely what the crime is which he hath committed. It is enough I tell you Sir (ſaid ſhe and bluſhed) that Araſpes is fitter to be in the head of an Army then to guard one of my quality and virtue: After this Sir, ask me no more for this is as much as my modeſty will permit me to tell you: It is enough Madam (replyed Cyrus,) and without putting you to the trouble of relating what his crime is (which cannot be little ſince committed againſt you) I ſhall make himſelf confeſs it, and proportion his puniſhment accordingly: In the mean time Madam, to teſtifie that it is not my intention to expoſe you unto any diſlike of thoſe which are about you, be pleaſed to chuſe whom you will to ſerve you, but not to guard you; for I deſire no other ſecurity from you then your Princely word, and I give you abſolute authority to diſplace any which you diſlike to have about you. Ah Sir, ſaid ſhe, your generoſity extends it ſelf very far. No, no, Madam, replyed he, I will do any thing to ſerve you, and therefore I beſeech you accept of my humble offer; and ſince my impatience to puniſh him that hath offended you doth earneſtly invite me, I beſeech you give me leave to depart ſooner then I intended. Panthea raviſhed at the magnanimity of Cyrus, rendred him a thouſand thanks for his goodneſs to her, and asked him pardon for cauſing any new diſpleaſure in him: But Sir, ſaid ſhe, ſince it is one of thoſe Crimes which Virtue will not permit me to relate, I hope you will excuſe me. Cyrus anſwered unto this with unequaled generoſity, and then retired: but meeting with Doraliſa and Pherenice in the outer Chamber, he ſtayed a while with them, to know more exactly what was the Crime of Araſpes, knowing that ſhe was pleaſed to impart her ſecrets unto them; and taking them aſide, I beſeech you tell me (ſaid he to them) what Araſpes hath done, which hath given the Queen ſome cauſe of complaint after ſo many commendations of him? for I would gladly know wherein he hath failed before I puniſh him. Sir, anſwered Doraliſa and ſmiled, you may remember how I told you one day that Araſpes was not ſo inſenſible as you thought him; and that Perinthus ſeemed once as obdurate as he. I remember it very well, replyed Cyrus, but is it poſſible that Araſpes ſhould preſume to look ſo high as the Princeſs Panthea, and ſo inſolent as to expreſs any ſigns of his paſſion. It is moſt certain, replyed Pherenice, that he hath been ſo bold as to love her, and ſo unfortunate as to let her perceive it. This Sir, is the Crime of Araſpes, which queſtionleſs is great enough to move you unto ſo much ſatisfaction, as to remove him from the Queen: Yet it is certain that of late he hath loſt his Reaſon, but it was apparent he did not ſhew his paſſion with any deſign that ſhe ſhould know it: A Virtue leſs ſcrupulous then hers might have diſſembled it, but the Queen was ſo incenſed againſt him, that ſhe cannot endure his preſence. She ſhall never be troubled with it, replyed Cyrus, and I ſhall ſo fully ſatisfie her, that ſhe ſhall have as much cauſe to commend me, as to complain againſt Araſpes. After this, Cyrus went out, and made a ſhort viſit of the Princeſs Araminta, whileſt Araſpes was ſought for, but could not be found in any place of the Caſtle: for when he heard that heard Panthea had ſent unto Cyrus, he thought ſhe would complain againſt him, knowing better the crime he had committed then either Doraliſa or Pherenice, becauſe Panthea out of her modeſty and greatneſs of Soul, did partly hide it from them. Araſpes then was in a terrible perplexity; but conſidering with himſelf that he could not long avoyd the ſight of Cyrus, he reſolved to go and confeſs his fault, and ſubmit himſelf unto his goodneſs: Then did he preſent himſelf before him, but with ſuch a baſhful countenance, that he was ſcarce knowable: Cyrus was then in a Gallery at the end of Araminta's Chamber, from whence he came: As ſoon as he ſaw Araſpes, he made a ſign as if he would be in private with him, ſo that every one did withdravv, and left him the liberty to ſpeak his mind.

[Page] Since Cyrus loved Araſpes, and was well inclined to excuſe all errours of Love, and ſince both Doraliſa and Pherenice did not much aggravate his fault, he did not at firſt break into any anger; ſo that Araſpes not doubting but Cyrus did exactly know his crime, grew ſomething more confident, and reſolved to confeſs ingenuouſly all that he ſhould ask him: Is it not enough Araſpes, ſaid he unto him, that I ſhould be perſecuted by my Enemies, but my friends muſt alſo lay their loads upon me? And muſt you whom I ever loved, contribute your Faggot to the fire of my anger? Might you not well apprehend by thoſe reſpects which I rendred unto the Queen of Suſiana, what your duty was, which I would have you render her? I took you for a wiſe and ſtayed man, and yet you were ſo conſiderate, as to expreſs ſigns of Love unto ſo great a Queen, who is more illuſtrious by her virtues, then her high quality: 'Tis true Sir, replied Araſpes, I muſt confeſs my ſelf culpable, if it be a crime to do that which is not poſſible for me but to do: However (ſaid Cyrus unto him) tell me ingenuouſly how it is, and why you did not accord her preſence as ſoon as you perceived your ſelf firſt in Love with her? You may remember, that once when I obſerved you very ſad, and thinking that imployment was [...]rkſome unto you, I offered you another: Why then did you not accept of it, if you perceived in your ſelf any inclination to ſuch an unſuitable and unreaſonable paſſion? 'Tis true Sir, replied he, I ought to have done ſo; but it is as true alſo, that this imperious paſſion would never permit me ſo much power over my ſelf, as to be far from Panthea; and my hopes were, that I ſhould only love her, and ſhe never perceive it: Why would you carry it ſo? replied Cyrus, for as long as ſhe had been ignorant of it, I ſhould never have known it; or if I had perceived it, I ſhould have pittled in lieu of accuſing you: Ah Sir, (cried Araſpes) it was chance that made my crime, for truly I did repent of my intention to diſcover my paſſion, and the Letter which ſhe ſaw was much againſt my will.

Cyrus then conjecturing that there was ſomething which the Queen of Suſiana had not told him, and which Doraliſa and Pherenice did not know, or elſe ſeemed ignorant, he urged him to relate all the paſſage betwixt her and him: Then he told him, that he loved her ever ſince he firſt ſaw her; that he reſiſted his paſſion as much as he could, and not being able to overcome it, he concealed it with great diligence; but of late, he could not poſſibly chuſe, but much againſt his will diſcovered it, by a hundred unthought of paſſages which eſcaped him; that he had an intention either to ſpeak or to write ſomething unto Panthea, but of the two, he rather fixed upon writing. How Araſpes? (ſaid Cyrus) Did you write a Letter of Love unto Panthea? Yes Sir, (replied he) but afterwards I repented, and intended ſhe ſhould never ſee it, yet notwithſtanding I kept it, not knowing any reaſon why, and carried it in my pocket, reading it very often, and found ſome comfort in reading that unto my ſelf, which I durſt not ſpeak unto Panthea. A while after, this fair Queen having a great deſire to have a ſight of the Oracle which Croeſſus received from Delphos, and which ſhe knew I had, ſhe ſent a ſervant one evening when ſhe was retired unto me for it, I being all zeal to obey her, unhappily miſtook papers, and ſent that Letter, which I repented of, and reſolved ſhe ſhould never ſee: He unto whom I gave this Letter, was no ſooner gone, but I found my error; it vexed me to the ſoul, I ſent my ſervants to call him back, but preſently a rapture of Love ſeduced my reaſon, and I recalled them; then commanding and countermanding them four or five times, my laſt order was to call him back in good earneſt, but it was too late, for he was entred into the Queens Chamber. It is impoſſible for me to relate unto you Sir how I paſſed away that night, but I aſſure you it was with the moſt reſtleſs agitations of mind that ever any had. Has ſhe the Letter yet? replied Cyrus: Although ſhe have, replied Araſpes, I can eaſily relate it, for I think I have read it a thouſand times, and it was in theſe tearms.

The unfortunate ARASPES unto the faireſt Queen in the world.

THis is not to beg a pardon for my preſumption in loving you, nor is it to ask you any recompence, that I let you underſtand how Love has made me more y [...]ur captive, then the war hath made you; but it is, becauſe I think it juſt you ſhould not be ignorant, that in your captivity you have an abſolute Soveraignty over my heart: If I do not ask a pardon for my raſſineſſe, it is either becauſe I am ſincere, then becauſe I am preſumptuous, ſince certainly I cannot repent of loving you: and if I do not ask any recompence, it is becauſe I know very[Page]well, that I rather deſerve puniſhment: Thus Madam, pretending unto nothing but to die in your Fetters, be ſo good I beſeech you, as not to ruine me, in making them ſo intollerable, that I cannot wear them. This Madam I have had a longing deſire to tell you, and maugre the violence of my paſſion, I ſhould think my ſufficiently favoured, if you could without hatred only believe, that I love you more then ever any did.

ARASPES.

This Letter (replied Cyrus after he had repeated it) had been reaſonable, if it had been addreſſed unto Doraliſa or Pherenice: But to ſpeak thus unto a Queen, and a Queen in miſery, is a boldneſs ſo unexcuſeable, that I cannot expreſs how infinitely you have diſobliged me: I was moſt cruelly puniſhed for it the next morning, replied Araſpes; for when I came unto her Chamber, according to my uſual cuſtome to wait upon her unto the Temple, ſhe told me I ſhould not go that day: But the moſt cruel torment of all to me, was, when ſhe ſent for me in the evening, and cauſing me to come into her Cloſet: Araſpes (ſaid ſhe unto me, with ſuch a Majeſty as made my heart tremble) Since it concerns my honour not to publiſh how you have failed in that reſpect which you ought to have unto me, I will not let my reſentments againſt you appear, until I meet the illuſtrious Cyrus in ſuch a place where I may entreat him to remove you further from me. In the mean time, ſince I cannot endure the ſight of you after your extream boldneſs, I pray come no more into my Chamber, unleſs you have a mind to exaſperate my reſolutions of hatred. Then I had a mind to proteſt unto her, that I was infinitely ſorry for what I had done, that I repented of ever writing the Letter, and that it came into her hands contrary to my intention, but ſhe would not hear me, and expreſſed ſo much anger in her aſpect, and ſuch an odious averſion to me, that I retired with an unconceiveable ſorrow in my ſoul; Since this Sir, I never had my reaſon clear, and this Sir is my crime, do unto me as you pleaſe; and yet methinks, a Prince who is ſo well acquainted with the power of Love, ſhould be ſomething indulgent towards a man, whoſe crime is only being in Love; and ſo I am very much (replied Cyrus) for I pity you infinitely, and I would do any thing to revoke what's paſt if it were poſſible, and that you had not offended Panthea: But for all that Araſpes, ſatisfaction muſt be given, it concerns my honour as well as hers, therefore, though I eſteem you never ſo much, I muſt baniſh you, not only from her, but my ſelf alſo. Alas Sir, replied Araſpes, Is not the ſeparation from her I adore puniſhment enough, but I muſt be deprived of the honour to die for you in the head of your Army? Conſider Sir, that Panthea will be better revenged in my death, then in my Exile: So ſhall not I, replied Cyrus, for I rather wiſh your Exile, then your death. But Araſpes, reſiſt me no more, retire your ſelf, and ſay nothing, but go either into Medea or Cap [...]adocia, or any other place you like beſt, until the Queen of Suſiana be out of my hands: Araſpes would have replied, but Cyrus ſeemed angry at his refuſal, and ſpoke in ſuch a tone, as intimated he would be obeyed; and ſo Araſpes departed the ſame hour, though Cyrus was very loath to want a man whom he loved ſo well: He ſent then unto Panthea, to tell her that he had baniſhed Araſpes; and that if ſhe approved of it, Artabaſes ſhould wait upon her in his room. Panthea was raviſhed at the generoſity of Cyrus, and ſent him thanks; and not content with that, ſhe diſpatched one of her ſervants. (which came from Suſa with her, and whom ſhe eſteemed very much) unto her dear Abradates, giving him a Letter to deliver unto him, which intimated her great obligations unto Cyrus: As for Araſpes, before his departure, he writ a Letter unto Cyrus, and ſent it by a Souldier, but this Prince did not then, ſhew it, and it was a long while after before any knew he had writ unto him: The diſgrace of Araſpes made a great noyſe in the Army, the cauſe alſo was quickly known, and there was none which did not commend Cyrus, and pity Araſpes. In the mean time, this illuſtrious Conquerour, being perſwaded that thoſe who ſeek their Enemies, have the advantage of them who wait for them, though inferiour in number, he quitted the Quarter where he was, and took up another ſo neer the Army of Croeſſus, that if the River Halis had not ſeparated them, doubtleſs he had forced that Prince to a Battel. There was not a day paſſed, but Cyrus knew by his Spies what his Enemies did; but that which perplexed him worſt was, that he did not perfectly underſtand what they intended to do: He knew, that by reaſon of the great number of Aegyptians which were in his Army, they muſt change the order which they were uſed to obſerve in drawing their Troops into Battalia: [Page] ſo that he had an extream deſire to know preciſely what form they would uſe, but he conceived it a thing impoſſible: yet he ſent out every day freſh Spies, and took new Priſoners; he underſtood by them, that Croeſſus found himſelf not well, and returned to Sardis, which was not far off, and that the King of Pontus went every day thither: Since Cyrus thought it a more glorious ſight to ſee Mandana then himſelf victorions, he reſolved rather to loſe many men in forcing a paſſage over the River Halis, then to linger away any longer time: Yet notwithſtanding, the King of Phrigia, the King of Hircania, Gobrias, Gadates, the Prince Tigranes, and Phraartes, perſwading him that it was better to wait a few days for a Victory, then to hazard it, he reſolved upon a courſe of patience: yet he was every day on horſeback; ſometimes to ſtop victuals from going to the Enemies; ſometimes to face them; ſometimes to skirmiſh in Parties: But what ere he did, or where ere he was, Mandana or his Rivals were always in his thoughts, eſpecially Mazares, whoſe Adventure ſeemed moſt prodigiouſly ſtrange unto him.

Some days being thus ſpent, he had intelligence that Croeſſus was well again, and was reſolved to give Battel: Cyrus then burning with impatient fury to ſhorten this War, and to be at handy blows with his Enemies, reſolved to ſend a Herald unto Croeſſus to tell him. That if he would, he would retreat from the River as far as was neceſſary to give him room and time enough to paſs over his Army, and to draw them up into Battalia, upon this condition, he would reſolve not to decline fighting, as hitherto he had done. This Project was no ſooner reſolved upon, but Cyrus did put it in execution: and Creſſus no ſooner heard this Propoſition, but he accepted of it; and ſent back the Herald which Cyrus ſent, with a promiſe that within four days he would look the Prince his Maſter in the face, and exchange ſome blows with him according to his deſire: After this, Cyrus aſſumed freſh vigour, and hoped for Victory, in ſpite of all the angry Oracles: This hope alſo was infuſed into the hearts of all his Souldiers; who at this time did reſemble the Saylers which followed a famous Pilot, who never were aſtoniſhed at the fury of any ſurging Waves, but when they ſaw him aſtoniſhed: So likewiſe the Troops of Cyrus did never conſult with any thing but the face of their General to prognoſticate the Victory: ſo that they always finding there a ſerene tranquility amidſt the greateſt dangers; they fought like Souldiers who thought their General could commit no fault, or ever be vanquiſhed: but whileſt this Prince prepared himſelf for fight, many things fell out which did for a while keep back that glory which he expected, and which did extreamly puzzle Croeſſus. When this Prince returned anſwer by the Herald which Cyrus ſent unto him, he was at Sardis; and the King of Pontus and Abradates were at the Camp: ſo that theſe two Princes hearing of this Anſwer, thought ſtrange, that Croeſſus ſhould ſo peremptorily determine upon the day of Battel without ever acquainting them: Since it was they principally who were reſponſible for the good or bad ſucceſs of this great Enterprize. The Prince Myrſiles being by reaſon of his imperfection incapable of any ſervice but his perſon; and the Prince Mazares thought it was known who he was, yet he had no authority to do any thing but ſhew his valor. Theſe two Princes then being much incenſed, did highly complain againſt Croeſſus, eſpecially Abradates, who at the ſame time received a Letter from Panthea, which did ſo highly extoll Cyrus, that it did diſpoſe him more to complain againſt the King of Lidia: Alſo conſidering with himſelf, that it would be a greater difficulty to get Panthea out of the power of Croeſſus, after the Battel, what e're the ſucceſs be, then before, he reſolved to entreat Cyrus, that the Prince Artamas might be exchanged for Panthea: But for the more expediency of his Deſign, he did communicate his deſires unto Andramites, whom he knew to be in love with Doraliſa, who was with the Queen of Suſiana: So that Andramites intereſting himſelf in the Deſign, did promiſe Abradates to be preſent and urgent with Croeſſus when he ſhould motion it unto him: As for the King of Pontus, he never oppoſed his Project: for ſince Abradates did not demand the Princeſs Mandana in exchange for Panthea, but only Prince Artamas, he durſt not be ſeen, he approved of it: Abradates then went unto Croeſſus in the morning; and after he had acquainted him with his diſcontent, that he ſhould fix upon the day of Battel without acquainting him, he deſired him, that he would ſuffer the Prince Artamas to be exchanged for the Queen his Wife before the Battel was fought. If we get the Victory (replyed Croeſſus) we ſhall releaſe her more gloriouſly, then by any negotiation of exchange. You may get the Victory, replyed he, and yet I not get Panthea, ſince certainly the weaker a Party is, the more carefully they keep their Priſoners: The [Page] truth is Sir, added he, ſince I do not fight to conquer Provinces, but chiefly to releaſe Panthea, and next to oppoſe the over-ſwelling Power of Cyrus, I know not why I ſhould hazard the loſs of that Lady for ever, who is ſo infinitely dear unto me, for want of a reaſonable Propoſition, therefore I beſeech you take it not ill if I be very urgent with you to make this Propoſition unto Cyrus. Negotiations of this nature, replyed Creſſus, are not to be made in ſo ſhort a time as we have remaining before the Battel. I have ſuch hopes in the generoſity of Cyrus, anſwered Abradates, that I believe he will not deny a Truce for ſome daies, if you will be pleaſed to ask it. I am not uſed unto any ſuch compliance with my enemies (anſwered Croeſſus very ſharply) and therefore I know not how to make any ſuch motions, neither do I conceive your deſires of an exchange juſt upon the very point of giving a Battel, to be very juſt, or much to any purpoſe, for you will bring a Princeſs into Sardis, and ſend one of the moſt valiant men upon earth into the Enemies Camp to fight againſt us: No, no, Abradates; I cannot conſent unto this: He who can fear one ſingle man (anſwered the King of Suſiana) and is in the head of 200000. men, can never truſt the valour of his Souldiers: However it be (ſaid Croeſſus very ſiercely) ſince Artamas is a Delinquent againſt the State, as well as a priſoner of War, he ſhall not be exchanged for the Queen your Wife: Then you ſhall fight without me Sir (replied Abradates:) Sir (ſaid Andramites, and addreſſed himſelf unto Croeſſus) I beſeech you do not deny this requeſt which is made unto you: I will alwayes deny any thing that is unjuſt, anſwered Croeſſus, and therefore preſs me no more. Andramites uſed many other perſwaſive arguments, but all were to no purpoſe: Then Abradates went from Croeſſus exceedingly unſatisfied, and fully reſolved not to fight, unleſs this Propoſition was firſt made unto Cyrus: Andramites after Abradates was gone, did ſpeak many things unto the King of Lydia which did much offend him. The King of Pontus fearing that this diſorder would make a mutiny amongſt the Souldiers, did do all he could to perſwade Croeſſus to conſent unto the King of Suſiana's deſires, and alſo uſed his beſt perſwaſions unto Abradates, that he would not impead the main buſineſs, though Croeſſus ſhould not ſatisfie him, but all his arguments & perſwaſions would not work upon either of them. At the ſame time, the Father of Panthea came from Claſomena unto Sardis, where he had been levying ſome Forces; ſo that finding things in this State, he joyned with Abradates and Andramites, and was more importunate with Croeſſus then they; and ſince he had a great conſiderable Province under his power, his ſolicitations did more perplex Croeſſus then any of the reſt, out of his fears that his refuſal might cauſe a Civil War in his own Dominions, at a time when he had his hands full of a very conſiderable Enemy upon him. The Prince Myrſiles alſo, none knowing his true reaſon for it, did Patronize Abradates as much as he was able, expreſſing his earneſt wiſhes that the Queen of Suſiana were releaſed by Treaty; and he made it known unto all his creatures, that they could not any way more ſenſibly oblige him, then by their endeavours of perſwading the King his Father unto it.

Things then were in ſuch a confuſion, both at Sardis and in the Camp, that when Croeſſus would have given Battel at the day appointed, it was not in his power. However he would not conſent to releaſe the Prince Artamas; but ſeeing himſelf extreamly importun'd, he purpoſed the exchange of the King of Aſſyria for the Queen of Suſiana: But Abradates replied, that he would never conſent unto that Propoſition, becauſe it would more incenſe Cyrus, then induce him to the ſatisfaction of his deſires, to have any Propoſitions of releaſing his Rival and his Enemy made unto him. Moreover, the King of Pontus did much rather deſire the Prince Artamas ſhould be ſet at liberty, then the King of Aſſyria.

Thus this conteſt growing ſo high, and fearing a revolt in an Army which was compoſed of ſo many ſeveral Nations, Croeſſus reſolved to ask a Truce for ſome daies, in order to a Treaty for the liberty of ſome Priſoners, not yet telling who they were, becauſe he was not yet reſolved upon them. Then he diſpatched a meſſenger unto Cyrus, importing as much, who was much ſurprized at the demand, and certainly had denied it, if upon ſerious deliberation he had not found, that he could not force his Enemy to fight, but with the loſs of many men. Cyrus therefore conſented unto a Truce for eight daies, upon condition, that ſuch of his men as would go into Sardis, might go with as much ſecurity, as his Enemies might come into his Camp, and deſired that this condition might be ſpecified, for all the advantage which he hoped for by this Truce, was to hear how Mandana, his Rivals, and his friends did fare: And alſo knowing of the diviſion [Page] which was amongſt theſe Princes, he hoped to make the gap wider.

So that this Truce being reſolved upon, it was publiſhed the next morning, both in Sardis, and in the Camp: So that after this, there was a pleaſant mixture of friends and enemies in both Camps and Town, and ſo that one could not make any difference of ſides: All the ſtreets of Sardis, as well as the Camp of Croeſſus, was full of Perſians, Medes, Arminians, Aſſyrians, and Hircanians; and the Camp of Cyrus was as full of Lydians, Myſſians, Grecians, Thracians, and Aegyptians. In the mean time, Cyrus ſent Ortalgues into Sardis, to ſee if he could find out any poſſible means for him to have a ſight of his dear Mandana. Ligdamis diſguiſed himſelf to that intent alſo, having no deſire to ſhew himſelf publikely in that Town, becauſe he was very well known, but he was informed by them both, that it was a thing impoſſible, and that ſince the Truce, the Princeſs Mandana did not walk upon the top of the Tower as ſhe was wont; ſo that if he were at Sardis; he could ſee nothing but the Walls which ſhut her up: Yet had this Prince much ado to forbear, and I believe indeed he had gone, if ſome of his friends, who obſerved him not Maſter of his reaſon, had not diſſwaded him, not that they feared Croeſſus would violate the Publique Faith, but their fear was, leſt if he ſhould have met with Mazares or the King of Pontus, there might have been ſome jars between them, which might have cauſed a general diſorder. In the mean time, Abradates ſent unto Cyrus, to deſire that he might ſee his Panthea, in the preſence of whom he pleaſed, leſt it ſhould be ſuſpected he ſpoke unto her concerning ſome affairs of War, or to know from her the affairs of the Camp, Cyrus, who experimentally knew, how ſweet it was to ſee her one loved, and hoped that perhaps Abradates would retaliate the favour in letting him ſee Mandana, did very willingly conſent unto his deſire: So that giving all requiſite orders for this meeting, which was to be the ſame day, Abradates was conducted unto Cyrus, who received him with extraordinary civility; after which, he himſelf conducted him unto the Town where Panthea was, and into her Chamber, where ſhe alone, only with Doraliſa and Pherenice: as ſoon as they entred, Madam (ſaid Cyrus unto her) I hope you will pardon me for all the hardſhips which you have indured, during the abſence of Abradates, ſince now I bring him unto you: But leſt during your diſcourſe, the ſight of a Prince who was forced to keep you a Captive ſhould moleſt you, I will leave you in freedom to diſcourſe of all your misfortunes.

Panthea was ſo over-joyed at the ſight of her dear Abradates, that ſhe did not half underſtand what Cyrus ſaid; yet after ſhe had ſaluted her illuſtrious Husband with as much reverence as affection, ſhe entreated Cyrus to be a witneſs of their conference, yet notwithſtanding he left them together, and went to viſit the Princeſs Araminta, telling her how he left the King of Suſiana with Panthea. As ſoon as ever this Princeſs heard this, ſhe had an extream deſire to be acquainted with him, yet would ſhe not by any means interrupt ſo ſweet a conference ſo ſoon; ſo that ſhe kept Cyrus company, who to pleaſe her ſaid, that ſhe would one day be as much joyed to ſee Spitridates, as Panthea was to ſee the King of Suſiana. Whil'ſt they were thus entertaining each other, Panthea to publiſh the high generoſity of Cyrus (after Abradates and ſhe had expreſſed their affectionate ſouls to each other) called Cleonice, Doraliſa, and Pherenice to witneſs her aggravations and obligements unto Cyrus, and grieved that it was the King her Husbands ill fortune to be ingaged in ſo unjuſt a quarrel as that of Croeſſus, who was ſo ungrateful, as to deny him a Priſoner for her exchange. In concluſion, ſhe expreſſed her ſelf in ſuch eloquent tearms, as ſhe moved Abradates earneſtly to deſire, that Croeſſus would diſoblige him, and give him a juſt occaſion of changing ſides. Then did ſhe again aggravate her obligations unto Cyrus in puniſhing Araſpes. At the name of Araſpes Abradates ſtarted, and told her, that he who ſhe named was with Croeſſus, and well entertained, and that he much complained againſt Cyrus: If it be ſo, ſaid Panthea, I have taken a valiant man from Cyrus, and given him unto Croeſſus: But however, I do conjure you, if you have an opportunity for it, to perſwade the Prince my Father to incline Croeſſus unto a Peace, at leaſt, that he vvould not ingage himſelf in this War vvith him. Abradates loved Panthea ſo extream dearly, that he could deny her nothing, and told her, that if he could not procure the Prince Artamas to be exchanged for her, he vvould then quit Croeſſus, and vvhatſoever became of it, he vvould ingage his vvord to be preſently with her: As they were thus diſcourſing, Cyrus brought the Princeſs Araminta unto Panthea, that ſhe might ſee Abradates, who returned her ſuch civil thanks for the honour ſhe did him, as ſhe perceived he was a man of no leſs Generoſity then Courage. The [Page] Conference of theſe four illuſtrious Perſons did much augment the eſteem each one had of another, principal between Cyrus and Abradates; for though they were never together before this day, yet there was no ſuperſtitious Ceremonies or Complements of Vanity paſſed between them, but they ſpoke ſincerely to each other, and with a civility ſo full of freedom, as it was apparent Fame had before made them acquainted.

But whileſt the Princeſs Araminta was congratulating the Joys of Panthea, Cyrus asked Abradates, whether he could obtain ſo much favour for him from Creſſus, as that he might ſee Mandana during this Truce? I ſhould not deſpair of doing you that ſervice, if the King of Pontus and perhaps Mazares would not oppoſe it: However, I will paſs you my word, that I will uſe all my arguments to perſwade them that you may ſee her. If they be afraid that I ſhall ſpeak any thing which may be prejudicial to them, ſaid Cyrus, I will promiſe to ſtand ſilent all the while I look upon her: However, I beſeech you, beleeve this of me, that if Mandana were not the cauſe of the War, you ſhould not return alone to Sardis, for then I would freely give Liberty unto the Queen of Suſiana: But ſince it is to do Mandana ſervice that I came into Lidia, I hope you will not take it ill, if I take all advantages to do her ſervice, and by conſequence keep one that is ſo conſiderable as Panthea is: yet I do proteſt unto you, it is not without much ſorrow that I ſhould be any cauſe of your diſcontent. I ſhall not call to memory how you gave a Retreat unto the Raviſher of Mandana, and engaged your ſelf in the ſide of Creſſus: for as it is not fitting I ſhould blame ſo gallant an Enemy for it, ſo it is rather fit I ſhould think it the Will of the Gods that I ſhould obtain the Victory at a dear rate: for certainly, if you were but engaged on our ſide, that of Creſſus would not long hold out: But however, though it be the will of Fate to diſpoſe otherwiſe of you, yet I conjure you not to deny this favour which I ask of you, ſince it does not at all contradict your duty unto Creſſus; I will promiſe it as far as in my power, and I am very ſorry that I cannot aſſure you of good ſucceſs in my endeavors. After this, theſe Princeſs and Princeſſes were above an hour in diſcourſe of their paſt and preſent misfortunes; and afterwards they parted: Cyrus waiting upon Abradates as far as the further quarter of his Camp, did ſhew him part of his Troop drawn up into Battalia: And it being a very gallant ſight, Abradates told him, It was no wonder to ſee ſuch good Souldiers under ſuch a Commander: for truly (ſaid he unto him) methinks your preſence has infuſed ſuch heroique ſparks into me, that I make no queſtion but I ſhall return more valiant unto Sardis, then when I firſt came to you. The caſe is not ſo with me, replyed Cyrus, for as valiant as you are, you have infuſed an unwillingneſs in me to fight againſt you ever ſince I knew you. Abradates anſwered his obliging language with as much civility and ſpirit: And afterwards both theſe mighty Princes parted extreamly well ſatisfied with each other. Abradates in purſuance of his promiſe beſeeched the King of Lidia to let Cyrus ſee Mandana, as Cyrus had given him the liberty to ſee Panthea: Creſſus at the firſt did make no difficulty of it, yet added ſuch a condition unto it, as did render it impoſſible; for he conſented unto the enterview, provided the King of Pontus would approve of it: Abradates then went unto the King of Pontus to beg the favour; And what inconveniency (ſaid he unto him) can it be unto you? You know he is in Mandana's favour as much already as he can deſire to be, and therefore though this Princeſs ſhould give him any obliging language, that makes him no more happy then he was before: But it may prove an advantage unto you; for if ſhe tell him, how obſequious and reſpective you are unto her, it may chance take off the edg of his Animoſity, and make him fight with leſs fury. If I did not think you ſpeak this (replyed the King of Pontus) purpoſely to do that Prince a courteſie who may do her you love another, I ſhould ſay you are the moſt unjuſt man in the world to deſire any ſuch thing from me: for I pray know (ſince I muſt diſcover the bottom of my heart unto you) that I am arrived at that paſs, as I will never endeavor again to enjoy Mandana: I have ſighed and wept a thouſand times at her feet, but all in vain: ſhe hath thus far confeſſed unto me, that ſhe beleeves I love her, and that if I were not her Lover ſhe would not deny me her eſteem: But for all that, ſhe hath ſo reſolutely and conſtantly told me, that ſhe will never love me, and hath without telling me, let me perfectly underſtand, how ſhe will love Cyrus for ever, that I am fully perſwaded Mandana is for ever inexorable to me, and for ever faithful unto my Rival: therefore I will ſtrive no more to win her heart or to enjoy her; but I will, if it be poſſible, look upon her eternally, and keep her out of ſight of all my Rivals; and will ſee them all periſh in a long War, or elſe periſh my ſelf, before I will part from Mandana, the Princeſs of my Soul. I know very well, that I am [Page] unjuſt in it, and that the act is contrary to reaſon and generoſity, and that I deſerve the blame of all the World: But on the other ſide, I know that it is not in my power to overcome my ſelf: I muſt ſubmit unto the ſoveraignity of Love and my evil deſtiny, and never think any more of any reſiſtance: therefore I do conjure you, not to put me unto ſuch a cruel neceſſity as to deny any thing unto that Prince who protects me in his Court: and conſider, that I enjoy no other pleaſure in my life, but only in that my Rivals are not bleſſed with the ſight of my Princeſs: As for the King of Aſſyria and the Prince Mazares, ſince they cannot ſee but incenſe her, I do not much value them: But as for Cyrus, whoſe eyes do always attract affection and tenderneſs from her heart, I cannot endure he ſhould have the leaſt glimpſe of her.

Abradates hearing theſe expreſſions from the King of Pontus, did think he ſhould never obtain his deſires: yet his obligations unto Cyrus moved him to be further importunate; I perceive (ſaid he unto the King of Pontus) that there is ſome difficulty in obtaining my demands: But if you ſeriouſly conſider, that I had not loſt the only Object of my affections but for the love of you; and that Panthea had not been now a Captive but only becauſe I received you into my Court; and that if you refuſe me this requeſt, Cyrus will revenge upon her the ſeverity you uſe unto him, I conceive you may well think I have juſt cauſe to importune you unto a grant of my deſires. Cyrus is ſo generous (replyed the King of Pontus) that you never need fear any rigor upon Panthea. Why then do not you ſtrive to be more generous then he (if it be poſſible) replyed Abradates? It is ſufficient that I endeavor to ſurpaſs him in Love (replyed the King of Pontus) and not in Generoſity, ſince I ſee it an abſolute impoſſibility to ſtrive againſt the ſtream of my Paſſion; I know very well, that ſince I am the cauſe of Panthea's Captivity, I ought to ſatisfie you in your requeſt: But oh Heavens, how far am I from any capacity of doing what I ought? and therefore I beſeech you pity me, and do not tax me with ingratitude if I deny you any thing, ſince it is not I, but the vigor of my inſulting Paſſion. Abradates, ſeeing he could not perſwade the King of Pontus, did leave him with a very cold Complement, and took it very ill, that ſince himſelf had loſt Panthea only for the love of him, he ſhould deny him ſuch a favour as would not take Mandana out of his Power. He writ then unto Cyrus, and excuſed himſelf, that he could not obtain his deſires: but before he ſent his Letter, he put Creſſus in mind of his word, and beſeeched him to propound unto Cyrus, an exchange of Prince Artamas for the Queen of Suſiana. Creſſus anſwered him, that he would ſend Andramites to negotiate the matter, yet he ſaid he would not releaſe that Prince, but upon condition he ſhould promiſe never to think any more upon the Princeſs his daughter: This Qualification ſeemed ſo ſtrange unto Abradates, that he concluded Creſſus would never have made that Propoſition but purpoſely to break off the exchange: for what probability was there that Prince Artamas to recover his Liberty ſhould engage himſelf to quit his affection unto a Princeſs whom he had long loved, and whom he was reſolved to love as long as he lived, and from whom he had received ſome expreſſions of Love? Therefore beginning to ſpeak very fiercely in the preſence of the Prince Myrſiles and Andramites, who were both intereſted in the buſineſs; Sir (ſaid he unto him) when you promiſed me to propound this exchange, it was to be according to the common Laws of War, and not according to politique ſhifts, to render the Propoſition ineffectual: When you were to releaſe the Prince Artamas, it ſhould be as he was your Enemy, and not as a Lover of the Princeſs Palmis: Love had no ſhare in this Negotiation, and I will never conſent any ſuch Propoſition ſhall be made unto Cyrus. What doth it concern you who is releaſed, or how releaſed, ſo Panthea's Liberty be procured? (replyed Creſſus.) Doubtleſs it does not concern me, replyed Abradates; but that which I moſt inſiſt upon, is, that no ſuch Propoſition ſhall be made, as will only incenſe him unto whom it is made: Therefore knowing what a value Cyrus ſets upon Prince Artamas, I thought him ſooner then any other to be propounded in exchange. As for the King of Aſſyria, you may very well imagine, that Cyrus, as generous as he is, does not wiſh his Liberty ſo ſoon as the Prince Artamas: And as for any other of the Priſoners, they are not of fit Qualities to be exchanged againſt Panthea: Anaxaris is none knows who; Soſicles and Tegeus are your Subjects; and Feraulas is a ſervant unto Cyrus: And ſince ſo Sir, who ſhould I propound in exchange for Panthea but the Prince Artamas? The Truce was concluded upon to that end, and yet it ſeems you will not releaſe him, but ſtand upon conſultation about it. I do conſult upon it indeed, replyed he, and that with good Reaſon; for except Cyrus himſelf, there is not a man in all his Army who would [Page] be ſo advantageous to have in my power as the Prince Artamas, and you would have me to releaſe him for your intereſt only: However (ſaid Abradates, with ſuch an aſpect, as made it appear he was much diſpleaſed at roeſſus) I pray tell me directly what you reſolve upon, and why you conſented unto the Truce, if it were not to ſatisfie my deſires? I conſented unto the Truce, replied he, to endeavour the releaſe of Panthea, by releaſeing the King of Aſſyria, or all the other Priſoners, or elſe the Prince Artamas upon ſuch conditions as I told you.

After this Abradates retired, and ſo did the Prince Myrſiles and Andramites, and they went unto their Quarters, and the Prince of Claſomena went alſo with Abradates, inſomuch as Croeſſus fearing theſe three perſons ſhould make a mutiny in the Army, he reſolved in the end to make the Propoſition in exchange for the Prince Artamas, and ſent in all haſte to advertiſe Abradates of his intentions, who in the interim had diſpatched his Letter unto Cyrus, to excuſe himſelf in that he could not obtain his deſires, and his expreſſions were ſo effectual, as Cyrus did really believe he had ſincerely done his endeavour, and complained more againſt his own misfortune, then againſt any neglect in Abradates. In the mean time Croeſſus did ſend unto Cyrus; his deſire was, that Andramites ſhould be imployed to go in that negotiation: He ſent unto Abradates to move Andramites to go unto Sardis, but firſt he moved Abradates to go himſelf, yet he would not go, but ſtayed in the Camp, where he was much more terrible unto Croeſſus, then if he had been in Sardis, as well becauſe he had a body of four thouſand men, the beſt in all the Army, as becauſe he was more conſiderable, and beloved of the Souldiers in general, then any other. Andramites then negotiated as a Lover of Doraliſa, and by conſequence as one much concerned in the liberty of Panthea, and therefore he omitted nothing that might render his tranſaction effectual; for he did not only addreſs himſelf with much eloquence and prudence unto Cyrus, but he did chuſe his time ſo diſcreetly, as that the King of Phrygia was preſent when he propounded from his Maſter, the exchange of Prince Artamas for Panthea: So that though Cyrus had a good pretence to retain that Queen until Mandana were releaſed, yet he would not inſiſt upon it, leſt he ſhould diſoblige ſo great a King as he of Phrygia, and leſt in ſtriving to be very prudent, he ſhould fail in point of generoſity. Moreover, he thought that the exchange of Panthea for Prince Artamas, would be very advantageous to him in the ſequel of the War, ſince he was as wiſe and valiant a man as any was in the Univerſe, yet could he not reſolve upon this exchange, unleſs he drew ſome ſatisfaction unto his Love by it; ſo that he told Andramites in the King of Phrygia's preſence, that though it was very advantageous for him to keep the Queen of Suſiana in his power unto the end of the War, yet he ſo much honoured the King of Phrygia, and loved the Prince Artamas ſo well; alſo reſpected Abradates and Panthea both ſo very much, that he would conſent unto the deſires of Croeſſus, upon this condition only, that during this Truce, it might be permitted him to ſee Mandana. Andramites hearing him ſay ſo, beſeeched him not to inſiſt upon that, becauſe the King of Pontus had ſo reſolutely denied that unto Abradates when he was moved in it, as it is thought impoſſible he ſhould ever conſent unto it: Since Croeſſus is Maſter in his own Dominions, replied Cyrus, he ought to be obeyed, and therefore I cannot conceive, that the conſent of the King of Pontus is ſo abſolutely neceſſary: Doubtleſs it is not, replyed Andramites, but yet I have ſome reaſons which induce me to think, that he will not make uſe of his Soveraign Authority in this buſineſs, but will rather break off the Truce: I conſent unto it (ſaid the King of Phrygia moſt generouſly) and had rather the Treaty were broke, then a Prince unto whom I am ſo much obliged ſhould not receive this poor ſatisfaction: No, no, replied Cyrus, I cannot believe the King of Lydia is ſo weak a mannager of his Intereſts, but that he muſt think it more dangerous for him to diſoblige Abradate [...] then the King of Pontus, ſince the one hath a Kingdom and Forces on Foot, and the other hath neither; therefore Andramites, I pray tell the King your Maſter what I ſay, and let me know his reſolution. In the mean time, Andramites (added Cyrus, being very glad to perceive ſome ſparks of his affection to kindle towards Doraliſa, which might make him more zealous with Croeſſus) it ſhall be your own fault, if you carry no commendations from the illuſtrious Abradates unto his Wife the Queen of Suſiana, for if you pleaſe, you ſhall be conducted unto her. Andramites hearing this acceptable offer, could not refuſe it; ſo that he was conducted thither by Ligdamis, being raviſhed with joy that he ſhould ſee Doraliſa, who was with this Princeſs, and for whoſe freedom he did equally ſolicite: Andramites was welcomed by this [Page] Queen with much civility and ſatisfaction; for ſince ſhe was ignorant how Croeſſus did only ſeek for a pretence to break off the Treaty, ſhe made no doubt but ere long to ſee her dear Abradates. Doraliſa, for her part, was not uncivil towards Andramites, yet he found to be as much as formerly ſhe uſed to be, very fair, infinitely lovely, and a little too ſubtil; and indeed, in lieu of thanking him for the pains he took for the liberty of the Princeſs, which included hers, ſhe told him with a ſmile, that ſhe could not ſet any great value upon this Propoſition which he brought, ſince if it take effect, we ſhall but go out of one Priſon into another: For to tell you truly, (ſaid ſhe, whil'ſt Panthea was writing unto Abradates) I think we are more ſafe in the Camp of Cyrus, then if we were at Sardis, ſince in all probability Cyrus will ere long take it, for he having both Juſtice and Fortune on his ſide, he will infallibly be victorious over all his Enemies. But what then will become of the Oracle which Croeſſus received from Delphos (replied he) if what you ſay ſhould come to paſs? Truly Andramites (ſaid ſhe unto him) it is much raſhneſs to think that men ſhould ſo well underſtand the language of the Gods, ſince ſometimes men cannot ſo much as underſtand the language of men: I do confeſs it (ſaid he unto her) that ſometimes you would not underſtand the language of men, but to tell you truly, I think the reaſon was becauſe you had not a will to underſtand it; nor do I know very well whether you will underſtand me now, if I ſhould in plain language tell you, that I never did nor ſhall love any comparably as I do you. I underſtand you Andramites, replied ſhe, much leſs then heretofore; for ſince I hear of late no language but Perſian, Hircanian, Aſſyrian, Arminian, and Medean Tongues, I have forgot the Lydian language; and therefore before you ſpeak unto me of any thing which concerns your ſelf, I muſt learn that Tongue, or at leaſt be a year or two in Lydia. As Andramites was ready to reply, and beſeech Doraliſa to ſpeak a little more ſeriouſly, Panthea having writ her Letter came to give it unto him, ſo that it being time to return, he could receive no other ſatisfaction from Doraliſa, but that ſhe was as fair as ever, yet did his flames of Love burn hotter then ever, and he returned unto Sardis, with reſolutions to uſe his utmoſt endeavours to move the King of Lydia that Cyrus might ſee Mandana: And in order to that, he went unto the Camp before he went unto Sardis, and adviſed the Prince of Claſomena and Abradates not to ſtir, though Croeſſus ſhould ſend for them, till the Treaty was accompliſhed, and to tranſact with the Prince Myrſiles, whom he knew was a well-vviſher to this Treaty, yet did he not think this Prince had any other end in it, then the ſatisfaction of Abradates, and the releaſement of Artamas, whom I alwayes vviſhed might marry his Siſter the Princeſs. Theſe tvvo Princes then taking his counſel, let him go unto Sardis alone, vvhether he vvas no ſooner come, but he gave Croeſſus an account of his voyage: But as ſoon as he had ended his relation, Croeſſus told him, that Cyrus demanded a thing vvhich vvas not vvithin the compaſs of his vvill to grant, for he had reſolved never to contradict the King of Pontus in that buſineſs: Then it is impoſſible to conclude this Treaty (replied Andramites) for Cyrus is ſo fully reſolved to obtain his demand, that the King of Phrygia himſelf, to ſatisfie his deſires, would perſwade him to inſiſt upon it, though Cyrus ſhould otherwiſe be contented: Though Treaty ſhould break off, replied Croeſſus, it ſhould not trouble me at all: Yet believe it Sir, replied Andramites, it is ſomething dangerous to incenſe the King of Suſiana, and the Prince of Claſomena.

Croeſſus apprehending this reply of Andramites (whom he knew to be their friend) for a kind of threatning, was much offended at him; and without any direct anſwer, only told him, that he would ere long let Cyrus know his mind. Andramites alſo being angry at this, the King of Pontus came in, and did ſo importunately preſs not to conſent his Rival ſhould ever ſee Mandana, that he confirmed him in his reſolution, to make his colour for rendring the negotiation of Andramites ineffectual; yet the King of Pontus was very anger, that he thus diſobliged Abradates, unto whom he was ſo much ingaged; but this tyrannical paſſion did ſo diſturb his reaſon, and uſurped power over his ſoul, that he could not do any otherwiſe, nor was he Maſter of his own mind, In the mean while, Abradates, and the Prince of Claſomena, hearing of Croeſſus his denial, and the King of Pontus his oppoſition, ſpoke high, and like Princes that could not brook ſuch uſage, Andramites and the Prince Myrſiles did alſo cajole with the people in Sardis, and gave out, that Croeſſus refuſing this deſire of Cyrus would infinitely incenſe him againſt them, if he ſhould become victorious; and therefore it were but juſt to ſeek for their own ſecurity; So that both in Town and Camp, things grew into great diſorder; for as it is the [Page] eaſieſt matter of a thouſand, to make the herd of people do any thing; ſo upon this ground, divers that were very intimate friends unto Prince Artamas, whoſe virtues had purchaſed him thouſands of ſecret ſervants who would venture life and all for him, began to ſpeak very high, that Croeſſus never cared for the ſafety of his people, but would let all run to ruine, ſo he could ſatisfie his own private ambition? The memory of all the Victories which Artamas brought made all the Inhabitants of Sardis murmur extreamly, and ſay one to another, that if he had never been a Priſoner they ſhould never have cared for any forraign War: but to ſee an Army of above a hundred thouſand men at their doors, and to have never an Artamas to defend them; this was ſuch a miſery as they could not endure without much murmur; and their thoughts were ſo forward, that they did both ſay and think, it would be more advantagious for them if the Prince Artamas were on the Party of Cyrus, then thus to be perpetually mewed up in a Priſon: for they knew that he being in love with their Princeſs would never deſtroy Creſſus, and that he was ever of a ſweet milde diſpoſition in all things; and they ſaid openly, that the Injuſtice which was done him in his firſt Impriſonment, could be no way repaired but by releaſing him from this ſecond fetters: thus were Camp and Town all in diviſion.

Cyrus knowing all this, was exceedingly joyed at it; for ſaid he, If they do as I deſire them, I ſhall ſee my Princeſs, and her looks will infuſe freſh zeal into my Soul, and make me able to releaſe, maugre all the fatal Predictions: If on the contrary they will not do as I would have them, then I ſhall have this ſatisfaction at the leaſt, that their Souldiers will be divided, and ſo I ſhall get the Victory more eaſily: yet was he much aſtoniſhed to hear that Mazares did not ſtir in the buſineſs; and every one who came from Sardis reported, that this Prince kept his Chamber by reaſon of ſome ſlight indiſpoſition in his body: But he heard every moment that the diſorder did encreaſe both between Princeſs, and people, and Souldiers. In the mean time, ſince the Truce had a day prefixed, and Cyrus could not break his word, he was much vexed that he could not take any advantage by this diſorder, and did with much impatience expect a poſitive anſwer from Croeſſus: yet ſometimes he would go and viſit Panthea; and as it is the cuſtom even of the wiſeſt men, eſpecially thoſe that are in love to diſcourſe of all accidents which befall them, ſo Cyrus did ſpeak unto Panthea and the Princeſs Araminta of nothing elſe but of this buſineſs now in tranſaction: Sometimes he would ask Panthea whether ſhe thought her husband could brook this Injuſtice of Croeſſus? Other times he would deſire the Princeſs Araminta to tell him, whether ſhe thought the King her Brother would for ever obſtinately perſiſt in his reſolutions of never ſuffering him to ſee Mandana? Yet he aſſured the Queen of Suſiana, that though Croeſſus ſhould deny him his deſires, yet he would releaſe her, beſeeching her to pardon him if he deferred it until the laſt hour of the Treaty, in hopes thereby to obtain his deſires; and he expreſſed himſelf in ſuch obliging terms, that Panthea her ſelf deſired him to defer her Liberty as long as he could. As he was with theſe two Princeſſes, Ortalques came into tell him, that Orſanus was arrived at the Camp, and ſaid he had ſome buſineſs of conſequence to impart unto him: The name of Orſanus made Cyrus bluſh, ſince when he heard it, he could not chuſe but think upon Mazares, and that he had ſent him unto him, though he could not well comprehend how Orſanus, who went from Sin pe to return into his own Country, ſhould be now in Lidia. This alteration in the face of Cyrus begetting a great curioſity in both thoſe Princeſſes, they asked him the cauſe: yet he would not then tell them, not knowing what buſineſs Orſanus had with him: So that without giving them any direct Anſwer, he left them, and went unto him, wiſhing with all his heart that Mazares had ſent by him to meet him with his ſword in his hand. Since he was much beholding unto Orſanus, for the ſervices he had done Mandana and Marteſia he did not confound innocence and guilt together, but notwithſtanding the agitation of his ſpirits, and his hatred of Mazare, he received Orſanus very kindly: After which, addreſſing his ſpeech unto him; As I did at firſt receive you as a friend unto Marteſia (ſaid he unto him) I muſt harken unto you as a Meſenger from my moſt mortal Enemy. Sir, replyed Orſanus, before you know well what appellation to give my Maſter, I muſt beſeech you to give me an hours patience, for if you did but underſtand the end of my Relation, perhaps it would ſtrike you into wonder; and therefore it is requiſite I prepare your ſpirits a little to hear of Miracles: Cyrus hearing Orſanus ſay ſo, began to deviſe with himſelf, what it ſhould be he had to tell him; but being not able to imagine, he reſolved to give him audience, and therefore carryed him into a convenient place for that purpoſe. But ſince the Queen of Suſiana and the [Page] Princeſs Araminta had heard that he who came to ſpeak with him was from the Prince Mazares, they feared leſt it ſhould be ſome Challenge, and the King of Pontus and Abradates engaged in it: So that they ſent unto him, beſeeching him that they might ſpeak a word with him. As impatient as this Prince was to hear Orſanus, yet he went unto the Princeſſes; who expreſſed ſo much tenderneſs over him, and were ſo troubled to hear that Orſanus came from Mazares; as they importunately forced him to offer them to be partakers of what Orſanus had to ſay, ſince he perceived by the manner of Orſanus his diſcourſe there was no fighting matter in it: So he ſent for Orſanus, and told him he might ſpeak with as much freedom before thoſe two Princeſſes as if he were in private with him: After which, every one taking their places, Orſanus began his Diſcourſe thus.

The Hiſtory of MAZARES.

WEre I to ſpeak of my Maſter only unto the illuſtrious Cyrus, my Relation ſhould then be much ſhorter then now it muſt: And before I entertain two great Princeſſes unto whom he is unknown (though Perſons of their Quality do commonly know, though they have not ſeen one another) I conceive it is expedient to recite in few words the beginning of his Life, to the end they may better know the Sequel.

It is not at all requiſite (ſaid the Princeſs Araminta) that you ſhould trouble your ſelf in telling us any Adventures which have chanced unto the Prince Mazares ſince the time he came from Babylon, until the time he was left for dead at Sinope in a Fiſhers Cabin: for we know how he could not force himſelf to love the Princeſs Iſtrina, though the King of Aſſyria uſed all arguments to perſwade him: and that he became in love with the Princeſs Mandana, whether he would or no, at the ſame time when ſhe triumphantly entered that great Town: Nor are we ignorant how he demeaned himſelf when he was there: We know alſo how, prompted more by the dictates of his Love then either his Reaſon or Generoſity, he invented to come out of that Town clothed in white when it was a Snow; and afterwards being in Sinope, how the ſame paſſion was predominate over his generoſity, did prompt him to deceive her, and carry her away both from the King of Aſſyria and the illuſtrious Cyrus; and how to puniſh him for that raſh act, the Gods permitted him to ſuffer ſhipwrack.

Madam, replyed Orſanus, when you ſhall know what I intend to relate, I know not then how you will interpret the intentions of the Gods, ſince at the ſame inſtant when they brought him to the very brink of Ruine, then they rather ſaved him: But before I explain this Riddle unto you, I muſt tell you that it was the greateſt and moſt admirable effect of the Princeſs Mandana's Beauty, ſo to diſturb and pervert the Reaſon of this Prince, as made him capable of doing any unjuſt act; ſince certainly there was never any of his Quality, whoſe birth, inclination and education was better: Moreover, the diſpoſitions of Nature drawn from his Parents could not chuſe but be moſt excellently good; ſince it is moſt certain, that never Prince was more virtuous then the Prince of Saces, nor any Princeſs more heroique then the Queen Tarina, my Maſters mother: But ſince her virtue was famous throughout all Aſia, I will ſpeak no more of it; only ſay this, that if the Prince Mazares her ſon be not as victorious as any, it is ſtrange: But as an addition to all you know or poſſibly can know of him, it is requiſite I tell you, that the night preceding the Princeſs Mandana's ſhipwrack, and whileſt the Prince Mazares out of his reſpect durſt not come into her Cabin, he was ſenſible of as much ſorrow as a generous heart could poſſibly comprehend: and let me tell the illuſtrious Cyrus, that I am moſt confident, if he underſtood the ſorrows which he apprehended after that ſad accident, he would ſooner pity then accuſe him; he repented of his crime, though he could not of his paſſion, above a hundred times, and reſolved as oft to expiate it; afterwards when he looked her in the face, and obſerved what alteration in her complexion ſo ſhort a time had produced, his heart was ſo ſtrucken with remorſe, as he went in all haſte to the Pilot, for fear he ſhould alter his mind, and commanded him to take the way of Sinope, with intentions to reſtore the Princeſs either into the hands of Ciaxares or the illuſtrious Cyrus: But oh Heavens, how fatal was this Order, as juſt as it was, unto him that commanded it, and unto her for whoſe ſake it was intended? For as ſoon as the Pilot received it, and in obedient order thereunto, intending to carry Mandana unto Sinope, he turned the Rudder, but [Page] overturned the Ship, and left us all in a periſhing condition: Never ſince did I think it permitable to cenſure the intentions of the Gods, when they do either good or evil unto men: But that it is much ſafer to admire their Providence, then to dive too far into their Reaſons: And indeed, to ſpeak according unto meer natural Reaſon, who would not think that a Prince in love, who had her he loved in his power, and who had ſo much virtues as to repent the taking her away, and reſolved to ſet her at liberty again, that ſuch a one, I ſay, did rather deſerve a Recompence then Puniſhment? and yet the Prince Mazares ſuffered ſhipwrack: he thought himſelf the cauſe of that Princeſs death whom he adored; and ſuffered more torture of Soul then ever any did; and the violence of his deſpair was much more like to be his ruine then his ſhipwrack; and doubtleſs it had been his death, had not the Gods moſt prodigiouſly ſent him relief.

Be pleaſed to know Madam, that the owner of the Cabin (where the illuſtrious Artamenes ſaw Mazares dying, and where he received from his hand a rich Scarfe, which was the Princeſs Mandana's) being gone to fiſh a little before the ſtorm did riſe, and adventuring ſo far into the Sea that he could not recover the ſhore, he was conſtrained to let go his Boat unto the mercy of the Wind and Waves, was at laſt driven to the foot of a Rock which riſe up in the Sea, and where a Ship had been ſplit, but where his Boat being light did ſafely arrive, ſo that he got upon the Rock, and holding his Boat with a Rope, he reſolved to reſt there till the ſtorm was over, and ſo he did, until the Tempeſt beginning to calm, he diſcovered an old man upon a plank which kept him above water, and who endeavoured to gain that Rock, but he was ſo weak, and ſo far off, that needs muſt he periſh, unleſs the Fiſherman relieve him. Plain pity then moving the heart of this Fiſherman, he made unto his aſſiſtance in his Boat, and took up this man, whoſe name was Tyburtus, by Nation a Greek, who was alwayes with Mazares as a Tutor to read all Sciences befitting his Quality unto him. He was no ſooner in the Boat, but ſo weak he was, that ready he was to fall into a ſwoond: Yet when he was recovered, he told how he had been ſhipwracked, but told him not how it was in carrying away the Princeſs Mandana, leſt it ſhould abate his zeal to ſerve him: So that this Fiſher-man cheering him up after his homely manner, he offered him his Cabin to retreat unto, which Tiburtus accepted of, in hopes to hear ſome tydings of ſome that were ſhipwracked with him, or whether his Maſter periſhed among the reſt: The Sea being then ſmoother then before, this Fiſher-man began to row about; but ſince he had loſt one of his oars in the Storm, he was a long time before he recovered his ſhore, and ſo long indeed, that he came not to his Cabin until Artamenes was gone away. You may imagine Madam, hovv Tiburtus vvas amazed to find the Prince Mazares there, and in that caſe, for he vvas not yet recovered out of his ſvvoond vvherein the illuſtrious [...] left him: as ſoon as he ſavv him, he vvas extreamly joyed; but vvhen he ſavv him in that pitiful caſe, his extream joys vvere converted into extream ſorrovvs: yet ſince he vvas a man of an univerſal knovvledg in all things, and reaſonably vvell verſed in Phyſick, he endeavored to try vvhether any life yet remained in that Prince, and whether there were any poſſibility of helping him: and upon his careful obſervance, he diſcovered his heart did beat: ſo that uſing all the helps which the poverty of that place would afford him, he employed them ſo well, that Mazares revived, but vvith a ſpirit ſo little of himſelf, that ſpying Tiburtus at his beds ſide, he asked him vvhere Mandana vvas? Aftervvards he pronounced the name of Artamenes four or five times; and being for an hour after in a confuſed diſtraction of Reaſon, he knevv not vvhether or no Artamenes vvas his Rival, or vvhether Mandana vvas alive or dead, or indeed whether himſelf was living. But at laſt, Tiburtus endeavoring by his diſcourſe to reduce his Reaſon into its right Region, he began by degrees to know things as really they were, and by conſequence to fall into his firſt deſpair: Yet had he the comfort to ſee Tiburtus neer him, whom he ever loved: In ſeeing him, his hopes revived alſo, that happily Mandana might eſcape as well as he, but his hopes of ſo much happineſs were ſo weak, that they could not induce him to take any care of himſelf, or to receive any thing: In the mean while, Tiburtus conſidering how neer he was unto Sinope, and in a place where the illuſtrious Artamenes had been, and might come or ſend again, he took the Maſter of the Cabin aſide, and conjured him, that as he had ſaved his life, ſo he would do him another good office, without which the firſt was all to no purpoſe: But leſt there ſhould not be prevalency enough in his prayers, he charmed him with a great Medal of Gold hanging in a Chain of the ſame Mettel, which the Queen Nit [...]cris gave him when he was waiting upon his Maſter at Babylon.

[Page] The very ſight of ſo rich a Preſent, ſo dazled the eyes of the poor Fiſher, that he did abſolutely promiſe to do what ere he would have him, though it were with moſt deſperate hazard of his life: So that Tiburtus without any loſs of time cauſed him to take the Prince Mazares into his Boat, and to clothe him very well, leſt the ſharpneſs of the ayr might do him harm. The Prince Mazares at firſt was very unwilling unto what Tiburtus deſired, ſaying he was loth to part from that place neer which his Princeſs periſhed, and that he had rather dye there then in any other place: But Tiburtus promiſing he ſhould not be carryed very far; and that it was to ſuch a place as where it was more probable to hear of his Princeſs, and where he was in leſs danger of falling into the hands of Ciaxares, he began to ſubmit unto his will: Yet not at the firſt; For Tiburtus (ſaid he unto him) ſince death is that I look for, why may not the King of Medes or Artamenes give it me as well as any other way? Although it be all one to you (ſaid Tiburtus to him) yet it concerns the King your Father, and the Queen your Mother, and all the people over whom you are deſtined to Raign; therefore I beſeech you, follow my advice, and harken unto Reaſon. Alas Tiburtus (ſaid he) that man who cares not for life, cares not for a Kingdom: However, replyed Tiburtus, though you do not care for either, yet grieve not them that are intereſted in you, and who would be much concerned if you ſhould fall into the power of a Prince who would treat you as a Delinquent: And truly I am ſuch a one, replyed he, upon whom they would act no Injuſtice, though they proceeded never ſo rigorouſly againſt me: but Tiburtus, do what you will with me. After this Mazares was carryed into the Boat; and all the people in the Cabin had orders to ſay, If Artamenes ſent to enquire of him, that he dyed as ſoon as he left him. In the mean time, the lamentable condition in which the Prince Mazares was, would not permit Tiburtus to carry him far off, and all their proviſions in the Boat were ſo ſmall, as they would not laſt above two or three days. This wiſe old man being not of that Country, knew not what Courſe to ſteer; and ſince he was far off his own Country (for be pleaſed to know it is a great diſtance between Sinope and the Country of the Saces which borders upon the Aſiatique Scithians) he could not tell where he ſhould recruit himſelf any neerer: He had about him but ſmall matters to ſubſiſt upon, the ſhipwrack having left him only that Chain of Gold which he gave the Fiſher-man, and one other Jewel of a very conſiderable value; yet the Prince Mazares by chance had ſome rich things about him, ſo that by them he hoped to find ſubſiſtence for a while, but the difficulty was where to land in a ſafe place: Not knowing then what to reſolve upon, they put off from Sinope, unreſolved what courſe to ſteer: Yet the Fiſher-man ſeeing Tiburtus in ſuch a perplexity, told him, that if he would truſt him, he would carry him into ſuch a place where none ſhould find them: Then acquainting him how he was not born at that place where he dwelt, but in a little Iſle which was inhabited by none but Fiſhers, amongſt whom he had many kindred, Tiburtus conſented he ſhould carry them thither: And this Fiſher-man promiſed my Maſter, to tell him in that place, whether any news was heard of the Princeſs Mandana, or whether they had found her body: So not being able to take any other Courſe, they came to this little Iſle, which indeed was no more then a huge Rock, not above a days journey from Sinope: He who was their Guide, lodged them with a ſiſter of his, whoſe husband was a Fiſher like himſelf, and who entertained them very humanely: In the mean while, ſince it is the pleaſure of the Gods to preſerve Mazares whether he would or no, he lived when as he hated life, ſince he beleeved Mandana dead, but it was a life ſo lamentable, that death was much more ſweet then it unto him: The little hopes he had of Mandana's eſcape, did now begin to dye; for the Fiſher-man, according to his promiſe, wen [...] the day after to enquire, but could hear no news either of her or her Corps: yet this laſt circumſtance leaving ſome far-fetched hopes in him, which induced him not to depart from that barbarous place; Tiburtus deſired the Fiſher-man to tell him once more that the Corps of Mandana was found: For as Tiburtus did verily conjecture, that this Princeſs was really dead, and that though ſhe were living, yet it were good to wear her out of Mazares his memory; therefore he conceived it expedient not to leave any more ſuch uncertain hopes in him, which might aggravate his ſorrows, and much multiply his perplexities. The Fiſher-man at his requeſt did tell this officious lye, and the Prince Mazares grieved ſo, as it was eaſie to ſee the difference between an undoubted misfortune, and one in which there was ſome incertainty: When the firſt raptures of his deſpair were paſt, he told Tiburtus, that he would go and dye over the Tomb of Mandana, and continued in this mind many days, but at laſt the perſwaſions of Tiburtus did alter his mind; [Page] but all his perſwaſions could not prevail when he moved him to return unto the King of Saces his Father: No, no, Tiburtus (would he ſay) you ſhall not have your mind in every thing, nor will I live as you would have me: It's well I ſatisfie you ſo far as not to kill my ſelf, without publiſhing my crime and my misfortune unto all Aſia: Live I will Tiburtus, becauſe you would not have me dye, but I will live only to lament that Princeſs whoſe life I deſtroyed: Oh unfortunate Prince (would he cry out) if thou hadſt any deſign to betray any one, why didſt thou not betray the Aſſyrian King in favour of thy Princeſs? and why didſt thou not really releaſe her? Why didſt thou not convey her into the hands of the invincible Artamenes, who only is worthy of her? Then would ſhe at the leaſt have had an eſteem or friendſhip for thee: and though thou wert the moſt unfortunate man that ever breathed, yet it is better being ſo, then being her Raviſher. Oh moſt inſenſible Sot that I was, couldſt thou ever hope to be loved by doing that which was moſt likely to procure hatred? Had I not an illuſtrious Example of this before my eyes on one of the greateſt Kings in all Aſia? who carryed her away, and got nothing by his violence but her hatred: and yet I muſt carry her away alſo, but the Gods have moſt ſeverely puniſhed me for it: If my death would have ſatisfied that Juſtice, certainly I ſhould have periſhed in the ſame place with her: but ſince they knew that her death would puniſh me moſt ſeverely, they keep me alive to puniſh me with moſt horrid torments. Thus Madam, did the Prince Mazares argue with himſelf: It was in vain for Tiburtus to tell him he muſt ſubmit unto the Will of the Gods; for his ſorrows were too great to ſuffer him: All endeavors to put him in memory of honour and glory were alſo in vain: Ambition was dead in his Soul, and he thought nothing in this World now more glorious then eternally to lament the death of Mandana: yet did Tiburtus ſtill importune him to return unto his Father, and did ſpeak of it ſo much, that this unfortunate Prince ſeeing he could not perſwade Tiburtus to let him live an unknown ſolitary life, reſolved to ſteal away from him, and to go into ſome Cell, and lament his miſeries alone: In order unto this, he hired a young Fiſherman to let him paſs in the night time over the Water, which was not above fifty furlongs from the Iſle, and left a Letter with him for Tiburtus, to this effect.

The unfortunate MAZARES unto the wiſe TIBURTUS.

SInce I ſee all your ſapient admonitions cannot infuſe Reaſon into my Soul, which is ſenſible of nothing but its own ſorrows, I thought it beſt to part from you, leſt my miſeries ſhould infect you: But to the end that you may juſtifie your ſelf unto the King and Queen, let them ſee by this Letter, that ſince I do not think my ſelf worthy to be their Son, nor to write unto them, I will for ever renounce all civil ſociety: yet tell them, that it was Love only which made me a Criminal; and that if I had never loved the divine and unfortunate Mandana, I had never done any thing unworthy either of them or you, who have given me a million of good advices, which this paſſion only did keep me from following.

MAZARES.

This Prince then having given this Letter unto the young Fiſher-man who carryed him over the River, and bought him a Horſe, alſo cauſed a very poor ſute of Clothes to be made for him at a little Town whither he uſed to go and ſell his Fiſh, he took the next way that he found; for his ſorrows made him not care which way he went. In the mean while the young Fiſher-man returned to the Iſle, and gave Tiburtus the Letter which the Prince did ſend him, and which did drive him into ſuch exceſſive ſorrow, as never was greater: But all unprofitable Lamentations were but loſs of ſo much time, and therefore he immediately left the Iſle to ſeek his Maſter, and went unto the next Town to buy a Horſe, and to take that way which the young Fiſher-man told him he took: but it being a good while ſince the Prince did go away, he could not overtake him; yet had he the comfort as he rid on a day and a half together to hear two or three times that he travelled that way; but his grief was, that they who ſaw him paſs, reported that he kept no high ways. Tiburtus being very old, was not able to travel ſo long without reſt, unleſs he ſhould fall ſick, ſo that age and wearineſs compelled him to ſtay twelve or fifteen days. As good fortune was, he found a little Church, dedicated unto Ceres, ſtanding in the midſt of a field, without any other building about it but only the Prieſts houſe which joyned unto it, ſo that finding himſelf very ill he ſtayed there, and deſired help: Indeed the Prieſt had a [Page] great compaſſion and care of him; for Tyburtus being a man of great ingenuity and parts, made himſelf ſoon known unto this charitable Hoſt to deſerve relief, yet could he not recover any health; all that could be done unto him, was only to prolong his miſerable life until a prodigy conducted me to the place where he was, as I ſhall relate unto you. You know Sir (ſaid Orſanus unto Cyrus, that when you went from Sinope into Armenia, I asked leave of you to return unto the King my Maſter, though I was extreamly ſorry I could not carry the Prince Mazares with me; ſo that parting from you, loadned with your gifts, raviſhed with admiration, and charmed with your virtues, I took the beſt way to go unto the place at which I aimed. The third day of my journey, when I was wandring out of my way, I diſcovered a great Plain, in the midſt of which I ſaw a little Church, and a very pleaſant houſe: It being not very late, and I weary, I went thither, not only with intentions to inquire of the way, but to deſire the favour of a nights lodging, and I was received in with as much humanity as I could either expect or deſire: The Prieſt made ſome excuſes; that his accommodation was not ſo good as other times it might have been, telling me, that thoſe few ſervants he had were ſo buſie about a ſtranger that was ſick in his houſe, and ſo ill, that they thought him a dead man, as his entertainment would not be ſo good as he wiſhed it were.

As he was thus ſpeaking unto him, one came to tell him, that the ſtranger was very ill, and deſired to ſpeak with him, that he might impart a ſecret of ſome concernment unto him: I hearing this, did deſire to ſee him, and not knowing well why, I went unto the Chamber of this ſick man: But oh heavens, how was I amazed, when I ſaw him to be Tyburtus, whom I thought drown'd with the Prince our Maſter? My wonder was ſo great that I could not expreſs it by my words: But after a little recollection of my ſelf, I went unto his Beds ſide, and the ſight of me ſurprized him no leſs then he did me: The Prieſt alſo perceiving by our actions that we knew each other very well, and that we much rejoyced at the ſight of each other, was amazed as well as me: Tyburtus holding out his hand unto me, gave thanks unto the Gods for affording him ſo much happineſs as to imbrace me before he died; then did I endeavour to perſwade him his diſeaſe was not ſo bad as he thought it, but he knew the greatneſs of his pain better then I did. No, no, Orſanus, ſaid he unto me, let me not flatter my ſelf, the Gods do not work miracles every day, and I have rendred my ſelf ſo unworthy of them, that I ought not to murmure at their wills; I know that all remedies are in vain, and I perceive the end of my doleful daies is at hand, therefore I ſent unto this wiſe and charitable Clergy-man to receive a ſecret from me, which was not fit to be buried with me in my Tomb; But ſince the Gods have ſo fitly brought you hither, I ſhall not trouble him with it, ſince it does not at all concern him to know it, but ſhall in few words reveal it unto you. The Prieſt hearing Tyburtus ſay ſo, did withdraw, purpoſely to leave him liberty to ſpeak what he pleaſed: Tyburtus firſt aſſuring him, that he changed his mind not for want of any eſteem of him, but only becauſe the buſineſs concerned one which I did know, and which he did not. After that the Prieſt was gone, I began to condole with him the death of our dear Maſter; but Tyburtus ſtopping me very ſhort, told me all that I have told you: After this (ſaid he) you may well know, that the Gods in bringing you hither did intend I ſhould acquaint you that the Prince Mazares is not dead, to the end you may go and ſeek him, as I intended all the daies of your life, until you have found him out. This Orſanus was my deſign, and this ought to be yours, if you love your Maſter, if you had not happily arrived, I had ingaged the Prieſt by oath to acquaint the King of Saces, that the Prince his Son was not dead: But ſince you are here, I thought it not expedient to let any Subject of the King of Medes know that he was living; for he hath procured unto himſelf ſuch terrible enemies in the perſons of Ciaxares, the King of Aſſyria, and the invincible Artamenes, by carrying away the Princeſs Mandana, that I think it good none know it but your ſelf. Tyburtus having done ſpeaking, and I promiſing him to ſeek our illuſtrious Maſter throughout all Aſia, he ſeemed to be a little more cheerful, ſo that we talked at leaſt two hours concerning the Prince Mazares. And as he underſtood, ſince he came to that place, that the Princeſs Mandana was not dead, but that ſhe was in the power of the Pontean King, and that it was thought he carried her unto Armenia, he gave me advice, that after I had ſought a while in Cappadocia, to go thither alſo, it being to be ſuppoſed, that Mazares would either be there, or elſe be neer the Princeſs whom he adored. But Madam, why ſhould I trouble you any longer with relations of Tyburtus, who only languiſhed in life till he ſaw me? For as ſoon as he had imparted his troubled [Page] ſoul unto me, he grew worſe, and the next day died: I took his loſs with much grief, ſo that my joyes at my Maſters being alive were mixed with ſorrows. In the mean time, after I had payed my laſt duties unto dead Tyburtus, and rendred a thouſand thanks unto the Prieſt for his charitable cares of him, I went and wandred I knew not well whither, yet I conceived it my beſt courſe would be, to be neer the place where Mandana was ſaid to be, ſince in all probability that Prince who was in Love with her, and believed her to be dead, would ſeek all opportunities to ſee her riſen from the dead as ſoon as he ſhould hear of it: I reſolved therefore upon two courſes, the one, to ſend a ſervant which vvaited upon me, vvho vvas both faithful and vvitty, unto the Queen of Saces, to comfort her vvith her Sons being alive, and to tell her, that I thought it expedient not to publiſh it until he vvas found. The other vvas, that after I had vvandred a vvhile about Sinope, vvhere I feared he remained ſick, I vvould then vvend tovvards Armenia, vvhere it vvas reported the Princeſs Mandana vvas carried: and according to theſe reſolutions, I diſpatched my ſervant, then inquired vvith all poſſible diligence vvhether I could hear any thing of Mazares, but could not meet with the leaſt intelligence of him in all Cappadocia: After which, I went unto Artaxates, whil'ſt the Army of Ciaxares believed Mandana to be kept up cloſe in a Caſtle upon the River Araxes: And as I believed as others did, that if the Prince Mazares were alive, he would be alſo at Artaxates, I went from place to place, and from Temple to Temple in queſt of him: Then vvhen I heard of any general Muſter of Souldiers, I looked every Souldier in the face, in hopes to find him: Then it came into my phancy, ſeeing I could not hear any thing of him, that perhaps he vvas ſo ſubtil, as to find out means to get into the Caſtle, vvhere the Princeſs Mandana vvas ſuppoſed to be, and the Princeſs of Pontus, before vvhom I ſpeak then vvas; ſo that I reſolved to ſtay in that place, and vvait for the event of the War, having no manner of other hopes to find him I vvas in queſt of. And indeed Sir (ſaid Orſanus unto Cyrus) I ſtayed there, until you by your incomparable valour did take that Caſtle vvith a fevv Forces, in the ſight of an innumerable uumber of armed enemies. It is impoſſible for me to tell you hovv ſad my ſoul vvas, vvhen I ſavv that the Princeſs Mandana vvas not in the Caſtle; and I may ſay it vvithout any diſſimulation, that you Sir vvere not more grieved not to find Mandana there, then I vvas not to find my Maſter, nor knevv vvhere to ſearch either for her or him, for I ſought for her only in hopes to find him there: Hovvever, patience is my beſt remedy; and ſince I knevv you took all imagineable care to diſcover vvhere that Princeſs vvas, I reſolved to follovv the ſame courſe you ſteered: But ſince I vvould not be knovvn unto you, though you treated me very favourably at Sinope, becauſe I vvould not acquaint you vvith the true reaſon vvhich brought me into Armenia, nor had any mind to diſſemble vvith you; therefore I ſhunned your ſight vvith a poſſible care, I remained therefore kept cloſe in Artaxates, till I underſtood you thought the Princeſs Mandana vvas at Suſa, and that ſhe vvould croſs the Country of Matenes, vvhich joyns upon Armenia and Cicilia, and then I deſigned to take that vvay: And having found a guide, vvho vvas very vvell verſed in the vvayes, he conducted me ſo ſhort a cut, that I overtook Abradates; and the King of Pontus, as they conducted this Princeſs, before they ſeparated, and by conſequence before you fought vvith the King of Suſiana: 'Tis true, I did not think it convenient to ſhevv my ſelf unto the Princeſs Mandana, but contenting my ſelf with looking upon her, and the Troops which paſſed by and guarded her: But ſince I could not find him I ſought for amongſt them, I thought that happily he might follow at a diſtance; and underſtanding that this Princeſs was to imbarque at a Cicilian Port to ſail unto Epheſus, I got thither before hand, inquiring in every houſe where ſtrangers uſed to lodg, whether ſuch a one was not there. I went alſo into every Ship which was to put forth, whether any Paſſengers were to imbarque; but do what I could, both before the Princeſs Mandana came thither, and when ſhe was there, and after ſhe was gone, I could not meet with the leaſt knowledg of him; ſo that I ſtayed ſtill by the water ſide, after I had ſeen the Princeſs Mandana imbarque, as ſad a ſoul as ever lived; and truly my fear was, that he had either took ſome deſperate courſe with himſelf, or at leaſt was dead of extream melancholy, in ſome obſcure place where none knew him; for ſince I underſtood by ſeveral perſons which I had ſeen in the Armenian Army, that the Prince Mazares was not returned unto the King his Father, and ſince I could not find him about the Princeſs Mandana, I could conclude no other but that he was dead; all hopes being then quite extinguiſhed of ever meeting with him, I reſolved to return into my own Country; for though [Page] I promiſed Tiburtus to vvander all my life long until I found him, yet ſince no hope vvas left of finding him, I thought it vvas in vain to be over-ſtrict in keeping that promiſe: Thus then I reſolved to return, and in order to that I enquired the beſt and ſafeſt Ways: and I vvas informed that the ſhorteſt and beſt vvay vvas to go along the River Cydne, and to leave that great Mountain in Cicilie, vvhich is called the black Mountain, on the left hand: That aftervvards I muſt paſs into Armenia, and get into the River Araxes, vvhere I ſhould need no Guide, ſince I knevv the Way very vvell from thence into my ovvn Country.

But as the Gods are ſometimes pleaſed to make a Tempeſt drive a Ship unto a Port, in lieu of daſhing it againſt the Rocks, ſo they cauſed me to wander out of my way moſt happily; and in lieu of taking that way which conducted unto the River Cydne, I took another Rode, which led me ſo far into that prodigious Mountain whereof I ſpoke, that I knew not which way to go back again: Yet ſince it was extream hot Weather, and all other parts of Cicily was an open Country, I was not at the firſt ſorry I had miſtaken my way for another where the tops of the Rocks which did hang one over another was a great ſhadow unto me in my travel: But at laſt, when I ſaw no living creature but a ſort of little wilde Beaſts, which the Inhabitants of that Country call Squillaques, which naturally are apt to ſtealing, and which follow all them that paſs this way to filch ſomething from them, I confeſs that I repented my going ſo far in this Way, principally out of fear leſt I ſhould wander ſo far in this hideous Mountain, that I could not get out again when night came on: ſo that conceiving eaſier for me to turn back by the paths I came, then to follow an unknown Rode where I could meet with none to enquire of, I faced about, and returned the ſame way I came: but coming unto a place where there was ſeveral beaten paths, I miſtook the right, and went into one by which I did not come: I went ſtreight forward a long while, thinking I had been right, and yet methought I ſaw many things which I obſerved not before; and other times methought I knew where I was: but ſometimes hoping I was right, and ſometimes fearing I was wrong, I ſtill went forward, impatiently deſiring to be from amongſt thoſe Rocks: for often I had a huge high Mountain on my right hand, and a horrid Precepice on my left, and the beſt way I had rough and rocky. I ask you pardon Sir, for inſiſting ſo long upon a deſcription of theſe things: But I muſt needs confeſs they made ſuch a deep impreſſion in my mind, that I could not chuſe but deſcribe them as they were. After I had travelled in this manner a long while, and came unto a place where there was no track, I was forced to ſtay, becauſe the night coming on apace, I was in ſome danger of falling into ſome Precipice, if I had continued on little longer: I lighted then from my horſe, and putting the bridle upon my arm (for there was no tree in that place to tye him unto) I ſat down under a Rock; and leaning upon another little one, I reſolved to take up my Inn there, and to keep my ſelf if poſſible from ſleeping, leſt my Horſe ſhould break looſe, or ſome wilde beaſt come unto me; And indeed I paſſed away almoſt all the night without a wink of ſleep, or having any deſire unto it, as well becauſe the obſcurity of that deſart place, which carries a kind of terror with it, that moves not much unto ſleep, as becauſe I heard a great multitude of thoſe filching Cattle continually paſs by me: But at laſt, being a little us'd to the noiſe which they made, and being very weary with travelling amongſt theſe rugged Rocks without one bit of meat, about an hour before day I fell aſleep againſt my will, and waked not before Sun riſe, and I beleeve I had ſlept longer, if one of theſe crafty beaſts, following their natural inclination, had not awaked me, by drawing out of my pocket the Table-book, in which I had writ down the Ways by which I was to go; ſo that though they ſay theſe Squitaques are commonly as cunning at theeving as are any I acedemonians, yet he that which ſtole my Table-book did awake me: I no ſooner opened my eyes, but ſeeing this Animal, running away with my Table-book in his mouth, I got on horſeback and rid after him, crying as loud as I could to affright him and make him let it fall, and after I had chaſed him a long while, he turned ſhort behind a great Rock, and I made all poſſible ſpeed leſt I ſhould loſe the ſight of him, and when I turned where he did, I ſaw he had let fall what he had ſtoln from me, and ran away as faſt as ever he could. But Sir, I was ſtrangely amazed, when following this little Animal, I found it had conducted me into a little Plain about 15 or 20 furlongs in length, and ten or twelve broad, boundered with the moſt pleaſant Wood that is in the whole World; beyond which was a huge and ſterile Mountain, which ſeemed to touch the Clouds, and made the moſt terrible and moſt pleaſing object both that ever was beheld; for Nature had ſo moulded it from top to bottom, that without a [Page] ſight of it, it is impoſſible to conceive how well the greenneſs of this pleaſant Wood, oppoſite to this ragged Mountain, did pleaſe all beholders: When I firſt eſpied it, I ſtopt, not knowing whether I ſhould venture into a Wood whoſe paths were unknown unto me: yet ſince I knew no ſafer way then that, I thought it better to wander in a pleaſant ſhade, then amongſt a heap of rubbiſh Rocks, where not a pile of graſs did grow. I went over then this little Plain, in the midſt of which I ſpyed an Arbour, which the rays of the Sun could never penetrate though never ſo hot, and the Trees of it vvere perpetually green, being compoſed of Cedars, Pines, Mirtles, Evves, as ſuch like Trees, vvho keeps thoſe leaves all Winter green vvhich the Spring time gives them; and the Wonder of the Object vvas, that theſe Trees did grovv amongſt the Rocks, and all the Rocks vvere covered vvith ſuch variety of all ſorts of Moſs, and of as many ſeveral colours, as that the Rainbovv had not more nor more delighting: The variety of theſe Trees, and the perpetual freſhneſs of the leaves, made this Wood incomparably pleaſant. I wandered then through this great and pleaſing Wood, where a thouſand ſeveral ſorts of pretty birds did make a moſt harmonious eccho, teſtifying by the little fear they had of me, that the place was but ſeldom frequented: After I had gone five or ſix hundred paces, I eſpyed on my right hand a very pleaſant Fountain, which boyling up amongſt a heap of Pibbles, covered over with a pretty Moſs of Emerald colour, did make a little Rivolet, and ran turning and winding it ſelf along the ſide of the Wood, oppoſite to that aſpiring Mountain of which I ſpoke before. As I ſtood by the ſide of this Chriſtal Fountain, I obſerved a little path which parted from the great Rode, and did lead towards the thick of the Wood; and after I had reſted my ſelf a while by this Fountain, I followed that path, which always aſcended, ſometimes inclining towards the right hand, and ſometimes towards the left, becauſe the hill was too ſteep to go ſtraight up: When I was in the midſt of this Woody Rock, O Heavens, how I was amazed, when I diſcovered a great Cave which went into the Rock, and by it the Prince Mazares ſitting upon a ſtone! who at the noiſe I made turned his head towards me, and preſently knew me, and gave me demonſtrations to know him: I was ſo exceedingly ſtartled at the ſight of him, that I was a while and knew not what I did, nor alight from my Horſe: my eyes were ſo full of tears, and my heart ſo full of ſorrow, that ſtood I like a ſtone, and knew not whether what I ſaw was real. But at laſt, my dear Maſter riſing up, and naming me with a great cry, I revived out of my aſtoniſhment: ſo that lighting from my Horſe, and tying him unto a Tree, I went and caſt my ſelf at his feet: But he immediately took me up, and embraced me with extraordinary tenderneſs; My dear Orſanus, ſaid he unto me, is it poſſible I ſhould ever have a ſight of you again? and will you force me whether I will or no to have ſome minutes of conſolation in my life? Sir (ſaid I unto him, with eyes ſwimming in tears, to ſee the melancholy in his looks, and to imagine how ſadly he had lived ſince I ſaw him) I do not intend to add minutes; but an age of conſolation unto you, The ſight of you indeed is moſt dear unto me (replyed he,) but Orſanus, ſince I have been the cauſe of my divine Mandana's death, no conſolation can comfort me. But Sir (replyed I haſtily) if I ſhould tell you that the Princeſs Mandana lives, would not that be a comfort unto you? No Orſanus, replyed he, it would not, ſince I could not beleeve you: I ſhould think it only your plot to draw me out of this ſad ſolitude, wherein I live, and in which I am reſolved to dye. Yet let me tell you, replyed I, that what I ſay is moſt certainly true, for this Mandana, who both you and I thought dead, I ſaw her alive with my own eyes. Ah Orſanus (cryed he out) I would I could beleeve this, and dye immediately after; that I might not be deluded by ſo pleaſing a lye, and be for ever delivered from all the miſeries which I endure. But Sir (replyed I) is it poſſible this Deſart ſhould be ſo little frequented, and this Cell in which you inhabit ſo unknown unto all men, that not one of them ſhould come and tell you how all Aſia is in Arms for the Princeſs Mandana; that the illuſtrious Artamenes is no more Artamenes, but known to be Cyrus, Son to Cambiſes King of Perſia; That Ciaxares after he had impriſoned him, did releaſe him, and made him General of his Army; That the King of Pontus, after he had loſt all his Kingdoms, and flying away in a Ship, did ſave the Princeſs Mandana's life, immediately after the fury of the bo [...]ſterous Waves had ſeparated her from you; That the invincible Cyrus, thinking that Prince had carryed her into Armenia, drew the War thither, and became Maſter of it; That in lieu of releaſing the Princeſs Mandana, he releaſed only the Siſter of his Rival, that is, the Princeſs of Pontus; That afterwards the King her Brother being reported to be at Suſa with the Painceſs Mandana, and that ſhe was to imbarque for Cicilie, conducted [Page] by the King of Suſiana, and by the Queen Panthea, Cyrus followed Abradates, defeated him, and took the Queen his Wife a Priſoner, in lieu of releaſing the Princeſs Mandana, that the King of Pontus, according to his deſign, imbarqued with the Princeſs of Medea, and ſteered towards Epheſus.

Whil'ſt I was ſpeaking thus, the Prince Mazares hearkened unto me with extraordinary attention, and by his quick and piercing looks endeavoured to penetrate through my eyes into the bottom of my heart, to know whether what I ſpoke were ſincere and really true; ſo that I perceiving that fain he would, but could not believe me: No, no, Sir (ſaid I unto him) do not ſuſpect me of any falſhood, ſince the truths which now I tell you are ſo generally known, that there is not ſo much as a Shepheard in all Aſia who knows not that Mandana is living, and that there is two hundred thouſand men in Arms ready to releaſe her. This Princeſs (added I) hath alſo paſſed ſo neer you, that certainly ſhe hath ſeen the Cedar tops which grow in this your Deſart: I am confident that I am not miſtaken, for ſhe might diſcover them as ſhe went to imbarque: How Orſanus, ſaid he, can I poſſibly believe Mandana not dead? Can I think thoſe eyes of yours, which now look upon mine, hath ſeen her alive, and that ſhe looked upon the tops of theſe Mountains? Ah Orſanus, if this be true, I am not ſo miſerably unfortunate as I thought my ſelf.

As this Prince was thus talking, I ſpyed coming out of the Wood a man admirably handſome, of a pleaſant phyſiognomy, but ſeemed ſomething melancholy, who being alſo as much ſurprized to find the Prince Mazares in conference with me, as I was to find my Maſter in ſuch a ſolitude, we gazed upon each other with equal amazement: But the Prince Mazares calling him, Come Beleſis (ſaid he unto him) help to know whether Orſanus (of whom I have ſpoke ſo much unto you, and whom I reckoned amongſt the loſſes which I thought I had ſuſtained) do really tell me the truth. Then he whom my Maſter called Beleſis, hearing my name, came forward, and ſaluting me with ſuch civility as let me know that all which Mazares loved was dear unto him, I returned him a ſalute with much reverence; after which, my Maſter commanded me to relate all that I had before told him, obliging me very often to aſſure him, that I would ſpeak in all ſincerity: Afterwards, asking me how I eſcaped the Shipwrack? how I came into Sicily? how I found out his Deſart? and whether I knew what was become of Tyburtus? I fully ſatisfied his curioſity in all things, and acquainted him with the death of that wiſe old man Tyburtus, conceiving that he would apprehend his death with leſs ſorrow at this time when he heard Mandana was alive, then if I ſhould have deferred it; yet was he much perplexed at it, and did exceedingly lament him: And ſince Beleſis and he did nothing elſe, ſince they were together, but make relations of their lives, and continually diſcourſe of their misfortunes, he lamented the poor Tyburtus as much, as if be had been perfectly acquainted vvith him, though he knevv him not at all, but only by the report of the Prince Mazares. In the mean time, ſince I had a great deſire to knovv hovv my Maſter came unto that place, and to learn vvho that ſtranger vvas; alſo vvhen they met, I took ſo much freedome upon me, as to ask him, beſeeching him to pardon me if I vvere too bold, and to believe it proceeded from my very great affection to him: It is but juſt Orſanus, ſaid he unto me, That a Prince of vvhom you have had ſo much care, and ſought ſo long, ought to render you an account of himſelf: But that I may the more conveniently do it, follovv Beleſis and me, and vve vvill ſhevv you our habitation: Alas Sir (ſaid I, and follovved them) I believe your Palace is more beautiful vvithout then vvithin, and that there is a great difference betvveen your Grot and the Wood, beſides it. You ſhall be a Judg of that preſently; anſwered Beleſis, and entring in with them, I was exceedingly aſtoniſhed at the ſight: For Sir, all Art and Nature together did never make a place ſo beautiful in any place of the world, as Nature alone did in this: I found this Grot to be very deep and large, and yet not obſcure, for the Mountain being very ſteep, there were ſeveral Windowes pierced through it, and gave light enough to diſcern all the rarities both without and within it; a thouſand admirable congealations were the ornaments of this place, where one might behold Pillars, Arches, Trees, Flowers, Leaves, Moſſes, Urns, Tombs, and a thouſand other ſuch things, all of a ſubſtance, as clear and tranſparent as ever was any Chriſtal in the world: At two ſides of this wonder I ſaw two Fountains, which neither fwelling nor diminiſhing, kept conſtant at the ſame level, the water certainly having ſome undiſcernable courſe through ſome crannies of the Rock, according to the meaſure they received from others. When I ſeriouſly [Page] had viewed theſe rare and delightful wonders, I could not chuſe but admire at the providence of God, who had brought the Prince Mazares into ſo pleaſant a Wilderneſs. Well Orſanus (ſaid Beleſis unto me, and ſeeing my admiration) Do you think the Prince Mazares did erre when he called this Grot a Palace? No Sir (ſaid I unto him) But I muſt confeſs, I do not underſtand how you live for want of Victuals: You ſhall know that immediately, ſaid he unto me: Then going unto the entry of this Cave, he called a ſervant which he had there, who came out of another little and leſs beautiful Room which joyned to the other, and commanded him to give me ſomething to eat, to let me ſee their garden, and to have a care of my horſe, which was ſet in a little Cave further off, for all this Mountain was full of them; and accordingly, this ſervant unto Beleſis, whoſe name was Arcas, after he had given me a good Dinner, did carry me ſome fifty paces further unto the foot of the Rock, and ſhewed me a garden ſo full of all manner of Herbs, Roots, Peaſe, Beans, and ſuch like, and Arcas told me, that ſometimes he went to Hunt, that I wondred how men who ſought for death ſhould find ſubſiſtance in ſuch a place. Arcas alſo told me, that his Maſter by reaſon of ſeveral diſaſters, had renounced all civil ſociety, and having found out this admirable place in the black Mountain, he reſolved to dwell in it all the remainder of his life: So that he, whether his Maſter would or no, had provided ſuch things as were abſolutely neceſſary for the life of a man. Afterwards he told me, that after they had been ſetled a while here, the Prince Mazares came accidentally into this ſolitary place, and Beleſis and he became ſuch intimate friends, as they promiſed never to part, but die together in this Deſart: But (ſaid I unto him) How do they imploy themſelves every day? In condoling, walking ſometimes ſingle, ſometimes together (replied he) Some books they have alſo, for I told you already, that at firſt when my Maſter made choice of this Cave for his habitation, I brought hither every thing which I thought might be ſerviceable unto him; and truly I think theſe two illuſtrious melancholy companions are now ſo accuſtomed to the life they lead, that they would hardly change it; yet truly, I do not think they can live long thus, or rather indeed I wonder they have lived ſo long, conſidering the extream melancholy which poſſeſſeth them.

Arcas having told me all theſe things, and ſhewed me his Garden, I went unto the place where I left my Maſter with Beleſis, and he went to take care of my horſe which was put with another, which my Maſter brought into that Wilderneſs. I was yet unſatisfied what they did when night came upon them, but was not long ſo; for when it began to be dark, I perceived in divers places about this vault there were ſeveral pieces of tranſparent Rock in divers places, all which were filled with a kind of Oyl which Arcas had extracted out of Fir Trees, which grew in great abundance within that Wood, and that faithful ſervant of Beleſis, with the help of a kind of Cotton, made abundance of Lamps that gave a moſt glorious light within the Chriſtal Grot; ſo that it ſeemed incomparably more luſtrious and ſplendant when all theſe ruſtique Lamps were lighted, then it did in the day. The Beds of theſe two retired melancholy men, were ſuitable to the reſt, and were made of Moſs, Reeds, and Ruſhes, for they did not ſeek for any Downy Beds of eaſe. The Prince Mazares was grown to ſuch a habit of melancholy, that he could not rejoyce at any thing; and Beleſis as ſad as he was, had a greater ſhare in that ſatisfaction which he ought to have in hearing Mandana was alike, then he himſelf had ſuch a cuſtomary habit of ſorrows had ſeized upon his ſoul; yet finding ſome ſatisfaction in relating ſad ſtories, he told me what his thoughts were when he ſtole away from Tyburtus; how having a deſign to ſeek out ſome place vvhere he might paſs unknovvn, he reſolved to imbarque for Sicily, and ſo to paſs into Arabia the Deſart, and there end his daies: Yet having conſulted vvith an Oracle, the Gods did by their anſvver forbid him that courſe, and directed him to dvvell in the black Mountain in Sicily, vvhere he ſhould find ſome conſolation: Thither I vvent then (ſaid he unto me) and at firſt believed that the conſolation vvhich the heavens had promiſed me vvas death: For paſſing a day and a half in theſe Mountains vvithout ſeeing any body, I made no queſtion then but death vvould ſoon be my lot. But at laſt, the Gods being my Guide as vvell as Commander, I met Beleſis vvalking in the Wood, and ſpoke unto him; preſently vve grevv acquainted, and the ſame day did begin ſo great a league of friendſhip, that vve promiſed never to part from each other: Yet I am very ready to diſingage you from your vvord (ſaid Beleſis, and interrupted him) for ſince the Princeſs Mandana lives, it is not juſt you ſhould be tyed unto he fortunes of a miſerable man, vvho is out of all hopes to better himſelf; yet I ſhall [Page] have this advantage, that the end of your miſeries will ſhorten mine, ſince certainly I ſhall dye as ſoon as I am deprived of the ſweetneſs which I find in your company. Alas, alas, Beleſis (ſaid the Prince Mazares) you are not acquainted with the malignity of my fate, if you imagine I can ever be happy: I muſt confeſs it is an extraordinary comfort unto me to hear that Mandana is alive, and that though I was her Raviſher, yet I was not her Executioner: But for all that, ſince I cannot leave loving her, and knowing it to be impoſſible I ſhould ever get my ſelf ſo high in her eſteem as I was before, it may be ſaid that I do nothing but change miſery for miſery; and which way ſoever I look upon the matter, I find my ſelf the moſt unfortunate Prince upon Earth: for ſince I was the cauſe that this Princeſs fell into the power of the Pontean King, that ſhe hath been hurried from Kingdom to Kingdom, and that all Aſia is in War about it, I am moſt confident ſhe hates my memory every minute in the day, and thinks the Gods moſt juſt in drowning me as a puniſhment of my crime: And I may aſſure my ſelf, that as ſoon as ſhe hears I am not dead, ſhe will be as ſorry for it as I am glad to hear ſhe is living: Moreover, I am ſo unfortunate as to have ſuch Rivals, as in any reaſon I cannot hate them, but ſuch as I ought rather to lament: The King of Aſſyria is cruelly betrayed by me, and I carryed away from him, her whom he infinitely loved, for whoſe ſake he hath loſt the greateſt Kingdom in all Aſia: As for the King of Pontus, how can I complain againſt him? Since I ruined Mandana, and he ſaved her, muſt I not rather accuſe my ſelf then him? Can I in any juſtice quarrel with a Prince who reſcued my Princeſs from her grave which I layd open for her? What can I alledg againſt the illuſtrious Cyrus? What Crime can I tax him with? or to ſay better, How may he accuſe me? for I made uſe of his Name to deceive the adored Mandana; under that illuſtrious Title I ſeduced her, and have eternally loſt that eſteem and friendſhip which I might have for ever enjoyed: Do you remember Orſanus (ſaid he to me) the time when this illuſtrious Princeſs was at Babylon? how ſhe called me her Protector: alas, how undeſerving was I of that glorious Title? I have juſt cauſe to beleeve that of all her Lovers and Adorers, ſhe hates me the moſt: The King of Aſſyria, as violent as he is by Nature, has not ſo much affronted her as I have done: The King of Pontus, in keeping that only which fortune gave him is not ſo culpable as I am; for I, miſerable I, am not only an unjuſt, raſh and inſolent Lover of this Princeſs, but alſo a perfideous Friend and wicked Cheater, whoſe memory ſhe may juſtly hate: Why ſhould I trouble my ſelf about her Liberty? (ſaid he,) for if the illuſtrious Cyrus do not recover it for her, none elſe can.

The Prince Mazares was ſo vehement in ſuch expreſſions as theſe, that I thought it not convenient to contradict him, leſt I ſhould more confirm him in his reſentments by too much oppoſition; But granting him ſome things, and diſputing others, our Converſation laſted till faithful Arcas brought in Supper, which was more neat then magnificent, as you may well imagine: After which, my dear Maſter asked me, how I came to ſee Mandana, whether Marteſia and Araminta were with her? and as in my anſwers I phraſed Abradates King of Suſiana, Beleſis interrupted me, asking how it was poſſible Abradates ſhould be King, ſince when he entered into his ſolitude, the King his Father and the Prince his elder Brother were alive, and he himſelf was an Exile at Sardis? The Reaſon is (replyed I unto him) becauſe thoſe two Princes are both dead, and conſequently Abradates is King by ſucceſſion. The Gods are worthy to be praiſed for it (replyed Beleſis,) for Abradates is much more worthy to wear a Crown then the Prince his Brother, who has been my greateſt Perſecutor.

Pray Orſanus (ſaid Panthea and interrupted him) is this Beleſis of whom you ſpeak the ſame I have ſo often heard ſpoken of at Suſa when I came there, and one who of all men living is one of the moſt accompliſhed Gallants, whom Love hath puniſhed with all his tortures? I know not whether he be the ſame you mean (replyed Orſanus,) but I know that Beleſis is of Mantiana, and hath dwelt at Suſa a long time; That Love hath been the misfortune of his life, and that the Prince of Suſa elder Brother of Abradates hath made him complain much of his violence towards him. There is no queſtion (ſaid Panthea) but he is the ſame I mean; ſo that I can aſſure you the Prince Mazares is in company of one of the beſt loved men in all Aſia, as thoſe who have known him tell me, even by her whom he moſt loved, though ſince ſhe moſt hates him: But Sir, ſaid ſhe to Cyrus, I pray pardon me for interrupting him in his Relation, and therefore I beſeech you let him continue it: Cyrus then returned a Complement unto Panthea, and commanded [Page] Orſanus to proceed, and accordingly he went thus on with his Story.

You ſee Sir, how the firſt day of my being in the Wilderneſs was ſpent; Truſty Arcas giving me his bed, and making another for himſelf as well as he could. It was ſo late before I went to bed, that the Birds at break of day did awake me within three hours after I began to ſleep; yet was I not ſo ſoon awake as my Maſter; for though he was unimaginably joyed that Mandana was alive, yet was it a kind of an interrupted joy, and mingled with ſo many perplexed thoughts, as he could not ſleep that night: As ſoon as I came out of my little grot, I found him gone out of his, ſo that finding Beleſis alone, I beſeeched his help in perſwading the Prince Mazares to quit this kind of life which then he lived: But alas Sir, ſaid I unto him, the better to move him unto it, It were requiſite you did quit it your ſelf, and to perſwade him rather by your Example then your Reaſons. Ah Orſanus, cryed Beleſis, the deſtiny of the Prince Mazares and my ſelf are much different, and that which is good for him, is not for me. Sir, replyed I, ſince I am ignorant of your misfortunes, and dare not be ſo bold as to ask what nature they are of, I cannot ſo well convince you as perhaps I ſhould if I knew them; but to ſpeak in general, there can be no misfortunes ſo bitter, but a man of your ſpirit and Wiſdom may ſweeten them. 'Tis true, replyed he, thoſe miſeries which Fortune doth cauſe may be overcome, but ſuch as Love doth load a man withall, there are no comforts ſo cordial as to ſweeten them, eſpecially ſuch as mine are; however, I will promiſe you to uſe my beſt arguments to move the Prince Mazares unto a removal from hence in the morning, I would ſay to day (ſaid he and ſighed) if my affection unto him did not need ſome time of preparation before I be ſeparated from ſo dear a friend. Whileſt I was thus talking with Beleſis, the Prince Mazares was rather wandering then walking in the Wood; and the diſorder of his mind was ſo great, that he talked as he walked, and in lieu of walking far off from the Grot, he was turned upon it again ere ever he was aware: he found Beleſis and me together, as we were going out to look him: No ſooner were we met, but Beleſis in purſuance of his promiſe, began to entreat him that he would ſtay this day with him, ſeeming as if he made no queſtion but that he had intentions to leave him: As ſoon as he ſaid ſo, my Maſter looking upon Beleſis, told him, that the alteration in his fortune ſhould not alter his maner of living; for ſaid he unto him, It is miſery enough unto me that I can never pretend unto Mandana's eſteem, to make me forſake the ſociety of men, although ſhe be not dead; yet it was the deſpair which her death did cauſe in you, and that made you take up a reſolution of forſaking the ſight of men. 'Tis true, replyed Mazares, but why would you adviſe me unto a life which will bring more bitter ſorrows unto me then this I live? Conſider well Beleſis what you adviſe me unto, and tell me truly what you think to be my beſt courſe. Sir, replyed he, a man that is not in love would adviſe you to endeavor to forget the Princeſs Mandana, and to return unto the King your Father and the Queen your Mother, who would infinitely rejoyce at it: But ſince I too well know the power of that Paſſion over thoſe who are captivated with it, I muſt ingeniouſly tell you, that though I think it expedient for you to quit your Deſart, yet I know not what to ſay, therefore I adviſe you to be your own Counſellor, and to follow your own inclination. I have muſed away all this night (replyed the Prince my Maſter) in contemplation of my preſent condition, but cannot reſolve what I ought or what I would undertake; yet I muſt confeſs I find in my Soul ſuch a violent deſire to ſee the Princeſs Mandana, that I cannot tell whether or no I am able to reſiſt it: And yet at the ſame time, I find my ſelf ſo extreamly aſhamed of my Crime, that I think I ſhall never be able to ſhew my ſelf: ſo that my fears and my deſires will not ſuffer me to reſolve what courſe to take: Moreover, though I ſhould reſolve to ſee her, yet how can I bring it to paſs? If I go into Lidia where ſhe is, and preſent my ſelf unto Creſſus, who fights againſt Cyrus, then it may be ſaid that I fight for the King of Pontus, againſt a Prince who would releaſe the Princeſs: If I ſhould go into the Army of Cyrus, and think to have the honour of fighting for Mandana, then perhaps I ſhould only fight for Cyrus and the King of Aſſyria, and dye before I have expiated my Crime by any conſiderable ſervice. What ſhall I do then? I cannot reſolve to fight neither for the King of Pontus, nor for the King of Aſſyria, nor for Cyrus; and yet my deſtiny is ſo odd, that I cannot engage my ſelf on either ſide, but I muſt ſerve ſome of my Rivals; and it is abſolutely impoſſible to imagine any way which can be advantagious to me. Moreover, ſince the Princeſs Mandana loved Cyrus when he was only Artamenes, and in her fidelity to him did ſcorn the greateſt King of all Aſia; what likelyhood is there, that now [Page] ſince Artamenes is become Cyrus, the King of Perſea's Son, who ſince hath conquered many Kingdomes, that ſhe ſhould change her affection to him: No, no, ſaid he, ſhe will never change; and I muſt needs confeſs, ſhe has no reaſon to change; nor can I ever hope to obtain the Love of this Princeſs, the height of my ambition is, That ſhe would not hate me: Yes Mandana, ſaid he, could I but let you ſee my real repentance, and could do you any ſuch conſiderable ſervice as would force your generoſity to pardon me, and admit me unto your eſteem again, I ſhould deſire no more, but take all my miſeries with content: But alas, how is it poſſible for me to obtain this my deſire?

Sir (ſaid I unto him, in hopes to make him quit his Deſart) you may obtain what you deſire, if you will contrive wayes how to releaſe the Princeſs of Medea, and reſtore her unto the King her Father: But to effect that; you muſt renounce your ſolitude, and go where Mandana is, and ſeek all occaſions of doing as I adviſe you: Oh Orſanus (ſaid he) you would not adviſe me thus, but only to make me leave this Grotto; for you know well enough, that what you adviſe me unto is not eaſie to compaſs: If you vvere once in the way, replied I, I ſhould then anſwer you more affirmatively; but this is moſt certain, that as long as you bury your ſelf alive in this Wood, you can never do any ſervice unto the Princeſs whom you love, who yet hates the very thought of you, and who cannot know how you repent the carrying her away as long as you are here? Moreover, if things ſo fall out that you cannot effect what I adviſe you unto, and that you abſolutely reſolve to renounce the world, and enter into your Tomb alive, you may when you pleaſe find this Cave alwayes open to receive you, and alwayes find Beleſis there (replied that other illuſtrious ſolitary man who over-heard us) if death have not put an end unto all his miſeries before your return: No, no, Beleſis, replied the Prince Mazares, We will never part, and if Orſanus do perſwade me to quit this Wilderneſs, it ſhall be upon condition that you ſhall quit it alſo, elſe I will never quit it. Beleſis hearing my Maſter ſay ſo, anſwered him as one that was extream unwilling to quit the place, and there grew a moſt generous conteſt between them; Beleſis deſiring him to depart and leave him in his ſolitude, and Mazares reſolved not to depart, unleſs he would with him, and ſo the matter reſted that day without any reſolutions upon it. The next morning I had induced my Maſter to leave this Salvage habitation if Beleſis would go with him, and with my prayers and tears I had prevailed with Beleſis to accompany my Maſter, until he was in a more happy condition. Both of them being thus reſolved, I importuned them to depart immediately leaſt their minds ſhould alter, yet we were forced to ſtay a while, becauſe neither of them would be ſeen in ſuch habits as then they did wear. Since I had enough left of what Sir you were pleaſed to give me for our equipage; and moreover Beleſis had good ſtore of Jewels, which his truſty ſervant kept carefully for him, we ſent him unto the next Town vvith my horſe to buy another horſe, and to provide cloaths for my Maſter and Beleſis. Within three daies after he returned with all things neceſſary for our voyage, which we undertook in an odd kind of manner, for I obſerved that the Prince Mazares and Beleſis did leave their Deſart, as men that had a deſign to return again, yet I ſeemed as if I did not obſerve any thing, hoping that time and company might happily make them change thoughts. In the mean time Arcas was to be our guide out of this Woody Mountain, and indeed did very happily conduct us: For my part, though the place was the moſt beautiful of any in the world, yet I was very glad to be out of it: Alwayes when I looked upon Beleſis, I ſaw him look upon this Mountain vvith a ſigh: But ſince we wanted yet many accoutrements for our voyage, vve ſtayed at the firſt Town we came at to furniſh our ſelves, where my Maſter cauſed a Buckler to be made, vvhich he hath carried ever ſince, and vvhereby you may ſee Sir, (if ever you obſerved it) how ſeverely he cenſured himſelf, ſince therein he expreſſeth himſelf vvorthy of death for carrying avvay Mandana. Beleſis alſo furniſhed himſelf vvith ſuch arms as ſuited beſt to his liking: And during all the voyage, I uſed all my beſt arguments to perſvvade the Prince Mazares rather to return unto the King his Father, then to go unto Mandana, for he could never hope for the leaſt favour: But his anſvver vvas, that he vvould never have left his Cave, but only in hopes to releaſe her, and with full intentions to return thither again if he could not effect his deſign. When I ſavv then vvith vvhat reſolution he ſpoke unto me, I thought it better to yeeld unto him, then to conteſt any longer. Then vve inquired concerning the ſtate of things, and vvere informed that your Army Sir had quitted Armenia, and made towards Cappadocia, to go from thence unto the Frontires of Phrygia vvhich joyned upon Lydia. We underſtood alſo, [Page] that Abradates would ſhortly depart from Suſa, and ingage himſelf in the behalf of Croeſſus. Then did vve conſider vvhether vve ſhould go unto Epheſus by Sea or by Land, but the Prince Mazares had no phancy to truſt himſelf unto the inconſtancy of the Winds and Waves, ſince it vvas further by Water then by Land; and the King of Pontus would not have carried Mandana that vvay, but becauſe he feared the illuſtrious Cyrus vvould then follovv him, therefore it vvas reſolved vve ſhould not go by Sea; adding further unto other reaſons, that vve ſhould never hear any nevvs of the Princeſs Mandana in a Ship until vve came at Epheſus; vvhereas on the contrary, vve ſhould hear all by Land, ſince there vvas not a place in all Aſia vvhich could not inform us. I ſhall not trouble you Sir vvith a relation vvhich vvayes vve vvent, for that vvould be too tedious, only this, that vve vvere compelled to make long journeys, and not to ſtay in any part of Paphlagonia vvhich joyns upon Cappadocia: But ſo it vvas, vvhether by change of Ayr or Diet, Beleſis fell ſick, and ſo very ſick, that the Prince Mazares thought he would have died there. Beleſis did intreat him a hundred times to let him die there, and follow his journey, yet he would not by any means; but on the contrary, proteſted he would never forſake him as long as he lived. In the mean time, the ſickneſs of Beleſis was not only dangerous, but like to laſt long: The greateſt comfort to Mazares was, that he heard the Princeſs Mandana was in the Temple of Diana at Epheſus, and that as the ſeaſon of the year was, you Sir could not draw into the field; and alſo, though he were at Epheſus there was no ſeeing of Mandana: nor any thinking of getting her out of ſuch a ſacred place as that was, yet did he indure the ſickneſs of Beleſis with much impatience; but at laſt he began to grow better and better, and made us hope he would eſcape, and indeed ſo he did. When he was quite out of all danger, and had quitted his Bed, his Phyſitian adviſed him to walk and take the freſh Ayr: Beleſis being very deſirous to be in ſuch a condition as he might not be any ſtay unto Mazares, took his Phyſitians adviſe; ſo that after he had walked ſome daies on foot, he found himſelf ſo ſtrong as to ride; then for a trial whether he was able to travel, my Maſter and he deſign a journey of fifty Furlongs to walk in a great Wood, and I waited upon them: But Sir, we had no ſooner entred a hundred paces in the Wood, then my Maſter riding alone by himſelf, ſome twenty paces before Beleſis and me, who were talking together, and returned with much alteration in his aſpect, and addreſſing himſelf unto me, Come hither Orſanus, ſaid he, and tell whether my eyes deceive me not, for ſince I never ſaw Cyrus but once, and then I was not in a very good condition to obſerve his face; therefore I dare not aſſure you, that it was he who ſaluted me, and asked me whether I met not ſuch a man as he deſcribed unto me; yet certainly if my imagination do well retain the memory of his Idea, he who I ſaw was Cyrus: Sir (ſaid I unto him) Do we not hear every where as we paſs, that Cyrus is in the head of his Army? Yet I am the moſt deceived that ever man was, if I do not ſee him yet at the root of yonder Tree, replied he. In ſaying ſo, he ſhewed me the Tree where you Sir was leaning.

Oh Orſanus, replied Cyrus, I muſt needs interrupt you in your ſtory, that I may undeceive you, and tell you that I was not in Paphlagonia when you paſſed through it. I eſteem you ſo much (anſwered Orſanus) that I will rather believe your words then my own eyes: Your eyes (replied the Princeſs Araminta, and bluſhed) are not ſo as you think them, ſince in all likelyhood it was the Prince Spitridates whom you ſaw, who reſembles the illuſtrious Cyrus ſo much, that it is no wonder if you were miſtaken. But I beſeech you tell me the direct time when you ſaw him you ſpeak of. Orſanus in obedience to the Princeſs Araminta did tell her the exact time; ſo that by the computation of Cyrus and her ſelf, it was concluded that Orſanus met the Prince Spitridates three weeks after the ſtranger Anaxaris left him wounded in Paphlagonia, and in ſuch a Wood as Orſanus preſcribed; ſo that by this, the Princeſs Araminta had ſo much conſolation as to know certainly that he was not dead of the wound which he received; but on the other ſide, ſhe wondred to hear no news from himſelf. After ſhe had received all the ſatisfaction which Orſanus could give her, he continued his diſcourſe in theſe tearms.

The Prince Mazares had no ſooner ſhewed me him whom I thought to be the illuſtrious Cyrus, but I told him, (out of prudence, leſt an angry accident ſhould happen) that it was not Cyrus, though he much reſembled him. Mazares yet had much ado to believe me, and I think he would have asked this ſuppoſed Cyrus whether it was he or no, [Page] had not Beleſis (whileſt we were in this Conteſt) told Mazares, that certainly I muſt needs know him better then he could, and therefore by conſequence he ought to beleeve me: mean while, he who was the ſubject of our diſcourſe, ruſhed preſently into the thick of the Wood, and was quite out of our ſight: So the Prince Mazares was forced to continue on his Walk. It is impoſſible for me Sir, to relate his thoughts unto you; for they were ſo tumultuouſly diſordered, that he could never tell them unto us: Sometimes he was glad it was not you, and ſometimes again ſorry, without any reaſon either for his joys or ſorrows: But ſince all his pretentions were only to releaſe Mandana, and obtain her pardon, we never met with any, but he enquired both concerning her and you Sir.

That which wondered me moſt in the buſineſs was, that all thoſe with whom we ſpoke, told us, that you Sir was towards the Frontiers of Lidia; and comparing my belief that it was you I ſaw, with theſe reports, the thought of it did ſo take up my mind, that I could not chuſe but expreſs it unto my Maſter two days after the ſight of him who reſembled you; I told him that I diſſembled my real thoughts before, and that I did beleeve it was you which we ſaw in the Wood: So that we travelled a whole day reaſoning why you ſhould be there; and not being able to reconcile our own ſights and theſe reports, which were ſo contrary to each other, we ſtill paſſed on unſatisfied: But ſince I could not give my own eyes the lye, I conceived, that you had made ſome ſecret Voyage unto ſome neighbor Prince, to negotiate ſome buſineſs or other; and that though reports went you were in your Army, yet it was not impoſſible but, you might be ſome days abſent: Thus beleeving that we had ſeen you, and that you knew not my Maſter, we arrived at laſt at Epheſus. The Prince Mazares then changed his Name for that of Telephanes; but Beleſis never altered his, becauſe it was unknown in Lidia. I ſhall not relate unto you Sir, what agitation of Soul was in the Prince Mazares (whom now I will call Telephanes for a while) when he ſaw the Temple wherein Mandana was; for I would (if poſſibly I could) conceal his Paſſion from you, leſt I ſhould too much exaſperate your ſpirit againſt him: yet ſince the greatneſs of his Love does make his Virtue appear, I muſt needs have ſo good opinion of you Sir, as to beleeve, that at the end of my Relation you will admire, and perhaps become a friend unto ſuch a Rival as he is, although I do ſet forth his Paſſion unto Mandana to be infinitely high: And the truth is Sir, it is impoſſible a Paſſion ſhould be more violent: but the Wonder is, that ſince he came out of his Deſart, he never entertained one thought but how to make ſatisfaction for his fault, and obtain a pardon for it, and I am moſt confident, that never any poor Peccant fuller of repentance then he, nor did I ever ſee more cruel remorſe of mind: As oft as he conſidered, that it was through his treachery that Mandana was now incloſed within that Temple, his Soul was ſo ſadded with ſorrows, that I wonder he dyed not; and I verily think, that had not the King of Pontus been ſo ill when we came to Epheſus, that he kept his bed by reaſon of a wound in his thigh, ſo that he was not able to oppoſe thoſe who would have taken away the Princeſs Mandana and the Princeſs Palmis; I am confident, I ſay, that if he had been there, though he had ſaved the life of the Princeſs, yet in the firſt raptures of his ſorrows, my Maſter had then aſſaulted him: But afterwards conſidering that the King of Pontus his death would not have releaſed Mandana, ſince as the ſtate of things were, Creſſus would not part with her, he conceived it more expedient to break her Chains by Policy: And conſidering that it was impoſſible to make any attempts upon that place for her Releaſement, he thought it better to go unto Sardis, whither ſhe was to be conveyed as ſoon as Creſſus and the King of Pontus were agreed upon their conditions; which were not yet concluded upon, though the Negotiation had not been tranſacting ever ſince the King of Pontut came to Epheſus: for as ſoon as he came thither, he ſent to demand protection from Creſſus, upon condition that what Treaties ſoever there were between him and Ciaxares or you, Mandana ſhould never be reſtored. Since this Propoſition ſeemed very hard, becauſe by granting it, ſuch a War would enſue, as would never be ended till one ſide was ruined, ſince it was not probable that Ciaxares would ever ceaſe unleſs his daughter was declared, therefore the negotiation was very long before it could be concluded; and nothing was done in it, till Craſſus having received a ſmiling anſwer from the Oracle, and then he conſented unto the King of Pontus his deſires: yet to find out a plauſible expedient wherewith to colour Juſtice, he engaged himſelf never to render the Princeſs Mandana in any Treaty without the King of Pontus his conſent; ſo that after ſeveral ſendings the one to the other, the buſineſs was concluded between them when we came to Epheſus.

[Page] Then did we reſolve for Sardis, and when we had put our ſelves into a handſom equipage we went unto that ſtately Town, where the Prince my Maſter never feared being known: For though Croeſſus had heretofore been on the King of Aſſyria's ſide as well as himſelf, yet they never ſaw each other, as well becauſe Croeſſus was not in Babylon, as becauſe they were alwayes parted in ſeveral bodies, ſo that he went boldly unto him, and offered him his ſervice, Love telling him, that it was not directly againſt the Rules of Generoſity, to conceal his deſign of releaſing Mandana, by ſuch aſſurances of fidelity, which he would never have failed in, but only for her: And ſince Towns are commonly taken by craft, he thought he might without any baſeneſs deliver Mandana by ſubtilty, ſince I could not by force. To get ſome reputation with Croeſſus, he made himſelf known unto him for what he was, to wit, a man of a great ſpirit and able parts in Martial marters; ſo that his deſign taking effect, Croeſſus received him very well, and treated both Beleſis and me with much civility; and the better to diſguiſe our ſelves, there ſeemed to be no difference of quality between us all, but yet the inclination of Croeſſus did prefer the ſuppoſed Telephanes; Firſt, though Beleſis was very handſom, of much ſpirit, and a gallant deportment: It is very true, that ſince he did only ſurmount his ſorrows out of his affectionate friendſhip unto the Prince Mazares, and ſince that Prince did ſurmount his own ſorrows only to releaſe his Miſtriſs, therefore they acted differently, the one ſeeming much more forced then the other: However it was, in a few daies Telephanes was well known both in Court and Camp, Croeſſus offered him imployment, but he would take none upon him, leſt then perhaps he could not lay hold of any fit opportunity which might offer it ſelf; his only care was, not to be ſuſpected, and to inſinuate ſtimſelf with divers perſons: When he underſtood that they would lodg the Princeſs Mandana within the Cittadel when ſhe came to Sardis, his deſign was to make him that was Governour his friend, and he brought it ſo handſomly to paſs, that he got a great ſtroke with him. In the mean time, ſince the negotiation between Croeſſus and the King of Pontus could not be compleated without an enterview, it was reſolved they ſhould meet neer Sardis, and ſince all conditions were agreed upon, and they feared that in conveying the Princeſs Mandana, and the Princeſs Palmis, ſomething might be attempted for their releaſement; therefore Croeſſus would have them depart from Epheſus, whil'ſt the King of Pontus was not there, purpoſely becauſe the Spies which Prince Artamas might have amongſt them, might the ſooner be deceived. The King of Pontus was extreamly againſt it, ſaying, That ſince the River Hermes was between your Camp Sir, and the way which theſe Princeſſes was to go, there was no fear at all: But Croeſſus told him, that the Prince Artamas had ſo many creatures in his Dominions, that he ſtood in fear of his own Subjects as well as of his Enemies, and therefore the King of Pontus was forced to conſent, that orders ſhould be ſent unto Andramites to guard theſe Princeſſes, and conveigh them with thoſe Forces which he had unto a certain place where the King of Pontus would meet him with others, and accordingly it was put in execution. In the mean time, ſince it was the will of Croeſſus that my Maſter ſhould wait upon him when he went to meet the King of Pontus, he was then put to an extream puzzle, ſince that Prince intended to preſent him unto his Rival, as a man from whom he expected great ſervices: And the King of Pontus perceiving by the proceedings of Croeſſus, that he valued this Telephanes at a high rate, and his handſom preſence ſpeaking him to be a man of much merit, he received him with great civility, and my Maſter did anſwer it with ſo much turbulency in his countenance, that I have admired a hundred-times, Croeſſus and the King of Pontus did not perceive it: It is true, that preſently after he recollected himſelf, and carried the matter with as much cunning as a man in Love could, who had a plot to deceive his Rival, and releaſe his Miſtriſs.

The King of Pontus then was as well pleaſed with my Maſter, as my Maſter would have been with him, if there had not been ſome ſecret reaſons which took the edg off all thoſe civilities which that Prince expreſſed unto him, and diſobliged him; yet ſometimes when he conſidered him as one that ſaved Mandana's life, he could not chuſe but acknowledg himſelf obliged in his heart. In the mean time, as much as Telephanes deſired to ſee the Princeſs whom he adored, yet he durſt not go with the King of Pontus, who as I told you Sir, was to meet Andramites that guarded her: For ſince it was not ſo eaſie for him to diſguize his face as his name, he made no queſtion but if ſhe ſaw him ſhe would know him; and if ſhe knew him, before ſhe was informed of his real repentance for carrying her away, her extream averſion to him would diſcover him, and ſo his deſign of reſtoring [Page] her that liberty which he had taken from her would quite be defeated; therefore he made a handſom excuſe for not accompanying the King of Pontus, as he deſired him, but returned unto Sardis exceedingly diſquieted, becauſe he was not able to regulate his deſires; for when his repentance and his generoſity had the upper hand in his heart, then he wiſhed that the Prince Artamas might attempt ſomething for the liberty of theſe Princeſſes, and in lieu of conducting them to Sardis, they might be brought unto your Camp Sir: But then when Love was Queen-Regent in his ſoul, he could not chuſe but deſire a ſight of Mandana, and zealouſly wiſh that it might be himſelf who ſhould releaſe her, and reſtore her unto you, rather then any other ſhould have that honour from him; yet notwithſtanding he had no mind to be ignorant of all paſſages between the King of Pontus and the Princeſs Mandana at their meeting; ſo that for better information of himſelf, he deſired Beleſis to accompany that Prince, not daring to ſend me, becauſe the Princeſs knew me. But ſince he could not accord being ſeen by the Princeſs, becauſe ſhe was to paſs into the Town where he was, he deſigned to ſee her out of a Window as ſhe went through the Town unto the Cittadel; ſo that he waited for the return of the King of Pontus, and the Princeſſes Arrival with much impatience. About two daies after, the news was brought, that the Prince Artamas attempting the liberty of the Princeſſes was taken priſoner, and wounded in ſeveral places, and that all his Party were either killed, defeated, or taken priſoners. About two hours after this, another Poſt came from Andramites, who told Croeſſus, that the King of Aſſyria was amongſt the priſoners, being known by a Captain that was in the Babylonian War.

This news, which extreamly rejoyced Croeſſus, grieved my Maſter; for though the King of Aſſyria was his Rival, yet to ſee ſo great a King [...] ſuch a caſe, moved much ſorrow in him, eſpecially conſidering that this laſt accident had not been, if he had not carried away the Princeſs Mandana: Alſo fearing that this Prince might know him, as well as the Princeſs might, he was moved to conceal himſelf with much care, leſt all his deſigns ſhould be ſpoiled; and indeed I did much confirm him in his reſolution of keeping himſelf unknown, eſpecially as the Princeſs and the priſoners paſſed through the Town, and that day he kept in the place where I lodged, and as good luck was, the ſtreet where we were, proved to be that through which Mandana was to paſs, and ſo ſhe did. It is impoſſible I ſhould tell you Sir, what operation this ſight had upon the heart of my Maſter; the truth, and the wonder is, that it did not ſo much augment his Love as his repentance; for when he ſaw her ſo fair and ſo ſad both, he imagined himſelf to be the cauſe of that ſadneſs, his ſorrows were ſuch, as I can deſcribe them no otherwiſe, then by telling you that I cannot deſcribe them. As ſoon as the Chariot wherein both the Princeſſes were was out of ſight, and as he was ready to go from the Window, he ſaw the King of Aſſyria appear, guarded with Souldiers, who conducted him and all the reſt of the priſoners, except the Prince Artamas, who was not brought unto Sardis until ſome daies after, by reaſon of his wounds: My Maſter then ſeeing at the ſame time both the Prince whom he had offended, and the Princeſs whom he carried away, fell into ſuch an extaſie of ſorrow, that it was long before he was able to anſwer unto what I ſaid unto him, and I believe he had not ſo ſoon given over his ſad thoughts if Beleſis had not entred; his inquiſitive deſire to know the meeting between the King of Pontus and Mandana was quite cooled, and the ſight of this Princeſs had ſo troubled his ſpirits, that he heard Beleſis, but underſtood him not: I ſhould have thought Sir (ſaid I unto him) that ſince your belief of the Princeſs being dead did move unto ſuch a deſperate ſorrow, the ſight of her alive ſhould move you to a ſenſible conſolation, and yet I perceive you are as much grieved as ever: Do you think Orſanus (ſaid he to me) that I can look upon Mandana as a Captive, and ſee her ſad, but I muſt be ſo alſo? Alas, alas, Orſanus, I am not capable of any joy until I have made ſome reparation for all the injuries I have done her; methinks when I looked upon her, I ſaw her ſigh, and ſaw in her heart that juſt meaſure of hatred towards me by her ſorrows: I perceived in her innocent ſoul ſuch a horrid memory of the Prince Mazares, that I am perſwaded ſhe thinks upon me perpetually, and her hatred of me raigns in her reſentments, according to the meaſure of all freſh diſgraces which befals her: Judg then Orſanus, whether I can look upon this Divine Princeſs without diſturbed joyes, yet I would not but have ſeen her, and ſeen her ſad; for ſince I ſee her fair eyes ſo full of tears and melancholy, I am become an abſolute Maſter of my Love, and I would releaſe Mandana only for her ſelf, and not for me; whereas if I had not ſeen ſo ſad an object, my virtue is ſo weak, I ſhould perhaps [Page] have thought only upon my own intereſt: No, no, imperious Paſſion (ſaid he) thou that prompted me to commit the greateſt ſins of my life, yet thou ſhalt never move me to commit any more, my virtue is now too ſtrong for thee, and thou canſt not vanquiſh me: But what do I ſay? (added he;) Let me not aſcribe that unto Virtue, which appertains only unto Love; and to ſay the very truth, It is my being extreamly in love, that prompts me to act as I intend: Hitherto (ſaid he unto us) I loved Mandana only for my ſelf; but now I will begin to love her for her own ſake only: Indeed I know not whether I am able to love her without any deſires; but I am certain I will love her without any hopes, and by conſequence without offence. Let us then labour my dear Beleſis (ſaid this generous Prince) to releaſe my Princeſs, and for our greater encouragement let us never think of releaſing her for our ſelves, but for a Prince much more happy then we are; and though I know he deſerves all his good fortune, yet perhaps I ſhall have much ado not to murmur; but I am moſt abſolutely reſolved never to moleſt him.

Theſe Sir were the thoughts of the illuſtrious Mazares, who ſpent the reſt of that day and all the night following in the extremity of ſorrows: yet not to conſume himſelf in unprofi [...]able ſights, he began to obſerve very circumſpectly what Guards they kept about the Cittadel, and to nouriſh that friendſhip which he had obtained with the Governor, and all with deſign to ſee what ways might be deviſed for the Releaſement of the Princeſs Mandana: The better to procure friends and creatures unto himſelf, he was always ready to do any good office for the meaneſt Souldier, either unto the King of Lidia, or the King of Pontus, or unto Abradates who loved him very well: He courted Andramites alſo for his favour, whom he oblige [...]ently after the Princeſſes were brought from Epheſus to Sardis; For reports being ſp [...]bout, either by the Priſoners, or ſome other unknown way, that he had taken you Sir as well as the King of Aſſyria and the Prince Artamas, and that at the requeſt of the Princeſs Palmis he had releaſed you, Croeſſus was ſo angry with him, that he was a while in ſome diſgrace: But ſince it appeared clearly that Andramites did it ignorantly, every one lamented him: And my Maſter, who in order to his deſign did endeavor to ingratiate himſelf with all men of Quality which were both powerful and male-contented, did do Andramites very good ſervice in this buſineſs, ſince Croeſſus did harken more unto his Reaſons, then unto any others that were alledged in his behalf, which ſervice did ſo ſenſibly oblige him, that he vowed eternal friendſhip. But though Croeſſus did reſtore Andramites into his former favour, yet there reſted in his heart a ſecret grudg againſt that Prince for ſuſpecting him who had given ſo many teſtimonies of his fidelity. As for the King of Pontus, he was the ſaddeſt man in the World that you Sir was not taken; conceiving that if you had been a Priſoner, then the conſequence would have been moſt happy for him; becauſe he could have payed the debt which he owed in reſtoring you Sir your liberty, and have ſatisfied himſelf and his paſſion in keeping the Princeſs Mandana.

As things were in this condition, we underſtood that Tegeus ſon unto the Governor of the Cittadel was amongſt the Priſoners of War which were taken: And as we underſtood at the ſame time that he was in love with a Lady called Cyleniſe, who was in the Cittadel with the Princeſs Palmis, the Prince my Maſter deſired Beleſis, who had a quick wit to find out an opportunity of ſeeing him, and to know of him whether or no be had any intelligence with any in the Cittadel, and whether there was no poſſibilities of releaſing his Miſtreſs, and perhaps him [...]elf. Beleſis undertook this employment, for my Maſter could not employ me (becauſe Feraulas being a Priſoner with Tegeus did know me) and he would not go himſelf, leſt the King of Aſſyria ſhould ſee him; ſo that Beleſis was the only fit man for the ſervice, and certainly it was a difficult matter to make a better choyce; for he tranſacted the matter admirably well, as you ſhall hear by the ſequel of my Diſcourſe. For my part, I endeavored to tamper and gain ſome Souldiers of the Cittadel, not telling them wherein I intended to employ them. Thus every one of us being buſie, though we yet ſaw no great likelyhood of any happy ſucceſs in our enterprize, yet we lived in a little leſs anguiſh of mind. In the mean time, ſince the King of Pontus did infinitly eſteem the ſuppoſed Telephanes, he courted him and his friendſhip very much, although he found but cold returns: yet ſince Telephanes durſt not but keep within ſuch terms of civility as were fitting for a man of his Quality, the King of Pontus perceived it not, but loved him exceedingly, and ſo much, that meeting him one day in the Kings Gardenas he came out from a Councel of War held in the Cloſet of Croeſſus, he began [Page] to ſpeak unto him of his misfortunes, and of his Love: But amongſt all the reſt of his ſad diſaſters which ever had happened unto him, he did not grieve ſo much for any thing as that he had ſuch a Rival as he could not chuſe but love, and as he was infinitely obliged unto: For truly (ſaid he unto him) is it not a moſt miſerable condition to be unjuſt and ungrateful unto the greateſt Prince in the World? unto whom I am a debtor both for my life and liberty; unto whom I am beholding for that Scepter which belongs unto me, if I would take it from him: but yet I cannot; my Love to Mandana is ſo violent, that I am not Maſter of my Reaſon. Telephanes hearing the King of Pontus ſpeak thus, did think it beſt to confirm him in his generoſity, ſo that perhaps he might induce him to releaſe Mandana: So that being prompted by the ſpurs of Love which would not let him loſe a minute of time, he repeated unto him all that he had ſo often hinted unto himſelf ſince he repented the carrying away of the Princeſs Mandana. Do you not conſider Sir (ſaid he unto him) that every moment you retain the Princeſs whom you love, ſhe hates you the more for it? I know it very well, replyed the King of Pontus; but Telephanes, if ever you were in love, I pray you imagine how difficult a thing it is to part with a Princeſs, who as ſoon as ſhe is at liberty will be in the Arms of another? Alas Telephanes, if you adviſe me to part from her, certainly you were never in love. I wiſh the Gods Sir (rehe and ſighed, having ſo much diſorder in his ſpirit, as it was to ſee he ſpoke as he thought) that what you ſay were true. No Sir, I know what Love is; and I ſpeak as I do, becauſe I know the power of that Paſſion; for if you love, ſhould you not do any thing to procure the love of her you love? Yes doubtleſs (replyed the King of Pontus.) Why then do you take that courſe (replyed Telephanes) which will procure her hatred? Becauſe I can do no otherwiſe (replyed he,) for what courſe can I take to avoyd her hate? By giving the Princeſs whom you love her liberty (anſwered he,) ſin [...] is not poſſible but ſhe muſt needs infinitely eſteem you, if your Virtue do ſurmou [...]our Paſſion: Then Sir would your glory ſpread over all Aſia; all your Subjects, w [...]d rebel againſt him that uſurps your Kingdom; every Prince would arm in your behalf, and reconquer your Dominions for you; Cyrus himſelf would ſet you upon your Throne: And indeed Sir, I find ſo much glory in the act I adviſe you unto, that I would do it, though I were ſure to dye the next day. Ah Telephanes, cryed the King of Pontus, alas, you do not know the ſoveraignty of that Paſſion which commands my Soul, although you have been in love; Love is either great or little, either according to the beauty which doth cauſe it, or elſe according to the ſenſibility of that heart which is touched with it, and therefore all the world does not love alike: But Telephanes, I have a Soul the moſt ſenſible of all men living, and Mandana is the faireſt and moſt raviſhing Beauty upon Earth: Come Telephanes (ſaid he, and would have carryed him by the arm towards the Cittadel) come and ſee the Juſtification of my Crime in the eyes of that Princeſs whom I adore: for though they are always incenſed when they look upon me, at leaſt very melancholy, yet you ſhall ſee it is impoſſible to be deprived of them and live. Telephanes was much ſurprized at the Propoſition, and ſo much diſordered, that if the King of Pontus had not been blinded with his over-zeal, he would have perceived it: And what deſire ſoever my Maſter had to ſee Mandana, yet he would never ſee her with the King of Pontus; ſo that to excuſe himſelf, Sir (ſaid he unto him) If there need no more to juſtifie you but the ſight of her Beauty, you ſhall be ſo in my opinion; for I ſaw her when ſhe came firſt to Sardis; and the more ſad I ſaw her, the more I accuſed you: all this would not ſatisfie the King of Pontus, but he ſtill importuned my Maſter to go with him unto the Princeſs.

Pardon me Orſanus (ſaid Cyrus) if I interrupt you in your Story, to ask you, Whether the King of Pontus did ſee the Princeſs Mandana every day? Ever ſince ſhe came to Sardis (replyed he) none had the liberty to ſee her but himſelf, but truly he is not at all the more happy; for I have heard one of his ſervants ſay, that he never viſits her but both his Love and Deſpair is augmented, for he finds her always more fair, but more rigid every day then other. Cyrus then asking pardon of the two Princeſſes, Orſanus went on with his Story thus.

The King of Pontus being very importunate with my Maſter to go unto Mandana, did preſs him ſo far, that the poor Telephanes could find but bad Reaſons to excuſe himſelf; but he was forced to leave him, and go into the Cittadel without him, and went by a great Walk of Cypreſs, cloſe by the ditch of that place, and oppoſite to the Garden door: After [Page] Mazares ſaw him enter, he walked above two hours in that Walk, thinking upon the adventure which had happened: By chance Beleſis and I found him there, and he acquainted us with the paſſage: Afterwards making a ſtand, and looking earneſtly upon us; Muſt it not needs be confeſſed (ſaid he unto us, that Fortune is very ingenuous to torment me, ſince I muſt be continually both culpable and miſerable? For I ſee, that to do one good act, as to releaſe the Princeſs whom I took away, is, I muſt commit a hundred bad ones; I muſt, I ſay, diſſemble and deceive them that truſt me; I muſt alwayes ſpeak contrary to truth, I muſt be of one ſide, and ſeem to be of the other, and all this to put the perſon whom I moſt love and adore into the power of a beloved Rival: For my dear friends (ſaid he unto us) with tears in his eyes) to put Mandana into ſuch a condition as ſhe would be, is certain to deliver her unto Cyrus: This I have promiſed unto my ſelf, and this I will either do or die.

Sir, replyed Beleſis, I do not queſtion but to find out wayes how to do the firſt of thoſe two, for by ſuborning ſome of Tegeus his Guard, I can ſpeak with him as oft as I pleaſe, and can diſpoſe him to endeavour the utmoſt of my power that the Cittadel may be ſurprized: He hath given me a Letter unto an old Officer in it, who he ſaith is very covetous, and who indeed I have found very ready to receive gifts, and by conſequence ready to do what I would have him, ſo I will feed him with gifts. Moreover he told me, that when I had found out wayes to releaſe the Princeſſes, and his dear Celenice, he knew how to eſcape his priſon without trouble to any; for he who commands the Guard over the priſoners of War is ſo abſolutely his, that if he deſired it, he could get them all releaſed, except the Prince Artamas, who hath a particular Guard by himſelf: But why is Tegeus ſtill a priſoner (ſaid my Maſter) if it be in his power to have his liberty? Becauſe in the condition he is in (replied Beleſis) he is not ſuſpected, and he hath a deſign to find out wayes how to releaſe the Princeſſes, and thereby ingage two great Princes, and alſo to releaſe Celenice for his own ſatisfaction; ſo that I perceive it ſticks but upon two things, to wit, ſome men for the execution of his deſign, which I have promiſed him, and one to acquaint the Princeſſes that their liberty is ready for them, and that they would prepare themſelves to follow their Releaſers; and this is the effect of that Letter which I have unto the old Officer whereof I ſpoke, that he ſhall let the Princeſſes underſtand how there are preparations for their releaſement: But he told me, that this would be difficult for him to do, and that it would be much more eaſie for him to deliver us a Port, and we to carry them away; then for him to ſpeak unto them: But Beleſis, replied Telephanes, Why did you not tell me any thing of your negotiation? Becauſe I I would have the buſineſs more ripe, replied he, and had it not been to comfort you a little, I ſhould not have told you ſo much, becauſe the buſineſs cannot be executed ſo ſoon. Moreover, a Captain of greateſt power in the Cittadel, next the Governour, who is an intimate friend unto Tegeus, is not in Sardis, nor will he return this fifteen dayes. Telephanes perceiving then, that Tegeus was Maſter of the Guards, that he had very powerful intelligence in the Cittadel, that I had gained many of the Souldiers, and that there wanted nothing but a Convoy, and one to acquaint the Princeſſes, did not think upon any thing, but how to remove theſe two obſtacles. A while after, news being brought to Town that Nyſomolis was taken, and that your Army Sir ſtruck a terror into all Lydia, it was requiſite that Telephanes, (to keep himſelf unſuſpected, and to preſerve that advantageous opinion vvhich they conceived of him) ſhould go into the Wars, and ſhew that he deſerved it; he vvent out therefore vvith Andramites, and in ſeveral ſmall incounters did notably behave himſelf; yet his mind vvas, that Beleſis and I ſhould ſtay in Sardis, to keep Tegeus and all thoſe of his correſpondency in a diſpoſition to execute the enterprize, when it was ripe, vvith orders to advertiſe him ſpeedily of it vvhen the time came, to the end he might find out a pretence for his coming to Sardis. Thus Sir did things ſtand at Sardis, vvhil'ſt you vvere taking Tovvns; and forcing the Lydian Troops to quit their Quarters.

But to ſhorten my diſcourſe as much as I can, upon theſe tearms Sir did the enterprize concerning Mandana's releaſement ſtand, when after you deſired combat with the King of Pontus, there was an enterview between you and that Prince, when you knew the Prince Mazares amongſt the reſt which came with him. I doubt not Sir but you deſire to know why my Maſter would come unto that meeting, for I wondred at it my ſelf, but he would give me no other reaſon, then that ſince you had met him, and ſpoke to him in Paphlagonia, yet then knew him not, he thought that certainly you would not know [Page] him in Lydia, and therefore he might boldly, without fear of diſcovery, accompany the King of Pontus, who was very importunate with him, and alſo might ſatisfie his deſires of being preſent at an enterview, wherein he had a ſecret intereſt, which none knew of but himſelf: For indeed he told me in going to that place, where you and the King of Pontus were to ſee each other, that ſometimes he wiſhed that your perſwaſions might not prevail with the King of Pontus, concerning Mandana's releaſement, but that he himſelf might have the glory of it: And ſometimes again, when he ſuſpected the happy ſucceſs of his enterprize, he wiſhed the King of Pon us might be moved by your reaſons. However it was Sir, the Prince Mazares, (who I will now call Telephanes no longer) did go with the King of Pontus, upon reaſons ſo different and oppoſite, that he could never reconcile them himſelf. In the mean while Sir, I beſeech you do me the honour to confeſs, that there is never any true judgment to be given upon appearances; for indeed I know Sir, that when you ſaw the Buckler whereon my Maſter repreſented a dead man, and his Motto, teſtifying, that he thought himſelf worthy of it, and knew him who bore it to be the Prince Mazares: Then, I ſay, you were angry, and hated him, and that you expreſſed as much by ſuch viſible marks, both in your words and actions, as any one might ſee the thoughts of your heart: Yet Sir, this man whom you thus hated, was then thinking upon nothing elſe, but how to render the Princeſs Mandana unto you, and for ever to deprive himſelf of her, and indeed he anſwered you with as much moderation as a man of courage poſſibly could. I ſhall not need to tell you Sir what his thoughts were upon that occaſion, for you may eaſily imagine them; but give me leave to tell you, that after (by the prudence of Abradates) this dangerous conference was ended, and that every one took the way unto his own Quarter, the King of Pontus knew no more how to behave himſelf towards Mazares, [...]en Mazares knew what to ſay unto him. After they had marched forty or fifty p [...]ces without a word paſſing amongſt them, Abradates came to my Maſter with much civility: Generous Prince (ſaid he unto him) I am ſorry that I muſt render you more reſpect then hitherto I have, for ſince it was your pleaſure to be unknown, I ſuppoſe you had rather have ſtill been Telephanes, then the Prince Mazares, ſince you have made that name ſo famous, that you cannot leave it off unleſs you wrong your ſelf: Sir, replyed he, I have been ever ſo unfortunate under the name of Mazares, that it is no wonder I ſhould deſire to leave it off for a time; but for ought I ſee, the name of Telephanes is not more proſperous unto me.

All this while the King of Pontus ſpoke not a word; but calling to memory how Mazares lived at Sardis, and how he refuſed to go vvith him unto Mandana, though he importuned him, and conſidered that he had inſinuated himſelf into the friendſhip of the Governour in the Cittadel, and vvith all the men of Quality in Court, he thought that he would at laſt put all theſe into ſome deſign; but not being able to comprehend the myſtery, yet being very deſirous of further ſatisfaction, vvithout any further delay he went to the King of Suſiana, and the Prince Mazares, and looking upon my Maſter; I be [...]eech you Sir, ſaid he unto him, though you be my Rival, yet deny me not one favour vvhich I ſhall ask you, as if you were Telephanes my friend, and my extreamly loved friend: Although I am your Rival Sir (replyed the Prince Saces) and by conſequence Telephanes could never be very much your friend, no more then Mazares could; yet let me tell you, that there are very few things which you are not able to obtain of me: For truly, ſince you ſaved the life of the Princeſs Mandana, whom I moſt unfortunately cauſed to periſh, your prayers muſt needs be very prevalent with me, and indeed ſo they ſhall be for ever: If ſo, replyed the King of Pontus, tell me what opinion I ought to have of you, for I profeſs unto you I do not know; when I call to mind all I have ſeen you do, I know not where I am, and I yet doubt whether you be Telephanes, or the Prince Mazares: Certainly I am the laſt of theſe, replyed he: If you be, ſaid the King of Pontus, Why do you ingage your ſelf on the ſide of Croeſſus? Why did you conceal your name? And what motives had you to act as you have done? Is it for your ſelf, or for me, that you have fought? It was neither for you nor for my ſelf (replyed my Maſter, with as much ſubtilty as vvit, to diſguize the reality of his thoughts) but it was againſt Cyrus: Yet it does not ſeem to me, replyed the King of Pontus, that you ſpoke unto him vvith any ſuch Symptoms of hatred as ſhould induce you to fight in favour of one Rival to ruine another. But tell me ingenuouſly I beſeech you, What ought I to think [Page] of your Actions? and how muſt I conſider you? As a man (replyed Mazares and ſighed) that does not pretend unto the leaſt hopes or ayms of ever enjoying Mandana; and I would it were the pleaſure of the Gods, that I could inſpire you with the ſame bitter repentance which I have for carrying her away, and cauſing the greateſt parts of all the miſeries which have befallen her. How's this Mazares (ſaid the King of Pontus) do not you pretend any thing to Mandana, and yet come diſguiſed unto the place where ſhe is? You fight againſt the forces of the other ſide; you engratiate your ſelf into friendſhip; you ſeem to be my friend, and is all this without any pretention? No, no, it is impoſſible, you can never perſwade me to beleeve it. It is not an eaſie matter to imagine (ſaid the King of Suſiana) what the intention of the Prince Mazares ſhould be: Yet he hath one (replyed the King of Pontus) of what nature ſoever it be. That which doth moſt trouble me (added he in ſpeaking to Abradates) is, that he hath uſed all his endeavors and arguments to perſwade me to render the Princeſs Mandana unto Cyrus; and indeed how is it poſſible (added he, and ſpoke to my Maſter) if you yet love her, you ſhould adviſe me to put her into the power of a Prince adores her, and for whom ſhe ſcorns all thoſe that love her?

To teſtifie unto you, ſaid Mazares, that I have no ſecret intereſt at all, I ſhall give you the ſame counſel now, when you know what I am, and conjure you, with all the faculties of my heart and Soul, to give freedom unto the Princeſs Mandana: And I will engage my word, that in acknowledgment of your ſaving her life, and giving her liberty, I will divide the Kingdom which hereafter I ſhall poſſeſs, and give half of it to you, if you cannot reconquer your own. No, no, ſaid the King of Pontus, you wiſh not what you ſay; for if you did, I muſt not look upon you as my Rival, but as my friend. I know not well, replyed Mazares, whether I am your Friend or my Rival, my reaſon is ſo rafled: but yet I know that I love Mandana more perfectly then you do, ſince I know how to limit my hopes, and to ſeek no further then her ſatisfaction: Did you know how to love ſo well as I, you would be more ſenſible then you are of the ſufferings which the perſon beloved endures: But in the name of the Gods Sir, let me perſwade you to repent as I do, and let not one of your Rivals have that advantage over you: Moreover, I beſeech you do not think, that I only ſay I will not pretend any thing unto the Princeſs Mandana, out of any fear to make you my Enemy, as valiant as you are; for I care ſo little for my life, that if I conſidered none but my ſelf, I would ſeek ſuch an occaſion to dye the ſooner and more gloriouſly: but I do really ſpeak as I think; and it is not more true, that you do love the Princeſs Mandana, then it is true that I pretend nothing unto her, but I wiſh with all my heart and ſoul that you would ſet her at liberty, and put her into the hands of Cyrus, rather then let her continue miſerable ſtill. If what you ſay be true, replyed the King of Pontus, of all men living you are the moſt virtuous, or elſe the leaſt amorous; and I ſhould much wonder if it ſhould be the laſt of theſe; and that a corner paſſion ſhould cauſe you to carry away the Princeſs Mandana, and forget your duties to the King of Aſſyria. As the greateſt Crimes, replyed my Maſter, does cauſe the greateſt repentance; ſo it is no wonder if ſince I have committed a double injuſtice, I ſhould be extreamly aſhamed. It is true, replyed the King of Pontus, but yet it is very much that, one ſhould love, and yet be able to render his Miſtreſs unto a Rival whom ſhe loved, Yet truly (ſaid the King of Saſiana) the Prince Mazares does expreſs himſelf ſo emphatically, and with ſuch an a [...] as is apparent that his tongue ſpeaks the very thoughts of his heart; and therefore I conjure you both, what ever both your deſigns are, not to diſunite. For my part, ſaid the King of Pontus, if the Prince Mazares will engage his word, that he will never pretend any thing unto the Princeſs Mandana, and that he has no concealed deſign to carry her away both from Cyrus and my ſelf, I ſhall carry my ſelf towards him as if he were not my Rival. Abradates then asked Mazares whether he would engage himſelf unto ſuch Conditions as the King of Pontus deſired? ſince he himſelf profeſſed he had no pretentions unto Mandana. Whileſt this Prince was ſpeaking thus unto him, Mazares did conſult with his mind upon the matter; and finding that if he ſhould promiſe what was required, yet he did not thereby engage himſelf unto any thing which was contrary to his deſign, ſince his intentions were not to carry away the Princeſs Mandana for himſelf, therefore he conſented unto thoſe Conditions though with much repugnancy: and I verily beleeve, that if he had not certainly known the death of the King of Pontus would not have furthered the liberty of Mandana, in lieu of making this [Page] promiſe, he would have decided the controverſie by Svvord, and fought vvith this Prince.

Thus Sir did this conference paſs; after vvhich, Abradates acquainting Croeſſus with my Maſters condition vvhen he came to Sardis, and relating all paſſages as much in my Maſters advantage as I could, Croeſſus had not ſo many jealouſies in his ſoul as the King of Pontus had, vvho after did circumſpectly obſerve all my Maſters actions, ſo that vve had much ado to hold thoſe intelligencies which formerly vve did vvithout diſcovery. In the mean vvhile, the Prince Mazares had ſuch an extream abhorrence of all diſſimulations, that if Beleſis and I had not perſvvaded him that the glory of an enterprize of this nature, did conſiſt only in the execution, and not in the means by vvhich it vvas concealed; and that the Conſpirators, the more they diſſemble in a juſt cauſe, the more commendations they deſerve: I think, that rather then he vvould have done as he did to conceal his deſign, he vvould have undertaken a more violent reſolution. After this Sir, you knovv hovv high diſcontents vvere grovvn amongſt all the Princes, concerning an exchange of Prince Artamas; and the Queen, before vvhom I ſpeak; and hovv Andramites, and the Prince Myrſiles took the King of Suſiana's part: But you do not knovv Sir, hovv my Maſter making uſe of theſe diviſions, did ſecretly and frequently viſit the generous Abradates and Andramites, and ſo vvrought upon their Spirits, as they promifed him, that if matters vvere further exaſperated, they vvould attempt nothing vvithout him; but yet my Maſter ſtill kept his deſign cloſe unto himſelf. After this Sir, the Truce being publiſhed, and the Captain vvho vvas friend unto Tegeus, being returned unto the Cittadel, my Maſter did make a ſhevv as if he vvere not vvell, to the end he might the more conveniently endeavour to ſpeak vvith Mandana, or at leaſt vvith Marteſia; and we did negotiate the buſineſs ſo happily, that by the aſſiſtance of this friend unto Tegeus, vvho had the Guard of the Chamber vvhere the Princeſſes did lye, vve had permittance to enter into the Cittadel in the night, and he promiſed to help me to the ſpeech of Marteſia. As I knew that Marteſia had a very friendly opinion of me ever ſince I vvas her guide in bringing her to Sinope, ſo I hoped to effect my buſineſs very vvell; but do vvhat I could, I could not perſwade my Maſter to ſtay behind, for he thought that I could not ſo vvell aggravate his bitter repentance, as himſelf could do; ſo that I was forced to ſubmit unto his deſires, and I had ſo ordered the buſineſs, that juſt at nine of the Clock, the friend of Tegeus vvould let my Maſter and me enter, undiſcovered by any; and ſo bringing us by a back pair of ſtairs into his own Chamber, he went unto Mandana's, where finding Marteſia, he deſired her that ſhe would be pleaſed to let him have an hours diſcourſe vvith her; ſo that Marteſia being as complayſant as any judicious perſon would be unto one, that kept them priſoners, conſented; and paſſing from the Chamber of her Miſtreſs unto her ovvn, vvhich vvas very neer, the Captain came to us, and according to the plot betvveen my Maſter and my ſelf, I only vvent unto Marteſia, to the end I might the better deceive her, as aftervvards I ſhall tell you; for vve knevv very vvell, that the Princeſs Mandana did not think my Maſter to be alive, or that he was at Sardis, becauſe Croeſſus and the King of Pontus had given expreſs charge; that no news whatſoever ſhould be carried unto the Princeſſes, and therefore we feared not that Mandana could know of his being there.

Then did this Captain conduct me to Marteſia's Chamber, and left me there; ſhe no ſooner ſaw me, but ſhe broke out into a hundred expreſſions of joy and tenderneſs. Ah Orſanus (ſaid ſhe unto me) Can you not carry me once again to Sinope, and bring the Princeſs with me? Yes ſweet Marteſia (ſaid I unto her) that I can, and I came hither purpoſely to make the Propoſition unto you. Alas, replyed ſhe, I ſee ſo little poſſibility in it, that I fear they will ſooner keep you a priſoner with us, then you can ſet us at ſo much liberty; and therefore to conſume no time in telling me any pleaſing lies, I pray tell me, how the ſtate of things in general does ſtand? For we know nothing here but what pleaſeth the King of Pontus, who will tell us nothing but that he is in Love; therefore pray tell how the illuſtrious Cyrus does? And where is his Army? Tell me whether Artamas be recovered of his wounds? For the Princeſs of Lydia is much grieved for him, and if it were not too much to ask you at once, you would do me a pleaſure in telling me what is become of poor F [...]ra las? Marteſia having put all theſe queſtions unto me, I ſatisfied her curioſity in them all; after which, I aſſumed the diſcourſe wherewith I began, and aſſured her confidently, that I knew of an infallible way to releaſe the Princeſſes, and [Page] to put Mandana into the hands of Cyrus; ſo that ſhe believed there was ſome truth in my words: But ſhe told me, that as for the Princeſs Palmis ſhe would never go out of priſon, but by the hand of the King her Father, eſpecially ſince the Prince Artamas would remain a priſoner of War; and leſt this ſhould keep the Princeſs Mandana from going out, I pray tell me (ſaid ſhe unto me) What are the beſt courſes to be taken: Firſt it is requiſite, ſaid I unto her, that I have the honour to ſee the Princeſs; and ſecondly, the ſame honour is deſired for him, that is the chief actor in the enterprize, who is now in the Captains Chamber, who brought me hither, and who deſires to receive his orders from her own mouth: There is no difficulty in all this (replyed Marteſia) provided you will have a little patience, for I believe the Princeſs of Lydia will leave her preſently: But in the interim (ſaid ſhe) I pray tell me who is this generous Liberator? How can he get us out from hence? And when ſhall it be? For I wiſh it were this very hour, if it were poſſible: You ſhall know the two firſt of your queſtions in good time (replied I) and as for getting you out from hence, it ſhall be within this three daies, if the Princeſs pleaſe: If ſhe pleaſe (replied ſhe) Ah Orſanus, I warrant you it will pleaſe her, ſince though the King of Pontus be as reſpective to her as he is unjuſt, I am confident ſhe would do any thing to get out of his power. In the mean time, ſaid ſhe, that vve may the ſooner ſee vvhether the Princeſs of Lydia be retired, and the ſooner ſee our Deliverer, I pray you follovv me.

In ſaying ſo, ſhe carried me unto a little Cloſet over againſt the Princeſs Chamber, but ſo neer it; and the partitions ſo full of crannies (for you muſt know the places of War are not built like Palaces) that any thing might be heard which was ſpoken. Being then in this place where we could hear all the diſcourſe which paſſed between the two Princeſſes, we began to hearken, in hopes they would end their diſcourſe quickly, and preſently I heard a voice which was unknown to me, and which Marteſia ſaid was the Princeſs Palmis, who complained extreamly againſt the malignity of her Fortune: For my part, replied the Princeſs Mandana, I hardly dare complain againſt mine; for ſince the conformity which is in our misfortunes did make you love me, and in ſome ſort cauſed the friendſhip which is between the Prince Artamas, and the illuſtrious Cyrus, methinks I ought to indure it patiently: Ah Madam, ſaid the Princeſs Palmis, I beſeech you do not give ſo bad a foundation unto the affection which I bear you, and ſeek not for that in the ſuitableneſs of our miſeries, which cannot be found any where but in your rare merits; and if you pleaſe to look a little neerer into things, you will find a notable difference, between the misfortunes of Cyrus, and thoſe of Artamas, and alſo between yours and mine: Yet in many things they reſemble very much, replied Mandana, for as one hath been expoſed to many dangers, ſo hath the other; as one changed his own name for that of Artamenes, the other aſſumed the name of Cleander in lieu of his own, both of them are brave and gallant, both of them have been Conquerours, both of them in Love, and if there be any difference, it is in that the Prince Artamas loved by reaſon, and Cyrus only by inclination: Had you changed the name of Artamas for Cyrus, ſaid the Princeſs Palmis, your diſcourſe had been juſt: I beſeech you let me end it (ſaid the Princeſs Mandana) and ſee whether I have not reaſon to attribute unto the likeneſs of our miſeries, the pity which you have of mine: Beſides all that I ſaid before, theſe two Princes have had the favour and affection of theſe two Kings whom they ſerved, they have both of them been impriſoned by them, for whom they have hazarded their lives a thouſand times; as Croeſſus was diſpleaſed with you becauſe you favoured Cleander; ſo Ciaxares hated me, becauſe I eſteemed Artamenes: Indeed what ſhould I ſay? Cyrus and Artamas brought us hither; Have they not perſecuted you as well as me? And as Adraſtus and Arteſilias died for you, did not the unfortunate Mazares periſh for me? Are we not now both priſoners together? And muſt it not needs be confeſſed, that ſince you cannot love me for any reſemblance of thoſe admirable qualityes which are in you, and not in me, Heaven has a deſign to make you love me, becauſe I reſemble you in your misfortunes: To ſhew you (replied the Princeſs Palmis) that the Love I bear you proceeds from nothing but your merits, and not at all from any reſemblances of our adventures, I muſt needs let you ſee that they are infinitely different; ſo that in reaſon it cannot be ſaid they have any reſemblance, and by conſequence you ought not to believe, that the affection I bear you hath any ſuch cauſe: The adventures of Cyrus and Artamas are much different; for when Cyrus was only Artamenes, he knew that he was Cyrus, [Page] and was not ignorant of his own Quality: whereas on the contrary, the unfortunate Cleander did not ſo much as know who himſelf was, but thought himſelf ſo far below my Quality, that he did condemn his Love no leſs then I ſhould if I had then known it: Artamenes had nothing elſe to make his condition known to be equal unto yours, but only to ſay he was Cyrus: But Cleander for a long while durſt not ſo much as wiſh to know who he was, leſt his condition ſhould prove diſadvantagious unto him if it were known: Theſe falſe Names under which both of them did paſs was given them variouſly, for Cyrus took the Name of Artamenes upon him to diſguiſe himſelf; and Artamas not knowing his true Name, received that of Cleander from Thimettes, who gave it him, not thinking he ſhould ever leave it: 'Tis very true, both of them are moſt gallant men, and both Conquerors, but with a notable difference, ſince Fortune hath almoſt confined the Victories of Artamas to the Kingdom of his Father, whileſt ſhe hath ſtretched the Conqueſts of Cyrus over all Aſia. The original of their Paſſions is alſo as different as the merit of thoſe two perſons who cauſed them: The Priſons alſo in which both of them were, are very unlike, and proceeded from ſeveral cauſes: The jealouſie and wickedneſs of Arteſilas cauſed the Impriſonment of Cleander; and the prejudicate opinion of Ciaxares was the cauſe of Artamenes his Impriſonment; though I muſt needs confeſs there was equal injuſtice in them both. Moreover, the hatred which Ciaxares bore unto Cyrus, proceeded only from a miſunderſtanding of the Menaces of the Gods; but the King my Father hated Artamas becauſe he thought I loved him, and by conſequence the cauſe of his hatred cannot ceaſe, as the cauſe of Ciaxares his hatred did. Moreover, you cannot in reaſon ſay, there was any equality in their laſt Impriſonment, ſince that of Cyrus laſted not above an hour at moſt, whereas that of Artamas laſts yet, and he was dangerouſly wounded beſides: But I beſeech you let us cloſe up all theſe reſemblances which we find in our fortunes in this one, which is, our Impriſonment: Is there not a vaſt difference between us? for you know there are two hundred thouſand men in Arms for your Liberty: That the moſt valiant Prince upon Earth and the greateſt Captain commands this Army, and fights only for you: Moreover, it is juſt in you to wiſh him Victory, and to make prayers unto Heaven for it: But as for me, I am not only deprived of all hopes of relief, but of all other conſolations, except your friendſhip Madam, which truly is a great one: For truly I muſt not deſire my Liberty, ſince it cannot be but by the Conqueſt of the King my Father, by the loſs of his Crown, and by his being a Slave: All which will be, if Cyrus be a Conqueror; and if he be not, then Prince Artamas will periſh in Priſon, and I dye where I am: ſo that ſince I cannot deſire any thing which would be advantagious to me, I muſt endure my miſeries and never wiſh for an end. After this I beſeech you judg whether I am at all a debtor unto my misfortunes for your affection, but rather for your pity. However it be, replyed Mandana, I am confident, that the Gods have a deſign Prince Artamas ſhall love and do Cyrus good ſervice, and that Cyrus ſhall protect and comfort Artamas. After this theſe two Priſoner Princeſſes ſpoke much more unto each other which I could not underſtand, becauſe Marteſia hindered me, and I had much ado to get her let me hear as much as I have related to you, for ſhe was continually asking me queſtions, unto which I returned ſhort anſwers, and ſometimes only with my head; becauſe, ſince ſhe named my Maſter once, I deſired to hear whether ſhe would name him any more: But if I did not certainly know, that the Prince Mazares my Maſter would never pretend any more unto the Princeſs Mandana, I ſhould not have been ſo perfidious unto him, as to acquaint the illuſtrious Cyrus with all thoſe advantagious expreſſions which ſhe uſed towards him.

But to return unto my Diſcourſe, Be pleaſed to know Madam, that at laſt the Princeſs of Lidia left Mandana and went unto her Chamber, which was ſeparated from his only by a withdrawing Room which was commune to them both. She was [...]o ſooner gone, then knowing there was none with her but Arianita, I went unto my Maſter to bring him unto Mandana's Chamber; the Captain who let us enter into the Cittadel brought us to the door and there left us, to the end he might take more care that none ſhould diſcover us. As Marteſia prepared the Princeſs to receive a man who would releaſe her, and told her that it was I who would conduct him, ſhe [Page] wondered who it ſhould be that would be her Deliverer: And I knew afterwards by Marteſia, ſhe did think it no other then the illuſtrious Cyrus: So that her extraordinary fears, in thinking what dangers he expoſed himſelf unto for her ſake, did cool all her joys when ſhe thought upon her hop'd-for Releaſement. Then Madam, you may eaſily imagine how infinitely the Princeſs was amazed, when in lieu of ſeeing the illuſtrious Cyrus enter, ſhe ſaw the Prince Mazares caſting himſelf at her feet, whom ſhe imagined to be dead: She turned haſtily towards Marteſia, to ask her, whether what ſhe ſaw was real? and if it was, why ſhe did deceive her? Marteſia, who was no leſs amazed then the Princeſs, looked upon me with ſo much Wonder, that ſhe could not ask me why I diſſembled with her? In the mean while, my Maſter, who was upon his knees before the Princeſs, he began to ſpeak thus unto her: You ſee here at your feet Madam a man that is riſen from the dead; but riſen as innocent, as he was culpable before your ſhipwrack; Therefore I beſeech you do not treat me as I deſerved when I was ſo unjuſt as to carry you away, ſince I am not the ſame man now as I was then. I do not beg of you Madam, to let me love and adore you; for I am moſt fully reſolved in the very reality of my heart, never to have any ſuch thought as long as I live: All the whole ſum of my Petition is, that you would be pleaſed to pardon my Crime, and give me leave to leſſen it a little, by procuring you that Liberty which I took from you. Ah Mazares, ſaid the Princeſs, I will not be deluded at Sardis as I was at Sinope, and I have no ſuch thoughts of you at this preſent as I had at that time. Yet I am now leſs worthy of your friendſhip (replyed he) then ever I was; for truly Madam, when I was at Babylon, I did nothing but ſtrive againſt that Paſſion which you had created in me; and truly though I did reſiſt it with all my force, yet it was far too weak; for I was overcome by this imperious Paſſion; all the Virtue I had ſubmitted unto it: it expelled all Generoſity and Reaſon out of my Soul; and at Sinope forced me to commit the moſt unjuſt act that ever was: I carryed you away Madam; I deceived you and carryed you away, in telling you that I would deliver you into whoſe hands ſoever you pleaſed: But my divine Princeſs, I was not long culpable, ſince my repentance was almoſt as ſoon as the Crime was committed; and the Command which I gave unto the Pilot to ſteer his courſe towards Sinope, was that which put us in a periſhing condition. No, no, Mazares, ſaid the Princeſs, you can never perſwade me to truſt you, ſince you ſo extreamly deceived me: For to let you ſee how horrid your Crime ſeems in my eye, I do profeſs, that, excepting Cyrus, I will not truſt any man upon Earth: I eſteemed you as much as I could eſteem any, and more then that, I loved you as well as I could do my Brother: Then I pray you judg, whether I have not reaſon to paſs from one extremity unto another, ſince you have ſo cunningly deceived me, and have cauſed ſo many miſeries to fall upon me. Truly Mazares, I do admire at the pleaſure of the Gods in ſaving your life, ſince you have not only been the cauſe of my miſeries, but of all Aſia, which had not been up in Arms if you had not carryed me away. Ceaſe Madam (replyed this ſad Prince) ceaſe I beſeech you from any further aggravations of my Crime, ſince I ſee how great it is; for without the conſideration of the miſeries of others, I need think upon none but what I have cauſed unto you: But Madam my repentance is ſo ſharp, that if you did but know the bitterneſs of it, I beleeve you would pity me; and though it be not proportionable to the greatneſs of my Crime, yet I cannot impoſe a ſharper pennance upon my ſelf, then that I ſhould my ſelf put you into the hands of Cyrus, that happy Rival, whom the Gods do favour in ſo high a manner, that his very Rivals themſelves are ready to releaſe unto him that Princeſs whom they love as well as he doth: For this Madam, I have quitted my Deſart, unto which I had confined my ſelf: To this end I came into Lidia under a diſguiſed Name; and it is my real reſolution to get you out of Priſon: And the Gods have ſo far ſmiled upon my Project, that if you will Madam, you ſhall be releaſed from hence, and carryed into the Camp of Cyrus.

As ſoon as Mazares had ſpoke theſe vvords, he ſighed ſo ſeriouſly, and in ſuch earneſt manner, as one might ſee his repentance was real: But yet for all that, the Princeſs Mandana could not believe it; yet ſometimes the feeling expreſſions of this ſorrowful Prince would ſomething ſtagger her thoughts, but then immediately after, [Page] diffidence would wholly ſeize upon her heart, and ſhe could not poſſibly believe, that the deſign of Prince Mazares was really to ſet her at liberty: She perceived he had a great and powerful intelligence in the Cittadel, and ſhe was well enough perſwaded, that he who could ſo cunningly come in, could as vvell get out: But her belief told her at the ſame time, that his end was to carry her away the ſecond time, and not really to releaſe her, ſo that all his perſwaſive arguments could not move her, but ſhe reſolutely told him, ſhe had rather ſtay where ſhe was a priſoner ſtill, then to be fooled in following him: Alas Madam (ſaid he unto her) Will you not believe me when I proteſt repentance, and to explate my crime, would ſet you at liberty? I muſt ingenuouſly confeſs, that I have not power to ſay I do not love: And Madam, I am reſolved not to make a mixture of any lyes and truths together, but I do moſt ſolemnly proteſt in the preſence of thoſe Gods which muſt make all my projects proſperous, that this paſſion is without the leaſt ſpark of any hope, or any pretention unto you in the world: I deſire no more but a pardon of my crime, and to ſet you at liberty, if it be obtained, I ſhall not murmure at my death: It is but juſt that this tormenting paſſion be ſtill in my ſoul, as a more ſevere penance for my fault, and ſo be pleaſed to look upon it, and queſtionleſs you will allow it, eſpecially conſidering that I ſue for no other recompence: However, be not ſo prepoſterouſly reſolute as to believe me, vvhen I told a prejudicial lye, and not to believe me when I tell you a moſt real truth, which ſhall ſet you at liberty: No, no, Mazares, ſaid the Princeſs, neither you nor any elſe ſhall deceive me twice; I truſted you before, becauſe I thought you incapable of deceiving me, but ſince you have deceived me once, I will never truſt you again: Do not think Madam, replyed he, that it is now poſſible I ſhould have any ill deſign upon you: How if I had any ſuch? How could I put it into act? 'Tis true, I can get you out of priſon, becauſe the Camp of Cyrus is neer, and a ſafe place of retreat: But ſhould I have any deſign to carry you for any ends of my own, how is it poſſible I ſhould effect it? Sardis would be no ſafety to hide you in it, all the Country is full of Forces belonging unto Cyrus, what therefore could I do with you? I know not, ſaid ſhe, neither where Cyrus is, or what courſe you would take, but I know very well I cannot truſt you: Why Madam, ſaid he unto her, Will you refuſe your liberty, becauſe it is offered by a Prince whom you do not love? The reaſon why I love him not (replyed ſhe) is becauſe I do not believe he has any intention to releaſe me, and deſigns no further then to make me change my Chains; and truly I had rather (ſince I think you only intend to remove me from priſon to priſon) be with the Princeſs of Lydia, then with you. To make it apparent Madam, ſaid he, That I have no ends of my own in it, be pleaſed to know, that my deſign is not only to releaſe you, but the Princeſs Palmis alſo, and that it is by a devoted ſervant unto a Woman of hers that I have this intelligence in this Cittadel; and therefore Madam you need not doubt the ſincerity of my intentions: I doubt all, replied ſhe, For I had rather ſuſpect your words, then that they ſhould deceive me again: But Orſanus; (ſaid ſhe, and turned towards me) I did not think it poſſible that you ſhould ſecond your Maſter in ſuch a piece of ſervice as this, and I have alwayes known ſo much virtue in your mind, that I rather will think he deludes you, then that you have any intentions to delude me, as he hath: Madam, replied I, give me leave to aſſure you, that the Prince Mazares hath no intentions to deceive you.

Alas Orſanus (ſaid ſhe) it ſeems you are not ſo wiſe as I am, if you think ſo: Truly Madam (ſaid Marteſia, ſpeaking to the Princeſs) Since Orſanus ſayes it, methinks credit ought to be given to his words, becauſe he is not in Love, and by conſequence more to be believed then the Prince Mazares: To teſtifie unto you Madam (ſaid my Maſter ſpeaking to Mandana) I will remain in your priſon after you are gone out, and an illuſtrious friend, who I met with in my ſolitude, ſhall conduct you to the moſt happy Cyrus, whil'ſt I ſtay here, and patiently indure the death which Croeſſus ſhall give me, and I promiſe you to accept it with much joy, ſo you will promiſe me a favourable memory: And I will do more then that alſo if you pleaſe (ſaid he, being tranſported with the violence of his Love and diſpair, to ſee ſhe would not believe him) for I will kill my ſelf before you go out of that priſon [Page] which I will open unto you: If I could believe what you ſpeak, (replyed the Princeſs) I ſhould tell you, that your death in that manner would extreamly trouble me, but in truth I cannot believe you: However, I beſeech you acknowledg thus much at the leaſt, that if hereafter you once believe me, you will then leſſen your hatred towards me: I ſhall do more then that, ſaid ſhe, For if ever I once believe you, I ſhall be able to forget what's paſt, and to pardon you, and I think liberty ſo ſweet, and your act ſo generous, that I ſhould afford you my eſteem and friendſhip: But the worſt is, I neither do nor can truſt you; and looking upon you as a Prince, who would deceive me once more, I look upon you with anger and hatred. Was ever miſery comparable to mine? (cryed he out) You tell that you vvould pardon me, and afford me your friendſhip, if what I ſpeak were true; and yet you are ſo unjuſt, as to look upon me with anger and hatred, though truth it ſelf is not truer, then that I would releaſe you: I beſeech you tell me what I ſhould do to perſwade you of this truth, and to lay open my heart unto you: I know not, replyed ſhe, but I am ſure I cannot believe what you ſay; therefore go and move thoſe that let you in, to let you out preſently, and content your ſelf that I am ſo generous as not to ruine you, by advertiſing the Guards who I am ſure you have not corrupted, that you are here: Do not think that the reaſon why I do it not, is becauſe I make any doubts whether what you ſay be true or falſe; but my reaſon is, becauſe I am not cruel, and becauſe your firſt ſervices were ſo conſiderable, that I will not be the cauſe of your death: For Heavens ſake Madam (ſaid he unto her) do not drive me to diſpair, but believe me: For Heavens ſake, replyed ſhe, trouble me no more, but leave me in quietneſs: I beſeech you deare Marteſia (ſaid this Prince) perſwade your illuſtrious Miſtreſs to credit my words: Sir (replyed the wiſe Lady) I profeſs unto you, that for my part I do believe you, but truly I dare not adviſe the Princeſs to do ſo, becauſe it is not fitting for me to give her counſel in any thing: What ſhall I do then? replyed he, Or indeed what can I do but die? For ſince I quitted my ſolitary life only to deliver you (ſaid he to Mandana) and ſo to obtain my pardon, and am not able to obtain either, I will never look for any thing but death, and I will ſeek for it upon all occaſions in all places, where there is any poſſibility of finding it: Indeed Madam, ſince you cannot indure me, neither as your Lover, nor as your friend, nor I am able to make you believe my repentance, I muſt and will find out ſuch dangers, as ſhall certainly rid you for ever from the ſight of that Prince whom you hate, and from whoſe hand you vvill not receive your liberty.

The Princeſs hearing my Maſter ſpeak ſo violently, did believe this peril and danger whereof he ſpoke, was, that he would fight with the illuſtrious Cyrus; ſo that ſhe expreſſed ſome fears that he would make ſome attempts againſt this Prince: He no ſooner underſtood her meaning, but not giving her time to expreſs her thoughts: I underſtand you Madam, ſaid he unto her, I underſtand you very well: You would have Cyrus have the advantage of me, becauſe you would not have me fight with him: But never fear Madam, that I will ever entertain any ſuch thoughts againſt him, I owe more reſpect unto you then ſo, and I am ſo obliged unto that Prince, as I cannot do it with honour: Therefore Madam if it be my fortune to die by the hand of illuſtrious Cyrus, he muſt ſeek me out, and kill me without any defending of my ſelf, which I know is infinitely below him. Theſe Madam are the thoughts of him, whom you think would deceive you: And I beſeech you believe, that when I meet Cyrus, I ſhall beg my death from his hand as a recompence for that ſervice which I would have done you, as the only remedy againſt all thoſeevils which I indure: And when all this is done Madam, will you hate Mazares both alive and dead? Whil'ſt this Prince was ſpeaking thus, the Princeſs looked ſeriouſly upon him; and ſometimes I was in hope his perſwaſions had wrought upon her, but yet they did not; yet notwithſtanding ſhe uſed ſuch ſweet expreſſions to him after he had declared himſelf concerning Cyrus, that if the conference had laſted a little longer, I know not whether this virtuous Princeſs had not been overcome. But the Captain who let us enter, coming to tell us that it was full time to go out of the Cittadel, a neceſſity compelled us to retire, without any further perſwaſions upon the Princeſs [Page] Mandana, and with deep ſorrows, that ſo great an enterprize ſo neer execution ſhould be uneffected: And when my Maſter came to his own Lodging, and related the ſtory unto Beleſis, I could not chuſe but admire at the greatneſs of his Paſſion by the horror of his deſpair: Death and nothing elſe was his thoughts; he could not imagine why he ſhould or how he could live: ſo that Beleſis and I had much ado to moderate the fury which he conceived againſt himſelf.

My greateſt admiration was, that the ſight of Mandana ſhould more augment his repentance, and confirm him in his generous deſign: The Guards upon the Princeſs; her Lodgings, and a thouſand other circumſtances, which he obſerved at his entrance and coming out of the Cittadel, though it was very dark, were ſo many additions to his ſorrows: 'Tis I, would he ſay, only I, that am the fatal cauſe of her Impriſonment; that ſhe meets with all theſe horrid objects, and that ſhe enjoys not a minutes reſt; and ſhe hath rightly proportioned her hatred, according to thoſe miſeries which I have cauſed upon her; for I think it is impoſſible to be hated more then ſhe does me; if ſhe did not, ſhe would never chuſe an Impriſonment under a Prince who hath a potent Army to oppoſe Cyrus, rather then hazard her ſelf upon that danger which ſhe fears: Certainly ſhe hates me more then ſhe doth the King of Pontus; for if ſhe did not, though I ſhould carry her away the ſecond time, yet it were a eaſier matter for Cyrus to force her out of my hands, then from two Princes who have all Aſia engaged in their Intereſts: But queſtionleſs it is the Will of the Gods, that ſhe will not only not love me, but infinitely hate me: Yet for all this, I underſtand, or think I underſtand (for my Reaſon is ſo ravelled, that I dare not credit my own intellectuals) that if Mandana could beleeve me really penitent, ſhe would then eſteem me, and be my real friend: For Heavens ſake (ſaid he) go to Marteſia once more, and ſolicit her to do more then I my ſelf can: Bid her perſwade her incomparable Miſtreſs, not to refuſe her Liberty, and let her contrive what ſecurity I ſhall give her, that my only end is her Releaſement: The matter requires haſte; for if our enterprize be not executed while the Treaty laſts, it will never be effected, ſince if it do break off, I muſt go into the Army, and conſequently cannot ſtay here unleſs ſuſpected: The counterfeiting my ſelf to be not well at this time, that I may have more liberty to negotiate the buſineſs, does already begin to perplex the King of Pontus; therefore dear Orſanus, try once more what may be done, that our enterprize may not be fruſtrate. You may imagine, that I was not able to deny ſuch a requeſt unto a Prince who had ſo much prevalency with me, and who required nothing that was unjuſt: But for a more colourable pretence of the buſineſs, I took the Letter which Beleſis was to deliver unto Celeniſe, and intended to deſire Marteſia to deliver it unto her: ſo that foliciting the Captain who was of our Intelligence, he permitted me the next night to enter into the Cittadel, and helped me to the ſpeech of Marteſia, unto whom I uſed my beſt arguments, that ſhe would let the Princeſs know how much ſhe did prejudice her ſelf in refuſing her Liberty: and indeed I was ſo importunate with her, that I am confident ſhe beleeved me: but as for the Princeſs, ſhe told me, that ſhe was very miſtruſtful ſtill. Afterwards, when I told her I had a Letter for Celeniſe, ſhe replyed upon me, that it would be to no purpoſe, becauſe the Princeſs Palmis would certainly never go out of Priſon but by the hand of her Father; and that Celeniſe would never leave her Miſtreſs; yet I beſeeched her to ſend for her, to the end I might give her Tegeus his Letter, which Marteſia did. When ſhe came, ſhe told me with fears in her eyes, that ſhe was much beholding unto Tegeus, but ſhe could not perſwade her Miſtreſs to go out of the Cittadel, nor could ſhe poſſibly leave her. When I found that the aſſiſtance of theſe two Ladies, Marteſia and Celeniſe, were ineffectual: I was ſo urgent with Marteſia to let me ſpeak unto the Princeſs Mandana once more, that at laſt ſhe permitted me; and I followed her into her Chamber, after ſhe had asked leave, and aſſured her Mazares was not there: But all my Rhetorical Reaſons were not able to raiſe one grain of credit unto what I deſired ſhe ſhould beleeve; all that I could poſſibly obtain from her, was, that I brought her to make a doubt upon the matter, which ſhe never did till this laſt time: yet ſince ſhe would not hazard her going out upon doubtful terms, it did not alter her reſolution. Madam (ſaid I then unto her) [Page] ſuppoſe that what I ſay be true, were it not a piece of Injuſtice in you not to accept of his intentions to repair the fault which he hath committed? For my part Madam, methinks it is not ſuitable to your uſual goodneſs; for what would you have my Maſter do? I know his very thoughts; and do aſſure you, his coming unto Croeſſus was only with a deſign of releaſing you; and that his only ayms in fighting for him, was only to ſet you at Liberty: But you Madam will not accept of that Liberty which he offers you, he will not ſtay any longer on that ſide which is not yours, nor dare he go on to the ſide of Cyrus unleſs he carry you with him: What then Madam ſhould he do? I beſeech you ſuffer not ſo great a Prince to periſh, as queſtionleſs he will, unleſs you afford him ſome hopes of being juſtified in your opinion, and beleeve that his Virtue tranſcends his Love, and his Repentance his Crime. Truly Madam, I am in more then half a mind to tell you, that I will never go from this place, until my humble prayers have obtained what I deſire in my Maſters behalf. Orſanus, ſaid ſhe unto me, your expreſſions do both trouble and affright me; for how can I think you ſpeak ſincerely? and yet how can I think you can deceive me? and how can I ever imagine that a Prince who was ſo unjuſt as to carry me away, ſhould afterwards be ſo generous as to repair his faults? yet to ſpeak ſincerely unto you, I begin to think it not impoſſible: But my greateſt difficulty is, that I cannot credit the Prince Mazares: I perceive there is a way to get out of priſon, but all perſwaſions cannot move me to follow it: and the truth is, the act of the Prince Mazares, and the act of the King of Pontus, makes me to ſuſpect every thing, and dares not truſt any thing; therefore I pray you importune me no more unto a thing which I cannot do. What then will become of my Maſter (ſaid I unto her) if you be not pleaſed to ſhew him a way how he may manifeſt it unto you, that his real intentions are to releaſe you? I beſeech you Madam, think upon it, and procure not unto your ſelf hereafter the name of a murtherer of the moſt virtuous Princeſs upon Earth. To ſhew you Orſanus, ſaid ſhe unto me, that I will not deny you every thing, but that I ſhould be glad the Prince Mazares had ſome opportunities to expreſs ſome convincing teſtimonies of his real penitency, and an infallible way to recover my eſteem and friendſhip, tell him, that I would have him go and fight for my Liberty in fighting for Cyrus, which if he do, I ſhall then beleeve that his real intention was to releaſe me. But Madam, ſaid I unto her, Cyrus perhaps will not give my Maſter any good entertainment. Queſtionleſs he will receive him as his friend, replyed Mandana, if he be perſwaded that his deſign was to releaſe me. To make a better way for his acceptance, I will write a Letter unto Cyrus, which Mazares ſhall give him, which ſhall teſtifie how I eſteem him if he become as virtuous as formerly he was. Then did I accept of her offer; not only becauſe I had a great deſire my Maſter ſhould be out of Sardis, leſt our plot ſhould be diſcovered by Croeſſus or the King of Pontus; but alſo becauſe I conceived it would be an infinite advantage unto my Maſter if he were once the friend of the illuſtrious Cyrus. In concluſion Madam, this great Princeſs did write her Letter unto Cyrus, and told me in good earneſt, that if Mazares took this courſe, ſhe would think his ayms were honeſt, and ſhe would let him have her eſteem and friendſhip; ſo that in this aſſurance I left her: yet I did attempt a little further in my Maſters behalf: but do what Marteſia and I could, this was all we could obtain. After this, I went unto my Maſter, who expected me with great impatience, though he had no hopes in the world of my effecting any thing; and truly it was happy his hope was ſo low, for it induced him to accept of this Propoſition which the Princeſs made with better reſentments: and when I aſſured him that if he took this courſe, the Princeſs would then freely pardon him, and remit him into her eſteem, he could not chuſe but rejoyce: yet was he ſorry to ſee he could not obtain any thing from the Princeſs but by turning on the other ſide without any colourable pretence: and he made a dorr, whether or no he ſhould deliver this Letter unto Cyrus; but after a ſtrong conteſt of two hours with his own heart, his Virtue did at laſt overcome his Paſſion: and after all this time of contemplat on with himſelf, he returned unto Beleſis, and me with much melanlancholy in his face, but yet vvith more tranquility in his eyes, then vve had ſeen of many days. Well my friends (ſaid he unto us) my Paſſion hath ſubmitted; I have [Page] got the Victory, and ſince I cannot releaſe my Princeſs, I am reſolved to do whatſoever ſhe commands me: But ſince I am a Delinquent to the King of Aſſyria, as well as unto the Princeſs, and deſire to expiate that crime as well as the other, I wiſh we could by the means of Tegeus, and the reſt of our friends releaſe him.

As he was ſpeaking this, Andramites came unto him, and ſaid that things were all in a mighty confuſion, that Croeſſus and Abradates were quite out, and that Abradates and the King of Pontus were declared enemies, that all the Princes and people alſo began to ſide, that one whoſe name was Araſpes, and who had formerly quitted the party of the illuſtrious Cyrus, and came unto the King of Lydia, did moſt cunningly foment theſe diviſions; that according to his promiſe he came to tell him, how the King of Suſiana (knowing Croeſſus ſought for nothing but a pretence to break off the Treaty, concerning the exchange of Prince Artamas for you Madam) was reſolved to quit his ſide: And moreover (ſaid Andramites) I am ſure for my part that I ſhall be clapt up in priſon, ſo that I am abſolutely reſolved to follow your fortunes, which will be, (and the beſt courſe) to go unto the party of Cyrus: Nor am I to be blamed, if for the ſecurity of my perſon, and releaſement of my Miſtreſs, I go and take ſide with the Enemy. The Prince Mazares hearing Andramites ſpeak thus, was very glad of it, becauſe he ſaw a convenient way for his revolt, and that it would be much more eaſie for him to get out of the Camp of Croeſſus with others, then if he went to Cyrus by himſelf, for the King of Pontus did keep many vigilant eyes upon him, as long as he was at Sardis. After then he had lent an attentive ear unto all that Andramites told him, who did aggravate the injuſtice of Croeſſus with as much zeal as poſſibly could be in a man, who longed to be with his fair Doraliſa, he told him, that all his intereſts ſhould ever be his, and that he would do whatſoever pleaſed him: Yet (ſaid he unto him) If we could deviſe a way to releaſe the priſoners, we ſhould be more acceptable to Cyrus, and I have a moſt infallible way to effect it, if you will leave the whole matter unto me: In concluſion Madam, Andramites conſented unto all my Maſters deſires; and Beleſis and my ſelf did ſo negotiate with Tegeus, that the buſineſs was ready for execution the next day following: But we could not poſſibly deviſe which way to releaſe the Prince Artamas, becauſe he had a particular Guard over him, with whom thoſe of Tegeus had no acquaintance; and the reaſon why he was more ſtrictly guarded then the reſt, was, becauſe he had a hundred thouſand friends in Lydia: So that the ſame which was his happineſs, turned at this time to his miſery. And thus we were contented to endeavour only the liberty of the King of Aſſyria, of Soſicles, of Tegeus, of Feraulas, and of the ſtranger Anaxaris: Since he who commanded the Guard over them was an intimate friend unto Tegeus (though Croeſſus was ignorant of it) there was no great difficulty in the buſineſs; therefore about two hours before day, the Prince Mazares, Beleſis, ſome other of their friends and my ſelf, went unto the Captain who ſtayed for us, and as it was agreed amongſt us, he carried us unto the King of Aſſyria's Chamber, who waking at the noyſe which we made at our entrance, was extreamly amazed to ſee, (by the help of a great Candle which hung in the middle of the Room) that it was the Prince Mazares (whom he thought dead) which approached towards him. This Prince being naturally of a violent temper, knew not well whether he was awake, or dream't, or whether it was a man or a Ghoſt: But he raiſed himſelf upon his Bed, and drawing the Curtain which was of T [...]rian Purple; What do I ſee (ſaid he in a furious and loud tone) Did you come from the ſhadows of death to pronounce the end of my life? Or are you yet amongſt the living, that I may puniſh you for your Treaſon againſt me? Sir (replied the Prince my Maſter without any turbulency) you ſhall know from whence I came when you are out of your priſon, from whence I came to releaſe you, that I may thereby make ſome ſatisfaction for the wrong which I have done you: How Mazares (replied he) Muſt I be beholding unto you for my liberty? You muſt Sir (replied my Maſter) But I beſeech you make haſt and follow us: No, no, (replied that violent Prince) I will never owe my liberty to that man, who took Mandana from me: When I have releaſed you (replied Mazares) I [Page] ſhall never think you beholding to me for it, ſince in giving you liberty, I have given you nothing but what I took away from you: Yet if you will help the illuſtrious Cyrus to releaſe Mandana, you muſt accept of that liberty which I offer you, and accept of it preſently, for time is precious. Ah Mazares, ſaid the King of Aſſyria, Have you found out way to releaſe me? Yet if I do accept of it, I will not promiſe you to forget what's paſt, becauſe then I ſhould forget Mandana and my ſelf both: All that I will ſay is, That I will uſe all the faculties in my power that my friends, my Rivals, and my Enemies ſhall not exceed me in generoſity; and therefore it may be ſuppoſed, that I am not leſs generous then you are, and that I ſhall be Maſter of my own thoughts: However Sir (replied the Prince Mazares) I beſeech you make all the haſt you can: Then the King of Aſſyria's Guards, who were all of our intelligence, helped to dreſs him: Then Mazares offering him a Sword with the ſame reſpect he uſed to him when he was in Babylon: Here Sir (ſaid he unto him) take that, and puniſh Mazares with it when you have releaſed Mandana, if you think your ſelf not ſatisfied: Oh, I wiſh to the Gods (replied the King of Aſſyria, in accepting the Sword very civilly) that vve could releaſe that Divine Princeſs vvhom vve have made ſo miſerable, and againſt vvhom both you and I have been ſo culpable and unfortunate.

After this, ſtriving vvith himſelf, be cooled his fury and anger, and thinking Andramites, whom he knevv to be the ſame vvhich guarded the Princeſs, and brought him to Sardis, he followed Mazares and him, or to ſay better, vve all follovved Tegeus and the Captain, vvho guarded the priſoners, vvho by a back pair of ſtairs did let us out ſo ſecretly, that thoſe Souldiers vvho vvere not of the Guard never perceived us. After this vve met vvith no rub in the buſineſs, becauſe Andramites, vvho vvas Lievtenant-General of Croeſſus his Army, had cauſed a Captain, vvho vvas his creature, to guard a Gate of the Tovvn, tovvards Abradates his Quarter, vvhether vve intended to go, and as vve did, vvithout any obſtacle at all. As ſoon as vve came unto the Tent of Abradates, vve adviſed upon our beſt courſe, and it vvas reſolved Sir (ſaid Orſanus, addreſſing his ſpeech to Cyrus) that to prevent all danger, theſe Princes ſhould not yet come into your Camp, becauſe the day began to break, and becauſe the Brother of Andramites, vvho kept the paſs over the River Halis, vvould not have been to order things ſo ſuddenly to let us paſs. Alſo ſince the Quarter of Abradates vvas in a very advantagious Trench, he did not fear that Croeſſus vvould fall upon him. Moreover it vvas imagined, that Croeſſus could not ſo ſoon recover his aſtoniſhment, into vvhich the departure of the Prince of Claſomena, and the eſcape of the King of Aſſyria had put him: And in the mean time, leſt you Sir ſhould be too much alarum'd, and that you might give order that the Forces of Abradates might paſs with leſs difficulty, I obtained leave Sir to come and acquaint you, that your Army was to be ſtrengthened with three of the moſt valiant Princes upon earth, with many other men of Quality, and with four thouſand of the beſt Souldiers in all the Army of Croeſſus. Feraulas did think to have the honour of this imployment from me; but ſince he was not able to make ſo perfect a relation of all things unto you Sir, as I could, therefore I oppoſed his deſign: He will not long be deprived of the honour of ſeeing you Sir, for the King of Suſiana reſolves to diſingage this evening, as ſoon as it is dark, to paſs over the river Halis before day, and to be with you at Sun-riſe.

This Sir is the ſubſtance of what I have to tell you, moſt humbly beſeeching you to believe, that I have truly related the generous alteration that is in my Maſters mind; and therefore I conjure you to look upon him as your friend, and not as your Rival: But ſince my prayers are too inconſiderable to obtain my deſires, I moſt humbly beſeech theſe two great Princeſſes to intercede for me, making no queſtion, but they are able to obtain them for me.

Orſanus having ended his Speech, Panthea and Araminta did ſecond his deſires, and intreated Cyrus to bury all paſt paſſages in the pit of Oblivion, and not to doubt of the Prince Mazares his repentance. Cyrus would not let them go on: I [Page] beſeech you, ſaid he unto them, Do not take from me the glory of vanquiſhing my ſelf, and let not Mazares be a debtor unto your generoſity, for that which he expects from mine: Though I muſt confeſs it is no ſmall difficulty to admit a Rival for a friend, and ſuch a Rival eſpecially as carried away the Princeſs Mandana; and therefore by virtue may be beholding unto ſuch examples as your ſelves: But ſince the Prince Mazares is not now my Rival, and can become my friend, I ſhall eaſily admit him ſo, and by his example, ſhall perhaps become as generous in forgeting the wrongs he hath done Mandana, as he hath been in his repentance: But Madam (ſaid Cyrus, and ſpoke unto Panthea) doubtleſs it is to you I am a debtor for theſe great Auxiliaries which the valiant Abradates brings, ſince he would never have ſo ſharply reſented the injuſtice of Croeſſus, but for the love which he bears unto you: I would it were as you ſay Sir (replied ſhe) for I ſhould be glad that I were able to pay any part of that debt which I owe you: I would it were the will of the Gods (replied the Princeſs Araminta) That I had the ſame advantage you have, and that the King my Brother would be moved unto repentance by the excellent example of the Prince Mazares: However it be Madam (ſaid Cyrus unto this Princeſs) I beſeech you do not let it trouble you to ſee the Forces of Croeſſus weakned; and mine ſtrengthened, ſince I will ingage my word, that the ſooner I am Conquerour, the ſooner ſhall the misfortunes of your houſe end. In the mean time, ſince it is requiſite ſome orders ſhould be given for the reception of thoſe who are coming to help us to conquer, I beſeech you give me leave to depart from you.

After this, Cyrus retired, leaving the heart of Panthea full of joy, and carrying Orſanus with him, of whom he asked a thouſand queſtions, in returning to his Quarter.

As ſoon as he come there, he made choice of ſome Troops which he vvould ſend to receive Abradates, and the reſt, with whom Orſanus returned, to aſſure his Maſter that Cyrus would protect him. After this, Cyrus ordered all things himſelf, even to the very lodgings of the King of Suſiana, of Mazares, of Andramites; of the reſt of any quality who came with them, and of all the reſt of the Regiments which they brought, for he would not fail in the leaſt circumſtance of what was fiting: In retarning to his Tent, he met Aglatidas and Ligdamis, and carried them with him to acquaint them (as men of tender and paſſionate ſouls) with what had happened: Do you not admire (ſaid he unto them, after he had related the ſubſtance of what Orſanus told him) at the odneſs of my phantaſtical fate, which alwayes differs from all other deſtinies in the world? Do you not ſee how I have found a Rival whom I cannot look upon as an Enemy, nor hate, unleſs I go againſt the Law of generoſity, but I muſt admit him into the degree of a friend, and protect him in my Army, who perhaps will help me to releaſe Mandana, that he may carry her away the ſecond time? Not but that I do believe all Orſanus told me, whoſe honeſty I cannot ſuſpect; yet for all that, I have much ado to underſtand how it is poſſible one ſhould love, and never pretend to be loved again. If you had offended as Mazares hath (replied Aglatidas) as amorous as you are, I believe you would think it enough if you vvere pardoned, and be contented with it: I think ſo too, ſaid Cyrus, But I think alſo, that as ſoon as I was pardoned, I ſhould deſire ſomething further, for the very Nature of Love is to deſire it; and it muſt neceſſarily be concluded, that if Mazares deſire no more, he is not in Love: However, I know it is impoſſible to leave loving Mandana, and therefore I am certain Mazares will be my Rival for ever: Yet it appears plainly (replied Ligdamis) that generoſity hath at this preſent a great power upon the heart of this Prince, otherwiſe he would never have releaſed the King of Aſſyria, who is his Rival as well as you are: What would you have me ſay, ſaid Cyrus, but that all accidents unto me are ſo full of wonder, that they deprive me of my reaſon. After this, Cyrus was very ſorry that Mandana would not let Mazares releaſe her: and immediately after he would be very glad of it that he had not, thinking it a ſhame any ſhould releaſe her but himſelf: yet however he was very unquiet in his thoughts, but his unquietneſs laſted not long, for the conſtancy which he found in Mandana's mind did diſſipate all manner of other fears or doubts or perplexities. 'Tis true, he had many cauſes of vexation otherwiſe; [Page] yet he found his Party ſo conſiderably ſtrengthened, that his hopes of Victory did ſweeten every thing elſe; ſo that he paſſed away the reſt of the night with Aglatidas and Ligdamis in much ſerenity of mind: Yet he ſlept very little that night, as well becauſe the ſight of Mazares would trouble him, as in expectation of his new addition of Forces. He was no ſooner advertiſed by his Spies which he had purpoſely ſet, that Abradates had paſſed over the River Halis with his Troops; but he took horſe, after he had ſent to acquaint the Kings of Phrigia and Hircania, and other Princes of his Army: ſo that in a very ſhort time having abundance with him, he went to meet theſe Princes ſome thirty furlongs from his Camp. He was no ſooner come on to a little riſing ground, but he ſaw the Troops of Abradates appear, and thoſe which he had ſent out meet with them; ſo that marching forward with about five hundred Horſes only, he met Abradates and his Rival: When theſe two Bodies were ſo neer, that the firſt Ranks might know each other, the King of Aſſyria, Abradates and Mazares (out of the reſpect which they owed unto Cyrus as their ancient Conqueror, and as now to be their Protector) did leave their main Body, and advanced towards him: Cyrus no ſooner ſaw their action, but he did the ſame, both ſides alighting from their Horſes at the ſame time ſome twenty paces from each other. Abradates, as it was agreed between the King of Aſſyria, Mazares and himſelf, did advance the firſt, and preſented the reſt unto Cyrus. Sir, ſaid he unto him, If I had come alone unto you, I ſhould have feared my reception; but ſince I bring with me two ſuch valiant Princes, and ſo many gallant men which follow them, I dare hope you will not deny us protection, eſpecially when you conſider, that I have brought a Prince, who would have brought the Princeſs Mandana to you, if ſhe would have given credit to him, and who would have brought the Prince Artamas alſo if it had been poſſible. Upon his ſaying ſo, the King of Aſſyria and Mazares ſaluted Cyrus: the firſt of theſe with a kind of angry civility, and the other with a moſt melancholy reſpect: Cyrus returned theſe ſalutes very civilly, though with more coldneſs then he reſolved; yet he ſpoke unto them with incomparable generoſity as ſoon as he had overcome his natural repugnancy to embrace his Rivals and the Raviſhers of Mandana; and as ſoon as this averſe Ceremony was over, I make no doubt at all of Victory now (ſaid he unto them) nor can Fortune as powerful as ſhe is prevent the Releaſement of Mandana. You may ſee by this Sir (ſaid Mazares unto him, and gave him Mandana's Letter) that the adored Princeſs you ſpeak of might have been out of Priſon had ſhe pleaſed, and that I did my beſt to obtain my pardon. Cyrus then taking Mandana's Letter from the hand of his Rival with as great an agitation of ſpirit as Mazares had in giving it, he opened it, and after a civil Complement unto the Princeſs, he read theſe words.

MANDANA to the Invincible CYRUS.

IF the Prince Mazares be ſo generous as to give you this Letter, and will fight for you, then receive him as if he had releaſed me, ſince it was long only of my ſelf, that I was not releaſed by him; Render therefore unto his Virtue that which I have refuſed him; and be aſſured he will merit your friendſhip if is be true that his repentance be real: Therefore without any remembrance of his carrying me away from Sinope, think how he protected me at Babylon, and would have releaſed me out of Sardis: Live therefore with him as if he were always your Friend, and as if he had never been your Rival; And be aſſured that you will ſenſibly oblige her who is the moſt juſt and moſt acknowledging perſon in the world. Adieu; Extract out of the laſt words in this Letter all the c [...]nſolation that ſhe can give you, whoſe Name is with a true Epithite, Ʋnfortunate

MANDANA.

Whileſt Cyrus was reading this Letter, the King of Aſſyria's mind was full of unimaginable torment; and ſpeaking unto Mazares in a low voyce, You are a happy man (ſaid he unto him) that can with ſuch a calm and moderate Paſſion give [Page] Mandana's Letter unto your Rival. I do not think my ſelf to be in any condition of envy (replyed Mazares ſadly) and I beleeve you would think ſo as well as I, if you did but know my heart. As they were thus talking together, Cyrus having read this Letter which infuſed much calmneſs into his ſpirit, he looked upon Mazares with much mildneſs; and aſſured him moſt obligingly and generouſly both, that he would eſteem him as the Releaſer of Mandana, and never remember his act at Sinope: So that Mazares, maugre the Paſſion of his Soul, was raviſhed with admiration as well as the King of Suſiana. But ſince the King of Aſſyria did impatiently reſent this diſcourſe, Cyrus did end it very handſomly: And Abradates did preſent Andramite: unto him; Alſo Mazares preſented Beleſis, telling him, that this his illuſtrious Friend could well teſtifie his Repentance: Alſo Anaxaris, Soſicles, Tegeus, and Feraulas coming up towards him, Cyrus embraced them with much joy, eſpecially the laſt of theſe: After which, taking horſe, he rid towards the Camp; where Cyrus was no ſooner arrived, but according to the Orders which he had given, a Councel of War was held in his Tent, to conſult whether the Truce ſhould ſtill be obſerved, or whether this accident ought to move them to break it off: Mazares gave there his voyce as freely the firſt day, as if he had been an ancient Friend of Cyrus: The queſtion was a while in doubt: ſome gave their votes to break off the Treaty, and take advantage of the diſorder in the Army of Croeſſus; and others affirmed that it did not ſuit with the glory of Cyrus to do ſo: Thoſe who were of this opinion, ſaid, that this which happened was an advantage which could not be attributed unto Cyrus, ſince he had yet done nothing but receive his Priſoners, and give retreat unto an ill treated Prince, and unto ſome other Malecontents of Quality; that therefore patience was to be uſed, ſince the Truce would not laſt above three days. In concluſion, the buſineſs being well debated, how great a deſire ſoever Cyrus had to fight, eſpecially having now got the Paſs over the River Halis free by the means of Andramites his Brother, yet notwithſtanding he would never violate the Laws of War: So that this being the Reſult of the Councel, all the Princes retired unto their Tents which were prepared for them, except Abradates, whom Cyrus did wait upon unto a little Town where his dear Panthea lodged, giving Orders unto Artabaſes to withdraw, to the end there might be no ſign of any Captivity. Cyrus would have Andramites alſo to follow Abradates, that he might have a ſight of Doraliſa, thinking the Gods would one day reward him for having comiſeration upon unfortunate Lovers like himſelf; and for his care in ſweetening the bitter Pills of their miſeries, though he ſaw no remedy for his own.

The End of the ſecond Book in the fifth Part.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. The Fifth Part. BOOK. III.

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AFter Cyrus had done every thing, that the dignitie of his Place; expediency of affaiers; Civilitie; generoſitie, and tenderneſſe of ſoule could exact from him in ſuch a Juncture of accidents, he had a great deſire to talk in private with his beloved confident Feraulus concerning Mandana, for he underſtood by the relation of Orſanus that he ſaw her walke upon the top of the Tower where ſhe was kept Priſoner: ſo that Commanding him to be called for, he welcomed him with as much tenderneſſe as an Amorous Prince could poſſibly expreſſe unto the only Confident of his paſſion, and unto ſuch a confident as had done him many extraordinary ſervices, and given him much comfort in his miſeries. He talked with him above two hours, and could not get any thing out of him concerning his Princeſſe; for Feraulus had ſeen Mandana at ſuch a diſtance, that he could not draw any ſatisfaction from any thing he could tell him. But Love hath ſuch a qualitie, that thoſe who are Captivated by it, cannot diſcourſe of any thing but what concernes the Perſon Loved. Therefore, though Cyrus had ſpoke as much as could be thought upon of the Laſt accidents of his Life, yet he repeated all the firſt alſo with as much earneſtneſſe, as if they were yet to fall upon him. Tis very true that at that time there was no need of farr fetcht things to help out diſcourſe: for the King of Aſſyria's returne, and the Arivall of Mazares, was ſubject enough: Moreover, Mandanas Letter was enough to talke on for him; ſince he thought it was a Piece of great difficultie to indure, that the Princeſſe ſhould write ſo obligingly in behalfe of Mazares. But yet the laſt words of her letter, did make amends for all the reſt: and when he conſidered how ſhe allowed him to explaine her words in the moſt favorable ſenſe for himſelf, the Joyes of his ſoule were eaſier to be imagined then expreſſed: Oh my divine Princeſſe, would he ſay, will you permitt me to interpret your words unto my owne advantage? Do you know, moſt excellent Princeſſe, how farr a Lover may flatter himſelf; and do you not fear that I will make your words ſpeake more then ever you intended? when you ſay that you are juſt, & full of acknowledgement, do you not think to ſhut juſtice & acknowledgement within ſuch narrow limitts, that you cannot underſtand what I have done to releaſe you? [Page] No, no, divine Mandana, this is not the gloſſe which I will put upon your words; Never reckon, I beſeech you, upon the combates which I have fought, Nor the Townes which I have taken; nor the Battles which I have won, but I beſeech you reckon, my violent and reſpected paſſion for ſomething if you pleaſe. It is for that only, for which I deſire you ſhould be obliged unto me, and do me juſtice in: never make any account of the dangers which I have run into, nor of the wounds which I received, but I moſt humbly beſeech you to ſet a value upon my ſighs which I have oft ſent out of a ſad ſoule; and upon my teares which I have ſhed ſince firſt I began to love you: and I beſeech you (ſaid he, as if ſhe were preſent to underſtand him) Let the raptures of my love, make me put ſuch a favourable interpretation upon what you have writ, as may make me beleeve, that when you ſay you will be juſt, you mean by it, you will love me, as well as I love you, but alas, what do I ſay? were it not injuſtice to wiſh Mandana ſhould love me as well as I love her? yes doubtleſſe, it were; and therefore let us call that grace which we have very improperly Called Juſtice. For my part Sr. (ſaid Feraulus and interpreted him) I do not think the Princeſſe Mandana wil doe as you deſire ſhe ſhould; for your victories are as great ſignes of your love as your ſighes and teares are: and therefore if ſhe joyne all theſe together, as I make no queſtion but ſhe will, I am perſwaded ſhe will one day love you as well as you do her: Ah Feraulus, ſaid he, how far is that day off? and how many things have I to do before I can be ſo happy: A battle muſt be fought and won, afterwards a conſiderable ſiege will continue: and after that, I muſt fight with the King of Aſſyria. Theſe Feraulus are but the leaſt of difficulties that I am to meet with, before I muſt come and caſt my ſelf at the feet of Mandana, and beg ſo much favour as to be loved. Judge then whether I have not more cauſe of feares then hopes, eſpecially after ſo many ominous Oracles. Whilſt Cyrus was thus entertaining himſelf; the thoughts of his Rivals were no ſmoother then his: Beleſis and Orſamus did Cheer up the Prince Mazares, as much as they could, and commending the generoſity of his reſolution, did endeavour to confirme him in his repentance: They had alſo ſo much Courtſhip as to flatter his paſſion though they would not cure it; and therefore they told him, that Mandana would infallibly give him her friendſhip and eſteem, if he continued his courſe as he had begun: were I ſo happy as to obtain that (ſaid he) I ſhould never deſire more: and certainly I ſhall endeavour my utmoſt for it: But if I cannot obtain that happineſſe, then I know my courſe, which is to return unto my Deſart again, and there hide my ſufferings, and ſigh out ſorrowes till I die. No, no, Sr. replied Beleſis, 'Twill never come to that, for Mandana will reſtore you to her former eſteem, and your virtue ſhall for ever be miſtreſſe of your paſſion. It is therefore I that muſt return into my ſolitude, I who can never hope for any thing. The hopes I have, replied Mazares, are of ſuch a ſhallow nature that they can never afford me any ſweetneſſe; becauſe they are ſuch only as my reaſon adviſeth my will unto, and not ſuch as my heart doth really wiſh for: and ſince (Beleſis) felicity doth chiefly conſiſt in the ſatisfaction of deſires, I am certain to be the moſt miſerable man alive; ſince I muſt never enjoy mine: yet I beſeech you do not think I ſpeak this, as if I did repent of my repentance: No, Beleſis I do not, but am abſolutely reſolved to fight for Cyrus till the Princeſſe Mandana be releaſed, and never to aske any other favour from the Princeſſe Mandana, but her eſteem and friendſhip, and I do not think it poſſible that all the force of my love and deſpaire can make me alter my reſolution. yet for all this, my heart will be full of tumultuous cogitations, and I muſt prepare for a continuall war with my ſelf, and let me tell you further, that I am not like unto moſt men who out of loves reſentments do think all their Rivals unworthy men, how accompliſhed ſoever they be: But on the contrary, me thinks I ſee Cyrus ſo much above the rate of other men, and ſo worthy of Mandana, that I think it a ſtrange Injuſtice if he did not love her, and ſhe him: ſo that Judging by the greatneſſe of that Princes merit, and the greatneſſe of the affection which that Princeſſe ought to bear him, I muſt conclude, that no other ought to pretend any thing unto her: and therefore I have nothing to do in the world, but to ſeek for a handſome death, as doubtleſſe I ſhall if I cannot obtain my pardon. On the other ſide, the King of Aſſyria, he is not without his perplexities; yet was he glad to be releaſed, becauſe Cyrus ſhould not have all the glory of fighting for Mandana: but it vexed him that he ſhould be obliged unto Mazares for it. Yet ſince the ſight of a loved Rivall did ſet a ſharper edge upon his ſpirits, then a Rival hated could: all the King of Aſſyrias malice was againſt Cyrus. Yet did he much eſteem him maugre all his malice; and the virtue of this Prince did ſhine in ſo much luſtre, that this malignant Jealous Prince could not chuſe but looke upon him as [Page] one of the greateſt Princes of the world, and the moſt worthy of Mandana. But whileſt theſe three illuſtrious Rivals were entertaining their melancholy thoughts, Abradates and Panthea did ſolace themſelves in the joyes of each other. Andramites alſo was pleaſed with the ſight of his adored Doraliſa, whoſe [...]ocund and indifferent humours, did yet not a little perplex him. Ligdamis and Cleoncei thought their houres ſweet, ſince they were together: But the Prince Phraretes thought time more tedious, ſince he thought it impoſſible to ſee the Princeſſe Araminta not incenſed. The Prince Tigranes bewailed the abſence of his dear Oneſila, as Aglatidas did of Ameſtris: Tegeus and Feraulas alſo greeved at the captivity of Celeneſa, and Marteſia. The truth is, one would have ſaid, love was the very ſoul of this Army, ſince there was not any conſiderable perſon in all the camp of Cyrus who had not a ſence of this paſſion. But whilſt it tooke up the thoughts of ſo many illuſtrious perſons on the party of Cyrus, the King of Lydia and his ſide was all thoughts of anger and revenge, the eſcape of his priſoners of war much troubled him. The departure of the Prince of Claſſomena did trouble him more; and the King of Suſiana and Andramites revolting ſides, did put him into a ſtrange fury; The Prince Myrſiles alſo ſeemed malecontent, and was much troubled that Andramites ſhould do as he did: though he did much aggravate all diſcontents, none knowing his reaſon why.

As for the King of Pontus, he had variety of apprehenſions upon the matter, for he was very angry that Abradates, the Prince of Claſſomena, and Andramites ſhould adhere unto Cyrus; but he was not ſorry that the king of Aſſyria and Mazares were out of Sardis: for though the firſt of theſe two was a priſoner, yet he feared leaſt he ſhould have ſome ſecret plots alſo; a naturall antipathy againſt a Rivall, made him glad of his abſence, and he was not angry at both their departures: And not being ſo much perplexed as Croeſus was, he did what he could to perſwade him that the loſs was not ſo great as he did apprehend it: The worſt was, that the trace was near an end, and ſince there was no negotiation in hand becauſe the King of Suſiana had changed ſides, they not knowing upon what ground to deſire a prolonging of the treaty. In the mean time, this alteration had put all Sardis in ſuch a fright, and ſo much diſordered the Arny of Croeſus, that there was an abſolute neceſſity of more time to appeaſe both people and ſouldiers. Moreover, ſince the paſſage over the River Halis was in the power of Cyrus, he might be forced to give battle if that Prince pleaſed: and he plainly ſaw, that if he did fight before things were better compoſed, the day would be loſt: Therefore, as extream maladies have alwayes recourſe unto extream remedies, ſo Croeſus reſolved to begin another negotiation, though he had no intention to end it; but only to gaine time. He told then the King of Pontus, that He intended to propound unto Cyrus an exchange between the Princeſſe Araminta, and the Prince Artamas: but it was upon ſuch odd conditions, as was apparent he aymed more at drift of time, then any reall exchange, ſince one qualification was, that the Prince Artamas ſhould promiſe never to pretend unto the Princeſſe Palmis: and demanded further a releaſement of all the priſoners which had been taken ſince Cyrus entered into his dominions. The King of Pontus approved of all that Croeſus did propound unto him: for though in reality he was very willing to get his ſiſter the Princeſſe out of the power of Cyrus; yet he durſt not tell the king of Lydia, that all his propoſitions could never take effect; becauſe being his protector, it was fit he ſhould comply with his opinion: Croeſus therefore; becauſe he had no other way, ſent to deſire a prolonging of the Truce for eight dayes more, to the end there might be a treaty concerning the releaſment of the Prince Artamas, and the Princeſſe Araminta. As ſoon as ever this propoſition was made unto Cyrus, he knew very well: the reall deſigne of the Lydian King: and if he had followed his own inclination, he would abſolutely have rejected it, and tooke advantage of the diſorder which was in the Army of Croeſus: But ſince it was propounded in the preſence of the Phrygian King (who hoped to have his ſon at liberty by this negotiation) Cyrus perceiving the thoughts of this king, would by no meanes diſoblige him, nor make the Princeſſe Araminta, whom he highly eſteemed, to think that he was more careleſſe of her liberty then of Pantheas. And ſince he thought it concerned Croeſus more to keep the Prince Artamas, then it did himſelf to keepe the Princeſſe Araminta, he conſented unto the Truce deſired; and the ſooner, becauſe, being aſſured of the paſſe over the river Halis, he could force Croeſus to fight when he would; So that not inſiſting upon eight dayes, he reſolved to ſatisfie the King of Phrygia, and not to incenſe the Princeſſe of Pontus. Moreover, theſe eight dayes, were as expedient for him as for Croeſus, for ſince the Lydians had made great waſte in all the Country along the river Halis towards Sardis, he could in that interim provide ammunition and [Page] proviſion enough for his Army in all the neighbour Townes. The Truce then being renewved, the Prince Phraaſtes began to plot how to render it ineffectuall: not out of any diſaffection unto Prince Artamas, but becauſe he was deep in love with Araminta, and could not conſent ſhe ſhould go into the Country of his enemy, ſo he might loſe the ſight of her for ever. In the mean time, ſince the firſt dayes of this treaty were ſpent only in receiving Propoſitions from Croeſus, which paſſed under the name of the King of Pontus, Cyrus was not ſo buſie but He went to viſit Panthea, and partake of her joyes in Abradates: the King of Aſſyria alſo went thither ſometimes, and ſo did all the reſt of the Princes in the Army; ſo that during this Truce, the Court of Panthea might very well be called the moſt glorious Court in the world, ſince no place upon earth had ſo many gallant men together as it had. The ſtranger Arexaris, (during this little peace if I may tearme it ſo) did make it appear that he was a man of Civility as well as Courage. The Prince Mazares, though very melancholy, yet his ſolitude had not rendred him uncivill, but he alſo viſited the Queen of Suſiana: He ſaw: the Princeſs Araminta alſo: but all his viſits, were viſits rather of Civility, then any pleaſant Company. In the mean time the King of Suſiana conſidering the ſeverall intereſts of Cyrus and Mazares, and of Mazares and the King of Aſſyria, did ſo prudently compoſe their ſpirits, that they agreed together almoſt as well, as if all paſt paſſages were forgotten. Yet the King of Ayſſria, did often let ſlip ſuch languages as ſpoke his memory of them, but the wiſdome of Mazares did ſo diſcreetly temper the impetuous humour of the Aſſyrian King, that there happened no diſorder amongſt them. All three would diſcourſe together of their paſſions, and not quarrel, but it was in the preſence of Abradates: for an extraordinary care was taken, never to let them be alone together, leſt ſome violent paſſion of ſoul ſhould produce ſome ſad event. In the mean while Beleſis, though in the midſt of an army of 150000. men, and in a Towne wherein were two great Princeſſes, and many Ladies of quality beſides, yet melancholy did ſit ſo heavie upon his ſoul that he never ſaw any but the Prince Mazares with whom he lodged. Things ſtanding upon theſe tearms, upon a day when Cyrus was with the Queen of Suſiana, with whom the Princeſſe Araminta was preſent, Beleſis went to a little towne with the Prince of Sa [...]es, to get ſomething mended about the caſe of a picture which he prized infinitely dear, and would not truſt it with any one: as he was ſpeaking unto the workman, and tooke out the picture which he would not forſake, the workman having ſome knowledge in that Art, and finding it to be a rare piece, Could not chuſe but look upon it; whilſt he was thus looking upon it both with admiration and delight, a ſtranger of a ha [...] ſome garbe lighted from his horſe cloſe by the houſe where Beleſis was, and accidentally caſting his eyes upon this picture, he knew it: and did ſo wonder to finde it in Lydia, that he could not chuſe but ask him who held it, and how he came by that picture, telling him, that it was his, for he could ſpeak the Lydian language: he had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but Beleſis underſtanding him, and knowing the voice, he turned and haſtily took the picture: and turning towards the ſtranger, he perceived that he was not miſtaken, but that it was really him whom he thought it to be, ſo that falling a pace back, Oh Hermogenes (cryed he out being tranſported with grief and deſpair, and drawing his ſword) du [...]ſt you follow me as far as Lydia to take the picture from me, whoſe original you did ſo cruelly ſteal away? Hermogenes was ſo ſurprized to meet Beleſis, and ſo many ſeverall things comming into his thoughts at once, it was a long while before he could get himſelf into a poſture of defence; or conſider what he ſaw was poſſible: But he had not leiſure to deliberate upon the matter: for Orſanus paſſing by chance by, as Beleſis ſtood upon his guard, and as Hermogenes knew not whether what he ſaw was true or falſe, called company to help him, and he ſeized both upon Belefis and Hermogenes as two men that were quarrelling, ſending immed [...]atly to acquaint Mazares with it, who as ſoon as he heard of it, beſeeched Cyrus to take order in the buſineſſe: The Queen of Suſiana hearing the name of Beleſis did add her prayers unto his, accuſing her ſelf of forgetfulneſſe, ſince Orſanus ſpoke unto her of him: yet to repair her fault, ſhe acquainted the King of Suſiana with the merit of the man, and aſſuring Cyrus that he was a man of great quality and much ſpirit, all the Princes went into another chamber to ſee Beleſis and him who quarrelled with him, but the Queen of Suſiana having an earneſt deſire to ſee Beleſis, entreated Cyrus to let them be brought before him: ſo that he commanded them to be brought in. As ſoon as ever they entred into the chamber, Panthea did know Hermogenes to be of Suſa, and of good quality, and who intending to get into Sardis, did by good fortune hear that Abradates had changed ſides, ſo that he altered his courſe, and came to this little town, which was the ſame where the Queen of [Page] Suſiana quartered: Abradates and Panthea highly eſteeming Hermogenes did much welcome him and Beleſis both; after they had ſpoken unto theſe two quarrellers with all poſſible civility, they beſeeched Cyrus to favour them, and oblige them to tell what their difference was: It is of ſuch a nature, (ſaid Beleſis) that it is impoſſible it ſhould ever be rightly told, and therefore I think it better to leave us enemies ſtill, then to conſume ſo much time in troubling two great Princes with relation of ſuch things as are indifferent unto them. The Intereſt of perſons of ſuch merit (anſwered Cyrus) ought never to be indifferent unto the greateſt Princes upon earth; Therefore if to render juſtice, nothing be wanting but a hearing the relation of your lives, we ſhall hear them with much delight; Alſo, I cannot think we can better imploy our vacant time during this truce, then in making Hermogenes and you friends: and I ſhall have ſome advantage by it (added Cyrus with a ſmile) ſince if I do reconcile you, I ſhall hope you will fight with more courage in the day of battle, therefore I moſt humbly beſeech the Queen of Suſiana, that ſhe would be pleaſed to command Hermogenes to tell me his adventures, if Beleſis will not do it himſelf: Hermogenes (replied Beleſis) is too much intereſted in the buſineſſe, to relate his ſtory and mine; For Sr. he muſt needed make a partiall relation, ſince he would perſwade me that I am in the wrong and he in the right. To make it appear that I ſtand not in need of any diſguiſements of the truth (ſaid Hermogenes) I am contented that he himſelf relate al the paſſages betwixt us: I cannot do it (replied Beleſis) for it is impoſſible I ſhould make a relation of all my ſad adventures, and not return into my firſt deſpair. To compoſe the matter betwixt them (ſaid Abradates unto Cyrus) It muſt neither be Beleſis nor Hermogenes that muſt relate their adventures, but ſome one who is an equall friend unto them both, and who is acquainted with the perfect ſtory: oh Sr. replied Beleſis, there is none in the world can do it, but Alcenor: 'tis he whom I intend to ſpeak of, replied Abradates, and I wonder you ſaw him not, ſince he came to Sardis two dayes before I left it, and therefore did certainly follow me hither. It is rather to be wondred, if he did ſee him, replied the Prince Mazares; for Beleſis almoſt never ſtirred abroad ſince he left his deſart, but when he thought to aſſiſt me in the delivery of the Princeſſe Mandana: After this, Cyrus deſired theſe two enemies to refer the relation of their difference unto him whom Abradates named, ſince they could not agree to do it themſelves: and they conſented unto it: yet deſiring to ſee Alcenor before he ſpoke; ſo that without loſſe of any longer time, the Queen of Suſiana ſending to looke for him, he was immediatly found and was ſhewed unto both thoſe his friends, who joyntly willed him to ſpeak the truth, both of them ſuppoſing there needed nothing elſe to Iuſtifie themſelves: after which, retiring into another chamber, Alcenor began the relation in theſe termes: Panthea appointing him to addreſſe his ſpeech unto Cyrus as Judge of the controverſie, for ſhe had already been informed of the adventure, though ſhe was deſirous to hear it over againe.

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The Hiſtory of Beleſis and Hermogenes, and of Cleodora, and Leoniſa.

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DOubtleſſe Sr. It will ſeem very ſtrange unto you, that I ſhould be ſo equall a friend unto two enemies, as I ſhould even to the leaſt circumſtance, know the events of both their lives even to their moſt ſecret thoughts; and that both of them ſhould have ſuch a good opinion of my ſincerity, that they are contented I ſhould relate the adventures of their lives in their own preſence, though they are of that nature, that the leaſt circumſtance omitted doth extreamly alter the caſe: yet notwithſtanding I hope to render my ſelf worthy of the favour which they do me, being fully reſolved to diſguiſe nothing, but will ingenuouſly relate, all their imbecillities as I found in them. But Sr. ſince I conceive it requiſite you know who they are: (give me leave to tell you Sr. that Beleſis is a Mantianian, and of the Prime quality in his country, and that Hermogenes is a Suſanian, and of a very high quality alſo, beſides the advantages of birth, they had that of excellent education, not only in ſuch arts as are eſſentially requiſite to make compleat men; but alſo in other inferiour trifles which yet do infinitely poliſh the ſpirits of them who know them, and are delightfull to thoſe that know them not: It was the pleaſure of their Parents they ſhould travell together at one time: and as if the Gods deſigned their meeting, and that they ſhould love each other, they met both at Babylon not only at the ſame time, but alſo in the ſame houſe though one of them came from Suſa; and the other from Mantiana, ſo that though both of them were of ſuch a garbe, as might move equall curioſity of knowing who they were, yet they ſought for occaſions of beeing talked of, and they eaſily found them. For ſince they had got moſt of the Aſiatique languages, before they ſet out to travel; and ſince the Suſian and Mantinian tongues reſembled one another, they diſcourſed familiarly together, the firſt time they met; & went together to view the wonders of this proud and ſtately town: they were ſo well acquainted at this very firſt encounter, tthat they affected the ſame pleaſures, practiſed the ſame Arts: knew the ſame things; a firſt, their intentions were to aſſociate together as long as they ſtayed in Babylon, where they [...]journed about a moneth; But ſince in that time they grew more intimate, and loved each other better, they could not part ſo ſoone, and in concluſion agreed to travel together; thoſe two loving friends kept cloſe together a whole year in travelling from Court to Court, and from Country to Country, in much delight, not the leaſt conteſt ever happening between them: after they had ſeen all that was worthy of ſight, Hermogenes moved Beleſis, in lieu of returning home, to ſpend ſome time at Suſa: and certainly his curioſity to ſee ſo ſtatly a towne was grownded upon good reaſon, for I do not think there is a town in the whole univerſ, ſo full of all delights: Beleſis then being eaſily perſwaded to ſee the moſt goodly place of the world, and to go with a friend from whom he could not part without extream grief, arived at Suſa a little while after the illuſtrious Abradates was baniſhed: But that he might not repent of his comming thither; Hermogenes who was well acquainted with all the Advenues, did ſo guide him, that they entered in at the moſt pleaſant quarter, which indeed is one of the moſt delightfull objects that eye can behold. For Sr. in comming to Suſa this way, there is a little hill from whence one views a great valley containing above a hundred furlongs, in the midſt of which paſſeth in a ſerpentine manner the river Choaſpes, the water whereof is ſo clear and pure, that the moſt criſtall freſh ſpring is not comparable to it, upon the banks of this River, ſtands the towne of Suſa; and the great number of magnificent Fabricks makes it ſeem as fair without, as it is within; That which makes the place moſt pleaſant, and dwelling there moſt healthfull is, that all this great valley is diapered with a million of ſeverall colours in flowers, which by their admirable enamell does charme the eyes with variety, and perfume the Aire with odour: infinitely ſurpaſſing the Rainbow or any other proſpect whatſoever: Alſo, from this abundance of Fragrant Flowers, the towne of Suſa takes its name; for in that language they ſignify alike; and therefore this valley or meddow is called the Rainbow of Suſa, throughout [Page] all Aſia. Moreover in coming that way which Hermogenes did bring Beleſis, there are along that pleaſant River foure great walkes, ſo large, ſo ſtraight, ſo even, and ſo ſhady, by the height of the trees which grow by the ſides (though wood is very ſcant in all that Countrey) that a more Pleaſant walke cannot be imagined. Unto this place all the Ladies every evening reſort in their Coaches, and where the Men Rendezvous on horſeback: ſo that having Libertie to go ſometimes into one walke and ſomtimes into another, it is a Place of the greateſt pleaſure in the world. Hermogenes intending to let the firſt time of Beleſis his coming unto Suſa, to be a time of Pleaſure, and the more to ſurpriſe him, he never told him that he would bring him this way: yet becauſe he would not diſpleaſe his friend, by bringing him into a place of ſo much reſort in a negligent habit: deſired him that morning to dreſſe himſelf as one that was to Lodge in a houſe where he ſhould ſee many Ladies, as indeed there was at the houſe of Hermogenes; his mother and his ſiſter being there: So that Beleſis not foreſeeing the harmleſſe deceit of his friend, did habit himſelf in a very rich handſome ſuite, above the cuſtome of travellers: But he eaſily perceived the cunning of Hermogenes, when he found all theſe great walkes full of Gilded Coaches in which were all the Prime Beauties of Suſa; and after them, an infinite number of men of Qualitie, admirably well mounted, and Richly habited who came and ſaluted them. Then did Beleſis thank him for his Pleaſant fallacie in letting him ſee ſo many beauties together in one place and in ſuch a Gallant manner. After which ſending all their traine another way, Beleſis & Hermogenes began to enter into the walke, as if in lieu of travell, they were newly come out of Suſa. For my part: I being an intimate friend unto Hermogenes, before he was acquainted with Beleſis, I was extreamly ſurpriſed to ſee him arive whilſt I was talking with ſome Ladies: for I did not yet expect him. I no ſooner ſpied him, but ſhewing him thoſe unto whom I talked, (to the end, they ſhould not take it ill, that I left them ſo abruptly) I went to meet him: and ſince it was not the cuſtome of that place to alight from horſes, becauſe it would interrupt the walke of Ladies; we embraced each other on horſeback: After the firſt raptures of joy to ſee one another, Hermogenes deſired me to love Beleſis, as he deſired Beleſis to love me: after this Beleſis and I ſaluted each other with much Civilitie and ſo much freedom, as made it apparent we were both of us diſpoſed to obey Hermogenes in his deſires. All our Complements being performed, Hermogenes deſiring to divert Beleſis, and deſired his travel unto Suſa might pleaſe him, asked me whether all the Beauties of the Town were that evening in the walkes? Wiſhing that his friend ſhould all at once ſee what Suſa had fair. And as he named all that were there, and all that were not there, it chanced that one Lady of Qualitie called Cleodora, who doubtleſſe was one of the brighteſt ſtarres in all Suſa, was not there, whereat Hermogenes was very ſad; and as I asked why he ſhould be ſo ſad, ſince I knew he was not in Love? the Reaſon is Alcenor (ſaid he unto me) becauſe I would have all the Beauties in Suſa here, to the end ſome of them might Captivate Beleſis and ſtay him here amongſt us: If ſo, replyed Beleſis, you would not be obliged at all unto me for my ſtay in Suſa, and therefore I had rather ſtay here upon termes of friendſhip then Love. After this we began to look upon the Ladies, and to ſalute them. Every one wondring to ſee Hermogenes bidding him welcome home, and asking who Beleſis was. After many turnes, well Beleſis (ſaid Hermogenes to him) do you find any of our beauties worthy of the honour to Captivate you? I finde their beauties to be admirably rare, replied he: but to tell you truely, I have not met with any yet who makes my heart and my ſpirits to tremble, as commonly beautie uſeth to do unto one that is deſtined to Love, and which ever precedes that Love he owes her: So that if this Cleodora, who you ſay is not here, have no other Charmes then theſe have, you and none elſe ſhall thank me for my ſtay in Suſa: ſince in all likelyhood, I ſhall not fall in Love. As Beleſis ſaid ſo, we ſaw a Coach appear at the end of the walkes towards Suſa, which ſeemed to be Cleodora's Aunts with whom ſhe lived: I no ſooner ſpied it, but I ſhewed it unto Hermogenes, who knowing it as well as my ſelf, told Beleſis and ſmiled, that he would go meet his Captivator: I am not yet conquered, replied he, and ſmiled alſo however he followed, and Hermogenes carried him on that ſide which Cleodora was uſed to ſit: But when they came neer the Coach, Beleſis found her the faireſt that he ſaw. Since it was late before ſhe came into the walkes; and the Sun low, her face was unmasked, ſo that Beleſis ſaw her as if Fate had a deſigne to Fetter him, as indeed really he was: Cleodora was that time in a white dreſſe trimmed with Diamonds and Rubies, having upon her head many feathers of White and Carnation die, which hung down ſo low behind, that they reached to her Armes when ſhe turned her head: As part of Cleodoras beauties was to have eyes admirably [Page] faire: Complexion white and ruddie, and her ſtature tall, there did not need any ſearch to be made for the diſcovery of it; for ſhe alwaies ſeemed faire at firſt ſight: and ſo that all beholders were perſwaded they ſhould find fairer feature upon further conſideration: ſo that it was no wonder if Cleodora did that, which many others could not; Beleſis no ſooner ſet eyes upon this evening ſtarr, but he preferred it before all the reſt, and deſired Hermogenes to take the other turne: when we heard him ſay ſo we ſmiled, and asked him whether he found trembling of heart and ſpirit, which he ſaid alwaies preceded Love? he anſwered us with a ſmile again, that he was not yet fettered, but feared he ſhould be: if you fear it ſaid I unto him, why do you follow your enemy, and not rather fly from her? It is becauſe I had rather truſt to my reſiſtance (anſwered he) then to my flight: ſince he ſaid ſo, Beleſis, Hermogenes and my ſelf met Cleodora the ſecond time, who then knew Hermogenes, for at the firſt time ſhe did not perceive him, becauſe ſhe fixt her eyes ſo faſt upon Beleſis, that ſhe minded not any thing elſe for a long time; As it is very ordinary in ſuch places to look upon ſtrangers, more then upon their old acquaintance, though happily not ſo handſome, and that's the reaſon ſhe did not ſee Hermogenes; but knowing him this ſecond time, ſhe called him unto her, ſeeming to be glad to ſee him, but gladder of the occaſion to aske the name of that ſtranger whom ſhe ſaw was of his acquaintance. And therefore ſhe no ſooner ſaw him, but calling him as I told you before, How long Hermogenes (ſaid ſhe unto him) is it ſince you returned? It is ſo lately Madam, (replied he) that I need not make any excuſe for not having the honour to ſee you before; although you be ſhe whom of all the world I owe moſt reſpect unto, ſince I have not yet been in Suſa. Tis very gallant, replied ſhe to finiſh a years travels with ſuch a walk as this: and if you had been thought in Love when you departed, I ſhould have beleeved this to be the place where you had appointed to meet your Miſtreſſe; To tell you truely Madam, (replied he) the affection which I have unto this ſtranger whom you ſee here, is the cauſe that I have the honour of ſeeing you here this day, for ſince I had a great deſire he ſhould ſtay here amongſt us, I did what I could to fetter him, and therefore Faire Cleodora I conjure you, to do me this favorable office. You are a wicked friend (anſwered ſhe) to deſire any ſuch thing; but indeed I cannot think you do deſire it: But Hermogenes, to ſpeake a little more ſeriouſly, tell me this ſtrangers Name; his Qualitie; and his Countrey? I ſhall tell you more then all this (replied Hermogenes) for when I have told you that his Name is Beleſis, of a high Qualitie, and that he is a Mantianian, I ſhall tell you further, that he thinkes you the faireſt he ever ſaw; and if you will not beleeve me, I will move him to tell you as much himſelf. As ſoone as he had ſaid ſo, not giving Cleodora time to anſwer, he turned towards Beleſis and calling him aloud: Come hither Beleſis (ſaid he unto him) come and confirme what I have told Cleodora; Provided you have told her that I think her the faireſt upon earth (ſaid Beleſis coming neer the Coach which went very ſoftly, and ſaluting her with a low Congie) I ſhall moſt Joyfully confirme your words, and that with an oath if need be. Doubtleſſe Generous ſtranger (anſwered ſhe and ſmiled) you think you do Hermogenes a curteſie in commending any thing he ſhewes you; and indeed I receive your flatteries rather as a marke of your friendſhip to him, then of any good opinion, you have of me. If it were ſo Madam, (replied Beleſis) I ſhould have commended every beauty which I ſaw in this place before you came, purpoſely to oblige Hermogenes, But I can aſſure you, I commended none but your ſelf: and I muſt add, ſaid Hermogenes, that if Beleſis Love any in Suſa, it muſt be the Faire Cleodora: for he told Alcenor and me, that he perceived in himſelf ſuch a kind of heart-trembling as uſeth to precede Love alwaies; as ſoon as Hermogenes had ſaid ſo, ſo many Coaches mett in that Place, as of neceſſitie the diſcourſe muſt break off; Beleſis telling Cleodora with his eyes that all Hermogenes ſaid was true, and Cleodora made ſuch ſignes by the actions of her head and hand, as made her thoughts ſomthing apparent. After which, all the Ladies retired to their homes, and ſo did we. In our way thither, Beleſis asked us of what diſpoſition Cleodora was: and whether ſhe had many Servants? Since I was better able to informe him then Hermogenes, who had been abſent a whole year, I took upon me to anſwer and ſatisfie his Curioſitie, which indeed was better grounded then he imagined: So that to content him I told him in general, that there was not one of her ſex in Suſa, who had more or a finer ſpirit then ſhe had: I perceived that already (replied he) both by her Phyſiognomie, and the aire wherewith ſhe ſpoke: But that which I deſire to know is, of what kind of ſpirit that is? Since that is your deſire (replied I) I muſt tell you that Cleodora hath in appearance more ſweet affabilitie, then ever any had; yet thoſe who know the [Page] bottome of her heart, do ſay ſhe is a little more ſevere: but how ever it be, it is moſt certain, that very many ſtrive to pleaſe her, though ſhe diſlikes all; yet notwithſtanding all this, there is much tenderneſſe and goodneſſe in her ſpirit: and this third is a mixture of complacence and ſeverity both in her ſoule, which makes her not alwayes of an equall temper, though ſhe be alwayes affably pleaſant. Moreover ſhe is extreamly nice and delicate in choiſe of her friends, which is commended by ſome, and much blamed by others: for if thoſe who viſit her, be not very compleat men of admirable Parts, ſhe cares not for their company, nor whether they eſteeme her or eſteem her not. You do very much perplex me, ſaid Beleſis; for you tell me ſuch a ſtory as makes Cleodora very dreadfull to me; and yet I cannot chuſe but think it much pleaſure to engage the heart of ſuch a one as you deſcribe her. If you dare attempt it (replied I) you are more bold then many compleat gallants of our Court, who queſtionleſſe have a great inclination to love Cleodora, but dare not attempt it: Not but that as you ſee, ſhe is civill and affable enough; yet it is ſo difficult a task to pleaſe her that few men have ſo good an opinion of themſelves, as ever to go about it. Moreover this muſt be ſaid in her commendations, that ſhe is never deceived in her choiſe, and whoſoever ſhe eſteemes, does certainly deſerve to be ſo: yet for all that it were to be wiſhed ſhe would be more indulgent then ſhe is to the imperfections of others; not that ſhe doth ever ſpeak of them; but becauſe ſhe will never ſpeak unto them who have them; or if ſhe do, it is with ſuch a cold indifferency as makes them deſpair who have ſo much witt as to diſcerne it: yet for all this Cleodora is admirably complacent, eſpecially unto thoſe whom ſhe has a deſire to be acquainted with: and therefore ſince you merit to be in the catalogue of thoſe whom ſhe eſteemes, I adviſe you to ſee her, and ſee her often whilſt you are at Suſa. Though it be but ou of mear curioſity (replied Beleſis) certainly I will ſee her, let me give you this advice, ſaid Hermogenes, for you muſt know that if Cleodora have not changed her humour, ſhe is yet very fantaſticall, and puts a great difference between the compleat gallants of the Court, and others; therefore if you deſire to pleaſe her, you muſt not live as a ſtranger that would never be known: perhaps the reaſon is (replied Beleſis) becauſe ſhe is perſwaded it is impoſſible to be compleat unleſs one have ſuch a garbe and aire, as is very rarely gotten any where but in Court, beſides that (added I) Cleodora knowes not what to ſay unto ſuch as are ignorant of the newes which is in the world, and which ſhe knowes admirably well. To pleaſe Cleodora then (replied Beleſis) it ſeems I muſt furniſh my ſelf with a hundred thouſand things of diſcourſe: doubtleſſe you muſt (replied I, unleſſe you have a priviledge above others) if you would have her talk long with you: Thus Sr. did Hermogenes and I make Cleodora known unto Beleſis: who was entertained at his friends houſe with much magnificence, The next day following Hermogenes went to the King, and to the Prince of Suſa who then was, and carried Beleſis with him, whoſe name was not unknown unto theſe Princes, for his father had formerly been a long time together at Suſa. After this, two or three dayes were ſpent in receiving viſits which were rendred unto Hermogenes, and in letting Beleſis ſee the rarities of the towne. After this he asked Hermogenes when he would carry him unto Cleodora? for (ſaid he) though I am not yet well furniſhed with ſuch diſcourſe as will divert her, yet I have a great deſire to viſit her. Hermogenes ſent immediatly to know whether Cleodora was at home: and anſwer was brought, that about an hour ſince ſhe was gone into the country, and would not return this fifteen dayes. Since I intend to ſtay three moneth [...] in this place (replied Beleſis) to comfort my ſelf I muſt imagine that it is a delight deſerred, not loſt. During the abſence of Cleodora, Hermogenes ſhewed Beleſis all the beauties both in Court and Town, but his heart was not at all moved by them: and being of a pleaſant and quick war, he made himſelf acquainted with all the friends of Hermogenes in a ſhort time, and knew the ſeverall intereſts and buſineſſes of all the Court, as well as if he had been bred in it all his life: After the expiration of fifteen dayes, the fair Cleodora returned: and hap would have it ſo, that Beleſia, Hermogenes, and I being in the walkes, we ſaw her return and ſaluted her: and knowing of her return before hand we were there the firſt; and ſince it was yet very timely, we might without any incivility viſit her; but firſt we gave her time to conſult with her glaſs, and make her ſelf fit to entertain company. When we were come thither, Hermogens pretented Beleſis to her Aunt and her alſo; and to compleat his civility unto his [Page] friend, he kept the Aunt in diſcourſe, and left Cleodora unto Beleſis and me. In the mean while, as flatteries are ſeldome forgotten when they are handſomly applied; ſo the language of Beleſis unto Cleodora in the walks, the ſame day he came firſt to Suſa, did now move her unto more affability then ſhe ordinarily uſed, and ſhe ſpoke unto him much more then unto any one: yet ſhe treated him as a ſtranger, unto whom ſhe thought it not fit to ſpeak of any thing but in generall; therefore beginning her diſcourſe, I do not aske you (ſaid ſhe unto him) whether Hermogenes hath ſhewed you all the beauties of Suſa, for I make no queſtion but he carried you to all places where you might meet with any delights; therefore I pray you do me the favour to tell me, what you think of our publike places, of our Temples; of our walkes, and of every thing in Suſa: all theſe Madam (replied Beleſis) ſeem admirably beautifull unto me: but to tell you ſincerely (ſaid he and laughed) I do not think theſe queſtions proper to divert you: therefore I beſeech you do not uſe me like a ſtranger, unto whom nothing is to be talked on, but the cuſtomes of his own country. If I had had the honour to have ſpoke with you the day after I firſt arrived, I ſhould have been patient at ſuch diſcourſe as this: But now, Fair Cleodora, it is fifteen dayes ſince I came to Suſa: ſo that if you think I know nothing yet, but that your ſtreets be large and neat: your Temples beautifull; your Palaces magnificent, and ſuch things, you treat me too cruelly: but I beſeech you, if you love me, do not force your ſelf unto ſuch diſcourſe, but ask me what newes, as if I were a Suſanian and a courtier. Cleodora hearing Beleſis ſay ſo, began to laugh, not thinking he could tell her any private newes: and imagining he would not have ſpoke ſo, but becauſe he had known ſomething of her humour; ſo that beginning to talke again, I ſee you know (ſaid ſhe unto him) that I am afraid of any new acquaintance, nor care for the company of men who are ignorant in the affaires of the world; But Beleſis, I am not ſo unjuſt as they report me: for that which I wonder at, is at the men of Suſa, who are ignorant in all things: but as for you, who are not ſo, nor have dwelt amongſt us; I ſhould be very unreaſonable if I ſhould blame you for not knowing all the ſecrets of our Court, and uncivill alſo, to ſpeak unto you of ſuch things as you underſtand not. For my part (ſaid I and ſpake unto Beleſis) I conceive you have reaſon to commend Cleodora: on the contrary, replied he, perhaps I have more cauſe to complaine of her, then you think I have: but however (ſaid he, ſpeaking unto her) will you be pleaſed to promiſe me, that you will not let me paſs under the notion of a ſtranger, if I do tell you ſome newes? I do not mean ſuch (ſaid he and ſmiled) as is ſpoke aloud in the ſtreets, or ſuch as is whiſpered from eare to eare four dayes together before it bolt out. Ah Beleſis (ſaid ſhe) you will make me the moſt aſhamed, and do me the greateſt favour in the world, if you can do as you ſay: yet I ſee no likelyhood of it, for excepting yeſterday, I have every day received letters from Suſa, which acquainted me with all the newes that was ſtirring, (however, ſaid he unto her) if I acquaint you with ſomething ſince, you ought not to tax me with ignorance: After this he began to tell her of a hundred paſſages: and to ſpeak unto her, as one that knew all the factions, and ſeverall intereſts of every perſon of quality, whether it were his ambition or his love, or any thing elſe in all the Court and Town: ſo that Cleodora and he came to that paſs, before the conference ended, that they often whiſpered unto each other, and induced me to change my place, and addreſſe my ſelf unto the Aunt of Cleodora, and Hermogenes: And ſo that from this firſt day Beleſis was very intimate with Cleodora, who openly confeſſed that he had told her many things which were never written unto her: Truly ſaid ſhe unto him, as they were ready to go away) I beleeve you have been a long time concealed in Suſa: for it is impoſſible you ſhould come to the knowledge of all theſe things (which you have told me) in fifteen dayes. I know ſomething more replied he, which doubtleſſe, you do not know: oh I beſeech you (ſaid Cleodora unto him) go not away before you impart it to me: I will (ſaid Beleſis to her) then whiſpering in her eare, certainly you do not know, ſweet Cleodora (ſaid he unto her, that I am extreamly in love with you) I do not indeed (ſaid ſhe aloud and bluſht) and more then that, I do not beleeve it, or think it poſſible. Time will tell us both, more certainly anſwered Beleſis, and retired: after which we went out, and went unto the houſe of Hermogenes. When we were with Beleſis in his chamber, we asked him what he thought of Cleodora? I will not tell you, replied he, for perhaps you are not now the cauſe of my ſtaying here; I do not wonder (replied I) that you ſhould be well pleaſed with this [Page] beauty, ſince ſhe hath treated you otherwiſe then ſhe uſed to do any that were not her friends, yet her behaviour (ſaid he) would coſt me many an angry hour, if I in earneſt love her: for notwithſtanding her ſweet affability, I diſcover a kinde rigid pride in her, which would grieve me to the ſoul; and notwithſtanding all this, ſhe hath ſuch attracts in her eyes, as I know not how to defend my ſelf againſt them, though I have a great deſire unto it: For my part, ſaid Hermogenes, I ever defended my ſelf againſt her: for though ſhe have many alluring beauties, yet there are many things obſervable in her humour, which are ſo many antidotes againſt the poiſon of her charmes, ſo that I am in no danger of ever dying for love of her. It is not ſo with me, ſaid Beleſis, for I am afraid I ſhall one day complain againſt you for making me acquainted with her. Theſe were the effects Sir, which the beauty of Cleodora wrought in the heart of Beleſis: and now I will tell you what effects Beleſis produced in the heart of Cleodora. But to let you ſee how even very trifles do often purchaſe great eſteem amongſt Ladies. Be pleaſed to know that Beleſis underſtanding there was a great league of friendſhip between the ſiſter of Hermogenes and Cleodora, he expreſſed much civility towards her, and ſhe to him, her name was Praſſilla: Beleſis being one day with her, he entreated her to ſhew him what rare Gardens there was in Suſa: I ſhould have asked this favour of Hermogenes (ſaid he) but I confeſſe unto you, I cannot think any gardens, or walks pleaſant unleſſe in the company of Ladies; and therefore you will much oblige me, if you will do me this honour. Beleſis had no ſooner pronounced the laſt word, but Cleodora entered, who came to viſit Praſſilla: ſhe was no ſooner ſet down, but Praſſilla acquainted Cleodora with the deſire of Beleſis, who the ſooner to compaſſe his deſire, ſeemed to hinder Praſſilla from ending that which ſhe had begun to tell: I beſeech you, ſaid he unto her, do me not ſo bad an office, as to make me paſſe yet for a ſtranger unto the fair Cleodora, with whom I am not yet thoroughly acquainted. The reſiſtance which Beleſis made, wrought his deſired effect, and infuſed a great deſire in that Lady, to know what Praſſilla would tell her: ſo that being very urgent, Praſſilla told her, and withall deſired her aſſiſtance, in ſetting forth the glories of Suſa. Cleodora being glad of an occaſion to complement with Beleſis, told him, that ſhe was much pleaſed to ſee he was not like moſt travellers, who hardly uſe to know who it is that reignes in the Countrey which they paſſe thorow: and who content themſelves onely with the memory of the temples which they have ſeen, of mountains, of rivers, and ſuch things; but never enquire of the manners, cuſtomes, and people, which dwell in thoſe Towns; whoſe ſtreets and publike places, they onely uſe to obſerve: But I perceive you are better acquainted with all the gallants of our Court, then you are with our Gardens: and therefore I am very willing to aſſiſt Praſſilla in letting you ſee them, and if ſhe pleaſe, to morrow ſhall be the day, when with ſome other Ladies that are our friends, we will go unto the moſt pleaſant place in the world, not farre off our river. I am very well contented with it, ſaid Praſſilla. And then Beleſis could do no leſſe then concur with the deſires of two ſuch pleaſant Ladies; alwayes ſeeming to be ſorry Cleodora ſhould treat him as a ſtranger. The matter being thus reſolved upon, and the morrow being come, Hermogenes, Beleſis and I went to wait upon the Ladies, who were to be preſent at this walk: And Cleodora being in the pleaſant humour, as ſoon as we came unto the place, and came out of the Coach, ſhe held out her hand unto Beleſis, Come hither generous ſtranger (ſaid ſhe unto him) come and ſee the beauties of our Countrey, that you may talk of them when you come into your own.

For heavens ſake Madam, ſaid he unto her, Call me not ſtranger: I muſt needs call you ſo this day, replied ſhe, and laughed, ſince I ſhall ſhew you a thouſand things you never ſaw before, and ſince you are in a place where you have no acquaintance. I am contented, ſaid he, to be a ſtranger untill this day of waſhing be ended: and ſo am I ſaid ſhe. At the coming into the Garden ſhe willed him to obſerve all the beauties in it: the reſt of the company followed, and mixed diſcourſe. At the firſt Cleodora carried him into a great walk of Cypreſſe trees, at the end of which was a Fountain, the waters whereof riſing up in great ſpouts one upon another, ſeemed as if it were a rock of chryſtall, unto which the rayes of the Sunne gave colours like to the Bowe of heaven. Afterwards we went to ſit down in a great Arbour of Myrtle, wherein there were twenty four ſtatues: In the midſt of this Arbour there was a Fountain, whoſe waters were caſt out by twelve Sea-monſters, ſo that half of their bodies were onely viſible; in the midſt of which, was a Neptune with his Trident. Becauſe this Arbour was exceedingly [Page] pleaſant, and had ſeverall ſeats in the midſt, we ſtayed there a long while; Cleodora was alwayes diſputing with Beleſis, and would needs perſwade him hee had ſuch things as thoſe he ſaw in his countrey: ſhe named all the flowers, and herbs (that were generally known) unto him; and ſhe was ſo witty upon every ſubject, that ſhee infinitely delighted all the company: Beleſis did contribute as much as poſſible to augment the mirth: But after we had been a long while there, Beleſis told Cleodora, that to compleat all her favours, it would be a great addition, if ſhe would be pleaſed to let him ſee the houſe unto which the garden belonged. You will not finde it ſo pleaſant as what you have ſeen already, ſaid ſhe: for excepting one Parlour, and a vault, which are exceedingly cool in Summer, all the reſt are inconſiderable: yet if you will, wee'l go: In ſaying ſo Cleodora roſe up, Beleſis continually leading her, and all the company following untill we came to the Parlor door: Then did Cledora ſend unto the porter to open the door: But Sir, there was no need to ſtay long for him; becauſe as ſoon as Cleodora and Beleſis came to the door, it was opened: and Cleodora ſaw that there was a very magnificent Banquet prepared. She was ſo ſurprized at the ſight, and ſo little imagining it could be Beleſis who prepared it, that ſhee retired, and would her ſelf ſhut the door, ſuppoſing there might be ſome ſecret piece of gallantry of other men: But ſhe was not long in that errour, for Beleſis thruſting open the door, there was heard a conſort of rare Muſique: after which, turning towards Cleodora, he beſeeched her to excuſe him as a ſtranger, if he did not treat her ſo handſomely as he would do. How, Beleſis (ſaid ſhe unto him) do I ſhew you the garden, and is it you that gives us this coſtly Banquet: At leaſt, confeſſe that Hermogenes and Aleenor have ordered the buſineſſe. I will not ſhame them ſo much (replied he) by telling ſuch an untruth to excuſe my ſelf withall for your no better entertainment: Then did Hermogenes and I declare that we knew nothing of it: So that after this, every one was raviſhed with admiration, acclamations and commendations of Beleſis: Cleodora asked pardon for treating him as a ſtranger, and promiſing never to do ſo again as long as ſhe liv'd. The truth is, we praiſed Beleſis ſo much, that every one forgot there was ſuch a thing as ſilence in Nature: And the company was ſo highly ſatisfied with this pleaſant ſurprize, that it wrought no ſmall effect in the heart of Cleodora: For there is nothing ſo prevalent with a growing affection, as to act ſome high peece of gallantry as may cauſe many perſons to commend one in the preſence of her he loves. Thus, Sir, did Beleſis ceaſe to be a ſtranger with Cleodora; who after this did viſit her very often, and with whom he fell ſo deep in love as he intended to ſtay as long as he could in Suſa. He carried it out ſo very well, that his parents ſending him wherewith to put himſelf in Equipage, that there was not one man of his condition in all the Court, who lived at a finer rate then he. In the mean time, he knew ſo admirably well how to take the height of Cleodora's ſpirit, that he was in very favourable eſteem with her; yet durſt never ſpeak ſeriouſly of his paſſion to her: for he knew it was a dangerous buſineſſe to ſpeak unto her of any love: At firſt ſhe declared, that ſhe ranked him in the Catalogue of her friends in generall: A while after, ſhe did him the favour to acknowledge publikely, that he was in the number of three or four whom ſhe preferred before all the reſt: and a while after that, I beleeve Beleſis knew, without her telling him, that he was the prime of her friends. In the mean while he durſt not diſcover himſelf to be her lover, but onely her friend; for he being very intimate with her, ſhe confeſſed one day unto him, that ſhe ſhould be the moſt ſatisfied woman in the world, if ſhe could once ſee, how farre the patience of an ill treated lover would go: You may well think, ſaid ſhe unto him, that I am in no humour of any gallantry: but if ever I chance to run out of my wits ſo farre as to take any pleaſure in the folly of another, and that the fantaſticall fate of love do ever ſend me a lover, certainly I ſhall not take any greater pleaſure in the world, then in tormenting him. And truly I do not think any thing ſo ſweet, as to make ſuch a ſort of men to ſuffer, as make little mole-hills to be great mountains of miſery: But is it poſſible (ſaid Beleſis to her) that you ſhould be capable of any ſuch thoughts of cruelty? If I ſhould (ſaid ſhe and laughed) cut the throat of a man with my own hand; poyſon another; ſet a Town on fire, and a thouſand ſuch things, doubtleſſe theſe would be horrour unto me, and I ſhould rather die then think of any ſuch things; But Beleſis, ſince in making a man miſerable, I am onely a little partiall, a little angry, and a little inſenſible: I ſhall not much do [...] at it, though it purchaſe me the name inhumane, inexorable, and cruell: yes a Tygreſſe [Page] if you pleaſe, or any thing rather then to come puling with finger in eye, and tell me that I am fair, that I am amiable, and that I am charming. Therefore it is a great happineſſe, that I was not borne with beauty enough to make many Conqueſts: for certainly my Raigne would have been tyrannicall. Yet I can hardly beleeve it, replied Beleſis: for thoſe who live under your power, me thinks have no minde to rebell: 'Tis then becauſe I do not know they are my ſubjects, replied ſhe; for if I did, I ſhould quickly make them ſlaves, and ſlaves ſo loaded with irons, that perhaps they would endeavour to break them. Cleodora ſpoke this with ſo much earneſtneſſe of ſpirit, as Beleſis was amazed, and durſt not be ſo bold as to declare himſelf, as he once intended; becauſe he thought ſhe ſpoke it purpoſely that he ſhould not engage himſelf to ſerve her: and indeed this thought did ſo damp his ſpirit, as from that day he became very reſerved and melancholy; and ſo much that he never enquired after any thing: ſo that in lieu of furniſhing Cleodora with news, and acquainting her with all paſſages before any knew it, he did enquire of her, for he did not know ſo much as the common news of the ſtreet. This lovely Lady, perceiving his change, began one day when he was alone with her, to chide him, and alſo to oblige him, for as good hap for him was, ſhe was not then in an humour ſo to hide her anger, as none could diſcover it. Is it poſſible, (ſaid ſhe unto him) I ſhould ever ſee ſuch an alteration? for indeed, you do not leſſe aſtoniſh me now you are ignorant of all that is done in Suſa, then you did when you came firſt, and yet knew every thing: Is it becauſe you are weary of your complacencie towards me? Is the reaſon, becauſe you are weary of Suſa? or is it becauſe you think news not fit for diſcourſe, and intend to reforme the world by your example? It is not any of theſe you have named Madam, replied he; But the reaſon is, becauſe there is ſomething ſo choaks my mind, that I can think of nothing elſe for it. The only remedy for ſuch an humour, anſwered Cleodora, is to frequent no places but where one hath ſome buſineſſe, which may drive it out of your thoughts: The reaſon why I am now ignorant of every thing (replied Beleſis) is, becauſe I cannot go unto the place where I have my buſineſſe: and in that place, I do not hearken to what people ſay. But Beleſis, (replied Cleodora, not gheſſing at what he would ſay) I ſee you continually here: 'Tis true Madam (anſwered he) but the reaſon why I am continually here is, becauſe no other place pleaſeth me: It ſeems then (ſaid ſhe craftily) that you have no deſire to pleaſe your ſelf: for of late you are alwayes muſing, and never ſpeak. The reaſon is Madam, replied he, becauſe I am afraid to ſpeak that which you have no deſire to know. Provided you do not ſpeak of any thing wherein I have any intereſt, anſwered ſhe, there is nothing which you can ſpeak that will offend me. Me thinks, replied Beleſis, your curioſity would be more rationall, if you deſired to know that which concerns you, then that which concerns you not: however it be, ſaid ſhe unto him, it is my humour, and all thoſe that deſire to pleaſe me, muſt conforme themſelves unto it. But Madam, (replied he, with a very ſerious countenance) if I ſhould tell you there is a perſon who complains againſt you, a perſon whom I have heard you ſay, you eſteemed, would you not deſire to know of what he accuſeth you, to the end you might juſtifie your ſelf? No, (replied ſhe) for if I be accuſed wrongfully, it is not worth my juſtification: and if I be culpable, it is as I would be, and be both incapable of repentance or excuſe. I cannot beleeve you ſo unjuſt (replied Beleſis) but ſince you will neither juſtifie nor excuſe your ſelf, may I not think you would not have others juſtifie or excuſe themſelves? No, ſaid ſhe: for by the ſame reaſon that I would not give an account of my actions unto others, do I deſire that others ſhould do that which I will not do my ſelf. If this be ſo Madam, replied Beleſis, then I hope, you will not be offended when I tell you, that the reaſon why I am ignorant of all the paſſages of the world is, becauſe all my endeavours are imployed to know your heart; and the reaſon why I ſpeak ſo little, is, becauſe I am afraid to ſpeak too ſoon, eſpecially when I ſhall tell you that I love you in ſuch a fatall minute, as ſhall for ever purchaſe your hatred. I aſſure you, replied Cleodora, all times are alike for that, and there is one minute in which I ſhould allow you to ſpeak of any ſuch thing, therefore, I pray you never do it; you are ſo farre ingaged in an odde Diſcourſe, but you may turn it into a Rallarie. No, no Madam, ſaid Beleſis, I ſpeak moſt ſeriouſly: and I had rather incenſe you by diſcovering the violent paſſion of my heart, then that you ſhould be for ever ignorant of it: I have heretofore heard you ſay, that you had rather be called cruell, inhumane, and inexorable, then be commended; therefore me thinks you ought [Page] not to think it ſtrange, that I had rather you would call me raſh, preſumptuous, and inſolent, then that you ſhould commend me onely as your beſt friend: Since you would have it ſo, replied Cleodora, I will do what I can to ſatisfie you, though till now I was never put to the neceſſity of it. I beſeech you Madam, ſaid Beleſis) do not treat me with the extremitie of your rigour and anger. I was ſo far from it, (replied ſhe and laughed) that if I had been now in an angry humour, I am confident you would not have ſpoken thus, but I ſhould have impoſed ſilence ſtill upon you, though I muſt ingeniouſly confeſſe, that within this quarter of an hour, I indeavored to be angry with you, but could not: and the reaſon was, becauſe I did not beleeve anyſuch thing as you ſpeak of: Ah Madam, (cryed Beleſis) I will have none of your ſweetneſſe upon ſuch hard conditions; yet what probabilitie is there, that the faire Cleodora ſhould know what is done in every place where ſhe is not; and be ignorant of what [...]ſeth in my heart, where continually ſhe is? Moreover Madam, who is able to keep me at Suſa unleſſe your ſelf? The friendſhip of Hermogenes (replied ſhe) who brought you hither: Tis true, replied he, I came hither for the Love of him, but yet more true, that I ſtay here for the Love of you Madam. If what you ſay be true, (replied ſhe) I adviſe you to depart from Suſa as ſoon as you can; for Beleſis, to tell you truly, I am a better friend, then I ſhall be a Miſtris, though I ſhould ſuffer you to love me: but indeed I cannot do that; and you cannot do me a more ſenſible diſpleaſure, then to perſwade me that you love me: for what inclination ſoever I have, to love newes, yet I do not love to be the newes of others: and when I conſider, that if you take a fancy of doing ſuch things for me, as men who would be thought to be in Love uſe; every one will begin to whiſper, that Beleſis Loves Cleodora, and perhaps they will add, that Cleodora allows of it without reſiſtance; I ſhall be ſo extreamly angry, that I ſhall go neer to hate you. Madam, replied Beleſis, the only way to prevent all whiſeprings that I am in Love with you, is to permit me the liberty of telling it unto you in ſecret, and that you do not force me to deſpaire: for Madam, I conceive it an eaſie matter for an happy Lover to be ſecret: But if you will not beleeve that I Love you, and let me ſpeake of it ſomtimes unto you, then I ſhall be forced to perſwade you of the truth by doing a thouſand things which would diſcover my paſſion unto all the world.

Therefore, Faire Cleodora, Conſider well before you Pronounce the ſentence of my death, whether I do deſerve it, if it be your Pleaſure, none ſhall ever know that I Love you, and you your ſelf ſhall only know what power you have over my ſoul. But if you will not allow me to ſpeak of my Love in private, I Profeſſe unto you, I will make every man a confident of my Paſſion, not only to the end I may have ſome comfort in complaining againſt your Rigour, but to the end alſo that all the world may ſpeak of you; you ſhall ſee (hard-hearted woman) whether it is better a 100000 Men ſhould ſay I Love you, then that I my ſelf only ſhould tell it you, and that with a moſt unparalelled reſpect. I pray Beleſis, ſaid Cleodora, hold your peace, unleſſe you have a minde to provoke me into very rude language: for if you continue any longer, the anger of my heart will ſo riſe, that I ſhall raile aginſt you. As Cleodora was ſaying ſo, I came in, and broke off their diſcourſe: I eaſily perceived they had been in ſome private talk; for I ſaw ſuch a lively colour in the cheekes of Cleodora, and ſo much anger in the eyes of Beleſis, that I almoſt gheſſed at the paſſage between them: after this, Cleodora put in practiſe what ſhe had formerly told Beleſis: For there was no kinde of ſeveritie, which ſhe did not ſhew unto him, though ſhe eſteemed him infinitly, and perhaps Loved him alſo. She did not only avoid all occaſions of talking alone with him, but if in any company he came amongſt them, ſhe would talk to ſome other in his preſence, yet truely ſhe was all wayes civill towards him: for I beleeve ſhe did not ſtrive to quench thoſe flames which ſhe had kindled in his ſoule, but did in her wiſhes rather blow the bellows and increaſe it: yet all her civilities towards him did much grieve rather then comfort Beleſis: and one day finding her alone, he complained of his miſerable condition unto her, I reſpect you ſo much Madam (ſaid he unto her) that I will not complaine of all your cruelties and ſcornes, for indeed I think my ſelf worthy of them, for Madam, what good will all your civilities do me if you have reſolved upon my Ruine? is it becauſe you love long torments, and becauſe a violent death will not fully ſatisfie your crueltie? Civilitie replied Cleodora is debt a due even to our very enemies. [Page] I know very well Madam, (replied he) that it is to be uſed in war, and combats, but I know alſo, that you ought not to uſe it to a man who importunes you for Love, and whoſe preſence angers you. Ah Beleſis (ſaid ſhe, and ſmiled) I muſt needs make a difference between Beleſis & Beleſis, (if I may ſay ſo) for truely I did infinitly eſteeme that pleaſing ſtranger who did ſo much invite my curioſitie, the firſt time I ſaw him, and whoſe company was very delightfull to me in many entertainments, and pleaſant walkes. But I muſt confeſſe that this Beleſis now, is not ſo ſutable to my humour as the other was. Provided you will Love either of them (replied he, and ſmiled as well as ſhe) I will promiſe the other ſhall not offend you, or complaine againſt you: Seriouſly Beleſis (ſaid ſhe unto him) can there be any truth in your words? ſeriouſly cruell Lady, (replied he) can you doubt it? For indeed Cleodora, if you did not know that I Loved you, then your behaviour to me was unreaſonable; and if you did know it, it was unjuſt and inhumane: Conſider therefore with your ſelf, I conjure you, or to ſay better, conſider me, and force me not into deſpaire. To ſhew you (ſaid ſhe unto him) that I would not abſolutly diſoblige you, I will make an ingenuous declaration unto you, but I pray you do not put another gloſs upon my words then my meaning will beare. Never fear Divine Cleodora, (ſaid he unto her) that I will flatter my ſelfe with any thing that you can ſay unto me; for I look upon my miſeries through ſuch glaſſe, as makes them ſeeme greater then they are, and my happineſſe leſſe. Since ſo, replied ſhe, I will not fear to tell you, that I do infinitly eſteeme you; and if I were capable of ſo much weakneſſe as to love any, it ſhould be you ſooner then any other: But for all that, I muſt tell you, for your good both and my own; it is requiſite I loved you but a little: for if I ſhould proceed ſo far as to tell you that your paſſion pleaſeth me, I ſhould be ſo much aſhamed, that it would make me extreamly melancholy: and ſince melancholy begets vexation, and vexation anger, we ſhould alwaies be quarrelling; therefore to compoſe things, and that you may not complaine of my injuſtice, I will make a propoſition unto you: which is, that you ſhall Love me much leſſe then you do, and I will Love you a little more then I do; to the end our affections may meet in the medium, and become a more ſolid and true friendſhip. When you begin to Love me a little more, replied he, I ſhall try if I can Love you much leſſe: Oh Beleſis, ſaid ſhe, it is you that muſt begin firſt and not I. Alas Madam, (replied he, and ſighed) If you cannot Love me, when I Love you as much as I can: I doubt you will not Love me at all, if I Love you leſſe. But cruell woman, my affection to you is not in my choice, as it ſeemes yours to me is in yours, for whether you would have me Love you, or not Love you; I ſhall alwayes love you; not only whether you will or no, but alſo whether I will or no: yes inhumaine heart that you are, you do often make me wiſh I could not Love; but I cannot drive out of my heart that Paſſion which tyrannizeth in it. Beleſis had many other expreſſions of his ſoule, but could not obtaine any more from her; yet he thought himſelf very happie, that he was treated no worſe. In the mean time, the rare merits of Beleſis, had a moſt powerfull influence upon the heart of Cleodora; yet was it long before ſhe would give him any voluntarie teſtimonies of it: But yet without any deſigne at all, ſhe would often do ſuch things, as let Hermogenes and me know, that ſhe did not hate him: for though ordinarily ſhe ſeemed very cold in the buſineſſe, when he did earneſtly ſeek for opportunities of ſeeing her: yet when it chanced that he was not in any place, where ſhe imagined he would follow her, ſhe would alwaies twitt him with ſome piece of rallarie or other: ſo that one may ſay (if it be lawfull to ſay ſo, of ſuch an amiable perſon as Cleodora was) that her fantaſticalneſſe was the firſt favour which Beleſis received from her: But at laſt, after a long conteſt between her lenitie, and her ſeveritie, ſhe yielded a little, and confeſſed unto Beleſis, that ſhe was well pleaſed, he could not love her leſſe. It is a hard task to tell how joyfull this half deſpairing Lover was, when he obtained leave to talk of his paſſion unto Cleodora: the memory of all her rigour was pleaſing to him: and though ſhe granted no further favour, then ſuffering her ſelf to be Loved, yet did he eſteeme himſelf the moſt happie man alive: yet was his happineſſe not long tranquill; becauſe the more Cleodona, began to love Beleſis, the more hard ſhe was to be pleaſed. If he expreſſed much love, ſhe would ſay he was imprudent, to expreſſe ſo many viſible markes of his paſſion; if he offered to hide it, ſhe would chide him for changing, and ſay he loved her leſſe, If he were pleaſant, ſhe would think ſhe had given him too many teſtimonies of her affection, [Page] and would ſay ſhe repented; if he were ſad, ſhe would accuſe him for not being ſufficiently ſenſible of her favours, by his expreſſions of joy: ſo that whatſoever Beleſis could either ſay or do, there was ſome exceptions or other ſtill againſt him, and continual Jarrs between them. However they knew that they loved and were confident of it, though they would often uſe ſuch expreſſions as would make others beleeve they loved not at all. Yet for all this, Beleſis had many pleaſant houres; For Cleodora would ſuffer him to write when he could not ſee her; and ſhe gave him her picture, ſo that the unequality of her humours, would move one to ſay that Roſes have alwayes thornes in them, and thornes bear roſes. Thus Sr. did Beleſis live a long time, whilſt Hermogenes and I without any intended deſignes, did recreate our ſelves in the viſiting of Ladies with all indifferency that could be: Yet Hermogenes went leſſe to viſit Cleodora then any other, to the end (as he ſaid) that his friend might have more opportunities of courting his miſtreſſe alone. Things being upon theſe termes it chaunced that a ſiſter of Cleodoras Aunt died in the Country where ſhe had lived a long time: and having left only one daughter called Leoniſa about the age of fifteen yeers: This young Lady came unto Suſa, to dwell with her mothers ſiſter, and conſequently in the houſe with Cleodora. When ſhe came thither Beleſis, Hermogenes and I, were gone a journey of eight dayes before we returned; and then we went to Cleodora, who had already contracted a great friendſhip with her new-come Coſen: But Sr. we were all wonder when we ſaw Leoniſa: for though we know ſhe was to come to Suſa, and had heard ſay ſhe was very fair, yet wee could not chuſe but be dazled, at the luſtre of her eyes, and purity of her complexion: Nature never gave unto any one ſuch lovely hair, pure collours, ſprightly eyes, and hanſome mouth: though her ſtature was not tall, yet it was not low; but ſo rightly proportioned in all parts and ſo noble, that ſhe was a delightfull wonder; her affability was as admirable as her beauty: the lovely Aire of her Aſpect was ſuch, that her eyes never took any hearts without giving ſome hopes of moving hers, though yet as modeſt as poſſible could be. Thus Sr. apppeared Leoniſa, when Beleſis firſt ſaw her with Cleodora, who preſented us all unto her lovely Cozen, whoſe civilitie to us appeared as much as ſhe was ſprightly and fair. Since Cleodora and Leoniſa were of different beauties, envie took no hold of their ſoules, and they had this advantage, that they did not injure each other, though it muſt be confeſſed that Leoniſa had more amiable ſparks of youth in her face then Cleodora had: though there was but three yeers difference in their age. In the mean time, as it is civility to commend all beauties eſpecially the firſt ſight, Hermogenes and I did extreamly commend the beauty of Leoniſa: Beleſis alſo commended her, but leſſe then we, becauſe it was before his miſtreſſe, for my part, ſince I had no ſuch reaſon upon me, I did as much as I could extoll Leoniſa: I asked her whether they had not already written of the death of many of her Lovers about that place from whence ſhe came, whom very grief for her abſence muſt needes kill: For ſaid I unto her, if they were not dead, they would have followed you, and we ſhould have ſeen them here. I aſſure you, ſaid ſhe and laughed, if I had as much beauty as to make any lover in the place from whence I came, and to make them follow me hither I ſhould not have brought very good company with me, and therefore it is my happineſſe that I have made no conqueſts. But you will make ſome here and that quickly, replied Hermogenes, and queſtionleſſe ſhe will not make many inconſtants, added I: fie, fie, ſaid Cleodora, I beſeech you, do not preſage ſo many misfortunes unto Leoniſa at one time. It ſeemes (ſaid Leoniſa very pleaſingly and bluſhed) that I have not yet lived, but came from a ſavage place where they know not what love is: For I ſhould think it more glorious, to take hearts from other beauties who tooke them firſt, then to take ſuch as were never captivated by any. It is mearely [...]alice Leoniſa replied Cleodora, to ſay any ſuch thing; and much injuſtice and vanity alſo. Did I not tell you, replied Leoniſa that I knew not how to argue rightly upon ſuch a ſubject? yet whatſoever you ſay, I muſt needs think that it would be very pleaſant. But would you be contented, replied Cleodora, that they ſhould quit you for another? No (anſwered Leoniſa) and becauſe I do fancy how eztreamly vexed I ſhould be if ſuch a thing ſhould chance unto me, therefore I do perfectly fancy the pleaſure of cauſing it to others: If the miſeries of others do ſo delight you (ſaid Beleſis who had not yet ſpoken) I extreamly pitty thoſe who are deſtinied to love you; I beleeve they are ſo ſmall a number (replied ſhe) as I beleeve I ſhall not give you any great ſubject of [Page] compaſſion. For my part (ſaid Cleodora only for arguments ſake with her Coſen) I wiſh with all my ſoul that the firſt heart you captivate may be inconſtant and caſt off your fetters to puniſh you for your unjuſt opinion: I cannot yet repent of it (ſaid Leoniſa) for when I conſider the pleaſures I ſhould take, in rooting the image of another out of the heart of him whom I have captivated, and forced this lover to let me ſee the picture and letters of his firſt miſtreſſe, and how I ſhould delight in looking upon the one, and reading the other, I aſſure you it is worth wiſhing I were ſo fair as to make ſome inconſtant lover to be my votary: In good earneſt (ſaid Cleodora and laughed) you will make me beleeve you know not what you ſay: I do confeſſe, I do not, ſaid Leoniſa, but I know what will pleaſe me: and yet I do not ſay I will love this inconſtant man, whom I would make, for my deſigne is only to laugh and make ſport with him when I have made him ſo. Fie, Fie, fair Leoniſa, ſaid Hermogenes, you are now worſe then your Coſen thinks you? for why ſhould you deſire to gain hearts, unleſs you were reſolved to part with your owne? That reſolution replied Leoniſa, me thinks is too much: and I have ſo good an opinion of my ſex, that I do not think there is one who is ſo liberall as to part ſo eaſily with their heart: yet I muſt confeſſe ſaid ſhe and ſmiled, ſome men will vaunt how they poſſeſſe the hearts of many fair ones); But certainly they got them ſurreptitiouſly, by craft or violence. I aſſure you, replied Hermogenes which way ſoever one enjoys yours, he will enjoy a moſt glorious and heavenly happineſſe. Though it were ſo, anſwered ſhe, yet this heavenly happineſſe you ſpeak of ſhould coſt him ſome ſorrowes before he enjoyed it, for I am reſolved not to give him the leaſt roome in my heart, and therefore farr from giving it all unto him; I pray you Leoniſa, ſaid Cleodora, do not ſpeak ſo reſolutely, ſince it is no prudence to triumph before the victory; you never yet heard any Courtſhip, but only Country complements, and have all your life been brought up amongſt ruſtiques; and yet you are as confident of your ſelf, as if you had made all the gallants of Suſa, bow knees unto your beauty, and as if you ſcorned them all: Beleeve me Leoniſa it is no diſcretion to have ſo good an opinion of your own ſtrength, and I have known ſome as well conceited as your ſelf, who ſlighting their enemies, are ſometimes overcome, therefore do not brag that you are invincible: when you have been a yeer or two at Court, and when your beauty hath made an infinite number of ſlaves who have caſt off their firſt Miſtreſſes to enter into your fetters, and when you have defended your ſelf againſt them all, we will then all ow you to ſpeak thus boldly, but till then, I muſt tell you I cannot endure it. 'Tis better for me to ſay nothing replied Leoniſa, then to diſpute againſt you. Then, after a while of ſome other diſcourſe, Beleſis, Hermogenes & I, took our leaves, being all very well pleaſed with the beauty and wit of Leoniſa, and concluding her to be the only ſtarr of the Court or Towne. Beleſis yet, did hardly conſent unto this ſo clearly as we did, and only ſaid that if Leoniſa had not a colen in Suſa, ſhe had clearly tranſcended all that was amiable. In the meantime, ſince he could never ſee Cleodora, but he muſt ſee Leoniſa alſo, becauſe they dwelt both in one houſe, therefore he ſaw her every day: and as Leoniſa was one of thoſe beauties which the more one lookes the more one likes; ſo Beleſis ſeeing her more then any other, did eſteem her more then any, though ſhe was generally eſteemed of all: Leoniſa alſo was more civill and complacentiall unto Beleſis then ſhe was to any other, not only becauſe his merits did excell others, but alſo becauſe ſhe obſerved that her Aunt and Cleodora eſteemed him very much; ſo that Beleſis finding her to be of a very ſweet and affable condition, uſed to ſeek for ſome comfort in her company, when Cleodora did at any time frown upon him, and ſo it chanced, that Leoniſa againſt her will cauſed a quarrel to riſe between them: For as her beauty was all the talke of the Town, ſhe attracted abundance of gallants about her, and alſo ſome others that were not over well accompliſhed: ſo that Cleodora who was uſed only unto very choiſe company, grew weary of ſuch a miſclelany of many men, and her complacency to them was very cold: ſhe told Leoniſa diverſe times of it: but ſhe not being of her Coſens humour, and being ſomething yonger then ſhe, ſhe could not finde in her heart to baniſh any that came unto her; and ſeemed to eſteem her: ſo that ſhe told Cleodora, that ſhe could not be uncivill unto any, and more then that, ſhe ought not to take ſo much upon her in a houſe where ſhe is rather to obey their command: Cleodora durſt not ſpeak of it unto her Aunt, becauſe ſhe knew it would not pleaſe her that ſhe ſhould be of any ſmch criticall humour: and therefore not knowing what courſe to take, ſhe entreated Beleſis one day (ſince ſhe obſerved there was a great confidence [Page] between Leoniſa and him) that he would tell her, that her univerſall civility did much offend her: and, if ſhe anſwer you (ſaid ſhe unto him) that ſhe does not love to diſoblige any one, tell her that in all reaſon ſhe ought rather to oblige ſome one compleat gallant to eſteem her and not ſhew ſuch equall civility unto all that come to ſee her: As Cleodora ſaid ſo, and thinking none did hear her but Beleſis, Leoniſa was unknown in a cloſet, and came unto them laughing, and addreſſed her ſelf extream ſweetly unto Cleodora: I beſeech you, ſaid ſhe, do not condemne me, before I may anſwer for my ſelf: Cleodora perceiving that Leoniſa had heard what ſhe ſaid, ſeemed as if ſhe knew that ſhe was in the cloſſet, and ſpoke purpoſely that ſhe might underſtand her: In the mean time I will ſeriouſly tell you Leoniſa before Beleſis (ſaid ſhe) who knowes the world very well: that there are two ſorts of people, who without any choiſe uſe to affect a multitude which thus daily flock about you: I pray tell me, ſaid Leoniſa, in which Catalogue you rank me, and who are thoſe two ſorts of people, which ſo affect that which I muſt confeſſe I do not hate? They are, replied Cleodora, either Country people newly come to town, or elſe they are light headed huſwifes which love tatling. Surely, ſaid Leoniſa, I am not of this laſt number; I confeſſe it, ſaid Cleodora, for if you be, you would make me much to wonder; yet I muſt-ſay thus much for you, that you ſmell not at all of the country unleſſe in this humour: But Cleodora, ſaid Leoniſa, is it not an undeniable maxime, that civility ought to be ſhewed unto all in generall? and is it not by eſteem only, that one ought to put a difference between thoſe men we ſee? No, ſaid Cleodora, for which way can one expreſſe eſteem but by civility, when one would diſtinguiſh one of excellent qualities from others? you know it is not handſome to give men tender and obliging language. The word friendſhip is ſomething too hard to pronounce; and it is dangerous to uſe it in ſpeaking unto young and Courtly Gallants; and the truth is a man muſt give a thouſand teſtimonies of his wisdome, or elſe do ſome very conſiderable peece of ſervice, before it will be handſome to be tender and affectionate to him: after this, conſider Leoniſa, whether you be not too prodigall of your civility, unleſſe it be ſhewed only unto ſuch men as really eſteem you: I ſhall be very reſerved in my favours and my eſteem, replied Leoniſa, and be prodigall only of a thouſand triviall paſſages and behaviours which indeed are nothing elſe but common civility, your prayſes and commendations and eſteem, replied Cleodora, are certainly of an ineſtimable value; But Leoniſa, It is men only that muſt handſomly give commendations ſo frequently, when they ſpeak unto Ladies, and ſurely you never told Beleſis ſince you ſaw him, that you think him very handſome, that his wit doth infinitely pleaſe you, and that his company charmes you; Alas Madam, ſaid Beleſis, I beſeech you do not Jeere me in your diſputes, for it is not I who cauſeth the fair eyes of Leoniſa to attract ſo much company that troubles you, I pray you ſaid Leoniſa to Beleſis, let me anſwer Cleodora my ſelf; I pray anſwer then directly, replied ſhe; ſo I will replied Leoniſa, and therefore I will confeſſe I never ſpoke any ſuch thing unto Beleſis as you mention; yet I aſſure you, that ma [...]gre this univerſall civility wherewith you upbraid me, Beleſis hath obſerved that I put a great difference between him and many others: ſpeak Beleſis, ſaid Cleodora, does Leoniſa ſay truth? have you perceived that eſteem which ſhe had of you from that which ſhe had unto any elſe? Beleſis was now much put to it; for he was unwilling to diſoblige Leoniſa, and fearfull to anger Cleodora; ſo that carrying a levell hand between them both, I have ſo little right unto fair Leoniſas eſteem, replied he, that I cannot imagine how ſhe ſhould put any difference between me and the loweſt rank of qualified men: But as I am oft apt to flatter my ſelf, and to beleeve things which I deſire, I muſt confeſſe I have obſerved ſome land of civility uſed more obligingly unto me then unto ſome others to whom ſhe hath done more reverence; ſo admirably well doth ſhe know the art of obliging by little things. Beleeve not Beleſis (ſaid Cleodora unto Leoniſa) ſince I aſſure you, he is no lover of multitudes; and certainly he hath good reaſon for it; So have you Leoniſa; for what can you do with ſo many men? you cannot marry them all; You would not be thought a Tatler, you cannot eſteem them all, and therefore how can you endure them all? Nothing is more ſweet unto me, replied Leoniſa, then to think that none doth hate me, but that every one on the contrary ſhould eſteem and commend me. Ala [...] Leoniſa (ſaid Cleodora) what extream folly in it to ſay ſo? for what good will the eſteem of a thouſand men do you, when you eſteem not them; and beleeve it, Dear Leoniſa, it is very well if one can live ſo as none ſhall hate them, with [Page] affecting that all the world ſhould love them; I do confeſſe, that one ought to do all the good they can, and not to let a perſon drown for want of a hand lent to help him out. Yet for all this, one muſt love for themſelves and their friends, and not altogether for the publique; The fitteſt places for expreſſions of civility is in the Temples, in the walkes, and in the ſtreets; but in my chamber, if my coldneſſe to thoſe that trouble me would not drive them away, I ſhould be then uncivill and perhaps go a little further ſometimes, to rid my ſelf of ſome ſuch men as I know; And certainly all this, not without good reaſon, for one dull fellow may hinder me from enjoying the converſation of the compleateſt man in the world. And truly I have ſo nice a ſpirit, that I cannot endure this kind of complacency, which will not purchaſe one reall friend in a thouſand yeers: 'tis very true, ſaid Leoniſa, that perhapps I have fewer friends then you, but perhaps I can brag of having fewer enemies: and do you not conſider it is a hard matter to finde a man who will not thinke you of too myſterious and private a ſpirit? how many have you diſobliged by not ſpeaking to them, or by ſpeaking too much unto ſome whom you affect more then them. I know not what you ſay, replied Cleodora, but I pray take notice that the ſcorne or hatred of ſome men moves me not at all: nor do I value the blaſt of vulgar popularity more then an unconſtant puff of winde. I care not for the eſteem of the giddy multitude; when I began the world, and ſet lawes unto my life, I reſolved never to do any thing which would draw odium upon my ſelfe: But I never reſolved to trouble my ſelf ſo much as to get the love of all the world: but on the contrary I am very deſirous of the love of a very few, becauſe I think a very few are worthy of reciprocall Returnes: moreover I conſider that one ſingle perſon cannot poſſibly love many men; And true happineſſe is to live with one they loves, and to ſhun the ſight of thoſe they loves not. Theſe Leoniſa are my maximes, which never will be yours unleſſe you change your humour. To teſtifie unto you, ſaid Leoniſa, how much I value your judgement, I do profeſſe, that I would abſolutely live as you would have me; I beſeech you Madam after this (ſaid Beleſis unto Cleodora) do not chide Leoniſa any more; For ought I ſee (ſaid Cleodora unto him) you are very much devoted unto her, and would not any think who hear you ſpeak, that I am in the greateſt wrong in the world, and that Leoniſa is in the right? you, I ſay, who have told me a thouſand times that a multitude was as odious to you, as the company of one qualified perſon was pleaſant: and that the converſation of above three or four at the moſt, was ever troubleſome to you; and yet you have not put in one word to ſtrengthen my ſide, but your ſilence hath ſo fortified Leoniſa's, that ſhe thinks in her heart your ſilence was only out of diſcretion, and becauſe you had no minde to condemne me. Madam, (ſaid he unto her) ſeeing Leoniſa ſubmits unto you, I think you intend to pick a new quarrel with me, for I did not think it juſt to meddle in a buſineſſe wherein I had no intereſt, when one comes into a place (Replied ſhe with a ſcornfull ſmile) where the perſon who talkes is not ſutable to their liking, it is an eaſie matter to make excuſes and pretend buſineſſe to decline the company. And Leoniſa, be not deluded, for moſt of the men who come unto thoſe houſes which are as publique as the Temples, and frequent them, more do come only for their own ends; if it be winter, they ſeek out warme chambers; if ſummer, coole roomes; they are choiſe in their very ſeats; ſome talke of riding horſes, others of ſome buſineſſe: ſome not knowing whither to go, are there out of neceſſity; and perhaps of a hundred men that frequent theſe houſes, there is not one has any honourable deſigne; For my part, I who do not deſire men ſhould ſeek me, I hate that kind of life, and therefore (ſaid ſhe in riſing up) leſt my company and diſcourſe ſhould ſeem too long unto you both; I will go unto my chamber, where none but ſuch as pleaſe me enters, by that reaſon, ſaid Leoniſa, I hope Beleſis and I may follow you. I am infinitely obliged unto you (ſaid Beleſis unto Leoniſa) for ſpeaking ſo advantagious for me: but I am afraid Cleodora will hardly conſent unto part of your motion; I ſhall conſent unto leſſe then you imagine (ſaid ſhe) for I will not conſent unto any part of it, ſince in the angry humour I am in, neither ſhall I pleaſe you, nor you me; in ſaying ſo, ſhe went away and pulled the chamber dore after her, ſeeming by that action, ſhe would not have Leoniſa nor Beleſis follow her; yet had they followed her notwithſtanding, if at the very ſame time they opened the dore to go after her, abundance of company had not come in, which hindered Leoniſa from executing her intended deſigne; However Beleſis left her, and went to Cleodoras chamber, but in his way thither he met the Prince of Suſa coming [Page] to ſee Leoniſa, and would by all meanes have him back, telling him he had ſome buſineſſe with him: the reſpect Beleſis owed unto this Prince, who was naturally of a very violent temper, moved him to obey; ſo that he went with him into Leoniſas chamber againe; yet he ſtayed not above halfe an hour there, for as ſoon as he ſaw a fit opportunitie, he ſtole away and went to Cleodora; but he could not meet with her; for ſince ſhe ſaw Beleſis did not follow, not knowing the true reaſon, ſhe went out at a back way to viſit ſome of her friends which dwelt not far off, purpoſely that when Beleſis came to her chamber he ſhould not finde her there. He was ſo well acquainted with her, that he made no queſtion but ſhe went out of ſpite to him; in the mean time, I know not what temper his ſoul was in that day, but had not the ſame reſentments he was wont to have when Cleodora was in her fantaſticall humours, for commonly he was alwayes very ſad, and was never at quiet in his minde till he had made his peace with her: but now, in lieu of ſorrowes, he was all anger, and reſolved to expreſſe as much unto her the next time he ſaw her; And ſince ſo, it is no wonder if theſe two incenſed parties had a ſharpe and twitting conference the next morning when they met. Yet for all this, Beleſis did not give Cleodora any diſreſpective language, but he was nothing ſo obſequious as at other times to appeaſe her: All his diſcourſe tended to his owne juſtification, but never uſed any Prayers nor Conjurations, nor ſighes: ſince Cleodora was not uſed unto ſuch complements from him, ſhe was ſo far from accepting of his juſtifications, that ſhe accuſed him of cold hollow hartedneſſe; ſo that this little ſquabble, grew to be an earneſt falling out: and they parted upon ſuch tearmes that for many dayes Beleſis durſt not ſee Cleodora, and perhaps had no great minde to it. However, chance at laſt brought him to ſee her, and to ſpeak to her: ſo that it ſeems love was reſolved to torment Beleſis more then ever any man which knew his power, and cauſed the ſweetneſſe of this Lady, whoſe heart was already much moved, to be now abſolutely charmed, and much increaſed towards Beleſis. Yet notwithſtanding, thus much may be ſaid in excuſe of Beleſis, that his vexation, to ſee he could never finde the affection of Cleodora to be ſolid and certain, was one of the main cauſes of his love to Leoniſa. However it was moſt certain he loved her, and ſo exceſſively that his love to her encreaſed, and to Cleodora leſſened. At firſt, he did not think he was in love with Leoniſa, but thought that he was only angry with Cleodora: But he began by degrees to fear that Cleodora would not be appeaſed, and that he was diſobliged from ſeeing her as her ſervant: yet was he in a great ſtraight what to reſolve upon, for if he did not reconcile himſelf to Cleodora, he could not ſee Leoniſa: And he conſidered further, that admit he did reconcile himſelf, then it would be a piece of difficulty to make Leoniſa beleeve he loved her: Alſo he was extreamly aſhamed of his inconſtancy, and that he ſhould ſo delude one whom he had ſo much loved, and whom yet he eſteemed, maugre his new paſſion: yet Cleodora continued ſo violent againſt him, that though he knew his crime, yet he could not repent of it. But what troubles and ſorrowes ſoever his ſoul had, he never acquainted Hermogenes or me with his new love, but only complained againſt the fantaſticalneſſe of Cleodora: in the mean time, this Lady whoſe heart was really affectionate unto Beleſis, repented of what ſhe had done, and ſeeing he fell off from his accuſtomed Courtſhip, as fierce as ſhe was, ſhe reſolved upon the firſt opportunity to reduce him. And going one day with her Aunt unto the Queen without Leoniſa, by chance ſhe met him: as ſoon as ſhe ſaw him, ſhe had a great minde to ſpeak unto him, yet ſhe could not finde in her heart to uſe her tongue, thinking it enough if ſhe looked upon him without anger, and to anſwer him mildly if he ſpoke unto her. On the other ſide, Beleſis was in ſuch a dump that he neither knew what to do or ſay: for the very ſight of Cleodora did make him ſo much aſhamed of his weakneſſe, that one while he reſolved to carry himſelf as if he loved none but her: (this ſaid he to himſelf) is perhaps more then I can do, and perhaps more then I ought, ſince it is not Juſt to make her and my ſelf miſerable by telling Cleodora I love only her, when as I am ready to dye for the love of Leoniſa: but how can I break off her chaines who has expreſſed a thouſand teſtimonies of her affection to me, and whoſe very fantaſticall humours are ſignes of it? how dare I ever let her know that I am inconſtant? how can I continually counterfeit? and what fruit can I hope for from my diſſimulation? yet however, whether I reſolve to devote my heart unto Cleodora, and chaſe Leoniſa out of it; or whether I will court Leoniſa and caſt off Cleodora, I muſt at this preſent apply my ſelf to the laſt of theſe; for [Page] if I would have her take her firſt poſſeſſion of my heart, I muſt approach her fair eyes, that they may kindle the flame which ſo long burned in my ſoul: and if on the contrary, I deſire to be inflamed by the glorious light of Leoniſa's eyes, yet ſtill I muſt keep fair with Cleodora, ſince I cannot ſee the one without the other. Thus Beleſis not knowing whether he ſhould be inconſtant or no; whether he ſhould appeaſe Cleodora or deceive her, he accoſted her with ſuch ſtrange confuſion as had a great operation upon the heart of that Lady, who was ignorant of the cauſe, but attributed the alterations in his face unto his repentance. He asked her in a trembling poſture, whether her anger was yet over? It is ſo long ſince you ſpoke unto me, ſaid ſhe and ſmiled, that it were but juſt in me if I told you, it continued ſtill: But Beleſis, the manner of your asking makes me beleeve, that I ought not to tell you ſo, and therefore I do declare unto you, that I do with all my heart pardon all that is paſt. Oh Madam (ſaid Beleſis unto her and bluſhed) you are all goodneſſe if you do not puniſh me. If you had ſpoke thus, replied ſhe, at the beginning of our quarrell, it had not laſted ſo long: but the worſt of it was (continued ſhe and laughed) that we were both of us very humorous at once: therefore, I pray you, let us hereafter be ſo one after another; or if you pleaſe, let us not be ſo at all: and the ſooner to oblige you unto it, I promiſe you to do my beſt in correcting my ſelf: I leave you to judge Sir, in what a perplexed condition Beleſis was: Then did he begin to renew his love unto Cledora, but it laſted not long, for as he waited upon her home, and there ſaw Leoniſa, all was quaſht again: and Leoniſa ſeeing him come with her Couſin, came unto her to rejoyce that ſhe had brought Beleſis with her, and gave him ſuch obliging language, as quite damped all his intentions of continuing conſtant to Cleodora.

After this Beleſis became ſo unquiet and reſerved, that he was not knowable. All this while, he ſpoke not a word of his love to Leoniſa, but addreſſed himſelf wholly to Cleodora, as if he yet loved her, yet with ſo much regret, that he was forced every day to colour the matter with ſome handſome invented lies: Sometimes he would ſay, he had received news of his fathers being ſick: ſometimes again he would ſay, he was ill himſelf; and ſometimes not knowing what to ſay, he would put poor Cleodora in a miſerable dump: for ſince ſhe did really love Beleſis, and conſidered ſhe was ready to loſe him in a fantaſticall humour, ſhe gave him now no cauſe of complaint, but was as complacentiall as could be: and yet ſhe ſaw he was as much out of tune as when ſhe was the contrary. This being the ſtate of things, Hermogenes with whom Beleſis lodged, obſerved that now he was nothing ſo carefull of Cleodora's letters as he was wont, for he found two or three of them upon the Table, lying looſe and open; whereas before his inconſtancy, he would never part with them out of his hands when he ſhewed them unto him, but would alwayes read them himſelf unto Hermogenes: Alſo, Hermogenes found the Picture of this Beauty, which he had loſt, but did not reſtore it untill three or four dayes after, and all this while Beleſis never miſſed it, which was quite contrary to his cuſtome; for when he loved Cleodora, he uſed to look upon it every quarter of an hour: The greateſt wonder to Hermogenes was, that he ſaw Cleodora did never treat Beleſis ſo kindly as now, and yet Beleſis was more melancholy then when ſhe was moſt rigorous. Hermogenes having an extreme deſire to know the cauſe of ſo great an alteration in his friend, he came unto him one morning to reſtore Cleodora's picture. But, as he would not ſpeak of it ſeriouſly at the firſt, the better to diſcover his reall thoughts; ſo he began thus; If the vertue of Cleodora (ſaid he unto him and reſtoring the Picture) were leſſe known unto me then it is, I ſhould think you had ſecretly married her, without either the conſent of her friends or yours: for as it is the cuſtom of many Lovers, to ſlight all the trifling favours which their miſtreſſe gave them, when once they enjoy themſelves: ſo I ſhould think, that ſince you loſt Cleodora's picture, and did not miſſe it three dayes together, and ſince you are grown more careleſſe of her Letters then uſuall, that you enjoy ſo much happineſſe in the ſubſtance, that you need no ſhadowes, or pictures, or letters to comfort you: 'Tis true, I perceive you ſo melancholy, that it is evident you are not contented: And therefore ſince I cannot dive into the bottome of your heart, I conjure you to tell me, whether I muſt rejoyce or grieve with you; and if you will not open your thoughts unto me, I will ask Cleodora of them, who as I think, ſhould know them. Oh I beſeech you Hermogenes, ſaid Beleſis, do not tell Cleodora how I loſt her picture, and never miſſed it, nor how I left her letters ſo careleſſely that they might be ſeen: Then tell me, ſaid Hermogenes, [Page] from whence comes this alteration in your humour? Is it not enough you know the humour of Cleodora, replied he, without asking any further reaſons? The humour of Cleodora, replied Hermogenes, is now ſo ſweet, and complacentiall towards you, that Leoniſ' [...] cannot be more affable to all the world, then Cleodora's to you. Ah, Hermogenes, (ſaid this inconſtant Lover, being tranſported by the exceſſe of his new paſſion) I would to the gods, Cleodora's humour had alwayes been like Leoniſa's: Like Leoniſa's, I ſay, upon whoſe face I never yet ſince I knew her, ſaw the leaſt wrinkle of anger, and whoſe fair eyes are like unclouded ſtars, which ſhine alwayes alike, without one cloud of anger. I ſhould have thought (replied Hermogenes, looking earneſtly upon Beleſis) that a Lover had never thought any eyes fair, but onely his Miſtreſſes, but for ought I perceive Leoniſa's eyes pleaſe you as well Cleodora's. Beleſis bluſht at the language of his friend, and let him apparently ſee there was a great alteration in his ſoul; ſo that Hermogenes went on; Confeſſe the truth to a friend (ſaid he unto him) and tell me freely, whether Leoniſa is not more in your heart then Cleodora: and whether if ſhe have not already driven her out; ſhe will ere long 'tis true, replied Beleſis; But cruel friend, what delight can you take in maksng me to lay open my imperfections? However, (replied Hermogenes) then you do love Leoniſa, and not Cleodora? I know not (anſwered he) whether I do not love Cleodora, but I am ſure I am deſperately in love with Leoniſa: Then doubtleſſe you do not love Cleodora, anſwered he, for one cannot love two at once. However, I muſt needs chide you, for truely Inconſtancie is an unexcuſable crime, unleſſe it be cauſed through the infidelity, or exceſſive ſeverity of a miſtreſſe. But the caſe is farre otherwiſe with you, for you cannot taxe Cleodora with any infidelity, nor is ſhe more ſevere then vertue and decency require. I know very well that I am culpable, though I could find ſome excuſe for my crime, if I would: for indeed Cleodora, hath quarrelled with me without any cauſe in the earth, and hath ſo tired out my patience, that my paſſion is much weakned whether I would or no: Yet the gods are my witneſſe, that I have endeavoured with all my poſſible power to reject Leoniſa, and keep my heart wholly for Cleodora; but alaſſe all was impoſſible, all too too weak; for all my deſires, all my thoughts and faculties have changed objects: I do not ſee Cleodora with the ſame eyes I did, and by a fatall inchantment, that which I once thought would be my chief felicity, will not now afford me one quarter of an hours joy: what then would you have me do? Can I alter my deſtiny? Can I dictate rules unto my fate? and make love an act of my will? I know that Cleodora has a million of moſt excellent qualities, and that ſhe is moſt admirably fair; But I finde Leoniſa has pulled my heart out of her hands, and made mee change Miſtreſſes: I am moſt horribly aſhamed of my inconſtancy I confeſſe, but I cannot keep my ſelf from changing; therefore I beſeech you Hermogenes pity me, in lieu of condemning me, ſecond me in my affection to Leoniſa; you, I ſay, who firſt brought me to Suſa, and is the cauſe of all my miſeries: and could ever lover be more miſerable then I? For it was my fate to love a Lady of a difficult and fantaſticall humour; I endured as much as patience her ſelf could do, to the end I might obtain her love; and when in all likelihood I was arrived even at the very Port of my happineſſe, my angry fate would needs prompt me to ceaſe my deſires of enjoying Cleodora: All the time and pains which I employed in getting the affection of this Lady, whom I thought would have compleated my felicity, is quite, abſolutely, entirely loſt: ſince her affection makes me onely more culpable, and more miſerable; and ſince I muſt fatally begin my ſighes and prayers for another, againſt all which I know no remedy: therefore my dear Hermogenes, once more let me entreat your aſſiſtance. I beſeech you firſt, ſaid Hermogenes, upon what termes are you with Cleodora and Leoniſa? Cleodora, replied Beleſis, thinks I love her ſtill; and as for Leoniſa, I have not yet ſpoke a word unto her, onely in the language of eyes, and yet I imagine by her looks ſhe underſtands me: How, replied Hermogenes, does Leoniſa underſtandthat language, and anſwer it? I do not think ſhe underſtands me, replied Beleſis, becauſe ſhe anſwers, but becauſe ſhe is very carefull not to anſwer. But Beleſis, replied Hermogenes, dare you ever ſpeak of any love unto Leoniſa? do you not fear ſhe will upbraid you with inconſtancy? and can you have the confidence to tell Leoniſa you love her, in the ſight of Cleodora? for my part Beleſis, I wonder how you can have ſuch a thought: If Cleodora lived at the other end of the Town, the matter would not be ſo difficult: but to love one Lady really, and to diſſemble love unto another in the ſame houſe, and another who really [Page] loves you, is a thing ſo ſtrange, that I ſee no poſſibility of doing any good in it: For Beleſis, you cannot poſſibly delude Cleodora long: indeed I do not think it impoſſible but one may perſwade a Lady that he loves her, though he do not, provided hee does not really love any other: but to love another really, and to perſwade a Lady whom he formerly really loved, that he loves her ſtill, cannot ſink into my beleef. I ſee all theſe difficulties which you propound, replied Beleſis, and conceive them to be as great and greater then they are: But ſince my tyrannicall paſſion triumphs over all oppoſition, I muſt delude Cleodora, notwithſtanding my ſecret repugnancy, ſince otherwiſe I cannot ſee Leoniſa: I intend therefore (if I can ſpeak it without bluſhing for ſhame) to continue my viſits unto Cleodora, and to live with her as if I loved her ſtill; unleſſe at ſuch times as when I can look upon Leoniſa and Cleodora not ſee, and talk to her when ſhe cannot hear. I have already told you, replied Hermogenes, that you cannot do this: and I am the moſt miſtaken man in the world if Cleodora be not undeceived once in eight dayes, and if you do not loſe both Cleodora and Leoniſa at once. After this, Beleſis began to walk about the chamber with the greateſt agitation of ſpirit in the world: and afterwards addreſſing himſelf to Hermogenes; My dear friend, ſaid he unto him, if you would do me one favour which I am thinking upon, I ſhould owe my life and all my felicity unto you. Tell me what it is, replied Hermogenes, that I may conſider whether I can and ought to do it: for your reaſon I perceive is ſo blinded, that I dare not truſt you: I would have you, replied he, fain a love unto Cleodora, and become my Rivall, which you may eaſily do; and it is not impoſſible but you may perſwade her to beleeve you, and therefore I conjure you dear Hermogenes to perſwade Cleodora that you are her lover. But what advantage can you draw from this diſſimulation? replied Hermogenes: My plot is, replied Beleſis, that you ſhall make Cleodora inconſtant, as Leoniſa hath made me: or at leaſt that you may give a colour unto my inconſtancy, and by living in that manner with her as I may have ſome ground to accuſe her of inconſtancy, and that I may upbraid her with her change, as well as ſhe me, with mine. Beleeve me Beleſis, (replied Hermogenes) I ſhall never make Cleodora inconſtant; all that I ſhall be able to do is to give you ſome colour of falling out. But if ſhe prove more faithfull then ever unto you, and all my endeavours cannot ſhake her conſtancy, you will then be more in fault. I do confeſſe it, replied Beleſis, but I cannot ceaſe, being leſſe miſerable: It will ſuffice if your company with her will give me a colourable quarrell againſt her, and that I may hereafter ſay, than the beginning of my love to Leoniſa, was from my beleef that ſhe was perſidious [...] whilſt you are ſpeaking to Cleodora, I ſhall ſometimes have opportunity of ſpeaking with Leoniſa, and therefore I muſt ſay, that upon you and your aſſiſtance depends all my hopes. I muſt needs confeſſe, ſaid Hermogenes, that I owe you all ſervice; But I muſt needs confeſſe alſo, that I am extremely unwilling to do you this office which you deſire. But Beleſis was ſo exceedingly urgent with him, that he undertook is: and for the handſomer carriage of the buſineſſe, he did not at firſt ſpeak of his diſſembled paſſion, but onely went to ſee her after their ordinary, and to court her much more then he did Leoniſa: But the rareſt paſſage was to ſee with what zeal Beleſis wiſhed Cleodora might uſe Hermogenes kindly, that he might have the better ground of a quarrell: In the mean time, be pleaſed to know, that though there was a very good correſpondency between Cleodora and Leoniſa, yet there was no ſuch ſtrict league of confidence between them, as to impart all maters unto each other: ſo that Cleodora never acquainted Leoniſa with any paſſages betwixt her and Beleſis, nor did ever any tell Leoniſa that Cleodora did not hate him: ſhe ſaw that they were kind unto each other, but ſhe thought it was onely matter of friendſhip, and never ſuſpected any matter of love between them: Being then in this opinion, upon a day when the ſiſter of Hermogenes was with her, between whom there was an intimate affection, and [...] infinitely eſteeming Beleſis, ſhe began to ſpeak unto Praſſilla concerning him, as into her that was ſiſter to his beſt friend: At firſt, ſhe enquired of his houſe, of his hindred, of his eſtate, of his travels, of the friendſhip between Hermogenes and him, and of a hundred other things, which expreſſed her curioſity of every thing which related unto Beleſis After Praſſilla had made an exact return unto all her Queſtions, and ſaw that [...] prepared to enquire further, I beſeech you tell me (ſaid Praſſilla and [...]) why you have ſuch a mind to ſpeak of Beleſis, and whats the reaſon you would ſo exactly know every circumſtance which concerns him? is it love, or onely curioſity? I cannot reſolve [Page] you, (replied Leoniſa in Rallarie) whether it be Curioſity or Love, but I am ſure it is not out of any hate to him that I enquire: nor is it credible it ſhould be love, (replied Praſilla) though I askd the queſtion, for you have more reaſon then to love one who cannot love you again, and you are wiſer alſo then to make any conqueſt in prejudice of Cleodora, who would never Pardon you: is Beleſis then in love with Cleodora (replied Leoniſa, and bluſhed) I think he hath loved her ſo long, replied Praſilla, that it will not be doubted, and you are the onely one in all Suſa, who is ignorant of it: But Leoniſa, how comes it to paſſe that you change Colour, when I tell you Beleſis is in love with Cleodora? The reaſon is, (replied Leoniſa, and bluſhed more, not having time to think of an anſwer) becauſe I thought he was in love with another: and with whom? (asked Praſilla): you have ſo twitted me with my Curioſitie (replied ſhe) that I will not ſatisfie yours. Yet truly I would gladly know with whom you thought Beleſis in love: I am ſo vexed to be thus deceived in my judgment (replied Leoniſa) that I will die rather then tell you. Then will I never tell you any thing you deſire to know (anſwered Praſilla); yet replied Leoniſa, I do exceedingly deſire to know more Paſſages Concerning Beleſis and Cleodora: I know a thouſand (replied Praſilla) but I will not tell you one, unleſſe you will tell me firſt, with whom you imagined Beleſis in Love: Since you will needs know (ſaid Leoniſa to her) I thought him to be in Love with you: fie, fie Leoniſa (cryed Praſilla) you are not ſincere; do you think me ſuch a fool, as to think you ſay truly: No, no, I am not ſo eaſily deluded, but to puniſh you for it, I ſhall tell you what you would not confeſſe unto me: Be ſure you gueſſe truly, ſaid Leoniſa, and laughed, elſe I ſhall never Pardon you, eſpecially ſince I am deceived my ſelf, and would be revenged upon Beleſis. Thus Sr. theſe two amiable Ladies, did underſtand each other without any direct telling; and thus did Leoniſa firſt underſtand of any paſſages between Beleſis, and Cleodora. However, the eyes of Beleſis, had told her ſuch things, as ſhe knew not whether ſhe ſhould give more credit to the words of Praſilla or the looks of Beleſis, yet ſhe reſolved to carry her ſelf more coldly to him, as if ſhe were deſirous to puniſh him, becauſe he was the ſubject of her diſcourſe with Praſilla, which was not at all agreeable to her minde: you may well imagine Sr. after this which I ſhall tell you, that theſe four Perſons were not without ſomething to do: For Cleodora was very buſie to diſcover from whence the melancholie of Beleſis ſhould proceed: And Beleſis had enough to do, in deluding Cleodora, and endeavouring to finde out wayes to diſcover his Love unto Leoniſa. Hermogenes, having undertaken to diſſemble Love, was not without his cares: and Leoniſa being deſirous to diſcover exactly the thoughts of Beleſis, had ſuch a kinde of unquiet Curioſity, as it cannot be otherwiſe named: When Hermogenes did begin to frequent Cleodora, after their ordinary manner, Shee made him a hundred welcoms, thinking thereby, more to oblige Beleſis then Hermogenes, and imagining that his coming was onely to do ſome good office for his friend: and never dreamt of the matter as it was [...] Some dayes paſſed thus on, and none of theſe Parties found any great augmentation of ſorrows: Beleſis yet had his choice, for when he was alone with Cleodora, he could ſpeak unto none but her, and when he was with Leoniſa and her, he was ſo amazedly confounded, that he was not able to help out with Converſation. unleſſe in things indifferent. In the mean time, Hermogenes to content his friend, did ſo accuſtom himſelf to ſpeak to Cleodora, that he left much time unto Beleſis to talk with Leoniſa: yet this did exceedingly perplex Cleodora: for beleeving that Hermogenes was of Beleſis his intelligence, ſhe could not comprehend, why he ſhould not give place to Beleſis to talk unto her and why he ſhould alwayes talk to her himſelf, yet at laſt ſhe imagined, that perhaps Hermogenes was in Love with Leoniſa, and had deſired Beleſis to ſpeak to his advantage, but ſtill ſhe thought ſtrange Beleſis ſhould never talk with her: But what conveniency ſoever Beleſis had to talk with Leoniſa, by reaſon of Hermogenes his holding Cleodora in hand: yet he had not confidence enough to diſcover his Paſſion to her, in the preſence of one whom he had formerly loved ſo well, and one who loved him, and therefore he ſought for an opportunity of ſeeing her, when Cleodora was not preſent. He never could finde her without Hermogenes, who at the laſt, was no leſſe deſirous to talk with Cleodora in private as Beleſis was to talk with Leoniſa: For Sr. be pleaſed to know, that ſince Hermogenes was more Converſant with Cleodora then he uſed to be, he diſcovered ſo many charmes [Page] and rich beauties in her minde, that never any appeared more amiable in the eye of his Fancy, and he hath told me a hundred times, that whoſoever does not ſee her in this free humour of familiarity which ſhe uſeth to her real friends, cannot ſee half her beauty; nor can imagine the power of her charmes. Hermogenes diſcovering a thouſand freſh Graces, and as many rare Qualities in the ſpirit and heart of Cleodora, which he was ignorant of before, was wounded a freſh with the darts of her fair eyes, and fell inſenſibly to Love her; at firſt he could not think it to be Love: for he did nothing elſe but blame Beleſis for quitting Cleodora, and addreſſing himſelf unto Leoniſa. But by degrees he left of telling his friend of his inconſtancie, and fell ſo deſperately in Love with this Lady, as Beleſis never loved her or Leoniſa more. Yet he did not acquaint his friend with his growing Paſſion, though he knew not why he ſhould make a ſecret of it, unleſſe becauſe, Love in it's own nature is a myſtery, and Loves ſecrecy, he never ſtrived againſt this Powerfull affection which took root in his heart: For although he knew the heart of Cleodora was a little engaged to Beleſis, yet he hoped that when he ſhe knew his inconſtancy, ſhe would diſengage her ſelf, and then he might perhaps poſſeſſe that place in her ſoul which Beleſis had made himſelf unworthy of. Hermogenes then having theſe thoughts, did viſit Cleodora with ſuch aſſiduitie, that Beleſis not knowing the thoughts of his heart, did alwayes when they were together, ask him pardon for the trouble which he conſtrained himſelf unto, for his ſake. But at laſt, hoping for ſome fruit of the plot, which he had invented, Beleſis ſeemed to grow ſomething jealous of Hermogenes, and did ſo negotiat with Cleodora, that he perſwaded her ſhe was deceived, if ſhe thought he talked unto Leoniſa in behalf of Hermogenes: for by ſome paſſages which he told her, ſhe thought he talked with her, onely to ſpite her. At the firſt, ſince ſhe imagined this odde and jealous proceeding of Beleſis, was an argument of his love to her, ſhe was not offended with him, and ſo much leſſe, becauſe not ſuſpecting any thing of the love of Hermogenes, ſhe imagined it would be an eaſie matter to cure Beleſis of his jealouſie when ſhe would, by deſiring his friend not to apply himſelf ſo much unto diſcourſe with her, ſo that taking a kinde of delight to torment Beleſis for a few dayes, ſhe never troubled her ſelf to remove that belief out of him which ſhe thought he had, ſo that this did facilitate unto Beleſis the deſigne which he had to diſcover his paſſion unto Leoniſa. One day then when they were all four together in Leoniſas chamber, which ſhe kept, not being very well, Cleodora to vex Beleſis, asked Hermogenes, if he would go with her upon a viſit which ſhe intended to make, Leoniſa hearing her ſay ſo, began to complain for leaving her, and threatning to uſe her with the like indifferency if ever ſhe were ſick: But Cleodora told her that ſhe left her ſuch good company as ſhe had no reaſon to grudge hers. Beleſis raviſhed with this, though heretofore he would have deſired her preſence, told her, that ſhe might judge others by her ſelf, who in carrying away Hermogenes would not regreat thoſe ſhe left with her. After which Cleodora and Hermogenes going out, Beleſis remained alone with Leoniſa, who knew not what to think of this paſſage: for if ſhe remembred what Praſilla told her, ſhe ſhould believe Beleſis Loved Cleodora; and that this was onely a trick to hide his paſſion: but when ſhe conſidered all his actions, ſhe beleeved he Loved her and not Cleodora. Yet not knowing what to think, nor daring to wiſh any thing, ſhe turned towards Beleſis, and looking upon him with a crafty ſmile, I do extreamly pittie you Beleſis, (ſaid ſhe unto him) that Cleodoras ſeverity ſhould engage you thus in a company, which cannot Countervail the loſſe of hers: I beſeech you Madam (ſaid he unto her) if you will pittie me, let it be becauſe I have ſought for an opportunitie of ſpeaking to you in private, and could never meet with it till now: we have been ſo continually Converſant, replied Leoniſa, that I cannot think you have any thing to ſpeak of, more then you have already told me; for have I not ſeen you every day, ſince you came to Suſa? Tis true, replied Beleſis, I have ſeen you every day and the reaſon was, becauſe I would ſpeak with you in private: for Divine Leoniſa, had I ſeen you ſeldom, perhap's I ſhould not have obſerved all the Riches of your minde, but ſhould doubtleſſe have been leſſe in Love with you then I am. Fie Beleſis, (cryed Leoniſa) I thought you would have ſpoken ſeriouſly, but I ſee you deceive me: No, no Madam replied he, you cannot imagine I will jeſt upon ſuch a ſubject as this, and it is ſo certainly true, that I am in love with the fair Leoniſa, that it is not poſſible ſhe ſhould doubt it. Since there is a kinde of Raillary, [Page] ſaid Leoniſa, whoſe ſubtilty conſiſts in ſeeming to ſpeak in earneſt, I ſhall think that yours is now of that nature. But Beleſis, that which Puzzles me moſt, is, that I cannot imagine what good it will do you, unleſſe you would thereby blinde me from knowing you are in Love with Cleodora: but that you may not uſe your Language in vain by offering to perſwade me you Love her not, know Beleſis that I do know you have Loved her ever ſince the firſt day you came to Suſa. I muſt confeſſe with ſome ſhame, replied Beleſis, that I did Love Cleodora: but that you may know the end of my paſſion, as well as the beginning of it, I beſeech you know, that as I began to Love Cleodora the firſt day I came to Suſa, ſo I ceaſed to love her the firſt day you came hither, and when I had the honour firſt to ſee you: Ah Beleſis, cryed ſhe, doubtleſſe you remember how I told you that day, I ſhould take great delight in making men inconſtant, and to pull their hearts out of the hands of thoſe who had ſubjected them; and certainly you do this to jeer me for this folly which I expreſſed unawares: No (replied he, with a moſt ſer ious Countenance) it is becauſe you have really made me inconſtant unto Cleodora, and more conſtant then any man alive unto the Faire Leoniſa. Inconſtancy, anſwered ſhe, isof ſuch a nature, as thoſe that are once capable of it, will be ſo for ever: No, (replied Beleſis) not when it has reaſon, not humor, for it is foundation, and when the perſon one forſakes, is leſſe faire, and leſſe accompliſhed then the perſon whom one chuſeth. However, replied Leoniſa, before I give any farther eare unto you, you muſt give me leave to inform my ſelf very throughly, whether I am fairer and more accompliſhed, then any in all Suſa; For Beleſis, if I finde it not ſo, but that there are an infinite number in Suſa more amiable then I, I were a fool if I accepted of your affection this day, to loſe it to morrow: Cruel woman, (ſaid he unto her) I beſeech you do not treat me ſo rigorouſly, but conſider, that ſince I love you more then I love Cleodora, I ſhall never love any but Leoniſa: ſince in pulling my heart out of her hands, you muſt needs have ſuch a power, which none can ever ſurmount. However it be, replied ſhe, I muſt needs tel you, that if what you ſay be true, you will be a moſt miſerable man, ſince I will do all I can to puniſh you for your inconſtancy, in forſaking Cleodora; However, ſaid he unto her, I beſeech you refuſe not to give credit unto my words: I will refuſe all that you can ask, replied ſhe: How, replied Beleſis, can I think you will not beleeve me? and can I imagine that though you did beleeve me, yet you would be alwayes inexorable? Doubtleſſe you may, anſwered ſhe, for I am moſt fully reſolved, never to give you the leaſt hopes, that I can take any delight in being loved. How Leoniſa ſaid he, will you refuſe me every thing I ſhall deſire? will you not allow me the leaſt hope? as for hope, replied ſhe, perhaps I cannot take it from you: Tis true, anſwered Beleſis, but it is in your power to give it; Since you can finde it in your ſelf, replied Leoniſa, you need not ſeek for it from another: I moſt humbly beſeech you, do not abſolutely deny me all things; but do only one thing for me; and to the end you may grant it willingly, I do profeſſe unto you, that the thing which I ſhall ask, cannot be called a favour: upon that condition, replied ſhe, I give you leave to ſpeak what you will. After this, replied Beleſis, I ſhall not fear to beſeech you that you will beleeve as often as I ſpeak unto Cleodora, I have a zealous deſire to ſpeak unto Leoniſa: and that all the teſtimonies of affection which I render unto her, out of fear ſhe ſhould baniſh me from you, are ſo many teſtimonies of that violent paſſion, which I bear to the faire Leoniſa. Do you not call this a favour? (replied ſhe and laughed) No, ſaid he, but onely a means how to obtain it: I pray, replied ſhe, what greater favour can one do then to hear you? to hear, replied Beleſis, is certainly only a Civility: but to love is the real favour; It being ſo, replied Leoniſa, you will do very well and wiſely never to hope for any favour from me: for Beleſis; I do tell you truly, it were a fond vanity in me, if I ſhould offer to take any Lover from Cleodora: and indeed (if I may ſpeak ſo of a man, who hath ſpoken ſo placentially unto me) I think of inconſtancy, and inconſtant men, as I do of Treaſon and Traitors: it is your part (addedſhe, and ſmiled to take off ſome part of the wormwood in her words) to make interpretation of what I ſay: I perceive Madam replied he, that you would have me think you Love inconſtancy, and hate the inconſtant men; In the mean time, it is not very juſt me thinks to treat me more Cruelly then a Lover, who never loved any beſides you, and who never quitted any other for you. But Madam, if you conſider, what I loſe for the love of you, I am confident you will confeſſe, that your beauty did never produce greater effects of its power, then in Captivating my heart: as Leoniſa was ready [Page] to anſwer, much company came in, ſo that the conference ended; Beleſis not knowing whether or no, Leoniſa beleeved what he ſaid unto her. Yet his hope was, that hereafter ſhe would be more obſervant of his actions, and by conſequence would better perceive his Love to her: All this while, Hermogenes who was gone with Cleodora upon a viſit, having not found her whom they went unto, brought her back into her own chamber, having no will to go into Leoniſa's: ſo that finding a free opportunitie of ſpeaking to her, his paſſion did ſo ſpur him to acquaint Cleodora with his ſufferings for her, that he reſolved upon it, yet he could not find fit words wherewith to expreſſe himſelf as he deſired: And I think if Cleodora, not thinking of it, had not furniſhed him with an occaſion to diſcover his Love unto her, he would hardly have ventured upon it, out of his feares to incenſe her: But after a quarter of an hours ſilence, not one word paſſing betweene them: for Hermogenes was conſidering what to ſay, and Cleodora muſed upon the proceedings of Beleſis: But ſhe rouſing her ſelf ſuddenly out of her fixed poſture, and turning towards Hermogenes with a ſmile: if Beleſis ſaid ſhe unto him, do not entertaine Leoniſa better then you do me: and if Leoniſa be not better company to Beleſis, then I am to Hermogenes, we did them no very good office in leaving them alone, nor unto our ſelves neither, ſince if we were all four together, perhaps we ſhould muſe leſſe then we do. I know not Madam what you do, replied Hermogenes: But I am ſure as muſing as I am, and as reſerved as you are, I had rather be alone in your company, then with all the company in the world: and yet there is no great pleaſure (ſaid ſhe) in the company of one whoſe ſpirits are ſo diſtracted, and thoughts ſo far off, when ſhe ſpeakes as if there were countrys, and ſeas between them: and I confeſſe when I revived out of my muſing humour, and found you in yours, and as far off me in your thoughts, as I was off you; I thought my ſelfe very uncivil, and was ready to correct my ſelf for it: Why Madam, ſaid Hermogenes, can you think that my thoughts might not be of you, though I did not ſpeake? doubtleſſe they were not, replied ſhe, and to be ſincere with you, though you were neer me, yet you were far off my thoughts. We are then very different, ſaid Hermogenes, for you are alwayes in my thoughts, though I be far from you: I ſee you will repaire that incivilitie, whereof I taxed you with another exceſſive civilitie, but know, Hermogenes, that you need not uſe unto me any improbable truth, much leſſe any poſſible lies, to get beliefe: I had thought that what I ſpoke, ſaid Hermogenes, had been eaſie to beleeve; for Madam, it is very imaginable one may remember you, when he ſees you not, and for my part I profeſſe, that I can think of nothing elſe but you, in what place ſoever I am: had you told me, replied Cleodora, that you remember me very often, I ſhould have thought my ſelf obliged unto you, becauſe then I ſhould have thought you ſpoke ſincerely; but to ſay you remember me alwaies, this is too much to beleeve: and yet I tell you not all, anſwered Hermogenes, ſince if I ſhould tell you all I think of you, I ſhould tell you more then ever Beleſis did: ſince certainely I Love you more then ever he did. Ah Hermogenes, cryed Cleodora, I cannot endure this affront, for would you have me lend an eare unto a declaration of Love from you, and another from Beleſis? whoſoever conſiders what you ſay, will find that you wrong Beleſis, as well as me: for if you think Beleſis loves me not, he hath reaſon to complaine againſt you, for thinking him capable of ſubjecting himſelf to ſo meane a beauty as my ſelf: and if he do Love me, then you are a very bad friend to him, and an ill husband of, your own honour, to publiſh your crime ſo boldly: However it be Madam, (replied Hermogenes) I do Love you; and certainly Love's you without a crime, though there were no other reaſon to excuſe my ſelf, but by ſaying I muſt needs Love you and cannot chuſe: No, no Hermogenes (ſaid Cleodora) you cannot deceive me: I ſee this is only a compacted plot between Beleſis and you; and therefore without any anger againſt you, I will only be revenged upon Beleſis: for indeed I do not take it well, he ſhould oblige you, to ſpeake unto me as you do: and there are ſome things wherewith there is no jeſtings. I do proteſt unto you Madam, replied Hermogenes, that Beleſis is ignorant of any thoughts of Love which I have to you; though I knew all his: you are then a very perfidious friend, anſwered Cleodora: I know not Madam whether or no I am a perfidious friend, but I am moſt certaine, that I am a moſt faithfull, and paſſionate Lover; in the mean time, I beſeech you Madam, let Beleſis complaine againſt my infidelitie, when he ſhall know it, and let me only beg this one favour only from you, that [Page] you will be pleaſed to obſerve both the paſſion of Beleſis and mine; and to promiſe me that if Beleſis conſent unto my happineſſe you will not oppoſe it: you tell me ſuch ſtrange things, replied Cleodora, that I know not what anſwer to return: yet I know this, that I take it very ill you ſhould ſpeak unto me as you do: yet Madam replied he, I ſhall ſay the ſame as long as I live: then ſpeak unto me no more, replied ſhe, at leaſt in private; yet once more Hermogenes I charge you to proceed no further unleſs by order from Beleſis, & unleſs I may know his reaſon, for to ſpeak ſincerely unto you, if you be hisrival, you are leſs his friend: But I obſerve you live & agree together as you uſed to do: therefore if you will really oblige me, tell me what benefit he hopes for by this plot: Since I am not ſo bad a friend to Beleſis as you upbraid me with, ſaid he, I will relate nothing unto you that concernes him. But ſhall only tell you that he is ignorant of my love to you, and by conſequence cannot know that I have aſſumed the boldneſſe to tell you that I love you; But Madam I beſeech you do not charge me with any infidelitie to my friend, or raſhneſſe to my miſtreſſe; let time and your own reaſon finde out the truth of things: I need no time, replied ſhe, to finde out that I ought not to ſuffer you to ſpeak as you do, therefore be ſilent unleſſe in lieu of my anger, you will incur my hatred: After this Hermogenes was ſo bold as to uſe many expreſſions more paſſionate then the firſt, and ſpoke with ſuch an Aire, as let Cleodora know, he loved her in earneſt: And in that belief, after ſhe had well conſulted with her ſelfe upon the buſineſſe, and after Hermogenes had left her, ſhe reſolved not to acquaint Beleſis with any paſſages between them, for fear ſome quarrell or diſorder might grow between them, for though ſhe intended to be very faithfull unto Beleſis, yet ſhe wiſhed that no misfortune might happen unto Hermogenes for the love of her: and therefore ſhe could not reſolve to break off abſolutely with him: but intending to avoid as much as ſhe could his being alone with her: After Hermogenes was gone, ſhe went into Leoniſas chamber from whence Beleſis was not yet departed: But ſince both their ſpirits were very buſie in thinking upon what they had told them, and in endeavouring to know the truth, their converſation was ſome thing Reſerved and Private. At firſt, when Cleodora entred, Leoniſa ſpoke firſt, Though you were ſo cruell as to leave me, ſaid ſhe unto her, yet I pray tell me what newes you have heard in your viſits: Since I did not finde any at home (replied Cleodora) and ſince I never ſtirred from Hermogenes out of my chamber, I know no more then I did when I left you, it is you rather then I that is likely to tell newes; I aſſure you, replied Leoniſa, if you know no more then I do, you have met with no very good intelligence, for I ſaw no body but Beleſis, who told me nothing at all: yet you have been a long time together, replied Cleodora: I have had never the more news for that, replied Leoniſa as you might have with Hermogenes: But Beleſis replied Cleodora is uſed to hear more news then he: yet he hath told me none (replied ſhe) yet I would gladly know, replied Cleodora what you have talked on all this while: ſometimes we talked of you (anſwered Leoniſa) and the reſt of the afternoone was ſpent in repetition of a hundred things which imprinted themſelves ſo ſlightly in my memory, that I have forgotten them: But ſince I know you have a better memory, I pray tell me what diſcourſe Hermogenes and you have had, ſince news was no part of your converſation? Truly ſaid Cleodora unto her, I ſhall be a little more ingenuous then you are, for I muſt confeſſe that I remember very well all Hermogenes ſaid unto me: but I profeſſe I will not tell you, unleſſe you will tell me what Beleſis ſaid unto you concerning me: cannot you Imagine replied Leoniſa what Beleſis and I might talke of? No, replied Cleodora, not in the humours he hath been in of late, and therefore I would gladly know, whether he complaines of any thing which I have unawares ſpoken: it is not likely he ſhould complain of you to me (replied Leoniſa) what did he then ſpeak of? (ſaid Cleodora) ſincerely I cannot tell you, anſwered Leoniſa, I only know we ſpake of you, but know not upon what occaſion. I ſhould not ſo ſoon forget whats told me (replied Cleodora, and bluſhed for anger ſhe ſhould be ſo inquiſitive to no purpoſe) after which every one of them began to muſe upon the matter, and paſſed away the reſt of the evening without any diſcourſe, unleſſe ſome odd word by chance. Thus S [...]. was the ſtate of things, when one of high quality, and of greater wealth, fell in love with Leoniſa, as well as Beleſis: his name was Tiſias: But ſince he was a man of none of the rareſt parts, ſhe could not much brag of this conqueſt; Yet being then very young, and Rubies gliſtering in her eyes, ſhe was pleaſed that a man of his ranke ſhould think upon her; though ſhe had no eſteem [Page] of him at all, but looked only upon him through his great birth, and through the magnificence of his troops, and becauſe he was in favour with the Prince of Suſa. Then did Beleſis think himſelf very miſerable, becauſe ſince Tiſias fell in love with Leoniſa, he was almoſt perpetually with her, and did not only hinder him from talking with Leoniſa, but forced him often to apply himſelf unto Cleodora, unto whom he could hardly ſpeak: Hermogenes had alſo ſome ſhare in this angry adventure, becauſe he ſpoke leſſe unto Cleodora then before, and his paſſion was arived to that height as he could enjoy no reſt: Yet all his expreſſions of affection were in vain: for this Lady was ſo conſtant in her affection to Beleſis that nothing could alter her: all the favour ſhe ſhewed him, was not to ſpeak unto Beleſis, becauſe ſhe thought if ſhe did, there might ariſe ſome quarrell between them; her greateſt motive to that was, becauſe ſhe thought Beleſis was jealous of Hermogenes, and becauſe he diſſembled a coldneſſe to his friend, the better to delude Cleodora; and therefore ſhe offered him to ſee Hermogenes no more, and denied that he was in love with her. But ſay what ſhe could, Beleſis told her that he would endeavour to love Leoniſa to be revenged of Cleodora, ſince ſhe loved Hermogenes to mock Beleſis and his paſſion: ſo that Cleodora beleeving Beleſis to be really jealous of Hermogenes, began to ſhun him with all care, and to treat him extreamly roughly: Beleſis on the other ſide was far from his happineſſe: not but that he knew Leoniſa eſteemed him, and was not ſorry that he loved her, but it was becauſe he had ſo few opportunities of talking with Leoniſa in private, eſpecially ſince Tiſias became his Rivall, that it was impoſſible he ſhould make any far progreſſe into her heart: Yet he watched his opportunity ſo well, that one day he ſpoke with her, when neither Cleodora nor Tiſias were preſent, and in a place where none could hear what they ſaid, Beleſis laying hold on this precious minute, began to aggravate the grandure of his paſſion: But as Leoniſa for all her ſweetneſſe had a kinde of imperious ſpirit, ſo ſhe began to ſpeak, and looking upon him with an angry aſpect: Truly Beleſis (ſaid ſhe unto him) I wonder you dare be ſo bold as to perſwade me you love me, when all the world knowes you love Cleodora; If I could caſt off Cleodora, and not caſt off Leoniſa alſo, replied Beleſis: the world ſhould quickly be undeceived, for I would behave my ſelf ſo toward her, as there ſhould be no queſtion, that I am not in love with her, though I would never fail in the payment of thoſe reſpects which are due unto a perſon of her merit and virtue; But ſince my croſſe fate will have it ſo, as I cannot let you know that I love you, unleſſe I ſeem to love her alſo. Queſtionleſſe it were injuſtice in the Fair Leoniſa, to tax me with a thing which I would not do but for the love of her. I can tax you with one fault, replied ſhe, unto which I think you cannot make any direct anſwer, and thats this; if you were not in love with Cleodora, why are you continually looking upon her picture? That you may know what I looke upon (replied Beleſis, in giving the caſe unto Leoniſa and letting her open it her ſelf) I beſeech you ſee and judge whether my crime be ſo great in looking upon that picture. Then Leoniſa taking the caſe, and opening it, ſhe was extreamly ſurpriſed, when in lieu of Cleodoras picture, ſhe had found her own. Ah Beleſis (ſaid ſhe and bluſht) your crime is greater then I thought it: for I cannot think it good you ſhould have my picture: Beleſis then fearing ſhe would not reſtore it, did cunningly catch it out of her hands, before ſhe could hinder him. I humbly ask your pardon Madam, for my incivility (ſaid he unto her) but I am ſo miſerable, that I ought to fear the loſſe of my only conſolation which your rigor hath left me: do not deceive your ſelf (ſaid Leoniſa) for it is not my intention to let you have it, nor to expoſe my ſelf unto the danger of the worlds belief that I gave you the picture. I am not ſo vain, Madam, replied Beleſis, to make my boaſt of receiving ſuch a favour from you: but you may well think, that man who would ſo cloſely conceal a reall favour if he received it, will not falſely report that you gave him this picture: you have not been yet ſo diſcreet, replied Leoniſa, but I know that you had Cleodoras picture: 'Tis true, anſwered Beleſis, but you know it only by the ſiſter of Hermogenes, who her ſelf had never known it, if I had not been in love with you, for that was the true reaſon that I became ſo careleſſe and left it once behinde me; Ah Beleſis (ſaid Leoniſa, and interrupted him) I will never ſuffer my picture to remain in the hands of a man, who is uſed to loſe it: hitherto I have not loſt it (replied he) have you Cleodoras yet (replied Leoniſa) 'tis very true, I have, ſaid he, and under colour of that, I ſometimes pleaſe my ſelf in looking upon yours, even in her preſence: Leoniſa then importuned [Page] him to tell her how he got her picture: And Beleſis told her, that underſtanding ſhe was to have her picture taken to ſend unto ſome of her Cozens in the province from whence ſhe came, he ſuborned the painter and got it from him: afterwards he ſhewed her how the caſe was double, which ſhe did not perceive before, and there ſhe found Cleodoras picture and her own both: So that by this fallacie Beleſis did often look upon the picture of his new Miſtreſſe, at the ſame time when the poor Cleodora thought it had been her own, becauſe ſhe knew the caſe, and becauſe Beleſis did ſomtimes ſhew her her own picture purpoſely, that ſhe might think he looked upon it: For though Beleſis was moſt deſperately in love with Leoniſa, yet he ſtill feared and reſpected Cleodora. Leoniſa knowing this trick, uſed all her rethorique to get her picture out of his hands: but do or ſay what ſhe could he would not part with it: But being deſirous to be as ſafe as ſhe could, and being alſo deſirous to ſatisfie her ſelf in one thing which ſhe had much longed to know, and at leaſt to make triall of Beleſis his vertue. Truly Beleſis (ſaid ſhe unto him after much other talke) I cannot beleeve you loue me, nor ſuffer my picture to be in your hands but upon one condition: which is, that you let me have in my keeping all Cleodoras letters unto you, and alſo her picture; for unleſſe you do this, I do proteſt I ſhall not beleeve you love me: but ſhall think that you love Cleodora ſtill, and that you carry my picture but the better to hide hers. All this is ſo unjuſt, replied Beleſis, that I cannot imagine you ſhould deſire I ſhould beleeve you: and truly Cleodora never did me ſo much honour as to write unto me: as for her picture, 'tis true, I got it by a ſlight as I did yours, and by conſequence I were too ſimple if I let it paſſe for a favour; if ſo, ſaid Leoniſa and laughed, me thinks you ſhould not think it ſtrange that I do no more for you then Cleodora did, for I do intend to be no leſſe ſevere then ſhe. But for all that I know you had Cleodoras picture from her own hand, and I know alſo you received a hundred letters from her: if I had replied Beleſis, I beſeech you be as kinde as Cleodora was: I ſhall be what I ought to be, replied ſhe when you have performed the condition which I deſire: It is queſtionleſſe my duty to do any thing which you deſire (replied Beleſis) except ſuch things as may make me loſe your eſteem: and unto ſuch things Madam, the love I bear you will not permit me to conſent unto: and therefore I beſeech you Madam take it not ill if I deny your deſires; for how ſhould you ever truſt my diſcretion with the leaſt favour; if I ſhould laviſhly confeſſe what Cleodora conferred upon me? it is ſufficient Madam, that I forſake her for you without baſely betraying her; alſo I do not think you have well conſidered what you demand; Really ſaid he and ſmiled, if you ſhould deſire to ſee Cleodoras letters, and to know how far ſhe favoured me, to the end you might go as far as ſhe. I think I ſhould invent a thouſand lies and counterfeit as many letters which might be advantagious to me; but ſince I know that though I received a thouſand reall favours from the greateſt beauties in the world, yet you would not be the more favourable to me, therefore I beſeech you, move me not to invent falſe ones; if you would have me relate any paſſages between Cleodora and me, I beſeech you Madam let it be her Rigours and Cruelties, to the end that aggravating the miſeries which ſhe hath cauſed me to ſuffer, you may reſolve to be more milde and ſweet, and make me leſſe miſerable. Examples (replied Leoniſa craftily) are things which much moves me, and powerfully workes upon my ſpirit; and therefore if you tell me only of Cleodoras cruelties, perhaps I ſhall eaſily have the ſame thoughts ſhe had; I know Madam replied Beleſis, that you are more reaſonable then to do as you ſpeak, or to ſpeak as you do and ſpeak ſincerely; but though Cleodora had writ many obliging letters unto me, and though I had them in my keeping, yet I ought not to give them you; A lover doubtleſſe ought blindly to obey the perſon whom he loves, but not, (as I ſaid before) when he expoſeth himſelf to the loſſe of her eſteem; Yet there are ſome certain things (replied Leoniſa) which if a Miſtreſſe deſire, and the ſervant obey, he will merit her affection; and I know not whether what I now deſire of you be not in that number; for although I am forced to confeſſe that it is handſomer to do as you do, then if you did otherwiſe, yet I muſt let you know it is not ſo obliging, ſince you cannot deny me but for two reaſons; the one, becauſe you dare not truſt my diſcretion; the other, becauſe you would perhaps keep your ſelf upon termes to renew love with Cleodora; and which of thoſe towſoever it be, certainly it is not very advantagious for me. I muſt needs acknowledge, ſaid Beleſis, that whatſoever your diſcretion be I, do not think [Page] my ſelf obliged to truſt you with any thing which might be prejudiciall unto the perſon whom I once loved, and who did not hate me: For truely if I did, I ſhould give you a very fine example of indiſcretion, ſuch a one as I ſhould think that you could not be more diſcreet then I am, unleſſe you give me a juſt ſubject of complaint. But Madam, as to what you ſay, that perhaps I keep Cleodora's letters in my hands, purpoſely to cloſe with her again; In anſwer to this Madam, I will tell you, that if you pleaſe, I will never ſpeak unto her again, nor ever look upon her: I will go ſo farre as incivility, if you deſire it: but I beſeech you, let me not go ſo farre as treaſon: yet do not think I beſeech you, that I ſpeak thus, becauſe my love to you is not violent enough, for though I do deny what now you do deſire of me, yet I offer at the ſame time to undertake the moſt difficult enterprizes in the world for your ſervice. At theſe words Leoniſa interrupting him, It is enough, (ſaid ſhe unto him) it is a ſufficient triall of your vertue Beleſis: But to the end you ſhould not have a leſſe good opinion of my vertue, then I have of yours, know, that if you had conſented unto what I did ſo urgently deſire, I ſhould never have truſted you with the leaſt favour in the world: But ſince you have reſiſted me with ſo much prudent obſtinacie, and denied me the picture of Cleodora, I conſent you ſhall keep mine, though you ſtole it from me.

At the pronouncing theſe words Leoniſa was ſilent, and bluſht, and I know not whether Beleſis was haſtier to render thanks then ſhe was to diminiſh the obliging ſence of her language. But he was ſo ready to apprehend the obligation, that the words no ſooner touched his ear, but they reached his heart, and his heart his tongue to thank her. Though you do nothing (ſaid he unto her) but conſent unto a thing which you could not hinder me from, yet am I infinitely obliged unto you, for creating it a gift, and not a theft; and I am moſt certain, I ſhall finde your Picture more reſembling your fair ſelf, ſince theſe three or four words which you have ſpoken in my favour, do ſo pleaſingly ſweeten my imagination, that I ſhall think my ſelf much more happy every time I look upon it: I pray Beleſis, ſaid Leoniſa, do not give me ſo many thanks, leſt I ſhould think I have granted you to much and repent: then I muſt ſhut up my acknowledgments in my heart, ſaid Beleſis, and content my ſelf with ſhewing you, only my Love. After this Leoniſa, deſired to ſee her picture, which he preſenting unto her; he had as great joy to receive it from the faire hand of his dear Leoniſa, as if he had received it from her own gift. But firſt he obſerved unto her, by the diſtinguiſhment of the claſpes, which was on that ſide where Cleodora's picture was, to the end ſhe might know in opening of the Caſe, which ſide hers was on: for though it is not the cuſtome of thoſe that have the pictures of the perſons whom they love, to look upon them in their preſence, yet it was not ſo with Beleſis, for whether it was Cleodora, or Leoniſa that hee loved, he would look upon their pictures with ſuch violent raptures of love, and ſuch private thoughts, as if they were the very ſubſtances. Hee was never better pleaſed, then when he ſaw Leoniſa in a great Cloſet at her Aunts, where there was on four great Pillars, four great Mirrours of polliſhed ſteel: which way ſoever he turned he ſaw four Leoniſa's, and ſometimes many more Leoniſa's, at leaſt he ſaid ſo, when he would aggravate his paſſion: and there alſo he looked often upon the Picture, though it was in the ſame Chamber where ſhe was. Thus Sir you ſee upon what termes Beleſis was with Leoniſa. In the mean time, the poor Cleodora, thinking that the love of Hermogenes was the true cauſe of Beleſis his manner of behaviour, reſolutely determined to entreat him not to ſee her any more, ſeeing that all her roughneſſe of behaviour would not repulſe him. Since ſhe knew he was very wiſe, and knew moſt of the paſſages between Beleſis and her: She thought it beſt to ſpeak unto him in all ingenuous ſincerity: ſo that finding him one day, in her Aunts chamber, as ſhe was buſie in talking with others: ſhe began to ſpeak unto him: In the mean time, ſince ſhe had a long while ſhunned him, Hermogenes was raviſhed at the alteration: but his joy was very ſhort; for ſhee no ſooner opened her mouth, but he knew that he ſhould have more cauſe to complain againſt Cleodora, then to thank her. I pray you Hermogenes (ſaid ſhe unto him) do not murmur at the requeſt I ſhall make, and take that confidence which I have in you, for the greateſt teſtimony of my eſteem and affection, which you can ever receive from me: For Heavens ſake Madam (ſaid Hermogenes) do not ask me any thing that will force me unto a denyall: If I thought I ſhould be denyed (ſaid ſhe) I would not ask, but having great confidence in your wiſdom, I hope to obtain my requeſt. But Madam, replied Hermogenes, what can you deſire more of me, then what I have already given? [Page] I would deſire you, for ſome urgent conſiderations which neerly concern me, to forbear either ſeeing me or ſpeaking unto me: Alas Madam, replied he, you ask me that which is not in my power to grant? But I pray Madam, is this the teſtimony of that eſteem, and affection you ſpoke of? Doubtleſſe it is (replied ſhe) for if it were not, I ſhould have baniſhed you without ſpeaking to you, and therefore me thinks you ought to conſent willingly to my deſire. If you will baniſh me, replied he, becauſe the Perſon that hath Power over you, thinks it not fit, I ſhould have the honour to ſee you, or becauſe my paſſion makes too great a noiſe in the world: I could put a favourable ſence of your act, and obey you: But fair Cleodora, I know very well, you onely would pack mee away, to admit of Beleſis: I crave your pardon Madam, (ſaid he, ſeeing Cleodora bluſh at his anſwer) for taking the freedom to ſpeak with ſo much ſincerity, but yet the lamentable condition wherein I am, might ſerve, me thinks, for an excuſe. However, I muſt tell you, that though it be onely to recall the happy Beleſis that you drive me away, yet you ought to let me love you, and that freely; for Madam, if jealouſie do not bring him back, nothing will: Therefore, though you have no conſideration of me at all, and though you conſider onely your ſelf, yet it is your beſt courſe to let mee live with you as formerly. No Hermogenes, replied ſhe, you muſt not deny me, and therefore content your ſelf that I am not angry at what you ſay: But I will ingenuouſly confeſſe unto you (ſaid ſhe, holding her hand before her eyes, and turning away her head to hide her bluſhes) that the jealouſie of Beleſis begins to anger me, eſpecially ſince it diſcovers his folly unto ſome who elſe would never have known it. I beſeech you Madam (ſaid Hermogenes) do not diſguiſe the truth, but conſider, that Cleodora being my Miſtreſſe, and Beleſis being alwayes my intimate friend, it is not poſſible but I ſhould a little know how things are: Certainly, replied ſhe, ſince Beleſis is your rivall, you cannot be his ſpie; Beleſis carrying himſelf now, replied Hermogenes, as the lover of Leoniſa, and not of Cleodora, I do not reſent him as my rivall: However it be Hermogenes, replied ſhe, do not deny me in my requeſt, and do not force me to baniſh you with a noiſe. But Madam, I beſeech you, (replied he) ſince Beleſis is in love with Leoniſa, is it not unjuſt in you to treat Hermogenes thus? Doubtleſſe it is not (anſwered ſhe) for I have ſuch a horror to all men, that your ſelf muſt needs bee included: Revenge is very ſweet replied he: I confeſſe it, replied Cleodora, yet there is no ſweetneſſe to be revenged upon ones ſelf by deſiring it upon another: And ſince Hermogenes, you have too many excellent parts, to owe your affection which one hath to you, unto the hatred which one hath againſt your rivall; therefore it were more expedient you looked about for ſome better fortune: No, no Madam, replied ſhe I am none of thoſe delicate & ſcrupulous men, who are ſo preciſe as to obſerve which hand it is that gives a preſent: for ſo you will love me, I care not whether it be by revenge, or by inclination. However Hermogenes, ſaid Cleodora, I will be obeyed. This is ſome favour yet, replied he, that you will abſolutely command me, after you began with intreaties, 'Tis true, ſaid ſhe, but leaſt you repent, do as I bid you. Hermogenes, ſeeing with what reſolution Cleodora ſpake, thought it his beſt courſe not to reſiſt her: ſo that to gain a little more time, for the execution of a deſigne which hee had: he conjured her to allow him ſix dayes onely to conſider; at the end of which time hee would demand one hours audience. Since Cleodora did very much eſteem Hermogenes, ſhee conſented unto his deſire, and ſo they parted: Cleodora hoping ſhe had baniſhed Hermogenes, and that Beleſis would return unto her: and Hermogenes hoping, that as ſoon as hee obtained one thing of Beleſis, which he intended to ask, he ſhould make Cleodora change her mind. And to that end, he went to look him the very ſame hour, and as hap was, found him in his chamber: As ſoon as he ſaw him, Beleſis came to meet him, and gave him many thanks for applying himſelf ſo cloſely unto Cleodora that day, for hee had thereby given him good opportunity to talk with Leoniſa, to his exceeding delight. I am extremely joyed, ſaid Hermogenes to him, that I was able to contribute any thing to your felicity: But my dear Beleſis (ſaid he unto him, and embraced him) you muſt do ſomething alſo, to keep me from being miſerable: You need not uſe any ſuch conjuration, replied Beleſis, for can you doubt, but that I will do any thing I can, to ſerve you? In good earneſt Hermogenes your way of proceeding does offend me, ſince prayers are not to be made unto reall friends: 'Tis doubtleſſe enough to let them know we ſtand in need of them, and that will oblige them to our ſervice: Speak then I conjure you, and tell me quickly what you would have me do for you. You muſt, ſince [Page] you will not have me intreat you, (replied Hermogenes) let Cleodora know that you love her not, and let her alſo know, that you love Leoniſa. Ah Hermogenes, (replied Beleſis) it is yet too ſoon to appear inconſtant in the eyes of Cleodora: and why would you have me ſo ſoon diſcover my crime? is it becauſe you are weary of talking ſo much with her? and does it vex you to be tied too long unto a buſineſſe which concerns you not? if ſo, I had rather you would ceaſe ſeeing her, then to tell her what I would not have her know ſo ſoon, and which indeed ſhe will know but too ſoon. No, no ſaid Hermogenes, you do not underſtand me: but to explain my words unto you, know cruel friend, that when you ſhaked off the fetters of the fair Cleodora, you enchained me with them: and the truth is, you never loved that fair Perſon, ſo well as I love her, nor would I quit her for a thouſand of your Leoniſas. (How ſaid Beleſis in a great aſtoniſhment) do you love Cleodora? yes, replied he, I do love her, and thank the gods you love her not, but are in ſuch a condition as to pitie me, and give me leave to do as I deſire of you. Beleſis ſeeing Hermogenes was ſerious, did not queſtion the truth of his words, but the ſtrangeneſſe of the matter was, he was ſo ſurpriſed at them, that he walked up and down the chamber, and could not ſpeak a word: ſo that Hermogenes wondering to ſee him ſo amazed, importuned him ſtill to let his inconſtancy be known unto Cleodora. For truly, ſaid he unto him, if you will for my ſake permit it; you will be a gainer by it as well as my ſelf, ſince if Cleodora do not pretend any thing unto your affection, ſhe will not then torment you, as ſhe doth. Though her affection, replied he, will not torment me, yet her hatred will; therefore I intreat you heartily, not to tell her poſitively that I do not love her: and it will alſo reflect ſomething upon Leoniſa, and conſequently it will augment your miſeries, and not leſſen mine. For I cannot ſee what advantage you can draw unto your ſelf by letting Cleodora know that I am in Love with Leoniſa. Since I muſt tell you, replied he, know that it is becauſe Cleodora (who thinks you jealous of me, and who thinks you counterfeit love to Leoniſa, to ſpite her) loves you a thouſand times better then ſhe ſhould: ſo that my affection to her cannot have any influence upon her heart, unleſſe I can expel you out of it: move her to hate me if you can, becauſe ſhe loves you (replied Beleſis) but I beſeech you do not endeavour to make her love you, becauſe ſhe hates me: me thinks (ſaid Hermogenes and ſmiled) this is too much fantaſtical niceneſſe, for you do either love Leoniſa, or you Love her not: if you do not love her, then you ought to tell me poſitively, that you love Cleodora ſtill, and that you are my enemy, becauſe you are my Rival. But if on the contrary you do love Leoniſa, I do not ſee any reaſon why you ſhould not permit me to tell Cleodora, that which will advance me, and free you from her affection for I am fully perſwaded, that though it be onely to revenge her ſelf, ſhe will treat me much better. However, not to diſſemble with you, let me tell you truly, that if you do not conſent unto this requeſt, know, it is her will, I ſhould neither love her, ſpeak to her, nor ſee her any more: and then he told Beleſis all the paſſages betwixt Cleodora, and himſelf; Whilſt he was telling him the ſtory, he obſerved a ſtrange agitation in his minde, though he could not well conceive the reaſon, unleſſe it was his ſhame to be known ſo inconſt [...] But ſo it is (ſaid he after he had related all unto him) that Cleodora will certainly [...]ere long know you love her not, and that you love Leoniſa; and ſince ſo, is it not much better ſhe knew it now, when ſome advantage may be gotten by it, then to ſtay till none can be reaped by the knowledge of it? The more you hide your crime, the more Criminal you will appear: and therefore I conjure you let me endeavour to obtain that which you would willingly part with: Conſider, that you have no reaſon to denie me, becauſe you are the cauſe that I love her, ſince it was for your ſake I undertook ſuch familiarity with her: I ſaw her long before you, and never loved her, and certainly, ſo I ſhould have done all my life: but ſince onely in your behalf, and for no intereſt of my own, I was ſo complacential as to ſee her, and am deſperately in love with her, me thinks it is but juſt, you ſhould contribute all you can to cure that wound which you have cauſed. I wiſh I could, (replied Beleſis much amazed) But I muſt confes unto you, I cannot ſo far preua [...]l with my ſelf, as to ſuffer you ſhould diſcover my Crime unto Cleodora, moreover I beſeech you conſider that ſince I am not upon abſolute good t [...]arms with Leoniſa, Cleodora when ſhe knows the truth, will in a probability do me a thouſand ill offices unto Leoniſa; and therefore, though I ſhould give way unto your deſires, it ſhould not be til I had abſolutely gained, [Page] the heart of Leoniſa. But whilſt you are obtaining that victory, replied Hermogenes, what would you have become of me? for Cleodora within this ſix dayes will neither let me ſpeak unto her, nor ſee her again: Conſider I beſeech you, what you would do if the caſe were your own: I know not, replied Beleſis, but I am ſure I cannot conſent you ſhould diſcover my Crime unto Cleodora. But why I pray you, did you fall in love with her? did you not lay to heart what I told you of her humours? why were not you wiſe by my woes, and let her alone; Beleeve me, it were Prudence in you in lue of endeavouring to win her heart, to diſengage your own from ſuch a ſad ſervice: for the more in favour you are with Cleodora, the more unquiet ſhall your ſoul be: and therefore though it were onely in Conſideration of your ſelf, I ought to deny you what you deſire in this buſineſſe: No, no Beleſis, ſaid he, we ought not to ſerve our friends according to our own Palats, but according unto theirs: and when I firſt diſſembled to be in love with Cleodora, I did not reaſon with you, ſo wiſely as you with me, though perhaps, I had more cauſe then you have. However ſince at your deſire in feigning love to Cleodora, I became really in love with her, I cannot ſee why you ſhould ſo obſtinately deny my requeſt. But Hermogenes with all his Rhetorick could not perſwade Beleſis to conſent. And Beleſis having no good reaſons wherewith to Colour his denial imployed his Prayers, and in all Zeal intreated him not to tell Cleodora that he did not love her, but loved Leoniſa. After this Conteſt had laſted a long while, theſe two friends parted, both complaining one againſt the other; Tis true, yet there was no bitterneſſe in their complaints, but they ſpoke to each other as if they hoped ſtill to perſwade; but after they were parted, they did more ſharply reſent the bitter Conſequences of the buſineſſe. Hermogenes was ſo ſunk with ſorrow, that Beleſis had refuſed to aſſiſt him in his ſervice of Cleodora, that he came in lamentable dejection unto me, to relate the Paſſage, aggravating the injuſtice of Beleſis his denial in ſuch Language, as made the vehemency of his Paſſion appear plainly unto me: but that I ſhould not be ignorant in any circumſtance which was related unto either of them, the next morning Beleſis knowing I was an indifferent friend unto them both, came and acquainted me with the paſſage alſo, and deſired me that I would keep Hermogenes from telling Cleodora how he deluded her. So that I being the confident of them both, I made uſe of that knowledge I had of their real thoughts, to keep them from falling out, and did ſo temper their ſpirits, that they complained againſt each other, in a much more civil manner. Yet the buſineſſe could not ſtand long upon theſe terms, as you ſhall preſently know. In the mean while Beleſis was not a little perplexed when he went unto the Aunts of Cleodora, and Leoniſa: for when he talked not unto the laſt of theſe, he was not pleaſed: and when Hermogenes talked with Cleodora, he was not able to endure it, imagining alwayes that notwithſtanding all his prayers, he was diſcovering his inconſtancy unto her: ſo that to defer that inconveniency, he would often times leave Leoniſa, and come to interrupt Hermogenes and Cleodora, intruding himſelf into their diſcourſe, and excuſing himſelf afterwards to Leoniſa, as well as he could. Cleodora for her part ſeeing Beleſis was ſo troubled and unquiet, and that yet he ſpake more unto her then he uſed, did interpret all his inquietudes unto her own advantage [...] thought him to he ſtill in love with her. On the other ſide, Hermogenes, told Cleodora in a low voice, that if ever ſhe would reduce Beleſis, ſhe muſt not baniſh Hermogenes, but as for Leoniſa, ſhe knew not what to think, but upon the perple [...]ities of Beleſis, ſhe endeavoured to keep that which ſhe had cauſed Cleodora to loſe. The truth is Sir, I ſaw that at this time, which I aſſure you I never in my life ſaw before, and perhaps ſhall never ſee again: [...], a man to be jealous and not in love, ſince certainly Beleſis did for ſome dayes behave himſelf both to Cleodora and Hermogenes, as if he did not love the one, but as if he were the Rival of the other: to wit, with many Perplexities, many alterations of Countenance, and with the very ſame impatiencies, that jealouſy is uſed to infuſe into thoſe whom it moſt torments, In the mean time, he alwayes ſaid that he did not Love Cleodora, and that he was deſperately in love with Leoniſa, I have heard ſay (ſaid I unto him one evening when I was ſpeaking unto him concerning his intimate thoughts) that it is not eaſy to be long in love without a little jealouſie but I never thought it poſſible to be jealous, unleſſe one were in love; And yet I ſee you behave your ſelf as if you were; For truly you cannot endure Hermogenes ſhould talk in private with Cleodora you interrupt their diſcourſe as much as you can and [Page] when you cannot, you look upon them as if you would look through their hearts, and gueſſe their thoughts; and then you are ſo tranſported, that you never look upon Leoniſa, though you are deeply in love with her: What would you have me do? (ſaid he to me) I would have you hearken unto reaſon (anſwered I) and ſince you are not in love with Cleodora, not to hinder Hermogenes, but permit him to do whatſoever wil be advantageous to him: No, no Alcenor, ſaid he, I cannot prevail ſo far with my ſelf: and there is ſuch a fatal fantaſticalneſſe upon me that I cannot endure neither that Hermogenes ſhould tel Cleodora I betrayed her, nor that he ſhould love her, or be loved: I value not me thinks if a hundred others love her, but I cannot endure Hermogenes ſhould: yet you are more obliged to endure him then any other, replied I, for he is more your friend then any other: Tis very true, replied Beleſis, and if you did but know how much I am aſhamed of my folly, you would Pitie me in the mean time it is ſo predominate, that I can ever return abſolutely unto Cleodora, nor allow Hermogenes to love her, nor can I never forſake Leoniſa. As we were diſcourſing thus together; Hermogenes came in, who in my preſence ſpake as obligingly unto Beleſis as poſſibly could be: He told him that his ſix dayes would expire that night, and that he came once more to ſolicit him for a conſent unto what he formerly deſired. Moreover I have one thing to tell you ſaid he, before you give me my laſt denial, which is, that if you will repent of your fault, and quit Leoniſa and return unto Cleodora, and become as faithful as you have been inconſtant: I promiſe you, to ceaſe my ſure, and never to diſcover your Crime, proteſting unto you that I will not onely leave Cleodora, but Suſa alſo: but then I expect, that if it be ſo, you will love Leoniſa ſtill, and by conſequence not pretend any thing unto Cleodora: I expect I ſay, you ſhould aſſiſt me, and no longer oppoſe my deſire. All that you ſay, is ful of reaſon, replied Beleſis, ſo that I am infinitely aſhamed to return ſuch an extravagant anſwer: But Hermogenes, if you love me you will pitie the imperfections of your friend, and excuſe me if I denie you, and confeſſe that I cannot receive a more ſenſible diſpleaſure then to ſee you love Cleodora, though I Love Leoniſa, I know very well that it is extream folly to ſpeak thus: But it muſt be you Hermogenes, who are wiſer then I am, that muſt connive at my weakneſſe: it was you that brought me to Suſa, and cauſed all my miſeries, and therefore it muſt be you that muſt comfort me. Tis true replied Hermogenes, I did bring you to Suſa: but it was you firſt who brought me in love with Cleodora, and by Conſequence it is our parts to comfort one another. After this, I took upon me to talk unto them both, but all to no purpoſe, and thus we all parted without any concluſion at all. And certainly it was very happy Beleſis did not lodge neer Hermogenes, as he did when he came firſt to Suſa: for if they had, matters might have been worſe between them. In the mean time, the poor Hermogenes was in a ſad condition, becauſe Cleodora obſerving the inquietudes of Beleſis, and thinking he ſuffered them for the love of her, ſhe reſolved to baniſh Hermogenes; So that the ſix dayes which ſhe gave him, being expired, ſhe prepared her ſelf for that hour of audience which he asked, and ſhe promiſed, and taking hold of the opportunity in her Aunts chamber, they went both to a window, far enough from the reſt of the company, to talk, and not be underſtood; Therefore Cleodora began to conjure him not to ſpeak unto her any more, but by degrees to withdraw himſelf from coming to her. However Madam, ſaid he unto her, you will confeſſe that it is for Beleſis his ſake that you baniſh me; and that if he were not in love with you, you would not baniſh me; Cleodora thinking that Hermogenes would be better ſatisfied if ſhe ſpoke ſincerely unto him, then if ſhe ſhould diſſemble a truth which he was not ignorant of, told him in very obliging language, that it was very true, ſhe deſired to take from Beleſis all cauſes of jealouſy, and all complaints againſt her: aſſuring him, that if ſhe had not ſome compaſſion upon Beleſis, ſhe would never deprive her ſelf of his company, but ſhould deſire him to regulate that affection which he ſaid he bore her. Hermogenes hearing Cleodora ſpeak with more mildneſſe then one that had any minde to baniſh another, or abſolutly diſoblige him, did beleeve, that if ſhe knew of Beleſis his inconſtancy, perhaps he might poſſeſſe that place which this inconſtant man inojyed in the heart of this Lady: ſo that being prompted unto it by the exceſſe of his love, and perceiving that be muſt either quit Cleodora, or undeceive her in her belief that ſhe had of Beleſis his loving her, began to think of changing the ſentence of his death: ſince he did extreamly Love Beleſis, he was extreamly unwilling to tell her what he knew but [Page] ſince it concerned the chiefe felicity of his life: and love ſurmounting all lawes of friendſhip, his ſpirits began to be exaſperated againſt Beleſis. Whilſt Hermogenes was thinking what to do, Cleodora looked upon him, imagining that the many alterations in his countenance, were cauſed only becauſe of his ſorrows, that he was not to ſpeak unto her as he was uſed: but at laſt Hermogenes prevailing with himſelf: the gods are my witneſſes Madam, (ſaid he unto her) what an extream unwillingneſſe is in, me, to eaſe my ſoule of thoſe miſeries which oppreſſe it, by telling one thing which doubtleſſe will much trouble you, and which is far from pleaſing me. For the melancholy which I ſhall ſee in your faire eyes, when you ſhall underſtand, that Beleſis is unworthy of thoſe honours you do him, will infinitly grieve me. But Madam, though I ſhould not attempt to revoke that fatal ſentence, which you have pronounced againſt me; yet in conſideration of your own intereſt, I think my ſelf obliged to diſcover unto you, what I know: for I am fully perſwaded, that when a Miſtreſſe, and a friend are in the ſcales, the weights are much uneven. Nor is it in my choice to deliberate, ſince as the ſtate of my caſe ſtands, I muſt tell you that Beleſis is an unconſtant man: that his jealouſie is counterfeit, and that he is in love with Leoniſa. At the firſt Cleodora did not beleeve Hermogenes, but thought that all he told her, was his own invention: But ſince there is nothing more eaſie, then to infuſe miſtruſt into an amorous minde, ſhe no ſooner had told Hermogenes, that ſhe gave no credit unto his words: but ſhe began inſenſibly to be jealous, and aske him upon what conjectures he grounded his beliefe? So that by little and little, and hardly knowing what ſhe ſaid, ſhe asked Hermogenes of more things then he knew of: and alſo he told her more, then ſhe deſired to know: yet ſince there ſtill remained ſome kind of doubts in her; Hermogenes told her, that to clear them all, ſhe ſhould get her picture out of Beleſis his hands, and there ſhe might ſee Leoniſas alſo; Ah Hermogenes, ſaid Cleodora: could I but ſee that, I ſhould extreamly hate Beleſis: and certainly you may ſee it, replied he, if you go handſomly about it: but alas Madam, ſaid he, it will not be enough to hate Beleſis, unleſſe you love Hermogenes: I aſſure you, ſaid ſhe unto him, if this you tell me be true, I ſhall not eaſily love any: and I ſhall ſo hate my ſelf, that I ſhall not be in any diſpoſition to love others, ſince to ſpeak truly, none ever loves, but for love of themſelves: but however I aſſure you, that I ſhall think my ſelf eternally obliged unto you, for diſcovering the perfidiouſneſſe of Beleſis to me. As ſhe ſpoke theſe laſt words, Beleſis entered, who ſeeing Hermogenes and Cleodora, ſeparated from the company, went towards them, to interrupt their diſcourſe; though Leoniſa was in the ſame chamber. In going thither, his mind began to change, becauſe he feared Hermogenes had already diſcovered his crime: yet ſince he had already ſtept a pace forward, he went on, with a ſpirit ſo full of turbulency, as plainly told Cleodora, his mind was unquiet. On the other ſide, this Lady was not a little troubled, in diſſembling her thoughts: But ſince there was a neceſſity in it, to the end ſhe might clear all her doubts, ſhe forced her ſelf extreamly, to ſpeak unto Beleſis as ſhe uſed to do: yet ſhe received him with a conſtrained civilitie, ſo as Beleſis was much perplexed at it, not knowing whether it was an effect of her knowing his crime or that it was only to ſpite him: Hermogenes alſo was ſo damped, that he durſt hardly look upon Beleſis, and therefore it was not ſtrange, that theſe three perſons could not endure to be together, but came unto the reſt of the company, as ſoon as they had done their firſt complements. In the mean while Leoniſa ſeeing Beleſis enter, turned her head continually, to obſerve whether he ſpake unto Cleodora: but ſince ſhe ſaw, he ſaid almoſt nothing, but that they all came towards her, the little ſpite ſhe had againſt him diminiſhed: yet for all that, ſhe thought to be revenged, and was ſo, immediately after for Sir, you muſt know, that Beleſis at his firſt coming into the chamber, did chuſe rather to addreſſe himſelf unto Cleodora, then unto Leoniſa, becauſe ſhe was alone with Hermogenes, and he no ſooner ſaw that they were ſeparated, and joyned to the reſt of the company, but he addreſſed himſelf unto Leoniſa; who to be revenged as I ſaid before, did receive him with ſuch a cold look, as did little comfort him, in his ſecret ſorrows: for turning her ſelf preſently towards Tiſias, ſhe taught Beleſis by experience, what it was to prefer another before himſelf, and he could not get her to ſpeake one word unto him all that day: but whileſt Leoniſa was revenging her ſelf in this manner, Cleodora was full of impatient deſires, to be clearly reſolved of every thing which [Page] Hermogenes told her, and moved the company, to go and walk by the river, which runnes by Suſa: for ſhe had no minde to walk in the common walkes, becauſe then ſhe could not ſo conveniently talk with Beleſis, as ſhe deſired: ſince Tiſias was with Leoniſa, and being of the moſt confiderable qualitie in all Suſa, none did diſpute with him for the place he would take, and therefore he led Leoniſa to the Coach, and afterwards by the rivers ſide, to which all the company being come, they walked on foot in a great meadow, where there were many willows growing by the river ſide: Beleſis ſeeing that he could not walk with Leoniſa, and being deſirous to hinder Hermogenes from preſenting his hand unto Cleodora, he addreſſed himſelf unto her, though not with the ſame Aire, he was accuſtomed before he loved Leoniſa: Cleodora ſpoke to him with much civilitie and ſweetnes, inſomuch as Beleſis aſſured himſelf, Hermogenes had not yet diſcovered his crime, and conſidering with himſelf, how Cleodora alwaies loved him very dearly, his ſoule was ſtinged with extream remorſe, for betraying ſo faire, ſo ſweet a Lady: Not but that he did ſtill turn his head continually towards Leoniſa, to ſee how Tiſias courted her; and it was apparent, that his heart was pittifully torne in pieces. In the mean time Cleodora, who had a ſecret deſigne in it, did ſo order her pace, whether Beleſis would or no, that they were ſeparated from the reſt of the company, taking a little path neerer the river ſide, to the end, as ſhe ſaid, ſhe might walk more under the ſhaddow of the willowes; after they had walked a while, Cleodora ſeeming to look upon the river that was very calme and ſmooth, and would needs look upon her ſelf in it: Ah Beleſis, ſaid ſhe, I ſhould think my glaſſe to be a very bad one, or elſe I look very ill of late, yet I ſee it is not, for this river flatters no more then it: Beleſis not ſuſpecting her deſigne, did contradict her, and ſaid ſhe never looked more faire; thinking that ſhe ſaid ſo only to move him not to conſent unto her. Beleſis therefore told her, he ſaw none more faire, ſince the firſt day he came to Suſa: yet I have been very ill, and much altered ſince then, replied ſhe, and I am confident that if you will look upon my picture, it will accuſe you of flattery, and make my alteration evidently appeare. To ſhew you (ſaid he to the end ſhe might not ſee it, leſt ſhe ſhould ſee Leoniſa's alſo) that I think you fairer then your picture, I will not look upon it now in your preſence, becauſe I had much rather look upon you, then it: ſetting flattery aſide, ſaid Cleodora, I pray you let me ſee it: I would gladly let you ſee what wrong you do your ſelf, (ſaid he unto her) in ſpeaking ſo ill of your beauty, but I am ſo unfortunate, as I left it this morning in my cabinet, and forgot it: in ſaying ſo Beleſis bluſht, and ſo did Cleodora alſo, for ſhe knew well, he ſpoke not truely: but to excuſe the diſorder that appeared in her face: I would not have given you my picture (replied Cleodora) to lock it up in your Cabinet, and forget me; Oh Madam (ſaid Beleſis unto her, extremly non-pluſt) I beſeech you condemne me not, for ſo ill expreſſing my ſelf: for it was not my intention, to ſay that I forgot it, but that without any intention, I left it in my cabinet: However it be, (ſaid ſhe) I would not have given you it for that, yet I pray you let me ſee it as ſoon as you can, and look well whether or no, you left it there; for ſince you tell me, you left it there, and never thought of it, perhaps without thinking of it, you have it about you: Beleſis refuſed a long time to look for it, ſaying that he knew that he had it not about him: but at laſt, leſt Cleodora ſhould ſuſpect him; he ſeemed to look whether or no he was deceived, and to that end he looked amongſt many papers, and other things which he carried about him, having a great care not to pul out that which he would not have her ſee. But as ill luck for him was, the claſpes of his table book, catched hold of the claſp of the caſe, of the picture, and drew it out: ſo that Cleodora no ſooner ſaw it, but ſhe took it, before Beleſis could hinder her; Cleodora had no ſooner this picture, but fearing that Beleſis would take it from her, ſhe put it in her pocket; afterwards, turning towards him, hereafter, (ſaid ſhe, and ſeeming as if ſhe did not think he told a lie) truſt not too much to your memory. In the mean time, Beleſis was extreamly perplexed: for although he did not think, that Cleodora knew Leoniſa's picture was in that caſe, as well as her own: yet he knew, that if it remained long in her hands, ſhe would ſee it: And therefore it was made of ſuch a faſhion, that it was very hard for thoſe that knew it not, to perceive that it opened at both ſides, yet he thought, that Cleodora being ſuſpitious, and witty, would eaſily finde it out, if ſhe had any long time to conſider it. And therefore he began to conjure her, to reſtore it preſently, but durſt [Page] not for his life have recourſe unto any force, againſt one to whom he owed ſo much reſpect: Madam, ſaid he unto her, you asked me your picture, to ſee whether you were fairer then it, and to do Juſtice in reſtoring it again the ſame hour: I will look upon it ſaid ſhe, when I am with my glaſſe: But Madam, ſaid he, how do you think it poſſible, I ſhould be all the reſt of the day without it? Since you ſee the Perſon, whom it perſonates, (replied ſhe with a crafty ſmile) you need not regret the want of the picture: promiſe me then I beſeech you, replied he, that you will reſtore it before we part; perhaps I ſhall reſtore it to morrow, ſaid ſhe at leaſt I will intreat you to come unto my chamber, and ſee the difference, betwixt my picture, and my ſelf: After this Beleſis uſed a hundred conjurations, and began to be very angry in his language: alſo he was very nigh; ſteeping his words in his tears: but at laſt he was forced to be ſilent, for Cleodora brought him into the company again, ſo that he could not talke any longer in private together: and to take all occaſion of it from him, ſhe went unto Leoniſa, and parted not from her all the reſt of the day: You may imagine Sr. how Beleſis fretted, and how impatient Cleodora was to be in ſuch a place where ſhe might ſee whether all Hermogenes told her was truth: She did fit ſo upon thornes, that ſhe complained it was grown late, to the end ſhe might the ſooner induce them homeward: on the contrary Beleſis thinking to finde ſome remedy for the diſcovery which he feared, or at leaſt finding ſome conſolation in deferring it, did all he could to ſpin out time, telling Cleodora ſhe was not very full of complacency, in deſiring ſo much good company ſhould be deprived of ſo much pleaſure for her fake: but ſay what he could, they went home betimes: Yet his hope was, that when he came to her houſe, he might perhaps wait upon her to her chamber, and there importune her to reſtore the picture, but ſhe very cunningly ſtayed in her Aunts chamber untill he was gone: and as ſoon as ever that was, ſhe went into her cloſſet, and ſhut her ſelf up, and very haſtily opened the caſe, where at firſt ſhe found only her own picture: But ſince Hermogenes told her that the caſe was doble, ſhe begun to conſider it very attentively: and looked upon it a long while, turning it on every ſide, that at laſt ſhe found the way to open it, and preſently found the picture of Leoniſa: As ſoon as ever ſhe ſaw it, ſhe let it fall from her hand, Then taking it up, ſhe looked upon it again: after which, throwing it upon the table with as much anger as ſorrow: Ah Hermogenes cryed ſhe out: all is but too true: but I wiſh it were not; well perfidious Beleſis, haſt thou betrayed me, and become inconſtant? well, well, Leoniſa, added ſhe, did you come unto Suſa, to make me the moſt miſerable woman in the world? And you Hermogenes, did you only love me to acquaint me with the cheat of your friend? But what good can Beleſis, Leoniſa and Hermogenes get, by the miſeries which I endure? ſince it is my ſelf whom I ought to accuſe for all my diſaſters. For indeed (added ſhe, and addreſſed her ſpeech as unto a third perſon) to what end is it, that ſhe is ſo curious in the choiſe of her friends, ſince ſhe is ſo ill a chuſer of her lover? ſhe could never endure above four or five in all the world, and out of that number ſhe hath preferred one before the reſt, and it is very he, that hath betrayed and forſaken her, ſhe I ſay, who forſooke all the world for Beleſis: ſhe changed her own humours for him, and was neither cholerick or imperious, yet he hath forſaken her, when ſhe was moſt favourable unto him: Doubtleſſe, ſaid ſhe, I muſt now treat him, as they uſe to do ſlaves and ſpaniels that are better for beating and ill uſage; or to expreſſe my ſelf a little better, I muſt neither be milde nor ſevere unto him, but for my own quiets ſake, I muſt not ſee him at all: But alas it is but too true, that I have ſeen him; I have eſteemed him, and I have loved him: Yet I am fully reſolved, never to ſee him again in private, but once, and that ſhall be, to chide him for his perfidie, and I am moſt certain I ſhall never eſteem him again. But for all my wiſe reſolutions, ſaid ſhe and ſighed, I cannot tell whether I can never love him again; me thinks I am fuller of ſorrow and anger then I am of hatred: and me thinks I cannot chuſe but wiſh he would repent; But I am reſolved though he ſhould repent, yet never to pardon him, but to be revenged both upon him for his crime, and upon my ſelf for my folly: After this, Cleodora told me, that ſhe ſpoke a hundred things more, which ſhe could not well remember: and that ſhe fixed upon a hundred ſeverall reſolutions contrary to one another, and that her minde was full of all, that love, hatred, anger, and jealouſy could in the moſt violent manner inſpire into her: And was ſo long in discourſe with her ſelfe, that [Page] her women were conſtrained to come & tell her it was very late, and that if ſhe would ſleep before it was day, ſhe muſt go to bed quickly. Cleodora deſiring to conceal her perplexities, took up the picture which ſhe threw upon the table with much violence, and went to bed: but aſſured me that ſhe never cloſed her eyes all that night; but after ſhe had well thought upon what courſe to take, ſhe reſolved to imploy all her wits to make Beleſis and Leoniſa fall out, and to make a way for Tiſias to marry her: Yet ſince ſhe could not bring this to paſſe by her ſelf, but did ſtand in need of the help of Hermogenes, who could eaſily help on her deſigne, ſhe reſolved to endure him, and make him the confident of her revenge. Since ſhe was one of an arrogant ſpirit, ſhe had an apprehenſion that none could obſerve by her eyes that ſhe had been crying, or that ſhe wanted ſleep: ſo that before the ſun appeared, ſhe wiped up all her tears, and ſhut up all her ſighs, and did ſtrive to ſet a gloſſe of that tranquility upon her face which was far from her heart: ſhe would needs be dreſſed better then the day before, thinking her dreſſe would add gayneſſe unto her lookes; After that ſhe had taken all poſſible care to hide her melancholy, ſhe went from her own chamber to Leoniſas, which was not far off, but ſince this Lady did not riſe ſo ſoon as Cleodora, ſhe was not yet ready; and not knowing why or what her buſineſſe was, ſhe did chide her for being ſo early, and earneſtly asked the reaſon; for truly ſaid ſhe unto her, I did not think to ſee you ſo early, and ſo fine to day, (adding and laughing) that ſurely ſhe intended to make ſome new conqueſt at the Temple, and told her it was prophane to have any ſuch thoughts, and that therefore, ſhe was too early up, though her complexion was as freſh, and eyes as ſparkling, as if ſhe had ſlept ten hours; Yet it is ſo early, ſaid ſhe unto her, that before we go unto the Temple, halfe the curles of your hair would be out, and hang down negligently. I aſſure you, replied Cleodora, with a blithneſſe which was not very naturall, if I can but pleaſe you to day, I ſhall think the time imployed in my dreſſe to be well beſtowed. As for any conqueſt, my dear Coſen, I proteſt they are far from my thoughts, ſince if I ſhould make any, I ſhould endeavour to loſe them again; After this, theſe two fair ones talked of a hundred ſuch things as theſe, whilſt Leoniſa was dreſſing her ſelf; and when ſhe was ready, Cleodora aſſuming a more ſerious countenance, and having a minde to be revenged upon Beleſis, I am very ſorry ſaid ſhe unto her, that I am forced to give you any ſuch teſtimony of my love, as will not be agreeable to your liking; and to reveal a ſecret unto you which perhaps you will not give me any thanks for, but ſince I am perſwaded it is fit to be done, I am reſolved upon it, entreating you firſt to beleeve, that I have no intention to finde that which I would adviſe you to loſe. There is ſo much obſcurity in your words, replied Leoniſa, that I cannot make any anſwer, all that I can ſay is, that I am moſt willing to put a favourable conſtruction upon any thing you ſhall ſay, and thankfully acknowledge any confidence you ſhall put in me; if ſo replied Cleodora, I ſhall confeſſe unto you, (though I cannot without a bluſh) that long before you came to Suſa, Beleſis did court me, and if I durſt ſay it, did love me; but loved me in ſuch a manner a [...] made too great a noiſe in the world; ſo that to hinder him from doing many things which might be prejudiciall unto me, I was forced to be a little leſſe ſevere towards him then otherwiſe I ſhould; Then did I ſuffer him to tell me ſometimes that he loved me, leſt be ſhould otherwiſe [...]la [...] it unto others; ſo that having ſome eſteem of Beleſis, and ſlightly acknowledging the affection he had to me, I behaved my ſelf with much confidence towards him. This was the ſtate of things, my dear Leoniſa when you came firſt hither▪ But ſince love is a paſſion which is hard to be hid, I confeſſe I was afraid leſt you ſhould perceive the love which Beleſis profeſ [...]ed unto me; for ſince I never ſaw you ſince you were five yeers old, I had not experience enough in you to make you my confident: ſo that I hope in reaſon it will not offend you that I did at that time miſtruſt you, and to tell you truly, ſince you had never been at Court, I thought you would interpret things of this nature as crimes, and that perhaps you knew not how to diſtinguiſh between an innocent paſſion and an unlawfull affection: So that extreamly fearing you ſhould diſcover the correſpondency between Beleſis and my ſelf, I told him that I would not expoſe my ſelf unto that hazard, and willed him never to [...] in private with me before you, no inſo much as to look upon me when you were preſent: For though I knew you not, yet I obſerved in you a notable ſpirit, which made me fear you: I being thus full of unquiet thoughts, add not effecting B [...]ſis ſo [Page] much as he did me: I abſolutely told him, that I would not live in ſuch continuall apprehenſions of fear; and he ſeeing I was almoſt reſolved to break off with him, rather then you ſhould come to know the intelligence between us; he propoſed (for the ſetling of my minde in quiet, and to hinder you from diſcovering the truth) that I would permit him to diſſemble a love unto you: and I, not loving you then, as now I do, conſented unto his propoſition: Conceiving it would be matter of great joy unto a young freſh come Lady to think ſhe had captivated the heart of ſuch a gallant man as Beleſis. I aſſure you (ſaid Leoniſa, and bluſhed, denying only ſhe was deceived) Beleſis hath very ill acquitted himſelf of his negotiation, for he never told me that he loved me, but I very well perceived that he loved you: Fie, fie, Leoniſa (ſaid Cleodora very ſubtilly) never deny it unto me, for I know it as well as your ſelf; only pardon me I beſeech you for conſenting unto Beleſis in that cheat which Beleſis put upon you. But to ſhew you I had no intention it ſhould go ſo far: You muſt lend me a patient hearing: and I ſhall tell you, that in conſenting to his propoſition, I declared unto him, that I would only have him addreſſe him in complements of Courtſhip and Gallantry: and not ſeem to engage himſelf in good earneſt, for that would not be only a ſimple cheat, but a horrible Treachery which I would never conſent unto: he promiſed me as much as I deſired, and ſince that, my minde hath been in ſome ſerenity, knowing that you would imagine his affection was to you, and by conſequence never ſuſpect he loved me: At firſt I was uſed to ask him what he ſaid unto you, and what you anſwered, but afterwards I gave over and enquired no more. Having ſince that obſerved, that he addreſſed himſelf with a ſtrange aſſiduity unto you, I muſt needs confeſſe my dear Leoniſa that your fair eyes ſtruck a terror into me, and I feared his fiction was turned earneſt: Then I reſolved to tell Beleſis of it, who ſwore a thouſand oathes unto me, that he never loved you one minuite, and the more forcibly to perſwade me, he offered never to ſpeak unto you again. And that he would put into my hands all that ever he had of yours, even your picture: in ſaying ſo Cleodora did ſhew her picture unto Leoniſa: I cannot repreſent unto you Sir, the aſtoniſhment of this Lady: for I have heard her ſelf ſay, that her ſpirits were never in her life ſo troubled as then. Ah Cleodora, (cried Leoniſa) I never gave Beleſis, my picture, I will beleeve you replyed ſhe, but he told me you did, and that which makes me ſooner beleeve you is, becauſe I never gave him mine: and yet he told me, replied Leoniſa, that your own hand did give it him and he did not only tell me, but I think he told Hermogenes as much, for I have heard his ſiſter ſay ſo: However it be, ſaid Cleodora, I thought my ſelf obliged, to remedy the wrong I did, and undeceive you. But to let you ſee (ſaid ſhe unto her) that in diſcovering this truth unto you, I do it not out of any jealouſie, let me tell you that my minde does ſo diſguſt the proceedings of Beleſis, that I am abſolutely reſolved to break off with him, and the ſooner becauſe I have credible information, that he holds a ſecret correſpondency with a Lady of the beſt quality in all Suſa. Therefore if you will beleeve me, and the advice of her who firſt conſented to delude you, you ſhall abſolutely reject him as I do, and let both reſolve never to ſee him again: I know that if I ſhould looke upon the matter as I might, I had ſome reaſon to complain againſt you, ſince your own words did ſignifie you beleeved that I loved Beleſis, and yet for all, that you did as much as was in your power to engage him unto a love of you: but it was I who committed the firſt fault, and therefore will pardon you the ſecond; offering my aſſiſtance to revenge your ſelf upon Beleſis, better then you your ſelf can without me. Leoniſa hearing Cleodora, ſay ſo, knew not what to think, nor could ſhe doubt her words, becauſe ſhe found ſo much probability in them: So that her anger againſt Beleſis for deceiving her did ſo exaſperate her ſpirits; that ſhe was not at all angry with Cleodora, but did very eaſily pardon her: After which, being very forward to incenſe her againſt Beleſis, and told her all his paſſionate and obliging expreſſions unto her: But ſince this was a better ſtory to tell Cleodora wherewith to incenſe her: She told her another which was much ſweeter: for as ſhe told her how ſhe beleeved that Beleſis loved her, yet I know (ſaid ſhe unto her) that I was much too blame in ſuſpecting it, for when I importuned him one day to let me have your picture and all your letters, the wicked man made his deniall of them, paſs in my conceit for an effect of his diſcretion and virtue, and I had that day ſo good an opinion of him for it, that I ſhewed him more favour then ever I did ſince I knew [Page] him: Thus Sir, the poor Leoniſa, did ſecond the deſigne of Cleodora to be revenged upon Beleſis: yet Cleodora was not ſorry that Beleſis had ſo much reſpect of her as not to give her letters unto Leoniſa: But he was ſo culpable ſo many other wayes that this did not make her change her deſigne, and ſhee ſtill looked upon him as a man who was naturally very diſcreet, but yet very inconſtant: Then ſhe began to flatter Leoniſa, and to confirme her in their reſolution of baniſhing Beleſis, ſeeking out for handſome pretences to move their Aunt not to take it ill. In the mean time, ſince Leoniſa's ſoul was not ſtrong enough to diſſemble ſorrow that day, ſhe deſired Cleodora to ſay ſhe was not well, and that none could ſee her, and indeed ſhee went unto Bed, the better to hide thoſe tears, which perhaps ſhe could not hold: After which, Cleodora went unto the Temple, waiting for the afternoon with much impatience; for ſhee imagined, that Beleſis would not fail to viſit her in her chamber: yet hee came not ſo ſoon as ſhe hoped, for hee apprehended that ſhee could not find out Leoniſa's Picture, and therefore it was late before hee came to ſee Cleodora: and at laſt hee went, but it was with ſuch thoughts as himſelf did not well know what they were: for as hee earneſtly deſired that Cleodora would not love Hermogenes, yet hee was ſtill as deep in love with Leoniſa as ever hee was, though hee bore much reſpect unto Cleodora. But for all thoſe reſpects hee was extremely afraid, that ſhe ſhould know his crime, not out of any reſentments of love, but of honour.

Thus being very unquiet in his thoughts, and fearing alſo that Leoniſa ſhould know he had talked ſo long with Cleodora the day before, and that he ſhould go into Cleodora's chamber before hers, he appeared before Cleodora very reſerved and melancholy. As for her, ſince ſhe hoped, that Leoniſa did reſolve upon a revenge, her face was full of joy, which raiſed a great confidence in him, thinking that if Cleodora had ſeen the picture of Leoniſa, ſhe would not have been ſo pleaſant: Well Madam, (ſaid he unto her) have you not found your ſelf far fairer then your picture? hath not your glaſſe convinced you of an errour? and are you not clearly of my opinion, that you are infinitely fairer then your picture? I know not whether you were in the right, or the wrong, in telling me ſo (ſaid ſhe unto him) but I am ſure there is one in that Caſe which I took from you, whom you think farre fairer then mine, or my ſelf either. In ſaying ſo, Cleodora bluſht for anger, and Beleſis grew pale with fear and aſtoniſhment: he had not power to open his mouth: ſo that Cleodora, ſeeing he ſpoke not: You do very well Beleſis, ſaid ſhe unto him, you do very well, not to go about to excuſe your ſelf; for you would do it ſo ſcurvily, that you would but augment my anger. I know Madam, (ſaid he then unto her) that you have reaſon to think me culpable, ſince you have ſeen the picture of Leoniſa: and I know, ſaid ſhe, that you can never perſwade me to the contrary: for to ſpare you the labour of giving any ſcurvy reaſons, or inventing any lies, I know all the paſſages betwixt Leoniſa and your ſelf: you cannot tell me a word which I do not know, either from her ſelf, or her confident which hath betrayed her: and I remember all that you have done againſt me alſo; and after all this, I pray, judge what thoughts I ought to have of you, and whether I have not reaſon to ſlight you ſo far as to hate you extremely: but yet notwithſtanding, I cannot hate you without an Epithite, and therefore let me repeat it, and tell you, that I do moſt horridly hate you: I cannot endure the very ſight of you: not onely as you are an inconſtant man, which is an imperfection farre below a generous ſpirit, but becauſe you are a cloſe ſinner, and would have concealed your inconſtancy, in faigning to be jealous, and ſo would have ſmeared me with your own crime. Pray Madam (ſaid be unto her) why did you treat me ſo long, ſo cruelly? and why did you make me ſo miſerable, that I was forced to make you jealous, and faigne to be ſo of you, thereby to obtain your love? Fie, fie Beleſis (ſaid ſhe unto him) do not ſtill diſſemble the matter, you did really love Leoniſa, and never thought I loved Hermogenes. I know not, ſaid he, whether I thought it; but I am ſure I feared it extremely, and I would have done any thing to hinder him from being in your favour. Your language is ſo extravagant (ſaid ſhe unto him in great anger) that I cannot endure you ſhould be a minute longer with me: But ſince it is the laſt time of all my life that ever I will ſpeak unto you, I ſhall be glad to know what were your motives, and reaſons of your change: for before ever Leoniſa came to Suſa, you ſaw there a thouſand fairer then my ſelf, or her either; yet you did not quit me for any of them: nor can it be my feverity which tired your patience, ſince when I was rigorous you loved [...]me, and when I was otherwiſe, [Page] then you changed your thoughts: Nor could it be any of my favours which could glut your love, for thanks be to the gods, I did never load you with them: what then may be the cauſe of your inconſtancy? Am I more ſtupid then I was? or of a more unpleaſing humour? Speak then Beleſis, but ſpeak to me as if I were not Cleodora, and tell me exactly, how came Leoniſa to chaſe me out of your heart: for I ſhould be glad to know whether I was violently thruſt out, or came out with your good-will: whether it was through your own weakneſſe, or my fault? Beleſis being ſo extremely importuned by Cleodora, knew not well what to anſwer: for he was ſo horridly aſhamed of his inconſtancy, he could not for his heart confeſſe it: on the other ſide, he ſaw that he could not deny it: and that though he ſhould ſeem to repent, and Cleodora inclinable to pardon him, yet it would be upon condition to forſake Leoniſa, which he could not do: ſo that not knowing what anſwer to returne, he ſpake ſo ambiguouſly, that Cleodora was almoſt as angry at it, as at his inconſtancie: Sincerity (ſaid ſhe) is a thing which every one may have: I will beleeve then, that you cannot love me, and that you cannot but love Leoniſa; all this is honeſt: But could you not confeſſe the truth unto me, and not adde a crime unto your imbecillity? What would you have me ſay Madam (replied Beleſis) ſince at this preſent I know not what to think? I confeſſe that I have loved you more then I do, but you your ſelf is the cauſe I do not love you as well as I did: ſince in the very heat of my paſſion, you put my patience to ſuch rigid triall, as any other beſides my ſelf would have hated you. Then it ſeems, (ſaid Cleodora ſharply) according to your ſence, that I am obliged unto you for paſſing from love onely into indifferency? But know, (weak and unconſtant man) that indifferency amongſt perſons that once loved dearly, is much more offenſive then hatred, and therefore I ought to hate you more, becauſe you did not hate me: But alas Madam, replied Beleſis, would you have me ſincere, when as my ſincerity does onely incenſe you more? Yet I ſhould be glad you were, replied ſhe, for I would know any thing that would not be advantagious unto you. All that I can do at this preſent (ſaid he unto her) is to aſſure you that I never fail'd in my due reſpects of you, nor ſpoke one word againſt you to Leoniſa, but I denied her your picture, therefore I conjure you, as you are generous, not to uſe hers ill. I underſtand you very well (ſaid ſhe unto him) you would have me reſtore it unto you: but ſince it will be more acceptable to receive it from her hand then from mine, I will reſtore it unto her, that ſhe may give it you the ſecond time. Oh I beſeech you Madam, ſaid he unto her, do not offer ſuch a ſenſible diſpleaſure unto a Lady who is not at all culpable: For ſuppoſe me to be an unconſtant man, one that hath forſaken you, and betrayed you; yet Leoniſa hath no other ſhare in my crimes but in ſuffering me to ſee her. However it be, ſaid Cleodora, it ſhall be as I ſay. I ſee then Madam, replied he, that you onely ſeek a pretence for doing mee an ill office unto Leoniſa: But Madam, though you think I do not love you, yet I muſt needs intereſt my ſelf in any thing which concerns you, when I ſee you are ſo raviſhed with joy that you can accuſe me of inconſtancy, leſt I ſhould tell you that Hermogenes hath made you an infidell. I would not adviſe you (ſaid ſhe unto him) to make uſe of any ſuch ill policie, for it will not avail you; In the mean time, ſince you will have me know your reall thoughts, I muſt tell you mine: Know then, that it is impoſſible any ſhould have more horrid hatred, then I have of your inconſtancie; nor leſſe regret for loſing that which is ſo eaſily loſt. After this, pray go and ſeek for ſome crums of comfort from Leoniſa, after you have been a whole long night without her picture: neither is ſhe well, and did bid me tell every one that they ſhould not viſit her this day: but ſince perhaps you have ſome peculiar priviledge, you may chance to ſee her: In the mean time, I pray prepare your ſelf to go any whither, ſo it be out of my ſight, for I have ſo much credit with my Aunt, as I can obtain from her you ſhall not have the liberty to look into her houſe: without doubt the reaſon is (replied Beleſis, not well knowing what he ſaid) becauſe you would have a handſome opportunity of ſeeing Hermogenes: without doubt the reaſon is, replied ſhe, becauſe I would ſee Beleſis no more, neither inconſtant, nor ſo bold as to tell me ſuch things as he never thought: moreover, I pray do not meaſure my anger by the little bitterneſſe which is in my words: for if I ſhould follow my own naturall Genius, I ſhould tell you moſt ſtrange things. But ſince you may imagine, that the greatneſſe of my anger is a mark of the greatneſſe of my affection which I had towards you: I will let you ſee, that I have ſo much power over my ſelf, as to be an abſolute Miſtreſſe of a paſſion which uſeth to be imperious, and hard [Page] to be kept within the limits of Reaſon. Beleſis would have ſaid ſomething concerning Leoniſa's Picture, and concerning Hermogenes, but the patience of Cleodora would not permit him, and therefore away he went. As ſoon as he was gone out of Cleodora's chamber, he went to ſeek ſome conſolation in Leoniſa's, having a mind to prepare her, leſt Cleodora ſhould do her an ill office: But when hee came within two paces of the door, her woman told him, that none could ſee her miſtrſſe: but hee ſo tampered with her, that he perſwaded her to leave the door open, to the end it might be ſaid he entered without ſpeaking unto any: and accordingly this woman went in, and left the door half ſhut, as Beleſis deſired her. Then preſently after he entred, and went to Leoniſa's bed-ſide undiſcern'd by any of the women which were in the other ſide of the chamber, ſhe who left open the door ran unto him, ſeeming to be very angry that he entred, and asking pardon of her Miſtreſſe, who indeed was very angry. She would have deſired him to go out again, but ſtill he preſſed forward, and Leoniſa at laſt admitted of his viſit: hee was no ſooner ſet, but he asked her why ſhee ſhould ſo cruelly drive him out of her chamber, at a time when he was moſt in need of conſolation: The reaſon is, replied Leoniſa very ſharply, becauſe reſolving to drive you out of my heart, I began this day to drive you out of my chamber. Madam, ſaid he unto her, I perceive Cleodora hath prejudicated your opinion of me. Ah Beleſis, replied ſhe, you ſee how ſhe whom you named, repenting of her conſent unto your cheat, hath diſcovered it unto me: Beleſis hearing Leoniſa ſpeak ſo, was ſo aſtoniſhed, that hee knew not what to think of her words: for he knew but too well, that it was Cleodora whom he deceived, and that he never deceived Leoniſa: Then he deſired her, ſhee would bee pleaſed to let him know whereof ſhe accuſed him. Leoniſa, as plauſible as ſhe was, was ſo incenſed with this demand, that ſhe gave him a hundred bitter expreſſions, letting him underſtand the crime which ſhe thought he had committed: Beleſis then offered to juſtifie himſelf, but ſhe would not ſuffer him to ſpeak, No, no ſaid ſhe unto him, you are culpable, and more then is imaginable: for why would you put my Picture into Cleodora's hands, and refuſed to truſt me with hers? Was it not enough, that to ſatisfie her, you ſhould diſſemble love to me, and conceal the affection which you had, and yet have to her, but you muſt alſo triumph over my innocencie, and my credulity, in giving her a Picture which I never gave you, and which I did onely conſent that you ſhould keep, ſince I found you ſo diſcreet as not to part with Cleodora's? Alas Madam, ſaid he, do you think that I did voluntarily give your picture unto Cleodora? I muſt needs think it, ſaid ſhe, for ſhe could not take it from you by violence: Beleſis then conjured her to admit of his juſtification. But ſhe anſwered him, that ſhe would ſooner beleeve his eyes then his words, and ſay what he could, he could not obtain leave to ſpeak; for Leoniſa had ſuch an extreme ſpite againſt him, becauſe ſhe thought he diſſembled a love to her, that ſhe could not ſuffer him to juſtifie himſelf: yet had his importunity wearied her out, and he had obtained liberty to plead for himſelf, had not Leoniſa's Aunt come in, who hearing that ſhe kept her chamber, and would ſee none, came to ſee how ſhe did: But ſhe much wondered to ſee Beleſis with her: I thought, ſaid ſhe unto Leoniſa, to have found you ſick by your ſelf: and in lieu of that. I finde you well, in good, though not much company. I aſſure you, replied ſhe a little troubled, that I am not a whit better for my company, and you would do me the greateſt favour in the world, if you would move Beleſis, who came in without permiſſion, to go out without thanks, and leave me at reſt, and in ſolitude, which is the beſt remedy againſt what I am troubled with. This grave Lady hearing her ſay ſo, and ſeeing both her eyes ſwelled, and her colour high, did eaſily beleeve that ſhe was ill in her head: ſo that preſenting her hand unto Beleſis, ſhe moved him to follow her, telling him with a ſmile, that ſhe would acquaint him with a buſineſſe which perhaps he knew not of; which was, that he ſhould never viſit Ladies at ſuch times, when they had not a deſire to be ſeen: for truly, ſaid ſhe unto him, I am very much deceived, if Leoniſa pardon you this long time, for ſeeing her in her negligent dreſſe: and I know by the colour which I obſerved in her face, that ſhe was very angry: Beleſis then made a hundred excuſes unto this Lady, deſiring at leaſt to be in favour with her, who had power either to admit him into her houſe, or to drive him out. But his ſpirits being in a ſtrange diſorder, he did not continue long in returning handſome anſwers, but did ſo rove in his diſcourſe, that ſhe thinking he was weary of her, and that he could not endure the company of any but young perſons, ſhe grew very angry with him, and played upon [Page] him with a jearing kinde of Rallary: ſo thar poor Beleſis went out of the houſe very ill ſatisfied with all that dwelt in it, and with him ſelf alſo ſo much, that he complained more againſt himſelf then any of the reſt. Sometimes he would upbraid himſelf with inconſtancy, and repent that ever he quitted Cleodora: but he was no ſooner in but out of that minde, and quarrelled with himſelf for being ſo reſpective of her: ſomtimes he would lay the fault upon Leoniſas credulity, and afterward accuſe Cleodora of her old fantaſticalneſſe: nor did he ſpare Hermogenes, yet had he no convincing proofs againſt him, but thought that Leoniſas picture was it which diſcovered the truth unto Cleodora, who for her part was not without her ſhare of inquietudes; deſire of revenge did ſo tranſport her ſoul, that almoſt ſhe did not value the ruine of Beleſis, and hence it was that ſhe received Hermogenes with extraordinary civilitie, whileſt Beleſis was with Leoniſa. The firſt time ſhe ſaw him, thanks for diſcovering the deceit of his friend, was his firſt congratulation: ſhe called him her deliverer, and gave him ſuch obliging Language, that if he had been leſſe in love then he was, he had thought himſelf deeply obliged: but becauſe all Cleodoras candid favours were but ſo many ſymptomes of her affection to Beleſis, though ſhe did ſeem ſore incenſed againſt him, yet he could not reliſh them as favours to be rejoyced at, yet ſhe told him ſo often, that ſhe would never forget the ſervice he had done her, that at laſt his hopes told him he might haply draw ſome advantage to himſelf by diſcovering his friends inconſtancy: but ſince he ſaw much turbulency in her ſpirit, he durſt not ſolicit for that place in her heart which Beleſis deſerved to loſe, and lent an ear unto all her bitter exclamations againſt the Perfidie of Beleſis without any expreſſions of his own paſſion, further then with the language of his eyes onely. After ſhe had told him that ſhe had the Picture of Leoniſa, and her ſelf; and had related all Beleſis told her: Hermogenes (ſaid ſhe) I do not think it enough that you have revealed his crime: but you muſt alſo help me to puniſh him. Provided that you will give me but apart of thoſe poſſeſſions wherewith you enriched him, replied he, I ſhall be ready to aſſiſt you in your revenge, and after that defend them againſt all the world. It appeares that the poſſeſſions you ſpeak of were of no great value, ſince Beleſis did ſo willingly part from them: but Hermogenes, it is not now time to talk of ſuch things, ſince I need no additions unto my misfortunes, therefore I conjure you to tell me ſincerely whether you will aſſiſt me to be revenged upon Beleſis; for unleſſe you will, I ſhall quite forget your ſervice in diſcovering his crime. I beſeech you Madam, replied he, firſt tell me what kinde of revenge you intend before I promiſe you any thing? not that I think I can denie you any thing, nor that I do ſuſpect you are capable of obliging me unto any thing which becomes not a man of honour: But I muſt confeſſe, I have already done Beleſis ſo great a miſchief, in taking from him your eſteem and affection, by acquainting you with his inconſtancy, that I have a great deſire to know what more you would have me to do: I would have you, ſaid ſhe unto him, imploy that credit which I know you have with the Prince of Suſa, and with the friends of Tiſias, that the laſt of theſe may marry Leoniſa, you know that he hath a great deſire unto it, and there are ſome reaſons why both families ſhould forward the motion, and likewiſe ſome, why they ſhould oppoſe it: and becauſe I know you are able to ſurmount all obſtacles, and bring it about, I conjure you to negotiate the buſineſſe. I can aſſure you, that in the humour ſhe now is, and wherein I will keep her as long as I can, ſhe will marry who one will. I wiſh Madam, replied Hermogenes, that this deſire of revenge would infuſe into your ſoul, a favourable inclination to receive my ſervices. I ſhall moſt willingly receive this ſervice which I require, replied ſhee; But Madam, anſwered he, I ſee you do admirably well contrive your own revenge, and you could not do it more fully then by taking Leoniſa from Beleſis,: but I do not perceive you have any conſideration of the intereſt which I might have in this revenge: do not you conſider divine Cleodora, that by putting Leoniſa into ſuch a condition, as ſhe can never be married to Beleſis, you put Beleſis into a way of returning unto Cleodora [...] though he ſhould, ſaid ſhe, he ſhould return in vain: moreover Madam, purſued Hermogenes, I muſt tell you, that my love to you does ſo perfectly tel me what the ſorrows of a man would be, from whom all hopes of enjoying his Miſtris is taken away, that how great ſoever my deſires are to pleaſe you, yet I am extreamly unwilling to obey you, therefore I beſeech you think of ſome other way to puniſh Beleſis: As he is not my Rival, ſince now he does not love you, I muſt confeſſe, I cannot leave [Page] loving him as my friend; not but that he hath denied me many things, which exceedingly incenſed me againſt him, but for all that, I cannot commit this treaſon againſt him: I know well that I have revealed his crime unto you, but it was becauſe in doing ſo I did not take from him that perſon whom he deſired to enjoy. Therefore Madam, I beſeech you once more, move me not unto a thing for which you will hereafter upbraid me, when the heat of your anger is over, and your reaſon free: revenge your ſelf upon Beleſis, in forgetting him: or if you cannot forget him, remember him onely to hate him, and to deteſt his inconſtancy: and if you will puniſh him further yet, I beſeech you make me ſo happy, that my felicity may create a horrid envie in him: in letting him know that he hath quitted Diamonds for glaſſe in forſaking Cleodora for Leoniſa. No, no Hermogenes, replied ſhe, I am not capable of this generoſity which you would perſwade me unto, and which perhaps proceeds not from your heart, but becauſe there is in you a little diſpoſition to oblige mee. Alas Madam, ſaid Hermogenes, you do not know me, if you think it want of affection which makes me ſpeak thus: you know me worſe then I know you, replied ſhe, if you think I can keep any meaſure in my revenge: and not ſee that you have no diſpoſition to do me ſervice: for the truth is, ſaid ſhe, if you will do me any, you muſt aſſiſt me with your tranſaction, that Tiſias may marry Leoniſa, or that Hermogenes never ſee Cleodora again. Oh Madam, ſaid he unto her, for heavens ſake have ſome care of my honour: and force me not to a thing which will render me odious in the eyes of all the Court: I do not intend, replied ſhe, that you ſhould publikely ſpeak of a marriage between Tiſias and Leoniſa, but I would have you go cunningly to work, and negotiat it with all ſecrecy; truly Madam, ſaid he unto her, ſince you force me to tell you my thoughts, I muſt manifeſt unto you, that I will not refuſe you out of generoſitie onely, but out of love alſo: for Madam, what hatred ſoever you reſent againſt Beleſis, or what love ſoever he bears unto Cleodora, I ſhall never be at reſt as long as I ſee any poſſibility of your uniting together: after this Madam, you may imagine, that it is not for want of affection that I refuſe what you deſire of me: what ever it be, replied ſhe, it ſeems you refuſe me, and refuſe to do the thing which I moſt deſire of any thing in the world; But for all that, ſince I have no right to force your will, I wil diſpence with you from your obedience: and the rather becauſe I do Fancy another way to bring my deſigne to paſſe without your help, and I am not ſorry that I ſhall not ingage my ſelf unto you by it. Hermogenes, thinking Cleodora was incenſed againſt him, began to give very obliging Language; proteſting unto her, that what ever he ſaid, yet if it were her Poſitive pleaſure, he would obey her, though his honour and life and all would be at the ſtake: ſo that Cleodora took him imediately at his word. But Madam, ſaid he unto her, that I may have ſome Colourable excuſe wherewith to anſwer thoſe that know my Crime, I beſeech you what recompenſe may I hope for if I do as you deſire me: even any thing, anſwered ſhe, for I muſt confeſſe unto you, that if I could prevent Beleſis from obtaining Leoniſa, I ſhould be fuller of joy then I am able to expreſſe, and by conſequence ſo obliged unto you, that I will put no limits unto your hopes, provided they be juſt. Then Madam replied Hermogenes, ſince I ſee ſo much ſweetneſſe in your expreſſion, I ſhall conjure you, that if I hinder Beleſis from Leoniſa, you ſhall give Cleodora unto Hermogenes. No, no Hermogenes, ſaid ſhe unto him, I will not capitulate with thoſe I would have do me any good office; and I wonder how you dare be ſo bold as to ask me any ſuch thing: otherwiſe Madam, anſwered he, how can you conceive, (ſince I am ſo deeply in love with you) that I can hinder Beleſis from marrying Leoniſa, ſince I ought ſo earneſtly to wiſh the marriage? and how can I chuſe but ſuſpect and fear that you have ſome ſecret deſigne in it, if you will not engage your ſelf unto any thing, and therefore Madam, ſince if I break off that marriage, it is not impoſſible but he may repent, and you may pardon him; I beſeech you take it not ill, if I be very unwilling to hinder that match which may cauſe yours with Beleſis. Then I ſee Hermogenes, (ſaid ſhe unto him) that you will not do this good office which I would have you; and the leſſe to diſoblige me, you pretend a reſentment of love, though indeed it be onely a reſentment of generoſitie: I will not much blame you for it, for I have not yet abſolutely loſt my reaſon: neither have I any great reaſon to commend you, ſince you have denied that which I did moſt deſire. In the mean time ſince you cannot ſatisfie my deſires, unleſſe upon ſuch a condition, as I will not engage my ſelf into: [Page] yet I pray you let the ſame generoſitie, which will not permit you to betray your friend, keep you from betraying her that truſts you with her ſecrets, and her revenge. Hermogenes ſeeing Cleodora would not promiſe what he deſired, did beleeve that ſhe would onely have Tiſias marry Leoniſa, to the end that Beleſis might thereby be out of all hopes of enjoying her, and ſo return unto her again: and therefore reſolving not to do a thing which he thought prejudicial both to his honour and his love, did excuſe his denial with a hundred expreſſions of ſorrow, and in ſuch a ſenſible manner, that ſhe plainly ſaw he was as full of vertue as love, ſo that they did not part upon very ill terms. Hermogenes had one imagination which proved very advantagious for him; For ſince he perceived the minde of Cleodora was filled onely with thoughts of revenge upon Beleſis, he did cunningly hint unto her, that though his jealouſie was but counterfeit, yet he could not be more ſenſibly vexed then to hear that Beleſis did viſit her, and that ſhe did not ſlight him; Tis true, he uſed much art in his expreſſions, fearing Cleodora ſhould attribute his thoughts unto jelouſie, and he applied his words ſo ingenuouſly, that Cleodora called Beleſis a hundred times fantaſtical, as well as inconſtant. So as in that humour ſhe was then in, ſhe would not neglect the leaſt thing that might diſpleaſe Beleſis, and therefore ſhe reſolved to ſpeak ofter unto Hermogenes then ſhe uſed, and alſo to treat him incomparably better. In the mean time, ſince ſhe had one friend that was much in favour with the prince of Suſa, and had a prevalent power both with him and Tiſias, ſhe plotted how to make uſe of him, though at firſt it went againſt her minde to truſt her ſelf unto any one who knew nothing of her ſecrets. But as ſweet revenge will ſurmount all obſtacles, ſhe tranſacted with this friend, who was able to accompliſh her deſires, and managed the matter with ſo much ſubtilty, that the Prince of Suſa, and Tiſias did earneſtly deſire this marriage. The firſt of theſe, for ſome reaſons of ſtate which required this alliance, and the other, becauſe ſo many impediments being now removed which obſtructed his love, he was hotter then ever to marry Leoniſa. As for her, ſince ſhe had been foiled with the deceits of Beleſis, her heart began to lean after ambition, and hearkened unto a marriage with Tiſias: Tis true, the counſels of Cleodora did much prompt her unto it, and ſo much the ſooner, becauſe ſhe ſaw Cleodora reſolved never to ſee Beleſis again, and becauſe ſhe ſaw her treat Hermogenes much better. Thus thinking her ſelf diſintereſted, ſhe thought ſhe might do as ſhe pleaſed: ſo that when the poor Beleſis came to viſit Leoniſa, he was in a perplexed condition, for ſince it did extreamly concern Cleodora that he ſhould have no private conference with Leoniſa, alſo Leoniſa thinking Beleſis to be in love with her Cozen, ſhe was not ſorry he did not ſpeak unto her; They promiſed not to leave each other until the marriage with Tiſias which was plotted in ſecret was ſolemnized: ſo that when Beleſis waited for an opportunity to Juſtifie himſelf unto Leoniſa, and appeaſe Cleodora, he found them continually together, and could not ſpeak with them aſunder. But that which did moſt ſtick upon his ſtomack, was, that Tiſias commonly was continually talking with Leoniſa, and Hermogenes with Cleodora; and indeed Sir, the poor Belaſis did fret with no leſſe impatience to ſee Cleodora ſpeak ſo civilly unto Hermogenes, then to ſee that Leoniſa would not ſpeak unto him at all, or if ſhe did, it was but ſome interrupted word, and that in anger: ſo that though he had equally loved Cleodora, and Leoniſa, yet he could not have done more then he did, and to ſpeak ſincerely, I verily beleeve that the love of Hermogenes to Cleodora did inkindle in his heart ſome embers of his firſt love: he grew to that height, as almoſt to hate his friend: they never ſaw one another unleſſe at Cleodora Aunts, whither Beleſis could not chuſe but go, and whither he never went but he received a freſh diſcontent. For ſince Leoniſa thought her ſelf deluded, ſhe began to hate him: and ſince Cleodora ſaw that her favouring Hermogenes, perplexed him: ſhe doubled her civilities to Hermogenes; the buſineſſe was ſo carried, that Beleſis and Hermogenes were ready to quarrel two or three times: and if I had not been preſent one day by accident, certainly ſome hurt had enſued: but that which ruined Beleſis, raiſed the deſignes of Hermogenes; For Cleodora imagining how Beleſis would be incenſed if ſhe ſhould marry Hermogenes, ſhe permitted him ſecretly to ask the conſent of her Parents, to the end that Leoniſas marriage and hers might be publiſhed both together, conceiving it would overwhelm him with ſorrows, to hear of ſuch a ſhoure of perplexities all at once. And indeed the buſineſſe was carried ſo ſecretly, and went on ſo proſperouſly in a few dayes, that all their kindred conſented, [Page] and all ſeemed to be made up: Tiſias, and Hermogenes, were the only favorits, in ſomuch as Hermogenes, having one day found the picture which Cleodora gave Beleſis, and which ſhe took from him againe, he deſired it of her, and ſhe gave it unto him: as for the picture of Leoniſa, ſhe had taken it out of the caſe, and reſtored it unto her. Thus was Hermogenes enriched, with the ruines of his friend: Not that Cleodora did love Hermogenes, but becauſe revenge reliſhed ſo ſweet in her minde, that ſhe reflected upon nothing but what might haſten it: Whilſt things were thus carried, Beleſis led the moſt miſerable life of any man in the world: for his ſoul was ſo ſunk with ſorrows, that he never thought either of Cleodora or Leoniſa, and he hated both Hermogenes and Tiſias: at firſt his thoughts and deſires were very different concerning theſe two Ladies: for he deſired to enjoy Leoniſa, and only deſired that Hermogenes might not enjoy Cleodora: but afterwards, according to the meaſure that Cleodora favoured Hermogenes, ſo did the thoughts of Beleſis grow more tender towards her; His ſhame of his inconſtancy augmented: and his love to Leoniſa did not leſſen: So that he was the moſt miſerable of men: This being the ſtate of things, two paſſages above all the reſt, did ſwell his ſorrowes; the one was, he heard Hermogenes had the picture which once was in his poſſeſſion, and the other was, that the Prince of Suſa ſolicited for the marriage of Tiſias with Leoniſa, and that the match was as good as made up, and the marriage would be ſolemnized within two dayes. I ſhall not need Sir, to relate all the raptures of his ſoule upon this newes; for my ſtory is too long already: and becauſe you may eaſily gueſſe them, I ſhall only tell you Sir, that ſince the marriage of Tiſias moſt pinched him, and his love of Leoniſa was was the Predominate paſſion of his heart, he reſolved to quarrell with Tiſias upon ſome other pretence, before the buſineſſe went any further: ſo that meeting him at the temple the next morning, he went out with him as if without deſigne; they fell upon a diſcourſe of newes and war, and Beleſis did obſtinately contradict all that Tiſias ſaid; for his deſigne was to move Tiſias to begin the quarrell, becauſe knowing the haſty humour of the Suſanian Prince, he apprehended he ſhould be baniſhed, if it appeared that it was he who aſſaulted the man whom he loved. But ſince Tiſias was a man of more heart then ſpirit, it was a long time before he would be provoked, yet Beleſis urged him ſo far, that Tiſias drew his ſword firſt: but it was ſo little before Beleſis, that notwithſtanding it, he received the firſt blow. Their fight was furious, and if by-ſtanders had not parted them, they had died both upon the place: yet do what all could, both were wounded: and yet Beleſis ſo ſlightly, that he never kept his bed for it, ſince it was only upon his left arme. But Tiſias was much worſe. for he received two dangerous hurts, and had much the worſe of the combat: for beſides his two wounds, Beleſis ſeeing company come in to part them, he cloſed with him and diſarmed him by force: In the mean while, though this quarrell was conceived to be only caſuall in heat of blood, the Prince of Suſa was much incenſed againſt Beleſis: for though he loved Beleſis well enough at his firſt coming to Suſa; yet Tiſias being his great favorit, all matters were made worſe againſt Beleſis: ſo that there was none, but ſuch as were altogether uninterreſted perſons, or ſuch as were very generous, who came to viſit him: but all the croud was upon Tiſias, as the man that was the Princes favorit. But as for Hermogenes, ſince he was very Generous, he went to viſit him, and offer himſelf unto his friend. Chance was, that I was there when he came, and I was a witneſſe of their meeting: 'tis true, I much wondered to ſee with what hollowneſſe Beleſis, received Hermogenes: ſo that fearing a long diſcourſe might draw on ſome quarrel, I told Hermogenes, that I deſired to talk with him upon ſome buſineſſe; and carried him away with me, extreamly wondering at the proceedings of Beleſis: In the mean time, this combate did highly incenſe Cleodora againſt him, and confirmed her in her deſigne of revenge, by hindring him of Leoniſa, and marrying Hermogenes, eſpecially when ſhe underſtood with what coldneſſe he received his viſit. On the other ſide, the Prince of Suſa did expreſſe ſo much diſpleaſure againſt Beleſis, that his friend told him there was no ſafety for him to ſtay in court, and they adviſed him at leaſt to keep his lodging for ſome dayes. Yet all could not perſwade him not to go out, becauſe needs would he go and be ſatisfied; whether Cleodoras picture was in the hands of Hermogenes. And as he went one morning unto him, under pretence of giving him a viſit; he underſtood by the way, that his marriage with Cleodora [Page] was reſolved upon, and that within few dayes; it would be ſolemnized: It is impoſſible to relate how the heart of Beleſis trembled, but when he had recollected himſelf, in lieu of going to Hermogenes as he intended, he went to walk in a private place, behind the houſe where he dwelt: after he had long muſed, and diſgeſted his anger, he reſolved to hinder the marriage, at what rate ſo ever: and his love formerly to Cleodora began to reſume ſuch force in his heart, that it amazed himſelf: Being then full of theſe fantaſticall and ſtrange thoughts, he went towards the houſe of Hermogenes, and in his way he met Cleodora in her coach: Her hood being up, he ſaw her ſo fair that time, that his eyes were never ſo full of wonder at her beauty: Since ſhe ſaw him, he prepared to ſalute her, but ſhe turned her head aſide in a ſcornfull manner, and by that action did kindle the fire, which begun ſo violently to ſparkle. Beleſis then continued on his way to Hermogenes, where accidentally I met him; ſince he knew I was not ignorant of all paſſages between them, my preſence was no hinderance unto him from ſpeaking; He no ſooner entered, but addreſſing his ſpeech unto Hermogenes, Will you not reſtore me the treaſure which you have taken from me (ſaid he unto him) and which I would have truſted you withall; if it be of my friendſhip which you mean, replied Hermogenes, I can aſſure you, that I never took it from you, and therefore you may eaſily finde it where it was. No Hermogenes ſaid he unto him, I mean not that: for I doubt not but mauger all my misfortunes, you have preſerved that: But it is Cleodora which I demand: Cleodora, I ſay, unto whom I intreated you to diſſemble love, but never permitted you to love her really: therefore I conjure you to diſpute with me no longer about her: if love were a thing voluntary (replied Hermogenes) I ſhould think you had reaſon to ſpeak thus unto me: But Beleſis, you your ſelf know very well by your own experience, that one cannot leave to love when one will, and by the ſame reaſon, one does not alwaies love where one would: for if it were ſo, I am perſwaded you would never have quitted Cleodora for Leoniſa: but I underſtand very well, why you ſpeak thus unto me: ſince it is not likely but the man who fought with Tiſias, to prevent his marriage with Leoniſa, will at the ſame time think upon Cleodora, whom he hath incenſed by that combate: when I fought with Tiſias (replied he) I knew not that Hermogenes was to marry Cleodora: then it ſeemes (replied Hermogenes) it is more out of hate to me, then love to her, that you oppoſe my good fortune. No replied Beleſis, but it is becauſe as to my misfortune I did in an inſtant leave my love of Cleodora, for the love of Leoniſa, ſo now I leave my love of Leoniſa, for the love of Cleodora. I know not whether the loſing my hopes of enjoying Leoniſa, will contribute any thing to the extinguiſhing of that fire which flamed towards her, to enlighten another in my heart: but I am moſt certaine that I no ſooner knew Cleodora was to be yours, but my old paſſion which was lurking in my heart, began to break forth into a flame againe, and that with much violence; as I think I ſhall loſe my witts, unleſſe you have pittie of me. I muſt confeſſe Sir, that I was never in my life ſo amazed, as when I heard Beleſis ſpeake ſo. Hermogenes, as you may well imagine was in the ſame condition, and knew not well what to anſwer; for though he knew Cleodora had conſented to marry him, yet it was rather out of revenge upon Beleſis, then out of any intention to make him happie: and therefore he had ſtrange apprehenſions, leſt Cleodora ſhould come to the knowledge of his repentance, and repent her ſelf alſo. Therefore, beginning to anſwer, I know very well, ſaid he unto him, that what I ſhall ſay will much trouble you; but ſince it is neceſſary that you know it, both for your tranquillitie and mine own; I muſt tell you, that though I ſhould conſent, yet it is a thing impoſſible for you, ever to be happie in the enjoyment of Cleodora, ſince ſhe is ſo incenſed againſt you, that it may truely be ſaid ſhe now hates you, as much as ſhe loved you before: it is becauſe ſhe hates me, replied Beleſis, that I hope ſhe will love me; for if her ſoule were only upon termes of indifference, or that ſhe ſcorned me, I ſhould for ever have deſpaire of pardon: but ſince ſhe does not, I beſeech you let me have no other obſtacle but Cleodora her ſelf: moreover (ſaid he unto him) I know that ſhe gave you a picture, which indeed ſhe could not give, becauſe ſhe gave it unto me firſt, therefore I pray you reſtore it unto me. But is it poſſible (ſaid I unto him, and interrupted him) that this you ſay ſhould be really true? Can I beleeve that the man which within this eight hours ſaid he could love none but Leoniſa, ſhould now love none [Page] but Cleodora? I cannot well expreſſe my thoughts (ſaid he unto us) for there is ſuch a multitude of things which at once do overpreſſe my heart, that I cannot utter them; all I can ſay unto you is, that I know the gods are reſolved to puniſh me for my inconſtancie; and therefore I do moſt cordially repent of it: I am confident that within this eight hours, neither Cleodora, nor Leoniſa hated me; yet by a moſt fatall turne, I am like to loſe them both, and that in the moſt cruell manner. For Leoniſa is raviſhed from me by a man, whom of all liveing I moſt ſcorned; and Cleodora by him, whom I moſt dearly loved. To ſpeak my minde really unto you (ſaid I and interrupted him) you can blame none but your ſelf, for your misfortune; I know very well, replied he, that I am culpable; I ſee my requeſt unto Hermogenes is not juſt; yet ſince the love of Cleodora, took firſt root in my heart, me thinks Hermogenes might pitty my weakneſſe I doe very much pittie you, replied Hermogenes, but me thinks I ought to pitty my ſelf alſo: However my dear Hermogenes (ſaid he unto him) I beſeech you for heavens ſake, oblige me, and tell me ſincerely whether you think Cleodora does really love you? or whether it be only ſpite againſt me that moves her to let you ſerve her. I know very well your merit is much above mine, and therefore, ſince I had the honour once not to be hated, it may not be impoſſible, but ſhe may now love you: However I begg this favour from you, to tell me what you think, proteſting unto you, that if you will ſwear as you are a man of honour, that you think ſhe loves you as well as ſhe loved me, I will never ſeek for any other remedy againſt my miſery but death: All that I can tell you, is (replied Hermogenes who could not tell all his thoughts) that I am perſwaded Cleodora hates you, and I know ſhe conſents that I ſhall marry her, This is enough to let me know, replied he, that you are not upon ſuch good tearmes with her, therefore I conjure you to permit me ſo much favour as to ſpeak once more in private with Cleodora: For if ſhe love you ſo well as not to value my repentance you will be the more happy: And if I be ſo happy as to reduce her unto the ſame tearms ſhe formerly was, you will be a gainer by that alſo, ſince it would have been but halfe a happineſſe for you, to marry a woman whoſe affection was but weak towards you, therefore, I beſeech you, deny me not this requeſt: I confeſſe, that ſince I thought the requeſt of Beleſis to be ſomething reaſonable, I endeavoured to perſwade Hermogenes unto a conſent, but he would not by any meanes harken unto it. In the mean time, the more he denied, the more hopes Beleſis had that he was not quite rooted out of Cleodoras heart, ſo that having no hopes at all from Leoniſa, but conceiving ſome glimps from Cleodora, his paſſion did much increaſe: Seeing then that Hermogenes would not by any means conſent he ſhould ſpeak unto her, he began to ask the picture which he had: But Hermogens replied, that he ought not to take any notice whether it was his or no, it ſufficed that he received it from Cleodora; and therefore he would not reſtore it to him: As I had blamed Hermogenes a little before, becauſe he ſo obſtinately refuſed to let Beleſis ſpeak unto Cleodora: ſo afterwards I blamed Beleſis for preſſing his friend, to reſtore a picture, which he had not from him. In the interim, ſince I did extreamly fear that being alone with them, I could not hinder them from being too ſharp and high, I, told them that being both poſſeſſed with one too violent a paſſion; to ſpeak of their intereſts with moderation, I deſired, that for the time to come, they might know each others pretentions only by me: Adding further, that when they were ſeperated I ſhould tell them ſomething which I could not tell them in their preſence. So that temporing thir minds, as well as I could: I got them to part without a quarrell: After which, I went ſometimes to the one, and ſometimes to the other, not knowing which ſide to take: For when I was with Beleſis, he repented ſo bitterly of his inconſtancy, that he moved me to pitty him: and when I ſaw Hermogenes, he would perſwade me that right was on his ſide: for ſaid he unto me if Beleſis had never forſaken Cleodora, I ſhould then not only have never falne in love with her, but if I had, I ſhould have reſtrained my ſelf out of reſpect unto the lawes of friendſhip: But ſince he forced me to ſee her often, and entreated me to diſſemble love unto her; and now to barr me from ſeeing her any more, but to raviſh out of my heart a love which he himſelf cauſed, that is a thing which I neither can, nor ought, nor will do: on the other ſide, ſaid Beleſis to me is it juſt, that becauſe I intreated Hermogenes only to ſee a Lady whom I loved, that he ſhould therefore rob me of her? does he not know that ever ſince the firſt time he asked me leave to diſcover my inconſtancy unto [Page] her, I told him, that I would never ſuffer him; might he not well imagine that I neither would, nor ought, to do it but out of reſentment of love, though he gave it another phraſe? Can one be Jealous without affection unto the party of whom he is Jealous? might not Hermogenes rather think I loved two perſons at once, then to think me jealous of him without being in love with Cleodora? Afterwards (ſaid he unto me) my demand was but juſt, when I propounded to let Cleodora judge the difference between us, and that he would ſuffer me to ſee and ſpeak to her; for if after that ſhe would have choſen him, I would have left Suſa, and ſhould have gone unto ſome place farr off from hence, where I might have hid my ſelf from the acquaintance of men; where neither he nor Cleodora ſhould have heard any more of me. After this Beleſis began to aggravate his misfortunes, untill anger did ſo ſwell his ſpirits, that never remembring his love or friendſhip to Hermogenes, he ſaid that he was not able to ſuffer him to marry Cleodora. In the mean while, the Prince of Suſa hearing that Beleſis ſtirred out of his lodging, was ſo incenſed againſt him, that I was advertized, he intended to give command that he ſhould retire himſelf. And I underſtood that Tiſias (thinking that whilſt he could not ſtirr out, Beleſis might perhaps work upon the ſpirit of Leoniſa againſt him) had moved the Prince of Suſa, upon ſome Colourable pretence or other to place Leoniſa about the Queen, untill he was perfectly recovered of his wounds: So that fearing ſome miſchief was plotted againſt my friend, I conjured him to quit Suſa for ſome certain dayes: but he told me that he would never quit it untill he had ſpoken with Cleodora, and that in private. He told me how that he had been ſeverall times at her houſe; but he was alwayes anſwered by them that ſhe was not within, or would not be ſeen: Adding that if Hermogenes would enjoy her in quietneſſe, it were his beſt courſe to procure him a ſight of her: When I therefore perceived the obſtinacy of Beleſis, I went unto his friend, in hopes to do ſome good upon him: but found him as reſolute as a Rock which would not be moved: So that when I ſaw I could make no good end between them, I went privately unto Cleodora to let her know the ſtate of things, and that her prudence might prevent all miſchief, and order the buſineſſe between them; for they being both my friends, I knew not how to be partiall, and to preferr one before another: I had no ſooner acquainted Cleodora how things were between Beleſis and Hermogenes, but ſhe ſaid that the laſt of theſe did her wrong to tell his friend ſhe would not ſee him, ſhe ſeemed to be much ſurpriſed, and very unquiet: Yet afterwards ſhe uſed ſo many expreſſions of anger againſt Beleſis, as I thought he would finde no great ſatisfaction in ſeeing her: But ſince he did ſo vehemently deſire it, and ſince I could not perſwade him to go out of Suſa untill he heard his ſentence of death pronounced from her own mouth, I beſeched her to let him have the opportunity to ſee her, but ſhe would not conſent unto it; Yet for all this, I had a conceipt that if I did deceive her, and finde out a way for Beleſis to ſee her, ſhe would pardon me; So therefore thinking to advance the happineſſe of Hermogenes by advancing the departure of Beleſis, who would not ſtirr from Suſa till he ſpoke with Cleodora, I ordered the buſineſſe ſo, that the next morning, I imployed Hermogenes in ſome buſineſſe another way, and one of my Coſens carried Cleodora to ſee a new built palace, which for its curioſity, every one went to ſee it, ſince it was yet uninhabited; Beleſis who had his inſtructions failed not to be there; & my coſen conducted Cleodora unto a Gallery, where leaving the reſt of her women, ſhe carried her into a chamber, & within that chamber a cloſet where Beleſis was waiting for Cleodora; ſhe no ſooner ſaw him, but ſhe ſtarted back, & would needs go out again; he falling upon his knees, and having hold of her gowne; For God & Heavens ſake Madam (ſaid he unto her) give me but one howres hearing, I conjure you. 'Twas to that end this charitable woman brought you hither; Give me leave therefore Madam to beg your pardon, and to beg it in a flood of tears. Provided you will give me leave to deny you all you aske (ſaid ſhe unto him) I ſhall conſent to give you audience. If I demand death Madam, will you deny me that alſo▪ (ſaid he unto her) doubtleſs I would deny you that, replied ſhe, not only becauſe the puniſhment which you deſerve would not be long enough if you dyed ſo ſoon, but becauſe it ſufficeth that you have deſired ſomething, which I cannot conſent unto, how ever it be Madam (ſaid he unto her) if it be only to chide me, yet I beſeech you hear me, & hear me with patience, whilſt theſe two were thus in diſcourſe; ſhe who brought Cleodora in the houſe went unto the reſt of the women which were in the Gallery, & did amuſe them with ſhewing them pictures, & other ſuch talk, ſo that Beleſis ſeeing he could talk and not be underſtood: Give me leave Madam (ſaid he unto her, [Page] fore I ask you pardon, to aſſure you that this Beleſis whom you ſee at your feet, is the very ſame Beleſis whom heretofore you were pleaſed to preferr before any other. And ſo I do ſtill, ſaid ſhe, for I think you ſo much different from all other men, that I think you do incomparably excell them all. However it be Madam, ſaid he, I am moſt certain of one thing, which is, that my heart was never ſo full of love unto you as now; Oh, I wiſh with all my ſoul, replied ſhe, that you ſpoke truth; and I wiſh with all my ſoul Madam, ſaid he, that you did really deſire it; No, no, Beleſis, anſwered Cleodora, I was not far from my reall thoughts, when I ſaid that I ſhould be even raviſhed with joy, to be certain that you were deſperately in love with me; But you do extreamly miſtake my meaning if you think I make this wiſh with any intentions to accept of your affection; Since I do not wiſh you ſhould love me for any other reaſon, but that I might thereby puniſh you for ceaſing to love me before. I confeſſe Madam (replied he) that I am the moſt to blame of any man alive, for doing as I lately did; But Madam I beſeech you do not too ſeverely looke upon the moſt extravagant act of all my life; or if you do looke upon it, let it be as upon a ſubject whereupon to exerciſe your goodneſſe; Forgiveneſſe Madam does moſt reſemble divinity, and by conſequence your ſelf; To what purpoſe is clemency, but to forgive; and this is the operation, that when it is extended in the greateſt meaſure, it converts the greateſt offendors to become the greateſt lovers; Moreover Madam, do not think, I beſeech you that I did abſolutely ceaſe to love you, at that very time when I ſeemed to be moſt in love with Leoniſa; She can tell you that I would never be moved to acquaint her with the leaſt paſſage which had been between us, nor could I ever endure that my beſt friend ſhould ever love you; and therefore it muſt by neceſſary conſequence be concluded that I ever loved you; Not that by this I intend to juſtifie my ſelf; But that I would if I could ſomething leſſen my crime, to the end you may the ſooner pardon it; Before I can ever have ſuch a thought, replied Cleodora, I muſt loſe my wits: for inconſtancy is a crime of ſuch a nature, as is abſolutely impardonable: But I beſeech you Madam, replied he, did not you your ſelf ſo behave your ſelf towards Hermogenes in ſuch a manner as might very well make me beleeve that you were guilty of the ſame crime wherewith you tax me? When I obſerved, replied Cleodora, that out of a moſt fantaſticall humour you were angry I ſhould begin to love Hermogenes, I muſt confeſſe that ever ſince the firſt time I perceived you loved Leoniſa, I would not undeceive you: think on therefore, if it anger you, that I do love him, and did love him, and more then that, ever will love him: for I aſſure you, that you cannot pleaſe me better then to torment your ſelf: But Madam, I beſeech you (replied he) do you not fear to drive me into a horrid diſpair; and to make me ruſh upon any rude attempts, which a man deſperately in love may do, when he has loſt his reaſon and wits? No Beleſis, replied ſhe, I app rehend no ſuch danger, for I heard ſay and beleeve it, that a man of a divided heart is not capable of over violent paſſions: But Madam, replied he, my heart is none but yours, nor ever ſhall be any others. Can you be ſo impudent, replied ſhe, as to make any apologie for your ſelf, after your weather-cock inconſtancy? for my part ſince I uſe to judge of the future by what is paſt, I am confident I ſhould love you to morrow again, and you would ſay the ſame unto Leoniſa which now you do unto me: and perhaps forgetting both her & me the third day, you will make a freſh addreſs to a third: Alaſs Madam, ſaid Beleſis, can you not finde a heart to pardon me: And will you not have any conficence in my affection? no doubtleſſe, (replied ſhe) for how is it poſſible you ſhould give me any aſſurance of it: Since you caſt me off when I was as handſome as ever I was or ever ſhall be, and at a time when I was moſt affable and complacentiall to you? What can I truſt unto? to your words which you have ſo ill kept? or to your oaths which you have ſo wickedly falſified? No Madam (ſaid Beleſis, and interrupted her) you may truſt unto my repentance. That is, divine Cleodora, which will preſerve me from inconſtancy for the future; for I am ſo horridly aſhamed of my crime, that it will moſt certainly prevent a relaps: I cannot beleeve it (anſwered ſhe very ſharply) and I aſſure you, that I do intereſt my ſelf ſo little in any thing which relates unto you (except in ſuch things as may vex you) that I care not a ſtraw what befalls you. In the mean time, I muſt tell you, that I would not have you ſeek for any more opportunities of ſpeaking to me, unleſſe you would have me put a thouſand incivilities upon you before all the world:

[Page] But Madam, (replied he) though all my paſt ſervices are loſt, and though I am quite ruined in your opinion, yet I cannot chuſe but beſeech you to obliterate all paſt crimes, and to ſuffer me to begin upon a new ſcore of love, as if I had never loved you before: and then if you be not ſatisfied with my fidelity, treat me as the moſt vile, baſe, and infamous man that lives; and may you marry Hermogenes: and untill then, give me leave to tell you Madam, that I cannot endure him. Yet I will marry him, replied ſhe, ſince my parents conſent unto it, therefore the beſt courſe you can take for your own tranquillity, is to endure him, and ſay nothing, rather then nothing to the purpoſe; for all you can ſay ſhall be in vain, Moreover, never think of ſpeaking unto Hermogenes, unleſſe you will augment my hatred, and my ſcorn of you: In the mean time, you may hope to your comfort, that perhaps, Tiſias will die of his wounds, and then you may return unto Leoniſa, and quit me the ſecond time: for ſince ſhe is of a much more ſweet and affable diſpoſition then I am, doubtleſſe ſhe will receive you more kindly then I ſhall. And after that Beleſis, I have no more to ſay unto you, unleſſe to aſſure you, that when you have quitted me for Leoniſa, I ſhall have ſuch thoughts of you, as ſhall deſerve that you become more faithfull then you have been. Theſe Beleſis are all the advantagious thoughts I can have of you: After theſe words Cleodora roſe up, and ſay what Beleſis could ſhe left him complaining againſt her that deluded him: But Sir, that which was moſt rare in this encounter was, that this conference produced different effects in the hearts of Cleodora and Beleſis. For this imperious Lady was extremely joyed, to know by the eyes of Beleſis he was the ſame to her as formerly he had been, though it was without any intention to pardon him, but onely to make him more miſerable: So that ſhe publiſhed to all the world her marriage with Hermogenes, as a thing which much pleaſed her: As for Beleſis, he parted from Cleodora, more in love with her then ever he was: ſo that extremely wondering at his love of Leoniſa, he looked upon her as the cauſe of his loſing Cleodora, and began to hate her extremely. Being thus in a moſt horrible deſpair, he came unto me to tell me, that he found Cleodora abſolutely inexorable; but that for all this, he could not endure Hermogenes ſhould marry her. I uſed my beſt rethoricke to perſwade him to it, but all in vain: I hinted unto him what he had ſaid unto Hermogenes, that if Cleodora ſhould make choiſe of him after he had talked with her, then that he would let him alone in quietneſſe. But he told me, that he was not obliged by any ſuch promiſes, as were impoſſible to be kept; ſo that not knowing how to prevent that inconveniencie which I feared, I told him that the Prince of Suſa would baniſh him the Town, I hoping that time and abſence would ſettle his ſoul: But although Beleſis received this command that ſame day, yet was he not ſo quick in his obedience; but did ſomething to obey it, for he did conceal himſelf ſome dayes in the Town: In the interim, he writ divers times to Cleodora without receiving any anſwer: alſo he ſaw Hermogenes once: but Hermogenes gave him ſuch ſatisfactory and prevalent reaſons, that they parted without a quarrell as Beleſis intended: for in the very heat of his love; he ſtill retained a great love of Hermogenes. Whileſt he was in Hermogenes his Cloſet, he ſpied the picture of Cleodora, lying upon a Cabinet; and being tranſported with violence of paſſion, he took it, whilſt his friend was gone to ſpeak with one who asked for him: I do confeſſe, I ſaw him commit this theft: but ſince I knew Hermogenes was ere long to marry Cleodora, and that Beleſis would depart the Town within two dayes, I did not oppoſe him: but fearing leſt during thoſe two dayes ſome ſad conſequence might follow, I ſtayed with Hermogenes, and told him how it was, deſiring and conjuring him not to deny ſo ſmall a conſolation to his friend: and indeed Hermogenes promiſed me to take no notice of it, though the loſſe of this Picture did exceedingly trouble him. In the mean time Tiſias thought himſelf all happineſſe; his marriage and Hermogenes his alſo, was publiſhed to be both in one day: and all preparations were providing to render the ſolemnities joyfull. But during this while, Beleſis, Hermogenes, and Cleodora were not without their unquietudes. The firſt of theſe, as you may well imagine, had cauſe enough: Hermogenes alſo, though ready to marry Cleodora, yet thought himſelf not ſatisfied, becauſe he ſaw ſhe was extremely melancholy: And Cleodora was as ſad as any, for though her heart was full of ſweet revenge upon Beleſis, yet ſhe was to be revenged upon him, by being revenged upon her ſelf: But whileſt they were all in their diſcontents, Leoniſa, whoſe ambition recompenſed the loſſe of Beleſis, knowing that he was concealed in Suſa: And fearing, that it was onely to be an obſtacle to her greatneſſe, deſired Tiſias [Page] to move the Prince of Suſa, that he might be ſearched for, and ſecured: ſo that Beleſis hearing of this, and fearing to fall into the hands of a violent and incenſed Prince, reſolved to leave Suſa: but before he went, he heard that the marriages between Tiſias and Leoniſa, and between Hermogenes, and Cleodora were to be ſolemnized the day after: For my part, I went with him ſome two hundred furlongs out of Suſa; but I never in all my life ſaw ſo ſad a ſoul, as Beleſis had at that time: At parting, he gave two letters unto one of his ſervants, the one for Cleodora, the other for Hermogenes, with order to deliver them into their own hands before he departed: That which did a little perplex me at parting was, that I ſaw he ſent all his train and equipage into his own Countrey, with a letter to his father; and that he would retain none with him but one ſlave, having no mind to tell me what his deſigne was, nor whither he went: In the mean time the meſſenger with the letters did not fail in his Commiſſion. Since it was very early, for Beleſis went out of Suſa by break of day, he went unto Hermogenes before he went unto Cleodora, and gave him a letter, which was thus indited.

BELESIS ƲNTO HERMOGENES.

I Think you will not complain againſt me for taking Cleodora's Picture, ſince I leave you in poſſeſſion of Cleodora her ſelf: I cannot deny, but that if I had found any inclination in the heart of that fair One, to pardon me, I would have conteſted for her till death: and I confeſſe my ſorrows to depart before I have given you ſome teſtimonies of my reſentments, for the troubles you have put me unto; yet ſince I have taken up a reſolution to puniſh none of all thoſe that were cauſes of my miſerable misfortune, I entreat you to acknowledge my moderation, and to let me make one requeſt unto you: Which is, that when you are in poſſeſſion of Cleodora, you would not inſult over an unfortunate lover, whom you have made miſerable, and not put her in memory of that inconſtancie, whereof you your ſelf have have been a confident. This is the onely deſire which an unfortunate man will ever ask of you as long as he lives: who having found no compaſſion in the heart of his friend, nor ſweetneſſe towards him in the mind of his Miſtreſſe, will for ever renounce the ſociety of men and women.

Beleſis.

Hermogenes received this letter with ſome reſentment of tenderneſſe, but for all that, he was not ſorry for the departure of Beleſis: and his hopes of marrying Cleodora the next morning, made him ſo full of joy, that he could not very much condole the misfortune of his friend. But as the letter of Beleſis to Hermogenes, had no great operation upon his ſoul; yet that to Cleodora produced conſiderable effects: for it was ſo full of moving expreſſions, that unleſſe her heart had been made of marble, it would have moved compaſſion: and certainly it made ſuch a deep impreſſion in her minde, that when Cleodora ſhewed it unto me, I asked her a copy of it; and though I never read it but once, yet I ſhall never forget it: The words were theſe.

[Page]

BELESIS ƲNTO CLEODORA.

Madam,

I Have ſo well deſerved all the torments which I endure, that I cannot accuſe you of any Injuſtice: and I am ſo really repentant, that I do not think it fit to murmur againſt your goodneſſe, though it would not grant me a pardon: In the mean time I reſpect you ſo much irreconcileable as you are, that I will not complain either againſt you, nor againſt Hermogenes, nor any elſe but my ſelf: and to let you ſee that I ſhould have been faithfull unto you, I promiſe you, to live in ſome place farre from hence: I paſſe my word, that I will think of nothing elſe but you, all the reſt of my miſerable life: and ſince I became criminall by the ſight of One whom I ought not to have looked upon, but for the love of you, I will never look upon any whoſoever, but one ſervant which I will carry with me, to the end that when I am dead he may relate unto you the conſtancy of him whom you baniſhed for his inconſtancy. I am confident that if he be faithfull, he will draw tears from your fair eyes, and will perhaps make you grieve for the death of him whoſe life you have made moſt miſerable.

Beleſis.

When Cleodora received this letter, her mind was extremely unquieted, and though ſhe was ready to marry Hermogenes, yet her ſweet deſire of revenge upon Beleſis was converted into extreme ſorrow for him: and though ſhe exceedingly eſteemed Hermogenes, yet her ſoul not being able to love any but Beleſis, ſhe diſcovered, that notwithſtanding all her reſentments, and her anger againſt him, her heart was never quite diſingaged from him: ſhe received his letter with a bluſh, and opened it with extreme beating of heart: ſhe began to read it with a ſigh, and ended it with a ſhower of tears: In ſhort Sir, Cleodora ſaw ſhe could not marry Hermogenes, and that ſhee ſtill loved Beleſis: In the mean time all things were prepared for her marriage, and ſhee ſaw an impoſſibility of recalling Beleſis: Not knowing then what to do, ſhe deferred her marriage, purpoſely to conſider what was to be reſolved upon: and to that end ſhe fained her ſelf to be ſick, and went to bed. Hermogenes hearing this, he was exceedingly troubled, not onely becauſe ſhe whom he loved was not well, and becauſe his happineſſe was deferred, but alſo becauſe he had ſome ſuſpition of the truth: he went then to ſee Cleodora in all haſt, but he was told by orders from her, that ſhee was aſleep, yet he came ſo often, that ſhe was forced to let him ſee her, but ſhe ſpoke very little to him, and that ſhe did ſpeak was onely in complaining of her ſickneſſe, and pain, which ſhee did really endure, though it was of an other nature then ſhe complained of: Thus the marriage of Hermogenes was to be put off for that day: And Tiſias more happy then he married Leoniſa, whoſe eyes though dazeled with the magnificence of all the preparations, yet ſometimes they were very melancholy that day of great jollity; yet very few obſerved them, for I onely perceived it; As for Hermogenes, hee was not preſent that day, though the whole Court was. But whileſt the Kings Palace was filled with joy, where the Prince of Suſa would have this marriage ſolemnized, Cleodora was in her bed: Sometimes ſhe repented that ſhe did not pardon Beleſis; otherwhiles, ſhee would blame her ſelf for treating Hermogenes ſo kindly; and preſently after, ſhe would approve of what a little before ſhe condemned, and paſſing from one thought into another, ſhe found reſt in none, eſpecially when ſhe conſidered that perhaps ſhee ſhould never ſee Beleſis again, who was the onely man of all the world with whom ſhe [Page] thought ſhe could live happily: as rarely accompliſhed as Hermogenes was, ſhe then diſcovered a hundred things in his humour, which concurred not with hers; in concluſion Sir, not to abuſe your patience too much, Cleodora paſſed over three dayes in ſuch horrible agitations of ſpirit, that ſhe thought it would coſt her either her life, or her wits: but at laſt, being reſolved what courſe to take, ſhe gave orders ſecretly for the execution of her intended deſigne; and indeed did execute it as I ſhall tell you. Be pleaſed to know Sir, that one morning as I was ready to go out of my lodging, I received a letter from Cleodora, which deſired me to bring Hermogenes that ſame hour, unto the Temple of Ceres, which is not above thirty furlongs from the town, whither ſhe went, to give thanks unto the Goddeſſe, for a favour which ſhe ſaid ſhe had received, during her ſickneſſe. Then Sir, be pleaſed to know further, that this Temple is kept by an hundred virgins, who obſerve the ſame ceremonies which they at Ecbatan do, though they be not conſecrated with the ſame Goddeſſe. I confeſſe that at firſt, I had not any ſuſpition of Cleodoras deſigne, but went unto Hermogenes, unto whom I ſhewed the letter which I received: but as for him, he was more clear-ſighted then I was, for as ſoon as he ſaw the letter, he feared ſhe would take ſome deſperate reſolution: ſo that without any more delay, we took horſe and went unto this temple: as ſoon as we were alighted, they conducted us unto a chamber, which was ordained to receive ſtrangers; where we ſtayed awhile: preſently we ſaw a door open out of the cloiſter of the Virgins, out of which we ſaw Cleodora come accompanied with two women, but with ſuch a ſober melancholy in her aſpect, as would have tendered the moſt obdurat heart. Hermogenes alſo was ſo moved, ſo amazed, and ſo angry, that he had not power enough to expreſſe his aſtoniſhment: after this ſhe came unto us, and after civil ſalutations ſhe did ſit down, and cauſed us to ſit by her: After this, ſhe began to ſpeake; I do not doubt (ſaid ſhe unto Hermogenes) but what I ſhall now ſay unto you, will trouble you: And I had a mind to let you know it in a place, where the reſpect due unto the Goddeſſe of this place, will perhaps oblige you to receive it with more moderation. I beſeech you Madam, (ſaid Hermogenes unto her) do not put me to the utmoſt triall of my vertue; and conſider well what you will tell me, whether I can hear it and live, or without loſing my wit [...] and reaſon, and reſpect unto ſacred things. Since I know by my own experience, that none ever di [...] of ſorrow; and ſince I have a better opinion of your vertue and wiſdom, then your ſelf has, I ſhall not fear to tell you, what reſolution I have taken. Know then, ſaid Cleodora, that I ſhould be unworthy of your affection, if I ſhould marry you, for the diſcovery of my heart ſince the departure of Beleſis, lets me ſee, that I am not in a condtion to make you happie: Why Madam (ſaid Hermogenes, interrupting her) will you delude thoſe hopes which your ſelf did create in me? I ſhould delude them more, replied ſhe, if I ſhould go about to ſatisfie them, ſince then I ſhould attempt a thing above my power. For to tell you truly, I have theſe three laſt dayes, continually conteſted for you againſt my ſelf, and could not overcome; ſo that ſeeing it was impoſſible to give you my affection, ſince I had given it to Beleſis, and by conſequence, ſhould make you miſerable, and augment my own ſorrows; I thought it moſt expedient for me, to diſingage my ſelf from all the world, and wholy devote the reſt of my dayes unto the Goddeſſe which is adored in this place. This Hermogenes, is that which I had to tell you, and it is your part to teſtifie by your voluntary conſent unto it, that you have more vertue then love. Ah Madam, replied he, I am not able to endure this, but I muſt murmur and oppoſe it with all my power. I would not adviſe you to do ſo, replied ſhe, ſince if you do, it will be in vaine. But Madam, (ſaid he unto her) if it be ſo, that you love Beleſis ſtill, why did you not pardon him? and if you do not love him, why will you not accompliſh my happineſſe? Do not force me (replied ſhe) to make a preciſe relation of what hath paſſed in my heart; for ſince I am reſolutly determined to forget all my follice, I will not revive them in my memorie: The truth is, I will never returne again to Suſa: perhaps Madam, ſaid I unto her, that during the time that you are but a probationer, and before you engage your ſelf for over, your minde: will change: I do not think it, (replied ſhe) for it is not my cuſtom to change my minde; and if I ever change, it ſhall be in favour of Hermogenes: For heavens ſake Madam (ſaid he unto her being tranſported with ſorrow and deſpaire) do not ſhut up your ſelf in this place: [Page] if it be (added he) becauſe you do not think me worthy of that honour which your parents would confer upon me; though you would deprive me of that happineſſe, yet do not deprive the world of 'its chiefeſt ornament: Beleeve me Hermogenes, my fate hath called me to this place, and there is no remedie you can uſe to prevent it; as Hermogenes was going to anſwer, the ſame door through which Cleodora came unto us, opened the ſecond time: and the Governeſſe of theſe ſacred Virgins, appeared all in whit, holding a ſheafe of gold in her hand, accompanied with a great number of virgines in the ſame habit, holding every one of them, apples of gold in their hand: As ſoon as they were all come out and ranked behind the governeſſe, ſhe called Cleodora: who leaving us, and deſiring us to accquaint her Aunt that ſhe was in that place; and after ſhe had made a low congee to Hermogenes with tears in her eyes, ſhe went towards that door, whom ſhe who kept the door received in: all the virgines beginning to ſing hymnes unto the honour of Ceres, as ſoon as ſhe was entered and the door ſhut. But Oh heavens, how dolefull was that ſong unto Hermogenes, and in what a pittifull plight was he in? In the meane time there was no remedie but complaints; for there was no poſſibilitie of procuring any more conference, either with Cleodora, whom they carried into the temple, nor with any of the virgins. But we were conſtrained to returne unto Suſa, and report this ſtrange ſtory: and never ſince Sir, was it poſſible for Hermogenes, to ſee Cleodora; yet we underſtood by one of the ſacrificers, that ſince ſhe came into that place, ſhe never enquired of any worldly buſineſſe, except it were ſomtimes, ſhe would aske if any knew in what part of the world Beleſis lived; or in what part he died? But as none could inform her what was become of him, ſhe was nothing ſatisfied: yet we were told ſhe was ſomthing joyed to know, he was not returned into his own country, which made us think ſhe had rather be her ſelf miſerable, then to know that he was happie: Yet for all this, ſhe lived a moſt ſtrict and exact life, and as regular to the orders, as any of the moſt ancient virgins of the temple, though ſhe had yet ſix monthes to be as a probationer, before ſhe made her laſt vowes. This Sir, was the adventure of Beleſis and Hermogenes: and I have no more to tell you, unleſſe that Hermogenes ſince Cleodora took this reſolution, was a hundred and a hundred times at deaths door with ſorrow: but beginning inſenſibly to conſider, that he himſelf was in ſome ſort a cauſe of her recluſement, and of his friends loſſe, reaſon began to revive in his heart; his paſſion by degrees grew leſſe violent: and I have heard him wiſh divers times that he were able to call back Beleſis, whom we thought to be dead in ſome unknown country: and therefore I cannot chuſe but wonder that he ſhould quarrell with Beleſis when he firſt met with him: doubtleſſe it muſt needs be Cleodoras picture which Beleſis took from him; the ſight whereof did ſurpriſe his reaſon as well as his eyes, which was the cauſe of it, ſince I am very certain that he preſerved a good opinion, and much friendſhip for him, eſpecially ſince his love to Cleodora began to leſſen.

Alcenor having ended, Cyrus was well ſatisfied with his relation, and gave him thanks: Panthea, Araminta, Abradates, and Mazares did alſo thank him: afterwards upon examination of the matter, they could not conceive it any great piece of difficulty, to reconcile theſe two enimies. For ſince Hermogenes could live without Cleodora, and that his love to her was leſſened, doubtleſſe it was fit for him to yeeld unto Beleſis, whoſe love was rather augmented then leſſened: they conceived alſo that as for the picture, it was juſt it ſhould remaine in the hands of him unto whom Cleodora gave it, and that if Hermogenes could not conſent to renounce Cleodora, then to let that faire one know Beleſis was alive and loved her ſtill, and that Hermogenes loved her alſo: and that afterwards whether ſhe would remain ſtill in that place, or chuſe one of them for her husband, they ſhould conforme their wills thereunto accordingly, and become friends: but the beſt of the ſtory is, when Alcenor went to Bleſis, with intentions to acquaint him that Cleodora had not married Hermogenes; he found them talking together, having both of them deſired their guards that they might meet: ſo that Beleſis underſtanding that Hermogenes had not married her, his animoſitie againſt him ſo vaniſhed, that he was full of tender expreſſions in words to him: making a ſhort relation of the miſerable life he had led: & ſo that Hermogenes being exceedingly moved with it, & conſidering that he was the cauſe of all his miſeries, reſolved to overcome himſelf, and conſented to uſe his beſt endeavours to [Page] get Cleodora out of her Cloiſter: Since Alcenor was friend unto them both, he embraced them with much joy; and carried them into Pantheas Chamber, more to thank the company for their patience in hearing their Adventures; then to be reconciled by them, ſince they had compoſed all differences themſelves. Yet notwithſtanding Cyrus willed them to promiſe the Queen of Suſiana that they would live lovingly together: and ſo they did very willingly: Afterwards Cyrus and Mazares, accompanied with Beleſis and all that followed him thither returned to the Camp. In the way thither, Chriſantes brought a man unto Cyrus whom he thought to be a ſpie, and upon whom they found a Letter directed unto the Princeſſe Araminta. This did conſtantly affirme, that he was not ſent to know any thing concerning the Army, but only with a letter to the Princeſſe of Pontus: Cyrus taking this letter but not opening it, asked him from whom it came: but he anſwered he could not tell: All he knew was, that a man unknown to him, came into Heraclea where he dwelt, as it appeared by his language and taking him aſide offered him a great recompence if he would undertake to carry a letter unto the Princeſſe Araminta, and a greater if he brought him back an anſwar, and told him that he would expect his return about eight dayes hence, and would be every morning by ſun-riſe at the Temple expecting the ſucceſſe of his voyage: Cyrus knowing by the ingenuity of him who ſpoke, that he lyed not, did not ſet any guard upon him; but to teſtifie the reſpect he owed unto the Princeſſe Araminta, did ſend this letter unto that Princeſſe and never opened it: Commanding Chriſantes, who had orders to carry it, to obſerve her countenance whilſt ſhe read it: and in obedience to this command he went unto the Princeſſe, and delivered the letter: which as ſoon as ever ſhe ſaw the ſuperſcription, ſhe knew it to be the hand of Spitridates, ſo that opening it with extream deſire to know where Spitridates was, ſhe read theſe words,

THE VNFORTVNATE SPITRIDATES, VNTO THE PRINCESSE ARAMINTA.

Madam,

WHat ſorrowes ſoever I ſuffered, yet I do declare in the frontiſpiece of my letter, that I do not intend to complain againſt you; but to obſerve all thoſe due reſpects which I ever rendred unto you; and if in the ſequell of my diſcourſe any unbecoming word drop from my pen, it is againſt my will, After this Madam, I ſhall not doubt, to let you know the adventures of an unfortunate man who has no ſhare in your affection, and ſhall tell you, that the priſon in which my father keeps me for the love of you, they cannot torment me more then by telling me every day, that you have conquered the conqueror of all Aſia, and if I durſt, without offence, ſpeak it, your heart is more illuſtrious in that victory, and more ſecure. I beſeech you Madam, do but imagine how inſupportable is my impriſonment, in hearing how kinde you are to him by a hundred particular circumſtances: Yet I would not reſolve upon death, till I had it under your hand that you have changed your thoughts, me thinks I owe ſo much reſpect unto thoſe aſſurances of fidelity which you were pleaſed to honour me with, as not to condemne you before you anſwered for your ſelf: Not that I do think you perfidious maugre all reports: But Madam that which moſt of all perplexeth me is, that knowing I reſemble Cyrus, I know not how you can look upon him without a remembrance of unfortunate Spitridates: and I know not how you can remember him but you muſt alſo remember my loyall love, This reſemblance 'twixt Cyrus and my ſelf is not at all in our fortunes as in our faces: for he is happy, I [Page] am miſerable: he is with you: I am abſent, he a Conqueror, I a Captive: He can command moſt of all Aſia, but I cannot command my ſelf: But yet for all this; Madam, this Prince does all his actions more for his own then your glory: whereas on the contrary, I have renounced all mine to do you ſervice: I have forſaken Crowns, ſuffered Baniſhment and impriſonment: and to ſpeak all in few words, I have done all I could and conſequently all I ought: A [...] I wiſh with all my ſoul Madam, that you could ſay as much, and ſay truly: However, ſince I never had the leaſt deſire of life, but only to do you ſervice: and ſince I ought not to enjoy it unleſſe you will looke favourably upon me, I beſeech you be ſo generous as to pronounce my death under your hand, that I may have the glory of dying in obeying you.

Spitridates,

The Princeſſe Araminta bluſhed all the while ſhe read this letter, and Chriſantes did ſo ſeriouſly obſerve her, that he made no queſtion but it was a letter of ſome importance, though he could not imagine the truth: But whilſt he was gueſſing at it, the Princeſſe of Pontus cal'd for her dear Heſeonida to ſhew her this letter, her ſelf not being able to contain her wonder at the contents of it, nor well knowing whether or no, ſhe ſhould let Cyrus ſee it, becauſe her modeſty made a ſcruple of it. But Heſeonida upon ſerious conſideration of the buſineſſe, and how he had ſent this letter unopened unto her, ſhe thought it but fit ſhe ſhould truſt him with the ſecret of it. Moreover, this Princeſſe knowing very well how groſly Spitridates was miſtaken, and that Cyrus was as conſtant unto the Princeſſe Mandana as her ſelf was unto the Prince of Bithynia, ſhe reſolved to let him ſee it, leſt he ſhould imagine it to be of another nature then it was: ſo that without further delay, ſhe writ theſe lines,

ARAMINTA ƲNTO CYRUS.

Sir,

IT is fit my confidence in you ſhould equall your civility: and ſince you would not open that letter which by the lawes of warry you very well might, I will ſhew you one which I ought to conceal, if I did not think you as diſcreet as you are generous. You may judge by it Sir, after you have read it, how ingenious fortune is to perſecute me, ſince unleſſe you will be pleaſed to tend me your helping hand you will augment my miſeries: I beſeech you pardon the crime of unfortunate Spitridates, in thinking you to be guilty of one, and help me to lament his miſeries and to ſweeten mine: you may if you pleaſe, Sir, ſend back this letter unto me by him who brought it, to the end I may know a little better, in what condition that unfortunate Prince is;

Araminta.

This Princeſſe had no ſooner done writing, but ſhe incloſed the letter of Spitridates in her own, and fealing them up gave them both unto Chriſantes, who returned to his maſter after he had received as much civility as the perplexities of that Princeſſe would permit her: After which, ſhe began to repeat all his misfortunes, with reſenting [Page] aggravations. In the mean while Cyrus, who longed for an occaſion to oblige her, as ſoon as he had read the letter of Spitridates and her own, did ſend it back unto her by him that brought it, and anſwered her in theſe termes.

CYRUS ƲNTO THE PRINCESSE ARAMINTA.

Madam,

SInce the lawes of warr ought never to contradict thoſe reſpects which are due unto perſons of your Quality and virtue, doubtleſſe I have done no more then what I was obliged unto: But for your part Madam, you have gone farr beyond what might be required at your hands. All I can ſay, unto you by way of gratitude for the confidence you have in my diſcretion, is to aſſure you, that the Prince is only miſtaken in Name, when he ſpeaks unto you of that affection, which your merits hath planted in my heart, ſince certainly my love of you is as perfectly pure, as his love is conſtant: I am confident Madam that what I now ſay, will not offend you, but that you will be pleaſed if I conjure you ſo to tranſact with Spitridates (whoſe virtue makes me admire him) that he will looke upon me as his friend, as I am reſolved to be and already am, that ſo juſtifying me, you may thereby juſtifie your ſelf alſo: And in the interim I promiſe you, maugre the hatred which doubtleſſe he conceives againſt me, that I will be very carefull of reſtoring him unto his liberty, as ſoon as ever the Gods have made me ſo happy as to releaſe the Princeſſe Mandana.

Cyrus.

This Letter being given unto him who brought that of Spitridates, he was conducted unto the Princeſſe, who made no queſtion of being by him fully informed of the fortune and condition of that Prince: But ſhe was aſtoniſhed when ſhe found he did not know ſo much as that he was a Priſoner: He could only tell her, that about ſome moneth ſince, there were ſome priſoners brought from Heraclea in the night time, and that they were cloſely kept, but he could not tell who they were: Then ſhe asked him what was reported of Spitridates? to which he anſwered that none knew what was become of him, and that all the people both in Pontus and Bithynia did much lament him. After this, ſhe enquired concerning Arbianes and Ariſtheus, who he ſaid were in health: So that ſince ſhe could not receive any further ſatisfaction from him, ſhe reſolved not only to ſend him back with a letter, but alſo to ſend one of her ſervants with him, to ſpeak with the man who was to meet him in the Temple of Heraclea: Then without more delay, the Princeſſe Araminta writ unto Spitridates, and chuſing out a ſervant to ſend back with him who brought the letter, ſhe recompenſed him in an ample manner: for though ſhe was a priſoner, yet ſuch was the generoſity of Cyrus, as he allowed her whatſoever ſhe pleaſed: In the mean time, the treaty concerning the exchange of this Princeſſe for the Prince Artamas went ſlowly on: for Creſſus did ſo delay the buſineſſe, as that there was not one Article reſolved upon the day before the Treaty was to end: Cyrus no ſooner conſented unto any thing, but Creſſus raiſed a new difficulty in the buſineſſe: and his ſecret deſigne to gain time, did ſo manifeſtly appear, that though it concerned the liberty of the Prince Artamas, yet the King of Phrygia was the firſt that told Cyrus, it was not fit to treat any longer with ſuch a Prince as was not ſincere in his buſineſſe: and the rather, becauſe it was reported there was great joy in the Army of Creſſus, for the arivall of ſome Egyptian [Page] forces, which were reported to be commanded by a Prince of a moſt gallant deportment. So that perceiving this Treaty was onely a colour wherby to protract the war: It was reſolved to prolong it no longer, what propoſitions ſoever the enemies made, yet would not Cyrus break it until the laſt minut of it was expired: but as ſoon as ever that was, and the Commiſſioners for treaty on both ſides being come back, Cyrus renewed the war; And began to draw up his forces, to paſſe over the river Halis at that paſſage, where the brother of Andramites commanded: and ſince there was in that plate, a great and ſtately Caſtle, as ſoon as the Army had paſſed the river, and the For [...]orn hope of Cyrus had beaten back the ſcouts of Creſſus, to the very wals of Sardis, Cyrus cauſed the Queen of Suſiana, the Princeſs Araminta, and all the reſt of the Ladies to be brought into that Caſtle, to the end that Abradates might not be troubled to paſſe over the river, when he went to ſee Panthea: in the mean time this great ſoul which was capable of many things at once, in the midſt of all his amorous ſufferings, was as vigilant as any young ambitious man, and as prudent as any old weather-beaten Captain he did not onely know how many troops he had, what ammunition, and what magazins, and artillery, but he knew alſo who commanded every particular ſquadron, and who was fitteſt to be truſted in any dangerous expedition: he knew the capacites of every Captain, even to the perſonal valour of every private ſouldier: ſo that when he drew up his army into Battalia, every one was ranked in ſuch a place as was fitteſt for him: but whil'ſt his diligence was in the ordering of every thing, it was much murmured in the army, that Araſpes ſhould revolt unto the enemy, and intelligence was one day brought unto him, when the kings of Phrygia, and Hircania, Tigranes, Mazares, and many others were preſent, that this Araſpes was the onely adviſer of Creſſus how to rank his men in the day of battle; and as ſome priſoners which were taken were brought unto Cyrus, and as he asked them, how they thought Creſſus would order his army? they anſwered they heard ſay, that all would be diſpoſed according to the counſel of a certain Medean who was come unto their ſide, and who adviſed them to alter that order which they were accuſtomed to obſerve. The priſoners had no ſooner given this anſwer, but every one knew it was Araſpes they ſpake of: but they were all much amazed to ſee Cyrus in lieu of being angry againſt him, onely ſmil'd and ſaid, that he wiſhed this Medean in his power. Yet he had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but without any further reflection upon it he called a councel of war, to conſult upon the buſineſſe in general yet there did not need any where Cyrus was: for he ſo ſtrengthened his advice with ſuch & ſo many prevalent reaſons, that none ever oppoſed him: ſo that the Kings of Aſſyria, Phrygia, Hircania, Suſiana, and Mazares, Tigranes, Perſodes, Phraaries, Gobrias, Gadates, Anaxaris, and every one referring all things to his conduct: he began to conſider of all things requiſit for the march of his Troops, and for the day of battle; in order to that he cauſed all the officers of his Armie to come before him, and gave every one of them his particular order what to do: ſo that their buſineſſe was onely to obey his orders, and that was enough: it is your care, (ſaid he unto the Captains) to incloſe the worſt of your ſouldiers with the beſt, that their valour may on all ſides be exemplary, and keep them from running away: afterwards, he commanded the Captains what confidence ſo ever they had in their men, yet to exhort them unto their duty, and be ſure to puniſh cowards telling them, that the onely way to make their ſouldiers invincible, was to make their ſouldiers to ſtand in more fear of their Commanders, then of their enemies; after that, he gave all neceſſary orders for the march of his Artillery and baggage, as well as for the Chariots of war: he ordered how the Regiments ſhould march one after another, and was very circumſpect that none ſhould be diſpleaſed with his imployment, he took order for the Archers which were to be carried in thoſe Chariots, aſſigning every one in all this great Armie his particular dutie, and his ſoul was of ſuch a large capacitie, as made it apparent that he could govern the whole univerſe with as much eaſe as others could a private family. This one thing he did eſpecially recommend unto all his officers, that thoſe that were of the Rere-guard ſhould alwayes keep themſelves in as ready a poſture to fight, as if they were in the front of the battle. All things being thus ordered, and it being reſolved to match the next morning, Cyrus the night before went to take his leave of the Princeſs accompanied with moſt of any qualitie in the Army, [Page] and amongſt the reſt thoſe that had neereſt relation unto that place, as Phraartes, Andramites, and Ligdamis: who knowing that Creſſus would ſurpriſe the Caſtle of Hermes, and that his father who was governour, would be forced to declare himſelf, he made no difficulty at all in fighting for Cyrus, ſince ſo many other Lidians would be in his Army. Cyrus, being full of generous civility, told all the Ladies in general, that he would do all he could to prevent their ſhedding of tears after the victory which he hoped to obtain, aſſuring the Princes Araminta for her particular, that he would not fail in any thing he had promiſed Cyrus had that night as much joy in his aſpect as might eaſily perſwade unto a belief of a happy ſucceſſe in that battle which he was to fight; Panthea alſo added unto the hopes of it, imagining he knew well enough that his enemies were not ſo ſtrong as they gave out: but he told her, that on the contrary he underſtood there was an extraordinary gallant Egyptian Prince come unto his enemies, and that the Prince of Myſia was alſo arived at Sardis, and further that a valiant Jonian Commander called Arimaſpes was come with Auxiliaries to the aid of Creſſus: but ſince the valiant Abradates is on my ſide (ſaid he) and ſince Juſtice is alſo on our ſide, I ſhall not deſpair of victory: but I ſhall have this conſolation at the leaſt, that I will either get the victory or die: after this, he took his leave of them and all the reſt of the Ladies, every one of them commending his civilitie, and praying for his proſperity. Yet Phraartes could not obtain one ſmile from the Princes Araminta, whoſe ſorrows for the priſonment of Spitridates, and fears of the battel were ſo great, that ſhe hardly took any notice of him: as for Ligdamis, he received all imaginable expreſſions of tenderneſſe from his dear Leoniſa: but for Andramites, he ſaw Doraliſa onely in termes of civilitie, yet he did not think himſelf altogether miſerable, ſince ſhe looked ſo well as in termes of civility upon him: in the mean time Abradates took not his laſt leave till the next morning: but as he was ready to put on his Arms which he uſed to wear, Panthea ſent him a moſt magnificent ſute which ſhe had ſecretly cauſed to be made, and which ſhe trimmed up with all her jewels; His helmet glittered with abundance of rich Diamonds, and had a plume of purple colour; the reſt of the arms were ſutably rich, and of the ſame colour with his plume: ſo that Abradates wondering to ſee a ſtately ſute of arms, began his thanks unto his dear Panthea, by complaining againſt her for dreſſing his arms with her jewels, which were for her ſelf at a feaſt of rejoycing after the victory. I have ſo great an opinion of your valour (ſaid ſhe unto him) and we are ſo indebted unto the illuſtirous Cyrus, that I thought it requiſit you ſhould weare very remarkable arms, to the end your glorious acts, may the more eaſily be diſcerned by him in the day of battle: but for all the courage of Panthea, ſhe could not pronounce theſe words without a ſhower of teares: ſhe endeavoured to hide them, leſt Abradates ſhould take them as a ſad omen, nor would that Prince take notice of them, leſt it ſhould too much melt her heart and his own: but many expreſſions of an inviolable eternal affection paſſed between them: and he promiſed ſo to acquit himſelf in the ſight of Cyrus, as ſhould become him, ſo that inſenſibly ingaging themſelves in a diſcourſe of Cyrus, they did infinitely commend him for his civil uſage of them, Panthea making the time as long as ſhe could before they bad this cruel adieu, purpoſely the longer to enjoy the ſight of her dear Abradates, who was never ſo handſom, and gallant as in this glorious ſute of arms. But the time did come that he muſt leave her, and he embraced his dear Panthea, and then pronouncing the word adieu, he went out of her chamber, to mount into a moſt magnificent Chariot of war which waited for him at the Caſtle-gate, Panthea following him with all the reſt of the Ladies which were priſoners. And he eſpying her with ſuch a ſadneſſe in his countenance as was not ſutable to his great and heroique ſoul, he went back unto her, and taking her by her fair hand, which he kiſſed with a ſad devotion, and being deſirous ſhe would go in again, I pray unto the gods, (cryed he out) I may behave my ſelf as one that is worthy to be Pantheas husband, and Cyrus his friend, after which conjuring her once more to retire, he left her, and went haſtily into his Chariot: but ſhe was not retired till he was quite out of ſight, he ſtill looking upon her as long as he could. But as if the conſtancy of Panthea had been inſpired that ſhe ſhould never ſee him again, ſhe ſounded, and her women were forced to carry her to bed.

In the mean time, never was ſuch a glorious ſight as this Army, for not [Page] onely Cyrus, the king of Aſſyria, Mazares, and all the reſt of the Princes were moſt magnificently armed; but there was not a common ſouldier, which ſhined not in his arms: ſo that the ſun ſhining that day without a cloud, made the march of this army the moſt glorious ſight that ever eye beheld. All the Cavalry had marrions of burniſh Braſſe, with white feathers, their ſuits of arms carnation colour, and their lances all gilt or imbroidered. As for Cyrus his arms were the ſame of gold, which he wore that day he gained the victory over the King of Aſſyria: the horſe he rid on, had alſo the honour to ſerve him in many of his victories, and particularly in that: ſo that the king of Aſſyria knowing theſe armes, he ſighed, and could not chuſe to ſay unto Cyrus, I pray heavens, (ſaid he unto him) that thoſe arms which now you wear, prove as fortunate againſt Creſſus and the kings of Pontus, as they did againſt me, and I beſeech the gods I may make better uſe of mine this day then I did on that. You did ſuch glorious things that day, (replid Cyrus modeſtly) that if fortune had not been your foe, Ciaxares had not been conquerour, and therefore I have greater hopes this day in your valour then in mine own. Then Mazares, Tigranes, Phraartes, Anaxares, Gobrias, Gadates, and all the volunteers coming unto him, he commanded that all the army ſhould march; he himſelf did lead up the vanguard with the king of Aſſyria, unto whom he gave the right hand, and offered him the command of it: Hidaſpes commanded the main body of the battle, wherein were all the Homotimes: the King of Phrygia the rare guard: and Abradates al the Chariots of war, which made a diſtinct body of it ſelf: Cyrus then beginning to advance, having firſt ſent out ſcouts to diſcover the enemy, gave motion to this huge body, who with one wink diſperſed ſpirits into it. Creſſus alſo and the King of Pontus prepared for a general combate, and neglected nothing that might get a victory. Tis true, there was a vaſt difference between theſe two armies: for hope was in that of Cyrus, and fear was in the Lydian kings. Not that he was any thing inferiour in numbers, eſpecially ſince the arival of the Egyptian Auxiliaries, and of thoſe forces which the Prince of Myſſia and Arimaſpes brought up: but the very name of Cyrus was grown ſo terrible every where, that it was no ſooner known in the camp of Creſſus this prince was come over the river Halis, but fear ſeiſed upon the hearts of all his ſouldiers, and the night following their frontier Guards gave many falſe alarmes to their own ſide, for they apprehended ſuch fears as made them beleeve they ſaw what they ſaw not, ſo that they ſtood all night in their arms. Creſſus then fearing leſt this general terrour ſhould grow to be one of thoſe panick fears which hath ruined whole armies, without a blow, reſolved to expreſſe ſome courage, and by his example to infuſe it into others, that he might meet Cyrus: ſo that the morning after, he diſencamped, and advanced a little beyond Thybarra, at the ſame time Cyrus was drawing towards him: ſo that theſe two huge armies encamped that night within fifty furlongs of each other. Cyrus becauſe he would not be ſurpriſed, paſſed over all that night without any ſleep: and the King of Aſſyria and Mazares being as vigilant as he, they were witneſſes of the pains he took in every thing, and how he neglected nothing that might obtain a victory. In the mean time theſe three illuſterous Rivals ſpent all the night together in one tent, but with different thoughts, though Mandana was the onely object of them all. As for Cyrus his certainty of Mandanas love, maugre all the manaces of the gods, afforded him many hours of joy amidſt his ſufferings: whereas on the contrary, the king of Aſſyria, maugre the favourable oracle which he received at Babylon, knowing he was not loved, and that Cyrus was many times poſſeſſed with ſuch fits of fury, as he had much ado to maſter them. Mazares, though his thoughts were leſſe violent, yet was his ſorrow a heavy load upon his heart, for when he began to conſider, how he had impoſed upon himſelf a neceſſity of never pretending further then to the frendſhip of Mandana, he knew not whether he was able to keep within thoſe limits which he had preſcribed unto himſelf: on the other ſide, the king of Pontus, thought himſelf as miſerable as any, eſpecially when he conſidered that it was not a victory could make him happy, ſince when he had conquered Cyrus, he could not conquer Mandana, unto whom he had not ſpoke one word of the battle towards, leſt it ſhould trouble her too much: for it may well be ſaid, never was raviſher leſſe violent, and more reſpective then himſelf: ſo that Mandana and the princes Palmis not knowing they were ready to fight, for their liberties, did both condole and comfort each other. Yet was Mandana very ſorry ſhe [Page] did not credit Mazares, for ſhe underſtood by Cyleniſa how that Prince was really gone unto Cyrus. The Prince Artamas for his part, he did ſuffer unconceivable torments of mind, not onely by reaſon of his own impriſonment, but for the Princeſſe Palmis, and in thinking upon the Battle which was ready to be given: yet as brave as hee was, he was ſomething glad that he was not to bee in it, becauſe the Princeſſe Palmis could not hereafter upbraid him for fighting againſt the King her father. But as reſtleſs as theſe three, nay all theſe Illuſtrious perſons were, I think it may truly be ſaid, that Cyrus being moſt amorous, was moſt tormented, or at leaſt moſt diligent to obtain the victory: For no ſooner did Aurora begin to gild the clouds from the Eaſt, then hee awaked all his Camp, by ſound of Trumpets, Drums, Fifes, and Howboys: ſo that all this vaſt Army, was in a moment in their Armes, and ranked under their colours, ready to obey their Generall; who, being as full of Piety as valour, commanded a Sacrifice to be offered unto the Gods, and to beg victory from them: and willed the Sacrificers to uſe no other Ceremonies then after the Perſian cuſtome: ſo that the Magi who made preparations for this Ceremony, made choice of a Hill, which was in the midſt of the Camp, to ſacrifice unto the Sunne, which they called, Ocoſmades, and unto Venus Ʋrania, whom they called Mitra, and unto Jupiter; Cyrus making choice of theſe three divinities: to the end that Jupiter might give him power to vanquiſh; that the Sunne might ſhine upon his victory; and that Venus Ʋrania might favour his deſigne of Mandanaes releaſement; Since the Perſians never uſe to ſacrifice, but under the Canopy of Heaven, nor dreſſe up any Magnificent Altars, nor light any Fire, nor uſe any Crowns of flowers: the Ceremony was not long, for the Sacrificers do nothing but put a wreath of Myrtle upon their heads, and carry the Victims up to the Hill they make choiſe of: and there they invoke the Gods unto whom they ſacrifice, and according to the Perſian cuſtome, which is never to make any prayers but for all the Perſians in generall, excepting for their King, they ask of thoſe divinities all that may be glorious unto their nation, and by conſequence victory: Afterwards they pray for all their Army, and for Ciaxares onely in particular: Cyrus deſiring to make no diſtinction between Perſians and others; In the mean time, how early ſoever the Magi were, thoſe of Creſſus were before them: 'Tis true, it was in a different manner: For ſince he and the King of Pontus, and the Prince of Myſſia, and all the other great Commanders, had obſerved that their ſouldiers ſtood in fear of their enemies, and that the very name of Cyrus ſtruck a terror into them, they were them ſelves afraid leſt this panick fear ſhould put their Army into diſorder: Therefore ſince they were to fight a deciding battle, they thought beſt to infuſe mettle into their men by ſome rules of religion. And in order to that, they brought into uſe an ancient ſacrifice uſed in wars, in the time when Heraclides raigned in Lydia: And about two hours after midnight, they make ready their Altars in the midſt of the Camp, all the Souldiers being drawn about them as in Battle array: After this, they make about theſe Altars, twelve fires, which ſhews unto the Souldiers a great number of Victims, which the Sacrificers kill before them: About theſe Altars, fires, and bloody Victims, ſtand two hundred men with ſwords drawn in their hands: After which, theſe men do ſwear all the Officers, never to leave fighting untill they have met with deaths or victory; then they call all the Souldiers one by one, and make them promiſe and ſwear with moſt terrible▪ Impr [...]ations upon themſelves and their poſterity, to be obedient unto all that Creſſus, or their Officers ſhall command them: and never to flee from battle, but every one to kill his fellow that ſhall offer to give ground before victory be obtained, and if there were any which out of fear of ſuch a ſtrange ſacrifice, would not ſwear, theſe men with ſwords in their hands were to kill them; and by this cruell example to affright the reſt to promiſe what was deſired them, though perhaps they had no intention to keepit: yet notwithſtanding ſince ſuch things as theſe do extremely move the hearts of the multitude, the ſouldiers in the Army of Creſſus in generall, did beleeve they ſhall become more valiant after this Ceremony: ſo that hopes ſucceeding their fears; the Army of Creſſus began to be confident of happy ſucceſſe in Battle.

However, the King of Lydia did not truſt more to the multitude of his men, then he did of ſome advantages which might be taken, and therefore he advanced to Hyberra, ſo that Cyrus was much amazed, when after his ſacrifices ended, and day began to break, he ſaw his enemies removed from the place he thought them to be, coconceiving that they [Page] had poſſeſſed themſelves of a place of great advantage for themſelves: and the very truth is, if this Prince had not been full as wiſe as he was valiant, he had expoſed his Army to an inevitable ruine. Thyberra was a Town of an indifferent largeneſſe, ſeated upon a pleaſant Hill, ſome thirty furlongs from Sardis: at the foot of this hill ran a little river, which running round the walls made the acceſſe very difficult: So that it ſeemed, Creſſus thought he ſtood in need of all advantages to deal with ſuch a Prince as Cyrus was. As this Hero was ever uſed to ſeek his enemies, and never to turn his back upon them, he drew up into battalia upon another hill, oppoſite to that which Creſſus poſſeſſed, and ſeemed ſo exceedingly deſirous to be fighting, that he ſtood in need of all his prudence, to ſtop the heat of that courage, which deſired to hazard all then not fight. Yet upon better conſideration, finding that if he loſt this Battle his glory would receive a foil, and Mandana would not be releaſed: he examined the matter a little better. He ſaw that the right wing of Creſſus was ſheltred with the Town of Thyberra, which on that ſide was naturally fortified, by the fall of many Torrents which time had made ſo deep and impetuous, that the paſſages were not fordable: Cyrus alſo ſaw that the main body of his enemies was moſt judiciouſly placed, ſo that more advantage could not be deviſed: for indeed it was in a little wood, which nature had ſo intrenched, that all art could not mend it: As for his left wing, it alſo had poſſeſſion of another Hill, the acceſſe unto which was through many ditches: ſo that it were fond imprudence to fight vpon ſuch diſadvantages, eſpecially ſince Creſſus was more numerous then himſelf. The King of Lydia hoped that Cyrus would have done as hee did at Artaxates, and in Aſſyria: ſo that Cyrus hazarding all, and he nothing, he might chance get the victory. But ſince prudence will alter thoughts according to occaſions, Cyrus who did hazard all in Armenia to deliver Mandana, where he might well in reaſon do it, would not do ſo in Lydia, where he ſhould hazard the loſſe of Mandana and the victory alſo: yet hee uſed all poſſible ſtratagems to make Creſſus quit the ground he was in poſſeſſion of, and to provoke him to fight upon reaſonable termes. It may truely be ſaid, all military Art was uſed upon this occaſion, to draw his enemy out of his holds: ſo that every day both Armies had continually skirmiſhes, though Cyrus could not engage his enemy in a main Battle: In the mean while the place where he was encamped was very incommodious for him, for his enemies being maſter of the little river which ran by Thyberra, he wanted drink both for horſe and man, and likewiſe all manner of forrage. Cyrus then reſolving to diſincamp, reſolved to quarter neer Pactolus, where his Army might have plenty of all proviſions, which he wanted in the quarters he quitted, and where he might obſerve the motion of his enemies, which way ſoever they moved, and force them to fight if they ſtirred: the queſtion was, whether they ſhould remove in the night, or in the day time: for though prudence told Cyrus it ſhould be in the night, yet his great ſoul would not permit him: his chief reaſon why he deſired to follow the motions of his courage was, becauſe he was in hope Creſſus would follow him, and ſo he ſhould face about and fight him. But ſince there was ſome danger in that attempt, and that good ſucceſſe was doubtfull: he reſolved upon an honourable Retreat, in the face of an Army much ſtronger then himſelf, and commanded by Princes expert in Command: ſo that at break of day his firſt Brigade began to march, the ſecond followed; afterwards the Artillery, and Charriots marched in the head of the Infantry. The Orders of Cyrus were ſo well executed, that the Retreat was without diſorder, except the firſt Brigade of the right wing, wherein Cyrus was, becauſe the left wing of Creſſus, which was oppoſite to it, and wherein the Lydians and Mariandins were, was beſt able to fall upon this Prince, becauſe there was fewer obſtacles on that ſide then any other: and they left them to charge that Prince, whom not a Lydian durſt look in the face upon even termes, nor now aſſault him but becauſe he retreated: In the mean time Cyrus commanded that body of Horſe which Hydaſpes commanded, to keep their ground upon the plain, to the end his Brigade might retreat between the Horſe, as indeed they did: But thoſe forces which Artabaſes commanded that day, who retreated with the reſt of the Army, as well as thoſe which Anaxaris commanded, were aſſaulted by the Mariandines, who received them with much courage, eſpecially Anaxaris who indeed did miracles at that time. But do what they could, the Troops which they commanded were worſted, Anaxaris was wounded, and taken priſoner, and A [...]s more happy then he, diſingaged himſelf from amongſt [Page] them, and got amongſt his own party. The enemy encouraged by this proſperous beginning had advanced their victory, if Hydaſpes had not ſtopped them, and given them ſuch a ſharp repulſe, as merited the acclamations and praiſe of both Armies: for hee charged with ſuch furious valour, as made it appear he merited the favour of Cyrus: and fighting both for his own glory, and the glory of his Maſter, he beat the Mariandines, and Lydians, as farre as half way up the Hill from whence they deſcended. But three ſquadrons comming freſh upon him, and all the Cavalry of Creſſus being commanded to oppoſe the valour of Hydaſpes, He and his forces were forced to ſubmit unto ſuch a multitude, and retreated in confuſion, eſpecially becauſe they retreated down the Hill. Cyrus, whoſe prudence could not be deluded, did foreſee this, and commanded one part of his Troops to draw up into Battalia on the top of the next Hill, and ordered his Brigade to keep the plain, to aſſiſt the retreat of Hydaſpes; and to that end he went from ſquadron to ſquadron, to exhort them all, to ſhew themſelves worthy of that good opinion which he had of them, and their courage, and indeed, he had a confidence that they would do as heretofore they were accuſtomed, and never forſake him: Yet as he charged thoſe who forced his men to retreat in diſorder, theſe ſame ſquadrons who promiſed never to forſake him, nor never yet had done ſo, were blaſted with that ſame fear which heretofore they were wont to aſtoniſh others: ſo that whether the multitude of their enemies did amaze them, or whether the tumultuous retreat of their own ſide did ſhake their courage, they forſook Cyrus: ſo that there was no other courſe for him, but to think of ſaving himſelf, that he might ſave all his Army, yet he would not reſolve upon that courſe, untill he was driven to the danger of being either killed or taken, more then once: ſo loath was he to retreat from his enemies, who never met him but were beaten. Thoſe of his men whom fear frighted out of judgement, ran away to the bottom of the Hill, where all the Infantry ſtood as a Reſerve: but thoſe who had ſo much courage as to look danger in the face, and retain their reaſon, ſtayed at a paſſe in the plain, where there was a little blinde, which did in ſome ſort hide them. Cyrus who at this time had his ſpirits as free, and his ſoul as ſeeing as if he were in no danger, ſpying ſome of his men which made a halt in this place, began to rally as many of them, as he could together, and couragiouſly facing about upon his enemies did not only ſtop their purſuit, but did vigorouſly repulſe them, and beat them up the Hill which Cyrus his men had quitted: After this Heroick Act, Cyrus meeting with the King of Aſſyria, the King of Phrygia, the King of Hircania; and all the Princes of his Army, he fully determined to give Battle, and not to alter from the firſt Orders which he had given: and indeed there needed no other alteration, unleſſe that the firſt Brigade of the right wing ſhould change places with the ſecond; Cyrus not conceiving them yet recovered out of thoſe fears into which they were driven, and therefore would not expoſe them to the firſt ſhock of the Battle: not but that there is ever ſome danger to change Orders in the face of an enemy, yet the change of thoſe two Brigades was done in ſuch excellent order, and regular motion, that the leaſt confuſion did not appear: for commanding a countermarch, they paſſed from ones place to the others, between rank, and rank, and kept their diſtances and motions ſo even, that in a very little time, they were ready to fight, as if there had been no change at all: All the Calvalry which Cyrus had rallied were ſent unto ſuch Quarters as were fit to be poſſeſſed: and all things were ſo ſoon, and ſo well ordered, that it was not diſcerneable any men were loſt in this retreat; the loſſe whereof in reallity was very ſmall. In the mean time, Cyrus who was alwayes circumſpect to chuſe the moſt advantagious ground, eſpecially in the day of Battle, took the right wing, and quartered them with the firſt Brigade, whoſe ſquadrons were compoſed of Perſians, Medes and Cappadoceans, and placed a Body of Voluntiers, who deſired the honour to fight where he did, between two ſquadrons which Gadates commanded, in the head of which this Prince would fight: The moſt eminent of theſe Voluntiers were Perſodes, Andramites, Ligdamis, Tim [...]r [...]n, Soſules, Hermogenes, Beleſis, Orſanus, and Tegeus: Feraulus, and Ortalques alwayes keeping cloſe to their Maſters: Thoſe who this day ſerved under this Prince, were the King of Aſſyria, who commanded the firſt Brigade, aſſiſted by Aglatidas: Tigranes kept cloſe unto the perſon of Cyrus, and was adjutant unto him as Aglatidas was unto the King of Aſſyria. Artabanes commanded the Cavalry of this Brigade: In the mean [Page] while Mazares took upon him the command of the left wing, the firſt diviſion whereof was equal in number of ſquadrons, to the firſt diviſion of the right wing: Gobrias commanding this firſt diviſion, was aſſiſted by Aduſius: Phraartes commanded the cavalry of this Brigade. The firſt diviſion of the infantry marching between theſe two wings, conſiſted of five battalions: the artillery marched in the head of the infantry: and ſo did the hundred armed charriots under the commande of Abradates, whoſe ſtatly charriot was drawn by eight of the fineſt horſes ever eye beheld: the ſecond diviſion of the right wing was commanded by Artabaſes, as the ſecond diviſion of the left was by Chriſantes: the ſecond Brigade of infantry was divided alſo into five battalions; many ſquadrons of horſe were placed between the two Brigades of infantry, & all the body of Perſian Cavalry, wherein were the Homotimes, and the Aſſyrian Infantry commanded by Hidaſpes, made up the body of the battle: The body of reſerves, compoſed of Phrygians and Hircanians, were commanded by the Kings of Phrygia and Hircania. All things being thus ordered, there was ſuch an interior joy appeared in the aſpect of Cyrus, as inſpired courage into the ſoules of all thoſe that looked upon him: But that the ſame ſpirit of valour which did animate him, might be infuſed into all the army, he commanded a muſter of all his troopes, and going from Diviſion to Diviſion, from Brigade to Brigade, from Squadron to Squadron, and from Rank to Rank, he diſſipated all feares out of cowards, and inſpired valour into them, and the moſt couragious alſo.

Remember my Companions (would he ſay unto the firſt ſquadrons) that it concernes you to fight this day, not only to get victory, but to keep that Glory which we have gotten at other times. Afterwards turning towards other Troops, Forget not (would he ſay unto them) that thoſe who fight ill, are in more danger then thoſe who fight well, and that in all places and fights, there is more ſafty in keeping ground then flying. Then going a little further and ſpeaking unto others: Make it appear Souldiers (ſaid he) that you know how to vanquiſh by Art, and never Triumph by hazard: Remember (would he ſay to others,) that moſt of our enemies have been vanquiſhed by us before, and that they never vanquiſhed you: Let not the multitude of our enemies fright you, (would he ſay unto ſuch whoſe valour he ſuſpected) for if you have but more heart then they, you will eaſily overcome them though they were as many more. I ſhould do you wrong (would he ſay unto ſuch whom he deſired to flatter) if I ſhould exhort you to fight; It is enough if you do but as you were wont. Moreover my Companions, (ſaid this Prince and went a little further) Remember that our Cauſe is Juſt, and the gods are Juſt. I know you are brave and Gallant men, and that you were never overcome, and that you juſtly expect great Recompence. And I dare boldly promiſe both it and victorie unto you, if you will but do, as I will do my ſelf.

After, this Cyrus recommended three things eſpcially unto them all. The one was, to obſerve each other in their march, that thereby the order of Battle might not be broken, but that their diviſions might be even, and their diſtances equall: [Page] The ſecond was, neither to be too backward when they charged, nor too precipitatly forward: And the laſt was, to let their enimies ſhoot all their Arrows, and throw all their darts, before they began to ſhoot and throw theirs. Afterwards Cyrus going to Abradates, told him that he expected to be a debtor unto him, for the victory which he hoped for: But the King of Suſiana ſeeing himſelf very diſadvantageouſly placed, anſwered, that he ſtood moſt in need of his help to get the victory, and that he deſired ſome Perſians would come and teach him to fight. After which, Cyrus ſtill exhorting his ſouldiers, returned to the head of the right wing in which he was to fight: and he had no ſooner took his place, but Araſpes who had diſingaged himſelf from the Lydians, came into the Army of Cyrus, and preſented himſelf unto him. I am now come Sir, (ſaid he unto him) to expiate the crime which I committed, by dying in your ſervice, as I writ to you that I intended when I went firſt unto your enemies, purpoſely to give you intelligence. We have ſo much need of valiant men, replied Cyrus, that as faulty as you are, I cannot chuſe but be glad to ſee you: and when you have given me a ſhort account of what you know concerning the enemie, I will aſſigne you your place to fight with Andramites. Then Araſpes whiſpered with Cyrus, and told him all which he thought of moſt concernment: As ſoon as Cyrus had well conſidered upon the advice which Araſpes gave him, he ſaw the Lydian Cavalry appear upon the hill which was oppoſit to Cyrus, and to divide themſelves into right and left wings, to make room for the maine Battle of Creſſus. Cyrus ſeeing by this, that now his enemies would fight, was infinitly joyed to ſee that his ſeeming retreat had deceived them, and invited them to fight in hopes of a victory, upon more eaſie termes now then ever, by reaſon of the diſorder which happened. In the meane time, the Army of Cyrus was in a condition to fight: and that of Creſſus was not: for the great diligence of this famous conqueror, ſurpriſed the ſpirits of thoſe, who would have ſurpriſed him. And indeed without any delay, or giving his enemies ſo much time as to rank themſelves, Cyrus marched up to them, the ſun being then three hours and a half high: untill now the Army of Creſſus was full of hopes to be victorious. But as ſoon as ever they ſaw Cyrus come to them with full reſolution to fight, their confidence failed, and victory became doubtfull. The word of Battle which Cyrus gave unto all his Troops, was, JƲPITER our PROTECTOR. But all the Army animated by the preſence of a Prince, whom all the ſouldiers called a ſecond Mars, in lieu of Crying Jupiter our Protector, made the aire eccho with the name of the god of war: ſo that all crying out Mars, Mars, the noiſe of ſo many ſeverall voices, mingled with the Muſick of Trumpets, Fifes, Hoboyes and Drums, ſeemed to be acclamations of victory, though it was only the beginning of combate. The Charriots and the Artillery of Cyrus did much more execution then thoſe of his enemies, for they rained moſt terrible clouds and ſhowers of arrows upon the Lydian troopes: and the artillery made ſuch impetuous ſhots of ſtones upon the enemie, that they were exceedingly annoyed, inſomuch, as they had much ado to keep in order: yet Creſſus and the King of Pontus, ſeeing they were forced to fight, did ſhew much gallantry, and came up to fight with great reſolution: yet were they put to one notable diſadvantage, for they were forced to rank themſelves into Battalia as they marched: ſo that it was a hard matter for a great body not ſettled in order, to ſuſtaine the ſhocke of another which is better ordered. But yet at laſt they ranked their troopes: The Prince Myrſiles notwithſtanding his imperfection, commanded the two diviſions of the right wing, being aſſiſted by Pactias who gave orders for him, this Prince having only the honour of the command, not being able to do any other ſervice, then by his perſonal Valour. The of Prince Myſſia, and a Lydian of qualitie called Artibies, commanded the two diviſions of the left wing: Arimaſpes the valiant Jonian Captain, commanded all the infantry: and the King of Pontus all the other troopes which were as reſerves: Creſſus was placed in the head of a body of Lydian Cavalry in the midſt of the battle: theſe two great armies, were ſome thirty paces from each other, when Cyrus perceived the left wing of his enemy ſent three volleys of arrowes upon the right wing of his, ſo that this Prince deſiring that his men ſhould not ſhoot theirs before the enemy had thrown all their darts, did make a ſtop to hinder them, and commanded that none [Page] ſhould draw an arrow untill their Enemies had done theirs. This command was as exactly obeyed as Judiciouſly given: from whence did ariſe three conſiderable advantages: for it did redouble the fury of the troops in reſtrayning them, it put order into all the diviſions and ranks: and by receiving upon themſelves all the arrowes and darts of their enemies, they exhauſted them of all at the very firſt ſhock: This being the ſtate of things, The Prince of Myſſia to ſignall himſelf, advanced with his firſt diviſion againſt that of Cyrus, who at the ſame time advanced to receive him: Theſe two Diviſions, being come within reach of darts, did both make a ſtand a pretty while, both deſiring the other ſhould begin: At laſt the Lydians more impatient, began to obſcure the Ayre with an incredible Cloud of Arrowes and Darts: at the ſame time Cyrus Commanding his men to doe as he did, he threw the firſt dart, and drawing their ſwords, ruſhed upon the ſquadron which oppoſed him, and did ſuch miraculous acts, that all he did before was nothing in compariſon of this: his firſt diviſion couragiouſly following him, charged the firſt diviſion of the Lydians with ſuch fury, that they entirely routed them. Cyrus ſeeing he had taught them in that place how to get a victory, diſengaged himſelf from amongſt them, to ſee what other place ſtood in need of his help: But he was no ſooner from amongſt them, then the ſecond diviſion of the enemies ſeconding their firſt, did ſo repulſe that from which Cyrus departed, that all the king of Aſſyrias valour could not ſave himſelf from being taken: 'Tis true he made a gallant reſiſtance, and charged through both diviſions of his enemies: Tigranes alſo was unhappily wounded, and maugre his valour, taken priſoner, though he did moſt gallant things in the ſight of Cyrus; nor did he render himſelf untill his horſe was killed, and was overnumbered by a multitude.

This being the ſtate of things; the ſecond diviſion to repair the misfortune which it had in his retreat, had command to relieve the firſt: Which it couragiouſly did under the conduct of Artabaſes. In the mean while Cyrus having rallied his firſt diviſion, fell upon them on one ſide whilſt Artabaſes was on the other: And both this Prince and Aglatidas did ſuch wonders, that the whole power of their enemies was not able to ſtop their valour: Yet the combate was a while very doubtfull: and victory knew not which ſide to take, for ſometimes the Troops of Cyrus would ſo preſſe upon the Lydian Troops with ſuch fury, as one would have thought them quite routed and torne in pieces: And ſometimes they would ſo rally, and charge afreſh, as would make thoſe who routed them before to ſtagger: That which to the glory of Cyrus was moſt remarkable, was, that there was not one of his ſquadrons ſquandred by any of the Lydian Troops, which Cyrus did not rally, and bring up again to fight with as much courage and judgement, and quickneſſe, as if he had been more then in one place at once, ſo ready was he to do all that his great ſoul d [...]d prompt unto him: And it is not imaginable how oft he charged, and how many ſingle combates he had: He no ſooner had vanquiſhed in one place, but he ſought out a new ſubject for his valour: and being not contented with overcomming all he met with, he ſought out for the King of Pontus with extream deſire: But all in vain, for fortune would not let them meet. In the mean while he met with freſh reſiſtance, and the reſoluteneſſe of his enemies gave him an ample ſubject for his prudence and valour; So that not enduring that the victory ſhould continue any longer upon doubtfull tear [...]s, he cauſed his body of reſerve to march up; The King of Lydia did the like but with different ſucceſſe; For the Kings of Phrygia and Hircania did ſo ſharply charge their enemies, and were ſo exceedingly animated by the example of Cyrus, whom they ſaw do ſuch incredible acts of valour, as they had the honour to ſecond him in his courage, and: outed the left wing and body of his enemies reſerve, who were forced to fly & yield unto the valour of a Prince whom none could ſurmount; In the mean while, ſince the whole Army of Cyrus was inſpired with the ſame ſpirit, Mazares, where he was, did as much as any brave Prince could do, who deſired death and victory; for he charged the Prince Myrſiles and Pactias with extraordinary valour. He did not only go unto them with a reſolution of fury, but ſeeing they would not come unto him, becauſe they were on a very advantagious ground, he went up the hill unto them, with incredible courage, though without any diſorder or indiſcretion, and charged them ſo hotly, that he routed them; yet one of his ſquadrons, paſſing up a place of difficulty, [Page] was repulſed by one of the enemies ſquadrons, but Gobrias releeved them, and forced the Lydian Squadron to do like their fellowes, which was to fly away in diſorder; Yet The ſecond diviſion of the enemy ateempted to relieve their firſt but Chriſantes, comming up to Mazares, the right wing of the Lydians was entirely ſquandered; So that Mazares now made no doubt of victory, though himſelf was two or three times in danger to be taken by the enemy. The body of the battle, in the head of which were the Charriots, had no mean ſhare in the victory; and Abradates did more then he promiſed his dear Panthea, and indeed more then he ſhould have done; for he did ſo expoſe himſelf unto dangers, as if he had either known himſelf invulnerable, or elſe deſired death; he drove the eight horſes which drew his charriot with ſuch fury, as he tumbled down his enemies, and forced their charriots to fly; The reſt of the Charriots which followed him, doing the ſame, ſtruck terrour into all that oppoſed them; Some of the enemies charriots fled; others were tumbled over and broken: all were rendred uſeleſſe to the Lydians. Abradates having done this, and ſeeing the Egyptian Battalia keep their ground, went with his Charriots to rumble amongſt them and overthrew all he met, either by the impetuoſity of his Charriots, or by his ſword, or with the Sythes wherewith the Charriots were armed: Never was ſight more terrible to behold then this: The horſes trampled upon the bodyes of dead and dying men: The Syths cut off others: and the wheels ran over thoſe which the horſes and Sythes tumbled down: But alas, the victory of Abradates proved fatall unto him: for the field was ſo ſtrewed with horſes and dead men, with broken armes, and overturned Charriots, that he could not paſſe but over Mountains of theſe mingled together: ſo that the wheels ſometimes went high, and ſometimes low, and his Charriot unfortunately overturned maugre the skill of him which drove it: Yet Abradates diſingaged himſelf from under it, and began to fight on foot, but was forced to yeeld unto a multitude, who ſeeing him down fell upon him: ſo that this valiant Prince and all thoſe with him periſhed at this time; yet his death was revenged to the full; For Hidaſpes and Gadates comming in, they charged all thoſe that fell upon Abradates, with ſuch fury that they forced them to retire in confuſion into the body of their battle; Afterwards Hidaſpes with thoſe troops under his command charged Arimaſpes and his troops, and all the Battalions of the firſt diviſion, charged thoſe enemies which oppoſed them with ſuch vigour, that Arimaſpes as Great a Commander as he was, was forced to yeeld unto the valour of Hidaſpes, not being able to reſiſt him long. The King of Pontus who fought with as much courage, and ill fortune, perceiving the diſorder in Creſſus his Army, did what he could to Rally, and was twenty times in danger to be taken: But in that deplorable condition in which he ſaw himſelf, he could do no good. Creſſus alſo, as well as he, gave many rare teſtimonies of his courage, but could not finde any remedy againſt his misfortunes. He ſaw the two wings of his Army broken in peeces, and the main body of the battle ſquandred: He ſaw the field was covered with his dead and dying men: That terrour was in all his Troops: they fled whereſoever Cyrus aſſaulted them, and in ſome places where they were not aſſaulted. So that Creſſus ſeeing no way but to ſecure his perſon, and defend Sardis: And the king of Pontus thinking upon the preſervation of the Princeſſe Mandana, both theſe two Princes reſolved to retire; and ſo they did notwithſtanding Cyrus ſought all over for them, and could not hear any thing of them: for they were gotten into a great body of horſe, which haſtily flying, raiſed ſuch a cloud of duſt as obſcured their flight, and hindred him from the purſuite: In the mean time Cyrus and Mazares, being both of them in the heads of thoſe wings which they had ſo gloriouſly conducted, fell upon the Rear of the enemies battle, which conſiſted only of the remainder of Infantry, the Horſe being all fled away. So that Cyrus ſeeing none that was able to reſiſt him, but one Egyptian Battalion which ſtood ſtill upon their ground: He ſent Feraulus to take their Guards the Captain whereof was killed, and to give this Battalion Battel. But as Feraulus did execute the commands of his maſter, he found that theſe Egyptians did naught elſe but cover themſelves with their Bucklers, and ſtood as men that were reſolved to dye upon the place: Cyrus wondring to ſee this Battalion neither advance nor retreat; and ſeeing all his Army victorious, and alſo the Army of Creſſus quite defeated; He commanded the fight to ceaſe, and to ask the Egyptians, why they would not throw away their armes, if they [Page] intended to render themſelves, and why they did not fight if they would not? unto this they anſwered, that the Prince who commanded being dead, and his body in the middle of their Battalion, they were reſolved never to forſake it; and therefore if Cyrus would have them ſubmit themſelves unto him, he muſt give them leave to render all the honours which was due unto his bodie, and go to bury him: this being granted them, they would take the part of Cyrus, and leave Creſſus who had forſaken them: otherwiſe they would be all killed upon the body of their dead Prince: Cyrus no ſoonner heard their deſires, but he admired their fidelity and affection to their Prince, and conſented to their demands, appointing Feraulus to let the body of the dead Prince be carried in a Chariot of war whither they would have it, deſiring alſo to ſpeak with the chief commanders of theſe Egyptians, who without more delay lifted up the corps of their General. But as if heaven would recompence them for their fidelity, as the Chariot paſſed by Cyrus, he caſting his eyes upon him whom the Egyptians thought to be dead, he perceived that as he leaned his head upon a Buckler, he opened his eyes: ſo that Cyrus ſeeing a Prince ſo handſom as he was, in a condition to be recovered, commanded Feraulus to carry him into one of his tents: ſo after this purſuing his victory he went before Thybirra, and ſummoned it, which the ſame houre ſubmitted unto his diſcretion. So that having in one day won a battle, took a town, and releaſed the king of Aſſyria, Tigranes, & Anaxaris, he was moſt triumphant: it is worth obſervation, that this priſoner king was he who did capitulate about the ſurrender of this town, unto which they who took him carried him: for the inhabitants ſeeing themſelves with out any hopes of relief, or any power to defend themſelves, threw themſelves at his feet, beſeeching him to intercede for them unto Cyrus to uſe them well, which he promiſed and performed: for Cyrus at the requeſt of his Rival did moſt generouſly expreſſe all ſignes of clemency and ſweetneſſe unto them upon all occaſions. This victory left the conquered no manner of conſolation: for the Lydians were totally defeated: they loſt all their Artillery, all their Enſignes and all their Chariots, and all their Baggage. Abundance were killed, and abundance were taken priſoners: Arimaſpes that valiant Ionian was taken, and died the next day of his wounds: and all this with a very inconſiderable loſſe unto Cyrus, unleſſe in the death of Abradates which did ſo ſenſibly grieve him, that he expreſſed much ſorrow upon the field, and where he encamped that night, notwithſtanding his ſatisfaction not onely to ſee that all his friends and ſouldiers had exceedingly well behaved themſelves, but alſo that his very Rivals ſhould adde unto his glory. Seeing he had now nothing to do for the releaſement of Mandana, but to enforce the walls of Sardis, his joyes at it did comfort him for the loſſe of Abradates; whoſe corps he ſent to ſeek, that he might render it all the honours it deſerved. And ſince the gods were pleaſed to ſhowre happineſſes upon him, after ſo many bitter ſtorms of misfortunes, as he went into his tent to reſt himſelf after all his glorious paines, there came a poſt unto him from Thraſibulus, to let him know that his Armies were no leſſe proſperous under his command, then under his own: for he had vanquiſhed all that ever oppoſed him, and that the greateſt part of al lower Aſia was reduced under his Empire: at the ſame time alſo arived an Envoye from Ciaxares, to tell him that he could ſpare him many freſh troopes, becauſe Thomiris was not in a capacitie to make any war upon him, ſince ſhe was deſperately ſick of a languiſhing diſeaſe which was like to coſt her her life, or her reaſon. And to compleat his happineſſe, a Cavalier whom he knew to be one of thoſe he heretofore had pardoned, for being in the conſpiracie of cowardly Artanus; brought him a letter from Mandana, which before he read it, did induce him to beleeve that he had very ill expounded the oracles of the gods, and that for the future he ſhould be as happy under the name of Cyrus, as he had been miſerable under the name of Artamenes.

The end of the fift Part.

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THE Third Volume OF ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS, THAT EXCELLENT NEW ROMANCE: Being the [...]Sixth PART [...]

Written by that Famous Wit of FRANCE, MONSIEƲR de SCƲDERY, Governor of NOSTRE-DAME.

And now ENGLISHED by F. G. Eſq.

LONDON, Printed for HUMPHREY MOSELEY at the Prince's Arms in St. Paul's Church-yard; and THOMAS DRING at the George in Fleet-ſtreet. M. DC. LIV.

ARTAMENES, OR, CYRVS the GREAT. The Sixth Part.

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BOOK. I.

THough Cyrus was infinitely impatient to ſee what the incomparable Mandana had writ unto him, yet it was a long time before he could reade the Letter; not only becauſe exceſſe of Joy had diſordered his heart ſo much, that he knew not whether he ſhould beleeve what he ſaw, but alſo becauſe hee would have the man who brought it tell him, whether he received it from the hand of Mandana? how hee ſaw, and when? but hee had no ſooner asked him all ſuch queſtions as he deſir'd to be ſatisfied in them, without ſtaying for his anſwer, he opened the Letter which had no ſuperſcription, but when he had opened it, hee knew her Character, and found in the beginning of it theſe words.
The unfortunate Mandana unte the unfaithfull Cyrus.

This Prince had no ſooner caſt his eyes upon her cruell words, but hee ſtopt, and read them over the ſecond time, yet with ſo much wonder and deſpaire, that hee could not chuſe but breake out into ſad expreſſions of his ſorrowes, inſomuch that feeling his heart full of violent Agitations, he return'd in private, but ſtill as he return'd he read Mandana's Letter, which contained theſe words.

I would I could lock up in my heart my reſentments of your Inconſtancy: But I doe confeſſe my wonder is ſo great, to heare that you have changed your opinion of me, that I cannot chuſe but vent both my admiration and indignation; though I know it argues weakeneſs to make any complaints unto ſuch as offends me, and that it ſpeakes more greatneſs of Soule not to accuſe ſuch Delinquents as we are reſolv'd never to pardon. But ſince I cannot indure your change without complaint, I will complaine like one that will never be appeas'd: Therefore I doe declare unto you, that I will not any longer be the Pretence of the ambition, nor be the innocent cauſe of all Aſias deſolation. Render back unto my Father thoſe Forces which you have of his, to the end my fetters may never be unlooſed by your hand, for I confeſs I had rather remaine a Captive ſtill under a reſpective Raviſher, then to bee ſet at Liberty by a perfidious Prince, who hath heretofore given a hundred illuſtrious Teſtimonies of his fidelity unto

MANDANA.

[Page] Cyrus read this Letter with ſo much ſadneſſe, with ſuch aſtoniſhment and perplexity of ſpirit, that he was forced to read it over againe: But the more he read, the more he was amazed, and the heavier was his heart: and though his innocency might have been a cordiall unto him, yet his too delicate a ſoule could not without extreame ſorrow, ſuffer ſuch an unjuſt accuſation: and his purity of love could not chuſe but be apprehenſive, that Mandana ſhould think him capable of any change in his affection to her; moreover, ſince it appeared not by her letter who it was ſhe thought he loved, he could not gueſſe whether it was Panthea or Araminta, for he rendred equall civilities unto them both: ſo that being in a moſt ſad deſpaire, he ſent for him who brought the letter, to ſee if he could draw ſuch conceits from him, as might give him any ſatisfaction. This man then told him, that being in the cittadell of Sardis, when they brought the Princeſſe Mandana and the Princeſſe Palmis thither, he reſolved to ſtay there untill he found an opportunity of paying a debt which was upon him, by doing ſome ſervice unto the Princeſſe Mandana; hoping alwaies to finde an occaſion to make it knowne unto ſome of the women which belonged unto that Princeſſe, how he was ready to attempt any thing which ſhe would command. He further ſaid, that ſince ſhe was ſtrictly guarded, he could not deviſe any way how to execute his deſigne, untill of late he met with an opportunity of talking with Marteſia, who at firſt gave no credit unto his words, but afterwards beleeving what he ſaid unto her, ſhe brought him this letter, aſſuring him it would be a very acceptable piece of ſervice unto the Princeſſe Mandana, if he delivered this letter unto him. Cyrus ſeeing this was all he could get out of the man, commanded Ortalques to have a care of him, and conjuring him to let none whatſoever know that he brought a letter from Mandana, for he would not make his Rivals ſo glad as to know he was in her disfavour: and love is of ſuch a nature, as all thoſe in whom it is predominate, doe forſee any thing that may either advantage or diſadvantage their Rivals, aſwell as themſelves: and therefore Cyrus would not adde unto his ſorrowes, thoſe Joyes which he ſhould finde in the King of Aſſyria's eyes, if he ſhould come to underſtand his diſgrace. His reſpects alſo of Mandana, would not permit him to let it be knowne unto others, that ſhe was capable of ſo much injuſtice and weakneſſe, and as all jealouſie does argue love, ſo his diſcretion would hide it in the Princeſſe. After Ortalques was returned with him, who thinking he had brought ſuch joyfull newes unto Cyrus, had filled him full of ſorrow: Cyrus called for Feraulas, who was not a little ſurmiſed to finde ſo much ſadneſſe in his eyes. Sir (ſaid he unto him after the ſame accuſtomed freedome which he ever uſed unto his illuſtrious Maſter) I did not think it poſſible a victorious conqueror could be ſo melancholy upon the very field of Battle. Ah Feraulas (ſaid Cyrus & ſhewed him Mandanas Letter) Fortune is more ingenious to torment me then you imagine, ſee (ſaid he) Read the cruell words which my Princeſſe hath written, which muſt needs poiſon all thoſe ſweets which uſe to follow Victory. This is it, which makes me inſenſible of the glory in Vanquiſhing, which bitters all my joyes, and ruins all my hopes. I muſt confeſſe (ſaid Feraulas after he had read the Letter) that I wonder how the Princeſſe who is ſo prudent can thinke you unfaithfull; But for all that, I know not why you ſhould ſo exceſſively grieve, for there is no queſtion in the World but it is an eaſie matter to deceive her. No, no Feraulas (ſaid Cyrus) my miſery is not ſo inconſiderable as you thinke it: for ſince my Princeſſe can ſo eaſily beleeve I love her not, and that I fight only out of Ambitious ends; ſhe may as well doe me more injury: perhaps ſhe may abſolutely take her heart from me, and give it to the King of Pontus, whom certainly ſhe would never have ſo conſtantly refuſed, but for love of me. You know her, you know not how firme her reſolutions are: you ſee how ſhe would not let Mazanes releaſe her, and you ſee alſo how ſhe treates me as ſhe did him, ſince ſhe would have me ſurrender up unto her father, thoſe forces which are his; and tells me plainly ſhe had rather be in the power of a reſpective Raviſher, then be releaſed by a perfidious Prince: Fie, fie, Mandana (cryed he out) can any ſo unjuſt a thought harbour in your minde? can you beleeve it? is it poſſible you ſhould ſet your hand unto it? Alas, alas, but ſince I ſee you have, I muſt needs think you will not ſee my innocency, but that you are become the moſt unjuſt, the moſt perfidious, and the moſt ungratefull Princeſſe in the World. But Sir (ſaid Feraulas and interrupted him) why may you not as well believe that as ſoon as you have taken Sardis, the prejudicated opinion of the Princeſſe will ceaſe? For truly when ſhe ſhall ſee you proſtitute at her feet, all thoſe Lawrells which Fortune and Victory hath Crowned you withall; and that you doe no longer look upon Panthea or Araminta, ſhe muſt needs repent of her errour, and render you her affection, which doubtleſſe ſhe never yet took from you, though ſhe have writ it; for if ſhe had, ſhe would never have [Page] writt unto you: however it be, ſaid Cyrus, my Princeſſe thinks I love not her, but that I love ſome other, ſhe thinkes that all I have done for her, the giving of ſo many battles, the many hazards of my life only for her liberty, were only conſequents of ambition, not love: though heavens know all my affection of glory, all the ambition of my ſoule, had never ſet fire on all Aſia, had never overturned ſo many Provinces, nor Conquered ſo many Kingdomes, if my love of her had not been my only ſpurr; yet ſhe thinks & ſhe writes that all was but a Cloake to cover my Ambition, and never telling me whom it is ſhe accuſeth me to love, ſhe treats me as one whom ſhe loveth not; truth muſt be confeſſed Feraulas, there is ſome odd fantaſticall fury in my Fate: may it not be ſaid, that Fortune which makes all in the world happy and miſerable, hath forſaken the care of the univerſe to thinke upon me only? for by an unexpected cruelty ſhe moves my ſoule to paſſe eternally from one extreame to another, and that there is not a minute between an extreame joy and an extreame misfortune: ſhe ever makes the ſweet to precede the bitter, ſo that it plainly appears, ſhe gives me the firſt only to make me more ſenſible of the other: doe you not ſee in what a time, on what a day, at what an hour, and in what a place ſhe will have me receive this cruell letter from Mandana? had ſhe ſent it before the battle, perhaps Victory would now have ſweetned that bitter Wormwood which is in my heart. But on the contrary, I muſt receive it after I have overcome my enemies, and my Rivall: after I know all lower Aſia is reduced under my power: receive it when I was ready to take Sardis; in the field of Battle, where I ſaw nothing about me but ſignes of my Victory: yet in the midſt of all theſe cauſes of joy, ſorrow muſt needs clogg my ſoule and overcome it, inſomuch as I am moſt confident that the King of Pontus who hath loſt the Victory is not ſo ſad as I am: But he hath more cauſe then you, replyed Feraulas: for truly Sir, all your Arguments cannot perſwade me that the Princeſſe can continue long in this beliefe. However, replyed Cyrus, I muſt make haſt and go to Sardis, that I may either periſh under the Walls, or elſe come to throw my ſelfe at Mandanas feet, and aske her with whom ſhe thinks me in love, and that I may proteſt unto her I love none but her ſelfe. After this and much other diſcourſe with Feraulas, he reſolved to ſend him who brought Mandanas Letter to him, with an anſwer unto that Princeſſe: For the man ſeeming to be reſolute and bold, Cyrus thought it an eaſie matter for him to gett into Sardis as indeed he did: ſo Cyrus tranſported by the violence of his paſſion writ a letter unto Mandana, but in ſuch haſt, as one may ſweare it was the dictate of his heart, and his hand following his thoughts he writ theſe words.

Vnhappy CYRUS unto unjuſt MANDANA.

MADAM,

It muſt needs be that I love you better then ever any did, ſince notwithſtanding your injuſtice in calling me perfidious, I love you no leſſe then I did before. On the contrary, my paſſion is ſo violent, and your unjuſt accuſation makes me ſo ſenſible of it, that if you did but know the reſentments of my ſoule, you would confeſs your ſelfe to be the moſt cruell and unjuſt woman in the world. If fortune in War continue her ſmiles upon me, and that I find no greater difficulty in taking Sardis then in winning that Battle which Creſſus and the King of Pontus loſt; you shall ere long (Madam) ſee me at your feet; and as you were my firſt paſſion, ſo you ſhall be my laſt. In the interim, I beſeech you remember that you permitted me to affect glory; and thats the reaſon, I did not think it handſome to be rigorous after conqueſt; but that it was permitted me to be civill towards two great but unfortunate Princeſſes, and to compaſſionate their miſeries. This is all I have done (to too unjuſt Mandana) unto the two only Ladies I have ſeen ſince the War began; and to the only perſons I thinke you can ſuſpect me to be in love with. But how was it poſſible (Madam) you should doe ſo? How comes it to paſſe you knew your ſelfe, and me no better? However I beſeech you, diſpence with me from ſurrendring my power unto the King your Father, untill I have ſet you at liberty, and when that is done (Madam) and when I have conquered all my rivals, I shall ſurrender the Army which I command unto the King of Medes, and leave you all the Crowns I have conquered, that you may weare them upon your head, and then (as I have already ſaid) I will come and proſtrate my ſelf at your feet, and either die with ſorrow & love, or elſe perſwade you that I was never unfaithfull, and that never any ſince the world began did love one more, then you are by

CYRUS.

[Page] This Letter being written, Cyrus read it over more then once, imagining that his repetitions of it, would perſwade Mandana of his innocency, and after he had ſealed it, Feraulas was to give it unto the man who was to deliver it: yet upon ſecond thoughts, Cyrus would needs deliver it with his owne hand, and it may truly be ſaid, that never bringer of ill newes was better recompenſed. After this he was forced againſt his will to take ſome houres of reſt: and the wearineſſe of the day precedent, and his ſorrowes were ſomething charmed by ſleep, 'tis true his ſleep was but an interrupted ſlumber, and far from ſoft ſecurity: for ſince his Imagination was ſweld with nothing but tumultuous things, his ſleep and dreames could not be pleaſant. But to ſee the force of his love, & tenderneſſe of his affections; in lieu of dreaming upon combatts and noiſe, he dreames only of Mandana and Abradates: he was full of various dreames, though all were ſad ones: ſometimes he ſaw Mandana without Abradates, but he never ſaw Abradates without Mandana: this Princeſſe was moſt deeply imprinted in his Fancy, as well as in his heart, though that part of the ſoule is accuſtomed to be light & extravagant, and will ordinarily repreſent ſeverall kinds of objects, eſpecially in ſleep. 'Tis true, the ſleep of Cyrus was not deep, nor laſted long: aſſoone as he was awake, a councell of war was held in his Tent where the King of Aſſyria, Muſsanes, and all thoſe that uſed to be there, were preſent; where it was reſolved, that without giving any time unto the enemy, to recollect himſelfe, or to the King of Pontus to carry Mandana out of Sardis, they ſhould the ſame hower goe and beleaguer the Towne: ſo that without more delay, they conſidered the ſcituation of it, & when quarters were moſt convenient to be poſſeſſed: Cyrus then aſſigned the quarters unto all his Army, which was to march that very hower: but he himſelfe ſtayed untill the next day, becauſe he intended a viſit unto Panthea to condole the death of Abradates with her, and to comfort her: but newes was brought that his Corpes could not be found upon the place where he fought, by reaſon of the abundance of men ſlaine which lay dead upon the ground; Cyrus commanded ſearch ſhould be made the ſecond time, and ſent for all the Captains that fought under Abradates and were alive, to aſſure them that he would recompenſe the admirable ſervice both of their Maſter and them: Then after he had taken all requiſite order for the Siege of Sardis, and for the interment of the dead, he took horſe to viſit Panthea, all orders for the beleaguering of the Towne were eaſily executed; for as Cyrus foreſaw it would come to that paſſe, he brought all manner of Engines with him, which were requiſite for the taking of that Towne: But before he went to the place where Panthea was, he ſtept into the Tent into which the Aegyptian Prince was carryed, who was ſo loved by his ſouldiers; The chief of thoſe Egyptians who never did nor would forſake him; told Cyrus, that the Chyrurgeons, after ſearch of his wounds, did not deſpaire of Life, but yet would not undertake for him; and though the Phyſitians did forbid any to ſpeak with him, yet theywould permit their illuſtrious Conqueror to enter, but he refuſed, knowing it might prejudice their wounded Maſter: ſo commanding that all poſſible care ſhould be had of him, and aſſuring thoſe Egyptians that they might expect any thing from his aſſiſtance, he departed. But as Cyrus was as ſad after Victory as if he had been conquered: ſo Creſſus and the King of Pontus were in a moſt deplorable condition; the firſt of theſe in flying away after the loſſe of the Battle, did forſee the loſſe of his Kingdome: and though the Delphique Oracle aſſured him, that if he undertook Warr with Cyrus, he ſhould ruine a great Empire, he was affrayed he meant his owne, and that he underſtood the Oracle ſince he ſaw himſelfe ſo neer ruine: on the other part, the King of Pontus conſidering he was the cauſe of his ruine who had protected him, imagined that he ſhould now loſe Mandana as he had loſt his Kingdomes; ſo that theſe two Princes retired in ſilence and mourned in ſecret for their lamentable condition, not being able to complaine either againſt Fortune, or one another, or of themſelves, ſince they knew themſelves to be the cauſes of their miſeries: Terror had ſtruck ſo deepe into the hearts of all their remainder of troops, that thoſe which followed them did continually imagine themſelves to be followed and aſſaulted: ſo that by degrees they disbanded themſelves, and in little troopes tooke ſeverall waies: And Creſſus and the King of Pontus ſaw themſelves ſo ſlenderly accompanied, that they could eaſily count all that followed them: ſo that conſidering how in the morning they were in the head of 200000 Men, and that before night they ſaw themſelves without one ſervant, ſorrow and deſpaire did ſo ſeiſe upon their ſad ſoules, that not knowing what they did, and comming unto a place where the [...]e were ſeverall waies, they parted from each other without any intention ſo to doe, and there was ſo very few men with them, that it may well be ſaid they were alone. Which way ſoever Creſſus turned his eyes at the beginning of his flight, [Page] he ſaw nothing but dead and dying men, and men that fled: Preſently after hee ſaw none but a few affrighted perſons who ſaved themſelves in the Towne with their Baggage: At laſt leaving the high way, and croſſing the Country to get unto Sardis unſeene in ſuch a deſpicable condition, he came unto a little ſolitary vally: ſo that comming out of a terrible tumultuous world into a place where all was ſilent but onely a little murmuring Rivolet, where birds were ſinging, he ſighed, and, as if a place of ſilence were a place of ſafety, he marched ſoftly: But as hee turned his head to ſee who followed, hee found himſelfe alone, for of thoſe foure or five which did follow him when the King of Pontus ſtrayed from him, one of them had his horſe wounded, and could nor follow; another himſelfe wounded and ſtayed behind, and all having ſome impediment or other upon them, left their unfortunate Prince, who ſeeing himſelf alone in this ſolitary Valley, then knew, that all his beloved treaſures were but uſeleſſe vanities, and that wiſe Solon had good reaſon to deſpiſe them. Whilſt he was there in his ſad contemplations ſtill going forward, he heard the ſound of a pleaſing Pipe, and turning himſelf that way, he ſaw that he who played upon that Ruſtique Inſtrument, was a young ſilly Sheapheard about fourteen or fifteen yeares of age; who without any feare of publique miſery, or knowledge of any Battle that had been fought, plaid upon his Pipe, and kept a little flock as innocent as himſelf: Creſſus then ſtanding ſtill and conſidering this young Shepheard who was very faire, ſighed with more Bitterneſſe then his countrey muſique was ſweet, and caſting up his eyes unto heaven, he envied the happineſſe of this ſilly Boy; and though he was a King, yet wiſhed with all his heart he could change his Scepter into this Sheepheards hooke. But ſince he could not be dictator to his deſtiny, nor alter the mutable decree of that ſoveraigne power which rules the world, he continued his March, and came at laſt to Sardis, where he was received by all the people with teares of tenderneſſe and ſorrow. The King of Pontus who wandred another way came not till an hower after him: ſo did likewiſe the Prince Myrſiles and the Prince of Myſſia, who had taken another way. All the Princes did what they could to keep up the hearts of the People: but every minute wounded men came in, who told the people of the death of ſome freind or other, ſo that it was a hard matter, to gull thoſe men who ſaw their King return ſingle after he went out in the head of the greateſt Army in the World. Moreover theſe Princes underſtood that the Thracians in lieu of coming to Sardis, after they were rallied, faced about into their owne country: and that the Ionian Troopes did the like; the Myſſians alſo followed their example and retired: ſo that in all appearance they could never recruit into a body againe, and that their only courſe was to keep the Towne, till they could make new levies for their reliefe. Thus the people being too well informed of the lamentable ſtate of things, did murmur highly, and ſaid very boldly, that the Prince Artamas muſt be releaſed, that there was no other way to prevent the danger which hung over their heads, and that it was a ſhame for the Lydians to let ſo innocent a Prince be in priſon, who had formerly eſtabliſhed their Empire by ſo many brought-home Victoryes, and who onely was able to check the Power of Cyrus. This murmur of the people ſeemed ſo full of juſtice and reaſon, that it became the generall opinion of all in a ſhort time, and nothing could be heard of in all places, but that Artamas was innocent, Artamas was a gallant man, Artamas knew what belonged to warr, he was a great captaine and a fortunate conqueror; ſo that pure reſpect which they bore unto their Soveraigne, kept them from releaſing this Prince. But Creſſus thought theſe reſpects (conſidering the urgent neceſſity of things) too weake an obſtacle to prevent it; ſo that he told them, hee would releaſe him, and in order to that, he propounded unto Prince Artamas to ſet him at liberty upon condition he would defend the walls of Sardis againſt Cyrus. But ſince this Prince could not accept of this condition, unleſſe he ſhould fight againſt the King of Phrygia his Father, therefore as well as he loved the Princeſſe Palmis, and as great a deſire as he had to prevent the ruine of Creſſus, he refuſed it: yet with ſo many ſignes of ſorrow and evident teſtimonies of reſpect, as made it apparent he grieved that Creſſus ſhould have ſuch enemies, againſt whom neither honor nor nature would permit him to fight. However this unfortunate King was much incenſed at the denyall of Prince Artamas, and doubling his guards, he divulged amongſt the people all that he could poſſibly deviſe, to allay their zeale of releaſing him. But the giddy incenſed people who are light and capable of any impreſſions, ſtill continued their devices of this Princes liberty, making eternall Elogies of his Valour and Magnanimity, and rayling againſt Creſſus, threatening every hower to releaſe this renowned Priſoner, before they would ſleep: yet they did not attempt it. In the meane time the King of Pontus took [Page] ſuch order in the Citadell, that the Princeſſe Mandana and the Princeſſe Palmis knew not that the Battle was loſt, untill Sardis was beſieged: as for the Princeſſe Mandana her ſoule was ſo full of ſorrow that Cyrus ſhould prove perfidious, that thoſe thoughts took up all her minde, and ſhe enquired of nothing; therefore it was eaſie to hide it from her. But whilſt ſhe thought upon nothing but the ſuſpected inconſtancy of the moſt conſtant Prince in the World: And whilſt the Princeſſe Palmis thought upon nothing but the deplorable condition of the King her Father, and the Prince Artamas, and whilſt all the cares of Creſſus was to ſecure the walls of Sardis, and whilſt the King of Pontus looked for nothing but death in defending the Cittadell, and whilſt the Prince Myrſileſſe, the Prince of Myſsia, Pactias and all other commanders were buſy in fortifying the Towne, and whilſt the tumultuous diſcontented people diſapproved of all that the Princes did, not knowing whether it was right or wrong, Cyrus, though a Conqueror, yet went in extreame ſorrow to viſit Panthea: But in his going thither, he had ſome repagnancy againſt it; for ſince he knew it was either ſhe or Araminta with whom Mandana thought him in love, he feared leſt this viſit ſhould hurt him, and leſt Fame (which carryes the leaſt actions of Princes over all the World) ſhould let Mandana know it. But for all that, Abradates dying in his ſervice, nothing could hinder him; ſince his ſoule was full of ſorrowes, he would go not only with a ſmall compay, but alſo a dark way, by the River Halis untill he came at the caſtle where the Queen of Suſiana lodged, yet he needed not to goe ſo farr to ſeek her, for aſſoone as newes was brought unto that Princeſſe how the Battle was fought, not telling her Abradates was kill'd, ſhe took Coach immediately without acquainting the Princeſſe Araminta or Doraliſſa, ſo that taking none with her but Phinenc [...]e, two other women, and a few ſervants, ſhe went unto the place of fight by the ſame way which Cyrus took to come unto her; and though Phinencie did all ſhe could to diſſwade her from this voyage, yet needs would ſhe goe, telling her, that if Abradates were living, ſhe could not go too ſoon to rejoyce with him; if he were wounded, ſhe could not go too ſoon neither to help him; and that if he were dead, ſhe could not make too much haſt to follow him unto his Grave: ſo that her Coach going as faſt as her Horſes could draw it, and going alſo all the Night, ſhe came unto the place where Cyrus, who was coming to her, diſcovered her Coach, yet not knowing it to be hers: but that which took up his eyes moſt was to ſee her ſtopp and ſtay by another neer the River, where many men were doing ſomething which he could not diſcerne; his curioſity was much higher when he ſaw women come out of their Coach which ſtopped in much haſt, one of which ſatt downe upon the earth, but he could not diſcerne what ſhe did, Cyrus ſeeing all this, without any extraordinary apprehenſion, went on ſtill towards them. But he was extreamly ſurpriſed, when coming neerer, one of thoſe men whom he ſent to ſeek the Corps of Abradates told him, that his companions and himſelfe had found it and brought it to the River ſide, with intentions to carry it in the next Boat that paſſed by unto the place where Panthea was: but no Boate paſſing by, and an empty Coach coming that way, they altered their intentions, ſo that as they were ready to put the Body of Abradates into it, Panthea came unto them, who no ſooner knew the Body of her Husband, but that ſhe came haſtily out of her Coach, and ſat downe by it upon the ground, making ſuch lamentable cryes, and ſhowering out ſuch floods of Teares, as never was more ſad an object. Cyrus making haſt unto her, and lighting from his Horſe a little diſtance from this deplorable Princeſſe, he ſaw her ſit by the Corps of Abradates, from whom they had not taken his Rich ſuite of Armes which Panthea gave him; for the enemy being vanquiſhed they had no time to think of Plunder, or ſtripping the dead, and Cyrus purſued ſo far, that his men were buſied another way. 'Tis true theſe ſtately Armes had loſt much of their luſtre by reaſon of the abundance of blood which dimm'd the Diamonds, and turned them to fatall Rubies; but as for him, he was ſo little changed, that he only looked a little pale: Panthea, who held his head in her lapp, upon whom ſhe fixed her eyes and bedewed with abundance of Teares which ſhe continually wiped off that ſhe might look upon her deare Abradates, her Teares were accompanyed with ſighs ſo ſad and loud, which came from the depths of her heart, and from the ſaddeſt heart that ever was, ſo that they could not chuſe but fill all ſpectators full of ſorrow and compaſſion. This Princeſſe was ſo ſadly taken up with this ſo fatall object, that ſhe ſaw not Cyrus when he came unto her: and certainly ſhe had not knowne he was there, if the Prince extreamly moved at the ſight of dead Abradates and to ſee Panthea in ſuch a pitifull condition, had not kneeled down upon the ground to comfort her, and by his loud language moved her to turne towards him. I would it were [Page] the will of the Gods, Madam (ſaid Cyrus unto her, with ſuch a ſadneſſe upon his face as ſufficiently teſtified the ſorrows of his ſoul) that I could revive the Illuſtrious Abradates with the loſſe of my life; and that the loſſe of my blood could ſtop your tears. You ſee, Madam, how much the loſſe of Abradates troubles me, and how your ſorrows grieve me. At firſt Panthea could anſwer Cyrus no way but by profound ſighs and ſobs, which would not give her leave to ſpeak. But as this Princeſſe had a ſoul as great as ſenſible, ſhe recollected herſelf. Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him with a dolefull lifting up of her eyes, and with her right hand pointing at her dear Abradates) ſince I have received this fatall loſſe, you never need to think of ſtopping up my teares, ſince it is the office of death to doe it, and which ere long moſt certainly ſhall. May you quietly enjoy that Victory which you have got, and remember ſometimes, that my dear unfortunate Abradates was perhaps the Victim which rendred the Gods propitious unto you. But, Sir, whilſt my ſorrows are ſobbing over Abradates, I forget my obedience unto his laſt commands. In ſaying ſo, ſhee pulled out a paper ſealed, and gave it unto Cyrus. Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him) the day before the departure of my deareſt Abradates from me, he gave me this, which I preſent unto you, with orders ſo to doe if he dyed in your ſervice. You ſee he's dead, Sir (ſaid ſhe, and ſhowred teares afreſh) and therefore you may ſee there what he deſir'd you ſhould know. Cyrus did what he could to get Panthea into her Coach, and to let them lay the Corps of Illuſtrious Abradates in the other, deſiring to deferre the reading of the Letter which ſhe gave him, untill ſo ſad an object as dead Abradates was removed; but ſhe would not by any meanes, ſo that this Prince not daring to contend too much with her in the firſt apprehenſions of her ſorrow, did as ſhe would have him, and began to ſee what Abradates had writ with his own hands. As ſoon as he opened it, he ſaw theſe enſuing words written in a greater Character then the reſt of the lines.

The Laſt Will of ABRADATES.

I Leave my heart and entire affections unto my deareſt Panthea, and my Kingdome unto the Illuſtrious Cyrus; upon no other condition, but that he ſhall protect this Princeſſe who wore the Crown, and comfort her after my death: Conceiving that all my Subjects will be as obedient unto this Prince as unto my ſelf; and knowing that I cannot doe an act more glorious for my ſelfe, then to make choice of ſuch a Succeſſor, nor more profitable for them, then by giving them ſuch a Soveraign; nor more advantageous for the Queen my deareſt Wife, then in procuring her ſo generous a Protector.

ABRADATES.

After Cyrus had read what the King of Suſiana had writ, he was aſtoniſhed at the generoſity of this Prince, ſo much, that his ſorrow began afreſh; and ſince his great ſoul could never yeeld unto any in point of Generoſity, I muſt needs declare unto you, Madam (ſaid he unto Panthea) that I accept onely of this laſt Qualification which the ever Renowned Abradates hath conferred upon me, conceiving that he would never have conſtituted me King of Suſiana, but becauſe the Laws of his Country would not permit him to make you Queen. But I accept of the title of your Protector, with hopes of meriting it by my ſervices, and protecting you againſt all the world. I doe declare, and promiſe you, never to make uſe of this Authority which Abradates hath given me in his Dominions unto any other end, but onely to ſettle the Crown upon your head. Your expreſſions (replyed Panthea) are worthy of your ſelf, and worthy of Abradates his friend. But, Sir, I need no more then a Tomb large enough to hold Abradates and my ſelfe: Therefore I beſeech and conjure you to leave me by my ſelf awhile with this dear illuſtrious Corps, which I am fully reſolved never to forſake. I know, Madam (ſaid Cyrus unto her) that your ſorrows are but juſt, and that they may be extreame without ever accuſing you of any weakneſſe. But, Madam, it is requiſite that you ſhould preſerve the memory of Abradates; and in order to that, it is requiſite you ſhould live. Therefore I moſt humbly, and earneſtly beſeech you, let us goe and prepare a Tomb worthy of his Valour and Quality; and give me leave to ſeparate you from him, whom death too cruelly before me hath ſeparated you. I conjure you unto it (ſaid Cyrus, and taking one of the hands of [Page] this Illuſtrious Corps) by the moſt valiant Prince that ever lived, and by the onely man of all the world whom you loved. But, alaſs, Cyrus was extreamly ſurpriſed to ſee this hand which was quite cut off from the arm of Abradates with a ſword, remaining in his own, and ſeparated from the body of his illuſtrious friend; his ſpeech failed him, tears dropt from his eyes; and Panthea redoubling hers, took his valiant hand out of the hand of Cyrus; and after ſhe had kiſſed it with abundance of tenderneſſe, and reſpect, ſhe layed it in its place, as if ſhe deſired to faſten it unto his arm again, waſhing it with many tears as quite took away all the blood wherewith it was ſprinkled in ſeverall places: It is my ſelf, ſaid ſhe, it is I who am the cauſe of Abradates, my dear Abradates his death; for I had not confidence enough in his own accuſtomed valour, to pay that debt which I owed unto you, Sir: I ſpoke a hundred things which moved him to ſurpaſſe himſelfe; and I am moſt confident, that his love of me cauſed him to precipitate himſelf into the midſt of dangers: Is it poſſible I ſhould look upon him and live? Can I ſuffer any ſhould ſpeak unto me of any ſuch thing as conſolation? Madam (ſaid Cyrus unto her) ſince your miſeries cannot be remedied, you ought to endure them patiently. Abradates dyed full of glory; his memory will paſſe to Poſterity with honour; but to make it more illuſtrious, it is your part, Madam, to make the conſtancy of your ſoul equall his courage; and it is my part alſo to make the friendſhip betwixt me and him, and the reſpects I have of you, conduce unto his glory, and your tranquillity. I beſeech you, Madam, tell me whither it is your pleaſure I ſhould conduct you; and leave it unto my care, to provide for the Funerals of this Illuſtrious Corps. Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him, with a little more ſerenity in her looks) I beſeech you let me have the ſight of this dear Corps only one quarter of an hour, and let me have the liberty to lament in ſilence and privacie when none ſhall be with me. Cyrus, unwilling to contradict her too much, roſe up, and taking Phinence apart as well as Beliſis, and Hermogenes who followed him, he began to deſire her ſhe would help him to perſwade Panthea, that they might take away this doleful object from before their eyes: But Phinence and Hermogenes were ſo ſadded with ſorrows, that they could not ſpeak; and as for Beleſis, he durſt not think that his eloquence could prevaile where all the Rhetorique of Cyrus could not. None of the other men which waited upon this Prince were ſo near as to ſpeak unto this miſerable Queen; ſo then ſeeing he was the only man who muſt deal with her, ſince Phinence could not by reaſon of her extreame grief, and abundance of tears, he began to chide Panthea: But Phinence who by long experience knew ſhe could not endure to be croſt in her firſt apprehenſions of ſorrow, reſtrained him, and deſired him to give her a minutes patience. Stay, Sir, ſaid ſhe, I beſeech you ſtay: I will if I can ſtop the current of my tears, and caſt my ſelf at the Queens feet, and endeavour to get her from Abradates. But whilſt Cyrus, Phinence, Hermogenes, and Beleſis were deviſing how they might ſeparate Panthea from dead Abradates, this deplorable Princeſs was deviſing in her mind what courſe ſhe ſhould take never to be parted from him. And ſince Fate favoured her diſmall deſign to dye, ſhe eſpied a Dagger which her dear Abradates had about him, which he uſed not in Battaile; ſo that conceiving her ſelf to be the cauſe of her husbands death, not onely in what ſhe had ſaid unto him at parting, but alſo becauſe ſhe did firſt engage him on Cyrus his Quarrell, ſhe thought the Gods did ſuffer Abradates to have this Dagger, that ſhe might by it both puniſh her ſelf, and free her ſelfe from all her miſeries. Since ſhe had loſt all ſhe loved, nothing could pleaſe her; ſhe could not conceive ſhe ought ever to comfort her ſelf; and ſhe thought it a ſhame to live ſince Abradates was dead. So that her exceſſive ſorrow made her think death to be the greateſt good that ever could befall her. She no ſooner eſpyed this Dagger, but taking it unſeen by any of the company, becauſe every one diverted their eyes from that lamentable object, ſhe ſtruck it into her body, and drawing it out againe to give her ſelf a ſecond blow, ſhe had not ſtrength enough; ſhe leaned upon the body of her deareſt Abradates, the blood which powred out of her wound, guſhed upon the arm of this Illuſtrious dead corps. Though thoſe who were near Panthea never perceived this act; yet one that was a ſervant unto this Princeſſe, and who was farther off, did ſee her take this Dagger, and crying out aloud, and running towards her, his voice made Cyrus, and all the reſt turn their heads towards him, and not towards Panthea; ſo that this was partly a cauſe that none but this Servant ſaw the act, and by conſequence why they could not prevent it. But ſince the loud cryes of this Servant doubled, who ſtill cryed out, and never told why, Cyrus began to ſuſpect ſomething; he went towards him, and coming near Panthea, he found her at the laſt gaſp; yet ſhe opened her fair eyes, turning them towards Abradates, and afterwards [Page] up to Heaven, where they fixed without any further ſign of life. Cyrus was ſo amazed at this ſad accident; ſo grieved for the death of two ſuch Illuſtrious perſons, and ſo aſtoniſhed at the great heart of Panthea, that he was not able to expreſſe either his wonder or his ſorrows. On the other ſide, Pherenice, and the reſt of the women were ſo full of pittyfull lamentations, as would have melted hearts of Marble. And the amaze was ſo generally amongſt them all that were preſent ſpectators of this bleeding ſpectacle, that none of them were able to comfort another: And to compleat this Tragical adventure, three of the Queens ſervants killed themſelves within ten paces from the Queen: And Araſpes, ignorant of this accident, came by, by chance, and ſaw the dead Queen, whoſe Beauty ſurmounted his Virtue, and overcame the inſenſibility of his heart; Araſpes being of a violent haſty compoſition, and ſtill in love, though he was full of reſpects unto Cyrus, yet his Paſſion was above his Reaſon, and the greatneſſe of his Love did appear in the greatneſs of his Deſpair, that he deſerved ſome excuſe for no better concealing it. His eyes were full of fury, he knew not whom he ſpoke unto, and asked all one after another, what brought Panthea unto this condition: He could not beleeve ſhe was dead by her own hand, and reſolved to revenge her death as ſoon as ever he ſhould know the cauſe. But when at laſt he beleeved what was told him, he turn'd his fury againſt himſelfe, and had hee not been prevented, would have faln upon his ſword: Afterwards he would have thrown himſelf into the River, if Cyrus had not commanded two of his friends to have an eye over him, and not to forſake him; otherwiſe he had infallibly followed Panthea to the grave. In the mean time, ſeeing no remedy for this ſad accident, he cauſed the bodies of Abradates and Panthea to be put in one Coach, and the women of the Princeſs in the other; himſelf following on horsback with his men, towards the Caſtle where the Princeſſe Araminta was. Cyrus alſo cauſed the bodies of thoſe ſervants which killed themſelves, to bee brought, to the end they might be buried cloſe by the Tombs of their Princes. He ſent Feraulas to order all things neceſſary for the Funerals of theſe two Illuſtrious perſons, which he deſired ſhould be as magnificent as poſſible. In the mean while the Princeſſe Araminta,, who with extreame impatience expected the Queen of Suſiana's returne, was in the window of her chamber with Cleonice, Doraliſa, and the reſt of the Ladies, which were Priſoners when theſe two Coaches arrived, and followed by Cyrus: So that ſhe was infinitely ſurpriſed to ſee one of the faireſt Princeſſes in the world, and one of the moſt valiant Heroes upon earth in ſuch a lamentable condition. Cyrus commanded their bodies to be layd in a great Hall under a Canopy of State, covering them with a Counterpane of black Velvet: He alſo commanded abundance of Chriſtall Lamps to be placed in the Hall, and there theſe two Illuſtrious Corps to remaine untill the Ceremonies of Funerall were ready. In the mean whil Cyrus went to the Princeſs Araminta to condole with her, rather then to comfort her; but what conſolation ſoever he found in her company, he made no long viſit there. Yet he aſſured her that the King her Brother was neither dead, nor wounded, as he underſtood by ſome Priſoners which were taken. After which he left her, ſaying, he would wait upon her the next day; for he was reſolved to honour the Funerals of Abradates and Panthea with his preſence. After this Cyrus viſited Cleonice and Doraliſa in their chambers, whither they were retired; bringing Cleonice unto them, and comforting them with extraordinary civility. He aſſured them he would have as great a care of them as ever Panthea had; nor would he forget the very meaneſt of her Vaſſals. But to teſtifie how much he honoured the dead, he command Chriſantes to provide Architectors for the erecting of a ſtately Tomb of Marble and Porphyrie in the ſame place where Panthea dyed. The next day following an Aegyptian Sacrificer embalmed their bodies after the cuſtome of the Country, which was to keep them incorruptible: After which they were layd in a Temple cloſe by, untill their Tombes were built, whereon Cyrus cauſed their Epitaph to be written in many Languages; ſetting forth to all that read them, the Valour of Abradates, the beauty and virtue of Panthea, their dear affections to one another, their lives and deaths, and the fidelity of their ſervants. After Cyrus had rendred the honours due unto Abradates and Panthea, he reſolved to ſee the Princeſs Araminta once more before he went whither his honour, or to ſay better, his love called him. But in ſeeing her, he conceived, that ſince ſhe had ſo much confidence in his diſcretion, as to acquaint him how Spitridates was jealous of her and him, ſo he conceived it expedient to acquaint her, how Mandana was jealous of him and her; but his principall motive of all was, becauſe he had a deſign to take all manner of choler from Mandana, to be jealous of him; and in order to that, he beſeeched this Princeſs not to think it ſtrange if [Page] he viſited her no more untill he had delivered the Princeſſe of Medea from her impriſonment, and had juſtified himſelfe: but the beſt of the ſtory was, that at the very ſame time he intended to acquaint Araminta, ſhe intended to intreat him that he would ſee her ſeldomer, leſt thoſe who perſwaded Spitridates of what was ſo farr from truth, ſhould thereby have ſome ground whereupon to build their ſuppoſitions, ſo that Cyrus needed not to feare his requeſt would be offenſive to her. Afterwards ſhe conjured him, that as long as the Siege laſted, he would not ſuffer the Prince Phraartes to viſit her. But wonder was, that theſe two prudent perſons, who had ſuch great reaſon not to be long together, yet this time held a very long conferrence; for after they had diſcourſed of their misfortunes, and after ſhe had put him in memory of all his promiſes concerning the King her Brother, they began to talk of Abradates and Panthea. Cyrus intreated her ſhe would be pleaſed to take a care of Pherencie and Doraliſa untill they had reſolved upon ſome courſe, and that ſhe would be pleaſed to let Cleoniſſa and her friends ſtay with her till the Siege was ended; after which he left her, and went in all haſt to lay cloſe Siege unto Sardis. But in his way, he called at the Tent of the Egyptian Prince, whom he found in a condition to be ſeen, and to be carried unto the ſame Caſtle where the Princeſſe Araminta was, whither Cyrus cauſed him to be conducted, and where he lay in the Chamber of the unfortunate Panthea: the enterview of theſe two Princes began ſuch a friendſhip, and ended not but with their lives; for from this very firſt day they found in each other all the qualities that could be wiſhed for in friends. When Cyrus firſt entred into the Tent of this illuſtrious wounded Prince, who was called Seſoſtris, the Grandure which appeared in his Aſpect ſurpriſed him, for though he then ſeemed to be of a very handſome compoſure the firſt time he ſaw him, yet ſince he ſaw him not but when he lay in a ſwound, he found a very advantageous alteration in him. But as Cyrus was very pleaſingly ſurpriſed at the ſight of Seſoſtris, ſo Seſoſtris was infinitely ſurpriſed at the ſight of Cyrus, who produced his cuſtomary effect in the hearts of all that looke upon him, which is, to move reſpect and admiration. Since Seſoſtris did owe his life unto Cyrus, and was infinitely obliged unto him, for his ſo generous uſage of his men, he returned him a complement of gratitude. Sir (ſaid he in the Grecian language, knowing that Cyrus ſpoke it admirably well, but was not ſo well verſed in the Aegyptian Tongue) I am very glad that Fortune which in divers other occaſions hath been ſuch an enemy unto me, hath been favourable to me in this, and hath brought me to take that ſide, which is both more juſt and more fortunate, then that wherein I was. But Sir the principall reaſon why I thinke my ſelfe ſo obliged unto Fortune, is, becauſe by her I enjoy the honour of ſeeing you, as I moſt earneſtly deſired. I thinke my ſelfe extreamly honoured (replyed Cyrus modeſtly) that a Prince ſo highly honoured for his vertue by his Souldiers as you are, ſhould have any inclination to love me; for it is to be beleeved, that ſo many Valiant men would not reverence you ſo much as they doe, unleſſe you were more valiant then they are. But Sir, I doe admire, I ſhould never till now heare tell that there was a Prince in Aegypt, which carried the name of Seſoſtris; and knowing all the acts of the great Seſoſtris, who heretofore was ſo highly Victorious in Aſia, and Arabia; I ſhould be ignorant who this Seſoſtris is whom now I ſee ſo illuſtrious. Sir (replyed this wounded Prince) when I ſhall have rendred my ſelfe worthy your eſteem by ſome conſiderable action, I ſhall then tell you who I am, and untill then, I cannot thinke my ſelfe in a condition able to let you know the diſaſters of my ſelfe and Family. Cyrus, perceiving that much ſpeaking might prejudice the health of this Prince, would not preſſe him any further, but parted from him infinitely well pleaſed and ſatiſfied. One of the principall Egyptian commanders who was with Seſoſtris waiting upon Cyrus to his Horſe, told him that Seſoſtris was one of a moſt prodigious ſpirit and Valour, and aſſured him, that when he ſhall be acquainted with his quality truly, he will finde his merits ſurpaſſe the moſt illuſtrious that are in the world. After which Cyrus leaving him, went in all haſt unto the Camp: aſſoone as he came there, the Kings of Aſſyria, Phrygia, Hircania, Mazares, Anaxaris, and all the reſt, rendred him an account how all things ſtood, yet he did not altogether truſt unto them but went himſelfe to view all the Quarters, & to ſpie out the ſtrong and the weake places. But upon exact view and conſideration he was very ſorry to finde them much more ſtrong then they were reported unto him; yet what difficulty ſoever there was in taking it by force, he was reſolved not to make a long warr of it, nor to make a regular Siege of it, by raiſing Forts and caſting Lines about it, and he choſe rather to loſe ſome men than to be a long time thought unconſtant unto Mandana; yet he thought it expedient not to preſſe too hard upon Sardis, untill he made ſure [Page] one ſide of the Towne, at which he feared the King of Pontus might carry away the Princeſſe. In the meane time, as he would never neglect any thing which was b [...]coming him, ſo he ſent unto the Prince of Claſſomina, whom he acquainted by Letter with the deaths of Abradates and Panthea; he ſent alſo unto Ciaxares, to let him know of his Victory, and to tell him that he had no need of thoſe Forces which he offered him; he ſent alſo unto Perſepolis to the King his Father, and the Queen his Mother; he deſired alſo that Alcenor would goe into Suſa, accompanyed with Artabaſes and Aduſius, and that they ſhould carry with them the laſt Will of Abradates, the better to move the people to put it in execution; his device was alſo to ſend Hermogenes: but this generous friend knowing that Cyrus would ſend Beleſis alſo, he deſired a diſpenſation, not daring to truſt himſelfe, but feared he was never able to ſee Cleodora come out of the Temple of Ceres, without ſome reſentments of ſorrow, if ſo it chanced that Beleſsis ſhould perſwade her to come out, ſo that there was onely Abradates, Aduſius, Beleſis, Alcenor, and ſome other Suſanians who were in commiſſion to goe into Suſa: They did not take their leaves of Cyrus without expreſſions of much ſorrow to leave him at ſuch a time, when they might be ſerviceable unto him. Cyrus to teſtifie his acknowledgment of Beleſis his zeale towards him, wrote unto Cleodora to aſſure her of her adorers fidelity. Mazares alſo did the ſame, and that Beleſis might not be neceſſitated to tell Cleodora himſelfe what a miſerable diſcontented life he lived, this Prince ſent Orſanas with him. The parting between Mazares and Beleſis was exceedingly ſad; aſwell as that between Beleſis and Hermogenes who had ſo much power over himſelfe, as to let his friend ſee he was well ſatisfied and contented. Cyrus appointed Alcenor and Beleſis to goe and bid adieu unto Doraliſa and Pherenice, who might perhaps employ them in ſome buſineſſe. When Cyrus had given ſatisfaction unto all others, he thought upon nothing but how to ſatisfie himſelfe in releaſing Mandana. The King of Aſſyria and Mazares were much in Admiration to obſerve he was more diſquieted after the Victory, then he was before; yet they could not dive into the reaſon, but did in vaine ſeek for it: however, the melancholy of Cyrus beginning to leſſen by reaſon of his hopes ere long to juſtifie himſelfe; their curioſity did leſſen accordingly, and both they and he thought upon nothing but the taking of Sardis; yet had they very different thoughts, for Cyrus hoped that by the taking of this Towne he ſhould juſtifie himſelfe in the opinion of Mandana; and aſſoone as he had vanquiſhed the King of Aſsyria, to enjoy her: but as for this King, the taking of Sardis, and the vanquiſhing of Cyrus would not ſuffice to make him happy, for when all this was done, he had the obduracy of Mandana, to vanquiſh which in all probabilitie he could never hope for, unleſſe in the promiſe of the Oracle; as for Mazares he was in a more miſerable condition then they both; for which way ſoever ſquares went he could never finde any favourable hopes, he did his beſt to baniſh that hope out of his heart, by baniſhing that love which firſt planted it there, ſo that at the ſame time when he fought againſt the Lydians, he fought againſt himſelfe: and there paſſed not a day away, wherein love and vertue did not contend which ſhould have the dominion of his ſoule. In the meane while Cyrus was extreamly vigilant, he went perpetually from quarter to quarter, and longed with exceeding impatiency to ſee things in ſuch a ſtate, as they might make an aſſault upon the Towne, though all the Walls were manned with ſuch a multitude of ſouldiers, that the very thought of placing ladders, was enough to ſtagger the ſtouteſt reſolution. 'Tis true, that thoſe which in the Towne upon their ramparts, ſeeing this great victorious Army environ it, were not terryfied with the ſpectacle, as not doubting their ruine, thought upon nothing but how to ſell their lives at as deere a rate as they could; yet the ſight of this apparent danger did not produce the ſame effect in the hearts of all the inhabitants, for the Towne was ſo divided among themſelves, that Creſsus ſtood in as great feare of his owne ſubjects, as of his enemies. As love is ſuch an heroique paſſ on as is infinitely above the capacity of the vulgar, ſo the people of Sardis could not believe that Mandana was the reall cauſe of the Warr; but on the contrary they imagined it to be ambition only which exaſperated Cyrus againſt them; ſo that knowing how this Prince had rendred back the Kingdome unto the King of Armenia after he had conquered it, and that he contented himſelfe only with the honour of it, and making him to pay a tribute which was due unto Ciaxares. Therefore the rout of the people took up a Fancy, to ſay that Creſſus had no better way then to propoſe unto Cyrus to become his Vaſſall, imagining that this Prince would accept of it: ſo that this fancy paſſing from minde to minde, and from mouth to mouth, it raiſed ſo great a tumult in the Towne, that Creſsus to calme it, was forced to tell the people, that he would make ſome propoſitions [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] of peace unto Cyrus, but yet muſt ſtay a few daies firſt. Whilſt Creſsus and the King of Pontus were in this condition, Cyrus whoſe great ſoule thought nothing difficult, prepared himſelfe for a generall aſſault. 'Tis true, one ſide of the Towne towards the Mountaine Tinolus, was ſo inacceſſible, that there was no poſſibility of aſſaulting it on that ſide, and every where elſe, the Walls were ſo full of men, that there was apparent danger in the aſſault: however, Cyrus reſolved to attempt it, he viſited all his Engins, and Ladders, to ſee if they were long enough: he muſtered up all his forces, he ſpoke his ſouldiers faire, and after he had given order to aſſault it in three places at once, the one of which was to be commanded by the King of Aſsyria, the other by Mazares, and the third by himſelfe, This Prince was the firſt that put a Ladder againſt the VVals of this Famous Towne, after the ditch was filled full of Faggots, maugre the reſiſtance of his enemies, conſidering the diſorder in the Towne, there was great hope of good ſucceſſe unto Cyrus in the attempt. Yet the report was no ſooner ſpread about amongſt the Inhabitants of Sardis, that their Towne was ready to be ſtormed, but deſpaire did ſo rouſe up their ſpirits, and made them ſo Valiant, that there was hardly a woman that went not to defend it, and had not to throw upon the heads of them that climbed the Ladders: indeed the reſiſtance of the Lydians animated by the King of Pontus was ſuch, that all the valour of Cyrus, and them that ſought under him, could not force them that day; Cyrus was repulſed above twenty times from the top of the walls; and if fortune had not happly preſerved him, he had moſt certainly periſhed at this bout, for the enemies did ſo ſtoutly defend themſelves, that there was no poſſiblity to get upon their Ramparts: nothing but overturned and broken Ladders could be ſeen; there flew from the VValls of Sardis ſuch a prodigious number of Arrowes, Darts, and Javelines, that the Aire was obſcured by them, thoſe who eſcaped them, miſſed not a ſhower of ſtones, which were continually throwne at them; they alſo had a kinde of Sythes which kept the Walls from the aſſaultants, ſo that all three diviſions were forced to come off: but Cyrus in his coming off quartered under the counterſcarph of the Mote, ſince he would not be upbraided with getting no advantage. Anaxaris, who fought that day next him, and did ſuch wonders, that Cyrus confeſſed he never ſaw a more valiant man, did exceedingly help this Prince to take this Quarter, and to keep it: the night alſo coming on, did much facilitate the worke, and made it in a condition to be kept; yet Cyrus was very ſorry his firſt aſſault ſucceeded no better; but knowing all daies were not alike in Warr, he ſhrunk not, no more then the King of Aſſyria or Mazares who were very gallant that day, and he commended his ſouldiers, as indeed he had no reaſon to complaine, for they did as much as any couragious men could doe. He was ſo happy as to loſe not one man of any quality in this ſtorme, 'tis true, a great number of ſouldiers were killed, ſo that aſſoon as day appeared, a truce was made to carry off the dead, during which time Cyrus was very circumſpect to obſerve whether there was any other quarter of the Wall which might be attempted with leſſe difficulty. But whilſt he was conſidering what was advantageous or diſadvantageous, the Lydians, who in reaſon ſhould have been more couragious, after they had repulſed their enemies, became more cowed in their ſpirits, for many of them being wounded and killed, they were more affrighted then before, the women ſeeing their husbands and children wounded and killed, were ſo full of cries and teares, that they melted the hearts and courages of the reſt, ſo that ſuppoſing their King might now make a more advantageous treaty after he had repulſed Cyrus then before, they began to ſpeak of nothing elſe, and that in ſo high a manner, as this unfortunate Prince would willingly have parted with Mandana to ſave his Crowne. But the King of Pontus had ſo cunningly carried the matter, as Creſſus was not Maſter of the Cittadell, for this Prince had ſo complyed with Pactias and all the ſouldiers, that Creſſus could not diſpoſe of it: inſomuch as this unfortunate King was not Maſter ſo much as of his owne Daughter, nor of the only Towne which was left him. In the meane time Cyrus being advertiſed by ſome ſpies which Andramites imployed, and which went in and out of the Towne, that the tumult began to grow high, reſolved to let them alone, and try what it would produce before he would give a ſecond aſſault: alſo intending to aſſault in all places of the Towne which were acceſſible, he found he had not Ladders enough for it, ſo that he contented himſelfe with keeping that quarter which he had made, and to repulſe thoſe enemies which two or three times did indeavour to diſlodge them that guarded it; but as oft as they fallied, Cyrus beat them back ſo ſharply, that at laſt they thought no more upon it. As all things ſtood upon theſe tepmes, Leontidas accompanied with an Envoye from Philoxipes, came from Thraſibulus and Harpagus, to [Page] acquaint Cyrus with the particulars of the happy ſucceſſe, which before he hinted unto him preſently after the Battle was won: Cyrus no ſooner ſaw them, but he was as much Joyed as poſſible, for ſince he loved Thraſibulus very well, and exceedingly eſteemed Leontidas, he hoped for much conſolation from them. Yet he could never look upon this jealous Lover without a remembrance of all his jealous paſſages which he related at Synope, or without calling into his memory at the ſame time the unjuſt jealouſie of Mandana, ſo that notwithſtanding his joy to ſee Leontidas, he embraced him with a ſigh, yet he gave a ſudden check unto all his ſad reſentments, purpoſely to expreſſe how great ſatisfaction the victory of Thraſibulus did give him. I aſſure you (ſaid he unto him after the firſt complements, and after he had asked the Envoye from Philoxipes, how that Prince did) I have made no fewer prayers for the felicity of Thraſibulus, then for my owne, and his happineſſe keeps me from murmuring at the continuation of my owne miſeries. You have reaſon Sir (anſwered Leontidas) to intereſt your ſelfe in the good fortune of the Prince Thraſibulus; for as his good fortune keepes you from murmuring againſt the Gods for your miſeries: ſo your miſeries keepe him from thanking them for his owne happineſſe. But I pray you relate unto me not only all his Victories (ſaid Cyrus unto Leontidas) but alſo all his and your adventures, and tell me alſo, how fares all your friends? is Philocles yet cured of his paſſion, does he love ſtill without being loved againe? is Thimocrates ſtill Amorous and abſent? and are you yet jealous? All that you aske (replyed Leontidas) doe queſtionleſſe deſerve anſwers, except the laſt which concernes my ſelfe: for Sir, it is to no purpoſe to aske a man who is naturally jealous whether he be jealous ſtill, ſince certainly he can never be otherwiſe. This anſwer of Leontidas did much grieve Cyrus, conceiving that according to it, the jealouſie of Mandana would laſt Eternally; for the exceſſe of his paſſion would not permit him to diſtinguiſh between a jealouſie naturally rooted in the heart without cauſe or reaſon, and a jealouſie which hath ſome colour and cauſe, and which by conſequenc continues no longer then the cauſe; yet he concealed the diſorder of his thoughts, and moved Leontidas to ſatisfie his curioſity in letting him know all the paſſages concerning Thraſibulus, Harpagus, Philocles, Thimocrates, and himſelfe, conceiving it would be a great joy unto him to heare that theſe lovers, who were ſo unhappy the laſt time he ſaw them, are now in a better condition: alſo ſince Leontidas came upon the day of Truce, when Cyrus had no great buſineſſe in hand, knowing that Sardis was not in any condition of reliefe, he imployed this leaſure in hearing of the particulars of both the Victories and amorous adventures of Thraſibulus. But ſince Leontidas knew that the Envoy from Philoxipes whoſe name was Megaſides had ſomething to ſay unto Cyrus from his Maſter which would be more pleaſing unto him, than all he could ſay, he reſolved to ſatisfie his curioſity in few words. Sir, ſaid he unto him, the Prince Philoxipes hath ſent you ſuch joyfull newes by Megaſides, that leſt your ſoule ſhould be too much ſurpriſed at it, I thinke it is expedient for me to prepare you for the reception of it by relating things of leſſe conſequence; yet I muſt not keep you too long, therefore I will tell you all you deſire to know in as few words as poſſible. Cyrus hearing Leontidas ſay ſo, did beleeve that what Megaſides had to ſay, related only unto Philoxipes, and not himſelf at all; ſo that though he much eſteemed him, yet ſince he loved Thraſibulus better, he did not interrupt Leontidas, who at firſt put him in minde of the ſtate wherein things ſtood concerning the Prince of Milete, when they parted from each other: But Cyrus interrupting him, Ah Leontidas ſaid he, you wrong me much if you think I forget the intereſts of my friends, no, no, I have not forgot any thing which concerns Thraſibulus or your ſelfe, I very well remember how the people of Milete drave out the wicked Melaſia, the ambitious Philodice, the unfortunate Leonce, and the Tyrant Alexideſmas, and that all theſe abominable wretches retired to the Prince of Phoceus, brother of Philodice, who endeavoured to contract a league with all his neighbour ſtates, and that in the meane time Anthemeus in lieu of calling back his Prince, as the wiſe Thales adviſed him, he employed all his endeavours to make the people cry up Liberty, and not to acknowledge their Maſter. I remember alſo that the fair Alcionida ſtayed at Mytelenes whilſt the Prince Tyſander came to Sardis, and from thence went into Armenia, where you know he dyed, declaring by his laſt words, and by a Letter unto Alcionida, and that it was his will Thraſibulus ſhould marry her: And to ſhew you, ſaid Cyrus, that I remember all that concerns my friends, I remember alſo that the laſt abſence of Thimocrates was cauſed by a combat which hee fought with one of his Rivals, whom he killed, for which he was baniſhed from Delphos for three years. Nor have I forgotten how the unfortunate Philocles, who never was beloved, was abſolutely out of all hopes to be ſo, [Page] cauſe the fair Philiſta was married, and returned into Ialiſſa. And for your part (ſaid Cyrus, with a ſmile, which he ſeconded with a ſigh) I remember very wel you were jealous of all both above and below your quality; and that when you left Sam [...]s, after you had fondly conſulted with the Philoſopher Xanthus, you left three of your Rivals with the fair Alcidamia. And after this, I pray judge whether it be neceſſary to call into memory what I have ſo well, and ſo often thought upon. I muſt confeſſe, Sir, replied Leontidas, I could not think your own misfortunes would have permitted you to remember ſo exactly the misfortunes of others; but ſince I ſee that I am deceived, I will haſten, and tell you that the Prince Thraſibulus, not being able to carry Tiſanders Letter unto Alcionida himſelf, nor to acquaint her with the death of her husband, and having no mind to urge her unto the accompliſhment of that unfortunate Prince's Laſt Will, as ſoon as he came into Milete, of which he was not yet Maſter, he ſent Leoſthenes to give the Letter of dying Tiſander unto Alcionida, giving him alſo another from himſelf to that Fair one, which, Sir, I am very ſorry I cannot ſhew you as Thraſibulus did unto me: For, Sir, I never in my life met with ſo well a penned Peece, ſo moving, ſo full of Art, Wit, Eloquence, and Judgement: But to hint it a little unto your apprehenſion, I need ſay no more, then that when Thraſibulus was not in love with Alcionida, but onely the friend of Tiſander, it was impoſſible ſhee could be more tender then ſhe was towards that Illuſtrious deceaſed Prince: And that when he was not the friend of Tiſander, but only a Lover of Alcionida, ſhe could not be more paſſionate then ſhe was: He uſed not one word which was unbecoming: The word Love was not ſo much as once uſed throughout the Letter: He did not entreat her to fulfill the Laſt Will of her Husband, who deſired her to marry him. But in asking nothing, he askd all; and never was peece ſo full of wit and paſſion, as this admirable Letter. But after Thraſibulus had fully inſtructed Leoſthenes, and diſpatched him away to Alcionida and unto the ſage Pittacus, Father of Tiſander, unto whom he writ alſo; he conſulted with Harpagus, upon the beſt expedients to compaſſe his deſignes, and they conceived it beſt; Firſt, how to become Maſters of Milete, before he thought of any revenge of his enemies: Yet the matter was not in their owne choice, for the Prince of Phoceus as I told you before, made a league with the Lanthians, the Carians, and the Caunians, ſo that getting up a conſiderable Army, he muſt thinke of fighting and not of going unto Milete, whither Thraſibulus then ſent one of his men ſecretly unto Thales. In ſhort Sir, this Prince did fight him and defeated him. After this Victory, the Prince of Phoceus and Alexideſmus were forced to retreat into their Towne: which Thraſibulus the ſame hour beleaguered with Trenehes, and by that meanes they had only that ſide towards the Sea open, from whence they had no hopes of any ſuddain reliefe, ſo that ſince their crimes put them in minde of puniſhment, if ever they fell into the hands of Thraſibulus, their plot was to get their perſons out of the reach of his revenge. They inſpired into the ſpirits of the Phocean People, ſo great a horrour of ſtrange dominion, that the innocent People were out of all heart: Then they deſired a Parle, and at firſt propoſed ſuch advantageous termes, that Harpagus moved Thraſibulus, to forget ſome of his reſentments and hearken unto them: So that all acts of Hoſtility ceaſing on both ſides, and they were in treating two dayes: In the mean time, the Phoceans took hold of this Interim, to tackle up all their Ships, which were not a few: For they were the firſt of all the Grecians which made any long Sea voyages, and who alſo found out the way of Tyrrhenea and Tarteſsa. In concluſion, Sir, in one night all the Phoceans embarqued with their Wives and Children, and carried with them all that was of any value, even to the Statues of their Temples. So that the next morning in lieu of Commiſſioners to Treat, we ſaw none, neither upon the Walls, or any where elſe: Inſomuch as Thraſibulus triumphed in an empty Town, none remaining in it but a few miſerable Slaves. This, Sir, much perplexed Thraſibulus, for it was prejudicial unto him: Who putting a Garriſon in Phoceus, he ſtayed no longer there, but ſent to aſſure Euphranor, who was chief of all the Gnidian Councell, that he had no other deſign but to protect them, and conjured him not to give any Retreat unto the Prince of Phoceus, nor Alexideſmus. But notwithſtanding all the fair words of Thraſibulus, he knowing that the Army which he commanded belonged unto a Prince which pretended to ſubject all Aſia, he would not truſt him, but endeavoured to cut that Iſthmus of land which was between the two Seas, and which onely joyned the Gnidean Country unto the Continent. But as they digged to make their country an Iſle, whether it was ſo, or whether they imagined it, they thought the ſtones rebounded againſt them; ſo that [Page] thinking the Gods were not pleaſed with their work, they gave it over. Euphranor to oblige them by the ſame reaſon which hindered them, ſent to conſult with the Oracle at Delphos: But the Oracle which formerly returned obſcure Anſwers unto all their Queſtions, did now anſwer the Gnideans, That they ſhould not any longer vainly labour to cut this Iſthmus, becauſe if Jupiter had intended to make their Country an Iſland, he could have done it without them, ſo that this anſwer being known at Gnide, Euphranor ſubmitted to the will of the Gods; and yeelded unto more then▪ Thraſibulus demanded; for he ſent ſome deputies of the country to aſſure him of the fidelity which he would render unto him. I ſhall not need to tell you Sir how Thraſibulus uſed them kindely, for when you know they came from Euphranor, you will imagine it: In the mean while Thraſibulus (after he had ſent them away with as much confidence of well uſage as they deſired) underſtood that his enemies were retired unto Xanthus, after they had been refuſed in many other places, and that the multitude of Phoceans were gone to Chio, he turned his Forces towards them, yet firſt there was a neceſſity of fighting the Carians, who quickly ſubmitted: Meane while Anthemius and Thales negotiated in Milete according to their ſeverall deſignes. But the ends of Thales being more juſt then the ends of Anthemius, the Gods did favour them, and maugre this Arch-enemy of Thraſibulus, he diſpoſed the people to ſubmit and receive their Legitimate Prince. 'Tis very true the power of your Armies Sir did not a little help him in his eſtabliſhment, and he commanded me to tell you Sir, that he is a debtor to you for that ſecurity which he hopes to enjoy as long as he lives, and that all his Victories are but effects and conſequences of yours. But Sir, to compleat his good fortune, he received newes the next morning, that he had defeated the Xantheans and Licians who were joined together, and had forced Alexideſmus and the Prince of Phoceus to retire, not only into the Towne, but into the Caſtle; for they thought themſelves not ſecure in the Towne: but that which is moſt ſtrange, was, that theſe miſerable enemies, (the image of whoſe Crimes diſturbed their reaſon and deprived them of all humanity) ſet fire on that place which was their Sanctuary. It is no wonder if the horrour of their wickedneſſe did make them Imagine more mercy in the flames, then from the hands of Thraſibulus: For Melaſia had exiled him, had cauſed him to loſe his Dominions, and poiſoned his Father; Philodica was a partner in her deſignes and crimes. The Prince Phoceus to revenge the misfortune of his ſonne, did not ſcruple to violate all Lawes, no more then Alexideſmus, whoſe Wife doubtleſſe was little culpable, and yet ſhe had a hand in the ſame deſigne: For Sir, theſe deſperate wretches did not only burn the Towne of Xanthus in retiring to the Caſtle, but ſeeing Thraſibulus preparing to force it, they burnt it and themſelves alſo, and by this meanes were the executioners of divine revenge, and with their owne hands puniſhed thoſe crimes which they had commited. You may well imagine Sir, how much this horrid adventure did ſurpriſe Thraſibulus, and all the Army, for ſuch a horrid object was enough to ſtrike terrour aſwell into the hearers as ſpectators of it. After this Sir, nothing could reſiſt the power of your Armies, all did acknowledge your Authority, ſo that Thraſibulus full of glory went unto Milete, where he was received with the greateſt acclamations in the world. But ſince he thought it not enough to be eſtabliſhed in his Dominions, unleſſe he were ſo in the heart of Alcionida, he thought upon nothing but that; his greateſt griefe was, that he did not know directly what opinion this faire one had of him, for ſince ſhe had heard of Tyſanders death before Leoſthenes came to Mytilenes, he found her ready to embark and return to Gnides unto her Father, when Thraſibulus ſent him unto her, ſo that ſhe received his Letter, but returned no anſwer but by way of civill Complement, and would not write, becauſe ſhe thought he ſhould expreſſe either too much or too little; Leoſthenes only told him at his returne, that one could not behold more ſadneſſe then appeared in her eyes, though ſtill moſt fair. Thraſibulus no ſooner knew that ſhe was at Gnides) where ſhe arived preſently after the Deputies which had been with him were returned) but he ſent Leoſthenes unto Euphranor to aske her in Marriage; he ſent alſo at the ſame time unto the Prince of Mytilene, to intreat him he would move Alcionida to fulfill the laſt will of dying Tyſander, and he writ the ſecond time unto Alcionida in ſuch paſſionate expreſſions, as was eaſie to diſcern that his thoughts & his words were all one: Since Thraſibulus did me the honor to have a great confidence in me, during this Warr, he ſent me with Leoſthenes to aſſiſt him in the negotiation of his deſignes, ſo that though Leoſthenes was ſent unto Euphranor, I may ſay, that I was ſent unto Alcionida; I cannot make an exact relation Sir, of all our tranſactions, which mett with no great difficulties in approbation of the Father, but with many in the minde of the Daughter; for if I ſhould, the length of it would deferr that ſatisfaction [Page] which you may otherwiſe receive. But in as conciſe a manner as I can, let me tell you, that the rare merits of Tiſander did not leſſen the tender affection ſhe bore unto Thraſibulus, though ſhe lived moſt lovingly with her husband: Yet for all that, though her husband upon his death, willed her to marry Thraſibulus, yet ſhe had a conceit that it would be more glorious for her not to obey him then to accompliſh his Laſt▪ Will: And this conceit did ſo command her mind, that ſhe thought her ſelf worthy of blame if ſhe ſhould marry Thraſibulus, though ſhe loved him very dearly. But the Prince of Mytilene having writ unto her, with deſires ſhe would fulfill the will of the Prince his Son; and Euphranor abſolutely commanding her, ſhe obeyed them without any reſiſtance: And was glad that two who had ſuch power over her, did aſſure her it was not againſt her honour. Thus, Sir, ſince Leoſthenes and my ſelf had abſolutely power to doe it; the marriage of Thraſibulus and Alcionida was concluded, Leoſthenes returned to Milete, and I ſtayed at Gnides until all things were ready for Alcionidas departure: I ſhall not ſpeak, Sir, of Thraſibulus his joy, nor of her magnificent Reception: But I ſhall aſſure you that the fair Alcionida is worthy of his affection; and ſo much the more, Sir, becauſe ſhe ſhares with him in that affection which he hath unto your ſervice; ſince certainly ſhe is ſo charmed with your Virtue, though ſhe know you onely by Fame, and Thraſibulus, that ſhe was full of prayers for your proſperity, as he is, Thus, Sir, you ſee, in what a happy condition is Thraſibulus: And as if his good fortune did extend unto his friends, when I returned from Milete with Alcionida, I found Thimocrates ready to depart unto Delphos, becauſe he received News that his friends had procured a revocation of his baniſhment; and that the Father of Teleſile having changed his mind, would give his daughter unto him, before all the reſt of her Lovers; ſince Menecrates, who was the moſt conſiderable of them all, being repulſed by the rigours of Teleſile, had changed his mind: So that this Lover, who reſented abſence the worſt of all miſeries, was gone unto his dear Teleſile, never to leave her. Philocles alſo departed from Milete at the ſame time to Ialiſſa, hearing that the Husband of fair Philiſta was dead, and would try whether he could finde a Widdow more mollible then a Maid. For my part, Sir, whom jealouſie hath ſo tormented, I found at my return a Letter from one of my friends at Samos, which might in all probabilities cure me of my Paſſion, and conſequently of my Jealouſie; for he writes unto me, that now Alcidamia is not all Fair; he deſcribes her lean and pale, and ſo altered, that I know not how my Love and Jealouſie can ſubſiſt any longer, and yet they doe. I doe not wonder (ſaid Cyrus, and ſmiled) that your Love ſhould laſt longer then the Beauty of Alcidamia; for one ought not to meaſure the length of Love by a Rule which is ſhort, fragile, and mutable, as Beauty is. But my wonder is you ſhould be ſtill jealous; for according to your deſcription of Alcidamia, ſhe is not like to make any more Conqueſts. 'Tis true, Sir, replyed Leontidas, but in telling me this of Alcidamia, they tell me further, that Theanor was never ſo much in her favour as now: So that ſince I have heard ſay, commonly the faireſt perſons ceaſe to be rigorous when they ceaſe to be fair, I am afraid ſhe will keep that by her favours which ſhe could not by her beauty: So that I am now more jealous then I was when Alcidamia was the faireſt in the World. And ſince, Sir, Alcidamia hath onely loſt her beauty by loſing her health, ſo that perhaps the next Spring will give her more then ſhe hath loſt, but will never reſtore me her affection which ſhee hath beſtowed upon another. But, Sir, ſince I ought not to be leſſe jealous of your glory then of my Miſtris, though in a different manner, give me leave to tell you, that within theſe few daies there will come unto you Deputies from all the Countries which Thraſibulus and Harpagus have conquered. And ſince the Army which they command hath nothing to doe in thoſe places where you are the Maſter, be pleaſed to ſend them ſuch orders as you would have them follow. In the mean time, Sir, I beſeech you, let Megaſides doe the commands of the Prince Philoxipes, and acquaint you with a buſineſſe which will rejoice you in your miſeries, becauſe it will let you ſee the end of them. What confidence ſoever I have in you (replyed Cyrus ſadly) I can hardly beleeve what you ſay: Nor can I tell whether I ſhould credit the Prince Philoxipes himſelfe, if he were here, and ſhould perſwade me I ought to hope for an end of my miſeries. I would not have you beleeve, Sir (ſaid Leontidas) either the Prince Philoxipes, or Megaſides, or my ſelf, but the Gods onely, who have given you ſuch a clear aſſurance of it, that you dare not doubt it when you know it. I underſtand ſo little what you mean (replyed Cyrus) that I know not what to anſwer; therefore I conjure you (ſaid he, and applyed his ſpeech to Megaſides) to tell mee what you would have me know, and what it is will ſo much rejoyce mee. Sir (replyed [Page] Megaſides, before I ſatisfie your curioſity, be pleaſed to remember, that in Cyprus there is the Oracle of Venus Ʋrania, which for matters of Love did never fail in her Anſwers. After this Sir, give me leave to tell you, that the Princeſſe of Salamis, ſiſter unto the Prince Philoxipes, in whoſe fortune hath been many changes, ſince you were in our Iſle; having a minde to conſult with the Oracle upon a buſineſſe on which the welbeing of her life depended, and having ſent unto Delphos, as unto the moſt famous Oracle of the World, ſhe received an anſwer, which ſo ſurpriſed her, that ſhe thought it impoſſible to come to paſſe, ſo that ſeeking for further ſatisfaction of the anſwer, ſhe conſulted with this of Venus Vrania, which told her in expreſſe termes, It was not more true that Cyrus was the greateſt Prince in the World; and that he ſhould be hereafter as happy as heretofore he had been unfortunate, then what this Oracle of Delphos had told her ſhould come to paſſe. Ah Megaſides, ſaid Cyrus, how ſhould I beleeve this? for the Gods never uſe to contradict themſelves: however, they did not give me any ſuch anſwer when I conſulted with thoſe by whom they ſometimes reveale their ſecrets unto the ſons of men. Megaſides, ſeeing he was not beleeved, preſented unto him a Letter of credence, which the Prince Philoxipes writ unto him, which he did not preſent ſooner, becauſe Cyrus and Leontidas were ſo cloſe, he could not without interruption. But after he had given him this Letter, he gave him the Oracle alſo which the Princeſſe of Salamis received, ſo that Cyrus not knowing whether he ſhould ſooner beleeve Venus Ʋrania, then the Sibyll with whom he had conſulted, or Jupiter-Belus who rendred the favourable anſwer unto the King of Aſſyria, his minde was in an anxious perplexity. That which induced him to thinke he had ill expounded what the Sibyll ſaid unto him, and what was anſwered the King of Aſſyria at Babylon, was, to ſee the Oracle at Delphos aſſure Creſſus, That if he went to War, he ſhould ruine a greaa Empire. Yet he ſaw that he was in a condition of ruine. But all the hopes of Cyrus could hardly expell feares from his heart, therefore he ſaid unto Megaſides, I perceive the Oracle which the Princeſſe of Salamis received, tells her, That it is not more true I ſhall be happy, then that which the Oracle anſwers her ſhall come to paſſe. But Megaſides, the knott of the matter is to know, whether that which the Oracle of Delphos anſwered her will come to paſſe; for it is upon that which I muſt finde a foundation for any of thoſe hopes which the Prince Philoxipes would haue me entertaine. Sir, replyed Megaſides, as the Prince who ſent me did imagine, that it would be the good fortune of the Princeſſe of Salamis, which would create beliefe and hopes in you, it hath obtained permiſſion from her, to let you know what all her adventures, which doubtleſſe is ſo rare, as the relation of it will adde much unto your hopes and delight, if you can ſpare ſo much leaſure to heare it. Though I ought not to intereſt my ſelfe ſo much in the Fortune of one of the faireſt Princeſſes in the world (anſwered Cyrus) yet ſince my owne hath a dependency upon hers, I am forced to intreat you to acquaint me with it: and therefore ſince the Prince Philoxipes, and the Princeſſe Salamis have given you permiſſion, I beſeech you to doe me the Favour: but that I may have the better leaſure to heare you, and not hinder my cares of the Siege, which is of ſo great importance, it is requiſite I take the time which I uſe to allow my ſelfe for ſleepe: therefore let it be in the night if you pleaſe: and ſo it was. In the meane time Cyrus appointed Feraulas to have a care of Leontidas and Megaſides, and to bringe them unto him aſſoon as he was retired into his Tent, after he had bid goodnight unto all the company. But doe what he could, his minde ſtill rann upon what Megaſiaes told him; and he had ſuch impatient deſires to know how the Oracle was fulfilled, that he diſpatched all orders concerning the Army with as much celerity as poſſible, to the end he might retire the ſooner. Cyrus then was no ſooner at liberty, but Feraulas in obedience to his commands brought Leontidas and Megaſides unto him, and Megaſides began his relation after this manner.

The Hiſtory of TIMANTES and PARTHENIA.

I Beſeech you Sir, doe not expect I ſhould relate any thing of thoſe wonderful events wherein Mars has a greater influence then Love, or wherein fortune workes the greateſt alterations, in acquainting you with the Adventures of the Princeſſe of Salamis, whoſe name is Parthenia: but on the contrary, be pleaſed to know, that all the accidents in Cyprus cannot be of that nature. Indeed, it may well be ſaid, that Love, who in all other places does often cauſe tragicall events, is contented, when he is angry, to produce onely fantaſticall and capritious effects in our Iſle. However, thoſe who find theſe effects in themſelves do think themſelves moſt unfortunate, and complaine as much as thoſe whom Fortune, Love and Ambition all at once doe torment: After this Sir, I know not whether it be neceſſary to put you in minde, that [Page] Love in our Court is not a ſimple bare paſſion as in other places; but a paſſion of neceſſity and decency: All men muſt Love; and all Ladies muſt be loved: no hard-harted inſenſible man ever gets any eſteeme amongſt us, except the Prince Philoxipes, who yet continued not ſo long: This obduracy of heart is branded as a crime, and liberty of this kind is ſuch a ſhame, that thoſe who are not in Love, will at leaſt ſeeme to be ſo. As for Ladies, cuſtome does not neceſſarily oblige them to love, but onely to ſuffer themſelves to be loved, and all their glory conſiſts in making illuſtrious conqueſts; and not to loſe their Loves which they have captivated, though they be rigid unto them: For the principall honour of our Beauties is, to returne in their obedience thoſe captives which they have made onely by the power of their Charmes, and not by their Favours: ſo that by this cuſtome, there is almoſt an abſolute neceſsity of being a Lover, and unfortunate: yet it is not forbidden Ladies to acknowledge the perſeverance of their loves by a pure affection; Venus Vrania allowes it; But ſometimes it is ſo long before they can win the heart of the perſon loved, that the paines of the Conqueror does almoſt equall the pleaſure of the conqueſt: yet it is allowable for beauties to make uſe of many innocent Arts wherewith to take hearts: Complacency is not a crime: care to ſeeme faire is no affectation, obſequiouſneſſe is extreamely commendable, ſo i [...]be without baſeneſs. Plauſibility is a vertue: and to conclude all in ſhort, all that may make themſelves amiable, and all that may make themſelves to love, is permitted, provided it be not againſt the lawes of modeſty and chaſtity: which manage the Gallantry of our Iſle, is the predominate vertue of all Ladies. Thus allowing Fate, Innocency & love, they live moſt pleaſant & merry lives: This Sir I thought requiſiteto hint unto your memory, that you may better comprehend what I am to relate. I ſhall not neede to tell you Sir, that Parthenia was borne with a taking beauty; ſuch a one as charmes at the firſt ſight, & which ſeemes to augment, every moment one lookes on her; for it is impoſsible you ſhould have been in Cyprus and not know it, though ſhe was at Paphos when you were there: But give me leave to tell you Sir, that her witt ſparkles as well as her eyes; and her diſcourſe charmes as well as her beauty: Moreover, her minde was none of thoſe narrow ones, who knew one thing, and was ignorant of a thouſand: but on the contrary, it was ſo miraculouſly large, that though it cannot be ſaid Parthenia knew every thing equally well: yet it is moſt certaine ſhe could give an excellent accompt of all things: there was alſo ſuch a delicate ſharpeneſſe in her witt, that thoſe whom ſhe honored with her converſation ſtood in feare of her, and though all her expreſsions were ſimple and naturall, yet were they full of ſtrong ſoliditie: moreover ſhe could turne her witt as ſhe pleaſed: ſhee would be ſerious and wiſe with thoſe that were ſo: ſhe would be gallant and pleaſant upon neceſſity: ſhe had a high heart, and ſometimes an humour of flattery; None knew the newes of the World better then ſhe: ſhe was of a naturall timeroſity in ſome things, and bold in others: ſhee was full of heroique Generoſity, and Liberality, and to conclude her deſcription; Her ſoule was naturally tender and paſſionate: and it may juſtly be ſaid, that never any did ſo perfectly know the differences of love, as the Princeſſe Palmis: And I never in my life heard a more pleaſing diſcourſe then her, to make a diſtinction betwixt a pure refined love and a groſſe terreſtriall paſſion: between a love by inclination, and a love by acquaintance: between a ſincere Love and a Counterfeit, between a Love that hath endes in it; and a Love Heroique: For indeed, ſhe would penetrate into the very heart: ſhe would deſcribe jealouſie more terribly by her words, then thoſe who Paint it with Serpents, gnawing the heart: ſhe knew all the innocent ſweets of Love, and all the Torments, and every thing that had any dependency upon this paſſion, was ſo perfectly knowne unto her, that Venus Urania her ſelfe did not know them better then the Princeſſe of Salami [...]. This Sir is her deſcription of whom I muſt ſpeake, who was no leſſe loved, then ſhe was lovely. And indeed, whoſoever would Catalogue the Prodigious number of her Lovers in his memory, would queſtionleſſe be aſtoniſhed, ſince it is moſt certain, the fair Parthenia hath Captivated many, above a thouſand hearts ſince ſhe began to appear a Glorious Starre in the World: The greateſt wonder in Paphos was, that ſhe was never taken away, becauſe the Father of Philoxipes being Governour of Amathuſia, cauſed all his children to be taken away untill they were in a fit condition to appear in Court: So that the Luſtre of Parthenias beauty was not like that of the Sun which we ſee every day, and unto whoſe Rayes we are accuſtomed unto: For ſhe appeared upon a ſuddain at Paphos, all Luſtre and Glory, and dazeled all beholders: It may moſt truly be ſaid, that ſhe dimmed all other beauties, and ſcorched more hearts in one day, then other beauties could onely warm in all their lives. But that which is moſt obſervable in the Conqueſts of Parthenia, when ſhe came firſt to Paphos, was, that ſhe never made uſe of her admirable wit, becauſe her beauty was ſo Prodigiouſly charming, [Page] that thoſe ſhe Captivated, were fettered by her lookes, before ever ſhe ſpoke; ſo piercing were her eyes, and ſo inevitable were her Charmes. But Sir, as I told you already, that none durſt be inſenſible at Paphos, or at leaſt ſeem ſo; you may well conceive Parthenia found not many men at Liberty; and that ſhe could not gain ſo many hearts without robbing others; and ſince ſo, ſhe muſt needs be loved by inconſtant ſervants, who quitted their firſt Chaines to aſſume hers: For in the changing of a Miſtriſſe, it is no good reaſon to alledge, he found one more faire, and therefore changed: ſince I am confident that whoever quits one whom once he loved for another more faire then ſhe, doth moſt certainly quit her for ſome end or other. Look then upon Parthenia as one that hath many Lovers, and many haters: for it is to be ſuppoſed that they who loſt thoſe hearts, ſhe found did not love her: And not one of them but did ſet their wits on work to cavill at her beauty, and find ſome defect in it; And ſince they found that not any eaſie matter, they would at leaſt quarrell with her dreſſe, though it was never ſo handſome, and deviſed all manner of Plots to diſparage her. In the meane time, Parthenia perceiving their envious aimes, tooke much pleaſure in revenge, by Captivating each day their Lovers; not caring for new Enemies, ſo ſhe could make new Captives, for ſhe was taken of a fit age for it, and wherein it is a difficulty to keep within limits of Conqueſts and unjuſt ſuites and ſacrifices unto her beauty: She was infinitley pleaſed to ſee ſuch a croud of Adorers about her, whom ſhe carried in Triumph which way ſoever ſhe went: But ſince ſhe did Captivate them onely by the luſtre of her eyes, and not her wit or tongue, all her Amorites were not equally worthy of her Chaines: Some of them dull and groſſe: others light and fantaſticall, and ſome again envious and troubleſome: So that finding her ſelfe troubled with that which at firſt ſhe delighted in, ſhe did what ſhe could to reſtore them unto thoſe from whom ſhe drew them, at leaſt to be rid of them; yet ſhe found this to be no eaſie matter; and now, it may well be ſaid, her beauty put her to abundance of trouble and vexation: For many Quarrells did ariſe amongſt themſelves; But at laſt, her ſeverity to ſome, and even incivility to others did rid her of this doting and troubleſome multitude: For though the Cuſtome of Cyprus, was for Ladies to ſuffer themſelves to be loved; yet it was not with all ſorts indifferently. Thus Parthenia, being delivered from that perſecution, which this abundance of Lovers, and her own beauty cauſed, ſhe retained onely three, who being more agreeable to her fancy then the reſt, ſhe baniſhed not: Theſe three were not onely different in quality, but alſo in humours: The firſt was a kinſman unto Timoilea, whom you ſaw in Cyprus, called Polydamas, whoſe inclinations were all generous: Hee was fair, handſome, and well compacted, he had a high and noble Aire; his wit was pleaſant, but ordinary: And he pleaſed more by an unexpreſſible charm which was in all his actions and his Perſon, then by what he ſpoke, which tooke more by the manner then the matter expreſſed. The ſecond was the Prince of Salamis: infinitely Rich, of great qualitie, and of a handſome preſence, having wit enough, but a little fantaſticall. And the third was of a mean and baſe birth, called Callicrates, whoſe wit was incomparably above the beſt in all Paphos; and highly eſteemed both amongſt Men and Women. He writ both in Proſe and Verſe moſt admirably, in ſuch a pleaſing and unuſuall way, as may be ſaid, he invented it; at leaſt I am ſure, I never ſaw any for him to imitate, and I think it may be truly ſaid, none will ever imitate him, but imperfectly; For of a very trifle he would compoſe a pleaſant Letter: And as the Phrygians ſaid of Midas, all he touched was Gold; So all that came from Callicrates paſt for current: He would make Glaſſe paſſe for Diamonds, and out of the pooreſt ſubject extract excellent matter: His company at ſome times was wonderous pleaſant, but not alwaies alike; for ſometimes he would be as i [...]rome, as moſt of the World were alwaies unto him: And hee had ſuch an exceſſive delicacy of wit, that ſometimes it might better be phraſed Phantaſticall then delicate: His Perſon was not very well compoſed; Yet he made an open profeſſion of Courtſhip and Gallantry: but it was of an univerſall Gallantry, ſince he loved all ſorts, of all qualities: Yet had hee one moſt dangerous quality for a lover, which was, that hee did as much affect to be thought he was loved, as really to be ſo. Theſe Sir, were the three aſſiduous Servants about Parthenia, who yet would not let her heart be engaged unto any one of them; For Polydamas had not wit enough, though will, the Prince of Salamis was fantaſticall; and Callicrates was of ſo inferiour a quality, that ſhe could not look upon him, only as an admirer of his parts, not as her Lover: So that to make up ſuch a one as ſhe could fancy, was to finde one who had the heart and perſon of Polydamas, the quality of the Prince of Salamis, and the wit of Callicrates: But ſince this was a thing impoſſible, ſhe contented her ſelf, to eſteem every one of them according to their merits, but to love none of the three. Yet Polydamas, and Callicrates were more in her favour then the Prince of Salamis: For the perſon of the one did extreamly pleaſe her, and the wit of the other made h [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] merry. In the mean time, all theſe three Lovers had different deſignes upon Parthenia: For Polydamis his chief care was to be loved, and unleſſe that, doubtleſſe he would not marry her. On the contrary, the Prince of Salamis, rather then not enjoy her would have married her, though ſhe hated him; and therefore he was as diligent to gain thoſe who had any prevalence with her, as to pleaſe her; and Callicrates whoſe ſoul was all vanity, his principall care was to carry it ſo, that the people ſhould ſuſpect Parthenia was in love with him; and I am confident, he would have been better ſatisfied that all the Court ſhould have beleeved it, then he would, if ſhe had really loved him and none have known it. Therefore all his actions had ſome ſacret deſign in them, which Parthenia did not perceive till a long while after. But the ſtrangeſt humour of Callicrates was, he never ſo much loved out of his own judgment, as by that of others: And if Parthenia had been fairer then ſhe was: had it not been for the great reputation of her beauty, he had never loved her: For the lightneſſe of his fancy commonly never fixed upon any thing, but ſuch as made greateſt noiſe in the world: Stately houſes, Greatneſſe, Pompous Traines, high Quality, and ſuch like, ſometimes made him quit the faireſt Lady in Cyprus; and therefore it is no wonder, if meeting with Quality, Beauty, Wit, Reputation, Honour, Riches, and all in one perſon, he ſhould apply himſelf more to her then any other; and his chief felicity was in perſwading all the Court he was in no mean favour with her: Not that the meanneſſe of his birth durſt preſume to act as Polydamas and the Prince of Salamis did; but he took upon him another kind of familiar air, and he did inſenſibly allure Parthenia to let him commend her; to ſpeak unto her often in whiſpers, and ſometimes to ſay aloud in Rallary, that ſhe was a moſt dangerous perſon. Since he did not ſo much care to be loved, as to have it thought he was: He never ſpoke any thing to her in private which might diſpleaſe her, leſt ſhe ſhould baniſh him. But he was exceedingly careful to carry it ſo, that people might perceive he was in love with her: Therefore when at any time he went out from Parthenia with any one whom he thought had wit enough to obſerve him, he affected to ſeem melancholy. Sometimes he would not ſpeak; otherwhiles he would ſpeak of nothing but her; and follow almoſt into all places, affecting to look attentively upon her, when ſhe looked not upon him; yet very carefully watching for an opportunity to make ſome ſecret ſign unto her, upon ſome trifle or otherwiſe which he had truſted her withall, purpoſely to that end: For his humour was, to peruſe one favourable looke which might be perceived above any reall favour in ſecret. The ſtrangeſt humour of Callicrates was, that though he had ſuch fitneſſe of wit, as he could ſeldome find any that were worthy of any Elogies, yet he had certain extravagant and fantaſticall conceits, which ſometimes made him love others, which were not at all amiable, unleſſe it was becauſe he would be loved; and according to his own ſence, he had the vanity to beleeve he was: He had ſuch an imperious wit, as he affected alwaies to have ſome whom he might ſcorn; and ſince none ſuch could be found either amongſt perſons of quality, or perſons reaſonable, he looked a little lower for ſome whom he might torment, and be rather their tyrant then their Lover; ſo that it may rightly be ſayd, never had any ſo many thoughts in their heart ſo oppoſite to one another as his. Moreover, all the world knew, that he was a greater Votarie unto Venus Anadiomena the Laſcivious, then unto Venus Urania the Chaſt, and he had ſuch adoe to beleeve there was any ſuch thing in the world as pure affection; yet he was not only allowed of amongſt all the Ladies, but alſo by many of them loved; ſo that it was not to be wondered that the wiſdom of Parthenia ſhould permit him her eſteem; and the more, becauſe he was more reſpective to her then all others, and becauſe he never ſpoke of any ſuch thing unto her as Love, unleſſe in Rallarie, and after ſuch a manner as could neither offend her, or make her beleeve him. In the mean time Polydamas and the Prince of Salamis being of ſuch qualities as they might publiſh their loves of Parthenia, they courted her by wayes very different: For the Prince of Salamis was onely very aſſiduous about her, and Polydamas, who had not wit enough to hold out any ſerious and long diſcourſe, did expreſſe his paſſion by a thouſand diverſions, as Balls, Muſiques, Collations, and Walks; and ſince he was very amiable, and danced well, all his actions pleaſed her, and his preſence and pleaſant humours was enough to infuſe joyes into the moſt melancholy ſouls, ſo that Parthenia did not hate him, nor had any indiſpoſition to marry him if her Parents would conſent. But ſince there was then ſome factions in Court, which divided the Great Families: Some reaſons of Intereſt moved thoſe who had the diſpoſe of Parthenia, not to marry her unto Polydamas. On the other ſide, Callicrates ſeeing Polydamas in much favour with Parthenia, he moved her to obſerve the ſhallowneſſe of his wit, and did it with ſo much art, as for all her inclination to Polydamas, ſhee began to think ſhe ſhould be blamed if ſhe loved him, or made choice of him, ſo that checking her [Page] own thoughts, Callicrates had the joy to ſee ſhe began to be a little more cold towards Polydamas, then accuſtomed. Yet ſince ſhe had a very ſtrong inclination to him, ſhe could not upon a ſudden vanquiſh her ſelf; and Callicrates ſtood in need of new wit to hinder her. As he was one day with her, he brought it about ſo handſomely, that ſhe began ſo inſenſibly to ſpeak of Polydamas, and to ſpeak very advantageouſly of his great courage, of his Liberality and Magnificence. I confeſſe, Madam (ſaid he unto her) that Polydamas merits all the commendations you give him, and if he did but know as well what you deſerve, as you doe what he deſerves, he would be the happieſt man upon earth, he would honour you more, and [...]e more in love with you then he is. Polydamas (replyed Parthenia) is not in love with me; but though he were, I am confident more or leſſe wit does not get more or leſſe love; and there are ſome dul blockheads more in love, then all your ſpritely wits are. Ah Madam (ſaid Callicrates) if I durſt but tell you what I think, I ſhould induce you to change your minde. I give you leave (ſaid ſhe unto him) Then, Madam (ſaid he) let me tell you, that poor Polydamas does but love the one half of the fair Parthenia. Dare you ſwear, Madam, that he underſtands all you ſay? Doe you not obſerve that he looks more upon you then he hears you, and that there is no coherencie between what you ſay, and what he anſwers? For my part (ſaid Parthenia, who was not very glad at what Callicrates told her) I think Polydamas anſwers as others doe; but it is the noble qualities of his ſoul which is moſt commendable: ſince you will not conſent with me (replyed he) that Polydamas hath a very ſhallow wit; I will apparently prove unto you that you have ten thouſand times more then hee hath. You would doe me the greateſt pleaſure in the world, replyed ſhe. Truly Madam, ſaid he unto her, I doe not beleeve you. Doe you think then, replyed ſhe, that I love Polydamas better then I doe my ſelf? ſince I preferre his glory before my own. I doe not ſay ſo, (ſaid he, and laughed) but I muſt tell you, I fear it, and think it. But I pray, Madam (ſaid Calliorates, with the ſame freedome he uſed to all the world, whilſt Polydamas loves one half of the fair Parthenia, let a certain man whom I know love the other. Yet, Madam, when I ſay Polydamas loves the one half of Parthenia, I ſay not truly; for certainly he loves not halfe her beauty, though he ſee it every day. I think indeed he knows that it is great, that ſhe is of a good ſtature, that ſhe hath faire eyes, that her neck is whiter then ſnow, that her complexion is admirable, her hair fair, her mouth lovely and all excellent; but as for that charming air, which is an ornament to all theſe, he knows it not at all. I am confident that though you pleaſe him infinitely, he knows not why you pleaſe him. There are ſuch pretty, I know not whats, in your face as infinitely tranſcends his ſphere of knowledge. He underſtands not the language of your eyes; your ſighs which are ſo ſubtle and eloquent, and which ſometimes makes known the ſweetneſſe or bitterneſſe of your heart, doe not produce the ſame effects in his heart which they doe in others; and to expreſſe my very thoughts in one word: I am confident, that he who can be ſo happy, as to obtain ſo much favour from Parthenia as to love all in her, that Polydamas knowes not; will have a better halfe then he. Callicrates ſpoke all this with ſo much audacity, that Parthenia had a mind to be angry, but ſhe had no time; For the Prince of Salamis coming in, Callicrates retired with as much ſeriouſneſſe in her lookes, as if he had been all day talking upon nothing but Politiques, or Morall Philoſophie. In the mean time, ſince Parthenia did very much eſteem him, ſhe was very ſorry ſhe had ſuch an inclination to love a man whom he eſteemed not: For ſince ſhe did not ſuſpect that Callicrates was in love with her, his words had a great influence upon her heart: Yet ſhe was not abſolutely reſolved to baniſh Polydamas at that time, as afterwards through the malice of Callicrates ſhe was, and thus it came about. Parthenia being one day ill, ſhe kept her Chamber, and by conſequence, was viſited by very many, amongſt the reſt, Polydamas and Callicrates, who being that day in one of his dumpiſh moodes, which every one did chide him for; did ſit in a corner of Parthenia's Chamber, ſeeming not to underſtand what any ſaid. In the mean time, Polydamas not thinking that Callicrates was ſo ſilent, to the end he might hear the better, began to talke, as he uſed, to wit, with little coherence, leſſe eloquence, and leaſt wit; yet with acceptation, becauſe his Perſon was very amiable? And as an amorous man is apt to ſpeak more unto her he loves then any other; So Polydamas to Parthenia: On the other ſide, Callicrates, having a cloſe deſign, and an admirable memory, not regarding what any of the reſt ſaid, harkned very attentively unto all Parthenia and Polydamas ſaid to each other: as he liſtned well, ſo he remembred better, ſince certain [...]y he remembred word for word, all that paſſed between them: So that the converſation ending without a word unto any, and in all haſt went home; when as ſoon as he was come, he writ dialoguewiſe all that he heard Polydamas and Parthenia ſay, putting their names to [Page] each Paragraph, without any alteration. So that Parthenia ſpeaking alwaies as well as any in the World, and Polydamas the worſt; the words of Polydamas wanting the grace of accent wherewith they were pronounced: and the words of Parthenia gracing themſelves, this Dialogue was very delightfull to read: For beſide the difference in their anſwers, the diſcourſe made moſt pittifull gibberiſh, as if it were a continued diſcourſe: But though Polydamas was not to be blamed or upbraided with this; yet Callicrates made uſe of it to ſerve his malice: Who to loſe no time, went next morning betimes to Parthenia, whom he found alone: As ſoon as he was entered, the Princeſſe remembring his ſilent dumpes the day before, began to chide him, and to ask him whether he was yet in the humour of ſpeaking: No Madam (ſaid he to her) but on the contrary, I am come hither this day to tell you what I thought yeſterday: You ſeemed ſo melancholy yeſterday, anſwered ſhe, that I doe not think it will be any delighting matter, unleſſe you were in the humour of compoſing Verſes: For I have heard ſay, thoſe who compoſe them, are as much ſeparated from themſelves, as you were yeſterday from the company whilſt you were in it. I aſſure you Madam, ſaid he, I had no conference with the Muſes, yet I was in the merry vain of writing ſomething as pleaſant; But 'tis in Proſe, not Verſe: ſince I know you are as good at the one as the other, replyed ſhe, I much deſire to ſee it, and therefore ſince you came hither this day to tell me what you thought yeſterday, I pray ſhew them: I ſwear Madam, ſaid he unto her, though I came with that intent, yet I know not whether I ſhould ſhew you what I writ: No no, Callicrates, (ſaid Parthenia, and ſupected nothing) never pumpe for any excuſes or denialls, for I will ſee them: Then promiſe me Madam, (ſaid he unto her) to doe me ſo much honour, as to tell me ſincerely who you find ill in them; and obſerve unto me all the faults. I profeſſe Callicrates, (anſwered ſhe) this is a moſt admirable good one, that you ſhould think I can correct any thing you write: But to take all colour of excuſes from you, I promiſe you to tell what I think of them, that is as much as to ſay, I will promiſe you to commend them and you both. I aſſure you Madam, (ſaid he unto her) you will be very indulgent, if you commend all I have writ: but to be ſincere, let me tell you that there are ſome things in what I ſhall let you ſee, which are not unworthy of your ſelfe: And let me alſo aſſure you, there are other things, which are not ſo much as worthy of my ſelfe, and which cannot pleaſe you, unleſſe you be ſtrangely prejudicated: You doe not uſe ſuch inequalities in what you write (replyed Parthenia) and I am confident you would not ſatisfie my deſire in ſeeing if they were ſo: You ſhall your ſelfe be judge (ſaid he unto her, and gave her the Paper writ word for word, all the diſcourſe of Polydamas and Parthenia) But how comes it to paſſe (ſaid ſhe in taking it) that you put me to read what you have writ? The reaſon is, (replyed he) becauſe I ſhall be more delighted to hear you read them then my ſelfe, and I am confident you underſtand them better. Callicrates being accuſtomed to vent a hundred witty trickes, Parthenia upon a ſuddain ſuſpected one: But however ſhe had rather expoſe her ſelfe to be deluded, then not ſatisfie her Curioſitie, and therefore ſhee opened the Paper, and firſt found this Title.
The anſwers of POLYDAMAS and PARTHENIA, and of PARTHENIA and POLYDAMAS.

She had no ſooner read this, but ſhe began to laugh; yet not with a bluſh, (and looking upon him) as being more deſirous to read in his face then in the Paper what he meant by this piece of knavery: Yet did ſhe not imagine the truth; for ſhe thought he would have informed Polydamas and her ſelfe of ſomething: But in reading on, ſhe found her own very words, as well as thoſe of Polydamas; and indeed all their diſcourſe verbatim. Then had ſhe various apprehenſions, for at firſt ſhe thought it a pleaſant Piece of work, but immediately after, ſhe could not chuſe but be angry at Callicrates, at Polydamas, and her ſelfe: at Callicrates for his knavery, at Polydamas for his little wit, and at her ſelfe for her weakneſſe. Yet out of honour, ſhe concealed her thoughts as well as ſhe could, thinking it much better to hear his Rallarie, then ſhew her reſentment; and to that end, ſhe read the Paper from one end to the other, and was ſo extreamly aſhamed, that her heart ſhould ever have any diſpoſition to love him who ſpoke ſo, that ſhe abſolutely reſolved to Caſhiere Polydamas out of her Soule. All this while Callicrates looked attentively upon her: So that as ſoon as Parthenia had done reading, well Madam (ſaid he unto her) do you not confeſſe there are many things in that [...]ou ſee, which deſerve your Cenſure? I confeſſe, replyed Parthenia, that you have as much knavery as wit: and I had need be as good unto you as I am, not to hate you extreamly for this trick which you have put upon me: Madam (ſaid he unto her) you are [Page] not ſo good as your word, for you promiſed to correct all my faults in what you read. You are ſo farr from wiſe (ſaid ſhe unto him and ſmiled) that I ſhould be as fooliſh as you are, [...] I ſhould take the paines to anſwer you ſeriouſly: However Madam (ſaid he unto her) certainly you will confeſſe, that yeſterday you did not thinke that Polydamas ſpoke ſo ill as you doe to day: I aſſure you (ſaid ſhe) I did not [...]eed the anſwers of Polydamas, but my owne, and I am beholding to you for nothing but for undeceiving me of the over good opinion I had of my ſelfe; for I thought I had ſpoke better then I did. Ah Madam (ſaid he, and would have taken the paper from her) certainly you did not read them ſo well as you ſpoke them: I beſeech you give me leave to read your words; yet Callicrates could not get the paper out of Parthenia's hands, who kept them whether he would or no; perhaps if you deſire to ſee what was writ in this paper, that you might ſee the difference between the wi [...]t of Polydamas, and Parthenia: But Sir that a ſiſter which I have, who waites upon this Princeſſe did tell them unto me, yet I cannot remember them; yet certainly nothing could be more different from another then the anſwers of Parthenia and Polydamas. In the meane time this conference of Callicrates and Parthenia, which began in rallerie, did end in a more ſerious diſcourſe: for paſſing inſenſibly from one thing to another, Callicrates moved Parthenia to confeſſe ſhe could not but wonder Polydamas ſhould be ſo Amiable and have ſo little Witt. For Heavens ſake Madam (ſaid he unto her) doe me the favour the firſt time you ſee him and are in diſcontent with him, turne away your head and winke, that you may heare him and not ſee him: and if after that you doe not confeſſe you have no cauſe to love him, I will for ever forſake thoſe hopes I have that you will never hate me: for really Madam; there cannot be a greater difference between any two, then between the Princeſſe Parthenia and Polydamas. Therefore Madam take my advice, prophane not thoſe excellencies which the Gods have given you, by giving your ſelfe to one who cannot halfe underſtand them; but finde one out that is able to know and adore you. This Sir was the conference between Parthenia and Callicrates, who left her with much ſatisfaction, that he had ſo well proſpered in his deſigne: and indeed, ever ſince that day, Parthenia was Miſtreſſe of her ſelfe, and diſengaged her heart, able to look upon Polydamas as a lover, whom ſhe would condemne unto deſpaire, which was no ſmall joy unto Callicrates, who as of [...] as he met Polydamas, did treat him moſt cruelly, and abuſe him in the preſence of Parthenia; yet in ſuch a manner, as Polydamas did not perceive it, becauſe it was by applauding him for things which were not at all commendable, and in admiring all he ſaid, and making an Elogie upon every word he ſpake: and he had been more groſs in his abuſes, if the Princeſſ: had not impoſed ſilence, and forbidden him to uſe him ſo. In the meane time the Prince of Salamis continued to ſee and ſerve her, though he made no great progreſſe into her affection; and obſerving that Callicrates was much in her favour, but had not the leaſt thought of his being in love, though it was already noiſed in the world, he indeavoured to oblige him, and made him the confident of his deſigne; but Callicrates having no minde to turne ſolicitor for another in matter of love, told him, that he could doe nothing for him, and that Parthenia was one who would take advice from none but her ſelfe: But ſince he perceived that Polydamas was not yet enough out of Parthenias Bookes, he hinted ſuch things unto the Prince of Salamis, as moved him to apprehend, that as long as Polydamas was a viſitor of Parthenia, none ought to be pretender unto her: yet he told this as a mighty ſecret, for his deſigne being to make the world beleeve Parthenia loved him, he would not publiſh that ſhe had any inclination to Polydamas. But he told him all that he could deviſe which might move the Prince of Salamis to hate his Rivall, and to make him quarrell with him, hoping thereby to be quit of two Rivalls at once, either by killing each other, or by baniſhing them for fighting: and indeed his plot did hit, and that which did advance it, was, the Prince of Salamis being one day in Parthenia's cloſet, ſhe went out for ſomething, and left this Prince with others in it, and the company coming out preſently after, left him in the Cloſet expecting Parthenia's return, ſo that looking upon divers things which lay upon the Table, he found a paper which the Princeſſe had left and forgotten, and it proved to be that which Callicrates writ, with the anſwers of Polydamas and Parthenia; for the Princeſſe would not burn it, becauſe ſhe kept it to cure her ſpirits in reading of them: ſo that the Prince of Salamis ſeeing the name of Polydamas and Parthenia, took up the Paper, and would ſee the contents of it; yet ſeeing there was much to read, and fearing the Princeſſe would returne before he had finiſhed, and being tranſported with a curioſity as great as his love, he took it and went away before the Princeſſe returned into her cloſet: but he was ſtrangely amazed when he ſaw it, for it paſſed all mens underſtanding, nor he could not thinke that [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] Parthenia, who had ſo much witt could thinke well of all that Polydamas had ſaid, nor could he imagine it writ by Callicrates with her conſent, though he knew it to be his hand; nor could he beleeve, conſidering his ſuſpitions, that Parthenia loved Polydamas, that ſhe ſhould take any delight to ſee Callicrates full of ſuch raillery againſt him, ſo that not knowing what to thinke, he reſolved to make him who writ this fantaſticall Dialogue, tell the truth: he ſent then to ſeek Callicrates, and rather then faile of finding him; went himſelfe to look him: but ſince this man, maugre his vanity he had in being thought to be Parthenia's Idoll, and her lover, had many other paſſions leſſe honourable then that, the Prince of Salamis could not eaſily finde him, though he went unto twenty ſeverall houſes to enquire: but at laſt, accidentally ſeeing him come out of a houſe which he never thought of, he ſent for him, and conjured him to tell him what was his deſigne in writing thoſe anſwers of Polydamas, and giving them unto Parthenia. Sir (ſaid he with an anſwer as quick as his witt) I wonder much you ſhould not underſtand my deſigne, and that you ſhould not ſee I have no other but to doe you ſervice, in letting faire Parthenia ſee the odds that is between her witt and your Rivalls. Ah Callicrates, ſaid the Prince of Salamis, why would you keep ſecret my obligations unto you? and why did you not let me know Parthenia ſuffered you to abuſe Polydamas? As ſhe hath much witt, replyed Callicrates, what reſentment ſoever ſhe hath, ſhe makes no expreſſions of them; However it be, ſaid the Prince of Salamis, all will doe no good, ſince after this I ſee Polydainas in as great favour as ever. Callicrates perceiving that this Prince was not jealous of him, he kindled it againſt Polydamas by a hundred cunning expreſſions, ſo that when he left him, he left him more jealous then ever, but with more hope of revenge alſo againſt his rivall, imagining that ſince Parthenia out of her prudence had winked at Callicrates his jeering raillerie, ſhe would be alſo diſcreet as to hide her reſentments at his quarrelling with him. The Prince of Salamis having this Fancy, it was not long before he put his deſigne in execution; for as there never wants a colour of a quarrell between two Rivalls: The firſt occaſion that he met with, he began to contradict all that Polydamas ſaid very obſtinately, and paſſing from contradictions unto angry diſputes, they fell from words to blowes, and fought a Bloody duell. For the Prince of Salamis, having a ſecret deſigne upon him, ſtayed for Polydamas in a great plaine, which is before Parthenia's Palace, ſo that this Princeſſe was a ſpectator of the Combat out at her Window, which was endedbefore they could come in to part them. Which of theſe two had the advantage could not be judged, for they were both of them equally wounded, and their ſwords both broke when they cloſed, and fell; doing both of them what they could to vanquiſh each other; this combat made a great noiſe in the Court, butas for Callicrates, he laughed in his ſleeve: yet hewent preſently to the Priuceffe to grieve with her, or rather to ſee how ſhe took it: but ſhe thought him to be her friend, ſhe did not diſſemble how this combat had a great influence upon her heart; which newes was nothing pleaſing unto Callicrates: for ſhe let him know, that ſhe hated the prince of Salamis, and that ſhe loved Polydamas better then before, taking it very ill at the hands of the firſt, that he ſhould be ſo bold as to quarrell with the other in any conſideration of hers; not being ignorant, that it was he who firſt aſſaulted, and knowing that there could be no other fallings out between them but for her intereſts. Truth is Madam (ſaid Callicrates to her) you have reaſon to be angry with the Prince of Salamis, and it is but juſt to hate him for his ſoe little reſpect of you: But I cannot find you have any cauſe to love Polydamas better, ſince he hath done nothing, but that he would not let himſelfe be killed: for I cannot beleeve Madam, you ſhould thinke he had any other end in defending his life, but to keep it for the love of you; and were I to judge upon the actions of theſe two Rivalls, I ſhould thinke you are more of the two obliged unto the Prince of Salamis, then unto Polydamas, who for all this, hath no more witt then he had; for I proteſt Madam, I am confident, that if he were himſelfe to relate his Combate with ſuch Eloquence as he hath, you would wiſh the Prince of Salamis Victory. I aſſure you Callicrates (ſaid ſhe unto him) I have much adoe not to be offended at you, for ſcoffing at a thing which both grieves and angers me: And the the truth is Sir, though Parthenia had not contracted any affection with Polydamas, yet ſhe could not chuſe but be very ſenſible of his misfortune, and the more, becauſe falling in a Feavour he dyed of his wounds, the ſixth day after the combat, ſo that Callicrates needing not now to oppoſe that affection which he feared was in her heart towards him, he began to pitty him in her preſence, ſaying, that the high qualities of his ſoule, and the handſomneſſe of his perſon, did ſerve to excuſe the imperfections of his wit, deſiring if it were poſſible, that her ſorrowes for his death, might keep her from any affection to the Prince of Salamis, and moved him to goe out of Paphos untill all things were appeaſed: but when Callicrates [Page] was out of Parthenia's preſence, he ſcoffed as much at Polydamas dead as living; and ſaid that all the Court was beholding unto the Prince of Salamis for ridding it of a man who ſpoke ſo much nonſence. In the mean, to ſatisfie his vanity, whilſt there was no profeſſed Lovers of Parthenia, he was an eternall viſitant, and ſaw her every minute ſhe was viſible; and when ſhe was not, he affected to ſpeak of her, and oftentimes to name her in lieu of another: So that he called every one Parthenia, ſeeming alwayes to reprehend himſelf, and be angry that his tongue ſhould ſo betray the thoughts of his heart. In ſhort, he carryed it ſo, that all the Court ſuſpected him to be in love with Parthenia, none yet daring to ſpeak of it unto the Princeſſe: For certainly (ſaid every one) ſhe muſt needs perceive that which all the world ſees; and if ſhe does ſee it, why does it not diſpleaſe her, and move her to baniſh Callicrates from her? So they thought Callicrates in love with Parthenia, but never told their thoughts unto her, who never ſuſpected any ſuch thing, ſince he never talked unto her but of things indifferent, and of ſmall conſequence. As for him, ſince he affected more the ſatisfaction of his vanity then his love, fear of baniſhment would never let him tell her ſeriouſly that he loved her, to the end there might be more ſuſpition that he was loved. In the mean time the Prince of Salamis having ſetled his buſineſſe, and the Phyſitians reporting that Polidamas dyed rather of the ill diſpoſition of his humours then of his wounds, he returned unto the Court as ſoon as he was recovered; and he knew ſo well how to tamper with all the Parents of Parthenia, that his Marriage was concluded upon before ever he ſpake unto her. I ſhall not relate unto you, Sir, what unwillingneſſe was in Parthenia to obey the commands of her Parents, in looking upon the Prince of Salamis as the man whom ſhe was to marry; nor how Callicrates did augment her averſion to it: But give me leave to tell you, Sir, there was no remedy, Parthenia muſt marry the Prince of Salamis, and Callicrates muſt be contented: His comfort was, Parthenia loved him not, and in his hopes ſhe would make him her ſecret Confident. Alſo his hopes were, that all the world knowing Parthenia loved not her Huſband, it would be more eaſie for him to make them beleeve, ſhe loved him. Yet what vanity ſoever he had, and what ill opinion ſoever he held of women in generall, I am confident hee could never think Parthenia, whoſe virtue he knew very well, could have any vitious thoughts in all her life, though ſhe had a ſenſible and paſſionate ſoul. In concluſion, Sir, the Prince of Salamis marryed Parthenia much againſt her will, and he expreſſed ſo much love unto her at their Marriage, that ſhee ſweetned her bitterneſſe, and diminiſhed her averſion to him. Hee gave her, in caſe he dyed before, the Principality of Salamis, being more ſubmiſſe unto her then ever any was. But, Sir, as I have before deſcribed the beauty of this Princeſſe unto you, ſo, is it poſſible you ſhould beleeve that the eyes of this Prince being accuſtomed unto the beauty of Parthenia, ſhould take leſſe delight in looking upon her, then in a freſh beauty, which was a thouſand degrees inferiour unto hers? Yet it is true, that this Prince loving her onely becauſe ſhe was fair, and his eyes being glutted with the cuſtom of ſeeing her, his paſſion leſſened, and his ſoul inſenſibly fell off from lukewarm to indifferency, and from indifferency to ſcorn: For ſince he was of a fantaſticall ſpirit, the humours of Parthenia and his kept no correſpondency. I leave you, Sir, to imagine, how ſad this Princeſſe was when ſhee found her ſelf ſlighted: Indeed it troubled her ſo much, that ſhe fell ſick, but in ſuch a languiſhing diſeaſe, as though it did not much hazard her life, yet it robb'd her of her beauty. And you may imagine, Sir, that he who ſcorned her when ſhe was the faireſt in all Cyprus, did not love in the Autumn of her beauty, but began to be harſher then before unto her: He had twenty ſeverall Paramours, who for all their glittering beauties were yet inferiour unto Parthenia, notwithſtanding her decayed alteration. The mutable mind of this Prince did ſo amaze the World, that none could imagine the ſecret cauſe of the ill correſpondence between Parthenia and him; and every one had his cenſure for him: In ſo much as he having a hint of it, grew angry, and began to ſpeak aloud, that hee could not conceive why they ſhould think it ſtrange he could not love his Wife, ſince according to his ſence, it was neither handſom nor reaſonable: For (ſaid he unto me, when I asked him what anſwer I ſhould returne unto thoſe who wondered why he loved not Parthenia, who was yet the faireſt in Cyprus?) I think there is no ſuch extravagancy in the world, as for a Husband to be alwaies in love with his Wife; and if Parthenia would have kept me ſtill in love with her, ſhe ſhould never have marryed me. I confeſſe, Sir, (ſaid I unto him) there ought to be a difference between a Husband and a Lover; and I agree with you, that there are a hundred gallantries which are ornaments in a Lover, that would be ridiculous in a Husband. But, Sir, by your favour, this difference ought not to reach ſo far as the heart; certainly one ought to love and honour her he marries as much after, as before marriage: Civility and Reſpect muſt not be baniſhed, but [Page] preſerved as preſervers of Love; leſt incivill familiarity ſhould intirely root it out. Alaſs, Megaſides, ſaid he, it ſeems you were never marryed, nor very well know the nature of Love. Truly, Sir, ſaid I unto him, I think you doe not know it your ſelf; for if you did, why doe you not love Parthenia, ſince ſhe is as fair now, as when you were in love with her? The reaſon is, ſaid he, becauſe, that beauty which one enjoyes is like perfumes, which continuall cuſtome brings one not to ſmell at all. And for my part, I am perſwaded, that as one doth accuſtome himſelf unto a beauty, one may likewiſe accuſtom himſelf unto uglineſſe; ſo conſequently whoſoever will marry, ought not to be ſo curious in chuſing one that is fair. Then Sir, ſaid I unto him, why did you marry Parthenia? I married her, ſaid he, becauſe Love led me out of my wits; and I choſe rather to run the hazard of being her Lover, then not to enjoy her. The truth is, there is ſomething in Marriage, which is ſo inconſiſtent with Love, that I cannot endure people ſhould blame me for not loving Parthenia. I cannot conceive, replyed I, you can love other women, who are a thouſand times leſſe fair then ſhe. Were you marryed, anſwered he, you would know how, as well as I: The truth is, whoſoever takes away the ſweetneſs of Novelty from Love, takes away Love it ſelf; and whoſoever doth baniſh freſh deſires, and freſh hopes from it, leaves no zeal or delight in it. Conſider what the paſſion of a man will be, who alwaies ſees the ſame woman; who has no new hopes, no freſh deſires, and who ſees nothing in the time to come, but that his Wife will grow old and ugly. But, Sir, ſaid I unto him, though you are not capable of a conſtant love, yet let me adviſe you at leaſt to eſteem Parthenia; let your love become friendſhip. Had I never been in love with her, replyed he, or had I married her for no other intereſts, I could have done as you adviſe me. But, Megaſides, to fall from love to friendſhip, is a thing I cannot think poſſible, nor am I capable of it. Indeed I am ſometimes aſhamed to ſee how weary I grow when I have been with her one poor quarter of an hour. Yet ſince I cannot love her, ſhe muſt ſute her mind to her fortune, and let me alone to live as I liſt. Theſe, Sir, were the thoughts of this Prince when he began to leave loving Parthenia; but hee was not the onely man who changed his thoughts of her; for Callicrates alſo finding that ſhe was not now the glorious Star of the Court, he fell off from his frequent viſits; all the Beauties whom ſhe had robbed of their Lovers at her firſt arrivall in Paphos, were raviſhed at her misfortune; and all her Lovers whom ſhe had rigorouſly treated, rejoiced: Inſomuch as Parthenia, ſeeing ſhe had loſt all that her beauty had gotten, had ſuch an indignation againſt her ſelf, that ſhe left the Court, and went unto Salamis, where ſhe lived moſt obſcure and ſolitarily; but where ſhe found a hundred things to charm her ſorrows, and ſolitude afforded her much ſweetneſſe, ſince the cauſe of her grief was out of ſight; and as ſhe ſaw nothing which pleaſed her, ſo ſhe ſaw nothing which vexed her; and the abſence of her husband, and all thoſe that forſook her with her beauty, made her mind very ſerene; ſo that uſing her ſelf by degrees unto a kind of melancholy which ſeiſeth upon a ſoul and never troubles it, ſhe grew wonderous well contented, and recovered her beauty. This being the ſtate of things, ſo it chanced, that the Prince of Salamis died ſuddenly at Paphos, in his return from hunting: And the King made choice of Callicrates, as him that was the ancient friend of Parthenia, to carry the news of his death unto her. I am confident, Sir, you wil imagine that it was impoſſible this Princeſſe ſhould grieve violently for the death of her husband who had ſo ſcorned her; yet was ſhe much more moved at it, then in all poſſibility ſhe would: For when Callicrates acquainted her with his death, ſhe ſhed tears, but not in ſo great abundance. But Callicrates could diſcern her eyes had recovered their firſt luſtre; and he found her ſo admirably fair, that in lieu of telling her what he had premeditated, he ſtood and gazed upon her, only telling her that her husband was dead: Yet he could not ſee her long that day; for ſhe retired, and ſat upon herbed, purpoſely to receive the viſits which ſhe foreſaw would be made: And indeed about two hours after the news was known, all of any quality in Salamis came unto her. In the mean time, ſhe ſent back Callicrates the next morning, though he had no deſire to goe ſo ſoon; but when he was returned, his report of Parthenia's beauty was ſo high, that all the Court talked on nothing elſe but this wonderfull alteration. I ſhall not ſpend any time, Sir, in telling you how the Corps of the Prince of Salamis was carryed to the place of his name; but give me leave to tell you, Sir, that as ſoon as all ceremonious mournings were over, Parthenia made a voyage to the Court upon a buſineſſe which concerned the Principality of Salamis; alſo that perhaps ſhe was not ſorry that ſhe was as fair as ever; for Parthenia was not above eighteen years of age: However ſhe returned unto Paphos, where ſhe dimmed all that could pretend to any beauty, and captivated no fewer hearts then ſhe did at firſt; but hers was more difficult to be caught then ever, and ſhe was ſo reſolutely determined not to receive the affections of any, [Page] that ſhee did not thinke her ſelfe ſo much as obliged unto any that profered theirs unto her. And as Callicrates one day chid her for this cold indifferency; and telling her that ſolitude had made her ſalvage and unſociable, ſhee ſtiffly maintained, that ſhee had no reaſon to think her ſelf beholding unto thoſe who loved her, becauſe her beauty pleaſed them: For the truth is, ſaid ſhe, I am reſolved not to expoſe my ſelfe unto the ſame miſfortune I have had: and as long as I believe, that they do not love me, but becauſe I pleaſe their eyes; and for a fading thing which a little ſickneſſe may take from me, I cannot much build upon ſuch kind of affections. But Madam, replyed Callicrates, if you take beauty away from love, you may as well take away his arrowes and bow, and quite diſarme him. I would not take beauty away, replyed ſhe, but on the contrary, I would have ſuch uſe made of it as of a Candle: do you not ſee, that when fire is put unto a faggot, it burnes, though the Candle which lighted it be taken away? or extinguiſhed? So would I have beauty do, which ſets hearts on fire: but I would not have them extinguiſh, when it which ſet them on fire is extinguiſhed: Your ſmile Madam, replyed Callicrates, is full of wit: Yet certainly, the fire which laſts long, muſt have ſomething to maintain it: Tis true, ſaid ſhe, but it muſt not be beauty, for that is onely to kindle the fire, not to preſerve it: It would be a rare World, if love ſhould alwaies change as oft as the face of thoſe they love doth: if ſo, a Rheume would kill a thouſand lovers: and a gentle feaver would break a thouſand Chaines, and ſet as many Slaves at liberty: No, no, things muſt not be ſo; and whoſoever loves onely the beauty of Parthenia, ſhall never get her love: I would have them love all Parthenia, and not by halfes as you told me when Polydamas lived; I would have them love her for ſomething beſides her beauty, that they may not fall off when it fades: did not you do ſo Callicrates before I went to Salamis? Tis true Madam, I did; anſwered he, but it was becauſe I could not endure to ſee you miſerable: Fie, fie, replyed ſhe, you cannot make me believe that: but I am perſwaded you left me, either becauſe I had fewer Company, or becauſe my friendſhip was leſſe conſiderable: But know, ſaid ſhe and ſmiled, that I never loved Callicrates, but for the wit of Callicrates, I liked his f [...] Letters and his ſmooth verſes, and his pleaſant conceits: otherwiſe what did I care [...] he were happy or miſerrable? Alſo I thought [...] daies in which you ſhewed m [...]one of my letters (ſaid ſhe in ſuch a manner as might let him ſee ſhe was not ignorant of his proceedings) or verſes, or on which you were not pleaſant, to be ill ſpent in your company, and but for them, I ſhould very near have hated you, for I cannot endure [...]conſtancy, either in friends ot lovers; but it is moſt of all odious in friends; ſince ſo, Madam ſaid he, I beſeech you do me the honour, to ranke me amongſt your Lovers that I may be leſſe criminall. Since I cannot revoke what's paſt (ſaid ſhe, and ſmiled) I cannot though I would make yo [...]ore or leſſe innocent then you are, but in juſtifying you on the one ſide, I ſhall condemn you on the other; therefore it is much better I look upon you as an unfaithfull friend, then as an unconſtant lover, ſince which way ſoever you ſhall become the laſt of theſe, you will be alwaies criminall, and alwaies ill treated. However I ſhould be glad Madam, ſaid he unto her, that yo [...]uld do me the honour I ask, for I muſt confeſſe, I cannot endure to be diſhonored, and called an unfaithfull friend, ſince in being one, I ſhould have renounced all virtue and generoſity: but it is otherwiſe in being onely an inconſtant Lover, for ſuch a one is onely accuſed of lightneſſe and weakneſſe: Yet I think folly may be added unto them (replyed ſhe.) Since that is a thing which is not diſhonorable, replyed he, it ſhall be no great obſtacle unto me; and I had rather you ſhould think me fooliſh and out of reaſon, then thinke me culpable. Though Callicrates was formerly wont to ſpeak many times as boldly as thus, without any ſupicion of ſpeaking ſeriouſly; yet now Parthenia took it ill he ſhould ſpeake thus, for he ſpoke it with ſuch an Air, ſo bold as diſpleaſed her: So that both ſhe and Callicrates ſtood a long while ſilent, and Parthenia had no mind to begin diſcourſe, for ſhe obſerved that Callicrates was not ſorry for her anger: but this ſilence laſted not long, for company came in; and Callicrates went out, very glad Parthenia underſtood him: Yet he reſolved to appeaſe her at what rate ſoever, though it coſt him a hundred oathes that he did not love her, and that he ſpoke as he did onely to put her into a quarter of an houres impatience. However Sir, there was ſuch a Fatalitie in the beauty of Parthenia, as brought upon her a hundred miſeries, either by thoſe who loved her, or by thoſe who envyed her, or by Callicrates. There was alſo a man of very high account who loved her, but not long; and ſhe was ſo aſſaulted by all the Court, and all the World, that ſhe was not able to endure it; and ſo much the leſſe becauſe the Prince Philoxipes returning from War, Courted her in marriage, for a friend of his; ſo that to deliver her ſelf from ſo many importunities at once, ſhe returned to her ſolitude. She had no fancy to Salamis, but to the Country; and ſince I had [Page] a Siſter whoſe name was Amaxita, whom ſhe loved very tenderly, ſhe entreated her to goe with her unto her accuſtomed deſart, which ſhe willingly conſented unto. In the mean time, ſince Parthenia had ever a paſſionate Soul, ſhe was ſomething perplexed to ſee that ſhe could meet with none whom ſhe could love: Alſo the cuſtome of Cyprus requiring that all Ladies ſhould be loved, ſhe was ſomething vexed that all thoſe Ladies, who were her Enemies, becauſe ſhe was fair, ſhould Triumph in her abſence. But that which moſt vexed her, was a piece of knavery which Callicrates played her. I think Sir, I told you not that ſince their laſt conference which ended in ſilence, he never ſpoke in private with Parthenia, who alwaies tooke occaſions to prevent him, and who treated him ſo coldly, that if he had not found out a way to make this coldneſſe ſerve his Vanity; he would have dyed with ſorrow: But ſince this happened a little before the departure of Parthenia, he made every one believe, but did not ſay it directly, that this coldneſſe of hers to him was but diſſembled; and the more to confirm this beliefe after the Princeſſe of Salamis was gone, he writ unto her very often; yet writing nothing that could poſſibly diſpleaſe: Moreover he ſent her a hundred pretty knackes, and ſent them ſo handſomly, that it had been hard for her to refuſe ſuch diverſions as were but neceſſary in that ſolitude wherein ſhe lived: So that to make it laſt the longer, ſhe reſolved to anſwer. But though her letters were onely Jollities, and of things very indifferent, and written with deſign that he ſhould ſhew them; yet he did not ſhew one of them. So that every one knowing Parthenia writ unto him, and ſeeing that he made a myſterious ſecret of her letters; the Enemies of this Princeſſe endeavoured to make it thought that the Correſpondency which ſhe held with Callicrates was more then matters of wit onely. But the further to ſatisfie his vanity, he diſſembled an intended journey, and gave out ſuch unlikely pretences of it, as made every one full of Curioſity: And to make it more generall, he bad adieu to all the Court: After which, he departed without any with him, and in the Evening, ſaying that it was hot, and therefore beſt travelling in the night; Moreover, ſince he made no queſtion but ſome would have very obſervant eyes upon all his actions, as ſoon as he was out of the Town, he took the way which leads where the Princeſſe of Salamis was, and went within fifty furlongs of the houſe; they turning upon the left hand, he went to hide himſelf with a friend he had thereabouts, not telling the true cauſe; and there he ſtayed fifteen whole daies: After which, he returned to Paphos, where thoſe who watched him, had publiſhed that hee was gone to the Princeſſe of Salamis: So that when he returned to the Court, every one asked him why he would conceal the place where he had been: But the more to make it beleeved, he ſeemed to be in a mighty chafe againſt them that ſaid ſo: The buſineſſe made ſo great a noiſe all over, that I writ unto my Siſter, purpoſely that ſhe might let Parthenia know it, who made no queſtion, but that this was ſome knavery of Callicrates; So that this did more and more confirm her in her averſion which ſhe had to the World. In the mean time, Parthenia did ſo clearly make it known at Paphos that he was not with her, as none did doubt it; but yet they could not accuſe Callicrates of this impoſture, becauſe he alwaies ſaid he was not with the Princeſſe of Salamis. However Parthenia broke off all manner of commerce with him: But as if the Gods would have death Triumph over all thoſe whom the eyes of Parthenia had vanquiſhed, Callicrates, a little while after this impoſture, dyed, extreamly lamented by all thoſe that knew him, and even by thoſe alſo whom he had moſt cruelly deluded: for his excellency of wit, and other rare qualities, excuſed the malignant vanity of his Soul. The fair Parthenia amongſt the reſt lamented him: notwithſtanding all Cauſes of complaint which he had given her: Now was the time Sir, when the Prince Philoxipes, fell in love with Policrite: So that being buſie with his own Paſſion, he let the Princeſſe of Salamis live as ſhe pleaſed: Yet would he ſometime invite her to quit her Solitude; but this was not often: Yet ſince he was married, he began to importune Parthenia to return unto her friends, and not to paſſe away the reſt of her daies as ſhe did. But all his preſſures were in vain: For ſhe told him, that her reſolution was to ſubmit the conduct of her life unto the Gods: and in order to that ſhe had ſent unto Delphos to conſult with the Oracle, and to enquire what ſhe ſhould do to be happy, expecting the anſwer with much impatience; yet when it came, ſhe was not much ſatisfied with it: For the Oracle anſwered her in theſe words; That if ſhe would be happy, ſhe muſt marry a man who loved her without the helpes of her beantie: and that on the contrarie, if ſhe married any one of thoſe whom her eyes had Captivated, ſhe ſhould be the moſt unfortunate woman of her time. I leave you to imagine Sir how much this anſwer perplexed Parthenia, for to imagine that any one could love her and not ſee her, ſhe could not comprehend it poſſible: To think alſo one ſhould ſee her, and not think her fair, and in ſeeing her, ſeparate her ſpirit from her body, and adore the one, without [Page] loving the other, this was as far fetched a conceit as the other: So that ſhe concluded it to be the will of the Gods not to love any but that ſhe ſhould ſtill live in ſolitude: For, ſaid ſhe, ſince the Gods doe tell me, that if I marry any one of thoſe whom my eyes have captivated, I ſhall be the moſt unfortunate woman of my time: they doe tacitely tell me, I muſt never marry. But though you ſhould take this reſolution, (ſaid the Prince Philoxipes who loved her exceedingly) is it therefore neceſſary that you ſhould baniſh your ſelfe from all civill Society? Certainly I ſhould (ſaid ſhe unto him) for why ſhould I expoſe my ſelfe unto the aſſaults of any that will profeſſe ſervice, and perhaps perſwade me to ſlight the counſell of the Gods? For my part, replyed Philoxipes, I doe not thinke we underſtand this Oracle as it ought to be, for the Oracle of Delphos would never counſell you unto a thing ſo oppoſite unto the Laws of the Goddeſſe whom we adore, who would have us love and beloved: for my part, if I thought it, I ſhould adviſe you to ſupplicate this Goddeſſe, for a reſolution of this doubt which I thinke is well raiſed. The opinion of Philoxipes ſeemed ſo reaſonable unto Parthenia, that ſhe went her ſelfe into the Temple which is upon the fartheſt part of the Iſle towards the Eaſt, to conſult with the Oracle of Venus Vrania; The Princeſſe Policrite carryed her thither, and I had the honour to goe with her, and to be preſent, when ſhe asked, whether ſhe ought to underſtand the Oracle of Delphos as ſhe did? But Sir, ſhe was extreamely ſurpriſed, and ſo was all the company, when the Oracle anſwered her, That it was not more true that you were the greateſt Prince in the world, and that you ſhould be hereafter as happy as heretofore unfortunate, then it was true that this which the Oracle of Delphos ſaid ſhould come to paſſe. The Prince Phioxipes Sir, was beyond expreſſions joyed, to ſee that you were ſo highly in favour with the Gods, as that their Oracles ſhould Trumpet your prayſes over all the earth: and it may be truly ſaid, that never ſince the time of Licurgus, who heretofore received the like honour from Delphos, did the like happen till now. The Prince Philoxipes then was much comforted by it, for the ſlender ſatisfaction which the Princeſſe of Salamis received from this Oracle: for indeed ſhe could make no other conſtruction of that from Delphos, and this Oracle, but that the Gods would have her paſſe away her life, unſeen of any, and unloved, which is a kinde of ſhame and malediction in our Iſle. But Sir, that which the Prince Philoxipes moſt rejoyced at, was to ſee the Gods not only truly to commend you, but alſo to promiſe a period to your misfortunes, ſo that he no ſooner carried the Princeſſe of Salamis into her ſolitude, but he embarked one of his Servants to bring you this pleaſing newes: yet by misfortune the Veſſell in which that man imbarked ſuffered Shipwrack, and the man periſhed; the Prince Philoxipes not hearing any thing of it untill a long time after, ſo that he could no ſooner let you know the glorious teſtimony that the Gods did render unto your vertue, and I am confidently perſwaded that it was the pleaſure of the Gods, you ſhould not know this Oracle untill that which concerned the Princeſſe of Salamis was found to prove true; ſo that there might be more ground for your hopes and belief of what they ſaid concerning you. Give me leave to tell you Sir, that ſince this Princeſſe received the laſt anſwer from Venus Vraia, ſhe looked upon her Cell, as the place where ſhe was to live and dye, and took as much paines to hide her Beauty, as others did to ſhow theirs; The reading, the walking, and converſation of my Siſter who would never forſake her, were all her recreations: the Prince Philoxipes, Policrite, and Dorida, did ſometimes give her a viſit, but it was very rarely. Parthenia imployed her ſelfe ſometimes to make her Priſon more ple [...]nt, in cauſing the Chambers to be painted, and making Gardens: In the meane time, though ſhe ſtrove to Eclips her beauty, yet it did every day increaſe, her Cheeks had freſh Roſes grew in them, and the luſt [...] her eyes ſhined more glorious then ever: But the pretyeſt wonder was, that though Parthen [...]w no body, yet ſhe was nothing negligent in her dreſſe, but ſtill had as great a care of her beau [...] as if ſhe had a deſigne to conquer a thouſand hearts, as if ſhe had thought, that though it was forbidden her to love any, yet ſhe would imploy her inclination to love, and be beloved of her ſelfe: and certainly a more beautifull object could not be ſeen, ſince Parthenia was never ſo faire at Court, as I ſaw her in her ſolitude, where ſhe ſuffered me ſomtimes to come and viſit my ſiſter: yet for all that, on ſome certaine day's ſhe would be ſomthing out of tune, and ſo give over her ſelfe to Melancholy, that ſhe would fall out with her own Beauty: 'Tis true her humors angred none but her ſelfe, for ſhe would even then then vent a hundred excellent things to thoſe that could underſtand them. I remember one day when I was there, and found her in one of thoſe humors when ſhe was off the hookes in her conceit, and when I heard her wiſh ſhe were not of ſo high a quality, to the end ſhe might be more Miſtreſſe of her ſelfe and leſſe obſerved by others: and when I heard her wiſh her ſelfe of another [Page] ſex; however Madam ſaid I unto her, you cannot deſire to be more faire then you are. Ah, Megaſides, ſaid he unto me, how infinitely are you miſtaken? For I proteſt in the humour now that I am in, I had rather bee ſuch an one as Aeſop is deſcribed, who they ſay, was the moſt ill favoured man in the world, then to be the faireſt woman, eye ever ſaw. I confeſs Madam, ſaid Amaxita, that I cannot beleeve you, or be of your mind. Perhaps ſo (ſaid Parthenia, and ſmiled) but however, I cannot think beauty to be ſo great a jewel as it is imagined; at leaſt it is none of thoſe ſweets which have no mixture of bitterneſs with them. For my part, Madam, ſaid I unto her, I am not of your opinion: For I am perſwaded that beauty is one of the moſt excellent gifts of the Gods: Doe you not ſee what a ſoveraign influence it hath upon all hearts above any thing elſe? It charmeth Marble, and makes it mollible; it tames Tygers, and makes them affable, and ſubjects the moſt cruel, rebellious and ambitious ſpirits. 'Tis true, ſaid Parthenia, but it cannot keep thoſe who are inconſtant; and I have known ſome, but of common beauty, which have been more conſtantly loved then any others. Since the number of Inconſtants is leſs then thoſe I named (anſwered I) and ſince Inconſtancie hath its birth from the hearts of Lovers, and not from the eyes of their Miſtreſſes: It is not to be wondered that it ſhould be ſo. Yet, Madam, without all diſpute, of all the excellent gifts of Nature, Beauty is incomparably the greateſt. But not moſt durable (replyed ſhe) and therefore I cannot think a thing ſo fading, can deſerve the Epithite of good, ſince its ſweets are mingled with ſo many bitter Ingredients. I pray examine what pleaſure thoſe find who are owners of Beauty: In their Infancie they are not ſo much as ſenſible of it; in more ripe years they injure other beauties; or which is worſe, are injured: if they be of fair complexion, then they cannot endure the brown; or if they be brown, they cannot endure the fair; all, that's as fair as themſelves, diſpleaſeth and frets their hearts: Moreover, if a Lady look a little pale, or her eyes a little hollow, there needs no more to make all the Town ſay, Alaſs, how ſhe's changed! She was fair ſayes one; There goes a withered beauty ſayes another; and every one hath his cenſorious vote. But ſay they ſhould not ſay ſo, what's the reſult of the fineſt Beauty? It gets one many Lovers, whoſe love laſts no longer then it doth: It attracts at randome, both the wiſe and the fooliſh, the handſome and ugly; and vaniſheth often before youth, and infallibly when age comes. So that thoſe who love their Wives becauſe they are fair, will moſt certainly come to hate, and at leaſt ſlight them. I pray then judge whether Beauty be a thing ſo deſirable. Though all ſhould be true (replyed Amaxita) yet I had rather be fair, and run the hazard of being ſlighted when I am old, then not to bee faire, and be ſure to bee ſlighted when I am young: For truly if one be not fair, there is requiſite abundance of wit to ſupply that want: And ſince more men are able to judge of the beauty in a face, then they can of wit, or ſoul, the world will follow the fair, and let fine ſoules ſhift for themſelves. However it be, ſaid Parthenia, ſince I am perſwaded that the higheſt misfortune is to be once loved, and then not to be ſo; and ſince Beauties are more expoſed unto that danger then any others, I doe not recant of any thing I ſaid. Theſe, Sir, were the opinions of Parthenia, whilſt ſhee was in her melancholly moods; and this was the life ſhe lived when a Gallant of high eſteem, called Timantes came to Paphos, with an equipage proportionable to his quality, and high birth, and ſutable to the magnificence of his mind and riches, which were both as high as his Quality. This Timantes, Sir, was deſcended from King Minos, who raigned [...]ong in Crete: And though the Crown was not inveſted in his houſe, but the form of Government changed, yet the people did highly reſpect thoſe who were deſcended from their ancient Kings, inſomuch as they had the higheſt honours, and greateſt authority amongſt them. So that it may be ſaid, that though the Father of Timantes had not the name of a King, yet [...] [...]ad very near the authority, eſpecially in matters of War. 'Tis true, that ſince he did ſt [...] obſerve the Lawes of that famous King which before I named, and who was a pat [...]rn [...] the Legiſlators of Greece, hee did not deceive that truſt which the people repo [...] him, but did infinitely purchaſe their love; and no wonder; for I am confident, that [...] [...]oever is an obſerver of the Laws, will eaſily get love and obedience alſo. This, Sir, was the deſcent of Timantes, whoſe perſon was extreamly handſome, and whoſe wit was above ordinary capacities. The reaſon of his voyage had no matter of privacy in it, and being born in an Iſle which had a controverſie with ours in point of Reputation, he had a longing curioſity to ſee whether Cyprus was to be preferred before Crete, or Crete Cyprus: So that his travel being a voyage of pleaſure and curioſity onely, he arrived at Paphos, as I ſaid, with a moſt magnificent Train and Equipage. His Quality was no ſooner known, but the King did him all imaginable honours; and his merits were no ſooner diſcovered, but he was eſteemed beyond all expreſſions: So that in a few dayes Timantes was no ſtranger in our Court: The Queen Aretephile [Page] much honour'd him; the Prince Philoxipes had contracted a cloſe friendſhip with him; Policrite eſteemed him, and not a Lady in all the Court, but had a good word for him. As it is the cuſtom of all Courts to double their diverſions in favour of ſtrangers, the like was there for Timantes: But whether in company, or Balls, or Sports, or Walks, or publique Feaſts, Timantes was the onely man of ſpirit, wit, behaviour, and magnificence. So that no one was talked on in Paphos but him, his reputation rung as loud, and reached as far as where the Princeſſe Salamis kept her ſolitudes; and I think I was the firſt who deſcribed him unto her. Yet ſhe did all ſhe could to hinder me, ſaying, ſhe would not willingly know any more what paſſed in the world, ſince ſhe had quitted it: But notwithſtanding, preſently after, ſhe asked me, which of all the Ladies in the Court was it that moſt moved the heart of Timantes? Beleeve me, Madam, ſaid I unto her, hitherto his civility hath been ſo equall unto all, that it ſeemes he's not in love with any: For at a grand Feaſt, where there was uſed a kind of delightfull Combat, where thoſe which fought had their devices upon their Bucklers: Timantes repreſented upon his, a Phoenix with this Motto;

I ſtay untill the Sun doe burn me.

Certainly, ſaid Parthenia, this Stranger puts none of the Ladyes out of hope to conquer his heart, to the end none ſhould hate him as long as he ſtayes at Paphos. In the mean time, Megaſides, you would oblige me very much in acquainting me with theſe diverſions which I am ignorant of: And therefore when you viſit your Siſter hereafter, I pray you acquaint me with what the Court hath more then it had when I was there; what new diverſions, what freſh gallants, and what the old ones, who are paſt diverſions, ſay. This, Sir, Parthenia heard me ſpeak of Timantes the firſt time; but I was not the onely one who told her of him: For the Prince Philoxipes went to ſee her, and did the ſame; Policrite alſo, and Dorida writ unto her; ſo that ſhe had a moſt exact Idea of Timantes: Yet would ſhe never conſent that the Prince Philoxipes ſhould bring him thither, as he affected; this Prince telling her, that a Stranger would not interrupt her ſolitude: But ſhe did ſo earneſtly forbid him, that hee durſt not bring him; or, to ſay better, the Gods would not permit him, ſince they would have Timantes and Parthenia acquainted in another manner. But, Sir, before I tell you how it was, be pleaſed to know, that there was a fair houſe of Timocleas Fathers, about a dayes journey from Paphos, about half way unto the town or place where Parthenia lived; in this place there was a Labyrinth of Myrtle trees, whoſe hedges were ſo thick, and ſo high, that one ſhall be as much puzzled to get out of it, as out of the famous Labyrinth of Egypt, or that in Crete; but this was made with ſuch art, that thoſe who were in them of Egypt or Crete, yet could not finde out the iſſues of this: For as that of Crete was made by ingenious Dedalus, when Minos kept there the Minotaure, whoſe modell Dedalus borrowed from that of Egypt: So likewiſe that which is at Paphos was made by a man, who, having ſeen both the other, took ſomething out of the one, and ſomething out of the other, and contrived one of the moſt pleaſant diverſions in the world: The Architecture ſeemed in Myrtle as if it had been in Marble, conveighing from room to room, from cloſet to cloſet, and from gallery to gallery: In divers places there were erected Statues of Alabaſter, and Braſſe, which yet were no notions of the wayes in, or out, becauſe the very ſame were pla [...] in many places alike; there were alſo ſeverall ſeats of graſſe-cuſhions, whereupon to r [...]ſt the weary limbs of wanderers, or for thoſe that knew the paſſes to ſit & contemplate. The center of this Labyrinth, where [...]eſe wayes did meet, was a moſt pleaſant round, in the midſt of which was a moſt admira [...] [...]ource of water, which was conveighed over the hedges as high as they were. This; Sir, was the Lab [...]nth which Timantes had ſo much curioſity to ſee, & with more longing deſire, becauſe he [...] ſeen that in Crete, which was viſited from all parts of the World: He ſpoke often of going to it: and the Prince Philoxipes intended to make one, but falling ſick, his journey was ſtopped: So that Timantes turned his intentions into a hunting deſign, with ſome others of quality in Paphos: But as chance would have it, Timantes loſt his way, and wandered from the reſt of the company with a friend who travelled with him, whoſe name was Antimaques; So that not knowing were they were, they eſpied at their comming out of a Wood, a very ſtately houſe, ſtanding in the midſt of a great pleaſant Plain; They no ſooner ſaw it, but went thither, both out of curioſity, and to ask where they were, and which was their way to Paphos: Timantes going firſt, went ſtraight to the dore, and found it open: Then came into a great Baſe Court, where he ſaw no body: Yet he and Antimaques lighted from their horſes, and leaving them with a ſervant which followed them, they entred into a [Page] Garden of a prodigious bigneſſe, whoſe door alſo they found open: But as ſoon as Timantes had taken two turnes in the Garden, he ſaw a great Copps of Mirtle Hedges, ſo that he made no queſtion but chance had brought him thither, where he had ſuch a deſire to go, and that this was the Labyrinth he deſired to ſee; So that walking haſtily towards it with a longing deſire to ſatisfie his Curioſitie, and never thought of any guide: For ſince he was acquainted with the turnings and windings of that in Crete, he imagined, he ſhould hit of this alſo: He entered therefore with Antimaques into this Labyrinth, and as ſoon as he had paſſed through five or ſix of the Roomes or Cloſets, he found, that he was ignorant of the turnings, and that it differed from the other at Crete: But it was no longer conſidering, for he was already ſo far wandered, that the more he ſought to find the way out, the further he was carried in. Yet was he much delighted with this pleaſant Wilderneſſe: for ſince Antimaques and he were both in hunting habits, Antimaques had a horn about him: So that they feared not loſing themſelves, imagining they could make themſelves heard when they would: As they were thus talking together, and Antimaques jeaſting with Timantes at their wandering, and telling him they ſtood in need of Ariadnes thred to get out of this Labyrinth; and hinting unto him, that being of that Queens Race, it was more a ſhame for him then any other, to be thus entangled, upon a ſuddain, he heard a woman ſinging, and that moſt admirably: ſo that ſilently walking towards the place from whence the voice came, they found there was but one thick hedge between them and her that ſung: But it was ſo extraordinarily thick and high, that they could by no meanes poſſible ſee her they heard, nor get to her; For when they tryed, they found themſelves farther from her: So that not being able to withold commendations from one that ſung ſo well; And Timantes hoping thereby hee might perhaps get out of his wandering, he began to cry out, in a loud tone of admiration, as ſoone as ſhe had done ſinging; Ah Antimaques how happy is this wandering unto us, provided we meet not with the ſame deſtiny by Land, that Ulyſſes did by Sea, & that harmonious voice we hear be not onely a baite to draw us unto a farther loſs of our ſelves. But Sir, to make the reaſon of the fantaſticall encounter the more pleaſant unto you, be pleaſed to know, that ſhe who ſung, was the Princeſs of Salamis: who having planted ſuch a Labyrinth as this at her own houſe, onely the hedges not yet grown above two feet in height, ſhe knew all the turnings very wel: So that comming thither that day to conſult with my Siſter, whether ſhe ſhould place the Statues in hers as in this; She came into this Garden at a little back door, where her Coach waited for her. More over, ſince ſhe affected to be ſolitary, ſhe kept this voyage very ſecret, and therefore ſhe came in a poor Coach, without one man with her, and her chiefe reaſon why ſhe made ſuch a myſterious ſecret of it, was, becauſe this Garden belonged unto a man whoſe Son was deep in love with her; and therefore ſhe would not have it knowne who ſhe was, l [...]ſt they ſhould imagine ſhe deſired to recall him whom ſhe had baniſhed: And it was the eaſier to conceale, becauſe the Porter and the Houskeeper, who let her in, had been her Domeſtique Servants whilſt her Husband lived; ſo that they were more for her then for their Maſter, and therefore they took an eſpeciall care none ſhould know it? And in order to that, they went to the place where her Coach ſtood, leſt any ſhould enquire whoſe Coach it was: They left another Gardiner at the other door, with orders to let none enter, though it ſeemed they were ill obſerved; for Timantes it ſeemed found the door open, and entered, as I told you before: But Sir, he had no ſooner expreſſed himſelfe unto Antimaques (as I ſaid before) but Parthenia was much ſurpriſed to heare one ſo near her, and would remove from that place: But Antimaques anſwering Timantes, that he was ſo farre from fearing this ſweet voice would make them loſe themſelves, as he hoped ſhe would happily help them out of the Labyrinths, ſhe underſtood by this, that they had really loſt themſelves, and had no Guide, eſpecially; becauſe ſhe peceived by the accent of their voices, that they were ſtrangers: So that recollecting her ſelfe, and imagining that t [...] could never get unto the place where ſhe was, and knowing they knew her not, ſhe reſolved for diverſions ſake, to anſwer them that ſpake unto her: So that ſhe ſaid, the voice they heard would not charme them, ſince they cared not for the hearing it, but onely that they might by it get out of that Labyrinth in which they were entangled: Oh Madam, ſaid Timantes, I beſeech you miſtake me not; For I am ſo glad of my entanglement, that I wiſh not to come out: and am ſo far from ſeeking for the iſſues of this Labyrinth, that I ſeek onely how to get unto the place where you are, that I may know whether there be as much ſweetneſſe in your eyes as in in your voic: It ſeemes by your expreſſions, replyed Parthenia, that you have as much wit as Civility: but I know not whether I may chide you or no, for offering to engage your ſelf without a guide in a place where you cannot get out without one. Whilſt Parthenia [Page] was talking to Timantes, Amaxita, and Antimaques, did both of them, what they could, on their ſides of the hedge, to open the boughes of Mirtle: but they were ſo extraordinary thick and entertwined, that Amaxita labored long in vain: Yet at laſt ſhe found a place by the beames of the Sun, which pierced through the thick of the hedge, ſo that though the place was very narrow, yet ſhe ſpied Timantes talking to Parthenia, but ſaw not Antimaques, who was as buſie as ſhe ſome four paces off, but could ſee none of them: Amaxita no ſooner ſaw Timantes, but ſhe made a ſigne unto Parthenia, who imagining that ſince they might ſee on that ſide of the hedge, as well as ſhe on this, pulled down her hood, and cauſed all her women to do the like. Yet ſhe removed a little to look upon the man whom Amaxita ſpied, and whom ſhe eaſily perceived to be a man of ſome great quality, not onely by the richneſſe of his Clothes, but alſo by the Garbe, and Aire of Timantes; Parthenia ſtayed not long there; for ſhe no ſooner ſaw him, but ſhe made no queſtion but that he was the ſtranger of whom they reported ſuch wonders: Inſomuch as without any reaſon, ſhe perceived in her ſelfe a ſtrange agitation of that, for which ſhe could find no cauſe, but onely the odneſſe of the adventure: But at laſt Antimaques found out a place where he might ſee Parthenia. 'Tis true, ſee her but with her hood pulled down, no more then he could Timantes who ſaw her ſo alſo: So that all this while, every one was in a huſht ſilence:: For Timantes not knowing that the Lady whom he looked upon, deſired not to be ſeen; hoped ſtill ſhe would lift up her hood as he earneſtly deſired: His curioſity wasthe more zealous, becauſe he ſaw a Lady of a very handſome ſtature and Symmetry, and had the whiteſt hands in the World, for Parthenia pulled Amaxita by the Gown to whiſper unto her, that ſhe thought this to be the man ſo much extolled by every one: So that by this meanes, Timantes might judge of her beauty by her voice, by her ſtature, by her armes, and by her hands. As for her dreſſe, nothing could be concluded from it: For that day, ſhe wore ſuch a dreſſe as ladies of higheſt qualitie ſometimes uſe, and which thoſe of a more inferiour Ranke uſe alſo, ſo that nothing could be drawn from it! Nor had he time to obſerve how her women kept that reſpective diſtances, for the hole through which he looked was ſo little, that hee could ſee but one at once, and Parthenia removing from that place ſome two paces, he could ſee her no more, do all he could: I beſeech you Madam, ſaid he unto her, though you will not give me leave to ſee you, yet for Heavens ſake let me hear you; and be not ſo inhumane as to let an unfortunate ſtranger wander, and wander for the love of you: For truly Madam, had not your ſweet alluring voice becharmed my eare, I am confident I had found the way out of this myſterious Labyrinth: And though I am deceived in this, yet to let you know that I have ſeen others which I could have better underſtood: Let me tell you, that I am a Cretan, and I beſeech you, let me not find the Cyprian Ladies leſſe pittifull then they there: For doubtleſſe you know how Ariadne helped Theſeus out of the Labyrinth there: And be not ſo cruell I beſeech you, as to leave him wandering here, who has the honour to participate of that illuſtrious and charitable Ladies blood: but help Timantes out of this place as Ariadne did Theſeus out of that: For I muſt needs have the ſame paſſion to you, that ſhee had unto him, if you do the like for me. Since you are ſuch an abſolute Maſter of your paſſions (replyed Parthenia, very glad to ſee ſhe was not deceived) that you can love, when and whom you pleaſe: It is to be likewiſe feared, that you can alſo hate when and whom you pleaſe: and that if I ſhould do for you as Ariadne did for Theſeus, you would not do for me as Theſeus did for Ariadne: Therefore Sir, I have no diſpoſition to free you from your Labyrinth upon that condition which you propoſe, for on the contrary, you could tell me nothing which would ſooner withhold me: Alſo ſince now I know your qualitie, I cannot find in my heart to ſee you, becauſe I am much aſhamed that I have rendred you no more reſpect: But Madam (replyed he, and ſmiled) would it not be uncivill, if you ſhould not permit me the ſight of you, but to leave me wandering in a place, out of which I cannot get without your help? and do you not fear I ſhould complain againſt you? Could you know Sir who I am, replied ſhe, doubtleſſe I ſhould fear it, and ſhould not do ſo: However Madam, I beſeech you tell me why you uſe me thus? The reaſon is (replyed ſhe, and laughed) becauſe having never captivated any by my own charmes, I ſhould be glad to take hold of this opportunity, and at leaſt to make one Priſoner. If there want nothing but that, to give you ſatisfaction (anſwered Timantes) I promiſe you to be your Captive, and Priſoner both: I conſent not to follow you out, but to remain in this Labyrinth; therefore I beſeech you, deny me not the happineſſe of ſeeing you, but inſtruct me which way I ſhould come unto the place where you are; ſince I ſhall be nothing but a peece of incivilitie towards you, replyed ſhe, I cannot allow my ſelf to let you ſee me: but muſt be guilty of this cruelty wherewith you charge me: The cruelty of fair ones, will abſolutely be forgotten, (replyed he) if they will but once ſhew [Page] themſelves, how can I give credit unto your words (replyed ſhe and laughed ſtill) ſince you rank me in the number of faire ones before you ſee mee. I know already (replyed he) that you have a moſt Angell-like voice, not only in ſinging but in ſpeaking: moreover I know that you are of a moſt admirable ſtature & garb, & that you have the whiteſt hands upon earth: ſo that if your eyes be anſwerable, and as far as I imagine them, you muſt needs be the faireſt upon earth: Since you imagine them ſo faire, replyed Parthenia, I will keep you ſtill in that imagination, and not ſhow them unto you; yet that you ſhall not ſay I am altogether inhuman, I promiſe to ſend you one that ſhall help you out of that Labyrinth, aſſoon as I am gone. Timantes perceiving Parthenia prepared to be gone. I beſeech you Madam ſaid he unto her, let me at the leaſt know your name as I have told you mine: I had rather let you have a ſight of me (anſwered ſhe) then tell you my name, but I pray you give me leave to conceale both. After this, Parthenia went away, and Timantes heard no other noiſe but what ſhe and her women made as they departed, who never feared being followed; yet they went very faſt, and took Coach in all haſt, commanding the Porter to goe and help thoſe ſtrangers out who were wandring in the Labyrinth, but not untill a full hower after ſhe was gone, commanding him alſo not to tell who ſhe was, but to ſay they were ſome Ladies of Paphos unknown to him. After this, Parthenia went away, and the porter in obedience to his former Miſtreſſe, ſtayed an houre, before he went to releaſe the ſtrangers ſhe ſpoke of. In the meane time Timantes and Antimaques were as buſie as could be to follow her, but they were ſo far from getting out as they came into the middle of it, that is to ſay, in the round place where they reſolved to ſtay and expect the performance of her promiſe. But as every minute ſeemed an age unto any that are in expectation of any thing, Timantes began to expreſſe his ſorrowes unto Antimaques that he could not ſee the face of her who ſung, and his extreame deſire to know her name; yet his impatiency was not ſo earneſt to be out of the Labyrinth, as that he might endeavour to learn who this unknown one was, whoſe voice, ſtature, hands, and witt, did ſo pleaſingly ſurpriſe him, & ſweetly charme him: ſo that Antimaques, thinking the ſound of his Horne would the ſooner cauſe ſome unto their releaſe, began to winde it as loud as he could, but all in vaine, for the Porter who walked in the Garden till the hower after Parthenia's departure; hindred the Gardner from going to them alſo: but when the hower was over, he went and releaſed them: aſſoon as he ſaw them, according to Parthenia's order, he told Timantes, that a Lady unknowne unto him ſent him to releaſe them, and asked pardon for coming no ſooner, becauſe he mett with a man with whom he had ſome buſineſſe of importance. Ah my friend (anſwered Timantes) you tell me not truly, for it is impoſſible you ſhould not know one who is ſo well acquainted with every turne of this myſterious Labyrinth. Sir, (ſaid the Porter with a ſeeming ingenuity) ſince I have not been long a Porter unto this houſe, it is no wouder I ſhould not know this Lady; for I aſſure you my Maſter hath a Daughter I know not yet: Timantes did not yet beleeve him, but preſſed him to tell him who ſhe was; but all in vaine: then did he promiſe him a very conſiderable reward, if he would but ſatisfie his longing curioſity, but ſince promiſes are not ſo prevalent with ſuch men, as preſent gifts, and ſince Timantes had nothing about him to give, he kept himſelfe faithfull unto Parthenia. When Timantes ſaw he could not win him to reveale, and indeed beleeved he was ignorant who ſhe was; however tell me ſaid he unto him, which way ſhe went: Sir (ſaid the man moſt ſubtilly) I ſhall eaſily doe that; and then he ſhewed him the high way to Paphos, aſſuring him confidently that her Coach went that way, though it were quite contrary, and he told it with more confidence, becauſe the way was much beaten, and Coach-Wheeles might be ſeen lately gone that way, ſo that Timantes giving credit unto his words, took Horſe with Antimaques, and without any thoughts of Hunting, went in haſt and hopes to overtake the Coach: yet he asked the Servant whom he left with the Horſes, whether he ſaw any thing, but though he anſwered, yet did not this undeceive him, ſo that he went as farre as Paphos in hopes to overtake it: and ſo it chanced, that asking ſome men upon the way whether they mett a Coach, they anſwered that they mett two: ſo that Timantes not queſtioning but ſhe in whom he was in queſt of was one, he went on: but when he came at Paphos, and told every one he ſpoke with, that the Lady he met with at the Labyrinth came thither, none ever looked towards the Princeſſe of Salamis, nor could they beleeve ſhe would ever leave her deſart, and come unto that place for the reaſon aforeſaid, and therefore none ever thought upon her: but to conſider who there was in Paphos who did ſo well ſing, but ſince the number of them was great this afforded no light, the Prince Philoxipes never thought upon the Princeſſe his Siſter, but on the contrary imagined her whom Timantes heard to be a woman of inferiour ranke, who had a good voice but was very ugly, and for that reaſon would not ſhow her ſelfe, and indeed every one was of that opinion, and chid Timantes for his curioſity: But he for his further ſatisfaction [Page] would ſee this ugly woman, and heare her ſing; but when he ſaw and heard this woman, he was confident ſhe was not the ſame: but his imagination was filled with ſo much curioſity, that Timantes began to ſuſpect it was Parthenia which he heard. In the meane time, he would not declare his thoughts unto any but one woman, who was his friend, and this woman beingone of thoſe whom Parthenia had heretofore robbed of her adorer, ſhe hated her; he had no ſooner asked her whether this woman whom he mett with might not be the Princeſſe of Salamis, whoſe Beauty, Witt, and Voice, he had heard ſo much extolled; But ſhe cryed out, and anſwered with as much envio [...]s haſt as any Rivall could, that if ſhe whom he met was of a good ſtature, white hands, and ſweet voice as he deſcribed, it could not be Parthenia. For ſaid ſhe, however ſhe be cryed up by the world, yet ſhe is tall but not handſome, her hands are white, but not well made, and her Voice is ſhrill, but not pleaſant. You may imagine Sir, after this, that all the ſuſpitions of Timantes dyed, for he knew that he whom he ſaw was of an admirable proportion and height, her hands the whiteſt and beſt made in the World, and her voice the moſt ſweet and pleaſing: ſo that this pleaſing Idea ſwelling his imagination more and more, and augmenting his curioſity, he continued his queſt after this amiable unknowne one, he went unto the Temples, to the Walks, and all Viſits, with an intended deſigne to ſeek her out in all places: but all his labour was loſt, and he ſtill continued in the ſame unquiet curioſity. In the meane while Parthenia being returned from the Labyrinth to her ſolitude, began to talk with Amaxita of their encounter, extreamly commending the handſome garb of Timantes, and the gallantry of his witt. Madam, (ſaid Amaxita unto her) if Timantes prove the man whom the Gods have reſerved for you, our journey was very happy, and I am confident your voice and witt did charme him more then you imagine, for he ſpoke in ſuch an obliging Emphaſis, as certainly expreſſed more then common civility. Alas Amaxita (anſwered Parthenia and laughed) doe you thinke I could wound Timantes through ſo thick a hedge? I know they ſay Love has wings, but I cannot thinke he can fly ſo high as over it: therefore never imagine that Timantes has any thoughts of me: his curioſity happily laſted a quarter of an hour, or ſo, and after that, dyed, and there's an end: and I pray let us doe the like, and never trouble our ſelves, with chimericall Fancies in the Aire, which have neither beginning nor ending: For truly Timantes will never love me unſeen, and if he ſhould ſee me, and chance to be captivated by that poore pittance of Beauty which I have, I durſt never truſt him; not only becauſe of that cruell experience I have had, that love founded upon Beauty will never laſt, but alſo becauſe the Gods have fortold me, that I ſhall never be happy if I marry one whom my eyes have captivated. Theſe, Sir, were the thoughts which Parthenia had of Timantes, whoſe perſon and wit did much pleaſe her: yet had he eaſily ſlipt out of her memory, unleſſe the Prince Philoxipes had viſited her, who revived him in her fancy; and thus it came to paſſe. After that Prince had been a long while in converſation with her, ſhee asked him whether he would give her leave to ſhew him the alterations ſhe had made in her Garden: And Philoxipes deſiring the ſame, P arthenia carried him into all the places which ſhe had tricked up ſince he ſaw her; for he had an admirable fancy and judgement in ſuch things, his ſtately houſe of Clara having learned him knowledge in ſuch things. After a long diſcourſe of Fountains, Walks, Statues, and Flowers, Philoxipes caſting his eye upon the Labyrinth which I told you before ſhee had made, and whoſe hedges were not yet grown up; Your Labyrinth, ſaid he unto her, will be a long time in growing up before they will be fit for ſuch an adventure as the Stranger had of whom I ſpake the laſt time I ſaw you; for theſe hedges are yet very low. Parthenia, hearing Philoxipes ſay ſo, changed colour: 'Tis true he did not take notice of it, becauſe his head was turned towards the Labyrinth: So that Parthenia recollecting her ſelfe, asked Philoxipes what that adventure was, which ſhee knew of better then he did? And he related from the beginning to the ending all the ſtory, aggravating the applauſes and commendations which Timantes gave the unknown Lady, purpoſely to make his relation ſeem more pleaſant: For after he had told Parthenia, how Timantes had extolled her hee knew not, and he thought him in love with her, hee added his further conceit, that he thought ſhe whom he ſo exceſſively commended, was a woman of low Quality, and ugly; then hee named that woman unto Parthenia whereof he ſpoke before, and with whom he had ſo upbraided Timantes. Me-thinks he may be ſoon ſatisfied, whether or no it be ſhe (ſaid the Princeſſe, and laughed) for he need only ſee and hear this woman. He hath done ſo already (replyed he) but he is certain that it was not ſhe, and is angry when any names her unto him, moſt confidently affirming, that ſhe whom he ſaw is the handſomeſt woman in the world, and ſeeks out for her in all places. You may imagine, Sir, how much delight the [Page] Princeſſe of Salamis took in hearing a relation of an adventure which concerned her ſelf, unknown to the Prince Philoxipes; yet this was not her greateſt delight; for her certainty that ſhe made ſome impreſſion upon the mind of Timantes, or at leaſt his memory gave her ſo high a ſatisfaction, that how joyed ſoever ſhe was in the company of Philoxipes whom ſhe tenderly loved, yet ſhe was impatient till he was gone, that ſhe might the ſooner tell Amaxita all he had related. She offered a hundred times to diſcover unto the Prince the truth of the adventure, but ſome ſecret ſuggeſtion of her thoughts did hinder her: However ſhe asked Philoxipes a hundred queſtions concerning Timantes, which induced him to tell her, he would bring him to her; but ſhe forbade him more violently then ever; telling him, the more compleat Timantes was, the leſſe deſire ſhe had to ſee him: For truly, ſaid ſhe, when one is reſolved upon a courſe of ſolitude, to bring any pleaſant company which is not to ſtay there, doth but redouble ſorrows, and leaves one in a more deep and ſerious melancholy and miſery: And truly, whenſoever you doe me the honour to ſee me, 'tis two dayes at leaſt after, before I can take any delight either in Fountains or Gardens. You could not in a more civill manner tell me (replyed Philoxipes) that I ſhould not come ſo oft to ſee you; and indeed I am partly acquainted with your humour, which is not to affect ſuch pleaſures as are ſeconded by ſorrows, and that's your chiefe reaſon why you would not bee loved, leſt you ſhould run the hazard of not being ſo after. 'Tis very true, replyed ſhe, I place that unhappineſs in the higheſt rank of misfortunes; and as I think there cannot be a greater: But you ſee (ſaid Philoxipes unto her) that all thoſe who love do not prove Inconſtants, as the Prince of Salamis was, and as many others who loved you did. And to ſhew you one example, I doe proteſt unto you, that the enjoyment of my dear Policrite, does not at all leſſen my love: I am as much charmed as I was before I married her; and if handſomneſſe would permit it, I would caſt my ſelf as ſubmiſſively at her feet now as ever: For my heart is not at all altered, and I am more troubled to hinder my ſelf from expreſſions of my paſſion, then to continue my zealous affections to her. Policrite is ſtill admirably fair, replyed Parthenia, that your Conſtancy hath not yet been put to any difficult teſt: For I confeſſe there are a ſort of men, not like thoſe, who fall off from loving, before the beauty doth which firſt moved them, and whoſe paſſion does laſt as it doth. Fie, Siſter, ſaid Philoxipes, wrong me not ſo much as to think, that though Policrite were not fair, I ſhould not love her as much as ever; but beleeve me that her beauty is not the onely cauſe of my Conſtancy; her ſoul, and her mind has a million of reall beauties beyond it, which time and age can never ruin, and which I ſhall dote upon eternally. I need no confirmations of my opinion, ſaid Parthenia, that it is not beauty which cauſeth conſtant and faithfull love. Philoxipes would then have ſaid more, but it was late; and therefore he concluded with Parthenia, that as the abſence of the Sun cauſeth darkneſſe; ſo the loſſe of beauty cauſeth lukewarmneſſe and inconſtancy in thoſe who love onely for it. After this he returned to the Court, and left Parthenia at liberty to talk with Amaxita, unto whom ſhe related all that the Prince had ſaid concerning Timantes, taking great delight in talking with her; wiſhing ſometimes that Timantes knew it was ſhe, and ſometimes again checking her ſelf for wiſhing. Since Amaxita would have been glad to have Parthenia leſſe ſolitary, ſhe uſed all her arguments to perſwade her, that Philoxipes might bring Timantes to her; but ſhe could not be moved unto it, ſtill proteſting, that her beauty ſhould never be the cauſe of her misfortune, and that both reaſon, experience, and the authority of the gods obliged her not to change her opinion. After this, Sir, Parthenia would ſometimes unawares talk of Timantes, and then ceaſe for many daies together; ſo that perhaps ſhe would have quite forgot him, but for another adventure which I ſhall acquaint you withall. It was now at that time of the year when the Adonian Feaſt was celebrated in the Town of Amathonte, which is ſo famous for the magnificent Temple there, and the ceremony there celebrated. I know, Sir, you will be a little ſurpriſed to hear talk of this Feaſt in a place where Venus Urania had not more Altars then hath Venus Anadiomena. But be pleaſed to know, that when that famous Queen, of whom ye have heard reports, did re-eſtabliſh the Temples of that great goddeſſe, ſhee was forced to tolerate ſome cuſtoms which were not quite repugnant unto good manners: For as the herd of people doe oftentimes love the Ceremonies of Religion, better then the Religion it ſelf, ſhe thought it not expedient to incenſe thoſe who were apt to murmur at an univerſall change: So that ſhe was in ſome ſort forced to tolerate the Feaſt of the Adonians for the ſatisfaction of the people in Amathonte: So that ſince that time this Feaſt is ſtill kept, and become ſo famous, that they reſort from all parts of the Iſle unto it. Parthenia knowing the day when it was to be obſerved, reſolved to go thither, and more for the ſatisfaction of Amaxita's deſires, then to content her own curioſity: And ſo ſhe deſigned for Amathonte, but to goe [Page] unknown, leſt it ſhould be laid in her diſh, ſhe ſhould quit her ſolitude, to ſee ſuch a Feaſt as that. Since ſhe was acquainted with one in Amathonte whom ſhe could abſolutely command, becauſe ſhe was brought up with the Princeſſe her mother, ſhe lodged at her houſe: And ſince ſhe was wel in years, & had neither husband nor children, nor any great Family, ſhe did ſo well conceal her ſelf there, that none ever ſuſpected ſhe was at Amathonte: For coming in the night, & in no magnificent Coach, & having none with her but my Siſter, & two women to wait upon her, it was no difficulty to be unperceived in that Town, eſpecially at a time when ſo many ſtrangers were there: But, Sir, give me leave to tel you, that this Feaſt of the Adonians is a Feaſt of Tears at the beginning, & of Joy at the end, as you ſhall ere long know. In the firſt place, it was the very eſſential part of the Ceremony in mourning for the death of Adonis, to forbid all Ladies that day to enter into the Temple with their masks off, or hoods up, it being not permitted thoſe that come to lament over the Tomb of Adonis to have their faces uncovered as long as the Ceremony laſted: For ſince all the Ladies could not cry, they ſaid it was better they ſhould come vailed, then that Joy ſhould be ſeen in their eyes at a Feaſt of Tears. The firſt thing that is to be ſeen in the Temple that day, which is full of Lamps, and no other Light, is a great Coffin of Gold covered with Roſes, Mirtle, and Cypreſſe, lifted upon four ſteps covered with black Tapeſtry, full of enflamed hearts, and drops of tears in ſilver: Theſe foure ſteps ſtand upon four great Pillars of black and white Marble, twenty paces in diameter; about which ſtand all thoſe that are ſpectators of the Ceremony: Theſe Pillars being half covered with the richeſt Sydonian Tapeſtry; Cloſe about the Coffin kneel fifty of the faireſt Virgins in the Town, dreſſed like Nymphs; but Nymphs in mourning, and all in deſpair, that is, with looſe Robes of black Tiffeny, with a mixture of ſilver their hair diſhevelled upon their ſhoulders, yet not in a negligent manner, teſtifying by diſſembled tears, or at leaſt deep-fetched ſighs, their extream ſorrow of ſoul. About this Square, on which the Coffin lies, is hanged all the Equipage of a Hunter, but a Hunter moſt magnificent, that is, with a Bow of Ebony garniſhed with Gold, with a Quiver of the ſame; a Horn of Ivory, adorned with Jewels; a Hunters ſtaffe headed with Rubies and Emeralds. Then two of thoſe mourning Beauties, which were about the Coffin, began to recite in verſe the Praiſes of Adonis in form of a Dialogue; and when their Panegeric was ended, twelve others began to ſing other Verſes, condoling his death, and to ſay truly, the Song was ſad, and ſo full of grieving expreſſions, enough to melt any heart. But before I end the relation of this Ceremony, I muſt needs tell you, Sir, how the gods having determined that Timantes ſhould love Parthenia, prompted him to come unto this Feaſt, and ſo he did; and was not only there; but had placed himſelf between Parthenia and Amaxita, who according to the cuſto [...] of this place had their hoods pulled down, and therefore the beauty of Parthenia could not attract his lookes more then any other of the Ladies who were all hooded, except thoſe who were about the Coffin: But ſince Parthenia and Amaxita ſpied him, they made a ſign unto each other as ſoon as he came in, ſignifying thereby their meanings. Parthenia confeſſed afterwards unto me, that ſhe no ſooner ſaw Timantes, but her heart did beat, and ſhe thought of changing places; but thinking afterwards that perhaps it might more attract obſervance, ſhee ſtayed where ſhe was. As for Timantes, ſince hee ſaw no Ladyes unvailed but thoſe about the Coffin, and knew not that ſhee hee ſo ſought after was ſo near him, he regarded the Ceremony with cloſe attention, untill after the twelve had ſung their Song of ſorrow. One amongſt them turned towards all the Ladies of the Aſſembly, and conjured them in the name of Venus to conjoyn their complaints with theirs, and ſing with her ſix verſes which ſhe would immediately recite unto them, to the end that which they made for the death of Adonis might bee a publique mourning; and ſhe no ſooner began to ſing theſe ſix verſes (which all the Cyprian Ladies knew) but all within the Temple began to ſing after her; ſo that Parthenia ſinging as the reſt, not thinking that in ſuch a crowd of voices Timantes could diſtinguiſh hers: But however, Sir, ſhee no ſooner began to ſing, but amongſt this great abundance of ſeverall voices, which made the Temple eccho, he diſtinguiſht hers from them all, and knew it; and the voice no ſooner ſtruck his ears, but his heart, and let him know he had found her he long had lookt for. So that without any further regard unto the ceremony, he turned towards her, to ſee whether he could find the ſame conformity in her ſtature as in her voice; and as ſhe feared, leſt her hood ſhould not be enough down, ſhe cunningly, puld it down with her fair hand: So that Timantes ſeeing the ſame ſtature, the ſame hand, and hearing the ſame voice which he heard before, did not queſtion but ſhe was the ſame he met with before. Yet he would not ſpeak unto her untill ſhe had done ſinging; Meane while hee endeavoured to diſcover through her Vaile, whether her face was as fair as all he knew, but his endeavours were in vain: For the [Page] Temple having no light but that of Lampes, he was uncertain whether Parthenia's Vaile was thicker then others; for ſince her intention was to conceal her ſelf, ſhe wore one of thoſe which our Ladies uſe to wear when they travell, to keep them from the Sun. Timantes could therefore ſee no more, then what he ſaid before: Yet it did not much trouble him, for his hope was, that after the Ceremony was ended, he ſhould ſatisfie his curioſity. So that Parthenia had no ſooner done ſinging with the reſt, but Timantes bowing and ſpeaking unto her in a low voice; I need not ask Madam, ſaid he unto her, what is become of my curioſity to ſee this ceremonie, for certain it is your ſelfe, who drew me hither, without my knowledge. Sir anſwered Parthenia, if I did draw you hither without your knowledge, pray adde this, that it was without my knowledge: For ſince I have neither the honour to be known unto you, nor to know you, certainly we met without deſign: But ſince Sir, the end of the ceremony will quickly ſeparate us, and ſince you came to ſee it, not talke with me, I beſeech you obſerve the end with as much attention as you did the beginning: Ah Madam, (ſaid he unto her) I cannot do as you bid me: And to ſhew you, that I ought not, be pleaſed to know, that I am the ſame Timantes, who had the honour to meet you in the Labyrinth, and who ſince that have ſought you in all places. You need not tell me who you are (replyed ſhe ſubtlely, and purpoſely to amuſe him) for I have ſeen you in other places then here or there: Timantes was ſo ſurpriſed at this anſwer of Parthenia's, that he knew not what to ſay, for he knew not that ſhe ſaw him through the hedge, but imagining that ſhe had ſeen him at Paphos. However, he knew none that did ſing like her, nor who ſpoke as ſhe did; ſo that hearing her ſay ſo, he knew not what to think or ſay: Alſo ſhe impoſed ſilence, during all the reſt of the ceremony, not, ſaid ſhe, I have any ſuch great devotion unto this Feaſt, as I ſhould if it were unto Venus Urania; but becauſe it is not juſt, ſince you came from Paphos hither, and ſince I am here not to obſerve it, and be able to tell you what we have ſeen. For your part Madam, ſaid he unto her, you may do what you pleaſe; but for my part, I am reſolved to look upon nothing but your ſelf: For I am ſo afraid to loſe you again, that I am reſolved not to be put to the cruell neceſſity of being ſeparated from you the ſecond time, before I ſee you. Parthenia hearing Timantes ſay ſo, and having no mind to expreſſe her ſelf, that he ſhould not ſee her, or know who ſhe was, leſt ſhe ſhould augment his curioſity, gave him no anſwer, but impoſed ſilence, and obſerved the reſt of the ceremony. Her example was nothing to Timantes, who could ſee nothing they did, ſince he had Parthenia to look upon. In the meane while, the ceremony continued ſtill: a conſort of hunting inſtruments was heard: another of Shepheards Muſick, and another of Lutes: after which, they put moſt rare Odors in the perfuming pannes which made a little cloud, and by an engine which inviſibly moved the Coffin of gold vanquiſhed in the blood, as well as the Tapeſtry of ſable full of enflamed hearts, and teares of Silver: and in Lieu of ſo ſad an object, was ſeen a little Garden ſet with Roſe tre [...]s, and Mirtles in huge magnificent baſins ſtanding upon the ſquare, where the Coffin did lie in the midſt, of which did grow above all the reſt of the flowers, that ſweet flower, into which 'tis ſaid, the Gods at the requeſt of Venus, did metamorphoſe Adonis. So that thoſe ſweet Odors diſſipating by degrees, the ceremony began to look with another face, and the ſame women which before ſung ſonges of ſorrow, throwing away all their Mantles of mourning, appeared in rich and magnificent dreſſes, and ſung ſome verſes which declared the immortality of Adonis unto all the Aſſembly: So that the ceremony ended in joy, and a ſacrifice of thankes: But Sir, ſince the cuſtome is, that as ſoon as this little Garden appeares, all the Ladies muſt unmask themſelves; Parthenia who was not ignorant of it, though ſhe had never ſeen the Feaſt, made a ſigne unto Amaxita to retire; and indeed, when the perfuming Pannes ſent forth ſuch clouds of ſweet ſmokie Odors as did both darken the Temple, & almoſt ſtifle the Ladies; Parthenia ſeeming not able to endure it, changed places with Amaxita and her two women, and retired with varietie of thoughts, for ſhe feared Timantes would know and follow her: yet ſhe was very glad, that he did not perceive her when ſhe changed places; yet quickly he found her, and changed place as well as ſhe, and followed her under one of the Arches of the Temple, where ſhe was ſet with Amaxita, intending to goe out amongſt the croude when the ceremony was ended, not daring to go out ſooner, leaſt Timantes ſhould follow unto the place where ſhee lodged. In the meane time, as ſhe was ſitting, and cauſing my Siſter to ſit with her without any ceremony, (the better to diſguiſe the matter) Timantes came and kneeled down before her, asking pardon for that liberty which he tooke, and beſeeching her not to be as rigorous unto him, as ſhe was in the Labyrinth, for Madam (ſaid he unto her) though I doe infinitely honour your ſex in generall, and you above all in particular, I am reſolved this day to faile in that duty which I owe you, by importuning you to doe me the honour to lift up that envious vaile which [Page] covers your faire face, and hinders the beames of your beauty from ſhining upon me, or elſe to tell me in what place and time my eyes may have a ſight of her whom my heart already honours. Since Nature hath not beſtowed upon me, replyed Parthenia, any ſuch beauty as your imagination gives me, I will not my ſelfe put you out of that pleaſing Idea, which you have formed of me in your Fancie, but which does not at all reſemble me: for truely when you ſee me, and ſee me ſo infinitely below what you thinke I am, I ſhall then perhaps in lieu of chaſing curioſity out of your minde, put averſion into your heart. Ah Madam, ſaid he, though your eyes ſhould not be ſuitable to your ſtature and proportion, nor to your voice, nor to your hands, nor your witt, yet I ſhould infinitely honour you. Yet Beauty does not conſiſt in any thing you know of me, replyed ſhe, for the moſt exact and handſome ſtature in the world, the faireſt hands, the ſweeteſt voice, and the fineſt witt, may notwithſtanding all theſe be the uglieſt woman in a land; if her complexion be thick and muddy, the ſymmetry of her face disproportionable, and her phyſiognomy ſavage or dull. Ah Madam, anſwered Timantes, all theſe you name makes me beleeve you are ſuch an one as my imagination Fancies: for truely if you were not ſo faire as I thinke you are, you could never make ſuch a handſome deſcription of uglineſſe, and I am confident, that to make up your owne picture, there needs no more but the juſt contraries to what you have ſaid: Therefore Madam I beſeech you in the name of that Goddeſſe which is here adored, let me at leaſt know who you are, for I am reſolutely determined to follow you untill I know. Parthenia perceiving Timantes to ſpeak as a man fully reſolved to ſee her, and to know who ſhe was, was exceedingly perplexed, ſhe knew well enough, that if ſhe ſhould lift up her hood, he could not know her; but ſhe thought alſo, that the ſight would more augment his curioſity then diminiſh it, and that he would then follow her as earneſtly as before, ſhe durſt not truſt unto his diſcretion, and ſhew her face or tell her name, becauſe ſhe was not ſo well acquainted with him, as to thinke he would be faithfull, nor would ſhe in the minde ſhe then was in, ſuffer her beauty to make a conqueſt of him; and though ſhe did already very much eſteem him, both by all reports, and by her owne knowledge, yet ſhe would not let him ſee her face, nor put her ſelfe upon ſuch tearmes as ſhould oblige her to ſhun him: But ſhe knew not very well what advantage ſhe could draw unto her ſelfe by not letting him ſee her and know who ſhe was; yet for all that, ſince the Gods had let her know ſhe ſhould never be happy by procuring love unto her ſelfe, by any allurements of her Beauty, ſhe could not reſolve upon it, but concluded it to be her duty to ſubmit unto the opinion of the Oracles, both of Delphos, and of Venus Vrania. Thus was ſhe fully reſolved not to ſhew her ſelfe, or name her ſelfe unto Timantes, therefore beginning to ſpeak, Sir ſaid ſhe unto him, I perceive that you have ſome ſleight curioſity to know who I am, and therefore to be juſt, I muſt not thinke it ſtrange you ſhould deſire ſatisfaction from me, eſpecially ſince certainly you are perſwaded, that in importuning me to lift up my hood, you thinke to doe me a civility by it: But Sir, to teſtifie that I will deale with you as with one whoſe vertues I honour, I will impart ſomething unto you, and tell you, that it does ſo much concerne me, that you ſhould not at preſent know who I am, as perhaps the wellbeing of my life depends upon it: therefore I conjure you, by all that is deare unto you, not to aske me who I am, nor to follow me. It ſeemes Madam, replyed he, that you dare not truſt that vertue which you ſay you know in me, ſince you dare impart nothing unto me: But Madam, one is not obliged to doe impoſſibilities, and ſince I muſt not for ever loſe you, therefore I doe profeſſe that I will never leave you untill I know who you are, but withall I doe aſſure you I will never reveale who you are, ſince you would not have it knowne. Parthenia then perceiving the obſtinacy of Timantes, bethought her ſelfe of another expedient to prevent his knowing who ſhe was, and preſently propounded it unto him, becauſe ſhe ſaw the ceremony was ready to end. Sir, (ſaid ſhe unto him) I confeſſe I cannot hinder you from following of me, and therefore you may know where I lodge, and perhaps know who I am; but I doe here profeſſe and declare unto you, that if you doe ſo, you ſhall never ſee or ſpeake unto me againe, but on the contrary, if you will be ſo obſervant of my deſires as not to follow me, nor to enquire who I am, nor ever tell any without exception, that you met with her the ſecond time, whom you firſt met with in the Labyrinth, I promiſe you my company in a place which will afford better conveniency of talk then here; Therefore make your choice Sir, but firſt conſider well, that if I tell you this day who I am, I will ſhun you all the dayes of my life after, ſo that you ſhall never ſee me more; and if you doe not follow me, but exactly doe this I deſire, I will keep my promiſe with you: but doe not thinke of promiſing (addeth ſhe) and not performing, for I am confident there is not one in all Paphos unto whom you can impart theſe adventures, which will not communicate it unto me againe the ſame [Page] hower: therefore take heed what you ſay, for I doe the ſecond time reiterate my reſolution never to ſee you againe as long as I live, if you ſee me this day, and doe not punctually obſerve all my deſires. Madam, ſaid he unto her, what would you have a man anſwer who is ready to dye with deſire of knowing you, and whom you would have run the hazard of never knowing you: No, no, (ſaid ſhe haſtily unto him, ſeeing that the people began to go out of the Temple) provided you doe not follow me, but doe as I deſire, you ſhall infallibly ſee me, and ſpeak with me, within theſe eight dayes. Sweare then unto me, anſwered Timantes, in the preſence of the Goddeſſe who is here to be adored: I doe ſaid ſhe unto him, but after that, doe not follow me one pace further, and to keep you to your diſtance, think that the only meanes of ſeeing me hereafter, is not to follow me now. But Madam, anſwered he, you doe not tell me where I ſhall finde you: I will let you know it at Paphos, ſaid ſhe, and went away. Once more (ſaid Timantes in following her) may I truſt unto your words? Yes anſwered ſhe, ſo you do not follow me. Parthenia ſpoke theſe words unto Timantes in ſuch a reſolved manner, as he ſaw ſhe would be obeyed, and therefore he thought his duty ſo to do it; yet this thought had not faſt root in his heart, fearing that unknowne beauty ſhould break promiſe with him, he ſtill looked after Parthenia, who turned her head two or three times to ſee whether he obeyed, and ſtill looked after her as long as he could with intention to follow her maugre all her promiſes: But aſſoon as ſhe was mingled amongſt that great croud of vailed Ladies which went out of the Temple, doe what he could, he loſt the ſight of her; yet he thought he ſaw her in the ſtreet joyning to the gate of the Temple, but he was deceived, for aſſoon as he was out, ſhe turned upon the right hand, ſtill obſerving whether or no, Timantes did punctually obey her, and perceived that he had much adoe; and though ſhe did not deſire he ſhould ſee or know her at this time, yet I know not whether or no ſhe deſired he ſhould obey her without repugnancy; yet ſhe was very glad ſhe was out of ſight, and gladder when ſhe was come to the place where ſhe lodged, out of which ſhe ſtirred not, untill ſhe returned homewards the next morning: As for Timantes, he had a mind to ſtay ſome dayes in Amathonte, to enquire who this unknown Lady was; but ſince ſhe promiſed him, to let him heare of her at Paphos, he returned thither, after he had walked over all the ſtreets of this ſtately Towne, above twenty times, in hopes to find her, who was already in his heart; but after all his unprofitable queſt, he returned to Paphos, having brought with him one ſervant and two Lacques, for Antimaques ſtayed behind by reaſon of ſome indiſpoſition he found in himſelfe. In his returne, he did nothing but muſe continually upon his adventure; yet according to his promiſe he reſolved to tell it unto none, unleſſe ſhe brake promiſe with him; he examined all reaſons, and conſidered which of them it might be which cauſed her to deale thus with him, and there was nothing which his imagination did not ſuggeſt unto him; ſomtimes he thought, that perhaps ſhe was not faire, but that thought vaniſhed upon conſideration of her faire hands, handſome ſtature, ſweet voice, and her admirable witt, which were ſtrong Arguments unto his faith that ſhe was Faire. Afterwards he ſuſpected her to be ſome woman that came to Amathonte upon ſome deſigne of ſecret gallantry; but afterward conſidering that ſhe concealed her ſelfe aſwell in the Labyrinth as at Amathonte, and that he ſaw no men with her, he changed his thoughts: At laſt he arrived at Paphos, and there he knew not what to do or think: In the mean time this adventure came ſo near his heart, that he thought upon nothing elſe, during the eight dayes of his longing expectation: As oft as he went out of his own lodging, he left word, that if any came to ſpeak with him upon any buſineſs, to bring them unto him: And he never came in but he asked whether any were there to ſpeak with him, or brought him any Letters: His life was ſo unquiet, and his curioſity ſo full of impatience, that hours ſeemed dayes, and dayes ages. But whilſt Timantes was in this condition, Parthenia was in a confuſed irreſolution: Her firſt thoughts were to break premiſes with Timantes, and not to ſee him; yet ſhe continued not long in that mind; for conſidering that if ſhe broke with him, he was not obliged to keep promiſe with her, but divulging unto all the world this laſt meeting, they might come to gueſſe the truth: ſo her firſt reſolution held not, but ſhe asked counſell of my Siſter. I pray Amaxita (ſaid ſhe unto her) tell me what you would doe if you were in my condition? Ought I to break my promiſe with Timantes, or keep it? For my part, Madam (replyed Amaxita, who did all ſhe could to drive her out of her ſolitary humour) I cannot ſee any reaſon you have to break your promiſe with him, nor can I diſcover any ill that can come unto you by obſerving it; for if hee doe ſee you, then he will love you, and then the Oracle is fullfilled; and truly, Madam, I am ſo confident that Timantes is the man whom the Gods have reſerved for you, that I dare not adviſe you to break your word with him: For you have [Page] met him twice in ſo ſtrange a manner as induceth me to this opinion: For doe you not obſerve, that as unknown unto him as you are he is unquiet, and as full of reſpective curioſity as ſome Lovers who have ſeen you a thouſand times, and who did not think more of you then Timantes doth? Though all you ſay, were true, replyed Parthenia, yet am I not much beholding to him, ſince his curioſity is not an effect of my merit; but becauſe naturally one loves to know that which he is ignorant of, eſpecially in ſome things: Yet I am confident, replyed Amaxita, that if your voice had been harſh, your ſtature and compoſure ill favoured, your hands ugly, and your wit groſſe, when you ſpoke unto him, his curioſity had not laſted halfe a quarter of an hour: I doe not ſay that Timantes is in love with you; but I dare confidently aſſure you, that if you will, he will be: For I perceive by his expreſſions that there is ſuch a tender and paſſionate kind of inclination betwixt you and him, as uſeth to be between two who really love. By this account, ſaid Parthenia, you think my heart has the ſame inclination to Timantes as the heart of Timantes hath to me. Truly Madam (replyed ſhe, and ſmiled) If my reſpects I owe you would permit me, I ſhould freely and ingenuouſly confeſſe, that I think Timantes hath a ſtrong inclination to love you, and that you have alſo an inclination to ſuffer him he ſhould love you. Therefore I beſeech you conſider, being born in an Iſle where it is a ſhame not to be loved, and not to love; whether it be handſom to muſe away your life in this manner: If it be not, I would adviſe you to doe more then all the Beauties of the Court can, and captivate the heart of Timantes, which would not be taken by all their Charms. Amaxita (ſaid Parthenia to her) to lay open the ſecret of my ſoul unto you, I muſt confeſſe that I thinke the chief felicity of life conſiſts in the having ſoveraigne authority over the heart of ſome one, and in a pleaſing communication of joyes and ſorrowes unto a ſuitable diſpoſition: This ſympathy of ſoules and ſpirits, doth doubtleſſe find great ſweetneſſe in pure affections; but yet, for all that, there is too much equality between two friends to find that ſatisfaction, as may be had in an affection of another nature; for one ſhall not finde in friendſhip a blinde obedience, ſecrets are commonly diſcloſed; and though friendſhip have a fire in it, aſwell as love hath, yet that fire is but a light without heat, whereas love both heats and lights; and indeed my deare Amaxita (purſued ſhe and bluſhed) it muſt needs be confeſſed, that a pure and innocent love is the only joy of the world, if it be laſting; But the cruelty of it is, when a firme and conſtant ſoule contracts affection with a light and perfidious heart. But do you think Madam (replyed Amaxita) that it is an abſolute impoſſibility to finde a conſtant lover? I doe not think it impoſſible, ſaid Parthenia, but I thinke it a great difficulty, eſpecially amongſt thoſe who love only for beauty, and no other reaſon; the truth is, to make love laſting and perfect, there muſt no intereſt be mixed with it, he muſt love becauſe he is forced unto it; reaſon muſt be excluded, and not at all contribute: And indeed I confeſſe Amaxita, that if I thought I ſhould finde Timantes to be a man who could love me, without any confideration of my quality, or my riches, or without grounding his paſſion upon that little pittance of Beauty which I have, I would doe any thing to get his affection: I doe not ſay I would commit any crime to purchaſe it; but I ſhould goe a little further then that exact rule of prudence which would have one hazard nothing. I pray you Madam ſaid Amaxita, what hazard do you run, in this occaſion which preſents it ſelfe? you know Timantes deſerves you, both by his birth, his riches, his perſon, his witt, and his vertue; moreover you know, the Prince your Brother loves him dearly, and you ſee Timantes courts you and ſeeks you out in all places; moreover yet, it appeares by the manner of your meetings, that it is he whom the Gods would have you mary: for it is not by any influence from your eyes, that you have captivated, or at leaſt filled him full of curioſity; and therefore Madam, if you will follow my advice, keep your word with him, let him ſee you, but not know who you are if he does not love you, yet you run no hazard, becauſe he knowes not who you are, and if he doe love you, then you have found in Timantes the man that muſt make you happy: But though I would keep my word with him and ſee him, replyed ſhe, yet how ſhall I doe it? unto whom can I truſt the ſecret? and how can I handſomly ſee him unleſſe he come hither? Moreover, ſince it ought not to be by that little beauty I have, that I muſt captivate him who muſt make me happy, I conceive it ought rather to be by my vertue then my witt, that I muſt make this conqueſt, and therefore I make a queſtion whether in conſenting that Timantes ſhall ſee me in ſecret, I bring my vertue in ſuſpition, for certainly I have a moſt invincible averſion againſt any thing of immodeſty. Amaxita ſeeing there was no difficulty in the minde of Parthenia, but how to carry the matter handſomely, began to conſider how it might be done, and ſhe conſidered ſo well, that her imagination had contrived a way how to ſatisfie the Princeſſe. But Sir, it is fit I tell you, that the Principall reaſon which moved [Page] Amaxita to perſwade Parthenia that Timantes might ſpeake with her, was, becauſe Philoxipes and Policrite had deſired her a thouſand times that ſhe would perſwade this Princeſſe to quitt her ſolitude, and not to rely ſo punctually upon the ſtrict words of the Oracle, which they thought was ill interpreted. This Sir was the motive which induced Amaxita unto what ſhe did, and to induce Parthenia to lay hold of this expedient which ſhe propoſed unto her, ſhe moved her to read over againe the Oracle of Delphos, which was as I told you before in theſe words, That if ſhe would be happy, ſhe muſt not marry a man whom her eyes had not captivated, and by conſequence (ſaid Amaxita) it muſt be concluded that there is one in the world who may love you and never ſee your eyes; for the Gods doe never foretell things impoſſible; ſo that it is almoſt evident that Timantes is the man whom the Gods have ſent to make you happy: therefore Madam if you will take my judgement thinke no more upon it, but let him ſpeak with you. But I pray you Amaxita, ſaid Parthenia, how can I goe unto Paphos and not be known? and how can I ſee Timantes, but he muſt ſee my face? or talk with him, but he may gueſſe who I am? However, after this cruell experience which I have had in the inconſtant reſolutions of thoſe who only love Beauty; I will not have Timantes know whether my eyes be faire or ugly, nor know my quality; for truly if I doe conquer his heart, it ſhall not be by fading beauty which dies, and his affection dies with it, and which will leave me in ſuch a ſad deſpair, as I have had but too much tryall off. Amaxita hearing Parthenia ſay ſo, would not contradict her, becauſe ſhe thought it not impoſſible, but Timantes might fall in love with her, and not ſee her face, and that he was not of their opinion, who thinke the eyes only are the givers and receivers of love. But Madam, ſaid ſhe, you muſt act your part, and therefore you muſt give it out you intend a journey of fifteen dayes, and in lieu of going to the place pretended, go ſecretly iuto Paphos, and lodge ata friends of my Brothers, and ſtay there all that time, during which time, upon ſome pretence which we will think upon at leaſure, I will procure that your Chamber ſhall be a ground room towards the Garden, with a Belcone which opens upon a Jeſſimine Arbor, which is much darker then any other; this friend is a woman of quality and vertue, her Husband and Sonne are both at Athens, and ſhe is much obliged unto my Brother, and he to her; ſhe it is we will truſt in the buſineſſe. But if it ſhould come to be knowne I was at Paphos (ſaid Parthenia) what would people ſay? and what would they think? At the worſt (replyed Amaxita) they can but ſay you had a mind to ſe a Horſe-race and not be knowne; and indeed this was a handſome excuſe, for there was to be one, and the end of the race was to be behind the Ladies houſe; yet Parthenia could not bring her mind unto it, untill the ſixth day when I came thither, where I was no ſooner come, but ſhe deſired to ask me concerning Timantes, purpoſely to know whether he had been ſecret, for I had the honour to ſee him after with the Prince Philoxipes. Amaxita in obedience to Parthenia's commands, asked me before her, whether the ſtranger of whom ſuch wonders were reported was ſtill at Paphos? and whether he was as pleaſant in the Court, as he was at firſt? Timantes, replyed I, is queſtionleſſe as compleat a Gallant as the World hath, but ſince a journey he took to ſee the Adonian feaſt, he is become much more reſerved, and unquiet then he was before; yet certainly it is by reaſon of ſome diſtemper in his body, not minde, for no ill accidents have any way croſſed him: Perhaps he is in love (ſaid Parthenia) No, no, replyed I, for ſince his return from Amathonte, he never viſited one Lady: Then certainly (ſaid ſhe laughing, and looking upon Amaxita) the Adonian feaſt hath inſpired him with ſuch a melancholy, as it cannot be cured againe. After this, paſſing from one diſcourſe to another, I began to relate what expectation there was of a Horſe-race to be at Paphos, ſo that Parthenia, whoſe heart deſired to ſee Timantes, took this occaſion to colour her deſigne: then ſhe told my ſiſter, that ſhe would not eternally detaine her from all manner of pleaſures, but would have her go and ſee this Horſe-race; and therefore (ſaid ſhe unto her) you ſhall have my Coach, and Megaſides ſhall go with you to Paphos, and bring you back when the ſport and Feaſt is done, that you may relate all the paſſages of it unto me. Amaxita hearing Parthenia ſay ſo, knew this was but a colour for her owne voyage, ſo that ſeeming to think ſhe was in good earneſt, ſhe told her, that ſhe would not goe unleſſe ſhe went alſo, and in concluſion, the journey was agreed upon, and Amaxita ſeeing the Horſe-race, was her umbrage: But for all this ſhe was full of anxious circumſpections, ſuch as were like to break off the voyage, and ſhe alledged ſo many obſcure and intangled reaſons, to make me underſtand what cauſe ſhe had to keep this journey cloſe, as I wondered, and afterwards ſhe made me ſweare a thouſand oaths of ſecrecy, though heavens knows I knew nothing then but that ſhe would goe to ſee this Horſe race? after which I went before to prepare her who was to entertain Parthenia, and order all things for the [Page] concealment of her voyage, my Mother her ſelfe knew not that my ſiſter was at Paphos, and the matter was carried ſo handſomely, that none did ſo much as ſuſpect any thing; and certainly it was not a buſineſſe of difficulty, for ſince Parthenia told none at her owne houſe whither ſhe went, and ſince ſhe arrived in the night, and the houſe where ſhe lodged, very neare the gate of the Towne where ſhe entered, it was not any eaſie matter for any to diſcover any thing, eſpecially Parthenia having no women with her which ſtirred out. In ſhort Sir, Parthenia came to Paphos hardly conceiting that ſhe came to ſee Timantes; and when ſhe was there, and Amaxita asking her whether ſhe would performe her promiſe? ſhe replyed reſolutely that ſhe was not able to conſent unto it, and that ſhe would only ſee Timantes at the Race which was to be the next morning: It was in vaine for Amaxita to tell her, her term was expired that day, for ſhe had ſetled her reſolution: Amaxita was in a hundred minds, whether or no ſhe ſhould acquaint Philoxipes with the buſineſſe: But for all that, ſhe thought that the two Oracles which Parthenia had received, had made ſuch a deep impreſſion in her mind, that ſhe would be extreamly offended if ſhe ſhould have cauſed the Prince Philaxipes to have importuned her; ſo that fearing to incenſe her to no purpoſe, and thinking that if the Gods would have Timantes to marry Parthenia, they would find out the means to bring it about, ſhe did not reſiſt the Princeſſe. However, the Horſe-race was to be the day following, and all the Court would be there, and ſince the houſe where Parthenia was, was uſed to entertain Ladyes upon ſuch occaſions, ſhe who owed it could not deny thoſe who came that day to lookout at the Windowes, unleſſe ſhe ſhould give cauſe of ſuſpition that ſome were there whom ſhe would not have ſeen; therefore Parthenia was put into a Cloſſet, whoſe Window was ſo dreſſed with boughs and leaves of Palme, through which one might ſee, and not be ſeen, and through which Parthenia ſaw the Horſe-race, which was in a great plaine before that window. I will not offer to deſcribe this Race unto you Sir, it will ſuffice I tell you that Timantes appeared there in glory, and won the prize; But the moſt remarkable paſſage was, that Timantes imagining that the unknown Lady who filled him ſo full of curioſity, was one of the Ladies of Paphos, and that ſhe would ſee this Race, did change his Motto, which he bore upon other occaſions, which repreſented a Phoenix upon his ſhield, with this Motto,

I ſtay untill the Sun do burn me;

he now repreſented a Faggot ſet on fire by the heat of the Sun, which was Eclipſed, with theſe words,

It burnes me though it be Eclipſed.

I leave you to imagine Sir, how the ſight of this device ſurpriſed Parthenia, ſince the Cloſſet wherein ſhe was ſhut up, was very low, and the Race ending juſt under it, ſhe might eaſily perceive this device upon the ſhield of Timantes; for all thoſe who were of this ſport, carried a Javeline and a Buckler. Parthenia no ſooner ſaw this device, but ſhe made the Application as Timantes would have wiſhed, and told it unto Amaxita, who taking that opportunity, asked her with a ſmile, whether ſhe would let that Sun which burned Timantes be alwaies Eclipſed? As my ſiſter did not ſpeak altogether ſeriouſly, ſhe anſwered her in the ſame manner; however, Amaxita obſerved, that Parthenia was very glad Timantes had not forgot her; & though this device might be taken as much for a common piece of gallantry, as a mark of love, yet it touched to heart Parthenia & obliged her: It ſeemed alſo, that Timantes then had a more melancholly aire in his aſpect, then ordinary, & ſhe imagined that the reaſon perhaps was, becauſe ſhe had broke her promiſe with him; yet ſhe could not conſent to ſend him word that he ſhould come into the Garden by a back door which was under the Walls of the Towne, and ſpeake unto her through the grates of her window: But Sir, it was not long that ſhe was in this trouble, for the ſame Gods who brought them twice to meet, brought them the third time to ſpeak together, and thus it came about. The Lodging of Timantes was ſo neare Parthenia's, that the lodgings looked into the Garden; thoſe with whom Timantes lodged having no Garden of their own, and being people of good quality, and intimate friends unto this Lady where Parthenia lodged, they obtained leave of her to walk there ſometimes, and obtaine the ſame liberty for Timantes: Timantes being melancholy & hot with Riding that day, he deſired to refreſh himſelfe, and walk there that evening; and ſo he did, but all alone, and walked ſo long a time, afterward he ſat downe in an Arbour of Jeſſimine, juſt under [Page] Parthenia's window, and there ſtayed near an hour, finding much pleaſure in muſing in a place where the air was ſo freſh and ſweet. The Sun was ſet, and hardly day enough to diſtinguiſh Flowers, when Parthenia opened her window over the Arbour of Jeſſimon, purpoſely to let in the ſweet ſmel which every Summer evening in Cyprus ariſeth from the ground: She no ſooner opened it, but ſhe ſaw the Moon ariſe, ſo that ſpeaking unto Amaxita, but not naming her, That Planet, ſaid ſhe unto her, is not Eclipſed, as that in the Device of Timantes was; it was long onely of your ſelf (ſaid Amaxita unto her) that the Sun of him you named, ſhined not more bright then this Planet you behold. You may imagine, Sir, how Timantes was ſurpriſed, when he heard himſelf named, and thought it to be the voice of his amiable unknown Lady: Yet he was not ſure of it at firſt; for ſince Parthenia ſpoke not very loud, he was in ſome doubt, but to be ſatisfied, he ſtarted up in all haſte, and went unto the window gently; and he was no ſooner there, but Parthenia anſwering to what Amaxita ſaid, ſince it is the work of the gods to un-eclipſe the Planets, ſaid ſhe, it is therefore unto them Timantes muſt addreſſe himſelf, if he would have them unvailed. I have already followed your counſell, Madam (replyed Timantes) ſince doubtleſſe it was the gods that brought me hither, when it is onely long of yourſelf that the Sun which burns me, though Eclipſed, does not reduce me unto aſhes if it ſhould diſcover its whole light. When Timantes came near, Parthenia not knowing who it was, pulled down her hood, and retired from the window: But Amaxita, not ſo frighted as ſhe was, knew it to be the voice of Timantes at firſt; ſo that this encounter more confirming her in her opinion, that the Gods would have Timantes and Parthenia marry, ſhe gave him a complement, and went unto the other ſide of the room to fetch Parthenia, who was very backward, but at laſt came unto the window: Shee did not truſt unto the mask of night to hide her beauty; for ſince the Moon ſhone, neither ſhe, nor Amaxita would appear before Timantes but with their hoods pulled down; ſo that he ſeeing ſhe was not diſpoſed to give him ſatisfaction: You muſt needs be, Madam, ſaid he unto her, what I ever thought you, that is, the faireſt perſon in the world, ſince you doe not think night with all its vayles can hide the luſtre of your eyes. However, Madam, I beſeech you ſhew me that which I know already. Let me receive ſome conſolation by hearing you ſpeak; and tell me why you would have me be a debter unto chance for my good fortune and happineſſe in meeting with you, after you had promiſed me the honour of talking with you, within eight dayes? When Timantes began to ſpeak, Parthenia was infinitely troubled becauſe ſhe could not conceive how he ſhould come into the garden, unleſſe he knew ſhe was there, and unleſſe ſome had betrayed her; but when ſhe heard him attribute the meeting unto Chance, ſhe grew more confident, and her mind was in diſpoſition to anſwer him with more tranquillity; yet would ſhe know more preciſely how he cam into the Garden, & did ſo earneſtly preſ him to tel her, that he told her how it was, and moreover told her ingeniouſly without any diſſimulation, that he did not doubt but to know unto whom he ſpoke, ſince ſhe was in a houſe ſo near his; yet he did not know who dwelt in the houſe. But after Timantes had told all ſhe deſired to know: You ſee, Madam, ſaid he unto her, that I tell you all I can, doe the ſame I conjure you for me, and hide not your eyes ſo long, ſince certainly they carry their own light with them, I ſhall ſee them in ſpight of all obſcurity. Therefore, for Heavens ſake, Madam, deny me not this favour; for I deſire it more paſſionately then I did ever any thing in my life. I doe proteſt, Madam, though I have ſeen all that's fair in Cyprus, yet I find not one amongſt them all whom I deſire to ſee again with half that zeal I doe your beauty. I never appeared in all theſe publique Feaſts, but with all the ſymptomes of a man who adores you as he doth the gods, that is, without knowing you. Therefore, again, and again I implore you, Madam, not to deny my ſuit. Sir, ſaid Parthenia, I would I could conſent unto what you ſeem ſo earneſtly to deſire: But truly there is ſomething ſo odde and fantaſticall in my face, that I cannot doe as you deſire, unleſſe I ſhould reſolve never to ſee you again. But if it be ſo, that my converſation does not glut you, the time may come in which you may know who I am without loſing mee, therefore I pray content your ſelf at this time, that I ſuffer you to talk an hour of things indifferent. Of things indifferent (replyed Timantes ſharply) alaſs, Madam, 'tis more then I can do, and I muſt tell you, that I can ſpeak of nothing but your ſelf, until you grant my deſire. Our converſation then will not be very pleaſant (replied Parthenia, & laughed) for you know ſo little of me, that we ſhal but ſtil repeat the ſame diſcourſe again, yet I am moſt certain, replyed he, that I ſhall never be weary of it, & after I have told a thouſand & a thouſand times how I am charmed a thouſand times with the excellency of your voice, and more with the graces of your witt, yet I ſhall ſtill be delighted with repeating it againe, provided you will not deprive me of the hopes of knowing you better hereafter then now I doe. As long as [Page] you tell me nothing but that you have a ſtrong deſire to know who I am, replyed Parthenia, I ſhall eaſily beleeve you; but that you ſhould perſwade me that as long as you are ignorant of who I am, yet that I ſhould have any power over your ſoul, this is a thing I cannot eaſily comprehend, and yet it is that, if any thing, will oblige me to tell you who I am; for truly to truſt all the ſecrets of my life unto one who has no affection to me, is a thing I cannot doe; and therefore ſince it is impoſſible you ſhould love me unleſſe you did know me, and ſince you cannot know me unleſſe you love me firſt, I pray you therefore after a diſengagement of our promiſes at Amathonte, let us part for ever. Oh Madam, ſaid he unto her, ſince the meanes to know you is to love you; I doe now moſt infallibly profeſſe it, for truly, there is ſome ſuperior power which whether I will or no, does force me unto it, and to love you better then ever any I yet know: Yet Madam I muſt declare this withall, that ſince I muſt and doe love you, my love is love and not friendſhip-love; for as for my friends of either ſex, it is my minde that makes the choice, and I will know them long before I truſt them; But it is otherwiſe with my love, for it is above my reaſon, it is the worke of my heart, not of my Braine: Therefore Madam, ſince I ſenſibly find that inclination unto you, which I never found unto any elſe, I may well beleeve that this my inclination is love. For my part, ſaid Parthenia, I am not of your opinion, becauſe I am perſwaded, that if you talk long with me, though you did not know who I was, nor ſaw whether I were faire or foule, yet perhaps you might affect in the degree of friendſhip; for by long converſation one may come to know the ſoul of that perſon they converſe withall, and it is not impoſſible but friendſhip may ſpring from ſuch acquaintance, though they are ignorant both of quality and face: But as for love Sir, it is of another nature, for it is beauty only which can claime the priviledge of creating love. Alas Madam; ſaid he unto her, how little doe you know what zeale love is, if you think that Beauty is the only cauſe of it? doe you not conſider that if it were ſo, none but great beauties could create it? then two or three high beauties would engroſſe all the Adorers in a great court: but on the contrary we ſee it otherwiſe, and find ſome women who have neither much beauty nor great witt, yet are loved by very compleat men, and ſomtimes it is ſeen alſo, that the faireſt women in the world cannot ſo much as win one ſingle heart unto their ſervice; and ſince ſo Madam, love is a powerfull effect of that ſympathy which operates whether we will or noe; and beleeve me Madam, I beſeech you, that ſince there are ſome men, yea and witty men, who love women who are not very faire, I may love you, whom I know already to be a great beauty, and whom I think to be very faire. However it be Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, you ſhall not know it this long time: Is it poſſible Madam, replyed he, that you ſhould have any reaſon for doing ſo? Yes, anſwered ſhe, a moſt prevalent one, ſuch a one as if you render your ſelfe hereafter worthy to know it, you will confeſſe I doe but what I ought to doe. Yet Madam, replyed he, though perhaps it concerns you not to let your ſelfe be known here, yet dare you not truſt my diſcretion? I proteſt Madam, that I never revealed unto any whoſoever, any thing which you did forbid me: At Amathonte I know it very well (ſaid ſhe purpoſely to puzle him) for I am informed as much from all your friends, and therefore knowing that you are able to keep a ſecret, I will truſt you with one, and acquaint you with the reſentments of my ſoul, to the end you may not be abſolutely ignorant of me: Know then that I am very ſincere, that I have a very tender heart, that my affection is a little Tyrannicall, that I love vertue and honour, that I hate a divided heart, that I never will beſtow my owne, but where I am fully convinced by all imaginable waies, that I ſhall ſoveraignly raign in his heart that ſhall have it; that I am a mortall enemy to inconſtancy, and to avoid that unhappineſſe principally, I neither deſire to love, nor be loved: And more then this Sir, never ask me, for I aſſure you, that you ſhall not obtain it. Oh Madam (ſaid he unto her) I beſeech you doe not ſubvert the universall order of the World; I have knowne the faces of all my friends a long time before I could know their hearts, and you would have me know your heart a long time before I muſt know your face; once more I beſeech you Madam be not ſo prepoſterous in your actions, but after you have ſhewed me your ſoule, let me ſee your faire eyes alſo. No, no Madam (ſaid he after a little pauſe) upon ſecond thoughts, I deſire nothing but what you pleaſe, and I confeſſe, I ought to be ſo well ſatisfied with this rich diſcovery of your divine ſoul, that I ought to deſire no more: But Madam, to the end you may know my ſoule as you doe my quality, my ſpirit, and my perſon, be pleaſed to know, that whatſoever I promiſe, I alwaies performe; that where I love, I love till death, unleſſe I be forſaken or betrayed; that I am none of thoſe lovers who profeſſe ſervice that they may command; on the contrary, I would not be loved, but only to be the more captivated; I am not of their humour who valew the witt of women, but only as an ornament unto their beauty; on the contrary, I [Page] valew their beauty only as an ornament unto their minds; ſo that not building the foundation of my love upon ſo tranſitory a ground, but upon ſuch as ſhall laſt as long as life; it will laſt as long alſo. If all this were true replyed Parthenia, and ſmiled, you ſhould not deſpair of knowing who I am: Since I beleeve all you ſay Madam, ſaid he, I hope you will beleeve all that I ſay; you may enquire concerning me of all thoſe that know me, but I can enquire of none but your ſelfe: You might have ſaid, replyed Parthenia, that it was not permitted you to enquire of any body elſe: However Madam ſaid he unto her, I beſeech you permit me to talk with you here, untill you have had a longer tryall of my diſcretion: Parthenia then ſtayed a while before ſhe anſwered; but Timantes was ſo importunate and full of urging expreſſions, that indeed ſhe feared leſt he ſhould attempt more then ſhe would have him, to know who ſhe was; therefore beginning to ſpeak: I am contented Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him) that you ſhall ſpeak unto me for ſome certain dales, at the ſame houre, and in the ſame place, provided you ſweare unto me by Venus-Vrania, that you will not tell unto any whoſoever without exception, how you met with the unknowne perſon, nor reveale where ſhe is; for if you doe, I ſhall infallibly know it, and I ſhall no ſooner know it, but I ſhall immediatly reſolve never to ſpeak with you againe, and take ſuch a courſe as you ſhall never know me, and therefore ſatisfie your ſelfe with thus much. Madam ſaid he unto her, ſince it is in your power to make lawes, and ſince it is my duty to obſerve them, certainly you ſhall be obeyed: But I beſeech you Madam, what ſecurity can I have in your promiſe, that I ſhall ſee you here to morrow at the ſame time and place? My word (replyed ſhe.) But Madam, ſaid he, you did not keep your word before, for the eight daies were paſt, and yet I heard not from you. To ſet your mind at reſt replyed ſhe, I allow you to reveale all I have ſaid unto you, if I be not here to morrow. After this, Timantes retired, and aſſoon as he was gone, ſhe ſhut her window, and ſent to deſire her with whom ſhe loged, that the door which was towards her neighbours houſe might be ſhut, leſt Timantes ſhould return and harken what they ſaid in her chamber; ſhe had a deſire to quit it, and did ſo, taking another one ſtory higher, which looked not into the garden; moreover ſhe charged a new all thoſe that knew of her being at Paphos to keep it ſecret, no other reaſon appearing unto them, but that Parthenia had no minde it ſhould be known that ſhe quitted her ſolitude to come and ſee any publique ſports, eſpecially, ſince ſhe did not lodge with the Prince her Brother, whither ſhe ſaid ſhe would not go, becauſe there it was impoſſible her voyage could be kept ſecret; ſhe had alſo this advantage, that the woman with whom ſhe lodged, was eaſie to be deceived. But after all theſe orders were given, and that ſhe was alone with Amaxita, ſhe began to diſcourſe of their adventure; one while was raviſhed with joy that Timantes had found her out, without her giving him any notice; otherwhiles one would have thought ſhe had been angry with her ſelfe for ſeeing him at all; afterwards ſhe had an imagination, that Amaxita gave him notice, that ſhe was in the houſe, and that ſhe had cauſed it to be told unto Timantes what was her humor; for indeed ſaid ſhe unto her, he hath told me all that I could deſire a man ſhould ſay, or all that he could tell me if he had known my minde. This ought to perſwade you Madam, replyed Amaxita, that it was the Gods who prompted him to ſpeake, for as for my part, you know I never was out of your ſight, nor have I any acquaintance with Timantes: I know it very well replyed Parthenia; but I know ſo little how it ſhould come to paſſe, that Timantes ſhould find me out ſo often, and ſhould tell me almoſt all my owne thoughts, that you muſt pardon me, if I had and ſtill have a little ſuſpition of you; and ſince I muſt confeſſe the truth unto you as unto a ſecond ſelfe, I think that I did not accuſe you for it, to the end you might more powerfully perſwade me, that it was the pleaſure of the Gods Timantes ſhould love me; and I did poſitively beleeve all he told me, for I could not ſtifle the only pleaſant thought which I enjoyed ſince my ſolitude, which is, my hopes to finde a man capable of a conſtant love. But Madam (ſaid Amaxita unto her) why have you given orders contrary to the promiſe which you made of ſeeing Timantes againe? The reaſon is, ſaid ſhe, becauſe I would ſpeak with him, but I would not have him know me, and becauſe I thought you would find a way tomorrow that the garden door which I cauſed to be ſhut, may be open: For truly, untill I am aſſured Timantes loves me, and aſſured by a thouſand tryalls of his affection, I will not have him know yet who I am, or ſee me; but that which I would at preſent know, is, whether Timantes be faithfull or no, and whether he hath not told our adventure, neither to the Prince, nor any other of his friends. After Parthenia had expreſſed her ſelfe, Amaxita (who knew that Antimaques was in love with Dorida, and that Dorida wiſhed well unto me, and would truſt me with any thing) told her, that if ſhe would truſt it unto my diſcretion, I ſhould eaſily make a diſcovery of what ſhe deſired to know. At firſt Parthenia pauſed upon [Page] propoſition, but afterwards ſhe was ſo well perſwaded of my fidelity, that ſhe truſted me with the ſecret. In the mean time Timantes had his ſhare in ſorrow; for after he was entered into the houſe where he lodged, he enquired, not telling any reaſons why he asked, what women thoſe were in the houſe w [...]h belonged to the Garden where he walkt, but he was amuſed when he was anſwered there was none but the Miſtris of the houſe, who was well in years, and ſome ſervants which waited upon her: Yet he very well knew, that ſhe unto whom he ſpoke, was neither a ſervant nor old; for her converſation aſſured him of the firſt, and her fair hands, her ſweet voice, and handſome ſtature aſſured him of the ſecond: Alſo the two other times which he ſaw her, he knew by her colours which ſhe wore, that certainly ſhee was young, though by it he could not know her qualitie: So that all theſe circumſtances compared, they puzzled him exceedingly: He ſaw that all he knew of her was moſt admirable; and that ſhe had ſuch a c [...]ming Emphaſis in the accent of her voice, as any thing ſounded better in her mouth a thouſand times then in any other: He found her to be of ſuch ſharp, ſo gallant, and eaſie a ſpirit and wit, that hee was raviſhed with her diſcourſe, and hee beleeved ſhe was of ſuch a ſweet nature, as could love moſt tenderly, grounding his opinion upon her hatred againſt Inconſtancie. But for all this (ſaid he, upon ſerious examination of the matter) there muſt needs be ſomething that is very ſtrange, either in the qualitie, or in the beautie of this woman; for why elſe ſhould ſhee bee ſo nice as to hide her ſelfe from a man whoſe acquaintance ſhee does not abſolutely reject? And yet ſhee muſt needs bee faire, for I have ſeen as much as argues it; and ſhee muſt needs alſo be a woman of Qualitie, her language, her ſpirit, her wit, her port, does ſufficiently prove it, and convinceth mee of theſe doubts. Whatſoever ſhee bee (ſaid hee) ſhee does infinitely pleaſe me; and though it bee onely to know her name, I muſt obey her; for ſhee hath told mee, that if I doe as ſhe would have me, I may not deſpair of knowing it hereafter, and yet it is a very odde way, that I ſhould know a thing by not enquiring of it; for he conſidered, how ſhe poſitively told him, that if he enquired of any one, ſhe could know it; and if ever ſhe knew he enquired of any one, he ſhould never know her, nor ſpeak unto her; therefore his curioſity wrought ſuch effects in his heart, as never did the like in any, ſince it hindred him from enquiring of that which he moſt earneſtly deſired to know: And truly, though Timantes had a moſt longing deſire to ask all his acquaintance who this amiable unknown one was, whom he already loved, and hardly knew it, yet he durſt not ſpeak of it, ſo much as to Antimaques, leſt he ſhould blab it unto Dorida: So that he paſſed over that night and the day following in extreame impatience. In the mean time Amaxita, having ſent me unto him, I became his ſpie, and I kept all the day where he was, and at night reported unto my Siſter, how he ſeemed very reſerved unto all thoſe he met withall; that he refuſed ſupper with the Prince Philoxipes, or to goe into the Walks upon the Sea-ſide, as he uſed, where all the Court did rendezvous, and that he retired unto his own lodging very timely, not rendering any reaſon why: So that Amaxita, told all this unto the Princeſſe; ſhe was exceedingly joyed, and more readily reſolved, not to faile in her promiſe unto Timantes, and in order to that, appointing Amaxita to get the Garden door open, and Amaxita knowing how to doe it unknown unto the Miſtris of the houſe, all things were ſo handſomly carried, that at the appointed hour, Timantes came to the window of the low room where Parthenia was, under pretence of writting. But when Timantes came, he could ſee no more of Parthenia then before, but yet found her in a diſpoſition to receive him more civilly, the reports which ſhe had from me, giving her more ſatisfaction. She no ſooner ſaw him, but ſhe began to ſpeak: I deſire your pardon Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him) for being perhaps a hindrance unto your pleaſure in walking by the ſea-ſide as you uſe, but that which comforts me a little is, that it hinders you from the ſight of all thoſe Beauties which uſe to walk there. It ſufficiently appears, Madam (ſaid he unto her, after he had moſt reſpectively ſaluted her) That I hoped for greater pleaſure in your company then in the ſight of all thoſe Beauties you ſpeak of, ſince I quitted them to come unto you; and therefore I need not any complement upon that. But, Madam, ſince you know all paſſages of the world ſo well, it ſeems you are not unknown unto any but me. 'Tis true, Sir, replyed ſhe, but it is upon a reaſon ſo advantageous to you, that if I could now tell it, I am confident you would confeſſe your ſelf obliged unto me for it: How much ſoever I am reſolved to honour you, replied he, yet I can hardly think I am obliged to thank you for denying me a thing which I deſire with as much zeal as the moſt violent Lovers do the enjoyment of their Miſtreſſes. Yet it appears (ſaid Parthenia craftily) that the converſation you had here yeſterday, gave you no great ſatisfaction: For as for my part when I paſſe any night away in any agreeable ſatisfaction, there remains in my countenance all the next [Page] day a great impreſſion of joy, whereas on the contrary, when I have been in any wearying company, melancholy ſads my eyes at leaſt four and twenty hours after it; and therefore if you be of my humour, I have cauſe to think you were weary of our converſation yeſterday; for I know you were very melancholy, and reſerved all the day after. 'Tis true, Madam, replyed he, I was very reſerved, but it was upon a reaſon quite contrary to yours, ſince truly I am never ſo melancholy as after a great pleaſure. And this, Madam, which I enjoy in talking with you, is far from a ſerene delight, but on the contrary is ſo mixed with inquietude and curioſity, that it torments me as much as if you ſhould deprive me of all hopes; for you know me, and all that I doe, but I cannot ſo much as know your name, or what you are, though I deſire it with ſuch a zealous paſſion as will never let me reſt till I be ſatisfied. But, Sir, ſaid Parthenia unto him, me-thinks you ſhould not be ſo vexed to know who I am, ſince if I be worth your thoughts, it depends upon your ſelf to know it hereafter, b [...] if you have onely a bare curioſity to know me, doubtleſſe then it will be nothing difficult to overcome your ſelf without that ſatisfaction, ſince you need onely come no more hither, but forget me, and there's an end. Doe you think, Madam, ſayd he unto her, that it is ſuch an eaſie matter to forget you? I think indeed, ſaid ſhe, that it is a harder matter to remember me then to forget me. No, no, Madam, replyed he, do not deceive your ſelf, I ſhall never forget you, nor be contented [...]ill I have obtained two moſt precious things from yo [...], I mean, the ſight of your beauty, and the knowledge of your heart. The knowledge of the one, replied ſhe, muſt obtain the ſight of the other; and therefore to teach you what you ought to doe to obtain your deſires, Know, that before you ſee me, or know who I am, you muſt win my heart, and therefore conſider well with your ſelf, whether you can doe all I would have you without knowing me; for that is the onely way to winne my heart. And ſince I am very ſincere, and will not diſguiſe my mind ſo much as my face, I will tell you, that for divers reaſons which now I muſt conceal, I am reſolved never to entertain any affection which is built upon ſuch a fading foundation as Beautie and Riches are, upon which time and fortune have ſuch influences: I would have one love me by a naturall inclination, by the knowledge of my ſoul, my mind, and my humour: Moreover, I would have him love me either ugly, or poor, as I am, or may be: I would have him love none but me, and love me extreamly, and alwaies; to doe nothing but what I would, nor to deſire any thing but what pleaſeth me; to obey mee blindly, and without any repugnancy. I pray, Sir, after this, judg whether it be ſo eaſie as you think to enjoy the ſight of me: For I ſhall never grant it but unto ſuch a one as hath won my heart, and my heart will never be won but by ſuch wayes as I have told you. Moreover, ſin [...]e blood and birth are not things ſo tranſitorie, ſince neither time nor fortune can hinder me from enjoying them till death, I will confeſſe unto you that the houſe from whence I am deſcended is [...]s noble as any in Cyprus: But after all this, Sir, ask me no more; for you will ask in vain. Whilſt Parthenia was ſpeaking, Timantes was in a maze of thoughts: For as all Greece is full of certain women who make publique profeſſion of an univerſall Gallantry, and who doe not confine themſelves unto the limits of modeſty, but who by proſtituting their honours doe enrich themſelves; and there was ſome ſuch in Cyprus, ſo his fears ſometimes ſuggeſted unto him, that Parthenia was one of them. But hee found ſhe ſpoke in ſuch an air as perſwaded him to the contrary; and when ſhe conſidered that ſhe was in the houſe of a woman of Quality and Honour, and that it is not the cuſtome of ſuch kind of perſons to hide their beautie, he repented of his former thoughts: And when Parthenia had told him all the qualification which ſhe required to be in a Lover, he found his own humours deſcribed, and told her immediately, that he would engage himſelf unto all ſhe had propounded provided ſhe would promiſe him, that after ſhe had made tryall of his conſtancy, ſhee would give him her hear, and ſhew her face. And theſe promiſes paſſed on both ſides in appearance, rather as bare complements and peeces of Gallantry, then any reall promiſes. And though there was already a violent inclination in the heart of Timantes to love Parthenia, and a moſt ſtrong diſpoſition in Parthenia to love Timantes, yet ſince both of them were perſons of great wit and reaſon, they thought this ſo odde and unreaſonable, that they could not reſolve to ſpeak ſeriouſly, and many dayes paſſed before they could underſtand the reall thoughts of each other in earneſt. In the mean time before Timantes went away, Parthenia made him ſwear not to ſpeak a word of any paſſages, nor to enquire of her, but that he ſhould ſtay untill ſhe gave him aſſurance of her affection, and let him ſee whether ſhe was fair or foul. The truth is, Sir, Parthenia's wit did ſo charm Timantes, and ſhe had ſuch an abſolute power over him, that he durſt not tell ſo much as Antimaques his adventure, leſt he ſhould tell it unto ſome other. And it was eaſie for him to conceal it, becauſe Antimaques being [Page] in love with Dorida, he was continually every night with the Princeſſe Policrite, ſo that Timantes could be at his appointed times unperceived; yet for all this, he indeavoured by one of his ſervants to ſuborne one of that Ladies houſe where Parthenia lodged, to tell who it was which lay there, but all buſineſſes were ſo handſomly and closly carried, that nothing could be knowne. In the meane time, ſince he feared that if this unknowne Lady ſhould know how he broke promiſe with her in the enquiring who ſhe was, ſhe would caſt him off, he laboured by all meanes to ſtop the mouthes of thoſe that were enquired of, and to oblige them unto ſilence: ſo that indeed Parthenia never knew it: 'tis true, he was every way ſo obſervant, and faithfull, that ſhe had reaſon to be contented; for notwithſtanding all my obſervant eyes over him, both in all his words and actions, I could never report any thing unto my ſiſter which could diſpleaſe Parthenia, and indeed he much altered his manner of living, for his only deſigne being to find out this lovly unknown one, and being perſwaded that ſhe was ſome Lady of Paphos, who came to that houſe only to talk with him, he went from viſit to viſit, not ſtaying long any where, hoping ſtill to diſcover by voice this Lady whom he ſo much deſired to know: but all his enquiry and viſits were in vaine, for he could not find her; and Timantes became more deeply in love with Parthenia then any of her former lovers who had ſeen her: He grew alſo much more unquiet in his mind, and certainly was tormented more then other lovers uſe to be; ſometimes he would ſo complaine unto Parthenia that ſhe would pitty him, and ſometimes he would ſo dote that he made her laugh: For my part, (ſaid he unto her when the Moon ſhined cleare, and when he preſſed her to lift up her hood) I cannot indure you ſhould ſo long deny me what I ask, not that there is any neceſſity of your Beauty to make my paſſion endure, for ſince it begun without it, it can continue without it: But that which makes me I cannot endure you ſhould uſe me thus, is, that you tell me you will let me have a ſight of you when I have won your heart, and perceiving that you are more and more carefull to hide it, I have cauſe to think I am further off from making that illuſtrious conqueſt. You would have it at too cheap a rate (replyed Parthenia) if you ſhould ſo ſoon win it, and therefore that you may the more eſteem me, I will hold you off a little longer. In the mean time I beſeech you Madam (ſaid he unto her) let your words form your Image, that I may adore it, and which paſſing from your mouth into my heart, it may there remaine, untill the reall ſubſtance drive it out: for truly Madam, I wander all the day long, from houſe to houſe, from Temple to Temple, and every where to ſeek you out: my imagination fancies your beauty every day in a hundred ſeverall Idea's: ſometimes I ſee you faire, ſometimes brown haire, ſometime freſh complexion, ſometimes pale, ſometimes I am perſwaded that you have ſweet, languiſhing, and compaſſionate eyes, and ſometimes I think you have ſprightly and ſparkling eyes, ſuch as kindle fire in the ſoules of all thoſe that look upon them: ſometimes I think them gray, and ſometimes black, and not knowing what they are, I ſtill equally adore them, what ever they be: But I beſeech you Madam, tell me only whether they be faire, or black, or gray, or blew, or what they are? When you have told me (replyed ſhe craftily) what colour you deſire them to be, then perhaps I ſhall tell you which they are. Timantes at this was puzzled, for he durſt not tell which he deſired, leſt he ſhould hitt wrong, nor did Parthenia poſitively promiſe him to tell which they were, ſo that not daring to anſwer preciſely, he began to accuſe her of inhumanity, and ſhe interrupting him accuſed him of weakneſſe; for ſaid ſhe unto him, I perceive by your own words, that you would have me fair, becauſe you ſay your imagination fancies me to have the faireſt eyes in the world, and conſequently I have cauſe to feare, that if I be not ſo, you will change your opinion of me. Oh Madam, ſaid he unto her, I beſeech you doe me not ſo much wrong as to think, that though you be not fair, that I ſhall love you leſſe: but however, as long as your eyes doe not bely my imagination, I muſt ſtill think you are the faireſt perſon in the world: and I beſeech you, why ſhould I not proportion your beauty unto the excellency of your ſoul and witt; and therefore if you will be ſure of my fidelity, ſhew your ſelfe as you are, and if after that, I doe not adore you ſtill, though you ſhould be never ſo ugly, then hate me as much as I love you. Love is a moſt fantaſticall paſſion (ſaid ſhe unto him) Thoſe who are in love with any beauty, doe profeſſe that it is the ſoul they love, and that they onely deſire the poſſeſſion of the heart, and not the beauty: That this is the limits of their hopes, and ſumme of all their deſires. Yet I ſee Love is of ſuch a nature that it ſlights all that it enjoyes, and prizeth that which it doth not enjoy. Fruition gluts deſires, and if ſo, you have more reaſon to thank me then complain againſt me: For truly, I begin where others end: I have confeſſed unto you, that I eſteem you: I have told you that I ſhould be glad to have you love me, and I have not forbidden the hopes of being [Page] loved: You have conſented not to ground your affection upon beauty, I have diſcovered my ſoul unto you; I have taught you which way one may obtain my heart, and I never told you it was invincible: But after all this you complain, and preſſe me to ſhew you my face. Go, go, Sir, keep it within the limits of our conditions, unleſſe you would have mee break off with you. There is ſo much charm in every word you ſpeak, replyed Timantes, that you ſtill augment both my love and my curioſity: And therefore I moſt humbly beſeech you, Madam, Give me leave to beg this favour upon my knees. Let it content you that I attempt not violent courſes to know who you are, and that I have ſo much power over my ſelf as not to ask all my acquaintance about the Court. But, Madam, that I may ſtill continue in my obedience, and enquire of none elſe, I beſeech you give me leave ſometimes to ask your ſelf; And be not offended, I conjure you, if I importune you with my prayers and impatiencies. Did I not infinitely love you, I ſhould not be ſo deſirous: But ſince I love you beyond all expreſſions, I muſt needs entreat you, and preſſe you, to let me know whom I love. I know there are a rich Mine of Beauties in your mind; all that I can ſee of your perſon is moſt admirable; The thoughts of your heart doe raviſh me: There is ſome ſecret charm in your converſation, which I never found in any other: You doe ſo powerfully and pleaſingly captivate my ſpirits when you ſpeak, that I think I could look upon you, and not perceive whether you be fair or foul, you utter not a word, which pierceth not my heart as ſoon as my ear. But for all this (ſaid he, and ſmiled) me-think I doe not know you yet ſufficiently, and my curioſity is ſo violent to ſee your face, as well as your heart, that I cannot chuſe but beg the favour, and to truſt unto my love and diſcretion. Whilſt Timantes was talking thus, Parthenia bethought her ſelf of a very odde way to make tryall of his Conſtancy; therefore beginning to ſpeak unto him, and ſeeming to yeeld unto part of his deſires, I am content, ſaid ſhe, ſince I ſee you ſo much deſire it, not to deny you all you ask: But ſince I am reſolved not to conferre favour upon favour, and to loaden you all at once, I will not let you know who I am, onely I will let you ſee my face in open day; but upon condition that you ſhall not ſpeak unto me in the place where you ſhall ſee me, which ſhall be, if you pleaſe, to morrow morning at a little Church cloſe by the Gate. There I will be juſt two hours after the Sun is up: I will wear the ſame cloathes I did, when you ſaw me at the Feaſt of Adonis: I will ſit by the ſecond Pillar upon the right hand, and will lift up my hood as ſoon as I ſee you, to the end you may ſatisfie one part of your curioſity. I beſeech you, Madam, ſaid he unto her, why may you not now ſhew your face? I know it is too dark to ſee you as I would, but it wil not hinder me from ſeeing you better to morrow. I ſee you have forgot one of our conditions, which was, to deſire nothing but what I ſhall pleaſe. How great ſoever your power is over me, Madam, ſaid he unto her, it cannot extend ſo farre as to bound my deſires: And all I am able to doe, is to hide them from you. After this Parthenia parted from Timantes, not conſenting to his deſire, telling him, that if he did offer to ſpeak unto her, or to follow her to morrow morning, ſhe would never ſee him again. So that Timantes promiſing all ſhe deſired, he went away full of hope and joy that he ſhould ſee her in the morning who had filled him ſo full of love and curioſity. But as thoſe hopes, whoſe cauſes are love, are very reſtleſſe, ſo he could not ſleep all that night, but did riſe ſo early, that his men wondered, and the more, becauſe they ſaw him dreſs himſelf, as if he were to go unto ſome Ball, or great Feaſt, though it was onely unto a little Church where few of any quality ever reſorted, and ſo early as women of Quality were hardly awake. But Parthenia was as buſie as Timantes was impatient; for ſhe was ſo carefull to make ſure of the heart of Timantes, as nothing ſhould ever after be able to take it from her; and therefore ſhe reſolved to try whether he could love her after a beleef that ſhe was not fair: And in order to that, ſhe dreſſed a woman of hers, who was well bodied, and about her height, in the ſame habit that ſhe wore at the Feaſt of Adonis; and ſince the woman had never been at Paphos before, ſhe could not be known. But, Sir, be pleaſed to know, that this woman had one of the uglieſt faces in the world, for all the parts of her face were ſo unproportionable, that one would have ſworn they were never made one for another: So exceſſively ill favoured, that I never in all my life ſaw an object ſo diſpleaſing as the face of this woman. In the mean time, to the end that Timantes might bee the more deluded, Amaxita followed this counterfeit Parthenia, as if ſhe had been her woman, and they went unto this Church in the Ladies Coach with whom Parthenia lodged. But for the more ſecurity, Parthenia would have my Siſter ſend for me, to be in the Church, and to fall in with Timantes as ſoon as he came in, to the end that he might keep him from ſpeaking to her, whoſe ſight was enough to blaſt a Lover, giving me orders to doe as occaſion ſhould require, and to ſpeak what I thought fit to keep Timantes from diſcovering the fallacy. Yet Parthenia did not intend to keep Timantes long in that belief of her he ſhould [Page] ſee, but on the contrary reſolved when he had ſeen how, he would ſpeak unto her after this innocent impoſture, to let him ſee that evening the woman with her, to the end that hee might know his error, and to root this terrible Image out of his mind. To be ſhort, Sir, as this device was phantaſtically plotted, ſo was it cunningly executed. This woman went unto the Church earlier then th [...] hour appointed, that ſhe might be there before he came: Yet it was not above a quarter of an hour, for he burned in ſuch impatience to have a ſight of her he loved, that he was alſo there before the hour appointed: But as I was there before him, and knew the buſineſſe, I ſaw him enter earneſtly and haſtily: Hee was no ſooner there, but he looked towards the place where Parthenia told him ſhe would ſit, and ſaw a perſon of a handſom ſtature waited upon by one who indeed was the ſame hee ſaw with Parthenia at Amathante. Moreover, he ſaw ſhe was in the ſame place nominated, and that ſhe was in the ſame dreſſe and habit which he had formerly ſeen; ſo that he did not at all doubt, but that ſhee whom he ſaw was his beloved unknown Lady: And though there was a little difference between the height of this woman, and that of Parthenia, yet the fancy of Timantes was ſo prejudicated, that he did not obſerve it: He advanced haſtily to the place where ſhe was. But as it was covenanted betwixt Parthenia and him, that he ſhould not ſpeak unto her in that place, ſo he ſet himſelf down ſome or four paces upon the left hand over againſt her, that he might the better ſee her: He was no ſooner ſet, but Amaxita advertiſed this counterfeit Parthenia, who knew not Timantes, to put up her hood, which ſhe immediately did, lifting it up ſo c [...]nningly, that he could not ſee her hands; for Parthenia ſo ordered her. But, Sir, I beſeech you imagine how Timantes was amazed, who fancying the Idea of an admirable beauty, ſaw the uglieſt vizard in the world: His wonder was ſo great, Sir, that it appeared in his face and all his actions; his colour went and came twenty times in a minute: he congeed towards her with a lowring look in ſpite of his teeth; and was ſo frighted at ſuch a monſtrous object, that hee did not ſo much as ſtrive to hide his amazement, nor had hee the leaſt ſuſpition of any deluſion put upon him: So that being extreamly troubled at this adventure: Oh ye juſt Gods (ſaid he to himſelf, as he told me afterwards) why did you put ſo ſweet a voice, and ſo rare a mind into ſuch an ugly body? And why did yee joyn ſuch an admirable ſtature and body, with ſuch fair hands, unto ſuch a witches face? But how comes it to paſſe (ſaid he immediately after) that this perſon ſhould know all the niceties and delicates of Love, ſo w [...]l as ſhe doth? Some one ſure has loved her, elſe how could ſhe ever know them? For my part (ſaid he, and ſighed) had I ſeen her face before I had known her minde, I ſhould never have made her ſo much as my confident, and farre from making her my Miſtris; and I think I ſhould have falne from love to averſion. Had ſhe been but indifferent ugly, or one of thoſe women who neither attract nor loath: Had ſhe any thing in her phyſiognomie which promiſed either wit or goodneſſe, I ſhould have ſome inclination to love her, and zealouſly adore her. But what doe I ſay? Can I forſake her who hath the moſt charming wit, and the moſt divine ſoul of any woman in the world, and who hath moſt ſenſibly allured my heart? As Timantes was thus diſcourſing with himſelf, with as much ſorrow as Amaxita took pleaſure in obſerving him, and continually looking upon her whom he thought to bee Parthenia; This woman forgetting Parthenia's order not to ſhew her hands, did pull her hood down, and did not hide them; ſo that Timantes eſpyed them, when he was perhaps ready to reſolve upon the breaking off with Parthenia, though he would never confeſſe it; he ſaw they were not the ſame ſnowy hands which he ſaw both at the Labyrinth, and at Amathonte, and alſo at the window where he talked with her. He ſaw, I ſay, that they were thick and ſhort, and not at all white; ſo that recollecting himſelf, he knew he was deceived, and was ſo glad, that there appeared nothing but joy in his face, as there appeared ſorrow before: Then was he ſorry that he did no better gloſs his firſt ſurpriſe, but to repair it, he reſolved to go to her who had only the habit of his beloved unknown Lady, ſaying, that it was not unto her that he made a promiſe not to ſpeak unto in the Church, nor to follow her, and ſince ſhe had broke her word with him, he was not obliged to keep his with her. Juſt as he was fixing upon this courſe, the counterfeit Parthenia went away with my Siſter, and perfectly undeceived him in her walk, ſince ſhe had nothing of that Majeſtique port which Parthenia had, that ſhe was of a handſom ſtature. In the mean time, ſince I ſaw he followed her, I met with him, before he could overtake her. Sir (ſaid I unto him, as I accoſted him) this Lady whom I ſaw you ſalute, is ſhe of Crete? No, (replyed he, and was very angry that I interrupted him in his deſigne) I beleeve ſhe is of Paphos: and becauſe I thought her to be ſome woman of quality, therefore I ſaluted her though unknowne. I thought Sir, ſaid I unto him, and ſmiled, that it had not been the faſhion to ſalute Ladies who are unknowne, unleſſe they be ſome ſuperlative beauties; [Page] but I ſee your civility goes farther then ours. I have ſomething more to ſay then you have (anſwered he, and ſtill went on) for I am more inquiſitive then you are, and would gladly know who this Lady is: Certainly Sir (replyed I, not ſeeming as if I deſigned to hinder him) your curioſity in this, is like theirs who have a deſire to ſee Monſters, and who never think they have ſeen all Aegypt, if they have not ſeen thoſe dangerous Beaſts which devour paſſengers: However ſaid he, I would gladly know who this Lady is: Sir, ſaid I ſtill to keep him from following, I beleeve it will be an eaſie matter to know that, for I know the Coach which brought her to the Church: I know it alſo ſaid he to me, but I know not her that is in it: I will promiſe you to enquire replyed I, and to give you an account. In the meane time, the counterfeit Parthenia and my ſiſter took Coach, and Timantes durſt not ſpeak to them in my preſence, as he intended, ſo fearfull was he to incenſe his beloved unknown one: But when they were gone, and Timantes ſaluted them at parting, he put me in mind of my promiſe, and deſired me to perform it, colouring his curioſity with ſuch poor pretences, as I had much adoe to keep from laughing; I knew well that he only deſired to know her, that he might be acquainted with her who ſent her: and you may well think Sir, that at that time I would promiſe him any thing: After this, I went home with him, and preſently after that, I went to give my ſiſter an account of what had paſſed. Since ſhe ſaid that Parthenia did this only as a tryall of Timantes his fidelity, ſhe would not acquaint her with the extreame ſorrow that appeared in his eyes, when he ſaw the face of this ill favoured woman, but told her only that he ſeemed to be ſurpriſed, that notwithſtanding he ſaluted her moſt civilly, and would not follow her when ſhe went out of the Church, never telling how the woman undeceived him by ſhewing her hands, ſo that Parthenia thinking that Timantes imagined her to be as ugly as that woman, began to repent her of that impoſture, fearing he would not return any more according to the ordinary appointment; for though ſhe did this only to make Timantes think ſhe was not faire, yet ſhe could not indure that he ſhould have ſuch a horrible imagination of her, ſo that ſhe waited for the evening with a reſtleſſe impatience, ſometimes ſhe entertained her ſelfe with thoſe joyes ſhe ſhould have if Timantes did return, ſince then it was an infallible ſigne that uglineſſe would not alter his minde; otherwhiles ſhe feared that he would not come at all; ſo that toſſing h [...]r thoughts continually be ween hopes & feares, ſhe paſſed away the day with as much perplexity, as Amaxita did with pleaſure, in remembrance of all ſhe ſaw in the mind of Timantes, unto whom Parthenia commanded me to tell, that I could not learn who that Lady was whom he ſaw in the Church: However, night being come, Timantes did not faile to come unto Parthenia according to his cuſtome. But ſhe had no ſooner opened the window, than ſhe began to ſpeak unto him: Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, are you yet ſatisfied? can you find a heart to love ſuch a one as you ſaw this morning in the Church? To ſhew you Madam, ſaid he unto her, and ſmiled, that I can alwaies take delight in ſeeing you, I beſeech you lift up your hood which hides you, for ſince I ſaw you in the morning, me thinks you ſhould conceale your ſelfe no longer: Why Sir, ſaid ſhe, do you think you ſaw me? Indeed I doe not, ſaid he unto her, and therefore I am come to complaine againſt you for breaking promiſe, and conſequently diſobliged m [...] from keeping promiſe with you: No, no, Madam, ſaid he, never deny the truth, for if you will deceive me, you muſt not only give your habit unto her who did ſo ſcurvily perſonate you, but you muſt give her your hands alſo, your aire, and your port: yet I confeſſe that at firſt, the confidence which I had in your ſincerity, deceived me, and my owne eyes betrayed me; but yet my heart did quickly find it was not you. However (ſaid ſhe unto him, and confeſſed the impoſture) I pray you tell me unto what height you hated me, when you thought that I was ſhe you ſaw? I doe proteſt Madam, ſaid he unto her, I had not one thought which could offend you, and I was more angry with the Gods then you: But yet (replyed Parthenia) what thoughts had you at that time? Since you will have me confeſſe, replyed he, I will tell you, that I murmured againſt the Gods, for placing ſo many oppoſits and contrarieties in one perſon: yet I murmured only for the love of you; I had reſpect unto your honour, and not mine owne; and I had not one deſire but what was for your advantage. Ah Sir, you are not ſincere, (replyed Parthenia, and interrupted him) but yet I wiſh you were, and would really tell me, whether you would not have forſaken me, if I were ſuch a one as you ſaw? Since you deſire I ſhould lay open all my heart unto you (anſwered Timantes) I muſt tell you, that if you were ſuch a one and could not ſpeak, I think I ſhould have much adoe to continue my affection: but if on the contrary, you were ſuch a one as I ſaw, and would ſpeak alwaies as you doe, I would eternally follow you. But Sir, replyed Parthenia, I would not have you diſſemble, nor ſpeak in raillery; but in very ſerious earneſt: I will Madam, ſaid he unto her, and the [Page] more exactly to obey you, I doe proteſt before the Gods who heare me, and as I hope they will aſſiſt me, that what I ſay is moſt really true; and I aſſure you, Madam, my heart is ſo abſolutely tyed unto you, that I will never diſengage my ſelfe: yet I muſt confeſſe Madam, that if you be as faire as I think you are, I beleeve I ſhall perhaps love you a little more then I doe; but ſtill I muſt confidently aſſure you, that though you be not, I ſhall not love you leſſe. Ah Sir, replyed ſhe, this cannot be, for ſince you can love me more if I were faire, you muſt needs love me leſſe if I be not: yet Sir, this is moſt certainly true, that though perhaps I be not ill favoured, yet I ſhall be: and therefore if you cannot love me unleſſe I be faire, I pray you ceaſe loving me now; for I ever told you from the firſt beginning of our acquaintance, that I never can endure a heart which can change, I would have one ſhould alwaies love me alike, and if I ſhould love you one day, I ſhould love you ever, which can never be, if you can love me leſſe; and indeed how is it poſſible one ſhould endure without high anger, and juſt reſentment, that one ſhould fall back from love to luke-warmneſſe, to ſee ones ſelfe ſleighted when one ſhould be moſt eſteemed: and yet Sir this is ordinary, and happens a thouſand and a thouſand times, and will doe againe; and the cruelty of the buſineſſe is, that they both become equally inſupportable; and if there be any difference between the ſleighter and the ſleighted, between the party who falls off from love, and the party who is conſtant, certainly he that falls off is leaſt to be pityed: this inconſtant doth certainly loſe ſome pleaſure, in loſing his affection, but he can eaſily recover it in others; whereas on the contrary, a conſtant perſon in loſing the ſweets of being loved, doth at the ſame time loſe all the ſweets of his life, and is overwhelmed with all ſorts of ſorrows; and indeed, how is it poſſible he ſhould ever think of any thing that hath the name of a diverſion, how can he be able to live unleſſe to revenge. Therefore Sir conſider ſeriouſly, whether or no you can be conſtant, doe not make me more miſerable then I am, in making me hope for a good which I ſhall be deprived of. I doe proteſt unto you Madam, ſaid he unto her, that I think it an abſolute impoſſibility that ever I ſhall love you leſſe: the thing which moſt perplexeth me, replyed Parthenia, is, that when I aske any aſſurances of affection, the moſt inconſtant man in the world does think he ſhall never be inconſtant, and he will tell me the very ſame things that the moſt faithftll lover [...]n. Madam, ſaid Timantes to her, ſince there is no waies to make ſure of the time to come, but by what is paſt, and what is preſent, I deſerve not to be puniſhed as an inconſtant man, becauſe I expreſſe my reall and true thoughts by the ſame words that a perfidious lover expreſſeth his; therefore I beſeech you, be pleaſed to make tryall of my conſtancy, by any manner of way your witt can deviſe: but then Madam, I beſeech you firſt, before you put me to the teſte, tell me who you are, you muſt diſcover your faire eyes unto me, and ſtuffe not my imagination with the Idea of a witch, as lately you would. Then Sir, Parthenia thinking that perhaps Timantes was not fully undeceived of the opinion which he had, that ſhe whom he ſaw in the Church was really her ſelfe, and therefore ſhe would have that woman ſpeak to him open faced, ſo that Timantes ſeeing them both at once, might plainly ſee, ſhe was not the ſame he ſaw in the Church. But aſſoon as Timantes ſaw her, and ſhe retired againe, he began to ſpeak: No, no Madam, ſaid he unto Parthenia, you need not ſhow me this woman twice, thereby to undeceive me, my error laſted not a minut, and my heart did not long fancy an image that was unworthy of your ſelfe. You tell me too much to be bebeleeved, replyed Parthenia; and to ſay truly (added ſhe and ſmiled) I cannot altogether blame you, though you ſhould not tell me the whole truth at this time; for truly I can hardly endure to let this woman ſerve me, ſhe is ſo ill favoured, and therefore I ought not to think it ſtrange, that another ſhould be backward to ſerve ſuch a reſemblance as ſhe hath for a Miſtreſſe. After this, their converſation was ſometimes mingled with a thouſand ſincere proteſtations of eternall affection; another while with pleaſing joyes of minde, which made both Timantes and Parthenia know, that they were worthy of each other, and that they loved more then they would ſpeak of. In the mean while, ſince the moſt difficult things in the world unto a lover is, to keep lockt up in his heart all his adventures, and never tell them unto any; Timantes was of the ſame mind, and therefore altering his intentions of hiding it from Antimaques, leſt he ſhould be telling it to Dorida, he reſolved to acquaint him; and on the contrary thought it an eaſie matter for one lover to keep cloſe the ſecrets of another; ſo that after he had left Parthenia, and was returned home, he ſtayed untill Antimaques was returned from Policrite, to the end he might acquaint him with all the adventure, and ask his counſell which way he ſhould ſatisfie both his love and his curioſitie: yet before he would open unto Antimaques, he made him promiſe more then once, never to ſpeak of it unto any whoſoever, and then he told his adventure: At firſt Antimaques harkened unto it [Page] as a pretty pleaſant ſtory, and as a very merry and phantaſticall adventure; not thinking that his friend was really in love with one he never knew: But when he heard him aggravate his inquietudes, hee knew that his curioſity was of an amorous nature, for which hee began to chide him: But when he perceived that Timantes was the more ſerious, he began to pitty and laugh at him. Then Antimaques asked him pardon for wondering at the odneſſe and novelty of the adventure; and told him that he could not beleeve it to be any more then a bare peece of gallantry, and not a real paſſion: But ſince I perceive you are really in love, I do infinitely pitty you; and ſo much the more, becauſe one of theſe things muſt neceſſarily be, either ſhe whom you love is very phantaſticall, or elſe ſhe is foul, or elſe a woman of inferiour quality, and I pray heaven ſhe be not ſome thing worſe then all theſe, and that you be not coſened. Ah cruel, and unjuſt friend (ſaid he unto him) it ſeems you know her whom I adore. I know her as much as you doe (anſwered Antimaques) for it was I who firſt ſhewed her unto you in the Labyrinth. 'Tis true, ſaid Timantes, that you then ſaw her handſome ſtature and proportion, her fair hands; you heard her voice, and her excellent wit, yet all theſe are nothing in compariſon of what I know: For I finde ſuch a charme in her converſation as raviſheth me; and though ſhe will not tell me who ſhe is, yet I can diſcover as much as aſſures me of the greatneſſe of her minde, of the nobleneſſe of her birth, the generoſity of her ſoul, and alſo the beauty of her face: For there is ſuch a kinde of charming aire, and gallantry in her ſpeech, as any one may know ſhee is faire, and never ſee her. Alaſſe, Sir, (cryed Antimaques) I cannot chuſe but pitty you, unto what a cruell point are you arrived? And I cannot chuſe but pittie you the more, becauſe I doe not ſee which way I ſhould ſerve you, ſince you forbid mee to ſpeake of it unto any, and conſequently I cannot enquire who ſhee is you love: And yet I thinke that if you will follow my counſell, you may perhaps have ſome light of that which you deſire to know. Timantes then asked him, what he would adviſe him to doe? I perceive, replyed he, by what you have told me, that you have employed all your arguments to perſwade her you love, to let you know who ſhe is: You have uſed your beſt rhetorique and reaſons; you have earneſtly entreated her; you have added complaints unto your reaſons and prayers, but I doe not ſee you have tryed the eloquence of Liberality. Love would have offerings and ſacrifices as well as the reſt of the gods; and therefore if you will be rul'd by me, find out a handſome pretence of preſenting a rich preſent unto her: If ſhe be ſuch a one as you think her, ſhe will refuſe it, and not ſhew her ſelf after it: Or if ſhe be not ſuch a one and fair, ſhe will take it, and let you ſee her. If it be the firſt of theſe, you have diſcovered a new beauty in her ſoul; and if the ſecond, you have at leaſt ſatisfied your curioſity: And however, if ſhe reſiſt your perſwaſions, your ſighs, and your preſents, you will reap ſo much ſatisfaction as to ſee that I ſhall not condemn your paſſion. Though I know very well, replyed Timantes, that Liberality is inſeparable from Love, yet I cannot chuſe but fear to incenſe the perſon whom I love in preſenting it. But if I doe follow your counſell, the preſent muſt be ſo rich and magnificent, as that ſhe may judge of the meaſure of my love by it. Then Timantes reſolving to follow the counſell of Antimaques, hee choſe amongſt all his Jewels that which was moſt rich and rare, and the number out of which it was taken was not ſmall: For as perſons of his Quality uſe alwayes to carry many with them when they travel, ſo Timantes being very rich and magnificent, he had a great abundance of Jewels: And after hee had taken one of them which he thought to bee moſt worthy of her hee loved, and put it into a very magnificent box enamelled with gold, he reſolved to preſent it unto her the next morning with ſuch a complement as might make it acceptable. Then after he had talked awhile with her of ſeverall pleaſant Subjects, Timantes who was accuſtomed to complain, and knowing that nothing pleaſeth beauties better then to complaine of ſomething, he began thus; How long, Madam, muſt I love you (ſayd he unto her) without giving any teſtimonies of my love? When ſhall I obtaine ſo much liberty as to doe ſuch things as love uſeth to inſpire into ſuch as are under his empire? Did I know you, and were it permitted me to manifeſt my paſſion, I ſhould be as forward in my expreſſions as the moſt paſſionate lovers, and as magnificently you ſhould be courted, with as many Muſique entertainments as there are dayes; I ſhould ere now have made three or four publique Feaſts; the Ball ſhould be continually left with you, and you ſhould have ſeen whether we know how to treat in Crete, as well as they doe in Cyprus. Moreover, ſince I am confident that I have many Rivals, I ſhould let you ſee that perhaps they were not worthy to be preferred before me: I ſhould follow, and court you in all places: I would endeavour to be a friend unto your friends, and an enemy unto your enemies: I would not look upon any but ſuch as you favour, and I ſhould find out a thouſand [Page] wayes to let you ſee the grandure and merit of my paſſion: But as things are, what ſhould I doe to expreſſe my love? You may obey me, ſaid Parthenia, and that's enough; for in doing ſo, I ſhall think my ſelf as much obliged as by all you tell me you would doe if you knew me. That is ſo little, replyed he, that I cannot beleeve it will oblige you at all, Madam, or that you can ſo much as eſteem me for it; for thereby you cannot know whether I bee generous or no, you will be ignorant whether I be liberall or courteous. I may have a thouſand virtues or vices which you can never ſee; and therefore, I beſeech you, Madam, let me not be confined unto ſuch narrow limits, but give love leave to appear ſome way or other: To make it appear in my eyes, anſwered Parthenia, it muſt bee hid from the eyes of all others: At leaſt, Madam, ſaid he unto her, give me leave to regulate my whole life according to your directions, and that I may ask your advice in all my actions. As for that, replyed Parthenia, I ſhall moſt willingly conſent unto it; for I deſire nothing more then to know your heart. Then, I beſeech you doe me that honour, Madam (ſaid he unto her, and preſented unto her the enamelled box in which the Jewell was) as to tell me to morrow whether this which I preſent unto your fair hand be worthy to be offered unto a great Princeſſe; for I deſign it unto one who certainly merits to be a Queen. At the firſt Parthenia did not think that it was intended unto her, but perhaps unto Policrite, or Aretaphile, and therefore without any difficulty ſhe took it, yet ſhe no ſooner had it in her hand, but ſhe changed opinion, and thought it intended unto her. This imagination did ſwell her heart both with anger and curioſity: The firſt of theſe, becauſe ſhe thought Timantes did not think of her as ſhe would have him; and the ſecond, becauſe ſhe would ſee whether Timantes would give it unto her; therefore ſeeming as if ſhe never thought to have any ſhare in his liberality, ſhe told him that ſhe would not ſtay ſo long as to morrow before ſhe gave him her opinion of it, but would goe unto the candle which was at the further end of the chamber, and ſee whether this which he would give was worthy of himſelf; for certainly (ſaid ſhe, moſt obligingly) if it be worthy of your ſelf, it is worthy of her you intend it for whoſoever ſhe be. In ſaying ſo, ſhe went to ſee what it was which Timantes put into her hand, with intention to reſtore it unto him the ſame hour; and he alſo went away as well as ſhe, the better to ſhew that he would not take it again: So that Parthenia hearing him walk, went back to the window purpoſely to call him, but hee was already gone out of the Jeſſimin Arbour which was under the window: So that after ſhe had ſtayed a long while to ſee whether he would return, and hearing nothing of him, ſhe ſhut the window, and went to look upon that which Timantes had left with her. She did not look upon it alone, for ſhe ſhewed it unto Amaxita, who was not a little raviſhed at the luſtre of it; but Parthenia did leſſe regard all thoſe Pearls and Diamonds then ſhe did a Letter which ſhe found with them in the box, which was thus written.

TIMANTES unto his admired unknown one.

MADAM,

SInce there is no King but receives Tribute from his Subjects, permit me, I beſeech you, ſince I am not onely your Subject, but your vaſſall, to give what I can, though not what I ought. As you are my Goddeſſe, I muſt preſent you with offerings and ſacrifices; and as you are the Queen of my heart, I muſt pay you Tribute. Therefore I beſeech you to accept of my offering, not to let you ſee that I am liberall, but to ſhew you that I am not covetous. I beſeech you doe not think that I have any thoughts of purchaſing your heart by it: For I know the price is inestimable, and that all the Gold, Pearls, Diamonds, and Rubies which the Sun ever produced ſince it ſhined upon the Univerſe, is not able to pay it: And if ever I ſhall hope to be ſo bleſſed hereafter as to enjoy it, I muſt have recourſe unto my tears, and ſighs, and prayers, and not unto Pearls and Diamonds, and ſuch like. However, I moſt humbly beſeech you, be not offended at my boldneſſe, nor take it ill from one who having given you his whole heart, may give you what he thinks inferiour to it alſo: And therefore, I beſeech you doe not hate me for it, nor look more coldly upon me to morrow, unleſſe you will overwhelm with ſorrows your moſt Adorer

TIMANTES.

After Parthenia had read this Letter, ſhe gave it unto Amaxita, who reading it alſo, could not ſufficiently admire the liberality of Timantes, and told Parthenia, that if his love were meaſured by his gift, he loved her better then ever any could. I know not, replyed Parthenia, [Page] whether he love me as much as you talk of, but I am ſure he does neither ſufficiently eſteem me nor know me at all: For it ſeems he thinks to blind my eyes, and winne my heart with Diamonds, as children with toyes; he thinks me of a weak mind, and mercenary ſoul; and yet I muſt confeſſe he is ſomething excuſable; for my manner of dealing with him is ſo phantaſticall and extraordinary, that I ought not to thinke much of him; nor am I reſolved to treat him rigorouſly, but will onely let him ſee he was miſtaken in his thoughts that I would receive a preſent of any importance from him; and that he may not doubt of my generoſity, I will not onely refuſe what he offers me, but I will preſent him with a gift, and a gift of that magnificence, as he may conjecture at my quality and riches; for the Gods have not menaced me with misfortunes, though he who is to marry me doe know that my birth and quality is not baſe. Parthema was as good as her word; for ſhe did not onely put thoſe things which Timantes gave her into the box, but ſhe put alſo into it the Caſe of a Picture ſet with Diamonds of a moſt conſiderable greatneſſe. She did not fear they would be known to be hers, though Timantes ſhould ſhew them unto all in Paphos; for ſhe lately got them made in Salamis, purpoſely to put the Picture of Policrite in it, which ſhe took out before ſhe ſent it unto Timantes: Alſo ſhe anſwered the Letter of Timantes in another hand then ſhe uſually writes: After which I procured a truſty perſon to carry this box unto him in the morning betimes: and the matter was ſo well carryed, that it was given unto one of Timantes his ſervants whom he put much confidence in, to give unto his Maſter: This was as well as Parthenia deſired; For the ſervant of Timantes knew not the man who gave it unto him, nor took any notice of him, nor ever was like, for he was not one of Paphos, but departed the next morning into his own country: So that Timantes when he awaked was ſtrangely aſtoniſhed to ſee that upon the Table which hee thought was in the hands of his unknown Miſtris. At firſt he thought his eyes deceived him, or elſe that he dreamt, and was not well awaked. But his ſervant telling him, that a man whom he knew not, nor would tell his name, nor would ſtay until he awaked, did charge him to give it unto him, then he thought it to be true. But ſince he imagined that his admired [...]own one had ſent back his preſent, hee was exceeding ſorry, and ſo much the more [...]e hee feared that ſince ſhe was ſo generous as to refuſe a gift of that value, ſhe [...] be of [...]ed at him: Therefore he opened the box with much impatience, not to ſ [...]e whether all his Jewels were there, but to ſee whether ſhee had returned an Anſwer unto his Letter. In the mean time he was infinitely aſtoniſhed to ſee upon the tops of all his own Jewels, that Rich Picture Caſe which Parthenia ſent him, and which he was certain was not his: Hee no ſooner ſaw it, but hoping her Picture was within it, he never conſidered the beauty and richneſſe of it, but opened it in all haſte; but in lieu of ſeeing what he ſo extreamly deſired, he ſaw theſe words written in the place of the Picture,

This Caſe will ſerve hereafter to put my Picture in, if you render your ſelf worthy of it.

Ah moſt cruell Lady (ſaid he, as I heard afterwards) will you never be weary with making tryall of my patience, and let me ſee what I ſo much adore? After this he found a Letter containing theſe words.

To the too Inquiſitive TIMANTES.

SIR,

I Am ſo fully perſwaded that Liberality is a virtue, and a virtue moſt Heroick, that I will never doe any thing which may make you think me guilty of its oppoſite vice; and therefore I have ſent back your rich preſent, and ſend it without any ſharp reprehenſions: For ſince you doe not know who I am, I ought not to be offended at that which would be injurious to me if you did: Yet I muſt complain a little, that after ſo much converſe with you, when I did not hide my heart as I did my face, you ſhould not have ſo good an opinion of me, as to think that I would refuſe your offer: But I will not break with you for this, though for no other conſideration but to give you cauſe to know me better. However, to repair your fault, I enjoyn you to keep this caſe which I ſend you, without ſhewing unto any; for if you do, you ſhall never ſee my Picture nor my ſelf.

[Page] As Timantes ended the reading of this letter, Antimaques entered, who found his friend much taken up with this new adventure, which he related unto him, notwithſtanding the prohibition of Parthenia, thinking it no treaſon to make that man his confident, whom he loved as a ſecond ſelfe: But as Timantes was aſtoniſhed, ſo Antimaques was much more, having no reaſon after this, to doubt neither of the quality or generoſity of this unknown Lady. For indeed the preſent which Timantes gave her was ſo rich, that it was an argument of a great ſoule to refuſe it, and the Caſe which Parthenia ſent him was ſo magnificent, that ſhe muſt be both rich and liberall who gave it: ſo that Antimaques after this confeſſed, that Timantes had reaſon to proſecute his adventure, and to try how far it would go; he moved him to ſhow this Caſe unto ſome who perhaps might know it, and thereby to learne where it was made: he moved him alſo to ſhew her Letter, thereby to find out the writer by the writing: But ſince Timantes obſerved in diſcourſe with his beloved unknowne one, that ſhe knew all paſſages in the World, he durſt not put it to the venture, but deſired Antimaques a thouſand and a thouſand times, not to reveale his ſecret unto any, yet he had ſometimes a great deſire to ſpeak himſelfe unto the Lady at whoſe houſe Parthenia lodged: but ſhe had ſo often told him, that if ever he enquired of her, ſhe would then never ſee him more, that he durſt not attempt it. In the meane time, he waited for night with much impatience; yet he was much unreſolved what to doe with the picture caſe which Parthenia ſent him: for ſince it came from the hands of her he loved, he had no will to part with it: on the other ſide, it was ſo rich that he thought it were to be leſſe generous then ſhe, if he did not reſtore it; ſo that not knowing what he ſhould doe with it, he carried it unto the place of meeting: but he was not ſo happy as he hoped to be, for Parthenia to perplex him the [...]re, ſent Amaxita to tell him, ſhe could not ſee him that night; and as Timantes asked [...] the reaſon, ſhe gave him ſome cauſe to think by her anſwer (though ſhe told him not ſo expreſly) that it was becauſe ſhe was preparing her ſelfe to goe unto a generall Ball, which the Princeſſ [...] Policrite kept the next day: ſo th [...] Timantes raviſhed that Amaxita had told him this ere ever ſhe was aware, began to reſolve not to faile being at this meeting, and there to talk with all the Ladies, ſo that he made no queſtion but to find her whom he looked for: but ſince he hoped to pick ſomthing out of Amaxita, he talked with her a long time, and ſince he collected by her diſcourſe that ſhe was of Parthenia's Cabbinet counſell, he told her a hundred things to tell her, and began to aggravate his ſorrowes, that he could not reſolve to reſtore the picture Caſe which ſhe ſent him, and which he thought too rich to keep: yet (ſaid he unto her at the end of their diſcourſe) I doe conjure you to tell that excellent Lady, I will reſtore the Caſe that day ſhe gives me her picture; but to the end ſhe ſhould not think I keep it out of any covetous inclination, I will within this four daies proclaime a Horſe-race, and will give that for the prize which I preſumed to offer unto her, and ſo I may ſafely keep that preſent which otherwiſe might make me ſuſpected of covetouſneſſe. Amaxita uſed all her Rhetorick to perſwade him to an alteration of his reſolution, but all in vaine: However they parted, agreeing that the day following at coming from the Ball, he ſhould come unto the uſuall place of meeting. After this Timantes was all hopes and joyes, for he beleeved he ſhould know this unknown one by her voice, or at leaſt he would ſet ſuch ſpies about the houſe whither ſhe would come into at her returne from the Ball, as ſhould tell him who ſhe was. Then he prepared himſelfe with all care poſſible, and went unto the Ball ſo timely, that the Hall was not made cleane when he came there. In the meane while I was adviſed by Amaxita to obſerve Timantes very cloſe, and to render her an account a little before the Ball ended: I was ſo forward to doe the Princeſſe of Salamis any ſervice, and conſidering that in this I might alſo ſerve Timantes, and the Prince Philoxipes, who I knew deſired the Marriage, that I was almoſt aſſoon in the place of aſſembly as he was: For my part, I never had ſo much pleaſure in all my life, as I had that day in obſerving Timantes, for there did not one beauty enter, which I perceived by his eyes, he did not wiſh might prove his unknowne one; and not one entered which was foule, but he feared that was ſhe, and I ſaw ſo many ſeveral turbulencies in his countenance, that after I laughed at him, I could not chuſe but pitty him: That which did moſt ſtick in his ſtomack was, that there were at this aſſembly three or foure women of Paphos who were very rich and very ill favoured, and except the Queen Policrite, Timoclia, and one more, he ſaw not one beauty there as was likely to ſend ſuch a preſent as he received. In the meane time he knew it was not one of thoſe foure, for he knew it by their Tones, and ſaw moreover it could not be the two firſt, who were both married and virtuous; and he knew it could not be the other two, for they had both of them declared Servants, and Servants whom they did not hate: Thus not knowing what to thinke, he went from place to place, [Page] talking to all the faire ones, and foul ones, one after another, but could not finde her he looked for: then as he was walking from one to another, a Ladie of Amathonte, a high beauty and one whom Policrite received as a perſon of quality, did enter; ſhe being wonderfull faire, and he having never ſeen her before, though ſhe had been three daies in Paphos, he looked upon her with hopes that this was ſhe he loved; and hearing her ſpeak, he thought he heard ſomething in the ſound of her voice which reſembled his unknown one, ſo that being raviſhed with joy, he waited till the complements between Policrite and ſhe was paſſed, and ſhe ſeated in her place; and ſhe was no ſooner ſet, but Timantes according to the freedome of our Court, talked to her, to the end he might move her to anſwer him, but this Lady being one of that countrywhoſe cuſtome is not to talk with any ſhe knows not, had much adoe to anſwer him: Beſides, ſhe was as dull as ſhe was faire, and when ſhe did anſwer, it was ſo confuſedly and little to the purpoſe, thas Timantes hardly underſtood what ſhe ſaid. However, his imagination being foreſtalled, he thought her ſtupiditie and ſilence, was only affected, and that ſhe would diſguiſe her ſelfe, therefore he continued on, ſtill hoping ſhe would ſpeak more; but long did he ſtay before he could get any thing from her, unleſſe a yea or no: yet at laſt he found his error, for a man of Amathonte coming to her, ſhe told to him ſo freely after the ruſticity of her country, as fully undeceived Timantes, and ſince there was not one woman of any reaſonable quality in all the aſſembly which he had not ſpoke unto, or heard ſpeak, he ſatt downe, but ſo ſadly, that he minded nothing which paſſed in the company; yet they forced him to dance, but it was ſo careleſly, and far from his accuſtomed garb, that Policrite could not chuſe but chide him. In the mean time, ſince I thought the Ball would quickly end, I went out, to render an account of my obſervations unto my Siſter, and told her exactly to the leaſt circumſtance all his actions, naming all the principall Ladies of the aſſembly which Timantes talked with, not forgetting the Lady of Amathonte: I told her alſo that I thought there were men about the houſe watching who entered, but I did not think they could know me, becauſe it was very dark: After I had told all I knew, I went out at another dore then I intended at. But Amaxita had no ſooner well informed Parthenia of all paſſages, but Timantes came unto his accuſtomed place. However, Parthenia the more to deceive him, wore many Jewells that night more then uſuall; for though it was dark, yet there was ſo much dim light from the Moon, the Starrs, and Candle which was at the further end of the room, as might make the Diamonds ſparkle: ſo that Timantes knowing that Parthenia was better dreſſed then ordinary, he thought then that ſhe had really been at the Ball: though he knew he had ſpoken unto all the Ladies, and knew that none of them was her he talked unto then: Moreover ſince he underſtood from his ſpies, that there entered none into the houſe but one man, he thought againe ſhe was not at the Ball: ſo that he was driven to ſuch a cruell neceſſity, as he knew not what to think: But to compleat his amazement, Parthenia no ſooner ſaw him, but not giving him ſo much leaſure as to ſpeak. Well Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him) what think you of the ſpirit of the Amathontine Lady, with whom you talked longer then with any Lady of Paphos? doe you not feare that all the Ladies of our Court ſhould hate you, for preferring a Lady of that Country before them? and doe you not further think I may well be Jealous? I pray heavens Madam, ſaid he, that it be the laſt of theſe, for ſince that paſſion cannot be in your heart, but it muſt ariſe from another, I ſhould think my ſelfe very happy; for then you muſt love me, and let me ſee you, and conſequently I muſt not be driven to the cruell neceſſity of ſeeking you out every where, and finding you no where, but here where I cannot ſee you with a full ſatisfaction. But Madam, I beſeech you tell me ſincerely, whether you were at the Ball or no? Is it not a ſufficient anſwer, ſaid ſhe, to tell you all that paſſed in this meeting? and then ſhe told him all that Amaxita had related unto her, and ſo puzled him, that he knew not what to think. But yet (ſaid ſhe unto him) who would you wiſh me to be of all the Ladies you ſaw with Policrite? I wiſh you were none but your ſelfe, replyed he, and that I could know who you are, for if you uſe me thus long, I ſhall infallibly loſe my witts and reaſon. Very well (anſwered Parthenia and ſmiled) I begin to think ſo, and that which makes me moſt feare it, is, that unleſſe you had been out of your witts and reaſon, you would never have offered me ſuch a rich gift, which I could not accept of, without a ſtain unto my vertue. You may think it from another conjecture Madam, (ſaid he unto her) for after you had ſent me ſuch a glorious example of generoſity, and ſent me back my gift with another more rich then mine, yet I keep it, and keep it without rendring you thanks: yet I ſhall keep it no longer then untill you are pleaſed to honour me with your picture, which you have not forbidden me to hope for. So did my woman tell me, replyed Parthenia, but I muſt tell you, there are many things to be done, before I give you my picture, for I will be firſt [Page] well aſſured of your heart for ever; but untill then, I pray tell me, who doe you think of all the beauties you have ſeen in Cyprus, does in your judgement beſt deſerve the prize? You have ſo accuſtomed me to make no uſe of my eyes (ſaid he unto her) that I think them to be very ill Judges of beauty; for ſince I think upon none but that of your ſoul, and mind, and cannot ſee yours, I cannot tell whether I ſhould love the fair or the brown. Parthenia did then exceedingly preſſe him to tell her whether he liked the beauty of Policrite or Aretaphile better, purpoſely to prepoſſeſſe him with what he ſhould hereafter find hers to be; but doe what ſhe could, he could not clearly expreſſe himſelf, becauſe he knew not the complexion of her he ſpoke unto, but ſtriving to divert the diſcourſe, hee told her, how all the men and women in Cyprus (except one woman, whoſe judgement was oppoſite to all others) told him that all the beauty he had ſeen was nothing comparable to the beauty of the Princeſſe of Salamis: Parthenia hearing her ſelf named, did think at firſt, that perhaps Timantes knew who ſhe was, but ſhe was miſtaken; for Timantes going on with his diſcourſe; 'Tis true, ſaid he, I doe beleeve this ſingular woman as much as I doe all the reſt; eſpecially becauſe ſhe is one of a good wit. Wit, replyed ſhe, is not ſo neceſſary to judge of beauty: But there is a neceſſity of Juſtice and Impartiality, and without envy at the beauty of another. But I pray tell me, ſaid Parthenia, who is the woman which ſpeaks thus in diſadvantage of the Princeſſe of Salamis? Timantes thinking of no inconveniencie by naming this Lady, needed not many entreaties: But he had no ſooner named her, then Parthenia began to wonder at her injuſtice. I beſeech you, Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, do not judge of the Princeſſe of Salamis and her beauty by the reports of this woman, who without reaſon hates her. But if ſhe be ſo amiable as they ſ [...]y ſhe is, replyed Timantes, how is it poſſible ſhe ſhould hate her? No, no, Sir, replyed Parthenia, doe not deceive your ſelf, you muſt never judge of the beauty of one faire one, by the reports of another beauty: For I am confident that amongſt a hundred, you will not find two that are juſt, but every one will think to adde glory unto themſelves by detracting from others. The truth is, ſaid Timantes, I did wonder very much this woman ſhould be ſo oppoſite unto the judgement of all others, concerning the Princeſſe of Salamis. I pray tell me, ſaid Parthenia, what ſhee did ſay in particular of her? For I take the greateſt pleaſure in the world to ſee envy and jealouſie work in the ſpirits of thoſe who are inſpired with thoſe humours. Since it is your pleaſure, Madam, ſaid he unto her, I will confeſſe, that after I had the honour to meet you the firſt time in the Labyrinth, and could not finde you in any place after, nor none could tell me who you were, I had an imagination that you were this Princeſſe whereof we ſpeak: Yet I durſt never reveale my thoughts unto any but this Lady, who was my indifferent good friend; but ſhe kept me not long in that errour; for ſhe told me the Princeſſe of Salamis, had a ſhrill voice not at all ſweet; that ſhe was groſſe and ill made; that ſhe had white, but not handſome and fair hands. The truth is, ſaid Parthenia, There is no certain concluſions to be made by the reports of others; and ſince I love Parthenia very well, but doe not love her who ſpeaks againſt her, perhaps I ſhall be partiall, and favour the one, and wrong the other, then I would have you ſee the Princeſs of Salamis, and be judge your ſelf. In the mean time I am beholding to you, for thinking me to be her; for though ſhe were not as all report her, yet my obligation is not the leſſe, ſince your imagination fancied me to be ſo, and not as that Lady deſcribed her. 'Tis true, replyed Timantes, That I fancied your Idea like that of the Princeſſe of Salamis, bee ſhee as fair as ſhee can be. However (ſaid Parthenia, exceedingly deſiring to know what Timantes would think of her beauty) I pray doe me ſo much favour as to ſee that Princeſſe. How can I ſee her, Madam, replyed he, for the Prince Philoxipes asked her leave to bring me into her deſart, and ſhe would not honour me ſo far: And to tell you truly, Madam, all my curioſity is confined unto your ſelf, and I deſire to ſee none elſe: Yet I ſhould think my ſelf obliged to you (anſwered ſhe) if you would ſee her. Once more, Madam, ſaid he, pray tell me how I can ſee her. You may eaſily doe it (ſaid Parthenia) for I know ſhe goes almoſt every day unto a little Temple of Venus Urania, not above thirty furlongs from her houſe, towards Amathonte. I doe know the Temple, ſaid hee, for it was ſhewed unto me as I went unto the Adonian Feaſt. Since ſo, ſaid ſhe, I pray you goe thither to morrow; for I confeſſe I ſhould be very glad if the beauty of that Princeſſe ſhould pleaſe you, to the end you may hereafter ſuſpect the reports of that Lady who I love not, and may put her out of the Catalogue of your friends. Alaſs, Madam, ſaid Timantes, there is no neceſſity of my ſeeing the Princeſſe of Salamis, for I know enough from you to make me diſcard that Lady from the number of my friends; for ſince ſhe does not pleaſe you, ſhe cannot me. No, no, ſaid ſhe, I would not have you do [...] ſo out of complacencie, but out of reaſon, therefore I conjure you to [Page] doe as I deſire. But, Madam, ſaid he, if this Princeſs be as fair as reports make her, me-thinks you ſhould have ſome care of my heart, in expoſing it unto ſo great a danger: at leaſt you ſhould ſhew me your eyes, that I may with them defend my ſelf againſt hers. On the contrary, ſaid ſhe, ſince I doe intend never to give my entire affection untill I am firſt moſt certainly aſſured of yours, I wiſh the Princeſſe of Salamis were a thouſand times fairer then ſhe is, that ſhe might be a ſtronger tryall of your conſtancie: For ſince I value not a perfideous inconſtant heart, nor would be loved for beauty if I had it, but would have good ſecurity againſt all thoſe evils which beauty cauſes, I ſhould be glad you ſaw all the beauties in Cyprus, to the end I might not fear it. In concluſion, Sir, Parthenia ordered the matter with ſo much art, that Timantes promiſed to go next morning and ſee whether the Princeſſe of Salamis were at that Temple, not having the leaſt ſuſpition of the truth, nor thinking ſhe had any other deſign in her commands, but onely that ſhe loved to be punctually obeyed: So that he prepared himſelfe for it: And after he went from her, Parthenia gave all requiſite orders for his journey in the morning, and ſo did ſhe: Amaxita writ a Letter unto me to ſend a Coach by break of day; for Parthenia would not make uſe of the Ladyes with whom ſhee lodged, becauſe Timantes knew it. So ſhe did riſe betimes in the morning, and dreſſed her ſelf in her richeſt habit, and neglected nothing which might ſet her ſelf out with advantage: When ſhe was all ready, and had looked the laſt time in her glaſſe, Amaxita asked what was her deſign? not being yet ſatisfied with all the reaſons ſhe had told her, I would exactly know, ſaid ſhe, what Timantes will think of me, which I can never doe, if I ſhew my ſelf unto him, and diſcover who I am. But, Madam (ſaid Amaxita unto her) ſince you doe not feare that your beauty will attract the heart of Timantes, why doe you tell him the truth? No, replyed Parthenia, I have not changed my mind, but ſtill fear the menaces of the gods, and theſe fears are my reaſons why I goe ſo fantaſtically to work. But for all that, Madam (ſaid Amaxita) I am confident Timantes will think you the faireſt that ever he ſaw; and I beleeve all the excellings of your ſpirit, your ſoul, your hands, your ſtature, and your voice will have much adoe to hold out againſt the glory of your eyes; and therefore if you think you cannot marry him, if perchance he ſhould be in love with your beauty as well as with your ſoul, never expoſe him unto that danger, but ſeek out ſome other way to make tryall of his fidelity. Yet Parthenia would not hearken unto Amaxita: But not well knowing what ſhe ſhould think if Timantes ſhould commend her either too much or too little: She went into the Temple ſo early, as ſhe was in no danger to be known in the Town: She went alſo by a blind way, to the end that ſhe might come as if ſhe came from Salamis; for ſo her Deſart was called: But ſince ſhe feared that if Timantes did ſee her in the Temple, he would know her by her ſtature: as ſoon as ſhe came; ſhe offered her ſacrifice; and afterwards ſeeing that Timantes was not come, ſhe went unto the Sacrificers houſe under pretence of reſting her ſelf, whoſe houſe was cloſe by the way as one comes from Paphos. So that being in a Parlor, ſhee leaned againſt the window talking with Amaxita, whoſe hood was up as well as hers; for in favour of their deſign the Sun did not then ſhine. She had not ſtood there a quarter of an hour, but Amaxita eſpied Timantes coming towards the place where they were, having with him only one ſervant, and ſhe no ſooner eſpied him, but ſhe ſhewed him unto Parthenia, juſt as Timantes turned his eyes towards them, but it was ſo far off as he could not diſcerne her beauty, and therefore he advanced with no haſt; but when he was ſo neare▪ Parthenia as to diſtinguiſh that attracts in her face, he made no queſtion but ſhe was the Princeſſe of Salamis, and was ſo ſurpriſed at the luſtre of her beauty, that he changed colour, and confeſſed to himſelfe, that the Idea which he had fancyed of his beloved unknown Lady, was not fairer, nor ſo faire as this Princeſſe: he went then as gently as poſſible, he gazed upon her with attention full of rapture, and bowed unto her with moſt reverent reſpect, and did not go into the Temple untill he had ſeriouſly contemplated upon it, and meeting with one of the ſacrificers of that place going into the Temple, he ſtayed and fell into diſcourſe with him, purpoſely for a pretence of looking longer upon her; at firſt he intended to go unto her as upon a viſit, knowing ſhe was not ignorant he was the friend of the Prince her Brother, but having only one ſervant with him, and being in a courſe and common habit, he could not find a mind to be ſo neare a perſon of that Beauty and Majeſty, who ſtruck ſo high an admiration and reſpect into him; therefore ſince the ſacrificer went into the Temple, and he durſt ſtay no longer there, he went into the Temple alſo, hoping ſtill he ſhould ſee her againe at his coming out: But Parthenia having no intention he ſhould ſpeak unto her, or follow her, aſſoon as ſhe ſaw him gone into the Temple, ſhe took Coach and went towards the place of her ſolitude, yet ſhe went out of it againe, aſſoon as ſhe was in a wood about two furlongs [Page] diſtant from the Temple, and ſince ſhe would not come unto Paphos untill it was night, nor meet with Timantes in the way, ſhe took a blind way through the Forreſt which went unto the houſe of one who was acquainted with my ſiſter, and there ſhe paſſed away the reſt of the day. In the meane while Sir, ſince Parthenia had obſerved that her beauty had produced its cuſtomary effects upon the ſpirits of Timantes, to witt, admiration, and tu [...]bulencie, ſhe knew not whether ſhe ſhould be glad or angry, yet ſhe deſired to pleaſe Timantes; but for all that, when ſhe conſidered the menaces of the Gods, ſhe could not chuſe but be ſorrowfull, that her beauty had any influence upon the mind of her lover, and feared, that ſince he was ſo ſenſible, he would not be ſo [...]nſtant, as ſhe wiſhed and hoped. However, (ſaid Amaxita to her and laughed) though I [...]antes doe change the object of his paſſion, yet is he not inconſtant, becauſe ſtill he loves none but you: I aſſure you, anſwered ſhe, that if he ſhould, I ſhould be no leſſe jealous of my ſelfe then any other: Oh Madam (ſaid Amaxita and interrupted her) it is not poſſible you ſhould ſo ſcrupulously rely upon the Oracle, as to have any ſuch thought, and be jealous of your ſelfe; for would you have Timantes have no eyes? or in having be worſe, and think you not handſome? Truly Amaxita replyed ſhe, you put me to the queſtion, for I ſhould be ſorry to ſeem ugly in his eye, and yet I would not have him dote too much upon beauty, and if I ſhould find that he prefers the Princeſſe of Salamis before his unknown Miſtreſſe, I doe confeſſe I ſhould be very ſorry: Truly Madam, replyed Amaxita, I cannot beleeve you, and I am confident, that maugle all the menaces of the Gods, you doe not think as you ſpeak, ſince certainly it is not poſſible any beauty ſhould be an enemy unto her owne charmes. But Sir, whilſt Parthenia and Amaxita were thus talking, Timantes was entertaining himſelfe very ſweetly with the rare beauty which he had ſeen. Is it not poſſible would he ſay, to joyne the ſpirit of my beloved unknown owne, to the beauty of her I ſaw? Alas, alas, I would it were, that I might be the happieſt man alive, in the enjoyment of the moſt accompliſht perſon in the world; but that would be too much, and if there were a woman in the world ſo faire as the Princeſſe of Salamis, and whoſe ſpirit were as great and ſweet as hers I love, there would be more Altars erected unto her, then either unto Venus-Anadiomena, or to Venus Vrania: Be contented therefore with what the Gods have given unto her whom I adore, and wiſh only that ſhe be but a little leſſe faire then the Princeſſe of Salamis. Timantes was not long in theſe thoughts, for his hot deſire of ſeeing this wonder of beauty againe, moved him to go out of the Temple almoſt aſſoon [...] came into it: But ſore was he grieved, to underſtand from thoſe that looked to his horſes, that the Princeſſe of Salamis was gone, he asked which way ſhe went, and followed a while, but ſince ſhe was in the wood before he took horſe, he could not overtake her, therefore he returned towards Paphos, ſo raviſhed with the beauty of this Princeſſe, that he almoſt feared his falling in love with her. In the mean time, ſince his unknowne Lady did not prohibite him, from ſpeaking of this journey, he told every one where he had been, only concealed the cauſe; and the chiefeſt motive which induced him ſo to doe, was, becauſe he could not forbeare commending the beauty of the Princeſſe of Salamis, which he knew he durſt not doe to the height, when he ſpoke with his unknowne one at night, for he knew that it was the greateſt indiſcretion in the world for any lover to commend the beauty of another before his Miſtreſſe, & the moſt of all in him, becauſe his Miſtreſſe would not have him ſo inamoured with the beauty of the body as the mind, ſo that he did nothing but extol the beauty of the Princeſſe of Salamis, unto all the men he met with that day, he told it unto Philoxipes, Policrite, and Dorida; and he went himſelfe to tell that Lady who ſo diſcommended this Princeſſe, that ſhe knew not what beauty was; he had not the leaſt ſuſpicion that this Princeſſe was his unknown Lady, ſuppoſing it a thing impoſſible that a woman ſo faire, could hide her beauty from a man that was in love with her, eſpecially from one ſhe hated not, and whom ſhe wiſhed eternally to love her: for being ignorant of the Oracles which the Princeſſe received, he could not gueſſe at the true cauſe of her ſo fantaſticall and extraordinary proceedings: None could think it ſtrange that the Princeſſe ſhould come ſo neare Paphos as this Temple, and not come into the Town, becauſe it was her ordinary humor. But Philoxipes and Policrite murmured a little that ſhe did not ſend to know how they did, imagining no other reaſon, but that ſhe had no deſire to have it known ſhe was there, for feare ſhe ſhould be invited to come into the Town: However, night being come, Timantes went unto his accuſtomed place of meeting, being reſolved to commend the beauty of the Princeſſe of Salamis, but not too highly for the reaſons aforeſaid: He was no ſooner there, but Parthenia asked him, what he thought of the Princeſſe of Salamis? I think ſhe is very faire replyed he, and I think that ſhe who told me otherwiſe, did her much wrong, for truly if that Princeſſe had a mind anſwerable to her eyes, and a ſoule as faire as her face, [Page] queſtionleſſe ſhe were a rare woman: But though ſhe be only faire replyed Parthenia, is it not poſſible to love her? Yes (replyed he, and ſmiled) if thoſe that look upon her were all eyes and no ſpirit: No, no, ſaid Parthenia, doe not diſſemble, I ſee you have a mind to anſwer me according to my thoughts, and not your owne, and to tell me rather what I would have you ſay, then what you think: Suppoſe I did Madam, replyed he, is it a crime to be complacentiall? Complyance ſaid ſhe, ought not to go ſo far as to diſſemble ones thoughts, it is enough if it ſubmit unto them, and too much to hide them; true delight conſiſts in conformity of thoughts, and not of words only; and truly I am more joyed to ſee one whom I love, think juſt as I doe, then I am to ſee them who for my [...]ke force themſelves in every thing to a complacency: certainly there is nothing more ſw [...]nd pleaſing then this, ſympathy of ſpirits, thoughts and opinions; therefore never ſtrive to find out what I would wiſh you to ſay, but be cleare and ingenuous, and ſpeak your owne thoughts, for you cannot deceive me. Madam, replyed he, I doe ever ſpeak ſincerely unto you, you ask me whether the Princeſſe of Salamis be faire? I anſwer you that ſhe is very faire, am I farre from the truth? Parthenia being then angred to think her beauty had not ſo much pierced the heart of Timantes as ſhe thought, began to ſpeak in a little higher tone: You commend the Beauty of the Princeſſe of Salamis very coldly (ſaid ſhe unto him) that it is plain to ſee, you doe it out of complacency only, or elſe out of ſubtilty to perſwade me your heart is not ſenſible of beauty. 'Tis moſt true Madam, replyed he, I am at this time ſenſible of nothing but your ſpirit and ſoule, and all I know of you: and therefore Madam doe not wonder (ſaid he, thinking that he could not pleaſe her better) if I be not ſo much charmed with the beauty of this Princeſſe, as I ſhould have been, if I had not been in love with you: and truly Madam, my deſires of returning hither were ſo hot, that I did not ſpend much time in contemplation of her. This Sir was the conference between Timantes and Parthenia that night, Timantes hardly daring to commend the beauty of the Princeſſe of Salamis, though Parthenia ſeemed to deſire it, and Parthenia not well knowing whether ſhe ſhould commend him for it, or no: But after he was gone, ſhe reſolved with her ſelfe, and concluded that her beauty did not charme him, and was miſtaken when ſhe thought to ſee nothing but ſignes of admiration in his face and actions: No, no, ſaid ſhe unto Amaxita, certainly I am deceived, and all that which I thought to be admiration is only aſtoniſhment; Timantes queſtionleſſe is ſurpriſed, but it is to ſee that the world ſhould ſo much commend me with ſo little cauſe, certainly he loves beauty in another ſhape then that which the Gods have given unto me; there is ſomething in my face which diſtaſts his eyes, and will certainly make me to loſe all that my ſpirit hath gotten. Madam (ſaid Amaxita unto her) you ſaid you would not have Timantes love you for your beauty: 'Tis true ſaid ſhe, but however, I would not have him hate me becauſe he finds ſomthing in my face which does not pleaſe him: I know Amaxita (ſaid ſhe) that this I ſay ſeemes unreaſonable unto you, but I cannot help it, for had you tryed as I have done, what a monſtrous miſery it is to be ſleighted by him who once adored me, you would excuſe all my imperfections and weakneſſes, and would confeſſe, I had reaſon to try all waies poſſible, which might make me know the heart of Timantes. However Sir, Parthenia was not long in the beliefe that her beauty did diſpleaſe her lover, for as it was my chance to be in three or foure places where he had ſo highly extolled her, the next morning I acquainted my ſiſter, and ſhe Parthenia with it, and ſince I thought there was never any danger in telling a beauty that ſhe was extolled, I told the ſtory with as many aggravations as I could, and therefore ſaid, I think Timantes was as much in love with her beauty as her ſpirit. Madam ſaid Amaxita to her, it may truly be ſaid that Timantes loves two and is not inconſtant, ſince he loves but one perſon, and by giving his heart to one he does not take it from the other: and it may be further ſaid, that you have a Rivall whom you cannot hate, for I doe not think your ſpirit can envie the power of your eyes, nor your eyes oppoſe the conqueſts of your ſpirit. Parthenia hearkned unto all that Amaxita ſaid, and never gave her anſwer; but after I was gone, and ſhe had commanded me to keep an obſervant eye ſtill over Timantes, ſhe did complaine of him almoſt aſmuch for extolling her beauty too high unto others, as ſhe did for extolling it too little the night before unto her, and finding that he did not ſpeak ſincerely, ſhe was very ſad, yet not ſo much as when ſhe thought that ſhe did not pleaſe his eye, and when Amaxita asked her what ſecurity ſhe deſired of the heart of Timantes? ſhe told her that ſhe did not know her ſelfe: Truly Madam, ſaid Amaxita to her, I cannot ſee you can either expect or deſire better aſſurance then you have, that Timantes is the man whom the Gods would have you to marry; for he began to love you without the power of your beauty, and not knowing whether you were noble or rich: he ſtill loves you, and knowes not that [Page] you are faire, and loves you in a place where there are a thouſand ſhining beauties, who doe all they can to engage his heart; you would have perſwaded him that you were ill favoured, and indeed he had great reaſon to ſuſpect it; yet for all this he continues loving you, you have alſo imployed your owne beauty to make tryall of his conſtancy, and you ſee he is faithfull to you, that he dares not commend her in your preſence, for feare certainly he ſhould thereby give you cauſe to think that he can be ſenſible of beauty. All that you ſay is true, replyed Parthenia, but yet for all this, if Timantes can ſuffer his heart to be drawne from his unknown Miſtreſſe, by the charmes that are in the beauty of the Princeſſe of Salamis, though his unknown Miſtreſſe and this Princeſſe be all one, yet I have reaſon to feare, that if he can quit my ſpirit for my beauty, he may hereafter quit both my ſpirit and my beauty, for ſome other perſon, unto whom the grace of novelty will give advantage; ſo that to have better aſſurance of the heart of Timantes, I will yet try what abſence will doe, which queſtionleſſe is the ſtrongeſt teſt of all others, therefore I will return into my ſolitude, and returne without ſo much as bidding him adieu, fearing that if he ſhould know, he would ſet ſo many ſpies about the houſe, that he might follow me. Amaxita did oppoſe her deſigne, and perſwaded her as much as ſhe could to let Timantes know of her departure, but all in vaine, for ſhe would not hearken unto her; yet ſhe could not depart the next morning, becauſe ſome orders were to be taken for the privacy of her journey, ſo that ſhe ſaw Timantes once more, whom ſhe chid for the exceſſive applaudes which he gave the Princeſſe of Salamis, and for not ſpeaking unto her in the ſame tearmes when he told her his opinion; and therefore, ſaid ſhe unto him, I have cauſe to beleeve that they who accuſe you of being in love with her had reaſon for it: but I pray you if it be ſo confeſſe it unto me, I conjure you unto it, to the end I may not ingage my ſelfe in any further affection, and that I may be no impediment unto you in that conqueſt: but Sir deceive not your ſelfe, you will not find ſo eaſie a matter as may be you think; I know Parthenia, and I know ſhe is harder to pleaſe then I am, and more delicate; ſo that in all likelyhood, if you quit me for her, you will loſe me, and not find her. Timantes hearing Parthenia ſay ſo, did proteſt that he was not in in love with the Princeſſe of Salamis, nor ever would be,: You promiſe me now ſaid ſhe and ſmiled, more then I ask, and it will be ſufficient if you only aſſure me you doe not love her at preſent; as for the time to come you are a little too bold with it, if you ſpeak for it with as much certainty as for the preſent. But Madam, ſaid he unto her, ſince I am not at preſent in love with the Princeſſe of Salamis, it followes of neceſſity I never ſhall be, for as I doe not ſeek to ſee her, ſo though I would I cannot, ſince ſhe hath already denyed me that honour, and therefore it is not likely I ever ſhall: I doe confeſſe (ſince you know I ſaid it in other places) that the Princeſſe of Salamis is the faireſt that ever my eye beheld, but ſince I find a greater beauty in your mind and ſpirit, then in her face, and ſince I am reſolved to ſerve you all my life, and never ſee her againe, it doth of neceſſary conſequence follow, that I doe not love her, and that I ſhall for ever love you. However once more let me tell you, ſaid Parthenia, it is good to ſubmit unto the providence of the Gods, for the time to come: Why Madam? ſaid he, have you not told me a hundred times that you would not valew any affection which you were not ſure would be eternall? ſo that you had an eye unto things to come, aſwell as things paſt and preſent. However it be, ſaid Parthenia, I would not have you anſwer equally for the preſent and the future, leſt you make me ſuſpect both. After much ſuch diſcourſe as this, Timantes retired, and the next morning Parthenia returned to her ſolitude, leaving a letter with me for Timantes, with orders to convay it ſo ſecretly unto him, that he could not ſuſpect or gueſſe how it came; but ſince the difficulty was, to find out a way how Timantes might anſwer, and not know which way his letters went. I was a long time before my invention could hit on it, but at laſt I found out a way to convay Parthenia's letter to him, and his anſwer to her unknown to him by whom, and thus I went to work. I ſent the firſt letter of Parthenia to Timantes as I ſ [...]t the Jewells, that is to ſay, by an unknowne perſon, who gave it unto his ſervant; but I added a note unto this letter, counterfeiting my hand as Parthenia did hers, by which I intimated unto him, if he would return an anſwer, he ſhould give his letter unto one who in the morning early ſhould be at the ſtatue of Venus in the great Temple of Paphos; and to the end that the matter might be carryed with more ſafty, I employed one of my friends, and made him beleeve, that it did highly concern me (upon a deſign which hereafter I would impart to him, when I had commiſſion for it from a perſon who had abſolute power over me) to receive ſome letters which none ſhould know by whom I received them, nor for whom I received them; and I did ſo entangle the matter, that he could never know whether I negotiated for my ſelfe or for another, or whether it concerned matter of State, or matter of [Page] Gallantry, ſo that he not knowing whether I tranſa [...]ed in things concerning love or ambition, he did as I deſired him, and I giving him full inſtructions, and he being both [...]ld and truſty, the buſineſſe was done aſwell as I could wiſh: He delivered the Letter which Parthenia left at parting, and which did extreamly ſurpriſe Timantes, and it was thus indited.

To TIMANTES.

SIR.

IN this reſolution which I have fixed upon, to try whether the affection which you profeſſe unto me, will abide abſence, and ſurmount it, I think you are a little be holding unto me, for ſparing you the labour of bidding me adieu, think, if you will that I ſpared my ſelfe that labour, for ſince I hide my face from you, it is but juſt I tell you that which my eyes would have done if you had ſeen them. If during this abſence I underſtand you continue faithfull unto me, and that really you are not in love with the Princeſſe of Salamis to my prejudice, perhaps at our next meeting you ſhall know who I am. In the meane time remember it is not permitted you to enquire who gives you my Letters, nor who receives your anſwers; know that it concerns your good if you love me, and mine alſo: Adieu.

This Letter did not only ſurpriſe, but extreamly grieve Timantes, and he was ſo paſſionately both in love and ſorrow for her abſence, that he was nothing but a lump of Melancholly, and ſo continued many dayes. The greateſt augmentation of his inquietudes, was, that it was not permitted him to enquire of that which he had the greateſt deſire to know; and that he was not able to keep within thoſe ſtrait limits which were preſcribed him. He went himſelf to carry his anſwer unto my friend who expected it in the place which I directed him to; but he was exceedingly ſurpriſed when he ſaw him to be a man he knew not, and a man of Quality: He offered any thing unto him if he would tell him unto whom he was to give that Letter, but all in vain, inſomuch as he was driven to the neceſſity of conjuring him not to tell hee asked the queſtion. So that my friend giving me the Letter which could have no ſuſpition, I ſent unto Parthenia, who found theſe words.

The unfortunate and miſerable TIMANTES unto his cruell unknown one.

MADAM,

IN thinking to ſpare me the ſorrows of bidding you adieu, you have drowned me in them. What can you think, Madam, will become of a man who adores you, who knows not who you are, nor whither you goe, but is ignorant whether you will ever return for him, or ever return at all? For heavens ſake, Madam, have ſome compaſſion upon my constancy, and never fear that the Princeſſe of Salamis will dri [...] you out of my heart: I doe adm [...]e her, I confeſſe, but I will not love her, as I told you before, I will not ſee her. In the mean [...]e, I beſeech yo [...], put not my patience to the utmoſt rack, unleſſe it be your [...]gn to mak [...] [...]e deſpair, or unleſſe you would put me to death not only for love, but alſo f [...]rioſity. [...]urn, Madam, I beſeech you, if you be gone, or ſhew your ſelf unto me if you be not: For truly I cannot imagine where you are, or who you can be; and I am perſwaded that if your inhumanity laſt a little l [...]ger, I ſhall not know my ſelf: Yet I am moſt certain, that nothing can prevent me from being the moſt faithfull of your Lovers, and the moſt zealous of your Adorers,

TIMANTES.

This, Sir, was the anſwer which I ſent unto Parthenia, who writ many times to Timant [...] and he alſo unto her: Yet ſince the beauty of this Princeſſe who he ſaw in that little Temple which is in the way towards Amathonte, did make a deep impreſſion in his heart, he ſpoke of her very much; ſo that Amtimaques who was in love with Donida, and would have been even raviſhed with joy to ſee him marryed unto Parthenia, he alwaies was hinting unto him that was only this Princeſſe that he could marry with honor, and not with an unknown woman, who perhaps had no beauty, or at leaſt was of ſome fantaſticall diſpoſition. Timantes then did remember him of his promiſe not to condemn his paſſion if the unknown Lady did refuſe his preſent: But Antimaques anſwered that when he ſaid ſo, he did not think there was in Cyprus any match for him ſo advantagious as this of this Princeſſe: but now [Page] he unde [...]ood that the Prince Philoxipes did really wiſh that he ſhould marry his ſiſter, he could not be any longer in his firſt opinion: For I pray you Sir ſaid he unto him, do but compare your unknown Lady with Parthenia a little; as for her quality, it is moſt certain it cannot be more high, nor ſo high, for there is none in all the [...]e that is comparable unto her; as for her beauty, according to your owne deſcription, the compariſon muſt needs be as unequall; as for her vertue, [...]ou know what high reputation ſhe hath; and as for her ſpirit, the world knowes no equall, and would you preferre you know not who, before her? Doubtleſſe I would replyed Timantes, for I love her, and ſhe does not hate me: as for the Princeſſe of Salamis, though I could love her, and though her raviſhing beauty ſhould force me to be perfideous, yet it were very doubtfull whether ſhe could love me; for I have heard ſay ſhe is of a nice ſpirit, and few men can pleaſe her, though many not without ſome merit have courted her, therefore I pray you talk no more of this Princeſſe, whoſe Idea is but too deeply imprinted already in my imagination. In the mean time, Dorida, who for the intereſt ſhe had in Antimaques, deſired that Timantes might ſtay in Cyprus, uſed all her arguments to perſwade Policrite, that ſhe would importune the Princeſſe of Salamis to quit her ſolitude; ſo that unknown to Parthenia, Philoxipes, Policrite, Dorida, and Antimaques, plotted her marriage with Timantes: and truly it was happy they did ſo; for otherwiſe, I think Parthenia would never have made her ſelfe known unto Timantes; for ſince her reaſon was not quite prejudicated, ſhe would often think her proceedings with him ſo fantaſticall, that ſhe could not beleeve Timantes could really eſteem her; and as an effect of this opinion, ſhe did ſo firmly reſolve never to diſcover her ſelfe, but to break off abſolutely with him, that Amaxita quite deſpaired of ever altering her. In the meane time, Philoxipes knowing that Timantes thought his Siſter very faire, he thought that if he could make her like him, aſwell as he liked her, the deſign ſo much deſired might happily take effect: But ſince ſhe could never like Timantes unleſſe ſhe ſaw him; and ſince Philoxipes knew not that ſhe knew him aſwell as he did, he reſolved to carry him unto the Princeſſe, and to ſurpriſe her in her ſolitude: But Timantes excuſed himſelfe ſaying, he reſpected her more then to force her to ſee a man whom ſhe did not think worthy of that honour, and had denyed it before, adding further, that it would be a meanes to make her hate him: ſo that Timantes refuſing to goe in a civill complement, Philoxipes knew not what to think: But Antimaques who was acquainted with the paſſage, told it unto Dorida, to the end ſhe might tell Policrite, that the reaſon why Timantes would not go to ſee the Princeſſe of Salamis, was, becauſe he would not expoſe himſelfe unto the danger of falling in love with one who perhaps would be inſenſible of him: So that Dorida preparing the mind of Policrite, and Policrite the mind of Philoxipes, it was plotted and reſolved amongſt them, to get out Timantes under colour of taking a journey of pleaſure, and in lieu of carrying him unto the pretended place, to carry him unto the Princeſſe: But ſince the Prince Philoxipes knew the humour of Parthenia, it was thought expedient to gaine Amaxita; therefore he made a viſit unto the Princeſſe, and negotiated the matter ſo dexterouſly, that ſhe found an opportunity (whilſt Parthenia was dreſſing her ſelfe, for it was very early) to talk with Amaxita in her chamber, and imparted unto her their deſigne of marrying the Princeſſe his ſiſter unto Timantes. Let us tell her ſaid he, to ſatisfie her concerning the Oracles which ſhe received, that he is fallen in love with her reputation, and with the commendation which every one gives of her ſpirit. At firſt, Amaxita thought that the Prince Philoxipes knew ſomething of the paſſages between Timantes and Porthenia, but ſhe was greatly undeceived of that, by ſeverall paſſages he told her: ſo that ſeeing it was the zeale and earneſt deſire of this Prince to promote this Marriage, ſhe reſolved to impart the ſecret of all the ſtory unto him, conceiving that if ſhe did not, perhaps the Prince Philoxipes (when he ſaw the amazement that Timantes would be in, when ſeeing and hearing Parthenia ſpeak, he would know her, and his unknowne one to be one and the ſame perſon) would not know what to think, and perhaps would have ſome diſadvantagious thought of Parthenia; therefore [...]e intreated the Prince Philoxipes to beleeve the ſincerity of her words, and conjured him not to diſcover what ſhe had imparted, aggravating the ſcruple which Parthenia made, to marry a man who was in love with her beauty; ſo that Philoxipes crediting all that my ſiſter told him, he was ſo ſtrongly confirmed in his deſigne, that he thought of nothing elſe but how to promote it: He concluded then with Amaxita upon the day when he would bring Timantes unto Parthenia, to the end that the Princeſſe mig [...] not be that day in her negligent dreſſe, though ſhe ſhould not be acquainted with the reaſon: After which he returned into Paphos, where Timantes was droning out a life of melancholy, for he was profoundly in love with his unknown Miſtreſſe, and could not forget [Page] the beauty of the Princeſs of Salamis, from whom he received divers Letters, no [...] knowing them to be from her. In the mean time Parthenia was almoſt abſolutely reſolved to diſengage her ſelf from the affection of Timantes, for ſhe ſtood upon ſuch terms of honour, that ſhe could not reſolve to make her ſelf known unto him, after all this fantaſticall gallantry: And indeed ſhe writ unto him as if it were to be the laſt he ſhould ever receive from her: Yet I think it was not her full intention, for I think ſhe writ another after it, purpoſely to know his ſorrows after this ſad news, and the better to know how he loved her. However, Timantes received the Letter after he had engaged himſelf to Policrite and Philoxipes to goe the next morning unto a place where yet he never had been; not thinking that it was unto the Princeſs of Salamis. But ſince he grieved exceſſively at the Letter from Parthenia, he did what he could to diſ-engage himſelf, but he could not; all his pretences would not ſerve for an excuſe, nor content Philoxipes: Hee went himſelf to Timantes to oblige him unto this journey. Policrite ſent ſeverall times unto him, and ſent him poſitive word, that for her part ſhee would not goe, unleſſe hee did. So that as ſad as hee was, there was a neceſſity of going with them; but Heavens know it was with ſo much unwillingneſſe and ſorrow, that it appeared in his face, in his words, and in his habit; for it was careleſſe. He did ſtrive, and force himſelf to ſeem a little pleaſant, but his ſorrows were ſtronger then himſelf. Philoxipes would have exceedingly grieved had he not known the cauſe; but my Siſter did write unto him, intimating it, and her deſires of haſtning the execution of the deſign. I forgot to tell you, Sir, how Timantes anſwered Parthenia's Letter that night, and I ſent it away ſo, that ſhe received it two hours before Philoxipes and Timantes came unto her: But never was there ſuch a condoling Letter written; it moved Parthenia to repent of her rigid dealing with him: In the mean time Amaxita knowing that ſome company would come that day, was much puzzled how to get her out of her negligent dreſſe, and bethought her ſelf of a way how to move her unto it. The Princeſſe long ſince promiſed my Siſter to ſuffer her to take her Picture, and therefore my Siſter told her that I had writ unto her by him who brought the Letter from Timantes, intimating that the Limmer would be there that day, and would infallibly be there within two hours. So that Amaxita in this conſideration entreated the Princeſſe to dreſſe her ſelf as well as poſſibly ſhe could. The Princeſſe told her at firſt, that he ſhould ſtay untill to morrow: but Amaxita told her, the Limmer was ſo full of work, that he could not ſtay ſo long, and that there was no time to ſpare: So that Parthenia loving my Siſter very well, did let her women dreſſe her as if ſhe were going unto ſome publique Feaſt, Amaxita telling her that the Limmer was to work upon her clothes that day, and that the better dreſſed ſhe was, the more lovely would her face look, and would inſpire a handſome fancy into the Limmer, and alſo that it was neceſſary that Parthenia was to dreſſe her ſelf, to the end he might draw her whole Picture. But whilſt Amaxita was making choice of ſuch Jewels and clothes as ſhe deſired Parthenia to wear that day, Timantes not knowing whither he was carryed, left the conduct of himſelf to the Prince Philoxipes, and the Princeſs Policrite; Antimaques made one in this voyage as well as Dorida, and I had the honour to be there alſo, Philoxipes knowing by my Siſter, that I was a confident in the buſineſſe. But, Sir, the more melancholly Timantes was, the more inclination had Philoxipes and Policrite to be merry, being more fully perſwaded that he was the man whom the gods had reſerved for a happineſſe unto the Princeſſe of Salamis, ſince it is hardly poſſible without ſome ſpeciall order of divine providence, that Timantes ſhould love Parthenia in ſo odde a way. In the mean time this gallant company went on, and came at laſt ſo near that Deſart of the Princeſſe of Salamis, that Timantes coming out of a deep ſtudy, asked whoſe houſe that was, and whither it was they went unto. It is the ſame that we goe unto, ſaid Philoxipes, but you ſhall not know whoſe it is, untill you have ſeen her who will entertain us. Timantes was ſo deep in his melancholy, that he never minded this indirect anſwer, or had any ſuſpition. We came unto the Baſe Court of the Caſtle, and then went on foot: Timantes led Policrite, and Antimaques Dorida: As for Philoxipes, he told the Princeſſe his Wife, and Timantes, he would goe before, and acquaint them they were come; ſo that commanding me to follow him, we went befor unto Parthenia's chamber, who had newly done dreſſing her ſelf, and who being told by ſome of her ſervants that the Prince her Brother, and Princeſſe her Siſter was come, ſhe was coming in haſt to entertain them: So that Philoxipes giving her his hand after he had ſaluted her, he did not oppoſe her civility which ſhe intended unto Policrite, but led her unto the midſt of the outer room where they met. Sir, it is a moſt difficult matter to relate how Timantes was amazed when he ſaw the Princeſs of Salamis appear, whom hee knew at firſt, though he never ſaw her but once before; and how the Princeſs of Salamis was [Page] ſurpriſed when ſhe ſaw Timantes, who knew aſſoon as ever ſhe ſpoke that his unknown Miſtreſſe and ſhe were one and the ſame; certainly this adventure was full of wonder, at the very firſt Parthenia bluſht: and in lieu of advancing towards Policrite, ſhe thought to ſtop; Timantes did the ſame, and never were two perſons of ſuch ſpirits as they ſo planet-ſtruck with amazement; yet Timantes amidſt his wonder, had ſome glimps of joy aſwell as ſorrow, the firſt of theſe, becauſe the beauty of Parthenia made ſuch a print in his heart, as he could not but joy at the ſight of ſuth a beauty; the ſecond, becauſe as things ſtood between him and his unknown Miſtreſſe, he feared left this viſit would ruine him in her opinion. But when Parthenia was a little recollected from her firſt aſtoniſhment, and with much adoe was able to tell Policrite ſhe was glad to ſee her, Timantes fell into a ſecond fit of wonder, much greater then the firſt; for Parthenia had no ſooner pronounced four words, but he perfectly knew her voice, and made no queſtion in the world but that ſhe was his unknown Miſtreſs: but yet this laſt amazement was much different from the firſt: for he was beyond all expect tion joyed to find, that all he loved in two perſons were conjoyned in one, and that his unknown Miſtreſſe and Parthenia were one and the ſame, the motions of his heart did beat in his eyes; joy danced in his lookes, and he had much adoe to hinder his expreſſions of it; eſpecially when Policrite having ended her owne complements, preſented him unto Parthenia, who ſaluted him civilly, but yet very faintly; for ſince ſhe was ignorant how Timantes was compelled to come unto her, ſhe thought that ſince he was ſo jocund after ſuch a letter as ſhe ſent him, that he did not love her; ſo that though ſhe was not uncivill, yet he obſerved ſhe was angry: Alſo ſhe was ſo aſhamed, that Timantes ſhould know her, that ſhe could no longer hide her ſelfe from him, and that it was no obligement in her, the making her ſelfe known unto him, that all her thoughts were ſo intangled and confuſed, that ſhe knew not what to doe or think, yet ſhe imagined there was ſome ſecret deſigne or other in this viſit, and ſhe ſuſpected that Amaxita had revealed her ſecret; ſhe looked earneſtly in her eyes to find in them a confirmation of her ſuſpition, but ſhe could not diſcover any thing by them. In the mean while Philoxipes began to chide his ſiſter and laugh, becauſe ſhe was not ſufficiently joyed at the ſight of Policrite, and becauſe of her incivility in not thanking her for bringing to her the braveſt and moſt gallant man in the world, in bringing Timantes: I beleeve, ſaid ſhe unto her, that the Princeſſe my ſiſter is ſo well perſwaded of my affection, as ſhe will not doubt but I am raviſhed with joy to ſee her, and as for this illuſtrious ſtranger (added ſhe and bluſhed) I think he hath ſo little cauſe to thank you for bringing him hither, as I have not ſo much intereſt in him, as to thank you my ſelfe for him. I aſſure you Madam (replyed Timantes, and looked upon her with equall love and joy) I think my ſelfe ſo happy in the honour of ſeeing you this day, that if you had any intereſt in me, you would render abundance of thanks for me unto the Prince Philoxipes, and ſo much the more (ſaid he, thinking to juſtifie himſelfe, and not thinking that the company took any notice) becauſe the Prince Philoxipes forced that happineſſe upon me, in compelling me to come hither, where I ſhould have feared to diſturb your ſolitude. After this Parthenia brought all this good company into her chamber, her mind being as full of various thoughts, as the mind of Timantes, whoſe eyes were ſtill fixed upon hers, and ſhe on the contrary durſt not look upon him, but ſhunned his looks as much as ſhe could: In the meane while Philoxipes and Policrite, asked her how it came to paſſe ſhe was ſo finely dreſſed in a deſart, and afterward chid her for coming nere Paphos, and never ſending to ſee how they did; and thus the time was ſpent untill dinner. But as Timantes did burn with deſire to tell his adored unknown Miſtreſſe that he knew her, ſo he watched the opportunity (whilſt Philoxipes and Policrite were talking of the beſt expedients to get Parthenia's conſen [...] unto their deſires) to addreſſe himſelfe unto her, and to talk with her when none heard. Why Madam, ſaid he unto her, have you ſo long eclipſed the greateſt beauty in the World? why would you rather put it to hazard then your owne will that I ſhould ſee you? The laſt letter which your unknown Miſtreſſe writ unto you (ſaid ſhe unto him) has ſo little reached your hart, that I cannot tell whether her acquaintance with you, will be ſo pleaſing as you imagine; or whether the conſolation which you look for from the Princeſſe of Salamis will be ſo great as you hoped: it was not ſhe whom you ſaw at the Temple, but ſhe whom you ſaw at Paphos, whom I deſired you ſhould love. Timantes hearing Parthenia ſay ſo, proteſted that he never intended to come and ſee her but that the Prince Philoxipes had deceived him, and forced him to come whether he would or no, and that ſhe might obſerve by his negligent habit, that he had no ſuch intentions when he roſe in the morning. The truth is Sir, he ſet all his Rhetorick upon the rack for arguments to perſwade her, and make her beleeve, that he had no intention of ſeeing the Princeſſe of Salamis, and ſaid aſmuch as if he were to juſtifie himſelfe for intending a viſit unto her moſt [Page] mortall enemy, or as if his unknown Miſtreſſe and the Princeſſe of Salamis were not all one perſon: and he was in a faire way to make his peace, when Philoxipes and Policrite came towards them; Philoxipes taking Parthenia aſide to talk with her in private, and Policrite to talk with Timantes. But Sir, why ſhould I ſo longe hinder you from knowing the good fortune and happineſſe of theſe two lovers, which is a happy Omen of your owne? Therefore let me tell you without making any particularities, that Philoxipes let the Princeſſe of Salamis underſtand, that he knew how Timantes loved her, and ſhe made no difficulty to confeſſe ſhe did not hate him. Afterwards he made it apparent unto her, that the Oracles were accompliſhed, ſince Timantes loved her without the influence of her beauty, and he perſwaded her to put the fidelity of Timantes unto no further tryalls, proteſting unto her, that he durſt anſwer for his conſtancy. On the other ſide; Policrite told Timantes, that Philoxipes knew of his paſſion and approved of it. Thus were all things ſo proſperouſly tranſacted, that it was reſolved upon before Philoxipes returned unto Paphos, Antimaques ſhould return to Crete to procure the conſent of Timantes his Father. In the mean time, left ſolitude ſhould infuſe freſh ſcruples, and more fantaſticall thoughts in Parthenia, Philoxipes would have Policrite carry her unto his ſtately houſe of Claria, and there continue with her before ſhe returned to Court. In concluſion, Sir, all things were happily compoſed; Parthenia pardoned Amaxita for revealing her ſecret: Timantes rendered a million of thanks to the Prince Philoxipes, and was infinitely more in love with Parthenia then before, but durſt not tell her as much, leſt ſhe ſhould thinke he loved her beauty more then her ſoul. Antimaques returned with the conſent of Timantes his Father; and to recompence his pains a match was made up between him and Dorida, and they were marryed eight dayes after Timantes and Parthenia. I ſhall not trouble you, Sir, with a relation of the great rejoycings in Paphos, for you are not concerned in them, onely let mee tell you this, Sir, that never were two ſo happy as Timantes and Parthenia; and to let this Princeſſe ſee he loved her above Parents, Country, and and all the world, he would not goe into Crete, but reſolved to dwell in Cyprus. The King, for Philoxipes his ſake, conferred upon him the Government of one of the principall parts of the Iſle: So that Parthenia found a full accompliſhment of her joyes, inſomuch, as you, Sir, have reaſon to hope, that the ſame gods who declared her happineſſe and yours at the ſame time, would produce the ſame happy events unto you, Sir, as unto her. Alſo it was the Prince Philoxipes his pleaſure, that I ſhould come and acquaint you with the happy concluſion of this adventure, that you might with greater hopes wait for a happy end of all your misfortunes, and for an accompliſhment of your felicity, which he deſires with all his heart, and wiſhes with as much zeal as he doth his own.

Megaſides having ended his ſtory, Cyrus expreſſed a thouſand thanks to the Prince Philoxipes for the hopes he gave him of an end unto his miſeries; and thanking Megaſides in particular for his exact relation of this pleaſant adventure, he thought he had good reaſon to hope, that ſince the Gods had made Parthenia ſo happy ſo odde a way, they would alſo make him happy after all his miſeries. After this Cyrus asked Leontidas where he met with Megaſides, and he was anſwered, at Milete; then he diſmiſſed them, aſſuring Megaſides and Leontidas, that he would take orders for their diſpatch, as ſoon as he had taken a little reſt. But they both beſeeched him to give them ſo much leave as to ſtay and ſee the end of the Siege of Sardis: Leontidas importuning him to ſend his orders unto Thraſibulus by ſome other; and Megaſides deſired he might not return unto Cyprus but with news of a new Victory, to the end he might be more joyfully welcomed by Philoxipes. Cyrus conſented unto their requeſts, and giving them both thanks and commendations, he bad them retire unto their reſt, being himſelf in more quietneſs of ſpirit then he was the day before; for though the Oracle of Babylon did threaten him; and the Sybill declared ſad things unto him, yet ſince Venus Urania ſpoke him fair, he did not ſo ſadly reſent the reſt, nor deſpaired of happineſſe, ſince he might as well beleeve the one as the other. Thus this news did invigorate his ſpirits amidſt his ſufferings: He had freſh hopes of happy ſucceſs in his ſiege of Sardis, and hoped alſo that the unjuſt jealouſie of Mandana would ſhortly end: So that after he had given ſome Military orders, he refreſhed himſelf with two or three hours of ſound ſerene ſleep: His Dreames alſo which uſed to be horrid, now ſmiled upon him, and he ſaw Mandana, and Mandana not jealous nor angry: He thought he ſaw her ſitting in an Arbour ſet round with Flowers, and that ſhe called him with as much ſweetneſſe in her voice as in her eyes; but as he was going unto her, and ready to kneel unto his Princeſſe, he thought he heard a great noiſe, which made her vaniſh, and him awake, very ſorry he could no longer enjoy ſo fair and ſweet a viſion.

The end of the firſt Book.

ARTAMENES, OR, CYRVS the GREAT. THE SIXTH PART. BOOK II.

[Page]

CYRUS, as ſoon as he was awake, begun to think how he might turn his pleaſing dreames into reall enjoyments of Mandana, but ſince that could not be, unleſſe Sardis were taken; the getting of that famous Town was the object of all his wiſhes and thoughts. Never was this victorious Prince ſo greedy of Conqueſt as at this time. Nor did he neglect any thing that might further his deſign, but did ſo often hazard his life at that Siege, that if Fortune had not had a greater care of his life then himſelf, his Rivals had triumphed over his ruin without any quarrell among themſelves. But this Prince was ſo powerfully protected by heaven, to fall in ſo juſt a war, though thoſe who judge of things according to appearances, and conſider not that the ſecrets of Soveraign power are inſcrutable, did think him to be forſaken. Mean while, the ceſſation of hoſtility, untill the dead of both ſides were brought off, being ended, both the Aſſaulters and the Aſſaulted began both to uſe all endeavours to compaſſe their deſired ends. Cyrus attempted to raiſe another Sconce under the Counterſcarp of the Ditch, oppoſite unto that which he made before; to the end that when he made a ſecond Aſſault, this might facilitate his deſign; and that when he was Maſter of two Paſſes over the Ditch, he might make a ſcalado in two ſeveral places at once without the loſſe of many men: Yet this was not done without a Councell of War: But ſince this Prince never propounded any thing without deep judgement, and which was not advantageous to the common cauſe, both his Friends and his Rivals were forced alwayes to approve of what he ſayd: Yet would the King of Aſſyria ſometimes oppoſe him out of pure obſtinacy: And if the wiſdom and prudence of Mazares had not ſometimes interpoſed, and tempered the violence of the Aſsyrian Prince, perhaps the combat between Cyrus and him would have been fought before the War, and by conſequence before Mandana was at liberty: For ſo was the condition between Cyrus and this Prince, to put to hazard that in a ſingle Duell which he had wonne, and ſo juſtly merited by ſo many generall Combats, by the taking of ſo many Towns, by the conqueſt of ſo many Provinces and Kingdomes, and by the winning of ſo many Battels. 'Tis true, all the Friends of Cyrus had an obſervant eye over them; and more true, that Cyrus himſelf had ſometimes pitty upon this Prince, who without all doubt had many excellent qualities: For when he conſidered, [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] how he was a great King, that he had loſt a great Kingdome, and the prime Town in the World, and that the Violence of his paſſion, forced him to ſerve in the Army of his conqueror and rivall, and alſo enemy, that he was certainly hated of Mandana, he excuſed his imperfections and weakneſſes, and deferred his revenge untill after Mandana's releaſment when he might with honour take it; yet would he augment his ſorrowes, by letting him know what the Oracle of Venus-Vrania had ſaid in his commendations, that he might have leſſe confidence in that which he received from Jupiter-Belus at Babylon. It was not only envie to take all hopes from a rivall, which moved Cyrus to publiſh this Oracle, but as his reaſon why he would not divulge the ſad anſwer of the Sybill, was, becauſe he would not dishearten his ſouldiers: ſo on the contrary, he deſired they ſhould know this Oracle, that it might invigorate their ſpirits, and give them freſh hearts to fight, knowing well that hopes of Victory in a Souldier is a Battle more then halfe wonne. But ſince his modeſty would not permit him to offer any prophanation, by altering any thing which the Gods had ſaid, he deſired Megaſides and Leontidas to leave out what the Oracle of Venus-Vrania had ſpoken in his commendations, and to publiſh only what related unto an end of his miſeries: For though this Oracle did not poſitively ſay that Cyrus ſhould take Sardis, that he ſhould releaſe Mandana, and vanquiſh all his Rivalls; yet ſince they fortold him to be happy, theſe things muſt conſequently enſue, ſince moſt certainly he could never be happy without Mandana, and he could never get Mandana without a conqueſt of his Rivalls and enemies; therefore by neceſſary inference, he was to obtaine this victory, before he could enjoy this Princeſſe. This Oracle then was no ſooner publiſhed by Megaſides, and principally by Leontidas, who was acquainted with all the officers in the Army, but it produced thoſe effects which Cyrus expected; freſh valour was infuſed into all his troops, and new ſorrowes ſeiſed upon the King of Aſſyria's heart; all the mountainous hopes he had in the promiſes of Jupiter-Belus began to ſhrink into Mole-hills, by reaſon of this Oracle; but ſince he thought that by murmuring againſt the Gods would but the more incenſe them, he was ſilently huſht, and hated Cyrus the more, though he did not leſſe eſteem him. As for Mazares, ſince he expected nothing but miſery, his reaſon did ſurmount his paſſion, and he had no other hopes but to participate with Cyrus in the danger and glory of releaſing Mandana, and therefore theſe promiſes of the Gods unto Cyrus, the King of Aſſyria did little fret his heart: 'tis true, he was alwaies ſo miſerable, that Fortune could hardly be more incenſed againſt him then ſhe was, but ſince he was not leſſe prudent then unfortunate, nor leſſe generous then prudent, Cyrus began to eſteem him infinitely, and keep cloſe ſociety with him; both of them did complain unto each other of the King of Aſsyria's violent humor, and at laſt did ſo accuſtom themſelves unto civility, that they did not only eſteem, but think each other worthy of Mandana; yet they never ſpake of her but ſighed, and as they went from quarter to quarter, viſiting the gards which Cyrus kept upon all the advenues of Sardis, Mandana was the only object of their diſcourſe, unleſſe when they were obliged to ſpeak of ſomething which related unto the Siege. How are you Sir, would Mazares ſay unto him, in being not only loved by the moſt glorious Princeſſe of the world, but alſo in never having done any thing which might diſpleaſe her; I wiſh unto the heavens, that ſince it was my bitter fate to be hated, that it might be unjuſtly, and that I could not upbraid my ſelfe with meriting her hate, by my deceiving her, and carrying her away from Sinope. There is both ſo much love, and prudence, and generoſity, in your expreſſions Sir, replyed Cyrus, that I would not have my Princeſſe heare you. No, no, Sir (ſaid Mazares ſadly) never feare the Princeſſe Mandana, ſince ſhe has ſlighted the King of Aſsyria for you, and ſince ſhe had rather ſee all Aſia in armes then you unfaithfull; ſince ſhe has held out againſt all the ſubmiſſive attempts of the Pontean King; and has hated me ſo far, as to deny that liberty which I offered her, you may well be confident, that nothing will alter the conſtant heart of that Princeſſe. Whilſt Mazares was talking thus, Cyrus hearkened and ſighed, ſeeing him to be more miſerable then he thought him; nor would he acquaint him with his condition in Mandana's thoughts, leſt he ſhould revive ſome hopes in the heart of his generous Rivall, and kindle that fire which was not quite extinguiſhed. In the meane time Cyrus neglected not the erecting of that ſconce which he intended, and was reſolved upon by the councell of War, but it was not done without much difficulty; for the King of Pontus knowing the importance of it, did ſally out three times upon them; yet Cyrus knowing well that one of the greateſt ſecrets in War is, never to quit the firſt deſign for a ſecond, becauſe then ſudden orders can never be ſo prudently given, nor punctually executed, as thoſe which are deliberatly pondered, therefore he commanded this ſconce to be proſecuted with all the power he had; and ſince his army was numerous, [Page] he thought that let the Enemies make what Sallies they could, he was able to beat them in again. The King of Aſſyria, the King of Phrygia, and the King of Hircama, had each their ſeveral Quarters to make good; and the Stranger Anaxaris fought that day next Cyrus, he thinking it a ſufficient recompence of his Valour, to have this Renowned Heroe a witneſſe of it: And it muſt be acknowledged, that as the commendations of Cyrus was noble Rewards for the Acts of Anaxaris, ſo the Acts of Anaxaris did deſerve the commendations of Cyrus. Amongſt all the reſt of his bravery during this Siege, that erecting of this Sconce was one of the moſt remarkable; for he did ſuch things as could never be equalled by any but by the valour of Cyrus onely, who queſtionleſſe upon this occaſion did ſuch things as can hardly be related without ſuſpition of truth. Above twenty times was he beaten off by the enemy, and as often did he repulſe them into the town, he loſt and regained that quarter of the ditch where he intended the Sconce; but at laſt he wearied his enemies, and perfected his deſigne: The Sallies which the beſieged made in other places did thrive no better: Cyrus ſuſtained ſome loſs of men, but not comparable to his Enemies: Araſpes, who ſince the death of Panthea did ſigh out a life of ſorrows, was wounded at this bout, where he fought more with deſign to die then vanquiſh, but ſo it did not prove, for there was no mortality in the wound he receiv'd, but was rather a means to ſave his life then to put it in danger. The King of Aſsyria was in thoughts of death alſo at this time: But the advantage was clear on Cyrus his ſide: For he had finiſhed his ſconce, he had killed many Lydians, and took abundance of priſoners. Hee underſtood from ſome of them after the Fight was ended, and he returned to his Tent, that the King of Pontus to keep up the people, told them of great Relief to come from Thrace, that the Bactrians alſo would ſend Auxiliaries, and that ere long Cyrus would be forced to raiſe the Siege. He underſtood from them alſo more certainly then before, that Croeſus had no power in the Cittadell, and that the King of Pontus had ſo tampered, that he was abſolute maſter of the Souldiery. Theſe Priſoners alſo told him, how there came a Lady late unto the Cittadell, unto whom the King of Pontus moved Croeſus to give protection. How could this Lady, ſaid Cyrus, get into Sardis, ſince it is compaſſed about with two hundred thouſand men? No, Sir, ſaid one of thoſe priſoners, ſhe came in before unknown for whom ſhee was, though they ſay ſhe is of ſome great Quality. There is alſo a man, whoſe name is Heracleon (who is a moſt gallant man) that promiſeth Croeſus to bring great ſuccours unto him: They ſay alſo, that he has been long in Sardis concealed; but I can give no further ſatisfaction in the adventure, onely this, that he is a man of ſome great Quality. After this Cyrus retired, and moſt part of theſe priſoners took up arms under him. The day following, thoſe Deputies which Leontidas ſpoke of, arrived, and in the name of the people who ſent them, did ſwear inviolable fidelity to him. They came from Gnide, from Cavia, from the Territories of Xanthes, and from Licia; the Cauniens alſo, and the Meleſians ſent their Deputies, ſo that Fortune ſmiled upon Cyrus from all ſides. And truly, if ambition onely had been his aim, and if glory onely had been his wiſh, he had full cauſe of contentment; but ſince Love onely was the engine of his ſoul, he reliſhed nothing but what conduced to Mandana's releaſment, and he would freely have quitted all his Conqueſts upon that condition. However he received all theſe Deputies with much ſweetneſſe, and treated them moſt magnificently. He aſſured them of protection againſt all their enemies; and told them he would ſo mediate the matter with Ciaxares, as he ſhould look upon them like antient and faithful Subjects. In concluſion, they were ſo charmed with his ſweet expreſſions, that he made himſelf as much a Maſter of their hearts by his ſweetneſſe, as he had made himſelf Maſter of their Country by force of Arms. Their greateſt admiration was, to ſee a Prince ſo young, ſo expert in all their Cuſtomes and Laws, and able to give them as ſound advice in the management of publique affairs, as if he had been brought up amongſt them, and had nothing to doe but govern them: He ſpoke unto them all in their ſeverall Languages, and filled them all ſo full of wonder, that they returned not onely charmed with his preſence, his ſpirit, his virtue, and his ſweetneſſe, but alſo with his gifts, and went with reſolutions to incite their Citizens unto ſome act which might redound unto the glory of Cyrus: And they did conſtitute every year for ever a day of thanks to be rendered unto the gods for bringing them under the power of Cyrus. In the mean while to teſtifie more confidence in the people which expreſſed ſo much affection, he confirmed all their Laws and Priviledges, remitted unto them all Tributes, and required nothing from them but aſſurances of unalterable fidelity: Calling back the Army which Thraſibulus, and Harpagus commanded; ſent orders for the firſt of theſe to march with them unto him, and leaving the other in the arms of his dear Aleionida: And though Cyrus was ſo well verſed in the Politiques, as that he knew it contrary to cuſtom to draw off his Army ſo ſoon from a [Page] new conquered Country; yet ſince this Lydian War was the main hinge upon which all the reſt moved, and ſince he left Garriſons in ſome places of greateſt ſtrength, he did not think the hazard was great, but thought it better to fortifie his own Forces; not knowing how long the Siege might laſt; and knowing that the taking of ſo great a Town as Sardis, might require as great an Army as his. However, Cyrus neglected nothing, he ſent to ſee how Seſoſtris recovered, who was ſo well, that he ſent Cyrus word, he ſhould ere long come and hazard that life in his ſervice which he had preſerved. Cyrus alſo ſent a complement to the Princeſſe Araminta, and was as good as his word in not ſuffering Phraartes to come unto her during the Siege: nor did he forget Cleonice and Doraliſa, nor any of the Lady Priſoners: But though he did moſt gloriouſly acquit himſelf of all he had to doe, either as a Lover, or as a Friend, or as an Enemy, or as a Prince, or as the Generall of an Army, or as a Conquerour, yet Mandana's unjuſt charging him with infidelity, did grate upon his very heart: and as oft as this angry thought came into his mind, he thought alſo he had ſome reaſon to fear her conſtancy: Since commonly thoſe who lightly ſuſpect others are guilty themſelves: yet did he preſently repent of ſuch a thought, which had much more troubled him, if he had not received intelligence that the people of Sardis began to conſider that their riches would not fill their bellies, and that there was likelihood of a hungry ſedition to riſe amongſt them, ſo that their Town would be thereby more pregnable: And indeed there was great probability of it, though Croeſus, and the King of Pontus did all they could, the one to ſave his Crown, the other his Miſtris; but they were in extream fears of both: Yet leſt the people ſhould deſpair, they concealed their fears, and divulged that Relief was coming; that the Army of Cyrus waſted every day, and that he would in a ſhort time be forced to raiſe his Siege: That the people which he had conquered did revolt, and conſequently he would not be in any condition of new Conqueſts. Moreover the King of Pontus gave out, that Cyrus did not now care for Mandana who was the cauſe of the War, but that he was in love with the Princeſſe Araminta; ſo that within this ſhort time all would be made good friends: So that theſe reports being divulged, the people ſuffered their miſeries more patiently, in hopes ere long to ſee an end of them. The King of Pontus alſo received another advantage; for this report coming out of the Town into the Cittadell, and from the mouthes of the people unto the Souldiers: So that Mandana's women heard what was talked in Sardis: the Guards told them aloud (thinking it would bee welcome newes that they ſhould ere long come out of priſon) that the Peace was almoſt concluded between the King of Pontus and Cyrus; adding, that the firſt of theſe was to marry Mandana, and Cyrus Araminta. Marteſia did not credit theſe reports, though they confirmed Mandana's Jealouſie; and though they made no impreſſion in the ſpirit of Marteſia, yet they did in Areatina, who told all ſhe heard unto a woman belonging to the Princeſſe Palmis, and in ſo loud a voice as Mandana in the next room over-heard her: It did ſo ſurpriſe her, that the Princeſſe of Lydia who was with her, did ask her, why ſhe did ſo ſuddenly change her colour? Mandana being one who loved not to confeſſe her own weakneſſe; but what confidence ſoever ſhe had in the diſcretion of the Princeſſe Palmis, yet ſhe concealed her jealouſie; but now ſeeing it was become publique talk, ſhe reſolved to acquaint her, deſiring leave firſt to ask Ariamta where ſhe had theſe reports. Arianita being ſurpriſed that Mandana ſhould over-hear her, would have denied her words; but Mandana told her abſolutely ſhe did ſpeak them, and ſhe would know the truth; ſo that at laſt ſhe told her all. Theſe two Princes then retiring themſelves: For my part, ſaid the Princeſſe Palmis, I cannot find any reaſon why you ſhould fear that this talk of the Guards ſhould be true: For is it probable or credible, that the greateſt Prince in the world ſhould be capable of ſo much unworthineſſe? Though he were perfideous, and could not preſerve his heart, yet certainly he would never make conditions of peace by diſpoſing of you, but would ſet you at liberty: He may perhaps reſtore the Kingdom of Pontus unto the Brother of his new Miſtris, but has nothing to doe in the diſpoſing of the King of Medes Daughter, whoſe Army he commands; and therefore I am confident Cyrus is innocent, and theſe reports of the Guards are onely thoſe vain popularities which ſuch kind of people uſually vent, though there be no appearance of truth in them. No, no, Madam (replyed Mandana ſadly) the news is not all falſe, nor doe I think it all true: I doe not think the perfidie of Cyrus ſo high as to make his conditions of peace with me: Yet certainly he loves not me, but the Princeſſe Araminta; and I muſt confeſſe that I have ſuch probable conjectures of his crime, that I doe not doubt it. I confeſſe alſo I have concealed my ſuſpitions from you, becauſe I could not poſſeſſe you ſo ſoon with an ill opinion of that man whom I had ſo highly commended unto you. But I pray you (ſaid the Princeſſe Palmis) what proofs have you [Page] of Cyrus his inconſtancy, who hath teſtified ſo many ſignes of unalterable conſtancy? and done more for you, then any did for any? Be pleaſed to know, replyed ſhe, that a while before the King of Pontus went to fight the Battle which he loſt, he came into my Chamber with more glimps of joy in his face then uſually: Madam (ſaid he unto me) I beſeech you pardon me, if I acquaint you with a thing, which doubtleſſe will not pleaſe you, but ſince it concernes you no leſſe then me, I think it my duty to let you know it. Sir, ſaid I unto him and ſighed, you have ſo accuſtomed me to ill newes ſince I have been in your power, that though you ſhould tell me any thing which will not pleaſe, yet I ſhall heare it. I think Madam, ſaid he unto her, that it will diſpleaſe you to heare that Cyrus whom you preferre before all the Princes in the World, and who indeed does merit all his glory, hath preferred one before you, that is inferior to you in all things: I doe not deſire Madam you ſhould beleeve me, but beleeve your owne eyes. After this he gave me a letter, telling me it was from the Princeſs his ſiſter, and which indeed was ſo; adding, that it was taken from a man who was taken priſoner: But Madam, ſaid Mandana, that you may ſee what cauſe I have to ſuſpect and grieve, I pray you read this letter from the Princeſſe Araminta, which the King of Pontus left with me; I need not tell you how this Princeſſe was in love with Spitridates, ſonne to Arſomenes King of Bithynia; nor need I tell you, how Spitridates does wonderfully reſemble Cyrus; for perſons of your quality and wiſdome know all theſe adventures: After this, Mandana did give the Princeſſe Araminta's letter unto the Princeſſe Palmis, and the King of Pontus finding in it matter enough to make Mandana jealous, reſolved to give it unto her, thereby to poiſon her opinion of Cyrus, and the Princeſs Palmis opening this letter found theſe words.

ARAMINTA, unto SPITRIDATES.

SIR,

I Conceive you have reaſon of wonder, to ſee one whom you have driven to the neceſſity of justifying her ſelfe, almoſt confeſſe all things that you can accuſe her of: In the meane time I cannot deny, but that I am extreamly obliged unto the illuſtrious Cyrus, who hath had more reſpect of me, then ever conqueror had of a captive, and that I have as much of him, looking upon him as the greateſt Prince in the world, and the moſt glorious conqueror: Nor can I deny, but he does wonderfully reſemble you, and that the ſight of him does extreamly delight me. After all this, I wonder you ſhould write unto me, that it ſhould be reported I have conquered the conqueror of all Aſia, and that my heart is his moſt illuſtrious conqueſt; for conſidering all I have done for you, this is extream injuſtice, there was no neceſſity that you ſhould tell me, that before you were in priſon, you heard of his reſpects unto me and to him, for I confeſſe it; & leſſe need to writ unto me how they report a hundred particular paſſages 'twixt him and me, for you cannot do it without a wrong unto me. Return Spitridates, return, & render your ſelfe worthy of my juſtification, repent of your accuſation: 'Tis true, I cannot much grieve, ſince the taking of Sardis will let you know what the deſignes of Cyrus and my ſelfe are. I doe not ſay this Prince hath promiſed to ſet you at liberty, for you will perhaps think he would not doe it, but only to recompence you for taking from you one who heretofore was moſt deere unto you. After this, I have no more to ſay, but that ſince it is the voice of the people which accuſed me, I doe expect and wait untill the ſame doe let you know I never did any thing which I ought not to do, nor ever had the leaſt thought which I ought not to think, and that I love none but whom I will love unto the death of

ARAMINTA.

Aſſoon as the Princeſſe Palmis had read this Letter, Mandana began to ſpeak. VVell Madam, ſaid ſhe unto her, is it not reaſon that ſince the Prince Spitridates is jealous of the Princeſſe Araminta, I ſhould ſuſpect the fidelity of Cyrus? muſt there not needs be ſome truth in that which is ſo generally ſpoken both in Bithynia and Lydia, in Chalcidonia & in Sardis? Moreover Madam, I am moſt certain this is the hand of Araminta, for I have ſeverall times ſeen hers, when the King of Pontus was a hoſtage in the King my Fathers Court; ſo that I cannot think there is an impoſture in it: moreover I cannot ſuſpect the King of Pontus of forgerie, for I have ſeen the ſervant whom Spitridates ſent with the Letter, and he is the very ſame ſervant which I preferred unto Cyrus when he went unto Themiſcyra: But did this Servant tell you that Cyrus was in love with Araminta? (replyed the Princeſſe Palmis) He did not directly ſay ſo (replyed ſhe) but he ſaid Cyrus did render as much honour unto Araminta, [Page] as if ſhe were at Heraclea, he viſited her very often, and held long diſcourſes with her: Moreover, this meſſenger from Spitridates tells me one thing, which puts me out of doubt that there is a great league of ſecrecy between Cyrus and Araminta; for he tells me, that when he was brought before Cyrus, and the letters which I had about me preſented unto him, he ſent it immediately unto Araminta by Chriſantes, not knowing from whence it came, and it was only by Araminta's anſwer I came to know it was from Spitridates; this meſsenger had orders to go unto this Princeſs with Chriſantes, who gave her this Letter directed to her from Cyrus, who was ſo full of reſpect unto her, that he ſent it unopened, though by the lawes of Warre he might have done it without any incivility. But the better to let you ſee what this ſecret buſineſs was, the man ſaies that the Princeſs Araminta ſent back the Letter of Spitridates unto Cyrus by Chriſantes, with the letter which ſhe writ unto him from her ſelfe, and that afterward Cyrus ſent it back againe with his anſwer unto her. I beſeech you Madam judge whether I need to doubt of the infidelity of Cyrus, for if he were not a lover of Araminta, ſhe would never have ſent him Spitridates his Letter, it had been enough if ſhe had ſent him word that it concerned no matters of State or Warre. But certainly ſhe intends to ſacrifice Spitridates unto Cyrus, and ſent his Letter to know of him what ſhe ſhould anſwer. For all this, ſaid the Princeſs Palmis it ſeemes Araminta would juſtifie her ſelfe, ſince ſhe ſaies Spitridates hath no cauſe to be jealous: Alas Madam, replyed Mandana, I find more crime in Cyrus, then I doe innocency in Araminta, for ſhe does ſo weakly juſtifie her ſelfe, that ſhe ſeemes rather to prepare Spitridates for her inconſtancy, then to cure his jealouſie; ſhe confeſseth almoſt all he can accuſe her of, and deferrs her juſtification untill after the taking of Sardis; never telling him, ſhe will be ſtill his and not the lover of Cyrus; ſhe began to make him hope for liberty, but ſhe ended in telling him, ſhe would love him untill death whom ſhe loved at that preſent, but never tells him whether it be he ſhe loves or no; ſhe might aſwell have ſaid, Araminta is inconſtant, becauſe ſhe thinks Cyrus more amiable then Spitridates, and more happy; a mixture of ambition with love, is not amiſs, and by entertaining the paſſion of this Prince, ſhe renueth the Crown in her, and Crowns her own head with all his Lawrells: The truth is Madam, it is not ſtrange that the conqueror of all Aſia, ſhould conquer Araminta's heart; and leſs wonder if I ſhould murmur, that Cyrus ſhould be conquered by a captive Princeſs, then for her to be moved with the teares of a conqueror: But Madam, it muſt be confeſsed his height of injuſtice in him to forſake me after all this I have done for him, after he hath been the cauſe of all the miſeries in my life; after I have for his ſake ſleighted the greateſt Princes in the world, and after I had overcome my own ſpirit and heart for his ſake: Yet Madam it is but too true, that Cyrus has forſaken me, and had rather loſe the reward of all his paſt ſervices, then remain faithfull. Truly Madam, ſaid the Princeſs Palmis, me thinks you condemn Cyrus upon no good ground, for though there be ſome appearances againſt him, yet they are no convincing proofs; and you ought not to condemn him as a criminall. I beleeve (ſaid Mandana and ſighed) that the taking of Sardis will make his crime apparent; and as for this pretended peace, which is talked of unto Araminta, I am confident it is nothing but common brute without ground: However ſaid the Princeſs Palmis, deferre your judgment untill the end of the Siege, and then you may ſee the innocency or crime of Cyrus, and indeed it is not ſafe to cenſure untill then, and then either to thank him for your liberty, or chide him for his inconſtancy. Oh, I pray unto the Gods that you may have then ſo much power with him, as to make him be gentle unto the conquered, as hither to he hath been. Though I ſhould have no power with him, replyed Mandana, yet I am confident he would treat the King your Father very well; but as for matter of chiding, ſaid ſhe, I have already done it: and then Mandana told Palmis how ſhe had writ unto him, and by whom, who was one of thoſe aſsaſſinates which ſhould have killed Cyrus at the inſtigation of the coward Artanus, and whom Cyrus did afterwards moſt generouſly pardon, when he fell into his power. In the mean time, he never anſwers me, though the man promiſed me to return or die: But Mandana's expectations were in vaine; for as cunning as the man was, he was ſuſpected and ſtayed, ſo that he could not return to the Cittadell, they ſearched him whether he had any letters, and found about him that of Cyrus which was moſt carefully ſealed, and Pactias before whom he was brought, ſent it immediately unto the King of Pontus: Thus was the unhappy Mandana deprived of the comfort in receiving a letter from Cyrus, which queſtionleſs would have convinced her of the error wherein ſhe was; yet was ſhe very happy in having the ſociety of a perſon ſo full of ſpirit and goodneſs as the Princeſs Palmis to comfort her in her miſeries, and certainly did retalliate comfort for comfort, yet had they one more addition of ſorrowes; for the King of [Page] Pontus, conceiving another Chamber in the Fort did require fewer Guards, and by conſequence more ſafe, ſince it is an eaſier matter to find few, then many faithfull, he would have them removed thither: But ſince they could only paſſe into it by a great high Tarraſſe, from whence they might diſcover all about the Town, they had a view of all the Army of Cyrus which were about it; yet as their relations were different, ſo they turned their looks ſeverall wayes: For Mandana looked towards the beſiegers, where ſhe knew Cyrus, though ſhee thought him unfaithfull; and the Princeſſe Palmis looked towards that part of the Town where ſhee knew the Prince Artamas was priſoner, but the love of her Country, her tenderneſſe towards the King her Father, and the Prince Myrſiles, drew ſome of her tears for them, and for the Prince Artamas: And after ſhe had ſeriouſly conſidered the huge Army which covered all the Plains as far as ſhe could ſee: Alaſs (ſaid ſhe, and turned towards Mandana ſadly) you have ſo much comfort, Madam, as to ſee your Releaſer amongſt this vaſt multitude of men. Alaſs, Madam (replyed Mandana) a perfideous Prince ſhall never be my Deliverer; and I ſhall have more joy to ſee the Prince Artamas out of Priſon, ſince he is your Adorer, then to ſee Cyrus victorious, ſince he loves not me. The diſcourſe of theſe two great Princeſſes was not long; for their Guards would not permit them to be long in that place. So they entered into their new lodgings; and they entered ſighing, though ſhe who had the leaſt cauſe was moſt ſad; but her errour was the more excuſable, becauſe if ſhe had really loſt the heart of her Illuſtrious Cyrus, ſhe had loſt the greateſt Jewell in the world. Whilſt then this faire and ſad Princeſſe was with ſo much injuſtice lamenting her loſſe, and whilſt Croeſus was with as much reaſon trembling at his; whilſt the King of Pontus was in deſpair, and whilſt the Prince Artamas endured his priſon patiently, Cyrus was thinking of nothing but how to releaſe Mandana: He complained of her Jealouſie, but it was with ſo much reverent reſpect, as would have been fully ſatisfied, had ſhe known it. In the mean while, it vexed him to ſee Sardis hold out longer then he expected; and he reſolved upon the loſſe of many men rather then not to carry it the next Aſſault: and becauſe he would not receive a baffle, he ſtayed ſome dayes untill Scaling-ladders were in readineſſe. In which interim ſome deſign or other was ſtill on foot, either in preventing victuals from coming to the Town, or in cutting off ſome Water from the enemy; or in repulſing of Sallies which were every day made: The reaſon which made the King of Pontus ſo frequent in his Sallies, and hazard ſo many men in them, was, he would the better pry into the encampment of his Enemies, and ſpie an opportunity, if need ſhould be, of carrying away the Princeſſe Mandana: By this meanes alſo, hee could either ſend out Spyes into the Army of Cyrus, or elſe to ſolicite for Reliefe. Things ſtanding on theſe termes, the King of Pontus made a Sallie in the night time on that Quarter where Cyrus commanded in perſon. At firſt hee killed many men, fell into the Trenches, and ſlew all that ſtood in their way, and gave an Alarm unto all the Camp; but Cyrus did quickly ſtop their fury by his preſence; for his voice was no ſooner heard both amongſt his own men, and his Enemies, but the one ſtruck with fury, and the other with fear, the Enemy fled, and his men followed ſo cloſe, that they were ready to enter the Town with them; but ſo few of the Enemy entered, as ſince that they had no great mind of making Sallies on Cyrus his ſide. The Egyptians and Medes being upon the Guard that night, had their ſhare in the glory of that Action; who yet were beholding to Cyrus for their valour, who being as ſweet after victory, as valiant in fighting, had a great care of all wounded men as well friends as enemies, and ſo much the rather, becauſe he underſtood that there was an Egyptian of quality taken priſoner, who before hee rendred himſelf, did ſo gallantly diſpute for his liberty, as he was wounded in ſeverall places, and yet fought till he fell from his Horſe, ſo was forced to yeeld. Cyrus enquired his name in the preſence of many Egyptian Officers about him; but they knew not, and were extreamly impatient to know whom this valiant man of their Nation ſhould be: But when they heard his name was Heracleon, they could not chuſe but murmur amongſt themſelves, & ſeem aſtoniſhed, eſpecially when they heard afterwards that Cyrus commanded that a great care ſhould be had of him, and placed him in one of his own Tents. There was an Egyptian Officer whoſe name was Miris, could not hold from grumbling at this indulgency of Cyrus to him. Oh, Sir, ſaid he, be not ſo ſweet as to preſerve the life of the moſt wicked man upon earth, infinitely unworthy the protection of ſo virtuous a Prince. If he be ſuch a one as you ſay, replyed Cyrus, the Gods will puniſh him without me. But who is this Heracleon? Sir, replyed Miris, he is a man moſt unworthy of his birth, which indeed is noble: He is a Rivall to the generous Seſoſtris, he is an Enemy to his Country, an Aſſaſinate of Kings, and a man whoſe love and ambition prompts unto all imaginable villanies: Therefore I conjure [Page] you, as you tender the intereſt of Seſoſtris, to command he be leſſe eſteemed, andmore carefully guarded leſt he eſcape, or kill himſelf when he ſees he's known: For, Sir, it doth much import Seſoſtris, ſince Heracleon is in your power, that this wretch doe not dye, before he let him know that which he onely can inform him. Cyrus having obſerved that Seſoſtris loved Miris very well, did hearken unto him, and commanded that Heracleon ſhould bee carefully guarded, that his words ſhould be carefully obſerved: commanding alſo, at the requeſt of Miris, that an account be given of his wounds, to the end, that if he be in danger, he may be moved to confeſſe what concerned the Prince Seſoſtris: However, Sir, ſaid Miris, I beſeech you as you reſpect the intereſt of this great Prince, Sir, to let mee have two houres diſcourſe and audience, as ſoon as conveniently you can; that I may acquaint you, how it concerns Seſoſtris to know what onely Heracleon can tell him, and that you may know alſo what difference to put between theſe two Rivals; for ſince I moſt exactly know all paſſages between them, and ſince the Prince Seſoſtris commanded me to acquaint you with it as ſoon as I met with a favourable opportunity, I ſhould be exceedingly glad ſince you have his enemy in your hands, to acquaint you with his adventures. The ſtory will extreamely pleaſe (replyed Cyrus) for ever ſince the firſt I ſaw Seſoſtris, I have had a great deſire to know his fortunes; therefore I promiſe you to manage my matters ſo, as I will find ſome hours of audience before I ſleep; and indeed Cyrus was as good as his word; for after he had ſpent all the reſt of that day, and the beginning of the night in giving orders, he retired ſomething ſooner then ordinary: Yet firſt he underſtood, that at the firſt Heracleon would hardly ſuffer himſelf to be dreſſed, and raved as if he had been mad, but at laſt he ſuffered his wounds to be dreſſed, which proved very dangerous, yet not impoſſible to be healed; and though they were not, yet it would be long ere he dyed of them. At laſt Cyrus ſent for Miris to give him audience, conjuring him to make an exact relation of Seſoſtris his life: For, ſaid Cyrus, your hints concerning Heracleon makes me deſirous to know more, ſo alſo there is a ſecret kind of inclination in me, which makes me to deſire a more exact knowledge of his intereſts. I aſſure you, Sir, replyed Miris you cannot have a greater deſire to know, then I have to acquaint you with his adventures. Since ſo, ſaid Cyrus, let us loſe no time in diſcourſe of any thing elſe. Then Miris, in obedience unto the commands of Cyrus, began thus.

The Hiſtory of SESOSTRIS and TIMARETA.

SIR,

TO inform you rightly concerning Seſoſtris, and the cauſe of his misfortunes, I muſt not onely relate the Hiſtory of his Life, but his Fathers alſo; and I muſt exactly bring in the ſtory of all Egypt in generall, as well as his in particular: So far is the originall and ſource of his misfortunes fetched. Therefore, I beſeech you, Sir, do not wonder if I begin my diſcourſe with things which at firſt ſight ſeem impertinent unto my diſcourſe, yet by the ſequell you ſhall finde that they are eſſentially neceſſary. I beſeech you alſo, Sir, give mee leave to relate many things particularly which Fame doubtleſſe hath already brought unto your ears; yet it is impoſſible you ſhould perfectly underſtand the adventures which have dependency upon them, ſince it is not credible your Infancy could be capable of them; nor indeed poſſible in your riper years, that the Conquerour of all Aſia ſhould have ſo much leiſure from his illuſtrious Conqueſt, as to enquire of all the paſſages in Africa. Give me leave to tell you then, Sir, that Seſoſtris is the ſonne of Apriez, that Renowned, but unfornate King, who after a long and happy Reign, brought home ſo many glorious advantages from the Wars with Tyre and Sidon, was at laſt thrown out of his Throne. This Apriez boaſts of his deſcent from the Race of the firſt Seſoſtris, ſo famous for his Virtues and Victories: For Pſammethicus his great Grandfather was ſo. 'Tis true, this Prince from whom Apriez deſcended, was himſelf ſufficiently adorned with glory, without any derivatives from his Predeceſſors, ſince it was he who had the honour to defeat eleven Kings, or rather ſo many Tyrants, which during a vacancie upon the Throne, divided all the Kingdom into ſo many illegitimate powers. This is, Sir, the extraction of Seſostris: And I know, Sir, you will wonder when I tell you, that Amaſis, who this day reigns in Egypt, hath a Son of Apriez, and a Son who commands all the Forces of Amaſis, Conqueror of the late King his Father: But, Sir, if you will be pleaſed to lend as much patience as to hear me, your wonder will vaniſh, and all that which did ſeem incredible, will eaſily be beleeved. To return then unto the ſource of Seſostris his misfortunes, it is expedient, as I ſaid before, to acquaint you with the misfortunes of the King his Father; and afterwards tell you how Amaſis came unto the [Page] Throne, for theſe are the hinges of all the Hiſtory. I have already told you Sir, how happily Apriez raigned: happy in Warrs, happy in peace, and as happy alſo in his marriage, not only in a Princeſſe of moſt admirable beauty and vertue, but alſo in a ſonne born the firſt yeare of her marriage: a ſonne who from his very cradle ſeemed to be what you ſee him at this day; and all the interim of his infancy was full of illuſtrious hopes. Thus was Apriez the happieſt of all the Kings upon Earth, Maſter of the moſt abundant of rich Kingdomes in the World; never was Aegypt in ſweeter tranquillity, never did the Floods of Nilus make our fields more fertile, and never was the Monarchy more firmly eſtabliſhed then it ſeemed to be at that time: Yet Sir, this Serenity was quickly overclowded; but that you may the better ſee which way the Gods did bring it about, be pleaſed to know, that Amaſis (who at this day raignes, and whoſe birth was more noble then his enemies report) was then in the Court, harbouring ſo much ambition ſecretly in his heart, as ſeldome did ſuffer him to be in reſt. There was in the Court at the ſame time, a Princeſſe, whoſe name was Ladice, who had been married, who being a Widdow, obtained the Queenes favour, and conſequently the Kings, for it is the cuſtom of Aegypt, that all Husbands doe in generall reſpect their Wives, and eſpecially Kings their Queenes, grounding this laudable cuſtome upon the excellent example of Oſiris, who was infinitely uxorious unto Iſis; and this way Ladice, poſſeſſing the heart of the Queen, was in great credit with the King; and as thoſe in favour are alwaies looked upon, ſo Amaſis whoſe ſpirit was as great as his ambition, perceiving the power which Ladice had with the Queen, began to apply himſelfe unto her more then any other, before her favour was much divulged in the world; to the end he might perſwade this Princeſſe, that this was not the reaſon why he ſaw her more then he was accuſtomed: For Amaſis being of a penetrating ſpirit, and knowing the humours both of the Queen and Ladice, though the favours of this Princeſſe were at firſt but ſmall in ſhew, yet he foreſaw that undoubtedly they would augment, and therefore to ſet a better price upon his ſervices, he began betimes to declare himſelfe to be a devoted friend unto Ladice: and indeed this Princeſſe who was extreamly pleaſed with the ſpirit of Amaſis, was not long before ſhe became his friend as much as he hers, and more, for he loved her becauſe of her favour, and ſhe loved him only in reſpect of his merit and perſon. In the mean time, when Amaſis ſaw he was not miſtaken in his conjectures, but that Ladice did grow more and more in favour, the better to cloake his ambition, he made the Princeſſe think he loved her, and ſo handſomly mannaged the matter, that ſhe was not angry with him for it: I will not tell you Sir, which way he diſcovered his paſſion to her, nor how Ladice accepted it, becauſe I intend not a relation of his or her hiſtory: only this, that Ladice being both faire and a favourit, all the men of any quality in the Court, did apply themſelves to ſerve her, ſo that ſhe neither accepting nor rejecting any of them, ſhe was abſolute Miſtreſſe of the hearts, of all the Grandees of Aegypt: and ſince this Princeſſe did love the State, ſhe made uſe of their loves, as well as her beauty and favour, to keep them from any rebellions in the Kingdome, and inſeparably to unite them unto the Kings intereſt: and the truth is, ſhe did negotiate with ſo much wiſdome and generoſity, that ſhe merited eternall glory, for ſhe did diſſipate ſeverall factions, ſhattered many confederacies and plots, and reduced them all unto the Kings obedience. In the meane time Amaſis, who in the eyes of all the world ſeemed only the friend of Ladice. did really become her lover, and a lover loved, becauſe ſhe had a beliefe that he was the only man who loved her, in conſideration of her perſon, and not of her favour, not knowing that his ſoule was filled fuller of ſecret ambition, then it was of love: yet did ſhe find ſome difficulties in the matter, for there was then no ſuitable proportion between Amaſis and his rivalls, nor between him and her ſelfe, yet notwithſtanding, ſince ſhe did moſt paſſionately love him, and thought her ſelfe obliged; and ſince he courted her with unequalled reſpects, and had ſerved the King in many occaſions with much fidelity, ſince he got much glory in the Warr with Tyre and Sydon, and ſince her inclination prompted her to preferre him before all the World, and ſince her ſoule was diſengaged from all others, ſhe could with more eaſe overcome all other obſtacles, and reſolve to marry him, if ſhe could have any infallible aſſurance that thoſe who then courted her, and whom ſhe kept from diſturbing the ſtate, would not renew all their factions, eſpecially at that time when the King was engaged in a warre with the Cyrenians: But Amaſis being in great favour, and knowing all her thoughts, and all the impediments of his happineſſe, he redoubled his courtſhip and ſuit for ſome further aſſurances of her affection; for ſince he ſaw a neceſſity of his going to the Warres with the King, and knew that ſome of his rivalls would ſtay behind with the Queen, he feared leſt in his abſence Ladice ſhould change her mind, ſo that ſeeming deſperate, he told her abſclutely [Page] he would not go with the Army, that he had rather loſe his honour, then hazard the loſs of her affection; and was ſo reſolute in his expreſſions, that indeed ſhe thought he would not go. However Sir, Ladice loving Amaſis very well, and having reſolved to marry him aſſoon as this Warre was ended, this ambitious lover found it no knotty matter to winne her unto a marriage in ſecret: And indeed Ladices heart being as full of Love, as the heart of this ſecret lover was full of ambition; a few daies after the Kings departure they were marryed privatly in a little Church, without any other witneſſes but the officers of the ceremony, except one of her women in whom ſhe truſted: By this meanes Amaſis was in a quality to enjoy the benefit of Ladices favour, which he deſired more then the enjoyment of her beauty: However, Amaſis went now to the Army, and was husband to the faire Ladice: But to put her ſelfe into a condition of publiſhing her marriage after the Warre, ſhe procured the King by the Queenes mediation to make him one of his Leiutenant Generalls, his fidelity and courage being the pretence of her ſuit, though it ſeemed ſomething extraordinary to the Queen, yet the Queen condeſcended unto it. In the meanewhile this Warre wanted a plauſible gloſſe, for it was ſaid Apriez did make it, only to ſecure the Grandees of his Dominions, leſt they ſhould ruffle into a civill Warre; however the beginning was proſperous enough, Amaſis performed very conſiderable ſervices, he won the hearts of the ſouldiers, and was Maſter of the Army: whenſoever Apriez encountered with his enemies, he bafled them; ſo that though no main battle had been yet fought, yet there was enough done to get a reputation unto his Army, and ſtrike a terrour into the enemies country. This being the ſtate of things, Apriez gave Amaſis the command of ten Thouſand men in his Army, with them to aſsault the enemies upon another ſide, thereby to ſeparate their Forces, and then more eaſily to conquer them: but things did not ſucceed according to his deſigne, for the Cyrenians would not divide themſelves, ſo that not ſeparating their Army, they did that which Apriez would have done, which was, they forced him to fight and vanquiſhed him: his Army was ſo abſolutely defeated, that he was forced to return unto Sais, where he left his Queen, and where he arrived full of ſhame and ſorrowes; for he had not only loſt the Battle, but the loſs of Blood was ſo much, that it put all Aegypt into mourning. Apriez in his return to Sais, ſent for Amaſis to come unto him, and commanded him to draw off thoſe forces under his command from the enemies country, and keep them upon the frontiers; leaving order unto the other Lieutenant Generalls, to rally as many as they could of his ſhattered army: Amaſis obeying the King, was very glad he had no ſhare in the diſhonor in this defeat, and that he was able to tell Ladice that he had done nothing unworthy of the honour ſhe did him. In the mean time, the loſſe of this Battle cauſed a generall revolt in all Aegypt, both people and ſouldiers began to murmur, and an univerſall report went all over, that Apriez did ſuffer himſelfe voluntarily to be vanquiſhed; that he divided his army purpoſely to ruine ſome Grandees of his dominions, whom he thought did trouble him, hoping after that to raign more imperiouſly over them, and become more Tyrannicall. However Sir, whether the Souldiers ſpoke this from themſelves, or from the inſtigation of Amaſis; it is moſt certaine, that all the rallied troopes, with thoſe which Amaſis brought upon the frontiers, did ſeem to revolt, and make head againſt their Prince: Apriez no ſooner heard this, but to calm this mutiny, reſolved to ſend Amaſis to the army, looking upon him as a plauſible man with the ſouldiers, and faithfull unto him. Amaſis accepting of this commiſſion, prepared to go unto the Army; but before he went, Ladice uſed all her perſwaſions and arguments which could move him to doe the King and his country good ſervice upon this occaſion; adding unto all her prayers, that if he could at this time pacifie the Army, and by conſequence all Aegypt, ſhe would then acquaint both the King and the Queen with her marriage, who could not poſſibly diſapprove of it, after ſuch a conſiderable ſervice. But Sir, ſince Amaſis marryed Ladice more for ambition then love, he could not keep within thoſe limits which this generous Princeſſe preſcribed him: yet when he came firſt unto the Army, he began to doe like a faithfull ſubject; and I am perſwaded, where his enemies ſay, that then he had none but good intentions, and as ambitious as he was, would have made himſelfe a fortune by noble waies: He drew up all his Army into Battallia, and calling all the officers together he ſhewed them their fault, and the injuſtice of their proceedings. But whilſt he was thus ſpeaking unto them, an Egyptian took a Helmet, and putting it upon the head of Amaſis as is uſed at the coronation of our Kings; let me put thee into the poſſeſſion of the Kingdome of Aegypt (ſaid the ſouldier unto him) and talk no more to us of obeying Apriez, for we will not have a King that hath been conquered. The inſolent ſpeech of this ſouldier, being prompted unto it by many others, was ſeconded by a generall acclamation; ſo that Amaſis [Page] ſaw it was in his choice whether he would be King or no. This rouſing up the ambition of his ſoul, he conſulted not with generoſity, or reaſon, or glory, which forbids any to reigne by unjuſt wayes, but did blindly, and totally ſubmit unto his ambition: Yet at firſt hee rejected the propoſition, but yet ſo faintly, and after ſuch a manner as made all the Souldiers ſecond their acclamations, and ſay Amaſis muſt be their Soveraign. Then, Sir, Amaſis began to ſpeak as a man who was forced to receive the Soveraign power, yet he would not directly take upon him the Quality of a King; but told them that to acknowledge their confidence in him, he would be their Protector, and promiſed never to leave them untill he had obtained their pardon, and alſo new Priviledges: But the more Amaſis excuſed himſelf, the more violent were all the Officers and Souldiers, who all unanimouſly ſaid they would have him to be their King. However Amaſis diſpatched a meſſenger to the Court, and to let Apriez know how ſorry he was for this accident; aſſuring him, that he would not ſeem to accept of any part of this power which the Souldiers gave him, but only to reduce them unto obedience: But at the ſame time he ſent one of his ſervants ſecretly unto the Princeſſe Ladice, conjuring her to retire from the Court, and to come and receive a Crown which the Gods by his hand did offer her. In the mean time the King was advertiſed by ſome faithfull Officers of the Army how things paſſed, and hee grew into ſuch a choler againſt Amaſis, that in lieu of diſſembling his reſentments, he railed againſt him as a Rebell, and diſpatched a man of good Quality, named Paterbenis with orders to joyn with ſome few Officers who were faithfull, and to ſeize upon the perſon of Amaſis, or elſe kill him if they could not take him. On the other ſide, Ladice, who was truly generous, and did extreamly diſapprove of this manner of acting, though ſhe did extreamly love Amaſis, yet ſhe ſent him word, that ſhe was ſo farre from removing away from the Court, or participating of his Crime, as ſhe would declare, that if he did not quickly return unto his duty, ſhe would become his moſt mortall Enemy: Yet did ſhe endeavour to gloſſe the matter at Court as much as ſhe could; but all in vaine; for Apriez being reſolved already upon his courſe, diſpatched Paterbems with his Commiſſion, yet it took not ſucceſſe; for as ſecret as it was carryed, Amaſis did know it: So that when Paterbenis came to the Camp, he found him he was already acquainted with the buſineſſe of his voyage. When he came unto him, he found him buſie in exhorting the Souldiers to draw up into Battalia, and to defend his life which Apriez would take from him by ſome amongſt them. Paterbenis comming to him as Amaſis was thus buſied, he reſolved to ſpeak unto him as if the King did credit all which Amaſis told him, and as if he did not ſuſpect his fidelity; to the end he might gaine more time to plot with thoſe Officers of the Army who advertized Apriez of the truth: But Amaſis knowing the cauſe of his coming, gave him no time to talk: No, no, Paterbenis, ſaid he unto him, Diſſemble not that which I know as well as your ſelf; You come with intentions to carrie my head unto Apriez, but I cannot beleeve theſe Souldiers who Crowned it will ſuffer you; therefore I adviſe you to return immediately, and tell that Prince who ſent you, that if he defend his Crown as well as I ſhall my head, I ſhall not be King a long while. Paterbenis would have replyed unto this bold language, but there was ſuch an acclamation amongſt the Souldiers at the anſwer of Amaſis, as the Meſſenger ſaw his beſt courſe was to return; for the Souldiers began to threaten him with inſolent menaces. Paterbenis then returned to Sais, where Apriez was in his ſtately Palace which he had newly built; yet he found but faint entertainment from her; for this unfortunate King ſeeing the ill ſucceſſe of his voyage, beleeved he did comply with Amaſis, ſo that upon the information of ſome Souldiers who followed him, who affirmed that if he had ſtayed a little longer in the Army, there had been a mutiny, he did not onely arreſt him, but put him to death. This haſty and violent death did ruin Apriez; for Paterbenis being a man of much integrity and known honeſty to all the world, the people of Sais did exceedingly murmur at it. All the friends of Amaſis fearing the like treatment from the King, ſince he was capable of ſo unjuſt an act, did take their friends part, and went unto him, and amongſt the reſt, the Father of Heracleon: So that in leſſe then a moneth, Amaſis had a formidable army which ſtill did every day encreaſe from all the Provinces of Egypt. In the mean time the heart of Amaſis was very reſtleſſe; love of Ladice did ſtrive with his ambition, yet could not vanquiſh it, and ſo much the leſſe, becauſe his marriage with her being not known, ſhe was in leſſe danger of Apriez his violence; but alaſſe, this unfortunate Princeſſe was much to be lamented; for ſhe was not onely forced to ſeparate from her dearly loved Amaſis, but ſhe perceived ſhe was with child, & conſequently muſt tel the Queen (whom ſhe tenderly loved, and who tenderly loved her) that ſhe was Wife to him who would pull her from the Throne. Being put to this extremity, ſhe conſulted with all her thoughts and [Page] endeavours how to winne Amaſis unto repentance; and in order to that, ſhe ſent to acquaint Amaſis with her condition; and after a thouſand moſt tender and perſwaſive arguments and invitations, ſhe ſent to tell him, that if he would not condeſcend unto her deſires, ſhe would acquaint the King how ſhe was his wife, and ſhared in his crime, and ſo conſequently, the next news he ſhould hear, would doubtleſſe be, that hee had loſt both a Wife and a Child; ſince it was not probable, but he who put to death the innocent, would take the ſame courſe with the Wife of an Uſurper who confeſſed her ſelf culpable. But all the perſwaſions and threats of Ladice were in vain: For Amaſis did think that the Queen loved her better then to ſee her periſh, and that Ladice was wiſer then to accuſe her ſelf, and therefore he ſent her word, that he thought himſelf unworthy of that honour which ſhee had done him, unleſſe he purſued his deſign, and ſet her upon a Throne. To that end he cauſed it to be proclaimed, that he was deſcended from the Line of the firſt Kings of Egypt, from whom the Predeceſſors of Apriez had uſurped the Soveraign Power: So that to give ſome colourable gloſſe to his rotten cauſe, he made it paſſe for good, and ſtrengthned himſelf the more: Apriez, ſeeing himſelf forſaken of his own Subjects, and particularly of Heracleons Father, who was a man of great power, made uſe of ſome Auxiliary Forces; The Ionians, the Carians, and ſome other Aſiatique people, raiſed him thirty thouſand men; ſo that being in the head of this army, he went out of Says with reſolutions to fight. One thing is here obſervable, which never perhaps was ſeen before; the right King of Egypt had not one Egyptian in his army, which was compoſed all of Strangers; and on the contrary, all the army of the Uſurper was compoſed of naturall Subjects, who fought againſt their right King. In the mean time the miſerable Ladice having not power to execute the meſſage ſhee ſent unto Amaſis, hoping ſtill to move his heart, ſhe remained in unconceivable ſorrows: for ſhe knew, that had not ſhe been a Mediator for him, he could never have arrived at that paſſe: So that looking upon her ſelfe as the onely cauſe of his crime, of her Countries deſolation, and of the States ruin, there was not a day but ſhe deſired death. Nor did ſhe know what ſhe ſhould ask from the gods: But ever refigning her ſelf unto their will, ſhe waited for the ſucceſſe of War with more reſtleſsneſſe of mind then did the Queen. Seſoſtris her onely ſonne was then ſome four or five years old, but his innocency could not prevent the Fate of his Father, for the more unjuſt ſide was the more fortunate: But not to ſtay you too long, Sir, in this part of my ſtory, I ſhall onely in a few words tell you, how the Army of Apriez, and that of Amaſis joyning near Memphis, where thoſe high aſpiring Pyramids look over all the reſt of Egypt, this fatall Battle to Apriez was loſt: At the firſt encounter he was wounded, and a while afeer taken; and laſtly, in a moſt ſtrange manner, loſt his life: for thoſe into whoſe hands he fell, diſagreeing who ſhould have the honour of preſenting him unto Amaſis, did quarrell amongſt themſelves amidſt a Battle, and that with ſo much rage and fury, that one of them thinking his ſide the weaker, did deſperately turn towards this unfortunate King who ſtood in the midſt of them, and with an unexampled inhumanity killed him, rather then his companions ſhould enjoy that advantage which he could not get himſelfe. Thus, Sir, you ſee how this miſerable King loſt both his life and Kingdome, and upon what Title Amaſis came unto it. You may imagine how ſad this news was unto the Queen, when ſhe heard her Husband had loſt both Kingdome and life, and conſequently, the young Seſoſtris the Crown. But how great ſoever her ſorrows were, yet were they leſſe then the Generoſity of Ladice, who could never enjoy any comfort in being the Wife of an Uſuper. This ſad Queen endeavoured all ſhe could to move the people of Says unto fidelity, and oppoſe Amaſis; but the hatred of the Inhabitants againſt Apriez was ſo high, as that they were ſo far from doing as ſhe deſired, though it was in a little River of Tears, ſhewing unto them her young Sonne, that they mutined afreſh, and would all take the ſtronger ſide: So that this deplorable Queen fearing they would ſeiſe upon her perſon, and her young Son, was forced to fly the Towne in the night, and to retire with a very ſmall number unto a ſtrong Caſtle which was ſome thirty furlongs from Says; as ſhe had reſolved from the firſt in caſe of neceſſity. As ſhe was ready to depart, accompanyed with her dear Ladice, there came a Meſſenger from Amaſis to the Princeſſe his Wife, to tell her of his Victory, and alſo to will her not to engage her ſelf in the misfortunes of the Queen, unto whom for her ſake, he would leave a Province in Aegypt upon condition ſhe would put the young Seſoſtris into his hands. Ladice no ſooner heard this propoſition, but ſhe exclaimed againſt Amaſis, and told the Meſſenger whatſoever the Queen could deſire. Go (ſaid ſhe unto him) and tell Amaſis, that I was born a Subject unto a King before I was his Wife; and my being marryed could not diſoblige me from my [Page] firſt duty, nor ever ſhall, unleſs he will reſtore unto the young Seſoſtris that Crown which he uſurped from the unfortunate Apriez: After which, not ſuffering him to ſpeak a word more, ſhe went unto the Queen, who ſtayed for her to depart. Never was flight more happy than this; for the Queen was no ſooner out of the Town, but the people were in her houſe, to execute that order which Amaſis had ſent by him who ſpoke to Ladice; which order was, that the Inhabitants ſhould be in Armes, and ſecure the perſons of the Queen, of Seſoſtris, and Ladice. But the gods, who doubtleſſe were pleaſed to preſerve Seſoſtris, moved this Envoy of Amaſis to ſpeak unto Ladice, before he did unto the Inhabitants. Thus this young Prince, and theſe two unfortunate Princeſſes eſcaped from the Victory of Amaſis. This great Queen was alſo ſo happy in her flight, that none of them knew which way ſhe went: But ſince they could not be ignorant long, Ladice, who would not be delivered in a houſe which might come into the hands of Amaſis, adviſed the Queen not to ſtay in it, but to goe further off where they ſhould not be ſo ſoon found: And ſo they did. But alaſs, theſe two Princeſſes had not ſooner any leaſure to reckon up the ſum of their preſent miſeries, and lament them together, but they were given to underſtand that all took part with the Conquerour; that high and low Aegypt did both of them acknowledge his power, and that all the Provinciall Towns ſent their Deputies to promiſe fidelity: That Says, Thebes, Memphis, Bubaſtis, Sienna, Buſiris, Canope, and Aniſis did ſubmit; and that Amaſis was Maſter of all Aegypt, except Elephantine, which yet took time of conſideration. They underſtood, that all the Calaſires, and Hermobites (for ſo we call the Noblemen amongſt us) did obey him without murmur, becauſe they all hoped Amaſis would let them have more power then they had under Apriez. So that ſeeing no hopes of any relief from any ſide, the Queen was in the moſt deplorable condition of any in the world: From the ſterile Deſarts of Lybia ſhe could expect no relief, which is on the Weſt ſide of Aegypt; on the South, the Cataracts of Nilus, and the Mountains block up all Paſſes; and on the Eaſt, doubtleſſe, Sir, you know the vaſt Fennes along that Province which is called Barathra, and which ſeparates Syria from Aegypt, do hinder the march of any Troops; and on the North ſide, the wayes are all inacceſſible; neither could the Queen expect my relief from the Ionians, nor the Carians, who loſt all their Forces at the laſt Battle: Aegypt within was all revolted, ſo that ſhe had no way but to flye, or dye. This great Queen had a man with her, whoſe name was Amenophis, Brother unto my Mother, a man of extraordinary ſpirit and virtue, brought up in the houſe of the late King, whoſe fidelity was well known unto the Queen, and Ladice, and unto whom he was a profeſſed friend: Amenophis, to chear up the courage of the Queen, and to perſwade her to ſubmit her ſelf unto the pleaſure of the gods for better fortune, adviſed her to think of no courſe conſidering the ſtate of things, but how to hide her ſelf, and the Prince Seſoſtris, and to ſee whether tract of time would alter the face of things. The Queen then referring the conduct of her ſelf unto the prudence of Amenophis; hee reſolved for Elephantine, which yet had not totally ſubmitted. But, Sir, be pleaſed to know, that when the Battle was fought, the River Nilus began to riſe, ſo that when the Queen took a reſolution to quit that place where ſhe was, to ſeek a ſanctuary further off, this River, according to its cuſtome, over-flowed all the Country, ſo that ſhe was forced to change the place as much out of neceſſity as reaſon; for when this Deluge was at the height, all Aegypt was water, unleſſe Hills, and Townes built upon them, which ſeemed like little Iſlands, and the Campaigne like Sea at that time about them. Amenophis then provided a Boat to tranſport this deplorable company: And as this ſwelling of Nilus did on the one ſide trouble them, ſo on the other, it kept them from falling into the power of Amaſis, who by reaſon of this Inundation could not ſend any Troops from Says, nor make any exact ſearch for the Princeſſes. But, I beſeech you, Sir, imagine a little not onely in what a pittifull condition the Queen, and the young Prince her Son were, but alſo in what a ſad caſe that unhappy Ladice was: For ſince ſhee now grew big, though it was not perceived, yet ſince ſhe was to goe with the Queen to juſtifie her ſelf, ſhe muſt needs tell that ſhe was Wife unto Amaſis. However, ſhe was reſolved not to forſake her, nor did not: Amenophis having provided all things neceſſary for fifteen dayes, they imbarqued from the place where they were, though the houſe was not near water when the River was within i [...]s Channel. Their Boat at one end had a Cabin covered with Canvas; under which was the Queen, Seſoſtris, Ladice, and two women of the Queens: At the other end was Amenophis, two Servants, and the Rowers. Imagine, Sir, in what a condition this Queen was, who of a great Kingdom had nothing left but a little Cock-boat, in danger to periſh by the impetuoſity of the Nile, by the Crocodiles, by the Hypopothames, and a thouſand moſt horrid Monſters wherewith that river is filled: which way ſoever they looked, they could [Page] ſee nothing but water, which was making the land of her enemies fertile, if ſhe caſt her eyes upon poor Seſoſtris, they ſwam in tears, to ſee in his face ſo many ſigns of grandure in ſo deſpicable a fortune, & to find ſo many ſymptomes of a great heart in ſo tender an age, for he was not at all diſmaid at the toſſing of the waves, and bounding of the Boate: thus this miſerable Queen, not knowing which way to look for any conſolation, turned towards her dear Ladice; but in lieu of finding any in her eyes, ſhe ſaw them ſwim in teares, and full of ſo much melancholy, that her owne was more augmented, Amenophis only was he who gave her ſome comfort: However, the River Nile was not ſo troubleſome as ſhe apprehended, becauſe it was not ſo great where ſhe croſſed, as it was in the province of Delta, whoſe ſcituation is very low, and nothing to be ſeen but the forme of this Greek Letter, whoſe name it carries; ſo that after eight or tenn daies rowing, they found ſome townes where they might refreſh and reſt themſelves in the night. I forgot to tell you Sir, that the Queen, Seſoſtris and Ladice had no ſuch ſignes of greatneſſe in their garments, leſt they ſhould be known; & truly I think they needed no diſguiſment, for though the habit of a Queen and a Shepheard be very different, yet ſorrowes had ſo changed the countenances of theſe Princeſſes, that they were leſſe knowable then any diſguiſe of garments could make them; only they had all their Jewells about them, in Caſe of need. But Sir, I have ſo many things to relate, that I ſhall not ſpend any time in telling you, how they were twice in danger of drowning, by certain Windes, which blow alwaies when the Nile is high, they are called the Eteſian Winds, and I have ſo many other things to relate which will move your pitty, that I ſhall not meddle with this: But let me tell you Sir, that after all imaginable impediments of this dangerous voyage, they came at laſt into a Town, ſcituated upon a high hill, and with works to repulſe the waves, which is not above ſixty furlongs from Elephantine; in this place Amenophis heard how that Town was at laſt reſolved to obey Amaſis, and that deputies were going to ſwear fealty to their new King. Thus after a long and dangerous voyage, hoping to find a place of Sanctuary, the Queen was loaded with a new burthen of ſorrowes, ſo that ſhe had no way now but to hide her ſelfe: But the better to doe ſo, they muſt not goe unto Elephantine, and therefore the Queen conſulted with Amenophis, who was well acquainted with that Country, and upon better thoughts he remembered a Shepheard of his acquaintance, whoſe Father heretofore ſerved his, and who dwelt in a very ſolitary place and pleaſant, where the Queen might be both ſafe and convenient: ſo that without more adoe, they went that way, and the next morning came to a little Iſle, which doubtleſſe the Gods did purpoſely create for a Sanctuary and place of retreat unto this great Princeſſ [...]: for Sir, I am confident that nature never framed ſuch a place as this; it is about fifteen or ſixteen furlongs in length, and ſomething oval, in the midſt of it is an high hill, where one may retire when Nilus is high, and where the paſtures are only inhabited by Shepheards, in cabbines, this hill is full of Sicomores, whoſe ſhadow is very delightfull, and at the foot of it unto the river banks, are meadowes, ſo thick, ſo freſh, ſo ſweet, and faire, as it ſeemed to be a moſt fertile land: a million of water-trees did ſhaddow theſe pleaſant meadowes in divers places, and as if the Gods had deſigned that thoſe who inhabit in it ſhould not be diſcovered by paſſengers in Boats, it is ſet round about with a thick and high hedge of Oſiers, and roſe trees, which grow ſo cloſe to the water, and adorne it, and as if it did both invite and forbid an entrance unto all thoſe that came unto it, all the Roſe-trees were intermingled with a kind of wild Lillies, which grow along the River Nilus, and whoſe odour perfumes the whole Iſle. This Sir was the pleaſant deſart which ſerved for a Sanctuary and retreat unto the Queen. Amenophis was no ſooner landed, but he went to ſeek him who he knew lived there, and having found him, he diſpoſed him to entertain ſome perſons which fled from the perſecution of the new King, yet not telling who they were, though he enjoyned cloſe ſecrecy: then they went unto his houſe, which was the greateſt and neereſt in all the Iſle, which had not above ten or twelve in all, and they ſo ſeparated one from another, that they might eaſily go in and out undiſcovered by any: he found this Shepherd had witt enough, but ſomething covetous, which fault the more pleaſed Amenophis, who having wherewith to ſatisfie the humor of the man, thought he would make him very faithfull to the Queen; and indeed he was ſo, for he never ſpoke a word unto any of the reſt in the Iſle; ſince it was late when they landed, none did diſcover them, all the Shepheards being buſie in driving their flocks unto their folds, ſo that Amenophis had all that night to inſtruct his Shepheard, whoſe name was Traſeas, a married man, whoſe Wife was called Nicetis: he told them then (after a good reward in hand, and large promiſes of more if they were faithfull) his beſt courſe was to ſay unto thereſt of the Shepheards, that theſe people in his houſe were forced out of their homes by the floods, which when it was paſſed would return, & in the mean time [Page] ſtay here, that they dwelt beyond Elephantine: Since they were already ſufficiently diſguiſed, they ſtood in need of no great change of Garments; the men which rowed the Boat were kept there for the wafting of their two ſervants into any Town to fetch ſuch things as they needed: So that this little retreat for its tranquillity, did ſo ſatisfie the Queen, that ſhe hoped the Gods would preſerve Seſoſtris for ſome better fortune: But yet the ſighs and tears of Ladice redoubled; for ſeeing the muſt make known her Marriage unto the Queen, unleſſe ſhe would diſhonour her ſelf in her opinion, ſhe reſolved upon it, the third day after they came into the Iſle: As ſhee was then in the morning with this Princeſs, who never ſtirred out of her Cabin ſince ſhe came into it, ſhe began to conjure her with a flood of teares in her eyes, to promiſe not to hate her after ſhe had acquainted her with a buſineſs: Such language unuſuall did ſurpriſe the Queen, who knowing no poſſible cauſe why ſhee ſhould hate Ladice, promiſed ſhe would not, in the preſence of Amenophis, and proteſted ſhee would love her as long as ſhee lived, let her ſay what ſhee would. Then this unhappy Princeſſe beganne to acquaint her in few words, but many, many ſighs and teares, with her Marriage unto Amaſis, and the condition ſhe was in: And in ſuch moving manner as would have inſpired pitty into the moſt barbarous heart. No, no, Madam (ſaid Ladice unto her, after ſhe had made a full relation) you are not obliged to keep promiſe with the Wife of an Uſurper; and I repent that I did ask it of you: Hate me, hate me, as you ought to doe the Wife of your Enemy, though truly I am at this preſent a moſt mortal enemy unto him, nor will ever pretend unto any greatneſſe which Amaſis hath gotten by unjuſt wayes, and doe ſo horridly hate his action, that I doe not onely hate him, but my ſelf alſo. In the mean time, Madam, if your ſorrows can find any ſatisfaction by taking revenge of Amaſis upon my perſon, doe it, I conjure you: For ſince hee hath ſo much ſlighted my prayers and deſires, I thinke he cares not for my life, therefore I referre it unto your diſpoſition: I ask no other favour from you, but to think me innocent; and that if I could, I would pull the Scepter out of the hands of Amaſis, and give it unto Seſoſtris, though I were a ſlave all the dayes of my life. Ladice, having told her tale in ſo ſad a manner, the Queen as generous as ſhe, began to anſwer her with a kiſſe; for ſhe could not poſſibly expreſſe her wonder at the virtue of this Princeſſe, who had voluntarily exiled her ſelf, rather then to reigne unjuſtly: But after her ſpirits were a little recollected, ſhe began to comfort her, and tell her ſhe would love her as well as before, and much better. Amenophis did ſecond the Queen with all the comforts he could, and gave her as many praiſes as ſhe deſerved; but ſhee did reject all applauds in ſo generous a manner, as did more and more tender the heart of the Queen. After this, the ſorrows of this Princeſſe ſwelled her heart ſo full, tha [...] ſhe fell ſick, and ſo ſick, as ſhe dyed the third day: But in loſing her life, ſhe gave it unto a Daughter, which was a moſt perfect Miracle of Beauty. But, Sir, ſince the death of Ladice was no leſſe generous then her life, I muſt needs relate in few words the particulars of it. After that ſhe had brought to light this fair Daughter, whoſe life was as extraordinary as her birth, and that ſhe perceived ſhe could not live, to loſe no precious time, ſhe called for Pen, Ink, and Paper, and writ theſe words unto Amaſis.

Dying LADICE unto Ambitious AMASIS.

SInce I have but one quarter of an hour to live, I have not time to ſay much unto you, but know that I leave you a Daughter which perhaps you ſhall never ſee, if you do not reſtore the Crown unto young Seſoſtris: and I think my ſelf happy, that in dying I have left ſome pawn in his hands. I wiſh unto the Gods that you could ſee me dye; for perhaps it would coole that ambitious paſsion which hath cauſed the death of

LADICE.

After the Princeſſe had read over her Letter, ſhe gave it unto Amenophis, deſiring him to keep it carefully, and to make uſe of it when he ſaw fit: Afterwards turning towards the Queen, ſhe implored her pardon in beſeeching her to preſerve the life of this daughter unto young Amaſis, becauſe as long as ſhe was in her power, ſhe might perhaps give ſome ſtop unto the ambition of the Father. The truth is, Sir, this unfortunate Princeſſe ſpoke unto the Queen, as if ſhe wiſhed life unto her Daughter onely for love of her, and if ſhe had loſt that naturall affection which is in all mothers, which is, to wiſh life unto their children for the loves ſake which they bear unto them. The Queen was extreamly moved to ſee the Princeſſe [Page] in ſuch a condition, and aſſured her, that ſhe would not look upon this Child as the daughter of Amaſis, but as the daughter of Ladice, and conſequently would have as great care of her as of her owne: after this aſſurance Ladice thanked the Queen, with eyes ſwimming in teares; then neglecting all worldly cares, her thoughts were all addreſſed unto the Gods, yet not with one prayer for either Amaſis or her daughter, but only for the Queen and young Seſoſtris, after which ſhe dyed: You may imagine that there was not very great Pomp at her Funerall, which indeed was with no more ceremony then if ſhe were ſome Shepheards daughter of the Iſle, leſt there ſhould ariſe ſome ſuſpition of them: However, Nicetis was carefull in nurſing of Ladice's daughter, who was called Timareta: The firſt daies, after the death of this generous Princeſſe, were ſpent in lamenting her loſſe; but afterwards, the Queen conforming her mind unto an accident, againſt which there was no remedy, adviſed with Amenophis what was beſt to be done with Ladice's Letter: Amenophis conſidering the caſe of things, could not beleeve that Amaſis would reſtore the Crown unto Seſoſtris, at the requeſt of dying Ladice, for ſince he could not moderate his ambitious paſſion at her conjurations, and at a time when he knew not whether the ſucceſſe would be good or bad, certainly he would not hearken to her when he was in full poſſeſſion; nor was it credible, that to get out of the Queens hands a young daughter newly born, he would part with a ſcepter; but perhaps when he hears of Ladice's death, he will enter into a new fury, and add revenge unto his ambition, imagining they were the cauſe of Ladice's death; furthermore he thought that it was to be feared when Ladices Letter was delivered, Amaſis might come to know where Seſoſtris was; therefore his advice was to keep the letter untill ſuch time as they were able to raiſe a party in the State. The Queen then approving of this advice, thought upon nothing but how to conceale her ſelfe and ſonne; but this care laſted not long; for Sir, ſince Nylus was fallen into his accuſtomed channell, there did ariſe from the ground certaine vapours, which that Year cauſed a contagion in the Town of Elephantine, which did depopulate almoſt all the Town, and was brought into this little Iſle, by thoſe two men which went in the Boat to fetch them neceſſaries; but theſe two men were not alone which loſt their lives, for almoſt all the inhabitants of the Iſle did the like, and thoſe who did not fled; Amenophis had fled for company if the Queen had not fallen ſick and dyed, with the two women with her; aſſoon as Amenophis ſaw the Queen ſick, he reſolved to ſtay with her, but ſent away Seſoſtris with the Wife of a Shepheard, and Timareta with her nurſe, into one of thoſe Cabbines which were upon the topp of the Hill, which not being inhabited, was not infected with ſo bad an aire, and by this meanes he ſaved the life of the young Seſoſtris: This horrible infection could not laſt long in the Iſle, for there was ſo few people in it, that it was almoſt quite depopulated, either by death or flight of the inhabitants: But the moſt lamentable paſſage was, that the Queen and her women dyed in four daies, ſo that Amenophis was left alone in the Iſle, with Seſoſtris, Traſeas, Nicetis, Timareta her nurſe and one ſervant. Seeing then the ſtate of things, Amenophis thought it beſt to keep the Iſle ſtill, it being more ſafe by this accident then before, and more eaſie to hide the young Seſoſtris in a depopulated deſart, then when it was peopled; and thoſe who fled were ſo affrighted, that they durſt not return, and thoſe who were there, thought Seſoſtris to be the ſonne of Amenophis, whom they thought a Shepheard, and that Timareta was daughter to Traſeas and Nicetis. In the mean while, Amenophis conſidering the ſtate of things, could not hope to attempt any thing openly againſt Amaſis, therefore he reſolved to wait ſome favourable conjuncture, when he might ſafely ſhew the young Seſoſtris unto the people, and that they might know him to be their Prince when occaſion was; he took extraordinary care for his education, as well as that ſolitary place would permit. Seſoſtris being very young, was not ſenſible of the Queen his Mothers death, nor remembred any Father, but Amenophis: but to the end he might divert himſelfe, and better learn thoſe things which Amenophis taught him, who was one of the moſt knowing men of all Aegypt, he went ſecretly unto Elephantine, where then I was, about eight yeares of age; and ſince I had no father, but left to the conduct of a mother, who was ſiſter unto Amenophis; he procured me of her, as a comfort to him in his exile; for ſince ſhe had many children, and Amenophis very rich, ſhe was willing to part with me: ſo I was carried unto this place of ſolitude, which at firſt I was weary of, but cuſtom did better acquaint me with it, and though I was four yeares elder then Seſoſtris, yet he had ſuch a quick forward ſpirit, that I exceedingly loved him: Amenophis had no other buſineſſe or delight, but to teach us ſuch things as our ages were capable of; Traſeas and his wife took care of the family, and the ſervant went and came continually between Elephantine and the Iſle, to have the newes of the world by meanes of my Mother, who did not yet directly know where her brother was: but ſtill he could [Page] heare no newes that pleaſed him; for be pleaſed to know Sir, that Amaſis did think himſelfe as ſecure and abſolute a Maſter of all Egypt, as if the Throne had hereditarily and juſtly deſcended unto him; yet for all that, the Queen and Seſoſtris not being in his power, they were ſharp thornes in his thoughts, he grieved alſo exceedingly that Ladice followed them; but ſeeing all his diligent ſearches were in vaine, and that he could learn no further then that they were imbarqued upon the Nyle, he thought his beſt expedient to divulge all over Aegypt that Seſoſtris and the Queen were drowned, to the end, that the people thinking there was no ſucceſſor of Apriez living, they would more willingly ſubmit unto him; and to confirm them in this belief, he cauſed the obſequies of Ladice to be ſolemnized, knowing certainly (as he ſaid) that ſhe periſhed with them: In the mean time, he cauſed ſecret ſearches to be made with extraordinary care, which perſwaded Amenophis when he knew it, that Amaſis had ſome ill deſign in it, ſo that ſeeing all Egypt was in a huſht tranquillity, he thought upon nothing but the education of Seſoſtris: And ſince Aſtrology is the originall ſcience of all Egypt, wherein all perſons of any curioſity have ſome knowledg; Amenophis was expert in it, and found by it, that Seſoſtris ſhould hereafter ſee happy daies: Yet maugre his Aſtrology he was once in a mind to quit his deſart, and to go and let the people know that their Legitimate Prince lived; for he underſtood that Amaſis beginning to cheer himſelfe up, after his loſſe of Ladice, and altogether giving himſelfe up unto pleaſures, the people began to murmure, and conſidering that he was not of the royall race, they began to deſpiſe him, not rendring him ſo much honour as they did before, but ſaid openly, that they remembred him in another picture then now he was, & that though they did not give him honour enough as their King, yet they rendered him too much as he was Amaſis; and that ſince their King and Amaſis were not all one, he ought not to complain againſt them. This Prince hearing how the people began to mutter, did reſolve upon an odde courſe to ſtop their mouthes, yet ſuch a one as produced its effect, and forced Amenophis back unto his Deſart. There was in that ſtately Palace which the late King built, great veſſels of Gold which were uſed in publique Feaſts, Amaſis took all thoſe Veſſels and cauſed them to be melted into a Statue of Oſiris, and to be ſet before the Palace Gates: As ſoon as it was placed there, all the people flocked about it, looked upon it with profound reſpect, rendering as much honour as if Oſiris had been there: For amongſt us the repreſentations of ſuch things as wee adore are ſacred unto us, even the very Images of Animals are held in veneration. Amaſis ſeeing out of a Balcone the reverence which the people payed unto this Statue of Oſiris, told them that he wondered they ſhould honour this Statue ſo much, conſidering it was made out of the Golden veſſels which were uſed in their publick feaſts, but they returned ſuch an anſwer as he expected, that it was not the mettle they honoured, but the repreſentation of Oſiris: After which he told them, that accordingly they ought not to look upon him as Amaſis only, but as their king, ſince he did repreſent Apriez more lively, then this Statue did Oſiris. The people being moved by ſuch an example as ſilenced them, began to reverence Amaſis, & the more, becauſe he proclaimed ſome lawes which ſeemed full of juſtice, and gave great hopes of his wiſdome; for he enacted that all his ſubjects throughout his dominions, ſhould give an account to the governour of the place where he lived, how he had lived the yeare before, to the end he might baniſh idleneſſe and injuſtice both at once: So that Amenophis no ſooner heard how the people began to grumble, but he heard immediatly after, that he ſtood upon faſter grounds then ever, as if the Gods had neglected the conduct of the univerſe, ſince they ſuffered an uſurper to ſit upon the Throne, and the legitimate King to be in exile, brought up in a Deſart amongſt a company of Shepheards. But Sir, I muſt not inſiſt longer upon this, ſince I have many things of great importance to tell you: In the mean time therefore, ſince Amenophis thought to draw ſome advantage by the young Timareta, he thought fit to educate her ſo, as ſhe might hereafter be known unto Amaſis without diſlike, which he did excellently well by meanes of my mothe, & the great recompenſes which he promiſed, ſo that ſhe ſent him a woman to be tutor to this young Princeſſe: This woman was a Theban, moſt admirably qualified for the education of ſuch a perſon as this: divers croſſe adventures had ruined her family, and forced to ſeek a livelyhood by ſuch a happy ſervitude as this: her name was Ediſea. Thus Sir, Timareta came under her tuition, aſſoon as ſhe was fit to be taken from her Nurſe, who had eſcaped the contagion as well as ſhe: and be pleaſed to know Sir, that as Seſoſtris was a miracle, ſo Timareta was another, for beauty and ſpirit, all the parts of her face were ſo many wonders; her complexion though a little brown, yet moſt lovely; her hair the pureſt black that ever was; her aſpect was ſo high and charming, as it did invite both admiration and love: So that I may truly ſay, never were two children together ſo amiable as the young [Page] Seſoſtris, and the young Timareta; eſpecially when the luſtre of their ſpirits began to joyn and ſhine with their beauties, which was, when Timareta was eight, and Seſoſtris twelve years of age: For, Sir, I aſſure you, all their actions and their words were infinitely taking, and tranſcend their ages. Since naturally I was reaſonably active, and had ſome education before I came into this Iſle, I practiſed all exerciſes of body with Seſoſtris, which he performed admirably well, as running, leaping, ſhooting, the Lute, and ſuch things: As for the Liberal Sciences, Amenophis taught him as well as any Prince in the world ſtood in need of: He could ſpeak divers Languages, eſpecially the Greek very well: For ſince Amenophis had the diſpoſition of all the Queens and Ladice's Jewels, we wanted neither Books, nor any thing elſe which was requiſite: Yet our habits were courſe like Shepheards, and ſometimes wee went unto the Flocks when Amenophis gave us leave. Again, Ediſea educated Timareta as if ſhe were in the Court; though ſhe permitted her to uſe ſome ſuch common things as Shepheards uſe, as the making of fine Baskets of Ruſhes, weaving ſtrings in ſeverall colours, and ſuch like: But Ediſea did not onely teach her theſe trivials, but alſo the Greek language; yet the wonder of all was, to ſee what a wonderfull inclination Seſoſtris had unto Timareta: He could not endure to be out of her ſight; he never contended with her for any thing, but in all things ſubmitted unto her, that at that age complacency was a novelty: If hee obſerved ſhe wanted any Ruſhes to make her pretty Baskets, wherein ſhe put her fruits and flowers, he went in all haſt to get her them: If at any time ſhe deſired any Flowers, he was never at reſt untill he brought her a basket full: he thought ſo much of pleaſing her, that he thought upon nothing elſe. On the other ſide, the young Timareta, though very ſweet unto all, yet did put ſuch a notable difference between Seſoſtris and all others, as it was very obſervable: She approved of all he ſaid; and if two of us preſent unto her any thing at one time, ſhee would accept that which Seſoſtris offered before the preſent of any other. Thus, Sir, wee lived untill Seſoſtris was ſixteen, and Timareta twelve years of age: But, Sir, as they were amiable in their Infancy, ſo they were amiable in their riper age, when their ſpirits did put ſoules into their beauty, and when they were grown capable of loving: For truly, though Timareta had a deſign to pleaſe a whole Court, ſhe could not take more care of her ſelf then ſhe did: And if Seſoſtris had a deſign to publiſh his ſpirit unto all the world, he could not have been more exactly careful to pleaſe, then he was when he ſpoke before Timareta. In the mean time, ſince Amenophis conceived that if Seſoſtris and Timareta were hereafter to appear in the world as known who they were, it would be advantageous that Timareta ſhould love Seſoſtris, he did not check this growing affection, no more then Ediſea, who alwaies followed the mind of Amenophis, without ſeeking for other reaſon, and ſo much the rather in this, becauſe ſhe perceived all the inclinations of Timareta to bee virtuous. In the meane time, ſince we read all ſorts of Books, eſpecially the Hiſtory of Aegypt, ſometimes when Seſoſtris, and I were together, w [...] talked of many things, eſpecially of Amenophis, and what deſignes he ſhould have: For, ſaid Seſoſtris to me, I find by the Hiſtory of Aegypt, that it is divided into ſix ſeverall profeſſions: That the Prieſts are ordained for ſacred things; the Noblemen for Councellors unto their King, for Commanders in their Armies, and Governours of Provinces; that their Souldiers in generall think upon nothing but matters of War; that the Merchants buſie themſelves in nothing but in things belonging to their Traffique; that Labourers follow onely their Plough; that Artificers meddle with nothing but what will make them more knowing in their art; and that Shepheards keep themſelves within compaſs of their Fould, and think upon nothing but their Flocks. Yet though we be onely Shepheards, I ſee Amenophis doth inſtruct us in a hundred things which the Law forbids, and I find my heart too big to be contained within the compaſſe of this little Iſle, and I have had ſome thoughts of making a propoſition unto you of leaving it, if—At this word Seſoſtris ſtopped, and though I did extreamly preſſe him to goe on with his ſentence, yet I could not move him: So that I was forced to ſpeak his thoughts, and agree with him to ſteal out of this Iſle, relating many things concerning Elephantine, which I remembering very well begot a ſtrong curioſity in him: But for all our plot it was not eaſie to be executed: For Amenophis had a ſtrict obſervant eye upon us; and indeed Seſostris did decline it, for hee was already deep in love with the young Timareta; being after this very reſerved unto each other, wee parted, Seſoſtris ſaying hee would walke by himſelfe, and I ſaying I would returne unto my Cabin: Since we came out with a deſign to Hunt, Seſoſtris brought his Bow, and Quiver full of Arrows, with a ſtaffe in his hand like thoſe which the Shepheards about Elephantine uſe to carry, with a ſteele point at either end, and with which one might defend himſelf as well as with any Sword: For ſince in the Province of Elephantine [Page] theſe Crocodiles are not held in veneration as in that of Thebes, where it is not lawfull to kill them, but on the contrary they think it a thing well pleaſing unto the Gods to purge Nilus from theſe terrible devourers, and all the Shepheards of this Province carry ſuch Pikeſtaff [...]s to kill them, and defend themſelves: So Seſoſtris without any other deſign then contemplation, walked a long time by the water ſide, not meeting with any interruption of his ſtudy, but at laſt coming unto a place where a little Iſthmus ſhot it ſelf into the Nile, he eſpyed Timareta, who to take the freſh air, and view of the River, had left Ediſea, and came unto this neck of Land, which, as I ſaid, ſhot it ſelf into the River, and the better to enjoy a proſpect, ſhe had made a gap with her fair hands through that hedg of Oſiers and Roſes which grew along the banks of this Iſle, and which was thinner in that place then any where elſe. Seſoſtris no ſooner ſpied her, but raviſhed with joy, he made towards her, yet hee had no ſooner ſtept four paces forward, but he eſpyed upon his right hand, through the thick of Oſiers and Roſes, one of theſe terrible Monſters of Nilus, which cutting the water with incredible ſwiftneſſe, was ready to fall upon the fair Timareta, and pull her into the water with his affrighting tallons which thoſe Crocodiles are armed withall: He no ſooner ſaw this fierce Animall, but he cryed out, and ran with all haſt to get between the Crocodile and Timareta; for though he had Bow and Arrows, yet hee knew that both the thickneſſe of the hedge would hinder their execution, and alſo the ſcales of the Crocodile were ſo hard, that it was impoſſible they ſhould enter: Thus conſidering this in an inſtant, he ran with his Pike-ſtaffe in his right hand, and his Bow in his left, to get between the Monſter, and Timareta. In the mean time, the cry of Seſoſtris coming to the ears of this young Princeſſe, ſhe turning her head to know the reaſon, and alſo ſeeing the Crocodile coming towards her, ſhe was ſo amazed with fear, that ſhe was ſpeechleſſe, yet the exceſſe of her fears did not produce their ordinary effects, but the contrary, and made her run as faſt as ſhe could towards Seſoſtris; and the nature of a Crocodile being to be more furious upon them which fly, then thoſe which ſtand ſtoutly to them, this fierce Animal fearing to loſe his prey, flounced out of the River, made the air eccho with the rattle of his ſcales, and ſhaking off the fome of water, he followed the fair, and fearfull Timareta, who turning her head ſometimes, to ſee whether the Monſter were near her, yet ran with incredible ſwiftneſſe towards Seſoſtris, who ran alſo to her relief. Imagine, Sir, I beſeech you, what an object was this unto Ediſea, who a far off ſaw this terrible ſpectacle. In the mean while Seſoſtris turning upon his right hand to let Timareta paſſe by, he got betwixt the Crocodile and her, to ſtay his fury at leaſt, though he could not overcome him. This Monſter (which never ſaw Seſoſtris, becauſe he looked onely upon his fair prey which he purſued) ſeemed to be ſurpriſed, and ſtopt upon a ſuddain. But though the nature of the Crocodiles (as I ſaid before) was to be leſſe furious upon thoſe who ſtoutly ſtood to them, then upon thoſe which fly, yet ſince he ſaw himſelf ſo far from his Sanctuary the River, deſpair did rouze his fury, and he fell upon Seſoſtris, yet recoiled at firſt ſome two or three paces, but it was to return with greater violence; but Seſoſtris being beyond belief ſtout, did not at all loſe his judgement, ſo throwing away his bow, and taking his Pike-ſtaffe in both hands, the combat began between this fierce Monſter and him, whereof the fair Timareta, who was faln with fear and wearineſſe ſome twenty paces off, was a witneſſe as well as Ediſea, whoſe affright would neither permit her to goe forward nor backward. In the mean time, ſince Crocodiles can ſee better upon land then water, this did put by the point of the Pike-ſtaffe ſo cunningly, that Seſoſtris could not touch him, unleſſe in ſuch places where he could not hurt him, for this armed Monſter had onely one place where he could receive any mortall wound. Sometimes he would ſeem weary, and make a retreat purpoſely to ſurpriſe Seſoſtris; then upon a ſudden ſtretching out his greedy tallons, and opening his helliſh mouth, wherein all the teeth were poyſoned, he would caſt himſelf upon him with ſuch violence, that Timareta often thought her dear deliverer was devoured: The Scales of this horrid Monſter made a ſhrill noiſe, and would vary into ſeverall colours, their ruſſet would become red, and anon blew, his eyes were full of a gloomy fire, his teeth ſeemed all bloody with the laſt prey he had devoured; a green and yellow foame ſpued out of his throat, and a thick dusky ſmoak which came from his noſe ſo blinded the eyes of Seſoſtris, that he could hardly defend himſelf from his tallons; yet his great heart was not at all aſtoniſhed or weary, but he avoyded all the aſſaults of this affrightiug Monſter with ſuch incredible agility, as is admirable, he ſhifted ſo nimbly ſometimes to the right hand, ſometimes to the left, that at every turn he gave him a thruſt, but to his great grief all in vain. In the mean time, this gaping Monſter would not ſubmit, but with a reach of his paw, ſcratched all the Arrows out of his Quiver, and with another reach pulled his Quiver [Page] quite from him, thinking to pull him alſo, but by good fortune the quiver looſened, and he eſcaped the fury of this monſter; yet he began to think, he ſhould periſh at the laſt, and had no hope in any thing, but the glory in reſcuing his dear Timareta, when the Crocodile roſe up right on his hinder feet, intending to throw himſelfe upon the head of Seſoſtris, but this Hero took that opportunity, to thruſt his Pike into his belly, and reached his very heart; it was a happy hit to light juſt upon that only place where the ſcales were penetrable: this monſtrous beaſt perceiving himſelfe wounded, bellowed out a horrid noiſe, and ſtrove to revenge his death; but Seſostris being raviſhed that he had wounded his fierce enemy, and to ſee his blood run upon the graſſe, did hold his pike-ſtaffe ſo ſtiffe and cloſe in the wound, that the monſter could not diſengage himſelfe, but in lieu of falling upon Seſoſtris, tumbled on one ſide, moving very weakly; for ſince Seſoſtris would not pull his weapon out of the wound, it was probable he pierced deeper into his heart, or at leaſt kept him that he could not riſe: Seſoſtris now ſeeing his horrible enemy vanquiſhed, and ready to breath his laſt, he pulled his bloody weapon out of the wound, and let the life of this monſter run out with his blood; after which, all glorious with Victory, he went to caſt himſelfe at the feet of the fair and fearfull Timareta, who not being able to paſſe ſo ſuddenly from extream ſorrowes into extream joyes, had ſtill all ſignes of fear in her fair face: I pray you pardon me, ſaid he unto her, for no ſooner killing this monſter, whoſe cruelty would have devoured the faireſt perſon in the world. Ah Seſoſtris, ſaid ſhe, riſe up, how is it poſſible you ſhould ſpeak with ſuch calmneſſe of ſpirit as you doe, for my part (ſaid ſhe and walked towards Ediſea who was coming towards her) I am ſtill afraid the monſter ſhould revive: Seſoſtris ſmiled at the feares of Timareta, with as much tranquillity as if he had been in no danger, and aſſuring her there was no cauſe of fear, he helped her to walk: But as Ediſea met them, ſhe asked Timareta whether ſhe had given thanks unto her deliverer: Alas, ſaid ſhe unto her, I am ſtill ſo fearfull that the monſter is not yet dead, that I ſhall not be able to thank him all the day; all I can ſay for his ſatisfaction is, that whilſt he fought with this terrible Monſter, I was in as much fear of him as of my ſelfe. Alas, amiable Timareta ſaid he unto her, your expreſſion is above my deſert, and higher then I can beleeve. As Timareta was ready to anſwer Seſoſtris, and to tell him with what ſincerity ſhe ſpoke her thoughts, Amenophis and I came unto them, ſo that Ediſea relating the combat of Seſoſtris and his Victory, we forced Timareta to return back and look upon this Monſter which Seſoſtris had killed; I ſay we forced her, for indeed ſhe feared to look upon him after he was dead, yet with much adoe ſhe went: but when we came unto the place where he lay wallowing in his owne blood, and ſaw there was no cauſe of any feare, ſhe began then to tell Amenophis with an incomparable grace, all the paſſages, and how the fight was; for the natural modeſty of Seſoſtris only told how he had overcome him, and no more of any circumſtances; but the young Timareta helping him out, did aggravate the matter, as if in publiſhing the glory of Seſoſtris, ſhe had augmented her owne. Amenophis could not chuſe but wonder at this prodigious encounter, and to conſider how the daughter of an uſurper ſhould be releeved by him, from whom her Father had taken the Scepter and Crown; and to ſee as much amitie grow betwixt them, as there was hatred betwixt their Fathers. However, after Amenophis had well conſidered all theſe things, whilſt Timareta was relating the adventure with an admirable grace, he highly extolled the courage of Seſostris, and told him, that this heroique quality was the duty of all men; that Shepheards as well as Kings ought to be qualified with it; that they were obliged to defend their flocks, as well as Kings their people, and ſo exhorted him to invig [...]rate his valour. Truly Sir (ſaid he unto him) ſince there is a marvelous reſemblance 'twixt Kings and Shepheards, you need not think ſtrange if I give you the ſame leſſons as if you were the ſonne of a King. And indeed Sir, Amenophis inſtructed Seſoſtris in all the moralls and politiques, under the ſimilitude of a Shepheard, ruling his flock as well, and with as much art, as might inſtruct a King in ruling his people: and therefore keeping ſtill within his termes, he told Seſoſtris, that ſince he had ſo magnanimouſly defended Timareta from a monſter, he ſhould alſo defend his flock from wolves. Oh Father, (ſaid Seſoſtris haſtily) I doe not love your flocks of ſheep, ſo well as I doe the fair Timareta. Amenophis ſmiled at this anſwer, as well as Ediſea; but Timaret a bluſht, and looked downwards, ſaying ſomthing in a low voice, which ſome underſtood, yet which they knew was no ill of Seſoſtris. In the mean time, ſince it was late, we returned to our cabin, continually talking of Timareta's timeroſity and her deliverers courage. The next morning, Amenophis, to incite this young Prince unto a love of glory, did make this known unto all the Shepheards in the Iſle, who all admired and applauded his couragious act: Theſe Shepheards when they [Page] ſaw this Monſter, they carried him unto a little Chappel which ſtood in the further part of their Iſle towards the eaſt, to render thanks unto the Gods, for ſaving Timareta and Seſoſtris from the fury of this Crocodile: the ceremony was performed with a little kind of triumph, for all the Shepheards with their Pipes went to and fro playing tunes of rejoycing and victory: afterwards eight Shepheards carryed this monſter, and immediately after it, went Seſoſtris Crowned with a wreath of Palme and Lawrell, whereof abundance grew in this Iſle: this victorious Prince having his Pike-ſtaffe decked with flowers in his right hand; but the pretyeſt ſight was, to ſee young Timareta, who made the Crown for the Temples of Seſoſtris, follow him with all the reſt of the Shepheardeſſes, with ſo much joy in her face, as it may truly be ſaid, ſhe was the greateſt ornament unto this ruſtique triumph, and indeed ſhe was ſo, eſpecially in the eyes of Seſoſtris, and his love did ſo much increaſe, that he could not long hide that harmleſſe fire which began to burn his heart; ſo that after thanks given unto the Gods, and after all the Shepheards had brought Seſoſtris to our Cabin, he was no ſooner returned, but taking the Crown from his head, he entered into a little Chamber where Timareta lay, and where ſhe then was, and whilſt Amenophis was thanking the Shepheards, and Ediſea the Shepheardeſſes, Seſoſtris taking that opportunity, went to Timareta with the Crown in his hand: It is moſt juſt, ſaid he unto her, that I preſent this unto you, who have much better merited it then I; and I aſſure you, I would not have worn it, but becauſe I could not refuſe ſo great an honour as to be Crowned by the faireſt hand upon earth; but becauſe I will not be unjuſt, I proſtrate at your feet the ſame Crown wherewith you adorned my head; for once more let me tell you, it is your ſelfe only which merits all the honour of my victory. Truly (ſaid the young and fair Timareta, with as much becomingneſſe and innocency) I do not underſtand you, but I am very certain it was you who fought with the monſter, and killed him: and if fear as well as valour deſerved triumph, 'tis I then might claim it as my due, but ſince it does not, keep it Seſoſtris, keep this Crown which I have made for you, ſince 'twas your ſelfe only who fought and vanquiſhed, and who only deſerves it. 'Tis true indeed, my dear Timareta, 'twas I who vanquiſhed, ſaid he, but it is you who have vanquiſhed me, for had I not had a moſt earneſt deſire to ſave you, I ſhould have been leſſe valiant, and ſhould perhaps have been vanquiſhed, and conſequently it is you who has obliged me. You may ſay what you pleaſe Seſoſtris, ſaid ſhe, but I am ſure I owe my life unto you, and you owe me nothing, for indeed I never did you any ſervice, nor gave you any thing, only this poor Crown, which you would reſtore back. Ha Timareta, ſaid he, you are much more liberall then you think of, for you haue giuen me a thing which I ſhall never reſtore you, and which indeed I cannot if I would: Timareta hearing Seſoſtris ſpeak thus, began innocently to bethink her ſelfe what Seſoſtris ever gave her; for my part, ſaid ſhe, you take a delight in puzeling me, for truly I remember that you have given me a thouſand times, ſome fruit, and birds, and ruſhes to make my baskets, but I doe not remember I was ever liberall unto you: Yet you have given me a thing, replyed he, which I ſhall keep as long as I live: Then certainly, ſaid ſhe, I gave it you aſſoon as I came out of my cradle, and at a time beyond my memory: No, replyed Seſoſtris, it was when you were more in yeares then ſo: For heavens ſake, ſaid Timareta, tell me what it is? Since you would ſo earneſtly know (replyed he, half ſmiling and bluſhing) you have given me love: Ah Seſoſtris, (ſaid ſhe all in confuſion, not knowing whether ſhe ſhould be angry or glad) will you recompence me ſo cruelly for making you a Crown, as to mock at my ſimplicity? Ah Timareta (ſaid he) will you ſo cruelly recompence me, for, as you ſay, ſaving your life, as that you will give me a death? for I muſt tell you moſt ſeriouſly, that if you doe not think I love you a thouſand times better then I doe my ſelfe, and think it without anger, I ſhall moſt infallibly dye. Timareta having recollected her ſelfe whilſt Seſoſtris was talking: however it be (ſaid ſhe unto him) I declare unto you, that though perhaps I did innocently give you what you ſay, yet I would not have you recompence liberality for liberality, in giving me the like. As Seſoſtris was ready to anſwer, they were called away to dinner; but as long as it laſted, Timareta durſt not ſo much as look upon Seſoſtris; yet there appeared ſuch carnation bluſhes in her cheeks, that ſhe was forced unto a neceſſity of masking them with an excuſe, and ſaid, ſhe was ſo hott with going to the Chappell, that ſhe ſhould not be cool again all that day. But Sir, without further relation of the firſt conferences between theſe two illuſtrious lovers, I ſhall only tell you, that as Seſoſtris loved Timareta, and Timareta knew it, ſo ever ſince they did agree more amiably. Then Sir, was this Prince pleaſed to make choice of me for his confident, who had no other ſecrets to truſt me withall, but the violence of his paſſion; for certainly Timareta did behave her ſelfe with an extream reſervedneſſe, ſo that it may be ſaid, ſhe was wiſe before her time: moreover [Page] Ediſea obſerved her very cloſe; yet the virtue of Timareta was a ſufficient guard unto her beauty. However, having put Seſoſtris unto a thouſand teſts by as many rigours, ſhee had all imaginable eſteem and tenderneſſe of this lovely ſhepheard: ſhe gave him a thouſand innocent teſtimonies of it upon a hundred occaſions; either by her favourable looks, or by ſome obliging bluſhes, or by ſome plauſible words, or by a thouſand other little expreſſions, which ſpeak plain enough unto a Lover. It was a great augmentation of affection between theſe two young Lovers, to think they were like to have no obſtacles in their Marriage: The quality of their Parents was equall, their age proportionable; there was not one ſhepheardeſſe in all the Iſle whom Seſoſtris could endure to talk with one quarter of an hour; nor was there one ſhepheard which Timareta could endure to looke upon: Reaſon told them both, that Amenophis & Traſeas would like of the match: ſo that without any reſiſtance they gave themſelves the liberty of that love which their own merits did create. This being the ſtate of things, Amenophis, Ediſea, Timareta, Seſoſtris, and I, we went one evening to walk in that place where they uſe to land in that Iſle; for ſince the adventure of the Crocodile, Timareta would not walk any where near the River but about that Port. As we were ſet upon the Graſſe, which was diapared with variety of Flowers, Timareta fitting next Seſoſtris, asked him, if he did ſee a Boat which was coming towards the Iſle? he anſwered her, that ſhe did him wrong to ask him ſuch a queſtion, for if ſhe were in company hee never looked upon any thing but her ſelf; but upon her ſerious demand, he looked, and indeed ſpied a Boat making towards them; ſo that ſhewing unto Amenophis what Timareta ſhewed him, we all looked upon this Boat; but it being late, and beginning to darken, we could not diſcover the perſons in it. The thing which Amenophis moſt wondered at, was, becauſe it was not ordinary for any Strangers to come unto that Iſle; but the Barque drawing nearer, we diſcovered in it a man of grave and ſerious phyſiognomy, yet very comely, who not regarding us, nor any thing the company did, lookt onely upon the Moon, which dimly ſhined. The reſt of the men were onely Rowers, one of which came on ſhore, and asked Amenophis, whom he thought to be the Maſter of the company, whether a be-nighted ſtranger could poſſibly obtaine the favour of a nights lodging in the Iſle, his intentions being for Elephantine, but being ſo late they conceived it dangerous to land in that Port in the night. Amenophis hearing the man ſpeak, and knowing by his garb and habit, that the man in the Boat was a ſtranger, he did not onely let him have leave to lodge in the Iſle, but let him have his own Cabin. Afterwards enquiring of what Country, he underſtood he was of Samos: after he knew his Country, Amenophis asked his Name? it was anſwered Pythagoras. Then were the ſpirits of Amenophis filled with joy, and he reſolved to make him the beſt entertainment poſſible: For Amenophis being an intimate Friend unto the High Prieſt of Memphis, and by means of my Mother held a ſecret correſpondency with all his intimate friends, intending to uſe them as occaſions ſerved, he had not long ſince received a Letter from his friend, which intimated, that Pythagoras was arrived at Memphis: You may imagine, Sir, how Amenophis was joyed, being a man of deep knowledge, who ſince his exile had no other company but Seſoſtris, Ediſea, Timareta, and my ſelf. His joyes were the more, becauſe he underſtood from the High Prieſt of Memphis, that Pythagoras would not return unto the Court of Amaſis, and therefore there was no danger in receiving him: So going unto the Boat, he offered his hand unto Pythagoras, to help him out, and addreſſing his ſpeech unto him, I render moſt hearty thanks unto the Gods (ſaid he in the Graecian language) for bringing a man into this Deſart, whoſe Reputation tranſcends all the reports of thoſe ſeven Sages which Greece at this time boaſts of. This Philoſopher wondering to hear Amenophis ſpeak unto him, and in the Graecian tongue, ſaluted him with a Majeſtique civility, and to ſhew the eſteeme he held of our Nation, he would not anſwer him in Greek, but in the Egyptian Language. Thus did theſe two Renowned men at their firſt meeting greet one another, but not in their naturall Languages, both of them retaliating equall Civilities. The Complements of Pythagoras were ſhort, for doubtleſs you know, Sir, how this Philoſopher was ſo great a lover of ſilence, that hee would have his Diſciples ſtudy five yeares, and not ſpeake: His Maxim being, to ſay little, and heare much; and the onely way to ſpeak well, was to heare much. However, that little he ſpoke, was enough to charm Amenophis, who carried him into his Cabin, after he had preſented Seſoſtris unto him as his ſonne, and all the reſt of his Family as ſervants unto Pythagoras. But, Sir, all the diligence of Amenophis to bid him welcome was ill beſtowed: for this Philoſopher never eat any thing which had life in it, but Figs and Fruits were a fine Feaſt unto him. After this ſlight repaſt, Amenophis began to diſcourſe of the moſt ſublime Sciences, and ſo admirably well, that this Philoſopher charmed [Page] with his knowledge, told him, that ſince his buſineſſe in Aegypt was onely to learn, & know thoſe great men in it, he muſt needs ſtay a while with him, & not goe ſo ſoon to Elephantine, where he could not meet with better company. Amenophis received his diſcourſe with much modeſty, and conjured him to let him become his Scholar, as well as two more, meaning Seſoſtris and my ſelf: In ſhort, Sir, Pythagoras reſolved to ſtay ſome time in the Iſle, ſo that he ſent back the Boat which brought him, and liked his ſolitude ſo well, that hee ſtayed there four Months. In which time he inſtructed Seſoſtris with much delight; for this great Philoſopher was ſo raviſhed to finde ſo wonderfull a diſpoſition in the ſpirit of this young Prince to learne the higheſt things, as hee taught him both with wonder and delight. He admired alſo the young Timareta, and ſo much the more, becauſe (ſaid he) I never knew any of her ſex who could ſo handſomely be ſilent, or ſpeak quicker when there was need, or ſuffer others to ſpeak with more patience. The truth is, Sir, he took an extreame delight in her: For his opinion being, that all ſoules doe tranſmigrate from one body into another, either men, beaſts, birds, or any animals (which the Greeks call Metempſuchoſis) he had an univerſall compaſſion of all living things; as oft as he found Fiſhers with their Nets full of Fiſhes, he would buy them all, and ſet them at liberty. And after he had been a while in our Iſle, he took notice that the young Timareta had many little birds in cages which ſung very ſweetly, and that ſhe loved them exceeding well becauſe Seſoſtris gave them. The Philoſopher according to his Doctrine gave liberty to theſe birds, and thereby did exceedingly grieve Timareta for the loſſe of her birds, and Seſoſtris for the ſorrows of Timareta; yet did they murmur at their loſſe onely in ſecret; for as Seſoſtris received many ſapient Documents from Pythagoras, ſo he practiſed that ſilence which he taught his Scholars. Seſoſtris talking with Timareta after her loſſe, told her, as pittifull as Pythagoras was, he was not able to ſet him at liberty as he had done her birds. Truly, replyed ſhe, I ſhould think it more juſt to ſet men at liberty rather then birds. But, Timareta, there is a great difference between them and me; for thoſe birds are glad of their freedome, but I ſhould be ſorry any ſhould break my chains: So ſince Pythagoras intends onely a good unto thoſe he frees, when he knows I am your captive, he would not releaſe me: But as for your part, fair Timareta, why doe not you follow the example of this great Philoſopher, and become pittifull? would you have me ſet you at liberty, replyed ſhe, as he hath done my birds? No, replyed he, but I would have you make me happy in my captivity. How ſhall I doe that? (replyed ſhe.) The way is, anſwered he, by obliging me more unto you, by charming me with a million of harmleſſe favours; by being gladder when you ſee my love augments, then all Aegypt is when they ſee the Nile to riſe; and (if it would not anger you to ſay it) by participating with me in my Fetters: Ah Seſoſtris, ſaid ſhe, would you have me to be pittifull, and your ſelf ſo cruell as to wiſh my captivity? Fie, fie, it were not juſt; therefore all I can doe is to tell you, it ſhall not be long of me, if you be not free. Then you doe not love me at all (replyed he, and looked ſadly upon her.) I doe not ſee, replyed ſhe, how you can draw that concluſion from what I ſaid; for what greater good can be done to a priſoner then to ſet him at liberty? yet you never gave thoſe pretty birds which ſung ſo ſweetly and delighted you, their liberty, replyed Seſoſtris. I doe confeſſe it (ſaid ſhe) for their impriſonment pleaſed mee better then their liberty. I beſeech you, replyed Seſoſtris, why will not my captivity pleaſe you alſo, ſince I am, and ever will be an eternall ſlave unto your beauty? As Timareta was about to anſwer, Amenophis came and interrupted. However, you ſee the Documents of Pythagoras were no hinderances to the love of Seſoſtris, but rather taught him a thouſand innocent wayes to become more amiable, and his paſſion did ſtill ſo violently encreaſe, that he asked Timareta leave to move a Marriage unto Amenophis. This motion much ſurpriſed him; for he did not think it within the ſpheare of his Authority to marry Seſoſtris unto the Daughter of Amaſis: Yet for all that, he was willing Timareta ſhould love Seſoſtris ſtill; For when things were ripe, and that he had raiſed a party in the Kingdom, this might be a means of peace between the Legitimate King and the Uſurper, at leaſt would be a good Hoſtage: For Amenophis knew, that though Amaſis was married, yet he had no children with his Wife, nor could have, becauſe he had repudiated this ſecond Wife: And though this motion did ſurpriſe him, yet he told Seſoſtris, that his choice was worthy of his ſpirit and judgement; but yet he was not of age fit for Marriage: That his Marriage was a matter of greater importance then he imagined; and that Timareta was ſuch a Jewell as he muſt long hope for before he enjoyed it. This too ſtrict anſwer not ſatisfying Seſoſtris, hee ſtill added his prayers unto his reaſons; but all in vain, for he grew ſo extreamly melancholly and ſad that he was hardly knowable. All the documents and adviſements of Pythagoras which Amenophis [Page] employed, were to no purpoſe: For this young man making uſe of his own Doctrines againſt him, told him, that ſince the Deſtinies did govern the Univerſe, and that men were not Maſters of their own actions, he ought not to be condemned for loving Timareta with ſo much violence, ſince he did but what he could not chuſe to doe. The truth is, Sir, this Prince was ſo incenſed at the refuſall of Amenophis, that he would not ſtudy, nor walk, nor recreate, nor doe any thing, but lament: And that which moſt augmented his ſorrows and melancholly was, that Amenophis thinking the ſight of Timareta was a main cauſe of his diſtempers, he reſolved to ſend her to my Mother at Elephantine for a while: So that unknown to Seſoſtris, Ediſea departed the next morning by break of day, with Timareta, carrying orders with them unto my Mother, that ſhe ſhould paſſe under the notion of one of her Coſens, and to put her into ſuch a habit as was ſutable to that quality. The deſign was ſo cunningly executed, that Seſoſtris knew nothing of it, and that Timareta could not ſpeak to him at parting: But at laſt Seſoſtris ſeeing her gone, he was ſo ſad, that it was impoſſible for any to be more: Yet ſince he thought Amenophis to be his Father, he did not exclaim againſt him, but complained of his misfortunes unto me, and in ſuch a manner, as would have moved a heart of ſtone to pitty. Pythagoras being informed by Amenophis of the cauſe of Timareta's exile, and of Seſoſtris his ſorrows, did imploy all his Phyſick of Philoſophy to cure or comfort him, but all in vain; for not knowing where Timareta was, or could be, he continued in a moſt ſad condition. In the mean while, Pythagoras being called away, he prepared for his departure; and ſince he reſolved to be gone very timely in the morning, he took his leave over might of Amenophis, who happened to be ſo ill, that he could not bring him to his Boat. Seſoſtris knowing this, reſolved to quit the Iſle which was intolerable to him, and to go and ſeek Timareta; or at leaſt to let Amenophis know, that he did him wrong, in denying the ſatisfaction of his deſires. He communicated his deſign unto me, which I approved of, upon condition he would let me follow; for I muſt confeſſe I was weary of a narrow Iſle, which had not one beauty in it worth my paſſion. But after a departure was agreed upon, the difficulty was how to execute it. As for me, the matter was eaſie, but Seſoſtris had many obſervant eyes upon him; yet he contrived a way to execute his deſign; for ſeeing Amenophis was ſick, and could not conduct Pythagoras to the boat, he diſſembled himſelf to be lame in a thigh, and not able to ſtand: So Amenophis ſeeing him not able to goe abroad, nor out of his bed, he could not imagine of any going out of the Iſle, and therefore gave no ſtrict orders to obſerve him, but truſting much in me, he did recomend unto me the care of Seſoſtris. In the mean time Pythagoras having, as I ſaid before, taken his leave of Amenophis over night, after a promiſe never to reveal he was in the Iſle, he came alſo to bid adieu unto Seſoſtris, and I only had orders to wait upon him the next morning. But, Sir, we knowing that there were two Shephearddeſſes which intended to goe the next morning unto Elephantine, I did ſo tamper with them, that I got one of their habits, which I carried ſecretly unto the chamber of Seſoſtris: And the cuſtome of the Egyptian Villages being to wear great white plaited Mantles which cover them from head to foot, when they goe unto that Town, Seſoſtris took one of them to cover his ſhepheards habit, and covered his face with a hood as Shepheardeſſes uſe; ſo getting out of the Cabin unperceived, he came to the River ſide, and ſtayed with her that was to goe unto the Town: So that when Pythagoras came to embarque, Seſoſtris covered with his Mantle entered in alſo with thoſe two women which were of the confederacy, whom I perſwaded that there was no other myſtery in the deſign, but that Seſoſtris being in love with Timareta, he would goe and ſeek her out: And theſe women much murmuring that Amenophis ſhould hinder their Marriage, they conſented unto our deſign; and Pythagoras never heeded theſe women more then he did the Rowers: But then the difficulty was how I ſhould pretend my departure, and at laſt I hit upon it; and told Pythagoras with a confident look, that Amenophis commanded me to wait upon him as far as Elephantine, ſo that this Philoſopher did not long contend with me, but imagined this to be onely a complement of civilitie: So I embarqued with them, ſtill looking whether Seſoſtris was well diſguiſed. But, Sir, to trouble you no longer with things of ſuch triviall conſideration, be pleaſed to know we arrived at Elephantine: As ſoon as we landed, I took leave of my Philoſopher, and followed my Shepheardeſſes, who ſtayed for me ſome twenty paces off; then Seſoſtris had nothing to doe, but to throw off his Mantle which covered his Shepheards habit. Thus in an inſtant from a Shepheardeſſe he became a Shepheard, and parted from his company, after he had ſent a Letter by them unto Amenophis, which he had written before he came out of his Cabin, and if my memory faile not, it contained theſe words.

[Page]

SESOSTRIS unto AMENOPHIS.

SIR,

I Ask your pardon for being more obedient unto Love then unto you: For I am forced to it. Certainly I deſerve to be excuſed. Do not wonder, Sir, that ſince I cannot live without Timareta, I ſhould goe to ſeek her all over the World. I am extream ſorry for taking Miris from you; but obliging terms of friendſhip has forced him to doe almoſt as much for me as I doe for Timareta, and he will quit you to follow my fortunes, which might have been made happy if you would: But I wiſh yours may be better, and that I may ſee you again after, but not before I have found Timareta, who is a [...]l the life of

SESOSTRIS.

After he had given this Letter to theſe women, I deſired them to tell thoſe that rowed the Boat, I would not return unto the Iſle that day, therefore to let them return and not ſtay for me; and telling the women that Timareta lived beyond Elephantine. But, Sir, we found our ſelves put to a pittifull non plus; for we were given to underſtand that they landed Timareta on the other ſide of the River, and not at Elephantine; yet after we had well looked about us, and could not diſcover any Town where poſſibly ſhe could be, we concluded ſhe muſt be in this. This conceit put us into no leſſe puzzle then before, ſince Seſoſtris had never been at Elephantine, and ſince I had been ſo long out of it, that I had forgot all the ſtreets: Nor durſt I on the other ſide goe unto my Mother; for I knew, if ſhe found that I came without the order of Amenophis, ſhe would ſtay me: But at laſt remembring that in my Infancy there was a great League of Friendſhip between me and another boy which was the onely Son of a very Rich man, I enquired of a Merchant which was in the Port concerning his Father; and I underſtood from this Merchant, that both the Father and Mother of my friend were dead; and that he was in poſſeſſion of his Eſtate. Then I enquired where his houſe was, and we went immediately thither; and I deſired to ſpeak in private with him. So that after ſome patience in waiting, I was brought unto him, who at firſt knew me not, both by reaſon of my ſhepheards habit, and becauſe I was much altered in my ſtature and face. But after I had talked with him, and revived the memory of our ancient acquaintance, he embraced me with much joy, and knew me perfectly. Then I told him, after I had enjoyned eternall and inviolable ſecrecie, how Amenophis ſince the death of Apriez had renounced the world, and took himſelfe unto a deſart, where he kept me, and that I being weary of that life, had eſcaped from him: after which, I preſented Seſoſtris to him, under the notion of ſonne unto Amenophis. In concluſion Sir, I carryed the matter ſo handſomely, and found my friend ſo generous, that he entertained us in his houſe, and accommodated us with all things neceſſary whatſoever: In the mean time, we kn [...]w not where Timareta was, nor knew not where to ſeek her in ſo great a towne, though we ſought her in all places, as well as in places where ſhe was likely to be, as where not. The ſight of ſo fair a Town did ſpring ſome ambitious thoughts in the heart of Seſoſtris, and the ſooner to cauſe Amenophis to bring Timareta into the Iſle againe, he reſolved to goe into the Warrs, where he might ſatisfie his ambition at leaſt, though not his love, and to get glory, though he could not get Timareta: He had no ſooner formed this deſign in his imagination, but he imparted it unto me, and no ſooner communicated but conſented unto; and the ſooner, becauſe a report went, there was ſome commotion againſt Amaſis in one of the Provinces in Aegypt: ſo that without any longer delay, I communicated our intentions unto my friend, who being of a very generous diſpoſition, did furniſh us with all things requiſite, to put our ſelves in an equipage of Warre: thus quitting the Shepheards crook for a ſword, we left Elephantine, not hearing any thing of Timareta; and indeed how was it to be hoped ever to heare of a ſimple Shepheardeſſe in ſuch a Town as that? However, ſince Seſoſtris deſired his Shepheardeſſe ſhould know it was for love of her he left the Iſle, I forgot to tell you Sir, that he had engraved ſome words upon a Sycomore which grew upon the Hill in the midſt of the Iſle, where Timareta uſed often to ſit and enjoy the pleaſant proſpect, and where they had often held ſuch amiable diſcourſes in that place, as he was confident that if ever ſhe returned, ſhe would come unto that place, and find theſe words,

Seſoſtris not being able to live where the faire Timareta is not, he is gone with a deſigne to dye aſſoon as he hath lost all hopes of finding her.

[Page] But Sir, before I tell you any thing of our martiall voyage, give me leave to relate in few words, how Amenophis was aſtoniſhed, when about two hours after the departure of Pythagoras, he underſtood he was gone as farre as Elephantine to conduct him; yet ſince he could not imagine Seſoſtris to be in a condition of going, he did not at firſt ſuſpect his departure, but ſending unto his chamber to ask whether he knew of my intentions, he was extreamly amazed when he heard he was not there; he preſently ſent for all thoſe that ſaw Pythagoras embarque, who all ſaid they ſaw none but three Shepheardeſſes, the ſtranger, and my ſelfe; ſince the number of women in that Iſle is not great, he ſent out Traſeas; Nicetis, and a ſervant, to enquire what women went unto Elephantine: but after an exact ſearch, they found only two wanting; ſo that Amenophis not doubting but Seſoſtris went out of the Iſle in diſguiſe, he was extreamly troubled, but knew no remedy, for there was not one Boat to be had in all the Iſle to ſend after them, all being gone out to fiſh: but towards night, to put him out of all doubt of our flight, the two women returned, and gave him the letter, ſaying, they were much amazed when they found her whom they thought to be a Shepheardeſſe, to prove Seſoſtris: yet Amenophis did hardly beleeve them, and was as angry with them, as any ſo wiſe a man as he could be, with them which had failed rather out of ſimplicity then malice: However, without more delay, he ſent Traſeas, Nicetis, and a ſervant, with orders to ſtay two or three daies in Elephantine, and walk up and down the ſtreets, Temples and publique places, to ſee if they could meet with them, not daring to go himſelfe for feare of diſcovery; But do what they could, no tidings was to be heard of us, ſo that Amenophis was the ſaddeſt man alive: But ſince he ſaw that the violence of his paſſion had driven him away, he thought that perhaps the ſame paſſion might bring him back unto this Iſle; yet he durſt not call back Timareta ſo ſoon, leſt Seſoſtris ſhould have ſome deſign to take her away in her return, and ſo he might perhaps loſe her for ever, not having her in his power which might invite his returne; nor durſt he quit the Iſle, leſt Seſoſtris ſhould return when he ſhould not be there, ſo that he was forced to ſtay by himſelfe to lament his miſeries; yet was he never out of hope, for his knowledg in Aſtrology ſhewed him ſuch happy preſages for Seſoſtris, that maugre all malice of his fortune, he truſted more to the ſignes of the heavens, then to his ſufferings upon earth; yet was he extreamly ſorry for the abſence of Seſoſtris, for he underſtood that his ſtratagems to raiſe a party againſt the uſurper, proved not effectuall, and that his private friends in Thebes, and Heliopolis had ſo well tranſacted; that the people did not only begin to riſe, but men alſo of great quality began to declare themſelvse, eſpecially in Thebes, where the ſpirit of revolt was ri [...]e amongſt the people, becauſe Amaſis when he came firſt to the Crown, to oblige the people unto a declaration for him, did tell the inhabitants, that he would reſtore their Town unto its antient luſtre: for, Sir, you know that heretofore it was the prime town of all Aegypt, before the ever renowned Menez cauſed Memphis to be built, which ſince that, hath been the uſuall aboad of all their Kings, by reaſon of the ſcituation which is moſt Majeſtique, moſt pleaſant and lovely in the world; ſo that as Memphis increaſed in wealth, Thebes decayed; and the inhabitants of Thebes knowing, that riches, greatneſſe, and magnificence of towns, ariſeth from the preſence of Kings, they petitioned Amaſis, that according to his promiſe, he would inhabit amongſt them: nor had Thebes been ſo ready to declare for him, but in hopes of this: yea ſeeing him ſo farr from keeping promiſe with them, that he cauſed his Tomb to be built at Memphis, as in the place where he would both live and dye: the friends of Amenophis found it an eaſie matter to make this a pretence for a revolt, and to engage Heliopolis in the intereſt of Thebes, becauſe of the great traffique and commerce which was ever between thoſe two Townes: This Amenophis ſaw, that if he had Seſoſtris in his power, he had a faire opportunity to make him known unto the people, and perhaps to cauſe an univerſall revolution in all Aegypt; for it was eaſie to make this Prince known, having Ladices Letter in his hands; and alſo having Traſeas and Nicetis with him, knowing that Seſoſtris was the ſame child he brought into the Iſle, about four or five yeares of age; alſo he had one of the Princes ſervants with him. In the mean time, ſince Amenophis could never effect his deſignes, unleſſe he truſted and imparted them unto ſome: there was a man of good quality in Thebes, who knew that the ſonne of Apriez was living, though he knew not where he was; for Amenophis would never impart the place of his retreat unto any, leſt he ſhould run ſome hazard; yet he could do no leſſe then to ſend unto him, who ſaid it was now a time to bring the ſonne of Apriez, and to excuſe the matter by ſaying, that this Prince was ſick, and that aſſoon as he was in a condition to come unto Thebes, he would bring him. On the other ſide, Timareta, [Page] though well pleaſed with ſo pleaſant a Town as Elephantine was, and to be out of the courſe habit of a Shepheardeſſe, yet ſhe did moſt ſenſibly lament the want of Seſoſtris; but ſhe lamented in ſecret, not daring to complain unto any: and whilſt Amenophis and Timareta were thus full of ſorrowes, Seſoſtris was fuller then they, and truly all the way we travelled towards ſome rendezvouz of Warr, he talked of nothing but Timareta, and he grew ſo dull and melancholy, that there was a little quarrell almoſt riſen between us: Then Sir, be pleaſed to know, that when we underſtood there was a province which revolted againſt Amaſis, the queſtion was, whether we ſhould take the part of Amaſis the uſurper, or the ſide of the people which revolted from him? I being ſomething elder then Seſoſtris, and remembered all the imprecations and curſes againſt Amaſis when he came to the Crown, my inclination and judgment was to fight againſt him: But Seſoſtris was of the contrary opinion, and would fight in the Army of Amaſis againſt the revolters: my arguments were, that Amaſis was an uſurper; that all reſpects were due unto the legitimate King; that they of Thebes were no rebells, but juſt enemies unto a Tyrant, and conſequently I thought it moſt juſt to take their part: On the contrary Seſoſtris he argued, that though Amaſis was an uſurper, yet they of Thebes were unworthy of aſſiſtance: for, (ſaid he) if they were faithfull unto their Prince, why did they acknowledg Amaſis? and ſince they did acknowledg him, why doe they now forſake him? were there a Prince deſcended from the royall race of our Kings unto whom the Crown ſhould deſcend, then ſhould I certainly fight on their ſide; or if they had only a deſign to revenge the death of Apriez, I would be on their ſide alſo, but ſince I hear their aimes are only at their private intereſts, and grandure of their Town, and for that they trouble all the Kingdome, it is but juſt if they periſh: Alſo, I have heard Amenophis ſay, that it is better to obey one Maſter then many, and that a good Tyrant in peace, is better for the people then a juſt warr: Moreover, without any further reaſons, I find my heart ſo inclinable to take the part of Amaſis, that it is ſufficient I tell you, that I can take no other. After this Sir, I ſubmitted unto Seſoſtris, but it was with much adoe; then we went unto the Army of Amaſis, who then was under the command of Heracleon, who at preſent is your priſoner, and who was then the Kings favourite, not only becauſe he was the man who had the greateſt hand in ſetting him upon the Throne, but becauſe his perſon pleaſed him; and though this warr was of that importance as might very well oblige Amaſis to go into it himſelfe; but the reaſon why he did not, was, becauſe he was very ſickly. At laſt Sir, we came to the camp, and ſeemed as men who would ſerve as voluntiers: but Sir, as Seſoſtris had an excellent faculty in uſing a pike-ſtaffe under the notion of a Shepheard, he had a better in uſing a ſword under the notion of a ſouldier, for never was ſeen in Aegypt a man of ſo fine a garb in armes as he; he attracted the eyes of all, both officers and ſouldiers, but as his admirable behaviour did invite their looks in the camp, ſo it did much more when he fought: for Seſoſtris did things which certainly did ſurpaſſe all that they could imagine of his valour: yet Heracleon was not a witneſſe of it, for at the very firſt charge he was wounded, and ſo exceedingly, that he was carried out of the Camp, and could not return all that Battle, which was commanded by his Lieutenant Generall, whoſe name was Simandius; ſo the valour of Seſoſtris was not known unto Heracleon, but only by report: But Sir be pleaſed to know, that though we came into this camp only as ſimple voluntiers, unknown unto any, yet the valour of Seſoſtris made us quickly known unto all the Army, for he did ſo highly and happily ſave the life of Simandius in a battle, that his fame flew as far as Heracleon and Amaſis alſo: But Sir, the admiration was, that Seſoſtris who would be known for no more then a Shepheard, would have us change our names, though the names of Seſoſtris and Miris were ſo generall and common in Aegypt, that it was not likely we ſhould be known: But the truth is, he was ſo afraid of being known to be a Shepheard, that he did as much as he could have done to hinder his being known to be the ſonne of a King, if he had known his royall birth: ſo that taking upon him the name of Pſammetites, as long as he was in the Army; it was under that name, and not Seſoſtris, that his reputation was divulged, both in the Army of Amaſis, and in that of the enemy, and a hundred heroique acts, made him lookt upon as a man extraordinary. Simandius, in recompence that Seſoſtris had ſaved his life, would have given him a good command, but ſince he was reſolved to return ſhortly unto Elephantine, to ſee whether his adored Timareta was returned to the Iſle, he would not accept of it: However Sir, though Seſoſtris did miracles under the notion of Pſammetites, and that in ſaving the life of Simandius, he only prevented the defeat of his army, yet the enemies ſide was very ſtrong, and ſeemed to maintain their revolt very ſtrongly: The Army wherein we were, ſcoffed at a report in Thebes, that a ſonne of Apriez would ere long be in the head of their forces; Seſoſtris [Page] was the firſt who affirmed that the enemy gave that out only to make their revolt ſeem more juſt, and that if it were true there were a ſonne of Apriez, he would ere now have appeared in thoſe ſkirmiſhes already fought: But after all this Sir, the time of year for field being ſpent, and Simandius being forced to retreat with his forces into Winter quarters, becauſe the Nile began to ſwell, he would needs carry him who was ſo famous under the name of Pſammetites, unto the Court, that he might receive from the King a recompence due unto his courage; but Seſoſtris to excuſe himſelfe with more civility from going, told him, that he would come to the Court aſſoon as he was in a condition to appear in it, without ſhame unto him, & therefore deſired permiſſion firſt to go home: Then Simandius asked where his home was, and Seſoſtris (as it was agreed between us) anſwered, it was at a town called Canopea, which gives the name unto one of the ſeven mouthes of Nilus: ſo Simandius being glad to know the place where he, who ſaved his life, lived, did preſſe him no further, contenting himſelfe with his promiſe of returning to court: yet he forced Seſoſtris to receive a very rich preſent of Jewels, and amongſt the reſt, a great medall of Gold, of which Amaſis gave him many to beſtow upon the like occaſions, on the one fide of which was the Kings picture, and on the other, that of Ladice, whoſe memory was ſtill very dear unto him, not only becauſe he ever loved her, but alſo becauſe by her meanes he came to be King, though farre contrary to her intentions. But Sir the admiration is, that as Timareta had a great reſemblance of the Princeſſe Ladice her Mother, ſo this medal had a great reſemblance of Timareta, ſo that after we had taken leave of Simandius, and had looked upon this medall with more leaſure, Seſoſtris rejoyced more at this adventure then is expreſſible; yet could not ſuſpect any thing of the truth; for ſince this reſemblance was not exactly perfect, and ſince he verily beleeved Timareta was really the daughter of a Shepheard, he conceived it to be only an act of chance, for which he ought to render thanks unto the Gods: The very ſight of this medall made us to return to Elephantine, with more haſt, and more joy then we came from it, for after this happy adventure, he made no doubt but to find Timareta in the Iſle: At laſt Sir, we arrived at Elephantine, and went to him with whom we were before entertained, who was much aſtoniſhed to ſee us return in a better equipage then we were in at our departure. In the mean time, ſince Seſoſtris returned only for Timaretas ſake, we were no ſooner come to Elephantine, but he endeavoured to know whether ſhe were returned to the Iſle, and remembring very well that it was the day on which Boats did commonly come to the town, he walked towards the Port, and ſo happily, that he ſaw comming a Boat full of Shepheards, and Shepheardeſſes, yet would he not ſhew himſelfe, but ſent a ſervant which he had entertained during his voyage, to ask whether a maid called Timareta was at that preſent in the Iſle? and being anſwered that ſhe returned a few daies ſince, Seſostris without one minute of more delay, reſolved upon a return alſo: but ſince he conceived that all the Shepheards would wonder to ſee him in that habit, and perhaps mock at him, he put on again his old habit of a Shepheard, which he left off when he went unto the Army; for my part I perſwaded him to appear before Timareta in the ſame habit wherein he was, but he would not, and I am confident that if he had been really a Shepheard, he could not have done what he did, but being the ſonne of a great King, though ignorant of it, his ſoul was above that kind of vanity, and thought it enough to let her ſee his martiall voyage had been happy, by giving her thoſe Jewels which Simandius gave him, except that medall which had that fair reſemblance: ſo Seſoſtris following his deſign, and I following him, we left our men and equipage of warr at my friends houſe, and waited for the people who were to return into the Iſle, and who were extreamly joyed when they ſaw Seſoſtris; he found alſo amongſt them one of thoſe women which helped him out of the Iſle, after which Seſoſtris enquired for Timareta, Amenophis, and Ediſea, but eſpecially of Timareta, he underſtood that this fair maid was returned into the Iſle with Ediſea, but a thouſand times fairer then ever he ſaw her; and that two daies after ſhe came, Amenophis departed with a ſervant which he had along with him. Though Seſoſtris loved Amenophis very well, maugre his rigour, yet at this time he was very glad of his abſence, and ſince he could talk of nothing but Timareta, as long as that little navigation laſted, ſhe was all his diſcourſe both with me and the Shepheards, who all knew he was in love: When we drew near our deſart, he thought he ſaw ſome upon the hill in the midſt of the Iſle, where he had engraved ſome words upon the Sicomors; but it being too farr off to diſcerne whether it was a Shepheard or a Shepheardeſſe, he asked me whether I ſaw one at the root of that tree which grew juſt upon the very knab of the hill; he had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but that Shepheardeſſe who lent him her mantle at departure, began to ſpeak: I'le lay my life ſaid ſhe to him, that it is Timareta, for ſince ſhe returned, ſhe is almoſt alwaies [Page] there. Seſoſtris hearing this, did not doubt but it was ſhe, ſo that his imagination ſupplying the defects of his eyes, he thought he diſcerned her ſtature and her habit, and thinking that ſhe was only there to think upon him, he was extreamly joyed; and his deſire to ſee Timareta was ſo great, that he leapt the firſt out of the boat, almoſt before it touched land. In the mean time Sir, to let you know how unſearchable are the ſecrets of the Gods, and how vain all humane providence is, give me leave to tell you both how and why Amenophis departed: Be pleaſed to know then Sir, that thoſe who began the commotion at Thebes, and Heliopolis, ſeeing no Seſoſtris appear, began to murmur againſt Amenophis, who had ſo long held them in hopes of ſeeing him, ſo that writing unto him to teſtifie their feares, that after they had aſſured the people, and publiſhed throughout all Aegypt that there was a ſonne of Apriez living, after all this they ſhould be forced to ſay, they were deceived, and that there is no ſuch thing: Amenophis was forced to go himſelfe (not daring to truſt it in a letter) and ſatisfie them of all the paſſage: In the mean time, he cauſed Ediſea and Timareta to returne into the Iſle, to the end, that if Seſoſtris returned, ſhe might ſtay him, appointing Traſeas and Ediſea to tell him, that he had altered his opinion ſince his departure, and at his return would give him all poſſible ſatisfaction: alſo, conjuring Ediſea to order it ſo, that the faire Shepheardeſſe might ſtay Seſoſtris if he returned: after which, Amenophis departed in a diſguiſe and carried the Princeſſe Servant with him: And theſe were the motives Sir, which attracted Amenophis out of the Iſle, and Seſoſtris in, and Timareta alſo: But to returne unto Seſoſtris, whom I left leaping haſtily out of the Boat, the ſooner to ſee his faire Shepheardeſſe; give me leave to tell you Sir, that he found her upon the top of the hill, and bottome of the Sicomore where Seſoſtris had imprinted his mind, and ſhe every day ſince her return was reading it: this beauty he found in a muſing poſture, her eyes down, and walking ſoftly, when he was coming haſtily to her, to teſtifie his deſires of ſeeing her, who being upon a ſudden ſweetly ſurpriſed with the ſight of her dear Seſoſtris, and to ſee his face ſo full of joy, had good cauſe to think his heart was as full of love; both their joyes were ſo high, that they were not able to expreſſe them by their words, yet at laſt they ſpoke, but it was both at once, but yet they underſtood each other, for upon ſuch occaſions, regular ſet civillities are not the moſt obliging, but there is a certain diſorder of ſpirit, & confuſion of words, which plea ſeth much better, then any ſtudyed complements of quaint language, which perhaps ſignifie nothing, at moſt, nothing to the purpoſe: but after they had vented what their firſt raptures permitted them, Timareta ſaluted me, and Seſoſtris ſaluted Ediſea, who followed Timareta ſome twenty paces from her: theſe two lovers were both ſo equally diſordered with a pleaſing ſurpriſe, that Timareta in ſpeaking to me called me Seſoſtris, and Seſoſtris called Ediſea Timareta: this little reciprocall error had different effects, for Seſoſtris was very glad to heare Timareta uſe his name in lieu of mine, nor was he ſorry for calling Timareta, in lieu of Ediſea, thinking ſhe would thereby know, that his thoughts did run on her: but as for Timareta, ſhe was vexed at her ſelfe for being ſo ſurpriſed, that ſhe bluſht for ſhame: This pretty error was not only the joy of Seſoſtris at the firſt meeting, but it was highly augmented to ſee Timareta a thouſand times more faire and charming then ſhe was at his departure: ſhe was grown taller, her neck was in another, but better modell, ſhe was grown plump, her complexion was poliſhed, her eyes more luſtrous, her behaviour more gracefull and free; all which, made her infinitely more amiable. Moreover, the beauty of her mind was as much bettered, as that of her body, and her being at Elephantine, had ſo taught her the air and garb of the world, that ſhe ſeemed to be, as indeed ſhe was, a great Princeſſe, diſguiſed in the habit of a Shepheardeſſe: Seſoſtris for his part, was grown infinitely more amiable alſo, his behaviour was more high, and his ſpirit more bold and refined: Thus theſe two young perſons, finding each other worthy of freſh admiration, it is no wonder if their affections were greater then before, yet for all this, there was ſome ſuch altera ions in the way of Timareta, as made Seſoſtris have many an angry houre; for as this young beauty did certainly love more then before, ſo ſhe did expreſſe it leſſe; ſo that at the firſt private conference which they had together, after the return of Seſoſtris, he complained of her cruell change in her behaviour, who being now more circumſpect then when ſhe was young, would not let all her heart be ſeen in her tongue: I beſeech you fair Timareta ſaid he unto her, from whence proceeds this alteration which I perceive in you? and why do you treat me more ſeriouſly and more coldly then before you uſed? You may (replyed ſhe and ſmiled) leave out one of your laſt words, which you uſed, ſince I have done nothing which can make you think I treat you more coldly; I confeſſe I have left off a little of my childiſh ſimplicity, and merryments of my infancy. Ah Timareta, replyed he, do not under the colour of that cruell expreſſion deprive me of that ſweetneſſe which [Page] heretofore you bleſſed me withall; but let me at the leaſt take ſome conſolation in things that are paſt, though I cannot in the things preſent. To ſhew you that I am not rigorous (ſaid Timareta to him) I promiſe you never to forget how I owe my life unto you, but at the ſame time I conjure you to forget all the innocent paſſages of my infancy, not to regulate in meaſure the reſt of my life by what is paſt; for truly Seſoſtris, I have ſpoke a hundred thouſand things, which makes me bluſh to think of them, and which I ſhall never ſpeak againe: Why? (ſaid Seſoſtris) do you think it juſt, you ſhould treat me worſe then you did, becauſe you have more ſpirit and witt then you had? and becauſe you are more faire, and conſequently I more your captive, therefore you ſhould be more rigorous to me? I conceive ſaid ſhe [...]d and ſmiled, that now there is more decorum to be obſerved; and though I ſhould love you, yet I ſhould not tell you ſo, but it is your part only to gueſſe at it: It muſt needs be confeſſed ſaid Seſoſtris, that this faſhion is a little too Tyrannicall and unjuſt, for am I not the very ſame I was when you lived in more freedome with me? No, ſaid ſhe unto him, you are now a much more refined man: But admit I be replyed he, muſt you therefore uſe me worſe? No, replyed ſhe, but I doe it to get more of your eſteem: Ah, Timareta, anſwered Seſoſtris, rigour is an ill expedient, whereby to get the eſteem of a lover: I aſſure you ſaid ſhe, I think it is a better then indulgence: For all your rigour [...] (ſaid he, and ſhewed her the medall which Simandius gave him) you cannot hinder me from having your picture: 'tis true, ſaid he, it does not fully reſemble you, but however it is not more unlike you, then your ſelf is, to what you were unto me in that age when you ſuffered me to look on your eyes without turning them away. Timareta taking this medall, and looking upon it, was extreamly ſurpriſed, to find the figure of a woman on the one ſide of it, whoſe aire did much reſemble hers; ſo that having a longing deſire to know how he came unto it, and how it came to reſemble her, ſhe began to be importunate with him to tell her: Then would he according to his intentions, have given her all that Simandius gave him, yet by no means would ſhe receive them, but preſſed him ſtill to tell her, how he got ſo much riches, and asking him further, how after this he could return to be a Shepheard: Give me leave (ſaid he unto her) to begin my anſwer, where you ended, and to tell you, that I am a Shepheard becauſe you are a Shepheardeſſe, and when you leave being ſo, I will then caſt away my Crook; and for all the reſt (ſaid he, ſeeing mee coming towards them) you may know them from the mouth of Miris. As I heard theſe laſt words, I asked Timareta, after I had ſaluted her, what it was I ſhould tell her, and ſhe telling me, I made a relation of our voyage; but ſince I was to acquaint Timareta with the valour of Seſoſtris, he would needs impoſe ſilence upon me; but ſeeing he could not, he roſe up and went to Ediſea who was coming towards us; ſo I made an exact relation of all his acts, how great a reputation he had gotten under the name of Pſammetites, and which way he came by the medall; but whilſt I related all theſe things, I perceived ſuch joy in the eyes of Timareta, as plainly appeared Seſoſtris was not a little in her favour. In the mean time Sir, what aſſurances ſoever Ediſea gave this amorous Shepheard, that Amenophis had changed his mind, and promiſed at parting, that at his returne he would give him full ſatisfaction; yet he had a miſtruſt in all theſe faire words, and if Timareta had not been as wiſe as faire, Seſoſtris had certainly carried her away out of the Iſle, before the returne of Amenophis: but ſhe was ſo angry at the very firſt motion of it, that he never durſt think of it afterwards, for ſhe continued three whole daies, and would not ſpeak unto him, though he courted her with all imaginable plauſibility: yet after a thouſand petitions for a pardon, and as many promiſes to ſubmitt totally unto her will, Seſoſtris made his peace, and reſolved according to the orders of this fair Shepheardeſſe, to reſt quiet untill the return of Amenophis; ſo that after this reconcilement, wherein I was a mediator, they lived together without the leſt jarre, unleſſe only ſuch as are eſſentiall redintegrations of love, as are every day, both in and out a hundred times; yet was their tranquillity much moleſted by the death of Ediſea, who being gone, Timareta had no reaſonable converſation but in the company of Seſostris. Traſeas doubtleſſe was a man of much ſpirit, and was much civilized by the long communication of Amenophis; Nicetis his wife was alſo a little more ſociable, by the company of Ediſea: but for all that, they were nothing ſuitable to the youth and aire of Timareta; and therefore having no other agreeable company, ſhe was the more joyed in that of Seſostris, yet ever with much reſervedneſſe, making it appeare, that ſhe would give her ſelfe no more liberty, then Ediſea her governeſſe would were ſhe living: yet this reſervedneſſe had nothing in it but modeſty, without any rigour or ſeverity; ſo that after all teares were dried up for the death of Ediſea, Seſostris was without any inquietudes, but to ſee Amenophis returned not; and becauſe he thought the longer his abſence was, the more was his happineſſe deferred: But Sir, his longing expectations of Amenophis [Page] were all in vaine, for he was faln into a deſperate Adventure. For be pleaſed to know Sir, that as he was going to the places where all the Officers of that faction which he had raiſed, were covered, he was ſo unfortunate, as in going through the Town of Nea, which is in the Province of Thebes, and where there was a ſedition raiſed, that Amenophis and his ſervant, chanced to be in the midſt of this Tumult, againſt their wills: In the mean time, as ill lucke was, one of the principall men of the Town was hurt, and was ſo near Amenophis and his ſervant, that they with many others were taken as authors of this ſedition, the party of the hurt man prevailing againſt the other. Thus was Amenophis and his ſervant a long while priſoners; for being ſtrangers, they had no ſupport, Amenophis not daring to make uſe of any his friends in Thebes, ſince thoſe who were maſters of this Town were for Amaſis: So than he was forced to truſt onely unto his innocency: But thoſe who were reall Criminals, and were taken with him, they had kindred and friends in the Town, they were releaſed, and the innocent more cloſly kept in their Priſon. Yet could they not proceed unto judgement againſt them, becauſe they would firſt ſee of him who proſecuted againſt them, being in his bed; it was long before they could be certain whether he would mend or end, live or die; ſo that the puniſhment being to be more or leſſe rigorous according to the event, Amenophis and his ſervant were kept Priſoners, not being able, or daring if they could, to apply themſelves unto any, Amenophis was extream grieved at one thing, for he found that he had loſt Ladices letter to Amaſis in the Tumult, by meanes of which he hoped hereafter to make Seſostris and Timareta known, and which he would needs carry with him, both becauſe he would by it juſtifie himſelf unto his friends, and becauſe he would not truſt it any where but where he was himſelf. But whilſt he was in this pittiful Condition, the Nile did ſwell, & afterwards returned again within its ordinary bankes, as alwaies it uſed towards Winter. Heracleon drawing his Forces out of the winter Garriſons, did ſuppreſſe thoſe which revolted, and almoſt quite defeated them, ſo that they were forced all to retreat into Thebes. Yet Heracleon could not beſiege them, but contented himſelf with being Maſter of the field, and have, by this action, obtained greater favour with the King. This happy ſucceſſe perſwading Amaſis, that his beſt courſe to keep the People in their obedience, was to ſhew himſelf in all his Provinces, and to Perambulate all his Kingdom; he began to go from Town to Town, to win their ſpirits, and to imprint a new Reſpect. And that his voyage might ſeeme onely a Progreſſe of Peace; the King would have all his Court with him: at laſt Sir, he came to Elephantine: and hee was no ſooner there, but the imperfection and weakneſſe of his eyes did ſo augment, that hee thought he ſhould have quite loſt his ſight: but that which did moſt affright him, was a terrible apparition which he then ſaw: I am confident it was rather one of thoſe myſterious dreams, which ſometimes foretells men of future accident, then a reall apparition: however it it was, Amaſis ſaid, that when he awaked one night, an hour before day, he ſaw, or at leaſt thought he ſaw a gloomy light, by the help of which, he perceived the Ghoſt of Apriez, and diſtinctly ſaw the wounds he received; when he was moſt barbarouſly maſſacred: The body was all bloody and disfigured: but the great amazement [...] of all, was to ſee following the dead King, the Princeſſe Ladice, in a great ſad mourning Mantle, who looking upon him with a menacing kind of action, and angry eyes, began to ſpeak theſe words, in ſuch a lamentable, Penetrating and terrible a tone, that Amaſis was almoſt out of his wits. Know (ſaid ſhee, and ſhewed him this unfortunate King) that this unhappy Prince whom thou didſt deſtroy, hath left a Son: and if thou doſt not reſtore unto him that Crown which thou diſt pull from the head of his Father: thou ſhalt never ſee any other more pleaſing object then this thou now [...]eeſt, but ſhall ſee it, or worſe continually. Yes, too ambitious Amaſis, (purſued the Ghoſt) than ſhalt neither ſee thy Subjects, nor the Scepter which thou moſt injuriouſly holdſt: nor the infant which I left thee, nor the common light: but thou ſhalt eternally ſee me upbraiding thee with thy Crime, untill thou entereſt into thy holy Tombe: After this a thouſand flaſhes of Red, Blue, and Black Flame appeared, wherein the bodies of Apriez and Ladice vaniſhed: Theſe Flames were accompanied with ſo great a noiſe, as he thought the Chamber ſhaked: ſo that paſſing out of theſe affrighting flames into a diſmall obſcurity, and out of a horrid noiſe into a deepe ſilence, Amaſis was ſo troubled that hee knew not what to think or reſolve upon: his wonder was doubled, when he was told in the morning, that it rained a whole hour together in the night: For Sir, ſince Rain was never ſeen in that part of Aegypt, the Prodigie did the more affright him. But he had another cauſe of fear: For newes was brought, that Apis, whoſe Birth had rejoyced all Aegypt a little before, was dead with the flaſh of Lightning and a thunder; I will not explain what this Apis was amongſt us, for I know Sir, you cannot be ignorant of it: By theſe you may know that Amaſis [Page] had ſome cauſes of fear, and the more, becauſe the Statue of Oſiris which he erected before his Palace, fell down in the night; yet would this Prince conceale his aſtoniſhment, and ſent to conſult with the Oracle of Latona at the Town of Bulte, which is the moſt renowned of all in Egypt: But this Oracle did not give him any ſatisfaction, for it anſwered him in obſcure terms. That if he would have his Poſterity Raign after him, he muſt reſtore that Scepter which he had uſurped, unto him who had right unto it: or otherwiſe he ſhould not only loſe his ſight, but his eyes and life. Amaſis then ſeeing himſelf ſo cruelly threatned, and finding that really his ſight did weaken, began to ſtrive againſt his ambition, and would have overcome it, yet hee could not bring it about: ſo that endeavouring all manner of waies to ſecure himſelf, he began to tranſact as if he apprehended nothing, in his heart he was full of continuall apprehenſions: This being the ſtate of things, they brought Ladices Letter unto Amaſis, which Amenophis loſt in the Tumult, and which was found by an Officer of Amaſis in that Towne, who ſent it unto the King, not knowing who loſt it: It coming unto the hands of the King, he no ſooner ſaw it, but notwithſtanding the weakneſſe of his eyes, he perfectly knew the Character: you may eaſily imagine that he read it with wonder, and application; and the more becauſe he was extreamly joyed to underſtand that Ladice had left him a child: But Sir, one thing chanced which is worthy of obſervation: For Ladices letter was ſo tumbled in the tumult, that it could not be diſcerned whether it mentioned a Son or a Daughter, but it was more like to be a Son then a Daughter: He ſaw in the place where ſhee ſpoke of a child which ſhe left; It was this

Know then that I have left you a—which you ſhall never ſee unleſſe you render the Scepter unto the young Seſoſtris.

In the mean time, ſince he underſtood by this letter, that when Ladice writ it the young Seſoſtris was alive; yet he never thought of reſtoring the Scepter unto him. But intended onely to leave it unto the Child which Ladice left, whether it was Son or Daughter. He had alſo a conceit that perhaps Ladice was not dead: and he was ſo blinded with ambition, that he began already to diſpoſe of this Child, though it was not in his power, nor knew where to look, it, no, nor was certain of its life: Then he told Heracleon, that ſince his late Father helped him unto the Crown, it were juſt he ſhould transferre it into his houſe: and therefore he promiſed him, that if he could find the Child which the gods had given him, he would then pay thoſe debts which he owed unto his houſe in generall, and unto his valour in particular: paſſing his word, that if it proved a Daughter, he would marry her unto him: and if a Son, he ſhould marry the Princeſſe his Siſter, whoſe name was Liſerina: who knowing that her brother was at Elephantine, came thither to ſee him; this Princeſſe being then not above three furlongs from that Town. In the mean while, this letter being found in a publique place, none knew who loſt it: So that Amaſis was much perplexed; and the more, becauſe it appeared by this letter, that the Son of Apriez lived when it was written; yet hee was perſwaded that now he was dead, becauſe he appeared not at Thebes, and in the head of the revolted Army: However to be the better ſatisfied, he remembred that Amenophis departed from Says with the Queen, and knew that he was of the Town of Elephantine; alſo he imagined, that he could perhaps reſolve him of what he ſo much deſired to know, and therefore he would cauſe a ſtrict ſearch to be made in all that great Town and places about it, he would alſo ask all his kindred that he found: But my mother hearing of theſe intentions, ſhe went preſently out of Elephantine: So that ſhe onely being able to give them any intelligence of him, their ſearch came to nothing. But at laſt the Governor of that Town, underſtanding that no ſearch had been made in our Iſle; but the King hearing of it, as if hee were prompted by a powerfull inſtinct, commanded a ſearch to be made there, and an account of what was found to be given unto him. The Kings Command being the ſame hour executed, we were much aſtoniſhed to ſee the officers of Elephantine come betime in the morning into our Iſle, who went from Cabine to Cabine, asking who dwelt there; ſo that ours being the greateſt in all the Iſle, they were ſure not to baulk it. Thraſeas anſwered for all his Familie, whom they deſired to ſee, ſo that Timareta, Seſoſtris and I appeared before the men, who no ſooner ſaw us, but they began to examine very cloſly who we were. But Sir, before I preciſely acquaint you with the anſwers of Thraſeas: give me leave to tell you, that ſome daies before Amenophis departed from the Iſle, the Princes ſervant who knew he was to depart, and who exceedingly loved Seſoſtris, deſired Thraſeas extream earneſtly, to have an eſpeciall care of him if ever he returned into the Iſle, and not to let him go out again. Thraſeas being a man of good wit, could not chuſe but be full of curioſity, and imagine that Seſoſtris [Page] and Timareta both were of ſome Noble births: for Amenophis had confeſſed that the Queen and Ladice were women of great quality, who fled from the perſecution of the new King; alſo he had ſome glances of the abundance of Jewels belonging unto theſe two Princeſſes, which Amenophis cauſed his ſervant to hide, before he departed the Iſle: Traſeas tried all manner of waies a hundred times over, to know who Seſoſtris and Timareta were, but all in vaine; but at laſt he thought he had found a way to oblige this ſervant unto a confeſſion: he told him therefore, when the Servant deſired him to have ſuch a care of Seſoſtris if he returned, that he would have no care of him, unleſſe he would tell him who he was: At firſt, the ſervant refuſed, as he had many a time before; but at laſt upon a thouſand promiſes of inviolable fidelity, and the ſervant finding Traſeas ever both faithfull and affectionate: alſo thinking it would be advantagious, if he knew that Seſoſtris was the ſonne of Apriez, and legitimate King of Aegypt; and after he had ſworn unto him by Oſiris and Iſis, that he ſhould never betray him: Know Traſeas (ſaid he unto him) that thou art in a poſſibility ere long to be above thy quality; for this Princeſſe who was buried here was the wife of Apriez, and the mother of Seſoſtris, and ſhe who dyed in giving life unto Timareta, was the wife of Amaſis: ſo Traſeas thou maieſt have in thy power, the ſonne of the legitimate King, and the daughter of the uſurper: Judge after this, whether thou beeſt not the happieſt of men, ſince which ſide ſoever fortune turne, thou wilt have in thy power that perſon who ought to weare the Crown of all Aegypt. After the ſervant had told all he knew, Traſeas was extreamly joyed, and promiſed inviolable fidelity and ſecrecy. After this Sir, you may well imagine, that when Traſeas ſaw theſe men in his Cabin, who asked ſo preciſely who Seſoſtris was, who Timareta was, and who I was, he had good reaſon to be aſtoniſhed; but to prevent all croſſe interrogatories, and leſſe in danger to contradict himſelfe, he ſaid we were his children, and that Nicetis was our mother, never naming Amenophis at all: At firſt the anſwer of Traſeas did ſurpriſe both Seſoſtris and me, yet imagining there was ſome ſecret reaſon which we were ignorant of, we did not contradict him. In the meane time, thoſe who made ſuch ſtrict inquiſition, looked upon Seſoſtris with admiration, and upon Timareta with as much, and put many queſtions unto Traſeas, unto which he anſwered very directly; but ſo did not Nicetis, for though ſhe heard her husband ſay, we were their childran, yet when they began to examine her, and ask, how their family did ſubſiſt, in lieu of a direct anſwer, ſhe ſaid, that having but one daughter, they might eaſily ſubſiſt: ſo that the men finding a contradiction between her and her husband, preſently ſuppoſed ſome hidden matter in the wind, and the more, becauſe Traſeas endeavouring to mend what his wife had ſaid, replyed, that Nicetis did not call Seſoſtris and me her children, becauſe he had us by another wife, but for all this we were her children: however, Nicetis not liking what her husband ſaid, ſhe began to grumble, that when Amenophis returned he would not think well that any ſhould take his ſonne from him. The name of Amenophis was no ſooner pronounced, but one of the officers belonging to Amaſis, being amongſt them who made the ſearch, made no doubt but they had found what the King deſired to know, for he knew that the King had clapt up all the kindred of Amenophis, and he knew further, that he fled away with the Queen and Ladice: ſo that drawing his company aſide, he left them in the Iſle, and went immediatly to acquaint the King with his diſcovery: Amaſis no ſooner heard all theſe circumſtances, but he thought them probable conjectures to find in that Iſle what he ſought for, and would goe himſelfe to be better informed in a buſineſſe of ſo great importance: and being then in the Princeſſe Liſerina's chamber, where Heracleon alſo was, he would have them go with him; for, ſaid he unto them both, you have as muchintereſt as I have, in the buſineſſe I am about, ſince I have already told you, if I have a ſonne, he ſhall marry the Princeſſe, Liſerina, and if a daughter, ſhe ſhall marry Heracleon: ſo Sir, the officer of Amaſis confirming his report, with many probable conjectures, Amaſis made no queſtion but to find ſatisfaction: He embarqued then with the Princeſſe Liſerina, Heracleon, and five or ſix perſons of quality, and no more, for upon this occaſion he would have no greater attendants; ſo they came unto the Iſle, and in landing, you may imagine, Sir, what prayers unto the Gods the ambitious Heracleon made, that Amaſis might find a daughter, and you may alſo imagine how Liſerina wiſht him to prove a ſonne. In the mean time, Traſeas obſerved, that this officer returned unto Elephantine, and he no ſooner had a hint that Amaſis would come into the Iſle, but he imagined that he came to enquire, what was become of the Queen, of Seſoſtris, and Ladice; ſo that Traſeas reaſoning after this manner, and having no time to inſtruct Seſoſtris, becauſe there were many obſervant eyes upon them, he walked only towards him, and in paſſing, [Page] told him, it concerned his whole fortune not to contradict him: aſſoon as he had ſaid ſo, without any wonder or diſorder in himſelfe, he ſat down before his cabin, Seſoſtris ſtanding by, and leaning upon his Shepheards hook. But Sir, as thoſe who have any deſignes to pleaſe are no waies negligent in their cloaths, wherein the handſomeſt perſons, may loſe ſomthing of their complacencie, Timareta and Seſoſtris were ſo handſome that day, and ſo gallant in their habits (though only in the homly ſimplicity of a Shepheard and a Shepheardeſſe) that none could look upon them without admiration. In the mean time, the King drawing near the Cabin, Traſeas roſe up, and went to look upon him, ſeeming as if he could not beleeve that the King could have any thing to ſay unto him: Seſoſtris, Timareta, and I followed him; on the other ſide, the King coming ſtraight towards us, that officer who before had ſeen us, pointed to us with his hand as he ſpoke unto the King; a man of quality led the Princeſſe Liſerina. But Sir, Heracleon no ſooner caſt his eyes upon Timareta, but he made a million of ſecret prayers unto the Gods, that ſhe might prove the daughter of Amaſis: and Liſerina no ſooner ſaw Seſoſtris, but ſhe moſt earneſtly deſired he might prove the Kings ſonne: as for Amaſis, he paſſionately deſired a ſucceſſor, and not a daughter: After he had looked upon Seſoſtris and Timareta, he took Traſeas aſide, and without any witneſſe but Heracleon, he charged him to tell the truth, after which he asked him where Amenophis was? and what was become of the Queen, the young Seſoſtris, and the Princeſſe Ladice? For I am ſure (ſaid the King (though he knew not but by conjectures) that they were in this Iſle. Traſeas finding by the manner of the Kings ſpeaking, that he was not ſo well informed as he ſaid he was, reſolved to proſecute his former deſigne, which was, Sir, not to confeſſe that Seſoſtris was the ſonne of Apriez, leſt then he ſhould periſh in the hands of his enemy; but to tell him on the contrary, that he was the ſonne of Ladice and himſelfe: For, argued he unto himſelfe, ſo Seſoſtris doe raigne, what matters it whether it be as the ſonne of Apriez, or as the ſonne of Amaſis? Traſeas being thus reſolved, did not deny, but that the Queen was in this Iſle; but for the furtherance of his project, he ſeemed as if he were ignorant that ſhe, who came with the Queen was his wife: he confeſſed that the Queen and Seſoſtris came into this Iſle, with another Princeſſe who dyed three daies after her arivall, and her death gave life unto a ſonne: adding, that four daies after a contagious diſeaſe happening in the Iſle, the Queen and the young Seſoſtris dyed alſo, and ſince that, Amenophis gave the name of Seſostris unto the ſonne of this Princeſſe who dyed in child-bed of him. Where is the Child? (ſaid the King) Sir, (replyed Traſeas) this is he I ſpeak of, who thinks Amenophis to be his Father, and whom of late, I have ſaid to be my ſonne, becauſe Amenophis was wondrous carefull to conceal him, though I knew not his reaſon for it, but was ſo bold as to ſay he was mine. But where is Amenophis ſaid the King? Sir, replyed Traſeas, I doe not know, only I am ſure he recommended Seſoſtris unto me. Oh Heracleon, ſaid the King, queſtionleſſe this Traytor who carried away the Queen and Ladice from Sais, had a deſign to arme my owne ſonne againſt me, by perſwading the people that he was the ſon of Apriez: yes, yes, Heracleon, 'twas he that made the people of Thebes beleeve that he was alive, and doubtleſſe his deſign was, to have my ſonne to be taken for that Prince. But Traſeas (ſaid the King who knew his name) may I give credit unto your words? muſt he whom you ſhew unto me weare the Crown after me? Yes Sir, replyed Traſeas, if the Princeſſe Ladice were your wife: moreover Sir, doe not think that I conceal the ſonne of Apriez, command me to priſon, and if any other Seſoſtris but this be found, then put me to death. But, (ſaid Heracleon, who was nothing pleaſed that Amaſis ſhould have a ſon after ſuch fair promiſes) the danger is not in your concealing Seſoſtris, but the point is, to know certainly that this is not Seſoſtris the ſonne of Apriez, and that he who came from Sais dyed, and not the Child of the Princeſſe Ladice. Traſeas hearing Heracleon urge this, began to confirm his words with a thouſand deep Oathes: But whilſt Heracleon and Traſeas were in conteſt about it, the King remembring the Apparition of Ladice, and all the reſt of the prodigies, his heart began to tremble, the guilt of his crimes ſo gnawed upon his conſcience, that he could have wiſhed for a ſonne of Apriez, unto whom he might have rendered the Scepter, ſo that not inſiſting upon ſuch niceties as Heracleon did, he did beleeve that Seſoſtris was either his owne ſonne, or the ſonne of Apriez, ſo that which ſoever he was, he deſerved to raigne, he reſolved to acknowledg him after he had well examined others in the Iſle, who ſpoke nothing in contradiction of what Traſeas ſaid. In the mean while, all the younkers of the Iſle were aſſembled to ſee the King, and not daring to approach too neer, they got tenn or twelve of them upon a thatcht Sheep-fold, the better to look upon him, but the timber being rotten, both Sheep-fold and Shepheards tumbled down together, and it fell ſo neare the Princeſſe Liſerina (who being much taken with the beauty of Timareta, [Page] had called her unto her) that ſhe could eaſily ſee the wonderfull accident which this little diſorder cauſed: For Sir, be pleaſed to know it happened to be in the very ſame place where Amenophis before his departure had cauſed all the Queens and Ladices Jewells to be hid, ſo that two Boxes in which they were, being broke open with the fall, one might perceive a thouſand Rich Diamonds gliſtering amongſt the rubbiſh of this old ſheepfold: The Princeſſe Liſerina no ſooner eſpied them, but ſhe cryed out, not being leſſe amazed at the ſight, then thoſe ſhephcards with their falls: The ſcreek ſhe made, cauſed the King to turn towards her, and ſhe telling him what ſhe ſpied, he came to her, and himſelfe ſaw the cauſe of her wonder: ſo that commanding all the Jewells to be gathered up, and brought unto him, hee preſently knew the caſe of a Picture which Ladice was wont to wear, and which was very remarkable, and likewiſe many other Jewells which he had ſeen both the Queen and Ladice wear. After this, making no queſtion but they had been in the Iſle, he gave more credit unto the reports of Traſeas, & queſtioned not but that Seſoſtris was his Son. But Heracleon, having yet a mind to hinder that beliefe, obſerved unto Amaſis, that Seſoſtris was too big and tall for that age which his Son could be off, and therefore could not be his Son. Traſeas anſwered unto this objection, that it was every daies experience to find ſome of fourteen or ſixteen years of age as well grown as others of twenty, and the King adhered unto that argument. In concluſion Sir, Amaſis believing in his very heart he was either his Sonne or the Sonne of Apriez; he would examine the matter no further, knowing that it would be a ſtronger ſupport unto him to have Succeſſor, then not. He ſince confeſſed, that if at this time it had appeared clearly in the eyes of the World, that Seſoſtris was the Sonne of Apriez, he would not have treated him as he did. But ſeeing it appeared he was not his Sonne, he could not make him paſſe ſo, and reſtore the Scepter unto him, unleſſe it did appear to be a Reſtitution, therefore he would not make the buſineſſe ſo intricrate as perhaps he ſhould if he had not had that thought. But he enquired as much as he could to know whether Seſoſtris was his or the Sonne of Apriez. Whilſt he was thus buſied, Simandius who came with the King, and had ſtayed behind ſpeaking with ſome of his friends, and being now come up, he began to look upon Timareta, whoſe wonderfull beauty attracted the eyes of all the World, but afterwards turning towards Seſoſtris, who yet ſaw not him, he preſently knew him to be the valiant Pſammetites unto whom he was debtor for his life; ſo that coming to him, whilſt the King was in talke with Traſeas, Heracleon, and Liſerina: Is it poſſible, (ſaid he unto him) that the valiant Pſammetites, who knowes how to uſe a ſword ſo gloriouſly, had rather take a ſheephook in an Iſland, then come to the Court, where preparation of great recompence was made for his virtues? Seſoſtris knowing Simandius, was exceedingly aſhamed to be ſeen in ſo meane a habit, and hee bluſht; but endeavouring to recollect himſelfe, Sir, ſaid hee unto him and ſmiled, me thinkes it would be as much for your honour as mine, if you ſeemed at this time not to know me. No, no, ſaid Simandius, I cannot endure any falſe Glory, and therfore though you be but a ſimple ſhepheard, yet you merit to be a King, and I muſt publiſh to the world, that I am a debtor unto you for my life, and the King for a victory. Amaſis then turning himſelf with intention to call Seſoſtris, and acknowledge him for his Son, Simandius taking Seſoſtris by the arme, preſented him unto Amaſis, Behold Sir, (ſaid he unto him) look upon the perſon of this lovely Shepheard: this is the valiant Pſammetites which I told you of, who onely won the battle. The King was ſurpriſed at the words of Simandius, that he told him he was groſly miſtaken, for you call this Shepheard Pſammetites, ſaid he, and every one aſſures me his name is Seſoſtris: I cannot tell Sir, replied Simandius, how they call my preſerver in this Iſle, but I am ſure he called himſelf Pſammetites in the Army. Seſoſtris perceiving that the changing his name, did extreamly puzzle the King, Simandius and Traſeas, who kn [...]w not any thing of his martiall voyage, began to ſpeak, and ſatisfie their wonders; ſince Simandius will needs have it ſo (ſaid he with an excellent grace,) and that I muſt have the honour to be known unto your Majeſtie, I muſt needs confeſſe, that in changing my profeſſion, I changed my name alſo: And that whilſt I was a Souldier, I aſſumed the name of Pſammetites: But why did you return to this Iſle and take a Shepheards hook, (ſaid the King even raviſhed with joy, that he whom he ſhould acknowledge for Sonne, was worthy to be ſo,) rather then to come unto the Court? Seſoſtris then being put to a Nonplus, would not ſay that it was for the love of Timareta, but to colour his return, he ſaid, that ſince he went out of the Iſle without his Fathers conſent, he repented, and would return to ask pardon. However it be Sir, ſaid Simandius to the King, this Shepheard is the moſt valiant man in your Majeſties Kingdome: and I am confident that the Great Seſoſtris, and the renowned Pſammetites, both which names he bears, were neitherof [Page] them more valiant then he? At leaſt not more great then he is like to be (Replied Amaris) for I do declare unto you all and all the World, that this Seſoſtris whom you ſee here, is my Sonne. In ſaying ſo, Amaſis would have embraced him: But Seſoſtris throwing himſelf at his feet, told him with much humility and wonder, that he was unworthy of this honour: Yet riſe he muſt, for the King did ſo command him, appointing all thoſe about him to regard him as ſucceſſor. It is imaginable Sir, that this declaration was nothing pleaſing unto Heracleon: but on the contrary, that it was all joy unto the Princeſſe of Liſerina. On the other ſide, the fair Timaretta, ſeeing her dear Seſoſtris, ready to change his Sheephook for a Scepter, was infinitely raviſhed. But this her joy had no ſooner filled her eye, then her heart began to ſigh in ſecret, when ſhe conſidered that now ſhe was like to loſe Seſoſtris, and perhaps, for ever; Seſoſtris whoſe great Soul was moſt ſenſible of glory, could not chuſe but be glad to ſee hee was now no Shepheard: But when in the height of all his joyes, he looked upon his fair Timareta, and conſidered that now he muſt leave her, his ſorrowes did ſo mixe and moderate his joyes, that the King could not enough admire the greatneſſe of his Soul, which was ſo little moved at ſuch ſurpriſing and advantagious newes. In the mean time, Heracleon (whoſe fate was to have a Soul which was tyrannized over by the moſt violent paſſions) in the midſt of all his ſorrowes to ſee the Princeſſe Liſerina more happy then himſelf, could not chuſe but look upon the fair Timareta with much admiration. He checkt himſelf a hundred times for looking upon her, yet looked upon her a hundred times whether he would or no: In the meane time the King finding more cauſe to think Seſoſtris his Sonne, ſince he had taken his part againſt the Rebells of Thebes, did not pauſe upon what he had to do, or what he had done: but after he had given the Princeſſe Liſerina all thoſe Jewells which were found in that Iſle, which he ſaid belonged unto him, either as ſucceſſor unto Apriez, or as husband unto Ladice; and after he had told the Shepheards he would give them as much as they were worth, and told Traſeas he would make him a happy man, he turned to Seſoſtris, and asked him whether hee would goe with him unto Elephantine? Seſoſtris hearing the King aske that queſtion, beſeeched him not to ſhame him ſo much as to carry him thither in that habit, but that he would be pleaſed to let him ſtay in the Iſle untill ſuch time as he was in a better equipage: alſo Sir, ſaid he unto him, it is but fit you give me one day or two to prepare my ſelf for Grandure, leſt the Luſter of it upon a ſuddain ſhould dazzle my eyes: Noe, noe my Sonne, replyed Amaſis, there is no fear, but he who can ſurpaſſe the braveſt men of all Aegypt in valour, is ſufficiently prepared for the quality unto which he is born. For all this Seſoſtris would not conſent, but uſed ſuch handſome arguments as moved the King unto ſo much complacencie, as to ſatisfie his deſire, thinking indeed, that the people who are alwaies moſt taken with outward appearances, would not be ſo well pleaſed to ſee him in a Shepheards habit. So it was reſolved to leave him all the day following in the Iſle, for an equipage proportionable to his quality could not be prepared in leſſe time. Yet the King would not leave him without ſome of his Servants; therefore he commanded the Captain of his Guard to ſtay in the Iſle with twelve of his companions. Amaſis, by reaſon of the horrid apparition, and other things which took up his thoughts, never minded what a reſemblance there was between Timareta and Ladice. As for Heracleon and Liſerina, they had never ſeen Ladice. However, Amaſis retired, after he had beſtowed a complement upon the Princeſſe Liſerina which Seſoſtris underſtood not, but ſhe well enough: So that ſhe looking upon this lovely Shepheard as a great Prince, as a great Prince who hereafter ſhould be King, and who ſhould make her a Queen, ſhe was as complacentiall, as civil, and as loving to him as poſſibly ſhe could be. Since ſhee was very fair, ſhe did not doubt but the heart of Seſoſtris would become her Conqueſt; nor did ſhee imagine he was in love with Timareta, or ever would be, for ſhe being of an ambitious diſpoſition, ſhe meaſured the mind of Seſoſtris by her own: And made no queſtion, but if hee had any paſſion towards her, he would leave it with his ſheephook: Thus Liſerina left him, with as much joy in her heart as in the Kings, who was beyond all expreſſions raviſhed that he had a ſucceſſor. But quite contrary with Heracleon, who after his hopes in ſeeing Timareta, thought to enjoy the greateſt beauty in the World, and the Prime Crown of all the Univerſe; yet now ſaw all the ſatisfaction of his ambition choaked. But after the King was gone out of the Iſle, Seſoſtris muſt needs receive all the complements which the Shepheards would preſent him withall: For ſince naturally he had a ſoul full of all ſweetneſſe and civility, he would not ſo ſoon take upon him that ſtate, which his quality conferred upon him, ſo that it was impoſſible for him to ſpeake in private that day with his dear Timareta; and the more difficult, becauſe the Captain of the Guard deſiring to be the firſt in favour with the new Prince, did not leave him at all. I alſo had much a doe to teſtifie my joyes at his happineſſe: [Page] Yet as well as I could I confeſſed my great deſires of telling him I knew Amenophis was not a Shepheard, and begg'd his pardon for not telling him, excuſing my ſelf with the menaces of Amenophis if I did: Alſo Sir, alwaies thinking that Seſoſtris was his Sonne, I could imagine no end he had in it, but to conceale himſelf. But to return Sir where I left, be pleaſed to know Sir, that Seſoſtris, and Timareta, did not ſpeak unto each other but in the language of their eyes, and that neither ſo much as uſuall: for the reſpects which Timareta began to have of him, infuſed ſuch a conſtraint into her lookes, as eclipſed all the ſweetneſſe of them; and which made Seſoſtris, who was accuſtomed to know the moſt ſecret thoughts of her heart by them, not to underſtand their Language: But the next morning being come; and knowing that the day following, they would carry him unto Elephantine, he reſolved to talk with Timareta: in order to which, love moved him unto the firſt Command upon thoſe about him, though he was reſolved not to take upon him as a Prince, untill he had left off the habit of a Shepheard: But ſeeing that if he did not, he could not talke with Timareta, and knowing that ſhe was gone to the top of the hill without any company, but one Shepheardeſſe, hee followed her, and commanded the captain of the guard not to follow him: This Prince then being rid of all interrupters of his talk with Timareta, went up the Hill, and when he came to the top, he found his fair Timareta ſitting at the root of a tree, wiping her eyes as if ſhe had been crying: Seſoſtris ſeeing his Shepheardeſſe in this ſad condition, ſighed, and with ſuch reall ſorrow, as I am confident, if fate had been in his owne choice, he would have preferred a Sheephook hook before a Scepter, and the gathering of ſheep before people: After then he had a while contemplated upon the cruelty of his good fortune, he advanced towards Timareta, with intentions to throw himſelfe at her feet, and with the ſame reſpects he uſed: but the fair Timareta, turning her head at the noiſe of his walking, and ſpying Seſostris, ſhe more and more wiped off her teares, after which, ſtriving to bring joy in her eyes, ſhe roſe up, and ſaluting Seſoſtris with a more reverent civility then ordinary: What do you think of me Sir, (ſaid ſhe unto him) for not finding ſome opportunity to expreſſe my joyes at your good fortune, and grandure unto which you are raiſed? But Sir, ſince my deſtiny is to live with Shepheards, not Princes, I durſt not be ſo bold as to tell you my thoughts. Ah cruell Timareta (ſaid he to her) why why ſpeak you thus unto me? can you think the alteration of my quality or fortunes, can alter my heart? No, no, Timareta, deceive not your ſelfe, and wrong not me, I am the very ſame unto you now, that I was yeſterday, and you ſhall find me the very ſame upon a Throne, that I am and have been in this Iſle: call me no Sirs, I conjure you, for I declare that you, and only you ſhall reign Eternally in my ſoule: moreover my dear and lovely Timareta, do not force your ſelfe to rejoyce at the good fortune which is fallen upon me, but on the contrary know, that you cannot more injuriouſly affront my affection, then to rejoyce at any thing that may ſet me fartheſt from you: do not therefore intereſt your ſelf in the Fortune more then I my ſelfe doe; but if you will oblige me, confeſſe that I had ſome ſhare in thoſe teares, which I ſaw drop from thoſe fair eyes, when I came firſt unto you. Since you have been a witneſſe of my weakneſſe (replyed Timareta and bluſht) I will confeſſe you were the cauſe of my ſorrows, but I muſt confeſſe withall, that I did not grieve at your good fortune, though 'tis moſt true that the loſſe of you can only grieve me, and the more, becauſe I ſee it is moſt juſt I love you; for really it were a miracle, if you ſhould thinke upon an unfortunate Shepheardeſſe, amidſt all the grandures of a glorious Court; and indeed you are obliged in point of honour, to hide the memory you have had of me, and never to give me any more teſtimonies of your affection: You ſee then Sir, that it is the loſſe of my owne good fortune which I lament, and not at your happineſſe; for I doe proteſt unto you Sir, that as oft as I look upon you, and conſider, that now your quality is moſt ſuitable to your vertue, I am more joyed at your good fortune, then I am able to expreſſe; and when I think how in leaving your ſheep-hook, you get a Crown in exchange, I am extreamly ſatisfied: For all this, I cannot chuſe but remember, how I have loſt Seſoſtris, and ſhall ſtay in this Iſle without a deliverer; yet I beſeech you Sir, remember, that my ſorrows neither are, nor never ſhall be injurious to you. All the while Timareta was talking thus, Seſoſtris gazed upon her, with ſuch abundance both of love and ſorrow, that he thought he ſhould either have loſt his life, or his witts; and after a moſt attentive and ſighing audience, he began to grieve at his good fortune in good earneſt: Alas Timareta (ſaid he with a face full of ſorrow) am I any thing more then I was? and will they pull me from you to morrow? Yes, ſaid ſhe, and you ought to pull me out of your heart alſo, and perhaps will. Ah Timareta, cried he, do not adde unto my ſorrows, for they are ſo great, that they need no augmentation. No, no, Sir, (ſaid ſhe unto him) my language is more [Page] reaſonable then yours, and to ſhew you, that my affection and reaſon is not blinde, or that I preferre my own ſatisfaction before your glory, I doe declare, that there is no reaſon in the world but you ſhould forget Timareta, and that it is not fitting a great Prince ſhould love a ſimple ſhepheardeſſe. Ah Timareta, ſaid Seſoſtris, this ſimple ſhepheardeſſe you ſpeak of, is in my ſoule above all the Queenes upon earth: However, to morrow about this time you will be in a great and ſtately Court, and I ſhall be in a poor cabin, rejoycing at your happineſſe, and grieving at my owne misfortune: thus living in a continual miſcellany of teares for joy, and teares for ſorrow, the unhappy Timareta muſt drone away her daies in a deſart, till the day without any hopes of ever ſeeing you again. Oh Heavens (ſaid Seſoſtris, tranſported with love and ſorrow) I beſeech you let me ſee you every day: yes Timareta (ſaid he and kneeled to her) I am ready to forſake this Crown which hangs over my head, if you will for the love of me quit this Iſle: come, let us go my deareſt Timareta, and ſeek out ſome other deſart, where without any ambition, or Crowns, I may only raign in your ſoule, as you raigne in mine; let us try if we can eſcape this night following, perhaps I ſhall find a way to ſuborn my my gaurd: for I profeſſe to doe nothing but what ſhall pleaſe you, and will I marry you at the firſt place we come at, if you pleaſe; I promiſe you alſo never to remember I am the ſonne of Amaſis, nor pretend to any greater glory then your love. Your promiſes, replyed Timareta, are infinitely obliging; but for all that Sir, your honour will not permit me to accept of your propoſitions; you muſt give me leave only to heare them, and you, but never to wrong you: Alas, added ſhe, ſince my deſires ayme only, that your glory may flouriſh over the the whole earth, that you may be the admiration of the people over whom you are to raign, and that you may be happy both in peace and warr; I cannot deſire ſo much happineſſe to my ſelfe, upon any condition of being an hinderance to your felicity, I know Sir, it is unjuſt to deſire otherwiſe, but I cannot doe otherwiſe. I know moreover, that ambition is a paſſion ſo much ſtronger then love, that there is no likelyhood, but the firſt ſtep up unto that Throne which you ſhall one day mount, will make me loſe the ſight of you. For heavens ſake (ſaid Seſoſtris) tell me of no ſuch contrarieties, but make ſure of my affection by the waies which I propound. I cannot (replyed ſhe) for I would not have it coſt you a Crown; nor can I ever hope, that the Prince Seſoſtris, can be as faithfull as the Shepheard Seſoſtris; or though he ſhould, I can never be happy by it, ſince it cannot be, but by his being unhappy. However it be replyed Seſoſtris, I am moſt certain, that I ſhall never love any but Timareta: I cannot aſſure her (aded he and ſighed) to put the Crown of Aegypt upon her head, for perhaps it will never be in my power: I will ſwear unto her three moſt certain truths, firſt, that I can never be happy without her; ſecondly, if I can I will Crown her a Queen; and laſtly, ſhe ſhall for ever raigne in my heart. I would I could beleeve you, replyed Timareta, but I muſt confeſſe, I cannot; for what teſtimonies of affection ſoever you give me, I can find no ſecurity in them, ſince the Prince Seſostris is not obliged to keep any promiſes made by the Shepheard Seſoſtris. But my dear Timareta (ſaid he) now I am no ſhepheard, though in the habit of one, I ſwear unto you by all that's ſacred, that I will adore you eternally, and never any but you; ſo it is not the ſhepheard Seſoſtris who hath engaged his word unto you, but it is the ſonne of Amaſis, who as near as he is to paſſe from a cottage to a court, and from extream baſeneſſe, unto the height of grandure, doth proteſt unto you, that he had rather die at your feet, then live upon a Throne without you. I beſeech you Sir, ſaid Timareta, do not ſo much augment my ſorrows, by expreſſing your ſelfe ſo infinitely obliging, which will but make me more ſadly lament my loſſe. But my deareſt Timareta, ſaid he, you ſhall never loſe my heart: I will wiſh I may not Sir, replyed ſhe, but I can never hope for it: Ah me, ah, ſaid he, what ſhall I doe, that I may perſwade you of that reall thirſt in my intentions: Truly Sir, ſaid Timareta and ſighed, I ſhould be much puzled to tell you what, for I am extreamly glad you muſt be a King, I am very angry you are not ſtill a ſhepheard, and I have thoughts ſo contrary unto each other, that I am aſhamed of my owne weakneſſe, and the more, becauſe I am not able to hide it from you. Doe not call that weakneſſe, my deareſt Timareta, ſaid he unto her, which is ſo ſweet a teſtimony of your conſtant affection; but ſince I doe you juſtice in being juſt unto by ſelfe, I conjure you to beleeve, that neither time, abſence, ambition, nor any thing elſe in the earth, can make my mind alter from what I now profeſſe; and beleeve me, there is nothing which I would not doe to ſerve you, nor is there any thing I ever will willingly doe which ſhall offend you, or interrupt your affection. After this Sir, Seſoſtris was ſilent, ſorrow would not permit him to ſpeak one word more: Timareta for her part had not power to anſwer one word: 'tis true, they looked upon one another, and ſaw each others heart through their eyes, ſo that they had ſufficient cauſe of ſatisfaction; yet part they muſt for night did call them; [Page] and ſince they thought the next morning would not afford them the liberty of talking together, without too many witneſſes, after all ſerious looks with a ſad ſilence they bad each other adieu, and Seſoſtris being forced to part, he went down the Hill on the one ſide, Timareta went down the other ſide to the ſhepheardeſſe, who ſtayed for her ſome twenty paces from thence: the next morning, thoſe who were appointed to provide rich clothes, brought them, and Heracleon with abundance of the Court came to waite upon Seſoſtris, whoſe garb in thoſe rich habits appeared ſo high, that Timareta was the more ſad: gladly would ſhe, if ſhe could have ſtayed in her cabin, yet ſhe could not; needs muſt ſhe look at Seſoſtris as long as ſhe could, but that ſhe might be leſſe obſerved, ſhe got amongſt other ſhepheardeſſes about the Port, to ſee him embarque. In the mean time, Heracleon coming into the Iſle, met Timareta as ſhe was going to the Port, and as ſad as ſhe was, he ſaw her ſo very fair, that he was more charmed with her beauty this ſecond time, then the firſt, he had abundance of ſadneſſe in his countenance, and ſtill looked upon her as long as he could, and at parting, was as ſorry for her, as Timareta was to part with Seſoſtris: I muſt tell you Sir, that Seſoſtris and I agreed, that I ſhould ſtay in the Iſle to ſee whether Amenophis would return, to know from him what I ſhould doe, this Prince aſſuring me, that as ſoon as he was ſetled in the Court, he would then make his affection to me appear. That which moſt perplexed me, was, that I could not comprehend why Amenophis ſhould have ſuch a care of Amaſis his ſonne: but not being able to reach the reaſon, I reſted my mind in quiet; yet Seſoſtris conjured me with all the moſt obliging language poſſible to ſpeak of him every day unto his ſhepheardeſs: and indeed ſo I did, for as ſoon as he was imbarqued, I followed Timareta to her Chamber: but alas Sir, how ſad was our diſcourſe? for ſhe imagining, that ſhe ſhould never ſee, or at leaſt ſpeake to Seſoſtris againe as long as ſhe lived, did ſo extreamly grieve as truly I never ſaw the like. In the meane time, Seſoſtris ariving at the Port of Elephantine, found there one of the fineſt horſes in the World on which he mounted: there being alſo Horſes enough for all that followed him: All the people of that great Town were in the ſtreets to ſee him paſſe: A million of high Applaudes made the Aire Eccho: all the Ladies in the windowes ſtood to ſee him paſſe, and the Princeſſe Liſerina amongſt the reſt, who pretended to have no ſmal intereſt in the Glory of this Prince: you may well imagine Sir, how Amaſis entertained him, whom he acknowledged for his Sonne, he expreſſed all poſſible ſignes of tenderneſſe, and the more, becauſe Seſoſtris fill'd all the Court with admiration: for all imaginations being filled with this conceit, that ſince he was found amongſt a company of ſilly ſhepheards, his education would appear but meane: yet when they ſaw and heard him ſpeak, they could do nothing elſe but admire: The common people talked of nothing elſe but his handſome Garb▪ The Ladies of his ſpirit and civility; and Simandius of his Courage: ſo that within the compaſſe of eight daies, he had got as much eſteeme, as if he had been in the Court all his life: Amaſis overjoyed with having a ſucceſſor, forgot not his promiſes to the ſhepheards of the Iſle, for hee ſent them much riches, quitted them of tribute, and gave them high priviledges and immunities. But as for Traſeas in particular, and his family, he thought not this enough: Therefore for a teſtimony of his acknowledgement, he would have him dwell in a Caſtle which was ſome fifty furlongs from Elephantine, ſcituated between a great Lake, and a great Wood: And ſince Traſeas, had no diſpoſition to alter his profeſſion; he made him the richeſt ſhepheard in all Aegypt: Alſo hee would have Timareta leave the Iſle, and me alſo. But in leaving it, we left orders with the ſhepheards there to acquaint Amenophis if he returned where we were: In the meane while, Seſoſtris to teſtifie unto Timareta that he forgot her not; and that the beauties of the Court did not dazle his eyes, he ſent a ſervant ſecretly the third day, with a letter to Timareta which contained theſe words

SESOSTRIS unto TIMARETA.

I Have now ſeen all that can be called fair in the Court, but I find not one comparable to your ſelfe: Fear not then that I ſhall ever after my mind: but be aſſured that I am the very ſame in Elephantine, that I was in our deſart, and ſo ſhall continue untill the death of

SESOSTRIS.

You may imagine Sir, how joyfully Timareta received this teſtimony of fidelity from Seſaſtris: [Page] But perhaps you cannot comprehend that exceſſive ſorrow which followed her Raptures of joy. For, ſaid ſhe unto me, what will it availe me to have Seſoſtris continue faithfull, ſince, conſidering the unſutableneſſe of our qualities, he cannot continue his affection, unleſſe he do that which in the common opinion of the world, is unworthy of himſelfe? Is not this the very height of infortunacy, that the love Seſoſtris bears unto me ſhould be a ſhame unto him? Conſtancy which in it ſelfe is a virtue, would be now a weakneſſe in Seſoſtris if he ſhould continue loving me: yet I muſt needs confeſſe, I wiſh he would not change, ſince wee are never like to ſee each other: And ſince ſo, we run no hazards neither in my reputation, nor he in his Glory; But alas, it ſhall never be ſaid Seſoſtris has the heart of a ſhepheard in the habit of a Prince; therefore my dear Miris (ſaid this ſad ſhepheardeſſe) It is moſt fit that Seſoſtris ſhould forget me, and I him: But alas, to me it is impoſſible, and therefore ſhe diſſembled her thoughts in anſwering the Prince in theſe words.

TIMARETA unto the Prince SESOSTRIS.

SIR,

I Cannot better acknowledge the honour which you are pleaſed to do me, then by conjuring you to forget me: and for ever to deprive me of the onely thing in the World which can delight me: The ſacrifice which I offer is great: But how infinite is the debt owing unto the Prince Seſoſtris from the ſhepheardeſſe)

TIMARETA.

This letter did not ſo well pleaſe the Prince, as his letter did Timareta, nor was it long before he anſwered it, & before he moved her to write more ſincerely and more obligingly. Yet Timareta, did alwaies write with ſo much reſervedneſſe, that though Seſoſtris complained, yet he eſteemed her the more. In the meane while, ſome daies being ſpent in publique Feaſts, Amaſis ſent for Seſoſiris, and told him that ſince he intended the Princeſs of Liſerina for his wife, he would acquaint him with it, to the end he might apply himſelfe to win her heart as he had already her eſteem. Seſoſtris harkned unto this motion with much reſpect, but more ſorrow, inſomuch as he had much adoe to hide it: For his violent love of Timareta told him, he muſt never marry any other. Yet did he not contradict the motion which Amaſis made: but told him, that it were fit to give the Princeſſe Liſerina ſo much time as to forget ſhe had ſeen him a ſhepheard: and he ſpoke ſo handſomly, and with ſo much judgement, that Amaſis thought that Seſoſtris onely deſired to have ſome aſſurance of the Princeſſe Liſerinas affection before he married her, though it be not the cuſtome of Kings and Princes to marry with that conſideration. But the King thinking this ſmelt too much of a ſhepheard, told him, that Princes did not marry as other men, but married more for their people then themſelves, and therefore they had not alwaies the freedome of their choice: In ſhort, Amaſis ſpoke with ſo much ſoveraignty, that Seſoſtris would not gainſay his will: but ſince the King thought he had conſented, he told him that he would give him ſome daies reſpite, before he made a publication of it: When Seſoſtris parted from the King, he retired to his Chamber full of extreame ſorrow: Till now he looked upon Liſerina with much indifferency: but ſince this, hee looked upon her with unalterable averſion: and as oft as he conſidered that Amaſis would marry him unto her, he was ready to run out of his wits: for love does often drive one to hope for not onely things difficult, but even things impoſſible. Seſoſtris, ſometimes hoped that happily Amaſis would not force him to marry her, but that when it ſhould pleaſe the gods to afford him a fit opportunity of retiring himſelfe from the World, hee would then marry his fair ſhepheardeſſe, as well as many Kings of Aegypt had married with Graecian ſlaves. In concluſion Sir, Seſoſtris reſolved to imploy all his poſſible endeavours, to deferre the marriage, leaving the reſt to the Conduct of the gods. In the meane time Heracleon was as full of reſtleſſe thoughts as he, though in a different way, for certainly ambition was the torture of his mind. But ſince he could not alter the order of things as he pleaſed, how envious ſoever he was to ſee Seſoſtris ſo near the Crown; hee complied with him as with a Prince, whoſe friendſhip he would gain, though himſelfe could not Raign: and endeavoured to divert him with a poſſible complacency: yet Seſoſtris could not affect the converſation of Heracleon: for beſides his imperious diſpoſition, he conſidered him as the brother of Liſerina, who he thought did eagerly put on his marriage with this Princeſſe; inſomuch as he could not poſſibly affect him. In the mean time, ſince Civility would not permit him to fall out with him, they were continually together. And Heracleon conceiving he could not poſſibly deviſe [Page] any diverſion more ſutable to his age then hunting: He invited him very often to that ſport, wherein Seſoſtris ſeemed to take great delight; more affecting to be in the fields and woods, where he might ſometimes entertain his own thoughts, then to be in Elephantine, where hee was very often conſtrained to entertain Liſerina. But, Sir, be pleaſed to know, that Heracleon and he being one day hunting together, the beaſt which they purſued, did lead them near the Caſtle where Traſeas dwelt, ſo that riding along the Lake they ſaw the fair Timareta walking by the water ſide, and in ſuch a profound ſtudy, that the merry cry of the dogs, and the ſhrill muſique of the Horns could hardly make her look up, and ſee who paſſed by her. But at laſt the noiſe being ſo loud and near, ſhe turned aſide with a languiſhing look, as if ſhe had been married unto a crabbed Husband, who interrupted her ſtudy: And ſhe no ſooner lifted up her eyes, but Seſoſtris and Heracleon knew her, and ſtopt; letting the Chaſe run on. Timareta no ſooner ſaw them ſtop, but ſhe knew them alſo; and bluſhing, ſhe ſeemed more fair then ever, and ſo charmed the eyes of Heracleon, that in talking to Seſoſtris he could not chuſe but extoll her. Seſoſtris was grieved to the very ſoul, that hee durſt not throw himſelfe at the feet of his fair Shepheardeſſe, whom he ſo much reſpected all the while he was a Shepheard. But at laſt, his love ſurmounting all other conſiderations: Though I ſhall appeare a Shepheard in the habit of a Prince (ſaid he, and laughed) as Achilles did a boy in the habit of a woman when he could not chuſe but wear a ſword, I muſt ſtay one minute, and ſpeake unto this fair Shepheardeſſe; were it for nothing but to ask how he doth with whom I lived. For my part, ſaid Heracleon, I am much joyed at the motion, onely out of a deſire to pleaſe my ſelf in looking upon her. After this theſe two Princes alighted from their horſes, and went to Timareta, who continuing on her walk, went towards Nicetis, who was not far off, but ſhe was prevented by theſe two Princes, who ſuiting their civilities according to her beauty, not her quality, did accoſt her as if ſhe had been of their own. Their diſcourſe with her was long, though nothing of privacy, or any thing of concernment; yet ſhe ſpoke with ſo much ſpirit and grace, as when they parted Heracleon was no leſſe in love then Seſoſtris: So that coming out of Elephantine with two, but love & ambition, he returned with three, ſince certainly he grew jealous as ſoon as in love; for though Seſoſtris in ſpeaking to Timareta did keep a carefull diſtance, and though Timareta on her ſide did examine every word, and did regulate their very looks, yet maugre all their precaution, Heracleon ſaw in their eyes ſome ſparks of that fire which burned in their hearts, ſo that both his Love and his Jealouſie begun both at once: But for his better ſatisfaction, in their way to Elephantine he asked the Prince Seſoſtris, whether it was poſſible he could ſo long live with Timareta, and not be in love? Seſoſtris, who for ſeverall reaſons would not have it thought he was in love with this Shepheardeſſe, told him handſomly, that it was with beauty as with the Sun, continual looking upon it, makes it never admired; and he being brought up with Timareta from the cradle, he ever thought her fair, but never found matter of adoration in her. But ſince Seſoſtris could not ſay this without his face betrayed his tongue, as his tongue belyed his heart, Heracleon was confirmed in his opinion; he being a man violent in all things, and poſſeſſed with the three moſt violent paſſions that the heart of man is capable of, he preſently began to endeavour wayes for the ſatisfaction of them all: But ſince Love was the paſſion moſt predominate, he did oftentimes uſe to come and look for Timareta, not onely by that water ſide, but in the houſe where they dwelt, though ſhe entreated him with as much wiſdome as modeſty not to put himſelf unto the trouble; and in every viſit he grew ſo deep in love, that it almoſt ſtified his ambition, and the more, becauſe he found in her as much virtue as beauty, and an invincible reſiſtance. As for Seſoſtris, ſince more eyes were upon him then Heracleon, he could not ſo eaſily ſee her, and it was onely once that he found an opportunity to ſteal ſo much time as to talk with her, and then he was ſo unhappy as it was known unto Heracleon, who was almoſt choaked with deſpair. In the mean time Amaſis, thinking he had given long enough time for conſideration unto Seſoſtris, began to publiſh unto all the world, that he would marry him with the Princeſſe Liſerina. The firſt Ceremonies were performed: So that ſince all Marriages of perſons of this quality are quickly divulged, it was not onely known at Elephantine, but the news was carryed as far as Timareta: But when the wiſe and prudent Timareta did plainly foreſee, that as ſoon as Seſoſtris ceaſed from being a ſhepheard, the King would infallibly oblige him to marry, ſhe grieved exceedingly, yet endeavoured all ſhe could to hide her ſorrows, but could not; for I have heard her expreſſe her ſelf concerning Seſoſtris, ſo generouſly, ſo wiſely, and yet ſo paſſionately, and obligingly, that I diſcovered more grandure of ſpirit and ſoul in her then ever before. In the mean while Seſoſtris was not leſſe ſad then ſhe: Liſerina onely, who courted the Crown more then the affection of [Page] Seſoſtris, ſhe had all the joy poſſible; yet ſhe thought it ſomewhat ſtrange that the Prince ſo full of ſpirit, as he was, ſhould look upon her onely with eyes of civility: But the predominate paſſion of her heart being ſatisfied, ſhe cheered up her ſelfe, eſpecially ſeeing that in all appearance, nothing could hinder her marriage: the reports whereof, were ſo generally divulged, that none made any queſtion of it: It ſeemed as if the ceremonies were to be performed at Elephantine, at which the King was well pleaſed; and ſhe hoped her happineſſe was now ſo nigh that nothing could prevent it: But what ſhe called happineſſe Seſoſtris called miſery: and indeed his ſoul was ſo wholly devoted unto Timareta, that the Luſter of her fair eyes dimmed all the other beauties of the Court: ſince hee ſaw the noiſe of his marriage was ſo loud as it might reach her eare; he could not reſt untill he found an opportunity to ſteale away and viſit her; and to that end, hee went unto his Chamber one evening very timely, and took horſe immediately at the Palace Garden dore, and went unto Tamareta: hee knew Traſeas went not to bed ſo ſoone as others, becauſe his flocks of ſheepe were late in the field: But we were much aſtoniſhed to ſee this Prince arive ſo late with one ſervant which uſed to bring his letters unto Timareta: who then was in the walk towards the Lake, where the Trees not being very thick, the light of the Moon, was light enough. A young ſhepheardeſſe who ſerved Nicetis, was in the ſame walke where the Prince came to ſeek Timareta, after he had given me order to keep Traſeas from interrupting them: Seſoſtris was full of moſt tender expreſſions to her: he offered her a hundred times the very ſame he did in the Iſle, where their love had originall. Hee profered to renownce all Grandure, Court and Crown, ſo ſhe would but follow his fortune: And this Generous ſhepheardeſſe did a hundred times conjure him, to doe nothing unworthy of that Grandure unto which he was raiſed, and to propoſe nothing unto her unworthy of his virtue: But ſay what ſhe could, he was ſtill in the ſame tune, and ſaid he would never marry Liſerina, conjuring her not to let any reports or appearances delude her, but conſtantly to believe, that he would never be anies but hers. Timareta contradicted this laſt expreſſion of Seſoſtris, but it was very faintly, for ſhe had not ſo much power over her ſelf as to adviſe him unto a marriage with Liſerina: but ſhee told him reſolutely, ſhee [...] would not have him quit the Court, nor carry her away: but when hee talked of his marriage with Liſerina, her tongue could not betrayher heart, all her expreſſions were blaſted: Little and weak perſwaſion was in her Eloquence. Moreover, Timareta being very prudent, ſhe thought not fit to acquaint Seſoſtris with all the viſits of Heracleon. For ſince ſhe knew him to be in favour with Amaſis, ſhe thought it not wiſdome to ſow any ſeeds of diviſion between them. But on the other ſide, ſhe thought it not diſcretion to ſay nothing to him: therefore ſhe told him, that ſometimes as his hunting chaſe drew him that way he would call: But ſince Seſoſtris had obſerved that Heracleons heart was wounded with the beauty of Timareta, though ſhe ſpoke nothing of it, yet he beleeved him to be deeply in love: But yet he feared not to drive him far enough from the heart of this lovely ſhepheardeſſe, ſo that hee parted very well ſatisfied from her, and likewiſe ſhe from him, conſidering the ſtate preſent of their fortunes. In the meane while, Heracleons heart being torn in pieces by three unruly paſſions, he could not chuſe but open himſelf unto a friend of his named Taniſis, whoſe ſpirit was not onely ſubtile, but capable of all villanies and cheates in the World, reſpecting neither Divine nor humane Lawes, and followed no other rule of life, but what would pleaſe or profit him: yet did he appear in the eyes of all the World in another vizard; and having ſpirit and wit enough, he palliated all his villanies with virtuous ſemblances, the better to compaſſe his ends: yet had he no intimate friend but Heracleon onely, but the League between them two was ſo great and cloſe, that none could be greater. In the mean time, as I told you, Heracleon acquainted Taniſis with the preſent poſture of his ſoule, ſo aggravating the Grandure of his love, of his jealouſly and of his Ambition, that he perceived the miſeries which he endured, required extream remedies. And that let them be what they would, he was able to ſerve him. Firſt Taniſis, who thought it more expedient to ſatisfie the Ambition of his friend, then his love, becauſe himſelfe had more intereſt in that paſſion then the other, told him, that at what rate ſoever it was, he muſt hinder the marriage between Seſoſtris and the Princeſſe Liſerina: In order to which, he muſt ſo protract it, that Amaſis who was not well, might firſt die, before it was accompliſhed, ſince it was likely he would not live long: It was thought that he adviſed to poyſon him, to the end he might hinder Seſoſtris from being acknowledged his ſucceſſor, and that he might be ſucceſſor himſelf: As for the ſatisfaction of of his love, Taniſis could not imagine, that the heart of a ſimple ſhepheardeſs could hold out againſt a man of Heracleons quality: he adviſed him firſt to have recourſe unto preſents, and [Page] afterwards to carry her away: As they were thus buſied, and Heracleon ſaw nothing to doe but to put the adviſe of Taniſis in execution, one of his ſervants came to tell him, that the Kings Officer, who had been unjuſtly accuſed for raiſing that tumult which was in a Town within the Province of Thebes deſired to ſpeak with him. But, Sir, before I acquaint you with what this Officer told Heracleon, give me leave to put you in memory, that it was the very ſame man who found dying Ladice's Letter where Amenophis loſt it, and who afterwards let it fall in Elephantine, where he was forced to retire untill his friends had procured his Juſtification. After this, Sir, be pleaſed to know, that when he came within two dayes journey of Elephantine unto one of his friends, he fell ſick with ſorrow, and to that height, as a Feaver ſeiſed upon him, which for ſome dayes bereft him of his reaſon, but after he was recovered, and enquired of the paſſages in the world, he was much ſurpriſed to underſtand that the King had that Letter which he loſt, and the more to hear that Seſoſtris was acknowledged for his Sonne: For Ladice's Letter not being ſealed, when this Officer found it, he read it, and remembered very well that Ladice told the King ſhe had left him a Daughter, and not a Sonne: So that not knowing what to thinke, he wondered that Amaſis knowing the Princeſſe his Wives hand ſhould not give credit unto her words; for thoſe with whom he was, were ignorant that the Letter was a little torn or defaced; ſo that to be better ſatisfied he writ unto one of his friends in Elephantine: but before he began to write, he looked in his Table-book, in which he had put dying Ladice's Letter before he was ſick, and there miraculouſly found a little bit of the Letter which made it apparent, that Ladice left a Daughter, and not a Sonne: So that then apprehending the miſtake of Amaſis, and knowing how he had formerly expreſſed himſelf, that if it were a Daughter Heracleon ſhould marry her, hee thought that he had found out a way to undeceive the King of his errour, to make Heracleon happy, and to raiſe himſelf a fortune: And therefore he carefully ſealed up this little bit of the letter, and as weak as he was he came to Elephantine in the night, going ſtreight unto Heracleon's houſe, and found him in the company of Taniſis, as I told you. At firſt he deſired to ſpeake with him in private, but Heracleon telling him, that nothing was ſo ſecret which Taniſis ſhould not know, he began to tell him, how he had found Ladice's Letter, and how he had loſt it, and how he had found that which would convince Amaſis of his errour in thinking Ladice left him a Sonne; for it would be eaſie to prove it unto the King by that little bit of the Letter which mentioned a Daughter, and which was torn out of the Letter; ſo that comparing this bit with the Letter it ſelf, he might find them ſo evenly jump, that the King might be put out of all errour. Heracleon was beyond all expreſſion glad, that he could render the birth of Seſoſtris doubtfull; but to goe ſurely to work, he would have this Officer concealed in his houſe, and examine all things at more leaſure, conjuring him to have a ſpeciall care of that which muſt take the Crown from his Siſter and Seſoſtris, and put it upon his own head; for he made no queſtion but Timareta was daughter unto Amaſis: Yet could he not deviſe why Traſeas ſhould diſguiſe the truth. But ſince it appeared that Ladice had a Daughter, it muſt neceſſarily follow that there was ſome impoſture in the relation of Traſeas: So that to ſift the matter before it came to the King, Heracleon and Taniſis reſolved to tamper with Traſeas, and either by promiſes or menaces to ſcrew the matter out of him: This courſe being reſolved upon, Heracleon and Taniſis went to the houſe of Traſeas, and came thither before the Sun was up, or Timareta awake. But the more to oblige unto a true relation, Heracleon would tell him at firſt what he knew: I come hither (ſaid he unto him) to make you confeſſe the truth of the buſineſſe which I know as well as your ſelf, but to know what reaſon you had to tell the King a lye, and to make him moſt injuſtly to acknowledge Seſoſtris for his Son, and to obſcure that Daughter which the Princeſſe Ladice left him? Speak Traſeas (ſaid he) tell me your reaſon for it? but never goe about to maintaine Seſoſtris to be his and Ladice's Sonne; for know, that the King within theſe two dayes muſt ſee all that wants in Ladice's Letter, which will apparently prove the King is gulled, and that Seſoſtris is not his Sonne, and that all tortures that can be deviſed will be inflicted upon you to make you ſpeak the truth: yet if you will truſt me, and tell me truly why you put this impoſture upon him, and where the Daughter of Amaſis is, I will promiſe not onely to protect you, but to keep you in the Kings favour: And if you will confeſſe unto me that Timareta is his Daughter, and doe as I would have you, I will promiſe you a recompence much above that which Amaſis gave you. Whilſt Heracleon was ſpeaking thus, Traſeas was extreamly perplexed; for he perceived by his manner of ſpeaking, that hee knew all the truth: ſo that fear damping his ſpirits, he could not reaſon upon the matter; yet he perceived, that though Heracleon knew Seſoſtris was not the Son of Amaſis, yet he did not [Page] know him to be the Sonne of Apriez; therefore hee conceived him to be ignorant of it, otherwiſe hee would moſt certainly have intimated it unto him: So that afafter he had ſeriouſly conſidered with himſelf, he reſolved to confeſſe unto Heracleon, that Timareta was the daughter of Amaſis, conceiving it was that which he principally deſired: for Traſeas being a man of a quick wit, and ſpirit enough, and knowing that the King when he was in the Iſle, ſaid, if he had a Daughter he would marry her unto Heracleon: he doubted not but it was his own intereſt which he ſought after: But as he reſolved to confeſſe the truth, as relating unto Timareta, and to ſay ſhe was the daughter of Amaſis: So he reſolved alſo not to diſcover that Seſoſtris was the Sonne of Apriez: for it was a horror unto his conſcience to deliver the Sonne of his Legitimate King unto the hands of an uſurper, who perhaps world put him to death: ſo after he had well conſulted with himſelfe, and ſeeing Heracleon multiply both promiſes and threatnings. Sir, (ſaid he unto him) If you will ſolemnly ſwear that you will ſave my life: I ſhall confeſſe all I know, and as much perhaps as you deſire to know: Heracleon then ſwearing unto him, Traſeas confeſſed that Timareta, was the Kings Daughter: Adding, that Seſoſtris was his own Sonne: and that Fatherly indulgence prompted him to make him King in prejudice of Timareta; and then King alſo to get a better recompence, for finding the King a Sonne, then a Daughter: But, (ſaid Heracleon unto him) It appears Seſoſtris paſſed for the Sonne of Amenophis, and not as yours, and you confeſſed as much to the King: 'Tis very true Sir, (replyed Traſeas boldly, the better to colour his lie) but the reaſon was, becauſe when the contagion did almoſt depopulate our Iſle, and when the Queen and the Prince Seſoſtris her Sonne dyed, and ſpared this Seſoſtris whom now you know Amenophis with a thouſand promiſes of recompence, deſired me to let my ſon paſs for his, never telling me his reaſon for it: and indeed I conſented, knowing my Son would be more rich by paſſing for his Sonne then mine: ſo that all the ſhepheards in the Iſle never thought Seſoſtris to be my Sonne: After this Heracleon and Taniſis began to whiſper low one to another, and to examine what Traſeas had ſaid concerning Seſoſtris: For they ſaw Amenophis had a deſign to make Seſoſtris paſſe for the Son of Apriez: and they began to ſuſpect that Traſeas had not told the truth, but that Seſoſtris was really the Sonne of Apriez. Yet they did not conceive it expedient to dive too deep into the matter, for knowing that Amaſis of late was much ſtung with remorſe of conſcience for all that was paſſed, they feared that if he ſhould come to know that Seſoſtris was the Sonne of Apriez, and afterwards ſhould heare of the affection between Seſoſtris and Timareta, he would marry them together to quiet his conſcience, and to take away all colour of War: Therefore, though Heracleon did ſuſpect Seſoſtris was not the reall Seſoſtris, yet he did not make his ſuſpitions known unto Traſeas; but reſolved by the adviſe of Tanaſis, firſt to let him become a ſhepheard again, and afterwards abſolutely to ruine him. But Sir, after an exact conſideration of all the conſequences in this affair, they inſtructed Traſeas, in all they would have him doe, Heracleon beginning to let him have a taſt of his liberality. And to the end Traſeas ſhould not have time to repent or fly, or adventure Seſoſtris or Timareta, they obliged him to go preſently with them unto Elephantine: Leaving two Servants which came with them, to conduct him, appointing them to follow Traſeas ſome twenty paces from him, and no nearer, leſt too much notice ſhould be taken: But Sir, Heracleon, as it was plotted betwixt him and Traſeas, went to the King as he returned from the Temple, and as he was entering into his Palace, Traſeas fell down upon his knees moſt humbly beſeeching the King to give him audience: Amaſis turning about, and knowing him, thought that ſome had done him wronge, and he demanded juſtice, or that he had not received what he commanded ſhould be given him: So that turning towards him, It is juſt, ſaid he, that the man who found me a ſucceſſor ſhould obtain what audience he deſires. Oh Sir, (ſaid Traſeas with tears in his eyes) I come not to demand any juſtice, but a pardon, ſince I am the moſt guilty man alive. Amaſis being aſtoniſhed at the Language of Traſeas, in whoſe countenance, he ſaw fear imprinted, commanded him to follow, becauſe he would not have all the people to hear: and being entred into his Chamber, where he would have none to follow, but Heracleon and Traſeas. This ſhepheard fell down upon his knees again, Sir, ſaid he to Amaſis, you ſee proſtrate at your feet, that miſerable ſhepheard, whoſe ambition to make his Sonne King, has made himſelfe the moſt culpable of men: For truly Sir, Seſoſtris is my Sonne and not yours: and Timareta whoſe beauty attracts the eyes of all that behold her, is really your Daughter. Amaſis infinitly perplexed at this, began to look upon Traſeas with much anger: How doſt thou think I can believe thee (ſaid he unto him) after ſuch a fair tale when I was in the Iſle? how can I believe this which now thou telleſt me is true? who or what will you give me good ſecurity of it? for ſince thou art capable of ſuch an impoſture, may I not as well think thou wouldſt make thy Daughter to Raigne in [Page] prejudice of my Sonne, as thy Sonne in prejudice of my Daughter. From whence proceeds this remorſe of conſcience which thus expoſeth thee to my fury? Hath Oſiris appeared unto thee? or what hath cauſed thy repentance? Sir, replyed Traſeas (following the inſtructions of Heracleon) As ſoon as I heard of your Majeſties intentions of marrying Seſoſtris unto the Princeſſe Liſerina, my conſcience did ſo extreamly torture me, that I had rather ſuffer the puniſhment which I deſerve, then to let a miſerable Shepheard run any longer into ſuch a fortune as he was unworthy of. Moreover, Sir, if the weakneſſe of your eye-ſight had not hindred you from ſeeing that extream reſemblance which Timareta hath of the Princeſſe her Mother, you would at firſt have known her for your Daughter; and this did induce me principally to deceive your Majeſty. Heracleon would then have ſpoke ſomething in favour of [...]ſeas, but Amaſis not hearing him, asked this Shepheard a hundred queſtions, unto all wh [...] he gave ſuch ſatisfactory quick anſwers, that Amaſis was at a dilemma. However, he loved Seſoſtris ſo well, that his naturall inclination prompted him to maintaine him in the rank wherein he was, and to puniſh Traſeas as an Impoſtor. But as he was in this mind, the Officer which was concealed at Heracleons houſe, and was inſtructed by him, ſent unto the King by the Captain of his Guard, that he had ſome buſineſſe with him whereupon depended the tranquillity of all his life, and that it concerned him to know it as ſoon as poſſibly hee could. Amaſis with a diſordered minde, commanded him to enter, and the ſooner, becauſe hee underſtood this man had cleared himſelfe of that raiſing of Sedition, whereof hee was accuſed, I ſhall not tell you, Sir, in what language this man acquainted the King, how it was hee who found the Letter in Nea, how he read it as ſoon as he found it, and ſaw that it mentioned the leaving him a Daughter; how afterwards he loſt it at Elephantine, and how miraculouſly he found that which would convince him of his errour; for if I ſhould make a full relation, it would be too tedious, Sir, unto you. However Amaſis no ſooner heard what he ſaid, but being very impatient to ſee what he had brought him, he took the little bit of paper which the man had preſerved; and the King joyning it unto the Letter of Ladice which was torn, it filled up ſo even and juſtly, and anſwered unto every corner, like wax unto a Seal, that there could not be the leaſt ſuſpition of any couſenage; for it joyned ſo cloſe, that it was hard to be ſeen where it was torne: But as the King was much ſurpriſed to ſee this little bit of the Letter fit his place ſo juſtly; ſo was he much more, to finde, that then it was as plain as the Sun, that Ladice left him a Daughter; for the word Daughter was in that little bit which was added: nor could he ſuſpect any forgery, but that it was writ with the hand of Ladice as well as the reſt of the Letter. Amaſis then being ſatisfied that Seſoſtris was not his Sonne, asked Traſeas who he was? and he anſwered him as he anſwered Heracleon, to wit, that himſelf was the Father of Seſoſtris; and anſwered ſo fully unto all objections which Amaſis could put unto him, that he could find no cauſe of contradiction. But ſince Heracleons paſſion did as well thirſt for revenge upon Seſoſtris as his Rivall, as to ſatisfie both his love and ambition by marrying Timareta, he told the King in a low voice, that he beleeved Amenophis had taken the ſonne of Traſeas intending to make him paſſe for the Sonne of Apriez; and according to his judgement, it were fit to obſerve him, leſt he ſhould goe into Thebes, and perſwade the people that hee was the reall Seſoſtris. But Amaſis, who did extreamly affect Seſoſtris, whoſoever he was, not onely becauſe he had obtained him a glorious victory, but by reaſon of a powerfull inſtinct, he would not hearken unto the propoſition. It is enough, ſaid he, if I take from Seſoſtris the quality of a Prince, and not his liberty; and let his birth be what it will, it appears ſo gloriouſly in the world, that I cannot think it baſe: If any be to be arreſted, it is Traſeas, not him; and indeed the King committed him unto the cuſtody of his Guard, and appointed two women of quality in Elephantine to goe unto Timareta. But ſince Heracleon would needs be the firſt that ſhould carry this good news unto his faireſt Shepheardeſſe, he beſeeched the King he might wait upon the two Ladies thither, which he granted him, expreſly charging him, and the Officer who found Ladice's letter, and Traſeas to ſay nothing without permiſſion from him, of any thing which had paſſed amongſt them. Thus the Prince Seſoſtris, being ignorant of what was doing againſt him, thought of nothing but that miſery which his greatneſſe cauſed unto him, not thinking he was like to loſe it. In the mean time Heracleon went to Timareta, who was much troubled for Traſeas as well as Nicetis, but much more was ſhe moved at the ſight of a Coach full of Ladyes, and when theſe Ladyes told her, they had commands from the King to carry her unto him, at firſt, Timareta anſwered, that it was not credible ſo great a Prince deſired to ſee ſo ſimple a Shepheardeſſe as her ſelfe. Yet when ſhe ſaw them in good earneſt, ſhe began to fear that Heracleon, who [Page] ſhe ſaw amongſt them, would put ſome trick upon her: But he perceiving her thought, by the leave of the Ladies tooke her aſide, and being ſeparated ſome Paces from the Company, conjured her not to acquaint the King how he had revealed his ſecret unto her. Truly Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, you think I do not know my ſelf, but becauſe I have been brought up with the Prince Seſoſtris, therefore that muſt make me familiar with the King his Father: No Madam ſaid he unto her: ah Sir, (ſaid ſhe and interrupted him) I beſeech you do not ſo extreamly Jeere me: do not give me any ſuch title as ſhepheardeſſes do not underſtand: I doe not give you the title as a ſhepheardeſſe (replyed he) but as a Princeſſe. For now, Seſoſtris is no more then a ſimple ſhepheard, and you are the Daughter of Amaſis. Believe me Madam, (ſaid Heracleon, ſeeing ſhe gave no credit to him) what I ſpeak is truth; and before to morrow night, you will ſee your ſelfe above all the Grandees in Aegypt, and Seſoſtris will [...] below all that can be called baſe. Oh Sir, (replied Timareta all amuſed) Fortune is ne [...] ſo blind nor ſo unjuſt, as to cauſe ſuch a Revolution: However it be, ſaid he, theſe Ladies have orders to wait upon you unto Elephantine; And I to guard you, then being my ſelf infinitly happy in the honour of being the firſt meſſenger of ſuch good newes. This you tell me ſeemes ſo impoſſible (replied ſhe) that I cannot believe it; and though it ſhould be true, yet I finde my ſelfe ſo unworthy of ſuch an honour, that I ſhall never receive it. After this, they put Timareta in the Coach; but ſhe would not goe, unleſſe they would let Nicetis go with her. In the meane time, ſhe being naturally handſome, and ſince ſhe was alwaies uncertain whether Seſoſtris would come that way in hunting, ſhe was never in her negligent dreſſe; Therefore ſhe appeared ſo fair in the eyes of thoſe Ladies who waited upon her, that they all admired her beauty: As for Heracleon, he thought himſelf almoſt at the top of happineſſe: For he imagined himſelfe married unto the greateſt beauty of all Aegypt, and unto one who would make him King. Moreover, he had the ſatisfaction, to put his rivall beſides his Miſtreſſe and Throne: So that meeting with that at one time, which would fully ſatisfie, both his love, his ambition, his jealouſie, and his revenge, he was as happy as his own wiſhes could make him. But ſo was not Timareta, whoſe aſtoniſhment was ſo high, that ſhe was not capable either of joy or ſorrow; yet ſhe enclined more unto the latter of theſe then the firſt. In the meane time, ſhe arived at the Court: Heracleon acquaints the King; and he bids her to enter. But ſhe was not ſooner two paces within the Chamber, and the King upon a ſudden ſeeing as well as ever he did: he found in Timaretaes face ſuch a prodigious reſemblance of the Princeſſe Ladice his wife, that he made no doubt but Timareta was his Daughter: ſo that embracing her with abundance of tenderneſſe, he acknowledged her for his own: and acknowledged her with as much joy, as he was at the miraculous change in his ſight, which made him able to behold Timareta, and confirmed him in his opinion that the gods would protect him. Timareta ſeeing the honours which the King did her, knew not how to receive them: yet ſhe told him with as great grace as modeſty, that ſhe was onely a ſimple ſhepheardeſſe, and farre unworthy ſuch favours from ſo great a King: for ſince ſhe thought it impoſſible that ſhe ſhould be acknowledged for a Princeſſe and that Seſoſtris ſhould become a ſhepheard again, ſhe would not anſwer the King as his Daughter. In the meane time, ſince the King made no queſtion of of what Traſeas told him concerning Timareta, he alſo believed all he ſaid concerning Seſoſtris; ſo that thinking his repentance had expiated his crime, he commanded him to be ſet at liberty, and to come before him. Traſeas no ſooner ſaw Timareta, but he asked her pardon, for offering to take the Crown from her, and giving it unto Seſoſtris. Timareta hearing Traſeas ſay ſo, bluſht, and looked down with her eyes: yet was it not for any anger at the injury he had done her; but for ſorrow that ſhe ſhould be a cauſe of Seſoſtris his returning unto a ſhepheard again. In the meane time, the King cauſed all the Ladies to enter, and told them who Timareta was: ſo that this fair ſhepheardeſſe, becoming a Princeſſe in an inſtant, you may well imagine, ſhe ſtood in need of as great a ſpirit as ſhe had. And ſince Amaſis had commanded the matter ſhould be cloſly carried, leſt Seſostris ſhould know the alteration in his Fortune: he cauſed Timareta and all the Ladies to go into another room, and commanded to fetch Seſoſtris unto him. But as Timareta was ready to go out of the Kings Chamber, being prompted by a thought which ſhe could not keep in, Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, I beſeech you give me leave, before I goe, to ask you whether Traſeas who I ever thought to be my father, ever told you how I owe my life unto Seſoſtris: and that if I have the honour to be your Daughter, you are obliged to recompence him for my ſake: As Timareta could not ſpeak [...], without ſome diſorder which appeared in her face, Heracleon had much more diſ [...] in his heart: and the more, becauſe the King deſiring to know how Seſoſtris ſaved Timaretas [...]e, This fair Princeſſe it unto him, with all poſſible aggravations, as if ſhee [Page] had a deſire, in taking the Crown from Seſoſtris, at leaſt to procure him the Kings favour: 'Tis true, he had a ſtronge inclination, to lend a favourable eare unto any thing that was in advantage of Seſoſtris. Therefore when Timareta had ended her relation, the King aſſured her, that he would eſteem Seſoſtris as her deliverer: Then he parted from her, as ſoon as hee had commanded the Ladies, to ſee her in an Equipage ſutable to her preſent quality: ſo Heracleon conducted her unto her Chamber. As for Nicetis ſhe met her husband in the outerchamber. In the meane while, Amaſis having ſent for Seſoſtris, he perceived in his going to the King, that there was ſome extraordinary matter in the wind: for notwithſtanding all their care's to conceale it, the noiſe of it was ſpread abroad. But though he ſaw wonder in all the faces he met, yet he could not gueſſe what the matter was: but he was not long in ignorance, for as ſoon as he came unto the King, who prepared him as well as he could to make the newes as little ſad unto him as he could: he told how he had been deceived, how that he was not his Sonne, and how Timareta was his Daughter, demonſtrating unto him all his proofes: Moreover (ſaid he, and gave him not time to ſpeake) do not think that the man whom I eſteemed worthy to be my ſon and really was ſo, ſhall ever become a ſhepheard again: No, no Seſoſtris, I do not intend it: but on the contrary, I will make a publique declaration that you ſhall have a Ranke above all my Nobility, and continue ſo near the Throne, as it ſhall be hardly perceived you have had a fall. Sir (replyed Seſoſtris, who had time to recollect himſelfe whilſt the King was ſpeaking) ſince I received the honour of being taken for your ſonne, without any pride or oſtententation: So I receive the newes of my change, without a grudg, or deſpair, or ſorrow: yet I muſt needs confeſſe, that if I had quitted this honour unto any other but Timareta, I ſhould have been moſt exreamly ſad: but I know her virtue ſo worthy of her quality, that I ſtand in need of no comforts in my loſſe, ſince ſhe is the gainer: Moreover Sir, I confeſſe my ſelf infinitly obliged unto you for your Princely expreſſions, but yet I cannot accept of your offers: for truly Sir, if ever I come into the ranke of your Nobility, I will be ſomething beholding unto my ſword, and not altogether unto your goodneſſe for the honour: And truly conſidering the preſent condition of my Soul, I am not yet reſolved whether I ſhould make uſe of my ſheephook or my ſword: for I had need of a little time to examine whether I have found more or leſſe misfortune in the one then in the other: Yet I moſt humbly beſeech you to believe, that I never contributed any thing unto your Majeſties error, ſince I never thought my ſelfe to be the Sonne of Traſeas, but of Amenophis. But whatſoever I be Sir, I ſhall be alwaies affectionately devoted unto your ſervice: But before I leave the Court, I beſeech you give me leave to bid adieu unto the Princeſſe Timareta. I conſent unto it moſt willingly (ſaid the King) but not that you ſhall bid her adieu; Seſoſtris anſwered unto theſe obliging expreſſions, with much reſpect: and though Amaſis would not have him go from the Palace; yet he would not lie there, but went unto my friend whom I brought him acquainted with, and where we left all our martiall Equipage. Hee was no ſooner there, but he ſent for me to acquaint me with the revolution in his fortune; yet I knew it before, by Traſeas and Nicetis, who were returned home. But when I came unto his Chamber. Well my dear Miris, ſaid he unto me, is not my fortune very fickle? and muſt not he be either inſenſible or mortall that dies not for ſorrow at ſuch an alteration? not that I do at all regreet the Grandure ſo much as perhaps you imagine, for thankes be to the heavens, I have a ſoul which ſores above all ſorts of ambition: but that which grieves my ſoul is, that I am ſtill at an unſutable diſtance from Timareta, either as a Prince or a ſhepheard; and I conceive, that though ſhe poſſeſſe that honour which I had yeſterday, and I that which ſhe hath quitted; yet I am ſtill further of inequality then before. For had I been a King, I might have created her a Queen: but Timareta being Princeſſe, muſt never make me a King; and therefore my dear Miris, if I doe lament the loſſe of a Scepter, it is not out of ambition, but onely out of love. Moreover I cannot look upon Traſeas as my Father, untill Amenophis return, and aſſures me I am his Sonne: And ſince now there is no neceſſity of concealing our ſelves, I would adviſe you (ſaid he to me) to appear in the world for what you are, to the end you may acquaint me with the paſſages in it: for when I have once ſeen Timareta, I am reſolved to forſake it: not that I can ſo ſoon depart from Elephantine, ſince Heracleon is in love with Timareta: for though I am a ſhepheard, Aegypt ſhall never have a King that is my Rivall. There I endeavoured to perſwade Seſoſtris, that he muſt not run any hazards of ruining himſelfe; but ſtay in expectation of ſome change, which might happily be advantageous for him; that the return of Amenophis would perhaps better inſtruct us; and truly after all this, I was confidently perſwaded that neither Traſeas or Amenophis ever gave him life. In thinking to comfort me, replyed he, you drive me unto new ſorrowes; for admit I were that which you think I am, yet am I the moſt [Page] miſerable man in the World: and if I be not what you ſuppoſe me, ſtill I am all infortunate. In the meane while, Seſostris was not the onely one who complained: The Princeſſe Liſerina had her full ſhare of ſorrow; ambition did no leſſe torment her, then love did Seſoſtris: ſhe told every one, that this was but a ſuſpition of her brothers, who had a deſire to be King himſelf: adding that certainly Seſoſtris was the Sonne of Amaſis: and that Timareta was no more then a ſhepheardeſſe: and ſhe ſpoke it ſo loud and confidently, that Heracleon moved the King to ſend for her, to command her ſilence; for in the humour Heracleon was, there was nothing which he would not ſacrifice unto his ambition: In the mean time, how great ſoever the deſires of Seſoſtris were to ſee Timareta; yet his ſorrowes were ſo great that day, as he was forced to ſtay untill the morning, paſſing away the night in ſuch reſtleſſe thoughts, that he never ſhut his eyes: Timareta for her part, ſhe enjoyed no delight in all her Grandure; but ſlighted all maner of diverſions, or care in dreſſing her ſelfe: For all the magnificence of her Lodging, ſhe took more delight in the remembrance of her Cabin where ſhe could talke with Seſoſtris: and when ſhe conſidered that ſhe was like to loſe him for ever, ſhe was in a mind to part with all her Grandure which cauſed the misfortune: ſometime ſhe was more grieved to ſee her ſelfe a Princeſſe, and Seſoſtris a ſhepheard, then ſhe was when ſhe believed her ſelfe a ſhepheardeſſe, and him the Sonne of a King. There was none therefore whoſe joyes were full, but onely Heracleon and Taniſis. As for Amaſis, for all the ſatisfaction which he had to ſee the living Image of his dead but dear Ladice, he had ſuch a reſtleſſeneſſe in his heart, as quite diſtempered him, ſo that he found no delight in any thing. But Sir, the next morning being come, Seſoſtris according unto the Kings permiſſion, went to ſee Timareta, and entred into her Chamber, as ſhe was dreſſed the firſt time, as a perſon of her quality: As for Seſoſtris, hee was in a plain handſome ſute without any trimming, ſuch as men of quality commonly uſe to wear when they would not be ſeen. But there was ſuch a maſſe of melancholy in his heart, that he could hardly keep it out of his face: 'Tis true, he had ſome cauſe of conſolation, for when he entred into Timaretas Chamber, he found her face ſo full of ſerious ſorrow, amidſt all her magnificence, that he might eaſily divine the cauſe: This viſion was ſo pleaſing, that it made him able to hide ſome parts of his ſorrowes. But on the contrary, Timareta ſeeing ſo much conſtancy in the ſoul of Seſoſtris, did the more tender his heart by the teares which fell from her fair eyes: So that deſiring to hide this diſorder from her women, after Seſoſtris had ſaluted her with a profound reverence, ſhe went into a corner between her bed and fire, where he followed her, and began to ſpeak; Madam (ſaid he unto her) I beſeech you take it [...]ot ill that the ſhepheard Seſoſtris ſhould aſſume ſo much liberty as to entreat you would be pleaſed to give him that ſheephook your fair hand was uſed to carry, aſſuring you he ſhall receive it with more conſolation then he did the newes and hopes of his being King of all Aegypt. Ah Seſoſtris, (ſaid ſhe and interrupted him) I do not take it well, that your ſpirit ſhould be ſo free after your change, as to talk of any ſuch thing. I remember, that the firſt time you ſaw me after the King had acknowledged you for his ſonne, you looked upon me with eyes full of teares: 'Tis true Madam (ſaid he) but I am now ſo affraid my ſorrowes ſhould be ill interpreted, and that you ſhould think I grieved at the parting from that Grandure which now is yours, that I maſtered my ſelf, and hid ſome part of my ſorrowes; yet if you will be pleaſed to aſſure me, you will not think ambition to be the cauſe of my ſorrowes, I ſhall ſhew you all my ſad reſentments: But that I may with more freedome do it, I beſeech you be this day onely the ſhepheardeſſe Timareta: you will be a Princeſſe all the reſt of your life, and it is but one hour which I ſhall deſire to deprive you of that honour: I aſſure you, replyed Timareta and ſighed, that I ſhall be unto you, ever the ſame I was. True it is, I will not engage my ſelfe to live with you as I have done, for you know decency does not allow it; but I promiſe you, that the change in my fortune is not able to change the leaſt thought of my hear [...] ▪ And I ſhall ever think my ſelf moſt unhappy in my condition, becauſe it is different from yours. I do not think that after this you will complain of me; Nor do I complain of you Madam (replyed he) but I do extreamly complain of my unhappy fate, which raiſed me up to throw me down again, and which onely raiſed you to make me more miſerable. But Madam, however I beſeech you do not deny me that which has abſolute dependency upon your ſelfe, and which neither contradicts virtue nor decency: Me thinkes (replyed Timareta) after what I have already ſaid, I need not tell you, that I will not deny you any thing you ſhall ask, ſo it bring juſt conditions with it. Since ſo Madam (replyed Seſoſtris) let it not offend you, if I conjure you to believe that your quality hath nothing augmented thoſe reſpects I had of you, and that quality which within theſe two daies I had, did nothing leſſen the paſſion of my ſoul to you. Moreover Madam, that you may not take it ill if I preſerve the ſame paſſion ſtill in my heart; remember I beſeech you, that ſince I was not capable of [Page] change in becoming the Son of a King, ſo I am not capable of any alteration in returning to the quality of a Shepheard: So that adoring you out of a compulſive neceſſity, againſt which there is no reſiſtance, you would be unjuſt if you were offended at it. Moreover, Madam, ſince in loſing my chief happineſſe I have not loſt all my reaſon, I know very well that I can hope for nothing from you; that it is my duty to adore you, and never ſee you; and that it is onely death that muſt terminate my ſorrows: All that I can in reaſon ask, is, that you will be a little angry at fate for putting a greater inequality in our qualities then in our inclinations. However, ſince you give me leave to ſpeak unto you now as unto the Shepheardeſſe Timareta, I muſt tell you that there is one thing that you can doe for me which will keep me from dying with grief. If it be in my power (replyed ſhe) and that it be not againſt the rules of virtue and decency, certainly I ſhall do it. I have ſo deep a reſpect of you, replyed Seſoſtris, that I dare hardly ſpeak it; but ſince I am confident in your goodneſſe, I muſt tell you, Madam, that all the favour which I beg is, that you will not marry Heracleon, when I was in the ſame quality you now are, I was firmly reſolved never to marry any but you. But, Madam, ſince the laws are not equall betwixt us, I ſhall not ask ſo much, but onely except Heracleon from all the Princes in the world. Not but that I am moſt confident the day of your marriage with any Prince will be the day of my death, but my death will be leſſe ſharp if it adde not felicity unto Heracleon. If you had not given me leave to expreſſe my ſelf, Madam, I ſhould not have ſpoke ſo boldly as I doe. But ſince if you pleaſe to remember, that the Prince Seſoſtris offered to throw away his crown if you pleaſed, and to ſeek out ſome deſart Iſle, where he might live with you, I hope you will not think the Shepheard Seſoſtris too inſolent. I think him ſo unfortunate (replyed ſhe) that though he were too bold, yet I ſhould not be offended at him: But to anſwer directly unto what you ask me (added ſhe) I promiſe you to uſe all the endeavours that in all handſomneſſe I can, never to marry Heracleon. And I promiſe you more then that; for if I cannot oppoſe the Kings will, I will have recourſe unto death. Yet I doe not by this exact any great obligation from you, for I have ſuch a ſtrong naturall averſion againſt him, that I will thwart his intentions, as well out of love to my ſelf, as out of love to you. But the thing which I would have you take for a favour is, that if the gods would leave me to my own choice, I had rather be a Shepheardeſſe with you, then Queen of twenty Aegypts without you. Oh, Madam, ſaid Seſoſtris, how much am I obliged to you for theſe expreſſions which will infallibly haſten my death, and hinder me from droning out a longer unhappy life? For after this I muſt dye with grief to ſee my ſelf driven to ſuch a ſad neceſſity of loſing one ſo infinitely generous. No, no, Seſoſtris (ſaid ſhe unto him) I would not have that which I ſpeak to comfort you be an augmentation of your ſorrows; but on the contrary, if I have any power of you, I would have you live and love me, and that I may ſtill have ſo much conſolation as to think, that in what place ſoever you are, you keep your affection for me. That which may bee an aſſurance unto you of mine, is, that when you were the Prince Seſoſtris, and I Shepheardeſſe Timareta, what inequality ſoever there was between us, yet I ſhould not have taken it well you ſhould forget me, though I had deſired you to do it: So that you are no farther off my quality then I was of yours, you need not fear I ſhould forget you, though I ſee you not. After this, ask me no more: Doubtleſſe I doe too little for the Shepheardeſſe Timareta, but perhaps a little too much for the Princeſſe of Aegypt. As they were thus in talke, one came to tell Timareta in all haſte, that the King would ſpeake with her, ſo that ſhe muſt part abruptly from Seſoſtris: Yet ſhe bade him adieu as the Shepheardeſſe Timareta, and though in a tumult, yet tenderly, and in ſuch an obliging manner, that though the paſſion of Seſoſtris was very violent, yet had he no cauſe to complain. He retired then unto the lodging which he made choice of for his retreat, where he related unto me this ſad diſcourſe, as he uſed to doe all others. In the mean time Timareta in going to the Kings chamber, underſtood that he ſent for her to tell her, that having engaged himſelfe unto Heracleon, that if hee had a Daughter to marry her unto him, therefore hee would acquaint her with it, to the end that ſhe ſhould begin to look upon him as upon one that was to be her Husband. It is ſo ſhort a while, replyed Timareta, ſince I had the honour to know I was your Daughter, that me-thinks it is injurious to make mee ſo ſoon acknowledge any other authority then yours; therefore, Sir, I beſeech you, let me a while enjoy the honour which I have. As the King was ready to anſwer Timareta, and tell her that he would be obeyed, he fell into a ſound which laſted near an hour, and when he recovered out of it, he found that he had quite loſt his ſight; and whilſt he was in his ſound, his imagination was filled with the ſame apparition which formerly he had ſeen, but with this difference, that the menaces of Ladice were more terrible; ſo that he was not in a condition to talk any longer unto Timareta [Page] concerning her marriage with Heracleon, for he was ſo troubled that he knew not what to reſolve upon, not daring to tell all his griefe; For ſince he was not ignorant of Heracleons ambition, and knew what that paſſion could offer, hee durſt not expreſſe how much he was troubled at the menaces of the gods, if he did not reſtore that Crown which hee had uſurped: So that keeping all his ſorrowes to himſelfe: Oh yee juſt gods, ſaid he, which puniſh me with ſuch ſeverity, though deſervedly, How ſhould I reſtore the Scepter which I have uſurped? The ſonne of Apriez is dead as well as himſelf, and there remaines none living of his line; yet you let me underſtand by theſe horrid viſions, that the Child of this unhappy King is not dead, but you do not let me know where he is: I had ſome ſuſpitions indeed that Seſoſtris is the true Seſoſtris, and you who know the ſecrets of hearts, do alſo know that when I declared him my ſucceſſor, I thought him to be as much the ſonne of Apriez as mine owne: yet I muſt confeſſe that had I then known him for the ſonne of that unhappy King, I ſhould not have reſtored him the Scepter, becauſe I was unwilling to part with Soveraign Authority, and to make a reſtitution in that manner before all the World: But now I have changed my mind, I cannot believe that Seſoſtris is the ſonne of Apriez: for why ſhould Traſeas cauſe the ſonne of his legitimate King whom he had brought up, to deſcend from the Throne? What likelyhood is there that he ſhould make one of the greateſt Princes in the World to become a ſhepheard? There is more reaſon to think that Amenophis ſhould take away the ſonne of this ſhepheard with a deſigne to make him paſſe for the ſonne Apriez, and to ſend him to Thebes when he ſaw opportunity: Yet for all this the gods do tell me by the Oracles, that I muſt reſtore the Scepter which I have uſurped: and by moſt affrighting viſions aſſure me that Seſoſtris is living: what ſhould I do then? what can I reſolve upon? As Amaſis was in this reſtleſſe mind, Heracleon came unto him, Timareta being returned unto her Chamber: And ſince Heracleon was a man who mocked at all theſe prodigies and adviſements of the gods, he looked upon this accident which happen'd unto the King, as a thing which would be advantageous unto himſelf, which would the ſooner haſt on his marriage with Timareta, and more aſſure him of the Crown: Yet he durſt not that day ſpeak unto the King, who on the other ſide durſt not tell Heracleon all the inquietudes of his ſoule. In the meane time Sir, be pleaſed to know that Amenophis and the ſervant were ſo happy, that hee whom they fain'd Amenophis mortally wounded, did not die of his wounds: and ſo it chanced that whether hee was ſick, the affaires of the Towne changed faces, and the weaker party becoming the ſtronger, he left that ſide he was of to take the other. Thus in this generall revolution, Amenophis found his ſafty, for the Proſecutor changing ſides, would proſecute no farther, but ſuffered him to take his liberty. In the mean while, Amenophis after he had conferred with the revolters, who had raiſed freſh Forces, and had aſſured them there was a Sonne of Apriez living, and that he would infallibly bring him unto them, he returned unto our Iſle in hopes to find Seſoſtris: But Sir, you may imagine his wonder, when he heard in all places where he paſſed, that Amaſis knew by Ladices letter that he had a Sonne; that he had found this Sonne in an Iſle near Elephantine, and that his name was Seſoſtris. Amenophis at firſt, thought all theſe reports to be but Fables; but finding the nearer he came to Elephantine, the more they were confirmed it, he knew not what to think. Yet his aſtoniſhment was nothing in compariſon of that amazement he was in, when he came within a daies journey of this great Town, and heard that he whom Amaſis had acknowledged for his Sonne proved to be no more then a ſimple ſhepheard, and was returned to his former condition; and that Amaſis acknowledged a ſhepheardeſſe, whoſe name was Timareta, for his Daughter: I ſay you may eaſily imagine how all theſe things ſurpriſed Amenophis: However he conceived it expedient before he attempted to go into the Iſle, to know more certainly of the truth; ſo that he reſolved to go unto Elephantine in the night, and lodge with his ſiſter: But he was much perplexed to underſtand when he came there, that ſhe was not in Town: ſo that Amenophis not daring to truſt himſelfe with the Domeſtiques of the houſe, and the Father of him with whom Seſoſtris and I lodged being his intimate friend, he reſolved to make the Sonnes houſe his Retreat, whilſt he enquired of the poſture wherein things are: So that we were not a little aſtoniſhed, when my friend, who knew how dear Amenophis was unto us, brought him into the Chamber where we were. I cannot eaſily expreſſe unto you Sir, both our joyes and his. He asked us a hundred things, and we in lieu of anſwers, asked him other queſtions. In the mean time, the maſter of the houſe leaving us to the freedome of talke: I beſeech you (ſaid Seſoſtris, who had an extreame deſire to know who himſelf was) Tell me who I am? Am I the ſonne of Amaſis, or the ſonne of Traſeas, or your ſon? you are none of all theſe (replyed Amenophis) whoſe am I then? (replyed Seſoſtris) you are Sir, [Page] (replyed Amenophis) ſince it is now time to tell you, the Sonne of Apriez, and the legitimate King of Aegypt, and I come to fetch you, that you may accompliſh a deſigne which hath been a long time in plotting. Seſoſtris was ſo ſurpriſed to hear this, that he doubted whether he had well underſtood him, ſo that he deſired Amenophis to repeat what hee had ſaid. Then Amenophis gave him an account of his deſign in concealing his birth, and told him it was he who raiſed all the revolts in Thebes, Heliopolis, and other places. Then Seſoſtris and I told him all the adventures both of Timareta and himſelf, which did no leſſe ſurpriſe Amenophis, then his relation did us: The actions of Traſeas did moſt puzzle him; for hee did not beleeve that the Princes ſervant had revealed his ſecret. However it be ſaid Amenophis, I had a deſigne to carry both Timareta and you unto Thebes, and then acquainted Amaſis, that Apriez had left a Son, and Ladice a Daughter, ſo that when hee knew, wee had a perſon ſo deare unto him in our power, wee might have brought him unto ſome reaſonable termes. But ſince that the poſture of things are otherwiſe, Come, Sir, let us goe to Thebes, whither I will conduct you, and let the unjuſt Amaſis, ſee you are not his ſonne but enemy, if he will not reſtore the Crown which is your due: I know very well, Sir, that when you parted from our Iſle, you had a great affection unto Timareta; and though abſence cannot cure you, and though ſhe be Daughter unto the Uſurper of your Dominions, you may yet love her, and you muſt make a juſt War to conquer her, and ſo enjoy at once both your Kingdome and your Miſtris. Remember that your very name obliges you unto high things; and the Gods have given you ſpirit and heart enough to equall, and perhaps to tranſcend the moſt illuſtrious of your Anceſtors. You know that when I taught you to be a faithfull and courageous Shepheard, I taught you by it to be a great and generous King. Begin then the conduct of your people whom the Gods have lawfully ſubjected unto you, and know that the War you ſhall attempt is moſt juſt, and cannot chuſe but prove propitions. It is to expell an Uſurper; it is to revenge your father, moſt barbarouſly maſſacred: it is to revenge the death of your mother, whoſe ſorrows onely put to death: it is to crown your ſelf with glory in the eyes of all Nations; it is to get your own Kingdome, and your Miſtris. Oh Father (ſaid Seſostris) for I cannot call you otherwiſe, I muſt tell you, and tell you without baſeneſſe, that I cannot, nor will not leave loving Timareta, though ſhe be the Daughter of an Uſurper. I doe affect glory, and fear no dangers, but I love Timareta, and fear to offend her. Timareta (replyed Amenophis) is queſtionleſs worthy of your eſteem, not onely for her beauty and excellency of ſpirit and virtue, but alſo for the generoſity of her mother, who was as faithfull a Subject as Amaſis was perfidious: And for theſe reaſons I am not againſt your loving her, but agree if Amaſis conſent, that you may marry her: But to effect that, and to oblige Amaſis to give her unto you, you muſt be in the head of an Army; you muſt ask her as the ſonne of Apriez, and let him know that Seſostris the Shepheard, and Seſostris the Prince are not the ſame. Oh Father (replyed he) this Prince, and this Shepheard you ſpeak of are but one perſon, yet have different deſires, and I doubt whether one can yeeld unto the other. The Shepheard ought to yeeld unto the Prince (replyed Amenophis.) Reaſon would have it ſo (replyed Seſoſtris) but Love will not conſent unto it. If you doe but conſider the preſent poſture of your fortune (anſwered Amenophis) you will find, that Love as well as Reaſon requires you ſhould follow my advice: For the Shepheard Seſoſtris cannot pretend any thing unto the Princeſſe Timareta. 'Tis true, replyed he, but Seſoſtris the Prince ought not to pretend any thing unto the Daughter of his Enemy: That you may ceaſe being his enemy, anſwered Amenophis, you muſt become his maſter, you muſt fight with him and conquer him, and then give back Timareta that Crown which you have with juſtice taken from him. Theſe, Sir, were the arguments which Amenophis uſed unto Seſoſtris, to convince him in point of love, and to invite him unto Thebes; but the paſſion which had taken up a ſtrong reſidence in the ſoul of this Prince, would not permit him ſo ſuddenly to reſolve upon ſo difficult a matter: He deſired of Amenophis two dayes of conſideration, but indeed it was to finde out an expedient how to acquaint the Princeſſe Timareta with his true birth, and to hinder Heracleon from marrying her, yet he could not poſſibly compaſſe either: for it being the cuſtom of all mercenary minded vaſſ [...]ls to follow fortune at the heels, and change as it doth, when Seſoſtris would have entered to have ſeen Timareta, thoſe who were at the Palace gate, and kept it for Heracleon, did treat him like a Shepheard, and would not ſuffer him to enter. This courſe entertainment did ſo incenſe him, that he doubled his fury againſt Heracleon, though he did not know that this triviall diſgrace was cauſed directly by him: His grief was, hee knew not how to ruin Heracleon, for he was too generous to attempt any unworthy way, nor was it an eaſie [Page] matter to invite him to fight with a Shepheard, neither could he force him, becauſe he went alwaies well attended, nor did he ever ſtirre out of the Palace ſince Timareta was acknowledged Princeſſe. However, Seſoſtris could not reſolve upon departure from Elephantine untill he had made ſure of Heracleon for ever marrying Timareta: nor would he goe unto Thebes untill he had firſt asked advice of his dear Princeſſe: So that when thoſe two dayes given by Amenophis were expired, he muſt allow him more: for ſince the noiſe of Heracleons marriage with Timareta grew louder every day, the jealouſie of Seſoſtris augmented accordingly, and the more, becauſe hee ſaw leſſe hopes of revenge upon his Rivall. In the mean while Amenophis was vexed to the heart, that he could not get Seſoſtris out of Elephantine. But to make ſome uſe of his vexatious abode in the Towne, hee went privately in the night to viſit divers perſons of his acquaintance whom he knew would not diſcover him, to the end he might diſpoſe them unto any great deſign, if occaſion were. But whilſt Timareta grieved for Seſoſtris in the midſt of all her grandure, the Princeſſe Liſerina grieved for the loſſe of a Crown, and Heracleon thought of nothing but how to become King, to murther Seſoſtris, and to marry Timareta; and whilſt Seſoſtris had a mind full of vexatious thoughts, and had a hundred plots in his brain, all oppoſite to one another: Amaſis was moſt cruelly tormented, not onely with ſorrow for the loſſe of his eyes, but alſo with anguiſh of ſpirit, and ſting of conſcience for his wickedneſſe; he thought alwaies he heard the voice of Ladice threatning him, and the more was his miſery, he obſerved that Heracleon began to take much authority upon him, and began to tranſact like a man who pretended to have all the power ſhortly in his own hands: But one extraordinary accident chanced, which did infinitely trouble him. Be pleaſed to know, that there is a generall Feaſt obſerved throughout all Aegypt, called the Feaſt of Lamps, which is celebrated unto the glory of Iſis, and which is the onely Feaſt amongſt us, whoſe ceremony is alike obſerved in all Villages, Townes, and Cities; and the day being come, they adorn their Temples with Garlands, and ſtrow all the ſtreets with flowers, and ſet before their doors all that they have moſt rare. And when the Sun is ſet, and night begins, they light not onely an infinite number of magnificent Lamps in every Church, but alſo in all the ſtreets and publique places, in all their doors, windows, and towers; about all the walls of the Town, upon the Maſts and Prows of every Ship in the Port; and this they doe to the very leaſt village or cabin of a Shepheard: ſo that at this time all Aegypt is as light as day in the darkeſt night. And ſince amongſt us it is beleeved, nothing is more acceptable to the gods then Perfumes, nor any thing more wholſome, or better to purifie the Air, every one addes unto his Lamp a Bonefire of Aromatique wood before his door; ſo that in an inſtant there is ſuch a pleaſant vapour in the air, as perfumes all the fields about the Town: They uſe to ſing alſo quantity of Songs in honour of Iſis, both in their Churches and ſtreets, but a large relation of this is not neceſſary unto my diſcourſe: But this Feaſt being kept whilſt we were there, every one hoped, that the preſence of the King would make it more glorious, though the accident which happened did trouble all thoſe who were lovers of quietneſſe and peace. But, Sir, the hour being come when the Ceremony began, there was ſo much light, that all the Town ſeemed on fire: Amaſis according to the cuſtom went to the Temple in a Coach, and Timareta with him; Heracleon went on Horſ-back next after the Kings Coach, and all the Court followed. But, Sir, the wonder was, that in all the ſtreets where the King paſſed, all the Lamps ſeemed to extinguiſh, their light became dimme, their fires went out, and their perfumes changed their pleaſant ſmell: The ſhrill ſcreeks and cryes of fatall Birds were heard, and the accident did ſo amaze all the inhabitants of Elephantine, that they were full of fearfull ejaculations and cryes, which moving the King to ask the reaſon, and they were conſtrained to tell him; yet to ſweeten the Kings apprehenſion, Heracleon uſed all poſſible skill to find out the naturall cauſe of this Prodigie; but Timareta was ſo affrighted, that ſhe communicated her fears unto the King her Father; yet would he needs goe on unto the Temple, but the ſame diſmall ſight and noiſe was ſtill heard there as well as in the ſtreets: So that this Prince not ſeeing as others did, heard nothing about him but murmuring of voices, which let him know that the people were affrighted; and he beſeeched the Gods to let him know what it was they would have him do which might appeaſe them. After which he returned unto his Palace, yet more perplexed then before. As for Seſoſtris, he had the happineſſe of ſeeing Timareta in the Temple, but yet he was not ſo happy as to be ſeen, though notwithſtanding all her feares, he obſerved ſhee looked all about for him. This being the poſture of affairs, it chanced that an old ſervant belonging to Amaſis knew that ſervant which was with Amenophis as he was ſtanding in the ſtreets to ſee the King paſs; ſo that ſince they were wel acquainted heretofore, he wondred that [Page] he ſhould ſhun him, and ſeem not to know him: at firſt, he thought that perhaps he was deceived; but the care which the other took to avoide him, was it which confirmed him in his opinion, alſo he had a private marke in his face which made him very knowable: yet he could not ſpeak unto him, for the preſſe of people did part them: The ſervant belonging to Amenophis being at laſt come unto the dore of his houſe where we lodged, he entered, and got out of ſight from the Kings ſervant, who then returned unto the Palace, for this ſervant being one of thoſe who waited about the Bath, he was to prepare one for the King his Maſter. However hee was certain that the man whom he had ſeen was the ſame which departed from Says, with the Queen, the young Seſoſtris, Ladice and Amenophis: ſo that conſidering well with himſelf, he thought it fit to acquaint the King, and did ſo as ſoon as he had opportunity: And ſince he named the houſe where he ſaw the man enter, the King was much amazed at it, for he knew it to be the houſe where Seſoſtris lodged: ſo that apprehending a ſervant unto the late Queen of Aegypt, was with Seſoſtris who he ſuſpected to be the ſonne of Apriez, he began to think, he was not miſtaken when hee thought ſo: but as hee was ready to command him who gave him the intelligence, to enquire better, concerning the truth, hee had further intelligence from one of his ſervants that Amenophis was in Elephantine, plotting ſome great deſign: Amaſis no ſooner heard this, but he ſent the Lieutenant of the Guard, to bring him by maine force unto him; appointing alſo Seſoſtris to come, and expreſly charging that Heracleon ſhould not know any thing: Theſe orders were ſecretly given, and as punctually executed, for he knew nothing of any paſſages ſince he was buſie in Counſell with Taniſis and others all that day, conſulting concerning his marriage with Timareta: But whilſt he was deliberating upon a thing which he thought certain, and never looked at waies how to bring it to paſſe, Amenophis, Seſoſtris, his ſervant, and I were brought unto the Palace. You may very well imagine Sir, how this touched Amenophis to the quick, for ſince he was ignorant of the King repentance, he was in extream fear leſt Seſoſtris, ſhould periſh, or at leaſt be kept a priſoner, if he were known to be the ſonne of Apriez: He began to prepare himſelf for a deniall, and to give Seſoſtris ſuch inſtructions as he thought moſt expedient, to perſwade Amaſis that he was not ſonne unto Apriez, in caſe he had any ſuſpitions of it: But Seſoſtris told him that he would not paſſe for what he was any longer, for, ſaid he, I would have Heracleon know who I am: and I had much rather Amaſis ſhould know I am the ſonne of his enemy, then that Timareta ſhould look upon me as a ſhepheard, and Heracleon as a man unworthy to meaſure a ſword with him: he would have ſaid more, but he was prevented by the Lieutenant of the Guard, who broke off our diſcourſe and conducted us: But Sir, when we came to the Palace, Amaſis would ſpeake with Amenophis in private: ſo that carrying him into his Cloſet, we ſtayed in his chamber: But Amenophis was wonder-ſtruck when he heard Amaſis ſpeak: Well Amenophis, ſaid he unto him: I pray acquaint me with ſuch things as I deſire to know: I do not ask you what is become of Apriez his ſonne, with any intentions of h [...]rme unto him, for know, that I am not the ſame I was, I have loſt my ambition in loſing my ſight, and the juſtice of the gods lies ſo heavy upon me, as teacheth me to be juſt alſo: And therefore I deſire to know certainly of you whether the ſonne of Apriez be living, and were he is? Amenophis hearing the King to ſpeak thus, knew not, whether or no hee ſhould truſt him: But Amaſis perceiving by his pumping for an anſwer, that he had no confidence in him, aſſured him with an oath, that if the ſonne of Apriez were living, hee would reſtore the Crown unto him, by giving him his daughter. Amenophis was now perſwaded, and after high applauds of the Kings moſt generous reſolution, he began to tell him the whole truth, making an exact relation of all paſſages, which happened unto Seſoſtris, unto the Queen, unto Ladice, unto Timareta, and unto himſelf, ſince he went from Says; handſomly aggravating the valour of Seſoſtris in the Combate with the Crocodile to ſave the life of the Princeſſe, and giving him ſuch hints as he might thereby gueſſe at the affection which Seſoſtris had unto his daughter the Princeſſe Timareta: After which, hee added a moſt excellent rethoricall diſcourſe, perſwading him to ſtand firm in thoſe reſolutions which he had taken, and ſhewing him that he can no way Raign ſo ſafe and ſecurely, both with externall and internall ſerenity of ſoul, but by cauſing Seſoſtris to raign: nor never ſo ſecurely ſettle the Crown upon his Poſterity, as by a marriage between Timareta and him: for, ſaid he, which other way is it poſſible you ſhould reſtore the Crown, and ſettle a ſatisfactorie peace throughout all Aegypt. But Sir ſaid he, that your Majeſty may not ſuſpect me of any forged ſuppoſitions, it were requiſite you ſent for Traſeas, Nicetis, the nurſe of Timareta who yet lives; and ſome ſhepheards which are in the Iſle, and were then ſo when I arived there, and by all theſe your Majeſty may know that Traſeas had never a ſonne, and that Seſoſtris is the ſonne of Apriez, and [Page] the very ſame I brought with me when I came into that Iſle; for though his age hath much altered his reſemblance, yet there is reſemblance enough to know him to be the ſame. Amaſis, was ſo well perſwaded by the arguments of Amenophis, that he ſcarce needed any further ſatisfaction; and the Gods had infuſed ſuch a ſtrong belief into his heart, that he was perſwaded fully all was true which Amenophis had ſaid: Yet not to be deluded in a matter of ſo great importance, he ſent for all thoſe Amenophis named, who confirmed all he had told the King: For Traſeas no ſooner came face to face before Amenophis, who bad him ſpeak the whole truth ingenuouſly, without any diſguiſment, but he very ſincerely did ſo. Thus there needed no more for the knowing of Seſoſtris, then the teſtimonies of Traſeas, Nicetis, Timareta's Nurſe, the ſervant of Seſoſtris, and all the Shepheards, who all concurred in the very ſame relation. Then Seſoſtris entered, and Amaſis ſpoke unto him in ſuch a generous manner, that the hearts of all the hearers were mollified. Seſoſtris ſeeing this happy turne in fortune, did anſwer Amaſis with wonderfull wiſdom and generoſity, which appeared to be in a higher degree then the generoſity of the King: For ſince his love to Timareta was all his thoughts, hee behaved himſelfe towards Amaſis with the ſame reſpect, hee did when hee was thought to be his Father. In the mean time, ſince this Prince knew that Heracleon would moſt ſadly reſent this news, he would not have it publiſhed untill better opportunities for it: So wee returned that night unto the places where we were before. But, Sir, that which confirmed the King moſt in theſe reſolutions which he had fixed upon, was, that after he had ſent for Heracleon, and with all poſſible prudence acquainted him with the reaſons which moved him to break his word, and that he received his reaſons in ſuch a manner, as let him know he had no mind to part with Timareta: In lieu of fearing any revolutions in the State, or apprehending the reſentments of Heracleon, he found ſuch quiet reſt and ſatisfaction in his heart, as he had not enjoyed a long time before. So that diſmiſſing Heracleon, he told him, for his laſt reaſon, that he could not diſpoſe of that which was not his own; and that he never made any promiſe of Scepter, or Timareta unto him, but in caſe Seſoſtris dyed; but ſince he was alive, all promiſes are null. Heracleon, with as much injuſtice as inſolency, called that weakneſs which he ſhould have phraſed virtue; and told Amaſis, with inſufferable boldneſſe, that he deſerved more ſhame in reſtoring a Crown, then he did glory in getting it. But in concluſion, Sir, Amaſis impoſing ſilence upon him, he was forced to retire. Amaſis remaining in as much tranquillity of mind, as the other went away diſordered. Yet he gave ſpeciall order that obſervant eyes ſhould be had over Heracleon; for ſince he loved him, he would not willingly loſe him, nor be forced to drive him away from him. After this, he went to bed and ſlept, and in lieu of gaſtly apparitions, and terrible dreams as he uſed to have, his imagination was full of ſweet and pleaſing things, Ladice appeared unto him, but it was in full luſtre of that beauty which formerly he adored; in commending him as much as before ſhe menaced him, and exhorting him to goe on with what he had ſo well begun; and to augment the wonder, whether the joy and agitation of his ſpirits had diſperſed ſome melancholy vapours, which cauſed his blindneſs, or whether the gods would either puniſh or recompence him according to the various thoughts of his ſoul, when he awaked, he found his ſight reſtored; ſo that being tranſported with joy and delight, he ſent for Seſoſtris and Timareta, and went with them unto the Temple, to render thanks unto the gods, himſelf declaring unto all the people that Seſoſtris was the Son of Apriez, and telling Timareta that ſhe was much obliged unto a Prince, who though ſhe was the Daughter of an Uſurper, yet would give her the Crown of Aegypt; yet Seſostris did publiquely declare, that he would not wear the Crown untill after the death of Amaſis, but would be onely regarded as the firſt of his Subjects. You may well imagine, Sir, how great was the joy of Seſoſtris and Timareta, when being returned to the Palace, and this Prince had the liberty to wait upon her to her chamber, and to talke with her freely before he returned unto the King, as he was deſired, that he might be adviſed with concerning the beſt expedients of publiſhing the matter throughout all the Kingdome, and principally at Thebes and Heliopolis, to the end all Warres might ceaſe. I hope you will pardon me, Sir, if I do not relate any joyes and delights of this juncture; Seſoſtris & Timareta continued ſo ſhort a time happy, that I cannot do it; nor will I relate all the reſolutions the King took with Seſoſtris, and Amenophis; nor how great was the peoples joy when they knew there was a Prince deſcended from their Antient Kings who ſhould ſucceed Amaſis. But give me leave to tell you, that in conſideration of the happy event of this adventure, the King pardoned Traſeas the untruthes which he had told: Seſoſtris did the ſame, and Amenophis followed their example. As for the Princeſſe Liſerina, ſhe had ſome comfort, to ſee her brother put by the Kingdome: for ſhe conceived him onely to be the cauſe why ſhe was not Queene. [Page] But as for Heracleon, the motions of his heart were moſt violent: and Taniſis incenſing him by his wicked Counſells, there was no abhominable propoſition which they made unto each other, which they did not harken unto without any horror or repugnancy: But at laſt, after they had propounded Crime after Crime, they reſolved, that conſidering the juncture of affaires, there was no way but to kill Seſoſtris, and the King alſo. And in the meane time to publiſh that Amenophis was an impoſtor, who foiſted in a pretended Sonne of Apriez: And to farther that deſign, they reſolved, that the King ſhould firſt be killed, to the end it might be publiſhed that Seſoſtris killed him: and for a pretence, to raiſe a tumult, during which, Taniſis ſhould kill Seſoſtris, having men for that purpoſe with him. This horrid deſigne being reſolved upon, all their endeavours were to put it in execution with all ſpeed. Taniſis, accuſtomed unto all villanies, had alwaies ſuch men at his beck, who never look after any thing but recompence, but never enquire whether a thing be juſt or unjuſt: But the difficulty was, how to get him unto the Kings Palace, at that time when the act was to be executed: Yet ſince Heracleon had many Creatures in the houſe, he found out one that was neither rich nor virtuous: moreover he had been once turned out of office by Amaſis, and at the requeſt of Heracleon reſtored: This man at the ſalutation of Taniſis, did ordinarily keepe the Guard upon a little back ſtaires which went between the lodging of Seſostris and the Kings Chamber: So that thinking the man moſt fit to give entrance unto thoſe whom they would imply to murder the King, and the ſooner, becauſe it might eaſily be imagined that Seſoſtris was the Aſſaſinate, conſidering the place which he Guarded, therefore Heracleon put on Taniſis to ſuborne this man: But Sir, I will not make any longer relation of an act ſo horrid: but in ſhort, let me tell you, Taniſis ſuborned this Officer, who promiſed to let in whom he would: and the buſineſſe was brought unto ſo near a point of execution, that men were ready to cry out the King was killed, and that it was Seſoſtris killed him; and leſt there ſhould be any failing in the enterpriſe, Heracleon had provided a boate upon the Nile, which ran on the back ſide of the Garden, that he might thereby ſave himſelfe if need were, and alſo laid horſes ſome thirty furlongs from Elephantine. In concluſion Sir, this being the Juncture of things, the King had intelligence by one of thoſe whom he had ſet to eye Heracleon, that certainly he had ſome plot in hand, though he knew not what it was. Amaſis hearing this, feared that Heracleon had ſome ill deſignes upon Seſoſtris, not thinking of any thing againſt his perſon: So that to prevent any danger, hee doubled the Guards towards the lodging of Seſoſtris, and by conſequence weakned his own, which was favourable unto the deſigne of Heracleon. But the gods being juſt, they did not favour him but unto his own ruine. For Seſoſtris knowing that the Guards were doubled at his dore, would know the reaſon, and called him in who commanded the Guard, who at firſt ſaid he knew nothing, but that accidentally the Guards were ſtronger on the one ſide then the other. But Seſoſtris, finding that this Souldier knew more then he would tell, he was very urgent with him, and ſo farre, that at laſt he told him, it was ſuppoſed Heracleon had ſome ill deſign, becauſe he was ſeen that night go out of the Palace, and ſpeak unto an officer which had the Guard upon the back ſtaires, and was heard to promiſe him great recompences. This officer ſaying to excuſe his ſilence, that he durſt not tell it, leſt he ſhould not be credited, and become expoſed unto the hatred of Heracleon: Seſoſtris no ſooner heard this, but after promiſe of recompence for his fidelity, he went to acquaint the King, though it was late, and he knew that he was retired to his reſt: and certainly it was by the inſpiration of the gods. However it was Sir, Seſoſtris went: and went not that way of the back ſtaires, but by the great common way, leſt he whom the ſouldier ſuſpected and commanded that ſide, ſhould think he was diſcovered, if he ſhould ſee him [...]o ſo late unto the King, who was faſt aſleep, when Seſoſtris came unto the Chamber with two of the guard and my ſelf. But the ſtrangnes of this accident is Sir, that juſt as they opened the Kings Chamber dore to goe and wake him, and tell him Seſoſtris deſired to ſpeak with him, we ſaw the wardrobe dore open at the ſame time, and many men with drawne ſwords enter into the Chamber, which had a Lamp burning in it. Seſoſtris no ſooner ſaw this, but drawing his ſword, he ran with a moſt magnanimous generoſity between the Kings bed, and theſe Aſſaſinates, not conſidering him as the uſurper of his Kingdome, but as the father of Timareta. So that the King being wakened with the noiſe of them that would have killed him and them that defended him (for the two Guards and I followed Seſoſtris with our ſwords drawn) the firſt object that he ſaw, was, that Seſoſtris killed one of the Aſſaſſinates, and wounded another, he alſo obſerved that he ſtill ſtood betwixt him and them as much as he could. I cannot eaſily tell you, Sir, what an affrighting object this was unto Amaſis, but it laſted not long, for the incomparable valour of Seſoſtris repulſed all the wicked Aſſaſſinates. [Page] Taniſis who led them up, felt the weight of Seſoſtris his arm, being wounded in two places: So that after this fear ſeiſing upon all the Conſpirators, they went out of the Chamber and Wardrobe: Seſoſtris would have purſued them further, but Amaſis riſing up haſtily, would not let him: So that making the doors faſt on that ſide, and guarding them untill all were awake in the Palace, the King ſent two of the Guard down the back ſtairs, to know the number of the Conſpirators, and to report all they ſaw unto him: Alſo hee ſent other two to cauſe all his Officers to come unto him, and amongſt the reſt, Simandius: In the mean time thoſe who failed in the execution of that deſigne, rallyed about Heracleon; for hee ſtayed in the Court with thoſe whom he had appointed to murder Seſoſtris: But ſince he ſaw his deſignes did not hit, and that hee could neither kill the King, nor Seſoſtris, hee pitched upon another plot, which was to carry away the Princeſſe of Aegypt: Hee knew ſhee had but few men with her, and that ſhee lodged farre off the Kings lodging: For Elephantine not being the ordinary reſidence of our Kings, the Palace where he lodged was very irregularly built: So that Heracleon finding more facility in this deſign then the other, he did eaſily execute it. Cauſing then her door to be opened in the name of the King, he entered, and took away Timareta maugre all her teares, cryes, and entreaties, and this great Princeſſe had ſcarce time enough to dreſſe her ſelf. Yet ſhe had this advantage in her miſery, that her women went with her. In the mean time, thoſe men whom the King ſent to diſcover the Conſpirators, hearing ſome women cry, returned in all haſt, and told the King that they were in the Princeſſe Timareta's chamber: So that Seſoſtris hearing this, ran like a man in fury to defend his Princeſſe, but he came too late; for Heracleon and Taniſis were both already embarqued. You may eaſily imagine, Sir, how this Prince was grieved, eſpecially when he ſaw all his purſuits of Heracleon were in vain. That which favoured his flight, was, that none imagined that he was embarqued in the Nile, but that he was ſtill hid in Elephantine. The next morning it was known that Heracleon landed at the place where he had layd his horſes, and that Taniſis ſtayed by the Rivers ſide, and dyed in the arms of ſome Shepheards who found him in that place, though no news could be heard of Heracleon, or which way he took; and though Seſoſtris uſed all poſſible endeavours to finde it out; for he wandered two whole moneths, hardly knowing whither he went: Amaſis for his part cauſed a ſtrict ſearch to be made all over the Kingdome, and all in vaine: So that at laſt Seſoſtris was conſtrained to ſtay with the King untill he had further light where Heracleon was. In the mean time, all thoſe who took up Armes for the Son of Apriez, layd them down againe. And the King went to Thebes, carrying Seſoſtris with him, whoſe ſorrows were beyond expreſſion. From Thebes they went to Memphis, where the King met with an Ambaſſador from Croeſus, who demanded ayd according to the alliance which was between them: So that Amaſis ſent thoſe men who ſerved in the war of Thebes, who had been witneſſes of the valour of Seſoſtris, under the name of Pſammetites: Amaſis willing Simandius to command them; but a while after theſe Forces were departed, a Letter which Heracleon writ unto one of his friends in Aegypt, did happily fall into the hands of Seſoſtris, which let him know that he was in Lydia: So that Seſoſtris not communicating his deſign unto any but me, reſolved to ſteal away from Amaſis, and Amenophis, to ſerve in the War under Croeſus: And this he did with abundance of reluctancy, for he was infinitely charmed with the fame of your valour and virtue, and loth he was to take any ſide but yours. Yet Love being the predominate paſſion of his ſoul, he reſolved to ſerve Croeſus, thereby to obtain Timareta: So that Seſoſtris ſtole away from the Court, and I followed him: At parting he writ unto the King, acquainting him with the cauſe of his voyage; alſo unto Amenophis, deſiring him to appeaſe the King, aſſuring him he would never return unleſſe he brought back Timareta, alſo deſiring him to move Amaſis to write unto Croeſus, that he would make a ſtrict ſearch for Timareta, and return her to him. At laſt, Sir, we arrived at Sardis, where Simandius was before us with the Forces he commanded, who were as full of joy as wonder to ſee my Maſter. I need not tell you, Sir, how Croeſus, the King of Pontus, and the Prince Myrſyles received Seſoſtris very well: But I aſſure you, hee was infinitely grieved that hee could hear no news either of Heracleon or Timareta, after all his care and ſearch with Croeſus, made upon the Letter of Amaſis. In the meane while as things ſtood, honour would not permit Seſoſtris to goe out of Sardis to ſeek his Princeſſe from Town to Town throughout Lydia; alſo the approach of the Army preſently made it a thing impoſſible for him: So Seſoſtris in lieu of looking for Timareta, was engaged to fight, and he did ſo courageouſly, that he deſerved immortall glory; and, Sir, you know that your Battalion was the onely one that day which was not broken. But, Sir, be pleaſed to know, that the Prince Seſoſtris [Page] was not wounded by any of your men, but by the baſe Heracleon. I cannot tell you, Sir, how he came mingled amongſt us, or how he came to know my Maſter; but when we were fighting with the valiant Abradates, and when Seſoſtris did things worthy of your eſteem, had you been a witneſſe, this Traytor Heracleon came behind him, who thought he had no enemyes to fight with but what were before him, and wounded him in ſuch ſort, that hee fell down dead amongſt our Heroes. As I was the onely man who obſerved whoſe arme it was who gave the wound, ſo I was the onely man who revenged the death, as I thought, of the Prince Seſoſtris, and as I was redoubling my fury, when I perceived it to be Heracleon, I was [...]dred from killing him outright, by a ſquadron of your men, Sir, who purſuing their victory, came betwixt Heracleon and me; ſo that I was forced to get into a Body of our men, where I ſtayed untill after you had gained the battell, and untill our ſhewing our firm reſolutions, obliged your great heart to put a difference between us, and them that fled, and to treat us with ſo much generoſity, as moved us to think, that after you has ſaved the life of the Prince Seſoſtris; you would alſo out of your goodneſſe make the wicked Heracleon confeſſe in what place the Princeſſe Timareta is: For truly, Sir, we have ſaved the life of the Prince Seſoſtris in vain, if he do not find the Princeſſe whom he adores.

My own misfortunes have ſo taught me how to have pitty upon the miſeries of others (anſwered Cyrus) that I muſt needs have much compaſſion upon the Prince Seſoſtris; and I aſſure you I will zealouſly intereſt my ſelf in any thing that relates unto him; and to teſtifie as much, I will goe my ſelf to make Heracleon confeſſe where the Princeſſe Timareta is; and I beſeech the Gods that I may reſtore her unto the Prince Seſoſtris in releaſing Mandana. After this Miris retired; for i [...] was very late, and Cyrus had but little time to reſt; yet he did not ſleep until he had beſtowed one quarter of an hour in remembrance of his dear Princeſs; though it was with much ſorrow at her unjuſt Jealouſie, whereof ſhe had given him ſuch a cruell Teſtimony.

The end of the Second Book.

ARTAMENES, OR, CYRVS the GREAT. THE SIXTH PART. BOOK III.

[Page]

WHilſt the moſt Illuſtrious Cyrus was lending an eare unto the adventures of Seſoſtris, and the crimes of Heracleon, the laſt of theſe hearing what care Cyrus had of Seſoſtris, he was in ſuch a fury, as all his wounds opened, and ſuch a violent Feaver ſeiſed upon him, that intelligence was given unto Cyrus, that he could not outlive the night following: Cyrus then hearing in what condition he was, in remembrance of his promiſe, went to ſee him, and to win him either by fair means or foul to confeſſe where Timareta was, but he found him not in a condition to be talked withall, for he raved, and was out of his wits; yet Cyrus had as good intelligence concerning this Princeſſe in his raving idle talk, as if he had his reaſon free: For as ſoon as he ſaw the Prince at the ſide of his bed, and his imagination being filled with thoughts of Timareta, he thought Cyrus to be the King of Pontus, and began to thank him for giving Sanctuary unto the Princeſſe Timareta in the Citadell of Sardis. Afterwards changing his diſcourſe, hee ſpoke ſometimes of Seſoſtris as if he were dead, and ſometimes again as if he would kill him: ſo that his mind not ſetling upon any one object, it was not poſſible to draw any certaine intelligence concerning Timareta out of him: Yet ſince a Priſoner confeſſed unto Cyrus, that there entered a Lady of great quality into the Citadell of Sardis, he thought there was ſome ground to be taken of what Heracleon had ſaid, yet he would not give this hope unto Seſoſtris, untill he had more; but Heracleon having loſt his ſpeech, and a little while after his life, then he ſent Miris unto him to acquaint him with the death of his Rivall, and what great probability there was, that the Princeſſe Timareta was in the Cittadell of Sardis. After which, according to the cuſtome, he went to give all neceſſary orders, and to viſit his Troops, leaving the care of Heracleons Funerall unto thoſe about him. He went alſo unto the Tent of Araſpes, whoſe wounds were not ſo vexatious unto him as the ſorrows of his ſoul: From thence Cyrus went to hold a Councell of War, wherein it was reſolved, that within two dayes they ſhould give a ſecond aſſault: So that this Prince employed all his time in ſeeing the Engines, in inſtructing thoſe who were to make them, in giving good counſel unto all the Officers, and in encouraging the ſouldiers. The King of Aſſyria, and Mazares did the like, and all the reſt of the Kings and Princes in the Army were exceedingly zealous to promote the deſigns of Cyrus. Anaxaris in particular was not the leaſt forward in the ſervice [Page] of this Prince: And the Prince Seſoſtris being almoſt perfectly recovered of his wounds, was ſo very much joyed that there was ſome likelyhood of Timaretas being in Sardis, that he would needs go unto the Camp, eſpecially when he heard that an aſſault was to be given unto the Town: for though the forces of Amaſis came with intentions to defend it, and the Egyptians unto whom Cyrus ſhewed favour, had not ſubmitted but upon condition not to be forced to fight againſt Croeſus, yet now things looked with another face: and Seſoſtris heard that Croeſus ſpoke unworthily of the Egyptians, who onely reſiſted the Enemy in the day of Battle: This did ſo incenſe all them of that Nation, that they were reſolved to fight for Cyrus: But ſince the reſolution was taken whilſt Seſoſtris was not in a condition to command them: this Prince, whoſe generoſity was more ſcrupulous then theirs, would not ſuffer them, before he entreated Cyrus to let him ſend a herald unto the King of Lydia, to ask whether the Princeſſe Timareta was in Sardis or no, and whether he would reſtore her? this he did, that he might find a way to doe it without a wound unto his honour. He departed then from the Caſtle where he was, but firſt he took leave of the Princeſſe Araminta, unto whom he had already made many viſits, to thank her for the care ſhe had of them, during the violence of his ſickneſſe. He bad adieu alſo unto the fair Cleonice, unto Doraliſa, and all the reſt of the Priſoners. Seſoſtris then after he had received a thouſand civilities from all theſe fair Priſoners, went unto the Camp, where he was entertained by Cyrus with all the honours due unto his birth, virtue, and merit: And after Cyrus had offered him all aſſiſtance in his power, Seſoſtris deſired he might ſend a Herald, to enquire and demand Timareta, which according to his deſires was done. But this meſſage was in vain, either unto Croeſus or the King of Pontus: for the more perſons of quality they had in their power, the more ſecure they thought themſelves, and therefore would not reſtore Timareta. Croeſus therefore anſwered, that it was true he had her in his hands: But he would not reſtore her, unleſſe Amaſis would ſend ſtrong reliefe as might raiſe the ſiege of Sardis. So that Seſoſtris receiving this anſwer in the preſence of Cyrus, turned ſmilingly toward him, and told him that in his apprehenſion, ſince it was more eaſie to take the Town of Sardis, then to relieve it, it were better for him to receive Timareta from his hand then from Croeſus: therefore in lieu of relieving the Town, he would help to take it; and was very glad that he was certain ſhe was in the Town, which could not chuſe but be taken, ſince the invincible Cyrus would aſſault it: My hope is, replyed Cyrus, that ſince the valiant Seſoſtris will fight for Timareta, he will teach me by his example, how to fight for Mandana. In the meane time, Cyrus treated Seſoſtris with all civility, and would have all the Grandees of his Armie viſit him, and do him all honour, ſo that Seſoſtris that day ſaw all the Princes which were in the Armie, who were ſo well ſatisfied with him, and ſo taken in with his ſpirit and civility, that he was infinitly eſteemed. And to do him the more honour, Cyrus would have him comm and one Brigade of the Aſſaulters, ſo that the morning being come, all orders being given, all the Engines fit, all the Ladders ready, & every one prepared to fight, they began an hour before day, to fill the ditch about the Town in diverſe places with faggots: which was ſo readily done, that the aſſault was given almoſt in an inſtant: and this great Towne, was ſet round with ladders except that ſide which lookes towards the mountaine Tmolus, which ſeemed inacceſſible: Cyrus was in that quarter next the Cittadell which was the moſt dangerous: The King of Phrygia aſſaulted that ſide towards Pactolus. The King Aſſyria, that which was oppoſite to it: And Mazares commanded that which was between Cyrus and the King of Aſſyria: Seſoſtris that ſide which looked towards the Plaine: Tigranes and Phraartes another towards the principall Port: and Anaxares another quarter: Hidaſpes, Chriſantes, Andramites, Aglatides, Perſodes, Hermogenes, Leontidas, and all the brave men of the Army commanded under theſe Princes. The King of Hircania Gobrias, and Gadates, remained at the Camp, and commanded the reſerves; to execute all the commands of Cyrus, and to ſend reliefe where there was need: The orders of this aſſault were not onely judiciouſly given, but moſt couragiouſly executed: and the more, becauſe the Lydian reſiſtance found matter enough for the valour of all theſe great Princes and Souldiers: Both beſiegers and beſieged were all fury, both in aſſaulting and defending: There was ſuch a vaſt number of Ladders, and men to carry them, that if the Lydians had not been incouraged by a man whom love made think nothing difficult, certainly they never would have oppoſed ſo great a ſtorm, and ſo generall an aſſault, but he infuſed ſuch ſpirit into them, and they fought ſo couragiouſly, that they made their enemies admire them: for though they were aſſaulted by the moſt valiant Princes of the World, and by ſtout ſouldiers uſed to gain battles, conquer Kingdomes, and take Townes; yet they reſiſted them ſo ſturdily, that they ſeemed invincible: they did not onely ſend clouds of arrowes, ſhowers of ſtones, and throw down, [Page] Ladders, but fought hand to hand with heroique fury, againſt thoſe that came upon the top of the walls: But Sir, though Cyrus did things prodigious, and all the reſt of the Princes wonders, eſpecially Seſoſtris; and though every one fought with all their force, yet they were not able to carry the Town that day: Yet it was very remarkable, that except Tigranes who was ſlightly hurt in the hand by the fall of a ladder, there was not one of thoſe Princes either kiled or wounded. 'Tis true Cyrus was oft in extreame danger, for he expoſed himſelf ſo oft, that he was of tready to be thrown down from the top of the ladder, or elſe to be knockt in the head with ſtones which the Lydians threw: Yet he came off ſafe, but ſo ſadly, that never any was more, for he found it a matter of great difficulty to force this Town: ſo that calling a Councel of Warre whilſt a Ceſſation of hoſtility was made for four hours, to draw off their dead, it was reſolved, to force it no more, becauſe it could not be taken by ſtorme, by reaſon of the high walls, multitude of Inhabitants, and abundance of Souldiers which defended it: but they began to draw a line about it with forts, hoping to take thoſe by famine who could not be taken by force: And the next morning without more delay, Cyrus went with the Engineers of his Army to view the ground, and to conſider at what diſtance they ſhould make it, and how they were to raiſe forts to defend it: It was no ſooner reſolved upon, but Priſoners and others began to caſt up earth: Cyrus himſelf, being a while an example to encourage the laborers: ſo that the Inhabitants of Sardis ſeeing their Town ready to be incloſed: and that the beſiegers went not about to raiſe their ſiege as they hoped, their joyes for the laſt repulſe of the enemies was quite quaſhed, and they began to murmure: ſome ſaid one thing; ſome another; ſometimes they would make them believe, that Cyrus cared not for Mandana, then they would perſwade them, that he would diſcampe if they did couragiouſly ſuſtaine this aſſault, yet it ſeemed thye were like to be expoſed unto all the hardſhips of a long ſiege: So that they fell unto a freſh mutinie, for nothing is more terrible to the people then fear of Famine: The thing which much augmented their diſorder, was, that when the ſiege began, there were many ſtrangers in the Town who were forced to ſtay againſt their wills, and who now would have gone out if it had been in their power: amongſt this multitude of ſtrangers, there was one Lician Ladie of quality, who coming unto Sardis to ſee a ſiſter which was married unto Doraliſas Unckle, was there ſhut up, having with her one daughter, one Neece, and one of her friends, all three very fair and amiable: Every one was ſorry that theſe three beauties and ſtrangers ſhould be ſhut up in a beſieged Town. They did earneſtly ſolicite Croeſus for leave to write unto Doraliſa, who they knew was the Princeſſe of Pontus, ſince the death of Panthea, that ſhe would obtain leave of Cyrus for three Ladies who were not of Sardis, to come out of the Town, and go unto their own homes. And ſince they knew Andramites was in love with Doraliſa, alſo in favour with Cyrus, they hoped he would mediate for them: Therefore having obtained a a Herald from the King of Lydia, they writ unto Doraliſa and Andramites, giving their letters unſealed unto this Herald, who according to his Commiſſion, went out of the Town unto the head of the Trenches where he ſtayed, and where an officer and four ſouldiers came to conduct him unto Cyrus. This Prince no ſooner knew the Cauſe of his coming, but he ſent him immediately unto Doraliſa; and ſending her word by him who conducted the Herald, that he conſented unto what was deſired: ſo Doraliſa and Andramites in lieu of coming to ask a favour, were obliged to come and thanke Cyrus: Then the Herald returned with much ſatisfaction, the time being ſet when Cyrus would ſend a Convoy to guard theſe Ladies at their coming out of the Town: Then the Herald rendering an account of the happy ſucceſſe of his voyage; that Lician Lady, named Lycaſte, accompanied with a Neece named Parmenides, her daughter called Cypide, a ſiſter of Parmenides called Arpalice, and one of her friends named Candiope, went to thank Croeſus and take their leaves of him: The Prince Myrſiles accompanied them to the Gates of the Town, in conſideration onely that they were coſens of Doraliſa, whom he ever highly eſteemed: and certainly this ſtood in need of a perſon of ſome authority to conduct them thither: For though the Inhabitants might have been glad of theſe Ladies going out of the Town, yet they murmured: yet the preſence of Prince Myrſiles reſtraining them, they let them go out in a Coach, Parmenides riding on horſeback, and followed by all the Train of Lycaſte, and her own: A Herald of Croeſus, riding before, to conduct them unto the place, where Andramites in the head of fifty horſe wai [...]ed for them. But as if Fortune did ſtrive how to make the moſt innocent actions of Cyrus ſeem culpable, it chanced that the Princeſſe Mandana, and the Princeſſe Palmis having got a day of leave to take freſh air, upon the Tarraſſe, from which all the Plain is diſcovered, they were there juſt as theſe Ladies went out at the Gate next the Cittadel; ſo that wondering to ſee a Coachfull of Ladies go out of a beſieged Town, they began to obſerve them, and follow them cloſe with their eyes, ſo that they ſaw when the Herald conducted them to [Page] the place where Andramites ſtood, and obſerved how Andramites received them, Mandana perceived, or at leaſt imagined, that he received them with much reſpect, and afterwards that he led them towards the Camp: Since all he did, muſt needs be by the orders of Cyrus, his actions could not be indifferent unto her; and ſhe conceived that theſe Ladies could not come out of Sardis but by the permiſſion of Cyrus; therefore ſhe had ſo violent a curioſitie to know who they were, and why Cyrus ſhould ſhew them ſuch a favour, that ſhe could not chuſe but ask the King of Pontus, the next time ſhe ſaw him, which was every day at ſuch hours as his buſineſſe of War could beſt ſpare him, and when the melancholy of Mandana permitted him; therefore ſhe no ſooner ſaw him, but addreſſing her ſpeech unto him: I would gladly know, Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, who thoſe Ladies were which yeſterday went out of Sardis, and who have obtained more favour then I can? The King of Pontus, not being ignorant of her thoughts, anſwered her craftily, that thoſe Ladies obtained a Paſport from Cyrus, becauſe they were Coſens unto a Lady whoſe name was Doraliſa, who the Queen of Suſiana loved very well, and who at this preſent is with the Princeſſe Araminta. Thus this Prince, though he ſpoke nothing but truth, yet ſpoke very much againſt his Rivall. Mandana not doubting but that Cyrus permitted theſe Ladies to come out of Sardis onely in conſideration of the Princeſſe Araminta, and not at all of Doraliſa; yet ſince ſhe would hide the agitation of his ſpirit as much as ſhe could. I wonder, ſaid ſhe, ſince the Princeſſe Araminta has ſuch a power over the ſpirits of Cyrus, that there are not more Ladyes which make uſe of her credit with him to get out from hence; for I beleeve he can deny her nothing. I beleeve (replyed the King of Pontus) that my Siſter makes better uſe of that power which ſhe hath over the ſoul of Cyrus, then you doe of that which you have over me: You, I ſay, who every day ask things impoſſible, or at leaſt things which if not denyed, will give a death to him you ask them of. I know not what ſhe askes (replyed ſhe) yet I am ſure, I ask nothing of you but what is juſt, and which you ought not to deny me. Though I agree, replyed he, that what you ask is juſt, yet I cannot agree, Madam, that I ought not to deny it: For Love is a paſſion which cannot acknowledge any empire but his own. Therefore never wonder, Madam, if I doe not hearken unto what you ſay, ſince you never ſpeak any thing but in oppoſition to my paſſion. Though I ſhould confeſſe, Sir (replyed Mandana) that Love does not admit of Reaſon, yet it muſt admit, and ſubmit unto neceſſity: Therefore to what purpoſe is all your obſtinate endeavours to defend Sardis, and to win my heart, ſince the firſt of theſe is very difficult, and the other abſolutely impoſſible? It were better policy for the King of Lydia to think of preſerving his Crown, and for you to think of procuring your liberty by giving me mine. I will conſent (added ſhe, in a mind extreamly incenſed againſt Cyrus) that you ſhall not deliver me into the hands of any Prince who is your Rivall, ſince I would have you deliver me unto none but the King my Father. Ah Madam (replyed he, the better to know her thoughts) can I beleeve you had rather be carryed unto Ecbatan, then to remain in the Camp of Cyrus? Doubt it not, replyed ſhe, but beleeve, that my ſoul is in ſuch a condition, as I will neither be favourable unto you, or him. How, Madam, replyed he, can you ceaſe from loving Cyrus as well as my ſelf? I aſſure you, ſayd ſhe, I begin to love none in that way you would be loved. I have told you, Sir, a hundred times, that you have an infallible way to get my eſteem and friendſhip, which is, to keep me no longer a Captive: For though in reaſon, when any one ceaſeth from perſecuting, it is enough the perſecuted party ceaſe from hating, without ſo much generoſity as to forget all paſt injuries, which the common people of the world are not uſed to doe: But I will now repeat the ſame I have ſaid a hundred times before, Doe but releaſe me, Sir, and I will ever both eſteem, and become your friend. I wiſh to the Gods, replyed he, that I were able to be contented with your offer, or that I could perſwade you to a little more. As for my ſelf (replyed ſhe) it is abſolutely impoſſible, therefore it muſt be you that muſt change, ſince I cannot, that the Warres may ceaſe, which cauſeth ſo many miſeries, and which in all likelyhood will laſt a long time: at leaſt, I am perſwaded Cyrus has no deſign to end it quickly, ſince hee lets ſo many out of Sardis. The King of Pontus hearing Mandana ſpeak in this manner, was as joyfull as his bad condition could permit, for he perceived her mind was much incenſed againſt Cyrus; and truly he was not miſtaken: He was no ſooner gone out of her chamber, but Mandana called for Marteſia: What doe you conceive (ſaid ſhe unto her) of the paſſages we have ſeen this day? Could you ever beleeve that the civilities of Cyrus ſhould tranſcend his love? However, you ſee how he carryes himſelf, and can you yet maintain that he is ſtill the ſame he was unto me? Was ever the like ſeen? Would Cyrus famiſh a Town, and yet ſuffer many people to goe out of it? For I doe imagine (ſaid this incenſed Princeſſe) this is not the firſt time he [Page] hath given Paſports, at the requeſt of Araminta. But, Madam (replyed Marteſia) thoſe you ſaw goe out this day, will not at all alter the Siege of Sardis, nor retard the taking of it. Ah, Marteſia, replyed Mandana, doe not defend the unfaithfull Cyrus, ſince I am confident, he would never have let them come out, but that he had a mind thereby to oblige the Princeſſe Araminta. I confeſſe the coming out of theſe Ladies doe not much impede the taking of this Town by Famin, but I know that it is not the cuſtome of Love, to doe things by the rules of Reaſon; and I aſſure you, I ſhould have liked it better that Cyrus had uncivilly refuſed theſe favours for his love of me, then to have juſtly granted them unto the Princeſſe Araminta. But whilſt this great, and unhappy Princeſſe, took the bare civilities of Cyrus for a crime, hee would have given her greater ſubjects of complaint, had ſhe known how he entertained theſe ſtrangers Ladies who came out of Sardis, though in truth ſhe had no reaſon to accuſe him, ſince what he did was out of his civill and obliging nature, which thought it a peece of injuſtice to deny a perſon of Doraliſa's merit ſuch a favour as could not prejudice Mandana: Nor did he more then what Mandana her ſelf would have adviſed him unto, if ſhe had not been prejudicated with an unjuſt jealouſie, which diſordered both her ſpirits and heart. This Prince who never did any thing but in a gallant manner, appointed Andramites to conduct them into his own Tent before he carried them unto Doraliſa, and received them with all imaginable reſpects; and certainly it was hard for any to doe otherwiſe, for they were very handſome, and would have invited civilities from thoſe that had no particular relation to them. Lycaſte, though well in years, yet had a remnant of beauty; and though one could not ſay ſhe was very fair, yet it muſt needs be confeſſed ſhe was very handſom: Cydipe her Daughter, though no perfect Beauty, yet ſhe had a great repute of it; and though ſhe had not all thoſe regular lineaments of exact ſymmetry, yet ſhe paſſed for a great Beauty. Her aire was exceedingly attractive and free; but though ſhe did attract eyes, yet Arpalice did charm them; ſince certainly never was a more lovely woman looked upon: She was fair and lively; every part of her face was admirable: There was ſomething in her eyes both ſo glorious and ſweet, as had all the charms both in grey and black colours: So that joyning an excellent ſpirit unto a fair body, it might be rightly ſaid, ſhe was one of the moſt lovely perſons in the world. Candiope was not ſo fair as her two friends, yet very amiable, not onely in her great and noble air, but in her quick and inſinuating wit, able to make others reveal their ſecrets, without imparting her own. Parmenides who was with theſe Ladyes, was handſom, and of a comly preſence, though ſhe had a kind of ſurlineſſe in her phyſiognomie. The reſt of the people with them, were onely the women of Lycaſte, Cydipe, Arpalice, Candiope, and Parmenides, with ſome men ſervants. In the mean time Andramites conducting them unto Cyrus, who then had with him Anaxaris, Aglaridas, Ligdamis, Hidaſpes, and Feraulas, this Prince entertained them with much civility, asking pardon for ſhutting up in a Town, and putting them unto the inconveniencies which they had received: But truly, ſaid he, you may accuſe the King of Pontus, and the King of Lydia rather then me, ſince if they would, they might have prevented all by releaſing the Princeſſe Mandana. We have ſo much care to applaud you, Sir, replyed Lycaſte, that we cannot accuſe. I have more reaſon to thank your honoured Coſen, Madam (replyed he) who gave me this opportunity of doing any ſervice unto perſons of your quality and merit. And indeed, Madam, I think my ſelf more obliged to you then you think I am: For I am confident that the Lydians ſeeing theſe three fair ones which accompany you, would have fought more ſtoutly in their defence then they will now they are out, at leaſt their Lovers will fight with leſſe fury. I aſſure you, Sir, replyed Arpalice, for my part, all my Conqueſts ſhall never hinder yours. I had thought (ſaid Cydipe, and looked upon her Coſen) that you would have anſwered for Candiope and my ſelf; but ſince you have not, I aſſure you, Sir (ſaid ſhe, and turned towards Cyrus) that you have loſt more then got by the coming out of Arpalice, and (if I durſt ſay it) by Candiopes and mine; for we did nothing elſe every day, but accuſe the two Kings of Lydia and Pontus of Injuſtice, for not releaſing the Princeſſe Mandana. Doubtleſſe, replyed Cyrus, the Lydians are very faithfull to that Prince even in unjuſt things; for if they were not, three ſuch Beauties as you, maintaining ſo juſt a cauſe as mine, would certainly have moved a Sedition in my favour. As Arpalice was ready to anſwer, Chriſantes brought in a priſoner, whoſe handſome garb attracted the eyes of all beholders, by the air wherewith he entered into the Tent of this Prince, but as ſoon as he was entered, it ſeemed he was not unknown unto theſe Ladies. Lycaſte expreſſed much wonder at the ſight of him; Cydipe ſeemed much ſurpriſed, Parmenides very melancholy, Candiope very glad, and the fair Arpalice bluſhed deeply, and ſhewed ſuch a ſweet diſorder in her eyes, that it was eaſie to ſee that ſhe had more intereſt in this priſoner then the reſt, [Page] who for his part was not a little ſurpriſed to finde thoſe perſons in the Tent of Cyrus, whom he thought to be in Sardis: His reſpects unto Cyrus kept him from teſtifying either his wonder or his joy; and let Arpalice know onely by ſome ſtoln lookes, that he was more a priſoner unto her then unto Cyrus. In the mean time this Prince obſerving the ſeverall motions in the countenances of theſe Ladies, made no queſtion but this man, who Chriſantes brought in, was of their acquaintance, therefore beginning to ſpeak; Since I ſee, Madam (ſaid hee unto Lycaſte) that this priſoner is not unknowne unto you, and ſince it ſeemes by his aire, that it is juſt he ſhould not be long in Fetters, will you bee pleaſed to give mee leave to enquire before you, where hee was taken. Sir (ſaid Chriſantes unto him) I aſſure you that you never took a Priſoner ſince the Warre began, who better deſerves his freedom, nor who better deſerves to be carefully kept, then this who I bring unto you, ſince certainly the Lydians cannot have a greater aide, then the perſon of ſuch a man as he. The commendations you give, replyed he modeſtly, is more glorious to them that overcame me, then to my ſelfe: Victory, ſaid Cyrus, is not alwaies an infallible argument of Valour: ſometime the vanquiſhed are more gallant men then the vanquiſhers: But I pray Chriſantes, where met you with this Couragious Enemy? For I find his modeſty ſo great, that there is no asking him: Sir, replyed Chriſantes, I cannot tell you what were the motives which moved this valiant man to go into Sardis: but this is truth, that a little before day, he leaped into the ditch at a place which we had raiſed the laſt aſſault, and he hid himſelf behind a heap of ſaggots which the enemyes had not yet burned: by chance a Centinell ſtanding at that ſconce which you raiſed laſt, perceived him, and obſerved that he looked towards the walls of the Town, and made a ſigne unto thoſe upon it, that they ſhould open a little Poſtern dore near that place: ſo that theLydians believing that certainly he had ſome inteligence ofimportance to bring them; and that perhapps he brought ſome news of that belief which the great King of Pontus made them long for: they intended to open it unto him, and for his more ſafe entry, they would make a ſalley: But the Centinell who ſpied him, told me what he ſpied, before they opend the little dore: and I thought it more expedient to take him then to ſhoot him: Then I cauſed a hundred men to make ready, and get betwixt him that would enter into Sardis, and the little dore which they opened for him; ſending at the ſame time, ſix of the moſt reſolute ſouldiers to bring him unto me: but ſince they could not go unto him without diſcovery, thoſe upon the walls killed one, and wounded two of them with arrows, ſo that there was but three who came up to him: and then the Lydians durſt not ſhoot, leſt they ſhould as ſoon hit him that would come into the Town, as thoſe who would take him: and thus this valiant Priſoner was in the midſt of three ſtout ſouldiers without any other aide but his owne valour: all this is nothing, ſaid the Priſoner, ſince I was taken: But ſince that would not have beene, replyed Chriſantes, unleſſe I had ſent ſix more, after you had killed two of the firſt, I think I cannot ſufficiently extoll you. Whilſt Chriſantes was ſpeaking thus, one might perceive by the eyes of Arpalice, that the applauds which were given this Priſoner did not diſpleaſe her, and that ſhe gave a moſt attentive eare unto it: and much more, when Cyrus asked this generous Priſoner what his name was? whether he was the King of Lydia's ſubject? whether he had imployed him upon ſome negotiation with ſome neighbour Prince? or whether he brought any newes of a pretended reliefe, wherewith Croeſus did flatter the people of Sardis? Sir replyed he, my name is Thraſimedes, and the place of my birth is Halicarnaſſus, ſo that I am neither the King of Lydia's ſubject, nor engaged in his intereſts: why then (ſaid Cyrus) would you chuſe the more unjuſt ſide? and why, ſince your valour cannot be idle, would you not rather ſtay in our Army then attempt to get into a beſieged Town? Thraſimedes was then at a nonplus, for he had no mind to tell the true cauſe of his deſign to get into Sardis. Then he began to make many imperfect anſwers: but ſince he ſaw Cyrus was nothing ſatisfied with them, he feared that if he did not tell the truth, hee ſhould ſtill remaine a priſoner of warre, and by conſequence be ſeparated from that perſon he loved. Therefore reſolving ſuddainly with himſelf, Sir, replyed he, as I have been a long admirer of your glory, ſo I would not have you ſuſpect me to have any diſpoſition of becoming your enemy; Therefore I muſt confeſſe the truth, though perhaps the fair Arpalice before whom I ſpeak, will be angry with me; be pleaſed to know therefore that my affection unto her, invited me into Sardis, where I know, ſhe was engaged: And therefore Sir, ſince Love onely made me ſo bold, all the applauds which Chriſantes gave unto me, are due unto the fair Arpalice: And to teſtifie that I ſpeak the truth [...], I am ſo far from deſiring to go into Sardis, ſince Arpalice is not there, that I begge ſo much favour from you, as to let me fight againſt the Lydians upon the firſt occaſion which preſents it ſelf. Since you are more a Priſoner unto the fair Arpalice (replyed Cyrus) then unto m [...]; It is ſhe that muſt appoint you wha [...] [Page] is her pleaſure. Truly Sir, (replyed ſhe in a great confuſion at what Thraſimedes had ſaid) I do not think I have any right to diſpute with you for this illuſtrious Priſoner: but though I had, yet I am ſo much obliged unto you, and I know he ſo much admires you, that to pay a debt which I owe you, and to pleaſe him with command, I enjoyn him to ſerve you, as long as he lives. Truly added Lycaſte; Arpalice has good reaſon for all ſhe ſaies: and truly replyed Cyrus, if ſhe be rigorous unto the valiant Thraſimedes, ſhe is the moſt unjuſt perſon in the World. Whilſt Cyrus was ſpeaking thus, Parmenides ſeemed much diſcontented, yet he durſt not openly expreſſe it, onely the fair Arpalice his Siſter knew his thoughts by his ſilence. But as Cyrus was ready to tell Thraſimedes, that ſince he was onely a Priſoner of love, he was no Priſoner of War, Hermogenes brought another Priſoner, whom he ſaid came from the walls of Sardis into the ditch by the help of a long cord, by that way which lookes towards the River, and being ſeen by ſome ſouldiers, they took him without any reſiſtance, telling them he had no other ſide but to change ſides; and that being ſpied by thoſe who kept Guard upon the walls, when he came down, he was in a thouſand dangers of being killed by ſhots of arrowes againſt him. But the admiration was, that when this Priſoner who ſeemed to be a man of qualitie, entered into the Tent, Cyrus obſerved that he was not unknown neither unto Thraſimedes, nor Lycaſte, nor Parmenides, nor Cydipe, nor Candiope, nor Arpalice: His preſence, though handſome, was not equally joyfull unto them all: for all except Parmenides who was glad to ſee him, were either angry or melancholy. So that Cyrus having a freſh curioſity to know who he was, and what deſignes he had, began to ask very preſſingly: Inſomuch as this Priſoner named Menecrates, who was a lover of Arpalice, and by conſequence the Rivall of Thraſimedes, and who knew well that Parmenides was a favourer of his deſigne, began to tell Cyrus ingenuouſly, that he had no other deſigne in coming out of Sardis, but to follow Arpalice whom he loved; but ſince this beauty had not the like thoughts of him which ſhe had of Thraſimedes, ſhe began to oppoſe what he ſaid: me thinks (ſaid ſhe unto him very ſharply) if the illuſtrious Cyrus be juſt, he ſhould not give much credit unto what you ſay, for truly (ſaid ſhe with a diſdaining ſmile) to come out of a beſieged Town where they are ready to dye for hunger, is not an argument of any great matter of love: and therefore I doe not conceive that your fair tale of love ought to excuſe you from being a Priſoner of Warre: ſince he declares himſelf to be yours (replyed Cyrus and ſmiled) it is not juſt he ſhould have two maſters; and therefore I will not diſpute with ſo fair a one as you: Lycaſte, hearing Cyrus ſay ſo, and ſeeing that out of his generoſity he would releaſe both Thraſimedes and Menecrates, whom ſhe knew would quarrell, Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him to prevent it) your actions ſpeake your great ſoul: but if I may be ſuffered to make a requeſt unto you, it ſhould be, that you would be pleaſed either to keep theſe two Captives ſtill in your Priſon, or elſe abſolutely command them to live friendly together. Since they are none of my Subjects (replyed he) I will onely entreat them to let me judge of that difference. Sir (ſaid Parmenides then) ſince the difference which is betwixt Menecrates and Thraſimedes, is of ſuch a nature as it can never be known, unleſſe you know the whole ſtory of their lives: and ſince their adventures are not heroique enough for the care, it will ſuffice, if you will be pleaſed out of your goodneſſe to keep Thraſimedes with you, untill Menecrates hath manifeſted his innocency unto Arpalice, who is the cauſe of their difference. Since Cyrus obſerved that Arpalice did favour Thraſimedes more then Menecrates, he told Parmenides that he would keep them both untill hee had time to hear the cauſe of their quarrell: That in the meane time; Andramites ſhould conduct Lycaſte, Cydipe, Arpalice, and Candiope, unto the Caſtle where the Princeſſe Araminta was, and where they might conveniently remain, untill ſuch time as he could determine the difference that was between two men, whoſe Enemies qualities obliged him rather to make them friends then Enemies. Thraſimedes having a good opinion of the juſtneſſe in his cauſe, did thank Cyrus for the honour he would do him in being his judge: but as for Menecrates, he was not ſo well ſatisfied, no more then Parminides. Yet their reſpects of Cyrus ſtopped their mouths, eſpecially when they perceived Lycaſte render a million of thanks unto Cyrus for preventing a misfortune, by his prudence, which might happen either unto Thraſimedes or Menecrates, or both. After which, the Ladies took their leaves of Cyrus, ſo ſatisfied with his civilities, that they could talk of nothing elſe. Thraſimedes and Menecrates remained rather as men that were guarded then as Priſoners of Warre: The firſt of them was committed unto the care of Chriſantes; and the other unto Feraulas. As for Parmenides, hee waited upon Lycaſte unto the Caſtle. Ligdamis, had alſo orders from Cyrus, to guard the Ladies, ſince it would be a great joy unto him to ſee his deareſt Cleonice. Cyrus at going out of his Tent, preſented his hand unto Lycaſte, to conduct her unto her Coach, though ſhe did earneſtly refuſe it. Andramites preſented his hand unto Cydipes; Ligdamis to Arpalice, and [Page] Parmenides unto Candiope. Arpalice in paſſing by theſe two lovers and Priſoners, ſhewed a different reſpect unto them: For ſhe ſaluted Thraſimedes with a very obliging civility, and Menecrates with ſuch cold lookes; as were enough to freeze him into deſpair, eſpecially ſince the affront was in the preſence of Cyrus and his Rivall: After Cyrus had put theſe Ladies into their Coach, he beſtowed ſome complements upon the two Rivals, and then he called a Councell of Warre. In the mean time, as gallant as Andramites and Ligdamis were, they left the Camp with joy: the firſt of theſe, becauſe he was performing an acceptable peece of ſervice unto Doraliſa, and the other, becauſe love was predominate in his heart, above all deſires of glory: alſo the Ladies whom they were to guard were ſo amiable, that the ſervice was very pleaſant. All the way, they talked of nothing but Cyrus: At laſt being come unto the Caſtle, Andramites carried them ſtraight unto the Princeſſe Doraliſa's Chamber, to the end ſhee might preſent them unto the Princeſſe of Pontus; Andramites giving orders that they ſhould lie in theſe lodgings where Seſoſtris did lie. In the meane time, as ſhie as Doraliſa was, and though ſhe was of an humour to do a hundred good offices, rather then to receive one, and never cared for giving over many thanks, yet ſhe could not chuſe but be much joyed at Andramites, for bringing theſe perſons thither, who were ſo near and dear unto her: yet her complement unto him was but ſhort: for though ſhe had an excellent grace of ſpeech, yet ſhe did ſeldome uſe any aggravations: and thoſe who knew her heart, counted one of her words for a thouſand, and would think her very courteous: ſo that though ſhe ſaid little, yet Andramites was well contented: and ſhe was ſo buſie in welcoming Lycaſte, Cydipe, Arpalice, and Candiope, that ſhe had not leaſure to give Andramites many thanks. It being a long time ſince Lycaſte had ſeen her; and ſince Cydipe, Arpalice, Candiope, and Doraliſa had ſeen each other ſince they were Children; they were full of complements. It was not long before the wit of Doraliſa, began to ſparkle as well as her eyes, for being in one of her pleaſant and charming humours, ſhe did ſo quibble with Lycaſte and all the company, that ſhe was the fulleſt of witty diverſion in the World. But after the Ladies had a little reſted and repoſed themſelves, they made ready to go and ſee Araminta. And Doraliſa knowing that the Princeſſe was to be ſeen, conducted them to her Chamber: But firſt, ſhe muſt preſent them unto Cleonice and Pherenice, and all the reſt of the Lady Priſoners, who in reſpect of her came to ſee them, and went with them to the Princeſſe Araminta: But Cleonice having a deſire to honour theſe ladies as coſens unto Doraliſa, as new comers and ſtrangers, ſhe would have them go before her: and Ligdamis being obliged to preſent his hand unto Cydipe being next the dore as ſhe paſſed, and Parmenides had already given his hand unto Cleonice; Doraliſa perceiving it, told Cydipe in a low voice, how ſhe thought her ſelfe obliged to acquaint her, that ſhe did but ill recompence Ligdamis for the paines he had taken in being her guard, ſince by ſeparating him from Cleonice, ſhe ſeparated him from her that was moſt dear unto him. 'Tis true (added ſhe) that I think his deſign was as much to ſee as to guard you, therefore you are the leſſe obliged unto him: Doraliſa ſpeaking with a deſign to be heard. Ligdamis complained againſt her inhumanity in inſulting ſo cruelly over a man who had brought her the moſt pleaſant company in the World, and which ſhould be a cauſe of much rejoycing in it: I do not know (ſaid ſhe unto him) how you can phraſe that inhumanity, which proceeds from my pitty of you: This is not the firſt time (added he ſtill walking) I have obſerved, that there are ſome miſeries which you have no compaſſion upon in your rallary; and the unfortunate Andramites knowes well that I doe not lie; ſince both of you ſpeak, replyed Cydipe, you will make me underſtand things very well: I aſſure you (replyed Ligdamis) I can never make you perfectly underſtand Doraliſa: perhaps you believe (ſaid ſhe and laughed) you have twitted me ſufficiently in telling that I am not eaſie to be underſtood; but ſince I am reſolved to treat you very civilly this day, I profeſſe unto you, that I take it for a great commendations: and that I would not be like ſome men I know, who the very firſt day one ſees them, vent all the ſtock of wit they have, and ſhew every cranny of their ſoules. Ligdamis had anſwered Doraliſa, but they were ſo near Araminta's Chamber, that that diſcourſe muſt end to ſalute the Princeſſe, who received all theſe Ladies with abundance of ſweetneſſe; not onely out of her naturall civility, but alſo to the more to oblige Doraliſa: After the firſt complements were paſt: ſhe asked them concerning the King her brother, whom they commended very much unto her: afterwards, ſhe asked them, whether they were not extreamly weary of a beſieged Town? and on the contrary, if they were glad to be out of it? ſo paſſing from one queſtion to another, unto which every one in their turnes had their vies, Araminta began to extoll the beauty of Arpalice, of Cydipe, and of Candiope, and ſaid that it did not ſeem Sardis was yet put unto any great extremities, ſince they brought out ſuch [Page] freſh complexions: adding that Croeſus would never have let them come out, but to drive all the beſiegers into deſpair. Arpalice, Cydipe, and Candiope did all bluſh at the commendations: Afterwards Andramites began to tell Araminta the admirable effects of Arpalices beauty: relating, how one ventured his life to go into Sardis, becauſe he thought her there; and another ventured his life in coming out, becauſe ſhe was not there: I doe not know ſaid Araminta, which of theſe two men is moſt lovely, or moſt loved, but I wiſh it were rather he that would have gone into Sardis, rather then he who came out: I conceive Madam (replyed Parmenides who favoured Menecrates) that it is not alwaies juſt to judge of things, by ſome happy events, which are onely effects of chance: For truly he who was in the Town had no way left to teſtifie his love, but to come out of it. 'Tis very true, ſaid Araminta; but ſince hee who goes into a halfe ſtarved Town, ready to be taken, is in greater danger, then he who comes out of it, I muſt needs wiſh him better fortune then I do to the other: I aſſure you Madam, (replyed Arpalice and bluſhed) to ſpeake in reaſon, I can neither commend the act of him that would go in, nor of him that came out, ſince according to my apprehenſion, the one would have headlong run into the danger, and the other would have ſhunned it. Whilſt Araminta was talking with theſe Ladies, Ligdamis talked low with Cleonice: and Andramites did the like with Doraliſa: but ſince he had to do with one whoſe wit was above the ſphear of moſt others, when he ſpoke low unto her, either ſhe anſwered him not at all, or elſe very little, or very ſharply; therefore he never durſt ſpeak above three or four words at once unto her, eſteeming himſelf very happy if ſhe did not anſwer him in ſuch a ſharp tone as was able to turn the ſweeteſt words in the world into wormwood. After the viſit of theſe Ladyes had laſted a reaſonable time, they went unto their chambers. Andramites and Ligdamis ſtayed in the Caſtle untill they were ready to goe to bed, and then they would return to the Camp in the night, leſt they ſhould loſe any opportunity of honour, yet they would not depart before they had received the commands of the Princeſſe Araminta, who charged them with a complement unto Cyrus. After which they had adieu unto all the Ladies; but whilſt they were performing their ſeverall complements, Arpalice took Doraliſa aſide, and after ſhe had pulled down her hood to hide her bluſh, ſhe deſired her to conjure Andramites in private, that he ſhould have a ſpeciall care that no new diſpute ſhould ariſe between Thraſimedes and Menecrates, telling him, that perhaps when Cyrus was buſie about great affairs, they would not be ſo ſtrictly guarded but ſome misfortune might fall out between them. Adding, that it would be an unſpeakable grief unto her, if either of them ſhould dye in any conſideration of her. Since it is not ſo eaſie a matter as perhaps you think for me to make any requeſt unto Andramites, ſaid Doraliſa, doe not think I will undertake it, unleſſe you will promiſe to tell me, what intereſt you have in theſe two priſoners: For though Curioſity be not my cuſtom, and though I am ignorant of many things, becauſe I will not ask them, yet I muſt needs confeſſe, I have ſuch a deſire to know the cauſe of ſuch extraordinary events, that I will conſent unto what you ask me, if you will promiſe what I ask you. I have ſo much intereſt in them (replyed Arpalice) that I cannot deny you. Since it is ſo (ſayd Doraliſa) I will doe as you deſire mee. And indeed, Doraliſa taking Andramites aſide, as if ſhe had ſome buſineſſe which concerned him to communicate unto him; and though ſhee was of ſuch an humour as did not love to ask any one to doe a good office, yet ſhe put a notable difference between making a requeſt for another, and one for her ſelfe: And therefore, though with much adoe ſhe entrated Andramites to have a care of Thraſimedes and Menecrates until the King had reconciled them, aſſuring him ſhe would take it for a great obligation; and adding, that he might take her making any requeſt unto him as a mark of that eſteem which ſhe had of him; for, ſaid ſhe, there are but four perſons in the whole world unto whom I would be obliged, though there be an infinite number that I would oblige; yet if I could preſerve my ſelf from being obliged unto any, I ſhould be very glad; but ſince this is not in my power, and that I muſt be obliged unto one, I had rather it ſhould be unto you then any other. Though your language, Madam (replyed he) cannot be catalogued in the number of favours, which one might hope for from her he adores, yet I will take it to be ſuch a one, ſince it is the greateſt I ever had from you. But as you have done me the honour to aſſure me, that I am in the number of thoſe three or four perſons unto whom you would ſuffer your ſelf to be obliged: I beſeech you tell me whether I be the firſt, ſecond, or perhaps the laſt of that infinite number which you would oblige? I aſſure you, ſaid ſhe, and laughed, I cannot anſwer you directly I would; for I have aſſigned no places in my heart, all thoſe who are there are in a confuſion without any order of rank, ſo that I cannot tell which is firſt, or ſecond, &c. But Andramites (added ſhe) this is not the buſineſs which I deſire of you, and therefore unleſſe you would have me repent of my requeſt, and be ſorry for giving [Page] you an occaſion of obliging me; ſpeak not a word more, unleſſe it be to bid me adieu. Give me leave, Madam, ſaid he, onely to tell you, that I depart the moſt—For Heavens ſake Andramites (ſaid ſhe, and interrupted him with a laugh) ſpeak not a word more, unleſſe you be well aſſured that what you ſay will not anger me; for ſince the requeſt I made unto you concerns one of my friends, I ſhould be glad you would not put me to recall that requeſt which I have made unto you, and therefore it is better that I interrupt your ſpeech, and leave you; and indeed Doraliſa, making him a ſerious reverence, as if ſhe had done her buſineſſe, left him, and went unto Arpalice to tell her that Andramites would doe as ſhe deſired. All this while Ligdamis was bidding adieu unto his dear Cleonice, with whom he was alwaies upon conſtant termes of amity. Thus Andramites and he returned to the Camp, and left all theſe Beauties together, who did not part untill Lycaſte was forced to tell them, it was full time to retire unto their reſt. In the mean time, ſince it did nearly concern Arpalice, that Cyrus in reconciling Thraſimedes and Menecrates ſhould know that he could not protect the laſt of theſe in prejudice of the other, unleſſe he made her moſt miſerable, ſhe conſultted with Candiope (who was her deareſt friend, and cloſe confident in all her ſecrets) upon the beſt expedients. For my part (ſaid Candiope unto her) if the caſe were mine, conſidering the credit which Doraliſa hath with Cyrus, both by her ſelf, by Araminta, and by Andramites, I would open my heart unto her, and tell her the whole truth. She hath already deſired (replyed Arpalice) that I ſhould doe as you adviſe me, and I have promiſed her. Why then doe you ask my advice upon a thing (replyed Candiope) which is already reſolved? Becauſe I have promiſed more then I can perform (ſaid Arpalice) for though it be a great weakneſſe to be timerous in relation of any thing which is not a crime, yet I muſt confeſſe I cannot my ſelf tell Doraliſa what is requiſite ſhe ſhould know, thereby to engage her in my buſineſs. Then I muſt ſay (replyed Candiope, and ſmiled) that you are very rigorous unto Thraſimedes, if you dare not tell Doraliſa that which a whole Province knows: for is there one in Licia which knowes not that Thraſimedes is in love with you? No, ſaid Arpalice, but there is none except you, and Thraſimedes, who knows that I love him; and it is but a while ſince hee could gueſſe at it, nor yet knows ſo well as you doe: Therefore you would infinitely oblige me, if you would ſpare me many a bluſh, and would take the pains to relate all my imperfections unto Doraliſa: You are well acquainted with the originall of our affections, and I beleeve your ſelf is the greateſt cauſe. But dare you truſt your ſelf unto my diſcretion? (ſaid Candiope unto her) are you not afraid that my ill memory will make me miſreport your words? and perhaps alter ſome of them, or make you ſpeak too obligingly unto Thraſimedes? As Arpalice was going to anſwer, Doraliſa came into their chamber, who after ſhee had told Arpalice, that ſhe was glad to ſee by her complexion, and quickneſſe of her eyes that ſhe had ſlept well, ſhe asked whether or no ſhe remembred her promiſe? Candiope knowing very well what Doraliſa meant, laughed, and told her, that Arpalice was not very well diſpoſed to perform her promiſe; telling her afterwards all the diſcourſe which was between them: So that there was a very pleaſant conference between theſe three perſons: For my part (ſaid Doraliſa) after ſhe had heard the difference between them) I cannot think Arpalice ever did, or ſaid, or thought any thing which ſhe may not tell me, and therefore I am perſwaded, that it is rather out of vanity then modeſty that ſhe will not let me underſtand her adventures from her own mouth rather then from anothers, ſince it is not poſſible any ſhould know anothers ſtory ſo well as themſelves: But the truth is, one ſhall not ſpeak of themſelves ſo well as others will do. Moſt true (ſaid Candiope) Doraliſa hath found out a good reaſon to ſtop your own mouth; for you would rob your ſelf of a thouſand applauds which I ſhall give you, and which really you deſerve: Yet I cannot phraſe your way to be a vanity, but rather a deſire of glory, and you deſire to get Doraliſaes eſteem, therefore deſires that ſhe may know you the better by my reports then your own. I pray you tell her what you pleaſe, replyed Arpalice, ſo you do not put me to ſay any thing: And indeed ſo it was concluded, that Candiope ſhould relate all the adventures of Arpalice. Then Doraliſa and Candiope agreed, that as ſoon as dinner was paſt, they ſhould carry Lycaſte, Cydipe, and Arpalice unto the Princeſs Araminta, where they would leave them, and return into Doraliſaes chamber: And ſo they did; for they were no ſooner entered, but ſhutting the door, and Candiope leaning upon a table of Ivory inlayd with Ebony, ſhe began her diſcourſe with a Complement, thus.

The History of ARPALICE and THRASIMEDES.

[Page]

YOur Reputation, amiable Doraliſa, being ſuch as makes it dangerous to ſpeak ill before you, might well ſilence me from making any long diſcourſe in your preſence, if it did not meerly concern a perſon who is moſt dear unto you, and deſerves to be ſo unto all thoſe that are capable of her extraordinary merit: and her intereſt being more conſiderable then my own, I will begin that relation which you expect, as if you had never heard of our Country, of our Town, or of Arpalice her ſelf; for though you be very near in alliance of blood, yet you never were in Licia, but alwayes at Sardis or Suſa, never ſaw each other ſince you were five years of age, when Lycaſte came to Sardis, I conceive it convenient to begin as if you knew her not at all. Be pleaſed to know therefore, that Arpalice was but ſeven years of age when ſhe loſt both her Father and her Mother, and that Parmenides was not of a fit age to govern himſelf, therefore a Brother of Lycaſte, their Uncle, was their Tutor; who having no Wife, put the young Arpalice unto Lycaſte, who hath brought her up with as much care as ſhe did Cydipe. The Father of Arpalice holding an intimate correſpondencie with a man of Quality named Amphidamas, who was of the ſame Town, and had but one Sonne, and one Daughter, he ordained by his laſt Will and Teſtament, that Arpalice ſhould marry his Son when ſhe came at age: That which cauſed the great riches of Arpalice (though ſhe had a Brother) was that they were not both by one Mother: And ſince it is the cuſtom of our Country, that Mothers give ranks unto Families, and not the Fathers; and the Mother of Arpalice being exceeding rich, declared by her teſtament, that ſhe ſhould marry Menecrates: adding, that her intention was, that he ſhould have the greateſt part of her eſtate, if her daughter would not marry him. It may very well be ſaid, that Arpalice was never Miſtris of her ſelf, ſince ſhe was engaged before ſhe had either reaſon or diſcretion. Menecrates was then four years of age, and Arpalice ſeven, when every one ſaid unto them, that they were deſtined to live together, and that they were ſo faſt, nothing could ever part them; but before I acquaint you how they lived together, I muſt tell you, what the manner of living is, in our Town. All the world knows, that Licia in generall is a mountainous Country, very craggy and uneven; and very barren in many places; therefore you may imagine, perhaps, that thoſe who inhabit there, will ſmell of the rudeneſſe of their Country: But there being ſome land in Licia exceedingly fertile, it may be ſaid, there are as gallant compleat men there as any is in the world: Alſo the Metropolis of our Country which is called Patara is one of the moſt famous Towns in all Aſia, not onely for its beauty, but alſo for the magnificent Temple of Apollo, whoſe Oracle is ſo famous, and many Strangers reſort thither to conſult with it: Alſo many come out of curioſity to ſee that famed mountain of Chimera: This Mountain, I ſay, whom the renowned Bellerophon rendered famous, whoſe top is full of Lions, middle of wild Goats, and bottome Serpents; ſo that many Strangers reſorting unto Patara, it is moſt pleaſant living there. Moreover, though the Government of our Country be in the manner of a Republique, yet a King of a Court may be ſeen there as well as in a Monarchicall ſtate: For there is a Preſident of the Councell, whoſe authority is ſo great, that he wants onely the name of being Soveraign of all Licia: So that all the Offices of State being in his diſpoſe, he is as much courted, and as much honour done him, as if he were abſolute King: So that their way of living is much more pleaſant then in other Republiques, where every one is divided into ſeverall Factions; and the contrary, the authority of one man attracting together all the compleat Gallants of a State into one Town, and after into one houſe; this queſtionleſſe makes ſociety moſt agreeable, and ſpirits more polite, it being the ſource of all delights, and gallantry. And I can aſſure you, we had the advantage to live in a time when there were more compleat men in Licia, then of three ages before. This is the place, fair Doraliſa where Arpalice was educated, and lived all her time: I ſhall not need to tell you what ſhee now is; for it is apparent ſhe is one of the greateſt Beauties in the world: You may ſee ſhee has been ever fair, not like one of thoſe beauties, who make people beleeve they uſe enchantments, and who after they have been ugly in their infancy, become fair in ſix moneths; yet Arpalice did not onely promiſe beauty in her moſt tender years, but abundance of ſpirit; a ſpirit ſo gallant, ſo high, ſo noble, ſo paſſionate for liberty, and ſuch an enemy to all ſubjection and conſtraint, that I have heard ſay a hundred times, a pleaſure commanded did loſe the pleaſure of it: You may imagine therefore, that nothing could fall out more oppoſite to her humour then to be engaged at ſeven years of age, to marry Menecrates: not but that he was exceedingly handſome; but though he had been the handſomeſt man upon earth, yet he would [Page] never have got the heart of Arpalice, out of his reaſon alſo, that ſhe did not chuſe him; and truly, I think another thing did much diſunion the ſpirits of theſe two perſons, which was, that Menecrates was of an imperious nature, and an enemy to any thing that croſſed his inclination; ſo that it may be ſaid, that Arpalice loved liberty, and Menecrates loved licentiouſ-neſſe. But to return unto the beginning of their lives: be pleaſed to know, that Lycaſte and her brother who were the Tutors of Arpalice and Parmenides, did think themſelves obliged to ſee the laſt will of Arpalices Father and mother executed: ſo that they uſed all their endeavours to incline the heart of this young Lady to love Menecrates: on the other ſide, the friends of this pretended lover did ſo expreſly command him to court his young miſtriſſe, that being not at an age to diſobey them, he was continually with her: at leaſt, at ſuch times when he was not buſied with his Tutors, who taught him ſuch things as one of his quality ought to learne: and they ſaw one another ſo oft, that it may be ſaid, they ſaw one another too often to love. The three firſt years both of them being very young, it was not obſerved, that there was any ſtronge averſion in the heart of Arpalice towards Menecrates: nor any great affection in the heart of Menecrates▪ towards Arpalice: But alwaies doing as their Parents bad them; Menecrates ſend a thouſand pritty knacks for tokens unto Arpalice which ſhe received very civilly more for the love of the things, then the ſender: if they danced or walked, it was alwaies together; and they never enjoyed any pleaſures aſunder: yet this laſted not long: for Menecrates being ſeaven years elder then Arpalice, when he was eighteen, & ſhe but eleaven: ſo that having loſt his Father, he began to live after ſome mode, and to uſe her like a child, & entred into the world with all the liberty of a young man of an impetuous ſpirit: Yet his deſigne was to marry Arpalice, & to keep her in hand with ſome trivial tokens, but in ſuch a negligent manner, that as young as ſhe was, ſhe took notice of it, and ſlighted him. However be pleaſed to know, that Menecrates having no mind to loſe Arpalices eſtate, contracted an intimate friendſhip with Parmenides, for he concurring in age, he loved the brother better then the ſiſter: Alſo there was a ſympathy of humors between them: but though he had ſcrewed himſelf into his affection, yet he did not neglect Arpalice. Thus did he ſwim in all delights and pleaſures, and believed himſelf, as ſome fort of men uſe to do, who though they be married, yet make a profeſſion of Courtſhip and Gallantry. When he was in any of his Gallantries, either he would not come before Arpalices window; or if he did, it was ſo late, that ſhe ſhould not ſee him: if ſhe were at any meeting, he took her out to dance not above once, or twice at the moſt, and then would leave her to go and talke with ſome other whom his heart more liked: All the adviſes of his mother and friends were in vain, when they told him that Apalice had more wit then years: that he did ill to uſe her ſo; that he would move her unto an averſion; which indeed he did, for all his care was to pleaſe himſelfe, telling all thoſe who ſpoke unto him, that he would let Arpalices beauty grow a little, before he would apply all his Courtſhips and reſpects unto her: things being upon theſe termes, and Arpalice being ſome twelve or thirteen years of age, he deſigned to travell with Parmenides, and not to return untill three years were expired: So that during his abſence, the beauty of Arpalice grew to be (as now you ſee it) a very miracle, and was an admiration to all Lycia: Cydipe was alſo very fair; and the ſiſter of Menecrates called Cleoxine, who was much about the age of Arpalice, was alſo very lovely; ſo that it might very truly be ſaid, theſe three were the greateſt ornaments of our Towne: and ſince I ſaw them every day, it was eaſie for me to get their friendſhip: and truly of all the three, Arpalice did moſt take my heart: and ſuch a knot of friendſhip was tyed between us, as nothing can diſſolve: In the meane time; though Arpalice was a wonder of beauty, yet none durſt engage themſelves to ſerve her: ſhe charmed the eyes of all that looked upon her, and every one defended themſelves againſt the inchantment of her beauty: the commendations which every one gave her, was to ſhun her with all care, leſt ſhe ſhould exact more love and adoration then hopes: every one lamented that it was not permittable to ſerve her openly; and vented a hundred things which confirmed her, in her love of liberty. Yet cuſtom, reaſon and modeſty willing her to follow her own humour, ſhe concealed her reſentments as much as ſhe could: Yet in the ſecret of her heart ſhe had an extreame unwillingneſſe to be forced unto the moſt important action of her life which ought to be moſt free: ſhe knew very well, that ſhe made all thoſe deſpair that thought upon her in love: and ſhe knew alſo, that the reaſon why ſhe denyed all, was becauſe ſhe was promiſed unto Menecrates: Moreover, ſhe perceived that all the friends of Menecrates, kept obſervant eyes upon her. So that ſhe lived in ſuch a conſtraint, as a Lady of quality called Zenocrite, who had a pleaſant wit in Rallary, termed her the fair ſlave; and this name was ſo much uſed amongſt us, as we called her by it as much as by her own name: for ſhe being of a ſweet pleaſing ſpirit, ſhe would not be angry at [Page] any Rallary, and the truth was Zenocrite was ſuch a perſon as might ſay what ſhe would without any exception: and truly there was more Gallants frequented this Ladies houſe whom I laſt named, then any other in the Town. Zenocrite is fair, of a good perſon, her Phyſognomie ſubtile, though ſhe had a kind of languiſhing aire: ſhe ſpoke things as if ſhe never thought them: yet ſpoke them more ſprightly then thoſe that did think them: ſhe had an admirable fancy, and would turn things moſt pleaſantly: ſhe would ſometimes tell a ſtory in moſt elegant termes; and would ſomtimes be ſatyricall in four words: yet was ſhe of a good and generous nature: and if ſhe ſpake in the diſadvantage of any one, it was more out of an exceſs; of reaſon and ſincerity, and out of an impetuoſity of wit and fancy (which ſhe could not hold in) then out of malice. The rareſt of her qualities was, that the ſadneſſe of her ſpirit did often time cauſe joy in others: For where ſhe lamented the miſeries of the time, or of ill government, ſhe did it in ſuch a pleaſant manner, that ſhe did more delight company by her complaints and murmures, then others could do in their moſt frolique humours: ſhe had all the newes, which ſhe did alwaies poliſh in the relation; not that ſhe changed it, but, that in her Comment upon it, ſhe was moſt agreeable company. Moreover, there being alwaies abundance of company at her houſe: Liberty was alwaies free, thoſe that would be ſad might be ſo, thoſe that would be frolique might be ſo, thoſe that had no mind to ſpeak might be ſilent; ſo that every one might find there a ſatisfaction for his humour: to conclude my deſcription of her, Zenocrite was a perſon every way extraordinary; you may conceive then, that Arpalice having ſo fine a ſpirit, and living in the Neighborhood, did ſee her very oft, and this priviledge ſhe had, that Zenocrite ſpoke of her, as a perſon whom ſhe eſteemed very much; and I think that I may truly ſay the converſation which Arpalice had with her, did not a little confirm her love of liberty: and when ſhe did aggravate the injuſtice of thoſe who do abſolutely diſpoſe of the wills of others, not knowing whether it be ſutable to their minds or no, it muſt be confeſſed ſhe ſpoke reaſon; and truly it is very ſtrange, to ſee fathers oblige the Children to marry, not knowing whether they love or hate; whether their humours be ſutable or oppoſite: and if they can but paſſe away an afternoon without wearineſſe, no matter for all their lives after. Since all that Zenocrite ſaid ſeriouſly, obſerved and exactly related, the friends of Menecrates did all they could to hinder Arpalice from ſeeing her ſo often; but Arpalice had alwaies been well uſed there, ſay what they would, ſhee would not be kept from thence: telling them, that ſince Zenocrite was a woman of no leſſe vertue then wit, ſhe knew not why ſhe ſhould not ſee her: the thing which moſt netled them was, that in ſeeing Zenocrite, Arpalice ſaw all the Gallants in Lycia: yet ſince they were forced to be patient, and to ſet ſome ſpies to obſerve whether any one Courted Arpalice, mangre her engagement: but all their obſervant paines were in vain, for ſince, Menecrates was a man of high quality, and ſince it was known that Parmenides deſired this marriage ſhould go forward, notwithſtanding all Arpalices charmes, and what inclinations ſoever they had to her, all thoſe who fell in love with her, did ſtifle their paſſions, and would not regularly apply themſelves to ſerve her: Thus every one did commend her and eſteem her, but none durſt love her: I leave it unto your imagination, how perplexed ſhe was to ſee, that if ſhe were free, ſhe might chuſe as ſhe would; and yet ſhe ſaw ſhe was forced to marry Menecrates whom ſhe could not endure: how oft has ſhe made her complaints unto me? and how oft has ſhe wiſhed, that ſhe were poor ſo ſhe were free? This being the poſture of things, the friends of Menecrates receiving continuall letters from him, intended to ſend him Arpalices Picture, that he might ſee how ſhe was improved, hoping to make him the ſooner return: They addreſſed themſelves unto him who had the diſpoſition of her, to get Picture taken, and commanded it with ſuch peremptory authority, that obey ſhe muſt. Yet ſhee deferred it as long as poſſible, and there was no pretence which ſhe did not make uſe of, to excuſe her ſelfe: one day ſhe had an ill dreſſe on, another day ſhe had not ſlept well in the night, and therefore did not look pleaſant enough to have her Picture taken: another time, ſhe had promiſed a viſit, but at laſt, after all theſe delaies and excuſes ſhe muſt obey. For my part, I have wondred a hundred times how they could take her Picture with any reſemblance, conſidering the fretting melancholy that was in her aſpect, and the impatience ſhe did fit in; for ſhe changed her countenance continually, according to the variety of thoughts in her mind: ſhe did almoſt never ſit ſtill, but was alwales reſtleſſe and ready to riſe; and truly if the Artificer had not been a man of an admirable fancy, and the moſt excellent man in his art that was in the World, he could never have done what he did; for notwithſtanding all the reſtleſſe impatience of Arpalice he took her Picture marvellous like her. As much incenſed as ſhe was againſt Menecrates; [Page] for all her ſpite againſt the Picture drawer, yet ſhe was very glad to ſee it, when it was finiſhed; for in what humour ſoever one is in, you know, one would not wiſh long to appeare ill favoured. So that Arpalice cheering up her ſelfe by little and little, conſented that they ſhould ſend her Picture unto Menecrates: and ſince it was in a very little modell, it was put into a very fine Caſe, and ſent unto him, yet Arpalice would not have it ſent as from her, nor that they ſhould ſend him word, ſhe conſented unto it. But I beſeech you admire a little at the wonderfull juncture of things; when Menecrates received this Picture, he was at Apamea, where was alſo a Halicarnaſian man of quality, named Thraſimedes, who had no other deſignes in his being there but as a Traveller. And as you know, the Phrygian Muſique is moſt admirable, there was a place in that Town where at certain daies was kept a conſort of voices and Inſtruments, unto which all the Gallants reſorted, when they had leaſure: ſome onely, becauſe they loved Muſique, and others out of love to company, which was infallibly to be found there. So that Menecrates, Parmenides, and Thraſim [...]des, all three men of much ſpirit, and curioſity, failed not to be there: And as we commonly ſee, thoſe who are ſtrangers in any Town, though they be not of the ſame Country, yet have a diſpoſition to converſe together with thoſe of the ſame Province they are of; So, it chanced that Thraſimedes ſought occaſions of talking with Parmenides, and with Menecrates, and finding them both to be men of much ſpirit, he accuſtomed himſelf to talke ofter with them then any others; and ſince in ſuch places as that, it is not uſuall to talke of very ſerious or important matters, they began to diſcourſe of the difference which is in the beauty of women, according to the ſeverall places where they are borne: So that paſſing iuſenſibly from one thing unto another, they asked each other reciprocally, if there were any excellent beauties in the places where they were born? And ſince Menecrates was the firſt which asked the queſtion, Thraſimedes anſwered him, that there were many very lovely ones in his Country; but, ſaid he, for all that, I am moſt unhappy, for the truth is, that at this preſent, there is hardly an excellent beauty in all the Halicurnaſſus, though ſome ten or twelve years ſince, there were a thouſand moſt rare ones: and it may be ſaid, that the ſtarres in our Court are ſet, and ſhine not: It is not ſo in our Town, replyed Parmenides, for there are an infinite number of riſing ſtarres and growing beauties. And to let you ſee one of them, ſaid Menecrates, look upon the Picture of one of our fair ones. In ſaying ſo, he ſhewed him Arpalices, which he received that morning. Thraſimedes, no ſooner ſaw it, but he confeſſed, he never ſaw any ſo fair, asking often, whether it was not one of thoſe Pictures which more ſhew the excellency of the Artiſt then the reall reſemblance of any one: whilſt Thraſimedes ſaid ſo, Parmenides was called away, by ſome that would ſpeak with him; ſo that ſtaying ſtill with Menecrates, he began more and more to admire the beauty of this Picture, and asked him, whether it was the Picture of any with whom he was in love, or of ſome of his kindred? for I ſuppoſe, ſaid he, it muſt be one of thoſe two; It is neither of the one nor the other, replyed Menecrates, for I aſſure you, that Arpalice whoſe Picture you ſee is not my Coſen, nor am I in love with her: Is it poſſible (ſaid Thraſimedes) you ſhould know this perſon and not love her? Doubtleſſe I can, replyed hee, and very eaſily. 'Tis true, when I came from the place where ſhe is, ſhe was not ſo fair then, as now, and they write unto me that ſhe is more charming then her Picture. Whilſt Menecrates was talking thus, Thraſimedes looked ſtill upon the Picture with much admiration; but at laſt, he reſtored it unto him again, and talked of other things. At their going out from thence, they went unto one of thoſe houſes where gaming is uſed, and which is open to all commers, for Phrygia being near neighbour unto Lydia, and as you know the Lydians are the inventers of moſt games of chance, ſo play is uſed as much at Apamea, as at Sardis. Menecrates and Thraſimedes, coming into this houſe, (where Parmenides was not) Menecrates preſently began to play, but with ſuch ill luck, that he loſt all he had about him, except the Picture of Arpalice, whoſe Caſe was of Gold with a circle of Diamonds. So that having no money to play, and being deſperate; he offered thoſe he played againſt, to play the Caſe of the Picture, but Thraſimedes not giving them time to anſwer, told Menecrates, that if he were reſolved to play that Caſe, he deſired it might be with him, and upon condition, that the Picture might be in it, he would ſtake the double value to what it coſt. Menecrates did pauſe upon it a little, but his hot deſire of play, and greedineſſe to win back ſome part of what he had loſt, being prevalent with him, he accepted of Thraſimedes his offer, yet deſired no more for a ſtake then the juſt value of the thing: he was the ſooner induced unto this reſolution, becauſe he thought Arpalice could never come to know how he played her Picture, & as for Parmenides, he did not fear that he would be angry, for there was ſuch a ſtrong linke of friendſhip between them, that nothing could break it: But to be ſhort, Menecrates loſt the Caſe, Picture & [Page] all; and Thraſimedes wonne it, yet offered afterwards to lend him money to play, but h [...] fretting at the unkindneſſe of fortune, he went home as melancholy at his loſſe as Thraſimedes was merry at the winning it; yet Menecrates did fret more at his ill fortune in generall, then at the loſſe of Arpalices Picture in particular; for having a greater love to play, then to her, he was more ſenſible of the one then the other. Alſo knowing, that in all likelyhood the ſubſtance of that Picture which he had loſt, would infallibly be his, he did no [...] reſent the loſſe: As for Thraſimedes, he was not of that mind, for he was better pleaſed in winning this Caſe and Picture, then if he had wonne a much more conſiderable value in money: So that fearing Menecrates would engage him to play it again if he ſaw him, he [...] ſhunned meeting with him, which he might eaſily doe; for having but two dayes to ſtay i [...] Apamea, he would not appear in his ſight, yet he went to bid him adien, and Parmenide [...] alſo, but as chance was he met with neither of them, and ſo he took his journey without ſeeing them, I ſhall not be ſo tedious as to tell you unto what Town he went; ſince it is not pertinent to my ſtory; but give me leave to tell you, that in all places he came at, he carefully obſerved whether he could ſee any woman ſo fair as that Picture: But whether really he met with none who had ſo much beauty, or whether he found none that pleaſed him ſo well as that of Arpalice, certainly he gave her the preheminence in his heart. After then he had wandered through divers places in Lower Aſia, as he was ready to return unto Halicarnaſſus, he began to chide himſelf for being of that humour, who had rather ſee things which are leſſe rare, becauſe they are farther off, then things of more worthy obſervation, becauſe they are at home: And that Caria, and Licia doe joyn, yet he never had been at Patara, though men from all corners of Aſia come thither to conſult with the Oracle of Apollo; and many alſo come into Licia to ſee the Mountain of Chimera: Thraſimedes therefore reſolved to ſee our Country; and he added unto his generall curioſity of ſeeing all the R [...]ties of our Town, his particular deſire of ſeeing Arpalice. Then took he his way unto Patara, where he arrived in the moſt pleaſant ſeaſon of all the year: But before I relate how he lived, it is convenient I tell you his admirable adventure which happened unto him, the firſt day he came unto the Town. Know then, that Thraſimedes remembring hee knew a man whom he had ſeen in Hallicarnaſsus, ſent to enquire whether he was in the Town before he entered himſelf, to know whether he might lodge at his houſe according to the Laws of Hoſpitality, which all Nations doe reverence. He ſent therefore a ſervant unto his acquaintance, with a Letter importing this requeſt: Hee was ſome fifteen Furlongs from the place when he ſent this ſervant; and it was in ſuch a very delightfull place, that he reſolved to ſtay there with another ſervant who walked his horſe, untill the other returned; for it is not the cuſtome of Travellers for to goe with any great Traine: Since it was not late, he thought he had time enough to ſtay for a returne of him he ſent unto the Town, and ſince it was in a wonderous pleaſant place, hee was the more invited to ſtay: For imagine a little Valley, ſurrounded with Hills, intermingled with Rocks, at the bottome of which ran a little Brook that croſſed the valley, on the banks of which grew abundance of wild Willows, which made a moſt pleaſant ſhade. As an addition of delight unto the proſpect of this place, there was a neat houſe, built upon one of thoſe Hills, and as one walked unto it by the ſide of the River one might ſee between the point of two Rocks (which ſeemed purpoſely for that to ſeparate) the Town of Patara a far off: This was the place, amiable Doraliſa, where Thraſimedes ſtayed waiting for his ſervant: At firſt when he lighted from horſe, which he gave unto his other ſervant to hold, he began to walk along the River ſide in this pleaſant ſhaddow of Willows, and walked ſo long forward, that his ſervant loſt the ſight of him; yet ſince he commanded him to ſtay in that place, and knew he would return, becauſe the way which Thraſimedes walked was quite contrary to the way towards the Town, his being out of ſight never troubled him. In the mean time after Thraſimedes had walked himſelf weary, he ſate down at the root of a tree, where he fell into a deep contemplation, and muſing upon paſt adventures; but his muſing being none of thoſe kinds that are cauſed by the running of Rivers, or the ruffling of leaves, when the wind blows them, or which comes upon one without any cauſe, it is requiſite you know, that he had been in love in his own country, and travelled onely to cure himſelf of that paſſion which he had unto one who betrayed him, and who indeed had more lightneſſe then beauty. In the mean time anger and abſence had cooled his paſſion, which to ſay truly he could never call love; yet in all his Travels he could not meet with one Beauty which hee preferred before this of his perfidious Miſtris, except this of Arpalice: So that conceiving the ſight of this Picture was a remedy wherewith to drive out of his imagination the Idea of [Page] that perſon whom he would forget, he continually carryed it about him ever ſince he wonne it; and being in this pleaſant ſolitary place, he drew this Picture out of his pocket, and began ſeriouſly to contemplate upon it. He lay almoſt all along, his head leaning upon a little tuft of graſſe which grew at the foot of a Willow, holding in his hand the Picture of Arpalice; but after he was well compoſed in his own thoughts, and agreed that the perſon whom he would not love was not ſo fair as that Picture, his muſing did grow more confuſed, and he thought upon juſt nothing, no not ſo much as upon the Picture which he held in his hand: So that it being very hot, and he being up betimes, the murmuring of the brook, the ruffling of the leaves, the ſinging of the Birds being all inviters unto ſleep, eſpecially a man who had neither any great joy or ſorrow in his ſoul, Thraſimedes fell aſleep: The Caſe which he held in his hand falling out of it: Whilſt Thraſimedes ſlept thus, you muſt know, that Lycaſte, Cydipe, Arpalice, and my ſelf, with many others were come out to walk unto this pretty neat houſe, which I told you was built upon one of thoſe hills which compaſſed about the valley where Thraſimedes ſlept: For ſince it belonged unto Zenocrite, we frequented it as if it were our own. In the mean time be pleaſed to know, that there was a great League between Arpalice and my ſelf, and therefore we never took delight in our walks, unleſſe we talked together in private, ſo that we alwaies took ſome occaſion or other to ſeparate from the reſt of the company, and impart our thoughts freely unto each other. It chanced that day, that having ſomething or other to tell Arpalice, I entreated her that we might talk together; ſo upon the firſt opportunity we parted from the company, and went out at the back Garden door, where there was a good path unto the Rivers ſide: And after we had walked a little way, Arpalice ſtopping ſuddenly, beckned unto me to hold my peace, and ſhewed unto me amongſt the Trees, Thraſimedes aſleep, as I told you before: At firſt Arpalice ſeeing by his habit, that he was a man of ſome quality, her deſign was for us to turn back, being unwilling to be ſeen in ſuch a ſolitary place with ſo little company: But ſince I ſaw we were not far from our retreat, I was bolder then Arpalice, for I would needs look upon Thraſimedes a little nearer, wondering to ſee ſuch a man ſleeping in ſuch a place, not ſeeing any horſe or ſervant which he had. I went then ſome ſteps nearer him, whether Arpalice would or no, and taking her by the gown forced her to follow: But ſhe and I had no ſooner paſſed by two ranks of trees, then we eſpied the Caſe of the Picture which fell out of Thraſimedes his hand, as I told you before: We no ſooner ſaw it, but a freſh curioſity raiſed our ſpirits, though we did not yet know it to be the ſame which was ſent unto Menecrates, for the graſſe did halfe hide it. But the wonder was, that Arpalice, who till then was the moſt timerous, did now grow the bolder of the two, and being prompted by a ſtrong curioſity, after ſhe had looked about whether or no any came, and after ſhe had obſerved the Stranger ſlept ſoundly, ſhe went to take up the Caſe; ſhe was ſo taken with obſerving the face of him which ſlept, as ſhee took up the Caſe, hardly ſo much as looking upon it; but retiring back with the ſame warineſſe wherewith ſhe approached, we went to look upon the Picture which we ſuſpected to be in the Caſe, yet with intentions to put it into the ſame place where Arpalice found it; for you may imagine that we had no deſigne of playing the Theeves: And indeed I had taken out of my pocket a little Inkhorn and paper, intending to write ſome conceit within it, to the end that this ſleeping man whom we thought to be a Lover, might ſee the Picture of his Miſtris was taken from him, and that he might read a reprehenſion for his negligence. You know, ſweet Doraliſa, how pleaſant ſuch adventures as theſe are to people of our age, and therefore Arpalice and my ſelf were exceedingly delighted with this conceit: But when Arpalice and I were behind the Willows, and looked upon this Caſe, we were extreamly ſurpriſed to ſee it was the ſame which was ſent unto Menecrates, or at leaſt extraordinary like it; yet it was ſuch a far fetcht conceit to think it was the ſame, that we did give our own eyes the lye, and did not open it with any thought to finde Arpalices Picture. You may well imagine how we were aſtoniſhed, when we ſaw it to be the very ſame which was ſent unto Menecrates. However ſince we were over near the Stranger to reaſon upon this adventure without danger of waking him, we went farther off, ſtill looking behind us to ſee whether the man did not riſe up and follow us. But at laſt, being got unto the foot of the Hill, we asked each other how it was poſſible the Picture ſhould come into his hands? For my part (ſaid I unto Arpalice, and ſmiled when ſhe asked me the queſtion) If I credit my own eyes, I cannot doubt but that it is the ſame which was ſent Menecrates, and in reaſon I have ſome cauſe of ſuſpition, that there is ſome ſecret peece of gallantry betwixt you and this Stranger, which you conceal from me. This thought is ſo injurious (replyed ſhe) that I cannot beleeve you ſpeak it ſeriouſly. Truly (ſaid I, and laughed) I cannot tell whether I ſhould [Page] be in jeaſt or earneſt; for how do you thinke I ſhould give a juſt judgement upon a thing ſo full of admiration? the thing which moſt perplexes me, replyed ſhe, is, that I know not how to be ſatisfied of this adventure: there is no way, replyed I, but to waken him; oh Candiope, anſwered Arpalice, I am farre from your opinion: for I am juſt now in ſuch a fear that hee ſhould wake, that for all my great deſire to ſee what he will do when he finds that he hath loſt my Picture, as I am reſolved to retain: And ſince I believe he will grieve more for the loſſe of the Caſe, then the Picture, I will ſend the Caſe unto him by a ſervant, after I have taken out the Picture: therefore I intreat your aſſiſtance in finding out ſuch a one, as I may truſt with it. For my part, I do confeſſe, I had a good mind to have ſome diſcourſe with him. But as we were in conteſt about it, one of our women, who had been looking us all out, came to tell us, that the Coach [...]s, were ready, that Lycaſte ſtayed for us: ſo that all our buſineſſe was, to find out ſome fit officer, to watch this ſtranger, and to follow him unto his loding. Yet we could meet with none but a Gardiner, whom we inſtructed as well as we could; and obliged him by promiſes to do as we deſire. The truth is, he ſeemed ſo dull, that we had little hopes in his negotiation, nor durſt we truſt him with the Caſe to give unto this ſtranger: Yet he promised us, to come the next morning, and give us intelligence: and truly we had not much time to inſtruct him, for no leſſe then four meſſengers came for us, in leſſe then a quarter of an hour; when we came unto the reſt of the company, they chid us for leaving them ſo long: Lycaſte told us in halfe earneſt halfe jeaſt, that perſons of our age could not have any ſuch long ſecret conferences, but they muſt ſtand in need of ſome favourable conſtruction: For my part, ſaid Arpalice (who could not endure conſtraint) if any ſhould offer to take from me the liberty of my ſilence, I think I ſhould talke continually: And on the other ſide, if I ſhould be commanded to talke alwaies, I would be dumbe as long as I lived; And truly (ſaid ſhe and ſmiled to colour her deſign of talking with me) I have ſuch a longing deſire to talk unto Candiope in a low voice, that I do not think I can forbear: after this, ſhe came and whiſpered ſomething in my ear. At firſt, they thought much we ſhould whiſper thus, and were continually interrupting us; but at laſt, they let us alone: and wee talked as much as we would, not onely in the Coach, but alſo in that Garden which wee went to ſee: Then did wee racke our imaginations to gueſſe, which way poſſibly this ſtranger could come by this Picture; but all our thoughts could not hit upon the truth. We could not ſuſpect that Menecrates gave it unto him: nor could we think the man ſtole it conſidering his habit and handſomneſs, to imagine that Menecrates had loſt it at▪ play, was a farre fetched thought: The beſt that we could imagine was, that he had loſt it, and they found it. But at laſt, we returned home to the Towne, where we were no ſooner come, but we were informed that the husband of Lycaſte named Menophiles, was returned from his journey of eight daies, which he had taken, & that he had brought home with him a ſtranger, who ſeemed to be a man of quality, but ſo much wounded, that the Chirurgeons came to dreſſe him. Lycaſte no ſooner heard this, but out of a curioſity and compaſſion together ſhe went immediately unto the Chamber where her huſband was with this ſtranger: Arpalice and I, moved with the ſame curioſity, followed her; but Cydipe would not, becauſe ſhe was apt to ſound if ſhe were in the room with a wounded man. As ſoon as we ſtept into the Chamber, Menophiles beckned that wee ſhould make no noiſe; and to prevent it he came unto us into the outer room, where he no ſooner was, but Lycaſte asked him very earneſtly who this was of whom he had ſuch care? It is, ſaid he unto her, the moſt valiant man in the world, and the handſomeſt. It is a man whoſe life I would ſave, and who hath ſaved my life. But after this, ask me no further, for I neither know his name nor his Country; but where did you meet with him? ſaid Lycaſte, I met with him, ſaid he, by the Brook ſide which runs under the Hill upon which Zenocrites houſe is built, where I met a ſervant holding his horſe, and paſſing on, I came unto that place in the valley, where there is a little path which leads unto Zenocrites Garden. You may well imagine, dear Doraliſa, that Arpalice and I were very attentive unto this relation of Menophiles: which he continued, being come unto the place, ſaid he, I ſaw him whom I ſpeak of with his ſword in his hand, againſt four ſouldiers, defending himſelf, and fighting like a lyon. And though I had ſent all my men another way, but onely one Lacquey, yet I would needs relieve him: when they who were upon him ſaw me with a ſword in my hand, they divided themſelves, two to undertake him, and two upon me: they no ſooner turned towards me but my Lacquey ran away, ſo that I was engaged with theſe two, who at firſt killed my horſe: after this, they wiſhed me not to meddle in a quarell which did not concern me; and ſeemed to have no other deſign upon me, but to keep me from ſtopping their intentions of killing this man; but one of them turning about, and ſeeing one of their fellowes which was upon this ſtranger fall, [Page] fell upon me with all fury: I defended my ſelf as well as I could, but certainly I had been killed, if this ſtranger had not come into my reliefe as ſoon as he had killed the other who fought with him. So that the two who were upon me, ſeeing their fellowes both dead, and obſerving that Zenocrites Garden dore opened, they had recourſe unto their heeles: This [...]nger and I purſued them, but in vain. In the mean time this valiant man was much wounded in the Combate againſt two, and loſt blood by following them who fled: then turning back to thank me for what I had done, he fell dead at my feet: in the mean time, Zenocrites Garden dore opening as I ſaid, and the Gardiner ſeeing the paſſage, called all that were in the houſe to aſſiſt, and ſo I got this illuſtrious wounded man unto the place where now he is, intending to proportion my care of him according to his merit. After Menophiles had ended his relation of the paſſage, Lycaſte asked him a hundred queſtions, which Arpalice and I never minded: for we made no queſtion but this man whom Menophiles ſpoke of, was the ſame we ſaw ſleeping: So that we were both of us full of wonder, but not long, for underſtanding that this ſtranger enquired whether any one found a Picture about the two ſouldiers which he had killed, Lycaſte went into the Chamber, and we followed, perceiving him plainly to be the ſame we ſaw ſleeping; yet he did not know Arpalice: for his weakneſſe would hardly give him leave to open the curtain, and Arpalice did more then halfe hide her ſelfe, behind Lycaſte and me; ſo that ſhe knew him, but he could not know her to be the ſame perſon, whoſe Picture he had loſt. Yet as weak as he was, he returned a very ſprightly complement unto Lycaste, when ſhe told him, he was in a place where he might freely command any thing in it: but ſince the Chirurgeons would not have any to talke unto him, this conference laſted not long: but Arpalice and I did not ſo ſoon as give over our diſcourſe upon this ſurprizing adventure, but we reſolved not to ſpeak a word concerning this Picture, untill we were further informed of all circumſtances; but ſince I know you deſire to know the cauſe of this combate, I will tell you what we heard the next morning. Chance would have it, that four Souldiers paſſing by Thraſimedes as he was aſleep, he walked juſt as they were within four or five paces of him; and juſt as two of them looked upon him and laughed: whether it was at ſomething which concerned not him, or whether it was at his ſo ſtarting out of ſleep, it is not known. But Thraſimedes walking, ſeeking for his Picture, and not finding it, did think theſe ſouldiers who looked upon him and laughed, had taken it: but to move them unto a reſtitution, he ſhewed no ſignes of anger, and calling to them, friends, ſaid he unto them, it ſeems you deſerve to be liſted among the Lacedemonian Souldiers, therefore I deſire you to reſtore, what you have taken from me, and in recompence I ſhall with much willingneſſe give you the full worth of it: The Souldiers wondering to hear Thraſimedes to ſay ſo, thought that hee was not well waked, began uncivilly to laugh aloud, and to tell him in an inſolent jeere, that they were very ſorry he had not a better dream. In ſhort, Thraſimedes being fully perſwaded that theſe Souldiers had the Picture which he had loſt, ſaid ſomething which let them know his thought, unto which they re [...]orted ſo extravagantly, as Thraſimedes in his anger could not forbear Menaces: In ſo much as all four at once, aſſaulted him, either with intentions to make him fly or to kill him. But the odneſſe of the buſineſſe, was to ſee how he ſtill affirmed that theſe Souldiers had the Picture; when he related his adventure unto Menophiles and Lycaſte, aggravating the misfortune that hee ſhould kill two of them and yet not find it: but knowing that thoſe two which fled, had it between them. In the mean time, the ſervant of Thraſimedes being returned unto the place where he left his maſter, to tell him that his friend was raviſhed with joy that he would lodge with him, he found the ſervant which walked his horſe, who told him that Thraſimedes commanded him to ſtay there, and that he was gone to walk along the Brook ſide. Then both the ſervants followed the Brook; but they found onely the bodies of theſe two ſouldiers which were dead, and not yet taken away: Then were they much troubled; In the mean time, ſince it was very late, and they hearing no tidings of their Maſter, one ſervant went unto Zenocrites houſe, where the Gardiner telling them what he knew, told them alſo that it was in vaine for them to think of getting into the Town, that day, becauſe the Gates would certainly be ſhut before they could get thither. The next morning the Gardiner according to his words came unto us, and brought with him the two ſervants of Thraſimedes, to let us underſtand the name and quality of their Maſter, which being known, all cares to aſſiſt him were doubled. However this being not enough to ſatisfie the curioſity of Arpalice, ſhe cauſed one of her women who had wit enough, to aske the ſervant whether the Picture which his Maſter had loſt, was the Picture of any of his owne Country with whom he was in love, thinking thereby to pumpe the truth out of him: and [Page] indeed the ſervant without any ſubtilty, told her how his maſter had wonne it at play in Apamea, but told her not who loſt it, or whoſe it was, ſince he never ſaw the Caſe opened in which it [...]s. I leave you to think, amiable Doraliſa, how vexed Arpalice was when ſhee he heard Menecrates ſet ſuch a ſmall eſteem upon her Picture. I aſſure you (ſaid ſhe unto me the firſt time ſhe heard it) Menecrates in loſing my Picture hath loſt more then he is aware of; for after this affront, that poor pittance of complacency which I obſerved towards him, ſhall leſſen. I pray conſider a little, how do you think he would uſe me if I were marryed, ſince he is careleſſe before he is my husband? As violent as Arpalice was, and angry, truly I could not condemn her; yet ſhe was much perplexed, and would not have it known how ſhe had been the innocent cauſe of this misfortune; yet ſhe had an earneſt deſire that all the world might know what new cauſe of hatred ſhe had of Menecrates. However, we did not think it fit to make it known, that we took this Picture which had cauſed ſo ſad an accident; only to give it out that we knew that Menecrates had loſt it at play, and however to have patience for a while. In the mean while Thraſimedes recovered, and the Phyſitians and Chirurgeons all reported him to be paſt all danger, ſo that he began to enquire who it was unto whom he was ſo much obliged; but ſince the names of Menophiles and Lycaſte did not acquaint him that Arpalice was in the ſame houſe, he could not know ſhe was there: But bee pleaſed to know, that Arpalice being alone with her Aunt, ſhe was obliged to follow her into the chamber of Thraſimedes, and it chanced alſo that Menophiles who went in the firſt, having ſomething to tell Lycaſte in private, he took her towards the window, and left Arpalice alone by the bed ſide of this illuſtrious wounded man. Imagine, I beſeech you, how infinitely was he ſurpriſed, when the perſon whom he ſaw was the ſubſtance of that Picture which he had both wonne and loſt; yet was he a while in doubt, becauſe he found her fairer then her Picture; but being confirmed in his opinion by the extreamly reſemblance which hee found in every part of Arpalices face, unto her Picture, he was even raviſhed with joy at the encounter: Arpalice carefully obſerving him, did eaſily perceive the ſurpriſe, and joy of Thraſimedes, but ſince hee was not yet in a fit condition for any long converſation, their viſit continued not above a quarter of an hour: But whilſt it laſted, hee deſired Lycaſte, as hee had done Menophiles before, that hee might be carried unto a friends houſe which he had in Pata [...] but ſince ſhe knew Menophiles would not ſuffer him to goe out of his houſe untill he was perfectly well, ſhe ſpoke unto him with all poſſible civility, and ſo retired. She was no ſooner gone, but he who Thraſimedes knew in the Town, came to ſee him: So that he being extreamly deſirous to be better informed concerning Arpalice, whoſe Beauty ſtruck him with ſo much admiration, he underſtood her to be the Neece of Menophiles and Lycaſte; that ſhe was promiſed unto Menecrates, and that ſhe was Siſter unto Parmenides: So that by this he came to know that Arpalice was to marry a man whom ſhe affected not, and one who did not much care for her; for ſince he had got her Picture ſo eaſily from her, and heard it from his own mouth, that he was not in love, he could not doubt it. But how is it poſſible (ſaid he unto himſelf) that one ſo fair as ſhe ſhould marry, and not be loved? For without all doubt ſhe is able to create love in all that have ſoules. Really (ſaid he unto his friend) the fate of Arpalice ſeems to be worthy of much compaſſion: For though Menecrates be handſom, and hath ſpirit enough, yet ſince he cannot love her, he cannot be worthy of her. However, replyed his friend, it is not an eaſie matter to alter her fate; for if ſhe refuſe to marry Menecrates ſhe will loſe the greateſt part of her eſtate. She had better loſe it all, replyed Thraſimedes, then loſe her liberty▪ But if Arpalice be wiſe (ſaid his friend) ſhe will not refuſe him; for as fair as ſhe is, ſhe will find but few lovers when her eſtate is gone. All men, replyed Thraſimedes, are not ſo covetouſly minded as you think them; and if I ſhould fall in love with Arpalice, I ſhould make you alter your opinion. In the mean time, we had no ſooner acquainted Zenocrite how Menecrates had loſt Arpalices Picture, but ſhe ſet it all over the Town in ſuch a pleaſant manner, ſo full of anger and wit, that nothing elſe was talked on for eight dayes together. Alſo ſhe would receive it from Thraſimedes own mouth, and in order to that ſhe would viſit him as ſoon as he was in a condition to be ſeen; and coming to viſit Lycaſte, as ſhe was in the chamber of Thraſimedes, ſhe would let none goe in to acquaint her, but went ſtraight her ſelf: As ſoon as ſhe was entered, ſhe ſent to deſire Cydipe, Arpalice, and me, who were in another chamber, to come unto her in the chamber of Thraſimedes: and I think it was the very day that he fell in love with Arpalice: For her joy to hear Zenocrite ſo bitter and wittie againſt Menecrates, made her ſeem ſo [...]air, that he was not able to defend himſelf againſt her charmes. After the firſt complements were paſſed, Zenocrite was wonderous well acquainted with the whole Family [Page] of Thraſimedes, for it was one of her qualities that the knew almoſt all Aſia: So that paſſing inſenſibly from a converſation of civility, into a jollity of mirth, ſhe asked him ſharply before Lycaſte, how much he ſtaked againſt Arpalices Picture, when he played with Menecrates: For I imagine (ſaid ſhee) that ſince hee has no judgement either [...] Pictures or Diamonds, he would venture it for a little. It is not long of me, replyed Thraſimedes, that much was not ſtaked againſt it, ſince I offered him to ſtake the double whatſoever it coſt, only for the Caſe; as for the Picture (ſaid he, and looked upon Arpalice) all my eſtate is not equall to the prince of it. But, Madam (added he) how came you to know that Menecrates loſt the Picture of the fair Arpalice? It ſeems, ſaid Lycaſte, that you are a ſtranger in this Country, elſe you would not wonder that Zenocrite ſhould know it. The paſſage is ſo remarkable (ſaid Zenocrite) to ſee a Lover play away the Picture of his Miſtris, that it muſt needs be known all over the World. But I wonder why the friends of Menecrates ſhould be ſo ill adviſed as to ſend Arpalices Picture to him: For in my apprehenſion there is nothing more ridiculous then theſe Family gallantries, which in the ſight of all the world are done by the conſent, if not the force of friends. If I had known this (ſaid Arpalice) Thraſimedes ſhould have been better then he is: For Menecrates ſhould never have had my Picture, and by corſequence this misfortune which hath happened unto him ſhould never have been. Do not call that a misfortune, Madam (replyed he) which brings me the honour to be known unto ſo many noble perſons. You may ſay what you pleaſe (ſaid I unto him) but I think three dangerous wounds which you have received may very well be called a misfortune. Three are ſome misfortunes (replyed he) which produce great happineſſe; and I may very well rank this to be in the number of them. For my part (ſaid Zenocrite) ſince you do not dye of them, I am glad it happed ſo; for I muſt confeſſe, I have ſuch ſtrange averſion unto all ſuch Lovers as are by the laſt Will and Teſtament of Parents, and who are certain to marry their Miſtris the firſt day they ſee them, that I am glad they meet with ſome rubs in their progreſſe: For take away feares, hopes, and miſeries from love, and a lover is quite unſpirited: And to prove what I ſay, doe but imagine the moſt compleat Gallant of the World, and conceive him to be with her whom he is to marry, the three or four preceding dayes before the Marriage, and imagine all his Brothers, Siſters, Nephews, Neeces, Uncles, Aunts, Fathers, Mothers, Grandfathers, and Grandmothers came to rejoyce with him, I am moſt confident you will confeſſe with me, that nothing will put him more out of countenance, be he never ſo profeſſed and declared a Lover: For my part, it does ſo wound my eyes and imagination, that I cannot endure it. This is the caſe of Arpalice, who ever ſince ſhe was born had her Lover before her eyes without love, whom ſhe alwayes looked upon as one that muſt be infallibly her husband whether ſhe can fancy him or no. Whilſt Zenocrite was talking thus, Thraſimedes looked upon Arpalice moſt attentively, and obſerved that his friend was pleaſed with what ſhe ſaid; but ſo was not Lycaſte, who was angry at it; but Zenocrite being not accuſtomed to conſult with the thoughts of others to expreſſe her own, continued talking, as ſhe begun, all the reſt of the day, knowing very well that Arpalice was not angry at her. Sometimes ſhe would deſcribe theſe kind of Lovers, afterwards repreſent the ſouleſſe ſpirits of their Miſtreſſes; then ſhe would compare them with reall Gallants, and obſerve ſuch notable differences between them, that it was not poſſible but to concur with her in her opinions. But (ſaid I once unto her, and interrupted her) then it is requiſite to baniſh quite all manner of courtſhip and gallantry: For ſince a legitimate and ordained Gallant is not a Gallant, and that virtue will not admit of it otherwiſe, it muſt be concluded that it muſt not be admitted of at all. When I ſaid ſo (replyed Zenocrite) I did not directly mean as you underſtand it; for thoſe Lovers which I condemn, are either thoſe who are not really ſo, or who are long before hand declared to be ſo: For indeed to cauſe Gallantry to produce handſome effects, he who acts it, muſt love, and never conſider whether he ſhall, or not marry; for when thoughts of marriage doe ariſe in the heart of a Lover at the ſame [...] his paſſion doth, I will maintain he is not Gallant as he is, who not knowing why he loves, nor which way to obtain love, yet does continue to love: Reſtleſneſſe is one of the ſweets of love; and I doe not think there is any converſation more weariſome, then that of a Lover who hath nothing to deſire, nor nothing to fear, or hope for. For my part (replyed Thraſimedes) I doe beleeve a Lover who hath nothing to complain of, is not in love: For let him be in as great favour as poſſibly he can, yet he ought to think that he is not enough in favour. Certainly, replyed Zenocrite, it is moſt dangerous to ſit down and ſay, I am ſatisfied and contented; nor is it very obliging: But as for Menecrates (ſaid ſhe, and roſe up) I aſſure you, I would not for any thing, but he had loſt Arpalices Picture, becauſe the accident hath ſo diverted [Page] me, and will ſtil divert me. After this Zenocrite retired, and alſo all the reſt of the company, leaving Thraſimedes to entertain his own thoughts; and truly he was very indifferent; for the beauty of Arpalice did ſo pleaſingly take up his mind, that he thought upon no other thing. In ſhort, amiable Doraliſa, not to trouble you with a relation of all the firſt thoughts of Thraſimedes, let me onely tell you, that his weakneſſe was ſo great, as it was a long while before he was ſound, and ſo he ſaw Arpalice almoſt every day; and as his wounds which he received from her did heal, ſo her beauty made them deeper in his heart. He hath told me ſince, that at the firſt he did ſtrive againſt his paſſion, but not being able to vanquiſh it, he ſubmitted, and entirely abandoned his heart unto it. Since Thraſimedes had abundance of ſpirit, and witty gallantry, he ſoon got the eſteem of Arpalice; he had alſo the good luck to pleaſe Zenocrite. For my part, I muſt confeſſe, I had an eaſie inclination to become the friend of Thraſimedes; nor did I hinder thoſe advantageous thoughts which Arpalice had of him. In the mean time, as much in love with her as he was, he durſt [...] ſhew it unto her: For as the poſture of things was, it was as offenſive to talk of any ſuch matters, as unto a marryed woman. However, ſince he knew ſhe had an averſion unto Menecrates, he did not deſpair: But ſince he knew that the grand ſecret of love was to pleaſe and divert, he courted Arpalice and all her friends with all manner of delights: The firſt diverting entertainment which he gave her, was ſo extraordinary, that I muſt needs relate it. Imagine then, that we were in a great chamber, with Lycaſte, Zenocrite, Cydipe, Arpalice, and many others, and my ſelf: Firſt, we heard an admirable harmony of Muſique in the ſtreet, Zenocrite looked upon us, and asked for whom this was intended? adding, that ſhe beleeved ſome declared Lover who never does things handſomly, was at the charge of it. For my part, ſaid Cydipe, I am ſure it concerns not me; and me leſſe then (you added Arpalice.) Perhaps it is intended to the company in generall (ſaid I.) It is not the cuſtome (ſaid Thraſimedes) to give publique entertainments; for though every one who hears it, have equally their ſhares in it, yet I doe beleeve there is a particular intendment of it unto ſome one. Afterwards we began to deſcant who it ſhould be, and we named all the men of our acquaintance, but could not agree amongſt our ſelves which of them it ſhould be; for if I named one, Cydipe would tell me that could not be, becauſe ſhe knew he was engaged in other company; if I named another, Zenocrite would aſſure me, that ſhe knew he was not in a condition for entertainments, but was that night in a melancholly mood; if Lycaſte thought ſhe had gueſſed him, we all let her ſee that ſhe was deceived; and as for Zenocrite, ſhe her ſelf confeſſed, that ſhe could not imagine from whom this gallantry ſhould proceed: But whilſt we were giving our verdicts, Arpalice ſpoke not a word, and ſeemed as if ſhe would not take ſo much pains as to find it out. Would not any one ſay (ſaid Zenocrite) that Arpalice is a Stranger as well as Thraſimedes, and that ſhe knows no body here. My ſilence (replyed ſhe, and ſmiled) argues that I am not guilty of that fault whereof all women are accuſed, who (they ſay) love to be talking when there is ſomthing that ſhould be liſtened unto with attention, and who ask queſtions when they ſhould be ſilent; and for my part, I conceive they are to be blamed who do ſo: For how can we take any delight in the Muſique (ſaid ſhe) if we doe not ſilently hearken unto it? Yet Arpalice could not impoſe ſilence upon them; for their curioſity to know who it was that gave them this entertainment, did tranſport them above all other conſiderations. We ſent a ſubtle and witty boy out of a back door, who knew all the men of quality in the town, with orders to obſerve & enquire who was the director, and at the charges of the Muſique: But we were all exceedingly ſurpriſed, when at his return he told us, that except the Muſique there was not one perſon in all the ſtreet. This boy had no ſooner reported this, but Zenocrite, more ſubtle then the reſt, told us that ſhe would trouble her ſelf no farther to know who gave it, but onely to know to whom it was intended. Me thinks it is as difficult to find out that as the other (ſaid I.) It is becauſe I am ignorant that I knew it (anſwered ſhe.) This Riddle is ſo obſcure (replyed I) that I confeſſe I cannot underſtand it, and I beleeve it will pazzle Thraſimedes to unty the knot. Yet I am confident (ſaid ſhe) that he will confeſſe I am not miſtaken: Then whiſpering with him, ſhe asked him whether it was unto Arpalice, or Cydipe, or my ſelf that he intended this Muſique? Thraſimedes was extreamly ſurpriſed [...]he ſhould g [...]ſſe him, and did earneſtly deny it, but the more he ſaid ſhe was miſtaken, the more he did confirme her in her opinion. So that Zenocrite being raviſhed, that ſhe had hit the mark which we had miſſed, her thoughts did paſſe from one to another, amongſt us all but Lycaſte, unto whom ſhe would not impart any thing: For my part, ſhe had no ſooner h [...]d her thought unto me, but I concluded it certain, and Cydipe did the ſame, and indeed ſo did all the reſt of the Ladies. As for Arpalice, whether ſhe did diſſemble her [Page] thoughts, and ſuſpected that Thraſimedes was in love with her, or that ſhe really did not credit our thoughts, ſhe alwayes ſaid that we were all miſtaken; but ſhe continued not long in that Tone, for the next morning, I ſent for one of thoſe that was of the Muſique, who had formerly taught me in that quality, to come unto me, and conjured him to tell he, who employed him the night before: He being one who ever would truſt his greateſt ſecrets of his heart unto me, did ingenuouſly confeſſe it that they were before no other houſe, but before Lycaſtes, that he who employed them was a very Gentile ſervant, who very liberally rewarded them, and enjoyned ſecreſie; that he had the tone of a ſtranger, and did every way ſo fully deſcribe the man, that I knew well enough that it was the ſervant of Thraſimedes, who employed them, and I imparted the ſecret unto Arpalice. There chanced alſo a more ſurpriſing accident then this; for be pleaſed to know, that the ſame night we had this Muſique, we all agreed to walk two dayes after to a ſtately and magnificent houſe ſome forty furlongs from Patara, which belonged unto a man, who was never better pleaſed and joyed then when himſelf was not the Maſter of it, and when his Porter told him there was much company in it, and when he heard they were delighted with it, and thought it to be a moſt admirable peece of Architecture: And indeed he was ſo taken with the beauty of it, and expreſſed his joy that others ſhould be of the ſame mind, as one Lady did abſolutely make it her own. The pleaſure which others took in it was his; but at this time he was in the Town upon ſome occaſions. This, amiable Doraliſa, was the houſe which we intended to goe unto, in the preſence of Thraſimedes, all of us expreſſing our ſorrows that he was not in a condition to goe with us, and every one deſcribing unto him the beauty, conveniency, and excellencies of this houſe. Lycaſte commended the Architecture, and the Scituation of it; Zenocrite a vaſt Arch ſtanding upon thirty and two Columns, and a ſtately Staircaſe: Cydipe extolled the Hall which might well become the magnificence of the Egyptian Kings; for my part, I commended the pleaſant Proſpect, the Gardens, Fountains, Grots, and Statues: But as for Arpalice, who was all that day in an humour to be oppoſite unto others, ſhe told us of a certain little ſolitary Cloſet which ſhe preferred before all that we extolled in this ſtately Fabrique. Not but that I know, ſaid ſhe, all theſe things which you commend are eſſentially more beautifull, yet this beſt pleaſeth me, and I intend that day when you walk, I will walke onely with my eyes, and ſtay in that cloſet which I ſpeak of. Imagine (ſaid ſhe unto Thraſimedes, to juſtifie her choice) that this Cloſet which ſuits ſo well with my inclination is ſo ſeated, that though it be open on two ſides, ſo that one may ſee two wayes as far as ſight can reach, yet one cannot meet with any but ſolitary objects. The Gardens which one ſhall ſee on one ſide are all Graſſe and Gravell Walks, ſet with green trees. The Fountains all of Ruſtique work; the River, though naturall, ſeemes to be artificiall. Beyond the Gardens one ſhall diſcover a great Forreſt, and beyond it Meddows, Paſtures, Rivers, but not a Town, Houſe, Hill, or Wood to hinder Proſpect: So that if one were the onely one in all the Univerſe, yet one ſhould hardly be more ſolitary then in that place. I beſeech you then imagine what delight may be taken in ſuch a cloſet: I can find magnificent Architecture, and handſome chambers in many places of our Town; but I cannot any where find the pleaſing ſolitude of this cloſet. As you are pleaſed to deſcribe it, Madam, ſaid Thraſimedes, [...]ow voice, it is not poſſible but to be of your opinion, and to think that which you commend, deſerves to be preferred before any thing which any other commends: After this, we had much other diſcourſe which is not pertinent to my ſtory; but the day of our journe [...] being come, we we went unto this houſe according to our appointment, and we were as frolick as our hopes: Firſt, at the corner of the Forreſt we were ſaluted with a conſort of Hoboyes, admirably delighting: When we were in the Hall, we heard another Conſort of Voices at the higher end; and when we were in the Chamber, a moſt rare Voice and a Theorboe: Admiration made us all ſilent to hearken unto this Harmony: After this we had a moſt admirable fine Banquet, in ſo much as Zenocrite ſaid, that moſt certainly it was given by ſome man who had ſome amorous deſigns. However, ſince the man appeared not, none knew what to think; but as at the firſt Muſique, ſo at this, I doubted not but it was the gallantry of Thraſimedes: Yet ſince he had been wonderous civilly treated by Lycaſte, I did not know whether this was onely an acknowledgement of the favours he received, or a teſtimony of love, but I was not long in this ignorance, for be pleaſed to know, that the ſervant of Thraſimedes, who of his condition, was the wittieſt man alive, did take ſuch order with the Porter, that he might carry a letter, & lay it on the Table in the Cloſet which ſo much pleaſed Arpalice, obliging him to open the cloſet unto none unleſs her ſelf; giving him ſuch inſtructions, as he did according to his mind: And indeed, when Lycaſte & Zenocrite deſired to enter, he told them he could not open [Page] it, becauſe his Wife who was in the Garden had the Keyes: So, making that his excuſe, hee reſerved it whilſt Arpalice came: But ſtaying untill he had an opportunity to let her enter alone; & ſhe returning back to ask him why they could not enter into it, he told her, that ſince ſhe was alone he would let her enter, and the reaſon why he denyed it before, was becauſe his Maſter had charged him not to let many enter. Arpalice taking him at his word, deſired to enter, conſenting that he ſhould lock her in if he would, ſo he came to open it within an hour: So the Porter did open it, and locked it again as ſoon as ſhe was entered, making as if this were a great favour which he did her. At firſt when ſhe entered, ſhe told me that ſhee went unto the Windows to enjoy the Proſpect; but turning aſide, ſhe ſaw lying upon a Marble Table, a Letter, which had this Superſcription.
To the Fair, and ſolitary Arpalice.

You may eaſily conceive, amiable Doraliſa, how this adventure ſurpriſed your Coſen; and if the Letter had been ſealed, certainly ſhe had not opened it; but when ſhe read it ſhe found theſe vvords.

MADAM,

YOur Beauty hath driven me to ſuch a fatall neceſsity, as that I cannot hide the miſery which you have cauſed, and I conceived that I could not more handſomely acquaint you with it, then in ſuch a ſolitary place as pleaſeth you. Had I ſeen that your eyes had obſerved mine, and understood them, I would not now have written, that I doe infinitely love you, but ſince I ſaw you did not underſtand that language, I thought it more reſpect to write then to ſpeak unto you: Yet if I be deceived in that, I am ready to repair my fault, and will tell you on my knees, upon the firſt handſom opportunity, that the Grandure of my paſsion cannot be equalled by any thing but your Beauty.

THRASIMEDES.

After Arpalice had read this Letter, ſhe vvas exceedingly unreſolved vvhat to doe: Shee thought that to take it vvas too obliging unto him that vvrit it; and to leave it, was to ſhevv unto any that entered vvhat Thraſimedes had vvritten: But at laſt ſhe thought of a way which was ſafe both wayes, which was, to blot out what Thraſimedes had written: yet firſt ſhee would take a copy, though it vvere but to ſhew it unto me; and ſo ſhee did; and ſo ſhee thought Thraſimedes could not accuſe her of too much indulgency: and ſhee had no ſooner blotted out what was written in the Letter, but the Porter came and opened the door, telling her that the company wanted her: Then ſhe went out, but covered her face with her hood to hide her bluſhes, and could not ſpeak one word unto the man: Shee was no ſooner out, but ſpying me in a window towards the Garden, ſhe came unto me, and acquainted me with the buſineſſe, ſhewing me a copy of the Letter: For my part, I muſt confeſſe, I told her, that I thought the proceeding of Thraſimedes to be very gallant. So do I, ſaid ſhe, but let me tell you, I think it a little too bold, and very offenſive to me; for he cannot chuſe but know the bad condition of my fortune, and how I am engaged unto Menecrates, and conſequently I neither can, nor ought to ſuffer him, as I might if my fortune were otherwiſe. If love, ſaid I unto her, vvere not a violent domineering paſſion, I ſhould thinke Thraſimedes vvere obliged to hearken unto reaſon, and follovv it: But, Arpalice, if hee bee in love, as very likely he is, it vvere unjuſt if you ſhould think he acts by the rules of Reaſon: and to ſpeak with reaſon, I cannot ſee why Thraſimedes ſhould not think he may become a Rivall unto him that did careleſly play away the Picture of his Miſtris: We had talked much more, but time called us homeward; where when we were arrived, Lycaſte, and Cydipe went unto the Chamber of Thraſimedes, but Arpalice would not goe, feigning to be a little ill: He being a man of a quick ſpirit, eaſily apprehended the reaſon why Arpalice came not, and therefore feared extreamly that ſhe was incenſed, yet very glad he was ſhe had received his Letter: As for Lycaſte, though ſhe did beleeve Thraſimedes had given the Muſique, and Banquet, yet ſhe never dreamed of any particular deſign in it: So that ſhe did highly commend the magnificent liberality of this unknown man, who had ſo ſumptuouſly treated them. But after he vvas gone, and the ſervant of Thraſimedes coming in, he acquainted his Maſter hovv Arpalice had read his Letter, and blotted it out. At the firſt his feares vvere predominate, but aftervvards hope tempering his fears, he vvaited vvith much impatiencie [Page] to ſee Arpalice, that hee might gueſſe by her eyes whether he had any hopes to have any ſhare in her heart: but his longing deſires were not ſo ſoon ſatisfied: for Arpalice continued ſtill her ſeigned ſickneſſe, purpoſely becauſe ſhe would not be obliged to go with Lycaſte into his Chamber; and her reaſon was, becauſe ſhe knew that Thraſimedes intended ere long to remove from the houſe; yet he had not left his Chamber: but ſince he could not ſee Arpalice, and not being able to live long in that anxiety, he began to ſtirre abroad as a man in health: Gladly would he have ſtayed a little longer, if he could have ſeen Arpalice, but ſince he could not enjoy that happineſſe, he told Menophiles in the morning, that he intended to treſpaſſe upon his generoſity no longer, but would lodge with an acquaintance he had in the Town: Menophiles was very unwilling to part with him, but at laſt, Thraſimedes prevailed, and though he was yet ſomething weak, yet changed his lodging. 'Tis true, the houſe unto which he was to go, was not farre diſtant, yet he dreſſed himſelf that day, in his richeſt habit, and as a man who was to ſee the onely perſon whom he preſerred before all the World. At firſt, he went unto the Chamber of Lycaſte, where Cydipe was, and where he thanked her with as much ſpirit as civility, for all the courteſies he had received. But ſince he feared that when he would go unto Arpalice, who kept her Chamber, Lycaſte would go with him, he made his viſit very long, in hopes ſome would come in, and ſo he might more eaſily ſee Arpalice alone; and indeed it happened according to his wiſhed hopes; for there came in much company, and whilſt ſhe entertained them, he went into the Chamber of Arpalice with more haſt, then his weakneſſe▪ would well allow him. Since ſhe foreſaw, that ſince he had been at Lycaſtes Chamber, he would come unto hers alſo, ſhe ſent for me, leſt he ſhould find her alone, but as I was ready to go unto her, ſome company came in which ſtayed me, ſo that Thraſimedes was more happy then ſhe intended he ſhould be, for he found an opportunity to talke in private with her: there being none but one ſervant in the room; as earneſt as the deſire of Thraſimedes was to ſee Arpalice, as ſoon as ever he ſaw her, he was fuller of fears then joyes, becauſe he found her ſo ſerious, that he apprehended the enterprize in which he was engaged more difficult then he imagined: Yet ſhe received him with civility enough, but it was mixed with ſuch a cold ſtrangeneſſe, as had no obliging ſweetneſſe in it. However, Thraſimedes being reſolved to lay hold upon ſuch a favourable opportunity, after the firſt complements were paſt, and Arpalice deſired him to ſit down, I thought Madam (ſaid he unto her) to have found you ſo ſick, as would have moved compaſſion in all thoſe that ſaw you, but for ought I ſee, you are in ſuch a condition, as make all thoſe who ſee you to need pitty themſelves; and I believe you affect ſolitude onely to prevent the making men miſerable: I aſſure you, though it be good to do ſo, (replyed ſhe) yet one knowes not how to avoid it: for there is no place ſo ſolitary where a misfortune may not happen. I underſtand you very well, Madam, ſaid he unto her, and I can ſee how you reckon the boldneſſe which I preſumed to take in diſturbing your ſolitude in the Cloſet in the number of your misfortunes. But I beſeech you Madam, is it ſuch a grand misfortune to be told, that I adore you? and is it a crime, that I am not able to live unleſſe you know I am totally devoted yours? I neither begged your eſteem nor your affection; but onely preſented mine; I beſeech you, why then do you receive me with ſuch a hollow hearted entertainment? I have long ſince heard ſay, replyed ſhe, that it is the cuſtome of thoſe who are in fault, to complain firſt, before they be accuſed. I beſeech you Madam, replyed he, what crime have I committed? Am I the cauſe that you are the faireſt perſon in the world? Can I chuſe but admire you, have I not a heart that is ſenſible? or if it were a crime, have you not ſufficiently puniſhed me for it? have you not moſt cruelly blotted out what I had writ? and deprived me of your ſight three daies together? ſurely that is puniſhment enough to expiate all the crimes which a violent paſſion forced me to commit. Had you told me, replyed Arpalice, that your deſign was onely to make me hate my ſolitude in writing ſo craftily that letter which I found in the Cloſet, doubtleſſe I ſhould then have pardoned you: but ſince you perſevere in your crime, and continue talking as you do, I muſt needs expreſs my diſlike of it, and that I am highly offended: It ſeemes then, that you are as rigorous as fair, replyed he, but though you be, yet I beſeech you Madam, do me the favour to tell me what puniſhment you have reſerved for Menecrates? for I ſee no reaſon or juſtice, that you ſhould puniſh me for adoring you; and recompence him for ſlighting you: I conceive it no good plea, replyed ſhe, to juſtifie ones ſelfe, by the crimes of others; and though Menecrates be culpable, yet that does not at all excuſe Thraſimedes from being culpable alſo: Pray Madam, replyed he, do me ſo much honour as to tell me what my crime is? you have writ unto me, replyed ſhe, and thats enough: are you offended becauſe I tell you truth (replyed Thraſimedes) It is no matter, ſaid ſhee, whether what you ſay be true or falſe, your crime is in teling [Page] it: Do you thinke me as culpable, replyed he, in ſpeaking ſincerely, as in telling you a lie? How ever it be, ſaid ſhe, you have offended me, and I am the more apprehenſive of your fault, becauſe I had the greateſt inclination in the world to be your friend: Oh Madam, ſaid Thraſimedes, if ſo, It is impoſſilbe you ſhould hate me, becauſe I love you: or if it be, not becauſe I have told you, but becauſe I have told you in an ill manner; your diſtinctions are very nice; (replyed Arpalice and ſmiled) But never to trouble your ſelfe further with a ſearch whether I am offended becauſe you love me; or becauſe you have writ unto me, or becauſe you have writ to me in an ill manner, be aſſured, I am offended: I beſeech you Madam replyed he, ſince I have offended againſt my will, tell me which way I ſhould appeaſe you? In doing that, ſaid ſhe which is contrary unto the thing which offended me: Then replyed he, I muſt moſt horridly hate you; but ſince that is not in my power, I muſt endeavour to appeaſe you ſome other way, which Madam ſhall be, by a moſt humble reſpect and profound ſilence: yes Madam, ſince what I ſay offends you, I will not any more ſpeake of my paſſion, untill I can obtain my pardon, and that your eyes aſſure me of it. I aſſure you, ſaid ſhe, if you underſtand their Language very well, they will never tell you any thing, which may perſwade you, I can forget the offence, which you have given me. Alas Madam, replyed he, I do not deſire you ſhould forget it as long as you live; but that you may remember as long as life laſts, that I am the moſt zealous and reſpective Lover that lives upon the Earth: As Arpalice was ready to anſwer, and perhaps ſharply, I came in; making a thouſand excuſes, that I came no ſooner, I perceived that the minds both of Arpalice and Thraſimedes were ſo diſtracted, that they knew not what I ſaid, and I began ſo to talke unto them, as I moved Arpalice to bluſh and Thaſimedes to ſmile, who told me he would come and thanke me for the favour I had done him: but to tell you truly, I thought my ſelfe little beholding to him for the favour, becauſe he did viſit me rather as the friend of her he loved, then for any other reaſon. After he was gone out of Arpalices Chamber, ſhe related all their converſation unto me; but for all her anger againſt Thraſimedes for ſpeaking ſo openly of his love; yet I knew ſhe did not hate him, but that there was a ſtrong inclination in her heart to eſteem him. I pray Arpalice, ſaid I unto her, tell me wherein you think liberty conſiſtes? you, I ſay, who declares your ſelf to be an enemy unto all manner of force and conſtraint; who would enjoy it in the moſt triviall things: who never thinkes any recreation pleaſant, unleſſe you might chuſe it? who thinkes that which others call decency, to be an inſupportable ſeverity: who was alwaies uſed to ſay, that the only advantage which men have above women is liberty; and that the greateſt pleaſure of Travellers is, that they are not ſubject unto the Lawes of the places where they paſſe: and who conceives the chiefe felicity of friendſhip to conſiſt in venting unto each other all that is in their hearts freely without compulſion: and yet I ſee this great Lover of liberty, does ſuffer her ſelfe to be a ſlave: I pray, ſaid ſhe unto me, what moves you to ſpeak thus? Reaſon, replyed I, for do I not know that you hate Menecrates extreamely? I do confeſſe it, replyed ſhe, and do not I know, ſaid I, that you do lov [...] [...]raſimedes? Did he behave himſelfe towards me as I would have him, replyed ſhe, I do [...]feſſe indeed, that I think I ſhould not hate him: for his perſon does pleaſe me; and his ſpirit is infinitly agreeable unto mine, and hee does almoſt perſwade me that he eſteems me. I pray tell me, ſaid I unto her, how would you have him behave himſelfe towards you? and what would you have him ſay? but withall Madam, I would have you ſpeak ſincerely: would you have have him (ſaid I unto her, ſeeing ſhe anſwered not) not reſpect you more then any other? that he ſhould not prefer to talke with you before me; that he ſhould look upon you like a man who thinkes upon nothing? that he ſhould never talke unto you but upon things indifferent, as having no particular deſign to pleaſe you, that he ſhould never commend you; nor do any thing which might perſwade you that he loves you? ſpeake I conjure you, and ingenuouſly confeſſe that if he ſhould do thus, he would not be ſo much in your opinion as he is, though he hath a little over freely told you, that he loves you. You are ſo free this day, (replyed Arpalice and laughed) that I thinke you will make me a hater of Liberty, ſince it moves you to utter ſo many things which diſpleaſe me, though they do not anger me ſo much as I would. I beſeech you ſaid I, conſider ſeriouſly, and reſolve with your ſelfe what you will do with the poor Thraſimedes, for I perceive he is ſo deeply in love with you, that I am confident he will never returne into his owne Country: For my part, ſaid Arpalice very ſadly, I do not thinke you would have me ſo miſerable, as to marry a man whom I cannot love, nor do I think you would have me love Thraſimedes, whom I can never pretend unto: but I thinke Candiope, that you are either out of your wits, or elſe will drive me out of mine; otherwiſe why do you not expreſſe your ſelfe quite contrary to what you do? It is becauſe I cannot betray my owne thoughts (replyed I [Page] and laughed at her anger) and becauſe I have no mind to contradict yours. Then did Arpalice by degrees confeſſe unto me, that ſhe never ſaw a man in all the world whom ſhee could affect, except Thraſimedes. But not to trouble you with a tedious relation of all wee ſaid at this time; let me onely tell you, that it appeared Thraſimedes had no intention of going ſo ſoon from Lycia: For he put himſelf into a magnificent equipage, and co [...]ed the acquaintance of all the Gallants in our Town: But as for the Ladies he never viſited any unleſſe the friends of Arpalice, and amongſt them, I was one whom he often viſited, and with whom he held a great intimacy of friendſhip. He was ſo amiable and handſom, that he was the object of an univerſall eſteem, and it had been ſtrange if Arpalice had ſlighted him. Hee was none of thoſe light [...]apo [...]ring lovers, who care not what they talk before their Miſtriſſes, o [...] who exceſsively commend a black Beauty before one that is fair; but on the contrary hee is ſo judicious, ſo exact, and diſcreet in his paſsion, and without any affectation or conſtraint in his actions, that if at any time he commended any in the preſence of Arpalice, it was ſo as it might appeare hee thought Arpalice the moſt fair, and moſt worthy of commendations: And I beleeve never any had a finer art to keep himſelfe within in his owne ranke then hee had. As oft as I have ſeen him with Arpalice, in the Temples, at Viſits, in Walkes, and Aſſemblies, I never ſaw him intruſive, nor ever put any out of their places, yet was hee perpetually with her, and therefore you may imagine, that if ſhee had a heart abſolutely inſenſible, ſhee could not chuſe but bee much taken with ſuch a perfectly acompliſhed man as Thraſimedes, and with one who was ſo knowing in the art of procuring love. I will omit all the relation of all thoſe rigours which ſhe ſhewed unto him at the firſt, and how ſhe ſlighted the merits of ſuch a man: For perhaps you will hardly think it poſſible ſhe ſhould treat a man ſo roughly, whom ſhe eſteemed ſo highly: But let me tell you, that the pa [...] on of Thraſimedes did manifeſtly appear, that the friends of Menecrates tooke it to heart, and though they eſteemed Thraſimedes very well, yet they thought themſelves obliged to tell Arpalice their minds. Untill now Arpalice did conſtrain her ſelf, but as ſoon as Menophiles and Lycaſte ſpoke unto her concerning Thraſimedes, and commanded her to let him know, that he muſt not any farther engage himſelf in her ſervice, ſhe ceaſed to reſiſt her inclination, and did ſo peremptorily revolt from thoſe that commanded her to baniſh Thraſimedes, ſo incivilly, that ſhe began to ſlack her rigour to him: Yet would not ſhe permit him to ſpeak openly of his love, but without any anger or ſharpneſſe, impoſed ſilence upon him. This being the ſtate of things, news came that Parmenides and Menecrates would return within two dayes. This report had different operations in the heart of Arpalice; for her love unto her brother made her rejoyce to ſee him ſo ſoon, and her hatred of Menecrates, made her ſtrangely apprehend his return. On the other ſide Thraſimedes had ſo little aſſurance of the heart of Arpalice, that he knew not what to reſolve upon, nor how to behave himſelf towards Menecrates, therefore he determined to find out a way how to ſpeak with Arpalice in private: But ſince it was not her cuſtome to give him any ſuch opportunities: And ſince all he had to ſay required longer time then common converſations, which laſted not above a quarter of an hour, he bethought himſelf of an invention which did admirably well ſerve his turn. Know then, that to bring about his deſign, he beſtowed a viſit upon me; and after much common diſcourſe, he began to talk of Menecrates, asking me confidently, how I thought Arpalice would receive him: Afterwards falling from one diſcourſe to another, he told me that he had a very great deſire to give an entertainment unto Arpalice, before Menecrates came: For, ſaid he, if one may credit Zenocrite, ſhe dares not ſo much as lift up her eyes after he is arrived. For my part, though I knew Thraſimedes was in love with Arpalice, yet I did not ſuſpect hee had any ſecret deſign in his words; and he was ſo accuſtomed to treat us with freſh entertainments, that the propoſition did not at all ſurpriſe me. I asked him then what kind of treatment this ſhould bee? telling him it muſt be quickly if hee would have it before the return of Menecrates. Thraſimedes perceiving me ſo eaſily deluded, told me, that Arion, who was ſo famous throughout the world, was arrived at Patara; but ſince he had a deſire to paſſ [...] unknown, he would not be got to play upon the Harp, unleſſe one had ſome intimate friendſhip with him; but being well acquainted with him at Corinth, hee could prevaile with him, provided it was not before much company. This may eaſily be, replyed I; for it may be at Lycaſtes houſe. The company would be too great there (replyed he) for there will not be [...]ewer then [...]ycaſte, Zenocrite, Cydipe, Arpalice, and your ſelf; and you may well imagine, that it is not poſſible to make Zenocrite keep any long ſilence to oblige Arion to play his beſt; for you muſt know that ſuch a man whoſe voice uſeth to charm the very [Page] Dolphins, will not take it well that Ladies will not be attentive: Me-thinks I ſee him already lay his Lute or Harp upon the Table at the firſt word which Zenocrite ſpeaks, and will neither play, nor ſing any longer. What then is the beſt courſe, ſaid I unto him? The beſt way is, replyed he, that you invite Arpalice hither to your houſe to morrow after dinner upon ſome pretence or other, that ſhe come alone, and that you give it out all that day, that you are not within, and admit of none but Arion and your ſelf, who will come together. Thraſimedes had no ſooner made this propoſition, but I accepted of it; for ſince my Father allowed me all the liberty I could deſire, knowing I would not abuſe it, it was an eaſie matter for me to do according unto this propoſition: and ſince I beleeved Arpalice would not dorr at it, I made a poſitive promiſe unto Thraſimedes, who having a Halicarnaſsian friend, who played paſſing well upon the Harp, and ſung as well, he made uſe of him in lieu of Arion. To ſhorten my diſcourſe as much as I can, I obtained of Arpalice to come and ſee me, and the truth is, I forced her, for ſhe did long deny me, but perceiving me grow angry, ſhe came thither the day following very timely: You may imagine that Thraſimedes failed not to come, nor to bring his pretended Arion with him: but I forgot to tell you, that he deſired me to treat him with much civility, and to commend him highly: He told me alſo, that the beſt way to make him ſing, and play well, was to entertain him well before he began to ſing: for it is the humour of all the Muſitians in the world, to love applauds, and therefore if any would have him doe his beſt, they muſt commend him, and allow him patience in relating ſome of his amorous adventures, or his adventure of the Dolphin. If that be all, ſaid I unto him, let mee alone to doe all the civilities which are fitting: And indeed, the next morning when hee came, I was as good as my word: and Thraſimedes had ſo well deſcribed his Goddeſs unto him, that he did all which was deſired of him: So that this counterfeit Arion, who was a man of wit and ſpirit enough, began to addreſſe all his diſcourſe unto me according to the inſtructions of Thraſimedes, whilſt one of his men was to bring his harpe: At firſt, the diſcourſe was generall amongſt us all four; but he fell inſenſibly to talke onely unto me: t [...]hin king thereby to oblige him unto a better humour of ſinging, I willingly hearkened unto him, and deſired him to relate his admirable adventure of the Dolphin which was ſo famed over all the World. And indeed he began ſuch a circumſtantiall relation, that I thought hee would not have finiſhed before the next morning, and ſo he would not ſing nor play that night. Moreover Thraſimedes had told me that he was phantaſticall, and I was ſo fully perſwaded of it, that I durſt not ſeem ſo weary of him as I was. In the meane while, Thraſimedes deſiring not to loſe ſuch a favourable opportunity as had coſt ſuch paines to compaſſe, came nearer Arpalice then before; Madam (ſaid hee unto her, in a low voice) me thinkes ſince Candiope permits Arion to relate his paſt misfortunes, you may as well allow me to relate my preſent miſeries: But I beſeech you Madam (added he, perceiving by her lookes that ſhe prepared to deny him) be not ſo inhumane as to deny me a hearing: the harp of Arion will preſently prevent me without your rigour, therefore I beſeech you let me ſpeak. Arpapalice thinking that ere long the Harpe of Arion would come, and that then the pretended Arion would begin to ſing and play, did not impoſe ſilence upon Thraſimedes: So that this lover, not fearing to be interrupted by the Muſique of Arion, began his diſcourſe. Madam (ſaid he unto her) I cannot think my ſelf ſo unhappy as that you ſhould not know I love, and love you infinitely: all my actions ſpeak as much, my very looks may aſſure you of as much, and certainly it is impoſſible that there ſhould be ſo much love in my heart, and you ignorant of it: So, Madam, I will uſe no perſwaſive arguments to let you know I love you; for I preſuppoſe you know it: but I will onely ask you, how it is your pleaſure I ſhould behave my ſelf unto this loveleſſe Rivall who will ſhortly arrive? for I doe profeſſe and declare, Madam, that I cannot change my heart. Moreover give me leave to aſſure you, Madam, that if I were ſo happy as to be more in your eſteem then he, the engagement which obligeth you unto him ſhould be no obſtacle unto my happines: For though I know that if you refuſe to marry him, the laſt Will and Teſtament of your Parents deprives you of the greateſt part of your eſtate, yet give me leave to tell you, that I have enough to recompence that loſſe, ſince certainly my eſtate is as much as both yours and Menecrates, if both put together: Let him enjoy then what the Laws of your Country gives him, and I beſeech you grant me that which, both reaſon and love requires, I mean, your affection. Your expreſſions are ſo full of generoſity, replyed Arpalice, that I cannot be offended at them: But after my thanks to you, I muſt tell you, that how much ſoever I eſteem you, and what averſion ſoever I have unto Menecrates, and how great a repagnancy I have to be forced, yet I muſt confeſſe, I have not power to make any other expreſſions then ſuch as I have all my life: Therefore, generous Thraſimedes, if you [Page] doe eſteem me, you will pitty my misfortune, and make no ill attempts to alter me: And if you will oblige me, live with Menecrates as you did at Apamea, and live with me as with a perſon neuterall and indifferent. How, Madam, ſaid he, doe you think there is any equity in your language? Can you think it poſſible I can live with you in a neutrality, and indifferency? Would you have me live with Menecrates as I did at Apamea? I beſeech you, Madam, conſider what you ſay; think what a lamentable fate it is to marry one who loves you not; and what injuſtice it is to drive a man into deſpair who infinitely loves you, and who will infallibly die if you have no care of his life: For heavens ſake, Madam, put a difference between Menecrates and me. Conſider, I beſeech you, how he will receive this honour which you doe him without any joy, and conclude that he who can ſo eaſily play away your Picture, will perhaps as eaſily part with your perſon as it: For my part, Madam, the attection, which I bear unto you, makes me receive the leaſt of your favours upon a thankfull knee; and in teſtimony of it, I pray ſee how great a veneration the heart of Thraſimedes holds of you. In ſaying ſo, he let her ſee how carefully he had kept the Letter which he had writ unto her. Doe not think, Madam (ſaid he) I carry this ſo carefully about me, for any other reaſon but becauſe it was touched with your fair hands, when you cruelly blotted out the firſt teſtimoniall of my love. Imagine, Madam, I beſeech you, with what reall reverence I ſhould receive a reall favour: Oh, for heavens ſake, put not a vaſt treaſure into the poſſeſſion of a blind man, who knows not the value of it. Let him have the liberty to puniſh himſelfe by a new choice; and doe you make choice of a heart which knows how to adore you according to your infinite merit: Doubtleſſe you will find in mine as much reverence as paſſion, and as much fidelity as love. Adviſe well with your ſelf, Madam, and conſider what is your beſt courſe: The very leaſt ſyllable you can pronounce may regulate all my actions; and truly upon your anſwer depends the fate of all my life. I am not ſo full of vanity (anſwered ſhe) as to beleeve all you ſay; but I have ſo good an opinion of you, as to hope you will not deny the requeſt which I ſhall make unto you, which is, that you wil for the love of me live civilly with Menecrates, leſt if you doe not, ſomething might reflect in my diſadvantage, which ſhould infallibly fall upon you: For in the humour I am in, perhaps I am not ſo juſt as to accuſe thoſe of my misfortune who are the reall cauſes of it. If you will honour me ſo far as to promiſe me, replyed Thraſimedes, that you will never make Menecrates happy, I ſhall promiſe you to live civilly with him: But, Madam, if you make me abſolutely deſpair, I ſhall hardly anſwer you as I doe. I aſſure you (replyed Arpalice, and ſighed) I ſhould deſpair my ſelf, if I thought nothing could prevent my marriage with Menecrates; and I am confident if ſuch a miſery doe befall me, I ſhall hardly beleeve it the very preceding minute. Whilſt Thraſimedes was talking with Arpalice, ſhe looked continually whether Arions Harp was brought; not that ſhe did hate him who was ſpeaking unto her; but becauſe ſhe feared to give him either too obliging, or too ſharp anſwers, and therefore ſhe would gladly have their diſcourſe interrupted: For my part, I looked as earneſtly as ſhe for the coming of the Harp: For ſince Thraſimedes told me, that there was a notable difference between the diſcourſe of Arion and his Muſique, I longed to hear it; and indeed he ſpoke very elegantly, ſo that thinking hee would ſing a hundred times better then he ſpoke, I had a conceit he would then charme me: But at laſt, after a long ſtay, according to the plot of Thraſimedes, the Harp came: And as ſoon as I ſaw it, I preſented it unto this pretended Arion, thinking I could not oblige him more then by my impatient deſire of hearing him; but he having no ſuch deſire to be heard, took it, and layd it upon the Table again: ſaying, he would firſt finiſh what he had begun, and what I had commanded him to relate: So that fearing to anger him, I ſate down again, and hearkened unto the reſt of his Dolphin adventure, which he did tell even to the leaſt wave of Sea in which the King of Fiſhes did triumph: deſcribing him ſo circumſtantially, as he did not omit ſo much as a Scale or Fin of the Dolphin, nor the curles which he made in the water: yet I was ſo ſimple as to think that all his long winded deſcriptions were onely conſequents of his Poeticall humour, and that his manner of ſpeaking was onely a little too full of Tropes and Figures; though I obſerved all along that he ſpoke very elegantly: But at laſt, after a long relation of this adventure, he took up the Harp and played: Arpalice alſo drew nearer, and impoſed ſilence upon Thraſimedes: but the counterfeit Arion told her, that ſhe needed not make ſuch haſt, for his inſtrument was not yet in tune, and it would be long before hee could bring it into fit order for Harmony, all the favour he deſired was, that ſhe would bee pleaſed to ſpeak low, addreſſing his ſpeech afterwards unto Thraſimeaes, conjuring him to give an example unto Arpalice: And indeed this Muſician was very long in tampering, and tuning his Harp: twenty times did he twine up and down the ſtrings; ſometimes it was ſet [Page] too high, ſometimes too low, ſometimes in the ſame note it was before: he broke above twenty ſtrings, ſtill ſomething was out of order: then would he lift up his eyes towards heaven, and turning towards the company ſeem to be very angry: Afterwards would he offer at a tune in a kind of confuſed manner, ſo as one could not judge whether he was skilfull, o [...] ignorant in Muſique: And indeed this ſubtle friend had all the fretting humours of a peeviſh Muſician, and ſeemed ſo hard to pleaſe in tuning his Inſtrument, that he gave Thraſimedes, time enough to talk, he would lengthen out the time by intermixing a diſcourſe of Muſique: and omitted not one term of art: he told me of three ſorts, of the Phrygian, of the Dorian, and of the Lydian: he had up the Diotonique, the Cromatique, the Diapaſon, the Meſe, the Parameſe, and a hundred other conjuring words, which I underſtood not, nor ever ſhal remember; and all this in ſuch a Magiſterial tone, as if Amphion, Linus, or Orpheus had ſpoke. In the mean time, be pleaſed to know, that I thinking I could not do a greater pleaſure unto him that was my Muſique Maſter, then to acquaint him, I ſent for him, appointing him to be brought into my Cloſet by a back paire of ſtairs: And indeed when this pretended Arion had tuned his Harp, this Muſician was in my Cloſet, with all the women of my houſe. You may imagine how impatient he was to hear this man, whoſe fame went over all the world. In the mean time, ſince I knew he was not leſſe famous for his Verſes, then for his Muſique and Voice, and thinking thoſe which he ſung when he thought he ſhould have dyed, would be moſt admirable, I would needs entreat him to ſing them; therefore I explained my meaning, and courted him unto it: you may imagine that he could not ſatisfie my deſire, ſince the true Arion would never impart thoſe admirable Poems unto any; but the friend of Thraſimedes having wit at will, excuſed himſelf very handſomly: He told me, that it was a ſong ſo ſad, and ſo full of lamentable expreſſions, that it would move more ſorrow then joy. I, who deſired that he ſhould have a good opinion of my ability in matters of muſique, deſired to think that Arpalice and my ſelf were not of the humours of moſt women in generall, who affect onely light pleaſant Airs; but on the contrary, we delighted moſt in melancholly tunes, which ſad and ſoften the hearts of hearers, and move them unto compaſſion. Oh, Madam, replyed he, I dare not conſent unto your deſires; for I am confident, that which moved the Dolphins unto compaſſion, will move too much ſadneſſe in you. Seeing then that I could not move him to ſatisfie my deſires, I preſſed him no farther, but let him ſing what he pleaſed: All this while Thraſimedes was expreſſing his love unto Arpalice, who fearing to give too much hope unto her Lover, roſe up, and came nearer the counterfeit Arion, who perceiving his friend had done his buſineſſe, and would talk no longer with Arpalice, and therefore he reſolved to ſing: But though he did it very well for a man of Quality, who made it not his profeſſion; yet my expectation being high, I was aſtoniſhed when this friend of Thraſimedes began to ſing ſo meanly. But whatſoever I was, the Muſician in the Cloſet was much more. However, Arpalice and I durſt not let our wonder appear; but ſeemed as if we thought he ſung admirably well: yet I could not chuſe but tell Arpalice in a low voice (whilſt he was tuning his Lute for another Air) what I thought: Do you not think (ſaid I in her ear) that Dolphins only can think this Harmony admirable? For my part, ſaid ſhe, all I can ſay is, that if Arion ſpeaks no better then he fings, certainly he has tired you. I aſſure you (ſaid I unto her) he does not ſing ſo well as he ſpeaks; and I am confident, that it was by words, not ſongs, he charmed the Dolphin. Though Arpalice and I reſolved to ſpeak but one word, yet I found my ſelf in ſuch a laughing vein, that I talked a long time purpoſely to keep me from laughing out: But that which gave me the firſt ground of ſuſpition was, that whilſt I was talking to Arpalice, I obſerved this feigned Arion tuned his Inſtrument, looked upon Thraſimedes, and was ſo tickled with a laughing conceit, that he had much adoe to contain as I: yet did he counterfeit the Muſician ſtill, and did it very well: But finding his friend deſired no longer diſcourſe, and ſeeming to be angry at what Arpalice and I did, he laid his Harp upon the Table haſtily, and would ſing no longer: Arpalice having not obſerved ſo much as I, began to make a thouſand excuſes, and deſired him to continue his ſinging, but he, with the pettiſh humour of a Muſician, ſaid, it ſhould be ſome other time. For my part, I ſtood ſilent, and he making uſe of my ſilence to colour his refuſall of Arpalice, told her, that he perceived I was not pleaſed, becauſe he would not ſing the ſame verſes which he ſung when the Dolphin ſaved his life, and therefore he would ſtay untill ſuch time as he had a little recollected his memory. Since you owe your life unto them, replyed Arpalice, it is not credible you ſhould forget them. Whilſt ſhe was talking thus, Thraſimedes, who was not ſorry his plot was diſcovered, becauſe it would be taken for a mark of love, came unto me, and asked me with a ſmile what I thought of his friend. Me-thinks (ſaid I unto him in a low voice) that this Arion ſpeaks ſo well, [Page] and ſings ſo ill, that I think him more fit to divert company by his diſcourſe, then to char [...] Dolphins by his voice: For my part if I had been a Dolphin, I ſhould have taken more delight in hearing the Waves daſh againſt the Rocks, then in his ſongs. However (ſaid Thraſimedes unto me) his Harp gives not more ſatisfaction then his eloquence. I cannot ſay ſo (replyed I) for his diſcourſe pleaſeth me much better then his Muſique. After this Thraſimedes told me, that Arion had a deſire not to be known, and therefore would be called Philiſtion as long as he ſtayed in Town. And the beſt conceit was, that this borrowed name which Thraſimedes mentioned, was the right name of the counterfeit Arion, who after as much diſcourſe as ſpoke him to be a man of much ſpirit, went away with Thraſimedes, who told me ſo much as I did not doubt of this trick which was put upon us: So that fearing leſt it ſhould make ſome noiſe in the Town, I went preſently into my Cloſet to entreat the Muſician not to tell Arion was in Patara: but a woman of Arpalices, and another of mine, over-hearing that name, it was a hard matter that a ſecret ſhould be kept amongſt three, eſpecially ſince the Muſician was even raviſhed that Arion ſung ſo ill. 'Tis true, he did not report that he heard Arion in my chamber, but he ſaid he heard him: The two women durſt not tell all the truth which they thought they knew, but they told all the women of Zenocrite that Arion was in Town, and that Thraſimedes was acquainted with him: So that the next day the news was publique, and every one asked whether they had ſeen Arion? But the beſt conceit was, that the ſame day Zenocrite came unto Lycaſte, where I was, with Cydipe, and Arpalice, Thraſimedes came alſo, and brought Philiſtion with him as Philiſtion, that is, as a man of Quality in Hallicarnaſſis, and not as Arion: For my part, though I did beleeve he had put a trick upon us, yet I knew not for whom I ſhould take this Stranger; but I was much perplexed, that every one who came that day to Lycaſte, ſhould all talk of Arion: Some ſaid one thing, others another, according to the various reports of Relators: For my part, ſaid Zenocrite, I deſpair not of knowing him, for I am told he is a friend of Thraſimedes. I muſt confeſſe, when I heard Zenocrite ſay ſo, I thought it ſome affront which ſhe put upon Arpalice, and me; and that ſhe had known ſomething of the precedent dayes paſſage. On the other ſide, Thraſimedes and Philiſtion knew not what to think: But at laſt Thraſimedes ſaid, that he had not as yet ſeen Arion, and that if he did meet with him, he promiſed Zenocrite to bring him unto her: He had no ſooner paſſed this promiſe, but all the company deſired the ſame favour, and Philiſtion was as earneſt of it as any of the reſt: So that Arion deſired to ſee Arion. In the mean time Arpalice and I could hardly hold from laughing; yet ſhe reſtrained her ſelf as well as ſhe could: She had much adoe to bring ſome angry Idea into her fancy to prevent it; but at laſt the thought of Menecrates his arrivall the next day, gave a ſtop unto all her mirth. In the mean time Thraſimedes came to me, and asked me pardon for the impoſture which he had uſed, making me an exact relation of all, and conjuring me to pittie him, and doe him all good offices unto Arpalice. I ſhall not relate all that he ſaid unto us, for it would be too long: nor how Thraſimedes was perſecuted by all thoſe who deſired him to make them acquainted with Arion, nor how Zenocrite did play upon the return of Menecrates: But let me tell you, that Arpalice ſeeing Menecrates did return the next day, and apprehending, that perhaps within a few dayes they would enjoyn her to marry him, ſhe was ſo exceedingly ſad at the thought of it, that ſhe fell ſick, and ſo ſick that ſhe kept her bed. To tell you truly, I am perſwaded, that as things ſtood, her eſteem of Thraſimedes did augment her averſion unto Menecrates: However, her diſlike of him made her ſad and ſick: So that partly ſad, partly ſick, ſhe kept her bed all the next day, and I ſtayed with her, becauſe ſhe deſired I ſhould ſee how he would accoſt her; and indeed the meeting was very civill on Menecrates his ſide, though with much indifferency, but with an extream coldneſſe from Arpalice: She being in her bed, and, as ſhe ſaid, ſick, no great notice was taken, but he ſeemed more diſpoſed to look upon Cydipe, who was very handſome that day, then to talk with Arpalice; and he did it ſo openly, that one could not doe him a greater pleaſure then to withdraw, and leave him alone with her: But the ſtrangeſt thing is, that this Lover, who at his return found his Miſtris ſick, was ſo little troubled at it, that he ſtayed very late talking with Cydipe in Lycaſtes chamber, and was in the merrieſt mood in the world that night: I leave you to judge whether this was not enough to augment Arpalices averſion, who was indeed ſo really troubled at this proceeding, that ſhe was really ſick for fifteen dayes; and Menecrates did not viſit her above one quarter of an hour every day, employing all the reſt in pleaſures, and courting Cydipe, who infinitely pleaſed him: Alſo he did viſit Thraſimedes, and ſo did Parmenides: For though they had told him of the paſſage concerning the Picture, and had hinted as much as might perſwade him that Thraſimedes was in love with Arpalice; [Page] yet ſince himſelf was not, he cared not, and conſequently did not choak his civilities unto Thraſimedes, who ever ſince the day in which he confeſſed his trick, did continually tell me of his love to Arpalice. In the mean time ſince ſhe would not do Menecrates ſo much favour as to ſeem angry againſt him for playing away her Picture, but onely continued cold towards him, without any mention of the true cauſe, ſhe was very deſirous of ſome time to reſolve upon what courſe to take, and would goe into the Country with Zenocrite, who asked leave of Lycaſte, telling her, that freſh air was the beſt thing to recover her health: So that Arpalice went with Zenocrite for fifteen dayes: Menecrates not knowing whether ſhe was improved or no, ſince he had onely ſeen her in the dark: So ſhe went out of her bed into a Coach; and was not very ſick; for ſhe being much more ſick in mind then body, ſtirring made her better. For my part, I ſtayed at Patara, with orders to write news unto Arpalice: and indeed I gave her a full relation, and had matter enough for it: for Menecrates was ſo taken with the beauty of Cydipe, and Parmenides ſo deep in love with Cleoxene, Siſter unto Menecrates, and the counterfeit Arion ſeemed not to hate me, ſo that I had matter of news enough: But when I ſent all this news unto her, I ſent two ſeverall Letters, one to her ſelf, another to ſhew Zenocrite: for though ſhe was a very generous perſon, yet there were ſome ſecrets which one would hardly truſt themſelves with; and though ſhe was her confident in a hundred things, yet they were ſuch as related more unto others then her ſelf: Thus Zenocrite knew all, but knew it by ſuch as had no intereſt in it: And thus I left it unto the diſcretion of Arpalice, what ſhe thought fit to impart unto her: And ſhe told her with joy that Menecrates applyed himſelf unto Cydipe, but with ſorrow, that Parmenides loved the Siſter of Menecrates: I writ to her alſo in rallery, how Thraſimedes viſited me ſo oft, that Philiſtion had not opportunity to expreſſe half the eſteem he had of me. In the mean time the love of Thraſimedes being violent, the abſence of Arpalice ſeemed long unto him, and needs muſt he write unto her: Since hee knew I uſed to ſend unto her, and ſince he had made me tell him the day when I writ unto her, he came unto me as I was ready to make up my Pacquet; and knowing I ſent her all the witty and pleaſant things I could gleane, he gave me ſome verſes, which he had two yeares ſince, but ſince I never ſaw them, I took them for a novelty; So that after he had read them unto me, I ſent them unto Arpalice: But as Thraſimedes gave them unto me, he ſlily ſlip [...] a note into them which I perceived not: So that when Arpalice opened my Pacquet ſhe was much ſurpriſed to find a Letter from Thraſimedes, whoſe hand ſhe knew very well, and wondering I ſhould undertake to ſend it without any mentioning it unto her. The Letter was thus written.

To the Faireſt Perſon in the World.

MADAM,

I Do not only beg a pardon for my own preſumption in writing to you, but for Candiope alſo, whom I have deluded: Yet, Madam, how can I chuſe but ask how long this cruel abſence will laſt, which deprives me of the happineſſe in ſeeing you? and I muſt needs ask alſo, whether you will for ever baniſh that man out of your heart, who infinitely loves you, and cannot poſſibly live without you. I ſhould ſubſcribe his name, but I beſeech you name him your ſelf, to the end I may have the honour of being pronounced by the faireſt perſon that ever was.

As this Letter was as full of reſpect as Gallantry, it did more pleaſe then anger Arpalice; and the deluſion which Thraſimedes put upon me had a happier ſucceſſe then he could wiſh: yet ſhee ſeemed to be angry, but it was in ſuch mild termes, as it was evident her anger proceeded rather from decencie then any ſharp reſentment: yet Arpalice did not anſwer the Letter of Thraſimedes; but ſent it unto me; and if I could as well remember her Letter unto me, as I doe this which I have related, I ſhould make you confeſſe ſhe writes as well as ſhe ſpeaks: For truly it was the moſt facetious peece of wit that ever I ſaw: She obſerved the ſeverity of a prudent perſon in anger, and yet had many expreſſions concerning Thraſimedes infinitely obliging. 'Tis true, ſhe charged me not to ſhew her letter, but to tell you the truth, I ſaw ſhe had been ſo elaborate in writing, that I thought ſhe had no deſire to be obeyed: for when ſhe writ onely unto me, her Character was wont to be more careleſſe, and worſe legible; ſhe uſed not ſuch exact expreſſions, nor elegant phraſes. So that I ſhewed it unto Thraſimedes, chiding him ſoundly for the trick hee had put upon mee, but to qualifie my anger, I ſhewed him Arpalices Letter, wherewith he was extreamly charmed, not onely becauſe it [Page] was admirably penned, but alſo becauſe it was obliging unto himſelf: He uſed all his Rethorique to get a coppy of that place which concerned himſelf, but I would not ſuffer him. 'Tis true he read it ſo oft, that he could not chuſe but remember it. In the mean time, this daies conference did ſo perfectly perſwade me of the real affection Thraſimedes bore unto Arpalice, that for the good fortune of them both, I wiſhed Menecrates ſo far in love with Cydipe, that he would marry her, and think no more upon Arpalice: And I aſſure you, that during this abſence I did what I could to advance it: I never ſaw Cydipe in a negligent dreſſe but I chid her, leſt it ſhould be any hinderance; and whatſoever ſhe ſay now, ſhe was then glad Menecrates preferred her before the greateſt beauty in all Licia: And indeed ſhe was a ful of complacency to him, as any virtuous perſon could be. 'Tis true, ſhe was univerſally civill unto all; ſo that many were not ſo ſubtle as to perceive: but that never deceived me; for I eaſily perceived ſhe was glad Menecrates loved her. In the mean time, Parmenides, who was deep in love with Cleoxene, durſt not ſhew it unto Menecrates, becauſe he was afraid to incenſe her: And knowing that Arpalice did not love Menecrates, he thought beſt to keep upon good termes with Cleoxenes Brother: And for the better underſtanding of this adventure, you muſt know, that Cleoxene had as great a ſpirit as beauty, but it was ſuch a ſubtle ſecret ſpirit, that thoſe who thought they knew her beſt, did ſometimes find they knew her not at all: and indeed, at that time ſhe paſſed for a perſon indifferent, who valued not the love of any, but delighted in all pleaſures in generall, and loved nothing elſe: who did not apply her ſelfe unto any pleaſure in particular; who kept not ſecret confidence with any, but told all the world, ſhe could not conceive any thing was neceſſary to be kept ſecret: Yet this perſon whom I have deſcribed unto you, held an intimate correſpondency for above a year with a brother of mine, whoſe name was Lyſias, and none ever ſuſpected any thing. 'Tis true, Lyſias was as diſcreet, as Cleoxene was ſubtle, and I ſhould never have knowne this correſpondency, if by chance I had not found Cleoxenes Letter, whoſe hand I knew, and which moved my Brother to impart his ſecret unto me for fear I ſhould reveale it. You may imagine (after this which I have told you) that Cleoxenes put my Brother into much peplexity: yet ſince he thought her rigour proceeded from her indifferency, the worſe ſhe treated him, the more he loved her: For as thoſe who are of a proud and lofty ſpirit, as he was, either quickly recoile, or more reſolutely fall on, Parmenides not doing the firſt of theſe, did the ſecond, and did ſo haſtily court Cleoxene, that if Liſias had been capable of Jealouſie, doubtleſſe, he would have feared ſuch a Rivall: But as Cleoxene carryed the matter, he was not at all jealous, and the aſſaults of Parmenides did rather divert them, and augment their affections: For Liſias was more circumſpect, and Cleoxene was more exact, and more obliging. Moreover, they made me promiſe and ſwear ſuch faithfull ſecreſie, that I never acquainted Arpalice with this affection, who thought Cleoxene to be as indifferent, as indeed ſhe was amorous: And I have heard her wiſh a hundred times that ſhe were of her temper, and had a ſoul ſo diſingaged as ſhe thought Cleoxene had. As for Philiſtion, he behaved himſelfe towards me, as if he were perſwaded, it was not handſome for a man of ſpirit to ſtay ſo long in a Town without ſome peece of Gallantry: and I carryed my ſelf towards him, as one that was not ſorry he ſhould eſteem me ſo much above others, as to talk of me when hee returned into his own Country. Thus Philistion having a heart not over deeply engaged, was very pleaſant, and obliging company: Menecrates thinking upon nothing but how to pleaſe Cydipe: Parmenides of nothing but how to move the heart of Cleoxene, Cleoxene ſporting at his paſſion with Liſias; and Philiſtion and I having no further deſignes, but to eſteem one another, Arpalice returned with Zenocrite, but ſo admirably fair, and ſo perfectly recovered of her ſickneſſe, that ſhe was cried up as a freſh new-come beauty: and I beleeve ſhe returned with full intentions to treat Menecrates courſly. Know then, that Zenocrite brought her into her Aunts chamber, where ſhe found abundance of company, amongſt the reſt, Menecrates, who was talking unto Cydipe when ſhe entered: Zenocrite addreſſing her ſelf to Lycaſte, I have brought Arpalice back unto you (ſaid ſhe unto her) becauſe I would not loſe the complement you owe me, for bringing her back ſo fair and ſpritely, after I had her from you ſo melancholly and ſick: for I aſſure you (ſaid ſhe craftily) if every one be of my mind, they will confeſſe with me that ſhe was never fairer, no not when her Picture was taken, which was ſent unto Menecrates, and which he loſt unto Thraſimedes. I beſeech you, Madam (ſaid Menecrates unto Zenocrite, with as much impudence as ſhame) do not ſo ſharply twit me, for loſing a Picture which by your own confeſſion did not perfectly reſemble Arpalice, ſince ſhe is fairer now then ſhe was at that time; and to tell you truly, I did it rather to publiſh her beauty then to wrong it, when I put her Picture into the hands of one who travelled. [Page] I aſſure you (ſaid Arpalice, with as much fury as a beauty could ſparkle) that though Thraſimedes were not half ſo compleat a man as he is, yet I ſhould think my Picture better in his hand then yours: For I am more obliged unto him who had a deſire to win my Picture, then unto him who will venture to loſe it. I cannot well juſtifie my ſelf in that (replyed Menecrates, extreamly aſhamed) I am perſwaded (replyed Zenocrite) that you will be more puzled to juſtifie your ſelf in private then in publique, and if your caſe were mine, I would never go about it. If he did (ſaid Arpalice) it would be in vain. I had better then take the counſell which is given me (replyed he.) You had need of that counſell, and more (replyed Zenocrite) and went away. I thank you for yours (replyed Menecrates, and preſented his hand unto her to conduct her unto her Coach) being glad to be out of that place where hee was ſo non plus't: And though he ſtood in much fear of Zenocrite, yet hee had rather ſhee ſhould chide him a thouſand times in private, then to be twitted ſo in publique. After he had done his civilities unto Zenocrite, he returned unto the company, which was not now ſo terrible unto him, ſince Zenocrite was out of it: yet he durſt not come near Arpalice, for his behaviour unto Cydipe during her abſence, did extreamly perplex him. But ſince he had eyes ſubtile enough to ſee that Arpalice was a thouſand times fairer then ever he ſaw her; and ſince ſhe perceived he did obſerve it, ſhe was very glad of it, thinking ſhe could not have a more noble way of revenge, then to let him ſee, ſhe was not worthy of ſo much ſcorn he had of her: alſo ſhe received all the applauds and commendations of her beauty with great joy, and I much wondered when I ſaw her admit of all extollings of her beauty with ſo much delight; and ſhe ſet her ſelf out more to ſpite the Lover whom ſhe hated, then to pleaſe the Lover whom ſhe loved. Thraſimedes was no loſer by it, and it may be ſaid, that ſhe recompenced him, purpoſely to puniſh Menecrates. Thraſimedes was ſo much in favour with her, that he had continuall private conference with her. In the mean time, it being late, all the company went from Lycaſtes chamber, but not all alike ſatisfied: for much difference was between the ſatisfaction of Thraſimedes and Menecrates. The laſt of theſe finding Arpalice ſo faire and charming, that he was aſhamed of his behaviour towards her: yet ſince he looked upon her as one whom for all this he ſhould marry, his care was onely to know how he ſhould carry himſelf between Cydipe and Arpalice: But the next morning he changed his mind; for a friend of his coming to ſee him, and beginning to diſcourſe upon the preſent condition of his ſoul, he underſtood by him, that Thraſimedes came into my chamber with Arpalice, without any company but Philiſtion and my ſelf, who had appointed that day, that all my ſervants ſhould ſay I was not within, and he was by ſeverall circumſtances ſo fully ſatisfied, that there was a correſpondency between them, that he began to hate Thraſimedes, and to leſſen his love unto Cydipe, alſo to love Arpalice a little more; and reſolved neither to loſe her eſtate, nor her ſelf, his love of Cydipe was rather a fancy then a reall paſſion, what ere ſhe thought; and you muſt know, that Menecrates being fully perſwaded in four or five daies that Thraſimedes was in love with Arpalice, that he was not hated, but that himſelf was, h [...] grew extreamly vexed, and ſpoke not unto Cydipe as before: but in the firſt place, in lieu or winning Arpalice by his ſervices, he ſummoned Parmenides to perform his promiſes, in executing the Laſt Will and Teſtament of his Father and Mother, who ordained him to marry Arpalice. In the mean time, Parmenides, who had a particular intereſt, not to ſatisfie Menecrates, told him, that he had conference with all thoſe who had any power over his Siſter; and not to let ſlip ſuch a fit opportunity, he asked his Siſter in marriage. For my part, ſayd Menecrates, I freely give you all the power I have. Parmenides anſwered the ſame for as much as concerned Arpalice. Thus they did both of them diſpoſe of that which was not in their power: And I aſſure you, they quickly found it: for as ſoon as Parmenides ſpoke unto Arpalice, ſhe told him, that ſhe would not think of any marriage matters ſo ſoon: yet ſhe would not abſolutely tell him, ſhe would never marry Menecrates, becauſe ſhe knew him to be very imperious, and might have occaſion to accuſe her, if ſhe declared ſhe would nor fulfill the Will of her Father, therefore ſhe told him onely, that ſhe would take ſome time to reſolve upon it, chuſing rather to tell Menecrates his doom then her Brother: But when Parmenides ſaw he could not prevaile with her, he told her of his affection unto Cleoxene, conjuring her to take it into her conſideration. Unto this ſhee anſwered, that ſince all her amity could not make her change her thoughts of Menecrates, he might think alſo, that Cleoxene would not be ruled by her Brother, and ſo his happineſſe or miſery depended upon Cleoxene, and not upon Menecrates. After this Parmenides did ſtill importune her a long time, and Arpalice reſiſted; and ſo not yeelding unto each other, each of them were left unto themſelves. On the other ſide, Menecrates ſolicited for Parmenides unto Cleoxene, who continuing in her indifferency, [Page] deſired him to beleeve, that the ſame humour which cauſed his diſingagement, kept her from engaging her ſelf: ſo that ſhe did not refuſe Parmenides in particular, but all men in generall, conjuring him to ſollicite her no more concerning Marriage: So that neither Parmenides nor Menecrates could give each other any good account of their Loves: and well may I ſay of their Loves, dear Doraliſa; for I aſſure you, as ſoon as Menecrates imagined that he ſhould not marry Arpalice, he fell deſperately in love with her: So that he ranked himſelf in the quality of profeſſed, and not declared Lovers, as Zenocrite defined them, and as ſhe ſoon perceived it; and I think ſhe was one of the firſt that publiſhed it to the world. As for Arpalice, ſhe was both ſad and glad: For ſhe was glad Menecrates loved her, to the end ſhe might be revenged of him; but her fears leſt ſome quarrell ſhould ariſe between Thraſimedes and Menecrates made her ſorry: As for Cydipe, I am perſwaded that Menecrates made her alwaies beleeve, he had no intentions to marry Arpalice, but onely to ſhew it was not long of him, to the end he might enjoy her eſtate in caſe ſhe refuſed Marriage. In the mean time Thraſimedes was not without his ſhare of perplexity, to ſee how Menecrates changed his minde concerning Arpalice; ſo that there was none who were happy but Philiſtion and my ſelf: The cauſe of our happines was, becauſe we had ſo much eſteem and affection unto each other, as to pleaſe, and ſpeak freely of every thing, and becauſe we were not ſo deeply in love as to diſquiet our ſelves: So that keeping within the juſt limits of amity, we laughed at the miſeries of all others, except thoſe of Arpalice and Thraſimedes, in which we were extreamly concerned: But at laſt Menecrates, not being able to endure the ſeverity of Arpalice, reſolved to force her unto a private audience: In order to that, he addreſſed himſelf unto Parmenides to obtaine his wiſh, and to carry him in the morning into Arpalices chamber, whilſt ſhe was dreſſing [...] ſelf: As for Parmenides he left him with her: So that ſeeing he could not be rid of Menecrates without hearing him, ſhe gave him audience; but it was with ſuch a ſad countenance, and ſuch anger in her eyes, that he had hardly power to ſpeak: But yet the Beauty of Arpalice did ſo exaſpe [...]te his paſſion, that it did at laſt augment his boldneſſe: ſo that beginning to ſpeak as ſoon as he ſaw her diſpoſed to hear, Madam, ſaid he unto her, before I complaine of your ſeverity unto all the world, I will take the honour to talke with you, and confeſſe that I have merited your hatred and ſcorn; alſo profeſſe, that I will endeavour fo [...] the future to be worthy of your eſteem and affection. It is not my cuſtome (replyed ſhe, careleſly) to be capable of any contrarieties; and therefore ſince I doe hate you, you can hardly perſwade me to eſteem you. Since there is no impoſſibility in it (replyed he) I will not deſpair, for I am fully reſolved to give you moſt infallible teſtimonies of my love, ſuch as I hope will work upon your heart: And truly, Madam, I am not the ſame Menecrates I was when you were a child; but I muſt confeſſe unto my ſhame, that I did not then love you, and was a long while culpable: But now I have changed my thoughts, and am as much in love with you now, as I was indifferent before, and would it be juſt in you to treat me now, as when I did not love you? It is ſo improbable, replyed ſhe, that a man who hath ſcorned me all his life, even ſo far as to loſe my Picture, can change his mind ſo ſoon, and paſſe from one extream unto another, that I wonder you will offer to perſwade me unto it. I have already told you, Madam, that I doe not intend to juſtifie my ſelf for the time paſt, but I beſeech you put a difference between the time of my guilt, and time of my innocency. When you have lived as long innocently (replyed Arpalice ſharply) as you have done culpably, I ſhall then conſider whether I ſhould puniſh or recompence you, and ſo equally forget both your injuries and your ſervices, that I ſhall be all indifferency. Madam, ſaid he unto her, if love were a paſſion which one could command when one will, then I ſhould confeſſe you had reaſon to upbraid me for not loving you from your cradle; but ſince it is not, and ſince it was the pleaſure of the Gods that I ſhould not love you untill you became the moſt lovely beauty in the world, ought you to hate me for that? Thraſimedes (added hee) whom perhaps you hate not ſo much as you doe me, has not long known you, and could not love you untill he did know you; and why I beſeech you may you not look upon me as well as him? There is ſuch a vaſt difference betwixt you and him (replyed ſhe very angerly) that I cannot look alike upon you: for without putting my ſelf to the trouble of conſidering whether he love me or not, I am certain he hath not ſcorned me as you have done: But to make uſe of your own arguments, I will not accuſe you for loving me till now, upon condition you will not accuſe me that I can never love you hereafter. Hereafter, replyed Menecrates, is not a thing which one can poſitively make anſwer for. I aſſure you (ſaid ſhe) if you can but promiſe me that you will not love me till death, I can promiſe to hate you as long as I live. However (ſaid ſhe) ſince by parting with part of my eſtate, I can be diſengaged from you, I will throw it away upon you [Page] with joy; but I beſeech you doe not imploy Parmenides, nor Meophiles, nor Lycaſtes brother, nor Lycaſte her ſelfe to torment me, for all they can do ſhall not alter me: After this, Menecrates would have proteſted unto her, that he would never take any advantage of her Fathers will, and that all his ayms were at her; but ſhe would not heare him any longer, telling him it was Church time, and that ſhe would have him be gone; inſomuch as indeed he was forced to go; but he went in a miſcellany of ſorrow, anger and love, that he could not forbear complaining unto all he met. In the mean time, one of Arpalices women, and one of mine, hearing Philiſtion called Arion, they thought that Arion was his right name, and that Philiſtion was but borrowed: ſo that they being of ſuch an humor as was incapable of keeping any ſecrets, they told every one that this ſame Philiſtion, who they ſaid was in love with me, was not a man of any faſhion, but that he was the famous Muſitian who was ſo much cried up, and who could not be found all about the Towne: ſo that theſe women telling it unto ſuch as acquainted Menecrates with it the ſame day, he was ſo ill ſatisfied with Arpalice, he told it unto all the world, thinking it would anger both Thraſimedes, and me alſo; for he knew me to be one that ſtood upon terms of honour, and that this report would not pleaſe me. Thus in the compaſſe of a day all the Towne told one another, that Philiſtion was Arion, and all beleeved it, except four or five who knew the truth: yet Arpalice and I were the laſt that knew it: But at laſt Zenocrite told us, conjuring us to tell her the truth: As ſhe was making this requeſt, Philiſtion came in, who knowing what was reported of him, came laughing into Zenocrites Chamber where we were, and told us all he heard; but ſince Arpalice and I were nothing pleaſed with this report, becauſe we feared ſome ill conſequences, we could not chuſe but bluſh, ſo that Zenocrite beleeving ſome truth to be in theſe reports, began to preſſe us very earneſtly to confeſſe the truth unto her. I know very well ſaid ſhe, that Philistion by his admirable aire ſhould be a man of qualitie, and that he hath an excellent ſpirit; but I know alſo Arion is no common Muſitian, he can compoſe verſes rarely, and has ſeen ſo many gallant men, that I am perſwaded he himſelfe is one; and therefore if Philiſtion ſhould be Arion, it is no diſhonour unto him to tell it. Whilſt Zenocrite was talking thus, Philiſtion made his heart ake with laughing, Arpalice and I alſo could not hold, maugre our anger: But at laſt Philiſtion, to let Zenocrite ſee he was not Arion, ſent for a Harpe which he played on before her, and afterwards ſung; but it was long firſt, for his laughter would not let him. It was good ſport to ſee how he ſtrived that day to ſing ill, that he might make it knowne he was not Arion; as much as he did to ſing well in my Chamber to make us think that he was he: and indeed he ſung ſo, that he left no ſuſpition that he was Arion: ſince Zenocrite could not poſſibly think he could ſo diſſemble his voice, and therefore we were neceſſitated to confeſs the truth. But whilſt we were talking of this adventure, Menecrates and Thraſimedes quarrelled: the firſt of theſe having told the other ſomething which reliſhed not, concerning the pretended Arion; ſo that going out together, they fought, and perhaps had killed each other had they not been parted; yet Thraſimedes had the better of it. This accident making a great noiſe, we quickly heard it at Zenocrites, and you may imagine how much Arpalice and Philiſtion were troubled at it: Philiſtion went out immediately to look his friend, who, they ſaid, were both committed unto cuſtody untill they were friends. I ſhall not make any particular relation what talk this produced, let me only tell you, that Thraſimedes being exceedingly beloved, and all the world diſliking that Arpalice ſhould be forced to marry Menecrates, hoſe that ſtirred in this buſineſſe, did equally oblige Menecrates and Thraſimedes to [...]ve quietly the one with the other, and that the one ſhould not take it ill if the other courted [...]palice, who only was able to make them happy or miſerable; and thus was the reconcile [...]nt made up between them: yet Menecrates reſiſted it as well as he could, ſaying it was not [...] they ſhould permit Thraſimedes to pretend unto Arpalice: adding, that they were both engaged unto each other from their infancy. Unto which Thraſimedes anſwered, that having it from his owne mouth at Apamea, that he did not love Arpalice, he had good reaſon to think he would no further ſue unto her, and therefore he would not check that paſſion which her beauty had created in his heart: and the reaſons which Thraſimedes urged being found reaſonable, they were agreed upon the conditions aforeſaid. But Philiſtion being not ſatisfied with what Menecrates ſaid of him, about three daies after they fought, and Philistion made it appear that he could uſe a ſword better then a Harpe, for he got the better, and gave a ſlight wound unto the other in the arme. Theſe two Combats cauſed others alſo, for Parmenides and Lyſias fell out concerning this buſineſſe, and fought. Truth is, it was no wonder my Brother ſhould come off with the honour, for in fighting with Parmenides, he [Page] he knew him to be his Rivall, but Parmenides knew not that Lyſias was his indeed. Deer Doraliſſa, nothing was talked on for a month together but quarrels, which were cauſed by this imaginary Arion; but at laſt the ſtorme being over, both Thraſimedes and Menecrates began openly to court Arpalice. Parmenides he was ſtill deeply in love with Cleoxine, whilſt Lyſias was her Paramour. In the mean time, ſince Parmenides imagined that the more rigorous Arpalice was unto Menecrates, the leſſe favourable would Cleoxine be unto him, he did extreamly perſwade her; Menecrates did no leſſe unto Cleoxine, becauſe ſhe treated Parmenides no better: ſo that theſe two Brothers were intolerable torments unto their ſiſters, as if they had been imperious and crabbed Fathers, or capritious and jealous Husbands. Arpalice and Cleoxine took this perſecution not alike, for Cleoxine cared not at all for it: but it was not ſo with Arpalice, for ſhe indured the tyranny of Menecrates with intolerable impatience, ſo as I could not chuſe but pitty her: I alſo had my ſhare of perplexities, becauſe Philiſtion continually preſſed me to imploy all the power I had with Arpalice, in favour of Thraſimedes: I knew very well that her inclination leaned that way; but Parmenides uſed ſuch preſſing ſolicitations againſt it, that ſhe could not reſolve upon it. As ſhe was one day much troubled with the perſecution of Parmenides, and as I much pittyed her, I adviſed her to tell her brother, that ſhe would willingly ſacrifice her ſelfe for his ſake, ſo it might do him ſervice, but that ſhe would not venture her ſelfe ſo farre upon uncertainties of his good fortune; and that therefore ſhe would engage her ſelfe to marry Menecrates, aſſoon as he had married Cleoxine, knowing well by my brothers intelligence, that it would never be. But in what a perplexity were I, (ſaid Arpallice who was ignorant of the love between Lyſias and Cleoxine) if my brother ſhould marry the ſiſter of Menecrates? I can aſſure you (ſaid I unto her) he will never marry her: and after I had told her all I knew, ſhe took my counſell, and told Parmenides accordingly, charging me to tell Thraſimedes, that it ſhould not trouble him, if he heard any reports to his prejudice. In the mean time, Arpalice had no ſooner told Parmenides that ſhe would marry Menecrates aſſoon as he had marryed Cleoxine; but Parmenides the more to oblige Menecrates unto a preſſing his Siſter to be favourable unto him, told him what Arpalice ſaid; ſo that Menecrates did double his perſecution of Cleoxine, and importuned his ſiſter much more then his Miſtreſſe. I forgot to tell you, how I had a deſign to doe a good office unto my Brother, for I knew that Cleoxine had promiſed, if Menecrates did much preſſe her, and would force her to marry Parmenides, ſhe was then reſolved to tell him the reaſon why ſhe could not, and would then make Lyſias happy; ſo that by this means, I ſhould at once be ſerviceable unto Arpalice, Thraſimedes, Lyſias, and Cleoxine, and ſhould alſo oblige Philiſtion. On the other ſide, Cydipe, who doubtleſſe did think Menecrates loved her, did continually adviſe Arpalice to prefer Thraſimedes before Menecrates. Thus every one having a hidden deſigne, we were all put to our witts, eſpecially when we were all together: Mean while, what aſſurance ſoever I gave Philiſtion, to give the ſame unto Thraſimedes, yet he could not move him to reſt ſatisfied: he told me one day, that if Arpalice did not honour him ſo farre as to give him ſome aſſurances of her affection, his friend would fall upon ſome violent reſolution, and that his paſſion was too violent to be ſatisfied with trifles, and therefore ſhe muſt at leaſt give him ſome pleaſing words. After this I preſſed Arpalice (who came one day to ſee me becauſe I was not well) to ſpeak unto Thraſimedes as unto a man whom ſhe loved. I pray you ſaid I unto her, what great difficulty is in the buſineſſe? why ſhould you not give him ſuch ſatisfaction, as will coſt you only a few words? A few good words replyed ſhe, are of greater conſequence then you imagine, yet I doe not ſay that I will never give them: but if I be Miſtreſſe of my reaſon, I ſhall not give them till needs I muſt: for theſe few words [...] ſpeak of as a ſmall matter, are yet the utmoſt limitt that modeſty or vertue allowes: till they be ſpoke, the good or bad fortune of a lover is in the power of his Miſtreſſe; then is ſhe his Miſtreſſe, he her ſlave; but when theſe few words are paſt through the eare into the heart of a lover, then doth he expect ſome proofs of this affection, and asks it, not as a ſlave, but as due unto him, and ſo never asks it with ſubmiſſion: and therefore my deer Candiope, let me tell you once for all, that theſe few words which you would have me to ſpeak unto Thraſimedes, ſeem to be ſo full of crime, that I dare not ſpeak them, and therefore I declare unto you, that all I can ſay unto Thraſimedes is, that I deſire he ſhould continue loving me. And alſo at laſt, ſaid I unto her, that you conſent he ſhould hope to be loved againe. I aſſure you (ſaid ſhe, and both laughed and bluſht) your capitulations are in vaine, for it hath ſo fallen out very often, that I never told Thraſimedes any thing whiched I reſolv to tell him: and on the contrary I have told him what I reſolved not to tell him; and this is the reaſon why I avoid as much as I can ſpeaking with him in private; for I muſt confeſſe, that nothing in the world angers me more, then when I have been either more obliging, or more cruell then [Page] I would be. However, ſaid I unto her, though you will not talk with Thraſimedes in private out of affection, yet doe it out of prudence: For certainly at this time there is a neceſſity to make uſe of that power which you have over him, leſt he ſhould fall upon ſome violent and deſperate courſe. Arpalice hearing me ſay ſo, though at firſt ſhe was obſtinate, yet at laſt yeelded unto my deſire, upon condition I would think ſhe did it out of prudence, not affection; though ſhe confeſſed if ever ſhe affected any, it ſhould be him: But the difficulty was, to find fit place of ſecreſie for conference; and Arpalice and I were both unaccuſtomed unto ſecret meetings, that we were both puzled to conſtrue it. I no ſooner propounded one expedient, but Arpalice found a thouſand difficulties in it: at her houſe, Lycaſte and Cydipe were alwaies there: in my chamber the adventure of Arion did thrive but badly: in a Church was all the world: So that ſhe ſcrupled at all, though there was no crime in the matter: walk we could not without more company; and after a long reaſoning upon it, we found no ſatisfaction in any place: But at laſt chance did that for us which our inventions could not. As we were thus in conference, one came to tell me that Thraſimedes and Philiſtion asked for me: At firſt Arpalice thought I had put a trick upon her, that I diſſembled ſickneſſe purpoſely to make me come and ſee her, and that this was a compact between Thraſimedes and mee: ſo that ſhe would needs goe away, and I would not let him enter untill I had undeceived her. Well (ſaid ſhe to me) I ſhall not ſpeak over obligingly this day unto Thraſimedes; perhaps it were better for him I went away. But for all that, I made her ſit down; ſhe would have ſat upon my bed becauſe leaſt ſeen, and indeed ſhe did ſo hide her ſelf, that none but Thraſimedes could have known her; yet he did, and ſeemed beyond all meaſure joyed at the meeting. At firſt, talk was generall, and Arpalice had ſo little ſhare in it, that ſhe hardly knew what we ſaid: But Thraſimedes addreſſing his ſpeech particularly unto her, and Philiſtion beginning to ſpeak low unto me, the talk divided, and we were the beſt part of an hour without any interruption: I cannot give you an exact relation of the conference between Thraſimedes and Arpalice; for both of them told me ſeverally afterwards, that they could not repeat it: All I know is, that Arpalice ſaid ſhe ſpoke over kindly unto Thraſimedes, and that ſhe repented: and Thraſimedes told me that ſhe gave him not one favourable word; yet he was ſatisfied, though he had no great reaſon for it, unleſſe he thought he ſaw in the eyes of Arpalice maugre the darkneſſe, a more obliging ſweetneſſe then before ſhe uſed. However Arpalices went away the firſt, and would not let Thraſimedes wait upon her: She was no ſooner gone, but Cleoxene came in, who according to her accuſtomed jollity, began to chide me for being in the company of two ſuch Gallants, asking me if I had ſpent all the afternoon with them? whether we had any more to ſay? and whether ſhe interrupted us? Hearing Cleoxene ſpeake in this manner, in lieu of anſwering preciſely, and telling her Arpalice had been there, I told her laughing, that there was no danger in interrupting a diſcourſe of three perſons, ſince it was likely many ſecrets would not be imparted: 'Tis true, ſaid Cleoxene, and if all the world were of my mind, there ſhould be fewer myſterious matters then there are. This is the reaſon I am alwayes ſo indifferent, affecting rather to have no ſecrets in hand, then to run the hazard of hiding them, and cannot. Yet there are many things, replyed Thraſimedes, which are very pleaſing, and cannot be hid. Love is a paſſion ſo generall, ſaid Philiſtion, as it muſt needs be in the number of thoſe things which cannot be long concealed. If ever I ſhould be culpable of it (replyed Cleoxene) I am confident none ſhould perceive it. Then you would not love at all (replyed Thraſimedes) On the contrary (replyed ſhe) I ſhould love better then another. You would live then in an extream conſtraint (ſaid Philiſtion to her) No, anſwered ſhe, I ſhould be in leſſe conſtraint then others who are ſo full of their gallantry. I muſt confeſs (ſaid I) though I have no intentions to make uſe of your ſecret, yet I ſhould be glad to know it. As Cleoxene was ready to anſwer, Lyſias knowing ſhe was in my chamber, came thither: preſently after, Parmenides brought in Lycaſte, and Cydipe: Menecrates alſo came in: But that which moſt amazed us was, that Zenocrite having met with Arpalice, who telling her I was ſick, forced her to come back with her, the ſecond time: So that when ſhe came into my chamber, and not knowing I had kept her firſt viſit from Cleoxene, ſhe told me, to colour her ſecond, that I was not obliged unto her for it, for ſhe came more for Zenocrites company then for mine: My hope was at firſt, that Cleoxene would not remember how ſhe asked me, whether I had ſpent all the afternoon with Thraſimedes and Philiſtion, and that I did not tell her Arpalice was there. But theſe hopes laſted not long: for all the company riſing up at Zenocrite and Arpalices entrance, ſhe came unto me, and asked me, laughing, what pleaſure I [...]ook in concealing it from her? I aſſure you (ſaid I unto her in a low voice) my intention was not to hide Arpalices being here from you, and you ſee ſhe her ſelf does not conceale it. [Page] It was becauſe you had not well agreed upon it, replyed ſhe, and ſmiled: after which ſhe returned to her place, and all the company being ſet, Philiſtion began the diſcourſe where we left, when it was interrupted by the entrance of Lyſias. Me thinks (ſaid he) and looked upon Cleoxene, that you ought to impart a great ſecret unto Candiope when Lyſias came in. 'Tis true, ſaid ſhe, but it muſt be in private, and not in publique. Zenocrite not being accuſtomed to let things be talked of in her preſence which ſhe underſtood not, did preſſe to know it, and ſo urgently, that though it was the greateſt ſecret of Cleoxenes life, yet ſhe reſolved to ſpeak as confidently as if it were a thing onely to help out diſcourſe: So that after a relation of what had been ſaid before Lyſias came in, Gleoxene went on, and asked whether ſhe was in the right, when ſhe ſaid, thoſe who meddle with matters of Gallantry, without cunning enough to hide it, have not more pains then pleaſure, and doe not deſerve a faithfull Lover. For truly, ſaid ſhe, if there be any ſweets in love, I conceive it muſt be when one is loved and loves, and it is not known unto any, becauſe then one is not expoſed to envy, nor detraction, nor to the diſpleaſure of ſeeing jealous Rivalls quarrell and fight: But one does quietly enjoy an empire which is not moleſted by any thing; ſuch doe know all that others know; but others know not what they know: and I am perſwaded it is with love as with fire, the more it is incloſed, the better it is kept; and indeed, doe you not ſee, that thoſe loves which none are ignorant of, doe evaporate, and quench in a ſhort time? All the World doe ſo talk of it for a while, that the Lovers themſelves do inſenſibly forget to talk of it: Judge then, I pray, whether two who are in love, and keep their affections cloſe from all the world but themſelves, be not more happy then others? Doubtleſſe they are, replyed Zenocrite: But what would you have this cloſe Lover doe? and how can he hide it, if he doe all that is requiſite in love? What becomes of that multitude of things which they ſay are inſeparable from that paſſion? For my part I am an enemy unto theſe declared Lovers, and think them ſo ridiculous, that I am perſwaded there is a mean between thoſe you ſpeak of, and them: For if you take away ſighs and ſorrows, vexations, fears, jealouſies, and raptures of joy, cares to pleaſe and divert alterations in countenance, magnificence and liberalitie from a Lover, you take away all things that can expreſſe his affection, and all that can render him agreeable. No, no, replyed Cleoxene, a concealed Lover is not ſuch a one as you deſcribe; he ſighs, but it is in ſecret, he mourns, but it is not becauſe none underſtands it but his Miſtris; he has his vexations, but he diſſembles them; he is jealous, but it is onely as much as augments love, and not quench it; he has his raptures of joy, but they are in ſecret; he has a moſt diligent care to pleaſe his Miſtris, but his diligence appeares onely unto her, ſince it is her pleaſure ſhe ſhould hide his paſſion: And as for liberality and magnificence, ſince they are virtues which may appear in all brave men, and are not confined onely unto Gallantry, he may be liberall and magnificent in a hundred things and occaſions which relate not unto love; and by conſequence this cloſe Lover may uſe them without any diſcovery of his paſſion: In the mean time he enjoyes a treaſure which none does envy, becauſe none thinks he enjoyes it. Whilſt Cleoxene was talking thus, I durſt not ſo much as look upon my brother, or Arpalice, and Lyſias durſt not look upon Cleoxene or me: as for her, ſince ſhe was fully perſwaded, that none knew the correſpondency between Lyſias and her ſelf, ſhe ſpake with as much confidence and boldneſſe, as any diſintereſted neutral, or indifferent perſon could: And indeed, Parmenides, who had ſo much intereſt in her as to obſerve her narrowly, did not think her to be capable of any light kind of amity, therefore was far from thinking her poſſeſſed with a violent paſſion: So that eſteeming himſelf more happy in having a lukewarm Miſtris, whom he thought loved him as well as any, then to be like Menecrates whom Arpalice loved leſs then ſhe did Thraſimedes, he gave a pleaſant audience unto Cleoxene: As for Menecrates and Thraſimedes, they hardly heard what was ſaid, for their thoughts were all taken up with looking upon Arpalice, who neither looking upon him whom ſhe loved not, leſt ſhe ſhould pleaſe him too much, nor upon him whom ſhe loved, leſt her looks ſhould be cenſured, ſhe gave an attentive audience unto Cleoxene and Zenocrite, who held all the diſcourſe that day; and continued it a long time with variety of pleaſant things: Yet towards the end, every one began to ſpeak of other buſineſſe, and talked what they thought good, except Menecrates, who could not ſpeak one word in private with Arpalice. As for Cleoxene, ſhe ſpake low unto Lyſias, and none took notice of it; and ſhe had the pleaſure to ſee her paſſion ſo cloſely carried, that Parmenides himſelf took it no worſe that Lyſias could talk with her, then with any other: And ſince ſhe could not chuſe but laugh when ſhe ſpake to Lyſias, to ſee how handſomly ſhe deceived the world, Parmenides deſired his private Rivall to tell him what ſhe laughed at: You may imagine how this pleaſed Cleoxene; but as for Cydipe, I beleeve ſhe [Page] was not ſo well ſatisfied: at laſt the converſation ended, and ſince Cleoxine had not forgotten what ſhe apprehended of Arpalice, and ſince ſhe laboured to perſwade her brother, that he muſt never pretend unto Arpalice, to the end he ſhould not preſſe her to marry Parmenides, ſhe told him that Arpalice had made two viſits that day, and that the firſt was to meet Thraſimedes, telling him how ſhe came to know it. I leave you to judge what operation this had upon the heart of Menecrates: Cleoxine did what ſhe could to perſwade him, to make good uſe of the knowledge he had that Thraſimedes was preferred before him, thereby to cure him of his affection unto Arpalice: But ſince he knew his ſiſter did not love Parmenides, he thought upon ſerious conſiderations, that no great credit was to be given unto her words: therefore he referred it unto the next day, to know whether it was true that Thraſimedes and Philiſtion were a long time alone with Candiope and her, and when he found I ſpoke truth, he was extreamly angry; and ſo much, that I can expreſſe it no better then by telling you, that he was in a minde never to love Arpalice againe: ſo that not conſulting any longer whether he ſhould quaſh his paſſion or not, he began to ſpeak unto Zenocrite concerning Arpalices viſits, as an appointed meeting with Thraſimedes, declaring openly, that he would no longer moleſt the pleaſures of Arpalice, nor ever thinke of her againe. Zenocrite hearing Menecrates ſay ſo, was very much perplexed, for ſhe wondered Arpalice ſhould appoint a meeting with Thraſimedes, and on the other ſide ſhe was glad to ſee, that as long as Menecrates his anger laſted, Arpalice would be freed from him, and at liberty to make Thraſimedes happy; yet ſince ſhe knew Arpalice loved her reputation above her private ſatisfaction, ſhe would juſtifie her, and therefore told Menecrates, that this which he called an appointment, was but a caſuall accident; but leaſt in juſtifying Arpalice ſhe ſhould revive the love of Menecrates, which ſeemed extinguiſhed, ſhe added, that being his friend, ſhe thought her ſelfe obliged to tell him, that it was a groſſe inconſideration in him to think of ever marrying a woman whom he had ſo extreamly ſlighted; as for her part ſhe verily beleeves him to be paſt all hopes of ever obtaining her love, & therefore it [...] much better both for himſelf and Arpalice to let her alone, & trouble himſelfe no furthe [...] & indeed Zenocrite being very eloquent, ſhe made ſuch good uſe of Menecrates his anger, that ſhe fully perſwaded him to think no more of Arpalice, ſo that without more delay, ſhe engaged him to give her commiſſion to tell Parmenides of it, Menecrates conjuring her to aſſure him, that this ſhould be no hinderance unto him concerning his Siſter. Menecrates was no ſooner gone, but ſhe ſent for Parmenides, to tell him that Menecrates had no more thoughts of Arpalice, but that he was ready to do him any good office unto Cleoxine. Parmenides hearing this, was in a bitter chafe againſt Arpalice: and his reaſon was, becauſe he thought that now he would be more ſlack in his ſolicitations of Cleoxine: ſo that leaving Zenocrite, he went to Arpalice, and intended to give her a very bitter lecture, afterwards he went unto Menecrates to tell him it was now full time to preſſe Arpalice unto marriage with him; but ſince he was yet in his violency of anger and jealouſie, he thanked him for his offer, and aſſured him once more, that he would be more cloſe in his buſineſſe to Cleoxine, then hitherto he had, though he do not now pretend any thing unto Arpalice. Thus Cleoxine thinking to rid her ſelfe from trouble, did augment it. But I beſeech you admire a little at the fantaſticall fate of things: that which could not be obtained neither by Thraſimedes nor Lycias, did fall upon theſe two lovers by reaſon of the violence which Arpalice and Cleoxine endured through the tyranny of their brothers: for Arpalice ſeeing her ſelfe ſo unjuſtly tormented, reſolved to confeſſe unto Thraſimedes, that ſhe would love him, upon condition he would attempt nothing either againſt Menecrates or Parmenides: & Cleoxine, who had made ſuch a myſterious ſecrecy of her affection to Lycias, reſolved alſo to confeſſe ingenuouſly, that having neither Father nor Mother, ſhe thought her ſelfe unblamable, if ſhe followed her owne inclination in marrying Lyſias, whom ſhe had long loved; and indeed ſhe told Menecrates as much, who not being able to finde any fault with her choice, either in his condition or perſon, he blamed her only for her ſecrecy; yet adding, that ſince he had paſſed his word unto Parmenides, he could not recall it, and therefore if ſhe married Lyſias, it ſhould be without his conſent. In the mean time, Arpalice, who could not indure the reports of her appointed meeting, ſince it was untrue, reſolved to make it knowne that their meeting was by accident, not appointed; and indeed made it apparent: ſo that Menecrates finding his anger was unjuſtly grounded, it ceaſed, and he went unto Arpalice that very ſame hower, whom he found alone. You may eaſily imagine ſhe was not a little aſtoniſhed to ſee Menecrates at her feet, whom ſhe thought had for ever deſiſted her company: Indeed ſhe was ſo ſurpriſed, that ſhe had not power to hinder him from ſpeaking and asking pardon: 'tis true, it may be ſaid, that though ſhe was a [Page] while ſilent, yet it was to ſpeak unto with him more anger: For he had no ſooner ſpoke what he thought fit to obtain his Pardon, but ſhe was as ſharp as poſſible could be, and charged him never to ſee her again: and the truth is, ſhe forced him away. As for Parmenides, it was not with him as with Menecrates; for as ſoon as he knew, that there had been a long concealed affection between Cleoxene and Lyſias, he thought no more upon her; but to retaliate generoſity for generoſity unto Menecrates, he aſſured him, that he would hinder the Marriage of Thraſimedes with Arpalice. Thus in lieu of former promiſes of marrying each others Siſters, they now promiſed onely that they ſhould not marry their Rivals. This being the juncture of affairs, Thraſimedes received news, that his father was ſick of a long, but mortal diſeaſe, & commanded him to come immediately unto him. Imagine how great his ſorrow was, not onely becauſe his Father was in danger of death, but that he ſhould be ſo far off Arpalice, at a time when his preſence was ſo requiſite in Lycia. But to abbreviate my ſtory, be pleaſed to know, that before his departure, Philiſtion and I ſo preſſed Arpalice, that at laſt ſhe promiſed unalterable fidelity unto Thraſimedes, who was extreamly ſorry to part from her: and Philistion being alſo to return, he departed with him; expreſſing more affection to me at parting then I thought he had: You may eaſily imagine that the abſence of Thraſimedes was as pleaſing unto Menecrates, as it was ſad unto Arpalice: 'Tis true, ſhe treated him ſo ſharply, that he got no advantage by it, but onely a riddance of a Rival. In the mean time, Cleoxene ſeeing ſhe could not obtain the conſent of her Brother, did marry mine, after an aſſembly of many friends, who liked her choice: So that there was an end unto all Parmenides his hopes, and deſires; nor did Menecrates ſee his Siſter ſince: 'Tis true he was never in the ſame place with her: for you muſt know that Lycaſte having ſome buſineſſe unto Sardis, went thither a few dayes after the departure of Thraſimedes, and the marriage of Cleoxene: So that Parmenides being willing to be far from her, and Lycaſte deſiring him to goe this journey with her, he came to Sardis with her, with Cydipe, and Arpalice. For my part, ſince my Fathers Mother was in Sard [...] was glad to finde an opportunity of ſuch good company. Thus came we all unto Sardis▪ leaving Menecrates in Lycia: But at parting, Arpalice, and I writ unto Thraſimedes and Philiſtion, to acquaint them where we were, and that we ſhould not hazard any Letters in our abſence, which was like to be long; and we came to Sardis a little before the beginning of the War; yet we could not beleeve that Cyrus would be ſo forward in the Siege of that Town. Thus for a time were we without any trouble, but Menecrates followed after us: You may well imagine how his journey angered Arpalice; and though ſhe treated him as ſharply as poſſible, yet did he not alter his deſign of being where ſhe was. Moreover, ſince the buſineſſe of Lycaſte could not be quickly diſpatched, we muſt have patience. The greateſt of our perplexity was, that every day we heard of the progreſſe of Cyrus, and that his Army approached, Lycaſte then thought upon return, but was prevented by a ſickneſſe, which cauſed her to keep her bed untill Sardis was beſieged. Then you muſt know, that Menecrates thinking the reputation he had got in the War would move Arpalice to treat him better, he did ſo ſignall himſelf, that Croeſus and the King of Pontus obliged him to take upon him a very conſiderable command: So that when we through your favour came out of Sardis, he durſt not ask leave to follow us; for as things were, he knew Croeſus would not give it. However, not being able to abide in a beſieged Town, not onely becauſe his Miſtris was out, but alſo becauſe doubtleſſe he apprehended that Thraſimedes was before the Town, he leaped over the ditch to follow him. The adventure was more rare, becauſe Thraſimedes knowing we were in the Town, was taken the ſame day by the men of Cyrus as he attempted to get into the Town. After this, I beſeech you judge, whether it doe not meerly concern your fair Coſen, that you ſhould know all I have told you, to the end you may move Cyrus to reconcile theſe two Rivals, to end all their differences, and let Arpalice marry Thraſimedes. One thing hath happened which may facilitate the Marriage, which is, that Parmenides to comfort himſelf for the loſſe of Cleoxene, doth look upon Cydipe, who perhaps will admit of his affection, ſeeing ſhe cannot obtain the love of Menecrates as ſhe thought: So that I am confident Parmenides will conſent that Thraſimedes marry Arpalice.

Candiope having ended her ſtory, Doraliſa did aſſure her, that ſhe would write a Letter unto Andramites (though ſhe did not uſe to doe ſuch favours unto any) which ſhould move him to negotiate ſo with Cyrus, as that this happineſs of Thraſimedes ſhould be ſo eſtabliſhed, as nothing could moleſt it. Then did ſhe craftily ask her, whether Philiſtion was in the Town; for me-thinks (ſaid ſhe, and ſmiled) that ſince he came out with Thraſimedes, hee ſhould be with him. I aſſure you (replyed Candiope, and both bluſht, and laughed) I ſhould have thought ſo alſo; but ſince I did onely ſee Thraſimedes, I could not enquire of him; and [Page] to tell you both truly and ſincerely, the friendſhip that is between Philiſtion and me ſtands upon ſuch termes, that whenſoever I ſee him, I muſt accuſe him of infidelity, for there being no promiſes between us, but to eſteem each other as long as we live; I have reaſon to think that he may doe the ſame for me whereſoever he is, that I doe now for him. As Doraliſsa was ready to reply, ſhe was told that Lycaste, Arpalice, Cydipe, Cleoxine, and all the other priſoners were come from the Princeſſe Araminta, and were returned every one to their owne Chambers by another way then which they intended, and which they yet knew not; ſo that Candiope went to finde out Lycaſte, and left Doraliſſa at liberty, to write unto Andramites; though it was ſomething againſt her minde, yet ſhe uſed ſuch phraſes, as though her letter was long, he could not finde one word which ſpoke any advantage unto him: for Doraliſsa hinted at nothing but according to her friends intentions concerning Thraſimedes and Menecrates; but as good luck for him was, the ſervant who carried the Letter did not finde him in a condition to make any long reflection upon the rigour of Doraliſſa; for having in hand ſome great important buſineſſe concerning Cyrus, he only writ two words unto Doraliſsa, that he would moſt punctually obey her, after which, he went unto this Prince, and aſſoon as he was in his Tent, Cyrus asked him, whether the predictions of the Telmiſſians unto the firſt King of Lydia, were true? that if he cauſed a Child which the Gods had given him to be carried round about the Walls of Sardis, the Towne ſhould be impregnable in all places where he could paſſe? This beliete is ſo generally received, replyed Andramites, that I cannot chuſe but wonder at the generall revolt which is amongſt the inhabitants of Sardis, who ſeem ſo confident in the ſtrength of their VValls, that they never truſt unto the promiſes of their Gods, but when the danger is farre off and not likely to happen: For I remember when news came to Sardis that you had taken Babylon, I heard many men of courage ſay, that their Town was happy in not being expoſed to that danger; and that is was under the protection of the Gods aſſoon as it was built: Yet I remember I heard ſay at the ſame time, that the firſt King of Lydia, who received this odd command from the Gods, for ſo it ſeemed unto thoſe who conſider not, that it is the way of the Gods to bring great things to paſſe by ſmall meanes, and to hide their intentions from the ſons of men, had made the ſcituation of Sardis ſo, that the VValls and this Child could not be carried round, but the place where he could not be carried, is ſo inacceſſible of it ſelfe, that there needed no greater ſecurity then nature it ſelfe had given unto it; and it is on that ſide where yet you never made an aſſault, and which ſeemes ſo inacceſſible, that though it ſelfe cannot reach it, alſo the Lydians keep ſuch feeble guards there as it ſeems to truſt to the ſtrength of it. 'Tis true ſaid Cyrus, I think they have reaſon to truſt nature with the ſtrength of that place, and need not fear the taking of Sardis in that place: yet there is a report amongſt the ſouldiers, that there is a quarter of this Town where it may be taken, and that it is impregnable every where elſe: therefore it muſt needs be this you ſpeak of (added he, and ſeemed not to neglect the advice of the ſouldiers) & you know how ſuch things as theſe whether there be a poſſibilitie or not in them, yet they make deep impreſſions in the ſpirits of a multitude; & you know how deſpair does faint the hearts of ſouldiers, & what a [...]error is ſtruck into a great Army, when once they think the Gods are againſt them; therefore though I know the place you ſpeak of be inacceſſible, yet I will view it, and give out as if I approved of the advice which the ſouldiers give me: and accordingly the King of Aſſyria, Mazares, Seſoſtris, Tygranes, and Anaxares being come unto him, they all took horſe as well as he, and were guided unto this place by Andramites, which the ſouldiers ſaid was the only place to which muſt let them into Sardis, ſince the guard was weak on that ſide, Cyrus might view it with leſſe danger; and thoſe few Lydians who were upon the Walls did mock at thoſe who looked upon that place of their Towne; yet they ſhot many arrowes, though they imagined they would doe no execution, by reaſon of the exceſſive height of the Rock where they ſtood: Alſo Cyrus had erected a little ſconce on that ſide, to umbrage his men when they came to view that place which ſtruck terror into all beholders; for it was a great ſharp rock, ſo ſteep that it was terrible to behold, and where it was not imaginable any could go except Goats; upon the top of this Rock were walls ſo low that the ſouldiers might lean over them; and which indeed was rather a bare Parapet then a wall; the paſſe over the Ditch there, was not very difficult, but the Rock was ſo ſteep and high, that the Mountain Tmolus which was over againſt it, was not more inacceſſible: Alſo all the Princes which looked upon it, and had [...] it before, would never have taken ſo much pains as to view it the ſecond time, but only becauſe they would not ſeem to deſpiſe the advice of the ſouldiers; yet Cyrus knew it more prudence to attempt a hundred vain offers, then to neglect one that was neceſſary, and therefore [Page] he looked upon this ſteep ſturdy Rock more ſeriouſly then any of the reſt; and as hee was in deep contemplation of it, an accident chanced which perſwaded him, Sardis might be taken: It chanced that a Lydian Souldier being upon the wall, and looking over the Parapet, let his Helmet fall, which tumbled down the Rock to the bottome of the ditch; the ſouldier was very angry for the loſſe of his Helmet, eſpecially becauſe his companions jeered him; and therefore he tryed if he could get down and fetch it, juſt whilſt Cyrus was in the S [...]once looking upon this Rock, who ſeeing the Souldier deſcend, ſhewed him with wonder unto the reſt of his company, and obſerved him very attentively, but they ſaw him more like a man who would rather precipitate himſelf, then one that would ever come down; yet they were amazed, when they ſaw by degrees turning and winding, he came down: 'Tis true he made many ſtops to chuſe ſteps, but at laſt he alwayes found them; and Cyrus took notice that the Rock was full of wild graſſe-tufts which kept the Souldier from ſlipping: So that deſcending ſloping from tuft to tuft, he came at laſt to his Helmet, and took it up with joy, beginning to aſcend the ſame way he deſcended, and to goe up more eaſily then he came down, becauſe the precipice did not ſo much affright him. Cyrus admiring this wonderfull accident, told the King of Aſſyria, that ſince this Souldier could aſcend this Rock, a hundred thouſand might doe the ſame: So that diligently obſerving the way he took, they took ſuch good notice of it by certain yellow Flowers which grew there accidently, that they were regular marks unto their eyes: Cyrus tooke a Table-booke out of his pocket, and drew this Rock ſo plainly, that the way which this Souldier went was evident to his eye: ſo that he did not doubt of the taking of Sardis. The King of Aſſyria, and Mazares were as confident as he: Seſoſtris alſo hoped by this way to find his dear Timarcta; and Andramites was perſwaded by this deſcending and aſcending of this Souldier, that the predictions of the Gods were true: As for Anaxaris, he did not oppoſe the intentions of Cyrus, but he thought it ſo difficult, that he could not hope for any happy ſucceſſe in the attempt. After they had deſcanted upon the enterpriſe, they returned to finiſh their reſolves, with the advice of other Princes in the Army of Cyrus; and to attempt this enterpriſe, the great difficulty was, that they knew not how to mount this Rock, neither by day, nor night that was dark: for by day they would be diſcovered, and eaſily repulſed; and by night it was hard to hit ſo dangerous a way: But ſince Cyrus had a ſoul of a vaſt capacity, and in a moment could ſee all things that made an enterpriſe either feaſible or impoſſible: He conſidered that the Moon was at the full, and not riſing till the Sun was ſet, ſhe would ſhine to help them in climbing the Rock; he knew well, that if ſhe ſhined ſo much as to let them ſee, ſhe would alſo let them be ſeen, but he knew alſo, that in all great enterpriſes of Warre, ſomething muſt bee put to hazard. Alſo Andramites did ſo aſſure him, that ſlight guards were kept on that ſide, as without delay he reſolved to give three Alarm aſſaults the night following, on the ſide furtheſt off the place where he intended the true one, whilſt Cyrus in the head of five hundred men, and all the brave men of his Army, would goe, and either the climbe the Rock or dye, not being able to ſuffer, that a common Souldier ſhould doe more for his Helmet, then he would doe for Mandana. In the meane time, ſince he conceived it impoſſible to bring ſo many men up that way, as were ſufficient to take the Towne: His deſigne was to carry up ſo many onely as might make him Maſter of the next Port, and there to let in the Body of his men, and in order to that, hee appointed a Body of Infantry, and another of Cavalry to bee in readineſſe near that Port, unperceived by the Lydians, giving a ſigne when they ſhould advance and enter: And indeed this Prince gave out all orders, as if he were aſſured his enterpriſe would take effect; and alſo he gave all requiſite orders in caſe it ſhould fail: He made choice of the ſouldiers who were to follow him, and appointed them all to carry Pike-ſtaves in their hands, to lean upon them in climbing the Rock, and to fight with them when they were up, having no other Arms for this expedition but a light Buckler, a Sword, and a Pike-ſtaffe, which was to ſerve for ſeverall uſes. In the mean time, ſince the life of Cyrus was exceedingly pretious, the Kings of Phrygia, and Hircania, who were to give theſe Alarms, did what they could to hinder this Prince from this attempt in his perſon; or at leaſt to diſſwade him from being the firſt in climbing this Rock: But he was ſo perſwaded the enterpriſe would faile, if he did not execute it himſelf; and ſo confident it would proſper if he did, that it was impoſſible to make him change his opinion. Chriſantes made uſe of that freedom which he ever uſed with him, to qualifie that heroique heat which for the love and glory of Mandana did ſo often precipitate him into danger, hee would perſwade him, that the enterpriſe would proſper better, if hee would let his ſouldiers climb firſt; but hee anſwered, that hee was perſwaded his ſouldiers would climbe [Page] better if they followed him, then if he followed them; and therefore he was firmly reſolved not to change his opinion. Cyrus paſſed over all that day with abundance of impatience: And the King of Aſſyria with as much, and Seſoſtris no leſſe. Mazares, though he was out of all hopes of ever being happy, yet did moſt earneſtly deſire the liberty of Mandana, as if ſhe had loved him. But the hour of acting this enterpriſe being come, and all things in readineſſe for the execution, Cyrus cheered up the Souldiers which followed him; and promiſed ſuch large recompences, if the deſign proſpered, that though they had been but half valiant, the very prize before their eyes was enough to ſet an edge upon their courages, and exaſperate their valour. He gave them three things principally in command: Firſt, to follow him, and doe as he did: Secondly, not to ſpeak one word as they climbed: and thirdly, never to look behind them, leſt the terrour of the precipice ſhould aſtoniſh them. After this, Cyrus would gladly have moved the King of Aſſyria to march only in the middle of the Souldiers who were to follow him, but doe what he could, he would be the ſecond: So that Anaxaris was put in the middle of that File which was to climb; and Tigranes to be laſt, to prevent any from recoiling: Seſoſtris, Phraartes, Perſodes, Andramites, Feranlus, Ligdamis, Leontidas, and all the Heroes diſperſed themſelves amongſt the firſt hundred Souldiers which followed Cyrus, to encourage them by their example. All things being then ready, Cyrus with all his men one by one went down the ditch, by a tract which was not very difficult; firſt carefully obſerving the plot which he had drawn of the Rock, that he might the better remember the tract he was to hold in climbing: And it ſeemed that he had both well obſerved, and remembered it; and though the Moon did ſhine but dimly, yet it was enough to diſcover the yellow flowers, which were directions unto them; and though he ſaw ſome difference in the colour of them by this gloomy light, yet he began to mount, climbing neither too ſoftly, leſt he ſhould ſlip, nor too faſt, leſt his Souldiers could not follow; ſtill ſtriving to remember the way which the ſouldier took who fetched his Helmet: and he hit it ſo well, and led them up ſo happily, that he got to the midſt of the Rock without any noiſe, or any ſtop; ſo that beginning to hap well in the enterpriſe, and being deſirous to judge of that which he had to climb, by that which he had already paſt, he turned his head, and notwithſtanding the obſcurity of the night, did plainly ſee the long File which followed, every ſouldier his leader, and which reached to the bottome of the ditch; but as he obſerved them, he heard a great noiſe upon the top of the Rock; indeed it was the Lydians who were walking their round: Cyrus hearing this ſtopped, and lay cloſe to the Rock to prevent diſcovery; and according to his orders of imitation, he who was next him did the ſame, and ſo every one to the end of the File did imicate his leader, and ſtirred not a jot till Cyrus thought fit to march: But, alaſs, how full of ſad thoughts was this Prince when he imagined his deſigne diſcovered, and perhaps all the Defenders of Mandana ready to periſh; yet his conſolation was to ſee, that if he periſhed, the King of Aſſyria who was next him, would periſh alſo; for of all his Rivals he could leaſt endure him, though he eſteemed him very much: But his fears of being diſcovered by thoſe that went the Round, were needleſſe: For they thought that place ſo inacceſſible, that they never did uſe to viſit it, onely went by it as a paſſe from one Port unto another. Cyrus when he heard no more noiſe, but all quiet, he began to climb again with more haſt then before, and alſo with more hopes, thinking to get unto the top of the Rock, and to become Maſter of the Work behind the Parapet before their enemies came another Round; and indeed he did ſo: for happily getting up to the top of the Rock, he, and all that followed him, went over the Parapet, drew their ſwords, and made ready to fight: he was alſo ſo happy as not to be diſcovered by any Century: Alſo to facilitate his deſigne, and according to his orders, the King of Phrygia, and the King of Hircania, ſeconded by Gobrias and Gadates, gave falſe Alarms on the other ſide to amuſe the enemy: So that the Lydians being all gone to that ſide, Cyrus had leiſure enough to paſſe his men unperceived. After Cyrus had left a hundred of his men to guard the ſame place hee came from, that hee might make good his retreat in caſe that hee could not become Maſter of the Port, hee marched on in the head of four hundred of his men, and ſo ſurpriſed the firſt Centinels that hee killed them before that they could give the Alarum; and paſſing on, he came to the Court of Guard which was kept at the Gate which he deſired to become Maſter of: He ſurpriſed them and fell on ſo ſharply, and ſuddenly, that they had not time to draw their ſwords and dy with Arms in their hands: Yet there was a few which fought ſtoutly: but at laſt, the valour of Cyrus, ſeconded by the King of Aſſyria, Mazares, Seſoſtris, and the reſt of the Gallant men, did overcome them, and cut them all in pieces: when Cyrus was become Maſter of the Gate, and the Troopes who were commanded to enter, had [Page] the ſigne which was made unto them; they haſtily advanced, and entred Sardis, juſt as Croeſus (who was advertiſed that the Enemy was within the Town) ſent forces to regain what had been loſt, imagining that the Gate was traiterouſly delivered up by ſome of his men, and never ſuſpecting that Cyrus came up by the Rock. In the mean time, the Troops of Cyrus being entered, and horſes being brought for all the Grandees, they mounted them: after which, Cyrus being now in the head of the Cavalry, he did vigorouſly repulſe all that oppoſed his paſſage; he endeavoured to get a great place which was between the Palace of Croeſus and the Cittadell: Commanding the Troops as they entred, to make good the principall ſtreets and publique places, but above all things, to keep the Gate at which they entered. In the mean time, the falſe Alarums continued, which amuſed one part of the Enemies: Never was ſuch a confuſion as amongſt the Lydians. All the ſouldiers that were off their Guards, would have gotten whither their duty called them, but could not poſſibly, becauſe the ſtreets were already poſſeſſed by Cyrus. The Inhabitants were ſo frighted, that they never thought of either Barracading their ſtreets, or coming out of their Houſes. The women made lamentable ſcreeks: The claſhing noiſe of Armes ecchoed from all ſides; The different noyſe of Conquerors, and conquered, filled the aire with variety of ſounds: But Croeſus having at laſt aſſembled ſome ſouldiers, oppoſed Cyrus, who after that, got not one corner of a ſtreet without fighting for it: The other Troops which had orders to poſſeſſe other quarters of Sardis, met with reſiſtance in ſeverall places: In this great confuſion one might ſee in ſeverall places, wo [...]en croud into the Temples: into other places, ſome that were deſperate, would throw all that they had out of the windowes, to qualifie their Enemies: Indeed, the diſorder was ſo great, the Tumult ſo terrible, and terror ſo univerſally ſtruck, both into the hearts of the Lydian Souldiers, and alſo into the Inhabitants, that they were at their wits ends. Croeſus, in ſo great a diſorder had no way left but to endeavour his retreat into the Cittadell with the Prince Myrſiles; to the end he might make ſuch a Capitulation as at leaſt might ſecure his perſon; and not doubting but ſince he had Mandana in his power, he could atleaſt obtain his liberty: This unfortunate King, did extreamly wonder that the King of Pontus never came at him, all the time of this great diſorder; yet upon conſideration that his love of Mandana cauſed him to keep the Cittadell, hee thought it leſſe ſtrange. Seeing then that Sardis was loſt: That his Enemies were maſters of all the principall ſtreets: That almoſt all the Ports of the Town, were quitted by his men, and were in the power of Cyrus: He did retire, as I told you into the Cittadell. But ſince the firſt deſign of Cyrus was to get between the Cittadell, and the Palace of Croeſus, to the end hee might take this unfortunate King, he effected it ſo well, that he cut off his way: and there it was that the Combate was hotly diſputed: The approach of the Sun, having dimmed the light of the Moon, all manner of objects might viſibly be diſcerned, and one might know another; So that the Lydians fighting in the preſence of their King, both for his life and liberty, did things beyond beliefe. The Prince Myrſiles, though dumbe, yet his acts did merit eternall memory, but as valiant as they were, all were not able to reſiſt the invincible Cyrus; who fought under the walls of the Cittadell, with the heart he did at Sinope under that Tower which the flames of fire were ready to conſume, and in which he thought to find his Princeſs, being no leſſe valiant under the name of Cyrus, then he was under that of Artamenes. At leaſt I am ſure of this (ſaid he in himſelfe in the midſt of the Tumult) I have this advantage, that I am ſure I ſhall releaſe Mandana, if I be victorious: For my rivall has no Galley, to carry her away in, as Mazares had, nor can the Sea favour his flight: But whilſt Cyrus did envigorate his valour by his ſweet hopes, Croeſus intending to charge through the midſt of his Enemies, which oppoſed his paſſage, to the end he might get into the Cittadell, got into the front of his men; repulſing all thoſe that aſſaulted him with incredible valour: Indeed he ruſhed ſo amongſt them, that he was compaſſed about; The Prince Myrſiles ſeeing him ſo engaged, came to relieve him: but before hee was able to get to him, hee ſaw a Perſian Souldier, whilſt Croeſus was defending himſelf, ready to kill him behind, having his ſword already lifted up to run him through. The Prince Myrſiles ſeeing the King his father was ready to be killed, and he not able to help it, was ſenſible of ſo ſad an apprehenſion, and ſtraining to cry out with all his force, his tongue unlooſed, and this Prince who never ſpoke before, did ſpeak to ſave the King his fathers life; hee no ſooner ſaw this action of the Souldier, but ſtriving with extraordinary violence, he cryed out, Souldier ſpare the King: this voice which was as plain as loud, penetrating the ears of that Perſian, did ſtop his lifted up arme, and made him change his intentions of killing this Prince, into a deſign onely of taking him a Priſoner: But there was no great difficulty in that; for Cyrus coming up juſt as this prodigie happened, did find all the Lydians who heard the Prince Myrſiles ſpeak, ſo amazed, [Page] that there was much leſſe difficulty in taking both the King, and the Prince his Son: Alſo Croeſus ſeeing no hopes, thought it better to render himſelf, then to be taken in a vain reſiſtance. So that this unfortunate King turning towards Cyrus, and commanding the Prince his Son to ceaſe fighting and follow him, there was a Ceſſation of Armes on both ſides: Then Croeſus turned the point of his ſword towards himſelf, and hilt to Cyrus, he preſented it unto him, telling him, that ſince he was not able any longer to reſiſt againſt the Conqueror of all Aſia, he would ſubmit, both himſelf, his Crown, and the victory unto him. Cyrus hearing the King of Lydia ſay ſo, ſeemed much moved, and anſwered him in termes worthy of his Generoſity. I receive your Sword (ſaid he unto him, and took it) but it is with a promiſe to reſtore it as ſoon as you have reſtored unto me the Princeſſe Mandana, and ſurrendred the Cittadells wherein ſhe is: Since I have ſurrendred my ſelf Sir, ſaid he unto him, you may imagine all in my power is yours. But Sir, I muſt tell you, that the King of Pontus is not in mine. Then Cyrus told him he would ſend immediately to ſummon him: after which Croeſus and Myrſiles were committed unto the cuſtody of Hidaſpes, who carried them to their own Palace which was cloſe by: and the ſword of Croeſus was put into the hands of Feraulus, with orders to reſtore it whenſoever he ſhould ask it: In the mean while, ſince Croeſus had ſurrendred himſelf, there was no more fighting in any part of the Town, but in houſes which Souldiers would have Plundered: But Cyrus whoſe mind ran all upon the Cittadell, would not let his Souldiers think of Pillaging this goodly Town, he ſent Tigranes, Phraartes and Anaxaris to hinder them, and who accordingly did ſo: In the mean time, he who went unto the Cittadell from Croeſus, to bid the King of Pontus ſurrender it unto Cyrus, returned, and reported, that the Lieutenant Pactias, who was Governour told him, that provided he could ſee an order ſigned with the hand of Croeſus, he would without reſiſtance obey him. So that Cyrus procuring this order, he ſent it, and commanded that the Souldiers ſhould come out; and appointed alſo ſuch Troops as ſhould enter at the ſame time: Alſo he drew up a great body of Infantry, in the midſt of the Plain which was between the Fort and the Palace of Croeſus. As for Cyrus himſelf, he was in the head of a ſquadron of Horſe, to view the Souldiers come out of the Cittadell, and to ſee ſuch as he appointed to enter; watching with great impatiency, untill things were in ſuch poſture, as that he could enter himſelfe, and have the glory of ſetting the Princeſſe Mandana at liberty; alſo to let her know by this act, that her jealouſly was ill grounded. The King of Aſſyria, though he had many raptures of joy at his hopes to ſee Mandana, yet had he perplexities. I believe he did as much fear to ſee the meeting of Mandana and Cyrus, as he deſired to ſee her at liberty: As for Mazares, though he had put on ſtronge reſolutions to hope for nothing, yet had he much adoe to make his paſſion ſubmit unto his reaſon: And at this time, he could not chuſe but envie the happineſs, which Cyrus was going to take poſſeſſion of: So that there was none but the unconquerable Cyrus, whoſe joyes were pure, without any mixture of heart burnings: yet was he ſomething aſtoniſhed, that the King of Pontus did not all this while appear, nor look out of the Cittadell, to make ſome termes for himſelf before he did ſurrender it: but he imagined him, bidding his laſt adieu unto Mandana; and that he would not believe Croeſus to be taken, therefore neither ought nor would ſurrender the Fort: But when he ſaw all the Lydian Souldiers come out, he was full of unexpreſſible joy, and ſuppoſing the King of Pontus was with Mandana, he ſent Hidaſpes to releaſe the Prince Artamas: The King of Aſſyria, Mazares, and Seſoſtris, followed him, the laſt of theſe being as impatient to ſee whether his dear Timareta was in the Cittadell, as all the other Princes were to ſet Mandana at liberty. Chriſantes willing Cyrus not to enter the Fort, untill he ſaw the King of Pontus come out, but his caution could not keep Cyrus one minut from the ſight of his Princeſſe: So that being ſpurred on by an impatience, proportionable to the heat of his love: and thinking that he had as many men with him as he had in the Cittadell, he entred haſtily into the Cittadell, enquiring the way unto Mandana's Chamber: and having heard that the Princeſſe Mandana, and the Princeſſe Pal [...]ts were together in the Priſon, he asked if ſhe were with her: a Souldier carried him unto a paſſage Chamber, which was common betweeen both theſe Princeſs, and as he was ſhewing him, which was Mandana's Chamber, and with the Princeſſes of Lydia, the Princeſſe of Palmis came out of hers: but in lieu of her accuſtomed looks of joy, her eyes were all ſwell'd with tears: But notwithſtanding all her ſorrowes, ſhe ſpoke unto Cyrus with as admirable a grace, as Cyrus did with generoſity as ſoon as he entred into the Fort. Sir ſaid ſhe unto him, the Princeſſe Mandana hath ever made me hope to find in you all the favour that can be expected from a generous Conqueror, therefore I ſhall not deſpair to obtain ſo much favour from your goodneſſe as to be put in the ſame Priſon with the King my father, that I may help him to ſupport his chaines. Cyrus, charmed with the virtue of this Lydian Princeſſe, aſſured her [Page] that ſhe was a Priſoner unto none but her ſelfe, and that he was extreamly ſorry that he forced to make war upon the King her Father: But Madam, ſaid he unto her, I hope you will pardon me, if I conjure you to help me to break off the chaines which fetter the Princeſſe Mandana: As Palmis was going to anſwer, Seſoſtris ſaw the Princeſſe Timareta enter, who having now no Guards upon her Chamber, came to deſire the protection of Cyrus: The ſurpriſe of this Princeſſe was ſo great, when ſhe ſaw Seſoſtris; that ſhe could not chuſe but cry out, ſo that this Prince going towards her, he preſented his hand unto her with unconceiveable joy, and then preſented her unto Cyrus, juſt as the Princeſſe Palmis was about to anſwer his queſtion concerning Mandana. So that he was forced whether he would or no to receive the complement of the Princeſſe of Aegypt, whoſe ſuperlative beauty did attract the eyes of all beholders: he anſwered her moſt civilly, and ſhe ſpoke with as much grace and elegancy as wit; but all his anſwers were very ſhort, by reaſon of his impatiency to ſee Mandana, who he imagined would not appear by reaſon of her unjuſt jealouſie. But he had no ſooner anſwered Timareta, and told her ſhe was more a debtor to the valour of Seſoſtris for her liberty then unto him, then the Prince Artamas entred with Soſicles and Tegeus, whom Hydaſpes had releaſed. Artamas not knowing whether he ſhould firſt pay his thanks unto Cyrus, as his deliverer, or ſalute his Princeſſe: or whether he ſhould more rejoyce at his liberty, or grieve for the impriſonment of Croeſus, and being diſtracted between a Deliverer and a Miſtriſſe, Cyrus obſerved him; and being deſirous to be rid of all that hindred him from ſeeing Mandana, he went unto Artamas, and preſented him unto the Princeſſe Palmis, telling her that he was as worthy of her, as ſhe of him. But whilſt Cyrus was thus engaged to entertaine theſe two Princeſſes, before he went unto Mandana's Chamber, the King of Aſſyria had been there before him; and a ſervant opening the dore unto him, he asked where Mandana and the King of Pontus were? he no ſooner heard the anſwer, but he cryed out, and ſo loud that Cyrus heard him; and fearing leſt ſome ſad accident had happened unto Mandana, he went towards him, without doing any civilities unto the Princeſſe: what new fatality is now befaln us, (ſaid he unto him?) The greateſt that ever could (replyed he, with ſuch a fury in his eyes that ſtruck to the heart of Cyrus) For Mandana is not here, the King of Pontus carried her away more then three hours before day: How, (replyed Cyrus in a ſad deſpair) is not Mandana here? oh Madam, (added he, and turned to the Princeſſe of Lydia) why did you not tell me this ſad newes at the firſt? Alas Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him, in a great amazement) I could not tell you what I knew not: for the Guards would not ſuffer me to go unto Mandana's Chamber to comfort my ſelfe, all the while the horrible noiſe laſted which I heard in the Town: So that thinking the ſame ſeverity was uſed unto her as me, I never ſuſpected her flight: Alſo the danger wherein my own eyes ſaw the King my Father, and the Prince my brother, did ſo diſtract my imagination, that I thought upon nothing elſe, and therfore I knew nothing of Mandanaes flight: After this, Cyrus, the King of Aſſyria, and Mazares, went into Mandana's Chamber, where they found her not, and where there was none but the ſervant, who ſpoke unto the King of Aſſyria; and him Cyrus did examine concerning Mandana's carrying away: but he could not gather any great ſatisfaction; for the ſervant told him, that he did not ſee either Mandana or the woman depart: and that he ſaw none but Pactias who commanded him to ſtay in the Chamber, and not to open it, what noiſe or commands ſoever he heard, untill two hours at leaſt after day. The Princeſſe Palmis, and the Princeſſe Timareta, coming into Mandana's Chamber, as well as Seſoſtris and Artamas, they were exceedingly grieved at the accident, eſpecially the Princeſſe Palmis. For ſhe having been longer with Mandana then Timareta, and had contracted an everlaſting league of friendſhip with her; ſhe had alſo more need of the protection of Cyrus, then had the Princeſſe of Aegypt. 'Tis true, her ſorrowes were not comparable unto ſorrowes of the three Princes whom love cauſed to reſent the flight of Mandana moſt ſadly: Nor did they know whether they ſhould terme it a flight or a carrying away: However, to loſe no time, they ſearched all the corners of the Cittadell [...]or the King of Pontus and Mandana, leſt they ſhould be hid in ſome place; alſo Cyrus cauſed all the King of Pontus his men to be ſecured; and proclaimed throughout the Town, great rewards unto any that could tell where Mandana was, or onely which way ſhe went. In the mean time, Cyrus carried the Princeſſe Palmis unto the King her fathers Palace, and the Princeſſe Timareta alſo; conjuring the Princeſſe Palmis to get out of Croeſus what he knew concerning Mandana's departure, and the place of her retreat, aſſuring him of his liberty, if he could truly inform him, where ſhe was: but all was to no purpoſe: for neither by the King of Pontus his Domeſtiques, nor by the Proclamation about the Towne, nor by Croeſus, could Cyrus meet with any intelligence, nor was man in more deſpair then [Page] Cyrus: Nor was man in ſuch a boiſterous fury as the King of Aſſyria; nor was ever any more amuſed then Mazares: One ſaid that certainly the King of Pontus was lurking ſomewhere in the Town, and that it was impoſſible they ſhould get out: another ſaid, they went out during the great confuſion that was made, either by the River, or by the ſide of the Town, where the Line of Communication was not finiſhed: and a third ſaid, that Croeſus muſt needs know, or at leaſt conjecture where they were. They propounded expedient upon expepedient, to find out the truth, but all in vain: and Cyrus had ſo many orders to give out, either for the ſecurity of the new taken Town, or for the Guard of Croeſus, or for the ſearch of Mandana, that he had no ſooner given one command, but it was neceſſary to give another. He had no time to contemplate his misfortune; but yet he apprehended it in groſſe to be ſo great, and his ſoul was ſo full of confuſion, that he thought himſelf the moſt miſerable man alive. But after he had ſent to advertiſe the King of Phrygia, and the King of Hircania how affairs ſtood, and appointing them to ſend out ſeverall parties of Horſe to enquire of the King of Pontus and Mandana; and after he had given command at all the gates, that none ſhould goe out before it was known who they were, and to guard the walls; as if the Town were yet beſieged, leſt the King of Pontus ſhould get out by the help of Ladders; and after he had taken all the courſes which either Love or Prudence could invent: Andramites came to tell him, how he underſtood from a ſervant of Pactias, Governour of the Cittadell, that his Maſter ſent a Servant the laſt night for ſix of his beſt horſes to bee brought unto the ſide of Pactolus, towards the great Rock by which the Towne was taken, and therefore it was probable that the King of Pontus, and Mandana were gone out of Sardis: Cyrus no ſooner heard this, but he deſired to ſpeak himſelf with the man whom Andramites ſpoke with; and ſince the King of Aſſyria was not then with him, nor any but Mazares and the Prince Artamas, he went with them unto the place where this ſervant of Pactias ſayd the Horſes were carried, to the end he might judge which way they took: But Feraulus thinking it not fit that Cyrus ſhould goe in a new taken Town with ſo ſlender a retinue, did hint it unto him: So that Cyrus commanding two horſes to follow him, went unto the ſide of Pactolus: He was no ſooner there, but Andramites who was that Country man, coming to the River, and ſeeing the Golden ſand which is ſo famous throughout the world, he knew by it that the water was very low in that place, and that it was not impoſſible but it might be foorded, there being at ſome times of the year not water enough to carry the little Boats which uſe to paſſe. Moreover, Cyrus obſerved, that the tracts of the Horſes feet did not goe along the River Pactolus, but went into it: Alſo, there were ſome Fiſhermen, who came unto the ſide of the River to look at Cyrus, who ſaid, that the laſt night they ſaw from their houſes, which were cloſe by, ſome horſes paſſe over the River: one of them adding, that he alſo ſaw a little Boat, but the Alarm to the Town being ſo hot in all quarters, they would not ſtir out of their houſes to ſee who they were; imagining that they were ſome, who fearing a Famine, had rather venture themſelves among their enemies, then hazard to dye for hunger. Then Cyrus asked whether they ſaw any women? One of them knowing what they ſought for, anſwered, yes, in hopes of recompence proclaimed; and others more ſincere, anſwered, no: But indeed, though Cyrus ſaw, they knew not what they ſaw, yet he imagined, that infallibly the King of Pontus was out of Sardis, ſo that without more delay, he reſolved to follow in perſon; yet not being cleared of all his doubts, he ſent Andramites to tell the King of Aſſyria, that he left him in the Town to make all diligent ſearch there, whilſt he went without the Town in queſt of intelligence. He would needs have the Prince Artamas to returne and comfort the Princeſſe Palmis for the misfortune of the King her Father: But Artamas being a debtor unto him for the liberty of his Princeſſe, would not forſake him when he was in queſt of his own: As for Mazares, there was no doubt which way he would take: Thus theſe three Princes did happily foord the River with their men. In the mean time, Cyrus could not chuſe but wonder at the weakneſſe of Sardis on that ſide. 'Tis true, that as the River Pactolus did riſe and fall in a ſhort time, it was not above four hours in that condition: When Cyrus was on the other ſide of the River, he ſaw the prints of horſe feet come out of it; but he ſaw within a ſhort way they were ſo mingled with many other, that he knew not the right ones he would follow: When hee was about a Furlong off, he came to a place where three wayes parted, ſo that ſtaying to conferre with Mazares and Artamas what courſe was beſt to take, they reſolved to divide themſelves, and did ſo, into three companies; Cyrus letting Feraulus goe with the Prince Artamas, becauſe he knew not Mandana; all promiſing to return unto Sardis within three dayes at the [...], or elſe to ſend news of their adventures: But when Cyrus was to chuſe which [Page] of theſe three wayes he ſhould take, he was much put to it; for he had no ſooner reſolved upon one, but he repented; and to ſay truly, he would have been in all three, and at Sardis alſo; yet at laſt he made choice of that way which was towards the Sea-ſide, ſuppoſing that the King of Pontus would draw that way: But alaſs, what a miſcellany of ſad thoughts poſſeſſed the ſpirit of this Prince during this voyage. He talked with all he met, he ſent unto all the houſes he ſaw either on the right or left hand, but could not hear any tidings of them. As oft as he came unto any croſſe way, he would again divide thoſe men he had; thinking if he did not ſo, he ſhould leave the way which Mandana took▪ And indeed he did ſo divide, and ſubdivide his men ſo often, that he had left but ten with himſelf, and at laſt but five, and having none of quality with him Ligdamis, who was fitter for him then any other, becauſe he knew the Country very well. As he was in a Wood which was full of waies, he heard on both ſides of him the noiſe of men on horsback, which were in the thick of the Wood, thinking alſo that he heard the voices of women: So that he knew not what to reſolve upon; yet rather then miſſe Mandana, or at leaſt not know whither they carryed her, he divided his men again, and kept onely with him Ligdamis and another, and ſent the other two on the two ſides; then they ſtruck ſeverally into the thick of the Wood, in hopes to get where they heard noiſe of horſes, men and women, Cyrus thinking that he heard the voice of Arianita; but the Wood being full of Leaves, Cyrus could not get to them, but thoſe who followed him, finding a clearer paſſage, they got before him: Alſo he perceived, that the noiſe he heard was leſſe and leſſe: and in lieu of going forward he went back towards the high way; hoping when he was in the way, more eaſily to gain what he had loſt: yet it fell not out as he imagined: for in his croſſing the Wood to the high way, he could not hear any thing either of his own company or any elſe, yet he hoped to overtake them, and indeed hee galloped ſo faſt, that he overtook Ligdamis, and the other man; and finding two wayes, he ſent the man one way, and he with Ligdamis took the other; he had not gone above thirty paces, but he met with two country women with baskets of fruits upon their heads, whom he asked whether they met with any before them? but they anſwered, that about half an hour ſince, they thought they heard ſome horſes paſſe by them, yet they could not ſee any thing: Such an odde anſwer, made Cyrus ask no more queſtions of theſe women, onely the way to the place where they heard thoſe horſes which they could not ſee; but the two women could not agree upon the place: So that Cyrus ſeeing he loſt his time in talking with them, he went on his way: but all to no purpoſe, for he could not finde what he ſought after, ſo that he began extreamly to deſpair; and the more, becauſe his horſe was almoſt tyred, and night came on: So that hee was forced to take counſell of Ligdamis, and to refreſh their horſes at the firſt Town they came at; but in going to it, the Wood by degrees grew thinner, and they came to a place where ran a violent. Torrent, which fell impetuouſly from a Mountain not far off, and ſeparated the Wood from a pleaſant Meddow, and ran ſo deep, that there was no poſsibility of paſſage, and the banks were ſo ſteep, that it could not be ſwomme with a horſe: Cyrus coming to the ſides of this Torrent, along which he muſt of neceſſity goe, he eſpied a woman ſitting in the midſt of this Meddow, whoſe head lay upon the knees of another woman: Upon the firſt rapture of this ſight, needs would he croſſe the Torrent, but his horſe would not take it; ſo gave him time to conſider what was beſt to be done, though he was ready to attempt any impoſſibility: Then did hee goe more into the Wood, that he might ſee the better, and was even wonder ſtruck when he ſaw the one was Mandana, and the other Marteſia; he no ſooner ſaw them, but he called Ligdamis, who was behinde him, to ſhew them unto him; but as ſoon as he had ſaid ſo, they vaniſhed, and he ſaw them no more, and conſequently could not ſhew them. This prodigious adventure did ſo aſtoniſh him, that he durſt not beleeve himſelf: he went then as near as he could to the Torrent, to look at the place where he thought he ſaw Mandana, but he could ſee nothing; he could not imagine that whilſt he turned his head to call Ligdamis ſhe could get to a croſſe way which was towards the foot of the Mountain; ſo that not knowing whether it was an apparition, or a phantaſie, he ſtood ſtill, and ſpoke not one word: his reaſon gave his eyes the lye, and perſwaded him it could not poſſibly be Mandana which he ſaw; yet this Idea made ſuch a deep impreſſion upon his ſpirit, that after he had told Ligdamis what he ſaw, he asked him where one might get over the Torrent? But Ligdamis anſwered him, that they muſt turn back, and that they left a way in the Wood which would have carried them into that Meddow. After this, he told him, that he was abſolutely reſolved to goe unto the place where he had ſeen this fair Viſion. Ligdamis diſſwaded him, and ſaid it was but labour loſt: but needs would he goe unto the place notwithſtanding. Then did Ligdamis carry him to a way where the [Page] Torrent was more ſhallow, which they eaſily foorded, and made all haſt to the Meddow, leſt night ſhould be upon them before they got thither; yet had they day enough to get thither: And when Cyrus was come to the place where he ſaw Mandana, he found the graſſe all ruffled, and layed in that place, and ſhewed that ſome did ſit upon it, and their footſteps were plainly diſcerned in the Meddow: for in all other places the Flowers and Graſſe were freſh and untrodden, but in this place where they had been, and which way they went. Cyrus was ſo amazed at what he had ſeen, and did ſee, that he was almoſt out of his wits: As for Ligdamis, he was perſwaded, that chance onely had ſo foiled the Graſſe, where Cyrus ſaid he ſaw this apparition, and beleeved what Cyrus ſaw, was onely the ſtrength of imagination and love together. Then ſeeing that night came on, that it was a long way to the neereſt Town, and that their horſes were ſpent: he forced Cyrus to be going, and leave the place where he ſaw Mandana, or a phantaſm reſembling her, for he knew not what to think it was: But in their going they light upon that path which was newly made in the Meddow; but in the going out of this Meadow it was ſo dark, that neither Path, nor Men, nor Horſes could be diſcerned, and he was forced to ſubmit unto this conduct of Ligdamis; and going in the dark, he called to memory a dream which he had, in which he ſaw Mandana in a Meddow, and that ſhe immediately vaniſhed: To think how his dreame proved true, did much augment his wonder: Afterwards calling into his memory the long Catalogue of his misfortunes ſince he came from Perſepolis at ſixteen years of age, and conſidering that he yet was but four and twenty, he thought that if the Gods would have him live longer, and torment him with more misfortunes, they muſt invent ſome new ones, ſince there was none in the world which he had not gone through: 'Tis true, in matters of glory and war, he had been happy: but ſince all his Victories did not availe his Princeſs, he valued them rather as miſeries then good fortunes: But whilſt Cyrus was rapt in theſe ſad thoughts, he ſtill inſenſibly went on, onely following Ligdamis, who went before: At laſt, being come to a houſe at the foot of a hill, which ſtood ſome hundred paces from a Village, Cyrus lighted from his horſe, and never enquiring whether the lodging was good or bad, he went into a little chamber which was ſhewed him: Ligdamis took care for every thing, that Cyrus might take the better reſt: And Ligdamis would not let the woman goe unto the Town to provide any neceſſaries; for hee conceived, that if it ſhould come to be know that Cyrus was the Conquerour of Croeſus, and him that kept him priſoner, ſome well-wiſher of that unfortunate King might ſeiſe upon Cyrus; therefore he choſe rather to have bad entertainment, then run that hazard: However, the poor woman whoſe husband was not at home, made a thouſand excuſes, telling them that if her husband were at home, that entertainment might have been better: Cyrus asked her, whether ſhe ſaw any women of quality paſſe by on horsback that day with ſuch a man in their company as he deſcribed the King of Pontus to be? but ſhe anſwered, No. Then Cyrus and Ligdamis after a homely repaſt went to their reſt; yet Cyrus waked before day, and made ready to depart: When he was taking horſe, the Maſter of the houſe being returned home to entertain him better then his Wife had done; though, Sir, I muſt tell you, that I can hardly repent of my abſence, for I aſſure you it hath been very ſerviceable unto a diſtreſſed L [...]ly. A Lady? (replyed Cyrus haſtily) Yes, Sir, ſaid he, and I left her at a Town about twenty furlongs from hence, where heretofore I dwelt. Cyrus hearing this man ſay ſo, was very urgent with him, to relate where he found this Lady; what ſtature ſhe was of, and how ſhe was diſtreſſed? As for her diſtreſſe, replyed he, I cannot give you an exact relation; but I can aſſure you ſhe is very fair, that ſhe hath cryed very much, and that a man who was with her, was very diligent to comfort her. Where did you find her, replyed Cyrus, and when? I found her the laſt night, replyed the man, a little before Sun-ſet, as I was returning from a place where I had ſome buſineſſe; and I heard the man ſay, that her horſe did throw her into the River, where ſhe was in danger to be drowned; and that ſhe was in danger to be drowned, and that ſhe had ſo hurt her leg that ſhe was not able to ſtand, or endure the jogging of a horſe; ſo that I coming to the place where ſhe was in this condition, I offered my ſelfe to help her; and the man who was in her company taking me at my word, deſired me to carry him to a place where this Lady might have help; and I conducted them to this Town where I told you I had been: The man carrying her in his arms, and I leading her horſe which threw her into the Torrent. Cyrus no ſooner heard this, but hee deſired him in all haſt to carry him unto the place where this Lady was; but the man ſeeing him ſo very earneſt, knew not whether he ſhould ſhew him the way or no: yet Cyrus at laſt did promiſe him ſuch rewards, that he made himſelf ready to be his convoy, and carryed him unto the very chamber where ſhe was, without acquainting any in the houſe, for the people of that houſe where [Page] ſhe lodged being of his acquaintance, never examined him: Yet Cyrus asked them whether ſhe was very much hurt, but they anſwered him, that ſhe was much better then ſhe was thought to have been; for the Chirurgeon ſaid her leg was not broken but onely ſtrained: and aſſured them it would mend quickly, ſo ſhe might reſt ſome dayes. After this Cyrus went into this Ladies chamber, and knew her to be Arianita: He no ſooner ſaw her, but going to her, and ſeeing none could underſtand him but Ligdamis: Ah my dear Arianita (ſaid he unto her) what have you done with my Princeſs? Sir (anſwered ſhe, much amazed to ſee him) I have left her much againſt my will, by reaſon of an ill accident which happened unto me, and I am not ſo happy as Marteſia who is gone with her. But where is ſhe? replyed Cyrus: Into what part of the World hath the King of Pontus carryed her? Is it farre off? And can you not informe me which way I ſhould follow. Alaſſe, Sir, replyed ſhe, you aske mee ſuch queſtions as I cannot anſwer; for I know not whither the King of Pontus will goe; all I know is, that I left them yeſterday a little before Sunne-ſet, and that they reſolved for to travell all night, and that it will be very hard for you to follow them, not onely becauſe they are farre before you, but becauſe they goe inviſible: you tell me ſuch wonders, replyed Cyrus, that they tranſcend my underſtanding: yet I tell you nothing but what is true, replyed ſhe: therefore Sir, ſince you cannot follow the King of Pontus, untill you firſt know in what manner he goes, you muſt allow ſo much patience as to let me tell you. I would gladly ask you, replyed he, how the King of Pontus got out of Sardis? whether he carried away my Princeſſe, or whether ſhe followed him? whether I ſaw her yeſterday with Marteſia in the midſt of a meadow? and whether ſhe hate me? I have alſo a great deſire to ask you how you do after your fall, and carry you unto ſome place of better accommodation; but I muſt confeſſe I have a moſt earneſt deſire to follow Mandana, and deliver her from her unjuſt Rivall: yet Sir, replyed Arianita, you cannot follow them with ſucceſſe, unleſſe you know as much as I doe: Then I conjure you to tell me quickly, ſaid this amorous Prince. Ligdamis would then have withdrawn to the other end of the Chamber, but Cyrus would have him be partaker of what Arianita would relate. So that after the dore was ſhut, and Cyrus ſitting upon the ſide of her bed, he deſired her to relate all ſhe knew concerning Mandana. Sir replyed ſhe, I could tell you many paſſages concerning that Princeſſe whom I have the honour to ſerve, and which I believe you would gladly know: but conſidering the preſent ſtate of things, I will onely relate which is requiſite to be known at this preſent; and tell you which way I come to be acquainted with the ſecret of the King of Pontus: That there was a man of quality with him, who certainly is moſt innocent of his maſters injuſtice, and who pittying the miſeries of the Princeſſe Mandana, hath often lamented them unto me: and I aſſure you, that by his means we have received many civilities and comforts in our Priſons: And Sir I muſt tell you, that I think there is ſuch termes of friendſhip between us, as I have ſome power over his ſpirit. And it is by him I know which way your Rivall robbs you of the fruit of your victorie in taking Mandana from you. Know then Sir, that when the King of Pontus perceived that you reſolved to take Sardis by famine, when you could not by force, he thought himſelf loſt, though he would not confeſſe it unto any but to Pactias, and him who told it unto me whoſe name is Timonides. Seeing then that your lines were begun, he knew that if once they were but finiſhed, it would be impoſſible for him to get out of Sardis, and have recourſe unto flight, therefore he fell into a moſt extream deſpair; Timonides told me, that then he did ſtrive with himſelf to overcome his paſſion, but could not poſſibly, and the greateſt reaſon was, becauſe he had ſome hopes, that the jealouſie which he had infuſed into the heart of the Princeſſe, would make much to his advantage: In the mean time, he could not conceive it poſſible to get himſelf and Mandana out of Sardis; yet he was continually contriving waies how to compaſſe it; and diſcourſed often with Pactias about it; who came unto the King of Pontus one morning, and told him, that he had found out a way to get Mandana out of Sardis. At firſt, this Prince was ſo tranſported with joy, that he embraced him, but afterwards conceiving it to be impoſſible, he would not ſo much as ask him what his way was: But Sir (ſaid Pactias to him) I know you are not ignorant of the wonderfull virtue which is in that ſtone called the the Heliotrope; and you know, that the famous Ring of Gyges (which by making him inviſible, got him a Crown) hath alwaies been carefully kept in the Royall family of Lydia; and that the Prince Mexaris, brother of Croeſus, had it from the King his father. And I think I have heard you ſpeak of an effect of this Ring when Mexaris one day made an entertainment for Panthea, when he was in love with her, and when Abradates was his Rivall. Therefore I ſhall not need to relate, that there is a certain kind of luſtre in this ſtone, daſles or caſts a kind of a miſt about the perſon who carries it, and makes them inviſible: then Sir, you muſt know, that when Mexaris died he went out of Sardis, and out of favour with the [Page] King his brother, becauſe he would have carried away the Princeſſe of Claſſomena: ſo that when the news of his death was known amongſt the Kings Domeſtiques, they filched away the greateſt part of his Treaſure, before any orders could be given concerning them: and amongſt the reſt, they took this famous Ring of Gyges. A ſtrict inquiry was made for the thiefe: for Croeſus valued this Ring more then all the reſt, but nothing could be heard of it. In the mean time one of the Officers of Croeſus had a command in this Cittadel under me, and this morning dyed; but a little before his death he deſired to ſpeak with me, and told me, that he was a complice in the theft which was committed after the death of Mexaris: Adding, that having nothing but this Ring of Gyges in his poſſeſſion, he gave it into my hands. I cannot tell whether he meant to give it the King or me, for he dyed preſently. However it was, Sir, I have the Ring, whoſe effects are ſo wonderfull, that I beleeve it may be ſerviceable to you: The King of Pontus was at firſt exceedingly joyed at what Pactias told him. But upon ſecond thoughts he thought it would not ſerve his turn, for the virtue of this ſtone extended onely to him who carryed it, and therefore he was as much grieved as before. Then he fell into a deep and ſerious contemplation of it; and Love being a paſſion which fills the mind full of Fancy, and gives new and quicker fire to the imagination, he found out an expedient uſe of it: He conſidered, that as a Loadſtone divided into ſeverall parts doth ſtill retaine his whole virtue in every part, and will attract Iron; and that Amber, and Jet doe keep the qualities which Nature gave them, though they be divided; therefore the Stone in this Ring if divided might as well retain his efficacy in every part, and conſequently he might make Mandana inviſible as well as himſelfe: He had no ſooner apprehended this, but hee imparted it unto Pactias, who approved of his Fancy very well, not doubting but that the Heliotrope would admit diviſion as well as the Loadſtone: Hee added further to fortifie his opinion, that all inanimate things in nature, either Stones or Mettles would keep their qualities, though divided; and therefore the Heliotrope: But if it be divided onely into two, replyed the King of Pontus, Marteſia, and Arianita, and you muſt be left behind; and if you doe ſtay behinde when I am gone, I know Croeſus will doe what he can to ruin you; and I know further, that it will be much more difficult to get Mandana away by her ſelf then with Marteſia and Arianita: Yet I cannot conceive, ſaid Pactias, that this ſtone ought to be divided into ſo many parts: And as for me, never take any thought; for I will diſguiſe my ſelf, and get out the next ſalley which is made, untill which I will hide my ſelf in Sardis: And as for the Princeſſes women, we will lock them up untill you be far enough off from being followed. Though this deſign was not very well examined, and though the King of Pontus ſaw it full of difficulties, yet the execution was reſolved upon, hoping in time to ſurmount all the obſtacles. Pactias then brought a Workman to divide this Heliotrope, and ſet it when it was divided; he brought him into a chamber of the Cittadell, where he was ſhut up untill he had done his work: But, Sir, as this Artiſt was dividing this ſtone, whoſe nature he was ignorant of, and which indeed was too big for a Ring, in lieu of dividing it into two, it ſhivered and fell into ſix peeces of different bigneſſe: The King of Pontus, who would needs be preſent, ſeeing this accident, and fearing that this ſtone had loſt its virtue, and was altogether uſeleſſe, he was extreamly angry and ſad, and was very angry with the man; but making tryall of the peeces, he found that every one retained their whole virtue, ſo that in lieu of chiding, he thanked the man; for now he ſaw it would be much eaſier for him to get away Mandana, then if it were divided but only into two; and now he conceived his deſign, which before he thought impoſſible, to be onely difficult. In the mean time, before he ſet the ſtones, he conſidered how he ſhould doe to get Mandana to carry one, and Marteſia and I another; for he imagined, that for all her jealouſie, he could never winne her to contribute any thing unto her carrying away: and conſidering, that to make this ſtone doe his effect, it muſt bee turned towards the perſon who was to carry it, hee could invent no better way, then to fixe one unto the Pomell of the Saddle which Mandana was to ride upon, for that way the ſtone might be turned towards her, and almoſt as near her body as if it were in a Ring: So that conceiving no better way could poſſibly be found out, he commanded him who was to ſet the ſtones, to ſet three of them in ſilver onely, and in ſuch a manner as one might put them in, and take them out when they would; and for the three others, he would have them ſet in Rings. Then the man conſidering upon the prepoſition which was made, he deviſed a way according unto the King of Pontus his deſire; for he would place this Heliotrope in the Pomell of the Saddle, as if it had been onely the head of a Nayle, and did drive in many other Nayls, to the end that this like them might ſeem onely an ornament, and was placed ſo cunningly, that it was alwayes turned towards the perſon who ſat in the Saddle. This invention did ſo take the King of Pontus, that I did [Page] preſſe on the execution of it very earneſtly; and indeed it was done with as much ingenuity as it was invented: But whilſt he was working, the King of Pontus was upon two deſignes at once: The one was, to augment thoſe ſparks of Jealouſie which were kindled in the Princeſſe; and the other was to be as cautious in his going out of Sardis as if he had not this miraculous ſtone. In order unto theſe two things, after thoſe Ladies, who at the Princeſſe Aramintaes requeſt you permitted to goe out of Sardis, were gone out—Ah Arianita (ſaid Cyrus, and interrupted her) It was not at the Princeſſe Aramintas requeſt, that I permitted thoſe Ladies to goe out, but at the inſtance of one who was Coſen unto them, named Doraliſa, who was with the late Queen of Suſiana. However, Sir (replyed Arianita) Mandana does think it was at her requeſt, and accuſeth you of too little affection unto her, and of too much unto Araminta: But, I beſeech you, Sir, be ſo patient as to hear me, and know, that after theſe Ladies were gone out, the King of Pontus cauſed one of the Guard to tell us the next morning, as news which he had from one who was taken priſoner, that you treated them with extraordinary civilities; that you ſent them to the Princeſſe Araminta, cauſing all imaginable honours to be done them in her conſideration. Adding, that at preſent, this Princeſſe had the ruling of the whole Army; that all addreſſes were unto her for any Office; that ſuch Priſoners were releaſed as ſhe thought good, and indeed that you were ſo far in love with her, as every one was aſtoniſhed at it, and ſaying that many condemned you for it. You may wel imagine, Sir, that Marteſia and I would never have told all this unto the Princeſſe, though we had beleeved it; but he who told us, took ſuch a time, as when the Princeſſe was in her Cloſet, and ſpoke ſo loud, that ſhe heard, and was extreamly moved at it, and was extreamly incenſed againſt you, inſomuch that ſhe commended the King of Pontus his diſcretion, that he would not tell her himſelf. Alaſſe Arianita (cryed out Cyrus) what diſmall news is this you tell me? Beleeve me, Sir, ſaid ſhe, I doe not tell you that the Princeſſe loves the King of Pontus; but to be ſincere with you, I muſt needs ſay, ſhe complains againſt you. She is ſo unjuſt in her complaints (replyed this ſad Prince) that the Gods to puniſh her, hath hindered me from releaſing her: But, I beſeech you, Arianita, goe on, and tell me all you know. I ſhall tell you then, Sir, that Mandana had ſuch an incenſed ſoul againſt you, that ſhe could not ſleep one wink all the night following, but accuſed you ten thouſand times of ingratitude and inconſtanc [...]e, and ſaid ſhe would never love any as long as ſhe lived; reſolving with her ſelf to leave loving you, or at leaſt to love you leſſe: ſhe was full of ſad expreſſions unto Marteſia and me, as were enough to move the hardeſt heart in the world, which if rightly conſidered, may give you more ſatisfaction then ſorrow, becauſe they are ſymptomes of her affection to you. Though the ſatisfaction you mention be but bitter; yet I conjure you to tell me all that Mandana ſaid: for the reſpects I owe unto my Princeſſe are ſo high, that her very injuries ſhall not make me murmur againſt her. Alaſs, Sir, replyed Arianita, if I ſhould tell you all the Princeſſe ſaid, I ſhould not end this day: For I aſſure you, ſhe ſpoke more that day in a quarter of an hour then at other times ſhe was accuſtomed to doe in two hours. No, no (ſaid ſhe to Marteſia, who entreated her to ſuſpend her judgement of you till Sardis was taken) doe not thinke that the Victory of Cyrus will produce my liberty: 'Tis true, I wiſh him victorious (ſaid ſhe) and doe not yet hate him ſo much as to deſire he ſhould be overcome, but yet I would not have him releaſe me; and I look upon that libertie which he ſhould give me, as upon a thing that would grieve me more then any thing upon earth. Oh Heavens, ſaid ſhe, is it not poſſible that one of my quality, conſidering the ſtate of things, ſhould ſuborne her Guards? For as the caſe of Croeſus ſtands upon bad termes, the King of Pontus his caſe is much worſe: Why ſhould not the hopes of a rich reward from the King of Medes move ſome of my guard to ſet me at liberty? I ſhall think you want either wit or affection to me if you doe not ſo much for me, or at leaſt if you doe not attempt it. It is ſo ordinary to ſee men change with fortune, that I make no queſtion but you may doe that for me, which will make me more joyfull then I am able to expreſſe. Imagine what a joy it would be unto me to get out of the King of Pontus his power, and not be beholding unto Cyrus for my liberty; but that I may upbraid him with his Inconſtancy, and have no new obligations upon me to him. Conſider, I conjure you, what conſiderable ſervice this would be unto me, and how I ſhould be obliged unto a recompence. But, Madam, ſaid Marteſia to her, though it were poſſible that Arianita and I ſhould ſuborn your Guards, yet how can you ever think to eſcape? Do you not conſider, though they let you goe ſafe out of Sardis, yet you cannot eſcape the beſiegers? Oh Marteſia, ſaid ſhe, never make that objection; for if I were once out of Sardis, aſſure your ſelf I ſhould well enough eſcape both the King of Pontus and Cyrus, eſpecially If they let mee out on that ſide where Medes keep guard: [Page] for I muſt needs think that they who are ſubjects unto the King my Father will ſo far obey me, as to carry me unto Ecbatan before they will carry me unto Cyrus: However, though they ſhould not, but ſhould carry me to that perfidious man, yet I ſhould thereby take away the honour from him of delivering me: In ſhort Sir, the Princeſſe uſed ſuch arguments unto us, that ſhe perſwaded us it was not difficult to ſuborne her guards: Then I offered to ſpeak unto Timonides over whom I knew I had ſome power, but ſhe did expreſly forbid me, telling me, that it muſt be unto the officers of Pactias, or Pactias himſelf, that I muſt break the matter, and not unto any man that had relation unto the King of Pontus: She gave us Commiſſion to promiſe any thing in her behalf, aſſuring us that ſhe would punctually perform whatſoever we promiſed: Then we talked that very night with one of the officers under Pactias, and falling into a diſcourſe of the Princeſſe and her misfortunes, we told him that both he and all his company were alſo infortunate, ſo that after all their fidelity and care in guarding Mandana, they could never hope for any recompence; ſince they were all ready to become the ſlaves of Cyrus. Afterwards, adding many other reaſons, and joyning his own intereſt unto the pitty which he ought to have of ſo great a Princeſſe, we moved him to ſerve the Princeſſe, and that way to ſhelter himſelf from that ſtorm which Croeſus would bring upon him: This officer hearing us ſay ſo, did not abſolutely reject our propoſition, though he did not accept it; and we imagined that the difficulty which hee made was to draw on a greater recompence for the ſervice which he ſhould do in delivering the Princeſſe: yet that was not his thought: nor would he put us out of hopes to gaine him, leſt if he had abſolutely denyed us, we ſhould make the propoſition unto ſome other, who perhaps would lend a more willing eare unto it then he did: But be pleaſed to know Sir, that he was no ſooner gone from us, but he acquainted Pactias with the propoſition which we had made, who conceiving that this would exceedingly forward the King of Pontus his deſign of carrying away Mandana, he imparted it unto him, and made him beyond all expreſſions joyfull, not doubting now but to get the Princeſſe out of Sardis very eaſily: and he did the leſſe fear it, be cauſe the river Pactolus was ſo low, that he knew it was foordable at a place near the Cittadel: So that ſeeing the main obſtacle which he found in his deſign (which was that, if he carried us by force we would cry out) was overcome, he thought how to execute the matter immediately; yet reſolving to ſtay untill ſuch a night as there was a alarum given on that ſide of the Town, oppoſite unto the Cittadell: In the mean time, Pactias appointed him whom wee had ſpoke unto, to hold us in hand, as if he intended to make his fortune by releaſing Mandana, and that he ſhould have carried the matter ſo cunningly, that we ſhould not have the leaſt ſuſpition, he would deceive us: And indeed, he acted his part ſo well, that Marteſia and I did verily believe we had won him to us: for he ſeemed as if it went ſomthing againſt the hair of his mind, to betray his maſter, and yet ſeemed as if he were infinitly compaſſionate of the miſery in which the Princeſſe was: And Marteſia and I were ſo deluded in him, that wee alſo deluded Mandana; but the truth is, ſhe was as much deluded by the words of him with whom we treated, as by ours: for ſince he told us, to delude us the more, that he would not undertake the buſineſſe, unleſſe he ſpake unto the Princeſſe; we did ſo bring it to paſſe, that he did ſpeak with her, and concluded what we had begun: Thus taking the whole matter upon him, we had nothing to do but to be ready for a departure, when he ſhould advertiſe us: And to make the matter ſeem more likely, he told us of the ſhallowneſſe of the River, adding, that unleſſe it were ſo, he could not poſſibly deliver us. But the Princeſſe thinking that ſhe muſt needs be at ſome expences in the execution of his deſign, ſhe gave him a very rich Ring: which he took leſt ſhe ſhould ſuſpect him if he refuſed; ſo that now we were full of hopes. The Princeſſe was very ſorry to leave the Princeſſe Palmis, but ſhe knew that though ſhe ſhould ſhew her the way how ſhe might get out of Priſon, yet out of her reſpects unto the King her father, ſhe would refuſe it, therefore ſhe did not impart her deſign unto her: but waited with much impatience for the execution of it: and we waited not long: for the Heliotropes being ſet, and Pactolus at an ebbe, Pactias having procured a boat to waft over the Princeſſe, Marteſia and me, leſt there ſhould be any danger in riding the River; the King of Pontus bidding Timonides to be in a readineſſe, and Pactias having given all requiſite order for our going out of Sardis It chanced that about two hours after we were gone to bed, we heard a great noiſe in the Town: ſo that the Princeſſe fearing ſome ſedition, ſhe did riſe, and dreſſed her ſelfe: And ſhe was no ſooner ready, but the men from whom we expected our liberty, came to tell us, that now we might eaſily make an eſcape whilſt there was a diſorder in the Town, occaſioned by a falſe Alarum which he ſaid Croeſus gave, purpoſe to keep the Inhabitants awake: the reaſon why he told the Princeſſe it was a falſe Alarum, was, becauſe the King of Pontus [Page] feared, that if Mandana knew, Sardis was taken, ſhe would then change her reſolution, and not go out: for he knew not how high her jealouſie was, though he had a great gueſſe at it: You may well imagine Sir, that the Princeſſe received this newes of her pretended liberty with much joy: So that telling the man ſhe was ready, he left us, and returned about a quarter of an hour after to conduct us down a back pair of ſtairs where none could ſee us, himſelf and two of his companions, untill we came unto the Court of Guard, where we found very few Souldiers: for you muſt know Sir, that the King of Pontus would not have the Princeſſe ſee him untill ſhe was out of Sardis, and paſt the Camp of Cyrus: therefore taking one Ring himſelfe, and giving one to Pactias, and one unto Timonides, they followed us unperceived. I will not trouble you with a relation how the Princeſſe was amazed, when ſhe was out of the Cittadell onely with three men, and us, and when ſhe heard the horrid noiſe that was in the Town. But let me tell you, that the waies being very fair and ſandy from the Cittadell unto the River Pactolus which was cloſe by, we went in more fears then trouble: The King of Pontus and Pactias followed us, alſo Timonides who carried the Heliotropes, which were to be put into the Pomels of the Saddles as I told you: when when we were come to the River, we ſaw horſes ready, and a little boate, into which the Princeſſe Mandana, our conductor, Marteſia, and I entred: the two Souldiers, rode over the River upon two of the horſes, and carried the reſt in their hands. And give me leave to tell you Sir, that when the Princeſſe ſaw her ſelfe in the midſt of the River, her fears began to vaniſh, and joy took poſſeſſion of her heart: it plainly appeared, that ſhe did not ſo much fear being taken by your forces, as by thoſe of Croeſus or the King of Pontus: Now ſhall I be preſently out of the King of Pontus his power, ſaid ſhe unto Marteſia and me, and ſhall not be beholding unto a perfidious Prince for my liberty: when we landed, he whom we called our deliverer, went where Timonides was, who was fixing the Heliotropes unto the Saddles on which the Princeſſe Mandana, Marteſia, and I were to ride: It being night, and the Moon ſhining but dimly, alſo our minds being taken up with various thoughts, we never obſerved that the horſes on which we rid were inviſible, nor had we any leaſure to deſcant upon what we ſaw or not ſaw: for as ſoon as wee were on horsback, we went away: I forgot to tell you Sir, that Marteſia riding behind our conductor, the vertue of the Heliotrope ſufficed for both: As for the two men who came in the boate with us, they went on either ſide Mandana to conduct her: And to the end theſe two Souldiers who were not inviſible, ſhould not be obſerved by your forces; Pactias had put them into Perſian habits: alſo the King of Pontus, not truſting wholy unto the virtue of theſe Heliotropes, was ſo carefull in chuſing his way, and paſſing between the Quarters on that ſide where the line of communication was not finiſhed, that I am perſwaded, though there had been none of theſe Heliotropes, he had paſſed ſafely. In the mean time, the King of Pontus let Mandana go firſt, that the two men that were viſible might be guides unto all the company who ſaw not each other: commanding them, that if any of the Enemy came to take them, not to make reſiſtance, but to let Mandana go next whom he alwaies rid, though ſhe ſaw him not: Though our minds were ſo full of hopes and fears, and the night was ſo dark, that wee took no notice of this wonder; yet when we had rid a while, and I obſerved that we could not ſee any but the two footmen which ran by the Princeſſe, but could not ſee either Marteſia or our Conductor, wondering what ſhould be become of the other horſes which we ſaw at the water ſide, I confeſſe that fear did ſo poſſeſſe me, that I could not chuſe but cry out: I thought that I had wandered out of the way as well as thoſe two men: The cry which I made, cauſed the Princeſs to look about her, and ſeeing only the two men vvho held the bridle of her horſe, ſhe vvas as much ſurpriſed as I was: Marteſia who was behind our Deliverer, and who committed her ſelf wholly unto his Guidance, coming out of a deep contemplation, had her ſhare in the aſtoniſhment, when ſhe looked & could not ſee us: In the mean time Mandana ſtopped, and I alſo, and we were ſo affrighted, that the King of Pontus thought twenty times to diſcover himſelf, and comfort us: but he did not, ſtill leaving the care of us unto him vvhom vve looked upon as the Author of our Liberty, and he comming to Mandana, let her feel the hand of Marteſia, aſſuring her that ſhe needed not to fear any thing, and that the vvonder vvhich ſhe ſavv vvas an inchantment only to ſet her at▪ liberty: if you only vvere inviſible, ſaid ſhe unto him, I ſhould think you had found the ring of Gyges, vvhich I hear Croeſus hath loſt; but I cannot ſee either Marteſia or Arianita, and I perceive by vvhat they ſay, that they do not ſee me: Hovvever it be Madam, ſaid he unto her, I aſſure you that you have no cauſe to fear any thing; and the better to aſſure you, vvhen none paſſeth by, you may ſpeak either with Marteſia or Arianita, and I perceive by vvhat they ſay, that they do not ſee me: Hovvever it be Madam, ſaid he vnto her, I aſſure you that you have no cauſe to fear any [Page] thing; and the better to aſſure you, when none paſſeth by, you may ſpeak either vvith Marteſia or Arianita, whom I will cauſe to come nearer you: whilſt this man and the Princeſſe were talking thus, Marteſia and I were in extream fright: yet being under the conduct of a man, who had ſo much power as to act ſuch wonders, vvee durſt not but ſpeak him very fair, thinking that ſince he vvas able to make us inviſible, he vvas able to do vvhat he pleaſed. The Princeſſe having the ſame thoughts, did not much preſſe him to tell her hovv he vvrought theſe miracles, and thought it more expedient to concur with him only to carry her unto the place where ſhe deſired to go, to wit unto Ecbatane, and to ſtay at ſome Town where ſhe might ſtay with ſafety, and have ſo much time as ſend her a fitter Equipage. Since we were yet in the place where we might meet with ſome of the Troops of Cyrus; hee he promiſed her all ſhe deſired, leſt ſhe ſhould meet ſome and cry out: So that the Princeſſe putting a new confidence in him, ſhe onely admired the prodigie, without any fear of his deceiving her: contenting her ſelf with ſeeing onely thoſe two men who guided her horſe, and ſpeaking unto Marteſia and me. Thus then we paſſed the Camp of Cyrus, between two Quarters, we met ſome Troopers and Souldiers ſeverall times; but ſince the two viſible men were cloathed in Perſian habits, they paſſed for their own men, who were going from Quarter to Quarter: So that we travelled without any obſtacle: And that which at firſt was a terrour unto us, became afterwards our diverſion. Marteſia and I had a hundred phantaſticall wiſhes: For my part I wiſhed to ſee the King of Pontus to upbraid him with his injuſtice, at a time when he could neither ſee, nor follow us. Marteſia wiſhed to meet the King of Aſſyria, to tell him, that this device was better then the white habits in a ſnow, which he uſed to get out of Babylon; that we might have the pleaſure of ſeeing him deſperate, when hee could hear the Princeſſe, and not ſee her. As for Mandana, ſhe hinted to us, though ſhe did not name you, that ſhe was deſirous to ſee you, Sir, and that you might onely hear her voice. Thus we went on, not ſuſpecting that the King of Pontus was ſo near as to hear us: Yet me thought, that as we went over a ſtony way, I heard more horſes then we had in our company, but durſt not expreſſe my thoughts. Thus wee got out of the Camp, and about the height of the day the Sun began to be ſo hot, that the Princeſſe complained very much. And coming to a place where were two wayes, the one leading unto a thick ſhady Wood, and the other into an open Plain; the King of Pontus ſeeing the men who guided Mandanaes horſe to take the open way, he forgot that he ſhould not ſpeak, and commanded them to turn upon the right hand into the ſhade. I leave you to imagine, Sir, how we were ſurpriſed when wee heard the King of Pontus his voice, which wee knew full well. The truth is, it was ſo great, that we cryed out all at once. The Princeſſe ſtopped upon a ſuddain, and leaping haſtily from her horſe, ſhe became viſible, and fell into ſuch lamentable complaints, as would have moved pitty from very ſtones. I no ſooner ſaw her lighted from her horſe, but I did the ſame, and ſo did Marteſia, and went both unto the Prince; the King of Pontus was extreamly perplexed; for ſince he had only four in his company, he thought it would be difficult to carry us away by force, therefore he went politiquely to work; for leaving his Ring with Timonides, he came and threw himſelf at Mandanaes feet, giving her all the reſpective language that a violent and ſubmiſſive paſſion could deviſe; beſeeching her to pardon him, proteſting he would ſtill obſerve the ſame ſubmiſſion unto her as formerly, and aſſuring her that he would onely endeavour to winne her by his tears: adding, that if he could not obtaine this happineſſe in a ſhort time, he would then carry her unto Ecbatan: Yet all his ſubmiſſive eloquence could not move the Princeſſe, who told him peremptorily, that ſhe would abſolutely die upon the place. Inſomuch as the King of Pontus perceiving her obſtinate, and would goe no further, he began to beſeech her not to force him to faile in his ſubmiſſive reſpects, and force her to follow him. And to ſhew you, Madam (ſaid he unto her) that I am able to doe it, know that I have fiftie Horſe with me, though you ſee them not. At firſt the Princeſſe did not beleeve him, but the King of Pontus cauſing Pactias and Timonides to ſpeake, ſhe did no longer queſtion the truth; for ſhe knew both their voices: So that exceedingly grieving at it, and chuſing rather to follow her Raviſher, then to force him by a vaine reſiſtance unto any violence, ſhe yeelded, ſince ſhe could not chuſe, and got upon her horſe. Yet firſt ſhe told the King of Pontus, that he ſhould never hope for any thing from her but hatred and contempt. In the mean while, ſince in lighting from my horſe, I had let goe my bridle, it was a peece of difficulty to finde him againe, ſince he carryed with him that which made him inviſible; and Timonides was ready to take me up behind him, when this horſe which was kept with that which Pactias rid upon, came unto him when he neighed; ſo that Pactias hearing him ſo near to him, layd hold on him, and I got up. Then after [Page] that Timonides had given the King of Pontus his Ring againe, wee went on, but alaſs, it was with thoughts different from thoſe wee had before, and certainely this Princeſſe did repent of her eſcape, yet I cannot tell you her thoughts, but by conjecture, for ſince that I never heard her ſpeak: When we were come into the Wood, where we ſaw ſome houſes, the King of Pontus let the Princeſſe ſtay under a ſhade, and brought ſome meat unto her, but ſhe would take nothing, onely a glaſſe of water, and that at the requeſt of Marteſia; after which we continued on our journey. In the mean time Timonides feared that I ſhould complain againſt him, for not imparting his Maſters ſecret unto her, therefore he rid alwayes next me, and I having a great deſire to know how wee came to be inviſible, conjured him to tell me, and aſſured him that if he would tell me the truth, I would pardon him. I had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but Timonides being glad that I would accept of his juſtification, bad me in a low voice ſtop my horſe, and ſtay a little behinde the King of Pontus; for ſeeing the two Footmen which guided Mandanaes horſe, we knew he was not farre off her: So that ſtopping our horſes untill we were out of hearing, after Timonides told me with a thouſand oaths, that he knew nothing of the deſigne untill the laſt night, that Pactias cold him, he related all unto me: adding, that it would be long before the King of Pontus came unto any place of retreat, and that he was reſolved to travell all night, and not to reſt the Princeſſe until break of day. In the mean time we were ſo attentive unto our diſcourſe, that we never minded our way; ſo that being in a thick Wood full of ſeverall wayes, we took a wrong one: and we minded it ſo little, that though wee met with two women with baskets of fruit upon their heads, wee never ſo much as enquired of them. Alas, ſaid Cyrus and interrupted her, I met thoſe women alſo, and what they told me was the reaſon why I took not that way which would have conducted me unto the Princeſſe. But I beſeech you relate unto me quickly all that you know, that I may in all haſt go and repair my fault: I ſhall quickly end Sir, ſaid Arianita, for Timonides and I perceiving wee were out of the way, wee doubled our pace back, hoping to overtake them; but wee never could: Then this accident did happen unto me, for be pleaſed to know, riding along the Torrent, my horſe ſlipped, and threw me into it, ſo that being much hurt, Timonides was much troubled with me; and I know not what hee could have done without the help of him who brought you hither. Ah Arianita, cryed Cyrus out, what will all you told me availe me, unleſſe you will let me have that ſtone which made you inviſible, that I may make uſe of it, if ever I meet with Mandana: Alas Sir, replyed ſhe, one misfortune never comes alone, for be pleaſed to know, it fell into the River, when my horſe did throw me: and as for that of Timonides, hee took it from his finger, when he came to helpe me out of the Torrent, and knew not where hee laid it, ſo that both of them are loſt. As Cyrus was going to anſwer Arianita, a great noiſe of horſes was heard in the Court. He no ſooner heard it, but he went unto the window to ſee what made it, and ſaw it to be the Prince Artamas, and his retinue, who in his fruitleſſe ſearch of Mandana, heard there was a Lady in that houſe, brought thither by one man, and therefore he came to ſee whether or no it was the Princeſſe Mandana: When Artamas ſaw Cyrus out of the window, hee hoped that it was indeed the Princeſſe: hee lighted haſtily from his horſe, and came unto the Chamber where he was, Feraulus following him: but his joyes were preſently converted into deſpair; yet hee ſaluted Arianita, of whom Feraulus enquired concerning Mandana and Marteſia, whilſt Cyrus, Artamas and Ligdamis adviſed upon the beſt expedients: but ſince haſt was the moſt neceſſary courſe that could be taken, they reſolved to ſeparate themſelves once more, and dividing the men which they had amongſt them to ſearch ſtill towards the Sea ſide: For truly, ſaid Cyrus, ſince Mandana hath two footmen with her, who are not inviſible, and ſince ſhe is when ſhe is on her horſe, it is not impoſſible to get ſome intelligence of her: Cyrus would needs ſee Timonides, before he departed, and ſince Arianita had told him he had done many good offices for Mandana during her impriſonment, hee received him not ill. Yet he was very urgent vvith hitm to confeſſe whether hee knevv vvhich vvay the King of Pontus his Maſter did take: and the ſooner to induce himunto it, without any perfidious treachery unto his Maſter, Cyrus told him, that hee vvould engage his vvord to ſet that Crovvne vvhich vvas taken from his Maſter, upon his head again, if by his meanes he could find out the Princeſſe Mandana: But all all his importunities and promiſes were ineffectuall. So that Cyrus ſeeing he could draw no more out of him, he left him to Guard Arianita, when ſhe was in a condition to go unto [Page] Sardis, leaving Feraulus with him for a conductor: after which he took horſe, and parting from the Prince Artamas, he went in queſt of Mandana, though with leſſe hopes then before he met with Arianita: But whilſt this great Prince was wandering, through woods and Mountaines, and Plaines; Mandana was in a moſt deſperate condition, eſpecially ſince Arianita and Timonides were loſt, for ſhe knew the power ſhe had over that man, and what good offices he had done her in Sardis, and had the ſame hopes in him when ſhe was out: She had a great deſire to ſtay in that Meadow where Cyrus ſaw her, untill Timonides and Arianita overtook them, and the King of Pontus could not hinder her for a while, becauſe Mandana leaped from her horſe, and Marteſia alſo, ſo that he was forced to conſent unto her: But ſince the Torrent was betwixt Arianita and Mandana, and this accident chanceing, the King of Pontus his meſſenger could hear no newes of her: ſo that he forced her to get up, and Marteſia alſo, juſt after Cyrus ſpied them; in the mean while, Mandana is forced to travell all night untill break of day: and then the King of Pontus, finding a litle private houſe, ſuffered her to reſt ſome hours; after which, he conſtrained her to take horſe again, asking her a million of pardons for the pains he put her unto; and his ſorrow for being a cauſe of that exceſſive griefe which he ſpied in her eyes when ſhe was from the Heliotrope, was as great as Mandana's; But his love having the predominancy over his virtue, his reaſon was not ſo clear as to be aſhamed of his crime, but he went on ſtill in a continuall courſe of committing it: Therefore paſſing on with Pactias, and him who rid before Marteſia, and the two footmen which waited upon Mandana, he came the next day very late unto a little Port called Atarmes, where the Princeſſe had time enough to reſt her ſelf all night: and where indeed ſhe did ſo, for her wearineſſe did ſo ſtupifie her ſenſes, that ſhe ſlept with more tranquility, then one would have imagined her ſorrowes would have permitted her. As for the King of Pontus, he being of an indefatigable conſtitution, and his paſſion being incompatible with ſleep, in lieu of thinking upon any reſt, his thoughts were all of guarding Mandana, and procuring a Ship: but ſince it was ſomthing difficult to find one ready to depart, and more eaſie to find one in the morning, he ſtayed till then, when indeed he found one: ſo that Mandana was no ſooner awake, but he let her know by Marteſia, that ſhe muſt prepare for a departure; ſhe had a mind to make reſiſtance; but ſince he had lodged her upon the very Port, and not above ſix paces from the ſhip, ſhe thought her reſiſtance would be in vaine, and the rather, becauſe ſhe would not ſuffer either Marteſia or her to ſpeak with any in the houſe where ſhee lodged, denying leave to go into the Temple: So that all Mandana could do, was to protract her departure onely one hour longer, finding out ſeverall pretences for it, though ſhe knew not to what end; for in her beliefe of Cyrus his love of Araminta, ſhee could not imagine he [...] would follow her: yet ſhe made as many excuſes as if ſhe had expected ſome reliefe. As ſhe was in this condition, and as the King of Pontus was in a Chamber which joyned unto hers, talking with Pactias, ſhe eſpied out of her window, a man of moſt admirable Garbe, and rich in clothes, walking by himſelf: ſhe looked ſtedfaſtly upon him, to the end that when he turned, ſhe might ſee if ſhe knew him, and whether hee could relieve her: As ſhe had this thought, hee turned towards her, and to teſtifie her wonder at the ſight, ſhe cryed out: yet preſently checking her ſelfe, and not creditting her own eyes, becauſe he whom ſhee ſaw was at ſome diſtance, ſhee called Marteſia, and ſhewed her the cauſe of her admiration: Look Marteſia, ſaid ſhe unto her, look whether that be the perfidious Cyrus or no. Marteſia coming to the window, did perceive that Mandana had good reaſon for her thought, and that it was Cyrus: Well Madam, ſaid Marteſia unto her, never ſay Cyrus is unfaithfull, that will leave the Siege of Sardis to follow you: Ah my dear Marteſia, anſwered Mandana: I know not whether it be him or no, but I am ſure, I am exceeding afraid, leaſt the King of Pontus ſhould either go out or come hither, leaſt I ſhould be a ſpectator of ſome ſad accident: my greateſt fear is, ſaid ſhe, becauſe I ſee Cyrus by himſelf: certainly replyed Marteſia, he has company in the next houſe, which he hides to prevent ſuſpition: Did I not know, replyed Mandana, that the Prince of Spitridates was Priſoner in Chalcedonia, I ſhould alter my opinion, but ſince I know he is, I cannot doubt but he whom ſhe thought to be this great Prince, and who indeed was the Prince Spitridates walked nearer her: Marteſia then adviſed her, to ſhew her ſelfe, to the end, that if he were come to relieve her, he might bring out his men: Mandana without further arguing the matter, took the counſell of Maretſia: So that looking out of the window juſt as Spitridates was within ten paces of her, and Marteſia was ready [Page] to make a ſigne unto him, this Prince whoſe mind was taken up with many a ſad thought, ſeeing Ladies out of the window, and that he were obliged to ſalute them if he paſſed by, turned ſuddenly aſide the other way, ſeeming as if he had not ſeen them, though he was the moſt civill man upon earth, when hee was not overwhelmed with ſorrowes. In the mean time, Mandana ſeeing this, and thinking that this pretended Cyrus had ſeen her, and ſeemed as if he did not ſee her, ſhe was even ready to ſinke downe with ſorow: Well Marteſia, ſaid ſhe unto Marteſia, whether or no is Cyrus innocent now? and whether I were not juſt if I ſhewed him unto the King of Pontus, that hee might revenge my quarrell? However ungratefull and perfidious Prince that thou art, I cannot chuſe but tremble, that thy Rivall ſhould be ſo near thee and not knovv it: yet Madam I beſeech you, ſaid Marteſia what can it poſſibly be imagined, Cyrus ſhould do at Atarmes, if he did not follovv you? for my part I am confident that he vvaites as you do for the hour that you are to embarque, that hee may then call out his men and receive you out of the povver of the King of Pontus: Wee vvill ſee that preſently (ſaid ſhe vvith as much anger as haſt) and indeed Marteſia uſed her beſt perſvvaſions to have a little patience, and to conſider upon it: but her ſpirits vvere ſo incenſed, that ſhe vvent immediately and told the King of Pontus ſhe vvas ready to depart: Yet ſhee had no ſooner told him, but ſhe repented, but it vvas too late. In the mean time, the Shippe being ready, the King of Pontus never thought of a vvay hovv to get Mandana to take a Heliotrope, but giving them all unto one of his men to carry, he follovved the Princeſſe, vvhom Pactias did lead, becauſe ſhe vvould not ſuffer her Raviſher to have that honour. But vvhen ſhe vvas ready to go out of the houſe, and imagined that perhaps Cyrus and the King of Pontus vvould fight in her preſence, ſhe could hardly find a heart to vvalke: Yet at laſt, thinking that if Cyrus vvere there to releaſe her, hee vvould bring men enough for it, and if he did not, that he was worthy of puniſhment, ſhe went forward: ſhe had no ſooner gone three paces but ſhe thought ſhe ſaw Cyrus, who was ſo farre from intereſting himſelfe in the quarrell, that he ſlightly turned aſide, and ſhunned meeting with her: this ſecond adventure did ſo ſurpriſe her, that ſhe was not able to retaine her reſentments, but cryed out with as much anger as ſorrow; Oh thou perfidious man, canſt thou ſee me carryed away before thy eyes, and not reſcue me? Theſe ſharpe words reaching the eares of Spitridates, he turned his head to ſee who pronounced them, and whether ſhee addreſſed them unto himſelfe, and turned juſt as the King of Pontus turned: So that thinking he had ſeen Cyrus as well as ſhe, fearing he followed with much company, and remembring how hee owed both his life, and liberty unto that Prince, hee took Mandana's hand by force, and Pactias aſſiſting him, put her haſtily into the Shippe with Marteſia, and the man he brought with him; and without ſtaying for the two footmen, who waited upon Mandana, hee lanced forth immediately, and left them with the horſes at Atarmes: In the mean time, ſince Spitridates conceived that Mandana's words were addreſſed unto him, and who thought that hee had ſeene the King of Pontus his face, though at firſt he took him not for the Princeſſe Araminta's brother, hee came to the water ſide, and called unto ſome Marriners in the Port to carry him into the Shippe which newly lanced out, and that they would helpe him to relieve a Lady who was carryed away in it, conceiving that in honour he ought not to ſuffer this violence to be done unto her, though he knew her not: But call and cry and make what promiſes he would, they would not hazard themſelves againſt thoſe they knew not: So that ſeeing he could not prevaile with them, he ſet himſelfe to look upon thoſe that were in the Boat, who by that time were ſo farre off in the River, that he could receive no ſatisfaction, for hee knew not Mandana; and the King of Pontus his back towards him, and ſpoke unto the Marriners to make all the haſt they could. But Spitridates obſerving that there were two men who came unto the Shippe, and were too late to get in, who afterwards went into the houſe over againſt the Port, he ſent a ſervant thither, who came to tell him, there came a man unto the place where he lodged, who ſaid that Sardis was taken: But theſe two men fearing they ſhould follow the King of Pontus, would not tell who hee was unto the ſervant of Spitridates, who returned to his Maſter and told him that he could get nothing out of thoſe two men: but aſſured him, that thoſe who were ſhipped away, were perſons of good quality, as may be conjectured by their horſes which they left behind them: Spitridates being fuller of curioſity then before, ſeeing he had loſt the ſight of the Shippe, went himſelfe to talke with theſe two men: but he no ſooner ſaw them, [Page] then he knew one of them to be a man who was heretofore in the King of Pontus his ſervice when he was at Heraclea, before Arſamenes revolted: He no ſooner ſaw him, but the Idea of the King of Pontus came into his fancy, and hee made no queſtion but it was he, ſo that calling him by his name, the man knew him alſo, and they freſhly renewed their old acquaintance: So that he could not deny but that hee was imbarqued, was the King of Pontus his Maſter, and that he having carryed away the Princeſſe Mandana from Sardis, came to imbarque at this Port. Spitridates, no ſooner heard this, but he fell into an exceſſive griefe: for knowing that hee did ſo very much reſemble Cyrus, that his owne mother took that Prince for him in Bythinia, he made no doubt but Mandana was in the ſame errour, and that the infidelity which ſhe upbraided him with all, thinking him to be Cyrus, was grounded upon the infidelity of Araminta. So that entring into a new deſpair and jealouſie, hee altered his intentions of ſtaying at Atarmes, waiting of the ſucceſſe in the Siege of Sardis, and reſolved to go and carve out his own Revenge upon that Prince whom he thought to be his Rivall, and to go and chide the Princeſſe of Pontus for her infidelity: Is it ſo, (ſaid hee unto himſelfe) that Araminta hath forſaken me, and followes the favourite of Fortune? However, unjuſt Princeſſe, I have done all that was poſſible to teſtifie my love of you: I have voluntarily, forſaken Crowns for your ſake: I have renounced all my ambition, I have ſtifled all thoughts of revenge upon an uſurping Prince, onely becauſe he had a meer relation unto you: I have diſobeyed the commands of the King my Father; I have ſuffered the rigour of a long impriſonment, I have wandered like an unknown vagrant throughout the world, only to obſerve yout will: there is nothing which I have left undone, that was within the compaſſe of poſſibility, to pleaſe you: yet the Conqueror of Aſia hath got a greater ſhare in your heart then I have; his glory charmes you, and dazles your eyes: and queſtionleſſe you may imploy all your Arts to make him as perfidious as your ſelfe. But what likelyhood is there, (added this incenſed Prince) that Cyrus, who hath expreſſed ſuch high teſtimonies of a conſtant paſſion unto Mandana; who hath gained ſo many battles; taken ſo many Towns, and put all Aſia in armes for her deliverance, ſhould after all this become inconſtant, if you had not cunningly imployed all your charmes, to ſupplant a Princeſſe, whom he had ſo long loved? Doubtleſſe you think, unjuſt Princeſſe, that I am ſtill in Priſon, and that nothing can interrupt your joyes: perhaps you hold intelligence with the King your brother, which hath raviſhed away Mandana, leaſt that Prince ſhould ſhake off your fetters, and aſſume hers: Doubtleſſe, you hope that Cyrus will reconquer the Kingdome of Pontus for your brother: and that if you give me my liberty, it is more then you ought to do. But thanks be unto the Heavens, I am not your debtor for it, but ſhall perhaps be in ſuch a condition as ſhall revenge Mandana for the infidelity of Cyrus, and to puniſh you in his perſon for infidelity to me: As Spitridates was entertaining himſelf with theſe thoughts, the taking of Sardis was confirmed by diverſe reports: So that having nothing to do any longer at Atarmes, he took horſe, and reſolved rather to ruine himſelfe then not him who took the heart of Araminta from him: However (ſaid he unto himſelfe) Araminta can diſſemble her inconſtancy no longer, for ſince Sardis is taken, and Mandana carryed away: if I find Cyrus courting her without any care of Mandana or thoughts of following her; there is no colour or excuſe for them: I know very well, that to fall upon the great Conqueror of Aſia, will be a moſt dangerous atermpt, but ſince I hope for death not victory, what need I fear? After this, Spitridates plunged himſelfe ſo deep in his own thoughts, that he himſelfe knew not what hee thought: and thus he went on till towards the evening; and then deſiring to ſet out a lodging in a village which hee ſaw on his right hand, he ſpied a party of twenty horſe, who coming out of a little wood, croſſed his way, and one of them came to him: Spitridates then, rouſing himſelfe then out of his contemplation, went to meet him, but he was exceedingly aſtoniſhed, when hee ſaw him to be Cyrus, ſince it was impoſſible any other in the world ſhould ſo much reſemble himſelfe: Cyrus (for it was he) was as much amazed on the other ſide, making no queſtion but it was Spitridates, thinking no man upon earth elſe could ſo much reſemble himſelfe: The aſtoniſhment of both theſe Princes was ſo great, that they ſtopped their horſes ſome three or four paces off each other: during which time, the whole Troope came up, and all of them were as much ſurpriſed to ſee Spitridates, as Spitridates and Cyrus were to ſee each other: Spitridates, had a mixture of joy amongſt his wonder, to ſee Cyrus in a place where in all probability he was in queſt of Mandana: and Cyrus amidſt his miſery [Page] was glad he was in condition to cure ſo great a Prince of ſo unjuſt a jealouſie as hee knew had infected his ſoul: Alſo he was the forwarder to ſpeak not onely to eaſe Spitridates of his tormenting paſſion, but alſo to aske whether he knew any thing concerning Mandana. Yet ſince he would not wholly truſt unto this prodigious reſemblance; Generous ſtranger, (ſaid he unto him, after a long pauſe of looking upon him) if you be the ſame which my eyes make me believe you are, I have very joyfull news to tell you: and I wiſh unto the gods, that in recompence of it, you could tell me as good concerning Mandana whom I am in queſt of, and whom perhaps you met. Spitridates hearing Cyrus ſpeak in this manner, his ſoul was fuller of joy, then he was able to expreſſe: for now he knew not whether hee ſhould look upon Cyrus as his Rivall, or as the protector of Araminta; but at laſt, calming the tumultuous turbulency of thoughts, and deſiring clearer ſatisfaction of all his doubts: Sir, (ſaid he unto Cyrus) you need not doubt, but that I am the unfortunate Spitridates, who, for ſome reaſons which now I ſhall forbear to tell you, is come into Lydia, to find out the end either of my daies or of my miſeries: But in coming thither, as ſtaying at the Port of Atarmes which is a daies journey from hence; it was my fortune to ſee a thing which I cannot chuſe but wiſh earneſtly, that it may trouble you; to the end you may make me as full of joy as you have done of hope: for truly Sir, it was my fortune to ſee the King of Pontus carry away the Princeſſe Mandana, but I was not able to help it, or know it, till after they were embarqued. How (ſaid Cyrus, with ſo much ſadneſſe as pleaſed Spitridates) did you ſee Mardana embarque? and cannot I follow? however, for heavens ſake, tell me which way the unjuſt Raviſher carryed her from me. Spitridates then ſeeing all the ſymptomes of a reall ſorrow in the face of Cyrus, was ſo well pleaſed with it, that ceaſing to hate him, and beginning to hope that Araminta was conſtant, he told him all he knew concerning Mandana, & with all aggravations poſſible, for he could not chuſe but rejoice at the deſpair of Cyrus, becauſe the more he ſaw him troubled, the more he beleeved Araminta was faithful: & the exceſſive ſorrow of Cyrus did ſo perfectly undeceive him, that he began to intereſt himſelf in the ſame ſorrow which procured his joy. As they were thus talking, the Prince Mazares came unto that place with his troop, where Cyrus acquainted him with all he underſtood from Spitridates, the ſight of whom did much ſurpriſe him: Cyrus then obliged them to ſalute each other, after which adviſing upon the beſt courſe, they were extreamly perplexed; for Cyrus could not goe unto Artames, becauſe it was not yet brought into ſubjection, and where a guard was kept without a hazard of being arreſted, and diſabled from ſerving Mandana; nor did he know which way to ſeek her, ſince he knew which way ſhe was carried. The reſult of their conſultation was, to ſend unto all the Sea-ports, to ſee if they could hear any thing of her: Cyrus then went unto the next houſe to write, where in one hour he ſent diſpatches unto Epheſus, Milete, Gnides, Cuma, and all other Ports on that coaſt with orders to make ſtrict enquirie, and to entreat Thraſibulus and Euphranor, father of Alcidonia, to ſend out ſhips to ſea, and to give intelligence unto Sardis of all their adventures: for ſince this Town was almoſt at an equall diſtance from all theſe places, his beſt courſe was to goe thither, that he might ſo order his Troops as they might in an hours warning be readie to march where he ſhould hear the King of Pontus was: After which, and before he took horſe, he took Spitridates aſide, and told him with as much generoſity as ſincerity of his unjuſt jealouſie, ſo that this Prince being aſhamed of his weakneſſe, and unjuſt hatred of him, did now give him ſuch plauſible language, as ſpoke him not unworthy of his friendſhip: Cyrus to ſettle his mind in tranquillity, offered him never to ſee the Princeſſe Araminta again, though he had a moſt high eſteem of her: But ſince the extraordinary ſorrows of Cyrus had entirely cured Spitridates of his jealouſie, he anſwered with as much generoſity as ſpirit; and theſe two great Princes began to contract as great a league of friendſhip, as there was a reſemblance in their faces. After this, they took horſe and went towards Sardis, unto which he could not come untill the next day at noon, becauſe they were forced to reſt themſelves four or five houres at a little town in the way. In their return they met with the Prince Artamas: Cyrus alſo met with thoſe whom he ſent into the Woods, ſo that all theſe Princes being met againe, they came to the gates of Sardis, where they were received with loud acclamations of joy: But at his entrance he met with Hidaſpes, who came haſtily to him; Sir, ſaid he unto him, in a low voice, you come in a happy hour to calm a great diſorder which is in the Town; for be pleaſed to know, ever ſince your departure, the King of Aſſyria, having made a ſtrict ſearch in all the houſes of the Town to no purpoſe, he is faln into ſuch a fury, eſpecially [Page] ſince he miſſed you, that he is almoſt out of his wits: But the worſt of all is, that by a hundred ſlight conjectures, he thinks Croeſus knows where Mandana is; ſo that this violent Prince having tried all wayes of mildneſſe to make this King confeſſe that which perhaps he knows not, hath added menaces, and is reſolved to ſeem as if he would put him to death, and make him diſcover out of fear that which he deſires to know. Oh heavens, ſaid Cyrus, is it poſſible ſo great a Prince ſhould be culpable of ſo great a crime? Yes, Sir, replyed Hidaspes, and the people are ſo incenſed, that to prevent any Sedition, I am come unto this gate to ſee whether the guards be ſtrong, and all the Officers there; for juſt now I beleeve Croeſus is upon the Scaffold, the Princeſſe Palmis all in tears; the Prince Myrſiles lamenting, and all the inhabitants of Sardis in a generall revolt. Cyrus no ſooner heard this, but riding immediately unto the great Plain which is between the palace of Croeſus and the Cittadel, where Hidaſpes told him this ſad ſpectacle might be ſeen, he came with ſuch haſt, as made it apparent that he blamed the King of Aſſyria's violence; when he firſt came upon the plain, he ſaw all the plain full of ſouldiers in their armes, and people crying; in the midſt of which was a Scaffold erected, and a ſtake unto which Croeſus was tyed, and faggots round about him ready to be kindled, many Aſſyrian ſouldiers holding lighted Torches in their hands ready to ſet them on fire if he would not tell where Mandana was. Cyrus beholding ſo ſad an object, was ſtruck with ſo much horror to ſee a man of that quality in ſuch a pittifull condition, he made his way through the crowd, and came unto the Scaffold juſt as the King of Aſſyria, the more to terrifie Croeſus, had put fire unto a faggot, which began to kindle, and juſt as that unfortunate King remembring the ſaying of Solon, That none was happy before his death, began to cry out, Oh Solon, Solon, how true is thy speech? Cyrus then coming to the Scaffold which the fire began to burn, and hearing theſe words, commanded the fire to be quenched, that Croeſus ſhould be untyed, and carryed back unto his Palace, turning towards the King of Aſſyria, who was preſent, to check him for his violence, and told him he was certain that Croeſus did not know where Mandana was. As ſoon as Cyrus had given this command, the people and ſouldiers did make the air eccho with their acclamations, every one being forward to quench the fire, ſome to pull away faggots, others to fetch water; but there was no need of it; for as if the heavens had been obeen obedient unto the command of Cyrus, it rained upon a ſudden ſo abundantly, that the fire was immediately extinguiſhed. After which Croeſus comming down from the Scaffold, Cyrus made a thouſand excuſes for the injury done him, and went with him as far as his Palace, to give him all the conſolation he could. As for Cyrus he went to lodge in the Cittadell, and the King of Aſſyria followed him, whom he did extreamly chide for his violent proceedings, and then he related unto him all he knew concerning Mandana, Mazares, Artamas, and Spitridates followed him; ſo did Seſoſtris, Tigranes, and Anaxaris, who having an extream deſire to know the ſucceſſe of his voyage, did accompany him unto the chamber which vvas prepared for him, that they might knovv vvhether they ſhould rejoice or grieve vvith him; alſo to know vvho Spitridates vvas, vvhoſe extream reſemblance vvith Cyrus, begat a great curioſity in all that ſavv him.

The end of the Sixth Part.

§

§

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THE Fourth Volume OF ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS, THAT EXCELLENT NEW ROMANCE: Being the Seventh and Eighth PARTS.

Written by that Famous Wit of FRANCE, MONSIEƲR SCƲDERY, de Governor of NOSTRE-DAME.

And now ENGLISHED by F. G. Eſq

LONDON, Printed for HUMPHREY MOSELEY at the Prince's Arms in St. Paul's Church-yard; and THOMAS DRING at the George in Fleet-ſtreet. M. DC. LV.

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE AND MOST PERFECTLY NOBLE THE LADY ANNE LUCAS.

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MADAM,

YOur CYRUS hath lengthened this Fourth Addreſs beyond expectation: but 'twas becauſe he had more to ſay; for He hope's to anſwer (as Tully did when they ask'd his opinion of Demoſthenes' Orations) that the longeſt is the beſt. Were it better, 'twere fitter for your Honour's acceptance: and Nobler it had been if a great Perſonage of our own Nation (who never ſtood forth to the World in Print) had fill'd his Deſign in tranſlating this Author; wherein there was good Progreſs made, till the whole Tranſlation was found to be finiſh'd by another hand. The Author (I hear) firſt built this Story in contemplation of an eminent Lady of France, whoſe rich Idaea ſo heighten'd his Soul as made him write nothing that's mean or vulgar. Had his knowledge been bleſſ'd with your Ladyſhip's Character, he had lift up his thoughts (if poſſible) higher. For, when he conſider'd the Strength and Largeneſs of Your Underſtanding; the number, height, and perfection of Your Vertues; the admirable compoſure of Your Outward and Inward Form, (to ſay nothing of the honour of your high Extraction) and all theſe aſſiſted by your own moſt Learned and Noble LORD, with that happy Tranſcript of both Your Perſons in that excellent young Lady (the image and delight of all your Perfections:) When theſe great Materials had ſtood before our Authors Phanſie, he had drawn his MANDANA and the Great CYRUS greater than themſelves. But it is not for men of humble condition (that is, for me) to diſcourſe of things ſo Illuſtrious as Your Ladiſhip, for whoſe increaſe in all Felicity may God accept the Prayers, and your Ladiſhip the Endeavours of

(MADAM)

Your Honours moſt humble and moſt obedient Servant HƲMPHREY MOSELEY.

THE STATIONER TO THE READER.

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I Muſt ask your pardon if you pay more for this Volume than any of its fellows; which eaſily you'l grant, when you ſee this contains a great many more ſheets than any of the reſt. The Author would have it ſo, and by that time you have read it, you'l finde He had reaſon. There's but one Volume more behind, which this Tearme will infallibly bring you; and then you'l confeſs (for many knowing perſons have done it already) that our Language cannot boaſt of any Romance ſo large, ſo material, ſo uſeful as the GRAND CYRƲS.

H. M.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. The Seventh Part.

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BOOK. I.

IT was not Seſoſtris, Tygranes, and Anaxaris alone, who were full of curioſity to underſtand who Spitridates was, and who were deſirous to know the ſucceſs of Cyrus his voyage, for that illuſtrious Conqueror was in a moment inviron'd with a croud of Princes, Captains, and men of Quality, who did moſt feelingly intereſt themſelves in all that concerned him, inſomuch, as for a while he was forced to ſmother his ſorrows, purpoſely to aſſure them, that theirs for him did oblige him, and that he would not be ungrateful unto them for it. But whil'ſt he was expreſſing his acknowledgment unto theſe illuſtrious perſons, Tegeus came to preſent him moſt hearty thanks from the Princeſs Palmis, for quenching thoſe flames which were ready to devour the King her Father. The Prince Myrſiles ſent alſo to the ſame end, and Cyrus had ſo many complements both to pay and receive, that he had but a very little time of liberty to enjoy his own thoughts; handſomneſs alſo required that he ſhould dine in publique. In the mean time, the Prince Artamas went to viſit the Princeſs Palmis, and to aſſure her, that he would imploy the very uttermoſt of his credit with Cyrus to move him unto a well treating of the King her Father: He ſaw alſo the Prince Myrſiles, and was extreamly joyed to find him able to return an anſwer: As for Croeſſus, he durſt not attempt to viſit him, but reſolved to ſtay, and ſee whether Cyrus would preſent him: In the interim, the King of Phrygia and Hircania hearing of Cyrus his return, came to the Camp at Sardis, to acquaint him with two things which could not be pleaſing unto him: The firſt, That all the parties which they had ſent out in queſt of Mandana, could meet with no intelligence of her: And the ſecond, That the taking of Sardis had more weakned his Army, then either the laſt battel, or the ſiege of that Town had done; for ſince Plunder was not reſtrained, thoſe who had inriched themſelves had disbanded themſelves [Page] during his abſence, ſome carrying away what they had got, and others ſelling off their ſhares, that they might more eaſily ſlink away. This news did exceedingly grieve Cyrus, but to prevent any further diſorder, and to keep thoſe which remained within the compaſs of their duty, he cauſed more to be given unto them then he had promiſed at the beginning of the Siege, and ſeverely puniſhed ſome of them which fled, and were taken again: But his Atmy was yet ſo numerous, that if his Love of Mandana had not been in a moſt ſuperlative degree, he would not have apprehended it too weak to aſſault and take all the places which the King of Pontus could chuſe for a Sanctuary. But ſince it is the nature of that paſſion to think no obſtacle ſmall, though really they be ſo; Cyrus apprehended this accident, as if it were much more conſiderable then indeed it was, yet was he very circumſpect to perceive, that Phraartes appeared not amongſt all thoſe who came to viſit him upon his return, and his thought alſo was to give S [...]itridates ſpeedy ſatisfaction in ſeeing the Princeſs Araminta: Then he began to inquire where Phraartes was, but none could give any direct accompt of him where he was; all that any knew was, as ſoon as Cyrus departed, Phraartes vaniſhed alſo.

Cyrus knowing his affection to the Princeſs of Pontus, made no doubt but that he was gone to viſit her, and knowing him to be of a haſty and violent temper, his fear was, leſt ſome diſaſterous chance ſhould fall out, if Spitridates went by himſelf to ſee that Princeſs; therefore he prevailed ſo far with Spitridates, as notwithſtanding his impatience to ſtay until the next day, before he went unto the place where his longing deſires called him, Cyrus moſt obligingly telling him, that ſince he was cured of his jealouſie, he would wait upon him to the Princeſs Araminta, but could not poſſibly that day, by reaſon of divers orders of grand importance, which he was to give out: Since the term was but ſhort, Spitridates conſented unto the deſires of Cyrus, who in the mean time ſent unto the Caſtle where he left Araminta, to ſee whether Phraartes was there, and to command his return unto Sardis: After which, this Prince, after he had given all requiſite orders for the tranquility of the Town, for the incampment of his Army, and for the Guard of Croeſſus, he went to viſit the Princeſs Palmis, and the Princeſs Timaretta, to crave their pardon for his abrupt departure, and leaving them when he went out of the Cittadel without any tenders of civility, beſeeching them to conſider his excuſe, that ſince he was buſied about the liberty of the Princeſs Mandana, it had been a grand crime in him if he had ſtayed a little longer with them, after he underſtood the King of Pontus had carried her away. Theſe two Princeſſes being both of them ſenſible of their obligements unto Cyrus, Palmis in reſpect of Croeſſus and Artamas, Timaretta alſo in reſpect of Seſoſtris and her ſelf, they returned unto him as many thanks, as he made excuſes unto them: They were obliged alſo unto it by the freſh favours which he did them, for he told the Princeſs Palmis, that he would carry the Prince Artamas unto Croeſſus, and that way put him in remembrance of his obligations unto Cleander; afterwards he told the Princeſs Timaretta, that as ſoon as he had taken convenient order for the handſomneſs of her voyage, and for the magnificency of her Train and Equipage, ſhe ſhould when ſhe pleaſed return into Aegypt, under the conduct of Seſoſtris, upon condition notwithſtanding that ſhe would honour him with her promiſe, to make that renowned Prince as happy as he deſerved to be.

Theſe two great Princeſſes having anſwered Cyrus as civilly as generoſity obliged them, he left them to viſit Croeſſus, to the end he might ask his pardon for the King of Aſſyria's violencies, to condole with him his miſery, and to preſent the Prince Artamas unto him, knowing well that the King of Phrygia would conſent unto this reconciliation: But in going thither, Hidaſpes who had the guard of theſe Princes, and of all the Caſtle, cauſed them to paſs through the ſtately Chamber wherein all the Treaſures of Croeſſus did lie. The ſight of ſuch a maſs of riches, and ſo many gliſtering things, had not brought him out of that profound ſtudy into which the taking away of Mandana had put him, if Tigranes, Anaxaris, and Chriſantes, who followed him as well as the Prince Artamas, had not expreſſed their wonder and aſtoniſhment, by the cries which they could not reſtrain, notwithſtanding thoſe reſpects which they were alwayes wont to obſerve unto that Heroique Conquerour: Yet notwithſtanding their admiring noyſe had not invited Cyrus unto any conſideration of ſo many glorious ſights, if Chriſantes, who was loath to paſs ſo ſoon out of ſo fair a place, had not by his words awakened him: Look Sir, at leaſt, I beſeech you (ſaid he, and ſmiled) upon that you have conquered; and be confident, that ſince Fortune has ſo far ſmiled upon you, as to make you Maſter of all theſe Treaſures, [Page] it is impoſſible ſhe ſhould frovvn ſo much as to let you loſe the Princeſs Mandana: Therefore Sir, you may very vvell look upon them as moſt certain pledges of your future good fortune: I ſhall look upon him (replied Cyrus) vvhen Ciaxares gives me leave to recompence the valour of ſo many brave men, vvho hath aided me as you have done to conquer them, or vvhen he has permitted me to reſtore them unto the unfortunate Croeſſus in the conſideration of the Prince Artamas: But ſince that is not yet, it is ſufficient I appoint Hidaspes to have a care of them; and indeed Cyrus had not ſtayed a minute longer in conſideration of all that magnificence, if he had not obſerved that Tigranes had an earneſt deſire to ſtay longer: So that being unvvilling to oppoſe his curioſity, he vvalked ſoftly through three great Chambers, and tvvo Galleries, vvhich paſſed from one into another, and vvhich vvere all filled vvith moſt rare and precious things: All placed in ſuch an order, and by ſo much Art, that one might every vvhere obſerve a regular confuſion, and pleaſant diſorder, vvhich the luſtre of the magnificent Cabinets did make; all vvhich did fill the imagination of beholders vvith abundance of pleaſing conceipts, and forced their minds and ſpirits into admiration; and certainly not without good cauſe, and Cyrus as diſintereſted as he was, and though full of ſorrow and paſſion, yet in the end honored with his obſervance, this prodigious heap of riches which Croeſſus had ſo dearly doted upon, and which Solon ſo little eſteemed, that they purchaſed his averſion: Never was ſeen together ſo much ſilver, ſo much gold, ſo many precious ſtones, nor ſo many rarities, as there were in thoſe three Chambers and two Galleries: The Grandure of the Diſhes and Veſſels were prodigies▪ the Statues of the ſame mettle were innumerable, and in beauty incomparable; but amongſt [...] all theſe ſeveral figures of gold, there was one of Marble ſo admirable, that it invited Cyrus to ſtay, and a long time to admire it above the reſt, though the material of it was not ſo precious as many others; it was faſhioned with ſo much art, and repreſented ſo fair a perſon, as it is no wonder, if it charmed the eyes of a Prince, whoſe judgment was moſt delicate, and who was exquiſitely able to judg of all beauties. This Statue was of a natural and ordinary grandure, ſtanding upon a Pedeſtal of gold, between Pillars on four ſides, of an admirable beauty, to each of them were Captives chained of all ſorts and conditions, but they were inchained by little Cupids, ſo rare and admirably wrought, as eye never ſaw better. The figure repreſented a Woman of about eighteen years of age, of a moſt ſuperlative, ſurprizing, and exact beauty; all the features of her face were wonderfully fair, her ſtature ſo noble and handſome, that nothing could be more alluring, her dreſs was ſo Courtly and extraordinary, that it was equally after the mode of T [...]rian Ladies, after the faſhion of the Nymphes, and after that faſhion in which the Goddeſſes are dreſſed, but particularly the Goddeſs of Victory, as the Athenians deck her, that is without wings, and only with a Coronet of Lawrel upon her head: This Statue was placed upon its Baſis, with ſuch a ſprightly action, as it ſeemed to be animated: The face, the neck, the arms, the hands were of white Marble; as well as the thighes and feet; whereof one part only was to be ſeen through the lacing of her buskins, becauſe ſhe did with her left hand a little hold up her Mantle, that ſhe might, as if it were, the more eaſily walk, holding in her right hand the skirt of her Vaile, which deſcended from the hinder part of her head, under the Coronet of Laurel, as if ſhe would prevent the Wind from whifling it too much. All the garniſhings of this figure were cut in Marble and Jaſper of various colours: The garment of this fair Phenecian, which was lapped in a thouſand pleaſing folds was of Jaſper, whoſe colour was ſo lively, that it reſembled the Tirian purple. A Scarf which was negligently thrown about her neck, and reached to her ſhoulders; was of a kind of Marble, mingled blew and white, which infinitely pleaſed the eye: The Vail of this figure was of the ſame piece, but carved with ſo much art, that it ſeemed to be as ſoft and pliant as a piece of Tiffiny: The Coronet of Laurel was of green Jaſper, and the Buskins were of enamel'd Marble; but the rareſt piece of admirable art was, there was a kind of Ayr and Spirit in this figure, which did inaminate it, and which perſwaded all beholders that it was ready to walk and ſpeak: One might perceive a ſprightly Phiſiognomy, and a certain kind of fierceneſs in her action, as let all beholders know, that ſhe whom it repreſented had a fierce ſoul, this figure looking with ſcorn upon the Captives which were inchained at her feet. Moreover, the Carver had ſo exactly imitated the freſhneſs and plumpneſs of young fair ones, that one might know the age of her whom he repreſented by that Statue. This figure being thus admirable, it was not without reaſon that the illuſtrious Cyrus was ſo curious as to ask the Prince Artamas, whether it was not the work of Dipoenus, [Page] or of S [...]ill▪s, who were the two moſt curious Gravers that were then in the world, imagining notwithſtanding, that this Statue was more then the bare effects of a fine phancy: But the Prince Artamas, after he had told him, that it was indeed the work of one of thoſe Gravers whereof he ſpoke, who were of the Iſle of Crete; he told him further, that it was made in repreſentation of a Lady of Quality in Tyre, with whom the late King of Phenicia was in Love, and who was reported to be one of the faireſt perſons of the World, much fairer then her Statue: This being ſo (ſaid Cyrus) Why did not that amorous King keep this figure? Becauſe as I have heard ſay (replied Artamas) this Statue was not finiſhed when that King died; and as doubtleſs you know Sir, ſince you have been in Greece, Dipoenus and Scillis did leave four images imperfect, which they began in Peloponneſis, to wit, of Apollo, of Diana, of Hercules, and of Minerva, becauſe there was not ready payment made of what was promiſed unto them, ſo you may eaſily conceive, that the King of Phenicia being dead, and the Prince his Son who ſucceeded him, having buſineſs of more importance upon him, then to give them what the King his Father had promiſed; Dipoenus and Scillis were no more patient with him, then they were in Greece; for after one demand of their wages, perceiving there was ſome reſpite of time required for the payment, they imbarqued in the night, and carried their work with them: And Croeſſus then having a repute to collect all rarities in all Aſia, they addreſſed themſelves to him, and ſold this Statue unto him: 'Tis true, the report is, that a little after the War, the young King of Phenicia ſent to demand it of Croeſſus, offering the double of what it coſt, but he would not part with it: This adventure, replied Cyrus, is doubtleſs worthy the beauty of this Statue which cauſed it. After this, he looked upon the miraculous quantity of Arms belonging to all Nations in the world, Arms of pure gold ſet with precious ſtones: He alſo admired the Thrones of moſſy gold; the figures of all the Gods which were adored throughout all Aſia, whoſe price of the bare materials only were worth more then is imagineable: He ſaw alſo in that place, Tables, Mirrous, and Cabinets of an ineſtimable price: All the Tables which were ſet round thoſe Chambers and Galleries, were filled with a million of moſt rare and rich things, Pearls, Rubies, Emeralds, Diamonds, and ſuch things, made ſuch a glorious and precious miſcelany, that no diapared Meadow in its glory of the Spring could make a more pleaſant object, then the variety of precious things did which lay upon thoſe Tables: In the midſt of theſe magnificent varieties, the ingenuous fables which Aeſope compoſed at Sardis were ſhevved unto Cyrus, in vvhich he had vvrit, and vvith ſuch art couched all the hiſtory of Croeſſus his Court, and vvhich this Prince ſo eſteemed, that vvhen Aeſope departed out of Lidia, he vvould needs have him give them unto him: And to teſtifie hovv much he eſteemed them, he cauſed them to be richly bound vvith thoſe vvhich he had before compoſed, which taught moſt excellent Morals unto thoſe who underſtood well the language of Beaſts, whom he made to ſpeak: Indeed the book was covered with enamelled gold, and ſo ſet with Diamonds, as turn it which way one pleaſed, the name of Aeſope appeared; the Claſps were as rich, and ſuitable to the reſt; and Croeſſus did not more honour unto Homer, or any of the books of the Sibbels, ſo famous throughout all Aſia, then he did unto Aeſope, ſince he thought his works worthy to be amongſt his Treaſures, which he prized at a higher rate then all things in the world beſides. After a ſerious contemplation of this world of riches, and with aſtoniſhment beheld the vaſt number of huge giblets of gold and ſilver: After, I ſay, he had reflected upon the misfortune of the Prince who loſt them, and ſo paſſionately loved them, Cyrus went out of this place of riches, unto the Chamber of miſerable Croeſſus, with whom was the Prince Myrſiles: This old King, and this young Prince, received Cyrus with all civility due unto a Conquerour, yet without any baſe dejection of Spirit: As there appeared a ſorrow in their eyes, ſo alſo there appeared a conſtancy in their ſouls; and Cyrus ſeeing with what reſoluteneſs they indured ſo great a miſery, ſaid aloud, That they deſerved to wear all their lives that Scepter which they had loſt, and that it ſhould not be his fault, if Cyrus did not reſtore it unto them: And indeed, this generous Prince did ſo behave himſelf towards Croeſſus, and his Son, in ſuch an obliging manner, that it may be ſaid he made a moſt abſolute conqueſt of them, and gained their hearts by his civility, as well as conquer their Kingdomes by his valour. As ſoon as Cyrus entred into the Chamber where they were, they advanced towards him: but this minded Prince, making haſt to meet them, received them with as much civility, as if it were in times of peace, or as if their preſent fortune were equal: I could never have believed (ſaid Croeſſus to [Page] his illuſtrious Conquerour) that I ſhould ever have thought my ſelf able to give thanks unto a Prince who conquered my Crown: Yet Sir, ſince I owe my life unto you, and ſince the ſame hand which pul'd me from my Throne, pul'd me alſo from the Scaffold which the King of Aſſyria's violence cauſed me to aſcend, I think it rather my duty to commend you, then to complain of my misfortune: But Sir, ſince the life which you have preſerved, can neither be glorious nor pleaſing unto me, let it ſuffice I only commend you without giving you thanks, and that I acknowledg you to be worthy of that glory which you poſſeſs: I do not deſire you ſhould thank me, replied Cyrus, Nor do I fully conſent you ſhould commend me; but I cannot indure that you ſhould hold ſo bad an opinion of the Medean Kings, as to diſpair of your being in a more happy condition then you are, eſpecially conſidering, that this Prince (added he, and preſented Artamas unto him) is my moſt dear friend, and conſidering that I have almoſt as much credit with Ciaxares, as Artamas hath with Cyrus. The King of Lydia, who had after then once ſince the taking of Sardis, repented himſelf of the injuſtice which he had done the Prince Artamas, did receive him very civilly, yet with much ſhame, it not being poſſible he ſhould ſee him, and not remember the obligements wherein he was bound, when he carried the name of Cleander, and the unjuſt impriſonment which he cauſed him to ſuffer, after he was known to be the Prince Artamas; yet notwithſtanding, as he was reſolved to acknowledg unto Cyrus, that he did not deſerve his misfortune, he did check himſelf, and ſaid, ſince Conquerours may impoſe what Laws they pleaſe upon the Conquered, I will believe what you pleaſe, and beſeech the Prince Artamas to bury all my violencies and injuries in Oblivion: It becomes me, replied the Prince of Phrigia, to forget all the miſeries of Artamas, but it becomes me alſo never to forget the obligations wherein Cleander ſtands bound unto you; therefore Sir, I do promiſe you, to be unto you as long as I live the very ſame I was when you honored me with your friendſhip: I beſeech you Sir (ſaid Cyrus, and interrupted him, ſpeaking to the King of Lydia) renew that old friendſhip with a Prince, who by many ſervices and much fidelity hath deſerved it: The friendſhip of a King without a Kingdome (replied Croeſſus, and ſighed) ought not to be twice asked, by my moſt illuſtrious Conquerour; therefore Sir, I conſent unto all you deſire of me, and readmit the Prince Artamas into the ſame place which formerly he poſſeſſed in my ſoul, being extreamly ſorry that I have not in me a power whereby to recompence his virtue: When I have intreated the King of Medes, replied Cyrus, to recompence your own, I ſhall let you know, that you have power enough to re [...]enerate his, and I wiſh unto the Heavens you had prevented your misfortune at the begining of the War, by giving him the Princeſs Palmis, and reſtoring me the Princeſs Mandana: But I beſeech you, added Cyrus, Give me leave to ask you, (if I may do it without exaſperating your ſorrows) by what motives and policy were you ingaged in this unjuſt War? And what was the true reaſon which moved you to ſlight the King of Medes and my friendſhip? No reaſon (replied Croeſſus ſadly) but your good fortune and my bad: For truly Sir, it doth moſt clearly appear, that the Gods would never have permitted me to protect the Raviſher of Mandana, but only to make you a Conquerour of my Kingdome: Never believe Sir that you can loſe this Princeſs; and to manifeſt it unto you, conſider, that every carrying her away hath gained you a Kingdom; and be aſſureed, that it is to make you Conquerour of all Aſia, the Gods have ſuffered ſhe ſhould wander from Province to Province: But oh you unjuſt Gods (cried he out) Why have you deluded me by Oracles ſo clear in appearance, and ſo obſcure in reality? Cyrus perceiving that without any deſign he had incenſed the ſorrows of Croeſſus, to comfort him, would hearken to his complaints, and dive into his thoughts; therefore he deſired him to give a reaſon why he accuſed the Gods? I accuſe them Sir (ſaid he) for advertiſing me by their Oracles of all the leaſt conſiderable paſſages of my life, and deceiving me in the moſt important buſineſs that ever I conſulted with them about: When I beſeeched them to tell me the iſſue of the Warre againſt you, they anſwered in theſe very tearms:

If thou unto this War will go,

An Empire great thou'lt overthrow.

Is it juſt Sir (ſaid this grieved Prince) that after ſo many offerings unto them, they ſhould ſo far delude me, as to make me believe I ſhould deſtroy them, who have deſtroyed [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] me? Therefore Sir, I beſeech you permit me amidſt the tranſport of my ſorrows, to ſend unto Delphos, to the end it may be a teſtimony unto all poſterity, that it is dangerous to be too curious in future matters, and that men ought not to pry too narrowly into the ſecrets of the Gods; for though I do accuſe them of injuſtice, yet my ſecond thoughts are more reaſonable then my firſt, and that it is my ſelf who am injuſt in complaining of them; whereas in very truth, I ought only to complain againſt my ſelf: For indeed the Gods are juſt, and ſaid truly, ſince in overthrowing my own Empire, I have overthrown one of the greateſt in all Aſia: However (replied Cyrus, and interrupted him) I will do my utmoſt that you may have cauſe to commend my way of dealing with you, and to ſweeten all your bitter misfortunes. In the mean time, if any of your Guards do diſobey my commands, and not render you that reſpect which I would have them, let me be advertiſed of it; to the end, that their puniſhment may ſatisfie you, and juſtifie me. Oh Sir (cried Croeſſus) I do not wonder that a Prince who knows ſo well how to uſe his virtue, ſhould alwayes Conquer: And I wonder leſs that the King of Aſſyria hath been conquered by a Prince, whoſe virtue tranſcends his: The King of Aſſyria (replied Cyrus modeſtly) hath been unfortunate, becauſe his deſign was unjuſt; but for the reſt, though he hath been ever my enemy, and though he be ſtill my Rival, yet I muſt needs juſtifie him in ſome part of that violence which he uſed towards you; and aſſure you, that his deſign was only to terrifie you ſo far, as to make you out of fear to tell where Mandana was, but his intentions never were to put you unto death: It is a thing which I am bound to tell you, becauſe I know it to be a truth; and to tell the ſooner, becauſe I cannot indure, that the man whoſe quality is equal unto yours and mine, ſhould be accuſed of an action ſo barbarous. After this, Croeſſus began again to commend him, the Prince Myrſiles did ſecond him, Artamas, Tigranes, and Anaxaris could not chuſe alſo but applaud Cyrus: whoſe modeſty not being able to hear ſuch commendations of himſelf, was forced to depart a little ſooner then otherwiſe he would from the King of Iydia. This unfortunate Prince did entreat Cyrus before he went away, to uſe well his new conquered Subjects, beſeeching him not to take it ill, if he uſed his beſt endeavour to be their Protector, though he could not be their King. Cyrus was ſo moved at this requeſt, that he renewed all the proteſtations and promiſes which he formerly made unto Croeſſus; aſſuring him, that he would imploy all his power with Ciaxares, that he would reſtore the Crown unto him which he had loſt, upon condition that he ſhould become his Vaſſal, as the King of Armenia was, and that he ſhould follow the Wars until he had releaſed Mandana. And indeed Cyrus was no ſooner returned to the Cittadel, but he began to write unto the King of Meades, both in the behalf of Croeſſus, and to render him an accompt of all paſſages, intending to diſpatch a Poſt the next morning, and then to be in a readineſs for a viſit of the Princeſs Araminta, and to carry with him the Prince Spitridates: The truth is, he could not write without perturbation of mind, and interruptions to himſelf, for his imagination was filled with thoughts of the Princeſs Mandana, upon the leaſt noyſe which he heard, he alwayes thought that ſome was bringing intelligence of her, and the place where ſhe was carried unto; ſo that theſe flattering hopes begot a moſt horrid renovation of grief, when he found they were deceived. But whil'ſt he was writing in theſe perturbations of mind, Spitridates was entertaining himſelf with hopes ſo full of impatience, that it may be well ſaid, time was a torment unto him, for believing he ſhould ſee the Princeſs Araminta the next morning, every minute ſeemed an Age unto him: As for Seſoſtris and Artamas, after they had conducted Cyrus unto the Cittadel, they returned to the Pallace, to ſee at once thoſe two Princeſſes who raigned in their ſouls: The firſt of theſe, ſince he had not of a long time ſeen his deareſt Timaretta, he thought he ſhould never ſee her enough: And the ſecond, beſides the joy which he ſhould have to be with his Princeſs, he was joyed, that he was able to render an accompt unto her of the conference between Cyrus and the King her Father, and that he was able to tell her that he was well received. Since theſe two Princeſſes had two Chambers which joyned together, and ſince they were both in their own Chambers, which Seſoſtris and Artamas came to ſee them, they parted at the doors of the Chambers. But vvhil'ſt Seſoſtris vvas entertaining his deareſt Timaretta, and vvhil'ſt he vvas proteſting that his Love vvas as violent, as vvhen ſhe vvas the faireſt Shepheardeſs of all Aegypt, and he the moſt amorous Shepheard of the World. Whil'ſt, I ſay, Artamas vvas proteſting unto the Princeſs Palm [...], (after he had rendred her an accompt of all paſſages bet [...] [...] and him) that the a [...]teration in her fortune had vvrought no change in his heart, [Page] and that he did love her vvith more zeal and reſpect, though the King her Father vvas a Captive, and though he had loſt his Crown, then he did before, when ſhe was the Daughter of the moſt puiſſant and rich King of all Aſia: Whil'ſt (I ſay) theſe two illuſtrious Lovers found ſome ſweetneſs in diſcourſing of their paſt misfortunes and preſent miſeries, Andramites prepared himſelf to wait upon Cyrus the next morning, when he intended to carry Spitridates unto Araminta, to the end he might the ſooner ſee his beloved Doraliſa: Ligdamis alſo, as well as he had the ſame deſign to ſee his deareſt Cleonice: Parmen [...]des alſo, who came to Sardis as ſoon as he heard it was taken, thought of returning to ſee Cydipe; ſo that all theſe Amor [...]tes being no leſs amorous then Spitridates, were no leſs impatient then he, and expected the happy hour with as much reſtleſſeneſs of mind: They all departed, not ſo early in the morning as they could have deſired, becauſe Cyrus had yet ſo much buſineſs to diſpatch, that the Sun was a great height before he took horſe; for he had not only his laſt orders to give unto the meſſenger whom he ſent unto Ciaxares, but he had commands to give concerning the bringing of Menecrates and [...]hraſemedes unto Sardis: He had written and ſent unto Perſipolis, but he had yet to command, that they ſhould go unto certain ſmall Maritine Towns, whoſe names were out of his memory when he ſent unto Ephiſus, Milete, Guides, and Cuma; for though in his ſending thither he had given orders in general to go unto all the Ports on that Coaſt; yet becauſe he had not preciſely named the Towns which he then remembred, he vvould ſend thither, chuſing rather to do a hundred things to no purpoſe, concerning the Queſt of his Princeſs, then to fail in the leaſt circumſtance that had any ſhadow of poſſibility in doing her ſervice: But at laſt all buſineſs was diſpatched, and he departed, firſt asking pardon of the Prince Spitridates, for keeping him ſo long from the ſight of the Princeſs Araminta, conjuring him to pardon the fault of an unhappy Lover, who was not ſo neer the ſight of her he loved as he was. After this complement which Spitridates received with the ſame civility it was expreſſed, they rid towards the Caſtle where Cyrus had lodged Araminta: Tigranes knowing the violent diſpoſition of his Brother Phraartes, would alſo make one in this journey, to prevent any unruly attempt, which his Brother might fall upon at the ſight of Spitridates: As for Andramites, Ligdamis, and Parmenides, they waited upon Cyrus at this time, more for their ſakes whom they loved, then for any other reaſon: Aglatidas, who was intereſt in all theſe Lovers, was very deſirous to be a witneſs of all their joyes, ſo that he accompanied Cyrus as well as Anaxaris, Artabanes, Chriſantes, Hirmogenes, Leontidas, Megabiſes, and many others. This Prince took with him two hundred horſe for his Guard, conceiving that there was not need of any more, though it was a daies journey in a Country newly conquered, for Croeſſus had no Troops in the field, the diſorder was ſo great amongſt the people, and the Dominion of Cyrus was hoped to be ſo gentle, that conſidering [...]he ſtate of things, there was no fear of any revolt: Alſo a great part of the way he was to go, was through the Camp, and their own Quarters, and by conſequence leſs dangerous: But when theſe Princes were about fifty furlongs from Sardis, Cyrus met a ſervant of Artabaſes, unto whom he had committed the Guard of Panthea and Araminta, when he diſplaced Araſpes: This ſervant came to tell him from his Maſter, that the Prince Phraartes had carried away the Princeſs of Pontus: This ſervant had no ſooner openly delivered his meſſage unto Cyrus, but Spitridates gave ſo ſad a cry, that he did moſt ſenſibly move the hearts of all who heard him unto pity: As for Cyrus, though he had only a moſt pure harmleſs affection unto Araminta, and pity of Spitridates, yet was he moſt extreamly troubled at the accident; the ſence of honour, mixing with the tenderneſs of his ſoul, cauſed him to reſent very bitterly this little reſpect which Phraartes had of him in taking away a Princeſs who was his priſoner: Tigranes for his particular was exceedingly grieved at his Brothers fault; and it had been a difficult matter for a ſtranger, ſeeing theſe three Princes to know which of them was the Lover of the Princeſs who was carried away: Though the ſorrows of Spitridates were a thouſand times deeper then thoſe of Cyrus and Tigranes, yet his eyes, his words, and all his actions, could not make it appear how great they were: After his firſt apprehenſion of ſorrow and diſpair, he ſtood ſtill more then a quarter of an hour in a Lethargy of Spirit, which made him hear what others ſaid, as if he underſtood them not. During all this time of this ſad ſilence, he had ſuch a cloud of diſmal melancholy in his face, as made it moſt apparent, that his ſoul was in moſt horrid torments: The firſt words he uttered were, Is it poſſible that Artabaſes, the fidelity of whoſe heart I make no doubt, ſhould not prevent ſo great a misfortune? Sir, replied the ſervant, the [Page] great wounds which he hath received upon this occaſion, will ſufficiently teſtifie, that he hath not failed in the duty which he owes you, and that his extraordinary valour did not at this time fail him: But how is it poſſible (replied Cyrus, and interrupted him) that Phraartes could execute his deſign? Sir (replied the ſervant) to acquaint you exactly how it was, be pleaſed to know, that when the news of taking Sardis came unto the Caſtle where we were, all the Souldiers in it looked upon thoſe who were with you, as much more happy then themſelves, becauſe there they might inrich themſelves with the plunder of that rich Town, inſomuch as the very night following, the greater half disbanded themſelves, intending to mingle confuſedly amongſt your victorious Troops, and ſhare with them in their booty, ſo that by this means the Garriſon was extreamly weakened: My Maſter determined to acquaint you with it, but ſince he was to keep ſuch as were priſoners, and no priſoners, ſuch as you looked upon rather as their Protector, then as their Conquerour, he conceived that it was not neceſſary to acquaint you, eſpecially ſince there was no likelyhood that any ſhould attempt their releaſement. Thus fearing leſt you ſhould tax him with negligence, he would not advertiſe you of Souldiers his flight, but reſted quiet as before. After this Sir, ſo it chanced, that the ſame day you went in queſt of the Princeſs Mandana, the Prince Phraartes came to ſee the Princeſs Araminta, who gave him moſt cold entertainment. As ſoon as he had left her, ſhe ſent for my Maſter to complain unto him of you, ſaying, that ſhe had entreated you to prevent Phraartes from ſeeing her; but he telling her, that you were ignorant of his coming, and that he came out of Sardis after your departure, it was ſome conſolation unto her, conceiving then that ſhe had more right to treat him ill: But truly, I being at the Princeſs Chamber to ſpeak with Heſionide, when he came unto her the ſecond time, I was a Witneſs that her language vvas ſo ſharp, and bitter unto him, as I admire he would ever carry avvay that Princeſs, vvho expreſſed ſuch a terrible averſion tovvards him. As ſoon as he vvas gone out of her Chamber, ſhe charged me to tell my Maſter, that ſhe conjured him not to let Phraartes enter any more into her Chamber: And the truth is Sir, Artabaſes vvent unto him, deſiring him to ſee her no more, but to go out of the Caſtle. Phraartes as violent as his humour is, did upon this occaſion curb himſelf, and anſvvered him vvith ſo much civility, that he did not think it fit to force a man of his Quality out, vvithout ſpecial order from you: And ſince he vvas then ignorant vvhere you vvere, he could not advertiſe you of the paſſage; ſo that contenting himſelf vvith keeping Phraartes from going unto the Chamber of the Princeſs Araminta, and could not in any reaſon fear, that a Prince vvho had only one Page vvith him, vvould ever attempt any thing of force. During this time, Phraartes vvould often viſit Cleonice, Ar [...]alice, Lycaſte, Doraliſa, Cydip [...], Candiope, and Phorenice, vvith all the reſt of the priſoners, diſcourſing continually with them of the Princeſs Araminta: When he was not with any of them, he would walk under the Window of that Princeſs, from whence he ſometimes ſaw her againſt her will; for you know Sir, ſhe lodged in a low Chamber towards the Garden: But whil'ſt he carried it thus, his Page, who was very obſervant of him, was continually talking and playing with thoſe Souldiers, who were oft from the Guard. In this manner Sir did Phraartes behave himſelf until yeſterday, when one of thoſe you ſent unto Epheſus, to Guides, to Cumes, to Miletes, and many other places, after you had met with the Prince S [...]ridates, came to this Caſtle, where he lodged, becauſe it was in his way: So that he meeting with Phraartes, who was walking before the Gate, where by chance I was, I ſaw he knew him: He asked him from whence he came, and whether he went? The other anſwered, that you Sir had met with Spitridates, that he had told you hovv the King of Pontus was imbarqued with the Princeſs Mandana at a Port called Artames, that you treated that Prince with a thouſand welcomes, and that you vvent both together unto Sard [...] Phraartes no ſooner underſtood that the Prince Spitridates was with you, but he changed [...], cauſing him to repeat over again what before he told him: After vvhich▪ [...] but that Spitridates was the very ſame vvho vvas ſo much talked of for [...]lan [...], vvhich this man ſaid vvas betvveen him he had ſeen, and [...] vvithout all doubt he vvould be ſhortly with Araminta, and [...] Princeſs unto Sardis: So that it is probable, for this reaſon he [...] that deſign which he was hatching when he came firſt to the [...], becauſe we underſtanding this morning, that his [...] with that [...]nall number of Souldiers vvhich vve had, he had [...] preſents and gifts, for one of them vvho is novv vvounded, [Page] hath diſcovered the truth unto us. But in concluſion Sir, not to abuſe your patience any longer, preſently after all the Ladies were retired unto their Chambers, and Artabaſes according to his cuſtome had gone the Round, viſited the Guards, and was entred into his Chamber, Phraartes came out vvith his men, from the place vvhere vve thought he had been aſleep; ſo that aſſembling all the Souldiers vvhom he had ſuborned, the reſt vvere ſo ſmall a number, as they vvere not able to reſiſt their companions: Alſo to affright them, he threatned to kill them. After vvhich, dividing themſelves, ſome vvent unto the Chamber of the Princeſs Araminta, and others unto the lodging of Artabaſes, to prevent him from relieving: And in ſhort Sir, their deſign took ſuch effect, as they carried away the Princeſs, and vve not able to hinder them; not but that the noyſe which they made in breaking the Windows of the Chamber, and the cryes of the Ladies did awaken us at the firſt. Artabaſes vvas vvounded at the beginning of the tumult, and ſome felt the vveight of his arm, vvho vvould have kept him from coming out to the relief of the Princeſs; yet at laſt he received ſo many Wounds, and loſt ſo much blood, that he fell dovvn as dead, and vvas no longer able to oppoſe the violence of Phraartes: In ſhort, he has thriven in his unjuſt deſign, and hath made uſe of ſome of my Maſters Horſes to carry away the Princeſs, and indeed leaving none that were able to follovv, for he mounted upon them all the Complies of his Crime. I ſhall not relate unto you Sir, the cryes and tears of Cleonice, Doraliſa, Pherenice, Candiope, Licaſte, Arpalice, and all the reſt of the Ladies: But give me leave to tell you Sir, that as ſoon as my Maſter came unto himſelf, he commanded me to get a horſe at the next houſe, and to come in all haſt to acquaint you vvith this diſaſterous adventure, and his ſorrovvs, vvhich Sir is ſuch, as he would not let me ſtay a minute to get his Wounds dreſſed, though I aſſure you there was great need of it. As long as this diſcourſe of the ſervant laſted, the ſoul of Spitridates was in torment, his ſorrovvs for the carrying away the Princeſs was not all the cauſe of it, for many pangs of an unjuſt jealouſie of Cyrus began to revive, and his fear was, that it was Cyrus who cauſed Araminta to be carried away: For ſince he did not yet know that Phraartes was in Love with her, he could not deviſe what motive ſhould induce him unto that act of Violence. On the other ſide, the ſorrow and anger which he ſaw in the eyes of Cyrus, did thwart his unjuſt opinion: Alſo conſidering that Artabaſes was very much Wounded, he could not underſtand why Cyrus ſhould let ſuch a man to periſh, whom he eſteemed worthy to have the Guard of tvvo great Princeſſes: Hovvever, though he ſavv ſome reaſon on the one ſide, and no appearance of any on the other, yet he could not compoſe his reſolutions, and his ſoul ſuffered more torment, then his tongue was able to expreſs: But theſe jealous thoughts had no long time of reſting in his heart, for as ſoon as the ſervant of Artabaſes had ended his relation of all the buſineſs, Cyrus expreſſed himſelf ſo obligingly, ſo generouſly, and ſo tenderly unto Spitridates, that his candid language had a more prevalent operation, then reaſon only and truth had, for he did quite eradicate thoſe ſparks of jealouſie which began to kindle in the mind of that Prince, and which would not ſuffer him to complain againſt the cruelty of his adventure, not well knowing whether he ſhould quarrel with Cyrus, as the Raviſher of Araminta, and as his Rival, or complain againſt him as his friend, and as the Protector of his Princeſs. But when he heard Tigranes ask Cyrus and him pardon for the violent crime of his Brother, and ſaid, That he himſelf would be the firſt who would help to puniſh him, and that he would never leave Cyrus until he had found that Princeſs which he had loſt: And when he underſtood from the mouth of Cyrus, that the Prince Phraartes fell in Love with the Princeſs Araminta, as ſoon as ſhe came unto Artaxates, his ſoul found ſome eaſe amidſt his ſorrows; and then he began to hearken and anſwer unto the ſincere proteſtations which Cyrus made unto him: You know (ſaid this free-minded Prince) That I am more obliged then any other to intereſt my ſelf in what concerns you, ſince I owe my life unto the Queen Arbiana your Mother, at that time when ſhe received me into her houſe in Bythinia: For though ſhe did think me to be her Son, yet I muſt ſet a value upon her cares of me; and truly ſhe treated me ſo generouſly after the diſcovery of her errour, that though there were no other reaſons then this, yet I ſhould think my ſelf obliged to ſerve you with my real affection: But generous Prince, I have more prevalent reaſons then that; your own merit, Noble Prince, hath arguments enough to oblige me; the Virtue of the Princeſs Araminta requires my beſt ſervices, and the injury which I have received from Phraartes, makes the matter as much m [...]e as yours, ſince the Prince Tigranes, before whom I ſpeak, is of a [...] generous ſoul, I am confident he will allow [Page] me to complain againſt his Brother: But not to loſe a minute of precious time, let us haſt unto the place where the crime was committed, and try if we can find which way they took: Then would Spitridates have diſſwaded Cyrus from going any further towards the Caſtle, deſiring of him only fifty horſe, with whom he himſelf only would purſue the Raviſher, but Cyrus would not be diſſwaded: So that all of them ſetting in all haſt forward, they came thither betimes, where they underſtood more then they could by the ſervant of Artabaſes, whom they found ſo ill of his Wounds, that Cyrus had not power to accuſe him for not acquainting him with the flight of his Souldiers, which was the cauſe of the Princeſs Araminta's being carried away: Spitridates not being able to reſt all uight in the Caſtle, intreated Cyrus that he might go out the ſame night, and that he would lend him fifty horſes: Cyrus then excuſed himſelf a thouſand times unto that Prince, in that he could not quit the intereſts he had in Mandana for his, and in that he ſhould part from him before he had recovered Araminta, conjuring him to acquaint him with all paſſages concerning her, to the end he might ſend him an Army if need were, proteſting, that there was nothing which he would not do for his ſatisfaction, and the liberty of ſo virtuous a Princeſs; adding, that ſince Tigranes would go with him, there would be leſs need of his valour. Spitridates at the firſt did oppoſe the intentions of Tigranes to follow him; but afterwards, conſidering that his preſence might be uſeful, he accepted his offer, and went together, after they had reſted their horſes ſome two or three hours, during which time they had intelligence which way Phraartes did firſt take: But in lieu of fifty horſes, Cyrus gave a hundred unto Spitridates, who would not ſee thoſe Ladies who were in the Caſtle, for his ſoul was too much perplexed for any complements. When this Prince was ready to take horſe, Cyrus imbraced him, and told him, that he was ſorry there was as great a reſemblance in their misfortunes as in their faces, and wiſhed he might be more happy in releaſing Araminta, then himſelf had been in releaſing the Princeſs Mand [...]na; after which, theſe two Princes parted. Spitridates was no ſooner gone, but Cyrus reſolved to return unto Sardis the next morning betimes, and therefore went to ſee all the Ladies in the Caſtle, and to diſpoſe them for a removal unto Sardis, and alſo to cheer them up after the diſaſter of the Princeſs Araminta, knowing very well, that they all did moſt tenderly love her: He found them all in the Chamber of Lycaſte, where Andramites, Parmanides, and [...]igdamis were before him, for they were not able to be any longer in a place where the perſons whom they loved were, and not to ſee them. Though Cyrus was full of ſorrow, both for his own misfortunes and his friends, yet he carried himſelf with ſuch civility towards all the Ladies, as there was not one who did not highly applaud him.

After he had in a condoling manner ſpoke concerning the Princeſs Araminta's carrying away, he told Lycaſta, that to prevent the like misfortune in Arpalice, her Lovers muſt be agreed, and their differences ended, and therefore he conjured him to return unto Sardis; ſpeaking alſo afterwards in a moſt obliging manner unto Arpalice, Cydipe, and Candiope: Afterwards he talked a while unto Doraliſa and Pherenice, concerning the Queen of Suſiana, and alſo ſpoke ſomething unto Leonice in favour of Ligdamis. But Mandana being the principal aim of all his thoughts, he asked them all in general, Whether they did not pity him in his ſufferings of ſo many ſuch ſorrows as Spitridates had now tryall of? And there was not one amongſt them, who did not imploy their beſt eloquence to perſwade Cyrus, that they did extreamly intereſt themſelves in the misfortunes of that Princeſs and himſelf. Cleonice among the reſt, to teſtifie her zeal, ſaid, That as oft as ſhe remembred how and by whom the Princeſs Mandana had been carried away, ſhe conceived ſuch an extream hatred againſt men, as there was not above two or three men in the whole Univerſe, whom ſhe did not hate: Really, ſaid ſhe, I do not think there is any ſuch pernicious Villains in the World, as thoſe who carry away Women without their conſents; I will not except ſo much as Aſſaſſinates, Poyſoners, or Traytors; for revenge, or ſuch like, may ſometimes have cauſes ſo conſiderable, as may juſtifie, or at leaſt extenuate the moſt bloudy effects: But can any one perſwade me, that it is a good reaſon for the carrying away of a Woman, to ſay he was in Love with her? It is impoſſible, for vvhere one loves another, he vvill do nothing but vvhat ſhall make himſelf loved, and not ſuch things as will procure hatred: I muſt confeſs, (ſaid Doraliſa, and interrupted her) That to look upon the matter as you do, you have cauſe to hate all men: But to conſider it as I do, I think that I have cauſe to ſay, that by the ſame reaſon I ſhould deſpiſe almoſt all Women; and I think my ſelf able to maintain, that if [Page] there never had been any vvho had pardoned their Raviſhers, the Princeſs Mandana, nor the Princeſs Araminta, had never been taken away: But ſince every man can fetch ſome example of ſome Lady or other, who was appeaſed after ſhe was taken away, they flatter themſelves in a hope to thrive no worſe then they did who carried them avvay: So that it may well be ſaid, that it is the weakneſs of ſome Women vvhich cauſed the inſolent boldneſs of men, for never any did attempt the committing of a crime, without hopes of thriving by it: This vvhich you ſay, replyed Cleonice, Does not juſtifie men, but only excuſe them: 'Tis true, ſaid Doraliſa, But they have ſomething to ſay for themſelves, more then Women have who pardons thoſe who take them away, ſince, as I conceive, they are without all manner of excuſe: What can they ſay to authorize their imbecility, but that their ſouls were of a baſe mould, and their hearts puſilanimious? Are they not Miſtreſſes of their own lives, though not of their liberties, in caſe any violence be offered? But certainly thoſe who can pardon ſuch a crime, can pardon any thing elſe: For my part, I muſt confeſs ingenuouſly, That I had much rather be accuſed for voluntary abandoning my heart, unto a man whom I ſhould think worthy to enjoy it, then ſuffer my ſelf to be perſwaded by a man who treated me ill, and carried me away: I conceive the opinion of Doraliſa to be ſo generous and reaſonable, replyed Cyrus, that I am perſwaded there is not a Lady in all the company who will contradict her: I aſſure you Sir, replyed ſhe, that peradventure there is ſome one who will allow of it, rather out of reſpect to you, then out of her own opinion: I would gladly know, ſaid Arpalice, Whom it is you ſuſpect not to be of your opinion: Since I will aſſure you, that it is not your ſelf, replied Doraliſa, and ſince I confeſs my ſelf to be perſwaded that you vvould never pardon Menecrates, if he ſhould carry you away: You need not importune me any further, and to ſpeak ſincerely, I do not know: The ſcope of what I ſaid was only this, that I verily believe there are few Women of firm and generous ſouls, and that I might the more applaud the illuſtrious Mandana, who though ſhe hath had three of the greateſt Princes of the World asking her pardon for carrying her away, and yet vvould never grant them, chuſing rather to ſee all Aſia in a flame, then yeeld unto the deſires, ſighs▪ and tears of her Raviſhers: For my part, I do confeſs, that when I had the honour to ſee her at Suſa, I was more raviſhed at the conſtancy of her ſoul, then at the charms of her beauty or Wit, though ſhe be the moſt abſolute accompliſhed Princeſs of the World: But to teſtifie, that all Women are not of my opinion, Give me leave to tell you, that ſome of the Queen of Suſiana's Women, finding the King of Pontus to be a very accompliſhed man, and ſeeing in Love and much perplexed, they murmured againſt the ſtubbornneſs of the Princeſs Mandana; and wiſhed her of a little more flexible nature: I beſeech you, ſaid Pherenice, declare that I was not of that opinion: I do not remember you were, replyed Doraliſa, but though you were, the illuſtrious Cyrus would think never the worſe of you; for then you had not the honour to know him: Doubtleſs I ſhould not, replyed Cyrus; But I do confeſs, I had rather ſhe were not of that mind; and you have much more obliged me then I thought I was, by acquainting me with your opinion: If you be obliged, replyed Licaſta, unto all thoſe vvho vviſh the Raviſhers of Mandana may periſh, and that you may be happy, you are obliged unto the greateſt part of all Aſia: Since I do believe Madam, replyed Cyrus, that you meaſure the thoughts of others by your own, your expreſſion doth infinitely both pleaſe and oblige me: But becauſe I would not be too troubleſome unto her who is a wiſher of my good fortune, by ſtaying too late, I ſhall take my leave of her until to morrovv at night, when I ſhall hope for the honour of ſeeing her at Sardis, with all this honoured company, whom Andramites and Ligdamis will convey thither: Methinks Sir (replyed Doraliſa cunningly) That ſince it is requiſite your Convoy and Guard ſhould be ſtronger then ours, you vvere beſt to take Andramites along vvith you, and leave only Ligdamis vvith us: Since I think my ſelf a little better verſed in the Orders of War then you are, replyed Cyrus and ſmiled, I hope you will excuſe me, if I do not follovv your adviſe in this, though I vvill obe [...] in every thing elſe: In ſaying ſo, Cyrus riſe up, without ſtaying for the thanks of Andramites, and after he had ſaluted all the Ladies with extraordinary grace and [...] retired unto the Chamber which was prepared for him, where he repoſed himſelf [...] break of day, and then commanding a care to be had of Artabaſes, he departed, but was with a melancholy ſoul, for thinking that this accident unto a Prince whom he ſo much eſteemed, and unto a Prince who reſembled him, vvas a very bad Omen; and conſidering, that the advantage of the Princeſs Araminta, [Page] vvas novv out of his power, it grieved him very much, for ſhe vvas Siſter to the King of Pontus, and was a very good Pawn which he had loſt, ſo that every ſtep of way was a freſh thought of melancholy: Anaxaris kept the neereſt him, and to him he ſpoke the moſt that day. After a long deſcant upon his misfortunes, Cyrus upon a ſudden began to ſlack his pace, and looking very obligingly upon him: How long valiant ſtranger (ſaid he unto him) Will you hide your ſelf from me, and put me to the neceſſity of ſaying, that you are the man whom of all the world I know beſt, and know leaſt? I am moſt confident there is none knows your worth better then I do; I know you are of an excellent compoſure, I am acquainted with the accuteneſs and excellency of your Spirit; Generoſity ſhines in your ſoul, your valour is abſolutely Heroique; but for all this, I know not who you are, nor know whom to ask; therefore, dear Anaxaris, I beſeech you give me leave to ask the queſtion, and let me not be denied: I wiſh Sir, I could deſerve thoſe commendations you are pleaſed to give me: And I wiſh alſo, that I were able to ſatisfie your curioſity: But ſince it is convenient for me to conceal my ſelf, as ſince it will not at all avail you to know, I hope you will not put me to neceſſity of diſobeying you: Though all this doth but augment my curioſity, replied Cyrus, yet becauſe I love you, I will check my deſires, upon condition you will be perſwaded, that my greateſt reaſon which moved me to deſire the knowledg of vvhom you vvere, vvas my deſires of ſerving you: Anaxaris returned thanks unto Cyrus for the honour which he did him, but it was in ſuch terms as perſwaded that Prince, that Anaxaris was of ſuch a Quality, as was more uſed to receive then give thanks. Since now they drew neer the Camp, Cyrus, though of giving out ſeveral orders as he paſſed, he viſited many of the chief Commanders, ſo that it was almoſt night when he came to Sardis: At his entrance in he met Mazares, who came to meet him, and they ſaluted with the ſame civility which they uſually ſhewed unto each other, but in ſuch a melancholy manner, as made it manifeſt there was no news to be heard of Mandana: I will not ask you (generous Rival) ſaid Cyrus unto him, Whether you know any thing concerning our Princeſs, for your ſadneſs ſpeaks you do not: 'Tis very true Sir (replied Mazares) I do not know any thing of the Princeſs more then what you knew yeſterday when you parted; But I know another thing which will be a Wonder unto you, and which I will immediately tell you: Since it is not any thing which relates unto the Princeſs, replied Cyrus, you may tell me what you pleaſe, and I ſhall hearken unto it vvithout any impatience: I do not ſay, replied Mazares, That it does not relate unto Mandana, but only that I do not know any thing of that Princeſs, for if I had ſaid ſo, I had ſaid untruly, ſince it is to be believed, that the King of Aſſyria is gone to ſeek her: Is the King of Aſſyria gone? (replied Cyrus with aſtoniſhment?) Yes Sir, anſvvered Mazares, One of his men whom he left with a Letter for you, told me, that he himſelf took horſe about four hours ſince, and that he intended to ride all night, and do what he could to be the firſt who ſhould know where the Princeſs Mandana is.

Cyrus no ſooner heard this ſtrange news, but he changed colour, and cholor began to mix with his ſorrows: He was afraid the King of Aſſyria had received ſome ſecret intelligence of the place where Mandana was: It vexed him that the violence of his nature ſhould prompt him unto a thing which would be taken for exceſs of Love: He was afraid that he would find out ſome wayes to come unto Mandana, and deliver her, though there was no likelyhood of it: As for Mazares, his thoughts were as turbulent as thoſe of Cyrus; for though his Love was without any hope, and though he was reſolved to look no further then the liberty of Mandana, yet many times his heart would ſparkle out ſome hatred of his Rival, and Love of the Princeſs Mandana; ſo that he ſtood in need of all his reaſon to expel and ſmother theſe guſts of his old paſſion. At this time he had no leiſure to vent his thoughts, for Cyrus had ſo great a deſire to ſee what the King of Aſſyria had writ, that he ſent in all haſt for the man who had the Letter, appointing him to be brought unto the Cittadel, vvhither he vvent, to expect him vvith an impatience ſuitable to the grandure of his Love; yet he was not long in that reſtleſs mood, for the King of Aſſyria's Officer, knowing that Cyrus was returned to Sardis, came unto him at the ſame inſtant that he was ſent for; ſo that within a quarter of an hour after Cyrus came to the Cittadel, he received the Letter, which he ſo impatiently longed for: He opened the Letter in all haſt, and read it ſo faſt, as if he would have known all the Contents of it in one inſtant; yet notwithſtanding his impatient haſt, he was long in reading it; for the King of Aſſyria writing it in haſt, the Character was not legible, yet in concluſion he picked out theſe words.

[Page]

The King of Aſſyria to the too happy CYRUS.

NEver think that the deſign which I have undertaken to go in queſt of the Princeſs, ſhall make me decline the leaſt jot from our old conditions; on the contrary, leaving you in the head of a hundred thouſand men, and I going alone to diſcover if I can where the Princeſs it, the confidence which I have in your Word, obligeth you to keep exact touch with me: As for my part, never fear that I will fail, ſince a King without a Kingdome or Army, is not in a condition of daring to do it, though he would. Give me leave then to go and be your Spy, ſince it is the pleaſure of Fate I can do nothing elſe, as long as we believed the Princeſs Mandana to be in Armenia, or knew that ſhe was in Sardis, the hope of delivering her, did ſuffer me to indure the ſight of you and Mazares: But now, ſince we know not where ſhe is, and ſince I ſhall be leſs uſeleſs in the Army, then perhaps I ſhall be elſwhere, I will quit my ſelf from the ſight of my Rivals, not but that I know the height of your generoſity in all that relates unto me: But I had rather that the Princeſs Mandana ſhould accuſe you of too little Love unto her, in your too much civility unto me, then ſhe ſhould accuſe me of too little affection unto her, in the too acknowledgment which I have of you: Therefore I leave it to the publike voge, either to commend you, or blame me for what we do: However, once more, I incite you to the obſervation of our conditions, and remember alwayes, that you can never enjoy Mandana, until you have ruined

The King of Aſſyria.

After Cyrus had read this Letter, his ſoul was a little more at eaſe, although he found many things which netled him, and which revived in his heart that old hatred which he had towards this furious Rival, when he paſſed under the name of Philidaſpes, and when he himſelf under the name of Artamenes; but his comfort was, that he perceived the King of Aſſyria's departure was only an effect of his phantaſtical humourt, and of his violent temper, not that he knew any particulars of the Princeſs Mandana; yet the remembrance of that favourable Oracle which this Prince received from the Temple of Jupiter, Belas at Babylon, did ſomewhat ſting his apprehenſion: And ſince he could not think upon that Oracle, but he muſt needs alſo remember that ſad anſwer vvhich the Sibel gave him, theſe thoughts revived ſome fears in him; yet notwithſtanding, when he conſidered, that the plauſible Oracle of Croeſſus had been ill interpreted, his hopes revived. In the mean time, ſince he found extraordinary virtue to be in the Prince Mazares, and ſince he did not then look upon him as his Rival, he ſhewed him the King of Aſſyria's Letter, as if he had been his intimate friend. Theſe two Princes did diſcourſe a while upon the violent humour of their Rival, and of the deſign which he could have; and the more they conſidered it, the more they believed it to be a meer Vagary of his humour. As they were in theſe thoughts, Feraulas came in, who came to acquaint Cyrus, that he had brought Arianita and Timonide unto Sardis; and that he had brought that Lady unto the Palace, unto whom Cyleniſe had given half of her Chamber. Cyrus, who loved all that belonged to his Princeſs, was very glad to know that Arianita was better then when he laſt ſaw her, though ſhe was not alwayes favourable unto him; and he appointed Feraulas to have a care of her, deſiring alſo Tegeus, vvhom he ſavv in his Chamber among the reſt, to tell Cyleniſe, that he took all her good offices done unto Arianita, as done unto himſelf. Preſently after, Ligdamis and Arianita came in, who told Cyrus, that all the Ladies which he ſavv the night before, vvere come to Sardis; and ſince they had no deſire to ſeparate, they vvere all lodged at the houſe of Licaſta's Siſter. But Cyrus not liking that, he ſent to entreat them they vvould be pleaſed to lodg in the Palace, vvhich vvas of capacity enough to lodg them all conveniently; vvhich offer, after once refuſal, they accepted; So as it may vvell be ſaid, That never vvas there ſuch a company of Beauties as this was in the Palace of Croeſſus: 'Tis very true, every one of them was not equally ſatisfied: There was three of them who were unfortunate, and the reſt very happy: Timaretta was all hopes, and had nothing to fear; Seſoſtris was living, Seſoſtris was faithful, and Heracleon was dead; ſo that nothing wanted to compleat their contentment, but to return into Aegypt, where Amaſis did earneſtly deſire them. On the other ſide, Croeſſus was as unfortunate, as Timaretta was happy; and [Page] all his conſolation was in the generoſity of his Conquerour. The Prince Myrſiles, though he loſt the hopes of a Crown, yet obtained of the Gods the liberty of his ſpeech; but he only imployed the uſe of that Organ in lamenting his misfortune, it was a benefit too dear to be ſenſible of. As for the Princeſs Palmis, ſince Artamas proved ſo highly generous and conſtant; and finding Croeſſus was well received, and the King of Phrigia was not oppoſite to his deſign, ſhe had reaſon to be very well ſatisfied, if ſhe could have without ſorrow ſeen the King her Father, and the Prince her Brother turned out of the Throne, and made Captives. As for Ligdamis and Cleonice, they were the happieſt of all, and injoyed all the ſweets of a moſt pure love and friendſhip: As for Arpalice, the incertainty of what agreement Cyrus would make between Thraſimedes and Menecrates, did keep her in a reſtleſs condition, though yet ſhe hoped, that at the requeſt of Andramites, he would favour the firſt of theſe: Cydipe for her part, ſhe was not ſorry to ſee that her beauty did eclipſe that of Cleoxene, in the phancy of Parmenides: Candiope thought ſtrange ſhe could hear no news of Philiſton: And to ſay truth, there were very few who had not their perplexities, not only in the Palace and the Cittadel, but alſo in all the great Town; for certainly, there was then a ſtrange kind of tumultuous conſtellation, which moved thoſe who had not buſineſs, to make ſome; and queſtionleſs every one was a ſufferer, either in the perſon of their friends, or their own: Yet the behaviour of Cyrus towards Croeſſus, and the Prince Myrſiles, did ſo win the hearts of the people, that he was as ſafe in Sardis as he could be, either in Perſipolis, or Ecbatan. The next morning Lycaſte, and all the Beauties who came to Sardis, went to viſit the two Princeſſes, who received them according to their deſerts. The Prince Myrſiles, who had the liberty to go unto the Chamber of the Princeſs his Siſter, with whom all this pleaſant company was, he was there alſo, but his deſign was only to ſee Doraliſa, whom he had not ſeen ſince ſhe went from Sardis to Suſa with Panthea: So that after he had addreſſed his complement unto the Princeſs Timaretta, and whiſpered with the Princeſs Palmis, he asked their permiſſion to go neerer Doraliſa, ſince ſhe was then far off the Princeſſes, and buſie in talk with Candiope, ſhe heard not what he ſaid: So that when he came neer her, ſhe thought he would have expreſſed himſelf by the help of that Table Book, which heretofore he uſed too wittily, when Aeſope was in the Lydian Court; for though ſhe heard he was not mute, yet ſhe could not imagine that he could ſpeak, or at leaſt ſpeak well: The cauſe of her errour was, becauſe ſhe did not conſider that he was never deaf: She was extreamly ſurprized; when ſhe heard him ſpeak better then moſt did, who ſpoke alwayes: So that when ſhe heard his firſt complement, in lieu of anſwering, or teſtifying her ſorrows for the misfortunes of his houſe and Country, ſhe could not chuſe but go back, and look upon him with admiration: How Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, Is it not above five or ſix daies ſince you could ſpeak? No, no, it is impoſſible: Moſt certainly you ſpoke long in ſecret, otherwiſe you could not ſpeak ſo well in publique: And certainly you have been ſilent for the time paſt; purpoſely to put all other to ſilence for the future: Your language, replyed the Prince Myrſiles, Is not perhaps ſo pleaſing as you think; for truly theſe exceſſixe applauds you give me, does argue, that my ſilence did much diſpleaſe you, and was troubleſome, ſince you think this little which I ſpeak to be worthy of admiration. Doraliſa, who was recollecting her ſelf, conſidered that ſhe had commanded this Prince too much: And to carry it more prudently, it were better to commend him leſs, and lament his misfortunes more: So that to repair her errour, ſhe altered his diſcourſe, and began to talk with him upon all the misfortunes of Panthea, and of all the alterations which ſhe found in Lidia at her return: However, ſaid ſhe unto him, You have this advantage, that your Conquerour is the moſt generous Prince in the World: 'Tis true, replied Myrſiles, But for all that, moſt amiable Doraliſa, The King my Father is the moſt miſerable, ſince it is a very great misfortune for thoſe who are uſed to conſer favours upon others, to be put unto the neceſſity of receiving them from another: Yet this is ſome conſolation, that we are ſubjected unto one of the greateſt Princes of the World, and unto one whom you eſteem, and unto one whom I know you are obliged: 'Tis very true Sir, anſwered Doraliſa, I am obliged unto him, but I wiſh that you were not in a condition to be ſo; and that on the contrary, the King had obliged unto him, which he might have done, by rendring back the Princeſs Mandana. What's paſt, replyed Myrſiles, cannot be recalled; and in lieu of acknowledging thoſe faults which cannot be repaired, we muſt endeavour to indure our bad fate, like men who are worthy of better: And to teſtifie that I do all I can to ſweeten my miſeries, I proteſt unto you, I find ſome [Page] ſweetneſs to think, that the Gods, who once had made me above the Quality of the amiable Doraliſa, hath now made me her equal: Oh Sir (replied Doraliſa, and interrupted him) Your civility is exceſſive; and it had been a better wiſh, to have deſired the Gods, that I might be exalted unto your Quality, then to ſay you find any ſweetneſs in their debaſing you down unto mine: Since the firſt of theſe is not in my power, and the other really is ſo, you need not wonder, I ſhould chuſe rather to tell the thoughts of my heart, then to trouble my ſelf in making unprofitable wiſhes. Doraliſa was going to anſwer when Cyrus entred, and broke off their diſcourſe: but that which moſt ſurprized Lycaſte, Arpalice, Cydipe, and moſt of all Candiope, was to ſee Philiſtion enter amongſt thoſe who accompanied him; they could not imagine ſo readily as they wiſhed, why he would not ſee them before he ſaw Cyrus; they durſt not change their places to ſpeak unto him, nor could he come handſomely unto them, though he much deſired it: But preſently after the Prince Seſoſtris entred, and ſome of thoſe who were with Candiope went out. Philiſtion at laſt came up, and talked with as much delight, as before his impatience was great. Candiope for her part received him with abundance of joy, inſomuch as it was eaſie for Doraliſa to obſerve, that there was a greater love between them, then Candiope had ſpoke of, when ſhe related the adventures of Thraſimedes and Arpalice, for ſhe took notice that Philiſtion was ſo taken up with looking upon Candiope, with ſpeaking and hearkning unto her, that he never ſo much as thought of any civility unto Lycaſte, Arpalice, and Cydipe who were cloſe by him, and it was not long before ſhe told Candiope what ſhe thought.

Doraliſa then hearing the name of Philiſtion, when Cyrus preſented him unto Palmis, and knew very well that it vvas the ſame Philiſtion vvho ſhared in the adventures of Arpalice, ſeeing vvith vvhat earneſtneſs and affection Candiope and he talked together, ſhe vvent tovvards Candiope, and pulling her gently by the Govvn; I pray tell me (ſaid ſhe cunningly) Whether this Philiſtion unto vvhom you ſpeak, is that Philiſtion, vvho is the friend of Thraſimedes, and vvho counterfeited Arcon ſo vvell, as for my part I cannot imagine it is he. Candiope vvas ſo ſurprized at the diſcourſe of Doraliſa, that ſhe bluſhed, imagining that it vvas becauſe the ayr and garb of Philiſtion did not pleaſe her, and that the Idea vvhich he had formed by the recital vvhich ſhe had made of him to her, vvas more advantageous for Philiſtion, then that conceipt vvhich himſelf begot: So that being much aſhamed, and fuller of anger then ſhe vvould ſuffer to appear, vvhich yet appeared more then ſhe would have it, ſhe asked her friend, Why ſhe made a queſtion, Whether he ſhe ſaw was that ſame Philiſtion of whom ſhe heard her ſpeak: The reaſon why I did not believe it to be him, replied Doraliſa, Becauſe you told me, that there was only terms of eſteem betwixt you and him, on a kind of ſlight affection, which you could not phraſe either Love or friendſhip; and which was of ſuch a nature only, as that you would ſpeak well of each other in all places, and this is all the proofs of his affection you ever had from him; So that finding in the face of this Philiſtion the joy of a Lover, who ſees his Miſtreſs after a long abſence, you may well pardon me if I doubted whether Philiſtion was Philiſtion: If you believe, as you ſay, (replied Candiope, and both ſmileed and bluſht) You were very malicious to interrupt me: To deſerve the title which you give me (anſwered ſhe) I profeſs that I will not ſuffer you to ſpeak with Philiſtion in private all this day, unleſs you entreat me to let you talk with him: Then I will entreat you, replied Candiope, For there are ſome things of importance which he began to tell me, the which I muſt needs know, becauſe they will facilitate the agreement between Thraſimedes and Menecrates: No, no, replied Doraliſa, That ſhall not ſerve your turn; for if you do not entreat me, and confeſs that I do you a pleaſure in it in conſideration of your ſelf, I will not let you be in quietneſs: I beſeech you let it ſatisfie (replied ſhe and ſmiled) That I entreat you only for the Love of Philiſtion: I will, anſwered Doraliſa, Upon condition you will promiſe me, to tell me what he ſaith unto you: I do proteſt I will, ſaid Candiope, and turned towards Philiſtion, who really had ſomething to impart unto her, which did conduce to the reconcilement of Thraſimedes and Menecrates, though Candiope ſaid ſo unto Doraliſa, as an excuſe of her ſelf. Alſo after that this counterfeit A [...]on had expreſſed himſelf as fully as Love could prompt a Lover after a long abſence, and had aſſured her of the fidelity of his heart, and proteſted that [...]he never ſaw her ſo fair and lovely in all his life, as at this his return: Then he told her the reaſon why he did not follow Thraſimedes, when he came into Sardis, which was, becauſe he was forced to ſtay in Halicarnaſſus, by reaſon of ſome Wounds he had received in a combat, in which [Page] he was ingaged, concerning the intereſts of both Arpalice, and of one of his Siſters. Candiope not comprehending how Arpalice, who was of Patara, could have any intereſt mixed with a Siſter of Philiſtion, who was of Halicarnaſſus, ſeemed to be much ſurprizeed: But for her ſatisfaction, Philiſtion told her, how he had a Siſter whoſe name was Androclea, who was loved by a man of Quality in this Town, named Ephialtes, whom ſhe much diſliked, but durſt not ſhew it, becauſe ſhe had an imperious Mother, who would needs have her marry him; that whil'ſt Ephialtes was abſent, Menecrates and Parmenides chanced to come unto Halicarnaſſus: When were they in that Town? (ſaid Candiope and interrupted him.) They were there, replied Philiſtion, after their departure from Apamea, and whil'ſt Thraſimedes and I were at Patara; So that whil'ſt Thraſimedes fell in Love with the Miſtreſs of Menecrates, Menecrates fell in Love with my Siſter at Halicarnaſſus: Was Menecrates in love with your Siſter? (replied Candiope.) Doubtleſs he was, replied Philiſtion, and the worſt was, my Siſter had as great an inclination to him, as ſhe had averſion unto Ephialtes; So that ſhe being eaſily perſwaded unto a thing which ſhe much deſired, ſhe believed he loved her, and he quickly perceived that ſhe did not hate him; and by this means there grew ſo great an amity betwixt them, as to impart all their ſecrets unto each other: This being ſo, my Siſter acquainted him that her Mother would marry her againſt her will unto Ephialtes, and Menecrates alſo acquainted her, that his friends would likewiſe ingage him unto a Lady of Licia, whom he loved not. Thus this conformity augmenting their affections, they grew to ſuch a point, as to promiſe each other to uſe their beſt endeavours that they might marry together; So that when Menecrates departed from Halicarnaſſus, he told my Siſter, That he went to uſe all his endeavours for breaking off with Arpalice, and that as ſoon as it was done, he would return unto our Town: But he being of ſuch an humour, as very often to begin Love phantaſtically, and ſo to end it, he forgot my Siſter as ſoon as he was out of her ſight; for indeed you know how he behaved himſelf at his return to Patara, how Cydipe for a while did take him, and how the love of Thraſimedes to Arpalice revived the love of Menecrates unto the Beauty. In the mean time, my Siſter being nothing of the temper of Menecrates, when Ephialtes came to her, he was courſely entertained, and all the authority of a Mother could not compel Androclea to marry him. This was the ſtate of things, moſt amiable Candiope, when Thraſimedes and I returned from Halicarnaſſus, after we had left you at Patara: Since the Love of Menecrates and my Siſter was cloſely carried. I was ignorant of it at my return; but afterwards, my mother dying, as well as the Father of Thraſimedes, and Ephialtes addreſſing himſelf unto me for my Siſter, as one whom my Mother had promiſed unto him, I preſſed Androclea to tell me why ſhe would not marry him? And ſhe being driven to the neceſſity of giving me a reaſon for her proceedings, ſhe confeſſed the whole truth unto me. I no ſooner knew this, but deſigning to advance the marriage of Thraſimedes with Arpalice, and break off that of Menecrates and her, I conſulted with Thraſimedes, and told Ephialtes, that not being of the ſame humour of my Mother, nor having the ſame power over my Siſter which ſhe had, I could not force her to marry him; and therefore I wiſhed him to deſiſt from any further thoughts of it, intending afterwards to return unto Patara, and to carry Androclea thither alſo, under a pretence of conſulting with the Oracle, to the end I might ſummon Menecrates unto his promiſe, and to trouble all his deſigns. But Ephialtes would not permit me to do as I intended, for he being of a moſt violent and haſty temper, and deep in Love, he could not brook my refuſal of forcing my Siſter to accompliſh my Mothers promiſe; So that he ſent me a challenge, and we fought, unknown to Thraſimedes, I had the good fortune to get the better, and to make him quit his pretences; but I had the misfortune alſo to be much Wounded, and could not follow Thraſimedes when he got into Sardis, which doubtleſs I had done, if my hurts had permitted me. In the mean time, ſince I was not able to live out of your ſight, and ſince I had promiſed Thraſimedes to make uſe of the Love which Menecrates bore unto my Siſter, I brought Androclea with me, intending to leave her at a Frontire Town of our Country which joyns upon Licia, and which is not far from hence, where we had ſome friends, to the end that when I had found Menecrates, ſhe might be neerer the place where I knew he would be: But hearing by the publike talk, that Sardis was taken, and alſo by a Halicarnaſſean Souldier, who was returning unto his Country loadened with booty, who ſaid, That Thraſimedes and Menecrates were both in the power of Cyrus, and that there were ſome Lician Ladies which went out of Sardis, who were ſharers in the intereſt of thoſe two priſoners, [Page] I collected that it muſt needs be you; So that without more delay, I took a reſolution of coming hither, and bringing my Siſter with me; So that taking the benefit of a Convoy of Cyrus his Troops, we came ſafely to Sardis without any danger; but ſince no ſtrangers were ſuffered to enter, whoſe names were not preſented unto Cyrus, I anſwered unto thoſe who asked mine, by the name of Philiſtion, and that I was friend unto a valiant man who came into Sardis, and who Cyrus treated ſo well: They told that Prince poſitively the very ſame words which I told them: ſo that the name of Thraſimedes, cauſed me to be brought unto him, after I had conducted my Siſter unto the place where the ſtranger Ladies lodged. This Prince received me very well, and told me, that I came opportunely to be a witneſs of that accords which he would that day make between Thraſimedes and Menecrates. I no ſooner heard this, but I took the liberty to tell him, that he could not juſtly do it, unleſs firſt he did me the honour to give me a little audience, and he conſenting unto it, the ſame hour I told him what now I told you: Afterwards, he commanded me to follow him hither, telling me, that he would go unto the Chamber of Lycaſte, whether he would have Thraſimedes and Menecrates brought, to the end he might reconcile their differences: The matter will not be difficult, replied Candiope, after this which you have told me; but I do conceive it requiſite, that Lycaſte and Arpalice know what you have told me, before any accommodation be made. Philiſtion, conceiving what Candiope did ſay to be reaſonable, permitted her to advertiſe her friends of what ſhe thought fit: Before Cyrus began to ſpeak of the buſineſs between Thraſimedes and Menecrates: And Candiope had no ſooner imparted it unto Lycaſte and Arpalice; but Cyrus addreſſing himſelf to the firſt of theſe, I intended, ſaid he unto her, to have come unto your Chamber, purpoſely to endeavour the reconciling of two friends, by ſetting Thraſimedes and Menecrates at liberty: But ſince there is ſome difficulty in the buſineſs, to conceive it were more expedient to take the advice to theſe two great Princes, before whom I ſpeak, and of theſe two Princes, upon condition notwithſtanding, that the fair Arpalice conſent unto it: Arpalice, replied Lycaſte, is not ſo accuſtomed unto her own will, that it is neceſſary to conſult with her thereupon: therefore Sir, I beſeech you follow the Dictates of your own will without any further information of hers; And indeed Sir you may judg by the bluſhes in her cheeks, that ſhe has not confidence enough to tell you what ſhe thinks: I can deſire nothing Sir (replied Arpalice modeſtly) But what ſhall pleaſe you, and therefore it is not neceſſary my words ſhould expreſs my thoughts: Since ſo (ſaid Cyrus unto Lycaſte) I beſeech you Madam, let the matter be before ſuch an illuſtrious company: My will Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, Is what ſhall moſt pleaſe you, hoping that the more illuſtrious perſons there are, who ſhall give their votes in favour of him who ſhall be happy, the more patient will he be, againſt whom the ſentence is given. After this, Cyrus who had a moſt admirable memory, and rare eloquence, and who knew how to compoſe the largeſt adventure in few words, began ſuccinctly to relate the whole buſineſs of Thraſimedes and Menecrates, which he received either from Andramites, or Doraliſa, or Philiſtion, bringing the ſtory unto the very day when Thraſimedes would have got into Sardis, which was beſieged, becauſe he thought his Miſtreſs to be there, and when Menecrates would have come out, becauſe he thought ſhe was not there; adding alſo, that the Siſter of Philiſtion was in Sardis: You remember Madam, (ſaid he, and addreſſed his diſcourſe unto the Princeſs) That Menecrates and Arpalice were deſigned by their Parents to marry: That Arpalice cannot confirm her mind unto the will of her parents without extream violence upon her ſelf: That Menecrates hath a long time ſlighted her, and alſo played away her picture unto Thraſimedes: Moreover, he ſeems to have renounced all right unto that fair Lady, in promiſing the Siſter of Philiſtion to do all he could to break off with her: That Thraſimedes hath ever loved Arpalice ſince firſt he knew her, and that Menecrates never began to love her, until he began to fear leſt Arpalice ſhould love Thraſimedes. Then after Cyrus had ſet forth the intereſt of both theſe perſons unto thoſe who knew it not, and had revived it in the memory of thoſe who did know it, he thought it requiſite to ſee the Siſter of Philiſti [...]n, and therefore he ſent immediately for her: Though Androclea had no mind to appear amongſt ſo great a company, yet the affection of her ſoul unto Menecrates, and her deſire to break off this marriage with Arpalice, prompted her to appear; and the ſooner, becauſe her Brother, in point of honour, and for her intereſt, and that of Thraſimedes, did extreamly preſs her unto it; So that after ſhe had imployed a quarter of an hour in dreſſing her ſelf, ſo that it might appear her beauty deſerved not to be ſlighted, ſhe went unto the [Page] Palace of Croeſſus, being conducted by Philiſtion; But ſhe entred with ſo good a grace unto the Chamber of the Princeſs Palmis, where all the illuſtrious company was aſſembled, that ſhe did attract the eyes of all thoſe who were preſent: Androclea was handſome, and of a large ſtature, her aſpect was very Majeſtical with a mixture of ſweetneſs with it; and though every particular feature was alike beautiful, yet ſhe had the ayr of ſo high a beauty. After ſhe was come into the Chamber of the Lidian Princeſs, and that Cyrus had very civilly received her, he preſented her unto Timaretta and Palmis. As ſoon as ſhe entred, ſhe looked about her, to ſee if ſhe could know Arpalice, by the deſcription of Philiſtion. Arpalice for her part, having a great deſire to ſee Androclea, who had the advantage to move the heart of Menecrates before her, ſhe did moſt attentively look upon her; ſo that looking accidentally upon each other at once, and Androclea believing her ſhe looked upon to be Arpalice, ſo it chanced that they both bluſhed, and Cyrus perceived it: I [...]ee very well (ſaid he unto them) That there is no need you ſhould be named unto each other, and that you know one another before you be acquainted: Since I would excuſe Menecrates, replied Androclea, I ſhall be very glad that ſo perfect a beauty as this Lady I look upon hath cauſed his inconſtancy, upon condition, that this inconſtancy do ceaſe: The applauds which you give me, replied Arpalice, may well make me bluſh for ſhame; but in lieu of rejecting them, give me leave to tell you, that I am much joyed, to ſee how according to all likelyhood Menecrates will no ſooner ſee you, but he will repent himſelf of the injuſtice which he hath done you, and the trouble he hath put me unto. After this Cyrus, who deſired to be ſpeedily delivered of all buſineſs that might hinder him from the thoughts of Mandana, began to ask Arpalice What were her intereſts in this buſineſs? But this diſcreet Lady anſwered him, That ſhe had only two: The firſt, To be diſpenſed from that ingagement wherein the teſtament of Menecrates, his Parents and hers, had brought her with him: The other, That by his wiſdome and prudence, he would prevent Thraſimedes and Menecrates from fighting. After this, Arpalice was ſilent; though if ſhe had humored the ſecret motions of her heart, ſhe would have urged the matter more preſſingly in advantage of Thraſimedes, but her modeſty did check her. After this, Cyrus asked Androclea, What ſhe pretended unto? I pretend, ſaid ſhe, unto nothing, but to puniſh Menecrates, for not beginning to love the fair Arpalice as ſoon as he began to know her: That you will oblige him to keep his word with one, whoſe merit and beauty is much inferiour unto hers whom he hath preferred before her; but I think him obliged to love her only, becauſe he hath promiſed: After this, Cyrus willed Philiſtion to give his opinion, who being no leſs bold then generous, told him freely, That ſince he was the friend of Thraſimedes, he would to his utmoſt oppoſe the Marriage of Menecrates with Arpalice: And moreover, he being the Brother of Androclea, he could not endure it; and therefore Menecrates muſt of neceſſity prepare himſelf to fight, both againſt Thraſimedes and himſelf, if he thought of marrying Arpalice.

Cyrus hearing what Arpalice, Androclea, and Philiſtion pretended, deſired them to withdraw into another Chamber; after which he ſent for Menecrates, Parmenides, and Thraſimedes, one after another: But before he asked the firſt of theſe, what were his pretentions? He hinted unto him, That now Philiſtion and Androclea were at Sardis, with intentions to hold him to his word. But Sir (ſaid he and cryed out) If the heart which I had then, when I promiſed Androclea to love her, be changed, what can I do to ſatisfie her? Moreover, I did make no further promiſe unto her, but to do what I could to break off with Arpalice, and I wiſh unto the Gods that it were in my power to do it; for conſidering the ſcorn of that cruel Lady, and the goodneſs of Androclea not yet to hate me, I ſhould be moſt glad to be revenged of her; but ſince I am not able Sir, I conjure you to remember, that the wills of the dead ought to be inviolable: However (ſaid Cyrus unto Menecrates) It is juſt you hearken to the complaints of Androclea: Menecrates would have refuſed it, but the Princeſs Timaretta, and the Princeſs Palmis commanded him to go into the room where ſhe was with Arpalice and Philiſtion, upon condition, that C [...]nice and Doraliſa would conduct him thither, unto which he was obedient. Then Parmenides appeared, who having quite forgot Cleoxene for Cydipe, declared, that he had no other intereſt in the buſineſs between Menecrates and Thraſimedes, but only his promiſe to the firſt of them to do him all the good offices he could unto his Siſter, from which he would not alter, though he did not marry Cleoxene. Parmenides having ſaid all he could, he retired, and Thraſimedes was brought in, though it was not neceſſary [Page] to ask him what he pretended unto, it being eaſie to comprehend, that ſo they would give Arpalice unto him, he would be no longer an enemy unto Menecrates: Yet for orders ſake, Cyrus would have him ſpeak, which he did with ſo much Spirit, and expreſſed ſuch ſenſible ſymptoms of Love unto Arpalice, that all thoſe who heard him, were abſolutely on his ſide; ſo that retiring, as the other did, he left the illuſtrious Cyrus at liberty to take the advice of the Princeſs Timaretta, of the Princeſs Palmis, of the Prince Seſoſtris, of the Prince Myrſiles, and all the company. But though it was not uſual to ſee ſo many perſons together without difference in opinion, yet at this time they all concurred. At the firſt, there were ſome, who though they were perſwaded that Thraſimedes did better deſerve Arpalice then Menecrates, yet they had much ado to diſpenſe with the laſt will of a Father which he makes when he is dying: But after they heard Cyrus ſpeak, they altered their opinion, and conceived that Marriages ought to be ſo free as Parents, if they be wiſe, will never conſtrain their children to marry againſt their inclination: Judg then I beſeech you ſaid this great Prince, Whether it be not blameable in a Father to marry his child againſt her inclination; and whether it be not permittable for Arpalice to follow her own will, not her Fathers: ſince he could not foreſee when he appointed her to marry Menecrates, that Menecrates would ſlight her a long time, that Menecrates would promiſe Androclea to break off with Arpalice; that Menecrates vvould love his Daughter only out of a cupritious humour, and to hinder his Rival from being happy: For my part, ſaid the Princeſs Palmis, I cannot think a Father ought by vvill to diſpoſe of the affection of his children; Who vvould undertake, ſaid the Princeſs Timaretta, that the young child vvhich the Father vvould have to be the Husband of his Daughter hereafter, vvill be virtuous? I am perſvvaded, replyed Sefoſtris, That Fathers vvho make ſuch Teſtaments, do intend they ſhould be obeyed only in caſe the match prove fit and reaſonable: Since ſo, ſaid the Prince Myrſiles, A ſentence muſt be pronounced in favour of Thraſimedes: My opinion is, ſaid Cyrus, to endeavour the making of as fevv unhappy in this buſineſs as vve can, and to prevent the fighting of ſuch brave men, as vvhich ſide ſoever the Victory falls, the Conquerour vvill have cauſe to regreet it: For though Menecrates be inconſtant, and a little capritious, yet he is a man of Soul and Spirit: I beſeech you conſider (ſaid Cyrus, and turned to both the Princeſſes) that if Arpalice be injoyned to accompliſh the Teſtament of her Father by marrying Menecrates, they vvill all be unhappy: Menecrates vvill be ingaged to fight both againſt Thraſimedes and Philiſtion; againſt the firſt upon the ſcore of his Miſtreſs, againſt the ſecond upon the ſcore of his Siſter: Doubtleſs there vvould be many unfortunate, replied Lycaſte, but not all, for Menecrates vvould enjoy his Miſtreſs: 'Tis true, replyed Cyrus, He vvould enjoy the beauty of Arpalice, but I am fully perſvvaded, that ſince he vvould not enjoy her heart, he would never enjoy contentment; and the greateſt good that Menecrates would have in the buſineſs, would be the hinderance of his Rival from being happy; for as ſoon as the firſt daies of marriage are over, he will turn even deſperate for marrying one who hates him, and who perhaps he will hate alſo, for conſidering the temper of Menecrates, I am the moſt deceived of all men living, if the enjoyment of that which he loves, be not an infallible means to quench the flames of Love in his heart: As for Arpalice, it muſt needs be concluded, that ſince ſhe Marries Menecrates whom ſhe loves not, and does not marry Thraſimedes whom ſhe loves, ſhe would be moſt miſerable. Androclea for her part, ſhe would not be ſatisfied, to ſee a man whom ſhe loved become the Husband of another; nor would Philiſtion be at all contented to ſee Menecrates, after a promiſe to marry his Siſter married unto another; and as for Thraſimedes, it muſt be concluded, that he being in love with Arpalice, and knowing himſelf to be loved, he would be one of the moſt miſerable Lovers in the World, if his Rival ſhould enjoy his Miſtreſs: So that it is apparent, by giving Arpalice unto Menecrates, all thoſe who are intereſted in this buſineſs, are made unhappy; for Parmenides himſelf, though he make a ſhew of being ingaged in the intereſt of Menecrates, yet if I be not deceived, he will be glad that his Siſter would not marry the Brother of one whom he will ſee no more, and one who hath treated him ill. On the contrary, if Arpalice be given unto Thraſimedes, both they will be happy: Philiſtion will be ſatisfied: Juſtice will be done unto Androclea; Parmonides will not be diſobliged, and Menecrates will be forced to be happy whether he will or no, ſince he may have a Wife who loves him, and is delivered from one who hates him. Moreover, though he will not ſubmit his mind unto reaſon, yet he will have no ground of any quarrel but with Thraſimedes, and hath nothing to ſay with [...] [Page] ly unto Cyrus, I vviſh you had only let me ſeen that fatal Scarf, vvithout a ſight of that Divine Picture; for by the viſion of that mark of my crime, vvith the apparition of that Beauty vvhich cauſed me to commit it, I ſhould have been only expoſed to a renovation of my ſorrovvs and repentance, and had been out of danger to revive my Love: I ask you pardon (replied Cyrus, and vvould have ſhut the Caſe in vvhich the Picture vvas) for expoſing you unto ſo great a danger: Alas Sir (replied Mazares ſighing, and holding Cyrus by the arm) I knovv not vvhy I ſhould fear it, or complain; but I am moſt certain, that though my Love vvere more violent, if it vvere poſſible, then it is, yet I vvould not attempt any thing vvhich vvould offend you, as long as our Princeſs loves you, and not me: Therefore ſince you may be confident that ſhe vvill for ever love you, and never me, do not envy me the happineſs of one minutes ſeeing the Picture of Divine Mandana, to the end, that the ſight of the adored Princeſs whom I have ſo much offended, and cauſed all her misfortunes, might augment my repentance: So that Sir, in lieu of reviving my affection, you will add unto my remorſe that ever I carried her away: Look then upon the picture of our Princeſs, moſt generous Rival, replied Cyrus, but look upon it with ſuch thoughts as will keep me your friend, and not fruſtrate that Heroique reſolution which you have taken, of contenting your ſelf with the eſteem and friendſhip of Mandana, and endeavouring her releaſe: I do promiſe it Sir, ſaid this perplexed Lover; after which he looked upon the picture, and he had no ſooner caſt his eyes upon it, and a little contemplated upon it, but bluſhing, he found ſuch a violent agitation of heart, that doubting the conſtancy of his reſolution, he haſtily ſhut the Caſe, and reſtoring it to Cyrus: Here Sir, ſaid he unto him, take this moſt angelique picture, I am of a weaker temper then I thought my ſelf, and dare not ſo confidently anſwer for my thoughts, but to teſtifie the deſires I have to overcome them, give me leave only to look upon this Scarf, which revives in my memory Mandana floting upon the Waves, and ready to periſh through my default: Methinks I ſee her yet (ſaid this amorous Prince) when having no other help but mine, in ſpite of the impetuous Waves, ſhe endeavoured to be looſe from me, chuſing rather to die, then receive life from the hand of her Raviſher: But alas, divine Princeſs, ſaid he, you were ignorant of that reformation which was in my ſoul: I wiſh, moſt generous Rival (ſaid he, and looked upon Cyrus) that I were aſſured to have all my life the ſame thoughts which then I had, when a mountain of horrid Waves overwhelmed us, which looſed this Scarf, and ſeparated me from our Princeſs, whom then I ſaw ſwallowed up by that terrible Element, and thought to be ever loſt: I wiſh Sir once more, that this horrid Idea might be for ever imprinted in my mind: But alas Sir, Many times againſt my will I ſee ſuch things as are fuel to the fire of my paſſion.

Mazares ſpoke all this in ſuch ſadneſs and ſincerity, that the heart of Cyrus, though a Rival, melted; and he was ſo ſweet in his expreſſions, that Mazares had no cauſe of complaint: and after this miſerable Prince had condoled his Fate, and Cyrus lamented his bad fortune, and both of them pitied and cheered up each other, they asked one another whether they heard any thing concerning the Princeſs, ſince they ſaw each other, and did mutually diſpleaſe by anſwering, they heard nothing. In the mean time, ſince their diſcourſe had continued long, Cyrus was told, that many waited in his Chamber, ſo that he went out of his Cloſet to diſpatch them who had any buſineſs with him. Afterwards, he went to viſit Arianita, purpoſely to talk with her concerning his dear Princeſs. He had often a mind to do as the King of Aſſiria had done, but upon better thoughts, he conceived it better ſervice to Mandana for him to ſtay in ſuch a place where he might receive the intelligence of all who went to inquire of her: So that contenting himſelf with preparation of all things in readineſs to march, as ſoon as he ſhould receive intelligence where ſhe was, he omitted nothing which did become his generoſity, either for the Princes whom he had vanquiſhed, or for thoſe whom he protected, or for his friends, or his Domeſtiques, or his Souldiers: So that the third day which Menecrates had taken, being come, he omitted nothing which concerned his buſineſs; but he underſtood, that he was the laſt night fallen ſick, and ſo violently, as it was not fit to ask him his reſolution. Cyrus no ſooner heard of this, but he appointed Phyſitians to take care of Menecrates: When they did viſit him, they found him in ſuch a deſparate condition, as that they durſt not anſwer for his life. This news being told unto Androcl [...]a, ſhe was ſo perplexed at it, that her affection would not permit her to follow the exact rules of handſomneſs, conſidering the infidelity of Menecrates, but ſhe did every day viſit him [Page] with Lycaſte: Alſo Arpalice, hoping that the ſight of Doraliſa would work upon the heart of Menecrates. ſhe deſired Lycaſte to carry her unto him: At the firſt Menecrates ſeemed angry; afterwards, as his diſeaſe increaſed, he ſeemed to take no notice; but when it began to diminiſh, and when he conſidered that he did not ſo much as think upon him all the while he was ſick, and that he had ſeen the fair eyes of Androclea ſwim a thouſand times in tears for him, he permitted the ſight of her with leſs trouble, and a while after, he looked upon her with delight: It might very well be ſaid, that as his Feaver vaniſhed, ſo did his infidelity, and that he recovered the health of his body and mind both together, and that he was able to follow the Dictates of reaſon, and the counſels of Cyrus. In the mean time, ſuch magnificent equipage was in preparation, for ſending Timaretta unto the King her Father, as it was evident Cyrus would do her all the honours he could. Alſo he ordered that Ships ſhould be ready at the ſame Port where Seſoſtris imbarqued at his coming unto Aſia. But whil'ſt all this equigage was making ready, Soſoſtris without any impatience at all expected the day of his departure, for he found ſo many ſweets in Timaretta, and ſo much ſatisfaction with Cyrus, that he did not regret this little prolixity which kept him from his compleat felicity. The Prince Artamas for his part, did every day find ſo many occaſions of doing ſervice unto his Princeſs, either in behalf of Croeſſus, or of Myrſiles, that he would not change his happineſſes with any; and when Cyrus compared the ſtate wherein he was with his own, he thought himſelf much more miſerable; but alſo when he remembred the condition wherein he had ſeen the Prince Artamas, and conſidered the alteration of his fortune, he did not diſpair of his own; but e're long after he was moſt ſenſibly perplexed, for after many daies tedious expectation, thoſe whom he ſent unto Milete returned, who told him, that certainly the King of Pontus paſſed not by that Coaſt. Thoſe alſo whom he ſent unto Guides, returned as ignorant as the firſt, who could learn no more then thoſe who had been at Epheſus, and many other Maritine Towns, all who reported for certain, that the King of Pontus touched not in thoſe places; ſo that Cyrus and Mazares were in a moſt inconceiveable perplexity, when one morning he who had orders to go into Cames returned, and ſo opportunely, that he ſpoke unto Cyrus and Mazares, before he had ſpoken unto any of his acquaintance; for having a great deſire to tell that Prince what he knew, and knowing he ſhould be highly rewarded for the pains he had taken, he went ſtrait unto the Cittadel, where he found Cyrus talking with Mazares in his Cloſet, conſulting what was the moſt expedient reſolutions for them to take. As ſoon as he appeared, Cyrus knew him to be the ſame who had orders for Cumes, he went towards him, and asked haſtily whether he had learned any intelligence: Sir, ſaid he, thanks be to the Gods, I have been more happy then the reſt of my companions, and am able to inform you where the Princeſs Mandana is. At theſe words, Cyrus and Mazares did both of them at once imbrace him, and bad him tell them what he knew. Sirs, ſaid he unto them, I know of certainty, that the King of Pontus and the Princeſs Mandana are at Cumes, but they are known by very few: I know that the King of Pontus at his landing, did ſet up the colours of Milete in his Ship, as if it had been a Merchants Veſſel: I know alſo, that he came thither in the night; that before he landed, he ſent a ſervant in a little Boat unto the Prince of Cumes, who as you know is very young, though he be moſt abſolute in his Dominions. In the mean time, though I know not the reaſon of his tranſaction, yet he doth not diſcover unto the Inhabitants of Cumes, that he would give any retreat unto the King of Pontus; but on the contrary, to carry it more cloſely, he does not lodg him in his Palace, and the Princeſs Mandana is lodged in a private houſe, though ſtrictly guarded. Moreover, under the pretence of your great Victories; and that all Aſia is in Arms, the Prince of Cumes begins to tackle up his Ships, and to make Levies of armed men in the Country: The reaſon, ſaid [...]yrus, Why this Prince will not have it known that he gives us retreat unto the King of Pontus, certainly is, becauſe he is not in a condition to defend them: It is not to be doubted, anſwered Mazares: But yet ſaid Cyrus unto him who brought the news, How came you to know all this? And how can we give credit unto your words? Sir, replyed he, I have travelled much in my life, and was a Souldier very young, and ſo it falls out, that a ſervant unto him at whoſe houſe Mandana is lodged, was my Comrade in the Mileſian Wars againſt Policrates, ſo that meeting this man upon the Port of Cumes, and there renewing our acquaintance, I reſolved to make uſe of him for the diſcovery of what I deſired to know; but I was not put unto the neceſſity of his diſcretion, for inſenſibly paſſing from one diſcourſe unto another, [Page] as I was telling him, that he was a very happy man in dwelling within a peaceable Town, whil'ſt all Aſia was in Arms, he began to tell me, that Cumes ere long would have its turn, and afterwards told me all that I tell you: And he told me, that his Maſter with whom Mandana lodged was extreamly troubled, that the Prince of Cumes had given a retreat unto the King of Pontus, becauſe he feared that it would be the ruine of his Country, telling me, that he heard his Maſter expreſs as much unto his Wife, not thinking that he did hear him: But, ſaid Cyrus unto him, Know you nothing but what this man told you? Yes Sir, replied he, But I beſeech you lend me a little patience, and then I ſhall tell you, that after this which I have already told you, this man told me, that there was a Woman with that Princeſs, whom he pitied the moſt in the world; that ſhe ſomtimes ſpoke unto him out of grated Windows which opened into a back Court, and endeavoured to ſuborn him to carry a Letter for her unto one whom ſhe would direct him unto, after he had promiſed fidelity, offering Jewels which ſhe ſhewed unto him, which ſeemed to be of a great value: But ſaid he unto me, I was put to a great nonplus, for I would not betray my Maſter, nor would I diſcover what this Woman ſaid unto me, leſt they ſhould lock her up and treat her ill: Oh my dear friend (ſaid I unto him, the better to perſwade him unto my deſires) your virtue is too too ſcrupulous: Let us divide the Jewels, and give me the Letter to carry, ſo may you be a gainer without danger: At the firſt, he could hardly reſolve upon it; but after, ſeeing me ſo forward to be a complice of his crime, I brought him to conſent unto the Commiſſion of it; ſo that without more ado he took my counſel, he ſpoke that night unto Marteſia, he ſeemed to be perſwaded by her, he took the Jewels and the Letter which was directed unto you, and brought both Letter and Jewels unto me: Oh moſt cruel man, ſaid Cyrus, Why did you not give me this Letter at the firſt? Becauſe, ſaid he, I would firſt make an orderly relation, but to repair that fault, I will give it unto you, and ſo he did, which Cyrus opening, found theſe words.

MARTESIA unto the illuſtrious CYRUS.

THough the Princeſs continually complains of you, ſince I am confident it is without cauſe, I thought it fit to acquaint you, that we are at Cumes, where in all likelyhood we ſhall for ſome time remain: If you will juſtifie your ſelf unto her who accuſeth you, you muſt quit the Princeſs Araminta to come and releaſe her; but to comfort you, know that your Rival is no gainer by your diſgrace; but the Princeſs not being able, as the ſtate ſtands with her, to revenge her ſelf upon you, doth revenge upon him that infidelity whereof ſhe ſuspects, I will not ſay, accuſeth you. In the mean time, be confident, that as ſoon as I ſee your Forces appear, I will speak in your behalf, and plead hard in your juſtification. After this, I muſt further tell you, that I underſtand both by good fortune and craft, the King of Pontus fears to be beſieged, both by Sea and I and, and fears that if he ſee a Naval Army, he ſhall not be able to carry us away. This Sir is the advice of one, whoſe hopes are, that he who hath taken Artaxates, Babylon, and Sardis, will ere long put an end to all our misfortunes, and take Cumes.

MARTESIA.

After that Cyrus had read this Letter, he ſhewed it unto Mazares, who read it with ſome ſlight reſentments of joy; for though he hoped for nothing, yet it was ſome conſolation to know by this Letter, that Mandana complained againſt Cyrus; and though he well conceived that time would juſtifie this Prince, yet he could not chuſe but find ſome ſweetneſs, in thinking that at that time ſhe loved him leſs then ſhe had done: As for Cyrus, doubtleſs he was grieved to knovv that the injuſtice of Mandana continued; but alſo he was much joyed to know that Marteſia vvas his Advocate, and to knovv vvhere Mandana vvas. But before he reſolved upon any courſe, he asked him vvho gave him this Letter, if he knevv any more? and vvhy he did not endeavour to ſee Marteſia himſelf, to tell her hovv he vvas ſent purpoſely unto Cumes, to enquire nevvs of the Princeſs? Sir, replied he, it vvas my deſign; for after I had taken the Letter, I told my friend, that I vvould leave all my ſhare of Jevvels vvith him, upon condition he vvould bring me to the ſpeech of Marteſia, vvhich he promiſed me: But as ill luck vvas, this [Page] man ſpeaking unto her was ſeen by his Maſter, who obſerving him earneſt with her, turned him away immediately, ſo that he returned unto me, and told me, that now he was not in a condition to do as I deſired; and ſo I ſeeing that I was not able to do you any further ſervice in that place, I returned hither with all the haſt I could make. Cyrus ſeeing that the man had no more to ſay, cauſed him to be ſo magnificently rewarded, as it was apparent that a Prince ſo liberal was deeply amorous: But as he diſmiſſed him, he charged him to be very ſilent, and ſpeak not a word of any thing he knew concerning Mandana: After this, Mazares and he conſulted upon the beſt expedient in the buſineſs. And after they had ſeriouſly conſidered upon all the circumſtances, they concluded it the beſt courſe to ſeem being ignorant of where the Princeſs Mandana was, until they were in a readineſs of beſieging Cumes, eſpecially until they had a Navy ready to block up the Port of Cumes, if it were poſſible; and the better to conceal it, Cyrus gave it out unto all the World, that he could not diſcover where ſhe was, and ſo more ſubtilly deludes the Spies of the King of Pontus which he had in Sardis; yet Mazares adviſed him to ſend unto divers places, as if he endeavoured to inquire, which Cyrus obſerved, and in publique diſpatched many Officers to that purpoſe: But to loſe no time, and the better to palliate his deſign, he ſent Leontidas to Thraſibulas, with ample inſtructions of what he deſired him to do, conjuring him to ſet out as many Ships as he could, and arm them as well and ſpeedily as poſſible, deſiring him to colour his preparations ſo, as none ſhould ſuſpect they were for him, conjuring him alſo to ingage the Prince of Mytilene. Alſo he ſent Megaſides unto the Prince Philoxipes, to whom he writ a Letter of thanks for the good hopes which he gave him, by letting him know the Oracle which the Princeſs of Salamis had received, and which had been ſo happily accompliſhed; but he conjured him alſo to procure ſome Ships for the King his Maſter: He ſent alſo unto the Prince of Cicily upon the ſame buſineſs, and to have an eye alwayes whether the King of Pontus remained ſtill at Cumes: He ſent thither the ſame man, who brought him the intelligence, that he did not give it out he ſent him thither: He gave him a Letter to Marteſia, and Jewels wherewith to ſuborn thoſe who guarded the Princeſs, and ſo by that means he might get admittance to deliver Marteſia's Letter: He gave him alſo two truſty and faithful Slaves, that he might ſend them any whether if occaſion were, when he came to Cumes. Alſo he reſolved with Mazares, that their Land Army ſhould not move until the Navy were out at Sea, leſt it ſhould too ſoon alarum the Prince of Cumes and the King of Pontus, and ſo ruine their deſign of releaſing Mandana in lieu of advancing it. In the mean time, they ſeemed to the World as if they grieved extream, that they could not hear any intelligence where the Princeſs was; but their real ſorrow was, to know that ſhe was in ſo ſtrong a Town as Cumes, which at that time was a terror to all her Neighbours; yet notwithſtanding, ſince Cyrus never aſſaulted any which he did not take, and ſince his Valour never met with any obſtacles which he did not ſurmount, the hopes of vanquiſhing once more cauſed ſome tranquility in his ſoul. Things ſtanding upon theſe terms, Cyrus received Letters from Ciaxares, by Poſts which he had ſet up, which Letters intimated unto him, that his power was not at all limited, but that he might diſpoſe abſolutely of all things, that he might give and take away Crowns as he pleaſed, and do with all his Conqueſts what he thought moſt fit; that he thought it convenient as well as he did, it would be more eaſie to keep Lidia, by reſtoring it unto Croeſſus upon the conditions which he propoſed, then by guarding it, and making him a Slave: Alſo that by making him a Tributary King, he did himſelf much honour, ſince he made him a moſt illuſtrious Subject; adding notwithſtanding, that to keep him within the compaſs of his duty, and prevent revolts, he would not have him reſtore his Treaſures unto him, but deſired him to take them unto himſelf. After this, Ciaxares lamented the misfortune of Mandana, and incouraged him to purſue his Victories until he had releaſed her. Cyrus then having abſolute Authority to treat Croeſſus as he pleaſed, took up a reſolution worthy of his great ſoul; for as the King of Phrigia, and Artamas were talking in his Chamber, he told the firſt of them, that ſince he could not find to break off the Marriage of the Prince Artamas with the Princeſs Palmis, and having no mind he ſhould marry the Daughter of a King without a Kingdome, he was reſolved to reſtore that Crown unto Croeſſus which he had loſt. Oh Sir, ſaid the Prince Artamas, I pray heaven I have rightly underſtood you: Yes, replied Cyrus, and to teſtifie that I would have a perfect reconciliation between Croeſſus and you, I would have you go and tell him from me, that the King of Medes having left the diſpoſition of his Crown entirely unto me, I do reſtore it unto him, [Page] upon condition he will become the Vaſſal of Ciaxares, as the King of Armenia is; that he ſhall pay a ſmall Tribute as a mark of his dependency; that he ſhall follow me to the Wars with the Prince his Son, until I have releaſed the Princeſs Mandana, and that until I ſhall depart unto the place where I ſhall hear ſhe is, they ſhall have Guards upon them; and this, not that I ſhall make any queſtion of their words which they ſhall paſs, but becauſe the people ſhall not make any new Inſurrection which may force me to ruine him. After this, the King of Phrigia returned a million of thanks and applauds unto Cyrus: But Cyrus knowing that it would be the height of joy unto the Prince Artames, that he could tell the Princeſs Palm [...] ſhe ſhould ſee the King her Father upon his Throne again, impoſed ſilence upon him, conjuring him to it in all haſt, and perform his Commiſſion: But ſince I know you deſire to go unto the Chamber of the Princeſs Palmis, before you go unto the Chamber of Croeſſus her Father, I conjure you to do ſo, and tell her, that I am extreamly glad I am able to do any thing which ſhall be pleaſing unto her. Artamas anſwered the civilities of Cyrus with a profound reverence; after which, he went in all haſt unto his dear Princeſs to acquaint her with the happy change in her Fathers fortune.

This news did ſo ſurprize her, that ſhe could hardly believe it; but ſince ſhe could not chuſe but give credit unto the words of Artamas, her joyes were above her expreſſions, yet ſhe would not permit any long repetitions of his teſtimony, for ſhe was ſo impatient, that Croeſſus ſhould know his good fortune, as ſhe preſſed Artamas above twenty times to go and tell him, which accordingly he did, after he had preſented the complement of Cyrus unto her: Then he went unto the King of Lidia, whom he found ſitting in a profound melancholy: As ſoon as Artamas entred into the Chamber, Croeſſus did riſe up to receive him; but Artamas, as ſoon as ever he had leaſure told him, that Cyrus had reſtored the Crown of Lidia unto him: Oh, I beſeech you, ſaid Croeſſus, and interrupted him, Do not add vveight unto my Chains, by puffing me up into any falſe hopes of aſcending the Throne: No Sir, replied Artamas, The happineſs vvhich I tell you of, is none of thoſe vvhich are to be hoped long for before enjoyment; you are already King of Lidia, if you pleaſe. And then Artamas began to tell him the conditions vvhich Cyrus required upon his reeſtabliſhment, vvhich Croeſſus did apprehend to be ſo ſvveet and eaſie, conſidering the unfortunate condition vvhich he expected all his life, as they did not diminiſh his joyes of aſcending the Throne. As they vvere thus in diſcourſe, Chriſantes entred, vvho came to tell Croeſſus, that Cyrus entreated him he vvould not take it ill, if he added one condition more unto thoſe, vvhich Artamas vvas to tell him, before he made a publique Declaration of his reeſtabliſhment. The vvords of Chriſantes did exceedingly perplex both thoſe Princes: Croeſſus began to doubt of his good fortune, and Artamas apprehended no leſs, at leaſt that the condition which Cyrus would add, was of ſome hard and ſhameful nature for the King of Lidia; ſince he had not charged him with it. But in concluſion, Chriſantes addreſſing his ſpeech unto Croeſſus, Sir, ſaid he unto him, The orders which I have to preſent unto you from the Prince my Maſter is, that the ſame day which he ſhall make choice of to reſtore your Crown unto you, in one of your moſt famous Temples, and in the ſight of all your Subjects, you will be pleaſed in the ſame Temple to give the Princeſs your Daughter unto the Prince Artamas, who by many ſervices hath deſerved her.

The diſcourſe of Chriſantes, did ſo pleaſingly ſurprize both thoſe two Princes, that they were a long time before they could ſpeak: But at the laſt, Croeſſus reviving out of his extaſie of admiration at the virtue of Cyrus, deſired Chriſantes to tell his Maſter, that as precious as his Crown was, which he reſtored him, he thought himſelf more obliged unto him, for giving ſuch a Husband unto his Daughter, then for giving him his Crown and Kingdom: And he might aſſure him, that this laſt thing which he deſired, ſhould be no impediment unto his aſcending the Throne, ſince he did not think him unworthy of it, and ſince his great ſoul conſented unto it. Artamas hearing Croeſſus ſpeak ſo, made a thouſand proteſtations of real ſervice, and afterwards applauded Cyrus to the Heavens: And the Prince Myrſiles coming then into the Chamber, and knowing the paſſages, he did participate in the joyes of the King his Father, and added his Tribute of thanks and commendations unto his. After they had ſufficiently expreſſed their acknowledgments, the Prince Artamas and Chriſantes returned to Cyrus, to acquaint him with what joy and reſentments of gratitude Croeſſus, Myrſiles, and Palmis, received and admired the altitude of his generoſity to them; it was not only by their reports that Cyrus [Page] underſtood it, for Croeſſus not daring to ask the liberty of coming in perſon to expreſs his reſentments, did ſend unto him, as well as the Prince Myrſiles, and the Princeſs Palmis; But Cyrus knowing, that whoſoever obligeth ſoon, doth double the price of the obligation, he told the King of Phrigia, he would give orders, that things requiſite for this double ceremony ſhould be preſently made ready, to the end that the ſolemnity might be before the departure of Timaretta, and that the Marriage of the Prince Artamas might be honored with the preſence of the Prince Seſoſtris, and the Princeſs of Aegypt: In order unto which, Commiſſion is given unto Chriſantes, and they begin all preparations for this great Feaſt. In the mean time, Artamas as ſoon as ever he vvent from Cyrus, acquainted Palmis with his freſh and high obligation, aggravating his joyes with ſo many raptures of Love, that this Princeſs never knew the greatneſs of it until now: For her part, ſhe being extreamly modeſt, ſhe expreſſed much leſs joy at the aſſurance of her marriage, then at her underſtanding that her Father was to be reſtored unto the Crown, though the ſucceſſion of it did not directly fall upon her; yet Artamas did not murmure, for knowing this Princeſs ſo well as he did, he ever thought that if ever he chanced to be happy, ſhe would hide ſome part of her ſatisfaction from him. In the mean time, though Cyrus did not intend that the buſineſs ſhould be blazed until the day of ceremony, yet it was not poſſible to be hid, eſpecially ſince there was an enterview between the King of Phrigia and Croeſſus; ſo that ſome noyſe of it being voged abroad, it was preſently divulged over all the world. Now was the name of Cyrus highly celebrated amongſt the Inhabitants of Sardis; but the admiration was, that the principal joy was to underſtand, that though their King was reſtored unto them, yet they were in a ſort under the power of Cyrus ſtill, ſince Croeſſus was the Vaſſal of Ciaxares. One thing alſo was very extraordinary in this incounter; for though it be the cuſtome of that place, that when any one receives a benefit, to go and viſit thoſe who receive it, and rejoyce with them, without any viſits unto him who conferred; yet upon this occaſion it was not ſo; for all thoſe of any Quality in Sardis, went to thank Cyrus, before they went to rejoyce with the King of Lidia, inſomuch as there was nothing to be ſeen but complements, both in the Palace and Cittadel. All the Ladies went alſo unto the Princeſs of Palm [...], as well thoſe in the Palace as thoſe in the Town, who could not chuſe but extol Cyrus, who in ſweetning the bitter misfortunes of thoſe he had vanquiſhed, did ſharpen his own: For when he conſidered Artamas was ſhortly to enjoy her he loved, and conſidered that Mandana was yet in Cumes, and in the hands of his Rival, that he muſt tediouſly tarry in expectation of a Naval Army to aſſault, and that the ſucceſs of the Siege was dubious, his ſufferings were incredible: The King of Aſſiria's abſence alſo did ſomwhat acquaint his perplexities, though his preſence was almoſt unſufferable. However, not to leſſen the joyes of the Prince Artamas, whom he ſo highly eſteemed, he confined ſome part of his ſorrows unto the Cloſet of his heart, leſt they ſhould dull the joyes of this glorious Feaſt, and leſt he ſhould fail in any circumſtance, he went to viſit Croeſſus and the Prince Myrſiles, but it was more as their friend then Conquerour: He went alſo to viſit the Princeſs Palmis, and the Princeſs Timaretta; but in his return unto his own lodging, he was much ſurprized to ſee Menecrates, who beginning to quit his Chamber that day, came to render thanks for the care which Cyrus had of him, and to acquaint him, that the malady of his body had cured the malady of his mind, and had ſo perfectly let him know, that Androclea did merit his affection, as he came to tell him, that he was ready to obey his commands, and not to look upon Thraſimedes as his Rival. Cyrus being even raviſhed at the converſion of Menecrates, did ſend immediately for Thraſimedes, Philiſtion and Parmenides, to vvhom having told the happy change which was in the heart of Menecrates, he found the tvvo firſt of them very ready to imbrace him; and as for Parmenides, ſince he had no other concernment in the buſineſs, but that of Menecrates, ſince he was ſatisfied, he was ſo alſo, ſo that there remained nothing to do but advertiſe Licaſte, but Cyrus needed not to trouble himſelf for that, for her Husband being come to Sard [...] vvith Liſia's Brother of Candiope, ſhe came to preſent them unto Cyrus, accompanied vvith Cydipe, Arpalice, Candiope and Androclea; ſo that by this means there vvas a perfect reconciliation made amongſt all thoſe perſons, vvhoſe intereſts vvere ſo confuſedly mingled: But to make it more ſolid, Cyrus conjured Menophiles. Licaſta's Husband, vvould permit the marriage of Arpalice and Thraſimedes to be ſolemnized the next morning, vvhich vvas the ſame day of Prince Artamas: He made the ſame requeſt alſo unto Philiſtion in behalf of Androclea and Menecrates; and ſince he [Page] knevv the thoughts of Parmenides tovvards Cydipe, and of Philiſtion tovvards Candiope, he ſpoke unto Menophiles and Lycaſte in behalf of the firſt, and to Liſia's and Candiope in behalf of the other, and he ſpoke with ſuch perſwaſive Rhetorique, and found ſo few obſtacles in the minds of thoſe perſons whom he endeavoured to perſwade, that they all conſented unto his deſires.

Thus theſe four marriages were made up in an inſtant, and three differences, whoſe conſequences might have proved fatal, were happily reconciled: The buſineſs being known, Lycaſte and her fair company were no ſooner returned unto the Palace, but the Princeſſes came to viſit her, Doraliſa and Pherenice were with them, and Cleonice came in the laſt, becauſe ſhe had been buſied in receiving her mother, who knowing that her Daughter was at Sardis, was come from Epheſus to ſee her, with intentions to carry her thither: So that Cleonice having advertiſed Stenobea who the Ladies were, and her obligements to them, ſhe came alſo to viſit them, and was conducted thither by Ligdamis, who taking hold of this fit opportunity, did earneſt beſeech Iſmenia, who had ever been the confident of his dear Cleonice, that ſhe would ſpeak unto Stenobea concerning his marriage. The buſineſs might the more eaſily be brought to paſs, becauſe her Father, who was Governour of the Caſtle of Hermes was come to Sardis; and Cyrus having made his peace with Croeſſus, he might the more eaſily aſſent unto it: Iſmenia accordingly made the Propoſition, but her power alone was not prevalent enough; but Cyrus muſt intercede who did it ſo effectually, that Ligdamis could not wiſh it better; yet he was a little ſad to ſee Cleonice become a little more reſerved, as ſoon as ſhe ſaw that ſhe was infallibly to marry Ligdamis: And after he had preſſed her himſelf in vain, to tell what it was which interrupted her joyes, he ſet Iſmenia upon her, who anſwered, That it was becauſe ſhe feared, that as heretofore ſhe was grieved, becauſe the friendſhip of Ligdamis was become Love, and ſince that, grieved becauſe his love did not return unto friendſhip; ſo it was happen, that when ſhe had married Ligdamis, perhaps it would become neither love nor friendſhip to her, ſhe conceiving that marriage would rather procure indifferency, jealouſie, and ſcorn, then any eſteem, love, and friendſhip. As ſoon as ſhe had expreſſed her ſelf unto Iſmenia, ſhe told it unto Ligdamis, who expreſſed ſo many teſtimonies of love unto Cleonice by his ſorrows that ſhe ſhould ſuſpect him, that in the concluſion this melancholy cloud did vaniſh out of her mind, and he did perfectly perſwade her, that ſhe might expect from him, both a violent and an everlaſting paſſion; ſo that after this, joy began to ſparkle in her eyes. Then ſhe returned and received all civilities unto Cydipe, Arpalice, Candiope and Androclea: But amidſt ſo many happy Lovers, Andramites was an infinite ſufferer, ſince he found Doraliſa more cruel; the joyes of others were his griefs, and the preparatives of theſe marriages tormented him, for ſhe was ſo full of her witty rallary, as made it apparent to him, that ſhe was not in any humour to augment the number of married people. Seeing then that all his ſervices and Courtſhips would not prevail with her, he reſolved to apply himſelf unto the Prince Myrſiles; for obſerving that ſhe much eſteemed him, and that he was reinveſted into his power and authority, he thought that if he would undertake to ſpeak for him unto Doraliſa, perhaps ſhe would then marry him by reaſon of his interceſſion, though not out of affection. But before he tryed this way, he adviſed with Pherenice, with whom he had an intimacy, and ſhe telling him, that this courſe could not prejudice him, he went unto the Prince, to deſire his protection, but he was much ſurprized, when after he had opened his deſign, the Prince told him, that he deſired a buſineſs in which he wiſhed with all his heart he were able to ſerve him; but for divers reaſons which prevented him, he would ſeek out ſome other way whereby he might teſtifie how much he eſteemed him. In the mean time, he adviſed him as a friend, not to perſiſt in his Love to Doraliſa: After which, much company entring, Andramites went out, as ill ſatisfied with the Prince Myrſiles, as with his Miſtreſs. As ſoon as he was gone, this Prince, who had not ſeen Doraliſa ſince he was in hopes of ſucceeding to the Crown of Lidia, went unto her Chamber upon a viſit, for he had the free liberty of all the Palace before the ceremony of reſtallation was ſolemnized. In the mean time, Pherenice after ſhe had adviſed Andramites to imploy the credit of the Prince Myrſiles, ſpoke unto Doraliſa in his behalf, the better to prepare her for the Princes mediation, but ſhe ſo fully expreſſed her reſolution of never marrying Andramites, that ſhe was out of all hopes; ſo that he thought it expedient to advertiſe her friend of what the Prince Myrſiles would ſay unto her, to the and ſhe might deny him more civilly; but ſhe wondred to ſee Doraliſa extreamly angry [Page] at Andramites, for having recourſe unto the Prince Myrſiles: 'Tis true, ſhe had not time to ſay much againſt him, for the Prince entred preſently, and made her change her diſcourſe. As ſoon as he entred into Doraliſa's Chamber, Pherenice went out upon ſome buſineſs which called her away, and by that means Myrſiles had opportunity of diſcourſe with Doraliſa: But he was no ſooner ſet down, then this incenſed Lady, thinking he would ſpeak for Andramites prevented him. I perceive Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him ſharply, not giving him leaſure to bethink himſelf) that you are preparing to ſpeak unto concerning the follies of Andramites: But I beſeech you Sir, tell me nothing which may moleſt thoſe joyes I ought to have at the generoſity of Cyrus towards the King your Father, and your ſelf: Never fear, dear Doraliſa, ſaid he unto her, that I will ever ſpeak concerning the paſſion of Andramites, not but that he hath much ſolicited me unto it, but I have ſo ſtrong a reaſon to the contrary, that you need not fear I ſhall ſolicite you in his behalf: Since it is ſo, replied Doraliſa, I muſt needs expreſs my ſatisfaction to ſee you ſo reaſonable as you ought to be: If I were ſo reaſonable as I ought to be, replied he, doubtleſs I ſhould wiſh that thing now, which I have wiſhed a long time, and which you do not deſire I ſhould: Why Sir, replyed Doraliſa, cannot I deſire you were King of Lidia? That is not it which I mean, replied he, Nor do my deſires moſt carry me to a Throne; for I moſt deſire that now, which I deſired when the Prince Atis lived, and which then I ought not to pretend unto: For my part, replied Doraliſa, I do believe that at the time you ſpeak of, you wiſhed moſt that you could ſpeak: 'Tis moſt true, anſwered he, but the chief reaſon of my wiſh was, that I might be able to tell you I do love you: Oh Sir (ſaid Doraliſa, and laughed, not believing that the Prince Myrſiles ſpake ſeriouſly) If you had then any ſuch deſire, you were able enough to make me underſtand it, you I ſay, who could ſo well interpret unto Pherenice the Fable of Aeſope, which concerned the Princeſs Palmis and her Lovers: 'Tis true, replied he, I could then have let you know that I loved you, ſince then I could vvrite a little; alſo as dumb as I vvas, I could have told you as much in the language of eyes, but what reaſon had I then to expoſe my ſelf unto the rallary of the moſt witty perſon in the World, I, I ſay, who have many times ſeen ſome of beſt language ſtand mute before you, meerly out of the fear of your Wit: But Sir, replied ſhe, am I not as terrible now as I was then? You are, replied he, and much more Madam, for I find you much fairer. But I am grovvn more bold, and novv dare vvithout difficulty acquaint you with that vvhich I have all my life concealed: Knovv then beloved Doraliſa, that I began to love you as ſoon as I began to ſee you, from your very infancy I have born you affection, this affection encreaſed vvith your beauty, and during all the loves of Cleander, Arteſilas, Abradates, and Mexaris, I I loved you vvith more zeal then all thoſe Princes did thoſe Princeſſes vvith vvhom they vvere in Love: Yes, charming Doraliſa, all the time of my ſullen ſilence, I then burned, in the flames of affection to you: Oh Sir, ſaid Doraliſa, you can never perſvvade me of it; for ſince the tenderneſs over the King your Father cauſed you to ſpeak, vvhen you ſavv the Souldier ready to kill him, I am confident that if your paſſion had been ſo violent unto me, you vvould then have ſpoke and told me of it: But at that time, certainly there vvas as deep a ſilence in your heart as in your tongue, and there vvas as much tranquility in your ſoul as in mine: Do you not know Doraliſa, replied the Prince Myrſiles, that Love uſeth to make even thoſe who ſpeak beſt to become dumb? How then would you have him make an unfortunate Lover ſpeak, who was dumb before? Why then do you ſpeak now, replied ſhe? I ſpeak, replied he, by the ſame reaſon that I was ſilent, for I was ſilent becauſe I could not ſpeak, and I ſpeak becauſe I cannot be ſilent. Moreover, ſince I have ever heard you profeſs that you would have a heart freſh, which never loved any but your ſelf, I thought that mine being ſuch a one as you deſired, I might without any injury offer it unto you. Moreover, I do not only offer you a new freſh heart, but I do expreſs my paſſion in ſuch words as never were prophaned with the expreſſion of either faigned or real paſſions: I never pronounced the Word Love but unto you only, I never ſaid I love you, but once, and that was unto you: Be not therefore ſo unjuſt, I beſeech you, as to reject me with the ſame rigour, as if I had preſented unto you a heart which had received a thouſand ſeveral impreſſions, or as if I had told you things which I had ſpoken a thouſand times unto another: I aſſure you Sir, replied ſhe, That you do ſo much perplex me, as this little which you have ſpoken forceth me to regret the time wherein you could not ſpeak unto me: Truly I wiſh that I could ſpeak, neither too ſharp nor too uncivilly; but I fear that if you continue to perſwade me unto this [Page] belief, it will be hard for me to keep within thoſe juſt limits, which thoſe reſpects I owe you requires of me; therefore not to take what you have ſaid ſeriouſly, be pleaſed to know, that when you heard me ſay I would have a nevv freſh heart, it vvas vvhen I ſpoke of men vvhom I knevv verv vvell had none ſuch: For to ſpeak the very truth, I neither care for a nevv nor an old heart, I deſire only to keep mine ovvn entire, and continue alvvayes an abſolute Miſtreſs of my ſelf. Moreover Sir, I muſt advertiſe you, that for one that is a very ſtupid Sot in matters of the World, I am one vvho of all Women upon earth knows leaſt how to ſpeak upon matters of Courtſhip and gallantry: Sometimes I can chide others for it, but to ſpeak my ſelf is a thing which I cannot do; therefore Sir I beſeech you either change your diſcourſe, or elſe I ſhall wiſh you dumb: Moſt cruel Woman, replied Myrſiles, What pleaſure can you take in blaſting me with all your fury, me I ſay, who hath yet expreſſed but one part of my love to you? Faith Sir, replied ſhe and laughed, I do not believe the half you have ſaid already, nor will I often give you any occaſion of diſcourſing with me, but that you may not have any cauſe to complain of me, knovv I beſeech you Sir, that I am much fitter to make a friend then a Miſtreſs; for though to my misfortune I ſhould have a tender ſenſible heart tovvards you, you vvould not be a jot the happier, ſince as ſoon as ever I did perceive it in my ſelf, I ſhould carry it as if I hated you: Take heed therefore Sir of being in too good terms vvith me, for fear of being in too bad; and to teſtifie hovv nice and phantaſtical I am in ſuch things, I muſt tell you, that I have often in my life, even almoſt hated the moſt compleat men, only becauſe through vveakneſs vvithout reaſon they have put me to the bluſh in talking vvith them: Conſider therefore vvhat I ſhould do, if you ſhould offer to intangle me in any ſuch kind of gallantry: Conſider Sir that I am not fit for it; if you pleaſe to eſteem me more then another, I ſhall be glad of it, but let this eſteem be vvithout any ingredient of Love or tenderneſs, if you vvould oblige me unto you. As Myrſiles vvas ready to reply, Arpalice and Cydipe came in, vvho told Doraliſa after their firſt complements vvere performed, that vvithin this houre an Ambaſſador vvould arrive, vvhich the King of Phenicia ſent unto Cyrus, vvhoſe Equipage vvas reported to be more magnificent then ever vvas ſeen; and that the Princeſs Timaretta, vvhoſe Chamber opened unto the place vvhere he vvas to paſs, had charged them to tell her ſhe vvould be very glad of her company vvith the reſt of the Ladies to ſee theſe Phenicians, vvho vvere reported to be ſo magnificent. The Prince Myrſiles hearing vvhat Arpalice and Cydipe ſaid, did vvithdravv himſelf, having no diſpoſition to ſee an Ambaſſador paſs, vvho came not to the King his Father. Alſo the paſſion of his ſoul did ſo poſſeſs him, and the manner of Doraliſa's uſage did ſo trouble him, that he vvas not in any humour of ſeeing ſuch diverſions: But it vvas nothing ſo with Doraliſa, for ſhe was ſo well pleaſed at her harſh language unto the Prince Myrſiles, that ſhe vvent vvith the blitheſt diſpoſition in the World to quibble at theſe Ambaſſadors vvho vvere to arrive, but ſhe found not vvhat ſhe ſought for, and her blith and critical humour could not find any cavil in them ſhe vvent to ſee: The truth is, the like magnificence vvas never ſeen, both for the great abundance of Camels covered vvith cloaths of Tirian Purple imbroydered vvith gold, and for the rarity of their Horſes, alſo for the richneſs of their habits. Moreover, this Ambaſſador (vvhoſe ſtature vvas as high as his Quality, vvhich vvas of the beſt in all Phenicia) had vvith him above a hundred men of Quality, extraordinary handſom, vvhoſe curioſity only to ſee Cyrus induced them unto this voyage. Amongſt this hundred, there vvas one illuſtrious perſon, vvhoſe merit vvas rare and ſuperlative, his name vvas Ariſtheus, a name very famous, both through all Greece and all Aſia, ſo that in vvhat humour of rallary ſoever Doraliſa vvas in that day, ſhe vvas forced to commend all ſhe ſavv that day. Hovvever, this Ambaſſage vvas variouſly talked on, though none knevv vvhat it vvas, yet they vvere not ignorant long, but knew the cauſe of it. After this Ambaſſador was lighted from his horſe at the Gate of the Cittadel, he was conducted by Hidaſps unto a great Hall, where Cyrus gave him audience. This Ambaſſador ſpoke in his own language, vvhich Cyrus did very well underſtand, and preſented a Letter from the King his Maſter, which began thus.

[Page]

The King of Phenicia unto the greateſt Conquerour that ever was.

AS I make no queſtion, but that ſince you have be ſieged Sardis, you will ere long take it; So I have ſent this Ambaſſador to ask that favour from you which Croeſſus cruelly denied me, but which I hope you will not: He hath Commiſſion to offer you my alliance and friendſhip with thirty thouſand men, if you ſtand in any need of them: I aſſure you, that if you accept this offer, and accord unto my demand, you will ever oblige me;

The King of Phenicia.

All the while this Letter was reading, Cyrus was thinking what it ſhould be that the King of Phenicia could deſire of him, but not being able to imagine it, he told the Ambaſſador that it was from him he muſt know how to ſatisfie the King his Maſter: Then the Ambaſſador told him with an excellent grace and much eloquence, that the principal point of his Voyage was to ſatisfie the deſire which the King his Maſter had of being allied unto ſo great a Prince, and to the end that this alliance might be more firm, he deſired that he might be obliged unto him, by requeſting a favour which Croeſſus denied a little before the War. Then the Ambaſſador purſuing his diſcourſe, let Cyrus underſtand, that the young King of Phenicia's deſire was, he would be pleaſed to reſtore that Statue which Creſſus bought of Dipoenus and Scillis, and which the late King his Father cauſed to be made a little before his death, offering for it above three hundred Talents of Incenſe, and whatſoever Arabia the happy produced out of her precious and Aromatical ſtore, for Siria joyning upon Arabia, and Phenicia making part of Siria, there was conſtant commerce between thoſe people; therefore the King of Phenicia made choice of that which he thought moſt worthy for the ranſome of the Statue of the faireſt perſon in his Kingdome, and moſt worthy to be offered unto the greateſt Prince upon earth. This Ambaſſador told Cyrus further, that he came from Tyre, as ſoon as the King of Phenicia heard that he had won the Battel againſt Croeſſus, and as ſoon as he heard that his deſign was to beſiege Sardis, adding in applaud of Cyrus, that he made more haſt in his Conqueſts, then himſelf did in his journey, ſince he came after his Victory. But to teſtifie unto this Prince, that the King his Maſter did not doubt of his generoſity, but beſeeched him before he gave his anſwer, to honour him with a view of thoſe preſents which the King of Phenicia ſent, beſeeching him to look out at the Window upon the Camels which ſtood loadened, and which by the magnificence of their coverings, made it evident, that what they carried was precious. Alſo it might be judged by the odoriferous ſmells wherewith the Ayr was perfumed, by reaſon of thoſe perfumes, that it was a moſt magnificent preſent.

Cyrus ſeeing ſuch generous proceedings, did ſatisfie the Ambaſſadors deſires: To teſtifie unto you, ſaid he unto him, that without further deliberation I conſent unto the King your Maſters deſires, I will accept of what he hath ſent, not as a price of that Statue which I will reſtore him, but as a Gage of his amity, which is very dear unto me: And I do accept of his preſent, to teſtifie that I will learn how to imitate his liberality. After this, Cyrus behaved himſelf with a thouſand civilities to this Ambaſſador, for he ſeemed to be a moſt accompliſhed man. Moreover, Cyrus knowing that the Tirians were very powerful at Sea, he hoped to get ſome aid from them for the ſiege of Cumes; therefore he reſolved to render unto the King of Phenicia in the perſon of his Ambaſſador all the honours that he could deviſe. But ſince the King of Phenicia's extraordinary deſire to have this Statue, filled Cyrus with much curioſity, he asked whether it were poſſible that the perſon whom it repreſented, were as full of beauty as it? Asking further, Whether ſhe had a ſoul and ſpirit worthy of ſo fair a body? But he told him that ſhe was much fairer then her Statue, that her Spirit was as high as her beauty, and that her ſoul was more worthy of eſteem and admiration then her beauty and Spirit; adding, that her fortune was as extraordinary as her merit, and her virtue more admirable then all that he had ſaid. After this, the Ambaſſador preſented unto Cyrus the beſt ſort of thoſe who followed him, and amongſt the reſt, the illuſtrious man, who bore the name of Ariſtheus, [Page] and preſented him as a particular friend unto that fair Lady of whom he ſpoke, and as being himſelf one of the rareſt men in the World: I think my ſelf very happy (ſaid Cyrus in imbracing him) that he is only her friend, for had he been her Lover, perhaps I ſhould not have had the happineſs to ſee him, ſince it is probable he would have been with the ſubſtance for whom this Statue is made: I can aſſure you Sir, replied Ariſtheus, that though I were her Lover, and deſired above all things to pleaſe her, yet ſhould I have had the houour which I have received this day; for that moſt excellent perſon takes ſuch great delight to hear talk of your Virtue and Victories, that to obtain her favour, I ever intended to be a Witneſs of ſo many truths as you Sir make good, and ſo be able to pleaſe her in talking of you: Your language (replied Cyrus in the ſame Ariſtheus ſpoke) does much oblige me, but I would not have thoſe who come unto me uſe many adulations and flatteries as you do, leſt in taking too much delight in their applauds, I ſhould grow in the end not to merit them from any. After this, Cyrus gave orders unto Hidaſpes to conduct this Ambaſſador and all his Train unto the lodging which was prepared for him, commanding her to treat him with magnificence worthy of that King who ſent him. In the mean, though Cyrus by the will of Ciaxares was become Maſter of all the Treaſures of Croeſſus, upon condition not to reſtore them unto him; yet he told him concerning this Ambaſſador, though he was not yet in the poſſeſſion of his Crown which he would reſtore unto him, and though it was not above eight daies before the ceremony was to be ſolemnized with the marriage of the Prince Artamas, and all the reſt of the happy Lovers who were then at Sardis; and he did more then that, for he did ſo tranſact the buſineſs, that Croeſſus and this Ambaſſador did ſee each other, Cyrus telling the latter of theſe, that he ought not to conſider this Prince as him who had denied the Statue which the King his Maſter demanded, but as a Tributary King unto Ciaxares, of whom he deſired alliance, ſince he deſired his; ſo that after this reconciliation, which this Ambaſſador had power to make, for his Commiſſion was not limited, he did viſit the Princeſs Palmis, as well as the Princeſs Timaretta, and was ſo charmed with this magnificent Court, and with the beauty of all the Ladies in it, that at the deſire of Cyrus, he promiſed to be at this great Feaſt which was to be kept within eight daies, during which time, nothing was talked of but the King of Phenicia, whom they ſaid was in Love with that Beauty whoſe Statue he demanded, every one were full of curioſity to know more preciſely the particularities of the adventure; the reaſon of the difficulty to know it was, becauſe there were only three or four with this Ambaſſador who underſtood the Lidian and the Greek Tongue, and theſe three or four were ſo buſied in anſwering all that was asked them, as they could not be moved unto any long converſation. Alſo during the firſt daies, they were taken up in ſeeing the rarities of the Town, and all the Treaſures of Croeſſus, ſo that at laſt the great Feaſt day arrived before any knew that which they had ſo great a deſire to know. This ceremony was doubtleſs one of the moſt ſumptuous in the World, and the moſt glorious for Cyrus, if he had followed the dictates of his own inclination, he had ſtopped many things which wounded his modeſty: But there was a neceſſity of ſubmitting unto the cuſtome, and unto the Councels of the King of Hircania, Gadates, Gabrias, and Chriſantes, who told him, That it was fit the people with their own eyes ſhould ſee their King was a Slave, and that it was he who made this Slave a King, ſo that maugre the repugnance which he had unto it, he yeelded unto cuſtome, and hearkened unto the counſel of his friends, though not in all things, for he would not ſuffer Croeſſus to go chained through the ſtreets of Sardis, from the Palace to the Temple, but thus prevented it. Preſently after break of day, Croeſſus and Myrſiles were carried in a Coach to the lodging of the High-Prieſt, which joyned to the Temple where the ceremony was to be ſolemnized, where they ſtayed until it began. In this Temple, which was one of the greateſt in the World, was erected an Amphitheater, moſt magnificently covered with the richeſt Tapiſtry of Sidon, where all the Ladies might moſt conveniently ſit and ſee. All the ſtreets, from the Cittadel to the Temple, were alſo ſumptuouſly hung, there ſtanding ranks of Souldiers on both ſides, all in ſuch glittering Arms, as never was a more glorious ſight; a thouſand Martial Inſtruments made the Ayr eccho, with ſhrill and pleaſant ſounds, which attracted all the people of Sardis, either into the Temple, or into the ſtreet which joyned to it, or into the place before the Cittadel, out of which Cyrus came accompanied with all his Court, which was ſo numerous, and ſo glorious that day, as it was ſuitable unto the Court of Aſia's Conquerour. As for the Phenician Ambaſſador, he was in the Temple upon a Scaffold with all his Train, next [Page] him was the Princeſs Timaretta, and all the Ladies which lodged in the Palace of Croeſſus. When Cyrus entred into the Temple with a huge croud of people about him, Croeſſus was brought by the Prieſt into the midſt of the Temple, having a Chair, and Fetters of Gold upon his hand, and behind him the Prince Myrſiles in the like manner. The Princeſs Palmis was next him, but under a Canopy of golden Tiſſue, and without Chains, Cyrus having no mind that ſhe ſhould have any ſign of ſervitude, or that they ſhould upbraid him with triumphing over a Lady. As ſoon as this Prince entred into the Temple, moſt admirable Muſique was heard, which after it had played a quarter of an hour, ſome Himns that were ſung unto the Gods, did ceaſe: After which, Cyrus who was upon an elevated Throne deſcended, and taking off the Chains and Fetters which Croeſſus and and Myrſiles wore, and which he gave unto the Prieſt, he took from the hand of the ſaid Prieſt a Crown, and put it upon the head of Croeſſus, after he had cauſed him ſolemnly to ſwear, that he would acknowledge the power of Ciaxares, never to depart from his intereſts, and inviolably to keep the conditions between them. Cyrus had no ſooner put this Crown upon the head of Croeſſus; but the vault and roof of the Temple did ring with acclamations, and the people could not be ſilenced from extolling the generoſity of Cyrus. But at the laſt all the tumultuous noyſe of joy being appeaſed, Cyrus ceaſing to treat Croeſſus as vanquiſhed, and to behave himſelf as a Conquerour, demanded his Daughter for the Prince Artamas in the preſence of the Phrigian King who ſtood next him.

He had no ſooner asked the queſtion, but Croeſſus taking the Princeſs Palmis by the hand, preſented her unto Cyrus, and bad him diſpoſe of her as he pleaſed: After which, cauſing the Prince Artamas to approach, the Prieſt advanced alſo, and the Princeſs Palmis: At the concluſion of which Muſique did play again, and preſently after the Prince Artamas conducted the Princeſs Palmis into a moſt magnificent Chariot, which waited at the door of the Temple, and which was followed by a hundred others full of Ladies, all the Princes riding on horſeback, accompanied with all the Gallants of Quality. When they came unto the Palace, there was a moſt ſumptuous Feaſt prepared. and after Dinner a Horſerace in the Great Plain. The repaſt at night was no leſs Princely then that in the morning, Bonefires were made at every door, the Palace was full of harmonious Muſique, but the Princeſs Palmis would not permit any dancing, by reaſon of the exceſſive ſadneſs which ſhe ſaw in the eyes of Cyrus, though he forced himſelf as much as he could. Alſo, though Cyrus had reſtored much unto the King her Father, in reſtoring the Crown, yet Croeſſus had loſt much in loſing his independent Authority, and his Treaſures: So that though it was a Feſtival day, yet it was not one that had all the ſigns of joy which it might have had: Yet the Phenician Ambaſſador was extreamly ſatisfied as well as Ariſtheus, who could not enough admire the illuſtrious Cyrus, and he was full of obſervance, that his eye was never off him, as long as he could ſee. In the mean time, Cyrus having not forgot the deſires of Ligdamis, Thraſimedes, Men crates, and Philiſtion, the ceremony of their Marriages were accompliſhed the next morning after that of the Prince Artamas, and the whole Court did honour them with their preſence. This ſecond Feaſt was no leſs magnificent then the firſt, and Cyrus was no leſs melancholy this day then before, to ſee how far ſhort he was of the happineſs of all theſe Lovers. Mazares was no more pleaſant then he: However, Cyrus had an extraordinary care that the Phenician Ambaſſador ſhould be vvell pleaſed vvith his civilities, and to that end he did divert him as much as he could and prepared Preſents for the King his Maſter and him, vvhich vvere above the double vvorth of thoſe he received; and finding much ſatisfaction in the company of Ariſtheus, he talked vvith him very often, and certainly not vvithout good reaſon, for there vvas not a man in the World who could ſpeak better concerning Politiques, nor vvho better underſtood the intereſts of all Princes in that time, then Ariſtheus did: And to ſpeak truth, Ariſtheus ſpoke vvell in all things vvhatſoever: And Cyrus did not content himſelf vvith diſcourſing of Affairs in general, but he carried him along vvith him into the Viſits vvhich he made unto the Princeſſes and other Ladies. He made uſe of him alſo to knovv hovv the King of Plenicia could furniſh him vvith Ships, before he made any Propoſitions of it unto the Ambaſſador of that Prince, inſomuch as Ariſtheus and Cyrus vvere almoſt inſeparable. Since he vvas generally knovving in every thing, he ſpoke ſo many ſeveral languages, that he vvas able to converſe vvith all the Ladies there, though there vvere thoſe of many ſeveral Countries. In the mean time, ſince the Phenician Ambaſſador knevv that the ſooner he returned, the more acceptable he ſhould be unto [Page] the King his Maſter, he moved for his departure as ſoon as might be. Cyrus deſigning to ſatisfie him, that he might the ſooner obtain thoſe Ships he deſired, told him, that he was ready to keep promiſe with him. But before he reſtored him the rare Statue which he demanded, the Princeſs Timaretta went to ſee it, and afterwards all the Court: Thoſe who dwelt in Sardas, and had ſeen it ſeveral times, went again, by reaſon of that curioſity which this adventure begot in them. And indeed, the curioſity was ſuch, as nothing elſe was talked on: And Ariſtheus being very converſant amongſt the Ladies, they asked him a thouſand queſtions, but moſt eſpecially Doraliſa, unto whom he applied himſelf more then unto any other, though others courted his converſe more then ſhe did. But the more ſhe talked unto him concerning this admirable perſon whom this Statue repreſented, the more he augmented her curioſity: So that being one day much importun'd in the preſence of the Princeſs Palmis and Cyrus to relate the Hiſtory of her Adventures, he promiſed that it ſhould be exactly done by a friend of his, who knew the particulars of it better then he did, and who indeed did ſo moſt pleaſingly. Since you are not this Countryman, replied Doraliſa, and ſince I have not the honour to be well known unto you, you do not know that I never uſe to give any time unto thoſe who promiſe me any thing, eſpecially when by holding them to their promiſes, I ſhall oblige two perſons ſo illuſtrious as thoſe who now hear me, and who will certainly be very glad to know the adventures of a Lady in whom the King of Phenicia hath ſo much intereſt. Cyrus approving of Doraliſa's Speech as well as the Princeſs Palmis, Ariſtheus told them, they ſhould be ſatisfied when they pleaſed: So that without further delay, it was reſolved, that at that night he ſhould perform his promiſe, as indeed he did: For he prepared him who was to relate what they deſired to know, to go with him unto the Princeſs Palmis Chamber, where the Princeſs Timaretta would be a partaker of that diverſion. 'Tis true, Ariſtheus could not ſtay there, becauſe the Phenician Ambaſſador ſent a Poſt that night unto the King his Maſter, to give him an account of his happy ſucceſs in his [...], and he was obliged to write alſo: So that after he had brought his friend thither, whoſe name was [...]clamis, and that Cyrus and the Princeſſes ſaw him to be a man of good Spirit, he [...], asking leave of Cyrus to go, whil'ſt Telamis was making his relation, and make another unto the King of Phenicia of his magnificence and generoſity, and of all the moſt rare Qualities which he found in him; adding further, moſt obligingly, that ſince he intended to conceal none of his active virtues from the King his Maſter, he did not think he could return before the end of Telamis his relation: After vvhich, making me [...] low obeyſance, he retired, and left Telamis with the Princeſs of Phrigia, Timaretta, Cyrus, and Doraliſa, who after ſome ſhort preamble to excuſe his imperfections in the Narration of his hiſtory, he began it moſt elegantly in Greek, which all his Auditors did underſtand admirably well, Palmis and Cyrus deſiring him to addreſs his Speech unto Timaretta.

The Hiſtory of ELISA.

THough I know very well Madam, that perſons of your Quality are ignorant of nothing which paſſeth in the Courts of Kings, who moſt remote from their own; yet I may in reaſon think, that an African Princeſs will take ſome pleaſure in hearing exactly related, the manners and cuſtoms of one of the moſt conſiderable Kingdoms in all Aſia. Alſo, ſince the Hiſtory which I am to relate cannot be very well underſtood, before I give you an Idea of our Court, and the manners uſed, I conceive it better, firſt to make a general deſcription of it, before I come unto the particular perſons vvhereof it is compoſed, and vvho are intereſted in the adventure which I am to relate: I muſt therefore tell you Madam, hovv that ſince the Phenicians vvere almoſt the firſt people of Aſia, vvho expoſed themſelves unto long Voyages at Sea, and eſtabliſhed the greateſt Commerce amongſt his Meighbour Nations, they abounded in riches much more then others, and conſequently it may be very rightly ſaid, that their delights, their luxury, their voluptuouſneſs, and their magnificence vvere more abundant amongſt them then any other people; not but that this State hath been ſhrevvdly ſhaken ſeveral times: One vvhile by the commotion vvhich the Phenic [...]ans made concerning the Daughter of the King of Argas: Another time by the Rebellion vvhich thoſe of Crete made at Tire, concerning [Page] the King of Phenicia's Daughter: Sometimes by the diviſion of Pigmation and Did [...], and by the flight of that Princeſs: And another time by the general Rebellion of all the Phenician Peſants, who intirely ſubverted the Government. But at the laſt, maugre all theſe revolutions of Fortune, this Kingdom hath of late recovered its firſt ſplendor, and the Cities of Tire and Sidon, which may both of them be termed the Metropolitans of this Eſtate, are certainly two of the goodlieſt, moſt magnificent, and richeſt Towns in the World, either in reſpect of their ſcituations, or the beauty of their buildings; or their great traffique in Purples wherewith they cloath the Kings of the earth, and are an ornament of the World. Moreover, as there is nothing which contributes more unto the perfection of Arts then Riches, nor which more readily attracts all ſtrangers who have any excellencies then abundance: It may very well be ſaid, that one might find all Greece in Phenicia, ſince certainly there were the Workmen of all thoſe famous Towns: So that by this means, the buildings in Tire and Sidon were not only moſt ſtately, but moſt regularly built, the Painters there were good, the Ingravers excellent, and the Muſique comparably charming unto the Lidian. The Ladies were not only fair, but they were alſo ſtately, ingenuous, and apt in every thing they attempted to learn, there being not one Woman amongſt the Phenician people who did not excel in ſome work or other, either for the ornaments of Women of high quality, or for the uſe of the Temple. As for the Court there, I may well ſay, and not ſay too much, that it is the moſt compleat in the World: The lives they lead, are doubtleſs moſt pleaſant, eſpecially becauſe Merits there before Birth are promoted to the higheſt Ranks: The converſe of Ladies is there allowed, but yet in ſuch a Medium of liberty as is equally void, both of two much ceremony or any incivility, Dancings, Walkings, and Muſique, are the ordinary recreations of that Court: Diſcourſe is the chief buſineſs of all thoſe who have any Spirits, and eſpecially of Ladies unto whom there is daily reſort, and who are the diſpenſors of the glory and reputation of all compleat men; for whoſoever hath not the approbation of four or five Ladies, can never hope to pretend unto any univerſal eſteem. As for the men, it may be ſaid there are of all ſorts: And indeed there are ſome men of great quality, whoſe merits are infinitely above their quality: And there are alſo ſome who have nothing to boaſt of but their quality: There are ſome whoſe glory conſiſts in the magnificence of their Train, and richneſs of their cloaths: And there are others, whoſe glory is only in their own virtues: And doubtleſs there are another ſort of men, of an inſupportable vain-glory: But to ſpeak generally, there is a kind of ſuch a Spirit of Politeneſs that raigns in the Court, as renders it moſt delightful, and which produceth an incredible number of moſt compleat men; and that which makes them ſo, is, becauſe the men of Quality in Phenicia ſcorn to be ignorant in all ſorts of Sciences, and are not as in ſome other Courts, where they imagine, that if a man know how to uſe a Sword, may be allowed to be ignorant in all things elſe. But on the contrary, there's not a man of any condition in our Court, who is not able to judg of the rareſt works, or at leaſt who does not ſtrive to honour himſelf, by honouring thoſe who are more knowing then himſelf.

This Madam was the condition of our Court, when that moſt admired Lady, of whom I am to diſcourſe, came into the World; and this is that ſame which it is at this day. It requiſite I tell you Madam, before I begin to ſpeak of this moſt excellent perſon, that the late King of Phenicia, who hath a great part in the beginning of this Hiſtory, was a Prince who merited the name of a great Conquerour, making himſelf moſt eminent upon a hundred ſeveral occaſions, and having purchaſed the reputation of extraordinary valour; but being born under a more amorous conſtellation, then ever any of his condition was: It may very well be ſaid, that he joyed more in the Conqueſts of his Love, then he did in thoſe of Mars. He had an univerſal civility unto all of that Sex, which made him generally loved: And his Spirit being infuſed unto all the Courtiers, every man under his Raign had all Ladies in a high eſteem and Veneration: Alſo I aſſure you, the Gods could never have ſent this perſon into the world, of whom I am to ſpeak in an age diſpoſed to adore her Beauty, admire her Spirit, and reverence her Virtue, as in this. Now Madam, I ſhall tell you, that this incomparable Lady, whoſe name was Eliſa, is of a very Noble Family, and hath this advantage, to be born in great abundance of wealth; for her Father, whoſe name was Straton, was extream rich. This man was of Spirit enough, but it was a Spirit of ambition, and for the world: He was of a hot and lively temper, who loved all manner of pleaſures, and who was never content, unleſs his houſe [Page] were filled with all the Grandure of the Court; he kept an open and plentiful Table; his houſe was the Rendezvouz of pleaſures, either in Walkings, Muſiques, or Feaſts: So that it may be ſaid, Eliſa was born in a houſe of joy. The Wife of Straton, called Barcea, was fair, but phantaſtical, and did not contribute any thing, neither to the pleaſures of her Husband, or of thoſe who came to him: And it often ſo fell out, that ſhe was not ſeen, and left in her Chamber without the leaſt, how do you. Since Straton had been long married before he had any children, when Eliſa came into the World, he was extraordinarily joyed at her, and ſolemnized her Birth, with a Feaſt of a vaſt expence. I will not inſiſt long Madam upon the extraordinary beauty of this Child, when firſt ſhe ſaw light: But I beſeech you permit me to begin the Hiſtory of her life, from her coming out of her Cradle, ſince certainly in Tire they talked of the little Eliſa, as a great miracle, when ſhe was not above five or ſix years of age: It was not only the prodigious luſtre of her beauty which filled the Court with admiration, but it was as well her rare wit and ſprightly anſwers; it was her excellent grace, and ſtrange facility to learn any thing was taught her, and her pleaſant conceipts in diverting company; alſo a ſtatelineſs at that age, as would have becomed the Majeſty of a Queen: Beſides all theſe qualities, ſhe had two more, which did render her moſt amiable, for ſhe had ſuch an admirable voice, and ſuch an inclination unto Dancing, as that at the age of five years ſhe was moſt excellent in both, beginning alſo to play upon the Lute, which ſhe did with ſuch a grace, that ſhe charmed all her hearers. Eliſa being thus qualified as I tell you, and much more amiable then I am able to relate, you may eaſily conceive that her Father did moſt tenderly love her, and he loved her ſo much the more, becauſe he obſerved that his Wife did not love her over-well, and becauſe the beauty of his Daughter, though a child, did ſtick in her ſtomack: Nor did he leave her unto her guidance, but on the contrary, he placed the little Eliſa in a Chamber, far off hers, and ſet a Governeſs over her, who was as virtuous as ſhe was apt, and fit to cultivate the ſweet and noble inclinations of this young Lady: So that ſhe being of a natural ſiveetneſs, and educated with ſuch extraordinary care, it is no wonder this rare child ſhould make a greater noyſe in the World at nine years of age, then the faireſt uſe to do at eighteen. Alſo one occaſion did preſent it ſelf, which did make the rare merit of this young Eliſa to ſhine, and which was not talked on only in Tire, but alſo throughout all Phenicia, and all the Kingdoms, whoſe Ambaſſadors were then at our Court. Be pleaſed to know Madam, that a Tirian named Cryſiles, who was admirable in Muſique, and had travelled, returned unto Tire, and being a very accompliſhed man: and known of all the Court, he came unto Straton's houſe, as others did, and was ſo charmed with the young Eliſa, that he vvould needs become her Maſter in Muſique, and teach her upon the Lute, and to ſing all thoſe Songs which he learned of the famous Arion, with whom he had an intimate friendſhip at Leſtos, and whom he had ſeen at the Cape of Tonarus, when that Dolphin which ſaved his life brought him thither: Since this accident was a great miracle, and Cryſiles an eye-witneſs of it, I believe he vvas deſired by every one to tell it, a thouſand and a thouſand times over, ſo that it was the only talk of the Town for many daies. The King himſelf cauſed him to relate it, and ſo did the Queen; and Chriſiles was ſo tired with ſo often relating it, as he ſaid once laughing, that Arions Dolphin was not ſo weary with carrying him, as he was with telling the ſame thing ſo oft over: The time was then, when the cuſtome was to celebrate a great Feaſt unto Neptune: For the Tirians being all Seamen, their grand devotion is unto the Sea Gods: They conceived alſo, that their Town being an Iſle, they were more obliged then any others to reverence Neptune: You know Madam, how it is a received belief every where, that during the love of this God unto Amphitrites, there was a Dolphin vvhich did prodigious feats for him, and how this Fiſh was placed among the Stars for the good ſervices which he had done that God: So that the Tirians in the honour of this God and Amphitrite, do extreamly reverence Dolphins; and underſtanding this adventure of Arion from Cryſiles, they attributed the miracle unto Neptune, as Maſter of the Seas. This time being neer that Feaſt, and it being the King who was to be at the charges of that ceremony, this Prince did contrive a place according unto the cuſtome, to repreſent ſome Emblemes of Neptune, and he made choice of this adventure of Arion.

He no ſooner had this phanſie, but he did communicate it unto thoſe that had the contrivance of ſuch things, and unto Criſiles alſo; and they all agreed, that this adventure would furniſh out a moſt rare Scean, and make a moſt pleaſant ſhew; So that without any [Page] more delay, Painters, Ingravers, Engeneers, and Muſitians were to be imployed, and the King being then deeply in Love with a Lady of that Court, it may very well be ſaid, that this magnificence intended, was made as much for her as for Neptune. In the mean while, the Engeneers and Painters found out an invention to repreſent the Sea, to make Neptune appear ſitting in his Chair, and Amphitrites in hers; to repreſent Ships, and the Tritons, and the Nereides, to ſhew a Dolphin which ſhould ſeem to ſwim, but they could not deviſe who it ſhould be that ſhould repreſent Arion, who as Criſiles ſaid, was both young and fair; and ſince the beſt Singers there were neither young nor fair, they were a little puzled; but in concluſion, Criſiles who aimed at nothing more then the glory of the young Eliſa, made a Propoſition unto the King, that he would command Straton to permit his Daughter to repreſent Arion, which he could not refuſe, ſince the Queen her ſelf was to repreſent Amphitrites. The adviſe of Criſiles was not at the firſt liked by the King, who feared that the young Eliſa would be out of countenance, and ſpoil the fineſt paſſage of the Muſique: But Criſiles anſwered the King ſo ſatisfactorily, that the King conſented, and he was no leſs buſie in ordering this entertainment, then he would have been in ordering a Battel, and therefore ſent immediately unto Straton, to propoſe the buſineſs unto him: But leſt he ſhould be denied, he did both pray and command at once, ſo that Straton did not deny. This Prince alſo deſired the Queen to ask Barce concerning Eliſa, leſt out of her capritious deſign, ſhe ſhould be any obſtacle unto the deſign. But in concluſion Madam, not to abuſe your patience with any frivolous and impertinent relations, Criſiles taught the young Eliſa the very ſame words and Aire [...] Arion uſed to allay the cruelty of thoſe that would have devoured him. Criſiles [...] obtained the favour to have them from him, though he would not give them unto a [...], and the wonder was, Eliſa did ſo admirably learn them, that Criſiles himſelf was a [...]ed; but the greateſt wonder of all was, to ſee the confidence and boldneſs of the young Eliſa, without any more aſtoniſhment, then if ſhe had been in her own Chamber, having no other Spectator but her Governour, though it was in the preſence of a full and glorious Court. I will not loſe ſo much time Madam, as to deſcribe the magnificence of this Muſique; it will be ſufficient I only tell you, that never was a finer in Phenicia, and I will only inſiſt upon that which concerned the young and fair Eliſa: Though I could tell you Madam, that the Sea was ſo fully repreſented, that all the Spectators feared the Waves would have daſhed themſelves againſt the Company: And that the Chairs of Neptune and Amphitrites, were adorned with all that the Sea produced moſt rich; that Pearls, Choral, and Rubies, were the garments of theſe two Divinities: The veſtures of the Nercides and the Tritons were of Aggates, Mother of Pearl and Sea Ruſhes: That the Ship out of which Arion was caſt into the Sea, ſeemed to be far diſtant, as if it had floted to catch the Dolphin; and that all the Sceans were ſo lively repreſented, as that they did deceive the eyes. But give me leave to tell you Madam, that when the young Eliſa appeared upon the Dolphin, all the Aſſembly ſhouted a cry of admiration, which in lieu of amazing, did imbolden her, and cauſed their wonder to double. The truth is, never could any thing be a rarer Spectacle, then to ſee Eliſa upon this Dolphin, which ſwimming gently, and lifting his head out of the Water, as if he were proud of ſuch a burthen, ſeemed as if he would leap amongſt the Aſſembly, ſwiming ſometimes on one ſide, and ſometimes on another. The young Eliſa, whoſe hair was fair, like as Apollo is repreſented, did tye up her locks with much becomingneſs, leſt they ſhould have hung down too long, yet divers of them in Breads did hang negligently upon her ſhoulders: Her dreſs was of Tiſſue in divers colours mingled with Gold: Her Buskins, which ſuffered ſome part of her white legs and feet appear under her waving Garment, which the motion of the Dolphin ſtir'd, did imitate the manner how Fiſhes do ſwim. A thouſand Diamonds ſet in ſeveral places of her Garment did caſt a ſhining flame, but the eyes of the fair Eliſa did out-ſhine them all: The ſleeves of her Garment reached no further then her Elbowes, which ſuffered the lovely plumpneſs of her youth to appear.

The Aire being then very hot, and Eliſa having naturally a Love incarnate complexion in her cheeks, with a mixture of pure white, her Beauty augmented, and appeared more lively and freſh; her lips were perfect Coral, her teeth no ſnow was whiter, and her eyes no Stars more luſtrious. After all this, you may well conceive Madam, that Eliſa was a glorious Object, who without any aſtoniſhment at the motion of the Dolphin, nor at the ſtirring of thoſe well repreſented Waves, nor at the preſence of the King or Queen, [Page] nor at that huge number of Spectators, did hold her Lute with a moſt admirable grace, and did ſing with ſo much wonderful confidence and skill, that all the Court was ſurprized and charmed. Criſiles was in an extaſie of joy, and indeed it was a wonder, that the voice of one ſo young ſhould reach ſo far, as to fill ſo vaſt a place as that was with a harmony ſo charming, as moved all hearts unto admiration. Alſo when ſhe was landed at a Cape, which repreſented the Cape of Tenaros; and when the Dolphin had ſet her on ſhore, the King was ſo tranſported with admiration, that not ſtaying the end of the Muſique, he went to imbrace her, and made extreamly much of her. Afterwards he carried her to the Queen, who was alſo come out of her Chair, and gave her a thouſand commendations, which ſhe received with much reſpect: But the applauds which every one in the Court did give her, with the moſt Majeſtique fury in the world, as if for a thing which ſhe thought to be a meer vanity: After this Madam, ſhe went often to the Queen, yet ſhe never went, but ſhe ſtill augmented the admiration of all thoſe who ſaw her; and I am confidently perſwaded, that ſhe made more Lovers at that time, then did think themſelves to be ſo, and who becauſe of her exceeding youth, imagined their paſſions were no more then only an admiration, and complacency of themſelves, which moved them to ſeek all occaſions of ſeeing her, only becauſe ſhe diverted them: Since the King was ingaged at that time in a moſt violent paſſion, and ſince Eliſa was a very child, he looked upon her only as a miracle, and not as a Miſtreſs, yet he made her a thouſand welcomes, and applauded her to the Skies upon every occaſion: He never ſaw Straton, but he asked how his Daughter the fair Eliſa did; and there was never any extraordinary diverſion, but the young Eliſa muſt needs be preſent. In the mean time, as ſhe grew, ſo did her beauty, and faſter, and every Spring put freſher Lillies and Roſes upon her cheeks, then grows in any gardens: At fourteen years of age, ſhe was the moſt exact Beauty that ever was ſeen in Phenicia: And Madam, as I have already deſcribed the beauty of Eliſa in her Childhood, ſo I beſeech you give me leave to deſcribe her, as ſhe was at fourteen, and as ſhe is at preſent; and it is requiſite I let you know her heart and her Spirit, that you may with more delight and attention hear her adventures: Imagine therefore Madam, a perſon of the moſt handſom and noble ſtature in the world, if you will conceive Eliſa's: And though it was much under the common height of one that can be called tall, yet her ſtature was ſo exactly handſome, as all her body was as fair as her face. Moreover, her port was ſo noble and free, and yet ſo full of Majeſty, that never any vvas ſeen to walk with a better grace, nor ſtand ſtill with a more modeſt countenance, yet confident enough.

Moreover, her action was no leſs pleaſing, then her ſtature was noble, and her Port Majeſtique, her favour was neither forced nor careleſs, ſhe looked without affectation, and yet looked, as if ſhe would appear fair: If ſhe conſulted with her glaſs to rectifie any thing that was amiſs in her dreſs, ſhe did it with ſo handſom a grace, and with ſo much art, that any would ſay her hair did with delight obey thoſe fair hands which ordered it. All that ſhe did was done in ſuch a taking way, that one knew not how to look upon her, and not love her. Moreover; Nature never gave fairer eyes unto any then unto her, they were not only full and fair, but they were alſo fiery and ſweet, and ſparkling altogether, but ſo quick and ſparkling, and ſo dazled all that looked upon them, as their true colour cannot be well defined; her mouth was as perfect a beauty as her eyes; the pure whiteneſs of her teeth deſerved the Carnation of her lips, her young and freſh complexion made ſo great, ſo natural, and ſo ſurprizing a luſtre, that at the very firſt ſight ſhe would force admiration and applauds: Indeed the delicacy and purity of her complexion cannot be expreſſed by any tongue, ingredients of white and red were ſo ſweetly mixed, that the faireſt and ſweeteſt Jeſſimons and Roſes comes not neer it in compariſon: Her Noſe was of a moſt exact Cicemtry, and Propoſition, without riſing too much or too little, but made a moſt compleat beauty: Indeed the whole compoſure of her face being neither very round, nor very oval, though it inclined more to the laſt then the firſt, was a moſt prime work of Nature, who joyning all her wonders together, kept back nothing that could poſſibly be deſired. Moreover, Eliſa's Neck was no leſs fair, then all the parts deſcribed before, ſo that the moſt envious at her beauty could find no fault to carp at: You may well imagine then Madam, that ſuch a young Lady as I have deſcribed, who dreſſed her ſelf to the beſt advantage, who played moſt admirably upon the Lute, who ſung better then ever any did, and who danced with a grace above imitation, was moſt fit to take hearts: Yet I cen aſſure you Madam, this is not all, for which Eliſa was commendable: [Page] for be pleaſed to know, that her ſpirit and her wit had a million of charms and Beauties in them, and ſhe knew ſo well how to make a mixture of mirth and jolity with her wiſdom and modeſty, that never any was more exact in the Art: There was in her humour ſuch a jolly pleaſantneſs, as would make a great company very merry, though they were all the moſt ſerious and grave perſons in the world; and ſhe knew ſo well how to anſwer all thoſe who did viſit her, both how to divert them, and how to pleaſe them, and how to oblige them, that every one was infinitely pleaſed with her, be they of what humours they would. Since ſhe had ſeen all the compleat Gallants in Phenicia, one may ſafely ſay ſhe knew all that they did know; and believe it, ſhe could ſpeak of all things very fitly and well, though ſhe ſpoke of many things which ſhe never heard before: But as ſhe was good at converſation in general, ſo was ſhe alſo at particular; for ſhe would be a whole afternoon talking with one of her friends with as much gravity, as if ſhe were at a great Feaſt: Queſtionleſs ſhe was a lover of company, but ſhe would not be weary in ſolitude; and when ſhe was in the Countrey walking by a Rivers ſide, and hearing the Nightingals ſing, ſhe would be as pleaſant, as if all the Court was with her. Moreover, never any was of more regular nor of more exact civility then ſhe; ſhe did as much as poſſibly ſhe could to accord the diſobliging of any, but on the contrary, did with a ſerious care ſtudy how to oblige all the world: But Madam, her ſoul was yet far greater then her beauty, and tranſcended her wit, and it cannot be better expreſſed, then by ſaying, that it was ſo full of generous and heroique thoughts, that glory only did animate her heart: She was indeed ſomthing cholerique, but her choler was ſo temper'd with an ingenuous ſweetneſs, as that it never diſpleaſed, and as there was a kind of pride in her ſoul, ſo there was a ſweet tenderneſs in her heart. Indeed never any loved her friends with more zeal, nor treated her Lovers with more rigour: There was never any unto whom ſhe promiſed friendſhip, had the leaſt cauſe to complain, ſhe was ever ready to do them all good offices with joy, even to the expences both of purſe and health, by taking pains in their buſineſs; ſhe loved them, though abſent, exiled, priſoners, without money, without credit, and her friendſhip hath ſomtimes gone as far as their very graves. Grandure never daunted Eliſa, ſhe has ſeen Kings and Princes at her feet, and would never permit her ſoul to be taunted with that vain-glory, which looks only at appearances, and ſeduceth all weak ſouls: She was as unmoveable as a ſtone at the intereſt of riches, as you ſhall perceive by the ſequel of the ſtory; ſhe was not capable of any envy, though almoſt all the Beauties envied her: On the contrary, ſhe did ever aggravate the Beauty of others; and one of her greateſt delights was to ſee any good qualities in others, virtue had predominate charms over her, ſhe loved all that was worthy to be loved, and hated vice with as much zeal as ſhe loved virtue; ſhe was not only full of humility, but modeſty, but it was a true real modeſty, which is no leſs in the heart then the face, and which never deceives thoſe who admire it.

Moreover, ſhe was as full of prudence as wit, though far from that which is called ſubtilty, which often paſſeth for that virtue amongſt many perſons: But as for Eliſa, ſhe was full of ſincerity, ſhe was capable of the cloſeſt ſecrets, and of a conſtancy which hath few examples amongſt thoſe of her Sex. The truth is Madam, Eliſa is a miracle, and it is no wonder at all ſhe ſhould get ſo many lovers and friends: But ſince ſhe hath been more happy in the laſt of theſe then the firſt, I will ſpeak as well of her friends as of her Lovers. But to return to the buſineſs from whence I digreſſed, give me leave to tell you Madam, that Eliſa being arrived at the age of fourteen, ſhe made ſo many Conqueſts, and ſubjected ſo many hearts, that perhaps I ſhould not find belief, if I ſhould number them; for ſhe was beloved of all who were capable of loving; all the Princes in the Court were her Slaves; three Brothers of that Quality Rivals at a time; all men a little inferiour unto that Rank acknowledged her power, and ſhe was a Miſtreſs unto all their Maſters.

Chriſiles in teaching her to ſing, learned to ſigh for her, and he loved her with ſo much devotion, that he would never teach any other but her, to the end ſhe might only ſing perfectly. The very Painters who took her picture, burned in hot flames of Love; there was not one who had any reaſon that were not in the ſame condition. In the mean time, Eliſa in the midſt of all theſe victories, ſtood firm as Marble, ſtill the ſame, and out of a Noble pride, which rendred her more charming, ſhe was not puft up with her Conqueſts, and it may very well be ſaid, that Straton had more joyes then ſhe; but it was not ſo with Barcea, who could not indure the great reputation of her Daughter: The [Page] young Eliſa ſuffered all her phantaſtical humours with unparallelled patience, and was very complacential unto the will of her Father; and it was chiefly to pleaſe him, that ſhe expoſed her ſelf to ſo much company who came thither, ſince certainly he affected it much more then ſhe. But to honour the Triumph of Eliſa's Beauty, the King of Phenicia, that famous Conquerour, became her Captive, but her Captive in a different manner from that he was accuſtomed to be, for heretofore his heart was able to make a retreat, but his paſſion to Eliſa was otherwiſe obliged, and except ſome that envied her Beauty, none ever ſpoke or thought any thing which could be diſadvantageous to her, and certainly they had no reaſon, for I verily believe, that there was never any perſon whoſe virtue was more pure, nor who was put unto more difficult trial then the virtue of Eliſa. I then had the honour to be much in the Kings favour at that time, and was the confident of his paſſion, and by conſequence was a witneſs of Eliſa's virtue, though ſince ſhe hath confeſſed unto me, that at the firſt ſhe was joyed a little, to ſee a Prince who was beloved of his people proſtrate at her feet: One who was a terror unto all his Neighbours, and eſteemed of all Aſia: But ſhe did ſo diſcreetly palliate thoſe joyes, and alwayes received the King with ſuch an indifferent civility, as I heard that Prince a hundred times ſay, he never came neer her but he trembled: I know very vvell, that thoſe vvho had a mind to diminiſh the honour of Eliſa, have reported that it was not impoſſible to reſiſt a Prince who was none of the handſomeſt, who had the Garb more of a Souldier then of a King, and one who indeed was no proper man: But for all this, he was one of the moſt illuſtrious Kings in the world, and one, who by reaſon of his familiarity and affability, was extreamly pleaſing and taking, he would diſcourſe with ſo fine a grace, and behave himſelf with ſo much ſweetneſs, that he gained the hearts of all the world: Moreover, never was Lover ſo civil, ſo obſequious, nor ſo reſpectful as he, and by conſequence it may truly be ſaid, that Eliſa did merit infinite glory in reſiſting ſo great a Prince: I will not inſiſt Madam, upon any relation of his Courtſhips, nor upon the Feaſts which he made in conſideration of her, nor with what aſſiduity he did viſit her, for that would be too tedious and long: But give me leave only to tell you, that he was as diligent in his Courtſhips of her, as he was of all the others whom he loved. In the mean while, Straton who was of an ambitious compoſition, was much joyed to ſee the King was in Love with his Daughter, yet he would alwayes tell Eliſa, that he pretended unto no further, then to make uſe of the Kings favour for a certain time, and not that ſhe ſhould ſacrifice her ſelf unto his fortune: In order unto this, he was very glad that the King did him the honour to come often unto his houſe, and that it was become an abſolute Court: As for Eliſa, ſhe was quickly weary of all theſe gliſtering gallantries, for ſhe ſaw that they were dangerous to her reputation, and deprived her of million of pleaſure and divertiſements: The reſpects of a King, cauſed all the Lovers of Eliſa to conceal their Chains; and ſome of them ſeem to love others for fear of offending the King, and who durſt not ſo much as ſpeak unto Eliſa, which ſhe remembred very well, when afterwards they addreſſed themſelves: Since the virtue of this Lady was well known unto the Queen, the Kings Love did not put Eliſa out of her good opinion, or of the King: On the contrary, when this Prince was at any time in a melancholy mood, the Queen would ſeek out for ſome occaſion to make him go and ſee Eliſa: If he were at any time ſick, ſhe would ſend for Eliſa to charm his diſeaſe with ſinging, & ſhe eſteemed Eliſa as much as the King loved her: Since this Prince had a Genius of Rallary, Eliſa did a long time receive the expreſſions of his paſſion, as if he did it only to divert himſelf; but afterwards, his paſſion encreaſing, ſhe ſaw that ſhe was driven to the neceſſity of reſolving what courſe to take, and how ſhe ſhould behave her ſelf towards him: If ſhe followed her own inclination, and the fierceneſs of her natural diſpoſition, ſhe would have made it her glory to have treated the King worſe then the meaneſt of his Subjects, but ſhe was not ignorant that her Father would take it ill: So that ſince ſhe knew this Prince had naturally a light kind of a ſoul, and could entertain more then one paſſion at one time, ſhe uſed her beſt endeavours to extinguiſh his paſſion unto her, by reviving in his heart the former love which he had, and perhaps might have again unto a perſon of rare beauty and virtue, whom he had quitted for her, conceiving, that if he did quit her only for her, and ſhould perſiſt, it would be diſhonourable. Having then fixed upon this reſolution, ſhe would ſing before the King only ſuch ſongs as had been made for this illuſtrious Rival, whom ſhe deſired ſhould only raign in the heart of this Prince, and that by ſinging her praiſes, he ſhould apply himſelf unto her again.

Eliſa made uſe of a thouſand ſuch deſires to leſſen the Kings paſſion towards her, and [Page] knowing that I had ſome credit with him, ſpoke one day unto me, when I was intending to move her to be a little more favourable unto the King: Talamis (ſaid ſhe unto me) The King doth me the greateſt honours in the world in viſiting me, and making a diſtinction between me and others of my quality; yet I wiſh you would be pleaſed to do me a good office unto him, which would be a very acceptable favour unto me, but I am afraid you will not: Methinks Madam, (ſaid I unto her and ſmiled) you ſhould eaſily believe without any arguments of perſwaſion, that I cannot deny any thing unto the Miſtreſs of my Maſter: And beſides, I am ſo devoted unto your ſervice, that you may command me any thing without the leaſt fear of diſobedience: It is not as the Miſtreſs of your Maſter, replied ſhe, that I deſire you ſhould ſatisfie my deſire, but as I am your friend, and as ſo I will be (if you do not deny me) as long as I live: I beſeech you Madam, ſaid I unto her, make haſt, and tell me what is your pleaſure I ſhould do to merit that glorious Title which you are pleaſed to promiſe me upon thoſe conditions: My deſire is, ſaid ſhe, That you will cauſe the King to love me leſs then he doth, and that he will renew his affection unto that moſt accompliſhed Lady, whom he ſo zealouſly adored before: How Madam (ſaid I unto her) would you have the King love you leſs? Yes, anſwered ſhe, I much deſire it, becauſe I am a real Lover of honour, but wiſh not to be ranked with three or four perſons whom he hath already loved, and whom a little falſe glory ſeduced: I muſt confeſs unto you, added ſhe, that if the King ſhould quit me out of ſcorn, perhaps I ſhould be ſo weak as to be a little angry. And I think alſo, that if he ſhould caſt me off for ſome whom he named unto me, I ſhould alſo be ſomthing moved: But if he ſhould leave me, only becauſe he hath repented of his infidelity unto ſo accompliſhed a Lady as ſhe is whom he quitted for me, I do aſſure you I ſhould be extreamly joyed; therefore I conjure you to ſpeak unto him upon all opportunities, in behalf of this illuſtrious Rival: Let him often look upon her Picture, and rekindle, if it be poſſible, that fire which blazed out ſo glorious a flame: For truly Telamis, I conſider that the King cannot make me a Queen, and though he could, yet is not my Quality worthy to be one; and he would be infinitely injurious to himſelf, if he ſhould have any ſuch thought: But I aſſure you, that my heart is too high, and my ſoul too noble to ſacrifice my honour upon an ill-grounded vanity; therefore Telamis I conjure you not to deny me this requeſt.

I do confeſs Madam, that this Diſcourſe of Eliſa did ſurprize me: At the firſt, I thought that ſhe had ſome ſecret inclination another way, which perhaps was one part of her virtue; for I could not imagine that one ſo young as ſhe was capable of ſuch a reſolution as this: but I was quickly undeceived, and was conſtrained to admire the vertue of Eliſa, more then her beauty: The truth is, I was ſo charmed, that I forſook the Kings Intereſt for hers: ſo that in lieu of negotiating with her as he pleaſed, I negotiated with him as Eliſa pleaſed: Yet was it not poſſible to do as ſhe deſired; ſo that reſolving to ſpeak unto him her ſelf, ſhe did it with ſo much confidence and generoſity, that this Prince loved her the more: yet ſhe had ſo much power over him, as he proteſted that he would never have any unjuſt deſigns upon her, and that he would do what he could to moderate the violence of his paſſion; which was no eaſie matter for him to do; but to bring it about, and to chaſe one paſſion out with another, he deſigned ſome Conqueſts upon the Sircans which are toward the Weſt; and in order to that, [...]e prepared a great Navy, and employed himſelf wholly in the Wars, purpoſely to leſſen that love which raigned in his Soul: ſo that it may be ſaid, he was as diligent in chaſing Eliſa out of his heart, as if he would have won her by winning of Battels. In the mean while, it delighted Eliſa, that all Phenicia did ſtrive in vain to know the cauſe of the Kings deſigns; and it pleaſed her that he talked of nothing but advancing her family, but advancing her father, and promiſing her, that if he could not cure himſelf of his paſſion by this voyage which he was attempting, to let her live as ſhe pleaſed at his return: and that he would endeavor all poſſible ways to pleaſe her. But to teſtifie how extream the Love of this Prince to Eliſa was, even at the very ſame time that he endeavored to extinguiſh it, be pleaſed to know that Dipoenus and Scillis, whoſe Fame was blazed over all the world, being landed at Tyre, he entertained them, to make during his abſence the rare Statue, which at this preſent is among the Treaſures which Croeſſus had heaped up, and which doth ſo lively reſemble Eliſa; appointing them to repreſent her, as the Athenians did repreſent Victory, which was without wings, intimating by that as well as they, he would not have Victory forſake and fly from him: For their pains, he promiſed ſuch great Recompence when he returned, that it is not imaginable [Page] what he would have given for the poſſeſſion of Eliſa her ſelf, ſince he would give ſo much only for her Statue. Since he had ſeveral Pictures of this fair Eliſa, Dipoenus and Scillis did form their model by them: Alſo they had ſeveral ſights of her, though ſhe knew not the reaſon why they looked ſo upon her, for the King did keep it ſecret: In the mean time, Eliſa was much joyed in her hopes, that her fathers ambition would be ſatisfied without any hazard of her honour or reputation; and therefore ſhe made a thouſand vows and prayers for the happy ſucceſs of the Kings expedition, who imbarqued after he had given Straton a thouſand Aſſurances of Grandure at his Return, not daring to expreſs himſelf more directly concerning his Paſſion: I ſhall not weary you Madam, with a Relation of this War: The beginning and ſequel was proſperous to the King; he defeated his enemies whereſoever he met them; and he never ſent any news of his Victories unto Tyre, but he writ unto the incomparable Eliſa, and thanked her as the cauſe of all his happy ſucceſs: In concluſion the difference between the King of Phenicia and the Sircans came to General Battel, which the King gave, and had the Victory, and ſent preſently by me the news of it unto the Queen, and at the ſame time unto Eliſa; forbidding me to ſpeak unto any, that he had received a ſlight wound with a dart on his ſide, leſt it ſhould diſquiet the Queen, or diminiſh the joys of the people for his Victory: commanding me moreover, to aſſure the Queen and particular Eliſa in private, that he would follow within eight days with his victorious Army, after he had left ſome Gariſons in certain places which he took in the beginning of the War. So uſing the help both of Sail and Oar, I came to Tyre with incredible ſpeed, and brought with me this news of Joy, which preſently became ſo univerſal, that nothing was thought on but magnificent Preparatious for the Kings Entry. Eliſa, though not very well, yet ſhe did partake of this publique Rejoycing, and the ſooner, becauſe the Letter, which I brought from the King, was the moſt obliging in the world; and becauſe I aſſured her, that in lieu of loſing this Princes heart as ſhe once intended, ſhe had only purified it, and made it capable only of an innocent paſſion: Adding afterwards, how he had commanded to tell Straton, that he ſhould prepare himſelf to receive as ſoon as he arrived, one of the moſt conſiderable Offices in the State. So that Madam, Eliſa, having reaſon to hope for the being the Kings Favorite, and not his Miſtreſs, as ſo many others had been, ſhe began to deſire his return, and to be impatient of ſeeing him: Since I had an extraordinary eſteem of her, and loved no other, I never was from her, where Straton was very glad to ſee me; and I went the oftner, becauſe the houſe of Straton being towards the Sea, I was certain from the Chamber of Eliſa, to ſee a Ship arrive, which I thought to be one of the Kings that came before to acquaint us with the hour of his arrival; but it was not ſo, for that Ship ſuffering Shipwrack, we wondered one day when I was in Eliſa's Chamber, to ſee the whole Navy appear: Since I ſpied it the firſt, I could not chuſe but expreſs my joyes, by acquainting Eliſa with it: Come Madam, ſaid I unto her, Come and triumph over the Conquerour of others, and fully enjoy your Victory.

She bluſhed at my words, and we no ſooner went to the Balcone, but we diſcerned the Fleet, and preſently after, we diſcovered how all the Ships had their ornaments of victory: We ſaw a thouſand Flags waving in amongſt the Cordage, as many flames flaſhing, the Ships were ſet round with colours gained from the Enemies, and all the Decks ſhined with gold and ſilver: But that which moſt ſurprized Eliſa and me when the Fleet came neerer, was to perceive all theſe Flags and Pennons, in lieu of being of ſeveral colours, as they uſe in combat or in Triumph, were all of one dusky dark colour mixed with gold and ſilver, ſuch as is uſed in the Funeral ceremonies of Kings: The ſight of this made us begin to tremble, but our admiration augmented, when coming neerer the place where we were, we could diſtinctly perceive, that the Captain who had more ornaments then the reſt of the Ships, had upon his Deck a great Coffin, placed upon a half part of three ſtairs, and that this Coffin was covered with black cloth, wrought with gold, upon which was placed a Crown, and a magnificent Sword, and at the head of this Coffin a Trophe elevated, to ſignifie, that he who died and was in the Coffin, died in triumphing, a hundred lighted Lamps hung round about the Deck: The Kings chief Officers were in mourning, and waited round about the Coffin: This ſight cauſed extream ſorrow in Eliſa's heart and mine; a doleful muſique was heard from every Ship, which by its lamentable tone ſpoke the King of Phenicia to be dead: All the Ships gained from the enemy followed this Captain, but without any Flags, Pennons, Banners, or Ornaments to ſignifie their defeat; the Souldiers in them were chained upon the Decks [Page] of the Ships, to honour the Funeral Pomp of that illuſtrious Conquerour. To be ſhort Madam, it was the King of Phenicia who was dead of his ſlight hurt, which he had commanded me to conceal from the Queen and Eliſa when he ſent me to carry the news of his victory: Doubtleſs you will ask me Madam how it was poſſible, that a wound which permitted this Prince to write unto the Queen and Eliſa, and which did hardly trouble him, ſhould cauſe his death ſo ſuddenly: But I ſhall anſwer, that the Dart which had been poyſoned, as it was known after my departure, and the venom having not diſperſed its malignity when I came from him, he did not ſeem to be ſo much as ill. But as ſoon as I had left him, the venom reached his heart, and he died within twenty four hours after: He was no ſooner dead, but his Lievtenant General diſpatched a Ship for Tire [...], to bring this ſad news: Mean while, he caſt anchor neer a great Town not far off his Road, purpoſely to give orders for all things neceſſary to honour the Funeral Pomp of the King his Maſter: But as I told you, the Ship which ſhould have preceded the Fleet, being Shipwracked, none were advertiſed of the Kings death, nor of the Navies approach. After this Madam, you may eaſily imagine, how Eliſa and I were amazed and grieved; for though the ſoul of Eliſa was not ingaged in any paſſion to this Prince, yet ſince ſhe was of a generous diſpoſition, and ſenſible of benefits, it was impoſſible ſhe ſhould look upon the Coffin of this Prince, whom ſhe had ſeen ſo reſpective at her feet, with a dry eye, or tranguile ſoul: And when the Captain of the Ship came under her Window, ſhe haſtily retired, as not being able to endure ſo ſad an object; yet notwithſtanding her retirement, her ſorrows encreaſed when the Ship came into the Port, and the people who were crowded to render honour unto their victorious and living King, did cry out moſt dolorouſly, when they knew that their Prince was dead: The noiſe of ſuch a clamour was ſo great, that the Chamber of Eliſa ſeemed to ſhake, and it was long before we could make our complaints, becauſe we could not hear each other: 'Tis true, our tears did ſpeak our ſorrows, and we ſaid many things in ſaying nothing: But at laſt our tongues were ſad expreſſors of our loſſes, yet it was not ſuddenly, for Eliſa deſiring to know all particulars of his death, willed me to go out and inform my ſelf. But this is not pertinent to my diſcourſe, let me only tell you Madam, That the laſt words of the dying King was with the name of Eliſa, which did not leſſen the grief of this fair and virtuous Lady. As ſhe was moved only out of her generoſity, ſo Straton grieved out of intereſt and gratitude both, for all his hopes were quaſhed, and could not expect that from the new King which he hoped for from the other. Never was a more general mourning then this, never was a greater conſternation then ſeemed to be amongſt the people, and never did change of Prince cauſe ſuch an alteration in private fortunes.

During this confuſed unſetledneſs, and trouble which was in the Court, Straton went into the Country, and carried Eliſa with him, who was glad of ſuch a ſolitude to hide her melancholy, and where ſhe was pleaſed I ſhould ſomtimes come and ſee her: But during this time, D [...]oenus and Scillis, having moved the Kings Officers for what the late King had promiſed unto them, and theſe Officers, perhaps without acquainting the King having repulſed them, they imbarqued in the night; and carried away with them the rare Statue which they had made, and which they ſaid was an abſolute miracle. In the mean time, as it is the cuſtom to mourn for the death of a King, ſo it is alſo the cuſtom to rejoyce with him who is to ſucceed; and as publike ſorrows never laſt long, ſo a calm began ſuddenly to appear in the Court, and things were ſetled as before: As for Eliſa, though ſhe was not of an humour to paſs ſo quickly from ſorrows into joyes, yet out of reaſon and wiſdom ſhe rowzed up her ſelf; and ſince her heart was not ingaged in any particular affection, her ſorrows were more eaſily comforted: Straton then returning unto Tire, Eliſa returned alſo; and ſince ſhe had never ſeen the Queen ſince the Kings death, ſhe went to her as ſoon as ſhe had got into a habit of mourning. Never was the Court ſo full as now, there was not a man of any quality in all Phenicia who was not there at Tire; So that when Eliſa was with the Queen, with a Princeſs who loved her very well, ſhe met with the applauds of all the Grandees in the Court and Realm: For indeed Madam, the mourning which Eliſa wore for that renowned Conquerour, did ſo very well become her, that without doubt it helped her to conquer many hearts which were not yet ſubjected, that black and plain dreſs, that vail hanging down to the ground over her fair hair, that plated Tiffiny about her fair Neck, and tyed with ſeveral black Ribbonds, like a Scarf; thoſe turned up ſleeves, which let the whiteneſs of her arms appear, and all her ſad habit, which gave a more freſh luſtre to her eyes, and was a foil unto the freſhneſs [Page] of her complexion, all of theſe were ſo advantageous unto her, that her greateſt adorers confeſſed, they never ſaw her ſo fair; and they preſſed ſo that day to ſee her, that one could hardly paſs through the Chamber unto the Queen, who did treat her according to her merits. Amongſt that croud of gallants, there was one that day with the Queen, whoſe name was Poligenes, who was one of the moſt conſiderable men in our Court, both for his quality and merit, who being a great friend of Stratons, and one of the prime Admirors of Eliſa, was raviſhed with joy at the acclamations which were attributed to her Beauty, yet he thought that this his joy was as much an effect of that friendſhip which he held with the Father, as the love which he bore the Daughter; for having ſeen her in the Cradle, and uſed in her infancy to ſpeak unto her, as if he had been her Brother, alſo given her a hundred adviſements in divers accidents, he could not believe he was in Love with her; yet it was not long before he did perceive it, as I ſhall hereafter tell you: Amongſt this multitude of men of Quality, who were then at Court, there was one of Sidon, called Phocilion, who having never ſeen Eliſa before, was ſo ſurprized and charmed, that he could not talk of any thing elſe: He did not content himſelf with looking upon her whileſt ſhe was with the Queen, but he followed her when ſhe went out as far as her Coach, afterwards he came in again unto the Queen, and mixing with the company of three or four, whereof Poligenes was one, he began to extol the beauty of Eliſa very highly, asking where ſhe lodged? who uſed to viſit her often? and who could carry him thither? Poligenes, who till now was glad of the praiſes which were attributed unto Eliſa, began to think ſtrange at thoſe which Phocilion gave her, for he was very handſom, and he told this freſh Adorer of Eliſa, that the houſe of Straton was not now ſo open and free, as it was wont to be in the time of the late King, and therefore he would not adviſe him to court his new acquaintance; adding further, that ſince he was a Sidonian, it was not convenient for him to ſee ſuch a dangerous perſon in Tire; yet for all this, his perſwaſions would not work upon Ph [...]cilion, for which he was very ſorry: So that calling himſelf to an account, he found, that certainly the affection which he bore unto Eliſa, was of another nature then he imagined: But before I acquaint you Madam with the progreſs of this Love, it is requiſite I acquaint you what kind of man the lover was. Poligenes was doubtleſs deſcended from a very illuſtrious family, and out of a houſe more noble then that of Eliſa, his perſon was very handſom, he was rich and neat in his habit, and never any had a more Polite and facetious wit then he, Courtſhip and gallantry were qualities born with him, civility was inſeparable from him, and though he was of a little too ſerious compoſition, yet he was not melancholy; but on the contrary, his converſation was very pleaſing: 'Tis true, he was a little reſerved and particular, and never ſpoke in any of thoſe tumultuous converſations, where there was much company: If he was at any time to give a treatment, he would do it with ſo good a grace in ſuch order, and ſo neatly, that one would believe it coſt him half as much more as it did; and in any thing which he undertook, either Races, Muſiques, Balls, Walks, or Feaſts, he alwayes had ſomthing extraordinary and rare; ſo that all unanimouſly did give him the reputation of the neateſt of men, and it may well be ſaid, that all the ſpruce youths of the Court came not neer him: Poligenes was about thirty five years of age when the late King of Phenicia died, although he ſeemed not to be above twenty and eight: He had a Brother much younger then himſelf, but he was not then at Tire; Poligenes being as I have deſcribed, did not mix himſelf with the youth of the Court, which made ſuch a croud upon Eliſa, as if he were their Rival; but on the contrary, he behaved himſelf as the friend of Straton, and his Daughter, not but that he did commend her with a better grace then they, and was as full of his expreſſions of gallantry, but it was in a way more ſubtil, and by not profeſſing the Gallant he was more Courtly then they: Since he knew the ſharpneſs of Eliſa's humour, he carried it ſo as he perſwaded her, that whatſoever he ſaid, were only effects of that Gallantry which proceeded from his natural Genius; ſo that Eliſa not ſuſpecting he had any particular deſign upon her, lived with him in much confidence, and as if he were her brother: The better to palliate his own thoughts, Poligenes would ſomtimes give her advice, either in acquainting her what was ſaid of her, or in adviſing her to rid her ſelf of ſome who viſited her, craftily chuſing thoſe whom he feared moſt prejudicial to him: Eliſa thinking him well intentioned towards her, thought her ſelf exceedingly obliged to him for his behaviour to her, and his advice, though ſhe would be her own Governour, nor was ſhe of too eaſie a belief, yet ſhe lived with him in a moſt obliging manner: So that whil'ſt ſhe made all thoſe to diſpair whom ſhe thought her Lovers, [Page] Poligenes whom ſhe thought only her friend, received a thouſand teſtimonies of eſteem and friendſhip. In the mean time, Phocilion notwithſtanding the advice of Poligenes, found out a way by the help of a friend to be carried unto Eliſa, and being handſom and of a good ſpirit, alſo being of good quality, and a very compleat man, Straton entertained him very well, and the better, becauſe he looked upon him as one who might in reaſon think of a Marriage with his Daughter, for he knew very well, that all thoſe Princes and Grand Signiors who had loved her, would not marry her. As for Eliſa ſhe looked upon him as a compleat man, and never looked further, for in the humour ſhe was, marriage was no part of her inclination. Phocilion being diſcreet and wife, having a ſweet and pleaſing wit, and never ſpeaking any thing unto Eliſa, which might give her the leaſt cauſe to ſhun his company, he courted hers, and he had preſently got that pleaſing familiarity with her which ſhe allowed to her friends, and denied to her Lovers. Poligenes upon whom Phocilion caſt a ſhadow, imployed all his Stratagems to put him out of Eliſia's favour: Somtimes he would tell her, he was but a Ruſtique, other whi [...]es, that if ſhe had any thoughts of Marriage, it ſhould be one of a better Rank, and that ſhe might the ſooner take his counſel, he would ſpeak ſometimes very well of Phocilion, whom he feared more then all the reſt: For ſince he was well acquainted with the high virtue of Eliſa, he did much leſs fear the Princes who loved her then Phocilion, whoſe condition and quality being more equal unto hers, might permit him to look upon her as a man whom ſhe might innocently Love: But notwithſtanding all his adviſes, he could not perſwade Eliſa to his wiſh; and knowing her to be imperious, and that perhaps he might anger her if he aſſumed any authority over her, he durſt not be further importunate: However, his ſoul enjoyed her uſual ſerenity a few daies after, for ſince Phocilion was not forward, and ſince his deſign upon Eliſa was not a ſimple deſign of Gallantry, but of Marriage, he did not tranſact as other Lovers did, but carried it with much leſs noyſe, becauſe he was not ſorry to obſerve the carriage of Eliſa amidſt ſo many Adorers before ſhe would declare her ſelf: So that negotiating as the friend of Straton, Poligenes did a little reaſſure himſelf, and alſo came to be very friendly with Phocilion, who having obſerved that Poligenes was in Eliſa's favour, took a ſpecial care not to be upon any ill terms with him. As there is no manner of mourning is ſo ſoon paſſed over, as that of the Court, eſpecially where a young Prince ſucceeds an old King, ſo pleaſure now began to bud out in Tire, where they began to make many magnificent Feaſts, of which Eliſa was the faireſt ornament.

There were alſo divers games of Prize to be played, and I remember one which conducted much to the glory of Eliſa, and which procured her the hatred of many beauties: For imagine Madam, that thoſe who won the Prize that day were to carry it unto Eliſa, out of the extream deſire they had to pleaſe her, and to get ſome honor in her preſence. Thoſe three Princes Rivals whereof I ſpoke, and who were Brothers and Rivals both, were in the number of thoſe who were to lay at her feet thoſe marks of advantage which they had won: But it was moſt admirable to ſee, with what modeſt pride Eliſa refuſed what they preſented unto her, and with what repugnancy ſhe obeyed Straton, who commanded her to accept their offerings. Poligenes, who was one of thoſe who brought the Prize, was yet received more favourably then the reſt, becauſe ſhe feared not in him thoſe conſequences which ſhe apprehended in thoſe who were her declared Lovers; yet I am confident, that for all her fury, ſhe was not ſorry for receiving an honour that day, which none but her ſelf ever had, yet ſhe did hide her ſatisfaction ſo well, that ſhe returned home with ſo little ſign of joy, as if ſhe never thought upon it. The next morning, all thoſe who ſhared in her glory went to viſit her, to teſtifie that they were very glad of the honour which ſhe had received; but they found that ſhe had a ſoul ſo infinitely above all that can be phraſed vanity, that they judged her more worthy of a Crown then the Prize they had offered, not but that ſhe received their applauds with a ſubmiſſive modeſty; but on the contrary, it was with ſuch a proud and fierce humility, (if it may be ſaid) as made it apparent, that ſhe found more ſatisfaction in her ſelf, then in the praiſes of another, not but that ſhe did love the commendations of her friends, but ſhe would have their commendations to be real ſigns of that eſteem which thoſe who commend her have of her, and that they be worthy who give her any ſuch applauds: As for thoſe tumultuous Encomiums which are given out of cuſtom or decency, they did more vex then pleaſe her; and I have ſeen her receive them ſo fiercely, as ſhe hath been ready to convert her love into hatred againſt thoſe who gave them, and truly it is not ſtrange ſhe [Page] ſhould; for beſides her natural humour of fierceneſs, and cholor, Poligenes did much contribute unto it; and I am confident that he would commend this Spirit of fierceneſs in her, a hundred times more then her beauty, voice, or wit: I remember one day amongſt the reſt, when none but Poligenes, Phocilion, and I were with Eliſa, and beginning to commend her generoſity in loving to do good offices unto her friends, we fell inſenſibly to repeat one after another all the excellent qualities which ſhe was owner of, though ſhe endeavoured to make us change our diſcourſe: Since you will needs have me endure your Panigyriques (ſaid ſhe, ſeeing we ſtill went on) I pray do me the favour to tell me of my faults that I may amend them: For my part, ſaid Phocilion, I cannot find any but one which I can deſire ſhould be mended, which is, that you are a little too ſcornful: For my part, replied Poligenes, I think, and could rather wiſh ſhe were not ſo ſweetly familiar; for I do profeſs unto you, that if there were a neceſſity Eliſa ſhould loſe any one of thoſe qualities which renders her ſo admirable, I would let any of them go, rather then her ſcornful and haughty way of demeanure: How, (ſaid I with admiration, and looked upon Poligenes) Do you prefer the pride of Eliſa before any other of the good qualities which ſhe is owner of? I beſeech you conſider well what I ſay, (replied he) and do not think I ſpeak without reaſon: I muſt confeſs, replied Phocilion, that my reaſon reacheth not ſo far, nor can I underſtand how it ſhould be poſſible you can conſent that Eliſa ſhould part with the leaſt good quality ſhe hath, rather then that pride and ſcorn, which addeth an ingredient of fear, to be mixed with the Love of thoſe who profeſs any affection to her: For my part (ſaid Eliſa and laughed) I am ſo glad to find any one who will commend a fault which I cannot mend in my ſelf, as I cannot ſufficiently expreſs my obligation unto Poligenes for it: I aſſure you Madam, replied he, you need never thank me for a thought which I cannot chuſe but think: But I beſeech you, ſaid Phocilion, What is the motive which prompts you to affect this pride in Eliſa, which blemiſheth all the reſt of her virtues? It is, replied he, becauſe thereby her heart is not eaſily conquered; and as I am fully perſwaded; (ſpeaking in kind of rallary) that it is not my deſtiny to make that illuſtrious Conqueſt, ſo I am very glad, that there is ſomthing in the ſpirit of Eliſa which may hinder others from it as well as my ſelf; and to ſpeak in reaſon, there is nothing that better becomes any high beauty, then this noble Pride, yet I muſt needs ſay, that this humour does not ſuit handſomly with every one, for there is requiſite a thouſand good qualities, to produce thoſe pleaſing effects which I ſpeak of, and it muſt be a high Beauty that muſt ſet it off, for Beauty only is not enough, but a high ſpirit and a great heart are eſſentially requiſite; and I am perſwaded, that the haughtineſs of a fair fool hath ſuch a neer reſemblance of Pride, and comes ſo neer a kind of fooliſh idle vanity, as it doth much misbecome them, and renders them inſufferable. I know that if this perſon who hath this loftineſs of behaviour, have not alſo a great and generous heart, ſhe will be bitter and tart, and ſurely in lieu of being ſtately, this I do not wiſh to be in any accompliſhed perſon: Sullenneſs and Statelineſs are two different things, the firſt is Ugly, the other is Majeſtical, the one a ſign of a melancholy Spirit, the other of a great and noble ſoul: Yes, the ſtatelineſs which I ſpeak of is a ſpark of Divinity, which diſtinguiſheth thoſe who are ſo from the common herd of people, which makes them feared, and reſpected of thoſe who love them, and which without the leaſt incivility, forbids too much familiarity with thoſe who are ſo ſtately, and which quality I do every day admire in Eliſa; and therefore wonder not that I ſhould deſire her to part with any other quality then with this noble Pride, which I ſo much love in her, and which alſo hath rendred you ſo good offices: To me, replied Phocilion, For heavens ſake do not offer to perſwade me that I am any Debtor unto the haughtineſs of Eliſa: Indeed you are, replied Poligenes, For can you think, that ſhe being ſo fair, ſo amiable, and ſo much adored as ſhe is, her heart would have been at this time to diſpoſe of, if ſhe had not been as ſtately and majeſtical as ſhe is? or if ſhe had been ſo affable and ſweet, as you ſeem to deſire her, ſhe could never have ſeen ſo many denied Suitors at her feet, without having pity upon ſome one of them, inſomuch as when you came unto Tire, and courted her acquaintance, you would have found her heart ingaged, whereas now you find it free, and ſo diſingaged from any affection, as the moſt paſſionate of all her Lovers cannot find in her behaviour the leaſt cauſe of any jealouſie: 'Tis true, replied Phocilion, But on the other ſide, they cannot find any foundation of hope: Yes, replied Poligenes, very much, ſince there is no fear that any will be more happy then your ſelf: But I beſeech you (ſaid Eliſa, and interrupted them) Wherein does this ſtatelineſs you ſpeak of conſiſt? I pray [Page] tell me, that I may know how to be more or leſs lofty, as occaſions ſhall be offered? Is it in the Aire of my viſage that it appears? or in all my actions in general? Is it in my words? Or in the accent of my voice? Is it in ſomthing which I cannot define, replied Poligenes; For truly, you are more civil then many others, who paſs for more ſweet and affable then they are; you are eſſentially good, you are ready to do all good offices to your friends with an excellent grace: Alſo upon ſome occaſions you are pittiful and tender, but with all theſe you are high-minded and ſtately, as I would have you to be; and to ſay truly, I think that this brave and noble Pride, hath its ſource from the root of your heart, and from thence it paſſeth into your Spirit, into your eyes, into your face, and into all your actions and words: Since ſo (ſaid Eliſa then) I muſt be as long as I live the very ſame I am at this preſent, for I muſt needs confeſs unto you, that I would not change my heart for any others: Though your highneſs of behaviour ſhould make you have no other thought but that, replied Poligenes, yet I ſhould for ever love it; for as I ſaid before, I ſhould not be ſorry if others cannot enjoy that thing, which I cannot my ſelf enjoy.

Phocilion was not yet ſatisfied with the reaſons of Poligenes, but this diſcourſe laſted ſo long, that night ſummoned us to leave Eli [...]a, who doubtleſs was gladder to ſee her ſtatelineſs commended, then any other Quality, for ſhe heard every one applaud her beauty, her voice, and her Spirit, and ſomtimes ſhe met with ſome who found fault with her ſtatelineſs, and extreamly complained againſt it. This was the ſtate of things Madam, when the Brother of Poligenes, whom I told you was travelling in Greece, returned unto Tire: He was then about four and twenty years of age, and there being ſuch a difference of age between Poligenes and him, he reſpected him almoſt as his Father; and indeed Poligenes took as great a care of Agenor, as if he were his Son; he was therefore extreamly glad to ſee him ſo handſom, and pleaſing every way; and I aſſure you Madam, a man could not be more handſom then he was; he was not only handſom and of a good garb, but he was alſo exceeding agile in all the exerciſes of his body, eſpecially in danceing. Moreover, he had an admirable wit, but it was a merry and diverting wit, which infinitely pleaſed all companies. Moreover, he was the apteſt of all men to make ſecretss, to diſcover thoſe of others, and to hide his own when he would: 'Tis true, this humour laſted not long, nor took him oft; for he had a vanity, which cauſed that he could not be loved, without deſiring it ſhould be known; yet the paſſions of his ſoul were very violent, but vanity would not permit them to be ſtrong in his heart; and certainly, if Agenor had not had this fault, he had been much more amiable in the eyes of thoſe he loved then he was: For as for others, except his Rivals, he was the ſweeteſt and moſt civil of men towards them, his vanity being only confined unto his Gallantries. Agenor being ſuch a one as I have deſcribed, he returned to Tire, whileſt Straton, Barce, and Eliſa were gone for fifteen daies into the Country. In the interim, Poligenes ſhewed his Brother all the Court, who got in it extraordinary reputation, eſpecially among the Ladies. In the mean while, Agenor having a ſoul naturally diſpoſed unto Gallantry, could not live without a buſineſs of that nature; he applied himſelf unto one of the Queens women named Lyriope, one both of beauty and merit, but of an envious and revenging ſpirit, ſuch as would not permit her ſelf to be at reſt: Indeed Lyriope looked upon any thing that was advantageous unto any of her companions with a ſpiteful eye; and I believe ſhe never ſaw a good face, but ſhe had ill reſt all that day: I think alſo that ſhe wiſhed her ſelf both fair and brown both at once, that ſhe had eyes both black and grey, and indeed to be all that others were, yet be what ſhe her ſelf was alſo. Lyriope was not only envious at the beauty of others and their Conqueſts, but at their very cloaths alſo, not enduring any ſhould have more riches, nor better made then her ſelf, without extream regret: You may then imagine Madam, that a woman of this humour was extreamly joyed, that a man whom all the Court moſt talked of, and of greateſt braverie, ſhould apply himſelf to ſerve her, and to make choice of her amongſt a Court full of beauties; ſo that fearing leſt this Conqueſt ſhould eſcape her, ſhe reſolved to joyn her endeavours unto her charms, and retain by ſome light favours what her beauty had gotten: But Lyriope was miſtaken in her reaſon at this time, for I am perſwaded, that if her heart had been harder to conquer, ſhe had kept her conqueſt longer: However, this gallantry made a great noiſe in the world; for as ſoon as it was ſaid that Agenor loved Lyriope, it was alſo ſaid Lyriope did not hate Agenor; ſo that when Eliſa returned out of the Country nothing elſe was talked of.

[Page] She was no ſooner returned unto Tire, but all the Court came to her, ſo as Agenor wondered, that he could hardly find a man that day in all his viſits, yet it was not long before he knew the reaſon, for going at night unto the Queens lodging, he underſtood by the diſcourſe of the Gallants in the Court, that Eliſa was the cauſe of the ſolitude he found in every place: Some ſaid ſhe was returned fairer, then when ſhe went away, and that the Country Aire had purified her complexion, others ſaid ſhe was grown taller, others affirmed her to be ſomthing leſs proud, or at leaſt, their joyes to ſee her at Tire again, made her ſeem more ſweet and affable; others who heard her ſing, ſaid and ſwore ſhe had learned ſome Muſique of the Nightingals in the Country, maintaining ſhe never ſung ſo well as now.

Agenor hearing theſe commendations of Eliſa, asked Lyriope whether ſhe deſerved them or no: But ſhe, according to her envious humour made a deſcription which out-vied envy it ſelf; ſhe told him, that Eliſa's eyes were ſo great and ſtaring, as would affright him, that her complexion was ſo high as it was an abſolute red, and that ſhe was ſo arrogant and proud, as that ſhe was even dogged and ſurely; ſo that detracting from Eliſa all her beauty and good qualities, ſhe made her Picture nothing like her. I chancing to be preſent at this diſcourſe of Lyriope could not chuſe but contradict her, and hate her alſo: I beſeech you Sir, ſaid I unto Agenor, do me the favour to ſuſpend your judgment of Eliſa, until you have ſeen her, which ſhall be ere long, for I am a witneſs how ſhe chid Poligenes, for not bringing you to her houſe this day, telling him, that ſhe did not believe, being his friend ſo much as ſhe was, he would have had a Brother ſo much accompliſhed as reports ſpeak you, and not make her acquainted with him. Agenor hearing me ſay ſo, did eaſily apprehend that Lyriope ſpake enviouſly of Eliſa's Beauty; for though he was in Love with her, yet he doted not, and though ſhe had touched his heart, yet ſhe had not got it: However, he carried the matter, as if he had moſt zealouſly loved her, and therefore he asked her leave in a low voice to ſee Eliſa, which ſhe durſt not denie him.

Agenor having leave to ſee Eliſa, he was no ſooner returned home to his Brother where he lodged, but he went unto his Chamber, to ſee whether he would acquaint him with Eliſa's deſire of bringing him unto her, as I had told him, but he wondered to ſee Poligenes not ſpeak a word unto him concerning her; yet none had ever told Agenor that his Brother was in Love, he imputed it unto his oblivion: So as he reſolved to acquaint him with what he knew, Poligenes was much ſurprized at his Brothers diſcourſe; and the truth was, it was not his forgetfulneſs of what the fair Eliſa ſaid unto him, which reſtrained him from acquainting his Brother with it; but the true reaſon was, becauſe he was not yet fully reſolved whether he ſhould be glad of that acquaintance or no: Yet notwithſtanding, ſince Agenor ſeemed to be much in Love with Lyriope, he reſolved upon it, nor did he well ſee how he could prevent it; therefore deſiring his Brother to excuſe his forgetfulneſs of the honour which Eliſa did him, he promiſed to carry him thither the next morning: But to be a little better aſſured of the buſineſs, he would pump out his thoughts of Lyriope, to ſee whether it were to be hoped that his paſſion to her would keep him from any thoughts of Eliſa: Brother (ſaid he unto him and ſighed) are you not afraid to make the [...]a [...]r Lyriope jealous, by ſeeming ſo earneſt of Eliſa's acquaintance? Since ſhe cannot think me in Love with one I know not, replied Agenor, I had no ſuch apprehenſions, not ſhall I render this viſit without he [...] leave: And indeed Agenor told him upon what terms he was with Lyriope; and after he had cauſed him to promiſe fidelity unto the confidence he put [...] him, he let him know that Lyriope did willingly permit him to ſpeak of his paſſion, that ſhe had not forbid him to hope, that he had already ſeveral Letters unto her, that indeed ſhe had not returned any anſwers, but it was only becauſe ſhe durſt not truſt the meſſenger, that not a day paſſed whereon ſhe did not give him an occaſion [...] ſee and ſpeak [...] her, that ſhe did alwayes acquaint him with the places where the Queen [...] be, [...]o the end he might be there, and that indeed he had ſome reaſon [...]o think himſelf not [...]a [...]ed I aſſure you Brother, replied Poligenes, You have much reaſon to think the [...] you, and I am very glad of it: For indeed (ſaid he craftily) beſid [...] that [...] is very fair, and the Conqueſt cannot chuſe but be very pleaſing and [...] unto you, you will alſo ſatisfie your ambition as well as your Love, ſince [...] ta [...]ly [...] is [...] more in the Queens favour then all the world believes: I know ſome [...] which I cannot acqu [...]nt you with, (ſaid he, though he had none) [...] do [...] to perſwa [...]e [...]ou unto a careful conſervation of what you got, and to [...]heriſh [Page] the affection of Lyriope. After this, Poligenes thinking himſelf as ſecure as he could deſire, parted from Agenor, who being to viſit a perſon of ſuch extraordinary merit, of whom ſuch high reports were famed, he ordered his ſervant the next morning to give him a Sute of clothes which he affected, and which indeed did admirably well become him; for it was neither too plain nor too gaudy, but the colours and trimming ſuited ſo well, as it was very handſom to the eye. Agenor, neglecting nothing which might ſet himſelf off, with the moſt advantage, went to Poligenes as ſoon as it was convenient time to viſit, and claimed his promiſe, which indeed he kept without any repugnancy; imagining that ſince Lyriope was ſo kind, he would not be ſo perfideous to her, as to change for one whoſe Conqueſt ſeemed impoſſible: So that without further delay he went with Agenor unto Eliſa, prucing himſelf ſo up that his brother ſhould not look younger then himſelf; And to ſpeak the truth, the choice was very hard to be made; not but there was a difference between theſe two brothers almoſt in every thing, but yet the difference was without any inequality of merit, both of them having the eſteem of moſt accompliſhed men: The Maxims of Poligenes and Agenor in point of gallantry were very oppoſite unto each other: For Poligenes ſaid, that one ought never to declare his love openly, until he had ſome aſſurance of being beloved: Agenor on the contrary maintained that he ought not to hide the paſſion of his ſoul one minute from her that was the cauſe of it; And indeed Agenor did not ſpeak this out of a bare humor of gallantry, but did ever ſo expreſs himſelf: Poligenes, for his part, he would be a cloſe Lover until he had aſſurance of reciprocal affection; and therefore finding in the ſpirit of Eliſa marks only of eſteem, and no diſpoſition unto ſuch an affection as he deſired, neither to him nor any other, he ſilently adored her, though with an unmeaſurable paſſion, hoping ſtill that this reſpective friendſhip would at laſt convert it ſelf into love, maugre her intentions.

But to return where I was; Poligenes and Agenor were betimes at the houſe of Straton, when no company but my ſelf was there, ſo that I only was the Witneſs of this firſt enterview: Since Eliſa was after at the Chamber of Straton then in that of Barce, becauſe of her fantaſtical humors, it was there where Poligenes preſented his Brother▪ Agenor unto the Father and the Daughter, both whom received them with much civility. After the firſt Complement, Straton having ſome buſineſs with Poligenes, carryed him out of the Chamber, and left Agenor with Eliſa and me. This Beauty was that day in ſuch an advantagious habit, as it is no wonder if the L [...]ſter of her beauty dazled the eyes of Agenor. Since ſhe had no intentions of going abroad, her dreſs was as Ladies uſe when they keep their Chambers; but yet as one who would be ſeen, and not as one who was ſick, her habit was blew trimmed with Silver; her hair was part brarded up behind with Pearls and blew Riband, and part hung negligently down upon her neck, on which ſhe wore a Necklace of Diamonds ſet in Gold enamel'd black: Moreover, ſince Chance would have Agenor ſee her with ſome extraordinary delight, ſhe did ſit upon a Cuſhion of Carnation Tinſel; ſo that this Carnation and this blew did caſt ſuch pleaſant reflection of colours upon the cheeks of Eliſa, that her beauty appeared in full advantage of luſtre: ſo as the light being full in her face, ſhe appeared as ſhe was, fair enough to make an infidel of Agenor, who did ſit juſt oppoſite to thoſe eyes which had made ſo many Conqueſts: We were no ſooner ſit, but Eliſa begun the Diſcourſe: I do aſſure you Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, I can hardly pardon Poligenes for the injury he hath done me in making me no ſooner acquainted with you, ſince he hath deprived me of a pleaſure which I know not how to recover. It is my part Madam, to complain againſt him (replyed Agenor,) and not yours▪ but though it were ſo, that the ſight of me does not diſpleaſe, yet ſince I have the honour to ſee you now, I know not why you ſhould ſay Poligenes hath deprived you of a pleaſure which you cannot recover. The Reaſon is (ſaid ſhe and laughed) becauſe I have an extream deſire and delight to hear the diſcourſe of thoſe who have travelled, eſpecially you who are returned from a place of moſt exquiſite Politeneſs. Provided Madam you will permit me (replyed he and ſmiled) after I have told you what I have ſeen excellent in Greece, to ſpeak alſo of what I have found moſt rare here, I ſhall promiſe you to ſatisfie your curioſity. Perhaps you may think (replyed ſhe craftily) that I think you will not take ſo much pains as to tell you what Beauties there are about the Queen. I mean not of about the Queen, replyed he; and when I asked permiſſion to ſpeak of all the Beauties I found to be fair here, I did not intend that this word here ſhould extend it ſelf further then this very Chamber wherein you are. However it be ſaid ſhe, I pray do me the favor to tell me, whether the Ladies are as fair in Greece, as they are fam'd to be? That beauty [Page] Madam, replyed he, is certainly moſt admirable: But if you had been as now you are, when I parted from Ph [...]nicia, or as young as then you were, if I had then the honour to have ſeen you, I ſhould not have been guilty of a thouſand Injuries which I have done you during my Travels: For truly Madam I muſt needs ingeniouſly confeſs, I have ſworn a thouſand times unto a thouſand Ladies, both at Corinth, Athens, Argos, Thebes, and Sparta, that there was not one in all Phenicia which was comparable unto their Beauties: But to repair the injury I have done, I beſeech you Madam give me leave, that as I have told this extream untruth unto a thouſand Greeks, ſo I may tell you alſo as often in real truth, that you alone are fairer then all they together. Though what you ſay were true (replyed Eliſa rallary) yet I ſhould not be obliged unto you for telling me one thing ſo often; and to ſpeak truly (added ſhe, and turned towards a great Glaſs upon her right hand) I need but look once upon my ſelf to confute all you have told me. Oh Madam (ſaid Agenor, and looked in the Glaſs alſo) if you will but beleeve your own eyes, you will beleeve my words. Whileſt they were in this Diſcourſe, and I harkened unto it, I obſerved that Poligenes, who was walking in the other end of the Chamber with Straton, gave no great heed unto what he ſaid unto him, but on the contrary liſtened with a jealous ear unto the talk of Eliſa and Agenor, eſpecially when they walked neereſt where we were; yet I thought his reaſon was only a bare curioſity to know whether Agenor was pleaſed with the Diſcourſe; and I confeſs I had thoſe thoughts of a Brother which ſhould have been unto a Lover: However, ſince they did often paſs from a ſerious diſcourſe unto a pleaſant, and from a pleaſant unto a ſerious; Eliſa chiding him for his extolling her beauty very ſharply, and Agenor obſtinate in his applauds of it, their diſcourſe was very little of News either of the People or War: But Agenor, according to his maxim, highly extolling Eliſa, and not hiding his advantagious thoughts of her, he commended her to the Heavens, and that with much earneſtneſs: So that Eliſa, to make him change his diſcourſe, and to teſtifie ſhe knew how Lyriope had a ſhare in his heart; I pray tell me, ſaid ſhe unto unto me, whether Agenor uſe to commend all thoſe he talks with, with ſuch exceſs as he doth me? to the end I may know how to take all he ſays unto me: Since you have ſeen him with the Queen, you may eaſily give me this ſatisfaction; therefore I conjure you to tell me, what he ſaid unto all the Ladies he ſaw; then ſhe named many of the Ladies unto me, and amongſt the reſt, Lyriope. For my part Madam, replyed I unto her, I never heard him commend any ſo much as you. How, ſaid ſhe, does he commend me more then he doth Lyriope? Oh Telamis, it cannot be: Yet it is very true, replyed Agenor, that I never commended any ſo much as you. I perceive (anſwered ſhe) you do not beleeve I know that you are in love: But Agenor, I have better intelligence then you think I have; and the Report of Lyriope's Conqueſts did fly into the Country: And I muſt alſo tell you (added ſhe and laughed) that for my own glory I was very glad ſhe had made this Conqueſt before my return, becauſe now I cannot be upbraided for my inability to do it. People newly ſubjected (replyed he and looked upon her) are oft-times very glad to revolt. Ab Agenor, replyed ſhe, I would have no Subjects rebel againſt their firſt Maſters; And I am perſwaded the chains wherewith Lyriope hath captivated you, are ſo ſtrong, that though you would you cannot break them: however, I think you very bold in telling me that you commend me more then her. I confeſs Madam, replyed he, that you do a little puzzle me; yet I do conceive that without any injury unto Lyriope, I might ſay as much as I have done; for truly, ſaid he, I am of ſuch an humor, as I no ſooner perceive my ſelf to be in love, but I muſt immediately tell it: Alſo I conceive, that in ſaying one loves, one hath made a long ſpeech unto her he ſays it: nor will I anſwer that I can commend you long as I have done. This way of commending, replyed Eliſa, ſhould never be my cuſtom; but Agenor, you have better expreſſed your ſelf then I imagined: however I muſt tell you, that I am very glad you are in love, becauſe I ſhall be more apt to contract friendſhip with you. I do know many perſons Madam, replied I, who will never contract any friendſhip with a man in love. If I had any ſecrets to keep, replyed Eliſa, I beleeved ſhould not ſay as I do: but all the friendſhip which I deſire with Agenor, is only a bare complacency, and a petty kind of exchange of indifferent ſecrets, which hardly can be termed ſecrets, which yet help very well to furniſh out diſcourſe and for ſuch a friend, it is no matter if he be in love. Oh Madam, replied he, if I be not much miſtaken, you are a moſt dangerous friend. Poligenes hearing theſe laſt words, could not chuſe but draw neerer, and aſſure his Brother (whileſt Straton was talking with one of his men) that he was miſtaken in what he ſaid, ſince Eliſa was as good a friend as ſhe was a dangerous Miſtreſs.

[Page] As he ſpoke theſe words much company came in, which cauſed diſcourſe to be more general: However, though firſt Viſits uſe not to be very long, yet Agenor continued his until night, and he grew as well acquainted with Eliſa, as if he had known her all his life: But whe [...] at night he went to the Queens Lodgings, he was put to a puzzle how to render an account unto Lyriope of his actions in the afternoon: As ſoon as ſhe ſaw him, ſhe obſerved that he had ſpruced up himſelf that day, and that he was finer then on the firſt days when he deſigned to pleaſe her: not but that he was always very handſom; yet paſſionate people can ſpy day at a ſmall crany, and find a difference betwixt a natural neatneſs without deſign, and an extraordinary tricking up, which proceeds from ſome ſecret deſign: So that ſince Lyriope had not ſeen Agenor all that day▪ ſhe was extreamly deſirous to know where he had been: She no ſooner ſaw him, but ſhe began to queſtion him, yet without any diſcovery of her thoughts, I pray Agenor tell me (ſaid ſhe unto him) how you have ſpent this day? and how comes it to paſs I have not ſeen you? I have been in a hundred places, and could not meet with any company, replied he, and at laſt Poligenes having promiſed Straton to bring me unto his houſe, would have me go along with him. Well Agenor (ſaid ſhe and bluſht) what think you Eliſa? You made ſuch an ugly deſcription of her, replied he, that I beleeve it cauſed me to think her fair. The fate of this woman (replied this envious perſon) is very ſtrange; for I am perſwaded, that though they ſay every Nation hath a kind of beauty which is particular to it ſelf; ſome affecting the fair, others the black, and ſome the brown, others red; ſome would have them tall and groſs, others little or of a mean ſtature; ſome one complections and features, ſome others: yet I do beleeve, that if all men from all parts in the world did ſee Eliſa, they would all conſent to commend her beauty. As ſhe was ſaying this in a low voice unto Agenor, one of thoſe who had been at the houſe of Straton, came into their company and asked Agenor (not knowing what he had told Lyriope) whether he ſtayed long with Eliſa after he came away? But Agenor had no ſooner told him a confident lye, and ſaid he came away immediately after him, but another entered, who had ſtayed there late, and came away when he did, who asked Agenor, if ever he ſaw a fairer then Eliſa? And to drive him the more upon the Rock of a non-plus, a third came in, who knowing Agenor had never ſeen Eliſa before that day, and having ſeen him enter ſo ſoon after dinner, told him, that he did very well in making his viſit ſo long, and coming ſo timely to ſee the ſunſhine of Eliſa's beauty at the height of the day. Lyriope no ſooner heard this, but ſhe bluſht for very ſhame, ſpite, and jealouſie, for ſhe plainly underſtood Agenor went to the houſe of Straton very timely, and was all the whole afternoon there; ſo that he told her a lye, when he ſaid he had been in a hundred places and could find no company. Then ſhe ſternly fixed her eyes upon his, as if ſhe did upbraid him with it; but he not being ignorant of the power he had over the heart of this woman, did not much trouble himſelf at it, beleeving it no Herculean labor to make his peace; And indeed he uſed ſuch arguments as perſwaded her that ſhe was beholding to him for the lye he had told: For, ſaid he (as we underſtood afterwards) you may well imagine, that though I ſhould fall in love with Eliſa, and be an Infidel unto you, yet I could not in ſo ſhort a time become ſo deeply engaged, as to make a myſtery of a paſſion which yet had taken no root: But beleeve me, it was only my complacence unto Poligenes which moved me to ſo long a viſit; and my fear leſt you ſhould take it ill that I had been there all the day, moved me to invent and tell this lye: However (added he moſt craftily) I am very glad that I have diſcovered a ſpark of jealouſie in your ſoul, and as oft as I deſire to receive any new favor from you, I think it my beſt courſe to make a long viſit unto Eliſa. This is rather the way to loſe thoſe which you have already, replied ſhe: Ah Lyriope, ſaid [...]e, I beſeech you know me a little better; and beleeve it, Rigors will never for [...] me to repentance: 'Tis ſweetneſs only will reclaim me, if ever you think there be any fear of loſing me. Lyriope having a ſoul prepoſſeſſed with a violent paſſion, thought the beſt way to appeaſe Agenor was to oblige him: And being a woman of more wit then judgment, ſhe received his Reaſons as good, thinking that to keep him from turning Apoſtate, and loving Eliſa, her beſt courſe was to load him with new favors. As for all theſe petty trifles which make ſuch a blunder in the world when they are known, ſhe was reſolved to grant them all unto Agenor, thinking thereby ind [...]ſſolvably to tie him unto her, to hinder him from loving Eliſa, and to oblige him to marry her: But all did not hit, as you ſhall perceive by the ſequel o [...] the ſtory. In the mean time, ſince Eliſa went much abroad, though Agenor went not to her, yet he ſaw her every day; and ſince her compoſure was ſuch, as the more one [Page] looked, the more he liked and admired her; Agenor, who was able to judg who merited admiration, did perceive that admiration grew in his heart every time he ſaw her; Yet for a while he gave his heart the check, and bad reſiſtance unto the beautie of Eliſa; Yet when he began to be glutted with the favours of Lyriope, he began alſo to yeeld a little unto the darts of Eliſa; the eaſineſs of the one, and the difficultie of the other, did faint his deſires of Lyriope, and ſo kindle them of Eliſa; that he could not live and not look upon her: Yet he durſt not ſo ſoon appear an unfaithful Changeling, and therefore his viſits of Eliſa unknown unto Lyriope, put him to abundance of trouble. On the other ſide, Poligen [...]s who had an obſervant eye over his Brother, perceived preſently that the over-indulgencie of Lyriope did deaden his paſſion, ſo that he began extreamly to fear he would become his Rival. In the mean time Phocilion, finding every day more virtue in Eliſa, became ſo extreamly in Love with her, as he was reſolved to do all he poſſibly could to marrie her. Since he was verie rich, he doubted not but Straton would approve of his deſign, but he did not think it fit to acquaint him with it, without the permiſſion of Eliſa: He ſaw that this fair and wiſe Lady was verie civil to him, and that ſhe ſeemed verie much to eſteem him, but he ſaw her ſo far from any thought of ſuch a particular affection as he deſired, and his fears of denial ſo fainted his ſoul, that he could not reſolve to diſcover his deſign. But at laſt, after ſeveral viſits, with full intentions of ſpeaking to h [...]r, and du [...]ſt not, he took heart, and being one day alone with her, he determined to diſ [...]over his long concealed thoughts. But being acquainted with her majeſtical haughtine [...] he endeavoured to find a way of doing without incenſing her.

After then he had talked a while of things indifferent, he began to ſpeak: Since you have the reputation (ſaid he unto her) of being one of the moſt generous friends in the world, I deſire Madam you would be pleaſed to do me the honour of affording me ſome faithful counſel in a buſineſs whereon depends all the good fortune, and all the bad fortune of a man, who is very much your ſervant, and in whoſe fortune I have a moſt neer concernment. Eliſa hearing Phocilion ſay ſo, ſtood a little ſurprized, for ſhe knew he had much affection to her, though he never told her; yet ſince ſhe knew him to be very diſcreet and wiſe, ſhe did not think he would ſay any thing that would diſpleaſe her; therefore conſidering well with her ſelf for an anſwer, Methinks, ſaid ſhe unto him, You ſhould rather conſult with your own reaſon for counſel, then ask mine, for I am very unable to give advice unto any: Therefore if you will believe me, ſaid ſhe and laught, You ſhall never reval the ſecret of that perſon in whom you have ſuch intereſt, leſt two ſeveral inconveniences ſhould befal you at once, the one of receiving ill counſel, the other of making me to deſire to tell that which you ſhould tell me. As for the laſt of theſe, replied Phocilion, I fear it not: Then it ſeems you think me to be more ſecret then prudent (replied Eliſa) Since you do not fear I will reveal your ſecret, and conceive that I will not give you bad counſel: However it be, replied he, I beſeech you Madam do me the honour to hear me, and hear me without interruption, promiſing you, that when I have told you the buſineſs, to wait for your anſwer, and to cauſe the perſon who is concerned in it to follow the counſel you ſhall give: Out of meer curioſitie, replied ſhe, I will permit you to ſpeak, and therefore tell me what the buſineſs is: Before I obey Madam, replied he, I muſt beſeech you not to ask the name of him for whom I ask your counſel, unleſs you have given ſuch counſel as he deſires: How now (ſaid ſhe and interrupted [...]) Does he deſire counſel, and yet will not follow it unleſs it ſuit with his inclination? Ah Phocilion, if it be ſo, I am not fit to give it, for I uſe to counſel after my own inclination, and not after others: You may do as you pleaſe Madam, replied he, However, I beſeech you give me leeve to tell you, that there is a man in the world, who after he had lived a long time without the happineſs of knowing you, had at laſt the honor to ſee you firſt, the firſt day you were with the Queen, after the death of the late King: What's the reaſon Phocilion (ſaid Eliſa and interrupted him) that I am brought into the buſineſs of him unto which you would have me ſpeak? You ſhall know it preſently Madam, replied [...]e, if you will be pleaſed to hear me without interruption: Be pleaſed to know then (purſued he) that he of whom I ſpeak, no ſooner ſaw you, but he ador'd you, and fixed his reſolution to adore you as long as he lived: Truly Phocilion, ſaid Eliſa, you are a very ſtrange man, for in lieu of conſulting about the buſineſs of another, you talk of nothing but me: Once more Madam, replied he, I beſeech you hear me: Since I have [...]gaged my word (replied ſhe [...]harply and bluſht) I will do ſo; but remember alſo, that you are obliged unto two things, the one to hearken quietly unto all I ſhall anſwer [Page] you, the other, to make him who deſires my counſel to follow it: I know it very well Madam, purſued he, and I will keep my word. To return from whence I digreſſed, I muſt tell you Madam, that this man who adored you upon the firſt ſight, and will adore you eternally, not being able to live, unleſs he can live happily, charged me to ask you what is your pleaſure ſhall become of him? You are already ſo civil unto him, as he thinks himſelf much your debtor for it: You have given him many marks of eſteem, for which he is eternally obliged: Straton does him the favour to honor him with his friendſhip, his quality is equal unto yours, his fortunes though much leſs then you deſerve, yet ample enough to make you happy, if riches will do it. And Madam, this man is poſſeſſed with ſuch a reſpective paſſion, and is ſo full of reverent devotion to you, that he durſt never acquaint you with it: And though he hath ſome reaſon to believe, that Stra [...]on would not deny it if he asked his permiſſion to Court you unto his deſires, yet he would never ſo much as think of it, until firſt I asked your counſel for him: But Madam, before you give it, be pleaſed to know, that never man knew how to love more zealouſly nor reſpectively, then he you; and you muſt not be ignorant, that if you adviſe him to be ſadly ſilent, and to hide the unmeaſurable paſſion of his Soul, you will force him into ſuch an exceſſive diſpair, as he will moſt certainly have recourſe unto death. Conſider alſo I beſeech you, how the reverence he bears you is ſo great, that knowing your ſeveritie and your ſcrupulous virtue, he dares not make it known that he dies for the Love of you, without leting you know alſo the innocencie of his intentions: I know well Madam, that there are every day Princes at your feet, and that he for whom I mediate is none: But let all your Princes be as amorous as they can, I am moſt certain that his ſoul exceeds all theirs in veneration and Love: Therefore Madam, I beſeech you conſider ſeriouſly what I ſay concerning him: I do ſo perfectly know his thoughts of you, that I aſſure you I do not know my own thoughts better: Speak then Madam I beſeech you, will you adviſe this ſecret Lover to diſcover himſelf unto Straton, or unto your ſelf? And is it your pleaſure I ſhould tell you his name? Since you have told me, replied Eliſa, that you will not reveal his name until I adviſe him as he would have it, I conceive it beſt not to name him, until I have given my advice, leſt not finding ſuitable unto his humour, it ſhould diſpleaſe you: Oh Madam, I do moſt heartily beſeech you, ſaid he unto her, to conſider well before you caſt this unfortunate Lover into the Hell of diſpair: To teſtifie unto you, replied ſhe, that he could never have choſen a more fit mediator to ſolicite his buſineſs, if it were a buſineſs unto which I were capable of perſwaſion, I will open the very cloſet of my heart unto you, as unto one of my beſt friends; and that I know that I am of a harſh diſpoſition naturally, yet I am confident, that at this time I ſhall not give you any cauſe of complaint againſt me, that I do not give ſuch advice unto your friend as he deſires: Alas Madam, ſaid Phocilion, if you adviſe me otherwiſe, you will doom him unto diſpair, and it will be a verie difficult matter for me not to complain againſt you if you denie what he deſires: Doubtleſs then you would complain without cauſe, replied ſhe; But Phocilion, you muſt not condemn me before you [...]ear me: Therefore give me leave to tell you, that I have ſo great an eſteem of you, that I have ſo good an opinion of your judgment, and that I am ſo fully perſwaded, that you have ſome eſteem of me, as I make no doubt, but that the marriage which you would propoſe unto me, would be verie advantageous, but for the moſt horrible averſion which I have againſt Marriage: But Phocilion, let me tell you, that this averſion is ſo verie ſtrong in me, as I ſhould certainly hate the man that ſhould make any Propoſitions unto my Father, which ſhould cauſe me to marrie him; therefore if you ſet any value upon my advice, let not him for whom you intercede ſpeak unto Straton. But to ſhew you that I do not ſpeak this, becauſe I have any ſecret ingagement with any other, I do permit him to ſpeak unto my Father, if he can diſcover unto him, that I do refuſe him upon any other reaſon but what I tell you: But Madam, anſwered Phocilion, I beſeech you take a little longer time of conſideration upon a matter of ſuch importance as this; and though you forbid this unhappie Lover to ſpeak unto Straton, yet allow him the libertie ſomtimes to tell you how he adores you: Hitherto, replied Eliſa, you have ſpoke nothing which I could except againſt; but Phocilion, theſe laſt words are ſomwhat difficult to be underſtood by one of my humour: Yet ſince I have reſolved to temper my ſharpneſs, I will excuſe and pardon them, upon condition you will do as I bid you in all things: Alas Madam, replied he, Is there any man in the world that is more willing to obey you then I am? Then I conjure you (ſaid ſhe) Cauſe him for whom you ſpeak, never to ſpeak unto me or my Father concerning his paſſion, and [Page] be you your ſelf for ever ſilent, and ſpeak unto me no more of it: But Madam, replied he, What hopes can I then give unto this unfortunate Lover? Hopes never to ſee me grant unto another that permiſſion which I refuſe him, replied ſhe: However Madam, purſued he, give me leave to argue with you a little againſt this your averſion unto marriage; and I beſeech you promiſe me, that if I convince and convert you, it ſhall be in favour of this unfortunate Lover: Since I am confident that my heart will never alter, replied ſhe, I am contented, but this Lover you ſpeak of will get no advantage by it. Eliſa pronounced theſe laſt words in ſuch a manner, and ſo perſwaded Phocilion of her real averſion againſt marriage, as he was extreamly ſorry; for knowing her virtue and reſolute conſtancie, he perceived ſhe was not a perſon that would be ingaged into any kind of Gallantrie: So that ſtanding in a deep ſilence, and looking upon Eliſa with eyes of ſorrow, he fully perſwaded her that he loved her, and that this ſecret Lover, for whom he had ſolicited, was himſelf: As good luck was, both for Fliſa and Phocilion, I came in and found them both extreamly perplexed: Immediately after Lyriope came in alſo with one of her Cozens, for though ſhe hated Eliſa, yet ſhe would viſit her; and preſently after all Poligenes and Agenor alſo entred ſeverally. Since divers marriages were then talked of in Tire, and everie one told what they heard: but Eliſa, who had ſome ſecret deſign in it, began to condemn the opinion of thoſe who ſay, that there is a neceſſity a woman ſhould either marrie, or elſe go into a Nunnerie, maintaining, that a greater injurie could not be offered unto her Sex, then to think, that it muſt either be a Husband, or high walls which only can preſerve their virtue: After this, falling into a general diſcourſe of Marriage, Lyriope who was never of Eliſa's opinion, ſpoke as one who thought that much happineſs was to be found in Marriage; and Eliſa on the contrarie maintained, that all married people were almoſt unhappie: For truly, ſaid ſhe, take for example one of the moſt accompliſhed men in the world, and one of the moſt perfecteſt women in all Phenicia, though they do love as well as they can, though they be young, handſom, rich, and think themſelves verie happie in Marriage, yet I am moſt infallibly confident, that they will not long continue ſo: For my part (replied Lyriope) I am not of that belief, but conceive that much happineſs may be found by marrying a compleat man, who both loves, and is loved: I concur with you, replied Eliſa, That they may ſomtimes eſteem themſelves happie in Marriage; but I tell you, this happineſs is not laſting: For conſider a little the qualifications of this condition, her husband muſt be a verie accompliſhed man, they muſt reciprocally love each other, he muſt have an eſtate ſuitable to her Quality, he muſt be neither phantaſtical, jealous, or covetous. Moreover, ſhe muſt enter into all his intereſts, and become ambitious if he be ambitious, entirely ſubject her ſelf unto his humour, obey him without murmure, even in things moſt difficult, and never be at libertie or Miſtreſs of her ſelf. She muſt further be turmoiled with the oeconomical cares and conduct of a great houſe, be expoſed to all the peeviſh conſequences of Marriage, loſe perhaps her health and beautie both before ſhe be old, be expoſed to be jealous, or ſuffer her husbands, and at laſt perhaps have wicked, ill-favoured, and ungrateful children.

Theſe things Lyriope are ordinarie conſequences of Marriage, and whoſoever looks upon ſuch a Precipice, methinks ſhould be ſo affrighted, as they ſhould not dare to throw themſelves into it: Yes Lyriope, Marriage is a moſt terrible thing, and all thoſe who venter upon it, are certainly verie fool-hardie: Though I know very well, ſaid Phocilion, that the fair Lyriope needs no ſecond, yet I beſeech her to give me leave to help her in defence of this cauſe which ſhe maintains: Give me leave I beſeech you Madam (purſued he, and looked upon Eliſa) to tell you, that in ſpeaking as you do, you are moſt injurious unto the Gods; for if there be not any two perſons in the world who can love happily together, without any of thoſe inconveniences which you do aggravate with ſo much zeal, it may be ſaid, that the Gods are unjuſt and imprudent: How can you without extraordinarie impietie maintain this againſt them? I muſt confeſs, replied ſhe, that I admire their providence, but neither know it, nor will penetrate into their ſecrets; yet in the mean time I muſt maintain, that as they do not accuſe the Gods when they blame a man who is Shipwrackt, becauſe he ſet out to Sea in a Storm, and in a rotten Veſſel, ſo I do not accuſe the Gods when I blame thoſe, who knowing the crabbed conſequences of Marriage, will yet ingage themſelves in it.

Whil'ſt Lyriope, Eliſa, and Phocilion were thus in diſcourſe, Agenor was all ſilence, not daring to enter into the thoughts of Eliſa. In the mean time, ſince he was more in love [Page] with her then with Lyriope, he was pittifully perplexed in being between theſe two, for he would not do any thing which might perſwade Eliſa he was in love with Lyriope, nor would he make the laſt of theſe think he loved her leſs then he had: So that to have the delight of looking upon Eliſa without diſobliging Lyriope, he did ſit down by her, but his chief reaſon was, becauſe ſhe did ſit oppoſite to Eliſa. Thus ſitting on Lyriopes ſide, and a little behind her, he enjoyed the ſight of Eliſa without any notice taken by the envious Lyriope, but otherwiſe by Poligenes, who eaſily obſerved that the cunning Agenor did ſit purpoſely by Lyriope, that he might the better look upon Eliſa: As for Phocilion, he was ſo buſied with his own paſſion, that he never minded others; for ſince he ſaw the high virtue of Eliſa, he never feared his Rivals; and he was ſo confidently perſwaded that ſhe would not marry, as he never doubted her preferring another before him. Thus the company parted with ſeveral apprehenſions: Poligenes went out in a fear that his brother would become his Rival, Phocilion was extreamly troubled at the inſenſibility of Eliſa, and her averſion to Marriage, Lyriope was infinitely envious that Eliſa was fairer then her ſelf, and Agenor was much leſs in Love with Lyriope, and much more with Eliſa, who never minding the turbulencies ſhe had cauſed in the mind of others, reſted in her ordinary tranquility; yet the procedure of Phocilion did extreamly oblige her, and invited her to do what ſhe could, to convert an obſequious Lover into a real friend. But this miracle was impoſſible to be wrought, he was reſolved to content himſelf with Eliſa's commands of ſilence, yet he offered once to ſpeak unto her again, but ſhe retired her ſelf in ſuch ſort, that he impoſed upon himſelf ſo ſtrict a ſilence, as he durſt not ſo much as ſight it in ſecret: 'Tis true, Eliſa to comfort him, did make a promiſe, that if ever ſhe changed her mind, and took a reſolution to marry, the change ſhould conduce unto his advantage, yet conjuring him to believe, that ſhe did not think ſuch a time would ever come, ſhe earneſtly entreated him to live with her as if he were her brother: And indeed Phocilion (whoſe moſt ſecret thoughts I knew) durſt never after this be ſo bold, as to ſpeak one word of his paſſion unto Eliſa. In the mean time, Lyriope ſtill thinking her ſelf more ſure of Agenors heart, did continue his favours, and gave him a thouſand teſtimonies of a violent paſſion. In the mean time, all the Court perceived it, and talked broad of her: All the Adviſoes of her friends were in vain, for ſhe had a Maxime which was moſt dangerous for ſuch as would keep their reputations unſtained, which was, to believe, that ſo ſhe were not in any crime, ſhe needed not to fear any reports: But her behaviour coming to the Queens ear, ſhe received ſo ſharp a check for it, that ſhe began to find her indiſcretion: Yet perhaps this had not reſtrained her, nor changed her behaviour towards Agenor without another reaſon, which much induced her: For be pleaſed to know Madam, that Poligenes being perſwaded, the faintneſs of Agenors love to Lyriope proceeded from the eaſineſs which he found in her Spirit; he thought, that to help it, and to hinder the growth of that paſſion which he ſaw began to take root in his heart towards Eliſa, his beſt courſe was, that Lyriope ſhould mix ſome ſecurity with her complacencie towards him: So that bethinking himſelf how he might compaſs his deſign, he pitched upon one of the Queens women named Phocinde, who was a friend both unto Lyriope and him. Poligenes being full of wit, did ſo negotiate the matter, that he ingaged her to ſpeak unto Lyriope, of whom he ſeemed to have much eſteem; telling her alſo, though untruly, that he ſhould be very glad if Agenor ſhould Marry her. So falling inſenſibly into a confidence concerning this adventure, Phocinde told him, how Lyriope found that of late Agenor was grown a little negligent of her, that notwithſtanding ſhe did all ſhe could to oblige him, aſſuring him, that ſhe was never more pliant and affable, nor more ready to do any thing he deſired her. If I had any intimate friend, replied Poligenes and laughed, who were in Love with the fair Phocinde, I would be ſure not to diſcover one ſecret unto her, leſt in advantaging Lyriope, I ſhould thereby prejudice my friend; but ſince Fate hath ſo ordered it, that I have no intimacie with any of her Lovers, I will diſcover unto her a weakneſs in men, which doubtleſs ſhe is ignorant of it, to the end, that ſhe knowing it, ſhe might adviſe the fair Lyriope, that if ſhe would rekindle in the heart of my Brother a paſſion which I wiſh were violent enough to oblige him to marry her, ſhe then muſt follow it; I do extreamly deſire this alliance, (added he, though untruly) and therefore ſweet Phocinde, I muſt acquaint you with the reaſon why the paſſion of Agenor doth ſo ſaint towards Lyriope: It is, becauſe ſhe is too too ſweet unto him; for you muſt know, that to ſpeak of Love in general, it is never violent, but when the deſires are violent; and ſince it is impoſſible they ſhould be ſo, when whatſoever they deſire is alwayes [Page] eaſily granted, it muſt neceſſarily follow, that to make a paſſion violent, a Lady muſt never grant thoſe favours which ſhe is pleaſed to beſtow, but with much entreaty, to the end a great value may be ſet upon them, and that there be alwayes a long interval between the firſt deſires, and the fruition of the thing deſired: It is for Kings (purſued he) to give ſpeedily, and with a free-will; but it is fit Ladies be ſlow, and to give, as if they almoſt repented; they muſt be niggardly in their favours, for otherwiſe they will be received without delight, they will loſe their value, and conſequently be received with a cheap acknowledgment: It is with the favours of fair ones, as with a little River which runneth ſo ſweetly and ſilently between two graſſie banks, as thoſe who walk neer can hardly perceive it; but on the contrarie, if it be full of little rocks which obſtructs the paſſage, then it ſwells, it twines, it murmures, it runs after moſt pleaſantly, it diverts thoſe which look upon it, it rowzeth them out of that ſtudie or at leaſt makes them ſtudie with more delight; therefore Phocinde, the favours of Lyriope to Agenor, muſt not be conferred ſo eaſily and ſo often; for I muſt tell you again, that men do ſlight favours eaſily obtained; and ſince I muſt diſcover the imperfections of my Sex, I muſt tell you my thought, which is, that it is more eaſie to revive thoſe flames with an exceſſive ſeverity extinguiſhed, then thoſe which are choaked by too many and continued favours. Since Love is a capritious enemy unto reaſon, a paſſion that ſubjects all Rules and Lawes, and ſince it often infuſeth into one and the ſame heart, both fears and hopes, inſolencie and reſpect, joy and ſorrow, it would alſo have a continual miſcellany of rigours and favours, bitters and ſweets, which ſucceeding each other, do cauſe deſires to revive in the heart of a Lover, and that love there laſt, and continue without glutting; therefore Phocinde, to reduce my brother within the compaſs of his duty, you muſt adviſe the fair Lyriope to mingle a little ſeverity ſomtimes with the favours which ſhe confers upon him: And indeed, beſides the general fault of all men, it is his temper in particular which requires ſuch Phyſique as I ſpeak of; for he being a lover of glorie, I am certain he would delight in overcoming any thing that makes reſiſtance; and if ſhe could make him believe, that he is not ſure of her heart, he would out of very obſtinacie only Court her to be entirely his. But Phocinde, this rigour which I adviſe Lyriope to make uſe of to cure the Soul of Agenor, is like certain violent Medecines which the Arabian Phyſitians have invented, they will almoſt raiſe even from very death, if a right quantity be taken, and applied at a right time, but they will alſo kill immediately, if too much be taken, or too little; it muſt be therefore Lyriopes diſcretion, to apply a right doſs of ſeverity, which doubtleſs will produce its deſired effects. All the while Poligenes talked, Phocinde liſtened with an attentive ear, and was ſo fully perſwaded by his arguments, that ſhe reſolved to adviſe Lyriope as Poligenes deſired her: But to the end it might work a better effect, he obliged Phocinde not to tell her friend how they had talked together, which ſhe promiſed and performed, yet ſhe found it not ſo eaſie a matter to perſwade her friend, as Poligenes did to perſwade her; yet notwithſtanding, perceiving that Agenor was every day more negligent, that he often forgot what ſhe ſaid, and that he was nothing joyed when he ſaw her, that he muſed much when he was with her, and was very much altered, ſhe reſolved to do that for the reducing of Agenor, which ſhe would not do for the preſervation of her reputation: But ſhe not being accuſtomed unto ſeverity, ſhe did it with the worſt grace that ever fair one did, yet at firſt the matter ſucceeded very happily; for the firſt time that Agenor perceived her cold carriage to him, he did very importunately ask her the reaſon, and perhaps if ſhe had carried the matter handſomly, ſhe had reduced this rebellion Slave; but ſhe having ever more ſpirit then judgment, was ſo glad to ſee the a [...]e of Phocinde had produced ſo good effect, did think that the only way to bring Agenor unto reaſon, was to continue ſtill rigorous; So that following her violent and en [...] diſpoſition, ſhe did not only ſeem ſevere, but phantaſtical and ſomthing worſe: Inſomuch a Agenor, who already loved Eliſa very well, and who was much puzled to find a handſom pretence for quitting Lyriope, made uſe of this which ſhe gave him, and b [...] to ſee her leſs and leſs by degrees, till at laſt he le [...]t off ſeeing her at all. Thus the counſel of Pol [...]enes being neither rightly underſtood, nor well executed, produced an effect quite contrary to his deſign, for it quenched a paſſion which he would have kindled, and studied another which he would have quenched: You may eaſily imagine in what a deſparate condition Lyriope was, when ſhe perceived ſhe had loſt her Conqueſt, ſhe broke off with Phocinde, becauſe of the counſel which ſhe gave her, ſhe grew more envio [...]s then before, and began ſo horribly to hate Eliſa, with whom ſhe kne [...] Agenor continually [Page] was, that ſhe reſolved to take her for the object of her anger and revenge, though ſhe did never voluntarily contribute any thing unto the infidelity of Agenor: For as Eliſa did never ſubject any hearts with any deſign ſo to do, ſo I know of a certainty that ſhe looked upon Agenor as a verie pleaſing friend, but yet as a very dangerous Lover, and that there was not a man upon earth of whom ſhe was more afraid to be loved then of him: For ſhe being of a moſt piercing Spirit, did moſt perfectly know his, who being full of boldneſs, craft, and vanity, could not love long without prejudice to thoſe he loved, or at leaſt perſecuting them a hundred ſeveral wayes. In the mean time, it was ſo natural unto Eliſa to inſpire reſpect unto all thoſe who came neer her, and her ſtatelineſs was ſo faithful a Guardian of her beauty and virtue, that Agenor as bold as he was, durſt never attempt to make a ſerious Declaration of his Love, yet he could not forbear ſighing in ſecret, and ſuffer a thouſand torments, which yet he would not ſuffer to appear: And he would often ſay, that thoſe puling languiſhing lovers, who are continually ſighing and lamenting were good for nothing but to trouble thoſe they loved; but that on the contrary, the way to get Love was to pleaſe, and the way to pleaſe, was to be pleaſant and merry; and that ſince Love is alwayes repreſented laughing, he concluded that ſighs and tears were not ſo fit for him as joy and divertiſements. Alſo, that ſince Eliſa was of a merrie nature, he conceived his beſt courſe to be diverting her, without any ſerious talk of his paſſion. Likewiſe, conſidering her humour, he thought he ſhould never obtain that liberty; therefore his deſign was, to accuſtom her inſenſibly unto a permiſſion of telling by way of rallarie that he loved her, conceiving, that ſince ſhe knew the world, and underſtood rallarie, ſhe would not be offended at a thing of this nature, which he told her laughing, and in the preſence of much company, hoping by this way to hide the truth of his paſſion from the eyes of his brother, whom he ſuſpected to be in Love with Eliſa, as well as himſelf, and whom he would not have thinked that he was his Rival: And indeed Agenor being one day with Eliſa in a great companie, they began to tell him of his inconſtancie to Lyriope (for this imprudent woman was not leſs ſcandalized for breaking off with Agenor, as ſhe was for contracting amity with him) and ſo much the more, becauſe they ſaid that the Queen intended to ſend her home unto her parents, and was much incenſed againſt her for her ill-carriage of the buſineſs. Agenor then ſeeing them put a hundred queſtions to him concerning his inconſtancie, reſolved not to let a day paſs without putting his deſign in practiſe; ſo that he put them all off with Feaſts, and was wonderous jocand: For my part, ſaid Eliſa and laughed, If I were in your caſe, I ſhould rather ſay that I never loved Lyriope, and that I only made a ſhew of being ſo, then to confeſs as you do, that you are unfaithful, ſince in caſes of Gallantrie, inconſtancie is as great a crime as cozenage, for to the laſt of theſe is only requiſite wit, boldneſs, and invention, but the firſt proceeds only from weakneſs: Alſo I am perſwaded (purſued ſhe) it had been leſs diſhonorable for Lyriope, that you never had loved her, then that you ſhould ceaſe loving and quit her. Since my paſſion was quenched by the rigour of Lyriope, (ſaid he with a diſſembling modeſty) I am perſwaded that my inconſtancie is neither diſhonorable to her nor my ſelf: Never excuſe your ſelf by the rigour of Lyriope (ſaid Poligenes, who was glad he could accuſe him before Eliſa) for I am ſure, that before ſhe began to be ſevere, you began to be inconſtant, and out of your own lightneſs left off loving her, before ſhe did contribute any thing to it: 'Tis true, (anſwered Agenor, and laughed, as if he ſpoke only in merrie rallarie) I am forced to confeſs, that I left loving Lyriope, before ſhe thought of treating me with ſeverity, but yet it was not out of my own lightneſs good brother: What other reaſon beſides could you have (replied Eliſa ſharply:) My reaſon was (replied he, looking upon her, and raiſeing his voice that all the companie might the better hear him) becauſe you uſe to make all thoſe inconſtants who look upon you, and becauſe I cannot be with her, and with you too, becauſe I am often weary to ſee no company about the Queen, whil'ſt all the Gallants of the Court are at your feet adoring you; and becauſe I would do as all others do, that is, ſee you, hear you, admire you, and to tell you boldly before all this companie, that which I am ſure not one of your Adorers dares do in ſecret. Agenor ſpeaking this with that blithneſs which was his natural way, and which did ver [...]e well become him, all the company began to laugh, [...] Poligenes who bluſh [...]: So that Eliſa not daring to take that ſeriouſly, which ſo many accompliſhed perſons took as a piece of gallant rallarie, ſhe began to laugh as the reſt did, yet it wa [...] after a ſcorning way, and with a bluſh: But ſhe anſwered Agenor as in reaſon ſhe ought, without any anger, and interpreting [Page] the matter as a bare piece of merrie wit; and indeed Eliſa thinking it to be ſo: I pray Agenor, ſaid ſhe unto him, make not me an umbrage for your weakneſs, nor loaden me with the hatred of Lyriope: So you can admit of my love, ſaid he, never care for her hatred, for thanks be to the heavens, I am verie well cured: I aſſure you, replied Eliſa, I had rather Lyriope ſhould love me then you, and I fear her hatred more then I do yours: As for my hatred Madam, ſaid he unto her, You are ſafe; but as for my Love believe it you are not, for ſince I have made you ſome expreſſions of it before ſo much companie, it concerns my honour to go a little farther: But replied ſhe and laughed, as it concerns your honour to go further, ſo it concerns mine to hinder you; and therefore I conjure you to be ſilent, unleſs you will verie ſeriouſly have me take the part of Lyriope, and chide you extreamly for quitting ſo fair a perſon: And I pray tell me (ſaid ſhe and laughed ſtill) what aſſurance can I have in the affection of a perfidious Apoſtate? The aſſurance is (replied he) That you will not treat me as ſhe did, and that I hope you will invert the order which ſhe kept with me, for ſhe was ſweet at the begining, and ſevere in the end, and I hope you will be ſweet in the ending, as you are ſevere in the beginning: Indeed Agenor you are much deceived, ſaid ſhe unto him, I am no Changeling like your ſelf, that which I am once, the ſame ſhall I be as long as I live, and ſince I am crabbed now, I ſhall be ſo for ever: That which you call crabbedneſs, does ſo well become you Madam, ſaid Poligenes to her, that you would wrong your ſelf if you ſhould leave it: Affabilitie and mildneſs would become her better, replied Agenor: Eliſa is ſo ſweet and affable unto her friends, (ſaid I unto Agenor) that I am verie glad ſhe is not ſo unto her Lovers, becauſe if ſhe were, I am perſwaded ſhe would not then be ſo unto me: It is a gladneſs which you will long enjoy, replied Phocilion: I am much obliged unto you for your good opinion of me, replied ſhe: And ſo am I to you, ſaid Agenor unto her, for receiving a Declaration of my Love with ſo much indifferencie, as that you are not ſo much as angrie at it: I wonder not, replied Eliſa, that Lyriope ſhould be wearie of you, for you have been but one quarter of an houre in telling me you are my Lover, and I perceive you do not know what you would have; ſomtimes you ſay affabilitie and mildneſs becomes me, and other times that my anger obligeth you; and therefore all I can ſay is, that I repent my ſelf of accuſing you for inconſtancie to Lyriope, and am ſo far from thinking that you quitted her, as I think that ſhe drives you away for troubling her with your impertinencies, for truly you have wearied me alreadie, though you have only told me the ſame in jeſt, which you told her ſeriouſly: After this Agenor would have replied, but Eliſa addreſſing her diſcourſe unto me, did alter the ſubject, and made all the companie do the like. In the mean while Phocilion obſerved a little better then Poligenes, how maugre the mirth of Agenor, that which he ſeemed to ſpeak in jeſt, was really true: And alſo he perceived by the reſtleſſneſs of Poligenes, that his affection to Eliſa was not of the ſame nature he ſaid it was, ſo that Phocilion found two Rivals more then ere he thought of, the one of which concealed his paſſion by diſcovering it, and the other diſcovered it unto Eliſa, by hiding it, or at leaſt gave her ſome cauſe to gueſs at it. Phocilion yet had not that ſadneſs of ſoul which uſe inſeparably to follow the diſcoverie of freſh Rivals, for on the one ſide he feared not Eliſa; and on the other ſide Poligenes, who was ſubtil, and experimented in matters of gallantrie, after a ſerious obſervation of his brother, he apprehended him to be deſparately in Love with Eliſa, yet the light humour of Agenor, and the auſtere gravitie of Eliſa eaſed him of his fears. Agenor alſo, intending to deceive his brother, went at night unto his Chamber to ſee him, and began to expreſs his joyes at all he had ſaid that afternoon unto Eliſa: For ſaid he, I am ſure Lyriope will know it, and ſo I ſhall be fully revenged on her for her ſeveritie to me: Indeed Madam, Agenor did jeſt it out ſo well, as he did much puzzle Poligenes, and made him doubt of that which he believed but one quarter of an houre before. In the mean time he continued his way with Eliſa, as he had done the day before even before Straton, who took much pleaſure in what he ſaid: The preſence of Barce did not hinder him, as phantaſtical as ſhe was; ſo that Eliſa was forced unto a cuſtom of this publique Gallantrie, and the rather, becauſe ſhe did not believe Agenor was really in Love with her, yet ſhe [...] everie day moved unto ſome fits of anger againſt him, but the j [...]candr [...]e of Agenor did [...]p [...]tie her, ſhe conceived that Agenor▪ aim in it was only to ſpite L [...]riope, for what there was much companie, Agenor would then be ſure to be full of his Courtſhip, and addreſs himſelf to her with a thouſand pleaſant Gallantries: He would then be alwayes next her, he would look ſeriouſly upon her, commend her to the heavens, obſerve her d [...]pently, and do everie thing that Love [Page] could prompt the moſt violent and paſſionate Lover unto: All this he did with a moſt admirable freedom of Spirit, which made Eliſa believe that his heart was not at all ingaged. But the rareſt part of this ſtorie was, that though Agenor was full of a thouſand Gallantries when much companie was preſent, yet when they were gone, and he remained alone with her, then he became as ſilent and timorous as a Sheep, he loſt all his confident boldneſs, he was all ſerious and ſadneſs, and diſcourſed with Eliſa only of things indifferent: But that which Agenor did with deſign Eliſa ſhould thereby gueſs at his paſſion, was it which kept her from knowing it, it not being imagineable, that a Lover ſpeaking without any witneſſes unto the perſon he loved, ſhould not then give her ſome cauſe to think he loved her: However Agenor was alwayes with Eliſa as much as he could, and ſpoke to her of his paſſion, when there was much companie, but not a word to her, when they were alone together: But however, this phantaſtical proceeding of his, procured him a thouſand priviledges; for ſince he was full of pleaſant diſcourſe, and much delighted Eliſa, it moved her to talk more with him then with any other. Moreover, every one did contribute their aſſiſtance unto ſuch a piece of gallantry, as afforded ſuch jocand diverſion, and to the heart-burning of his Rivals, it procured him great familiarity with Eliſa, and to be continually with her: Alſo he ſo got the love of Straton, as he could not endure he ſhould be a day out of his ſight: On the other ſide, Lyriope knowing of Agenors procedure, did imagine, that perhaps he did not love Eliſa, but that he uſed this open gallantrie as a puniſhment for her ſeveritie, and ſtill loved her in his heart: So that this undiſcreet woman practiſed a hundred unprofitable ſtratagems to reduce him, which did indeed drive him further off, and which augmented her hatred and fury againſt Eliſa, when ſhe perceived that really ſhe had no ſhare in the heart of Agenor, who went on in his ordinarie cuſtom; and he ſo uſed Eliſa unto his complacential diſcourſe, as ſhe returned anſwers without any anger. None of his Rivals were jealous, except Poligenes, who could not digeſt in this divertiſement, which paſſed only for a piece of merrie wit. In the mean while, Eliſa's ſcrupulous virtue began to fear that Agenor would tell her that ſeriouſly in private, which he in a R [...]llarie told her publikely, and ſhe was the ſooner induced unto this thought, becauſe Poligenes and I coming together to ſee her, we found Agenor there, who as ſoon as ever he ſpied us, began his uſual way of Gallantrie: This ſticking in the ſtomack of Poligenes, he fell into ſo deep a ſtudie, as Eliſa could not chuſe but chide him, for not hear [...]ening unto what they ſaid, asking him of what he thought? I think Madam, ſaid he unto her, that I had rather know what you did my Brother the honour to ſay unto him when Tela [...]is and I entred, then to know what Agenor ſaith now.

Poligenes had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but Eliſa bluſht, and then imagined that her fears were not ill grounded, yet ſhe would not take it as in earneſt, but on the contrarie, ſhe told Poligenes, ſhe was much obliged unto him, for hinting unto her, that ſhe ſhould not ſuffer Agenor to talk with her in private: Then Madam, replied Agenor, It ſeems you would have me talk to you of Love perpetually, whereas before I talk unto you of it only in publique, and never in private: However, replied Eliſa, I will for the future never talk unto you without witneſſes: I ſhall be much beholding to you for it (ſaid he) for when I was alone with you, I was in ſuch fear of you, and reſpect did impoſe ſuch a cruel ſilence upon me, as I never durſt tell the thoughts of my heart unto you: Truly, ſaid Eliſa and laughed, I do not think that ever Lover returned the like thanks: However it be, replied ſhe, I had rather you ſhould ſpeak unto me of Love in publique, then of things indifferent in private. But Madam, I will not inſiſt any longer upon relation of trifles, which are not fully pertinent: Let me tell you only, that Eliſa after this, did warily avoid all diſcourſe with Agenor in private: So that when he determined to talk ſeriouſly unto her concerning his paſſion, and to perſwade her he was in earneſt, he was much puzled to find out a fit opportunity. In the mean time Phocilion behaved himſelf towards Eliſa, in ſuch a reſpective and obliging manner, that in verie acknowledgment of it, ſhe thought her ſelf much ingaged to him, and permitted him once to tell her, that the Lover of whom he ſpoke, and himſelf, were one and the ſame perſon, yet he could draw no further advantage from this favour, but that ſhe promiſed him again, if ever ſhe altered her reſolution, and did intend to marrie, it ſhould be in favour with him, but withal ſhe told him at the ſame time, that ſhe believed this time would never come, and therefore conjured him to content himſelf with being in the number of her friends. I ſhall not ſpend any time Madam in telling you how many Slaves the fair eyes of Eliſa did [Page] captivate, for the number is ſo great as it is incredible, all whom ſhe treated with extream rigour; but I will apply my ſelf principally unto thoſe whoſe perſons and humours I have already deſcribed.

To proſecute therefore my intention, give me leave to tell you then, that Agenor ſeeing the more he told Eliſa in publike, he was in Love with her, the leſs ſhe believed him; he reſolved therefore upon a ſecret way of declaring it unto her, yet he did conſider this deſign as the moſt dangerous that he could attempt: But ſince he could not endure to love, and not be beloved, he reſolved to put it unto the hazard. In the mean time, Eliſa according all occaſions of privacie with him, ſince the diſcourſe of Poligenes he was many daies before he could meet with his deſired opportunitie, yet he was the fitteſt man in the world, to put the moſt difficult matters into execution, and to cloſe with any occaſions which offered themſelves; for beſides his being verie cunning, diligent, and ingenuous, he had many ſervants and creatures who knew verie well how to diſcover whatſoever he deſired to know, and who would follow his directions moſt exactly: Moreover, he was Maſter of a moſt inſinuating and flattering affabilitie, which joyned unto his liberal diſpoſition, did render an abſolute Maſter of the Domeſtiques in the houſes, when he had any intereſt of Gallantrie, and by this means he could eaſily know when much companie was with Eliſa, and when none: He was ſo faithfully advertiſed, as he knew ſhe had commanded one morning, that they ſhould ſay ſhe was not within: So that makeing uſe of the familiaritie which he had with Straton, he went to dine with him: After Dinner he would conduct Eliſa unto her Chamber, who deſiring to ſee [...]o bodie, would neither ſtay in the Chamber of Straton, nor Barce's: She would alſo have hindred Agenor from carrying her unto her Chamber, but her Father, who loved Agenor verie well, deſired her to accept of the civilitie of him who was his friend, ſo that ſhe was forced to permit him. When he was at the door, where ſhe believed he would have left her, he ſeemed as if he had pleaſant matter to impart unto her, ſo that he being accuſtomed to tell ſuch things, ſhe entreated him to enter: After which, Agenor inventing ſome kinde of odd ſtorie or other, for a pretence of beginning his diſcourſe with her, ſhe thought that he had no farther deſign, but to tell this adventure aloud. But after he had told it, and ſhe deſired him to retire, Agenor began his intended Speech. Madam (ſaid he unto her in a low voice, leſt he ſhould be heard by two women who were in the Chamber) I am not yet at the end of my buſineſs, for the truth is Madam, I muſt acquaint you with a buſineſs which I fear will ſurprize you, though it ought not to do ſo, and which is likely to vex you, though alſo it ought not: For ought I ſee, replied Eliſa, You think me to be verie unjuſt, ſince you ſay I ſhall be ſurprized and angred at that which I ought not to be; however, I deſire to know what thing this is? It is Madam (ſaid he unto her) That there is a man in the world who extreamly laments that you ſhould not know how he adores you, though he has told you of it a hundred thouſand times. How's this (replied Eliſa, and bluſht for anger, not thinking Agenor did ſpeak of himſelf) Is there any man in the world who was ſo inſolent, as to tell he loved me? I knew Madam (replied Agenor faintly) that you could not endure to hear me without cholor: Yet I would have you tell me (replied Eliſa innocently) wh [...] this man is that has loſt either [...] reaſon or memorie, or both: I will Madam, replied he, but it ſhall be [...] a [...] you will not baniſh me, though I ſhould tell you ſuch things as ſhall [...] for unleſs you promiſe me this verie ſolemnly, you ſhall never know it: It is [...], replied ſhe, to condemn the innocent with the culpable; but ſince you w [...]ll [...] my equitie, I will promiſe not to baniſ [...] though you tell who this [...] a hundred thouſand times told me that which [...] never told me ſo much at once: But I pray tell me purſued ſhe [...] was he born, and what [...] his [...]? The man of whom I ſpeak (replied this [...] Lover) was born in [...] and hi [...] [...]ame is Agenor: Agenor (replied [...], not believing he [...]) he is ſo accuſtomed to [...] fooliſhly, [...] there is no heed to be taken [...] ſayes, and though I know him better th [...], yet I will not be alwayes [...] by him. [...], ſaid [...]e, I wiſh to [...] you did know me, for is it poſſible you ſhould think, that when I told you before [...] world I loved you, I told you ſo only, becauſe that kind of diſ [...]ourſe ſeemed a diverſion? Indeed I did ſo, anſwered Eliſa, and I think ſo ſtill, [...] ſhall do as long as I [...], and ſhall never think otherwiſe; alſo I think it is advan [...] that I ſhould do ſo: Then I have no other buſineſs in this world, but to prepare my [...] for death, replied Agenor: Was there ever ſuch a [...] accident as [Page] this? Can I not perſwade you that I love you, only becauſe I have told you ſo too oft and too publiquely? I pray Agenor (replied Eliſa, ſtill thinking he jeſted) do not inveigh ſo againſt my incred [...]lity; and be moſt confident that if I did beleeve you, you ſhould not talk thus long with me.

It is not perhaps ſo eaſie a matter as you think, ſaid he, to impoſe ſilence upon a deſperate Lover, and ſuch a Lover as is accuſtomed every day to ſay he loves you, without any ſecret confinement of his paſſion. However it be, ſaid Eliſa, I declare unto you, that I cannot endure this kind of Gallantrie when none is preſent: Rallarie ſuits beſt with a tumult, and is fitteſt for a general Converſation, not for a private: Thoſe who jeſt ſhould have many laughers ſtanding by them; they loſe the pleaſure of their conceits when only a ſingle perſon hears it; and certainly when two only talk together, they ought to be more ſerious. I do proteſt Madam, replied he, I did never in my life ſpeak a truth more ſeriouſly then this, when I ſaid in rallarie that I loved you, and whatſoever I ſaid did really proceed from the very thoughts of my heart. Take heed (ſaid Eliſa and interrupted him) you do not give me cauſe to think you are ſerious, for ſince your company is very pleaſant, I ſhould be very ſorry to baniſh you. It is not in your power to do it, replied he, for I engaged you by Oath to the contrary. No, no (ſaid Eliſa and laughed) do not think me ſo ſimple as to beleeve you. I wonder Madam, replied he, you ſhould not beleeve me: Though I had never told you that I loved you, yet methinks my aſſiduous viſits only ſhould have perſwaded you of it. If you had never told me, replied ſhe, I ſhould ſooner and more eaſily have beleeved you, and you perhaps have been more happie in your deſires. Alas Madam, replied he, if I ſhould not love you, what ſhould I do with that paſſionate Soul which the Gods did give me when they gave me life? How is it poſſible a heart ſo eaſie to be enflamed as mine is, ſhould know you and not love you, eſpecially knowing you ſo perfectlie as I do? For truly Madam, I muſt needs tell you, that there is not one of my Rivals who knows the tranſcendenc [...] of your merits ſo well as I do: Since it is my whole ſtudie and care to obſerve you, I may boaſt that I know better then they how ſuperlative your beautie is above others, and how your merit tranſcends all of your ſex and time: And ſince ſo Madam, how can you conceive it poſſible I ſhould not love you? Let me tell you once more Agenor (ſaid Eliſa and interrupted him) that I cannot endure this Rallarie unleſs it be before much companie; nor can I imagine, a man really in love can in a jeſt tell it to the perſon whom he loves, before a hundred ſeveral perſons. Alas Madam, replied he, if you would permit me to tell it you in private, I ſhould never have ſought unto this weak remedie of my miſerie; but ſince I know you to be auſtere even unto Cruelty it felf, I thought it beſt to deceive you and my Rivals, and to make uſe of this invention until I had rendred you ſome ſuch ſervice as might in reaſon hope for a pardon of my raſhneſs in daring to adore you. Eliſa hearing this, was much at a ſtand, for on the one ſide ſhe had ſome reaſon to beleeve that he had a mind to deceive her, and on the other ſide ſhe feared there was ſome truth in his expreſſions, ſince he ſeemed to ſpea [...] very ſeriouſly: ſo that chuſing rather to incline unto ſeveritie, then to give him any reaſon o [...] belief that ſhe was leſs auſtere then uſual, ſhe was reſolved to afford him no hopes, therefore making all the auſterity of her Soul to appear in her eyes, in her aſpect, and in her language, this Lover, as ſtout and bold as he was, found himſelf put to pitiful perplexity. Leave off Agenor (ſaid ſhe unto him) leave off ſpeaking thus as you do, unleſs you will loſe my eſteem for ever, either under the notion of a Friend or of a Lover: if the laſt of theſe, I ought not to ſuffer you after all this impudent boldneſs; if the firſt, yet ought I to break off with you, ſince you have ſo little complacence as at my deſire not to [...]eave off that Rallarie which I endure in publique, leſt I ſhould ſeem fantaſtical, but which I abhor in private. Agenor, who was acquainted with Eliſa's humors very well, perceived by the tone of her voice, that if [...] obſtinately continued his telling her ſeriouſly [...]e loved her, that he ſhould be baniſhed▪ ther [...]fore he durſt not do it: ſo that fearing to render himſelf more miſerable by [...], to p [...]vent it, he took up another Reſolution, which was to conquer himſelf, to [...] up [...] melancholy in the cabinet of [...] heart, and to put on a face [...] beginning to ſpeak in that [...] which he [...]ed in his Rallarie: Truly [...], ſaid he unto her, I am now arrived at that Point which I propoſed unto my [...]ave made you angry: but for all that (purſued he and laughed) never think [...] to appeaſe you I will go and ſay I do not love you, for that's a little too coar [...]e to [...] a Lady, eſpecially a Lady ſo ſuperlatively fair as [...]; ſuch words as theſe [...] come out of my mouth: be [Page] contented I aſſure you, that I am what I ought to be unto you, that I ſee how you receive Declarations of Love from others, and that I may know whether the friendſhip you are pleaſed to honour me with, be ſtrong enough to let me tell you what others do: But upon ſecond and more ſerious thoughts, and ſince I perceive I have no particular priviledg above others, I will begin to behave my ſelf as I did before, that is, to ſpeak upon matters of Love unto you in publique, and of things indifferent in private.

Agenor having quickeſt and moſt nimble wit of any man alive, he ſaid this unto Eliſa in ſuch a manner, as almoſt perſwaded her, that it was only one of his old humours of rallarie, or ſuch a pleaſant trick as one knows not how to be angrie at; ſo that ſhe being in a kinde of confuſion betwixt mirth and anger, ſhe began to laugh with Agenor for companie, yet grumbled at the fallacie which he put upon her, as if ſhe were not altogether deceived, and as if the anger ſhe had expreſſed was not real, ſaying ſhe never thought him to be in earneſt: However, after much bandying betwixt them, Eliſa drave Agenor away from her, believing indeed that it was as he had told her; yet ſomtimes ſhe would think her ſelf only neutral and indifferent towards him, but never thought him poſſeſſed with any violent paſſion to her, imagining, (if it be permitted to ſay ſo) that his ſoul was only poſſeſſed with an amorous friendſhip: As for Agenor, he went from Eliſa in mightie pelt: Have not I (ſaid he to himſelf, as he told me afterwards) ſpoken of Love unto Eliſa, more then ever any did ſince Cupid made any lovers, and can it be that Eliſa ſhould not know I love her? But why was I ſo ſimple, ſince I had ſpoke ſeriouſly enough to make her angrie, as to endeavour the appeaſing of her, rather then the perſwading her of a truth which ſhe muſt know? Yet what would that her knowledg have availed me, if upon it ſhe would both baniſh and hate me? What ſhould I do? ſaid he, To what purpoſe is it to tell in publique that I love her, ſince thereby I ſhall not be believed when I tell her it in private? And to what purpoſe is it to make her believe it, if it be her reſolution to love no body? Yet I muſt not deprive my ſelf of the pleaſure which I take in telling her that, which none but my ſelf dare tell her: Who knows, but by continuing in this courſe, I may in the end be ſo happie, as that ſhe will tell her ſelf in ſecret, that which I dare only tell her in publique, and make her know the truth without being angrie? As auſtere as ſhe is, her heart perhaps is nor ſo inſenſible as ſhe thinks it; for ſince it can be tender in point of friendſhip, it is not impoſſible but it may become ſo in point of Love. Theſe Madam were the reaſonings of Agenor, who indeed carried the buſineſs towards Eliſa as formerly he did.

In the mean time Poligenes obſerving by a hundred of his brothers actions, that certainly he was in Love with Eliſa, reſolved to impede the progreſs of this paſſion, not imagining it to be yet grown unto a height of violence, nor doubting but that Agenors obligations to him, and the reſpect which he both owned and uſed to pay, would make him ceaſe his pretentions, as ſoon as he ſhould acquaint him that he himſelf loved Eliſa: So that by this means Poligenes reſolved to diſcover unto one of his Rivals that he loved Eliſa, before he had diſcovered it unto her ſelf; but to tranſact more ſurely, and that at the ſame time, he was negotiating with Agenor to caſt off Eliſa, he might alſo oblige Eliſa to caſt off Agenor, he reſolved to have diſcourſe with her unto this effect I ſhall preſently acquaint you with; but ſince he was reſolved to begin with Agenor, he ſought out for a fit opportunitie of talking with him, which he could not meet with until the next morning, for of late they did not lodg together. To this end, he ingaged him to a ſolitarie walk which is in T [...]re, and which certainly is one of the moſt pleaſant in the world: For be pleaſed to know Madam, that Tire being an Iſle ſeparated from the Continent only by a little diſtance, the banks oppoſite to this ſtately Town make a moſt pleaſant proſpect unto the place where Poligenes carried Agenor.

But ſince it is ſomthing neceſſarie that I deſcribe unto you the place where they walked, in order to your better underſtanding of the paſſage, let me tell you, that on the Eaſt ſide of the further part of the Town, which hath no other walls in that place, then what Nature fortified by impoſſible acceſs, where the R [...]s make a long Tarras of above five hundred paces, upon which eight or ten perſons may walk a breſt, there being upon the left ſide of this rockie walk which riſeth and falls ſomtimes more, ſomtimes leſs, ſeveral [...]rots extreamly pleaſant and cool, where wearie walkers may reſt themſelves, if the S [...] or [...] annoy them. On the other ſide, is the Sea, which daſhing ſomtimes to the verie [...] of this natural Tarras (as I may term it) and making a noiſe mixed both of terror and delight, doth pleaſingly entertain thoſe who walk there alone. Moreover, the ſight [Page] of that oppoſite ſhore of which I ſpoke before, adds much pleaſure to the place; for Madam, ſince there is not one rich Inhabitant of Tire, who hath not ſome houſe there, it appears full of magnificent Structures and pleaſant Gardens. Alſo the Port full of Ships and Gallies, makes the moſt pleaſant proſpect in the world, together with the ſight of the main Sea at the end of this Tarras walk, where the eye hath nothing to look upon but Ships which go and come to Tire, and ſeveral Boats of Fiſhers in many places, eſpecially towards the evening, which was the time when Poligenes brought Agenor to this lovely place.

But before I tell you of their being there, be pleaſed to know Madam, that Phocilion whoſe paſſion was as reſpectful as violent, having then no confident of his paſſion, did much delight in ſolitarie contemplation, when he could not be with Eliſa: So that having paſſed over almoſt all the day, and lodging neer this pleaſant walk, he went thither, ſending away all his men, and reſolved to ſtay there verie late. When he was at the end of this long Tarraſs, as he turned back, he ſpied afar off Poligenes and Agenor, who taking no notice of him, were taking earneſtly to each other. Phocilion having no mind to interrupt either them or himſelf, went into one of thoſe pleaſant Grots of which I ſpoke before, intending to let them paſs by, and to go out when they were at a diſtance from him; but to the end he might not be perceived by them, chance inviting into a Grot that had many crannies and convavities one within another, he paſſed from the firſt into the ſecond. In the mean time, juſt as he entred, there chanced to fall one of thoſe ſudden Summer ſhowres of rain, which unexpectedly uſe to ſurprize, and cannot be foreſeen: This cauſed Poligenes and Agenor to look out for ſhelter, and to enter haſtily into the ſame Grot where Phocilion was: But ſince their deſign was only to avoid the rain, they took up with the firſt, and never looked into the ſecond, out of which Phocilion had come into their companie, if he had not heard Poligenes and Agenor name Eliſa: So that ſince it was impoſſible, not to be curious of knowing what theſe two men, whom he ſuſpected to be his Rivals, did ſpeak of the perſon whom he loved, he ſtood ſtill in the place where he was unperceived, and where he might hear all they ſaid, the hollowneſs of the ſecond Grot eaſily receiving the ſound of their voices. They were no ſooner ſet, but Phocilion with a liſtning ear, heard Poligenes begin to ſpeak: I ſee very well (ſaid he unto his Brother) that you were deſirous to know, why I talked yeſterday unto you ſo much concerning Eliſa, and why I am ſo very deſirous to know what you think of her beauty, of her wit, and all the reſt of her charms, and thinking that perhaps you did not anſwer me ſincerely, I will acquaint you with the true reaſon which moved me to ask you what your thoughts of her were; I know verie well, that you are verie deeply ingaged in Love to her, if you be at all, but fearing you ſhould too much intangle your ſelf in a buſineſs which can never be effected, I thought now to teſtifie unto you, how dear your tranquilitie is unto me, and what confidence I have in your diſcretion: Know therefore Agenor, ſaid he unto him) that I have loved Eliſa even from her very Cradle: Do you love Eliſa, (replied Agenor with as much aſtoniſhment in his countenance, as if he had never ſuſpected any thing:) Yes Brother (replied Poligenes) I do love her, and love her in that height, as it is impoſſible for any to love her more; therefore perceiving you apt to ingage your ſelf my Rival, I had a deſire to prevent it, by truſting you with my ſecret, which is, that though Eliſa be all virtue, even in the abſtract, yet I believe if her auſteri [...] ever ſuffer any to adore her, it muſt be my ſelf who muſt enjoy that happineſs: Since I have continually ſeen her ever ſince ſhe ſaw the light, and ſince my Love of her began to be known unto her ever ſince ſhe could know her ſelf, my paſſion hath not made ſuch a noiſe in the world, as the paſſions of all the reſt of her Lovers have done; and indeed you may pe [...]e, that I am entertained with more familiaritie then they, that the never is ſhie in talking privately with me, and that ſhe ſeems much my friend unto thoſe who do not know I am her Lover; therefore Agenor make uſe of this advice which [...]ow I give you, and think, that I do not give it out of jealouſie, but only to the end you ſhould not loſe your time which ought to be moſt precious unto you: For truly, ſaid he and ſmiled, you are juſt now at an age fitteſt to make Conqueſts: If I had not loved you dearly, I ſhould have let you run on in your error, as all the Court doth, and ſhould have taken delight in ſeeing how you de [...]d your ſelf like all the reſt of my Rivals, but it [...]y love to you that would not suffer it.

Whil'ſt Poligenes was talking thus without any interruption, Agenor was conſulting with himſelf what reſolution to take, and being [...] of b [...]ty then Poligenes, he knew very [Page] well, that what he ſaid was only to ſtave him off from Eliſa: So that he reſolved upon a courſe as bold as wicked, and anſwered unto Poligenes in theſe terms, whil'ſt Phocilion unperceived, did hearken both with wonder and attention: Brother (ſaid Agenor unto Poligenes) I am verie unhappie, in that you did me not the honour to acquaint me with your love to Eliſa, at that time when you adviſed me to preſerve that affection which Lyriope ſeemed to have towards me, for then the reſpect and dutie which I owed you, might eaſily have quenched thoſe ſparks of Love to Eliſa in me, which now are grown to a flame. Since I had then no ſuſpition of your paſſion to her, I muſt confeſs, my ſoul is ſo wholly devoted to her, that it is abſolutely impoſſible for me to diſingage it; Not but that if I were fully perſwaded (added he moſt craftily) you were more in her favour then I, and that ſhe would make you happie, then I would reſolve to make my ſelf miſerable, I would then voluntarily exile my ſelf, and yeeld Eliſa unto you: But Poligenes (purſued he) I am moſt confident ſhe deludes you, and that you are not in ſuch favour with her as you think you are, and that you have a Rival above you in her thoughts: For indeed by your own confeſſion Eliſa knows you love her, and takes it verie well: Do you count that nothing (replied Poligenes) and do think it is not a greater favour to be ſuffer'd by the moſt auſtere perſon in the world, then all the beauties in Phenicia can confer? I do indeed believe (replied Agenor faintly) that you have ſome reaſon to take it as a favour, but I believe alſo, that the Lover of whom I ſpeak, has reaſon to think himſelf more in Eliſa's favour then you are. I wonder (replied Poligenes ſharply) that if there were any ſuch thing, you have not ſtaved off ſuch a Rival from Eliſa; for believe it, I, who ſeem not ſo violent as you are, if I knew any ſo happie, as you would make me believe there is, I would not let him continue long ſo: I am very ſorrie Brother (replied Agenor, and aſſuming a moſt ſerious countenance) That I muſt needs diſcover a ſecret to you, which I reſolved never to impart unto any, but the condition wherein I finde your ſoul, and mine for your ſake, moves me to hazard all the happineſs of my life, rather then fail in point of friendſhip: Hear me then I conjure you, and if it be poſſible for you to be juſt your own cauſe, I am moſt confident you will condemn your ſelf, and confeſs that I am not able to yeeld Eliſa unto you. At theſe words Poligenes bluſht, and Phocilion in his Grot had ſuch turbulent pangs of ſoul, that he could not chuſe but make a noiſe as he was ſhifting place, to the end he might hear the better: But they were ſo attent upon their diſcourſe, as they took no notice of it, ſo that Agenor proceeded: I know verie well (ſaid he unto Poligenes) that I ſhall make you extreamly ſad, and my joyes of being more in Eliſa's favour then any whoſoever, is exceſſive. Alas, Agenor, ſaid Poligenes, and interrupted him, Your green experience deludes you, may be you think, that becauſe Eliſa was delighted a little with your publique Gallantrie, therefore ſhe loves you more then any other: But believe it Agenor, believe it confidently, that the hearts of thoſe who are perſwaded unto love, are never moved by publique talk before ſo much companie: However it be, ſaid Agenor, I have told her that in private, which you never did, and I am ſure I never expreſſed one paſſionate word before you and others, but I expreſſed the ſame when I have been alone with her: But I pray Brother, without further moving me to betray Eliſa's ſecrets, why do you not make ſome reflection upon things paſt, and from them draw infallible proofs of my happineſs? Have you not ſeen me ſlight Lyriope, who loadened me with favours, and that Eliſa did burthen me with the weight of her Chains? Lyriope was fair, ſhe loved me, and I did not hate her: Can you think that becauſe Eliſa is fairer then Lyriope, that I would quit her who favoured me, to take one that was rigorous? No, no, Poligenes, I am not of that compoſition, hopes is alwayes as much in my heart as Love is, and I cannot tell whether or no it ſomtimes precedes it; believe it I ſhould never have left Lyriope, if I had not ſome cauſe to believe Eliſa would be favourable to me; I know that my way of carriage to her hath been ſomthing extraordinarie, but I know alſo that by-wayes are often the ſhorteſt: Yet I cannot believe, replied Poligenes, that the way which you have taken, will ever lead you to the heart of Eliſa, nor that you have found out this blind way, which ſo many men have only ſought for in vain: I could eaſily let you run on in your error, replied Agenor, but ſince it is advantageous unto my Love, that you be undeceived, I will acquaint you upon what terms I am with Eliſa.

Then began Agenor to tell a thouſand confident lyes to Poligenes, aſſuring him, that he held a moſt intimate correſpondencie with Eliſa, that they two had agreed upon a thouſand things, which he repeated one after another; that ſhe took in ſerious earneſt [Page] all that he ſeemed to ſpeak in Rallarie, and that when they were in private together ſhe would tell him all that the reſt of her Lovers ſaid unto her.

If it be ſo (ſaid Poligenes to try whether Agenor ſpoke truth) you know in what terms I expreſſed my paſſion unto her. Agenor now was put to a n n-plus; yet remembering he had heard his Brother ſay that he would never diſcover his Love until he was almoſt ſure of being loved, he imagined (whatſoever he ſaid to the contrary) that he had never openly declared himſelf unto Eliſa: therefore without any demur to his Queſtion; As for you, ſaid he unto him, I muſt needs confeſs that Eliſa never told me you ſpoke unto her of your Love: Perhaps the reaſon why ſhe would not tell me was becauſe I being your Brother, ſhe would not mock at your paſſion as ſhe did at the reſt of her Lovers: but certainly, ſhe ranked you only in the Catalogue of her Friends when ſhe ſpoke unto me; and therefore I never ſuſpected you to be in love with her, and conſequently I am innocently engaged to be your Rival; but ſo far engaged that I cannot make a retreat. Poligenes hearing Agenor ſay ſo, made no queſtion but he ſaid truly: for ſince he knew very well that he never told Eliſa how he loved her, the concordance of Agenor's talk with this truth, moved him to beleeve all that he ſaid both before and after: But ſince Jealouſie made him invent a way now to pick out ſome advantage by his knowledge of all the paſſages between Eliſa and Agenor, he confined his anger and his ſorrows unto the cloſet of his own breſt, and beginning to ſpeak; Go on you happie Lover (ſaid he unto him) and acquaint me with all your good fortune, that by quaſhing all my hopes, I may not diſturb your felicity. But is it true (ſaid he unto him ſuddenly) that this auſtere woman, who has ſlighted ſo many Princes and Kings, can ſo far ſuffer her heart to be captivate as to tell you that he loves you? I dare not ſay poſitively that ſhe did, replied he. But is it poſſible, replied Poligenes, that ſhe ſhould tell you of all thoſe who anored her? I aſſure you, replied he, that ſince the late King unto Cryſiles, I know all paſſages. Yet Phocilion, anſwered Poligenes, ſeems to be more in her favour, then to be comprized in that Rallarie which ſhe uſeth to all her Lovers: Yet he is not, replied Agenor, but is more mockt at then others. Phocilion at theſe words thought out of a rapture of ſorrow to come out of the place where he ſtood concealed; but his deſire of hearing more, though what he had already heard was nothing pleaſant, reſtrained him: yet he heard not much more which did directly concern himſelf, for Poligenes paſſing from one diſcourſe unto another, talked unto Agenor with extream diſſimulation. I could never have beleeved, ſaid he unto him, that one of my Rivals ſhould be happy, and I not horridly hate him; yet ſince I know very well that the choice which Eliſa hath made is juſt, I will condemn my ſelf: But ſince it is impoſſible I ſhould ſo ſuddenly fall from Love unto lue-warm indifferency; and ſince I had need to know whether Eliſa confers any freſh favors before I quit all pretentions to her; I conjure you to acquaint me with all that ſhe confers upon you, and not to think it ſtrange, if in waiting till you receive ſuch as ſhall ſtifle my Love, I continuing ſeeing her. Agenor, very glad of this Propoſition which Poligenes made, told him of a thouſand imaginary favours, and aſſured him, that he would give him a Diurnal of the happy Progreſs of his Paſſion; asking a thouſand pardons, and profeſſing as many ſorrows for being an irremovable obſtacle unto his good fortune.

After which, theſe two Rivals ſeeing the ſhowre was paſt, went out of the Grot, and walked to the end of the pleaſant Tarraſs, ſtill talking of Eliſa. As for Phocilion, he was ſo aſtoniſhed at what he heard, as that he thought to ſtay and die in the Grot; but at laſt he went out, and taking away quite contrary to that of his Rivals, he went with all haſte home, not knowing any reaſon why he ſhould be ſo haſty. He was no ſooner there, but tells his ſervants he would not ſup, he ſhut himſelf in his Chamber, muſing ſo profoundly upon this cruel adventure, as he was not Maſter of his own thoughts. Is it poſſible, ſaid he to himſelf, that Eliſa, whoſe virtues ſeemed always unto me more admirable then her beauty, whoſe auſterity ſeemed invincible, who ſeemed to affect glory with ſo much zeal, that ſhe ſhould have any private engagements both with Poligenes and Agenor? all this at the ſame time when ſhe aſſured me, that if hereafter ſhe ever enclined to marry, it ſhould be unto me? Certainly I miſtook them: yet all theſe cruel words between Poligenes and Agenor were ſo diſtinctly pronounced, and are ſo rivited in my memory, as I have not loſt the leaſt ſillable. It is too true (added this deſperate Lover) Eliſa has but a ſeeming virtue: her auſterity is but an unbrage to deceive thoſe who think they know her beſt: and that Soul which I thought to be far above all the imbecillities of her ſex, is capable of the greateſt follies, which is, to love many at once. Is it poſſible (cried he) that the proud [Page] Eliſa ſhould ſcoff at the poor Phocilion, and ſacrifice unto the happineſs of Agenor? and could I hear it from the mouth of two Rivals whom I thought worſe treated then my ſelf, and live? If I can endure this, I ſhall merit my misfortune: But I muſt either die for grief, or elſe I muſt kill one of my Rivals, or he kill me. Did ever ſuch a diſaſterous Fate hang over the head of any Lover? I thought I had loved an inſenſible woman, who by her inſenſibility and auſterity together overwhelmed me with jealouſie; or being out of hope my ſelf, I thought none of my Rivals were happier then my ſelf was: yet I find my ſelf in leaſt favour of them all. But who knows (ſaid he and interrupted himſelf) whether all this be true? Ah no, no, alas, alas, it is too too true: were he only one Rival who boaſted of her favours, I ſhould think he had belched out ſome horrid lye; but there is no likely-hood that Poligenes and Agenor both ſhould be cheats, eſpecially being Brothers: Let it then be moſt certainly concluded, that there is no aſſurance in any, ſince not in Eliſa. I have not ſo much conſolation in my miſerie, as that can in reaſon call her Perfideous, ſince ſhe never promiſed me her affection; only aſſured me, that if ſhe did alter her reſolution of never marrying, then it ſhould be in my advantage: yet it ſeems ſhe preſerves her liberty only to engage her ſelf unto two at once: But O Heavens! am I not unjuſt in ſpeaking this of Eliſa? Can Eliſa love any, and not Phocilion? Can ſhe ſuffer others to ſpeak of Love, and impoſe eternal ſilence upon me? Alas Eliſa, ſaid he and ſighed, ſince your heart can admit of diviſion, why had not I a part? But what do I ſay (ſaid miſerable Phocilion:) No, no, Eliſa, I will have no ſhares in your affection: I had rather a hundred times you kept your ſelf neutral, and that you mocked at me and all my Rivals, then to enjoy a moiety only of your heart. I had rather Eliſa be hated by you, then to be loved with another: Take heed Eliſa, leſt this divided affection ſhould purchaſe you none at all: As for me, who have entirely given you my heart, I cannot be contented with a half. However, unjuſt and ungrateful Eliſa, I have this ſatisfaction, that I am revenged of you even by thoſe whom you preferred before me, for they talk of favours conferred upon them without any rapture of Joy, and without any diſcretion: They talk of theſe favours with delight, only becauſe it ſuits with their vanity; and I doubt not they will ere long be blabbing to the world thoſe things which they talked in private. Alas Eliſa, what an ill choice have you made if you deſire to have ſecret Lovers? But to ſay truth, ſhe who can favour two at once, never thinks upon any diſcretion which they ought to uſe. I, Heavens knew, never had any favour to conceal; but when you did at any time look upon me without ſcorn, I did conceal it almoſt from my ſelf; Yet Eliſa, you prefer two men who love you only out or vanitie, and who love you more for their own ſakes then yours: If I had but one happie Rival to deal withall, I might hope that after I had defeated him, I my ſelf might be your Favorite: but that Eliſa ſhould have two Favorites, this opens a door for all my Rivals, and renders my happineſs impoſſible, ſince I cannot endure to be in a divided heart: But ſince it is granted, that Eliſa is not the ſame ſhe was thought to be, ought I in reaſon to continue the ſame I was to her? ſhould I adore her that is not worthy of any adoration? or ought I to love her who loves many? or at leaſt who tampers ſo with two of my Rivals, as if ſhe did love them: But on the other ſide, How ſhould I not love Eliſa? Eliſa, who is Beautie in the abſtract; Eliſa, whoſe charms are inevitable; Eliſa, who has my heart in her hands; Eliſa, whom only I find fair; and Eliſa, whom only indeed I can love. Go on then Phocilion (ſaid he, and reprehended himſelf) hate thy Rivals and not Eliſa; pitie only her weakneſs, and be revenged on them for her injuſtice, ſince thy reſpects will not ſuffer thee to do it upon her.

Theſe Madam were the ravelled thoughts of Phocil [...]on all that night, not being able to reſolve upon what courſe to take. In the mean time, be pleaſed to know, that Poligenes and Agenor, after they came out of the Grot, continued their walk, as I told you, and ſtill talked of Eliſa: And ſince Poligenes knew that he never told Eliſa he was in love with her, nor had any hopes of being loved, he took another courſe to defeat Agenor, in faining ſtill to be in Eliſa's favour. Since it is the will of Fate (ſaid he unto his Brother with as much ſeeming ingenuity as he had ſubtilty in his heart) that we muſt be Rivals, and Rivals both in favour: in lien of diſputing who ſhall yeild up Eliſa unto the other, let us both equally forſake her, ſince ſhe is almoſt equally perfidious to us both, and thus by a generous diſdain, and ſurmounting our paſſions preſerve our friendſhip: and for a full revenge upon her, let us forſake her whole Sex in general: Let us look upon all Beauties only as bare ornaments of the Univerſe, without any doting upon them, but with the ſame freedom of ſpirit we uſe to look upon fair flowers in meadows, or upon bloſſoms of trees, or buds, [Page] or fountains, or ſuch like: Why ſhould we loſe our reſt and reaſon? Gallantrie is confeſſedly a dilectable thing, but a violent paſſion is meer folly: Let us therefore Agenor quit this unjuſt woman, who cannot content her ſelf neither with your love nor mine, for what ſhe does to us, ſhe does the ſame to all our Rivals: Let us not omit any thing that may blunt the edg and beautie of her charms: My deareſt Brother (ſaid Agenor craftily) your expreſſions do infinitely joy me, but ſince you are able to quit Eliſa out of jealouſie, ſpite, and reaſon, doubtleſs you can alſo quit me out of pitie, generoſitie, and affection: No, no, replied Poligenes, deceive not your ſelf, I am able to quit Eliſa if you can, but I cannot forſake her unleſs you can alſo. As good hap was, ſome companie came, and broke off their diſcourſe; for conſidering the diſpoſition of their ſouls, it was to be feared that perhaps they would have quarrelled, if none had come to them. In the mean time, Poligenes and Agenor parted with different thoughts, for Poligenes went away extreamly jealous, but ſo did not Agenor, for he did not give any credit to his brothers words, neither did he fear that Poligenes would tell Eliſa how he bragged of being in her favour; for knowing that it was not ſo, and that he never had ſo much as a favourable word from her, as her Lover, he imagined that Eliſa would never accuſe him of any ſuch invention; but that ſhe would rather think it the device of Poligenes to put him out of her favour.

Thus was he extreamly joyed at his finding ſome reaſon for not yeelding Eliſa unto his Brother, and at his making him jealous, hoping that verie ſpite would make him forſake Eliſa, yet was he not ſure as he imagined; for Poligenes was no ſooner up, but he went unto the houſe of Straton, and to the end he might have the opportunity of ſpeaking with Eliſa without any witneſs, he made choice of the morning; and for a better pretence, he told Straton, that ſome Ladies in the Countrie had deſired him to ſend them ſome Jewels, and ſince Eliſa was known to have excellent judgment in ſuch things, he deſired Straton that he might ſhew them unto her in her Chamber, ſhewing him alſo which he brought on purpoſe ſome Diamonds, ſaying it was to let his Daughter ſee them. Straton no ſooner heard this, but he ſent to know whether his Daughter were awake, and hearing ſhe was dreſt, he carried Poligenes to her Chamber door, and having ſome buſineſs, left Poligenes with Eliſa, whoſe beautie without any art or ornament appeared in greater luſtre then ever he had ſeen it: At firſt, Eliſa thinking he had ſome buſineſs with her, asked earneſtly what it was: For I do imagine (ſaid ſhe unto him) that it is of ſome importance; ſince you come to me at an unuſual houre for the viſit of Ladies: 'Tis verie true Madam, replied Poligenes, the buſineſs I come about is of great importance: But I muſt tell you, (ſaid he, and ſpoke in a low voice leſt any of her women ſhould hear) that the buſineſs concerns you more then me: For indeed Madam, had it been only my own buſineſs, I ſhould not have been ſo uncivil, as to have diſturbed you at ſuch an unfitting houre; yet though my buſineſs is only your ſervice, yet I deluded Straton in telling him, that I deſired your judgment in ſome Jewels, for I did not think ſit that he ſhould know what I have to tell you.

Eliſa was at the firſt ſurprized at the diſcourſe of Poligenes, but ſince he never uſed to tell any thing which diſpleaſed her, ſince ſhe thought him to be her friend, and never ſuſpected him as her lover, ſhe recollected her ſelf, and imagined, that ſince he had given her heretofore much good advice, ſo now perhaps he was come to acquaint her what Lyriope had ſaid of her; ſo that thinking Poligenes had ſomthing of conſequence to impart, ſhe made a ſign unto her women to go out of the Chamber; after which, turning towards Poligenes: I have a great deſire, ſaid ſhe unto him, to know what you have to tell me: Madam, ſaid he unto her, though in telling you my buſineſs, I ſhall give you good proof of my affection; yet I wiſh things were ſo, that I could omit it; for indeed it is of ſuch a nature, as friendſhip alone is not enough to excuſe the Treaſon which I ſhall commit againſt one whom Nature bids me love; but for all that, ſince it concerns the glorie of Eliſa, I ſhall not weigh it; for I am perſwaded, that I ought to his intereſt or my own, rather then fail in the reſpects I owe you: I am infinitely obliged unto you (replied Eliſa moſt ſweetly) for your expreſſions of ſo much zeal in any thing which concerns me; but becauſe I will not hinder you from relating this buſineſs which I ſo much deſire to know, I will not therefore at this time return you your due thanks: Though my deſires of telling you, replied Poligenes, are higher then yours, yet I cannot chuſe but terr [...]ble at the Treaſon which I ſhall commit; Yet notwithſtanding I conjure you Madam ſaid he to colour his deſign) that when I ſhall have diſcovered the crime of a man committed [Page] againſt you, that you will not then think me a partaker in his crime, but to make uſe of the advice which I ſhall give you, according as your prudence ſhall think moſt conducing to your tranquilitie: I promiſe to be directed by your advice Poligenes, replied Eliſa, leſt I ſhould diſoblige him who hath ſo much obliged me: Then Madam, replied he, I muſt with ſome ſhame and anger tell you, that the man whom I accuſe is my brother: How Poligenes (ſaid Eliſa and interrupted him) hath Agenor done any thing which will offend me? Agenor (replied Poligenes faintlie) doth doubtleſs adore you as much as poſſible he can, but to be ſincere with you, he hath blabbed out ſome things which certainlie he ought not: But I beſeech you (ſaid Eliſa ſharplie) which way can the indiſcretion of Agenor concern me, for there is no private intimacie betwixt me and him, or any elſe? I wiſh Madam, replied Poligenes, that all he hath told me of you were not true, if it be not, your glorie is much more ſafe: How Poligenes, (replied Eliſa and bluſht) has Agenor told any thing to my diſhonour? He hath told me ſomthing, which at leaſt is advantageous unto himſelf (replied Poligenes;) But Madam before I complain, give me leave to ſpeak, and in accuſing Agenor, in ſome ſort to excuſe him; and let me further tell you, that it is almoſt impoſſible to find a man of his age who is diſcreet: Diſcretion is a moſt excellent qualitie (replied Eliſa ſharplie) but yet thoſe who come into my companie may fail in it, yet not prejudice me: But Poligenes, I pray unmask this Riddle: Madam, ſaid he unto her, I would gladly talk with you, as if you did not know, that Agenor loves you: Alas Poligenes (ſaid Eliſa and interrupted him) I believe Agenor hath deceived you, as once he deceived me, when he would have perſwaded me, that all thoſe Gallantries which he was uſed in companie, were real marks of his Love; for I profeſs unto you, I was a long time verie angrie with him for it, yet in the concluſion I was well ſatisfied, that all his deſigns were onlie to divert, ſo that we were reconciled again, and I both loſt and found a friend in one quarter of an houre: No, no, Madam, replied Poligenes, there is more in it then ſo: Agenor who is accuſtomed alwayes to have two or three confidents of his paſſion, to the end he might have ſo many witneſſes of his glorie, made choice of me for one; and indeed I know all the paſſages between Lyriope and him. Alas Poligenes, ſaid Eliſa, Lyriope and I are of verie different humours: 'Tis true indeed (replied Poligenes) He does not boaſt of receiving from you ſuch as he received from her, I mean letters, pictures, tokens, and ſuch like favours as may be kept in a Cabinet, but he is ſo bold as to ſay, he hath received ſuch from you, as can be kept onlie in the heart with a pleaſing remembrance: I am ſo ignorant in matters of Gallantrie (replied Eliſa with exceeding anger) as I cannot tell the differences between favours and favours, all I know is, there be none ſo little as are not criminal, or which I could ever find in my heart to confer upon any perſon: But yet Poligenes, pray ye tell me, what did Agenor ſay I did for him? He ſaid Madam, ſince I muſt tell you, (replied Poligenes) that he has told you a thouſand times in ſecret how he loves you, that you permitted him ſo to do without the leaſt anger, and that you and he together did ſcoff at all his Rivals; and that in concluſion, you did not hate him, if you did not love him, and I believe he talked of ſomthing more obliging then all theſe; for he talked, as if he often read in your eyes, that he had a little room in your heart: However Madam (added Poligenes, the more to prejudice Agenor) ſince I have diſcovered the weakneſs of my Brother, yet I muſt needs ask your favour for him, adviſing you not to puniſh him: Ah Poligenes (cried ſhe out) You give me moſt obliging intelligence, in acquainting me with the wickedneſs of Agenor, but trulie withal, you give me verie ill counſel, and I cannot tell whether you do me not a great injurie in it, for you ſeem to think that what he ſaid was not invented: Since Agenor is my Brother, replied Poligenes, You may well pardon me it I did not eaſilie ſuſpect him guiltie of ſo horrid a crime as to invent what he ſaid unto me: If I had thought Agenor had added lies unto his vanitie in lieu of advertiſing you of his crime, I ſhould have puniſhed him my ſelf: Then puniſh him, replied Eliſa, for he never ſpoke unto me of his pretended paſſion, but after the manner as I told you, and conſequentlie all that he ſaid are meer forgeries: But ſince I think it will redound more unto my glorie, I will take another courſe, which ſhall be never to ſee him again: Poligenes finding ſo happie a beginning of his deſign, to confirm Eliſa the more in her reſolution, he ſeemed to oppoſe it, telling her, it would be enough if ſhe removed from him all ſubjects for his vanitie, and not to grant him the libertie of talking any more in private with her: But the more he pleaded, the more averſe was Eliſa from ever ſeeing Agenor again, of which Poligenes was verie glad: But ſince I perceived Eliſa was angrie with [Page] him, for ſeeming to believe that Agenor had not invented what he had ſaid; he did ſo carrie the matter, as he perſwaded her, that indeed he did believe Agenor did forge what he had reported: So that Eliſa thought her ſelf extreamly obliged to him for his intelligence, and looked upon him as her beſt and moſt faithful friend, promiſing to baniſh Agenor, and to find out a pretence for it without reflection upon him. In the mean time, her anger againſt Agenor was extreamlie high, ſhe would not ſtir out that day; and as ſoon as ever Poligenes was gone, ſhe feigned to be ill, and put on her night dreſs, commanding that none ſhould ſee her, but thoſe who received this command, did not exactlie obey it: Indeed Phocilion being reſolved to return unto Sidon, and quit Eliſa, as ſoon as he had twitted her with her weakneſs, went to her as ſoon as ever Dinner was done, and found no difficultie of entrance; So that going ſtraight to the Chamber of Eliſa, he found her alone, and in a profound ſtudie: She no ſooner ſaw him, but chiding her women for not telling him ſhe would not be ſeen, ſhe ſent me to renew the ſame command, which was exactlie obeyed all the reſt of the day, ſo that Eliſa unawares gave Phocilion an opportunitie of a long audience without interruption; for ſince ſhe eſteemed him verie much, ſhe could not in civilitie bid him be gone, yet ſhe would not bid him ſit down, but upon condition he ſhould ſtay but one quarter of an houre, but he told her ſuch things as ſhe could not foreſee her condition was broken, and ſtayed a great part of the Afternoon. Eliſa ſeemed verie ſad; and Phocilion was much incenſed: They were no ſooner ſet, but he began to ſpeak: Methinks Madam (ſaid he unto her) that for one who has filled many others with joyes, you are verie ſad your ſelf: I know not whether I had filled any other with joy, replied ſhe, but I am ſure there is ſome who have filled me with ſadneſs: I am afraid Madam, replied he, that I am in the [...]umber of thoſe you ſpeak of, and that I am troubleſome unto you in rendring my laſt viſit: You need not doubt it (replied Eliſa verie obliginglie) if you come to bid me adieu, for then you add much unto my ſorrow: But Phocilion, You have not placed this word Troubleſome right, it had been much better, if you had ſaid you come to make me ſad: Your language Madam, replied he, had made me the moſt happie of men, if you had ſaid ſo yeſterday; but to day, I muſt confeſs, the more civil you are unto me, the more rigorous you are: Your language Phocilion, replied Eliſa, ſeems ſo odd, that I know not how to anſwer it: That which I know Madam, replied Phocilion, is ſo ſtrange that I am ſure I know neither what to ſay, nor what to think, and therefore you need not wonder if I be obſcure in my expreſſions, I wiſh if it were poſſible, that I ſhould not be underſtood, and yet I muſt needs complain; but I am reſolved to complain of my own misfortune, and not poſitively againſt you: I profeſs Phocilion, replied Eliſa, the more you ſpeak, the leſs do I underſtand you: I pray conſider well whether you underſtand your ſelf, for I muſt confeſs, I cannot believe you have any good reaſon for what you ſay: I would to the Gods Madam, replied he, that I were culpable, and you innocent: Yes, yes, Madam, I am ſo zealouſly devoted unto your glorie, that as great as my deſires are, you ſhould love me, yet I ſhould be contented with your hate, ſo what I know were untrue: For ought I perceive, replied Eliſa, you accuſe me of ſome great crime: The crime whereof I accuſe you (replied Phocilion and ſighed) is of ſuch a nature Madam, that you would be verie innocent, if you were only culpable towards me only: Why Phocilion, (replied Eliſa, and bluſht for anger) Do you believe I love any one? I know not Madam, anſwered he, whether the reſpects I have, and ever will have of you, will permit me to ſay, I do believe it: But I am ſure, that what I heard from the mouths of Poligenes and Agenor, is enough to make me fear it.

Eliſa was amazed to hear Phocilion, who was ever both prudent and reſpectful, ſpeak ſuch ſtrange language; and ſhe believed there was ſome odd accident in the wind, whereof ſhe was ignorant. Likewiſe her fear was, that the vanitie of Agenor had reached his ear: But her greateſt wonder was, to hear him name Poligenes as well as Agenor: So that being extreamlie deſirous to know the truth, and concealing a part of her cholor, ſhe importun'd him to tell her what moved him to ſpeak as he did, which he verie exact lie did, relating his walk, how he went into the Grotto to avoid meeting Poligenes and Agenor, how the Rain made them alſo to enter after him, and afterwards related to a ſyllable all he heard them ſay. Phocilion made this relation with eyes full of ſorrow, he often interrupted himſelf with ſighs, he looked upon Eliſa in ſuch a concerned manner, and ſpake ſo feelinglie and reſpectivelie, that ſhe did not at all ſuſpect him of any forgerie, nor did ſhe make any queſtion, but that what he related unto her, were ſpoken [Page] by Poligenes and Agenor, and ſhe did the ſooner believe it, becauſe there was much concurrence between the relations of Poligenes and Phocilion concerning Agenor: But the horror of the buſineſs, was her apprehenſions of Poligenes, who never ſolicited her but as a friend, and who came to advertiſe her of his Brothers vanitie, that he ſhould himſelf prove as vain as he. In the mean time, as ſhe reſolved to baniſh Agenor upon the report of Poligenes, ſo ſhe reſolved upon the ſame ſentence for Poligenes upon the report of Phocilion: But to juſtifie her ſelf unto him, and that with her natural auſteritie; I am verie ſorrie (ſaid ſhe unto Phocilion) that when it was in your power to ingage me infinitely unto you, you ſhould ſo cruelly diſoblige me; for you without any offence have told me almoſt dead, but you have told me it in wronging me; you might, if you would, have acquainted me with the lies of Poligenes and Agenor, as lies which you thought fit to advertiſe me of, and not as truths; and to tell you trulie, you have more offended me in believing what you heard, then they have done in forging it; and if there be any concurrence between their crime and yours, it is in that they believed one another, as you believed them: Why Madam, replied Phocilion, Can you think me more culpable then Poligenes? Or more wicked then Agenor? However it be, ſaid ſhe, you are not innocent, ſince you think me capable of extream imbecilitie. But to let you ſee how you are deceived, I am reſolved upon three things which I will put in execution; the firſt is, to ſwear unto you by all that is Sacred, that neither Poligenes nor Agenor did ever expreſs any affection unto me, unleſs by way of Rallarie in publique; The ſecond is, that you may judg of what is paſt by the future, and to let you know that I fear them not, I will for ever baniſh them both: The third is, that though I aſſure you I have more eſteem of you then ever I had of any, yet I will baniſh you as well as they, to let you ſee that I am Miſtreſs of my own thoughts when I pleaſe; and to perſwade you by this example, that one who has an abſolute Soveraigntie over her heart, is not apt to ingage her ſelf ſo lightlie as you believed: I cannot endure the ſight of a man who is ſo ſimplie unjuſt, as to accuſe me of a horrid crime, a man who has given me a thouſand expreſſions of eſteem, one who might have perfectly known me, one who I believed could not have harboured a diſadvantageous thought of me, and one whom I thought had eſteemed me ſo much, as rather would give himſelf the he, then entertain the leaſt ſuſpition which might be prejudicial to me. Alas Madam, replied he, How is it poſſible to be in Love, and not be jealous at the hearing of what I did? And how can one be jealous, and not loſe his reaſon, and be unjuſt? I know not how theſe hang together, replied ſhe, but I know that it belongs not unto me to examine the cauſe of your injuſtice; therefore, without further examination, whether you be unjuſt out of Love, or out of jealouſie, or out of any other cauſe, it ſufficeth, I have cauſe enough to puniſh you: But I beſeech you Madam, anſwered Phocilion, Do you make no difference between them and me? Yes, anſwered ſhe, for in baniſhing them, I ſhall extreamlie hate and ſcorn them, but I ſhall content my ſelf to have much indifferencie towards you: This favour Madam (anſwered Phocilion with a ſigh) is of ſuch a nature, as may be received without any retailiation of gratitude: Whatever it be, replied Eliſa, it is all you are to expect from me, but to comfort you, let me tell you, that none ſhall ever receive a greater from me; for after this cruel adventure which hath fallen upon me, I ſhall be verie cautious of ſuch impoſtunes as theſe which you have taught me. Phocilion perceiving the firm reſolution of Eliſa, did uſe all poſſible diſſwaſive Rhetorique; he joyned conjurations to prayers, ſighs to words, and with tears he kneeled to ask pardon for his fault; but for all theſe Eliſa was unalterable, and go he muſt without obtaining any thing; yet though he retired with a moſt ſad ſoul, yet it was ſome eaſement unto him, to perceive, that Eliſa was innocent; and he did ſo ſeriouſlie repent of his facilitie in believing Poligenes and Agenor, as he hateed them as much as if they were his Rivals, upon whom he reſolved a revenge for Eliſa's rigour. Alſo looking upon them as a pack of impoſtures, he conceived it to be his dutie ſo to do in the behalf of Eliſa, though he had no other motive. In the mean while, as Phocilion was full of ſorrows and repentance, ſo was Eliſa of anger, and her anger was ſo full of revenge, that if her ſoul had been capable of any violent and unjuſt reſolution, ſhe would have attempted any thing to ſatisfie her revenge upon Poligenes and Agenor. But Eliſa being verie wiſe, and knowing that there are ſome things, which the more noiſe is made, the worſe they are, of which revenge would be but prejudicial; ſhe would not therefore ſet her ſelf to puniſh [...]heſe two offenders, yet ſhe did make them verie ſenſible of her actions; for ſince they loved her with extream zeal [...], they did moſt b [...]e [Page] reſent her uſage of them. In the mean time, ſince ſhe had taken a reſolution to ſpeak unto them, the one in preſence of the other, ſhe was two daies before ſhe could find a fit opportunitie for it, which by good fortune did then preſent it ſelf: For theſe two Rivals, both of them deſiring to ſtay the laſt with Eliſa, did ſtay until all the companie was gone from her; ſo that at the laſt they were alone with Eliſa, but extreamlie aſhameed, and not daring ſcarce to look upon her, ſo much did their remorſe of conſcience upbraid them: So that Eliſa being confirmed in her belief of all that Phocilion had told her, began to talk to them both with ſuch a ſerious ſeveritie, enough to make the ſturdieſt hearts to tremble, and imprint reſpect in the ſouls of the moſt inſolent: Since you are Brethren in evil, and guilty of one crime, ſaid ſhe unto them, I think it fit to accuſe you both together, and pronounce the ſame ſentence. Poligenes and Agenor hearing Eliſa ſpeak thus, were ſtronglie ſurprized: Poligenes thought Agenor had diſcovered his crime unto Eliſa as he had his: And Agenor thought now that he was not miſtaken, when he thought Eliſa gave no credit to his words; but as bold as he was, he began to tremble as well as Poligenes, nor had they either confidence or leaſure to ask Eliſa what their crime was, for ſhe went on in bitter ſeveritie to them as ſhe begun: Never think, ſaid ſhe unto them, that I will accuſe you by particulars of all your impoſtures, the diſcourſe would be unworthie of my ſelf, let it ſuffice I tell you, that the Gods have revealed unto me all that you ſaid in the Grot, that is in the long Tarraſs walk by the Sea ſide, I expreſly forbid you both ever to ſee me again, and let me tell you, that now I ſcorn you more then ever I have eſteemed you; alſo I defie you, and bid you ſay the worſt that can prejudice me: Never think to imploy the power of my Father, for if you do, I will acquaint him with the juſt cauſe of complaint I have againſt you; therefore without any reſiſtance, or delay, I expect obedience unto my will without a ſyllable of murmure. After theſe words, Eliſa went into her Cloſet, and made a ſign unto them to be gone; ſo that Poligenes and Agenor not daring to ſtay her, began to quarrel for betraying each other, yet they durſt not ſtay any longer in Eliſa's Chamber, but went out in extream diſpair and furie, not yet directlie knowing what was the object of all their cholor. But they had not gone above twentie paces belching out the furie of their ſouls, when a friend unto Phocilion met them, and told them, that he expected them both at the Sea ſide which looks towards the North, with as many Swords as were requiſite for two to fight againſt two, adding, that the cauſe of his quarrel was of ſuch a nature, as no other way but this could give him ſatisfaction.

Poligenes and Agenor having ſharp edges ſet upon their Spirits, did keenlie accept of this Propoſition, and as men who had a greater mind to fight with one another, then againſt any elſe; yet point of honor not permitting them to deliberate, they told Phocilion's friend that they were readie to go along with him, and did ſo after they had ſent away their men. Since their minds were full, they never conſidered what might Phocilion's reaſon be for calling them to this ſatisfaction, but in the heat of their furie fought, and knew not why; nor would Phocilion tell them directlie his reaſon, leſt he ſhould ingage the name of Eliſa: The quarrel then not being known, the combat then could not be prevented, the event whereof was verie bloodie; it fell to the lot of Phocilion to fight againſt Agenor, and Poligenes againſt Phocilion's friend, all which four were wounded; Phocilion and Agenor more dangerous then the other two, Phocilion had the advantage of Agenor; but Poligenes had the better of Phocilion's friend. This combat made a great noiſe in the world, none knowing the cauſe; for when any asked Poligenes or Agenor, they bad them ask Phocilion; and when they asked Phocilion, he anſwered, that it was ſufficient Poligenes and Agenor knew themſelves not innocent. In the mean time, this combat produced this good unto Eliſa, for Agenor, Poligenes, and Phocilion being all three wounded, ſhe was at much more quietneſs, nor was any talk of her as the cauſe, only Lyriope began to chatter a little, but ſhe durſt not vie againſt Eliſa, as formerlie ſhe uſed, becauſe her Parents were upon marrying her unto one of the Court named Aſiadates, and indeed did marrie her unto him within a few daies after, more for intereſt of familie, then any other reaſon: So that fearing leſt her hatred of Eliſa ſhould ſpeak her Love unto Agenor, ſhe concealed her thoughts of this buſineſs: As for Eliſa, her anger againſt Poligenes, againſt Agenor, and againſt Phocilion alſo, made her think her ſelf happie in being delivered from that ſight, yet being of a natural goodneſs, if the thing had been in her diſpoſe, ſhe would not have permitted this combat; but ſince it was not, nor ſince ſhe had no hand in it, it did not grieve her that the Gods had permitted [Page] them to ſight, and had ridded her of ſuch men as ſhe was reſolved never to ſee again.

This being the ſtate of things, and Eliſa confirming her ſelf more and more in her reſolutions never to marrie, but to grow more auſtere if it were poſſible. Straton who never enjoyed himſelf ſince the death of the laſt King, but having loſt all his hopes, he fell ſick, and within ſeven daies died of ſo violent a Fever, as he was not able to order any buſineſs ſince the firſt day of his falling ſick. This accident was ſo mournfully reſented by Eliſa, as I wonder it did not coſt her life, at leaſt her beautie, yet the tears upon her face was only like a dew upon Roſes, which in lieu of changing them, makes them more ſweet and lovely; and as melancholy has a kind of languiſhing ſweetneſs in it, ſo Eliſa doubtleſs was nothing ſo auſtere in her ſorrows as formerlie, and conſequentlie not ſo apt to drive her Lovers into diſpair. Eliſa in loſing Straton, did not only loſe a moſt indulgent Father, but found a ſubverſion of her fortune, by falling under the power of a phantaſtical Mother, who loved her not, but who ſince the death of Straton did perſecute her a hundred ſeveral wayes. However, Eliſa carried her ſelf with as much reſpect, as if ſhe were the beſt Mother in the world; and her generoſitie was ſo high, that Barce having left her in the Countrie, and being returned her ſelf to Tire, ſhe there fell ſick of ſuch a contageous diſeaſe, as Husbands dare not come neer their Wives, nor Wives their Husbands; yet Eliſa no ſooner heard the condition wherein Barce was, but ſhe departed immediatelie, and went notwithſtanding the danger, to help that perſon who reſolved to make her life as miſerable as ſhe could: But the Gods, who doubtleſs were pleaſed to make the virtue of Eliſa more ſplendent, took Barce out of this world, juſt as Eliſa was going into her Chamber, againſt the perſwaſions of all her friends: But ſeeing her Mother was paſt recovery, ſhe withdrew from a needleſs danger, and retired her ſelf unto a Ladies houſe who was her Cozen, who lived extreamly cloſely, and whoſe virtue was extraordinarie. Thus Eliſa made it moſt evident by this action, that ſhe had no deſign of admitting ſo much companie as ſhe had during the life of Straton. But to the end Eliſa might make the greatneſs of her ſoul appear, the Gods were pleaſed to abaſe her fortune, that they might elevate her Glory, by ſuch a way as many have loſt theirs Since Straton had great imployments under the late King of Phenicia, all thoſe unto whom he was indebted did fall upon Eliſa for ſatisfaction, and ſeized upon all her eſtate with ſo much violence and injuſtice, that they made Eliſa almoſt as poor as fair: However, though ſhe ſaw her ſelf in a moſt lamentable condition, yet her high ſoul never trembled at it, but ſhe carried out her bad fortune with as much reſolution, as ſhe did her good with moderation, nor was ſhe leſs auſtere; and when Poligenes, Agenor, and Phocilion were recovered, and would have ſeen her, ſhe did forbid them with as much authority, as if ſhe had been upon a Throne, and they her Subjects, ſhe was more ſevere then before, and ſhe would make it appear, that ſince ſhe was Miſtreſs of her ſelf, ſhe would follow the rules of virtue more exactly then before: But Madam, that you may ſee how great her virtue was, be pleaſed to know, that Aſiadates whom Lyriope had married, did at that time fall ſo deſperately in Love with Eliſa, as he was readie to run out of all his wits and patience for her, and who did more hang upon her then ever Poligenes and Agenor did; Aſiadates is a man of much Spirit, but verie violent and haſtie, which moved him to act his deſires with an unexpreſſible impetuoſitie; you may then verie well imagine, that he being deeplie in Love with Eliſa, would do any thing to enjoy her he loved, if he could finde out fit opportunities for it. Since Eliſa would not admit of any viſits, unleſs of her moſt intimate friends, who could not be ſuſpected of any Gallantrie, he could not find his deſired opportunitie of ſeeing her at that Ladies houſe: At laſt he contracted a great league of amitie with a perſon of Qualitie, who was one of Eliſa's friends: Since few men in all Phenicia were richer then ſiadates was, and ſince he underſtood the decay of Eliſa's eſtate, he conceived that a woman, who was as high-minded as even unto verie pride it ſelf, could never brook povertie, but thought that perhaps exceſſive liberalitie ha [...] ſomly carried, would tempt her to admit of him as her friend at leaſt, though not as her Lover, yet he durſt not be ſo forward as to offer any preſents unto Eliſa, with capitu [...]ations of giving all his riches for the purchaſe of her heart but he told her by this friend (whom he perſwaded that generoſitie more then Love prompted him, ſince he could not endure to ſee virtue poor) that he made her an offer of all his eſtate, without the thought of retribution or gratitude, but her acceptance: Alſo he put into the hands of this Ladie a vaſt number of Jewels, to preſent them unto Eliſa; ſo that any other then [Page] ſhe, conſidering the ſtate of her fortune, might eaſilie have been dazled by them, for Eliſa then did ſubſiſt only by the generoſitie of her with whom ſhe lived. In the mean time, all the eloquence of his Lady Solicitor could not perſwade her to accept of this magnificent preſent, though ſhe did negotiate very cunningly with her; for having inſenſibly ingaged Eliſa to look upon them, ſhe carried her unto a Cloſet, where this abundance of Jewels did lie upon a Table: Eliſa not knowing how they related unto her, began to look upon them ſhe thought moſt admirably rare, and asked the Lady whoſe they were? Before I return you an anſwer, (ſaid this dangerous friend unto her) let me ask you what you would think of a man who would give you all theſe Pearls, Diamonds, Rubies and Emeralds? I would ſay and think (replied Eliſa) that he were either much in Love, or verie liberal, or elſe not very wiſe, for I know not what elſe I ſhould either ſay or think: Yet there is ſomthing to be ſaid (anſwered ſhe) unto him that would give ſuch a Preſent: For indeed Eliſa, it muſt needs be confeſſed, that Aſiadates is the moſt generous man alive, and the moſt real friend that ever I knew; and to make it evident, be pleaſed to know, that he is ſo charmed with your virtue, as not being able to endure Fortune ſhould treat you with ſo much injuſtice, he hath charged me to beſeech you, that you will be pleaſed he may do that which Fortune would not, and enrich you with what ſhe has given him; He thinks his eſtate is not his ſo long as you do want it, and is perſwaded that you have more right unto it then himſelf. Moreover, never think that he has any ill intentions in it, he will not ſo much as ſee you, if you pleaſe, he expects no retalliation or gratitude, but his liberalitie is all pure; therefore Eliſa make no ſcruple in accepting the aſſiſtance of ſuch a man, who offers it unto you by me, who would never adviſe you unto any thing which might be prejudicial unto you, and who would never offer you the aid of another, if I were of abilitie enough my ſelf. All the while this Lady was talking, Eliſa's reſentments were inexpreſſible, ſomtimes anger made her bluſh, and look with ſcorn upon her which ſpoke, otherwhiles her ſhame made her deject her eyes, and ſomtimes her wonder would bring ſuch paleneſs into her face, as if ſhe were afraid: But at laſt, not being able to keep ſilence, I could never have believed, ſaid ſhe unto her, that Fortune could have brought me into ſuch a condition, that any one ſhould be ſo bold as to make ſuch a Propoſition unto me: But as there are ſome who ſuck poyſon out of the moſt innocent things, ſo by contraries I will draw glory out of the moſt infamous act in the world: And that you may not think I ſpeak this out of an arrogant pride, I will render you a reaſon of my thoughts.

Know then, I am fully perſwaded, that the eſtates of our friends may be ours upon ſome certain occaſions; but I am fully perſwaded withal, that unleſs one will render her ſelf infamous, one ought never to take or accept any thing from a Lover: Yet I have heard you ſay, (replied this intereſted friend) that liberality and love are inſeparable Concomitants: And I aſſure you, replied Eliſa, that woman who receiveth Preſents does give her ſelf, or to ſay better, doth ſell her ſelf: So that when a Lover would be liberal, it muſt be without any gifts unto his Miſtreſs; but in Feaſts, cloaths, magnificent equipage, not in any things which are profitable unto the perſon he loves; for indeed I know nothing ſo baſe, ſo wicked, ſo oppoſite to modeſty, nor which begets greater thoughts of ſcorn, then for a woman to take any thing of a man who is in love with her; and truly, for my part, I had incomparably rather receive a benefit of ſuch a nature as this you offer me, from the hand of a mortal enemie, then from any lover, and to beg it upon my knees, then to accept it from a man who is in love with me: I beſeech you think, that as unfortunate as I am, I have ſtill a heart ſo high, as Fortune cannot make it lower; and if I were to chuſe, either death or theſe magnificent Jewels, doubtleſs I ſhould prefer it before them all, rather chuſing to die with glory then live with ſhame: But Madam (ſaid this corrupt friend) Aſiadates doth not require any thing from you: He doth inſolently ask me all things, replied ſhe, in offering me all theſe riches; and I am confident, that never any woman received any conſiderable preſent from a Lover, but within few houres after he has leſs eſteem of her then if ſhe had refuſed it, and looks upon her as one whom he has right unto, as if he had bought a Slave: Tell therefore Aſiadates, he is undiſcreet in the management of his inclination, which doubtleſs is liberal, ſince in lieu of getting my eſteem by this virtue, he hath got my averſion; if he will be ſhewing his liberality, he muſt beſtow it without any ends, let him inrich many unfortunate Gentlemen, of which the Court is full, and never think of dazling my eyes with Diamonds: Tell him farther, that I will ſhun him as much as civility will permit me, and if I ſhould follow my own inclination. [Page] I ſhould be revenged on him with more anger and delight, then if he had ſtole as much riches from me as he offers: And as for you (ſaid ſhe unto her whom ſhe ſpoke unto) I will for my own glory believe, that you thought the intentions of Aſiadates very pure and innocent; but ſince he hath a little corrupted you, I muſt continue no longer with one who will be perſwaded unto any thing oppoſite to Juſtice and virtue: In ſaying ſo, ſhe riſe up, and went out, maugre all the perſwaſions of the Ladie, and put her ſo out of countenance, as ſhe durſt never after ſee Eliſa. In the mean while, Aſiadates was even dead in ſorrow, when he underſtood how Eliſa had rejected his liberality, yet he acknowledged that he both eſteemed and loved her much more for it, then he did before: But the waſpiſh part of the buſineſs was Lyriope, who till then never believed that Aſiadates was in Love with Eliſa; but perceiving him to be melancholy, ſhe came to diſcover the cauſe, and to be extreamly jealous and ſpiteful: Aſiadates on his ſide, he conceiving that if he had not been married, he might have married Eliſa, he began to hate her abominably: So that Eliſa without any deſign, did make theſe two perſons the moſt miſerable of their time. In the mean time, Poligenes and Agenor being out of all hopes to relent the heart of Eliſa, they began to quench the flames of their paſſions, yet ſtill had ſuch a high eſteem of her, as obliged them both to juſtifie her, and confeſs their impoſture: But as for Phocilion, who was accuſtomed to love without hope, he continued to love her as before, and was ſo conſtantly reſolute, that in the end Eliſa pardoned him, upon condition he ſhould keep himſelf within the limits of friendſhip, without ever ſpeaking of any Love.

This being the ſtate of affairs, Eliſa followed her buſineſs ſo wiſely and cloſe, and with ſuch good ſucceſs, as ſhe recovered the greateſt part of her eſtate out of their hands who had uſurped it, and was now in a condition able to ſubſiſt of her ſelf according to her Quality without the benevolence of any; yet upon the caſting up of all accounts, ſhe found her ſelf not ſo rich as ſhe imagined; but yet having a ſufficient competencie to paſs in the world, ſhe contented her ſelf with her fortune, and ſuited her ſelf accordingly: One loſs ſhe had which grieved her very much, for ſhe loſt that Lady with whom ſhe lodged: After which, ſhe reſolved to be Miſtreſs of her ſelf, and to enjoy that freedom as long as ſhe lived, ſhe being the moſt ſociable company in the world, ſhe had as much care in the culling of her friends, as ſhe had in avoyding her lovers: Never did any live a life more pleaſing, more contentedly, nor merrily then Eliſa, after ſhe had quit her ſelf of Poligenes, Agenor, and Aſiadates, who ſince the refuſal of his Preſent, durſt never perſecute her as before, yet ſtill the ſame fire burned in his heart moſt ardently: But Madam, that you may the better underſtand the felicity of Eliſa, it is expedient I make deſcriptions of ſome of her friends which ſhe then entertained, and what manner of lives both ſhe and they lived, by which doing I ſhall add glory to my Country, by acquainting you with the number of moſt accompliſhed perſons who were with her: Be pleaſed to know then, that after Eliſa ſaw her fortunes to be competent, and in a better ſtate then once ſhe hoped, ſhe had the happineſs to be dearly loved with high eſteem and tenderneſs, by one of the moſt illuſtrious perſons in the world for all Qualities: Eliſa and this Lady, whoſe name was Cleomira, were inſeparable. Give me leave to tell you, how Cleomira though ſhe lived at Tire, yet was an Athenian born, and that her family was as illuſtrious as any of their Kings can boaſt of. But ſince I am not to relate her hiſtory, but only to let you underſtand the merit of her perſon, I ſhall only tell you, that Cleomira married a man of the beſt rank in all Phenicia, and of merit ſuitable to his Quality; after this I will endeavour to give you an Idea of Cleomira: I muſt not deſcribe her Madam as our Painters do Venus, for ſhe was not modeſt enough to ſet out Cleomira, nor yet as Pallas, becauſe ſhe was too auſteer; nor as Juno, who was not charming enough, nor of Diana who was a little too ſalvoge: But to repreſent Cleomira rightly, is to pick out all the excellencies of all theſe Goddeſſes, to make her picture reſemblant: Cleomira was tall and well proportioned, all the features of her face were miracles, the delicacie of her complexion is inexpreſſible, the Majeſty of her preſence ſtrikes admiration, and there is a kind of divine luſtre in her eyes which imprints reverence in the ſouls of all thoſe who look upon her; and for my part, I muſt confeſs, that I never came neer Cleomira, but my heart was ſtruck with an awful reſpect. Moreover Cleomira's eyes are ſo wonderfully fair, that it is impoſſible any tongue ſhould deſcribe them, they are eyes which indeed do produce admiration, yet do not produce the ſame effects which other fair eyes uſe to do in the hearts of beholders, for in producing Love, they alſo produce at the ſame time both fear [Page] and reverence, and by a peculiar priviledg they purifie the hearts which they burn. There was alſo a mixture of excellent modeſty with the Majeſty and ſweetneſs which was in her eyes, and I am moſt confident, that there is not any man in the world which durſt entertain the leaſt diſvitious thought in the preſence of Cleomira. Moreover, her phyſiognomy is the faireſt, the ſweeteſt, and the moſt Noble that ever eye beheld; and there appeared ſuch a ſerene tranquility in her countenance, as did evidently ſpeak the Halcion calmneſs in her ſoul; one might perceive all her Paſſions were ſubjects unto her reaſon, and never raiſed any inteſtine rebellions in her heart: I do not think that ever the Carnation in her cheeks was ſeen to exceed its limits, unleſs through heat in Summer, or by a bluſh, but never out of anger or irregularity in her ſoul: So that Cleomira being alwayes conſtantly tranquile, was alwayes conſtantly fair: Indeed Madam, if a body of chaſtity were to be adored throughout all the earth, I would repreſent Cleomira's: If one would embleme glory, then let Cleomira's picture be taken, or for virtue hers alſo. Moreover, the mind and ſoul of this admired perſon did infinitely tranſcend her beauty, ſhe has no equal in generoſity, conſtancie, goodneſs, juſtice and purity: The ſpirit of Cleomira has more in it then the light of Nature, for it is adorned and dreſſed with all the Liberal Arts, ſhe ſpeaks divers languages elegantly, and is ignorant in nothing that merits knowledg, yet ſeems not to know; the moſt ſublime Sciences tranſcend not her knowledg, ſhe is a compleat Miſtreſs in the moſt difficult Arts, ſhe built a Palace after her own ingenuous model, the beſt in the world, ſhe found out the Art of a Palace of a vaſt capacity in a little room, order, proportion, regularity are in all the rooms, all is magnificent, all convenient, full of conceit and uſeful deſign, her Cloſets and Cabinets are full of rarities, which ſpeak the judgment of the chuſer; the Aire in her Palace is all perfume, ſeveral rich pots ful of flowers makes a continual Spring in her Chamber, and the rooms of common uſe are ſo full of pleaſure and phancie, that one would think himſelf in a place inchanted when he's there. Moreover, ſhe had a moſt facetious ingenuity, in compoſing either Proſe or Verſe. But amongſt ſo many high advantages which ſhe received from the Gods, ſhe had the misfortune, that the leaſt diſtemper impaired her health, like certain flowers, which to preſerve their freſhneſs, muſt neither be alwayes in the Sun, nor alwayes in the ſhade, which yet being kept neither cold nor h [...]t, do keep their beauty, or elſe will wither and die: Cleomira therefore being ſo tender, went leſs abroad then any other Ladies in Tire: The truth is, ſhe never needed to go out of her houſe to ſeek for company, for there was not a perſon in all the Court, who had any excellencie of wit or virtue, who did not frequent it, nothing did paſs for currant, if it had not the ſtamp of her approbation, not to be known unto her, was thought not to be in the world; a ſtranger never travelled to Tire, who would not ſee Cleomira, and pay her homage; not any excellent Artificer but deſired the glory of her approbation upon their works, all the Poets in Phenicia did ſing her Encomiums, and ſhe had the eſteem of all ſo univerſally, as there was never any that ever ſaw her, which did not extol her, and were charmed with her wit, her ſweetneſs and her generoſity. Moreover, Cleomira was not the only Ornament of her Palace, for ſhe had two Daughters, who indeed were worthy to be hers: The elder, whoſe name was Philonide, has a mixture of much beauty, much complacence, much wit; all her inclinations are noble and generous, her ſtature tall and handſom, her beauty rare, her behaviour the moſt genuine and natural in the world, her wit the moſt charming, the moſt eaſie, and the moſt gallant that can be, ſhe writ as well as ſhe ſpoke, and ſhe ſpoke like an Angel; ſhe was wonderfully apt for all excellent things, and was ignorant in nothing that was fit for a perſon of her Quality to know; her dancing was able to make any in love with her, and ſhe was every way ſo apt for the world, for great feaſts, and the honours of a great Court, that it was impoſſible for any to be more, her dreſs did ever ſo well become and fit her, and troubled her ſo little, that one would ſay any thing would fit her, pleaſures and delights did ſo Court her, that not a day did paſs without a freſh diverſion, and if ever ſhe were ſick, it was ever at ſuch melancholy times, as when no pleaſures were ſtirring; and if ſhe were ill at any time, it was only ſo, as to draw all the Court unto her Chamber, and never ſo ill as to be deprived of their company. Moreover, ſhe had ſuch a prodigious number of friends, (to ſay nothing of her Lover) as it was to be admired how ſhe could anſwer the friendſhips of ſo many at once, yet ſhe gave them all very ample ſatisfaction; Yet I am confident, ſay what ſhe pleaſe, that it was impoſſible ſhe ſhould love ſo many as ſhe ſeemed to be obliged unto for their friendſhip; and I am certain, there was a great number whom ſhe did only eſteem with common [Page] civility and acknowledgments, yet they all were very well contented with her, and loved her as effectually as if ſhe loved them, not but that ſhe had many friends who had deep ſ [...]ares in her heart, but that choice number was not eaſily diſcerned from the reſt, and I believe only her ſelf knew poſitively whom and how ſhe loved; yet ſhe had a general tenderneſs to all, which made her the moſt officious perſon in the world, and had ſuch ſecret and particular charms in her converſation towards ſome few men ſhe liked, as to paſs away one afternoon in her Chamber in one of thoſe Summer daies, which Ladies uſe to convert into an artificial night to avoid the heat, was enough to fall in Love with Philonida: But Madam, as Philonida was a great contributor unto the diverſions of Cleomira's Palace, and made it a moſt charming Paradiſe of pleaſures, Anacriſa her Siſter did merit to be her Partner: She was not ſo tall as Philonida, though of a handſom ſtature, but the luſtre of her complexion was ſo taking, and the delicacie of it ſo extraordinary, that though her eyes were not extreamly fair, yet every one did highly applaud her with a thouſand Encomiums. Though Anacriſa was both very fair and amiable, yet there was ſomthing in her aſpect ſo ſprightly, ſo delicate, ſo ſubtil, ſo auſtere, ſo crafty, and ſo ſweet both, as did moſt pleaſing arreſt all eyes, and as did make her both loved and feared at once; and certainly it is no wonder ſhe ſhould inſpire both theſe two paſſions at one time, for ſhe was the moſt amiable, and the moſt terrible both which was in all Phenicia: There was one conſiderable difference between Philonida and Anacriſa, which yet was contributory to their happineſs; the firſt of them was almoſt never diſcontented, in all places ſhe was pleaſed with what ſhe could find in them, and whither ſoever ſhe went, ſhe carried ſuch a ſuitable Spirit along with her, as that ſhe could find pleaſures in Provinces furtheſt off from the Court: But for Anacriſa, there was ſo few things which ſatisfied her, ſo few perſons that pleaſed her, ſo few pleaſures that fitted her inclination, her phancie was ſo delicate, and her humour ſo hard to be pleaſed, as it was almoſt impoſſible for her to find one day of perfect happineſs in a whole year; yet was ſhe ſo happy, as that her diſlikes were alwayes divertiſements; for when ſhe was to paſs over a tedious journey in the Country, or an afternoon in bad company, ſhe would do it ſo pleaſantly, and in ſuch a charming manner, that it was not poſſible but to admire her, and one could not chuſe but pardon a perſon of ſo much beauty and ſpirit as ſhe was, for being very hard to pleaſe in her choice of ſuch as ſhe would honour with her eſteem, or allow them her converſation.

Thus Madam have I deſcribed Cleomira, and her two admired Daughters; and after this, I beſeech you, imagine what delights Eliſa would enjoy in the friendſhip of three ſuch illuſtrious perſons, who were not contented with loving her themſelves, but alſo would have all their friends to love her: Truth is, Eliſa was ſo amiable, that to know her was enough to love her; but though ſhe had been leſs obliging, yet her affection to Cleomira had been enough to purchaſe a reciprocal love, for certainly never did two love each other better, then Eliſa and Cleomira; and her aſſiduity did ſufficiently teſtifie as much, ſince ſhe was continually with her, and did every day partake of each others pleaſures and diverſions: She was continually ſtudious how to divert her with ſome pleaſant invention, ſomtimes by muſique in her garden, and ſomtimes by ſome innocent diſguiſement of her ſelf with ſome other of her friends: And ſince there was nothing excellent which might not be ſeen in Cleomira's Palace, Eliſa was in a continual Paradiſe of joy and pleaſure; but the moſt ſolid and greateſt pleaſure of all the reſt was, that every Evening all Cleomira's moſt intimate friends did rendezvouz at her Palace, and parted not, until handſomneſs and neceſſity of ſleep did invite them. But Madam, that you may the better underſtand the ſweetneſs of this Society, it is requiſite I give you a hint of ſome where of it was compoſed, I mean of thoſe who were particular friends unto Eliſa, for I ſhould be too long and tedious, if I ſhould ſpeak of all that great number which meet every day at the Palace of Cleomira; and I am perſwaded, that if I ſhould undertake it, I ſhould make you more deſcriptions then there are Statues of gold and ſilver in the Treaſury of Croeſſus: So that confining my ſelf unto more narrow limits, I ſhall only ſhew you the pictures of ſome five or ſix, whom Eliſa moſt eſteemed, and who indeed were worthy to be ſo: Be pleaſed to know then, that amongſt thoſe who came every day unto Cleomira's there was a man of good Quality, called Megabates, Governour of a Phenician Province, and whoſe rare merit is worthy to be known unto the illuſtrious Cyrus. Indeed he was a man extraordinary, and it was hard to find a man of ſo many excellent [Page] qualities; he was big and of a good ſtature, his aſpect was fierce and ſprightly, he had given ſo many teſtimonies of his courage, as he had purchaſed abundance of glory; he has been ſeen to force Colours out of an Enſigns hand in the midſt of a whole Squadron of enemies, and kill him at his feet; afterwards to diſingage himſelf couragiouſly from his croud of enemies, that would have hindred his retreat: But Madam, it is not courage only which makes Megabates illuſtrious, for the generoſity of his ſoul doth doubtleſs merit as much as his courage; and though he be naturally of a violent temper, yet is he highly juſt. Moreover, he is a moſt zealous honorer of his King, and lover of his Countries good, and the ſame zeal which he has to his Prince, and to glory, the ſame he hath to his friends; he is not light in the choice of them, but whom he doth chuſe, may be aſſured that he is Ancere, faithful and zealous: As he is juſt, ſo is he a declared enemy unto flattery, he cannot commend where he finds not worth, nor can his ſoul deſcend ſo low as to ſpeak what he thinks not, chuſing rather the opinion of a ſevere man, then of a flatterer; and I verily think, that if he were in Love with a Lady, who had any ſlight defects either in her beauty, her wit, or her humour; all the violence of her paſſion could not make him betray his own thoughts; I verily believe if he had a Miſtreſs that was pale, he would never ſay it was whiteneſs, or if ſhe were melancholy, he would not in a complement call it ſeriouſneſs; all he was able to do, was to ſay nothing, where he could not ſpeak in her advantage; but he was never put to any ſuch extremities, for ſince he was deeply in Love with the fair Philonida, who had all the graces both of body and mind, he was never put to any conſtraint of himſelf, and he might well applaud her ten thouſand times without any fear of flattery. Moreover, Megabates in poſſeſſing all the virtues, had not the leaſt mixture of any vices among them, nor the leaſt tincture of any ill habits, his morals were all innocent, his inclinations were all noble, and the moſt cenſorious obſervers of him, could find nothing to cavil at but the maintaining his opinions with too much heat; but though he was very eloquent, yet when the heat of diſpute did animate him, that others would not be of his opinion, nor he of theirs: For indeed Madam you muſt know, that Megabates was Maſter of as much wit as courage and virtue, a wit that was converſant in fineſt Sciences, and I dare aſſure you, that ſince Homer unto Ariſtheus, there is not a man who hath written, whoſe works he hath not read, with a judgment able to cenſure, both their excellencies and their defects; and certainly his critical humour may be born with as an effect of his juſtice Moreover, he writ himſelf ſo well both in Proſe and Verſe, that it is a great pity he ſhould not do it after, or that he ſhould be nice in that Quality: As he writ well, ſo no man could ſpeak better, eſpecially in ſuch company as pleaſed him, and did not oblige him to obſerve a rigid ſilence, as he did ſomtimes with ſuch as pleaſed him not. Moreover, he was ſo exceedingly apprehenſive, and could ſo dive into the hearts of thoſe he liſtened unto, that he would not only anſwer their words, but would very often hit on their thoughts. Again, Megabates for all his auſterity was exceeding civil, and this commendations muſt needs be given him, that he was the moſt regular, the moſt exact, and the moſt conſtant Lover in the world; whoſoever judgeth of him, either by the illuſtrious perſon whom he loved, or by thoſe whom he numbred in the Catalogue of his friends, muſt needs ſpeak much in his advantage, ſince certainly they cannot accuſe him of any Hood-winkt paſſion, or any bad choice in his friends, ſince they were all of them worthy to be ſo: But Madam, I ſhould never make an end, if I ſhould tell you all the excellencies of Megabates: I will therefore end with this for all, that he was a man incomparable, and that too much cannot never be ſpoken in his commendations: Judg then I beſeech you what glory Eliſa had, in having a friend of ſo much merit, a friend who never commended but upon merit, and who did zealouſly commend whereſoever he found worth; he extolled her to the heavens, and doubtleſs ſhe preferred one good word of his, before ten thouſand of others, becauſe ſhe knew he was ſincere. I remember I heard her once ſay in aggravation of his ſincerity, that ſhe would not believe her glaſs, ſo ſoon as ſhe would Megabates, when he told her ſhe was fair. In the mean time, though ſhe who had ſuch a friend might well eſteem him as a Jewel, yet Megabates was not the only riches of Eliſa, for ſhe had other friends who in their wayes, and in their profeſſions, deſerved that glorious Title.

The High-Prieſt of Tire, amongſt the reſt of her moſt confident friends, was certainly a man moſt admirable, he had a wit ſo quick, ſo ſprightly, and ſo ſuperlative, that there was nothing which eſcaped his knowledg; yet was he naturally merry, and by inclination [Page] ſo gallant, that before the Gods had took him unto their ſervice, he could not talk of any thing elſe but Gallantry, having ſuch a natural Geni [...]s to it, as he would be unawares full of ſuch expreſſions, but it was ſo pleaſingly, as Eliſa told me one day in a merriment, that it was pity when he changed his way of life, he ſhould not bequeath his talent unto ſome other, who with decencie might have made uſe of it: But Madam, that you may the better know this Terian High-Prieſt, be pleaſed to know, that the ſolitude unto which he had confined himſelf, when he changed his profeſſion, did not convert him into a ſalvage, but his natural pleaſantneſs of his Spirit remained ſtill, yet in ſuch bounds of goodneſs and modeſty, as reſembled the innocencie of the former ages: So that ſince there is nothing more agreeable, then to find a great wit, and much ſweetneſs mingled together, ſo there is nothing more amiable, then the converſion and Society of this Tirian High-Prieſt; yet there is ſomthing of abruptneſs in his Spirit, and precipitation in his geſture, but not ſo much as to hinder him from being anſwerable to my deſcription; and this ſudden agitation which appeared in his body and mind, was rather an effect of zealous raptures at ſublime thoughts, then of any diſtemper in his humour: Moreover, his virtue, though moſt exact, yet was not ſo rude and auſtere as in others; he applied himſelf unto ſolid goods, and reſted not upon falſe and deceiving appearances, the equality of his humour was one of the charms of his Society, he was never ſullen nor ſharp with his friends; but loved them with tenderneſs and paſſion, loved them without any ends, he would go from his ſolitude to the Court without any tranſports of joy, and from the Court to his ſolitude without any ſorrow; but the rarity is, this High-Prieſt is not only knowing in matters of Divinity, aed Sacrifices to the Gods, but he is excellent in a hundred thouſand ſeveral other things; he writes moſt admirably either in Proſe or Verſe, and with ſuch a ſmooth facility, as if all the Muſes were his Dictators, and inſpired with what he writ; his phancies in matters of Poetry is of ſo vaſt an extent, that it comprehends the whole univerſe, he is ſo facetious, ſo ſmooth, ſo ſweet in his writings, that he adds a new fragrancy to the Roſes, and a greater luſtre to the Sun, his works do ſo inſinuate, and imprint themſelves in the heart and mind with ſuch a paſſionate Character, as they are exceedingly profitable, and yet this ſoul ſo elevated, has the ſweetneſs and docility of a child, it is free from all preſumption or vanity, and he does ſo charm all thoſe that know him well, as they cannot chuſe but love him, and that with extream tenderneſs, his ſoul is adorned with a moſt modeſt joy which proceeds from his nature, and from the ſerenity of his paſſions, and which doth often communicate it ſelf unto others: This paſſionate inclination of his ſoul is not changed in him by changing his condition, he hath only changed the object of his paſſion, and in lieu of loving as he did heretofore all that was amiable, he now loves only that which is permitted him to love, which is, his duty and his friends: He is alſo much taken with the general beauties of the univerſe, and makes it his ordinary delight to admire the grandure of the Gods in contemplation of wonders in their works: The riſing and the ſetting of the Sun is a great diverſion unto him, and more then every one is capable of: A ſerene calm night, under a Canopy of ſparkling Stars, does pleaſingly invite his looks, the murmure of a purling Fountain doth ſweetly charm his ears, and the unmeaſurable vaſtneſs of the Sea does fill his ſoul with ſo much pleaſure, as makes him the more adore that God who is the maker of it. Thus the recreations of this Tirian High-Prieſt, being a ſtudy of wiſdom, you may eaſily imagine, how ſublime is his ſerious buſineſs; and yet his converſation is all affable, all pleaſant, free, and diverting, having the art, when he is diſpoſed unto any Rallary, to leave out all bitterneſs and ſharpneſs, and to retain that which is pleaſing and agreeable, which certainly is a thing more difficult then the ta [...]g of Lions: Judg then Madam, if this Sidonian High-Prieſt be not worthy to be received into the Palace of the great Cleomira, to be eſteemed of Philonida and Anacriſa, to be loved of the generous Megabates, and to be one of the friends of Eliſa, and indeed he is ſo, and in ſuch ſort, as none is more in her favour then he.

After this Madam, I muſt acquaint you, how there is another man of Quality, one of this admirable Society, who the High-Prieſt of Sidon did moſt tenderly affect, called Clearques, whoſe deſcription is ſo difficult, as I know not how to make it reſemble him; yet certainly he merits to be known unto you, and that with much eſteem: I can eaſily tell you, that his ſtature is a common height, his hair brown, and all the features of his face regular enough, and alſo indifferently pleaſing; but as for his Aire and Phyſiogaomy I challenge any one to deſcribe it: For indeed Madam, there is in his face a kind of [Page] ſeriouſneſs and lumpiſh melancholy, and yet there is alſo a kind of blithneſs and jollity in his eyes: Truth is, there is a miſcellany of joy and ſorrow in his compoſition, which ſucceeding each other in their turns, and ſomtimes may be ſeen both at a time in his face, makes Clearques to pleaſe infinitely: He hath ſuch a diſpoſition unto mirth, that in the midſt of the moſt croſs affairs in the world, he is almoſt alwayes ready to tell a merry tale, or to take any recreation: But Madam, in ſpeaking of the Spirit of Clearques, I muſt tell you, that he had as much courage as was poſſible, that he had made himſelf eminent in Martial matters a thouſand times, and that he had all the qualities which were deſireable in a man of honor, but I will not inſiſt upon any deſcription of his virtues, only I muſt tell you, that he had one very eminent Quality, which was, that he would moſt faithfully and zealouſly keep all his promiſes of this, he hath given moſt Heroique teſtimonies; for all Phenicia knows, and hath ſeen him a thouſand times hazard his life and liberty for the intereſt of a great Prince unto whom he was ingaged. But in proſecution of my deſign, I muſt let you know, wherein Clearques is the moſt ſingular: Imagine him then Madam to have as clear and delicate a Spirit as a man can have, and as capable of any high buſineſs when he pleaſed to imploy his parts: But the wonder is, there is not a man in the world who knew how to play the fool more pleaſantly then he; for his Spirit had ſuch a Genius ſo apt and particular for it, that nothing in the world made more pleaſant ſport then to hear him talk; yet his way was nothing like unto theirs who make it their profeſſion to tell merry ſtories and tales; that which rendred him moſt pleaſant was, he talked as if he never thought of what he ſaid, yet wit, phancy, and quickneſs were inſeparable from his words. Moreover, he would paſs ſo ſubtilly from a ſerious matter to a merry, that one could not chuſe but take exceeding delight in it: Some daies he would be very reſerved and ſerious, as if he were hatching ſome deep deſign, and after he had kept a long and grave ſilence, he would ſuddenly begin to talk of Gue-gawes and gallantry as jocondly, as if he had never muſed at all: He would alſo addreſs himſelf to the moſt, and the moſt ſerious perſon in the world, as well as unto the moſt merry; and he did ſo well know how to hit the Spirits of thoſe he talked with, as he never ſpoke any thing which would let them take it ill: He would ſomtimes act the child, as if he were one indeed, and with as much application, as if he had nothing elſe to do; he would alſo act the old and the young, the wiſe, the ſimple, the ſprightly, the Blockhead, when he was in the humour to make himſelf merry. Moreover, he was born with an amorous ſoul, but it was not after a common faſhion: For the very truth is Madam, Clearques was the moſt gallant, the verieſt Weathercock, and the moſt conſtant Lover in the world; and though this laſt quality ſeems to be incomparable with the ſecond; yet it is moſt true, that he was both fickle and conſtant; his ſoul hath been ſo full of paſſion, that nothing could never ſtagger it, but maugre this conſtancy, he hath entertained a hundred petty tranſitory Loves; he never ſaw a woman that pleaſed him, but he would tell her of it, and be ready to do a thouſand ſlight ſervices when occaſions preſented themſelves, and to take delight in ſeeing and be ſeen: Yet for all this, there was ſtill a ſuperlative and predominate paſſion in his heart, which was never weakened by this multitude of trifling gallantries which he was in all places full of, and he was ever able to quit theſe tranſitory Miſtreſſes for her unto whom he had really given his heart, and was reſolved alwayes never to abandon her: So that having found out the art of reconciling fidelity and inconſtancy together, he was all complacent unto all the Beauties he met with; and yet preſerved himſelf for his real Miſtreſs: It may be alſo ſaid, that Fortune had a mind to favour his gallant and merry inclination, for he met with fit adventures in every place, and found out occaſions of imploying his talent amongſt many Ladies, and that fair ones; ſo that his adventures were very ſuitable to his humour. Moreover, as he could ſpeak excellently, ſo he could write as well; and I do not think any ever had a more amiable way of trying wit as Clearques had in his Verſes and Letters, ſo gallant and ſo pleaſant as is inimitable: For though all he writ was genuine and natural, yet the wonder is how he could hit upon it, having ſuch peculiar phancies, as none could light upon, or if they did, could not expreſs them comparable to him: In ſhort Madam, Clearques was a man ſo extraordinary, that if the ſweetneſs and pleaſants of his Spirit were ſeparated from the reſt of his good qualities, doubtleſs enough would be found to make up two compleat men out of one. He is alſo univerſally loved and eſteemed of all who know him, eſpecially by the admirable Cleomira, and all thoſe whoſe deſcriptions I have made.

Now Madam, to follow the Rule I propoſed unto my ſelf, I beſeech you give me leave [Page] to deſcribe unto you the wiſe Theodamus, who was one of this Society: He of whom I ſpeak Madam being infinitely eſteemed of all thoſe excellent perſons I have named, ought in reaſon to be ſo of you; nor do I doubt, but he will as ſoon as you ſhall know him: Theodamus is not originally a Phenician, but of a good extraction and Family, wherein virtue hath appeared with full luſtre a long time. Moreover, though Theodamus by his profeſſion may be ranked amongſt thoſe who are called the accompliſhed men of the Town; yet in reſpect of his great virtue and rare merit, he is ranked amongſt the accompliſhed men of the Court, all who do univerſally eſteem him, and treat him with extraordinary civility. But Madam, ſince the ſoul of Theodamus does merit a thouſand praiſes, I will not inſiſt upon the deſcription of his perſon; and to let you know him, I muſt firſt deſcribe unto you his honeſty, his juſtice, and his prudence; and I aſſure you, that all theſe three virtues are to be found in his heart, as they are in themſelves: Indeed I do not think there is any man in the world more ſincere, more free, nor more faithful then he; he is moſt juſt in every thing, even in ſuch things as he is intereſted in; and there was never any who with more reaſon doth merit the title of Prudent then he; yet there is ſomthing in his temper which is not ordinarily found in temperance, for he is extreamly vehement, and if his wiſdom were not accuſtomed to conquer all his paſſions, and ſubdue them unto his reaſon, his cholor would ſomtimes ſhake his ſoul: But Madam, this fire which upon ſome occaſions put him to ſome pain, produceth a thouſand good effects, for it makes him the more zealous to ſerve his friends, it elevates both his heart and ſoul, it contributes much vigor and ſpirit in the tranſaction of any buſineſs he goes about, either in his own affairs or his friends. Moreover, he reſembles the generous Megabates ſo neer, that the love of his Country is ſo deeply imprinted in his herrt, as there is nothing which he will not attempt for its ſafety, if occaſion ſerved. Again, Theodamus is the moſt regularly civil of all men living, and the moſt unwilling to diſoblige any one; 'Tis true, his ſoul was open, but unto very few, yet his heart was hard unto none: As the ſoul of Theodamus was great, firm, and generous, ſo his mind was as great, ſolid, and extreamly knowing; but though he was knowing almoſt in every thing, yet had been never verſed in the Greek Tongue, though his name was deſcended out of that Country where they ſpeak no other; yet truly this little piece of ignorance in him, (if the word may be applied unto ſo able and knowing a man) did ſet off all the reſt of his knowledg much better, for though he had not the Grecian Language, yet he knew all the Greeks did know, and there was not any Science unto which he could not ſpeak exceeding well; but in lieu of that Language, he was moſt perfect in the Aſſirian, which is the moſt univerſal in all Aſia, and he was a Critique in his own natural tongue, inſomuch as there was none who was addicted to write in the Phenician Language, but they conſulted with Theodamus, who had himſelf ſo polite and uncommune ſtile, as never any had more fit, more noble, and more natural expreſſions of himſelf then he: He writ alſo in an excellent Character, which ſet off his works the better; and I aſſure you, without any flattery of him, that there appeared a ſweet regularity in every thing he did, neatneſs was inſeparable from every thing about him, neat in his apparrel, neat in his houſe, neat in all things, ſo that the high-prized Cabinets of others, were not worth ſo much as his of leſs value at home, every trifle were effects of the generoſity of his judgment, which could not endure to ſee any thing out af its place. In the mean time, there is ſuch a Sea of goodneſs in his ſoul, that though he can ſee the leaſt blemiſh in thoſe that converſe with him, yet he was never known to ſpeak the leaſt ſyllable of the faults and imperfections of others, unleſs it were in a wilde and harmleſs way of acquainting the owners of them, that they might correct them: Nor had this his goodneſs the leaſt tincture of diſtimulation in it, when he thought it fit to ſpeak unto any of his friends; for ſince he tranſacted alwayes by the Rule of reaſon, he never ſought how to pleaſe them he adviſed, but how he might profit them. In the mean time, he is all ſweetneſs, all civility, and will commend, even with the higheſt ſtrains, thoſe whom he ſee deſerve it: He is ſo exceedingly taken with all manner of merit and virtue, as makes moſt evident he is himſelf a man of ſuperlative parts; but my greateſt admiration is, that though his temper be both violent and ſerious, yet his converſation is ſweet, eaſie, mild, agreeable, natural, and gallant, never conteſting in his diſcourſe, letting them ſpeak who have a mind to it, and himſelf full of ability to ſpeak when he will; and though he will ſomtimes argue upon things, yet it is without any fury or intemperance, but w [...]h ſuch mildneſs, as ſpeaks him an abſolute Maſter of his paſſion, and a lover of reaſon; but when he is at any time high and zealous, he is [Page] perfectly convinced, that Right and Juſtice is on his ſide, and knows it requiſite to diſpute with zeal. Moreover, Theodamus makes it evident by his curioſity, that his pleaſures deſerves applauds, for he hath a Study which is adorned with moſt rare books, haveing carefully and ingenuouſly collected all the learned, witty, polite, gallant, and pleaſant writings of all the wits in Phenicia, ſince he came into the world: In ſhort Madam, I do aſſure you, that Theodamus, both for the beauty of his ſoul, and the goodneſs of his heart, and alſo for the fi [...]e [...]eſs of his wit, is worthy of infinite praiſes, and to be ranked in the number of thoſe whom Eliſa prefers before the reſt of the world; and indeed it is moſt certain, that ſhe did prefer him above thoſe ſhe eſteemed moſt, and amongſt thoſe whom ſhe admitted into her heart, he had the higheſt place; and indeed, the truth is, he was a man of ſuch rare merits, that he was worthy to be propoſed as a model of a man of true honor.

After all this Madam, I muſt beg your favour, and permittance to make two deſcriptions more: The firſt ſhall be of a man of twenty two years of age, called Pherecides, who at that age had the glory to have for his friends all that Phenicia had moſt illuſtrious; And the other ſhall be of the famous Ariſtheus, for though he was a Sardinian, yet I am confident they know him not. But to return unto Pherecides, be pleaſed to know, that he was not only of an advantageous ſtature, but alſo extraordinary handſom, yet of ſuch a beauty, as in his Sex ſpeaks nothing of great and Noble, his complexion was delicate, his eyes gray and tender, the proportion of his face was juſt, even, and pleaſing; but for all this, he had no reſemblance of that beauty which is in women, his carriage was high, and though there was an unconceiveable ſweetneſs in the ayr of his countenance, yet there was a kind of ſweet auſterity alſo, which rendred him moſt amiable. Moreover, he had the moſt lovely head of hair in the world, his locks lay in a thouſand round curles without any art, and was of the lovelieſt brown that ever eye beheld. Pherecides being as I have repreſented him unto you, adorned with all the ornaments of beauty, and in the Spring of his youth, yet he had neither baſhfulneſs nor timidity, nor over-great boldneſs, nor inconſideration: One may ſay he came knowing into the world, ſo wiſely and gallantly did he behave himſelf; the tone of his voice was very amiable, and he had this advantage from Nature, that there was in all his action an unexplicable conformity. Moreover, his ſoul was ſo noble, his inclinations ſo ſweet, and his heart ſo tender for his friends, and ſo full of zeal and fervency to them, as he merited much commendations. Again, he had naturally a pure wit, and he compoſed Verſes ſo fine, ſo moving, and ſo paſſionate, as it was evident that he had not a neutral ſoul: The Poetry of the great Therpandres his Uncle, whoſe reputation was ſo high, was not more excellent then he; and I am very confident, that never any had a heart more tender in point of friendſhip, nor more fervent in love then Pherecides; for commonly thoſe who are hot in matters of Love, are cool in matters of friendſhip, and thoſe who are capable of the moſt zealous friendſhip, are ſeldome ſo of any violent love: But as for Pherecides, he loved both his Miſtreſs and his friend with unlimited ardency. Moreover, he had one peculiar faculty which was at his hours of jollity, to imitate as excellently and plauſibly both, as if he were the very ſame he repreſented: But when he expoſed himſelf unto this paſtime, it was alwayes in a little company, or in the Palace of Cleomira with Eliſa. Again, never could man act both a real gallantry and a counterfeit, nor ſigh ſo fitly as Pherecides; and he had found out the art of making ſuch a miſcellany of reſpect and boldneſs, by his way of acting with thoſe he loved really, and counterfeiting with thoſe he diſſembled, as it was impoſſible he ſhould be ill-treated: Truth is Madam, I do not think it poſſible to find a more amiable gallant, nor a more pleaſing friend, then he; and I am confident, that if he had lived long, he had been as compleat a man as ever was in Phenicia: But Madam, death raviſhed him from all his friends, in the very Spring of his youth, having the glory of having his Urn bedewed with tears from the faireſt eyes, and moſt illuſtrious perſons in all our Court.

Laſtly Madam, I muſt ſpeak of Ariſt [...]eus, of whoſe perſon I need not ſay much, ſince you know him; and ſince he hath been in your preſence, it will ſeem raſhneſs in me to deſcribe his Spirit unto you: But ſince I Know it to be of vaſt capacity, and ſo incomprehenſible as you cannot fathom it in ſo ſhort a time, I think it permittable to ſpeak of it, as if you knew him not at all: Give me leave therefore to tell you Madam, that Ariſt [...]eus is illuſtrious in everything, and is owner of ſo many rare qualities, as I cannot tell [Page] how to rank them into order, but I will ſhew them unto you as well as my memory will permit me; yet it is fit that the qualities of his ſoul have the firſt place; and I aſſure you, that thoſe of Ariſtheus are ſuch, as anſwers all that is deniable, for it is great, high, conſtant, generous and grateful: If from his ſoul I paſs unto his heart, I ſhall find it full of a thouſand excellencies, I ſhall ſee a Love of true glory, an infinite goodneſs and tenderneſs of his friends, and a ſolid affection unto virtue; and if from his Heart I aſcend again unto his mind, what is not to be found there? So clear, ſo great, ſo high, ſo univerſally knowing, as I know none comparable unto him, nor know I any thing which he doth not; if he talk of the moſt ſublime, knotty, and uncommune Sciences, he talks as if he never talked of any thing elſe; if he diſcourſe in matters of Phyloſophy, he renders himſelf intelligible unto the very ignorant; if he ſpeak of the Stars, of their ſcituation or elevation, it is as if he knew the way 'twixt earth and heaven, and as if he viſited all the houſes of the Sun as frequently as thoſe in Tire; if he diſcourſe of the Morals, he will make it apparent he teacheth no more by his words, then he doth by his manners; if he fall upon any Subject concerning the Politiques, one would think he had governed the Univerſe for many years, it being not poſſible one can imagine, that books without a long experience ſhould infuſe ſo much knowledg; he does not only reaſon upon publique buſineſs, but alſo dives into the Councels of the deepeſt ſecrets; he looks at the cauſes of the moſt ſtrange events, and foreſees the ſequel of things with ſo much Juſtice, as it happens very rarely that he is miſtaken: If from the Politiques we paſs to his Poeſie, he ſpeaks as if he had taught the Muſes, and not they him, for never was any more admireable in that act then he; but the admiration is, he hath reduced that Science into Act; for he hath now compos'd a Poem, of the birth of the Gods, (and for that reaſon called it Theogonia) which is a piece ſo admirable, that ſince Homer never any attempted ſo great a work, it is not only great, but alſo admirable; and thoſe who are able to judg, do ſay, that he hath obſerved a better method, with more judgment and better excellency then Homer did. He is Maſter alſo of many other rare works, which render his name illuſtrious, and which are too long to relate, as well as many other qualities which Ariſtheus knows: For indeed he knows many Languages moſt perfectly, he knows all good books, he is excellent in Hiſtory, Geography, and to ſay all in few words, he is ignorant in nothing; but the greateſt wonder of all is, he knows men as well as manners and Sciences, and there was not harſhneſs in his converſation and Spirit, as uſeth to be in moſt Scholers; but on the contray, Ariſtheus ſpoke more like a Courtier then a Scholer, he ſpoke moſt elegantly, and without affectation, and thought commonly moſt men who ſpeak much, are accuſed for ſpeaking too much; yet it was not ſo with Ariſtheus, though naturally he loves to talk. Moreover, Ariſtheus is not of that rigid Sect who ſcorns the converſation of women, but he is much delighted with them, and would paſs away whole afternoons in trifling talk with them, whom he knew could talk of nothing elſe: He expreſſed himſelf and his Gallantries with as good a grace, and perhaps better, then thoſe who are Gallants by profeſſion: 'Tis true, he hath been ſomtimes blamed for being a little too full of flattery of Ladies, and too univerſally commending them he ſpoke unto; but I know this to be a part of ſo good a principle, as I am none of thoſe who will find any fault for being prodigal of his good Language. Ariſtheus is ſo gallant, that ſomtimes he makes it known that he is in Love with an amiable perſon, who is a friend of Eliſa's, and who ſo exceedingly reſembles the fair Doraliſa, as one would take the one for the other, both for her beauty, her wit, and her humours; yet to tell you plainly, I think the heart of Ariſtheus is only full of tender friendſhip unto her: But as for matter of Gallantrie, I believe he keeps that cloſe in his heart, for he can hide it and ſhew it when he will, and is a moſt abſolute Maſter of himſelf: 'Tis true, he does and ſayes a hundred things which may well be taken for a real Love; and I believe the friendſhip he bears unto others, [...] perſon, has a degree of their heat in it, which is above that he bears [...] but for all this I cannot think it Love, all I grant is, that the ſpark whi [...]t, is not altogether friendſhip: However, this doth produce much [...]ough [...] make the Spirit of Ariſtheus appear: Some alſo do upbraid him with the [...] affection unto three or four one after another, and yet he cannot endure ſhould any ſhould [...]d him with inconſtancie, but in his own defence he ſaith, that he [...]d any o [...] out of his heart, who once entered into it, and that he only cauſeed them to [...]pla [...] and ſo without abandoning them, or ceaſing to love them, he only releive [...] the [...] place in hi [...] heart for the beſt of his friends, who ſweetly diſpute [Page] one with another for an Empire, which aſſuredly he never gives without good reaſon: However, this helps out converſation, and makes it more jolly. Moreover, Ariſtheus is ſo full of complacence, as he never contradicts any voluntarily; but my greateſt wonder at him is, his inclination to inhance the merits of others, and to hide their defects, which makes him ſo generally known, as none can be better: Indeed we have not a Prince nor a Princeſs, who do not think themſelves honored in knowing him, and who do not treat him with abundance of civility: And Madam, upon a ſerious view of Ariſtheus, I finde that he comes either ſhort of a virtue, or elſe is in the exceſs, for he is ſomtimes ſo extremely modeſt, as thoſe who very well know his merit, cannot endure it, for he will ſo reject their commendations, as if he were not worthy, and ſpeaks ſuch things of himſelf, as it is impoſſible he ſhould ſpeak as he thinks, ſince it is not credible, that he ſhould ſo perfectly know all good qualities in others, and be ignorant of his own excellencies. After this Madam, I believe you will confeſs, that a man who cannot be blameed for any thing but having too much of a virtue, is a man moſt extraordinary, and that ſuch a one is no mean contributor unto the pleaſures of Cleomira's Palace: Did you but ſee the divine Cleomira, the adorable Philonida, the fair Anacriſa, the admired Eliſa, the generous Megabates, the illuſtrious High-Prieſt, the pleaſant Clearques, the wiſe Theodamus, the merry Pherecides, the accompliſhed Ariſtheus, and five or ſix others, worthy of ſuch a company with Phocilion, I am moſt confident you would be charmed, and confeſs that Eliſa had reaſon to think greater felicity was in ſuch friends, then in her Lovers. Moreover Madam, It is requiſite I let you underſtand, that all theſe friends of Eliſa did not entertain her with ſuch a kinde of friendſhip as take up with civility, and has ſo little fervency in it, as it can ſcarcely be diſcerned; but on the contrary, it was with a moſt ardent, zealous, and earneſt amity, which ſhewed it ſelf upon all occaſions, an amity full of applauds and commendations, which was careful to pleaſe and divert, and to ſpeak reaſonable, this affection which they all had unto Eliſa, might be termed Love without deſires, ſince certainly there was much more in it then ordinary amity, though none of the reſtleſs reſentments of Love.

After this Madam, you may eaſily imagine, that Eliſa being continually in Cleomira's Palace, amongſt ſo many accompliſhed perſons, did live in full ſatisfaction, and was full of complacence, for her auſterity had ſo choaked all her Lovers, that they kept diſtances, and durſt not importune her; yet Aſiadates in his heart was ſtill full of unruly paſſions to Eliſa, and not daring to teſtifie his Love unto her, he reſolved to ſweeten the bitterneſs of his torment, by expreſſions of his hatred of Lyriope, who endured moſt inſufferable reſtleſſneſs, that Eliſa ſhould rob her of the heart of a Husband, as formerly ſhe had done of a Lover: So that whil'ſt ſhe was innocently enjoying her diverſions amongſt ſuch and ſo many illuſtrious perſons, Lyriope was plotting how to ruine her, and ſo to cure Aſiadates of his paſſion, yet ſhe was a long time before ſhe could contrive the way: But ſince there is nothing which jealouſie cannot invent, Lyriope knowing Aſiadates to be ambitious as well as amorous, to try if ſhe could take him off Eliſa, reſolved to perſwade the King to undertake this Conqueſt, conceiving that Aſiadates durſt not be a Rival to his Maſter. Since ſhe had her education with the Queen, and was of the ſame age with the King, ſhe had great familiarity with him, for there was alwayes a great friendſhip between this young Prince and her. Moreover, ſince he never yet knew what Love meant, ſhe thought it not impoſſible but her deſign might hit, and the ſooner, becauſe ſhe divers times heard him commend Eliſa very highly: So that making uſe of this favourable inclination which ſhe ſaw he had unto the thing he deſired, ſhe contrived it ſo cunningly, that ſhe ingaged the King one day unto a long conference with her; and ſeeming to be infinitely zealous for his glory and intereſt, ſhe perſwaded him that there was no better ſubject for it, then this thing which ſhe had to impart. This Prince being very deſirous to know her meaning, deſired her to tell him ſincerely what it was; Lyriope ſeeing ſo fit an opportunity, did cloſe with it: Then ſhe began to applaud him to the Skies, and to counterfeit a baſhfulneſs which ſeemed natural; ſhe told him that which doubtleſs ſhe never would, i [...] her jealouſie had not been above her reaſon: I muſt confeſs Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him bluſhing, and holding her hand before her eyes, as if ſhe would not have him ſee what ſhe deſired he ſhould) that your commands do perplex me, for I muſt tell you, that which indeed handſomneſs forbids me, and yet that which my duty tells me you ought to Know: S [...] I am confident of your ſincerity, (replied this [Page] young Prince) I conjure you to tell me what it is: Know then Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, that the only fault which can be found in you is, that you are a little too ſolitary, and reſerved, and ſeem as if you were a hater of civil converſation, but eſpecially the converſation of Ladies; your Enemies ſpeak a little broad, and ſay, it is a ſign your heart is not ſenſible of thoſe ſervices which they render you, and that you baniſh your ſelf and them from the pleaſures of the Court; and that which is worſe, they intereſt the people in their reaſonings, ſaying, that thoſe Kings who are lovers of magnificency, feaſts▪ muſique, and glorious Gallantries, do inrich them in their trades; whereas on the contrary, thoſe who are of other humours do impoveriſh them; So that the herd of people being capable of any impreſſion whatſoever, this report begins to ſpread it ſelf throughout all [...]ire, and will ere long through all Phenicia; therefore Sir, I conceive it would be very well, if you quitted your ſerious buſineſs, ſomtimes to ſpend ſome houres in diſcourſe with Ladies; and to ſtop the mouths, I know not whether it were not beſt of all for you to ſeem as if you were in love with ſome beauty or other, but I would have her ſuch a one whom you may quit when you pleaſe, when you have ſtifled theſe odd reports which are raiſed among the people.

The King hearing Lyriope deliver her thoughts with ſuch expreſſions of zeal to his ſervice, never examined the truth of her words, nor did at all doubt it: So that ſeeming to credit her advice, he thanked her for giving it: And to teſtifie unto you, ſaid he unto her, that I am none of thoſe who will hear of their faults and not correct them, I will put my heart into your hands, diſpoſe of it as you pleaſe, for I do proteſt unto you, it was never yet any ones but my own, I have eyes Lyriope which can diſtinguiſh beauty; but I muſt confeſs they never loved with any violence of paſſion: Sir, replied Lyriope, I would adviſe you not to be too liberal of ſo precious a Jewel: Diſſemble the matter (ſaid ſhe and laughed) and counterfeit Love: But I pray, ſaid he, aſſiſt me in the choice of her with whom you would have me diſſemble: Then was Lyriope extreamly non-pluſt; for though ſhe wiſhed the King to diſſemble a love to Eliſa, when ſhe was at the very point of naming her, envy and jealouſie did ſo ſparkle in her heart, that it began to beat, her colour changed, and ſhe ſtayed a while with her mouth half open before ſhe could pronounce the name of Eliſa, to perſwade the King unto a choice of her for the object of that feigned paſſion which ſhe would adviſe him to aſſume. Lyriope hath ſince reported, that ſhe was in pittiful perplexity at that time; and indeed it is eaſily to be imagined, that envy and jealouſie conteſting in her heart, did put it into a ſtrange diſorder: On the one ſide ſhe ſaw that ſhe might do a great honor to Eliſa whom ſhe hated; on the other ſide, ſhe might ſpite Aſiadates, and extinguiſh a paſſion which diſturbed her tranquility: But though jealouſie was powerful in her Spirit, yet ſhe had not overcom her envy, had ſhe not phancied much happineſs to her ſelf, if this project could wean him from the love of Eliſa; for as it is ordinary for envy to make thoſe partial who are poſſeſſed with it, Lyriope began to think Eliſa not ſo handſom as ſhe was, and never to think that the King would fall really in Love with her; ſo that the tumultuous turbulency of her ſoul beginning to calm upon a ſuddain, ſhe named Eliſa unto the King: But ſhe had no ſooner named her, then this Prince cried out, Oh Eliſa (ſaid he unto her) Certainly you have read my very heart, Eliſa being ſhe who of all the Ladies in the world beſt pleaſeth me, and with whom I can with leaſt pain ſeem to be in Love. Lyriope hearing the winde in that corner, began to tell the King (her envy growing ſtronger then her jealouſie) that ſhe ſhould be extremely ſorry, if ſhe ſhould kindle a real paſſion in his ſoul, and therefore ſhe would diſſwade him from the choice of Eliſa, ſince he had a greater inclination to love her then any other, but her labour was in vain, ſhe could not quench what ſhe had kindled, nor change the Kings minde; at laſt ſhe reſolved to ſtand unto her firſt principle. Thus it was on all ſides reſolved, that the King ſhould ſeem to be Eliſa's ſervant. Since ths Feaſt of Neptune was to be celebrated within two daies, a ſit occaſion of expreſſing his gallantry did offer it ſelf, ſuch a one as would make all Phenicia his witneſſes. In the mean time, Eliſa knew nothing how Lyriope plotted againſt the tranquility of her life, but enjoyed a thouſand innocent delights in Cleomira's Palace, finding more contentation in the converſation of her friends, then ever ſhe could in the multitude of her Lovers. Ph [...]cilion alſo, as amorous as he was, did not think himſelf altogether miſerable, though he was not loved ſo well as he would be, for he had the conſolation to hope that none would ever be more happy then himſelf: Poligenes and Agenor had an infinite eſteem of her ſtill, ſince reaſon and diſpair had cured them of their Love to her; but as for Aſiadates, he was ſtill in [Page] moſt horrible torment, the violence of his paſſion was without any hope, he received a thouſand affronts and checks from Eliſa; neither Lyriopes jealouſie nor his own, would permit him any reſt, yet were his ſorrows much augmented upon the Feaſt day of Neptune: For the King in proſecution of his intended deſign, applied himſelf to commend and Court Eliſa more then any other, and to ſpeak high in her advantage: He took her out to dance at a Ball which was kept at the Court, and made ſuch applications to her, as that the next morning the general noiſe was all over Tire, that the King was in love with Eliſa: But Madam imagine with what a reſtleſs ſoul Lyriope did paſs over the day of this Feaſt: For my part, who by chance was next her the ſame night that this pretended Love of the King made the greateſt flame, I muſt confeſs that I never ſaw any thing more equally carried in my life; for though I did not then know the true cauſe of Lyriopes changing countenance, nor did I imagine that envy only was the cauſe of it, yet did I obſerve all paſſages, I ſaw Lyriope look ſomtimes upon the King, ſomtimes upon Eliſa, ſomtimes upon Aſiadates, and ſomtimes upon nothing, though her eyes were open, but ſtood in a moſt profound muſing, I perceived her pronounce ſome words ſomtimes half aloud, and perceiving her own error would reſtrain her ſelf. As for Aſiadates, I heard him ſay, that never man was ſuch a ſufferer as himſelf, when he ſaw the King become his Rival; for though he never was in the leaſt hope of Eliſa's love, yet was he as much grieved at it, as if that Prince had taken from him the heart of Eliſa, or hindered him from enjoying her: As for Phocilion, he alſo was troubled at it, but his was with a mixture of ſome tranquility, and the more, becauſe he did not conceive that Eliſa's eyes would ever be dazled at any grandure, ſince ſhe was uſed to treat Princes and Subjects all alike, and was ſo far from being ſtartled at Majeſty, that ſhe ſlighted it: But Madam, the rareſt part of this encounter was, that the King had not talked above three words to Eliſa, but he was was really in Love with her, and in as high a degree as poſſible could be; yet was this Conqueſt no joy unto Eliſa, but on the contrary it troubled her: Yet to draw ſome good out of a thing which ſhe looked upon as evil, ſhe imployed all the credit ſhe had over the Spirit of this Prince, to diſpoſe it unto virtue, unto which he had already much inclination; and indeed it may be juſtly ſaid, that all Phenicia was beholding unto Eliſa, for a thouſand excellent things which ſhe infuſed into the ſoul of this young Prince. In the mean time, Feaſts, Muſiques, and all delights were more in uſe at the Court then ever; and though Eliſa, ſince the Kings love, did more affect ſolitude, and appeared in ſight leſs then ordinary, but carried it, as if ſhe would let the Court ſee that ſhe was no way contributory unto the love of this young Prince, nor rejoyced at all in the Conqueſt, yet it was impoſſible that ſhe ſhould not be preſent at theſe great aſſemblies, whereof ſhe was the cauſe, yet ſhe tranſacted ſo wiſely, that without incenſing the King, ſhe perſwaded him, that all he was to expect from her, was reſpect and acknowledgment; and that ſuch acknowledgment only, as ſhould be locked up in her heart without any other outward expreſſions, then wiſhing his glory, and the happineſs of his raign: And indeed this Prince (who was not of his Fathers inclinations) did love Eliſa with a moſt pure flame. In the mean time, Lyriope found her ſelf extremely miſtaken in her opinion, that the Kings love to Eliſa would quench the flames of Aſiadates; for on the contrary, he ſeeing his choice authorized by the Kings, his flames were hotter, and he began to ſcorn and ſlight Lyriope much more; on the other ſide, this envious woman ſeeing the King did really love Eliſa, and that loving her as he did, it was very glorious unto her, ſhe thought how ſhe ſhould quench thoſe flames which ſhe had kindled, endeavouring to perſwade this Prince, that if he did love Eliſa in earneſt, he would loſe himſelf in the minds of the people more then by his indifferency and reſervedneſs, but her ſecond perſwaſions were not ſo prevalent as her firſt: So that giveing allowance unto his violent and reſpective paſſion, he Courted the eſteem of Eliſa, and endeavoured to merit it by a thouſand acts of Juſtice, Clemency, and Liberality, knowing well, that the only way to win upon her was by ſuch ſolid virtues, yet this did not at all hinder his gallantries. In the mean time Eliſa, though ſhe was naturally inclined unto good deeds, yet ſhe would never ask any thing of the King which might be any ſubject of obligation; ſo that ſhe was in imaginable credit with the King, and would not make any uſe of it, for ſhe kept her ſelf cloſe unto her Maxime, which was to ſhun all obligations unto a Lover. In the interim, the Kings Love being truly grounded, his heart was all in a flame with the thoughts upon Eliſa, ſo that he tranſacted nothing without imparting it unto her, he conſulted with her in matters of greateſt importance; and [Page] though the modeſty of Eliſa obliged her to refuſe thoſe honors which he did her, yet he ſtill continued to ask of her thoſe counſels which ſhe ſtill denied: This Prince was ſo reſpective, as not to term his affection Love when he talked to her, but only to name it eſteem, friendſhip, and a moſt violent paſſion: He endured her to deny him a thouſand trivial things, which ſhe might well have granted unto his Quality, without any injury unto her virtue; and indeed ſhe denied him leave to have her picture taken, with a ſtrange repulſe; and and though there were a hundred of Eliſa's pictures at Tire, yet ſince they were taken in the life of Straton, and ſince ſhe would never ſuffer any to be taken ſince ſhe was Miſtreſs of her ſelf, they did not perfectly reſemble her, for ſhe was much fairer then all thoſe Pictures: However, he could not by any Rhetorique perſwade her unto ſo much complacence; yet this her refuſal did rather augment then diminiſh his paſſion, as it may evidently appear by the adventure of this her Statue: For be pleaſed to know, that this young King having finiſhed a great Gallary, which the laſt King his Father began to build, his phancy was to place in it two rows of the Statues of Women, and to make his choice out of all the beauties in his Court: For there being then at Tire many of the Diſciples of Dipoenus and Scillis, he conceived it an eaſie matter to effect his deſign, which he principally intended unto the eternal memory of his Love to Eliſa, by placing her figure in the higheſt part of this Gallery; So that all the Carvers and Ingravers of any reputation were ſet in work; but the choice of the moſt excellent among them, being imployed to make the Statue of Eliſa, yet he could not make it, all his art could not repreſent that vivacity which was in her looks and action, nor that high air of beauty which was in every part: For my part, I am perſwaded, their over-great deſire of doing it to the life, did hinder them, for all the reſt did moſt lively and exactly repreſent the perſons for whom they were intended: The Statue of Cleomira was admirable, that of Philonida could not be better, that of Anacriſa was excellent, and chance would have it, that all were very well but Eliſa's, which was very ill: I cannot eaſily expreſs how the King was vexed at it; ſo that, as you know, upon ſuch an occaſion every one will ſtrive how to pleaſe the King, ſome or other told him, [...]hat he knew how he might get a moſt admireable Statue of Eliſa: This was no ſooner ſaid, but the King was extreamly earneſt to know how: After which, he was told, that the moſt rare Statue of Eliſa, which Dipoenus and Scillis made, and which they carried away after the death of the late King his Father, was in the hands of Croeſſus, and that it was probable he would reſtore it, paying what it coſt.

This adviſe was no ſooner given then followed, and the ſooner, becauſe thoſe who had ſeen this Statute, aſſured the King that it reſembled Eliſa more now, then when it was made for her: And the truth is, [...]ipoenus and Scillis aimed to repreſent Eliſa, rather as they imagined ſhe would be, then as ſhe was at that time, eſpecially in her ſtature, for ſhe being then very young, it was imagineable ſhe would grow. In the mean time, Love being a paſſion which will not admit of long deliberation upon ſuch things as may give it ſatisfaction, this amorous Prince ſent unto Croeſſus a little before the War, to ask of him the ſame favour which the illuſtrious Cyrus hath granted, but he was obſtinately denied: So that the King of Phenicia making no doubt but to obtain what he asked, was exceedingly ſurprized to underſtand at the return of his Ambaſſador, that the King of Lidia had denied him: He did ſo little queſtion the happy ſucceſs of his deſign, that he made a moſt ſtately Pedeſtal to place this Statue upon, and he ſet up all the reſt of the Statues where they were to ſtand; but it ſo grieved him that he had not this of Eliſa's, as he locked up the Gallery, and would not ſuffer any ever ſince to enter.

This Madam was the ſtate of things during the War, to wit, The King was ſtill in love with Eliſa, with a moſt unconceiveable reſpect: Eliſa continues ſtill as inſenſible as fair and virtuous, Aſiadates ſtill loving her even unto fury, Lyriope ſtill hating her with as much animoſity, as envy and jealouſie could invent, Phocilion ſtill adoring her without hope, and all the world eſteeming her according to her merit, not excepting either Poligenes or Agenor: And moſt certainly ſhe merited all the reputation which ſhe had, for there was never any whoſe virtue was put unto more difficult proofs then hers.

This Madam was the ſtate of the Kings love to Fliſa, when the Fame of all the Victories of the illuſtrious Cyrus in Lidia, was blazed in our Court, but eſpecially in the Palace of Cleomira: For ſince there was no place in the world where the renown of all illuſtrious [Page] Heroes was celebrated, as in that; the valour and all the virtues of Cyrus was the ordinary diſcourſe of Cleomira, Philon [...]da, Anacriſa, Eliſa, Megabates, and the High-Prieſt of Sidon, Clearques, Theodamus, Pherecides, Ariſtheus, Phocilion, and all the reſt, whoſe Rendezvouz was at Cleomira's Palace, where I had the honour alſo to be admitted.

I remember one Evening amongſt the reſt, when news was brought that Croeſſus had loſt the Battel, and the illuſtrious Cyrus had gotten it, it was the moſt pleaſing and agreeable night that ever I enjoyed, War and Love was the ſubject of all their diſcourſe; the victory of Cyrus, and his love to the Princeſs Mandana, did furniſh them with ſubject ſufficient: Megabates and Ariſtheus had ſome diſputes concerning the policies of Croeſſus; but the pleaſant humour of Clearques, and of Pherecides, made them change their diſcourſe; for ſince it was probable Sardis would be ſuddenly beſieged, they told Eliſa, that ſhe would ere long be a Captive unto Cyrus, meaning her Statue which was there; but ſhe anſwered them, that ſhe had much rather be a Slave to Cyrus, then a priſoner unto Croeſſus.

Then paſſing inſenſibly from one diſcourſe unto another, and the King of Pontus his keeping the Princeſs Mandana in the Cittadel of Sardis, being the ſubject of their diſcourſe, Pherecides asked Clearques, whether he had rather be alwayes as the King of Pontus is, or alwayes as the illuſtrious Cyrus is? That choice is eaſily made (replied Clearques) For I had rather be in the head of a victorious Army, able to win battels, take Towns, and conquer Kingdoms, then to be mued up in a Caſtle without either Army, authority, or a Crown: You take not the queſtion as I intend it, replied Pherecides, for I ask you in general terms, which you think the more unhappy, him who cannot ſee the perſon whom he loves, being certain ſhe loves him, and knowing her to be continually under the eye of his Rival, or elſe him who ſees her every day, hath her in his power, but cannot move her heart: There is no difficulty in anſwering this queſtion neither, replied learques, for ſince one doth not love but to be loved, doubtleſs then I ſhould chuſe to be ſo, yet upon better thoughts I ſhould not much love, to have my Rival alwayes with my Miſtreſs, eſpecially not being there my ſelf: Confeſs then, ſaid Pherecides, that the choice which I put you unto is not ſo eaſily made: I had rather confeſs, replied he, that I would neither chuſe the one nor the other of theſe conditions, for in the humour I am in, I love to ſee her whom I love, and love not to ſee her who loves me not: Since you love diſputation, replied Cleomira, you have a very good occaſion of it: If I were as able to come off well as Megabates is, replied he, I ſhould not let ſuch an occaſion ſlip. Clearques had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but all the company looked upon Megabates as the moderator; and indeed after he had anſwered Clearques, that his re [...]trality and indifferency unto all that concerned him not, cauſed his condeſcendency unto the opinion of another, he began to maintain, that he whoſe Miſtreſs loved him, and never ſaw her, alſo knew his Rival with her continually, did ſuffer more then he whoſe Miſtreſs loved him not, and he ſaw her continually: Yet, added he, though I very well apprehend the rigid ſufferings of this abſent Lover, who of neceſſity muſt needs be jealous, yet it is ſo very natural to deſire the being loved, that in the choice of theſe two evils, I had rather chuſe that which the illuſtrious Cyrus endures, then to be expoſed unto the King of Pontus his ſufferings: After this all the company parted, every one maintaining that ſide which they had choſen, with ſo much wit and conceit, as never was converſation more ſprightly and pleaſant. Now Madam to finiſh my relation, give me leave to tell you, That the King coming unto Cleomira's at the end of this conference, it was there where he had his firſt thought of ſending to offer his alliance unto the illuſtrious Cyrus, and to demand the Statue of Eliſa, if Sardis was taken: And indeed Madam, he no ſooner had intelligence that this Town was beſieged, but never doubting the taking of it, ſince it was undertaken by a Prince, whoſe valour nothing ever could reſiſt, but he diſpatched this Ambaſſador with whom I came, whom Ariſtheus deſired to accompany with many others, only out of curioſity to ſee the moſt illuſtrious Cyrus, whoſe Conqueſts are greater then thoſe of Eliſa, and whoſe glory is ſpread over all the earth.

Telamis having ended his relation, left all the company extremely ſatisfied with him, for making ſo many excellent perſons known unto them, and for relating the hiſtory of Eliſa, whoſe rare virtue, as well as beauty, filled them with admiration: But Cyrus had [Page] no ſooner told Telamis modeſtly, that he might well have ſpared all his applauds of him: Then Ariſtheus, according to his promiſe returned, but returned ſo changed, and with a countenance ſo full of melancholy, that Cyrus was ſurprized; So that being very impatient to know the cauſe of this ſuddain alteration, he began to preſs him unto a relation of what it was: Alas Sir, (ſaid he with extream ſorrow) whoſoever ſhould have told me when I went from hence, that it ſhould be I who ſhould relate the end of Eliſa's life unto you, I ſhould never have believed it; yet you ſee me here in a ſad condition, able to relate the ſad ſtory of her death unto you? How, (cried out Telamis out of his ſad apprehenſion) is Eliſa dead? I hope, ſaid Cyrus, we did not underſtand your words well: I would I could tell you otherwiſe Sir, replied Ariſtheus: But alas, it is too true that Eliſa is dead, and dead in ſo glorious a manner, that her death was ſuitable to her life, and I cannot do her a more glorious office, then to move you unto ſome ſighs by relating it. Since Telamis is ſilent, purſued Ariſtheus, I ſuppoſe he hath finiſhed the relation of her life, until our departure from Tire, and conſequently you know that Aſiadates continued ſtill his violent affection to her, although the King became his Rival, and that Lyriope was ſtill both jealous and envious. Now I underſtand by one of my friends who hath brought this ſad news unto me, that all theſe ſeveral paſſions are ſtill augmented, and he aſſures me, that the Kings love of Eliſa is grown to that height, as that he looks upon her as to be Queen of Phenicia: So that Aſiadates fearing that Eliſa will be enjoyed by another, reſented it beyond all imagination, and reſolved to ruine the Kings deſign at what rate ſoever; So that making his ambition to ſerve his love, he began to plot with ſome malecontents, whereof the beds of Kings were alwayes filled, hoping that if he could raiſe a Party in the State, and himſelf not ſeen in it, he might perhaps cure the King of his paſſion, by being buſied in diſſipating that faction which he had raiſed: On the other ſide, Lyriope ſeeing the power of Eliſa ſo great with the King, ſhe began to be more envious then jealous, and began to plot how ſhe might deliver her ſelf from theſe two Spirits which did continually torment her, though ſhe imployed all the unjuſt means in the world to effect her deſign. Since inhumanity goes againſt the hair of her Sex, ſhe did not at the firſt think upon the applying of extream remedies: But ſeeing that the Kings love did daily increaſe, and that Aſiadates was more and more violent in his paſſions, that he did treat her worſe and worſe; and conſidering that if the King ſhould marry Eliſa, ſhe ſhould then be a ſubject unto her who had taken from her the heart both of a Lover and a husband, alſo unto one whom ſhe ever hated, though ſhe had no other reaſon for it, but becauſe ſhe was fairer then her ſelf: I ſay Lyriope conſidering all theſe things, ſhe reſolved upon a moſt horrid courſe, which was, to find out ſome way or other how to take away the beauty of Eliſa, thinking thereby to take away the cauſe of all her miſeries, in damping the love of the King, and the love of Aſiadates: So that without further delay, ſhe conſpired with an Arabian Phyſitian, who was then at Tire, and whoſe reputation in point of honeſty was not over good, and hiring him by rich rewards, he promiſed her what ſhe deſired, but he had much ado to keep his word; for ſince Eliſa never uſed any adulterations of art to help her beauty, he could not find out any means to blaſt her complexion by any exteriour things: So that this man at the earneſt inſtigation of Lyriope, who would not let him reſt, reſolved ſince he could not do it otherwiſe, to take away the beauty of Eliſa, by taking away her health by a kind of ſubtil powder, which had a quality ſo malignant, as it would make ail thoſe who took it to grow very ſick within a few daies, by cauſing a kind of a Feaver, and it had ordinarily ſuch a quality, as in the operation it would ſo burn the bloud, as they would not be knowable: So that Eliſa being often very ill, though to outward appearance ſhe ſeemed to be in excellent health, it was an eaſie thing for this Arabian Phyſitian to finde out wayes of ſuborning him who commonly carried medicines unto Eliſa, he did it ſo cuningly, as that he did not ſeem to ſuborn him to commit a crime, for he only ſeemed to be very deſirous of ſeeing wLat remedies the Tirian Phyſitians uſed unto perſons of ſuch a temper as Eliſa's: So that being ſhewed ſeveral things which ſhe was to take, he mingled (unſeen to him that ſhewed them) this dangerous powder, which had ſuch a fatal operation, and fatal indeed, for whether the Doctor was miſtaken in his compoſition, or that the temper of Eliſa was too delicate for it, the very next morning after ſhe took this powder, the Feaver took her, and ſo extream violently, as ſhe ſaid at firſt that ſhe was dead; but ſhe ſpoke it with ſuch incredible conſtancy of mind, as was admirable, ſeeming ſo little deſirous of life, or fear of death, that ſhe ſurprized all the by-ſtanders; [Page] yet ſhe teſtified much tenderneſs unto her friends, but it was a moſt generous and magnanimous tenderneſs which was not expreſſed by tears, or giving any marks of weakneſs: I leave you to imagine how Eliſa's ſickneſs troubled the King, and how all the Court grieved, but eſpecially Cleomira, and all thoſe who commonly were with her.

All helps from Phyſitians were in vain, for not knowing the cauſe of her diſeaſe, they could not cure her. In the mean time Aſiadates, who was upon the point of letting the faction which he had raiſed to appear, thought now of nothing but Eliſa's health: So that thoſe who were ingaged in the Faction, admired to ſee he would meddle no more: As for the Kings, all intelligence that any deſigns were againſt his eſtate, were never hearkened unto, for ſince the life of Eliſa was in danger, he could not think of preſerving any thing elſe: As for Lyriope, ſince envy and lealouſie had rooted out of her ſoul all thoughts of virtue, ſhe was very glad to ſee that in all likelyhood ſhe ſhould be rid of Eliſa, whom ſhe looked upon as the cauſe of all her misfortunes: As for Phocilion, he was unknowable, and never man was in a more ſad condition: But the wonder was, that this powder, which according to the intention of the compoſer, was to take away the beauty of Eliſa, and not her life, did take away her life and not her beauty; for never any breathing was fairer then ſhe was when ſhe was expiring. In the mean time, to imploy her laſt hours as well as the reſt of her life (after all Phyſitians declared her deſperate) ſhe gave the King moſt generous and divine adviſe, exhorting him to be juſt, clement, liberal, to love his people, never to let himſelf be governed by his paſſions; afterwards moſt excellent counſel unto her friends, ſpeaking unto them with wonderful reſolution and generoſity, diſpoſing ſeveral things unto them as pledges of her friendſhip bequeathed unto them: After this, deſiring they would ſpeak no more unto her, but of the Gods, the chief Prieſt of Sidon ſtayed with her; yet his exceſſive ſorrow to ſee Eliſa in ſo ſad a condition, would not permit him to enjoy the freedom of his reaſon; but yet the reaſon of this fair, generous, and divine perſon was ſo quick and free; that ſhe did comfort him, and inſpired him with power to ſpeak ſuch things unto her, as he had not been able to do, if ſhe had not revived him by her conſtancy and reſolution: But why ſhould I lengthen this ſad ſtory? Eliſa died as ſhe lived, which was with abundance of glory, and in looking death in the grim face with as much courage, as the greateſt Hero in the moſt dangerous and moſt glorious occaſions. I will not go about to repreſent the ſorrows of the King, for I cannot expreſs them; but I can tell you, that the diſpair of Phocilion was ſo great, as he died three daies after Eliſa; yet this is not the moſt ſurprizing thing which I have to tell you, for be pleaſed to know, that Aſiadates intending not only to abandon his deſigns, but the Court alſo, as he was ready to depart, and paſſing from one Chamber into another, he heard Lyriope by chance thanking the Arabian Doctor for ſomthing, extream earneſtly, though ſhe did not ſpeak aloud: So that upon a ſuddain ſuſpecting the truth, ſince the cauſe of Eliſa's death could not be known, he went unto them, and being of a violent temper, he did ſo black them by his ſuddain approach and by his menaces, that finding ſomthing more to fortifie his ſuſpition, he called for his men, cauſed the Phyſitian to be arreſted, who would have eſcaped, and without more delay, cauſed him to be ſo tormented, as he confeſſed the whole truth, which he no ſooner knew, but he went unto the Chamber of Lyriope to run her through with his Sword, but ſhe was already eſcaped, but yet ſhe did not eſcape the Juſtice of the Gods, for the Boat into which ſhe had gotten at the Port of Sinope with one of her women only, was overturned by ruſhing againſt another, ſo that Lyriope was drown'd, and in one minute puniſhed for all the extravagancies of her paſſions. Aſiadates could not puniſh the Arabian Doctor, for ſince he ever uſed to carry poyſon about him, he took it, to avoid the ſhame and puniſhment.

Thus the violent Aſiadates was all fury and diſpair, after he knew the true cauſe of Eliſa's death. In the mean time, the King made a moſt magnificent Funeral for this wonder of women, all the Court was in mourning as well as himſelf, the High-Prieſt of Sidon writ her Epitaph, all the refined wits of Phenicia did write in her glory, the King is cauſing a moſt ſumptuous Tomb to be erected, and Eliſa is lamented, as one of the moſt admirable women that ever lived: After all this, there is not a day wherein all her friends do meet, but they condole and celebrate her name with tears and ſighs, ſtriving to make their illuſtrious friend to revive by their diſcourſe, and Elogies which they made to eternize her memory. But to let you ſee Sir (ſaid Ariſtheus, addreſſing himſelf unto Cyrus) how all humane wiſdome is limited; and to incite your Noble heart unto pity, be pleaſed [Page] to know, that the King of Phenicia not doubting but that you would accord unto his demand, hath deſigned a Tomb to be made for Eliſa after ſuch a faſhion; that the Statue which you will reſtore, and which ſhould have been the ornament of his Gallary, ſhall be placed upon the top of this ſtately Sepulcher.

Ariſtheus cloſing up his Speech with a deep ſigh, he did communicate his ſorrows unto all his illuſtrious Auditors, all whom had extream compaſſion upon the lamentable deſtiny of Eliſa, and did participate in the ſorrows of Ariſtheus and Telamis: Doraliſa her ſelf, as hard-hearted as ſhe was, did finde a complement as ſorrow for Ariſtheus; after which all the company parted, and mourned for Eliſa: Cyrus collected this conſolation from the misfortunes of another, that he was forced to confeſs unto himſelf, the King of Phenicia was more unfortunate in his paſſion then himſelf, though he was alwayes accuſtomed to think himſelf the moſt unfortunate Lover in the world.

The end of the firſt Book.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. The Seventh Part. BOOK. II.

[Page]

Cyrus was no ſooner returned to the Cittadel, but his ſorrows aſſumed freſh forces to torment him, cauſed by the ſight of all theſe happy lovers about him, for whoſe felicity he had yet taken ſo much care; not but that he was ever a zealous wiſher of their happineſs; but comparing the ſtate of their Fortunes with his own, it was impoſſible but he ſhould ſigh to ſee the difference betwixt the one and the other; though he did confeſs unto himſelf, that he was leſs miſerable then the King of Phenicia, yet he ſaid alſo, that he was more unfortunate then all thoſe about him, but he ſaid it with ſuch ſenſibility of ſorrow, that had Mandana known the agony of his heart, ſhe would have chaſed all unjuſt jealouſie out of her own; for it is moſt certain, that never man did know how to love ſo perfectly as Cyrus. In the mean time, the Phenician Ambaſſador knowing the King his Maſter to be in ſuch a ſad condition, and having nothing elſe to do at Sardis, prepared for his departure, carrying the Statue of Eliſa with him, which Cyrus did accompany with Preſents, much more magnificent then thoſe he received: He writ alſo a Letter of thanks unto the King of Phenicia, for the thirty thouſand men which he offered, deſiring him to furniſh out in exchange of thoſe men as many Ships as he could for a ſecret deſign which he had imparted unto his Ambaſſador and Ariſtheus. Thus all the Phenicians, except Ariſtheus, departed infinitely ſatisfied with Cyrus: As for Ariſtheus, he ſtayed ſtill with this Prince for three reaſons; the firſt, becauſe the Ambaſſador of Phenicia and himſelf conceiving it would be advantageous unto their King to hold a good correſpondency with ſo great a Conquerour, they reſolved it to be expedient one ſhould remain with him to [...]iment the friendſhip betwixt them: The ſecond was, becauſe [Page] indeed Ariſtheus was ſo charmed with the virtue of Cyrus, that he was deſirous to be a longer admirer of him: And the third was the death of Eliſa, which having grieved him unto the very ſoul, he was not willing to return unto the place where he had ſeen her ſo often, and was never to ſee her again; and though he did dearly love one of Eliſa's friends, yet he reſolved to endure this abſence, eſpecially ſince Doraliſa did ſo very much reſemble her, as that one of them did com [...]ort him in the abſence of the other.

Thus the Phenician Ambaſſador departed, and Ariſtheus ſtayed: Alſo within a few daies after, the equipage of Seſoſtris and Timaretta being in a readineſs, thoſe two illuſtrious perſons departed from Cyrus, to return into Egypt, leaving behinde them ſo many charmed with their merit, and affectionate unto their intereſts, as they all did make a thouſand prayers for their felicity: The Princeſs of Phrigia, and the Princeſs Timaretta, did bid adieu in the language of ſighs, and all the Ladies of the Palace of Croeſſus were melted into tears: As for Seſoſtris, he expreſſed much ſorrow to leave Cyrus before he had releaſed Mandana, and in acknowledgment of the obligations he had unto him, for reſtoring unto him his dear Timaretta, and for ſaving his life, he left his Troops with him, and promiſed to oblige Amaſis to ſend him others. Cyrus for his part gave this generous Prince the moſt obliging language in the world, himſelf waiting upon the Princeſs Timaretta half a daies journey from Sardis, where they took their laſt adieu's; both Seſoſtris and Timaretta did carry themſelves ſo admirably well, and ſpoke in ſuch a noble manner, that it was not imagineable they ever were a Shepherd and Shepherdeſs: Cyrus alſo ſent many perſons of quality to conduct them unto their Ship which waited for them, having given unto Timaretta as many ſervants as ſhe could have had, if ſhe were at Thebes or Memphis.

After the departure of Seſoſtris and Timaretta, the reſtleſſneſs of Cyrus augmented, nor could he endure any converſation, but where Mandana was the ſubject of their diſcourſe: Mazares for his part, he was ſtill in a continual turbulency of thoughts, he imployed all his virtues to hinder himſelf from hating his Rival, and loving his Miſtreſs. As for Croeſſus, what joys ſoever he had at his being ſeated again on the throne: yet he every day had ſome apprehenſions of the difference between a vaſſal or tributary Kings, and a Soveraign or Independent Majeſty: As for Myrſiles, Love did more torment him then ambition, and his not daring to ſpeak unto Doraliſa of his Love, was inſupportable: yet he did ſo much fear to inſence that cruel hearted Lady, as he ſhuned her preſence, though it was a hell unto him to be where ſhe was not. In the mean time the Prince Artamas, and all thoſe happy Lovers whoſe ſorrows were changed into joys, they now had no other grief but in behalf of Cyrus, who indeed did merit their pity, both in conſideration of his high deſerts, and his great misfortunes. Some daies being paſſed over in continual turbulency of Spirit, the ſorrows of Cyrus redoubled; for he underſtood that Harpagus, who had orders from him, to bring back the Army which aided Thraſibulus to conquer his Domidions, was taken by the chief Officers of his Troops, and the matter was grown unto that height, as that they were divided into two parties, and came to blows; that there was many of them killed, and that thoſe who did not periſh in the buſineſs, not daring to appear before him, were almoſt all disbanded, reports flying that moſt of the Souldiers were gone into Cumes, whoſe Prince was ſaid to arm very faſt and ſtrongly. Cyrus alſo underſtood that Harpagus, in lieu of keeping his Troop in exact Diſcipline, did permit them all imagineable liberty; ſo that the Xanthians and the Caunians, though they were very well ſatisfied with Cyrus at the return of their Ambaſſadors, yet not finding effects anſwerable unto words, they were revolted, and had entred into league both offenſive and defenſive with the Prince of Cumes, who was levying a formidable Army. Cyrus therefore underſtanding, that he had loſt an Army, and that his Rival did daily fortifie himſelf, he was extreamly grieved; but that which made his ſorrows moſt inſupportable was, that he could do nothing without Ships, and that it was not poſſible to procure them as ſoon as he deſired. In the mean time, the ſeaſon of the year for war went on apace, eſpecially for a ſiege, which required a Navy, and the approaching Winter was not fit for it. But not enduring to be ſhut up in a Town whil'ſt he had any Enemie, at the field, he reſolved to look out a good diſtance from Sardis, though he durſt not look towards Cumes, nor ſeem to know that the Princeſs was there, until he had a Navy.

After h [...] had communicated this reſolution unto Mazares, and thoſe unto whom he [Page] uſed to impart his ſecrets, he gave orders for every thing accordingly: He left a conſiderable Garriſon in the Cittadel of Sardis; Croeſſus and Myrſiles prepared to follow him: The King of Phrigia, whoſe health was much impaired, was forced to obey Cyrus, who willed him to return unto Apamea, and carry thither with him his fair Daughter the Princeſs Palmis: As for the Prince Artamas, he would not leave him, do what he could.

Thus all this glorious Court broke up: But to ſee how Cyrus was loved of all who knew him; Ligdamis, Traſimedes, Menecrates, Parmenides, and Philiſtion, though they were almoſt uxorious Husbands, yet they quitted their new married Wives to follow this Prince unto the Wars, though he was very willing to diſpenſe with them. Thus Licaſta returned unto Patara with all her company, carrying alſo Arpalice with her, until the return of Thraſimedes: Candiope took upon her the charge of the fair Androclea unto the end of the Wars, where Liſias her Brother alſo was, and wanting none but Menophiles, the Husband of Licaſta to conduct them, though Cyrus ſent a guard with them. Cleomira alſo returned unto Epheſus with her Mother, and all the reſt of her friends, and all the Beauties parted with much ſorrow. Thus in the laſt three daies that Cyrus was at Sardis, there was none left in the Palace but Doraliſa, Pherenice, and Araminta; and they having no mind to ſtay there, they went unto an Aunt of Doraliſa's. Then during the laſt three daies, Cyrus went to viſit Araminta, to talk with her concerning his deareſt Mandana, Myrſiles went to ſee Doraliſa, to teſtifie his love unto her, and Ariſtheus did alſo viſit her in way of friendſhip, and to take the ſame delight in her perſon and ſpirit, which he uſed to admire in another: As for Cyrus, his diſcourſe with Araminta was upon nothing but his Princeſs: Somtimes he would make her relate unto him, how ſhe behaved her ſelf towards the King of Aſſiria, when ſhe was in Babilon and Sinope; afterwards to tell him, how ſhe carried her ſelf to the King of Pontus at Suſa and at Sardis: Though he knew all theſe things before, yet he thought that the time which could not be imployed in the ſervice of Mandana, ought to be ſpent in talking of her: As for the Prince Myrſiles, ſince he was upon his departure from Doraliſa, he muſt needs once more expreſs his affection to her, but though his deſign was ſo, yet as ſoon as he came to her his confidence had almoſt failed him, for he perceived in Doraliſa's countenance ſuch unquiet frowns, as he took them for ill Omens, and cauſed him to be ſilent, which did no leſs perplex Doraliſa then his language had, becauſe ſhe imagined by the diſorder of his ſoul, that if no company came in, he would begin to talk of that which ſhe had no mind to hear of; yet to prevent him, ſhe asked a hundred queſtions far off the buſineſs ſhe ſuſpected he would ſpeak of: At the firſt the Prince Myrſiles anſwered unto them, but being at laſt tired with ſuch and ſo many frivolous and impertinent queſtions, I beſeech you Doraliſa, ſaid he unto her, leave asking me ſuch queſtions, as neither concerns your intereſt nor mine, and give me leave to ask you ſome queſtions, which ſhall much import my tranquility, that you anſwer and anſwer favourably: To anſwer then Sir, replied ſhe, I do promiſe you I will, but I will not ingage my ſelf to anſwer favourably, before I know what you will ask: I deſire you to tell me ſincerely, ſaid he unto her, whether it be that natural auſterity which is alwayes in your Phyſiognomy, or whether you reject my affection, out of ſome averſion which you have to me? I beſeech you (added he) give me leave to ſpeak with the ſame freedome which you uſe unto your moſt faithful friends: Laſſure you Sir, (ſaid Doraliſa and interrupted him) that if I tell you nothing but what I tell my beſt friends, I ſhall not tell you any great ſecrets, ſince I do not love to open my ſelf unto any, nor do know any thing which I leſs underſtand, then this trick of confidence, which layes open all motions of the heart, all the thoughts of the mind, and all the reſentments of the ſoul unto thoſe that would know them; for I am perſwaded, that they uſe very often to ſay they think and reſent ſuch things as they did never think upon, or apprehend: For my part, I do confeſs, I am not of this humour; and let me tell you Sir, that they who would know my thoughts muſt gueſs at them, or know them by my actions, without any obliging me to tell them preciſely what they are, for I will never be ingaged to ſearch into the bottom of my heart, nor will I take ſo much pains my ſelf as to know what I think: For indeed (ſaid ſhe, to prevent the Prince Myrſiles from ſpeaking to her) I have often found in my ſelf, that I have had ſome friends whom I loved more then I thought to have loved, and alſo ſome other perſons whom I hated more then I thought I did: Ah Doraliſa, (ſaid this Prince) I fear that I am not of this laſt order: But I beſeech you, if it be ſo, let me directly know it, that I may regulate the courſe of my [Page] life, according unto thoſe thoughts you have of me: Hatred Sir, replied Doraliſa, is a thought which I ought not to entertain of a Prince, whoſe ſubject I am like to be: But Sir, to take the moſt rational courſe, be pleaſed to conceive of me as one that cannot love any: This Sir I conceive to be the only way conducing unto your tranquility and my own; yet notwithſtanding (added ſhe) I do not intend to throw off that reſpect which I owe you; but on the contrary, will be more obſervant of you then ever: Reſpect indeed (replied Myrſiles) ought to be an inſeparable companion of all a Lovers actions; but yet it is the moſt injurious word that any Lover can hear from the mouth of her he loves: One may reſpect his Maſter, or his Tyrant, but to reſpect an amorous Slave, ah Doraliſa, there is no example for this: This word reſpect, which you have pronounced, is only uſed as an umbrage unto that hatred or averſion of a man, whoſe capricious fortune rather then reaſon, hath ſet him above her whom he loves: But Sir, I beſeech you, (ſaid Doraliſa) Do not you know that you are the King of Lidia's Son? Doubtleſs you would forget it, if you did but know how much I am your Slave, as I wiſh you did: For ſince when I am in your preſence, I forget what I really am, and think my ſelf nothing unleſs your Lover, methinks you might do the like, and look upon me as I would have you: The Gods preſerve me Sir, replied Doraliſa ſharply, from doing as you ſay; for if I ſhould look now upon you as my Lover, and not as the King of Lidia's Son, I ſhould give moſt tart language, I ſhould forbid you ever to ſee me, and I ſhould moſt horribly hate you: But I hope Doraliſa, (ſaid this amorous Prince) you would not hate me. Since I have ſaid it before I was aware (replied Doraliſa with a moſt ſcornful and indifferent ſmile) I will not unſay it again: But Sir (ſaid ſhe and bluſht for anger) there is a vaſt interval between hatred and love: So I were but in a ſtate of indifferency, anſwered he, I ſhould not diſpair of my happineſs, but ſhould ſtill hope: Of all the thoughts, which the paſſion whereof you ſpeak (replied ſhe) can infuſe into the heart of a Lover, there is not one methinks ſo offenſive unto the perſon Love, as hope is; therefore Sir, I would adviſe you, never to entertain it: What then, replied he, would you have me do? I would have you, if this word be not too free (replied ſhe) never to tell me again of this which I ought not to underſtand, nor will give any ear unto without extream anger: For the truth is Sir, I am of ſuch a Spirit, as though I did not hate a man who loved me, yet I would never have him tell me of it: There is nothing in the world ſo tyreth my patience as a Lovers talk, I beſeech you judg then, whether I ought to ſuffer you to ſpeak as you do; therefore Sir regulate your mind, that you may regulate your language; and let me rejoyce at the glory which you will get in the War, and not make me hate you at your return: To enable me unto the acquiſition of glory (replied he) and to think of any return, I had need hope for more of your eſteem, and to find you leſs ſevere at my return then when I leave you. As they were thus in diſcourſe, Cyrus and Ariſtheus entered, who coming from bidding adieu unto Arianita, came alſo to make his laſt viſit unto Doraliſa, who received the honour with as much reſpect as joy. This amiable Lady was exceedingly grieved to ſee him ſo unfortunate, and wiſhed earneſtly for a period unto all his miſeries, and for the liberty of Mandana, which was the whole ſubject of their diſcourſe.

Since every houre ſeemed an Age unto Cyrus, till he was in the head of an Army, his viſit was not long; but ſince he did not know that the Prince Myrſiles was in Love with Doraliſa, he did him an ill office, for he carried that Prince away with him, to talk upon ſomthing which he would have the King his Father do, before he went from Sardis. Thus was Doraliſa delivered from a vexatious viſit, not but that ſhe did extreamly eſteem the Prince Myrſiles, but it was becauſe there was ſuch natural auſterity in her heart, as was oppoſite unto all kinde of Gallantries, and certainly it was a moſt difficult task to be a Lover of Doraliſa's, and not diſpleaſe her: However, Ariſtheus having a particular eſteem of her, did bid his laſt adieu by himſelf, and rendred her a viſit the next morning, which laſted until night: As this converſation was long, ſo was it very delighting, and he finding the demention of her Spirit, could not chuſe but have ſuch affectionate thoughts of her, as his heart was capable of, which being neither love nor friendſhip, yet had all the gallantry of the firſt, and the paſſionate tenderneſs of the ſecond; and as long as he ſtayed at Sardis, he held her in the rank of thoſe unto whom he had ſuch an affection as wanted a name, becauſe it was never found in any but Ariſtheus; and indeed he was ſo full of his adulatory and obliging expreſſions, and delivered them in ſuch a manner, that ſhe had not the power to be angry; but though ſhe was not angry when Ariſtheus talked [Page] to her, yet ſhe could not endure that Arianita and Pherenice ſhould upbraid her with this illuſtrious Conqueſt, and that they ſhould ſay ſhe was not ſorry for making it; yet Ariſtheus parted upon very good terms from her: After which, he prepared himſelf to wait upon Cyrus, until he heard from the King of Phenicia, after the arrival of that Ambaſſador, who carried away the Statne of Eliſa: As for Andramites, he was not ſo happy as Ariſtheus, for he could not have the honour of bidding her adieu in private, but ſhe ſhunned him. In the mean time Cyrus, after he had left Hidaſpes to command in the Cittadel of Sardis, departed in the Company of Creſſus and Myrſiles: Thus the Conquered went to war with the Conqueror; thoſe few Lidian Troops that were fit for ſervice, were diſtributed into ſeveral Regiments of Cyrus his Army, who was no ſooner in the Field, but he made a Muſter; but he was extreamly troubled to find, that except the Perſian Troops there was not one compleat, and he found by experience, that drowſie reſt had conſumed his Army more then any two Battels: So that underſtanding the league which was made againſt him began to be very ſtrong, and finding his own to be weak, both by disbanded Souldiers, and by Garriſons which he was forced to leave in conquered places, he was grieved to the very ſoul. Moreover, conſidering his deſign of beſieging Cumes, he found it a piece of as great difficulty as was imaginable, and greater then his Love did at the firſt permit him to apprehend; he knew that a great part of his Army muſt be incamped upon the black and barren Mountains, where no accommodation was to be found; and another part in moriſh and boggy places, and all in water: He knew alſo, that there was nothing to be found about Cumes neceſſary for the incampment of an Army, that the nakedneſs and ſtirility of the place would not afford the Souldiers any Tents, nor any wood to make themſelves Huts; that the Cavalry would find no fitting Quarters, nor any forrage; and that, according to all intelligence, no Army could lye three daies before Cumes and not periſh, the difficulty of getting victuals rendred the deſign impoſſible, for there was no coming by Land but on one ſide which the Sea did often overflow; to bring in by Sea was dangerous, becauſe the Coaſt was without Ports, and that in a tempeſt there was no landing; So that this great Prince did ſee, that if any ſtorm came and laſted but three daies, he ſhould be forced to raiſe the Siege: Beſides all theſe conſiderations, he ſaw there was no hope of taking Cumes unleſs it were by ſtopping up the very mouth of the Port, nor any other way to hinder the King of Pontus from carrying away the Princeſs Mandana the third time; yet he extreamly feared, that as the ſeaſon was, the Ships he had would not be able to keep the Seas ſo neer the Land without eminent danger of Shipwrack, by reaſon of the winds which commonly were alwayes high towards the end of Autumn: Moreover, the place it ſelf was extraordinary ſtrong, all the inhabitants were provided, the publique Magazines were full, and which of all was moſt conſiderable, this place was to be defended not only by the King of Pontus, who was both valiant and amorous, and by the Prince of Cumes, who was a man of courage, and affected glory, but alſo by another of high valour and experience, who was ſo exceedingly veried in the military art of keeping places, as he hath vaunted, that he would give a ſtop to the Conqueſts of the Conqueror of all Aſia, and that he would have the honour to hinder him from vanquiſhing, whom none could ever yet reſiſt: But how huge ſoever theſe difficulties ſeemed, yet the love of Cyrus unto Mandana and unto glory, did ſurmount them all, yet notwithſtanding the ſtirility of the place unto which he was to carry his Army did diſquiet his thoughts, out of his fears that the Country could not afford ſubſiſtance ſo long as to take Cumes, and the cutting off a communication which this Town had with others, that might furniſh them with victuals, did much trouble him: Alſo he apprehended, that the enemy might fall upon Thybarra, which he took in the beginning of the Spring: But after all, when this Prince had conſidered all theſe inconveniencies, he reſolved to uſe all remedies to overcome them; he gave orders for the ſubſiſtance of his Army, to fortifie all his Garriſons towards Cumes: He diſpoſed his Troops in ſuch ſort, and dividing them into many little bodies, he concealed his deſign from the enemies, yet alwayes quartered them ſo as he could eaſily call them together again when he pleaſed: And to make ſure of Thybarra, he reſolved to fortifie it, whilſt he expected news from Thraſibulus, in whom he truſted more then in any other [...]or the ſending ſome Ships unto unto him. This deſign was no ſooner reſolved upon, but marching towards this Town, he put it in execution with ſuch prodigious diligence and ingenuity, as it may be ſaid, that the fortifications of Thybarra were ſooner finiſhed by Cyrus, then any other could have contrived this plot; he himſelf made choice [Page] of thoſe who were to work, and for the more expedition, he ſet on the Souldiers; he appointed in every quarter a man of command to overſee the works in that place; the horſe were appointed to cut and bring Stakes and Faggots which were to bear up the earth which was removed; and for the better mannaging of their time, whilſt they were fortifying the Town, they victualled it alſo; and in order to that, all the Peſants round about Thybarra were ſummoned to bring in proviſion, he appointed ſome to conduct them, others to take an account, and others to put them in the publique Magazines, never was ſeen more haſte and more order; never was ſeen at one time a huge Army, a whole Town, and almoſt a whole Country follow the will of one ſingle man with ſuch exactneſs, and ſo much regularity: 'Tis true; Cyrus himſelf was preſent ordering the works, with ſuch ſingular ingenuity, and ſo well obeyed, that in fourteen daies Thybarra was fortified, victalled, and furniſhed with all manner of military ammunition, and the Prince ready to march as ſoon as he could receive any news of his Ships, and the anſwer of Ciaxares. His impatience to accompliſh an enterprize, which if it took effect, might releaſe Mandana, and get him glory, made every minute ſeem an Age unto him, yet he did not wait above eight daies for the joyful news which he ſo much longed for with ſo much ardour; for then he received orders from Ciaxares, which preſcribing nothing unto him poſitively, ſeemed to refer the whole enterprize unto his conduct, and immediately after he received aſſurance from Thraſibulus, that he himſelf would go in perſon with ten Ships into the Channel of Cumes at what day he ſhould appoint, aſſuring him, that this number was ſufficient to block up the Port, without any imploying the Prince of Mytilene: So that Cyrus being even raviſhed with joy, did preſently communicate this news unto the Prince Mazares. But ſince Cyrus feared that this number of Ships which Thraſibulus would bring, would not be ſufficient to prevent the King of Pontus from carrying out Mandana from Cumes, by drawing ſome Barque along the Land in the night; therefore he gave orders to provide many little Veſſels out of the Ports neereſt hand; and indeed they procured twelve from one place, two from another, and one from another, cauſing alſo as many Barques and Boats to be provided as he could: So that making up a great Fleet of petty Slips, he ſent them to joyn with Thraſibulus, appointing that Leontidas ſhould command them under the Prince of Mylet.

After this, Cyrus made no ſecret of his deſign, but called a Councel of War, at which the King of Lidia, the King of Hircania, the Prince Artamas, Mazares, Myrſiles, Perſodes, Gobrias, Gadates, Anaxaris, and many others were preſent; but there was not one of them which dorred at the difficulty of the enterprize, ſeeing it was a thing reſolved upon, and a thing which Cyrus deſired with ſo much earneſtneſs: So that the buſineſs of the Councel being only to conſult of the way how to advance their reſolved deſign, every one had orders to prepare himſelf for a departure the next morning, during which time one thing befel Cyrus, which ſeemed a happy preſage, for the valiant Megabates, and the generous Clearques, incited by a Spur of honour, departed from Phenicia, as ſoon as they underſtood by the Letters of the Kings Ambaſſador; that Cyrus would be preſently in the Field, and came unto the Camp, deſiring to be partakers of thoſe perils unto which ſo great a Prince would expoſe himſelf, to the end they might be ſharers alſo of ſome part of that glory which he ſhould get. Ariſtheus being extreamly joyed at the arrival of theſe two friends, made it known unto Cyrus who they were, though this Prince did already know them very well, by the deſcription of Telamis, when he related the hiſtory of Eliſa: Alſo he received them with much joy, and with the ſame civility which he uſed unto all men of extraordinary merit: But in gaining Megabates and Clearques, he loſt Ariſtheus, who at the ſame time received orders from the King of Phenicia to thank Cyru for all his favours, and to return unto Tire, he having no more buſineſs to imploy him in about Cyrus, for ſome reaſons which he mentioned in his Letter; ſo that this excellent man parted from this great Prince ſooner then he intended, but he parted from him ſo extreamly ſatisfied with his Spirit, with his generoſity, with his courteſie, and with all his qualities, as he hath ſince confeſſed, that never ſince he knew the world, had he ever ſeen or heard a man ſo fit to repreſent the grandure of Heroes, and even of the Gods, as Cyrus; adding, that his acquaintance with this Prince hath extreamly elevated his ſpirit, and made him able to end his Poem better then he had began it. In the mean time Ariſtheus, after he had taken his leave of Cyrus, and bad adieu unto all thoſe Princes who infinitely eſteemed him, he departed from Thybarra, and though it was not his neereſt way to returnunto Sardis, yet the eſteem which he had of [Page] Doraliſa, perſwading him, that it was the neereſt, he took that way in his return to Tire. But as the arrival of theſe two valiant Phenicians was a happy preſage unto Cyrus; ſo the arrival of a ſervant, which went with him whom he ſent unto Cumes, gave him a moſt certain aſſurance of happy ſucceſs in his enterprize, for by him he received a Letter from Marteſia, wherein he found theſe words.

MARTESIA unto the illuſtrious CYRUS.

SIR,

THe carrying away of the Princeſs Araminta, which I have made known unto the Princeſs Mandana, having juſtified you in her reſentments, I thought it my devoire to acquaint you with it, to the end you might tranſact with the more joy for the libertie of a perſon who repents her ſelf of the injuſtice which ſhe hath done you, yet it is without her participation that I give you this intelligence; but yet I am confident, that if ſhe did know it, ſhe would eaſily pardon me for taking th [...]s freedome to write unto you, ſince certainly the reaſon why ſhe her ſelf does not write is, becauſe her great heart will not permit her to confeſs that ſhe has done you wrong. However Sir, be at quiet concerning the King of Pontus, and be moſt confident, that if Cumes ſhould prove ſo impregnable unto you, as the heart of Mandana is unto him, you will never releaſe her, nor by conſequence

MARTESIA.

The reading of this Letter made Cyrus ſo full of joys, that he forgot almoſt all his paſt misfortunes, and hope did inſpire his Spirit, that maugre all the diſmal Oracles which he had received, and in ſpite of all thoſe bug-bear difficulties which he foreſaw in the Siege of Cumes, he did not queſtion his happy ſucceſs. In the mean time he asked this ſervant who was of the intelligence, how he came by this Letter; and what was the ſtate of things in the Town? To the firſt he anſwered, that his Maſter gave him the Letter without telling him how he had it; and to the reſt he gave him full inſtructions of all that he deſired to know▪ for by it he underſtood the order which was kept in the Town, and how they guarded the Princeſs, who is as much unknown in Cumes, as if ſhe were here, and ſo is the King of Pontus: He told him alſo, that the Enemies Army prepared to relieve Cumes, when the Siege was ſet down, and that Pactias, and one whoſe name was Licambes did command it; adding alſo, to the inſtructions which he gave unto Cyrus, that by the orders which was eſtabliſhed at the Gates of the Town the ſame day he came away, it would be hereafter almoſt impoſſible for his Maſter to give him any intelligence: After this, Cyrus conſulted with himſelf, whether he ſhould ſhew Marteſia's Letter unto the Prince Mazares, but he reſolved to ſhew him only the inſtructions concerning the ſtate of things; for though the happineſs of a Rival does commonly quench the flames of Love in the heart of an ill-treated Lover, yet it does not alwayes ſo, for ſomtimes jealouſie does awaken that paſſion, and in lieu of ſtifling doth revive it: So that not to put the Prince Mazares unto ſo much torment, as to know the mind of Mandana, he would not ſhew him the Letter. In the mean time, the day of departure being come, and the Army at the Rendezvouz, Cyrus thought fit to divide it into three bodies, ordering the March ſo, that the Ships of Thraſibulus ſhould be in the mouth of the Port, before he appeared in ſight of the Town. Thus his march might be the more eaſie, more ſpeedy, and more orderly: Theſe three bodies being able to arrive, almoſt all at once, and fall upon Cumes in an inſtant, Cyrus would take that way towards the Sea, as that wherein was moſt danger, becauſe the Enemy was that way incamped, he had under his diviſion the Perſians, the Medeans, the Cappadocians, and all the Homotimes: The Hircanian Cavalry were alſo with him, Cyrus having forced Clearques to command a part of them in lieu of an Officer newly dead; for as for Megabates, he would fight under Cyrus as a Voluntier. Since all theſe Troops which he had made choice of, had couragiouſly and faithfully ſerved under him in all his Conqueſts, he had a great confidence in them.

[Page] The other diviſion which was commanded by the Prince Mazares, and which took upon the left hand, were compoſed of Aſſirian, Armenian, and Egiptian Troops: The third commanded by the Prince Artamas, conſiſted of Gilician and Suſanian Troops, and of all thoſe who were levied in the new conquered Country: The Artilary was commanded by Perſodes, and Cyrus did not think it fit that Croeſſus ſhould have any command in his Army, nor would he permit the King of Hircania to have any, leſt there ſhould be any jealouſie or envy between them; ſo that theſe two Kings kept alwayes in the quarters of Cyrus, and were in all the Councels which were held. The march of theſe three Bodies was ſo juſt and even, that they came at one very inſtant before Cumes, the ſcituation whereof was very ſtrange, for it was ſeated between two great hills of Sand by the Sea ſide, which ſeemed Mountains of Snow to thoſe who ſaw them at a diſtance: On the Eaſt it looked towards Thybarra, or the South Mylet; Xanthes on the Weſt, and the Sea upon the North: Its Territory was of no large extent, all their commodities came to it by Sea: This Town alſo was divided into two, the Inhabitants diſtinguiſhing themſelves by the names of the old Town, and the new; but that which rendred it the moſt conſiderable was, that it had but one Port and one Channel able to contain a huge Navy in ſafety: This is it which rendred that Town ſo formidable to all her Neighbours; As ſoon as Cyrus ſpied the ſtately Temple of Neptune which was in Cumes, and which ſpired ſo high that it might be ſeen far off, he was extreamly glad. This is the place, ſaid [...] to himſelf where I muſt either die or deliver my Princeſs: After which, he diſtributed quarters unto the Army, and that with ſo much judgment, that in all likelyhood the Enemy could neither relieve the Town nor force his Camp, lying ln ſuch a poſture, as that he might win a Battel whilſt he was beſieging a Town. This Prince having circumſpectly obſerved all about Cumes, and found that there was ſome places which defended themſelves, and others which were very hard to be kept, he gave all neceſſary orders to fortifie thoſe places by art which nature had laid open: He alſo built a Bridg over the Channel, and thereby had communication between his Quarters, for the more eaſie paſſage of victuals: So that Thraſibulus with his Ship ſailing at the ſame time into the Port of Cumes, the Town was in an inſtant beſieged: The next morning Cyrus began his line of circumulation, at which all the Souldiers wrought with incredible earneſtneſs; the preſence of the Prince did ſo invigorate them, that they wrought and never were weary. But to the end that the work might be more firm, he covered the ſides of the line with Turf, which did concatinate the looſeneſs of the Sand: He would have had a ſecond line to fortifie the firſt; but the Banks of Sand being of an unequal height, and ſo many of them which might command the Camp, he was forced to take in all thoſe hills, and by conſequence was forced to inlarge his works very far: It chanced alſo, that there was one of theſe Sandy hills in the Quarters of Mazares, which being much higher then the reſt, the Enemy might much annoy the Camp, Cyrus therefore ſeized upon it, and made a Fort upon the top of this hill, and with a line did draw it within the line of circumulation.

But after all this, the Sea banks were unfortified, which was as requiſite to be done as any thing elſe, for otherwiſe all the reſt of their works were in vain; and yet the Sand being ſo looſe in that place, they knew not how to do it; for though this Sea hath neither Flux or Reflux as the Ocean hath, yet it did riſe more or leſs, according as the winde did waft the waves, and did ſomtimes ſo impetuouſly daſh againſt the Banks, that ſomething more ſolid then Sand muſt be imployed to make it abide its violence; and therefore Cyrus, to whom nothing was impoſſible, did drive in abundance of piles and ſtakes, which ſtopped the paſſage of the Enemy, and ſo faſt, that the Waves could not ſtir them; yet this was not done without much difficulty, for thoſe of Cumes did cut a great Rock which kept in the Sea at the furtheſt end of their Town, hoping hereby to overflow the paſſage whereby Cyrus was to bring his Victuals, and indeed the Land having a deſcent from that place, their deſign had taken, and the Army had been put to a great neceſſity of victuals, if Cyrus had not prevented this inconvenience, by driving abundance more piles, and rowling great ſtones, filled up with Sand and wreck, which made a new Barracadoe to Waves that would have flowed from thence: This work of giving limits to the Sea, (ſeemed to proceed from a ſupernatural power. Theſe works of grand importance only did not take up the mind of this Prince, but alſo the leaſt things were as well conſidered by him, he himſelf was twice every day at the place where the victuals was, that he might ſee the diviſion juſt, and that none ſhould have any cauſe to complain, it was [Page] his uſual expreſſion, that great enterprizes could never be happily executed, unleſs a care was had unto trivial as well as important things; but the wonder was to ſee, that though this Prince had a thouſand ſeveral cares upon him, yet he had ſuch a admirable freedome of Spirit, and ſo much blithneſs in his eyes, as infuſed much joy into all the Army, and did ſo envigorate the Spirits of thoſe that wrought, as in four daies, maugre the rain; the winde, or any inconveniency, the lines were finiſhed, the Sea-banks fortified, the inundation of the Waves ſtopped, and all the Sandy hills put into a poſture of defence: Never was ſeen ſuch great works in ſo ſhort a time, nor did ever Prince merit more glory then Cyrus did at this time. In the mean time, Love was ſo predominate in his ſoul, that in giving all theſe orders, he ſtill thought how he gave them for Mandana, and that by making theſe works he hindred his Rival for carrying away his Princeſs; and conſidering that if his deſign proſpered, he ſhould ſee Mandana at liberty, and his Rival in his fetters, he was full of unexpreſſible joyes: But as high as his hopes and his joyes were, Mazares on the contrary was all ſorrows, to ſee how he laboured for another, and that he was delivering Mandana to loſe her, but could never hope for the leaſt fruit of his Victory: However, ſince he had fixed his reſolutions, that his virtue ſhould ſurmount his Love, he endeavoured to compoſe his minde, and to think of nothing but how to relieve Mandana to loſe her, but could never hope for the leaſt fruit of his victory: However, ſince he had fixed his reſolutions, that his virtue ſhould ſurmount his Love, he endeavoured to compoſe his minde, and to think of nothing but how to relieve Mandana. Thus forcing his heart and Spirit by his extream generoſity, Cyrus and he agreed very well together, and talked of the Siege, and what was beſt to be done, as if they had an equal intereſt in the taking of Cumes: The greateſt admiration of theſe two Princes was, that the King of Aſſiria did not appear amongſt them; nor ſo much as ſent unto them: As long as we were at Sardis, ſaid Cyrus, and knew nothing where the Princeſs Mandana was, I did not wonder to hear nothing of him: But now, ſince the Army is marched, hath been at Thybarra, and turned towards Cumes, he muſt needs know where our Princeſs is, and ſhould joyn with us, to have his ſhare in the glory of releaſing her: For my part (anſwered Mazares) I muſt needs confeſs I cannot imagine his reaſon, for he was not uſed to give his Rivals any advantage; and therefore, ſince he appears not, I neither know what to ſay or think of his abſence: Doubtleſs it is very hard to conceive, replied Cyrus, But may he not be in Cumes? (added he in a rapture of a ſad apprehenſion) If he were there, (anſwered Mazares) he whom you ſent thither would know him, and would have given you a hint of it in the intelligence which he ſent you: Let it be then concluded, replied Cyrus, that we cannot gueſs where he is, and let us believe that whereſoever he be, he plots our ruine. Things being upon theſe terms in the Camp of Cyrus, the Enemies Army being certainly informed that Cumes was beſieged; they met in a place where the Commanders thought moſt fit to conſult upon the beſt courſe, and to execute it as ſoon as it was reſolved upon. Since they were very neer the Camp, they hoped to relieve Cumes; for conſidering the diſcommodities of the incampment, and the badneſs of the weather enough to ruine any Army, they thought that the Army of Cyrus would be ſo weakened by their hard working, and being encloſed between them and the Garriſon of the Town, it might be eaſily overthrown by freſh forces; yet the very name of Cyrus being terrible unto them, they reſolved to ſend out a Party of Horſe to take ſome priſoners, to the end they might have more certain knowledg of their Enemies condition: But at the ſame time, they trimmed and tackled up a great company of Ships, with intention to enter the Port of Cumes by force of Sail, if the windes were favourable, in ſpite of Thraſibulus his Fleet. In the mean time, Cyrus like a great Captain did foreſee, that if the Siege laſted long, his Army would decay, that it might be beaten, and that he might fail in taking Cumes, he reſolved to ſhorten the Siege by force, and to aſſault it with unreſiſtable fury; and certainly this deſign was full of reaſon, for victuals would quickly fail, and the Sea was ſo rough, that the Barques which brought them were often ſplit in landing: Moreover, it was almoſt continual ruine, and Winter came on ſo faſt, that the Souldier endured much hardſhip; the impetuoſity of the winde would ſomtimes blow ſuch a cloud of duſty Sand upon all the Camp, as blinded them; their Tents and Huts were all weather-beaten, and many of the Souldiers did lye in mud; beſides all this, they muſt be continually working to repair what the Sea ſpoiled, and to keep the Ditch from being filled up; ſo that fortune; ill weather, and hard labour, began already to bring divers [Page] diſeaſes into the Camp. In the mean, Cyrus foreſeeing all theſe inconveniencies was not diſmayed, but endeavoured to ſurmount them by ſtorming Cumes, and ſo to ſhorten the buſineſs: He very prudently conſidered, that he ſhould looſe fewer men by hazarding a fight, then by a long Siege: So that this being the reſolution, Cyrus contrived the execution: In order to which, as ſoon as the intrenchments were finiſhed, he went to diſcover all the places where the Town might be beſt aſſaulted, Mazares and Artamas followed him, and after good conſideration, he reſolved upon two ſeveral aſſaults, and prepared for the execution of ſo great a deſign, before the Enemy could oppoſe them, becauſe they were very buſie in their works of defence: Mazares and Artamas were the firſt who fought in erecting a Sconce to facilitate the aſſault, but the Enemy being fully reſolved to diſlodg them, did ſally upon them ſo ſharply, as they came thrice that night to the charge, and that with ſuch vigor, as it was evident that thoſe Souldiers were commanded by ſuch Officers who were reſolved to make a gallant defence: Anaxaris who was in this buſsle did miracles, and did moſt contribute to the repairing of that Bank of Sand, where the Sconce was made: But in the laſt ſally which the enemy made to drive them off, this valiant ſtranger being very forward to repulſe them was taken Priſoner, and carried unto the Town, but after a three houres hot diſpute, Victory declared her ſelf for the beſiegers, and the Sconce was made before night, able to hold three hundred men: There was killed, wounded, & taken Priſoners of both ſides, but the misfortune of Anaxaris did moſt ſenſibly perplex Cyrus: On the other ſide of the Town the aſſault was in a much more readineſs, for in a ſhort time the Beſiegers had gained the Counterſcarp, and things went as well as Cyrus could wiſh. In the mean time intelligence was brought, that the Enemies Army was upon their march, and ſeemed as if they intended to offer battel. Cyrus no ſooner heard this news, but he prepared to receive them: But to prevent ſurprizal, he ſent out Scouts, and was preſently given to underſtand that it was a falſe alarum grounded upon what ſome Peſants had ſeen, who ſeeing a good Party of the Enemies ſent out to take ſome Priſoners, thought them to be the Vantguard of their Army: But the wonder was, that the noiſe of the Enemies march to relieve Cumes, ſhould never move the ſoul of Cyrus, nor diſmay the Souldiers, but all ſtood in excellent order to receive them: The aſſault continued, as if this Allarum had never been, and Clearques who ſhewed himſelf moſt bravely, was already got upon the Counterſcarp, when the Enemy out of their Trenches ſent Clouds of Arrows upon the Pioniers; after which they came to handy blows, and a much more terrible and bloody fight there was then that before, and the confuſion was ſo great, that none knew which were Conquerours, or which conquered; which friends, which Enemies. Cyrus being advertiſed of this diſorder; went thither immediately, being followed by Megabates, Thraſimedes, Ligdamis, Aglatidas, and all the reſt of the Voluntiers; and he was no ſooner in the midſt of this danger, but his preſence diſperſed all fears, he gave new hearts to his Souldiers, damped the Enemies, reeſtabliſhed the order, and went on with the work But whilſt things were in this condition on the Beſiegers ſide, thoſe who commanded the Enemies Army were in a great perplexity, for though their Army was ſufficiently numerous, yet after they knew from the Priſoners which they had taken the manner of the works, they thought themſelves not able to force them, eſpecially having to do with a Prince who was as prudent as valiant: Yet ſince Pactias knew, that the King of Pontus would never pardon him if they attempted nothing for his relief; and ſince Lycambes thought it would go againſt the Hair of his honour, to ſtand ſtill with his hands in his pocket, they reſolved to ſeem at leaſt as if they would do ſomthing, though when they conſidered that they were to cope with the moſt valiant Prince in the world, a Prince accuſtomed to vanquiſh, whoſe men were admirably diſciplined, whoſe reputation robbed their Souldiers of their hearts, and whoſe capacity left them no hopes that he would commit any error which might facilitate their deſign: all theſe I ſay conſidered, they thought it madneſs to attempt any thing againſt him, and they confeſſed it folly, ever to hope for any good iſſue in their attempt: But making a ſhow as if they would make ſome attempt, they marched as [...]f they would aſſault the lines, themſelves ſpreading a report of it, to ſee many tumult would chance in the Camp, which might encourage them to fall on. Cyrus hearing this went out of the works with a Body of Cavalrie, and ſome Voluntiers, [...]rm himſelf, and [...]e them, before they aſſaulted him; but he was [...]y amazed when he ſaw only ſigns of quitting their Quarters, and when he under [...] [...]ould [...]ers [...]ed behinde, that Pactias and Lycambes underſtanding [...] o [...] the wor [...]; did think it impoſſible to [...]orce them, and that it were [Page] better to keep their Forces to defend the reſt of the Country, then to loſe them in relieveing Cumes, which they could not hinder from being taken: So that Cyrus having vanquiſhed without a blow, returned into the Camp with freſh hopes of carrying the Town, and ſpeedy releaſing of Mandana. In the mean time, the beſieged did defend it with moſt reſolute valour, and ſo ſtiffly, that they could not get a foot of ground without a ſharp combat for it: The King of Pontus ſeemed to be indefatigable, and took all the pains which is inſeparable from Sieges: The Prince of Cumes, his liberty being at ſtake, did fight with invincible courage; ſo that it may well be ſaid, that never did aſſailants fall on with more vigour, nor ever any aſſailed defend themſelves more valiantly: 'Tis true, the King of Pontus had ſuch a Sea of ſorrows flowing upon him, as the courage of any but himſelf would have been overwhelmed; for indeed the more ſubmiſs he was unto Mandana, the more unalterable ſhe was; yet for all his ſorrows, he treated Anaxaris very well in his Priſon, who obtained all the liberty of the Caſtle where Mandana was, except permiſſion to ſee her: But ſince he retained the Idea of her beauty in his memory, ever ſince the time he ſaw her in the Caſtle of Hermes, when ſhe releaſed Cyrus, he ſought out for an opportunity of ſeeing her again, and eaſily found it; for Marteſia having ſeen him in the Caſtle Court out of her Chamber Window, and knowing by the Guards that he was a Priſoner, ſhe had a great deſire to ſpeak with him, and to enquire concerning Cyrus; ſhe cunningly gained the hearts of her Guard, and perſwaded them upon ſome pretence which ſhe invented, to bring him into the little Garden where the Princeſs and ſhe had liberty to walk, and to tell him, that there was a Lady of his Party who deſired, to ſpeak with him. Since the King of Pontus and the Prince of Cumes were continually buſie about the defence of the Walls, they were not ſo circumſpect as to minde every thing; ſo that they entirely truſted a ſingle and diſarmed Priſoner with the Guards which they had appointed over him. Then Anaxaris coming into the Garden unperceived, but he ſaw Marteſia, who no ſooner ſaw him, but ſhe advanced towards him with a bluſh: Though I have not the honour to know you, (ſaid ſhe unto him after the firſt ſalute) yet I have ſome hopes to obtain a favour from you; for ſince you have ventured your life for that Princeſs whom I ſerve, and have endeavoured her liberty at the price of your own, I may well believe you will not deny me the fauour to tell me how that Prince doth, who muſt be both her Deliverer and ours, and to tell me in what condition you left the illuſtrious Cyrus. Anaxaris hearing Marteſia ſpeak thus, anſwered her with as much civility, as ſpirit, that he would moſt joyfully obey ſuch a Lady as her ſelf; adding, that though he was not in a condition to imploy his courage for the Princeſs Mandana's releaſement, yet he would acquaint her what Cyrus did for her. After this, Marteſia asking him a hundred queſtions, he informed her of all that Cyrus ever did, ſince the taking of Sardis, unto the carrying away of the Princeſs Araminta, and ſince her carrying away until the Siege of Cumes, with all poſſible aggravations that might be advantagious unto that Prince; So that Marteſia, who did much intereſt her ſelf in the happineſs of Cyrus, and who was exceeding glad to find any ſubject which might eradicate all memory of that unjuſt jealouſie which Mandana had out of her Spirit, ſhe reſolved to contrive it ſo, that Anaxaris might ſee her; and indeed, after ſhe had thanked him, and obliged him to tell his name, ſhe deſired him to return the next day at the ſame hour unto the ſame place, where the Princeſs Mandana might underſtand from his mouth all he had told her: She had no ſooner made this requeſt unto Anaxaris, but he expreſſed abundance of joy, aſſuring her ſhe would do him the greateſt favour in the world, in letting him have the honour of ſeeing Mandana: After which, going out the ſame way he entred, Marteſia went unto the Princeſs to acquaint her with all the ſtory, but eſpecially with what concerned the carrying away of the Princeſs Araminta, obſerving to her, how Cyrus had contented himſelf to give fifty horſes unto Spitridates, and would not go himſelf to follow her Raviſher, but returned unto Sardis, in expectation of thoſe whom he had ſent unto Epheſus, Gnides, and many other places to enquire news of her ſelf. And Madam, ſaid Marteſia, it is impoſſible to meet with a more exact relation then I have, for this honeſt ſtranger told me, that he was with Cyrus, when he firſt knew of Araminta's carrying away.

This circumſtance created ſuch a freſh curioſity in Mandana to ſee Anaxaris, as ſhe reſolved to make good Marteſia's promiſe: But yet ſaid Mandana unto her, who is this which you would have me ſee? Madam, replied ſhe, though he told me not his name, nor who he is, yet I am moſt certain, that he is a man of ſome very high quality, I ſee [Page] it by his garb, his behaviour, and his action, alſo by his manner of ſpeaking; and I ſee it alſo plainly, by what Cyrus told him; that he is ſuch a man as I ſpeak of: But I pray, ſaid Mandana, doth Cyrus think he can take Cumes and releaſe us? Truly Madam, replied ſhe, I was ſo inquiſitive of what concerned Araminta, to the end I might fully juſtifie the illuſtrious Cyrus in your opinion, as I muſt confeſs, that I talked not a word of the Siege, ſuppoſing, and with reaſon, that ſince Cyrus beſiegeth Cumes, he will infallibly take it: Ah Marteſia (ſaid Mandana and bluſht) in deſiring to juſtifie Cyrus, you ſtrangely accuſe me, ſince you do thereby upbraid me with my weakneſs, or an humour which may be termed jealouſie: Did you but know Marteſia (added ſhe) how much aſhamed I am, you would not ſpeak of it any more; for truly I can hardly abſolve my ſelf, for letting Cyrus ſo raſhly know the anger which I conceived againſt him, when I thought he preferred Araminta before me; and though my thoughts of diſpleaſure againſt him were rather reſentments of glory then any real jealouſie, yet I muſt confeſs he might interpret what I writ as he pleaſed: For my part Madam (replied Marteſia and ſmiled) were I in lieu of that Prince, I ſhould rather to my conſolation think that you were jealous, then that you were proud: The more you ſpeak, replied Mandana, the more you make me aſhamed, and let me ſee my folly in truſting too much to my ſelf: For truly Marteſia, Do you remember the time when Cyrus was only Artamenes? The time, I ſay, when Feraulas thinking him dead, did bring me a Declaration of his Love, that I read it in tears and was not angry, becauſe I thought that Artamenes was dead? I remember it very well Madam, replied Marteſia, nor have I forgot how pity then would not permit you to be angry wit [...]him: Then you have not forgot, added Mandana, at what a non-plus I was when Artamenes was received, and how I thought never to ſee him, becauſe I imagined he would come to know how I ſteeped his Letter in my tears: Judg now, I pray you, if he ſhall be ſo happy as to take Cumes, how infinitely ſhall I be aſhamed to ſee him, when I ſhall remember that I writ ſuch things unto him, as will make him believe I was jealous? In good earneſt, I am ſo vexed at my ſelf for my fondneſs, and inconſideration which I have expreſſed unto him, that rather then ſeem guilty of ſuch a fault, ſee Cyrus perſidious a thouſand times: Ah Madam, replied Marteſia, the paſſion whereof you ſpeak cannot be hid when one pleaſeth, or ſhall ſhew whether one will or no, and ſhew it ſomtimes by hiding it: Yet were it abundance of indiſcretion and imprudence to ſhew it, (anſwered Mandana) for whether it be well or ill-grounded, it will procure hatred; and therefore though one ſhould be ſo unhappy as to be capable of it, yet one ſhould not ſhew it: For all your ingenuous arguments which ſeem to be juſt, anſwered Marteſia, yet I am moſt certain Madam, that as you need not doubt of the fidelity of Cyrus, ſo you may be very glad to have it from the mouth of Anaxaris, that he left Spitridates to go after Araminta; and hath neglected no opportunity to releaſe you: You pitileſs woman, replied Mandana, what delight can you take in making me aſhamed? Do not think, that if I have a deſire to ſee this Priſoner, but it is becauſe I would know from him the ſtate of the Siege, then for any ſuch reaſon as you ſpeak of, for I do profeſs unto you, that I cannot endure to upbraid my ſelf for haveing any ſuch thoughts as are equally injurious, both unto Cyrus and my ſelf: However Marteſia, having a moſt infinite confidence with Mandana, did ſtill diſpute the buſineſs very reſpectively with her, knowing ſhe would not take it ill. However, the next morning according to the reſolution, Anaxaris ſaw the Princeſs, who was ſo well ſatisfied with him, as it was impoſſible ſhe ſhould be more. At the firſt he was mighty high in his commends of Cyrus, and all he did for her, he expreſſed himſelf with ſuch zeal and aggravations, as he could not impoſe ſilence upon himſelf: But at laſt he leſſened his talk of this Prince, and Marteſia obſerved, that he was ſo taken up with contemplation of Mandana's beauty, that he could not take his eyes off her: Since this Princeſs had a deſire to oblige him, ſhe asked him of what Country he was? But Anaxaris anſwered, Madam, ſaid he, ſince ſeveral reaſons oblige me to conceal what I really am, I have denied the illuſtrious Cyrus twenty times, that which you do me the honour to ask, and that which I am extreamly ſorry I cannot tell you, though perhaps it would be in ſome ſort advantagious to me, that you did know it. After this, Mandana asked him very inquiſitively what news Cyrus heard from Ciaxares? And afterwards enquired of all the Army, but eſpecially of Chriſantes and Feraulas. Anaxaris anſwered unto all theſe queſtions, but it [...] like a man who was ſurprized with an over-violent reſpect, though he gazed upon her moſt attentively: Since he could receive better intelligence from his Guards, then the [Page] Princeſs could from hers, it was reſolved between them, that he ſhould ſee her every day▪ or at leaſt ſhould ſee Marteſia, and indeed ſo he did as long as the Siege laſted. In the mean time, the King of Pontus was in a moſt deſperate condition, eſpecially when he ſaw the Port of Cumes ſo blocked up by the Fleet of Thraſibulus, that there was no hopes of his carrying away the Princeſs; On the other ſide, the Prince of Cumes began to think he took an ill courſe in giving retreat unto the King of Pontus. But whilſt he was full of this vain repentance, the man whom Cyrus ſent into the Town, who had ſpoken twice with Marteſia, who took a Letter from her for Cyrus, and who had ſent it unto him by a ſervant, this man did cajole with the people as well as he could to move them unto murmure, at their being thus ingaged in a troubleſome unlucky war. Thus whilſt the illuſtrious Cyrus was in the toilſome works of a Siege, he had ſome in the Town who were negotiating in his ſervice. In the mean time, this indefatigable Prince being gone to viſit ſome new works, as he was giving ſome orders about it unto an Ingeneer, this man was ſlain at his feet with an arrow, But as if this day were fatal unto Cyrus, and as if ſome malignant conſtellation were predominate, as he was returning in the evening unto his Quarter, he deſired to go and give ſome orders unto a place where he conceived them to be neceſſary: But he was no ſooner in the Trenches, then the Enemy ſhooting off an Engine which carried ſtones with ſuch an impetuous celerity as was irreſiſtable, one of Cyrus his Pages which followed him, had his head ſtruck off: The danger came ſo neer this great Prince, as that the skull of this Page being ſhivered in ſeveral pieces, did wound him in five or ſix places in the face and neck; ſo that Cyrus was all ſprinkled with his own blood, and the blood of this unfortunate ſervant. In the mean time, this Prince had ſuch a ſweet tranquility in his countenance amidſt this great danger, that he cheered up the hearts of all his men, and made it appear that his courage was incapable of fear, and that nothing could ſhake it: Megabates and Perſodes had their ſhares in this glorious danger, for they were very neer him: On the other ſide, Pactias and Licambes, ſeeing they could not attempt any thing by Land to relieve Cumes, reſolved to try what they could do by Sea, hoping that the bad weather would force Cyrus perhaps to raiſe the Siege. To this end they tackled up all their Ships, and ſet out to Sea, as if they would force Thraſibulus to give them paſſage. The ſight of this Fleet filled all the Inhabitants of Cumes with as much joy, as it did Mandana with ſorrows, who looking out of her window, which was towards the open Sea, did with inconceiveable ſorrow ſee this Navy, which ſeemed to deſire a fight with Thraſibulus: This Princeſs imagined, that if one Fleet ſhould defeat the other, Cumes would be relieved, and feared that if the Sea were once free, the King of Pontus would remove her unto ſome other place where Cyrus could not releaſe her; yet ſhe was not long in theſe ſad apprehenſions, for this Fleet was no ſooner in ſight of Thraſibulus, but fears did ſo poſſeſs the Spirits of thoſe which commanded it, that they ſteered about, and betook themſelves to flight, and the winde which was not favourable to them for fighting. Leontidas who commanded the little Veſſels and [...]he Barques, did chaſe them out of the ſight of the King of Pontus, who beheld this diſaſterous diſorder with unexpreſſible ſorrow: But in exchange Mandana ſaw her Deliverers ſtand firm, and her Enemies fly to her unutterable joy. In the mean while, Cyrus ſeeing the reſolute reſiſtance of the King of Pontus and the Prince of Cumes, who loſt not a foot of ground without diſputing for it with extraordinary valour; Seeing, I ſay, that all his Enſigns and ſtratagems could not do any good wherewith to carry the Town, becauſe they could not make any conſiderable breach, bethought himſelf of a device, which nothing elſe but Love could invent, and this it was; Cyrus was advertiſed that in a place of the Ditch towards the Sconce which they had made neereſt the Town, there was a great Cave, whoſe mouth was ſtopped by thoſe of Cumes, that this Cave did extend it ſelf by many turnings and windings very far into the earth, ſo that the walls and fortifications of the Town did ſtand upon the Cave. Cyrus no ſooner knew this, but he reſolved to croſs the ditch, and to make a Sconce at the foot of the walls, juſt at the mouth of this Cave, and did effect it. This Sconce was no ſooner made defenſible, but Cyrus cauſing the mouth to be opened, made a great number of Pioniers and workmen to enter in the night, with tools fit to break the ſtony roof of this Vault, which bore up a part of the Town: So that moving them to work with incredible alacrity, they came at laſt to finde the foundation of the Walls of Cumes; but leſt they ſhould totter too much, and too ſoon, and ſo ſmother thoſe who were in the Cave, they no ſooner diſcovered the foundation of the Walls, but they underpropped it with Billets; ſo that imploying as [Page] many Billets as they diſcovered ſtones, the Wall ſtood firm. But leſt the noyſe of the Workers ſhould be heard by thoſe in the Town, Cyrus cauſed an aſſault to be given at the other ſide of the Town, purpoſely to draw the people thither, and buſie them, commanding thoſe forces at the ſame time which were on that ſide where the Miners were, to make falſe Alarums very often, that is, to make many great ſhouts, and as much noyſe as they could: But at the laſt, after they had diſcovered enough of the Walls foundation, to hope for a reaſonable breach, and after they had underpropped it with as many Piles as were neceſſary to uphold it, Cyrus cauſed abundance of combuſtible ſtuff to be brought unto the feet of theſe Piles, ſuch as very dry wood, which was made apt to burn by pitch, brimſtone, and certain gums which they added to it; ſo that when the houre of execution came, and all the Workmen retired out, and all things in readineſs, Cyrus about two houres afternoon, cauſed fire to be put unto this huge maſs of combuſtible matter, which he had placed at the feet of theſe Piles; ſo the fire did kindle in an inſtant, the Piles were conſumed immediately, the foundation of the Wall wanting Supporters did fall, and the Walls wanting foundation followed, ſo this cauſed the moſt horrible object that ever could be beheld; for one might ſee at the mouth of the Cave a blooze of ſeveral coloured flames, mingled with a thick cloud of ſmoke; but the moſt affrighting part was to ſee, when the foundation of the Wall failed, the horrid ſubverſion which was in an inſtant, the Souldiers upon them periſh in their ruines, a thouſand flaſhes of lightning flame flying up in the ayr, the terrible noyſe which the ſtones made in their fall, the Battlements in ſome places, to tumble with ſuch impetuoſity, as that they reached as far as the Sea; the duſty ſmoke which was made by the falling of the Wall would not let one ſee a long time, whether the breach was conſiderable or no: But after the winde had a little diſſipated the muddy miſt in the Ayr, one might perceive that the breach was as much as one could wiſh: So that Cyrus cauſing an aſſault to be made, and finding no reſiſtance, becauſe this ſtrange invention had amazed the Enemy, they began to make a Sconce there: But at laſt, the King of Pontus coming unto that place, and the Souldiers recollecting themſelves, they did moſt couragiouſly beat back the forces of Cyrus, and hindred them from finiſhing the work which they had begun: The fight was very obſtinate and bloody. In the mean time, though the Wall in falling at the mouth of the Cave had choaked the fire which flamed thereout, yet there were ſome Crannies in this huge heap of ruines, out of which there came ſo thick a ſmoke, as it deprived the Combatants of light and knowledg, who friend, who foe: So that the Souldiers of Cyrus, and thoſe of the King of Pontus, not knowing what they did, fell in o [...] ſuch a confuſed diſorder, that thoſe of Cyrus thought the beſieged had the advantage, and thoſe of the Town alſo thought that the Aſſailants had it: So as in this error and diſorder both ſides retreated, and left the Sconce to it ſelf; yet the ſmoke being vaniſhed, the Souldiers of Cyrus were the firſt who ſaw it, and returned to the Combat, which they did ſo proſperouſly, that they finiſhed the Sconce and kept it. Whilſt they were getting this advantage on that ſide, Clearques obtained another on the other ſide where he did aſſault; and he got ſo much honour during this Siege, as Cyrus gave him a thouſand commendations: All the Voluntiers approved themſelves moſt brave men, eſpecially Megabates. This being the ſtate of things, Pactias and Licambes did make another attempt, which was to get ſome men into Cumes by the way towards the Sea, and indeed they did happily begin the deſign, never being diſcovered by the Scouts; but Cyrus being advertiſed of this enterprize, took horſe immediately with Mazares and all the bravery of his Army, and went to look upon their Enemies, who ſeeing they were diſcovered, retired in ſuch haſt, that Cyrus could not overtake them: So that he returned to the Camp, where he found all things in a good condition, and looked upon Cumes as a Town that would be preſently taken: His greateſt perplexity was his fear, leſt the King of Pontus ſhould finde out ſome way to ſteal away Mandana: Wherefore conſulting with Mazares upon the beſt courſe, he believed the Prince of Cumes repented of his giving Sanctuary unto the King of Pontus, for involving him into all this miſery, it was thought expedient to offer him his Dominions if he would reſtore Mandana, and that he would give liberty to the King of Pontus, becauſe he would not move him to betray a Prince unto whom he had given retreat: Cyrus hoping that if this Prince would not accept of this offer, yet it would ſtir up the people againſt him, and would hinder the King of Pontus from carrying away Mandana: So that having ſent a Herald unto the Prince of Cumes, to tell him, that having ſome advantageous Propoſitions to make unto him, he deſired a man of ſome credence might be [Page] ſent to receive his intentions. This Prince, after a conſult with the King of Pontus, anſwered, that their two intereſts being inſeparable, he could not receive his meſſage without his participation, but that they would ſend joyntly the next morning to know what the will of Cyrus was, that in the interin there might be a ceſſation of Arms: Though this anſwer of the Prince of Cumes was not according to the wiſh of Cyrus; yet he took him at his word, and to obtain his ends, he reſolved to tranſact with equal generoſity unto his Rival: So that the next morning after the Truce was publiſhed, and after he who the King of Pontus, and the Prince of Cumes ſent unto him, were come into the Camp; Cyrus would needs ſhew him all his works, to the end the negotiation might better proceed: So that he carried him from Line to Line, from Fort to Fort, and let him ſee there was no hopes of ever relieving Cumes by Land: Alſo, what Cyrus ſaid unto him was ſo full of generoſity, that he could ſee no reaſon why any of his offers ſhould be refuſed, for he demanded of the Prince of Cumes Mandana only, and yet offered unto the King of Pontus all the conditions which the Princeſs Araminta heretofore offered from him, which was, an Army to reconquer his Dominions: I do not offer this, (ſaid he unto the man) out of the leaſt doubt of taking Cumes preſently, but it is becauſe I am obliged unto the King of Pontus, ever ſince I wore the name of Artamenes, and having a high eſteem of the Prince of Cumes courage, I ſhould be ſorry any occaſion ſhould force me to ruine them, and to tell you truly, I deſire to ſhorten the captivity of Mandana, by a happy negotiation.

After this, Cyrus did much oblige the man to whom he ſpoke, and without any unworthy Propoſition, he made him extreamly ſatisfied with his generoſity; but the more reaſonable the Propoſitions were, the more ſharp were they unto the King of Pontus, and he laboured to put things unto the utmoſt extremity, and the Prince of Cumes proteſted never to ſhrink from his intereſt; and though he was moſt deſperately in Love, yet he could not chuſe but conſider, that ſince he was not able to keep Mandana, it were injuſtice wilfully to ruine a Prince who had given him retreat: But for all this, though he did know it to be both unjuſt and imprudent, yet his paſſion had no ear to hear of any Propoſition, which had any clauſe of Mandana's reſtitution in it; yet notwithſtanding, not dare to tell the Prince of Cumos in plain terms, that rather then reſtore Mandana into the hands of Cyrus, he was reſolved to ſee both him and himſelf to periſh, he gave him ſuch language as might gain a little time, and if poſſible recover ſome hopes; and therefore he thought it expedient to tell Cyrus, that they could not return him any poſitive anſwer, without imparting theſe Propoſitions unto the Xantheans, and Caunians, and alſo until they knew from Pactias and Licambes in what condition their forces were, and therefore deſired, until they were ſatisfied in theſe things, that the Truce might continue; ſo that they ſent back this anſwer unto Cyrus, who accepted of it, provided there were a time limited unto this negotiation, and that the term were not long; and thus the Truce was continued: The King of Pontus, and the Prince of Cumes ſent out an Envoy unto the General of their Army, and another unto the Xantheans and the Cauneans, Cyrus ſending Heralds with them to carry them thither, and to bring them back. In the mean time, the King of Pontus, who had never conſented unto this negotiation, but that he might thereby have longer time to conſider which way he might ſave himſelf, or at leaſt defer his ruine a little longer, he now pumped all his invention for an expedjent how to get Mandana out of Cumes: But whilſt he was vainly ſeeking for that which was ſo difficult to be found, Cyrus and Mazares admired what was become of the Aſſirian King, they could not imagine where he ſhould be, nor how it was poſſible he ſhould be living, and not before Cumes: Somtimes Cyrus thought him dead, and otherwhiles had a jealous phancy that he was in Cumes, and ſome way or other tranſacting his ruine, though yet he could not imagine which way he was able to do it. In the mean while, the Truce being publiſhed as well in the Sea as Land-Army, there was a genearl idleneſs amongſt the Souldiers on both ſides, and a kinde of a dim image of Peace amongſt them all.

Things ſtanding upon theſe terms, and Cyrus being one morning upon the top of a Fort which he had made upon a hill in the Quarters of Mazares, he diſcovered a Fleet, which with full Sail made towards his. He no ſooner ſaw this, but his paſſion moving him to ſuſpect ſome foul play, he changed colour, and would ſend unto Cumes to clear his ſuſpitions, but as he was upon the point of ſending, an Envoy came unto him from the King of Pontus and the Prince of Cumes, who came to ask him whether this Fleet did [Page] come to ſtrengthen his Army, and whether he would keep within the limits of the Truce? So that knowing by this the Fleet were not his Enemies, he concluded they were for him, knowing how he had negotiated for Ships in ſeveral places, and indeed he was not miſtaken. After this, he diſmiſſed the Envoy with orders to aſſure the King of Pontus, and the Prince of Cumes, that he would make no attempts until the Truce were ended or broken: And as for the Fleet which appeared, they had no orders from him to approach, nor knew he from whence they came, yet he would ingage his word to make no uſe of them, until thoſe Princes had refuſed the Propoſitions which he made them. After this Envoy was gone, Cyrus and Mazares ſaw that Thraſibulus ſent out two little Veſſels to meet thoſe which were making towards him, and that thoſe two Ships returned with the Fleet as friends towards Thraſibulus; ſo that rejoycing to ſee freſh aid, he thought it would conduce much to make the people of Cumes revolt, if thoſe Princes ſhould not accept of thoſe offers which he made them: Alſo he conceived freſh hopes of ſeeing his dear Princeſs very ſhortly, yet he was very impatient to know from whence this Fleet ſhould come, but he was not long without full ſatisfaction; for the two Fleets were no ſooner joyned, and thoſe who commanded them had conference, but Thraſibulus (according to the liberty of Truce) ſent Leontidas in a Barque with Philocles, who was Lievtenant General unto him who commanded this Fleet unto Cyrus, to inform him of all paſſages, ſo that Leontidas arrived at the Camp juſt as Cyrus entred into his Tent with Mazares, Myrſiles, and many others: But to the end he might know how to receive Philocles, he went to Cyrus before him, and acquainted him, how Philocles was ſent by the Princeſs Cleobuline, who was then Queen of Corinth, after the death of the wiſe and valiant Periander her Father; and that he came to offer him from the Queen this Fleet which he ſaw arrive.

Cyrus no ſooner heard this from Leontidas, but he diſpoſed himſelf to receive Philocles with extraordinary civility, not only becauſe he did very much eſteem him, and becauſe he brought him powerful Auxiliaries, but alſo becauſe he came from one of the moſt illuſtrious Princeſſes in the world, whom he had ſeen very young when he travelled by Corinth. Having then appointed Chriſantes to go and entertain them whom ſhe had ſent, and Leontidas to hring him thither, Philocles was brought, who preſented a Letter unto him from the Queen of Corinth; which contained theſe words.

The Queen of Corinth to the invincible CYRUS.

SIR,

TO teſtifie how dear the remembrance of the illuſtrious Artamenes is unto me, and how much I intereſt my ſelf in that glory which he hath gotten, I have ſent unto him the beſt Ships which are on our Seas, being extreamly ſorry, that he would not acquaint me with his neceſſities, but demanded aid from Princes, who could not help him with a more willing heart then mine: The Souldiers which I have made choice of to ſend him, hath all of them heretofore returned from Wars with Lawrels on their heads under the late King my Father; and lest they ſhould forget the art of vanquiſhing, I ſhould be glad to have them fight under ſuch a Conquerour as your ſelf, nor can they a greater honour, then to have a helping hand in the Princeſs Mandana's delivery, and fighting under your Enſigns; and this is my advantage, that when you ſhall ſend them back, I ſhall be more trrrible to my Neighbours; Philocles, who knows my thoughts of you, will more preciſely interpret them; and if he follow my inſtructions exactly will tell you, that I do eaſily believe all the wonders which are reported of your life, and that there is none in the world who doth more honor your virtue then my ſelf, nor who wiſheth your happineſs with more zeal then

CLEOBULINE.

This Letter being full of Noble expreſſions, it did moſt infinitely oblige Cyrus, who teſtified unto Philocles ſo many cordial acknowledgments of this great Queens goodneſs unto him, as made it apparent, that his heart was moſt ſenſible of ſuch a generous overture. After this, Philocles acquainted Cyrus, how the Queen who ſent him underſtood that the Prince of Cumes had ſent ſecretly unto Corinth, to cauſe Ships of War to be [Page] made, and that ſhe was diligent to enquire (by ſome intelligence which ſhe hath in the Town) what might be his reaſon for arming? by which means ſhe came to underſtand, that it was becauſe he had given retreat unto the King of Pontus, who was eſcaped from Sardis, and had taken the Princeſs Mandana with him: Philocles further told him, that this great Queen ſuppoſing he knew where that Princeſs was, and not queſtioning but that he would preſently beſiege Cumes, ſhe made ready this Fleet which now ſhe ſent unto him, which could not poſſibly come ſooner unto Cumes, becauſe of the contrary windes: Philocles extolled the eſteem which Cleobuline had of Cyrus, with ſo many aggravations, and ſuch eloquence, as it was evident he came from the Court of a Princeſs, where ignorance did not paſs for a virtue, like many other Courts in the world: Though Cleobuline was very young when Cyrus was at Corinth, yet he remembred her to be then very fair, and of an admirable Spirit as well as beauty; and being obliged unto a more particular curioſity, he asked Philocles a hundred queſtions, concerning this great Princeſs and her Government; but the more Philocles anſwered, the more his curioſity augmented, for he told him ſuch wonders of this Queen in diſcourſing with him, of her great ſoul, ſpirit, wit, prudence, juſtice, liberality and goodneſs, as this Prince was all admiration, and had no longing deſire to know more. In the mean time, to teſtifie how much he eſteemed of any thing that came from her, he ſent Chriſantes unto him, who commanded this Fleet, with ſeveral Barques loadened with all manner of things ſuitable for a Preſent at Sea, keeping Philocles with him, and Leontidas alſo until the Truce was ended.

The next morning, he who commanded the Fleet, whoſe name was Thimochares, came alſo to viſit Cyrus, who treated him with magnificence worthy of himſelf, and worthy of that Queen whom he deſired to honour, by honouring him who commanded her Arms. Since the Truce allowed him leaſure enough, and ſince his hopes of ſeeing his Princeſs at liberty had infuſed much ſerenity into his ſoul, his civilities were more exact and regular then ordinary; therefore as often as Philocles and Timochares were with him, he talked with them continually of the Queen, of whom he ſtill heard ſomthing that was admirable, and indeed ſo many miracles, as would have ſtaggered his belief, and ſuſpected Philocles and Timochares of groſs flattery, if he had not known the firſt of them to be a man moſt ſincere.

However, this Prince alwayes thought that he committed a crime when he thought of any thing but Mandana, and would not perhaps have been ſo forward in the buſineſs of this Queen of Timochares, according to her orders, had he not asked him from her, whether ſhe approved of her deſign never to marry; adviſing with him afterwards upon ſeveral things which related unto her Dominions: So that Cyrus infinitely wondred at the reſolution which this young and fair Queen had taken, and afterwards talking with Timochares, and then with Philocles, who for divers reaſons wiſhed that this Queen would not ſo obſtinately perſiſt in her reſolution, Philocles reſolved to acquaint Cyrus with ſomething which almoſt none but himſelf could, to the end that he might adviſe Timochares, who had ſome credit with Cleobuline, to perſwade her not to perſiſt in her deſign: So that after they had augmented the curioſity of Cyrus, by a thouſand circumſtances concerning this Queen; and after Philocles had told him, that a relation of this Queens life would concern him, Cyrus who infinitely eſteemed Philocles, promiſed to give him audience ſome night when every one was retired to their reſt. But before he would let him begin this relation, he asked him how Philiſta did? and how the ſtate of his Love did ſtand? Oh Sir (anſwered he, with ſuch a ſmile as teſtified that he was either cured of his paſſion, or happy) the ſtate of my fortune is changed, ſince I left you in Armenia. Since I hope, replied Cyrus, that the change is for the better, I ſhould be glad to know it: Sir, replied Philocles, I am much obliged unto you for your expreſſion, but in my acknowledgment of this honour, it would not be juſt in me to trouble you with any long relation of my own adventures, ſince I have others more illuſtrious to acquaint you withall: It will be enough I tell you, that hope is a thing which a Lover never ought to loſe, ſince never any had leſs grounds of hope then I had when I was at Jaliſſa, after I heard the Husband of Philiſta was dead: Yet Sir, that extream averſion which I thought invincible, was ſurmounted by my perſeverance; and that heart, which with ſo many ſervices, ſighs and tears could not melt, was at laſt diſſolved by my conſtancy: So that when I did return unto Corinth, I did return the Husband of Philiſta; at my arrival there [Page] I received a Letter from Thimocrates, which intimated unto me, that he had married Teleſile. Thus Sir thoſe two Lovers, whom you ſaw in ſuch a miſerable condition at Sinope, as that none had misfortunes comparable unto theirs, are now both of them become moſt happy, though then there was no likelyhood of their ever being ſo: I aſſure you, replied Cyrus, I am infinitely joyed at it: I am infinitely obliged unto you, replied Philocles: But to return unto the Queen of Corinth, I ſhall moſt humbly beſeech you Sir, not to ſuſpect me of any flattery, when you ſhall hear things reported of her; for believe it Sir, her merit is above all commendations or flattery: She was ſo lovely and accompliſhed, replied Cyrus, when I was at Corinth, that I queſtion not but ſhe will merit the Character you ſhall give her, therefore you need not Philocles to prepare me with any ſuch Prologue. After this, Philocles began the relation thus.

The Hiſtorie of CLEOBULINE Queen of Corinth.

THough it be the cuſtome of thoſe who relate the lives of any one to begin a far off, and to give as large a Character of the Anceſtors, as of the Party who is moſt concerned in the adventure in hand, yet I do not intend to imitate them; therefore Sir, I ſhall only hint unto you in a conciſe method, that Periander the Queen of Corinths Father was branched from the illuſtrious Race of Heraclides; that his valour had rendred him a Conquerour of his Dominions, though his Juſtice made him to raign quietly; that he had waged many glorious Wars, eſpecially againſt thoſe of Epidaurus, and that his great ſoul had made him merit the name of wiſe, as well as his courage had got him the name of valiant. After this, I ſhall tell you, that having loſt the Queen, his wife, and two Sons, he died himſelf, and left the Princeſs his Daughter Queen of Corinth, at ſuch an age as could not be imagined ſhe could bear out her Royal Authority as ſhe did: I know again Sir, that it is the cuſtome leſt Auditors ſhould be ſurprized at the extraordinary merits of a perſon, to relate how they were educated, and what they were taught, and to derive their Hiſtorie even from their very Cradle: But ſince it is the Queen of Corinth I am to ſpeak, I will ſhew you her upon her Throne, and not mention her further then ſince ſhe wore a Crown: Yet of her perſon Sir, ſince ſhe is much embelliſhed ſince you ſaw her, it is requiſite I ſpeak ſomthing; yet ſhe is a little bigger then when you were at Corinth, for her ſtature could never reach unto the rank of the middle ſort, but yet I aſſure you Sir, ſhe has all the Characters of Grandure and Majeſty in her aſpect, ſuch as imprints fear and reverence in the hearts of all that look upon her, though this be a priviledg which commonly is reſerved only to ſuch unto whom Nature hath given a high and lofty ſtature: But though Cleobuline be not ſo high as her heart is great, yet in exchange, ſhe hath the faireſt grey eyes that ere were ſeen, her hair the lovelieſt fair in the world, her garb and behaviour ſuperlatively rare; and though her Noſe be a little above the true exactneſs of proportion, yet her phyſiognomy is ſo Noble and Heroique, as it pleaſeth infinitely, and as I ſaid before, inſpires reverence into the hearts of all beholders: But Sir, I do not only render her commendable unto you, by the graces of her perſon; but alſo by the grandure of her ſoul, the nobleneſs of her inclinations, the generoſity of her heart, and the incomprehenſible altitude of her wiſdome and ſpirit: For it is moſt unqueſtionably certain, that never any one living had greater and more admirable qualities then this Princeſs hath, ſhe ſpeaks unto all Ambaſſadors which come unto her Court in their own National language, and that with ſuch eloquence, with ſo much eaſe, and in ſuch a grace, as puts them all to admiration. Moreover, her knowledg is not limited to the languages which ſhe ſpeaks and writes as well as her own, but there is no manner of Science whereof ſhe is not capable: Yet the thing which in my phancy merits moſt eſteem is, that ſhe hath ſuch a venerable opinion of all perſons that are either knowing or virtuous, or excellent in any Art, that at this very preſent ſhe hath intelligencers in all places of the world to enquire out thoſe who have any extraordinary merit, and by this means there is not any man of any tranſcendent parts who hath not taſted of her liberality: For Sir, be pleaſed to know, that this great Queen doth give, as if the Gods had eſtabliſhed her to inrich all the knowing men in the world; and certainly ſhe hath good reaſon for it to look upon them as her Subjects, ſince I am confident there is not one who does not reſpect her as if ſhe were his legitimate Queen; ſhe does not only give to thoſe who ask her, but unto thoſe who never pretend unto any thing, ſhe gives quickly, ſhe gives much, ſhe gives [Page] with a good will, ſhe gives with joy, and liberality is a virtue, which ſhe practiſeth in ſuch a Noble and Heroique manner, as ſhe never thinks ſhe gives too much: But the wonder of all is, that this virtue is no blinde hood-wink't virtue which beſtowes without choice or diſcretion; but on the contrary, ſhe gives only unto thoſe whom ſhe thinks do merit her gift, yet ſtill meaſuring them by the rule of her own generoſity, more then by the virtue of the Receivers; much rather chuſing to give more then is deſerved; then not to give as much as her Quality, and liberal inclination prompts her unto. Moreover, this virtue of liberality, which is ſo proper unto Kings and Princes, is not the only virtue which ſhines in her, but alſo ſhe is exceedingly good, profoundly prudent, and exactly juſt, ſo juſt that ſhe will violate all her ſtrongeſt inclinations, rather then do the leaſt injuſtice to the meaneſt of her Subjects; and if this virtue which is the very Baſis of all others do at any time tranſgreſs, it is only when clemency prompts her to pardon ſome Noble Delinquent; indeed ſhe knows ſo well how to mix the ſeverity of Juſtice with the mildneſs of clemency, that from theſe two virtues do flow a milion of good effects, which makes her to be both feared and loved by all her people. Moreover, ſhe is able to give advice; ſhe is knowing in all affairs, and underſtands them ſo admirably well, that it is a hard matter to poſe her in any thing; ſhe never frequents any but magnificent Feaſts in her Court, and ſtately recreations; but the predominate paſſion of her ſoul is Love unto the Sciences, and ſhe may as well be called Queen of the Muſes, as Queen of Corinth; and indeed they do in all places pay her homage, in perpetual Elogies and Panegeriques, both in Verſe and Proſe; the name of Cleobuline is celebrated in all places of the world, and her glory is above any additions. But Sir, to omit any relations of her Government, ſince we have nothing to do with the Politiques at this time: Be pleaſed to know, that there is a man in the ſame Court, whoſe name is Myrinthus, who is not originally a Corinthian, ſince his Grandfather was a Laced [...]monian: This Myrinthus is a man of excellent parts, for he is not only tall, handſome, fair, and of a good Garb, but he has as much heart, and as much Spirit as any one can have: He had alſo this advantage, that his Grandfather and Father having both of them very Noble Fortunes, both of them had the moſt honourable imployments in the State: By this means Myrinthus ever from his firſt budding in the world, had much familiarity both with the Queen, and with all the men of higheſt Quality in Corinth: 'Tis true; Myrinthus was of a very conſiderable Rank in his Country; yet the truth is alſo, that Fortune carried him higher then his birth, but never higher then his virtue: Yet Sir, he need not be looked upon as the only foundation of thoſe honours which I ſhall tell you he received, ſince I am very confident, that the Queen of Corinth had ſome reaſon to ſay, one never loves, but becauſe they cannot chuſe and becauſe there is ſome compulſive power which forceth us, whether we will or no to love and hate, without any help of our reaſon: But Sir, ſince in order unto my deſign I muſt diſcover a ſecret unto you which few know, a ſecret which doubtleſs the Queen of Corinth would not have you know; therefore I muſt tell you, that there is in our Court a Prince whoſe name is Baſilides, a man doubtleſs very amiable, both for the Qualities of his perſon, for thoſe of his wit, and thoſe of his ſoul. Moreover, Baſilides looked ſo neer the Crown, that by the Law he was to ſucceed Cleobuline, if ſhe married not. Thus Prince had ever a moſt reverent and violent paſſion unto this Princeſs, but ſince ſhe made her ſelf feared as well as loved, the Rank ſhe kept, did enjoyn him ſilence; yet I know very well that the Queen was not ignorant of his paſſion, though he never told her of it, and I am ſure that if ſhe did not love him, it was not becauſe ſhe was ignorant of his Love, but becauſe her ſoul had a ſecret ingagement which ſhe her ſelf knew not of: For Sir, let me tell you, Cleobuline was born with a moſt ſtrong inclination unto Myrinthus: But that you may not wonder how I came to the knowledg of all theſe ſecret particulars, be pleaſed to know, that Steſilea who dwelt at Corinth, of whom you heard at Sinope, and who married the Brother of Philiſta, ſhe, I ſay, was of confidence with the Queen a long time, and Philiſta being intimate with her, ſince her return from Corinth, I knew from her all theſe paſſages which I relate unto you: I know therefore Sir (as I told you) that none can have a ſtronger inclination to love another, then Cleobuline ever had to love Myrinthus, and this affection was ſo bred in her from the Cradle, as ſhe perceived not the greatneſs of it until ſhe was a Queen: She knew before that the ſight of Myrinthus did pleaſe her more then the ſight of any other, that his company did more divert her, that in her eye he had a better Garb then any in the Court, that his cloaths did better become him, that he had a better grace then any elſe, that his Spirit was more pleaſing, [Page] ing, and that ſhe eſteemed him more then any ſhe knew, but ſhe thought all theſe to be pure effects of her reaſon, and of Myrinthus his merits, not thinking her inclination had any other ground: But the truth is, ſhe loved him, and knew it not; and ſhe went on ſo long in this error, that her flame could not be quenched when ſhe diſcovered it: As for Myrinthus, the vaſt diſtance between the Quality of this Princeſs and himſelf, did ſo limit his veneration of her virtues, as that it did not produce thoſe effects which perhaps it would have done, if Cleobulines quality had been equal unto his; for he knew very well, that in all reaſon he could not look upon her, but only with an eye of reſpect, and not with the leaſt thought of Love; he knew ſhe was the moſt accompliſhed perſon upon earth, but this knowledg produced only of admiration, and if he did bear any affection to her, it was only to her glory, and to do her ſervice, but not unto her perſon; yet was he very officious in rendring moſt exact reverence unto this Princeſs, becauſe being of a very ambitious temper, and knowing ſhe was to be Queen, he conceived that ſhe might advance his fortunes, and indeed he was not miſtaken, for after Periander died, Cleobuline conferred upon him one of the greateſt offices in the State; yet ſhe did believe that in conferring it, he would execute the office better then another, and that what ſhe did was conducible to her ſervice: But ſhe was not long in this ignorance of her own heart, for ſhe began preſently to conceive that ſhe was not her own Miſtreſs. Since Myrinthus had this Queen in high veneration, ſince he was obliged unto her, and ſince he expected much from her, doubtleſs he failed not in any thing of duty to her as the Queen of Corinth, yet ſhe confeſſed ſince unto Steſilea and Philiſta, that ſomtimes, though ſhe knew no reaſon for it, yet ſhe was not ſatisfied with his obſequiouſneſs, with his reſpects and ſervices, and that ſhe was vexed at him though ſhe did conceal it, and not being able to reach the cauſe, ſhe knew not whereof to complain. Thus not knowing what her heart would have of Myrinthus, ſhe only knew that ſhe was not contented: But though theſe diſorders did often take her, without any outward expreſſions of them, yet ſhe could not believe that ſhe was in Love with Myrinthus, and ſhe had rather accuſe her ſelf of being phantaſtical, then of entertaining any ſuch paſſions as that in her heart; yet for all that, ſhe confeſſed, ſhe had once ſome ſuſpitions of ſuch a thing, which ſhe rejected with a ſtrange violence; adding, that ſhe would not admit of any [...]uch thoughts into her ſoul, which ſhe ſhould be obliged to combat withall, and which ſhe thought perhaps already that ſhe could not eaſily vanquiſh: So that deluding her ſelf, ſhe continued loving Myrinthus, and would not know it; ſhe never called her heart to give an accompt of its ſecreſies, as at other times ſhe uſed: So that in ſome ſort ſubmitting her reaſon unto the conduct of her paſſion, this illuſtrious heart was ſo ingaged to love Myrinthus, that when it would have diſingaged it ſelf, it was not in its power. In the mean time, Myrinthus was as happy as a man could be that was not in Love, for the Queen caſting a favourable eye upon him, all the Court Courted him, and he taſted all the ſweets that ambition uſeth to afford thoſe whoſe projects proſper. Myrinthus never asked any thing of the Queen which he obtained not, and ſhe often gave him when he did not ask, her ear was alwayes ready to his deſires, all the friends of Myrinthus were ſure to finde protection, and it may be ſaid, that he was infinitely happy and knew it not. Baſilides for his part, though he durſt never ſpeak a word of his paſſion unto the Queen, and he was not loved ſo well as he wiſhed, yet he was not very miſerable; for beſides his hopes that time and his ſervices might move her heart, he had this conſolation alſo to know, that if ever ſhe married, all reaſon and policy in the world would require ſhe ſhould marry him: So that contenting himſelf with that natural civility which this Princeſs uſed towards him, he lived in tranquility enough, his hopes of being hereafter loved, ſweetning his ſorrows for not being loved at the preſent. As for the Queen, it may be ſaid, that ſhe had neither Roſes nor Thorns in her Love; for ſhe had neither the ſweetneſs to be loved, or almoſt to know that ſhe loved, nor was ſhe ſtung with that reſtleſs anguiſh which that paſſion often procures, ſince ſhe was neither angry, nor impatient, nor jealous, yet ſhe was not long in this ſerenity of ſoul, which kept her ignorant of her hearts ingagement, and ſhe ſoon perceived that Love is a moſt dangerous paſſion. But Sir, to let you know how the Queen of Corinth came to know the ſtate of her own heart, be pleaſed to underſtand Sir, that Baſilides had a Siſter named Philimena, who then was one of the greateſt Ornaments of the Court; not that her beauty was ſo exact, but becauſe ſhe had ſuch a ſweet agreement of features as was preferable before beauty: Philimena was of a brown complexion, yes extreamly brown, ſhe was rather little then great, every part of her face was not regularly [Page] handſome by it ſelf, but being put together, ſhe was fair and infinitely charming, ſhe had bright, ſweet, and lively eyes, her mouth was infinitely handſome, her teeth were admirable, and had a plumpneſs which gave her an ayr of youth that did extreamly well become her: But above all theſe, ſhe had ſuch a kinde of ſweet Gallantry in her perſon, as ſhe pleaſed all that ſaw her. Moreover, ſhe had an attractive Spirit, and ſuch a Spirit as was able to keep thoſe Conqueſts which her beauty made: You may well imagine Sir, that Philimena having the honour to be the Queens Cozen, and being Miſtreſs of ſo much merit, that ſhe was often with her, and that there was no Feaſt in the Court whereat ſhe was not: So that by this means Myrinthus did ſee Philimena every day, either with the Queen, or at her own lodging, or in ſome other place. But at laſt Sir, he ſaw her ſo often, that he ſaw her too often, for he fell moſt deſperately in Love with her: Since as I told you, he was naturally ambitious, he never oppoſed a paſſion which had ſuch a Noble cauſe, nor ever went about to hide it, not being ſorry they ſhould report him to be in Love with the Siſter of that man, who in all likelyhood was to marry the Queen; ſo that finding in one perſon a fit ſublect to ſatisfie his love and ambition both, he applied himſelf highly to Court Philimena; but the beſt conceipt was, that he built all the happy ſucceſs of his deſign upon the Queens favour, never dreaming what thoughts ſhe had of him; yet he did not carry it at the firſt as pretending to marry her, but as a man, who preferred her before all the Court, and could not chuſe but love her: Since he thought it would avail him, that the Queen ſhould think him in love with Philimena, hoping that ſhe would further the buſineſs, he was as forward to make the Queen know it, as Philimena, knowing that Baſilides would not deny the Queen any favour, and ſo he thought the enjoyment of Philimena did depend as much upon Cleobuline, as upon Philimena her ſelf.

Myrinthus then having theſe thoughts, was excreamly diligent to make the Queen believe him as amorous as he was, and loſt no opportunity to perſwade her that he was not able to live without Philimena, he would ſomtimes on ſet purpoſe when Philimena was with the Queen, fail in thoſe reſpects which he owed unto Cleobuline, onely to let her ſee the greatneſſe of his affection to Philimenat: You may imagine Sir how the Queen was troubled at this knowledg, I aſſure you it was ſo great, as now ſhe knew what ſhe was ignorant of before, for ſhe could never tell what was in her heart, until Myrinthus thus loved Philimena. But as ſoon as it appeared to be Love, there was no poſſibility of hiding this paſſion of her ſoul from her ſelf, and ſhe had enough to do to hide it from others; ſhe would not at firſt believe her own thoughts, but did ſtrive to believe that the reaſon why the love of Myrinthus to Philimena did vex her, was becauſe his deſign was too raſh, and with too little reſpect unto her: Yet ſhe had no ſooner accuſed Myrinthus of raſhneſs, but ſhe found ſomthing elſe in her heart, all her thoughts were in ſuch a ravelled diſorder, as ſhe was fain to examine them one after another, to know what it was From whence proceeds (ſaid ſhe to her ſelf, and called all her thoughts to an account) this great turbulency in my heart, ſince Philimena conquered the heart of Myrinthus? What intereſt have I in the Conqueſt, that I ſhould deſire to oppoſe it? and what expect I from a man whom Fortune hath made ſo much my inferiour? I know not well what I would have (ſaid ſhe and chid her ſelf) but I know very well that I would not have him love Philimena: But can it be poſſible I ſhould love Myrinthus more then I thought I did? Myrinthus who who is a thouſand degrees below me, Myrinthus who loves not me, nor thanks be to the Fates knows that I love him: No; fie, fie, Cleobuline is not capable of ſo much weakneſs, ſhe is too zealous an adorer of glory to love Myrinthus, though he ſhould infinitely love her.

At theſe words Cleobuline ſtopt, and was a while in examination of her ſelf; but not being able to be her own Judg, ſhe broke out into expreſſions again: However (ſaid ſhe and bluſht) this ſame Cleobuline who is ſuch a lover of glory, and who thought ſhe had not loved Myrinthus, cannot endure that he ſhould love Philimena, and finds ſomthing in her heart which tells her, ſhe ſhould not be ſorry if he loved Cleobuline: But what's this I ſay? (ſaid ſhe and reprehended her ſelf) am I in my wits? and can I approve of my own thoughts? No, no, I utterly diſclaim them if they be unworthy of my ſelf, I will magnanimouſly contend with my ſelf for my own glory; and ſince all the world commends me, I will not give them any cauſe to blame me: Surmount Cleobuline this [...]ſilanimity which thou haſt diſcovered in thy heart; and never conſent that the Daughter of the wiſe Periander ſhould be capable of ſo much folly, nor that the Daughter of a great and valiant King ſhould be ſo poorly baſe. But is Love a voluntary thing? (ſaid this Princeſs [Page] to her ſelf) Is it not a paſſion? And yet I argue as if one might love or hate, whom, and when, and how they pleaſe. Oh you moſt juſt Gods (cried ſhe out) I would what I ſay now were true? and that I could hate Myrinthus? 'Tis much better to be unjuſt then weak: Proclaim war againſt thy ſelf Cleobuline, and to make the Conqueſt more eaſie, imagine, that Myrinthus hath done thee an injury, to reſpect thee as he hath done; and that he hath affronted thee by loving Philimena, that he was obliged to gueſs at thoſe thoughts which you had of him, and to anſwer them, and let him paſs for a perfidious and ungrateful man, who ſhould know that you loved him and he never love you: But alas, ſaid ſhe, how can I accuſe Myrinthus? He does not love me, 'tis true; but the reaſon is becauſe he thinks that he ought not to preſume to love me, if he had any ſuſpition that I loved him, had he not then done me wrong? and had I not good cauſe to be offended at him? of what then can I accuſe Myrinthus? can I accuſe him of any raſhneſs in loving Philimena, ſince I think him not worthy to look upon my ſelf? If I muſt finde a cauſe, (ſaid ſhe) either in him or my ſelf to hate him, or at leaſt not to love him: Is it not cauſe enough; that he is the cauſe of that weakneſs whereof I accuſe my ſelf? Is it not a ſufficient cavſe to drive him from my heart, that he diſturbs the tranquility of my life? Baniſh him then couragiouſly Cleobuline from that place where he does not know he is, and raign over thy ſelf as Soveraignly as over thy Subjects. After this violent conteſt; this Princeſs thinking that ſhe did not love Myrinthus, becauſe ſhe deſired it, did what ſhe could to keep cloſe unto her reſolutions, and to gain that victory at one blow, and put her ſelf to the laſt teſt, ſhe appointed many daies of Hunting, and other recreations, where Philimena and Myrinthus alwayes were; ſhe gave the Bal [...] unto Philimena very often, thinking to accuſtome her ſelf to ſee Myrinthus with Philimen [...], without any other ſorrow or intereſt. Thus ſtriving to quench that flame which burned in her heart towards Myrinthus, ſhe augmented the flames of Myrinthus to Philimena, by giving him ſo many occaſions of ſeeing her; and ſhe her ſelf would ſomtimes cauſe Philimena to anſwer the affection of Myrinthus; for indeed, ſince Cleobuline intended to conquer her ſelf, during theſe three daies of feaſting and diverſions, ſhe expreſſed as much friendſhip unto Myrinthus, as he expreſſed love to Philimena: So that by this means the fair and young Philimena ſeeing her Lover in ſuch favour with the Queen, did alſo look upon him with a more gracious eye. Baſilides, who feared nothing more then to diſpleaſe Cleobuline, durſt not expreſs any miſlike that Myrinthus courted his Siſter. Thus the Queen, without any conqueſt of her ſelf, helped Myrinthus to conquer the heart of Philimena, who certainly eſteemed him with as much affection as her virtue would permit her.

But whilſt Cleobuline was contributing unto the felicity of Myrinthus, ſhe diſturbed her own; for the more ſhe ſaw him, the leſs able ſhe ſaw her ſelf to ceaſe loving him, and to endure ſhe ſhould love Philimena, when ſhe ſaw him talk in a low voice unto that fair & young Lady, ſhe would change colour, her heart would beat a Lovers pace, and ſuſpecting that he was expreſſing his affection, her ſoul ſuffered inexpreſſible tortures: If he at any time chanced to commend Philimena, ſhe was ſtrangely troubled, and if Philimena commended Myrinthus, Cleobuline could not hold from contradicting her, though ſhe eſteemed Myrinthus above all the world. In the mean time, though the Queen found a ſtrange rebellion in her heart, and that there was a continual contrariety betwixt her reaſon and her ſelf, yet ſhe did obſtinately ſtrive many daies to vanquiſh her paſſion; but at laſt, ſhe found that all her attempts were in vain, and that the moſt ſhe could do was to hide it; and ſhe thought that alſo to be a piece of difficulty, unleſs ſhe ſhould hide her ſelf and all: And indeed Cleobuline not being able to reſtrain her ſelf, did feign ſickneſs, to the end ſhe might not ſee either Myrinthus or Philimena, hoping ſtill that this abſence from them might recover her liberty, yet this reſtraint and retreat had not that operation which ſhe [...]: For when Myrinthus was out of her ſight, ſhe imagined him alwayes [...] the [...] Philimena: So that in he [...] of releaſing her mind, ſhe did the more ingage it. [...], that [...] deſiring to know where Myrinthus was, ſhe would ſend ſeve [...] office, and ſtill ſhe was told, that they found him [...] blowed by the bellows of jealouſie, in [...] of [...] that ſhe would accuſe her own folly and [...] a [...] much in her favour, and more in her [...] would have her with her even at thoſe [...] [...], ſince this Princeſs [...] [Page] turally merry, Steſilea much wondred to ſee her ſo melancholy, not being able to imagine what the cauſe was, for ſhe was infinitely adored by all her people, peace and abundance did flow over all parts of her Dominious, all her Neighbours States did highly eſteem her, her reputation reached over all the world, and there was nothing viſible which could moleſt her happineſs: So that Steſilea ſeeing ſuch an alteration in the Queen, reſolved to take the liberty of asking her the cauſe, at the firſt opportunity which offered it ſelf; and ſhe was not long before ſhe found it, for the Queen did her ſelf give it one night when they were alone together: Tell me truly Steſilea, ſaid the Princeſs to her, Do you not deſire to know the cauſe of my melancholy? Did I as well know how to divine your Majeſties thoughts, replied ſhe, as you do mine, I ſhould quickly ſatisfie my curioſity of knowing what it is that troubles you: The truth is Madam, the condition wherein I ſee you makes me moſt ſadly inquiſitive, for knowing you to be wiſe and prudent, I am moſt confident you are not melancholy without a cauſe, and not knowing what it is which diſquiets you, I thought it the duty of my love to you, to be ſorry in your behalf.

Cleobuline hearing Steſilea ſpeak ſo feelingly, and knowing that ſhe did love her with m [...]c [...] tenderneſs, ſhe reſolved to unburthen her heart, ſince it was not poſſible that any one ſoul ſhould contain all thoſe reſentments which ſhe had of her own glory, of her love to Myrinthus, and of her jealouſie of Philimena: But ſince ſhe was ſtrangely aſhamed of her own weakneſs, ſhe drew the Tiſſue Curtain of that bed whereon ſhe ſate, to the end that darkneſs might hely her in diſcovering unto Steſilea thoſe torments of her ſoul. After that, ſhe had prepared Steſilea with a long preamble, and Steſilea had promiſed inviolable fidelity, ſhe began to ſpeak as if ſhe had committed ſome horrid crime: You have good reaſon Steſilea (ſaid ſhe unto her) to ſay I am changed from what I was; for the truth is, I am not that woman whom all the world takes me to be; I know very well that I have the happineſs of a reputation high enough, and that all Princes do either eſteem me, or look upon me with an eye of envy, yet I muſt tell you, tha [...] if they knew my heart, they would look upon me either with an eoe of pity, or elſe with an eye of ſcorn: Oh Madam (replied Steſilea) the laſt of theſe can never be: Yes, replied the Queen, ſooner then the firſt, if my condition were but known: But Steſilea, the greateſt comfort of my misfortune is, that I hope none will ever know it, and that though I tell it unto you, yet it will ſleep in eternal oblivion. Certainly Madam you may be confident, anſwered Steſilea, that I will never reveal any ſecret which you ſhall honour me with the participation; therefore I beſeech your Majeſty to tell me what it is which diſquiets you, that I may endeavour a remedy. As ſoon as I offer to open my mouth, replied Cleobuline, to tell you the cauſe of my miſery, anger and ſhame ſhuts it again: I cannot finde words to expreſs my thoughts, and I do finde ſuch a confuſion in all my thoughts, that I can give no order unto my words; one while I would deſire you to excuſe my folly, before I acquaint you what it is; ſomtimes I have a deſire to tell what the matter is and preſently after I alter my mind, and reſolve to tell you nothing at all; therefore my dear Steſil [...]a, if you can gueſs what the cauſe of my grief is: But hold (ſaid ſhe and reprehended her ſelf) I would not have you gueſs, and though you have ſome ſuch ſuſpition, I conjure you not to tell it, for if you ſhould gueſs it, I ſhould believe all the world might do the like, and ſo I ſhould be the moſt miſerable Princeſs upon earth. Since Steſilea naturally had a paſſionate ſoul, ſhe knew by the manner of the Queens diſcourſe, that love was that cauſe of her ſorrows, but yet ſhe could not imagine with whom it ſhould be that ſhe was in Love, but very ſweetly replied, that ſince ſhe deſiree to know no farther then ſhe was pleaſed to allow her, ſhe would not dive deeper into the buſineſs then her Majeſty pleaſed: Though I am perſwaded, (ſaid ſhe) that one may impart all things unto one that is faithful: But Madam (ſaid ſhe purpoſely to ſerue out the ſecret) what can it be that is ſo di [...]cult to be diſcovered? All the world knows all your actions to be innocent and moſt illuſtrious, and if you be culpable in any thing, certainly there is none that can teſtifie againſt you but your ſelf, and that perhaps for entertaining ſome thoughts which were too high: Oh Steſilea, replied the Queen, ambition is no part of my crime, were I as f [...]ee from all other paſſions as from that, my ſoul would be at more tranquility; but ſince I muſt tell you that which I cannot conceal, know Steſilea, that there is one in the world, who whether I will yr no, hath ſuch a ſhare in my heart, as that I cannot hate him, though I would, and though I have a ſtrange deſire unto it: I thought (replied Steſilea) that your Majeſty had ſome horrid deſign to ſubvert all the Lawes of [Page] your Dominions, to begin ſome unjuſt war, and to eſtabliſh ſome tyrannical Government, ſince you did ſo highly accuſe your ſelf; but for ought I ſee you are culpable of nothing, unleſs in that you will not permit one to adore you, or in that you have not hated ſome illuſtrious Slave, who doubtleſs doth love and adore you with a moſt reverent paſſion: Ah Steſilea, ſaid Cleobuline, my fate is worſe then you imagine it, and ſince I muſt diſcover the very root of my heart unto you, know, that I love one who knows it not, and one who loves another, yet ſuch is the violence of my Love; that I cannot chuſe but love him, nor can I endure he ſhould love another, though I would not have him know I love him, nor that he ſhould ever tell me that he loves me, though he did; I pray therefore judg Steſilea, whether my condition be not deplorable; and whether I have not good reaſon to be much aſhamed of my weakneſs: Since I cannot condemn your Majeſty (replied Steſilea) unleſs I ſhould condemn my ſelf, I beſeech you give me leave to tell you, that I cannot accuſe you at all, for ſince I know you are not ignorant of my cruel diſaſter at Jaliſſa, where I fell in love with a man, who made me the confident of his affection unto another, I thought good then to accuſe and condemn my ſelf as your Majeſty doth: But I moſt humbly beſeech you Madam, who is this happy man that hath made this illuſtrious Conqueſt? This Conquerour, replied Cleobuline, is the Slave of Philimena: Judg therefore Steſilea, if I have not good reaſon to be aſhamed, for though I know you are culpable of the ſame crime that I am, yet I cannot excuſe my ſelf, and to ſay the truth, there is ſome difference betwixt you and me, for he whom you loved was your equal, and you were not obliged to render an accompt of your actions unto any but your ſelf: But Steſilea, I muſt render an accompt of mine unto all the world, I have a tranſcendent glory to preſerve, and I prefer that glory above my life; yet I love one of my Subjects above my ſelf, and which is worſe, I love him, and am not loved, but ſees him deſperately in love with another; had I ſo much happineſs as to be ſo blinded by my paſſion, that I could think my ſelf in no fault, I ſhould be leſs miſerable, and more excuſeable, but to my torment, the Gods have left me ſo much reaſon as to ſee my own weakneſs, and yet have not left me power enouhg to ſurmount it: But Madam, replied Steſilea, to juſtifie you by your own words, is it not ſufficient to ſtop all accuſations, that you have done all you were able to ſubdue the paſſion of your ſoul? For truly Madam, I cannot conceive that virtue conſiſts in having no paſſions, Nature gives them unto all, and they can never be totally ſubdued but by death; I am confidently perſwaded, that ſo theſe paſſions prompt us not unto any thing which is againſt true glory, we are not culpable, though we cannot ſubdue them; therefore Madam, in lieu of accuſing you, as you do your ſelf, you ought to be commended, for ſtriving ſo couragiouſly againſt that which is the moſt powerful of all paſſions; and you ought to conſider with a little more tranquility, which way you may vanquiſh them, or render them leſs intollerable. As for vanquiſhing them, replied the Queen, I will never hope for it, though I am reſolved to ſtrive as long as I live; and as for making them leſs intollerable, the way is very difficult to be found. Moreover Steſilea, there is one thing which doth extremely torment me, for I am perſwaded that if Myrinthus knew my thoughts of him, they would ſtagger his ſidelity unto Philimena; and ſomtimes again I have thoughts, that the Crown I wear keeps him from loving me: I believe I have an infallible way to make him break off with Philimena, but it is a way I will never take, for there is nothing in the world I fear more, then that Myrinthus ſhould know I love him: Then Madam, ſaid Steſilea, What will content you? That I had never loved Myrinthus, replied ſhe: For to talk of ceaſing from loving him, is to talk of a thing impoſſible, neither my heart nor my reaſon will ever conſent unto it: Then Madam, replied Steſilea, I cannot eaſily think you can be in ſuch a miſerable condition, but you may finde out wayes to be happpie: Truly Steſilea, replied Cleobuline, the ſtate of my fortune is ſuch, that I know no way to happineſs, but only to wiſh it: For ſince the fate of Myrinthus is not ſit to be a King, I cannot be any thing elſe but a lump of misfortunes, yet I do conceive ſomthing that would render me ſomthing leſs miſerable then I am: I beſeech you Madam, ſaid Steſilea, what is it that will be any eaſe unto your miſery? I would have Myrinthus (ſaid ſhe) not to love Philimena, but would have him love me, but love me without ever telling me of it, or without ever knowing that I love him, and I would have all the world ignorant of that paſſion which was in our ſouls: I pray judg then Steſilea, whether there be any poſſibility of my happineſs, truly I can never pretend unto ſo [...]ch as to hope it, all that I wiſh is, that Myrinthus did not love Philimena; yet truly I [...]told you my wiſh, but ſhame moves me to alter my opinion, for I feel my [Page] love to Myrinthus converts it ſelf into hatred againſt my ſelf, and that my jealouſie of Philimena turns fury againſt my own reaſon; therefore Steſilea, I will pauſe a while until ſecond thoughts have better digeſted my firſt, and until I am better reſolved upon what I would have you do: This is a moſt certain and infallible Maxime which is for ever unalterable, that I will never do any thing that ſhall be oppoſite unto glory, and that Myrinthus ſhall never know that I love him. After this, Steſilea had a long conference with Cleobuline, at the concluſion of which nothing was reſolved upon; yet this Queen found ſome eaſe in her ſpirits, ſince ſhe had diſcharged her heart unto Steſilea, whoſe tender and paſſionate ſoul was very fit to be a confident of ſuch a Noble paſſion, and ever ſince ſhe was inſeparable from the Queen, who could not live without her: So that according to the cuſtome of all Courts, which is, that as ſoon as any is admitted into the favour of the Kings or Queens, they are Courted by all the Court: So Steſilea by her new admittance into the Queens favour, was loadened with civilities and addreſſes: Baſilides himſelf was very compliant with her, and among the reſt Myrinthus, as powerful as he was with the Queen, yet Courted the friendſhip of Steſilea, to the end ſhe might procure him that Queens conſent unto his deſign of marrying Philimena; ſo that by this means ſhe was upon very good terms with Myrinthus, who not knowing the cauſe of this new favor, did attribute it as all the reſt of the Court did, unto the merit of Steſilea, and unto the recommendation of the Princeſs Eumetis; with whom ſhe ſpent all the beginning of her life. Thus Myrinthus not knowing the true cauſe of thoſe many favours wherewith the Queen honoured Steſilea, did Court her favour, in hopes of her doing him a good office by favouring his deſign. Moreover, in order unto this deſign, he became more obſequious, more exact, more reſpectful, and more compliant about the Queen; but the more regularly he demeaned himſelf, the more did her love and her jealouſie both begin to flame; the more obſequious he was, the more ſhe thought him amiable; but alſo conſidering that his reaſon for being ſo officious about her was, only becauſe he was every day more in love with Philimena, a ſpiteful jealouſie did ſo rouze her heart, as ſhe phancied as much pleaſure in hindering Myrinthus from marrying Philimena, as this Lover did in enjoying her, So that conſulting about it one day with Steſilea, ſhe both prayed her, and conjured her, to contribute all her endeavours unto the breaking off of this match: I know well (ſaid ſhe unto her) that I can do it my ſelf by virtue of my Soveraign authority, but there is two ſtrong reaſons which reſtrain me: The firſt is, becauſe I am extreamly afraid that Myrinthus would gueſs at the cauſe, and therefore I will not run that hazard: The ſecond is, (if I could not do it without a bluſh) becauſe I would not have Myrinthus hate me, as doubtleſs he would, if he ſhould know it to be I who broke off his marriage; therefore Steſilea, I conjure you to imploy all your wits to make him alter his opinion of Philimena, or at leaſt to keep him from marrying her; not that I do intend that Myrinthus ſhall ever know I love him, though you ſhould effect my deſired project; but it is ſo great a pleaſure unto any one who is in love, to quaſh any paſſion that ſhall oppoſe their own, as I would do any thing in the world to ſee Myrinthus out of love with Philimena: I profeſs Steſilea (ſaid ſhe) if you can drive her out of the heart of Myrinthus, you ſhall have as great a ſhare in my heart almoſt as he hath; for then I imagine I ſhall with leſs pain hide that paſſion which thus rants it in my heart, I ſhal more eaſily vanquiſh it, or at the leaſt ſhall love him leſs.

Steſilea hearing Cleobuline expreſs her ſelf ſo earneſtly, did promiſe all her endeavours for her ſatisfaction, and ineeed ſhe omitted no opportunity of tranſacting it: Since ſhe knew Myrinthus to be very ambitious, ſhe undertook one day to perſwade him, that to marry ſo ſoon was the only way to choak all his ambitious thoughts, ſince Fortune is alwayes more favourable unto thoſe who are not married, then unto thoſe who are: Afterwards, ſhe told him he was undiſcreet, in thinking of any alliance with a Prince whom the Queen loved not, and that if he would take her counſel, ſhe would adviſe him to devote himſelf inſeparably to the Queen, without any thoughts of any other intereſt. But ſince Myrinthus was chained in the Fetters of Love, the policie of Steſilea did not reliſh; and though he was very ambitious, yet he could not fear what ſhe deſired he ſhould; therefore he told her, that he ſhould not recede from the intereſts of the Queen by marrying Philimena; but on the contrary, ſhould more adhere unto them, ſince ſhe was the Siſter of a man, who muſt almoſt of neceſſity (if ever the Queen marry) marry her: So that Steſilea ſeeing ſhe could not work upon the ſpirit of Myrinthus, ſeemed to yeeld unto his opinion, to the end he might ſtill think her one of his friends: And ſhe plotted another [Page] ſtratagem to ruine his paſſion, which was: to intimate unto Philimena by a friend of hers, who was very intimate with her, that ſhe did her ſelf the greateſt wrong in the world, by thinking to marrie Myrinthus, who though indeed he was a verie accompliſhed man, yet was of too inferious qualitie for her. But ſince Philimena's ſoul was more ſenſible of Myrinthus his merits, then of any ambition, this counſel was given in vain: So that Steſilea ſeeing ſhe could no way quench theſe flames of affection in either of them, yet ſhe reſolved to hinder their marriage, and thought ſhe had found an excellent way for it. I told you alreadie Sir, that Baſilides did verie much Court the friendſhip of Steſilea, to the end ſhe might do ſome good offices to the Queen, of whom he extremely doted. And I alſo told you, that the reaſon why he did not thwart the affection of Myrinthus to Philimena, was becauſe he feared to incenſe the Queen, by croſſing the man that was ſo much in favour with her: Now I muſt tell you Sir, that Steſilea could not deviſe any better way to choak the deſigns of Myrinthus, then by Baſilides: So that talking one day with him, ſhe ordered her diſcourſe ſo handſomly, that ſhe began to talk of Myrinthus, and his love to Philimena. After this, Steſilea did ſo prepare his Spirit, that ſhe ingaged him unto her deſires, and moved him to ask her what the Queen thought of that buſineſs. Steſilea finding that Baſilides was brought unto her own bow, ſhe went on as handſomly as ſhe begun: At firſt ſhe told him, that ſhe did not verie well know the Queens thoughts, and that if ſhe did, yet ſhe ought not to tell them; afterwards, yeelding by degrees unto the requeſt of Baſilides, ſhe made him ſwear a thouſand oaths to be faithful unto her: After that, ſhe told him, how ſhe knew certainly that this marrying would diſpleaſe the Queen, and that the Queen wiſhed with all her heart it were broken off, without her being ſeen it. Alas Steſilea (ſaid Baſilides to her) the matter had never gone ſo far, if I had not feared the Queens diſpleaſure in oppoſing it: But ſince you aſſure me, that ſhe doth not approve of this marriage, and that I ſhall not incur her disfavour by breaking it off, it ſhall be quickly quaſhed.

Steſilea hearing Baſilides ſpeak with ſo much violence, feared leſt ſome quarrel ſhould be betwixt Myrinthus and him; therefore to prevent any ſuch diſaſter, ſhe told him further, that he ſhould not by any means croſs theſe deſigns with a noiſe, becauſe the Queen would not take it well that Myrinthus ſhould be openly affronted, but that his beſt courſe would be to make uſe of the Princeſs his Mother to command Philimena from any thoughts of Myrinthus, and to treat him as a man whom ſhe would never mar [...]ie. Baſilides followed Steſilia's counſel with a thouſand thanks, not thinking that in breaking of the marriage of Myrinthus, he tranſacted againſt himſelf. In the mean time, Steſilia's ſtratagem was not long before it took effect, for Baſilides having ſet on the Princeſs his Mother, Philimena was put into a ſtrange perplexitie: Since ſhe did moſt tenderly affect Myrinthus, ſhe could not upon any terms reſolve to treat him ill. Alſo being exceedingly tender of her glorie, ſhe was verie loath to diſobey the commands of a Mother: So that taking the middle way, and that ſhe might neither loſe Myrinthus, nor diſobey the Princeſs her Mother, ſhe reſolved to acquaint him with the commands which was upon her: At firſt ſhe had much ado to reſolve upon this courſe, knowing verie well that ſhe could not do it without being very obliging towards him: But at laſt, love being predominate, ſhe reſolved to tell him, and to deſire him he would ſee her no more; and all this in ſuch obliging language, as ſhe had not ingaged him ſo much to ſee her, if ſhe had abſolutely commanded it; for he made a thouſand vowes that he would ſee her in ſpite of all the world, and told her peremptorilie, that he would leave her; yet Philimena would not upon any terms let him ſee her at her own lodging; but in lieu therefore they agreed to ſee each other at the Queens. Thus Steſilea in doing this Princeſs a good office one way, did her an ill one another way, for ſhe helped her unto the object which of all the world ſhe leaſt deſired to ſee, to wit, Myrinthus often with Philimena: But afterwards, Baſilides being aſſured by Steſilea, that the Queen deſired that the marriage might be broken off, he obliged the Princeſs his Mother to carry Philimena into the Country, ſo that this abſence was an intolerable torment to Myrinthus, yet he was not a ſufferer by himſelf, and perhaps this is the [...]that ev [...] the abſence of a Rival cauſed ſorrow; yet certainly Cleobul [...] could not [...] upon Myrinthus ſo ſad for the abſence of Philimena, without extreme paſſage happened which was a great addition to her per [...], that ſhe being obliged to make a great Feaſt for the en [...] Ambaſſadors which came to her Court, Myrinthus appeared in ſuch [...]if he were neither to ſee, or be ſeen by any, he thinking that ſince [Page] Philimena was not there: it was no matter for dreſſing himſelf; and knowing that ſhe had a friend in Court who would ſend her word of every paſſage, he hoped that this his negligence would be recompenced another way, not fearing at all that the Queen would intereſt her ſelf in it. In the mean time, this trivial paſſage do ſo incenſe her ſorrows, as ſomtimes ſhe was in hopes not to love him any longer; but this hope was quickly quaſht. Did ever any ſee ſuch an odd adventure? (ſaid ſhe one night unto Steſilea) all that I ever do to cure my ſelf, or to comfort me, doth more augment my miſerie: The abſence of Philimena, from which I hoped for ſuch ſweetneſs, cauſeth nothing but bitterneſs; and I had rather ſee Philimena, then ſee that ſorrow for her in the face of Myrinthus: Is it poſſible I ſhould be capable of ſuch phantaſtical thoughts? I am confident, that thoſe who ſee me enter into any Cloſet ſo often by my ſelf, do think that I am meditating upon ſome grand deſigns, and that the good of the ſtate is all my thoughts: Yet weak woman, that I am buſied only in thinking whether Myrinthus be ſad or pleaſant, whether Myrinthus be handſom or negligent in his cloaths: Ah Cleobuline, what thoughts are theſe? Call to memory what heretofore thou waſt: Read over all the Elogies that were preſented to thee, to the end they may put thee in mind of deſerving them, and be unto thy ſelf the ſame thou ſeemeſt to be unto others: Thou art talked on over all the world, as if thou wert a Lover of virtue and glorie, and yet thou loveſt Myrinthus who loves not thee, though thou knoweſt verie well, that thou canſt not do it without doing that which is unworthy of thy qualitie: Thou loveſt Myrinthus, I ſay, who loves none but Philimena, and who ought not to enjoy thy affection, though he did love thee as well as he loves her: Be thy own Judg Cleobuline, what baſeneſs of ſoul it is to do as thou doſt: Conſider ſeriouſly with thy ſelf, what abundance of folly it is to be a Slave unto thy own unruly paſſions: Remember how the wiſe Periander thy Father hath told thee a thouſand and a thouſand times, that tranquility of mind was the greateſt goodneſs; that this tranquilitie of mind was in the ſoul, like health to the body, without which one could not enjoy any manner of pleaſure: Recall thy memorie, and think how he told thee, that the love of glory was the only innocent paſſion; quench thoſe flames of affection which is in thy ſoul unto Myrinthus; conſider, that thy whole reſt and glorie conſiſts in conquering thy ſelf, and thy crime does lie cloſe in the ſecret corners of thy ſoul, yet it will procure thee as much ſhame as if it were publique: How canſt thou without a bluſh receive thoſe commendations which are given thee, ſince thou knoweſt thy ſelf unworthy of them? How canſt thou enjoy the eſteem of others, when thou doſt not eſteem thy ſelf? Conſider Cleobuline, conſider ſeriouſly, that if Myrinthus whom thou thus adoreſt, and ſo tenderly loves, did but know of thy puſilanimious affection to him, he would eſteem thee leſs, and perhaps ſcorn thee; never be ſo ſimple as to think, that if he knew of thy affection to him, he would then quit Philimena; but be confident on the contrary, that he would hate thee, It ſeems Madam, (ſaies Steſilea and interrupted her) that love is a paſſion which you are not acquainted with, ſince you think to vanquiſh it by reaſon or violence: Alas my dear Steſilea (ſaid ſhe unto her) with what other armes would you have me vanquiſh my ſelf? Would you have me ſubmit and render my ſelf without any reſiſtance? No Madam (replied Steſilea) but in wiſhing you to ruine your paſſion, I would not have you ruine your ſelf: But Steſilea, replied ſhe, what would you have a perſon do, whoſe heart is as full of ſhame as love, as full of jealouſie as ſhame, and as full of anger as jealouſie? What would you have a Princeſs do, who has a thouſand oppoſite thoughts in her ſoul? Who would ſomtimes alwayes ſee Myrinthus, and ſomtimes again never ſee him; who ſomtimes wiſheth ſhe knew how he loves him, and who in a minute after believe, that ſhe ſhould die for ſhame if he did know it, who hates Philimena with as much violence as ſhe loves Myrinthus, and who often hates her ſelf, even unto death? Somtimes my dear Steſilea, all the extraordinary paſſages in Hiſtory cauſed by Love comes into my memory. I finde ſome Kings of Egypt, who have made Slaves Queens; and I think I have read of ſome Queens who have made Slaves Kings: From hence my reaſon wandered, and looked upon Myrinthus as one of Noble Qualitie and extraordinary merit; I thought his hand ſtrong enough to hold up the weight of a Scepter, and that he who raigns in my heart might well reign in my Kingdomes. But after theſe fond and unworthy imaginations had roven in my mind, my reaſon began to rouze, and diſperſe thoſe muddie Clouds which obſcured it, and made me ſo abhor my own thoughts, that I hated both her who entertained them, and him alſo who was the ſubject of them; judg then Steſilea, what a reſtleſs life I l [...]ve; and the greateſt horror of all is, that in the concluſion of all my [Page] raptures, I ſtill find Myrinthus innocent, and Myrinthus worthy of my eſteem: For truly he is a man of courage, ſpirit, and fidelity, and if I could not look upon him as my ſubject I had all the reaſons in the world to be contented with him, yet I complain and know not why I accuſe and juſtifie him, I excuſe and condemn my ſelf all at once; yet there is alwayes in my heart ſuch a deſire of glory, as often moves me, maugre the violence of my paſſion, to render thanks unto the Gods that Myrinthus loves me not, though this be the thing which moſt of any thing upon earth grieves me. But I had no ſooner rendred thanks unto them for ſuch a cruel favour, then I was readie to petition, that they would inſpire the heart of Myrinthus with the ſame paſſion that they did mine. Thus being toſſed from one turbulent thought unto another, I found not reſt in any. After all theſe violent expreſſions, the Queen was ſilent: At laſt ſhe told Steſilea, that ſhe thought it ſo unworthy a thing to take ſo much fruitleſs pains in breaking off the marriage of Myrinthus, as ſhe would meddle no further in it, but was reſolved to leave it to a hazard a while: For I am perſwaded (ſaid ſhe) that I do but augment the love of Myrinthus by all my obſtacles.

This reſolution being pitched upon, Steſilea ceaſed her negotiations. In the mean while, Myrinthus, whoſe paſſion would never let him reſt, endeavoured to gain Baſilides who indeed was perſwaded by one of his friends, that for the advancement of his deſigns upon the Queen, it extremely concerned him not to incenſe Myrinthus, who was ſo gracious with her; but yet he was at a ſtand in the buſineſs, for he knew by Steſilea that the Queen did not approve of his deſign to marrie Philimena; yet he himſelf knew, that one could not be more in her favour then he was, and therefore he thought it concerned him to link him unto his intereſts: So endeavouring not to appear in conſenting unto a marriage which the Queen diſliked, and not to hinder Myrinthus, he reſolved to truſt him, and to tell him upon what reaſons he oppoſed his deſign, not caring to ſacrifice his Siſter unto his Love. After the place where they might talk in ſecret was appointed, Baſilides told Myrinthus, that the reaſon why he oppoſed his affection was, becauſe Steſilea aſſured him that the Queen did not approved of it: After which, linking their intereſts together, Myrinthus promiſed Baſilides to ſerve him in all things that he was able, and Baſilides promiſed Myrinthus not to oppoſe him any more, provided he got the Queens approbation. In the mean while, Baſilides to begin his favours, cauſed Philimena to return unto Corinth, upon ſome ſlight colour of the buſineſs. But as the grief which the Queen ſaw in the countenance of Myrinthus during Philimena's abſence did muh perplex her; ſo the joyes which ſhe ſaw in him at her return, did drive her into abſolute diſpair.

Yet for all this, the ſatisfaction of Myrinthus was not over-full of tranquilitie, for now knowing that the Queen was not ignorant of his deſign, he found it more difficult to bring it to paſs, then when he thought Baſilides only did oppoſe him: It was in vain to ſearch out the cauſe, for he ſaw that he was as much in her favour as ever; and he did not ſo much as ever ſuſpect, that ſhe thwarted his paſſion, only becauſe he was too deep in her heart; yet he thought it his beſt courſe to ſeem as if he were ignorant of her diſapproving of his paſſion; and he thought alſo, that if he had as much confident boldneſs as to ask her favour unto his deſign, that perhaps ſhe would not deny it. Thus after he had well conſulted upon the matter with Baſilides and with Philimena, it was reſolved that he ſhould take that courſe, and a verie favourable opportunitie did offer it ſelf, ſince Myrinthus had done a verie conſiderable piece of ſervice to the Queen, in negotiating with Ambaſſadors from Lacedemonea, who were then at Corinth, which he tranſacted with ſo much wiſdom and ſpirit, that it may well be ſaid he prevented a great and dangerous War. Myrinthus ſpoke not a word of his deſign unto Steſilea; for ſince ſhe was not ſo open-breſted to him as Baſilides, he had no mind to ſpeak unto her of it, leſt ſhe ſhould diſſwade him, or elſe by her telling Cleobuline of it, ſhe might have more cauſe to deny him, by giving time to ſtudie her reaſons for not conſenting unto his deſires. After he had well thought upon it, he went one morning to the Queen at ſuch an houre, when he knew he might have the conveniencie of talking with her, and he went with abundance of hopes to ſpeed well; for when he remembred what honours he had received from this Princeſs, the great offices ſhe had given him, and all things ſhe had done for him, it could not ſink into his belief, that ſhe would deny him the only thing which crowned all his felicities; therefore he reſolved that if he found any difficulty in obtaining his deſires, then to aggravate his affection unto Philimena in ſuch a manner unto Cleobuline, that ſhe ſhould ſee [Page] he could not live without her. Myrinthus then having thus reſolved upon the matter, and being come unto the Queen, he behaved himſelf as he was wont, when he had buſineſs of importance to talk on: So that Cleobuline gave him the opportunitie of talking with her in private, without the leaſt ſuſpition of the truth, imagining he would tell her ſomthing which related unto his office; but ſhe wondered, when ſhe knew by the verie firſt words of Myrinthus that ſhe was miſtaken: Did I not know Madam, (ſaid he unto her) that I have the honour to be known very well unto your Majeſtie, I ſhould have cauſe to fear, that in lieu of granting me a moſt humble Petition, which I intend to preſent unto you, that you ſhould accuſe me of raſhneſs, and of extreme ambition. After all that I have done for you Myrinthus, replied ſhe, I have verie little reaſon to accuſe you of raſhneſs; and I muſt confeſs, I cannot underſtand what you can deſire of me, which may move me to think you ambitious: Yet Madam I am ſtrangely afraid your Majeſtie ſhould miſtake one paſſion for another, and that I having an intention to beg your Majeſties leave to love Philimena, and to protect me againſt Baſilides, you ſhould think me not contented with your benefits, but that I would draw others upon my ſelf by this illuſtrious alliance: But Madam, I muſt proteſt, that ambition is not the cauſe of my boldneſs; and if I had only that paſſion in my ſoul, I ſhould certainly be the happieſt man alive: For indeed Madam, you have honored me with ſo many offices, and put me upon ſuch glorious imployments, that I know not how to wiſh any greater: But Madam, if your Majeſtie will be pleaſed to let me open my heart, to the end I may excuſe my boldneſs, I ſhall tell you, that Love is the tyrannical paſſion of my ſoul, which moves me to Petition your Majeſtie with abundance of earneſtneſs to grant my deſire: If you had been only ambitious, (replied Cleobuline and bluſht) you ſhould ſooner obtain your deſires; for ſince I am as well able to ſatisfie the guſts of that paſſion, as you can deſire them, I ſhould perhaps continue on my favours to you; but to intereſt me in matters of Love, and ſuch a Love as yours, this Myrinthus is a thing which I cannot meddle in: Many reaſons, beſt known unto my ſelf, which I cannot impart unto you, makes me diſlike your deſired Marriage, yet not that I think you unworthy of Philimena: For to teſtifie unto you (added ſhe) being tranſported with raptures of Love) that I do not deny my aſſent out of any diſadvantageous thoughts of you, I do confer upon you the beſt office in my Dominions, which you became vacant of lately. Alas Madam, replied Myrinthus, rather command me to ſurrender all thoſe honours you have formerly conferred upon me, then deny me Philimena. Since Love is often a fading paſſion, replied ſhe, and ſince ambition on the contrary, is a paſſion which follows thoſe who are once tainted with it, even unto death, when the Guſts of your Love is a little blown over, you will be glad I ſatisfied your ambition. I beſeech you Madam, replied Myrinthus, judg not of me according unto the common Rules of others; and believe that I am more amorous then ambitious, and ever ſhall be ſo. Since that belief will not be advantagious unto you, anſwered the Queen, I will not entertain it, but will continue in the ſame opinion I was. I know verie well Madam, replied Myrinthus, that you may juſtly denie me all things, and I cannot juſtly complain: But ſince the paſſion which raiges in me is not accuſtomed to acknowledg any Soveraigntie unto reaſon, I cannot chuſe but tell your Majeſtie, that it is ſomthing ſtrange you ſhould denie me this favour which I do ask of you, after conferring ſo many favours upon me which I never asked, all which are nothing to me without this: Yes Madam (ſaid Myrinthus, being tranſported with the violence of his Love) Philimena is ſo eſſentally neceſſarie unto the felicitie of my life, that I cannot live without ſome hopes of enjoying her: As for hope (replied Cleobuline with extream grief and anger) I will not take it from you, for ſome men will often hope againſt all manner of probabilitie, but as for Philimena, I will never per [...] it; & if you marrie her, it ſhal be without my conſent: I know verie well, ſaid ſhe; that after ſo much goodneſs as I have formerly extended towards you, it may ſeem ſomthing ſtrange I ſhould denie you a thing which you [...]o earneſtly deſire, and denie it without giving you any reaſon for my denial: But know Myrinthus, that this reaſon is of ſuch a nature, as I cannot tell it; yet it is ſo ſtrange a reaſon, that it is invincible; and if you did know it, you would confeſs, that if you were in my room, you would do the like: And I aſſure you, it will not be a greater difficultie for you to caſt off Philimena, then for me to conſent that you ſhould ever think on her; therefore Myrinthus ſolicite me no more in the matter, for all will be in vain: Let if ſuffice, that of two paſſions. I ſhall ſatisfie that which [...] uſed to be moſt difficult to content; and if you will be happie, over come the other couragiouſly. Alas Madam (ſaid Myrinthus and ſighed) [Page] it ſeems your Majeſtie is only a lover of glorie and virtue, ſince you think it ſuch an eaſie matter to drive out of my heart a hot-burning paſſion which keeps a moſt violent poſſeſſion. No, no, Pbilimena will not out ſo eaſily: Doubtleſs I may reſolve not to marry her and die, but I cannot leave loving her and live; therefore Madam, it is in your choice, whether you will glve me death or Philimena: The reverent duty which I owe your Majeſty, tan go no further: If you doom me to death, I will endeavour to receive it without murmure, but if you grant me life and Philimena, what would I not do to teſtifie my acknowledgments? Conſider Madam, I beſeech yoo, that your laſt words will be a ſentence either of life or death unto a man whom you have ſo much eſteemed, as to honour him with abundance favours and benefits: Conſider I ſay, that if you permit me to enjoy Philimena, I ſhall ſerve you all the reſt of my life with unutterable zeal: And conſider alſo, that if you forbid the bains thoſe cruel words will be poyſon, which paſſing from your mouth into my ears, will paſs from my ears unto my heart, and there moſt infallibly will be my death, a death the moſt ſevere and tormentive in the world, ſince pronounced by the greateſt Queen upon earth, and whom I held in ſuch reverent eſteem; for the moſt certain truth is Madam, that I have yeen as zealouſly devoted unto your glory, as unto Philimena; and I do proteſt, that I am as faithful a ſubject unto you, as I am a faithful lover unto her: Then yeeld obedience, replied Cleobuline, unto thoſe orders which I command, and obey them willingly: I wiſh unto the heavens Madam that I could, replied he, but ſince I cannot unleſs I die, I beſeech you command them no more; let it ſuffice I wiſh that I loved Philimena leſs; and believe it I moſt humbly beſeech you, that if I were able to quench thoſe flames which offend you, I ſhould moſt joyfully do it, knowing very well, that a Princeſs whoſe heart is ſenſible only of glorie, would the more eſteem me, if mine were not ſo ſenſible of Love: But the caſe is unalterable with me Madam, 'tis you muſt pronounce the fatal words of life or death: Live then (ſaid Cleobuline unto him, ſcarce knowing what ſhe ſaid) but live without Philimena, unleſs you will both live and die in my diſpleaſure: I will live Madam if I can, replied he, ſince you command it; but ſince I am confident that I cannot, I ſhall die in my ſorrows that I cannot know why I die; but I ſhall die with this ſatisfaction, that I ſhall die the moſt faithful, though the moſt unfortunate of all your Subjects. After this, Myrinthus made a moſt low and reverent Conge unto the Queen with ſuch a ſad and drooping countenance, that any other then a Lover would have pitied him. No ſooner was Myrinthus gone out of the Queens Cloſet, but Stefilea entred, and ſhe was no ſooner entred, but Cleobuline commanded that none elſe ſhould enter; and then ſhe related unto her all the paſſages between Myrinthus and her ſelf, and that with ſo much agitation of ſpirits, that the paſſion of her ſoul was very diſcernable: Did you know, ſaid ſhe unto her, with what zealous earneſtneſs Myrinthus asaed leave to marrie Philimena, you would wonder how I could denie him, or you would wonder I ſhould not hate him, and admire how I could conceal the jealouſie of my ſoul, yet to my unſpeakable miſerie, the more he ſeemed in Love with Philimena, the more he blew the flame of my affection unto him: Alas (ſaid I unto my ſelf whilſt he was talking) how happy ſhould I be, if Myrinthus were as affection unto me, as unto another? and when he proteſted that he was as much devoted unto my glorie as unto Philimsna, I had much ado to withhold from ſaying, that his neereſt way of happineſs was to be as much devoted unto my perſon as unto my ſervice: But thanks be to the heavens, my reaſon rowzing up to aid me, I abhorred a thought ſo baſe and unworthie of my ſelf, and I was more then half reſolved to allow the marriage of Myrinthus with Philimena, thereby to drive Myrinthus out of Cleobulines heart; but my mouth would not obey the offers of my minde, which neither my heart nor reaſon did not command▪

Thus my dear Steſilea, I have denied Philimena unto Myrinthus, and I have ſtill kept Myrinthus in my heart, notwithſtanding his extream love of Philimena; yet [...] theſe violent flames of affection which I ſaw in his ſoul, did inſpire ſuch [...] mine, and I could not be more angrie if Myrinthus had been ungrateful and perfidio [...] [...]ut preſentlie after my anger ceaſed, and I accuſed my ſelf of the moſt horrible [...] in the world Indeed I muſt confeſs unto my ſhame, that one could not be [...] [...]uſt then I [...] buſineſs, for as violent as my affection to Wyrinthus was, [...] [...]ould never [...] that he ſhould know it; and that though he had loved me, [...] [...]id not allow [...] ſo much boldneſs as to sell me of it; ſo that it muſt needs b [...] [...] the greateſt [...]olly and [...] in the world to [...] Myrinthus miſerable: But for all that, I pha [...] [Page] ſo great a conſolation in ſeeing him out of love with Philimena, and I found ſo much delight in making my ſelf believe that he loved me, and knew not that I loved him, as I could not by any means conſent that he ſhould either love or marrie Philimena; yet for all this, I am perſwaded that he will marrie her, maugre all my commands to the contrarie; and that he will force me to baniſh him my Court, to withdraw all my favours from him, and to puniſh him for contempt of my authoritie: But alas what's this I talk, ſaid ſhe, Can I think of baniſhing Myrinthus my Court, ſince I cannot baniſh him my heart, that there is much more juſtice in that, then in baniſhing him out of my Dominions: For my part Madam, replied Steſilea, I am not of your opinion, for I am perſwaded that Myrinthus will not marrie Philimena without your conſent: Though he do not marrie her without my conſent, replied Cleobuline, yet aſſuredlie he will ſtill hate me, and love her; ſo that whether he marrie, or marrie her not, I ſhall ſtill be miſerable. However Madam, replied Steſilea, I beſeech you deviſe ſome ſtratagem or other, and ſee whether I can contribute any thing to your ſatisfaction: I have deviſed more then you imagine (ſaid ſhe) for in lieu of one ſtratagem, I have two continually in my mind, but yet they are verie oppoſite unto each other, and therefore I think that neither of them will take effect; for truly I have a mind to make Myrinthus love me, and I have a mind to ceaſe loving him; judg then Steſilea, whether two ſuch impoſſibilities can ever conduce any thing to my ſouls tranquilitie. After this, Cleobuline told Steſilea a hundred things, which teſtified the grandure of her paſſion, and the grandure of her virtue. In the mean time, ſhe became ſo ſad, ſo unquiet, and ſo extreamlie melancholie ſince the day that Myrinthus asked leave to marrie Philimena, as Steſilea much feared her falling ſick. On the other ſide, Myrinthus was in ſuch a horrid diſpair, that never man was fuller of ſorrows; for he knew that Baſilides (notwithſtanding the league between them) would never let him marrie Philimena without Cleobulines conſent: Alſo conſidering his obligements unto the Queen, he knew it a moſt unworthie act to diſobey her. Moreover, having a ſoul verie ambitious, he could not ſee how he could have wherewith to ſatisfie his love, if he ſhould loſe his fortunes, ſo that he ſuffered intollerable torments; but the greateſt torture of all was, that he could not gueſs at the Queens reaſon to oppoſe his deſign; and to compleat his miſeries, Philimena underſtanding that the Queen would not conſent unto her marriage, ſhe told Myrinthus, to try his fidelitie, that ſhe would not have him ruine his fortunes for her ſake; and therefore conjured him to think no more of it. Philimena told him this in ſuch a manner, as that he could not gueſs at her deſign; but on the contrarie, did think, that ſhe ſaid ſo, becauſe ſhe feared to leave the Court. Afterwards, he ſuſpected that ſome Rival was perhaps more in her favour then he imagined: So that he was as ill ſatisfied from her, as from the Queen, and yet he made a thouſand vows and proteſtations of love unto her, the moſt tender and paſſionate in the world; he complained againſt her taking ſo much care of his fortunes, he ſwore that he would not value them at a ſtraw, but only becauſe he was loath to make her miſerable; and he was ſo full of ſuch tender and obliging expreſſions, that Philimena being delighted to hear ſuch generous teſts of his love, did ſtill oppoſe him, though it was with a deſign to tell him afterwards, that provided he could get her Parents conſent, ſhe would not care for the Queens. In the mean time, Myrinthus not knowing her deſign, did leave her with a verie little ſatisfaction, and carried with him a heart full of ſorrow, and ſome jealouſie.

At his going from her, he went unto Steſilea, to deſire her ſhe would be pleaſed to tell him what the Queens reaſon was to be ſo croſs unto his deſign, after ſo many favours ſhewed unto him. The firſt complements being paſt, Myrinthus began to entreat her ſhe would be pleaſed to do him a favour: It would be ſo great a happineſs (ſaid ſhe unto him) to do ſuch a moſt accompliſhed man as your ſelf any ſervice, that you may almoſt be certain to obtain whatſoever you ſhall deſire, ſo it be within the compaſs of my power: Yes Steſilea, ſaid he unto her, you can tell me what it is which ruines me in the opinion of the Queen: I aſſure you, replied ſhe, I cannot tell you that, but I am moſt certain, that you are not in any disfavour with her: Ah Steſilea, replied he, it is impoſſible I ſhould be at all in her favour, for ſhe hath denied me the only requeſt that ever I asked, and the requeſt is of ſuch a nature, as I admire why ſhe did not conſent unto it: I know verie weil that Philemena is above me, but I have received ſo many graces, honours, and benefits from the Queen, that I could not imagine a denial of this from her: For heavens [...]ake Steſilea, tell me the cauſe of my misfortune; Have I at any time done any thing that [Page] diſpleaſed the Queen? Have I any ſecret Enemie that does me any ill offices? Hath Baſilides betrayed me, and deſired her under-hand to denie me a thing which openly he ſeemed to wiſh? Or is it ſo, that the Queen thinks me in love with Philimena onlie as a cloak for my ambition? Does ſhe fear, that when I have married her, I ſhall preſs her to marrie Baſilides? Does ſhe look upon me as a factious perſon, who would ſtir up the people, and raiſe a war againſt her? Speak Steſilea, tell me, for I am ſure you know all that I deſire to know: In thinking me Sir (ſaid ſhe) in ſuch favour with the Queen as to know her ſecret thoughts, doubtleſs you honour me, and have a good opinion of me; but all that I can tell you is, that I do not know one thought ſhe hath which is not advantagious to you: When I call to memorie all the honours which I have received from the Queen, replied he, I do eaſily believe what you ſay; but when I conſider what ſhe hath denied me, I have reaſon to think ſhe hath changed her mind, and does not eſteem me. The laſt office which ſhe conferred upon you, replied ſhe, will hardly permit you to ſpeak thus: I pray then tell me, ſaid he unto her, What is the motive which induceth the Queen not to let me love Philimena? You know (ſaid Steſilea unto him) that there are ſome things which policie forbids to tell the cauſe of them: I know replied he, that the Queen may have ſo good an opinion of me, as to honour me with the truſt of her reaſons why ſhe denies me, if policie only were in the buſineſs; ſo that I muſt of neceſſitie conclude, that her reaſon is, either becauſe ſhe hates Philimena, or becauſe ſhe hates me; and therefore Steſilea I conjure you to tell me what you know in the buſineſs; never fear that I ſhall be ever ſo indiſcreet as to reveal the leaſt [...]illable you will truſt me with the participation: A perſon in love, replied ſhe, was never fit to keep ſecrets; Believe it Steſilea; replied he, as deep in Love as I am, I may be truſted, for I am moſt confident, that Love will never make me do any thing againſt honour or honeſtie: Be aſſured, that if I promiſe not to tell what you truſt me with unto Philimena, I ſhall perform it: I beſeech you pitie a moſt unhappie man who ſuits with you in this, that he loves the Queen as well as you do: It is my misfortune to think, that if Baſ [...]lides croſſed my deſign, I ſhould be leſs unfortunate then I am. But that the Queen, whoſe glorie I value at ſo high a rate that I would die to advance it, that ſhe ſhould render me the moſt miſerable of her Subjects, that is ſuch a thing Steſilea that I muſt needs lament: Since Cleobuline is of a Qualitie ſo high, that it becomes me not to tell her what thoughts I have of her, I am ſure ſhe knows mine, but verie imperfectlie; doubtleſs ſhe thinks me devoted to her ſervice, and that I am her moſt faithful Subject; but perhaps ſhe does not think me obliged unto it, by honour, by intereſt, and by gratitude; yet I muſt tell you Steſilea (to the end I may the more oblige you to tell me what I deſire to know) that I am a thouſand times more obliged and devoted unto her by inclination, then by any thing elſe: Yes Steſilea, I love the Queen with ſo much devotion, that I have not more love to Ph [...]limena, then I have tenderneſs to Cleobuline: Nay more, I am fully perſwaded, that if this Queen had been of a lower qualitie, perhaps I ſhould have been ſo bold as to have Courted her with a very affectionate eye: Judg then, I beſeech you, how ſad a thing it is to receive a death from a hand that is ſo infinitelie dear unto me; for heavens ſake therefore, tell me the cauſe of my misfortune, that I may know either how to overcome it, or to ſubmit my mind unto it; for I do profeſs unto you, that if you do not ſomthing more inform my underſtanding, I ſhall be forced to take ſome deſperate courſe with my ſelf.

Wilſt Myrinthus was thus talking, Steſilea was ruminating upon what courſe to take, ſhe ſaw that reaſon bad her not diſcover the Queens ſecrets▪ [...] ſide, ſhe ſaw him in ſuch a deſperate ſadneſs, that ſhe much feared it wo [...] Moreover, though Cleobuline had told her ten thouſand times, that ſhe [...] Myrinthus know her paſſion; yet ſince ſhe thought his knowledg of [...] quench his flames of affection unto Philimena, and kindle them unto her, ſhe th [...] that the Queen would not be much offended at it; ſo that knowing Myrinthus to be o [...] an ambitious temper, and hearing from his own mouth that he had much inclination to love the Queen, ſo that ſhe doubted not, but if ſhe told him the reaſon why the Queen croſſed his deſign, it would hinder him from marrying Philimena. Alſo, Steſilea perhaps looking upon the advancement of her own fortunes (which ſhe hoped for by this confidence) as upon the Queens tranquilitie, ſhe conſulted with her ſelf whether ſhe ſhould acquaint him with it or no. Since ſhe knew Myrinthus to be verie diſcreet, ſhe was the much bolder to venture upon it, and more, when upon ſecond thoughts ſhe found that ſhe ſhould run no [Page] hazard at all: For truly (ſaid ſhe to her ſelf, hardly hearing what Myrinthns ſaid unto her) if what I ſhall tell him do not ſtagger his conſtancie, yet for his own intereſt he will never let the Queen know he knows ſhe loves him, ſince that would be an affront which would reflect upon himſelf; and if what I tell him do make him quit Philimena and love Cleobuline, I need not fear her anger, though ſhe charged me not to let Myrinthus know ſhe loved him; and though ſhe would never have Myrinthus to tell her that he loved her. Steſilea then conſidering the pitiful caſe wherein the Queen was, ſhe thought it fit, for her reſts ſake, to hazard the matter, and for her ſervice to reveal her ſecret, ſince ſhe knew no better way; therefore ſhe began to think into what language ſhe ſhould put ſo delicate and nice a buſineſs. In the mean time, Myrinthus having done talking, and ſeeing that Steſilea was more intent upon her own thoughts then his words, began to think more then before, that there was ſome myſterious cauſe in the matter, and that Steſilia's ſilence arg [...]ed her incertaiatie, whether ſhe ſhould, or ſhe ſhould not tell it unto him: So that applying his earneſt prayers to prevent her from any reſolution contrary unto his deſires; For heavens ſake, dear Steſilea (ſaid he unto her) ſtudy no more upon the matter, but tell me plainly, whether the Queen denied my requeſt out of hatred, or out of ſcorn, or out of any other prejudicate thought? The thing you ask, replied Steſilea, is of greater conſequence then you imagine, and it is a ſecret of ſuch a nature, as I cannot truſt you, unleſs you will moſt ſolemnly ſwear never to reveal it unto any one living, not excepting Philimena her ſelf; and I will have you make a particular oath concerning her alone, who of all that lives upon earth muſt not know it. Myrinthus hearing Steſilea ſpeak thus, his curioſity did double: So that he made as many promiſes, and vowes, and oaths as ſhe deſired, never to ſpeak one ſillable of any thing ſhe ſhould impart, either unto Philimena, or any other. All this was not yet enough to ſecure Steſilea, for ſhe would have him ſwear alſo, never to make it known unto the Queen, neither by his words, nor any other action, that he is knowing in what ſhe is going to tell him.

Myrinthus now being more ſurprized, and more inquiſitive then before, did ſwear and promiſe all ſhe deſired: After which, ſhe aſſuming a very ſerious look and low voice, though none was neer that could hear her, but himſelf: I make no queſtion (ſaid ſhe unto him) but you wonder to ſee me ſo cautious in relating a thing which only concerns your ſelf; but your wonder will be much more, when you ſhall underſtand, that this which I would have you ſo cloſely conceal, is the moſt glorious thing in the world for you: Yes Myrinthus, purſued ſhe, this which makes you thus ſad, this which moves you ſo to complain of the Queen, that which you ſo bitterly murmure at, that which makes you think ſhe hath changed her opinion of you; that this, I ſay, ſhould be the moſt glorious adventure of all your life; and that when Cleobuline in confirming ſo many offices, ſo many Governments, and ſo many honours upon you, did in them nothing ſo obliginglie for you, as when ſhe denied you the marrying Philimena. Ah Steſilea, (ſaid he unto her) You will have much ado with all your wit to perſwade me unto this belief: If I have but the power to tell you all I know (replied ſhe) you will eaſily believe it: But Myrinthus (ſaid ſhe and bluſhed) Cannot you ſpare me the labour of telling that which I have promiſed never to reveal? Can you not gueſs at what you deſire to know? Let it ſuffice, I tell you for the opening of your apprehenſion, that it is neither policie, nor hatred, or ſcorn, which moves the Queen to denie you Philimena. After all this Myrinthus, I pray tell your ſelf that which I have not power to tell you, eſpeciailie when I call to mind the promiſes which I have made to the Queen, never to tell it. Myrinthus hearing Steſilea ſpeak in this manner, began to apprehend what ſhe hinted at, but he apprehended it with ſo much aſtoniſhment, and ſo much perplexitie of Spirit, as he thought that he miſapprehended her; his thoughts were ſo ravelled, as he could not unwind them to the bottom; yet to run no hazard, he anſwered Steſilea a little from the matter. The thing which it ſeems you would have me apprehend (ſaid ſhe unto him) is ſo verie full of wonder, as I fear that I ſhould commit a crime in ſeeming to apprehend it: No, no, Myrinthus, replied Steſilea, it is no crime to underſtand me; but you will be extreamly too blame, if after you underſtand me, you do not what I conceive you are obliged unto: Alas Steſilea (cried Myrinthus) I cannot comprehend how I can believe you, unleſs I ſhould fail in my reſpects unto the Queen; no, no, her denial is not cauſed be any reaſon you would give me; and I think it better to miſunderſtand you, and to accuſe you as an Impoſture, rather then to accuſe the greateſt Queen upon Earth of ſo bad a choice. Steſilea [Page] ſeeing Myrinthus either would not, or would not ſeem to believe her, did ſo circumſtance the matter unto him, as at laſt ſhe convinced his belief; and he calling to memory a hundred ſeveral paſſages, eſpecially the manner how the Queen denied his Marriage with Philimena, he did not at all doubt of the truth: Since he was not at all ſatisfied at the laſt conference with Philimena, he could not imagine himſelf loved by the moſt illuſtrious Queen in the world, without ſome thoughts which elevating his heart, did exhilerate his ſpirits, and ambition did ſo ſwell his ſoul, as his imagination was full of Thrones, and Scepters, and Crowns: The beautie, ſpirit, wiſdom, and virtue of Cleobuline did ſo ſtagger his thoughts, as for a while there was an interregnam in his heart. In the interval of which, he thought he could give it unto which he pleaſed, and ſtronglie phancied to give it entirelie unto Cleobuline, and that he could quit Philimena: But this inward tumult, which glorie and ambition had raiſed in his ſoul, being a little calmed, his love to Philimena began to revive, and made him think this honour which the Queen did him, as a thing which would render him the moſt miſerable man alive. This ſerenitie of ſoul was no ſooner eſtabliſhed in his heart, but turbulent clouds began to bluſter again, and he was ſo full of contradictions in his talk to Steſilea, as the trouble of his Spirits was evident: I beſeech you Steſilea, ſaid he unto her, before I tell you my thoughts, promiſe me never to tell the Queen that you have acquainted me with any thing: for Steſilea, if ſhe ſhould know I know it, I have nothing in the world to do but die at your feet, ſince it is impoſſible I can appear before her, the moſt ungrateful and unjuſt perſon that lives amongſt men. I have already told you Sir replied ſhe, that I would not have the Queen know I have diſcovered her ſecret unto you: 'Tis true, ſaid he, but I am ſo ſenſible of ſhame, that I am not ſo joyed as I ought to be, as I am at an extream Dilemna; for I muſt confeſs unto you, that my fidelitie to Philimena makes me aſhamed of my crime againſt her, as well as againſt the Queen; and I am perſwaded, that if Cleobuline and Philimena did ſee the thoughts of my heart, they would both of them be equally incenſed: I am forced to conſeſs, that I cannot apprehend my obligations to the Queen without ſuch agitation of mind, as I am not able to expreſs, I would willingly die a thouſand times to do her ſervice, I would leave loving Philimena, and onlie adore her; I would; I ſay, ſacrifice my life, and render her eternal homage: But preſentlie after, when I think upon Philimena, I wiſh the Queen to hold me in a ſtate of neutralitie and indifferencie, and indeed to hate me, provided ſhe will let me love Philimena: Judg then Steſilea, I beſeech you, in what a ſad condition that heart is which is tormented with ſuch various and contrarie thoughts: However it be, ſaid ſhe, I conceive you owe ſo much reverence to the Queen, as not to think any more of Philimena: I wiſh to the heavens (replied he) that I were able to follow your counſel: I do not ask any thing which is unjuſt (ſaid ſhe) For ſince the Queen would not have you know ſhe loves you, and though you did love her, yet would ſhe have you not tell it unto her; I will not oblige you of neceſſitie to love her, but onlie to eaſe her of ſo much ſorrow, as to ſee you love another; and this I conceive to be the leaſt you can do, for the moſt wiſe, virtuous, and moſt accompliſhed Princeſs in the world: Alas Steſilea, ſaid he, I know that my dutie is to do all things, but the great difficultie is to know what I am able to do againſt my ſelf, and againſt Philimena: And ſince all your arguments are not ſtrong enough to ſtagger my conſtancie, or render me perfidious; you would have me leave Philimena for the greateſt Queen in the world; 'tis true, but it is for a Queen who will not have me know ſhe loves me, and who would have me love her, and never ſpeak of it: No, no, Steſilea, ſuch a paſſion as this is not able to make a man perfidious, who is accuſtomed to tell her he loves, that he loves her. A man, I ſay, who has leave to ſigh, and libertie to let his love be ſeen in his eyes, and to ſeek for ſome advantagious thoughts in the eyes of his Miſtreſs, which her tongue dare not utter. But what if upon capitulation the Queen ſhould let me know her thoughts, and let me tell her mine? Am I yet the Maſter of my own heart? Can I diſpoſe of it as as I will? Alas, alas (ſaid he and ſighed) how miſerable am I? and how far from that power? Could I be innocent either towards the Queen or towards Philimena, my heart would be at ſome eaſe: But to ſpeak truth, ſince I cannot be faithful unto Philimena, until after I have tried not to be ſo, my conſtancie is almoſt guiltie; and as for the Queen, though I am culpable againſt her with abundance of repugnance, ſhame, and repentance, yet ſtill I am guiltie. Thus not knowing well what I am, I dare neither juſtifie nor accuſe my ſelf, but ſtill remain in the moſt lamentable condition in the world: Since it ſeems impoſſible for you to be happie, replied Steſilea, therefore take that courſe which may eaſe [Page] the Queen of thoſe ſorrows which you have cauſed; you may eaſilie do it, ſince all is but to think no more upon Philimena: Eaſilie do it (replied Myrinthus and looked upon Steſilea) If I were able, I would immediatelie become perfidious: Yes Steſilea, ſince you have told me the Queens reaſon for denying my requeſt, there is nothing which my heart hath not alreadie invented againſt Philimena: I have oppoſed againſt her the Queens beautie, her ſpirit, her wiſdom, her virtues, her grandure, and all my obligations to her; and the ſooner to vanquiſh, I have racked my imagination even unto folly, I have phancied things that might accrue unto me, I have allowed my ambition all the ſwinge that vanitie it ſelf can imagine, and I have ſet my thoughts ſo neer a Crown, that ſome ſecond thoughts correcting the firſt, I have bluſhed at my own audacitie and raſhneſs: But for all this Steſilea, This great Queen who raigns ſo abſolutely in the hearts of all who know her, and who indeed hath right to raign, cannot drive Philimena out of my own heart; therefore if you have any generoſitie, pitie my imbecilitie and miſerie: Tell the Queen as from your ſelf, that I am moſt unworthie of her affection, that ſhe abaſeeth her ſelf too much in looking upon me; and ſince I dare not preſume to lift up my eyes ſo high as her, I am not worthie of her looks: But yet I beſeech you, do not drive the nail too far, and do not make her paſs from love to hatred; for indeed Steſilea, I muſt profeſs unto you, that I ſhould be almoſt as ſorrie to be hated by Cleobuline, as not to be loved by Philimena, therefore I beſeech you tranſact with all your diſcretion; for ſince I muſt die, I deſire I may with the glorie of her favour. I have yet one Petition more unto you, which is, that you would keep her from hating Philimena; and in order to that, perſwade her, that in conquering my heart ſhe will never diſpleaſe Philimena: And perſwade her alſo if you can, that I deſerve ſome commendations for reſiſting her charms. Theſe are things ſo full of contrarieties, replied ſhe, that I think my beſt courſe is to do none of theſe things you ſpeak of: Yet I do moſt conſtantly tell you, replied he, that I ſhall ever love Philimena; but withal, I tell it with a ſigh, and with a bluſh, and that I cannot reſent the happineſs which I enjoy for thinking of that which I loſe. Oh heavens (cried he out) why is't not poſſible to reconcile the Queen and Philimena in my heart? For my part, I conceive it may be; for as you expreſs the affection of the Queen, methinks ſhe ſhould be ſatisfied that I hold her in infinite reverence, that I reſpect her as they uſe to do the Gods; that my Spirits and my reaſon doth acknowledg her power, that I vow all my ſervices unto her, that my valour ſhall be ever imployed unto her glorie, and that ſhe only leave my heart unto Philimena. But what do I ſay (ſaid he and reprehended himſelf) it ſeems my reaſon wanders, in offering to preſcribe Laws unto Love, and to divide that which will not admit of any diviſion: I muſt confeſs, the Queen deſerves a thouſand hearts if I had them; but confeſs alſo, that ſince I have but one, and that one already given, it is not in my power to retake it, and that it is only Philimena's.

As Steſilea was readie to reply, Baſilides entred, who was much ſurprized to find ſo many ſigns of a troubled mind in the face of Myrinthus. This thought did ſo much diſquiet him, as when Myrinthus riſe up to go away, he riſe up alſo to ask him what the matter was, though he was newly entred, yet Myrinthus did not tell him what the matter was, but to ſay ſomthing to colour the matter, he told him, that having deſired Steſilea to do him a good office unto the Queen, ſhe told him how reſolute the Queen continued in denying his Marriage with Philimena: So that Baſilides having ſome reaſon to think, that the diſorder he obſerved in the Spirit of Myrinthus proceeded only from the obſtruction which he found in his deſign, did make him new proteſtations, and profeſſed he would uſe his utmoſt endeavours to effect it; after which, they parted; Myrinthus carrying with him the moſt reſtleſs heart that ever was. Since his ſoul was of an ambitious temper, and ſince he naturally bore much affection to the Queen, this love of this Princeſs did huff him up; and when he conſidered with himſelf what glorie it was unto him to be loved by a Queen ſo fair, ſo illuſtrious, and ſo charming, it was a thing impoſſible but he muſt needs be joyed at it; and to deſire that he were able to be perfidious unto Philimena; yet when he began to think, that by preſerving the one, he muſt loſe the other, his ambition began to yeeld unto his love, and all his cares was to find out wayes how to enjoy Philimena: But ſince theſe wayes were hard to find, the Queen not conſenting unto it; he was moſt extreamly grieved. Moreover, he had cauſe to think that if he married Philimena againſt the mind of Cleobuline, ſhe would then abaſe him as much as ſhe had formerly exalted him: So fearing leſt Philimena who loved him when he [Page] was in favour, ſhould not love him when he was in diſgrace, his ſorrows were an inſufferable torment: and as an augmentation to his miſery, he durſt not acquaint Philimena with it, or put her fideility to the beſt: ſo that fearing all things, and hoping in nothing, he ſpent the reſt of the day in extream reſtleſſneſſe, and all the night following without a wink of ſleep. But that he might not bee miſerable by himſelf, there chanced a buſineſſe which did not a little perplex Baſilides: For Sir be pleaſed to know that in order to his deſignes upon the Queen, his care was to get himſelf creatures in her houſe, both amongſt the officers and amonſt the women: and there was one amongſt the reſt, whom he had entirely gotten: This Perſon then watching upon all opportunies to obſerve the Queen, eſpecially when ſhe ſeemed moſt melancholy, told him all that ſhe at any time obſerved: But at the laſt, ſhe obſerved ſo cloſely, that ſhe one day heard all that Steliſea ſaid unto the Queen concerning Myrinthus, and all that the Queen ſaid unto her: and ſhe heard enough to collect, that the reaſon why the Queen would not let Myrinthus marry Philimena was becauſe ſhe did not hate him her ſelf. At the firſt ſhe reſolved not to make it known unto Baſilides, knowing that it would not pleaſe him: but upon ſecond conſiderations, ſhe changed her reſolution, and the next morning, told him word for word all that ſhe heard. The ſurpriſe of Baſilides was ſo great that if he had only the teſtimony of this woman, he had not given credit unto her words: But upon a ſurvay of a hundred of the Queens actions: her melancholy ſince Myrinthus was in love with Philimena: and ſuch like: alſo conſidering, that though ſhe denyed the earneſt requeſt of Myrinthus, yet he continued ſtill in her favour: this put him out of all doubt: and by conſequence, made him moſt exceſſively ſad. How's this (ſaid he unto himſelf as he afterward, told me) does Cl [...]obuline love Myrinthus, who loves not her? And does ſhe not love Baſilides who loves her above his life? Why then it is Myrinthus who is the Remora in the Queens heart which hinders me from the conqueſt of it: Then muſt I become his enemy in lieu of Protector: And though he cannot be my Rival; yet ſince he is the obſtacle unto my happineſſe, I muſt conſider him ſo: I muſt by all means ruine all his pretentions, and oppoſe all his deſigns: But what's this I ſay (ſaid he and reprehended himſelf) my ſorrows have diſtracted my Reaſon: And I doe not underſtand my own intereſt: ſince my odd deſtiny is, to endeavour the making that man happy whom the Queen preffers before me into her heart: It concernes me more then it doth Myrinthus, that he marry Philimena: and I muſt labour for his quietneſſe who is the cauſe of all my reſtleſſneſſe, and endeavour his felicity leaſt he prevent mine.

Baſilide [...] having well conſiderered upon the matter, reſolved in order to the better diſcovery of the Queens thoughts, to ſpeak unto her himſelf concerning the marriage of Myrinthus with his ſiſter: deſigning that though ſhe refuſed him, yet to cauſe that Philimena ſhould move Myrinthus to marry her without the Queens conſent, hoping that this would ſufficiently incenſe her, to baniſh him her Court, not being ignorant that ſhe was ever very jelouſe of her authority. Baſilides then in purſuance of this reſolve, went the next day unto the Queen. But in his way thither, he underſtood that Myrinthus, after a whole night without ſleep, was very ill in the morning ſo that taking this occaſion to ſpeak of him unto the Queen; he no ſoonner came into her preſence but looking attentively upon her, he told her this news. Since the Queen did not think it poſſible, he ſhould know the thoughts of her ſoul, ſhe took no heed of reſtrayning her ſelf: ſo that not being able to hold in the firſt conceptions of her heart, ſhe could not hear of Myrinthus being ſick without ſome viſible diſorder in her face enquiring very carefully of what nature his diſeaſe, was and how he came to know it. As for his diſeaſe Madam (anſwered he) I cannot directly tell you what it is: But if your Majeſty will pleaſe to comand me, I ſhall teach him the art how to cure himſelf, by telling him the cauſe: me thinks (anſwered the Queen, who knew very well what Baſilides would ſay) It is a very hard matter to know the cauſe, when you do not know the diſeaſe: yet I do know it Madam, anſwered he: for I am moſt confident that if your Majeſty would permit Merinthus to marry Philimena, he would quickly recouer his health, ſince certainly the diſeaſe of his mind cauſeth the diſeaſe of his body: and if you would cure the laſt, you muſt begin with the [...]ſt: ſince thoſe who govern Kingdomes (replied the Queen with a tart kind of Rallary) uſe not to conſult with Phiſitians nor fit their Policies unto their temper, this which you tell me ſhall not alter my Reſolution of not giuing my conſent unto a marriage which for divers reaſons I cannot approue of. You may well think Madam, replied Baſilides, that I ſhall not think Myrinthus unworthy of Philimena, ſince your Majeſty thinks him worthy [Page] of her eſteem. The Queen hearing Baſilides ſpeak thus, did bluſh, not that ſhe thought he ſpoke ſo as knowing the thoughts of her ſoul, but it was becauſe whoſoever hath any ſecret thought, hath alſo an imagination ſo quick, and a heart ſo ſenſible, that the leaſt thing gales them; and ſhe was no leſs perplexed then Baſilides, for to authorize her denial of Myrinthus ſhe muſt in ſome ſort, not ſpeak advantagiouſly of the man whom of all the world ſhe moſt eſteemed: And Baſilides alſo to perſwade her conſent unto this Marriage, uſed a thouſand expreſſions of eſteem of Myrinthus, whom he heartilie wiſhed ſhe did not eſteem.

Thus ſeeing themſelves both put to the neceſſity of betraying their thoughts, they were both of them much perplexed; yet both of them reſolved in their hearts to betray them as little as they could. The Queen then anſwered Baſilides, That it was verie true, Myrinthus was owner of a thouſand good qualities which had got him much unto her eſteem and repute; but ſince he was not a Corinthean originallie, ſhe thought this reaſon, with many other which ſhe could give him, would not permit her to conſent unto his Marriage with Philimena: I do believe Madam, replied Baſilides, that your Majeſties concealed reaſons are verie prevalent, but as for that which you are pleaſed to honour me the participation, is not ſo undeniable as I conceive: The truth is, the Anceſtors of Myrinthus have been ſo faithful, as they may verie well paſs for natural Subjects unto your Majeſtie: I know verie well that there is much inequalitie between my Siſter and Myrinthus, and if your Majeſtie had not by your Noble favours raiſed him above his Qualitie, his deſign had been raſh: But Madam, though this inequalitie may be a conſiderable obſtacle to hinder a Marriage; yet the high eſteem which your Majeſtie honours him withal, and the violent affection which he bears unto Philimena, moves me to wiſh it no leſs then himſelf. For Madam, I am moſt confident, that if Myrinthus were a King, and my Siſter a verie Slave, yet he would make her a Queen: Therefore I moſt zealouſly beſeech your Majeſtie to ſatisfie his love, and give me leave to ſacrifice a Siſter for the preſervation of a man whom you are pleaſed to honour with your eſteem. To retaliate ſo generous a thought, (replied the Queen, with a ſoul ſo full of ſadneſs as ſhe had much ado to hide it) I ought to ſacrifice Myrinthus for your ſake, and not ſuffer you to ſacrifice Philimena for his; and therefore for your own ſake, the more you importune me for Myrinthus, the more reſolute am I to denie you.

After this, Cleobuline upon a ſudden took her leave of Baſilides, who was in a hundred minds to put off all due reſpects, and to let her underſtand he knew the thoughts of her ſoul. But the verie ſame paſſion which ſpurred him unto this boldneſs, leting him alſo ſee, that if he affronted the Queen, he might chance loſe her for ever, he curbed himſelf, and went with her without a word, which might make her poſitively think he knew ſhe loved Myrinthus; and though he harped much upon her eſteem of him, yet he thought that ſhe would not expound it love, and indeed ſhe did not at that time; but her wearineſs of Baſilides company had another cauſe, for trulie ſhe could not endure without infinite grief to hear him aggravate the violent affection of Myrinthus to Philimena; nor without a ſtrange confuſion hear of the great inequalitie of his qualitie and his Siſters: But that which ſtung her moſt was, to ſee Baſilides deſiring this marriage, and ſhe was the only one who did not wiſh it; and to conſider how ſhe incurred the hatred of Myrinthus, whom in ſpite of all her power ſhe loved with extream tenderneſs, ſo that the verie thought of being hated did exceſſivelie grieve her, but yet ſhe had a more ſenſible cauſe of it afterwards; for Myrinthus being recovered, and having ſome important buſineſs of State with the Queen, he went unto her, and ſhe found him ſo altered ſince ſhe ſaw him laſt, as thinking his alteration rather an effect of his ſouls ſorrow, then any ſickneſs, ſhe was fretted to the verie heart; yet that was not the only cauſe which put Myrinthus into ſuch a Meager complexion, ſince certainly his ambition did alſo much perplex him: For Sir, before I relate their diſcourſe, I muſt tell you, that Myrinthus being forced to go unto the Queen, with whom he had not been, ſince Steſilea acquainted him with her affection unto him, his heart was full of inexpreſſible apprehenſions: his greateſt diſquiet was his fears leaſt the Queen ſhould know that Steſilia had acquainted him with her amorous thoughts of him: Alas (ſaid he in himſelf) if ſo, how dare I look upon this Princeſs, or how can ſhe look upon me? But afterwards, upon his conſideration of the Queens great virtue, he believed the thing to be as Steſilea had told him, ſo that his ſoul enjoyed a little more ſerenitie. But when he came unto the Palace Gates, and ſaw the Guards there, and likewiſe ſaw there the great concourſe of people [Page] going and coming in and out, which deliniates the grandure of Kings; when he ſaw I, ſay, abundance of all ſorts of men in the Halls, Preſence Chamber, Privy Chamber, and every where elſe in the Court, waiting all only for a verie ſight of the Queen. When he ſaw all the magnificent furniture wherewith the Chambers were adorned, his imagination was ſo ſwelled with a thouſand ſeveral Idea's of grandure and magnificence, as he began to be ſenſible of the ſweetneſs in being loved by her, unto whom theſe Guards, this Palace, all theſe ſtately magnificences belonged, and unto whom all thoſe men with bended knees did pay their homage; inſomuch as his ambition beginning to revive in his heart, there was a new combat between this proud paſſion and his love of Philimena, which was not decided, when word was brought that Cleobuline asked for him. Myrinthus no ſooner received this Summons, but he ordered himſelf for entrance into the Queens Cloſet, where then ſhe was; but in the way, how full of phancie was his mind? he had a mind to exclude Philimena out of his heart and immediately after he reaſſumed the image of his deareſt Philimena into his phancie, to the end he might better guard her againſt the Queen; and indeed, not well knowing whether he was faithful or perfidious, he went unto the place where Cleobuline was; but he entred with ſuch a melancholy countenance, and ſo much diſorder in his eyes, that the Queen thinking the alteration proceeded more from his ſorrows that ſhe denied him Philimena, then from his ſickneſs, ſhe could not chuſe, but out of a ſecret ſpite, look with leſs ſweetneſs upon Myrinthus then ſhe was accuſtomed: So that Myrinthus beginning to fear that Steſilea had told the Queen all his and her diſcourſe, he was ſo diſmayed, as he did not anſwer her much to the purpoſe. The Queen ſurprized at the diſorder in Myrinthus his mind, asked him from whence this confuſion of thoughts and words proceeded, which ſhe was not wont to obſerve in him? Is it, becauſe I do not well underſtand them, or becauſe you did not hear me? It is neither Madam, replied he, for your Majeſtie doth alwayes both underſtand and ſpeak verie well, and I alwayes hearken with a moſt attentive ear, in hopes you will command me ſome ſervice: But it is—But it is (replied Cleobuline and cut him ſhort) becauſe you have left your mind where you have beſtowed your heart: If I had power to have beſtowed it (replied Myrinthus pitifully non-pluſt) Philimena ſhould not have had it, but I ſhould have otherwiſe diſpoſed of it; yet Madam, Philimena hath violentlie taken it from me whether I would or no: Since the Law of Nations, replied the Queen, permits one to repulſe force by force, and that one may take ones own where e're he finds it; take back from Philimena with the ſame violence, that heart which ſhe took from you: But if you will take my advice, be ſure you do not take hers in lieu of your own, for you will be a loſer by the bargain: I wiſh to the Heavens Madam (ſaid he unto her) that I were able to do as I ought, in doing as your Majeſtie would have me; for I am ſo devoted unto your commands, that I had rather be an obedient ſubject, then a faithful Lover.

Myrinthus pronounced theſe words with ſuch a faint and hollow accent, as he ſurprized the Queen; for his tone did teſtifie, that he had ſome mental reſervation in his words; ſhe no ſooner had this conceipt, but ſhe changed colour; ſo that Myrinthus ſeeing her bluſh for anger, he grew paſe with fear, and bluſhed preſentlie after for ſhame. The alteration in the Queens face cauſed the alteration in Myrinthus; and the new diſorder which appeared in the mind of Myrinthus, did alſo diſorder the Queen: So that the confuſion of the one redoubling the ſhame of the other, they could not endure each others looks, but heartilie deſired a ſeparation, and indeed they parted; for the Queen diſpatching her buſineſs with Myrinthus in two words, ſhe diſmiſſed him by a ſign with her hand, without one look upon him, and ſtayed by her ſelf in an unconceiveable turbulencie of mind. Myrinthus did ſtrive with himſelf, and would have ſaid ſomthing, but ſhe beckned again with her hand to be gone, and go he did, with a heart ſwelled with two violent paſſions, which did moſt ſtrongly tyrannize over it. But as the ſoul of Myrinthus, ſo the ſoul of Cleobuline was moſt cruelly tormented, for ſince ſhe had a moſt penetrating wit, ſhe perfectly diſcovered by the looks, by the words, and by the tone of Myrinthus, that he either knew, or gueſſed at the thoughts which ſhe had of him, inſomuch as extraordinarie ſhame, and ſorrows full of anger againſt her ſelf, did make her an intolerable ſufferer. Is it poſſible, ſaid ſhe, that my own words and my own eyes ſhould betray me, ſince they have both of them been ſo long ſo faithful? For I know very well, that at that time [...]hen Myrinthus asked my conſent unto his Marriage with Philimena; he had then no ſuſpition of my paſſion. But what's this I ſay? (ſaid ſhe [Page] and reprehended her ſelf) It cannot be either my words, or my eyes which have diſcovered the ſecret of my heart unto Myrinthus, becauſe I never ſaw him ſince, and yet there is none but Steſilea in all the world which knows my thoughts: Steſilea who hath promiſed inviolable fidelitie; Steſilea, I ſay, who knows that I fear nothing more, then that Myrinthus ſhould know I love him. As the Queen was in this perplexitie, Philiſta, who was newly come to Corinth, and had not been there a long while, and whom the Queen ever loved, ſhe entred into her Chamber: So that this Princeſs who dearly loved her, made a Truce with her ſorrows, and began to talk of ſeveral things with her; and paſſing from one diſcourſe unto another, Philiſta who knew nothing of the Queens Love to Myrinthus, nor of that intimate confidence between her and Steſilea, ſhe being to tell the Queen what day ſome paſſage happened, ſhe told her it happened the very ſame day when Steſilea came not unto her until night. Cleobuline not remembring at firſt that Steſilea was ever a whole day from her, did contradict Philiſta: But Philiſta to remember it by more circumſtances, told her, that it was the verie ſame day Myrinthus and Steſilea were a whole afternoon together, adding to prove her words, that Baſilides came to them at the concluſion of their conference. The Queen hearing what Philiſta ſaid, began to ſuſpect the fidelity of Steſilea, ſince ſhe never ſpoke a word to her of Myrinthus his viſit, her ſuſpitions a little after did encreaſe; for Steſilea coming in, Philista to make her own words good, asked her whether it was not true that Myrinthus came ſuch a day to ſee her, and whether Baſilid [...]s came not alſo.

This queſtion ſo ſurprized Steſilea, ſince ſhe had kept the viſit of Myrinthus ſecret from the Queen, that ſhe did ſo bluſh in confeſſing it, as that the Queen did undoubtedly conclude her culpable, and therefore was exceſſiuely ſad: Yet ſince it concerned her to know preciſely what Myrinthus knew, ſhe reſolved to ſet the beſt ſide of her ſorrows and anger outward, and to make Steſilea confeſs the truth. But the thing which moſt grated upon her apprehenſion was, that ſince ſhe thought Myrinthus knew her thoughts, ſo likewiſe did Baſilides, grounding her thoughts of it upon the great familiarity which had been of late between them: So that as paſſionate perſons alwayes uſe, ſhe was full of divers imaginations, and cohcluded for certain, that Steſilea had diſcovered her ſecret unto Myrinthus, and he unto Baſilides: You may judg Sir, whether a Princeſs who pretended unto glorie ſo much as Cleobuline did, could have any ſuch thoughts as theſe, without extream ſorrow; and indeed hers was of ſo deep a ſtrain, that ſhe could not reſt till ſhe had talked with Steſilea, and falling inſenſibly into diſcourſe with Myrinthus, ſhe asked her without any ſhew of anger, how it came to paſs ſhe never acquainted her with the viſit Myrinthus made her? Steſilea having no better a reaſon, told her, that ſince ſhe obſerved how ſhe never heard Myrinthus named without ſorrow, ſhe accorded the talking of him as much as ſhe could, unleſs it were her ſelf who firſt begun to talk of him: But Steſilea (ſaid the Queen, and looked earneſtly upon her) I talked the laſt night with you of all the paſſages which chanced that ſame afternoon. Steſilea ſeeing her ſelf put to it, did think to mend the matter with another lie: Since I know Madam, ſaid ſhe unto her, that your Majeſtie deſires nothing more zealouſly then to conquer the paſſions of your Soul, I would never acquaint you with the diſcourſe I had with Myrinthus, leſt it ſhould encreaſe rather then diminiſh them: For truly Madam, he came to ſee me only to proteſt how ſorrie he was for incurring your diſpleaſure by thinking upon Philimena: Did he not ask you (ſaid the Queen) what my reaſon was for oppoſing his Marriage? Yes Madam, anſwered Steſilea and bluſht, but I aſſured him that I could not tell it: Fie Steſilea, (cried out the Queen in a rapture of anger and grief) either you have betrayed me, or elſe your own words have betrayed you, for moſt certainly Myrinthus knows more then he ſhould do: However (ſaid ſhe, leſt Steſilea ſhould not tell the truth) if you will ingenuouſly tell me all that Myrinthus ſaid unto you, and all that you anſwered him, I will pardon your fault: But Steſilea, be ſure you tell me all, and hide not a ſillable from me. Steſilea ſeeing her ſelf touched the quick, did a while deny all, but at laſt the Queen ſpeaking to her with ſuch authoritie, and promiſing a pardon if ſhe told her all paſſages, ſhe reſolved to confeſs part of the truth: She told her then, and truly how Myrinthus did moſt highly commend her, that afterwards he was very importunate to know her reaſon why ſhe obſtructed his Marriage, and how before ſhe was aware, only told him, that her reaſon was much conducing unto his glorie; how he put all the advantagious interpretation that could be poſſible upon thoſe words; and how after all, Myrinthus did expreſs abundance of tenderneſs towards her: Since Steſilea [Page] thought to appeaſe the Queen, by telling ſuch things, ſhe concealed no obliging expreſſion which Myrinthus uſed, and hinted not a word of what he ſaid in advantage of Philimena; yet ſhe durſt not tell her how Myrinthus offered to quit her, leſt the actions of that lover ſhould belye her words: But ſhe only told the Queen, that it was not impoſſible but he might be brought to quit her. Yet this diſſembling Artifice of Steſilea did not hit; for after the Queen had got out of Steſilea all that ſhe could, ſhe was ſo tranſported with anger, that though ſhe was reſolved to make no noiſe of it, becauſe ſhe ſaw her weakneſs, yet ſhe could not chuſe but expreſs all that a moſt violent paſſion could invent, Fie [...]fie, (ſaid ſhe unto her with a torrent of tears) have I truſted you in a buſineſs upon which the whole glory of my life depended, and muſt you go and tattle it unto the man, whom of all men living I moſt feared that he ſhould know it? Your imprudence and indiſcretion hath deprived me of all conſolation, and brought me into ſuch a condition, as to ſee Myrinthus ſcorn me: Doubtleſs he believed that all you ſaid unto him proceeded from my orders; for what likelihood is there he ſhould think any other? Could he imagine, that you having ſo much wit and ſpirit, ſhould otherwiſe be ſo weak weak and imprudent? Fie, fie, Steſilea unto what a cruel adventure have you expoſed me? Muſt Myrinthus know I love him, and not know I would not have him know it? and muſt Myrinthus know this from Steſilea? For my part, I believe you thought I told you that I loved Myrinthus, on purpoſe you ſhould let him know it, and that I did forbid it, only that you might the ſooner tell him, but if you had any ſuch thoughts you were extreamly deceived, and have been injurious as well as perfidious. Steſilea would then have had ſome frivolous excuſes to the Queen, but the Queen would not hearken to them: Be ſilent Steſilea (ſaid ſhe unto her) be ſilent, all your inchanting reaſons cannot juſtifie you; and ſince your crime hath been in talking too much, it muſt be ſilence rather then weak excuſes that muſt appeaſe my anger. In the mean while order it ſo, as Myrinthus may not either by his looks, or by his actions, or by the leaſt ſillable, give me any cauſe to think that he remembers what you ſaid unto him; for if I find he do, I profeſs I will not only baniſh him my Court, but my Kingdom, though perhaps I cannot my heart: Carry the buſineſs ſo, that Myrinthus may never know how I underſtand he knows the thoughts of my ſoul, for if ever I perceive he do, I ſhall baniſh you as well as him. But why ſhould I impoſe ſuch orders of ſilence and ſecreſie upon one who is tattleing all ſhe knows, and is not Miſtreſs of her own tongue? Steſilea then kneeling down at the Queens feet, with eyes full of tears, ſeemed ſo repentant, that this Princeſs whoſe ſoul was infinitely glorious, thinking it a ſhame to pardon ſuch a crime ſo ſoon, and fearing leaſt her repentant tears ſhould molifie her, did command her to retire, and not to ſee her any more, until ſhe ſent for her; commanding her again to negotiate the matter ſo, as Myrinthus ſhould never know ſhe knew what Steſilea told him. After ſhe was gone, this Queen was in a moſt unſpeakable perplexitie, and that which did moſt exaſperate the matter was, that as everie one is apt to believe what they deſire, ſo ſhe believed it to be within the compaſs of poſſibilitie to wain Myrinthus from Philimena, if ſhe infuſed ſome ingredients of ambition into her love; and on the contrarie, ſhe perceived by the extream diſorder of Myrinthus his Soul, that if ſhe ſhould offer him a Crown, yet he would never offer her his heart, nor quit Philimena. So that this conſideration, and her perceiving a poſſibility of keeping Myrinthus from the enjoyment of Philimena, by making him a King, did exceedingly aggravate her ſorrows: Since it is allowed the people, (would ſhe ſay ſomtimes when Love had the predominancy of her heart) to chuſe a King when they have not one, why is it not allowable in a Queen to chuſe one, eſpecially when her choice is good? Is it juſt, that becauſe I am born upon a Throne, therefore I ſhould be deprived of that libertie which all my Subjects have? and that I ſhould be more a Slave then any of my Slaves, in a thing upon which the felicitie of my life depends? But what's this I ſay? (ſaid ſhe and reprehended her ſelf) methinks I ſpeak as if I could be happy without glory: Fie, fie Cleobuline, wander not ſo far from the right way of reaſon; it is not thy part to examine the uſe of it, but to follow it: 'Tis true, Myrinthus is worthy of a Crown by his merit, but ſince he is not ſo by his Birth, 'tis but fit thou beeſt ſt [...]l his Soveraign, and that he be for ever thy Subject; but alas, this Subject knows thou loveſt him more then becomes thee; at this very houre perhaps he is at the feet of Philimena, and reporting thy weakneſs unto her, and proteſting, that though thou ſhouldſt offer him thy heart and thy Crown, yet he would willingly refuſe them both for the leaſt of her favours. On the other ſide, if Baſilides knew, as I believe he does, what [Page] thoughts thy ſoul harbors of Myrinthus, doubtleſs he would not value thy affection at a ſtraw, but only becauſe he would be King; and as for Philimena, I am confident ſhe would look upon thee with ſcorn, and triumph in raigning over the heart of him who raigns in thine: Steſilea alſo, ſhe would hold unworthy thoughts of thee; for ſince ſhe revealed the ſecret unto Myrinthus, doubtleſs ſhe thought thou didſt deſire to contract a particular friendſhip with him, and may be ſhe imagined, that this friendſhip had ſome virtuous deſign in it: So Cleobuline, ſee what dangerous conſequences thy fond paſſion hath brought thee unto, examine thy heart well, truſt not too much unto thy own virtue and ſtrength, reduce thy ſelf Cleobuline into ſuch a condition, as that thou canſt not commit a fault if thou wouldſt; find out ſome ingenuous expedient which may juſtifie thy ſelf in the opinion of Myrinthus, as well as of Baſilides, Philimena, and Steſilea, call all thy virtues and ſtrengths to thy aſſiſtance, remember the glory thou haſt got; and do all thou canſt to preſerve it, and recover thy eſteem with Myrinthus, which perhaps thou haſt loſt: But alas (ſaid ſhe after a ſerious conſideration) I can find no way in the world to effect theſe things but one: But oh heavens, how difficult it is? and how hard to be reſolved upon?

As ſhe was in theſe thoughts, Philiſta who was to render an accompt unto the Queen, of ſome buſineſs wherein ſhe was imployed, came unto her, but ſince ſhe obſerved her very reſerved and ſad, after the diſpatch of her buſineſs, ſhe offered to go out again: But the Queen being fuller of ſorrows then any one heart was able to contain, did call her back again, and imagining that ſince Steſilea had revealed her ſecret unto Myrinthus, ſhe might alſo impart it unto Philiſta, who was alwayes very kind with her, ſhe thought it beſt to tell her her ſelf, and to bid her keep Steſilea hereafter from ſuch faults; ſo that conſulting more with her cholor then her reaſon, ſhe began to complain of Steſilea unto her: But ſince ſhe could not accuſe Steſilea, unleſs ſhe accuſed her ſelf alſo, ſhe acquainted Philiſta with her own unhappy condition. Do not think (ſaid ſhe unto her) that as much as I eſteem you, I would ever make any new confident of my weakneſs, unleſs I were fully reſolved either to ſurmount it, or elſe to die: Yes Philiſta, I believe I have found out a way to juſtifie my ſelf in the thoughts of Myrinthus, Philimena, Baſilides, Steſilea, and your ſelf: And I think I have hit upon it ſo happily; that I ſhall arrive at that point which I have ſo long deſired, which is, to ſee Myrinthus out of love with Philimena: I perceive you can hardly conceive what this invention ſhould be: But to make a diſcovery of it unto you, know Philiſta, that to keep my ſelf from ever committing any crime, I will conſent unto that marriage which I have ſo obſtinately hindred. How Madam, replied Philiſta, will you allow Myrinthus to marry Philimena? Yes Philiſta, replied ſhe, I will, and I will principally, to the end I may never think of marrying Myrinthus, nor ſhew him any ſigns of love, and to the end alſo he may think, that whatſoever Steſilea told him of me is not ſtronger then my virtue; and alſo to perſwade Baſilides, that all which perhaps is told him is not true. Thus far Madam, replied Philiſta, I do agree unto what you have ſaid, and I muſt infinitely commend your generous deſign; but I muſt confeſs, I cannot ſee how you can ever hope to ſee Myrinthus out of love with Philimena: Yes I do hope it, replied ſhe, eſpecially by his marriage; for ſince the love of Myrinthus to Philimena is augmented by my obſtacles, I am confidently perſwaded, that it will cool again when it finds no oppoſition; the full fruition of Philimena will glut him, and more quaſh his affection, then all my authoritie is able to do: I beſeech you Philiſta, (ſaid this Princeſs in the rapture of her paſſion) do not tell me that Philocles, though now your Husband, is ſtill in love with you, ſince there is no love that is eternal: And if I did not hope to find ſome little ſatisfaction in ſeeing the affection of Myrinthus to Philimena to fade by marriage, perhaps I ſhould not have power to accompliſh that deſign, whereupon the ſafety of my glorie doth depend; therefore I conjure you to concur with me in my hopes, to the end I may more couragiouſly put my reſolutions into execution: Yet do not think, purſued ſhe, that I deſire Myrinthus ſhould be out of love after he hath married Philimena, nor in any thought he ſhould anſwer my affection unto him; no Philiſta, that's not my aim, and doubtleſs I have not power to ſay, I wiſh that Myrinthus ſhould not love me: But I can aſſure you, that none of my actions ſhall ever let him know I love him, though I am confident I ſhall love him as long as I breath; yet it would be much ſatisfaction unto me, to ſee Myrinthus out of love when I have executeed my deſign. But oh heavens (added ſhe, and gave Philiſta no time to anſwer her) am I able to do as I would? and am I well aſſured that I deſire it? When I conſult with [Page] my reaſon, I find my ſelf inclined unto it, though it ſhould coſt me my life; but when I conſult with my heart, I am readie to alter my minde, this Rebel heart reſiſts me, and if I did not call glory to my aid, I ſhould relaps into my firſt fond weakneſs: But as ſoon as I conſider it as a mean to keep me from any poſſibilitie of committing a fault which my paſſion prompts me unto a thouſand times in a day, and which all the world would upbraid me with, as a mean, I ſay, to make Myrinthus eſteem me, and perhaps to quench thoſe violent flames of affection which he bears unto Philimena; Honor and Love both joyning together do ſo fortifie my mind, that I am in hopes of an abſolute victorie over my ſelf, though I am out of all hopes of not loving Myrinthus, and though I muſt ſtill love him without any fear that this paſſion will draw me unto any baſeneſs. After this, Philiſta, who wiſhed in her heart that the Queen would marry Baſilides, told her, that the beſt way of ſecurity againſt that paſſion, was to marrie him; and hinted unto her all the politique reaſons of State which might induce her unto it. Ah Philiſta (ſaid the Queen unto her) your advice goes a little too far, and further then I am able to follow: 'Tis well, If I can reſolve to render Philimena happie by permiting her to marrie a man whom I love more then ſhe doth, without moving me to marrie one whom I do not love, nor ever ſhall: For the truth is Philiſta, if it were poſſible, I ſhould ceaſe loving Myrinthus, (as I think it is not) I ſhould certainly never love any elſe: Therefore Philiſta be contented that I do what I think ſitting for my honour and juſtification, and do not wiſh me to groan under any new torment. After this, the Queen diſmiſſed Philiſta, and would not be ſeen all the reſt of the day; but as the day was tormentive to her, ſo the night much more, never did amorous heart endure more torture then hers, ſhe altered her reſolution a hundred times, and as oft reſolved to put it in execution; ſomtimes her paſſion would be ſo high, that ſhe was perſwaded ſhe did Myrinthus the greateſt injuſtice in the world, if ſhe did not put the Crown upon his head, ſince it was in her power to make him King, ſhe imagined the injurie as great, as if he had been legitimate King, and ſhe had wringed the Scepter out of his hand; and there was ſo fierce a combat in her ſoul betwixt honour and love, that the Sun brought day into her Chamber before it was ended; She riſe, before ſhe was reſolved what to do, and as ſoon as ſhe caſt her eyes upon a great glaſs, by which ſhe paſſed in her way to her Cloſet, and ſpied in her face the alteration which Love and an ill night had brought upon her, ſhe bluſhed for ſhame, that ſhe ſhould be no more a Miſtreſs of her ſelf: Would not any ſay (ſaid ſhe to her ſelf) who ſaw this ſorrow in my eyes, that I am told of ſome loſs of a great battel, which either reflected upon my State, or the tranquilitie of my people? and yet in lieu of lamenting for the loſſes of my people, I am lamenting my own loſs; and all this ſorrow which ſits ſo ſadly in my eyes, hath ſo poor and weak a cauſe, and ſo unworthie of my virtue, as I wonder how I can endure my ſelf; rouze up thy ſelf Cleobuline couragiouſly, and conquer thy ſelf. The Queen finding more power in her heart then ſhe imagined, would not let ſlip ſo good an interval; and leſt ſhe ſhould relaps once more into a repentance, ſhe ſent immediately to command Baſilides and Myrinthus to come both together unto her; but ſhe had no ſooner given this order, then a freſh tumult rebelled in her mind, which put her ſoul into a new diſorder, yet it was preſentlie layed, for ſhe was ſo exceedinglie pleaſeed, that ſhe was able to force her mouth unto words ſo oppoſite unto her hearts deſire, as her very joyes of vanquiſhing, made her able to execute her deſign with a kind of tranquilitie: So that her deſire of glorie, and deſire of juſtifying her ſelf in the thoughts of Myrinthus and Baſilides, ſortifying her ſoul, ſhe prepared her ſelf in good earneſt for executeing her deſign: Then arming her ſelf with a reſolute mind, ſhe ſhut up all her ſorrowes in her heart, and ſo well compoſed her countenance, as ſhe ſeemed only a little ſerious, and not [...] or troubled. In the mean time Baſilides and Myrinthus being ſurprized at this ſudden meſſage, they could not deviſe what the Queen ſhould have with them, yet they did not impart their thoughts unto each other, for Myrinthus out of his reſpect and diſcretion would not tell Baſilides what he knew of the Queens Love; and Baſilides out of his jealouſie would not tell Myrinthus what he thought he knew not, and which he would never have him know, yet both of them imagined that the Queens ſending for them was abſolutely to forbid the banes of Philimena's Marriage: So that though ambition was high in the heart of Myrinthus, yet his Love of Philimena having got the predominancie, he went to the Queen with a ſoul full of melancholy thoughts: On the other [...]de Baſilides thinking that the Queen oppoſed the Marriage of Myrinthus, only becauſe ſhe her ſelf loved him, and fearing alſo that ſhe would break it only, perhaps with a deſign [Page] to make him King, he was ſo far from looking upon Myrinthus as a Husband unto his Siſter, as he hated him as a Rival, though he knew him to be in love with Philimena, and not with Cleobuline.

Theſe two Lovers then being both of them full of reſtleſs imaginations, came both of them to Court together. They were no ſooner entred, then the Queen hearing of their coming, cauſed them to enter into her Cloſet; She had no ſooner given this order, but ſhe had ſome ſuggeſtions in her heart to talk of ſome other buſineſs, and to defer the execution of her deſign unto ſome other time. But as ſoon as ſhe ſaw Myrinthus, and looked upon him as a man who knew her weakneſs, and who perhaps blamed her for it, her very deſire to readmit her ſelf into his eſteem, as well as to juſtifie her ſelf in the opinion of Baſilides, did rouze up a greater ſtrength in her reſolution then ſhe imagined; and Philiſta, whom the Queen ſent for to be preſent at this action, told me, ſhe admired that a perſon ſo paſſionate as Cleobuline was, could ſo well overcome her ſelf: She therefore no ſooner ſaw Baſilides and Myrinthus enter into her Cloſet, then cauſing them to come to her, ſhe began to ſpeak unto them both in a moſt ſurprizing manner: Since I know (ſaid ſhe unto them) that the buſineſs which I am to ſpeak of does concern you both, I deſired to ſpeak unto you both together. Know then (ſaid ſhe, and addreſſed her ſpeech unto Baſilides) that as I have hitherto hindred the marriage of Philimena and Myrinthus, out of ſome prevalent reaſons which I never told you; ſo now, thoſe reaſons being changed, I have alſo changed my opinion, inſomuch as ſince I do now like of that which I diſliked then, I do not only conſent unto this marriage, but I deſire that it may be conſummated, as ſpeedily as preparations for ſuch a ſolemnity will permit. Baſilides and Myrinthus, both were ſo ſurprized at the Queens words, as they never thought of any anſwer! but the wonder was, to ſee the Brother of a Lover to thank the Queen ſooner then the Lover himſelf: For though Myrinthus was unexpreſſively in love with Philimena, and was extreamly joyed to hear that he ſhould ere long enjoy her, yet knowing what thoughts the Queen had of him, he durſt not be too forwards in expreſſions of gratitude, for the favour which ſhe did him, for fear of incenſing her. Alſo his ambition ſtrugling a little in his heart, he could not ſo ſuddenly quit a Queen for Philimena, without ſome little regret of mind; So that not knowing upon a ſuddain what to do or ſay, he let Baſilides ſpeak firſt, who apprehending that nothing could be more advantagious unto his deſign upon the Queen then this, he was tranſported with ſuch a joy, as permitted him the full freedome of his ſpirits, and he returned his thanks in very crafty phraſes: I aſſure you Madam, ſaid he unto her, your Majeſty hath not only done an Act of Juſtice in conſenting unto what Myrinthus ſo much deſired, but an act of Clemency alſo, in preſerving that life which the tyranny of his paſſion would have ruined. Myrinthus hearing Baſilides ſpeak in this manner, though he had a good mind to contradict him, yet he durſt not; nor durſt he out of his reſpect unto the Queen aggravate a paſſion which he knew would but diſpleaſe her; therefore puting a handſom gloſs upon his reſentment, he began to ſpeak: Since I cannot evidence my gratitude unto the Queen, (ſaid he unto her) without giving her ſome cauſe to think that I murmured againſt her, when ſhe denied me that, which now ſhe is pleaſed to grant, I had rather publiſh her goodneſs unto all the world, then to thank her my ſelf: Therefore Madam, I beſeech your Majeſtie to diſpence with thoſe thanks which I owe you, and in exchange give me leave to applaud you, in ſpeaking of thoſe many honours which I have received from you; and to publiſh unto all the world, that though I die a thouſand deaths in your Majeſties ſervice, yet the vaſt debt of my gratitude is not diſcharged: In ſaying you will give me no thanks, replied the Queen and bluſhed, you have given me too many. In the mean time, I do not only diſpenſe with you for your thanks, but alſo for all thoſe high applauds you give me; and I hold you diſcharged of all you owe me, provided you will be fully perſwaded, that both in denying and giving you Philimena, I alwayes had ſtrong reaſons for thoſe contrary acts, though they were unknown unto you; and as I place Juſtice in the firſt rank of all Kingly virtues, ſo I do abhor that my Subjects ſhould ever upbraid me with any deficiency in that virtue: If you can be accuſed of any injuſtice Madadam (replied Myrinthus moſt reſpectfully) it is in conferring more favours upon me then I can merit: But ſince goodneſs is a virtue as well as Juſtice, I ſhall hope that without any blame to your Majeſty for the favours you have done me, that may be attributed unto your goodneſs, which cannot be unto your Juſtice: However it be (ſaid ſhe to finiſh the diſcourſe) ſince the greateſt joyes are doubled, when they are made publique, [Page] we will not hinder you Myrinthus from publiſhing yours; go therefore and tell—This Princeſs would have ſaid Philimena; but ſhe abruptly ſtopped, and the diſorder of her ſpirits was ſo great, that in lieu of ſaying Philimena according to her firſt intention, ſhe ſaid, unto all the Court, and ſaid it with a bluſh; So that fearing leſt her conſtancy ſhould ſtagger, ſhe diſmiſſed Baſilides and Myrinthus, who both of them retired very wel ſatisfied; yet Myrinthus had ſom ſecret pangs of ſorrow in his heart, for as he went out of the Queens Cloſet, and turned his head back, and ſaw her lifting up her eyes unto heaven with a ſigh, ſo that not doubting but that he was the cauſe of thoſe ſorrows in the moſt illuſtrious Queen in the world, his joys were ſo dejected until the fair eys of Philimena did revive them, as he could hardly ſpeak unto Baſilides; yet he was no ſooner in the preſence of that fair one, but Love began to fill his heart with extream joy. Yet whilſt he was taſting, all thoſe dilicious ſweets which he had a long time moſt earneſtly wiſhed for, and which a full ſatisfied hope could afford, the Queen did find ſome tranquilitie in the Victory which ſhe had obtained over her ſelf, and was ſomtimes joyed at it: Well thou imperious paſſion, (did ſhe ſay before Philiſta) which art accuſtomed to conquer the ſtrongeſt reaſons, thou haſt now been conquered by mine: Thou Tyrant, I ſay, who haſt cauſed the moſt illuſtriſtrious perſons to run headlong into a thouſand crimes and inconveniences, and does often put the whole Univerſe into a diſorder; yet as proud as thou art of thy Triumphs, one ſimple deſire of glory hath forced thee out of my heart, and made my ſelf a Soveraign Miſtreſs of it: I do profeſs Madam (ſaid Philiſta to her) I do extreamly admire at your victory over your ſelf; I could never think that it were poſſible to baniſh a moſt violent and tyrannical paſſion out of one ſoul in ſo ſhort a time: Ah my dear Philiſta, replied the Queen and ſighed) I have conquered this cruel paſſion I confeſs, but in lieu of baniſhing out of my heart ſo fierce an Enemy, my reaſon hath only enchained him there, and I am in continual fear leſt he ſhould break thoſe chains which holds him captive: I find him doing what he can to get at liberty; but I find alſo, that he cannot break them unleſs my reaſon hetray me: I pray Philiſta ſtrengthen it by your commendations, and tell me that I have done the moſt glorious act in the world; perſwade me if you can, that it was more grandure of courage to do as I have done, then it was weakneſs in me to be ſo unvanquiſhed as I was: It is an eaſie matter for me Madam, replied Philiſta, to commend an act ſo Heroique, whereof ſo few are capable; the Sacrifice you have offered unto glory is ſo great, that as by all the reſt of your actions you merit Statues, ſo by this you merit Temples and Altars, ſince you have done a thing which the Gods themſelues have not alwayes done: Fie Philiſta, replied the Queen, do not commend me ſo exceſſively, for if I ſhould chance to relaps into my firſt follie, and repent of what I have done, both you and I ſhould be [...]ominably aſhamed of all theſe applauds which you have given me; therefore, though I did entreat you to commend me, yet I pray keep ſome meaſure in your commendations; for the very truth is Philiſta, that I did never in my life love Myrinthus more then now I do, nor hate Philimena more, yet I made them both happy, becauſe honour required it, and my Qualitie would not ſuffer me to commit crimes, ſince I muſt do nothing but what is great and Noble, and Soveraignly juſt. Moreover Philiſta, if you did but know my joyes, to ſee Myrinthus expreſs no gladneſs when I gave him leave to marrie Philimena, you would wonder: But wretch that I am, (ſaid ſhe and bluſht) I rejoyce at that, which doubtleſs I ought to grieve at, and be aſhamed; for it is to be thought, that Myrinthus did only hide his thoughts becauſe he knew mine: Stifle therefore this ill-grounded joy, and rejoyce Cleobuline at nothing but the Victorie which thou haſt got over thy ſelf. In ſhort Sir, the Queen did ſo encourage her ſelf in the deſign which ſhe had taken, that it was as generouſly executed, as it was reſolved, yet not without a thouſand ſeveral perplexities; for ſince all the Court thought they pleaſed her in intereſting themſelves in the joyes of Myrinthus, and in commending the marriage which ſhe had made, they ſpoke of nothing elſe. Some ſpoke loud in commendations of Myrinthus, others of Philimena, all of nothing elſe. In the mean time, ſince ſhe would not truſt too much unto her ſelf, ſhe haſted on the marriage, as if upon the accompliſhment thereof depended all her felicitie: And the better to colour her affection to Myrinthus, ſhe ſhewed abundance of kindneſs to Philimena, and ſent her [...] rich Preſents, though ſhe gave her not one ſweet word which had not a bitter reliſh in her own heart: She her ſelf would alſo be at the expences of the marriage, which was ſolemnized with extraordinarie pomp: She dreſſed her ſelf, as if it were the day of her Coronation; and as long as the Feaſt laſted, ſhe was a moſt abſolute Miſtreſs [Page] of her own countenance, and of all her actions, though Heavehs knows not without inconceiveable ſorrow at heart, in the midſt of this publique rejoycing. The truth is, ſhe carried it ſo, that Myrinthus thought ſhe had changed her thoughts of him, that Baſilides thought himſelf wronglie informed, and that Philiſta her ſelf thought Cleobuline leſs engaged to Myrinthus then ſhe was, yet ſhe was not long in that thought; for the day after the ſolemnitie, the Queen cauſed all the Grandees of State to aſſemble, as if ſhe intended ſome notable alteration in Government; and without communicating her deſign unto any whoſoever, ſhe appeared in the Noble Aſſemblie with ſo much Majeſtie, as ſhe inſpired reverence into the hearts of all beholders. Baſilides, according to his Qualitie, had the firſt place, and Myrinthus, by reaſen of his offices, the next. This Aſſembly was in a great Hall ſupported with Marble Pillars, whoſe Baſis was of Corinthean Copper, ſo famous over all the world: Between theſe Pillars and Pilaſters was hung ſeveral Enſigns gotten in the Wars by the late King of Corinth: And in the midſt of this Hall was erected a ſtately Throne of three degrees; upon the firſt was the Queen, upon the ſecond Baſilides, and upon the third Myrinthus. All the reſt of the Aſſemblie being round about this Princeſs, who after ſhe had by her looks impoſed ſilence upon all the companie, ſhe made ſuch a moſt admirablie eloquent Oration, as ſhe charmed all the auditorie; but her reſolution did aſtoniſh them; for after ſhe had prepared them to hear her pleaſure, ſhe declared, That it was her reſolute determination never to marrie; adding, that it was her will Baſilides ſhould be looked upon, as him who was to ſucceed her in the Throne, to the end his authoritie ſhould be more firm, and that he ſhould raiſe no Factions in the State: Adding after all this a thouſand admirable Arguments to authorize her reſolution: You may judg Sir, how this Oration ſurprized the Aſſemblie, eſpecially Baſilides and Myrinthus.

As it is the cuſtome when the Queen hath ended her Speech, for everie one to give their opinions in order, ſo Baſilides ſpoke firſt; and though the Queens Declaration was much in his advantage, and confirmed him in thoſe rights whichh nature gave him, yet his love prompted him to contradict the opinion of the Queen, and one could not ſpeak more eloquentlie, nor more reverentlie then he did, to perſwade her that ſhe would be pleaſed to change her mind. And though the place would not permit him to add his paſſion unto many other reaſons, which might induce her to marrie, yet he did hint upon that point verie delicatelie, declaring unto her, that he would never have any right unto a Crown which ſhe wore by ſo ſad a way, as that which ſhe propounded, and ſpoke as elegantly, as if he had been prepared for it. But when it came to the courſe of Myrinthus to ſpeak, and when he concurred in the opinion of Baſilides, the Queen bluſhed; and at night ſhe told Philiſta, that her conſtancie began to waver, when ſhe ſaw him for whoſe ſake ſhe reſolved never to marrie, to adviſe her to it. The diſcourſe of Myrinthus was not long, for ſince he knew the Queens thoughts, he was more limited in his Spirit; yet he ſpoke verie well, and mixed ſo many applauds with his contradictions, that it may be ſaid he choaked all his own reaſons, and confirmed her in her deſign. Afterwards, everie one who ſpoke, beſeeched her to change her mind; but after they had all ſpoken what they would, ſhe repeated all their reaſons in a ſhort method, and cloſed up the Aſſemblie with a diſcourſe more prevalent then the former, and made it appear that her reſolution was unalterable: So that according to cuſtome, the Declaration of it was publiſhed unto the People, and all circumſtances were performed to make it more Authentique. To tell you Sir, how great was the grief of Baſilides, and aſtoniſhment of Myrinthus, is a thing not eaſie. Baſilides knew not what to think of her deſign, whether it proceeded out of love to Myrinthus, or averſion unto himſelf; but as for Myrinthus, he durſt not think himſelf to be the cauſe of this her reſolution. nor knew he unto what to attribute it. In the mean time, this Declaration made a mightie noiſe in Corinth, and never did a ſecret cauſe produce greater events; yet the general opinion was, that the Queen was jealous of her Authoritie, and would not divide it with any by marriage: Some ſaid, it was her love to the Liberal Sciences, which inſpired her with an averſion unto Marriage; but there was not one did vote it to be for the love of Myrinthus. Philiſta her ſelf not being able to comprehend it, took ſo much libertie as to ask the Queen: I beſeech you Madam (ſaid ſhe unto her) what ought I to think of your Majeſties deſign? Is it policie which ſuggeſted it unto you? No no, Philiſta (ſaid ſhe unto her and ſighed) This reſolution which ſeems to be grounded upon reaſons of State, is grounded only upon reaſons of Love: For indeed my dear Philiſta, by giving Philimena unto Myrinthus, I ſhall drive Myrinthus [Page] out of my heart, and by conſequence make it incapable of entertaining any other affection, or eſpecially the love of Baſilides: And thus, that I might at leaſt in appearance, though not in realitie, enjoy my libertie, I have reſolved never to marrie; and to keep Baſilides from any murmure, I have ſetled my Crown upon him: Madam, replied Philiſta, were Baſilides only ambitious, this might peradventure keep him from any diſcontents, but ſince he is in love, methinks it ſhould grieve him: Since I am full of phantaſtical and extraordinarie thoughts, replied the Queen, I have one for Baſilides, which I confeſs is verie unjuſt: For truly Philiſta, though I am ſure I can never love him, and though his affection is extreamlie troubleſome unto me, yet ſomtimes I wiſh that he would love me ever; love me ſo far, as never to marrie as long as he lived, that ſo the Crown which now I wear may fall upon Myrinthus. This is the only innocent way I know to make him a King, which ſhall be if this phantaſtical reaſon do hit, not but that my imagination is ſhrewdly wounded, when it phancieth my Crown upon Philimena's Head: But for all that, the pleaſing thought that perhaps the Scepter may fall into the hands of Myrinthus, does tranſport me above all other conſiderations; and I cannot for my life but wiſh, that Baſilides ſhould extreamly love me, that the Crown might fall upon the head of Myrinthus. In the mean time, to teſtifie that this paſſion which yet raignes in my heart is as pure as phantaſtical, obſerve I conjure you, how I will live with him who is the cauſe of it: For after I have done that which becomes my glorie, I muſt go a little further, and ſo fully perſwade Myrinthus, that I am an abſolute Miſtreſs of my own thoughts, that he ſhall be forced to eſteem me as much as I love him. And indeed Sir, though the Queen hath ever ſince done all that was in her power to advance the fortunes of Myrinthus, yet ſhe never moved him unto any more familiaritie with her, then he uſed to have before Steſilea acquainted him with the thoughts ſhe had of him. But Sir, the greateſt wonder of this adventure is, that Myrinthus, whoſe ſoul as I told you was naturally of an ambitious temper, did preſentlie cool the heat of his affection to Philimena; for in a verie ſhort time after his marriage, he grew ſo melancholy and reſerved, as it was evident, that ſhe had not compleated his happineſs. But though one is naturally apt to ſhare in the ſorrows of that perſon whom one loves, yet the grief that appeared in the countenance of Myrinthus never troubled Cleobuline, for ſhe quicklie knew that Myrinthus did not love Philimena, and that he was her Husband, but not her Lover; her ſatisfaction reſted not here: For be pleaſed to know Sir, that after ambition had quenched his flames of Love to Philimena, that verie ſame ambition kindled his love of Cleobuline, and ſo deſperately, as he was readie to run out of his wits and reaſon: He did what he could to hide his paſſion, both from Baſilides and Philimena; and ſince he knew by Steſilea how nice ſhe was in ſuch things, he durſt not ſo much as give the Queen the leaſt [...] of it. The Queen for her part diſguized her thoughts as much as ſhe could, and endeavoured as much as ever ſhe could that Myrinthus ſhould not perceive that ſhe loved him ſtill, or knew that he loved her; and the more ſhe knew Myrinthus was in love with her, the farther ſhe was off. On the other ſide, Baſilides perceiving the paſſion of Myrinthus, began to hate him; and Philimena alſo having ſome ſuch jealouſie, did wiſh ſo ill unto Cleobuline, as ſhe laboured all ſhe could with Baſilides to raiſe a Rebellion in the State: And it is moſt ſure, that Myrinthus had never any further ſatisfaction, then to imagine that the Queen did love him, becauſe he knew ſhe did ſo formerly; and the Queen for her part never looked further then to know that Myrinthus loved her, without giving him the leaſt ſign of her love. In the mean time Sir, ſince it is to be feared that the paſſion of Baſilides in the concluſion to raiſe a Civil War, I moſt humbly beſeech you Sir; to ſignifie unto Timochares who hath a great influence upon the Queen, that you are perſwaded her reſolution of never marrying may produce dangerous conſequences: As there are very ma [...]y obligations upon me to Baſilides, doubtleſs I ſhall be readie to do him any good office; but I do proteſt unto you Sir, that it is more the Queens intereſt, then that of Baſilides which moves me unto this requeſt; for it is moſt impoſſible that any ſhould know her, and not devote himſelf more unto her ſervice, then unto any other. For Sir, to and the hiſtorie of this Princeſs as I begun it, I do moſt confidentlie aſſure you, that there [...] [...]ot [...]ny lives on earth who can ſurpaſs her in virtue.

[...] having ended his relation, Cyrus made an Elogie in praiſe of the Corinth [...] Queen, as high as poſſible; repeating all her virtues one after another, and inſiſting principally upon that power which ſhe had over her ſelf in hiding a moſt violent paſſion: For truly, ſaid he, I know by this, that ſhe muſt needs have a ſoul much greater then mine; [Page] ſince when I was at Sinope, and fell in love with Mandana, I was never able to vanquiſh that paſſion, though I had then ſtronger reaſons to decline loving that Princeſs, then Cleobuline had not to declare her affection unto Myrinthus; Therefore Philocles, I muſt conclude the Queen of Corinth to be worthy of all thoſe glorious Characters which you have given her: And I do aſſure you, that if I do tell Thimochares what you deſire I ſhould tel him, it ſhal be only for the love of you: Since certainly to follow the pure dictates of my own heart, I ſhould never adviſe a Princeſs who is in love, to marry a Prince whom ſhe loves not. However, ſince I do believe your intentions good, and ſince you know the people better then I do, and in what ſphere the Spirits of the Court do move, I promiſe you to do as you deſire. After this, it being very late, Philocles retired unto the Tent which was provided for him, and left Cyrus in thoughts of envy againſt Myrinthus, wiſhing with moſt paſſionate zeal, that Mandana did as tenderly love him, as the Queen of Corinth did Myrinthus.

The end of the ſecond Book.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYURS. The Seventh Part. Book. III.

[Page]

THe next morning, Thimochares coming to Cyrus, that Prince performed his promiſe unto Philocles; but yet he knew very well, that he gave ſuch counſel as the Queen of Corinth would not follow: Yet to teſtifie how much he eſteemed that Princeſs, he doubled his civilities upon Thimochares, to whom he ſhewed all the works. After which, and after a moſt Princely Banquet, Thimochares returned unto his Fleet, deſiring to be on Land no longer, leſt ſome unforeſeen accident ſhould fall out. He was no ſooner gone, but one of thoſe men whom Cyrus ſent with Spitridates came into the room; he no ſooner ſaw him, but being extreamlie impatient to know what news, he deſired him to acquaint him; but firſt he gave him a Letter from Tigranes, in which he found theſe words.

TIGRANES unto the illuſtrious CYRUS.

SIR,

THe Prince Spitridates being wounded in his right hand, it muſt be mine that muſt let you know, how he is ſo unfortunate, as that he cannot accept of thoſe generous offers which you made him: For after he had met with the Raviſher of the Princeſs Araminta, whom I cannot call Brother; and after he had fought with him whilst I was another way in queſt of that Princeſs, be eſcaped his revenge, after he had ſlightly wounded him in the right hand, and imbarqued at a Galatian Port, whither we followed him, and where we imbarqued alſo, though we know not directlie which way he hath taken. After this Sir, I have no more to ſay, [Page] but to tell you, that the acknowledgments of the Prince Spitridates to you, are as great as his ſorrows, and that my anger againſt Phraartes doth equal them both, though it doth not exceed my zeal unto your glorie.

TIGRANES.

After the reading of this Letter, Cyrus enquired verie particularly of him who brought it, how Spitridates did meet Phraartes? and by him underſtood that it was in a Wood; that Phraartes at firſt taking Spitridates for him, would have fled, but one of the men knowing him to be Spitridates, did firſt aſſault him; that all their men fought, but in concluſion, Phraartes ſeeing Tigranes afar off with his Squadron, he ran away, and got into a thick wood, where we loſt the ſight of him; that afterwards they underſtood, Araminta during the combat was in a Shepherds Cabin; ſome two hundred paces from the place where they fought, and that Phraartes went and took her away, and carried her into a Port within thirtie furlongs of the place, where thoſe who guarded her had provided a Ship; and that he was no ſooner come unto this Port, but he imbarqued; ſome reporting that he was wounded. This man related further, That Spitridates and Tigranes making towards that place, did come too late; and that they reſolved to imbarque alſo, and to carry with them thoſe whom you gave unto them, and at laſt ſent him to relate the paſſage.

When Cyrus had heard all that concerned Spitridates, he underſtood from Feraulas, that Arianita making no queſtion but Cumes would be taken, was gone out of Sardis to Thybarra with Doraliſa; whoſe Aunt had there ſome Eſtate and buſineſs; and therefore ſhe was gone unto that place where ſhe might be neer her Princeſs and Miſtreſs, when ſhe was releaſed: Feraulas, ſaid further, that Pherenice having no mind to leave her was gone along with her. The Prince Myrſiles, who was preſent when Feraulas told this news unto Cyrus, was much joyed in his hopes of ſeeing Doraliſa at the end of the Siege. But Cyrus had no ſooner done with Feraulas, then an Envoy from the Prince Philaxippes was brought unto him, and another from the Prince of Cicilie, who ſent Ships unto him, inſomuch as Cyrus ſeeing freſh hopes of vanquiſhing and releaſing Mandana, his ſoul was all tranquility; but this calm laſted not long: For Mazares remembring that the King of Pontus had ſtill the ſame Heliotropes wherewith he got Mandana out of Sardis, was extreamly ſad; and deſiring to communicate his ſorrows unto his Rival alſo, he told Cyrus of it the very ſame houre, who was ſo ſurprized at the apprehenſion of it, that his wonder was as great as his grief: Alas Mazares, unto what end is this Siege, to caſt up any works, to have a puiſſant Navy, to have made a conſiderable breach, to have begun a Treaty, which in all probabilitie will produce happy effects, if our Rival can ſtill ſteal himſelf out of ſight, and carry our Princeſs from us? Alas Mazares, I know not what to think, nor can have any conſtancy of hope; I cannot chuſe but fear this accident, againſt which there are no orders to be given: Oh heavens, how comes it to paſs I ſhould be ſo forgetful, and ſo blind, as not to foreſee this miſerie? Doubtleſs the Gods have permitted it, replied Mazares, to the end you ſhould go on with the Siege of Cumes ſo gloriouſly as you have done. But alas, replied Cyrus, to what purpoſe is it to have ſo happily advanced it in ſpite of all the obſtacles that Nature and men could block in our way, ſince the qualitie of one little ſtone can render all our travels unprofitable? Perhaps at this very houre Mandana is not in Cumes, but that our Rival hath carried her away the third time: Truly Mazares I know not what to ſay or think, but I am ſure, that I will never pardon my treacherous memory; Oh heavens, that ſuch a drowſie ſleepineſs of ſpirits ſhould poſſeſs my thoughts, in a buſineſs upon which depends all the good and bad fortune of my life. Alas, alas, I did but flatter my ſelf with falſe hopes; for I muſt confeſs, that when I ſaw all things in ſo good a condition, I did not only begin to hope, but alſo to believe that I had ill expounded the menaces of the Gods in their Oracles; alſo ill underſtood the anſwer of Sibil, as likewiſe the anſwer of Jupiter Belus unto the king of Aſſiria: But now I plainly perceive that deceived my ſelf, in thinking I was deceived, and that I am not yet at the end of my misfortunes. As ſoon as Cyrus had pronounced theſe words, a Souldier was brought unto him, who ſaid he had a Letter to preſent unto him; Cyrus then asked him from whom it was? But he anſwered, that he could not tell; all he knew was, that it was written by a Priſoner who was carefully guarded in [Page] a Bithinean Caſtle, which joyns upon Galatia; and that it was given unto him by one of his Guards whom he had ſuborned, with orders to bring it unto him. Cyrus then taking this Letter, not knowing from whom it came, he opened it, and found theſe words.

The King of Aſſiria unto CYRUS.

SIR,

FOrtune, which is reſolved to loaden me with all ſorts of miſeries, is not ſatisfied that I ſhould owe you my life, but will alſo have me a debtor to you for my libertie: Remember Sir, that you can never enjoy Mandana, as long as I am a Priſoner to Arſamones; ſince you can never overcome me unleſs you releaſe me, nor have the poſſeſſion of that Princeſs unleſs you do overcome me, according unto your promiſe at Sinope. Remember Sir, that Cyrus is obliged to make good all the promiſes of Artamenes, and denie not an unfortunate Lover the ſatisfaction of hoping, either to be revenged, or die; and let him never be a Spectator of his Rivals Triumph.

The King of Aſſiria.

See generous Prince (ſaid Cyrus unto Mazares, and gave him the Letter after he had diſmiſſed him who brought it) See here, that our Rival is not dead: And conſider I pray you, unto what odd adventures Mrs. Fortune doth expoſe me. Mazares then taking the Letter read it, and then agreed that the deſtiny of Cyrus was moſt ſtrange: But though he was reſolved to love without hope, and never to pretend any thing unto Mandana, yet he could not chuſe but be a little pleaſed at the root of his heart, to ſee a new obſtacle unto the happineſs of Cyrus; yet he was ſo generous as to hide this thought from a Rival who was ſo kind unto him, and to lament in appearance at the thing which he inwardly rejoyced at. In the mean time, though it was a moſt cruel task for Cyrus to releaſe a Rival, and ſuch a Rival as would not value libertie, but only to diſpute with him for the enjoyment of Mandana, unto whom he could not pretend any right; yet he did not pauſe upon it at all, but preſentlie took a reſolution worthy of his great heart. For ſince he had another Rival for a witneſs of his carriage in the buſineſs, he ſurmounted his repugnancy of doing ſervice unto an Enemy. Though I did never promiſe the King of Aſſiria (ſaid he unto Mazares) but only to fight with him, and not to fight for him, yet I will conſent unto his demand, and that as ſoon as I can, to the end, that if by good fortune the King of Pontus do not make uſe of that fatal ſtone▪ whoſe prodigious quality hath coſt me ſo much trouble, but that we do deliver Mandana, I may then be the ſooner a Conqueror, or Conquered. Mazares hearing Cyrus ſpeak thus, could not chuſe, but out of a thought of deferring the libertie of one Rival, and the good fortune of the other, tell him that his generoſitie went abundantly too far: But Cyrus being prompted both by honour and love to make his reſolution good, did not alter it. No, no, Mazares (ſaid he unto him) I muſt not let the King of Aſſiria think that his valour is terrible to me, nor give Mandana any cauſe to think, that I ſpare my ſelf a combat, to aſſure my ſelf of her Conqueſt. After this, both theſe Princes began to imaagine, how the King of Aſſiria could be in Bithinia, and why Arſamones ſhould retain him; and after good conſideration of it, they conceived that this Prince at his departure from Sardis, had received ſome falſe intelligence concerning Mandana, which made him wend his courſe that way, and that being known, Arſamones arreſted him, yet they could not well imagine his reaſon: For though they knew that the Princeſs Iſtrina, whom the King of Aſſiria ſo [...]lighted at Babilon, in the time of the Queen Nitocris, was the Niece of Arſamones, and was then with him, as well as the Prince Intaphernes, whom the King of Aſſiria did ſo a [...]ront; yet they could not conceive this to be a ſufficient reaſon for arreſting this Prince; nor could they imagine why Arſamones having arreſted him, ſhould make a ſecret of it.

But at laſt, not being able to comprehend the reaſons, Cyrus bethought himſelf how he ſhould releaſe the Aſſirian King; and after a ſerious conſideration, he reſolved upon two wayes. The one, to give orders for the drawing out of all Gala [...]ian and Cappadocian Garriſons, and of them compoſe a flying Army, which ſhould quarter as neer the Frontiers [Page] of Buthinia as they could: The other, to ſend unto Arſamones to demand the King of Aſſiria, with orders to offer a Ranſome proportionable unto the Quality of the Priſoner, and to the magnificence of the offerer. After which, if Arſamones ſhould refuſe to reſtore him, then he who is to command the Forces quartering upon the Bithinian Frontiers, ſhould advance towards the Caſtle where he is kept, and endeavour to ſurprize it. But Cyrus did not conceive it juſt, to weaken that Army wherewith he was to releaſe Mandana, to go and releaſe his Rival.

This deſign being reſolved upon, he looked upon Hidaspes as the fitteſt to go and put it into execution, commanding him to take the man who brought the King of Aſſiria's Letter along with him: And for the quicker expedition of the buſineſs, he diſpatched his Orders the ſame day into Galatia and Capadocia by the Poſts which he had placed in all the Dominions of Ciaxares, to the end; that when Hidaspes came, he might finde things ready for the execution of his deſign. But oh heavens (ſaid Cyrus, as he was giving his laſt Orders about this enterprize) Since I am obliged to imploy all my cares of the liberty of my Princeſs, muſt I be alſo neceſſitated to take care for the liberty of my Rival? However, were I aſſured to ſee him ſhortly in ſuch a condition, as that I ſhould ſee him with a Sword in his hand, I ſhould cheer up my ſelf: But knowing the malignity of my Fates, I am almoſt certain to releaſe my Enemy before Mandana. In the mean time Mazares, who knew he had carried this Princeſs from the King of Aſſiria at Sinope, repenting himſelf of his firſt thoughts, and to repair his infidelity towards him, had now a mind to contribute unto his liberty: But ſince he had more wronged Mandana then the King of Aſſiria, and conſequently it more concerned him to repair the one then the other, he ſtayed in the Camp, to the end he might be preſent at the taking or rendition of Cumes, though the very imagination of the enterview between Cyrus and Mandana would cut him to the heart. In the mean time, ſince the Fates were reſolved to put the generoſity of Cyrus to the utmoſt teſt, there arrived a meſſenger from Arſamones, who having demanded private audience, obtained it from Cyrus, who received a Letter from Arſamones under his own hand; but it being only a Letter of credance, it was from the man who brought it, which Cyrus knew the Propoſition which the King his Maſter made.

This Envoy being a man of parts, he prepared the mind of Cyrus by a very long Prologue, aggravating the unjuſt uſurpations of the Pontean Kings upon thoſe of Bithinea, and what violent affronts the King of Aſſiria had put upon a Prince and a Princeſs, who were ſo neer related unto Arſamones: After which, deſiring to induce Cyrus unto a conſent to what he ſhould deſire: The King my Maſter (ſaid he unto him, after he had ſufficiently aggravated all cauſes of complaint againſt thoſe two Princes) doth think himſelf to be happy amidſt his misfortunes, in having ſuch Enemies as yours, and cannot think that you will protect them againſt him. In this thought he hath commanded me to tell you, that knowing the King of Pontus will ere long be in your power, ſo the King of Aſſiria is already in his; and that if you will be pleaſed to put that uſurping Prince into his hands, he will put the King of Aſſiria into yours, unleſs you had rather have him keep him a Priſoner to rid you of an Enemy. I do not uſe, replied Cyrus, to rid my ſelf of my Rivals by any ſuch wayes; and I cannot chuſe but wonder, that a Prince who hath ſo gloriouſly reconquered his Kingdome, ſhould deſire to rid himſelf of his Enemy by ſuch an ignoble way: But ſince Arſamones hath been ſo unjuſt, as to hold Spitridates in a rigorous Priſon, who is one of the moſt illuſtrious Princes upon earth, I need not think it ſtrange he ſhould deſire to uſe his Enemy ſo. However, though the King of Pontus be mine, and the King of Aſſiria alſo, yet I will neither deliver the firſt unto the King of Bithinia, nor ſecure the other, as he adviſeth me; but on the contrary, I have ſeveral times offered the King of Pontus to reconquer his Dominions for him, if he will reſtore the Princeſs Mandana unto me; and I have this day ſent to offer the King your Maſter, the King of Aſſiria's Ranſome for his liberty. I pray judg after this, whether I can hearken unto any ſuch Propoſition as you make: But Sir, replied the Meſſenger, theſe two Princes are your Rivals, your Enemies, and the Raviſhers of Mandana: It is moſt true, replied Cyrus, and therefore I am the more obliged to be revenged by honourable wayes, and not to give them ſo much advantage, as to wound my reputation, which thanks be to the heavens, did never yet receive the leaſt blemiſh: Tell therefore your Maſter, that I neither can, nor ought to do as he deſires; and that if he be well adviſed, he will call home the Prince his Son, and ſuffer him to marry the Princeſs Araminta, whoſe virtues are high, to the end he may have a legitimate title to the Kingdom of Pontus, [Page] if the Fate of Arms ſhould chance to make him periſh in this War, to whom it now belongs. And as for the King of Aſſiria, I do intend to follow my firſt deſign in ſending to Arſamones about him.

This Envoy would have given farther reaſons unto Cyrus, but this Prince was ſo conſtant unto his firſt Principles, as he impoſed ſilence upon him: However, he gave orders that he ſhould be treated well, and kept him two or three daies in the Camp, to the end the Troops might have the more room to rendezvouz. Whilſt he was there, Gadates underſtanding that he was a Bithinean, and ſent by Arſamones, did much wonder that he ſhould hear nothing from Intaphernes his Son, nor from the Princeſs Iſtrina his Daughter: But this meſſenger telling him that they knew not of his journey, his wonder ceaſeed; and he writ unto them by him when he departed with Hidaſpes. After which, Cyrus had more reſtleſs thoughts then he was able to Maſter; for as oft as he thought that Mandana was not in Cumes his ſorrows were unexpreſſible. The ſad diſaſter at Sinope, and that which he had at Sardis, made him apprehend ſuch fears of taking Cumes, and not finding Mandana in it, that he was not in leſs ſorrow then if the misfortune had happened already. In the mean time, theſe his fears which ſeemed ſo well grounded proved ſhadows, and the King of Pontus was as much perplexed at the loſs of this Heliotrope, as Cyrus was in the belief that he ſtill had it. Indeed, as oft as he remembred, that as he imbarqued at the Port Atarmes in ſuch haſt, when he took Spitridates for Cyrus, that he gave all his Heliotropes unto one of his men to carry, and when he remembred that he to whom he gave them did in the Tumult let them fall into the Sea, he was in a moſt deſperate condition, accuſing himſelf of extream indiſcretion for making ſo bad a choice of him he truſted, for the neerer the Truce was at an end, the further off was he of finding out any wayes of eſcaping with Mandana. The Prince of Cumes, who ſaw his State loſt if this Princeſs got out, had alwayes a moſt watchful eye over the King of Pontus; ſo that which way ſoever he looked, all ſeemed diſaſterous to him: If he looked upon Mandana, he ſaw her ſtill incenſed againſt him; If he looked upon the Prince of Cumes, he ſaw his Protector become his Spy; If he turned his eyes towards the Sea, he ſaw a puiſſant Navy; If he looked towards the Land, he ſaw Works, Forts, and Souldiers reſolved to vanquiſh or dye: If he looked upon the Walls of Cumes, he ſaw ſuch a breach, as would let in Cyrus upon the firſt aſſault: If he looked upon the Inhabitants of that Town, he heard nothing but murmures againſt him; and if he conſidered himſelf, he found that he was the moſt unfortunate man in the world, whether he looked upon himſelf as a Lover, or only as a King without a Kingdom, or as the Enemy of Cyrus; for though he was obliged unto him, and might be more, if he would have accepted his generous offers, yet now he was nothing but a lump of black melancholy, ſince he could ſee no way to eſcape and could not reſolve to part with Mandana. In the mean while, that faithful Agent which Cyrus had in the Town, negotiated under-hand with the people, and diſpoſed them to revolt, in caſe the Prince of Cumes and the King of Pontus ſhould not accept of the offers of Cyrus, at the return of thoſe whom they had ſent to Licambes, to Pactias, to the Caunians, and to the Xanthians. This man was ſo active, and ſo fit for ſuch an imployment (his name was Tifernes) that he alone had inſpired the Spirit of Revolt through all the Town: There was not one publique place in all Cumes unto which he did not go two or three times in a day: If he ſaw any two men talking together, he would be ſure to make the third, and with a cunning ingenuity, bring them unto his opinion: There was not a day on which he had not ſome horrid news or other to affright the people, which was circumſtanced and diſperſed, as it grew into a general belief. On the other ſide, Anaxaris, he was not without his ſhare of perplexities, not but that he was treated with al the civility that a Priſoner of War could be nor was his Priſon ſuch a place as that he could comylain againſt it, and if his ſoul had not been more a captive then his body, he would eaſily have endured his misfortune.

But ſince there is nothing more dangerous to look upon then a Beauty in miſery; and ſince the Princeſs Mandana was the faireſt unfortunate that ever was, Anaxaris, whoſe ſoul was of a paſſionate and tender temper, could not look upon her, but needs muſt love her. At the firſt he did attribute all his tender thoughts which he had of that Princeſs unto the compaſſion which he had of her misfortunes. He thought alſo for a while that it was as much the intereſt of Cyrus as the intereſt of Mandana, which made him ſo ſenſible of all that concerned her: But at the laſt his paſſion did ſo augment, that he knew the greatneſs of it, and knew it without any power to reſiſt it: Since he ſaw Mandana [Page] every day, the fair eyes of this Princeſs did kindle ſuch a violent flame in the heart of this violent unknown one, as all his reaſon could not quench it; not but that he ſaw very well that never any love could kindle with ſmaller hopes then his; but yet not being a Maſter of his own heart, he could not rule the motions of it, all that he was able to do, was to know he ought not to love Mandana; yet in excuſe of his irregular paſſion, it muſt be ſaid, that he ſaw Mandana in ſuch a manner, as it was a very hard matter not to love her; he ſaw her in ſecret, and with ſome difficulty; and ſince it was by him ſhe knew the ſtate of the Siege, ſince ſhe found him a very accompliſhed man, and looked upon him as the friend of Cyrus, and as a Priſoner of War in her behalf, ſhe uſed him with as much civility as it was poſſible for her to expreſs. Moreover, ſince they were both of them Priſoners, this conformity made ſuch a kind of equality between them, as rendred her civilities more ſweet and obliging. It may be further ſaid in his excuſe, that Mandana was never fairer then at that time: Indeed it may be ſaid, that her priſon did only keep her from being Sun burnt, and preſerved the freſhneſs of her complexion; he ſaw her then fair, ſweet, civil and in miſerie, and he ſaw her thus every day: So that his heart being tentered by the tears of Mandana, Love did more eaſily wound it, and wounded it with ſuch a poyſoned arrow, that the wound was incurable. Alas (ſaid he unto himſelf, when he conſidered the misfortune into which he was fallen) What can I ever pretend unto by this paſſion? Is it not the maddeſt fondneſs in the world to love ſuch a perſon, who neither can, nor ought love me again, though ſhe did know the violence of my paſſion towards her? For her heart belongs only to Cyrus, by ſo many ſeveral rights, as it would be the greateſt extravagancy that ever was, to pretend any thing unto her; The inclination of Mandana is only to him, Ciaxares hath promiſed this Princeſs to him, and his incomparable valour hath conquered her; he hath fought and won ſeveral battels for her, he hath ſubjected ſeveral Prouinces and Kingdomes to her, and will ere long take Cumes, and reſtore her to liberty: Judg Anaxaris what hopes thou haſt of Mandana, thou whom ſhe knows not, who dares not make thy ſelf known unto her, and whom ſhe could not love, though ſhe did know thee: Never think to conquer that heart which the Conqueror of Aſia hath conquered. Conſider, that thou canſt not do as the King of Aſſiria, the King of Pontus, and the Prince Mazares did; reſolve couragiouſly to baniſh that Princeſs out of thy heart who can never give thee hers. But alas (ſaid he and reprehended himſelf) what good will it do me to oppoſe reaſon againſt an unruly paſſion, which glories in ſcorning it? The more unfortunate I ſee my Rivals, the more I excuſe my own errour; and ſince the King of Aſſiria, the King of Pontus, and Mazares were not able to defend themſelves from the charms of Mandana, why ſhould I be aſhamed in my non-ability to reſiſt them? The firſt of theſe loved her when he was unknown as I am; the ſecond, though at the rate of whole Kingdomes, yet muſt love her, ſo far as to become her Raviſher; and the third, though he knew ſhe loved Cyrus, though he was both Cozen and friend unto the King of Aſſiria, could not chuſe but love her, and commit a double treaſon in carrying her away, Know and believe Anaxaris for thy juſtification, that the charms of this Princeſs are inevitable; and that to fail after three ſuch great Princes as I have named, is no weakneſs; ſubmit then Anaxaris, ſubmit unto Mandana, ſince thou canſt not reſiſt her; and without knowing why thou loveſt, or without conſidering the ſequel of ſo fond a paſſion, endeavour only to pleaſe her. Who can te [...]l (ſaid he further to himſelf) whether all my Rivals will not ruine one another? and whether I may not thrive by their ruines? Alſo ſince I cannot chuſe but love Mandana, I have no way elſe but to delude my ſelf as long as I can, for ſuch is the compoſition of my ſoul, that though I were certain Cyrus were to enjoy her to morrow, yet I could not chuſe but love her. In the mean time, as hot as the love of Anaxaris was, yet he had reaſon enough to rule himſelf ſo far, as not to make his paſſion known unto the Princeſs who cauſed it; ſo that behaving himſelf towards her with a profound reverence, and unparallelled complaicenſe, ſhe grew very friendly towards him. But to render himſelf more acceptable, and that he might the ofter ſee her, when he heard no newes, he would invent it; and ſince he could not invent any wherein Cyrus was not brought in, and to be acceptable unto Mandana, he muſt needs bring him in advantagiouſly; therefore he was extreamly troubled to contrive it: His paſſion brought one extream perplexity upon him; for knowing that the King of Pontus plotted how to get Mandana out of Cumes, he was at a ſtand, whether he ſhould wiſh that Cyrus ſhould releaſe her, or the King of Pontus carry her away: If the firſt happened, he concluded that Cyrus would [Page] preſently be happy, and Mandana at his diſpoſe; but if the King of Pontus carried her away, perhaps he ſhould never ſee her again: So that chuſing rather to ſee her enjoyed by Cyrus, then never to ſee her, he was very vigilant that the King of Pontus ſhould not execute his deſign. Alſo knowing by Perſodes, that Cyrus and the King of Aſſiria were to fight, before any Marriage of Mandana, love moved him to phancy more advantage to himſelf by Cyrus releaſing her, then by the King of Pontus his carrying her away: So that making uſe of that correſpondency which he had with thoſe Guards whom Marteſia had ſuborned, he carried the buſineſs ſo, as he gained almoſt half the Garriſon. But ſince he had nothing to give them, he tampered with them, by telling them of the liberality of Cyrus, and put them in hopes to be highly recompenced, if they kept the Princeſs Mandana for him.

Thus, making uſe of his Rivals virtue to further his deſign, he advanced it ſo happily, that he was almoſt as powerful in the Caſtle where Mandana was, as either the King of Pontus, or the Prince of Cumes; and if to make himſelf Maſter of it had been enough to releaſe Mandana, doubtleſs he had tryed it. But ſince that Caſtle commanded only one little part of the Town, that was not ſufficient; alſo, ſince he might poſſibly fail in the enterprize, he feared leſt in attempting to releaſe Mandana, he ſhould make her more miſerable: So that to run no hazard, he deferred his deſign until he had got more Souldiers.

This being the ſtate of things, thoſe who were ſent unto the Xanthians, to the Caunians, to Licambes, and to Pactias, returned, and reported unto the King of Pontus, and the Prince of Cumes; that all of them thought it his only courſe to accept of the Propoſitions which Cyrus offered; Pactias and Licambes ſent word, that fear was in their Army, and how they were perſwaded, that if Cumes were taken without compoſition, their Troops would all diſperſe the next day, out of apprehenſions that Cyrus would fall upon them; ſo that they were jealous of the Event, if the Treaty were not concluded: As for the Xantheans and the Caunians, they asked no more, but a ſpeedy agreement of what was offered. Theſe Meſſengers then bringing with them words of peace, and being come to the gates of Cumes, the people being incited by Tifernes, did in an inſtant flock about them, and asked them in a tumultuous and violent manner, what news they brought? So that the meſſengers to appeaſe them, ſaid they brought news of peace. This word Peace was no ſooner pronounced, but paſſing from mouth to mouth, it cauſed ſuch loud acclamations, that all the people ran to the place where thoſe ſhoots of joy made the ayr ring a pleaſing peal unto men that were weary of a tedious Siege. The Meſſengers were ſo environed with men, that they could not walk; do what they could, the croud encreaſed, before they had gone through one ſtreet, the greater half of all the people in Cumes had flocked into two or three ſtreets. In the mean while Tifernes, who would not let ſuch a favourable opportunity ſlip, went into the midſt of this preſs, to bring things unto ſuch a paſs as he deſired: He encouraged ſome in their deſires of Peace, unto other, he ſaid, that he heard ſay the King of Pontus and the Prince of Cumes would not accept of it; adding further, that it might be made without them, or elſe to force them to it: That the way to have Peace, was to open the Gates of Cumes unto Cyrus, who of an Enemy would become their Protector, if they would deliver the Princeſs Mandana to him. Tifernes had no ſooner ſpoken this, but every one repeated it unto their companions, and they to others, adding more or leſs tartneſs, according to the temper of the rabble. Thus he did ſow ſuch ſeditious ſeeds amongſt the multitude, as it was eaſie to be underſtood by their cryes, which were heard from all parts, that if they refuſed Peace, the people would fly to the laſt refuge, and make it by force: When any Agents of the King of Pontus offered to oppoſe ſuch tumultuous opinions, they threatned to kill them, and ſtopped their mouths On the other ſide, the Prince Anaxaris being advertiſed of what paſſed in the Town, he began to temper with the Souldiers, as Tifernes did amongſt the people, ſtill uſing the name of [...] them unto his bend. Somtimes he would tell them of the high recomp [...] [...] them, otherwhiles he would intimate the glory which they would [...] the future under ſuch an illuſtrious Conquerour, perſwading th [...] [...] all lo [...]den themſelves with riches under him. Then to take from others [...] Treaſon, he added, that by this act they would render the State unto the [...] Maſter, and that he would ingage his word to ſerve him as much as he could [...] all ſhame out of their action, by talking of Glory, of recompence, and [...] brought them to promiſe that they would do whatſoever he deſired [Page] them. In the mean while, the meſſengers having rendred their anſwers unto the King of Pontus, and the Prince of Cumes, the firſt of theſe was extreamly perplexed, for he ſaw plainly that the other wiſhed peace: So that not daring to oppoſe his Protector in down-right terms, he only conjured him as his laſt favour, to protract the buſineſs a few daies longer, under pretence of ſecurity for the Treaty, hoping, that ſince it was in a moneth when the winds uſe to be high, and the Sea rough and turbulent, a ſtorm might happily ariſe, and diſperſe the two Fleets which blocked up Cumes, and ſo the Town might happily be ſaved, or at leaſt be able to get away Mandana. The King of Pontus being very importunate, he perſwaded the Prince of Cumes, yet their conteſt about it was ſo long, as the people had cauſe to think that theſe Princes did not accept thoſe offers of Peace which were made unto them. On the other ſide, Cyrus having ſeen the Meſſengers as they paſſed; and underſtanding by the Heralds who convoyed them, that they reported words of Peace, he did not doubt of it: So that this Prince ſeeing himſelf upon the very point of being either happy or miſerable, to releaſe Mandana, or to loſe her, to make a Peace, or to begin a War; he doubled all his diligence and cares, and began to beſtir himſelf, as if the Truce ended rhe very ſame houre, and to order all things for a general aſſault; Philocles and Leontidas returned in all haſt to their Fleet; The Prince Mazares to his Quarter; The Prince Artamas unto his; Perſodes to the place where the Artillery was, and the generous Megabates with all the Voluntiers about Cyrus waited with much impatience for an anſwer from thoſe who were beſieged: But the greateſt fear was, that perhaps the King of Pontus would ſteal away Mandana by the help of the Heliotrope; yet ſomtimes his hope was, that this Princeſs remembring her adventure of Sardis, would not be ſo eaſily deluded: But for all this, his fears were above his hopes; ſo that every minute ſeemed an Age unto him. And ſince the conteſt between the King of Pontus, and the Prince of Cumes was very long; and ſince he all that while received no anſwer, he ſent a Herald to demand it, thinking that this might more eaſily induce the people to revolt.

But for the better furtherance of his deſign, he commanded the Herald to tell thoſe thoſe beſieged Princes, that if they would not that very houre give him a poſitive anſwer, he would give an aſſault upon the Town, appointing the Herald alſo to diſperſe this report amongſt the people as they went through the ſtreets; and indeed the man did perform his charge ſo very well, as he ſtruck terror into the hearts of all the People in going to the Caſtle; and Tifernes cloſing with this occaſion, did blow their terror into fury, and made this multitude reſolve to take Arms in their hands if this Herald received not a favourable anſwer unto his meſſage. They alſo reſolved to ſeize upon the perſons of the two Princes, to ſeize upon the Gates, to let Cyrus enter, and to go afterwards unto the place where Mandana was. In the mean time, Anaxaris having a deſire to eminent himſelf, and to make Mandana in ſome [...]ort obliged unto him for her liberty, he hearing that this Herald was with the Princes, and fearing that they would not conclude ſuch a Peace as he wiſhed, he began to make uſe of thoſe Souldiers which he had gained, and to make himſelf Maſter of the Caſtle, which the People called the Prince of Cumes his Palace, to the end that ſeizing upon the King of Pontus and Mandana, he might have that glory which he pretended unto. In the mean time, the Herald which Cyrus ſent, having received no poſitive anſwer to his demands, prepared for a return; but he no ſooner appeared at the Gate of the Caſtle, then the People, who did with much impatience expect him, began to ask him whether or no a Peace was concluded? Inſomuch as the man perceiving how much they deſired it, did boldly anſwer them (purpoſely to make them revolt) that their Princes would not hearken to it, and that Cyrus therefore, as ſoon as ever he was returned to the Camp would give a general aſſault. Theſe words were no ſooner heard, but a tumultuous grumbling was amongſt the People, and Fury paſſing from Spirit to Spirit, did in a moment diſperſe it ſelf through all the Town, ſo that all the Inhabitants took up Arms, and laying aſide all reſpects, would break open the Gates of the Caſtle.

Anaxaris hearing this tumult, incenſed the greateſt part of the Garriſon; ſo that the King of Pontus, and the Prince of Cumes being environed on all ſides with Enemies, they found themſelves in a pitiful condition: If they ſhould offer to go out of the Caſtle, they ſhould find the People all in fury with Arms in their hands; if they ſhould ſtay in the Caſtle, they ſaw they were not Maſters of it; that one part of their Souldiers would fight againſt the other, and that there was ſafety no where. The King of Pontus would then [Page] go to Mandana's Chamber, but the Guards, in lieu of obeying him, would themſelves ſeize upon her perſon, which Anaxaris coming then to that place, did moſt couragiouſly oppoſe.

The King of Pontus having got ſome Souldiers to his Party, would force his paſſage to her; ſo that Mandana out of her Window did ſee a very fierce combat between thoſe two Princes: 'Tis true, ſhe hardly ſaw them, but Marteſia ſaw more then ſhe did, yet ſhe ſaw enough to obſerue that Anaxaris fought for her with Heroique fury. In another place, the Prince of Cumes, to appeaſe the People, deſiring to ſhew himſelf unto them he was forced to retire; ſo that he being come unto the place where the King of Pontus and Anaxaris fought the skirmiſh was more bloody. But in concluſion, the Party of Anaxaris being the ſtronger, and the King of Pontus being wounded in the right arm, he muſt ſubmit; yet this Prince did not render himſelf, but remembring a back-pair of ſtairs from Mandana's Chamber which went into a back Court, he endeavoured to get up that way, leaving the Prince of Cumes hard ſet with thoſe who were upon him: But Anaxaris, who uſed all imagineable prudence in this buſineſs, had placed a Guard there, ſo that this unfortunate King not being able to have ſo much advantage as to die at Mandana's feet, and fearing to fall under the power of a Rival, whoſe generoſity he feared as much as his ſeverity, he ſought out how he might ſteal himſelf from the Victory of this great Prince: So that finding himſelf not able to fight, and ſeeing a Souldier, who was none of thoſe whom Anaxaris had gained, he got him to open a ſecret door which was in the Wall of the Caſtle, that Anaxaris did not know of, and out he went, reſolving to ſee if poſſible he could move the People to make ſome reſiſtance. He was no ſooner out, but he heard a moſt horrid noyſe, and underſtood from him with whom he lodged when he came firſt to Cumes, that the People had already ſeized upon the Gates of the Town, that they talked of letting the Troops of Cyrus to enter, that the greateſt part of the Souldiers were revolted, and that there was but three wayes for him to chuſe, either to hide himſelf, or to be taken, or to be killed.

The King of Pontus being in this deſperate condition, and deſiring at leaſt to hide his ſhame, did accept of an offer which this man did make, which was, to go into a Garden of his that looked towards the Sea, and therefore might in the night time give him an opportunitie of ſome Fiſhers Barque, when things were a little better ſetled, and the Fleet of Cyrus left blocking up the mouth of the Port: So that this unfortunate Prince leaving himſelf to the conduct of his angry deſtiny, followed this man in ſuch an extream rage and diſpair, as would have pitied the moſt cruel of his Enemies, if they had ſeen him in that pitiful condition: The abundance of blood which he loſt, had died all his cloaths ſanguine, his Sword was red with the blood of them he had killed, but he carried it in his left hand, his right hand having received a wound, which cauſed him to withdraw out of Combat.

As he walked in this poſture, his mind was full of ſuch ſad and violent thoughts, that if he had ſtrength enough to kill himſelf, doubtleſs he had freed himſelf from all his misfortunes at a blow, but he had loſt ſuch abundance of blood, that he was forced to live only becauſe he could not die, and he was forced to lean upon a Souldier; and enter into that Garden which was to be his Sanctuary. In the interim, Anaxaris having none in Head before him but only the Prince of Cumes, he redoubled his valour the more furiouſly: But though his valiant Enemy was forced to fall at his feet when the King of Pontus parted from him, yet he made reſiſtance with extraordinary valour, being ſeconded by him who took Anaxaris Priſoner, whoſe name was Thraſiles. Thus the Conquered became Conquerour, and the Captive took his taker Priſoner: Valiant Prince (cryed Anaxari to the Prince of Cumes) do not force me to deſtroy you, I only deſire to releaſe the Princeſs Mandana, and not to hurt you: But in concluſion, ſeeing he would not yeeld, but ſtill reſiſted, he fell upon him with ſo much fury, that after many wounds received, he fell dead at his feet: This death yet did not end the combat; for the valiant Thraſiles ſeeing the Prince of Cumes dead, in lieu of yeelding, did whe [...] his courage, to revenge the death of his Prince, and to prevent being a Priſoner unto his Priſoner. But all he could do to vanquiſh or die, was in vain; to vanquiſh was impoſſible, and the generoſity of Anaxaris would not let him die; for deſ [...]ing to acknowledg thoſe civilities which he received during his impriſonment, he would not ſuffer any of his Party to kill him, but cauſing him to be ſurrounded by ten or twelve, he was forced to yeeld, as well as thoſe few of h [...]s men which remained. He had no ſooner laid down his Armes. but Anaxaris [Page] leaving him to be guarded by four Souldiers, went unto the Tower of the Caſtle, to ſee whether he was an abſolute Maſter of it, and to ſeek for the King of Pontus; but he found that he was eſcaped out of that little door which ſtood open; and that there was no other tumult, then what the People made at the Caſtle Gate. Anaxaris then preſenting himſelf unto theſe furious people; and having impoſed ſilence upon them, he let them underſtand, that the King of Pontus was not in the Caſtle, that he himſelf was Maſter of it, that their Prince was dead, and that the Princeſs Mandana was in his Power: That if they would permit him to ſend unto Cyrus, he would promiſe them to obtain for them more advantagious conditions then ever their Prince would aſſent unto. He had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but the Inhabitants, without any ſorrows for the death of their Prince, who had he lived would have puniſhed them, did all cry out with one voice, that they would all do as he would have them, and that they had already a deſign to ſend unto Cyrus with offers to deliver up unto him the Gates of the Town, of which they were already Maſters. Anaxaris deſiring to diſpatch one unto Cyrus, eſpied among the croud the Herald which that Prince ſent unto Cumes, who ſince he could not get out becauſe of the Tumult, ſtayed there to ſee what this diſorder would come unto: So that thinking it beſt to make uſe of him, he commanded him to come unto him, yet it went againſt the grain of Anaxaris to ſend this meſſage, for had he followed the violent ſuggeſtions of his paſſionate ſoul, he would have defended the Caſtle both againſt the Inhabitants, and againſt Cyrus alſo.

But ſince this deſign was void of all reaſon, and without any ſhadow of thriving in it, he rejected the thought of it. But as ſoon as he deſired to ſpeak with the Herald, the People bandying together in ſeveral herds, and after they had held a tumultuous councel, began to cry, and ſay, that they would ſee the Princeſs Mandana before any was ſent unto Cyrus: The Inhabitants of Cumes having no mind to open their Gates unto that Prince, until they were well aſſured that they were able to render him that Princeſs whom he would releaſe, and until that Princeſs made them a promiſe to preſerve their Town. Anaxaris then being deſirous to give them ſatisfaction, ſaid that he would go unto her; and indeed he went unto the Chamber of that Princeſs, who was with much impatience and fear expecting the ſucceſs of this great tumult. But as ſoon as ſhe ſaw Anaxaris, ſhe began to hope the ſucceſs was happy, eſpecially when he came unto her, and in a moſt humble manner told her what the deſires of the Inhabitants were: Madam (ſaid he unto her) the ſtate of your Fortune is changed, for in lieu of being under the power of the Pontcan King, the People of Cumes would ſhelter themſelves under your protection, and by me deſires to be honored with the ſight of you: Generous ſtranger, replied Mandana, How great are my obligations to you? What does not the King my Father owe you? And how much acknowledgments may you expect from the illuſtrious Cyrus, for whom doubtleſs you did undertake this which you have with ſo much courage and good Fortune executed? As long as I was in the Army of Cyrus (replied Anaxaris and bluſhed) doubtleſs I fought for you, for the love of you only: And Madam, I beſeech you do not give unto him any part of what I have done in Cumes, ſince moſt certainly I did it only for the Princeſs Mandana, without the conſideration of any but her: However (added he, and would not give her leiſure to reflect upon his words) ſince the people Madam are impatient, ſince they have Arms in their hands, and ſince they may in a moment alter their reſolutions, I beſeech you Madam take a little pains for your liberty, to the end you may owe it unto none but your ſelf. Alas, generous Anaxaris, replied ſhe, that is impoſſible; and though I ought rather to ſay, that I am a debtor for it unto a hundred thouſand men, then unto my ſelf, yet I will confine it unto more narrow limits; and aſſure you, that it is unto two, whereof you are one, unto whom I am particularly obliged for it.

After this, Mandana under the conduct of Anaxaris went unto a Balcone which was over the Gate of the Caſtle, Marteſia following her, where ſhe no ſooner ſhewed her ſelf, but the people did make huge ſhouts of joy: Yet they did not content themſelves with the ſight of her, but appointing ſix among themſelves, as Deputies for the reſt, Anaxaris let them enter into the Caſtle, and preſented them to the Princeſs Mandana, who received them as men who deſigned her delivery; and they were ſo charmed with her ſweetneſs, and dazled with her beauty, as they hardly knew what they ſaid: Some demanded that their Town might not be plundred, others that Cyrus would pardon them, and all ſpeaking confuſedly together, it was not an eaſie matter to anſwer them. But at [Page] laſt, Mandana not only promiſing that their Town ſhould be preſerved, but alſo be endowed with new priviledges, they conſented that ſhe ſhould ſend the ſame Herald which Anaxaris would have ſent; yet upon condition ſhe ſhould write unto that Prince, ſaying in a rude manner, that perhaps he would not give credit unto the Meſſenger; beſeeching the Princeſs further, for their greater ſecurity, that ſhe would be pleaſed to meet Cyrus at the Gate of the Town, and to preſent them unto him, with the Keyes which they would offer him. Mandana not thinking it good to contradict thoſe men whom fear might make furious, conſented unto their demands; and without more delay, Marteſia gave her Pen, Ink, and Paper, wherein ſhe writ theſe words.

MANDANA unto CYRUS.

SIR,

SInce the valour of Anaxaris hath put me into a condition able to protect the Inhabitants of Cumes, I entreat you to incline unto clemency, to pardon a people who have done nothing but obeyed their Prince, to preſerve their Town, to forget it hath been my Priſon, and to obſerve the day of my liberty by a general Act of Oblivion: You have uſed to be ſo ſweet after▪ a Victory, that I am confident you will not deny me; nor an I leſs confident, that you will keep that promiſe which I have made, as exactly, as I ſhall keep that which I make unto you, which is, to acknowledg as long as I live thoſe infinite obligation which are upon me.

MANDANA.

As ſoon as this Letter was written, Mandana gave it to the Herald, who had orders alſo to tell Cyrus, that he ſhould advance with his Troops towards the principal Gate of the Town, where this Princeſs, with the Inhabitants of Cumes, would be ready to receive him; and ſo the Herald making as much haſt as a man who carries good and great news, he came unto Cyrus juſt as he was ready to ſend another, to know what was the meaning of that tumult, which his Souldiers who were neereſt the Town did hear: As ſoon as Cyrus ſaw him, he asked him why he ſtayed ſo long, extreamly fearing to hear that the King of Pontus was vaniſhed with Mandana, by virtue of his inviſible Heliotrope: Sir, ſaid the Herald, when you have read this Letter which I ſhall preſent unto you, I ſhall tell you the reaſon. But Cyrus no ſooner opened the Letter which the Herald gave him, but knowing the hand of Mandana, he was ſo pleaſingly ſurprized, that abudance of joy diſſipating all fears, and chaſing all melancholy from his heart, did ſo ſparkle in his eyes, as all thoſe who looked upon him mighr eaſily know he had received good news. But when he read the Letter, and ſaw hopes of ſo on ſeeing his Princeſs, and ſeeing her at liberty, all the eloquence upon earth could not expreſs his joyes, yet was he a little vexed, that another ſhould have a ſhare in the liberty of Mandana, for the zeal of his love was ſuch, as he wiſhed (if it had been poſſible) that he had delivered her without an Army, with any ſtratagems, and without the help of any but himſelf; yet this trivial perplexity laſted but a moment, and after it was over, he was raviſhed with joy, that the glory of ſerving the Princeſs in ſo high a manner, was reſerved for Anaxaris, whom he infinitely eſteemed. As ſoon as he had read Mandana's Letter, the joyes which appeared in his countenance, paſſed into the hearts of all the Souldiers, as ſoon as ever this great news was publiſhed; he cauſed the Herald to relate how all things paſſed, inquiring particularly concerning the King of Pontus: After which, he gave out all neceſſary orders, commanding all to be in Arms: Then in the Head of the Voluntiers and Homotimes, he went within Arrow ſhot of the Gate, where he was to ſee Mandana, being alſo followed by as many Troops as he thought requiſite to ſecure Cumes when he was entred.

But ſince Cyrus could not go towards this Gate, but he muſt paſs through the Quarters of Mazares, therefore he acquainted him with the ſtate of things, and could not deny this generous Rival that favour which he asked: Sir (ſaid Mazares unto Cyrus, and ſighed, though glimpſes of joy appeared in his eyes for the liberty of Mandana) I beſeech you give me leave as a puniſhment for carrying away the Princeſs, to be a witneſs th [...] day of your glory and felicity; and let me find ſo much favour from you, as that I [Page] may aſſure the incomparable Mandana, that my repentance is Real: You know Sir, ſhe did me the honour to promiſe me her eſteem and friendſhip, if I would fight on your ſide, I beſeech you prompt her to be as good as her word; and the more to move you unto it, and alſo to force my ſelf unto an obſervance of my word to you, I will make a new ſolemn oath unto you, never to fail, before the ſight of that Divine Princeſs do put my virtue unto a new Teſt: Oh moſt generous Rival, ſaid Cyrus to him, I do profeſs that if the Princeſs Mandana did but know you as well as I do, ſhe would be unjuſt if ſhe preferred me before you. In the mean time, though out of reſentments of Love I ought to wiſh you would make a thouſand proteſtations in lieu of one, that you will never pretend to any thing further then to the friendſhip of this Princeſs, yet that you may not be alwayes my Conquerour in point of generoſity, I will abſolutely truſt you, and be contented with your firſt promiſe, without any new Proteſtations: Come then (ſaid he unto him) come along with me, and be aſſured, that if you keep within thoſe limits which your virtue hath preſcribed unto your ſelf, you ſhall find a moſt real friend in the perſon of a Rival, and infinite glory in the eſteem and friendſhip of our Princeſs. After this, theſe two generous Rivals rid together, and went towards the place where they were to ſee Mandana, but they went with very different thoughts, for the joyes of Cyrus were only troubled by his impatient longing to ſee this Princeſs, and the joyes of Mazares were troubled whether he would or no, at thoſe joyes which he foreſaw Mandana would have at the ſight of Cyrus; yet he did ſo couragiouſly bridle the violence of his Love, that his virtue did keep within his preſcribed limits. In the mean while, Cyrus being come, as I told you, within arrow-ſhot of the Gate of Cumes, he ſent a Summons unto the Inhabitants of the Town, to keep their word with him; and they reſolving not to let him enter the Town, before he promiſed the Princeſs Mandana to preſerve them, went to conduct her unto the Gate where they intended Cyrus ſhould enter: She not being in a condition to deny them any thing, conſented unto them, and in a Coach with Marteſia went to the Gates of the Town. Anaxaris leaving the ſubtil and couragious Tifernes to command in the Caſtle in the mean time; not that the deſires of his paſſionate ſoul was to be preſent at this enterview; but becauſe he would not leave Mandana to the conduct of a furious multitude, therefore he followed on Horſeback; but he followed with a mind ſo full of unquiet thoughts, as he had much ado to reſtrain or hide them.

In the mean time, ſince a timorous and mutinous people do all things out of a giddy fancy without any reaſon, ſo the Inhabitants of Cumes, who had invited Cyrus to approach took a toyiſh fancy, and would not let Mandana receive him within the Town, but would by all means have her come out of her Coach, and go out of the Gates, beyond the Bridg, to preſent unto him thoſe men who would offer him the Keyes of their Town. On the other ſide, Cyrus who could not imagine that Mandana would ever come out of Cumes to meet him, but on the contrary, thought that he was to go into the Caſtle; therefore he waited with extream impatience on horſeback, until they opened the Gates. He was that day in moſt glorious Armour, of ſo high a Garb, ſo Noble and ſo pleaſing, as he attracted the eyes of all the world. Being then in all the impatiency that ſtrong hopes of a neer happineſs could inſpire, he fixed his eyes upon the Port of Cumes: Mazares looking that way as well as he, though with leſs hopes and impatience of another nature. And as theſe two generous Rivals were thus in expectation; they ſaw the Gates open, and Mandana immediately to appear conducted by Anaxaris, but ſhe appeared more fair and fuller of charms then ever, her joyes to ſee Cyrus and her ſelf at liberty did ſo ſparkle in her eyes, and elevate her ſpirits, that her Beauty was fuller of luſtre. In the mean time Cyrus and Mazares no ſooner ſaw her, but they alighted immediately from their horſes, and went towards her.

As ſoon as Cyrus came neer, Anaxaris, as well to hide the agitation of his ſpirits, as out of his reſpects, did quit the Princeſs hand, and let Cyrus have the liberty of taking it, and Mandana to receive him, and preſent the twelve Inhabitants of Cumes which followed her, one of which number carried the Keyes of the Town in a rich Baſon: So that Cyrus walking in the head of all the Voluntiers in his Army, and Mandana before the Inhabitants of Cumes, behind whom was a huge crowd of people, they both did meet. After Cyrus had ſaluted Mandana with all the reverence of a real Adorer: I am come Madam, ſaid he unto her, to make good all that you have promiſed for your liberty, though it be at the rate of my life: My liberty Sir, replied ſhe, would be bought a [...] too dear a price, if it ſhould coſt the life which is ſo glorious and ſo pleaſing unto me [Page] Nor am I engaged any further Sir (ſaid ſhe in preſenting the Inhabitants of Cumes unto him, who were all upon their knees) then to obtain of you, that you be pleaſed to uſe theſe men well, who offer you their hearts, in offering you the Keyes of their Town, and who aſſure you, that they will be more obedient unto a juſt Pſince, then they have been unto one who was not ſo, in protecting the King of Pontus: Madam, replied Cyrus, their deſtiny is in your hands, not mine, ſince I am fully reſolved never to do any thing but what ſhall pleaſe you, and poſitively without any exception, do all that you ſhall command me: I conjure you then (ſaid ſhe unto him) to uſe theſe Inhabitants of Cumes as well as you would uſe the moſt faithful of my Fathers Subjects: I have already profeſſed Madam (replied he) that I am all obedience; therefore if you pleaſe to command it, they ſhall themſelves keep the Keyes of their Town, which they have not loſt, but to make themſelves more happy by it, ſince they are under your protection. Cyrus bad no ſooner ſpoke theſe words, but the Inhabitants gave ſuch ſhouts of joy, as they went from ſtreet to ſtreet, until the Eccho did ring at the further end of the Town. Then, after Mandana had confirmed what Cyrus ſpoke, ſhe did moſt obligingly preſent Anaxaris unto him: Though this valiant ſtranger, ſaid ſhe unto him, would have me acknowledg you only for my Deliverer; yet I muſt needs tell you, that he hath done incredible things for my liberty, and that I am more his debtor then I know how to expreſs. Anaxaris then holding down his head to hide the diſorder of his countenance, did modeſtly and with much delight receive the commendum which Mandana gave him, and received the thanks which Cyrus gave him with much ſorrow: After which, Cyrus to keep promiſe with Mazares, preſented him unto the Princeſs Mandana, Madam (ſaid Cyrus unto the Princeſs) you would do abundance of wrong, if you ſhould ſay, that you owe your liberty only unto me, for without all doubt, the valour of Mazares hath much contributed unto thoſe victories which I have gotten; and ſince he hath given me a thouſand teſtimonies of a generous repentance, I beſeech you readmit him into that friendſhip and eſteem which you had of him when you were in Babilon, I beg it Madam, replied Mazares, upon the ſame conditions which I propounded at Sardis, when it was not your pleaſure I ſhould have the glory of delivering you: I do conſent unto it, replied ſhe with much joy, ſince that I have recovered an Noble friend whom I thought for ever loſt.

Thus might be ſeen that which perhaps will never be ſeen again; for Mandana preſented unto Cyrus one of his Rivals, and Cyrus preſented another unto Mandana. In the mean while, ſince the place was not fit for any long diſcourſe, Cyrus beſeeched the Princeſs to go into her Coach which he ſaw within the Gate. But ſince he would prevent all ſurprizals, and ſince he would not let Mandana enter into that Town where his Forces were not, he commanded her Coach to come out of the Town, beſeeching her ſhe would be pleaſed to ſee thoſe Troops paſs who had both the honour to fight for her, and now to guard her. Mandana underſtanding his deſign, went into her Coach with Marteſia, and the Coach ſtood ſo as the Souldiers might all march juſt before it. Cyrus, Mazares, and Anaxaris did ſtand next the Princeſs, all three with different thoughts. After which, the Troops began to march and paſs by the Coach, all the Officers and Souldiers, ſaluting as they paſſed, by holding down their Javelines. All this while, Cyrus who was next the Coach, and who only talked with Mandana, was ſenſible of ſo much delight as filled his heart, his ſpirits, and his ſoul. Mandana for her part ſeeing her ſelf at liberty, and ſeeing Cyrus next her, ſhe was alſo full of pleaſing ſatisfaction, but being a Perſon of ſuperlative modeſty, ſhe did much conceal it. Alſo ſhe deſired to avoid all occaſions of Cyrus his ſpeaking to her of his Paſſion in that place; therefore beginning the diſcourſe firſt, as ſoon as he came unto the Coach whilſt the Troops marched by: Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him) I hope you will not think it ingratitude, if before I thank you for abundance of obliging favours, I deſire you to tell me what news you hear from the King my Father? You never need to fear Madam, replied he, that the man who by all his ſervices can never oblige you, can accuſe you of any ingratitude: But I am more afraid you ſhould [...] of incivility in telling you only in three words, that the King your Father [...] preparing to defend himſelf againſt Th [...]miris, who they ſay intends to [...] in good health, that he will be infinitely joyed at your liberty, and [...] the honor to love me: However Madam, though I do infinitely [...] and though you do deſire to know more, yet I beſeech you give me leave Madam [...] a low voice) to ſpeak unto you of nothing during eight daies, but [Page] concerning my ſelf: For truly Madam, I have a thouſand things to impart unto you, which do infinitely concern me you ſhould know. If you will be pleaſed to relate all your Conqueſts, all your Victories, and all your glorious acts (replied ſhe moſt obligingly and ſmiled) the term you mention is not long: No Madam, replied he, I ſhall not talk of War, or Conqueſts, or Victories, for if I ſhould ſpeak of them, I ſhould ſpeak then only of the King your Father, ſince it is his Arms that have conquered: But Madam, I ſhall ſpeak to you concerning all the ſorrows I have had ſince I left you at Themiſcira, and and the infinite joyes which I have to find you at Cumes, which I miſſed of at Sinope, at Artaxates, at Babilon, and at Sardis. But Madam, to compleat my joyes, I beſeech you do me the honour to confeſs, that the moſt illuſtrious Princeſs in the world was once in her life unjuſt, in ſuſpecting the moſt faithful man alive of infidelity: Oh Sir, replied Mandana and bluſhed, I muſt confeſs my ſelf injurious, and will never go about to juſtifie my ſelf in a thing which I entreat you to forget, and conjure you, as you love me, never to ſpeak of again. However Sir, ſince it is not civil to regard ſo little thoſe who have helped to crown you with Lawrels, it were good we deferred the relation of your diſaſters and mine until a more fit time and place; and that now I look upon ſo many brave men, to whom I am beholding for their indefatigable labours they have endured for me; nor can I do any leſs for thoſe who have helped to conquer your enemies and mine: Since Madam, I can deſire nothing but what you pleaſe, replied he, I muſt obey you, though I could perhaps complain a little that your joyes are at ſo a calm in your Spirits, as they wil permit you to keep ſuch exact civilities: But ſince it were a crime to complain of any thing on a day whereon I have ſo much reaſon to commend my fortune, I will impoſe ſilence upon my ſelf, and ſince you are pleaſed to honour with your looks thoſe men who have had the glory to fight for you, I conceive they are thereby better recompenced, then if I had given them all the Treaſures of Croeſſus. After this, Mandana without any other anſwers to the civility of Cyrus, then an obliging ſmile, began to ask the names of thoſe Commanders who paſſed by, which he told her; and to do Juſtice unto ſo many brave men which had ſo couragiouſly followed them into all dangers whereunto they led them; he did not only tell Mandana the names of thoſe ſhe asked, but alſo he related unto her the occaſions wherein they did ſignal themſelves, commending all the Commanders one after another as they paſſed by.

Mandana alſo asked him the names of the Voluntiers, and among the reſt of Megabates, of whom Cyrus gave a moſt excellent Character, deſiring her to receive him as a man extraordinary when ever he preſented him unto her. All this while Mazares and Anaxaris were ſo wholly taken up with their Paſſions, that they looked upon nothing but Mandana and Cyrus, but looked upon them with very various and different thoughts. Anaxaris who before he was a Priſoner in Cumes, and in love with Mandana, was an infinite admirer of Cyrus, did now envy, and almoſt hate him; and the leſs hopes he had, the more did his love encreaſe. On the other ſide, Mazares ſeeing Mandana with the ſame Beauty, and very ſame charms which forced him to love her, and conſtrained him to hate the King of Aſſiria, had much ado to keep within thoſe limits which his virtue had preſcribed unto himſelf, his ſpirits were rebellious, his heart trembled, and all his deſires ſo diſordered, that he was in a moſt reſtleſs condition; but his hopes were ſo very low, that he quickly recollected himſelf, eſpecially when he remembred the pitiful condition wherein he left the Princeſs the laſt time he ſaw her, when the Scarfe broke looſe by which he held her, and held her up upon the Waves. Fie Mazares (ſaid he unto himſelf, and looked upon Mandana whilſt Cyrus talked to her) Canſt thou that was a cauſe of that Princeſs death thou that deceived her, thou that carried her away, thou that left her upon the mercileſs Waves ready to periſh if the Gods had not relieved her, canſt thou be ſo fondly impudent as to hope for any thing but a Pardon for thy crimes? Fie, fie, no, no, thou canſt never pretend to any more, thou muſt love her as thou didſt before, becauſe thou canſt not chuſe but thou muſt call thy love friendſhip, leſt ſhe ſhould refuſe what ſhe did promiſe.

In the mean while, all the Troops being entred into Cumes, and Cyrus knowing that they were Commanders of all the Ports, Publique place, and the Caſtle, did appoint the Princeſs her Coach to enter: This Prince following, accompanied with Mazares, Anaxaris, all the Voluntiers and the Homotimes. But when the Coach began to go forward, and as Mandana turned her head, Cyrus ſaluted Marteſia, and made certain obliging ſigns, which intimated that he had an extreamly deſire to talk with her. After which, [Page] this little triumph, the beauty of Mandana, and the good deportment of Cyrus being the chief ornaments, was beheld with acclamations of the common People, the like was never heard: The Streets, the Gates, the Windows, and Houſe tops were full of People; The ayr ecchoed with ſhouts of joy in praiſes of Mandana and Cyrus, and with wiſhes of their felicity. In the mean time, Tifernes foreſeeing that Mandana would return to lodg in the Caſtle, cauſed the Prince of Cumes corps to be taken away, and carried into the Temple: Alſo he cauſed the bodies of all thoſe Souldiers to be carried away, which the valour of Anaxaris had ſacrificed unto the liberty of that Princeſs, and he locked up the valiant Thraſiles in one of the Towers: So that when the Princeſs came there, not any ſad objects were to be ſeen.

Cyrus underſtanding by the Herald he ſent, what ſervice Tifernes had done him, did make very much of him as he entred into the Caſtle, in which he was no ſooner come, but he preſented his hand unto Mandana to help her out of the Coach, and turning very ſweetly towards Anaxaris, he addreſſed his ſpeeeh unto him: It is you; valiant unknown one, ſaid he unto him, that muſt command in a place which your valour hath conquered, and it is you muſt tell me whether I muſt conduct the Princeſs: Sir (replied Anaxaris, with a ſtrange confuſion) it appertains not unto an unknown one to command any where; but doubtleſs, the man who hath had the honour to bear the ſame chains Mandana did, to ſhew you which was her Priſon; therefore Sir, if you pleaſe, you may go up thoſe ſtairs upon your right hand: For my part (ſaid Mandana unto Cyrus, purpoſely to oblige Anaxaris) I do not wonder this illuſtrious unknown one ſhould ſo well know the way of a Priſon, whoſe doors he knows ſo well, and ſo couragiouſly how to open: But it's ſtrange methinks (added ſhe, and looked upon Cyrus with a ſmile) that my Deliverer ſhould go about to bring me again unto it; and that the Conquerour of all Aſia ſhould need a guide, he who knows how to find out Victory whereſoever he will look for it, though it be the moſt difficult thing in the world to find: You do me wrong Madam, replied he, if you think that victorie was my only aim in all my enterprizes, ſince I never regarded it, but only as a means to conduct me unto you. Since Mandana's chamber was but juſt one pair of ſtairs high, ſhe had not time to anſwer Cyrus, for as ſoon as ſhe was in the Chamber, Cyrus preſented the renowned Voluntiers which followed him unto her, amongſt the reſt Megabates, whom the Princeſs received with civility equal to his merit. In the mean while, ſince it grew late, and ſince prudence prompted Cyrus to take care for the ſecurity of the Town, and in it Mandana, eſpecially ſince the King of Pontus could not be found, he had at that time no long diſcourſe with the Princeſs, yet he could not poſſibly leave her, before one quarter of an houres talk in private, and before he had given her new aſſurances of his fidelity and reſpectful Paſſion. You ſee here Madam, ſaid he unto her, the very ſame Artamenes who at the firſt in the Garden of Sinope, did proteſt that he would love you as long as he lived, and you ſee him now at Cumes ready to aſſure you by new Proteſtations, that he is ſtill, and ever will be the ſame. You have given me ſuch magnanimious teſtimonies of your affection, replied Mandana, that it is not neceſſary to confirm them by words; a thouſand glorious actions, and as many important ſervices have ſufficiently perſwaded me of it: But it is my part, who have nothing but words to give, to make choice of my beſt eloquence, whereby to aſſure you Sir, that I am as full of acknowledgments, as any ſenſible and generous heart is capable of: Oh Madam, replied Cyrus, though all you words be moſt precious, and though you gave me the moſt favourable language in the world, yet that's not it which I would have; and I ſhould be much better ſatisfied with one thought of that heart which you ſay is more ſenſible and generous, then ten thouſand words of thanks, civility, or acknowledgments: Never trouble your ſelf Madam, I beſeech you, to ſtudy words, as it ſeems you deſign; let the eloquence of your eyes only tell me, you are not ſorrie that you raign in my heart: Let me, I ſay, to my felicity think, that your libertie is not the only cauſe of joy in your countenance, and that if Cumes had been taken by any then my ſelf, you would have been leſs ſatisfied: Though you do not much value my words replied Mandana and ſmiled, yet I will tell you, that you have reaſon to believe that I think my libertie ſweeter from your hand, then from any other; and I will add further yet, that ſince I have been the cauſe of all your ſorrowes, I ſhould be unjuſt, if I did not allow you to think, that the joy which you ſee in my eyes proceeds from the ſatiſfaction which I have in ſeeing you again. Oh Madam (ſaid Cyrus) when I ſaid that I did not value your words, I knew not what I ſaid, for I find them ſo ſweet, and ſo glorious [Page] unto me, that I am fully recompenced for all the ſorrowes I have ſuffered, ſo they be not ſpoken only out of a bare civilitie, ſuch as might perhaps be due unto a Prince whom Fortune imployed for your deliverie: Therefore Madam, if you will be pleaſed to compleat my happineſs, do me the honour to confeſs unto me, that all theſe your infinitely obliging expreſſions, are addreſſed unto me as your Captive, and not as unto a Prince whom Fortune hath made a Conquerour of others: If I could ſeparate Cyrus from the Conquerour of Aſia, replied Mandana and laughed, I would divide my civilities to content you; but ſince they are inſeparable, give me leave without any diſtinction to ſpeak equally to them; and ſince I find in one and the ſame perſon, a great Prince, a great Conquerour, and my Deliverer, give me leave to render unto him what I think is due: I beſeech you Madam (ſaid Cyrus and interrupted her) take from me the two firſt of theſe qualities which you attribute unto me, and give me another, which would better ſuit with me: I have been ſo long amongſt men, to whom I denied all they asked (replied Mandana in a moſt obliging kind of rallarie) that you need not think it ſtrange, ſince I cannot ſo ſoon loſe the habit of denying, if I do not now conſent unto all you ask; for I aſſure you, I am not yet ſo well perſwaded that I am free, but ſomtimes I fancie that I ſee the King of Pontus appear. To prevent that Madam, replied Cyrus, it is requiſite I leave you, that I may go and give all neceſſarie orders for it. So Cyrus, after a moſt profound reverence unto Mandana, went out of her Chamber: Mazares, Anaxaris, and all the reſt followed.

Theſe two thought the conference between Cyrus and Mandana ſo long, that the virtue of Mazares was put unto a difficult trial, and the impatience of Anaxaris was ready to break out; yet they followed Cyrus with faces and hearts full of melancholie unto all places where he went to give orders. In the mean time, though the ruine of a Rival be a thing which everie one would endeavour, yet Cyrus who was once obliged to the King of Pontus when he went under the name of Artamenes, and who maugre his love, looked upon him as Brother to the Princeſs Araminta, whom he exceedinglie honored, he was not ſo angrie as he would have been without theſe two conſiderations; Firſt, that he was eſcaped his revenge; Secondly, that he was not to be found; not that he was reſolved if he had found him, to alter his generous way of uſage which he ever obſerved to him when he was his Priſoner, and when he gave him his libertie at Sinope: But yet he was not ſorrie, that Fortune did not put him to the neceſſitie of treating a Rival ill, if he had fallen in his power: And therefore in the Evening he ſent a Barque unto the Prince Thraſibulus, and unto Thimochares, to bring their Fleets into the Port of Cumes the next morning, that by this means the King of Pontus might more eaſily eſcape if he were hid in the Town, as very likely he was. Moreover, Cyrus leſt any ſtirring ſhould be amongſt the People, who are much moved at ſad objects, he commanded, that the next night the Prince of Cumes ſhould be buried, without any noiſe or much ceremonie; yet deſiring that his aſhes might be put into the Sepulcher of his Fathers, and that all the honor ſhould be done him which the preſent conjuncture of affairs would permit. After he had given all neceſſarie orders, both for the ſafetie of Mandana and of the Town, he returned to the Caſtle where the Princeſs was; yet he could not ſee until after Supper, for he was ſo Courted by abundance of companie, that he could not get ſooner from them: All the ſeveral Corporations of the Town came to ſalute him, and went afterwards unto the Princeſs Mandana, whether Cyrus ſent them. But at laſt, after he had ſhaken off all hinderances of ſatisfaction unto his extream deſire, of talking with his dear Princeſs, he went unto her Chamber, without the company of any but Chriſantes and Feraulas: As for Mazares, his ſoul was not ſo firmly ſetled, as that he durſt ſee the Princeſs any more that day: And as for Anaxaris, love, jealouſie and ſpite, made him retire unto ſome place where he might vent his melancholy.

Cyrus then being delivered from all his Rivals, and from all his friends too, who in ſuch occaſions are as troubleſome as Enemies, went as I told you unto Mandana's Chamber. But meeting Marteſia in the outer Chamber, he muſt needs ſtay a little with her, unto whom he was ſo infinitelie obliged, ad▪principally for affirming his fidelitie, when Mandana accuſed him with ſo much injuſtice: If you did not know (ſaid he moſt civilly unto her) how much I am devoted unto our Princeſs, and what power ſhe hath over my heart, I ſhould have ſome cauſe to fear you would complain againſt me; for I confeſs, my ſweet Marteſia, that I have not yet either looked upon you, or ſpoke one word unto you, and which is more ſtrange, until I have ſpent eight daies in t [...]l [...]ing with, and [Page] looking upon Mandana, I do not think I ſhall be able to talk with, or look upon any elſe; yet I do profeſs Marteſia, to eſteem you as much as is poſſible, and that I am extreamlie beholding unto you for taking my part, and have the greateſt deſire in the world to talk with you, though as I told you before, I cannot do it yet this eight daies.

To loſe no time in tedious anſwers (replied Marteſia) I do believe Sir all that you are pleaſed to tell me, though if I did conſider only my ſelf, I oughtſnot to believe you, and though I will not trouble you, yet I hope you will not take it ill if I ask Feraulas concerning all that I deſire to know of you: Feraulas (replied Cyrus and laughed) hath ſo much to ſpeak of himſelf, that I doubt whether he can tell you any thing concerning me: Since I ſhall begin the diſcourſe, replied ſhe and bluſhed, he muſt needs anſwer me: No no, replied Cyrus, I will not do the man who hath ſo well ſerved me ſo ill an office; therefore Marteſia, I will diſpence with you this day for talking of me unto Feraulas, provided you will talk of me unto my Princeſs, and ſtill perſwade her, that my extream affection deſerves to be preferred before any of my Rivals. After this, Cyrus left Marteſia, and went into Mandana's Chamber, where he found none with her, but two women whom the Prince of Cumes preferred to wait upon her; ſhe no ſooner ſaw him, but ſhe did riſe to ſalute him, ſhe received him with as much civility as the Conquerour of Aſia did merit, and with as much joy as the ſight of a faithful and reſpectful Lover, and liberator could inſpire into her: Since there was none to obſerve their actions, ſhe allowed her eyes to ſatisfie her ſoul in looking upon Cyrus, yet it was with ſo much modeſty, as that Prince was a little afraid in accoſting her; for ſince he never had any abſolute permiſſion from her to ſpeak openly of his Love, and ſince when he departed from Themiſcira unto Thomiris, he obtained no further from Mandana, but that if he did not find out a way to make himſelf known unto Ciaxares, and to procure his liking, he ſhould then for ever abſent himſelf, he had apprehenſions of this ſtill; therefore, to let her ſee how this obſtacle was removed, his deſign was, after the firſt civilities were over, to talk of Ciaxares, and to let her know how much he was in that Princes favour, but that labour was ſaved; for this Princeſs, who did ever regulate her thoughts according unto the King her Fathers, and who had an extream deſire to know upon what terms Cyrus ſtood with him, ſhe began firſt to ſpeak of him.

I pray Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him) before you make any relations of what hath happened unto you, tell me whether the King my Father be pleaſed with you, and whether he receives all thoſe Lawrels wherewith you have crowned him well from your hand? He is ſo well ſatisfied Madam, replied Cyrus, and hath made me ſuch glorious promiſes, as if you will be pleaſed to confirm them, I am the happieſt amongſt men. You may very well conceive Sir (ſaid ſhe and bluſht) that ſince I was ever reſolved to obey him, even in things moſt contrary to my own inclination, and leaſt agreeable unto you, that I ſhall moſt willingly obey him in things moſt ſuitable unto my deſires, and moſt advantagious unto you: But though I do not queſtion the truth of your words, yet I will promiſe you nothing, until I know from his own mouth what he hath promiſed; yet let me aſſure you, that if he be as full of acknowledgments as I am, you have good cauſe to be well ſatisfied. Though your language Madam be moſt obliging, replied Cyrus, yet I may find ſome cauſe of complaint: But ſince you have ever accuſtomed me unto extream ſecuritie, I am moſt ſubmiſſive unto your pleaſure Madam, provided you will give me leave to relate all my ſufferings: Since it were high injuſtice Sir, not to hear of thoſe miſeries which my ſelf hath cauſed during ſo long a War, I ſhall be very glad you acquaint me with all the hardſhips you had in Armenia, all the miſeries you ſuffered at the Siege of Babilon, all thoſe you endured at Sardis, and alſo at Cumes: Oh Madam (ſaid Cyrus) Theſe are not the things I deſire to talk of, but it is of the inſufferable ſorrowes of my ſoul to leave you when I left Themiſcira; of the horrid apprehenſions of my heart at my return, when I underſtood that Philidaſpes had carried you away, and that I had ſaved his life; my exceſſive grief in taking Babilon and not releaſing you my horrid diſpair at Sinope, when I thought the flames had reduced you to aſhes, my diſmal apprehenſions in finding only the King of Aſſiria on the top of the Tower, and in ſeeing the Galley with which Ma [...] carried you away, my deadneſs of heart and ſoul when I thought you periſhed, my vexation to find you in the power of a Rival when I heard you were living, my melancholy [...], when I delivered the Princeſs Araminta in lieu of the incomparable Mandana [...] ſee you on the other ſide of the River, and I not able to follow [Page] you, my grief to hear that you were imbarqued at the Port of Cicilie, my ſadneſs of ſoul to hear that you ſuſpected me of infidelitie, my unutterable grief when I took Sardis and could not find you in it, my furie, when I heard my Rival had found out an art to make you inviſible, my torment to be alwayes amongſt my Rivals, and ſtill ſeparated from you.

Theſe Madam are the ſorrows which I deſire to talk of, in hopes, that judging of the greatneſs of my Love by the greatneſs of my ſufferings, you may know me better: It ſeems we have long been ſeparated, (replied Mandana with a modeſt ſigh) ſince you have forgot, that though I permitted you to love me, yet I could never endure you ſhould ſpeak to me of your Love. My Love Madam, replied Cyrus, was at that time a hidden myſterie, I durſt not then tell any that I loved you; but now, ſince all the world knows me to be your Adorer, and ſince Ciaxares himſelf approves of it, it were not juſt that you onlie ſhould be ignorant of my love: For trulie Divine Princeſs, there is not one Souldier in the King your Fathers Armie, who knows not that he hath fought onlie for you: I could never have any joy in all the Victories I have gotten, becauſe in getting them I could not releaſe you; I acquainted all my Rivals with my Paſſion, Mazares himſelf would ſomtimes pitie me, and would you Madam be the onlie one in all the Univerſe unto whom it ſhould not be ſpoken? Oh Madam, this would not be juſt: Speak on then, ſaid ſhe unto him, ſince there is no remedie: But I pray Sir give me leave alſo to relate my ſorrows: I am afraid Madam, replied he, that they are not much different from mine; for methinks I hear you aggravate your ſorrows, for being ſo often carried away, and expoſed unto ſo manie voyages, ſo much pains, and ſo manie dangers without your making me a ſharer in them; and how to my infinite glorie and delight would it have been, if I had been the cauſe of your greateſt ſorrows: But alas Madam, I perceive you do not think me worthie of any ſuch obliging expreſſions, as to tell me I was any cauſe of them, nor will you permit me ſo much as to think it: Yet I aſſure you, replied ſhe, that my fears leſt you ſhould periſh in ſome of thoſe dangers into which you expoſed your ſelf for the love of me, was one of my greateſt ſorrows: Your language Madam, replied he, is moſt obliging, but ſince your ſorrows might perhaps proceed onlie from generoſitie, they were not of that nature which I deſired: For trulie Madam, did you know how to love, you would know that abſence from the perſon loved is a moſt horrid torment: But ſince the Gods have made you onlie to be loved, and ſince they have infuſed love enough into my heart, to make me endure this modeſt coldneſs, which ſtill oppoſeth my felicitie, I will not murmure to ſee you no more ſenſible of my zealous Paſſion: Yet Madam, to my conſolation, I would gladlie believe, that your modeſtie doth hide ſome of your thoughts from me, and that I do not ſee all the advantagious reſentments of your heart: Being a Prince of ſo much virtue as you are (replied Mandana and bluſht) and knowing me ſo well as you do, I will freelie permit you to believe, that I have all the advantagious thoughts of you, all the eſteem and tenderneſs which in any reaſon I ought to have of a Prince, unto whom the King my Father is a debtor for his life, and meny Victories, and unto whom I owe my libertie and ſomthing more. After this Sir, be contented, and ask me no more, for as well accuſtomed as you are to get Victories, you ſhall get no more of me. At theſe words, Cyrus did render a million of thanks unto Mandana, for the Permiſſion which ſhe gave him; and then they began to make ſhort relations unto each other of all their adventures, but it was in a different manner, for Cyrus feared that he could never ſay enough to ſet forth the violence of his Paſſion; and Mandana was ſo full of tenderneſs towards Cyrus, that ſhe feared leſt ſhe ſhould ſay too much, yet the converſation was moſt ſweet and pleaſing unto Cyrus; for Mandana was not ſo abſolute a Miſtreſs of her looks and words, but that Cyrus ſaw by the motion of her eyes, that her heart was not inſenſible; ſo that ſomtimes his exceſs of joy would ſilence him, and he would gaze upon her without a word; and ſomtimes again he would break into ſuch raptures of expreſſion, as it was moſt plain his love was ſtronger then his reaſon: I beſeech you Madam (ſaid he unto her, when he perceived the diſorder of his own ſpirits) pardon me, if I cannot maſter my joyes, for I profeſs they are ſo great, that the more I conſider you, the more reaſon I find to devote my whole heart unto you; for ſince I am now ſo neer the divine Mandana, after ſo long and ſad an abſence, after I believed her loſt, and bewailed her death, this is ſo high a joy, as is abſolutelie unutterable, when I call to mind the miſerable condition I was in when I love [...]d you at Sinope, and compare it unto my preſent happineſs: Oh heavens, what an advantagious difference do I find? For I was then unknown unto you, I durſt not then tell [Page] what I was for fear of being hated, though I knew I could never be loved unleſs I were known; I had a great King to my Rival, and another Rival in the head of a puiſſant Armie, and I ſaw everie thing againſt me: But now Madam, I find the King your Father for me, I ſee the King of Pontus without a Kingdome, or any receptacle, I have the Prince Mazares my friend in lieu of Rival, and I ſee the King of Aſſiria a Priſoner unto Arſamones, judg therefore I beſeech you Madam, whether the extravagancie of my joyes be not excuſeable: Since I am yet far from Ecbatan, replied ſhe, I muſt confeſs, I cannot reſent the happineſs which I enjoy, out of fear it ſhould be moleſted by ſome accident which I cannot foreſee; yet ſince it is vanitie, to make imaginarie miſeries, I will hope that our happineſs will be durable, and that Fortune will be as conſtant in ſmiling upon us, as ſhe hath been in her frowns againſt us. After this, Mandana hinting unto Cyrus that it was late, this Prince retired, and went out of her Chamber, with ſpirits ſo full of paſſion, as he neither ſaw Marteſia, nor Chriſantes, nor Feraulas, who never ſtirred out of the outer Chamber, and was not able to take his mind of that divine Princeſs whom he loved; he came unto his own Chamber, and there undreſſed himſelf, whilſt his fancie was ſtill fixed upon the ſame object; and ſleep, as powerful as it is, could not deface the Idea of Mandana in his imagination.

Now did he begin to accuſe himſelf for making ſuch a bad interpretation upon the Sibels anſwer, and upon the King of Aſſiria's Oracle, and he began to hope, that the Oracle rendred unto the Princeſs of Salamis would be as happily accompliſhed for him, as for her, His ſoul was now ſo ſolelie devoted unto joy, as he never regarded the combat which he was to have with the King of Aſſiria as a thing of any doubtful event, nor ever troubled himſelf to conſider how ſorrie Mandana would be if ſhe knew it; on the contrarie, he contemplated upon nothing but the beautie-ſuperexcellencies, and charms of his Princeſs, and he lul'd himſelf ſo in the fancie of Mandana, that he ſaw her in his ſleep as well as when he was awake; he imagined that he ſaw himſelf preſenting her unto Ciaxares, and ſaw Ciaxares give her again unto him in recompence of all his travels and pains. Mandana on the other ſide entertained her ſelf with her dear Marteſia, confeſſing ingenuouſly unto her, that ſhe never in all her life ſaw Cyrus ſo amiable as now, and that ſhe could not chuſe but think her ſelf extreamlie happie in her raigning in the heart of the greateſt Prince in the world.

But whilſt theſe two illuſtrious perſons did delight their ſouls in the innocent pleaſures of ſeeing each other, Mazares, Anaxaris, and the King of Pontus were all full of different reſentments; a civil War, whoſe victorie was doubtful, did flame in the heart of the firſt of theſe; for ſomtimes his virtue was weaker then his love, and ſomtimes his virtue got the upper hand: But for the ſecond, his love of Mandana was ſo violent, that he had not the leaſt thought of oppoſing it, though he could not imagine ever to find out any way of ſatisfaction: So that abandoning himſelf both to his love and his diſpair, he was in a moſt miſerable condition: But as for the third, his miſerie did tranſcend them both; for the truth is, the King of Pontus was in ſuch a deplorable condition, as he would have moved Mandana and all his Rivals to pitie him, if they had but ſeen him. Since the man who did hide him was not acquainted with the virtue of Cyrus, he imagined, that if this Prince did know how he concealed the Raviſher of Mandana from his revenge, he would ſeverelie puniſh him; ſo that for more ſuretie, he put this unfortunate King into a little Cabin in a corner of the Garden, where the Gardiner lodged. This bad lodging yet was not at all reſented by this unhappie Prince, though he was much wounded, and could hardlie be dreſſed: But when he conſidered that Mandana would treat Cyrus as her Deliverer, that he had for ever loſt her, that ſhe would eternally hate him, that he was miſerable in the ſame Town where his Rival was happy, that he knew not how to get out, and that [...] he ſhould fall into his power, his reſentments of theſe were unexpreſſible: The [...] alſo he had an addition of double ſorrows, for Mandana having a deſire to ren [...] [...]to the Gods as well as Cyrus, this Prince would needs have her go unto the T [...] ſo [...] magnificent ceremonie, to the end the People might better ſee her: [...] not go unto the Temple of Neptune, ſo much celebrated in Cum [...], [...]tie paſs under the Walls of this Garden, and under the Wind [...] o [...] [...] the King of Pontus was, this magnificent Pomp did paſs that wa [...]. So [...]te Prince hearing the noyſe which the Troops made, as they paſſed be [...], he asked that Souldier which followed him what noyſe it was; and he [...], that it was the Princeſs Mandana going unto the Temple of Neptune to tender [Page] thanks unto the Gods, he was ſo tranſported with Love, that he would ſee her once more before he died; and therefore did riſe out of his homely bed to look out of this little Window, which was made only of a few Reads, and where indeed he beheld all that paſſed: But when he ſaw Mandana in a Triumphant Chariot with ſuch joy in her looks, as augmented her beautie, he was ſenſible of more ſorrow then ever was man before; that which grated him unto the verie heart of his ſoul, was to ſee Cyrus on horſeback next Mandana's Chariot, and to ſee him in a Garb ſo high, and Port ſo majeſtical, as in ſpite of his ſorrows and jealouſie, he could not chuſe but think him worthie of this Princeſs; and to ſum up the total of his miſerie, he ſaw more joy in the face of Cyrus then in the face of Mandana, conjecturing from thence, and truly, that he had been very favourably received, and in an inſtant did imagine a thouſand favours done unto Cyrus, more then he himſelf could have wiſhed to himſelf. This thought ſo diſordered his ſoul, that love, jealouſie, rage and diſpair depriving him of reaſon, he violentlie broke down the little Window which did hide him from ſight; but as good luck to him was, he was ſo weak, that as he pulled the Window away, he fell backward upon his bed; ſo that his wound opening and beginning to bleed afreſh, he was not able to riſe again, yet he endeavoured, though the Souldier did verie reſpectfully hinder him, knowing that if he now looked out of the Window, he would certainly be known. In the mean while, his ſorrows cauſed by ſuch a violent agitation of ſpirits, did caſt him into a ſound for above a quarter of an houre, and when he returned out of it, his diſpair was no better then madneſs. Thus the renowned Cyrus had four Rivals nothing ſo happy as himſelf; but though the ſtate of their fortunes was very different, yet had they a conformitie in their ſorrows.

The King of Aſſiria a Priſoner, and forced to ask ſuccour from his Rival, he thought himſelf the moſt miſerable Prince alive; The King of Poutus vanquiſhed, wounded, and lurking in a poor Cabin, thought never any ſo unfortunate as himſelf; The Prince Mazares, who would needs have his virtue triumph over his Paſſion, and who yet ſaw himſelf every minute ready to be overcome by his Love, he was perſwaded that none could ſuffer more then himſelf: And Anaxaris, in love without one ſpark of hope, and yet reſolved to love Mandana till he died, come what could, conſidering the ſtate of his ſoul, and the ſtate of his fortune, he could not conceive it poſſible any ſhould be ſo miſerable as himſelf. Thus whilſt Cyrus and Mandana were rendring thanks unto the Gods for their happy conditions, the King of Pontus, Mazares, and Anaxaris, had much ado to forbear murmuring againſt the Gods, for expoſing them unto ſuch diſaſterous and fatal deſtinies; yet the misfortunes of theſe three Rivals did not hinder the univerſal joy that was in both Town and Camp: But to be ſhort, at their return from the Temple, Cyrus after he had taken orders from Mandana, ſent unto Pactias and Licambes to acquaint them with the ſtate of things, and to induce them to lay down arms: He ſent alſo to the Xantheans, and Caunians, to confirm the offers which they made: He ſent diſpatches alſo unto Ciaxares and Cambiſes: The Princeſs writing unto the King her Father to thank him for his cares in procuring her libertie, and unto the Queen of Perſia alſo, to teſtifie her obligations unto the Prince her Son. After this, was to be ſeen (according to the orders which Cyrus ſent over night) the two Fleets of Thraſibulus and Timochares, enter into the Port of Cumes, and as they paſſed in ſight of Mandana's Chamber, where Cyrus then was, the Flags of all the Fleets vailed Bonnet, in honour of that Princeſs. As ſoon as Thraſibulus, Timochares, Philocles and Leontidas came aſhore, they came alſo to ſalute Mandana, unto whom Cyrus preſented them: You ſee here Madam (ſaid he and ſpoke of Thraſibulus) a Prince who was my Conquerour, and whoſe valour did exceedingly help me to finiſh the Armenian War: In telling me (replied Mandana) that the Prince Thraſibulus hath conquered the Conqueror of others, you oblige me to eſteem him infinitelie: The victorie I got Madam (replied Thraſibulus) did coſt me ſo dear; and the defeat of the illuſtrious Artamenes was ſo glorious unto him, that if I might have choſen, I had rather have been the conquered then the Conqueror.

As Cyrus was readie to replie, and vie modeſty with him, the King of Hircania, the Prince Artamas, Gadates, Gobrias, Perſodes; and many others of Noble Quality, came into Mandana's Chamber, who entertained them with as much ſweetneſs as Majeſtie. Croeſſus and Myrſiles came a little after; the firſt of theſe asking pardon for protecting the King of Pontus, beſeeching her not to be leſs generous then Ciaxares and Cyrus had been: To teſtifie unto you (ſaid ſhe unto him) that I will not yeeld unto them in that virtue, I aſſure you, I am much joyed at the alliance which you have made, with ſuch a renowned Prince [Page] as the Prince Artamas, who hearing what Mandana ſaid of him, returned a moſt ingenious and civil anſwer.

But ſince ſuch kind of viſits as theſe, never uſe to be long, this croud of renowned perſons did ſoon diſperſe themſelves: Cyrus alſo was obliged to go out of her Chamber into his own, to receive two Deputies from Suſiana, which Orſanus ſent unto hm: So that Mandana in this interval talked with Chriſantes and Feraulas, unto whom ſhe had not yet ſpoken; therefore ſhe went into her Cloſet, whether Marteſia brought them. Now was the glorie of Cyrus aggravated with much zeal, by theſe two faithful ſervants unto their Maſter, and ſhe did much better underſtand from them then from him, how much ſhe was obliged unto him. In the mean while, Cyrus being come to his Chamber, whether Mazares and Hermogenes alſo reſorted to hear ſome news of Beleſis, he received the Deputies which Orſanus ſent. He underſtood from them, that all the Grandees in the Kingdome of Suſiana no ſooner ſaw the Teſtament of Abradates, who gave him his Crown; but all were joyfully diſpoſed to become his Subjects, and acknowledg him for their King: That the people did ſubmit unto it with abundance of ſatisfaction, that Beleſis had done him very good ſervice in this buſineſs, that Aduſia's according to his order ſtayed at Suſa, to command in that Kingdom, until he himſelf could honour that ſtate with his preſence; that all things were there verie quiet, that both Grandees and People had taken oaths of fidelity to him, and that he was abſolutely King of Suſiana. Theſe men having ended their ſpeech, Cyrus did treat them as men who brought him a Crown, and began to tranſact with them, as with good and faithful Subjects. Then appointing them to be lodged in the Town, he diſmiſſed them, keeping Orſanus with him, purpoſely to tell him ſome newes of Beleſis, whom he infinitely eſteemed, knowing that he did ever confirm Mazares in thoſe reſolutions of virtue, which he had planted in his ſoul, ſeeing then there was none but Mazares and Hermogenes neer him: Well Orſanus (ſaid he unto him) hath the voyage of Beleſis been as happy for himſelf, as it hath been for me? Will Cleodora acknowledg him for her Slave with as good a will as the People of Suſa are to acknowledg me for their King? Sir (replied Orſanus it is not ſo: Why (ſaid Mazares and interrupted him) had Cleodora accompliſhed her laſt vowes which the women conſecrated unto Ceres uſe, when Beleſis came unto Suſa? No Sir, (replied Orſanus) we came thither ſome daies before ſhe was to perform them: I pray, ſaid Cyrus, relate unto us the buſineſs.

Hermogenes underſtanding by the diſcourſe of Orſanus, that Beleſis did not thrive in his affection to Cleodora, his curioſitie augmented, and his ſorrows diminiſhed, for his belief was that Beleſis was gone to take poſſeſſion of her; ſo that he lent a moſt attentive ear unto what Orſanus ſaid: Since you are pleaſed to command me Sir, (ſaid Orſanus unto Cyrus) to acquaint you with the adventure of Beleſis, be pleaſed to know Sir, that when he came to S [...]ſa, he preſently enquired whether Cleodora had power to come out of the Temple unto which ſhe was retired, and whether it was believed ſhe would remain there? He underſtood that the laſt ceremony which was to bind her for ever, was not to be performed of a moneth after; that the general opinion was, ſhe would remain there, becauſe ſhe might live a retired life there, every one telling her, that ſhe was none of thoſe, who in lieu of ſeeking out a ſolitude amongſt the vailed Virgins, and preſerving their innocence, would trouble the firſt, and loſe the ſecond; and ſo diſhonour them in lieu of adding glory.

Yet Beleſis was not very much grieved at the thought that Cleodora would remain in the Temple, becauſe he hoped ſhe might change her mind; ſo that not to omit any tittle of his duty in matter of love, he writ unto Cleodora, and gave his Letter unto Alcenor to carry, ſoliciting her alſo by many friends for leave to ſee and ſpeak with her. But whilſt Alcenor and the Ladies his friends were negotiating for him, he took order for all things which related unto your ſervices; and in the mean while he underſtood that Cleodora refuſed his Letter; that ſhe would not ſee him, that ſhe obtained leave to ſhorten the time of the laſt ceremony, and that it was to be accompliſhed the next day: You may judg Sir, what ſad news this was unto Beleſis, who no ſooner heard it, but he went unto the Temple of Ceres, and ſo tampered with her who had power to command Cleodora, that ſhe commanded her to ſee and ſpeak with Beleſis, an houre before ſhe was to engage all the reſt of her life. Beleſis then ſaw her, and ſpoke to her, but never ſaw her ſo fair and lovely as then, nor never more inexorable unto his prayers; and to render him the more unhappy, ſhe confeſſed unto him, that ſhe was induced unto this courſe which ſhe was going to take, only becauſe ſhe was ſo weak, as not to hate him if ſhe would; and indeed [Page] ſhe ſpoke this unto him in ſuch a manner, as it was eaſie to ſee, ſhe did not hate him ſtill, and that what ſhe did, was rather out of a punctileo of honour, which moved her never to pardon Beleſis, then out of any hatred ſhe had unto him. I ſhall not need to tell you Sir what this unfortunate Lover ſaid unto Cleodora: For ſince you know the nature of Beleſis was to be zealous and paſſionate, and knowing what his mind and affection was, you may eaſily imagine that he uſed all the moſt moving expreſſions that was poſſible, and all to no purpoſe, for this fair one was unalterable, maugre all the ſorrow ſhe ſaw in his face, and very well it may be ſaid, that the ſorrows of Beleſis did make her joyful, for the more earneſt he was in praying her, the more eaſily did ſhe deny him. To be ſhort Sir, this fair one retired, and maugre all the importunate deſires of Beleſis the ceremony was accompliſhed, and Beleſis loſt Cleodora for ever; for ſince that ſhe would not ſee any, no not her deareſt friends: So that Cleodora who was wont to be the only lover of news, did not now know whether Aſia was in War or in peace; and this excellent woman did very ſufficientlie make it appear, that ſhe could be Miſtreſs of her ſelf when ſhe pleaſed. In the mean time, the diſpair of Beleſis did ſo appear in his face, and in all his actions, as every one feared he would ſteal away from Alcenor as ſoon as he could, and return unto his Deſart, and ſo deprive Suſa of the moſt accompliſhed man in it.

Whilſt Orſanus was ſpeaking thus, Cyrus and Mazares did intereſt themſelves in the ſorrows of Beleſis: But as for Hermogenes, all the affection he bore him as his friend, could not keep him from rejoycing, that he was never like to enjoy Cleodora; yet he did what he could to hide a thought which had more love then generoſity in it; and he might the more eaſily hide it, becauſe Cyrus, who was not able to live without Mandana, did in all haſt give orders that the Works ſhould be thrown down, that the Forts ſhould be demoliſhed, and that the Army ſhould ſtill keep in a poſture ready to receive an Enemy, not daring to think of carrying Mandana out of Cumes, until he heard the Enemies Army was diſperſed, becauſe he would not hazard a perſon who was ſo infinitely dear unto him. After then he had given all the prudential orders requiſite, he returned to the Princeſs Mandana, where all the Ladies of Quality in that Town were come to make their firſt viſit. Since the Princeſs ſpoke the Greek Tongue very fluently, and the language of Cumes differed from it only in pronuntiation; it was as eaſie for her to charm ſo many Beauties by the ſweetneſs of her converſation, as to charm their eyes by her Beauty; and ſince ſhe knew that commendations are very well received by all the world, eſpecially when they proceed from a perſon of much merit, Mandana did extreamly commend every Lady in whom ſhe could find any good ground for it; She alſo did double her applauds when Cyrus came in; for beginning to ſpeak as ſoon as he was ſet down, Though I know very well (ſaid ſhe unto him) that Artaxates, Babilon, and Sardis, are for greater Towns then Cumes; yet I aſſure you, the conqueſt of this was more glorious then of them, ſince I do not think you ever took any Town wherein there are ſo many Beauties as in this: There are ſo many reaſons Madam, replied Cyrus, Why you ſhould know a Beauty better then any elſe, that though my eyes did not tell me you had reaſon for what you ſaid, yet I ſhould believe you: However, (added he, and turned towards thoſe Ladies whom Mandana commended) you may well value at a high rate, the commendations of a Princeſs, who is uſed every day to ſee the faireſt perſon in the world: Mandana bluſhed at the diſcourſe of Cyrus, but could not anſwer it; for one of the Ladies, whoſe name was Atalia, began to ſpeak: If the commendations of the Princeſs (ſaid ſhe) were addreſſed unto me, or that I had any reaſon to apply them unto my ſelf, doubtleſs I ſhould think my ſelf the moſt glorious woman in the world, for being commended by one, who every day in her myrrour ſees enough to make her ſcorn the greateſt Beauties upon Earth. You know very well, amiable Atalia, (replied Mandana) what ſhare you ought to take unto your ſelf of thoſe commendations which I give unto the Ladies of Cumes in general; and I know alſo what ſhare I ought to take in thoſe you give unto me; however, without putting you to the bluſh by any particular applauds, I pray agree with me, that there are few places in the world where are to be found ſo many beauties as here; and certainly, Mandana had good reaſon for what ſhe ſaid, ſince there were in Cumes at that time a moſt prodigious number of Beauties. Amongſt all thoſe who were then with Mandana, there were foure of the beſt quality in all the Town, and higheſt beauty: Atalia was tall, and of a handſom Mine, ſhe had brown hair, eyes gray and ſweet, her complexion whitiſh and lively, ſeeming alwayes very ſerious: The ſecond, whoſe name [Page] was Cleocrite, was fair and lively, yet her eyes black and ſparkling with a ſprightly fire: her looks though ſweet, yet nothing of paſſionate, but it was eaſie to ſee ſhe loved to look upon her ſelf in a glaſs, and loved her ſelf better then all the world beſides. Cleocrite was of a good ſtature, ſhe had moſt handſom teeth, and freſh roſes upon her lips: her noſe was of an exact proportion, and all the features of her face pleaſing: ſhe had an aſpect of joy and tranquility in her Phyſiognomy, which was a great addition to her beauty: ſo that without any flatery I can aſſure you, Cleocrice was a high beauty, and had been infinitely amiable had ſhe known how to have loved any.

The third whoſe name was Lyſidice, was of a low ſtature, but a high beauty, and infinitely charming: her neck was white, her arms and hands the ſame: her eyes fair, her complection rare, and her mouth admirable: She had a kind of auſterity and pride in the corner of her eye, and in the corner of her mouth, which though it was very ſweet, and did much contribute unto her beauty, which though it expreſſed ſome inequality in her humour, yet did exceedingly become her. The fourth who was called Philoxene, and was a widow, was of a ſtature ſomething above the common height but very handſom, her hair, was cheſnut colour: the model of her face was ſomething on all, her complection whitiſh and ſmoother noſe was ſomething Aqueline, but well proportioned, her eyes full, black, ſweet and ſmiling; her Phiſiognomy was noble and pleaſing, which did as well ſpeak the ſweetneſs and equality of her humour, as the tenderneſs and generoſity of her ſoul; and which did invite abundance of eſteem, and forced a diſpoſition to love her: Theſe four perſons being ſuch as I have deſcribed, and being mingled amongſt many others who had beauty enough, it was not without good cauſe that Mandana commended them: Not long after ſhe had as good cauſe to commend the ſweetneſs of their minds as well as the charms of their faces: for they all made it appear, that if Cyrus had been able to have endured that any ſhould have ſhared with him in the ſociety of his Princeſs, he had not ſtifled his deſires as he did of talking with her in private, yet he did ſo hide it, as none of the Ladiees could perceive him: and Mandana only could know that as amiable as theſe Ladies were, yet he deſired that they were abſent from her, yet it was a long while before he could be in private with her; for beſides thoſe Ladies that were already with Mandana, there came another under the conduct of Araxaris, who though ſhe was well in years, yet was a Lady of a very handſom carriage, and ſeemed to be a woman of quality. Araxaris in preſenting her unto Mandana, told her name to be Niſide, and ſaid her quality to be the moſt conſiderable in all Cumes. After which, this Lady beginning to ſpeak, Since I know Madam, ſaid ſhe unto the Princeſs Mandana, what power you have with the Illuſtrious Cyrus, I conceived it my beſt courſe to addreſs my ſelfe unto you, for the obtaining of my Sons liberty, who is now his priſoner, who as the Fate of Arms would have it, did take priſoner the Generous Anaxaris who preſents me unto you. I ſhould not have been ſo bold Madam, as to ask liberty for a man who took him priſoner that did ſo couragiouſly fight for yours, if the ſame Anaxaris had not made me a moſt generous promiſe to joyn his prayers with mine to obtain of you, that the ſame men who once took him captive, but at preſent is his, may enjoy the general act of grace with the invincible Cyrus, at your deſires Madam did grant unto the meaneſt inhabitants of Cumes.

For my part (added Anazaris) I aſſure you Madam, (ſaid he unto the Princeſs Mandana) that you will extreamly oblige me if you would grant my Conqueror his liberty: and I am the more obliged to ſerve him, becauſe if I had not fallen unto his power, I ſhould not have had the glory to have done that little ſervice for you Madam, which I did: ſo that Madam, to recompence me fully, It beſeech you, let Thraſiles be at liberty: and I am confident, that he is a man of ſo much merit, as if you had known him, he had been at liberty ere now. Certainly it is not at all neceſſary to make any addreſſes unto me, (replied Mandana, and ſpoke unto Niſide and Anaxaris) to obtain a favour from the Illuſtrious Cyrus, which he doth ſo uſually grant: And leſs neceſſary Madam (ſaid Cyrus, and interrupted her) to uſe my name in a buſineſs which depends abſolutely upon your ſelf: However, replied that Princeſs, I will intreat you to ſet Thraſyles at liberty upon my requeſt. Thraſyles, replied Cyrus, is more a priſoner unto Anaxaris then unto me, but I believe he will confeſs with me, that you have power to ſet at liberty whom you pleaſe: therefore Madam you need only to command, and be obeyed. What ere you ſay (replied Mandana) I intend that Niſide ſhall be no more a debtor unto you for the liberty of Thraſyles, then unto me. To end this generous conteſt, replied this Lady, my Son and I will both be equally debtors [Page] unto you both, and will both of us make our acknowledgments as if we were obliged unto one and the ſame perſon. I beſeech you Madam (ſaid Anaxaris unto Mandana) Command then that Thraſyles be ſet at liberty? Since it is the pleaſure of the Illuſtrious Cyrus, and ſince you have a peculiar right to conſent unto it (replied he) you will do me a pleaſure to go and ſet upon his priſon, and to let the firſt uſe of his liberty be imployed in making me acquainted with a man who is ſo valiant as to make you his priſoner. Moſt certainly he is a very brave man (replied Cyrus not ſuſpecting that Anaxar [...]s was his Rival) who is the Vanquiſher of Anaxaris. Anaxaris who in his heart reſented more diſorder then he was well able to maſter when he heard himſelf commended both by his Rival, and by Mandana, did ſeem as if he heard them not: but did ſay ſomething unto Niſide, who being very glad of her Sons liberty, took that pretence to go our, and ſet open her ſons priſon, and acquaint him how much he was a debtor unto this Princeſs. For Madam (ſaid Niſide to her) I know Thraſiles hath ſo ſtrong an inclination to acknowledg a benefit, that he would exceedingly complain againſt me, if I ſhould not acquaint him with his obligements to you, before he hath the honour to ſee you. After this Niſide retired, and went with Anaxaris unto the Tower where Thraſiles was: As ſoon as ſhe was gone, there was not one of thoſe Ladies who deſired not to be gone alſo, having no mind to be in that place, when Thraſiles entred: But the Princeſs Mandana not thinking they had any intereſt in the Priſoner, addreſſing her diſcourſe unto them, ſhe did engage them to ſtay. Since valour is ever accompanied with all neceſſary qualities to make a compleat man, ſaid Mandana unto Lyſidice, I would gladly know whether Thraſiles have as much wit as courage. Since thoſe who can judg of wit in others (replied Lyſi [...]ice) had need to have much themſelves, doubtleſs I am not fit to be a competent Judge in ſuch a matter. The fair Cleocrite who hath it in a ſuperlative degree, and who beſides that, hath all the indifferency deſirable in an impartial Judg, is better able to tell you then I am. This indifference you ſpeak of (replid Cleocrit [...], and ſmiled) and which you think ſo good a quality in an impartial Judg, may cauſe me to do a piece of injuſtice: for I do not ſufficiently know him, and therefore if the Princeſs would have an exact account of Thraſiles, ſhe much have it from Atalia, or from Philox [...]ne: for the one is his ancient friend, and the other is his neweſt acquaintance: According to your own words, replied Atalia, It is ſo long ſince I knew Thraſiles, that I have almoſt forgot him: And for my particular added Philoxene, I do ſo little know him in compariſon of you, that I may well ſay I do not know him at all. For my part (ſaid Cyrus, and ſmiled, (addreſſing himſelf unto Mandana) by ſeeing ſo many beauties ſo ſweetly deny being Judges of Thraſiles wit, I do believe him to have very much: and I am apt to believe that theſe Ladies do think more then they ſpeak. The diſcourſe of Cyrus did put Atalia, Lyſidice, and Philoxone to the bluſh: but as for the indifferent Cleocrite, ſhe never changed colour for it, yet thoſe three Ladies bluſhed more, for as ſoon as Cyrus had ſpoken that which made them bluſh, Anaxaris returned and Thraſiles followed, who entred with ſo good a grace, and ſeemed to be a man of ſo good behaviour, and of ſuch a noble and gallant Air, that as ſoon as Cyrus and Mandana ſaw him, they had a good diſpoſition to believe that thoſe Ladies who had no mind to commend him, did eſteem him much more then they would ſpeak of. In the mean time, Thraſiles ſpoke ſo well, ſo reverently, and ſo pathetically both unto Mandana, and unto Cyrus, that they eſteemed him as much for his wit as his courage. It is moſt generous and nobly done Madam, (ſaid he to the Princeſs Mandana) to give liberty unto a man who endeavoured all he could to hinder yours. Though his zeal unto the Prince of Cumes, and unto his Country, was his only motive to fight againſt you. Since you have done nothing but what honour did oblige you unto, replied Mandana, I do not think any thing you have done againſt me ought to keep me from my dictates of Generoſity: and doubtleſs it is upon the ſame reaſon that the Illuſtrious Cyrus doth ſo eaſily and with ſo good a will grant me your liberty. Since I know Madam (replied Thraſiles) Lyſide would have me wholly obliged unto you, I dare not in your preſence expreſs my gratitude unto him, though it be infinite. No no, replied Cyrus, you ought not to give me that which I ought to have no ſhare in. In all places where the Princeſs Mandana is preſent, ſhe is the Authoreſs of all good, and ſhe deſerves the diſpoſing of all favours, and therefore unto her from whom you received a benefit is your gratitude due. Whil'ſt Mandana, Cyrus, and Thraſiles were talking, Atalia, Lyſidice, and Cleocrite, and Philoxene looked on, and looked often upon Thr [...]ſiles, who for his part, was not attentive to what he ſaid, or to what he heard, as he was to obſerve Philoxene, and to obſerve whether Atalia, Cleocrite, [Page] and Lyſidice obſerved him. But Anaxaris perceived it not, for he was ſo wholly taken up with the ſight of Mandana and Cyrus, as he thought upon nothing but his own paſſion, and never minded others.

But the moſt obſerveable paſſage of this day was, that this company who was then with Mandana, and ſtayed very long, was compoſed of perſons who had no mind to be there; for Philoxene wiſhed ſhe had not been there, Lyſidice was extreamly perplexed at her being there, Atalia was vexed at her preſence, and Cleocrite as neutral and indifferent as ſhe was, had rather have been any where elſe: As for Thraſiles, he was much non-pluſt at his being amongſt foure Ladies, with whom he had held various correſpondencies; and as for Anaxaris, though the ſight of Mandana was the eſſential part of his life, yet he cared not for being there, ſince he could not be rid of his Rival, ſo that except Cyrus, all in the Chamber deſired to be out: 'Tis true, this Prince was as reſtleſs as the reſt, for though he had no mind to be from Mandana, yet he wiſhed with all his heart that none elſe were with her, yet they ſtayed a long while: But at laſt Atalia, Cleocrite, Philoxene, and Lyſidice being gone, Mandana asked Thraſiles, whether theſe Ladies were his friends, and whether he much eſteemed them? But ask what ſhe would, he was as much reſerved in his ſpeeches of them, as they were to talk of him, yet he commended them more then they commended him, but yet it was after ſuch a manner, as was apparent that he was zealous in the commendations of none but Philoxene. After ſome other indifferent diſcourſe, the reſt of the company parted alſo. But juſt as Cyrus was ready to fall in talk with Mandana, Anaxaris brought in an Inhabitant of Cumes, who had a Letter unto the Princeſs from the King of Pontus. Mandana no ſooner looked upon it, but ſhe knew it to be his hand; ſo that giving it unto Cyrus to read: Will you ſpare me the pains (ſaid ſhe unto him) of reading this Letter, which I believe will but anger me: I will obey your commands Madam in all things, replied he) though it be no pleaſing office to read a Letter from a Rival; leſt in lieu of anger, it ſhould invite you unto pity; after which, Cyrus opened the Letter, and found theſe words.

The moſt unfortunate of all men living unto the Princeſs MANDANA.

MADAM,

SInce revenge is the ſweeteſt thing in the world, I thought it my duty to let you know, that though I can give you no other ſatisfaction in my life, yet I can acquaint you, that never any was ſo fullie revenged as you are; for trulie Madam I ſuffer more then ever any did; I ſuffer without any hope; and which is the greateſt of my misfortunes, I ſuffer without your pitie: And I reſolved to let you know my ſorrows, that I might thereby force you to pitie an Enemie, who now hath no power to hurt you: Imagine Madam, what ſadneſs of ſoul it is, after I have loſt two Kingdomes, after I have ruined Croeſſus and the Prince of Cumes; after I have ſo long loved you without any hope but to hinder my Rival from being happie, what horror I ſay it is to ſee him the moſt happie and moſt glorious of all men, and to loſe my verie hopes of ever ſeeing you again, I am gone away Madam the moſt unfortunate Prince that ever was in the world, the moſt deſperate Lover that ever was or ever will be, and the moſt miſerable man that ever lived: Since I [...]o almoſt alone to ſeek my death in the ſame element, in which I had the happineſs to ſave your life, and ſince in all prohabilitie my end will have no witneſſes, I had a deſire to let you know, that mangre your inſenſibilitie towards me, and in ſpite of all thoſe miſeries into which my paſſion hath precipitated me, I ſhall ſtill die your adorer, and can never repent of my adoring you, though that be the onlie cauſe of all my misfortunes. This Madam is the Paſſion which you have ſcorned, and theſe ſhall be my thoughts of you, when the exceſs of my ſorrows ſhall end my life; believe therefore I conjure you, that you, you onlie ſhall be my laſt thought; and that when I expire, my laſt gasp will be a gaſp of love, and happie enough ſhall I think my ſelf, if after my death you ſhall onlie ſay, I was worthie of a more favourable Fate.

When Cyrus had read this Letter, he looked upon Mandana and ſaid, Doubtleſs I have good reaſon to fear Madam, that the King of Pontus his Letter will move your heart more unto pity then anger, for though he be my Rival, yet I profeſs I cannot read it without compaſſion: Since pity is natural unto perſons of Heroique generoſity, replied the Princeſs, I wonder not your ſoul ſhould be ſenſible of it: But ſince I will not pity a [Page] Prince who had none of me, I will take all occaſions of it from my ſelf; therefore (ſaid ſhe, taking the Letter and tearing it in pieces) I will not read it, leſt it ſhould incline me to pity, as it doth you: I know not Madam (ſaid Cyrus then and ſmiled) whether your fears of being pitiful ſhould cauſe ſome ſparks of jealouſie in a Lover, whoſe temper is to be jealous: Nor do I know (ſaid ſhe and ſmiled alſo) whether your compaſſion of him would not move any other then my ſelf to accuſe you of want of affection: Oh Madam, replied Cyrus, that accuſation would have a very bad foundation; It may be as well grounded as the other, replied ſhe: Then I had rather confeſs unto you Madam, replied Cyrus, that they are both of them built upon a bad foundation, then to diſpute it with you.

After this, theſe two illuſtrious perſons did both of them agree, that this unfortunate Prince deſerved pitie; they alſo underſtood the ſame day, in what place he had been hid; and as ſoon as the Port of Cumes was open, he got out in the night as weak and wounded as he was, in a Fiſhers Boat, without any with him but the man who rowed the Boat, who was the ſame Souldier, who went out of the Caſtle with this unfortunate Prince: So that this news did cauſe both Mandana and Cyrus, much more to pity a King who had ſaved both their lives, for it was he who advertiſed Artamenes of the conſpiracie amongſt the forty Caveliers who ſhould have killed him; and it was he alſo who ſaved Mandana from drowning, after ſhe had ſuffered Shipwrack; therefore ſince they could do no leſs for him who had ſaved their lives, they pitied him in his miſerie, though he himſelf was the only cauſe of it. The next morning they underſtood that Pactias and Lycambes had layed down their Arms; but Pactias having no mind to come into an Army where Croeſſus was; whom he had betrayed, he imbarqued for Mytilene, and that meeting by chance with Harpagus, who durſt not look Cyrus in the face, after his being the loſs of that Armie which he commanded, they both contracted friendſhip, and choſe the ſame place for their exile. So that Cyrus ſeeing no Enemy to fight with, and that the field was clear, his thoughts were all how to get Mandana out of Cumes, and to advance towards Medea, though he had promiſed the King of Aſſiria not to marrie that Princeſs until he had fought with him, and though Ciaxares had in a manner conſented unto it, and though he was fully reſolved to keep promiſe with him, yet he knew not how to acquaint Mandana with the ill news of it; yet he conceived it a kind of blemiſh unto his honour to go unto Ecbatan before he had fought with that Prince, ſince he knew he would not go thither; but the way being long between Cumes and that Town, and ſince the Princeſs could not go faſt, he hoped that before he got thither the King of Aſſiria would be releaſed, either by ranſome, or by force. So that ſtill entertaining his firſt raptures of joy, he rejected all angry thoughts whatſoever, and commanded Chriſantes and Feraulas not to mention a word unto Mandana of his intended combat with the King of Aſſiria. Thus minding only how that Princeſs ſhould arrive triumphantlie into Ecbatan, he gave all requiſite orders for the regulating her houſe, and that her equipage ſhould be magnificent. Now was the time, when the Souldiers which Anaxaris had ſuborned, and which made him Maſter of the Caſtle, did demand in recompence which they had done, to have the glory of being a Guard unto that Princeſs, which was granted unto them: But the greateſt wonder unto Cyrus, was to ſee Anaxaris, who had refuſed very conſiderable imployments in the Armie, ſhould only deſire to be Captain of the Guards unto the Princeſs; until now, Cyrus thought Anaxaris to be of ſome very extraordinary high Quality; but ſeeing now, how he confined his ambition unto ſo low a ſphere, he thought he refuſed all higher imployments out of his modeſty, and deſired only ſuch imployment as was ſuitable unto his birth: So that conſenting unto it with all joy, Anaxaris became Captain of the Guard unto that Princeſs whom he loved, and was in that office with the approbation both of his Rival and his Miſtreſs, who being ignorant of the paſſion in his ſoul, expreſſed a thouſand teſtimonies of amity unto him. But whilſt all things were in preparation for Mandana's departure, all the Ladies in Cumes reſorted unto her, and did ſtrive how to divert her; amongſt the reſt, Cleocrite, Italia, Philoxene, and Lyſi [...]ice were very aſſiduous. Thraſiles alſo was often with her, where alſo all the men of any Quality and wit about Cyrus were preſent. As for that Prince, this preſs of company was often troubleſome unto him, and the better to colour his vexation, he was often conſtrained to go out of her Chamber, and to comfort himſelf, would go into Marteſia's, and talk with her of Mandana: But as he was one day with her, and making her repeat many paſſages which he knew before, one came to tell him the Princeſs would ſpeak with him; Cleocrite,[Page]Lydiſie, Atalia, and another Lady called Lyriana and Thraſiles were with her. As ſoon as he came into the Princeſs Chamber, I beſeech you Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, do not imploy your ſelf only in being the Arbitrator of Aſia, in ordering the intereſts of Kings and Princes, and in taking and giving of Crowns and Scepters, but I beſeech you be a Judg in a difference wherein ambition hath no ſhare, and in which I do confeſs I dare not take upon me ſo much boldneſs, as to give a definitive ſentence: I do not think my ſelf more knowing in any thing then you are Madam, replied Cyrus, and I hope you do not think me ſo preſumptious, as to imagine my light of reaſon or knowledg to be above yours. Since I muſt ſuit my words according unto your modeſtie, replied ſhe, I muſt tell you there are many things which very handſomneſs requires that you ſhould know better then I do; for example, in all the terms and phraſes in the Art of War, were it handſom in me to expreſs them ſo well as you? or were it not a ſhame for you to ſpeak of ſuch things ſo ſimply as my ſelf? Truly in ſome things one of my Sex ought not to expreſs ſo much perhaps as ſhe doth know, for a kind of voluntary ignorance doth well become us: You know (purſued ſhe, and would not give Cyrus time to interrupt her) that Cleocrite, Atalia, and Lyſidice, who would not ſpeak any thing concerning Thraſiles, when Anaxaris asked his libertie, do now all ſpeak unto me of him, and after they had told me a thouſand of his good qualities, do deſcribe him to be the moſt unconſtant man alive. But as they were ſpeaking to me of theſe things, Thraſiles entered, and peremptorily maintained, that he was as faithful as any man living, but the thing which moſt puzzles me is, he confeſſeth withal, that he hath ſucceſſively one after another loved Atalia, Cleocrite, Lyſidice, and ſome others, and that at this time he is in love with Philoxene; How Thraſiles (ſaid Cyrus) ſo many ſeveral loves, and yet faithful? Is it poſſible you can maintain, that you do not merit the name of unconſtant? Sir, replied Thraſiles, To know rightly what I am, it is requiſite you knew my life, to know perfectly all thoſe whom I have loved, and that you take ſo much pains as narrowly to examine what conſtancie and what inconſtancie is? for I am fully perſwaded; that one may love many, and not be at all perfidious, nor deſerve the name of inconſtant: For truly Sir, I conceive, that though the King of Aſſiria and the King of Pontus ſhould now quit that paſſion which hath ſo tormented them, yet they could not be charged with inconſtancy, but rather on the contrary, deſerve to be commended for overcoming themſelves, ſince all reaſon in the world requires it; therefore it muſt be granted, that in ſome caſes one may ceaſe to love, without any brand of infidelity, and begin to love in another place; without deſerving the title of inconſtant; and I think that in ſome caſes, I may very well ſay, it is rather obſtinacie then conſtancy in thoſe who continue loving where they are certain never to be loved: So that in my opinion ſuch men in lieu of a virtue, haue a vice, which they thought not of: If it be a vice (replied Cleocrite and laughed) I aſſure you, that you can never be ſuſpected of it, nor be accuſed for being too obſtinate in your love: No (added Lyſidice, but in exchange he may well be charged with inconſtancy. The word obſtinate doth ſo little ſuit with an inconſtant man, ſaid Atal a, that I cannot conſent it ſhould ever be applied unto Thraſiles, who conſidering the number of his ſeveral Loves, is the moſt unconſtant man living: For my part (ſaid Lyriana, who had not ſpoke yet) I muſt confeſs, that I cannot abſolutely condemn him, and I think that without manifeſt injuſtice, he cannot be charged in reaſon with inconſtancie, though he have loved many perſons: It is very generouſly done (replied Cyrus) to undertake the defence of Thraſiles, who is aſſaulted by three ſuch terrible Enemies: Lyriana (replied Thraſiles) doth ſo perfectly know my reaſon, why I ceaſe from loving, that ſhe cannot accuſe me as theſe do, who accuſe me becauſe they do not know themſelves. Moreover Sir, ſince there are ſome reaſons which may induce one to ceaſe loving without any charge of inconſtancy, I hope generoſity will move you to preſuppoſe that I have ſome ſuch reaſons which induce me unto it, and not to look upon me as a perfidious man; For indeed Sir, I am of this belief, that that which may rightly be termed inconſtancy, is a certain diſguſt, and a kind of wearineſs in ſpirits, which cauſeth the very ſame things that once pleaſed, not to pleaſe any longer, though they be the very ſame things they were before, and which takes novelty to be an inevitable charm: So that by this means the love of an inconſtant perſon doth ſlack, and cool, and die, without any cauſe but what is in it ſelf: So that becauſe there is in the heart of ſuch a one a kind of natural levity, he cannot love the ſame perſon any longer, be ſhe never ſo accompliſhed, or be he never ſo well treated; but for my part. I can aſſure you without any diſſimulation, that if the firſt perſon I loved had been found to be ſuch a one as I phancied her to be, [Page] I ſhould never have loved thoſe who upbraid me with inconſtancie. It ſeems (ſaid Cleocrite then) that Thraſiles hath found ſome horrid faults in all the perſons he hath loved: For my part, ſaid Lyſide, that ſince Thraſiles hath ſpoken thus before the Princeſs, it will much concern our honours, that he declare before the Princeſs his reaſons for quitting us. I believe (ſaid Atalia then) that a relation from his mouth will not be verie advantageous to us.

If you will, replied Lyriana, and if the Princeſs deſire to know it, I will make a very exact and impartial relation of all the paſſages which have befalled Thraſiles. You would do me a great pleaſure in it, replied Mandana: I aſſure you, ſaid Cyrus and laughed, you will undertake a very difficult task, to perſwade me that Thraſiles could love, and quit three ſuch Beauties as theſe, and not deſerve the title of inconſtant. Lyriana hath ever been ſo much the friend of Thraſiles, (ſaid Lyſidice) as I can hardlie conſent that it ſhould be ſhe who ſhould relate the ſtory unto the Princeſs. For my part, ſaid Cleocrite, I am ſo confident that Lyriana cannot ſpeak any thing to my diſadvantage, as I value not whether or no ſhe be more a friend unto Thraſiles, then ſhe is unto me. To teſtifie, ſaid Lyriana, that I intend to ſpeak nothing but impartial truth, I am willing that you all be preſent at my relation, and that you correct me if I utter anie untruth. For my part (ſaid Lyſidice) though Thraſiles were the moſt unconſtant of all men, yet I had rather acknowledg him conſtant, then to be a hearer of all thoſe follies which have paſſed betwixt us. That the relation may be more equal, replied Thraſiles, It is requiſite that none of the perſons intereſted be preſent, and that Lyriana be alone with the Princeſs. Lyſidice, who till then could hardly conſent, that Lyriana ſhould relate any buſineſs wherein ſhe was concerned, was the firſt who according to the inequality of her humour, conſented that Lyriana ſhould be alone with Mandana: And ſo the thing being reſolved upon, Thraſiles went with Cleocrite, Lyſidice and Atalia into another chamber where Marteſia was: and Lyriana prepared her ſelf to relate the various loves of Thraſiles: after which, he was to be declared either an inconſtant man, or elſe confirmed in his pretence to be a moſt faithful lover. But though Lyriana intended to ſpeak before none but the Princeſs Mandana, and before Cyrus, yet ſhe had more Auditors: for the Prince Artamas being entred with Aglatidas, Cyrus ſaid that they who were the moſt faithful Lovers in the world, were verie fit to be judges in the buſineſs: ſo that everie one taking their places, Lyriana addreſſing her diſcourſe unto Mandana, ſhe began thus.

The Hiſtorie of THRASILES.

SInce Truth, Madam, ought alwaies to be inſeperable from the words of them who undertake to relate any thing; doubtleſs I ſhall be induced in the ſequel of my diſcourſe not to make an equal commendations of all thoſe perſons of whom I am to ſpeak, though otherwiſe they be infinitely laudable: Therefore, I beſeech you Madam, do not think that to juſtifie Thraſiles, I will unjuſtly accuſe Cleocrite, Lyſidice, or Atalia: ſince certainly I will tell you nothing which I will not make them confeſs, & which is not known unto all of any quality in Cumes. I will not ſtay you Madam, with a relation how Thraſiles is of a very noble extraction: how he hath upon manie occaſions made himſelf Signal i [...] war, and how he hath abundance of wit: But give me leave to tell you, Madam, that never man had a more paſſionate ſoul then Thraſiles hath: for that paſſion of love is ſo predominate in him, as he cannot live and not love: but to manifeſt it unto you, that he is not of the ſame temper which unconſtants are, I muſt let you know that all the loves which he hath profeſſed, were not bare Gallantries and Courtſhips, but they were zealous and violent, as well as tender and paſſionate: And it is my opinion, that if Thraſiles had been ſo hapie to love the firſt time, one who had in ſome ſort anſwered his affection, I am moſt confident he would never have loved any but her, and would have loved her until death. And to let you ſee, he is capable of conſtancy, you may judg of his love by his friendſhip; for he had a friend called Egeſipes, whom he conſtantly loved from his verie cradle: yet the odneſs of his deſtinie was ſuch as that he hath loved manie, as I ſhall tell you. Be pleaſed to know Madam, that as ſoon as Thraſiles was out of his Tutorſhip, and began to make viſits of his own head, he fell as much in love as the age at which he was would permit him. But ſince you know, young men who firſt enter into the world, are not alwaies treated ſo well as thoſe who have been longer in it, unleſs by women who never uſe to repulſe anie, and ſuch who would have ſlaves of all ſorts: ſo Thraſiles, though verie handſome and of much [Page] ſpirit, did not then meet with an equal civility amongſt thoſe Ladies who had the greateſt reputation of beauty, and he eaſily obſerved, that they made ſome difference between men of his form and age, and others who were elder then himſelf: So that ſince it was glorious for him, he did not fall in Love with ſuch as would not treat him as a man of power to become their Lover; but he fell deſperately in love with a Lady, who being of ſuch an humour as I ſpoke of before, was beyond all meaſure civil unto him, omitting none of thoſe fond fooleries (which women who make it their profeſſions uſe) to enſlave the poor Thraſiles: The ſmall experience he had in the world, ſuffered him to be extreamly joyed at his good uſage, and to ſee that this Lady treated him as if he were the moſt accompliſhed man in all the Court: When he made a viſit any where elſe, he ſat upon thorns and ſtayed not; for as it is uſual unto ſuch green men, they either talked not at all to him, or elſe talking ſomthing that angred him; ſo that he hath often proteſted unto me, that he hath been extreamly troubled at it, when they either ſpoke low in his preſence, or elſe ſpoke only of his exerciſes, or of his Parents, and ſo would leave him.

I leave you to judg Madam, what ſweetneſs he found in thoſe places where he found different uſage, where he was talked unto as others were, and where a hundred trifles were imparted to him; and he loved this Lady as deſperatelie as ever any did, and he loved her ſo much, that for almoſt ſix moneths time, he thought himſelf the happieſt man in the world, in being reſpected by a Ladie who really had both beautie and wit, but who was the verieſt cheat, and the verieſt Weathercock that ever was, for ſhe would write Letters of Gallantry unto a thouſand ſeveral Gallants, ſhe would let all in Cumes love her, and deſired to be loved of all the world, ſhe would put all that ever loved her in hopes, and yet jeer [...]d at all without exception: I think Madam you will not at all wonder that Thraſiles being very young ſhould be taken with her, and that you will wonder leſs he ſhould leave her, when he diſcovered her cheats and fooleries, and when he knew ſhe loved him no better then ſhe did a thouſand of his Rivals; if to juſtifie the change of Thraſiles, it were requiſite to give you a Catalogue of her tricks, I could tell you, that he met with many of her Letters, that he underſtood ſhe ſhewed his unto all his Rivals, that ſhe would jeer with them at his paſſion, and with him at theirs, that ſhe would often ſend him word he could not ſee her, whilſt ſhe was talking with others in private, and that indeed ſhe was the weakeſt, and moſt fooliſh perſon of her Sex. I leave you to judg Madam, whether Thraſiles was able to continue loving her, and whether his change could be called inconſtancy: I will not further aggravate the matter, ſince for the juſtification of Thraſiles, it is enough to ſay, that I conceive he would have been extreamly to blame, had he perſiſted loving ſuch a contemptible woman after he knew her: However, ſince the amorous inclination of his heart would not let him live long without loving ſome or other, after his return out of the Country, and after he had broke off with his firſt Miſtreſs, he layed ſiege to a ſecond: But ſince now Thraſiles began to be reputed one of the compleateſt Gallants in all over Court, he was looked upon in a different manner from what he was at his firſt entrance into the world, ſince there was not a woman of any qualitie who thought it not a glory to have ſome ſhare in his eſteem, and his choice was not bad in fixing upon Atalia, for the object of his ſecond paſſion, for as you ſee her a Lady of much beauty and wit, ſo ſhe is Miſtreſs of much generoſity, goodneſs, and freedome. Thraſiles then finding her infinitely amiable, did infinitely love her, and he loved her the more, becauſe he found her of an humour different from her whom now he ſlighted; for indeed Atalia affected neither gallants nor gallantry, ſhe rather ſhunned the tumult of the world, then Courted it, ſhe was handſome without any affectation, and of a ſweet, eaſie, and agreeable converſation, though of a little ſerious temper: So that finding a thouſand good qualities in her, oppoſite unto thoſe ill ones which he ſcorned in her he had quitted, he applied himſelf unto her ſervice, and that very violently, continuing a long time in doing all that love uſeth to incite the greateſt Gallants to do, for indeed he made her many magnificent Feaſts; and his love to her was not only violent, but it was alſo apparent, and made a great noiſe in the world: He ſeeing that maugre all his endeavours, Atalia did not anſwer his paſſion, but on the contrary, did ſlight it as much as in civility ſhe could, yet he perceived that it was not out of any averſion or ſcorn, and that he had a ſhare in her eſteem, though not in her affection; ſo that he ſtill applied himſelf to her ſervice with all imagineable exactneſs, and he was ſo obſtinately devoted unto it, that this Lady who did really eſteem him, and who feared leſt her Parents ſhould force her to marry a man whom they highly eſteeme, reſolved to tell him the reaſon why ſhe would not anſwer his [Page] affection. One day when he was alone with her, and when he had a deſire to ſpeak of his paſſion to her, and to beſeech her ſhe would not ſcorn his affection, ſhe impoſed ſilence upon him, and acquainted him with as much ſincerity as ſweetneſs, with the true cauſe of her coldneſs to him: Since I do intend (ſaid ſhe unto him) to give you very ample teſtimony of my eſteem, I do conjure you to let me acquaint you with a buſineſs which will anger you the moſt of any thing in the world, if what you have told me be true, and that you love me as well as you would make me believe, for truly Thraſiles, I were very unworthy of the honour which you do me, if I ſhould let you engage your ſelf any further in an affection wherein you can never receive any ſatisfaction: Alas Madam (ſaid Thraſiles and interrupted her) can I never hope to be loved or endured? No (ſaid ſhe unto him) you cannot; and if I could obtain ſo much power of my ſelf, as to tell you the reaſon, you would agree with me, that unleſs I ſhould wrong you, and be unjuſt, I muſt deny you my affection: Why Madam (ſaid he) can you not love me, becauſe you love ſome body elſe? Can there be any in the world ſo happy, as to be loved by Atalia? Can any upon earth be ſo little tranſported with joy at ſo high a happineſs, as that he can hide it? Fie Atalia, it is not impoſſible: If he were a man of this Court, who hath this honour, I ſhould diſcover the joyes of his ſoul through his eyes; and the truth is, if there were any truth were in your words, I ſhould have ſeen him with you, and if I had ſeen him, certainly I ſhould have known his happineſs and his paſſion: Yet you may eaſily conceive, ſaid ſhe unto him, that what I tell you is not invented: But I beſeech you Madam (ſaid he unto her) who is this too happy man that hinders me from being ſo, and who hath the glory of your affection? I did not tell you, replied Atalia, that I do love any, but only that I would have you know, that there is one whoſe love I could admit of: If that be all, replied Thraſiles, it is not enough to hinder me from loving you; and I beſeech you Madam, give me leave to love you as well as my Rival, be he whom he can be, and if it ſo fall out, that you love him better then me, then it may be my reſpects of you may make me endure my misfortune with patience.

Atalia ſeeing ſhe had ſaid either too much, or too little to ſatisfie him, was at a little non plus; ſo that reſolving to drive the nail to the head at one blow, ſhe confeſſed unto Thraſiles, that ſhe was in love, though ſhe would never confeſs with whom: I beſeech you Madam (ſaid he unto her) tell me who is this inviſible Rival, the noiſe of whoſe ſighs could never reach my ears, though I have been almoſt perpetually with you? and what hath he done to win your heart, and undo me? He hath loved me (ſaid ſhe) before you did, and whilſt you were in love with another; and he hath loved me with ſo much fidelity and obedience, that he never revealed unto you the ſecrets which were betwixt us: How Madam (replied Thraſiles much aſtoniſhed) is the Rival you love my friend? No, no Madam, this is not poſſible; for truly I have but one only friend, which is Egeſipes, and I am moſt confident he would reveal his very heart unto me, if either of us two be faulty, I am ſure it is my ſelf, in never telling him that I loved you; and beſides Madam, Egeſipes hath been abſent this three moneths: 'Tis true (ſaid ſhe and bluſht) Egeſipes hath been out of Cumes this three moneths; but it is as true alſo, that he hath been above a year in my heart; therefore Thraſiles, ſince I would not expoſe you unprofitably to loſe a friend, I had a mind to diſcover that unto you, which yet he knows not, and will acquaint you, that I ſhall never love any but Egeſipes, who only knows that I do not hate him, but knows not at all how my heart is wholly his: Oh Madam (cried he out) I had rather he knew it, and that I knew it not; But is it true, that Egeſipes ſhould be my Rival, and I have no cauſe to hate him? Doubt it not, ſaid ſhe, for indeed he knows no more that you are his Rival, then you did within this quarter of an hour know that he was yours: However Thraſiles, (ſaid ſhe and aſſumed a very ſerious countenance) If you be not faithful unto me, and if you do not make good uſe of this ſecret wherewith I have truſted you, I do profeſs, I ſhall moſt horridly hate you: I beſeech you Madam, replied he and ſighed, what ſhall I do to make good uſe of it? You muſt never tell it unto any (ſaid ſhe) no not unto Egeſipes himſelf. You muſt alſo ceaſe to be my Lover, but never ceaſe to be his friend. Alas Madam, replied Thraſiles, how difficult are your commands to be obeyed? how hard a task is it to love a Rival, and leave loving a Miſtreſs? When one cannot without injuſtice hate the firſt, replied ſhe, nor with any hopes continue loving the other, the moſt rational, the moſt generous, and fitteſt courſe is to be taken, and not obſtinately to run on headlong in a deſign which will never proſper.

[Page] For all Atalias fair language, ſhe could not that daie perſwade Thraſiles; but he perſiſted loving her as before: he thought alſo to have quarreled with Egeſipes as ſoon as he returned to Cumes. But upon ſerious conſideration, finding that the affection of Egeſides and Atalia was indiſſolvable, and all was both unjuſt and in vain, to root his friend out of the heart of th [...] [...] one, he began generouſlie to ſtrive with himſelf, he left Cumes for a certain time, and when he returned would not viſit Atalia anie more: ſo that abſence, reaſon, generoſitie, friendſhip and all, overcoming his paſſion, he left off loving Atalia, ſince he ſaw an abſolute impoſſibilitie of ever obtaining her love. Thus I conceive it may verie well be ſaid, that though there was a great difference between her and the firſt Ladie he loved, yet he might verie well quit her without anie aſperſion of inconſtancie as well as the other.

However, ſince in changing his thoughts of her, he had not changed his temper: and ſince the amorous inclination of his ſoul could not be idle, he fell inſenſiblie in love with Cleocrite, who indeed was verie capable of captivating a heart, but was abſolutelie uncapable of making a Lover happie, for her humour was oppoſite unto anie ſuch things of that nature. Since the love of Thraſiles unto this fair one was extreamlie violent, I ſhall inſiſt longer in relation of the paſſages between them, then I did in relation of the two firſt: And ſince it doth verie much concern Thraſiles, that you perfectlie know Cleocrite, to the end you may not accuſe lum for quitting her, it is requiſite I deſcribe her unto you: As for her perſon, I need not ſpeak of it, becauſe you know her, yet I can aſſure you, that ſince ſhe hath of late been ſick, you never ſaw her beautie in its full luſtre, for certainly when ſhe was in perfect health, ſhe was much fairer then now ſhe is, though now at this preſent ſhe be very fai [...]. For Madam, there was ſo great a luſtre in Cleocrites complection, and in her eyes, when ſhe dreſſed up her ſelf with a deſigne to make a Conqueſt, that ſhe always ſtruck all beholders with admiration: Moreover, Cleocrite had an excellent, gallant, and knowing it: ſhe ſpoke admirably, and inſpired a ſoul into all company; ſhe would be ſo ſweetly merry as pleaſed very much, and ſhe would out with a thouſand pleaſant quibbles in a pleaſant manner: But for all the charms of her beauty and wit, and maugre all the excellent qualities which ſhe was Miſtreſs of, ſhe had one which did not only loſe her all her Lovers, but alſo all her friends: and which made it a thing almoſt impoſſible to love her long and zealouſly. Every one did queſtionleſs always much eſteem her, and love her alſo whether they would or no: but it was with a murmure againſt her, and with a conſeſſion they did not well in loving her: for truly Cleocrite had ſuch an univerſal, and ſo great a neutrality and indifferency unto all whatſoever, that ſhe made thoſe who knew her to deſpair, who otherwiſe eſteemed her very much; yet do not think, I mean, Madam, when I ſpeak thus of her indifferency, that ſhe is uncapable of either violent paſſion or violent friendſhip: but my meaning is, ſhe is abſolutely incapable of any particular application of her ſelf unto any one whoſoever; and if ſhe loved any thing much, it was pleaſures in general: She could leave any place without any trouble to her ſelf, new acquaintance never vexed her; She could eaſily endure the abſence of her beſt friends, though yet ſhe would have been glad to ſee them: and it may be ſaid, and truly, that ſhe accuſtomed her ſelfe unto all Companies, and diſ-accuſtomed her ſelfe from all. Since ſhe had wit in abundance, and could very well diſcern degrees of merit, and diſtinguiſh men of parts from others, She [...] much delighted to have her chamber always full both of wits, and blockheads: But when-chance would ſometimes have it ſo, that there was none of the firſt ſort there, ſo there were but a number of mean capacities, who could but talk and fill up ſeats, ſhe was never troubled at it as any other would have been: And I believe Cleocrite, as witty and ſprightly as ſhe was, did ſo love a multitude, that ſhe had rather have been in the company of five or ſix ſhallow wits, then in the company of the moſt accompliſhed man upon earth, if he were long with her. I aſſure you Madam, Cleocrite was never better pleaſed then when ſhe ſaw much company both at home and abroad, and paſs continually from pleaſure to pleaſure, and from feaſt to feaſt; as for ſolitude ſhe d [...]d abhor it, yet this muſt needs be ſaid to the glory of Cleocrite, that ſhe was very ready to do her [...] any ſervice whenſoever any occaſions were offered; and would often treat them as if ſhe d [...]d moſt tenderly love them. But to tell you truly, it was becauſe ſhe knew that decency re [...] it▪ and that when ſhe ſaw them, ſhe would be merry with them; and being a lover of pleaſure and mirth, ſhe would love them that would be merry and [...] as the [...] and pleaſure laſted, and no longer. She was of ſuch a cold [...], that though ſhe would have been glad that one ſhould love her, yet ſhe cared [Page] not for being loved with any tenderneſs or violence, provided people did eſteem her, and love her enough to ſee her often, to be complaiſant and merrie, ſhe cared not a ſtraw for any more. However, this ſtrange indifferencie, which vexed both her Lovers and her friends, did not ſo eclipſe Cleocrite, but as for all that, ſhe was one of the moſt accompliſhed Ladies in the world. She being ſuch then as I have preſented her unto you, Thraſiles loved her, and loved her with ſo much the more hopes, becauſe he thought he did not expoſe himſelf to love one who loved a thouſand, nor unto ſuch a rockie misfortune as he did in loving Atalia, being ſure that ſhe had no particular affection unto any which could hinder her from accepting his, ſince ſhe was generallie accuſed for loving none at all. He hoped alſo that this her cold indifferencie might one day prove advantagious to him, if ever he could win upon her, and that he ſhould be much more happie in having one who would be cold unto all the world but himſelf. The truth is Madam, he loved Cleocrite, and did not diſpair of obtaining her love; for ſhe being of a free, and open, ſpritely nature, and entertaining all that diverted extraordinarilie well, Thraſiles was at the verie firſt miſtaken, and thought that ſhe was ſo for the love of him, though indeed it was only for the love of her ſelf; ſo that he engaged himſelf more and more, and loved her far better then ever he did before.

Thraſiles being of a free and liberal inclination, invented a hundred diverſions which were agreeable to the diſpoſition of Cleocrite; ſomtimes he would give her a dancing entertainment, another while he would ſurprize her with muſique: If he walked with her, ſhe was ſure to meet with a coſtly collation, and for a whole Summer together, there was no day without a pleaſant diverſion from Thraſiles: You may very well imagine Madam, that Cleocrite, having a ſoul ſo devoted unto delights, would very civilly treat the man who procured them, eſpecially a man ſo accompliſhed as Thraſiles was. In the mean time, as much in favour as he was, he could never tell her of his paſſion; for ſuch was the general neutralitie of Cleocrite, that ſhe never repulſed any acquaintance: So as there was continually ſo many men with her, and ſomtimes men verie impertinent, as it was not poſſible for him to get a minutes talk with her in private: But at laſt, being one day in the Garden with her, and with foure or five perſons more who he wiſhed further off, he led her apart from this troubleſome company. But ſince Cleocrite did naturally love a general converſation, better then any private, ſhe turned ſeveral times to ſee whether the companie followed, and ſeeing them to walk a ſlow pace, ſhe offered to call them, as if ſhe had been weary of Thraſiles. But this Lover having a hot deſire to diſcover his paſſion unto her who cauſed it, did hinder her, and would not loſe an occaſion which he had ſo long looked for: Why Madam (ſaid he unto her) is not my companie enough to entertain you in a place, where Trees, Flowers, and Fountains may delight the eyes, and divert the mind? Pray pardon me Sir (ſaid ſhe very obligingly unto him and ſmiled) for I was afraid that my companie was not good enough to pleaſe you, and therefore I deſired to call for more: I beſeech you Madam (ſaid Thraſiles) do not think I can deſire better companie then yours, eſpecially now when I have ſomthing to tell you, which I have long deſired to impart: Reallie Thraſiles (ſaid ſhe unto him, without any application of it to her ſelf) you do verie ill in ſtaying ſo long before you tell it. Thraſiles ſurprized at her ſpeech, did perceive ſhe did not much mind what ſhe ſaid, and indeed Cleocrite never ſtaying for Thraſiles his anſwer, began to ask him, whether the Ball was to be kept the next day at the Prince of Cumes his Palace? I know not Madam, ſaid he, whether there be any Ball to morrow; but I am moſt ſure, my heart will be much perplexed to day, if you will not hearken unto what I ſhall tell you, and if you do not hearken very favourablie: For the truth is Madam, I have diſcovered in my ſoul a thought ſo contrarie unto that wherewith you are upbraided, that I am extreamlie afraid you ſhould hate me when you know it: No, no (ſaid Cleocrite unto him) I am not ſo unjuſt as you think me; therefore though you be not of my opinion in everie thing, yet I ſhall not hate you; for the ſame indifferencie wherewith they upbraid me, makes me to allow others their opinions, ſo they will let me enjoy my own, and ſuffer me to follow my own will: You do much joy me Madam, replied he, and for this day onlie I ſhall love this indifferent humour, whereof you are ſo much accuſed, if it will permit me to tell you, and not anger you, that I am infinitelie in love with you. Cleocrite was ſo ſurprized at the diſcourſe of Thraſiles, that thinking perhaps it was onlie a piece of Gallantrie, ſhe began to anſwer him laughing: Though it were true you did love me, ſaid ſhe, and though I could hear it without any anger, yet I believe you would not be a jot the better, for I never heard that [Page] indifferencie was any great favour: It is moſt true, it is not (replied Thraſiles) but yet I muſt needs think it a piece of good fortune, if you can know I love you, and yet not hate me; and trulie my paſſion is of ſuch a nature, as you would be unjuſt if it did offend you, ſince my deſire is onlie to ſee and adore you, and if it be poſſible, to talk with you ſometimes in leſs companie, and more privacie. How's this Thraſiles (ſaid ſhe unto him) are you ſo bold as to talk of any matters of Love unto one who is accompred for neutralitie and indifferencie in the verie abſtract? And can you ever think, that ſince I am accuſed for not loving where I ought to love, I will ever begin to entertain any vitious affection, or any Gallantrie? No, no (purſued ſhe and laughed, and deſired to avoid angring him) though it were true you did love me, and hoped to obtain my life, yet your proceeding is not diſcreet, but you ought to ſtay until you ſaw me inclinable unto any amitie at all; therefore Thraſiles, I would adviſe you as a friend, to continue living with me, as formerlie you have done, until you ſee my heart a little ſofted; for to think I ſhould in a moment paſs from one extremitie unto another, is to imagine impoſſibilities: I know verie well Madam ſaid he unto her, that it is a verie difficult task to engage unto the love of any; but to ſhew you that I aim not at any impoſſibilities, I do not now ask ſo much happineſs, as that you ſhould love me, but I only ask ſo much favour, as to let me love you: I am ſo accuſtomed Sir, replied ſhe, not to care what thoughts men have of me, that what you ask, I think will be no difficultie to obtain; yet ſince your companie doth infinitelie pleaſe me, I wiſh with all my heart, you would not drive me to the neceſſitie of being deprived of it. as infalliblie I muſt, if you continue perſecuting me with any talk of Love, which doth but trouble both the Lover and the loved; for indeed Thraſiles, why do you think, I endeavour ſo much to preſerve this indifferencie, which is ſo much talked of? The reaſon is, becauſe I ſee all men who are not ſo, are miſerable. This fine tenderneſs of heart, which is ſo highly applauded, makes thoſe who are capable of it, not onlie ſenſible of their own miſeries, but of others alſo, or at leaſt they ſay ſo: So that knowing ſo many as I do, if I were of ſuch a tender compoſition, I ſhould be perpetuallie in miſerie; for there is not a day in the year in which there is not ſome one of my friends either abſent, or ſick, or in ſome affliction or other: But I know how to paſs away my time a little better then ſo, and am more rational, then to grieve exceſſively at any thing but what reflects directlie upon my ſelf. It ſeems Madam, replied Thraſiles, that you are the happieſt perſon in the world: Not at all, ſaid ſhe, for I have as many vexations, as others have. As for example, when I have a deſign to walk, if it chance to rain, or the day not prove fair, I am vexed to the heart; or if it prove too cold or dry, and the duſt diſturb the pleaſure of it, I am grieved at it to the ſoul; if any covetous fellow will not be at the charges of keeping a Ball, I ſhall murmure and grumble at him, as if he had done me ſome manifeſt injurie; if I chance to be a little ill upon any day of diverſion, I ſhall be ſo ſick as if I were ready to die: So that though I have none but my own ſorrows to be ſenſible of (ſaid ſhe and laughed) yet I have enough to put me to all my patience; therefore Thraſiles, do not perplex me with that which of all things in the world I cannot endure, for I aſſure you, if you be obſtinate, and will be talking to me of any ſuch things as Love, you will find, that though I am not capable of any tenderneſs, yet as indifferent as I am I am capable of anger; yet for all this, Thraſiles did not take her counſel, but on the contrarie, began to proteſt moſt ſeriouſlie and earneſtlie, that his affection to her was infinite, and that he was fullie reſolved to overcome her indifferencie by a million of ſervices, by as many prayers, ſighs, and ſubmiſſions: So that Cleocrite foreſeeing ſhe muſt be deprived of Thraſiles, who furniſhed her with a thouſand diverſions, and that ſhe was not to accept any of his feaſts, as ſhe did before he had diſcovered his paſſion unto her; alſo conſidering that he would endeavour as much as he could to talk onlie with her, and hinder her from talking with others, ſhe was ſo extreamly vexed at it, as ſhe gave him very angrie language, and Thraſiles could not give any appeaſing anſwers, for the reſt of the companie joyning with them, he could not ſpeak to her all that day: Since the anger of this fair one was very high, and ſince he never before had any trial of it, he feared that it would laſt long, and not daring to revive it, he kept very cloſe three whole daies, and durſt not ſee her, nor would he go any where elſe, ſince he could not ſee her there: Yet at the laſt, ſince he was not able to live and not ſee her, he reſolved to go unto her, but it was in ſuch a trembling manner, and with ſuch a dull ſadneſs in his face, as made it evident he had ſpent his time very ill, ſince he ſaw her laſt.

As for Cleocrite, it was not ſo with her, for ſhe had been every day in the Walks ſince Thraſiles told her of his love; and though ſhe had not been in company of any ſo accompliſhed [Page] as himſelf, yet Cleocrite was never melancholy for the matter; but was as gay, and pleaſant, and merry, as Thraſyles was ſaid. This miſerable Lover then going to her with a look as pitiful as Cleocrite was pleaſant, he entered into her chamber with fears, that he ſhould find but verie bad reception: But the wonder of the paſſage was, that Cleocrite having ſpent thoſe three daies in feaſts and pleaſures, and had talked with a hundred ſeveral perſons ſince ſhe ſaw Thraſiles, had ſo quite forgot that he had ever mentioned anie matters of love unto her, and that ſhe had given him any ſharp anſwer, or was ever angry at him, as ſhe entertained him with a free and pleaſant countenance as formerly ſhe was wont to do; asking him where he had been? what he had been doing, and why he was not at thoſe feaſts She had been at? Telling him, She had been very merry, and that She did not think She ſhould ever ſee more pleaſant dayes then theſe laſt.

Thraſiles was ſo amazed at the carriage of Cleocrite, as he knew not whether he ſhould be ſad or glad at it: yet not thinking it poſſible ſhe ſhould ſo ſoon forget the paſſages between them, his hope was that ſhe repented her ſelf of her courſe treatments to him; ſo that deſiring to cloſe with an opportunity which he thought favourable for him: Had I thought Madam, (ſaid he unto her) that my company would not have diſturbed your pleaſures, I ſhould not have failed to be in thoſe places where you have been ſo pleaſant: But I muſt ingeniouſly confeſs, that I durſt not ſee you ſo ſoon after the harſh language you were pleaſed to give me: and I did not come hither now but in fear of your diſcovering the, zeal of my paſſion. Cleocrite hearing Thraſiles ſay ſo, did preſently remember what ſhe had forgotten: at firſt ſhe bluſht for ſhame, but preſently after ſhe began to laugh ſo heartily, that ſhe was not able to ſpeak: Thraſiles did now as much wonder at her at her merryneſs, as he did before at her civility, and ſtood ſtone ſtill; but at laſt Cleocrite beginning diſcourſe: I ask you pardon Thraſiles, ſaid ſhe, for the injury I have done you, in quite forgetting what you ſaid, and what I anſwered the other day: and for not remembring that I was angry with you; for indeed I know that my preſent civilities are moſt injurious. But I proteſt, I did not remember it; yet to repair my fault, and to teſtifie that I am not ſo indifferent as you think me, I will rowſe up my anger, and quaſh all my civilities. Thraſiles was ſo aſtoniſhed at this, that he neither knew what to think or ſay; but at laſt, not being able to hold. Is is poſſible Madam, ſaid he unto her, you ſhould forget how I told you that I loved you? Yes, ſaid She, and ſo forgot it, that I ſhould do you the greateſt wrong in the world, if I ſhould remember it; for indeed I ſhould then have lived with you, as I did before.

But Madam, replied he, Can I believe this to be true? To make you certain of it, ſaid She, keep only five or ſix days out of my ſight, and when you come again to me, ſpeak not a word that may revive your crime, and my anger in my memory, and ſee whether I ſhall remember it; for unleſs I be much miſtaken, I ſhall not, and it will be long of you only, if we do not agree well together as we did before. No no, Madam, replied Thraſiles, much incenſed, I muſt not do ſo; for ſince you cannot remember a thing three days, I muſt tell you every day that I love you, and that I ſhall for ever love you whether you will or no, in ſpite of that cruel indifferency wherein you ſo much glory, though it be the greateſt fault you have. As Thraſiles pronounced theſe laſt words, I came into the chamber of Cleocrite, and heard them very diſtinctly: ſo that prompting them to go on with their diſcourſe, I need not ask (ſaid I unto Cleocrite) what that fault is, wherewith Thraſiles upbraids you, for ſince you have but one it is eaſie to gueſs it, eſpecially ſince it is ſo generally known unto all the world. I proteſt Lyriana, (ſaid ſhe unto me and laughed) you are very plain with me, and I do not think there is any perſon upon earth who is ſo freely upbraided with her faults as I am. Since you do vainly glory in that one you have, replied I, the world ſpeaks of it without fear of angering you, and without anie hopes alſo of ever men [...]ing you. Then they ſhould never ſpeak of it, replied She. You take ſo much pleaſure in their ſpeaking of it (replied Thraſiles) that it is the leaſt piece of complacencie they can uſe to you to ſpeak of it, as they do the reaſon why I am not angry, ſaid Cleocrite, is the ſame why the greateſt beauties are leaſt angry when they are called uglie: For to ſpeak with the ſame plainneſs, Lyriana, that you do, if I had only that fault which the world ſo twits me with, I were the rareſt woman upon earth. Yet you go too far, ſaid I unto her, if you perſwade your ſelf that a cold faint indifferencie is a good qualitie. Perhaps (replied Cleocrite) you call indifferencie ſomthing elſe which I know not, and which I am a ſtranger unto; but I dare maintain that all my thoughts are juſt, and that the amitie whereof [Page] I am capable, is the moſt convenient, and rational of all others: As for the moſt convenient for you, replied Thraſiles, I do agree with you, but as for the moſt rational, I think it is diſputable. The moſt tender amity, replied ſhe, cannot produce any thing which is good, that may not alſo be expected from mine; For truly, I think there is none, who loves better to ſerve their friends, nor is more glad to ſee them, then I am: You might have added, replied I, nor none that can better tolerate their abſence: It is true, ſaid ſhe, that when I loſe the ſight of them, I do not loſe my wits: But I pray tell me, if I were the moſt grieved in the world at the abſence of my friends, what good would it do them? Doubtleſs I am ſorry to part with friends, but it is without any mad exceſs, or troubling my friends which remain, by an inſupportable grief, which does them no good who ſee it not, and troubles them who do ſee it, and caſts down my ſelf, without any other benefit but getting the reputation of a tender-hearted thing; but in my judgment, theſe are arguments of a weak ſoul.

Did I not really eſteem my friends according to their merit, and ſerve them whenſoever they ſtand in need of my aſſiſtance, I ſhould ſet a worſe face upon them when they come to ſee me; I ſhould not let them condemn me as they do, onlie becauſe forſooth I do not give them my whole heart, and becauſe I am not ſenſible even to the very laſt gaſp; and becauſe I do not mix with my talk words of tenderneſs, zealous amity, and ſuch like, therefore I muſt paſs for a piece of hard indifference, though to ſpeak truly, I am no more then what is requiſite and concordant to reaſon; this is it which I cannot endure; And indeed (purſued ſhe and laughed) do not all the Sages who are ſo fam'd in the world make prudence to conſiſt in a ſelf-denial of all things? and according to their precepts am not I temperate, as they by their ſapient documents would have me? None of the Sages you ſpeak of, replied Thraſiles, did ever condemn amity; No more do I, replied ſhe, but I do regulate it, and give it limits: For to think that amitie ſhould be a heavy burthen, and an overload unto thoſe who have it, is a thing moſt unjuſt; if ſo, I had rather chuſe ambition, hatred, or anger, then amity, which is praiſed tender amity, heroique amity, ſince certainly I ſhould ſuffer leſs by thoſe three violent paſſions, then by that you call amity: You might have wiſhed jealouſie as a higher aggravation (replied Thraſiles) If one could be jealous, replied ſhe, without love, I ſhould have put it in for company; and if you will, I will alſo add envy, which is no leſs tormentive then jealouſie, that I may let you ſee how inconvenient I think this kind of tender amity is; I am confident, that if the hearts of all men were layed open, as mine is, even thoſe who make the greateſt profeſſion of tenderneſs, they would not be found more tender nor ſenſible then mine is, even thoſe who make the greateſt profeſſion of tenderneſs, they would not be found more tender nor ſenſible then mine is; all the difference 'twixt me and others is, that I ſpeak what I think, and would not paſs for what I am not, or for what I would not be: Oh I beſeech you, ſaid I, content your ſelf with your own indifferencie, and do not undertake to condemn amity, which is the moſt innocent, the moſt juſt, the moſt ſweet, and the moſt heroique quality in the world; for truly this amity which you ſo much ſlight is of ſuch a Nature, as without it, there is no true ſatisfaction in the world, all other pleaſures without it are but imperfect, they reach no further then the ſenſes, but never fill the ſoul, or charm the heart with abundance of ſweetneſs: 'Tis amity, doubtleſs which ſweetens all ſorrows, which doubles all delights, which makes one to find comfort and conſolation in the greateſt misfortunes, and indeed it is that which prompts every one unto a thouſand heroique actions: The truth is, purſued Thraſiles, It is had [...]n veneration amongſt all Nations, and there is not one perſon in all the world except Cleocrite, who is not offended at it, if they be charged with want of amity: I pray do not except me, replied ſhe, for I ſhould not be pleaſed that I ſhould ſay I do not love my friends: But it is true, I do not much affect, that any ſhould think my amity to be worthy of any Elogies: If you did but know what true amity is, replied I, you would be aſhamed to call ſuch an affection as your heart is capable of, by ſo glorious a name: However it be, ſaid ſhe, I would not alter my opinion. After this, Thraſiles and I, did argue a long with Cleocrite to no purpoſe, for we could not argue her unto any repentance, nor make her acknowledg ſhe was in the wrong. However, ſince my deſign was only a bare viſit unto Cleocrite, after I had ſtayed out a reaſonable time, I went out, and left Thraſiles alone with her, who not being able to leave her, before he had expreſſed his affection, as ſoon as he ſaw I was gone, he began to ſpeak unto her. Becauſe I dare not ask a favour Madam (ſaid he unto her) which would be oppoſite unto your humour, I ſhall [Page] this day only deſire of you, that you would be ſo indifferent as to let me love you, and not be angry: I have already told you Sir, replied ſhe, all that I can ſay upon that queſtion: But not to deny you everie thing, I ſhall further ſay unto you, that upon condition you will live eight daies, as heretofore you have done, and mention not a word of that pretended paſſion which you ſay is in your heart, nor by any of your actions manifeſt it unto me, I will do what I can to forget all that you ſaid unto me the other day, and to day: And after this, I proteſt I will never examine upon what grounds you viſit me; and to teſtifie how pleaſing the ſight of you is unto me, I promiſe you never to attribute any thing which you ſhall do for me, to any thoughts of Love: Oh Madam (cried out Thraſiles) I do not deſire this laſt favour, but on the contrary, I conjure you to believe, that whatſoever I ſhall do or ſay, are only ſuch effects as my love of you doth inſpire into me: When you ſee me ſad, think that I am ſo onlie becauſe I am not loved of her whom I adore; if you ſee me joyed, the onlie reaſon is becauſe I am neer you; if I be in a deep ſtudie, imagine it your ſelf who hath ſole taken up my ſoul; if I look upon you, think that is in hopes you will caſt a favourable eye upon me again; and if I do not look upon you, conceive it is becauſe I am afraid to anger you, and find it in your eyes; and indeed Madam, without any interpretation of my actions, as actions of indifferencie, believe that whatſoever I ſhall do, is done with a premeditated deſign and hope to obtain your love: To teſtifie unto you, replied Cleocrite, that I am of a verie pliant humour, I ſhall believe as you would have me to believe: Oh Madam, ſaid Thraſiles, Shall I be ſo happie? As for happie, ſaid ſhe, I know not whether you will be or no; all I know is, and I will ſay it again, that I tell you I will believe you love me, and that you would have me love you; but at the ſame time I declare unto you, that I will tranſact with you, as if I did believe all this, this is, I will ſee you no more, that I will ſhun you with all imagineable care, that I will deprive my ſelf of a thouſand delights by it, and by conſequence, that I will moſt horriblie hate you. Oh Madam (cried out Thraſiles) rather then ſo, I beſeech you think that I do not love you: I ſhall do ſo, ſaid ſhe, and do it with abundance of pleaſure: Yet I beſeech you Madam, replied Thraſiles, believe, or not believe, as you ſhall think good: Since I am to believe what pleaſeth me, replied ſhe, I ſhall eaſilie believe you do not love me, becauſe I do extreamlie wiſh it; therefore Thraſiles take your meaſures accordinglie, and be confident, that the readieſt way in the world to make me hate you, will be to create a diſpoſition in me to part from this neutral indifferencie, which cauſeth all the tranquilitie and ſweetneſs of my life; content your ſelf with my accuſtomed civilities, regulate your ſelf accordinglie.

Thraſiles uſed all his Rhetorique to make her change opinion, but all would not do; and before he could obtain leave to ſee her, as he was wont to do, he muſt promiſe her to carrie himſelf towards her, as formerlie he uſed: However, he thought it a kinde of happineſs that he had let her know he loved her without a baniſhment; for ſince he could not imagine ſhe ſhould believe he did not love her, he hoped that ſhe her ſelf would take it to heart, without his further telling her—So that aſſuming to himſelf new hopes, and conſequentlie new joyes, he continued in his obſequious wayes of ſerving her, and Courting her with a thouſand delights; yet this ſerenitie of ſoul and tranquilitie of heart was not long, for the more he applied himſelf unto her, the more indifferent he found her, and he more clearlie found it, becauſe having two Rivals who were nothing ſo gallant as himſelf, and who Courted Cleocrite with ſome diverſions, yet he obſerved that ſhe was not more faintlie indifferent unto them, then unto himſelf, provided the muſique was good, that the Ball was finelie carried, and the Banquet ſumptuous, ſhe cared not a ſtraw for him who was at the charges of them, and would have been as well contented to have received all theſe diverſions from any other, as from him: So that Cleocrites manner of living, did put this pittiful Lover to a thouſand ſecret diſpleaſures, yet he could not accuſe her of any inconſtancie, or any ſecret under-hand dealing, for ſhe held correſpondencie with none, nor treated any better then himſelf, nor did ſhe treat him better then any other, though ſhe had a thouſand reaſons to put a notable difference betwixt Thraſiles and all the reſt; for it was his fortune to render her many conſiderable ſervices concerning her familie, and having verie much credit, ſeveral occaſions preſented themſelves, wherein he did highlie manifeſt his affection unto her. But do what he could, he could not move her heart, nor never extinguiſh her humour of indifferencie, yet he did accuſtome himſelf whether ſhe would or no to tell her he loved her, but it produced no more effects upon her ſoul, then upon a ſtone, inſomuch as he grew ſo much incenſed [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] againſt her cruel indifferencie, that he was not only grieved becauſe She would not love him, but it vexed him alſo that She would not love anie of her friends: and he hath ſomtimes ſworn unto me, that he ſhould have thought himſelf leſs miſerable, if Cleocrite had loved anie of his Rivals, then he was to ſee her ſo inſenſible and indifferent as She was.

I beſeech you Madam, (ſaid he one daie unto her when he had found ſome new ſigne of her inſenſibilitie) Perſwade me by ſome example, that it is not abſolutely impoſſible you ſhould love ſome or other: Chuſe out of the whole Univerſe whom you ſhall think good; for were I once convinced you could love anie, I ſhould be in ſome hopes: it not being poſſible that anie ſenſible heart ſhould know my paſſion, and not anſwer it: but to ſee that nothing will move it, that your ſoul will not fix upon anie, that though you have a moſt diſcerning eye in all things, yet that you will chuſe none, this is a thing which is moſt intollerable. Yet you muſt endure it, replied She, for I will never change, nor do I think I ought ever to change; And indeed She was as good as her word. Yet Thraſiles as inconſtant as he is ſaid to be did ſtill continue loving her, that for my part I did both pitie and chide him: Alſo I had reaſon to double my pitie; for the indifferencie of Cleocrite went ſo near his heart, and grief ſo filled his ſpirits that he fell ſick, and that moſt extreamlie ſick. At firſt Cleocrite who knew his diſeaſe, and was not ignorant that She her ſelf was the cauſe, ſent to ſee how he did, and ſaid She was verie ſorrie: but for all that, though all Phyſicians thought him deſperate, She loſt not a daies diverſion from it, nor was a jot more melancholie, nor worſe dreſſed. And queſtionleſs this laſt inſenſibility was like to have been the death of Thraſiles: For ſince he had his reaſon free, and ſince the heat of his feaver had not a jot cooled his love, he did everie daie carefully cauſe his men to enquire what Cleocrite did, ſo that ſomtimes he would hear She was in the walks, other times that She was at ſome great feaſt; and almoſt everie daie that She was never ſo jocond and merrie: But one daie amongſt the reſt, when he was exceeding ill, and Cleocrite ſending to ſee how he did, he ſent her word as he believed, that Shewas now like to loſe the moſt faithful of all her ſervants, & that he thought he ſhould never have the honour to ſee her again: yet he underſtood that this ſad meſſage did not keep her that daie from making ſeveral viſits, viſits of pleaſure, and no neceſſity at all. You may well imagine Madam, that this went to the verie heart of Thraſiles: yet maugre all his diſcontents he recovered: but could not ſo ſoon recover the diſeaſe of his mind as of his body; for he returned as deep in love with Cleocrite as ever, though he was much vexed She ſhould be ſo little ſenſible of his ſickneſs, yet She did eaſily appeaſe him, for as ſoon as ever She ſaw him in a capacity of giving her freſh diverſions, She received him with ſuch joy in her countenance as would have perſwaded anie one, that She had been very ſorrie for his ſickneſs: Thus did Thraſiles ſuffer himſelf to be deluded, inſomuch as he courted her in ſuch a manner as would have moved even crueltie it ſelf. In the mean while Thraſiles being ingaged to go unto the wars; and the day of his departure being come, he ſent to ask her favour that he might come and take his leave of her, but becauſe ſhe was engaged with Lyſidice to go unto ſome place, I know not where, about a buſineſs not worth a ruſh, and even where ſome of Thraſiles his Rivals were to meet her: She choſe a verie mean pleaſure, rather then deprive her ſelf of it, in giving Thraſiles ſo much ſatisfaction as to bid her adieu. You may well imagine Madam, what thoughts Thraſiles carried with him, and whether Cleocrite was very ſorrie for his abſence; yet ſomtimes She would think upon him, but it was only to lament the want of thoſe diverſions he was wont to give her; and not one tender or obliging thought of him: This Madam, if I be not much miſtaken, is ſufficient to juſtifie the change of Thraſiles.

Be pleaſed to know that towards the end of the Summer, it chanced that I went one morning unto her, to ask her if She ſhould make a viſit with me that day? At firſt, She told me that She was engaged unto Philoxene to go with her unto a place; but upon examination whether She ſhould find more pleaſure in Philoxenes viſit or mine: She reſolved upon mine, and ſent to excuſe her ſelf unto the others: Then She began to make her ſelfe ready, and to ask my counſel how She ſhould dreſs her ſelf. As we were then in conteſt what She ſhould wear or not wear, one of her women entred into her Chamber with ſuch ſad looks, as was eaſie to perceive She had ſome bad news to tell. Madam, ſaid the woman unto her, you will be much ſurprized and verie ſorrie if you knew all: Cleocrite whoſe mind ran all of dreſſing her ſelf, and never had the leaſt thought of Thraſiles, did think that her gown which was to be brought that morning, was not yet ready: or that [Page] the Carkenet of Diamonds which She had borrowed of a friend, and which She intended to wear that day, was broken or loſt; ſo that She haſtily asked the woman, which of thoſe miſchances it was? No Madam, replied She, the news is worſe; Thraſiles is killed, and news of it is brought unto Niſide: Alas (cried I out with extream ſorrow) is Thraſiles kill'd? Yes (ſaid the woman) and all the world does infinitely lament him. To tell you Madam, that Cleocrite would have been more grieved if the Carkenet of Diamonds had been loſt or broken, then at the death of Thraſiles, perhaps had been a lie, and perhaps a truth; for Madam, all that ever She did in the buſineſs was to ſend unto Niſides to know whether the news was true; and in the mean while She did a little lament the death of Thraſiles, but it was with a very quiet mind, and without one ſingle tear or ſigh: Alas, ſaid She unto me, I was in ſuch hopes of a thouſand delights from Thraſiles this Winter, that I muſt needs lament the loſs of the poor man. For my part, ſaid I unto her, I lament the loſs of himſelf, & not for the loſs of any delights; and although he would have contributed unto no diverſions at all, yet I ſhould pity him as much as I do. Whil'ſt we were talking thus, the news of his death was confirmed; and immediately after I ſaw Cleocrite looking in her glaſs, and being but half dreſſed, She dreſſed her ſelf with as much ſpruſeneſs and alacrity as She deſigned before the ſad news was brought: For my part, I muſt confeſs, I was ſo ſurprized at the obdurate inſenſibility of Cleocrite, as I was ſpeechleſs; ſo looking upon her actions with as much amazement as ſorrow, and with as much anger as amazement: I obſerved that ſhe ranged her locks, and curled her hair with as much niceneſs and care, and dreſſed her ſelf as trimly as if She had ſome deſigne of conquering a freſh Lover in lieu of him She had loſt. After I had forced my patience a long while in ſilently ſeeing her deck her ſelf, and after her woman was gone out, my choler could contain no longer: Fie Cleocrite, ſaid I unto her, does not thoſe thouſands of delights which Thraſiles hath given you, deſerve one day of mourning for him, and to deprive your ſelf for his ſake of a poor mean diverſion the day you hear of his fatal death? If that would raiſe him from the dead, replied ſhe, I ſhould do it with much joy; but ſince I have paſſed my word unto Philoxene, I am reſolved to keep it. But you did reſolve to break it (ſaid I unto her) and to make a viſit with me; and may you not as well break it to mourn one day for the poor Thraſiles? I can mourn for him better in company then in ſolitude (replied this hard hearted Ladie) and if I ſhould this day hide my ſelf, I might perhaps be accuſed of mourning too much for him: Fie Cleocrite, ſaid I unto her, you are not in any ſuch reputation of tenderneſs, as that you need fear any ſuch aſperſion; and certainly they would wrong you much, if they ſhould think you ſo inclined: Why (ſaid She) do you think I do not grieve for Thraſiles? I proteſt I think ſo, ſaid I unto her. And I proteſt, replied ſhe, that I grieve as much as I can, and more then ever I did for any: I do believe it, ſaid I unto her; yet it is becauſe you love nothing in the world but your ſelf; and as long as you can look in you [...] [...]laſs, and find your ſelf fair, you care for nothing elſe; yet I would gladly know whether you could reſent the loſs of your own beautie. Cleocrite then offered to give me ſome poor reaſons, but I riſe up and left her, not being able to endure ſuch a ſtonie hearted piece of inſenſibility. Howſoever, ſhe went with Philoxene unto the place agreed upon, where She found more diverſion then She expected, for they danced until night. But Madam, all this was happie for Thraſiles: for you muſt know, that the cauſe of theſe reports of his death, was, that there was one Thraſiles killed, but it was Thraſiles of Xanthes, and not of Cumes: For that Thraſiles who was an Adorer of Cleocrite, and whoſe death I lamented, being choſen by the Prince of Cumes to carry the news of the victorie which he had lately gotten, he came to town that very evening after his death was reported, his firſt care was to enquire how Cleocrite did, and he was let know that She was at a Ball: and at the ſame time he was informed that every one thought him dead: he underſtood that Cleocrite ſent unto his mother to enquire of it, and that it was from her confirmed; ſo that he could not doubt but Cleocrites heart was harder to him then any flint. This did ſo much ſurprize him that imagining perhaps Cleocrite was not told of it; or that perhaps ſhe had heard the news of his death contradicted, he reſolved to go unto the place where they ſaid ſhe was. But in his way thither, he took my houſe in his way to ask me what I knew concerning Cleocrite; ſo that after my expreſſions of joy to ſee him alive, and deſiring to cure him of his paſſion, I told him that the hard hearted indifferencie of Cleocrite was unworthy of his affection: and I brought his mind into ſuch a ſtate as to wiſh he could love her no longer: After which he went unto the place where ſhe was in a ſtrange perplexity: As he entred into the hall, ſhe was dancing, and [Page] danced ſo very well, as it was apparent her mind was wholly upon it; and the thoughts of his death did not hinder one ſtep of her dancing. You may imagine Madam, how Thraſiles was troubled to ſee how indifferent Cleocrite was of him; but much more after ſhe had done dancing, when he ſaw her talk to his Rivals with as much jolity in her looks, as ever ſhe had in her life.

There being much companie in that place, Thraſiles was not at firſt perceived, but anger upon a ſudden rowzing up his heart, and deſiring to reproach Cleocrite with her horrible inſenſibility, he broke through the crowd, and came unto the place where ſhe was diſcourſing: Imagine Madam, how Cleocrite was ſurprized to ſee Thraſiles by her, whom ſhe thought to be dead, ſhe ſcrieked out, as if ſhe had ſeen ſome horrid apparition: So that all the company flocked about Thraſiles, and rejoyced to ſee him. As for Cleocrite, ſhe was as glad as if ſhe had grieved extreamlie for his death, and for half an hour the talk was ſo tumultuous, as it was not poſſible for Thraſiles to ſpeak particularly unto Cleocrite; but at laſt when every one had complemented themſelves out of breath, he had opportunitie of ſpeaking to her: I would believe Madam, for my ſatisfaction (ſaid he unto her in a twitting kind of jeſt) that you are of the ſame opinion which ſome People in the world are of, who think they ought to rejoyce, and be fineſt at the death of their kindred and friends, and who laugh at thoſe which weep and put on mourning; for if I were not perſwaded of this, I ſhould have cauſe to think my ſelf the moſt miſerable of all men living, ſince the reports? of my death will not oblige you to beſtow one ſigh upon me, nor ſtop the full carier of your joyes for one minute. Cleocrite hearing Thraſiles ſay ſo, as inſenſible as ſhe was, yet ſhe bluſhed, but it was more out of anger then any ſhame; in lieu of confeſſing any fault, or any repentance, or ſeeking out for any excuſes, ſhe anſwered him ſharplie: If you be riſen from the dead, ſaid ſhe unto him, onlie to make perpetual complaints of me, becauſe I did not weep for you, you put me to the neceſſitie of grieving more for your life, then I did for your death; Therefore if you will take my advice along with you (ſaid ſhe with a forced ſmile) be contented that I am glad to ſee you again, without any further enquirie, whether I grieved when I thought you dead: Your inſenſibilitie Madam, ſaid Thraſiles, goes too too far, and certainlie I ſhould be the leaſt generous of all men, if I ſhould endure it; I am ſure Madam, that the loſs of my affection will never trouble you, ſince the loſs of my life did never reach your heart; and it is not out of any humour of revenge that I withdraw this affection from you, but it is onlie from my own tranquilitie; for it is a thing moſt impoſſible for any man to love a perſon of ſuch a rockie diſpoſition, and ſuch a flintie inſenſibilitie as you are, any long time.

When Thraſiles was ſilent, and expected an anſwer from Cleocrite, one came and took her out to dance, and ſhe went with as jocund a countenance, as if Thraſiles were not at all diſpleaſed, nor did take the leaſt care in the world all the day after, to give him any occaſion of talking with her, nor ever offered to excuſe her inſenſibilitie: I think Madam after all this, you will not condemn Thraſiles, for reſolving to uſe all his endeavours to leave loving ſuch a ſtony-hearted perſon as was not capable of loving any, yet heaven knows it was a hard task for him to bring it about, and he was a long time conſulting which wayes might poſſiblie reach the heart of Cleocrite, yet in concluſion, growing out of all patience, verie anger in a few daies did that which his reaſon could not, and he cured himſelf of a diſeaſe which he thought incurable, and the more to confirm him in his recovery, Cleocrite did care as little for the loſs of him, as if ſhe had eſteemed him at the value of a ruſh; yet I do believe, ſince that, ſome reſentments of honour made her a little angrie, that ſuch a Slave had broken priſon; but I am certain, that though ſhe did apprehend the loſs, yet it was not at all out of any tenderneſs: I conceive Madam that after all this, Thraſiles cannot be charged with any inconſtancie, ſince there never appeared the leaſt levitie in all his carriage; and that if he did leave loving her, it was onlie becauſe it was moſt fitting he ſhould do it.

Since the love of Thraſiles to Cleocrite made a great noiſe in the world, it was ſoon perceived they were at odds, and ſince the matter was never made any ſecret myſterie between them, all the world did know the cauſe, and I dare boldlie ſay, all the world did lay the fault where it deſerved, and blamed Cleocrite: But amongſt the reſt, Lyſidice could not chuſe but much condemn her: So that ſince Thraſiles did naturally love to be pitied, and loved ſuch as took his part, and hearing what Lyſidice ſaid in his behalf and againſt Cleocrite, he deſired me to carrie him to her, knowing that I was frequentlie with her; I [Page] being glad to contribute any thing unto the conſolation which he had found in one who condemned the inſenſibilitie of Cleocrite, did willinglie conſent unto his deſire, not being ignorant, that Lyſidice would think her ſelf obliged unto me for bringing Thraſiles unto her, whom ſhe eſteemed verie much, though he never ſaw her at her own houſe. But as I have deſcribed the other Ladies whom Thraſiles loved, ſo it is requiſite I deſcribe this, whoſe perſon you know is all beauty, all amiable, all charming, in whoſe mind was a million of beauties and admirable graces; but as for her humour, it is ſuch, as none living can repreſent it unto you, for indeed Madam there was never any more ſweet, more compliant, nor more agreeable at certain times, on certain daies, and certain houres, and at certain minutes; but alſo, never any was more auſtere, more imperious, more crabbed, nor inſupportable at other times; ſo that there was ſuch a prodigious miſcellany and inequality in the humour of Lyſidice, as I conceive ſhe may be fitlie compared unto one of thoſe daies in the Spring time of the year, when one ſhall ſee the Sun guild all the world, give a freſh fragrancie unto the Meadows and Trees, and diſcloſe a thouſand flowers, and upon a ſudden a terrible ſtorm of Hail and Snow doth fall, together with thunder and winde; ſo that one may in one day ſee all the beauties and all the rigours of the whole year: Indeed Madam, the inequality of Lyſidices humour is ſo great, as I have often ſeen her moſt pleaſant in the morning, moſt melancholy after dinner, and as merry as might be before night again, having no cauſe in the world to be more merrie or more ſad at one time then at another: Perhaps you will ask me Madam, how Thraſiles could ever fall in love with ſuch an uncertain perſon; and I muſt anſwer, that the good howers of Lyſidice were ſo pleaſing and charming, that it is no wonder at all if ſhe did captivate the heart of Thraſiles, which was ſo apt for love: It may be further ſaid, that the humour of Lyſidice was alwayes to prefer the ſociety of men, before that of women, and leſs various in her unequal humours with new acquaintance then with others: Alſo Thraſiles did not at firſt know her temper, but on the contrary, was never better ſatisfied with any perſon then with her the firſt time he ſaw her: For truly ſhe had ſerved her ſelf into all his thoughts of Cleocrite, and did ſo inveigh againſt her rigid humour, as he had good reaſon to think, that ſhe had a heart as foft and ſenſible, as Cleocrites was hard and indifferent: So that accuſtoming himſelf by little and little to ſee her, he came at length to love her. Since he had already loved three perſons in one Court, he did for a while conceal his paſſion, fearing that the would wonld, as formerlie upbraid him with inconſtancy. Whilſt he was thus ſilently in love with Lyſidice, he began to diſcover the odneſs of her humours, and I cannot tell whether or no he did wiſh, that he did not love her, if the fate of it had been in his power: However, ſince he believe her not to be inſenſible and indifferent, he counted all her other defects as nothing, and to ſpeak the very truth, Lyſidice had no other but this unevenneſs of temper, and that was not then ſtrong enough to hinder Thraſiles from loving her, and applying himſelf to her ſervice: But it is very obſerveable, that the ſame imperfection which all the friends of Lyſidice did continually chide her for, was partly a cauſe why he diſcovered his paſſion, ſooner then otherwiſe he would: For Egeſipes, Thraſiles, and I being one afternoon with her, it chanced ſo, that I began to chide her, for the inequality of her humour, which hindred her from being without any fault: That which did give me a ſubject for it was, that when Thraſiles and I came into her Chamber, ſhe did entertain us with ſuch a hollow kind of gravitie, as if ſhe did not care for our company, or as if ſhe were in ſome moſt deep melancholy, yet within leſs then a quarter of an houre Egeſipes coming in, ſhe paſſed upon a ſudden from her dumpiſh humour unto the quite contrary, and was extreamly civil, ſweet and pleaſant. In the mean time, I knew it could not be the ſight of Egeſipes which cauſed the alteration of her humour, knowing that ſhe loved me, as well as him, and that ſhe eſteemed Thraſiles more then Egeſipes: So that making this my pretence of chiding her: Really Lyſidice (ſaid I unto her) I am very glad that I came not by my ſelf to ſee you, and I believe Thraſiles is not ſorry that we came together; for ſince you would have entertained us ſo coldly, it would have vexed us to have ſeen it, eſpecially ſeeing you receive Egeſipes with ſo much joy; but ſince we came both together, I believe this coldneſs doth not relate unto either of us: For my part, replied Thraſiles, I reſpect Lyſidice more then to ſuſpect her of any coldneſs unto you; and I had rather take it all upon my ſelf, though there is none in the world could be more ſorry for it then I ſhould: No, no Thraſiles, replied Lyſidice, never trouble your ſelf in a thing wherein you have no ſhare, nor trouble your ſelf with ſatisfying Lyriana, for I aſſure you, She chides me, rather to correct me then for any thing elſe: It [Page] is moſt true Lyſidice (ſaid I unto her) and I ſhould be extreamly joyed if you were alwayes in the ſame mood as you are now, and that you would be never in that humour in which you were when Thraſyles and I came in: Did you but know how much fairer and more amiable you are when you are out of this dogged fit, certainly you would for ever baniſh it; for queſtionleſs, there is nothing more becoming, then an even, ſmooth and equal temper: For my part, replied Lyſidice, I am not of your opinion, but am perſwaded it is more pleaſant to find ſeveral perſons in one, then to ſee ſtill the ſame glutting equality of temper, which never ſheweth you but one and the ſame thing ſeveral times. Certainly, added ſhe, and laughed, it is with equal and unequal humours, as with waters in general, where thoſe which are ſtill the calmeſt, are not the moſt pleaſing: I think none will deny, but that the Sea with all its ſtorms and tempeſts is more pleaſant then a ſtanding lake, in ſpite of its tranquil ſerenity: The inequality and fury of the Sea, replied Thraſiles, is doubtleſs very pleaſant unto thoſe who ſtand upon banks, and look upon it, but very troubleſome unto thoſe who are upon it: 'Tis true, replied ſhe: But as the Sea doth ſomtimes ſwallow up ſome unfortunate perſons, ſo it pleaſeth a hundred thouſand who look up in ſafety. Moreover, this inequality of temper which is ſo much vaunted of is often, only a good effect of a bad cauſe: For to ſpeak in general, if one do well, obſerve thoſe who are of this even temper you ſpeak of, he ſhall find much ſtupidity in ſome or moſt, others of a grave and ſilent temper; it is more out of ſluggiſhneſs then virtue, that they do not vary and change their humours; others are ſo continuall in the ſame temper of merriment, that they ſeem fools, and others of ſuch an inſufferable tediouſneſs of ſpirit, as that their equality of temper, renders them weariſome. Moreover, I will maintain, that moſt of theſe equal-ſpirited perſons, have the thoughts of a baſe and crouching ſoul: And on the contrary, to ſpeak in general, thoſe of a little uneven temper, and ſomthing fantaſtical, have hearts moſt high and heroique. I know there are ſome in whom all the virtues meet, wit, ſpirit, generoſity, complacencie, and equality, are their own, but this is very rare; and I om confident that ordinarily, if men of greateſt ſpirits have this equality in their humours, it comes to them more by reaſon then by temper: You defend a bad cauſe with ſo much eloquence, ſaid I unto her, that I cannot think you are fully perſwaded, it is as you ſay: Seriouſly (ſaid ſhe) I think as I ſay, and I do not think my ſelf deceived; for indeed, from whence do you think proceeds the fantaſticalneſs and inequality, wherewith Poets, Muſitians, Painters, and all thoſe who make profeſſion of the Liberal Arts are charged? Have they not all their raptures? Do you think the Rules of Poetry, the inſtruments of Muſique, colours and Pencils, are tyed to the ſame evenneſs of temper? Fie no, not at all; but the very ſame temper which makes the higheſt Poets, the greateſt Muſitians, and the beſt Painters, makes humours a little unequal and fantaſtical. Moreover, it is a groſs error, to think that one alters humour alwayes without cauſe or reaſon, and moſt certainly there are reaſons which are not viſible unto others, for when the imagination is quick, and the mind very ſenſible, a very ſmall matter will be a great vexation: In my own particular, my very own thoughts will put me into a bad humour; and when I am not pleaſed with my ſelf, I am never pleaſed with any, nor can I pleaſe others: But I pray, ſaid I unto her, how is it poſſible, that having ſo much wit as you muſt needs have to ſpeak as you do, you ſhould not imploy it to bridle the vexation of your humour, which alters the very ayr of your countenance, and which ſomtimes makes the ſweeteſt and moſt amiable woman in the world become imperious, and as Peeviſh a thing as is imagineable [...] The reaſon is, ſaid ſhe, becauſe I am ſuch a lover of liberty, that I cannot be a ſlave to my own reaſon in a thing almoſt indifferent, and which does not expoſe me unto any crime; and alſo, my reaſon it ſelf tells me, that I am obliged to change my temper; for as I do not know almoſt any one who has not ſome quality or other which is to be deſired ſhe had not, my friends ought to bear with my faults as I bear with theirs: This word Fault is very rough (replied Thraſiles) to expreſs any quality that can be found in Lyſidice: If you conſult with Lyriana, replied ſhe, I am confident ſhe will think the word mild enough: Since you are not in your retting humour (replied I unto her) and that one may ſpeak any thing unto you, I find it ſo ſtrange a thing, you ſhould be capable of ſuch extream inequality, that I think it not rough enough, for you who can judg ſo clearly of others, who can make ſuch good choice of your acquaintance, and who can hardly endure thoſe who are but meanly qualified men: Ah Lyriana (ſaid ſhe) when did you ever ſee me fret or vex, but when I do ſee men that pleaſe me not, or that I have ſeen ſome ſuch, or that I know I ſhall ſee [Page] them, or that I only fear to ſee them: I beſeech you Madam, replied Thraſiles, do me the honour to tell me, which of theſe four did cauſe the coldneſs in your face, when Lyriana and I entred?

As to that, ſaid ſhe, and laughed, I muſt ingeniouſly confeſs, that I do not know the reaſon. After ſuch a ſincere acknowledgment, we continued chiding Lyſidice; who was in ſo good an humour that day, as that ſhe was not at all angry. Preſently after a friend of mine coming to fetch me from Lyſidices, I left Thraſiles alone there; for Egeſipes would needs carry me to my Coach, and went with me. I underſtood ſince, that Thraſiles finding ſuch a favourable occaſion, he would not let it ſlip, not knowing when he might find Lyſidice, both alone, and in a good humour; alſo the laſt diſcourſe with her did give him a good ſubject to talk unto her: and ſince I knew he was in love with her, I turned towards him at my going out, and told him thus; If to to your miſery (ſaid I to him, and laughed) you be in love with Lyſidice, I would advice you to tell her now as much; for in the humour ſhe is now, I think you may tell her any thing without fear of anger: The counſel you give, replied Thraſiles, perhaps is more dangerous to follow then you imagine. Not at all (replied I, and laughed ſtill) for as Lyſidice uſeth to be angry at every thing when ſhe is in the fretting humour: I am confident, ſhe will not be angry at any thing when ſhe is in the pleaſant fit: After this I went out with Egeſipes, and Thraſyles ſtayed. I underſtood ſince from himſelf, that as ſoon Lyſidice and he had taken their ſeats, he reſolved to diſcover himſelf, ſo that making uſe of my advice, as a Prologue to the buſineſs: As dangerous as the counſel of Lyriana is (ſaid he unto her) yet Madam I will follow it: And after I have a long time adored you in ſilence, it is juſt you know what thoughts your beautie hath inſpired me withal. I beſeech you Thraſiles, replied ſhe, do you think that the ſharp language of Lyriana need engage you to give me anie ſweeter; for I am confident ſhe knows not what ſhe ſaid unto you, nor what you anſwered: I know not why Madam, replied he, you ſhould ſpeak ſo much of Lyriana; But for my part I do proteſt, I know very well what I do ſay; and that I never in all my life ſpake more ſincerelie then now I do, when I aſſure you that there is none upon earth that loves you better then I do; and that I never loved anie neer ſo much as I do you: Fie Thraſiles, ſaid ſhe unto him, you have ſaid too much to be believed; for I am confident you have loved three better then ever you loved anie elſe. Truth is, the firſt paſſions are ever moſt violent; and I think it may verie well be ſaid, that the more often one loves, the leſs he knows how to love. I know not Madam, replied Thraſiles, whether it do often fall out ſo as you ſay; but I am moſt ſure it is not ſo with me: for I loved Atalia much better then I loved her who cauſed my firſt paſſion; I loved Cleocrite much better then I loved Atalia, and I love Lyſidice much better then them all three. Since you have told me the ſeveral degrees of your love unto three ſuch amiable Ladies (replied ſhe and ſmiled) I pray tell me alſo unto what point did you arrive in obtaining the love of them? I thought I had obtained the love of the firſt, replied he, and I was in hopes of obtaining the love of the other two, but did not obtain the love of anie of the three; yet for all this I muſt love the fair Lyſidice, and not deſpair to obtain her love. Certainly, ſaid ſhe and ſmiled, to love and not be loved, is not ſo great a miſerie as is reported, ſince you are ſo reſolved to endure it ſo often. I beſeech you, replied Thraſiles, hearken a little more ſeriouſly unto what I ſay: and do me the honour to tell me how you would have me live? I dare not undertake to regulate your life, anſwered ſhe, but I ſhall be verie willing to regulate your words; for truly Thraſiles, you have ſpoke ſo much, that I cannot deſire you ſhould ſpeak any more. Content your ſelf therefore with the qualitie of my friend, and never offer to perſwade me that you are my Lover: Moreover, I muſt tell you, that you would not be ſo happie as you imagine, if I ſhould ſuffer you to love me. For firſt, you may be aſſured, that though I would have you love me above all the world, yet I would do all that ever is in my power never to love you again. But I beſeech you Madam, ſaid he unto her, did you not condemn indifferenc [...]e in Cleocrite? 'Tis true, ſaid ſhe, and I condemn it to you, for I would have had her to love you, but it ſhould have been by virtue, and not by inſenſibilitie. This diſtinction, replied he, is verie nice; but though there cannot be a more miſerable condition then to love, and not be loved by the perſon one loves: yet Madam, I would with all my heart, that the fair Lyſidice were once put to the neceſſitie of ſtriving not to love me. You ſee, (ſaid ſhe and laughed) that I begin it now; ſince I do what I can to believe you do not love me; and that you ſpeak as you do, only becauſe Lyriana hath engaged you. Oh Madam, replied Thraſiles, do me not ſo much wrong; for if you do, I ſhall be induced [Page] to tell all the world I love you, to the end you may not be ignorant of it: Take heed, replied ſhe, leſt you do as you ſay, for though it be true you do love me, yet I had rather know it only my ſelf, then that every one ſhould know it, not that I would make any ſuch ſecret of your Paſſion as ſhould be advantagious to you, but becauſe I do hate above all things in the world, that any one ſhould be known unto the Court to be my Lover; for if I would treat him ill, it were good for him they ſhould not know it; and if I would treat him well, it would be good for me they did not know he loved me, leſt they ſhould ſuſpect I love him; therefore Thraſiles, if you do not love me, you ought not to tell any that you do, ſince that would be to tell an unprofitable lye; and if you do love me, yet you ought not to tell it, for whether I ſhould be mild or rigorous, it is equally requiſite that this pretended Paſſion be kept cloſe: Then Madam, ſaid Thraſiles, I will tell it unto none but your ſelf, and provided you will be pleaſed to let me tell it unto you, I will be ſilent unto all the world beſides: I beſeech you Thraſiles (ſaid Lyſidice to him) either hold your Peace, or talk of ſomthing elſe; for believe it, my crabbed humour will come upon me if you continue any longer: Then Madam, it's beſt for me to leave you before it come (ſaid he unto her) And indeed Thraſiles ſeeing company coming in as he ſaid ſo, did retire, not knowing whether he was more to hope or to fear, yet he thought himſelf very happy, in that he had diſcovered his love unto Lyſidice; but the Gods do know, his happineſs did not laſt long, for this changeable humoured woman was ſo ill ſatisfied with her ſelf after Thraſiles was gone from her, and thought that ſhe had ſpoke too kindly unto him, as to repair that fault, ſhe reſolved to treat him the moſt ſharply the next time ſhe ſaw him: And indeed ſhe was as good as her word, for ſhe would ſcarcely look upon him, or anſwer him when he ſpoke; yet Thraſiles could not that day diſcerne perfectly whether this rigid uſage from Lyſidice, was only a ſimple effect of her unequal humour, or proceeded from what he had ſpoke unto her the laſt time: But a few daies after I gave him light in the buſineſs, as I am going to tell you: You muſt know Madam, that going to Lyſidice, I found her in her Mothers Chamber, where there was ſo many women, that there was ſcarce any room for me, but there was not one man amongſt them all.

I cannot relate every particular paſſage of their diſcourſe, but I muſt confeſs it was not very pleaſant, for it was compoſed only of this and that dreſs, and of ſuch trifles; and I may very well ſay, that I never in my life heard ſo much ſpoken, and to ſo little purpoſe. I eaſily perceived that Lyſidice was in a fretting humour, and perceived it with delight: becauſe it was a kind of whetſtone to her wit. As ſhe was very weary of this tumultuous company, which went againſt the grain of her inclination, one of her Cozens came in, But the moſt obſerveable thing was, that though this man who came in was far from one of the fineſt wits, but of a very common form of men, yet the diſcourſe did preſently alter, and became more regular, more witty, and more pleaſant, though there was not alteration at all in the company, but only this man, who was none of the beſt Speakers: The truth is, though I cannot give a true reaſon for it, they talked of other things, and much better, and the very ſame perſons who before did weary me, as well as Lyſidice did now extreamly delight me. However, when all the company was gone, I ſtayed with Lyſidice, who ſeeing her ſelf at liberty, did upon a ſudden lay aſide her crabbed humour, and aſſumed her pleaſant: Well Lyriana, ſaid ſhe unto me, do you yet condemn me for preferring the company of men before the company of women? and muſt it not needs be confeſſed, that if all were written down that fifteen or twenty women together ſhould talk, it will be the moſt pitiful book in the world: I do confeſs (ſaid I unto her and laughed) that if all I heard this day were written, it would be found a very fantaſtical piece: For my part, ſaid ſhe, I am almoſt mad at my own Sex, eſpecially when I am in company whoſe talk is all of dreſſes, of houſhold-ſtuff, of Jewels, and ſuch like; not but that I would have ſuch things talked of: for truly I have ſomtimes ſo well dreſſed my ſelf, as I ſhould be glad to be told of it; and ſomtimes my Gown is ſo rich and well made, that I love to hear it commended; but I would have ſuch things ſpoke of but ſeldome, that they ſhould talk of them handſomly, as it were by the by, without making it the main buſineſs, and not as certain women I know, who make it the whole buſineſs of their lives, to talk of ſuch things, and never think of any thing elſe; and yet do think upon them with ſo much irreſolution, as that they have not yet determined the queſtion in their minds, whether the Red becomes them better then the Blue, or the Yellow, then the Green: I muſt confeſs Madam, Lyſidices diſcourſe did make me laugh, and the more [Page] becauſe there was a Lady in Cumes, whoſe mind was wholly upon ſuch things, and never talked of anie thing elſe: whoſe greateſt glorie did conſiſt in the guilding of her Palace, in the richneſs of her houſholdſtuff, in the fineneſs of her clothes, and fairneſs of her jewels. After I had laughed heartilie at Lyſidices diſcourſe, I would needs take the Ladies part in general, and told her that there were as manie men as women, whoſe companie and diſcourſe was not verie pleaſing. Doubtleſs, replied ſhe, there are ſome whoſe companie and talk is intolerable, but yet there is this advantage in them, that one may more eaſily be rid of them: nor is one obliged to obſerve an exact civilitie towards them.

But Lyriana, ſaid ſhe, this is not my meaning: for the thing I ſay is, that the moſt amiable women in the world, when manie of them are by themſelves together, and not a man amongſt them, do uſe to talk of nothing worth a ſtraw, and wearie one another more then if they were by themſelves. But it is not ſo amongſt men of able and accompliſhed parts: Their converſation, its true, is not ſo pleaſant without Ladies, as with them, yet though it be more ſerious, it is more rational: For my part, replied I, I could live very contentedlie, though I never ſaw anie but women, provided they were ſuch as Lyſidice. To anſwer your civilitie, replied ſhe, I could be as well contented as you, provided my companie were all Lyriana's: But for all that, one to one, two to two, or three to three at the moſt makes the beſt companie; for I had rather ſee none then twelve to twelve. Yes Lyriana, (purſued ſhe with the pritieſt anger in the world) though there were a dozen Lyriana's in the world, I ſhould not deſire to ſee them altogether everie daie, unleſs there were two or three men amongſt them. For though I never heard anie impertinencies proceed from you in my life, yet I am confident that if there were twelve of you, there would: or elſe you would do like manie of hers, who ſit and ſay nothing, but makes converſation languiſhing and wearieſom: The truth is Lyriana, unleſs you diſſemble you muſt confeſs, that there is ſomething in it,, which I cannot tell how to expreſs, that makes one accompliſhed man more to divert and pleaſe a companie of Ladies, then the moſt amiable women of the world can do: I ſhall go further then this alſo; for I will maintain, that if there be but two women together, unleſs they be intimate friends to each other they will be leſs pleaſed then they would be, if each of them were talking with a man of ſpirit and wit whom they had never ſaw before: Judg therefore, if I have not reaſon to murmure againſt my Sex in general. But I do wonder (ſaid I to her and ſmiled) ſince the ſocietie of men is ſo neceſſary, that you do not manage the companie of Thraſiles better: for I perceive you treat him with as much ſharpneſs as if you intended to baniſh him. Thraſiles (replied ſhe and bluſhed) is queſtionleſs a very compleat and pleaſing man: but he hath given me ſuch cauſe to complain againſt him, as that I cannot pardon him: & I ſhould more eaſily pardon him, if I were not in the humor in which now I am. Since I had a great deſire to know how the caſe ſtood between Thraſiles & Lyſidice, and ſince this ſhe told me did much augment my curioſitie, I preſſed her to tell me what he had done; ſo that ſhe deſiring to be rid of my importunity without telling me directly what ſhe thought. Thraſiles, replied ſhe, hath or would have done a thing which would have diſpleaſed me the moſt of any thing in the world. This is a verie fine accuſation (ſaid I unto her) for you know not whether Thraſiles hath or would have committed a fault. However it be, ſaid ſhe, he is culpable; for you muſt know that in all probabilitie he endeavoured to deprive me of my deareſt friend, and the man whom of all the world did pleaſe me beſt: and he hath made me ſo to fall out with him, as I ſhall be conſtrained to ſee him no more. I confeſs Madam, Lyſidice ſpoke this with ſuch an air, that my curioſitie was higher then I could deviſe whom ſhe ſhould mean; I named two or three whom I knew to be her friends, and She alwaies anſwered mean; I named two or three whom I knew to be her friends, and She alwaies anſwered that I could not gueſs him: and to puzzle me the more, She ſeemed to wonder that I could not hit upon him: But, ſaid I, who is this friend with whom you muſt break, and with whom Thraſiles hath made you quarrel? He is ſuch a one, replied ſhe, as hath not only made me out of conceit with him, but out of conceit with my ſelf alſo. I muſt confefs, ſaid I unto her, that I cannot underſtand you; for if Thraſiles have told you anie thing concerning this friend, which gives you matter of complaint againſt him, why you doth grieve for him? Becauſe, anſwered Lyſidice, that I had rather not have known the crime which Thraſiles hath revealed unto me, then to be deprived of him who did commit it: But (ſaid I innocently unto her) Can you not wink at it as if you knew it not? for ſo he do not know that you know it, you are not obliged in point of honour to puniſh him. If Thraſiles ſhould know, replied She, that I could pardon ſuch a crime, I ſhould be extreamly aſhamed. But, replied I, though I muſt not know the criminal, yet may I not [Page] know the crime? No (anſwered ſhe and ſmiled) you muſt not know it now: Yet I do wiſh, ſaid I unto her, that Thraſiles whom I made you acquainted with were not ſo much out of your favour; and I muſt confeſs, that I cannot well ſee by your words why you ſhould treat him as you do: If I ſhould ſpeak ſo plain as to be underſtood (replied ſhe and laughed) doubtleſs then you would underſtand me, but ſince I ſpake purpoſely that you ſhould not underſtand me, you will hardly find me out. Really Lyſidice, ſaid I unto her, You are a verie ſtrange woman; and it may be ſaid, that in this buſineſs you are both one of the moſt diſſembling Perſons, and one of the moſt ſincere in the world: Since you both commend me and blame me (replied ſhe) I conceive, that I ought neither to thank you, nor complain againſt you; yet do not think, that I keep this ſecret from you, ibecauſe I do not think you worthy to know my heart; but the reaſon is, becauſe accordng to inequality of humour wherewith you have ſo often upbraided me, there are ſome daies on which I make a ſecret of every thing, and others, on which I keep cloſe nothing. But Madam, I could not perſwade Lyſidice to tell me directly: So that not being obliged to obſerve fidelity with one who would not truſt me; I muſt confeſs, I was very impatient to ſee Thraſiles, and to get out of him what I could not out of her, deſiring to do a good office between them, and to make them friends.

So that the next morning, chance bringing Thraſiles to ſee me, I began to ask him what he had done to incenſe Lyſidice ſo much againſt him? How, replied Thraſiles, hath Lyſidice complained of me to you? Yes (replied I, ſeeming to know more then I did) But why did you tell her that which you told her the other day? What I told her, replied Thraſiles, ought rather to have obliged, then to have angred her: But Lyriana, I pray tell me what ſhe did tell you concerning me? For heavens ſake, if you know the cauſe of her coldneſs to me, do not conceal it; for I do profeſs, I cannot underſtand why any thing I ſaid unto her ſhould provoke her to treat me as ſhe did: I muſt confeſs Madam, that when I heard Thraſiles ſay ſo, I thought that he had indeed advertiſed Lyſidice, how ſome one of her friends had either done or ſaid ſomthing which deſerved her anger, and that it was out of this reaſon he ſhould ſay, he never ſaid any thing unto her which might provoke her to treat him as ſhe did: So that without moving him to tell me what I deſired to know, I told him that Lyſidice complained againſt him for cauſing her to loſe one of her deareſt friends. This accuſation did at the firſt ſurprize Thraſiles, but afterwards he thought that Lyſidice, becauſe ſhe would not tell me that he had ſpoken unto her of his Love, had invented this little lye to excuſe it: So that giving no credit unto my words, he told me, that it was impoſſible Lyſidice ſhould think ſo of him, for he had been ſo far from making her loſe any friend, that he ever wiſhed all the world did adore her: She did not ſay (replied I, being angry that I was not credited) that you made her fall out with this friend; but ſhe ſaid, that you have either done or ſpoken ſomthing which hath made that friend fall out with her: I underſtand you worſe then I did before (replied Thraſiles) do for I know that I am not naturally any Miſchief-maker, nor any Tale-teller; and I am ſure, I never ſpoke any thing of any body unto Lyſidice: Certainly then, replied I, ſome or other hath done you an ill office to her: But Lyriana (ſaid he and interrupted me) you think you did rightly underſtand her? Yes certainly Thraſiles, ſaid I; and let me tell you, that if you do not quickly juſtifie your ſelf, you will be excluded out of her favour: How can I juſtifie my ſelf, anſwered he, of an accuſation which I underſtand not? To give you a good occaſion, replied I, I will permit you to tell her, how I acquainted you that ſhe complained againſt you, and that ſhe ſaid you were the cauſe of her falling out with one of her deareſt friends; ſince ſhe did not make her complaints any ſecret, but on the contrary, made a myſterie of a thing which ſhe might well have imparted to me, I am willing you ſhould tell her it was I who told you, and ſo you may juſtifie your ſelf: I ſpoke this ſo confidently unto Thraſiles, that he could not chuſe but believe me; and fancying more ſweetne [...]s that Lyſidice ſhould be offended at him for any thing elſe, rather then at the Declaration of his love, he reſolved to go the next morning unto her, and did ſo, and he we it ſo opportunely, that he found her alone: Since I hear from Lyriana Madam, ſaid he unto her, that you make ſome complaints againſt me, and that you accuſe me for cauſing you to loſe one of your deareſt friends, I come to know Madam whether it be true: Yes (replied ſhe ſharplie) I did ſay all that Lyriana told you, but I have not yet ſaid all I think upon the buſineſs: Why Madam (replied Thraſiles) Can you ſay that I did [...]ver m [...]ke you loſe any friend, I who have ever ſpoke enough to make all the world love: You have ſpoke that unto me, replied ſhe, which is enough to [Page] make all the world love: You have ſpoke that unto me replied ſhe, which is enough to make me break off with him. I would gladly know Madam, replied he, who this friend is, unto whom I have unwittingly done ſo ill an office: You ſhall quickly know him, ſaid ſhe, and all the world ſhall know that I will ſee him no more. But Madam, anſwered he, if this friend be faulty, you are unjuſt to grieve for him, and puniſh me: Lyriana, replied ſhe, hath already ſaid as much as you, but to no purpoſe: for I have better reaſons then either of you for what I do. For Heavens ſake Madam, replied Thraſiles, tell me who this friend is, who on my ſcore hath loſt your favour? It is your ſelf, (replied ſhe, and bluſht for anger) who might have enjoyed my friendſhip as long as you had lived, and who hath forced me againſt my will to baniſh you, and alſo who hath deprived me for ever of your company, which was verie pleaſing, but which now is odious unto me. How Madam, anſwered Thraſiles, in a great amazement, Am I he? Yes certainly, replied She, You are, I beſeech you Madam, ſaid he, what did I ever ſay againſt my ſelfe that could move you to hate me? You have told me, ſaid She, that you loved me, and that is enough. Yet I would gladly know, replied he, whether your anger proceeds from becauſe I love you, or from becauſe I was ſo bold as to tell you ſo: It proceeds, anſwered She, from becauſe you told me ſo: for to be ſincere, one cannot be angry at being loved,

Then Madam, replied, Thraſiles, if it be not my paſſion which incenceth you, but only my bad expreſſions of it which angers you, I will not Madam, ſpeak anie more, and be contented to let you know it by my looks, by my ſervices, and by all my actions. If you had done thus before, replied ſhe, we had been friends: but ſince what's paſt cannot be undone, I muſt do as I reſolved: And indeed this was all that Thraſiles could obtaine of Lyſidice that daie, and he parted from her in a belief that ſhe would caſt him off. Lyſidice alſo for her part, thinking to ſee him no more. After Thraſiles was gone from her, he came to me, who was extreamly deſirous and impatient to know who this friend was who Lyſidice was ſo much out with: Well Thraſiles, ſaid I unto him, do you now know the name of him, unto whom you have done ſuch ill offices? Yes Lyriana, ſaid he, I do know him; and I come hither to tell you and to deſire your pitie for him. You ſee then, replied I, that I did not lie: Nor do I think, ſaid She, that you told the truth. For Heavens ſake, ſaid I unto him, explain this riddle. Thraſiles then, ſeeing I was very earneſt with him; and hoping for ſome pitie from me, began to acquaint me with his love to Lyſidice: and afterwards to tell me of the paſſage between them, letting me underſtand that this friend whom Lyſidice would baniſh, and himſelf, were both one and the ſame. Thraſiles had no ſooner told me this, but I began extreamly to pitie him: Alas Thraſiles, ſaid I unto him, how infinitely do I pitie you for being in love with Lyſidice? Rather pitie me good Lyriana, ſaid he, becauſe ſhe does not love me, and not becauſe I love her: I aſſure you anſwered ſhe, I pitie you for both cauſes, and I know not whether or no you would be leſs miſerable in her hate or in her love: for really Thraſiles, conſidering the peeviſh inequalitie of her humours, I do foreſee you would be intolerably puzzled to endure them. Alas, replied he, ſo ſhe would let me love her, I would endure them all. After this, I uſed all my arguments to diſſwade Thraſiles from any longer loving Lyſidice, but all in vain. However, he deſired me to let him lament the miſeries which he foreſaw he was probably to endure; and I conſented unto him. And indeed, after this, there grew a great amitie betwixt him and me; inſomuch as I dare ſay, that I knew his moſt ſecret thoughts. But to return unto Lyſidice, you muſt know that though ſhe reſolved to baniſh Thraſiles; yet there was ſo much giddineſs in her humour, that ſhe altered her mind: And Madam, not to trouble you with too much impertinacies, Thraſiles was not baniſhed: And Lyſidice became one day in ſo ſweet a humour, that She ſuffered him to love her: yet I think it may very well be ſaid, that She allowed him this favour, to make him reſent the toyiſhneſs of her humours with more ſorrow. And indeed, I believe there was not a day after this on which Thraſyles did not find the truth of my predictions, in ſaying that his love to Lyſidice would coſt him abundance of ſorrow: yet I muſt needs confeſs, that all his hours were not equally ill, but I think I may verie well ſay, he ſuffered more in loving Lyſidice, then he had done in loving all the three which formerly raigned in his heart: and that the foolery of the firſt, the engagement of the ſecond, and the inſenſibilitie of the third, did not put him to ſo much trouble, as the inequalitie of Lyſidices humours: For indeed he never knew in what ſtate he ſtood, and could never tell in what diſpoſition to find her mind, when he came to her. He thought ſome days that he had a deep ſhare in her heart: She [Page] would impart a hundred particular paſſages unto him in a moſt ſweet and obliging manner, inſomuch as he would think himſelf ſure of her affection: But at next meeting the caſe would be moſt miſerably altered, and he would find her the moſt harſh, peeviſh, auſteer, and cold woman in the world.

And I muſt go a little further, and tell you how it was even ordinary for her to go into her Cloſet in a very good humour, and come out in an extream bad one: And to ſet forth her unequal humours a little higher yet; She has ſeveral times had ſeveral diſcourſes with Thraſiles, and has not ended with the ſame humour ſhe begun, though there was no occaſion in the earth given,, which could make her change it. When She was in the good fit, ſhe would commend all that Thraſiles did, and nothing could anger her: and when ſhe was in the bad, She would find fault with every ſillable he ſpake, and would be angry at everie thing: ſometimes ſhe would complain of his paſſion, that it made too great a noiſe in the world: at other times She would have him do a hundred things to publiſh it, and She would very often quarrel with him for obeying her own commands. I remember one day amongſt the reſt when Lyſidice was the moſt charming perſon upon earth, and the moſt complaiſant, and falling into diſcourſe of Feaſts, Pleaſures, and Walks, before five or ſix perſons whom ſhe loved very well, every one propounded their own diverſion according to their own pallate, ſo that Lyſidice in her turn, after ſhe had hearkned unto the phancies of others, She began to coment upon them, and ſaid that there was not one in all they had propoſed which had not ſome inconveniencie in them. As for dancing, ſaid She, The trouble in matters of dreſſing themſelves, the croud one finds there, the ſetting up late, the ſpite to ſee another dance more, and to be more applanded, all theſe ſurpaſs the pleaſure of it. As for muſique, it moves melancholy, or at leaſt does ſo take up the ſpirits, that ſo long as it laſts, they can do nothing but hearken: alſo the pains of commending the muſique does alwaies follow the pleaſure. As for Grand-feaſts, they are intolerable by reaſon of that glutting abundance in them, and by reaſon of that prodigious variety, which in having ſo much to chuſe of, doth take away the liberty of choiſe: yet acknowledging that walking came neareſt her inclination, provided it was in delicious places and choiſe company; yet notwithſtanding to content all the world, ſhe could fancy ſuch a feaſt, as ſhould have all thoſe pleaſures which they had propoſed, without anie of the inconveniences which follow them. I pray, ſaid I unto her, how would you contrive the buſineſs? Firſt, ſaid ſhe, I would make choiſe of a moſt rare Garden, vvherein vvere many murmuring and cooling Fountains, excellent Statues, ſhady Walks, open and aiery Alleys, great Borders but of Flowers, cloſe Arbors, and all that's excellent for a Garden: Alſo I would have it near a fair houſe: But after all this, I would have the libertie of naming all the perſons to be preſent, whom I would order ſo handſomly in my choiſe, as they ſhould not be weary of me, as I ſhould not be weary of them, nor they wearie of one another. After this not to be troubled with too much tricking and dreſſing: I would have all the Ladies there undreſſed: that there ſhould be onlie ſo many Coaches as not to make a throng, that the dividing of companies ſhould be ſutable, and that every Coach ſhould be filled with thoſe who love beſt to be together: that none ſhould be put to riſe too ſoon in the morning: and that every one ſhould come to the place, juſt to have ſo much time as to ſee the houſe before they ſit down, and no more.

Moreover, I would have the meat to be moſt exquiſitely good without anie ſuperfluitie: Then order ſhould be obſerved, and that the odour of flowers ſhould take away the ſmell of a feaſt. All dinner while I would have ſuch muſique as is more fit to exhilerate the ſpirits, then to molifie the heart: alſo I would have the muſique in a loft by themſelves, and not too near. After all this, I would have us paſs into a cool handſom Chamber, and talk, till the Sun gives us leave to walk; after which everie one ſhould follow their own inclinations, and chuſe thoſe places they like beſt. When night came, I would have us ſup as we dined, but in a place where the murmure of Fountains might be heard: at riſing from table, I would have return to walk again, and to content thoſe who affected dancing; I would have two or three hundred chryſtal Lamps fixed in every Tree in a large Walk, to make the night day: Then to let the muſique draw near, and thoſe that affected dancing, let them dance: without anie hinderance to thoſe that had a deſire to ſit down under a purling fountain, to follow their own humours. After which, without going too ſoon, or ſtaying too late, I would have us return to Cumes, fully ſatisfied with all innocent delights, without anie trouble and puzzle as uſually follows ſuch entertainments.

[Page] Lyſidice having done, every one agreed that ſuch a journy as ſhe expreſſed would be very pleaſing; But ſaid Thraſiles, to imagin ſuch a thing is not enough, but it muſt be really effected before it be pleaſant: For my part, ſaid he, I will provide the Garden, the Muſique, and two repaſts, in which ſhall be no ſuper [...]l [...]ity. Lyſidice hearing this offer, was the firſt who accepted of it, and ſo it was a thing reſolved upon. Thraſiles taking upon him the charge and care of all the Feaſt, and Lyſidice the choice of all the perſons, who indeed were ſuch as pleaſed her; at laſt they all had Summons, the day was appointed, Thraſiles ordered all things according to Lyſidices expreſſions, excepting what related to the Table unto which he did not keep within his preſcribed limits, for he was more magnificent in them.

The day of this pleaſure being come, all the Ladies were readie, and all the Coaches provided, but upon a ſuddain the whimſey did ſo take Lyſidice, that after ſhe had made a new Gown for that day, which was as gallant and gay as poſſible: After I ſay ſhe was dreſt, after ſhe had put on her Hood, and ready to go, She changed her mind; She undreſt her ſelf, and went to bed, praying me to make her excuſes unto the companie, ſaying She was not well; but after I received this meſſage, in lieu of doing as She bad me, I went unto her, and found her more waſpiſh and melancholy then ever I ſaw her in my life. Since I underſtood by her women in the outer Chamber that ſhe was well enough, and not at all ſick, I went to her bed-ſide, I drew the Curtain, and ſet open the Windows: Let me look in your eyes, ſaid I unto her, and there ſee whether your diſeaſe be real or diſſembled, for it is by them better then your tongue, that I can know it.

But Madam, in lieu of finding the leaſt languiſhiug paleneſs, I ſaw a freſh complexion, her hair ſo cur [...]ed, that much pains and art had been uſed, ſo that without any anſwer: No, no Lyſidice, ſaid I, I am ſure you are not ſick, and therefore you muſt riſe and go along with us, and I will not let you be at reſt till you riſe. At firſt ſhe anſwered me in a pitiful tone, but after ſhe ſaw I did not believe her, ſhe confeſſed ſhe was not ſick, but only ſaid ſo, becauſe ſhe would not go with us: Fie, fie Lyſidice, ſaid I unto her; after you your ſelf propoſed the buſineſs, after you have made choice of the Perſons, after you have engaged Thraſiles unto much care and charge, all which he is at only for the love of you, can you put off thus? Fie, fie Lyſidice, I profeſs I cannot endure it, and you ſhall abſolutely go with us: Were this Feaſt made for any other then my ſelf, replied ſhe, I would go to it; but ſince I know it is intended only for me, I neither will nor can go, for I know that theres nothing does more put one out of countenance, then to be the Lady of the Feaſt: But I pray Lyſidice, ſaid I unto her, did you not know it was only intended for you, when it was firſt reſolved upon? Yes, ſaid ſhe, and engaged my ſelf before I had well conſidered upon it. But did you not conſider upon it this morning before you dreſſed your ſelf, ſaid I? No, ſaid ſhe, for as my woman as ſhe was dreſſing me, told one, how one of the Ladies who was to be preſent ſhould ſay, that ſhe was not at all obliged unto Thraſiles for this Feaſt, but whollie unto me; this did ſo vex me, that I ſaw I had been verie raſhlie inconſiderate in ſuffering Thraſiles to make this Feaſt, and that it was the moſt impertinent thing in the world to make my ſelf beholding unto a man for all the pleaſures which he give unto a great companie, and for the ſatisfaction which men will receive, unto whom it is not intended: The truth is, I muſt be the debtor unto Thraſiles for all this Feaſt if I go unto it, for the Muſique, for the Dancing, and even to the very charges of the Candles, for the verie coolneſs of the evening, and murmure of the Fountains. Fie Lyriana, this muſt not be, and I had much rather pay for all, then to acknowledg my ſelf a debtor, as needs I muſt if I go; therefore Lyriana, as well as I love you, I muſt not be beholding unto Thraſiles for all the pleaſures he provides you this day. Is it poſſible, ſaid I unto her, that Lyſidice ſhould ſay ſo? Yes, replied ſhe, and more then that, for Lyſidice is as reſolute in it, as ever ſhe was of any thing in all her life. Then you make Thraſiles, ſaid I unto her, moſt deſperately ſad: There will be ſo much good company (anſwered ſhe) as he may verie eaſilie comfort himſelf without mine: You were rightlie ſerved (ſaid I unto her) if he did, for he muſt needs be ſenſible of the affront which you put upon him: Let him do what he will, ſaid ſhe, ſo you will go and leave me at quiet. But Lyſidice, ſaid I unto her, though you do not conſider Thraſiles, yet conſider your ſelf, and think how your humour will be talked on: Let them ſay what they pleaſe, replied ſhe, ſo they will let me do as I will. As ſhe pronounced theſe laſt words, Thraſiles came in, and was aſtoniſhed to find her in bed. Since he knew her now as well as my ſelf, he imagined that this was onlie a fantaſtical humour, yet at [Page] firſt he did not expreſs his thoughts. only asked her, how it came to paſs ſhe was ſuch a ſluggard, yet adding with a ſmile, that it was in ſome ſort but juſt ſhe ſhould make them ſtay for her, on purpoſe to let them ſee that the Feaſt was prepared for her: It will appear, ſaid ſhe, that I have no great ſhare in it, ſince I will not be there: I beſeech you Madam, ſaid he unto her, how comes this ſuddain alteration to paſs ſince laſt night? Never accuſe Lyſidice of any alteration (ſaid I in an angrie mood) ſince ſhe hath no reaſon in the world for it, but that ſhe is ſtill her ſelf. Then did ſhe tell Thraſiles that ſhe was not well, but he did not believe her, and he Courted her in the ſweeteſt and moſt perſwaſive language in the world, not to refuſe him this favour, but all was in vain. Thraſiles then ſeeing all his perſwaſions and arguments could not prevail, propoſed unto her to put it off until another day, but ſhe did with abundance of violence forbid it. Then was Thraſiles ſo vexed, as he ſaid, that ſince ſhe would not go, he would not go neither; and for above half an houre I was in a belief, that neither ſhe for whom the Feaſt was made, nor he that made it, would be preſent at it.

But in concluſion She was ſo earneſt with Thraſiles, that he himſelf ſhould go, and She her ſelf to ſtay behind, that obey her he muſt, and accordinglie went unto this Feaſt without her. You may imagine Madam, in what a ſullen humour Thraſiles was in all that day, yet he did bear out this peeviſh paſſage with abundance of patience, and as inconſtant as he was reported to be, he did not deſiſt from loving Lyſidice, though in my opinion he had verie great cauſe; but on the contrarie, he deſired me to tell all the company, that Lyſidice was really ſick, leſt they ſhould ſpeak ſomthing of her which might be diſadvantagious unto him. But the oddeſt Paſſage of all was, that the next day ſhe would needs perſwade him moſt unjuſtly, that he was very merry at the Feaſt, though he never ſeemed ſo melancholy in all his life, and charged him with a crime for obeying her in the entertainment of thoſe Ladies which ſhe her ſelf made choice of. However, her waſpiſh humour being over, She eaſilie appeaſed Thraſiles. But ſince it was not poſſible the fantaſtical humour of Lyſidice ſhould be concealed, She made the love of Thraſiles to her more apparent, inſomuch as one who was an Enemie unto Lyſidice, and had a ſquint eye her ſelf upon Thraſiles, did give it out, that Thraſiles did not onlie love Lyſidice, but alſo that Lyſidice ſuffered Thraſile▪ to love her: And She ſpoke this before ſo much company, that ſome friend of Lyſidices did acquaint her with it: So that She never conſidering that it was onlie the reports of an Enemie, did take the matter as hainouſlie, as if it had been the vulgar talk of all the Court, and charged Thraſyles never to ſee her again, yet She did a little moderate her doom, and confined him only not to ſee her at her own houſe: So that Thraſiles, who was all obedience, ſought out all occaſions of comfort to himſelf in ſeeing her at other places, either in the Temple, or in the Walks, or at other viſits which ſhe made, inſomuch as though he did not ſee her at her own houſe, yet he ſaw her very often; but he did not long enjoy this favour wi [...]h any tranquilitie for Lyſidice, growing into a worſe mood, began to be very harſh to him, and to think that he ſlighted her, ſince he came not to ſee her, though She poſitively commanded the contrarie, and though he never in his life loved her more. In the mean time, Thraſyles ſeeing himſelf ſo courſly treated, could not deviſe unto what to attribute the cauſe, and I believe would never have found it, unleſs he had by chance come unto [...]e when Lyſidice was there, where caſually I was ſpeaking of a man in Court who was one of my friends: One of your friends (replied Lyſidice ſharplie) how can that be, ſince I never ſee him with you? I do not ſay, replied I, that he is in the firſt rank of my friends; yet however, ſince I ſee him almoſt everie day in ſeveral places, I may ſay he is my friend: Oh Lyriana, ſaid ſhe, you do ſtrangelie miſtake your ſelf; for it is my opinion, that though I ſhould ſee you everie day at Philoxenes houſe, and not at mine, I ſhould look upon you only as my friends friend, and not my own. But if Lyriana ſhould onlie aim at ſeeing Lyſidice in Philoxenes Chamber, replied Thraſyle, what would you think of her then, I would then think, replied She, that She might have ſpared her labour, for I am not at all obliged unto her for it: There is ſuch a notable difference between viſits at ones own houſe, and viſits at anothers houſe, one is not Miſtreſs of the converſation, but muſt ſubmit in civilitie to the pleaſure of her whoſe houſe it is. Moreover, when one is not at home, one is obliged to ſee a thouſand perſons whom they care not for meeting with, and who ſomtimes deſire not to be ſeen. So that the humour taking me, as oft it doth, I ſhall be a whole after noon and not ſpeak a word; and there is ſo great a difference between Lyſidice in her own Chamber, a [...]p Lyſidice in anothers, as one would ſay ſhe was two Lyſidices: Yet (replied [Page] I and laughed) yet there is not neceſſity of being ſo different in your ſelf: However it be, ſaid She, it cannot be denied, but that it is incomparably more ſweet to have good companie at home, then any where elſe; and that any one is fuller of life and ſpirit in ones own Chamber, then in anothers. According to your Maximes Madam, replied Thraſyles, I am onlie to be the friend of your friend; You need not doubt it, replied She, and from this verie houre I will look upon you as Lyriana's friend and not mine; for I do profeſs and declare unto you, that all the men I find abroad, do never make any particular impreſſion upon my heart, and it would be an Age before I ſhould look upon them as having any right unto their amitie, but ſhould rank ſuch men in the Catalogue of my acquaintance, and not of my friends. But I beſeech you Madam, replied Thraſyles, if one do forbid anie one of their friends to come unto their houſe, does ſuch a friend loſe the glorious title and qualitie of friend, by being obedient unto their commands? Yes, replied She, if ſuch a one will willinglie be obedient in ſuch a thing as might be diſobeyed, without diſobliging her who did command it. I know one of your friends, replied he, unto whom I will give this counſel: Be not too haſtie, ſaid ſhe, for perhaps the counſel which I give in general, is not good for him you ſpeak of in particular. The truth is Madam, Thraſyles did eaſily underſtand her, for ſince he had a mind to go the next day unto Lyſidices, ſhe did treat him moſt abominablie ill, and told him, that ſince he would ſcarcelie ever ſee her at her own houſe, he ſhould not ſee her any where elſe, ſo that there was a fearful quarrel between them; but for all this, it ended to the apparent advantage of Thraſyles; for ſince that, he obtained leave to ſee her at her own houſe, as before. But Madam, it was to torment him more then ever he was before; for I am confident, that there was not one day on which the inequalitie of this fantaſtical woman did not torment him with a new puniſhment, the greateſt crueltie was, that ſhe would ſo ſmooth him up with her ſweet and pleaſant houres, that he could not for his life diſingage his mind: For truly (ſaid he one day unto me when I was perſwading him to deſiſt) were She alwayes in her ill humours, I could eaſily break thoſe bands which tye me to her ſervice: But Lyriana, did you but know how amiable She is when She pleaſeth, you would not wonder I ſhould love her, maugre her fantaſtical inequality, and her good houres forceth me to endure her bad ones with patience. In the mean time I plainlie ſee, this ſweetneſs ſerves onlie to make me the more miſerable. Thus Madam did Lyſidice live with Thraſiles, who did a long time endure her impertinent inequalities; and I am verie confident, that any other would have forſook her ſooner, yet I am moſt confidentlie perſwaded, that until this laſt paſſage, he loved her in ſpite of her humours, but for it, he was not able to endure it, and certainly he had good reaſon; For Madam, be pleaſed to know, that Thraſiles taking her in the critical minute, when ſhe was all ſweetneſs and civilities, he won her to let him ask the conſent of her Parents unto her Marriage with him. He had no ſooner obtained this libertie, but being even raviſhed with joy, he went unto Niſide, (for Father he had none long ſince) and moved her to tranſact with him. Niſide who was extreamlie tender of her Son, did give him all deſirable ſatisfaction, and ſpoke of it unto Lyſidices Parents, who liked very well of this Alliance. So that imagining Thraſiles would never have put her upon this motion, unleſs he had known her mind before, they accepted the Propoſition with much joy, not at all queſtioning but Lyſidice would like of it as well as themſelves; but it was not as they imagined: For Madam, this ſickle humoured woman having altered her mind, ſince Thraſiles left her, diſliked of that which before ſhe approved of. 'Tis true, She writ a Letter of Revocation unto him, but he did not receive it until a quarter of an houre after he had received the favourable anſwer which Lyſidices Parents gave unto Niſide. I leave you to judg Madam, how this ſurprized Thraſiles, but his aſtoniſhment was much greater when he anderſtood how Lyſidice had declared her ſelf that She would not marry, and when he underſtood that the Parents of this uncertain woman came to Ni [...]ide with a hundred excuſes for engaging themſelves ſo far as they had done, before they knew the mind of her who had the greateſt intereſt in the buſineſs. Judg Madam, how Thraſiles ſhould reſent this affront which Lyſidice put upon him, and whether he had not good cauſe to leave loving her; his anger was ſo great, that he made a ſolemn oath never to go unto her again, but abſolutely to break off with her; yet I do verily believe, he would have violated his oath, had not I prevented him; but ſince I knew he would never find any joyes in this moſt alterable humoured woman, I did ſo confirm him in his deſign, that he reſolved to execute it. Since he had already found by experience, that abſence was a good remedie againſt ſuch diſeaſes, he left Cumes, and at parting left this Letter for Lyſidice, which contained theſe words.

[Page]

THRASILES unto LYSIDICE.

Madam,

SInce in loving you with a moſt conſtant violence, ever ſince I began to ſerve you, I cannot obtain your love: Perhaps in changing my mind, you will change alſo, and perhaps grieve for your loſs: However, I depart from Cumes with a moſt ſtrong reſolution never to return until I have quite baniſhed you out of my heart: Be moſt confidently aſſured, that if ever you ſee me again, it ſhall be without the leaſt ſpark of love unto you: And if you never ſee me, it is becauſe I cannot rid my heart of the moſt fervent paſſion that ever any was capable of.

THRASILES.

When Thraſiles, gave me this Letter for Lyſidice, I know he deſired an anſwer: but I muſt confeſs, I would not preſs her for one, leſt if it ſhould be writ in one of her good moods, it might re-engage him to love her, yet ſince he wiſhed that ſhe had it, I did deliver it, and made her read it in my preſence: After which, I began to chide her a thouſand times, and preſſed her to tell me, why ſhe would ever grant Thraſiles any ſuch permiſſion as She did, ſince it was againſt her mind. When I gave him that Permiſſion, ſaid She, I did really think it, and it was my very mind: But afterwards, when I conſidered this engagement which was to be as long as I lived, I found it fondneſs for one who could not tell in the morning what humour She ſhould be in at night, to think that the ſame which pleaſed me now, ſhould pleaſe me at the latter end of my life: ſo that it might perhaps have made me miſerable, without contributing any thing unto the felicity of Thraſiles. For truly Lyriana, ſaid She unto me, when I think upon the extream perplexitie I am in, when the humour takes me in a place out of which I cannot get: and how grieved I ſhould be if after I were married unto Thraſiles, I ſhould change my mind, and repent; I muſt needs proteſt, that as much as I eſteem him, I am verie glad he is out of Cumes: and ſhall hardly deſire his return for the reaſon he expreſſeth in the concluſion of his Letter: yet Lyſidice bluſhed as She pronounced theſe laſt words, and bluſhed ſo much as I could eaſily ſee her heart and her tongue were at odds. In the mean time I writ unto Thraſiles enough to cure him, yet for all that he was not ſo ſoon quit of that paſſion which tormented him: But during his abſence I ſaw Lyſidice remembred what he had writ, and believed that the reaſon why he returned not, was becauſe he was ſtill in love with her. That which induced me to think ſo, was, That Philoxene going into that Countrey where Thraſiles was, She came to bid me adieu juſt as Lyſidice was in my chamber, ſo that falling into diſcourſe of that ſolitude whereunto She was going, I told her that I thought her very happy in that She was to have the neighbourhood of ſuch a moſt accompliſhed man as Thraſiles was. It's ſo long ſince he went out of Cumes, replied Philoxene, that it's very probable he will not ſtay long in the Country: Since you are in it, replied Lyſidice, and ſmiled, its to be thought he will not ſo ſoon leave it: For my part (replied I purpoſely to let Lyſidice know I underſtood her) I am not of your opinion: for I think it very likely Philoxene will make Thraſiles come ſooner unto Cumes, then you imagine. I muſt confeſs, ſaid Philoxene, I do not well underſtand your meanings; for me thinks you both do commend me, and yet ſpeak contrary to each other: It's a Riddle, ſaid I unto her, which happily you may explain hereafter: If She do not return until Thraſiles returns, replied Lyſidice and laughed, it will be a long time before She know what you mean. After this, and much other diſcourſe which I remember no▪ Philoxene went away. But within a month after She was gone, as Lyſidice and I were together, and coming o [...] of Atalia's houſe, who ſhould we meet but Thraſiles, who ſaluted us very civilly as he paſſed by, but ſtayed not a jot with us. I no ſooner ſaw him but I lookt upon Lyſidice, who as ſoon as ever She ſaw him changed colour: ſo that I turning to her, and ſpeaking low leſt our women ſhould hear. Well Lyſidice (ſaid I unto her) did you think Thraſiles would ever return? Provided Philoxene did not ſend him, replied She, I do not care though he be returned: For my part, replied I, I care not upon what reaſon he return, ſo he think upon the end of his Letter which [...] writ unto you. However it be, ſaid She unto me, you would do me a great pleaſure, if you would tell Thraſiles, I am much joyed at his return: I promiſe you I will, ſaid I unto her, though on my conſcience you are not ſo glad of it as you ſay you are. As we were thus talking, we came to a Ladies houſe unto whom we intended a viſit: which done, [Page] I waited upon Lyſidice to her own houſe, and returned to my own, where Thraſiles ſtayed for me: I no ſooner ſaw him, but I ſeemed very joyful at his return: But yet, ſaid I unto him, before my joys be full, I muſt know whether you be returned free from this thing called Love: for if you be not, believe me, in lieu of rejoycing, I ſhall be extreamly grieved. Grieve then you muſt, ſaid he unto me; for I was never more in love in all my life then now, and in all probabilities ſhall be ſo till death. Fie fie, Thraſyles, ſaid I unto him, you are not ſo much Maſter of your ſelf as I imagined, nor care I for the friendſhip of a man, who ſince he can ſo eaſily forget injuries, can as eaſily forget good offices: But Thraſiles ſaid I, have you forgot how you writ unto Lyſidice, that you would never retur unto Cumes until you had left loving her? Pardon me good Lyriana, ſaid he unto me, for I have kept my word. You are not then in love, as you ſay you are, replied I. I am more in love Lyriana, ſaid he, then I ſay I am; yes, much more then I am able to ſay: But, my dear Lyriana, it is with Philoxene, and not with Lyſidice, whom ſpite and reaſon baniſhed out of my heart, before Philoxene came into the Country. Though it be not my cuſtom, replied I, to be very glad that anie of my friends ſhould be in love; yet I profeſs I am infinitely joyed that you are in love with Philoxene, ſince it is an infallible argument you are not in love with Lyſidice.

After this, I began to vaunt that I ſhould ſo foretel his paſſion; and I related unto him what Lyſidice and I had ſaid when Philoxene came to bid me adieu: After this he acquainted me, how having ſeen Philoxene every day ſince ſhe came into the Country with all the freedom which the Country could afford: he had ſeen her more in a month there, then he ſhould have done in Cumes in a whole year: and that indeed he had found that in her alone which he had vainly ſought for in thoſe four perſons which formerly he had loved. How Thraſiles, ſaid I unto him, Are you not only in love, but loved alſo? No, replied he, you do not well explain my words, for my meaning is, that Philoxene hath more good qualities then all the reſt together have: And certainly Madam, Thraſyles had good reaſon thus to commend this lovely Widow, ſince queſtionleſs there cannot be a more accompliſhed perſon. Doubtleſs he might have found one of as great beauty, and as much wit, and ſpirit; but never any ſo without fault. For truth is, ſhe had none: her beauty was infinitely pleaſing, her behaviour was high, noble, and modeſt; her Phiſognomy ſpake goodneſs and ſincerity: and there was ſuch pritty mixture of mirth and ſeriouſneſs together in her face, as did exceedingly become her: She had a million of charms in her humours, as many graces in her mind, and as many good qualities in her ſoul: virtue was alwayes the end ſhe aimed at in all her actions: She affected glory, She is moſt tender to her friends, She ſerves them with joy, and never diſobliged any. It may be ſaid her anger is an ornament unto her, in raiſing up ſome lovely bluſhes, but vaniſhing ſo ſoon as it will not give her time to do any injuſtice. It is impoſſible but to judg favourably of her: She is fair, She is young, She is rich, and She is a Widdow: She knows ſo well how to regulate her life, that her reputation is high, though her vertue be neither ſalvage nor auſtere; but on the contrary ſweet and ſociable. This Madam, was Philoxene, when Thraſiles began to love her, and this She is at this very day: yet I underſtand by him, that he durſt not diſcover his paſſion unto her▪ but tells me, that he is fully perſwaded She knows it, or at leaſt ſuſpects it. Since he came only unto Cumes upon ſome little buſineſs, and to let Lyſidice know how he did not now love her, he ſtayed but three days, and returned to Philoxene.

To tell you how vexed Lyſidice was, is not an eaſie matter, eſpecially when Philoxene returned to Cumes, and Thraſiles followed her the next day; for when ſhe perceived that he was in love with this fair one, She was veved to the very ſoul. Then did ſhe contract a great amity with Cleocrite, and both of them had a plot to make him paſs in the world for the moſt unconſtant man in it, hoping thereby to ruine him in the opinion of Philoxene: and indeed, I believe theſe reports which they had ſcattered abroad, did not do him much good nor hurt. But the great obſtacle which Thraſiles met with in the mind of Philoxene, was not that: for indeed after he had ſerved her a whole year with extream aſſiduity and fidelity, She ſaw he was far from inconſtancie: But Madam the love She had to liberty, kept her from the reception of Thraſiles his ſervices: I know ſhe eſteemed him above all men living, and that if ever ſhe married, Thraſiles would be her choice: But yet, for all this favourable inclination which apparently ſhe had to him, She did not chuſe him, nor put him in any hopes: yet for all that Thraſiles whom they ſaid was ſo unconſtant, deſiſted not, but ſuffered all, becauſe he did not find in her ſuch things as ſtifles the very ſoul of [Page] Love: As the foolerie of his firſt Miſtreſs, the engagement of his ſecond, the inſenſibilitie of the third, and the fantaſtical humours of the fourth: But he ſtood firm and conſtant to his loving her, and ſeemed as if he were reſolved ſo to do as long as life was in him, and I am moſt confident it is true; for ſince Thraſiles loved Philoxene, his conſtancy hath been put unto all ſorts of trials. Firſt, it is certain, that Cleocrite and Lyſidice either out of vanity, or malice, or ſome other reaſon, laid all the ſtratagems they could invent to diſingage him for her, and to reduce him unto their ſervices. Niſide alſo for a while had a ſtrong deſire her Son ſhould marrie one of the faireſt Ladies in the world, and much richer then Philoxene, yet his paſſion reſiſted againſt all, even abſence it ſelf, for he was three whole moneths in Milete, where the greateſt Beauties in the world reſide, yet he continued faithful, and returned to Cumes as much in love with her, as when he went away: Moreover, it cannot be ſaid, that the favours of Philoxene did reſtrain him, for none could live more reſervedlie, and uſe more ſeveritie then She did to him, though without any rudeneſs or incivility. Thus Madam it muſt conſequentlie and neceſſarilie be concluded, that Thraſiles may very well paſs for a verie conſtant man, though he have loved many Miſtreſſes: Yet Madam, ſince friendſhip may be partial, I will ſuſpend my judgment until you have pronounced your ſentence.

After Lyriana had finiſhed her relation, Mandana did extreamlie commend her, and thanked her for her pleaſing recital of Thraſiles his adventures, applauding her eſpeciallie for epitomizing five ſeveral Loves into ſo ſhort a method, as any one elſe would have made ſo many ſeveral ſtories. After which, asking Cyrus, the Prince Arta [...], and Aglatidas in what rank ſhe ſhould repute Thraſiles, they would not give her any counſ [...], but would leave it unto her judgment: So that appointing to let Cleocrite, Lyſidice, A [...]ia, and Thraſiles to enter, it was found that Lyſidice having altered her humour, ſince She went out of the Chamber of Mandana, was gone away, and had carried At [...] [...] her, and ſo there remained none but Thraſiles and Cleocrite, whoſe indifferent humour made her not care much whether Thraſiles ſhould paſs for a conſtant or an inconſtant man; and accordinglie She came into Mandana's Chamber with Thraſiles, as pleaſant as if She valued not the indifferencie whereof She imagined Lyriana had accuſed her. You ſee Madam, ſaid ſhe to the Princeſs Mandana, that as indifferent as they ſay I am, yet I am more full of revenge then either Lyſidice or Atalia, ſince I my ſelf do bring him in who is to be condemned: 'Tis more then you know, replied Thraſiles, whether I ſhall be condemned or juſtified: We ſhall know it preſentlie, replied ſhe, ſince it is the Princeſs who muſt teach me what I ought to think of you: I aſſure you, replied Mandana, that if you regulate your thoughts by mine, you will think nothing that is advantagious to him: For indeed, added the Princeſs, after a ſerious conſideration of the ſeveral changes which hath been in Thraſiles, I do not find him ſo clear as I did imagine; therefore without either favour or injuſtice, I do doom him to be named

The unconſtant man, without inconſtancie.

The Judgment is ſo juſt, replied Cyrus, that I cannot think the fair Cleocrite will murmure at it, nor that Thraſiles will complain: Since the name of Inconſtant is his doom, replied Cleocrite, I ſhould be injurious to murmure: And for my part, ſaid Thraſiles, ſince the moſt wiſe Princeſs in the world declares me to be without inconſtancy, I have good reaſon to be ſatisfied, and to commend her Juſtice: Since I have pleaſed you both, replied Mandana, I have done more then I thought I ſhould, but certainlie done that which I deſired. As ſhe ſaid ſo, Philoxene entred, and Cleocrite went out: But as Mandana obſerved that Anaxaris thought himſelf obliged by the favours ſhe did unto Thraſiles, ſhe took occaſion to ſpeak unto Philoxene in his behalf; and the occaſion did the more fitlie preſent it ſelf, becauſe Philoxene knowing that the Army was to march verie ſhortlie, ſhe come unto the Princeſs, beſeeching her to obtain from Cyrus a Protection for a fair houſe which ſhe had, which ſtood juſt in the way they were to march. Cyrus for his particular, did ſo love to do all good offices for unfortunate Lovers, that he ſpoke very much unto Philoxene in behalf of Thraſyles, inſomuch, as though ſhe had till then very reſolutely defended her liberty, both againſt Thraſyles, and againſt her own inclination, began now to [...] unto the Conquerour of Aſia. And indeed Thraſiles did thrive ſo well under the [...]tion of Cyrus and Mandana, that within three daies after the match was made up, and their Marriage was honored with the preſence of Mandana [Page] and Cyrus, But though all the Ladies in Cumes were invited, there came none but Cleocrite and Lyſidice of all the Miſtreſſes of Thraſiles: The firſt of theſe, becauſe all things being indifferent unto her except pleaſures, ſhe would not loſe ſuch a feaſt of joy, and Lyſidice, becauſe coming thither accidentally, and being in a merry humor, ſhe thought it would be moſt glorious for her not to expreſs any ſorrows for the loſs of Thraſiles. In the mean time, thoſe who were ſent to the Xanthians, and the Caunians, being returned, and reporting that they received all the conditions with joy, there was now no obſtacle to the departure of Mandana, for ſuch haſt was made in the preparations of all things requiſite to her journey, as that all things would be in readineſs within a day or two. To looſe no time, Cyrus gave out all neceſſary orders, either for the march of the Army, or for the departure of the two Fleets which were in the Port, or to diſmiſs the meſſengers from the Prince Philoxippes, and the Prince of Cicilie, with thanks to their Maſters. But whilſt hope did ſo nouriſh the joyes of Cyrus, as the engagement with the King of Aſſiria never troubled him; Mazares and Anaxaris ſeeing the diſmal day of Mandana's departure drew neer, they were extreamlie ſad; for when they conſidered that the end of their voyage would be the beginning of felicity unto Cyrus, and the end of his miſeries, their ſorrows were beyond all expreſſions; yet there was abundance of difference between the thoughts of theſe two Rivals, and one and the ſame beautie, and one and the ſame Paſſion produced in them effects very unreſemblant. Anaxaris without any hopes, was ſo bewitched with his paſſion, as he could not for his life reſiſt it: But as for Mazares, he did ſo continually ſtrive with himſelf and his paſſion, that it was impoſſible for man to do more. Anaxaris to be more in Love, if it were poſſible, did ſee the Princeſs as much as ever he could: Mazares on the contrary, was ſo afraid of a beauty which was above his virtue, as he did moſt carefully avoid all occaſions of ſeeing her: Indeed, he had never any particular diſcourſe with this Princeſs, ſince ſhe was delivered; but the night before their departure, Cyrus being buſie in writing to the Queen of Corinth, to the Prince Philoxippes, to the Prince of Cicilie, and in giving orders for ſecuring Cumes, and diſpatching the Deputies from Suſiana, ſo it happened, that Mazares being then with Mandana, he was inſenſibly ingaged to be alone with her. At firſt there was a great a ſilence obſerved between them, for the Princeſs remembring how this Prince in whom ſhe truſted had betrayed her, and how ſhe never was alone with him ſince he carried her away, ſhe began to bluſh, and Mazares for his part, ſeeing he was alone with that Princeſs whom he extremely loved, and whoſe greateſt miſeries he had cauſed, he found in his heart ſo much love, and ſo much ſhame both, as he was a long time before he could tell what to ſay unto her; but at laſt, not foreſeeing what the ſequel of his diſcourſe would be, he began to ſpeak unto this Princeſs.

Though I doubt not Madam, ſaid he unto her. but ſince you have honoured me with the promiſe of your friendſhip, and to let me enjoy it as I did at Babylon, you will be as good as your word, ſince I have kept mine with you; yet Madam, I cannot chuſe but beg new aſſurances of it: For truly Madam, when I think how unworthy of it I have made my ſelf. I dare not truſt either unto your promiſes or your generoſity; and methinks I have reaſon to fear, that ſince you cannot reſtore me to your eſteem, you cannot reſtore me to your friendſhip. Since I find you the ſame at Cumes, replied Mandana, that you were at Babylon, I will quite forget all that paſſed at Sinope, and rank you amongſt my deareſt friends: The Crime I did commit againſt you was ſo great, replied Mazares, as I dare not hope you can forget it, unleſs you know ſomthing more that may extenuate it; for truly Madam, you do not yet know two things which I do moſt humbly beſeech you to let me now acquaint you with, and which queſtionleſs will the more willingly induce you to reſtore me unto that eſteem and friendſhip which you are pleaſed to promiſe me. It is ſufficient for that (replied Mandana) that you have repented, and that you are reſolved to keep within thoſe thoughts that now you have: No Madam, replied Mazares, my repentance is not enough, ſince it does only repair my Crime, but the two things which I have to tell you will leſſen it: Then tell them, replied the Princeſs, for I aſſure you I ſhould be very glad of new cauſes to eſteem you: Since you are pleaſed to permit me Madam, replied Mazares, I muſt tell you, that it was paſſion which made me [...]ninal againſt you. Methinks, replied Mandana, and bluſht, that this is but a bad way to me to reſtore you unto my eſteem and friendſhip, ſince it revives in my memory a thing which made you loſe them: I beſeech you Madam (replied Mazares, ſeeing the diſorder in her face) do not fear that I will ever repent of my repentance, and do not imagine I pretend, that the [Page] paſſion (whoſe grandure I would have you know) ſhall ſerve me unto any other end, then to leſſen the crime which I committed in carrying you away. No Madam, I promiſe you never to tell you the thoughts of my heart as long as I live: and that I will never ask any thing from you but this eſteem and friendſhip which you promiſed me: But for Heavens ſake Madam, give me leave only once to tell you with what imperious violence you commanded in my heart, when you raviſhed away my virtue.

This is a favour which Cyrus himſelf, if I asked would not deny; but would give me leave to tell it: for I profeſs Madam I deſire not to talk to you of that love which made me criminal, out of hope of any recompence: but only to leſſen my puniſhment, and to juſtifie my ſelf: I do not beg permiſſion Madam, to tell you that I love you, I deſire only to let you know, that I did love you to ſuch a height, as that I was out of my wits when I carried you away from Sinope: To the end, that if you do not look upon me as a wicked wretch, who ſinned without any provocation or repugnancy, you may the more eaſily keep your word with me. If to believe you loved me (replied the Princeſs) be all that's requiſite, I had rather confeſs it, then doubt of it: to the end I may ſpare my ſelf the pains of hearkening unto a diſcourſe which cannot pleaſe me, nor be at all advantagious unto you: However Madam, ſaid he, I beſeech you let the greatneſs of my crime convince you of the greatneſs of my love which moved me to commit it. I pray Mazares, ſaid Mandana, and interrupted him, do not infuſe any ſcruple in my mind, to poiſon that friendſhip and eſteem I would have of you: and know, that the more you peſwade me that you loved me, the more I ſhall think you did not love me, and the leſs ſhare will you have in my friendſhip; therefore do not expoſe your ſelf unto a thing which perhaps may make you loſe it: For heavens ſake Madam, replied Mazares, do not threaten me with ſuch a dire adventure, but give me leave to acquaint you with my real thoughts; to the end you may entertain no unjuſt ones of me. Think Madam, I conjure you, that I would never ſpeak any thing that ſhould diſpleaſe you: and that I court nothing but your eſteem and friendſhip; and that I will eternally fight againſt my ſelf in your behalf; that I will regulate my thoughts as I do my words: I will forbid my eyes to ſhew you the thoughts of my heart: and for a teſtimony of my reverent eſteem of you. I will ſerve Cyrus as if I had never been his Rival. Judg Madam, after this, whether you can be ſo ſevere as to deny me the favour which I ask; for I proteſt Madam, that this is the laſt time of all my life that ever I will ſpeak unto you concerning my ſelf: I will engage my ſelf never to pronounce the word Love in your preſence: but I beſeech you, let me aſſure you, that ſince love hath cauſed me to commit theſe crimes, that I could never have done it, unleſs it had been forced by ſuch a violent paſſion, as that which forced me to forget my reverence of you. But for all this Madam, I muſt tell you, that never was repentance more real then mine▪ nor more fit to repair a great crime; for there is nothing upon earth which I would not do, rather then to give you the leaſt cauſe of ſuſpicion that I do entertaine one thought which might render my ſelf unworthy of that glorious friendſhip, which you have done me the honour to promiſe me, & which I beg with all imaginable zeal, and poſſible reſpect. Mazares pronounced theſe words in ſuch a ſerious manner, as Mandana having no mind to inſult over a Prince whoſe paſſion only had made him miſerable, did anſwer him with as much civility as virtue: and ſpoke unto him in ſuch a generous manner, that if the love of Mazares had been capable of becoming friendſhip, he had made the exchange at her inſtance: But though he was not able to regulate the thoughts of his heart, yet he did as much as ever he could, and did regulate his words: And ſolemnly proteſted unto Mandana never to ſpeak unto her again of that love he had unto her at Babylon; to the end She might give him new aſſurances of her eſteem, and friendſhip, which Mazares received with joy, though not withoht a ſigh: For truly if this Prince had been only the friend of Mandana, She had given him language obliging enough to content him: but ſince he was ſtill her Lover, it was impoſſible the friendſhip and eſteem of this Princeſs ſhould ever make him happy, though out of his reaſon and vertue he did look upon this friendſhip of hers as the utmoſt term of his deſires, and limits of his hopes. In the mean time, the hour of their departure being come, Mandana after ſhe had received the complements of all the Cumean Ladies, did mount into a glorious triumphant Chariot, none but Marteſia with her; all the reſt of her women being in another Coaches which followed her. Anaxaris who commanded her Guard, did immediately follow; and as for Cyrus, Mazares, Artamis, and all the Volunders, they did m [...] a Body by themſelves ſome twenty paces before Mandana The Prince Thraſibulus, T [...]anes, and Philocles, would not embarque until they [Page] had waited upon Cyrus and Mandana a days journey out of Cumes, but they would by no means permit them, and they were forced to obey. The parting of Cyrus and Thraſibulus was very tender; as for Thimochares, he charged him with ſo many obliging things to tell the Queen of Corinth, as it was evident he did highly eſteem that Princeſs: he did not content himſelf with all this, but ſaid more unto Philocles then unto Thimochares: alſo he willed Ligdamis, Thraſibulus, Menecrates, Parmanides, and Philiſtion, to leave him, and to return unto thoſe who for his ſake they quitted as ſoon as they married them: There was not one of them upon whom he did not beſtow a thouſand thanks and rich Preſents, as well as upon the jealous Leontidas, who returned unto Cyprus. As for the generous Megabates, though the way of Army was partly his, yet Cyrus would hinder him ſo much as to go ſo ſoftly: for remembring that the illuſtrious Ariſteus told him that he was in love with the Philonide, he would by all means have him take his time; and at parting, did him all the honours that his Quality and rare merit deſerved, the Princeſs Mandana alſo honouring him with all poſſible civilities.

In the mean time, Cyrus who ſet a higher rate upon his honour then his life, did fear that if the King of Aſſyria ſhould be releaſed, and come to Cumes after his departure, he might perhaps imagine that he would not perform his word, ſince he took the way towards Ecbatane: therefore he left a man in Cumes, with Orders to ſtay there until the King of Aſſyria came, and to deliver him a Letter, by which he aſſured him, that he would not fail in the leaſt tittle of his promiſe: ſo that omitting nothing which he owed either unto his glory, or unto Mandana, he ſatisfied both differing duties. For the greater ſecurity of this Princeſs, he ſo ordered his march, as that ſhe was to be always in the midſt of his Army, that he could not imagine any enemy he had reaſon to fear. When this Princeſs came out of Cumes, all the people flocked together in the ſtreets, who having had tryal of Cyrus his clemency, did make the Air ring with acclamations of prayſes and thanks: This magnificence was worthy of ſight, and worthy her for whom it was made, in reſpect of the great number of Souldiers; the abundance of Camels which carried the baggage, the richneſs of their Sumpter clothes, the glorious Chariot of Mandana, and the multitude of Heroes about her. Since Thybarra was in the way, Cyrus reſolved to reſt there a day, leſt the Princeſs ſhould be too much wearied: of which, the Prince Myrſyles was not a little glad, in hopes to find Doraliſa there, with whom was Arianita, whom Mandana alſo was glad to ſee again, though ſhe had not fouud her ſo faithful as Marteſia: This Princeſs alſo was very glad ſhe ſhould ſee two Perſons whom Panthea dearly loved, meaning Doraliſa and Pherenice: Never was journey fuller of pleaſure then this; one might ſee in the face of all the Souldiers ſuch a ſprightly jolity, as that they marched with abundance of alacrity, and as if they rejoyced to be at the end of all their labours and travels: one might plainly ſee, that though they were not really crowned with Lawrels, yet that they were returned victors, and that nothing had reſiſted them: Mandana for her part, imagining every pace to bring her nearer the King her Father, and not further from Cyrus, was ſo abundantly ſatisfied, as that ſhe found a notable difference between this voyage, and thoſe ſhe had made with the King of Aſſyria,, and the King of Pontus. Cyrus for his particular, thinking that Ciaxares could not deny him Mandana, had no other inquietude, but how to vanquiſh the King of Aſſyria: And there was not one in all the Army, except Mazares and Anaxaris, who rejoyced not at the carrying of Mandana, unto Medea. In the mean time thoſe of Thybarra made a moſt magnificent entertainment for the Princeſs, at her entrance. Cyrus preſented Doraliſa and Pherenice unto her; And She received them as perſons unto whom She was obliged when She was at Suſa: making very much alſo of Lyriana, and forgetting her paſt infidelity. Since Mandana was full of generoſity, ſhe was not able to look upon Doroliſa & Pherenice, without ſome ſighs in the memory of the Suſanean Queen: conjuring them both to keep about her, the ſame place they did about Panthea: And indeed they did ſo, for Mandana did oblige Doroliſa's Aunt to let her Neece go along with her: and Pherenice was very willing to follow ſuch a Princeſs as the Queen of Suſiana had dearly loved; ſo that at the departure from Thyabarra, the Princeſs Myrſiles was joyed to ſee that Doraliſa was to go this journey; and that he might have the happineſs ſomtimes to talk with her. But as for Andramites, in lieu of rejoycing, he grieved: for having diſcovered that the Prince Myrſiles loved Doraliſa, he had rather not ſee her, then his Rival ſhould be always in her eye. In the mean while, ſince the Monument which he had cauſed to be erected in memory of Abradates and Panthea, was not far off, Cyrus went very early before the Princeſs waked to ſee whether his Orders concerning it were executed: [Page] deſiring alſo to render the laſt honor unto a King, who dying in his quarrel had left him a Kingdom, and unto a Queen, of whom he had a moſt particular eſteem. Since he reſolved to go very faſt, that he might return again before the Princeſs Mandana was ready to depart, he carried with him only Aglatidas, Chriſantes, Feraulas, and five or ſix others.

When he was come to the Monument of Abradates, and lighted from his Horſe, he ſaw that he had been punctually obeyed, that the order of it was right, the Architecture ſtately, the inſcriptions ſuch as he had appointed, and that they had forgot nothing to eternize the memory of thoſe renowned perſons, whoſe Aſhes it incloſed, and the acknowled gments of him who cauſed it to be built; the ſight of this Monument did fill his ſoul full of melancholy thoughts, deep ſtudies ſeized upon him, and after he had looked upon it, he walked a long time about it, and ſpoke not a word, the Company not daring to interrupt him, kept themſelves ſome twelve paces off, and ſpoke not a word neither. As he was thus contemplating the deplorable deſtiny of Abradates and Panthea, and was thinking in what a miſerable condition he was when he loſt them, he heard a great noyſe of horſes coming towards him, which cauſed him to turn his head, and he ſaw five or ſix Horſemen coming towards this Monument, in the head of whom was the King of Aſſiria, who being no leſs ſurprized to find Cyrus there, then Cyrus was to ſee him, alighted from horſe and advanced towards him, with all the civility that could be expected from a man unto his Deliverer, but yet with all the ſharpneſs of a miſerable and incenſed Rival. Since it does ill become a Prince (ſaid he unto Cyrus after he had ſaluted him) who expects you ſhould keep promiſe with him, to fail in his duty, I muſt begin in diſcourſe with my gratitude; and though you be my Enemy, yet I muſt thank you for the liberty which now I do enjoy: Since I have done nothing but what I ought Sir, replied Cyrus, you may ſpare your thanks, unleſs it be for commanding Hidaſpes to procure your liberty as ſoon as poſſibly he could: Hidaſpes (replied the King of Aſſiria) hath moſt exactly executed your Orders; for Arſa nones having refuſed to releaſe me, he delivered me by ſurprizing the Caſtle when I was Priſoner: So that I am forced to confeſs you have done a moſt heroique Act in it, and that if it were poſſible I could ceaſe being your Enemy, it would be upon this occaſion; but I am confident, that your affection unto Mandana will eaſily hint unto you, that I cannot change my thoughts either of her or you, and that you will take no other advantage from my liberty, but to be the ſooner in a condition to fight with me: I am obliged Sir, replied Cyrus, to interpret my own actions, as I would do yours upon the like encounter, ſince certainly I intended nothing in your releaſement, but that you ſhould enjoy your liberty freely, nor did I expect any acknowledgments for doing a thing which Honour invited me unto; and to teſtifie that I had no intentions to ſpare my ſelf a Combat by delivering you, you muſt know, that at my parting from Cumes I left a Letter for you, to the end you may be aſſured that I was ready to keep my word: Since ſo, replied the King of Aſſiria, you muſt tell me Sir when you will have me keep mine; for ſince it hath not been the will of Fate that I ſhould be ſo ſoon releaſed, as to help you in the releaſement of Mandana, and ſince you have a new right unto her, which I cannot diſpute, yet before you can be a quiet poſſeſſor of her and all Aſia in general, you muſt be Vanquiſher of me in particular; therefore if you pleaſe Sir, let us end that controverſie to morrow morning neer the Monument of Abradates, which was begun at Sinope in the Temple of Mars. I know very well (purſued he) that I owe you Sir my life and liberty; but I know withal, that as the condition whereunto you have brought me ſtands, I cannot be more miſerable; nor am I inſenſible how I ſpeak unto you in the midſt of your Army, and that the few Forces I have are not able to ſecure me; but ſince I know you, I need not fear any thing; therefore without any further conſideration, what the ſequel of our Combat will be, I beſeech you let me ſee you as ſoon as you can with a Sword in your hand: Should I humour my own inclination (replied Cyrus very ſharply) I ſhould quickly ſatisfie your impatience and my own, and I ſhould not ſtir off the ground I ſtand on, before I were either Conquerour or Conquered. But as earneſt as my deſires are to end the difference that begun at Sinope, there is a moſt prevalent reaſon which moves me to deſire a little time before I give you ſatisfaction, and I deſire it the rather, becauſe I do not fail in my word by it, for I did promiſe to fight with you before ever I marry Mandana, and I do promiſe ſtill not to fail, but I never promiſed to fight before I had put her into a place of ſafety; you know how many battels I have fought to releaſe her, and would you have me leave her in the midſt of an Army compoſed of different Nations, in a Country newly conquered, in the midſt of ſo many newly ſubjected Princes, who gape [Page] for occaſions of revolt? Fie; no, no; neither love nor honour will permit me to do ſo; and therefore you muſt needs let me carry the Princeſs into a place of ſafety: But when I have carried her into Medea, if I do not return to fight you, count me for the baſeſt coward of all men living; and to ſpeak rationally, your own intereſt as well as Mandana's requires I ſhould do thus, for if the Fate of Armes ſhould make you Conquerour, what ſafety can you find in the midſt of an Army whoſe General you have killed? No, no, anſwered the King of Aſſiria ſharply, mingle not my intereſt with Mandana's, for I know that whether I be Conqueror or Conquered, I can never hope for any thing from Mandana, She hated me in Babylon before you inthron'd me, and certainly She would not love me if I ſhould kill you; ſo that I would not fight with you in any hopes to enjoy her, but I would overcome you if I could, and ſo keep you from enjoying her; ſo that for my part all places of Combat are to me indifferent, ſince Conqueror or Conquered, I cannot expect any thing from Mandana: The Gods (purſued this violent Prince) have deluded me by their Oracles, but do not you delude me by your words, and rid your ſelf of an Enemy who is infinitely obliged, but ungrateful to you, who envies all that you enjoy, who cannot brook your glory, and who would pull your heart out, ſo he could pull Mandana's out of it; therefore Sir never ſtudy ſo much for reaſon in the buſineſs, for I know all you can produce as well as if you told them, and if you be Conquered, perhaps Mandana will not be without a Protector: Did you know Sir (ſaid Cyrus and interrupted him) how much it is againſt my mind to oppoſe your deſire, you would ſee I deſire to give you ſatisfaction as much as you; but I muſt confeſs, that ſince it concerns the ſafety of the Princeſs, I cannot think I ought to do it: Since I know your heart, replied the King of Aſſyria, I do not entertain a diſadvantagious thought of you: But I know not, added he harſhly, whether all the world will think ſo, when they ſhall know how you defer fight, and whether they will not think it ſtrange that you ſhould go to Ecbatan, as if your intentions were, either to arreſt me there, or to cauſe your ſelf to be arreſted. Have I not told you (replied Cyrus, and bluſht for anger) that I will only conduct the Princeſs unto Ecbatan; and that you have been in ſafety in Ciaxares his Army, when he was there himſelf in perſon, though he knew what I had promiſed you. Forbear then, unjuſt Prince that you are, to tell me of ſuch things as I cannot hear without fury, and without preferring my honour before my love, which I ought not to do: And forbear you (replied the King of Aſſyria) to make a miſerable Prince languiſh, who hath nothing to hope for but your death and his own, and force him not to tell ſome diſadvantagious lye of you: Fie, fie, ſaid Cyrus, this is too much to be endured, and I cannot any longer reſiſt either againſt my ſelf, or againſt you, but both my reaſon and my love muſt ſubmit. Know therefore moſt aſſuredly, that ere I be foure daies older, you ſhall be either my Conqueror, or I yours; that is as much as to ſay (purſued the King of Aſſyria) as that either you or I muſt die for it: Our Combat ſhould be to morrow, if I could (purſued Cyrus) but ſince it cannot poſſibly be ſo ſoon, I muſt take a little longer time. In the mean time, to the end that thoſe who ſee us, may not ſuſpect any thing of our deſign, let us go unto them, and go together unto the Caſtle where the Princeſs is, and doubtleſs ſtayes for me to depart: I will do ſo, ſaid the King of Aſſyria, though heaven knows it is the moſt cruel thing in the world for me to go and ſee Cyrus Triumphant with Mandana; but I pray remember, that a Rival may be ungrateful, and ſtill be generous, to the end that if I be overcome by you, you may not ſtain my reputation in ſpeaking of me to our Princeſs: I do not know, replied Cyrus, that it is permittable to be ungrateful in any buſineſs, but I am ſure that neither you nor I am ſo now; but ſince you are ſo earneſt, I promiſe you again, that within this four daies the fate of Arms ſhall decide your Fortune and mine for ever.

After this, theſe two furious Rivals took Horſes, and putting on more calm countenances, the better to hide their deſign, they took their way towards Mandana, who not foreſeeing the misfortune which threatned her, had dreſſed her ſelf, and was talking very pleaſantly with Doraliſa, Pherenice, Mazares, and Anaxaris.

The end of the Seventh Part.

§

ARTAMENES, OR, THE GRAND CYRUS. THE EIGHTH PART.

[Page]

[Page]

BOOK. I.

THE Princeſſe Mandana was no ſooner ready, but according to her Pious Cuſtome, ſhee would goe to the Temple, before ſhe departed: So that Mazanes leading her by the hand, ſhe went out of her Chamber: But ſhe was no ſooner upon the top of the ſtairs, but ſhe ſaw the King of Aſſiria lighting from his Horſe at the other ſide of the Court, & who never ſtaying for Cyrus, haſted towards her, before ſhe could get into her Coach. Mandana's wonder was ſo great, that in lieu of going forward, ſhe ſtopped, and gave this unfortunate Prince time enough to com unto her, with the ſame reverence he uſed to obſerve, maugre the impetuoſity of his humour, and violence of his Paſſion. I make no doubt Madame (ſaid he unto her, after he had ſaluted her) but my ſight doth both ſurprize and diſpleaſe you, and that I am ſtill the object of your anger and hatred: But ſince the King your Father ſuffers me to be in his Army, as great an Offender as I am both againſt him & you: and ſince Cyrus can endure me, as much his Rivall as I am, I ſhall hope you will give me leave to wait upon you: and that ſince for the love of you I have loſt all, you will not deny me the favour to be one of your Convoy, eſpecially ſince you allow the ſame favour unto the Prince Mazanes, who hath been as great an Offender as my ſelfe.

The Prince Mazanes replyed Mandana, having waſhed away his crime by a generous repentance, is now in the number of my friends, and not my perſecutors. But however it be Sir. I do aſſure you Sir, I had rather ſee you in the King my Fathers Army, then ſee you in Babylon again. When you came Sir, I was going to render thanks unto the gods for delivering me out of your power, and giving me that liberty which you had loſt me: As if you will be adviſed by mee, you ſhall be as acknowledging as my ſelfe, and thank them you have an Enemy ſo generous as to let you enjoy a benefit [Page] which you took from me, and which your ſelfe had loſt. Since the Gods are juſt (replyed the King of Aſſyria fiercely) they will recompence the generoſity of my Rivall: And Madam you muſt give me leave to ask them nothing, but to be revenged of your extream inhumanity. Unjuſt Prayers (replyed Cyrus, who was not till now come up to them) do ſeldom reach the eares of the Gods, but to puniſh thoſe which make them, and therefore take heed how you ask them any thing againſt the Prenceſſe, and if you have any revenging thoughts, pray let it light upon me.

Whilſt Cyrus was talking thus, the Princeſs took Coach, and took Doraliſa, Pherenece, and Marteſia with her: After which ſhe went unto the Temple, and Cyrus the King of Aſſyria, Mazanes, Myrſyles, Anaxaris, Andrumelis, Chriſentes, Feraulas, and many others followed him: As long as the Sacrifice laſted, the Princeſſe was ſo zealouſly devoted unto the Gods, as ſhe never turned her head or eyes upon any of the company: all whom, being not ſo intent at their prayers as ſhee was, had thoughts as different as were their Intereſts. The heart of Cyrus was wholly upon the ruine of his Rivall, whoſe preſence interrupted all his Joyes: The King of Aſſyria, though full of impatiency to ſee Cyrus with his ſword in his hand, yet he had a kind of delight to ſee Mandana, but it was delight without any tranqulity: And if his mind was upon the Gods whilſt he was in the Temple, it was in praying for the death of Cyrus, the enjoyment of Mandana, for the Crown he had loſt, and to be revenged upon Mazanes: Indeed it may be ſaid that he murmured rather then pray'd. As for Anaxaris whoſe flaming paſſion was the more violent, becauſe it was ſmothered and conceal'd, he wiſhed that theſe two Rivals might ruine each other, or he them both: and though he could not imagine which way in all the world he could pretend any thing unto Mandana, yet he was moſt deſperately in love with her, and prayed to the Gods moſt zealouſly that ſhe might love him. As for Mazanes, his vertue was ſo confin'd and confirmed, as howſoever he loved the Princeſs of Medea, yet he asked no more from the hands of the Gods, but that he might have her eſteem and friendſhip; and he had ſo accuſtomed himſelf unto combates with his owne deſires, as he durſt not ſuffer the leaſt impertinent wiſh proceed from the root of his heart. But it was nothing ſo with the Prince Myrſyles, which did moſt fervently pray unto the Gods to change the heart of the ſevere and inſenſible Doraliſa, and neither thought nor asked for any thing elſe. As for Andrumelis, who was no leſſe in love with this faire one then he was, his deſires went ſomething further, for he equally prayed for the ruine of his Rivall Myrſyles, and the enjoyment of his Miſtriſs Doraliſa. As for Chriſantes and Feraulas, who knew of the engagement that was between Cyrus & the King of Aſſyria: they conſulted with each other, whether or no they ſhould acquaint the Princeſſe Mandana with it, and prayed unto the Gods that this invincible Hero might have as glorious ſucceſſe in this dangerous occaſion, as in all the reſt he ever undertook. As for Doraliſa, Pherenece; and Marteſia, all their prayers were for the Princeſs whom they waited upon, knowing that they could never expect any happineſſe unleſſe ſhe were ſo: The truth is, all theſe different perſons did make ſuch different prayers, that the Gods whom they invoked could not accord unto them all: They were like unto thoſe upon the Sea, ſome with deſigns of going Eaſt-ward, and ſome Weſt-ward, and pray for contrary winds, as each did need: So Mandana, the King of Aſſyria, Cyrus, Mazanes, Anaxaris, did all of them aske the Gods point blanck contrary unto each other, and by conſequence, impoſſibilities.

The ſacrifice being ended, the Princeſſe returned to the Caſtle, but ſhe ſtayed not there, purpoſely to ſhun the King of Aſſyria's company; yet before ſhe departed, ſhe would needs know of Cyrus, how he met with his Rivall, and chidd him a little for his over-generoſity in releaſing his moſt mortall enemy. Had he been only your enemy, ſaid ſhe, I ſhould not have had any right to accuſe you; but ſince he is my perſecutor, me thinks I have cauſe to complain againſt you as over-generous.

The King your Father, Madam, hath ſet me ſuch a glorious example, replyed Cyrus, as I were moſt unworthy of your eſteem, if I did not im [...]tate him. And truly Madam, (added he) if you did but know what joy it is unto me to ſee you put ſo great a difference between the King of Aſſyria and Cyrus, you would not wonder I ſhould give my ſelf ſo much ſatisfaction.

But for all that, I beſeech you Madam doe not alter your thoughts, nor too much pitty the miſerable condition, wherein the King your Fathers Armies hath [Page] brought my Aſſyrian Rivall: For I muſt confeſſe, though Compaſſion be a quality becoming ſuch an heroique heart as yours Madam; and ſince it doth ſo infinitely concern me that your heart be hardned towards him, yet I cannot wiſh you ſhould have any pitty upon him.

I do aſſure you Sir, replyed Mandana, that I cannot be very inclinable to pitty a Prince who hath cauſed all the miſeries of my Life: but in relation to your ſelfe, ſaid ſhe, I muſt needs ſometimes think, that looking upon him as the cauſe of all your Conqueſts, and that great glory which you have gotten, you ſhould hate him a little leſſe; For truly had he not carryed me away, you had never taken Babylon, you had never brought all Aſſyria into ſubjection, you had not conquered Armenia, you had not vanquiſhed Croeſus, taken Sardis, ſubjected all Lydia, the Xanthians, the Cauneans, the Joneans, the Ghedeans; you had not taken Cumes, nor ever have been the Conquerour of all Aſia: 'Tis true, Madam, replyed Cyrus, but however I ſhould have ſtill been proſtrate at your feet, adoring you, and my endeavours, my ſighs and ſervices might perhaps have engaged your heart more then it is: ſo that I may ſay, my Conqueſt had been farre more glorious unto me by them, then by the Armes of Ciaxares your Father. I could if I would (replyed the Princeſs Mandana) anſwer you obligingly enough, and tell you, that in taking Babylon, Artaxates, Sardis and Cumes, you have perhaps gained my heart more, then you had done by your ſighes and ſervices without them, but I am too ill ſatisfied with you to doe ſo: Not that I would have you now change way of dealing with the Aſſyrian King, ſince he is at liberty: but I muſt confeſſe, I ſhould not have been ſorry if you had not releaſed him: and I had rather I could have chidden you for your too little generoſity, then for your too much. However I doe conjure you, added ſhe, not to be far from me; for if you goe and viſite any more Monuments, I ſhall feare that you will bring back the King of Pontus with you, and therefore I pray let no ſuch thing come to paſſe. Not that I think the King of Aſſyria to be in any Condition able to attempt any thing againſt me, unleſſe it be in attempting ſomething againſt you: but yet for all that his preſence is ſo tormentive unto me, that I ſtand in need of yours to comfort me.

Cyrus hearing Mandana ſpeak thus, feared that ſhe ſuſpected ſomething of the truth: Therefore to cleer all matters, he anſwered her, as if he had not any angry thought in his mind againſt the King of Aſſyria. It ſeems Madam, ſaid he unto her, you would have me comfort my ſelf with the ſight of an Enemy, who as you ſay is the cauſe of ſo many glorious advantages unto me? However it be, replyed this Princeſs, Let me always ſee you, wherſoever I ſhal ſee him, until I come unto ſuch a place where I may obtain of the King my Father to baniſh him, as I do intend: As for your ſelfe, as troubleſome as his preſence is unto me, I would not have you attempt any thing to free me from him Since he is a cauſe why you Madam do treat me ſo well (replyed Cyrus, and laughed) I ſhall moſt willinly obey you. After this the Princeſſe went into her Coach with Doraliſa and Marteſia; Pherenece and Arianeta and the reſt of the Princeſſe her women, went in another Coach which followed hers.

In the mean while, Cyrus, whoſe thoughts were upon all that related unto the ſafety of Mandana, and the execution of his deſign, he altered the orders of his march, and cauſed the Aſſyrian Troops to be placed on the wings, and as faire off the Princeſs as poſſible: Alſo he gave particular orders unto Anaxaris, to have a ſpecial guard upon Mandana; not thinking that in being ſo cautious againſt one Rivall, he truſted her with another. On the other ſide Chriſantes and Feraulas had not yet acquainted Marteſia with Cyrus and the King of Aſſyria's engagement, but reſolved to acquaint her at night, to the end that ſhe making it known unto the Princeſſe, ſhe might by her ſoveraign authority oblige all the Princes in the Army to have vigilant eyes, and become guards over theſe two terrible Rivals. Yet though they had not ſpoken of it unto Marteſia, ſince ſhe was a woman of an excellent ſpirit, the King of Aſſyria's arrivall did make her very melancholy; for ſhee was better acquainted with the violence of his temper, then Mandana was, from whom he was obſervant to hide it. Yet for all that ſhe did ſtrive with her ſelfe, that her vexation might not appeare to the Princeſs; I he pleaſant humours of Doraliſa did much facilitate her concealement of her thoughts; for whilſt Mandana was muſing, and ſtudying upon her own thoughts, ſhe would deſcant upon the thoughts of all the Princes which ridd by Mandana's Coach by the Aire of their Countenances; and ſhe had ſuch pleaſant fancies [Page] upon them, which ſuited ſo patt to their adventures, and unto their garbes, that Marteſia not being able to forbeare laughing, did put the Princeſſe out of her dumpiſh muſing; who being deſirous to know what it was which made them ſo merry, ſhe cauſed Marteſia to repeat all that Doraliſa thought of Cyrus, of the King of Aſſyria, of Mazanes, of the Prince Artamas, and of all the reſt they had talked of. But I beſeech you tell me (ſaid Mandana to her, when ſhe ſaw the Prince Myrſyles, and Andramches neer her Coach) what are the thoughts of theſe two Captives, whom your beauty hath taken? and whether Cupid hath made them Equals by making them Rivalls, ſince the one's a Subject, the other a Soveraign? Alas Madam, replyed Doraliſa, I cannot tell what they think; and I am ſo farre from knowing it, that I have done as much as ever I can, not to underſtand what they ſaid, when they ſpake unto me as intelligibly as they could. But Madam, in lieu of telling you what they thinke upon, I will if you pleaſe tell you what I think of them. I beleeve Doraliſa (replyed the Princeſſe) that you will be ſo farr from ſincerity in ſuch a buſineſſe, as I will not oblige you to tell me any lies: but I had much rather you would tell me, what you fancy they think of you, then what you think of them. Since you will needs have it ſo Madam (replyed Doraliſa, and laughed) I ſhall tell you; That to ſee with what a gloomy countenance Andramches looks upon the Prince Myrſyles, I think he is very ſorry this Prince is not ſtill dumb: and to ſee how earneſtly that Prince doth talk with others, makes me think, that if he have talked upon any matters of Love, it is only becauſe he takes a delight in talking of ſomething which he never talked of before: After this, Mandana began to chide with Doraliſa, and to make her tell her whether ſhee did not uſe to talke more ſeriouſly and more obligingly unto a Prince ſo accompliſhed as he was, whoſe heart ſhe had captivated.

But whilſt Doraliſa was diverting Mandana with her pleaſant humours, and had her Quibbles of wit, upon a thouſand paſſages, and every object, Cyrus was thinking how he ſhould keep touch with the King of Aſſyria as ſoone as poſſible, and imagining how he ſhould ſlink aſide from ſo many men as were continually about him. But his greateſt care was, to contrive it ſo, that in caſe he was vanquiſhed, then the King of Aſſyria to have no power in diſpoſing of the Princeſs. However, he was much perplexed; For honour would not permit him to impart a buſineſſe of this nature unto many men: and therefore he took a middle courſe, and told all the chief Commanders only thus much, that the King of Aſſyria's preſence did move him to have a more eſpeciall care of Mandana's ſafety: he conjured them to remember the Fidelity which they owed unto Ciaxares, and whatſoever hapned, never to faile in that. Yet he thought not this enough: But the high eſteem he had of Anaxaris, prompted him to impart the ſecret unto him; for ſince he was Captain of the Guard unto the Princeſs, he thought him the fitteſt to truſt with her, and that it was by him he might get out to fight with the Aſſyrian King: And therefore Mandana was no ſooner come unto the place where ſhe was to lie; and as ſoon as Anaxaris according to his Cuſtome had placed his Guards, he ſent for him, and began to talke in private with him: At the firſt, Anaxaris knowing by the action of that Prince, he had ſomething of great importance to ſay unto him, did imagine that his own eyes had betrayed him, and that Cyrus had dived into the bottom of his heart, and diſcovered the flaming and ſmothering Paſſion in it: But he was not long in this errour; for as ſoon as ever Cyrus and he were together, he began to talk unto him: Doubtleſſe Sir, ſaid he unto him, though you be a ſtranger unto me, yet certainly you are a man of extraordinary vertue, and uncommon fidelity, ſince I am reſolved to truſt you with a buſineſs, which is a thouſand times more dear unto me then my life, for it concerns my honour: And ſince I know you to be a man both brave and generous, I queſtion not but that you will carry your ſelf in ſuch an important buſineſs as this, as you ought to do: But yet, as highly as I eſteem you, and as gteat an opinion as I have of your honeſty, I cannot truſt you with the ſecret, untill you have made a ſolemn oath unto me never to reveale it, nor never do or ſay any thing which might raiſe the leaſt ſuſpition of it, eſpecially unto the Princeſs who of all in the world ought not to know of it. Sir, ſaid Anaxaris, (much amazed, and impatient to heare what Cyrus would ſay) ſince honour doth ſufficiently oblige one to conceal the ſecrets of another: And ſince none are Maſter but of their own ſecrets, I may with ſome juſtice complain of you, for exacting from me an oath never to ſpeak of what you will pleaſe to honour me with the truſt. Yet Sir, to [Page] teſtifie how eaſily I can do what is my duty: I will promiſe you with all the ſincerity of a man who never uſes to betray his truſt, never to ſpeake what you ſhall impart.

After this, Cyrus embracing Anaxaris, asked him pardon for the wrong he did his vertue, in not truſting him at firſt: but my deare Anaxaris (ſaid he unto him) did you but know what a contention there is in my heart, between my love of Mandana, and my love of honour, and what turbulent agitation theſe two violent Paſſions do at this preſent cauſe in it, doubtleſs you will excuſe me, eſpecially if ever you were in Love: But that you may ore clearly pardon me, I muſt open my ſoule unto you, and acquaint you with the cauſe of that injury which I have done unto your Fidelity. After this, he acquainted Anaxaris in few words, with the promiſe he had made with the Aſſyrian King upon the Tower at Sinope, and how he had ſince confirmed that promiſe at the Monument of Abradutes. You may judge (added Cyrus) that ſuch a ſecret as this ought not to be revealed: Moſt true Sir, replyed Anaxaris, but he who diſcovers it, may give the man who he truſts ſhare with him in the glory, by letting him partake of his perill. That's not my deſign Sir, replyed Cyrus, but the thing which I require of you generous Anaxaris, is, that you ſolemnly ſwear unto me, that if the King of Aſſyria do Conquer me, you will with all your power keep the Princeſs Mandana out of his: For ſince I cannot be vanquiſhed but by death, I am very confident that if he become my Conqueror, he will do all he can to ſow fedition amongſt the Souldiers, purpoſely to become Maſter of the Princeſs. And therefore apprehending, that an Army compoſed of ſo many ſeverall Nations, and people newly conquer'd, wherein alſo are ſome Aſſyrian Forces, may be apt to mutiny, I thought it neceſſary that you, who have got much credit amongſt the Souldiers, and has an eſpeciall care of the Princeſs, ſhould be acquainted with the ſtate of things; to the end that multiplying your Cares, you may make ſure of your Souldiers: And that I may leave orders with you to ſhew unto all the Commanders [...] the Army, if I ſhould fall in the Fight which I am to make, and which moſt certainly I ſhall make very ſhortly, ſince having taken but four dayes, whereof one is already paſt, I will before the laſt keep punctuall touch with the Aſſyrian King. Anaxaris hearing this was much joyed, that he deſired nothing which he could not eaſily promiſe, and which he could not keep, though he was ſomewhat aſhamed that he could not chooſe but be a Rivall unto a Prince who treated him ſo obligingly. But at laſt, ſtriving with himſelf to hide the agitation of his ſpirits, he promiſed Cyrus, with all the zeal of a man that was reſolved to keep promiſe, that he would dye a thouſand deaths, rather then the King of Aſſyria ſhould ever have Mandana in his power, if it ſo hapned that he were Conqueror. Oh my deare Anaxaris (ſaid Cyrus then unto him) the aſſurance which you give me doth ſo elevate my heart, that I am confident I ſhall vanquiſh the King of Aſſyria, ſince now I do not feare he ſhall triumph over Mandana, though the fate of Armes ſhould let him triumph over me: Yes yes, my dear Anaxaris, I ſhall owe unto you all the glory I ſhall get in vanquiſhing my Rivall if I do ſurmount him; for really, if I ſhould have fought in feare, that my death would have put Mandana in his power, I ſhould have been half overcome before I ever fought: But ſince you promiſe me to employ the ſame valour wherewith you have done ſuch miracles, and whereof I am a witneſſe and an admirer, in behalfe of the Princeſſe, I ſhall never fear my Rivall will ever rejoyce in the fruits of his Victory, nor do I fear he can vanquiſh me.

Moreover I remember, my generous Anaxaris, that Mandana is a debtor unto you already for her liberty; and this I would have you now doe, is not more difficult then that you did in the Caſtle of Cumes. Sir, replyed Anaxaris, could you but ſee my heart, you would never offer to oblige me by any more new promiſes, nor would you doubt but that I am reſolv'd to dye for the Princeſs Mandana's ſervice. Be confident therefore Sir, I beſeech you, that as long as I am living, ſhe ſhall never come under the King of Aſſyria's power: but Sir, I beleeve I ſhall never need to defend her againſt him; for if I be not much miſtaken, his valour will thrive no better againſt you this ſecond time, then it did the firſt: but I am confident you will overcome him now as you did before. If I do overcome him (replyed Cyrus) then Sir, I will come and give you thanks for my victory: ſo that whether I be Conquerour, or conquered, I ſhall be ſtill obliged to you, and the Princeſs will be infinitely your debtor. If I be vanquiſher; I promiſe you to let her know her obligations; and if I be vanquiſhed, [Page] ſince ſhe her ſelfe muſt be both Witneſs and Judge of your valour, doubtleſſe ſhe will acknowledg your merits, and conſequently, my deare Anaxaris, your own vertue will purchaſe you the eſteem of the moſt illuſtrious Princeſs upon earth. Yet remember above all, to be faithfull unto me: you know how delicate a thing this honour is, therefore for Heavens ſake Sir, do for mine, as you would have mee doe for yours: Yet this is not all Anaxaris that I require of you, for it muſt be by your means that I muſt ridd my ſelfe of ſo many eyes as are upon me, that I may ſteale from them to goe and fight with the King of Aſſyria, which you may eaſily do by a way which I have contrived, and which I ſhall acquaint yon with when time is fit: Oh Sir replyed Anaxaris, ſhould the Princeſs know that I ſhould facilitate your Combate, ſhe would extreamly hate me; ſince ſhe ſhall never know it, replyed Cyrus, you will not be expoſed unto any danger of it: but though ſhe ſhould come to know it, I would engage my ſelfe to make your peace if I be not vanquiſhed.

After this, Cyrus, and Anaxaris parted; the firſt of theſe was well ſatisfied with his confidence in Anaxaris: and the ſecond had his heart ſo full of different apprehenſions, as that he was not able to maſter them: The confidence which Cyrus put in him, made him aſhamed that he did not give him a ſincere anſwer; but his affection to Mandana, ſtuffed ſo full of fancies contrary unto that, as ſometimes he could not chooſe but be over-joyed, that theſe two Rivals were ready to ruine each other. Yet ſince his ſoule was of a brave and generous compoſition, hee ſtifled his Joyes as much as he could, and condemned his owne thoughts: Fie fie, unworthy Anaxaris, would he ſay unto himſelf, canſt thou ſuffer thy heart baſely to rejoyce, that two of the moſt valiant Princes in the world are ready to kill each other? and that thou ſhouldſt be rid of two Rivals at once without any danger to thy ſelfe? Repent, repent for ſhame of thy ignominious weakneſſe: and if theſe two Princes be any obſtacle unto thy deſigns, do not wiſh that they ſhould ruine each other, to the end that thou mayſt have the honour of ruining them thy ſelf.

But alas, unhappy Anaxaris ſaid he, and ſighed, how vainly art thou baſe in thy wiſhes? For though Cyrus & the Aſſyrian K. were both dead, yet Mandana is ſtill none of thine: and thou haſt more reaſon to think ſhe will never be any ones, but that the death of Cyrus will cauſe hers: But what doe I ſay? (ſaid he, and reprehended himſelf) I do very unjuſtly accuſe my ſelfe; For indeed I cannot conceive that honour forbids me to rejoyce at the loſſe of a Rivall, as long as this joy is no cauſe of it: wait then with hopes, the ſucceſſe of this furious Combate, between two of the greateſt Princes upon Earth, diſputing for the poſſeſſion of the faireſt Princeſs in the World: But alas, unfortunate Anaxaris (added he) how much ſorrow will the end of this Combate cauſe thee? For if Cyrus be vanquiſhed, thou wilt ſee Mandana ſwimming in teares for him: thou wilt heare all her ſighs and dolefull complaints, and wilt be a witneſſe of all her ſorrows; if Cyrus be Conquer or, then thou wilt heare all her applauds of him, thou wilt be a witneſſe of all thoſe teſtimonies of eſteem which ſhe will give him, and thou wilt with thy own eyes perhaps find as much Love in hers to him, as there is in thy heart to her. Think therefore of it Anaxaris, conſider ſeriouſly, and reſolve to vanquiſh thy ſelfe: Conſlder how many great things ought to poſſeſſe thy mind, and that Love is not the paſſion which at this preſent ought to reign in thy ſoule: Do not deceive thy ſelfe as thou doſt others, and do not think thy ſelfe to be Anaxaris: Remember, that thou haſt a name more illuſtrious, which muſt have all the glory, and that this of Anaxaris which thou haſt borrowed, muſt not be always thine; Never brand it with a piece of folly in obſtinately loving Mandana, who will never love thee. But who knows, ſaid he (and reprehended himſelf) what the Fates have reſolved of thee? Perhaps they have reſerved for thee all the Victories of Cyrus. The Princeſs whom thou ador'ſt does not hate thee, ſhe thinks her ſelfe much obliged unto thee, and the only man upon earth that hath any ſhare in her heart, as expoſing himſelfe unto eminent danger. Leave then the conduct of thy life unto the ſame Gods, who breathed thy Love into thy ſoule: and without committing any buſineſs, act nothing againſt thy ſelfe on the paſſion which poſſeſſeth thee.

But whilſt Anaxaris was thus conſulting with himſelfe, Chriſtanes and Feraulas were ſeeking for an opportunity of ſpeaking unto Marteſia, and of diſpoſing her to tell the Princeſs of the promiſe which Cyrus made unto the King of Aſſyria, upon the Tower of Synope: But do what they could, they could not get a ſight of her, becauſe [Page] Mandana to avoid the ſight of the Aſſyrian King, would ſee none that night, nor ſuffer Marteſia to leave her.

On the other ſide, Cyrus, whoſe greateſt preſſure of mind was how to fight with his Rivall, he reſolved it ſhould be the next day, whilſt the Princeſs was at Dinner: ſo as he employed the reſt of that night in making ſure of all thoſe whom he thought fitteſt to oppoſe all the violences of the Aſſyrian King, if the Fate of Armes would have him ſubjected by him: Yet was it ſo handſomely carryed, that he gave not the leaſt ſuſpition of his ſecret deſign, colouring the matter only with the King of Aſſyria's preſence.

But to the end his Rivall ſhould not long waite for his promiſed ſatisfaction, he told him that the day following ſhould make it appeare which was Conqueror, and which was conquered: hinting uuto him the time and place where he ſhould expect his ſatisfaction: So that this violent Prince ſeeing himſelf n [...]er his fatall time which was to decide all Controverſies between Cyrus and himſelfe, his heart began to beat high, he rowſed up all his hatred, his jealouſie, and his fury, as a better preparative to fight. He called into his memory all the rigours of Mandana, and as much as in him lay did forget that he owed his Life and Liberty unto his Rivall: So that ſtirring up all the wormwood of his miſeries, and ſetting an edge upon his anger, the fury of his heart did more appear in his eyes then uſuall: and indeed, he found that he was ſo little Maſter of himſelf, as fearing leſt he ſhould diſcover the ſecret, and be an obſtacle unto his own deſign if he were ſeen, he would not expoſe himſelf the next morning unto ſight. But ſince his turbulent humour would not let him reſt long in a place, as ſoon as it was day he took horſe, and would take the Aire untill the time he knew Mandana would ſet out: ſo that without any with him but a Page, he went to conſult with his own thoughts by a Rivers ſide not far off.

In the meane time Chriſantes and Feraulas no ſooner knew that Marteſia was gone into her Chamber, but they went unto her, and acquainted her, that they thought it requiſite ſhe ſhould acquaint the Princeſs as hanſomely as commonly ſhe uſed with the buſineſs: Alas ſaid ſhe unto them, how difficult a task it is to acquaint her with ſuch bad news, and not extreamly trouble her? but ſince it would be an ill peece of ſervice to ſpare her this trouble, becauſe it might perhaps expoſe her unto a greater, I will leave you, and put her to it. As Marteſia ſaid ſo, and made her ſelfe ready to leave Chriſantes and Feraulas, ſhe underſtood by Arianita, that Cyrus having received ſome Letters from Ciaxares, he was gone into Mandana's Chamber, ſo that Marteſia could not ſpeak unto her. The conference between this Princeſſe and Cyrus being very long, and did not end untill it was time to go unto the Temple, hee waited upon her thither, and back again. Whilſt they were there, Cyrus did a little wonder that he ſaw not the King of Aſſyria who was not wont to be from Mandana, when he could be with her: But his wonder was much more at his return from Church, when being upon the top of the Caſtle ſtairs where the Princeſſe lay, he ſaw five or ſixe Souldiers to bring this King extreamly wounded▪ his amazement was ſo great, that he was not able to expreſſe it: and the Princeſs turning aſide her head, and ſeeing it alſo, her ſurprize was as great as his: Marteſia alſo, who ſtood behind Mandana had her ſhare in the admiration, but it was mixed with ſome Joyes, ſince this accident put Cyrus in ſafety. Anaxaris on the contrary, he grieved at this misfortune which hapned unto the Aſſyrian King, becauſe it did at leaſt deferre his Combate with Cyrus: And though he had a will to choak any thought that was oppoſite to generoſity, yet he was not able, eſpecially becauſe Mandana and Cyrus were together, and in ſight.

In the mean time, thoſe who carryed the King of Aſſyria, could not carry him to his Lodging, but they muſt needs paſſe by the half Pace where Mandana and Cyrus ſtood, therefore this fatall Lover could not chooſe but ſee them: So that being both extreamly aſham'd and angry to be ſeen in that condition, both by his Miſtriſs and his Rivall, he bluſhed for very anger, though he had loſt much blood: He ſtrived to ſeeme leſſe wounded then he was, inſomuch as turning himſelf a little towards the Princeſſe with more reſpect then his ſalute was able to beare; and ſhunning the eyes of Cyrus becauſe he would not receive his Civilities, hee appeared very angry and furious. However, ſince the Princeſs had not any mind to inſult upon a miſerable man, ſhe went into her Chamber, and Cyrus asked leave to goe and know, who it was that [Page] wounded the King of Aſſyria; for truly Madam, ſaid he unto her, this Enemy is of ſuch a ranke as requires this Civility from me. And having the honour to command the King your Fathers Army, its fit I know all paſſages in it, and prevent all injuſtice. I ſhall not be againſt any reaſonable civility, replyed Mandana, provided it be not over long, nor hinder me from departing within an hour. After this Cyrus left her, and went unto the place where they carryed the Asſyrian King; but being told that he was dreſſing, he would not ſee him untill the Chirurgions came from him: As they came out of his Chamber, Cyrus asked them how he did, and they anſwered him, that of three wounds which he had received, the moſt dangerous was in his right arm, which was very ill, and they would not anſwer for it; telling him further, how that the Prince deſired them to ſay, he was not in any danger. After this Cyrus went unto the King of Aſſyria's chamber, who was calling one of his men to ſend unto him: So as he no ſooner ſaw him, but ſtriving not to ſeem weak, or dangerouſly wounded, I am glad Sir, ſaid he unto him, that you have taken ſo much pains as to come & ſee me: And truly Sir, replyed Cyrus, I am very ſorry you ſhould be in ſuch a Condition, as obligeth me to render you this viſit. Trouble not your ſelfe ſo much for my hurts (replyed this furious Prince in a low voyce, leaſt any ſhould hear but Cyrus) for if I be not much miſtaken, I ſhall be well before you can come at Ecbatane. Though I ſhould come there before that, replyed Cyrus, it ſhould not make me ſtart from my promiſe. I conjure you not (anſwered the King of Aſſyria) And to oblige you unto it, know Sir, that though this hurt in my right Arm were greater then it is, & that I had loſt the uſe of it, yet I would fight with you with my left hand rather then voluntarily yeeld the Princeſſe unto you; for there is a fatall neceſſity in it, you muſt either be my Conqueror, or I yours: To teſtifie unto you Sir, replyed Cyrus, that I donot wiſh to ſpare a fighting with you upon the ſcore of your hurts, nor to any advantage of that weakneſſe which your wounds have cauſed, I beſeech you take as long time as you pleaſe to recover in, and make choiſe of whom you will to keep you company: but I beſeech you Sir tell me, what Heroe, or what Aſſaſſinate hath brought you into this Condition? Certainly you will have it from the mouth of my Conqueror (replyed the King of Aſſyria ſharply) for I make no queſtion but Intaphernes will come ere long, and aske a recompence of you, for ridding you of an Enemy, though he fought only upon his own ſcore, but yet he has reaſon Sir to give you thanks for his victory; for if my extream deſire to vanquiſh him preſently, that I might fight with you alſo this day had not made me run head long into his Arms, as brave as he is, he had not ſo eaſily vanquiſhed me. Since I have ſuch experience of your valour Sir, replyed Cyrus, I ſhall eaſily believe what you ſay. In the mean time, I aſſure you, that if the Prince Intaphernes were not the ſonne of Gadates, unto whom I ſtand bound in many obligations, I ſhould hardly receive him well, as accompliſhed as he can be, ſince he is the cauſe our Combate is deferred; but becauſe I will not my ſelfe deferr, by augmenting your paine with too long a viſit; You ſhall give me leave to retire after a ſecond confirmation of my promiſe, not to faile in the leaſt tittle of my word; and after I have aſſured you, I will appoint ſome of my men to wait upon you with as much reſpect as upon my ſelf, and to have as great care of your life, as if it were abſolutely neceſſary unto my felicity.

Moſt noble Rivall, ſaid the King of Aſſyria (lifting up his eyes to heaven) do not over-load mee with your generoſity; but let it ſuffice, you have promiſed me not to faile in your word.

After this, the violent King of Aſſyria not being able any longer to maſter himſelfe, turned boiſterouſly on the other ſide, and began to accuſe the Fates for being ſo oppoſite unto all he deſired. And Cyrus, having no more to ſay unto him, went out of his Chamber commanding thoſe that were to wait upon him, to have eſpeciall care of him. Thus this generous minded Prince, in point of perfect magnanimity took care for the preſeruation of an Enemy, who wiſhed not for life, but to be his death: But Cyrus was no ſooner out of his Rivals Lodging then this unfortunate King called for one of his men, and ſent him unto the Princeſs Mandana, to tell her he was very ſorry he could not waite upon her as he deſigned: but that he hoped to overtake her before ſhe cawe to Ecbatane: Yet conjuring her, that if he was miſtaken in his Conjectures, and dyed of his wounds, ſhe would be pleaſed to favour him ſo farr as not to rejoyce at his death. The man who was to deliver this odd meſſuage, did very haſtily perform [Page] his Commiſſion: yet he found the Princeſs ready to take Coach, and Cyrus with her, rendring her an accompt of the Aſſyrian Kings condition: But ſhe no ſooner received this Meſſuage, then ſhe prepared to anſwer him that brought it; Tell the King your Maſter, ſaid ſhe unto him, that I never uſe to rejoyce at the death of my greateſt Enemies, becauſe I cannot do it without a piece of inhumanity: but withall aſſure him, that I ſhould exceedingly rejoyce, if in the recovery of his wounds, he ſhould recover the health of his mind as well as the health of his body:

After this, Mandana, with Doraliſa, Pherenice, and Marteſia took Coach, and departed immediately: And then Cyrus took Horſe, with all the reſt of the Princes, except Mazanes, who ſtayed a quarter of an hour behind the reſt to viſite the King of Aſſyria, but he found him in ſuch a fretting and diſtempered humour, as he was forced to leave him preſently, ſo as he quickly overtook the Princeſs Mandana. In the meane time, Cyrus having left order with one to ſend him exact word of the Aſſyrian Kings condition, and to ſend it ſecretly for ſome Reaſons beſt known to himſelf. He alſo ſent to ſeek Gadates, and to tell him that it was his ſonne who had wounded the King of Aſſyria, and to aske him if he knew where he was: Sir (ſaid Gadates unto him as they ridd) I did write unto him by the Meſſenger of Arſamenes, and commanded him to come and pay ſome of my obligations unto you, by rendring you ſome conſiderable ſervices; knowing, that ſince the King of Bythinia had now no Warrs in his Dominions, he would willingly come hither; but ſince that I heard nothing of him: It is credible, replyed Cyrus, that we ſhall ſhortly ſee him: For by the manner of the King of Aſſyria's ſpeech, I collected that Intaphernes was not wounded.

Though the King of Aſſyria (replyed Gadates, and ſighed) hath heretofore given my ſonne a thouſand cauſes of complaint, in the life time of the Queen Nitocris: and though its likely he hath given him ſome ſince in Bythinia, yet I muſt needs be ſorry both for his Combate and his Victory; For indeed, ſince he was born his vaſſall, unleſſe he were forced to fight, he ought not to have fought with him.

You ſpeak with ſo much wiſdome, replyed Cyrus, as it is not credible, that the ſon of a man ſo prudent as Gadates, would ever make any undiſcreet combate, and I can aſſure you, that he has no [...] anquiſhed the King of Aſſyria without glory.

Whilſt Cyrus and Gadates were thus talking and riding together, Creſſus and the King of Hircania diſcourſed together upon the vertues of Cyrus: The Prince Myrſiles and the Prince Artamas did alſo ſweetly communicate the paſſions of each others ſouls unto each other; The firſt of theſe affirming that Love might ſtill ſubſiſt without any hope: And the ſecond maintaining, that whoſoever doth truly love, doth not ceaſe being a Lover, in becoming a Husband.

As for Mazanes, when he overtook the Troops, he marched and diſcourſed with none, having enough to contemplate upon in his owne thoughts, without the converſe of others.

On the other ſide, Anaxaris, whoſe ſoule was toſſed with a thouſand various thoughts, and ſeeking out for one to be the Confident of his heart, he talked with Andramites, whoſe ſpirit pleaſed him, and whom he knew did particularly eſteem him. And indeed the truth was, Andramites had as ſtrong a deſire to anſwer the Amity of Anaxaris, as Anaxaris had to enjoy his.

Again, Chriſantes and Feraulas, ſeeing the King of Aſſyria was wounded, and that dangerouſly: Alſo that they were far enough from him, they told Marteſia before ſhe went into Mandana's Coach, that they would not have her impaart the buſineſſe unto the Princeſs, ſince it would but trouble her to no purpoſe, conſidering the King of Aſſyria's eſtate: ſo that Marteſia aſſuming her ordinary humour, and Dcraliſa continuing her uſuall jollity, that days journey was very pleaſantly paſſed over: It might well be ſaid, that the Country had decked it ſelf in its beſt ornaments to place ſo many Gallants as fortune had aſſembled together; for all the Province through which they travelled, was a pattern for an exquiſite Painter to draw a Land-skip by. The Rivers were moſt delightfully twined amongſt pleaſant Medows, ſet with Oſyers and Willows upon the Banks: The Plains through which they paſſed were neither too vaſtly open, nor ſo cloſe as to make them ſolitary: The Villages were ſuch as were full of pretty Cataracts of water, purling Springs, and pleaſing Shades: The Hills over which they paſſed were nothing rough and rocky, but afforded moſt delightfull proſpects of Towns, Villages, Houſes, Rivers, Woods, Ways, and men travelling in them; [Page] abundance of grazing Flocks, many magnificent Buildings, huge Rocks afar off, and the Sea the furtheſt: Inſomuch as though the Princeſſe had wanted the company of thoſe three excellent perſons who were ſo amiable, and ſo full of diverſions, yet ſhe might have found enough in the very variety of the Countrey to feed her eyes withall, and to contemplate upon, without any melancholy: And ſhe paſſed over that day with more pleaſure, then ſhe had done a long time before, and ſo ſoon, that at her journeys end, ſhe did not think ſhe had gone above halfe the way.

But that this dayes Journey might end more pleaſingly, chance would have it ſo, that as ſhe came out of her Coach to go into a houſe of Sacrifice, which was the faireſt in all the Town, ſhe ſpied coming out of this houſe into which ſhe was to enter, a man of a moſt admirable Grab, who both by his habit and aſpect ſeemed to be a man of noble quality: But her wonder was, to ſee him ſlink out of a back-door, and in lieu of coming towards her, he took another way, though ſhe could not imagine upon what deſign.

But ſhe was not long in this wonder; for no ſooner was ſhe in her Chamber, but Cyrus brought this ſtranger unto her whom Gadates preſented unto him: I thinke it ſufficient Madam (ſaid this Prince unto her in preſenting this illuſtrious ſtranger) I tell you, that he whom I bring unto you is ſonne unto the wiſe and generous Gadates: This I ſay Madam, will be enough to make way for his reception as a man of moſt rare merits. It is moſt true Sir, replyed ſhe, for to let me know, that it is the Prince Intaphernes, is ſufficient to move me unto a high eſteem of him: But yet (ſaid ſhe very ſweetly, and looked upon Cyrus) I know not whether I ſhould give credit unto your words: For Sir, how can I imagine that a man who hath fought ſuch a Combate, and overcome ſuch a furious Enemy as the King of Aſſyria, ſhould be in ſuch a condition as I ſee him? Since Madam, it is fortune (anſwered Intaphernes moſt modeſtly) which decides combates, ſhe often makes them Conquerors, which ſhould be conquered: And to ſay the very truth Madam, I am a debtor unto you as well as unto the illuſtrious Cyrus for my victory; for certainly the reaſon why the King of Aſſyria is not my Conqueror, is, becauſe the Gods would not ſuffer a Prince who is an Enemy unto the one, and a perſecutor of the other to be fortunate in any thing: ſo that Madam, ſince I am Victor only by you, it is without any glory unto me: and if I did not hope to merit your eſteem by ſome conſiderable ſervice more then by this act of your vertue, not my valour, I ſhould be very ſorry: Modeſty does ſo well become true valour (replyed Mandana) as I muſt needs extreamly commend you for ſpeaking with ſo much moderation of a buſineſſe which might make a thought of vanity excuſable in any other heart but that of Intaphernes.

After this, Mandana to alter the diſcourſe, leaſt the King of Aſſyria ſhould be any ſubject of it, began to talk of the Princeſs Iſtrina his Siſter, and of the Princeſs of Bithinia, and to aske him whether Arſamenes was ſtill reſolved never to conſent unto the marriage of the Prince Spitridates with the Princeſs Araminta? He is ſo farre Madam from conſenting unto it, replyed Intaphernes, as I believe him capable of any thing ſooner then that Alliance: and if you did but know his actions during the impriſonment of the Prince Spitridates, and the impriſonment of the Aſſyrian King, you would not doubt Madam of what I ſay.

Cyrus hearing Intaphernes ſpeak thus, had a good mind to ſay that Arſamenes was injurious, not to let Spitridates marry one of the moſt vertuous Princeſſes upon earth: But remembring that Mandana had ſome ſparks of Jealouſie in her mind, he durſt not commend her enough at that time, and only ſaid, that Arſamenes was unworthy of that favour which the Gods had ſhewed him, in reſtoring him to his Dominions, ſince he treated ſo ill his ſonne who was one of the moſt illuſtrious Princes in the world. Mandana then would have engaged Intaphernes to tell her, how Arſamenes arreſted Spitridates the ſecond time, how he got out of priſon, and why the King of Bythinia arreſted the King of Aſſyria? But he anſwered her that theſe were things which could not be related in few words: For indeed Madam, ſaid he unto her, before I can acquaint you with the thoughts of Arſamenes, it is requiſite I ſhould relate unto you the ſeverall intereſts of four or five perſons, who have not the honour to be ſo well known unto you, as that you ſhould deſire to know them.

After this Cyrus endeavoured to engage him onely in a relation of the cauſe of the Combate with the Aſſyrian King; but he could not oblige him to it, this Prince telling [Page] him that that quarrell begun at Babylon during the life of the Queen Nitocris, and that the ſtory would be too long to trouble the Princeſs Mandana with the hearing of it. Intaphernes ſaying ſo, hee rather augmented then diminiſhed the curioſity of Mandana and Cyrus, yet they would not then preſſe him any further, conceiving there might be many paſſages which he would not ſpeak of before ſo much company, ſo that the reſt of that diſcourſe was all upon things indifferent: But Intaphernes was found to be a man of ſuch an admirable ſpirit, that he purchaſed a high form in the eſteem of Mandana and Cyrus, and of all the reſt of the Princes: he alſo wonne much upon Doraliſa's eſteem, which was a thing ſhe never beſtowed upon ſlight grounds; But as for Marteſia, ſhe did not content her ſelfe with bare eſteem, for ſhe did ever love him, thinking ſhe could not do any leſſe for a man, who in conquering the King of Aſſyria, had quitted her of a neceſſity in telling the Princeſs Mandana a thing that would have extreamly troubled her: So that not acquainting him with the cauſe, ſhe lived with him, as if they had been of old acquaintance; She did him alſo good offices in talking very advantageouſly of him unto the Princeſſe Mandana: But to ſay truth, it needed not; for Intaphernes was very amiable, a man of great courage and wit, ſo that his preſence did much contribute to the pleaſure of the Journey.

In the mean time Mandana having obſerved ſome terms of friendſhip to be between Intaphernes and Marteſia, and being alſo very deſirous to know the ſequell of that Princes life, the beginning whereof ſhe knew at Babylon, ſhe commanded Marteſia to endeavour the knowledg of all paſſages.

On the other ſide, ſince it neerly concern'd Cyrus, not to be ignorant in any thing wherein his Rivall had an intereſt, he intreated Intaphernes to tell him all paſſages in Bythinia concerning the impriſonment and liberty of the Aſſyrian King, wondering much that Hydaspes ſhould not return with him, nor ſend unto him: Sir (ſaid Intaphernes unto him) The buſineſſe you deſire to know is of ſuch a nature, as it is impoſſible you ſhould know it without ſome ſad thoughts. For I cannot acquaint you with the paſſages in Bythinia whilſt the King of Asſyria was priſoner but I muſt alſo acquaint you, how never any gave greater teſtimonies of his love then this Prince unto the Princeſs Mandana; Ju [...] then Sir whether I had not reaſon to deny the Princeſſe a relation which I cannot make, unleſſe I ſhould do your Rivall and your Enemy a good office: Generous Intaphernes (ſaid Cyrus) I am infinitely obliged unto you for denying what I asked, ſince you cannot do it unleſs you favour the King of Aſsyria: I beſeech you keep ſtill in the ſame mind, and never ſatisfie the Princeſs Mandana's curioſity: Not that I am at all injuriouſly jealous of her, but becauſe it is the moſt difficult thing in the world to let the perſon whom one loves, know any expreſſions of the Rivals love: and I had rather Mandana ſhould accuſe me of ſome fault, then know that my Rivall hath given any teſtimonies of his Love.

Then ſhe muſt never know (replyed Intaphernes) what hath paſſed in Bythinia: No, I conjure you, replyed Cyrus, but I muſt confeſs I deſire to know it my ſelfe, and I know not whether my ſorrows to heare that my Rivall hath had an occaſion to ſignalize his love, be above the pleaſure of ſatisfying my curioſity.

As Intaphernes ready to reply, a ſecond Poſt came from Ciaxares: But whereas the firſt came with thanks unto Cyrus for releaſing Mandana; this acquainted him, that Thomiris being recovered of a long languiſhing diſeaſe, did revive her firſt deſignes againſt Medea, and that the generall Rendezvous of her Forces was ſome three dayes march from Araxes. This newes which had extreamly perp [...]exed Cyrus, had it come during the ſiege of Cumes, did never trouble him now Mandana was releaſed: and he believed that the reports of her liberty would alter the deſign of that incenſed Queen, ſo that without any diſquiet at this newes, his only care was to conceale it from the Princeſs Mandana, leſt it ſhould trouble her. In the mean time his cares of keeping Intaphernes from letting the Princeſs know all, that what he told her the next day before ſhe departed, was a cauſe that ſhe came ſooner to know it; For as Marteſia did divers times preſſe Intaphernes unto it, he did ſo earneſtly forbid him, as this made her more earneſt to know it: But why Sir (would ſhe ſay unto him) will you not be pleaſed to honour me ſo farr, as to tell me this which I have ſo vehement a deſire to know? Do you think Sir I do not know the beginning of your life? believe me Sir, I have been too long at Babylon to be ignorant of it: and to teſtifie unto you that I doe know it, I will, if you pleaſe, repeat word for word all that long and ſharp language [Page] which paſſed between you and the King of Aſſyria in the time of the Queen Nitocris, when you argued in defence of the brown Beauties againſt the fair; and when he gave you ſuch words as provoked you to anſwer him in ſuch a manner, as made it appear you had a heart too high for a Subject, or at leaſt for a Vaſſall

Since you are ſo well acquainted with my life (ſaid he, and would have civilly put her off) what would you have me tell you more? I would have you Sir acquaint mee, replyed ſhe, with your adventures in Bythinia: Alas, Amiable Marteſia (ſaid he) doe not ask me that, for indeed I cannot conſent unto it. Intaphernes uttered theſe words in ſuch a tone, as moved Marteſia to think that he had ſome reaſons for it, ſo that her curioſity was much more eager then before. That which did moſt exaſperate her, was the Princeſſe Mandana's prompting her to perform her promiſe which ſhe made to get it out of him: this Princeſſe wittily twitting her with want of wit to bring it to paſſe: and ſince it was in the Coach, and in preſence of Doraliſa, that ſhe thus geered her, ſhe was even mad upon it: For my part (ſaid Doraliſa, ſeeing it pleaſed the Princeſs to torment her) If I did attempt to get the friendſhip of any one, as I ſee you have courted Intaphernes for his, I ſhould be extreamly aſhamed to thrive in it no better; for as full of Charms as you are; I ſee you have but ſmall power over him, ſince he refuſeth to tell you a thing, which doubtleſſe all Bythinia knows: I have been as ſolicitous Madam (replyed Marteſia, and looked upon Mandana) as if my deſign were to Court the love of the Prince Intaphernes: As for matter of Love replyed the Princeſs, I do not think you can be charged; but I am ſure it muſt be confeſſed, that either you have very ill obeyed me, or the Prince Intaphernes hath very ill obeyed you. Alas Madam replyed Marteſia, ſince I have no right to command him, I have no way but to be contented, and have recourſe unto my prayers; Alas Marteſia (ſaid Doraliſa, and interrupted her) It ſeems Intaphernes hath treated you worſe then I did imagine, ſince in my opinion it is a greater offence to deny a requeſt, then to diſobey a command; and to ſpeak ſincerely, my heart does naturally ſo hate to be commanded any thing, as I ſhould much more readily pardon ſuch as reject my commands, then ſuch as deny my requeſts: Therefore, ſince you have requeſted, and requeſted in vaine, it does extreamly touch your honour to be thus denyed by the Prince Intaphernes. But Marteſia (replyed Mandana) if you uſe no other ſtratage [...] to get out of him what I deſire to know, but prayers, you have not done enough; for there are ſome certaine things which you muſt ſeem as if you did not deſire to know them: Did you but know Madam, replied Marteſia, what I have done, you would be ſatisfied with my endeavors. The more you have done (replied Doraliſa) the more you may be aſhamed, ſince none takes effect. I beſeech you Doraliſa, ſaid Marteſia, try what you can do upon him to ſcrue out what the Princeſs ſo much deſires; Were her Commands upon me replyed ſhe, as they are upon you, I ſhould have obeyed her: but ſince ſhe hath not done me that favour, I have no mind to rob you of the honour in doing her this ſmall piece of ſervice: And therefore ſince your prayers have no influence upon Intaphernes, goe ſome other way to work; make him bolt out that at ſeverall times, which he will not do at once: Puzzle him with a hundred far-fetchd queſtions, pump him, and make him confeſſe what he has no mind to do: Seem ſometimes to know what you ask him, and as if you were careleſſe of knowing more; be ſometimes mild, ſometimes ſharp: And when you have tryed all wayes, and all in vain, yet I know one infallible courſe to make him tell what the Princeſs deſires to know. Pray then inſtruct me, replyed Marteſia; for I have done all that you have yet adviſed me unto, and more: Therefore I beſeech you inſtruct me with this deviſe whoſe event you think ſo certain. I am confident replyed Doraliſa, and ſmiled, that the Princeſs will agree the moſt ſure way to know the ſecrets of another, is to truſt them with their own. I cannot tell, ſaid Marteſia, whether that be true or no, but I am ſure you never pumped out the ſecrets of any one by imparting your own. However it be (ſaid Doraliſa) begin from this very night to tell the Prince Intapernes all the particulars of your life, eſpecially ſince the time that the illuſtrious Cyrus came to Sinope under the name of Artamenes, omit not ſo much as the long diſcourſe you had yeſterday with Feraulas: And if after all this, Intaphernes do not impart his ſecrets, I will engage my ſelf to tell you mine, which is a thing I uſe not, but hate moſt of any in the world.

Mandana hearing Doraliſa ſpeak thus, could not chooſe but laugh, eſpecially when ſhe ſaw Marteſia was a little netled: For though ſhe had wit at will, and was excellent [Page] at Raillary; yet the very name of Feraulas having put her to the bluſh, ſhe began to ſtudy revenge upon Doraliſa, yet could not hit upon it; for ſhe was of ſuch an humour, as the names of Myrſyles, Andramites, and all the reſt of her Lovers had never reached her heart, ſo that Marteſia was forced that day to endure whatſoever Doraliſa pleaſed to put upon her. However, after all this Raillary, the Princeſs Mandana told Marteſia in a more ſerious manner that Intaphernes his deny all did extreamly augment her Curioſity, imagining that either Cyrus or her ſelf, or both were concerned in the relation he was deſired to make: So that Marteſia to ſatisfie Mandana, and to ſtop tanting Doraliſa's mouth, did bethink her ſelf of a man whoſe name was Orcames, of good rank about the Prince Intaphernes, and in great favour with him; from him ſhe thought to have what ſhe deſired to know: For at their laſt diſcourſe, he let her know how he was obliged unto the intereſts of this Prince, ever ſince he was at Babylon. & her greateſt hope was, in that Orcames was a man the beſt at relating ſtories in the world, and loved to employ his talent, and would often when he had no adventures of others to relate, he would voluntarily out with his own. Marteſia then upon this hope of perſwading him to tell her all he knew concerning his Maſter, and other paſſages in Bythinia, did promiſe Mandana afreſh to ſatisfie her Curioſity, and indeed ſhe did not faile in her word. In the mean time, ſince ſhe could never talke with Orcames but at nights, it was three dayes before ſhe could perſwade him to relate the adventures of Intaphernes, though his inclination to ſuch relations was good enough: Yet ſhe did ſo handſomely tamper with him, as ſhe perſwaded him that it was requiſite the Princeſſe Mandana ſhould be acquainted with the intereſts of Intaphernes, to the end ſhe might ſerve him when occaſions were: Inſomuch as Orcames who was ignorant that Cyrus had deſired his Maſter not to acquaint the Princeſs with any paſſages in Bythinia: And who knew he had related unto that Prince all the adventures, never dared to let Mandana know what Cyrus did already know; and he was the more induced unto it, becauſe he could not tell any thing which was not glorious unto the Prince his Maſter: ſo that Marteſia having fitted him to her deſired mould, ſhe went immed [...]nto Mandana, with whom Doraliſa was. Mow Madam, ſaid ſhe unto her, yo [...] know the ſecrets of Intaphernes, at an eaſier rate then his knowing mine, For O [...]es hath promiſed me to tell you them, whenſoever you ſhall pleaſe to appoint him. That ſhall be to morrow at night (ſayd the Princeſſe) for then I know our journey will not be long, and that we ſhall come to our Lodgings betimes, ſo that I do intend to retire ſooner then ordinary, purpoſely to give him the more conventient opportunity for it.

The buſineſs being thus reſolved upon, Marteſia acquainted Orcames with it, and the day following, Mandana ſeeming as ſhe were weary with her journey, would not be ſeen all that Evening as ſhe did uſually, yet ſhe had a deſire to acquaint Cyrus with the true cauſe of that wearineſſe ſhe complayned of, and to let him be an Auditor of this relation: But ſince Intaphernes was then with him, ſhe could not do it: Alſo, ſince her vertue was very ſcrupulous and delicate, as much as ſhe eſteemed Cyrus, yet ſhe would not let him ſee her, after ſhe had ſayd that ſhe would admit of none; for as for Orcames, the matter was not ſo great.

Marteſia then ſeeing that none but Doaliſa and Pherenice were with Mandana, ſhe brought in Orcames, whom the Princeſſe received as a man from whom ſhe expected ſatisfaction of her Curioſity: You need not think it ſtrange, ſaid ſhe unto him, that I ſhould rather deſire to know the life of Intaphernes from you, then from himſelf: For ſince the deſign in my deſires of knowing it, is principally becauſe I would the more eſteem him: I thought his modeſty would hide part of his vertues from me, and that perhaps he would detract from himſelf, and therefore I deſire to receive them from you: but I pray, ſaid ſhe, let not your relation be limitted only unto the adventures of the Prince Intaphernes, but I beſeech you let the Princeſs Iſtrina alſo have her place, for I know the intereſts of that illuſtrious Brother and admirable Siſter are ſo twiſted, as it were unjuſt to ſeparate them in their ſtories.

Though I would do ſo Madam replyed Orcames, yet I cannot; for truly the Princeſſe Iſtrina hath ſo great a ſhare in all I am to relate, and in all the paſſages of all Aſia, even in this which hath hapned unto you Madam in particular, as one may almoſt look upon her as the innocent cauſe of all the Wars. Indeed if the Queen Nitocris had not peremptorily reſolved that the Prince her ſonne ſhould have marryed [Page] her, perhaps he had loved her, or at leaſt not hated her, nor gone out of his Kingdome, and by conſequence he had never been an Enemy and Rivall unto the illuſtrious Cyrus: he had never carryed you Madam away, he would have reſted peaceable in his own Dominions; you had never come under the power either of the Prince Mazanes, or the King of Pontus. Croeſſus had at this hour poſſeſſed all his Treaſures: Armenia had not been tributary, the Prince of Cumes had been alive, & all theſe great revolutions in Aſia had never hapned without the Princeſſe Iſtrina. But Madam, I muſt not only bring in the Prince Intaphernes, the Princeſs his Siſter, and the Princeſs of Bythinia, but alſo the Prince Atergatis, and the King of Aſſyria: And to ſpeak truth, I have ſo many ſeverall things to relate which are ſo twiſted with one another, as I doubt whether I am able to wind the clew of my relation to the bottom without ſuch a diſorderly ruffle, as will weary you. The only favour which I aske, replyed the Princeſs, is, not to do as many relators do, who deſign to iuclude many things in few words; for indeed there are many paſſages whereon aggravations are pleaſing, and ſometimes are neceſſary, ſo that I cannot abide this ſparing of a few words: and therefore do not confine your ſelfe unto over-narrow limits, but freely impart all you know. Orcames being glad that the Princeſs commands did not thwart his inclination. he aſſured her that he would moſt exactly obey her: ſo that Mandana having placed her ſelfe oppoſite to him, and cauſed Cuſhions to be given unto Doraliſa, Pherenece, and Marteſia, Orcames began his ſtory thus:

The Hiſtory of the King of Aſſyria, of Intaphernes, of Atergates, of Iſtrina, and of the Princeſſe of BYTHINIA.

TO the end Madam you may more eaſily be [...] [...]hat the Prince Intaphernes and the Princeſs Iſtrina are accompliſhed with a [...] vertues which perſons of their quality ought to be, I muſt begin my relation with an Elogie to the Queen Nitocris under whom they were educated, and of whom they both were moſt tenderly loved: But Madam, this Queen hath ſo many, ſo great, and ſuch rare qualities, that if I ſhould undertake to deſcribe but a part of them, I ſhould want time to acquaint you ith wwhat you deſire to know. and to ſpeak the very truth, it need not be brought into any queſtion; but a Queen whoſe name hath filled all Aſia, is freſh in the memory of a Princeſs whoſe glory fills all the earth: I will not therefore ſtay you Madam with applauds of a great Queen, whoſe vertues I do believe you ſufficiently eſteem, maugre the violences of the King her ſonne: Nor ſhall I ſtay you long with acquainting you in things ſo farre fetched, as I ſhould have done, if I had not underſtood from Marteſia, how you are not ignorant of the affection which Gadates had unto Nitocris, and of her vertue in thwarting her inclination unto Gadates: ſo that I ſhall content my ſelfe with reviving in your memory, that ſhe having no mind to put the Crown of that Prince whom ſhe loved for feare of cauſing a civill War in her Dominions, but married another whom ſhe loved not: and with telling you how ſhe baniſhed him who had the greateſt ſhare in her heart: How ſhe commanded him to marry: How he obeyed her; and how afterwards, to gratifie his obedience, ſhe intended to ſet the Princeſs Iſtrina upon the Aſſyrian Throne by marrying her unto the Prince her ſonne. After this Madam, I believe you will imagine that the Prince Intaphernes, and the Princeſs Iſtrina were educated with all imaginable care, it being eaſie to be conjectured, that the wiſeſt Queen which ever reigned in Aſſyria ſince Semiramis, would not neglect the education of a Princeſs whom ſhe deſigned for a Throne, and of a young Prince whoſe Father had ſuch a ſhare in her heart, and whom ſhe looked upon as one who was to be brother in Law unto the King of Aſſyria: And certainly all her cares were not loſt; for I can aſſure you Madam, that theſe two young perſons did much exceed their age both in beauty and ſpirit, and were the admiration not only of all the Court, but of all Babylon, wch you know Madam is one of the greateſt Cities in the world. I ſhall not inſiſt Madam, upon any particular deſcriptions of Iſtrina's [Page] beauty; for ſince the Prince Intaphernes is a very picture of her, your own eyes may be judge. I ſhall only ſay thus much, that never was any brown beauty more lovely then hers, nor fuller of attractive charms: As for her ſpirit, her phyſiognomy doth promiſe what it is, to wit, great and noble: and which is moſt pleaſing, her humor is of ſuch a ſweet compoſition, as it gains her more hearts then her beauty.

Yet for all that, this ſweet and lovely Lady has a heart full of ambition, and ſo ſenſible of glory, as ſhe is ready to ſacrifice any thing, even all her pleaſures unto it. She being of ſuch a temper as I have deſcribed, her hopes were flattered up with being a Queen, and her mind was ſo blown up with thoughts of Grandure, as all her cares were how to pleaſe the Queen Nitocris, and the Prince of Aſſyria, whom ſhe was made believe ſhe was to marry: Since you know Madam what Antipathy there was in him towards her, though he had no other reaſon for it, but becauſe he would not ſute his fancy unto the will of any others, I will not inſiſt upon any aggravations of it: Let me only tell you thus much, that becauſe the Princeſs Istrina was of the fair complexion, he hated all the brown, were they never ſo fair, & hated Intaphernes only becauſe he was her brother. Indeed you know Madam, how he treated him one day when they were hunting together, when the Prince Intaphernes more dexterous and happy then he, killed a Lyon: But Madam, the thing which I believe you do not know, or at leaſt have but a confuſed notion of it, is, that whilſt all the Court wondered to ſee this averſion, as the Aſſyrian Prince towards her, ſhee made many in Love with her: And amongſt the reſt, there was a young Prince in that Court called Atergatis, who was moſt deſperately in love with her, and who was no leſſe meritorious of her Love, then ſhe of his; the Prince Mazanes who knowes him, is able to tell you, that the Prince Atergatis is one of the moſt amiable perſons in the world, and the fitteſt to make a faithfull and diſcreet Lover.

As for his perſon it is pleaſing, and it's hard to look long upon it, and not love it. Since his Quality made him a Companion with the Prince of Aſſyria, in all his pleaſure, he was often times a witneſſe of that averſion which he had to the Princeſs Iſtrina: And I have heard [...]ce ſay, that this his averſion was partly a cauſe of his Love; becauſe not being [...] conceive how a Prince of his ſpirit could poſſibly hate ſo faire a perſon as ſhe, [...] he had obſerved ſome particular faults in her, hee therefore applyed himſelf unto her, to ſee what was the reaſon her beauty did not captivate the Prince of Aſſyria's heart: ſo that ſeeing her very often, he ſaw her too oft for his quietneſſe, for he loved her with as much violence as it was poſſible for any living to love. However, ſince he knew that the Queen Nitocris was fully reſolved that the Prince her ſonne ſhould marry her: and ſince he very well obſerved the ambitious veine of the Princeſs Iſtrina, he durſt not therefore declare himſelf, and therefore ſmothered up moſt tormenting flames: but the oddeſt paſſage in his Love was, that he adhered ſo much unto the intereſts of the Princeſs Iſtrina, as he could not chooſe but hate the King of Aſſyria, becauſe he carryed himſelf harſhly towards her, though it would have pinched him to the ſoule if he had ſeen him love her.

Since at that time the heart of Istrina was ſwelled only with ambition; and ſeeing her ſelfe looked upon by all the Court, as her that was to be Queen of Aſſyria, ſhee did imagine that none durſt preſume to look ſo high as ſhe: Inſomuch, as though ſhe did every day ſee the Prince Atergatis, and though he talked with her as much as he could, and Courted her with continuall trifling ſervices, yet ſhe did not perceive he was in love with her, though many others obſerved it, and though ſhee her ſelfe had a good inclination to eſteem him.

The Prince of Aſſyria was the firſt that found it out, and was very glad of it; for he heartily wiſhed that the Princeſs Istrina had a Lover whom ſhe loved, purpoſely that he might have a better pretence for not loving her, as Nitocris would have him: And indeed this violent Prince ſeeing that the Lawes of the Land required that hee ſhould Marry Iſtrina, becauſe there was none of her Quality in all the Kingdome whom elſe he could marry: And ſeeing that the Qu: Nitocris was reſolute, & would exact obedience from him, as ſoon as the Peace with Phrigia was compleated, which was under negotiation, therefore he had recourſe unto the moſt extream Remedies.

Then he made a hundred odd Propoſitions unto the Prince Mazanes, who would not hearken unto them: ſo that perceiving the Prince Atergatis was in love with Istrina, [Page] he ſent one day to him to tell him that he would uſe his beſt aſſiſtance to make him happy. Atergatis much ſurprized at the Prince of Aſſyria's Complement, told him, that the only way to make him happy was to give him ſome occaſion of doing him ſome conſiderable ſervice: No, no, replyed this violent Prince, I meane not to make you happy by your ſerving me, but by my ſerving you: I know you are in love with the Princeſs Iſtrina: Alas Sir (ſaid Atergatis, and interrupted him) I owe you more reſpects, then to have any thoughts of that moſt excellent Princeſs, but ſuch as I ought to have of one whoſe Subject I muſt hereafter be: No no Atergatis, (ſaid he unto him) do not diſſemble the truth, but confeſſe freely unto me that you are the Princeſs Istrina's ſlave without feare of being hereafter her Subject, for Iaſſure you that I will never put the Crown upon her head: Therefore for your owne ſatisfaction, and to free me from the perpetuall perſecution of the Queen, who would have me marry her; give me leave to ſteale her away for you, and put her into your power, yet ſo as I may not be ſeen in the buſineſſe: I will find you a moſt ſafe ſanctuary for a Retreat, where you may wait untill the Queens anger be over, and untill you have got the Princeſs Iſtrina's Love, Sir, replyed Atergatis (extreamly amazed and puzled to anſwer the Prince of Aſſyria) I have already told you that I have no thoughts of the Princeſs Iſtrina, but ſuch as becomes me, though I muſt needs confeſs that I doe infinitely admire her: But were it ſo that I loved this moſt excellent Princeſs, I would not Sir accept of this offer, becauſe it is not the way to obtain the love of that illuſtrious perſon, & becauſe it would hinder her of a Crown: Therefore Sir, whether I be her Lover, or not her Lover, I ought not to conſent unto your propoſition.

Your anſwer (replyed the King of Aſſyria) doth ſo much ſurprize me, as I almoſt believe my ſelfe miſtaken in thinking you to be in Love with Iſtrina; for I cannot conceive it poſſible one ſhould refuſe the poſſeſſion of her he loves, though he come to her by the moſt difficulty and unjuſt wayes in the world.

But perhaps (purſued he) you do not believe me and are not perſwaded of my great averſion to the Princeſs Iſtrina: yet I do prot [...] [...]ergatis, I hate Intaphernes becauſe he is her brother, and ſhould hate you a [...] Lover, were I not in hopes of perſwading you be her Raviſher alſo: I muſt confeſſe when I doe force my eyes to examine her beauty, I do find her fair: and my reaſon ſometimes tells me, ſhe has wit enough. But for all this ſhe diſpleaſeth me: I cannot abide her; and I am ſometimes very ſorry that I can only hate her, and that I cannot but only in my heart ſcorn her.

How Sir, replyed Atergatis (who could not endure to heare her he adored, ſo vilified) can it be poſſible the Princeſſe Iſtrina ſhould diſlike you, and ſtifle your inclination? How is it poſſiſible Atergatis (replyed the Prince of Aſſyria) that the Princeſſe Istrina ſhould pleaſe you, charm you, and move your heart, and yet not deſire to enjoy her by the way which I propound? Yet you love her; and I do plainly ſee it in your eyes, that you cannot endure I ſhould ſpeak ſo ſharply againſt her: Therefore I doe declare unto you, that you muſt do one of theſe three things: You muſt either carry her away, or make her love you, or elſe make me hate you: For if I find you to be only a bare Adorer of Iſtrina, I ſhall hate you perhaps more then if I were your Rivall.

As Atergatis was ſtudying for an anſwer, as good luck was, the Prince Mazanes and others came in and broke off their diſcourſe, and alſo gave him an occaſion of quitting that where his ſoule ſuffered the torments of a Hell.

But to ſum up his torments, as he was going from this Princes Chamber, he met with one who ſtayed him a long time in talk of ſome buſineſs; and as he was talking, one of the Aſſyrian Princes ſervants paſſed by him, and was asked by another whether he went, and he anſwered aloud, that his Maſter ſent him to ſeek a Prince whoſe name was Armatrites: So that Atergatis knowing this Prince to be in love with the Princeſſe Iſtrina, and imagining that the Prince of Aſſyria ſent for his Rivall to make the ſame propoſition which he had done unto him, he was ſo perplexed that he was forced to quit him he was talking with, and to goe home purpoſely to reſolve with himſelfe what courſe to take: I underſtood ſince, from his own mouth, that he was more perplexed then ever was any amorous heart: Sometimes he was glad to ſee the Prince of Aſſyria's averſion to Iſtrina; ſometimes again he was angry at it, and otherwhiles he repented of his non-acceptance of the offer made unto him, fearing leſt his [Page] Rivall ſhould anticipate him: What a moſt miſerable croſſe deſtiny is mine? (would he ſay himſelfe upon examination of this ſtrange adventure) I do love a Princeſſe who knows not that I adore her, becauſe my reſpects unto the Prince for whom ſhe is deſtined does hinder me from letting her know it; and yet this very ſame Prince who thinks my felicity would be his miſery, offers me to ſteale her away for mee, and put her in my power. Think well on it Atergatis (would he ſay) conſider whether 'tis not thy beſt courſe to return and tell the Prince thou doſt repent of thy refuſall: For truly ſince he is reſolved not to make her a Queen, is there any one in all the Kingdome that is more worthy of her then thy ſelfe in reſpect of thy violent and reſpective paſſion?

But ſaid he, (and reprehended himſelfe immediately after) Canſt thou be ſo inſolent as to make any Declaration of Love unto her, after thou haſt cauſed her to be Raviſhed away? Take heed Atergatis, with what eyes a wronged Princeſſe will look upon thee, a Princeſs who will think that thou haſt taken a Crown from her: Imagine that thou ſeeſt Iſtrina incenſed? Let not thy love ecclips thy vertue? Remember that thou haſt ever thought, and that with reaſon, that whoſoever excludes reſpect from this paſſion, doth ruine it: and that to take away a Princeſs whoſe heart is not obtained, is the moſt unjuſt thing in the world, and the greateſt folly one can commit: Hearken therefore unto reaſon in ſpight of thy love, and follow its Counſells rather then the King of Aſſyria's: But alas alas, ſaid he, if thy Rivall ſhould not be ſo generous as thy ſelfe, but ſhould accept of what this unjnſt Prince ſhould offer him, in what a deplorable condition art thou then? what good will all thy reſpects of her thou adoreſt do thee, ſince ſhe does not know thou loveſt her? And who cannot think her ſelfe obliged unto thee for a thing ſhe is ignorant of? Examine ſeriouſly Atergatis, what courſe is beſt to be taken: If thou wilt not doe as the King of Aſſyria would have thee, thy Rivall perhaps will: If thou doſt carry away Iſtrina, ſhe will hate thee: If thou doſt not carry her away, another in all probability will. What canſt thou do, unfortunate man, in ſuch a ſtrange condition? Canſt thou ſuffer thy Princeſs to be carryed away without acquainting her with the misfortune which hangs over her head? Canſt thou give her a greater teſtimony of thy eſteem and love, then by letting her know it? But alas (ſaid he, and ſighed) how canſt thou at one time acquaint the Princeſs Iſtrina, that thou loveſt her; that the Prince of Aſſyria hates her; that thou haſt refuſed the offer of her taking away; that thou art perſwaded thy Rivall will not ſtartle at it: The leaſt of all theſe is enough to tremble thee into a Palſey in telling it, ſince it would make her both ſad and angry: Conſider what an angry buſineſſe it would be to tell her all theſe things at once: Yet why ſhouldſt thou pauſe upon it; For though there were no other reaſon to move thee unto a diſcovery of what thou knoweſt, yet her intereſt alone is enough to oblige thee unto it, as her Friend, and not her Lover. But what phraſes canſt thou make uſe of to expreſſe thoſe difficulties, which will ſo much ſurprize her? She hath ever looked upon thee as one who was to be her Subject, and thon goeſt to tell her that ſhe muſt look upon thee as her Lover; and as a man who wiſheth with all his heart that ſhe may never be a Queen. She expects the King of Aſſyria will put a Crown upon her head, and thou telleſt her that he would ſteale her away for another, and that he will perhaps find one who will accept of an offer ſo unjuſt, ſo contrary to generoſity, and even Love it ſelfe. Nevertheleſſe, the ſervice thou oweſt unto the Princeſſe Iſtrina requires it from thee, and thy Paſſion commands it.

But yet once more Atergatis, what words wilt thou uſe? I know not (ſaid he and ſighed) yet without more ado leave it unto thy Love to ſuggeſt ſuch as ſhall perſwade the Princeſs, that ſince the King of Aſſyria does not adore her, he is unworthy of her eſteem: and that ſince thou loveſt her more then ever man loved any, thou doſt merit ſome ſhare in her heart.

After this Atergatis being fully reſolved to acquaint Iſtrina with the paſſage, and to give her ſuch hints as might make her gueſſe at his Love, he waited with much impatience untill after dinner. But in the interim, his reaſon ſuggeſted unto him, that perhaps he ſhould expoſe himſelfe to the Prince of of Aſſyria's hatred; if it ſhould ſo fall out that the Princeſs Iſtrina ſhould diſcover unto him what he ſhould tell her: yet this did not divert him from his firſt intentions, and from going unto the Queen as ſoon as the hour, when every one uſed to goe, was come.

[Page] Since the Princeſſe Iſtrina did much eſteem him, and ranked him in the number of her intimate friends: and ſince the Prince Intaphernes did dearly love him, he hoped to find an eaſie opportunity of talking with her, either in the Queens preſence, or her own chamber: And he found the opportunity more favourable then he hoped, for ſince it was then very hot, and the Sun began to grow low, the Princeſs went to walk in thoſe rare Gardens, made heretofore by the famous Semiramis, and which as you know Madam, being vaulted underneath, and ſupported by huge, high, and ſtately pillars, has the reputation over all Aſia, to hang miraculouſly in the Ayre, conſidering their prodigious bigneſſe. The Princeſs Istrina having that day made choiſe of this Walk, there being very few company which frequented it, becauſe the Queen not going the crowd of the Court ſtayed with her, ſince it was upon her that all Graces and Favours depended. As for Atergatis, ſince his buſineſs was not there, he followed the Princeſs Iſtrina, and was ſo happy, that when he came firſt into her preſence, ſhe asked him if he would walk with her: He joyfully accepted of ſuch a favourable opportunity, and preſented her his hand to lead her out: Since it was a great height to mount into thoſe miraculous Gardens, which ſhe made choice of for her diverſion, ſhe was a little weary when ſhe was up: So that to reſt her ſelfe a while, to the end her walk might be the more delightfull, ſhe did ſit down in an Arbor made between four Palm trees, which being intertwiſted with each other, did make a moſt delicate ſhade, there being ſeates of Cyprus wood which perfumed the place. The Princeſſe Iſtrina ſitting under ſuch a cooling ſhade, the Prince Atergatis had all the conveniency of talking with her he could deſire; For ſince there was no perſons with her of his Quality but himſelfe, as ſoon as he began to talke ſeriouſly with the Princeſs, as if he had ſome ſecreſie of importance to impart, all the reſt of the company did out of their reſpects retire ſome diſtance from them: ſo that Atergatis, not to looſe ſuch a precious moment, Madam (ſaid he unto her with a trembling heart) I have a buſineſſe to acquaint you withall, which I wiſh it were already told you, becauſe it is moſt neceſſary you ſhould know it, and yet I dare hardly tell it, unleſſe I have the authority of your Command.

Iſtrina ſurprized at the diſcourſe of Atergatis, did look ſeriouſly upon the matter, and endeavoured to gueſs at the buſineſſe; but yet though her faire eyes did look ſeriouſly in the eyes of Atergatis, and ſaw them full of love, yet they could not diſcover the paſſion of his heart: So that not knowing what to think, I do confeſs Atergatis, ſaid ſhe, I cannot imagine what you can tell of ſuch importance for me to know; for ſince I have ever thought you my friend, in lieu of deſiring a Command to ſpeak, you ſhould ſpeak freely without, but ſince you do deſire it, I doe command you: Then Madam, ſaid he, I will obey, and acquaint you with a buſineſſe which will moſt ſurprize you of any thing in the world: Oh I beſeech you (ſaid Iſtrina then) do not yet obey me; but tell me firſt, whether it will be a buſineſs which will anger me, or grieve me, or elſe joy me; for you know that pleaſing things may ſurprize one, as well as diſpleaſing. Since Madam I am full of ſincerity, replyed he, I muſt confeſſe I have nothing to tell which I think will pleaſe you, but much which will diſpleaſe.

If it be ſo, ſaid ſhe, I pray tell me nothing, unleſſe you can tell me a way how to avoid any great misfortune. If that had not been the cauſe Madam, replyed Atergatis, I ſhould never have reſolved to acquaint you with what I now intend, but indeed Madam, it does ſo neer concern you to know it, as it doth concern the whole tranquility of your life: Speak then Atergatis ſaid ſhe unto him, and ſpeak quickly for I long to know your buſineſſe. I will obey you Madam, replyed Atergatis; but it muſt be upon Condition, that my firſt words ſhall not move you to impoſe ſilence upon me, but that you will ſuffer me to ſpeak out without any interruption, all that concerns you to know. Since you cannot tell me any thing which will vexe mee more then this incertainty unto which you have put me (replyed ſhe) I will heare you as long as you pleaſe: For ſince I have a good opinion of your wiſdome, I need not fear you will tell me any thing which I ought not to heare.

I ſhall tell you then Madam, ſaid he unto her, that though all Aſia knows how the Queen intends you ſhould weare the ſame Crown ſhe doth, by marrying you unto the Prince her ſonne, and by conſequence all the Subjects of this great Queen, ought to look upon you as her who muſt be their Soveraign: Yet there is one who not being contented with the quality of a Subject which is common to many others, hath a [Page] devotion to be your ſlave in a moſt particular manner. Though I did promiſe not to interrupt you (ſayd Iſtrina, and bluſhed) yet it was becauſe I thought you had ſome buſineſs of importance to tell me: but Atergatis I do perceive it to be only a piece of Raillary to divert me, and by Conſequence does not merit the performance of my word: I beſeech you Madam remember, replyed Atergatis, that I deſired you not to impoſe ſilence upon me, nor wonder at my firſt words. But the more to oblige your audience, I will ſubmit unto all imaginable puniſhments, if you doe not confeſſe at the end of my diſcourſe that you ought to know what I ſhall tell you, and that I were unworthy to live if I did not acquaint you with it.

The Princeſs Iſtrina then perceiving that Atergatis had indeed ſome ſerious matter to tell her, reſolved to hear him without interruption, not imagining that Atergatis and this ſlave whereof he ſpake were both one: ſo giving him a new permiſſion to ſpeak, he began with as much feare as love.

Be pleaſed to know Madam (ſaid he unto her) that there is a man in Babylon who began to admire you as ſoon as ever he began to ſee you: and who without any hopes of being loved, or thoughts of letting you know his Love, doth ſtill continue loving you; but it is with an affection ſo pure and ſo free from all manner of intereſt, that I am certain untill yeſterday about this time, he never intended you ſhould know his Paſſion, and yet he loves you in a higher degree then ever any could: and had he thought he could pretend unto the enjoyment of you without hindering you of a Crown, he had long ſince declared himſelfe, and avenged you of the Prince of Aſſyria's injuſtice. had he thought that the glory of being a Queen had not been the object of your deſires, doubtleſs he would have let you known that you do Reign as Soveraignly in his heart, as ever you can do upon the Throne of Aſſyria: Hee would have made it known unto you Madam, though he had directly oppoſed the Queen, and though the Prince her ſonne had loved you as much as he ought to do. So that Madam, the reaſon why this concealed Lover hath not diſcovered his Paſſion unto you, is becauſe he was as full of reſpect, as Love: becauſe he thought it not his duty to make you looſe a Crown, and becauſe he could never hope you could prefer the Empire of his heart, above a Kingdome.

In the mean time, ſince the paſſion of his amorous heart is moſt violent, hee hath ſuffered and ſuffered more then ever any did: he hath ſmothered up all his miſeries in ſilence, and without complaint, and would ſtill have done ſo, if the Prince of Aſſyria had not yeſterday told him a thing which is the cauſe I now diſcover his thoughts unto you. For truly Madam (if I may without offence utter it) that moſt unjuſt Prince cannot endure you, and will never give you that Crown which he is to wear, though you deſerve it better then he. He is not contented with not adoring you himſelf, and with entertaining the moſt unjuſt thoughts in the world of you, but he would alſo corrupt this Lover which doth adore you: Yet Madam, ſince it is requiſite I acquaint you with the Prince of Aſſyria's injuſtice, I muſt tell you, how he ſent for him of whom I ſpeak, and told him that he perceived his Love to you, and proteſted unto him that he for his part could never love you, & offered him to ſteale you away for him, and all this with ſuch earneſt expreſſions, as it was rather a Commandement that he made, then a Propoſition. How (ſaid the Princeſs Iſtrina, and interrupted him) would the Prince of Aſſyria ſteale me away, and put me in the power of him you mention? If this be ſo, though he were King of the whole world, I would diſobey the Queen if ſhe commanded me to marry him: and if it were not for the Reverence I owe unto that Princeſs, I ſhould this very day let him know who thus ſlights me, that I doe not deſerve it from him, and that I have a heart as great, as his is inſolent and proud: Can I believe Atergatis, that this is true? ſo true Madam, replyed he, that nothing can be more: Then ſaid ſhe, am I the moſt miſerable woman in the world; for unleſs the injurious Prince of Aſſyria have not Imparted this unjuſt Propoſition unto a moſt generous man, perhaps he will accept of it: I cannot tell Madam (replyed Atergatis very modeſtly) whether the man do merit the attribute of generous; but I am ſure, that though he loves you beyond all expreſſions, he refuſed to enjoy you by any ſuch unjuſt way, as the Aſſyrian Prince propounded: His reſpects of you were ſo high, as he would not acknowledg unto him that he loved you; but told him that though he were, yet you ſhould never be ſtollen away, which put that violent Prince into ſuch a chafe, as he told him in the concluſion of their Conference, that he muſt do one of [Page] theſe three things: Either let him ſteale you away; or procure your Love, or elſe be hated of him. This laſt thing (replyed Iſtrina very ſharply) is queſtionleſs the moſt eaſie of the three, and alſo the moſt juſt: Yet (added ſhe, and bluſhed, becauſe ſhe knew by the diſorder which appeared in the face of Atergatis, that it was himſelf who loved her) the generous proceding of him who refuſed the Prince of Aſſyria's unjuſt propoſition, doth ſo ſenſibly oblige me, that I muſt conjure you not to name him to me, leſt being obliged to look upon him as a man who loves me, I ſhould be driven to ſhun his company: therefore Atergatis ſince he cannot chooſe but be a moſt excellent man, let me have the liberty of treating him with the ſame Cruelties I uſe unto ſuch men, and never let me know his name: Oh Madam, ſayd Atergatis, was ever ſuch a kind of acknowledgment invented? Could ever any but your ſelfe have found it out? For ſince the proceeding of him whom you would not know doth both pleaſe and oblige you, why will you not know who he is? The reaſon is, replyed ſhe, becauſe I cannot know him, unleſſe I reſolve at the ſame time to hold no particular friendſhip with him: ſo that to take from me a ſubject of ingratitude, I muſt not admit of his acquaintance. Then promiſe me Madam I beſeech you (ſaid Atergatis, and looked moſt paſſionately upon her) that you will gueſſe at him whom you will not permit me to name: For if you will not promiſe this, I think Madam, I ſhall not tell you what remains, though it concerns you moſt of all to know it; for I am fully perſwaded, that the Prince of Aſſyria is at this very hour propoſing unto another whom I know, to ſteale you away; who perhaps not being ſo reſpective and jnſt as him you would not know, will accept of the offer, and prepare for the execution of his unjuſt deſign: Oh Atergatis, replyed Iſtrina, I will promiſe what you pleaſe, provided you will prevent my being taken away, by naming him unto me, whom you think ſo apt to undertake ſuch violence againſt me: How Madam (ſayd Atergatis, retreating a Pace or two, and looking fixedly upon her) would you know the name of him that would injure you, and not know his name who gives the greateſt teſtimony of his reſpect and love that ever any could? Yet ſince you will have it ſo (ſaid he and came a little neerer her) and ſince I am in ſome hopes that you will gueſs who it is, I will tell you that Armatrites is the man whom the Prince of Aſſyria ſent for, after he was denied by that reſpective Lover whom you will not let me name. Alas Atergatis, replyed Iſtrina, hath Armatrites accepted of this offer? he is no leſſe violent and raſh then the Prince of Aſſyria, and therefore I cannot imagine any ſecurity for my ſelfe, but by quitting the Court, and acquainting the Queen with it; and conſequently by dividing all Aſſyrin, and cauſing perhaps a Warre between the Queen and the Prince her ſonne.

No no Madam, ſaid Atergatis to her, there needs no recourſe unto ſuch violent Remedies; for I know that he who refuſed the Prince of Aſſyria's unjuſt Propoſition, intends to have a very obſervant eye over Armatrites: And I dare aſſure you, that conſidering his way of acting, you need not fear it: And therefore you need only to keep cloſe for ſome certain dayes in the Queens Palace, to prevent all feares; for let me once more aſſure you, that the Perſon whom you will not permit me to name, had rather dye then ſuffer any violence to be done unto you: his Love of you will inſpire him with policy enough to prevent his Rivall. Therefore Madam, I beſeech you do not let it perplex you too much; for I ſhould think my ſelfe moſt unhappy, if my intentions of preventing one miſery, ſhould drive you into another. I know that the loſſe of a Crown is great, and will moſt ſenſibly perplex one whoſe affection is all upon glory: and I know alſo that the Meſſenger of ſuch bad news cannot be welcom. Yet truly Atergatis (ſaid Iſtrina, and interrupted him) I think my ſelfe much obliged to you, though you have acquainted me with nothing but ſad things: Then Madam it ſeems (replyed Atergatis & ſighed) that you rank amongſt ſad things, that violent and reſpective Paſſion, which this unknown Lover bears you, who hath refuſed to enjoy you by that unjuſt way which hath been propounded to him, that the enjoyment of you Madam, is the only thing in the world that can make him happy, and without which, he will be ever miſerable: It ſeems, replyed Iſtrina, that I have cauſe to grieve at an obligation of ſuch a nature upon me, which I cannot acknowledg, yet I muſt needs be ſo juſt unto him in my heart, as to wiſh him happy in recompence of his generoſity. But Madam, replyed Atergatis, you do unawares engage your ſelfe unto many things, he cannot without you, be what you deſire he ſhould be. [Page] The Princeſs Iſtrina having more and more cauſe to think that it was Atergaris who was in love with her, and who denyed the Prince of Aſſyria, did riſe up, leaſt he ſhould tell her more then ſhe deſired to hear, and leaſt he ſhould take the boldneſs to diſcover himſelf: Since I perceive this generous perſon whom I will not know is one of your Friends, I conjure you to oblige him to a Continuance of his Generoſity in acquainting me by you with all his diſcoueries of any unjuſt deſigns in the Prince of Aſſyria, or in Armatrites. Doubtleſs, Madam, replyed Atergatis, you ſhall by me know all that he who adores you with moſt reverence, and loves with all violencies of paſſion can inform you of: After this the Princeſs Iſtrina beginning to walk, called the reſt of the Ladies which waited, and took one turn in the Garden, to the end it ſhould not be obſerved that the Prince Atergatis had told her any thing which altered her deſign of walking: but her Soul was ſo troubled that ſhe could not take a ſecond; ſo that retiring to her Chamber, ſhe feigned her ſelf ſick, purpoſely to have the better pretence for her not going abroad. Atergatis at his parting from her uſed many expreſſions which confirmed her in her opinion; yet he ſayd nothing which mooved Iſtrina from her manner of familiarity with him, ſo that he parting upon very good terms from her, he went away with much ſatisfaction: For though this Princeſs told him ſhe would not know the Name of him they ſpoke of, yet it did not trouble him: But on the contrary being of a quick apprehenſion, he eaſily perceived that the Princeſs Iſtrina's reaſon why ſhe did forbid him to tell the Name of the man, was, becauſe ſhe knew him: So that flattering up his paſſion, he thought himſelf more happy then ever he hoped to be; but his greateſt perplexity was his fears that Armatrites ſhould not accept of what he had refuſed, and that the Prince of Aſſyria would not take away Iſtrina from him.

And indeed though it was not known in Babylon, but on the contrary reported that he had received the Propoſition as well as Atergatis; yet it was moſt certainly true, that he did accept of it with joy, and had executed his deſign, had not his Illuſtrious Rivall been an Obſtacle unto him, as I ſhall preſently tell you how. On the other ſide Iſtrina's Soul was ſo dejected that ſhe was all ſadneſs: She perceived by what Atergatis had told her, that ſhe ſhould never be a Queen, and that her hopes of it were all quaſht, yet certainly that was not it which moſt did trouble her; for ſhe did more bitterly reſent the Prince of Aſſyrias ſcorn then the loſs of a Crown; not that ſhe ever had any inclination to him, but becauſe ſhe conceived herſelf more meritorious then to be ſo ſlighted, therfore ſhe could not chuſe but extreamly hate him, eſpecially ſince ſhe obſerved his claſhing with the Prince Intaphernes. In the mean time ſhe could not find out any remedy to her miſery; ſhe knew the Queen would not permit her to leave the Court, becauſe ſhe had an opinion that the Prince her Son would in the end change his mind. Again, if ſhe ſhould acquaint Intaphernes with what Atergatis had told her, ſhe feared that he being already incenſed againſt the Prince of Aſſyria, he might perhaps take ſome violent courſe; ſince that he would be out of hopes to ſee the Crown upon her head, which was the only cauſe why he ſtayed at Court after ſo many affronts put upon him by the Prince of Aſſyria: Iſtrina then not knowing what courſe to take, thought beſt to pauſe ſome certain dayes, before ſhe fixed her Reſolution; And to the end ſhe might be that Interim in ſafety, ſhe diſſembled herſelf ſick, as I ſayd before, that ſhe might the better colour her keeping within the Palace. But after a ſerious examination of all that related unto the Prince of Aſſyria, the generoſity of Atergatis came into her memory; and though ſhe then held him in the rank of eſteem and friendſhip, yet ſhe found no diſpoſition in her ſelf to deſire he ſhould not love her: for as ſhe hath ſince opened her moſt ſecret thoughts unto the Prince her Brother; I knew them, as well as if I had been in her heart: Nor did ſhe deſire he ſhould love her, but without any further reaſoning upon his paſſion; ſhe only conſidered the generoſity of his Action, without looking any neere into the matter, or forſeeing the Sequell.

In the mean time Atergatis employing all his Wits and Policy to diſcover what he deſired to know, did nnderſtand that the Prince of Aſſyria had held a long Conference with Armatrites, that after it they both of them were very merry; and that on the Contrary he obſerved the Prince of Aſſyria would ſcarcely look upon him, inſomuch as deſcanting upon theſe probably Conjectures, he concluded that Armatrites had accepted of the Propoſition which he refuſed: Alſo he met with ſeverall [Page] Orders which both theſe Princes had given, that confirmed him in his Opinion; for the Prince of Aſſyria had ſent ſecretly to the Governour of Opis (whether he carried you, Madam, when he carried you away) And Armatrites had ſent moſt of his Train out of Babylon upon a very unlikely pretence: After when he had plotted how he might defeat the deſign of his Rivall, he conceived the beſt way was to fight with him, and to make his Quarrell upon ſomthing in which the Princeſs Iſtrina was not concerned; for ſince the Prince of Aſſyria was a Party in the Crime of Armatrites, he thought it no policy to publiſh it. Atergatis did ſee very well that ſince he had no certainty of what he feared, exact Prudence required that he ſhould ſtay a while and endeavour to make the buſineſs cleerer; But being extreamly in love he apprehended more danger in ſtaying too long before he fought with Armatrites, then in fighting with him too ſoon; for indeed (ſaid he to himſelf) Armatrites is my Rivall, that s certain; therfore though I look upon him only as ſo, and not as a Raviſher of the Princeſs whom I adore, yet ſtill I muſt be his Enemy, ſince there is not ſuch a naturall antipathy in the whole Univerſe as between two Rivals. Then Atergatis feared that if he overcame, he ſhould then be forced away from Iſtrina: yet ſince he knew Nitocris did not love Armatrites, he hoped he ſhould not be baniſhed the Court for it; or at leaſt if he were, it would not be long: Alſo conſidering the carrying away of the Princeſs Iſtrina, he thought it better he ſhould be baniſhed from her, then expoſe her unto any ſuch miſery; So that to defeat the unjuſt deſign of Armatrites, he reſolved to ruine him. But to the end the Princeſs Iſtrina ſhould not ſuſpect the truth of what he told her, he cunningly got the Prince Intaphernes, to tell her in his preſence, as a peece of novelty, how Armatectes was the new Favourite of the Aſſyrian Prince, and how Atergatis was out of Favour: So that the Princeſs applying what he ſayd unto herſelf, according to the wiſh of Atergatis, ſhe bluſhed ſo extreamly, that though ſhe was upon her bed where it was not very light, yet Atergatis perceived it, and ſaw that he was underſtood. In the mean time, without further delay, he endeavoured to meet with Armatrites the next morning, and ſeemed as if he had no deſign in it; And ſince it was that ſeaſon of the year when walking upon the Banks of the River Euphrates was much frequented, he thought to find him there: And ſince he was of a very violent and haſty temper, it would be an eaſie matter to find a cauſe of ſome Quarrell, eſpecially ſince he had ſuch a Spirit of Contradiction. For truly, Madam, Armatrites was of ſuch a croſs diſpoſition, that if two perſons were in contrary opinions to one another, he would rather be of a third to contradict them both, then ſide with either.

Atergatis knowing this humour, did conceive it would be very advantageous to himſelf to intereſt the Queen in the Cauſe of his quarrell, to the end he might be protected againſt the Prince her Son, if any need were, that he might not be baniſhed if he were the Vanquiſhor, and by conſequence not be ſeparated from Iſtrina. Conſulting then with himſelf how he might effect his Deſign, he reſolved when he came to the Banks of Euphrates, where he found Armatrites to extoll thoſe great and wonderfull works which that Illuſtrious Queen had made, to prevent the violence of the River, by turning it ſeverall waies before it came to Babylon, imaging that Armatrites would be ſure to contradict him: And indeed Atergatis was not miſtaken, for as ſoon as they met, and as he began to commend that wonderfvll work, Armatrites checked him, and ſayd, that the Queen was rather to be blamed, and that ſhe had done much better if ſhe had employed thoſe vaſt Expences in turning the courſe of the River, in fortifying the Frontiers of her Dominions: After which he began to condemn in generall all thoſe Princes which buſie themſelves in publick works, and ſayd, that this which Nitocris had done, was not done for the ſecurity of the Town, and to make it more impregnable, but only out of the vanity of that Queen. Atergatis not to let ſlip ſuch a favourable occaſion, told him in an angry tone that he ſpoke to unreverently of a great and illuſtrious Princeſs, who could not be ſufficiently admired: Upon this Armatrites returned a tart anſwer, and Atergatis the like, ſtill engaging the Queen in his diſcourſe; inſomuch as he forced him to bid Atergatis meet him with a Sword in his Land; Atergatis did joyfully take him at his word, and told him, their beſt courſe was to take a turn in the Walks, and to draw out inſenſibly from the Company, leaſt their Deſign ſhould be perceived; for at the beginning of their Conteſt, ſeverall perſons did hear them. Armatrites being very brave, [Page] he did as Atergatis adviſed him, and they ſeemed to be good friends, ſo that there was no ſuſpicion of a quarrell.

In the meane time, ſince they were both lovers of Iſtrina, and knew it, they both longed to ſee each other with Swords in their hands: ſo that when they obſerved there was no notice taken of them, in lieu of returning amongſt the people wch walked, they continued on their walk along the river ſide, as if they were men that affected a ſolitary walk. Since it is the cuſtome of that place, for the Pages to waite upon their Maſters at the Gate of the Towne, to the end they ſhould not interrupt the walks of the Ladies, by their uſeleſſe ſcurrility, the Pages of theſe two Princes were with the reſt, and by conſequence could not ſee their Maſters, when they ſeparated themſelves from the company. However, ſince theſe two Rivals had either of them a ſword, they were both of them well enough prepared for a Fight: So that as ſoon as they came to a place where the River turned, & kept them from the ſight of thoſe that walked, becauſe the ground in that place was very low, they began that Combate. I ſhall not trouble you Madam with any particularities of it; for I have ſo many other things to relate, that I muſt not inſiſt too long upon ſuch as are leaſt pleaſing. Let it ſuffice therefore I tell you, that Atergatis was the Conquerour of Armatrites, his victory was deep in blood, and fatall to his Enemy: ſo that being both fortunate and brave, the great courage of Armatrites could not defend himſelf from foure wounds, two whereof entred into his body. So that loſing abundance of blood, he fainted preſently, and ſtriving to make a paſſe at Atergatis, he fell at his feet, yet he ſtrived to riſe againe; but his generous Rivall who was not wounded, would not ſuffer him, but took away his ſword: and having no mind to kill an enemy, who was not in a condition to defend himſelfe, but told him that he would ſpare his life upon three Conditions.

The firſt, to publiſh that their Quarrell was upon ſpeeches of the great workes, which the Queen Nitocris had made.

The ſecond, to confeſſe he had a deſign of carrying away the Princeſs Iſtrina: And the third, to engage his word that he would never think any more of executing his unjuſt deſign as long as he lived: I could oblige you (purſued he) never to think any more upon that Princeſs; but ſince I know that Love is a thing not voluntary, I will not require any thing of you, but what is juſt and Poſſible.

Armatrites being much wounded, & hearing Atergatis ſpeak in that manner, was much ſurprized, for the Prince of Aſſyria had never told him that he made the ſame offer unto Atergatis: ſo as imagining that his Rivall came to know of his unjuſt deſign, either by revelation from the Gods, or by inchantment, hee never denyed the buſineſſe, but confeſſed that it was true, he had a deſign of carrying away the Princeſs Iſtrina: hee told him that he did well not to force him unto any promiſe of never thinking any more upon that Princeſs, maintaining with abundance of violence, that never any amorous perſon ought to make any promiſe in prejudice of his Love.

As they were upon theſe terms, the Prince Intaphernes who had been hunting that morning without any company but his own houſe, came to them: and being much ſurprized to find them in that condition, he lighted from his Horſe and went up to them: who were as much ſurprized to ſee him, who coming ſuddenly upon them did heare the name of the Princeſs Iſtrina; and looking upon both Conqueror, and conquered, Is it poſſible (ſaid he to them) that my ſiſter ſhould cauſe two ſuch gallant men to fight? Atergatis whoſe ſpirits were incenſed againſt Armatrites for what he ſaid, and thinking that the Prince Intaphernes had heard more then he underſtood, did force his enemy to confeſſe before him the cauſe of their fight, and his deſign of carrying away the Princeſs Iſtrina by the Prince of Aſſyria's orders; but as he was making this Confeſſion, his anger made him bleed ſo abundantly as he loſt his ſpeech. As guilty as he was, yet the Prince Intaphernes was ſo generous as to command ſome of his men to help him, and to carry him to the next houſe, becauſe Babylon was to farr off. As theſe men obeyed the commands of their Maſter, Armatrites expired in their armes: ſo that changing their deſign, they went to acquaint his men at the gate of Babylon, whilſt Intaphernes and Atergatis, 'twixt whom was a great league of friendſhip, they left the high way, and went another blind one, that they might the better diſcourſe together; yet they went a while without any talking, for both their minds was full: And indeed Intaphernes not being able to conceive the myſtery of this ſtrange [Page] adventure, did ſtudy how Atergatis could come to know the Prince of Aſſyria's deſign: and why he ſhould rather fight with Armatrites, then acquaint him with the buſineſſe.

On the other ſide, not knowing how he ſhould relate the paſſage, unleſs he ſhould diſcover unto Intaphernes the affection he had unto his Siſter the Princeſs Iſtrina, he was much perplexed; but at laſt, knowing his hatred unto the Prince of Aſſyria, and being acquainted with his generoſity and friendſhip towards him, he reſolved to confeſſe the truth: And the rather, became the Princeſs Iſtrina had ſaid nothing unto him which he was obliged to hide. So that he firſt breaking ſilence: I do not doubt Sir (ſaid he unto him, as they ſtayed under a Tree which ſtood in their way) but you do much wonder at this adventure; but before I do particularize unto you the great injuſtice of the Aſſyrian Prince, and of Armatrites, I muſt open unto you the bottom of my heart, to the end you may not wonder how I became thus intereſted.

I muſt tell you then Sir, and moſt truly, that you have ever been the man of all I know whom I have moſt eſteemed and loved: And the Princeſs your Siſter hath ever been the perſon, whom of all her ſexe I moſt admired, and had the ſtrongeſt inclination unto: Thus, not being able to ſay that I eſteemed you becauſe I loved her; or that I loved her becauſe I eſteemed you, I can only ſay, that both of you have poſſeſſion of the prime places in my heart. Yet I do believe, that if I examine the buſineſſe very well (added this Prince very ſweetly) I ſhall find, that though I had not the honour to know her, yet ſtill I ſhould have been your Friend; and though I never had the happineſs to have ſeen you, yet I ſhould have been her Lover: ſo that owing that high eſteem which I have of both your vertues, only unto your own proper merits; if my friendſhip be a thing worth the valuing, you are not beholding unto each other for it. Truly Sir (ſaid the Prince Intaphernes) I do ſet ſo high a rate upon your friendſhip, that though I be not beholding unto the merits of my ſiſter for it, but only unto my own, yet I ſhould think my ſelfe moſt happy to enjoy it. And if I have any thing to charge my Siſter with, it is becauſe ſhe never acquainted me with this noble Conqueſt which ſhe hath made: Alas moſt generous Intaphernes (ſaid Atergatis) the Princeſs Iſtrina knows not yet ſo much as you do, nor do I yet know whether I ſhould wiſhe ſhe did know it.

After this, Atergatis related unto Intaphernes his intentions of never diſcovering his Paſſion, unleſſe the Prince of Aſſyria ſhould marry ſome other beſides the Princeſs Iſtrina, and afterwards telling him how that unjuſt Prince ſent for him what the Propoſition was which he made unto him, how he refuſed it: His deſign of acquainting the Princeſs Istrina with it: and to be ſhort, related the whole paſſage with ſo much ſweet ingenuity, that indeed Intaphernes thought himſelfe much obliged unto him: ſo that embracing Atergatis, I do find ſuch freeneſſe, ſuch generoſity, and ſo much heroique ingenuity in your proceedings Sir (ſayd he unto him) that I doe think it much more glorious for my Siſter to Reign in your heart then over all Aſſyria, ſince ſhe cannot do that unleſſe ſhe become wife unto the moſt unjuſt Prince upon earth; and if ſhe will be rul'd by me you ſhall be happy Sir, if ſo it be that ſhe can make up your felicity. Atergatis hearing Intaphernes ſpeak thus, he expreſſed himſelfe with ſo many tender proteſtations of friendſhip and thanks, as Intaphernes did plainly ſee the ſuperlative affection which he bore unto the Princeſs Iſtrina.

Afterwards, they began to conſult upon the beſt courſe which was to be taken, conſidering the ſtate of things; for ſaid the Prince Intaphernes, it is to be conceived that the Prince of Aſſyria will ſecretly intereſt himſelf in the death of Armatrites: And it is to be feared, that having ſuch a favourable occaſion for it, he will revenge himſelfe upon you for denying him.

But after a ſerious examination of the whole buſineſſe, they reſolved that Atergatis ſhould not goe into Babylon till it was night: That he ſhould lodg with Intaphernes, where the Prince of Aſſyria durſt not offer any violence becauſe of the Queen: That it ſhould be blazed abroad how the Combate between Atergatis and Armatrites did grow, becauſe the firſt of theſe maintained the glory of Nitocris againſt the other: And that they ſhould not at all ſpeak of the intended ſtealing away of the Princeſſe Iſtrina, leaſt it ſhould too much incenſe the Prince of Aſſyria; that in the interim, the Prince Intaphernes ſhould goe into the Court to prepare the Queen, and to divulge in what Condition he found Atergatis and Armatrites, and how he heard [Page] it from the mouth of the vanquiſhed what was the cauſe of the Combate, divulging alſo the generoſity of the Conqueror, and publiſhing that Armatrites was the firſt challenger to fight. And after all this, ſaid Intaphernes I muſt go into my Siſters chamber: But generous Prince (ſayd Atergatis to him) what will you ſay of that man whom ſhe will not know? I will tell her, replyed he, that ſhe ought to preferre him before all the reſt of the world; and that being ſo much obliged to him as ſhe is, ſhe deſerved the Prince of Aſſyria's ſcorn, if ſhe were not as gratefull as Atergatis is generous.

After this, ſeeing it was late, and would be dark before they came to the gates of Babylon, they began to walke, and came ſo happily, that they could not be known by any who could acquaint the Prince of Aſſyria, that Atergatis was gone unto the Lodgings of Intaphernes. However, as ſoon as that Prince had carryed him to his Chamber, he left him, Atergatis deſiring him to have a greater care of what he ſaid unto the Princeſs Iſtrina, then of what hee ſhould ſay unto the Queen: but as he was ready to goe out, a Page from that Princeſſe entred, who having heard ſome confuſed reports of a Combate with Armatrites, did ſend to ſee whether her Brother was returned from hunting, and whether he knew with whom it was that Armatrites fought? Tell her, ſaid Intaphernes, that I will ſee her preſently, and that I ſend her word it was he whoſe name ſhe would not know, that fought with Armatrites, and is his Conqueror. The Page remembring word for word what the Prince Intaphernes told him, went back to the Princeſſe Istrina, and made an exact relation of the Prince her Brothers meſſage, and ſhee was extreamly ſurprized when ſhe heard it. The cauſe of her wonder was not only to know that it was Atergatis who fought with Armatrites and overcame him, and to know of a certain that it was Atergatis who was in love with her: but her greateſt wonder was, to underſtand that the Prince Intaphernes ſhould be acquainted with the conference ſhe had held with Atergatis; not being able to imagine, that he who would never tell her openly that he loved her, ſhould acquaint the Prince her Brother with his paſſion.

But whilſt ſhe was deſcanting thus upon the novelty of this adventure, Intaphernes went to the Queen, unto whom he related the combate of Atergatis, moving her to ſet a value upon his zeale who had defended her glory againſt him that oppoſed it, and was vanquiſhed, aſſuring her of a truth that Armatrites confeſſed it before he died. Alſo, ſince at the beginning of this conteſt between theſe two Princes there was ſeverall witneſſe of it, the noiſe of it was ſpread throughout all the Court, and had come unto the Queens eare: ſo that whatſoever the Prince Intaphernes ſayd unto her, being but a confirmation of what ſhe heard before, it was an eaſie matter for that Prince to diſpoſe her unto a Protection of Atergatis: And indeed, though ſhe had no inclination to authorize ſuch Actions, yet ſhe ſent to tell that generous Lover how ſhe wiſhed he had nor been ſo zealous in defence of her glory. However, though ſhe was very ſorry for the diſaſtrous accident, yet ſhe thought her ſelfe obliged unto him, for intereſting himſelfe ſo far as to hazard his life for her: Adding, that ſhe would protect him as far as juſtice and fittingneſſe would permit her: But though Nitocris had this good opinion of Atergatis, yet the Prince of Aſſyria was quite contrary, and undertook to protect the kindred of the dead perſon in ſo high a manner, as made it apparent, he lamented the loſſe of Iſtrina's intended raviſher: And being a man of an infinite ſpirit, and penetrating wit, his fears were that Atergatis would make his vanquiſhed Enemy confeſſe his intentions, and knowing it, would acquaint the Queen.

However Intaphernes meeting him as he came out from the Queen, and as he was going unto Iſtrina, this violent Prince knowing that Intaphernes had already ſpoken very advantageouſly in behalf of Atergatis, he ſtayed; I know (ſaid he unto him in an angry tone) that you are the great abettor of the Prince Atergatis: but let me tell you that I am reſolved to revenge the death of Armatrites: Since Atergatis Sir (replyed Intaphernes mildly) had not fought with Armatrites, but in behalf of the Queen I had thought Sir, you would have been his protector: and I am confident you will, as ſoon as you have ſpoken with that great and glorious Queen: therefore I beſeech you Sir, give me leave to reſt in my owne opinion, which ere long will be [...]urs: No [...]o (anſwered the Prince of Aſſyria very ſharply) never imagine I ſhall a [...]ter my opinion: whom I love now, I ſhall love as long as I live; and whom I hate [Page] now, I ſhall for ever hate; therefore never hope that the Queen can make me change my mind, either in what relates unto Atergatis, or any elſe: And therefore by conſequence it is your part to conform your mind & opinion unto mine. I will ever conform my ſelfe Sir unto the dictates of Reaſon (replyed Intaphernes) and will never faile in my duty to you or to the Queen: But Sir, I cannot ceaſe, being the friend of Atergatis, ſince honour will not allow it: Then be his friend (anſwered the Prince of Aſſyria very hotly) but withall, be ſure to find me your enemy. Then this violent Prince did leave Intaphernes, who had much a do to keep within compaſſe of his reſpects: but ſtriving with himſelfe not to give any ſuch tart replies as he deſired, he expreſſed himſelfe in as ſweet Language as his generoſity was capable of, and afterwards went unto the Princeſs Iſtrina, who expected him with much impatience, which was accompanied with a kind of feare and ſhame.

As ſoon as he came into her Chamber, he deſired her to goe into her Cloſet, where he would try whether all Atergatis had told him was true; and whether ſhe knew any more then he had diſcovered to him: ſo that beginning to ſpeak, and looking attentively upon her; Methinks ſiſter, ſayd he unto her, that conſidering how I have ever lived with you, and ſince you have known the very ſecrets of my heart, and have not been ignorant of my inveterate hatred of the Aſſyrian Prince, you ſhould have acquainted me how you reign in the heart of Atergatis. Atergatis (replyed the Princeſs Iſtrina; and bluſht) hath kept his paſſion ſo cloſe, that though it be ſo he does love me, yet I knew it not, and therefore could not acquaint you with it: 'Tis true, I had of late a kind of gueſs at it, but I might perhaps be miſtaken in my Conjectures. No, no, replyed Intaphernes, you are not miſtaken ſiſter, if you thought that Atergatis adored you, and he hath given ſuch ample teſtimonie of his love, as you need not doubt it: But Sir, I beſeech you (replyed the Princeſs) tell me how you came to know ſo much? and whether Atergatis acquainted you with what he ſaid unto me in the gardens of Semiramis? when you have related your conference ſiſter with Atergatis (anſwered Intaphernes, I ſhall then relate unto you mine with him.

Iſtrina hearing her brother ſay ſo, began to tell him very ingenuouſly, all that Atergatis ſaid unto her: ſo that Intaphernes finding her words concur with what his friend had told him: he acquainted Iſtrina with all he knew concerning his Combate and his Love: and did ſo highly applaud the generoſity of Atergatis, and hate the injuſtice of the Aſſyrian Prince, as he did what he could to make her love the firſt, and hate the ſecond. And certainly there was no great difficulty in effecting his deſign; for the Princeſs Iſtrina thought her ſelfe ſo obliged unto Atergatis, for hazarding his life to prevent Armatrites from carrying her away, and was ſo mortally offended at the Prince of Aſſyria, that there could not be greater diſpoſitions both to love and to hate, then was in her heart. So that not reſiſting the deſires of Intaphernes, which were, that ſhe ſhould content her ſelfe with the Dominion of Atergatis his heart, and reject the Aſſyrian Throne, they conſulted together how they ſhould negotiate with Nitocris: but ſince they could not acquaint her with this laſt piece of injuſtice in the Prince her ſonne without extreamly grieving her, and without expoſing Atergatis to the fury of that robuſtuous Prince, if he ſhould come to know it, they could not reſolve upon that courſe, ſo that Intaphernes diſpoſed himſelfe to return unto Atergatis: As he was ready to leave the Princeſs Iſtrina, ſhee kept him a little longer; But brother (ſaid ſhe unto him, and bluſht) doe you intend to acquaint Atergatis that you have told me how he loves me? I muſt acquaint him Siſter (anſwered hee) if I would be welcome to him: However, replyed ſhe, I beſeech you do not tell him that you have perſwaded me unto any thing: I cannot tell (ſaid he, and ſmiled) whether I ſhould or no; for it would not be very advantageous for mee to let him know that you would not give any credite unto my words: To ſave your honour, replyed ſhe, you may tell him that I did not doubt of your words, but becauſe I ſuſpected his; for truly brother, if you put me to the neceſſity of receiving Atergatis as a Lover, and as a declared Lover too, you will expoſe me to the greateſt perplexity in the world: I pray Siſter, ſaid he unto her, what would you have mee tell him? would you have me ſo damp all his hopes, that he ſhall never dare to tell you that he loves you? or would you only oblige me not to deprive you of the delight in hearing it from his owne mouth, which you cannot ſo pleaſingly receive from mine? You know ſo well brother what I would have you ſay (replyed ſhe) that I need not tell you what words [Page] you what words you ſhould uſe: all I require of you is, that you would not engage me into any Conference of open Gallantry, unleſs you would have me uſe that man over well unto whom I am extreamly obliged. After this, Intaphernes went out of Iſtrinas Chambers, and returned to Atergatis, unto whom he related all the paſſages between the Queen and him; alſo what the Prince of Aſſyria ſayd unto him, and what the Princeſs Iſtrina anſwered him; to the end he might prepare himſelf (when things were brought to ſuch a paſs as he might ſee her) to fit his talk unto her deſires. In the mean time, the Prince of Aſſyria uſed all his arguments to perſwade the Qeen that the Combate of Atergatis ought rather to incenſe then oblige her: but he could not do it; On the contrary, the Queen took this occaſion to tell him, that he affected alwayes to hate whatſoever ſhe loved, and whoſoever loved her: and ſpoke ſo ſharply, as he went out very ill ſatisfyed; And he was that day in ſuch a huffing Chafe, and gave ſuch harſh language unto Intaphernes, as that Prince as wiſe and reſpective as he was, did reply ſo ſharply as the Prince of Aſſyria commanded him to keep out of his ſight.

In the mean time, the Queen to calme this Storm, ſent Atergatis word that conſidering the violence of the Prince her Son, ſhe ſhould be glad if he would depart the Court for a while, untill ſhe had appeaſed the Kindred of Armatrites, and till ſhe had ſweetned the ſpirit of the Aſſyrian Prince. So that Atergatis out of his reſpects and obedience unto the Queen, prepared for a departure out of Babylon: But ſince he could not go, before ht took his leave of the Princeſs Iſtrina, he intreated the Prince Intaphernes to obtain that permiſſion for him; No, no, anſwered that Prince, you muſt not do ſo: and it ſeems that you do not perfectly know the perſon whom you love, ſince you do not think it requiſite to deceave her, and that way oblige her unto ſuch a buſineſs as this; but that you may receive your deſired ſatisfaction, I will put an innocent Fallacy upon her: Atergatis then thanked Intaphernes, and told him that his fear was, that he ſhould eſteem him more then he loved his Siſter; However, ſayd he, I am ſure, you have obliged me more then ever ſhe did. In the mean time, Intaphernes to keep his word with Atergatis, did perſwade the Princeſs his ſiſter the next morning, to go walk in a Garden which is upon the Banks of the River Euphrates, telling her, that now ſhe need not fear to go out of the Pallace, ſince the Prince of Aſſyria had no more men with whom he could chaffer to carry her away: Yet Iſtrina did a long time deny him, but Intaphernes was ſo very earneſt, as ſhe did ſuſpect ſome hidden Deſign in it; but her curioſity having got the maſtery of her mind, ſhe reſolved to ſuffer herſelf to be deluded: And indeed the next day Intaphernes carryed the Princeſs his Siſter unto the Garden which he propounded, where Atergatis by break of day had got before them, and ſtayed there untill Evening: For ſince the Owner of that place was an intimate friend nnto Intaphernes, he was very ſafe there; ſo that the man carrying Atergatis in a great and magnificent Cloſet, he watched there very conveniently for the Princeſs Iſtrina. In the mean time, ſhe was no ſooner come into the Garden, but Intaphernes motioned to go and ſee the houſe; But ſayd ſhe unto him, You propounded to bring me out to walk, and now you have no will unto it: If it were beſt to be in a houſe, certainly it were beſt to be in the Queens Palace, which I beleive is much better then that you would have me go into; yet Siſter (replyed Intaphernes) you ſhall ſee ſomthing in the houſe which you could not in the Queens. After he had ſayd ſo, he carried Iſtrina into a great Hall, from thence into a Chamber which looked into a great pleaſant Meadow; ſo that finding this Proſpective very delectable, ſhe looked ovt of a Window which ſtood open, and pleaſed herſelf with the ſight of it: Whilſt ſhe ſtood there without any other Company but two of her women, the Prince Intaphernes opened the door of a Cloſſet to let in Atergatis; ſo that when the Princeſs Iſtrina turned about ſhe was extreamly ſurpriſed at the ſight of him, though ſhe knew the Prince her Brother did not bring him thither without deſign: I cannot tell, Madam, (ſayd Atergatis moſt reſpectively unto her) whether you will pardon the Prince Intaphernes, for the fallacy which he hath put upon you in my behalf; but I am ſure, I had no power to yeeld obedience unto the Queens Commands, that I ſhould depart from Babylon, before I had the honour to bid you adieu. It need not be doubted, replyed ſhe but that I ſhall much complain of him; for indeed I cannot endure that any ſhould deceive me, no, though it be to my advantage: However I ſhall [Page] very willingly pardon him this trick he hath put upon me, becauſe he hath given me occaſion of thanking you for hindring Armatrites from making me the moſt miſerable woman in the world. It is moſt true (ſayd the Prince Intaphernes, and interrupted her) and you are ſo much beholding unto Atergatis, that if you were the Queen of Aſſyria, I conceive you could not pay him the debt you owe him, unleſs you gave him the Crown: O, Sir, ſayd Atergatis, you make me ſo aſhamed at your language, as I dare hardly look upon the Princeſs. Since thoſe, Sir, who are obliged, replyed Iſtrina, have more reaſon to bluſh for ſhame, that thoſe who do oblige, I muſt confeſs it my part to be aſhamed, for being obliged ſo much beyond my Gratitude. Perſons of your Merits, Madam, replyed Atergatis, do alwayes ſufficiently recompence all Services that can be done them by their well acceptance of them: Therfore, Madam, if what I have done for you do not diſpleaſe you, I am well payed for the Service, and for all I can do as long as I live. As the Princeſs Iſtrina was ready to reply, the Maſter of the houſe came and whiſpered Intaphernes in the Eare, and told him, that there was one of the Queens Officers asked for him, and ſeemed as if he had ſome earneſt buſineſs with him; ſo that Intaphernes being gone out of the Chamber into the Hall to ſpeak with this Officer, Atergatis had the more liberty to expreſs his thoughts unto the Princeſs Iſtrina, though he had none which he deſired to conceal from Intaphernes, nor which he did not tell him: But ſince it is the quality of Love to love Secreſie, and ſince the words of a Lover when he ſpeaks of his paſſion would not be heard by any but the perſon whom he loves, therfore Atergatis was very glad of this opportunity; ſo that not to let it ſlip (that he did not intend to ſpeak openly of his paſſion.) I render thanks unto the Gods (ſayd he unto the Princeſs Iſtrina) that they have not driven me unto the neceſſity of acquainting you the firſt time with a buſineſs which I could not long conceal from you: and for that the man whoſe name you would not know, is not unknown unto you, though he hath been diſobedient unto your Commands of never letting you know it. Truly, I muſt needs confeſs (replyed Iſtrina and bluſhed) that you have not diſobeyed me, and that in reaſon I have no juſt cauſe to complain; yet I cannot chuſe but accuſe you, though I am not able to give a name unto the Crime wherof I do accuſe you: for indeed being ſo much obliged unto you, as I am, and eſteeming you ſo much as I do, I dare not tell you, that you have not ſpoken ſincerely unto the Prince my Brother, but I am confident you did not well know your own thoughts, that you were miſtaken, and took one word for another, in ſpeaking of the Princeſs Iſtrina unto Intaphernes, and that you gave the ſmall eſteem and amity you bore her, ſome names which did not ſute well with them. Do you think, Madam (replyed Atergatis) that one can keep a Medium in their eſteem and love of you? Since there is a Prince, replyed ſhe, who finds in his heart to ſcorn me, and has a great averſion to me, me-thinks it a peece of vanity to imagine that you ſhould ſo much as eſteem me: Oh, Madam, replyed Atergatis, the man you mean deſerves not to be ranked amongſt men, much leſs amongſt Princes. However, Madam, ſince a miſerable man, who is ready to depart from you, ſtands in need of ſome Conſolation to keep him alive; I will beleive, Madam, that you ſpake as you did, purpoſely to give me the happy occaſion of telling you myſelf how infinitely I adore you. No, Atergatis, replyed ſhe, that was not my Deſign: But on the contrary, I did beleive, that by ſpeaking as I did, I ſhould oblige you to take time in the expreſſions of your affection, ſince it muſt be time only that can well do it: I know very well you have done very much for me already, but ſince generoſity only might prompt you unto it, I beſeech you give me the freedom of doubting what you ſay, ſince there cannot hap a greater miſchance unto you then not to be thought very generous. Alas, Madam, ſayd Atergatis, I beſeech you do not attribute that unto my generoſity which belongs unto my love; take away from me that Vertue, if you pleaſe, but do not take from me a paſſion which is neereſt my heart; and ſince you, Madam, your ſelf did create it in me, do not deſtroy your own Creature, nor diſpute it with me. I do not ask, Madam, that you ſhould retaliate heart for heart, and ſigh for ſigh; All I deſire is, you would be pleaſed only to accept of my heart and hearken unto ſighs: for truly, Madam, ſince the goodneſs of the Prince Intaphernes is pleaſed to intereſt himſelf in my miſeries; I may beleive, he will permit me to Conquer you in the name of that amity you bear unto him, to accept of my affection without any hatred unto me. If I were not to depart [Page] from you ſo ſoon, I ſhould waite untill my eyes, my ſighes, my teares and my ſervices had given you a thouſand teſtimonies of my paſſion, before I had made any uſe of my words to perſwade you. But ſince I am ready to depart, methinks Madam, that a man who hath ſo long loved you in ſilence, may have the liberty of expreſſing his love without incurring your anger, eſpecially having ſuch a Preface as the Prince Intaphernes.

You do make uſe Sir of ſuch a powerfull name replyed Iſtrina, that I am much puzled to find anſwer for you; yet I ſhall tell you, that ſince I am a little harder to be perſwaded then the Prince my Brother is, I do not engage my ſelfe to believe all that he doth: And therefore be not offended Sir, if I ſuſpect your words; and to ſpeak with reaſon, it is to be thought that a Love which begins in abſence will not laſt long. Oh Madam (replyed Atergatis, and interrupted her) you do me the greateſt wrong in the world to ſay that my Love begun in abſence, ſince if you did but know when it did begin, you would find me to be the very firſt of your Adorers. I do not ask any recompence Madam, for all thoſe ſecret torments which I have already endured for you, ſo you will but be pleaſed to ſet a value upon thoſe which I ſhall ſuffer for the future.

I know very well, that ſince the eyes of all the Court looked upon you Madam, as ſhe that was to be Queen of Aſſyria, to offer leſſe then the heart of a King, was an offering unworthy of you: And I can aſſure you, Madam, that my intentions were to obey you as long as I lived; and had I as many Crowns as you deſerve, I ſhould give them unto you with more joy then I could poſſeſſe them: Not that (unleſs ambition be the predominate Paſſion of your ſoule) I can never hope to be happy, ſince it is to be feared, that you will not love a King who is not ſo unjuſt as not to love you better then a Prince who makes it his glory to be your ſlave: but the Queens authority forcing the Prince her ſonne to obey her, your owne inclination cannot reſiſt her: I beſeech you Madam, be not offended at any boldneſſe in ſpeaking thus unto you: If ambition were a baſe and criminall paſſion, I ſhould ſuſpect you; But ſince deſire of Rule is univerſally in the hearts of all; and ſince to aſcend a Throne, long and bloody Wars are uſually made; and ſince Kingdoms and Empires are ſubverted, I may very wel fear that you will make no ſcruple of looſing me, that you may Reign; for I muſt confeſſe you may do it without any injuſtice to me, ſince I have no right in the Earth to hinder you: And I aſſure you Madam I am not ſo inſolent as to offer any conſtraint unto your inclination: but Madam, I beſeech you give me leave to tell you, that though I am fully reſolved to be ſlave as long as my life laſts: Yet I perceive I muſt not live your Subject. Therefore Madam, I doe begge it as a ſingular favour, that if it ſo fall out during my abſence that the Prince of Aſſyria does reſolve to obey the Queen Nitocris you will be pleaſed to remember, that you cannot aſcend the Throne, but it muſt coſt the miſerable Atergatis his life.

Since Sir, I am reſolved to be very ſincere, replyed the Princeſs Iſtrina, I muſt tell that I will not oblige you by the reſolution which I have taken of reſiſting the Queen more obſtinately then the Prince of Aſſyria reſpects her, ſince I do it only for the love of my ſelfe; for believe it, I think it more glory to ſcorn a Prince that ſlights me, then to be a Queen by any unworthy way; ſo that generous Atergatis, you may aſſure your ſelfe that you muſt never be my Subject, and that I ſhall have no other power over you, but what you do voluntarily give me.

As Atergatis was ready to anſwer, the Prince Intaphernes entred, but with ſo many ſigns of diſcontent in his looks, as it was eaſie to ſee, he had met with ſome bad news ſince he left them: ſo that the Princeſs his ſiſter longing to be ſatisfied, asked him what it was which diſcontented him? I underſtand, ſaid he, that the Peace with Phrygia is concluded, and that the Queen prepares for a publique rejoycing: and that the Prince of Aſſyria's marriage muſt follow preſently after this great Feaſt which is to be celebrated for this concluded Peace. The man who told me this, did heare the Queen ſay as much: ſo that thinking to do me a notable pleaſure in acquainting me with it, he ſought me out in ſeverall places, and found me here. This newes did extreamly ſurprize Iſtrina, and much more Atergatis; who looking the Princeſſe full in the eyes to diſcover the thoughts of her heart, did gaze upon her with extream attention: At firſt ſhe bluſht, and ſeemed a little moved; but preſently recollecting her ſelfe, I am ſo ſure, ſaid ſhe unto Intaphernes, of the Prince of Aſſyria's averſion unto [Page] me, and of mine to him, that be the Court never ſo much joyed at at his Marriage and mine, yet I ſhall be in mourning.

Oh my deareſt Siſter ſaid the Prince Intaphernes, your expreſſions doe infinitely pleaſe me; for what ambition ſoever be in my heart, yet I deſire not to ſee you a Qu: by becoming Wife unto a Prince who hath wronged me, and who hath wronged me unpuniſhed, becauſe I was his Subject; and whom, if fortune had not put that difference betwixt us, I would make known, that the fate of Armes might perhaps make us equalls.

Atergatis hearing what the Prince Intaphernes ſaid, was well ſatisfied, and was quit of moſt of his feares, but not altogether; for he knew, that the Queen Nitocris was fully reſolved to preſs the Prince her ſonne unto the very utmoſt: nor was hee ignorant, that the Crown belonged unto her; that ſhe was moſt abſolute in her Dominion; and the ancient amity which ſhe had with Gadates, was the reaſon why ſhe would have him Reign in the perſon of his Daughter: ſo that not relying upon the words of Intaphernes and the Princeſs Iſtrina, he was in a perplexed condition, and he made a hundred ſeverall Propoſitions unto them both, to rid himſelf of his fears.

Intaphernes for his part, adviſed his Siſter to leave the Court, and never acquaint the Queen; but ſhe would not hearken unto that, telling them that ſhe owed more reſpect unto the Queen and Gadates, then to take any ſuch courſe: Alſo ſaid ſhe, it may chance ſo fall out, that the Prince of Aſſyria will ſufficiently reſiſt her, and never put me to the neceſſity of incenſing the Qu: Alas Madam (ſaid Atergatis) I beſeech you give me leave to tell you, that thoſe who will never enter into Combat, can never vanquiſh: and ſo if you will not oppoſe the Queen, it is as much to ſay, that you will obey her: I do aſſure you Sir, replyed ſhe, I will not obey her. And if ever I be your Queen, I freely give both you, and my Brother leave to be my rebellious Subjects; but in the mean time I beſeech you give me leave to temper the Queens mind as I pleaſe: I muſt confeſſe Siſter, ſaid Intaphernes, that you are very much obliged to the Queen, and that's the reaſon which makes me feare, that if ever ſhe perſwade the Prince her ſonne, ſhe will perſwade you alſo. Since I do know my owne heart better then you know it, replyed ſhe, I have more reaſon to truſt unto my own generoſity then you have: But to teſtifie that I would not have you ſuſpect me to be ſo baſe, as ever to marry a Prince who hath wronged you, and ſcorned me, I will alter my intention, and beſeech the Queen (provided you be preſent) not to command me ever to marry the Prince her ſonne, but that ſhe will pleaſe to give me ſo much liberty as to retire my ſelfe: After this, both Intaphernes and Atergatis do return him moſt hearty thanks, and applauded her generoſity: But ſhe being a little diſpleaſed, that the Prince her brother ſhould ſuſpect her of any weakneſs, did give him a handſome check for it, which did the more confirm him in his beliefe of her generoſity.

In the mean while, ſince it was reſolved upon, that he ſhould go unto the Queen the ſame night, he prepared himſelfe to leave her: And ſince Intaphernes did moſt dearly love Atergatis, and thought that the more he engaged Iſtrina with him, the more averſe ſhe would be unto the Prince of Aſſyria: he conjured her to accept of his affection, and to look upon him as a man who of all the world was moſt worthy of her.

Atergatis for his part, was full of his tender and paſſionate expreſſions: But, ſay, do what they both could, ſhe would not engage her ſelfe unto Atergatis further then terms of friendſhip and acknowledgment. But to tell you truly, I believe her heart did promiſe more then her mouth; and from that day, ſhe began to put a difference between the amity ſhe uſed to her friends, & the affection ſhe had to that Prince.

However it were, as ſoon as ſhe returned to the Palace, ſhee perceived that what the Queen had ſpoken was known to all the world, and that they began already to look upon her as Queen; for ſhe ſaw ſuch obſequeouſneſs in all that addreſſed themſelves unto her, as it was eaſie to know their thoughts, and that their own Intereſts did move them ſo to doe.

On the other ſide, the Prince of Aſſyria knowing more preciſely then Intaphernes, how the Queen intended his Marriage did take a reſolution, which as you know Madam, hath been very unfortunate unto you, ſince if he had not left the Court of Aſſyria, he had never come into the Court of Cappadocia. However, without any further [Page] deliberation, his deſign was to leave the Court, to get out of the Kingdom, and to travell unknown, untill the Queen his Mother had changed her mind, and that the Princeſs Iſtrina was marryed,

But ſince neither the Prince Intaphernes, nor the Princeſs his Siſter did know of his intentions, they ſpoke joyntly to the Queen, and beſeeched her to let them retire from the Court, and never to command them back: But the more they complained againſt the Prince of Aſſyria, the more Intaphernes was ſenſible of his affronts; and the more Iſtrina begged of the Queen never to marry, the more earneſt was the Qu: to have them ſtay in the Court, and was more reſolved to make up the match, which ſhe had ſo long deſired. Iſtrina added her Tears unto her Prayers, and Intaphernes was very importunate, but all in vaine, for neither ſide would yeeld, nor change their minds.

In the mean while the melancholy Atergatis hearing from Intaphernes how all things paſſed, would not yet ſtir from the place where he had a buſineſſe of that importance, but reſolved to ſtay a while conceal'd in Babylon, until he knew a little better how ſquares would goe; but he ſtayed in ſuch a melancholy condition, that if Intaphernes had not cheered him up, his melancholy had been ſtronger then his Reaſon: That which added the moſt miſery to his melancholy, was, the King of Aſſyria, who as I told you, having a deſign to ſteale out of Court, would needs, to delude the Queen, appeare the next morning at the Feaſt for the Peace of Phrygia, in a high magnificence. He ſeemed leſſe fierce then ordinary, and more civill to the Princeſſe Iſtrina: ſo that all the Court thinking he would obey the Queen, the noiſe of it came unto the eares of Atergatis and Intaphernes, who would not participate of t [...] diverſions that day: And ſo that theſe two Princes were both of them equa [...]d, though from different Cauſes. Intaphernes did write that night unto his Siſter to know whether it was true that the Prince of Aſſyria was more pliant to her then uſuall; but as he was ſending his Letter, he received one from her, which contained theſe words.

ISTRINA UNTO INTAPHERNES.

Brother,

I Cannot ſtay untill the morning to tell you, that though the Prince of Aſſyria hath changed his behavior to me, yet I ſhall not change my mind; & if I expreſſed any joyes to ſee him leſſe uncivill, it was out of my hopes to make him better know the averſion which I ſhall ever have unto him: Adieu, do not ſuſpect mee of any weakneſſe, and thinke alwayes of my Generoſity as you would have me think of your upon the like occaſion.

Iſtrina.

INtaphernes had no ſooner read this Letter, but he went to ſhew it unto Atergatis, who was both glad and ſad at it; for he was glad to hear that the Princeſs Iſtrina was conſtant to her firſt reſolution, but he was very ſorry to hear that confirmed which had formerly ſo much grieved him; ſo that there being a Miſcellany of theſe two Contraries in his ſoule, he knew not how to expreſſe his thoughts by his words.

As for the Prince Intaphernes, he knew not what to think; for he could not imagine why a Prince who had behaved himſelfe ſo harſhly, ſhould change in ſo ſhort a time. Yet in his anſwer to the Princeſs Iſtrina, he excited her to continue generous, and aſſured her, that he would ſee her the next day: yet Madam, this Princeſs hath confeſſed ſince unto the Prince her Brother, that ſhe was all the night following extreamly [Page] reſtleſs, for truly, Atergatis had exceedingly obliged her: Atergatis was very amicable, Atergatis did infinitely love her, and ſhe had no inclination to hate him. Moreover the Prince of Aſſyrias contempt of her, had ſtrangely incenſed her ſpirits againſt him: and his affronts offered unto the Prince Intaphernes did extreamly exaſperate her. But on the other ſide, when ſhe conſidered what Glory it was to be Queen of Aſſyria, to ſucceed one of the moſt Illuſtrious Princeſſes in the world: To command in the greateſt Town upon Earth, to ſee none but the Gods above her, and to have but a very few equals in the whole Univerſe; ſhe found it a peece of difficulty to keep cloſe unto her reſolution.

As ſoon as inclined unto Ambition, Honour and Love did command her to be generous, ſo that ſhe returned to her firſt thoughts, and reſolutely defended herſelfe.

But whilſt Atergatis, Intaphernes, and Iſtrina were each of them deſcanting upon this adventure; and whilſt the Queen was preparing to ſpeak the next morning unto the Prince her Son, and to preſs obedience upon him: That Prince without any company but three of his men, departed from Babylon two hours before day.

It is not eaſy for me, Madam, to tell you what effects this departure did produce in the Court: It would be task enough to acquaint you with the thoughts of Iſtrina, Intaphernes, and Atergatis, unleſs I ſhould alſo mention the ſorrows and anger of the Queen, to ſee that the Prince her Son ſhould ſo much fail in his reſpects; yet ſhe diſſembled ſome part of her Reſentments. But as for Iſtrina, ſhe did ſo little hide her Joyes at the Princes departure (though in point of honour, ſhe ſeemed a little angry) that all the Court perceived it; for ſhe being then but very young ſhe co [...]ot confine all her tumultuous thoughts unto the Cloſet of her heart. As for Intaphernes, though he was ſomthing more a Maſter of himſelf, and went as others did to the Queen, yet he was very glad to obſerve that the departure of this Prince did not trouble her. As for Atergatis, he had ſuch Raptures of joy as never man had; Such, Madam, as though he did never in his life write unto the Princeſs Iſtrina, yet now he writ to acquaint her with his thoughts, asking her pardon for rejoycing at her loſs of a Crown, and hinted unto her ſo many paſſages of Wit, of Gallantry, and Paſſion, as it was apparent; the heart which guided the hand that writ this Letter was infinitely in Love. The joyes of Atergatis were the more augmented, becauſe he hoped that now the Prince of Aſſyria was gone, the Queen perhaps would revoke, or at leaſt ſhorten his Exile; yet he was deceived in his hopes: for be pleaſed to know, Madam, that ſince the friends of Armatrites aimed only at the ruine of Atergatis, and knowing that he had ſeen the Princeſe Istrina in that Garden where Intaphernes carried her, and having learned alſo that he was ſtill in Babylon, did advertiſe the Queen of it; ſo that the Queen having a moſt Penetrating Wit, and obſerving that the Princeſs Iſtrina was joyed at the Prince of Aſſyrias departure, and far from grieving at the loſs of a Crown; ſhe began to ſuſpect ſomthing from this interview, of which ſhe had never told her: And her ſuſpition was the more violent, becauſe ſhe remembred how zealouſly the Prince Intaphernes pleaded for Atergatis, after his Combate with Armatrites. So that comparing all theſe Circumſtances together, ſhe deſired to be ſatisfied in the buſineſs: and indeed ſo ſhe was very eaſily; for ſince Iſtrina ſtood in fear of her, and did highly reverence her, ſhe had not power to deny this interview in the Garden; nor did ſhe in that diſorder ſo much as think upon any Colour for it. Alſo ſhe was much ſurprized when Nitocris asked her, why Intaphernes deſired her to ſee Atergatis; Madam (replyed Iſtrina and bluſht) ſince Atergatis was ever a good friend both unto Intaphernes and me, he deſired that I ſhould bid him adieu, and I did not deny him: Fy, fy, Iſtrina (anſwered the Queen to make her confeſs) you need not make a myſtery of ſuch a buſineſs: this meeting hath ſome other cauſe more then I know; but I will know it, and that more particularly from your own mouth. The Princeſs Iſtrina ſeeing the Queen ſo very urgent, did make an indirect anſwer; but Nitocris ſtill preſſing her more, and not giving her time to conſider upon the buſineſs, ſhe forced her at laſt to tell her in a tumultuous manner, how ſhe was obliged unto Atergatis, acquainting the Queen with the Prince of Aſſyrias Injuſtice, in offering to ſteal her away: and acquainting her with the generoſity of Atergatis, and how ſhe was diſpleaſed with the firſt, and more eſteemed the ſecond. But all this did not ſucceed according to Iſtrinas hopes: for though the [Page] young Princeſs never told the Queen that Atergatis was in love with her, or that ſhe did attribute his action only unto the generoſity of his Soul: Yet Nitocris did ſmell the truth, for ſince ſome flying reports went of Atergatis his paſſion, ſhe had wit enough to conſider all theſe things in the true ſence. But the worſt was, the Queen imagining that Iſtrina had of a long time known of the paſſion of Atergatis, ſhe thought, that perhaps this ſecret peece of Gallantry was the cauſe why the Prince her Son was ſo obſtinate. Not but that ſhe knew the Vertue of Iſtrina very well; yet looking upon Atergatis as an Obſtacle unto the thing which ſhe moſt of any thing in the world deſired: ſhe commanded a new that he ſhould depart the Court, and not return till ſhe recalled him. Intaphernes whom Iſtrina durſt not acquaint with what ſhe had confeſſed unto the Queen, did beſeech her not to treat a man ſo rigorouſly who had fought in defence of her Glory: but ſhe abſolutely denyed him, and told him afterwards all ſhe knew, & what ſhe thought of Atergatis his Love of Iſtrina; So that Intaphernes whoſe Soul was all Sincerity and Generoſity, confeſſed more then the Princeſs his Siſter did: for he told her poſitively all the paſſage, and with ſo much ingenuity that the Queen perceived ſhe was miſtaken in thinking that Iſtrina did know of Atergatis his love long before; So that being very glad a Princeſs whom ſhe dearly loved was juſtified in her Opinion: She did with more moderation admit of Intaphernes his aggravations of the Prince of Aſſyrias Injuſtice, in deſiring to ſteal away his Siſter both for Atergatis and Armatrites,: I do very plainly ſee, ſayd the Queen, that the Prince my Son is very unjuſt; But for all that Intaphernes, as long as he is living I ſhall ſtill be in ſome hopes of Iſtrinas being Queen of Aſſyria: And therfore I would not have Atergatis have any thoughts of her; ſo that though the friends of Armatrites did not preſs me as they do to baniſh him: yet baniſhed he muſt be, becauſe he loves Iſtrina, and becauſe he is a man too well accompliſhed for her to hate him. However, aſſure him, that if he will change Paſſions, and let Ambition take the place of Love in his heart: I ſhall ere long fully ſatisfy it by conferring upon him ſo conſiderable Government, that though he ſhall be baniſhed from Babylon, yet his Exile ſhall paſs rather for a recompence then a puniſhment. Intaphernes then offerred to oppoſe the Queen, but ſhe impoſed ſilence upon him, ſo that it muſt be as ſhe would have it, and Atergatis, muſt depart, yes, and depart without a ſight of the Princeſs whom he loved: for the Queen did cauſe her Commands to be ſo ſtrickly obſerved, that Intaphernes could not imagine which way he ſhould procure that ſatisfaction to his friend, who had departed without any Conſolation; if Intaphernes had not promiſed him to preſent his Letter unto the Princeſs Iſtrina and oblige her to anſwer him. I ſhall not, Madam, both trouble you and my ſelf with a relation how the Prince Atergatis ſpent the firſt months of his Baniſhment: nor how carefull he was in writing his Letters unto Iſtrina, and Intaphernes, nor with what exactneſs Intaphernes anſwered him, nor with what zeal that Prince ſpoke of Atergatis unto Iſtrina: leaſt ſhe ſhould forget him, and not enough hate the Prince of Aſſyria; for I ſhould be too long and tedious in telling things ſo little pertinent or neceſſary: But give me leave to tell you, Madam, how one that was Coſin to Armatrites, hearing that Atergatis did often write unto Intaphernes; he did advertiſe the Queen of it, but he was not ſo cunning as to keep it from the knowledge of Intaphernes, therfore ſuch ſharp language paſſed between them as they fell to blows: And Intaphernes fought with ſo much courage, that after he had killed his Enemy, he defended himſelf moſt ſtoutly againſt three of his men, who ſeeing their Maſter dead, would needs be revenged: But though they were valiant, yet he killed one of them, wounded another, and put the third to flight, having none but the Gods and himſelf; for he met him with whom he fought in a long walk upon the Banks of Euphrates, at the end of which he had left his men, and they could not be ſo ſoon in with him, as he was Conqueror: Tis true his Victory was dearly bought, for he was dangerouſly wounded in two places: But ſince the Chirurgeons did ſay there was no danger in his wounds, it may very well be ſayd, that the glory he got in the Combate was worth more then the blood he loſt.

In the mean time, the Queen perceiving how zealous Intaphernes was in all things that related unto Atergatis, ſhe reſolved to continue his Baniſhment, not only as long as the Prince her Son was abſent, but alſo as long as that unjuſt Prince would not marry Iſtrina: and yet she was very favourable unto Atergatis in a hundred things of another [Page] nature, both to his perſon and other his relations. Thus this unfortunate Lover, not ſetting any period to his baniſhment, but the marriage of her he loved, with a Prince whom he hated, did lead the moſt miſerable life of any man in the world; yet he received ſo much conſolation as to have ſome Letters from Iſtrina; but he received ſo much ſorrow alſo as to know how that wiſe Princeſs told the Queen, that the affection of Atergatis was very indifferent unto her: yet ſhe told him, how ſhe beſeeched her to ſend her back unto the Prince her Father, to the end that ſhe ſhould not hinder the return of the Prince her Son; but ſhe durſt ſay no more, yet ſhe explained herſelf a little more clearly a few dayes after the Combate of Intaphernes: for the Prince of Aſſyria ſent one of his men ſecretly into Babylon to ſcatter ſeverall Tickets in the Town, by which he declared that he would never return into Aſſyria untill the Princes Iſtrina was married, and beſeeching the Queen not to marry her unto Atergatis, for ſome reaſons which he would give her, when ſhe had put him into a condition of return: So that this Prince by this means revenged himſelf upon Atergatis, who would not ſuffer him to ſteal away Tſtrina for him; for the Queen upon this did confirm her reſolutions of keeping that Prince ſtill in Exile.

In the mean time, the Princeſs Iſtrina, who till now could never let it be known that ſhe did not hate Atergatis, began openly to inveigh againſt the Prince of Aſſyrias Injuſtice, who did not only affront her in his refuſall of marriage, but did moſt tyrannically preſcribe things which did not belong unto him, and ſuch things as upon which the whole tranquillity of her life depended. But the more ſhe complained, the more ſhe retarded the return of Atergatis, who hearing of the paſſages in Babylon, was grived to the very Soul: yet there was ſuch reſentments in the heart of Iſtrina, as would have joyed his Soul had he known them; for certainly the Prince of Aſſyrias Tickets, and the Proceedings of the Queen did make her reſolve to look upon Atergatis as the only man in the world, who did merit her affection. But, Madam, not to abuſe your patience any longer, I muſt in a very few words ſlight over all the petty paſſages in Babylon, whilſt the Prince of Aſſyria under the name of Philidaſpes was a Lover of you, and a Hater of the Illuſtrious Artamenes at Synope: for it would take too much time to expreſs how ſad the Queen was, becauſe ſhe knew not what was become of the Prince her Son, and to expreſs the ſad heart of Atergatis at his abſence from her he loved: the vexation of Iſtrina to ſee the abſent Prince of Aſſyria an Obſtacle unto her happineſs: How angry Intaphernes was to have an Enemy of whom he neither could nor durſt be revenged, & to what a trouble the Prince Mazares was put unto, in being an univerſall Mediator to appeaſe the Queen whenſoever ſhe was incenſed, either againſt the Prince her Son, or againſt Intaphernes, or againſt Iſtrina, or againſt Atergatis. Therfore, Madam, without more mention of what paſſed in Babylon, whilſt the pretended Philidaſpes followed the King your Father in the wars which then he had againſt the Kings of Pontus and Phrygia, and whilſt the Voyage of the Illuſtrious Artamenes to Thomeris laſted; I ſhall repreſent unto you only ſuch things as happened after the Queen knew that the Prince her Son had carried you away. For truly, Madam, I owe this teſtimony unto the vertue of that great Princeſs, as I muſt aſſure you, that this News did extreamly greive her, as but for the Prince Mazares, ſhe had diſinherited the Prince her Son from the Crown: Then did ſhe repent that ever ſhe croſſed the inclinations of Iſtrina, and did not only give her moſt tender and obliging language, but the Prince Intaphernes alſo who was gone a little before into Bithinia, where Arſamones was waging War to recover the Crown of his Anceſtors. In the mean while, Atergatis who did intereſt himſelf unto every thing which concerned Intaphernes, did follow him to the War, deſiring ſince he was Exiled, to paſs his time in the Service of that Prince unto whom Iſtrina had relation. I am obliged, Madam, to acquaint you alſo, that if this great Queen had lived ſhe had beſieged Opis, whither the Prince her Son had conveyed you, aſſuring you that her only deſign in it was to reſtore you unto the King your Father: But, Madam, death prevented the execution of her generous Deſign, which would have ſaved many a ſorrow. But ſince this great Princeſs at the end of her daies lookt pale death in his grim face, without any fear, and kept her reaſon clear unto her very laſt breath, ſhe would not leave the Princeſs Iſtrina expoſed unto the violencies of the new King: but knowing how much I ever devoted my ſelf unto the Service of the Prince Intaphernes, ſhe [Page] did me the honour to make choiſe of me with the truſt of the Princeſs Iſtrina, appointing me to convey her into Bythinia as ſoon as ſhe was dead; and having no mind, ſhe ſhould goe unto the Prince her Father, ſince he being within the Dominions of the Prince her ſonne, he ſhould offer ſome violence unto her: Therefore, making choiſe of a more ſafe Sanctuary, ſhe would have me carry her unto Arſamones, with whom, as I already told you, were the Princes Intaphernes and Atergatis, who both of them had highly ſignalized themſelves in that Warr: ſo that Madam, I accepting of this charge which the Queen committed unto me, and promiſing moſt faithfully to perform my Truſt, this great Queen of ever honoured memory was no ſooner expired, but I prepared for obedience.

The Prince Mazanes who infinitely loved Intaphernes, eſteemed Atergatis, and honoured Iſtrina, did for the more ſafety of this Princeſſe give me a Convoy, himſelf waiting upon her ſome forty furlongs out of Babylon. I cannot tell you Madam how great was the grief of the Princeſs Iſtrina for the death of Nitocris, for I have not words apt enough to expreſſe it: but I can tell you, that the looking upon the Prince of Aſſyria as the cauſe of her loſſe by reaſon of griefe which your carrying away cauſed, did curſe him with as many imprecations as you your ſelf could do. However, as time is the beſt ſalve for all ſorrows, ſo when we came into Bythinia, her teares were a little dryed up, and her ſorrows ſlacked.

As ſoon as we were upon the Frontiers of that Kingdom, and quite out of the King of Aſſyria's power, the Princeſs did ſtay to reſt her ſelf, & to give me time to acquaint the Prince Intaphernes and the Prince Atergatis with her Arrivall: You may well imagine Madam, that the bad newes of Nitocris death was not ſweetned by this, eſpecially to Atergatis, though he was to ſee Iſtrina, beyond all his hopes; for Madam, be pleaſed to know, that the Meſſenger whom I ſent unto theſe two Princes, who were then at Calcedonia, where the Court was, did find them ready to come unto Babylon in a diſguiſe, purpoſely for the ſafety of the Princeſs Iſtrina, not knowing how the Queens prudence provided for it.

So that being now out of all feares of the new Aſſyrian Kings violence, and hearing that they ſhould ſee her much ſooner then they hoped, the ſorrows of Intaphernes vaniſhed, and much more the ſorrows of Atergatis, ſince he was not ſo much obliged unto the Queen by reaſon of his Exile: However, to looſe no time, in lieu of anſwering Iſtrina's Letters and mine, they went in all haſt unto Arſamones, to acquaint him with Istrina's Arrivall, and to deſire Sanctuary for her: ſince Arſamones was much obliged unto them, he was very glad of ſuch an occaſion to gratifie the ſervices they had done him in the Wars: ſo that conſenting very cheerfully unto their deſires, he acquainted the Queen of Bythinia with it, the very ſame hour, who for the more honour of the Princeſs Iſtrina, did ſend her own Coach to meet her a dayes journey from Calcedonia, and alſo a particular Complement unto Iſtrina.

On the other ſide, Intaphernes and Atergatis having an earneſt deſire to ſee her, did make incredible haſt unto the place where ſhe was, friendſhip and love being ſharp ſpurrs unto both thoſe Princes, who did very pleaſingly ſurprize us; for wee could not imagine it poſſible for them to negotiate with Arſamones, and be there ſo ſoon. It is not an eaſie matter for me to tell you Madam, how infinitely theſe three perſons were joyed: Intaphernes and Atergatis let theirs appear, but as for Iſtrina ſhe partly concealed hers.

Their converſation yet began in tears, but yet their Joys to ſee each other, diſſipating all clouds of ſorrow, they began to relate all the paſſages which hapned ſince they ſaw each other; they complained againſt the King of Aſſyria with ſuch kind of aggravations as ſometimes uſeth to comfort ſuch as have freedom to complain of any Injuſtice done them. Yet they did not vent all their thoughts, for the paſſion of Atergatis forged a thouſand which he never uttered, yet he had ſo much ſatisfaction as to eaſe himſelfe and his heart a little; for after they had talked a long time with Istrina, Intaphernes being deſirous to confer with me, did draw me aſide, and left Atergatis at liberty to vent his pasſion; I know not Madam, ſaid he unto her, whether you remember thoſe cruell words you gave me at Babylon, when you told me that a Paſſion which begun by abſence never laſted long. So many croſſe adventures have hapned ſince, replyed ſhe, that I do not remember what we ſaid; but (ſaid ſhe, and ſmiled) [Page] if I did ſay ſo, I think that I did not ſpeak out of reaſon; for ſince abſence doth often deſtroy the moſt firm grounded affections, well may it deſtroy a green beginning one.

It ſeems then Madam, replyed Atergatis, that my affection to you is not of ſuch a Nature as time and abſence can deſtroy, ſince it is moſt certain I do love and adore you more now, then when I left you; and I may truly ſay, that there was not a day paſſed over, wherein my Love did not kindle new fires to burn my heart, and make me more miſerable: For the more of the world I ſaw, the more I knew how to value your worth. And the Court of Bythinia, though full of excellent Beauties, hath let me know, that you are not only a perſon of moſt abſolute perfection in Aſſyria, but in the world, ſince I am moſt ſure that all the places I ever came in could not produce one comparable.

Though Aplauds be very pleaſing, replyed Iſtrina, principally from a man whom one eſteems, yet I beſeech you be a little ſparing of them, leaſt I ſhould ſuſpect you of flattery, and doubt of what you ſhall hereafter tell me: Provided Madam, you do not doubt my affection, replyed Atergatis, I do not feare your doubting the truth of my words, when I commend you more then ever I did any; for truly Madam, when I tell you that you are the faireſt perſon of the whole world, if you wil not believe me, I beſeech you believe your Glaſs. If I tell you that you have more wit then thoſe who have the moſt, that very ſame wit wch knows others ſo perfectly, wil not permit you to doubt of what I ſay, nor ſuffer you to accuſe me of any untruth when I extoll all your vertues: And if I were ſure you would as well believe I love you, as you muſt needs believe your ſelfe lovely, I ſhould be much happier then I am: and indeed Madam, unleſſe you do not eſteem me at all, you cannot chooſe but think that I do admire you.

I do aſſure you Sir, replyed Iſtrina, I do ſo little know my ſelfe, as I cannot tel [...] whether one doth me right or wrong; when they eſteem me much, or not at all: However, I do once more intreat you not to commend me over much, and I do conjure you not to tell me any more of your affection; for (ſaid ſhe, and ſmiled) though I would believe you loved me, yet I ought not to give credit unto your words, therefore Sir, I intreat you to live with me as the Prince my brother doth; for I do aſſure you that though he does not tell me that he loves me, yet I am very confident of his affection.

Oh Madam, ſaid Atergatis, Love and Friendſhip are things very different: Friendſhip may be dumb, and indeed it were an odd thing, that all ones Friends ſhould ſtill be telling that they love; but as for love Madam, it cannot be ſo: Indeed it is ſo farre from being dumb as you would have it, that it muſt be eloquent; and aggravations are ſo naturall unto it, as one may ſay, it is above all aggravations, ſince certainly one can never love too much: It is a crime to talke of any thieg but his paſſion, when a Lover is ſo happy as to be alone with the perſon he adores. Judg therefore Madam, I beſeech you, whether I have not cauſe to complain againſt that rigorous command of not talking unto you of my paſſion; and whether I have not reaſon to make my Complaints unto the Prince Intaphernes, I had rather you made your Complaints Sir, replyed ſhe, unto my Brother, then unto me; yet I hope, replyed he, that he would move you to do me Juſtice. However, I beſeech you, give me leave to aske you Madam, whether after your once intended thoughts of Raigning over all Aſſyria, and the thoughts of having infinite multitudes for your Subjects, you can be ſatisfied with having only the unfortunate Atergatis for your ſlave?

As Iſtrina was ready to reply, the Prince Intaphernes came unto them, and told the Princeſs his Siſter that ſhe was to goe unto the Court, to the end ſhe might know how to behave her ſelfe: He made a ſhort deſcription of the haſty and imperious humor of Arſamones, of the vertue and prudence of the Queen Arbiana; but when he came to mention the Princeſs of Bythinia, he applauded her ſo highly, and in ſuch a manner, as if he feared he could never commend her enough; inſomuch as Iſtrina imagined that he loved her as much as he eſteemed her. Did I not know (ſaid ſhe unto the Prince her brother) that you have been alwayes in the Army, ſince you came into Bythinia, I ſhould think that the beauty of this Princeſs whom you ſo highly applaud, had very much engaged your heart: But ſince I heare of all your Victories, I cannot believe you will let your ſelfe be vanquiſhed: Doubtleſſe Siſter, replyed Intaphernes, we have been Conquerors in the Wars, [...]ut yet Love hath conquered me: [Page] And that liberty which I preſerved amidſt all the Babylonian Beauties is loſt at Calcedonea, by the ſight of the Bythinian Princeſs. Therefore my deareſt Siſter, give me leave to plead for Atergatis unto you with more zeale then ever I did; for now I know by my own experience what this tyrannicall paſſion is, which cauſeth the greateſt delight, and the greateſt miſeries of life, and therefore Siſter I do intereſt my ſelfe more then ever I did in the paſſion of Atergatis unto you.

I ſhould have thought, replyed Iſtrina, that thoſe who are in Love, would have bin ſo taken up with their own paſſion, as they would not have had leaſure to employ themſelves in the paſſions of others; but for ought I ſee, I am deceiued in my opinion. Yet I do perceive that I muſt prepare my ſelfe for as much friendſhip to the Princeſs of Bythinia, as you have Love, if I will preſerve my ſelfe in your good opinion. Certainly Siſter, replied he, if you do not love her, you will do me a great diſpleaſure, but that I believe will never happen, ſince it is abſolutely impoſſible to know her, and not to love her, eſpecially having a ſoule ſo ſenſible of Merit as you have.

This Princeſſe (added he) hath this conformity in her fortune with yours, that ſhe once thought to have been the Queen of Pontus, as you of Aſſyria, though both failed upon different cauſes. She hath a Brother alſo whom ſhe loves as you have, and who moſt tenderly loves her: he is abſent from her, as I have been from you: and I do find ſuch a ſutableneſs between her fortune and yours; that though you do not love her by acquaintance, yet you muſt love her by ſimpathy: When we come to Calcedonia (replied ſhe) I ſhall tell you more; In the mean time, I beſeech you Brother tell in what condition is the War? For I muſt confeſs I do heartily wiſh it were ended.

Though Arſamenes replyed Intaphernes hath alwayes conquered, yet he hath much to conquer; for the King of Pontus, though he have loſt two Battles, yet he is [...]ow in the Head of an Army, having ſtill for his Retreat the prime City which is not eaſie to be taken; for doubtleſs you know that Heraclia by reaſon of the Sea, is very ſtrong, having it for its ſcituation.

On the other ſide, Araminta his Siſter is in Cabara in the hands of one of her Lovers, named Artanus, who was carryed away when the King of Pontus returned unto Heraclia, after he had obtained his liberty by the generoſity of that renowned Stranger, called Artamenes, who hath made the Arms of Ciaxares ſo famous, and whoſe reputation is ſo high: ſo that though he had vanquiſhed the King of Pontus, defeated his Army, and taken Heraclia, yet he muſt after all that Fight with Artanus, and take Cabura.

Alas deare brother, cryed out Iſtrina, how many dangers and vexations are to be endured before Peace be in Bythinia, or in my heart? After this, ſince the love of Intaphernes was new, and violent, he could not forbear ſpeaking of it, ſo that the Princeſs Iſtrina out of complacency did hearken unto him according to his deſires: I beſeech you Brother (ſaid ſhe unto him) how came Love to be predominate in your heart? Did you love the Princeſs of Bythinia as ſoon as you ſaw her? Is it the charms of her beauty, or her wit that hath captivated you? and was your Paſſion as violent at firſt as now? When Atergatis & I came firſt into Bythinia, replyed Intaphernes, we went ſtrait into the Army: ſo that not having ſeen the Princeſs till the Army drew into Winter quarters, it was not untill then my heart began to be engaged: 'Tis true, that I may reckon my Captivity from the firſt day I ſaw the Princeſs of Bythinia, ſince my eyes did no ſooner ſee her, then my heart admired her; methought I had found that which I had long ſought after: her beauty did ſtrike me into admiration, but I fancied the ſame Idea before.

At the firſt, I fancied her to have as much wit as beauty, and as much vertue as either; ſo that fancying her to be full of perfection, I loved her, and told my ſelfe that he who was ſo happy as to have her Love, was the happieſt man alive. Do not wonder to hear me ſpeak incertainly upon the paſſages of my heart; for the truth is, deare Siſter, I had ſuch different apprehenſions, that I can hardly give a true relation. The thing I know of moſt certainty is, that I admired her as much as I was able; but that which moſt made me looſe my ſelf, was the firſt words which I heard from the mouth of this admired perſon, which were not only full of Wit and Civility, but alſo of Commendations which ſhe gave me; for it ſeems Fame had flattered me unto her, for ſome Acts which I had done in the Wars.

[Page] After this, Siſter, never aske me what I did, for indeed I did nothing but endeavour to faſten thoſe chaines which did captivate me with as much care, as others tooke to break theirs.

In the mean time, I ſuffered without Complaint: And if Atergatis had not given that Princeſs ſometimes an occaſion to gueſſe at my pasſion, by ſome diſcourſe he had with her, ſhe had ſtill been ignorant that I was the man who did adore her with moſt reverence.

After this, ſince it was very late, it was that night reſolved that they ſhould depart the next morning, and to talk together all that day. We departed from that place which was three dayes journey from Calcedonia, and by the way miſt Arbianas Coach which ſtayed for us, with one of that Queens chief Officers, who was charged with a thouſand obliging Complements unto the Princeſs Iſtrina. The truth is, ſhe was exceedingly well received both by Arſamones, and Arbiana, and the Princeſs their Daughter: They lodged her in the beſt Chamber of the Palace, and did her all the honours that were due unto her Merit, as well as unto her Quality. It chanced alſo that the Princeſs of Bythinia had as great an inclination unto Iſtrina, as Iſtrina, had unto her, ſo that both of them did quickly love each other moſt tenderly, and friendſhip did grow as ſoon in their hearts, as love did in the heart of Intaphernes. Since their Chambers were very neare together, they ſaw one another every hour, and were ſuch intimate friends, that they truſted each other with their Aduentures: ſo that the Princeſs of Bythinia acquainted Iſtrina with the love of Sinneſis to her, with the death of that Prince, and all paſſages even unto that very hour. Iſtrina for her part, imparted the Love of Atergatis unto her, ſo that there was a mutuall exchange of ſecrets between thoſe two Beauties.

In the mean time, though the Princeſs Iſtrina did much grieve at the death of the Queen Nitocris; yet ſince ſhe came into a Court which victory had filled with joyes, ſhe muſt be a ſharer in the diverſions. Not but that the abſence of the Prince Spitridates did much grieve both the Queen of Bythinia, and the Princeſſe her Daughter, and all of any quality in Court: Yet for all that, ſince Arſamones was a Prince who would make himſelf feared, and who as fruits of his victory would enjoy all the delights in Calcedonia, he ſaid that it was but juſt, that all thoſe who had taken ſo much pains in helping him to vanquiſh, ſhould alſo take the pleaſures of the Victory. Yet Madam, you cannot imagine this Court like unto that of a great King in time of Peace, where men of Sword and Blood uſe not to be, but you muſt conceive it to be a Miſcellany of all ſorts of People, Officers of the Army, Voluntiers, Courtiers, Souldiers of Fortune, Juſtices, Magiſtrates, Prieſts, and indeed all ſorts: For ſince the Wars had put all in diſorder; and ſince none did ſtrive to appear above his degree, in thoſe bad times: and ſince every one would be intruders, one might then have ſeen in the King of Bythinia's Preſence Chamber, ſome men in ſuch a ſhabbid habit as durſt not look in at the Gates iu times of Peace.

But ſince he ſtood in need of ſuch to compleat his Conqueſt, he would not diſoblige the men of meaneſt quality, but ſuffered them to come into the Court, untill he was ſe led in his Throne. However, ſince men of reall worth were mingled amongſt the reſt, the Court was magnificent, and its Tumult had ſomething ſo delightfull in it, as was not at all weariſome.

This Court being ſuch as I have deſcribed, all delights were as if it were in a croud: There was Horſ-races, Barryers, Tilting, Dancing, M [...]ſick and Feaſts: But in all theſe Intaphernes and Atergatis did behave themſelves ſo admirably, as they did attract the admiration of all: The greateſt advantage unto them was, that they got the eſteem of thoſe Princeſſes whom they adored, it not being poſſible to ſee two ſo equally excellent in ſuch and ſo many ſeverall things, but to give them commendations according to their merits.

I remember one day amongſt the reſt, when there was a great Aſſembly about the Queen of Bythinia, Intaphernes danced with ſuch a becoming grace, as all the company talked of nothing elſe all that night. And the truth is, Madam, this Prince who fought like a Lion in the Field, did dance as if he uſed nothing elſe; for he did it in ſo noble a manner, and with ſo free, ſo gallant, ſo eaſie, and ſo naturall an Aire, as he could not chooſe but charm all eyes.

[Page] But to return from whence I dig [...]ed; one night when a Ball was kept by the Queen Arbiana, the Princeſs Iſtrina being retired into the Chamber of the Bythinian Princeſs, who requeſted her ſo to doe, that they might have ſome talk together; though it was ſomething late, they began to confer together of all paſſages, and what they had obſerved at the Ball.

After they had diſcourſed upon thoſe that were fair, and that thoſe were not; of ſuch as danced much, and ſuch as danced but a little; who did well, and who not. The Princeſs of Bythinia began to commend Intaphernes and Atergatis: after which, perceiving that Iſtrina durſt neither contradict her, nor conſent unto what ſhe ſaid, ſhe began to chide her, affirming that ſince ſhe would not commend Atergatis, ſhe muſt needs love him as well as the Prince her Brother: However, ſaid ſhe, if it be ſo, you do an injury unto our friendſhip; for truly I have imparted my very heart unto you, but it ſeems you hide yours, ſince you tell me that Atergatis loves you, and will not confeſſe that you love him. I am yet more culpable, Madam, then you imagine, ſaid Iſtrina craftily (to be revenged on her) for I have more ſecrets then one, which I will not impart unto you. How Madam (replyed the Princeſs of Bythinia) if ſo; you muſt reſolve not to ſleep this night, unleſſe you impart them to mee: If I do impart them, replyed Iſtrina, it muſt be this very hour; for I believe if you give me time to think upon it, I ſhall never impart them, nor indeed do I think I ever ſhall: Surely they are ſtrange ſecrets (replyed the Princeſs of Bythinia) ſince they come ſo hardly out; there is one amongſt the reſt, replyed Iſtrina, which I would never impart, but I am ſure you will know it, though I never ſpeak a word. If ſo (ſaid the Princeſſe of Bythinia) my obligation will be the leſſe, ſince I muſt know it by another; but be what it will, I beſeech you tell me what it is? Since you will needs know it Madam, replyed ſhe and laughed, I muſt tell you that you are the moſt cruell woman in the world, in captivating thoſe who come to ſacrifice their lives to ſet the King your Father upon the Throne. For truly Madam, Intaphernes is at this preſent ſo little his, and ſo abſolutely yours, that it may very well be ſaid, you only are able to make his deſtiny good or bad as you ſhall pleaſe.

How's this Madam (replyed the Princeſs of Bythinia) believe me you are too full of revenge: Surely I did not offend you ſo much as to make you puniſh me by any Raillary which hath a falſe foundation. I wiſh the Gods, replyed Iſtrina, that it were not true for Intaphernes his ſake: Yet Madam (added ſhe, and aſſumed a more ſerious countenance) what I told you laughing ought not to incenſe you either againſt the Prince my Brother, or againſt my ſelfe; for I did not tell it you by any orders from him, nor with intentions to let him know I told you, but only to know of you what you would have me adviſe him unto? I thought (replyed the Princeſſe of Bythinia) that you had ſpoke in a way of Raillary; but ſince you ſpeake in a ſerious manner, and ſince my love to you will not permit me to conceale any thing which is in my heart from you, I muſt tell you, that I ſhould be very ſorry the Prince Intaphernes ſhould engage himſelf ſo farre as to love me, becauſe I do infinitely eſteem him; for after experience, what trouble it is to reſiſt ones ſelf, I will not expoſe my ſelfe unto it again.

The King my Father is ſo bent upon his own will, and doth ſo abſolutely require mine to be conformable unto his, as I will never reſolve upon any thing leſt it ſhould be contrary to his will; therefore, ſince it is to be feared that I ſhall never have the glory to be loved by ſuch an accompliſhed Prince as Intaphernes is, it is requiſite both for his tranquility and mine, that you adviſe him only to eſteem me in the way of friendſhip.

I beſeech you Madam, replyed Iſtrina, that you will be pleaſed to teach me what courſe I ſhould take to make him obey you; ſo that knowing how to cure the Prince my Brother of his love to you, I may alſo cure Atergatis of his love to me. Since Atergatis doth love one that is infinitely lovely (replied the Princeſs of Bythinia) I do not think it ſo eaſie a matter to cure him as Intaphernes. And ſince Intaphernes, replied ſhe, doth adore a Princeſs infinitely more accompliſhed then Iſtrina, it's probable he will not be ſo eaſily cured as Atergatis. Seriouſly Madam (replied the Princeſs of Bythinia) you would do me a very notable pleaſure if you would remove out of Intaphernes his heart that ſlight paſſion which I will believe he hath unto me; yet tranſact ſo with him I beſeech you, ſaid ſhe and bluſht, as I do not looſe his eſteem. Truly [Page] Madam, replyed Iſtrina, I do think it a thing impoſſible to quench the flames which you have kindled in the heart of Intaphernes: However, replyed ſhe, do what you can to hinder him from telling me of his affection: Tell him, that if he never ſpeak of it, I have promiſed you to behave my ſelfe as civilly to him as I do at this preſent, and for your ſake, be as free with him as hitherto I have been: Really Madam, replyed Iſtrina, it is very ſtrange you ſhould ſpeak this: However (added ſhe, and ſmiled) to keep you from treating Intaphernes more coldly then ordinary; I muſt tell you, that if you do treat him ſo, I ſhall acquaint him with the diſcourſe which we have had; for though it be not much in his advantage, yet I am confident he will be very glad to heare how you know of his Love.

I beſeech you Madam, replyed the Princeſs of Bythinia, do not ſo, unleſſe you provoke me to a revenge in acquainting Atergatis with ſome flames which I have diſcovered to flaſh out of your heart againſt your will. Then Madam, you muſt promiſe me, replied Iſtrina, to carry your ſelfe in appearance as if you did not know of his affection, and yet to be ſomething obliging, as if you did not hate him. I do not ſee, replied the Princeſs of Bythinia, and bluſh'd, that this promiſe which you would have me make is at all neceſſary; for truly to ſpeak with the ſame ingenuous ſincerity as we uſe to do of things. I do not think one can be angry that ſuch a very accompliſhed man ſhould love one: I know that one may not love him, and fully intend never to do it; but I muſt confeſs I cannot underſtand why one ſhould hate a man for no other reaſon but becauſe he loves; and I am perſwaded, that though one do hate a Lover, yet perhaps they may not hate his paſſion, unleſs it force one beyond reſpect; for in that [...] conceive; it cannot be termed Love which is not full of reſpect: and I ſhould eaſily hate ſuch as ſhould not behave themſelves as they ought to do.

Since Madam the Prince my brother, anſwered Iſtrina, can never faile in his reverent reſpects of you, you do me the greateſt pleaſure in the world to ſpeak as you do; for ſince Madam you ſay that one may not love a Lover, and yet not hate his paſſion, I am moſt confident that you will tolerate the pasſion of Intaphernes: And if you will be pleaſed to give me leave to tell you what I think; I muſt tell you that I do not deſpair of my brothers happineſs: For truly Madam (ſaid ſhe, and ſmiled) it is a marvellous piece of cunning to ſeparate a Lover and Love: and for my part, I muſt freely confeſſe I cannot do it, nor can I underſtand how one can affect to be loved by a man whom one cannot love; nor delight in any affection, and hate him that owesit. For my particular, I confeſſe that I have not ſo much wit as to diſtinguiſh a Lover from his Love; for if the Love pleaſe me, it is becauſe the Lover doth not diſpleaſe me: and I muſt maintain, that one cannot long take pleaſure in being loved by any one, unleſs his perſon as well as his pasſion; for a Lover and love are inſeparable, and one cannot love the one, and hate the other.

Did I not know replied the Princeſs of Bythinia, that your aime Madam is, to draw ſome advantageous conſequences for Intaphernes, and diſadvantageous unto me by talking thus, I ſhould extreamly wonder to hear you maintain ſo bad a cauſe; For you know as well as I can tell you, that one is glad to be eſteemed by ones greateſt Enemies: And it is ſo naturall to deſire the being Loved, as it may eaſily be maintained that Love never angred any: But we are apt to confound the effects of Pasſion, with the pasſion it ſelfe, as well as the faults of Lovers with love; but certainly, ſeparate the faults of Lovers from them, and they cannot diſpleaſe, though the Lovers themſelves may.

However it be, ſaid Istrina, I ſhall content my ſelf with the happineſs of the Prince my brother, becauſe his pasſion doth not at this preſent incenſe you; for I am moſt confident, that if you did hate him Madam, it would vexe you: I ſhould doubtleſſe be very unjuſt (replyed the Princeſs of Bythinia) if I ſhould hate the Prince Intaphernes who hath done the King my Father ſuch glorious ſervice: But Madam, I muſt tell you, there is a great diſtance between hatred and love. However added ſhe (to conclude this Conference) ſince it is very late, it is time to ſleep, leſt that lively colour in your cheeks loſe its freſhneſs in the morning, and leſt the Prince Atergatis ſhould be troubled at it, and think he made you ſick with over-dancing you. I cannot tell Madam (replied Iſtrina and laughed) whether you have not ſome ends of your own in the advice which you give me; and whether you think not more of your own Complexion, and thoſe ſprightly eyes, then at my health: but however I will [Page] follow it and obey yon: And ſo theſe two Beauties parted, and went to take that reſt which they took from others, for truly Intaphernes and Atergatis took none: Not that they had any cauſe to complain againſt the Perſons whom they loved and adored. For the Prince Intaphernes found the Princeſs of Bythinia the ſweeteſt and moſt civill in the world; And Atergatis knew very well, for all the reſervedneſſe of Iſtrina that ſhe did not hate him.

But being both of them men of a deep wit, and infinite ſpirit, they knew alſo, that though they ſhould meet with no obſtructions from the Princeſſes whom they loved, yet they could not be happy without much danger and trouble; For they were not ignorant that thoſe Princeſſes were too wiſe to diſpleaſe thoſe upon whom they had dependency, ſince the Princeſs of Bythinia had heretofore refuſed to be Qu: of Pontus rather then diſobey Arſamoues: And ſince Iſtrina alſo would not have gon out of Babylon but only becauſe ſhe feared that the Prince Gadates her Father ſhould take it ill if ſhe ſtayed. So that not doubting but the King of Bythinia and Gadates would oppoſe their deſigns, they could not chooſe but be exceedingy troubled at it. For indeed Intaphernes knew very well, that as long as the Warr laſted, Arſaemones wovld keep many Princes in hope of giving his Daughter unto them, to keep them cloſe to his intereſt; and that as long as Spitridates did not appear, he would not think of marrying her unto any; for ſince it was not then known where that illuſtrious Prince was, (who we knew ſince was carried into Perſia, and taken for Cyrus) it was doubtfull whether that Princeſs ſhould be Queen or no, and by conſequence Arſamones would not diſpoſe of her.

On the other ſide, Atergatis was well informed, that the Prince Gadates, for all the averſion to the King of Aſſyria, to Iſtrina, and for all her affection unto you, yet he was ſtill in hopes of ſeeing her Qu: of Aſſyria; ſince ſhe was the only perſon whom according to the Laws of that State, that Prince could marry: And his hopes was alſo, that the worſt treatment he received from you Madam, at Babylon, the ſooner would he be cured of his Love, and reduced unto Reaſon, by marrying Iſtrina out of Maximes of State, though not out of affection.

Thus Intaphernes and Atergatis foreſeeing theſe obſtacles unto their deſigns, did ſuffer more miſeries then they would expreſſe. Intaphernes was the more miſerable of the two; for ſince he had not the liberty to ſpeak of his paſſion unto that Princeſs who cauſed it, he was more to be pittied then Atergatis: Though he did endeavour all manner of wayes to talk with her, yet it was a very difficult thing to find her alone; for when ſhe was with the Queen, there was always ſo much company, that it was abſolutely impoſſible to find a privacy: and when ſhe was in her own Chamber, there was another obſtacle, which for a while he thought invincible.

But Madam, that you may the better underſtand it, be pleaſed to know, that there was a Lady in Calcedonia, whoſe name was Beriſa, who though ſhe had a hundred ſeverall employ ments, yet ſhe was hardly an hour from the Princeſs of Bythinia: Not that the Princeſs did love her; for on the contrary, ſhe was very troubleſom to her; But this woman did ſo intrude upon her, to the end that other Ladies of the Town might think her a Favourite, that ſhe was one of the moſt burthenſome creatures in the world.

For truly Madam, ſhe cared not a ſtraw for troubling her, ſo ſhee ſhould be but where ſhe would be: She was alwayes the firſt that came to the Princeſs of Bythinia; and though ſhe would ſtill be fisking into other places, yet ſhe would return again, and be the laſt with her: There was no need of talking to her, for ſhe would have her vie in every thing that was in diſcourſe: If the Princeſs was ſick, ſhe would ſend to ſee how ſhe did three or four times in a day; ſhe never talked of any thing but what was ſaid, and what was done at the Princeſs of Bythinia's: ſhe would always walke with her whether ſhe would or no, and would ſtill be thruſting into her Coach before Ladies of better Quality then her ſelfe was. Truth is Madam, ſhe was as bold and impudent, as the Princeſs of Bythinia was civill and ſweet: And though ſhee was one of the moſt troubleſome and impertinent women in the world, yet ſhe was with the Princeſs more then any other all the while ſhe was in Calcedonia: But the odddeſt paſſage in the behaviour of Beriſa; and if you will, the greateſt wonder is, that ſhe would not be only always with the Princeſs of Bythinia, and with the Queen, but ſhe was alſo as much in the Town as the Court: She was at all Funerals, at all Marriages, [Page] at all Chriſtnings, and at all both publick and private Diverſions. None could be ſick but she would go to ſee them, none could have any occaſion of joy, but she wonld go and be a partaker: but though she had a hundred ſeverall employments, yet she diſpatched them ſo haſtily, as one would have thought that she never ſtirred from the Pinceſs of Bythinia, ſince whitherſoever she went, she alwayes returned to her.

Moreover it was obſerved, that Beriſa was never ignorant of any thing that was ſayd in her preſence; thinking it againſt her honour that any one ſhould know a thing which ſhe knew not: ſhe would ſay that ſhe knew a thing, though ſhe was altogether ignorant of it; yet ſhe had many cunning fetches to make one relate a buſineſs unto her, and to ſeem as if ſhe was very well informed, ſhe would tell them that talked to her, that there was yet many particulars which ſhe knew of and they did not, which ſhe would tell them another time: after which, ſhe would uſually tell others what was related unto her, as confidently as if ſhe knew it before. Moreover, ſhe had a fancy to hold ſecreſy, or rather a ſhew of ſecreſy with all men ſhe ſaw, provided they were Courtiers: ſhe would alwaies be whiſpering one after another with all ſhe met, either upon matters of War or buſineſs of State, or Cabinet news, or buſineſs of Gallantry, or ſome tittle tattle or other. Indeed, Madam, I do not think ever any was ſo earneſt in every thing without any buſineſs: I remember one day amongſt the reſt, the Prince Intaphernes who did not love her did obſerve her actions: and it will let you ſee, Madam, how ſhe uſed to imploy her time. Be pleaſed then to know, Madam, that there is a Church in Calcedonia, unto which all the Beauties uſed to pay their Devotions, ſooner then any other; except the two Princeſſes who uſed to go unto a little Church neerer the Palace: ſo that Beriſa to looſe no time went betimes unto that where all the Beauties were, which uſed to begin betimes, & from thence unto the Church of the two Princeſſes which uſed to be later: After this, ſhe went to comfort a man whoſe wife was dead, & after that ſhe went and dined with a Lady whom yet ſhe did not very well love; as ſoon as ever ſhe roſe from the Table, ſhe went to the Wedding of a woman of her acquaintance, and from thence to ſee one of her Coſins: then ſhe came and took her turn with the Princeſs of Bythinia, and after ſhe had related all that ſhe had gleaned from thoſe places, ſhe went out again, to go and ſee a ſtately Ship which a friend of hers had built by the Kings orders, and was then to be lanched to Sea the firſt time; after that, ſhe made two or three Viſits which laſted no longer then the Complement of going in, and coming out, after ſhe knew who was in the houſe; after theſe Viſits, Beriſa took a turn in the walks by the Sea ſide, where many Beauties uſed to walk in that Seaſon: from thence ſhe returned to the Princeſs of Bythinia, for whom ſhe underſtood there was a magnificent Banqvet prepared that evening in a Garden; ſo that going with her ſhe was a partaker of the pleaſure: yet all this was not enough, for the Princeſs returning to the Palace very timely, Beriſa went to make her excuſes unto one who had invited her unto Supper, from thence ſhe went to a Bal at a Ladies houſe, who had married her Daughter; but before ſhe went home, ſhe went unto the Princeſs of Bythinias bed-ſide, to bid her good-night: Judge, Madam, whether this day was not well employed, and whether it had not been enough for any two, except Beriſa: yet this I muſt ſay, becauſe it is true, that this Lady would not have been ſo diſpleaſing, nor her company ſo weariſom, if ſhe had not been ſo earneſt in going every where, and in talking upon every thing, and intruding herſelf into all manner of things: but as ſhe was, I muſt needs ſay, that there were very few of any Quality in all the Court, unto whom ſhe was not once a day troubleſom, ſince ſhe was continually with the Princeſs of Bythinia, who was the greateſt Ornament of the Court, and attracted all the Gallants about her. After this, Madam, you may eaſily imagine, that a perſon who was troubleſom unto ſo very many, was alſo very troubleſom unto Intaphernes, by taking from him opportunities of talking with her whom he adored; and he became as great a hater of her, as he was a Lover of the Bythinian Princeſs: and though he was one of the moſt civill men in the world, eſpecially unto Ladies, yet he had ſo great a diſpoſition to croſs this, that he did continually contradict her, unleſs when ſhe commended that Princeſs whom he loved: yet ſomtimes he found occaſion to conteſt with her about that, affirming that ſhe did not commend her enough, or in ſuch a manner as ſhe deſerved. Furthermore, he was ſo unhappy, as [Page] that ſhe was more troubleſom to him then any other: for ſince ſhe obſerved that he was much in favour with Arſamones, with Arbiana, and with the Princeſs their Daughter, ſhe intruded upon him more then upon any other man: ſo that ſhe was more aſſiduous about the Princeſs when he was there, then when he was not: However, his fears to paſs for an uncivill man, and the example of the Bythinian Princeſs, mooved him to endure againſt his mind, and contented himſelf with continually contradicting her. But when he was with Iſtrina, how full of invectives was he againſt Beriſa? Dear Siſter, ſayd he unto her one day in my preſence, why do you not perſwade the Princeſs of Bythinia, that it is not for her glory to be ſo eternally troubled with this impertinent woman, which haunts her every where: who is ſuch an ubiquitary, that ſhe is every where, eſpecially with her? For truly, its fit that perſons of her Quality ſhould have ſuch only about her as ſhe deſires to have: No, Brother, replyed Iſtrina; but on the contrary, it is the quality of the Princeſs which deprives her of the liberty to chooſe who ſhe would have about her; For the Gates of Princes, and the Gates of Temples ought alwaies to be open: and becauſe Kings are Gods, and above all others, they ought to expoſe themſelves unto the ſight of all the world; And indeed what do you think Beriſa would ſay, if the Princeſs ſhould forbid her to come ſo much into her preſence? and what would thoſe ſay, unto whom Beriſa is moſt troubleſom? As for my part (ſayd Intaphernes and interrupted her) I would ſay ſhe did very well, and that ſhe had done me a very great pleaſure: nor can I underſtand why the Princeſs, becauſe ſhe is a Princeſs, ſhould therfore be obliged to endure the perpetuall perſecutions of ſuch a troubleſom perſon. I know very well, replyed Iſtrina, that it is a Torment; but yet as the ſtate of affairs ſtands with Arſamones, the Princeſs muſt take heed of diſobliging ſuch a perſon as Beriſa, who hanting ſo many places, would make a ſtrange hurly burly, if ſhe ſhould be ſtinted in her Viſits. You may ſay what you pleaſe, ſayd Intaphernes, but I cannot abide that Beriſa ſhould alwaies be where I would not have her to be. For my part, ſayd I then unto the Princeſs Iſtrina, it would be a very good Office unto Beriſa, if ſhe were confined unto her own Quarters: for truly, if ſhe were alwaies where ſhe ſhould be, ſhe were a perſon very amiable, and would be no more troubleſom then others: but ſhe is ſtill where ſhe is never bidden, and often where ſhe ought not to be; queſtionleſs ſhe ſeems worſe then ſhe is: Therfore I would have her told, that none but perſons of extraordinary Merit, and invited ought to intrude into the company of the Bythinian Princeſs: for amongſt perſons of unequall quality, nothing but extraordinary Merits can give ſuch a Priviledge. But who told you, replyed Iſtrina, that Beriſa does not think herſelf of much merit: Though ſhe had, replyed I, yet ſhe ought to have ſtayed untill the Princeſs of Bythinia allowed her ſo much familiarity as ſhe takes, and admit her merits were high enough; it is not fitting to blaze it: But for all this Beriſa is to be excuſed; for ſince ſomtimes the moſt ſad effects of the moſt violent paſſions are excuſed, and ſince men do ordinarily make uſe of Love, Ambition, and Jealouſie, to juſtifie their ill actions, certainly ſome indulgency ought to be uſed towards Beriſa, who aſſuredly hath a paſſion in her heart, which is as ſtronge as any of thoſe I named, and which many others are troubled with, as well as ſhe, though they do not make it appear. Oh Orcames (ſayd Iſtrina) do not inſult ſo upon the poor Beriſa, or accuſe her of a Crime which ſhe never thought of: For my part, replyed Intaphernes, I think ſhe may be ſuppoſed to have a thouſand in lieu of one; therfore Orcames I pray tell us what is the paſſion which Beriſa is troubled with: It is, Sir, replyed I, an earneſt deſire to paſs for a Courtier: and I beleive this kind of envy to be a paſſion, and a moſt violent one. For my part, I know women in the Town more ſprightly and more amiable then Beriſa who are haunted with this paſſion, which doth ſo tyrannize over them, as it makes as great an alteration in their hearts as Love, Jealouſie, or Ambition could; for they cannot abide any thing which is not of the Court: and indeed men whoſe Profeſſions are not Souldiers, are inſufferable unto them, women of their quality make them ashamed, they know not what to talk off, and their paſſions are ſo ſtrong, as that they think they cannot live, but where they ought not to be, unleſs, as I ſayd before, when they are called and invited thither: for in that caſe, I confeſs the Court is a very ſweet and pleaſing life, and of what quality ſoever one be they may keep their Ranks with decency and honour. However, this will ſerve to excuſe the poor Beriſa, ſince certainly the paſſion of the Court is [Page] more violent then you imagine: However it be, ſayd Intaphernes unto Istrina, you would do me the greateſt favour in the world, if you could banish her from the Princeſs of Bythinia; for I cannot endure to ſee a perſon perpetually with her who never does any thing what she ought to do; who is never where she ought to be, who is ſtill talking what she should not, and who is more troubleſom to me then any other, though she is a continuall trouble unto all the Court: And if you cannot banish her, yet I beſeech you do me the favour, to talk with her alwaies when I am where you and she is: for I profeſs I cannot endure she should talk to me, or to the Princeſs whom I adore. Iſtrina hearing Intaphernes ſpeak thus, did eaſily apprehend the reaſon why he hated Beriſa: ſo that not being able to forbeare laughing, she told him by way of Raillary, that Envy was too poor a Paſſion to be entertained in his heart, therfore I pray let the poor Beriſa quietly enjoy a happineſs which ſhe hath taken ſo much pains to obtain: As Intaphernes was ready to anſwer, the Princeſs of Bythinia entred, and Beriſa only followed her, the reſt of her women waiting in the outer Chamber. Since the Princeſs Iſtrina was then in a laughing humour, the ſight of Beriſa did ſo augment it, that for all the reverence which ſhe deſired to pay unto the Prince of Bythinia, she could not hold: ſo that being obliged to a Complement, I ask your Pardon, Madam, ſayd ſhe unto her, for being in ſuch a merry vaine, as that I cannot expreſs my joyes of ſeeing you more ſeriouſly: I will very willingly pardon you, replyed the Princeſs, upon condition you will tell me the cauſe of your joyes and mirth; for ſince you do not uſe to laugh unſeaſonably at nothing, I am much miſtaken, if it be not worth the knowing: I aſſure you, Madam (replyed Iſtrina and laughed ſtill) I ſhould wiſh you knew it, if I did not fear that the Prince my Brother would oppoſe it: To prevent him (ſayd Beriſa, who would have her vie in every thing) I will promiſe you to talk with him as long as you pleaſe; you ſhall not need to take ſo much pains (replyed he) for ſince I cannot oppoſe the Princeſs in any thing, I am willing ſhe ſhould know what ſhe deſires. However (replyed Iſtrina craftily) you muſt needs entertain Beriſa whilſt I obey the Princeſs: for you know I muſt not ſpeak alowd all that ſhe deſires to know; Intaphernes would have ſayd ſomthing to put it off, but the Princeſs of Bythinia impoſed ſilence upon him; and ſince ſhe commanded him to talk with Beriſa, he muſt needs obey. Thus poor Beriſa, not knowing that ſhe herſelf was the cauſe of that ſecret which Iſtrina told the Princeſs of Bithinia, began to talk with Intaphernes, and employed all her wits and cunning to make him tell her what the matter was, which you may be ſure, he did not impart: But whilſt he was weary of Beriſa, the Princeſs of Bithinia was very pleaſant with Iſtrina; for ſhe hath ſince told that ſhe made ſuch a pleaſant relation of the Conference which that Prince and I had with her, as ſhe never in her life paſſed away an hour more merrily: Iſtrina related it in ſuch a manner as let the Princeſs underſtand the principall cauſe of Intaphernes his hatred of Beriſa, thinking it to be advantageous to the Prince her Brother, that ſhe ſhould know his affection to her, cauſed his averſion unto that woman, yet it proved not ſo advantageous as ſhe imagined; for the Princeſs of Bythinia deſiring to avoid all occaſions of being alone with Intaphernes, reſolved to cherriſh Beriſa more then ſhe uſed, though ſhe did not acquaint Iſtrina with it at that time. Yet to begin her torments upon him by Beriſa, ſhe talked ſo long with Iſtrina, that at laſt ſhe pittied him, and did admit him into their diſcourſe. Well, Madam, ſayd he unto her, do you find that I had reaſon to ſpeak as I did? I find, ſayd ſhe, that you had reaſon, and that you were in the wrong alſo: I aſſure you, Madam (ſayd Beriſa to flatter Intaphernes) I can hardly think that the Prince Intaphernes hath not reaſon for every thing he ſayth or doth; and if I do gueſs right, he is not in ſo much wrong as you imagine. Alas Beriſa (ſayd the Princeſs and laughed) if you did gueſs right you would condemn him more then I do; for I ſay he was right in ſome things, but doubtleſs you would ſay he were wrong in all: yet, replyed ſhe, his Crime doth not much trouble you, ſince you laugh ſo heartily. Do not think, ſayd Iſtrina then, that though the Princeſs condemns my Brother, he is very Criminall, ſince ſhe condemns him unjuſtly though ſhe have no intereſt in the buſineſs. Beriſa was exceedingly puzled to geſs at the buſineſs: She called to memory all that paſſed of late in Court, but ſince she did not look into herſelf for the cauſe of Iſtrinas mirth, and for the ſecret which she had imparted unto the Princeſs of Bythinia, she was not like to find it: ſo that the more she muſed, the more merry she made them. In the mean time, Intaphernes [Page] wondered to obſerve, that the Princeſs of Bythinia was much more civill towards Beriſa, then she uſed to be; for she did not only ſuffer her, but she talked after with her, eſpecially when Intaphernes was preſent: You may well imagine Madam, that one who was wont to go unbidden unto a hundred ſeveral places, was very aſſiduous and officious in a place where she thought her ſelf welcome and deſired; and ſhe ſtuck ſo cloſe to this Princeſs, that they were almoſt inſeparable, yet for all that, ſhe had a hundred ſeverall buſineſſes in hand, and would go unto a hundred ſeverall places; but ſhe managed her time ſo well, that ſhe always went at ſuch houres as the Princeſs of Bythinia was not to be ſeen, ſo as it ſeemed as if ſhe were never from her.

Intaphernes perceiving this new favour, was ſtrangely ſurprized, for he knew the Princeſs did not love Beriſa: ſo that making his Complaints unto Iſtrina, and conjuring her to tell him why Beriſa was more in favour then ordinary, he found her as ignorant and as much troubled at it, as himſelf.

Atergatis alſo, as witty as he was, he could not dive into the myſtery of the buſineſſe, ſo that this Prince was in a moſt pittifull perplexity; yet had he known the thoughts of the Bythinian Princeſs heart, he had not been ſo unquiet, for ſhe confeſſed afterwards unto the Princeſs Iſtrina, that the chief reaſon why ſhe made uſe of Beriſa was only to prevent Intaphernes from all opportunities of expreſſing his paſſion unto her: alſo ſince ſhe eſteemed him in ſuch a particular manner, and perceiving a great inclination in her heart towards him, ſhe would not put her ſelf to the neceſſity of ſpeaking either too harſhly or too favourably: but however, ſince he could not ſee into the ſoule of that Princeſs, he was extreamly unſatisfied. Iſtrina, who knew all the reaſons which might induce the Prince her Brother not to engage himſelf too farr in a buſineſſe which had ſo much difficulty in it, did uſe her beſt arguments to perſwade him not yet to declare himſelf, but to ſtay untill the War was ended, before he told her of his Love.

But though he ſeemed to adhere unto this advice, yet he liked his own beſt, and reſolved to diſcover his pasſion unto the Princeſs of Bythinia as ſoon as he found a fit opportunity: But Madam, the difficulty was, to find this opportunity, by reaſon of Beriſa's asſiduity about her. After he had many dayes waited for it, and all in vain; he bethought himſelfe at laſt of a way to advance his deſign; which was, to put Beriſa upon ſuch a piece of buſineſs as would keep her a whole day from going to the Princeſſe of Bythinia: ſo that doing me the honour to truſt me with his ſecret, I helped him to deceive Beriſa.

I invited ſeverall of my Friends unto a Feaſt, upon condition they would all engage Beriſa to be there; My friends though they did not love her, yet did not deny me, becauſe the noiſe of Beriſa's new favour with the Princeſs was ſpread over all the world, and ſo I engaged her to dine with me, and many other Ladies at a very faire houſe ſcituated upon the Sea ſide ſome thirty furlongs from Calcedonia; yet ſhe would not promiſe me but upon Condition I would let her return to the Town as ſoon as Dinner was done: Since I had a ſecret deſign in the buſineſs, I promiſed ſhe ſhould, and aſſured her that a Coach ſhould be ready to bring her back when ſhe pleaſed: I aſſured her alſo, to the end ſhe ſhould not faile, that there ſhould not be one man or woman of the Town in the company, but named unto her thoſe that were to be there, at whom ſhe was well pleaſed, becauſe they were all Courtiers; but for all that, the principall reaſon which mooved her to promiſe me her preſence, was, becauſe ſhe obſerved that the Princes Intaphernes and Atergatis did me the honour to love me.

This Feaſt being thus concluded upon, it was kept ſome two dayes after; yet Beriſa went not out of Calcedonia until ſhe had taken her turne with the Queen & Princeſs of Bythinia, unto whom ſhe promiſed to return as ſoon as ever dinner was done: She made this promiſe in my preſence, for I accompanied her to the Princeſs, and would not leave her, becauſe I would make ſure of her.

In the mean time, I know very wel that ſhe could not return ſo ſoon as ſhe intended: And Madam, be pleaſed to know, that after all my invited Gueſts were aſſembled together, we all went unto a place deſigned for this trick, which indeed was a pleaſant place; for beſides the Gardens which are very noble and fine, there was at the end of a long walk, by the Sea-ſide, the point of a Rock which did ſhoot it ſelf into the Sea, upon which was built a very magnificent houſe, out of which might be ſeen from [Page] three ſides of it, the waves of the Sea daſhing againſt the foot of that Rock upon which it was built, and which ſometimes according to the agitation of the winds would bound as high as the Windows, yet could not come through, but left a white ſcum like flakes of ſnow. The proſpect of that place was full of delight, and thither it was I carryed Beriſa, and all the Company which aſſembled purpoſely to delude her. Yet for the better effecting of my project, I cauſed that dinner to be very late, and as if chance had ſhamed me with ill ſervants, ſervices came on ſo ſlowly, that one might have dined ſufficiently between every diſh: and I ſaw Beriſa thought the time to be very long, and did ſit upon thorns to return unto the Princeſs of Bythinia: But that this longneſs might ſeem leſſe tedious, I provided the beſt things that could be got: As ſoon as the laſt Courſe was upon the Table, Beriſa began to talk of going, and deſired me to command the Coach to be ready; ſo that not contradicting her, I preſently commanded one to be made ready, but it was to ſuch men as I had in private commanded not to obey me: When dinner was done, ſhe asked and I aſked whether the Coach was ready, and I was as earneſt as ſhe, purpoſely to delude her: and when anſwer was made that it was not ready, I ſeemed to be in ſuch a collerick fume, as ſhe her ſelf began to appeaſe me.

In the mean time, ſince I had provided an open Barque, under pretence of diverting the company upon the Sea: I propounded unto them to accept of this diverſion, and to ſet Beriſa halfway to Calcedonia, and ſo (ſaid I and turned towards her) you will looſe no time; for whilſt they are coming with the Coach, we are ſtill going unto the place where you deſire to be, and though the Coach were ready, yet this is as ready a way: Since I winked upon one of my friends to ſecond this propoſition, ſhe preſſed it on ſo handſomely, that at laſt Beriſa was perſwaded to it, thinking that ſhe ſhould be as ſoon at Calcedonia this way, as the other. Then did we all Embarque, and to continue myproject, I commanded my men, that as ſoon as the Coach which was to carry Beriſa was ready, it ſhould go into ſuch a place, where I ſaid we ſhould land Beriſa. Since it was then neither too hot, nor too cold, it was pleaſant taking the Aire at mid-day, and thereupon I grounded my Plot.

As ſoon as we were all in the Barque, Beriſa began to complain that it went not faſt enough, ſo that adding Oare to Saile we went faſter: But having appointed him who was to ſteer, in lieu of going by the ſide, to put out to full Sea; he did as I appointed, and Beriſa took no notice of it, becauſe I alwayes kept her buſie in talk.

But that my plot might better hit, before we came into the Barque, I told all the Ladies (who did not love the humour of Beriſa) that it would be a good Jeaſt, if we could make her faile at this meeting which ſhe had appointed at Calcedonia. So that all of them approving of my deſign, and ſince fallacies of this nature are no great Crimes, they aſſiſted me exceeding well to keep Beriſa from perceiving that we went quite contrary to the place ſhe intended, for two or three of them would ſtand before her that ſhe ſhould not ſee which way we ſteered: Others held her in talke, and put a hundred Queſtions unto her one after another; ſo that flattering her, and treating her as the Princeſs of Bythinia's greateſt favourite, we pleaſed her ſo very well, that ſhe did not think the time tedious, nor perceived that we were far from the place where ſhe expected her Coach, and thus was ſhe deluded: But at laſt ſeeing we could not hide the truth from her any longer, I cryed out firſt to teſtifie my wonder that we were ſo far in the open Sea. As for Beriſa, ſhe was ſo ſurprized, that if I had not firſt found fault, I believe ſhe would have quarrelled with me: but I was in ſuch a chafe, and kept ſuch a coile at it, that ſhe could not imagine I intended to deceive her. The Pilot ſaid he underſtood me wrong, and thought I had commanded him to come in the Evening to the place where the Coach was to meet.

In the mean time, every one of us had ſuch an itch of laughter upon us, that we could not hold; and we broke out in ſuch a manner, as Beriſa began to ſuſpect the truth, and grew angry in good earneſt: But when I perceived that her anger was very high, I came unto her: If the Lovely Beriſa (ſaid I unto her, by ſuch a way of flattery as I knew ſhee loved) were not a perſon who knowes all the world, and knows alſo when it is fit to be angry, and when not, I ſhould feare that ſhe had now ſome occaſion of Choller; but being ſo much a Courtier as ſhe is, though perhaps ſome of the Ladies to enjoy her company the longer, had corrupted the Pilot to ſteer a wrong courſe, yet I know she underſtands Raillary too well to be offended at [Page] it, and will rather thank her for ſo handſomly deceiving her. For my particular (added I) I should have much ado not to take her part againſt you, ſince certainly I am infinitely joyed to ſee you here, ſo as I cannot chide her, for being a cauſe of my hapneſs: For truly (ſaid I unto her in a low voyce) you muſt know amiable Beriſa, that this entertainment was intended only for you, and it would be a cruel piece of injuſtice not to allow a whole day unto him who cares not for the reſt of the company if you were gone.

Beriſa hearing me ſpeak thus, was a little qualified, ſaying, that ſhe would wilingly pardon thoſe that deceived her, upon condition they will make as much haſt to Land as they did from it. But the Pilot hearing her ſay ſo, and knowing well that it was not my mind, told her, that it was a thing imposſible to go in a direct line unto the ſhoare, becauſe there was many hidden Rocks which would endanger them.

The Pilot no ſooner had ſaid ſo, but all the company bade him have a care of that: and Beriſa her ſelfe, as earneſt as ſhe was, did not contradict it, but deſired him to carry her as ſoon as he could with ſafety to the ſhoar. As ſoon as ſhe made that requeſt, we did all ſo importune her to ſpend that day amongſt us, that ſhe could not deny us: and indeed we carried her back to the place where we dined, ſtill perſwading her, that ſhe was much obliged unto us for the violence which we did her.

After we were returned thither, we ſent for the Coach which waited halfe way to Calcedonia, and I appointed thoſe which went, not to make over-much haſt, but to be as ſlow in coming as could be, that it was almoſt night when it came, and then ſhe muſt needs have ſo much patience as to ſtay a banquet before we parted: Thus Madam, to favour the Prince Intaphernes, I carried the matter ſo, as it was night before Beriſa entered into Calcedonia. In the mean time that Prince the better to make uſe of her abſence, obliged Atergatis to go very timely unto Iſtrina, and keep her from going unto the Princeſs of Bythinia: not that this Princeſs was ignorant of his paſſion, or diſapproved of it: but ſince he knew how ſhe did not think it fit for him as yet to diſcover himſelf unto that Princeſs, he deſired to keep ſecret from her his deſign: And indeed Madam, he was ſo diligent, that he came to the Princeſs of Bythinia when ſhe was newly riſen from the table: and ſince that is the time when leaſt company comes to her, and when Courtiers uſe not to make any viſits, he had conveniency enough of talking with her: When he came into her Chamber ſhe wondered to ſee him; I thought (ſaid ſhe unto him, and ſmiled) that none but Beriſa would have viſited me at ſuch a time as this; but for ought I ſee, ſhe hath left her Commiſſion with you to ſupply her room; or at leaſt I know you are now as haſty as ſhe uſeth to be: yet I am perſwaded you will not be long without her company, for ſhe promiſed me to be here as ſoon as ever as ſhe had dined.

Beriſa is ſo very good company (replyed Intaphernes, and ſmiled as well as the Princeſs) as I can hardly think the Ladies with whom ſhe is, will let her return ſo ſoon: But Madam, ſince I am perſwaded that Beriſa never uſeth to ſpeak unto you concerning me when ſhe is alone with you; I beſeech you let me not ſpeak of her, now I have the happineſſe to be here, when ſhe is abſent. I aſſure you Sir (replyed the Princeſs who had a mind to turn the diſcourſe) that you very much wrong the poor Beriſa, by being ſo averſe towards her, as I have obſerved you are; for truly, though ſhe be a little too intruſive; yet you need not hate her ſo much. Oh Madam (ſaid Intaphernes) did you but know the harm ſhe does me, you would confeſſe I have no reaſon to love her. The harm ſhe hath done you, replyed ſhe, is onely becauſe you fancy that ſhe cannot divert you; and becauſe ſhe meddles with every thing you would have her meddle with nothing; but yet I do not love ſuch nice ſpirits, and delicate wits, for it is very hard for them not to be very often unjuſt: Since Madam, it is your pleaſure I ſhould not complain againſt Beriſa, replyed Intaphernes, I will reverence and obey all your deſires: And to concurr with your opinion, and give you an occaſion of calling me the moſt unjuſt man in the world, I muſt confeſſe, my obligations unto Beriſa, for preventing me from being expoſed a thouſand times unto your anger. For Madam, ſince I am reſolved to confeſſe all my ſins unto you, I muſt let you know, that had it not been for the aſſiduity of buſie Beriſa, I had ere this told you above a hundred times that I am the man who admires you with more reverence then any man in the World, and loves you with a more violent and reſpective pasſion.

[Page] How a hundred times? (replyed the Princeſs, and bluſh'd) believe me that ſhould never have been; for after you had told me it the firſt time, you ſhould never have told it a ſecond. However, ſince you are more obliged unto Beriſa then I imagined, though she be not preſent, you ſpeak unto me as if she were; for if you do not, perhaps you ſhall be driven to the neceſity of grieving ſhe is not here, though I know her preſence never pleaſeth you.

When I firſt reſolved to tell you Madam, that I adored you, replyed Intaphernes, I did not believe you would give a favourable audience; but I muſt needs confeſſe, I did not deſpair of obtaining a pardon for a Crime which I could not repent of: and unleſſe you had been abſolutely the faireſt perſon that ever lived, I ſhould never have committed it, and told you that I was your adorer: but I tell it Madam without any other pretence, but only to obtain ſo much favour from you as not to baniſh me for telling it.

You talk in ſuch a ſerious tone (replyed the Princeſs of Bythinia) as I cannot tell how to anſwer you, as if you had ſpoken only out of a piece of gallantry; and my opinion is, that thoſe who do not anſwer preciſely unto ſuch things, doubtleſſe deſire to be told it often: and therefore to ſpare my ſelfe much anger, and to preſerve you in my eſteem, I ſhall tell you very ingenuouſly, that I have a very high conceit and eſteem of you, and that you are the man, whoſe eſteem I do moſt deſire; but I muſt tell you withall, that to keep us both in this eſteem of each other, you muſt not tell me any more of ſuch things as you ſpeak of; and that if you do, I will never hearken unto it.

If you obſerve this, you will moſt exceedingly oblige me; and both for your ſake and my own, I will forget what now you have told me. Oh Madam, replyed Intaphernes, this is not the way to ſtop my mouth; for if you would have mee mention what I have told you, no more, you muſt honour me with a promiſe never to forget it: Proteſting unto you, that if you will favour me ſo farre as to aſſure me that you will never forget it, I will then never ſpeak of it again. You know very well replyed the Princeſs, that this which you demand is a thing which I neither ought, nor can conſent unto: But I muſt tell you, that if you will not do as I would have you, doubtleſſe I ſhall not do as you would have me; for I will ſo abſolutely take all opportunities of ſpeaking to me from you, as you ſhall never meet with any occaſion of telling me any thing that may either pleaſe, or anger me.

As Intaphernes was ready to reply, much company came in and prevented him, and they continued there all that day, ſo as he could not renue it. But the beſt paſſage was, the Princeſs of Bythinia went that night to the Princeſs Istrina, and Beriſa at her return to Calcedonia, would have me carry her thither: ſo that Intaphernes being there alſo with many others, it was the beſt ſport in the world to ſee with what aggravations Beriſa related the trick which I had put upon her: Ah Madam, ſaid ſhe as ſoon as ever ſhe ſaw her, if you do not oblige the Prince Intaphernes to revenge my Quarrell upon Orcames, I ſhall complain againſt you as much as againſt him, for he is the cauſe of my not returning ſo ſoon as I deſigned, and why I have ſpent a whole long day without the honour of being with you. I aſſure you (replyed the Princeſs of Bythinia, knowing that Intaphernes would underſtand her meaning) I was never more ſorry for your abſence then this day, and I never more wanted your company: Me thinks Madam, replyed Intaphernes, that for all the merits of Beriſa, you are injurious unto all the company that were with you in ſpeaking, as if you were weary of them: However it be (ſaid the Princeſs) I wiſh Beriſa had been here, eſpecially after dinner: I aſſure you Madam (replyed Beriſa to juſtifie her ſelfe) it wat not long of me, for I did as much as poſſible I could to be here again betimes.

After this, Beriſa began to relate all the paſſage how ſhe was deceived; not omitting the leaſt Circumſtance: The Princeſs of Bythinia underſtood that this fallacy had no ſuch obliging cauſe as Beriſa believed; for ſhe knew that I was no ſuch zealous lover of her, as to take all that paines to hinder her return from Calcedonia; ſo that deſcanting upon the adventure, ſhe imagined that he who had thus deluded Beriſa, was well acquainted with the ſecrets of Intaphernes, & doubted not but that Prince had put him upon this device: At firſt ſhe was a little angry at it, but preſently after anger vaniſhed; and ſhe could not chooſe but think the paſſage pleaſant, when ſhe conſidered the buſie earneſtneſs of Beriſa, and her imposſibility to do as ſhe would: After [Page] which, finding good cauſe to believe that the Love of Intaphernes was very great, ſince he was driven unto this ſhift to expreſſe his paſion, ſhe thought upon it without any anger, yet telling Beriſa, that there can be no fallacy innocent; however, Madam, replyed Intaphernes, I hope you will confeſs that there are ſome fallacies which are no great Crimes in thoſe who act them. I muſt confeſſe, replyed ſhe, that perhaps there may be ſome pleaſure to be taken in them; but I muſt needs confeſſe withall, that there are no deceivers which are not culpable to ſome or other. There are ſome Crimes, replyed Iſtrina, which are ſo eaſie to be pardoned, as I cannot tell whether the actors deſerve the name of Culpable: and whether a terme ought not to be invented which might expreſſe ſuch men, neither innocent nor culpable.

For my part, replyed the Princeſs of Bythinia, I know no ſuch perſons as you mention, nor any Medium between Innocency and a Crime; nor will I take ſo much pains as to help out the Language with a word which I ſhall never ſtand in any need of; For I muſt declare, that all thoſe which I ever have ſeen, do ſee, or ever ſhall ſee, do paſſe in my opinion, either for Innocent or Culpable againſt me: nor can I imag [...]ne any medium between theſe two.

Then Madam, according to your expresſion (ſaid Intaphernes, and looked attentively upon her) it ſeems I am at this preſent either innocent or culpable in your opinion. You need not doubt it (replyed ſhe haſtily) ſince queſtionleſs you cannot doubt it unleſs you do me an injury. However Madam (replyed Intaphernes) I would gladly know whether you uſe to take all neceſſary care to be well informed of the innocency or the Crimes of thoſe you condemn or juſtifie? for truly Madam a very ſmall circumſtance may alter the caſe.

The truth is (ſaid Beriſa, and interrupted him) if Orcames did deceive me by way of mockery, certainly he deſerveth my hate: but ſince I am perſwaded, that he had a reaſon more advantageous to me for what he did, I ſhall be more willing to pardon his preventing my return ſo timely as I deſired. I muſt needs confeſs Madam, that I could not chooſe but laugh when I heard Beriſa ſay ſo, and could not chooſe but look upon Intaphernes as I laughed; ſo as the Princeſs of Bythinia obſerving it, ſhee was confirmed in her former opinion, and doubted not but that ſhe her ſelf was a cauſe of the trick which was put upon Beriſa.

In the mean time ſince ſhe was not well ſatisfied, what ſhe ſhould think of Intaphernes, ſhe retired; but the difficulty was to be rid of Beriſa; for ſince the Princeſs had told her, that ſhe wanted her company, ſhe could not ſhake her of; but was forced to tell her that ſhe would ſleep, to make her go out of her Chamber. Yet ſhe ſleeped not ſo ſoone, for ſhee paſſed away a great part of the night in contriving how Intaphernes ſhould continue his affection to her without ſpeaking unto her of it, and without forcing her to change her behaviour towards him.

But, Madam, without particularizing the beginning and progreſs of Intaphernes his affection, give me leave to tell you, that his Services being ſeconded by the Salutations of Iſtrina, and ſupported by his own merits, the Princeſs of Bythinia was moved to let him love her: yet upon condition that he sbould alwaies ſubmit his love unto her Fortutne; and that if it ſo happened, that Arſamones should diſpoſe of her againſt her will, yet he ſhould not accuſe her of any injuſtice or infidelity, but endure the misfortune, with all the Patience he was capable of: But, Madam, ſayd he one day unto her, may I not accuſe you of Injuſtice, in deſiring me to promiſe Impoſibilities? Can you think a Lover who promiſeth to renounce the enjoyment of his adored Miſtreſs, is able to keep his word? I do verily beleive he may, ſayd she unto him, and it much concerns you that I do beleive it: and happen what can, I make no queſtion but you will exactly keep yours.

This, Madam, was the condition of theſe four Illuſtrious Perſons, who are the Subjects of my Hiſtory: who as you may very well perceive were not very happy: For Intaphernes and Atergatis could never make the two Princeſſes whom they loved, to promiſe them any thing, againſt that obedience which they owed unto thoſe who had the diſpoſing of them: but yet they enjoyed many happy hours when they had opportunities of talking freely with their adored Princeſſes. Tis true, theſe opportunities were not ſo oft as they deſired; and Beriſa did make them miſs ſo many occaſions of that happineſs, as they hated her more then ever: The Princeſs of Bythinia alſo, for all her compliance with her, was in the end troubled with her; but yet she [Page] would not banish her: And I was made choiſe of to contrive wayes of keeping her from going unto her ſo often. So that deſigning to ſerve two Princeſſes, in ridding them of a buſie body who was extreamly troubleſom to them; I carried the matter ſo, that upon a day, when Beriſa was incenſed againſt thoſe two Princeſſes, for leaving her behind when they went to take the Aire, as I engaged her to make her complaints unto me, and to truſt me with her very heart; ſhe began to complain againſt them ſo sharply, as at firſt I thought they had done her the greateſt wrong that could be offered to a perſon of her Quality. For she repeated all her obliging Services to the Princeſs of Bythinia, aggravating her aſſiduity about her, to be as much obliging as a thouſand Services. But after all her talk and complaints, I found the injury to be only as I told you: Tis true, this walk being appointed in her preſence, and conſidering how she had been formerly treated, it was an affront not to take her along with them: yet not to let ſlip ſuch a favourable occaſion; after she had diſgorged her ſtomack, and complained till she was weary with complaints, I began to murmure more then she againſt all Grandure, and againſt the Court in generall, purpoſely that I might the better perſwade her: Proteſting that if ever I could get into my Country, I would for ever confine my ſelf to that Province rather then I would indure the ſcorns and affronts of the Court. Afterwards making a thouſand Proteſtations of friendship and eſteem of her; I adviſed her to keep home, or at leaſt to retire from ſuch a tumultuous life as the life of a Courtier is: For truly, my dear Beriſa (ſayd I unto her) when one is not ſo happy as to be of a Quality fit for a Court, one ought not to be ſo forward: Alas Orcames (ſayd she) I know but too well the truth of your words, but yet ſince I have ſeen ſo many Gallants, I cannot for beare going unto them: and I had rather be affronted with Courtiers, then be much made of by Townſmen, for (added ſhe to bring me unto her mind) I beſeech you, do but obſerve the difference betwixt them: would not any one ſay that ſees them together, they were of ſeverall Countries far diſtant? and though they ſpeak the ſame Language, and as they think, the very ſame things, yet they expreſs them in ſuch a different manner, as what is gallantry in a Courtier is abſurd in a Townſman: But Beriſa, ſayd I unto her, this rule is not generall; for I do know ſome men of the Town, that are very compleat men, however I am ſure, replyed ſhe, that if there be any exceptions, thoſe who do deſerve to be excepted, have gotten their merits in the world amongſt Company: otherwiſe I cannot ſee how they ſhould deſerve it; Though I ſhould grant it, replyed I, yet that is not ſufficient to perſwade me that one who is not a Courtier by birth ought to apply themſelves unto it, unleſs Fortune do call them unto it by ſome extraordinary way: Indeed, were it not a fondneſſe to hope that perſons of moſt high Quality ſhould ever care for ſuch Companions? one muſt owe them all things, and they be obliged by nothing: They love you only becauſe they love themſelves; and meaſuring their affections to you by the diverſions which you afford them; as ſoon as your diverſions faile, their loves will ceaſe: Do you not by experience find, that how Princeſſes, who are the beſt of any in the world, do ſlight you? and ſince they have company enough, they will not carry you with them to take the Aire? Good Beriſa, let not the Court deceive you, but undeceive your ſelfe, and ſhake it off, before it ſhake you off: It is but a habit, and may eaſily be left. Do you think that Provinces far off Courts have not wits and men of ſpirit in them? and can you think thoſe wi [...]s and ſpirits are idle and weary? No no Beriſa, it is not to be imagined; but be confident they think themſelves as happy as you or any Courtier in the world: The laws of amity and friendſhip is regularly obſerved amongſt perſons of their quality; there is as much complacency amongſt them as amongſt others & there being no Lords nor no ſlaves amongſt them, they live much ſweeter lives then you imagine. I pray then judg Beriſa, what ſhould you do at Court? Oh Orcames ſayd ſhe, I ſee you never uſe to make any viſits into the Countrey, ſince you know no better how tedious and weariſom they are. For know Orcames, that all of them either talk not at all, or talk too much, or elſe talke ſcurvily: They have not only a pronunciation different from the Court, but their matter and manner of ſpeaking doth alſo differ: Their gallantry is ſo groſſe, that it is rather an impertinent piece of a talk which is inſufferable; To hear them talk of love is enough to procure hatred; to hear them talk of Martiall matters, would move ones pitty of them: If they talk of news, they know ſo little of the world, and tell ſuch unlikely ſtories, that they are [Page] not worth the hearing; yet you adviſe me Orcames not to ſtir out of my own Quarters: I muſt confeſſe, ſayd I unto her, that I do adviſe you to it, becauſe the vexations which follow the delights of the Court, are greater then the other, though it were ſo that no accompliſhed perſons were there to be ſeen: For the truth is, as I have already told you, perſons of high Quality care not a ſtraw for their Inferiours: Their friendſhip a [...]mes only at themſelves; they will give you a thouſand welcomes to day, and hardly look upon you to morrow: they will promiſe more then ever they intend to perform; and their delicacy is ſuch, that if you do not flatter them ſufficiently, you do them wrong.

Believe mee Beriſa, though there were no other conſideration then this, to drive one out of all Court-fancies, that one muſt ſpend all their, dayes with people that are above one, unto whom they muſt hold a continuall complacence, and blind obedience, I think it were enough to move one unto my advice: Beſides, matter of honour, which cannot endure to be ſlighted is conſiderable; for indeed Beriſa, you know as well as my ſelf that if a Town or Country-woman chance to love any Courtier, ſhe expoſeth her ſelfe to more talk then any other, ſince certainly it is a piece of injuſtice which reigns in the ſpirits of all men of that quality, & in Courts, to think that a Country Lady is more beholding to them for their ſervices and viſits then a Court Lady is.

Moreover, that's not the place where Country Ladies uſe to ſeek for Husbands, either for themſelves, their Daughters, their Siſters, or their Friends; and the truth is, there is nothing more odious then for a Country or Town Lady to be too much at Court.

Therefore Beriſa, if you will be ruled by me, you ſhall erect a Court in your owne Chamber and attract all the gallants of Calcedonia which are reaſonable, thither: the number of whom is not ſo ſmall as you imagine. I do not adviſe you, ſaid I, to be troubled with ſuch men whom the name of Court affrights, and who have as great an averſion to Court as Court hath to them; but like ſome Creatures who live ſometimes on Land, ſometimes on water, make choiſe of ſuch friends as are a Miſcellany, part Court, part Country, and pleaſing in all. No no, Orcames, replyed ſhe, you can never perſwade me to it; for though I know, that what you ſay is partly true, yet I aſſure you I cannot change my opinion: Indeed (ſaid ſhe, and ſmiled) I am ſo farr from mewing my ſelfe in my own Family, that I profeſſe, I care not if I never came at it, ſo I could but heare all in it were in health. Since you are of that mind ſaid I, I will move you but unto one one thing more: ſo it be not to quit the Court, replyed Beriſa, I will willingly follow your Councell.

Then (ſaid I unto her) to oblige the Princeſs of Bythinia not to neglect you again, try if you can abſent your ſelf only for three or four dayes, and thereby force her to ſend for you: But ſuppoſe ſhe ſhould not ſend for me, replyed ſhe, I ſhould then be pittifully puzled how to return again to her; And therefore Orcames, I had rather follow my own inclination then your advice. Then follow it, ſaid I, ſince I cannot cure you of this fond Court-humour; but if they ſhould chance to ſlight another time, when they are going unto any diverſions, blame not me for it.

After this, Madam, I left Beriſa, and was very ſorry that I had no better acquitted my ſelfe of my Commiſſion to perſwade her from haunting the Princeſs of Bythinia; For all I could ſay againſt the Court, did make ſuch ſmall impreſſion upon her ſpirits, as ſhe went unto the Princeſs that very ſame night, who received her civily enough: For, beſides her naturall ſweetneſs, there was another reaſon which obliged the Princeſs to tolerate her; which was, becauſe the Father of Beriſa, who was a very popular man in Calcedonia, had done Arſamones very conſiderable ſervice: Thus not knowing how to be rid of this troubleſom Creature, I was again made choice of by Intaphernes and Atergatis, to counterfeit Love unto her: And indeed Madam, though I did not love to diſſemble my thoughts, but ever affected ſincerity, yet I begun to make experiments upon Beriſa, ſo that holding her continually in talke, I gave Intaphernes and Atergatis opportunities to talk often with the Princeſs of Bythinia, and the Princeſs Iſtrina.

Thus Madam, was the Winter ſpent: But the Spring bringing warre with it, it was reſolved we muſt depart: I believe Madam I ſhall tell you no lye. If I tell you, that the adieu betwixt the Prince Intaphernes and the Princeſs of Bythinia, and between [Page] Atergatis and Iſtrina, was much ſadder then mine, and Beriſa's; Yet the Princeſs of Bythinia had ſuch a commanding power over her ſelf, that her ſorrows for the departure of Intaphernes did not appear; But in exchange ſhe ſhewed him ſo many Civilities, and expreſſed her ſelf in ſuch obliging language, that he could not poſſibly complain againſt her not grieving enough. And to tell you truly, he needed not to look any further then to the eyes of that Princeſs to ſee her heart, though much ſorrow did not appear in her face.

As for Atergatis, he was a little more happy then Intaphernes; for though I cannot perfectly ſay that Atergatis had any ſhare in thoſe tears which ſhe ſhed for her Brother: yet I can aſſure that her manner of bidding him adieu was enough to perſwade him that though he had no ſhare in her tears, yet her ſighs at parting were very deep, that he ſhould go and expoſe himſelf to ſo many dangers.

But at the laſt Madam, we departed, and left Beriſa with theſe two Princeſſes, unto whom ſhe was more comfort during the abſence of Intaphernes and Atergatis: I ſhall not need Madam, to particularize unto you all the paſſages of this War, knowing that you are not ignorant of them, I ſhall therefore only mark out the principall events. I ſhall tell you then Madam, that Arſamones was always proſperous, though he had to deale with one of the moſt valiant Princes in the world.

But to tell you truly, it is no wonder if he made uſe of all Advantages, for Arſamones had all the neceſſary qualities to effect a great deſign: For he had not only a great wit, deep capacity, and grave experience: He had not only high courage, and lofty ambition, but he had alſo a kind of raſh prudence (if I may phraſe it ſo) which made him able to attempt the moſt difficult enterprizes, and which helped him to execute them with as much ſucceſs as boldneſs.

Moreover, the politique Arſamones did not confine himſelf to the ordinary limits of Juſtice; for I have heard him ſay, that all unjuſt means might be uſed to compaſſe a juſt deſign: And therefore ſtriving to get upon the Throne of his Anceſtors, I can aſſure you he employed all to bring it to paſs.

Furthermore it cannot be imagined that he would omit any occaſion to advance it: And ſo he carried the matter, that the King of Pontus, after ſeverall Combats, wherein Arſamones had alwayes the advantage, was conſtrained to retreat to Heraclea, which is the Metropolis of his Dominions, and the only Town that was left him in all his two Kingdoms.

During all theſe Victories, Intaphernes and Atergatis, whoſe reputations were very high, did often write unto the Princeſſes whom they adored, for they had obtained permiſſion ſo to do, upon condition that their Letters ſhould contain only matter of News and Civility without any gallantry. You may well imagine Madam, that this reſtraint went againſt their minds; and that it was difficult to love ſo much, and not dare to ſpeak of it. Yet this command was not diſadvantageous to them; for both of them being admirable at their Pens, and ſince their Letters included nothing which was to be concealed: Thoſe unto whom the Princeſſes ſhewed them, did ſo highly applaud them, as it may well be ſaid, that they ſpoke in behalf of their Loves in not ſpeaking of them.

However, ſince their paſſions were not ſatisfied, they invented a way to make their minds known without any diſobedience unto the commands which they received: For ſince Iſtrina had not preſcribed unto the Prince her Brother what he ſhould write, and had only forbidden Atergatis to mention any matters of Love: and ſince the Princeſs of Bythinia did not think of charging Intaphernes not to mention his paſſion in his Letters unto the Princeſs his Siſter; theſe two Lovers reſolved that Intaphernes to whom Iſtrina had preſcribed any limits, ſhould write unto her all his thoughts of the Bythinian Princeſs, and all thoſe which Atergatis had of her: ſo that by this invention, theſe two Princeſſes might ſhew the Letters from their Lovers: and the Princeſs Iſtrina durſt not ſhew hers from her Brother. She being a Lady of a moſt admirable wit, after ſhe had received the firſt Letter, and ſhewed it unto the Princeſs of Bythinia, ſhe anſwered it the moſt wittily in the world.

Alas Orcames (ſaid Mandana, and interrupted him) I cannot endure to heare a Letter ſo much commended which cannot be produced: Therefore I intreat to try if you can remember the ſenſe at leaſt, though not the words of theſe two Letters: For your ſatisfaction Madam, replyed Orcames, I can do more then that; for I think [Page] I have a Copy of them about me which I got from the Prince Intaphernes, who having loſt the Originall in coming hither, he complayned of it ſo exceedingly, that to comfort him, I reſolved to confeſſe my crime in ſtealing that Copy, and let him have a Copy out of mine: And therefore Madam I am able to ſatisfie your deſires; Then he looked in his Pocket, and found theſe two Letters, the firſt of which was thus indited.

INTAPHERNES UNTO The Princeſs ISTRINA.

Siſter,

SInce I know you have enjoyned the Prince Atergatis to acquaint you with the News of the Armie: And ſince I am ſure he will obey you as exactly as I ſhall the divine Princeſſe who hath impoſed the like commands upon me. You need not thinke it ſtrange if I doe not hint unto you the ſame things he doth: I leave it therefore to his care to acquaint you with the Enemies defeat, and victory of Arſamones, and reſerve only unto my ſelfe to let you know the paſſages of my heart. Know therefore, deareſt Siſter, that my adored Princeſs does ſo wholly take up my memory, as I know not whether I ſhould be ſo unjuſt as to forget you, if I did not need your aſſiſtance to keep her from forgetting me. For ſince ſhe hath not forbidden you to ſpeak to her of my paſſion, but hath forbidden me to write of it unto her, you may without offence protest unto her, that I can thinke of nothing elſe but her; that I do eternally adore her; that her abſence is intollerable: and that her rigor in denying me ſo much ſatisfaction as to mention my love in my letter to her, doth put my life more in danger, then all the King of Pontus his valour. I beſeech you, deny me not this requeſt; for if you do, there ſhall not a Meſſenger come, by whom I will not give the Prince Atergatis ſo much ſatisfaction as to let you know, that he doth ſtill and ever will moſt pasſionately love you: And that there is not a day on which we are not ready to quarrell, ſometimes becauſe he maintains that he loves you as well as I love the Princeſs of Bythinia: and ſometimes becauſe I will be always talking of her, when he would be always talking of you. The truth is (deare Siſter) he is as melancholy to be at ſuch a diſtance from her he loves, as I am for being from her whom I adore: ſpeak then unto my Princeſſe in my behalfe, if you would not have me speake unto you in his: And perſwade her if it be posſible to let me write unto her what my heart thinks. But above all, deare Siſter, be ſure that this Letter do not paſſe for a piece of diſobedience, and that neither Atergatis nor my ſelfe be declared Delinquents either to her or you: Adieu, and believe, I beſeech you, that Intaphernes loves his deareſt Siſter, as well as an amorous heart can.

INTAPHERNES.

I Do confeſs, ſayd the Princeſs Mandana, that I could not poſſibly believe, that a Brother could ſpeak of Love unto a Siſter, as he hath done to her, without ſome treſpaſs upon handſomneſs: But Intaphernes hath done it ſo delicately, and hath diſobeyed a Command ſo reſpectively, that I long to ſee how the Princeſs Iſtrina did anſwer him. Orcames then preſenting her Iſtrinas Letter, and taking Intaphernes his, ſhe read theſe words.

[Page]

ISTRINA Unto The Prince INTAPHERNES.

Brother,

I Need not tell you how the Letter ſurprized me, for I am perſwaded you do not doubt it: Indeed, I found it full of Freindſhip, and full of Love; but to teſtifie to you, that I would not have you ſpeak unto me, in behalfe of the Prince Atergatis, I do aſſure you that I will ſpeak in your behalfe unto the Princeſſe of Bythinia, and indeed, already have done, yet you are not a jott the better, for ſhee thinks you culpable, as I do Atergatis, for diſobeying. Tis true, I never did forbid you to ſpeak unto me concerning your paſſion, nor his; but my reaſon was, I had no right to forbid you any thing, and I will keep within my compaſſe, and onely make uſe of my Prayers: But as I have ſpoken in your behalfe unto the Princeſſe of Bythinia, I conjure you to ſpeak in my behalfe unto the Prince Atergatis, and tell him, that if I had as much power over him as you ſay I have, I will as abſolutely forbid him to make you the ſpeaker of his paſſion, as the Princeſſe of Bythinia forbids you by me, to make me the ſpeaker of yours unto her; for the truth is, our Curioſity is onely to know what paſſages are in the Warrs, and not what paſſages are in your hearts; obey therefore, that Princeſſe, and cauſe Atergatis to obey me: And if it be poſſible, let neither of you manifest your paſſions by any vaine diſobedience. Adue, and beleeve, I beſeech you, that I will ever preſerve as much amity for you, as any heart, not in Love, is capable of; and by that conſequence Iſtrina is more affectionate unto the Prince Intaphernes then Intaphernes is unto

ISTRINA.

Really Orcames (ſayd the Princeſſe Mandana, and returned Iſtrinas Letter) If people ſhould alwayes write ſo wittily in matters of Love as theſe Perſons do, it were almoſt to be wiſhed, that they ſhould write of nothing elſe; but that you may give me more ſubjects of commendations, I beſeech you proceed in the relation of their Adventures.

Since you command me, Madam, I muſt obey, replyed Oreames, and tell you, That the Prince Intaphernes having received Iſtrinas Letter, he returned her anſwer, that he ſhould make a doubt whether this was the Princeſſe of Bythinias command, unleſſe ſhe did atteſt and command it under her owne hand: And as for what related to Atergatis, he would not alſo poſitively beleeve what the Brother of his Saint did ſay, unleſs ſhe alſo did confirm it under her hand: To be ſhort Madam, he carryed the buſineſs ſo handſomly, that though theſe two Princeſſes were extream wary how they writt any ſuch Letters, yet they both reſolved to write two ſhort Tickets of two lines, becauſe they would write no more then might be ſeen. The Princeſs of Bythinias Ticket contained theſe words, if my memory faile not.

I forbid the Prince Intaphernes to write any thing unto the Princeſſe Iſtrina but what I permit him to write unto my ſelfe; upon paine of her displeaſure of whom hee ſpeaks unto her, and upon promiſe of her ſavovr if he impoſe ſilence upon himſelf, and obey her.

[Page] This Madam, is the Ticket of the Bythinian Princeſs unto the Prince Intaphernes (purſued Orcames) and ſee, if I be not miſtaken, how the Princes Iſtrinas was indited.

If you would have me believe that I have any power over you, cauſe the Prince Intaphernes to mention you no more in his Letters to me, ſince I deſire to know nothing but what I have permitted your ſelfe to write; and unleſſe you obey this ſecond Command as you did my firſt, you have permisſion to mention nothing but the victories of Arſamones.

You may perceive Madam, that theſe two notes were not very obliging; and you ſee alſo they were very ſhort, and contained only a bare command: Yet though Intaphernes and Atergatis had many excellent and large Letters from them, ſince theſe two Tickets were not ſealed, ſubſcribed, nor ſuperſcribed, they were much joyed at them, and ſet a dearer rate upon them then upon all the reſt of their fine formal Letters: Intaphernes preſerved his with abundance of care, he did not keep it in the ſame place where all the reſt of his Letters from the Princeſs of Bythinia were kept, but in a place more precious: For my part, having nothing ſo delicate a wit as he, nor could deſcant ſo ſubtlely upon paſſages of Love, I muſt confeſs I could not chooſe but wonder to obſerve that this ticket which contained only an angry Command, was preferred before all thoſe fine Letters from the ſame hand, and which were filled with Civilities and Elogies of his valour, I asked him the reaſon of ſuch an unreaſonable act. Alas Orcames ſaid he unto me, it ſeems you are a Novice in matters of Love, ſince you know not the difference between the beſt Letter that can be in [...]e world, which is to be ſhewed unto every one, and a ſmall ticket which one is obliged to keep ſecret: but the difference is ſo great, as there is no compariſon between them: Why Sir, ſaid I unto him, can you prefer two or three lines from the Princeſs of Bythinia, before ſo many elegant Letters which you have received from her? And are theſe two or three lines which forbids you to mention any matters of love unto the Princeſs Iſtrina more deare unto you then all thoſe ſweet and obliging Letters which commands you to write often unto her, and to ſend her the newes of the Army? Yes Orcames, replyed he, this little Ticket which contains but few words, which ſeems careleſly written, whoſe Characters are hardly legible; and which forbids me to ſpeak of my paſſion, is a thouſand thouſand times more deare unto me, and more pleaſing, then all her ſweet Letters; wherein it appears ſhe culled the words which ſhe employed, whoſe Characters are ſo fine and legible, and which commands me to write often unto her: And if you did but know how to love, you would know how to diſtinguiſh between a Letter of indifferency, and a Letter of ſecreſie; ſo that then I ſhould not need to ſeek for any reaſons to convince you. But Sir, I beſeech you, ſaid I unto him, are not all thoſe fine Letters, and this ſcroule both written by the ſame hand: Yes Orcames ſaid he, but they are not indited by the ſame mind; for when my Princeſs deſires me obligingly to ſend her the news of the Army, ſhe does me no greater a favour then ſhe might unto any man of quality about Arſamones.

But when ſhe forbids me to mention my paſſion, ſhe tacitely implyes, that ſhe hath a right to command me, ſhe admits me to be her ſlave; ſhe teſtifies that ſhe knows I love her, and indeed gives me ſome ſigne of confidence, ſince ſhe honours me ſo farre as to aſſure me, that I ſhall be happy in her favour if I can impoſe ſilence upon my ſelfe. Truth is Orcames, this rigid ſcrowl which ſeems to you leſſe obliging then ſo many fine Letters which applaud me with ſo much eloquence, hath ſomething in it more ſatisfactory to the heart of a Lover, then any thing thoſe well pend Letters have which pleaſe you ſo well. The very name of my adored Princeſs which I cannot pronounce without a tremb [...]ing of heart, does take ſomething (as I think) from the excellency of thoſe rare Letters; and this Ticket unto which ſhe durſt not ſubſcribe, it has ſomething in it which I am not able to expreſs, that renders it the more valuable. For I am fully perſwaded, that a Lady who endeavours to conceale both the writer and the party to whom ſhe writes, hath ſome ſuch ſparks of tenderneſs in her thoug [...]s as ſhe would not have flaſhe out into a flame, and be known: And Orcames, ſince Love of its own nature loves myſteries and ſecreſies, it may well be ſaid, that whatſoever is not myſterious and ſecret, is not Love: And if you would preciſely know the difference which I put between letters of Civility which I received from my Princeſs, [Page] and this little ſcrowl I muſt tell you, that I put as great a difference as between letters from a friend, and a Letter from a Miſtriſs.

After this Madam, I left diſputing with the Prince Intaphernes, knowing him to be better verſed in the doctrine of Love then my ſelf, and ſeeing I was not able to perſwade him. In the mean time, ſince he knew the Princeſs of Bythinia's reſervedneſs and ſeverity, he muſt obey her, and enjoyn ſilence upon himſelf as well as Atergatis. Yet I am ſure, that though the word Love was not uſed in their Letters, yet they found an art to uſe others which ſignified the ſame thing, yet without any diſobedience unto the commands impoſed upon them. But their greateſt grief was, that the King of Pontus being retreated unto Heraclea, Arſamones reſolved to beſiege him, and began to draw that way, ſo that it was eaſie to foreſee that it would be long before they ſhould ſee their adored Princeſſes.

The reaſon why Arſamones was ſo haſty to beſiege Heraclea notwithſtanding the illneſſe of the ſeaſon, was, becauſe knowing with what zeale the invincible Cyrus under the name of Artamenes did preſſe upon Babylon, he feared that if Babylon were taken before he took Heraclea, Cyrus would then protect the ſame Prince whom he protected in relieving him at Sinope, ſo that he was ſo earneſt upon this great deſign, as Heraclea in a few dayes was beleaguered. Since it imported Arſamones to know how all paſſed at Babylon; and ſince Intaphernes, Atergatis, and Iſtrina did hate the King of Aſſyria enough to be inquiſitive of all the misfortunes that did befall him, all the victories of Cyrus were very well known in Calcedonia, and at the Camp: And Madam, your heroique reſiſtance of the King of Aſſyria's violent paſſion was alſo known.

If Intaphernes and Atergatis had not been ingaged in their affections in Bythinia, they had then with joy revenged themſelves of that unjuſt Prince, by following Gadates, who had already took part with the Illuſtrious Cyrus: But ſince Intaphernes could not forſake Arſamones, as things ſtood, unleſſe he ſhould forſake the Princeſs his Daughter: he reſolved to ſtay with him, ſince conſidering the Wars, he might do it with honour: And as for Atergatis, ſince if he changed Armies, he ſhould be at a greater diſtance from Iſtrina, he choſe rather to ſatisfie his love then his hatred. As for the Princeſs Istrina I have heard her ſay, that as oft as ſhe was told with what noble reſolution you treated the King of Aſſyria, it joyed her to the heart, to ſee ſuch full revenge upon that Prince, both by your beauty Madam, by your rigour, and by the valour of Artamenes. It is true, her joyes were ſomething moderated by her feares, leaſt the ſiege of Heraclea ſhould prove fatall either unto Intaphernes or Atergatis, whoſe courages ſhe knew would expoſe them unto the greateſt dangers upon all occaſions. This feare in which the Princeſs of Bythinia ſhared with her, was not yet all the ſorrow which ſhe had; for the abſence of the Prince her Brother, and the unfortunate condition of the Princeſs Araminta did cauſe her many an ill houre, for ſhe loved that Princeſs exceedingly: But for all that, the glory which Intaphernes and Atergatis had got in the Wars, did much cheer up the hearts of theſe two Princeſſes, eſpecially the glory which they got at the ſiege of Heraclea. Since the taking of this Town would be a deciſion of the Warr, and ſettle Arſamones in the Throne, this Prince was not negligent about it: And if I had not many things to tell you which are more eſſentially neceſſary to underſtand this ſtory, certainly my relation of the particulars would make you acknowledg, that except the ſieges of Babylon, Sardis, and Cumes, there was never any more famous then the ſiege of Heraclea, nor a ſiege where more glorious exploits were performed: Since there wanted only this City to make Arſamones King of two Kingdoms, he aſſaulted it with extraordinary vigour: And ſince if this City were loſt, the King of Pontus would be without a Kingdom, he did defend it with ſuch Heroique courage, as if he had an Enemy leſſe valiant then Arſamones, he had not been vanquiſhed: And he did ſuch prodigious acts in defence of himſelfe, as if he had uot ſullied the glory of them by his violencies offered unto you Madam, he might well have been put into the Catalogue of Heroes. But that which haſtned his ruine was ſome reports in the Camp that the illuſtrious Artamenes had taken Babylon, and that the King of Aſſyria had gotten you out, and carryed you unto Sinope: ſo that Arſamones falling upon the Town more vigorouſly then before, and being ſeconded by the valour of Intaphernes and Atergatis, he brought his works unto better perfection in eight dayes, then he had done ever ſince the ſiege [Page] began: The truth is Madam, without further abuſing your patience; The Gods having reſolved that the King of Pontus ſhould be forced out, purpoſely to ſave your life, by preventing your being drowned, they made uſe of the valour of Intaphernes and Atergatis to vanquiſh this valiant and unfortunate King, who was forced to flye away in a ſhip, not knowing then, that the loſs of his two Kingdoms ſhould be the cauſe of his ſaving your life Madam, when you ſuffered ſhipwrack with Prince Mazanes. You may imagine Madam, that the taking of Heraclea made a great noyſe throughout all Bythinia, as well as at Pontus. But particularly, it rejoyced the two Princeſſes at Calcedonia, principally becauſe they knew that Intaphernes and Atergatis had a great ſhare in the happy ſucceſs of that ſiege: But that which hindered the full tide of their joyes was to underſtand, that the War was not yet finiſhed, becauſe Artanus was in Cabira, where he kept the Princeſs Araminta in his power: And Arſamones would not make any Conditions with him, unleſſe hee would ſurrender the Town and the Princeſs Araminta into his power, and therefore his deſign was to beſiege Cabira.

In the mean time, as ſoon as Arſamones had ſetled all in Heraclea, he would have the Queen Arbiana and the two Princes come thither to teſtifie unto his new Subjects, that he would be King of Pontus, whereof Heraclea was the Metropolis, as well as King of Bythinia whereof Calcedonia was chief. You may eaſily imagine Madam, that this reſolution was very welcom unto Intaphernes and Atergatis, as it was vexatious to the poor Beriſa, who ſeeeing that the Court was to remove from Calcedonia to Heraclea, ſhe was even ready to dye for grief, not knowing how it was poſſible to live without a Court: And indeed we underſtood that every one went to comfort her, as one that had loſt all ſhe loved. Shee employed all her will to find a pretence for going unto Heraclea, but her Parents would not permit her: ſo that ſhe ſaw a neceſſity of ſtaying in Calcedonia, where ſhe talked of nothing but her wearineſs of it: and if ſhe made any viſits, to ſatisfie her buſie humour, it was only a gadding from houſe to houſe to tell how weary ſhe was: And ſhe made her ſelf ſo much hated in Calcedonia, that there was not a Lady who did not wiſh her at Heraclea.

But Madam, as the deſign of Arſamones in bringing the Queen Arbiana unto this ſtately Town was pleaſing unto Intaphernes and Atergatis, ſo I muſt tell you that it was not diſpleaſing unto the Princeſs of Bythinia, nor to the Princeſs Iſtrina. Yet I am obliged to tell you unto the glory of the Princeſs of Bythinia, that maugre all the victories of Arſamones, ſhe could not chooſe but ſigh as ſhe went into the Palace of Heraclea, not being able to remember the Condition wherein ſhe had ſeen the Prince Sinnesſis, the Princeſſe Araminta, and Spitridates, without much ſorrow for the death of the firſt, and for the captivity of the Princeſs Araminta, and for the abſence of the Prince Spitridates her brother. Alſo her generoſity did carry her further then this; for ſhe would not upon any terms lie in the Princeſs of Pontus her Chamber: Since I remember very well (ſaid ſhe unto the Queen Arbiana who propounded it unto her) if the Princeſs Araminta did ever look npon me as the Princeſs of Bythinia, when there was not any hopes of the King my Fathers ever being upon the Throne: I will alſo ſtill treat her as the Princeſs of Pontus, although the King her Brother do not enjoy the Kingdom; You may well conceive Madam, that a Princeſſe who was ſo generous as to be juſt unto a diſtreſſed vertue, would not be unjuſt unto a victorious and triumphant vertue, and that ſhe received the Prince Intaphernes with all poſſible civility.

Atergatis found as favourable a reception from Iſtrina: And ſince theſe Princeſſes had not forbidden them to ſpeak, as they had to write, Theſe two Princes took occaſion to ſpeak of that they would, and had not written; and to make known unto their Princeſſes all the torments they had ſuffered during their abſence: But yet they were not long together; for Arſamones being deſirous to finiſh the Warre by taking Cabira, deſired them to come unto the Army; but ſince the diſtance was not farre from Heraclea, there was ſuch continuall correſpondency between them, that this ſecond abſence was not ſo rigorous as the firſt: yet Arſamones could not march ſo ſoon as he deſired againſt Artanus, becauſe he fell ſick. But Madam, I think it fit to omit the relation of the Prince Spitridates his arrivall at Heraclea, and all the paſſages concerning the defeat of Artanus: Since it is not poſſible but the Princeſs Araminta who was ſo long a Priſoner unto Cyrus, and ſince the Prince Spitridates was a [Page] while in Sardis, you muſt needs heare tell ſince you were releaſed, the adventures of a Prince who hath the honour to reſemble your illuſtrious Liberator.

The truth is, replyed Mandana, I underſtand by Marteſia who had it from Feraulas, all that happen'd unto that illuſtrious Prince: and conſequently I know of his Arrivall at Heraclea, the day before the Queen Arbiana and the two Princeſſes were to go unto the Camp, becauſe Arſamones was ſick: Moreover, I know how the Queen of Bythinia took Spitridates at firſt for Cyrus, as heretofore ſhe took Cyrus for Spitridates: Nor am I ignorant of all that Princes endeavours to obtain the permiſſion of Arſamones to love Araminta: Neither am I ignorant of what Intaphernes and the Princeſs of Bythinia did upon the ſame deſign: For indeed Orcames, I know how obſtinately Arſamones denyed them; I know all the defeat of Artanus, the meeting of Spitridates and Araminta upon the bridg of Cabira. The generous reſolution of thoſe two Perſons, and in what manner Spitridates got Araminta out of that beſieged Town, ſtealing her from the victory of Arſamones, who would have kept her Priſoner, if he had taken her. I know alſo how Spitridates went with that Princeſs as far as Armenia, where they parted: and that in parting from the Camp, he wrote unto the King his Father, and unto the Princeſs his Siſter: but I wonder, that in relation of all theſe paſſages, I ſhould never heare any mention made of Atergatis.

The reaſon why thoſe who related the hiſtory of Araminta were ſilent of the Prince Atergatis, replyed Orcames, is, becauſe he had no hand in the defeat of Artanus, not in any paſſages at Cabira; becauſe the very day on which the Princeſſes came to the Camp, he fell ſick at Heraclea, where he remained untill after the departure of Spitridates and Araminta, ſo that he could not contract any amity with that Prince as Intaphernes did; nor by conſequence give thoſe who related unto you the ſtory of Araminta and Spitridates, any ſubject to ſpeak of him. Now Madam, ſince you know all paſſages unto the taking of Cabira, I ſhall ſay nothing of them, but ſhall relate things from thence forward, and tell you that Arſamones was ſo incenſed at the action of Spitridates, that he ſaid he ſhould not ſucceed him, and that he would have every one look upon the Princeſs his Daughter, as ſhe that was to be Queen of Pontus and Bythinia: And the truth is Madam, he was ſo violently earneſt in it, that every one did believe it was his intention: But though it was the deſign of Arſamones, yet it was farre from the intentions of the Princeſs his Daughter, who declared her ſelf ſo highly and ſo genevouſly, that ſhe would never thrive by the misfortunes of the Prince her brother, as Arſamones was no leſſe incenſed againſt her then him; ſo that Intaphernes was conſtrayned to grieve with that Princeſs, for offering her two Kingdoms. It is true, that his love had its part in this griefe: For this Prince conceived, that as long as Arſamones was in the mind, he could never pretend unto the Princeſs whom he loved, it being eaſie to foreſee that Arſamones would never give her unto him, though upon no other reaſon then becauſe he was a profeſſed lover of Spitridates.

But as Intaphernes had this augmentation of his ſorrows, ſo Atergatis who was recovered of his ſickneſs, was grieved to underſtand that Gadates who was not ignorant of his affection unto Iſtrina, had ſent orders unto a Lady who was with her, to have a ſtrict eye over all his actions, and to render him an account of them; this Prince having ſtill a fancy, that when Cyrus had ended the Warr, he might perhaps by a treaty of Peace oblige the King of Aſſyria to marry Iſtrina, by obtaining for him a reſtitution of ſome part of his Kingdom; for Madam, though this fancy had but an ill foundation, yet he did, and ſtill doth feed himſelf with ſome hopes in it: And indeed, becauſe the Queen Nitocris with whom he had been in love, did earneſtly deſire it as long as ſhe lived, he thought that he was obliged by his reſpects unto that great Princeſs, not to let Iſtrina marry, as long as there was any poſſibility that the King of Aſſyria might marry her.

After this Madam, you may imagine that the lives of the Prince Intaphernes and Atergatis were not very pleaſing, ſince to live without hopes is the moſt difficult thing upon earth: Yet I am ſure, that if they did not hope, yet they were not altogether deſperate, yet they were perpetually full of fears: And all the conſolation which they had, was to know that they were not out of favour with the Princeſſes whom they adored.

[Page] As for Intaphernes, he was ſo happy as that the King did never ſuſpect his Love: ſo that he could ſee and talk with his Princeſs when he pleaſed. But all great changes in Kingdoms muſt needs be a while unſetled, ſo there were many commotions and ſtirrs, which required he ſhould divide his Army into two Bodies, and that Intaphernes and Atergatis ſhould command them. Arſamones reſiding ſometimes at Heraclea, and ſomtimes at Calcedonia, to give out ſeveral orders to places as need required. Thus Madam, did theſe two Princes and theſe two Princeſſes live, whilſt the illuſtrious Cyrus (after he underſtood you were not dead as once he believed) was carrying on the Warr in Armenia, thinking that you were there: And thus they continued, untill that generous Prince being upon the Frontiers of Lydia, there chanced that thing, which I believe you are not ignorant of, but yet you neither know the cauſe nor the conſequence of it. I muſt therefore tell you Madam, that when the valiant Anaxaris who is now the Captain of the Guard, came to the Camp of Cyrus. I underſtood how he had told him that he had ſaved the life of the Prince Spitridates; and that he was at firſt deceived by that reſemblance which is between thoſe two great Princes.

But Madam, certainly you do not know who brought Spitridates into that Paphlagoneon wood where Anaxaris found him, nor who kept him there; nor how he went from the place unto which Anaxaris conducted him, after he had ſo valiantly defended him. Therefore I muſt tell you, that when Araminta would needs have Spitridates leave her in Armenia, and commanded him to wander from Countrey to Countrey untill the Gods were pleaſed to change the ſtate of their Fortunes; yet Spitridates could not find a heart to go out of Armenia, ſince Araminta was in it though ſhe had charged him not to ſtay there, becauſe ſhe feared leſt the King her Brother ſhould arreſt him; and becauſe ſhe would not have a Prince who had kept her from the power of the King his Father, ſhould fall into the power of the King of Pontus, who did not love him. So that Spitridates ſearching for a place where he might have beſt intelligence from Artaxates, whilſt the Princeſs Araminta was there; he thought that he could not better ſeate himſelf, then in ſome houſe upon the River Araxes, which runs to Artaxates: For as great Rivers cauſeth great commerce between great Towns, ſo he thought this place to ſute beſt with his deſign; and indeed the Village where he ſtayed was ſo great a Paſſe, as it was eaſie to receive information of ſome things which he deſired to know.

But Madam, as all humane Prudence is extreamly limited; ſo it chanced that the ſame way he thought beſt to heare news of his Princeſs, and to keep him neare her, the ſame was it which ſet him at a greater diſtance from her. For Madam, as he was one evening taking the Ayre upon the banks of the River Araxes by himſelf alone, and being far from the houſe where he lodged, a ſtranger did accoſt him, and ſpeaking to him in a broken Language, he ſpoke as thinking him to be Artamenes, and as if he had ſeen him in the Court of Thomiris. Spitridates perceiving his errour, would undeceive him, but he could not: For this ſtranger was ſo confident that this Prince would only conceal himſelf, as he never offered to examine ſeriouſly whether or no his eyes had deceived him: and indeed not giving any credit unto his words, he executed his deſign which he had upon the perſon of that Prince, and did it with eaſe: For ſince Spitridates was alone and without any Armes; and ſince this ſtranger was ſeconded by ten men, which lay in ambuſh, it was eaſie for them to force him to enter into a Barque which was not far off: and it was the more eaſie, becauſe the ſtranger having told him that he would carry him unto a great Queen, where he ſhould receive no harm, provided he would repent himſelfe of his flight, Spitridates thought it would be the more eaſie to undeceive him by arguing with him, then by defending himſelf in vain, ſince he was alone, unarmed, and againſt ten men, thinking that if he ſhould offer to make any obſtinate reſiſtance, it would the more argue him to be the man he was taken for. So that going into the Barque, and not being able to hinder the ſixe Rowers from putting off the ſhoar where he intended to ſtay a while, he began to make a thouſand proteſtations unto this ſtranger, that he was not the ſame man which he took him for: but all in vain.

I beſeech you ſayd, Spitridates unto him, ask every one you meet what Reports go of Artamenes whoſe name is ſo famous, and I am ſure all will anſwer you, that he cannot be in Paphlagonia. I need not enquire of any, replyed the man, when my own eyes tel's me I am ſure: therfore, Sir, with no murmur againſt my violence, I beſeech [Page] you give me leave to carry you unto a Queen whoſe Subject I am, and beleive it, it ſhall be long of your ſelf if you be not favourably received. I came by orders from her, purſued he, to inform my ſelf of the cauſes of your Impriſonment (the News wherof hath reached the Queen Thomiris) to let you know, that if you will change your thoughts of her, ſhe will march with an Army of a hundred thouſand men to force you out of Ciaxares his Fetters, and ſet you out of a Priſon upon a Throne.

In order to this, the Queen Thomiris hath given me wherwith to ſuborn your Guards, and to attempt any thing for your Liberty, but I perceive, Sir, you have your ſelf procured it. Then Spitridates proteſted unto him again, that he was not Artamenes, but that he was ſtill a Priſoner unto Ciaxares, but the man would not beleive him, and was ſo obſtinate in his miſtake, that Spitridates muſt ſubmit. The reaſon why this man was ſo hard to be undeceived, was, that though he had ſeen the Illuſtrious Cyrus a hundred times with Thomiris, yet as he told him, he never heard him ſpeak: ſo that the tone of Spitridates would not undeceive him, though there was ſome difference between the pronunciation of Spitridates, and that of Cyrus: Yet Spitridates did not a little wonder that he ſhould ſtill be taken for another; for ſince he did not then know that Cyrus and Artamenes were both one Perſon, he could not chuſe but think it ſtrange, that firſt they ſhould carry him unto Cambiſes as being Cyrus, and now carry him unto Thomiris as being Artamenes; yet go he muſt, for he was ſo ſtricktly guarded that he could not chuſe: But (ſayd he unto the man who thus forced him) It does not appear unto me by your ſpeeches that Thomiris ever appointed you to do as you have done: ſince, Sir, replyed he, ſhe could not foreſee, I ſhould find you in ſuch a condition as I have done; ſhe could not command me to ſecure your Perſon with ten men only: but ſince ſhe honoured me ſo far as to tell me that ſhe would arm a hundred thouſand men to have you in her power, it was an implicite Command to bring you unto it, if I could by all the wayes that Fortune and opportuniry ſhould offer me. Alſo I have been this eight dayes ſince accidentally I ſaw you in the Temple, in following you and waiting for an occaſion to find you alone, as now I found you upon the Banks of Araxes.

Thus, Madam, did this man ſpeak unto this Illuſtrious Captive whom he knew not, & for his more ſafe Convoy, he would have him alwayes lye in the Barque, and not ſet foot upon land, untill he came to the place where Araxes bounders the Country of the Maſſagettes. He was no ſooner there but the man carrying Spitridates to lodge with a man of his acquaintance, which had a very good Tent upon the banks of that River, he ſent one of his men to acquaint Thomiris that he had brought Artamenes unto her and to know her pleaſure concerning him, not daring to bring him to her without having ſpeciall orders for it. But whilſt this Meſſenger was in his jonrny, Spitridates obſerving that the Maſter of the Tent where he lodged was of a good wit, and that he underſtood broken Greek paſſably enough, which is ſo generally ſpoken over all Aſia, becauſe contrary to the cuſtom of the Maſſagettes, he had been a Traveller, he asked him concerning the Queen, and what they ſayd of her? Sir, ſayd he, the Queen is a moſt excellent Princeſs, and if her Paſſions were ſomwhat leſs violent, ſhe would be all Excellency and all Virtue; but indeed they are ſo predominate in her, that Reaſon often will not rule her; For if either Ambition, Choller, or Envie poſſeſs her, ſhe humours the Paſſion without reſiſtance. Indeed her Action againſt the Prince Ariantes her Brother, to Raign in prejudice of him; her Action againſt the Prince Aripithes who was long ſince in love with her, and her Actions concerning the Ambaſſador from Ciaxares who ſtole from Court, and is called Artamenes: All theſe do make it manifeſtly appear that ſhe has no command over her Paſſions, and that Ambition, Anger, and Love do eaſily get dominion over her heart, and raign there in full Tyranny; And indeed the voice is, that this Princeſs will raiſe a very formidable Army, either to be revenged upon Artamenes, or elſe to make him love her: as if it were as great a matter to conquer the heart of this Ambaſſador as to conquer a Kingdom. I know that Fame ſpeaks this Artamenes to be a moſt admirable man, and that if the Maſſagettans had ſuch a King, they might pretend eaſily to be Maſters of both Scythias: But for all that, ſince the Queen hath a Son, and ſince Artamenes did ſteal away from the Court, I beleive the War would be unjuſt, and the Event cannot be happy.

Spitridates hearing this man expreſs himſelf ſo wiſely, reſolved to open himſelf unto [Page] him, to try if he could procure his help to make an eſcape: So that whilſt all his Guards ſtood at the Entry of the Tent, which was very ſpacious, he told him how the caſe ſtood. But, Madam, ſuch was the Fate of Spitridates to be taken for Cyrus, that though this man had never ſeen either of them, yet he beleived that he who ſpoke unto him was Artamenes: For, Sir, ſayd he unto him, if you be not he, you need not fear being Areſted by Thomiris, ſince you may be ſure that as ſoon as ever ſhe ſees you, ſhe will ſet you at liberty, therfore, Sir, I need not endeavour your eſcape: But I fear, anſwered Spitridates, I fear leaſt the Queen ſhould be miſtaken in me, as the man who firſt areſted me is; However it be, Sir, replyed the man, your beſt courſe to make me endeavour your eſcape, is to confeſs ingeniouſly that you are really Artamenes: for if you be, I muſt confes unto you, that I am ſo devoted unto the Queens glory, as I am apt enough to take an occaſion from her of doing a thing which would reflect upon her honour, if ſhe ſhould retain you Priſoner. The truth is, Madam, ſince Spitridates had no other courſe, he deceived this virtuous Maſſagettan, ſince he deſired to be deceived; And indeed the man did ſo wel manage the matter, as he got Spitridates one night out of his Tent, by a back-way which his Guards knew not of; and to make his flight more ſafe, he would not let him attempt to croſs the River, which was very broad and deep, ſince there was not one Fiſher-man whom he durſt truſt. Therfore he conveyed him into a poor Shepheards Tent which belonged unto him, where he lay hid above eight dayes. In the mean time he heard how greived the man was who firſt took him: how joyed Thomiris was, when ſhe heard that ſhe was to have Artamenes in her power, and how vexed ſhe was when ſhe was told he was eſcaped. Her greif, Madam, was ſo great, that ſetting all conſideration aſide, ſhe went her ſelf to the River Araxes to ſearch for Artamenes in all the Tents about it: So that Spitridates knowing how the Queen and all her Retinue was to come unto the place where he was, and fearing that his reſemblance with Artamenes would betray him to her as it had done to many others; alſo longing to hear ſome news of Araminta, he reſolved by the help of his deliverer to ſuborn a Fiſher-man, and ſo they did in all haſt. But though they reſolved that his flight ſhould be in the night, yet they could not ſtay ſo long, but he muſt depart preſently, becauſe they had intelligence that Thomiris was very neer. So that haſtning their deſign, the Fiſher-man was preſently provided, and Spitridates went into the Bark with a horſe which his honeſt Hoſt gave him: and he took boat juſt as Thomiris who was that day on horſeback was in ſight, and followed with abundance of company ſome two hundred paces from the place where Spitridates was embarked. At firſt, the Fiſher-man who was buſie about his Ba [...]k, took no notice of them, but rowed as hard as he could: yet when he was as far as the middle of the River, he ſpyed the crowd of people which followed the Queen, and thought it was the Princeſs who was expected to come: So that being much frighted at it, in lieu of rowing on, he would carry Spitridates back to the place where he firſt took him in: but that Prince having got a good Cimiter before he embarqued, did draw it, and threatned the man to kill him if he did not row on and carry him quickly to the other ſide of the River: So that being extreamly terrified, he rowed with all the ſtrength he had, and got from the ſide where Thomiris was. But, Madam to make this adventure more extraordinary: The Queen chancing to caſt her eyes upon the boat wherin Spitridates was when he drew his Cimiter, ſhe was ſo ſurprized, and had her imagination ſo filled with the fancy of Artamenes, as ſhe did abſolutely take Spitridates to be him, imagining him to have the ſame ſtature and action, and fancying that ſhe ſaw the very ſame features of face though at that diſtance: So that her Spirits being all Choller and fury, when ſhe ſaw how this ſuppoſed Artamenes threatned the Fiſher-man to kill him, if he did not carry him from her: ſhe both did and ſayd ſuch things as did not become her great Courage and Virtue. Could this ungratefull man know (ſayd ſhe aloud) that I intended to arme a hundred thouſand men purpoſely for his delivery, and can he threaten a poor Innocent to kill him, rather then ſee me? Canſt thou endure this Thomiris? Canſt thou ſuffer it? Fy, no, no, it cannot be endured, it is too much baſeneſs to be ſuffered. Then would ſhe give a hundred ſeverall and different Commands; one while ſhe commanded to get a boat to go after him, another while being tranſported with the violence of her Paſſion, ſhe would go herſelf, another while fearing that a boat could not be had ſoon enough to overtake him whom ſhe took for Artamenes; ſhe commanded her Guard to ſhoot a Cloud of [Page] Arrows at the Fiſher-man, to make him ſtay the Bark, not conſidering that ſhe was out of diſtance for it: then in an inſtant after fearing they might kill Artamenes in lieu of the Fiſher-man, ſhe for bad what before ſhe commanded, and choſe rather to let Artamenes live then to be revenged by his death: And all her thoughts were in ſuch a tumultuous diſorder, as I am perſwaded that ſhe herſelf knew not what they were.

In the mean time, ſince thoſe that went after this ſuppoſed Artamenes, not being able to overtake him, it vexed her to ſee him in the boat, to ſee him land, to ſee him take horſe, and at laſt to looſe the ſight of him. This adventure did ſo much incenſe her, that he who helped Spitridates to eſcape, was forced to provide for his own ſafety, becauſe there was ſome ſuſpition of the truth: ſo that he followed Spitridates, and afterwards meeting with him at Colchides, he acquainted him with all theſe paſſages, and how Thomiris employed ſeverall men to purſue him, and how the Queen was ſo extreamly greived at this adventure as ſhe fell in a ſickneſs, as all Phyſitians did ſay it would be long before ſhe recovered. Spitridates being ſo fortunate as to meet accidentally with his Page, he was well able to recompence his deliverer, if he had been of an humour to enrich himſelf. But this virtuous Maſſagettan being declared Enemy unto all Riches, was contented to ſacrifice his Fortunes unto the Queens Glory, and refuſed the offers of Spitridates which was very conſiderable, for he had great abundance of Jewels in the hands of that faithfull Page. Yet this generous Maſſagettan would not receive any gift, telling Spitridates that he was very well contented to adore the Sun which produced all thoſe Excellencies without enriching himſelf by any of thoſe glorious Productions.

In the mean while, Spitridates thought upon nothing ſo much as Araminta, and enquired of her as much as he could, but meeting with nothing but uncertainties, he imbarked on the Euxine Sea, intending for Paphlagonia, where he hoped for more certain intelligence: As for his Page, he knew nothing but common talk went ſhe was not at Artaxates, nor the King of Pontus neither: but that on the contrary you, Madam, was there, and that Ciaxares brought the War thither, under the Command of the Illuſtrious Artamenes, who was known to be Cyrus.

Spitridates then being imbarked in a Merchants Ship, was ſo unfortunate in his Navigation, and had the winds ſo contrary, that after the Tempeſt had toſſed him from Point to Point, and ſide to ſide, not being able to land any where, he was at laſt driven to the Meotidan Lake, where he ſuffered Shipwrack, and that in ſuch a ſad manner, as the Ship, the Merchandize, all the men, except himſelf and five or ſix more did lamentably periſh. This ſad Accident had not grieved Spitridates ſo much, if it had hapned upon the Coaſts of Capadocia, or any place where he might inquire of Araminta: but being caſt upon a place ſo far diſtant from the place where his buſineſs lay, it grieved him extreamly: Not that the Euxine Sea was ſo vaſt but that it might be paſſed over in few dayes with a favourable wind. But it was not ſo eaſie a matter for him to do it, being without Ship, without acquaintance, and alſo without his Jewels, ſince his Page periſhed, and with him, all he had.

Moreover ſince all Aſia was in Armes, Comerce failed, and the Inhabitants upon the Meotidan Lake, ſent out no Ships; Inſomuch that the unfortunate Spitridates was forced to go by Land unto the place where he intended, having only as many Jewels as would buy him a horſe and bear his charges alone without any train. But, Madam, the way was ſo long, and he met with ſo many rubs in it, that when he got into Paphlagonia, the Armenian War was ended: Tis very true, as you know, Madam, very well, that it did not continue long: but the Illuſtrious Cyrus was upon the Frontiers of Lidia, when Spitridates after ſo long and tedious Journy, arrived in Paphlagonia: But when to his miſery, he heard by the publick voge of the people (who ſeldom know, or talk any other thing but untruths, eſpecially in State matters.) When he underſtood (I ſay) that for a concluſion of the publick Peace, the King of Pontus was to marry you, Madam, and that the Illuſtrious Cyrus was to marry Araminta; at firſt, he gave no credit unto it, but afterwards meeting with a Souldier who was returning into his own Country enriched with Plunder, which he had got in the Armenian War, he underſtood by him how civill the Illuſtrious Cyrus was unto that Princeſs: ſo that though this Souldier did not tell him that you, Madam, were to marry the King of Pontus, nor that Cyrus was to marry Araminta, yet he did both beleive [Page] what this Souldier ſayd, and what the Paphlagonian people ſayd alſo: ſo that ſorrows ſeiſing upon all his faculties, one could not be in a more miſerable condition then he was. His adventure upon the River Araxes was an addition to his miſery; For ſayd he, ſince the greateſt Queen in the world was not able to reſiſt the Charmes of Cyrus, though then ſhe did know him to be the Son of a King, and ſince ſhe loved him without being loved, how ſhould Araminta reſiſt her? ſince the Conqueror of all Aſia is ſubmiſſive at her feet. After this, Madam, as Lovers do alwayes think that none can look upon the perſons they love, but muſt love them alſo; So Spitridates was ſo unjuſt as to doubt the fidelity of Cyrus: ſo that his Soul being full of intollerable Torments, there was no violent Reſolution which he had not a mind to execute. One while he would go unto the Army of Cyrus, and ask him in the midſt of all his Troops, whether he were his Rivall; and another while, he would go unto Araminta herſelf, and know from her own mouth, whether ſhe were culpable or innocent: but his greateſt care was to paſs unknown through the Army of Cyrus, by reaſon of his prodigious reſemblance.

As he was in all theſe uncertainties and reſtleſs thoughts, he accidentally met with a man of Quality called Democlides, whom he left with the Princeſs Araminta, when he parted from her in Armenia; and when that Prince ſent to enquire of the King her Brother, when ſhe was kept a Priſoner at Artaxates.

This meeting was a great conſolation to him; but the worſt was, Democlides pittying to ſee ſo great a Prince in ſuch a miſerable condition, would needs perſwade him to return unto the King his Father: And the more to induce him unto it, he ſeemed to beleeve ſome truth in theſe reports, though really he gave no credit at all unto them: And further, Democlides thought it expedient to acquaint the Princeſs of Bythinia with the place where the Prince her Brother was, to the end ſhe might adviſe upon the beſt expedients to render him leſſe miſerable: And he had a fitter occaſion for it then he thought of: For ſince Spitridates was in a condition to attempt any thing, he reſolved to ſend ſecretly unto the Princeſs his Siſter, to put him into ſome equipage, either to perform his reſolution of going into the Army of Cyrus, or to take the part of the Lydian King, if he found any certainties of Cyrus his being a Rivall: But yet he would not upon any terms let the Princeſs of Bythinia know the place where he was, and therefore he expreſly charged the ſervant of Democlides whom he ſent unto her, to acquaint her: But Democrites writing unto her from himſelfe, did intimate the truth of all things in his Letter.

In the mean time, Spitridates and Democlides remained in their Lodgings, which was in a Village not far from a Forreſt, where they uſed [...]o walk and take the Ayre every day in expectation of his return whom they had ſent unto the Princeſs: For ſince there is only a Nook of Galatia betwixt Paphlagonia and Bythinia where Arſamones was, his journey was not long. But Madam, not to repeat what you know already; one day, as they were walking in the Forreſt they were ſet upon by certain Robbers, and were reſcued by the valiant Anaxanis, who left Spitridates much wounded, not knowing who he was; for Democlides whom Anaxaris took to be the ſervant of Spitridates, would not tell him.

On the other ſide, the ſervant of Democlides coming unto a Chalcedonian Port, he was there ſtopped to know who he was, from whence he came, and whether he was going; for Madam, you muſt know, that though Arſamones was quiet enough in his Dominions, yet he was as wary as if he feared every thing: holding this maxime that a conquering Prince ought not alwayes to truſt unto the fidelity of new Subjects: ſo that a Guard was kept at Chalcedonia, as ſtrictly as in times of War. So that the ſervant of Democlides having anſwered ſomething ſuſpitiouſly, and being upon examination trapped, he was ſtayed to be farther examined: But what needed further? An Officer belonging to Arſamones knew him to be the ſervant of Democlides, who was well known to go from Cabyria with Spitridates, and thought that happily he knew where he was, and therefore he would advertiſe Arſamones of it: And brought this man before him, who did ſo terrifie this more weake then wicked wretch, as he gave them the letter of Spitridates unto the Princeſs his Siſter, and likewiſe Democlides to the ſame Princeſs; ſo that knowing by this laſt Letter where Spitridates was, he was committed unto cloſe Guard, keeping the buſineſs cloſe from every one but ſuch as were to execute his intended courſe, ſo as no [...] of it was in all the Court.

[Page] In the mean while, Arſamones made choiſe of a faithfull fellow, and gave him twenty for his guard, to go unto the place where Spitridates was, giving him alſo the ſervant of Democlides with orders notwithſtanding to guard him ſafely leaſt he ſhould eſcape and acquaint his Maſter. But to the end that his commands of ſecuring the perſon of Spitridates might be more punctually executed, he told the man who was to execute this great deſign, that he did not deſire to have Spitridates in his power, but only to force happineſſe upon him: ſo that this man, thinking that his tranſaction was as well for the good of Spitridates as Arſamones, did proteſt unto him, that he would not hearken unto any Prayers, Promiſes, or Threats, which the Prince his Son ſhould make, but would infallibly bring him. After this, Arſamones commanded him that when he did bring the Prince his Son, not to enter into any Town, but to ſtay a dayes journy from Heraclea, and give notice how all things ſtood. But, Madam, without more particulars, be pleaſed to know, that this man came to the place where Spitridates was, and ſeized upon him, which was eaſie to be done; for he found him in bed, not cured of his wounds, though out of all danger. Moreover the place was far from Towns; And ſince the Prince of Paphlagonia was then in the Army of Cyrus, Spitridates knew not of whom he ſhould ask protection? But to make the matter more eaſie, Democlides being perſwaded that this Prince would not be ſo miſerable in his own Country as where he was, and adviſed him to ſubmit unto the force without murmure againſt the King his Father, ſince he was not able to reſiſt: Yet Spitridates did not yeild before he had employed all his rhetorick to perſwade the man to let him go at liberty: but at laſt ſeeing he could not move him, neither by hopes of recompence, nor by any threats, he reſolved to go along with him, not being able to reſiſt twenty men, who at firſt diſarmed both him and Democlides, ſince Spitridates was very weak, they were forced to put him into a Coach: ſo, as though this Prince was as violent as any that ever loved, yet it was an eaſie matter to carry him. And he came within a dayes journy of Heraclea without any obſtacle: And the man who commanded the Guard ſent to acquaint Arſamones with what he had done: So that this violent Prince commanded him to bring Spitridates unto Heraclea in the night time, leaſt the people ſhould grumble, and ſent more Souldiers that way Spitridates was to come, that his Guard might be the ſtronger; And the buſineſs was diſpatched with ſo much ſecreſie, that no reports of it were ſpread abroad: But ſince the Policy of Arſamones was ſomthing ſevere to puniſh many, leaſt all ſhould become Delinquents: Priſoners were ſo ordinary, that it was no wonder to hear talk that ſome were brought in the night into Heraclea. In ſomuch that the Princeſs Intaphernes and Atergatis knew nothing of Spitridates his impriſonment, no more then the Princeſs of Bythinia or the Princeſs Iſtrina: For indeed, Madam, the Prince Spitridates was put into a Tower by the Sea-ſide, with a ſtrong Guard; and Democlides was alſo his Companion, though he did earneſtly perſwade him to go unto Heraclea without reſiſtance.

In the mean time, Arſamones commanded that this Prince ſhould be very carefully looked unto: but ſo very few did ſee him, and thoſe that did were ſo faithfull to the King of Bythinia, that for ſome dayes Spitridates was never thought of. But Arſamones going one morning to this Tower where Spitridates was, and not returning of two hours after, did move ſome ſuſpition of ſome extraordinary Priſoners; for he returned out with ſo many ſigns of fury in his face, as thoſe who waited upon him at the foot of the Tower, did eaſily obſerve it and divulge it, ſo as it was conjectured, that theſe Priſoners were ſome of great importance, but they knew no more: And Atergatis and Iſtrina did not know how much they were concern'd in the Conference between Arſamones and Spitridates: For, Madam, be pleaſed to know, that Arſamones did not only move Spitridates to caſt of all thoughts of the Princeſs Araminta, but propounded a marriage with Iſtrina, not doubting but that Princeſs would willingly be Queen of two Kingdoms, and caſt off Atergatis, whom he knew Gadates would not have her to marry. But ſince nothing could ſhake the affection of Spitridates unto Araminta, he rejected the Propoſition which Arſamones made. How Spitridates (ſayd Arſamones) can you be ſo fooliſh as to renounce the two Kingdoms of Pontus and Bythinia which I have Conquered, rather then renounce the Daughter of a Uſurper, and the Siſter of a Prince who hates you, and would heretofore have Araminta preferred Pharnaces before you? Conſider Spitridates, conſider ſeriouſly what the value [Page] of two Kingdoms, which now you may either gain or looſe, by obeying or diſobeying me. I have toſſed and toyled above this twenty years to ſet you upon a Throne; It hath coſt the life of the Prince your Brother, and twenty thouſand more who have all periſhed to break thoſe Chains which fettered you, and to ſet the Crown upon yout head: And will you rather love a Slave, and be a Slave your ſelf then enjoy the fruits of all my Victories? For to think, that I will ever ſuffer Araminta to be Queen of Pontus and Bythinia, is a thing which I hate to hear of: For beſides my reſentments of hatred, revenge, and glory alſo, which will not let me conſent unto it; even Policy only will not allow me to give a new title unto my Enemies, by this alliance. I know very well that Araminta is fair, witty, of much Spirit and Virtue, but ſince ſhe is Daughter and Siſter to my Enemies and Ruinors of my houſe: you muſt Spitridates either think no more upon her, or elſe think your ſelf my Enemy; She whom I motion unto you is as fair and virtuous as Araminta can be. Moreover, ſhe is the Daughter and Siſter of a Prince who wiſheth my Glory and Siſter unto another, who hath helped me to that Throne upon which I would ſet you: Yet all theſe powerfull arguments could not ſtagger the conſtancy of Spitridates: and as I told you before, he rejected the motion of Arſamones with incredible reſolution though his mind at that time was much incenſed againſt Araminta. However Arſamones did not quite diſpair of changing his mind, but reſolved upon three things. The firſt to acquaint that Prince with the meeting of Araminta and the King of Pontus by the permittance of Cyrus. The ſecond, to acquaint him with all thoſe reports of Cyrus his love to Araminta, thongh he knew them to be all falſe: And the third, that when he had enfuſed jealous apprehenſions into his fancy, to acquaint the Queen Arbiana with the impriſonment of Spitridates, that ſhe might go to ſee him, and carry Iſtrina with her, hoping that the beauty of the Princeſs would ſooner change his thoughts from Araminta, then all his perſwaſions and policy. And indeed, Madam, in order to theſe Reſolutions, he did infuſe ſuch jealous apprehenſions into the heart of Spitridates, as this Prince could not enjoy one minutes reſt, and his Soul was ſo ſunck in ſorrows, that having found a way how to write to the Prince Araminta, he would not make uſe of that way to let the Princeſs her Siſter know of his impriſonment.

But as the firſt deſign of Arſamones did hit, ſo his ſecond did not; as I ſhall preſently tell you. However, ſince the day that Arſamones was with Spitridates, he came out from him much moved, every one was inquiſitive of the true cauſe, but could not find it out: Yet at laſt Arſamones hearing that Spitridates was much diſquieted, and knowing by ſome of the Guard that he made continuall complaints againſt the Princeſs Araminta when he talked with Democlides, he thought it time to let him ſee the Princeſs Iſtrina: So that acquainting Arbiana with the impriſonment of the Prince her Son, he permitted her to ſee him, and to carry with her the Princeſs her Daughter and Iſtrina, upon the condition, that they uſe all their endeavours to diſſwade him from his obſtinate thoughts of marrying Araminta. But he did not acquaint them with the propoſition he had made unto Spitridates concerning Iſtrina. Since Arſamones was terrible unto all that knew him; Arbiana and both the Princeſeſs did promiſe what he deſired, purpoſely to ſee this illuſtrious Priſoner; ſo that they were conducted thither the ſame day. You may eaſily think, Madam, that Arbiana and the Princeſs her Daughter, could not ſee Spitridates in Priſon without extream ſorrow: And on the other ſide, that Prince could not ſee them without ſome conſolation, though his heart was full of grief. As for Iſtrina, it did exceedingly pitty her heart to ſee this Prince in that condition: But for his part, though he did much eſteem her when he laſt ſaw her at Heraclea before he went to Cyrus, yet he was very ſorry to ſee her now, becauſe he thought ſhe was acquainted with the motion of Arſamones, and did interpret all her obliging expreſſions as a premeditated deſign to render him perfidious and to drive Araminta from his heart: So that looking upon her almoſt as an Enemy, which came to aſſault him by open force, he had much ado to hide the turbulency of his ſpirits. Furthermore, ſince Arbiana had promiſed to diſſwade him as much as ſhe could from his thoughts of Araminta, and indeed did wiſh it; ſhe would ſay ſomthing with as much ſweetneſs and prudence as ſhe could, which might perſwade him, that conſtancy is a virtue which ought to have its Limits as other virtues have; and that when one was reſolute upon a thing impoſſible, it was rather wilfulneſs then conſtancy, and therfore ſhe conjured him to conſider very ſeriouſly [Page] whether his reſolute denyall of Arſamones, was of ſuch a Nature as would merit the name of a Virtue. Spitridates hearing Arbiana ſpeak thus, was much moved, and moſt humbly beſeeched her not to loaden him with new puniſhments by forcing him to reſiſt her will, as he had the King his Fathers: For truly, Madam (ſayd he unto her) I am ſo fully reſolved never to forſake Araminta, as I ſhall not only be a Rebell unto the Kings will and yours, but I muſt declare alſo that if I could get out of this Priſon, I ſhould imploy my liberty only in going unto that Princeſs, though the Conquerour of Aſia ſhould love her, as they would perſwade me he doth: For the truth is, I cannot live without her. It is enough that the King hath driven the King her Brother out of his Kingdom, without deſiring to drive her out of my heart: Therfore, Madam, I beſeech your Majeſty to beleive, that though the King would reſign up all his regall Authority, and ſet me upon the Throne to morrow, yet I would not accept of it, unleſs upon condition that the firſt act of my Raign might be to Crown Araminta Queen. Therfore, Madam, all that I am able to do, is to beſeech you, that you be pleaſed to perſwade the King, and perſwade your ſelf, how extreamly greived I am, that Fortune and Love ſhould drive me to a fatall neceſſity of diſobeying him, and denying you. Spitridates did pronounce theſe words in ſuch feeling manner, as the hearts of Arbiana and the Princeſeſs did even melt at the hearing them. But ſince they knew very well, that Arſamones would not have permitted this Viſite, but in hopes of perſwading him the Princeſeſs of Bythinia told Spitridates, that he muſt give them leave to tell Arſamones how they had ſpoke unto him according to his deſires: With all my heart, Siſter, replyed he, provided ſtill you tell him that I am not changed in my mind, nor ever will. After this their diſcourſe changed ſubject, and Spitridates asked how the Prince Intaphernes did and earneſtly deſired to ſee him, adding that his Soul had ſomthing which he longed to impart unto him, Iſtrina hearing this, aſſured him that there was ſuch a dear Coreſpondency between the Prince her brother and herſelf, that he might truſt her with any thing he deſired to impart unto him; and therfore being uncertain whether Arſamones would let Intaphernes ſee him, ſhe would willingly do him that Office. That which I would impart unto the Prince Intaphernes replyed he, (and a little changed Countenance) is of ſuch a nature as I cannot well impart it unto you: All I can ſay, is to beſeech you by the Queens leave, if ſo it chance, that one of the moſt excellent perſons in the world do complain of me in his preſence, to tell him that I am not culpable, and that I think my misfortune to ſeem as if I did not eſteem her (though really I do infinitely) to be one of the greateſt which ever hapned. Since Iſtrina was unacquainted with the motion which Arſamones made unto Spitridates, ſhe underſtood him not: but for his part, he being perſwaded that ſhe was acquainted with it, did think the leaſt he could do, was to put her off handſomly. But as Iſtrina was ignorant of it, ſo was Arbiana and the Princeſs of Bythinia alſo: yet Iſtrina promiſed to tell the Prince Intaphernes what he deſired. On the other ſide Spitridates, who fain would, but durſt not ask the Queen his Mother what he ſhould think of Araminta, he had much wavering in his reſolution: but at laſt, being prompted by ſome ſuggeſtions of jealouſie, he asked her ſome indirect Queſtions concerning her; And ſince the Queen imagined that the more faithfull he beleived Araminta, the more obſtinat he would be, ſhe only told him what reports were, and not what ſhe thought: After which Arbiana and the Princeſeſs retired. In their return to the Palace, to gain more time they reſolved not to do as Spitridates would have them; but on the contrary, to keep Arſamones in hopes as long as they could.

In the mean time, Arſamones who was haſty and violent in all his actions, had ſent for Intaphernes whilſt they were with Spitridates, and diſcovered unto him his intentions of marrying the Princeſs his Siſter unto the Prince his Son. You may imagine, Madam, that ſuch a reſolution did much ſurprize and perplex Intaphernes: For his love to the Princeſs of Bythinia required one thing, and his Friendſhip to Atergatis required another: Alſo knowing how far the heart of Iſtrina was engaged, he did not think it poſſible for him, though he ſhould caſt of Atergatis, to perſwade her from him. Moreover, he thought that the Prince Spitridates would not obey Arſamones, and quit his pretentions unto the Princeſs Araminta: yet he knew that if he did directly oppoſe Arſamones, he ſhould indanger to incenſe him highly, and to be baniſhed the Court; So that taking a middle courſe, betwixt confeſſing and denying what he deſired, he told him, that his motion was very glorious for the Princeſs his Siſter: but ſince it reſted abſolutely upon Gadates and not at all [Page] upon him, he thought himſelf obliged to tell him, that he beleived, Gadates would never conſent unto Iſtrinas marriage, as long as the King of Aſſyria was unmarried: Alſo it was not likely, that he being on the Part with Cyrus, he will give his Daughter unto a Prince who cannot marry her, unleſs he forſake the Princeſs Araminta whom Cyrus doth highly protect. After this Intaphernes did ſweeten the matter with a thouſand obliging expreſſions, which though juſt and reaſonable, yet they diſpoſed Arſamones unto anger. If the Princeſs Iſtrina replyed he, were in the Camp of Cyrus, perhaps the Prince your Father might refuſe the motion; But ſince ſhe is at Heraclea, perhaps he will be wiſer, then to prefer the uncertain hopes of marrying her unto a King without a Kingdome, before the certainty of marrying her unto a Prince who is ſure of two. Therfore all I deſire of you, is, that you diſpoſe the Princeſs Iſtrina to help me to drive Araminta out of Spitridates his mind, ſince ſhe is better able to do it than any I know, having all perfections which may move him to obey me and love her.

After this, Arſamones not giving Intaphernes ſo much leaſure as to reply, did leave him and left him in a great perplexity. However, after he had ſeriouſly conſidered upon the matter, ſince love was ſtronger in him then any other thought, he reſolved to ſpeak unto the Princeſs of Bythina, before he talked unto Iſtrinia and Atergatis of the new perſecutions which were like to fall upon them: And accordingly without more delay, he went unto her, and eaſily found a fit opportunity of talking with her, ſince there were no ſuch buſie Ladies at Heraclea, as Beriſa was, to hinder him: But he had the freedom to talk what he would, and acquainted her with the Propoſition which the King her Father made unto him, asking her how ſhe would have him do in the buſineſs? Conjuring her, that as ſhe was full of goodneſs and wiſdom, ſo, that ſhe would conſider ſeriouſly upon the ſeverall Intereſts of the Prince Spitridates, of Atergatis, of Iſtrina, and of himſelf, and deſiring her to examine very carefully, whether ſhe herſelf had any Intereſt in it. I have ſo much, replyed the Princeſs, that (as I conceive) none can have more then I have: for loving the Prince my brother ſo tenderly as I do, and having promiſed an unviolable fidelity unto the Princeſs Araminta; Certainly it is my duty to endeavour all poſſible waies that nothing ſhould ſeparate them: So that though I had no other motive but this, I ſhould as much as I was able oppoſe the mind of the King my Father; Judge alſo what I ought to do, knowing his deſign of troubling the felicity of the Princeſs Iſtrina and Atergatis. But, Madam, replyed Intaphernes, I do not hear you mention any Intereſt that I have in this perverſe reſolution: Since I do not mention my own (replyed the Princeſs) you ought not to be offended at it; yet I think it would not be amiſs, replyed he, if you would be pleaſed to conſider, that if I ſhould earneſtly oppoſe the King, perhaps he would baniſh me his Court, and perhaps alſo baniſh me out of your memory (and if I durſt ſay it) your heart. As the Princeſs of Bythinia was going to anſwer, the Princeſs Istrina came unto her Chamber with Atergatis: ſo that having no time to tell Intaphernes what ſhe thought, the diſcourſe began more quietly then it ended; for Atergatis and the Princeſs were ſo ſurprized at the intentions of Arſamones, that they were not able to ſpeak. At firſt, Atergatis looked upon Iſtrina as if he would look into her thoughts: preſently after he looked upon Intaphernes, as if his looks begged his protection: and preſently after he looked in the eyes of the Bythinian Princeſs, to ſee whether ſhe approved of the King her Fathers deſign. And laſtly, he conſidered with himſelf for a remedy againſt all theſe miſeries. On the other ſide, Iſtrina looked upon Intaphernes ſo earneſtly, that ſhe did penitrate into the very bottom of his heart, and knew how this troubled him. The Princeſs of Bythinia, for her part, did love Intaphernes too well to have him baniſhed, and did caſt about for ſome expedient which might keep Spitridates from incenſing Arſamones againſt him, and yet not prejudice any party. But after each of them in particular had conſidered on the buſineſs, and after they had long talked of it in generall, they began by degrees to talke in particular: Intaphernes whiſpered with the Princeſs of Bythinia; and Atergatis, with Iſtrina. You ſee, Madam, (ſayd the laſt of theſe unto his adored Princeſs) that Fortune doth Court you with Crowns in all places, and poor I, am deſtined to Petition againſt your Grandure: But I moſt humbly beg of you, Madam, to be no more unjuſt unto me at Heraclea, then you were at Babylon; and give me leave to wiſh as zealouſly that the intentions of Arſamones may thrive no better then thoſe of Nitocris. I am ſo far from contradicting [Page] your wiſhes, replyed Iſtrina, that I aſſure you Sir, I will add mine unto yours. Not but that I do as highly eſteem the Prince Spitridates, as I ſcorn the unjuſt Prince who ſlighted me; but my reaſon is—Oh I beſeech you Madam (ſaid Atergatis, and interrupted her) give me no reaſons which concern me not; but let me have the happineſſe to believe, that if the poſſesſion of two Kingdoms be indifferent unto you, it is becauſe the poor Atergatis is not altogether indifferent in your thoughts. There is no necesſity, replyed ſhe, that I ſhould explain my ſelf as you would have me; for the ſecrets of ones heart are not to be diſcovered; and there is a ſort of thoughts never to be known, and but only gheſſed at: Then Madam, ſaid he unto her, I beſeech you give me leave to gheſſe at yours to be as I deſire them: I give you leave (ſaid ſhe, and bluſhed) to think all you can for your own advantage, provided they be not diſadvantageous unto me. However I pray conſider the croſneſſe of my Fate: may it not very well be ſayd, that fortune takes a delight to perſecute me by the very ſame things which uſe to be the felicity of others? And ſo was the deſtiny of the Prince my Father, who when he was at the very point of being a King, was for ever baniſhed the Court by the very ſame Princeſs who would have had him Reign: I was once looked upon as one that was to be a Queen, though the King of Aſſyria looked upon me as a ſlave; yet after I had rooted all ambitious thoughts out of my heart, they tell me again of Kingdoms and Crowns only to torment me, and hinder me from Reigning over my ſelfe. But ſince I do not owe ſo much reſpect unto Arſamones as I did unto Nitocris, I ſhall deny him with more force then he imagines, provided the Prince my Father does not take his part. Oh Madam, ſaid Atergatis, what cruell words do you pronounce, after ſo many favourable ones? Atergatis ſpoke this ſo loud, that the Princeſs of Bythinia heard him, & asked what Injuſtice Iſtrina did him? ſo that the Conference became generall againe, and they conſulted together what was beſt to be done: yet they could not all agree upon the beſt Expedient; for when Intaphernes for the intereſt of his love, ſaid that he ought not poſitively to oppoſe Arſamones, becauſe he knew that Gadates would oppoſe it alſo, Atergatis did not think that advice good: but on the contrary he ſaid, to draw the Princeſs of Bythinia unto his opinion, that it did extreamly concern the Prince Spitridates for Intaphernes to let Arſamones ſee that his deſign was impoſſible, to the end he might let that Prince be at quiet in his Priſon, though he would not releaſe him.

He had no ſooner ſpoke this, but Intaphernes did very civilly oppoſe the opinion of his friend, and told him that if he ſhould do ſo, Arſamones who had a deep wit, would believe that he oppoſed him only in favour unto the pasſion which he bore unto the Princeſs, his Siſter, and ſo he might perhaps moove him to baniſh them both the Court, and keep Iſtrina there.

I doe conceive it moſt fit, ſaid the Princeſſe of Bythinia, that the Princeſs Iſtrina do undertake to oppoſe the King my Father, and that ſhe do endeavour to moove Spitridates not to oppoſe him ſo much, purpoſely to appeaſe him, and therefore I conceive it beſt for the Princeſs Iſtrina and the Prince Spitridates both, to reſiſt Arſamones with equall reſolutions. For my part, ſayd Iſtrina then, I am very ready my ſelfe alone to oppoſe the Kings deſign: Yet I am perſwaded that if all of us did equally oppoſe him, our ſide would be the ſtronger: I am affraid Siſter, replyed Intaphernes, that it would be the weaker; for if Arſamones ſhould be incenſed againſt the Princeſs, againſt Spitridates, againſt Atergatis, againſt you, and againſt me, who ſhall be the Mediator to appeaſe ſo great a difference? The reaſon of Intaphernes making the reſt to concurr with his opinion, it was firſt reſolved to ſpinne out the time as long as they could: and if ſo it hapned that Arſamones did not alter his mind, Intaphernes ſhould then tell him, that the Princeſs his Siſter proteſted ſhe would rather dye, then marry a Prince who could never be her Husband, unleſſe he were perfidious unto the moſt victorious Princeſs in the world.

This reſolution being agreed upon, Intaphernes bethought himſelf how to temper the mind of Arſamones how to ſpin out the time, and how to give leiſure unto the fatherly tenderneſs and reaſon of that Prince to overcome that politique obſtinacy and deſire of revenge, which made him ſo oppoſe the love of Spitridates unto Araminta; and indeed for a while his deſign did take, for ſince Arſamones had more hopes in the beauty of Iſtrina then any thing elſe, to work a change in Spitridates, he would not be over-urgent with his ſon, to the end the fair eyes of that Princeſs might have ſome time to turn him Infidell.

[Page] In the mean while, the Princeſs of Bythinia thinking to adde ſome comfort unto the Prince her brother, as well as to ſatisfie her ſelfe, ſhe went every day to ſee him. But Madam, the moſt obſervable paſſage was, that the Princeſs Iſtrina went thither alſo, becauſe Arſamones did not give the Princeſs his daughter leave to ſee Spitridates, unleſs the Princeſs Iſtrina went with her: ſo that Intaphernes and Atergatis were not at all the happier: and this order of Arſamones did breed ſuch a confuſion in a few dayes, that theſe five perſons (as wiſe and reaſonable as they were) there was a kind of diviſion amongſt them.

The truth is, Madam, Spitridates complayned in ſecret againſt the Princeſs of Bythinia, for ſeeming as if ſhe intended to drive Araminta out of his heart by bringing the Princeſſe Iſtrina alwayes with her; for ſince theſe two Princeſſes could not ſpeak unto him without witneſſe, they could not undeceive him: ſo that with murmure of heart he accuſed Intaphernes, for not being generous enough: Iſtrina, for not ſtanding enough upon her honour: Atergatis, for a very bad Lover: And the Princeſs his Siſter for not being conſtant to her firſt thoughts, & for not loving Araminta enough. As for Atergatis he was in a lamentable plight, for he feared that Spitridates would turn Infidell to Araminta by ſeeing Iſtrina, and he feared that Iſtrina at the Queens deſire would turn Infidell to him.

Nor was he well ſatisfied with Intaphernes, thinking he might move Iſtrina not to accompany the Princeſs of Bythinia when ſhe went to Spitridates, murmuring alſo againſt the Prince Spitridates for receiving viſits from one they would have him marry, and complayning againſt the Princeſs of Bythinia, who without conſideration either of his caſe or the Princeſs Araminta's, unto whom ſhe had promiſed ſo much friendſhip, did ſtill ſee Spitridates once every day. But all theſe complaints were nothing in compariſon of thoſe which he himſelf made againſt Iſtrina for going every day unto a Prince, whom ſhe knew Arſamones would have her marry.

On the other ſide, the Princeſs of Bythinia complained, that Intaphernes in behalf of Atergatis, had preſſed her more then once to ſpare ſome of her frequent viſits unto Spitridates, and that Iſtrina would hardly be drawn to accompany her: Alſo ſhe murmured that Atergatis ſhould grumble againſt her: But ſhe did more ſharply reſent a kind of hollow coldneſſe which ſhe obſerved in the mind of Spitridates.

As for Iſtrina, ſhe was off the hooks as much as any of the reſt; for valuing the ſatisfaction of Atergatis very much, ſhe heartily wiſhed that the Prince her Brother, by vertue of his abſolute authority over her, would hinder her from accompanying the Princeſs of Bythinia in her viſits to Spitridates: But ſince he did not ſo, ſhee murmured againſt him, and complained no leſſe that the Princeſſe of Bythinia ſhould want that piece of Complacency to her. However, ſhe was very angry that Atergatis ſhould find fault with her too often viſits of Spitridates, and ſhe was alſo ſomething angry to obſerve that the illuſtrious Priſoner was ſomething civill towards her. Furthermore, Intaphernes thought much at Atergatis, knowing his Paſſion to the Princeſs of Bythinia, that he ſhould offer ſo obſtinately to reſiſt him. Nor did he take it wel that Iſtrina ſhould accompany that Princeſs with ſo many ſigns of unwillingnes, though he would not have her break off with Atergatis. But he took it much worſe, that the Princeſs whom he loved ſhould not give him any hopes of his happineſſe in a Conjuncture wherein he thought ſhe might well permit him to make tryall of it by diſcovering his deſign unto Arſamones. Thus theſe five illuſtrious perſons, murmuring in ſecret without any open Complaints, they knew not what to ſay when met together.

In the mean time Arſamones after he had given ſo much time as he thought requiſite for the beauty of Iſtrina to work its effects in driving Araminta out of his ſons heart, he began to ſpeak big like a Prince that would be obeyed: and to declare unto Arbiana, unto the Princeſs his Daughter, unto Spitridates, and every one to whom he ſpake, that he was fully reſolved to Court Iſtrina unto the marriage of Spitridates, and that he was reſolved to hinder Spitridates from marrying Araminta. You may judg Madam, how this reſolution did perplex all the perſons that were concerned in the buſineſſe: Then did the Princeſs of Bythinia, Iſtrina, Intaphernes and Atergatis being all together, begin to juſtifie themſelves by accuſing each other, and laying the misfortune upon every one but themſelves: But when this ſecret poyſon w [...]h had lurked in their hearts, & cauſed many a throb, did begin to evaporate by complaints, [Page] they began to take freſh comfort. At firſt, they vented their Complaints tumultuouſly and in much confuſion, but by degrees collecting their thoughts into ſome order, they did all juſtifie themſelves; and their paſſions teaching them to excuſe the paſſions of others, they made a Peace, and accuſed only themſelves for this ſecret ſchiſme which was like to have ſpoyled their whole buſineſs: So that eſteem, Love, and friendſhip aſſuming place in their hearts without any anger, ſpight, and a miſcellany of many other tumultuous thoughts, they began to complayn of their own miſeries, & not of one anothers. But though this ſeemed to be ſolidly made, yet Atergatis whoſe love was very violent, he could not hope for any ſatisfaction of it, untill he had found out a way to make the deſign of Arſamones impoſſible. Though theſe perſons had infinite ſpirits & wit in abundance, yet they were extreamly puzled. For, ſayd the Princeſs of Bythinia, though it ſhould be poſſible to murder the paſſion of the Prince my Brother, yet I ſhould never conſent unto it: and though I believe his liberty would be his Exile, perhaps coſt him his life, at leaſt be very long, yet I wiſh he had it. It is the only remedy replyed Atergatis, which can be found to comfort this illuſtrious Prince, and perhaps to force Arſamones unto a ceſſation of his perſecutions; for truly Madam, what comfort can you take to ſee the Prince Intaphernes loaden with fetters, and to ſee him perpetually tormented by the King your Father? Though its true, replyed ſhe, that it would be more advantageons for the Prince my Brother to wander like a fugitive, then to continue a Priſoner; yet there is a ſtrong reaſon which forbids me to procure his liberty if I could: For ſince the King my Father, during the exile of the Prince my Brother, would declare me Queen, I ought not to expoſe my ſelfe unto any ſuſpition of ſuch unjuſt ambition.

Oh Madam (ſayd Iſtrina) your generoſity is too ſcrupulous: How can the Prince Spitridates ever ſuſpect you of any thoughts to reign in his prejudice? you I ſay, whoſe ſoule is ſo high, ſo noble, and ſo diſintereſted? and who is capable of no further ambition, but to render your ſelfe worthy of more eſteem then ever any had? Whilſt Iſtrina was talking thus, Intaphernes hardly hearing what ſhe ſaid, conſulted with himſelf, whether the liberty of Spitridates would be advantageous to him or no; and after a ſerious debate with himſelf he concluded, that as long as Arſamones had any thoughts of diſinheriting Spitridates, he could never pretend unto the Princeſs of Bythinia: ſo that meaſuring the intereſt of that Prince by his own, he thought it better for him that he continued ſtill a priſoner, then to wander over the world as he did during his exile. So that concurring with the opinion of the Bythinian Princeſs, and Iſtrina not daring to contradict them, Atergatis ws ſingular in his opinion, and conſequently did ſubmit in appearance. However he was perſwaded that the violence of Arſamones would reach further then they imagined, and that there was no other remedy neither for Spitridates nor himſelfe, then that which he had propounded: And he intended to try if there was any poſſible wayes to ſet that Prince at liberty, and put it in execution when he thought beſt.

But whiles theſe four were thus reaſoning with themſelves, Spitridates having received no anſwer from Araminta to whom he had writ, he was extreamly ſad, in thought that her infidelity was the cauſe of her ſilence: For Madam, he knew not how he who carryed his Letter unto that Princeſſe, and was to bring her anſwer, was ſtopped by the Forces of Croeſſus, and carryed unto Sardis, as we underſtood, after the liberty of Spitridates, ſo that this unfortunate Prince being every day forced by his paſſion to expreſſe a thouſand teſtimonies of fidelity unto a Princeſſe whom hee thought perfidious, his deſpair was ſometimes ſo great, that he wiſhed himſelf able to hate Araminta. But for all that he ſtill loved her with a moſt unalterable conſtancy: and certainly he gave ſufficient teſtimony of it after the Peace was eſtabliſhed between Intaphernes, Atergatis, Iſtrina, and the Bythinian Princeſs: For Arſamones being infinitely enraged at his reſolute reſiſtance, went to ſee him, and gave him ſuch bitter and menacing language, as any other heart but that of Spitridates would have trembled: Yet he kept cloſe unto his preſcribed Principles; and without ſtarting the leaſt jot from his fidelity to Araminta, or reverence unto the King his Father, he reſiſted him without any tartneſs or complaint. But the more patient and wiſe he was in his ſorrows, the more violent and unjuſt was Arſamones in his anger.

Know thou baſe man that thou art, (ſaid he unto him) that ſince thou wilt not be like the ſonne of a King, thou ſhalt not be one: And to deprive [...]hee of any title or [Page] right to ſucceed in two Kingdoms which I poſſeſſe, I will declare and renounce the Kingdom of Bythinia, and that I have no other pretence unto it but as a Conqueror. Look upon me (ſayd this incenſed Prince) as an uſurper, and not as a legitimate King: but as an uſurper who can ſoveraignly diſpoſe of what I have uſurped, and as one that will never give it unto a man who is unworthy of it, and covers himſelfe with eternall ſhame, if within one moneth he do not repent: this is the utmoſt minute that I will give him, to chooſe whether he will be a King or a ſlave: Then this violent Prince leaving him, he was at freedom to complain againſt his injuſtice. But Madam, why ſhould I conſume any time in telling you the inquietudes of a Prince whom the Gods had ſo pointed out for a ſufferer? It is more requiſite I acquaint you how Atergatis apprehending that Spitridates was reſolved not to obey Arſamones, and that Iſtrina was not ſo ambitious as to be Queen of two Kingdoms, he reſolved as I told you before, to try all manner of wayes how to releaſe him; for being of a moſt liberall diſpoſition and a winning ſpirit, queſtionleſſe he was qualified for ſuch an enterprize. But Madam, that which moſt advanced his plot was that whilſt he was tampering to ſuborn the Guards of Spitridates which ſtood at the gates of the Tower, to the end they might ſuborn thoſe who were neerer his perſon, this generous Priſoner was tampering with thoſe who were in his Chamber, to the end they ſhould corrupt thoſe which were placed at the gate of the Tower: So that Madam, though Atergatis and Spitridates held not any correſpondency together, yet they tranſacted as if they had; ſo that by chance working together upon thoſe whom they attempted to perſwade, it hapned that when the Guards which were within the Tower did propoſe the releaſement of Spitridates unto thoſe who were without, they found them upon the ſame deſign, and ready to make the ſame Propoſitions unto them within. So that there being a facility to enter perſwade each other, the buſineſſe was quickly concluded, and as ſoon executed. For ſince the Tower ſtood upon the Sea-ſide, Atergatis having provided a Barque ready the ſame night which he made choiſe of for the releaſement of this illuſtrious Priſoner: It was an eaſie matter for the ſuborned guards who were much the greater number, to quell the reſt to releaſe this Prince, to carry him to the Barque, and to embarque with him: But Madam, the wonder was, Spitridates was releaſed, and knew not who releaſed him untill he came unto the Sea ſide: For then the Prince Atergatis, who would ſee the execntion of the buſineſs, did make himſelf known unto him.

And to compleat his generoſity, he gave him a Page, and told him that he ſhould find in the Barque all things requiſite or neceſſary for ſo long a voyage: After which Spitridates giving thanks unto his Deliverer with all the haſt of a man that feared to loſe a happineſs which he was ready to enjoy, he parted from him, and making all ſaile and oare they could, he went I know not whither; for after his departure from Heraclea, we never heard where he landed. We underſtood he was at Atarmes, where you Madam took him for Cyrus, and that he ſaw you Embarque with the King of Pontus, but we could never learn whether he went ſtraight from Heraclea unto Atarmes.

In the mean while, though he loved Democlides very well, who was in the ſame priſon with him, yet he was not releaſed; for the buſineſſe was done ſo haſtily, that the Guards of Spitridates, never thought of going to the Chamber of Democlides: And Spitridates himſelf, doubtleſſe all his thoughts were ſo taken up with Araminta, that he thought of nothing elſe.

But Madam, the moſt obſervable paſſage was, that the Prince Atergatis was not at all ſuſpected: and if he had not himſelf confeſſed it unto the Princeſs Iſtrina, and Intaphernes, we had not known it. To tell you Madam, how much Arſamones was both aſtoniſhed and angered when he knew of Spitridates his eſcape, were to attempt a thing impoſſible: As for Arbiana, ſhe was very glad, for ſhe began to feare the violence of the King. As for the Princeſs of Bythinia, ſhee both joyed and grieved, foreſeeing that this Exile would be worſe to him then the other: As for Intaphernes though he was glad for Spitridates, yet he grieved for himſelf, becauſe he thought that the liberty of this Prince would be an obſtacle unto his deſign: And as for Atergatis, his joyes were as plump as he could either wiſh or hope; and to make them more ſenſible to him, he underſtood that Iſtrina was glad of Spitridates his eſcape:

[Page] In the mean time, ſince the pride of Arſamones would never let him complain long he affected to ſeem as if he were eaſily comforted for the abſence of the Prince his ſon, whom he openly ſaid ſhould never be his Succeſſor. Thus in a few dayes there was as great a calm in the Court, as if this ſtorm had never riſen: For ſince every one ſtood in fear of Arſamones, they durſt neither rejoyce nor grieve openly at the liberty or abſence of Spitridates: And all that the Queen could do, was to obtain the liberty of Democlides, upon condition to depart from Heraclea.

After that things had thus reſted ſome dayes, it was known that the Governour of the Caſtle which ſtood upon the Frontiers of Bythinia towards Galatia, had ſent a Poſt unto Arſamones about ſome important intelligence, and that Arſamones had ſent twice to him. But that which did a little ſurprize all the Court, was, that Arſamones would have the two Princes, Intaphernes and Atergatis goe with him unto the Frontiers of Bythinia. So that going neither to Chalcedonia nor Chryſipolis which are the two chief Towns, we went unto a little Village not above fifty furlongs from this Caſtle, whoſe Governour had given this intelligence which we were all ignorant of, but preſently after knew what it was.

Be pleaſed to know Madam, that the King of Aſſyria, after he went from Sardis, whilſt the illuſtrious Cyrus was gone with Spitridates to the Princeſs Araminta, and with intention to enquire into what part of the world the King of Pontus had hurried you, this King of Aſſyria received falſe intelligence, which cauſed his impriſonment. For you muſt know Madam, he was told that the King of Pontus, whoſe Father Reigned with ſoveraignty ſufficient to have many Creatures there, had yet ſo many friends left, as had plotted a great conſpiracy againſt Arſamones, which would preſently break out into a flame; ſo that the King of Aſſyria being informed of the buſineſſe, and that the King of Pontus after he had carryed you Madam from Sardis, had carryed you into Bythinia, to the houſe of the head-man in the Conſpiracy which was very ſtrong: and that he carryed you thither, with intentions to hide you there untill all things were in readineſſe to ſet you upon the Throne, he wended his courſe that way.

Though this intelligence was not probable, yet there was in it ſome appearance of poſſibility, which that Prince thought he ought not to neglect: ſo that he reſolved for Bythinia, to ſatisfie himſelf of the truth. But ſince Arſamones, as I already told you, did keep a very ſtrict Guard in all his Dominions, as if the King whom he had vanquiſhed and driven out were ſtill in the head of an Army, the King of Aſſyria being to paſſe a Bridg over the River Sangar, was ſtopped by the Guards there, to know from whence he came, and whither he went. But he being of an imperious temper, in lieu of anſwering to thoſe Queſtions, begun to be angry, and his Examiners being ſomething inſolent with him, he drew his ſword, and wounded two or three of them. Since he had only one Page with him, ſince there was above twenty Souldiers there, and ſince many people of the Town at the end of this Bridg compaſſing him about, he was arreſted, after he had wounded many of them, and afterwards was carryed to the Caſtle I ſpeak of.

As ſoon as he who commanded it did look upon him, he knew that he had ſeen him in the Army under the name of Philidespes, at the ſame time when Cyrus under the name of Artamenes got victory upon victory in the Wars then againſt the Kings of Pontus and Phrygia: So that this man conſidering the importance of his Priſoner, did look very carefully to him, and acquainted Arſamones, who no ſooner knew it but he came preſently from Heraclea, to the place I mentioned before, to the end he might the better dive into the deſign which the King of Aſſyria might have in coming into Bythinia: But being a Prince who never uſed to impart his thoughts, unleſs there was an abſolute neceſſity for it, he kept this intelligence very cloſe: ſo that though the Village where the Court was, was within fifty furlongs from this Caſtle, yet we knew not who was in it, nor why we were there.

In the mean time, ſince Arſamones was concerned in all the harſh uſage of the Aſſyrian King heretofore unto Intaphernes and Iſtrina, he ſhould not have any great diſpoſition to treat this Prince very well: Yet ſince the rule of all his actions was only his own intereſt, he never had any Friend with whom he would not break, if it wovld be advantageous for him; nor ever had he any Enemy unto whom he would not reconcile himſelf upon the ſame reaſon: ſo that having this Prince in his power, [Page] he conſidered what uſe might be made of him. Then he apprehended, that when Cyrus had releaſed you Madam, his deſires of bringing all Aſia into ſubjection, would move him to make War upon himſelf, and the Princeſſe Araminta would prompt him to it; for he knew not yet how the Prince Phruartes had carryed her away.

Arſamones then, conſidering all theſe things, he thought fit to give the valour of Cyrus ſome employment, and to make unto himſelf an Allie, ſo brave and couragious as the King of Aſſyria was. Then his deſign was, to propound unto him a marriage with the Princeſs Iſtrina; and for the better acceptance, he offered to kindle a Rebellion in Babylon, by ſome correſpondencies which he had there, and to joyn with him againſt all his Enemies: For knowing very well that Gadates was very zealous for this Match; and ſeeing there was no hopes for Spitridates, he thought it would not be a hard matter to bring Iſtrina unto obedience. Moreover, ſince he had indeed diſcovered that Intaphernes was in Love with the Princeſs his Daughter, his plot was to give her unto him, upon condition he would moove Iſtrina to marry the King of Aſſyria: And upon that condition, he would ſolemnly declare, that Spitridates ſhould never be King either of Pontus or Bythinia.

And in order to this, he ſent Atergatis unto Chalcedonia, under a pretence of ſome popular ſtirrs there, which indeed were already appeaſed, to the end his preſence might be no obſtacle to his deſign. Atergatis then was no ſooner gone, but Arſamones went to ſee the King of Aſſyria, whom he treated with as high Civilities, as if he were upon his own Throne.

But Madam, I cannot tell whether I ought to go on with my relation, and whether you will think good I ſhould ſpeak ſo particularly of a Princes love, who hath been a cauſe of your many miſeries: Yet the King of Aſſyria's buſines is ſo intertwiſted with the hiſtory of Intaphernes, Atergatis, Iſtrina, and the Princeſs of Bythinia, as I cannot relate the one without the other.

Since they are inſeparable, replyed Mandana, I had rather hear you ſpeak of a Prince whom I do not love, then not to know the ſequell of their Adventures whom I do infinitely eſteem. Beſides, you know, that ſometimes one may be as inquiſitive of the actions of an Enemy, as of Friends: Therefore Orcames, I pray tell me all the paſſages in Bythinia, as if I had not intereſt in them, and as if I did not hate the King of Aſſyria; Upon this command Orcames went on with his relatiou.

Arſamones then being with the King of Aſſyria, and treating him, as I told you, with all poſſible Civilities, did at firſt condole his misfortunes, and after many obliging expreſſions, told him, that it ſhould only be long of himſelf, if he were not more happy: Then he offered to cauſe a Revolt in Babylon, to give him a conſiderable Army: And that he would joyn inſeparably with him to oppoſe the Conqueſts of Cyrus, provided he would marry Iſtrina as the Queen Nitocris wiſhed. As ſoon as Arſamones had done ſpeaking, the King of Aſſyria did ſharply anſwer, that hee would moſt willingly accept of his Propoſition without the Condition annexed to it, butotherwiſe he could never think of it: For indeed, ſaid he unto him, ſince I could not love Iſtrina at a time when I was in Love with none; Certainly I can never love her now, when I am in love with the faireſt and moſt divine Princeſs that ever lived: Therefore never offer me ſuch a thing as I cannot accept of, but let me go and ſeek out the King of Pontus who hath raviſhed away the Princeſs whom I adore, and that I may gratifie you for my liberty, by ridding you of an Enemy who will be a perpetuall thorn in the Crowns that you have conquered. Since Cyrus ſeeks him with a hundred thouſand men (replyed Arſamones) it is probable he will find him before you Sir. Therefore I beſeech you, let not that be any hinderance unto your acceptance of this advantageous Propoſition.

The King of Aſſyria hearing Arſamones ſay ſo, did think he jeered at him, and began to be angry: And Arſamones being as violent as he, this Converſation which began with Civilities was like to end with Injuries. Yet the King of Bythinia thought his deſign might take, and that deſire of liberty might bring the King of Aſſyria unto his Bent: ſo that deſiring to prepare Intaphernes for his ends, he took him aſide the ſame night: and after he had told him how the King of Aſſyria was his priſoner, he began to propound the marriage of Iſtrina with him. Arſamones had no ſooner pronounced thoſe words, but Intaphernes being tranſported with ſom violence, How hath Sir (ſaid he unto him) can I ever conſent my Siſter ſhould ever marry a Prince who [Page] hath moſt injuriouſly affronted me, and that ſhe ſhould caſt off one who is my intimate friend? Fye, no, Sir, it is not poſſible, nor do I take the heart of Iſtrina to be ſo baſe, as to have any ſuch thoughts, though the King of Aſſyria were upon his Throne: Be not ſo haſty (replyed Intaphernes coldly) and to let you ſee, that I know a way how to make you like the motion; know, that if you do perſwade Iſtrina unto my deſires, and unto what you know very well the Prince your Father deſires, I will conſent you ſhall marry my Daughter whom I know you love; upon condition notwithſtanding that you promiſe me never to reſtore the Kingdom of Pontus, nor the Kingdom of Bythinia unto the unworthy Spitridates.

This Propoſition did ſo amaze Intaphernes, that for a time he was not able to anſwer: but as he was ready to reply, Arſamones left him, and ſayd, that he ſaw ſo much turbulency in his mind, that he would not have him anſwer confuſedly, but would give him time to conſult with his ambition and his love; after which he left him in a moſt perplexed condition: For on the other ſide, he found abundance of joyes in having a a poſſibility to enjoy the Princeſs whom he adored: But when he conſidered, that to enjoy ſo great a happineſs, he muſt give his Siſter unto his Enemy, betray his friend, and uſurp the Dominions of a brother unto his Princeſs by accepting it, his Soul was in a very Hell. Nor did he beleive that the Princeſs of Bythinia would ever marry him upon thoſe tearms, though he ſhould promiſe her not to take any advantage of this declaration: for he had heard her expreſs ſomthing which intimated as much; So that whether he conſidered his hatred of the Aſſyrian King, his friendſhip to Atergatis, the averſion of Iſtrina to the one, her inclination to the other: or whether he conſidered his duty to Spitridates, and the high generoſity of the Bythinian Princeſs: he ſaw that Arſamones offered him a benefit which he could not enjoy upon ſuch conditions, though he did accept of them: and conſequently his ſorrows were not mean.

In the mean time, he knew not whether he ſhould acquaint firſt the Princeſs of Bythinia, or Iſtrina with it: But going unto the Chamber of the Bythinian Princeſs, and finding them both together, he could not any longer let this vexatious ſecret lye lurking in his heart. You may eaſily conceive, Madam, how theſe two Princeſſes wondred when they heard the King of Aſſyria was Priſoner, and when they heard the King of Bythinias Propoſition unto Intaphernes. Truth is, there wonder was ſo great, as they both did extreamly bluſh, though for different reaſons. But ſince the Princeſs Iſtrinas heart did extreamly hate the King of Aſſyria, and was very tender towards Atergatis, ſhe was the firſt that ſpoke, though it was not ſhe unto whom the Prince Intaphernes addreſſed his ſpeech: Oh Heavens (ſayd ſhe very heartily) can Arſamones ever think of forcing me to marry the King of of Aſſyria; Oh, Madam (added ſhe and looked upon the Princeſs of Bythinia) I beſeech you pardon me if I do not obey him: It is moſt juſt I ſhould (replyed that generous Princeſs) ſince I am reſolved to commit the ſame Crime my ſelf: For though I do eſteem the Prince Intaphernes, and have given him a higher place in my heart, then ever any had; yet I aſſure you, I ſhall never conſent he ſhould take two Kingdoms from the Prince my brother, nor be ever happy by making him miſerable. However, Madam (replyed Intaphernes and ſighed) I beſeech you honour me ſo far as to allow me ſome comfort for refuſing a benefit which you will not let me accept of, and which Honour forbids me as well as my Siſter, ſince ſhe cannot endure to be wife unto the King of Aſſyria, rather then unto Atergatis: Do but acknowledge, Madam, that the generoſity of your Soule is the only Impediment, and that if it were leſs, you could conſent unto my happineſs. I do acknowledge, ſayd ſhe and bluſhed, that I wiſh you were, but if you ſhould be capable of deſiring it by any unjuſt wayes in lieu of wiſhing your happines, I beleive I ſhould wiſh the contrary. But, Madam, not to conſume more time in repeating the diſcourſe of theſe three Illuſtrious Perſons; It was reſolved that they ſhould write unto Atergatis to invite his return, and that in the interim, Istrina ſhould take upon her to reſiſt Arſamones, ſince Intaphernes had not power to incenſe a Prince who had made him ſuch a motion as might make him happy, if ſome unjuſt Conditions were not annexed to it: But that which moſt troubled them was, that they could not know whether the King of Aſſyria had denyed Arſamones; but on the contrary had cauſe to beleive, that he had not, and that deſire of liberty had altered his mind.

In the mean time, the King of Bythinia who was ever wedded to his own will, asked [Page] Intaphernes the next morning, if he had conſidered upon the motion, and that Prince in order unto their reſolutions, aſſured him, that there was ſo much glory to him in it, that he thought himſelf capable of committing Crimes rather then not accept of it: but alſo he was obliged to tell him, that he verily beleived that the Princeſs Iſtrina would never obey him if he commanded her to marry her Enemy. To this Arſamones anſwered, That a Prince who knew ſo well how to bring two Kingdoms into ſubjection, knew well enough how to make Iſtrina obey him; ſo that aſſuring himſelf of that, he bent all his endeavours to perſwade the King of Aſſyria: But all to no purpoſe, that Prince ſtill telling him, that you, Madam, and you only ſhould Raign in his heart as long▪ as he lived: that he had nothing to do with Kingdoms, that he had no need of any Army, and that he only deſired his liberty, adding ſome expreſſions which denoted his extream averſion unto Iſtrina and Intaphernes, of whom he ſpoke with intollerable ſcorn, as we afterwards underſtood by one of the Guards in his Chamber.

Moreover, when Arſamones did one day preſs Intaphernes to the Declaration which he would require of him, never to reſtore the Kingdoms of Pontus and Bythinia unto Spitridates, he perfectly perceived notwithſtanding all his handſom anſwers, that they did not proceed from his intentions: So that being very angry, and finding his deſign to be impoſſible, he plotted another which he thought more eaſie, by which he thought to be better revenged upon Spitridates, and to hinder Araminta and all her family from having any part in his Dominions, and this it was. His deſign was not to ſpeak of Iſtrina any more unto the King of Aſſyria, thinking his averſion to her was chiefly his reaſon for not accepting his offer. However, Arſamones would have the Queen viſite the impriſoned King, that ſhe ſhould carry the Princeſs her Daughter with her; And ſo they did, who not being able to gueſs at his deſign, were very glad to ſee a Prince whoſe Adventures were ſo extraordinary, and who was ſo much talked of over all Aſia. Since you are all goodneſs, Madam, I hope you will give me leave without any anger to tell you, that he received theſe Princeſſes with much civility, and uſed many expreſſions which were full of ſpirit, full of generoſity, and full of love to you: for he did moſt earneſtly intreat them to be Mediators unto the King for his liberty, that he might go and recover yours: And the more to oblige them unto it, he fell into moſt high Elogies of you. But after that, ſince the naturall impetuoſity of his honour could not longer be hid, the Queen by chance naming Intaphernes, this violent Prince fell into ſuch an angry chafe both againſt him and Iſtrina alſo, and uſed ſuch unjuſt and injurious expreſſions, that theſe two Princeſſes were not able to endure it, yet having no mind to quarrell with a Prince whoſe impriſonment ſeemed to them unjuſt, they retired, promiſing him their interceſſions unto Arſamones for his liberty. But as ſoon as they were out of the Chamber, the King of Bythinia ſent to tell him that he would mention Iſtrina no more unto him, but would offer unto him the Princeſs his Daughter, and two Kingdoms, that he would recover Babylon for him by help of ſome intelligence which he had: and aſſuring him that within fifteen dayes he would give him an Army able to reſiſt Cyrus, if he would make War with him. Tell the King your Maſter (replyed this Prince unto the man by whom Arſamones ſent this meſſage) that if I could ceaſe being the Rivall of Cyrus, doubtleſs I ſhould become his friend: for beſides all his rare Qualities worthy of my amity, I muſt acknowledge that I owe him my ſelf: ſo that were I not his Rivall I ſhould never raiſe an Army to oppoſe him. But aſſure Arſamones alſo, that though the Princeſs his Daughter be full of perfections; and though I have as great a diſpoſition to eſteem her, as I have averſion unto Iſtrina, yet I cannot hearken unto a ſecond Propoſition with a more favourable eare then unto the firſt; For ſince I muſt ever be the Lover of the Princeſs Mandana, I can never be the Husband of the Bythinian Princeſs. But, Sir (replyed the man) were you in any hopes of ever obtaining the love of this Princeſs whom you adore, I ſhould not think it ſo ſtrange, that you ſhould refuſe this Offer: But I muſt confeſs, when I conſider how you have loſt your Kingdom, that the Princeſs Mandana does not love you and that yet you ſhould refuſe two Kingdoms with one of the faireſt Princeſs in the world; for one that hates you, my wonder is beyond my words: What ere it be (replyed the King of Aſſyria very ſharply) ſuch are my reall thoughts; and if the Empire of all Aſia were offered me, with a condition not to pretend unto Mandana, I would refuſe it, [Page] as I do the Kingdoms of Pontus and Bythinia: Oh Heavens (cryed he) was ever any Fate like mine? Arſamones would give me two Kingdoms, and a Princeſs worth more then both, yet will not give me that liberty which unleſs he violate the Laws of Nations he cannot take from me: Is it poſſible that I alone ſhould be the only man in all the Univerſe unto whom he can give his Kingdoms, and the Princeſs his Daughter? I ſee very well (purſued this violent Prince) that he makes choiſe of me before any other, becauſe he knows that if I accept of them I ſhall never reſtore them unto the King of Pontus, or any of his family, and ſo the hate he bears unto his Enemies is the cauſe of his choiſe: But ſince his Intereſt alone doth prompt him unto the offer, he muſt not take it ill, if mine prompt me to a refuſall. Tell him therfore, that if I had power not to love the Princeſs Mandana, and to overcome my ſelf, I had driven her out of my heart, before they drove me out of Babylon, and that I ſhould have conquered my ſelf before Cyrus did overcome me: Or to expreſs my ſelf better, if ever I could have left loving this Princeſs, it would have been when ſhe deſired to do it with her eyes full of Tears: and therfore I cannot follow thoſe motions of hatred and revenge, which induce Arſamones to make ſuch odd Propoſitions unto me that I cannot accept of them upon thoſe tearms, though they ſeem to be very advantageous to me. Tell him then that I can be his friend, but I cannot be the Husband of the Princeſs his Daughter: and ſo he needs not urge me to no purpoſe unto a thing which I cannot do; for the moſt certain truth is, I do love and am not loved, and I am fully reſolved ſo to do till death or fortune change my deſtiny. But if after all this Arſamones will wilfully keep me Priſoner, and hinder me from releaſing Mandana, tell him then, that this King without a Kingdom whom he holds in his hands, and whom he thinks ſo weak and wanting all protection, perhaps is powerfull enough to cauſe the ruine of his new Dominions, and make him looſe thoſe two Kingdoms which he offers me, ſince he hath a Rival ſo generous as to releaſe him, though he be his moſt mortall Enemy. After this the King of Aſſyria made a ſign with his hand unto the man, which intimated that he had no more to ſay, and that he ſhould return to the King his Maſter, and did it with as much auſtere Majeſty, as if he were ſtill upon his Throne. Alſo he who was a witneſs of his violence and choller was ſo ſurprized, that after he had reported unto Arſamones, how the King of Aſſyria received his meſſage, he could not keep that ſecret which was ſuch a wonder to him: ſo as imparting it unto me, I was extreamly aſtoniſhed to hear that Arſamones ſhould alter his reſolution.

In the mean time, I thought it requiſite to acquaint the perſons intereſted in this odd deſign: For I muſt confeſs, Madam, that as reſolute as the King of Aſſyria's anſwer was, yet I thought he might change his mind. Therfore I reſolved to make the ſtate of things known unto thoſe who might find a remedy. As I went unto Intaphernes, I found Atergatis with him, who returned ſooner then expected; but returned ſo ſad to hear that Arſamones would marry Iſtrina unto the King of Aſſyria, that Intaphernes was not able to comfort him; and as ſoon as he ſaw me he called me to help him to ſettle the mind of Atergatis; Alas, Sir, anſwered I, I am not very fit to comfort him and you alſo; for I aſſure you, when I have imparted all, the Prince Atergatis hath no other ſorrows but what will be yours; for the truth is, Sir, it is not Iſtrina whom Arſamones would have the King of Aſſyria to marry, but it is the Princeſs of Bythinia. Theſe were ſuch words of wonder that both theſe Princes cryed out: But, oh Heavens, how different were their tones, and how ſad was the ſound of Intaphernes his voice? Indeed, Madam, I am not able to expreſs what I ſaw in the faces of theſe two Lovers: I ſaw in one minute deſpair to paſs out of the heart of Atergatis, into that of Intaphernes; fury was quenched in the Soul of one, and kindled in the Soul of the other; I ſaw ſorrow dye in the eyes of Atergatis and revive in Intaphernes: and in an inſtant, I ſaw the Comforter become the ſad man, and the ſad man become the Comforter. I ſhould abuſe your patience, Madam, if I ſhould relate unto you all their Lamentations, or how Atergatis imployed the ſame Arguments of Conſolation unto Intaphernes, which he immediatly before received from him: Nor will I relate all that the Princeſs Iſtrina, and the Princeſs of Bythinia ſayd, when they knew the buſineſs; for having formerly acquainted you particularly with their virtues and the innocent paſſions of their Souls; you may eaſily conceive they expreſſed their ſorrows unto each other. However theſe croſs adventures produced one happineſs unto theſe two Lovers, ſince they obliged the Princeſſes whom they loved, to give them [Page] as ſweet and tender Language, as if their Souls were in much more tranquility: for doubtleſs there is nothing fitter to induce a perſon who loves to unmask affection, then misfortunes and ſorrows. Whilſt things were in this condition, it was known how the King of Pontus carryed you, Madam, unto Cumes; And that Cyrus went to beſiege it; ſo that this news having infuſed other thoughts into the mind of Arſamones, who was extreamly incenſed againſt the King of Aſſyria for his refuſall, every one was in a ſtrange wonder to hear that we muſt all return unto Heraclea: And our wonder was the greater, becauſe he appointed (without giving any reaſon for it) all thoſe only whom he had told that the King of Aſſyria was in his power, to keep it ſecret: After which all departed; this Prince, leaving ſo many men as he judged fit for the Guard of this Caſtle where the King was Priſoner, yet not daring to leave ſo many as he wiſhed, leaſt that ſhould be ſuſpected which he would not have known. Since this Prince was of a very cloſe ſpirit, we could not then dive into thoſe myſteries which afterwards we knew: For indeed, Madam, it was at that time, when Arſamones to be revenged upon the King of Aſſyria, and to get the King of Pontus into his power, did ſend unto the Illuſtrious Cyrus this meſſage, that if he would promiſe to reſtore the King of Pontus into his hands when he had taken Cumes, he in exchange would reſtore the King of Aſſyria into his power. But as you know, Madam, the Illuſtrious Cyrus having received a Letter from this Captive King, he took a more heroick Reſolution, and denyed Arſamones.

In the mean time, Intaphernes and Atergatis were not at all happy: for Arſamones leaving Arbiana & the Princeſſes at Heraclea, he carryed them unto Cabyra, where he grew ſo melancholy (when upon the return of his Meſſenger, and the Arrivall of Hidaſpes he heard of the generoſity of Cyrus) that he fell ſick there: yet he would not let the Queen bring the Princeſſes with her, when ſhe came, but commanded her to leave them at Heraclea; for his ſoul was in ſuch a fury, that he could not endure Intaphernes, or Atergatis ſhould have ſo much comfort as to ſee the Princeſſes whom they loved.

In the mean time, his ſickneſs continued ſo long, that it did facilitate the liberty of the Aſſyrian King. For though they told him that Hidaſpes when he departed was gone into Galatia, and Cappadocia; And that he drew out of all his Garriſons unto a body, he could not beleive that Cyrus had commanded him to attempt the delivering of his Enemy by force: but rather imagined, that it was to recruite the Army, then out of any deſire of his Rivals liberty. So that his Policy being cauſed to ſleep by the violence of his ſickneſs, he gave Hidaſpes time to ſurpriſe the Caſtle where the King of Aſſyria was, and to deliver that Prince. Tis true, that Intaphernes and Atergatis were ſo afraid, leaſt the fancy ſhould take Arſamones to make him either marry Iſtrina, or the Bythinian Princeſs, they were not very forward in giving any advice for his ſecurity: and though they did moſt horridly hate the King of Aſſyria, yet they wiſhed his liberty; And they were as much joyed, as Arſamones was angred, when the news of his ſurprizall was brought to Cabyra: Inſomuch as Intaphernes not being able to hide his joyes, this violent Prince ſuſpected, that he gave intelligence unto Hidaſpes to ſurprize the Caſtle: and his ſuſpitions of it were the greater, when he knew that the Prince Gadates had writ a Letter unto him, which he had not ſhewed, becauſe it appointed him to come hither; and Intaphernes not being able to be at ſuch a diſtance from the Princeſs of Bythinia, would not let Arſamones ſee it, leaſt he ſhould move him to obey Gadates ſooner then he had a deſire. However, though this Prince was innocent of that the King of Bythinia did accuſe him, yet he was held guilty, upon bare Conjectures, and baniſhed, not only from the Court, but alſo out of all his Dominions. Arbiana did what ſhe could to appeaſe him, but all in vain, for Arſamones would ſet no term when Intaphernes ſhould return into his Dominions; but when he brought with him, either the King of Pontus, or Araminta, or Spitridates. You may eaſily imagine, Madam, how ſad the Prince was, who after a thouſand good Services done unto Arſamones, was treated with ſuch Ingratiude and Injuſtice. Intaphernes out of a reſentment of honour, had a good mind to ask leave he might carry Iſtrina with him; but conceiving it would be more for his advantage that he ſhould remain with the Princeſs whom he loved, he rejected that thought. However, obey he muſt, becauſe he could not help it, and the willinger, becauſe the Princeſs of Bythinia commanded him: yet in ſpight of Arſamones, he had the ſatisfaction to bid her adieu; [Page] for ſince ſhe was at Heraclea, he went out of Cabyra in a diſguiſe thither, and ſaw her, in the preſence of Iſtrina, of Atergatis who followed him, and of my ſelf. I need not, Madam, make any relation of what theſe perſons did ſay, the thoughts of whoſe hearts were ſo full of tenderneſs: But I aſſure you, that never was any love or friendſhip, ſo fluent in ſweet and paſſionate expreſſions, as theirs, when they expreſſed their ſorrows to part from each other, and to part not knowing when they ſhould be ſo happy as to meet again. The Princeſs of Bythinia Proteſted unto Intaphernes, never to be any'es if ſhe were not his. And Atergatis being to looſe his Advocate unto Istrina, deſired him to preſs that Princeſs in his preſence unto a Profeſſion never to chaſe him from her heart. Iſtrina and Atergatis then made new Proteſtations of amity unto each other, as well as Intaphernes and Atergatis, ſo as they tyed themſelves unto each other by ſuch knots, as I am moſt confident are indiſſolvable. But, Madam, depart he muſt, and indeed I parted with him, to come unto that place where Gadates had ſo long deſired him; But hearing that Cumes was taken, and that you, Madam, were upon your March we changed our way, with intention to meet you upon the Rode.

In the mean time, as the Gods are the only diſpoſers of all Events, ſo the Prince Intaphernes uſing to ride alone, that he might the better contemplate upon his Paſſion, he loſt his way in a wild Forreſt, having none with him but only one Page: For though I uſed to keep him company in ſuch ſolitudes, yet I was not then with him, but ſtayed behind with one of his men, and telling him how extreamly affraid I was to meet with the King of Aſſyria, when we came to you. But whilſt I was in fear that Intaphernes might meet with this Prince, the Gods who do not uſe to comply alwayes with the wills of men, but often mock at all humane Prudence, did conduct Intaphernes unto the banks of that little River, where the Aſſyrian King was taking the Aire, whilſt you, Madam, was in the Temple; and ſtaying in the pleaſant place untill the hour of your ſetting out. I underſtand ſince by the Page which followed Intaphernes, and by Intaphernes himſelf, all the paſſages of this meeting: And ſince I underſtand by Marteſia that you, Madam, do not know it, but deſires infotmation, I ſhall acquaint you with the particulars; and if I ſhould conceal an Action ſo gallant and noble, I ſhould not make a perfect relation of Intaphernes his life. Be pleaſed to know then, Madam, that this Prince riding ſafely along the banks of this little River, hoping ſtill to meet with us again, leaſt he ſhould be forced to arrive at a place where he thought you was, without any Train or Equipage; Love did ſo take up all the faculties of his Soul, that he ſcarcely knew what he did, or ſaw. On the other ſide, the King of Aſſyria who ſeemed as deep in contemplation as Intaphernes, though according to his naturall impetuoſity he went as faſt as if he had a great journy to go, he was alſo on the banks of this River, with one Page only; So as Intaphernes came towards the King of Aſſyria, as the King of Aſſyria came towards Intaphernes: who being both of them in deep ſtudies, they paſſed ſo neer each other, that there Horſes ſtarting at the ſame time made both of them think themſelves aſſaulted; So that rowſing out of their ſtudies, and ſtopping their Horſes, they looked ſternly upon each other, to know who it was that aſſavlted them: and both knowing each other, the King of Aſſyria he thought that Intaphernes intended to all upon him, as Intaphernes thought that the King of Aſſyria intended to put a new affront upon him: So as both being high in anger, they firſt looked upon one another as men who had diſpoſitions to quarrell. Yet Intaphernes gave him a Salute, but it was with ſo many ſigns of indignation, that his reſpects did not deminiſh the King of Aſſyria's fury: For as ſoon as Intaphernes had ſaluted him, he went two paces back, and began to ſpeak in a haughty and proud tone: For ought I ſee (ſayd he in a moſt ſcornfull manner) you are as inſolent here, as you were ambitious in Babylon, and it ſeems alſo that you have been moſt unjuſt in Bythinia, in being ſo bold as to cauſe Arſamones to impriſon me, purpoſely to make me marry one, whom I do not think worthy to be the ſlave of whom I adore. Oh Sir, (ſayd Intaphernes) you extreamly wrong me, do not urge me againſt my will to forget I have ſeen you upon a Throne, leaſt I ſhould not brook it: For, Sir, hitherto I never failed in my due reſpects unto you; I was never more ambitious at Babylon then did become me, and was ſo far from forcing you to marry my Siſter, that I muſt tell you, that ſhe did more reſiſt Arſamones, then you did, not being ſo baſe as ever to think of being Wife unto a Prince, who hath ſo much ſcorned her, and [Page] wronged me. Therfore, Sir, I beſeech you, with all the Reverence I owe unto you, as Son unto the Queen Nitocris, do not force me to caſt of all thoſe reſpects: I cannot tell what thou meaneſt (replyed the King of Aſſyria ſharply) but I am ſure I cannot brook the inſolency of a Subject, whoſe duty is to reverence me as much in my Fetters as if I were upon the Throne. Upon theſe words the King of Aſſyria drawing his Sword he forced Intaphernes to draw his alſo, but it was only at firſt to defend himſelf from the King of Aſſyria's blows: And indeed, this generous Prince ſtriving to overcom his reſentments did recoil ſome paces in defending himſelf; and ſpeaking again, in the name of the Gods, Sir, (ſayd he unto him) do not urge me any further, for my patience can hold no longer: wiſh only that thy Valour may hold out (replyed the King of Aſſyria, in preſſing harder upon him) unleſs thou wilt feel the ſharpneſs of mine. After this, Madam, Intaphernes being not able to endure any longer, he did not only fight in defence of his life, but alſo to revenge himſelf. And his Page told me of ſuch Prodigies which he did, which are not to be conceived unleſs one had ſeen them. For indeed, Madam, though the King of Aſſyria had fought with the Illuſtrious Cyrus, and your ſelf, Madam, had been the Priſe of the Combate, yet this violent Prince could not have fought with more Courage. But as Intaphernes had all the ſincerity of a moſt brave man, ſo he told all thoſe unto whom he related the paſſage, that if the King of Aſſyria had ſtood any thing upon his Guard, he ſhould have found a hard task to have vanquiſhed him: and his modeſty made him ſay, that if that valiant Prince had not precipitated himſelf unto his Armes, in ſtriving to finiſh the Combate quickly, he had not been overcome. Indeed, Madam, the King of Aſſyria having wounded himſelf in ſtriving to gain the Crupper, his Sword being broke, and he run through the right arme with a touch from his Enemy, his great heart was conſtrained to yeeld. Yet Intaphernes would not abuſe his Victory, by inſulting over his unfortunate Enemy, as unjuſt as he was. But on the contrary, he uſed many generous expreſſions; he asked him whether he would be pleaſed that he ſhould conduct him, offering to hold him up, ſeeing he was not able to ſit on horſe-back: but this furious Prince would have only his Page to help him; he forbad Intaphernes to come neer him, and commanded him to retire. Since thou art ſtill my Subject, though my Conqueror (ſayd this violent Prince unto him) I command the to get out of my Preſence, for I cannot any longer endure a man who hath ruined all my hopes, ſubverted all my deſigns, and hath retarded either my death or my happineſs. Theſe ambiguous words which Intaphernes could not underſtand, mooving him to think that his ſorrows for being overcom did diſtract the liberty of his mind; he began to pitty him, and offer again to help him, but he fell into ſuch a Chafe, that Intaphernes ſeeing ſome Souldiers a far off coming that way, he was forced to retire.

In the mean time, in lieu of going unto the Caſtle where you, Madam, were, he returned back, being reſolved not to preſent himſelf unto you, Madam, nor unto Cyrus, nor unto the Prince his Father untill you were on your march: Conceiving that the King of Aſſyria was in ſuch a condition as he would not be able to follow. And indeed, Madam, this Prince having happily met with us, ſome four Furlongs from the place where he fought, we went to wait upon you, Madam, at the houſe where you ſtayed, and where the Prince Intarhernes had the honour to be preſented unto you that night, by the Illuſtrious Cyrus.

Orcames having ended his Relation, Mandana thanked him for the pains which he had taken in ſatisfying her deſires, and to teſtifie how attentive ſhe had been, ſhe repeated the principall paſſages which he had related: But ſince the laſt words of the Aſſyrian King had made ſome impreſſion in the mind of Mandana, ſhe asked Doraliſa what ſhe thought was the meaning of thoſe words, that Intaphernes by vanquiſhing the King of Aſſyria, he had ruined all his hopes, ſubverted all his deſigns, and had retarded either his death or his happines: For truly (added he) as the ſtate of things ſtand, it is not eaſie to conceive what in any reaſon he could hope for, nor what deſigns he could have which might be advantageous unto him; Nor could he fear any death from a Rivall who releaſed him, nor could he ever imagine any happineſs from me: And yet it is to be ſuppoſed, that he ſpoke not theſe without ſome cauſe. I aſſure you, Madam, replyed Doraliſa, to be ſo brave, ſo glorious, ſo violent, and ſo deep in love as the King of Aſſyria is, and to be vanquiſhed within a hundred Furlongs of his Rivall, and of his Miſtreſs, is enough to make him not know wha the ſayd: and therefor [Page] there is no heed to be taken unto what he ſayd. Whilſt Doraliſa was ſaying ſo, Marteſia was ſilent, though ſince ſhe knew of the engagement between thoſe two Princes, ſhe underſtood thoſe words better then they: yet ſince the King of Aſſyria was to ſtay behind, and ſince in ſuch a condition as was not to be feared, ſhe ſeemed as if ſhe did not underſtand them: And the Princeſs herſelf concurring with the opinion of Doraliſa, did make no further reflection upon them, but went on with her repetition of the Adventures of Atergatis, Iſtrina, and Intaphernes. After which, all the reſt of the Converſation was only of pleaſant and diverting paſſages, of which the poor Beriſa was the ſubject; For upon good examination of what Orcames had ſayd, the Princeſs Mandana did conclude that there was no Court in the world without a Beriſa, and ſomtimes many Beriſa's: being ſure ſhe knew ſome at Themiſcira and at Sinope. Doraliſa for her part, ſhe knew ſome at Sardis, Pherenice remembred many at Suta, and Orcames profeſſed he knew above a dozen at Babylon. After all which, the Princeſs remembring how it was reſolved to be ſtirring betimes in the morning, ſhe diſmiſſed Orcames and retired, preſerving her fidelity ſo entirely for Cyrus, that ſhe would not ſo much as call unto her memory, any thing ſhe heard of the Aſſyrian King: but her mind being clear from all manner of Objects, ſhe ſlept as quietly as one that had no manner of cauſes to fear any thing.

The end of the firſt BOOK.

ARTAMENES: Or The Grand CYRUS. THE EIGHTH PART, AND SECOND BOOKE.

[Page]

WHILST the Princeſs Mandana's ſleep was not troubled with with any affrighting Dreams; and whilſt the huge multitude of Troops which conducted her, did reſt themſelves from the travells of the day, during the darke ſhades of night: Whillſt ſleep, I ſay, like Death doth equall Kings & Beggars happy and unhappy, and refreſh all, Cyrus, Mazares, and Anaxaris could not ſubmit unto one wink of ſleep, but employed every minute in thoughts of Mandana. Not that Cyrus, as the ſtate of things ſtood, was at all perplexed, but was all hopes and delights: yet thoſe delights which proceeded from his hopes, were tempered with ſome perplexities, which interrupted his joyes: Not that his courageous ſoule was troubled at the Combate he was to have with the King of Aſſyria, before he enjoyed Mandana; but the truth is, he was ſo little accuſtomed to happineſs, that he could not believe he was at the end of his misfortunes: ſo as not directly knowing what was the obſtacle unto his ſatisfaction, his heart reſented ſome reſiſtance of thoſe joyes which in reaſon he might hope for. But though the illuſtrious Cyrus was troubled with a penſiveneſs of which he was ignorant of the cauſe; yet it was not ſo with the Prince Mazares, who being alwayes to ſtrive with himſelfe, was every minute in feares, leſt his vertue ſhould be vanquiſhed by his Love. Anaxaris was much more miſerable then he; for his Paſſion was ſo violent and high, that his reaſon did abſolutely ſubmit unto its Empire: and it may be truly ſayd that Mandana did not more ſoveraignly reign over the heart of Anaxaris, then the Paſſion of Anaxaris did tyrannically reign over his reaſon and vertue: Yet he was not ſo ſtark [Page] blind, but he knew very well that a thouſand reaſons did invite him to be the friend of Cyrus, and not his Rivall: But for all that, when he ſaw it to be an abſolute impoſſibility for him to leave loving Mandana, he thought himſelf juſtified, and believed that whatſoever his love inſpired him with, were no Crimes. However, though he did never take ſo much paines as to ſtrive with himſelf, yet was he far from being happy: For by abandoning his ſoule unto his paſſion, he knew very well, that conſidering the ſtate of things, he abandoned himſelf unto all imaginable torments: however love Mandana he muſt, and ever would. But the oddeſt thing was, that ſtill he hoped againſt all manner of reaſons to hope; and though he knew very well, that his hope had no foundation. Yet to find ſome eaſe unto his ſick ſoule, he endeavoured to make ſome intimate friend; not that upon ſecond and ſerious thoughts he intended to truſt him with his ſecret thoughts which he conceived not impartable unto any, but yet he would have one unto whom he might impart them if any need were; and in order unto that, he tampered and prepared the mind of Andramites. And ſince there is no ſurer way then to keep the ſecrets of others, before he truſt any with his own, he did inſenſibly engage Andramites to unfold all his thoughts, and contracted ſuch an intimate League of friendſhip with him, that a greater correſpondency could not have been if they had been all their lives well acquainted with each other.

Anaxaris carryed the matter ſo handſomely, that by degrees he became Maſter of all the ſecrets in the ſoule of Andramites, without hazarding his own, or without giving Andramites any cauſe to ſuſpect that hee had any which he ought not to impart unto him. But whilſt Cyrus, Mazares, and Anaxaris had ſuch different thoughts cauſed by one and the ſame paſſion, there was a ſtrange curioſity in the minds of Mandana, Marteſia, Chriſantes, and Feraulas, to know in what ſtate was the King of Aſſyria. The Princeſs Mandana durſt not enquire, but Marteſia asked every one how he did.

On the other ſide, Mazares and Anaxaris did very carefully enquire of him eſpecially the laſt of theſe, ſo as if this Prince had been an intimate friend unto all his Rivalls; The deliverer of Mandana, and the Protector of Marteſia, Chriſantes and Feraulas, they could not have been more deſirous to know the ſtate of his wounds, then they were; but as inquiſitive as they were, yet they could not know any more then what pleaſed Cyrus to impart; becauſe thoſe whom he left with the King of Aſſyria did give an accompt only to him: ſo that ſince Cyrus gave it out he was very ill, they knew no other.

In the mean time, this journey being a journey of jollity and victory, Cyrus did not only give order that Mandana ſhould not be diſtaſted at any thing, but contrived all way poſſible to pleaſe and divert her in her journey: ſo as if Mandana to reſt her ſelf in any Town, did ſtay a day there, the day was employed in ſeeing all that was remarkable in the place. The Ladies all aſſembled, they feaſted, they danced, they had races, and Cyrus carryed Mandana unto no places of his Conqueſt, but he preſented the ſweet fruits of his victories unto her, ſo that betwixt Cumes and Ecbatan, ſeemed to be but one continuall triumph. And the truth is, the people were ſo fully perſwaded of the vertues in Cyrus, that nothing but univerſall acclamations were to be heard in all places where he came. Alſo he had an extraordinary care, that the march of his Troops ſhould not do the leaſt injury unto the Countrey: And it may be moſt truly ſayd that he came unto no place during all this voyage, where hee had not ſignalized ſome one of his vertues: For in one Town, he had left teſtimonies of his humanity in cheering up the people; in an another, he made his Juſtice to appeare, in puniſhing ſom inſolent Souldiers; In a hundred places he had left glorious marks of his liberality, according as occaſions preſented themſelves: And in what place ſoever he came, he was alwayes himſelf, which was, always incomparable.

As for Mandana, ſhe gave ſeverall teſtimonies of her Piety during this Journey, by re-edifying ruined Temples, and giving them new foundations according to the peoples Petitions: And it is moſt certain that Cyrus and Mandana paſſed not a day without ſome excellent work of goodneſſe. The Prince Intaphernes was ſuch an admirer of their vertues, that he could ſpeak of nothing elſe, when he talked with the Prince Artamas, with Myrſiles, Mazares, Anaxaris, or any elſe. And there chanced one adventure which gave him further ſubject of talk: For Cyrus deſiring that Mandana ſhould go but a very little journey that day, by reaſon of convenient Lodging, ſhe [Page] came unto a place, which afforded Intaphernes a ſubject of Compaſſion, and to talk further of her vertue. Cyrus then having reſolved that the Princeſs ſhould lye in a little Town upon the Rode, not far from the place where ſhe lodged before, it was ſo long before ſhe ſet out, that ſhe came as late to her Lodging, as if her journy had been longer, yet ſhe came time enough to obſerve the extraordinary delighfull, and odd ſcituation of this Village where ſhe was to lye: She ſaw as ſhe came unto it, that ſhe was ſometimes high and ſometimes low, ſomtimes on a mountain, and ſometimes in a valley, and between Rocks. Moreover ſhe ſaw there an ancient and ſtately Caſtle ſtanding upon the point of a Rock, whoſe proſpect was towards a Forreſt: over againſt it, ſhe ſaw three great deep vallies, environed with Rocks, into which they deſcended by a winding path in the Rocks: And to make the place more pleaſant and extraordinary, there was to be ſeen at the foot of a hill, and on the ſide of a Torrent, 2. ſtately Tombs, the one built after the Aegyptian, the other after the Grecian mode: So as the Sun ſetting that Evening without any cloudy umbrage, it might almoſt be ſaid that the Sun-beams did guild the whole Countrey, and made it the more delectable.

This magnificent object did make a deep impreſſion in the mind of Mandana, ſo as when ſhe arrived at this great Caſtle where ſhe was to lodge, ſhe talked upon nothing elſe, enquiring very earneſtly whoſe were thoſe Tombs which ſhe ſaw as ſhe paſſed, and why one was built after the Aegyptian manner, and the other the Grecian. The queſtions you ask Madam (replyed the Maſter of the Caſtle, whoſe name was Eucrates, a man well in years, of a good ſpirit, and much travelled) is queſtionleſſe worthy of your curioſity; for the truth is, Love was a cauſe of their foundation as well as Death; it being moſt certain, that if he who cauſed them to be built had not been in Love, they had never adorned the Country about this Caſtle. The Princeſſe Mandana hearing the old man ſay ſo, was fuller of curioſity then before: ſo as preſſing him to tell her all he knew, he related unto her in few words, how a man of quality and high merits, called Meneſteus, deſcended from the race of the firſt Phocenſians, who left Phocides to go and build Phoceus which the Prince Thraſibalus had taken, being reſolved to travell after he had loſt his Wife, who left him one Son and one Daughter, he came into Aegypt, where he fell deſperately in love with a Lady of Heliopolis, whom he with her conſent did carry away: That after this paſſing through Aſia, he came unto this Caſtle, where this fair Aegyptian dyed within four dayes after he came thither, and from whence he would not depart, but built this ſtately Tomb after the mode of the Countrey; and ſince Meneſteus would never forſake her who had followed his fortunes, and left her own Country for the love of him, he built his own Tomb near hers, which is alſo his houſe where he waits for death to finiſh his dayes.

How (ſaid Mandana, and interrupted him) does he live yet, who cauſed theſe two Tombs to be built? and lives he in that which is built after the Grecian work? Yes Madam, replyed he, but it is in ſuch a manner as deſerves compaſſion; It may be ſaid, he lives dying, for he ſpends whole dayes in the Tomb of her he loſt, and never comes in his own but at ſuch howrs when ſleep forces him to take truce with his ſorrows: ſo as I aſſure you, Death and Love together did never make ſuch an emblem of deſpair, as Meneſteus. Yet one would ſay, that the Gods take delight in his ſufferings, and lets him live, to pay an eternall tribute of ſighes and tears unto his loſt Lady; for he has already lived above eight years in this mournfull manner, and yet cannot dye. I wonder (ſaid Mandana then) that ſince he is of ſo good a Quality, his friends and neighbours have not forced him to change his heartleſſe habitation. I aſſure you Madam, replyed Eucrates, that the illuſtrious Peranius his ſonne (who ſhould be Prince of Phoceus after him, if the Armies of the invincible Cyrus had not conquered his dominions) has done all he was able, to move Meneſteus unto a change of his living, but could never perſwade him: All he could obtain, was, to let two ſervants ſtay in a houſe next his Tomb, to bring him once a day only ſuch things as were of abſolute neceſſity.

At the name of Peranius, Cyrus who was then preſent, began to rub up his memory a little, and afterwards he began to ſpeak; Is this Peranius you ſpeak of (ſayd he unto Eucrates) Nephew unto the Prince of Phoceus, whom I underſtand by Thraſibalus, to be one of the braveſt men in the world? Yes Sir, replyed he, it is the ſame [Page] Peranius, a ſiſters ſon of the Phocean Prince, who rather then ſubmit, when the Prince his Uncle, and Alexideſmus forſook him, did perſwade all the Inhabitants of his Town to leave their Countrey, to embarque and acknowledg him for their Head, and to go conquer others, rather then be the ſlaves of Thraſibalus, or to ſay better, yours Sir, ſince it was by your Armes that Prince did wage his Warre. To teſtifie, that he need not feare, replyed Cyrus, that I ſhall load ſo brave a man as he with overheavy fetters, I will tomorrow viſit the Prince his Father, to let him know, that he who honours the very Tombs of vertuous men, does honour the men themſelves, though fortune have made them ſlaves. When Cyrus ſaid ſo, and this old man heard Mandana ſay ſo alſo, he told them that they would augment his ſorrows by their preſence: adding alſo to keep them from going, that the way unto theſe Tombs was ſo rough by reaſon of the Rocks and a Torrent, that they could hardly paſſe: But when he ſaw that all would not diſſwade them, he was ſilent and retired.

However, ſince Mandanas Chamber did open towards theſe Tombs, ſhe was no ſooner up, but theſe ſtately objects putting her in memory of her deſign, ſhe was more earneſt upon it: ſo that ſending unto Cyrus to put him in mind of his laſt nights reſolution, that Prince came and told that he was ſo mindfull of it, as he had already ſent to ſee whether the way unto theſe Tombs were ſo difficult, and that he was told the way was ſo good, as ſhe might go in her Coach, ſo that without more adoe ſhe went: But Cyrus being a reverencer of Love whereſoever he found it, except in the hearts of his Rivals, he was ſo conſiderate of Meneſteus, as that he would not too much diſturb his ſolitude by too great a company; therefore he permitted only Mazares, Intaphernes, and Aglatidas to accompany him: And as for Mandana, ſhe admitted only of Doraliſa, Marteſia, Anaxaris, and ſome few of her Guard.

This ſmall company being conducted by Eucrates (though the night before he had no deſire to be their Convoy) they came to theſe Tombs, the one whereof was much more ſtately then the other. That which was built after the Grecian manner, was a moſt admirable ſtructure, but had fewer ornaments then that which was after the Aegyptian, whoſe Architecture was very regular: Indeed, though the Pyramide of this Tomb was but of a mean greatneſſe, yet for its beauty it was comparable unto the Pyramides of Memphis: Its form was triangular, and ſo excellently well wrought, that the beſt eyes could not ſee one joynt in the whole work▪ A thouſand Curioſities of branched works did adorn the Fabrick, and one might perceive Hierogliphique Characters, which expreſſed unto ſuch as beheld, & could underſtand them, the beauty of the Perſon whom they repreſented, and the love of the Founder.

Upon the top of this Pyramide was a figure of that Corinthian Copper, which was no leſſe prized in thoſe times, then ſince the burning of the proud Town. So that this Statue did repreſent Fame, and turned upon a hinge according to the winds, one would have ſaid, that it was ſet upon this Pyramide with a Trumper in its mouth, only to declare unto the world the death of that beauty for whom this Tomb was built; this Trumpet being made ſo artificially, that when the wind did blow, it ſent forth a ſad kind of ſighing ſound, full of ſorrows. This Fame had her wings diſplayed as if ſhe were ready to flye: The skirts of her Garment was waved by the wind, ſo as unbaring part of her thighes this gave a good grace unto the Statue, and ſeemed to be more looſe from the point of the Pyramide, whoſe ſtately baſis was the Tomb of that illuſtrious Beauty, whom this renowned Mourner did ſo lament.

As for that of Meneſteus, it was built after the manner of a houſe, the Roof ſuſtained by twelve Collumns betwixt which upon the Frize, and under the Corniſh theſe words were engraven in Greek characters,
Love and Death did build me.

WHen Cyrus and Mandana came near theſe Tombs, they ſaw Menesteus coming to meet them, being advertiſed of their coming by Evcrates; But he met them in an Ayr ſo ſad and languiſhing, as made it apparant, that Time had not worn out the reſentment of his loſſe, yet for all that he retained a high and noble preſence: His Cloaths were mean, but handſom and fit: And this ſolitary mourner ſeemed rather a melancholy Philoſopher, then a deſperate Lover.

[Page] As ſoon as he came ſo neare Cyrus (who led Mandana) as to be underſtood, I give thanks unto the Gods (ſaid he unto him) that the beauty of that admirable Princeſs whom I ſee, hath taught the Conquerour of Aſia to reverence the Tombs of thoſe whom Love hath brought under his Dominions; and that in lieu of fearing the Ravages of a victorious Army, I am driven to the neceſſity of thanking the Conqueror for the favour he doth me in honouring the Aſhes of a moſt illuſtrious perſon by his preſence. My aims are, replyed Cyrus, not only to honour the dead, but this Princeſs and I both; are come hither to honour an illuſtrious living perſon alſo, whom I wiſh I were able to perſwade out of this ſolitary Tomb in which he inhabites. For my particular (added Mandana) I ſhould be extreamly joyed, if I were able to perſwade you Sir unto ſome moderation in ſo violent and long a ſorrow as yours is: Since you can never know the cauſe (replyed Meneſteus) I do not wonder Madam, you ſhould not think my miſery incurable. However I think my ſelfe moſt ſenſibly obliged unto your charitable generoſity in wiſhing me capable of conſolation. After this, Meneſteus fearing leſt the Sun ſhould offend the Princeſs Mandana, did open a door which conducted into a moſt ſtately Gallery.

As ſoon as Mandana and Cyrus were entred into this Tomb, they were forced to ſay, that the love of him who built it was great and high: The truth is, this Tomb was ſo richly adorned, that a place deſtinied for the greateſt Feaſts could not be more magnificent: there was in the midſt of it a Sepulchre of incorruptible wood, inlayed with gold in a moſt rich and ineſtimable manner; and to let it be known, that the Corps which was there interred had been the ſtar of Beauty in Heliopolis, upon this Sepulchre was to be ſeen a S [...]n repreſented by ſeverall gliſtering Diamonds & Rubies, whoſe glorious colours made it ſeem the Sun it ſelf when it was ſetting, and lending its light unto the other half of the world.

About this Sepulchre was placed twelve young Cupids excellently repreſented, who all with one of their hands ſeemed to wipe away their Tears, and with the other held up rich pots of Perfumes, no Garden full of Jeſſamon and Oranges comparable unto theſe which Art only compoſed. Moreover, there did hang in the top of the vault a hundred Chriſtall Lamps, in ſuch order and proportion, as did make appear between every pillar which ſuſtained the Roof twelve ſtately ſeates, on which might be ſeen the ſtatues of twelve women which ſeemed to weep and lament the loſs of her for whom the Tomb was made; and which by their ſeverall aſpects and emblemes did repreſent ſome of her vertues for whom they mourned: The Engraver having given to every Statue ſuch lively emblemes of each vertue, as the dulleſt capacity could not chooſe but know his meaning. Mandana could not chooſe but admire the excellency of the work, and confeſſed that there muſt needs be ſomething that was high in the heart of ſo faithfull a Lover as Meneſteus. As for Cyrus, after he had ſufficiently admired at every thing that was worthy of wonder, he began to conſider very ſeriouſly this mourning Lover, who as ſoon as he came into the Monument, was ſo wholly devoted to his ſorrows, that without almoſt any regard either of Cyrus or Mandana, or any of their company, began to fixe his looks ſadly upon the Sepulchre, ſighing continually with unutterable bitterneſs of ſoule. The beauty of Mandana reviving in his mind the Idea of his loſt Lady, did renew his melancholy: And Cyrus admiring the ſorrows of Meneſteus more then his Tomb, did look moſt attentively upon him: his violent affection unto Mandana did make him moſt ſenſible of ſuch a loſſe as to loſe her one loves ſo, as he had a diſpoſition rather to commend the deſpair of Meneſteus, then to blame him. But whilſt Meneſteus was ſighing, and Cyrus was ſadly looking upon him, Mandana went towards the Sepulchre to read ſome inſcription which was written in golden Letters; and finding them to be Aegyptian Characters, ſhe called Cyrus to interpret them: ſo that when that Prince came to her, he told her, how the love of Meneſteus had cauſed thoſe Letters to be written; but as he was going from one end of the Sepulchre unto the other, he found a very rich Table-book upon which was written in great Characters, and the Capadocian language,
To the Princeſs Mandana.

[Page] CYrus no ſooner ſaw this, but he bluſhed; for he no ſooner looked upon the Characters, but he thought it to be the hand of the Pontean King: ſo as in the tumult of his mind he had certainly concealed it from Mandana, if that Princeſs ſeeing through his eyes the agitation of his ſoule, had not at the ſame time ſeen that which cauſed it: ſo as Cyrus perceiving by the Roſes that bluſhed in the cheeks of Mandana, that ſhe ſaw them as well as he, he preſented them unto her. Since Madam, ſaid he unto her, it is to you this Table-book is directed, therefore it belongs unto you; but whilſt you are peruſing it, I beſeech you give me leave to ask Meneſteus where he is at this preſent who writ this which I now preſent unto you.

The Princeſs Mandana being as much aſtoniſhed as Cyrus, deſired him to read it as well as ſhe: ſo that opening it, they began to read it whilſt Meneſteus took no notice of them: but the truth is, it was not only his ſorrows that hindered his obſervance: For ſince Doraliſa could not think ſo long a ſolitude & ſorrow could be without ſome diſtraction of ſpirit, ſhe began to talk with him, and had engaged in diſcourſe, the Prince Intaphernes and Aglatidas with Eucrates and Martefia: As for Mazares, this Tomb calling into his memory his ſolitary life which he led in a Grott when he thought Mandana dead, he was taken up enough with his own thoughts, without diſcourſe with others. And for Anaxaris, his thoughts were as much buſied as Mazares: ſo that Cyrus and Mandana reading the King of Pontus his Letter, they found theſe words.

MADAM,

IT is too much, extreamly too much, to purſue me even to a very Tomb, and to drive me from a Sanctuary, which all Lawes both divine and humane would have inviolable: but ſince it is your pleaſure, it muſt be ſo; Could I have hoped to have ſeen you here without that happy Rivall in your company, I ſhould have ſtayed here and aſſumed the glory to expreſs my ſorrows and my love. But ſince it is enough for you to triumph in my heart without him, I muſt ſhun you, that I may ſhun him, ſince it is not poſſible for me to do otherwiſe, though I owe him both my life and my liberty. Yet I doe conjure him (if it be lawfull to entreat a Rivall, and if I may do it with due reverence to you) not to expoſe himſelf unto any pitty, if you be not capable of any; Conſidering that after I have loſt two Kingdomes for the love of you only, yet you drive me from a Tomb where I intended to inhabite with the moſt faithfull Lover in the world. I beſeech you Madam, oblige my Rivall neither to follow me, nor to ſearch for me; and the better to induce him, put him in memory, that if I had not had the good fortune to ſave you from the enraged waves, he had never had the glory to be at this day favourably looked upon: But alas my ſorrows make me wander; for after all the rigour, I thinke it had been better for me to have writ unto my Rivall to obtaine a favour from you, then to have writ unto you to obtain any thing from him; However it be Madam, though you ſhould cauſe me to be ſearched for, to wait upon the Chariot of my Enemy, yet you ſhould be fruſtrated, ſince whoſoever is Maſter of his ſword, is alſo Master of his life and liberty. I aske nothing elſe of you Madam, but only to believe, that if I do live, it is not in any intentions to comfort my ſelfe, or to leave loving you: For I doe proteſt, that as long as I do live, I ſhall maintayn againſt all my Rivalls, that there is not one of them which loves you with more zeale and reverence then I doe, as rigorous and inexorable as you are unto me.

The King of Pontus.

[Page] AFter the reading of this Letter, which was ſo ſad as deſerved to be read without any anger; Cyrus ſcarcely daring to look upon Mandana, leaſt he ſhould ſee ſome compaſſion in her eyes, he ſpoke the firſt. To ſpare my ſorrows Madam (ſayd he unto her) that you ſhould aske me a favour for ſuch a Rivall as the King of Pontus, I will prevent your asking, and tell you that as the ſtate of things do ſtand, I freely conſent that a King who hath had the misfortune to looſe two Kingdoms, and you alſo, ſhall not be ſo miſerable as fall into the power of his Enemy, an Enemy unto whom he thinks himſelf a little obliged: Yet Madam, I muſt needs ask you leave to enquire of Meneſteus how the Prince came hither? Though I ſhould not for your ſake (replyed Mandana) yet for my own, I deſire you to aske him: Since I aſſure you, the adventure doth augment both my curioſity and trouble; For when I conſider how it was neer the Tomb of Abradates that you met the King of Aſſyria: And that you were very neer meeting with the King of Pontus in the Tomb of this fair Aegyptian, I do almoſt believe I ſhall find perſecutors in Ecbatan, when I am there: ſo they have no greater power to hurt you Madam (replyed Cyrus) then the King of Pontus hath, you need not feare their violence.

After this Mandana went to Meneſteus, unto whom ſhe ſhewed the Letter which Cyrus found upon the Sepulchre, and asked him where he was which did write it, and whether he knew him well? Meneſteus was at firſt ſurprized to ſee this Letter, which he knew to be upon the Monument; but coming preſently ont of his aſtoniſhment, and being not determined what to anſwer; I aſſure you Madam, replyed he, I thought him who left this Letter in this Tomb, to be one of the moſt ſadd, the moſt noble, and the moſt vertuous men in the world. But Madam, aske me no more, for I neither know his quality, nor the cauſe of his ſadneſs, nor where he is at this preſent; And though I did know, yet I think when you know how he made me promiſe not to diſcover him, you are ſo generous as to preſs me no further: Cyrus perceiving by the ſpeeches of Meneſteus, that he apprehended no deſign of any violence for giving harbor, did engage his word, that though he whom he had harbored were now in the Tomb, yet there ſhould no hurt be done unto him: So as Eucrates hearing what Cyrus ſayd, came neerer, and not ſtaying for the anſwer of Meneſteus, Sir (ſayd he unto him) Since it was my ſelf who made this Illuſtrious Stranger known unto Meneſteus, ſo I thing it fit, it ſhould be my ſelfe who ſhould tell you all I know, which yet will ſatisfie you little more, then what he hath already told you. For truly, Sir, all I can tell you of him whoſe name I know not, is this, that about eight dayes ſince, according to the Laws of hoſpitality which are inviolably obſerved in this Country, he came unto this Caſtle, which hath the honour to lodge you at this preſent, and demanded of me entertainment; for being then very ill, as ſtill he is, he found himſelf unable to continue his journey: he had with him only one man, which ſeemed more like a common Souldier, then any Gentleman, and he ſeemed to me to be ſo ſad, that I joyfully conſented unto his deſire, giving thanks unto the Gods for an occaſion of aſſiſting a man ſo handſom as he, and who ſeemed ſo extreamly greived. So that lodging him as conveniently as I could, he looked out of his window, and ſeeing theſe two Tombs, he asked me whoſe they were? And I think he was inquiſitive of nothing elſe, and I beleive this ſad Object did ſuite with his melancholy humour; So as I acquainted him with the retreat of Meneſteus, and the ſolitary life that he led: he was ſo much taken with the ſtory, that though he was ſo weak as hardly able to ſuſtain himſelf, yet he would needs have me carry him thither, and ſo I did. And after this time, he went thither every day: for though Meneſteus was uſed to avoid all company, yet the melancholy of this ſtranger admitted him ſooner then any other: and Menesteus was ſo taken with him, that he deſired his viſits every day as long as he ſtayed with me. But when news was brought yeſterday, that I ſhould have the honour to receive you, Sir, into my houſe, he appeared to be extreamly troubled, and prepared for his departure the very ſame hour, though he was in a moſt unfit condition for it. However, I beleive his apprehenſions of your coming hither was the true cauſe why two wounds which he ſayd he had received in the Wars, and which he thought almoſt healed, did open again: So that then it being impoſſible for him to go far by reaſon of the blood which he loſt, and reſolving not to ſtay in a place where you Sir, were to come, I adviſed him to hide himſelf in this Tomb, not foreſeeing your curioſity of ſeeing [Page] it: And indeed he took my counſell, ſtaying here untill yeſterday at Evening, when I acquainted Meneſteus with your reſolutions of coming hither, and it muſt be he who can tell you better then I, how he received the news. It is then you (ſayd Cyrus unto Meneſteus) who muſt better inform us, and tell us why he of whom we ſpeak, did fear my coming hither. Sir, replyed Meneſteus, he told Eucrates as well as me, that he being engaged in the contrary part unto yours, he would not expoſe himſelf unto the danger of being your ſlave, and he ſayd it with ſo much ſadneſs his face, that I am confident being ſo generous as you are, you would not have inchained him, if you had ſeen him in the ſame condition I did, though he had been your moſt mortall Enemy. As ſoon as he heard that the Princeſs Mandana was to come hither, and you alſo; he told me that he muſt be gone, as ſoon as ever the Moon which then ſhined, was ſet, that he might paſs unſeen: And ſeeming as if he would reſt two hours, purpoſely to have time to write this Letter, he deſired my favour to paſs away his time in the Tomb, thinking it as he ſayd to be more ſafe then any other; And ſo cauſing his Servant to carry ſome Cuſhions for his better caſe, I left him there untill the hour he ſayd he would depart: And he being told that the Moon was ſet, he prepared for his departure, not ſpeaking a word of the Letter which he left. But truly, Sir, he departed in ſuch a deplorable condition, that I then knew his flight had a more urgent cauſe then he told me: for though his wounds began to bleed afreſh, yet be gone he would, maugre all my deſires to the contrary, aſſuring him that I would find a way to hide him ſo in the Tomb as he ſhould not be diſcovered when I ſaw his reſolute intention, I preſſed him to tell me the reaſon of his haſt, and he told me with a ſighing imbrace, that the very ſame Paſſion which kept me in the Tomb cauſed him to go out, and prayed me to think that if I knew his miſery, I ſhould ſay he were the moſt unfortunate man in the world. After this, Sir, he took horſe in extream pain, and without any followers but this one man which waited upon him; he took along the Torrent Maugre the darkneſs of the night, and the weakneſs of his condition: So as in all likelyhood, he is either fallen into the Torrent, or wandered in the wild Forreſt, or dead of his wounds and ſorrows: Whilſt Meneſteus was ſaying ſo, Mandana held down her eyes, as being the innocent cauſe of the miſeries of this Prince, ſhe could not chuſe but pitty him, who had been as virtuous a man as any lived, had he not loved her too well, or had not his Paſſion confounded his Reaſon. Cyrus himſelf though his Rivall, was moved unto pitty, and doubtleſs had been more, had he not obſerved the Compaſſion of Mandana: yet he kept himſelf within the preſcribed limits of his intention, notwithſtanding the contrary guſts of his heart: So then conceiving that if he ſhould give orders to follow the King of Pontus, he ſhould have him in his power; he would not out of his generoſity do it; and indeed becauſe he thought Mandana would blame him, and alſo becauſe he had promiſed Araminta to wave his revenge for her ſake: So that addreſſing himſelf unto Meneſteus, though the King of Pontus whom you harbored (ſayd he unto him) be one of the Princeſs Mandana's Perſecutors, and one of my greateſt Enemies in being my Rivall; yet I muſt commend you for your aſſiſtance, and aſſure you to make your reception of him his Sanctuary, I will not ſuffer him to be followed. Indeed (added Mandana with as much ſweetneſs as generoſity) I do conceive that revenge of Crimes ought to be left only unto the Gods, and not execute it upon any Enemy that cannot hurt.

In the mean time, as the aſtoniſhment of Meneſteus and Eucrates was great to hear that it was the King of Pontus whom they had aſſiſted; ſo the wonder of Mazares and Anaxaris was greater, and that of Intaphernes, Aglatidas, Doraliſa, and Marteſia, was no leſs. Yet the wonder did produce different effects in the minds of Mazares and Anaxaris: for the firſt conſidering that if he had not carryed away Mandana from Synope, the King of Pontus had never been reduced unto this pittifull condition, he became extreamly melancholy, conceiving that the Princeſs Mandana could not call to mind the King of Pontus his Adventure, but ſhe muſt needs alſo revive in her memory thoſe fallacies which the exceſs of his Paſſion cauſed, and muſt in her heart accuſe him for it. But for Anaxaris: he had one of the oddeſt Conceiptes that ever love infuſed into any mind: for though he hoped that the King of Pontus might perhaps dye of his wounds, when he eſcaped out of Cumes in a Fiſhers Boat, yet now he was joyed to ſee that Cyrus had more Rivals living then he thought of: So as never conſidering that the King of Pontus could not be the Rivall of Cyrus, unleſs he were [Page] his alſo; he thought only that as miſerable as he was, that he would be an Obſtacle unto the happineſs of Cyrus: So as if he was ſad at this Accident, it was only to imagine that perhaps he would dye by his own haſty flight. As for Intaphernes though he had cloſely adhered unto Arſamones againſt the King of Pontus, yet he could not chuſe but infinitely commend Cyrus and Mandana, for their generoſity in not following this unfortunate King. However ſince this Accident was very ſtrange, it cauſed the diſcourſe to continue ſo long, that before Mandana and Cyrus had ſeen the ſecond Tomb, and had talked with this ſolitary Mourner, of his love and ſorrows, before they had got to the Caſtle and had dined, it was ſo late that they reſolved to ſpend all the reſt of the day in that place, and not to depart untill the morning. But whileſt Cyrus was buſie in giving out ſeverall Orders for the March of his Troops, and the way he would have them hold when they came neer Cappadocia, Mandana called Marteſia into a little Cloſet, and began to talk of this adventure: Certainly Marteſia (ſayd ſhe unto her) I am deſigned for ſtrange things; may it not well be ſayd, that the Gods have taken from me the power and comfort of hating all thoſe who wrong me, and deprived me of the pleaſure of ſweet revenge? If reflection be had upon paſt things, you will ſee that I have reaſon for what I ſay. If I look upon the King of Aſſyria, Mazares and the King of Pontus, as Princes who have raviſhed me away, and cauſed all the miſeries of my life, have I not the greateſt reaſon in the world to hate them, and be revenged; and yet the Gods do ſend ſuch intelligence of them, as muſt needs abate my hate, and will not let me wiſh their Ruine. What ſtrong teſtimonies have I of the grief and repentance of Mazares when he thought me dead? hath not Orcames fully informed me of the Aſſyrian Kings moſt violent affection to me? and hath not Meneſteus ſufficiently told me the very heart of that Prince unto whom I as well as Cyrus are Debtors for our lives, and whom I have coſt two Kingdoms? Really Marteſia, I could not imagine that ever three Princes ſhould be ſo unjuſt as to raviſh me away and yet be ever worthy of my pitty. The ſtrangeſt thing, Madam, replyed Marteſia, and the moſt glorious for you, is, that all theſe Princes do merit to enjoy you, if they had not made themſelves unworthy of it, by their unjuſt carrying you away; And if the Gods had not ſent a Prince who alone hath higher parts then they all have, and who adores you with ſuch a reverent Paſſion, as never gave you the leaſt cauſe of complaint.

The truth is, replyed Mandana, I ſhould be very ungratefull, and by conſequence very unjuſt, if I did not rank Cyrus in my higheſt eſteem and friendſhip, and if I did not think my ſelf very happy in Raigning over the heart of ſuch a man whom the Gods have thought worthy to Raign over all Aſia. As the Princeſs pronounced theſe words, Cyrus having diſpatched all his orders, entred into the place where ſhe was, and as ſoon as ever ſhe ſaw him, ſhe bluſhed, as if ſhe were affraid he had over-heard her. Cyrus perceiving it, did bethink himſelf what might be the cauſe of that carnation in Manada's Complexion: for as the Actions of perſons loved are never indifferent; ſo he was ſomthing troubled at this alteration in the Countenance of that Princeſs whom he adored: Though, Madam, ſayd he unto her, that ſweet bluſh ſeemed to give a freſh Luſtre unto your beauty, yet I could not chuſe but be troubled at it, out of my fear leaſt I was the cauſe of it, by interrupting you uncivilly; I could perhaps, if I would (replyed Mandana with a ſmile, and bluſhed more) conſent unto half you ſay without diſobliging you: but ſince your unjuſt ſuſpition of interrupting me uncivilly, deſerves a puniſhment, you ſhall know no further. Did you but know, Madam, replyed Cyrus, what puniſhment it is for a Lover to be ignorant of what paſſeth in the heart of her he adores when he has a deſire of it, doubtleſs you would ſay, your Puniſhment exceeds my Crime: though indeed I muſt confeſs my weakneſs, and aſſure you, Madam, that I would do almoſt any thing in the world to know the cauſe of your bluſh. I know very well, that this fond Curioſity is one of thoſe follies wherewith the Paſſion which poſſeſſeth me is upbraided: but yet for all that, I find it to be well grounded. Indeed (purſued he and ſmiled) ſince it is permittable in War to have Spyes in the place which one would take, it is as well allowable to have ſome in the heart which one would Conquer, and ſo hold intelligence: Since Spyes are only implyed (replyed Mandana) to know what paſſeth amongſt Enemies; you ſtand in need of none to know what paſſeth in my heart: for there is no War declared [Page] betwixt us. However, I aſſure you, Madam (replyed Cyrus) that ſomtimes one may as much long to know the thoughts of her he adores, as to know the deſigns of his Enemies: and for my particular, I had rather have a faithfull Spy in your heart, then have a hundred with the King of Aſſyria, or the King of Pontus, though they were Maſters of Babylon or Sardis. Yet, Madam, I beſeech you do not think that this my Curioſity hath any ſmack of Jealouſie, nor that I am one of thoſe Lovers, who are extreamly inquiſitive for what they would not find: But, Madam, the reaſon of it is (ſince I muſt confeſs it) becauſe there is a notable difference between thoughts of eſteem which are expreſſed by obliging Language, and hidden thoughts which are concealed almoſt from the parties themſelves, and which others can know only but by gueſſes. Think it not ſtrange then, Madam, that though I am not ſo impudent as to think you have any advantageous thoughts of me which you would not honour me with the Participation, yet I cannot chuſe but deſire that I were able to dive into the ſecrets of your heart I muſt needs deſire to have a ſight of all the Virtues together, and wiſh your heart were open, that I ſhould know all your thoughts, & all your deſires. To ſatisfie one part of your Curioſity (replyed Mandana to divert the diſcourſe) I muſt tell you, that I have a ſtrange deſire to know all the thoughts of Meneſteus, ſince this eight years that he hath lived in the Tomb of this fair one whom he loved and loſt. Oh, Madam, ſayd Cyrus, by ſeeming to ſatisfie my Curioſity, you rather ayme at your own, and not my ſatisfaction: But it is not my part to preſcribe Laws unto you, therfore ſince it is not yo [...] pleaſure, I ſhould be more ſcrutinous into your Soul: and ſince you had rather I could talk of Meneſteus, then of you or my ſelf, I ſhall tell you that I cannot eaſily conceive all his eight years thoughts, for love and ſorrow are two inexhauſtible gulfs of thoughts, if I may ſo expreſs that bottomleſs Abyſs in the mind of a grieved Lover, and which wholy poſſeſſeth him as long as his love and grief laſtes: But the greater wonder is, how he hath lived ſo long, after the death of her he adored. For really Madam, without any aggravation of my ſorrows at Synope, when I had cauſe to fear your being drown'd, I can truly proteſt, that I had not one day more to live, when I heard you were living: I am much obliged to you, Sir, replyed Mandana for your engaging ſorrows, though I will not beleive it to be ſo violent as you expreſs, leaſt you ſhould upbraid me with ingratitude: yet truly I muſt confeſs, that the moſt ſenſible ſorrow of all ſorrows is the death of the Party loved; and I am ſo fully perſwaded of this truth, that as oft as I imagine that there is an abſolute neceſſity I muſt one day hear of the death of perſons whom I love, or they hear of mine, I am ſo melancholy as I hardly know my ſelf. Oh, Madam, (cryed out Cyrus) what a diſmall image do you make to paſs out of your Spirit into mine? I ask you pardon, Sir, replyed ſhe; but yet I think you are obliged to concur with me: for ſince I cannot think without a ſad remembrance that you muſt one day hear of my death, or I of yours, methinks it is a mark of amity which merits a pardon for my ſad diſcourſe: your expreſſions, Madam, are ſo obliging, replyed Cyrus, that I owe you a tribute of a thouſand thanks: but for all that, Madam, I beleive I ſhall ſcarcely pardon you this day, for infuſing into me ſuch apprehenſions of your death.

As ſoon as Cyrus had pronounced theſe words, Eucrates came to acquaint him that there was a man of Quality from Phoceus, whoſe name was Thrymetus, whom the Son of Meneſteus had ſent unto his Father, who deſired to ſpeak with him, and who arrived immediately after he was come out of the Tomb: Adding, that he was accompanied with two ſtrangers, unknown either by their Habits or Language. Since Mandana conceived that this man could have no buſineſs with Cyrus which her preſence might hinder, ſhe deſired that Prince, that Thrymetus might have audience before her, which Cyrus accordingly commanded: and Eucrates obeying, Thrimetus with his two ſtrange Companions was brought into Mandana's Chamber, who with Cyrus ſaluted them, Thrymetus having a Letter (which was only of Credence) to preſent, he uttered theſe words; Sir, (ſayd he unto him in Greeek) I am ſent unto you from a Prince, whoſe good or bad fortunes you have power to make: but ſince he hath been ſo unhappy as to be engaged in a Party oppoſite unto yours, and conſtrained to preſerve his liberty by abandoning [...]his Country unto your Victorious Armes, and to have recourſe unto flight; I cannot tell, Sir, whether his hopes of reception be well grounded: but I am moſt certain that the Prince Meneſteus his Father, [Page] unto whom I came upon a meſſage, is ſo charmed with your generoſity, that he makes no doubt but that I ſhall obtain my demands. To teſtifie, replyed Cyrus, that I have a great diſpoſition to grant any thing unto a Prince of his merit who ſent you; I will not aſſume the Right of Conquerors, which nere allowes their vanquiſhed Enemies the names of thoſe Countries which are conquered from them. But on the contrary, though Peraneus was never yet called the Prince of Phoceus, becauſe he who left him that Title did not periſh untill ſince his departure, yet I will be the firſt that will call him ſo, and intreat you to name him no otherwiſe; for ſince the Prince Thraſibalus hath given once ſuch noble Characters of his Virtue and Valour, I am reſolved to treat him as favourably as I have done others, who merits it no more then he. Oh Sir, reylyed Thrymetus, I ask no more, for ſince you are pleaſed to acknowledge Peraneus in the preſence of theſe ſtrangers, to be a Prince, and the Prince of Phocens you have granted as much as I had in Commiſſion to ask: and you have made him the moſt happy Prince upon Earth, if I may phraſe a man ſo, who hath not the glory to be particularly known unto the greateſt Prince in the World. Since the expreſſions of Thrymetus did ſurpize both Cyrus and Mandana; and ſince they obſerved much joy in the face of one ſtranger, and much ſorrow in the eyes of the other, they were full of Curioſity to know the cauſe of this adventure: So as Mandana ſpeaking Greek as elegantly as her naturall Language, ſhe very obligingly asked Thrymetus the interpretation of it, and the true cauſe of his Voyage. Cyrus alſo deſired to know where the Prince of Phoceus was, deſiring to be informed of all his Actions ſince he was choſen chief of that fugitive Troop. Alſo he asked who thoſe ſtrangers were whom by ther habits he knew not, what intereſt they had in the Prince of Phoceus? and how it was poſſible, that three or four advantageous words which he had ſpoken in his behalf, ſhould make him happy? The Queſtions which you ask, Sir, replyed Thrymetus, are not to be anſwered in few words, no more then thoſe the Princeſs Mandana was pleaſed to enquire of: But, Sir, though you ſhould have the goodnes and the leaſure to lend an eare unto ſo extraordinary an adventure, as that of the Phocean Prince (ſince you are pleaſed I ſhould give him his right name) yet, Sir, before I tell it, I muſt beg one Favour my ſelf, which is, that you would be pleaſed, Sir, to employ your perſwaſions and Authority upon the Prince Meneſteus, that he would quit the Tomb wherin he dwels, and go into a place where you would eſtabliſh a new Dominion upon the Prince his Son. The more you ſpeak, replyed Cyrus, the leſs I underſtand you, and the more inquiſitive I am: And therfore ſince I know the Princeſs to be as full of Curioſity as my ſelf, I do declare unto you, that I will not grant any thing, unleſs you will tell her the life of that Prince who ſent you. But ſince it would be perhaps unjuſt to oblige you unto a long Narration before you have reſted your ſelf, I ſhall intreat Evcrates to have a care of you & thoſe in your company, & to bring you hither in the Evening, that the Princeſs may have the pleaſure to hear you, if you do not deny her. It ſo much concerns the Prince who ſent me, replyed Thrymetus, that you ſhould not deny the Favour which I ask; that I ſhould do very ill ſervice, if I ſhould not relate an adventure which is infinitely glorious unto him: Therfore, Sir, I will obey when you ſhall pleaſe to command.

After this, and many obliging paſſages from Cyrus, and Mandana, he and the two ſtrangers retired, who one might perceive did perfectly underſtand what was ſpoken, but were not ſo verſed in Greek, as to ſpeak it before a Prince and Princeſs who underſtood it ſo admirably well. As Thrymetus went out of Mandana's Chamber; Mazares, Myrſyles, Artamas, Andramites, and many others entred, who extreamly wondering at the uncouth habits of theſe ſtrangers, asked Cyrus who they were? For my part (ſayd Artamas, after Cyrus ſayd he knew them not) I had thought that your Valour had ſet Confines to your Conqueſts, becauſe it could find no more to Conquer: but yet I ſee there are people which the Conquer or of Aſia knows not. Since we fought only (replyed Cyrus modeſtly) for the liberty of the Princeſs, we have ſet Confines to our Conqueſts in delivering her, unleſs we ſhould do juſtice unto her merits, and make her Queen of all the world, or unleſs ſhe have a deſire to make new Subjects of theſe ſtrangers whom we know not. I aſſure you, Sir, replyed Mandana, that though I think you worthy to be Maſter of all the world, and think you able to Conquer it, yet, Sir, your life, and the lives of ſo many great Princes who have aſſiſted you in your Conqueſts, are ſo dear unto me, that if you never make any [Page] War but to ſatisfie my Ambition, you ſhal ſheath all your Swords in perpetutal peace. Whilſt Mandana was ſpeaking thus, Doraliſa and Pherenice who had met with Marteſia, and who were talking with Andramites in the corner of the Chamber which was not large, they heard what Cyrus and Mandana ſayd: and Doraliſa finding a kind of barbariſme in the Aire of theſe ſtrangers, ſhe told Andramites who came to her, that the Princeſs had good reaſon not to deſire the Conqueſt of ſuch Subjects: After which, ſhe began to make ſuch pleaſant deſcriptions of the Aires, Garbs, Poſtures, Reverence, and habits of theſe two men, that though there was ſome injuſtice in her fine Raillary, yet thoſe who heard could not chuſe but be much delighted: inſomuch as Marteſia Pherenice and Andramites, laughed heartily: But the rareſt part of the accident was, that Mandana who had a marvellous peircing wit, did gueſs the truth, and imagined that Doraliſa had found a ſubject of Diverſion in theſe ſtrangers, though they were very magnificent and handſom: And therfore deſiring to give a teſtimony of her goodneſs, and find ſuch a ſubject of diſcourſe as might put off thoſe Applaudes which they began to give her, ſhe told her thoughts unto Cyrus and Myrſiles, who being alwayes glad of any occaſion to hear Doraliſa ſpeak, beſeeched the Princeſs with a ſmile, to correct her Injuſtice: So that Mandana being willing to pleaſe Myrſiles, ſhe went to Doraliſa: were not you Doraliſa making ſome fine deſcriptions of the two ſtrangers (ſayd ſhe) when you talked unto Pherenice Marteſia & Andramites, and cauſed them to laugh ſo loud? I aſſure you, Madam, anſwered ſhe, I deſerve no great Comends for ſo eaſily mooving their mirth, for it was ſuch good ſport to ſee theſe ſtrangers, that the very remembrance of them is enough to move laughter; Really Doraliſa, replyed Mandana, you are a ſtrange woman, for ſince they ſpoke not, ſince they are very magnificent, and ſince they are handſom enough, you cannot upbraid them with the faſhion of their habits, and Garb which is different from thoſe you ſee every day: ſo as doubtleſs they think you as different from the Ladies they uſe to ſee, as you think them different from the men you ſee, and as amiable as you are, perhaps they think of you, what you think of them. I aſſure you, Madam, replyed ſhe, and laughed, if I make them as merry as they make me, we are much beholding to each other. Fye, Doraliſa ſayd Cyrus, and ſmiled, your ſpeeches do make me exceedingly affraid: for I being a Perſian born, and you a Sardinian, I fear that the firſt time you ſaw me, I ſeemed as great a ſtranger to you as theſe; therfore I conjure you to tell me ſeriouſly, how I ſeem now your eyes are accuſtomed to ſee me? Oh Sir, (replyed ſhe with her naturall and ſprightly vivacity) ſuch Conquerors as you, are ſtrangers no where: And I may well ſay you are the ſame at Perſipolis that you are at Babylon, at Sardis, at Ecbatan, at Artaxates, at Suſa; at Themiſcira, and at Cumes: So as I aſſure you, all the world is your Country, and you a ſtranger no where. Indulgency to ſtrangers (replyed Mandana and ſmiled) is a duty; and if I ſhould humour my own inclination, I would excuſe them all: yet ſince you are ſuch a pleaſant Critick to obſerve ſo ſubtlely the faults of others, I muſt confine you unto your own Country and acquaintance. But as for theſe ſtrangers, who are ſo ridiculous to you, I do intend to take them into my Protection, and tell you further that if any Ethiopians, Indians, or Scithians come to Ecbatan, when I am there. I will defend them againſt you, for I muſt confeſs I cannot indure this kind of Injuſtice, though it be almoſt univerſall. But, Madam, I beſeech you with all due reverence, replyed Doraliſa, give me leave to juſtifie my ſelf, and examine the matter a little: with all my heart (ſayd Mandana) though I am confident you will have much ado with all your wit to prove it no inhumanity to jeer a ſtranger, meerly becauſe he is a ſtranger. For my part, ſayd Cyrus, I am cleerly of opinion with the Princeſs. That opinion is ſo juſt (ſayd Mazares) as I cannot think it will admit of any argument: If I ſhould ſpeak without intereſt (ſayd the Prince Myrſiles, and looked upon Mazares) doubtleſs I ſhould concur with you in the opinion of the Princeſs: But ſince I am no ſtranger unto Doraliſa, I do ſo much fear that if ſhe be induced to make peace with ſtrangers, then ſhe will declare War with me, as I dare not declare my ſelf againſt her in this buſineſs. For my part (ſayd Artamas) my reaſon is contrary unto yours, ſince I am not of Doraliſa's Country: yet I muſt adhere unto the opinion of the Princeſs by intereſt, though the ſame reaſon were not, ſince juſtice and goodneſs are on her ſide. For ought I ſee (replyed Doraliſa undantedly) you have brought me to that paſs as I cannot but come off in this diſpute with honour; for there are ſo many Illuſtrious [Page] perſons againſt me, that though I be vanquiſhed, yet I need not be aſhamed: and if I be not, then I ſhall have more glory then ever any had; ſince never any did overcom ſome of thoſe whom I ſhall vanquiſh. But yet (ſayd Mandana) what can you ſay to excuſe your ſelf of that injuſtice wherof you are accuſed? have not every Nation, every Kingdom their particular Cuſtoms? nay, has not every Province, every Town their different Faſhions? either in their Habits or in their Civilities; there Graces of body, & all thoſe trifling exterior things which reach only the eyes, but not at all the Soul and mind. I do confeſs it, Madam, replyed Doraliſa, but I confeſs withall, that it is this difference which diverts me by its odneſs, without any injuſtice to the ſtranger; for I give him the ſame liberty which I take my ſelf, and not caring what he thinks of me, I think of him what I pleaſe. But Doraliſa you think not right, replyed Mandana, if you blame him becauſe he is habited after the mode of his Country, as you are after yours; I do not blame him in particular, replyed Doraliſa, but I blame all his Nation in generall: Then are you the more unjuſt (replyed Cyrus, and laughed) to ſcof [...] at three or four hundred thouſand men at once, becauſe one or two of them only does not pleaſe you: Furthermore (added Mandana) it is unreaſonable to deſire that an Aegyptian ſhould be a Perſian, when he is at Perſipolis; or that a Perſian ſhould be an Aegyptian at Memphis, ſo that changing himſelf in every Town he comes in, he would make himſelf called that Creature which aſſumeth ſeverall Colours as he changeth his Aire: For ſo Doraliſa doubtleſs muſt he. All I require in a ſtranger, Madam, replyed ſhe, is to conform himſelf as much as he can unto the Cuſtoms of that Country where he is, and that he do not amaze all eyes by his odd Garments, unleſs at ſome ſtately entrance amongſt a great Company. I would have him alſo, to ſpeak very little, unleſs he be aſſured to ſpeak well: I would have him alſo contented with ſeeming Liberall and Magnificent, without pretending unto any Politeneſs or Gallantry; ſince they are things of faſhion and uſe, and have their particular decency in every Nation, which a ſtranger is often abſurd in, out of his own Country: But above all things I would have him leave me ſo much liberty as to laugh harmleſly at all he ſayes or does which is againſt my mind. For truly, Madam, if he will not allow me that liberty, I ſhall not let him take it; and I do the more deſire this freedom, becauſe I ſhould uſe it without offence: for there is a great difference between Raillary upon a man of ones own Country, and Raillary upon a ſtranger; provided it extend only to ſuch things as are particular unto his Nation: ſince the firſt of theſe proceeds from malice, and thoſe who divert themſelves at that rate do ſeldom purchaſe any eſteem unto themſelves: But, Madam, as for the other, I profeſs that my laughing at a ſtranger does not proceed from any malice of heart: And though theſe two men I ſaw this day, did much divert me, yet I do verily beleive they may be very compleat men, and Gallants in their own Country: So that taxing neither their wits, nor their honeſties, nor courages; I do conceive my ſelf not ſo culpable as you make me: And truly, Madam, if the nature of my laughing at ſuch things be well examined, it will be found nothing ſo malicious as to laugh (as moſt of the world do) when a horſe throws his Rider, or when ones head is broken: for it argues much more malignity to laugh at ſuch things as do hurt, and is a greater ſpite unto thoſe upon whom they happen; then to laugh and be merry, as I am, at a fantaſticall and uncouth Habit: at an out-of-faſhion Conge, or a word ill pronounced: yet Madam, you know how ordinary and unhumane it is to laugh at ſuch ſad accidents; and as wiſe, as pittiful as you are, I cannot tel whether you have not been ſomtimes moved to ſmile at ſuch an accident. Doraliſa ſpoke this in ſuch a jolly manner, that Mandana and all the Company could not chuſe but laugh, and confeſs withall, that ſhe deſerved the liberty of laughing, not only at all ſtrangers, but alſo at all ſhe knew; and to teſtifie unto you (ſayd Cyrus unto her) that I think what I ſpeak, I give you a free right, to play upon me when you pleaſe, and to be merry at my expences when you find any occaſion. Should I never divert my ſelf, replyed ſhe, but when you give me occaſion, I ſhould live a moſt weariſom life: But, Sir, added ſhe, and laughed, ſince you are out of your goodneſs, pleaſed to let me laugh at theſe two ſtrangers, I deſire no more this eight dayes: yet for all this, all the Company concurred, that it was very unjuſt, not to be very kind unto ſtrangers, or to take the Faſhions of their Countries for incivilities, or arguments of defect in ſpirit: And all concluded with one voice, that as a man may be but very meanly accompliſhed, though he be moſt [Page] compleat in his Habit, though he have the faſhionable Cringe, and Garb of his Country; and though he have the Court tone to a tittle: So alſo it may very well be, that a ſtranger who has none of theſe Qualities, yet may merit much Eſteem and Comendations, though his Cloathes be odd, though Carriage bad, and his Tone worſe: And ſo we muſt ever be civill unto ſtrangers, and ſearch for their Qualities either good or bad, in their minds and ſouls: that is the only way to judge of them aright. After this, Diſcourſe began to change Subject, and much Company coming in, it laſted untill Supper-time; Then all the crowd of Princes and Gallants followed Cyrus, and left the Princeſs Mandana to Sup in private: But as ſoon as that Prince knew ſhe was riſen from the Table, he took Thrymetus who ſupped with him, as well as his two ſtrange Companions, and claimed promiſe of him, and carryed him to Mandana's Chamber, leaving thoſe who came with him in the company of Eucrates; becauſe Thrymetus acquainted Cyrus that he had many things to tell, which he would not have one of thoſe ſtrangers to hear. After which, they went unto Mandana's Chamber, and found her prepared with all neceſſary Curioſity, to give attention unto the relation which Thrymetus was to make. Siuce Cyrus knew well, that one does not love to make a long Narration before much Company, he brought none with him to Mandana's Chamber: ſo as Doraliſa, Marteſia, Anaxaris, Cyrus, and Mandana were all the Auditors of Thrymetus his Relation, which began in theſe Termes.

THE HISTORY OF PERANIVS PRINCE OF PHOCEUS; AND Of the Princeſs CLEONISBE.

SINCE it doth extreamly import the Prince of whom I am to ſpeak, that you ſhould have a perfect knowledge of all his Excellent Qualities, I ask your permiſſion, Madam, as well as that invincible Prince who hears me, to make you acquainted with him, whoſe Adventures you deſire to know. And as to his Glory, I am to relate unto you ſome of his Heroick Acts, ſo I muſt betray ſome of his Virtues, that all the reſt may the better appeare unto you; for without any touch upon his modeſty, I ſhall tell you of his great Courage, Spirit, Generoſity, honeſty, and all other excellent Qualities of his Soule and body: I ſhall tell you then, Madam, that the Prince of Phoceus is worthy to be deſcended from that Renowned Grecian, who raiſing a Collonie of Gallant men in Phocides, paſſed into Aſia, and there founded the Town of Phoceus, which all his Poſterity have peaceably enjoyed, and in great Glory untill the Victorious Armes of Cyrus did ſubject it, and chaſe out a Prince, Uncle unto him of whom I ſpeak, whoſe unjuſt violence made him unworthy of ſuch a Nepew. But, Madam, without ſearching amongſt the Phocenſians for matter of Comendations unto this Illuſtrious Prince of whom I am to treat; give me leave to tell you, that he was born with all high and noble Qualities: And [Page] that I am moſt confident, all Greece which furniſhed the world with ſo many great men, never had a ſoule more heroique then his. Since he had a Father, adorned with all excellent endowments, this Father was infinitely indulgent in the education of his ſonne; and not contenting himſelfe with what Phoceus could afford, he ſent him to Athens, there to be inſtructed in all requiſite Arts befitting his quality, and diſpoſition, which was even from his Cradle martiall, and apt for high things: And he made choiſe of Athens rather then Phoceus, becauſe hee had no minde to quit his Tomb wherein he lives.

It was then at Athens Madam, where hee was inſtructed in all the excellencies his age was capable of, yet he would not in that place ſtudy the military Art, before hee could put it into practice: Alwayes affirming that the theorique of War was nothing, and that precepts without practice would not profit him: Indeed he became a Souldier at fifteen years of age, and did ſo highly ſignalize himſelfe, that his reputation made the braveſt men jealous of him, even at a time when he might be thought a young Scholler in the ſchool of Mars. I ſhall not make any exact relation Madam, of all his Acts in ſeverall Wars, from his fifteenth yeare untill his four and twentieth; for as on the one ſide it is not very neceſſary, ſo on the other, I might perhaps make you queſtion the truth of my words, by the multitude of Heroique actions which that Prince hath performed. Nor will I do, like thoſe who commending only in a generall way, do make it ſuſpitious that they have nothing to ſay in particular.

But to take the medium between theſe two extreams, and to acqnaint you with the martiall inclination of the Phocean Prince, even in his greeneſt years, I muſt tell you how he made his firſt ſtep into the Field, that you may thereby judg of his courage. Give me therefore leave Madam to tell you, that he being at Athens in his fifteenth yeare, and the Athenians in generall being weary of a long and tedious Warr which they waged with the Megarians, about the poſſeſſion of the Iſle of Salamine, they ſet forth an Edict, by which they did forbid all thoſe who had voyces in the Councell of publique affairs, to make any more Propoſitions of continuing this War. Inſomuch as Solon (whoſe name and merits Madam, I am confident is not unknown unto you) being exceedingly angry that they ſhould give over ſuch an important Warre in ſo ignominious a manner, he endeavoured with all circumſpectiall diligence to quaſh this Edict which was proclaimed, without expoſing himſelfe and his Countrey unto ſo much danger, as to loſe the aſſiſtance of each other. But all his endeavours had proved ineffectuall, if the great ſoule of this young Prince had not helped him out. Be pleaſed to know Madam, that the Prince of Phoceus was the intimate friend of Piſiſtrates, and ſaw him almoſt every day: And being one day with Solon, as they were talking of this Edict which prohibited any motions of War, this young Prince ſeemed ſo troubled, that Solon taking notice of his heroique ſadneſſe, did much eſteem him for it, eſpecially when asking him the cauſe, he heard his anſwer. For as Solon asked him his reaſon why he was ſo angry at this Prohibition. Why Sir, replyed he, does not the very ſame reaſon which forbids the continuance of the War, forbid men alſo to be valiant? If the Athenians give over a juſt War becauſe they cannot wage it without danger, of what uſe is their valour? For my part, if this Edict be obſerved, I had rather return to Phoceus, then ſtay amongſt a multitude of Cowards who are ſo baſe as to ſuffer it: Yet I know there are many young ſparks which murmure at it in ſecret as well as my ſelfe.

If any one were ſo hardy, replyed Solon, as to propound the continuance of the war unto the Athenians, would you willingly ſecond him? Never doubt it, replyed he, and I am moſt confident that Piſiſtrates would follow, and that we ſhould cauſe the greateſt part of all the Sparks in the Town to back us. Solon hearing the young Peranius to ſay ſo, did highly applaud his courage, and without imparting his deſign, becauſe he thought him too young to be truſted, he only did extreamly commend his generoſity: giving him afterwards many Reaſons which proved this Edict to be moſt ignominious and diſadvantageous unto the Athenians, not doubting but he would afterwards repeat them unto all thoſe he diſcourſed with. The truth is, this Prince did ſo well ſecond the intentions of Solon, that within three dayes Piſiſtrates and hee had diſpoſed all the youth in the Towne unto a generall revolt unleſſe this Edict was revoked, which would but ruſt their valour.

[Page] Solon ſeeing things ſucceed to his hearts wiſh, reſolved to make uſe of that invention, which was ſuch a wonder unto all Greece, to ſee that man who was ſo highly fam'd for wiſdome, ſhould have recourſe unto fooliſhneſs to compaſſe his project. But for all that, this invention which had paſſed for a piece of extravagancy if it had not hit; was taken for a moſt rare invention, becauſe it did proſper. Since I do not doubt Madam, but you are acquainted with this action of Solon, I ſhall not particularize it unto you; but only tell you in two words, that he having compoſed ſome verſes fit to incite all the youth unto a demand of the Wars continuance againſt the Megarians, he did counterfeit himſelf to be out of his wits, and went unto a great place in Athens where he knew that Piſiſtrates and the Prince of Phoceus were walking with a great number of their Friends. As ſoon as he was there, he got upon a high ſtone Pace where the publique Cryer uſed to publiſh all Proclamations unto the People. He had no ſooner recited thoſe verſes which he had compoſed to incite deſire of War, but Piſiſtates and the Prince of Phoceus clapping their hands, and approving of what he ſayd, and cauſing others to do the like, they went unto every ſtreet, and cryed that this Edict muſt be revoked which was ſo ignominious to the Athenians, and ſo contrary to the Weal publique: They ſpoke with ſuch efficacy, that in leſſe then two hours all the young men of Athens, brave and ſimple did joyne with them; And as young as they were, they ſpoke with ſuch vehemency and authority, that none was ſo hardy as to reſiſt them. So that Madam, this Edict muſt of neceſſity be revoked to appeaſe the Tumult, and begin the Warr: And well may I ſay that Solon, Piſiſtrates, and Peranius only did it.

However, the deſign of Solon having ſo well taken, he became wiſe again the next morning; and ſo well was he known to be ſo, that they conferred upon him the conduct of this Warr, wherein the Prince of Proceus did follow him, and did miracles. But Solon knowing that the rich men of Athens would ſtill murmure at the great charges which this War would put them unto, he found a way how to eaſe them by a piece of policy, in which the Prince of Phoceus did highly ſignall himſelf as well as Piſiſtrates. He went by Sea unto a famous Temple dedicated unto Venus, unto which he knew many Athenian women of quality did reſort; and chooſing out a cunning and truſty fellow, he ſent him unto the Megarians, which were not farr from thence, with Orders to counterfeit the Traytor, [...]in offering them a prize of all thoſe Athenian women, and aſſuring them that they would all be at the Temple of Venus ſuch a time, where they might be all eaſily taken: The plot did take, the Megarians believe the fellow, and come with a ſhip full of Souldiers to the place at the time appointed.

In the mean time, Solon cauſed all the Ladies and women to forbear coming unto that place; and dreſſing a good number of brave youths in the habit of women, he brought them thither, the Prince of Phoceus was of the number; for being both young and as valiant as any Hero, he was very fit for ſuch an Expedition: And placing himſelfe in the front of all theſe ſeeming Ladies, who had all ſwords hidden under great looſe Mantles, which they uſed to weare over their Gowns; He went, according to the orders of Solon, along the water-ſide, ſeeming as if they walked and waited untill the hour of ſacrifice, as it was the ordinary cuſtome of thoſe who came over ſoon.

As ſoon as the Megarians ſaw them, they made all the Saile and Oare they could, and came to the place where they thought they ſaw ſo many Ladies: and landing in all haſt, they came to take away thoſe Ladies, thinking after this, that the Athenians would be glad to treat and make a Peace with them, to redeem their Wives from being ſlaves.

But they were ſufficiently amazed, when the Prince of Phoceus (who was the firſt that fell upon them, ſeeing them come towards him) threw off his Mantle and Hood upon his head, and put himſelfe in a poſture of armed defence: This ſtrange Metamorpheſis did moſt terribly ſurprize them; for he being at that time very faire, one would have ſayd that Venus was in an inſtant turned into Mars.

The change was not particularly in the Prince of Phoceus, for all the reſt in an inſtant followed his example; and the Megarians were ſtrangely terrified, to find ſuch ſtout enemies in lieu of Ladies: They offered a retreat unto their Ship, but the Prince of Phoceus ſeconded by Piſiſtrates, getting betwixt the Sea and them, they paſſed almoſt all upon the point of the ſword after which, being maſter of their ſhip, they made uſe of a ſecond Fallacy, which did thrive as well as the firſt: For imbarquing all their [Page] Souldiers, they went towards Salamine as if they had beene Megarians, and as if they had brought all the Athenian Ladies which they deſigned to fetch: ſo as the Inhabitants of the Iſle never oppoſing their landing, but on the contrary preparing themſelves to receive thoſe in the ſhip, as men who had done them good ſervice, they were extreamly ſurprized to find that they had ſuffered Enemies to land, and more ſurprized to obſerve with what miraculous valour the young Prince of Phoceus did aſſault them. The terrour was ſo great in the Iſle, that Solon arriving in a ſhip preſently after, did ſtrike a deeper terrour amongſt the people; who believing that this ſhip would be ſeconded by a great Fleet, were all ſo damped with a Panique feare, that Piſiſtrates and the Prince of Phoceus became Maſters of the Iſle with much eaſe, and returned unto Athens with more honour, as well as Solon, whoſe wiſdome was crowned with happineſſe, by their valour and his owne contrivance.

This Madam, was the firſt budd of Peranius his valour: ſince that, he hath done a thouſand glorious Acts: There has not been any glorious buſineſs in all Greece wherin he was not one. But the wonder is, he is as well experienced in matters of Sea as Land, and knowes as well how to be a Pilot as a Captain of a ſhip. The truth is Madam, the valour of this Prince is ſuperlative: He hath been ſeen to aſſault whole Navies all lined with Archers; and maugre the thick clouds of Arrows and Darts, hee hath carryed fire, and burned the whole fleet: He hath been ſeen with one ſingle ſhip give chaſe to three others, and take two of them: On the other ſide, he hath been ſeen ſet upon by five, and not taken. Furthermore, what hath he not done both in private and generall Combates, both by Sea and Land? Yet for all this, though he had all the fury of an incenſed ſouldier in his heart and eyes, when there was any ocſion, yet he had all imaginable ſweetnes in the aire of his Countenance & Spirit, when no occaſion was for his valour: And I am able to aſſure you of a truth, that he was as great a lover of the company of Ladies, as of honour: And certainly in his perſon it might be ſeen, that Warr and Love were not incompatible. Indeed he was a lover of all merriments which were the conſequents of Peace, I meane Poetry, Muſique, Painting, and in generall all that belongs to the Muſes. He writes moſt elegantly, either in matters of ſerious, or matters of gallantry; and I am ſure he can both deſcribe a Battle very well, and alſo a combate of Love in his heart if he would declare his paſſion. As for his perſon it is infinitely pleaſing, though his voyages at Sea hath a little blaſted the great beauty of his youth: His ſtature is tall and big, his carriage high and noble; the Aire of his Aſpect, ſmiling and ſerious both, but never was any more ſweet, nor of a greater Civility. The firſt time one ſees him, he commonly ſpeaks little, but there appears ſo much judgment in what he ſpeaks, as it is eaſie to ſee, that if hee would he can ſpeak more, and ſpeak well.

Moreover, one ſhould never heare him ſpeak upon matters of War among women unleſſe he were forced: and much leſſe of any glorious acts which hee had done, for he could not endure that any ſhould commend him. But on the other ſide he was extreamly zealous in commending the valour of others upon all occaſions, and would be juſt even unto his greateſt Enemies. Moreover, he was one of the faithfull friends, and the moſt violent Lover that ever was, and he was as liberall as he was brave; but he was as apt for ambition as love, and no leſſe jealous of his glory then of his Miſtreſſe. Further then this Madam, I have no more to ſay of the Phocean Prince, only that he ſeemed wiſe in all his undertakings, and the impetuoſity of his humour never appeared but only in love and warre; for out of them he was ſo compoſed as it cannot be ſayd there was ever turbulency in his heart or diſorder in his ſpirit. This Madam was the temper of the Phocean Prince: & thus he was, when he heard that his Country was entring into warrs, and he returned to defend it. Though he knew very wel that the Pr: his Uncle was engaged in an ill cauſe, & knew the pretentions of the Prince Thraſibalus to be juſt; yet for all that, ſince it is ſometimes Juſtice to defend thoſe who are unjuſt therfore he went unto Phoceus, & there behaved himſelf, as the Prince Thraſibalus hath acquainted the illuſtrious Cyrus: At his return into his Countrey, he found that his ſiſter named Oneſienta was grown one of the faireſt and moſt a miable perſons that could be ſeen: Yet he was not joyed at the ſight of her, becauſe he found her all in tears, by reaſon of her fears to ſee her country ruined. She would have gone out of the Towne if ſhe could, though ſhe had gone and cloyſtered up her ſelfe [Page] w2ith Meneſteus in the Tombe; but the Country was not open, and there was as much danger in going out of Phoceus, as to tarry in it, ſo as ſhe was forced unto patience: Alſo there being a man of high eſteem & great merit, ſon unto unto one whoſe name was Sfurius, and whoſe own name was Menedorus who was in love with her, I believe it no ſmall reaſon of her ſtay in Phoceus. However, the Town was in a very deplorable condition, when the late Prince of Phoceus, accompanied with Alexideſmus and many enormious perſons who drew the wrath of the Gods upon our Town by leaving it in the night time, without acquainting any, or leaving a Souldier to defend it. You may imagine Madam, how the Inhabitants were amazed at ſuch an accident: At firſt they caſt their eyes upon the Prince Peranius, who would have exhorted them to defend themſelves; but feare of ſervitude quaſhing their ſpirits, he could not prevail: ſo as reſolving in a tumultuous manner to quit their Countrey for the preſervation of their liberty, they intreated this Prince, that he would be pleaſed to be their Generall; telling him, that as his Predeceſſors carryed into Aſia the Collony which built Phoceus, ſo that he would pleaſe to conduct them unto ſome Country, promiſing him moſt exact obedience: He would once more have perſwaded them to defend their walls, but it was impoſſible to perſwade them unto a certain death. Inſomuch as the Prince being forced to yeeld, and chooſing rather to fly then yeeld without blows, as he muſt have done if he did not yeeld unto them, therefore he amuzed the Prince Thraſibalus under colour of a two dayes parley; during which time he tackled up all the Ships in the Port, which was no ſmall number, and in one night loading them with all that was precious in Phoceus, even to the very ſtatues of the Temples, all the people of this ſtately Town embarqued. But Madam, they embarqned in ſuch diſorder and confuſion, that never was a more pittifull ſight to be ſeen, then theſe miſerable Inhabitants loadned with their goods and children, followed by their wives and ſervants, all forſaking their Town with teares, and making the moſt lamentable cryes that ever was heard: Many were ſo haſty in entring into the Ships, as they fell into the Sea, where death quitted them from that ſervitude which they feared.

For my part, I muſt confeſſe, I never ſaw the like; for in lien of prayers which Pilots uſe at leaving the Port for a favourable wind, nothing but a confuſed noiſe of crying Children could be heard; women lamenting, men curſing their hard fortune, and Marriners crying. Whole families might be ſeen ſtriving to get into one ſhip: Friends with Friends, Lovers with Lovers deſired they might periſh together if ſtorms did riſe.

In the mean while the generous Prince who was Generall of this Fleet, having aſſembled moſt of the women of Quality together, he put them into a ſhip that was to be his owne, with the Princeſſe his Siſter, chooſing three hundred of the beſt men for Souldiers. As for Menedorus, he left his Father Sfurius, and was with the Prince of Phoceus, that he might in this generall misfortune be nigh unto her he loved, and mixe his ſighes and ſorrows with hers.

At laſt Madam, all being embarqued, Anchors weyed, and day ready to dawn, the Prince of Phoceus gave command to ſaile towards the Iſle of Chio, hoping the Inhabitants of that Iſle would ſell unto them the uninhabited Iſles which are in that Place, and therefore he made that way. But that you may the better ſee how ſtrangely the feare of ſervitude had poſſeſſed the minds of the Phocean Inhabitants, be pleaſed to know, that they made a publique oath, by which they engaged themſelves never to return again unto their Town; and for teſtimoniall obligation thereof, they caſt into the Sea a heavy piece of Iron, with oath never to return untill that iron did float upon the water again, making a thouſand curfes upon him that ſhould be the firſt propounder of a Return.

This terrible Oath being made, the Fleet ſet forward; but day no ſooner did permit them to diſcern objects, but all this Navy conſiſting of ſo many ſhips, both over-loadned and ill equipped, perceived that contrary winds did riſe with the Sunne. For my part, being in the ſhip with the Prince of Phoceus, I did admire at his experience in the preſages of a ſtorm; for he no ſooner caſt his eyes upon the open Sea, but he knew by the colour only that a Tempeſt was nigh: and indeed the Sea beginning to ſwell upon a ſudden, there was great reaſon to feare that this unhappy fleet would be diſperſed. However, ſince they never uſed any veſſels in our Town but ſuch as had Oars, they went on, notwithſtanding the contrariety of the winds. I need not tell you Madam, [Page] in what a fright this great number of women were who never ſo much as ſaw the Sea before, but as they walked to take the Ayre in a ſerene afternoon, for this was not yet the laſt tempeſt which we found. At laſt Madam, we came to the Iſle of Chio, but in lieu of being received with humanity, they denyed us the entrance into any of their Ports, and were ſo far from ſelling unto the Prince of Phoceus the uninhabited Iſles which belong unto them, and are called the Iſles of Enuſſus, that they looked upon us as Enemies, and told us that they would not admit of ſuch Neighbors which might become ſtronger then themſelves, and might hinder their Commerce: ſo as all we could obtaine from them, was ſome ſuch refreſhments as we ſtood in need of: Thus were we in a moſt deplorable condition. The great courage of the Phocean Prince had a mind to make theſe Inhabitants more pittifull by force, who were ſo cruell as to deny us admittance, which they might ſo eaſily haue granted. But all the ſhip being full of Women, Children, and Servants, and having almoſt no Souldiers, he could not attempt any thing upon them; for though he could eaſily have poſſeſſed himſelf of the Enusſian Iſlands, yet he would not, becauſe it was impoſſible to keep them: So then to Sea again we muſt, not being fully reſolved what courſe to ſteer: But juſt as we were ready to weigh Anchor at the riſing of the Moon, at which hour the Sea commonly is moſt calm, the Pilots of the Ships did ſay, they heard a voyce which bade them goe unto Epheſus, and the Goddeſſe there adored would tell them where they ſhould find a habitation. Theſe Pilots had no ſooner told what they heard, but a confuſed noiſe was heard in every ſhip, which ſayd that this voyce from heaven muſt be obeyed: ſo as though the Prince of Phoceus gave no credite unto what theſe Pilots told him, yet he muſt obey a great number, ſo that to Epheſus we muſt. But ſince it was not a place where this Fleet could ſafely harbour, nor where it was likely they would receive us, I was made choiſe of to waite upon the Princeſs Oneſicrite, who would her ſelfe goe and offer a Sacrifice unto Diana: Indeed, we came to Epheſus in a Boat, and afterwards went unto that famous Temple, where that Goddeſſe is adored, to aske of her what courſe we ſhould take.

As ſoon as the Sacrifice was ended, ſhe who commanded the vayled Virgins, whoſe name was Ariſtonice, came unto Oneſicrite to tell her, that the goddeſſe had appeared during the ſacrifice, and had let her underſtand that ſhe would take us into her protection; That ſhe would have us ſteer our courſe towards the Iſle of Cyrnes, and that from thence we ſhould ſubmit our ſelves unto the conduct of the wind and waves: Adding, that when we were arrived at the Harbour unto which ſhe would conduct us, ſhe would be there adored under the figure of a Statue which ſhe would ſhew us, and which was like unto that in the middle of the Temple, only not ſo great: And to evidence unto you (ſayd Aristonice unto us) that you need not doubt the words of the Goddeſſe whom I ſerve.

I muſt further tell you, that ſhe having abſolutely commanded me to go my ſelfe to found a Temple unto her honour in the place where ſhee intends to conduct your Fleet, I am ready to go with you, and teach you by my example how to truſt unto her promiſes. I muſt confeſſe Madam, that the ſpeech of Ariſtonice did ſurprize me as well as Oneſicrite, and raiſed a greater confidence in me then I had before: For I ſaw one, whom I knew to be a perſon of great vertue and ſpirit, ready to quit her Country, and follow ſtrangers whom ſhe knew not. Moreover, be pleaſed to know, that the phyſiognomy of Ariſtonice was ſo noble, ſo wiſe, and ſo Majeſticall, that ſhe attracted the eyes of all beholders: Alſo there was a great diſpoſition in the Princeſs Oneſicrite to reverence and believe her: And Ariſtonice having aſſembled all the vailed Virgins, ſhe told them that the Goddeſſe had commanded her to goe and build a Temple in a place which ſhe did not know: After which, ſhe ſurrendered her authority over them unto another, and left them, to go with us, waited on only by two of her Companions.

Thus we returned unto our Fleet, who received us with more joy then I am able to expreſſe: The ſtatue of Diana was looked upon by all the People with unexpreſſible raptures of joy, and Ariſtonice was reverenced by all the Fleet, as if ſhe had been the Goddeſſe her ſelfe. This Image of Diana for the ſatisfaction of the multitude, muſt be ſet upon the Poop of the Prince of Phoceus his ſhip, that it might be viſible to all the Fleet. As for the Prince of Phoceus, though a Souldier, yet did he feare and reverence the gods: he honoured Ariſtonice as a woman conſecrated unto them; and [Page] ere long after he admired her as a perſon extraordinary, when he diſcovered the greatneſſe of her ſpirit and vertue.

In the mean time, though he had doubted of the apparition which ſhe ſaid ſhe ſaw, yet he could not chuſe but follow her orders, ſince the multitude had ſo great a confidence in what ſhe ſaid. We ſailed therefore to the Iſle of Cyrne without any obſtacle; for ſince our fleet ſeemed to be a Navy, and that a great one, there was no feare of any Pirats: and from Chio the wind was ſo favourable that we came to Cyrne without the leaſt ruffle of the Sea: Hitherto, the Prince of Phoceus ſubmitted unto the conduct of Ariſtonice without contradiction: But after he had taken in all neceſſaries at that Iſle, ſhe would have perſwaded him that the Pilots muſt ſubmit all unto the wind and waves, and make choiſe of no Courſe but as the wind directed; then his Faith began to ſtagger, and he would never have obeyed, if the multitude ſtronger then he had not compelled him.

Sfurius, who was the moſt conſiderable man in the Fleet next the Prince of Phoceus, was very hardly brought to conſent unto it: Menedorus murmured extreamly, and I muſt needs confeſſe I did what I could to oppoſe it. But the people being all for Ariſtonice, ſubmit we muſt unto the waves, wind, and fortune. All this while Ariſtonice was calm, and had ſuch a ſtrong confidence in the goddeſſe whom ſhe adored, that ſhe doubted not the fulfilling of her promiſes.

Now Madam were we in a ſtrange condition ſince we went we know not whither, and without any deſign but as the wind did waft us: Yet were we in much more deplorable condition; for the gods doubtleſs to puniſh our unbelief, did raiſe a moſt hideous tempeſt: For Madam, the Wind ſeemed to blow from all Coaſts, and the waves were ſo high that they daſhed over all the ſhips. Moreover, darkneſs, thunder, lightning, rayn mingling with waves and winds did all make ſuch a horrid noiſe, that the roaring of the Sea could not be diſtinguiſhed: Now did every one think to periſh, and repented of their truſting too much unto hazard. But as for Ariſtonice in the worſt of the Tempeſt, when the whole Fleet was ready to be diſperſed, and ſhe her ſelfe at the point of periſhing, ſhe kept ſtill in the ſame tranquility and confidence.

As for the Prince of Phoceus, he ſeemed reſolute and conſtant, but it was only out of his great heart which feared not death, and not out of any hopes to eſcape. As for Menedorus, though he did not apprehend the danger in reſpect of himſelf, yet he was not ſo reſolute as the Prince of Phoceus; for his feares of the Princeſs Oneſicrite did fill him ſo full of compaſſion, and he was ſo grieved to ſee her in danger, that if throwing himſelf into the Sea would have calmed the tempeſt, he would willingly have been the victime to appeaſe incenſed Neptune. But amidſt all theſe murmures, Ariſtonice with her ordinary tranquility did ſpeak with the ſame freedom of ſpirit, as if the Seas were all ſerenity and calmneſſe. Poor men that you are (ſaid ſhe unto the murmuring Mariners) though you do not believe my words, yet believe that the ſame Gods which raiſed, can calm this tempeſt, and perhaps make it ſerve to bring you unto a Port: Leave the Rudder to their providence, and be guided by them ſince they are wiſer then you. The truth is Madam, after we had been weather-beaten three whole dayes, our Maſts broken, and our Sailes ſhattered, upon a ſudden the winds ceaſed, the waves abated, the Rain diminiſhed, the Heavens cleered, and the Sun ſhined: ſo as in an inſtant paſſing from an extream roughneſs into a calm ſmoothneſs, hope began to cheer up our hearts: Yet I muſt tell you, our hopes were but weake; for our ſhip was in a very bad condition, and our whole Fleet was extreamly diſperſed, two ſhips were not together, and doubtleſs the happier for us; for had not the winds ſeperated them one from another, they had infallibly fallen foule upon each other and enter-ſhaked. As ſoon as all was calm, Ariſtonice getting upon the Deck, kneeled before the Image of Diana, and in behalf of the whole Fleet thanked that Goddeſs for preſerving them: After which, riſing up, ſhe was the firſt that diſcovered Land. Then ſpeaking with authority as if inſpired by the gods; Courage (ſayd ſhe unto the Prince of Phoceus who was next her) for I ſee the place where Diana will have a new Altar, and where ſhe will find us a moſt ſafe Sanctuary. As ſoon as ſhe had ſayd ſo, the Prince of Phoceus ſpied ſome rocks which ſeemed to confine the Sea; ſo as not knowing whether that Land was Friend or Enemy, they ſteered thither. Since all the Fleet ſtrived to rally together, and endeavoured to repayr every ſhip which the Tempeſt had ſhattered. It was long before we came there, for [Page] the Storm had ſo weather-beaten them, that they were almoſt out of hopes to get unto the Shore, it was ſo far off: but the Marriners being very induſtrious, and life being very ſweet, every one was both laborious and full of invention, ſo as we came neer enough to diſcern a moſt pleaſant Country.

Then we diſcovered very neer us, three little Iſlands almoſt at an equal diſtance from each other, and made a Regular Triangle: where there was a Port able only to receive fifteen or twenty Ships; the Prince of Phoceus made towards theſe Iſles, which were ſeparated from the Continent about thirty Furlongs, that he might there reaſſemble all the Fleet: and from thence ſend to know what Country it was which they ſaw and ſeemed ſo pleaſant at ſuch a diſtance: Since his Pilot had not loſt his Rudder, though he had neither Sayl-yard nor Maſt he cauſed him to Row by ſtrength, and leaving all the reſt of the Ships a good way behind he arrived at theſe Iſles, the Sea being as calm as any Lake. When he was ſo neer to diſcern that they had no Trees, he ſaw come out betwixt theſe Iſles a great Painted and Gilded Bark, whoſe Sayls were Sky-colour, as well as all the Cordage, which had upon the Poop a moſt ſtately Tent, under which were many Ladies and ſome men talking to them. But as the ſight of the Bark rejoyced all that were in the Prince of Phoceus his Ship, ſo this ſhattered bottom moved thoſe that were in this Bark unto compaſſion: but their compaſſion was mixed with ſom wonder; for ſince they eſpyed at that time a great Fleet behind our Ship, we perceived that in lieu of coming to us, they ſent out a little Boat to know who we were. This Encounter being both full of wonder and delight unto us conſidering the ſtate wherin we were, and the need we had of help, the Princeſs Oneſicrite, and all of any quality in the Ship got upon the Deck, and began to look at the Bark with as much Curioſity as they looked at us. But when this little Boat was come up to us, we made ſuch ſigns of Peace unto them as we uſe upon our Seas, not knowing whether or no they underſtood us, we perceiued that the Habit of thoſe three men in it, was altogether unknown unto us. Ariſtonice herſelf, who thought ſhe had ſeen men of all Nations in the World at the Temple of Epheſus, ſhe confeſſed, that ſhe could not imagine of what Country they ſhould be: However, though their Habits were ſomthing barbarous, yet there was ſomthing of handſomneſs in them, as you may judge by thoſe who came with me. But, Madam, the worſt at firſt was, that when they ſpoke unto us we did not underſtand them; ſo as not thinking that men whom we underſtood not, could underſtand us, we began to expreſs our misfotune by ſigns. But one of the three hearing us talk to one another, we much rejoyced to hear him leave that Language which he uſed at firſt, and ask us in Greek of what Country we were? whither we were going, and what Fleet that was behind us? Madam, I cannot eaſily expreſs our joyes; let it ſuffice I tell you, that it was ſo great a wonder that we were almoſt raviſhed out of our wi [...]s: for though it was only the part of the Phocean Prince to anſwer, yet almoſt every one upon the Deck did anſwer ſomthing; Ariſtonice ſayd that Diana conducted them unto their Country: Oneſicrite, that war had driven them from their Country; the Prince of Phoceus ſayd, that fear of ſervitude had chaſed them away: Menedorus, that Tempeſt had caſt them upon their Coaſts, and I think that I ſayd, the Gods did never give them ſuch an excellent Subject to exerciſe all their Virtues, ſaying alſo ſomthing which might intimate unto them the quality of the Phocean Prince, of Oneſicrite, of Menedorus, and of Ariſtonice. But, Madam, all theſe confuſed Anſwers being made, the Prince of Phoceus asked what Country that was? and who was in that ſtately Bark? The man of whom he enquired being of a witty ſpirit, told him in ſhort, that the people which did inhabit it were called the Segoregians: that their Country was bounded on one ſide by another people called the Salian Gaules, on another by the Tectoſages, who inhabit along the Rapid River called the Rhoſne, on another ſide by a Country called the Celtique Gaules, and alſo on another ſide by the Sea towards Africa in the South. He told him afterwards, that the King of the Segoregians was called Senan: That he was a Widdower, that he was come to recreate himſelf ſome dayes at a Caſtle which was very neer that ſhore, and that the Princeſs his Daughter called Cleonisbe, having a deſire to take the Ayre upon the Sea, was in that Bark, and had ſent him to know all things concerning them. The Prince of Phoceus hearing this, deſired him to obtain leave of the Princeſs that he might ſee her, and beſeech her to obtain of the King her Father, a Harbour for ſo many diſtreſſed people, conjuring the man to be their Interpreter: [Page] No no, Sir, (replyed the man) I need not explayn your Languag unto the Princeſs Cleonisbe: For though ſhe live in a Clime farr from where the Arts and Sciences do Reign, yet I aſſure you ſhe ſpeaks Greek that might become Athens. However, ſince I dare not permit you to go unto her without her orders, give me leave to render her an accompt of what ſhe deſires to know: The Prince of Phoceus conſenting unto it, he went back unto the Princeſs Cleonisbe.

On the other ſide, our Fleet perceiving our ſtay, came to us before the Cockboat returned. But Madam, be pleaſed to know, that this man who ſpoke unto us was not born amongſt the Segoregians; but on the contrary was a famous Graecian, who had heretofore undergone the law of Oſtraciſm, and by fortune was driven upon this happy Country where he ſtayed: ſo as giving an accompt unto the Princeſs Cleonisbe of all he heard from the Prince of Phoceus, he told her, as we afterwards knew, that if he were the ſame he ſayd himſelf to be, he was one of the moſt valiant men in the world, adding a thouſand commendums of his perſon: ſo as this Graecian Officer, whoſe name was Hipomenes, ſpeaking very advantageous of the Phocean Prince unto Cleonisbe, as he did of her unto him, I aſſure you they did eſteem, before they knew each other.

In the mean time the Princeſs Oneſicrite, knowing ſhe was to appear before a perſon of ſuch quality commanded her Women to order her weather-beaten Curles a little better, which the impetuoſity of the winds had diſhevel'd. At laſt Madam, Hipomenes having received orders from Cleonisbe, we did not only ſee him, but the Barque alſo came towards us: Yet the Prince of Phoceus durſt not advance before he had received the anſwer of Hipomenes. But as ſoon as he underſtood that the Princeſs Cleonisbe was coming to take him into her Barque with the Princeſs Oneſicrite, Ariſtonice, and all of any quality in his ſhip, he commanded to row in all haſt toward her Barque, ordering that all the Fleet ſhould vail Bonnet and waite untill he had received Orders from the Princeſs unto whom he was going: And to expreſs a great reverence of her, he went in the boat of Hipomenes that he might the ſooner wait upon her, and ſhew his confidence, ſo the Cock-boat went from our Ship unto the Barque which was coming towards us.

But I beſeech you Madam, fancy a little what kind of object it was unto him to ſee this guilded Barque with a magnificent Tent, and waving Flags, in compariſon with his Sea-ſhattered ſhip, weather-beaten with Tempeſt, all torn except the Poop, on which ſtood the Image of Diana. 'Tis true, his Deck was adorned with three admirable perſons, who by their beauty and garb were able to pleaſe any beholder. Indeed, Ariſtonice by the majeſty of her aſpect; Oneſicrite by her rare beauty; and Menedorus by the handſomneſs of his perſon were able to ſtrike admiration into any: But Madam, to let them alone a little, I muſt ſpeak of Cleonisbe, and tell you that ſhe was all our wonder; ſo as when we came firſt unto her Barque, we were not able to judg of her excellencies. Since ſhe was all Curioſity to ſee thoſe whom ſhe was to ſave, ſhe advanced a Pace out of her Tent before the reſt of the Ladies with her, and we eaſily diſcerned which was ſhe before ſhe was named unto us. Fancy Madam, a great perſon, whoſe high and noble ſtature was ſo majeſtick, as one ſhould conceive Pentheſilea to be: but Fancy withall, that though ſhe had the ſtature of that fair and young Amazon who dyed by the hand of Achilles, yet ſhe had not her fierceneſs. But on the contrary, ſhe had ſo much ſweetneſs, and ſo many Charms in her Aſpect, though her mind was high, as it might well be ſayd, that as one could not love her without feare, ſo one could not feare her without love: Since never any had ſo many charms, ſo much modeſty, nor more beauty: Yet Madam, do not fancy Cleonisbies complexion to be of the daſling whiteneſſe, which often hides many a fault, or at leaſt leſſens them. On the contrary her Complexion was black; but ſuch a black ſo uniform and luſtrous, as was the perfecteſt beauty in the world: As for her haire, it was of that colour which ſuits well with all Complexions; neither ſo hard as the blackeſt hue, nor nor ſo yellow as ſome, but the lovely curling brown which ſets off the beauty of her that owns it.

Moreover, Cleonisbe hath the moſt pleaſing uniformity in her face that is imaginable: It cannot be ſayd her face is ovall, or that it is round; but ſuch a juſt proportion of parts as both thoſe kind of faces can give unto an exact beauty. Her mouth was the handſomeſt that ever eye beheld; for it was not onely well made, and her lips [Page] were not only that lovely Carnation which animates beauty, but it had an unexpreſſible Charm, which would perſwade you, though you looked only upon that part, that ſhe muſt of neceſſity be eloquent, and that ſhe had abundance of wit, there being ſuch a kind of little Dimples at the corners of her mouth, and ſuch a kind of ſprighly ſmiling and melancholy together, which alwayes appeared, and forced every one to beleive what ſhe ſayd.

But, Madam, now I have made an imperfect deſcription of Cleonisbe's Stature, Mine, Complexion, Hair, Face, and Mouth; how ſhall I deſcribe her Eyes? yet ſince I am engaged to deſcribe them as well as I can, I muſt tell you, that they are black, great, ſparkling and ſweet, indeed they are ſo ſprightly quick, ſo wonderous modeſt, and ſo ſweetly paſſionate, that they inſpire love in the very hearts of all Beholders: Moreover, they are not ſuch Eyes as uſe to a certain tumultuous ſtirring in them, as will not ſuffer one to judge of them becauſe they are continually changing Objects. But on the contrary, though they be very quick and lively, and though ſhe have moſt penetrating looks with them, yet are they all ſweetneſs and tranquility: Whatſoever ſhe looks upon, ſhe looks upon it applicatively, and without abandoning her extream modeſty which is inſeparable from all her Actions, ſhe never caſts her Eyes off thoſe who ſpeak unto her, and by conſequence doth ſuffer one, to look and admire thoſe million of Charms which are in them: for indeed there appeares in them a miſcellany of Wit, Spirit, Love, Languiſhing, Modeſty, Paſſion, Vivacity, Virtue, Goodneſs, Mirth, Melancholy, Beauty, and Charms. So that, Madam, if you joyn ſuch Eyes as I have deſcribed, unto all the reſt of her Superlative Excellencies which I have related, unto ſuch a buxom Plumpneſs as uſually is in youth, you may eaſily beleive that people who had three daies of tempeſt together, ſeen the Image of death about them, were pleaſingly raviſhed to ſee the admired Cleonisbe on the Deck of her Bark: I cannot think that thoſe of the Iſle of Cyprus, who ſaw Venus in that Magnificent Shell which was both her Cradle and her Ship, did more admire her, then we Cleonisbe. She was that day dreſſed after the African mode: to wit, her hair half looſe, part wherof was brayded with Ribbons of lively Colours behind her head: her Gown which was of Carnation and white was of a very pleaſing Faſhion and Gallant, which without hiding the Comlineſs of her ſtature was very Majeſticall: The Claſpes of this Gown was Lockets of Diamonds, all before, and likewiſe about her ſhoulders: Her Sleeves were half turned up, and ſhewed the hair hands and armes of the wearer, as well as her Neck about which was a rich Carcanet of Diamonds covered with a thin Tiffany. To add ſomthing more of Gallantry unto this little Maritine Triumph: Round about the Tent in which Cleonisbe was, were ſet green boughs whoſe Odor reached us before we came unto the Bark; there might be ſeen a thouſand branches of Orange Trees full of Flowres, mingled with branches of Myrrh, Jeſſemine, and ſuch as making a Canopy over Cleonisbie's head did perfume the Ayre. This miſcellany of Leaves, of Flowers, of Diamonds, and other rich Ornaments, did make a moſt admirable and pleaſing Object.

In the mean time; though we were very attentive in beholding Cleonisbe, yet we obſerved that there was many handſom Ladies with her, and among the men there was one who ſeemed to be of high quality, both by his port and by his habit; and alſo by the Carriage of Cleonisbe towards him. I beſeech you, Madam, pardon me for being ſo tedious in relating how Cleonisbe appeared unto me the firſt time I ſaw her: I wil now acquaint you with Paſſages in the Bark of Cleonisbe, and tell you that the Cock-boat going before us, as ſoon as it came neer enough for the Prince of Phoceus to ſee and be ſeen, he ſaluted her with all posſible Reverence: After which Hipomenes carrying him into the Bark, he carryed him unto this Princeſs, who received him with much Civility. You ſee here, Madam (ſayd he unto her in Greek) an unfortunate Prince, who gives you hearty thanks for keeping all the people of a great City from periſhing: For I am moſt confident that it is your preſence which calmed the incenſed Waves, and cauſed the ſtorms to ceaſe which would have ruin'd us. And, Madam, after my thanks for ſaving the lives of ſo many miſerable Souls and innocent Perſons, I beſeech you out of your goodneſs preſerve them, by obtaining from the King your Father, an entrance into his Ports for our weather-beaten Ships, that he would be pleaſed to lend an Eare unto the cauſe of our Exile▪ unto a relation of our miſeries, that he would afford us ſome comfort in our extremities, and fulfill the promiſes [Page] of a great goddeſſe. Sir, replyed Cleonisbe, I am ſo glad to find an occaſion of helping the miſerable, eſpecially ſuch unfortunates as your ſelfe, that I have much ado to ſay, I am ſorry for your diaſters, ſince they give me a fit occaſion of doing you a good office, and of letting you know, that our Nation is not ſo barbarous as it is believed to be.

In the mean time, ſince I underſtand by Hipomenes that there are Ladies in your Ship, I bſeech you let us go and take them into my Barque, ſince a place wherein they were like to have periſhed cannot be pleaſing unto them: And when we have taken them in, you may ſend orders unto your Fleet to ſhelter themſelves amongſt theſe Iſlands, untill I have preſented you unto the King my Father, and obtained your deſires from him; for let me tell you Sir once more, that I do hold it ſo glorious to do all the good that one is able, as I am confident, that I ſhall be more joyed in protecting you, then my Protection can be profitable to you.

Oh Madam (replyed the Prince of Phoceus, and looked upon her with admiration) is it poſſible to find ſuch a perſon as your ſelfe in the remoteſt parts of the Earth? Can fame be ſo injurious as not to make you known unto Greece, and maugre the huge Sea which ſeparates, make you adored? Thoſe who taught me the Grecian Language, replyed ſhe, and ſmiled, did alſo teach me, that Credite is not alway to be given unto the flatteries of your Nation, and therefore waving your Commendations, I will heare no more of them from a man who queſtionleſs is moſt knowing in all things, ſince he is of that Country, where the ignorance that reigns in ours, is baniſhed.

After this, Cleonisbe ſeeing the Prince of Phoceus his ſhip was neer, ſhe commanded her Barque to meet, and entreated that man of quality who was with her, whoſe name was Bomilcar to go and receive the Princeſs Oneſicrite, and Ariſtonice, and to bring them to her. So as Bomilcar, obeying her with much joy, he was alſo at this time very haſty in his obedience, and went to preſent his hand to Oneſicrite: But ſince that Princeſs would have Ariſtonice go firſt, out of her reverence to the Goddeſs whom ſhe ſerved, Bomiclar did lead her: ſo as Menedorus did help his adored Princeſs out of the Ship, and ſo they went unto the Princeſs Cleonisbe, who was talking with the Prince of Phoceus: Ariſtonice at her going out of the ſhip did ſafely lay up the ſtatue of Diana, and committed the care of it unto ſome truſty men: And the Prince of Phoceus ſent orders that the Father of Menedorus ſhould command the fleet in his abſence. It is not an eaſie matter madam, to relate the reciprocal admirations of Cleonisbe, Oneſicrite, & Ariſtonice: Nor can I verbatim relate the ſpeeches of theſe excellent perſons: therefore I beſeech you Madam diſpence with me, and imagine them. For my part, I was ſo ſurprized to ſee Cleonisbe, and ſo aſtoniſhed to hear her ſpeak, that I could not chuſe but think, ſhe had been either at Athens, or Corinth, or Delphos, or Thebes. I perceived alſo, that her politeneſs had communicated it ſelfe unto almoſt all about her, and that moſt of the Ladies with her had nothing of barbariſm in them. Bomilcar alſo had the Aire of an ingenuous man, and of a great ſoul, ſo as being all wonder, I admired and looked, and looked and admired, and ſaid nothing till we came unto the ſhoar.

In the mean time, I obſerved one amongſt the Ladies, whoſe name was Glacidia, whom Cleonisbe preferred before all the reſt, and addreſſed her talke unto her when ſhe commended the beauty of Oneſicrite, or when ſhe talked of Ariſtonice, and I perceived alſo that the Lady was of no mean merit. And I had alſo time enough to obſerve the agitation which was in the Prince of Phoceus his heart; and to obſerve that, Bomilcar perceived it as well as I did: I heard him ſay unto Glacidia in a low voice and ſmile, that conſidering how this ſtranger doth gaze upon Cleonisbe; it is to be feared that after he hath eſcaped the Tempeſt, he will be ſhip-wrack'd in the Port. If ſuch a misfortune fall upon him (replyed Glacidia, and ſmiled as well as Bomilcar) I ſuppoſe the conformity of your fortune will move you to contract a friendſhip with him. Oh Glacidia, replyed he, you know very well that ſympathy in ſuch miſeries as theſe, do never make the ſufferers to love one another. Thus Madam, I underſtood that Bomilcar was a lover of Cleonisbe, but I could not then diſcover whether he was well or ill treated; becauſe Glacidia taking notice that I might underſtand them becauſe they ſpoke Greek, ſhe turned towards me, and deſired me to tell her in ſhort the condition of our fortunes.

[Page] In the mean time, the nearer we came to the ſhore, the more pleaſant the Country ſeemed, for amongſt a thouſand ſeverall Trees, whereof the Countrey is full, one might ſee upon the right hand great ſterile Rocks, which made the fertility of other places ſeem the greater. There was alſo on the ſame hand, a mountain whoſe bottom was full of ſtately Pines; and upon the top which was very ſteep, ſtood a Tower of an irregular ſtructure, which as ancient as it was, yet was it a great ornament unto that ſide of the Country.

On the other hand, the Country was very plain, yet mingled with little hills, valeys, Rocks, Meadows, Fountains, Rivers, and a hundred pleaſant inequalities of different Scituations, which made the houſes built there very delightfull. Moreover, one might ſee abundance of Olive trees Pomgranet trees, Mircles, Lawrells: and all their Gardens full of Oranges, Geſſimines, and a thouſand other delightfull varieties; I do not think any Country more pleaſant, or where the Sun produceth more ſweet Spring-times, longer Summers, richer Autumns, or ſhorter Winters. The heavens are always clear, the fruits are always good, their Seas are full of fiſh; and the hunters do find ſuch abundance of Game, that be one of what quality or humour one will, there is enough to give full ſatisfaction.

But to return again into the Barque, out of which I wandered to make this deſcription: Give me leave to tell vou Madam, that as ſoon as the Barque was in the Port, we ſaw many Cabins of Fiſhers along the ſhoar ſide, and many houſes diſperſed about the Country, whoſe proſpect was limited by far-off mountains, on the tops of which might ſnow be ſeen, though it ſeldom or never falls in the place where we landed. The Princeſs Cleonisbe having many Coaches waiting for her by the water-ſide, ſhe deſired the Ladies with her to go into ſome of them, and to make room for us, that we might go ſome thirty furlongs unto a Caſtle where ſhe left the King.

But as ſoon as we were all landed, we heard upon a ſudden a great noiſe of horns winded by men which were hunting, and we ſaw a great crew of Hunters, which though ſomething barbarous, yet was pleaſant, and ſomething of magnificence: All the Dogs had great Collers of ſilver ſtudded with gold: The Footmen had every one a kind of ſhell, which they call trumpets, and which they uſe in ſtead of horns, which made a noiſe as ſhrill as the Tritons before Neptune. The Horſ-men had Bowes, Arrows, and Javelins; and for their habits, they were mixed with ſuch variety of lively colours, as could not chooſe but much take the eye. Every one then turning towards the place from whence theſe Hunters came, we ſaw one who ſeemed to be the maſter of all the reſt, and who leaving the multitude which followed him, he came ſtrait towards the Princeſs Cleonisbe, who told the Prince of Phoceus that he who was coming towards them was the Prince Carimantes her Brother. She had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but the Prince alighted from his horſe and came to her, and we ſaw him to be extreamly handſome, and not above four and twenty years of age. When he was near enough to diſcern thoſe who were with Cleonisbe, he was ſurprized, eſpecially when he diſcovered the great Fleet Yet he was not long in his wonder; for the Princeſs Cleoniſbe preſenting unto him this brave, but unhappy company, who had put themſelves under her protectiou: as happy as your Chaſe can be (ſayd ſhe unto him and ſmiled) I am ſure mine upon the Sea is more, and you have not enjoyed more pleaſure all the day, then doubtleſs you will have, in helping me to negotiate unto the King in behalf of theſe excellent perſons which you ſee here, and whom I beſeech you to protect. Oneſicrite being as faire as any eye ever ſaw, ſhe had ſo attracted the eyes and mind of the Prince Carimantes, as he hardly knew what Cleonisbe did ſay unto him. Tis true, he did as much as if he had heard her, for he was ſo full of civilities unto Oneſicrite, the Prince of Phoceus, Ariſtonice, and unto Menedorus, that they had reaſon to be very well ſatisfied.

However, ſince that place was not fit for any long diſcourſe, Carimantes carryed Oneſicrite unto Cleonisbies Coach, telling the Prince of Phoceus, Menedorus, and my ſelfe, that we ſhould go on horſ-back with him; for having at all huntings many ſpare horſes, there was as many as we ſtood in need of: ſo that as ſoon as the Prince of Phoceus had waited upon Cleonisbe unto the Coach where Oneſicrite already was, and that Bomilcar had waited upon Ariſtonice; and that the Coaches began to goe, they all took horſe and followed: The Prince of Phoceus all the way did talke with Carimantes, and acquainted him with the deſolation of his Country, the fortune of their [Page] Armes, the greatneſſe of their Conqueſts, the reſolution of the Phocean Inhabitants; the command of the Goddeſs which is adored at Epheſus; the ſtorm we endured, and the meeting with the Princeſs Cleonisbe, who underſtood the ſame things from Oneſicrite more particularly then ſhe had them from Hipomenes. Though the way was not very long, yet I obſerved Bomilcar to have much ſpirit: A ſpirit ſo full of activity, as one might ſee by his phyſiognomy that he was poſſeſſed with more then one violent paſſion. He asked me a hundred indifferent Queſtions, & enquired very narrowly concerning the Phocean Prince: Alſo I asked Hipomones all that my curioſity did prompt me unto, hoping that ſince he was a Grecian, I might have all good Offices from him: and amongſt the reſt; I asked and deſired him to tell me who Bomilcar was? Sir, ſayd he unto me, he is a man ſo conſiderable in this Court, that he is looked upon as the man who only put an end unto the Warr between the Carthaginians and the Segoregians: For being a very potent man in his own Country, it was by his negotiation doubtleſs, that thoſe two Enemy-Nations are at this time in peace. I beſeech you, ſayd I unto him, is not Bomiclar originally of this Country? No, replyed he, the proud Carthage is the place from whence his Father had his being.

After this, paſſing from one diſcourſe unto another, I underſtood that the King of the Segoregians had no other children but Carimantes, and Cleonisbe; and I underſtood alſo that I was not miſtaken, when I believed Glacidia was much in favour with Cleonisbe; for he told me, that ſhe did very much eſteem and love her; adding, that ſhe very well deſerved this happineſs, becauſe ſhe made uſe of Cleonisbes favour onely to do good offices unto all well qualified men. At the laſt Madam, we came unto the Caſtle where the King was, which was one of the moſt Princely ſeats which ever I ſaw, a ſeate which had a hundred delicate Rivelets and pleaſant Medows about it, and a Proſpect of ſo vaſt an extent towards the Sea, that ones eyes could finde no other limits but their own weakneſs, which would not permit them to diſcern beyond the confines which Nature had preſcribed unto them: In coming to it we ſaw a great Walke ſet on both ſides with Lawrells, above eight hundred paces long. We paſſed through a long aſcent rayled and balliſtred, planted in order with thouſands of Orange Trees, iutermixed with Pomgranets and Cittrons, which pleaſing more then one ſence at once, did perfume the Aire in which we breathed. We ſaw alſo in the midſt of a Garden an admirable ſpring of water which Nature had caſt into an excellent figure, and which did riſe in a murmuring noiſe, and fall again into a little River in a Meadow behind this Garden. We obſerved alſo in coming to this Caſtle, that all the walls of the Court were covered with Mirtle; and that there was a rare border of odoriferous hearbs behind the Caſtle, where one might ſee Arbors of Lawrell, Fountaines and Rivers in moſt admirable method. But our greateſt wonder was, the magnificence within this ſtately houſe, and particularly in the Kings Chamber: Truly Madam, though it was not adorned either with Pictures, or hung with Sydonian Tapiſtry or Purple; yet what we ſaw was much more rich and glorious then any that ever I ſaw: For Madam I beſeech you imagine this Chamber to be the height of the houſe, and one of the moſt raviſhing objects that ever any eye beheld. The walls and roof were enamelled with a kind of irregular Arabian work all of mother of pearl and Corall: The bow of Heaven had not more ſplendant colours then the reflection from the mother of Pearl: and being mingled with Corall of all colours that nature ever produced in the Liguſtique Sea which is not far off, it made the moſt beautifull object in the world. For ſome being white, ſome black, ſome flame-colour, ſome Carnation, ſome Roſecolour, this Miſcellany is impoſſible to be deſcribed: And therefore not to inſiſt long upon it, give me leave to tell you Madam, how the King of Segoregians received us.

Cleonisbe being of no leſs excellency of judgment then ſpirit, ſhe ſent before to acquaint the King with her adventure, as ſoon as ſhe landed, to the end he might not be ſurprized: when we came into the Hall of the Caſtle, Carimantes preſented his hand unto Oneſicrite, who now could not let Ariſtonice go before her, ſo that Bomilcar did lead her. As for the Prince of Phoceus, he preſented his hand unto Cleonisbe, who moſt obligingly told him, that ſince the Prince her Brother would preſent Oneſicrite unto the King, ſhe would do him that good office to preſent him. As for Menedorus, he gave his hand unto Glacidia. Since the King did underſtand the Grecian Language as well as Carimantes and Cleonisbe, he was moſt ſenſibly moved at what [Page] the Prince of Phoceus ſayd unto him; after that the Princeſs his Daughter had preſented him: for though his Speech was but ſhort, yet he told him all our misfortunes, and in few words did ſo explain them as the King might moſt eaſily underſtand and remember them, he made choiſe of ſuch apt words to expreſs our miſeries as the longeſt and moſt Eloquent Oration in the world, could not work more tenderneſs in the hearts of Auditors. To be ſhort, Sir (ſayd the Prince of Phoceus unto the King at the end of his Speech) you ſee heare a company of miſerable men, whom fear of ſervitude hath forced to forſake their Country, who have not one foot of ground to tread upon unleſs you give it them, or unleſs they uſurp it; a weather beaten people, loaded with ſorrows, who have nothing but our liberties and hopes of your favor: nor could wee ever hope unleſs the Princeſs Cleonisbe had promiſed to be our Patroneſs and Mediator to you, and alſo obtained the ſame favour for us from the Prince Carimantes. Thus, Sir, upon you depends our Deſtiny, ſince if you do not permit us entrance into your Ports for our Fleet, we have nothing elſe to do but dye patienly. As the King was ready to anſwer, Ariſtonice began to ſpeak: Sir, ſayd ſhe unto him, give me leave to tell you in all due reverence, that this Tempeſt which hath caſt us upon your Coaſts, hath given you an ample occaſion to ſhew your Virtue in receiving us: It was a great Goddeſs who did conduct us hither; who deſiring to have a Temple erected unto her Glory in your Country, and to be known amongſt your people, hath commanded me to do what I have done.

Take heed, Sir, of incenſing her by rejecting thoſe who are unfortunate, who as miſerable as they are have in their Ships ineſtimable Treaſures, ſince they have there a great number of Virtuons men, men full of wiſdom and knowledge, excellent Artiſts in all things, who have all the Arts and Sciences in their Ships, which they can impart and communicate unto your people: if you will be pleaſed only to allow them ſome Corner of your Country, to build a Temple in, and to enjoy that liberty which hath coſt them their Country. Once more, I adviſe you to beware how you refuſe thoſe Favours which the Gods do offer you, and know that the Goddeſs whom I adore does promiſe you by me, to make your Country ſo famous over all the World, if you receive us favourably, that it ſhall excell all other parts of the World. Ariſtonice ſpoke this with ſo good a grace and ſo much authority, that all the Company were much moved, and eſpecially the King; And he anſwered the Prince of Phoceus and Ariſtonice with all imaginable ſorrow, and preſently conſented that their Fleet ſhould enter into his Ports, upon condition that there ſhould be but a certain number of armed men in every Ship: And as for giving them a place to inhabit, he told them, that he would aſſemble the Sarronides and confer with them.

In the mean time, he would permit them to hope for a favourable anſwer. Since, Madam, this word Sarronides may perhaps be a ſtranger to you: I think it requiſite to tell you that the Sarronides amongſt the Gaules in generall, are very like unto the Magi in Perſia, with this difference that the Magi meddle only in matters of Religion, and the Sarronides in civill matters and particular differences. This ſort of Philoſophers, Prieſts, and Magiſtrates altogether were firſt inſtituted by the third King of the Gaules, named Sarron, who would after his own name have them called Sarronides: yet there were ſome part of the Gaules where they were called Drauides; becauſe in the Raign of one of their Kings, called Druis, he would have them called ſo. They alſo are divided into ſeverall orders, and into ſeverall names, for thoſe who do officiate in Sacrifices, are called Vaces: Thoſe who ſtudy the knowledge of naturall things, are named Eubages, and thoſe who are appointed to ſing the Heroick Actions of virtuous men, are called the Bardes. As for thoſe who bear the name of Sarronides, or Druides, ſince they are the moſt knowing of all, they are called as I ſayd before, unto the Councel of Kings to render Juſtice, to teach the people, and particularly to inſtruct the youth. Tis true, that among the Segonigians all theſe ſeverall names are not uſed, as they are amongſt the Celtique Gaules the Belgique Gaules, and amongſt the Allobroges which are other Gaules: But the name of Sarronides only amongſt this people, doth comprehend them all.

The King then having referred this buſineſs unto his Councel which was compoſed of theſe Sarronides: The Princeſs Cleonisbe ſeemed to be well ſatisfied therewith, aſſuring Oneſicrite that thoſe men who taught humanity unto others, would adviſe the King her Father as ſhe ſhould deſire, promiſing her to ſolicite them in the buſineſs. [Page] Carimantes for his part did promiſe the ſame: Afterwards the King talking one after another with the Prince of Phoceus, Ariſtonice, Oneſicrite, and Menedorus he was ſo extreamly well ſatisfied with them, that he could not chuſe but give them great Commendations. Moreover Madam, we were ſo happy in pleaſing all the Court, as I may well ſay, never ſtrangers were ſo little ſtrangers as we were there: for we found ſuch earneſtneſs to do us good Offices, that there is great reaſon to believe it was the act of the Gods to diſpoſe all hearts unto our good reception.

In the mean time, the King thinking theſe ſtorm-ſhattered people to be in need of reſt, he commanded that the Princeſs Oneſicrite ſhould be carried unto a fair Chamber next Cleonisbies; and that all the reſt of the Ladies with her ſhould be lodged as conveniently as might be, as well as the Prince of Phoceus and Menedorus: Commanding afterwards that all the Fleet ſhould come into the Port which was to little to contain them all: You would wonder, Madam, if I ſhould tell you how carefull Cleoniſbe and Carimantes was, to ſee the King obeyed: for it is hardly credible, that perſons of their Quality ſhould be ſo officious unto ſtrangers whom they knew not; Indeed they gave ſuch expreſs Commands unto all the Kings Officers to wait reſpectively and magnificently upon theſe perſons, as it was apparent their Merits and Misfortunes did much move them unto Compaſſion. Glacidia for her part was ſo full of obliging Acts both towards Oneſicrite and Ariſtonice, and all the reſt of their Company as I ſaw Hipomenes had good cauſe to tell me, that ſhe deſerved the favour of Cleonisbe: for ſhe was ſo full of all goodneſs & ſpirit both, that ſhe purchaſed much eſteem from the Prince of Phoceus. One paſſage hapned that night, which ſince made it evident that the Gods reſolved that the Prince ſhould in a ſhort time get much love, much eſteem, and much friendſhip, amongſt all theſe perſons who knew him ſo little, yet in a little time after loved him ſo much. For, Madam, be pleaſed to know that as ſoon as the Prince of Phoceus knew, Cleonisbe was gon unto her Chamber, he went thither to preſent his firſt viſit and was accompanied with Menedorus: Whilſt Carimantes alſo went to ſee Oneſicrite, the firſt time accompanied with Bomilcar. For my part, I follow'd the Prince of Phoceus, and was a witneſs of his long diſcourſe with Cleonisbe: In going thither, I acquainted him how Glacidia was Cleonisbes Favourite, and from that time he was very carefull to ſpeak ſuch things of her as might be pleaſing after much other diſcourſe, wherin he did very much commend her, and ſayd, that he had obſerved her to be a perſon of much ſpirit and goodneſs. Oh Sir, ſayd ſhe unto him, do not judge ſo ſoon of Glacidia; for I do aſſure you, that in ſo ſhort a time you cannot judge of her without much Injuſtice: ſince it is not poſſible, be as ingenious as you can be, that you ſhould know all her excellent Qualities. I aſſure you, Madam, replyed the Prince of Phoceus, I am confident ſhe hath all ſhe can have, ſince you love her ſo well. That reaſon is not very convincing (replyed Cleonisbe very modeſtly) but to let you ſee that though I live amongſt a people whom the Graecians called barbarous, yet that know who are of merit, I muſt deſcribe Glacidia unto you; I ſhall not ſpeak of her Perſon ſince you know it already, nor ſhall I tell you, that I do commend her moſt for her beauty, though as you ſee, ſhe is fair, pleaſing, and of a [...] ſtature: nor ſhall I acquaint you with the graces of her wit, nor the inexhau [...] treaſure of it, becauſe I will hereafter hear her Elogy from your own mouth: Neither will I tell you how ſhe has a thouſand Excellencies which ſhe never vaunts of, and which out of her modeſty ſhe hides: but let me tell you that her Birth is very Noble, and that never any was more ſolidly generous, nor more truly good: The Quality which I muſt love in Glacidia is, that ſhe is capable of a moſt tender and conſtant friendſhip, and that never any woman living had a Soul leſs byaſſed and intereſted then hers. Though her Fortunes have met with many Rubs, yet ſhe armed herſelf with ſuch an invincible patience, as merits the Commendations of all the wiſe.

In the mean time, her own perplexities did never cauſe any perplexities in any other; for ſhe knew ſo well how to cloſet up her ſorrows in her own heart, that they never appeared either in her eyes, her actions, nor her words: but on the contrary ſhe is continually of ſuch an even temper, as that ſhe ſeems to take delight in every diverſion, even when her heart doth throb the moſt. Moreover the vertue of Glacidia is neither ſevere nor ſalvage: and though ſhe ſeem to be the moſt ſerious perſon in the world, yet none is more knowing in all matters of gallantry then her ſelfe: But the quality which I moſt applaud in her is, her juſtneſſe even to her greateſt Enemies; For [Page] ſhe will commend them when any occaſion is given, with as much earneſt ſincerity, as if they had never diſobliged her.

Furthermore, I muſt acquaint you Sir, that if ever you become one of her Friends, you may be ſure that none dare give you halfe commendations in her preſence; for ſhe is ſo ſenſible and zealous in behalf of them ſhe loves, as ſhe thinks they are never enough applauded: She cannot endure any Raillary upon her Friends: and I aſſure you, there is not any one in the world has a greater number of them then ſhe: For ſince Fortune had carryed her into the Court of the King of Celtes, where ſhe continued a long time, and that ſhe hath been ſince in many ſeverall places, I can aſſure you, ſhe got friends in all of the beſt ſort: And beleive me, replyed the Prince of Phoceus, her merits never got her any whom ſhe eſteems more then your ſelf: Tis true, replyed Cleonisbe, that is her errour; but I am confident that if her quality were above mine, as mine is above hers, ſhe would love me as ſhe doth. Grandure would never change her, but ſhe would be as juſt to me as I am to to her. She is ſo reſerved (added ſhe) that if I had not uſed a little violence upon her, I ſhould not have got her unto this recreation; for ſhe affects home better then the tumults of a Court, which ſhe cannot endure but for my ſake. You repreſent Glacidia ſo advantageouſly Madam, replyed the Prince of Phoceus, that I muſt needs think her loved by all the world: And ſo ſhe is of all that know her, replyed ſhe, but yet I aſſure you ſhe is not prodigall of her friendſhip, though ſhe be ungratefull unto none; for ſhe is very full of acknowledgments, and hates ingratitude as much as marriage, unto which ſhe has a ſtrange averſion. Since you do love her Madam, replyed the Prince of Phoceus, ſhee has need of a gratefull ſoule, if ſhe will acquit her ſelf of ſuch an obliga [...]ion: But Madam, I beſeech you give me leave to beg a pardon in behalf of all Grecians, for the wrong they have done unto your Nation in calling them barbarous, becauſe for ought I ſee they are barbarous themſelves in ſaying it, eſpecially if they ſaw you. No no, replyed Cleonisbe, do not unjuſtly accuſe them, for I muſt confeſſe we are ſo, and I muſt for my own glory confeſs it; ſince if I doe merit any commendations, it is only becauſe being born in a Countrey from where all knowledge is baniſhed, yet I have ſome glimpſes and inclination unto all excellencies. But for you who are of that Countrey where all minds are cultivated with care, where ignorance is a crime, where Politeneſs is generall, and where their diſcourſe is neither groſſe, nor ſtupid, nor rude, how is it poſſible you can accuſtom your ſelfe unto a Court, wherein are ſo few ſociable perſons? You ſee (added ſhe and ſmiled) that in a ſhort time you have purchaſed a great ſhare in my good opinion; ſince one while I tell you that you ſhall not find us ſo barbarous as we are believed, and ſince now I confeſs that we are more then is believed. Oh Madam, ſayd the Prince of Phoceus, thoſe who can ſpeak as you do, cannot be barbarous; I am ſure all Greece would confeſs it, if they had the honour to ſee how you excell them in all things.

As the Prince of Phoceus was ſaying ſo, Carimantes entred with Oneſicrite, who would not ſtay untill the morning without a viſit unto this Princeſs in her Chamber: And Glacidia entring with her, chance did ſo contrive it, that ſhe did ſit next the Prince of Phoceus, who fell inſenſibly to talk with her in a low voyce, whilſt Cleonisbe talked with Oneſicrite, and he told her that Cleonisbe had made ſuch an admirarable deſcription of her, as he could not think her Glaſſe could more perfectly repreſent her face, then ſhe had the beauty of her ſould and mind: I make no queſtion replyed Glacidia, but the Princeſs can make an excellent deſcription; but I have great reaſon to doubt whether that Picture which you ſay ſhe made, do reſemble me; for as thoſe are not the beſt Painters who make pieces like, ſo I think without offence unto the Princeſs, that ſhe hath ſo ſtriven to make Art correct Nature, that ſhe hath done mine not well. But for my part Sir, who have no greater skill in that excellent art then to imitate what I ſee, I could draw her picture better then ſhe mine. To know that, replyed the Prince of Phoceus, you muſt let me ſee it; for I think, that I am already ſo well acquainted with Cleonisbe, that I am able to judg juſtly.

Doubtleſſe you know her beauty, replyed Glacidia, and ſome part of her mind: But Sir, it is impoſſible you ſhould know the height of that merit which is in that excellent Princeſs; and therefore that ſhe may be eſteemed by ſo excellent a man as your ſelfe, I will do her ſo much right as to acquaint you with ſuch things of her as you cannot know without the expences of a long experience: It's not enough replyed the [Page] Prince of Phoceus, to tell me what ſhe is, but I beſeech you let me know how ſhe came to be what I ſee ſhe is? Oh Sir, replyed Glacidia, you muſt ask that of the Gods, and they will tell you, that Cleonisbe is a moſt ſingular perſon. Chance hath ſometimes brought into this Court, men that are well qualified from all parts of the world; and ſince the Peace which Bomilcar hath made with the Carthaginians, there hath been many men of that famous Town amongſt us. But yet for all that, ſince the naturall Genius of our Nation is Warr and hunting, I do aſſure you that Cleonisbe doth merit the glory of that Politeneſſe which is in her, ſince the glimpſes only of her mind have enlightned all the Court: believe it Sir, you will never ſee any whom ſhe cannot imitate: and on the contrary, you will find, that thoſe who have any ſparks of goodneſſe, have them only out of their deſigns of reſembling or pleaſing her. The truth is Sir, ſhe is obliged only unto her ſelfe for what ſhe is, and by prodigy has more divinity then ever was taught her, and all the vertues were born with her. When I ſay all the vertues, I ſay it without any diminution, for I am confident ſhe has them all without exception. I cannot expreſs my delight to heare you ſpeak this of her, replyed the Prince of Phoceus; for I do proteſt, lovely Glacidia, I am already ſo much devoted unto the glory of that Princeſs as I ſhould exceedingly grieve to diſcover any fault in her: I aſſure you, replyed ſhe, you ſhall never grieve at that, for I am moſt confident you will never find any. The truth is, Cleonisbe is generous in the higheſt degree of generoſity: She loves glory above her ſelfe: She is pittifull, even ſo farr as to diſturb her own tranquility to procure it in others: She is all goodneſſe, all tenderneſs and ſweetneſs, and yet her great ſoule is moſt heroique and courageous. Moreover, ſhe ſpeaks with as much judgment as wit, and with as much eloquence as judgment; her very tone and accent doth expreſs part of her goodneſs; for ſhe hath ſuch a kind of feeling and paſſionate ſound in her words, as makes it evident her heart is neither fierce nor proud.

Furthermore, though amity be a quality which is ſeldom found in perſons of her birth and condition, yet it is not ſo with Cleonisbe; for ſhe does ſo cloſely love thoſe whom ſhe thinks worthy of that honour, as I muſt needs commend her for it above all things in the world: The truth is, ſhe is none of thoſe who thinks their quality may diſpence with the true laws of friendſhip, and that equality ought always to be in the minds of ſuch as love truly: But on the contrary: Cleonisbe thinks her ſelf obliged to love as much as any other loves her: ſhe permits one to chide her if ſhe faile in any point of true friendſhip: And ſhe knows ſo well how to put a difference between the King of the Segoregians daughter, and Cleonisbe, that one cannot ſufficiently admire her. Moreover, though the temper of this Princeſs be ſomething inclinable unto melancholy, yet no perſon upon Earth had a ſweeter Jocundry of mind then, ſhe, nor who better pleaſed thoſe unto whom ſhe was freely pleaſed to communicate her ſelfe; and ſhe knew ſo well how to turn any thing which ſhe ſaw or heard in a witty and pleaſant manner, as I do not think any in the world could be more knowing merry then ſhe.

Again, ſhe is liberall after ſo noble a manner, and knew how to make her choiſe with ſo good a grace, that her gifts never moved any to murmure, but ſuch as were unjuſt or envious. As Glacidia ſaid ſo, Bomilcar who was next her, and partly over-heard her, becauſe her zeale made her louder then ſhe intended, he came and told her in her eare, for heavens ſake Glacidia (ſayd he unto her) let time make known unto Cleonisbe, a man who I fear knows her too well already. This ſaying of Bomilcar cauſing Glacidia to laugh, he was moved to grumble a little: But as ſhe was turning again towards the Prince of Phoceus, Cleonisbe began to talk unto her, ſo as their diſcourſe was for that night interrupted, and preſently after, every one returned unto their Chambers. But Hipomenes & I did not part ſo ſoon; for ſince by ſpeaking Greek, we came to be acquainted, and to know that his Father and mine had been old friends, we found many occaſions of diſcourſe. But ſince I knew how much it concerned us to know the ſtate of that Court wherein we were, eſpecially conſidering we hoped for a Sanctuary in it, I carryed him unto the Chamber of the Phocean Prince, who being uery importunate with him to know things, he ſatisfied his curioſity. You come hither Sir (ſayd he unto him) moſt opportunely to ſee this Court in its greateſt glory that ever it can be, and alſo to ſee it in the greateſt diſorder, if the Gods do not give order unto things; for Sir, you muſt know that the Segoregians have a cuſtome [Page] which is peculiar unto themſelves; which is, that the men do never make choiſe of thoſe they are to marry; but it is the women, who make choiſe of their Husbands: and by the Laws of the Country a Father is never to force his Daughter. The ſame Laws do alſo require, that the Daughters of their Kings ſhould have the ſame liberty which others have, and that when they have accompliſhed the age of eighteen years, they are to make choiſe of their Husbands, provided they be of Quality proportionable unto their own: Inſomuch as ſince it is not above two moneths before Cleonisbe be at her age fit to make her Choiſe, all the Grandees in the Kingdome, and alſo of our Neighbors which can pretend unto that honour, are here at this preſent, amongſt which Cleonisbe muſt make one happy, and all the reſt miſerable. For, to be open to you, Bomilcar who has a moſt extream ambitious ſoul, is extreamly in Love with her: A Prince of this Country named Bretomartes is the like: and another Prince amongſt the Celtique Gaules no leſſe then he, whoſe name was Galathes, ſo as in all likelihood theſe three Rivalls will divide the Court. In the mean time, we are all Feaſts and Diverſions in expectation of this grand Feaſt, which muſt be ſo ſad unto many.

Whilſt Hipomenes was thus talking, the Prince of Phoceus did hearken with as much attention as if he had been already intereſted in the choiſe which Cleonisbe was to make. I beſeech you, ſayd he unto him, is it not gueſſed whom the Princeſs will make choiſe of? No Sir, replyed Hipomenes, for ſhe has thus long lived in ſuch a way as makes it believed that ſhe cannot chooſe any to her ſatisfaction; but on the contrary ſeems to be very melancholy ſince ſhe ſees the time of her election draw nigh: Yet certain it is, that ſince ſhe is much obliged unto Bomilcar, it is probable ſhe will make him her Choiſe: For the truth is, he hath behaved himſelf moſt gloriouſly both by Land and Sea, in the ſervice of the King her Father. It was by his only meanes that the Peace was made between the Carthagenians and us: His Father was alſo the cauſe of another Peace, which gave name unto the Princeſs Cleonisbe; for having concluded the Peace by his wiſdome, it chanced ſo that the Segoregian Queen being brought to bed that day of the Princeſs, the King to confirm the alliance between theſe two Nations, did give her two names, to wit, the one of her Country, which was Giptis, and the other of Carthage, which was Cleonisbe. But ſince the laſt of theſe was more agreeable then the firſt, ſhe would always be called by it, ſo as the Carthaginians are ſtill more obliged by it. Bomilcar was much joyed that the Princeſs would bear a name of his Country: But as for her Sir, I do not think ſhe loves any thing but glory; and though ſhe has the free liberty of her Choiſe in her ſelfe, yet ſhe will chooſe none but whom the King would have her. And it is viſible that Bomilcar, Britomartes, and Galathes, do as much Court the King and Carimantes, as they do Cleonisbe: Alſo they are very obſequious to pleaſe Glacidia; but to ſpeak the very truth, all their endeavours that way are to no purpoſe, for ſhe fancied none of their Councells. Since there are abundance of people about the King, replyed the Prince of Phoceus, I doubt you cannot hint unto me which was Britomartes, and which was Galathes. The firſt of theſe replyed Hipomenes, is a great black man, and handſom, who has a ſurly and prod Garb, who ſtood behind the King when you talked with him: And Galathes was he who had a gold chain fixed to the pomell of his ſword, which was a lion of the ſame mettle, who is of a middle ſtature, whoſe hair is faire, the aire of his Countenance very ſweet, and his Garb noble. If theſe two Rivals of Bomilcar replyed the Prince of Phoceus, have minds ſutable unto their bodies, and hearts as high as their Garbs, I conceive they have all three great cauſe both to hope and to feare: Certainly replyed Hipomenes, they are all three perſons of great minds and courage, though they do not reſemble each other.

Britomartes is a man of courage, honeſty, and wit, but there is a mixture of Gauliſh roughneſs in him which does not pleaſe. As for Galathes, doubtleſſe he has a great heart, but ſubtle withall, and I believe that Gaule is able to over-reach a Grecian, he is pleaſing civill and full of flattery: and though his aſpect doth promiſe all the ſincerity which is attributed unto his Nation; yet certainly he is one that doth leaſt diſcover his thoughts. But as for Bomilcar Sir, it may be ſayd, that if ſome of his ambition were taken away, there would be no fault left in him, for he was as valiant as any could be; He is generous, and a moſt zealous friend; he is liberall and civill; he is moſt exact in performance of all his promiſes, ſtriving to be above his promiſe. He is a man of great wit, his frequency in the world, his travells and his naturall [Page] Genius made him able to ſpeak admirably well. But yet for all that, the activity of his temper being joyned unto two moſt violent paſſions, did make him perpetually reſtleſſe, ſo as he was not able to ſtay long in any place, unleſs with Cleonisbe or Glacidia, whom he eſteemed very much: Your character of Bomilcar replyed the Prince of Phoceus, makes me think him fit to be preferred before the other: Yet I am ſure, replyed Hipomenes, that he is in great feare not to be choſen. After this, ſince it was very late, we left the Prince of Phoceus, yet he would not go to bed untill he knew that our Fleet would not depart from the Iſles untill the morning, and then they came into the Harbour a little after the Sun was up.

In the mean while, ſince the beauty of Oneſicrite had moſt ſenſibly touched the heart of Carimantes; and ſince for her ſake he was zealous in the protection of this Phocenſian Collony which had forſaken their Country, he no ſooner knew that Cleonisbe was awake, but he went unto her Chamber, to deſire her, that ſince ſhe was in favour with the chief of the Sarronides, ſhe would go unto him before the King had conſulted with him, and know of him whether theſe ſtrangers were to be received or no, and to perſwade him to let them inhabite in the Land.

Since Cleonisbe had obſerved that the beauty of Oneſicrite had extraordinarily pleaſed Carimantes, ſhe looked upon him and ſmiled: methinks, ſayd ſhe unto him, that in lieu of bidding me go to the chief of the Sarronides, and negotiate for an entertainment of theſe, you had better have bid me negotiate for a ſtay of that faire one only, whom you gazed upon yeſterday with ſo much admiration. Indeed Siſter replyed he, I muſt ingenuouſly confeſſe, that the greateſt part of my compaſſion upon thoſe miſerable ſtrangers doth proceed from the admiration I had of Oneſicrite, whoſe beauty I confeſs hath ſurprized and charmed me. But you may we I think (added he) that I am not deſperately in love with her in ſo ſhort a time, or at leaſt I think ſo: yet I muſt confeſſe unto you, that I do already love her ſo much, that I cannot endure a perſon of her quality and beauty, ſhould after a tempeſtuous ſtorm at Sea be reduced unto ſuch extreamity at Land, as not to know where to inhabite. And therefore ſince my admiration doth beget ſo much pitty in me as that I cannot reſt I conjure you to do as I deſire: And I do proteſt unto you, I am ſo deſirous to effectuate this deſign, that I wiſh with all my heart you were as compaſſionate of the Phocean Prince and his misfortunes, as I am of Cleonisbe and hers: As for matter of compaſſion (replyed Cleonisbe, and ſmiled again) I aſſure you that I am as inclinable to it as you; but I would have it of another nature then yours, which is cauſed rather by the greatneſſe of Oneſicrites beauty, then by the greatneſs of her misfortunes. However, I beſeech you believe, that I have ſo much pitty as willingly to conſent unto your deſires: And in my opinion, it would be advantageous unto the King, that men ſo civilized as theſe whom the Sea has caſt upon us, ſhould qualifie the rudeneſs of this maritine People which inhabite along this Coaſt.

Carimantes being of a hot compoſition, and full of impatience, he told the Princeſs his Siſter that Time was not to be delayed, and therefore ſomething muſt be done immediately; adding that the King muſt not know that ſhe had ſeen him whom they intended to employ in the buſineſs: So that upon a ſerious examination of the buſineſſe, they reſolved that Cleonisbe ſhould ſend for Glacidia, and deſire her to go unto this chief of the Sarronides, who dwelt one part of the yeare at that Tower which was built upon that Mountain which I told you we ſaw upon the right hand as we came from the Iſles unto the Port. But becauſe Carimantes would have Oneſicrite and the Prince of Phoceus know what they did for them; he contrived it ſo by the means of Hipomenes, that I ſhould go with Glacidia to be a witneſſe of what ſhe ſayd: ſo that after ſhe had received her inſtructions from the mouth of the Princeſs, I went along with her in her Coach without any other company but one woman and two footmen, and came to the foot of that Mountain which as I told you was full of Pine trees. When we came there we muſt go on foot, for the Mountain was ſo rocky and uneven, that a Coach could not paſſe: But to avoyd the inconveniency of this rugged way, we found horſes to carry us a foot-way out of the wood and better halfe of the mountain, whoſe [...]op was ſo ſteep the horſes had much ado to climbe it: ſo that Glacidia alighting from the Horſes, we went the reſt of the way on foot, which was not ſo difficult as one would imagine it, by reaſon of a pair of ſtayrs in a Rock which makes the riſe more eaſie, there being at ſeverall diſtances little houſes ſuſtayned by [Page] pillars, wherein thoſe who climb the Rock may reſt themſelves in a ſhade. Thus going by this odd kind of way, I helped Glacidia to climbe; who talked to me ſo pleaſantly, that I climbed this mountain, and never looked back, though it be a naturall action in all that climb, to look down upon a place from whence they came: ſo as ſince we never reſted untill we came unto the laſt of theſe little houſes, which was not above twenty Paces from the Tower, it was only there where I enjoyed the moſt pleaſant proſpect in the world.

The truth is Madam, I do not think that a ſweeter object was ever ſeen then from the height of this mountain: For imagine you ſaw a moſt admirable Port in which was a moſt prodigious number of Ships; and to render the Proſpect more beautifull, imagine a vaſt number of Cabins, which ſeem a long and large City wherein Fiſhers inhabite along the Sea ſide: Beyond which is a moſt pleaſant Country; On the other hand are the three Iſles whereof I ſpake, which pleaſe the eye exceedingly. A little more on the left hand, one may behold barren Rocks, and a County ſo wild and ſavage, as if one were in a Deſart a hundred thouſand Furlongs diſtant from any habitation, but turning on the other ſide, one may behold all oppoſite objects: A Country as fertile as the other is ſterile, and as pleaſant as the other is wild. One may behold Gardens full of Oranges, Meadows, Hils, Valleys, and all that can make a country delightfull: beyond which, might mountains be diſcovered afar off, which ſeemed to be ſo piled one upon another, and in ſuch fantaſticall figures, that they much pleaſed the eye, and did limit the proſpect that way. And look but towards the Sea, and it is very delightfull, becauſe it is continually full of Fiſher-boats.

I beſeech you Madam, pardon my tedious deſcription of this pleaſant Mountaine, where I ſtayed for Glacidia; and to repaire my fault, I ſhall not trouble you with any thing I ſaw in the Tower which ſerved for the habitation of him unto whom we went, whom we found ready to go unto the King, who had ſent for him.

This grave Sarronide, whoſe wiſe and ſerious looks had a mixture both of grandure and pleaſingneſſe in them, did receive Glacidia with all poſſible civility, and ſufficiently teſtified by his expreſſions that he much eſteemed her. But after the firſt Complements were over, and Glacidia had preſented me unto this ſage Sarronide; after ſhe had in few words declared our misfortunes, and had told him the reaſon why Cleonisbe had ſent her unto him, ſhe joyned her perſwaſions unto her prayers, and uſed ſuch Rhetoricall arguments, that though his ſoule had been of the moſt flinty compoſition in the world, ſhe would have melted him into pitty of ſo many miſerable people. Do not think (ſaid he unto her, after ſhe had ſpoken her mind) that all your words were needfull to perſwade me unto what the Princeſs deſires: For I do profeſſe unto you, that as ſoon as ever you began to ſpeak, I was reſolved to do what you deſire, but I muſt confeſſe I took ſo much delight in hearing you, that I could not find a heart to impoſe ſilence: and indeed I was glad to receive inſtructions from you, that I might the better know what arguments to uſe unto the King, and perſwade him unto what you deſire: Oh Father, replyed Glacidia (for ſo out of reverence ſhe termed him) do you not feare to puffe one up into a vanity of conceit by ſpeaking thus? You Sir I ſay, whoſe words are all ſincerity? No, replyed he, never feare it, for I am ſo well acquainted with the ſolidity of your vertue, that I feare no ſuch weakneſs in you. However, you may aſſure the Princeſs that I am ſo infinitely joyed to receive ſuch commands from her, as I can obey with much delight: Tell her further, that I am abundantly ſatisfied to ſee her ſo ſenſible of the miſeries of poor unfortunate people, for humility and compaſſion are Qualities ſo hard to be found in perſons of her Rank, as I cannot enough admire and honour her for it. And therefore Daughter (added he) I adviſe you contribute all your endeavours unto the cheriſhing of ſuch a noble and laudable diſpoſition in her, omit no occaſion of commending her for it or any vertuous quality: and alſo be ſure you blame her boldly and home, when you diſcover any obdurity or inhumanity in her: The truth is, you cannot do her better ſervice, then to infuſe pitty into her ſoule: I know very well, that Cleonisbe needs none of theſe precepts; yet I am ſuch a profeſſed Enemy unto all ſuch as are not ſenſible neither of publique nor private misfortunes, that I do every day tell my ſelfe as much as I deſire you tell Cleonisbe, leſt I ſhould inſenſibly become not compaſſionate enough. And therefore (ſaid he, and turned towards me) do not think I would have Glacidia exhort Cleonisbe unto any goodneſſe becauſe ſhe wants it; but know [Page] that I do it only, becauſe I am perſwaded that Princes & Princeſſes can never have too much of vertue and goodneſs. For to be juſt unto Cleonisbe, I beleive ſhe has all the vertues in a high degree; and that her compaſſion extends it ſelfe ſo far, that ſhe never knew any unfortunate perſon whom ſhe did not pitty and help alſo, if ſhe could. After this, Glacidia confirming what he ſayd, I added what I conceived might be advantageous unto the Prince of Phoceus, the Princeſs Oneſicrite, Ariſtonice, Sfurius, Menedorus, and all the Fleet in generall. Thus Madam, our buſineſſe being well diſpatched, we returned unto the Caſtle to give an account of your voyage unto the Princeſs Cleonisbe, who ſent immediately unto Carimantés to tell him that the chief of the Sarronides was plyant unto his deſires, appointing me to acquaint the Prince of Phoceus, and the Princeſs Oneſicrite what ſhe had done for them.

In the mean time the progreſs of our buſineſs was not ſo ſuddenly reſolved upon: For the King being deſirous to aſſemble many Sarronides to conſult upon ſuch an important buſineſſe, it could not be concluded untill the expiration of eight dayes: not but that he had already conferred with that old wiſe Counſellour with whom Glacidia had ſpoken, yet he would not abſolutely determine any thing before he had aſſembled the Councell, with whom he uſed to reſolve upon matters of great conſequence. In the interim, he treated us exceedingly well, and received all the perſons of any Quality which were in our ſhips, when the Prince of Phoceus preſented them unto him, eſpecially Sfurius: In ſo much, Madam, as therefore being an infinite number of perſons in our Fleet, all the Fiſhers Cabins were full of Greeks, who being very deſirous to be entertained in ſo good a Country, did ſo flatter up their Landlords, and recompence them ſo liberally for every thing they took, that the People did much forward the King in his Reſolutions, and to ſay that he muſt let us live in their Country, which we ſhould make much better then it was: For our ſhips being much better built then theirs, our Arms hanſomer and better wrought; they ſayd that we ſhould better them in their Arts, and teach them the uſe of Olives, whereof that Countrey was full, and which they yet uſed only as an ornament: ſo that in eight dayes all the people were ſo deſirous to have us dwell in their Countrey, that they ſayd aloud, If they would not permit them, they would put fire unto their Ships, and hinder them from going away. But the thing which moſt prompted them unto this reſolution, was a report that there was a great Goddeſs who aſſured them they ſhould be favourably received, and that on the contrary, if they did not receive us, they ſhould be involved into all manner of misfortunes.

In the mean time, this Caſtle of the Kings being neer a great Town, all our perſons of any quality were conveniently lodged: And Madam, whereas it is the cuſtome of all ſtrangers to conform themſelves unto the habit of that Country where they are, it was not ſo with us: but on the contrary, in three days the whole Court was got into the Grecian mode: For there being in our ſhips men of all profeſſions, there needed no more time to ſatisfie the deſires of the Prince Carimantes and the Princeſs Cleonisbe, to leave the habit of their own Country and take ours, which indeed did become them much better then their owne. However, during the eight days which the King took to give a definitive anſwer, the Court was full of Pleaſures and Diverſions: In all which Ariſtonice had no ſhare; for ſhe with her two Companions imployed all the time in prayers unto the Gods to move the Kings heart; ſo as having cauſed the image of Diana which ſhe brought from Epheſus to be put in her Chamber, ſhe was continually at her Devotion whilſt we were all at our Pleaſures.

'Tis true, the Prince of Phoceus and Menedorus, did not reliſh their Pleaſure with a full guſt; for the firſt of theſe felt love to grow in his heart; and the ſecond began to be jealous to ſee how earneſt Carimantes was to pleaſe the Princeſs Oneſicrite. Bomilcar alſo, perceiving that the Prince of Phoceus looked upon Cleonisbe, like a man who was in love with her, had ſome reſtleſſe diſpoſition to wiſh that the King would not permit us to live in the Land. Yet he was ſo generous as not to wiſh our ruine, for I do beleive he was fearfull to incurr the diſpleaſure of Carimantes and Cleonisbe, if he had negotiated any ſuch thing.

On the other ſide, Carimantes having diſcovered that Menedorus was in love with Oneſicrite, and alſo obſerved that ſhe did caſt a favourable eye upon him, was vexed to the heart, that he could not retaine the perſon which pleaſed him, unleſſe he retained the perſon alſo which diſpleaſed him: But in concluſion, ſeeing he could not [Page] loſe the one, but he muſt loſe the other alſo, he choſe rather to endure the ſight of Menedorus, then to loſe the ſight of Oneſicrite. As for Cleonisbe, ſhe took abundance of delight in the converſation of the Phoceus Prince, and in the company of ſo many pleaſing perſons who were with Oneſicrite, and thought her ſelf infinitely happy to ſee in her Fathers Court ſo many men ſo qualified, as ſhe fanc [...]ed all compleat men ought to be.

As for Britomartes and Galathes, they thought upon nothing but how to be choſen by Cleonisbe, when the hoped for time was come; for though the laſt of theſe perceived as well as Bomilcar that the beauty of Cleonisbe had reach'd the Prince of Phoceus his heart, yet he never feared a weather beaten Prince whom a tempeſt had caſt into the Court, could ever prejudice him: Thus he knew that he had a Rivall, and was never troubled at it: And I aſſure you Madam, that Bomilcar and Galathes were not ſo much perplexed to diſcover that the Pr: of Phoceus was in love with Cleonisbe, as the Pr: of Phoceus was at his being in love with that Princeſs; for he was extreamly reſtleſs when he heard all the Sarronides were come, and that the next morning would be the fatall time of the Kings poſitive reſolution, whether they ſhould be entertained or excluded the Country: When he firſt heard this newes, he was with Cleonisbe, whom he courted very aſſiduouſly during all theſe eight dayes; and he was then with her without any other company but Glacidia, who acquainted the Princeſs with the coming of the Sarronides; and I underſtood from that diſcreet Lady how the Prince of Phoceus hearing that he was to receive his doom the next day did bluſh exceedingly; Alſo I underſtood from her, how extreamly his heart was perplexed when he conſidered, that perhaps to morrow he ſhould be for ever baniſhed from his adored Princeſs, in whoſe ſight he took ſuch infinite delight. This thought did not only beget a diſorder in his heart, but it forced him to diſcover ſome part of his thoughts. It is to morrow, Madam, ſayd he unto her, that muſt make me either happy or miſerable, when I ſhall either have a Country which is dearer to me then my own, or ſhall be a vagabond, and a fugitive: But more then that, I muſt have the happineſſe to ſee you all the days of my life, or the miſery to loſe the ſight of you for ever. And truly Madam, if the laſt of theſe be my fate, I ſhall complain againſt the compaſſion which you have had of ſo many miſerable people; and ſhal be ſorry that the Port unto which you brought us, was not a Rock to ſplit our whole Fleet, and ſo diſable us for a departure from that Country, where ſomething is to be ſeen, which doubtleſs cannot be ſeen in any other place of the world: Do not think Madam (ſayd he unto her) that it is the purity of your Ayr, your Sun, your Oranges, your Pomgranats, your Lawrels, your Mirtles are ſuch from wch I ſhould be ſorry to be baniſhed: No Madam, theſe are nothing, but it is from the divine Cleonisbe, who cannot be found in any other place of the world; It is ſhe only that my ſoul cannot depart from, without a ſea of ſorrows. I am very ſenſibly obliged unto you Sir, replyed Cleonisbe, for preferring me before ſo many excellencies which beautifie our Country: and for that the obligations which you think you have unto me for affording you ſome aſſiſtance, ſhould move you unto ſo much friendſhip to me: I aſſure you I accept of your eſteem very kindly, and wiſh with abundance of Paſſion, that the King my Father would do as I would, were I in his place, and which truly I believe he will. Truly Madam, replyed Glacidia, you need not doubt it; for I believe your mediation and the Prince Carimantes will ſo work, that there will be full ſatisfaction unto the Prince of Phoceus. I pray unto the Gods it may, replyed he, yet I cannot chooſe but feare it, and ſhall be in a reſtleſs impatience untill I know the Kings reſolution, aſſuring you Madam (ſaid he unto Cleonisbe) that I never deſired any thing in my life with ſo much zeale as I do, to continue in a Country which is ſo dear unto me. Oh Sir, replyed Cleonisbe, your expreſſions are above beliefe; for I am confident, that if a ſhip ſhould at this very hour arrive from your own Country, which ſhould bring you newes that your Conquerors are conquered, that your Country is out of ſervitude, and that you might ſafely return unto Phoceus, you would return thither with joy, and leave us very willingly. Oh Madam (ſayd he) I cannot be ſo generous as you imagine mee; the love of my Country is not ſo much in my heart as you believe; Yet it is both naturall and juſt to love ones own Country beſt, replyed Glacidia; and to tell you truly, it is to be thought that a Prince who ſeeks for liberty by ſuch a dangerous way as this you take, does prefer his Country before all things elſe whatſover.

[Page] The truth is, replyed he, that when I came from Phoceus, I had ſuch thoughts as I ought to have, and ſuch as you think I have; but it is alſo more true (if there be any difference in truth) that I am now a Phocencean or an Aſian Greek, but all my thoughts run upon your Oranges and Myrtle trees.

If any of us Gauls (replyed Cleonisbe, and ſmiled) ſhould chance to be driven by fortune either into Aſia or Greece, I am ſure our Civility and Complacence would not be ſo great as yours but we ſhould prefer our own Country before all the world. However, added ſhe, I perceive we love ſo well to be flattered, that though we know all obliging expreſſions are not poſitively true, yet we give them a willing hearing: and certainly there are many truths which are nothing ſo pleaſing as this obliging untruth which you now tell me. If what I ſpeak Madam be not a truth, replyed the Prince of Phoceus, then there is no truth in the world. Since none are brought to unſpeak thoſe Prayſes which they give in ſpeaking unto the perſon whom they praiſe, replyed ſhe, I will not preſs you any further to confirm this pleaſing untruth by adding another, or that you ſhould unſpeak it: And therefore I will believe, that ſince you have left none in Phoceus, and ſince all your friends have followed your fortune, you look upon the place where you ſee them as your own Country, where ever it be. I muſt confes Madam, replyed he, that if all the perſons who were here; or if you pleaſe in the Iſle of Cyprus, which is the moſt pleaſant in the world, I ſhould not then ſpeak as I do: Glacidia knowing very well, that Cleonisbe would be very glad that this talk were broken off, becauſe ſhe did not love to be commended to her face, begun to avert it handſomly. Methinks, ſayd ſhe, that what the Princeſs hath ſayd deſerves much conſideration, and that her diſtinction deſerves ſome inquiſition. For truly, I would gladly know whether this affection which every one has unto his own Country, be cauſed by thoſe who inhabit in it; or whether it be the Land, the Sunne, the Aire, the Sea, the Rivers, and the Towns which ſo ties them unto it: and whether it be the living Countrey (if I may call it ſo) or the inanimate Country which moves this great tenderneſſe to it? I know very well (added ſhe, and addreſſed her ſelf unto Cleonisbe) that to ſpeak in generall, theſe two things are joyned together; but ſince it appears by the example of the Phocean Prince, that Fortune hath ſeparated them, ſince all the Inhabitants of Phoceus are here, and the Town of Phoceus where it was, I would gladly know whether if he found an habitation ſo good and convenient as it was, he would deſire to return into his native Country; for if ſo Madam, then it muſt be concluded, it is not only his Kindred and Friends which makes him love his Country, but it is as well the place it ſelfe where he was born, as they.

For my part (replyed Cleonisbe) I am perſwaded that there is a genius, a natural inſtinct which drawes us to affect the places of our Nativity, as well as the perſons which inhabite there: And that our Aire, our Sun, our Sea, and our Land are more really our Country, then our Kindred, Friends, and fellow-Citizens: For truly, our Kindred die, our friends do often faile; our fellow-Citizens are often wicked men, and ſometimes our Perſecutors: But the other things which I named before, they never change for us, and we ought never to change for them. So I conclude, that though to ſpeak of a Country in generall is meant, an aſſembly of People who live in the ſame Land, and under the ſame Laws; yet the moſt indiſſolvable part of a Countrey is the circumſtance of place, and not of perſons, becauſe the one may change and be diſſolved by ſtrange accidents, but the other can never alter; for the ſame Sun which gives Rubies to your Pomgranets, and guilds your Oranges, the very ſame Sun ſhines upon them, and will eternally.

Your arguments Madam, replyed the Prince of Phoceus, are very good, and full of wit, yet my experience tells me it is not ſo alwayes: For I do proteſt that if I could obtaine liberty to dwell here, I ſhould never lament the loſſe of my Country, nor that ſtately Town I quitted, ot any thing elſe which makes ſuch a Country as this unalterable.

For my part, ſayd Glacidia, I am not of your mind; for there is ſuch a ſympathy betwixt my Country and my ſelfe, that I would defend it in every thing, thinking if I ſhould live any where elſe, I ſhould never live at reſt; not that I could eaſier part with my Friends then from our Oranges: but my meaning is, that the Princeſs hath great reaſon to ſay, that we are tyed unto places as well as Perſons; and that a native Country is to be preferred before any other though more pleaſant. I ſhould be extreamly [Page] aſhamed, replyed the Prince of Phoceus, to entertaine thoughts oppoſite to thoſe of a Princeſs ſo wiſe in all things, and unto a perſon ſo judicious as Glacidia; yet I am ſo far from being aſhamed of an opinion which is good, that methinks I merit ſome honour for making my ſelfe a way ſo extraordinary, and for not being capable of ſuch a kind of love unto ones Countrey, as to be tyed unto Rocks and Forreſts.

As the Prince of Phoceus ſayd ſo, Bomilcar entred, unto whom the Princeſs did put the ſame Queſtion, not telling him her opinion, nor Glacidias, nor that of the Phocean Prince; ſo as he ſtudying how to anſwer ſo as might concurr with his thoughts of the Princeſs Cleonisbe: For my part Madam, ſayd he unto her; I am perſwaded that one does naturally love the Land where one was born, and that the Aire Suits beſt with their Conſtitutions, and I believe alſo, that the ſympathy is ſo ſtrong, that nothing can quaſh it, unleſſe ſome violent paſſion, as ambition, or love. Then according to your rule (replyed the Prince of Phoceus faintly) one cannot find any happineſſe in a ſtrange Country, unleſſe ſome reaſon of ambition or love do break thoſe bonds which tye them unto their Country. I am ſo confidently perſwaded of it Sir, replyed Bomilcar, that whenſoever I ſee any ſtranger forget his Country, and not to grieve for being out of it, I always conclude him to have one of thoſe two paſſions in his heart. Bomilcar had no ſooner ſayd ſo, but Cleonisbe bluſhed, and the Prince of Phoceus obſerved her; ſo as ſeeing the change in her face, he was much joyed at it, imagining that ſhe applyed the words of Bomilcar unto her ſelfe: ſo in lieu of contradicting him, he extreamly approved of what he ſayd; Yet it was in ſuch a facetious way, as one would really have thought that he had no ſecret deſign in concurring ſo eaſily unto a thing which he might ſo eaſily have oppoſed. So that Madam, Bomilcar unawares was the firſt who cauſed Cleonisbe to ſuſpect that her heart had ſome ſparks of love for the Prince of Phoceus: And the firſt alſo who gave his new Rivall an occaſion to make her gueſſe at his Paſſion who was the cauſer of it.

However, after he was retired unto his Chamber, he began to think that Bomilcar had good reaſon to ſay nothing was ſo fit to make one forget his Country then to fall into love in a ſtrange Country: his apprehenſions of it was ſo ſtrong, that he could not ſleep, yet his reaſon did muſter up all its forces to oppoſe this growing paſſion, but it was grown too ſtrong already to be overcome. What a fondneſſe is it (ſaid he unto himſelf, as he told me afterwards) to be ſo deſirous of dwelling in a place where I find ſo dangerous a perſon as Cleonisbe? were it not more wiſedom to depart from it as ſoon as ever I could, and by ſhip-wrack to quench thoſe flames which ſcorch me, then hopeleſly to expoſe my ſelfe unto all the torments of Love? Is not Cleonisbe within theſe two moneths to make her choiſe of him whom ſhe pleaſeth to make ſo happy; and can I be ſo far out of my wits as to think ſhe can chooſe me? me I ſay, a deſpicable exile who has neither Countrey, nor a houſe to dwell in; who never did her any ſervice, nor can ſcarcely be admitted to dwell with her. What then ſhould I do, living in a Country where I muſt ſadly ſee her I love, enjoyed either by Bomilcar or Britomartes, or by Galathes? and yet not dare to murmure at it? For what right have I to oppoſe their Pretenſions? No no, I have none, and therefore if I be wiſe, I will depart from a place where I can never be happy, and ſave the King of Segoregians a labour of conſulting with the Sarronides: But doſt thou think of departing, wretched man that thou art, added he, when as thy heart tells thee thou art inſeparably tyed unto the divine Cleonisbe? Why, whilſt thou thinkſt thou haſt ſome ſoveraignty over thy ſoule, thy deſires revolt, thy will mutinies, and thy heart prompts all thy thoughts unto rebellion. Thus Madam, did the Prince of Phoceus ſtrive to reſiſt the inevitable power of Cleonisbes charms: But as I told you, his Paſſion was grown too ſtrong to be quelled. But on the contrary, it did the more increaſe by the reſiſtance of his Reaſon, and he waited untill rhe next morning in a reſtleſſe impatience, which would not permit him to take any reſt: Carimantes for his part was no leſſe impatient then he, did as zealouſly wiſh that Oneſicrite might ſtay there, as the Prince of Phoceus wiſhed for himſelf.

On the other ſide, Menedorus wiſhed themſelves were baniſhed: Bomilcar would not have been ſorry if they were, and Galathes would have been glad of it. Cleonisbe would have been angry at it as well as Glacidia: and Britomartes alone was indifferent in the buſineſſe. Furthermore, though Galathes did not much feare that [Page] the Prince of Phoceus could hurt him, though he were his Rivall, yet he went to ſolicite one of the Sarronides, who was to be of the Kings Councell, and who was much his friend, purpoſely to oblige him in oppoſition to the Phocean Prince, ſuggeſting all the reaſon which might move the King not to receive ſo many ſtrangers into his Country: ſo as ſome ſoliciting for our ſtay, and others endeavouring to oppoſe it, I aſſure you, opinions were never more divided then amongſt all thoſe illuſtrious perſons.

In the meane time, the hour of the Councells Aſſembly being come, Ariſtonice with her Companions went to ſpeak with all the Sarronides one after another: But in lieu of ſoliciting them as men who had much power to help or hinder the ſtay of the Fleet which ſhe demanded; ſhe boldly told them, that it was not in their power to hinder the King from entertaining ſo many illuſtrious unfortunate perſons, whom the Goddeſs ſhe adored had ſent unto them for their glory, and for the happineſs of their Country; and that ſhe came now only to acquaint them, that the firſt favour ſhe would ask, as ſoon as the King had received them, ſhould be to give her a place where ſhe might build a Temple unto the honour of Diana. Ariſtonice ſpoke this with ſuch a confidence, and ſo much majeſty, that they looked upon her with more reſpect then before: and ſince their cuſtom was never to make any great Sacrifice but under Oakes, the propoſition of Ariſtonice did perplex them, fearing to diſpleaſe the Gods whom they adored, by eſtabliſhing a new Religion in their Country. But in concluſion, not knowig themſelves what opinion they were of, they went unto the King in the Councel-chamber, where the Councell was to be held, upon which the deſtiny of ſo many men depended: And there was ſuch a multitude of all ſorts in the Caſtle, that there was not one corner which was not full of Phocenſians and others. But to ſtrengthen our Cauſe, all the Fiſhers which did inhabit along that Coaſt where we landed, hearing that this was the morning on which we were either to be received or rejected, they flocked in great troops into the baſe Court of the Caſtle, and demanded to ſpeak with the King, ſaying aloud that he muſt receive us, and that they would never let men who could inſtruct them in ſo many profitable things go out of their Country.

But the Officers of the Guard having deſired them to ſtay unto the end of the Councell, this croud of Grecians and Segoregians mingled together, which made ſuch a hurly burly, were all quiet in expectation of the Kings reſolution. We underſtood ſince by one of the Sarronides, that the King after he had propoſed the buſineſs unto them, did expreſſe unto the Aſſembly, that he ſhould be exceeding glad (if the good of the State would permit it) to aſſiſt ſo many miſerable people, and give ſanctuary unto ſo many illuſtrious perſons as were amongſt us; yet adding, that he preferred the good of his people before his own inclinations: & that if they thought it dangerous to receive us, he would endeavour to deny his own deſires, and reject us. At the firſt, opinions were divided: But ſince the chiefe of the Sarronides was for us, and being a man of a ſound judgment and wit, he brought all to concur with him, except him whom Galathes had ſolicited. But he, ſince he had the pretence of the publique good to favour the deſigns of his friend, he made uſe of it with abundance of zeale againſt us; and if the chief of the Sarronides had not been as reſolute as he was obſtinate, we had all been baniſhed. For my part Sir, ſayd he unto the King, I know very well that not to conſider the miſeries of thoſe who deſire Sanctuary from you, and to deny their deſires doth ſeem to be a peece of cruelty: But I know alſo, that conſidering the dangerous conſequences which the favour they aske might bring with it if conſenſented unto, there is great reaſon to deny them: For it is not one particular which demands receipt of you; but it is a huge People, who by their multitudes may become terrible to you, and alſo by the abundance of good qualities which are attributed unto them; for the more wit and ſpirit theſe Greeks have, the more they are to be feared, it not being expedient that your Subjects who are faithfull in their ſimplicity ſhould become more knowing by the converſation of ſtrangers, leſt they ſhould grow mutinous. Do you not ſee already Sir how theſe Fiſhers who uſe themſelves only to their Lines and Nets, begin to meddle in matters of State, and will have you entertayn theſe ſtrangers, who begin already to have a ſhare in your authority? Moreover theſe ſtrangers are Rich, they are a warlike People; abundance hath made them luxurious and voluptuous: and it is to be feared, that thoſe who they ſay can teach all the [Page] Arts unto your Subjects, will communicate the vices of their Country unto them alſo: Ignorance and Poverty Sir are good properties to make Subjects obedient: and therefore I conceive that thoſe People who can take from your Subjects theſe two Properties which makes a Soveraign ſo abſolute, ought not to be received without great and ſerious conſideration.

Moreover, the new Religion of theſe ſtrangers will either ſubvert your own, or at leaſt raiſe abundance of ſcruples and errours in the minds of your People. And I know not Sir whether they will ſhake your Throne it ſelfe: ſo that in my opinion, to ſatiſfie the rights of hoſpitality without any danger to your Kingdom, the beſt expedient were to permit theſe Graecians to repayr their Fleet, to give them all things neceſſary for a long voyage, and to let them go and ſeek a Sanctuary ſomewhere elſe; but not to let them inhabit here. This friend unto Galathes was ſo vehement, that ſome of thoſe whom the Prince Sarronide had brought unto his opinion, began to waver, and return unto their firſt thoughts. But this wiſe and good old man, ſeeing their minds began to ſtagger, did anſwer all the reaſons which this friend unto Galathes had delivered. I am not ignorant Sir (ſayd he unto the King) that to conſider the buſineſs in hand with a byaſſed intereſt, there is ſome ſhew of doubt in it: but I am ſure to conſider the true grounds of the buſineſſe, and not to be deluded by appearances, there is all the reaſon in the world to be of my opinion. For Sir, the moſt ancient of all Lawes, and that which ought certainly to be moſt inviolable, is the law of Hoſpitality: and I am not afraid to ſay, that upon ſome occaſions a King may be more culpable in uſing Strangers ill, then in uſing his own Subjects ill.

Moreover, this whole multitude which is uſed as an argument to hinder your Majeſtie from being pittifull, is an argument to oblige you the more unto it, ſince it is more glorious to relieve many then a few.

But to anſwer poſitively unto the objection of Feares which this multitude of perſons may cauſe, I only anſwer thus, that in compariſon of the multitudinous number of your Subjects, theſe ſtrangers are ſo few and weake, as there is no reaſon of any fears in the world: Alſo being of a Country ſo far diſtant from yours, and a Country wherein they have no power, they never dare attempt any thing againſt you, ſince they cannot hope for any relief from any part; and ſince it is a moſt eaſie matter for you to ſuppreſs, whenſoever they ſhall incenſe you. Furthermore, ſince all theſe Grecians have their whole Families in your Land, it may very well be ſayd, that you have moſt ſure hoſtages of their fidelity; ſo as you may with much leſſe danger receive this numerous multitude, then if they were fewer, and had not with them ſuch perſons as are moſt deare unto them, and unable to beare Arms.

Again, I do admire any one of wiſdome ſhould ſay, that the more wit theſe Grecians have, the more they are to be feared: and that Poverty and Ignorance are two neceſſary Qualities to make faithfull Subjects. For truly Sir, my opinion is ſo contrary unto that, as I dare undertake to maintain unto your Majeſtie, that the greateſt care of a Prince ought to be to make his People rich, and to teach them their duty to their King. The truth is, as ignorance will ſometimes keep them under, ſo it will after make them mutiny without a cauſe: It will make People wilfull without reaſon: It will fit them for tumults and ſeditions; it will not let them underſtand their own intereſts: It will ruine themſelves in ruining the State: and for want of knowledg they will ſubvert Kingdoms, fall off from their duty to their Soveraigns, and alſo from their duty to the Gods: So as the link of ſociety being once broken between ſo many perſons whom reaſon ſhould reunite, it muſt of neceſſity follow, there will be an univerſall confuſion which is equally prejudiciall both unto Princes and Subjects. Believe it Sir, the more wit and ingenuity theſe Greeks have, the ſooner you ought to receive them, ſince though they produce no other benefit unto your People, but to communicate their wit and ingenuity unto them, it is a great benefit ſince they will teach them to know their duty. Alſo by teaching your Subjects ſo many admirable Arts, wherein they are knowing, they will baniſh idleneſs out of the Country, which is the moſt abundant cauſe of Revolts. And as to that objection concerning the Fiſhermen, how they ſhould begin already to meddle in matters of State, I muſt anſwer, that this beginning of rebellion, is an argument, one ſhould not give a bruitiſh people any cauſe to know their own ſtrength; ſo therefore, though only in this conſideration I muſt conclude it requiſite to receive the Phocenſians, leaſt by incenſing the Segoregians, [Page] they ſhould come to know what they can do before they know what they ought to do, which is one of the moſt dangerous diviſions that can be amongſt a people.

Again, as for the vices which are feared to grow out of the abundance of riches; Truly me-thinks their fears go too far, in fearing leſt the greateſt good of all goods ſhould ſow evill in an age or two, and it would be much injuſtice to reject men who are eminent in a thouſand vertues, only becauſe they feare leſt the Riches they bring with them ſhould produce ſome one vice which ſometimes does follow them, but are not alwayes Concomitants: alſo I can anſwer, that as Riches and abundance have their vices, ſo poverty and want have theirs alſo. As the one makes men voluptuous, the other alſo makes men ſteal and kill thoſe that are richer then themſelves. Now Sir, as to the buſineſs of Religion (added this ſage Sarronide) I muſt tell your Majeſty, that though I have as much zeale unto my owne as any hath, yet I do believe that humanity is to be found in all Religions in the world; and it were great cruelty to make ſo many miſerable, only becauſe their Religion is different from ours: On the contrary, if we will be indeed zealous in our Religion, we ſhould ſtrive to convert a People who know not the manner of our worſhip, and to perſwade them that our Sacrifices are more perfect then theirs: Thus this argument of Religion which is uſed to hinder ſo many illuſtrious unfortunate People from having a Sanctuary amongſt us, is a ſtrong reaſon why we ſhould grant it unto them.

Alſo according to the univerſall opinion of all the Sarronides, it is not fit for men to judg of things which exceed their underſtandings. but it is their duty to believe, that ſince the Gods do ſuffer men in ſome places to offer unto them innocent victimes, and in other places to ſacrifice men: In other places they bring nothing unto their Altars but Flowers, Fruits, and Incenſe: In ſome places they build Temples unto them; and in other places they are forbidden to build them, and commanded to ſacrifice in woods and hills: And thus it is the pleaſure of the Gods to be adored in a hundred ſeverall manners. For upon a true examination of the matter, and it being agreed on all ſides, that every People do believe that the Gods whom they adore are the makers and maſters of Heaven and Earth, it muſt of neceſſity be concluded that every People do adore one and the ſame God under different names, and in different manners: And as there is but one Sunne in the whole world for all People, ſo alſo there is but one powerfull Divinity which is to be adored over all the earth. So Sir, it is to be feared that you anger the Gods, if your Majeſty ſhould deny a Sanctuary unto men who gave ſo many teſtimonies of Piety, ſince they came amongſt us: ſo as whether you conſider their miſeries, their vertues, the good of your People, or the glory of your Majeſty, I find it moſt requiſite to entertain theſe miſerable men, and to receive them as a happineſſe which the Gods have ſent unto us.

As ſoon as this wiſe Sarronide had ended his Oration, the King did approve of it exceeding well, and there was no further conteſt about the buſineſſe: ſo that the Councell being ended, the King cauſed the Prince of Phoceus, Sfurius, Menedorus. and eight or ten others the moſt conſiderable in their Fleet to be brought in, and told them that he gave them leave to dwell in the Land: and to inhabit in the ſame place where they landed; this Prince conceiving it moſt ſafe for himſelfe to let them live together, and not to diſperſe themſelves into his Dominions, becauſe they would not ſo eaſily perſwade them unto the Religion of their Country.

To tell you Madam how joyed the Prince of Phoceus was, and all the Phocenſians except Menedorus, is more then I am able to do. Nor am I able to deſcribe the joyes of Carimantes, Cleonisbe, Glacidia, and all the Gallants of the Court, except Bomilcar and Galathes. But as their ſatisfaction was great, ſo that of the Fiſhermen was greater: And they expreſſed it by ſuch ſhouts of joy, as did let the King know that the chief of the Sarronides had prudently adviſed him. But amongſt all that rejoyced at the reſolution of the King, Ariſtonice was in the higheſt degree, conceiving her ſelfe very inſtrumentall in the glory of that Goddeſs who had ſo happily guided us. But Madam, not to be over-tedious in particularizing ſo many uſeleſs things unto you, give me leave to tell you, that the next morning the King himſelf ſhewed unto the Prince of Phoceus the extent of that ground, and the place where he would permit us to build And to begin the foundation of this Town with an action of piety, Ariſtonice with her own hand did not only meaſure out the place where ſhe would eerect [Page] a Temple unto Diana which was neer the Sea ſide, but alſo the very place where the Image of that Goddeſs ſhould ſtand. As for the Prince of Phoceus, ſince he ever held Minerva in great veneration having been long at Athens, he ſet out a place for a Temple to be built to that Goddeſs: After which the great multitude of workmen amongſt us, beginning to work by the directions of the Phocean Prince, one might ſee that done in a few dayes which one could not believe feaſable in many moneths. The truth is Madam, the Graecians did work ſo very hard, the Segoregians did help them ſo willingly, and all with ſo much alacrity and ſpeed, that in one moneth and a halfe we had built two Temples, and a great Town. That which did much facilitate, the Country, which though very fertile was yet ſo ſtony, that all our work was to heap ſo many ſtones together as we ſtood in need of. Moreover, ſince the winds do often uſe to beat againſt that mountaine where I told you the chief of the Sarronides did uſe to inhabite one part of the yeare; ſo it chanced that a little while before wee came into that Country, the violence of the winds had ſo beaten down abundance of wood at the foot of this mountain, and wafted the Trees to the ſhoare, that we had nothing more to do but to work them up. You may eaſily imagine, Madam, that this Town was not ſo ſtately built as Babylon or Ecbatan: but yet there was not one Greek who had not a handſom and convenient lodging: There was three publique Market-places in this new built Town, which was much more long then large; becauſe having encloſed all the Fiſhers Cabins within our Circle, we were confined unto that narrowneſs. There was alſo good fountaines and an admirable Port; and though its ſcituation was upon a hanging ground, and conſequently a little inconvenient, becauſe the ſtreets were uneven, yet it was very pleaſant: though the Graecian Architecture was not ſet out in its full ornament; for ſince our Aimes were only for Lodgings; it may be ſaid that they were Cabins regularly built rather then houſes; yet they were very convenient and handſome, and ſeemed Palaces unto Exiles. But Madam, it was a wonder to ſee how the Greek did ſtrive to get the Segoregian language, and how earneſt the Segoregians were to get the Greek, for they did ſuddenly ſo perfectly underſtand each other, that I do not think there is at this time one of the Kings Subjects who does not underſtand Greek, nor one Graecian who does not underſtand the Language of that Country where they now inhabite. As for Ariſtonice, ſhe cloyſtered up her ſelfe within the verge of that Temple which ſhe built as ſoon as ever it was finiſhed: and not medling with any thing but her devotion, ſhee lived in a wonderfull reſtraint.

In the mean time, ſince the Prince of Phoceus knew very well that it was not enough to build a Town, unleſſe it were governed by good & politique Laws, he began to ſettle the order of them: and to avoid all envie amongſt thoſe who had acknowledged him for their head, he appointed a great number unto the tranſaction of publique affayrs, naming the number of ſixe hundred who had determinative voyces in Councell: But for the diſpatch of urgent affayrs he conſtituted a number of fifteen without aſſembling a generall Councell; and of this fifteen there was three with whom he adviſed in matters of ſecreſie according to occaſions. Thus Madam, this Councel conſiſting of ſixe hundred, out of which ſixe hundred was named fifteen, and out of fifteen three, and out of three, one, all which made up but one Authority, was the government of this new Town, whoſe modell I deſire to deſcribe, before I proceed with the love of the Phocean Prince.

Methinks (ſayd Mandana and interrupted him) you have forgot one thing which deſerves ſome curioſity, which is, to tell us whether this Towne was called the new Phoceus, or whether they gave it the name of the Country.

Your queſtion Madam (replyed Thrytemes) is more worthy of Curioſity then you imagine, ſince there hapned a very odd paſſage about it. For Madam, it was never in the power of the Phocean Prince to call this Town Diana's Town, as he intended, but was forced to yeeld unto a multitude, who had got a cuſtome of calling it Marſcilles, having no other reaſon for it, unleſſe the forming that name out of two Greek words corruptively put together, for the one halfe of that name in the Aeolian language ſignifies Fiſher, and the other halfe in the pure Greek ſignifies to tye: But Madam, to interpret the oddneſſe of the thing a little better unto you, be pleaſed to know that when our Fleet came to this Port, a great multitude of Fiſhers were got together to ſee us land: ſo as the Marriners of every ſhip caſting out their Cables, [Page] and knowing them to be Fiſhers, becauſe they had Lines and Nets in their hands, they prayed theſe Fiſhers to tye their Cables unto ſome ſtakes which were upon the ſhore, that they might ſerve in lieu of an Anchor: ſo as the two words which they pronounced at landing, that is to ſay, Fiſher, and tye, which in our Language ſignifie Marſeilles a little corrupted, they would by all meanes have called the name of the Town thereafter. However Madam, cuſtome was ſtronger then Reaſon, and the People more powerfull then the Prince; ſince being Founder of the Town, he was not able to give it the name he deſired; but muſt permit theſe two Greek words which had no reaſonable ſignification; be the name of a Town, the government whereof was conſtituted wholly by reaſon and Prudence. However Madam, I muſt return from whence I digreſſed, and acquaint you with the loves of the Phocean Prince of Carimantes, of Bomilcar, of Menedorus, of Britomartes, and of Galathes, from the time the King permitted us to ſtay in the Country: And Madam, I muſt tell you, that the love of the Phocean Prince to Cleonisbe, and that of Carimantes to Oneſicrite, did extreamly increaſe; for then looking upon the Perſons whom they loved as thoſe whom they ſhould ſee and adore as long as they lived, their Paſſions were the more inflamed: But this did kindle abundance of jealouſie in the heart of Bomilcar, of Galathes, and of Menedorus.

Furthermore, the eſteem which the Princeſs Cleonisbe had already of the Phocean Prince, did abundantly increaſe by acquaintance and the friendſhip which this Prince had with Glacidia, became ſo great in a few dayes, that ſhe did not value Bomilcar who was moſt in her favour, at a higher rate, then ſhe did him.

In the mean while, the Segoregian King being returned unto the Metropolis of his Kingdom, which was not above halfe a dayes journey from the place where we landed, he would by all means have the Prince of Phoceus, after he had given all requiſite orders for the building his new Town to accompany him, with Menedorus, my ſelfe, and many others, Sfurius ſtaying behind as an overſeer of the works.

'Tis true, ſince the diſtance was not far, the Prince of Phoceus went thither very oft; but he always made ſuch haſt, and choſe his hours ſo conveniently, that not a day paſſed but he ſaw Cleonishe, with whom was Oneſicrite, betwixt whom was already an intimate love: Moſt of the Phocenſian Ladies did alſo follow her, ſo as this Court did flouriſh as much as any Court in the world. As for the Prince of Phoceus, he was pleaſing unto the King, and univerſally unto all that ſaw him, as nothing but his merits were talked of, and he became ſo familiar with the Princeſs Cleonisbe, that Bomilcar who had been acquainted with her all his life, was not more: 'Tis true, Glacidia did much contribute unto it; for indeed ſhe was a great admirer of the Phocean Prince, and being a zealous commender of her friends, ſhe continually talked of him to Cleonisbe. Yet ſhe did not commend him only unto her; for ſhe had ever a moſt charitable deſire to unite all her friends as much as ſhe could, and to make them love one another, as well as ſhe did; therefore ſhe ſpake often of the Prince of Phoceus unto Bomilcar, to the end that begetting an eſteem of each other, a friendſhip might grow betwixt them. But Madam, her good intentions did but halfe hit; for though they had all imaginable eſteem of each other outwardly, yet there was an implacable antipathy in their hearts: And I do not think that ever ſince love and ambition did make any Rivalls, there was ever two who mote tated each other, yet lived ſo well together as the Prince of Phoceus and Bomilcar: Doubtleſſe the vertue of Cleonisbe, and the prudence of Glacidia did much contribute to the keeping of Peace and Civility between theſe two Enemies: But moſt certainly, if they had not both been moſt excellently accompliſhed men, they had not agreed ſo well. However, as ſoon as we came to the place where the King did ordinarily reſide, we found nothing but feaſting and pleaſures: and ſince ſtrangers have any where that priviledg to be ſhewed all the diverſions of the Country, it was unto Oneſicrite and the Prince of Phoceus, that the King, Carimantes, and Cleonisbe did ſhew all the delights of the Court: Yet Madam you muſt not imagine their Feaſts to be ſo magnificent as thoſe in the Aſian Courts, nor in the principall Towns of Greece; but for all that, though they ſmelt ſomething of the ruſticity of their firſt inſtitution, yet were they handſom and delightſome: And the admirable ſpirit of the Princeſs Cleonisbe did add much unto their luſtre, though in themſelves they were but meanly magnificent: For truly their greateſt feaſts were thoſe of Bulls, of Shepheards, of Fiſhers, and another which [Page] had moſt of gallantry in it, which they called the feaſt of Flowers, or the triumph of the Sun: The greateſt beauty of the firſt of theſe feaſts, was to ſee four or five hundred Bulls of a prodigious bigneſſe, whoſe horns were painted and guilded who had upon their backs cloaths embroydered with a thouſand ſeverall colours, and about their necks garlands of flowers: So as theſe fierce animals going two by two, and their naturall fierceneſs being moved by a kind of ſhrill harmony which thoſe who drive them do make, they make a ſhow ſo ſtately, that they move much delight, in paſſing under the Kings Palace, where all the Court are that day. After which, out of a ſuperſtition of the Country, they are carryed round about the Town, where the People do offer them little bundles of freſh graſſe; conceiting that if they eate them, they ſhall have a plentifull harveſt, and if they refuſe, then not. But this Feaſt does not end thus; for as ſoon as theſe Bulls have gone the round, they chooſe out twelue of the faireſt and ſtrongeſt of them, and bring them unto a place before the Kings Palace where they are baited. As for the feaſt of Fiſhers, indeed it is very delightfull, as that of the Shepheards; for ſince they are perſons of Quality who make them both, there are a thouſand pleaſant paſſages to be ſeen.

But Madam, I will not trouble you with a deſcription of them: But as for the triumph of the Sun, I beſeech you give me leave to be a little longer in the deſcription of it, becauſe it was this Feaſt which gave all thoſe whoſe hiſtories I relate ſome light to know the thoughts which they had in their hearts. Since we were there at that time of the yeare when they were wont to celebrate this Feaſt, wee were all the diſcourſe of all the Ladies in the Country: every one wiſhing that it might be the Princeſſe Cleonishe, who ſhould receive all their honours: For Madam, be pleaſed to know that ſince the Sun ſhines clearer in that Country then any where elſe, becauſe it is ſeldom or never obſcured by any Clouds, and ſince there are more flowers there, then in any other place of the world, the Inhabitants do believe it their duty to render homage unto that bright Planet: ſo that every year they engrave upon certain little ſhells the names of all the Beauties in the Court, and put them confuſedly together into a great Baſin inlayed with mother of pearl: After which the King puts his hand into the Baſin and draws out one; and the Lady whoſe name is engraved npon that ſhell which the King doth draw, is ſhe who is deſtined to repreſent the Sun, and to receive all the honours which are done unto that glorious Planet which ſhe repreſents.

The day of this Ceremony being come, chance ſeconding the wiſhes of all the Aſſembly, the name of Cleonisbe was found upon the ſhell which the King drew, ſo as it was the office of this Princeſs to receive all the honour of the Feaſt which was to be celebrated eight dayes after, as hereafter I ſhall tell you: Imagine then Madam, that all the great ſtreets in a great Town were all decked up with Garlands of flowers, from the very tops of houſes to the bottom, and all the ground ſtrewed with variety of the ſame flowers, certainly you would conceit this to be a moſt pleaſant object; yet I am moſt confident you cannot imagine it halfe ſo beautifull as it was: However, it being as I tell you, all the Ladies who were not Actors in this Ceremony, ſtood in the windows which were round about the place where it was to be celebrated, in the middeſt of which was erected a Throne, over which was a great Canopie, ſupported by foure pillars, decked with flowers, and wreathed with Mirtle: But the moſt delectable object of all was, that in the midſt of this Canopie was the face of the Sun moſt admirably repreſented unto every beholder. For my part Madam, I muſt ingenuouſly confeſſe, that all I ſaw this day was ſo new unto me, and did ſo exceedingly delight me, as I never in all my life found a more excellent diverſion.

But the hour of beginning the Ceremony being come, I ſaw the gates of the Palace which joyned unto that place to open, and a little Chariot in which was Oneſicrite, appeared, who repreſenting Aurora which is always the Uſher of the Sun, had garments ſutable unto what ſhe repreſented. Her Chariot and Horſes were painted with Aurora colour, reſembling the Sun a little before it appear in our Horizon: ſo as Oneſicrite both young and faire, ſhe really appeared more freſh then Aurora it ſelfe which ſhe repreſented, eſpecially in the eyes of Carimantes and Menedorus, who were both of them more in love with her, and more jealous of each other: But after this Chariot had gone round the place, and vaniſhed out of ſight, the Chariot of Cleonisbe which repreſented the Sun, appeared with ſo much luſter, as I aſſure you [Page] this Princeſs dazled the eyes of all the Aſſembly. And though the brown beauty of Cleonsisbe do not ſeem very fit for the reſemblance of the Sun, yet dark coloured haire did produce the ſame effect that day, as that dusky Azure doth which is about the Sun, when the Heavens are moſt ſerene and cleer, and when that ſplendent Planet is in its greateſt luſtre; for certainly her haire gave a great luſtre unto her. Her Chariot was inlayd with mother of Pearl, and ſtreaks of gold, and done with ſuch art by ſome Grecian Artiſts that were employed, as this Chariot by reaſon of the ſeverall reflection from the mother of Pearl and ſome Topazes which were ſet in ſeverall places, was no leſſe glorious then the Sun it ſelfe: As for Cleonisbe, ſhe was adorned with ſo many Jewels, that her luſtre could hardly be looked upon: And to reſemble the Sun which ſhe repreſented, ſhe wore a ſun of Diamonds upon her head: In one hand ſhe held a veſſell of mother of Pearl full of flowers, as being the chiefe work of that glorious Star: In the other hand ſhe held the reyns of the Horſes, whoſe fineneſs made worthy to draw the Chariot of the Sun. Cleonisbe being then in ſuch ſtate as I have told you, and the day being as faire and glorious as was poſſible, that place was an Epitome of the whole world; and ſhe carryed her ſelfe with ſuch applauſe, that the Aire ecchoed with a million of acclamations.

As for the Prince of Phoceus, he was ſo charmed with the ſight, that if he had not already been in Love, he would now. But after Cleonisbe had gone round the place, ſhe left her Chariot at the foot of the Throne which was prepared for her, upon which ſhe aſcended by the help of four men of quality who ſtood at the bottom of the ſtairs: The dreſſes of theſe four men who repreſented the four ſeaſons of the yeare were very rich. The firſt was Bomilcar, the ſecond Britomartes, the third Galathes, and the fourth the Prince of Phoceus: Thus Cleonisbe when ſhe was upon her throne, ſhe ſaw at her feet four ſlaves, whom Chance had brought together, and whom love had wounded with one and the ſame Arrow. But perhaps Madam, you will aske me why the four ſeaſons of the year was repreſented by men: To which I anſwer that ſince there was not one Beauty who would repreſent Winter, Cuſtom brought it in, that this Feaſt was repreſent by four men. However, Cleonisbe was no ſooner upon her Throne of flowers, but the great Gates of the Palace being opened, there appeared thirty perſons, every one in a ſeverall little Chariot, which came gently one after another to render homage unto Cleonisbe.

But Madam, that you may the better underſtand the nature of this homage, be pleaſed to know, that every one of theſe faire perſons repreſented a ſeverall flower which they made choiſe of according unto their fancies: ſo as theſe Ladies to ſignifie the flowers which they repreſented, had a Crown compoſed of them on their heads, and another in their hands, their Chariots being trimmed up with the ſame flowers.

And to compleat the gallantry of this invention, their habits were of the ſame colours with the flowers which they repreſented, and every one had a banuer on which was a device ſutable: Every banner had a flower printed, and ſome inſcriptions under it: So that Madam, ſince the ſeaſon in which they did celebrate this feaſt, all ſorts of flowers did grow at once in that Country, I am confident a more delightfull ſight could not be ſeen. For I aſſure you Madam, theſe thirty Chariots painted, guilded, and trimmed with flowers, did make a moſt admirable ſhow; and theſe thirty faire ones, whoſe Dreſſes were both gallant and rich, and all crowned with flowers, were beyond all imagination, admirable.

The firſt which came out of the Palace to render homage unto Cleonisbe, was crowned with Orange flowers, the ſecond Roſes, the third Jeſſimine, the fourth Olives, the fifth with Violets, the ſixth with Pomgranets, the ſeventh with Lillies, the eighth with the ninth with Flower-de-luces, and ſo with others: ſo that this lovely Miſcellany of flowrie Crowns worn by theſe Beauties, did make a ſhow beyond all imagination delightfull. As ſoon as theſe Chariots came unto the Throne of the Sun, thoſe Ladies which were to repreſent the flower, wherewith they were crowned, they prepared themſelves to render homage: And preſenting the Crown which they held in their hands unto one of thoſe men who ſtood at the foot of the Throne, offered unto the Sun only ſuch flowers as the ſeaſon which they repreſented, did produce. So, ſince there are Orange flowers in Winter, it was Britomartes who offered the Crown, becauſe he repreſented that ſeaſon. It was the Prince of Phoceus who offered Roſes, becauſe he repreſented the Spring: It was Galathes who offered [Page] the Crown of Olives, becauſe he repreſented Summer: And it was Bomilcar who offered becauſe he repreſented Autumn: For as I have already told you Madam, there is one ſeaſon in that Country, in which they have all manner of flowers together.

In the mean time, as theſe Ladies paſſed before Cleonisbies Throne, they ſaluted her, and tendred unto her their Crowns; and they were heaped one upon another with ſo much Art, That when the laſt of theſe Ladies had offered her Garland, there was ſuch a Trophy of Garlands raiſed unto the glory of Cleonisbe, all whoſe flags were ſet in ſuch order, as the mottoes might eaſily be read. But whilſt all theſe little Chariots paſſed before the Princeſs Cleonisbe, and thoſe within them were doing homage unto her, Muſique compoſed of ſeverall Inſtruments impoſed ſilence upon the People, who made no diſorder, becauſe the place was rayl'd round about, and hindered them. Nor did the heat of the Sun offend; for this Ceremony was not begun, untill it was declining, and moreover the Palace and houſes were ſo high, as they caſt a ſhadow over all the place; and there chanced contrary to the cuſtome of that Country to be ſome little Clouds that day, which made a ſhadow, and one would have ſayd that this bright Planet to honour the Feaſt, had reſigned its luſtre unto Cleonisbe.

In the mean while, according as theſe Chariots paſſed by, they ranged themſelves next the Chariot of Cleonisbe, unto which ſhe went as ſoon as ſhe had received the laſt homage of flowers. The four Seaſons cauſing to be carryed before her that Trophy of Garlands which were offered unto her: After which theſe four Seaſons did follow her every one in a ſtately Chariot, entring with her into the Palace Court: ſo as One ſicrite going firſt in repreſenting the Aurora, the four Seaſons followed the Sun, and the thirty flowers the four Seaſons.

After which Cleonisbe went to offer this Trophy of Garlands at a Church which was at the furtheſt part of the Town, and then returned to the Palace where a Banquet was prepared ſutable to the Feaſt, for it was only of fruits, for the cuſtome was for it to be of no other: Yet was it very admirably ſet out both with rare and excellent fruits, in great abundance and variety, and in moſt exquiſite order. The banquet being ended, they went unto another place, where I ſaw the fineſt ſhow that can be imagined; for indeed Madam, all this glorious Troop followed by all the Court, entered into a great Hall, whoſe ſight ſurprized me beyond my expreſſions.

Suppoſe Madam, this Hall to have all its walls of flowers, and the roof ſupported with pillars of flowers ſo compoſed as if they were marble; and from the roof a thouſand Garlands and Crowns did hang, compoſed of Orange flowers and Jeſſemine: Thus Madam was the place adorned where the Ball was afterwards to be kept; and it was late before the Aſſembly broke up; for ſince all the devices which belonged unto theſe Crowns did furniſh out with much diſcourſe upon them, all the men did ſtrive according to their inclinations to applaud thoſe which beſt pleaſed them: And amongſt the reſt that of Glacidia, who repreſented the Amaranthes, extreamly taking the Prince of Phoceus, he did highly commend her unto Cleonisbe, and told her that Glacidia had good reaſon to make choiſe of that flower which ſhe repreſented, ſince ſhe had given ſuch evident demonſtration of the conſtancy in her affection.

I hope (ſayd Mandana, and interrupted him) that there was none of thoſe thirty Ladies which repreſented thirty ſeverall Flowers, and had thirty ſeverall Devices, which you eſteemed ſo little, as to forget what they were.

Pardon me Madam I beſeech you, replyed Thyrmetes, If I ſhould have received the honour to have ſeen you preſently after this Feaſt, I ſhould have repeated them all; but now at thi [...] time I can only remember two of them, and I think Glacidia repreſented the Amaranthes, with this motto,
I never Change.

For ſince this Flower hath that priviledg never to loſe its beauty nor fade, Glacidia made choiſe of it to expreſs the laſtingneſs of her love to Cleonisbe, and the conſtancy of her heart. Then there was another Lady of Quality, whoſe name was Amathilde, who choſe that day a Crown of Roſes: She was very young and faire, and had ſuch a▪ [Page] conceipt of her own beauty as ſhe would often ſay ſhe would not deſire to live but till twenty years of age, upon condition ſhe were the faireſt in the world: maintayning very peremptorily, that ſhe had much rather dye young, then live long, ſince ſhe could not live long and be faire. ſo as ſuiting her Device unto her humour, and the flower which ſhe repreſented, it was this,
My Reign is ſhort, but beautifull.

Now Madam, I beſeech you excuſe me for the reſt; for the Truth is, I am forced to confeſſe unto my ſhame, that my memory failes me, though I am ſure they were all as full of pleaſant wit as theſe I have named. But to return from whence I digreſſed, give me leave to tell you Madam, that the Prince of Phoceus beginning to commend Glacidia unto Cleonisbe: Truly Madam, ſayd he unto her, Glacidia is very happy in being loved by one who knows ſo well how to proportion her love according to the merits of every one: But I muſt tell you alſo, that thoſe who are conſcious of their own mirth, are very unhappy; for to live without hopes of your eſteem, is a moſt unexpreſſible torment. Thoſe who are not worthy of my eſteem (replyed Cleonisbe; and ſmiled) do value it ſo little, as it's likely the deprivation of it never troubles them: and therefore you employ your compaſſion very ill, if you pitty ſuch as are no ſufferers, and ſuch perhaps as you know not. I aſſure you Madam, replyed he, I know one who has moſt ſtrange apprehenſions and fears of not obtaining this glorious eſteem whereof I ſpeak: Then they muſt needs have an ill opinion either of me, or of themſelves, replyed Cleonisbe: I cannot tell Madam, replyed the Prince of Phoceus, whether or no they have a bad opinion of themſelves, but I am ſure they have a very good one of you.

As Cleonisbe was ready to reply, Bomilcar according to the liberty of the Ball, did take her out to dance, which did much vexe the Prince of Phoceus; yet it was not long before he had his revenge in the ſame nature; for after Clonisbe had danced, and Bomilcar had talked a while with her, he took out Cleonisbe to dance from Bomilcar, as Bomilcar took her from him.

In the mean while, Galathes and Britomartes who had alſo their Pretenſions, did both of them eaſily obſerve with what an Ayr Bomilcar and the Prince of Phoceus behaved themſelves in the buſineſs, ſo as equally to hinder both, they both applyed themſelves unto the Princeſs, and would not leave her; ſo as all the reſt of that day none of all the four could ſpeak unto her in private. Though the Prince of Phoceus was an abſolute Maſter of himſelfe when he pleaſed, unleſſe ſince he was in Love, yet he ſpake but very little, fearing leaſt he ſhould ſpeak too much, and more then he would have either his Miſtreſs or his Rivals to know. But as for Bomilcar, his tongue wasfreer, and he uttered many things, which gave Cleonisbe to underſtand that he was jealous of the Phocean Prince, though he gave no ſuch language as could anger either her or him: As for Britomartes, who was of a more ſincere ſpirit, and never gloſſed over any hidden meaning, he ſet no watch over his words. But as for Galathes, the Prince of Phoceus did eaſily perceive that he underſtood Bomilcar as well as him, and that his Paſſion was not unknown unto him.

On the other ſide, Menedorus, he was not without his ingenuities; for the Prince Carimantes having thought Aurora that day to be fairer then the Sun it ſelfe, he was continually with Oneſicrite, and talked with her with much delight, whilſt Menedorus durſt not diſturb them. Oneſicrite, who obſerved the diſorder of Menedorus, had a deſire to break of this diſcourſe; but it was not fit ſhe ſhould be uncivill unto the Son of a King, who had given them a being in his Country; ſo as ſhe being diſordered as well as Menedorus, Carimantes perceived that her ſpirit was diſtempered in her diſcourſe, and did gueſs the reaſon. Yet he had no mind that Oneſicrite ſhould perceive he knew the cauſe of that perplexity which appeared in her eyes and mind, whether ſhe would or no; but on the contrary, deſiring to put it off upon ſome other cauſe. I perceive Madam, ſayd he unto her, that our Feaſts and Diverſions do not pleaſe you ſo well as thoſe of your own Country: and I ſee their ſimplicity is not witty and gallant enough for your ſublime fancy: And Madam, the truth is, [Page] you have great reaſon to complayn againſt the Lot which is uſed at this Feaſt; for indeed it was fit you ſhould have had the place of Cleonisbe. Oh Sir, replyvd Oneſicrite, you do me the greateſt wrong in the world, if you think I am not infinitely well pleaſed with every thing I ſee here; and you are extreamly unjuſt to ſay that I ſhould have the Princeſs Cleonisbes place: you would be much more equitable if you would ſay I did not merit that which I had: For really, Aurora is a thing ſo glorious, as it may well be ſayd. I had abundance of vanity in me, in daring to repreſent it: For my part, replyed Carimantes, I dare confidently affirm, that if Aurora be as glorious as your ſelfe, ſhe deſerves as many ſacrifices as the Sun. Nor do I think (ſayd he and ſmiled) that you would not ſpeak as you do, but becauſe you do not often ſee Aurora. 'Tis very true, replyed Oneſicrite, I do ſee the Sun oftner then I do Aurora, and am fitter to judg of the nights beauty then it. Oh fie Madam, replyed Carimantes, ceaſe to be ſo unjuſt: And believe as I do, that you are abſolutely the faireſt perſon in the world: And believe, I beſeech you withall, that there is no man upon Earth does more admire and adore you then I do. I would I could perſwade my ſelfe of what you ſpeak Sir, replyed ſhe: But when I caſt my eyes upon ſo many ſuperlative Beauties as here are, and remember what my Glaſſe ſhews unto me every day, it is impoſſible any ſuch pleaſing flatteries ſhould adde any Joyes unto me: So Sir, ſince I am forced not to believe you, I am extreamly ſorry that I cannot be what you ſay I am: Oh Madam (ſayd Carimantes and interrupted her) if you have never any greater cauſe of ſorrow, then at finding your ſelf not lovely enough, you will be ever the happieſt perſon alive: I wiſh to the gods you could as well know thoſe who love and adore you, as you may know the Charms which force them unto it: Carimantes pronounced theſe words with ſo much vehemence, as it was eaſie for Oneſicrite to perceive that he was Love-ſick.

But ſince ſhe would return him no anſwer, and ſince Amathilde after ſhee had danced, did come and mingle diſcourſe with them: but Menedorus was in ſuch anguiſh of mind, as it was evident he found no great joy in the Feaſt.

In the mean while, Cleonisbe having about her the Prince of Phoceus, Bomilcar, Galathes, and Britomartes, ſhe did ſo plainly perceive the ſecret thoughts of their hearts, as that ſhe was much diſquieted at them: She obſerved alſo, that though there was a great averſion between all theſe foure Rivalls, yet the feud was much more violent between the Prince of Phoceus and Bomilcar, then betwixt any of the reſt, though ſhe yet obſerved, that they did infinitely eſteem of each other.

Moreover Glacidia, whom ſhe called unto he, did know all this as well as ſhe did. Thus this feaſt of Flowers did much encreaſe the Loves and Jealouſies of all theſe Rivalls, and made all their thoughts known unto Cleonisbe. But ſince it grew late, all this faire company broke up, every one carrying with them ſeverall thoughts.

Moreover Madam, as it is the common courſe of the world to ſee a miſcellany of Joys and ſorrows ſucceding each other, News was brought the next morning that the Salique Gaules which bordered upon the Segoregians,, and had taken Arms under the pretence of a War with the Tectoſages, had now made an eruption into their Frontiers, and had poſſeſſed themſelves of a very conſiderable Caſtle: Inſomuch as the King having no Armie in readineſs, was a little ſurprized at the news. Yet ſince the Gaules are all even born Souldiers, there needed no more but to aſſemble ſo many men together, and to have a well-compoſed Army. Furthermore, the Prince of Phoceus deſiring to embrace ſo fit an occaſion of teſtifying his Zeale and Courage here, did offer the King all the Graecians in his new built Town; telling him it was but juſt, that thoſe men who had their beings from him, ſhould expoſe their lives in his ſervice: And indeed, the King having great hopes in our ſuccours, becauſe we were better armed then his Subjects or his Enemies, did accept of the of [...]er from the Prince of Phoceus, at which neither Bomilcar, Galathes, nor Britomartes was very glad.

In the mean time, ſince the time of Cleonisbes choiſe of a Husband did draw nigh, they could not believe that the Prince of Phoceus was or could be in any capacity of being choſen, nor that the Princeſs her ſelfe durſt chooſe him, though ſhe had a mind unto it. For the truth is Madam, though the Law do give her the freedom of her choiſe, yet commonly they never chooſe any but by appointment.

[Page] But not to inſiſt too long upon this, let me tell you Madam, that the Prince of Phoceus had ſuch a deſire to ſerve the Segeregian King, as he left in Marſeilles, only old men, women and children, forcing all the reſt of what profeſſion or quality ſoever they were, to take up Arms and follow him, though their new Town was not yet quite finiſhed.

Furthermore, the King, Carimantes, Bomilcar, Galathes and Britomartes muſtering all the men they could, the Army was very conſiderable: But ſince we were better experienced in military Arts then any of them, except Bomilcar, the Prince of Phoceus got great reputation in the firſt Councell of Warre, wherein alſo Sfurius and Menedorus did worthily acquit themſelves.

But Madam, becauſe I will not be too tedious in particularizing a Warr which laſted not above fifteen dayes; give me leave to tell you, that the Army marched towards the Enemy: That the King regained the Caſtle which the Enemy had taken: that he repulſed them; & entring into their Country, he forced them to beg conditions of Peace which themſelves had broken: For the naturall Genius of that Nation is, to be ſoon appeaſed and ſoon incenſed: and thoſe who ground great hopes in their diviſions, do often find themſelves miſtaken. However Madam, give me leave to tell you, that the Prince of Phoceus did miracles, ſuch as got him the reputation of one of the moſt valiant men in the world. Bomilcar alſo carryed himſelfe ſo excellently as the Prince of Phoceus did much eſteem him; but this eſteem was ſo farr from leſſening the averſion which was between them, that it did the more encreaſe it: Britomartes alſo and Galathes did ſignalize themſelves: Carimantes and Menedorus did fight like men that would have Fame ſpeak loud of them unto Oneſicrite: And I aſſure you Madam all the Princes returned back unto Cleonisbe with abundance of glory; And ſhe her ſelfe did gallantly tell them when they returned, that though Lawrells were very plentifull in her Country, yet ſhe did not think there were enough to make ſo many Crowns as they deſerved. However, maugre the averſion which was between the Prince of Phoceus and Bomilcar they ſpoke very worthily of each other, and did equall Juſtice unto both their vertues. But as for Galathes, whoſe thoughts were different from theirs, and thought it not fit even to commend a Rivall, he ſpoke not one good word of them, but turned them all into Commendums of the Prince Carimantes.

As for Britomartes, he was more ſincere, and ſpoke of things according to his knowledg: Alſo believing that he ſhould be the man who ſhould be choſen, becauſe he was of that Country; As his hopes were more, ſo his jealouſie was leſſe: But that which was the greateſt advantage unto the Prince of Phoceus, was, that the King did really think himſelfe indebted for the happy ſucceſſe of this War, not only unto his peculiar valour, but alſo unto the valour of his Troops: And the very truth is, every one of them had ſuch an earneſt deſire to teſtifie their acknowledgment unto the King who had given them a harbour, that they did things beyond all imagination; And he ſpoke ſo advantageouſly of them unto Cleonisbe, as ſhe thought her ſelfe obliged to look kindly upon the Prince of Phoceus, and tell him of it: But ſince never man living was in a higher degree modeſt, which is an infallible mark of heroique valour, he reverently rejected thoſe applauds which ſhe gave him, and gave her others in ſuch a paſſionate way, that ſhe repented ſhe ever began to commend him, though ſhe did not repent of her eſteeming him, but on the contrary did eſteem him much more. But Madam, give mee leave to tell you in the firſt place; that ſince our return to the Court, there grew ſo great a league of amity betwixt the Prince of Phoceus and Glaoidia, and between Glacidia and Bomilcar, that it may very well be ſayd that Cleonisbe did not love her better then theſe two Rivalls did; and that ſhe loved Cleonisbe no better then ſhe loved them: One might alſo ſay, that Fate had a deſign to have it ſo, for a hundred ſeverall chances hapned which did ſo oblige them all unto it, as they could not deny their friendſhip without ingratitude. By this Madam you may imagine that unleſſe ſhe had been a woman of extraordinary prudence, ſhe could never have long continued a frien [...] unto two men who were both Rivals, Enemies, and of ambitious ſpirits, who wiſhed both of them for the ſame things, and who thought they could never be happy but by the ruine of one another: yet Glacidia did carry her ſelfe ſo exceeding well between them as ſhe never had the leaſt [...]quabble with either of them: And the truth is, ſhee was ſo [Page] exactly faithfull both unto them and unto Cleonisbe; that though ſhe knew very well what the Princeſs thought of the Phocean Prince, of Bomilcar: and though ſhe knew what thoſe two Rivals thought of each other, and alſo knew the paſſions of their ſoules, ſhe never told any thing but what might contribute unto their ſafety, ſatisfaction, and glory; carrying her ſelfe ſo exactly even, that ſhe never gave any of them any cauſe to ſuſpect ſhe had any thoughts which ſhe concealed: And I aſſure you, that but for her, there had been ſome fatall Quarrels between two men in whom both love & hatred was ſo high. But they were both of them ſo reſpective of her, that when they met with one another at her houſe, they were as civile unto each other as if they had been very good friends, yet had they much ado to be all of one mind: but the Prince of Phoceus was ſo much maſter of himſelfe when he pleaſed, that he would by no meanes quarrell publiquely. I remember one day above the reſt, I had an opportunity to obſerve this Antipathy between theſe two Rivals: For Madam, be pleaſed to know, that Glacidia being one ſo ill that ſhe kept her Chamber, much good company came to viſit her; and amongſt the reſt Amathilde of whom I ſpoke before, ſhee was there moſt of the afternoon. I know Madam, you have not forgot how I deſcribed her to be both young and faire, and that it was ſhe who was crowned with Roſes upon the Feaſt day. And that ſhe had ſuch a great conceipt of beauty, as that ſhe thought one not fit to live after the loſſe of it, and conſequently that one ſhould not wiſh to live long, unleſſe one had a particular priviledg to be both old and faire. But before I relate the diſcourſe which did evidence the averſion which cauſed ſuch jealouſie and love in the hearts of theſe two Rivals, it is requiſite that I make a more particular deſcription of Amathilda unto you: and that I tell you, ſhe did not only thinke none ought to live longer then they were faire; but alſo ſhe was in the humour of thoſe who becauſe they are not above ſixteen or ſeventeen years of age themſelves, doe think four or five and twenty to be old age: and who are ſo blinded with their owne youth, that they ſpeak of thoſe who are five or ſixe years elder then themſelves, as if they were people of another generation; that ſuch can have no ſhares in beauty, and that they can pretend no farther unto it, then to ſay they have been fair. However; Amathilde was extreamly lovely, and few of the greateſt beauties did excell her youth.

Now Madam, I muſt tell you, that Amathilde coming to viſit Glacidia, as I entred, I was a witneſſe of this diſcourſe which I am to relate. Shee was no ſooner entered, but Bomilcar entred alſo, and being exceeding tender of Glacidia's health, he asked very earneſtly how ſhe did: But Amathilde not giving Glacidia ſo much leaſure as to anſwer, told Bomilcar that ſince the ſickneſs of Glacidia had not altered her complexion, certainly ſhe was not very ſick, and conſequently not much to be pittyed: For my part (ſayd ſhe in her frolique humour) I always meaſure my compaſſion according to the alteration which I find in the faces of my friends when they they are ſick: and therefore ſince Glacidia has no yellowneſs nor paleneſs in her Complexion; her eyes not ſhrunk, nor her looks melancholy: and ſince ſhe has no ſymptomes of a languiſhing ſickneſs, let us endeavour rather to divert her then to pitty her; for my opinion is, a little pain which does not take away ones beauty, nor ones plumpneſs, is not to be over-much condoled. Yet there are ſome payns, replyed I, which are ſhort and violent; and which though no great danger in them, yet deſerve ſome compaſſion, becauſe they are painfull. However it be (ſayd ſhe) what I ſayd is my opinion: When one hath as much to loſe as you have, replyed Bomilcar, certainly they muſt needs feare ſuch ſickneſſes, as in one night may blaſt more Lillies and Roſes in a complexion, then a whole Spring can bloom. For my part (ſayd Glacidia, and interrupted them) I think there needs no more to cure Amathilde of the love ſhe has unto her own beauty; but to wiſh her only eight dayes of ſuch a ſickneſs as has no name unto it, which without any great paine or griefe will by degrees make one leane, or become yellow or green, and make ones eyes ſhrink in their heads; their lips look pale, and cauſe ſuch a ſudden alteration, as the faireſt would quickly become ugly. Oh Glacidia (cryed ſhe out in a pretty fury) you put me into a moſt terrible fright, and methinks you have given me this diſeaſe by wiſhing it, and I do already perceive ſomething which makes me change colour. Amathilde at this ſaying did riſe up, and looked upon her ſelfe in a glaſs to ſee if what ſhe ſayd was true, though it was only to ſet her hood in a little better order: After which, ſitting downe in her place again; [Page] Thanks be to the Gods (ſayd ſhe unto Glacidia) your wiſh has not yet taken any effect, nor I hope ever will: but to prevent any more ſuch wiſhes, know cruel Glacidia, that if ever ſuch a misfortune fall upon me as you wiſh, I ſhall think I only receive it from you; for ſince I never had any ſickneſs but once, I think my conſtitution ſo ſound and healthy as I cannot believe any one under poyſoning can hurt me: But I beſeech you, replyed I, did that ſickneſs which you had work any terrible alteration in you? No, replyed Amathilde, and laughed, but on the contrary it did me the greateſt good in the world; for ſince I was then a little of too high a colour, it brought me to ſuch a right complexion, that the alteration was to my advantage. This is a great happineſs, ſayd Bomilcar, that one ſhould grow fairer by ſickneſs. Yet this ſoundneſſe of Conſtitution, replyed Glacidia, which makes her ſo faire at ſeventeen, will one day make her ugly, ſince it will make her live everlaſtingly. Oh fie Glacidia, replyed Amathilde, you are the moſt cruell perſon in the world to preſage ſuch miſfortune unto mee: why (ſaid I and wondered) do you call it a misfortune to live long? As ſhe was ready to reply, the Prince of Phoceus entered, and preſently after Britomartes and Galathes. But ſince the conteſt between Glacidia and Amathilde was too pleaſant to end ſo ſoon; and ſince Glacidia was deſirous of ſome jolly diſcourſe, to prevent her four Rivals from a more ſerious, ſhe began it again: and looking upon thoſe who newly entered, ſhe told them the cauſe of the Conteſt, and the complaint which Amathilde made againſt her, for preſaging that ſhe ſhould live long. If I could live long, and not alter replyed ſhe, but continue always as if I were eighteen, I ſhould be contented: but to imagine what I ſhall be when I am old, it is beyond my patience to endure. However, replyed Glacidia, I will tell you plainly that you ſhall never be fairer then you are, and every yeare you live will detract ſomething from your cheeks.

For my part, ſayd the Prince of Phoceus, I thinke it abundance of prudence in any one to prepare themſelves for ſuch a miſchance, and to look for it: He had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but Bomilcar, though he was of the ſame opinion, yet he oppoſed it, as if his deſign were only to take Amathildes part, though indeed it was only to be againſt the Prince of Phoceus: And Galathes and Britomartes out of reſentments of jealouſie and love, did not ſtrive ſo much for a reaſon of what they ſayd, as to be contrary unto the reſt. Thus the Prince of Phoceus was ſure to be againſt the opinion of Bomilcar, of Britomartes, and of Galathes: Bomilcar on the contrary was ſure to contradict the Prince of Phoceus, Galathes, and Britomartes: Galathes he employed all his wit to thwart Bomilcar, Britomartes, and the Phocean Prince: And Britomartes he would be ſure not to concur in opinion with the Prince of Phoceus, with Galathes, nor with Bomilcar.

Thus though it may ſeem there could be but two oppoſite opinions upon one thing, yet here there were foure ſo different, that it may be ſayd they were all oppoſite unto each other, ſo as for a while this converſation was the oddeſt that ever was; for no ſooner had one of theſe Rivals given a reaſon for his opinion, but all the other three did earneſtly contradict it: and they did ſo thwart one another with their ſeverall Reaſons, that the diſpute was ſo intangled as they ſcarce underſtood each other: In ſo much as Glacidia, Amathilde, and my ſeife could not chooſe but laugh at them, and they themſelves perceiving it as well as wee, could not chooſe but laugh alſo: However, to reduce them unto ſome order in their diſputations, Glacidia commanded ſilence, and told them, that in her intentions of correcting of Amathilde, there needed not ſo many men talk to her at once: and that it was ſufficient if after ſhe her ſelfe had accuſed her, and received her defence, they ſhould then ſpeak what they thought good: But I beſeech you, ſaid Amathilde, and interrupted them, what can you accuſe me of? I can accuſe you of an errour replyed Glacidia, in thinking one ought not to live above five or ſixe years: For in your opinion one begins but to live at fifteen, and one muſt die when beauty begins to fade.

The truth is anſwered ſhe, that the age which is ſpent in toys cannot be called happy, no more then that age when youth and beauty begins to faile: But I beſeech you, replyed Glacidia, let us examine your maximes a little better, and conſider I conjure you, how little you have lived happily hitherto, and how little time you have to live; for truly according to your Tenents, your life did but begin at fifteen, and I know you have not lived in full ſatisfaction; for I remember you, you did not think your [Page] ſelfe fat enough, and feared you ſhould not be full enough: But now you are grown unto an admirable ſtature, and it is as p ump and freſh as the luſty Grape, is it not true, you are in feare of being either too fat or too leane? But though you did not, yet ſince you think five and twenty to be old, certainly your youth will be quickly gone; for if you ſhould deduct from the time you have lived, and from the time, at which your beauty will decay, thoſe days and nights in which you ſlept ill, thoſe days in which you wore ſome Gowns which were not well made, thoſe dayes on which you were not advantageouſly dreſſed: Thoſe on which you ſaw no body: thoſe on which you ſaw only ſuch as did not pleaſe you, it will upon this be found, that your life is ſo ſhort, as can ſcarcely be ſayd you have lived one year. Though I ſhould grant all this, replyed Amathilde, yet I ſhould not alter my opinion; for ſince the very beſt time of ones life will not afford an abſolute happineſs, I cannot conſent that old age is a thing deſirable: For my part, I muſt ingeniouſly tell you my mind, that though I never had much beauty, yet I do not wiſh to live longer then I may be put in the Catalogue of thoſe who have ſome: For when I conceipt that my Glaſſe which ſhews me ſome ſymptomes of youth in my face, will ſhew alſo ſome wrinkles of age if I ſhould live ſo long, Death ſeems deſirable to me: And I do profeſs unto you, that when I think upon the difference there is between a Mayd of ſixteen and a Wife of ſixty, I had rather dye at twenty then live to fifty. I have already told you, replyed Glacidia, that the ſame health which makes vou now ſo faire, will make you live a whole age, and therefore you muſt prepare your ſelfe to be neither faire nor young. If ever ſuch fatall miſery fall upon me (replyed ſhe) I will break all my Glaſſes in a thouſand pieces; I will ſhun the world as much as it will ſhun me: and I believe I will never look you in the face again for feare I ſhould ſee my ſelfe in your eyes; for really my imagination abhors ſo ſtrange a Metamorphoſis: I have much ado to endure ſo many Mothers and Aunts, who go in company with their Daughters and Neeces; and do you think I ſhould ever endure it in my ſelfe? If ſuch an alteration ſhould come upon a ſudden (replyed Glacidia and laughed at what Amathilde ſaid) I ſhould confeſſe it were to be wondered at: and if you ſhould go now this night to bed young and faire as you are, and riſe the next morning old and ugly, I ſhould then permit you to break ſome of your Glaſſes: But Amathilde it will not be ſo; but when you come unto the firſt point of your decline, every minute will gradatim ſteale ſomething from you: ſo as ſince the alteration comes undiſcernably upon you, and ſince you ſee your ſelfe every day, the change will be inſenſible: Oh Glacidia, replyed ſhe, this can never come to paſſe; and I had much rather dye young, then it ſhould: What pleaſure is it poſſible I ſhould find in an age, wherein all I doe now, is ridiculous then; when I muſt change my manner of life; when all the world is weary of me; when I muſt alter all my cloaths, when colours is not allowable. No no Glacidia, I am not able to endure it; for I muſt tonfeſs I cannot change my way of living, and forſake my pleaſures: And if you will have me open my heart unto you, I muſt very ingeniouſly tell you, that if I ſhould live long, I ſhould not only be ugly, but alſo ridiculous; for I am confident I ſhould be perſwaded to dance at ſixty, though I danced by my ſelfe, and I ſhould wear Jewels and colours untill the hour of my death. The truth is, I ſhould do the very ſame things I do at this day; for I know no other thing that can divert me.

Really Amathilde (ſaid Glacidia and laughed) you are the ſtrangeſt woman in the world to ſpeak thus: Yet let me tell you to put you out of all thoughts of dancing at ſixty; that as the diverſions of your infancy are not ſuch now unto you, ſo thoſe things will not divert you hereafter, which pleaſe you now: your pleaſures will change with your face, and both with yeares: And when all your beauty is gone, you will think it ſweet to live: For my particular, I know that though I live to be extream old, yet I ſhall wiſh to be older, though I ſhall find no other pleaſures but to ſee the Roſes blow, and ſmell the Orange and Jeſtimine Flowers. Moreover, ſince age is ſuch a bug-beare to you, do not beſtow it ſo ſoon upon others: Conſider that ſome women are fairer at five and twenty then at fifteen: Leave your invectives againſt age I conjure you; for commonly when four or five of young perſons are together; you talk as if you would uever be above ſeventeen; yet at the very ſame time when you are cenſuring this Lady to be ugly, and that Lady old▪ you are drawing towards the ſame ages your ſelves. I beſeech you replyed Amathilde, [Page] do me the honour to teach me how I muſt live: you muſt enjoy your beauty and your youth, replyed Glacidia, as two things which you muſt infallibly loſe: And you muſt bring your ſelves to ſuch a paſſe, as to be ſtill amiable when they are loſt. I will freely give you leave to enjoy your youth and beauty with all variety of delights, but yet ſo as it may be without pride, and ſo as you may part from them without deſpair: I conſent you ſhould guſt all the advantages of youth and beauty, with a full ſwinge; but I would not have you jeer at others who are not ſo faire as your ſelues; for certainly it is the greateſt folly, and the moſt unjuſt thing in the world, to ſcoffe at what you may be your ſelves. For if I were to preſcribe Laws unto ſuch as delight themſelves in raillary, I would make this inviolable, neuer to mock at ſuch things as we may be our ſelves upbraided with: To play upon ſuch as are ſtupid and ignorant, there is no danger of any retort, and the like of a hundred examples; But to mock at any woman, becauſe ſhe is not faire or young, is to mock at what you muſt certainly be your ſelves; this is a thing I abhor, that ſuch as are neither young nor fair, and yet behave themſelves as if they were. When one arrives at the twi-light of Beauty, at the medium between youth and age, when one may chooſe whether they will paſs for young or old, according to their humours, I would then have them incline more unto reſervedneſs, then unto jollity; yet notwithſtanding I would not have them deſpair, nor paſſe from extremity of mirth unto extremity of melancholy: I would have ſuch renounce all ſuch things which may be hanſome when they were younger: I would have them ſtill be hanſome, but without all affectation: I allow them all good company: I would not have them ſtrive more to get Lovers, then to keep Friends. I give them the free liberty of walking; that they ſhould have eyes for all excellent objects, and eares for muſique when decency and occaſion preſent themſelves. So Amathilde depriving you only of a few gaudy Ribbons, and ſome Lovers, which moſt of them very likely are perfidious, me-thinks you need not deſpair though I do foretell that you ſhould live long. When I hearken unto you replyed Amathilde, I am almoſt perſwaded you are in the right; but when I hearken unto my ſelf, I can ſcarcely believe it: And I am ſo confident, that as ſoon as I am out of your ſight, I ſhall hearken unto my own dictates, as I am in the greateſt feare in the world, you ſhould take it ill that I do not follow your advice.

Amathilde ſpoke this ſo pleaſantly, that Glacidia and all the company laughed: But as the Prince of Phoceus, Bomilcar, Galathes, and Britomartes were about to give their opinions of this pleaſant Conteſt, an old Aunt of Glacidia's entered, who was ſo very much marked with all the grim wrinkles of age in her face, as is imaginable: In ſo much, as though two very young and fair Ladies followed her; yet Amathilde not being able to endure ſuch a ghaſtly object, ſhe prepared to go away; but firſt ſhe came to Glacidia, and asked her in a low voyce, will you yet maintaine that old age is deſirable? Yes (replyed Glacidia, as ſhee toid us afterwards) and I will maintain alſo that you will deſire it, when you are a little older: Say you ſo (ſayd ſhe, and laughed aloud) then I will to morrow become what you ſay I ſhall be afterwards.

After this, Amathilde, Galathes, and Britomartes went out, and the Princeſs Cleonisbe coming in a little after, this old Lady, who put Amathilde in ſuch a fright, went out alſo: ſo as there remained only the Prince of Phoceus, Bomilcar, and my ſelfe.

As ſoon as Cleonisbe was ſet down, Glacidia related unto her the diſpute betwixt Amathilde and her: And ſhe had no ſooner related it unto her, but ſhe asked the Prince of Phoceus what opinion he was of? And when he anſwered that he concurred with Glacidia, ſhe turned towards Bomilcar, and asked his opinion? Truly Madam, replyed he, I ſaw ſo many againſt Amathilde, that I took her part, not conſidering whether it was reaſonable or no. Such a generous motive, replyed ſhe, deſerves a pardon for maintaining ſo bad a cauſe: Yet I muſt confeſſe (added the Princeſs) that I do not love ſuch generoſity as conſiſts only in protecting imbecility againſt reaſon. Doubleſs I would not have weak people oppreſſed; but I am ſo great a lover of reaſon, as I cannot endure they ſhould be protected againſt it; And in ſuch diſputes as theſe, I would have one ſpeak againſt ones deareſt friends, if their opinions be contrary unto it, and ſide with their greateſt Enemies when they are in the right. The laſt of theſe is a task a little too difficult; and I think it Madam a much more eaſier matter to ſide with my Friends though they be in the wrong, then not to thwart my Enemies, though they be in the right.

[Page] Truly (replyed the Prince of Phoceus) I ſhould be very hardly perſwaded to goe againſt the rules of right and reaſon in either: But I muſt confeſs, I ſhould much rejoyce ſometimes, when one I love not, takes an ill ſide. Though there be ſome kind of injuſtice in that, replyed Cleonisbe, yet you are more reaſonable then Bomilcar: At the leaſt Madam, replyed Bomilcar, he is much more happy, ſince you think him more reaſonable then my ſelfe: Doubtleſs I am, replied the Prince of Phoceus, ſince I do entertain any thought which the Princeſs approves on; She I ſay, who has ſuch a delicate, juſt, and diſcerning a judgment in all things. The thing which I moſt admire at (ſaid Glacidia and in errupted them, is) that Bomilcar ſhould defend that to day which I know he hates in his heart the moſt of any man living: and I am moſt confident, he would never have taken Amathildes part, but only becauſe he is of their opinion, who thinks all diſcourſe not worth a ſtraw, when all jump in one opinion: I aſſure you replyed he, I cannot ſay that to be the cauſe which moved me to it: Bomilcar ſpoke this with ſuch an Ayre, as the reaſon why he would not confeſſe the cauſe which moved him to take an ill ſide, was evident unto Glacidia; who thinking it expedient to turn the diſcourſe, ſhe asked Cleonisbe if ſhe ſaw Oneſicrite that day? And paſſing from one diſcourſe to another, I told her how I ſaw that morning a branch of Corall of a huge bigneſs, and of an admirable hue. Cleonisbe then asked me where I ſaw it? I told her it was in the hands of one who intended to preſent it unto her upon that day which was deſigned for her to make her choiſe of a Husband; for it is the cuſtome, that as ſoon as the choiſe is made, all perſons of any quality do offer unto the Princeſs ſome rich and magnificent preſents.

As ſoon as ever I had ſaid ſo, there appeared in the cheeks of Cleonisbe as freſh a colour as the colour which I ſaw: The Prince of Phoceus and Bomilcar obſerving it, did eaſily imagine that the reaſon of her bluſh was, becauſe that day on which depended her good or bad fortune was ſo neer, and ſhe never remembred it. But Bomilcar, ſince his hopes were above his fears, he was not ſo much perplexed at it as the Prince of Phoceus, who I ſay ſeeing no foundation for any hopes, could not think upon that day of rejoycing without extream ſorrow. But Bomilcar being of a haſty temper, and his imagination flattering his reaſon, he would needs talk of that Feaſt unto Cleonisbe: For ſince he believed that ſhe could not ſpeak any thing in advantage of the Phocean Prince, it pleaſed his fancy to be talking before his Rivall of a Ceremony which would put him out of all hopes: And therefore arming himſelfe with a confident boldneſs; Truly Madam, ſayd he unto Cleonisbe, I do not think there was ever ſuch a cruell feaſt as this which is now drawing nigh; for there will be abundance of illuſtrious and brave men aſſembled, with certainty that only one of them muſt be happy, and all the reſt miſerable. 'Tis very true, replyed the Prince of Phoceus, this Feaſt will be very ſad unto ſuch as pretend unto the Choiſe, and ſad alſo unto ſuch as not pretending unto that honour, are only ſo bold as to wiſh it: However, I believe (ſayd Cleonisbe) that this Feaſt will be more ſad unto her who is to chooſe, then unto them who are not choſen. Oh Madam (cryed out Bomilcar) then certainly the reaſon is becauſe ſhe finds none worthy of her choiſe, for otherwiſe the matter were eaſily determined. I aſſure you replyed ſhe, there is a difficulty in every choiſe: The Princeſs hath much reaſon to ſay ſo, replyed Glacidia and laughed; for I aſſure you that I in my choiſe only of flowers, cannot tell ſometimes which to fixe upon: And my hand and mind doth waver when I cull either Roſes, Oranges, or Violets: And you may well imagine, that in matters of great importance the Princeſs hath great reaſon to be as much perplexed in her choiſe as thoſe whom ſhee doth not chooſe: This is ſo full of truth replyed Cleonisbe, that if the Lawes of this State would permit me, I would ſolemnly diſclaim from this Cuſtome, and would much rather ſubmit unto the King my Father, then have the liberty of choiſe. Then Madam, your reaſon is (replyed Bomilcar very ſadly) becauſe you find none worthy of your choiſe: However the Laws will have you chooſe, and it is very likely that your judgment hath already choſen him whom your mouth would upon the day of Ceremony pronounce to be your Choiſe.

Though I am not obliged to reveale ſuch a ſecret unto you replyed ſhe, yet I will aſſure you, that my Choiſe is yet to make: And if I muſt chooſe one, it ſhall be him whom the Gods ſhall pleaſe to inſpire into my mind, when I am in the Temple. The Princeſs ſpoke this after ſuch a manner, as equally perſwaded both the Prince of Phoceus [Page] and Bomilcar, that ſhe ſpoke as ſhe thought; ſo as the firſt of theſe was abundantly joyed, and the ſecond extreamly grieved. For ſince the Prince of Phoceus was never in any hopes of being choſen, he found ſome ſweetneſs in thinking that others had no greater hopes then himſelfe: But as for Bomilcar, ſince he conceited himſelf to have ſome right to be elected, and verily hoped for it, he was in a ſtrange deſpair to find the Princeſs yet unreſolved whom ſhe ſhould chooſe, his ſorrows augmented his hatred of the Phocean Prince, becauſe he ſaw him in poſſibility of being elected as well as himſelf. But ſince ſuch tumultuous thoughts as theſe are great diſturbers of the mind, he ſcarcely talked any more that day: But the Prince of Phoceus talked more then he did before, and ſpoke ſuch things as did diſcover the thoughts of his heart, though he ſpoke nothing but what would admit of another interpretation.

But in concluſion, Cleonisbe being ready to go away, theſe two Rivals waited upon her to her Coach. After which, the Prince of Phoceus went to the King, and Bomilcar returned to Glacidia, from whom I departed immediately after: But ſince I had the honour to be much in the lovely Ladies favour, and it being in ſome ſort neceſſary that I ſhould know all the paſſages amongſt theſe perſons. I underſtood from her ſince, that as ſoon as Bomilcar was at liberty to talke in private with her, he began thus; I beſeech you dear Glacidia, ſaid he unto her, if ever you intend to oblige me, of two things do one of them for me: Doubtleſſe Sir, replied ſhe, I have a moſt ſtrong inclination to do you any ſervice, therfore I beſeech you tell me preſently what are theſe two things of which you give me the choiſe? Either to contrive it ſo anſwered he, that the Prince of Phoceus may be no longer my Rivall, or elſe that he be no longer your friend; for the truth is, I cannot endure he ſhould either love Cleonisbe, or you. Suppoſe the Prince of Phoceus (replyed Glacidia, and ſmiled) ſhould deſire me to contrive it ſo, that either Bomilear ſhould not love the Princeſs, or that I ſhould not be his friend, what anſwer would you have me return? I would have you anſwer him replyed he, contrary to what I would have you anſwer me.

Fie Bomilcar, replyed ſhe, in this you are not juſt: But ſince I will not be unjuſt after your example, I will give you the very ſame anſwer I would give the Prince of Phoceus, if he ſhould propound the ſame unto me, Know then Sir, that as I will never ceaſe being a friend unto you, though you be an Enemy unto the Prince of Phoceus: So I will ever ceaſe being his friend, though he be not yours. And as relating unto your paſſions, as I will neither hinder nor help you, ſo I will only exhort you both to vanquiſh your paſſions. As for Cleonisbe, I will adviſe her unto nothing; but let her follow the dictates of her own reaſon, which is much beyond my own.

Thus Bomilcar, I ſhall be your friend without prejudice to the Prince of Phoceus, and ſhall alſo be his without prejudice to you. Though your friendſhip unto him replied he, can do me no other harm, but that I ſhall often ſee him with you, and be civill to him, yet I ſhall have great cauſe to grudg at it: But Sir, replied Glacidia, though you do ſee him, yet he ſees you alſo, and if he do love the Princeſs as you think doth, the ſight of you troubles him, as the ſight of him doth you: And ſince he he carries himſelf civily to you, be not you leſſe rationall then he is: For if you give me any juſt cauſe to think that he is more complaiſant towards me then you are, then perhaps retaliating friendſhip for friendſhip, I ſhall be more for the Prince of Phoceus then I am for Bomilcar. Oh cruell Glacidia (ſaid he unto her) I had rather endure the ſight of my Enemy, then endanger to ſee you more his friend then mine: As long as you carry your ſelf as you ought Sir, replyed ſhe, I ſhall continue the ſame I am: but if you think to oblige me unto any injuſtice, you will but deceive your ſelf, for as I told you before, if the Prince of Phoceus ſhould aflront you, I would take your part: and if you affront him, I will take his: I know he eſteems you as you eſteem him: I know alſo that he loves me as you do: And I know further, that he who firſt falls out, ſhall loſe me, and I will become a friend unto his Rivall.

Oh Glacidia, replyed Bomilcar, were you my Miſtriſs, you could not lay a more tyrannicall injunction upon me: You may better ſay Sir (replyed ſhe, and ſmiled) that were I the wiſeſt of the Sorronides, I could not ſpeak more juſtly then I do; for the very truth is, you have no juſt cauſe in the Earth to hate the Prince of Phoceus, he hath not raiſed either quarrell or faction in the Court; he hath ſeen the Princeſs, and he cannot chooſe but thinke her amiable: what hurt in all this? Alſo, whether he love her or not love, ſtill the choiſe is in her: and queſtionleſſe ſhe will make her [Page] choiſe, without conſidering whether you love her, or he love her: And ſince Reaſon only is ner rule, I can aſſure you, that though the Law allow her the choiſe, yet if her inclination do not concur with reaſon, certainly ſhe will reject it. Thus your good or bad fortune depends meerly upon the Princeſs, and not at all upon the Prince of Phoceus: Live therfore civilly with him, as he will live with you; and make me not to become partiall between two whom I infinitely eſteem, and am much obliged unto: And be confident that I will not ſpeak any thing either in his favour nor yours, unleſs you provoke me. Oh Glacidia (ſayd he) you are too wiſe to be a friend unto a Lover, who is ready to run out of his very wits; for I perceive by Cleonisbe, that ſhe knows not yet whom ſhe ſhall make choiſe of: And yet methinks ſhe ſhould; [...]or ſince I have done her a thouſand ſervices, and adored her with all reverent devotion; methinks I deſerve to be preferred before either Britomartes or Galathes, or the Prince of Phoceus, who is only an unfortunate Exile.

If the Prince of Phoceus, replyed ſhe, ſhould tell me that you were only an unfortunate Carthaginian, I ſhould blame him for giving ſuch invective terms, as I blame you for upbraiding a great Prince with that terme of Exile: an Exile yet whoſe cauſe is glorious, ſince he left his Country only to preſerve his liberty.

Furthermore, let me tell you, that I know not whether the Princeſs hath yet fixed upon any or no: but though I did know it, I profeſs unto you I would never tell it: For I am reſolved to be faithfull not only unto the Princeſs, but unto you, and unto the Prince of Phoceus, all who are my deare friends, but alſo unto my very Enemies: Therefore Bomilcar believe that I will neither tell Cleonisbe not the Prince of Phoceus any thing wherewith you ſhall entruſt me, ſo I will not tell you any thing they are pleaſed to entruſt me withall: Let it ſuffice I promiſe you, never to do you any prejudice, but will do you all the Offices that the Lawes of a prudent and generous friendſhip can oblige me unto: But to the end you may not deceive your ſelfe, let me tell you that I will promiſe the Prince of Phoceus, the very ſame I promiſe you, if occaſions offer themſelves: And to teſtifie that I am very ſincere, I tell you again, that I will not buſie my ſelfe on any ſide between the Princeſs Cleonisbe and the Prince of Phoceus, nor between the Princeſs and you, unleſs I be provoked: But ſince I hope I ſhall never be put unto any ſuch neceſſity, you may expect from me all the ſerviceable offices in my power, provided they treſpaſs not upon the friendſhip which is between the Princeſs and me, and the Prince of Phoceus: Once more let me tell you Glacidia (ſaid Bomilcar to her) you are ſo very wiſe that you make me deſpayr; for by offering me all, you offer me nothing: For ſince you will do nothing in prejudice of my moſt feared Rivall, you cannot do me any good office at all: And yet methinks replyed ſhe, that you have two others who are as much to be feared; for if you conſider how Britomartes is of the ſame Country, and Galathes a great Neighbour, you will find them conſiderable: 'Tis very true (ſayd he) but ſince you cannot prejudice them, unleſs you do a good office unto the Prince of Phoceus as well as my ſelfe, I cannot tell whether I ſhould deſire it.

I ſhould never make an end Madam, if I ſhould repeat the whole diſcourſe between Bomilcar and Glacidia, but at laſt he left her, and had as great an eſteem of her vertue, as love to Cleonisbe.

In the mean time, ſince the Prince of Phoceus was extreamly deſirous to know whether or no the Princeſs was yet unreſolved of her choiſe, he went betimes the next morning unto Glacidia, and found her alone. And being no leſs angry to find Bomilcar with her, then Bomilcar was to meet him, he told her it was the greateſt cruelty in the world unto him, that hitherto he could never ſee her he eſteemed moſt, unleſs he ſaw the man he loved leaſt. But Madam▪ ſince I have not Glacidias Art, to dreſſe the ſame matter in different termes, and like her, put the grace of novelty upon it, I ſhall omit a great part of what ſhe ſayd unto the Prince of Phoceus, becauſe it was almoſt the ſame ſhe ſayd unto Bomilcar.

But Madam, let me tell you, how this Prince not being able to containe the fulneſs of his heart, did the ſame day unload it unto Glacidia. You ſhall ſee (ſayd he unto her after much other talk) that I am as confident of your ſincerity as of your generoſity, ſince though you have told me that you are as friendly unto my Rivall as my ſelfe, yet I will diſcloſe the very ſecret of my heart unto you: I am infinitely obliged unto you Sir for your confidence in me, replyed ſhe, and I look upon it as [Page] an evident teſtimony of your eſteem: Alſo I wiſh with all my heart I could cure you of this tormenting paſſion, ſince I can do you no other ſervice. Oh Glacidia (replyed the Prince of Phoceus) do not wiſh the cure; for I had much rather be ſick of that diſeaſe which torments me, then enjoy the health you wiſh me.

Furthermore, in ſome ſort to imitate your generoſity, I will not move you to prejudice Bomilcar, though it be the thing which moſt of any thing I deſire, next the enjoyment of Cleonisbe: But as between two friends who are equally loved, one is obliged in generoſity to have a greater care of him who is unfortunate, then of him who is not: I beſeech you let your compaſſion be upon my miſery, and oblige you to put ſome difference between Bomilcar and me his Enemy: Pitty me at leaſt, becauſe I deſerve it more then he doth: For truly he is allowed to be in the happy Catalogue of thoſe who may pretend unto her choiſe, he hath done a thouſand ſervices both unto the King and Cleonisbe: You have ſpoken a thouſand times in your life in his advantage unto the Princeſs: he hath ſeen her many years together, and is known unto her: the King loves him, and a thouſand motives gives him hope of happineſs and choiſe: But as for me Glacidia, I am a poor miſerable wretch that can hope for nothing: I love, but perhahs it is unknown, at leaſt but imperfectly: I love, and dare not pretend unto any love again, nor unto any choiſe: I love, with the miſery to know, that even common prudence will not Permit me to be choſen; yet notwithſtanding there is ſomething in my heart, which is neither vanity nor pride, that often hints unto me, I ought not to yeeld unto Cleonisbe, neither unto Bomilcar, nor Britomartes, or Galathes: ſo as changing my thoughts, I have ſome glimpſes of hope: and though I cannot hope for full happineſs, yet ſometimes I think it not abſolutely impoſſible. 'Tis true I am an Exile, but I am ſo with a great people who are obedient unto me: And I can boaſt of an eſtate, which as ſmall as it is, may extend its limits further then the power of Bomilcar can: Since I have many ſhips, men enough to man them, and Riches ſufficient to maintain a long War, and carve out ſome important Conqueſt.

Indeed Glacidia, my birth is equall unto Bomilcars, my heart is as noble as his, and the paſſion of my ſoule, not a jot inferior. But for all this, all my feeble hopes do vaniſh ſo ſoon as I am often ready to deſpair: And therefore I conjure you Glacidia, as a cordiall to my comfort, tell me whether you thinke the Princeſs ſpoke ſincerely yeſterday, when ſhe ſayd that her choiſe was yet to make? For if ſhe did, it is a comfort beyond my expreſſion, though I know no reaſonable ground for any hopes to be built upon it. Since I am very ſincere, replyed Glacidia, and ſince flattery of friends, are but meer deluſions, I muſt ingeniouſly tell you, that I wiſh with abundance of Zeal, you were able to quench theſe flames which thus torment you; for though I find you moſt worthy of the Princeſs, yet I have ſome cauſe to feare, that though Cleonisbe ſhould have the ſame thoughts of you; and in her hearr prefer you before either Bomilcar, Britomartes, and Glacidia, yet ſhe dare not chooſe you, leſt it ſhould incite ſome trouble in the State.

After this Sir, aske me no more; for ſince I muſt not reveale the ſecrets of Cleoniſbe, and ſince if Bomilcar ſhould aske me more, I would be ſilent: I ought to be ſo unto you, ſince I am put upon a croſſe conjuncture which will not permit me to ſerve you, unleſſe I diſſerve him; nor ſerve him, without diſſervice unto you: And to tell you ſincerely, I am not able to give you any particular ſatisfaction, though the conſideration of Bomilcar would allow me, becauſe I never thought it my duty to dive too deep into the ſecrets of Cleonisbes heart. And therefore conſult with your own reaſon without me, ſince I am not able to give you any faithfull councell, unleſſe I ſhould be perfidious unto the Princeſs and Bomilcar. Oh Glacidia (replyed the Prince of Phoceus) if I ſhould be my own Councellor, I ſhould run into ſtrange inconveniences: You are ſo prudent Sir, replyed ſhe, that you need not feare your ſelfe: I am ſo far under the commanding power of Love, replyed he, that you may expect nothing of reaſon from me: I ſhould talk boldly of my Love unto her who is the cauſer of it: I ſhould expreſſe my odium unto Bomilcar, conſpire againſt Galathes, and oppoſe Britomartes with as much fury as he himſelfe is capable of. The truth is, Glacidia, I ſhovld attempt any thing, rather then yeeld unto the enjoyment of Cleonisbe. Since I am not at free liberty to tell you all I think (replyed ſhe) I finde my ſelfe at a great puzzle: bu [...] yet without giving you any cauſe to ſuſpect [Page] me a favourer of Bomilcar unto your prejudice, I will adviſe you once more conſult ſeriouſly with your ſelfe before you offer to act your tumultuous reſolutions, whoſe Conſequences may prejudice you more then you can imagine: However, remember I beſeech you to carry your ſelfe ſo faire towards Bomilcar, that I may preſerve the ſame neutrality between you, which I intend to do, leſt if you force me to his ſide, you ſhould weaken your own.

But Madam, Glacidia did not only know all the ſecrets of the Prince of Phoceus and Bomilcars hearts, but ſhe knew Cleonisbes alſo. And going to her one evening when no company was with her, for privacy ſake ſhe took her into her Cloſet, where ſeeming to be very melancholy, Glacidia asked her the reaſon: I do aſſure you, replyed ſhe, I cannot directly tell you; for I have ſuch a miſcellany of ſeverall thoughts which diſpleaſe me, as I cannot tell unto which to attribute my melancholy: Yet truly I think the greateſt cauſe of it is, becauſe I ſhall ſhortly be put unto the neceſſity of making a Choiſe, which has more difficulty in it then is imagined. But Madam, replyed Glacidia, I thought your mind had been before this ſufficiently prepared for it, and that you would not make choiſe of any but whom the King appoints.

That hath hitherto been my reſolution, replyed ſhe, but truly I begin to grow weary of it, becauſe I feare he will not adviſe me to my ſatisfaction: Then Madam (anſwered Glacidia) ſince the Law gives you the liberty of your owne choiſe; Chooſe him whom your own Reaſon dictates unto you, and never referre it unto the King. Oh Glacidia, replyed ſhe, the queſtion is to know whether it be my reaſon which bids me to have ſuch a ſtrange averſion unto Bomilcar. Glacidia ſurprized at this ſpeech, was a while ſilent before ſhe would ſpeak, purpoſely to conſider how ſhe might neither prejudice Bomilcar nor the Prince of Phoceus: and in order to that, ſhe endeavoured to know from whence this averſion unto Bomilcar might proceed, intending that if ſhe preferred either Britomartes or Galathes, to prejudice them as much as ſhe could, becauſe ſhe did not think them worthy of Cleonisbes choiſe, and becauſe ſhe might well do it without offence unto either of her two friends. I do confeſs Madam, ſayd ſhe unto her, that I have always obſerved you never had any great inclination unto Bomilcar, though I never thought your averſion ſo ſtrong: But Madam, I beſeech you (added ſhe) is it not Galathes or Britomartes that pleaſeth you better then he doth, and conſequently are cauſes of your averſion to him? No replyed Cleonisbe and bluſhed, I aſſure you neither of them are prejudiciall unto Bomilcar; however Glacidia (purſued ſhe) you are a little beholding unto me, for forcing my ſelf to conceale from you the naturall antipathy which is betwixt me and him; for truly had he not been one of your friends, I ſhould long ſince have imparted my thoughts unto you; yet I know very well, that my thoughts are injurious; nor am I ſo ignorant as not to know him to be a very brave compleat man, nor am I ſo blind as not to ſee that he loves me. But for all that, there is ſomething in my heart, which will not let me reliſh his merits, which forbids him entrance into it; and which makes mee have ſuch thoughts of him, as may rather be phraſed hatred then averſion. Yet I know very well that all reaſon bids me chooſe him: and in all probability the King will order me to prefer him before all others: Judg therefore Glacidia, whether my ſoule can ſit ſatisfied, and ſee ſuch a ſad day drawing upon me: Sad I will ſay, ſince Bomilcar is odious unto me, and eſpecially of late ſo abominable that I can hardly endure him. And truly it may be ſayd (added ſhe and bluſht) that he himſelf contributes ſomething unto my horrid averſion: For I beſeech you conſider a little how unjuſtly he is ſtill thwarting the Phocean Prince, unto whom both the King, the Prince my Brother, and my ſelfe are ſo civill and reſpective: I took not ſo much notice Madam, replyed Glacidia, as either to approve or diſallow of what Bomilcar did againſt the Prince of Phoceus: And all I am able to ſay for him is, that certainly he does not deſerve the misfortune of your odinm. But I pray Glacidia, ſayd Cleonishe, doe not you know the reaſon why Bomilcar and the Phocean Prince do thus claſh? for truly being both of them your Friends, methinks you ſhould know the very bottom of their hearts: Believe it Madam, replyed ſhe, I have done as much as is poſſible to make them friends, but cannot; and the hatred that is betwixt them (if I be not much miſtaken) has a higher cauſe then I can tell you; and I do not think Madam, but you are beſt able to divine it: Yes Glacidia, I can do ſo (replyed ſhe, and bluſht againe) and it is a reaſon why I am ſo much incenſed againſt Bomilcar: For the very truth is, [Page] I do abhor his bold impudence in being jealous of the Phocean Prince. And though that Prince have all requiſite qualities to cauſe it, yet he ought not in relation to my ſelf. And therefore Bomilcar may be aſſured, that unleſs my Father do poſitively command me to chooſe him, I ſhall never do it.

However (purſued ſhe and ſighing) if ſo it chance, that to my grief the King will needs have me chooſe him, I beſeech you my dear Glacidia help out my reaſon, and uſe ſuch arguments as may induce me to obey him. Since you may very well believe Madam, replyed Glacidia, that I would not ſpeak in advantage of Bomilcar, but only becauſe he is my friend, therefore I declare that I will never ſpeak in his behalf.

Oh my Glacidia (replyed Cleonisbe angerly) do not forſake me now, I conjure you, in a buſineſs which is of the greateſt concernment of all my life; for let me tell you once more, my reaſon ſtands in great need of your aſſiſtance. Madam, replyed Glacidia, I would gladly know why you ſpeak ſo? For truly (purſued ſhe purpoſely to diſcover her reall mind) if you have ſuch a ſtrong averſion to Bomilcar, why do you not deſire the King to give you the choiſe of Galathes, or Britomartes? Oh Glacidia (replyed ſhe haſtily) I do not value them at ſo high a rate, as my diſobedience to the King: It ſhould never be they, but doubtleſſe it ſhould be the............. At theſe words Cleonisbe bluſht, and was ſilent, not being able to get out with her thought; but having ſpoken enough to make Glacidia underſtand her, ſhe was extreamly aſhamed, though ſhe uſually imparted her moſt ſecret thoughts unto her: but at laſt, being reſolved to open her very heart, ſhe confeſſed that if ſhe might follow her own inclination, ſhe would prefer the Prince of Phoceus before either Bomilcar, B [...]itomartes, or Galathes, and confeſſed that ſhe had as great a diſpoſition to love him, as to hate Bomilcar. Judg now, my dear Glacidia (ſaid ſhe unto her) whether I had not good reaſon to ſay I ſtood in need of your Reaſon to ſupport my own: And therefore I conjure you to do two things continually, untill the ſad day of this fatall Ceremony be paſt: The one, to leſſen my averſion unto Bomilcar; the other to leſſen my affection unto the Prince of Phoceus. Though it was never yet in my power to diſobey the leaſt of your commands Madam, replyed Glacidia, yet I beſeech you to excuſe me in this: For truly Madam, I have ſo fully determined to keep my ſelf a Newter between theſe two whom I equally honour, as I am fully reſolved neither to hurt nor help either of them in a buſineſs wherein I cannot oblige the one, but I muſt diſ-oblige the other: and therefore I beſeech you take it not ill if I diſobey you; for which choiſe ſoever you make between the Prince of Phoceus and Bomilcar, you cannot chooſe amiſs. Had I diſcovered a diſpoſition to prefer Britomartes or Galathes before either of them, I ſhould have oppoſed it with all my power; but ſince I do not, I have no more to ſay: if you overcome your averſion to Bomilear, you will be juſt unto his merit and his love: And if you follow your inclination to the Prince of Phoceus, you are but juſt unto his vertue and his paſſion.

Thus Madam, which ſoever you do, you will do well: and which ſoever you do, I ſhall have cauſe both of joy and ſorrow; and ſince by making one happy, you make the other miſerable: I ſhall rejoyce with him you chooſe, and grieve with him you reject: and therefore I beſeech you do me ſo much honour as not to move me any further to contribute any thing unto the miſery of him whom you ſhall doom unto ſuch a cruel puniſhment. But Glacidia, replyed Cleonisbe, by thinking not to contribute unto it you do extreamly; for if you do not put me in mind, that if I diſobey the King, and favour an exiled Prince, then I ſhall diſhonour my ſelf, and perhaps bring a War upon the Kingdom: Bomilear will never be choſen: Let it even be as you pleaſe Madam without any intermedling, replyed Glacidia; for truly Madam, I neither can, nor ought to meddle; and if I durſt ſay it, you would not have me obey you. I do almoſt confeſs it Glacidia, replyed Cleonisbe and ſighed; for if you ſhould deſire me to leſſen my averſion unto Bomilcar, I feare you would encreaſe it. But truly I muſt confeſs I know not well what I would have, though I am moſt certain I would have nothing done againſt my own glory: But however my dear Glacidia (added ſhe) ſince I have truſted you with my averſion unto Bomilcar, and my inclination unto the Prince of Phoceus, be ſure you let neither of them have the leaſt glimpes of my thoughts, for if you ſhould, there is ſo much injuſtice in my hatred of Bomilcar, and ſo much weakneſs in my affection to the Phocean Prince, as I ſhould be eternally aſhamed.

[Page] You may well conceive Madam, that Glacidia was ready to make this promiſe unto Cleonisbe; and you may alſo believe ſhe would perform it.

In the mean time, Carimantes being of a fiery nature, and having a fl [...]ming paſſion in his heart, he reſolved upon a courſe which much tormented Menedorus, and grieved Oneſicrite: For perceiving that this Princeſs entertained ſo favourable thoughts of Menedorus, he acquainted Sfurius with it, and deſired him to oblige his ſon unto a quitting of Oneſicrite: hinting unto him, that ſince he had given him a being in his Country, it was the leaſt of favours he could do for him: adding withall, that he would be ſo great a friend unto him, as he ſhould have good cauſe to be well ſatisfied with his acknowledgments. Sfurius being alwayes of an humour to prefer the publique good before any particular, though he approved of his ſons affection unto Oneſicrite; yet he promiſed, his ſonne ſhould pretend no further unto that Princeſs. Aſſuring Carimantes, that though Menedorus would, yet he ſhould not be able to diſobey: And in pnrſuance of this promiſe, Carimantes was no ſooner gone, but he ſent for his ſonne. At firſt he went about to perſwade him by arguments drawn from reaſon: That having a Rivall unto whom he was ſo much obliged: and a Rivall who would ere long be in power to ruine him, if provoked, it were wiſdome to ſubmit, ſince it were neither prudent nor juſt to expoſe ſo many innocent perſons unto the fury of a Prince for the ſatisfaction of his love: adding further, that ſince it concerned the intereſt of their Towne in generall, he ought to ſacrifice all his private pleaſures for its ſafety, and the rather, becauſe he was not in any power to diſobey. As ſtrong as all theſe reaſons were, yet they could not prevaile with Menedorus: So as then joyning his authority unto his reaſons and perſwaſions, hee abſolutely commanded him to think no more upon Oneſicrite, telling him that though he would, yet he could not diſobey him. You may well imagine Madam, that Menedorus was extremely ſtartled, yet his love would not give leave to ſubmit; but ſeemed ſo reſolute, that Sfurius grew angry, and gave him harſh language, inſomuch as perhaps he had been forced to yeeld, had he not been tampered withall by Galathes. For Madam, be pleaſed to know, that this Prince according to his close way, had plotted with ſeverall Greeks, and held private intelligence with a friend to Menedorus: ſo that fearing extremely leſt Carimantes ſhould be well treated by Oneſicrite, and conſequently induced to favour the Prince of Phoceus, he ſent unto Menedorus, and bad him ſtand firm to his principles: aſſuring him that the King would never allow of Carimantes his paſſion, and conſequently he needed not to feare, ſince he ſhould have him for his Patron. Thus Madam, Menedorus in ſpight of all his Fathers reaſons and menaces, did not change his mind.

In the mean time, Sfurius aſſured Carimantes that he would keep Menedorus from being any obſtacle unto his deſign, deſiring him only to have a little patience, and give him ſome dayes to work ſo great a cure: And indeed Sfurius applyed a moſt ſad remedy unto Menedorus, for he went unto the Prince of Phoceus, and told him what Carimantes ſaid unto him, conjuring him to uſe his utmoſt authority to diſſwade Oneſicrite from Menedorus. For truly Sir, ſayd he unto him, as glorious as your alliance would be, I would never adviſe you unto it, ſince I ſhould then expoſe you and all the Graecians here unto the violence of an amorous Prince. Therefore, Sir, ſince the gods would have him to be our Patron, by the meanes of his affection unto the Princeſs your ſiſter, I conjure you to be as zealous in hindering the Princeſs your ſiſter, as I ſhall be in oppoſing Menedorus my ſon.

The Prince of Phoceus hearing this, was much joyed to ſee it was in his power, and that he might have the honour of favouring the deſigns of Carimantes, and to croſſe thoſe of Menedorus: Conceiving that ſince this Prince did thinke Oneſicrite was worthy of him, Cleonisbe might alſo thinke him not unworthy of her: Therefore he gave Sfurius a very civill anſwer, proteſting that though he had a great mind unto his alliance rather then unto Carimantes; yet ſince he was ſo generous as to prefer the publique good before the ſatisfaction of his ſonne, he were not worthy of his friendſhip, if he were leſſe generous then he: and if he did not deprive himſelfe of a happineſſe which he deſired, rather then hazzard the ruine of their new Common-wealth. So that after this, they conſulted together upon the beſt expedients, and reſolved to work firſt by all ſweetneſſe upon Oneſicrite. In order to that Ariſtonice muſt be employed, who was much in her books, and it was reſolved they [Page] ſhould move Oneſicrite unto a little journey out of Masſeilles, without letting her know for what ſhe went: and accordingly the Prince of Phoceus did carry the matter ſo handſomly, as ſhe conſented unto his wiſhes: but to the end the buſineſs might take better effect, the Prince of Phoceus doing me the honour to truſt me with all the ſecrets of his life, and to acquaint me with the ſtate of things, he ſent me the night before to prepare Aristonice: ſo as when Oneſicrite came to her, Ariſtonice carryed it ſo handſomely, as that Princeſs never imagined the Prince of Phoceus to have any hand in the Councell which ſhe gave her. At the firſt meeting, nothing paſſed but Complements of welcome, and expreſſions of mutuall amity. Afterwards Ariſtonice, whoſe diſcourſe did always ayme at the bettering of others, began to tell very obligingly, that ſince ſhe had received from heaven ſo great a Talent of beauty, and ſo many admirable parts, ſhe was extreamly afraid conſidering her age, leſt ſhe any wayes abuſe thoſe excellent graces which the gods had given her: And truly Daughter (ſayd ſhe, for ſo ſhe called her) it is not enough to appeare all vertue, and abſtaine from the commiſſion of horrid crimes, which perſons well born ſeldome are guilty of: but one muſt do all the good one can, and above all things not to prophane thoſe gifts which they receive from heaven: and therefore Daughter, ſince you have received ſuch extraordinary beauty from the gods, it is your duty to be extream carefull not to abuſe ſo great a favour: For truly the beauty of Helen was fatall unto all Aſia, and all ſucceeding ages will impute the burning of Troy unto the lovely fire of her eyes: Therefore be ſure you remember alwayes, that the Gods did not beſtow ſo much beauty upon you, but with intentions you ſhould employ it well, not in doing harm, when therefore your beauty gives you a power over any one. Remember to conſider whether any unfortunate perſons hade any need of his credit, over whom you have got that power, to the end that drawing a good from the weakneſs of another, yon may merit a reward from heaven: For example, I heare that the Prince Carimantes does highly eſteem you; you muſt be ſure to make uſe of him as a Patron to all thoſe Graecians whom he hath already ſo generouſly protected.

Oneſicrite hearing Ariſtonice ſay ſo, began to bluſh, and bluſhed ſo much with ſuch diſorder in her eyes, that ſhe diſcovered her heart in an inſtant. Oneſicrite being of a very ſweet diſpoſition, and a little timorous, though ſhe had ſpirit enough, the diſcourſe of Ariſtonice came ſo home to her heart, that ſhe reſolved to put her whole confidence in her, and asked her how ſhe ſhould carry her ſelfe to be rid of Carimantes his love without incenſing him, or moving him to attemp any thing againſt Menedorus: So after ſhe had apologized for her weakneſs, ſhe related the affection which Menedorus bore unto her, ſhe confeſſed the inclination ſhe had unto him; afterwards told her how Carimantes ſeemed to profeſs a Love unto her, and what Sfurius had ſayd to his ſonne: adding withall, whatſoever ſhe thought might move Ariſtonice to give her counſell not to diſingage her ſelfe from the affection of Menedorus, and to ſhake off Carimantes. But ſhe was much ſurprized, when Ariſtonice after a plauſible hearing returned her anſwer: I render thanks unto the Gods who brought you hither (ſayd ſhe unto her) for ſince it appeares they love you very dearly, I would not for a world you ſhould abuſe their favours: I will not blame you for your complyance with the affection of Menedorus; for ſince it appears to proceed from vertue, I will not condemn it, though in reaſon it had been much better you had received his heart without giving your own. But ſince both your Parents and his did approve of your affections unto each other, I have no more to ſay againſt it: But Daughter, things now have changed faces; for ſince Sfurius would not have you marry Menedorus, and ſince the Prince Carimantes would marry you, it is moſt expedient you caſt off the firſt, and entertaine the ſecond: Why Mother, cryed Oneſicrite, do you think the gods would ever pardon me, if I ſhould change my thoughts of Menedorus? Do you think Daughter replyed Ariſtonice, that the gods would ever pardon you if you ſhould be a cauſe of Ruine unto this vaſt multitude of People which they by their providence have brought hither? Could you ever anſwer it, if Carimantes ſhould ſet our Town on fire, which he permitted us to build.

No no Oneſicrite, deceive not your ſelf: and though I cannot ſpeak any pleaſing truths unto you at this time, yet I had rather diſpleaſe, then betray you. Know Daughter, that the Prime duty hath an influence over all the reſt: and ſince there is none more powerfull then that which tyes us unto our Country, no other can ever [Page] diſpence with you from it. The truth is, we are born for it before any thing elſe whatſoever: You were a Graecian before Menedorus was your Lover; and conſequently you can make him no promiſe in prejudice of your Country; and though you ſhould, it is not tot to be kept. Let me tell you, the deſtiny of Marſeilles is wholly in your hands: you may preſerve it, or you may ruine it. If you adhere unto the affection of Menedorus, you deſtroy it; If you entertain the offers of Carimantes, you ſave it: Thus ſince the ſafety of ſo many innocent perſons depends wholly upon you, you were in a moſt high degree ſinfull, if you do not ſurmount your ſelf: and Menedorus is moſt unworthy of you, if he be not ſo generous as to prefer the publique good before his private ſatisfaction: You have power my dear Daughter to do what you pleaſe, yet you are in a Country wherein you have no right but what the Prince whom you ſhall treat ill doth give you; for you know that without him the King had never received us: Moreover no Ship can ſaile out of our Port without the permittance of the Phocean Prince, or Sfurius: do you think they will ever permit your departure, and incenſe a Prince who ere long ſhall be King, and make you a Queen? and though they ſhould winke at your departure, or that you ſhould ſteale away, into what place of the world could you go? Phoceus is full of Perſians, and we have no other Land or Countrey but Marſeilles which you would ruine: Should a perſon of your age, vertue and quality wander from Coaſt to Coaſt, and from Sea to Sea, without any other reaſon but becauſe ſhe is in Love? Do you no better remember the terrour of incenſed Seas, out of which the Goddeſs whom I adore did bring us to a Port? will you again expoſe your ſelfe into thoſe dangers, and be upbraided with ſo much weakneſs as not to ſtrive againſt a paſſion which to ſpeak truly has no other force in it but what ones ſelf doth give unto it? But that the intereſts of the party loved may oblige you: Conſider Daughter, ſeriouſly conſider, unto what danger you expoſe Menedorus, if you ſhould ſuffer him to continue a Rivall unto Carimantes. Firſt, he will paſſe in the opinion of the world for an imprudent man, next with the Prince for an ungratefull perſon: But though the quality of a faithfull Lover be very conſiderable, yet that ought not to let you expoſe his life, as doubtleſs you would if you do not break off with him, nor oblige him to leave behaving himſelf as your Lover. For Carimantes is young, and of a haſty temper: Moreover he is the ſonne of a King, one unto whom you are much obliged, and ſo is not Menedorus: Take heed therefore Oneſicrite, take heed for your Lovers ſake, though you will not for the Graecians: It's betteer it coſt you ſome tears, then him his life, or you your reputation: and therefore Daughter, ſince the intereſt of your Country, your own glory; the life of him you love and all is at ſtake, ſtrive with your ſelfe, and generouſly reſolve abſolutely to unlooſe your ſelf from the affection of Menedorus: But Daughter, never think to untie the knots which fetter you by degrees, for they are of ſuch a nature, as they muſt be broken upon a ſudden, and with violence; for otherwiſe in thinking to unty them gently, they will the more intangle, and be made indiſſolvable. Fixe therefore Daughter upon a reſolution worthy of your ſelf. I conjure you to it for your Country ſake, for your glories ſake, and for Menedorus his ſake, and to uſe a more prevalent argument for the ſake of that goddeſs whom I ſerve, who ſince ſhe was never in love, would doubtleſſe moſt ſeverely puniſh you if you ſhould ruine all this multitude of people whom ſhe hath ſaved, only becauſe you loved Menedorus.

All the while that Ariſtonice ſpoke, Oneſicrite looked down and ſighed conntinually, ſo as ſhe made it apparent that her heart was extreamly perplexed: but at laſt, being forced to anſwer, her tears was a prologue to her words: and do what ſhe could it was impoſſible to retain them. But the wonder was, that this ſymptome of imbecility which ſhe was not able to keep from the ſight of Ariſtonice, was the reaſon of her force to ſurmount it; for ſhe was ſo extreamly aſhamed, that deſiring to repayr her weakneſs by an act of courage, after ſhe had dryed up her tears, and ſtood a while ſilent, ſhe promiſed Ariſtonice ſhe would uſe her beſt endeavours to follow her counſell: Yet I do not promiſe (added ſhe) to overcome my ſelfe; but I promiſe to ſtrive, which is more then ever I thought I could do. But Mother, I beſeech you (added ſhe) is there no Medium between theſe two extreams! Can I not reject the affection of Menedorus without entertaining that of Carimantes? Receive me I beſeech you into the number of your Companions: And by that means let me not give the unfortunate Menedorus any cauſe to ſuſpect me of ambition, or inconſtancy.

[Page] Oh Daughter (ſayd Ariſtonice and ſmiled) Virgins conſecrated unto Diana never ought to fear making their Lovers jealous, and her Nimphs entertain no hunters for their Gallants. But to be more ſerious, if you have a mind to deſtroy that Temple which I am building, you need only to ſhut your ſelf in it: And therefore for a further gueſs for a remedy unto that diſeaſe which hath no other then what I propound, ſacrifice your paſſion for your Country; your own Country affords a thouſand exexamples of brave men, who have ſacrificed their lives for theirs, yet I impoſe no ſuch rigid task upon you; but on the contrary, I adviſe you live, and live happily. Oh Mother replyed ſhe, I do not think that to be poſſible: However, though you adviſe me to break thoſe cords with violence which tye me unto Menedorus, yet I beſeech you let me unlooſe them more gently, and give me ſome days to do it.

Ariſtonice ſeeing ſhe had obtained more then ſhe hoped for, conſented unto her demand, and gave her many wiſe inſtructions to confirm her in her reſolution.

But Madam, Oneſicrite returning to the Court, Menedorus much wondered to ſee her ſo melancholy; and more, when upon the firſt occaſion of talking with her in private, ſhe conjured him to obey his Fathers commands. Then did he expreſs himſelf in all the terms that the moſt violent paſſion could deviſe, he aſſured her that the King would never conſent ſhe ſhould marry Carimantes, and therefore it would be in vain for her to be perfidious: Afterwards he fell into all his Prayers and Complaints to move her unto a conſtancy of mind: ſo as Oneſicrite finding her heart to melt, and her reſolutions to ſtagger, ſhe parted from him without any power either to break off or to renew affection: and for ſome certain days things reſted thus.

In the mean time, ſince the ceremony of Cleonisbes choiſe drew very near, the Court began to ſwell into a tumultuous multitude: And theſe foure Pretenders were ſo ſolicitous in their deſigns and hopes of being choſen, that nothing elſe was talked of, and theſe Pretenders were perpetually either with the King, or Carimantes, or Cleonisbe, or with Glacidia. As for Britomartes, he was the leaſt buſie; for being of a lofty mind, and of that Country, he believed that certainly he ſhould be preferred before the reſt. As for Galathes, he neither truſted unto his merits, nor quality, nor any thing elſe, but ſolicited the King, and plotted the ruine of his Rivals. To that end he alledged, that Bomilcar being originally a Carthaginian, he would not be acceptable to the People: That Britomartes being already very powerfull in his own Country, he would be too potent by that Alliance: And as for the Prince of Phoceus, it was not probable he would permit the Princeſs to marry a poor man who had no being but what he gave him.

On the other ſide, he Courted Carimantes with all poſſible ſubmiſſions; he addreſſed himſelf unto Cleonisbe with all complacency and reverent reſpects, and ſolicited Glacidia by a thouſand expreſſions of friendſhip.

In the mean time he held intelligence with Menedorus, and ſuborned ſome Segoregians to murmure againſt the Graecians, to the end the King, Carimantes and Cleonisbe might caſt a leſſe favourable eye upon the Prince of Phoceus. As for Bomilcar, he never had any plots againſt Galathes or Britomartes, but had a vigilant eye upon the Prince of Phoceus, who for his part employed his whole mind in prejudice of Bomilcar. All of them were extreamly obſequious unto Cleonisbe and Glacidia, and for two days before this Ceremony, but for the prudence of that wiſe Lady, they had all faln very foul upon one another. I beſeech you (ſayd the Pr: of Phoceus one day unto Glacidia) if I be ſo unfortunate as to be any cauſe that the Princeſs ſhould have any advantageous thoughts of Bomilcar, let him not know them untill the very laſt: deferr this ſatisfaction untill the very laſt fatal minute of the Ceremony, ſo as the ſudden ſurprize of ſo great a happineſs, may make him dye of joy, as well as I of ſorrow: For the truth is Glacidia, if Bomilcar be choſen, and does not dye with joy, he does not love her as he ought.

On the other ſide, Bomilcar out of the like apprehenſion made another requeſt unto Glacidia, for he was moſt zealous with her, that if ſhe knew the Prince of Phoceus had no hopes of any Choiſe, that ſhe declare it to him as ſoon as ever ſhe could, imagining the greateſt delight in the world, to make him ſoon ſenſible of his misfortune. But Glacidia being immoveable, ſhee conſtantly denied both her friends, as oft as they ſolicited her againſt each other, keeping her ſelf cloſe unto her reſolution, either in ſpeaking unto them, or unto Cleonisbe.

[Page] In the mean time it was the happy fortune of the Phocean Prince to be in the Pallace garden, as the Princeſs was in the Evening walking without any other company but her own women, and he addreſſed himſelf unto her with all imaginable devotion, and presenting his hand unto her, he carryed her into a long walk of Orange trees, at the end of which was ſeats of Graſs: ſo as it being that ſeaſon of the year when their Oranges were moſt in flower, and the ground all ſtrewed with them, a fitter place to reſt in could not be imagined: In which they being ſet down, their diſcourſe began with things much different from thoſe they ended with. For Madam, they began with their choiſe of odoriferous flowers, Cleonisbe examining in what rank ſhould be placed the ſmell of Violets, of Roſes, of Pinks, of Jaſſemine, and of Oranges, under which they were ſhaded. But after a very pleaſant diſcourſe of ſo delicate a ſubject, the Princeſs ſayd that the only fault of Perfumes was, that cuſtom made them loſe their vertue, and by poſſeſſing them, one does not poſſeſs them: and ſo if one will enjoy any pleaſure, they muſt deprive themſelves of it for a certain time, ſince otherwiſe others enjoy it, and not they themſelves: and truly this rule is almoſt generall, for after one is accuſtomed unto fetters, they are not heavy; ſlaves are not ſenſible of their Chains; Pleaſures ceaſe to be pleaſures by a long habit, and ſo the ſame of ſorrows. This rule Madam, which you think ſo generall, replyed the Prince of Phoceus, hath yet his exceptions: For truly Madam, I know a miſerable man who ſuffers in ſuch a manner, that though his miſeries cannot encreaſe, yet he is ſtill more ſenſible of them, and habit as powerfull as it is, doth not diminiſh his grief; but on the contrary, the more he ſuffers, the leſs is he accuſtomed to his ſufferings, and is ſo extreamly impatient, that he not only complains, but he murmurs and repines alſo. Patience (replyed Clonsisbe faintly) is yet a remedy which is more provoked by murmuring, then it is eaſed by complaints. Yet truly Madam, replyed he, I am perſwaded that there is much eaſe in Complaints, and ſighes from a grieved heart do carry with them ſome of that ſorrow which lies heavy upon it: but when thoſe ſighs are ſti [...]led, and ſorrows ſit ſilently within, believe it Madam there is no ſuch deplorable condition: The truth is, it cannot continue long, for one muſt of neceſſity eyther complayn or dye. Methinks the choiſe of theſe two (replyed Cleonisbe and ſmiled) is very eaſie. Since you conceive it ſo Madam (replyed the Prince of Phoceus) I hope you will not be offended, if now, ſeeing me put to a neceſſity eyther of dying or complayning, I make choiſe of the laſt: And I conjure you to give me leave not only to complain unto you, but of you, and of my ſelf; for truly Madam, you have brought me into the moſt pittifull condition in the world. I did not think Sir, replyed Cleonisbe, and bluſhed, that I had given any cauſe of complaint unto any, much leſſe unto you: But ſince it ſeems I am miſtaken, I muſt tell you in generall that I never had any intention to hurt you: but I beſeech you, expect no further ſatisfaction from me then this I have given you; for in the humour I am, I fear nothing more then too many explanations: Heavens preſerve me Madam, replyed he, from being too offenſive: No Madam, all I deſire is, you would be pleaſed to hear me, and not be angry. If you ſhould tell me any thing, replyed ſhe, which will cauſe it, I conceive it better both for you and me, tha [...] [...] did not heare you. Oh Madam (cryed he) I muſt needs tell you in what a miſerable condition I ſhall be upon that day of Ceremony, when you ſhall make him happy whom you ſhall think worthy of your choiſe: For my part, I am ſure that I cannot in any reaſon pretend unto it: Yet I am able to proteſt that I love you more then all your adorers. Your language does ſo much ſurprize me, replyed Cleonisbe, that I know not how to anſwer it; for truly I thought you had known me better. I know you Madam, replyed he, for the faireſt and moſt excellent Princeſs of the world.

But ſince it doth extreamly concern me that you know mee to be the moſt miſerable man alive, I muſt let you know how much I have ſuffered, ſince the firſt minute I ever ſaw you: Alas Madam, you doe not know the greatneſſe of my Paſſion: and Perhaps looking upon me as a miſerable exile, you think it unworthy of your ſelfe to put ſo much as in any doubt, whether I ſhall be choſen. To teſtifie I much eſteem you, anſwered Cleonisbe, I will not ſcrupulouſly inſiſt upon ſtrict rule which would have wholly reject all that can be called Love: and therefore will argue with you upon a buſineſſe which much concerns my happineſſe, but I thinke not yours. And the rather, becauſe the lawes do permit me the choiſe, and allow me to ſpeak [Page] of it with out any offence unto decency, I ſhall therefore ingeniouſly tell you, that you have merit enough to pretend unto this choiſe: But Sir, though the Law doe give me the liberty of choiſe, yet I doe not think ſo well of my ſelf, as to truſt unto my ſelfe in a buſineſſe of this nature: ſo as I indeed chooſe in appearance, but the King in effect, ſince I only doe what he pleaſeth. So as if it were true that you loved me, and that I were not diſpleaſed at it, yet all your complaints would do me no good, ſince I will not ſo much as pleaſe my own ſelfe: And to teſtifie that I have much confidence in your vertue, I will confeſſe unto you, that amongſt all thoſe who at this ceremony will pretend unto my choiſe, there are three orders of them in my mind: ſome are meerly indifferent unto me: ſome I hate: and perhaps there will be one whom I would not hate, if it were permitted me to love him.

However, being perſwaded that perhaps the King will appoint me to chooſe one of thoſe I hate, and ſince I know hee will not appoint mee to chooſe him whom I would, if I did follow my owne inclination, I am reſolved to humour him with a blind obedience: ſo Sir, it is upon him my good or bad fate depends, and therefore never make any vaine complaints; for ſince I will not ſeek my owne ſatisfaction, it is not probable I ſhould yours.

Whilſt Cleonisbe was talking, the Prince of Phoceus looked her full in the eyes, to ſee if he could find in them which of theſe orders he was: and his mind was ſo extreamly diſcompoſed, that almoſt in one minute, he thought himſelfe in the rank of indifferency, in the ranke of the hated, and in the happy rank of him that was loved. But Madam (ſaid he unto her) will you not be pleaſed to let me know in which of theſe orders I am? I cannot well tell (replyed ſhe, and roſe up) whether you be in any of the three. At leaſt Madam, honour me ſo farre (added he) as to aſſure me that I am not in the number of thoſe who are hated: doubtleſſe you are not, anſwered ſhee, but perhaps you will, if you put me once more to the neceſſity of hearing more of this diſcourſe. The Prince of Phoceus had a great mind to have retained her a little longer, but he could not; for ſhee calling one of her women to mend ſomething about the dreſſe upon her head, would not give any further occaſion of diſcourſing upon his paſſion: So as he being reſolved to talke of nothing elſe, and not daring to diſobey, he was ſilent, and waited upon her unto her chamber, where preſently after ſo much company came, that he could not poſſibly talke alone with her.

In the mean while, great preparations were made for this Feaſt: And though only one of theſe Princes were to be choſen, yet they were all as rich in their habits and equipage, as if they were all ſure of this election. And all the Ladies ſet their inventions upon the rack for the neweſt dreſſe and faſhion: And Amathilda amongſt the reſt was as choiſe of that colour which would beſt become her as Cleonisbe was whether ſhee ſhould ſubmit unto the Kings mind, or follow her own according to the permitance of the law. It was all in vaine for her to aske the advice of Glacidia, for ſhee was unalterable. So that her owne reaſon only ſtriving againſt her hatred of Bomilcar, and againſt her inclination unto the Prince of Phoceus, ſhee was not without her many inquietudes. But the Eve of this great feaſt being come, the apprehenſion of theſe foure Riuals were ſo high, that one would have thought they had loſt their wits and reaſons. They were no ſooner in one place, but they were at another: They met with one another at a hundred turns: And the hatred which was between Bomilcar and the Phocean Prince did begin to flame, and was ready to flame out.

As for Cleonisbe, ſhe was ſo ſad as would have moved pitty: yet endure it ſhee muſt that night, in which all the court was with her. Yet this multitude was one way advantageous to her for a while, for none of her foure Rivals could talke in private with her. But this laſted not long; for the Prince Carimantes coming in, after a quarter of an hours diſcourſe, he went out againe, and carryed the Prince of Phoceus with him: And the company changing places, Bomilcar got next Cleonisbe, without eyther Britomartes or Galathes; for the laſt of theſe was gone unto Menedorus, to plot ſome deſign with him, and the firſt went unto the King, both of them going out with Carimantes: Then Bomilcar taking this opportunity, he uſed it ſo well, that he ingaged Cleonisbe againſt her mind to let him talk low unto her. I beſeech you Madam (ſaid he unto her, as afterwards ſhee told Glacidia) [Page] deny me not the favour which I ſhall ask: and do me the honour to tell me, whether I may hope you will be pleaſed to make a bad choiſe to morrow, as to the merit of the perſon, but a juſt one, as to the greatneſſe of his paſſion, who is ſo bold as to aske whether he may hope to be choſen. I once told you replyed ſhe, that I would chooſ none but him whom it ſhould pleaſe the gods to inſpire into my thoughts: and I tell you it againe, and I aſſure you, it is more of them then me that you ought to aske what you ſeeme to deſire, ſince truly I know neither your deſtiny, nor my own. Is it poſſible Madam, replyed he, that you ſhould not know whom you intend to make happy? If ſo, alas I may be ſure you will make me miſerable: For after ſo many ſervices which I have done you, and ſo many teſtimonies of my love which I have given you, if you intended to do me juſtice, you would not ſpeak thus unto me: However Madam, me thinks that if you were reſolved upon my ruine you ſhould do me ſo much favour as to tell me, to the end, that preventing your choiſe, by my death, I might ſave my ſelfe ſo much ſorrow as to ſee my Rivall happy, and keep you from being taxed with inhumanitie: Me-thinkes Madam, neither Britomartes nor Glacidies have ſo much right to pretend unto your affection as I have: I have adored you before they ever thought of you: and as for the Prince of Phoceus, he hath had the honour to know you ſo very lately, and is ſo much obliged unto you, that he were exceedingly unjuſt, if he ſhould offer to think you ſhould do more for him, then for me. However it be, ſayd Cleonisbe, and interrupted him, you ſhall know to morrow about this time, and ſo ſhall I, whether I be juſt or no. As Bomilcar was ready to reply, the King came in and prevented him; yet he was very glad to be ſo interrupted, becauſe he hoped that he was come to ſpeak unto Cleonisbe in his behalfe: ſo that with-drawing out of his reſpect, the King began to talk with Cleonisbe in a low voyce: In the interim Bomilcar addreſſed himſelf unto Glacidia, and to conjure her, that ſhe would not ſtill continue in the ſame mind ſhe was, in relation to the buſineſs betwixt the Prince of Phoceus and him. Since I never uſe to alter my opinion out of humour, replyed ſhe, I cannot do as you would have me, ſince the very ſame reaſons which induce me to be neither for you nor for him, nor againſt him, nor againſt you, do continue ſtill, and are as good to day as yeſterday: And therefore do not take it ill if I alter not, ſince to change is a thing I ſeldome uſe, unleſs ſome convincing reaſon tell me that my ground is unjuſt. Though the Prince of Phoceus replyed Bomilcar, hath done me no other hurt, but hindering you from being my mediator unto Cleonisbe, yet I can never hate him enough for it; for had he never come hither, you had been a great promoter of my deſires: I do confeſs it replyed ſhe. But I muſt tell you alſo, that if you had not been a Rivall unto the Prince of Phoceus, I would have done him all the good offices I was able unto Cleonisbe.

Oh Glacidia, replyed he, you have done him too much in doing me none: I aſſure you Sir, replyed ſhe, I have done him no more, then I have done for you. However it be, ſaid he, I am forced to tell you, that if I be not choſen, I do not think I ſhall be able to keep within thoſe limits you preſcribe me, ſo as methinks you ſhould wiſh my happineſſe, leſt if I be not I ſhould be forced to take ſome violent courſe. To prevent it, replyed Glacidia, let me adviſe you this day to prepare your ſelfe to be miſerable to morrow, to the end that your ſoule not being ſurprized, may not be ſhaken. Oh Glacidia ſayd he, I am in extream feare. you know what I muſt be: No ſayd ſhe, but I adviſe you, as I would my ſelf, if the Caſe were mine, and as I would adviſe the Prince of Phoceus, if he ſhould ſpeak as you doe: As ſhe ſayd ſo, the Prince of Phoceus entered, who ſeeing the King talking with Cleonisbe, and Bomilcar with Glacidia, went to his Rivall, that he might receive ſo much ſatisfaction as to interrupt him, and keep him from perſwading Glacidia to any which might prejudice him.

As for Bomilcar, he was vexed, & in ſuch fear of incenſing Glacidia, that he thought it better to retire, and leave his Rivall alone with her, then to ſtay with him. But he was no ſooner gone, then the Prince of Phoceus began to conjure Glacidia not to be unfaithfull to him: And at leaſt, though you will not favour me, yet do not hinder me: And if I can obtaine any more from you, let the Princeſs if it be poſſible rather chooſe Britomartes or Galathes, then Bomilcar, that ſo if I be not happy, he may fare no better then my ſelfe.

[Page] Since your requeſt is unjuſt, replyed ſhe, I muſt deny it, and on the contrary declare, that I will do all I can to perſwade the Princeſs that there are none but you and Bomilcar who are worthy of her choiſe, to the end that if ſhe chooſe not you, ſhe may chooſe him; and if not him, ſhe may chooſe you; Thus being officious unto you both, I will prejudice both your Rivals: and certainly I ſhould do very well in it, ſince I conceive it to be advantageous unto Cleonisbe. As Glacidia pronounced theſe words, the King left Cleonisbe, and me-thought as if he had ſpoken ſomething which diſpleaſed her, for there appeared more melancholy in her eyes then before: And certainly I was not deceived; for after the King was gone, Glacidia underſtood that his viſit had diſpleaſed Cleonisbe.

In the mean while, the Prince of Phoceus who was returned unto the Princeſs in hopes to find an opportunity of privacy with her, was forced to retire without ſpeaking one word unto her; for conſidering the ill aſpect of Cleonisbe, he thought beſt to follow the King. But as ſoon as all the company was gone out of the Chamber, ſhe called Glacidia unto her, and told her how the King with many aggravations had ſhewed her reaſons why he preferred Bomilcar before all the reſt of the Pretenders, and had abſolutely commanded her to chooſe him.

As ſoon as Cleonisbe had imparted this unto Glacidia, one knockt at the door and ſayd that the Prince Carimantes deſired to ſee her: and as Glacidia went out of the Cloſet, Carimantes entered, where as ſoon as he was ſetled, he began to ſpeak unto her. You have had ſo much company (ſayd he unto the Princeſs) that I thought it not fit to ſpeak unto you of a buſineſs whereupon depends your happineſs as well as mine: but now you are alone, I conjure you to tell me whom you intend to make your choiſe? Since the King, replyed ſhe, hath not left me the liberty of my choiſe, but that I muſt follow his deſires againſt my own inclination, Bomilcar muſt be preferred▪ Oh ſiſter ſayd the Prince Carimantes, ſince the King hath no lawfull power abſolutely to command you: and ſince without infringement of the Law, he can only intreat you, I conjure you with all the earneſtneſs of my heart, to chooſe the Prince of Phoceus, and not Bomilcar. Cleonisbe hearing this, was ſo ſurprized that ſhe bluſht; but ſince ſhe was not ſorry to heare the Prince her Brother to ſpeak ſo, and would have been glad to have him perſwade her unto it by ſome convincing reaſons and arguments, ſhe ſeemed to reſiſt him: ſhe told him then that truly the Prince of Phoceus was a Prince of great merits; but ſince it was not the pleaſure of the King to chooſe him, ſhe thought it her duty to ſubmit. She had no ſooner ſayd ſo, but Carimantes told her that it was fitter for her to ſubmit unto the Laws, then to make her choiſe by obedience: That he thought that her choiſe of a Graecian to be better then a Carthahinian; that the cauſe of the Prince of Phoceus his exile, was glorious; that he had more Subjects, then Bomilcar had Vaſſals; and that his merits did excell him every way. And above all other conſiderations, dear Siſter ſayd he, the Prince of Phoceus is Brother unto the Princeſs Oneſicrite, unto whom he hath promiſed to be my mediator, and hath put me in hopes to exclude Menedorus from her heart: Oh Sir, ſayd ſhe, I am afraid that all your arguments which you think ſo full of reaſon, would not appear ſo unto you, but becauſe you are intereſted; for I beſeech you, what reaſons ſhould I give unto the King for not ſubmitting to his commands? You may tell him (replyed Carimantes) that I adviſed you: That anſwer might produce a dangerous conſequence replyed ſhe; and I had rather (ſayd ſhe and bluſhed) make him believe that I love the Prince of Phoceus, then to make him ſuſpect any defects of duty in you. But truly (ſaid ſhe, and ſighed) the Kings words unto me will not give me leave to hearken unto you; for as he did aggravate the matter unto me, if I did not make choiſe of him, I ſhould cauſe him to break off the Peace which he made for us with the Carthaginians, and ſo renew a War: Alſo he told me, I ſhould ruine my Country, if I did not follow his advice. Oh ſiſter, replyed this violent Prince, I muſt tell you, there is leſs danger in a Forraign War then in a Civill: and as the King told you, that you ſhould cauſe a War with the Carthaginians, if you did not chooſe Bomilcar.

So I muſt tell you, that if you do not chooſe the Prince of Phoceus, you will cauſe War in your own Country; for I ſhall the very next day quit the Court, and fortifie Marſeilles, and with a body both of Greeks and Segoregians, ſhall carve out Juſtice unto the Prince of Phoceus by giving you a legall, voluntary, and not a forced choiſe; [Page] for I am not ſo blind, but I can ſee, that you eſteem the Prince of Phoceus enough to chooſe him, if the King did not hinder you, and do hate Bomilcar ſo much, that you would never chooſe him, if you had the freedome of your own inclination: And therefore Siſter ſatisfie your ſelf and me, ſince you may very well do it without any offence unto the Law of the Land. I know very well Sir, replyed ſhe, that I may, but I know not whether I ought, and therefore I conjure you to attempt no ſuch violent courſes as I perceive you fancy: But to let you ſee, that the reaſon why I will not make you any ſuch promiſe as you deſire, is, becauſe I conceive honour will not permit me. I will ingeniouſly confeſs, that if I did follow the motions of my own heart, I ſhould prefer the virtue of the Prince of Phoceus before any: And this I do confeſs, Sir, to the end you may know, that ſince I value not my own intereſt, you ought not to think it ſtrange, if I do not ſacrifice my honour for your ſatisfaction: And the rather, becauſe I am confident that though the Prince of Phoceus be not choſen, yet he will not faile to be your mediator unto Oneſicrite, ſince he is obliged unto it, for his own ſake, and for hers as well as for yours.

But Siſter, replyed Carimantes, if you had loved Bomilcar, what could you do more for him? I aſſure you Sir, replyed ſhe, that my thoughts of him are very farr from deſerving the name of Love. But Sir, ſince I am a lover of glory above all things, I beſeech you let me take the advice of my pillow, and conſider both of the Kings reaſons and yours. But firſt tell me, ſayd he, whether you have made him any poſitive promiſe to obey his deſires? I had not ſo much power, replyed ſhe; but ſince my anſwer was only by a reſpective and humble ſilence, I believe he thought that I would obey him. If you do obey him, replyed Carimantes; you force me to become a Rebell, and to do all that the paſſion of the Phocean Prince ſhall deſire me, to the end he may favour mine. Therefore Siſter, ſince by obeying the Law, you will prevent a dangerous Warr; you will do juſtice unto a Prince who adores you; you will contribute unto my happineſs, and keep your ſelf from being miſerable, obey it rather then the King. After this Carimantes being gone, Cleonisbe called for Glacidia, unto whom ſhe imparted all her Brother had ſayd: and that ſhe might not be ignorant of any cauſes of her inquietude, ſhe told her further, how two of great quality in the Country had told her, that if ſhe did not make choiſe of Britomartes (who was only of all the Pretenders, that Country man) all the Nobility of the Kingdome would take his part; adding, that Hipomenes did advertiſe him how Galathes had plotted ſome great deſign with Menedorus in caſe he were not choſen: So as, ſaid ſhe unto Glacidia, which way ſoever I look, I find my ſelf in the moſt pittifull condition in the world: For truly if I obey the King, I ſhall chooſe Bomilcar whom I hate, I ſhall not chooſe the Prince of Phoceus whom I love. I ſhall incenſe the Prince my Brother, I ſhall diſoblige all the Nobility; diſobliging Britomartes: Alſo I do expoſe my ſelf unto the violence and ſubtlety of Galathes, who is the craftieſt man alive. But there cannot be the leaſt thought of chooſing either Britomartes or Galathes; for though my naturall averſion be ſtronger againſt Bomilcar then againſt them, yet I know, that if I muſt be unjuſt unto Bomilcar, it muſt be in favour of the Phocean Prince: For by chooſing one of them, I ſhould equally incenſe the King and the Prince my Brother, yet they are both of them much to be feared; for the one may raiſe a party in the State, and the other being very powerfull with the King of the Celtes, may cauſe a vexatious War.

On the other ſide, if I ſhould do as the Prince my Brother would have me, and perhaps as my ſelf would as much as he, I ſhould more incenſe Britomartes and Galathes, then if I ſhould chooſe Bomilcar. But the great Conſideration of all is, that I ſhall incenſe the King, and I doubt diſhonour my ſelfe by it: And after all this Glacidia (added Cleonisbe) can you be ſo inhumane as to deny me your Counſell in ſo perplexing a conjuncture? No Madam, replyed ſhe, and ſince you command me, I will take ſo much liberty as to tell you, that to ridd your ſelf of half your trouble, you muſt never think either of Galathes or Britomartes: but without any fears either of the Celtes or Segoregians, never trouble your mind with any thing but your choiſe either of Bomilcar or the Prince of Phoceus.

Alas Glacidia, ſayd Cleonisbe, by leaving me in doubt of that choiſe, you leave me in doubt of all. Truly Madam, replyed ſhe, this is all I either can or ought to do: For being fully perſwaded you cannot chooſe amiſs between them two which I [Page] named, I thought I might well ſay what I did, but ought not to ſay any more, ſince I cannot prejudice either Bomilcar or the Prince of Phoceus: Therefore Madam, it is your ſelf only who muſt examine the reaſons both of the King and the Prince Carimantes, and to do what you ſhall find moſt expedient. If I ſhould hearken unto reaſon, replyed ſhe, I ſhould chooſe Bomilcar; and if I ſhould honour the motions of my own heart, I ſhould chooſe the Phocean Prince. But for all this (added ſhe and ſighed) ſince I cannot think my reaſon will be ſtrong enough to overcome this powerful inclination which prompts me to chooſe the Prince of Phoceus; and ſince I do not think this inclination, as powerfull as it is, can overcome my Reaſon, I could find in my heart a diſpoſition, neither to chooſe Bomilcar nor the Prince of Phoceus, nor Britomartes, nor Galathes, but to name the firſt man of Quality that I ſhall ſee in the Temple: So that incenſing all at once, both the King, the Prince Carimantes, the Prince of Phoceus, Bomilcar, Galathes, and Britomartes, they may overwhelm me with reproaches, and make me dye with ſorrow and ſhame, before I go out of the Temple. Cleonisbe did pronounce theſe words with ſuch agony of ſpirit, that they made Glacidia extreamly ſad; yet ſhe kept her ſelfe cloſe unto her reſolved limits, and did as much as ever ſhe could to calm the heart of Cleonisbe, without byaſſing her ſelf more on Bomilcars ſide, then of the Prince of Phoceus, or favouring the Prince of Phoceus more then Bomilcar. Yet was ſhe put to a Dilemma after this; for after Cleonisbe had ſeriouſly pondered upon it, and had ſilent ſtood a while, ſhe turned ſuddenly towards Glacidia: 'Tis done, ſayd ſhe, I am reſolved upon it, and reſolved to overcome two moſt violent paſſions at once, I meane hatred and its contrary Paſſion: But that I may be the better able to do it, you muſt encourage my weakneſs by your Commendations, and tell me I have done well in chooſing Bomilcar, and ſhould do ill if I ſhould chooſe the Prince of Phoceus: Under your favour Madam, replyed Glacidia, I will neither commend nor blame you in this buſineſſe, but ſhall tell you as heretofore I have done that you cannot chooſe ill between the Prince of Phoceus and Bomilcar; yet ſince you can be juſt unto the one, without being unjuſt unto the other, you cannot too well conſider upon a matter of ſuch importance.

Since you leave me to my own ſenſe, replyed Cleonisbe: not to deceive my ſelfe, I will take the moſt difficult part, and by conſequence the moſt glorious: I know very well, that I ought not to build too much upon the counſell of the Prince my Brother; for ſince the intereſt of his own paſſion makes him ſpeak, I [...] ought to ſuſpect all he ſaith, and rather believe the King then him.

Moreover ſince my heart hath been ſo weak as to engage it ſelf more then I would, tis fit I puniſh it for its unjuſt hatred unto Bomilcar, that I deprive it of what it loves, and ſubmit unto what it hates. Theſe Glacidia are my thoughts now, and I know not whether you will find me in the ſame mind to morrow, However, though you have denyed me your Counſell, yet I pray you do not alſo deny me your Prayers unto the Gods, that they will be pleaſed to give me ſo much force as to execute what I now reſolve upon. After this and a hundred tender expreſſions, Glacidia left her, and went home, being exceedingly perplexed to ſee her ſelfe driven unto ſuch a cruell neceſſity, as the next day to grieve with the Prince of Phoceus, for the ſame thing which obliged her to rejoyce with Bomilcar, for ſhe ſaw Cleonisbe was fully reſolved to chooſe him. Yet ſhe did not think it expedient to ſpeak of it: and indeed ſhe ſayd not a ſyllable of it either unto Bomilcar or the Prince of Phoceus, who came both unto her. But on the contrary, was ſo firme to her reſolutions, and did compoſe her countenance ſo well, that their deſigns of getting the knowledg of their Deſtinies from her, were fruſtrated; for they knowing that ſhe had been late with Cleonisbe, they hoped to get ſome light out of her; but being miſtaken in their hopes, each of them departed. Bomilcar went to the King, and the Prince of Phoceus unto Carimantes.

As for Britamartes, he had abundance of men of quality with him, to follow him unto the Temple: Galathes was as buſie in hindering others from being choſen, as he was to be choſen himſelf.

Alſo Carimantes and Menedorus tranſacting according to their intereſts, it might very well be ſaid they were all extreamly buſie: yet Cleonisbe was moſt to be lamented, and the condition wherein ſhee was, was ſo very pittifull, that a worſe cannot be imagined: For truly it being permitted her to go into her chamber untill [Page] the time of going to the Temple, ſhe received a hundred ſeverall meſſages either from the King, or from Carimantes, or from the Prince of Phoceus, or from his three Rivalls. Yet ſhe had ſo ſad an aſpect, as it was eaſie to ſee her heart was in extream ſorrow, and the Prince of Phoceus as well as Bomilcar did obſerve it. For accompanying the Prince Carimantes, who went to ſee her a little before ſhe went to the Temple, unto which the King was to lead her, they came to Glacidia in their turns, and expounded her ſadneſſe according to their owne reſentments. Alas Glacidia (ſaid the Prince of Phoceus unto her) what a ſtrange melancholy do I diſcover in the eyes of the Princeſs? have I not abundance of reaſon to feare, if I love her, that I ſhall be unfortunate, if ſhe ſhould chooſe me, ſince their is ſuch a ſtrange repugnancy in her rather then wiſh a happineſſe which hath cauſed ſuch a ſad melancoly in her?

On the other ſide, Bomilcar reaſoning after the ſame manner of mode hee uſed, and drawing a good preſage from this weakneſſe, he told Glacidia, that knowing the Prince of Phoceus was more in Cleonisbes favour then he was, that he could not chuſe but be very glad to ſee ſo much melancholy in the countenance of the Princeſs, becauſe it argued that the choiſe which ſhee was to make did not fully pleaſe her, and therefore he had reaſon to hope, that ſince the Prince of Phoceus was not likely to be choſen, he himſelf was: But Madam, a chance hapned a little after, which made it apparent that they reaſoned more according to their feares, or according to their deſires and hopes, then according unto right reaſon: For as the Prince Carimantes went out, and the Prince of Phoceus and Bomilcar following him, the laſt of theſe obſerved that Cleonisbe blushed as ſhe looked upon his Rivall; and immediately after the Prince of Phoceus obſerved that ſhe changed colour as ſhee looked upon Bomilcar. So as one of them apprehending fear, and the other hope, one and the ſame thing cauſed two very different effects in their hearts. For Bomilcar thought ſhe blushed as ſhe looked upon the Prince of Phoceus, only becauſe ſhe should not chooſe him: And the Prince of Phoceus thought she blushed as she looked upon Bomilcar, becauſe being to chooſe him, a ſpark of modeſty broke out that colour in her cheeks: ſo neither the one or other knowing the true reaſon of her changing colour, both of them did conclude upon falſe conjectures, for the Princeſs afterwards confeſſed unto Glacidia, that when she blushed as she looked upon Bomilcar, it was only out of a reſentment of hatred mixed with anger, to ſee her ſelf forced to chooſe him. And when she changed colour in ſeeing the Prince of Phoceus, it was out of shame, at the injuſtice she was going to do unto her Love, and the violence she was to offer unto her naturall inclination.

In the mean time, according to the cuſtome, Carimantes followed by theſe foure Rivalls, and all the men of quality in the Court, went unto the Temple, where all the Sarronides of the Kingdom were preſent that day. I shall not trouble you Madam, with any deſcription of that crowd of people in the ſtreets and in the Temple, nor mention the magnificence of the foure Rivals, nor of Cleonisbes dreſſe, nor of all the reſt of the Ladies, for it would but abuſe your patience. Give me leave only to tell you, that the Prince of Phoceus and Bomilcar were the two, whoſe habits were moſt admired, and of them two, the Prince of Phoceus had the advantage: As for Cleonisbe, as melancholy as ſhe was, yet she appeared admirably fair: and next the Princeſs, Amathilde was the moſt gliſtering in her dreſſe, and was the ſuperlative both in beauty and youth: And she knew it ſo well, that she told Glacidia in raillary, remembring their diſpute, that upon condition she were ſure to be ſix years older then she was that day, she would moſt willingly reſign her life, and never aske more in this world.

But in concluſion Madam, the Princeſs being ready, the King came to take her, and leading her into a Chariot of Triumph wherein they two did fit alone, they went unto the Temple, and all the Ladies followed in other Chariots. Since order is much obſerved in that Country in all theſe Feaſts, as ſoon as the King and the Princeſs Cleonisbe were ſet in the midſt of the Temple upon a Throne, all the Ladies did ſit round about on ſcaffolds where they might have beſt ſight; and on the right and left hand of the Throne ſtood all the men of quality, amongſt which were the four Rivals: As for the Prince Carimantes, he ſate upon a ſcaffold with Oneſicrite, placing himſelf ſo that Cleonisbe might ſee him, and that he might make ſigns unto [Page] her, and ſhew unto her, that his happineſs depended upon her choiſe, as well as her own. But Madam, I had forgot to tell you, that at the entrance into the Temple, a knot of Jewels which tyed a ſcarfe of Tiffany about Cleonisbes neck being broke, Glacidia who was next her, advanced to reach them up unto her, whilſt the King was hearkning unto what the Prince of the Sarronides did ſay, who was come to receive him at the Gate of the Temple: ſo as whilſt Glacidia was doing her this piece of ſervice, Cleonisbe ſpake low unto her: There is yet time enough to give me Counſell, my deare Glacidia, ſayd ſhe unto her, but within this quarter of an hour it will be too late: And if I do not repent of the reſolution which I have taken, I ſhall prefer him whom I hate, before him whom I love: You have not then changed the reſolution of yeſterday (replyed Glacidia, and ſpake as low as ſhe could) No (anſwered Cleonisbe and ſighed) but I have ſo much ado to remain firm, that I dare hardly bragg of conquering my ſelfe, ſince at this very minute I have a combate with my ſelfe, and ſtrive with more force then I am able to expreſs. As the Princeſs ſayd ſo, the knot of Diamonds being faſtned, and the King beginning to walk, Glacidia could not anſwer, but went up to the Scaffold of Oneſicrite, where ſhe might ſee Cleonisbe, the Prince of Phoceus, and Bomilcar; for the two other Rivals were on the oppoſite ſide to that where Glacidia was. She ſaw Britomartes and Galathes alſo, but it was only their faces; yet intereſting her ſelf only in Bomilcar and the Prince of Phoceus, ſhe cared not for obſerving the reſt, nor cared what they thought: But at laſt Madam, as ſoon as the King and the Princeſs his Daughter were ſet upon the throne in the midſt of the Temple, the Prince of the Sarronides began to read the Law, which required that this choiſe ſhould be made, and gave an abſolute free liberty of choiſe unto the perſon who was to chooſe, provided that there was no diſproportion in the quality of that party which was choſen. After which, Muſique, half Gracian, half Gaule, did make the roof of the Temple to Eccho, whilſt all the Sarronides were praying unto the gods to inſpire the Princeſs with ſuch a choiſe as might be happy for her ſelf and the State. But Madam, whilſt the Prayers were making, what different Devotions were in the heart of Cleonisbe, of the four Pretenders, of Carimantes, of Menedorus, and of Glacidia? But amongſt the reſt, what may one imagine to be the apprehenſions of the Phocean Prince, and of Bomilcar? For my part, who can only gueſs by ſeeing them, I profeſs I pittyed them; for ſometimes they would look upon the Princeſs as if they begd [...]d her favour: ſometimes again they would look upon her with ſome ſparks of fury in their eyes, and ſometimes they would caſt a moſt extream melancholy look upon Glacidia.

In the mean while, Cleonisbe ſuffered as much as they; for being at the very point of pronouncing ſentence, and condemning her ſelf, to paſſe all her life with a man whom ſhe could not chooſe but hate, and to part for ever from a Prince whom ſhee could not chuſe but love, ſhe was ſenſible of more then ever ſhe could expreſs unto Glacidia, though ſhe employed the moſt apt and ſignificant words in the world for it. At firſt her reaſon would act with her heart as a Rebell which it had tamed: but this Rebell having broken thoſe chayns which her reaſon had put upon it, the Warre which ſhe thought ended, did but begin, and begun more violently then before. So as whilſt they were praying unto the Gods to inſpire her, ſhe was in ſo great a combuſtion of ſpirits, that ſhe knew not what to aske them: She had not ſooner entertained a thought of that prayer which ſhe framed in her reſolution of chooſing Bomilcar, but ſhe perceived her ſelfe unreſolved whether ſhe ſhould chooſe him or no. However, ſhe had not ſo much power as to pray that the gods would give her ſo much boldneſs as to prefer the Prince of Phoceus: and as ſhe afterwards told Glacidia ſhe had not power to pray that they would inſpire her according to their own wills. But at laſt, her piety being ſtronger, ſhe forced her heart to ſubmit unto their conduct, and prayed zealouſly that ſhe might make ſuch a choiſe, as might more conduce unto her glory then unto her ſatisfaction. But the more ſhe prayed, the leſs quiet was in her ſoule, and more ravelled in her reſolutions of chooſing. Moreover, her naturall averſneſs to Bomilcar, and her affection to the Prince of Phoceus, aſſuming freſh forces to torment her, there was a new hot combate in her mind.

Furthermore, the menaces of civill and forreign Warr which the King and Carimantes had by their talk made known unto her, filled her imagination with ſuch ſad conſequences, that they raiſed a moſt terrible combuſtion in her heart.

[Page] Again, her fears to incenſe the King, or to force Carimantes unto ſome violent courſe, did extreamly perplex her, but the ſight of the Phocean Prince went neareſt her heart: And truly Madam, there appeared ſuch lively ſorrow in the face of the Prince, that it being eaſie for Cleonisbe to conclude there was as much love in her heart, as melancholy in his eyes, ſhe was fuller of irreſolution and diſpair then ever. So as when the Prince of the Sarronides had made a learned diſcourſe upon the importance of that choiſe which Cleonisbe was to make, ſhe knew not in the earth what ſhe would, or what ſhe would not have.

In the mean time, according to the cuſtome, the King gave a Ring of an ineſtimable value unto the Princeſs his Daughter, who after ſhe had taken it, deſcended from the Throne, and was to put it into the hands of the Prince of the Sarronides; who after he had received it from her, began to ſpeak with ſuch authority, as if ſhe had not been Daughter unto that King unto whom he was a Subject. After I have received this Ring which is here in my hand (ſaid he unto her) it is your part Madam to name unto me the man whom you think worthy of your choiſs, to the end I may give it unto him: But firſt, remember that this choiſe ought to be free, it ought to be reaſonable, and it ought to be worthy of your ſelfe. In order unto theſe, conſult only with your own reaſon, and let neither feare or any humane reſpect whatſoever move you to infringe the Law, which requires that you ſhould be equitable in your choiſe. Be pleaſed Madam, then to tell me whom you think worthy of your choiſe: At theſe words, according to the cuſtome; the Princeſs would have named him whom ſhe would chooſe, and would have ſayd Bomilcar. But her tongue having no power to pronounce ſo much as the firſt ſillable of that name, though ſhe did ſtrive to do it, in lieu of anſwering, ſhe ſtood ſilent: and preſently growing pale, then bluſhing immediately after, her ſoule was in ſuch a maze, as ſhe knew not whom ſhe ſaw, or where ſhe was: Inſomuch as not being able to be miſtriſs of her ſelfe, nor calm ſo great a ſtorm in ſo ſhort a time, ſhe layd her hand upon her eyes, ſhe ſeemed to be ſo ſick and weak, that ſhe was not able to finiſh the Ceremony: Inſomuch as the Prince of the Sarronides being a man of an admirable ſpirit, and knowing that certainly this accident proceeded from the irreſolution of her ſoul, he went unto her, and ſayd that it were expedient to adjourn the Ceremony untill another time: And then Cleonisbe accepting of that motion, did gladly conſent it ſhould be ſo. You may eaſily imagine Madam, what a rumour this made in the Church, and what amazement it cauſed in the minds of the four Rivals.

When the Prince Carimantes ſaw how the caſe ſtood, he came from his ſcaffold, and going ſtraight unto Cleonisbe, he began to talk with her in a low voyce: Oh Siſter ſayd he unto her, I beſeech you defer not your happineſs and mine, one word is quickly pronounced Perhaps too quickly for you this day (replyed ſhe and ſighed) and therefore its better to defer it untill another time.

In the mean while, theſe foure Rivals knew not what to think, yet Bomilcar concluded that he had reaſon to grieve that he was not choſen. And the Prince of Phoceus had ſo much comfort as to think, that ſince Cleonisbe had not pronounced Bomilcar, it was almoſt a certain ſign ſhe did not love him, for he knew the King would have her chooſe him. As for Britomartes and Galathes, ſince their hopes were more in their factions then any thing elſe, they were not ſo angry as Bomilcar that Cleonisbes choiſe was deferred. But whilſt they were every one reaſoning with themſelves, the Princeſs did carry her ſelf as one who was ſick, and was carryed back unto the Palace, where ſhe was ſo extreamly aſhamed, that ſhe could not vanquiſh her ſelfe as from a feigned ſickneſs, ſhe fell ſick in earneſt. To tell you Madam all the expreſſions of this Princeſs when ſhe was alone with Glacidia, is a task not eaſie: Well cruell woman, ſayd this ſick Princeſs, did I not tell you I ſtood in need of your reaſon to ſtrengthen mine? now you ſee what a ſhame I have brought upon my ſelf: I would have named Bomilcar, but my heart turned Rebell, and would not ſuffer me to pronounce him: and I was in ſuch a condition, that if I had not ſtopped my mouth, I had named his Rivall in lieu of him. But Glacidia, make me ſo aſhamed of my weakneſs, that I may repent; for I muſt confeſs it to be ſo very great, that maugre all my ſhame, I am in ſome ſort glad that I am yet free, and that I did not name Bomilcar; for if I had overcome my ſelf, my victory had already coſt me more tears, then my defeat hath ſighs. However, I beſeech you chide me for being ſo little Miſtreſs of my [Page] own heart: If I ſhould take ſo much liberty as to chide you for any thing Madam, replyed ſhe, it ſhould be for commanding me to condemn any of your actions; for truly Madam, I think it to be juſt that you ſhould chooſe the Prince of Phoceus▪ I think it juſt you ſhould chooſe Bomilcar, and I thinke it juſt you ſhould hardly reſolve which to chooſe. Thus finding reaſon in all you do, I cannot condemn you Madam: All I am able to do, is to pitty her who cannot chooſe, as well as thoſe who cannot be choſen. However, the Princeſs was not in a condition to renew the Ceremony, for a feaver of above twelve days did ſeize upon her, during which time ſhe would not ſee either the Prince of Phoceus or Bomilcar, or Britomartes, or Galathes: Yet ſince ſhe could not chooſe but admit of Carimantes to ſee her, the Prince of Phoceus had a powerfull mediator unto her. Yet Bomilcar did more prejudice himſelf, then Carimantes could ſerve the Prince of Phoceus: For thinking he had ſome injuſtice done him if he were not choſen he, did not only complain againſt the Princeſs, but againſt the King alſo, imagining that he had not ſolicited Cleonisbe enough in his behalfe.

Now, Galathes fearing Bomilcar more then he did the Prince of Phoceus, he carryed it ſo, that the Princeſs knew how Bomilcar complained againſt her, and let the King alſo know what he ſaid aginſt him. As for Britomartes, he went another way to worke; for he ſpake aloud, that if Juſtice were not done him, he would unite all his friends, and the friends of all his Rivalls who were no happier then himſelfe, to moleſt the happineſs of him that ſhould be choſen: ſo as there was none but the Prince of Phoceus, which did not openly complayn though his ſoule was as ſad as any of the reſt: But when he was alone with Glacidia, what did he not ſay to ſcrue the thoughts of Cleonisbe out of her, which ſhe had upon that day of ſolemnity; which at the beginning had all appearances of a jollity, but at the end was all melancholy. It ſeems alſo, it was a day deſignd by fate to be univerſally ſad, for three extraordinary accidents did fall out upon it: and amongſt the reſt, nothing was more talked of, then that the faire and young Amathilde ſhould that day fall ſick, and of a ſickneſs ſo ſtrange and terrible, that all Phyſicians ſayd, that though ſhe her ſelf eſcaped, yet her beauty could not: Yet they did not at firſt tell her as much, but on the contrary, knowing her humour, they aſſured her that ſhe would recover her beauty with her health.

In the mean time, the violence of Bomilcar having diſpleaſed the King, the Prince Carimantes cloſed with that opportunity, and went unto him one morning without acquainting Cleonisbe: and the King lending him a willing eare, with much boldneſs and eloquence, he hinted unto him that he ſhould not ſuffer Cleonisbe to marry a man who was ſo inſolent as to pretend unto that honour as a due unto him, inſomuch as the King did agree Bomilcar was too blame: After this, driving the nail to the head, he intimated many inconveniences which were to be feared, if he ſuffered her to marry eyther Britomartes or Galathes; and that much leſſe danger would enſue, if he preferred the Prince of Phoceus before any of the reſt: At firſt, Carimantes found ſome repugnancy in the Kings mind, not but that he had a high eſteem of the Phocean Prince, and loved him extreamly: but being an exile from his Country, this ſtuck much in his mind. Yet Carimantes would not be repulſed for but he preſſed the matter ſo home, that he obliged the King to think well of him: ſo as going to carry this welcome news unto the Prince of Phoceus, he made him extreamly joyed, and obtained from him a confirmation of his promiſe, to oblige Oneſicrite to receive the honour he did her very favourably.

The truth is Madam, the Prince Carimantes being joyned, nothing could oppoſe them, and their power was ſtronger then Bomilcars, Britomartes, and Galathes all together. I shall not inſiſt Madam upon a relation of this important Negotiation; but only tell you that whilſt this feaver which the Princeſs had, was the pretence of ſeeing no body; Carimantes carryed the Prince of Phoceus unto her, and made her confeſs unto him that she was glad the King would permit her to do Juſtice unto his merit. It is not an eaſie matter Madam, to relate his raptures of joy: and yet it was greater, when he undeſtood that Carimantes had negotiated ſo well with the King, that he gave his conſent they should be happy, and likewiſe did permit the Prince his ſonne to marry Oneſicrite. However theſe things were carryed ſo cloſely, that they made no noiſe in the Court: For ſince the meetings of the King, and the Prince of Phoceus, of Cleonisbe and Carimantes, were alwayes with much caution, [Page] nothing was divulged. Moreover, Ariſtonice writing almoſt every day unto Oneſicrite, to exhort her unto the publique good before her own private ſatisfaction, ſhe reſolved to ſacrifice her paſſion unto the good of her Country, and did ſo affirmatively promiſe it unto this illuſtrious Virgin of Diana, as there was no cauſe of any doubt but that ſhe would overcom her ſelf. So that when the Prince of Phoceus was advertiſed by Ariſtonice how the caſe ſtood, and wiſhed his Siſter to break off with Menedorus, ſince Sfurius would not let her marry him, and when afterwards he deſired her to receive the affection of the Prince Carimantes, ſhe told him that ſhe would obey him: Tis true, ſhe told him ſo with a ſigh, yet it was after ſuch a manner, as one might ſee ſhe intended to keep her promiſe: And indeed, from that day forward, ſhe deſired Menedorus to with-draw his affection from her, giving all her reaſons which might induce him to hearken unto her deſires.

But though ſhe gave him as ſweet language as is imaginable, yet he was ſo full of ſorrow and anger that he could not diſſemble his reſentments, but accuſed her of inconſtancy and ambition. Alſo he did menace both the Prince Carimantes and the Prince of Phoceus ſo highly, that Oneſicrite, as ſweet a temper as hers was, ſhe be ganto be angry againſt him for giving ſuch irreverent language. Inſomuch as ſmothering all that tenderneſs of heart which ſhe had towards Menedorus, ſhe abſolutely charged him never to ſee her again: ſo as this incenſed Lover beginning his obedience by leaving her, he went to Galathes, and imparted all his ſorrows unto him, as Galathes did the like to him again.

In the mean time, ſince Cleonisbe began to recover, the King and the Prince Carimantes reſolved, that to hinder any commotion in the State, Cleonisbe ſhould temper the ſpirits of theſe three Rivalls which were to be rejected, and to tell them hanſomely her intentions before the day of ſolemnity, to the end they ſhould not be ſurprized, and be abſent.

The Princeſs was hardly perſwaded unto this; but the King abſolutely commandding her, ſhe reſolved to be obedient, and indeed ſhe was ſo: For the Feaver having quite left her, and they permitted to ſee her, theſe three unfortunate Lovers came to preſent their Complements of joy for her recovery: So that ſhe taking this opportunity, did declare their dooms unto them one after another. But though ſhe employed all her wit and eloquence to make them receive it patiently, yet all would not do.

As for Britomartes, he being high and proud, told her in a high manner (after ſhe had deſired him to pretend no longer unto her choiſe for ſeverall reaſons) that ſhe was unjuſt unto his quality and vertue. For as ſhe told him, to qualifie his mind that it was not but that ſhe eſteemed him very much, he interrupted her. Since it is ſo Madam (ſayd he unto her) it is enough to authorize all my attempts; for ſince you do not think me unworthy of you, I muſt tell you, that I do not think I ſhall do any thing againſt thoſe reſpects I owe you; when I ſhall do all, I am able to poſſeſs in honour, which you confeſs I may enjoy without injuſtice: And ſo Madam, I ſhall endeavour all wayes poſſible to keep you from an ill choiſe. Thus Madam, did Britomartes receive his ſentence.

As for Galathes, ſince he had the art of diſſimulation, he ſeemed to receive all that Cleonisbe ſayd with all humble reſpect, and with a thouſand ſigns of love, not one of any anger, he only told her, that he would do all he was able to obey her, but yet feared that he could not. Afterwards Bomilcar being come to Cleonisbe, whoſe mind was incenſed againſt him, by the complaints he had made againſt her and the King her Father, ſhe would not pronounce his doom with any words of ſweetneſſe: But on the contrary, ſhe ſpoke ſo ſharply, that ſhe was out of all patience. Fie Madam (ſayd he unto her, after ſhe had abſolutely charged him not to pretend unto her choiſe) Can you remember my moſt violent and conſtant paſſion, and treat me thus? Tis true (purſued he) I complained both againſt you and the King: But Madam, how could I do leſſe, ſeeing the injuſtice which was done me? Might it not well be ſayd, that my paſſion was not worthy of you, if my reſentments had been leſſe violent, or had been more wiſe in my anger? For the very truth is, what have I not done to deſerve you? and in how great hopes hath the King put me, to be preferred before all my Rivalls.

Moreover Madam, can you think I am able to endure that an exile Prince ſhould take a happineſs from me which I have purchaſed by a million of ſervices? And becauſe [Page] he hath been weather-beaten, and found ſafety under the ſhelter of your favour, therefore it muſt be I who muſt ſuffer ſhipwrack? Think upon it Madam, conſider it ſeriouſly, and do not force me to diſpair. Cleonisbe then thinking her ſelfe too blame for incenſing a man who had ſome reaſon to complayn, though he was much to be blamed for complaining ſo violently after the Ceremony, ſhe reſolved to accord a misfortune which might happen, and perſwade him more mildly to receive his misfortune. To teſtifie unto you (ſayd ſhe unto him) that you have no reaſon to accuſe the Prince of Phoceus for your being no better in my thoughts, I will open my very heart unto you, and confeſs my whole weakneſs and injuſtice. I will tell you then, that ſince I am not a very ſtupid, I know very well your worth: I know your originall is great, and that your Anceſtors have been illuſtrious Citizens of Carthage, and alſo Kings of Numidia: Moreouer I know you to be a man of much ſpirit, and courage, and generoſity: Alſo I know how I am obliged unto you by a thouſand ſervices you have done me: But I know alſo, and I muſt tell it, that there hath ever been ſuch a kind of conceipt in my heart as I am not able to expreſſe, and which would never allow you to love me. Yet notwithſtanding this naturall antipathy which I have in vaine ſtriven againſt, I was reſolved to chooſe you, and had named you upon the day of ſolemnity, if my heart could have ſubmitted unto my reaſon, and my tongue have pronounced the word Bomilcar.

How ſad a fate ſoever it be (replyed he and fighed) to be hated: yet I think my ſelfe in ſome ſort obliged to hear you ſay, that you did not chooſe me becauſe you hated me, rather then becauſe you loved the Prince of Phoceus: And I wiſh unto the Gods Madam (ſaid he, lifting up his eyes to heaven) that you hated me half as much more, ſo you could love him halfe leſſe: For truly Madam, I am ſure that if he were no happier then my ſelfe, I ſhould not be ſo unhappy as I am. Yet Madam, as hated as I am, ſince you would have choſen me, why did you not? or why will you not? I will not, replyed ſhe, becauſe I conceive that I ſhould wrong you, and very ill requite the affection you have unto me if I ſhould inſeparably tye you and your fortunes unto one who can never love you: ſo that without charging either the King, or the Prince of Phoceus, or my ſelfe of any injuſtice, attribute it unto a ſoveraign power, againſt which nothing can reſiſt, and which cauſeth that I cannot be Maſter of my own deſtiny. You have a friend, added ſhe, who can witneſs that I he not, and who can aſſure you that I have done all I can for you againſt my ſelfe: how Madam, replyed he, did Glacidia know that you have hated me? I did conceale it long from her, replyed ſhe, but I muſt confeſſe at laſt I told her I could not love you, and I asked her pardon, leſt ſhe ſhould hate me for it. Then Madam, replyed he, I have no more to ſay, unleſſe this, that as you cannot chuſe but continue your hate, ſo I begg that I may have leave to continue loving you.

After theſe words Bomilcar roſe up, and went away ſo ſad and angry, as no mortall man could be more. As ſoon as he was gone, the Prince of Phoceus came in, and finding her alone, he began to diſcourſe of his paſſion with abundance of delight; for ſince it was approved of both by the King and Carimantes, Cleonisbe did freely permit him. So that paſſing inſenſibly from one thing to another, the Princeſs did let him know that Glacidia did know what advantageous thoughts ſhe ever had of him, and told him what diſcourſe ſhe had with her concerning Bomilcar. Then both theſe two friends of Glacidia did in one day make ſeverall and different Complaints againſt her: For Bomilcar complained extreamly that ſhe never told him how the Princeſs hated him: and the Prince of Phoceus murmured very much, that ſhe ſhould ſo long conceale from him the affection of Cleonisbe: But this wiſe and diſcreet perſon did ſo well ſatisfie them, that it was not fit for her to do otherwiſe then ſhe did, as they ceaſed all Complaints, and held her in high admiration: For truly ſayd ſhe unto Bomilcar, as much hated as you were, you were very near your deſired happineſs: And as much loved as you were (ſayd ſhe unto the Prince of Phoceus) you were very neer to be diſcarded for ever: So as deſiring neither to hurt nor help you, I would never impart ſuch things as you could not know, without drawing ſome advantage one upon another, which I neither would, nor ought to doe.

But Madam, not to inſiſt any longer upon things of triviall conſequence, it was reſolved that the firſt day on which the Princeſs was able to ſtirre abroad, the ſolemnity [Page] ſhould be accompliſhed. The worſt was, it could not be done in private, becauſe the Law required that the doors of the Temple ſhould be open that day, unto all men of quality in the Kingdom, either ſtrangers or others: and it was much feared leſt ſome tumult ſhould ariſe. Yet all poſſible order was taken to prevent it; for beſides the pretenders unto Cleonisbe, the diſpaire of Menedorus was much feared. Yet ſince the cuſtome was, that the marriage ſhould be ſolemnized within fifteen dayes after the firſt Ceremony, there was hopes all might be paſſed over without any diſorder: and that if any of theſe Lovers would make any attempts, it would be in this intervall. But there was a miſtake; for the imperious humour of Britomartes looking at the ſhame which would reflect upon him if he were not choſen, did endeavour to diſcover who it was whom Cleonisbe intended to chooſe, to the end he might ſend him a challenge. But being not well informed, and becauſe in common prudence, ſhe ſhould rather chooſe Bomilcar then either of his two Rivalls, he believed Bomilcar to be the man who hindered him from his happineſſe: So as without more delay, he ſought for an occaſion of meeting with him, and found it. But Madam, the ſtrangeſt paſſage was, at the very ſame time that Britomartes intended to fight with Bomilcar, Bomilcar intended to fight with the Prince of Phoceus. 'Tis true, he concealed his deſign, and Glacidia, as foreſeeing as ſhe was, did not ſuſpect it: But Britomartes and Bomilcar meeting in a place where none were but themſelves: Since doubtleſs you are not ignorant (ſayd Britomartes unto him) what juſt pretences I have unto the Princess, ſo I muſt tell you I am not ignorant of yours: But ſince I believe neither you nor I do know which of us ſhall be choſen, I come to make ſuch a propoſition unto you, as honour will not permit you to deny me; If ſo as you ſay, anſwered Bomilcar, you may aſſure your ſelf I ſhall moſt willingly embrace it. Then promiſe me (replyed Britomartes) that if the Princeſs chooſe you, you will fight with me the next morning, and I will promiſe you that if I be choſen I will fight with you if you pleaſe. I promiſe it, replyed Bomilcar; but Britomartes (ſayd he) in promiſing this I promiſe nothing, for neither you nor I ſhall be choſen: Oh that it would pleaſe the Gods you were put unto the neceſſity of ſeeing me with a ſword in my hand. Bomilcar ſpoke this with ſuch an aire as perſwaded Britomartes that his heart and his tongue went together: And the proud Gaule having got a promiſe of fighting with Bomilcar, in caſe it was his fate to be happy, reſolved upon a revenge on him that ſhould be ſo, who ere it was, and went to tell the ſame unto Galathes and the Prince of Phoceus. Thus he chalenged his three Rivals all in one day.

But Madam, the day of Solemnity being come, Cleonisbe was not ſo unreſolved as ſhe was before; and her owne inclination being authorized by the King and Carimantes, ſhe pronounced the name of the Phocean Prince aloud, when the Prince of the Sarronides asked her whom ſhe thought worthy of her choiſe, ſo as this ſage Sarronide cauſing him to draw nigh, and having given this ring unto him which he received from Cleonisbe, this Prince accepted of it with all reverence, and returned a Complement ſutable unto his ſpirit and affection: After which, the King approved of this choiſe, and the Temple did ring with ſhouts of joy. But at laſt, the Muſique cauſing the tumultuous noiſe to ceaſe, they thanked the gods for ſo good a choiſe.

In the mean while, Bomilcar, Galathes, and Britomartes retired without any ſhares in theſe publique joyes, each of them ruminating upon them ſeverall deſigns. As for the Prince of Phoceus, his Joyes were ſo high, that he valued not the Combate which he was to have with Britomartes, and appeared as pleaſant all that day as it was poſſible for any man to be. In the mean time, Glacidia according to her reſolutions, grieved for Bomilcar, and reioyced for the Prince of Phoceus, but it was not in any way of diſſimulation, for ſhe was really glad, and really ſad: And both her generoſity and ſincerity was ſuch, that ſhe confeſſed unto Bomilcar though ſhe was extreamly ſorry that he was miſerable, yet ſhe was extreamly glad that the Prince of Phoceus was happy. Alſo ſhe told the Prince of Phoceus, that though ſhe was well ſatisfied with his good fortune, yet ſhee could not chuſe but be much troubled to ſee Bomilcar miſerable: and ſhe did ſo well divide her heart between theſe two friends, that ſhe did not any iniuſtice unto either of them.

[Page] Since honour and love are moſt inconſiſtent together in one heart, the Prince of Phoceus would not ſtay untill Britomartes ſhould hint him unto the performance of his promiſe; for he ſent him a Letter which intimated that he was ready to keep his word▪ And the next morning they fought, where the Prince of Phoceus diſarmed Britomartes, though he was one of the ſtrongeſt and moſt valiant men in the world. But as he returned from this fight, he met Bomilcar in a great ſolitary place, who knowing how ſquares went, came unto him. Since I will not conſtrain you to give me ſatisfaction (ſayd he unto him) as you have done Britomartes, untill you be recovered of your wearineſs which conquering ſo brave an Enemy hath cauſed, I will not at this time deſire you to draw your ſword: But ſince you are a gallant man, I do conceive you will be ready to morrow about this time to give me this ſatisfaction.

The Prince of Phoceus ſeeing a fit occaſion to ſhew his ſecret hatred of Bomilcar, without any offence either unto Cleonisbe or Glacidia, ſince he did aſſault him the firſt. he anſwered him in ſuch a manner as did let him ſee he did not love him. To teſtifie unto you (ſayd he unto him) that my victory hath not put me to a neceſſity of any reſting to vanquiſh you, we will without more delay end all differences betwixt us.

In ſaying ſo, the Prince of Phoceus drew his ſword, and Bomilcar his: For ſince they had with them only one Page a peece, and were in a place of privacy, it was eaſie for them to ſatisfie both their hatred and their love. And certainly Madam, they began to fight with ſo much fury, that if the gods had not ſent Hipomenes and my ſelfe in the very nick of time to part them, their Combate had been fatall unto both. For from the place where wee firſt diſcovered them untill we came up to them, I perceived they fought as if they had reſolutions either to vanquiſh or dye: Do what we could, they were both wounded when we came unto them: 'Tis true, the Prince of Phoceus was leſſe hurt then Bomilcar; for he had only a ſlight hurt in his left hand, but Bomilcar very conſiderably on his right ſide.

In the mean time, Hipomenes and my ſelfe were extreamly ſurprized; for we hearing that Britomartes had challenged him, you may imagine we wondered to ſee him in hand with Bomilcar: Alſo you may imagine Madam that theſe two Combates made a great noiſe in the Court, and added much unto the glory of the Phocean Prince. The truth is, there fell out ſeverall accidents that day, which made all diſcourſe ſadd: For Madam, be pleaſed to know that Britomartes who had a proud ſoule, was ſo grieved at the loſſe of his Miſtreſs, and to be vanquiſhed by his Rivall, that he would needs kill himſelf with the ſame ſword which his enemy had reſtored unto him: and if his friends had not kept vigilant eyes upon him all the while he was in his raptures of fury, he had not lived two hours after his defeat.

Again, there was in Marſeilles an old man, who having paſſed all his life for one that was wiſe would needs throw himſelf down a Precipie to deliver himſelf from his ſorrows, that he could not dye in the place where he was born.

Again, Amathilde being much recovered, did call for a Glaſs; and finding that ſhe was never like to be faire again, ſhe fell into ſuch horrid diſpair, that feigning ſome had taught her a medicine for her face, wherein was an ingredient of dangerous poyſon, ſhe cauſed one of her women to bring it unto her; and in lieu of putting it to the uſe ſhe ſayd ſhe would, ſhe poyſoned her ſelf. But ſhe only knowing the vertue of this ingredient, but not the quantity to kill one, ſhe took not ſo much as did execute her intentions: And ſo, the thing being diſcovered, they gave her remedy and Antidotes againſt her will. You may well conceive Madam, that three ſuch accidents as theſe chancing in one day, did ſeem very ſtrange: But the greateſt diſaſter of all was, and to ſhew there was ſome malignant conſtellation which did ſhew its influence by inſpiring violent thoughts; there was a man of Liguria, and of good quality, who intending to dwell amongſt the Segoregians, had ordered all his goods to come by Sea: but his misfortune was, the ſhip which was to bring them, periſhed, yet we underſtood that he took his loſſe very patiently and conſtantly for a whole year, but now would needs throw himſelf into the Sea.

Thus Madam, theſe foure accidents chancing from different cauſes, and hapning in one day, cauſed all the Sarronides to aſſemble, and the Councell of ſix hundred alſo: For ſince the ſpirits of the People were much diſpoſed to applaud the courages [Page] of ſuch as had recourſe unto death to deliver themſelves from any misfortune, it was feared that this would produce very ill conſequences: and if ſome order were not taken, theſe examples might be followed by other unfortunate People.

As for the Sarronides, their advice was, that to prevent the like diſaſters, the glory of the Action muſt be taken away, and to ſet ſome marke of ignominious imbecility upon it. But the Councell of ſix hundred which aſſembled by the permiſſion of the Phocean Prince, they argued after another manner, and ſaid, that ſince the action might either be baſe or generous, according to the ſeverall motives which cauſed it, ſo they muſt not be condemned all in generall: and to prevent the frequency, it was not requiſite abſolutely to forbid it: So that not to deprive men of that liberty of dying which the Gods hath left unto them, and to prevent alſo that they ſhall not ſlightly throw away their lives, it were expedient a Law were made, by which every perſon who would come unto Aſſembly and propound the cauſes which moves them to dye, they ſhould be received, and may boldly demand poyſon of the Judges, which ſhall be granted or denyed according as they ſhall think fit: Concluding, that ſince it is not juſt a man ſhould be a Judg and party in his owne cauſe, ſo he ought not to judge and dispoſe of his own life as he would.

In concluſion Madam, this Law was eſtabliſhed, and two men of the Aſſembly were choſen to keep poyſon in a golden Cup, to be given unto them whom they thought fit to receive this laſt remedy. You may imagine Madam, that theſe accidents and this new Law did furniſh all tongues with talke enough: but I aſſure you, the Prince of Phoceus was more like to dye with joy then poyſon: He had the ſatisfaction alſo to underſtand that Glacidia was much incenſed againſt Bomilcar for fighting for ſhe told him, that if he were leſs miſerable then he was, ſhe would withdraw her friendſhip from him, adding with much generoſity, that ſhe was a Petitioner unto the Prince of Phoceus, that he would give her leave to pardon Bomilcar the injury he had offered in aſſaulting him: But to make the ſatisfaction of the Phocean Prince more full, Cleonisbe would go unto Marſeilles to ſee Ariſtonice, with intentions to ſtay there ſome days; the King thinking it convenient ſhe ſhould remayn there untill the Nuptialls, to the end Bomilcar and the Prince of Phoceus might not be together in one place. Alſo the Prince Carimantes was very glad that Oneſicrite was to be ſo near Ariſtonice, becauſe ſhe would confirm her in her new reſolution.

But that the preſence of Menedorus might not prejudice the deſign, Sfurius commanded him to ſtay with the King, ſo as this journey was all pleaſure. Yet the heart of Oneſicrite was full of ſorrow; for ſhe had much ado to entertain the affection of Carimantes, and forget Menedorus: and I am confident there are few perſons who have done things more difficult for the good of their Countreys, then Oneſicrite did for hers. However ſhe ſet as good a face upon it as ſhe could; leſt the Prince Carimantes ſhould perceive the troubles of her mind, and indeed ſhe went unto Marſeilles with ſome ſhew of joy in her countenance. You may well imagine Madam, that the Prince of Phoceus would entertain Cleonisbe with all imaginable honours: And that Ariſtonice alſo was full of acknowledgments unto the Princeſs for the honour ſhe did her.

Since Glacidia was one amongſt the reſt in this Voyage, ſhe did much contribute unto the pleaſure of it: And for three dayes together. I aſſure you there was not one in all this illuſtrious company except Oneſicrite, who did not think every minute to be very well ſpent: And though we had ſeverall informations, that Bomilcar and Galathes were plotting ſome great deſign, and that the firſt was almoſt cured of his wound: Yet ſince the Prince of Phoceus was to marry Cleonisbe as ſoon as all things were in readineſs for the ſolemnity, we did not feare that any thing could hinder his happineſs.

As we were thus without any Cares but how to find out freſh pleaſures for every day, it was told the Princeſs Cleonisbe, that there was a Lady which had ſent unto the Councell of ſixe hundred, to aske of them the poyſon according to the new eſtabliſhed Law. This adventure being extraordinary enough to move curioſity, ſince it was never heard of before, that there ſhould be Judges to arbitrate upon the life and death of ſuch as would not live, Cleonisbe was very deſirous to be at this ſad Ceremony: [Page] 'Tis true, that it was with an intention worthy of her generoſity; for her deſign was, to ſee if ſhe who deſired death had any ſuch misfortune which ſhe could help, to the end ſhe might infuſe deſires of life into her. Oneſicrite was likewiſe of the ſame Curioſity; and as for Glacidia, ſhe moſt of all deſirous to know what reaſoos could move any to renounce life, ſo as ſhe was very earneſt with both theſe Princeſſes to be preſent when this Lady demanded poyſon of the ſix hundred.

So as Cleonisbe making their deſires known unto the Prince of Phoceus, he found out an expedient for it; for ſince a place was to be built purpoſely for this Councell, it was ſo contrived, that the Prince of Phoceus could look into it out of his Chamber: ſo as this being the place reſolved upon for the Princeſs, the Prince Carimantes, and thoſe of their Retinue, it was concluded that the Councel of ſix hundred ſhould the next morning aſſemble to heare the reaſons of the Lady, and to put in practice this Law which themſelves had made. But we were much ſurprized to heare that there were two more who demanded audience for the like buſineſs: So as all Curioſities be redoubled, they expected the hour of this ſad Ceremony with much impatience.

I ſhall not trouble you Madam with any deſcription of the order which this Aſſembly held, but only tell you, that after the Judges had taken their places; after the Prince of Phoceus, as chief of the Councell had taken his place; and after the Prince Carimantes, Cleonisbe, Oneſierite, Glacidia, ſome other Ladies and my ſelf were in the Chamber, where we could ſee and heare all paſſages. We ſaw a Page of a hanſome preſence enter, and who by his hanſome deportment before the Aſſembly, ſeemed to be ſomething above his condition; Our greateſt ſurprize was to ſee, that he held the picture of a Lady in his hand: But though this Picture was drawn at large, ſince it was not turned directly towards us, we ſaw it but by halves, and yet we knew it to be a very faire one; For ſince the youngeſt men of this Councell did ſit next the Page who held it, we perceived by their actions that they admired the beauty of this Picture. But after this hanſome Page had obtained leave to ſpeak, he made it known unto the Councell, that the faire perſon whoſe picture they ſaw, having the misfortune to loſe that excellent beauty which they admired in her picture, which was in her perſon much above all repreſentations; ſhe had ſent by him to beſeech them they would be pleaſed to grant her the poyſon, as the only remedy which ſhe could imagine to comfort her after her loſs: And ſirs, to teſtifie unto you, that if this remedy be fit to be granted unto any, it is unto the perſon who ſent me, I need only to tell you ſirs, that though ſhe deſires death more then ever any deſired life, yet ſhe could not find a heart to come her ſelfe and demand it; for ſhe cannot do it, unleſs ſhe ſhew her ſelfe in the ſame condition wherein ſhe is, which would be a greater torment to her then you can imagine.

Sirs, ſhe hath commanded me to tell you, that ſince ſhe hath loſt all ſhe loved, and all which ſhe thinks could render her amiable, you cannot without injuſtice deny her the only remedy for ſuch misfortunes. She hath further commanded me to let you know, that it is inhumanity to let her live, becauſe ſince ſhe will neither ſee nor be ſeen, and can neither quit her ſolitude nor ſtay in it, it were incredible torment to force life upon her: And if your authority do not releaſe her, ſhe will ſufrer more then ever any did; For indeed ſirs, whenſoever ſhe looks upon her picture, ſhe ſwims in tears: and if ſhe look in a Glaſs, ſhe is madd, and is not Miſtreſs of her ſelf: It is you Sirs, who muſt judg of the life and death of this perſon, who demands the poyſon.

But before you pronounce ſentence, and after I have obeyed her whoſe ſlave I am, I beſeech you give me leave to tell you, that I ſhould never have done this for her, unleſs ſhe had promiſed me my liberty in recompence of this ſervice, for I was her ſlave. But to the end this ſervice I have done her may not prove fatally ſad unto her, I dare be ſo bold as to tell you, that not being what I appear to be; but having been brought up in another condition then this into which War hath brought me, I can aſſure you that ſhe who here deſires to dye, becauſe ſhe hath loſt her beauty, hath ſo many beauties in her mind, that ſhe deſerves you ſhould deny what ſhe asks, and what I aske for her, to the end I may enjoy the greateſt of all goods which is my liberty, and to teſtifie hereafter, that ſhe may be loved and not be faire.

[Page] As this generous ſlave did ſay ſo, he turned the picture, ſo as we plainly knew it to be the portractture of Amathilde, and conſequently interteſting our ſelves the more in the judgment which was to be given, we expected with much impatience, the opinion of the Judges. But after the examination of the buſineſſe they told this ſlave that when the gods doe take away from men thoſe goods which they were ſure to loſe: This is no lawfull cauſe to deſire death; For as ſoone as they began to live, they ought to expect the loſſe of them: yet to have ſome regard unto the great affection which Amathilde had unto her beauty; they ordained, that if after the ſpace of ſixe yeares, ſhee came unto the Councell of ſixe hundred, and declared unto them, that in all that time ſhe received no conſolation for the loſſe of her beauty, they would then grant what they now deny. This ſentence was thought ſo juſt, both by him that was to receive it and thoſe who heard it, that they did as much commend the Councell of ſixe hundred, as they blamed the diſpaire of Amathilde.

After this Madam, we ſaw enter an old man, who I told you deſired to die, becauſe he could not live out of his own Countrey: but he entred with ſo much gravity, that never man had an aſpect of leſſe diſpaire then he: Alſo he ſpoke with ſo much eloquence and force againſt baniſhment, and had ſuch excellent expreſſions of love to his country, that he even melted the hearts of his hearers: But being very old, the weakneſſe of his voyce forced ſilence upon him. Yet the Iudges not blinded by his eloquence, told him, that the reaſons which would move them to grant poyſon, was, when an unfortunate man, whoſe miſeries had laſted long, and could not meet with any cure.

But his age was ſuch, as he might well thinke the remedy which he demanded was very nigh unto him: and therefore it was not fit for them to alter the decree of the gods. Thus ſending him away after good exhortatinos to overcome himſelfe, wee ſaw appeare the Ligurian man of quality, who as I told you having loſt all his goods aboue a yeare ſince, would now die: But Madam, I never in my life ſaw a man with a more melancholy look then he, yet he had a good preſence with him, and as melancholy as his phyſiognomie ſeemed, yet hee had a ſprightly kind of a looke.

As ſoon as he came unto the place where he was to ſpeak, and after he had done reverence to the Judges ſirs (ſaid he unto them) though I am to ſpeak unto men of moſt deepe Judgments, yet I have need to mention all my reaſons which invite me unto a deſire of death: For Sirs, ſince you muſt be poore, before you can know what povertie is, the greateſt of all evills: and ſince I both hope and know this miſery will never befall you, I muſt beſeech you to let me deſcribe my misfortune: Do not thinke Sir, that I ranke in the number of my reaſons which moove mee to die, thoſe of a covetous or a voluptuous man grown poor: For truly it is not abundance of riches which I regreet, nor all the the pleaſures which follow them: I know how to live in a Cottage as well as a pallace: I can eaſily perſwade my ſelfe, that the fewer Domeſtickes I have, the fewer enemies I have. I can live well enough without a full ſpread Table: I can find out good diverſions which will coſt me nothing: the murmure of a River, or the chanting of Birds, pleaſe me as well as all thoſe which are at ſo deare a rate: But Sirs, that I can eaſily live without all thoſe, yet alas I can live with friends, and yet I have loſt them all, ſince I am brought unto that low condition as makes them thinke they can expect no profitable turnes from me: I once thought that I had more then ever any had: but now I find by wofull experience that none ever had fewer then my ſelfe: I am now quite another man unto them, ſince fortune hath forſaken me: as pleaſing as I was wont to be unto them, I am now but an impertinent fellow, and troubles them: and now I perceive ſo well that they never loved me but only my fortunes, as I cannot chuſe but hate in them a thought ſo baſe as to ceaſe loving vertue, becauſe it is growne poore: and to teſtifie unto you Sirs, that it is meerly the loſſe of my friends which makes me deſperate, or to ſay better that it is meerly their baſeneſſe which drives me into a fury againſt my ſelfe, you may only be pleaſed to conſider that I have lived a year after all my loſſes: yet I was as pore the very firſt day after my loſſes as I am now: but becauſe I was ſtill in hopes to be rich in the greateſt riches of [Page] all riches, my freinds, therefore I conſtantly ſuſtained my misfortune. But now after a whole yeares ſad experience, finding that unfortunate men can never have any freinds, and that I am not able to live without them, therefore Sirs, I conjure you to grant me leave to die: And I conjure you unto it with the more [...]atneſtneſs, becauſe it concernes all civill ſociety, and my owne glory that I live no longer. For truly Sirs, I apprehend ſuch horrour againſt thoſe who have forſaken me, becauſe I am not rich, that I am become a hater of all men in generall, and begin to be unjuſt unto others, as others are unto me.

As ſoone as this generous unfortunate man had done ſpeaking, Cleonisbe being much touched with his diſcourſe, ſent to deſire the Aſſembly not to pronounce ſentence, untill ſhee had let them know ſomthing what ſhe thought. So the Councell appointing ſixe of themſelves to go and receive Cleonisbes pleaſure, that Princeſſe told them, how ſhee held him who ſpoke to be ſo brave a man, as to make him happy, and to oblige him unto a deſire of life. Shee offered to give him more goods then he had loſt, and to comfort him for the loſſe of his falſh earted freinds which forſook him, ſhee offered to become his freind, and a freind that would be more generous then they. You may eaſily judge Madam, how much this great act of Cleonisbes did move admiration in all the Aſſembly: and how the Prince of Phoceus who was chiefe extolled her. So as in lieu of giving ſentence, they made Elogies unto the vertue of this Princeſſe. And yet they did pronounce one, and told this generous Ligurian, that if the Princeſſe Cleonisbe had not found a remedie unto his miſery, greater then the miſery it ſelf, they would have granted the poyſon which he demanded, ſince they were conſtrained to confeſſe, that poverty without freinds, is the greateſt miſery in the world.

But ſince the amity of the Princeſſe was a recompence a thouſand times above his loſſes, they ordained that he ſhould live to ſerve her, ſince he could not deſire death without ingratitude. The man who was at firſt diſpoſed to leave life, could hardly leave his thoughts of death: But having a generous ſoule, he was extreamly moved at the generoſitie of Cleonisbe: and he acknowledged, that ſince there was one ſuch perſon in the the world as ſhe, it was not juſt to leave it: So as being carried where ſhee was, he gave her thankes for the honour ſhe had done him. But Madam (added he) to juſtifie my deſigne of dying, I will accept but half of that you are pleaſed to offer: And receiving upon my humble and thankfull knee, the honour of your good will, I will refuſe that abundance of riches which you offer me, which perhaps will ſerve mee to no other uſe, but to get new freinds as unworthy as my firſt: ſo as Madam, eſteeming my ſelfe very rich in your freindſhip, leave me in ſuch a condition, as I may ſhew that I merit it, by making it appeare, that vertue can ſurmount poverty, and patiently endure it, provided it be not waited upon with ſcorne which commonly attends upon it: I ſhall not tell you Madam, how Cleonisbe anſwered, for I ſhould wrong her in changing ſome of her words: But let me onely tell you, that ſhe would have him accept of both her offers: and indeed ſhee kept her word: and by the meanes of the King, the Prince her brother, and the Prince of Phoceus, gave him much more then he loſt; Alſo giving it unto him with her owne hands, though ſhee had much adoe to make him take it.

But Madam, to return from whence I digreſſed, and to relate all that paſſed in the Councell of ſixe hundred, be pleaſed to know, that after this Ligurian had done his complement unto Cleonisbe, we ſaw appeare in the Aſſembly a man whoſe perſon we knew not, who preſenting Letters unto the chiefe or the Councell, and beſeeched him that they might be read aloud, for they were the reaſons of a miſerable Lover who demanded the poyſon. Then one of the Aſſembly opening the Letters, began to read them: And if I were able to repeat what I heard, doubtleſſe you would ſay, that he who wrote that Letter, deſerved that death which he demanded: For I am confident, never was ſorrow ſet out in more ſa [...] colours, nor deſcribed with more moving aggravations. And Cleonisbe, Oneſicrite, and Carimantes were extream attentive at the reading of it: I ſhall onely tell you Madam, that this ſad Lover began the recitall of his miſery, with an Elogie of the beauty and merit of the perſon he loved. Afterwards he ſaid, that he had loved [Page] her from her Cradle, adding that he had the happineſſe not to be hated: After this, he aggravated all the proofs of that love which he bore unto her, and did make it ſo well appeare that he had great hopes of being loved, and of being loved conſtantly, that the minds of all his Auditors were diſpoſed to blame her, if ſhe became perfidious.

Thus Madam, having prepared the hearts of his Judges, he ſhewed, that without giving her the leaſt cauſe of complaint, ſome thoughts of inconſtancy or ambition had moved this perſon to caſt him off, and to overwhelm him with miſery, ſhe favoured a Rivall unto whom he was extreamly obliged: So as honour not ſuffering him to ſeek revenge, and Love not giving him leave to live, he asked leave to dye. And he asks it the rather, becauſe he finds ſuch tumultuous thoughts in his heart, that rather then let his Rivall enjoy his Miſtreſs, he ſhall undertake ſuch a buſineſs as will cauſe the death of an infinite number of innocent perſons which he ſhall engage in his intereſts.

Indeed he made it appeare he was capable of any undertaking with love, ambition, and jealouſie could inſpire into him: And he intimated by ſome ambiguous words, that his death would prevent very great misfortunes, and deliver him from great torments, ſo as he had all the reaſon in the world to deſire death, and they to grant it. And indeed the major part of the Judges did ſay, that ſince the death of this unfortunate Lover would be advantageous both unto him and others, they could not find out a fitter example to ſhew, that the Law which they had made was not uſeleſs, and ſo they ought not to deny death unto a man who by dying would ſave the lives of many others.

Sfurius for his particular was one of the forwardeſt to grant poyſon nnto him who demanded it, and preſſed it on: But upon this condition, that this deſperate Lover ſhould the ſame hour preſent himſelfe before the Aſſembly; for the Law required a ſight of him who was to dye, that they might know whether his reaſon was free, and whether he knew what he asked. Then the man who ſpoke, telling the Judges that he would immediately carry their anſwer unto the party who would dye. The cup of gold which held the poyſon was brought in: and it was no ſooner ſet upon the Table, but we ſaw Menedorus enter, who boldly preſenting himſelfe before the Judges, told them that it was he who demanded poyſon, thinking with admirable reſolution for the Juſtice which they had done him.

I leave you to judge Madam, how Carimantes was ſurprized at the ſight of his Rivall: How Sfurius was aſtoniſhed that he ſhould doom poyſon to his ſonne: and how Oneſicrite was amazed to ſee her Lover deſire to dye for her. Alſo I leave it unto your imagination Madam, how great the tumult was amongſt the Aſſembly who were not ignorant of Menedorus his love unto Oneſicrite: But give me leave to tell you one very remarkable thing; Sfurius who was a high lover of his Country, after he had appeaſed the firſt motion which nature cauſed in his heart, he was ſo angry to ſee that Menedorus could not ſurmount himſelfe, that he ſurmounted his paternall tenderneſs, and told the Aſſembly that his ſonne did not only deſerve the poyſon as an unfortunate man, but as a Delinquent, ſince he would not ſacrifice his particular ſatisfaction unto the good of the publique intereſt, and therefore he deſired that the ſentence which could not be revoked, might be ſpeedily executed.

Whilſt Sfurius was ſpeaking, Menedorus turning his head towards Oneſicrite, he ſaw her eyes ſwim in tears: and preſently after, ſhe not being able to endure the exceſs of her ſorrows, ſhe leaned towards Glacidia, who ſtood behind her, and ſwounded in her arms: ſo as whilſt all means was uſing to bring her unto her ſelfe again, Carimantes ſeeing her in that condition, he knew not what to think or do. The ſorrows of Oneſicrite did ſo plainly let him ſee, that ſhe loved Menedorus, and not himſelfe, that his reaſon told him he ought not to love her any longer: And the diſpayr of his Rivall did ſo convince him of the greatneſs of his paſſion, that he was perſwaded it was injuſtice to oppoſe him. But on the other ſide, his love checking his reaſon, it would not give him the liberty to follow it. Furthermore, the Prince of Phoceus, though he was very much vexed at [Page] the violent reſolution of Menedorus, yet he durſt not make ſhew of all his pitty, for feare of incenſing Carimantes.

In the mean time, Menedorus ſeeing the Cup which contained the remedy againſt his torment, he went towards the Table on which it ſtood to finiſh his doom, but one of his Judges told him that it was not yet time: And for his particular, he conceived that it was not fit the poyſon ſhould be granted unto him, but that the Judgment which had been pronounced was null and voyd: For ſayd ſhe, ſince it appears by the ſorrows of the Princeſs Oneſicrite, that you are more then indifferent unto her, you are not ſo happy as to have any recourſe unto death; and ſo much the leſs, becauſe you informed the Aſſembly that you were not loved, whereas it ſeems you know not the true ſtate of your fortune: and ſo having pronounced a ſentence upon a falſe ground, the ſentence it ſelfe muſt conſequently be falſe, and fall.

This opiniou being liked by all the Aſ [...]embly, every one adhered to it except Sfurius, who could not bely the generoſity of his ſoule. As for Menedorus, he extreamly oppoſed that pitty in the Judges, and ſhould have oppoſed it more, if the Prince Carimantes had nor ſent to tell him, that he had found out a more noble way to terminate his pain: ſo as all the Aſſembly believing that the Prince had overcome himſelf, they put Menedorus into the cuſtody of ſome friends, they carryed Oneſicrite unto her Chamber, where Carimantes followed her, and all the Aſſembly broke up.

As ſoon as Oneſicrite opened her eyes, and began to ſpeak, ſhe deſired Carimantes, not knowing to whom ſhe ſpoke, that they would give her the poyſon as well as Menedorus: So as this Prince not being able to endure this object, he went out of her chamber; and not imparting the violent deſign which he had in his mind, he ſent ſecretly to tell Menedorus, that to teſtifie he had right to diſpute with him for the poſſeſſion of Oneſicrite, he engaged his word to fight with him, if he could not ſurmount himſelfe; and indeed Madam, without any more delay, it was reſolved that in the morning they ſhould fight by the Sea ſide.

But Carimantes being very generous, and knowing that if Menedorus ſhould kill him, he could not be in any ſafety, he cauſed a Boat to be neere the place where they were to fight, to the end that if it ſhould ſo happen, he might ſave himſelfe by it. Without any long circumſtances of what paſſed between Carimantes and Menedorus before the fight, I will only tell you Madam, that the laſt of theſe ſtealing from thoſe who kept him, did come unto the place where Carimantes wayted for him; That they fought, that Carimantes was ſlightly wounded in his left arme, and that Menedorus was diſarmed. So as this unfortunate Lover taking the Boate which was prepared for him, in caſe he were Conquerour, did uſe it to carry him from Marſeilles after he was conquered.

But the Sea growing turbulent whilſt they fought: and as he would needs embarque in ſuch deſpair as would not ſuffer him to conſult with the winds, nor hearken unto the counſell of the Pilot, who would have diſſwaded him from departing: The waves were ſo rough, and the winds ſo furious, that they daſhed this Barque againſt the point of a Rock on the left hand of Marſeilles, and broke it all to pieces, ſo as the unfortunate Menedorus was drowned almoſt in the very Port, into which the waves brought his body, and as if the Gods had a deſire to force Oneſicrite to water it with her teares, they permitted the Corp; of this unfortunate Lover to be caſt by the Sea, juſt under the window of that Princeſs, who ſaw it with her owne eyes, and reſented his death with inconceivable ſorrow.

In the mean time, Oneſicrite having as I told you before, a ſweet and eaſie ſoule, ſhe could not reſiſt Ariſtonice, who knew ſo well how to perſwade her, that it did not conſiſt with her glory to alter that reſolution which ſhe bad taken, that ſhe reſolved to ſmother part of her melancholy, and to be rul [...]d by thoſe who had moſt right to adviſe her, provided they would not force her to marry Carimantes over-haſtily.

On the other ſide, Carimantes making a thouſand excuſes unto Sfurius, for being the cauſe of his ſonnes death, Sfurius anſwered him accoding to his wonted [Page] generoſity: After which they returned to the King, in thoughts that the marriage of the Phocean Prince with Cleonisbe ſhould with all ſpeed be celebrated. But Madam, at our return we underſtood that the ſtate of things were not ſo diſpoſed: For be pleaſed to know that Galathes whom Menedorus had made acquainted with many Graecians, had ſuborned ſome to them to tell the Segoregians, that the Prince of Phoceus was not the ſame he gave himſelfe out to be: ſo as this falſhood paſſing from mouth to mouth, it made ſo great a noiſe amongſt the People, that nothing elſe was talked of: For Galathes having ſuborned the Segoregians as well as Phocenſians, there went an hundred ſeverall tales concerning the quality of the Phocean Prince. And ſince the Law which permitted Cleonisbe to chooſe her Husband, was conditionall, that ſhe ſhould chooſe a man whoſe Quality was ſutable to her own: The caſe was ſuch, that if the Prince of Phoceus was not the ſame he ſayd himſelfe to be, then the choiſe of the Princeſs was null: And to make it, Galathes had cauſed this lye to be divulged amongſt the People: And Madam, he had done it with ſo much art, that thoſe whom he employed in the buſineſs, were never ſuſpected to have any hand in the impoſture. And to the end none ſhould thinke him to be the Author, he would not be the firſt that ſhould forbid the banes between Cleonisbe and that Prince; not doubting but Bomilcar and Britomartes would take hold of that occaſion which he had given to deferr it, he hoping all the while to find an opportunity of carrying away Cleonisbe, as afterwards we came to underſtand.

And indeed Madam, Britomartes and Bomilcar hearing of theſe great reports, did ſay, that for their parts they did believe the Prince of Phoceus to be the ſame he ſayd he was; but ſince it was made a doubt by a great People, they could not ſuffer that the Princeſſe ſhould marry him. The teſtimonies which all the friends of the Phocean Prince did give, were all in vaine, and likewiſe what all the men in Marſeilles did ſay: For the people of that Countrey being of a mutinous inclination, and ſince many were ſuborned to raiſe ſedition, they took up Armes, and ſided with Britomartes, Bomilcar, and Galathes.

Neither the King, nor Carimantes, who were fully perſwaded of the Prince of Phoceus his quality, were not able to act accoding unto their inclinations: and the leſſe able, becauſe at the ſame time the friends of Menedorus had cauſed a commotion in Marſeilles, upbraiding Sfurius with his cruelty to his ſonne; accuſing alſo the Prince of Phoceus for conſenting unto the marriage of Carimantes with Oneſicrite. Meane while Glacidia endeavoured to perſwade Bomilcar that it was in vaine for him to hinder the Marriage of Cleonisbe, ſince he might aſſure himſelfe ſhe would never love him. But he anſwered her, that ſince he could receive no other conſolation, but in the ruine of his Rivall, ſhe muſt pardon him if he did it; maintaining that he might very well do it, without giving him any cauſe of complaint, ſince he did no more then what Britomartes and Galathes did alſo.

In the mean time, as great a care was taken in obſerving theſe Rivalls as well as the Prince of Phoceus, Bomilcar and he fought the ſecond time, and were both wounded; but with this difference, that when they parted them, the Prince of Phoceus who was cloſed with his Enemy, was the uppermoſt. But Madam, this Combate more and more incenſing the people, things grew to a great height. For Galathes being exceeding ſubtle and witty, had inſinuated into the minds of many Segoregians, that our Town was much to be feared: and that if we made the Countrey better, it would be only for our ſelves: and that after they had received us as their friends, we would become their Tyrants, and they our ſlaves. But diſorder and confuſion being in every place, it was adviſed to appeaſe the People to talke of a Negotiation, knowing it to be much better then to ſtop their firſt fury. So they asked this incenſed people, and the three Rivalls who were their heads, what proofs they required to teſtifie the condition of the Phocean Prince.

But they found themſelves much gravelled for an anſwer; for ſince there remayned none in Phoceus, it was in vaine to ſend thither: But after they had well thought upon it, they agreed that the Conquerour of Phoceus ſhould decide the buſineſſe; and that if the illuſtrious Cyrus would ſay unto thoſe they [Page] would ſend unto him, that Peranius was of the Familie of the Phocean Princes, and that it was he who commanded the Fleet in departing from that Towne, which his Armies had conquered, then they would yeild up their Pretentions, and agree that Cleonisbes choiſe was lawfull. Though this Propoſition might ſeem ſtrange unto the Prince of Phoceus, ſince his deſtiny muſt depend upon the teſtimony of a Prince, unto whom he had not the honour to be known, and who might hold him for his Enemy, yet he did not refuſe it: For ſince he knew that the Prince Thraſibalus did know, and that his action had been extraordinary, and might be judged worthy to be related unto his invincible Conquerour, he believed that the illuſtrious Cyrus would be ſo generous as to give a ſincere teſtimony in his favour: And ſo Madam, it was agreed, that I ſhould come unto Cyrus; That the King ſhould ſend me with a perſon of Quality, and that the three Rivalls ſhould alſo ſend a perſon of Credance, to heare what the Conquerour of Aſia would ſay unto my demands.

But before we came away, they made all their parties intereſted to ſwear ſolemnly to agree unto what we ſhould report: That they ſhould not trouble the publique Peace; and that during our voyage, they ſhould attempt nothing againſt one another. After all this, they prepared us a ſhip; and the King, the three Rivalls, and the Prince of Phoceus having made choiſe of thoſe they would ſend unto the illuſtrious Cyrus, we made our ſelves ready for departure: And yet we did not depart, untill we underſtood that the ſlave who demanded poyſon for Amathilde, and who had been taken in the Warres by the Father of the faire Lady, was known to be a man of great Quality amongſt the Tectoſages: And moreover, that he had declared unto Amathilde, he had been in love with her ever ſince he knew her: and that though ſhe had loſt her beauty, yet ſhe had not loſt his love; adding, that if ſhe would receive him favourably, ſhe was yet amiable enough to make him happy. So as Madam, ſince Amathilde had not a deſire to dye after the loſſe of her beauty, but only becauſe ſhe thought it impoſſible any could love her in the ſtate ſhe was, ſhe changed her mind when ſhe ſaw ſhe was deceived: Alſo ſhe reſolved to live, and love him who loved her, when ſhe thought ſhe was not able to love her ſelf.

After this Madam, we departed; and with orders from the Prince of Phoceus to bring the Prince his Father unto Marſeilles if we could: ſo Madam, ſince the illuſtrious Cyrus hath himſelf done as much as I could deſire, I found my ſelfe in a condition able to confound all the Rivalls of the Phocean Prince, and to make him happy: alſo to contribute unto the happineſſe of Carimantes; for the mutinous people would not per mit him to marry Oneſicrite, unleſſe ſhe were ſutable to his Quality. So Madam, if the Prince Meneſteus at your perſwaſions will pleaſe to go whether I ſhall conduct him by orders from the Phocean Prince, I have no more to wiſh.

Thrymetes having ended his Narration, he left Cyrus and Mandana exceedingly ſatisfied; and they promiſed him to forget nothing which might conduce unto the felicity of the Phocean Prince: and indeed the next day he ſpoke unto the two Segoregians who came with Thrymetes in a manner moſt advantageous for that Prince, and anſwered them with exceeding civility. Alſo he gave an authentique Declaration of his Quality, and mixed it with ſo many Commendations of his valour and vertue, that a more advantageous Elogie could not be made of him.

But as he was ready to ſend Chryſantes unto Meneſteus to move him to quit the Toomb wherein he dwelt, this ſad and ſolitary Prince came to thanke him and Mandana for the honour they had done him, and to give thanks unto Cyrus for the juſtice he had done unto the Prince his ſonne. But uſe what arguments and perſwaſions they could to remove him unto Marſeilles, he would not hearken unto them, but they were conſtrained to let him return unto his mournfull Tomb againe: ſo Thrymetes and the two Segoregians which were with him, reſolved to return as ſoon as Cyrus was departed.

In the mean time, the Princeſs Mandana, after ſhe had given thanks unto Eucrates, ſhe continued on her journey with the greateſt diſpoſition in the world to divert her ſelfe, and ſo ſhe did moſt pleaſantly for many dayes. It ſeemed as if every [Page] day did produce freſh joyes: and when ſhe conſidered that ſhe was going further from the King of Aſſyria, and drew neerer the King her Father, who would entertaine Cyrus as her deliverer, ſhe thought ſhe could not give her heart enough unto the enjoyment of pleaſures, after ſhee had ſuffered ſo many miſeries.

Alſo ſhe came unto the frontiers of Cappadocia towards Cicilie, without the leaſt diſaſter in her voyage, and ſhe had the ſatisfaction to ſee Cyrus doe an act worthy of his great ſoule. There came in the evening a Poſt from Babylon, which brought newes that there had been a great commotion in that Town, and that in the Tumult the people had plundered the Veſſels of the Temple of Ieruſalem, which were brought thither when the Aſſyrians tooke it: And that if the Hebrew people who were Captives in Babylon this ſeventy yeares, had not oppoſed them, they had been Maſters of it. This Poſt told Cyrus afterwards, that the Governour of Babylon being afraid leſt the like ſhould happen againe, and that he was not able to keep the Towne, he reſolved to ſend unto him all thoſe precious Veſſels which had been poſſeſſed by Solomon: And that the captive people not being able to endure that they ſhould prophane thoſe things which had been conſecrated unto ſacred uſes in their ſacrifices, did follow thoſe who drove the Camels which carryed all theſe riches. This Poſt adding, that falling ſick by the way, he could come no ſooner; and that hee believed thoſe of whom he ſpake would be here in the morning.

And indeed the Sun no ſooner began to appeare, but Cyrus, who was always up very early to give out all neceſſary orders, eſpecially for the ma [...]ch of his Troops, did underſtand thoſe whom he expected were come: Thus there might be ſeen that great captive people who had been conquered by the King of Aſſyrias Grandfather, do now make their addreſſes unto him who is the conqueror of that Prince unto whom they were ſlaves. But in coming unto Cyrus, two of the Camels ruſhing one againſt another, did overturn their Loads, and made it appear how precious their loads were, inſomuch as Cyrus commanded them to ſhew all the reſt: For ſince he did not find Mandana in Babylon when hee tooke it, he never thought of looking upon all this rich booty▪ So the Officers obeying his commands, they let him ſee the moſt magnificent object in the world: For he ſaw threeſcore great veſſels of gold of an ineſtimable price: A thouſand veſſels of ſilver of a wonderfull bigneſſe: abundance of coſtly Inſtruments uſed in their Sacrifices, whoſe garniſhing were both rich and rare: Foure hundred other veſſels of ſilver of a leſſer ſize, and a thouſand other veſſels of the ſame mettall of a leſſe ſize then they. So that ſeeing altogether five thouſand veſſels of precious mettall and excellent forme, this ſight was the goodlieſt object in the world.. Yet Cyrus was not a whit dazled with the luſtre of all theſe riches, but looked upon them as he ought. Then the chiefe amongſt this Hebrew people, who followed thoſe who carryed theſe Ornaments of the moſt famous Temple in the world, preſenting himſelfe unto Cyrus, he hearkned unto him with a very willing eare; ſo as this generous Captive ſeeing that Cyrus lent him a favourable eare, he began to ſpeak unto him with much boldneſſe and zeale. He aggravated unto him the grandure of the god of his Fathers, the wiſdome of one of their Kings, and the vertue of others. He deſcribed unto him the magnificence of the Temple in Ieruſalem before it was deſtroyed: He repreſented unto him the enormous ſacriledge of thoſe who pulled it downe: he deſcribed the miſeries of their captivity: He asked of him, as of the moſt generous Prince in the world, liberty for his Nation, and leave to rebuild their Temple. Alſo that theſe Veſſels which were conſecrated unto the only god of the whole Univerſe might not be prophaned by other uſes. This Prince of the Hebrews did ſpeak with ſo much zeale, that Cyrus being moſt ſenſibly moved by his language, did grant him his Demands, and much more; for he aſſigned a very conſiderable ſumm of money to rebuild the Temple of Ieruſalem: So as this Prince of the Hebrews divulging amongſt the multitude the greatneſſe of the favour granted to them, upon a ſudden they gave ſuch ſhouts of joy as waked Mandana from her ſleep.

[Page] But Cyrus, to rejoyce fully in his great act of Charity, deſired this Princeſs ſhe would be pleaſed to ſtay a day longer in that place, to ſee this multitude of captive People whom he had delivered, paſſe by; and accordingly, Mandana being in a Belconie, and Cyrus with her, accompanied with all the Princeſſes, they ſaw paſſe above forty thouſand perſons of all ſorts, who from rank to ranke did by their geſtures render millions of thanks unto Cyrus for the liberty which he had given them: ſo that joyning this vaſt number of People, their Horſes, their Camels, and all their other Beaſts which carried their baggage, and the Children of the People delivered, they took up a vaſt extent of ground; ſo that it muſt of neceſſity be concluded, that a Prince who was ſo great as was able to give away ſo much riches, and grant liberty unto ſo many captives, muſt needs be the greateſt Prince in the world: and ſo much the rather, becauſe the good which he did, he alwayes did it with joy and alacrity: And truly he was ſo ſenſibly pleaſed, that he had an occaſion of breaking ſo many chains at one blow, and comforting ſo many ſad ſouls, that finding a ſubject out of which to frame a Complement unto Mandana, he asked her pardon for the ſatisfaction which this adventure did afford him: For Madam, ſaid he unto her, as you have been the cauſe of all my ſorrows, ſo you only are the cauſe of my Ioyes: and as it is a fayling in my duty, ſoalſo an offence unto my love, to be capable of any other Joyes then that of ſeeing you, and ſeeing you at liberty.

The end of the ſecond Booke.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. THE EIGHTH PART. Book. III.

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THe Heroick joy which the Illuſtrious Cyrus had, in reſtoring liberty unto ſo many captives; was not the onely one which he had: For a meſſenger, being come from the Prince Seſoſtris, and the Princeſſe Timareta; he was exceedingly joyed to hear by him, that Amaſis had very well received them, and conſented unto their marriage, which was celebrated with magnificence worthy of the Aegyptian king, in the ſtately City of Memphis. The onely cauſe of the Egyptians coming was to thank Cyrus for the felicity which Seſoſtris and Timareta enjoyed: And in the name of Amaſis, to offer him all the forces in his Kingdome, if he pleaſed to command them out. But ſince Cyrus did not think he ſhould need to give any more Battles, he did not accept of the offer: But aſſured the meſſenger that he did much participate in the joyes and happineſſe of the Princeſſe Timareta, and the Prince Seſoſtris. And to teſtifie that the news he brought him of their marriage was moſt welcome unto him; he rewarded him with a moſt rich Preſent at parting. Tis true, Cyrus was not the onely one, who was joyed at the happineſſe of Seſoſtris: for all thoſe that knew him in the Army, ſhared with him, eſpecially the Egyptians which he had left. But as the news of this Princes happineſſe was very welcome unto all them that ever ſaw him, or which ever heard ſpeak of him; ſo the reports which were publiſhed of the augmentation of the Aſſyrians kings ſickneſſe, did not produce the like effects in the mindes of thoſe who knew him: but many varied in their reſentments of it: For many men deploring the misfortune of ſo great a Prince, did pity him: others were joyed: and Anaxaris was ſorry though he hated him. But the predominate paſſion of his heart ſwaying him more then all other conſiderations, he could not chuſe but feare the death of a hated Rival, becauſe he might have diſturbed the felicity of a Rival loved. However, the noiſe of the King of Aſſyria's ſickneſſe was ſo great, that none doubted the truth of it: and the leſſe, becauſe Cyrus (unto whom thoſe he had left with the Prince had given him an account) himſelf ſaid that he was very ill, and gave cauſe to think, that the firſt news we heard would be of his death: yet he ſpoke it with ſo much reſervedneſs, that every one wondered at his moderation, in not rejoycing at the loſſe of ſuch [Page] an enemy as he. As for Mandana, her ſoul was ſo high and generous, as ſhe was not capable of any joy at the death of a Prince who was not able to hurt her: and indeed, her diſpoſition was more unto pity then any joy. Yet it was ſuch a compaſſion as di [...] did not diſturb the diverſions of the voyage, which had all the pleaſures and delights of a tranquill Court. For as the dayes journeys were ordered, none were more weary at night, then if they had been onely out to take the air. Alſo the great abundance of rarely accompliſhed men, which the familiarity of the journey had united, did make ſuch a delectable miſcellany of men, of all ſorts of conditions, humours, and Nations, that one muſt needs be very ſtupid, or melancholy, if they were weary in a place where there were ſo many pleaſing perſons, who for moſt part, had no other deſigne but to divert: yet thoſe whom love had damped muſt be alwayes excepted. For truely, the Prince Intaphernes, had the Princeſſe of Bithynia alwayes in his minde: Artana was angry to be ſo long from the Princeſſe Palmis: Mazares had much ado to accuſtome himſelf to be onely the friend of Mandana, and not her lover. Myrſiles was not a little troubled that he could make no progreſſe in the minde of Doraliſa: And Andramites deſpaired to ſee there was no likelihood of ever bending her heart. As for Aglatidas, he was too much in love with Ameſtris, not to be impatient of ſeeing her, and he fretted at the longneſſe of the voyage, though he drew neerer unto her every day. Thus every lover in the Army had their diſcontents. But as they were all carefull to hide their frettings, ſo they did contribute much to the pleaſure of converſation, eſpecially at nights, when all the company aſſembled in Mandana's chamber. Anaxaris alſo, as unquiet as he was, he was ſtill ſtriving to maſter his minde, leſt he ſhould ſhew his unquietudes: for his deſigne being to pleaſe Mandana, hee thought it not fit that the melancholy of his ſoul ſhould appear in his face, ſo as hee concealed it ſo handſomely, and arrived ſo perfectly unto that end he aimed at, that there were few men in the world whom Mandana eſteemed more then Anaxaris: Alſo ſhe gave him a thouſand obliging teſtimonies of it; either in ſpeaking a thouſand good things of him unto Cyrus; or in aſſuring him ſhe would oblige the king her father, to acknowledge the ſervices he had done her, or in her way of carriage towards him. For indeed ſhe commanded him with ſuch mild, ſweet, and civil authority, that her Commands were more obliging then the prayers of many others. But as Anaxaris had a great care of inſinuating himſelf into the love of Mandana, ſo he had a great care to make himſelf both loved and feared of all thoſe under his command. And the truth is, he was both ſo loved and feared, as there were very few things which he was not able to make them do. In the mean time, this Illuſtrious Troop, ſtill advancing, Cyrus and Mandana came one evening unto a little Town ſcituated upon the banks of that great and famous River Halys: which hath its originall and ſource amongſt the A [...] menian mountains: and after it hath twined it ſelf through many ſeverall Countrey [...] It divides Cappadocia from Paphlagonia, in this place, not being diſtant from the Euxine ſea above three hundred furlongs. Since the journey had been ſomething long, and ſince Mandana found ſome delight to think ſhe was in Cappadocla, where all the people received her with unexpreſſible joyes, and continuall acclamations, ſhe intended to reſt there a day; whereof Marteſia was very glad, becauſe ſhe remembred her ſelf of an Aunt which commonly dwelt at Themiſcyra, who had a very noble hou [...] within fourty furlongs of it: Remembring moreover, that ſhe was ever uſed to dw [...] there about that ſeaſon: ſo ſending preſently to enquire, to the end ſhe might finde her at home, ſhe asked Mandana leave to make a viſit in the morning, ſince ſhe did not travell; ſo as in this hope ſhe paſſed away the evening in a very merry diſpoſition▪ Since Feraulus was the man who took upon him to enquire whether her Aunt wa [...] home, he made ſuch haſt, that as ſoone as Marteſia waked in the morning, ſhe knew that her Aunt was where ſhe thought her; and had much good company with her▪ Marteſia no ſooner knew this welcome news, but riſing in all haſt ſhee went u [...] Mandana, and beſeeched her to let her go this viſit. The Princeſſe at firſt, could not remember who this Coſin of Marteſia's was; But calling to mind preſently after, t [...] ſhe was ſiſter unto her whom Artucas married, who delivered up a Port of Sinope [...] to Cyrus, when he came thither to releaſe her, but did releaſe onely the King [...] Aſſyria; Then ſhe told Marteſia very obligingly, that not to deprive her of th [...] pleaſure, nor to deprive her ſelf of that ſatisfaction which ſhe hoped to receive [...] ſeeing her, ſince ſhe was ſo neer, ſhe would ſend her upon a complement unto [...] [Page] Aunt, and ſend her own Coach for her, that ſhe might oblige her to come and ſee her. Marteſia not daring to refuſe ſuch an obliging Propoſition, thanked Mandana for the favour, and would be carefull to ſend and acquaint her kinſwoman, who was called Amaldea: but the Princeſſe would needs ſend one of her own ſervants; and ſo ſhe did. Then Marteſia went out to write a letter unto Amaldea, by him that was to go for her, which done, ſhe returned again unto Mandana's chamber, where Doraliſa, and Pherenice were. Marteſia (ſaid the Princeſſe unto her, as ſoon as ſhee entred) I know not whether my memory fail me, but I think that when we were at Themiſcyra, your Aunt who is one of the moſt accompliſhed perſons in the world had a friend with her, who in my mind was one of the moſt inſupportable women that ere I ſaw, though ſhe was one of the moſt vertuous, in point of gallantry. 'Tis very true Madam, replied ſhe, and I never in all my life knew any unto whom I had a greater averſion then unto her you mention. But how was it poſſible, ſaid Doraliſa, that ſuch a one ſhould be the friend of Amaldea? for in my mind, it is very extraordinary that any perſon of merit, ſhould have a friend who is not of the ſame mould. It cannot be ſaid, (replied Mandana) but that ſhe of whom I ſpeak hath many good qualities: ſince ſhe had been very fair [...], and was ſo ſtill when I went from Themiſcyra: Moreover, ſhe is very vertuous, and hath wit and ſpirit enough, but withall, if Marteſia would deſcribe her unto us, I am confident, you would agree that ſhe is not very amiable. Ah Madam, ſaid Marteſia, you ſpeak too favourably of a perſon who deſerves not the attribute of vertuous, ſince her vertues do ſo ill become her: And truely (ſaid ſhe, turning towards Doraliſa) ſince the Princeſſe is pleaſed I ſhould deſcribe this friend of Amaldeas, whoſe name is Iſalonide: be pleaſed to imagine her as ſhe hath deſcribed her, that is, fair and vertuous, and alſo full of wit and ſpirit: but a ſpirit ſo full of fooliſh pride, that I know not how I ſhould deſcribe it unto you. Indeed, becauſe ſhe knows ſhe hath the vertue of modeſty, ſhe thinks ſhe needs not the vertue of humility: and becauſe ſhe cannot be upbraided with any lightneſſe, or gallantry, therefore ſhe thinks ſhe hath a peculiar priviledge, to be peeviſh, fantaſticall, cholerick, and imperious: and indeed, ſhe thinks that becauſe ſhee hath one vertue, ſhe may be permitted to have all the vices: And for my part, were I her husband, I had rather ſhe were a little too gallant, and had a little of all thoſe vertues ſhe wants, then to have but one vertue, and have a little of all the ill habitudes that one can have. For my particular, replied Doraliſa, I think nothing can be more unreaſonable, then for a woman to value what ſhe ought to be, at as high a rate, as if ſhe were ſo: Iſalonide doth ſo value her ſelf, replied Marteſia, and as there are ſome inſolent fools, who think that valour is enough to make up a compleat man; ſo Iſalonide thinks, that becauſe ſhe is not a light houſewife, ſhe is the moſt vertuous woman of the age. In the mean time, the reſult of this fine opinion is, that ſhe makes her huſband even mad with her fantaſticall humours: ſhe diſorders the whole family by her ſeverity and pride: ſhe ſharply checks all her kindred that are young: ſhe cenſures all the women in the Town where ſhe lives: ſhe ſcorns all that come neer her; ſhe gives a hundred unjuſt judgements; ſhe puts no difference between a little too much Gallantry, and a great crime: and ſhe condemns all that ſhe ſees, and ſees not, thinking that ſhe her ſelf onely can brag of being vertuous. And indeed ſhe is of ſuch a preſumptuous ſpirit, that ſhe is moſt intollerable. The truth is, replied Mandana, that this vanity hath a very ill foundation, ſince if it be at all excuſable, it muſt bee when one hath ſome good quality which one is not obliged to have: and it is not enough to be proud, becauſe one hath ſome one vertue without which one ſhould bee infamous. For example; If a woman who hath beauty, wit, and vertue, do take ſo much pains as to cultivate thoſe excellencies which nature gave her: And do get ſome extraordinary knowledge in the Arts and Sciences, which ſhe knows how to uſe with all the diſcretion fitting for her Sex, doubtleſſe ſhe hath good reaſon to pretend unto more commendations then another: Moreover I muſt agree, that thoſe vertues which Iſalonide hath not, may in ſome ſort be a juſt cauſe of boaſting unto thoſe who enjoy them: But to draw a vanity out of vertue, is a thing ſo ſhamefull unto all the ſex in generall, that I am aſhamed to think of it: For truly it may be thought, that this kind of vertue out of which Iſalonide draws a vanity, is eſſentiall unto all women. So in my opinion, the pride of Iſalonide is very ill grounded; and I am perſwaded that a man who looks for commendations, becauſe he never poyſoned, or aſſaſſinated any [Page] one, hath as good a reaſon for it as ſhe hath, who makes her glory to conſiſt onely in that ſhe is not too much addicted unto Gallantry. Doubtleſſe ſhe does not know, replied Doraliſa, that not to be vitious, is not enough to make one vertuous; and that there is a great intervall between Avarice and Liberality: The ſame may be ſaid of all the vertues and all the vices, replied Mandana, betwixt which this intervall may be found, in which if any one reſt, they neither merit blame nor commendations. For my part, replied Doraliſa, and ſmiled, I am willing to think that Iſalonide does not merit the Attribute of that vertue whereof ſhe boaſts: for if ſhe be ſo peeviſh, ſo angry, ſo ſcornfull, and ſo proud as you deſcribe her, I cannot beleeve ſhe hath many Adorers. For my part, replied Marteſia, I think you are in the right; at leaſt I know that none are more inſufferable to me then ſuch women, as have ſouls ſo baſe as to content themſelves with one vertue, and yet are ſo proud as to ſcorn all thoſe vertues which they want: And the worſe is her example of this inſolent and ſavage vertue, does not good at all unto any young perſons; but on the contrary, all the apprehenſions of ſuch ſecure and arrogant women, does incenſe their ſpirits, and makes them ſo afraid of their reſemblance, as that often-times they will not reſemble thoſe who are good. However it be, replied Mandana, we ſhall know by Amaldea whether Iſalonide be ſtill of the ſame humour: and whether a young ſiſter ſhe hath, be of the ſame. If ſhe be, replied Marteſia, I muſt confeſſe, I could not know it by her Phyſiognomy: for I aſſure you Madam, this young ſiſter, whoſe name is Cloreliſa, had ſuch a look with her eyes, as moved me to think ſhe had a very gallant inclination; though it be true, that Iſalonide has ſuch an obſervant eye over her, as ſhe cannot follow her own inclination. If this Perſon, replied Doraliſa, be as pleaſing as her name is, ſhe is more amiable then her ſiſter: Since I never had any experience of her, replied Marteſia, I onely know ſhe ha's a promiſing and gallant Air with her, that ſhe is fair, and that ſhe hath much ſpirit: yet I cannot ſay ſhe is amiable. But in exchange (added Mandana) you may aſſure her that ſhe has a brother named Belemis, who is as well perſwaded of his own valour, as his ſiſter is of her vertue: or at leaſt they accuſe him (me thinks) for making too much of his bravery. The truth Madam is, replied Marteſia, that Belemis who is a man qualified well enough, hath a little too much affected to appear what he is, and that they have rightly accuſed him for making all the crabbed faces of a ſouldier: For indeed, his walk is too warlike, his action is too haughty; and when he comes into any company, he has the Air of a man that was ready to give battle, rather then for a converſation of Gallantry: his clothes alſo, has alwayes ſomething unlike peace: and his tone is ſo ſhrill, as one would think his intreaties were commands, military commands: all he does, and all he ſayes, would perſwade one that he affects to be reputed brave: yet certainly all this is his naturall way. If ſo, replied Doraliſa, then he hath great cauſe to chide Nature: for I aſſure you, ſuch men in times of peace are no leſſe ridiculous, then ſuch women as are of Iſalonide's humour. After Doraliſa had ſaid ſo, Mandana, being dreſt, ſhe prepared to go unto the Temple with Cyrus, and all thoſe of this Court Errant, if I may phraſe it ſo. But ſince the ſacrifice continued very long, when Mandana returned to her lodging ſhe found Marteſia's Aunt, already come, and found with her the moſt pleaſing company in the world: For indeed, ſhe had with her ten or twelve handſome women, and as many men of exceeding good quality: ſo that Mandana being pleaſingly ſurprized at this good company, ſhe received them with all poſſible Civility, and the better becauſe they were all known unto her, for they were all of Themiſcyra. Cyrus▪ for his particular was exceedingly ſatisfied, that all this good company ſhould come ſo fitly to make the day more delightſome unto Mandana. And all thoſe who were with him were very glad to ſee ſo many Ladies in a place ſo unlikely to meet with any ſo amiable. As for Marteſia, ſhe was ſo glad to ſee ſo many of her acquaintance, that her joyes ſparkled in her eyes: But ſhe was extremely over-joyed to ſee with her Aunt the daughter of Artucas, whoſe name was Erenice, with whom ſhe had a particular friendſhip at Sinope, when ſhe lodged with her Uncle, whiles Artamenes was priſoner. She was no ſooner at liberty to talke with her, whileſt Amaldea was talking with Mandana, but ſhe remembred that ſhe was preſent when thoſe four Lovers which pretended each of them to be the moſt unfortunate Lover in the world, were judged by her in the preſence of Cyrus: Alas my dear Erenice, ſaid ſhe unto her, what ſtrange accidents have hapned ſince that day I [Page] was ſo buſie in examining whether Indifferency, Death, abſence, or Jealouſie was the moſt Rigorous: and how much time would it take up, if I ſhould examine which hath more perplexed me, abſence from you, or my fears you ſhould forget me. But whileſt Marteſia was talking thus, and whileſt Erenice was anſwering with as much ingenuity and tenderneſſe, Mandana did with admiration look upon a perſon whom ſhe ſaw amongſt the Ladies: for though they were all very handſome, yet there was no compariſon betwixt her and the reſt. And indeed, this Lady, whoſe name was Telamire, had ſuch rare and extraordinary charmes in her beauty, that they will hardly admit of a deſcription. For ſince ſhee was neither great, nor little; pale, nor red; black, nor fair; but held a juſt and even proportion betwixt all theſe, as one would ſay, Nature did diſtinguiſh her from all others, to the end there might not be confuſion in the ſeverall Orders of Beauties, which ſometimes breeds conteſts between the black, and between the fair Beauties. Moreover, Telamire was not onely Fair, but of an admirable behaviour; and had an Air which was not at all proud, yet majeſticall. Again, ſince Telamire was neither black nor fair, her Aſpect was neither melancholy nor merry, but had ſuch a juſt mixture of both as made her diſcreetly pleaſant. But as Telamire did charme the eyes of all the company: ſo likewiſe there was a man with her that did attract their eyes as much as ſhe: ſince certainly his behaviour was as good as ſhe was fair: His Phyſiognomy ſpoke him to be a man of much ſpirit. And hee hear kned unto what was ſpoke, with ſuch an Aire, as it was eaſie to perceive that he underſtood things aright. But that which rendred him moſt conſiderable unto Mandana, was his being ſonne unto Amaldea, and Marteſia's Couſin: for ſince he was not at Themiſcyra when ſhe was there, ſhe knew him not. She remembred very well that Amaldea had a ſonne whoſe name was Artaxander, but ſhe knew not it was him ſhe ſaw. And ſhe did no ſooner know it, but ſhe made him a moſt obliging Complement, and he anſwered her in a moſt Elegant ſtile. So that diſcourſes beginning by degrees, between ſo much excellent company, time paſſed away ſo pleaſingly, that Mandana thought it not a minuit ſince ſhe returned from the Temple, when ſhe was advertiſed that it was dinner time. So that Cyrus carried all the men with him, and Mandana retained all the Ladies to dine with her: but ſhe declared unto them, that it was not for a dinner ſhe retained them, but they ſhould not return home that night. But to anſwer the Civility of the Princeſſe, Amaldea told her, ſhee would do more then that, becauſe ſhe was reſolved to wait upon her two dayes journey farther. Thus all this good company being together, the time paſſed away with much delight: one chance fell out which cauſed that Mandana could not depart ſo ſoon as ſhe intended, becauſe in the night time, that great River on which this little Town did ſtand did ſo overflow, that the Countrey all about was water: and for twelve hours together it rained ſo faſt, that it was one cauſe of the Rivers riſing, though the main reaſon of it was, the falling of waters from the Armenian Mountains, which running into this River, did cauſe it to ſwell above its ordinary Banks, and over-flow the Plains. However, Mandana muſt croſſe it before ſhe could continue her journey, and therefore of neceſſity ſhe muſt ſtay untill the waters were aſſwaged: and alſo this good Company muſt needs ſtay with her, becauſe Amaldeas houſe was on the other ſide of the River. And though there was a bridge, and this bridge not broken, yet there was no getting within twelve furlongs of it, ſo as all this good Company ſtaying together, there deſigne was onely to paſſe the time without wearineſſe unto Mandana, who for her part did contribute all her endeavours to divert the Company. But Marteſia (ſaid ſhe one morning unto her) how came all theſe Ladies to aſſemble together at your Aunts? I aſſure you Madam, (replied ſhe) I do not know: but ſince they came hither, I have done nothing elſe but talk of you, and ſatisfie their curioſities concerning your adventures: And though fame had partly told them, yet it told them falſe, and I was glad to let them know the truth. But now I have told them all they deſire to know, I muſt move them in their turnes, to tell me all I deſire to know: for all I know yet is, that there is a notable adventure between this Beauty you ſee here, whoſe name is Telamire, and Artaxander: and that it ſeems love makes happy and unhappy every where. Telamire, replied Mandana, is very likely to produce thoſe two different effects, for I never in my life ſaw any that pleaſed me more: And therefore Marteſia informe your ſelf a little better of her fortune, and let me know it. I ſhall be very glad to obey you Madam, replied ſhe, ſince I have ſuch an inclination [Page] my ſelf: and indeed that Evening Erenice being with Marteſia, without any company but Doraliſa, ſhe obeyed Mandana's commands. Dear Couſin, (ſaid ſhe unto her) ſince I have related the Adventures of our Princeſſe, and of the Illuſtrious Cyrus, I hope you will not be ſilent in your own, and thoſe of your acquaintance. When I have told you, replied ſhe, that after your departure from Sinope, my father ſent me unto Themiſcyra, to Amaldea: and that I was often ſorry never to hear from you, doubtleſſe I have told you the moſt important paſſages of my life. Tell me at leaſt, replied Marteſia, how it comes to paſſe that ſo many amiable Perſons, who heretofore had no ſociety together, ſhould now make a journey together. To ſatisfie your knowledge in this (replied ſhe) it is requiſite I relate the whole lives of Artaxander and Telamire. Though Artaxander be my Couſin as he is yours (replied Marteſia) yet fortune hath ſo often parted us that we hardly know each other: But ſince he ſeemes to be a very well accompliſhed man, I ſhould be very glad to know him from you. Therefore my dear Erenice, I beſeech you acquaint me with his life, and let Doraliſa have her ſhare in the diverſion. The adventures of perſons unto whom others have no relation, replied Erenice, are ſo farre from diverting them, that I conceive it beſt to ſtay untill you and I be alone; for though what I ſhall tell you have ſomething that is extraordinary in it, yet as I ſaid before, thoſe who have no intereſt in the fortune of them whoſe Hiſtory is related cannot take any delight in hearing it. I am ſo much intereſted in the happineſſe of Artaxander and Telamire, replied Doraliſa, that I ſhould be extremely glad to hear their Adventures. For the truth is, it is impoſſible to ſee them, and not deſire their happineſſe. And to teſtifie unto you, that they are not indifferent to me, I aſſure you, that I wiſh with all my heart, if Artaxander have any Rivals, that they may be ill treated; and if Telamire love any, that it may be Artaxander. But perhaps you have ſome ſecrets to impart unto Marteſia, which you would not have me to know, and therefore it is better to leave you at liberty. Oh Doraliſa, (ſaid Erenice, and would not let her go) I beſeech you do not offer to go away: for I am perſwaded, if I ſhould deprive Marteſia of your ſight, mine would not give her any ſatisfaction. Moreover, as ſweet as ſhe ſeems to be, I aſſure you ſhe is one of the moſt revenging perſons in the world: and to prove it, I remember, that having one day the misfortune to take her out of very good Company, ſhe was never at reſt untill ſhe was revenged, by putting me upon the company of one of the moſt weariſome perſons that ever was; and therefore I beſeech you doe not go away. Then ſatisfie me, replied Marteſia, ſince I am ſo revengefull, for I declare unto you, that if you will not relate unto me the whole life of Artaxander and Telamire, I ſhall relate unto Doraliſa all I know of yours. And you know I am not ignorant, that you have made more miſerable then one, ſince we were acquainted. Since that relation (replied Erenice and bluſht) would have leſſe diverſion in it, then that which I ſhould relate, though you ſpeak much leſſe then I, yet I had rather obey then reſiſt you. Then do obey, replied Marteſia, but that the word obey may be rightly placed, obey Doroliſa, and addreſſe your ſpeech unto her: For ſhe being a ſtranger at Themiſcyra, you muſt explain many things unto her, which you would not unto me. After this, Doroliſa anſwered ſomething, and Erenice replied: But at laſt, Marteſia having impoſed ſilence upon them both, and given order that nothing ſhould diſturb them, Erenice began her Relation in theſe Termes.

THE HISTORY OF ARTAXANDER AND TELAMIRE.

[Page]

SInce thoſe whoſe lives I am to relate are ſcarcely known unto you, 'Tis requiſite I begin my Relation with their Elogie, that ſo engaging you unto their intereſts, by ſome reſentments of eſteem, you may with more attention hearken unto what I ſay. But ſince the merits of theſe two Perſons are high enough to have got that eſteem already, I have reaſon to fear that I cannot commend them enough. However, I muſt tell you, that Telamire is one of the moſt charming Perſons in the Univerſe unto ſuch as particularly know her: and though ſhe be moſt amiable unto all in generall, yet ſhe is infinitely more unto ſuch as have any intimacy with her. And it may be ſaid, that ſhe is as much above her ſelf, when ſhe is with her intimate friends, as ſhe is above many others, when ſhe is in a generall converſation: Alſo ſhe is ſo univerſally known, that when any one ſees a dull perſon in Themiſcyra, they uſe to ſay, ſend him to Telamire, for ſhe hath as much as the other hath little. Moreover Telamire is exceedingly ſweet and generous; and her beauty is certainly the leaſt good quality ſhe hath. As for Artaxander, It is enough I tell you, that Marteſia can boldly acknowledge in her Couſins behalf, that he hath all thoſe excellent qualities which are requiſite to make up a moſt perfectly accompliſht man. After this, I muſt tell you, that Telamire is a Lady of Quality; whoſe father was called Algaſtus: and her mother was a moſt vertuous woman, who tenderly loved Amaldea the mother of Artaxander, under the governance of whom he hath ever been, becauſe his father died when he was but in his Cradle. And the better to let you underſtand what I muſt tell you in the ſequell of my diſcourſe; Be pleaſed to know, that Algaſtus never had more then one daughter, which was Telamire: and that from her very infancy, her mother, whoſe name was Cleoſſonte, did alwayes tell Amaldea, that ſhe would marry her daughter unto the young Artaxander her ſonne, who was then about five or ſix yeers elder then Telamire, who at that time was not above twelve. But though this deſigne was known unto very few, and though Algaſtus himſelf knew it not, yet it was not ſo ſecretly carried, but the young Telamire knew ſomething of the buſineſſe, by the women which waited upon her: ſo as from that time, ſhe diſpoſed her heart to be obedient unto Cleoſſonte. And I cannot tell, whether one ſhould not attribute ſome part of Telamires merits unto the innocent deſigne which ſhe had in her infancy, to be ere long in a condition of meriting Artaxanders eſteem. The truth is, I cannot think one could be more amiable being an inſant, then Telamire was: for her perſon was not onely exceeding handſome, but ſhe had one of the beſt Complexions in the world, and ſtruck all her maſters into admiration: either he who taught her to dance, or him [Page] who taught her the Aſſyrian Language, which ſhe ſpoke excellently well. And moſt certainly none could dance better then ſhe did at that time, nor ſpeak a ſtrange Language more politely. Moreover her ſtature was already ſo well proportioned, and her Phyſiognomy ſo compoſed, that all men of any ingenuity, who came unto Cleoſſonte, did not treat her as a child any longer, though yet ſhe was one, but on the contrary, extolled her as a compleat woman, and talked to her as if ſhe were eighteen yeers of age: Alſo ſhe anſwered them ſo ingeniouſly, and with ſuch ſparks of wit and ſpirit in her countenance, as one would think, that if ſhe was not very forward to talk, it was only becauſe ſhe knew, that ſhe was but twelve yeers of age; and that decency would not allow her yet to ſhew all her wit, though ſhe ſhewed enough to make them admire her: So as having all the graces of Infancy, without any of the Toyes, I aſſure you, ſhe was then infinitely amiable and charming. I tell you this, (amiable Doraliſa) to let you know the firſt ground of Telamires and Artaxanders affection: 'Tis true, it could not well be called affection at that time: For ſince Amaldea ſent Artaxander to travell as ſoon as he was ſeventeen yeers of age, and ſince his travell was long, he ſcarcely remembred that ever he heard his mother ſay, ſhe deſired he ſhould marry Telamire: and Telamire her ſelf though ſhe remembred the intention of Cleoſſonte, yet ſhe thought it would never come to paſſe: for you muſt know, that this vertuous Perſon died when Telamire was but fourteen yeers of age: ſo as being under the governance of her father, who ſet a wiſe and vertuous woman over her, ſhe thought upon nothing but better accompliſhing her ſelf without any thoughts of Artaxander, conſidering that Cleoſſontes deſigne being grounded upon her friendſhip to Amaldea, it would now fall, ſince ſhe was dead: And ſince Algaſtus her father was ſo far from any thoughts of marrying her, that his mind was all upon another wife: for ſince he was very rich, he did not deſpair to find one, though he was old, and though he would have one that was young, fair, and of good quality: Amaldea alſo for her part, ſhe never thought more upon this marriage: for ſhe knew that Algaſtus never thought of marrying his daughter; and ſince ſhe ſaw him in a poſſibility of having other children by another wife, ſhe thought the match not ſo advantagious as in Cleoſſontes dayes: ſo this buſineſſe was laid aſide, as if it had never been thought upon. In the interim, time paſſing on, and Artaxander being improved as much by his Travells, as Telamire grew fair in his abſence: he returned to Themiſcyra: But ſince he had never been in a place, where they ſaid that heretofore did dwell the ſecond Queen of the Amazons, called Orithea, at that time when ſhe reigned in Cappadocia, therefore he had a great Curioſity to go and ſee it: and indeed it was one of the goodlieſt places in the world; and ſo Famous, that it was a kinde of ſhame for a man of any ſpirit, not to have been there, and to be ignorant of what was there to be ſeen. In the mean time, as chance would have it, you muſt know, that Artaxander found in that place a company of Themiſcyrian Ladies, who came thither upon the ſame occaſion he did; to wit, onely out of Curioſity: Amongſt the reſt, there was a Lady, whoſe name was Cloreliſa, who was very pleaſant, and ſo is ſtill, though ſince ſhe hath much been vexed. This Cloreliſa had neither father nor mother living, and therefore dwelt with a brother, named Belermis; having no mind to dwelt with a ſiſter which ſhe had, who was called Iſalonide, becauſe ſhe was one of the moſt imperious perſons in the world.

To ſpare you the labour of deſcribing her, (ſaid Marteſia and interrupted her) I muſt tell you that I have acquainted Doraliſa what ſhe is, to wit, fooliſhly proud that ſhe cannot be accuſed of too much Gallantry. Nor is it neceſſary that you tell us what Belermis is, ſince I have told her he might well repreſent the God of war. But as for Cloreliſa you would do me a pleaſure in telling me of what humour ſhe is at this preſent.

Cloreliſa, replied Erenice, is oppoſite unto Iſalonide in many things, and reſembles her in onely one. For the truth is, her inclination is unto Gallantry▪ But though ſhe ſeem to be very Civil, and when ſhe pleaſeth is Complaiſant enough, ſo her Complaiſance may ſerve her own intereſts; yet ſhe is as imperious in her Gallantry, as her ſiſter is in her way. Moreover, ſhe is as full of revenge as one can be [...] for ſhe will attempt any thing to ſatisfie that humour, being none of thoſe who ſay that they ought never to be revenged upon themſelves: for ſhe is of ſuch an humour that ſhe had rather do her ſelf harm, then not hurt them ſhe hates: However, ſince Cloreliſa [Page] is fair and witty: and ſince her imperious humour never appears unto thoſe who jarre not with her, it is very hard to look upon her and not love her: ſo that Artaxander meeting her at this Town, in which are the ruins of Orithias Caſtle, he was as civil to her as any well qualified man ought to be unto a Beauty: and a Beauty who being but a child when he went from Themiſcyra, had now all the graces of novelty: Alſo he applied himſelf more to talk unto her then unto all the reſt of her Company. But as theſe kind of meetings do often cauſe others, ſo after they had viewed all that was to be ſeen at the Caſtle of this great Queen of the Amazons, they deſigned to go unto another place, where it was ſaid that Hercules and Theſeus arrived, when they defeated thoſe valiant warriers: and where might be ſeen the place where thoſe two ſiſters of that Queen, the one named Hippolite, and the other Menalippe, were taken priſoners by thoſe two Heroes: So that Artaxander, and Cloreliſa being many dayes together, and uſing much familiarity and talk, there grew betwixt them a kind of league, which I know not what to call. For I underſtood ſince from Artaxander, that his heart was never really touched with any love, and that the affection he had unto Cloreliſa was onely in his mind: and truely (ſaid he unto me, one day when I preſſed him to tell me his thoughts of her) to teſtifie that my heart is free. I love Cloreliſa, becauſe I would love her, and I love her without any diſtemper. But for all that (amiable Doraliſa) Artaxander during this journey was as full of his Gallantry as his wit could furniſh out. If he talked unto her of Hippolite with whom Theſeus fell in love, after he took her priſoner, it was to let her underſtand that he ſhould have had the ſame diſtance, if Hippolite had reſembled her: And if he talked to her of Hercules, when they ſhewed him how he overcame the Amazons; it was alſo to tell her, that ſhe was more valiant then ever they, ſince ſhe could get victories, and make priſoners without any Armes. To be ſhort, though Artaxander did onely eſteem Cloreliſa, yet he carried the matter as if he were in love with her: Inſomuch as Cloreliſa, who had opinion good enough of her ſelf, beleeved that he thought as he ſaid, and looked upon him as her ſlave. So as returning unto Themiſcyra, with the glory of her Conqueſt, there was none who at her return did not think her much embelliſht; ſo well did her joyes become her beauty. But (amiable Doraliſa) before I tell you how Artaxander was eſteemed at Themiſcyra: I muſt tell you that our Town being much divided into Factions, there was a Family which was enemy unto that of Artaxander, whoſe eldeſt ſonne, named Tyſimenes, was of the ſame age with him: ſo as chance ſo ordering it, that his Parents ſent him unto the ſame places where Artaxander was, So it happened, that both of them being young; both well born, and never had any jarres one with another; meeting both in a ſtrange Countrey: engaging themſelves in the ſame buſineſſe; in the ſame pleaſures, and being farre from thoſe who bore all the hatred, they came at length to love one another; and fortune ſent them many occaſions wherein they had need of each other, and accordingly they were ſerviceable unto each other with equall Generoſity. Inſomuch as theſe two reconciled enemies did promiſe an inviolable affection, and went unto the warres together againſt Polycrates. I ſhall not inſiſt, how they ſignalized themſelves: but ſhall tell you, that ſince this warre, Artaxander was called home by Amaldea, and ſo Tyſimenes and he parted: But at parting, they agreed, that they would not publiſh their Reconciliation untill they met at Themiſcyra: for ſince the father of Tyſimenes was violent and fantaſticall, he feared leſt it ſhould incenſe him, and leſſen the exhibition for his ſubſiſtence. Thus this friendſhip being as myſterious as love, it was as violent and tender. In the mean time, this Reconciliation made no noiſe in the Court, and at the return of Artaxander, the talk was that he fell in love with Cloreliſa, at the Caſtle of Orithia: but not a word that he was become the friend of Tyſimenes during his travells. Then, to return unto the joyes which Cloreliſa had, to think ſhe had ſubdued the heart of Artaxander, I muſt tell you, ſhe talked of nothing elſe: 'Tis true, this joy was a little qualified by the ſharpe reprehenſions of Iſalonide, for going that voyage: for though ſhe went with the permiſſion of her brother, and with excellent Company, yet ſhe muſt needs make a ſtrange hurley-burley about it: upbraiding her, that there was a hundred famous Temples in Cappadocia, unto which ſhe never had any Curioſity to ſee: and yet upon a buſineſſe of Gallantry, ſhe muſt go to a place where nothing was remarkable, unleſſe an old ſtory of Amazons: However, Cloreliſa being accuſtomed unto her ſeverity, ſhe cheered up her ſelf preſently againſt her ſiſters anger; And [Page] ſince Telamire was not well and kept her chamber, ſhe went to viſit her: for there being a great amity between them, and being equall in quality and age, they uſed to ſee each other very often: Alſo Cloreliſa, in the mind ſhe was, had a mind to ſeek out new acquaintance, to the end ſhe might have occaſions of relating her voyage, and talk of Artaxander. There was alſo another reaſon which moved Cloreliſa to ſee Telamire very oft: for you muſt know, that Belermis her brother was much in love with her, and preſſed her every day, to knit acquaintance with her, to the end ſhee might be able to do him a good office. After that ſhe had quieted Iſalonide, ſhe went unto Telamire, not knowing that the mother of this Lady had a deſigne to marry her unto Artaxander, for there had been no reports of it out of the Family. So that after the firſt Complements, and Cloreliſa had told Telamire, that her ſickneſſe had not altered her: and that Telamire alſo had told Cloreliſa, that the Sunne had not burned her, Cloreliſa asked her the news of the Town, and Telamire asked her concerning her voyage. So that having a way ſo eaſie to humour her own inclination, ſhe made her an exact relation of it, aggravating with extreme delight, her meeting with Artaxander. Since I have not ſtirred out of my Chamber of late, (ſaid Telamire unto her) I knew not that Artaxander was returned: but I beſeech you, did you find him handſome enough to render your voyage the more delightſome. I aſſure you, replied Cloreliſa, I found him to be ſo excellently accompliſhed, as I do not think any one in Themiſcyra. When one is in an humour to divert ones ſelf, (replied Telamire) one ſhall be pleaſed at any thing, and thoſe who are but meanly accompliſhed, will pleaſe ſometimes better, then thoſe who are more, can when that humour is off. No, no, Telamire, (replied Cloreliſa) the eſteem I have of Artaxander, is not grounded upon my pleaſant humour, but upon his own merits, which are ſuch, as to juſtifie the judgement which I have given of him, I will bring him to you: and I will take upon me to chuſe his acquaintance, and his friends for him: for as you know, he parted from Themiſcyra very young, he is now almoſt a ſtranger in his own Countrey. Certainly, replied Telamire, Artaxander hath found you to be as fair, as he finds you to be accompliſhed, ſince in ſo ſhort a time, he eſteems you ſo much as to let you chuſe his friends and acquaintance for him. However it be, replied ſhe, have not you an ill opinion of Artaxander, becauſe I confeſſe unto you, that he hath a good one of me: For the truth is, your compleateſt men are capable of an errour once in their lives; and it may be that I am the ſame of Artaxander. Oh Cloreliſa, replied Telamire, I ſhall rather beleeve the errour is in Artaxander then in you, ſince I am well acquainted with your merits, but with his, not enough to anſwer for him. That you may judge juſtly, replied Cloreliſa, I will bring him unto you to morrow: for (added ſhe and ſmiled) ſince it is I who brings him unto you, I muſt not ſtay till you be perfectly well, leſt I ſhould expoſe this friend whom I eſteem ſo much, unto a great danger, if you ſhould ſee him, when you are perfectly recovered. Since he hath ſeen you already, replied Telamire, you have no reaſon to fear any in Themiſcyra, ſince certainly there are none ſo taking as your ſelf: you are diſpoſed to flatter me, replied Cloreliſa, but all the ſweet language you can give me this day, will not blot out the wrong you have done me, in telling me I do not know compleat men, ſince you ſuppoſe I am miſtaken: But to puniſh you, if the fancy take me, I will tell Artaxander that you cannot beleeve what I ſay of him. Oh, Cloreliſa (cried out Telamire) take heed what you do, for if you ſhould do ſo, I ſhould never pardon you as long as I lived. As Cloreliſa was ready to anſwer, there came in ſome Ladies, who cauſed the diſcourſe to change, and moved her to go away, for they were ſuch as did not pleaſe her fancy. In the mean time, ſince Artaxander had a particular intimacy with her, and with all the Ladies with whom ſhee was in their voyage, he ſaw them every day, and came acquainted with Belermis: ſo that it was an eaſie matter for Cloreliſa to keep her word with Telamire. But ſince her deſigne was to be very carefull in keeping that conqueſt which ſhe thought ſhe had made, ſhe told Artaxander, when ſhe carried him unto Telamire, that ſhe was carrying him unto a Miſtreſſe of her brothers. But I beleeve ſhe told him ſo, to the end that he looking upon her, as a Perſon who was already engaged unto another, he might have no thoughts of her, in caſe the Charmes of Telamire ſhould move his heart more then her own. But that he might not bee ſurprized at the beauty of Telamire, ſhe extolled her to the skie, knowing well, that it was a good way to leſſen the admiration which any great Beauty may cauſe at the firſt ſight. At [Page] leaſt I do imagine that this was her aim, and my reaſon is, becauſe when ſhe ſpoke of Telamires beauty unto other men, ſhe was nothing earneſt in her Elogies. However it was, they came unto this fair ſick One, who doubtleſſe deſerved that Epethite; for ſince it was my chance to ſee her that day, I never ſaw her look better in her health. 'Tis true, her diſeaſe was not great, and ſhe was handſomely dreſt; alſo in ſuch a negligent and taking manner, that it was impoſſible to look upon her, and not to love, at leaſt, like her. Alſo Cloreliſa, who ſince the return of Artaxander, had much more care of her ſelf then ordinary, was alſo handſomely dreſt that day: but for all that, the negligent and free Garbe of Telamire exceeded her; and ſhe appear'd a thouſand times more fair then Cloreliſa, though Cloreliſa was alſo exceeding well. Since I had a great ſhare in Telamires friendſhip, ſhe ſent unto me that morning, to paſſe away the afternoon with her: and indeed I came ſo timely, that I was with her, before Cloreliſa: but I was no ſooner ſet down, then ſhe asked me, upon what termes I was with Artaxander? for, ſaid ſhe, as we may ſometimes have friends who are not Couſins, ſo alſo we may have Couſins who are not friends. All I can can tell you, replied ſhe, is, that Artaxander is certainly an excellent wel qualified man, enough both to be my Couſin and my friend: But ſince it is not long ſince his return; and ſince his return he hath been continually with Cloreliſa, or with thoſe Ladies with whom ſhe was at the Caſtle of Orithea, I know not yet, whether he hold me as his friend, or will look upon me onely as his Couſin. As ſoon as I had ſaid ſo, Artaxander leading Cloreliſa, entred: ſo that Cloreliſa preſenting him unto Telamire, ſhe received him with much civility, and he ſaluted her with much reſpect. I obſerved, that at the firſt he was ſurprized at the ſight of Telamire, and maugre the Elogies of Cloreliſa, he did not imagine her half ſo fair as he ſound her. But ſince Cloreliſa did doubtleſſe obſerve him as well as I, ſhe bluſht for envy, and the more, for caſting her eyes upon a great Glaſſe, which was oppoſite to her, wherein ſhe ſaw Telamire, and her ſelf alſo, and maugre the good opinion which ſhe had of her own beauty, ſhe knew that Artaxander had good reaſon to think Telamire fairer then her ſelf: at leaſt there appeared unto me, ſuch a kind of fretting in her countenance, as moved me to make that interpretation. Alſo I obſerved, that after ſhe had ſeen her ſelf in the Glaſſe with Telamire, ſhee changed places, ſaying, that the heat of the day had made her eyes look ill: but doubtleſſe the reaſon why ſhe changed places was, becauſe Artaxander ſhould not ſee them both at once, as he might before, and ſo he might not ſo eaſily diſcern the difference between Telamire and her. And indeed, as ſoon as ſhe was removed, and ſtood where ſhe deſired the vexing feature in her face, me thought, did vaniſh: And deſiring her excellent wit might repair her diſadvantage of beauty, ſhe began to break out unto a hundred witty and pleaſing fancies. But though Telamire did not reply with the ſame earneſtneſſe that Cloreliſa ſpoke, yet ſhe replied ſo pertinently, and in ſuch an ingenious manner, as made it apparent her wit was as excellent as her beauty. At firſt, the diſcourſe was of Cloreliſa's voyage, afterwards of her unexpected meeting with Artaxander, and of the friendſhip ſhe had with him. For my part, ſaid I, I am perſwaded that one may another in ſix dayes enough to eſteem and love them, and more then thoſe who know after another manner can in ſix moneths: for when they know them by a third perſon, who prepares the mind with high Elogies, their imaginations are ſo prepoſſe'd with Ideas of their own, that when they come to ſee, they will not finde their fancies and Ideas anſwered. Doubtleſſe it often happens as you ſay, (replied Artaxander) but not alwayes: And for example, I onely need to tell you, that though Cloreliſa told me, Telamire was one of the faireſt perſons in the world, and though I fancied an Idea of all I could think admirable, yet I muſt confeſſe unto you, that if I could let you ſee my fancy, you ſhould ſee I had drawn but a very bad picture of her. That which we uſe to call a bad Picture, replied Telamire, is one, which reſembles not the Perſon for whom it was made: a Picture which flatters, is as bad a Picture, as that which makes ugly; and ſo I think I may with out any vanity, ſay of yours: becauſe perhaps, you found the Idea which you fancied of me, much fairer then I am. Oh Telamire, ſaid Cloreliſa, I am not of your opinion in this, for I can never agree, that a Picture which flatters, is a bad Picture, ſince Telamire (replied Artaxander) never had hers which did flatter, becauſe it is impoſſible to be made fairer then her ſelf. I do not wonder ſhe ſhould not know the difference: but I wonder ſaid he and reprehended himſelf, ſeeing he exrolled Telamire ſo much, and Cloreliſa [Page] ſo little) that you Cloreliſa ſhould know it, ſince certainly there can be no picture taken from you, which does not injure you very much: I pray Artaxander (ſaid ſhe, and both laughed and bluſht) do not undertake too many things at once: Either [...]co [...]nd Telamire, and not me; or elſe commend me, and not her, for this divided Elogy doth never oblige any: But not to puzzle you in making a choice, which perhaps would not be advantageous unto me, It is better, that ſince you have told what you think of Telamire, Telamire alſo tell what ſhe thinks of you, and whether the Idea which ſhe fancied, be better then what ſhe findes: for to tell you truely, I ſpoke as well of you unto her yeſterday, as I did of her unto you: But I beleeve ſhe will not admire you ſo much as you do her, becauſe ſince ſhe hath not ſo good an opinion of me as you have, ſhe did not give ſo much credit unto my words when I commended you, as you did when I commended her. Fie Cloreliſa, (ſaid Telamire) you are the moſt cruell woman in the world. Since I ſpeak nothing (replied ſhe) but what I m [...]ced before, me thinks you ſhould not be ſurprized at it. Telamire then fearing that Artaxander ſhould beleeve ſhe had ſpoke ſome ſtrange thing concerning him, began to relate the whole diſcourſe which ſhe had with Cloreliſa the day before: Confeſſing ingenuouſly, that ſhe did not beleeve him to be ſo compleat a man, as Cloreliſa had repreſented him. Yet I hope (added ſhe) that you will be ſo reaſonable, as not to be offended at what I thought of you, before I knew you: and that you will be ſatisfied with the juſtice I render now I do know you better. Certainly I ſhall not be offended Madam, replied Artaxander, at any thoughts you had of me before you knew me; but I am afraid I ſhall have ſome cauſe to be ſorry for your thoughts of me after you know me. Oh heavens (ſaid Cloreliſa, not giving Telamire time to anſwer) that ſhe could ſo farre miſtake her ſelf; then ſhould I be the beſt pleaſed in the world, if I could upbraid her with want of judgement in compleat men. But I am afraid that I ſhall never have that ſatisfaction; and that on the contrary, you will become ſo much her friend, that I ſhall become yours leſſe: and truly I ſhall not take it well, if ſhe ſhould be more yours then mine. Provided that Artaxander be no more my friend then he is yours, replied Telamire and ſmiled, what will it concern you, if I be more his then you are? What will it concern me? (replied Cloreliſa) ah Telamire, it will extremely concern me; for I am ſure you can never be Artaxanders friend more then I am, unleſſe he be more yours, then mine. But amiable Cloreliſa (ſaid Artaxander, and ſmiled as well as they) ſince you have done me the favour to accept of the Commiſſion which I gave you, to chuſe my friends for me, and ſince you have brought me hither, I hope you had no deſigne that I ſhould become the enemy of Telamire. No replied ſhe, but I had no intention you ſhould be ſo much in her favour, as that I ſhould be out, and yet I am the moſt miſtaken in the world, if this come not to paſſe. Though Cloreliſa ſpoke this in laughter, yet I aſſure you ſhe feared it in earneſt. But after this viſit had laſted a long while, ſhe went away: But went away, not knowing what to think upon the matter: ſince Artaxander was ſo charmed with the beauty of Telamire, that his memory ſtood in need of all its helps, to remember whether he had not commended her too highly in ſpeaking unto Cloreliſa. Yet ſince he had much a do to talk of any thing elſe, becauſe his imagination was wholy taken up with her, he talked leſſe then uſuall all that day▪ which Cloreliſa obſerved well enough, as ſhe told me afterwards, to her grief. But that which vexed her more the next day was, that ſhe underſtood by me of the Ladies whom Artaxander ſaw with her the firſt time he ever met her, that he had ſo extolled the beauty of Telamire, as ſhe never heard a higher commendation in all her life. So as conſidering that he hardly ſpake unto her, ſhe conjectured, that his thoughts were wholy upon Telamire, and not upon her. Yet ſince ſhe had a good opinion of her ſelf, and ſhe never had any ſlave who brake her chains, ſhe could not beleeve that Artaxander could break thoſe fetters which ſhe had (as ſhe thought) laid upon him. So as not ſeeming to be troubled at it, ſhe lived with him as ſhe begun, to wit, in much friendſhip. But a little while after, underſtanding that Artaxander had been ſeverall times with Telamire and never told her, ſhe was in a ſtrange fume, for then ſhe thought that he loved Telamire better then her. Yet to excuſe her credulity, I muſt ſay, that Artaxander being inſenſible, engaged to complement with her, as if he were in love, he knew not how to make a Retreat. So as, though his heart was full of violent paſſion unto Telamire, yet he talked unto Cloreliſa as he uſed: and the rather, becauſe he [Page] did really intend to ſtifie that growing affection which he had unto Telamire, and to lock up his heart both againſt the one and the other; Conceiting the ſimple Gallantry without any ingredient of love was much more pleaſing and agreeable then a violent paſſion could be. Thus he continued to talke unto Cloreliſa, as thoſe who uſe to talke of love, but never mean it. 'Tis true, he continued not long at eaſe: In the mean time Cloreliſa, whoſe heart was really engaged, defcanting upon the ſtate wherein ſhe was conſidered which way ſhe might prevent Artaxander from ſeeing Telamire, or at leaſt from contracting any friendſhip with her. At firſt, ſhe thought it expedient to fall out with Telamire, and oblige Artaxander to the like, in taking her part; but conſidering upon a ſudden, that perhaps ſhe was not able to win him unto ſuch a thing, ſhee feared, that if ſhee ſhould ſee her no more, yet hee would, and ſo ſhee ſhould not be able to interrupt their converſation by her preſence: ſo as reſentment of jealouſi [...] cauſing her to take up a contrary deſigne, ſhe reſolved to make a ſhew of moſt tender friendſhip unto Telamire, and to ſee her ſo oft, that Artaxander ſhould never ſee her, without her: and to puzzle him the more, ſhe obliged Belermis her brother, to diſcover unto Artaxander, the love he bore unto Telamire, and to deſire his aſſiſtance, telling him, that he knew Telamire did infinitely eſteem him, and that he was the fitteſt man he could chuſe for a Confident: And indeed Belermis uſed all his endeavours to get the friendſhip of Artaxander: and following the adviſe of Cloreliſa, he truſted him with the very ſecrets of his heart, and diſcovered his paſſion unto him, conjuring him to aſſiſt him as farre as he could. You may imagine, that Artaxander was put to great puzzle. For it was not likely he ſhould tell him that he was his Rivall, conſidering how his caſe ſtood with his ſiſter; and it was alſo impoſſible to do for him, as he deſired. However Belermis deſiring this favour from him in a blunt ſouldierlike way, which was naturall unto him, he hardly knew what to ſay unto him; yet Artaxander having an excellent wit, he excuſed himſelf as well as he could. Sir, ſaid he unto him, I am much obliged unto you for the Confidence you are pleaſed to put in me: But Belermis, if you will give me leave to ſpeak freely what I think, I muſt ingenuouſly confeſſe unto you, that I am the worſt Agent upon earth in any ſuch matters; and the onely reaſon why I will never undertake to ſerve my friends in any ſuch wayes of Love, is, becauſe I am fully perſwaded that I ſhould do them more hurt then good: and that in ſuch caſes as theſe one ought to imploy none but themſelves, for truly, a friend in ſuch caſes, doth often more harm then a Rivall. And indeed, can you imagine that if Telamire ſhould know that you impart all ſhee tells you unto me, and all that you tell her, ſhe will not be rigorous towards you? No, no Belermis, deceive not your ſelf: but be aſſured a miſtreſſe will ever be ſevere, if ſhe know that her Lover hath any Confident, for ſhe will truſt her Lover with many more ſecrets then ſhe will his friend: Therefore all I can promiſe you is to ſpeak of you unto Telamire, according to my own Refentments, when any occaſion offers it ſelf; for otherwiſe I ſhould prejudice you more then you imagine. Since Belermis had not the leaſt ſuſpition that Artaxander was his Rivall: but on the contrary, thought him to be in love with Cloreliſa, he onely deſired him at the leaſt to give him his beſt advice. And ſince Artaxander had no pretence to refuſe that, he conſented unto it, and the rather, becauſe it was ſome ſweetneſſe unto him, to hear all the complaints which he made of Telamire. And this ſweetneſſe he often taſted, for ſince there was ſcarce a day on which he did not receive ſome new Piece of cruelty from that fair One, he was continually condoling with Artazander. On the otherſide, Cloreliſa according to her deſigne, was ſo full of complaiſance unto Telamire, and was ſo very officiouſly ſerviceable, that Telamire did really beleeve ſhe loved her very tenderly: And ſhe had one advantage by ſeeing her every day: for ſince Telamire had the reputation of extraordinary vertue, the ſevere Iſalonide could find no fault with her ſiſter. And indeed, ſhe was ſo very frequently with her, that ſhe was almoſt no where elſe. You may well think, that it was cruell torment unto Artaxander, to bee continually talking unto one whom he loved not, and not to be able to talk unto her whom he did love. In the mean time, he was extremely perplexed to ceaſe the telling Cloreliſa that he loved her, and to begin the telling Telamire that he adored her: Moreover, the confid [...]e of Belermis became very troubleſome unto him. and he grew at laſt ſo deep in love, and ſo vexed, that all were intollerable to him. And indeed, his paſſion became ſo ſtrong in a few dayes, that he much cared not what Cloreliſa, or Belermis [Page] ſhould think, though they did know he loved Telamire: But the great trouble of his ſpirits was to let the fair Telamire know what thoughts he had of her. Since Cloreliſa and Belermis were continually with Telamire, it was a very hard matter for him to find her alone: and he was a long time in hops of Cloreliſa's being ſick, that ſhe might keep her Chamber, and when that occaſion did offer itſelf, he was as much troubled to find Telamire with her: for Cloreliſa's eyes were no ſooner open in the morning, but the jealouſies of her ſoul, moved her to ſend unto Telamire, and to entreat her, ſhe would be pleaſed to have ſome pity upon her in her ſickneſſe, and to ſee her as ſoon as ſhe had dined, for if ſhe did not, it would be a great addition of inquietude in her ſickneſſes So that Telamire thinking that Cloreliſa loved her very dearly, ſhe went betimes unto her; and forcing her inclination, which did not naturally love Cloreliſa, ſhe anſwered her ſeeming friendſhip by a thouſand expreſſions of her ſervice and care; and particularly in her diligence and aſſiduity in this her ſickneſſe. Thus for the firſt dayes of her ſickneſſe, it was impoſſible for Artaxander to find her any where but with Cloreliſa: And by reaſon of Algaſtus the father of Telamire, he would not offer to make any viſits, at ſuch times as decency did not permit. But at laſt, hitting his time in the nick, he came one morning into Telamire's Chamber, as ſhe was looking her ſelf in a glaſſe, and putting on her hood to go unto Cloreliſa: And ſince ſhe was already very familiar with him, ſhe continued putting it on after ſhe had ſalu [...]ed him, ſuppoſing that he would go with her to ſee Cloreliſa, and making the propoſition very civily unto him. Did I not know (ſaid ſhe unto him) that Cloreliſa was your friend before I was yours, and that you cannot take it ill I ſhould pay what I owe unto her merits, in lieu of putting on my hood, I would take it off, and regularly receive your viſit. But ſince I do imagine you would have us go together to comfort this fair ſick Perſon, I am as free with you as Cloreliſa her ſelf would be. I ſhould think my ſelf very unhappy, Madam (ſaid he unto her) if you ſhould think I would croſſe any of your intentions: But Madam, (ſaid he cunningly unto her, to hinder her from going ſo ſoon) As I was coming hither, I ſent to know how ſhe did, and I underſtood ſhe was not awake, and therefore if you will not diſturb her, you will not go ſo ſoon. But if you pleaſe Madam, I will ſend one of my men to wait untill ſhe be awake, and then bring us word: for in my opinion it is better ſtaying here then in her outer Chamber. Telamire beleeving this, ſent one of her women, to bid one of Artaxander's ſervants go unto Cloreliſa: But Artaxander ſeeming as if he had ſome other buſineſſe with him, went haſtily to Telamire's chamber-door, and commanded the man to be two hours before he returned; and if any of Telamire's ſervants came to know whether Cloreliſa were awake, not to let him ſpeak unto any of the houſe, but to tell him, that ſhe was not. This order being given, Artaxander returned to Telamire, who cauſed a ſtool to be ſet for him, and ſhe began to talk of Cloreliſa, thinking no diſcourſe could be more pleaſing to him: for ſhe could not imagine that Cloreliſa ſhould love him, unleſſe he had loved her. In the mean time, though his deſigne was to diſcover his Paſſion unto her, yet it was long before he durſt tell her his thoughts. But ſince he could not ſo well hide his inquietudes, but Telamire obſerved him, ſhe imagined that the reaſon was becauſe he was troubled at Cloreliſa: But Artaxander, (ſaid ſhe unto him) me thinks you are very melancholy, is not the reaſon of it becauſe you fear Cloreliſa ſhould be ſick this morning? No Madam, (ſaid he unto her tranſported by his paſſion) but it is, becauſe Artaxander is much worſe to day, then he was yeſterday: and I beleeve will every day be worſe and worſe. If Artaxander be ſick (replied ſhe and laughed) Appearances are very fallacious: ſo they are, replied he, and to give you an example, Does not all in Themiſcyra beleeve that I am in love with Cloreliſa? yet it is moſt certainly true that I am not: And if I were no more in love with an admirable Lady, whom I dare not name, then I am with her, I ſhould be much more happy then I am. Telamire hearing Artaxander ſpeak ſo, ſhe began to ſuſpect the truth: and to ſtop his mouth from any more of that diſcourſe, ſhe turned the talk upon ſome thing elſe. No, no, Artaxander, (ſaid ſhe unto him) never take ſo much pains to deceive me, for I am more complaiſant unto my friends then you imagine me, and as ſoon as I perceive they have a deſigne to make me beleeve a thing, I ſeem as if I were perſwaded of it: and ſo I will tell you, if you pleaſe, that I do beleeve you love not Cloreliſa, but that you love ſome other: yet for your own tranquility, I ſhould be ſorry it were ſo, for [Page] I am confident you will have much ado to perſwade that other, to beleeve that you do not love Cloreliſa: However, I pray give me leave to ſend one of my ſervants, and know whether ſhe be yet awake, for I beleeve that he whom you ſent, is as faſt aſleep as ſhe is: And ſhe ſent one accordingly. But the prudence of Artaxander foreſeeing the impatience of Telamire, the man whom he ſent to Cloreliſa's, meeting the other and asking him whither he went, and being anſwered to ſee whether Cloreliſa were awake, he told him that he could ſave him that labour, for he was newly come from thence, and one of her women ſaid, ſhe was not yet awake: ſo as Telamire's ſervant without any further enquiry, returned to tell Telamire, that Cloreliſa was ſtill aſleep. It is very ſtrange, (ſaid Telamire, and looked upon Artaxander) for I have heard her ſay, ſhe ſeldome ſleeps, but dreams; and I am confident that at this very hour, ſhe is with me, though I am not with her. If ſo Madam, replied Artaxander, then ſhe is with one, who may if ſhe pleaſe, plainly perceive whether I love Cloreliſa or no: I have already told you, replied Telamire, that I am ſo complaiſant, as to beleeve, or at leaſt, ſeem to beleeve, whatſoever my friends would have me. Then Madam, beleeve that I do not love Cloreliſa, nor ever did: and if I had boldneſſe enough, I would Conjure you to beleeve alſo, that I am extremely in love with the faireſt Lady in the world, a Lady over whom you have more power then I wiſh you had. As Telamire was ready to anſwer, a ſervant of Cloreliſa's entred, who ſaid, That his Miſtris extremely wondering ſhe came not to ſee her, had ſent him to know how ſhe did, and what the reaſon was which debarred her from that ſatisfaction. Telamire ſurprized at this, did look upon Artaxander, who without any amazement told the ſervant, that it was himſelf, who kept Telamire from Cloreliſa. becauſe one of her men told him ſhe was not awake. That which made Telamire moſt to wonder, was that ſhe had ſent a ſervant of her own, and this ſervant being not in the houſe, ſhe conceived that it was onely ſome miſtake between Cloreliſa's ſervants and hers: So as making her ſelf ready to go preſently unto her, ſhe gave her hand unto Artaxander, ſuppoſing he would go with her. And to let him ſee, ſhe made no application of what he had ſpoken, unto her ſelf. Though I do beleeve, ſaid ſhe unto him, that you are not in love with Cloreliſa, yet I cannot chuſe but think you will viſit her, ſince you cannot deny her the advantage of being the firſt friend you had in Themiſcyra: and I will be the more earneſt in maintaining her right in that, becauſe I pretend to be in the ſecond place your friend. Oh Madam, (ſaid he) whether I be in love with Cloreliſa or no, I am ſure ſhe hath not ſo high a rank in my heart as you have, though ſhe be a perſon whom I much honour and eſteem. Since Telamires houſe was very nigh unto Cloreliſa's, they had not leyſure to ſay any more. And ſince one of Telamires women might hear them, Artaxander was forced to talk of ſomething elſe. However, as ſoon as they were come into Cloreliſa's Chamber, ſhe chid Telamire, a thouſand times, and that with a ſtrange agitation of heart: for ſince ſhe ſaw Artaxander with her, ſhe imagined him to be the cauſe of her ſtay: but ſhe was much worſe, when Telamire to juſtifie her ſelf did tell her all the paſſages: yet Artaxander did ſtill affirm very confidently, that they aſſured him ſhe was aſleep: But ſince the heart of Cloreliſa was too much engaged to be delud [...]d, ſhe would needs look into the matter a little neerer; and calling all her women one after another, they all ſaid, that they ſaw none, either from Artaxander, or Cloreliſa. Artaxander then told her, that certainly ſome of the ſervants unto Belermis to ſave themſelves the labour of coming to her, had told this lie. But ſay what he would or could, Cloreliſa was not ſatisfied, and ſhe was fully perſwaded, that this was a trick of Artaxanders, and ſhe thought alſo that Telamire was an acceſſary unto it: for ſince ſhe aſſured her very earneſtly that ſhe had ſent unto her houſe, and ſince all her women on the contrary aſſured her, that none came from her, ſhe did not onely think Artaxander to be in love with Telamire, but ſhe thought as that Telamire held a great correſpondency with Artaxander then ever ſhe imagined: ſo as jealouſie having poſſeſſion in her minde, ſhe was tormented beyond expreſſion: and ſhe who was ſo earneſt in ſending for Telamire, knew not now what to ſay unto her. Since I came in a little after this confuſed examination of the matter, I could plainly perceive the turbulency of Cloreliſa's mind: all I could obſerve was, the confuſion of Artaxander, and the prudence of Telamire. For truely this wiſe Lady, taking no notice of Artaxanders love, not of Cloreliſa's jealouſie, did ſpeak unto every thing with a marvellous moderation, [Page] and tranquillity: and certainly I came in very opportunely to help out with diſcourſe. However, I made her ſince confeſſe, that ſhe could not chuſe but find ſome ſweetneſſe in thinking that though Cloreliſa loved Artaxander, yet he did not love her; and that the glory to be preferred before ſuch an amiable Perſon was ſome delight unto her. For my part, I was exceedingly delighted with the paſſages of that day: for beſides the pleaſure of ſeeing how Cloreliſa and Artaxander were put to a Non-plus, I was extremely taken with ſeeing Belermis in his fierce Garb, who knowing that Telamire was in his ſiſters Chamber, came thither to ſee her. But he came (amiable Doraliſa) more like a Conquerour then a Captive: not but that all he ſaid unto her was very civil and reſpective; yet his Air and Garb did alter the very ſence of his words, and made him ſeem as if he intended to fetter her, whoſe chains he wore. Moreover, ſince he could not chuſe but be talking as much of matters of warre as love, he was ſo full of his Martiall phraſes, as that day I learned as many Military Termes as might ſerve for the Relation of all ſorts of Combats, for he vſed them all in his diſcourſe: ſo as before 'twas night, I knew what Incampment and Quarters were: I knew what the firſt, ſecond and third Diviſions did mean; I learned all the Poſtures, to the right hand; to the left hand; as you were, double your Ranks, and Files. And I knew from him that day, at leaſt enough to loſe a Battle, if I had commanded an Army. And to be ſerious with you, he was ſo full of words peculiar unto War, that all I could do, was to remember them, though as yet I did not know the ſignifications of them: But to compleat my diverſion, The ſevere Iſalonide entred, who commonly finding fault with every thing. did not like that Cloreliſa ſhould be ſo dreſſed, ſince ſhe was ſick; ſaying openly, That thoſe ſickneſſes which onely draw company about One, and will let one be dreſſed better then when they are well, were of a moſt dangerous conſequence. For indeed, ſaid ſhe, If one were really ſick, they ſhould ſee none but ſuch as could cure them, or their very intimate friends: and not do as moſt women now adayes, who are more carefull in conſulting with their Glaſſe, before company come, then with their Phyſitian: And are more diligent in advertiſing all their acquaintance that they keep their Chamber then thoſe that can cure them. And to tell you truely, they have a greater deſire to have them come who can tell them a thouſand tittle tattles, then ſuch as uſe to cure diſeaſes. But (ſaid I unto her, to do Cloreliſa a pleaſure) if you did but know how much melancholy doth augment all manner of diſeaſes, you would ſay, that pleaſant company may be put in the rank of the moſt infallible Remedies. If you ſhould ask the advice of my ſiſter (anſwered ſhe in a moſt imperious Tone) I am ſure ſhe will be of your opinion, and maintain that all manner of ſimples uſed in Phyſick are not comparable to the company of five or ſixe ſuch tittle tattles as are glad to hear of any ſick Gallant, who are ſick onely becauſe they ſhould come and ſee them. I muſt confeſſe unto you (ſaid Cloreliſa, and bluſht for anger) that I have been ſuch a one as you ſpeak of, but at this time I am ſo ill, that much Company are very troubleſome unto me: Telamire hearing Cloreliſa ſay ſo, did riſe up, and offered to go away: but Cloreliſa out of jealouſie, as well as friendſhip, took hold of her and ſaid, that ſhe was neither weary of her nor me. Then it is of me, replied Artaxander: But if ſo, I beſeech you ſpeak unto Telamire to command me away, for ſince I had the honour to wait upon her hither, I expect that command from her. You may eaſily judge how Cloreliſa reſented Artaxanders diſcourſe; yet ſhe could make no anſwer unto it: for her ſiſter being very glad to ſee that once in her life ſhe was weary of company, deſired Telamire that ſhe would move Artaxander to go away: And Belermis alſo, thinking that Cloreliſa was really ſick, he went out, and Artaxander alſo: Yet it was not before Telamire had diſpenced with him, from the Civility which he offered. But Cloreliſa's ſpire did ſo encreaſe, that her ſpirits were ſo turbulent all the reſt of the day, as Telamire and I, did not think it fit to ſtay any longer: And ſo we left her with Iſalonide, who I do beleeve was troubleſome enough unto her. However, ſince I went home with Telamire, and could not chuſe but talk of Cloreliſa, I told her how I feared that Artaxander was in love with her: So as in the confidence ſhe had in my friendſhip, though I was Artaxanders Couſin, ſhe told me all paſſages betwixt her ſelf and him: adding, how infinitely ſorry ſhe ſhould be, if Artaxander ſhould be in love with her, and Cloreliſa jealous. For the firſt of theſe, replied I, you need not doubt it: and for the laſt, you may be moſt certainly ſure of it, And indeed, the event made it evident, I was not miſtaken, [Page] for the truth is, Cloreliſa was as jealous, as Artaxander was in love with Telamire. There was a hundred triviall paſſages, which ſerved to augment this paſſion of jealouſie in the heart of Cloreliſa; Inſomuch as not being able to live in ſuch uncertainties, ſhe did drive Artaxander to the neceſſity either of ſeeing Telamire no more, or of ſeeing her no more: but he making choiſe of the laſt, Cloreliſa added unto her jealouſie and love, a moſt terrible deſire of revenge. And in order hereunto, ſhe would not ceaſe ſeeing Telamire, though ſhe hated her as much as ſhe loved Artaxander: for it is the cuſtome of ſuch as are jealous, to hate the lovers who forſake them, almoſt as much as thoſe for whom they are forſaken. However, to ſpite Artaxander, ſhe continued her aſſiduous ſeeing of Telamire. 'Tis true, Telamire did not think her ſelf at all obliged unto her for her viſits, for ſhe underſtood by many with whom ſhe converſed, that Cloreliſa did ſpeak very diſadvantagiouſly of her: yet ſince ſhe was alwayes very wiſe, ſhe would not make a buſineſſe of it, but contented her ſelf to diſſemble it out, as well as the other: And I am perſwaded, that her ſpite againſt Cloreliſa did contribute ſomething unto her allowance of Artaxanders paſſion, whom ſhe did eſteem very highly: In ſo much, as taking to heart the intention which her late mother had of marrying her unto him, ſhe was perſwaded that ſhe might innocently permit him to love her: ſo as accuſtoming her ſelf by degrees to let him talk more freely of his love, then formerly ſhe had, they came at laſt to be ſo kind, as ſhe permitted him to beleeve that ſhe did not hate him, and ſo both their parents would conſent, that he might hope to be happy. Yet ſhe had much ado to make him ſuch a favourable declaration: for you muſt know, that Artaxander did not finde ſo much difficulty in perſwading that he loved her, as to make her beleeve that he was never in love with Cloreliſa: for ſhe alwayes told him, that if he were inconſtant, ſhe would not accept of his affection. Thus Artaxander for a long time did nothing elſe but proteſt, that he never loved Cloreliſa further then the degree of a friend: and that though ſhe did interpret his thoughts otherwiſe then ſhe ought, yet he was not to blame. But Artaxander having wit enough, which was alſo whetted by a moſt violent paſſion, he uſed ſo many elegant, amorous, and perſwaſive arguments, that at laſt (as I told you) he overcame her. In the mean time Artaxander did by degrees deſert Belermis, and ceaſe being his Confident. And ſince he reſolved to love Telamire as long as life was in him, he thought it not handſome to delude him. Thus being diſobliged, both from the brother, and the ſiſter, he applied himſelf ſo wholly to love Telamire, as he could hardly live out of her ſight. Yet one thing did moſt ſenſibly afflict him; which was, that Amaldea (who knew that Algaſtus, Telamires father, intended to marry again) did not approve of that which before ſhe ſo much wiſhed: but ſince he hoped to perſwade Telamire, not to value her conſent, he enjoyed many pleaſing hours, maugre all the jealouſie of Cloreliſa: meeting almoſt every day, with an opportunity of talking with Telamire, and not over-heard by Cloreliſa. Things being upon theſe termes, and Cloreliſa foreſeeing that unleſſe ſhe undermined Artaxander, he would ere long marry Telamire, ſhe took the oddeſt reſolution in the world: for her deſigne of revenge was ſo high, that ſhe cared not to ſacrifice even her very l [...]fe unto it: And this was her invention. I already told you, that Algaſtus though very old, yet had a mind to marry again, and to marry both a young and a fair perſon, not valuing Riches, ſo her Quality was good: but ſince he was very farre on in yeers, he could not meet with ſuch a one as would marry him. Yet in his Queſt of ſuch a wife, he imployed a ſort of ſuch people, whoſe trade is to make matches: And Cloreliſa underſtanding this, reſolved to carry the matter ſo, that ſhe would marry Algaſtus; That ſo being a Mother in law unto her Rivall, ſhee might baniſh Artaxander her houſe, and imploy all the favour ſhe had with her husband, to hinder his conſent unto Artaxanders marriage. So that meeting wherewith both to ſatisfie her Revenge, and her Ambition, for Algaſtus was very rich, ſhe reſolved to paſſe away her life with a man whom ſhe could not poſſibly love. And when ſhe conſidered how joyed ſhee ſhould be to hinder Artaxander both from marrying Telamire, and coming to her houſe, the crazy age of Algaſtus was no obſtacle to hinder the execution of her deſigne. And indeed, Cloreliſa perceiving how her brother grieved that he could not move the heart of Telamire, ſhe put the whole buſineſſe upon his ſcore, and ſeemed as if ſhe onely aimed at his happineſſe by it: In ſo much, as making the Propoſition unto him, hee gave her a thouſand thanks: And as fierce as he was, he ſeemed unwilling ſhe ſhould [Page] make her ſelf miſerable for his ſake. Yet notwithſtanding, ſeeing that if ſhe married Algaſtus, ſhe would get ſo much power over him to procure his marriage with Telamire, or at leaſt ſtave off his Rivall, he reſolved to further her deſigne. Moreover, ſince Iſalonide, was eternally upbraiding Cloreliſa with her too much Gallantry, ſhe told her, that to teſtifie ſhe was able to leave it off when ſhe pleaſed, and if ever ſhe would mar [...]y Algaſtus, ſhe muſt wholy alter the manner of her life. But that ſhee might think there was ſome poſſibility in the deſigne, ſhe told her, that a Perſon of her acquaintance aſſured her, that if ſhe managed the mind of Algaſtus handſomely, and kept the buſineſſe ſecret, it would produce a happy effect: And ſhe imployed all her wit to bring it about. And ſince ſhe was acquainted with all the women in Themiſcyra, which were of her own humour, and who thought as ſhe did, that if one be vertuous, one muſt be auſtere in all their actions, ſhe made choiſe of one, whoſe age, behaviour, and dreſſe, did ſpeak to be a Piece of moſt ſevere prudence: whoſe voice was all gravity; whoſe words were weighed, and whoſe walk was ſo compoſed, as if ſhe counted every ſtep. So that after ſhe had choſen this perſon to propound Cloreliſa unto Algaſtus; ſhe reaſoned upon the matter with her, and they both concluded, that an action of greater vertue could not be, then making up this marriage: ſince it would be an infallible cure of Cloreliſa's Gallantry. So as theſe two women negotiating together, and engaging the whole Crew of Vertue in Themiſcyra to be in the Plot, they propoſed the Match unto Algaſtus, who not uſing to communicate his deſignes of marriage unto his daughter, did keep it ſecret from her, as he had done all the reſt▪ At firſt he gave no favourable anſwer unto the motion, becauſe he was afraid that Cloreliſa would be too great a Gallant for him. But in concluſion, all theſe Ladies of a ſevere Ga [...]b, which interreſſed themſelves in this marriage, did ſo aſſure him that Cloreliſa had quite forſaken the world, and that ſhe would ſo well conforme her ſelf unto him, that he reſolved to ſee her, at one of thoſe Ladies houſes. Not but that he had ſeen her a hundred times before; but yet he would talk with her, before he concluded any thing: and accordingly this meeting was the next day. You may well imagine, that the mind of Cloreliſa was farre from any tranquillity; But for all that, not caring to be revenged upon her ſelf, ſo ſhe could be revenged upon Artaxander, ſhe ſaw Algaſtus, and knew ſo well how to fit her diſcourſe, that he thought himſelf to be in love with her. I ſay he thought ſo, (amiable Doraliſa) becauſe I make ſome ſcruple, whether I can call this doting fancy in the mind of an old man, Love, when he would marry a young and a fair woman: and me thinks that paſſion and old age are ſo unſutable, that without any injuſtice it may rather be called folly: making a doubt, whether it be poſſible that love ſhould be in their hearts, as they think it is. But to return unto Algaſtus; whether he thought that he loved Cloreliſa, or whether he did really love her, It was a buſineſſe concluded upon in a few dayes: and it was carried ſo cloſely, that neither Telamire, nor Artaxander knew of it, untill the Eve before the marriage of Algaſtus: And they knew it in ſuch an amazing manner, as did much augment their ſorrows. For ſince that Cloreliſa would not have married but onely for Revenge, ſhe would undertake to make it known unto Telamire: aſſuring Algaſtus, that ſhe was ſo confident of her friendſhip, as ſhe did not doubt but ſhe would be very glad of it: and indeed Cloreliſa told it unto Telamire, as if ſhe had thought ſo. But to the end, ſhe might better Guſt the ſweetneſſe of Revenge, ſhe ſent unto Telamire in the morning, to tell her, ſhe deſired to ſpeak with her after dinner, for ſhe had a buſineſſe of great joy to impart unto her. Though any thing which came from Cloreliſa was alwayes held in ſuſpition by Telamire, yet now ſhe imagined that ſhe had ſomething to tell which would pleaſe her: ſo that ſhe expected her at her own Chamber, giving orders that none ſhould enter, no not Artaxander himſelf. So that Cloreliſa being come, with her eyes full of joy, as if it had proceeded from her heart, ſhe gave Telamire abundance of flattering language: After which, affecting a modeſt kinde of ſhame, which would not let her ſpeak out: I pro [...]eſſe Telamire, ſaid ſhe unto her, I am much more troubled then you can imagine, to tell you a thing which is fit you ſhould know. Then it is not ſuch pleaſing buſineſſe as you ſent me word, replied Telamire: Pardon me, replied Cloreliſa, for I am confident loving me as you do, you will be as much joyed as I am: and I aſſure you, I am upon a Reſolution, which, but for your ſake I ſhould never undertake. That I may acknowledge my obligations, replied Telamire, I beſeech you let me know what they [Page] are. I will, (replied Cloreliſa) provided I have power ſo to do. After this, ſhee told her; That it was true, Algaſtus had a long time courted her for his wife: but ſhe refuſing him, he was upon marriage with another, which was the oddeſt and moſt fantaſticall perſon in the world, and that this marriage was almoſt concluded: Alſo ſince he alwayes did me the favour, to prefer me before any other, and being reſolved to marry my ſiſter, if I did not change my mind, I conſidered that it would have been the greateſt grief in the world unto you, if he had married ſuch a fantaſticall woman, and on the contrary, the greateſt joy, to know he would marry me: So I aſſure you, I did not ſo much inſiſt upon obedience unto my Parents, or ſatisfaction unto my ſelf, as to hinder you from having a mother in law, who would never have been ſo kind unto you as I do intend to be. Therefore ſince you were ever to expect a mother in law, I conceived you would be glad that I was ſhe; and I muſt further tell you, that to morrow my marriage is to be. But let me once more tell you, my Dear Telamire, that it is you onely that makes the marriage, and it is onely for your ſake, I do intend to venture upon all thoſe bitters, which are unſeparable from that condition. As long as Cloreliſa talked, Telamire lookt moſt attentively upon her, to ſee by her eyes whether ſhe ſpake ſeriouſly: and finding nothing which might make her ſuſpect the contrary, ſhe grew extremely ſad: not that ſhe cared for her fathers marriage, but that Cloreliſa ſhould be one whom tomorrow ſhe muſt obey; this was an unſpeakable torment: However, ſince ſhe was ever very wiſe, ſhe did what ſhe could to conceal her ſorrows, and look joyfully with her eyes: but her hardeſt task was to keep her tongue from betraying the thoughts of her heart, when ſhe told Cloreliſa, ſhe was very glad of her choiſe. But her looks were ſo full of melancholy, that ſhe gave Cloreliſa an excellent occaſion of Revenge: But ſhe ſtood upon thorns, untill Artaxander did partake of Telamire's ſorrows, and therefore ſhe left her, knowing very well ſhe would impart it unto him, as ſoon as ſhe was at liberty: And ſo it was, for Cloreliſa was no ſooner gone out of Telamire's Chamber, but he entred, and received with a ſad heart this unwelcome news. How (cried he out) is Cloreliſa to marry Algaſtus? Yes replied Telamire, and tomorrow muſt begin her commands upon me; nor can I diſobey her without going againſt the rules of Decency, though ſhe is my moſt mortall enemy; and though I certainly foreſee ſhee will make mee the moſt miſerable woman in the world. Alas, alas, (cried out Artaxander) I am afraid ſhe will make me as miſerable as you: and that you being continually with one who hates me, ſhe will cauſe you and Algaſtus both to hate me alſo. Did Cloreliſa hate you, replied Telamire, I ſhould not fear ſo much as I do. But Artaxander, Cloreliſa doth not hate you; and I am moſt confident, ſhe does not marry my father, but onely to be revenged upon me, becauſe ſhe loves you whether ſhe will or no, and I wiſh you would deliver me once from this perſecution which is coming upon me. I wiſh to the gods, Madam with all my heart (ſaid he) that I could imagine which way I could deliver you from falling into the power of my enemy, and ſiſter of my Rivall, but I muſt confeſſe, I know not how. And yet you eaſily may (replied Telamire) for I am confident, if you would marry Cloreliſa, ſhe would not marry Algaſtus, though ſhe were in the Church with him, and though ſhe were ready to pronounce that terrible word, which ties as long as one lives. Oh Madam, (cried Artaxander) what a moſt terrible motion is this? Is it poſſible you ſhould wiſh me ſo much miſery? For to tell me you would have me marry Cloreliſa, is to tell me you will never marry Artaxander: to aſſure me you love him not; that you have an ill opinion of him, and that you wiſh him all imaginable ill, ſince you wiſh him to marry one whom you hate, and who hates you: Oh Telamire, Did I underſtand you right? Is it poſſible your heart and your tongue ſhould agree? Yes Artaxander, replied ſhe, they do; but I aſſure you at the ſame time that I find my ſelf to be in a moſt lamentable condition; for I do foreſee, ſuch dangerous conſequences of this marriage, that I am in one moment ſenſible of many yeers torments. I do not onely foreſee Cloreliſa commanding me, but Iſalonide upbraiding me at every turn; and alſo I ſee Belermis, looking upon me as a ſubject rather of his valour then his love: and yet all this without any remedy, but poor uncomfortable complaints: yet I muſt ſeem to be all joy, for that very thing which cauſeth my greateſt ſorrows: I muſt obey one who hates me, one whom I hate. You need not Madam unleſſe you will, replied Artaxander: and your onely way to prevent it, is, to make me happy. For I am perſwaded that a father who marries again, doth loſe ſomething [Page] of that lawfull Authority which he hath over his children: and ſince Algaſtus looks onely to his own ſatisfaction, and never thinks of yours, you may very well ſeek out wayes to accord the tyranny of Cloreliſa. No, no, Artaxander, (ſaid ſhe unto him) I cannot do a you propound, ſince it is more juſt to obey Cloreliſa, then diſobey reaſon. After this, Artaxander uſed all his winning arguments to move her unto marriage without the conſent of Algaſtus. But ſtill Telamire anſwered, that ſhe would never do any thing againſt the Rules of obedience: and that ſhe ſhould be leſſe miſerable by doing what duty required, then by not doing it. In the mean time, the more ſhe made her vertue appear, the more love and ſorrow appeared in his eyes: for when he conſidered that he was a cauſe of the affections in Telamires ſoul, his did infinitely augment. On the other ſide, Algaſtus being returned home, after he underſtood that Cloreliſa had acquainted Telamire with his marriage, Artaxander was forced to go away, becauſe Algaſtus ſent for his daughter: Thus theſe two Lovers parted with extreme ſorrow. Yet Telamire was carefull to conceal hers, leſt her father ſhould think that ſome intereſt of her own moved her to grieve at his marriage. And ſhe conſtrained her ſelf ſo well, that he did not perceive the ſadneſſe of her heart; but on the contrary, beleeved that ſhe was glad (ſince he would marry again) hee would marry Cloreliſa: and he was ſo fully perſwaded of it, that he deſired her to have a care the feaſt for his marriage ſhould be Magnificent, And indeed Telamire ſo ordered every thing, as if ſhe were the moſt joyed perſon in the world at this marriage; at which were preſent none but the Family of Algaſtus, and that of Cloreliſa. For beſides the age of Algaſtus, which did not require a great aſſembly, Iſalonide would not allow it. As for Artaxander, he ſighed away all that day with me, and lamented his misfortune, thinking it to be the greater, becauſe Belermis was to dwell with Algaſtus: ſo that though untill then, he was never jealous of him, yet now he began, and feared leſt Cloreliſa ſhould move Algaſtus to command Telamire to marry Belermis. But ſaid I unto him, though I do allow you to lament that Telamire ſhould come under the power of Cloreliſa, who is both her Rivall, and her enemy, yet I cannot endure you ſhould be jealous of Belermis. You know very well, (added I) that he is more like to make her fear him, then love him; and that Telamire ever had [...] ſtrange averſion unto all ſuch men whoſe Aſpects were alwayes as if they were ready to fight. Ah Erenice, (ſaid he unto me) I did not fear that Telamire would ever love Belermis untill now, nor did I ever ſuſpect her Conſtancy: But now, I muſt ſadly confeſſe, I am extremely afraid of her vertue. For I am ſure that if ſhe hold the opinion that ſhe ought not to diſobey Algaſtus, ſhe will marry Belermis for all his gri [...] Martiall looks, though ſhe were ſure it would kill her. And who knows (Erenice) whether ſhe will accuſtome her ſelf unto the ſight of Belermis, and diſaccuſtome her ſelf from the ſight of me? But whilſt Artaxander was lamenting with me the miſfortunes of Telamire and himſelf Telamire was in a ſtrange conſtraint: yet ſhe thought no leſſe of Artaxander then he did of her: for ſhe told me the day after, that when ſhe looked upon either Belermis, or Cloreliſa, ſhe thought of nothing but him. On the other ſide, this new married Lady had her angry minuits; and her joyes to ſee her ſelf in a condition to be revenged upon Artaxander, was not ſo tranquill as it was the day before: And a friend of hers told me ſince, that ſhee confeſſed ſhee never looked upon Algaſtus whom ſhe had married, without a remembrance of Artaxander, not ever remembered Artaxander without unconceivable grief. And ſhe had another addition of ſorrow: for Iſalonide drawing her aſide, did reade her a Lecture of the life ſhe was to live, the moſt harſh, and ſevere that ever was: ſhe regulated all her actions one after another: ſhee did limit her to her ordinary viſits, when ſhee went to ſee her ſick kindred: and indeed never to make any other, unleſſe either unto Funeralls and marriages. She told her, that now ſhe was to lay aſide all richneſſe and ſuperfluity in her dreſſes: ſhe forbad her to frequent Walks, Balls, Muſicks, and every thing elſe ſhe made choiſe of thoſe Churches, which ſhee thought moſt fit for her to frequent: and ſhe taught her how to compoſe her countenance, and turn up the whites of her eyes: Yet this ſevere Lecture was needleſſe, for her reſentments of revenge induced her to all theſe rigours, purpoſely to win upon Algaſtus, and move him unto what ſhe deſired, both againſt Artaxander, and Telamire: ſo as ſhe promiſed Iſalonide to follow her counſell; and indeed, did put on ſuch an auſtere and reſerved Garb, th [...] Algaſtus loved her extremely. Moreover, for the firſt dayes ſhee carried it civill [...] [Page] enough towards Telamire, though ſhe did take upon her the Authority of a Mother in Law: for not ſeeming to know that there was any particular intimacy 'twixt her and Artaxander, ſhe gave her a hundred Reaſons which induced her to deſire that ſhe would not ſee him any more; no, nor ſuffer him to come into the houſe where ſhe was: Not that I will take upon me, (ſaid this revenging woman) to regulate you in your acquaintances: but you know when one of my age marries ſuch a man as Algaſtus, one is obliged to live very reſervedly; and therefore I beſeech you, think it not ſtrange, if I rob you of that diverſion, becauſe it would reflect upon my ſelf. Since what Cloreliſa ſaid, had a fair pretence of vertue. Telamire durſt not oppoſe it; though ſhe knew very well that Cloreliſa had ſecret cauſe for it, wherein vertue had no ſhare. Furthermore, Cloreliſa the better to execute her deſigne, told Algaſtus in a moſt crafty manner, that Artaxander, having had heretofore ſome thoughts of her, ſhe beſeeched him to command Telamire to hold no converſe with him. For (ſaid ſhe unto him) a ſmall thing may ſtain the reputation of a woman of my age, and therefore I deſire all occaſions may be removed. You may well imagine that Algaſtus did not deny Cloreliſa in that which ſeemed to proceed from a principle of vertue: So as ſending for Telamire betimes in the morning, he expreſſely commanded her to ſee Artaxander no more. You may alſo imagine, conſidering my deſcription of Telamire, that ſhe made no reſiſtance againſt Algaſtus: yet for all that ſhe was extremely grieved in her heart. In the mean time, ſince ſhe thought it expedient that Artaxander ſhould know how the caſe ſtood, ſhe made choiſe of me to make him acquainted with it: And to tell him, that ſhe conjured him to come no more at her, but to wait untill chance gave them an opportunity of meeting which was not a thing very eaſie, conſidering the cloſe way Cloreliſa obſerved, and her vigilant eye over her actions. And truely ſhe ſpoke this with ſo much ſadneſſe in her eyes, that if Artaxander had but ſeen her, he would have comforted himſelf. But ſince he received his miſery by the relation of a perſon who could not comfort him, he reſented it with more violence then I am able to expreſſe. Alas (ſaid he unto me) did the Revenge of Cloreliſa reach ſo high, as not to marry Algaſtus, but onely to be revenged upon me, and perſecute Telamire? And can Telamire obey her enemy, and baniſh me, whileſt ſhe is continually in ſight of Belermis? For [...]ow, he will not ſtir out of her ſight, ſince he dwells with Algaſtus. This man who was wont to be perpetually walking from ſtreet to ſtreet, from Church to Church, and from houſe to houſe, to ſhew his martiall poſtures to all the Town, will not now ſtir one foot out of Cloreliſa's, or Telamires Chamber: yet for all this Telamire obeyes my enemy, though ſhe hazard my life by it. However, I beſeech you, ſaid he unto me, refuſe me not the favour to give a letter unto Telamire: for if I be denied all, I ſhall bee forced unto ſuch cou [...]ſes as will anger Telamire, and cauſe repemance unto my ſelf. Since I ſaw the mind of Artaxander was much exaſperated, I durſt not incenſe him more by my refuſall; ſo as I was ſo complaiſant as to tell him, That provided his Letter was open, I would let Telamire ſee it. Thus without more delay he writ a Letter in my Chamber, and a very long one, to move her unto ſome way or other, how he might ſee her in ſome other place, ſince he could not ſee her at home. Afterwards he was very bitter both againſt Belermis, and Cloreliſa, and hinted upon ſo many things, that I muſt confeſſe, my memory will not ſerve to repeat them: All I remember of it was, that it was excellently well penned, though writ in much haſt. And it did much move the heart of Telamire: but as much as ſhe was grieved, ſhe anſwered onely in theſe words, unto the favour which he begged of ſeeing her.

THe friendſhip and eſteem I have of you is enough, not to forbid you finding out ſome handſome occaſion of meeting with me, and I ſhould be very glad if you could find it. But be not offended, if I tell you, that I cannot contribute any thing unto it, ſince I cannot do it, unleſſe I do more then I ought.

Though this anſwer was not to fully favourable as Artaxander could have wiſhed, it did for a while give him ſome comfort: but ſince his paſſion was moſt violent, he quickly returned unto his former deſpair. However, ſince he was not able to live without the ſight of Telamire, he invented all manner of wayes to bring it about: and at laſt he underſtood that there was a private ſolitary Garden, where Cloreliſa went [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] often to take the Air, without any company but Belermis, Iſalonide, and Telamire: and enquiring perpetually concerning the thing which moſt took up his mind, he underſtood that Belermis was gone into the Countrey for ſome certain dayes: So as reſolving to go into that place, where he knew Cloreliſa and Telamire would be, hee carried one of his friends with him, and deſired him, that if they met with Cloreliſa, and Telamire, that he would take Cloreliſa aſide, and talk with her, whilſt he talked with the other: For ſaid he, Cloreliſa dares not inſult over Telamire, before him whom I ſhall bring with me, nor dare Telamire deny to talk with me. And indeed, without further examination, whether this deſigne was well or ill grounded, he advertiſed his friend: he craftily enquired the time when theſe Ladies uſed to walk, and he went unto the place where they were, and he came but one half quarter of an hour after them, for he would not be firſt in the Garden, leſt Cloreliſa ſhould not enter, if ſhe knew he was there. But, amiable Doraliſa, this meeting was in a very pleaſant manner. For imagine that when Artaxander and his friend entred into the Garden, Cloreliſa and Telamire were at the end of a walk, oppoſite to the door, coming as they were going towards them: ſo as all of them having time to conſider what they ſhould ſay at meeting, they were leſſe ſurprized when they met. At firſt, Cloreliſa intended to turn back, but ſince there was no other Garden dore to go out at but that behind Artaxander, ſhe thought that in vain, therefore never offering to avoid the meeting, ſhe onely thought how to prevent him from ſpeaking unto Telamire. On the other ſide, Artaxander deſired his friend to go ſtraight unto Cloreliſa, as himſelf intended to go ſtraight unto Telamire: but ſince there is a notable difference between one that acts for the ſatisfaction of a friend, and one that acts for their own ſatisfaction: this friend of Artaxanders was not ſo ready in accoſting Cloreliſa, as Cloreliſa was to accoſt Artaxander: who as witty and amorous as he was, could not meet with Telamire, before Cloreliſa met with him, becauſe ſhe ſtayed two or three ſteps behind, ſpeaking ſomething unto one of Cloreliſa's women: So though Cloreliſa did extremely hate Artaxander, and though it was long ſince ſhe had ſpoke unto him, yet ſhe accoſted him the firſt, as I told you before, not being very ſorry that ſhe had met with an occaſion of ſpeaking her thoughts unto him: ſo as ſoon as ſhe was neer enough to be underſtood. Since there is now no ſociety between us, ſaid ſhe unto him, I ſhould not have thought it any happineſſe at all, to meet with an occaſion of telling you ſomething which concerns you to know: but ſince the occaſion doth preſent it ſelf without any Queſt of it, I will not let it ſlip; and in ſaying ſo, Cloreliſa ſtepping betwixt Telamire and Artaxander, he could not avoid talking with her, nor could he talk with Telamire. Alſo he had a conceit, that perhaps Cloreliſa would repent of what ſhee had done, and hoped that by carrying himſelf civilly unto her, he might obtain liberty of ſeeing Telamire again. Then Artaxander, after he had ſaluted Telamire, in a moſt paſſionate and reſpective manner, he began to hearken unto what Cloreliſa ſaid unto him, whilſt his friend talked with Telamire. But he was much ſurprprized, when he heard Cloreliſa talk in ſuch a Tone as ſhe did; after ſhe had cunningly ſtepped three or four paces farther from Telamire. I do imagine, ſaid ſhe unto him, that it is not neceſſary to tell you the reaſon why I accoſted you, for your apprehenſion is quick enough to know, that it was to hinder you from talking unto Telamire. But to ſave you the labour of ſeeking any further occaſions, let me acquaint you that all your endeavours will be in vain: For the truth is Artaxander, I did not marry Algaſtus, to let you marry Telamire. But on the contrary I muſt declare unto you, that I married him onely to make you miſerable. Alas Madam, ſaid he, your Revenge goes much too farre if it reach Telamire, who never wronged you. Since it hath reached ſo farre as my ſelf, replied ſhe, it ſhall reach as farre as her: And therefore if you value her tranquillity, never think of ſeeing her again; for if you do, I profeſſe you will but blow the bellows of my anger againſt her and you both. And ſince it is in my power to hurt her, I aſſure you it ſhall fall heavy upon her, unleſſe you take up a firme reſolution abſolutely to forget her: or at leaſt to carry your ſelf as if you did. Yet never think that I ſpeak this out of any other intereſt, but Revenge: for I do proteſt ſeriouſly. I have no other end in it, but to hinder you from being happy. I will not pump for any excuſe Madam, ſaid he unto her: I will but onely ask you, why you joyn and confound Telamire with Artaxander? Becauſe, replied ſhe, Artaxander lives more in Telamire, then in himſelf, and my Revenge will reach him no other [Page] way but this. Yet notwithſtanding (added ſhe wich a ſmile full of tartneſſe) to teſtifie that I will keep ſome meaſure in my Revenge, I promiſe you, that as ſoon as ever Telamire is married, or that you be married unto ſome other, I will then give her more liberty, then untill that I will. And in the mean time, let me tell you once more, that you have no ſuch ſure way to make: Telamire miſerable as to ſeek out opportunities of ſpeaking with her: And to teſtifie the truth of my words, this which you have done at this time, ſhall coſt Telamire eight dayes ſolitude: for let me tell you, I have as much power with Algaſtus as that comes unto: he will have Telamire obey me; and Telamire dare not diſobey me: ſo as I ſee my deſigne of Revenge upon you is proſperous. But Madam, (ſaid he unto her) is it poſſible you ſhould be capable of ſuch an unjuſt deſigne? I know that I have merited ſome part of your hatred: but I can never think it allowable that you ſhould revenge your ſelf upon Artaxander through Telamire. I cannot tell whether or no it be allowable (replied ſhe) but I am ſure it is much delight, to have command over a perſon whom one loves not: And in the mind I now am in, I proteſt, I had rather command Telamire, then a Kingdome. But Madam (ſaid he then unto her, being tranſported with anger) ſince you think it juſt to revenge your ſelf upon Artaxander through Telamire, I hope you will not think it unjuſt, that I ſhould revenge my ſelf of Cloreliſa through Belermis. I have ſuch a conſiderable Hoſtage in my power, by having Telamire, replied ſhe, that I fear not what you dare do againſt Belermis. And to remove all thoughts of any attempts againſt him, I will onely wiſh you conſider what that perſon is capable to attempt, who could find a heart to marry Algaſtus onely to hinder you from marrying Telamire: And I am confident, that if you make a ſerious reflection upon what I ſay, you will never expoſe Telamire unto the vengeance of a woman who hath recourſe unto ſuch extraordinary wayes of Revenge, and who makes no difficulty to be revenged upon her ſelf, rather then not be revenged upon others. After this Cloreliſa left Artaxander, and called Telamire with all the authority of a moſt inſulting ſtep-mother, and with all the fury of a moſt incenſed Rival: not that ſhe uſed ſo to do when Artaxander was not preſent: but ſhe found it ſo ſweet to vex Artaxander, that ſhe could not deny her ſelf that ſatisfaction. However, Telamire not ſeeming to take ſuch a rude command in any ill manner, ſhe followed Cloreliſa after ſhe had quitted the man who talked with her, and had ſaluted Artaxander: ſhe was alſo ſo wiſe, as to forbid him by a ſigne with her hand, and by her looks to accoſt her, as it ſeemed by his action he intended: But in recompence of this angry adventure, ſhe ſhewed him ſomething ſo ſweet and tender in her fair eyes when ſhee parted from him, that he became more in love with her, and more afflicted. However, ſince that day, Cloreliſa was more hot upon her revenge; and did not onely endeavour to hinder Artaxander from ſeeing Telamire, but ſhe brake off with all thoſe who had any particular intimacy with him, and obliged Telamire to ſee him no more, upon ſuch a poor pretence as it is not worth a mention: But the wonder was, that all Cloreliſa did out of jealouſie, did get her greater credit in the opinion of Algaſtus, and paſſed in the world for her vertue. For Iſalonide, and all the faction of preciſe Ladies, who were her friends did ſo trumpet up the reformation of Cloreliſa, that they propoſed her as an example unto all youths who were too much addicted unto diverſions. In the mean time, Artaxander had no other comfort but to relate all his miſeries unto me: and to write unto his new reconciled enemy, called Tyſimenes, who became his friend during his travells: But it was an abſolute impoſſibility for him to ſee Telamire, unleſſe ſometimes at Church, but then he could not ſpeak unto her, and conſequently it was ſmall ſatisfaction: nor had he ſo much happineſſe as to ſee any who did ſee her, becauſe as I told you before, Cloreliſa had baniſhed all his friends whatſoever; In ſo much as he lived the moſt miſerable life in the world. And to make him the more miſerable, he could not chuſe but quarrell with Belermis, and they fought, with ſuch ſad ſucceſſe, as they were both of them dangerouſly woundeed: and had they not been parted, in all probability it had coſt them both their lives. After this, you may eaſily conceive how ſad Telamire was, to hear in what a pitifull condition Artaxander was: however, ſhe muſt go with Cloreliſa unto the chamber of him who was wounded; and ſeem as if ſhe grieved for the wounds of Belermis, though her grief was onely for the wounds of Artaxander. And this conſtraint was not onely for a day: for as long as Belermis was ill, he would have her every day to come with Cloreliſa, [Page] who never ſtirred out of her brothers Chamber: And Cloreliſa upbraided her a hundred times a day, accuſing her of all her brothers wounds. But all this was nothing in compariſon of her griefs a while after: For you muſt know, that ſince Artaxander had gained one of Telamires ſervants, unknown unto her, to acquaint him with all her actions, this ſervant told him how aſſiduous Telamire was with Belermis: ſo as he grieved in ſuch exceſſe, as his wounds grew worſe, and for ſome dayes, the Phyſitians deſpaired of his life. In the mean time, ſince Belermis mended, Telamire had the grief to ſee him Recover, who ſhe thought was the death of Artaxander. So that not being able to conſtrain her ſelf any longer, nor hide her tears, ſhee feigned her ſelf to be ſick, to the end ſhe might not ſtir out of her Chamber, nor go any more unto Belermis: Yet this invention did not deliver her from that trouble, for ſince Belermis began to mend, Cloreliſa brought him to Telamires Chamber, who having not ſo much liberty as to lament in the day, did imploy all the night in tears: And, yet her tears did double, for the ſervant, whom Artaxander had ſuborned, did bring her a Letter, wherein ſhe found theſe words:

Madam,

I Cannot deny my ſelf ſo much ſatisfaction as to tell you, that the cares you have of reviving Belermis, have killed me: And it is leſſe by his hand, then yours, that you have loſt the moſt Paſſionate, and moſt Faithfull Lover that ever was:

Artaxander.

This Letter did ſo touch Telamires heart, that though ſhe did not love to hazard Letters, yet ſhe anſwered him in theſe words, if my memory fail not.

Sir,

You have accuſed me with much injuſtice: and if you ſaw into my heart, you would find, that if I could revive any one, it ſhould be Artaxander, and not Belermis: Do not judge of me by appearances, and if it be poſſible, get into ſuch a condition, as I may chide you for no better knowing

Telamire.

Though th [...] Letter did not contain all the tenderneſſe that was in Telamires heart, beca [...]e ſhe durſt not truſt unto the thinneſſe of a piece of paper; yet it wrought ſo great an effect upon the mind of Artaxander, that after it had calmed the turbulency of his ſoul, the violence of his Fever diminiſhed, and in a few dayes he recovered as well as his Rivall. Yet he was more perplexed then before his Combat, becauſe Cloreliſa had a better pretence for keeping a ſevere eye upon Telamire. Things being upon theſe termes, Artaxander had a new diſpleaſure. For Cloreliſa did put away that ſervant by whom he received intelligence concerning Telamire. But at the ſame time, he received much conſolation, by a Letter from Tyſimenes, which intimating unto him that he was returning unto Themiſcyra, deſired him to come ſecretly a dayes journey to meet him, that they might conſult together how to make their reconcilement known unto their parents, with leaſt offence unto them. And as ſoon as Artaxander had received this Letter, he prepared himſelf to meet his friend, who he found to be much more accompliſhed then when they parted: and the friendſhip between them was inviolably confirmed: but in lieu of publiſhing it, as Tyſimenes deſigned, Artaxander conjured him to the contrary, and to conceal it carefully. But to the end this prayer might not ſurprize him, or offend him, he acquainted him with his love of [Page] Telamire, and his miſery in not ſeeing her, no nor ſeeing any who did ſee her, becauſe Cloreliſa had baniſhed from her houſe all his friends. So that my Dear Tyſimenes, (ſaid he unto him after a full relation of all paſſages) I am perſwaded that if you paſſe ſtill for my enemy, you may eaſily inſinuate your ſelf into the favour of Cloreliſa; and have that liberty of ſeeing Telamire, which is denied unto all thoſe whom ſhe thinks have any converſe with me? ſo as by this means, I may know how Telamire does, and you may much oblige me, in ſpeaking in my behalf unto her. Since I ſhall give a greater teſtimony of my friendſhip (replied Tyſimenes) by concealing it, then by publiſhing it, I ſhall accompliſh your deſires. And accordingly Artaxander and he, reſolved to keep very cloſe the affection which they had unto each other, to ſee whether Cloreliſa, who baniſhed all the friends of Artaxander, would admit of a man whom ſhe thought to be his enemy; They alſo agreed upon the place, where they were to meet each other ſecretly: And for that purpoſe, they made choiſe of a houſe belonging unto one of Tyſimenes friends, which had two doors, opening into two ſeverall ſtreets; agreeing which of theſe doors either ſhould enter, ſo as none ſhould ever ſee them enter together into one place; and for the more ſecurity, they never met but in the nights, at the houſe of this friend unto Tyſimenes, for whoſe fidelity he would undertake. Thus after all things were agreed upon, theſe two friends parted, and came ſeverall wayes unto Themiſcyra, where nothing was known of their Reconciliation: for Artaxander carried but one ſervant with him, when he went to meet Tyſimenes, and of that ſervants fidelity he was aſſured. And Tyſimenes, had none but ſtrangers unto his ſervants, for all thoſe he carried out of Cappadocia were all dead, ſo as thoſe he now had could not reveal the ſecrets of their Maſter if they would, ſince they knew not the Language of the Countrey. Since Tyſimenes was of the Prime Quality in all the Town, and was very handſome, his Return was no leſſe talked of then that of Artaxanders. And all the Town feared, that ſome rufflle would fall out between them two, whom all the world thought to be enemies: for being of the ſame Age, pretending unto the ſame things, and had good right both of them to diſpute in point of merit, there was great reaſon to fear they would fall foul upon one another. And when they met together in any place, they behaved themſelves with ſuch coldneſſe unto each other, as was very probable would beget a Quarrell between them. Thus their innocent Impoſture did thrive ſo well as all the world was deceived by it. But as it did thrive well in generall, ſo it did thrive better in particular unto Artaxander: for you muſt know, that ſince Cloreliſa did naturally love company, and hated ſolitude; ſhee was very glad ſhe had found one out, who was not a friend: unto Artaxander: and ſhee fancied ſome delight in contracting friendſhip with a man who paſſed for his enemy, thinking this would ſpite him to the heart: ſo as when Tyſimenes went upon his firſt viſit, ſhe did not entertain him with ſuch ſeverity and preciſeneſſe as ſhe uſed ſince her marriage: But as he was well received by Cloreliſa, becauſe ſhe thought him the enemy of Artaxander, ſo he was very ill treated by Telamire upon the very ſame reaſon: for ſince it vexed her to ſee every day thoſe whom ſhe hated, and never thoſe ſhe loved, ſhe could not chuſe but be angry at the heart, to ſee a man ſo civilly treated, whom ſhee thought Artaxander hated. She hath confeſſed ſince unto him, that ſhee could not this firſt time know him to be a man of much ſpirit, but told him that ſhee was vexed at him: yet ſhe continued not long in this errour; and you ſhall ſee how ſhe was undeceived. Since then the Aims of Tyſimenes was onely to ſatisfie his friend, he tempered the ſpirits of Belermis, and Algaſtus ſo well, as they both of them deſired Cloreliſa, to give him leave to ſee her often. For as almoſt all old men do love to hear talk of Travell, that they may have a pretence to [...]al [...] of their own, Tyſimenes ſo fitted his humour, and hearkned ſo attentively to what would pleaſe him, that he doted upon him: As for Belermis, Tyſimenes talked unto him of Battles and Combats; and ſo much commended his valour, that he loved him tenderly, ſo as in three or four viſits, he had the freedome of the whole houſe. Cloreliſa having wit enough, ſhee eaſily obſerved how Telamire was vexed to ſee an enemy of Artaxanders to often: and to vex her the more, ſhe affected to place him alwayes next her. But ſince he never ſaw her unleſſe Cloreliſa was preſent, becauſe Telamire ſhunned him as much as ſhe could, he was at firſt much puzled to make it known unto her that he was not the enemy of Artaxander,, but▪ on the contrary, was the confident of his paſſion. But at laſt, ſhe underſtanding the Aſſyrian Language, which Cloreliſa did not, and which [Page] Artaxander and himſelf underſtood very perfectly: he cauſed his friend to write a Letter in that Language, directed unto Telamire: ſo as carrying it about him, he went to Cloreliſa, who according to her cuſtome, did place him next Telamire to ſpite her, and indeed ſhe was not deceived. In the mean time, as thoſe who are witty can turne diſcourſe as they pleaſe, Tyſimenes that day fell into diſcourſe amongſt the Ladies of ſome excellent pieces of Proſe and Verſes: And after he had repeated ſome in their own Language, and promiſed others, he told Cloreliſa that he was extremely ſorry that ſhe did not underſtand the Aſſyrian Language, for he had one of the moſt pleaſant love-Letters in the world, written in that Language, which he ſeemed as if he would interpret, but upon a ſudden ſeeming to remember that Telamire underſtood that Language, he gave her the Letter, and forced her to look upon it, whilſt he made a ſhew as if he would tell the ſence of it unto Cloreliſa: So that though Telamire had no great curioſity to ſee any thing that came from the hand of Artaxanders enemy, yet ſhe took this Letter, not daring to offer any incivility unto Tyſimenes openly: But ſhe was much ſurprized when ſhe ſaw it written by the hand of Artaxander: and much more, when ſhe read the words.

ARTAXANDER UNTO TELAMIRE.

Madam,

GIve me leave to tell you, that he who gives you this Letter, is not what he ſeems to be: ſince he is ſo farre from being my enemy, that he is the onely Confident of my Paſſion to you: Look upon him as the deareſt of my friends: Tell you him, all you are pleaſed I ſhould know, as I will, what I deſire you ſhould know: For it is onely in favour of my Love that he ſeemes to hate me, knowing that none but ſuch as do hate me are admitted unto the place where yru are: Receive all his ſervices, as from my ſelf; Beleeve all his words, as if I ſpake them: and if it be poſſible, tell him ſome thing that may preſerve mee from dying for ſorrow I cannot ſee you. I beg your pardon, for truſting him before I asked your permiſſion, as I would if I could: But ſince I could not, I had rather he knew I loved you, then not to know whether you loved or hated me, or then you ſhould not know that I love you ſtill, more then I did when I ſwore moſt truly, that I loved you more then ever any yet loved

Artaxander.

Whileſt Telamire was reading this Letter with a ſtrange agitation of heart, Tyſimenes did ſo court Cloreliſa, that ſhe could not obſerve her: but ſtriving to invent a Letter upon that ſubject which he ſaid Telamires Letter was, he took up the mind of Cloreliſa as much as he could. But ſince it was impoſſible hee ſhould ex tempore invent ſuch a piece, as could merit thoſe Commends which he gave unto it, Cloreliſa told him, that certainly the excellency of that Letter conſiſted in the grace of that Language in which it was written; ſince, as ſhe apprehended, the conceits of it were no more then ordinary. Oh Madam, (ſaid he unto her) you have good reaſon to ſay ſo, for I aſſure you, there is no compariſon between what I ſay, and the letter it ſelf: And beleeve it (ſaid he and took it again, ſeeing Telamire had read it) there are ſome paſſages in this Letter would raviſh you with wonder, if I could relate as in it ſelf it is: Alſo I am confident that Telamire which underſtands that Language will concurre with me. [Page] 'Tis very true, replied Telamire, this Letter is very rare, and the interpretation which is made of it is very ſurprizing alſo. You commend this Letter ſo highly, replied Cloreliſa, that you make me deſirous to learn the Language wherein it is written, and Algaſtus who underſtands the Language very well, will be a great help unto me: As ſhe ſaid ſo Algaſtus came into the Chamber; ſo that Tyſimenes fearing leſt ſhe ſhould tell her husband of this Letter, and move him to ſhew it, he went out very haſtily, as if he had remembred ſome buſineſſe which he had before forgotten. Yet I think he had no ſuch great cauſe of fear: for ſince this Letter was ſaid to be a Letter of Love, Cloreliſa, in her affected humour of preciſeneſſe, would not have ſhewed it unto her husband. But a Couſin of hers who underſtood the Aſſyrian tongue very well coming in accidentally that day, ſhe ſent for Tyſimenes, purpoſely to borrow that Letter of him: for, ſaid ſhe, I cannot beleeve it to be ſo excellent a Piece as Telamire, and Tyſimenes do ſay it is, conſidering the Interpretation which they made of it unto me: You may well imagine that Tyſimenes would not ſend her that Letter, but to get out of this Labyrinth, into which he had involved himſelf, he ſeemed to look for it, and at laſt, ſaid he had loſt it, affirming unto him whom Cloreliſa ſent, that certainly he had left it in her Chamber. In the mean while, Telamire was ſo ſurprized at this Letter, as ſhe hardly knew whether ſhe ſhould beleeve her own eyes: But the day following, ſeeing Artaxander in the Church, ſhe knew the Letter was his: for he made ſome certain ſignes unto Tyſimenes, who did ſit next her, which induced her to beleeve ſhe was not deceived. So that no longer ſhunning occaſions of talking with Tyſimenes, he quickly found an opportunity to let her know, how Artaxander and himſelf were reconciled during their travels. And indeed, though Artaxander had ſeen Telamire a hundred times in private, before he fel out with Cloreliſa, yet he never had revealed this ſecret unto her: for beſides that, a lover, when he is alone with his Miſtreſſe, doth ſeldome or never talk of any thing but his Paſſion: ſo likewiſe, ſince his friendſhip with Tyſimenes was made a ſecret onely for the love of Tyſimenes, he would not impart it unto Telamire, though he had opportunity for it. However, after this, the lives of Artaxander and Telamire were much more pleaſing; and the wonder was, that the life of Cloreliſa was alſo much more agreeable: for ſhe found ſuch delight, to imagine that ſhe ſpited Artaxander by ſeeing Tyſimenes, that ſhe made it almoſt her whole buſineſſe, to contrive new occaſions of ſeeing him. Moreover, though ſhe obſerved Telamire had no great averſion againſt diſcourſe with Tyſimenes, yet ſhe ſuſpected nothing; but on the contrary, ſince ſhe thought that Artaxander would be more angry [...]f ſhee ſhould marry Tyſimenes, then if ſhe ſhould marry Belermis: And ſince again, ſhe did not much care for having her to be her ſiſter in law, ſhe wiſhed that Tyſimenes were in love with her: And ſhe her ſelf, ſaid one day unto him, ſpeaking of her hatred unto Artaxander, that if ſhe were in his room, ſhe would endeavour to poſſeſſe the ſame place which his enemy ſaid he did in the heart of Telamire. And when he anſwered, that he honoured Belermis more then to become his Rivall, ſhe ſaid laughing, that Belermis was ſo much devoted to the warres, that in her opinion, one ſhould do him a great pleaſure if they could cure him of his love: Adding afterwards (in a more ſerious Tone) that ſhe really beleeved Telamire and Belermis would never be happy together: and therefore ſhe could wiſh with all her heart, that he could love. Telamire, and that Belermis could forget her. On the other ſide, Artaxander underſtanding by Tyſimenes, all that Telamire did, and almoſt all ſhe thought, he perceived that ſhe ſtill hated Belermis, and that ſhe did not hate him. Telamire for her part, ſhe was ſo glad that Artaxander continued conſtant, though he never ſpake unto her, nor hardly ever ſaw her, that ſhe thought upon nothing but him. And indeed, he never viſited any but whom ſhe was pleaſed to permit him; nor ever attempted any thing before Tyſimenes had firſt conſulted with her: And this faithfull friend for a long time did ſo unite the hearts of theſe two perſons, that their own merits could not tie them faſter unto each other, then the ſolicitations of Tyſimenes did. For, when he reported the words of Artaxander unto Telamire, he did moſt emphatically expreſſe the amorous affections of his heart: and, when he reported the words of Telamire unto Artaxander. he omitted not one obliging accent. Thus Tyſimenes at firſt, finding his own content in the ſatisfaction of theſe two perſons, had next, the delight to d [...]lude Cloreliſa, Algaſtus, and Belermis. Then would the demure Iſalonide needs be buſie, and break off the frequent viſits of Tyſimenes unto Cloreliſa, telling her it was more dangerous to ſee one [Page] gallant often, then to ſee a thouſand, and ſee them but ſeldome. But Cloreliſa telling her, that Tyſimenes was more her husbands gueſt, then hers, her pure preciſeneſſe was ſilenced: for indeed Cloreliſa had carried the matter ſo cunningly, that Algaſtus did verily beleeve, ſhe ſuffered Tyſimenes only out of complaiſance unto him. However, this ſolitary ſociety became more pleaſant: becauſe Artaxander under the Umbrage and name of Tyſimenes, did give all imaginable diverſions unto Telamire: For ſince Algaſtus in his youth was a great lover of pleaſures, Tyſimenes would propound unto him, ſometimes, that they might go out and take the Air; ſome times he would bring Muſick unto him, and ſome times make him a banquet: So as many delicate pieces of Gallantry did paſſe, under the notion of being preſented unto the whole family: though the truth was, it was alwayes Artaxander who was at the charge of the Muſick, and Banquets which paſſed under the name of Tyſimenes. Thus did Artaxander every day preſent Telamire with a thouſand diverſions, and as many expreſſions of his love, without giving the leaſt jealouſie unto Belermis or Cloreliſa. And if it be true, as I have heard ſay it is, that deluſion is one of the delights of this Paſſion, I am confident they had as much as they could be capable of: ſince they had the full delight to know that they loved one another, and alſo to delude Cloreliſa and Belermis. 'Tis true, they ſpake not unto each other: but ſince they writ, and ſome times ſaw one another, this was a mitigation of their grief. Thus Cloreliſa, intending revenge upon Artaxander did moſt agreeably ſerve him, and gave him a way to be revenged upon her ſelf, yet did ſhe reliſh all the ſweets of her Revenge with a full guſt: For ſhe had the command over her Rivall: ſhe hindred her from ſpeaking unto her Lover: It was in her power to forbid the Banes of their marriage: ſhe thought ſhe kept ſuch a ſevere eye upon her, as that ſhe could not hold any Intelligence: ſhe thought alſo, that ſhe began to love the enemy of Artaxander, and that he was ready to die for grief and anger. In the mean time, Telamire being full of modeſty, though ſhe had all imaginable tenderneſſe towards Artaxander: though ſhe received his letters; and though ſhe anſwered them; yet ſhe never ſpake nor writ any thing which might perſwade Tyſimenes, that ſhe had any violent affection unto Artaxander. And conſidering how ſhe carried the matter, it might more properly be termed friendſhip, or acquaintance, then love: as for the ſecreſie of the buſineſſe, ſhe did attribute it more unto the neceſſity of ſatiſfying the odde humours of Cloreliſa, then to the ſatisfaction of the nature of that affection. Again, as Cloreliſa did heartily wiſh that Tyſimenes would marry Telamire, to ſpite Artaxander; ſo likewiſe ſhe Cajoled with Belermis, that ſhe perſwaded him Tyſimenes ſolicited for him, when he talked unto Telamire: Thus Tyſimenes had opportunity enough to talk with her: Cloreliſa alſo diſpoſed Algaſtus to give his daughter unto him, if ſhe could obtain his conſent: And to bring it about, ſhe made uſe of all her Authority over Telamire, to dreſſe her ſelf better then uſuall, though ſhe was to ſee none but Tyſimenes: For (ſaid ſhe, as we underſtood ſince) Tyſimenes ſees none but Telamire. Telamire is fair: Tyſimenes is young and of a paſſionate temper, and by conſequence it muſt be concluded, that he loves Telamire: And certainly, Amiable Doraliſa, the Arguments of this jealous and Revenging Perſon were not ſlight: For inſenſibly, before ever Tyſimenes perceived it, love ſeized upon his heart, and as changed from hatred, unto amity and friendſhip with Artaxander; ſo he changed from Indifferency unto eſteem, and from eſteem unto Love with Telamire. The firſt mark of it which he had was, that he found a great alteration in himſelf. For at the beginning of this Negotiation, he was wont to be extremely joyed, when he received any favourable expreſſion from Telamire, to report unto Artaxander: or any rapture of Paſſion in Artaxander, to report unto Telamire: but as ſoon as his heart became a little engaged, he found a ſecret melancholy at the joyes of his friend, when he told him any thing which conduced to his ſatisfaction. He weakned as much as hee could, the obliging ſence of every word, which theſe two perſons ſpoke. And if Artaxander deſired him to tell Telamire, that he was the moſt ſincerely faithfull, and paſſionate Lover that ever lived: he would ſeek out for words leſſe tender, and ſignificant; and ſo leſſen and extenuate the life of his expreſſions. Again, hee took ſuch extreme delight in ſeeing Telamire, that he could not long doubt of the paſſion which lay lurking in his ſoul: yet truely, he oppreſſed it with incredible Generoſity: and he oppoſed it as much, becauſe he had been the enemy of Artaxander, a becauſe he was now his friend. For truely, (ſaid he to himſelf, as we underſtood afterwards) Artaxander [Page] as thy friend is obliged to have ſome compaſſion upon thy ſufferings, as thou art of his; but if he take thee as one that hath been his enemy, he hath cauſe to ſuſpect thee of baſeneſſe, perfidiouſneſſe, and treachery: for if thou beeſt his friend, thou oughtſt not to be his Rivall: and if thou beeſt his enemy, thou oughtſt not to be his Agent unto his Miſtreſſe. Make then thy choiſe Tyſimenes, (ſaid he,) if thou wilt be Artaxanders enemy, keep it not ſecret from him; and if thou wilt be his friend, ſtifle thy Paſſion, and hide it from him, and Telamire both, if it be poſſible: But Alas, I perceive thou wilt be neither the one nor the other, and that thou canſt neither be friend, nor enemy unto Artaxander: yet one of theſe thou muſt be; Indifferency is not in thy Choiſe. To be his Friend and his Rivall both, are two things impoſſible: To be his enemy, and his Confident, are two qualities incompatible: And to be the Lover of Telmmire, and friend, or enemy of Artaxander, is a condition moſt deplorable. For if ſhe look upon thee as his friend, it is as a moſt perfidious friend: as a man unworthy of her eſteem, ſince he betrayes a truſt, which ought to be moſt inviolable: And if ſhe look upon thee as Artaxanders enemy, 'twill bee onely to hate thee, and to enter into all his Intereſts againſt thee: Thou doſt but flatter thy ſelf, in hopes that Telamires affection to Artaxander is not violent: for if it be not violent unto him, How can it be unto thee, who can never diſcover thy Paſſion to her, unleſſe thou doſt diſcover thy Treaſon unto Artaxander alſo? Oh moſt lamentable Deſtiny! The Perſon thou loveſt muſt either never know thou loveſt her; or if ſhe do, ſhe muſt know thee to be an Impoſtor, and a perfidious Friend. How doſt thou think ſhe can ever beleeve thy words, ſince ſhe will convince thee out of the very ſame words thou uſeſt to diſcover thy Paſſion unto her? For what haſt thou not ſaid in behalf of Artaxander; of his violent Paſſion, of his fidelity to her, and of her obligements unto him? Wilt thou go and tell her, that thou didſt tell her lies? Wilt thou give thy ſelf the lie? and though thou ſhouldeſt be ſo baſe, doſt thou think Telamire will beleeve thee? And though ſhe ſhould beleeve, that thou didſt diſſemble with her in ſpeaking for Artaxander, thou wilt not be one jot the happier, ſince ſhe hath cauſe to think, that whoſoever will lie for another, will lie for himſelf. Moreover, conſider Tyſimenes, conſider the hatred that hath been between the houſe of Artaxander and thine: Remember that thy Anceſtours and his, have ever ſtriven which ſhould excell in glory and vertue: And wilt thou give ſuch an advantage unto the Family which hates thee, as to upbraid thee that Artaxander is more vertuous then thy ſelf? Conſider Tyſimenes, that if thou doſt betray thy friend, he will divulge unto all the world, that thou waſt reconciled unto him, purpoſely to be perfidious and baſe. Conſider that Glory will not ſuffer thee to give ſuch advantage unto thy enemies: And that Friendſhip will not endure thou ſhouldeſt be a Rivall unto thy Friend, eſpecially a friend who did overcome the old hatred of his heart unto thee. Conſider that Love is not a more violent Paſſion then Hatred: and thou mayeſt be as well able to ceaſe loving Telamire, as thou wert to ceaſe hating Artaxander. But art thou able to ceaſe loving Telamire? (ſaid he) Oh, if thou bee'ſt, thou art the moſt vile man of the whole earth if thou doeſt not: but yet if it be not in thy power, thou art not culpable. What ſhall I do then, (ſaid he) love, or not love? Ah doubtleſſe, I ſhall love, (ſaid this tormented Lover) But if thou wilt be loving, and love with reaſon, thou muſt love Artaxander and Telamire both. The task is difficult, and yet thou muſt do it, at leaſt carry thy ſelf in the ſecret of thy heart as a lover of Telamire, and publikely as the friend of Artaxander: And ſo betraying onely thy ſelf, thou onely canſt upbraid thy ſelf: And thou wilt preſerve the eſteem of thy Miſtreſſe, of thy Friend, of thy Rival, and of thy Enemy, for Telamire and Artaxander are all theſe four unto thee. Theſe, amiable Doraliſa, were the thoughts of Tyſimenes, preſently after he perceived himſelf in love with Telamire: for afterwards we knew from himſelf all his moſt ſecret thoughts. However, after he had moſt ſeriouſly pondered what reſolution to fix upon, he was ſo generous as to reſolve upon death, rather then be perfidious unto Artaxander: ſo as I am confident, that never was vertue put upon a more difficult Teſt, then his: For he knew that Cloreliſa did heartily wiſh his marriage with Telamire, and he knew alſo that Algaſtus would joyfully conſent unto it. Again, as the ſtate of things ſtood, there was no probability that Artaxander ſhould ever marry her: ſo as though he could not ſee any hopes of happineſſe for his friend, yet he reſolved to be the moſt miſerable of any man alive. 'Tis true, he could [Page] not eaſily bring himſelf unto this Reſolve, but ſuffered as much torment as ever man endured. He was in a hundred minds, either to abſent himſelf, or elſe to deſire Artaxander that he would excuſe him, from being any longer his Solicitour to Telamire; but when he began to compare the miſeries which he endured by his ſervice, unto what ſhe ſhould ſuffer by abſence from the fair Telamire, he found it better for him to be ſtill an Agent between Telamire, and Artaxander, then to deprive himſelf of her ſight, whom he loved and adored. Thus, not ceaſing to be the Lover of Telamire, hee continued to be the Confident of Artaxander. But to tell you truly, It was with abundance of ſorrow; and the more, becauſe Telamire having a high eſteem of him, did leſſe conceal her reall thoughts from him: ſo as the more he was in love with her, the more he knew ſhe loved his Rivall. One dayes converſe did ſtrangely perplex him: for whilſt Iſalonide took Cloreliſa out, upon ſome viſit or other, which ſhee was obliged unto: and whilſt Belermis was gone to viſit a man whom he heard had been fighting, Tyſimenes remained alone with Telamire: who falling inſenſibly to talk of the generall errour wherein all Themiſcyra was, concerning Artaxander and himſelf, ſhe aggravated the great danger there was, in judging of things according to appearances. For truely, ſaid ſhe, all the Town takes you to be the enemy of Artaxander: Cloreliſa her ſelf thinks it; and ſo doth Algaſtus and Belermis: Moreover, they begin to think that Artaxander hath forgotten me, and that I have forgotten him. The world alſo beleeves, that it is vertue onely which is Cloreliſa's motive to ſee no body: Iſalonide her ſelf doth not doubt it: yet nothing is more falſe then their opinions in all theſe things, though they appear to be moſt true unto all thoſe who beleeve them. Therefore, in my opinion, there is no ſafety in ſpeaking affirmatively of any thing, but what one knows to be of a moſt infallible certainty. 'Tis very true, replied Tyſimenes, that appearances are very deceitfull: And I am ſo ſtrongly perſwaded of this truth (added he and changed colour) as perhaps, I am able to ſay, that the thing which you think you are moſt certaine of, is not as you do imagine it. Nay, nay, replied Telamire, I am very confident, that I am not miſtaken as others are: and when I think that Artaxander is your friend, and that you are his, I think nothing but truth. Alſo I am confident, that in thinking Cloreliſa to be full both of love, hatred, and jealouſie, I think as I ought to do. And in perſwading my ſelf that you do much eſteem me, I am perſwaded of nothing but what you have induced me to beleeve, by a thouſand ſweet expreſſions, and as many obliging offices which I have received from you. And therefore Tyſimenes, though I grant that appearances are very fallacious, yet I am moſt confident, I am not miſtaken, in beleeving theſe things I have mentioned unto you. Certainly Madam, replied he, you are not miſtaken in thinking, I do much eſteem you; but perhaps you are miſtaken in imagining that this eſteem is ſo great, or ſo little as it is. I muſt needs think, replied ſhee, that you have a very good opinion of me, and that your Civility will not ſuffer you to undeceive mee in ſuch a pleaſing errour: for truely (ſaid ſhe and ſmiled) when I conſider of it with application, I have ſome reaſon to fear, that a man who knows ſo well how to hide his reall thoughts, is not very ſincere. And truely, would not any one ſay, who ſees how you carry it, and hears how you talk before people, that you had no affection unto Artaxander? but they you were ſtill ready to quarrell with him? for my part (ſaid ſhe, and ſmiled again) I muſt needs conclude, that if you know how to conceal love as well as friendſhip, you were very fit for the moſt myſterious Intelligence. Had I a Paſſion which I would conceal (replied he) I ſhould conceal it much better then I do the friendſhip I hold with Artaxander. And yet I have heard ſay, (anſwered ſhe) that Love cannot long lie hid. I have heard it ſaid, as well as you Madam, replied he, but I am ſufficiently undeceived of that errour: for I know a Lover, who is little ſuſpected to be ſo, and who is thought he never will be. Since you do know it, replied ſhe, his Paſſion is not ſo concealed as you ſay it is. I do know it indeed (ſaid he) but the reaſon is, becauſe it is impoſſible I ſhould not know it: yet it is moſt undoubtedly true, that I onely do know the paſſion of his ſoul. She who is the cauſe of it (replied ſhe) doth not ſhe know of that paſſion which ſhe her ſelf hath created? She knowes it no more then you do (replied he) and which is more ſtrange, this Lover hath Rivalls who dream not that he is theirs. This doth ſo much ſurprize me (replied Telamire) and I am ſo deſirous to know who this Lover is, who can ſo well conceal his paſſion, both from his Miſtreſſe and his Rivalls, that if ever I ſee Artaxander, [Page] I will deſire him to make you name him, that he may let me know it. Of the two, replied Tyſimenes, I had rather tell you then Artaxander who it is: but truely unleſſe I be forced Madam, I beſeech you give me leave neither to tell it unto you nor him: and I ſhall not reveal a ſecret which is the moſt concealed that ever was. As I am perſwaded (replied ſhe) there never was any ſecret, but will out one time or other: ſo I beleeve, this which you now conceal from me, will one day be the common talk of the Town. I aſſure you Madam, replied he, if ever it be revealed, it ſhall be ſooner unto your ſelf then any one I know: but to tell you truely, I do not think that day will ever come. Be not too poſitive (replied ſhe) for all things that are within the compaſſe of poſſibility, may happen. For truly, when you and Artaxander went from Themiſcyra, there was no likelihood, that ever you ſhould be upon ſuch good termes, and yet I ſee you are become his friend, and he yours. 'Tis true, ſaid he, the change was great and unexpected: and one cannot make a quicker paſſe from indifferency unto love, then I paſſed from hatred to the friendſhip of Artaxander. As for matter of friendſhip, (ſaid Telamire) I know very well it may grow a long time after one is acquainted with a perſon: But as for love, I cannot think it can be ſo: for I beleeve that when any one falls in love, it is at the very firſt ſight of the party loved. I ſhould be very ſorry Madam, ſaid he unto her, to contradict you in thing: yet truly I cannot agree with you in this: for I muſt tell you again, that I know a Lover, who was onely a bare friend unto the perſon with whom he is now in love, a long time before he was ſo: yet now he is ſo deſperately in love, as hee cannot conceive it poſſible, that he ſhould then be onely a friend unto her whom he now adores. If this Lover, (replied ſhe, and laughed) have no name, no more then your firſt you talked of, I will never as long as I live diſpute with you again: for truly, I had rather have reaſons then examples, when the men whoſe adventures are alledged, are nameleſſe unto me. But to tell you truly, it would be hard to make me beleeve, that any man who hath long ſeen a woman, without loving her, ſhould afterwards upon a ſudden fall in love with her: And for my particular, I ſhould ſooner beleeve that a man who never ſaw me above a quarter of an hour ſhould fall in love with me, then that another, who hath ſeen me a whole year together with eyes of indifferency, ſhould afterwards be capable of Love. Yet moſt certainly it is poſsible, replied he. And it is not more certainly true that I am Tyſimenes, then it is, that I know a Lover, who after onely eſteem, admiration, and liking of a perſon whom you know, is now become extremely in love with her. If I were to talk with him you mean (replied ſhe) I ſhould certainly either make him confeſſe that his friendſhip and liking was only a little higher then it was before: or that his affection which is now Love, did begin aſſoon as he ſaw her, though perhaps it was then onely a Luke-warme Love, and he hardly knew what it was: but I hold it abſolutely impoſsible that any one ſhould begin to be in love with a woman, two years after he firſt knew her. Then Madam, ſaid he unto her, It ſeems that it would be a very difficult matter for a friend who knew you, to perſwade you that he is in love, unleſſe he tells you, he was ſo the very firſt minute he ever looked upon you? 'Tis very true, ſaid ſhe, that he would not eaſily perſwade me; But thanks be to the gods and Cloreliſa (ſaid ſhe and laughed) I am not expoſed unto that danger, in the ſolitude wherein I live. But Madam (replied Tyſimenes and ſmiled, though he was much non-pluſt) one that hears you talk, would think that I have not a heart capable of being moved: and that I have not eyes by which love may enter into my ſoul: But ſince it hath hapned a hundred times, that friends have become Rivals unto their friends, how know you but I ſhall become ſo unto Artaxander, or am ſo already? In good earneſt (ſaid he to ſound her thoughts) I think I ſhould extremely ſurprize you, if in lieu of telling you, according to my cuſtome, that Artaxander is ready to die for the love of you, I ſhould tell you, that I love you more then he doth. 'Tis moſt true, replied ſhe, you would moſt terribly affright me. But yet, (ſaid he unto her) what would you anſwer me, and what would you do, if you ſhould ſee mee at your feet, proteſting with a thouſand oaths, that I have done all that ever was in my power, to keep my ſelf from being Artaxanders Rivall? And if I ſhould vow further, that I love you infinitely more then ever he did? Firſt, (ſaid ſhe) I would not beleeve you: and ſecondly, I would carry the matter as if I did beleeve you, becauſe I would treat you as a perfidious friend, a cheat, a man without judgement. For ſince I have ſo freely opened my heart unto you concerning Artaxander: you would [Page] be out of your wits if you ſhould offer to talk ſo unto me, though it were ſo that you did love me very much: But (ſaid ſhe) I am unwiſe to trouble my ſelf in a buſineſſe, which I hope in the gods will never be. And yet (replied he very coldly) you are fair enough to make an unfaithfull friend, a faithfull Lover: and perhaps I have a heart ſo ſenſible, and a ſoul ſo tender, that I can neither reſiſt you, nor over come my ſelf. After this, Tyſimenes fearing he had been a little too laviſh in his tongue, did ſtrive to rouſe up ſome merrineſſe into his eyes, purpoſely to weaken the ſence of his words. And indeed, he did it ſo well, that Telamire did not ſo much as ſuſpect any reallity in the matter, but thought it to be onely a ſport of his wit: So that beginning to talk more ſeriouſly unto Tyſimenes, ſhe talked of Artaxander, charging him to tell him ſome obliging matter, which ſhe deſired he ſhould know: In ſo much as Tyſimenes, as much a lover as he was, yet he did negotiate as the Agent of his Rivall, and promiſed Telamire to tell him whatſoever ſhe pleaſed: and indeed as he went from Telamire, he intended to go unto that friends houſe where he was to meet Artaxander every night. But for that night, he went another way, thinking it ſome ſweetneſſe to deferre thoſe joyes which Artaxander would have, when hee heard Telamires meſſage. And to tell you truely, his ſoul wavered whether he ſhould bee the friend or the enemy of Artaxander, but ſtill was conſtant in loving Telamire. But yet his vertue getting the maſtery in his mind, he reſolved to continue faithfull to his friend; and to hide his love from his Miſtreſſe as well as from his Rivall: After which, he went to acquit himſelf of his Commiſſion. 'Tis true, hee did it with abundance of pain: he never named Telamire, but his heart trembled: he could not hear ſo much as the name of his Rivall pronounced, without a chineſſe of heart. However, ſince Artaxander could talk of nothing elſe but Telamire, and ſince he was that night more earneſt then ordinary in talking with Tyſimenes, he retained him as long as hee could: for ſince he had opened the door of his heart onely unto him, it was onely from him he could have any conſolation. I beſeech you my dear Tyſimenes, (ſaid he unto him) ſooth me up a little in my Paſſion, to eaſe me in my ſufferings: Tell me that Telamire is worthy of all thoſe miſeries I have endured for her ſake; for truly though you bee not in love, yet it is impoſſible but you ſhould know that I have great [...]eaſon to love her in that degree I do: for if you have but eyes and any ſoul, you muſt needs know and ſee that ſhe is all admirable. 'Tis true, replied Tyſimenes, that Telamire is much accompliſhed, and if I would contradict your Paſſion, it ſhould not be for want of merit in her, ſince none can have more then ſhe hath. Ah Tyſimenes, replied Artaxander, to ſee the difference betwixt love and friendſhip: for becauſe you are onely the friend of Telamire, you can content your ſelf to ſay, that none can have more merit then ſhe hath; but I that am her Lover muſt needs ſay, that it is impoſſible to finde any who hath ſo much. If we never differ in any thing but that, replied Tyſimenes, we ſhall alwayes agree, ſince I confeſſe as well as you, that Telamire is incomparable, and that I never knew any ſo Lovely as ſhe is. Did I know you were in love, replied Artaxander, I ſhould take good heed of obliging you unto any ſuch high applaud of Telamire; and ſhould ſo much reſpect our friendſhip and your love, and not to wiſh you ſhould preferre the perſon whom I love, before her whom you adore: but ſince I know you are onely in love with honour, and your friend [...], I conceive, I may well move you to do juſtice unto the merits of Telamire, by acknowledging you never knew her equall. But alſo I am forced to confeſſe, that I am as miſerable as ſhee is fair, eſpecially of late: for me thinks you have not ſpoke unto me from her as you were wont: And I ſee ſomething in your mind, which makes me fear, you [...]e ſome thoughts in her which are not advantageous to mee. Tyſimenes, hearing Artaxander ſpeak thus, was afraid that he had diſcovered his weakneſſe. So as recollecting all his ſtrength of vertue. he forced his tongue to tell his Rivall, that he was miſtaken, and that he was never in his life upon better termes with Telamire, then at this time. But he had no ſooner pronounced theſe words, then he was angry with himſelf; and found ſuch a diſorder in his heart, that his eyes had betrayed him if he hao ſtayed any longer with Artaxander: and ſo he left him as ſoon as ever he could. In the mean time, Belermis beginning to perceiver that Cloreliſa was not ſo zealous for his marriage with Telamire, as ſhe was wont; he looked more narrowly unto Telamire: and growing jealous of the long converſation which Tyſimenes held with her, he quarrelled with him; and if their Friends, indifferent unto both had not prevented them, [Page] ſome misfortune had hapned between them. Cloreliſa ſeeing how ſquares went but not ſeeing the thoughts of Tyſimenes unto Telamire, ſhee reſolved to de [...]a [...]e her ſelf of ſo much ſatisfaction in marrying her unto Artaxanders enemy, but contented her ſelf, by taking her from him, in marrying her unto her brother. Then did ſhee begin to uſe all the power ſhe had with Algaſtus, to favour the deſignes of Belermis; and indeed ſhe wrought ſo much upon him, as abſolutely to command Telamire, to prepare her ſelf for being wife unto Belermis within eight dayes. On the other ſide, Cloreliſa deſired Tyſimenes, that ſince he himſelf pretended nothing unto Telamire, That he would perſwade her to obey her father: In the mean time, Telamire after ſhe [...]ad ſeen Algaſtus and Tyſimenes, ſhe was a moſt ſad ſoul: and the more, becauſe what [...]eſires ſoever ſhe had to diſobey Algaſtus, yet ſhe had not power. Again, ſhe told Tyſimenes, that ſhe would not have Artaxander fight with Belermi upon any termes, [...]ut declared, that if he made any hurly burly for the love of her, ſhe would never [...]ee him again: So that when Artaxander knew this, he was extreamly ſorry for it. Tyſimenes alſo was exceeding full of grief, yet not ſo full as Artaxander, though hee was no leſſe in love then he, yet was a very faithfull Agent in the buſineſſe: for ſince [...]e had nothing but bad news alwayes to tell Artaxander, he told it him without any [...]rouble, though yet he was his friend. 'Tis true, when Artaxander gave him in Commiſſion to perſwade Telamire unto diſobedience of Algaſtus, he did not imploy [...]ll the eloquence he had. But doubtleſſe hee ſpake more earneſtly, and much more [...]uſtly, when he negotiated to comfort Artaxander for the l [...]ſſe of Telamire, then when he undertook to perſwade Telamire to beſtow her ſelf upon Artaxander. But Telamire did inſiſt ſo much upon Points of Glory, that ſhe would never do any thing for which ſhe might be condemned. On the other ſide, it was a harſh adventure for her to think ſhee ſhould never ſee Artaxander again, that ſhe ſhould be wife unto Belermis, Belermis Cloreliſa's brother. She was not able to refrain from tears when ſhe [...]alked with Tyſimenes; and alas, theſe tears went to his very heart; but he made a ſecret of them unto Artaxander, and told him onely that ſhe was ſad, or ſo, but never told him that ſhe wept. In the mean time Artaxander out of the violence of his Paſſion, told Tyſimenes, that of two things, he muſt needs do one: either he muſt [...]ight with Belermis, mauger Telamires charge to the contrary; or elſe he muſt carry Telamire away: Conjuring him to aſſiſt him in one, or both theſe things, ſo that Tyſimenes being put to notable quandaries, he told Artaxander, that hee would adviſe him never to think of carrying Telamire away; giving him ſuch Reaſons to the contrary, that if the mind of Artaxander had been ſetled, he might have ſeen that Tyſimenes took more intereſt in Telamire then he ought: for Tyſimenes himſelf perceived [...]e ſpake over zealouſly. But after he had diſſwaded him from carrying away Tela [...]ire, and that Artaxander had repented of ſuch thoughts, he offered him in point of [...]onour, to be his ſecond againſt Belermis, who never went without his friend. But as they were ready to fixe upon this Reſolution, one of Tyſimenes ſervants entred, and gave his Maſter a Letter, which he ſaid one of Telamires women gave unto him with tears in her eyes. Do you not know ſaid Tyſimenes why ſhee cried? All I know, ſaid he, is, that Algaſtus, Cloreliſa, Iſalonide, Telamire, and Belermis went out of Themiſcyra preſently after the Sunne was ſet: and I ſaw Telamire go into Cloreliſa's Coach, with ſo much ſorrow in her countenance, that I beleeve, the journey doth [...]ot pleaſe her. Ah Tyſimenes (ſaid Artaxander) I fear this journey which begins in the night, will prove fatall unto me: After this, reading the Letter which he took from Tyſimenes, he found theſe words.

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TELAMIRE UNTO TYSIMENES

THough Sir, I have but one minute to ſtay in Themiſcyra, yet, go I muſt, and [...] know when I ſhall return: All I know of my journey is, that my father told [...] that hee would carry me into the Countrey, to the end my marriage with Belermis might make leſſe noiſe. I pray impart this cruell newes unto Artaxander, in ſuch a manner [...] may make him the leaſt ſad. Aſſure him, I will reſiſt as farre as handſomly I can, and prepare him for a miſery, in caſe I cannot hinder it. Adieu, I have more ſorrow [...] my ſoul that I would have him know of: but how great ſoever it be, yet I do freely conſent he ſhould complain againſt my weakneſſe, if my affection do yeeld unto what decency requires, ſo he complain in ſecret. Let me tell you once again: that my melancholy [...] without any equall, unleſſe the joyes of Cloreliſa: which appears as viſible in her eyes, [...] deſpair doth in the eyes of

Telamire.

You may eaſily imagine, amiable Doraliſa, how ſad Artaxander was, after the reading of this Letter: yet he was more ſad, when upon enquiry, of the place whither Algaſtus was gone unto, he underſtood that it was unto a Caſtle which belonged unto Iſalonide, againſt which nothing could be attempted, neither to releaſe Telamire, nor againſt Belermis, for it was extraordinary ſtrong: Alſo, as for Belermis, though he knew how to find out a way, to ſend him a challenge, yet he would anſwer, that he would fight, after he had married Telamire. Yet Artaxander reſolved to do whatſoever he could, to twit him with point of honour, though he did not hap to make him alter his purpoſe: ſo as going out of Themiſcyra, with one Page onely, becauſe he would not engage Tyſimenes in a buſineſſe wherein he had no intereſt, he took his way towards this Caſtle, in a moſt melancholy mood. For when he thought, that perhaps before he came there, Belermis would enjoy Telamire, his reſentment was beyond all imagination: he told me ſince, that he was not maſter of his own mind and but for his Page, he had loſt his way a hundred times, ſo troubled was his ſoul. As he was in this turbulency of ſpirit, he ſpied afarre off two Coaches coming towards him, which came a very ſlow pace, and he thought he knew the Page of Belermis, who rode on horſeback ſome thirty paces before: ſo as commanding his own Page, to go and ask unto whom thoſe Coaches belonged, he underſtood, that Algaſtus going [...] the night to avoid the heat of the day, the Coach wherein he was did overturn, ſo as he was very dangerouſly hurt in the head; and that Algaſtus would not continue his journey, but would return unto Themiſcyra, after he had reſted a little, at the Town next the place where this accident hapned. So that Artaxander underſtanding this, he took the way upon his right hand, that he might not paſſe too neer the Coache [...] yet he went not ſo farre off, but he ſaw Telamire, and ſhe him: But ſince ſhe was then in as ſad a condition to ſee her father in that caſe, as ſhe was in parting from Themycyra, ſhe onely made a ſigne with her head, unperceived by Cloreliſa, becauſe ſhe was turned the other way, to talk unto Belermis. But not to trouble you with any impertinencies, Algaſtus was carried home to his houſe, and got into bed: Chirurgi [...] were ſent for; and they found his hurt to be very dangerous, ſo that when Artaxander came back to Themiſcyra, every one beleeved Algaſtus would die. Artaxander then conſidering the ſtate of things, did not think it good to hazard the incenſing [...] [Page] Telamire by fighting with Belermis: but contented himſelf with deſiring Tyſimenes to ſee Telamire: And the ſtrangeſt thing was, Tyſimenes was moſt ſenſibly grieved at the diſaſter of Algaſtus. As for Cloreliſa, ſhe was uncapable of any comfort: but I am very confident, that it was more, becauſe the death of Algaſtus would take away her power over Telamire, then out of any tenderneſſe of affection unto him. However, Iſalonide, and Cloreliſa were all in tears about Algaſtus, and never did husband think himſelf more tenderly loved by a wife, then he by his, though ſhe wept more out of jealouſie and ſpite, then any reall ſorrow for her loſſe. As for Telamire, ſhe was of another mind: for ſhe lamented with all the reall ſorrow of a daughter for a father in ſuch a condition, ſo that ſhe ſtood in need of conſolation. In the mean time, Algaſtus after four dayes was at his laſt gaſp: and that which is very obſervable was, that Cloreliſa had ſo much power of him, as to make him give his whole eſtate unto her, if ſhe had thought upon it: yet it was the very leaſt of her thoughts: but ſtill ſhee conjured him with eyes full of tears, (as if out of meer tenderneſſe) that hee would abſolutely command Telamire to marry Belermis, to the end that both Lovers might be united. But whether it was that the tears of Cloreliſa did trouble Algaſtus, or that this deſire did mollifie his heart, he ſeemed to be aſtoniſhed; and when he offered to ſpeak, he could not: ſo as he loſt his knowledge, and died; leaving it unknown whether he conſented, or denied the demands of Cloreliſa. So by this means Cloreliſa was out of any power over Telamire, and Telamire was abſolutely free: Artaxander had ground of hopes; and Tyſimenes was in ſuch a maze, as he knew not what to think: yet ſtill he continued Generous. But ſince it was not poſſible he ſhould long continue the Agent of Artaxander, and the Lover of Telamire both; he told his friend, that now there was no need of deluding Cloreliſa any longer, and therefore he deſired him not to imploy him in viſiting Telamire any longer, pretending the averſion which he ſaid he had unto Belermis, and Cloreliſa. However, hee took upon him to carry a Complement from Artaxander unto Telamire, upon the death of her father. But Telamire being too wiſe to make any ſudden alteration in her way of living, ſhe would not admit of his viſit. 'Tis true, this conſtraint of hers did not continue long: for having intelligence that Cloreliſa did intend to carry her away for her brother, ſhe ſecretly aſſembled all her kindred, who came altogether immediately, and demanded her of Cloreliſa, who mourned much more to ſee Telamire carried out of her power, then ſhe did to ſee Algaſtus carried to his grave: And that high reputation of vertue which ſhe had gotten by the ſolitude and reſervedneſſe which her jealouſie had cauſed, began to leſſen; for ſhe behaved her ſelf ſo, as ſhe made is evidently appear, that ſhe grieved not for the death of Algaſtus. The truth is, her ſorrows that ſhe could not now be revenged upon Artaxander, did ſo diſorder all the faculties of her ſoul, as it was moſt viſible unto all that looked upon her, that ſhee had a moſt violent Paſſion reigning in her ſoul. Shee was not able to pronounce the Name of Telamire, but ſhe changed colour: She complained, and could not tell why: The very name of Artaxander made her mad; but the name of Algaſtus was pronounced a hundred times, and ſhee made not the leaſt ſtartle at it: So as all the Town began to be undeceived in their opinions of Cloreliſas great vertue: Yet▪ Iſalonide ſaid, that the exceſſe of her grief for the death of Algaſtus had a little diſtracted her: but this excuſe deluded onely the ſimple. On the other ſide, Amaldea wiſhing the marriage of Artaxander with Telamire, after the death of Algaſtus, as ſhee did in the life of Cleoſſante, ſhee negotiated the buſineſſe ſo well, with the kindred of that excellent Lady, as ſhe concluded the matter in few dayes. But ſince they feared that Belermis would be ſome obſtacle, they did carry it very ſacretly. In the mean time, ſince the reconcilation of Tyſimenes and Artaxander was known, Amaldea deſired this friend of her ſonnes, not to forſake him untill he had married Telamire, leſt Belermis ſhould oblige him to fight the ſecond time, acquainting him to what a paſſe ſhe had brought the buſineſſe, and let him know that the marriage would bee celebrated very ſhortly. And indeed, Amaldea acquainting Artaxander what ſhe had done for him; and the friends of Telamire having told her what was reſolved upon, they both of them did think themſelves as happy now, as they were [Page] miſerable before: but Tyſimenes was the ſaddeſt man that ever lived. Not but that he did ſtrive againſt himſelf with admirable generoſity: But yet the Paſſion in his ſoul was ſo ſtrong, that he was not able to overcome it. As ſoon as Artaxander knew of his happineſſe, he went to tell it unto Tyſimenes: but hee was much ſurprized to finde him ſo melancholy; and more ſurprized to finde that hee would not tell him the cauſe of his ſadneſſe, as he had told him the cauſe of his Joyes: Yet Tyſimenes coloured his ſorrows with ſome Domeſtique buſineſſe, which he ſaid, did not go ſo well as he wiſhed: ſo that ſince the ſoul of Artaxander was all joy, he never examined the ſadneſſe of Tyſimenes any further. However, it was ſo extreme, that as ſoon as his friend was gone he thought he ſhould have died: and he was ſo neer it, that (as hee confeſſed ſince) that he reſolved upon twenty violent courſes in a quarter of an hour. Is it ſo (ſaid he to himſelf, as he related afterwards) that Telamire is going to be married unto Artaxander, and he ready to be as happy as thou Tyſimenes art ready to be miſerable? And yet it is thy ſelf who hath contributed unto his happineſſe, and it is thy ſelf who cannot ſee it without ſorrow. But thanks be unto the gods (added hee, and ſighed) that I can hope for nothing from Telamire, for in ſpite of all my vertue, if I had any hopes from her, I ſhould have much more ado to overcome my ſelf. But I have not ſo much Conſolation, as that I can complain, either againſt my Miſtreſſe, or my Rivall: And I can onely lay the blame upon my own weakneſſe. Yet though Artaxander be my friend; and though I am reſolved to carry my ſelf as if I were not his Rivall: I am not able to bee a ſpectatour of his felicity: And when I conſider that within four dayes hee ſhall enjoy Telamire, I finde ſuch a turbulency in my heart, that if I ſhould ſee him happy, I ſhould hazard the doing of things which would be farre from either Reaſon or Vertue. Let then Artaxander alone in Peace, Tyſimenes, ſince thou canſt never bee ſo thy ſelf: But in order to that, thou muſt never ſee Telamire: Thou muſt quit thy Countrey: baniſh thy ſelf from that place where thou wilt leave Artaxander happy: and ſeek out thy death in ſome Deſart, where thou canſt never hear of their felicity, who have cauſed thy miſery. And the truth is, Tyſimenes was ſo fully reſolved, to depart from Themiſcyra, and never to ſee either Telamire, and Artaxander any more, as nothing could ſtagger this Generous determination: hee ſeemed therefore as if hee had ſome earneſt buſineſſe which called him away: And without unfolding the cauſe of his journey, hee told Artaxander, that he would depart the day before his Nuptials, of which Cloreliſa, and Belermis were ignorant. At the firſt, Artaxander uſed all his perſwaſions to make Tyſimenes ſtay untill after he had compleated his happineſſe: and he perſwaded him in ſuch ſweet expreſſions, and tender words, as Tyſimenes was ſo aſhamed, that his reſolution of going away was the ſtronger, ſince hee was not able to ſee Artaxander enjoy Telamire, without envy at his happineſſe, and grief to himſelf. However, ſince hee could not depart before hee had ſeen Telamire, hee reſolved upon a viſit: but it may bee very well ſaid, hee went to ſee her, but ſpeak he hardly was able: and had not ſome company been there, which helped out with diſcourſe, he had been put to a pitifull Non-plus. But at laſt he left her, and bid her Adieu, without telling her whither he went, nor why he departed. At his going out from her, he went unto Artaxander, with whom he was not able to ſtay above a quarter of an hour, ſo violent were the raptures of his grief, which his paſſion cauſed. Artaxander uſed all his Arguments to make him ſtay onely two dayes: for ſince he was ignorant of the cauſe, hee could not chuſe but preſſe him to bee a witneſſe of his happineſſe. But at laſt, ſeeing hee would not be perſwaded, and thinking that the buſineſſe he pretended was ſome ſecret of the Family, which was not to bee imparted, he preſſed him no further▪ but bad him Adieu, with a thouſand expreſſions of friendſhip: Telling him, that he was much beholding unto him for Telamire, and that he would acknowledge his obligements for it eternally. But Amiable Doraliſa, after that Tyſimenes had left Artaxander, and returned home, hee thought himſelf more miſerable then before: For he found Telamire ſo early fair, and Artaxander ſo full of tender expreſſions, that Love and Friendſhip beginning to renew in his ſoul, his ſuffering [Page] were beyond all expreſſion, or toleration. Yet he ſtood firme unto his reſolution: But ſince love is a Paſſion which naturally would make it ſelf known, he could not reſolve upon his departure before he had made known unto her who cauſed his miſery, what courſe he took againſt himſelf, purpoſely to keep him from any attempts againſt Artaxander. So as being reſolved to write unto her, he did ſo: and when he was juſt ready to depart, he gave it unto a truſty ſervant, with orders to carry it unto Telamire, an hour after his departure, and to chuſe ſuch a time, as when Artaxander was not with her. After which, taking horſe, he departed without any with him but one Page onely, and went to a friends houſe ſome thirty Furlongs off, to conſult what courſe he ſhould take, and whither he ſhould wander, to make choiſe of his exile. In the mean time, he with whom he left the Letter which he writ unto Telamire, having punctually obeyed him, and given it unto her, ſhe was extremely amazed to finde it ſuch as I ſhall afterwards read unto you: for ſince ſhe afterwards gave me a Copy, I think it is about me.

In ſaying ſo, ſhe looked for this Copy and found it, ſo ſhe ſhewed it unto Doraliſa, and Marteſia: But before ſhe read it, ſhe told them that Telamire after ſhe had read it with much wonder, and being in doubt whether ſhee ſhould ſhew it unto Artaxander or no, ſhe put it in her pocket, becauſe ſhe ſaw him enter: and a while after, forgetting ſhe had a Letter which ſhe would not have him to ſee, ſhe unknowingly dropt it, and he took it up whileſt ſhe went to talk with one in the outer Chamber, who deſired to ſpeak with her: ſo that knowing it, to be the hand of Tyſimenes, and not being able to forbear opening it, he read theſe words:

TYSIMENES UNTO TELAMIRE.

Madam,

I Make no question but you will wonder, that a man who hath ſo long ſpoke unto you of Artaxanders love, and hath been ſo faithfull a Confident of his paſſion, ſhould dare to tell you, that he is his Rivall: yet at the ſame time tell you that Artaxander loves you as well as any heart can. In the mean time, it is most true Madam, that I began to love and adore you within a few dayes after I began to tell you that Artaxander did the ſame: and as certainly true that I love you now with as much violence, as ever heart did. Yet you know Madam, that I have done for Artaxander all that I promiſed unto him: and that in all my diſcourſes with you, I betrayed onely my ſelf. Yet do not think that I vanquiſhed my ſelf without abundance of pain: but in recompence of my reſpective paſſion, I Conjure you to do me ſo much favour, as beleeve, [Page] that I never ſpake one Syllable in advantage of Artaxander, but it ſtruck more ſorrow to my heart then my tongue is able to expreſſe. But whatſoever I have done for him againſt my ſelf, I ſhall be very glad that he never know his obligements to me: and that you may be the onely Perſon in the world who ſhall know my weakneſſe and misfortune. Were I to ſee you ever again, perhaps you would be offended at what I ſay: but ſince I do not declare, that I love you untill the very day before you are to marry Artaxander, and that then I depart from Themiſcyra, with reſolution never to return again, you would be pitileſſe Madam, if you ſhould be offended at me for not denying my ſelf ſo much conſolation, as to think when I am dying, that its fit you ſhould know the cauſe of my death; and to think, that haply you will confeſſe, that except Artaxander, there is not a man in the world who deſerves your affection better then my ſelf, if Fate had either not made him your lover, or made me his enemy. Moreover Madam, ſince I require no anſwer, becauſe I cannot in any reaſon expect it to be favourable; give me leave to Conjure you unto a memory of all I have ſpoken in behalf of Artaxander: and to beſeech you, that you would beleeve, that if I had ſpoken my heart, I ſhould have ſpoken much more for my ſelf then for him. Again, I am forced to confeſſe, becauſe it is most certainly true, that friendſhip, vertue, and glory, were not the onely motives which induced me to be faithfull unto Artaxander: And that had I known how to have thwarted his happineſſe, and not yours, I ſhould hardly have kept my ſelfe within the limits of Generoſity.

Thus Madam, ſince I for the love of you, fight againſt my ſelf, me thinks, I merit your compaſſion upon a most miſerable Lover: who is going to find an end of his miſeries in the end of his life: and ſince he will not disturb the felicity of his Rivall, contents himſelf to make the cauſe of his death known, only unto her who gave it unto

Tyſimenes.

You may imagine, Amiable Doraliſa, how extremely Artaxander was ſurprized at the reading of this Letter from Tyſimenes: And ſince hee really loved him, he was infinitely ſorry, that he was in love with Telamire, but yet he reſented it, without any jealouſie, hatred, or anger. 'Tis true, he was ſo aſtoniſhed at what he ſaw, that ſcarcely beleeving himſelf, he began to read the Letter again, as if he would be better ſatisfied: So as Telamire entring before he ended, ſhe was almoſt as much ſurprized that ſhe ſhould finde him reading it, as ſhe was [Page] at what the Letter contained: alſo ſhe changed colour: for ſince ſhee had concealed it from Artaxander, ſhe knew not how he might take it. Sir, ſaid ſhee unto him, I intended to hide that Letter from you, leſt you ſhould blame mee for the loſſe of a friend, who certainly was owner of a thouſand admirable parts: but I ſee my Intentions are prevented, ſince you have found it. Your Intentions Madam, replied Artaxander, had been moſt juſt, if they were onely to ſpare me my ſorrows for my being the cauſe of my friends misfortune. And it cannot be imagined I ſhould ever complain againſt you, for it were moſt unjuſt to think you leſſe Amiable then you are. So Madam, I do not accuſe you, nor Tyſimenes, but think my ſelf more obliged unto him for being my Rivall, then for being my Friend. But the truth is, I extremly condemne my ſelf, for obliging Tyſimenes to viſit you ſo often; and for doing ſo much wrong unto your merit, as to think it poſſible, he ſhould ſee you ſo oft, and not love you. I muſt to my ſhame confeſſe, that Tyſimenes is more Generous then I could have been: for my Paſſion is ſo ſtrong, that had I been his Rivall upon the ſame termes as hee was mine. I ſhould certainly have been his enemy, and ſhould have ſpoken more for my ſelf then him. Therefore Madam, in acknowledgement of his vertue, I ask your leave to pity him, and that you would perſwade him to live. Moreover, I ask you pardon for his boldneſſe in diſcovering his Paſſion unto you, and begge your amity for him, with as much zeal, as heretofore he begged your affection for me. And, I beſeech you Madam, Let my Negotiation be as proſperous as his: and I ask leſſe for Tyſimenes, then he did for Artaxander, do not deny mee Madam, I conjure you: and let me preſerve my friend, though Rivall, from being the moſt miſerable of all Lovers. Your Demands are ſo juſt, and eaſie to bee conſented unto, replied ſhe, that you may be ſure I ſhall not deny them: Yet I do conſent unto you upon condition, that you will not invite Tyſimenes to ſee me, untill he be fully cured of his folly. If I may judge of his Paſſion by my own, replied Artaxander, I ſhould think you will never ſee him again: for truly I cannot think it poſſible he ſhould ceaſe loving: eſpecially Tyſimenes, who hath a paſſionate ſoul, and knows no medium in his love, or hatred.

As Artaxander was ſaying ſo, an Aunt of Telamires, with whom ſhee then lived, came into her Chamber, to tell her, that Cloreliſa, and Belermis, had diſcovered their intentions of marriage, and made ſuch a noiſe about it, that ſhe thought it expedient to deferre it for a while, to let all the world ſee, that Cloreliſa lied, in giving it out, that Algaſtus charged Telamire not to marry Artaxander, ſince it is moſt certainly true, he had never forbidden him to ſee her, but onely at the inſtance of Cloreliſa, who told her husband, that Artaxander was in love with her. At firſt, Artaxander did extremely diſlike this Propoſition: But Telamires Aunt, telling him that the whole Family did conclude it to be ſo, and that Telamire was of the ſame opinion, he conſented that his happineſſe ſhould be deferred onely for eight dayes. As ſoon as hee came home, he diligently enquired where Tyſimenes was, and underſtood that he was not above thirty furlongs from Themiſcyra, but that he went away from thence by break of day. So that without more delay, though it was almoſt night, he took horſe, and went to the place where Tyſimenes was, whom he found alone in his Chamber, condoling his misfortunes: he was ſo intent upon his ſorrows, that Artaxander was within a pace of him before he either ſaw or heard him, but when he turned himſelf, lifting up his eyes to heaven, as if he would accuſe it of his misfortunes, that when he ſaw Artaxander he was ſo ſurprized, that he went a ſtep or two backward, to look better upon him, and to ſee whether or no he was miſtaken: But Artaxander advancing faſter then he recoyled, he embraced him, and ſighed for company. I come, my Dear Tyſimenes, (ſaid he unto him) to beg your pardon for being the cauſe of your exile: I come to hinder you from baniſhing your ſelf: and to aſſure you that Telamire after ſhe had read your Letter, did give greater commendations unto your Generoſity, then unto my conſtancy; and that if ſhe do love me more then ſhe doth you, yet ſhe eſteems you more then ſhe doth me. If Telamire had really eſteemed me (replied Tyſimenes much ſurprized) ſhe would never have denied me the favour which I asked, to conceal my weakneſſe from you: [Page] but I perceive ſhe has a mind to be revenged upon me for my boldneſſe, by making me loſe a friend: and by depriving me of ſo much Conſolation, as to think that you ſhould never know my infidelity. For truely Artaxander, I fancied ſome ſweetneſſe in my miſery, in carrying it ſo, that Telamire might know of my love, and that you ſhould never hear of it, leſt you ſhould withdraw your friendſhip from me: but ſince ſhe is pleaſed to croſſe this my deſire, I muſt reſolve to be hated both by my Miſtreſſe and my Rivall. Ah Dear Tyſimenes (replied Artaxander) if I hated you, I ſhould never have told you that Telamire does eſteem you. If you do not hate me, replied Tyſimenes, it is becauſe you know Telamire will never love me; and though I am your Rivall, yet you value it not, becauſe you know I cannot hurt you any more then if I were not. But however it bee, you have done more then you ought, and I ſhould not do what I ought, if I do not ſpeedily depart from a place in which I cannot ſtay without envie at your happineſſe. For if I ſhould, how is it poſſible I ſhould preſerve both my love to Telamire, and my friendſhip to Artaxander? for I profeſſe, I have ſtriven as much to keep in one as the other: And to conceal nothing from you, know Artaxander, that I find in my ſelf ſuch ſtrange ſuggeſtions, and tumultuous imaginations in my heart, as I will not promiſe but I may become your enemy, if I once ſee you the poſſeſſour of Telamire. But ſince I am yet as I ought to be unto you, I conjure you to be a little indulgent towards me; and by proſecuting my intentions of never returning unto Themiſcyra, let me ſtrive againſt the affection which I bear unto her who is going to make you happy: for truely my Dear Artaxander, if I may yet call you ſo, A Rivall that is ab [...]ent, and not loved, is not to be feared: and by conſenting unto this, you will give me ſo much ſatisfaction as to love Telamire without any wrong unto you. I will conſent Sir, unto much more then you ask, replied Artaxander: for I conſent that you ſhall ſee her, and love her: And I know the vertue of Telamire ſo well, that I am able to continue your friend, though you ſhould continue to love her. No, no, replied Tyſimenes, I will not accept your offer, becauſe I dare not truſt my ſelfe; nor think I am able to ſee you compleatly happy, but I muſt either die, or ceaſe being your friend: And therefore to preſerve my love unto Telamire, and my friendſhip to you, I muſt proſecute my deſigne, and baniſh my ſelf for ever.

I ſhould never make an end, if I ſhould relate the whole buſineſſe of theſe two friendly Rivals: for they talked together a whole night. But as they were ſtriving to perſwade each other, one came in, and told Tyſimenes aloud, that a man, who would not impart his name, deſired to ſpeak with Artaxander: So as imagining that it might perhaps be one from Belermis, he was commanded to be brought in: and he no ſooner entred, but he was indeed known to be the friend of Belermis: ſo as Artaxander imagining his buſineſſe, went towards him to give him the better opportunity of ſpeaking out of the hearing of Tyſimenes, but Tyſimenes following, and the friend of Belermis (who was one of thoſe Bravadoes by profeſſion, who ſpent their whole lives in Quarrels, Duels, and Punctilioes of honour) ſeeing that he could not ſpeak unto Artaxander but in the hearing of Tyſimenes, reſolved rather then fail in his friends ſatisfaction, to engage him as well as Artaxander in the buſineſſe. And therefore without more ado, he told Artaxander, that he knew him to be a man ſo well able to chuſe his friends, as he would dare to tell him in the preſence of Tyſimenes, that Belermis knowing that he was gone out of the Town, came out alſo, and waited for him within a hundred paces of this houſe, in hopes to ſee him with a ſword in his hand to diſpute with with him for the poſſeſſion of Telamire: Adding, that if Tyſimenes would bee more then a bare ſpectatour of the Combat, he woud fight with him. You may well conceive, that Artaxander was very ready to give all deſired ſatisfaction unto Belermis: and that Tyſimenes, who wiſhed for death, would not fear a danger. But Artaxander was very much againſt Tyſimenes his fighting: yet when he heard him ſay, that he would fight with Belermis, if he would not let him follow his fortune, out of a point of honour he conſented; and ſo they went to the place where Belermis was. I will not inſiſt upon any relation of their thoughts, for they are eaſie to be imagined: nor will I deſcribe the Combat, the [Page] ſucceſſe whereof was very fatall: for Tyſimenes kill'd the friend of Belermis: but it was after himſelf was mortally wounded. Yet Tyſimenes had ſo much ſtrength, after he had vanquiſhed his Antagoniſt, to go towards his friend, who after he had wounded Belermis, had the misfortune to break his ſword: ſo as Belermis making a Paſſe upon him, was ready to kill him: when Tyſimenes, as wounded as he was, came neerer and cried out, It was not generous to kill a man who had no weapon. Belermis turning his head aſide, and ſeeing him come with a ſword in his hand, and ſeeing the ſword of Artaxander broken, he was aſhamed of his action, and confeſſed that he was very ſorry, and that he did not ſee his ſword to be broken. Thus Tyſimenes ſaved the life of his Friend and Rivall: for though Artaxander was not wounded, but Belermis was, yet ſince he had the misfortune to break his ſword, Belermis had certainly killed him, but for Tyſimenes. But afterwards company came in: Belermis retired, and the body of him whom Tyſimenes killed was carryed away. Tyſimenes was ſo weak that he fell; and they were forced to carry him back unto Themiſcyra in a moſt lamentable condition, ſince there was no place neerer where he could be dreſſed. I beſeech you, Amiable Doraliſa, diſpenſe with me from relating all the expreſſions from Tyſimenes to Artaxander, and from Artaxander unto Tyſimenes, for if I ſhould offer it, I ſhould drown all my words in tears: And to ſave you the ſorrow of hearing it, I will onely in ſhort tell you, That Tyſimenes lived but five dayes after: that whileſt he lived he talked of nothing but Telamire: that Artaxander was ſadly with him all the while: that Telamire was very ſenſible of this ſad accident: and that the very day deſigned for Artaxanders marriage, was the funerall of Tyſimenes. But that ſolemnity was deferred: and for ſome dayes, the whole diſcourſe of Artaxander and Telamire was onely of Tyſimenes. In the mean time, Artaxander taking it to heart, that he had not vanquiſhed Belermis: and ſince he thought he was obliged in point of honour to revenge the death of Tyſimenes his friend, as well as to fight for love of Telamire; therefore he reſolved to fight with Belermis again, as ſoon as he was cured of his wounds. But in this ſecond Combat: which was one to one, he had the advantage cleerly: for he wounded Belermis in two places, and diſarmed him: In ſo much as Cloreliſa was even mad to ſee that nothing could hinder the happineſſe of Artaxander. Yet ſhee found out a device to deferre it: for ſhe divulged ſuch reports about the Town, that never was ſuch a clamour againſt Telamire, not onely that ſhe ſhould marry Artaxander, but that ſhe ſhould think of marrying him whilſt ſhe was in mourning, and before her father was well cold in his grave. In ſo much as Telamire, being ſtrangely moved at thoſe clamorous reports, how falſe ſoever, did take a fancy not to marry till her time of mourning was over: So that to paſſe away that time more ſafely, which was not to be very long, the two families joyned: And ſince the Aunt of Telamire had a houſe very near unto Amaldeas, it was concluded that all this company ſhould come thither: ſo as for this moneth, wee have been alwayes together, ſome times at one houſe, and ſome times at another. But ſince the time of Telamires mourning ended yeſterday, doubtleſſe ſhe will be married unto Artaxander as ſoon as this flux of waters will give us leave to return: And that which will the more haſten the conſummation of it is, wee have received Intelligence, that Belermis was cured of his wounds, and that Cloreliſa is more incenſed then ever againſt Artaxander and Telamire.

As Erenice had ended her relation, and Doraliſa began to thank her for the delight ſhe had in hearing it, Amaldea entred, and told Erenice, that the body of Belermis was found upon the banks of the River: and that his Page (whoſe horſe had ſaved him, by ſwimming) told her, that his Maſter being come out of Themiſcyra with intentions to hinder the marriage of Artaxander, had been at Amaldea's houſe; where hearing, that ſhe was on the other ſide of the River; and that Artaxander was there alſo, he would needs croſſe it, maugre its overflowing, and ſtrive to get unto the end of the bridge, out of his fears leſt Telamire ſhould bee married before he could come to her; who told her alſo, that parting from his horſe, he was drowned. Though Belermis was no friend unto any of thoſe Ladies [Page] who were with Amaldea: but on the contrary, was an inveterate enemy of Artaxanders, which was both kinſman and friend unto them all; yet this accident did ſtrike ſome ſadneſſe into all the Company. As for Artaxander, as much an enemy as he was, he took care for his funeralls, which were as well performed, as if he had died in the time when he was Cloreliſa's friend. However, ſince this Accident was it which brought Cyrus and Mandana to the knowledge of Artaxanders Adventure: And ſeeing that the floods would not permit them to depart theſe four or five dayes, Cyrus and Mandana deſired Telamires Aunt, and Artaxanders Mother to conſent unto the marriage of theſe two Lovers, and that it might be conſummated in their preſence: And they having no power to deny the requeſt, both Cyrus and Mandana did honour the Feaſt with their preſence, which though in haſt, yet was very Magnificent, both becomming the perſons preſent, and thoſe for whom it was principally made. 'Tis very true, there was more men at the Balls then Ladies: but thoſe few there were ſo Amiable, that the ſhew was glorious. And though there was no other Ornaments but Mandana and Cyrus, the ſight was worthy Admiration: eſpecially when they danced together; ſince it was a thing moſt impoſſible to ſee two perſons of a finer compoſure, or that danced better, and with a more noble Air. Mandana dazeled the eyes of all beholders: There appeared a moſt extraordinary blitheneſſe in the countenance of Cyrus: and one would have beleeved, that he had received ſome high newes, which had given him ſome raviſhing ſatisfaction. But the next mornings newes did moſt ſurprize the world: for the common voge was, that the King of Aſſyria was dead of his wounds: and Cyrus himſelf ſaid, he beleeved it: So as all thoſe whom his death made melancholy, or merry, were either in tears of ſorrow, or tears of joy, according to their ſeverall Intereſts. Anaxaris grieved: Mazares was all compaſſion: Mandana had ſome pity: Chriſantes, Marteſia, and Feraulas were all glad of it: And every one now did look upon Cyrus as at the end of all his miſeries, ſince he now had not one Rivall which he had not vanquiſhed, or which was in the leaſt reſpect to be feared: as for Anaxaris, the reſentment [...] of his paſſionate ſoul were beyond all expreſſions, when he ſaw that nothing was likely to thwart his Rivalls happineſſe. For conſidering the condition in which the King of Pontus was ſaid to go in from the Tombe of Meneſteus, he had not the leaſt ſhadow of any hopes that he could be any obſtacle unto the felicity of his Rivall. However, hee could not endure the very thoughts of it: and though he knew well enough the injuſtice of his thoughts, yet he was not able to regulate them, but he ſtill was deſiring what he ought not to deſire. But after he had concluded, that nothing could either make him happy, or Cyrus miſerable: May I not hope (ſaid he unto himſelf) that the gods who have ruined all the Rivalls of Cyrus, or changed their hearts, will either ruine or change mee as they have all the reſt? Yes ye juſt gods (purſued he) you will either give me the Fate of the Aſſyrian King, or elſe the Fate of Mazares: Doubtleſſe ere long, I ſhall either be in my grave, as the firſt: or elſe, become as vertuous as the ſecond. But truely, in the choiſe of theſe two, I had rather have the King of Aſſyria's Deſtiny then that of Mazares: and I had much rather die the Lover of Mandana, then live without her Love. But whileſt Anaxaris was reaſoning in this manner upon the King of Aſſyria's death, and upon his own Paſſion, one came to tell him that Cyrus asked for him: ſo as feeling ſome extraordinary turbulency in his ſoul, he had much ado to obey him: but at laſt, ſtriving extremely with himſelf, he went unto his Chamber, into which he was no ſooner entred, but Cyrus carrying him into a Cloſet, which was within his Chamber, he ſpoke unto him with abundance of Confidence, and Tenderneſſe.

You know, my Dear Anaxaris (ſaid he unto him) that I have already truſted you with my honour, and all that can make me live with felicity, or die with Conſolation: And to teſtifie that I have not altered my opinion of you, I will reveal a ſecret unto you, which I will never impart unto any but you onely: and which Feraulas himſelf, that Dear Confident of my Paſſion, ſhall never know [...] for ſince he is in love with Marteſia, I will not let him know, that the King o [...] Aſſyria is alive. Is the King of Aſſyria alive? (replied Anaxaris and wondred) [Page] Yes replied Cyrus, and when you heard it reported that hee was very ill of his wounds, and thought him dead, then did he mend, or was perfectly recovered: for ſince I intended to keep my word and fight with him, before we come to Ecbatan, I thought it moſt expedient to let this lie paſſe for a truth: for I obſerved, that as long as that Prince was well, all my friends were ſo watchfull over me, that it was impoſſible for me to give ſatisfaction unto my enemy: ſo as to be revenged upon him for all thoſe miſeries which he hath cauſed the Princeſſe and me to endure, I thought it beſt to deceive the world, and publiſh the King of Aſſyria's death, to the end I might turn my fable into a hiſtory, and fight him, without fear of being hindred. The King of Aſſyria himſelf deſires it; ſo as when hee ſent me word, that within this three dayes he would be within fifty furlongs of this place, neer unto an old ruined Caſtle, which he very preciſely marked unto me, I cauſed it to be publiſhed that he was dead. And I ſee all the world is ſo fully perſwaded of it, that two reaſons induced me to diſcover my deſigne unto you: though one of them is now invalid: for indeed I thought I ſhould have ſtood in need of your help to deiſingage me from ſo many eyes as were over me, by a device which I had imagined. But now, I ſhall onely ſtand in need of your help to hinder my Rivall from getting Mandana into his power, if I ſhould chance to fall in the Combate with him: for though I made him a promiſe to fight with him before I enjoyed her, yet I never promiſed him to render her into his power. And therefore my Dear Anaxaris, I conjure you, that if I be overcome, to ſhew this Order (which I have writ with my own hand, and which I will leave in yours) unto all the Princes, and all the Commanders in the Army; to the end, that when they ſhall ſee, that I have put into the hands of Mandana, all the Authority which I received from Ciaxares, they may the more readily obey her, and oppoſe the King of Aſſyria: for truely there is cauſe of fear, that ſo many new ſubdued Princes, will be ready to joyn with the King of Aſſyria, to get out of ſervitude, unleſſe prevented by your fidelity. I know very well your rare valour hath got you much credit in the opinion of the Souldiers. I know the Princeſſe would be glad you ſhould be the ſecond time her deliverer. I know your fidelity cannot bee ſuſpected: and you have heretofore promiſed me, rather to die, then leave Mandana in the King of Aſſyria's power. I did promiſe it Sir, anſwered Anaxaris, and I promiſe it again, aſſuring that I am inclinable unto nothing more then to oppoſe his deſigne. Cyrus being extremely ſatisfied, to ſee with what zeal Anaxaris anſwered his deſires, did expreſſe himſelf in moſt obliging Language: and afterwards gave him ſeverall Orders, both what he ſhould ſay unto the Princeſſe Mandana, and what he ſhould do to keep her ſafe, in caſe he were overcome. Not but that I hope very confidently, my Dear Anaxaris, that all theſe Orders are to no purpoſe, and that I ſhall conquer the King of Aſſyria: But my affection unto Mandana is ſo violent, and my hatred of my Rivall ſo great, that I am reſolved to fight him to his grave, and therefore I ought not to forget any thing which may conduce unto the ſafety of my Princeſſe. And therefore once more, I conjure you, to make ſure of all your companions: to prepare the ſpirits of all your friends: and to flatter the Souldiers as much as you can. Cyrus added unto all theſe one conſiderable piece of Prudence: for he put into the hands of Anaxaris more money then he needed, to appeaſe all manner of mutinies amongſt the Souldiers: ſo that neglecting nothing which might prevent the King of Aſſyria from having Mandana in his power, he ſpent his three dayes before the Combate in continuall cares: yet they were cares as appeared unto none but Anaxaris: and Cyrus was ſuch a perfect Maſter of his own mind, that whether hee talked unto Marteſia, Doraliſa, Mandana, or any of thoſe Ladies which the River ſtayed in that place: there did not appear any ſigne, either in his eyes or diſcourſe, that any thing troubled the calmneſſe of his ſoul. On the contrary, ſince the River began to confine it ſelf within its owne limits: and ſince it was likely that within a few dayes, the Bridge in the place might be paſſed over, and ſince nothing hindred their journey but this inundation of waters, they would all remove preſently from that place. On the other ſide, Anaxaris ſeemed to be very buſie: but ſince Cyrus knew the cauſe of it, he was ſo farre from being diſquieted, that hee was [Page] extremely glad, he had found out a protectour of Mandana, ſo diligent, ſo zealous, and ſo faithfull. In the mean time, ſince Cyrus had intelligence every day from the King of Aſſyria, he underſtood that he was not farre from the place where they were to fight, which was to be the next morning: ſo that renewing all his Orders, and all his Prayers unto Anaxaris; alſo Anaxaris confirming all his Promiſes, Cyrus took thought for nothing, but how to ſteal away in the night, a little before day; to the end his fight might be finiſhed before he could be miſſed: yet he went late in the Evening to Mandana's, where the Converſation was very pleaſant. Yet ſometimes, when Cyrus thought, that perhaps, the next day before this time, the King of Aſſyria ſhould ſee the Princeſſe and not himſelf, he was extremely ſad, though not outwardly: But ſometimes again, when hee thought, that perhaps, the day following he ſhould be the Conquerour of his Rivall, and ſo return unto his Princeſſe, he was extremely pleaſant. So leaving her with that agreeable hope, he returned home, and truſting none but Ortalques only, he got a horſe and a ſword fit for Combate. But to the end, that thoſe who waited upon him in his Chamber, ſhould not wonder at his going out before day, and with ſo ſmall a Retinue, he ſpake openly as he went to bed, that he intended to go very timely in the the morning unto the Quarters of the Prince Artamas, where he was told he might meet with a Foorde which was paſſable, ſeeming to be very impatient to be Marching. So that thoſe who waited upon him, being accuſtomed to ſee Cyrus play the part of a common Souldier, as well as the Generall of an Army, they did not wonder he ſhould be ſo early up; that he ſhould take none but Ortalques with him; or that he ſhould command them to tell all ſuch as asked for him, that he was ſtill aſleep. Thus this Illuſtrious Prince, after he had gained ſo many Battles, ſubjected ſo many Provinces, ſubdued ſo many Kingdomes, yet hung his whole felicity upon Fortune and his own valour: ſo that a King whom he had conquered, and a King without a Kingdom, was ſtill in a condition to vanquiſh him: to ſend him to his grave, and to enjoy the Princeſſe, for whom Cyrus had done ſuch great things. Alſo, all the way as he went, his ſoul was ſo full of different thoughts, as he could hardly repeat them in any order. Then did he call into memory, his old hatred to the King of Aſſyria, at that time when he paſſed under the name of Phylidaſpes, and all the busſles he had with him, under the name of Artamenes: He remembred the bloody fight they had at the Temple of Mars, cloſe by Synope: and his imagination repreſented unto him the place where he ſaved his life, as he returned from the Maſſagettes: ſo that forgetting none of the obligations which that Prince had unto him, though he was uſed alwayes to forget his own benefits, he made uſe of them to incenſe his hatred, as well as the remembrance of all the miſeries he brought upon Mandana, by firſt carrying her away. But at laſt, coming juſt at Sun riſe, unto the place where the King of Aſſyria waited for him, with one Page onely; theſe two Rivalls accoſted each other, with a haughty civility, as was evident they intended the ruine of one another: Yet ſince they reſolved to fight on foot, to make quicker diſpatch they left thoſe who came with them, to ſtay under ſome trees with their horſes: and they went themſelves under an old ruined Caſtle, where the ground was very even, to end this great difference, which had put all Aſia into Armes. As they went, they talked together: And the King of Aſſyria told Cyrus, that he ever thought him more nobly devoted unto Glory, then to break his word, and he thought himſelf as much obliged unto him for it as poſſibly an enemy could be. Deſire of revenge (replied Cyrus ſharply) is ſo ſweet, as I beleeve it is that, which moves me to give both you and my ſelf this ſatisfaction, as much as my devotion unto Glory. What ever it be, (ſaid the King of Aſſyria) I muſt highly commend you for it: and confeſſe I owe you both my life and my liberty: But I am forced to confeſſe alſo, that it is much conſolation to me, to ſee you from the Head of an Army, of two hundred thouſand men, over which I had no power, and to ſee you here upon equall termes with me. At theſe words, both being come to the place where they were to fight, they parted, and without any meaſuring of ſwords, they began the Combat. And they began with more fury then others uſe to end: They fell upon each other with ſuch impetuoſity, as if [Page] they both intended to end all differences at one blow. 'Tis juſt now (ſaid Cyrus' and fell furiouſly upon the King of Aſſyria) that I will either vanquiſh, or die for Mandana. This very blow (replied the other valiant Prince, and furiouſly made at Cyrus) ſhall let thee ſee which of the two will happen. Yet the work was not ſo quickly done: for Cyrus having warded the blow, which the King of Aſſyria made at him, as the King of Aſſyria warded the blow which Cyrus made, they did not touch one another: ſo as theſe two fierce enemies, employing all their valour, and all their skill againſt each other, they aſſaulted and defended themſelves ſo valiantly, that their own valours was an obſtacle unto their victory. For they diſputed the matter a long time with ſuch equality, that neither of them could get the advantage of the other: ſince Cyrus uſed more judgement in this Combat, then the King of Aſſyria did, who was of a more impetuous temper. Doubtleſſe, he made better choiſe of the places where he aimed his blowes: But on the other ſide, the King of Aſſyria did ſtrike with ſuch fury, that none but Cyrus in the world was able to defend himſelf from the weight of ſuch blows. Sometimes Cyrus would lie open, and put all to hazard, to the end he might ſooner vanquiſh: Preſently after, he would lie cloſe upon his Guard, and manage his advantages a little better, alſo would profit by the King of Aſſyria's deſpair, who ſometimes mocking at the precepts of that Art, would employ onely his ſtrength. But 'twas ſtrange, that theſe two valiant Princes, who had both of them wonderfull agility, if they would have uſed it, yet diſpatched this Combat in a very little ſpace: For neither of them being willing to give one foot of ground unto his enemy, they were alwayes ſo neer each other, as within reach, and every minuit in danger to be both killed. But at laſt, Cyrus had not onely the advantage to ſee the blood of his enemy, by reaſon of a ſlight touch in his left arm: but alſo it hapned, that the King of Aſſyria, fell upon his knee: ſo that Cyrus making a paſſe upon him, the ſword of that unfortunate Prince fell out of his hands; yet he recovered himſelf ſo readily, that Cyrus could not paſſe upon him as he intended, but yet he could not recover his ſword, becauſe Cyrus had ſeized upon it: In ſo much, as ſeeing himſelf at the mercy of his Rivall and his Conquerour, his deſpair was without equall. Yet it laſted not long: for ſince Cyrus was not capable of killing a diſarmed man: and ſince their Combat could not end, but by the death of one, he took his Rivals ſword by the point, and preſented the hilt unto him. Since I will not owe my victory unto your misfortune, (ſaid hee unto him) but only unto my ſelf: And ſince I cannot fight againſt thoſe who are not in a condition to reſiſt me; Take your ſword Sir, and make better uſe of it then you have done, if you can. Alas Sir, (ſaid this violent Prince, and took it) this is too too much: and though you do me no other hurt but over-load me with your Generoſities, yet I cannot endure your ſight. And yet I am aſhamed (added he, and took breath) to employ the ſword which you have given me, againſt the giver, but yet the love of Mandana will allow it: And ſince ſhe can be but for one of us, but one of us muſt live. After this, theſe two inveterat enemies began their Combat afreſh, more fiercely then at firſt: but as they were both ready to vanquiſh one another, and perhaps, both ready to periſh, though Cyrus ſeemed to have the advantage, becauſe fury had diſtracted the King of Aſſyria's reaſon, Feraulas appeared; who riding as faſt as his horſe could gallop up to them, cried out, as ſoon as he was within diſtance of hearing, Oh Sir, what are you doing here, whilſt the Princeſſe Mandana is carrying away? At theſe words, the two valiant Princes ſuſpended their fury, and ſtepped ſome paces back, to hear whether they rightly underſtood him: So that Feraulas being come neerer, he told them once again, that Mandana was carried away, and carried away by Anaxaris: And that unleſſe they made extreme haſt, they would not deliver her. How, (cried out theſe two Rivalls) hath Anaxaris carried away Mandana? Yes Sir, replied Feraulas, (addreſſing his ſpeech unto Cyrus) and there is ſuch diſorder amongſt the Souldiers, by reaſon of this Accident, and by reaſon of a report, that the King of Aſſyria is alive, and hath killed you, that if your preſence do not calme this ſtorme, and give Orders to make them follow the Princeſſe, you will never finde her. Theſe two Rivalls hearing what Feraulas ſaid, looked fiercely upon him: and as if they [Page] had been inſpired with the ſame ſpirit, both ſaid, that their Combat muſt bee deferred, untill they had delivered Mandana. So, renewing their conditions in two words, they went haſtily to their horſes, and went immediatly away together: for ſince the King of Aſſyria's wound was very ſlight, hee onely bound it up with a ſcarfe, he went with Cyrus unto the place from whence Mandana was carried away, for that was the way to follow her, to ſhew himſelf unto the Souldiers, and to take ſome Troops along with him. But in his way thither, he met abundance of men of high Quality, who were looking for him: Amongſt the reſt, he wondered to ſee the Prince Indathirſis, that Illuſtrious Scythian, who came out of the Dominions of Thomiris with him. As grieved as he was, he received him very Civilly, and told him his misfortune in the Language which hee underſtood, and asked his pardon, that he could not receive him, with ſo much Joy, as another time he ſhould. But, (ſaid he unto him) if you conſider, how the Princeſſe Mandana is carried away from me, and carried away by a ſtranger, whoſe Countrey I do not ſo much as know, I hope you will excuſe my incivilities: and will not take it ill, that (having a mind filled with the infidelity of the Traytor Anaxaris) I do not render thoſe reſpects I owe unto the Generous Indathirſis. Oh Sir, (replied that Illuſtrious Scythian) you will wonder much more, when you ſhall know that Anaxaris is not Anaxaris: and much more then that, when I have told you who he is. How, (ſaid Cyrus) do you know him? Yes Sir, replied he, and I ſhall tell you more in private. Then Cyrus ſeparating from the reſt of the Company, and ſtill riding on, to loſe no time, he hearkned unto what Indathirſis told him, with ſo many ſignes of wonder in his Countenance, as it was eaſie to know that he was both much ſurpriſed and much grieved.

The end of the eighth Part.

New and Excellent Romances, Printed for HUMPHREY MOSELEY, at the Princes Armes in St. Pauls Church-Yard.

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CAſſandra the Fam'd Romance, the whole work in five Parts, written in French, and now Elegantly rendred into Engliſh, by a Perſon of Quality Fol.

Ibrahim, or the Illuſtrious Baſſa, an Excellent new Romance, the whole work in four Parts, written in French by Monſieur de Scudery, and now Engliſhed by Henry Cogan, Gent. Fol.

Artamenes, or the Grand Cyrus, an Excellent new Romance, written by that famous wit of France, Monſieur de Scudery, Governour of Noſtre-dame, and now Engliſhed by F. G. Eſq. Fol.

The Continuation of Artamenes, or the Grand Cyrus, that Excellent new Romance, being the third and fourth Parts, written by that Famous Wit of France, Monſieur de Scudery, Governour of Noſtre-dame, and now Engliſhed by F. G. Eſq. Fol.

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The fi [...]t Volume, of Artamenes, or the Grand Cyrus, that Excellent new Romance, being the ninth and tenth parts, written by that Famous Wit of France, Monſieur de Scudery, Governour of Noſtre-dame, and now Engliſhed by F. G. Eſq. Fol. in the Preſſe.

The Hiſtory of Polexander and a Romance, Engliſhed by William Brown Gent. Fol.

The Hiſtory of the baniſhed Virgin, a Romance, tranſlated by I. H. Eſq. Fol.

Caſſandra the Fam'd Romance, the three firſt Books written in French, and Elegantly rend [...]ed into Engliſh, by the right Honourable the Lord George Digby. 80

The Hiſtory of Philoxipes and Policrite, taken out of Artamenes, or the Grand Cyrus, made Engliſh by an honourable Perſon. 80

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Aurora, Iſmenia, and the Prince, with Oronia the Ciprian Virgin, tranſlated by Thomas Stanley Eſq. the ſecond Edition corrected and amended. 80

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HIſtoricall Relations of the United Provinces of Flanders, written in Italian by Cardinall Bentivoglio, and now rendred into Engliſh by the Right Honourable Henry Earl of Monmouth. Fol.

The Hiſtory of the Warres of Flanders, written in Italian by that Learned and famous Cardinall Bentivoglio; Engliſhed by the Right Honourable Henry Earl of Monmouth. The whole work illuſtrated with a Map of the 17 Provinces, and above 20. Figures of the chief Perſonages mentioned in this Hiſtory. Fol. 1654.

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De Bello Belgico, the Hiſtory of the Low-Countrey Warres, written in Latine, by Famianus Strada, in Engliſh, by Sir Robert Stapylton, illuſtrated with divers Figures. Fol.

The Hiſtory of Life and Death, or the prolongation of Life, written by Francis Lord Verulam, Viſcount St. Alban in 120

M. Howels Hiſtory of Lewis the thirteenth King of France, with the life of his Cardinal de Richelieu. Fol.

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A German Diet, or the Ballance of Europe wherein the Power and Weakneſſe, Glory, and Reproach, Vertues and Vices, Plenty and Wants, Advantages and Defects, Antiquity, and Moderns of all the Kingdomes and States of Chriſtendome are Impartially poiz'd, by James Howel Eſq. Fol.

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§

§

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THE FIFTH AND Laſt Volume OF ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS, THAT EXCELLENT NEW ROMANCE: Being the Ninth and Tenth PARTS, which finiſh the whole Work.

Written by that Famous Wit of FRANCE, MONSIEƲR de SCƲDERY, Governor of NOSTRE-DAME.

And now ENGLISHED by F. G. Eſq

LONDON, Printed for HUMPHREY MOSELEY at the Prince's Arms in St. Paul's Church-yard; and THOMAS DRING at the George in Fleet-ſtreet. M. D. CLV.

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE AND MOST PERFECTLY NOBLE, THE LADY ANNE LUCAS,

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MADAM,

AFter many Addreſſes, Your Great CYRUS comes to take his leave. His Story runs full of ſuch hazardous Attempts, as bad us expect this Last Volume would prove his Tragedy. But Your HONOUR knows how the Ancients differ about the Death of CYRUS. And thoſe who refuſe Him for the Lover of MANDANA, may equally deny MANDANA to be his Mother, ſince That Name (as well as CYRUS) belong'd to more than one. Our Author hath not ſhew'd more ſtrength of Brain in the admirable Turnes and Mazes of this Work (which makes it reputed ſecond to none) than He hath at last in tying all up; wherein yet Hee ſwerves not from the Authority of two of the beſt Greek Hiſtorians. Did Annaliſts and Chroniclers draw up Battails with that accurate skill this Author does here, Hiſtory would prove leſſe tedious, more uſefull, and freer from Contradictions. But our Author is a Souldier, and ſpent (one would think) all his Thoughts on Seidges and Battailes, till we read his Letters and Sceanes of Love, and then we admire how (to both thoſe former) he is able to afford us ſuch Politick Diſcourſes. There are (men of no vulgar Genius, and ſuch as are no Strangers to the Author) can lend a Clavis to moſt of this Story; can tell where 'tis Perſonall, and where Morall: they know what Prince the Author mean's by CYRUS fighting in midd'ſt of a Wood (ſet on fire round about him) where after conqueſt of his Enemies he muſt aſſault that Element: And while He and the King of Aſſyria are duelling for MANDANA, She (the great Booty) is taken from them both by a perfidious perſon to whom ſhe was entruſted; where MANDANA is no Woman, but the Empire it ſelf, and ſo (I am told) the Word ſignifies in the language of that Country. But without any Key, an ordinary Eye may [Page] behold in TOMYRIS the bottomleſs Wrath of a revengefull Princeſs; what miſchief that Sex can do in a Kingdom when tempted by Power, almoſt (if Preſidents had not taught us otherwiſe) as deſtructive as a Man. But herein Your LADISHIP will pardon the Author as one born and living under the Salique Law. Yet nothing is more legible in his Chieftains and Commanders, than that the luſt after Thrones and Scepters is as boyling mad as Fond Love, and infinitely more fatall, ſince the violence of Lovers ſtrikes but at a couple, when the Thirſt after a Crown drinks the blood of Millions, who all muſt be ſlaughter'd for that perſon who aſpires to it. Our Author was ſo watchfull over his CYRUS and MANDANA, that neither have their Lapſes, ſave in ſome Doubt (Jealouſie I cannot call it) of their mutual Affections, which yet was begotten on rational grounds, and ſuch overflowings are tolerable in Love, though in no other Paſſion. How He hath embeliſh'd his Queens and Princeſſes with diſtinct Graces, your LADISHIP is beſt able to pronounce: For the Author (with all his Art and Abilities) cannot feign more Virtues than Your HONOUR is poſſeſs'd of; and might ſafely uſe no other Compellations for thoſe eminent Perſonages he ſtrives to magnifie, than the Names of Your ſeveral Virtues. And this (MADAM) is the great Inducement made me humbly offer theſe Volumes to Your LADISHIP; for if they have ought that is Excellent and Tranſcendent, they are yours in Juſtice, and may finde their Exemplars at all capacities: For whoſe accompliſhment in all Degrees of Happineſs, for your moſt Learned and Noble LORD, and that Confluence of Hopes in that matchleſs young LADY, You have the conſtant Devotions of

(MADAM)

Your Honour's most humble and most obedient Servant HUMPHREY MOSELEY.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. The Nineth Part.

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Book. I.

CAn it poſſibly be true (ſaid Cyrus, and cried out, after he knew from Indatherſes the true name of Anaxaris) that Anaxaris ſhould be the Prince Ariantes, Brother unto Thomiris, who was gone unto the Kingdome of Iſſedons, with the young Spargapiſes, when Ciaxares ſent me unto that Princeſs? Yes Sir, replied Indatherſes, Anaxaris is really Ariantes, brother unto the Queen of Maſſagettes; and the voyage which he made when you were with that Princeſs, cauſed him to paſs unknown in your Army, for ſince you never ſaw him, he might paſs for whom he pleaſed: But I beſeech you (ſaid Cyrus) what could his deſign be in concealing himſelf ſo long, and in rendring me ſervices ſo great, as will for ever after make me the moſt miſerrble man alive? Did he only wait for an opportunity of revenging Thomiris, by carrying away the Princeſs whom I adore? And muſt I look upon this Act of his, as an effect of that revenge which lurks in the ſoul of that incenſed Queen? Or as his love unto Mandana? Sir, replied Indatherſes, I cannot tell you what the intentions of the Prince Ariantes was; but I am ſure he has been too long out of the favour of Thomiris, to be the Executioner of her revenge. I beſeech you (ſaid Cyrus) how do you know that Anaxaris is Ariantes? for I muſt ingenuouſlie confeſs, what you tell me does ſo much ſurprize me, that I muſt needs enquire of all circumſtances concerning a matter, which would ſeem abſolutelie incredible, if any but you had told it. Sir, replied Indatherſes, I know ſo very well, that Anaxaris is Ariantes, as none can be ſurer of any thing; for a ſervant of mine, in whom I have extraordinarie confidence, and who hath ſeen him whole years together, did ſee him with Mandana; and ſince I deſired to be ſure of the place where you were, I ſent him to enquire, [Page] with orders to return unto me at a place where I ſtayed a day to put my ſelf in a fit equipage to appear before the Princeſs Mandana, whom I knew you conducted: So as this ſervant who has wit and ſpirit enough, ſaw Anaxaris yeſterday do the office of the Captain of the Guard unto the Princeſs Mandana: But ſince he ſaw him, and was not ſeen by him again, by reaſon of the preſs of people which crowded to ſee that Princeſs as ſhe went unto the Temple, his wonder at the ſight of him was not perceived, and knowing none about him, he had no reaſon to expreſs his admiration, yet he made a ſhift to be underſtood, and to ask the name of him whom he looked upon ſo ſeriouſly; and being anſwered that his name was Anaxaris, but none being able to tell him either what he was, or from whence, he eaſily apprehended, that the Prince Ariantes would not be known; ſo that ſaying no more, he returned in all haſt towards me, not only to aſſure me that I ſhould find you upon the banks of the River Halis, but alſo to tell me that he had ſeen the Prince Ariantes▪ paſſing by the name of Anaxaris, and as Captain of the Guard unto the Princeſs Mandana. At the firſt I told him, that certainly he was miſtaken by ſome that reſembled him, yet he was ſo extreamlie confident of it, that I contended no longer with him, but made [...] doubt of it in my own mind, and ſaid no more unto him: But Sir, when I came unto the place where I imagined to find you, then I underſtood that this Anaxaris had carried away Mandana, and then I made no queſtion but that he was the Prince Ariantes; and truly I am now as fully perſwaded of it, as if I had ſeen him my ſelf: Alas my dear Indatherſes (ſaid Cyrus) I am no leſs perſwaded of it then you, for trulie were Anaxaris of a more inferiour qualitie, certainlie he durſt never have been ſo bold as to carry away the Princeſs; and now methinks you have opened my eyes, and I find ſome imperfect reſemblance betwixt Thomiris and him: Alſo he hath an accent, and ſound in his voice, as might at leaſt have induced me to know him for a Scithean: But aſſuredly the Gods, being reſolved upon my ruine, did blind me, and deprived me of my reaſon, to the end that I my ſelf might contribute unto Mandana's and my own deſtruction.

After this, Cyrus was ſilent, and continued a while ſighing and walking, then upon a ſudden calling Feraulas, unto whom the King of Aſſiria was talking, he asked him how it was known that Anaxaris had carried away Mandana? Sir, ſaid Feraulas, Anaxaris hath carried the marter ſo ſubtilly, that none ever knew until within foure houres after his departure; for Sir, he went away with the Princeſs above an houre before it was day, yet it was not known that ſhe was not in her Chamber, until an houre before I departed, with intention to come hither; and which is ſtrangeſt, Arianite whom ſhe left behinde her, had orders to conceal her departure as well as Pherenice, and all the reſt of the women: But Doraliſa and Marteſia are with her: Oh Feraulas (ſaid Cyrus) this cannot be, I can never believe that Mandana would let her ſelf be carried away, and carried away by Anaxaris: Sir, replied Feraulas, it is as far from my belief as yours, but it is a certain truth, that neither the Princeſs, nor either of the Ladies who are with her, did call any unto their aid; that all Mandana's guard followed her, and that Andramites and his friends are gone with her: The greateſt wonder is, Arianite ſaid, that Anaxaris came and cauſed Marteſia to be waked, to the end ſhe might awake Mandana, which after ſhe had accordinglie done, he ſpoke unto the Princeſs, that he read ſomthing unto her out of a Letter which he had, and that he ſhewed unto her a Scarf, which ſhe looked upon with a torrent of tears in her eyes, and with extream bitterneſs of heart. Arianite ſaid further, that after Mandana had cauſed Marteſia to come unto her, and had ſent to waken Doraliſa, they both of them wept a while with her, and afterwards the Princeſs riſing in haſte, whilſt Anaxaris went to take orders for her departure, ſhe did nothing elſe but ſhed tears whilſt ſhe was dreſſing: She alſo ſaid, that as the Princeſs was ready to depart, and to take Coach at a pair of ſtairs in a back Court, Marteſia commanded her from the Princeſs to cauſe her women not to open the door of her Chamber until it was very late. Then Arianite preſſing Marteſia to tell her whether the Priuceſs went, why ſhe grieved? and why ſhe carried not all her women with her? You ſhall ere long have orders to come unto her (replied Marteſia) But in the mean time my dear Arianite (ſaid She) repent of your ſerving the King of Aſſiria, ſince perhaps you were the cauſe of his killing the illuſtrious Cyrus, and of the Princeſſes death for very grief of his loſs: You may well conceive Sir, that a woman who thought the King of Aſſiria dead, was extreamlie ſurprized to hear that he lived, and that he had killed you; yet ſhe could not expreſs her wonder, for Marteſia and Doraliſa followed Mandana with as much haſte as ſorrow. However, ſince this news did touch Arianite [Page] very much, ſhe imparted it unto the reſt of the Princeſſes women, and alſo awaked Pherenice to tell her. So that having paſſed away the reſt of the night, and part of the morning in reaſoning upon this ſtrange adventure, ſhe ſent to ſeek out Chriſantes, yet it was long before her ſervant could get out, becauſe the foure Guards which Anaxaris had placed at the Gate of the Caſtle, would not ſuffer any to paſs out, becauſe their orders was to the contrarie; but at laſt obtaining their leave, this ſervant got out and went unto Chriſantes, who underſtood before that you Sir was not at your own lodging: And hearing at the ſame time by Arianita that the Princeſs was alſo gone out, he thought it not fit to conceal her aſtoniſhment: So that acquainting the Prince Artamas, Mazares, Intaphernes, Myrſiles and others with it, there was preſently raiſed ſo great a report of your death Sir, and of the Princeſſes her departure, that I am not able to repreſent unto you the diſorder which this ſad news cauſed, both amongſt all your friends, and amongſt the Souldiers: The greateſt wonder was, that none knew what courſe to take, nor from whom to receive orders: Some ſaid the beſt way was; to go unto the King of Hircania, others unto Croeſſus, and every one voting to revenge your death, and going after Mandana, yet all their Spirits were in ſuch diſorder, that neither of thoſe courſes was taken: Some ſaid that happily Anaxaris had not carried away the Princeſs, conſidering the manner of her departure: But the Prince Myrſiles underſtanding from ſome of his ſervants, that Andramites many daies ſince had prepared ſome of his friends for ſome great deſign, which he ſaid he had in hand, he made no queſtion but his deſign was; that knowing Anaxaris would carry away Mandana, he would alſo carry away his adored Doraliſa: So that ſuppoſing them to be carried away by fallacies, this Prince making no reckonings of theſe reports which went of the King of Aſſiria's being alive, and that he had killed you, he aſſembled together ſome of his friends, and went in all haſte to ſee if he could diſcover which way Anaxaris took. The Prince Mazares alſo took up the ſame deſign, but took another way: As for the Prince Artamas, Intaphernes, Chriſantes, Aglatidas, and my ſelf, we divided our ſelves with intentions to find you out: So that being guided doubtleſs by the Gods unto the place where you were, I have good reaſon to believe that they will alſo guide you Sir very ſhortlie unto the place where Mandana is: No no, replied this grieved Prince, there is no hopes, but on the contrarie all is to be feared. After this, the Sibels anſwer which was brought him by Ortalques coming into his mind, he aſſured himſelf that he was deſtined unto a ſad fate, and that Thomiris would deſtroy him. Then alſo he believed that the Oracle of the Aſſyrian King would be fully compleated, and prove to his Rivals advantage; nor durſt he ſo much as hope, that the Oracle which the Princeſs of Salamis had received, could be interpreted unto his advantage: So that his Spirits being wholly poſſeſſed with ſorrow, he talked no more of what happed in the place where Arianita was, from whoſe own mouth he intended to be preciſely ſatisfied of all that Feraulas told him. He found her with Pherenice, Amalde, Telamire, and all the reſt of the Ladies which uſed to accompany her, but he found them all in tears; yet his ſight was a great comfort unto them; ſuppoſing that ſince he was living, they needed not to fear Mandana. However, their aſtoniſhment was not a little unto them that believed the King of Aſſyria dead, and had heard ſay afterwards, that he had killed Cyrus, when they ſaw them both living, and carrie themſelves to each other as formerlie. And after they were informed of all that Arianita knew; after they had examined the four Guards whom Anaxaris had left, and who knew nothing but that Anaxaris had commanded them to let none go out of the Caſtle until it was late, and that the King of Aſſyria had been dreſſed of a ſlight wound which he had in his left Atm, they adviſed together upon the beſt expedients in ſuch a diſaſterous occaſion, 'Tis true; their counſels were often interrupted, for men come from all Quarters of the Army to be ſatisfied concerning this great report which was ſo ſuddenlie ſpread abroad, both concerning the King of Aſſyria's life, and the death of Cyrus, and alſo the carrying away of Mandana.

But at the laſt, ſince the neceſſity of the buſineſs did extreamly urge it, Cyrus with the advice of all his friends and of his Rival, and when they underſtood that Anaxaris had not above a hundered men with him, reſolved that the King of Aſſiria, the Prince Artamas, the Prince Intaphernes and himſelf, ſhould each of them take two hundered horſe, and divide themſelves, to try if any of them could find out the way which Anaxaris took, of which they had no light at all. But ſince Cyrus was glad that ſome of his friends would be with the Aſſirian King, in caſe he ſhould find Mandana, and recover her out of Anaxaris his hands: And ſo he had no means to break his promiſe and carry her away for [Page] himſelf, therefore Cyrus tranſacted with abundance of diſcretion, maugre all his ſorrows: And cauſed many of his friends to follow his Rival, As Araſpes, Aglatidas and ſome others. Thus theſe four Princes, taking with them ſuch men as they ſtood in need of, they parted, after they had agreed upon the ſeveral ways which they were to take, and of the place unto which they would ſend intelligence in caſe they heard any news of Mandana: But when theſe four Troops had taken their ſeveral ways, and that Cyrus marched and enquired all the way he went; alſo when he conſidered how after he had taken Sinope, Artaxates Babylon, Sardis and Cumes; and how after he had ſubdued ſo many Kingdoms, and delivered Mandana when ſhe was carried away by the King of Aſſiria, by the Prince Mazares, and by the King of Pontus, now to ſee her carried away again, by the Prince Ariantes, he fell into a moſt extream diſpair: For he ſaw himſelf in as miſerable a condition, as he was when he went under the name of Artamenes, when upon his return from Maſſagettes, as he approached Thimiſcyra, he underſtood, that the King of Aſſiria under the name of Philidaſpes had carryed away Mandana; yet ſometimes he imagined that Ariantes perhaps had not carried her away; but this imagination was very weak in him: for having confidence in his ſecreſy, he had told him the the hour when he was to fight with the King of Aſſiria: So as ſeeing he had carried away Mandana, before he had ſo much as fought with his enemy, he could not find any foundation of hope: And not knowing well what to think of this croſs adventure, he very well ſaw it to be full of cruelty unto him. In the mean time, all his vigilancy and cares to enlighten his knowledge was in vain. The Prince Artamas, was no more happy then he was in his way; no more was Intaphernes. But though theſe three Princes with Merſyles ſought Ariantes in vain: It was otherwiſe with the King of Aſſiria; for fortune ſeemed to conduct him unto unto Mandana; and he found the way ſhe went, within forty furlongs of the place where he parted from Cyrus; ſo as making all haſt after, and continually enquiring, he underſtood that the Coach in which the Princeſs was, being broken, it would be a long while before it could be mended So as then hoping to overtake them quickly, he marched ſo faſt, that he came at laſt upon a little Hill within thirty furlongs of the Euxine Bridge: from whence he ſaw horſemen coming out of a little Wood; he ſaw a Coach ſtay: alſo he ſaw a Lady ſitting under ſome Trees, whoſe head leaned upon the knees of another, and who by her action ſeemed to wipe away her tears, there being another woman upon her knees before him, who alſo behaved her ſelf as if ſhe wept: So as knowing that Mandana had none with her but Doraliſa and Marteſia, he doubted not but it was ſhe whom he ſaw. Then without the delay of one minute he encouraged his men unto valor. He commanded them to have a principle care, not to fight over neer Mandana, leaſt they ſhould unawares hurt her: After which he commanded them to march, and at the very firſt to cut all the Reighs of that Charrot in which the Princeſs was, to the end Ariantes might be diſabled from carrying her away: yet ſince he was not neer enough to know their faces, he only conjectured who they were; but his conjecture and appearances deceived him: for Ariantes having left Mandana under that ſhade, was gone himſelf to enquire whether the Coach could paſs a certain way which would ſhorten that way at leaſt two hours, in going unto the Port where he had provided a Ship, as ſoon as he underſtood that Cyrus was to fight with the King of Aſſiria: So that Andramites ſtaying to command Mandanas Guard no ſooner ſaw this body of Cavelry appear, in the head of which was the King of Aſſirias but he expected an aſſault. Yet to the end he might know who it was that aſſaulted him, he ſent out one of his men to know who thoſe were which he ſaw: And commanding all the reſt to prepare themſelves for a ſtout defence: he ſet one party about Mandana, and placed ſo me other at the entry into the little Wood, which was eaſily defended, becauſe they could not be ſurrownded. Since all this could not be done but in Mandanas ſight; and ſince her magination was filled with a fancy that the King of Aſſiria had killed Cyrus, ſhe ſtarted up in great haſt, conjuring Andramites that if it were the King of Aſſiria which appeared, to defend her againſt him; and obliged alſo Doraliſa to imploy all her power over Andramines, to make him loſe his life rather then ſuffer her to fall into the hands of a man whom ſhe thought had killed Cyrus: She had no ſooner ſaid this, but thoſe whom Andramites had ſent to diſeover whether or no it was the King of Aſſiria returned with all ſpeed, & aſſuaed him that it was the King of Aſſiria. So that Mandana aggravating her prayers unto Andramites, and her commands upon her Guards, ſhe her ſelf was an obſtacle unto thoſe who came to deliver her; not imagining that there could be more danger in being carryed away by Anaxaris whom ſhe did not know to be Ariantes, then by the King of Aſſiria by Mazares, or by the King of Pontus.

[Page] Adramites after he had aſſured her, that he would die in her ſervice, and after he had ſent to acquaint Ariantes with the adventure, he advanced towards the King of Aſſyria, as the King of Aſſyria advanced towards him, ſo that a moſt fatal and terrible combat began betwixt them. Since the King of Aſſyria in his march had divided his men into many ſmall Parties, leſt he ſhould be miſtaken, and ſince his intelligence of Mandana's march was various, he was no more numerous then his adverſarie, ſo that the combat being upon equal terms; it was both ſharp and bloody. But whilſt they were at handy blowes, and whilſt Andramites endeavoured to hinder the King of Aſſyria from coming at Mandana, that Princeſs would needs go unto her Coach whilſt Andramites kept his ground: But ſince the King of Aſſyria had been exactly obeyed, ſhe found that ſome of his men had cut the Reins of his horſes; ſo that returning unto the foot of a tree environed with thoſe whom Andramites had left to guard her, her imaginations were beyond all expreſſions, eſpecially when ſhe knew the King of Aſſyria, and ſaw him fight with incredible fury; for ſeeing him with the ſame Sword wherewith ſhe thought he had killed Cyrus, her ſorrows were ſuch as words cannot repreſent. Alas (ſaid ſhe, ifting up her eyes to heaven and ſighing) muſt I come under the power of him who hath taken away the life of the moſt illuſtrious Prince that ever breathed, and unto whom I was moſt obliged of all men living? Oh ye juſt Gods (cried ſhe, and bathed her eyes in tears) Since the death of Cyrus muſt infallibly be the cauſe of mine, I beſeech you defer it no longer, but let me even now expire with ſorrow; and if you will be favourable unto me, let thoſe who fight in my defence revenge the death of Cyrus upon the King of Aſſyria; or at the haſt, let not that unjuſt Prince triumph over my Tomb, much leſs over my perſon. Whilſt Mandana was thus breathing up her prayers to heaven, a great noyſe of ſtrange voice▪ of armes, and of horſes was heard, one man no ſooner fell of each ſide, but another ſtept into his place, and their fury both in aſſaulting and defending was as hot as at the firſt. The King of Aſſyria for his part did things beyond a man, and he killed almoſt as many with his own hand, as all the reſt of his followers did. On the other ſide, Andramites as well in point of love as honor, did what a man of courage could do; but ſince the King of Aſſyria was ſtoutlie ſeconded by Aglatidas and Araſpes, he preſſed ſo hard upon thoſe he aſſaulted, that they were forced to give ground; ſo that Mandana, Doraliſa, and Marteſia, then thinking they ſhould fall under the King of Aſſyria's power, they all breathed out ſuch ſcrie [...] of ſorrow, as reached the ears of Andramites.

This Lover no ſooner heard the voice of the perſon whpm he adored, but recollecting new vigour, and encouraging his men both by his example and language, he repulſed thoſe who had repulſed him; then ſeeking for the King of Aſſyria, maugre the confeſion of the combat, he fell upon him with extream furie, and environed him with foure of his men; So that the King of Aſſyria being weary with the combat which he had in the morning with Cyrus, who had wounded him ſlightlie in the left arm, and now not having his uſual ſtrength, he could not reſiſt ſo many upon him at once. Alſo his deſign being to [...]quander thoſe who aſſaulted him at the very firſt, he weakned himſelf at the very beginning of the combat, and loſt part of his forces: So that being now over-matched, he was wounded in ſeveral places: 'Tis true, his wounds coſt others of his enemies very dear, and if his horſe had not been killed under him, he had not been ſo eaſily vanquiſhed; yet after he was diſmounted, he did not render himſelf, but on the contrary redoubling his fury, he did things above imagination, for maugre the valour of them who were upon him on all ſides, he made his way through in deſpite of them, and perhaps finding his ſtrength to fail, he put his whole ſtrength he had left unto it, and made his way with ſuch vigour, that he broke through them, and went ſtraight unto thoſe who guarded Mandana. But in lieu of being able to aſſault as he deſigned by his action, he fell down after he had received a blow upon his Thigh, which hindred him from ſuſtaining himſelf; ſo that the Guards had diſpatched him, if Andramites who ſaw him fall had not forbidden them, after they had ſeized uphn his Sword which dropt out of his hand as he fell. In the mean while Aglatidas and Aaſpes, who fought for Cyrus, and not for the King of Aſſrria, continued the combat with incredible valour. But whilſt Andramites reſiſted them, the King of Aſſyria ſtriving to get up, he ſaw Mandana turning away her head from the ſight of him, and ſtepping ſome paces further from him; but love ſtrengthening his deſires, he got up, and paſſing through thoſe who guarded the Princeſs, he came to her and fell at her feet, and leſt ſhe ſhould get further off, he took hold of her Gown, the Princeſs imagining that he held it with the ſame hand that killed Cyrus, did ſtrive to get away, and ſpeaking with as much anger as [Page] ſorrow; Away, away (ſaid ſhe unto him) how dare you touch me after you have ſent Cyrus to his grave? Cyrus, Iſay, unto whom you owe both your life and liberty, and for whom only I deſire to live, yet I ſee you ſo impudently bold as to appear before me with a Sword ſtained with his blood, and to ſtay me with that hand which gave him his death: The King of Aſſyria ſurprized at Mandana's Speech, and deſiring to die unhated: Oh I beſeech you Madam (ſaid he unto her) Do not put new torments of hatred upon me, I have not killed Cyrus, and I am ſo far from being his Conquerour, that certainly he had been mine, if the news of your carrying away had not taken up our combat; and to teſtifie that I am as full of ſincerity as love, I muſt ingenuouſly confeſs that he hath once more given me my life, though I was not able to yeeld you unto him: How (cried out Mandana) is not Cyrus dead? No Madam, replied he, but the unfortunate Prince whom you ſee at your feet is going to die, and to die deſperate, unleſs you will pardon his crimes, and unleſs you will promiſe him ſome ſighs for the blood he has loſt in endeavouring to ſet you at liberty.

Mandana then judging by the manne of the King of Aſſiria's Speech that Cyrus was not dead, and believing that Anaxaris, vhom ſhe knew not to be Ariantes had deceived her, commanded her Guards to cry unto Andramites that Cyrus was living, to the end he might give over the combat; but the King of Aſſyria interrupting her: No, no Madam, ſaid he, do not deceive your ſelf, but believe, that if thoſe who fight for me be overcome, Cyrus perhaps will for ever loſe you, for Anaxaris is Brother unto the Queen of the Maſſagettes, and he carries you away out of revenge to her, or out of the love of himſelf: All this while you have [...]cited Andramites to fight againſt your Deliverers, and your orders Madam have brought me into this deplorable condition, yet I do not murmure, but know too too la [...]e, that ſince Cyrus doth love you, I ought not to love you, but muſt reſolve upon my death, ſince I am forced to ſay (as much my Rival as he is) that he deſerves you better then any elſe. As the King of Aſſyria was ſaying ſo, and as Mandana was in extream aſtoniſhment, and unconceiveable ſorrow, though ſhe was much joyed to hear that Cyrus was living, the Prince Ariantes (whom Andramites had ſent to come up, and weſt ſtraight unto the place where Mandana was, whilſt Andramites with his remnant) was fighting with Aglatidas, Araſpes, and their reſidue: But his intention was to carry away Mandana, Doraliſa, and Marteſia by force upon horſes unto the Port where his [...]hip ſtayed, whilſt Andramites held the reſt in play, and hindred them from purſuing. But Ariantes no ſooner appeared, then the King of Aſſyria wounded as he was, and though he was not able to get on his knee, he ſhewed ſuch a piece of courage as tranſcends all belief, for ſnatching a Sword from one of the Guards, and kneeling upon on [...] knee as I ſaid before, he held Mandana by the Gown with his left hand, and the Sword in his right: Then looking upon Ariantes as he came to him with a menacing action, Though I have but a ſmall pittance of liſe to live (ſaid he unto him in a tone which ſpoke both fury and faintneſs) yet I have enough to defend the liberty of this Princeſs, and to keep her for my Rival: If you be wiſe, purſued he, learn by my lamentable deſtiny, not to perſecute this Princeſs, for if you do, I profeſs you muſt firſt kill me before I will let her go. The King of Aſſyria pronounced theſe words with ſuch a generous fury, that he imprinted ſome reſpects in the ſouls of all that heard him, even in Ariantes himſelf: Alſo the King of Aſſyria, holding Mandana by the Gown, Ariantes had much ado to part them, out of his fears to hurt the Princeſs, in forcing the King of Aſſyria to let her go. In the mean time Mandana deſirous to be ſatisfied from his own mouth whether or no he was her Protector, and whether he thought Cyrus to be dead, ſhe began to command him to ceaſe fighting, but ſhe perceived by his anſwer that the King of Aſſyria had ſpoken truth, and better by his action, for he fearing leſt more company ſhould come in, and leſt Andramites ſhould be vanquiſhed, he commanded that they ſhould ſeparate Mandana from the King of Aſſyria. But this unfortunate Prince no ſooner ſaw them advancing towards him to that intent, but without quitting Mandana's Gown, he gave him who firſt advanced ſuch a furious blow, that the man fell half dead at the feet of the Princeſs: So that Ariantes being incenſed at his reſiſtance, went himſelf to make him quit Mandana, when he ſaw Aglatidas, who having left Araſpes to command thoſe who were ſtill fighting, came with five or ſix of his men to aſſault him: So as being forced unto a defence, he recoiled ſome paces from the King of Aſſiria, whom two of the Guard which were left with him, whereof the one of them was Brother unto him whom that unfortunate Prince had laſt wounded, both of them fell upon him behinde, and took [Page] his Sword from him, ſay what Mandana could to the contrarie, for this Princeſs ſeeing how things ſtood, did what ſhe could to defend him, who now defended her, conſidering the pittiful condition wherein he was; and ſhe was now as careful of preſerving his life, as ſhe was of cauſing his death, when ſhe thought he had killed Cyrus: 'Tis true, all her cares were fruitleſs, becauſe the laſt blows which this unfortunate Prince had received, did ſo upon a ſuddain enfeeble him, as not being able to ſuſtain himſelf upon one knee, he fell upon that arm which held Mandana's Gown, and ſo weakly ſupported himſelf: So that the Princeſs ſeeing him ready to expire, and being moved with extream compaſſion, ſhe ſat down upon the graſs, whilſt the fight continued ſome fifteen or twenty paces from her; and this miſerable Prince, whoſe ſtrength more and more failed, reſted his drooping head upon Mandana's knee; and this generous and pitiful Princeſs ſeeing him ready to expire, did not draw back from him as ſhe did a quarter of an houre before, and would not deny him the conſolation of taking his laſt breath upon her knee. Since his great loſs of blood had taken away from him ſome part of his fierceneſs, by taking away his ſtrength, and ſince he had his reaſon very perfect, becauſe he feared not death, he uttered nothing concerning Mandana, but yet what was very tender and moving: 'Tis true, he ſpoke but little, yet that little wrought great effect upon the heart of that Princeſs: And to make the freedome of his ſoul appear, he remembred the Oracle which he received at Babylon in the Temple of Jupiter Belus, which ſaid thus unto him.

Well mayeſt thou hope to make her mourn,

For all her cruelty and ſcorn,

Becauſe hereafter in her Armes,

Thou there ſhalt find ſuch pleaſing charms,

As quite ſhall terminate thy pain,

And never ſhall complain again.

This Prince very probably remembering this Oracle, lifting up his eyes in a languiſhing manner, and looking upon the Princeſs; I beſeech you Madam (ſaid he unto her in a dying tone,) let me have ſome ſhare in thoſe ſighs which I hear you breath, to the end that dying in your Arms, I may meet with that reſt which the Gods have promiſed me by their Oracles: I aſſure you Sir (ſaid ſhe and ſighed again) that what you have now done for me, makes me extreamly ſad to ſee you in this condition, and if I were able to preſerve your life, as you would my liberty, I would do it with all my heart: It is enough divine Madam (ſaid he unto her in a very low voice) and I ſhall die much more happy then I lived, ſince I ſhall die unhated by the divine Mandana. As this unfortunate Prince ſaid ſo, he offered reſpectively to take the hand of the Princeſs, but at the very firſt touch of it he loſt his ſpeech, and in a hollow whiſper did let her underſtand that which his tongue could not pronounce: So as this deplorable Prince dying immediately after, he had the glory to make Mandana ſigh, and really to pity his death, who had been the greateſt torment of her life. In the mean while the combat continued ſtill, but ſince the preſence of Ariantes had given freſh hearts unto his men, the face of things changed, and both Aglatidas and Araſpes who were met, could not with all their valour prevent almoſt an abſolute defeat; for ſince the horſe of Aglatidas was killed, and himſelf wounded in the arm, Araſpes alſo being hurt in his right hand, Ariantes and Andramites left a Party of their men to keep in work thoſe few men which reſiſted them, and went with the reſt unto the place where Mandana was; and ſay what ſhe would or could, ſhe muſt ſubmit unto force, and be carried away againſt her will, not but that it grieved Ariantes to the ſoul, that his paſſion ſhould tranſport him beyond his due reſpects. But though he asked pardon for the violence he offered, yet he behaved himſelf as a man who would execute his deſign; and indeed he carried Mandana, Doraliſa, and Marteſia, unto the Port where the Ship waited; and as he remembred how Mazares in his carrying away Mandana from Sinope, did ſet fire upon all the Ships in the Port, he reſolved upon the like, leſt he ſhould be followed, which thing was eaſily done, becauſe there was not above three or foure there; and becauſe the Port was ſeparated from the Town which was neer, and ſince there was not above two or three men in each of thoſe Ships. Thus Mandana, Doraliſa, and Marteſia being put into the Ship, and Ariantes, Andramites, and their retinue alſo entred, they began to hoyſe ſail, not tarrying for thoſe they left in hand with the King of Aſſyria's men; for though Ariantes had left one of his deareſt friends amongſt [Page] thoſe which fought, yet he would not hazard the loſs of Mandana to preſerve him, ſo violent was his paſſion. Thus parting from the Port a little after Sun-ſet, Mandana was in as ſad a condition as ever. But whilſt this Princeſs (and with reaſon) was grieving, Cyrus was as ſad as his ſorrow was juſt, for after he had in vain ſought Mandana, chance brought him at laſt unto the place from whence ſhe was carried away: So as finding the place covered with dead and dying men, he ſaw Mandana's Coach, and the horſes grazing looſe; he ſaw Aglatidas wounded, as well as Araſpes, and he ſaw the King of Aſſyria dead. So that not finding Mandana there, and thoſe who fought for her liberty vanquiſhed, his ſorrow was moſt extream; but it was at a higher pitch, when he underſtood from Aglatidas and Araſpes how the caſe ſtood, and when he underſtood from one of Mandana's Guard, who lay wounded neer the place where the King of Aſſyria's corps did lye, ſome of that Princes dying expreſſions, and all that he had done for her liberty. So as this generous Rival in imitation of that compaſſion which they ſaid Mandana expreſſed at the loſs of ſo valiant a Prince, he alſo pitied the lamentable deſtiny of ſo great a King, though he had been his moſt mortal Enemy. But to ſpend no time in fruitleſs complaints, he commanded ſome of his Followers to put the corps of this renowned Rival into Mandana's Coach, to catch the horſes, and to drive to the place from whence he came, there to ſtay till he had reſolved what Funeral Honours to do unto it. After which, viſiting the wounded, to ſee if any could tell which way Ariantes took, the Prince Indatherſes, who was with Cyrus, did know one of his Country who was of good Quality called Adonacris: So as going to him, and making himſelf known, they were both ſurprized at the ſight of each other. But after the firſt paſſages of civility, Indatherſes asked him ſuch queſtions as Cyrus deſired to be ſatisfied in, and he anſwered that he thought it in vain to follow Ariantes, for certainly he would be Shipped before any could be at the Port where he had provided a Ship, though it was not far from the place where they were. However Cyrus haſted thither after, at the requeſt of Indatherſes, he had commanded that a ſpecial care ſhould be had of Adonacris, who as wounded as he was, had the ayr of a brave accompliſhed man, and of good quality. But as much haſt as Cyrus made, it was dark when he came unto the Port from whence Ariantes departed a little after Sun-ſet, ſo as he found none but thoſe Ships which his Rival had ſet on fire; nor had he ſo much conſolation as to underſtand which way the Ship ſteered which carried away his Princeſs, for the night being dark, one could not diſcover any thing towards the Sea, nor could he learn any thing from the men which had their Ships burning, for their amazement at the accident, did ſo wholly take up their minds, that they thought upon nothing elſe but quenching the fire, and never heeded which way he ſteered who had done them the hurt.

Thus the illuſtrious Cyrus could not that day learn whether Ariantes went towards his own Country, or whether he ſteered toward Thrace, or towards the Meotidan Lake, or towards Colchis, ſo as he was in the moſt miſerable condition in the world; for ſince there was no Port within a daies journey of the place where he was, he thought it in vain to ſend after Ariantes, ſince he knew not which courſe he ſteered; yet he ſent Feraulas with fifty men, and commanded him to take as many Ships as he could find, and to divide his men into all the Ships, to enquire news of Ariantes, and to know into what place of the world he might go and ſeek Mandana. He had a mind to go himſelf in perſon, but his friends diverted him, by deſiring him to conſider, that ſince all he could do was to enquire of the place unto which Ariantes went, ſince he was not in a condition to aſſault him, he had better ſtay and expect intelligence, then to wander upon the Seas with ſo much uncertainty of the way which he took; but the greateſt inducements of his ſtay was, becauſe Indatherſes told him that happily Adonacris knew more of Ariantes mind, then he would tell in his preſence: So that Cyrus being perſwaded by him, returned to the place where the King of Aſſyria's Corps was carried, and whether they had alſo carried Adonacris after he was dreſſed. But in his return thither, he went through a Village where he reſted himſelf two or three houres, and found a ſervant unto Andramites, who being wounded ſtayed there, and who knew all the ſecrets of his Maſter: So as Chriſantes knowing him very well, acquainted Cyrus with it, and told him, that happily he might get many things out of this man, if he did force him unto it; and accordingly Cyrus uſed prayers, menaces, and promiſes of recompence, if he would tell all he knew, both concerning Ariantes and Andramites: Sir (ſaid the man again) If what I ſhall tell you would bring my Maſter under your power, though I know the deſign of the Prince Ariantes to be very [Page] unjuſt, yet I would not tell you any thing, for all your menaces or promiſes of recompence. But Sir, ſince it cannot, if you will promiſe me to pardon my Maſter hereafter, if his Paſſion to Doraliſa engaged him in a deſigne as unjuſt as that of the Prince Ariantes, upon this condition, I will tell you all the paſſages betwixt them.

Since generoſity appeared in the diſcorſe of this ſervant, and ſince he asked nothing in the behalf of Ariantes, Cyrus promiſed what he deſired upon condition he would tell him all he knew concerning the deſign of Ariantes, and upon condition he would tell him how he had deceived Mandana, and carryed her away. Sir, (ſaid he then after thanks for his promiſe) ſince I have been happy in the favour of my Maſter, and have been ſerviceable to him in this laſt buſineſs, I know all the paſſages which you can deſire to get out of me: Therefore I ſhall tell you, that the Prince Ariantes having contracted an intimate friendſhip with Andramites, did at the laſt diſcover unto him, who he was, and how he loved and adored the Princeſs Mandana; alſo he told him how the King of Aſſiria was then alive, that with in three days he would meet you Sir, neer the ruins of an old Caſtle, and that you were to fight with him; and how you gave Ariantes your orders to ſhew unto all the Officers, in caſe you fell in the Combate, to the end they ſhould obey the Princeſs Mandana. But Sir, After the Prine Ariantes had acquainted my Maſter with all theſe things, and told him how you had furniſhed him wherewith to make ſure of all his companions, he expreſſed himſelf the moſt paſſionately in the world: and if I could excuſe him without offending you, I would aſſure you that he had much ado to betray you, & that his generoſity did much ſtruggle with his paſſion; but in concluſion, his paſſion being too ſtrong for him, he deſired Andramites to aſſiſt him in his deſign of carrying away Mandana the ſame night that you were to fight with the King of Aſſiria: and the more to engage him in his intereſt, he told him that in carrying away Mandana, he would alſo carry away Doraliſa: So that my Maſter who till then had reſiſted Ariantes deſign, could not now reſiſt his own paſſion: for conſidering what a Rival he had of the Prince Myrſiles, he ſaw he could not pretend any thing unto Doraliſa: and if ſhe ever loved, it would be rather that Prince then himſelf: So that finding the deſign of Ariantes unjuſt, when his own love had no intereſt, it was not enough to engage him in his inintereſt; but afterwards both of them thought of nothing elſe but how to execute it. In order unto that, I was made choiſe of by theſe two lovers to find out truſty men for ſo great a deſign, and accordingly I provided twenty Souldiers of good reſolution to be added unto the Guard of the Princeſs. Thus Sir, carrying the matter very ſecretly, there was above a hundred men reſolved to obey Ariantes in all things whatſoever. But the day being come, and Ariantes knowing that you were to depart an hour after the Moon was up, they reſolved to delude Mandana and carry her away: To that end Ariantes went to awaken Marteſia, that ſhe might awaken the Princeſs, telling her that it was a buſineſs of ſuch high and haſty concernment as would not admit of one minuts delay: Accordingly Marteſia being riſen and gone to awake the Princeſs, ſhe cauſed Ariantes to enter; he addreſſed himſelf in a melancholy aſpect ſutable to the ſad news he had to tell her, and which he would have her credit. But Sir, without any relation of what he ſaid unto the Princeſs to deceive her: I ſhallonly tell you, how according to his reſolution with my Maſter, he told her that the King of Aſſiria was alive: He told him what you promiſed that Prince at Sinope: And he ſhewed her the Order which you left him to execute in caſe he fell in the Combate with the King of Aſſiria, So that the Princeſs ſeeing an Order written with your own hand Sir, and perceaving it was not to be read until after your death: ſhe drew as ſad a concluſion from it, as Ariantes wiſhed; and ſhe aſſured her ſelf that the King of Aſſiria had killed you: and the more becauſe the Prince Ariantes by the means of a witty fellow who was his ſervant, had cauſed him to get out of your Chamber that Scarfe which you wore the day before, being the ſame (as I have heard ſay) which that Princeſs denyed you in Cappadocia, and which you took from the Prince Mazares when he was almoſt dead by reaſon of the Shipwrack with the Princeſs: So as when ſhe asked Ariantes how he knew you Sir, were dead? he told her that Ortalques who followed you, brought back the news, and likewiſe brought back the Scarfe which formerly had been hers; adding that he had brought Ortalques himſelf unto her, had not that faithful ſervant been reſolved to revenge your death Sir, upon the King of Aſſyria's ſecond; and fighting with him he was ſo wounded that all he was able to do was to come and advertiſe him of the ſad accident according to the order which he received from his Maſter before the fight. Ariantes added further, that as wounded as he was, he would have brought him, had he not feared that if the [Page] Guards of the Caſtle had ſeen him, the accident would have been too much divulged, before ſhe had well conſidered upon her own ſafety. After this, Mandana asked him with a ſad ſigh, what Ortalques had done with the Corps of his Maſter? And Ariantes anſwered her, that the King of Aſſiria had made himſelf a party amongſt the Souldiers, and would not ſuffer Ortalques to bring it off; but he had much adoe to ſteal away and ſave himſelf. Therefore Madam (ſaid he unto her) It is moſt expedient that you think upon the beſt courſe to ſecure your ſelf, for I muſt confeſs, that I am afraid the commands of a living and victorious King, will be more powerful, then the orders of a vanquiſhed and dead Prince, though he were the greateſt in the world. You may imagine Sir, how this news grieved the Princeſs Mandana: But in concluſion, after abundance of ſad complaints, ſhe told the Prince Ariantes, ſhe deſired his advice; conjuring him to make his promiſe good unto you Sir, and to die rather then to let her come under the King of Aſſyria's power. Madam (ſaid he unto her) you need not exhort me to defend you againſt this Prince, for I am ſufficiently reſolved upon it: but the difficulty is how to do it hanſomely, and not to die before you are at liberty. In the mean time, I muſt once again tell you, that I do not beleeve the Order which I have from the illuſtrious Cyrus, ſufficient to keep the Officers and Souldiers in obedience: For Craeſſus and Merſyles ſeeing their Conqueror dead, will perhaps be glad to aid the King of Aſſiria in getting the Throne, to the end they may aſcend their own Thrones. The Prince Artamas, as generous as he is, will perhaps ceaſe being Tributary unto Ciaxares, unto whom he was not ſo obliged as unto Cyrus: The King of Hircania will doubtleſs be of the ſame mind: And I make a doubt whether Gobrias and Gadates will not make uſe of this occaſion, to make the King of Aſſiria forget all they have done againſt him. To be ſhort Madam, ſo many new Conquered people are apt to rebel: and I have good cauſe to fear that the Orders of the illuſtrious Cyrus will be but ill obeyed if your perſon be not ſecured before the death of the Prince be divulged.

Mandana hearing Ariantes ſpeak thus, and finding much probability in all he ſaid, ſhe told him, that her ſorrows were ſo much above her reaſon, that ſhe was not able to reſolve upon any courſe to keep her ſelf out of the King of Aſſiria's power, and deſired him to tell her what ſhe ſhould doe: Since you command me Madam (anſwered he) I ſhall tell you, that in my opinion, the beſt courſe is to depart in all haſt and goe unto ſome Port upon the Euxine Sea, which I know is not above a days journey from hence: that as ſoon as you are there, to provide a Ship, and make uſe of it if occaſion be: after this, when you are out of the Aſſyrian Kings reach, then to ſend unto the Troops to come and receive your Orders; if they obey, and that the King of Aſſiria do not hinder them, you may then continue your voyage: and if they do not obey, the Madam you may imbarque preſently, and ſecure your Perſon from the violence of the Aſſyrian King. Mandana finding all this to be full of reaſon, did beleeve him: yet ſhe had a deſire to ſend for Chriſantes and Aglatidas: But Ariantes telling her that they lodged far from the Caſtle, and their deſign requiring both ſecrecy and haſt, ſhe was contented to let them alone, though her grief was extream; and ſhe feared ſo much to fall into the King of Aſſyria's power, that indeed her Soul was all ſorrow and fear: So that ſince ſhe thought no man more fitting to truſt, then him unto whom you had truſted your ſecrets and your honor, ſhe ſubmitted her ſelf wholly unto his conduct: yet ſhe chid him much for not acquainting her with your engagements with the King of Aſſiria: but to put that off, he told her, that he never knew of it until Ortalques told him, and gave him this Order which he ſhewed her. So that the Princeſs reſolving to follow his advice, ſhe ſent to give Orders for her departure; ſhe did riſe as faſt as ſhe could, and departed with two women only, beleeving that Ariantes had no further deſign but to ſecure her Perſon.

But Sir, I forgot to tell you, that in caſe Mandana had not been willing to follow the advice of Ariantes, he had carried her away by force; and would have told her that he had Orders ſo to doe, and to carry her unto the King her father: yet Sir, that needed not: for as I have already told you, the Princeſs confiding in the man whom you truſted Sir, and not ſuſpecting that he was in love with her, ſhe her ſelf was acceſſary to her own carrying away: And the truth is, when the King of Aſſiria came up, ſhe beleeved Cyrus to be dead, and that Ariantes under the umbrage of Anaxaris was her Protector. But I pray tell me (ſaid Cyrus and interrupted him) what is the deſign of Ariantes, and whether will he carry Mandana? Sir, replied the man, if he have not changed his mind, he will land at the Port of Cholchis, and keep cloſe in that Province, until he have [Page] brought one of theſe two things to paſs, either until he have negotiated with the Queen his Siſter, or elſe until he have declared war; for I underſtood within theſe few days that there came a man of quallity diſguiſed unto him, who told him that his friends had raiſed a great Party againſt Thomiris, and that the ſtate of things was ſo, as he was able to take the Kingdom of the Iſſedons from Thomiris, which he pretended that Princeſs unjuſtly detained from him.

This Scithyan who came to Ariantes (replied Indatherſes and addreſſed his ſpeech unto Cyrus) is certainly him, for whom I deſired your protection Sir: If ſo, replied Cyrus, happily we may get more light from him, then yet we know. If he do know any thing (replied Indatherſes) I am in good hopes he will impart it to me, for he is my very good friend, and is a little obliged to me: So as ſince I know him to be a moſt accompliſhed man, I have good reaſon to hope he will not hide what I ſhall deſire to know, if he can impart it without betraying his friend. For Heavens ſake, ſaid Cyrus, let me know as much as you can concerning Ariantes; I ſhall not fail Sir, anſwered this generous Scithian, for I aſſure you Sir, I ſhould be as much joyed to help you in the delivery of Mandana, as I was when I had the happineſs to help you out of the Maſſagetian Country. After this, Cyrus thanking him, and confirming the promiſe he made unto the ſervant of Andramites, he returned unto the place from whence Mandana departed; but in his way thither he met the Prince Merſiles, who with unequaled ſorrow, told him thus, Sir (ſaid he) ſince one that is a ſubject unto the King my father hath his hand in carrying away the Princeſs Mandana, I may perhap ſeem to be acceſſary; But if you will be pleaſed Sir, to conſider what he hath done againſt my ſelf, doubtleſs you will not think me culpable: As he was ſaying ſo, Mazares overtook them, and with ſo much ſadneſs in his face (as it was eaſie to ſee) that though he did not pretend any thing unto Mandana; yet he did very much intereſt himſelf in her misfortunes. And Cyrus had no ſooner returned a civil anſwer unto the Prince Merſiles; but Mazares conjured him to tell him, whether he had heard any thing concerning Mandana? So as Cyrus eſteeming him very much, and had loved him moſt tenderly had he never been his Rival, he gave him a moſt exact account of all paſſages; but he had no ſooner done ſpeaking, then Mazares told him that he was exceeding generous to ſatisfie his curioſity: For truly (ſaid he) though I never carryed away Mandana but once, yet it may very well be ſaid, that I am acceſſary both unto the King of Pontus his carrying her away, and alſo unto this of Ariantes, ſince if I had never begun, they had never followed: But I aſſure you Sir, that I would ſpend both my blood and my life, to recover unto her that liberty which I cauſed her to loſe. Alas, alas, cryed Cyrus, conſidering what is paſt, what may be expected from the future: After this Cyrus began to march, and muſe with himſelf until he met with the Prince Artamas, unto whom he related as much as he did unto Mazares: And after that he went ſtraight into the Caſtle, where all Mandana's women ſtayed with all the Ladies of Thimiſcira, who were to return the next morning, for the River which had not ſwelled its banks was now confined into its ordinary limits, and would let them paſs. But ſince Arianite was of their acquaintance, ſhe and Pherenice ſtayed with them, and all the reſt of Mandana's women alſo: Cyrus deſiring Amaldea to have a care of them until their Princeſs was at liberty; and that ſhe would carry them unto Thimiſcira, where he would give orders for all things they ſhould need.

In the mean time Indatherſes went to viſit Adonacris to ſcru what he could out of him, before Cyrus reſolved upon any courſe: But whilſt he was there, he did not only give orders that all honor ſhould be given unto the King of Aſſiria's Corps, as if that dead Prince were living upon his Throne: But alſo, that it ſhould be carryed unto the ſtately Tombe which the Queen Nitocris his Mother had built in Babylon. And accordingly about three days after, his Corps was put in a Charriot covered with black cloth imbroidered with Gold, the horſes which drew it, in magnificent harneſs, and this Charriot was waited upon by two hundred men in mourning on horſe-back, whereof half went before it, and half behind.

In the mean time, ſince it was ever the cuſtom of Cyrus to do a hundred unneceſſary things for the ſervice of Mandana, rather then neglect the leaſt expedient that might be ſerviceable; he conveyed away Spies to Cholchis, where the ſervant of Ariantes ſaid be would land: and he ſent Ortalques ſecretly in a diſguiſe to Gelonide, who had been very favorable to him when he was with Thomiris; but ſince it was Chriſantes who had the moſt commerce with her, Cyrus deſired him to write unto her; and deſired Aglatidas who was [Page] Nephew unto that wiſe Lady, to do the like, he himſelf intending to march ſlowly towards that Country, until he knew preciſely where Mandana was. Whilſt Cyrus was thinking upon theſe things, Indatherſes having been to ſee Adonacris, and having found him in a condition to be talked with, he conjured him to tell what Ariantes his deſign was? I can tell you, replied Adonacris, that ſince I came hither, I oppoſed as much as I was able, the unjuſt deſign of Ariantes: And truly, generous Indatherſes, I had a good mind to betray that Prince, to the end I might the better have ſerved him; but ſince I was afraid to ruine him, by deſiring to ſerve him, I durſt not truſt Cyrus, unto whom I had not the honour to be known; and if it had been the pleaſure of the Gods, that you had been here when I came firſt hither, things had not now been in that lamentable condition as they are: For truly Sir, Ariantes hath loſt a Kingdom, to carry away Mandana, and he chuſed rather to be her Raviſher, then to be King of the Iſſedons: I do ſo little underſtand the meaning of all this, replied Indatherſes, that I cannot give any anſwer unto it, for ſince I left Thomiris, I have been alwayes in Greece ſeeking Anacharſis, who as you know is my Unkle, ſo as I have only a confuſed notion of what hath paſſed in both the Scithia's; and ſince I deſired to forget the ungrateful Thomiris, I would not ſo much as think upon the Country where ſhe dwelt, nor ask any news of it: 'Tis true, ſince I came into Aſia I underſtood, that preſently after my departure from the Maſſagettes, there grew a War between Arirntes and Thomiris, by reaſon of apretention which that Prince had unto the Crowne, but I have ſuch a confuſed knowledge of it, that you would do me the greateſt pleaſure in the world if you would be pleaſed to tell me, not only all you know concerning Ariantes and Thomiris, but all the adventures happened unto your ſelf; and if you will compleatly oblige me, let the illuſtrious Cyrus know it alſo: and to induce you unto it, I muſt aſſure you that it much concerns the Prince Ariantes (whom you love) you ſhould oblige a Prince, who certainly will one day be his Conquerour. Since I have nothing to ſpeak concerning the Prince Ariantes, which can prejudice him (replied Adonacris) but on the contrary, will rather excuſe him, I will willingly ſatisfie your deſires as far as I can: But to tell the illuſtrious Cyrus all that relates unto Ariantes, and all that concerns my ſelf, will be a diſcourſe ſo long, that I am afraid, conſidering my condition, I ſhall not be able to go through with it: But I have a friend which came unto me this morning, who knows all things as well as I my ſelf, and who ſpeaks Greek excellently well, he ſhall relate the matter better then I my ſelf can.

Indatherſes ſeeing that indeed he was not able to ſpeak ſo long together, unleſs he ſhould do himſelf hurt, though he was indifferent well of his wounds, he accepted of his offer: So Adonacris ſending for his friend, whoſe name was Anabaris, he preſented him unto Indatherſes, and telling him what office he deſired from him, he prepared himſelf for obedience: So that Indatherſes telling him, that he would firſt know what houre Cyrus would appoint, and then ſend him word, he went unto that Prince, and left thoſe two illuſtrious Scithians. And Cyrus, to looſe no time, deſired Indatherſes to bring Anabaris unto him that night: So that he ſent to ſeek Anabaris, and preſented him unto Cyrus, who after a very civil reception, deſired him to ſatisfie his curioſity. Then Cyrus, Indatherſes, and he, each of them taking their places, he began thus.

The History of the Prince ARIANTES, of ELIBESIS, of ADONACRIS, and of NOROMANTE.

WHen I conſider Sir, by what wayes the Gods do bring the ſtrangeſt things to paſs, and what that indiſſolveable Chain of ſmall things with great ones, and great ones with ſmall things is, I cannot chuſe but admire their order, and acknowledg that it is not fit for men to pry too far into their myſteries: Indeed Sir, who can imagine that the violence which the Prince Ariantes hath done unto the Princeſs Mandana, had its firſt cauſe in the adventures which I am now to relate unto you? And that before ever Ariantes knew her, he had done a hundred things which put a diſpoſition into his Spirit of committing that Crime which now troubles you; yet it is moſt certain, that whilſt you were with Thomiris, and whilſt the Prince Ariantes was in the Kingdom of the Iſſedons with the young Prince Spargapiſe, there fell out ſuch things, as would have prevented this accident if they had not been: Then Sir, I do think it pertinent to tell you, that the Father of Thomiris was not born a King, and that when he became one he was already married: Indeed Thomiris, who was his then only Daughter, was four years of age when the Prince [Page] Lypacari her Father, by his prudence & valor poſſeſſed himſelf of the Kingdom of Iſſedons, after the death of the laſt of their ancient Kings: So as by this means the Prince Ariantes coming into the world two years after Lypacaris, aſcended the Throne, Thomiris was ſix years elder then the Prince Ariantes: I tell you this Sir, that you may the better underſtand by what right Thomiris raigns in prejudice of this Prince; for be pleaſed to know, that the Iſſedons are ſo perſwaded that prudence cannot be found in youth, as without any difference of Sexes, they have a Law, that when their King dies, his eldeſt Child muſt raign: So as if he have a Daughter elder then a Son, the Crown is hers. Things being thus, and the Father of Thomiris dying, this young Princeſs, who was then fourteen years of age, was proclaimed Queen, becauſe the Prince Ariantes was but eight: And ſhe found her way the more eaſie unto it, becauſe the Son unto the late King of the Maſſagettes, who was then at Iſſedon, and was deep in Love with that young Princeſs, did countenance her cauſe by his preſence, and by his intereſt, that ſo he might unite in her perſon two Kingdoms under one and the ſame Authority: And indeed, things went as he wiſhed, for Thomiris was declared Queen, and he married her preſently after: 'Tis true, they ſtayed not at Iſſedon, which is the Metropolis of our Kingdome; becauſe the King of the Maſſagettes being dead, the Prince his Son carried the Queen his Wife into his own Country, and he carried her thither in double mourning, becauſe the Queen his Mother-in-law died alſo: So that this Prince carrying the young Ariantes with him, by this means he took him out of the peoples ſight, leſt, murmuring that they had not a King reſident in their own Kingdome, there ſhould any rebellion begin under his name. In the mean time, this young Princeſs being the firſt year delivered of a Succeſſor, the King her Husband died ſuddenly, and left Thomiris Queen-Regent during the minority of the young Spargapiſes, and left her alſo Queen of two Kingdoms. Though this Queen was very young, yet ſhe raigned Soveraignly and abſolutely, and in great glory, making her ſelf ſo terrible unto all the Grandees and people, that there was not the leaſt commotion in either of her Kingdomes. In the mean time, though ſhe was born at Iſſedon, though that Kingdom was more civilized then the Maſſage [...]tes, though we have their goodly Towns, and though the others habitation be only in Tents, yet ſhe preferred that warlike people before that which was more civil and polite; ſo as ſending Lievtenants unto Iſſedon, ſhe dwelt in Tents Royal. Alſo it was her pleaſure, that the Prince Ariantes ſhould ſtay with her, until the People beginning to murmure a little at the exorbitances of thoſe ſhe ſent to govern them, and then ſhe ſent thither the young Spargapiſis her Son, though he was but a child, to the end his preſence might appeaſe all tumults. But becauſe that young Prince did love Ariantes very well, Thomiris let them both go together, which voyage continued longer then ſhe thought of. This was the voyage Sir which thoſe two Princes made when you were with Thomiris, during which time, all manner of diverſions were invented amongſt us to pleaſe the young Spargapiſes, and keep him amongſt us, to the end we might ſtill have him amongſt us, who was to be our King. Since Iſſedon is a place as pleaſant as any whatſoever, it was there where Spargapiſes and Ariantes ſtayed moſt; after they had ſurveighed all the Kingdome. And though Spargapiſes was not yet at an age to reliſh pleaſures, yet ſince Ariantes was eight years elder then he, the diverſions were moſt for him; Dancings, Feaſts, Balls, and other exerciſes of the body were for Spargapiſes, but walks of Gallantry, converſation of Ladies, and civil ſociety were for the Prince Ariantes, who queſtionleſs was already one of the moſt pleaſing Princes in the world. Thus whilſt he was at Iſſedon, the Court was very magnificent and glorious, ſince all the men of Quality and wit in the Kingdome repaired thither, and ſo of all the Ladies, inſomuch as Iſſedon did flouriſh in a high manner, at leaſt, I am ſure, that both the Scithia's were not comparable to it: Indeed we made a great difference between the Scithians and our ſelves, whom we called [...]arbarians: The reaſon why we were more civilized then they was, becauſe we were not very far from the Euxime Sea, and were neer the Caſpian, whereby we had more commerce with ſtrangers then the Scithians who lived beyond the craggy Mountains, which divide the two Scithia's. So this mixed concourſe of many people which inhabit amongſt us, hath ſweetened the ferocity of the ancient Scithians, and hath civilized us more then the reſt. Alſo many amongſt us do hold, that we are deſcended from the Grecians, as well as the Callipides, which are another ſort of people amongſt us, who are reputed Scithians as well as we are: So that whether by my firſt mentioned reaſons, or by our original, queſtionleſs we are more poliſhed then our Neighbours, as I ſaid before.

But to [...]eturn from whence I digreſſed, give me leave to tell you, that Adonacris being [Page] as accompliſhed a man as any is upon Earth, was one who had a great ſhare in the friendſhip of theſe two Princes, eſpecially with Ariantes: and certainly Sir, he was loved with abundance of reaſon, for it was a moſt difficult thing to find out a man of ſo amiable a compoſure as he. For he was not onely hanſome, and of great courage and wit; but he was one that loved his friend as well as any man living: And he had ſuch an Air and Garb of the world, as he did infinitely pleaſe at the very firſt ſight, and therefore it is no wonder if he pleaſed the Prince Ariantes. But Sir, as Adonacris pleaſed this Prince, ſo he had a Siſter called Elybeſſis, who better pleaſed him; and Ariantes was ſo taken with the beauty of this Lady, as I cannot imagine how it is poſſible ſuch a violent paſſion ſhould ceaſe, and make room for any other in his heart, whomſoever it was. But Sir, before I make any diſcription of the beginning, continuance and ending of this love, I muſt acquaint you, how before the Prince Ariantes came unto Iſſedon, there was a man of quality in that town called Agatherſes, who was deeply in love with Elybeſſis, and who was ſo happy as not to be ill in her opinion: So as it may be ſaid, that Ariantes aſſaulted a place which was already rendered, when he attempted to move the heart of Elybeſſis: But ſince that paſſion was kept cloſe, this Prince did not at the firſt know, how ſhe whom he loved was engaged.

In the mean time, Agatherſes did carry it ſo as it muſt quickly be known whether he loved or no; for he was of a hot and paſſionate temper, his deſires were ſo many violencies, as magnificent in all things as is imaginable; and exceedingly hanſome in his clothes. He was well proportioned, brown hair, eyes quick and lively: and his face did ſo ſhew the thoughts of his Soul, as it was eaſie to know by the ſight of him only, that he had a great and fiery heart, much above his quality. But that you perfectly know this Rival of Ariantes, let me tell you that he had a moſt excellent wit, and a quick fancy, full of delectable raptures, which makes converſation pleaſant. The truth is, there was a kind of inequality in his humor; for he would be ſometimes ſo unlike himſelf, that he would not ſpeak for a whole day together, and ſometimes again, he would do nothing but talke; yet it muſt be confeſſed, that this inequality was moſt cauſed by ſome men which did not alike pleaſe him, and ſometimes alſo it was a pure effect of his humour and temper. However, it may be ſaid of him, that he was ſometimes merry, ſometimes ſad, ſometimes complaiſant, & ſometimes all contradiction; but let me ſay thus much of him, in what humour ſoever he was, he was always generous, no man in the world being more officious then he: for truly though he loved pleaſures with extream eagerneſs, yet he would quit them all with joy to do any good office, not only unto his intimate friends, but unto any of any virtue whatſoever. Moreover as muſique is natural unto all men; ſo I think it may be ſaid of Poeſie; and that there is no people in the world which uſe not an even meaſure of words, which ſweetly take the ear, and gives an ornament unto their thoughts who write in verſe.

As the Scithians, expreſly the Iſſedons uſe a kind of Poeſie not unpleaſing unto thoſe who underſtood our language: So I dare aſſure you Sir, that if you ſaw the verſes of Agatherſes and could underſtand them, you would admire the ſublimity of a Scythians Genius. Moreover, when he is in a good humour, his mirth hath ſuch a kind of ſurprizing impetuoſity to it, as doth exceedingly divert, and makes him very pleaſing: 'Tis true, our Ladies do a little quarrel with him, for not being reſpective enough towards the Gods: For the truth is, if any occaſion preſent it ſelf, he will mock at Veſta, which we call Tabiti; at Jupiter and his Eagle; at Vulian and his Forge; at Neptune and his Trident; at Hercules and his Club: at Mars and his Paramours, and ſo at all the reſt of our Divinities which we and the people adore: Not but that I think he beleeves all that we do; but ſince almoſt all Religions are eſtabliſhed upon things which are not of common reſemblance, Agatherſes had got ſuch a habit of Raillarie which our Ladies can hardly brook. Moreover he made ſuch an open profeſſion of abſolute independency, that it was eaſie to ſee that he could not ſubject himſelf unto any thing but his own will, unleſs in being amorous: But to make a ſhort definition of him, Agatherſes was excellently accompliſhed; and deſerved a moſt rare Carracter: This is he Sir, who was loved by Elybeſſis, before Ariantes was Captivated with her. As for the Lady, it is a piece of extream difficulty to make an exact diſcription of her humour and ſpirit. Therefore after I have told you, that ſhe is full, of a tall and hanſom ſtature; that ſhe is pale, brown hair, fair eyes, and that the Air of her countenance is noble, languiſhing and pleaſing: I ſhall only tell you, that ſhe is as full of wit as ambition, though high in both: And though they ſay, one cannot have two violent paſſions at once, yet ſhe was in love with Agatherſes, though [Page] ſhe had a moſt ambitious ſoul. After this Sir, you may eaſily conceive, that Ariantes was neither well nor ill received by Elibeſis, when he made his love known unto her, for her engagements unto Agatherſes, was the reaſon ſhe could not well receive him; alſo the ambitious inclination of her ſoul would not let her treat a man of Ariantes quality ill: So as taking the Medium, it may be ſaid, that ſhe was neither ſweet nor ſharp unto that Prince.

But Sir, before I engage my ſelf any further in the ſequel of this hiſtory, give me leave to tell you, that whilſt the eyes of all the Court were upon Ariantes and Elibeſis, Adonacris began to fall in love with a Lady of eminent quality, named Noromanta, who was come unto Iſſedon with her Father upon ſome important buſineſs, but he began, and none perceived it, and carried it ſo cunningly; alſo there was ſuch conformity of humour between them both, as there was ſcarce any need to tell each other that they were in Love; yet Noromanta was as reſerved in all things, as any woman in the world: And to intereſt you Sir in her fortune, I beſeech you give me leave to repreſent her unto you as then ſhe was, and as now ſhe is. Imagine her Sir, a great woman, of an advantagious ſtature, but I mean handſome and noble, of a high and modeſt ayr, her complexion white, freſh and lovely, her eyes black, ſparkling, and ſweet, her face round, her mouth well made, her neck full and plump, her garb haughty without any ranting. Moreover, her wit was proportionable to her beauty, ſhe ſpeaks well, and perſwades with ſo ſweet an eloquence, as one has no power to deny. She ſeems to be all goodneſs, all ſweetneſs, all civility, and all ſincerity; and though her enemies do make a queſtion of this laſt quality in point of friendſhip, yet they all agree, that though ſhe be not ſo ſincere as ſhe ſeems, yet it is more pleaſing to be deceived by her, then to be faithfully loved by many others; but to ſpeak truly, I am fully perſwaded, that Noromanta is only ſo, to keep her ſelf from being deceived, for I hold her one of the beſt and moſt ſincere women in the world unto thoſe whom ſhe really loves. Moreover, ſhe hath all requiſite qualities poſſible to imprint a reſpect in thoſe who come unto her, and I do wonder how Adonacris durſt tell her that he was in love with her, but chance helped on his boldneſs in the diſcovery of his paſſion, and I do believe, that if Ariantes had not been in love with Elibeſis, Adonacris durſt never have told Noromanta, that he loved her: And indeed it was a long time that Adonacris had deſperately loved Noromanta, and ſpoke not a word of it unto her; but this Beauty talking one day unto him when he came to viſit her, ſhe told him moſt ſweetly, how all the Beauties in Iſſedon envied Elibeſis his Siſter, for captivating the heart of Ariantes, for the very truth was, they were all exceedingly netled at it: For my part (ſaid ſhe, after ſhe had with much eloquence aggravated all the ſymptoms of envy which ſhe had obſerved in the minds of all our Ladies) I do not know any greater imbecility in the world, then to be vexed at any ſuch thing; for if ſhe who is preferred before all the reſt has more merit then they have, it is extream injuſtice to murmure at it; and if the man who gives the precedency does make an ill choice, it were neither glorious nor reaſonable to trouble ones ſelf for not getting the eſteem of a man, who knows not how to make a good choice; and in my opinion, Love is not alwayes a convincing argument of extraordinary merit in thoſe who cauſe it, ſince certainly it is more an effect of inclination, then reaſon: It is moſt certain, replied Adonacris, That reaſon alone never cauſes love, but withal, I am perſwaded, that the love which reaſon doth authorize, is a thouſand times more ſtrong, then that which reaſon doth reſiſt; and that whoſoever loves forcibly, muſt be able to tell himſelf, that there is no Civil War betwixt his heart and his reaſon: I know very well (anſwered Noromanta) that love would be more ſtrong, if it have reaſon for a Pillar, but I do believe that doth not often fall out: I cannot tell whether or no it often fall out (replied Adonacris) but I am ſure it happens ſomtimes, and happened unto a man whom you do know: Then certainly (replied ſhe) it is the Prince Ariantes, who indeed hath all the reaſon in the world to love her whom he adores: No, no, anſwered Adonacris, for though there were nothing but the inequality of Birth betwixt that Prince, and her he loves, Ariantes had reaſon enough to oppoſe his paſſion: But amiable Noromanta (ſaid he unto her) I intend to truſt you with a ſecret, and to tell you, that it is my ſelf of whom I ſpeak; of my ſelf, I ſay, who before ever I was in love, had ever in my fancy an Idea of her whom I deſired ſhould captivate me, and indeed this Image was ſo imprinted in my mind, that I went unto no place, but I ſought whether I could find her out, of whom my reaſon had formed an Idea. Oh Adonacris (ſaid Noromanta craftily, and ſuſpected ſomething of his paſſion) I ſuppoſe that Idea is very fair: For my part, I fancy the moſt admirable [Page] piece that ever was ſeen; for I am confident, that in forming the beauty of her whom you would love, you would have her hair the faireſt in the world, gray eyes, a pleaſant ayr, and I do imagine, you may ſeek her in all places, but find her no where. Pardon me amiable Noromanta (ſaid he unto her) if I contradict you in all: For firſt; I ſhall never affect a Flaxen Beauty, nor have I been ſo unfortunate as you think: For truly (purſued he and ſmiled) after I had fancied an Idea of the rareſt Beauty in the world, a brown Beauty, and after I had in vain ſought her in more Kingdomes then one, I found her the very ſame day you came unto Iſſedon, and directly then, when I had the honour to ſee you the firſt time: Certainly your memory fails you, (replied Noromanta and bluſhed) for I do remember very well, that the firſt time I had the honour to ſee you, I was alone in my Chamber, when Agatherſes brought you thither: I do very well remember it alſo, (replied Adonacris and ſmiled) but that is not incongruent with what I told you: For ſince I muſt tell you more plainly, it was in your eyes I found that fire which I was in queſt of to burn my ſelf, and it was in your fair perſon in whom I found that perfect Beauty, which I ſhall never find any where elſe: I muſt confeſs (replied Noromanta) that your language doth ſurprize me, for either I do not know the world, or if I ſhould believe you, I muſt anſwer you as a man who ſpeaks with too much boldneſs; therefore the beſt courſe, both for you and my ſelf is, not to believe you: But by way of your excuſe, to think that you are of their opinion, who think they never ought to be alone with a Lady, (unleſs old) without expreſſions of ſuch pieces of Gallantry, as will equally ſuit, either with the fair or the brown Beauties, either with the great or the little, and talk only with lips, and without conſent either of heart or thought. Oh Madam (ſaid Adonacris, and interrupted her) my language is not of that nature, and it cannot ſuit with any but you only. Moreover, I do proteſt, that my heart makes good all that my tongue ſpeaks, and if I can be accuſed of any thing, it is becauſe I dare not fully diſcover the greatneſs of my affection to you: You have told me ſo much already, replied ſhe, that I aſſure you I think it too much, for as much as I eſteem you, I muſt curb my inclination of treating you as one of my deareſt friends; I muſt, I ſay, ſhun your company, ſet a Watch upon my words and looks, and indeed I muſt ſo far overcome my ſelf, as (I fear) to hate you.

As Noromanta ſaid ſo, the Prince Ariantes entred, and did lead Elibeſis, ſo that further diſcourſe was broken off, whereof both of them were very glad, for Adonacris feared leſt Noromanta ſhould treat him ill; and certainly Noromanta was not angry that ſhe had no time to do it. But Ariantes and Elibeſis were no ſooner entred, then Agatherſes followed them, who obſerving that Elibeſis did not avoid the converſation of Ariantes, was not very well pleaſed with her, but was very melancholly all that day, and it was ſuch a kind of melancholly, as rather reſembled anger then ſorrow, for either he ſpoke not at all, or if he did ſay any thing, it was in two words, and thoſe contradictory. Moreover, one might perceive by his looks, that the vexation of his heart would not permit him to ſpeak all he thought. I who came in with the Prince Ariantes, did never in my life ſee a man whoſe eyes did better ſpeak the thoughts of his ſoul, then his: Elibeſis alſo ſaw it very well. As for Ariantes, he was ſo taken up with looking upon her he loved, that he never regarded Agatherſes; and to augment his grief, the young Spargapiſes entred, who not knowing well what to ſay unto Ladies, began diſcourſe with him in particular as ſoon as he came in: But ſince Agatherſes was both witty and bold, he did not long endure this torment: Therefore inventing upon a ſuddain ſome kind of pleaſant ſtory or other, which he made a great ſecret of unto this young Prince, and which he thought would fill him full of curioſity, he told him, that Elibeſis did know the whole buſineſs, and that if he would be pleaſed to ask it of her in a low voice, ſo that the Prince Ariantes did not hear him, doubtleſs ſhe would tell it unto him: But Sir, added he, you muſt preſs her unto it very urgently and long, for I know her humour to be ſuch, that ſhe will never impart what ſhe knows, until after an hundred entreaties: Nay if that be all (anſwered the young Spargapiſes innocently) I will put her to a thouſand entreaties, and will not leave her all this day, until ſhe tell it unto me: And accordingly, he went preſently to Elibeſis, and ſet himſelf down by her. Since Ariantes was full of reſpect unto Spargapiſes, he withdrew, and gave him the freedome of talk with her.

Thus Agatherſes parted him and Elibeſis, he not knowing the cauſe. But the beſt of the ſtory is, Elibe [...]s knew not in all the world what this young Prince meant, and proteſted unto him, that ſhe underſtood him not. But ſince Agatherſes had told him, that ſhe [Page] would not impart under a hundred intreaties, the more importunate was this young Prince with her, by how much ſhe ſaid ſhe was ignorant.

But at the laſt, ſhe denyed him ſo earneſtly, that he beleeved her, and tormented her no longer: yet notwithſtanding ſince Agatherſes had ſo confidently aſſured him that ſhe did know it, he ſaid aloud, that Elibeſis had ſo aſſured him of her ignorance that he believed it was he which was miſtaken. I do proteſt unto you Sir, (replied Agatherſes boldly) That there is no perſon upon earth which knowes what you deſire to know, if Elibeſis do not: And indeed he lied not, for ſince it was a thing of his own invention, none could know it.

In the mean time, he rallied out the matter ſo well, that his deſign of ſeparating Ariantes from Elibeſis did take effect: for he did ſo cunningly ingage the young Spargapiſes to be urgent with Elibeſis, that his importunitie laſted all the day, which he thought to be well ſpent ſince he had interrupted his rivall. But that which gave him moſt ſatisfaction was, that in the concluſion of Spargapiſes obſtinate curioſitie, he obſerved that Elibeſis began to ſuſpect his fallacie, ſo as he went away leſs vexed than he was at the beginning of the converſation: And yet he did not think himſelf fully ſatisfied, untill he had private audience from Elibeſis, to tell her of her new Conqueſt: Therefore the next morning he went unto her ſo early, that ſhe was not dreſt when he entred into her Chamber: And finding her in conſultation with her Mirror, he asked pardon for his abrupt entrance; but he asked it in a manner ſo little ſubmiſſive, that Elibeſis knew he was vexed in mind: therefore ordering the curles of hair more negligently on that ſide than the other which was dreſſed, to the end her women might retire, ſhe indeavoured to appeaſe Agatherſes if ſhe could: But thoſe who dreſſed her were no ſooner at the other end of the Chamber, then Agatherſes with a kind of tanting Rallery, and a malicious ſmile, told her that the Prince Ariantes was very happy by his coming to ſee her: For Madam, (ſaid he unto her) if you had continued dreſſing your ſelf with the ſame care you began when I entred, he would have found you ſo fair, that he would have died with love, before you could have had leaſure to have compaſſion upon him. In telling me (replied ſhe and bluſht for anger) that the Prince Ariantes had found me fair if he had ſeen me as I ſhould have been if you had not come; you tacitely imply, that you do not think me fair as I am; but whether it be, that I am not very jealous of my beauty, or that I do not think it depends upon two or three negligent curles: if you did think to anger me, you are extreamly miſtaken. If you ſhould be in earneſt Madam (anſwered Agatherſes ſharply) I ſhould be very ſorry; for Madam, you are ſo carefull to diſpleaſe others, that I think it is permittable to wiſh ſometimes your care leſs. I pray Agatherſes (ſaid Elibeſis) without any more exerciſing your wit in tanting terms, tell me what it is you complain of? I complain Madam, (replied he, ſince you are pleaſed I ſhould tell you) becauſe High Quality dazles your eyes; and becauſe you think I ought rather to ſuffer the Prince Ariantes to love you, than a man of my condition: Yet Madam, I muſt tell you, that in caſes of Rivals, quality is nothing; ſlaves and Kings are all one: In all other things, I do reſpect Kings and Princes as much as becomes my duty; but in matters of love, I proteſt Madam, that I do not value their quality: and though you make a great difference between Ariantes and others, yet I ſhall not; but ſhall look upon him as my Rivall without any conſideration of Spargapiſes uncle, or Thomiris brother. And to the end you may not doubt of what I ſay (Purſued he with extream violence) I ſwear unto you by Veſta, by Hercules, by Mars, by Venus, by Neptune, and by all the gods which we adore, that I will be as good as my word: Since it is allowable to correct ones firſt thoughts upon ſome occaſions, replied Elibeſis, I hope that when your anger is over, you will alter your mind: Nay Madam, as for that, replied he, I ſhall change; and therefore you may build upon what I ſay, for really I cannot indure you ſhould be capable of any ſuch imbecility. I do proteſt unto you Sir, (ſaid ſhe then unto him) that you have no reaſon in the earth to complain: and if you would have me diſcover my heart unto you, I will ingeniouſly confeſs that its true, Ambition is the predominate Paſſion of my Soul; and that the onely reaſon of my-ſlight complacency unto the Prince Ariantes, is, becauſe I know that I do thereby vex all the beauties of Iſſedon, by poſſeſſing that Prince ſo much that he never ſpeaks unto them.

I know very well Madam, replied he, that you do vex them, in cauſing the Prince Ariantes never to ſpeak unto them: but you may know withall, that you vex me extreamly, by perpetuall talking with him. Since he is not to ſtay here, replied ſhe, me thinks it need not trouble you ſo much: and truely how do you think I can be uncivill unto a man of [Page] his Qualitie? Oh Madam, cried he out, it is not Qualitie that juſtifies a Rivall; for I have already told you, and do tell you again, that Qualitie is no reaſonable cauſe of Inconſtancie: And as for Ambition Madam, believe it Madam, that there is more glory in ſlighting a Prince then in treating him favourably.

Moreover, how can I aſſure my ſelf of your mind, and how can the Prince Ariantes aſſure himſelf, if you ſhould quit me for him? For truely he is a Prince without a Principality, and there are a thouſand in the world whom you would prefer before him, if you had the fortune to know them: and if chance ſhould ſo bring it about that Spargapiſes ſhould fall in love with you; you will quit Ariantes who is never to be a King, for Spargapiſes who ere long is to have a Kingdome: Alſo if the ſame fortune (purſued he in a ſcoffing Rallery) ſhould let you ſee either the King of Phrigia, the King of Medes, or the King of Hircania, you would for any of them quit the King of the Iſſedons, and ſo paſſing from King to King, if Jupiter ſhould take a phancie to proſtitute one of the gods at your feet, or to come upon his Eagle to do you homage, you would then be unfaithfull unto all terreſtriall Kings, to entertain the leaſt of the gods: Oh I beſeech you Agatherſes (ſaid ſhe unto him) do not uſe ſuch reverent names to ſhew the folly of your mind, if you would have me to appeaſe you: I care not for appearing, (ſaid he unto her) but I would either juſtifie you, or elſe make you repent of the injuſtice you have done me. If I have failed I will repent, ſaid ſhe unto him, but ſince I have not, I muſt needs proteſt that you are very injurious to complain: That the Prince Ariantes did never diſpoſſeſs you of that place which you had in my heart: And that unleſs he were able to make me à Queen, I will never be more unto him than I am. I pray judge then whether a Prince without a Principality (as you ſay) be able to give me a Crown. Since in all likelyhood (replied he and ſmiled) Fortune will never do Juſtice unto your merit, nor find you a King to ſet you upon a Throne; me thinks you might very well ſpeak more obligingly unto me than you have done, and to tell me, that though Fortune would make you a Queen, and that a great one, yet you would not make me the moſt miſerable man upon earth. But however, ſince you aſſure me that none under the degree of a King, ſhall ever ſupplant me in your opinion, my ſoul will be at ſome reſt. I will promiſe you as much, replied ſhe, upon condition you will not move me to alter my way of living with Ariantes whileſt he ſtayes here. For I muſt profeſs unto you, that I cannot endure the reports of ſuch as envie me, who doubtleſs will ſay, that I would never have changed my way of living with the Prince Ariantes but for the love of you, moreover it will much concern your intereſt and fortune: Alas Madam, replied he, as for my fortune it is not a reaſon to be alledged unto me: for I think upon nothing but preſerving you: No, no, Madam, deceive not your ſelf, that is not the way to bring me unto your opinion; and therefore be confident, that as long as it concerns onely my Fortune, I will with abundance of joy ſacrifice it all, to have ſo much ſatiſfaction as to ſee you treat the Prince Ariantes ſharply: But ſtill I muſt confeſs, that if it reflect upon your honour, I will have as great a care of it as your ſelf, and therefore I do conſent you ſhould be ſomething civill towards that Prince; Provided Madam, you have a little care of comforting me in this diſpair that I am in, and provided you do multiply your goodneſs towards me: for if you do not, I ſhall loſe all my patience, and be forced to do ſuch things as will diſpleaſe both you and my ſelf when I have done them. Think upon it therefore Madam, and conſider what it is to incenſe a Lover who hath a ſoul both high and ſenſible, and who in the very center of his heart prefers none before him, but ſuch as have more vertue and merit than himſelf.

The truth is, Madam, (purſued he vehemently) if you ſeriouſly conſider it you will find, that qualitie doth not infuſe any wit into the words of him who ſpeaks; nor alters his ſence, nor doth at all contribute unto diſcourſe: Therefore you need not wonder I ſhould take it ill that you ſhould be perfidious unto me for Ariantes his ſake, though a Prince, more then if he were my equall. After this, the violence of his mind being by degrees cooled, he began to talk moſt ſubmiſſively unto Elibeſis; and was ſo full of his paſſionate expreſſions, as in the end he permitted her to continue her complacency unto Ariantes, as ſhe had begun, whileſt he ſtayed at Iſſedon, which he thought would not be long: ſo that they parted very good friends; yet they continued not long ſo, for I do not think one day paſſed without a ſquable and a reconcilement.

In the mean time, Ariantes being ſtill more and more in the fetters of love, and not being ſatisfied with the bare civilitie of Elibeſis, he reſolved to tell her his mind: But ſince her reſolution was to caſt him off, and to engage no further with him; he ſhunned [Page] being alone with him; but ſtill continued her complaiſancy: ſo as by this means, ſhe ſatisfied Agatherſes, and arrived at her propoſed end, which was, to keep this Prince ſtill in love with her as long as he ſtayed at Iſſedon, only by being complacential and civil. Thus as great a deſire as Ariantes had to expreſs the thoughts of his Soul, he found it a hard matter to do: and the harder, becauſe Elibeſis had a friend called Argyriſpe whom ſhe entreated never to be out of her preſence as long as the Prince Ariantes was at Iſſedon: So that theſe two Ladies being continually together, this lover could not meet with his deſired opportunity. Again, ſince love cannot long lye hidden, he came to know that Elibeſis did not hate Agatherſes, but this in lieu of diminiſhing his paſſion, did augment it: and it grew to that height that he was capable of any undertaking to ſatisfie it. Alſo he did ſo vigilantly watch his opportunity of talking in private with Elibeſis, that he found it mauger her intentions a few dayes after he ſought it: I underſtood ſince from her ſelf, that this Prince did expreſs himſelf as paſſionately as ever lover did: For after he had aggravated the Grandure of his affection, he let her know how he was not ignorant of that eſteem ſhe had of Agatherſes: And afterwards he took an odd courſe of obliging her to prefer him before that Lover. Moreover, Madam, ſaid he unto her (after much of her diſcourſe) do not think I will blame you for the eſteem you have of Agatherſes, and for preferring him before all others: For truely it was your choice before I had the honour to be known unto you, and Agatherſes is a moſt perfectly accompliſhed man: ſo I cannot condemn what you have done for him before I knew you, and before I loved you: And to ſhew you that I am juſt, I do not blame Agatherſes for continuing his affection, though he do know I love you, becauſe I know very well that you have not forbidden him. But Madam, as I am juſt both unto you, and Agatherſes, ſo I expect you ſhould be juſt unto me, and that you will be pleaſed to take ſo much pains as to examine both my paſſion and his, to the end, that without any conſideration of our conditions and qualities, you may chuſe him who loves you beſt. But I beſeech you examine the buſineſs very carefully; ask both him and me the moſt difficult proofs of our loves: And if you finde that there is a greater difference between his Paſſion and mine, then there is between my birth and his, I conſent you ſhould believe I do not love you, and that you ſhould hate me. Sir, replied Elibeſis, I will not ſay that there is no intimate affection from Agatherſes to me or from me to him: for the honour you have done me merits more ſincerity from me than ſo: but I muſt tell you that though I ſhould do as you deſire, and ſhould find that you love me more than Agatherſes doth, yet I ought not to caſt him off: For truely Sir, our qualities are alike, and it hath pleaſed Fortune to put me much below you: ſo as ſince I cannot imagine there ſhould be any innocent affection between two of unequall qualities: doubtleſs to follow the rules of reaſon, I ought to be juſt unto your merit, and not ſuffer my ſelf to be dazled with the glory of captivating ſuch a heart as yours. Truely Madam, replied Ariantes, you cannot in more civill tearms tell me, that you will not caſt off Agatherſes; but know (too charming Elibeſis) there are no words which can make me receive ſo cruell an anſwer without abundance of grief and anger: Eloquence may indeed ſweeten the harſheſt news, and ſometimes it is uſed in telling the deaths of deareſt friends: but when it is imployed to take hopes out of a lovers heart it is too too weak to do it without abundance of ſorrow.

But that you may aſſure your ſelf it is impoſſible for me to loſe my hopes, I declare unto you, that I will never do it: For I find ſuch an abſolute impoſſibilitie of living without hopes of your love that my very reaſon tells me, I muſt keep it alive in my heart. Since ſo Sir, (replied Elibeſis and ſmiled) It is in vain to wiſh you would deſpair, and therefore I conceive it better to give you the liberty of believing as you pleaſe, provided I may keep to my ſelf the ſame liberty of doing what I ought, and what I would. If you doe what you ought Madam, replied Ariantes, you will doe nothing againſt me: For truely though it were ſo that you gave Agatherſes ſome hopes of happineſs, it was in a time when his happineſs would not have been my miſery: But now when his happineſs will be my death, you ought not to deſire it, nor I conſent unto it: Therefore Madam, I beſeech you conſider ſeriouſly what you reſolve upon: Moreover I am ſo well acquainted with your inclinations that I know ambition is the predominate Paſſion of your ſoul: So as if the poore merits of my perſon do not move you, yet I beſeech you let my qualitie finde acceptance and make amends: and let Agatherſes pay more reſpects unto Elibeſis as a Princeſs then he can do, as her Lover.

Sir, (replied ſhe much perplexed) your language is the moſt obliging in the world, and [Page] hath a moſt ſenſible operation, both upon my heart and my ſpirits: But ſince I muſt not diſſemble with you Sir, I muſt tell you Sir, I have already told Agatherſes, I will never caſt him off, unleſs it be to be a Queen. Therefore Sir, ſince I am not your Subject; ſince you have no abſolute command over me; and ſince I have promiſed unto him eternall affection, I beſeech you be ſo good as to let me live in quietneſs. If you Madam would let me live in quietneſs (replied he after he had ſtudied a while) certainly I ſhall let you: but ſince you will not, take it not ill, I beſeech you if I let not you: but I conjure you Madam, to promiſe me two things: The firſt is, that you will not marry Agatherſes within the compaſs of one year: The ſecond, that if in the mean time a King do come and proſtrate a Crown at your feet you will accept of it and caſt off Agatherſes: Alas Sir, (replied Elybeſſis, and laughed) How can I give any anſwer unto ſuch an impoſſible ſuppoſition? For truely I do not frequent the Court of any ſtrange King: Long live Thomiris our Queen; and Spargapiſes is ſo young that I ſhall be old before ſhe know how to love, and therefore I profeſs I know not how to anſwer you.

Since the thing is ſo far from poſſibilitie, replied Ariantes, there can be no danger in anſwering it, ſince it is not like to happen. Truly Sir, replied ſhe, I think you are in the right: Therefore Sir, I will tell you, that as to the firſt of your things whereof you ſpeak, Agatherſes cannot think of marrying me within the time you have preſcribed, becauſe both his affairs and mine will not permit it: And as for the other, I tell you again, ſince you will have me; That if a King do come and offer me a Crown, and Agatherſes do not advice me to accept, then I think I ſhall, becauſe I ſhould then think he did not love me, and conſequently might break off with him. And for my part (ſaid Ariantes and interrupted her) I conceive that if he ſhould adviſe you to accept of it, you would have good cauſe to accuſe him for want of love; and therefore whether he adviſe you or not, ſtill ye ought to prefer a King before a Subject, and rather chuſe to be a Queen than the Miſtreſs of Agatherſes. Seriouſly, Sir, (ſaid Elibeſis then) you ſwell my joyes to hear you talk thus; and truly I cannot be better pleaſed, then to know that all you have ſaid are but flaſhes of pleaſant wit: Time Madam will ſhew that, replied Ariantes, in the mean time remember you have promiſed me not to marrie Agatherſes within one year; and that if in this time, a King comes and begs of you upon his knees to be a Queen, you will accept of the Crown he offers you; Theſe are very eaſie to be promiſed, replied Elibeſis and laughed: for truly Sir, I have no deſire to marry any whoſoever: and I am, and ever ſhall as long as I live be deſirous of being a Queen, as far as I may deſire it without folly. After this much company coming in, the diſcourſe changed, and Elibeſis was put into a notable dilemma: for the Prince Ariantes was ſo full of tender expreſſions in the beginning of their diſcourſe, and afterwards told ſuch things ſo improbable, that ſometimes ſhe feared he mocked her. But otherwiſe ſhe had ſo good an opinion of his merit, that ſhe hath ſince ſaid; ſhe had more reaſon to belive that the violence of Ariantes love unto her cauſed him to tell her of ſuch improbabilities, then to think he ſpoke not ſeriouſly when he ſaid he loved her: However it be, ſhe ſpake not a word unto Agatherſes of all that the Prince Ariantes had ſaid unto her: for though ſhe did not ſee any poſſibility in the propoſition which he made her; yet ſince ſhe did not deſire to loſe this Prince, though ſhe intended to keep Agatherſes, ſhe would not acquaint him with the conference.

But Sir, to the end you may not wonder as well as Elibeſis, why Ariantes ſhould ſpeak as he did; be pleaſed to know, that an Iſſedonian of great qualitie had been with Ariantes that morning, and perſwaded him to think of making himſelf King, and alſo offered him the means how to bring it to paſs. At firſt, the propoſition ſeemed unto the Prince not onely as unjuſt, but as impoſſible. Yet ſince he would not reject the motion without more ſerious conſideration, he preſſed the man who ſpoke unto him, whoſe name was Octomaſades, to tell him upon what motives he grounded ſo great a deſign. Sir, (replied he, as I underſtood from himſelf) I firſt ground it upon Juſtice, and ſecondly upon your courage: and upon the earneſt deſire of the people to have a King who will ſtay in Iſſedon. For Sir, the Law by which Thomiris reigns to your prejudice, is, that the eldeſt ſon or the eldeſt daughter unto the King of the Iſſedons, ought to ſucceed in the Throne: ſince ſo, ſaid Ariantes the reign of Thomiris is juſt, for ſhe is ſix years elder then I. No Sir, replied Octomaſades, and thus I will make it good: The Law of the Kingdom ſayes, that the eldeſt childe of the King of Iſſedon ſhall reign: Now when Thomiris was born the Prince Lypacaris your father and [...] was not King, and in all likelyhood was never like to be; ſo as ſhe cannot truly be called the eldeſt daughter unto the King of the Iſſedons, ſince [Page] when ſhe came into the world her Father was not King: So Sir, ſince you were born two years after Lypacaris wore the Crown, it is you Sir who are the Kings right born, though he had a Daughter before; and to ſpeak equitably, Thomiris is Daughter unto the Prince Lipacaris, and you are Son unto the King of Iſſedons. After this Sir, I think you need not doubt the Juſtice of your Title and Right, or at the leaſt of a very plauſible pretence. Moreover, all the people do exceedingly murmure at the remoteneſs of that Princeſs who prefers her Tents before our ſtately Towns, inſomuch, as I am very confident, that if you will pleaſe to think of aſcending the Throne, you may do it with much eaſe, I will offer my life and fortunes in your ſervice, and alſo engage all my friends, which are no ſmall number.

Airantes hearing Octomaſades ſpeak thus, ſtood pauſing a while, and returned no anſwer: But ſince he had a very generous ſoul naturally, until love did alter his inclination, he hearkened unto what Octomaſades ſaid, rather as a ſubtilty to make him revolt from Thomiris, then as a real reaſon to pretend unto the Crown which ſhe poſſeſſed: So not accepting his offer, he only thanked him for his zeal which he expreſſed unto him. But Sir, by this which I ſhall now tell you, you may admire the omnipotence of Love. Ariantes who hearkened unto Octomaſades, as I told you, did change his minde whilſt he was talking with Elib ſis, for having diſcovered the unlimitable ambition of her ſoul, he reſolved to attempt that out of love, which he refuſed out of ambition; ſo as it may very well be ſaid, that his deſire of raigning only in the heart of Elibeſis, moved him unto a deſire of raigning over the Iſſedons: And indeed this was the only reaſon of his Speech unto Elibeſis, when he engaged her to promiſe not to marry Agatherſes within one year, and to accept of a Crown if it were offered her, imagining that within the compaſs of this time, his enterprize might either be executed or fruſtrated: But Sir, it was more then a light thought which love inſpired into him, for it was a deſign fully reſolved upon, and a deſign which he began to ſet on foot immediately, in order to which, he ſent for Octomaſades, and that reaſon which before he hearkened unto as a ſubtilty, appeared now unto him the juſteſt title in the world: So that conferring with him, they concluded upon the matter, and reſolved that Ariantes ſhould upon ſome pretence let Spargapiſes return, whenſoever Thomiris ſhould call him home; that in the mean time Ariantes ſhould make as many friends as he could, that Octomaſades ſhould labour all his, that the people ſhould be diverted with publike Feaſts, and to have men about him, who know how to inſinuate thoughts fit for the execution of ſo great a deſign: Furthermore, they framed a Declaration, to manifeſt, that the War which Ariantes undertook, was juſt, and their main drift was to make themſelves maſters of Iſſedon. But whilſt Ariantes was buſied in ſatiſfying his Love by his ambition, Adonacris, who had only the thoughts of love upon his ſoul, did every day by degrees unperceivedly get new eſteem in the heart of the fair and charming Noromanta; and as thoſe who have only one deſign in hand, do execute it better then thoſe who have many ſeveral things in hand; ſo therefore, Adonacris having no other deſign, then to get the love of Noromanta, it is no wonder if he did in a ſhort time effectuate it, for truly he was infinitely officious, and he was ſo aſſiduous in his viſits, that he ſaw her at all houres when decency would permit. Noromanta on her ſide, having a violent inclination towards Adonacris, did but faintly reſiſt him, and did inſenſibly ſuffer her heart to be engaged in an affection which ſhe durſt not call love, leſt ſhe ſhould be obliged to reſiſt and overcome it. 'Tis true, this Love had all the purity in it that was poſſible, nor do I think any paſſion in the world could be more refined, or more vertuous then theirs: Nor would Noromanta accuſtome Adonacris to talk to her of his love, though ſhe was very willing he ſhould love her, and give her a thouſand expreſſions of it, but her modeſty was ſo ſcrupulous, that ſhe would not let him know her minde.

However ſince ſhe knew her father did not love to live at Iſſedon, ſhe could not hope that though Adonacris ſhould aske his conſent, yet he would never grant it: And Adonacris who had a father of an imperious and fantaſtical humor, he knew not how to make any ſuch propoſition unto him as a marriage with Noromata; who though of a very noble family, yet ſhe was not rich enough for him. However, though neither of them could ſee any hopes of living together, yet they loved each other, and loved without telling each other of it. But yet Adonacris was not very obedient; but he complained of that which he was forbidden to complain: And the fair Noromanta, for all her demure carriage of the matter did ſometimes let Adonacris ſee the thoughts of her ſoul in her eyes. So that whilſt Ariantes had a heart that was ravelled both with love and ambition; [Page] whileſt the heart of Agatherſes was ſwelled with jealouſie, and whilſt Elibeſis knew not well which ſhe ſhould chuſe, and which refuſe: Adonacris and Noromata did live lives as ſweet as almoſt poſſible; for they equally loved each other: and they loved without being known unto any, and they ſaw one another every day: Yet love being a wonderous unquiet and reſtleſs paſſion, which will never let a heart be at reſt, Adonacris had many houres of ſorrow and melahcholy: And truly when he conſidered that as well as his dear Noromata loved him, perhaps he ſhould never arive at his full deſired happineſs, the very apprehenſion of the future, made him think the preſent very miſerable: But for all that though his fears of an uncertain miſery, did ſometimes grieve him, yet ſince he enjoyed the eſteem of Noromata, he was comforted and cheared up his hopes: So that theſe two perſons having nothing in their Souls to conceal from each other, did make ſuch a ſweet and innocent exchange of ſecrets, and ſuch an agreeable and ſincere communication of thoughts, that their hearts were more united then ever. Adonacris obtained ſo much favour, as to write ſometimes unto her: not but that he ſaw her every day; but ſince it often fell out that much company was with her, he deſired ſo much liberty as to tell her that by letter, which he would not tell her before the world: And ſince it is more civil for a modeſt perſon to read a letter of tenderneſs, then to hear it, Adonacris did write ſuch paſſionate paſſages unto Noromata, that ſhe had no mind to underſtand them: Alſo ſhe would ſometimes anſwer him, otherwiſe then ſhe durſt tell him, with tongue. But though Adonacris and Noromata did enjoy much tranquility; yet it was not ſo with Agatherſes and Elibeſis: For though this lover did ſuffer her to continue her civilities unto Ariantes whilſt he ſtaid at Iſſedon; yet he could not endure it, and ſometimes did forget both his promiſe unto Elibeſis, and his reſpects unto Ariantes.

In the mean time Spargapiſes being neither in love, nor was ambitious, he imployed his times in ſuch things as Princes of his age uſe to delight in: And whilſt Ariantes was plotting to diſthrone him, to the end he might take the heart of Elibeſis from Agatherſes: poor Spargapiſes was delighting himſelf in his pleaſures. Things ſtanding upon theſe terms, it was known in Iſſedon, that you Sir, was with Thomiris,, and alſo all your adventures: So that Octomaſades Sir, cloſing with an occaſion which was ſo favorable unto his deſign, did cunningly publiſh to the people, the Queens paſſionate doating upon you, how ſhe would arreſt you, and how you got out of her power, by the means of the prince Indatherſes, adding many things more then truth, purpoſely to take off that eſteem which the people had of her; for he knew very well there was no better way to make them revolt, then to take away that reſpect which they had unto that Princeſs. And indeed, the deſign of Octomaſades did take effect: for aſſoon as the people knew all paſſages in the Tents Royal, they murmured from murmur, they began to be inſolently high: and from inſolency they fell to flat ſedition: ſo as things did grow up to the higheſt pitch of diſorder: And Sir, you muſt know that Octomaſades did not do all this out of any affection unto Ariantes, nor out of any hatred unto Thomiris; but only out of his own particular ambition. But he carryed the matter ſo that in a ſhort time he gained all the Grandees in the State, he changed or divided all the peoples hearts: and he knew ſo well how to make uſe both of his friends and enemies, that all was in a flame, and all without any danger to him: For Thomiris was ſo drowned in her ſorrows for your departure Sir, that ſhe cared not a ſtraw what became of her Dominions. Yet before the buſineſs came to execution, Octomaſades thought it expedient to tarry till Thomiris called home Spargapiſes: And indeed the wiſe Terez, whom you ſaw with that Princeſs, moving her to ſend for the Prince her ſon and Ariantes, Spargapiſes obeyed, and Ariantes ſtayed at Iſſedon, under pretence of being ſick, and aſſuring the young Prince his Nephew, that he would ſhortly follow him. But Sir, he was no ſooner gone, then Ariantes did ſet his deſign on foot: And Octomaſades having cajoled with the town, and all his friends were perſwaded that if Ariantes were once King, it would be Octomaſades that would Reign under his name. And the people were ſo incenſed, and ſo apt for ſedition, as it was very eaſie to move them againſt him whom the Princeſs had truſted with her Authority; alſo to drive him out of the Town, and make the Prince Ariantes maſter of it. And indeed, ſince he had no Army which could come up time enough to appeaſe this diſorder: Octomaſades did happily execute his deſign of feiſing upon Iſſedon, and began war in the very heart of the Kingdom. I ſhall not Sir, inſiſt upon any particulat relation of the whole buſineſs; for I have ſo many other paſſages leſs tedious to tell you, that I will only in two words tell you, that the [Page] people by the Artefice of Octomaſades, did rebel: ſome ſaid according as they were inſpired, that Ariantes was their legitimate King, and that Thomiris did but uſurp the Kingdom of Iſſedons from him: others did ſecond them, and all proclaimed Ariantes King, who took up arms and drove the Lievetenant of Thomiris out of the Kingdom, and ſecured all the ſtrong places of the Town: And all this in ſo ſhort a time, that it had been done without any reſiſtance, if Agatherſes had not been a rub unto his deſign: But Sir, ſince the paſſages were extraordinary, I beſeech you give me leave to inſiſt a little longer upon them. Be pleaſed to know therefore Sir, that Agatherſes whoſe mind was enflamed with love and jealouſie, he viſited Elibeſis as much as he could; not only becauſe he was pleaſed with the ſight of her, but becauſe he would hinder Ariantes from all private diſcourſe: ſo as when this great tumult was in Iſſedon, Agatherſes was with Elibeſis, who lodged far from that part of the town where the ſedition began; in ſo much as Ariantes was maſter of a great part of the Town before they knew it. But at laſt, the diſorder was ſo great and univerſall, that the noiſe of it reached their ears, and interrupted Agatherſes, who was diſcourſing with Elibeſis, both concerning his love and his jealouſie: As they were much ſurpriſed at ſo great a noiſe, and full of curioſitie to know the cauſe; one of the women of Elibeſis came frighted in, and told her miſtreſs that all the town was in arms: That Ariantes would make himſelf King and that none durſt reſiſt him. You may well imagine Sir, that this news filled Agatherſes and Elibeſis with wonder: yet Agatherſes believed that Elibeſis did not onely ſeem fuller of wonder than really ſhe was, and that ſhe knew ſomething of the deſign: For I forgot to tell you Sir; that the night before, Ariantes talked at leaſt two howers together of his paſſion with her, and A [...]atherſes knew it. So that this Lover, hearing his Rivall would be King, and fearing leaſt he ſhould become his Subject, his ſorrows were beyond expreſſion: and the more, becauſe he believed or at leaſt feared, that Elebeſis was Prince to the plot and approved of it: ſo as not knowing what to believe, or not to believe, he looked fixedly upon Elebeſis, as if his eyes would look into the very bottom of her heart; I have reaſon to think Madam, (ſaid he unto her) that you are acquainted with the unjuſt proceedings of the Prince Ariantes, ſince you told me once, that unleſs you were a Queen, I was in no danger of loſing you: But know Madam, that ſince I am as faithfull a Subject as a Lover, and as terrible an enemy as a Rivall, the Prince Ariantes is not yet in a condition to offer you a Crown; and he ſhall never ſet you upon the Throne, untill after he hath ſent me to my grave: Let me therefore leave you Madam, and either go meet death, or give it him, who removes me out of your heart: For I do profeſs I can never live a Subject, either unto my Rivall or my miſtreſs: And I ſwear by all the gods that are adored at Iſſedon, or any where elſe in the world, that I will never be your Subject or Ariantes: After this Agatherſes went his way though Elebeſis would have ſtayed him: for though ſhe was ambitious and deſired to preſerve Ariantes, yet ſhe loved Agatherſes: But it was in vain to recall him; for ſince the noiſe increaſed Agatherſes tranſported with rage and fury, would needs go and ſee if he could find any means to quaſh the Rivals deſign: ſo as he went out at a back door, leaſt he ſhould be compaſſed about with a croud of ſeditious people, and not know what to do.

But he was no ſooner got out, then he met one of his friends, who with a hundred men onely would ſeize upon a For or Tower, which Ariantes was not yet maſter of: So as Agatherſes without more delay went with this party to oppoſe Ariantes. But before they could get into this Tower, they met with this Prince, and fought him with incredible valour: As for Agatherſes he did as much as any jealous Lover could, who fought with his Rivall: and he made his way ſo through the preſs and got unto the Prince Ariantes, who ſeeing him come on ſo furiouſly, received him with the ſame vigour, the other aſſaulted him asking him for all the tumult, whether he fought, as ſubject unto Thomiris, or as the lover of Elebeſis? I fight (replied he fiercely) to hinder you from being King; to hinder Elebeſis from being Queen; and to keep my ſelf from being ſubject unto either her or you. After this, Agatherſes made a blow at Ariantes which ſlightly hurt him in the left arm: And Ariantes made another at Agatherſes which ſcratched him on the right ſide; and which had killed him, had he not warded it with much cunning and force.

But in concluſion, Ariantes being ten times more numerous then his enemies, Agatharſes was not able to retard the deſigns of this Prince: For all his men being neither ſouldiers, nor men of quality, they ran away as ſoon as they ſaw ten or twelve of themſelves killed: So that Agatharſes fearing to fall under the power of his Rivall, or elſe to become either his Priſoner or ſubject, he was forced to retreat by a back-lane: but it was with ſo much [Page] ſorrow and rage, that never man was more deſperate. All he could do was to get into the houſe of a friend: for ſince he had aſſaulted Ariantes, he durſt not go into his own houſe: Furthermore, he ſadly heard that nothing could withſtand his Rivall; and that the tumultuous aſſembly had declared that Thomiris, was onely daughter unto the Prince Lipacaris, and that Ariantes was the ſon unto the late King of Iſſedons, and conſequently King according to the Lawes of the Realm: But to his greateſt grief, he was given to underſtand, that Ariantes whoſe wound was ſo ſlight, that he wore his arm in a ſcarf rather for faſhion than need, had been a whole houſe with Elibeſis. And indeed Sir, ſince the ambition of this Prince was onely an effect of his love, he no ſooner ſaw his deſign executed, but maugre all his buſineſs, he would needs viſit her whom he loved and adored: and he might the better do it, becauſe the main weight of this great enterprize did moſt depend upon Octomaſades. I underſtand that when he firſt entred into Elibeſis Chamber, he found her very ſad, yet ſhe received him very lively.

Now Madam, (ſaid he unto her) the King which means to preſent you with a Crown, will very ſhortly be in a capacity to put it upon your head, and to do Juſtice unto your merit: But Madam, It is to you onely I ow my thanks for the obedience of my ſubjects, for if I had not been your ſlave, I had ſtill been ſubject unto I homiris: yet ſince I would not ſeat you upon an ill eſtabliſhed Throne, I come now onely to make a tender of it unto you, and that you will be pleaſed to prepare your ſelf ere long to aſcend it, and to beſeech you not to make any prayers which may move the gods to forſake me, or to protect Thomiris to my prejudice and advantage of Agatherſes.

I muſt confeſs [...]ir, replyed ſhe, that my reaſon is at preſent ſo diſtracted, that I am not able to give an anſwer: and therefore I beſeech you give me ſome time, not onely to recollect into my memory what you have ſaid unto me, but alſo to conſider what I ſhall ſay unto you; for truely Sir, I am yet ſo unreſolved that I know not well whether I ſpeak unto the Prince Ariantes, or unto the King of Iſſedons: You will ere long know it Madam, (ſaid he unto her) and if you will not thwart your own Fortunes and mine, you ſhall know that I am King of the Iſſedons, and by my ceaſing to be your ſubject, you may begin to be my Queen.

After this, Ariantes retired, and left Elibeſis in a great uncertainty: for truly ſince ſhe loved Agatherſes, it was not poſſible ſhe ſhould be a Queen unleſs her conſtancy was ſhaken: But ſince the Throne of a new King did but a little charm her, ſhe reſolved upon nothing, but would determine upon the matter hereafter according to the event of things: Thus not knowing whether ſhe had more love or ambition, her mind was in much uncertaintie.

In the mean time Agatherſes who was hid in his friends houſe was in a moſt horrid diſpair; Can I live ſaid he, and ſuffer my Rivall to be a King? and my ſelf to be a Subject both unto him and Elibeſis? Fie, fie, I cannot be ſo baſely unworthy: I muſt either finde out a way to hinder my Rivall from being King, and my miſtreſs from being Queen, or elſe I muſt and will die with diſpair and grief. Afterwards falling into a profound ſtudie, he remembred that there was ſome places in the walls of Iſſedon which were broken, and the breaches ſo great, that he might eaſily get out with horſes: So as conceiving that the multitude and weight of buſineſs which lay upon Ariantes & Octomaſades, might keep them from any thoughts of repairing thoſe breaches, or from guarding them, he thought his deſign not impoſſible: for ſince no army was on foot, they had more reaſon to think upon Levies, and to ſecure themſelves in the Town, than to attempt any thing without it: ſo that Agatharſes believed, that if Elib ſis pleaſed, he could get her out of Iſſedon by the help of his friends through one of theſe breaches: And by this device reſt quietly without being ſubject either unto his Rivall or his Miſtreſs. But not to make a vain Propoſition, he provided as many men as was neceſſary for her guard: He ſent to view the places, and he was ſo induſtrious, as in all likelyhood he wanted nothing but the conſent of Elibeſis. So that having put all things into good order, he writ that ſame night unto Elibeſis to give him a private audience, which conſidering the preſent juncture of things, ſhe durſt not refuſe. For ſince ſhe knew him to be of a very violent temper, ſhe feared leſt he ſhould either periſh in ſome deſperate attempt, or elſe cauſe Ariantes to periſh: ſo as thinking ſhe ſhould at leaſt perſwade him unto patience, untill ſhe was fully reſolved in her ſelf, ſhe reſolved for the preſent to go the next morning upon a viſit unto his wife, in whoſe houſe Agatherſes lay hid: and ſo ſee him with more ſafety than at her own houſe.

[Page] But Sir, before I acquaint you with the diſcourſe of theſe two perſons, I muſt needs acquaint you with the cruel ſeparation of Adonacris and Noromanta: for at the beginning of this tumult, the father of this fair one being faithfully devoted to the ſervice of Thomiris, and ſeeing the deſign of Ariantes, he would not ſtay any longer in a Rebellious Town: Therefore aſſoon as he ſaw Ariantes was like to thrive in his deſign, and not being able to oppoſe him, he went out of Iſſedon in the diſorder, and carryed his daughter with him: and before any Guards was ſet upon the gates, and whilſt all was in a tumult, he put Noromanta in a Coach, and got out before any could acquaint Adonacris. You may imagine Sir, how this went to his heart, and how he was wonder-ſtruck when after he had followed Ariantes all the day, and paſt all the peril, he heard that Noromanta was not in Iſſedon, yet ſince he imagined that her father would carry her to his own houſe, his ſorrows leſſened, in hopes to hear from her if he ſent an Expreſs: and indeed he writ unto her the very ſame hour, and ſent his Letter by one of his own men; for conſidering the ſtate of things, Honour would not permit him to abſent his perſon, being engaged in the Prince Ariantes Partie. But to return unto Elibeſis and Agatherſes, be pleaſed to know Sir, that Elibeſis was with the Lady, in whoſe houſe ſhe was to ſee Agatherſes, and where indeed ſhe did ſee him. But to the end this meeting might be cloſely carryed, Elibeſis carryed with her only one woman, and that diſcourſe might be more free, chance ordered it ſo, that the Lady of the houſe being ſick, Elibeſis could ſee her but a while, and the Lady left her with Agatherſes and the woman which followed her: And aſſoon as this lover ſaw himſelf at liberty to ſpeak his thoughts; I know not Madam, ſaid he unto Elibeſis, whether you will hear me without hate; but I am certain you cannot deny me what I ſhall aske, without deſerving I ſhould leave loving; for, not to trouble you with any long winded ſtory, if you refuſe to go out of Iſſedon, and to get out of the power of my Rival, I ſhall have reaſon to think you prefer him before me, and that you will willingly ſubmit unto him: And to remove all difficulty, I ſhall tell you in two words, I know an infallible way how to get you out of Iſſedon this very night enſuing. I have men ready for your guard: A Lady of your acquaintance and friendſhip, hating this rebellious Town, will go out of it with you: And I will carry you both unto the Queen, begging nothing from you, but that you will not expoſe your ſelf unto the Tyranny of an uſurper, who doubtleſs will preſently fall, and ruine you if you ſhould be ſo unjuſt as to forſake me for him. I aſſure you Sir, (replied Elibeſis with much aſtoniſhment) That I would go out of Iſſedon with all my heart, but ſince I cannot do it with my honor, I muſt ſtay here: For truly how can I with any hanſomeneſs go out, having a father and a brother engaged with the Prince Ariantes? but truly (added ſhe ſubtilly, and purpoſely to appeaſe him) I cannot tell whether I ſhould be able to deny you, if I were ſure his deſign would proſper; but I pray Sir, conſider that Ariantes will know of my I departure, and knowing will follow me, and ſending men after, will bring me back: and ſhould be extreamly ſorry to ſee you killed before my face, or at leaſt made a priſoner, and therefore it's better to ſit ſtill then to run ſuch dangerous hazards. Do not deceive both your ſelf and me Madam (replied Agatherſes ſharply) for you can never perſwade me that it is a fitting a woman of your beauty ſhould ſtay under the power of an uſurper, who is in love with you, when as you may if you pleaſe get out: and I muſt go a little further Madam and tell you, that though I were not your lover; though you had never made me any promiſes of eternal affection: and though you had no other inducement to go out of Iſſedon but your own honor; yet you ought to go if you could, and ſteal away, even from your parents if they ſhould oppoſe it: unleſs you were reſolved to obey the Prince Ariantes in all things without any exception: you know Madam, he loves you as much as poſſible, and yet you will remain under his power. Tell me I beſeech you Madam, what ſafety can you have of your Perſon when you are under the command of a Prince, who to pull the Crown off his Siſters head, doth violate all manner of Rights, ſtifles all the Laws of nature and Juſtice, and who to ſatisfie his ambition, cares not to ſet two Kingdoms in a flame, to make Rivers of blood, and Mountains of dead men: Conſider Madam, what he will do to ſatisfie his love, which is a more quick, lively and active paſſion; yet you think yuur ſelf ſafe under the power of ſuch a lover, but does not conſider that he will be tranſported into the moſt violent extremities if you reſiſt him: If you do not apprehend all this Madam, it is becauſe you are reſolved not to reſiſt him, for otherwiſe you would quickly take me at my word, and get out of Iſſedon this very night: However I muſt tell you thus much, that to be the wife of a wicked [...]uſurper, who doubtleſs will ere long be [Page] overwhelmed in the ruines of his new ill gotten Throne, is a moſt miſerable piece of Fortune: and according to all probabilities, Ariantes will ſhortly be in that condition. But the truth is (added he, and lifted up his eyes to heaven) that if he be not miſerable untill after you have made him happie, he will die with glory, and I with unequalled deſpair.

Conſider therefore Madam, I conjure you, what anſwer you will give me: Think ſeriouſly what an amorous Tyrant will deſire who is maſter of her he loves, moreover, I ſwear unto you by all the Divinities of Heaven and Earth, that if you will not do what in all reaſon you ought, I will do all that Love, Rage, Jealouſie, hatred and revenge can make a deſperate Lover do, either to ruine his Rivall, or to be revenged upon his Miſtreſs. For I do profeſs once again, I will never be a Subject either unto Ariantes or Elebeſis: Yea, expreſs your ſelf ſo violently (ſaid ſhe unto him) that Sir, I know not how to anſwer you: and you anſwer me ſo coldly replied he that I may well enough underſtand you; but ſince my love is above my reaſon I will not believe what your eyes do tell me, and what your words do make me underſtand: Therefore to give you a little time of repentance, conſider my affection to you. I am violent its true, but the ſame fire which inflames my anger when I am wronged, the ſame makes my love ſo zealous; and therefore do not upbraid me with my impetuoſity, I conjure you, unleſs you will augment it, and if it be poſſible, cure your mind of ſo much weakneſs as to be dazled with the deceiving gliſter of Grandure, though it be a ligitimate grandure, and not uſurped as that of Ariantes, which is but a bubble of the people, and will vaniſh to nothing within a while. Conſider well too ambitious Elibeſis, and act not both againſt your ſelf and me: and do not drive a man into diſpair who is not maſter of his own thoughts when his love is injured; Speak Madam, I beſeech you, but be ſure you ſpeak as you ought to do. Doubtleſs, I ſhall ſpeak as I ought to do, replied ſhe, but I do not think I ſhall ſpeak as you would have me; for the truth is, I cannot ſuffer my ſelf to be violently carried away. Oh Madam, (replied he and interrupted her) this word violently do not ſute with my intentions, ſince I am ſo far from offering any violence, that I would have you avoid it; but I ſee you do not fear what the Prince Ariantes will do, when he is maſter of your heart.

But Madam, ſince he hath driven me out of it, you muſt give me leave to do what I can to drive him out of the Throne which he hath uſurped, though I cannot drive him out of your heart. And therefore give me leave to do the duty of a true Subject and a faithfull Lover in taking the Queens part: Yet let me firſt acquaint you, that whenſoever you hear any Troops are marching againſt Iſſedon, know that I am certainly in the head of them; and when you hear that Ariantes is wounded or like to be, be ſure it is I, who will do what I can to kill him: In ſhort Madam, you may be ſure, that if the war continue, my Rivall or I muſt die: And be confident I will uſe the utmoſt ſtrength of my power, to leav loving you and to become all hate and revenge. Theſe Madam, are the thoughts which you have inſpired into a man who could have no other but to adore you, if you would not change him for another: You are ſo very violent (replied ſhe) that I know not what to ſay; You are ſo unreaſonable, anſwered he, that the moſt patient man alive would be tranſported more than I am.

For Madam, what one obliging word do you give me? I tell you (anſwered ſhe) that I eſteem you as much as ever I did, yet for all that I muſt act with prudence; and therefore though I ſhould be glad to go out of Iſſedon; yet I muſt not, ſince I cannot without a crime, and without expoſing my ſelf unto the anger of my father, my brother, and expoſing them to be ill uſed by the Prince Ariantes, who would ſuſpect them acceſſaries to my flight. You are a very good daughter Madam, (replied Agatherſes coldly) and a good ſiſter, but believe me a very bad Lover: I beſeech you Sir, (ſaid ſhe unto him) do not unjuſtly complain againſt me, but wait upon the event of things; you tell me that the Prince Ariantes will ſhortly be hurried from the Throne: ſtay then and expect his fall with patience, and let both you and me live at reſt till then. I do very well underſtand you Madam, (replied he haſtily;) you would have me let you alone untill you may make your choice according to the event of things; that is to ſay, if the deſign of Ariantes ſucceed well, you are reſolved to cloſe with him, and look upon me as your Subject; and if it ſucceed ill, then perhaps you will admit of me for your ſlave. But Madam, the heart of Agatherſes cannot ſo baſely cloſe with time: I have loved you and you have not hated me; keep in that mind ſtill I beſeech you, or if you cannot, give me leave to trie if I can fall off alſo. For truely Madam: (purſued he with much vehemencie) I wiſh Hercules may beat my brains out with his club; that Neptune may puſh me into the bottom of the Sea with [Page] his Trident, and that Jupiter may blaſt me with his Thunder-bolt, if ever I depend upon the good or bad ſucceſs of the war. Therefore Madam, chuſe now which you pleaſe, or never; but conſider I beſeech you, that Ariantes is an uſurper of four and twenty hours ſtanding: That his Throne ſtands but upon looſe ſand, and that I am a moſt faithful ſubject to the Queen, and the moſt faithful lover in the world. Moreover Ariantes did not love you till of late, and I have both lov'd and ador'd you many years: Ariantes will not love you till he enjoy you; but I will love you till I die: but to oblige me unto this Madam, you muſt quit Iſſedon; If the Gods whoſe names you uſe, replied Elibeſis, were not extreamly good, doubtleſs they would puniſh you for all your prophanations, and your injuſtice; but to give you a direct anſwer, I will peremptorily tell you that I will not go out of Iſſedon, and becauſe your violencies doth authorize mine, I muſt tell you further, that if you had loved me without ſelf-intereſt, you would never haue grudged my being a Queen; but had rather have been my ſubject, then my Husband: but it is no argument of a ſuperlative love, to deſire the enjoyment of her he loves, and not to endure a Rival ſhould poſſeſs her: Whoſoever does not deſire the enjoyment of her he loves, (replied Agatherſes) is not any ſuperlative lover. Ah Madam, truly I cannot love ſo, and whoſoever can be contented to part with her he loves, loves but imperfectly: But Madam, ſince you will not do as I deſire, I muſt do as you would not have me.

After this, Elibeſis finding more love in her heart then ambition, expreſſed her ſelf as well as poſſibly ſhe could to appeaſe him, to molifie him, and to [...]elude him; yet not telling him that ſhe would go out of Iſſedon, nor directly promiſing ſhe would not marry Ariantes. But Agatherſes having wit at will, did know the thoughts of her heart, as well as if ſhe had ingeniouſly confeſſed them: and indeed he did ſo plainly ſee, that ſhe would neither loſe him nor keep him, that he was tranſported more then before: And Elibeſis alſo having her turn of anger, did upon a ſudden leave him, and ſo they both parted very ill ſatisfied with each other. Agatherſes told me ſince, that he intended to deſire the man with whom he lodged, to keep Elibeſis in his houſe, to the end he might have carryed her away the night following whether ſhe wonld or no: But this deſign being very imprudent, he thought that neither his friend nor his wife would ever conſent unto it; ſo as he rejected that thought, as a thing impoſſible to be executed. In the mean time, after he had in vain perſwaded Elibeſis to go out of Iſſedon, he began to think of getting out himſelf, and the rather becauſe he was advertiſed that the Prince Ariantes cauſed a ſearch to be made for him, and would ſecure his perſon: therefore without further delay, he diſguiſed himſelf, and the night following he went out of Iſſedon through the breaches in the walls; and he went out ſo happily, that if he had deferred it one day longer, he had miſſed of his aim; for Octomaſades cauſed thoſe breaches to be repaired the very next morning. But at parting he writ unto Elibeſis, and in ſuch an odd manner, as never was love letter in the like: for my part, I think I have given a hundred copies of it, and I have writ it ſo oft that I think I am able to repeat it word for word: And thus this deſperate lover writ unto his ambitious Miſtris.

AGATHERSES unto ELIBESIS.

Madam,

I Could not chuſe but tell you at parting, that ſince fortune and love could make people miſerable, they never left a [...]y in ſuch a cruel incertainty as you and I: For Madam, you ſtay in Iſſedon, not knowing whether you ſhall be Queen, though you have a moſt ambitious deſire of being ſo: And I depart out of it not well knowing whether I can hinder my Rival from being King, nor whether I can baniſh you out of my heart, as you baniſht me out of yours: But I am ſure only of this, that if I do continue loving you, it ſhall be againſt my will: And though I ſhould love you as long as I lived, with the ſame zeal I did when Ariantes came firſt to Iſſedon, yet I will never tell you ſo as long as I live: This Madam is the very laſt Teſtimony of my love you ſhall ever receive from me: But my going into the ſervice of Thomiris, ſhall not be the laſt Teſtimony of hatred, which my Rival ſhall receive. Adieu Madam, I know not whether Fortune will ever give you any ſubjects; but I am ſure love gave you a ſlave that deſerved to be kept, and the chains he wore perhaps would have been more glorious to you, then the Crown you hope to wear will be.

AGATHERSES.

[Page] Though this Letter was ſomthing ſharp, Elibeſis yet was not much moved at it; but ſince ambition was then predominat, ſhe would not anſwer it: And Agatherſes underſtanding by him who delivered it, that ſhe ſaid ſhe had no anſwer to return, he entred into a new deſpair, which made him paſs for one of the faithful ſubjects in the world: For Sir, he went unto the Tents Royal, and offered Thomiris to levy men at his own charge, and to ſpend both his ſtate and fortune in her ſervice. And ſince that Princeſs could not find a man of more courage and ſpirit then he, ſhe made him Lievtenant General of the army which ſhe intended to ſend againſt Iſſedon; and which ſhe would not lead her ſelf, becauſe ſhe fell ſick of ſorrow for your departure Sir. But whileſt Thomiris did ſtrive to hinder Ariantes from making himſelf King, Ariantes ſtudied how to keep the Crown he had got, and how to make Elibeſis Queen. Whilſt, I ſay, Adonacris did wait with much impatience for the return of him he ſent unto his dear Noromata, that Lady was in a ſtrange conjuncture of troubles. For Sir, be pleaſed to know, that her father, whoſe name was Targitas, and who was an imperious and violent man, after he came to his houſe bethought himſelf how to ſignalize his fidelitie to Thomiris: and this houſe of his being very ſtrong, he made a Garriſon of it, and prepared himſelf to go unto the Armie, as ſoon as the Queen had begun her march.

But Sir, ſince in the beginning of theſe troubles every one looked like an enemy, and every one ſtood upon his guard, he whom Adonacris had ſent unto Noromata, could not carry himſelf ſo, but the father of this fair one diſcovered that he had ſome ſecret buſineſs: ſo that cauſing him to be ſtopped and ſearched, they found the letter which Adonacris writ unto Noromata: which as he told me ſince was very long, and very tender: For ſince he foreſaw that he ſhould be long from her, and knew not whether he could write after, he deſired to put her in memorie of his zealous Paſſion: but this Letter which he hoped would produce ſome good effects proved quite the contrary; for Sir, the father of Noromata, no ſooner ſaw it, but he was extremely angry, for he ſaw his daughter did not hate him who writ it.

So as imagining this affection to be of another nature then it was, he applied all violent remedies to break it off: For though he eſteemed Adonacris very much, yet he would not have him marry his daughter, though upon no other reaſon, but becauſe he ſided with Ariantes: So that this violent man without more delay reſolved to marry her to a man of good account, called Sitalces, who had been long in love with her, and asked the queſtion before ever he went to Iſſedon, but he intreated him to ſtay for an anſwer untill his return: And ſo reſolving that the firſt news which Adonacris ſhould hear of Noromata, ſhould be of her marriage, he kept the man who brought the letter under the notion of a ſpie; and gave as favourable an anſwer unto Sitalces as he could poſſibly either expect or deſire. After which he went unto Noromataes chamber, and commanded her to receive Sitalces as the man whom ſhe was to marry within the compaſs of eight dayes, without any Ceremony; it not being fit ſaid he to feaſt it at the beginning of a Civill war. You may imagine Sir, how Noromata was ſurprized at this and troubled at this command: for being naturally of a ſweet, mild and modeſt temper, ſhe knew not how to reſiſt Targitas, yet ſince Sitalces was one that made open profeſſion of bravery, and to be the firſt alwayes in all dangers and attempts: ſhe beſeeched her father to conſider, that to marry her now unto Sitalces in the begining of a bloody war, was to put her preſently into mourning, and therefore deſired him to ſtay till things were compoſed betwixt Thomiris and Ariantes. But Targitas knowing very well her real reaſon, he was very angry at her, and told her that without any more adoe ſhe muſt obey, and obey preſently, and with a good will. And that you may the ſooner reſolve upon it (ſaid he in a tranſport of anger) Let me tell you, that though you ſhould not marrie Sitalces, yet you ſhall never marrie Adonacris. You may imagine Sir, how Noromata wondred her father ſhould know of any paſſages in Iſſedon; but her wonder increaſed when ſhe offered to juſtifie and excuſe her ſelf, for he charged her not to ſpeak; telling her, that ſhe could no way juſtifie her admittance of Adonacris without his leave, then by marrying Sitalces at his command. Noromanta did not yet yield; but at laſt yield ſhe muſt, and ſuffered Sitalces to viſit her as the man whom ſhe was to marry.

And indeed within eight dayes after, he did marry her much againſt her will; for Sir, you muſt know that Targitas was a man ſo peremptory, and had in his face ſuch a terror as cauſed fear; ſo that Noromata was excuſable in not reſiſting him: and the rather, becauſe ſhe obeyed him with extream ſorrow and repugnancy. But that which rendred her moſt [Page] deſerving pitty, was becauſe ſhe had an extream naturall averſion againſt Sitalces, as ſhe had an inclination unto Adonacris: yet fear and vertue together moved her to obey Targitas. But to compleat her grief the next morning after the marriage her father came into her chamber, and ſhewed her the Letter which Adonacris writ: I would not ſhew you daughter (ſaid he unto her) what Adonacris hath writ unto you, untill I had put you into a condition of anſwering as I would have you. But now ſince you are wife unto Sitalces, I cannot think you will be the Miſtreſs of Adonacris. And therefore, ſince I would have all manner of gallantries end betwixt you, and have no ill conſequences; I pray write unto him in my preſence; but write as I ſhall deſire you, and as vertue requires you ſhould: which is, that you are the wife of Sitalces; that you would have him never to write unto you again, and that you forbid him ever to ſee you again as long as you live. To tell you Sir, how Noromata grieved at the ſight of Adonacris his letter, and at his apprehending the ſad news of her marriage, is not an eaſie matter: yet ſince her father was a man that would not be dallied with, reſolve ſhe muſt, to write, or not to write; did ſhe follow her own inclination, write ſhe would not, ſince ſhe would not write ſuch bad news. But afterwards, conſidering ſhe was married unto Sitalces, and it was not fit to hold any longer commerce with Adonacris, therefore ſhe thought beſt to overcome her ſelf, and not anger her father, who being all violence and haſte had acquainted him that married her with the buſineſs.

Thus Sir, though the fair Noromata had her ſoul full of affection to Adonacris, though her eyes did ſwim in tears, her heart beat, and her hand tremble, yet ſhe did write as Targitas would have her. Tis true, that maugre the trouble of her mind, ſhe called ſuch words to expreſs what her father deſired, as it was eaſie to ſee her ſoul was full of ſorrow. However, as ſoon as this letter was writ Targitas delivered it unto the man whom Adonacris ſent; And not permitting him to ſee Noromata, he cauſed him to be conducted a dayes journey from the place where he was.

All this while Adonacris was in a moſt impatient perplexitie, and expectation of his return whom he had ſent unto her. But alas, his return was much more grievous unto him, when he underſtood how he had been arreſted, ſearched, and Targitas ſeen his letter: But much more ſtill was his ſorrow, when he heard that Noromata had married Sitalces, when he read her letter: Since I was the confident of his ſorrows, I am able to aſſure you that they were in a moſt high degree: but ſince he knew that Noromata had an averſion unto Sitalces, he could not charge her with inconſtancie, only of a little weakneſs, though it was ſuch as her vertue might excuſe, ſince ſhe did it onely in obedience to her father: But ſince this was a miſery without remedy, he complained ſometimes in ſuch feeling expreſſions as moved me to pittie him very much.

Alas, alas (ſaid he the day he received Noromatas letter) into what ſtrange deſtiny am I reſerved? If I had a dozen Rivals and all preferred before me, I ſhould be much leſs miſerable then I am, though Noromata doth not hate me, and hath a husband whom ſhe loves not. For ſuch a miſery though great, yet was not without a remedy: But that Noromata ſhould be wife unto one whom ſhe hates; and that ſhe ſhould be a woman of a rare vertue, this is a thing which leaves me nothing to do but complain and pittie both her and my ſelf. Yet ſurely her affection unto me was not great, ſince ſhe was able to obey ſo ſoon; and I wiſh unto the gods that mine to her were no more violent. However Sir, Adonacris had a deſire that Noromata ſhould know his ſorrows; and therefore as ſoon as he heard that Targitas and Sitalces were gone unto Thomiris, three dayes after the marriage, and that they had ſent unto a Town called Typanis, with intention to continue there as long as the war laſted, he diſpatched one of his ſervants unto the place where ſhe was. Yet Sir, ſhe would not read his letter, but ſent it back ſealed together with this note, which had neither ſuperſcription, nor ſubſcription unto it.

SInce I am not now the ſame I was when I permitted you to write unto me, forbear writing unto one whom decency will not allow ſo much as to ſee your letters, much leſs to anſwer them: I have not opened this you ſent, for I do not love to hear of miſeries which I neither can nor ought to eaſe: And I deſire you with all my heart, never to write to me again as long as you live; And to believe confidently, that I can never do any thing more advantagious for you, than not to excuſe my ſelf, and permit you to hate me, if you cannot ceaſe loving unleſs you paſs from love to hatred. After this, ask no more of me, for I do profeſs this is the laſt time of writing unto you, and I would not have written now, but onely to deſire you to write no more unto me.

[Page] After the reading of this letter Sir, the miſerable Adonacris had nothing to do, but to ſtrive with his ſorrows, and to ſuffer them without ſeeking a remedy. Yet he was vexed with a freſh inquietude: For you muſt know that after Thomiris had her Army up, and Ariantes in the head, Agatharſes upon the firſt occaſion killed the brother unto a Lady of high account, called Argiriſpe, whom I told you was a friend unto Elibeſis, ſo as by this means Argiriſpe being one of the richeſt matches in all Iſſedon, the father of Adonacris and Elibeſis, whoſe name was Tyſſagetties, had a fancy to marry his ſon unto her; and he was ſo earneſt upon it that he never let him injoy any reſt. Alſo he imployed the Prince Ariantes, and Octomaſades to perſwade him unto a marriage with her. For in thoſe times of tumult Ceremonies were not ſtood upon; and therefore the mourning of Argirispe was no hindrance unto her marriage: And as for Argiriſpe, ſhe was not unwilling to marry ſuch a well accompliſhed man, who was brother unto her who was ſhortly to be a Queen: So as the whole Family of Adonacris being met together to perſecute him, and to tell him that he did not love the Grandure of his houſe: he was ſo chid by them that in the end he told them, he would do as they deſired.

Thus was the marriage made in four days, by the authority of Ariantes; but to tell you truly, his greateſt enducement was, becauſe I perſwaded him to ſtifle a paſſion in which he had no hopes; and becauſe he hoped that perhaps the beauty of Argiriſpe might by degrees root Noromata out of his heart. Thus though Adonacris did ſtill love Noromata, and not love Argirispe; yet he lived very lively towards her. But to his comfort, the Prince Ariantes having viewed his Troops, departed from Iſſedon, with intention to meet the Army of Thomiris, which was advancing with deſign to decide the matter by battel; and by this means Adonacris was delivered from his conſtraint of being with Argiriſpe. Thus Sitalces and Adonacris were engaged in two contrary ſides; for Sitalces followed his father in law, and went to Thomiris three days after his marriage with Noromata: And Adonacris engaged with Ariantes: ſo as they were in contrary ſides, as well as Ariantes and Agatherſes, who as I told you before was Lievtenant General of Thomiris her Army, which the young Spargapiſes commanded, by the advice of the prudent Therez, by reaſon of the Queens indiſpoſition. But to ſpeak truth, ſince Spargapiſes was but a child, and his name only uſed to prevent the pretention of others; and ſince Agatherſes was more forward then any other, being exaſperated by the whet-ſtones of love, hatred and revenge, it was he who indeed was General of the Army.

In the mean time, the Prince Ariantes before he went from Iſſedon, did ſet guards upon Elibeſis; leſt during his abſence the friends of Agatherſes ſhould attempt any thing againſt her. But Sir, I forgat to tell you, that before he went away; he courted Elibeſis as earneſtly as he could to marry him: For though he had told her that his Throne was yet but ill eſtabliſhed to ſet her upon it; yet ſince his love increaſed, he preſſed her unto it: yet all in vain; for ſhe was reſolved to marry none under a King, and a King quietly ſettled in his Dominion: It being certain that of all Subjects ſhe loved Agatherſes beſt, and much better than Ariantes though a Prince.

Thus finding ſeverall pretences which did not incenſe this Prince, ſhe denied his deſire, and he was forced to retire without marriage: So as by this means Agatherſes was not in ſo bad a condition as Adonacris; for he had a Rivall to fight with, whoſe death might be advantagious to him. But as for Adonacris, though Sitalces were killed he were never the better, ſince Agariſpes was his wife: ſo that I think none could be in a ſadder condition than he was during all that war. I will not make any particular relation of this War unto you Sir, leſt I ſhould abuſe your patience: yet I muſt needs tell you, that when both armies met, and many Subjects of one Princeſs ready to kill each other, the moſt prudent of both ſides and the leaſt intereſted did make ſome overtures of an accommodation, and began to talk mildly upon the matter before they fell to blows: So as the wiſe Terez and Targitas, did ſo negotiate the buſineſs, mauger both Agatherſes and Octomaſades, who were all for war; one out of ambition, the other out of love, that they brought the buſineſs to a kind of Treaty.

And within a few dayes after, it was reſolved to meet at a certain place and confer, and each ſide give their reaſons, and thereupon to adviſe upon the beſt expedients of compo [...]ing the difference. The place of conference being reſolved upon, Ariantes nominated Octomaſades and ſix other Commiſſioners on his ſide: Agatherſes carried the matter ſo well that he himſelf was chief Commiſſioner for Thomiris, to the end he might tranſact [Page] againſt Ariantes, as well during the conference as the War; and certainly he did moſt worthily acquit himſelf, for do not think it poſſible any could bring ſtronger reaſons to maintain, that though Thomiris was born before her Father came to the Crown, yet ſhe ought to be looked upon as the eldeſt Daughter unto the King of the Iſſedons, and not only as the Daughter of Lipacaris, and conſequently ſince the Laws of the Land made the eldeſt Child of the King to raign without any difference of Sex, Thomiris was lawful Queen, and Ariantes an Uſurper.

Octomaſades maintained very ſtrongly, that though the Laws of the Land made the eldeſt Child of the King to raign, yet it ought to be the Prince Ariantes, ſince he only was Son unto the King of the Iſſedons, and Thomiris the Daughter of a Subject, though ſhe was his eldeſt Siſter, and by conſequence incapable of raigning; ſince it was the eldeſt Child of a King whoſe due it is: The truth is (ſaid he to maintain the right of Ariantes) Ariantes pretends not to the Crown, as Son unto Lipacaris, but only as Son unto the King of Iſſedons: For truly a forced expoſition ought not to be given unto that Law which gives him for the Scepter; it muſt be underſtood according to the letter, and be known, that thoſe who made it, had ſufficient reaſons to authorize it: Certainly there is all the equity in the world, that the People who can never have too much reſpect unto thoſe who ought to command them, ſhould have another kind of perſon over them then themſelves, to wit, a perſon that is incapable of raigning, and ſubject to the ſame obedience they are: To avoid which inconvenience, it muſt not be Thomiris which muſt raign, ſince all the people know her born in a private condition, when her Father was no King; but on the contrary, it ought to be the Prince Ariantes, whom the people ſaw born upon a Throne. But what if it will be objected? Why, though the Prince Lipacaris was a Subject, yet he made himſelf King. 'Tis true indeed, he did ſo, but it was after another manner; for the Prince Lipacaris did make himſelf King by the right of Conquerours, but his Succeſſors cannot be King, but by the Laws he eſtabliſhed; So it muſt be the Son or Daughter of a King, and not of a Subject, who ought legally to ſucceed. Moreover, there is one reaſon which moves me to expound the Law thus; for certainly a Throne ſtamps a new Character of Grandure upon thoſe who are upon it: And thoſe who are born Kings, have more Royal inclinations, more worthy of a Scepter, then others who are born in a lower condition: And to ſpeak rationally, the firſt day of a mans life who makes himſelf King, is the firſt day that he ſteps upon the Throne, ſo as all before it were not his, and it muſt be ſince he was the Father of his Subjects, that he can be called the Father of his Children.

Thus I conclude, that the Law which ſayes that the Firſt-born of the King of Iſſedons ought to raign, ought to be expounded as I have done, though Lipacares had had a Son elder then Ariantes in lieu of Thomiris; from a more forcible reaſon therefore it ought to be thus, ſince it is more advantagious to the people to have a King, then a Queen. Furthermore, every thing argues in favour of the ſide which I maintain; for Thomiris in yeelding the Iſſedonian Crown unto the Prince Ariantes, remains ſtill Queen of the Maſſagettes; on the contrary, the Son unto the King of Iſſedon, who only ought to raign over them, will be without a Kingdom, and indeed the Iſſedons will have neither King nor Queen, for ſince the marriage of Thomiris, ſhe never comes amongſt them, and ſhe ſufficiently makes it known, that Nature hath not infuſed into her heart that tender affection which Kings ought to have unto their people, ſince ſhe never honours them with her preſence; and it may be ſaid, that ſhe rather treats them like a People which ſhe ſubjected by Uſurpation, then Subjects which a legal and ſucceſſive right did give her, ſince ſhe governs them by Subſtitutes, and never comes her ſelf amongſt them. But not to uſe reaſons and arguments where the authority of the Law is ſufficient, I will maintain, that ſince the Eldeſt Child of the Iſſedonian King ought to raign, it ought to be the Prince Ariantes. And I will further affirm, that it would be more glorious unto Thomiris to be the Wife, the Mother, and the Siſter of a King; then to have one Crown more, and have a Brother that is Subject unto the Prince her Son: So as I conclude, that if ſhe will have the Wars to ceaſe, ſhe muſt reſtore the Crown of Iſſedon unto him, to whom legally it belongs; and that ſhe let him be her brother by nature, and her Ally by intereſt of his Crown, and not a Subject. After this Sir, the eloquence of Octomaſades went a little further, and enlarged it ſelf in commendations of the Prince Ariantes, but concluded that he would rely wholly upon the Law, which was; that the eldeſt Child unto the King of Iſſedons ſhould raign.

[Page] I willingly conſent (replied Agatherſes after Octomaſades had done) that the Law be punctually relied upon, which would have the eldeſt Child unto the King of Iſſedons to raign, ſince that is the foundation upon which the right Title of Thomiris her raign is built, and by which Ariantes ought to be looked upon only as an Uſurper: And to prove that Thomiris is the eldeſt Daughter unto the Iſſedonian King, though ſhe was born, when he was only the Prince Licaparis; I need only ſay, that Lipacaris and the King of Iſſedons, being all one and the ſame perſon, Thomir's cannot be the eldeſt Daughter of the one, but ſhe muſt be the eldeſt Daughter of the other. Alſo, if you tell me ſhe is not the Daughter to the King of Iſſedons, I will tell you again that Ariantes is the Son of Lipacaris, and you cannot deny it by the ſame reaſon: For truly Lipacaris in aſcending the Throne, did not ceaſe to be the ſame he was before in all things directly relating to his perſon, he was ſtill brave and generous, he was the Husband of his Wife, Father to his Daughter, Cozen to his kindred, and indeed all the very ſame he was before his being King: The elevation of his Fortune did not ſubvert the courſe of nature, it did not break the ligaments of proximity, and all his power cannot make that which is, never to have been: So ſince Lipacaris had a Daughter before he was King, ſhe is ſtill his Daughter, though afterwards he aſcended a Throne. I would gladly know, if ſhe be not Daughter to the King of Iſſedons, whoſe Daughter ſhe is? For as ſoon as the King her Father was upon the Throne, it ſeems he was no longer Lipacaris, but Lipacaris was ſo mixed, incorporated, and confounded with the King of Iſſedons, that none ever knew how to ſeparate them. So that ſince Lipacaris is King of the Iſſedons, ſince the King of Iſſedons is Lipacaris, and ſince they are both but one and the ſame, it muſt follow by neceſſary conſequence, that Thomiris is eldeſt Daughter unto the King, and her unto whom the Laws gives the Crown: That the Prince Ariantes is her Subject, and that he moſt unjuſtly takes up Arms, by giving an interprecation unto the Laws of the Land, which they will not admit of. To ſay, that the people before they can reſpect thoſe who ought to be their Maſters, muſt obey Ariantes before Thomiris, becauſe they had ſeen her a Subject like themſelves, this in my opinion is the ſtrangeſt thing in the world: They might as well ſay, that the people, becauſe they had ſeen Lipacaris a Subject like themſelves thirty years together, ought not to obey him after the Gods had placed him upon the Throne. But there are ſtronger arguments and reaſons why they ought to obey the Daughter of their King, unto whom the Law gives more right unto the Crown of Iſſedon, then force did unto Lipacaris. Moreover, there is much ſhallowneſs in that argument which ſayes that Thomiris hath more Crowns then one, and therefore may well part with the other, for if ſhe had a hundred, yet the Crown of Iſſedon is hers, and no reaſon but why ſhe ſhould keep it: Private perſons may ſomtimes doubtleſs yeeld ſomthing which deſcends unto them from their Fathers, but Kngs never ought to yeeld Kingdomes: And though it be ſaid, that it is not more glorious unto Thomiris to be the Daughter of a King, then to be the Siſter of another, yet I ſay ſhe ought to inſiſt peremptorily upon her right unto the Kingdom of Iſſedon, over which ſhe hath raigned with ſo much glory, that her preſence was not neceſſary to make her people obedient, ſo wiſely did ſhe govern them. But not to diſpute whether a King or a Queen is more advantagious unto the people, I ſay, as I ſaid before, that ſince Lipacaris and the King of Iſſedons are both one and the ſame perſon, and ſince Thomiris is elder then Ariantes, and eldeſt Daughter to the Queen, ſhe ought to continue her Raign, as ſhe began, ſince the Lawes of the Land require it, and ſince ſhe aſcended the Throne by the peoples conſent. And indeed, to ſpeak rationally, what ſtrange Chimique diviſion would it be to divide Lipacaris from the King of Iſſedons? It was the virtues of Lipacaris which made him King, and he did greater things to get upon the Throne then he did afterwards: So as it would be great injuſtice to put ſo great a difference between what he was when he deſerved to be King, and what he was after he was a King. In my opinion, whoſoever is ſo happy as to make himſelf a King, may be looked upon as one even from his Cradle to his Grave: For as it may be ſaid, it is the Gods who gives Crowns as beſt pleaſeth them; ſo it may be ſaid, that whoſoever is to be a King, is ſo from his birth, becauſe it was ſo decreed from the beginning: So though men did not know that Lipacaris was to be King, yet by an infallible fatality he was to be ſo, and from his Cradle induced with all high qualities, fit to be ranked in the Catalogue of Kings, by that power which Soveraignly diſpoſes of Monarchies and Empires, and which before he was born, knew whether Thomiris or Ariantes ſhould raign.

Lipacaris then being by the Gods put into the rank of Kings, as ſoon as he was put into [Page] the rank of men, though it ſhould be granted that Thomiris is only Daughter unto Lipacaris, yet it muſt of neceſſity follow, that ſhe is alſo Daughter unto the King of Iſſedons, ſince he was marked out for ſuch a one by thoſe who have right to give unto men ſuch Characters as beſt pleaſeth them. But not to fly unto any ſubtilties to maintain the equity of a cauſe which nothing can weaken, I ſhall tell you only in two words, that the Law ſayes, the Kingdome belongs unto the eldeſt Child of the King, without diſtinction of Sex, that Thomiris is five years elder then the Prince Ariantes, that as ſoon as Lipacaris ceaſed being a Subject, and began to be a King, Thomiris alſo ceaſed to be the Daughter of a Subject, and began to be the Daughter of a King; and that unleſs it can be ſaid her Father was never King of Iſſedon, they cannot take from her the quality of a Kings Daughter, ſince ſhe cannot change her Father, as he changed his Fortune. So that being his, and brought up with him, ſhe is as he is, and by conſequence is legitimate Queen according to the Laws of the Land, and by the ſame conſequence, the Prince Ariantes cannot pretend unto any thing but a pardon for his crime, and to be the prime Subject unto this great Queen. I believe Sir you will think, that a conference of men who affected not Peace would come to nothing; but that on the contrary, it would exaſperate their ſpirits; for ſince Agatherſes hated Ariantes, he uſed many offenſive invectives; and ſince Octomaſades feared nothing more then to come under the laſh of a Queen, whom he had wronged, he was full of tart expreſſions againſt her paſſion, to the end he might hinder the War from ceaſing.

Thus after three daies conference and repetition of things, rather againſt Peace then for it, the Treaty ended, and the War began. But Sir, the thing moſt remarkable was, that whilſt Octomaſades and Agatherſes conferred together, Adonacris accompanying Octomaſades, and Sitalces Agatherſes, the miſerable Adonacris had the ſorrow to ſee the Poſſeſſor of his dear Noromata, whom he yet knew not; for Sitalces was one of the Grand Signiors in his Country, who was well contented with his Quality, who came into the Wars when it came to him, and who never came at Court but by chance: So as Adonacris had never ſeen him: And that which moſt amazed him was, that ſince Sitalces did not know that he had any intelligence with his Wife, that he was in love with her, or any acquaintance between them, he addreſſed himſelf alwayes unto him, to propoſe ſuch expedients as he fancied: So that ſince it was not poſſible he ſhould ſee the Poſſeſſor of his dear Noromata, without extream grief, he was in a moſt perplexed condition, and the worſe, becauſe his love encreaſed: For Sitalces being one of thoſe who think they can never talk too much of their Wives, and ſince it was ſo ſhort a time ſince he was married, that he talked of her more like a Lover then a Husband. It chanced one day whilſt the Commiſſioners were conferring together, a friend of Sitalces told him in the preſence of Adonacris, that he had more reaſon then any other to perſwade Agatherſes unto an accommodation, and to end the War: For truly, ſaid he unto him, it is one of the hardeſt adventures that can befall a man, who having been whole years in love with a Beauty, ſhould part from her three daies after he had married her: 'Tis very true, replied Sitalces, the Adventure is very croſs, and I muſt confeſs, I wiſh an end of the War, as much becauſe I would return unto Noromata, as becauſe I am a Lover of my Countryes Peace.

Whilſt Sitalces talked thus, Adonacris ſpoke not a word, but ſighed in ſecret: Yet this friend unto Sitalces being a man that would put a hundred queſtions, and Sitalces being one, who though he had wit enough; yet was not ſo delicate as to know one needs not anſwer preciſely unto every queſtion which is asked: Such Queſtions, and ſuch Anſwers paſſed between them, as made Adonacris deſperate; for this impertinent friend did oblige Sitalces, not only to relate his paſſion unto Noromata, but all paſſages ſince his marriage, which Sitalces did aggravate in ſuch tearms, as ſo ſadded the ſoul of Adonacris, that he was ready to loſe his patience, and utter ſuch things as might make it known that he was the Lover of Noromata; yet he could not part from the place where he was, becauſe reſentments of love would not let him forbear audience of all that could be ſaid concerning Noromata. But at the laſt he gathered ſome comfort from the words of Sitalces; for his friend asked him (after a hundred impertinent queſtions) whether Noromata was not as ſad at parting, as ſhe was glad of his company? And whether ſhe did not water her cheeks with tears? Sitalces anſwered him, that it ſeemed he never knew Noromata, ſince he did not think her able to Miſtreſs her ſelf in all things: For truly, ſaid he, ſhe hath ſuch a command over her ſelf, that when I married her, there was not [Page] the leaſt ſign of any joy in her eyes, and when I parted from her, there appeared not the leaſt ſorrow in her countenance: And I am perſwaded ſhe can love and hate to the height if ſhe pleaſe, without being diſcovered; and when I parted from her, ſhe did ſo well hide her thoughts from me, that ſhe ſeemed to be neither glad nor ſad, onely modeſt and ſerious.

As ſoon as Sitalces had ſaid ſo, the diſcourſe changing ſubject Adonacris retired, to injoy the conſolation of thinking that Sitalces never ſaw any joyes in the eyes of Noromata, ſince he married her; and this thought was the ſweeter, becauſe he remembred how often he had ſeen joy dance in her cheeks and eyes when he had given her any teſtimony of his love, and how by a ſweet communication of looks without any words, ſhe imparted her heart unto him. So that not doubting but Noromata was capable enough of joy, and knowing by experience that ſhe was not alwayes a miſtreſs of her ſelf, ſince ſhe had more than once in vain ſtriven to hide her thoughts, he therefore thought to his comfort that ſhe did not love Sitalces when ſhe married him; and that perhaps ſhe loved him ſtill, at leaſt grieved for him. So that his love increaſing, he was ſo vexed that he was married, as he had almoſt as much ado to keep himſelf from hating Argariſpe, as from loving Noromata. For truely (ſaid he in himſelf) ſince my affection to Noromata is not brutiſh, onely grounded upon ſence; if I were ſure that Noromata loved me as well as I loved her, though ſhe be the wife of Sitalces, and as abſent as I am, yet I ſhould entertain my ſelf with many a pleaſing thought, and injoy many a ſweet minute. But alas, how ſhould Noromata ever believe I love her, ſince I married Argiriſpe? ſince ſhe knows not how I was forced to it: nor can conſider that my affection to her is the cauſe of it: Perhaps ſhe is glad that my deſign of marrying did not take effect, ſince I was ſo apt to change: but alas, Noromata, you are much miſtaken if you think ſo; for Heavens know I never loved Argiriſpe but ſtill you, and ſhall do ever. But alas, what ſhould, or what would I have Noromata do? Sitalces injoyes her; ſhe is all vertue; and I ſhall never ſee her again: ſtifle a paſſion Adonacris, which will do nothing but torment thee; and be not ſo fooliſhly fond, as eternally to deſire things impoſſible, and to love where there is not the leaſt hope. Adonacris had good reaſon to conſult with his reaſon how to quench his flames, for I aſſure you his love augmented by ſuppreſſing it, and he was the more overcome by ſtriving againſt it. In the mean time the Treaty being ended as I told you before, Octomaſades and Agatherſes parted, both very glad that nothing was done.

But as Adonacris was going away, Agatherſes came to him, and (ſpeaking in his high and excellent Tone) I Pray Adonacris ſaid he unto him, do me the favour to tell the fair Elibeſis, that it is not long of Octomaſades but me, the peace is not concluded; and that I hindred Ariantes from being King, by a Paſſion leſs intereſted, then that by which Octomaſades would hinder Thomiris from being Queen; ſince his is ambition, and mine revenge. Since perhaps you ſhall be the Subject of Ariantes Sir, whether you will or no (replied Adonacris) I will do you ſo good an office as not to tell my ſiſter a thing which may offend her, but will tell it her from my ſelf: Alas (replied Agatherſes in a fury and went away) if ever I be Subject unto Ariantes, be confident, that I will be a very rebellious one. After this Adonacris returned a ſharp anſwer, but Agatherſes did not hear him: And the truth is, he did ſo diſlike the proceedings of Elibeſis with Agatherſes, that he retained the one half of his reſentment, out of a thought that ſhe had done him wrong.

In the mean while, as the ſtate of things then ſtood, a battell had decided the buſineſs, and quite ruined the ſide which loſt it, and therefore both ſides were very cautions of fighting untill they ſaw a great probability of being victorious. But ſince both ſides had officers admirably well known in Martiall affairs: Since Ariantes of his ſide, and Agatherſes of the other, were both very circumſpect; it was not eaſie for either ſide to ſuppreſs each other.

Moreover, ſince Thomiris hoped every day to recover of her languiſhing diſeaſe which her ſorrows for your departure Sir, had cauſed; ſhe would not hazard her Army: And to tell you truely what I think, I am perſwaded ſhe had a mind to keep her Forces for another deſign then to puniſh Ariantes, whom ſhe alwayes believed would be reduced into his duty when ſhe deſired him. So that Spargapiſes and Agatherſes having ſeverall orders from Thomiris, to attempt nothing raſhly, they were conſtrayned to hazard nothing raſhly, nor be ſo forward as otherwiſe they would. Thus both ſides often skirmiſhed, but never came to any deſiding battle. Again, ſince the Army was not far from Iſſedon, Ariantes often ſtole a day to go and ſee Elibeſis, whoſe ſoul was much unſetled: for the truth is, ſhe [Page] loved Agatherſes whether ſhe would or no: But ambition having a greater prevalence in her ſoul, then love had, ſhe could not treat Ariantes ill, in hopes of being Queen: ſo as when he came to ſee her, ſhe received him with all poſſible ſweetneſs. Yet ſhe ſtill enquired concerning Agatherſes, and would often tell one of his intimate friends whom he left in Iſſedon, many obliging paſſages concerning him in hopes of bringing him back unto her, in caſe Ariantes was not King.

On the other ſide Argiriſpe who loved Adonacris more then ſhe was loved, and who was one that made a misfortune of every thing, ſhe was in continuall fears of his being killed, or at leaſt being wounded: for ſince ſhe was ignorant of his being in love with Noromata before his marriage; and ſince he behaved himſelf very civilly towards her; ſhe was not at all jealous, though her naturall temper was very apt for it as well as Sitalces. As for Noromata, ſhe droned away a very malancholly life; yet her comfort was, that her huſband was not with her; and that ſhe could be ſad and no body ſee her: for the truth is, ſhe had ſuch a tenderneſs of ſoul towards Adonacris, which all her vertue could not overcome. [...]et ſhe was vexed at heart to hear he was married, though ſhe knew very well her anger was ill grounded, and that ſince ſhe never intended to ſee Adonacris again, it was no matter whether ſhe was married or not married. But for all that, Love being a paſſion which will never be ſubject unto reaſon, Noromata with all her reaſon could not chuſe but murmur in ſecret, that Adonacris was married as well as her ſelf: yet ſhe murmured without any hatred, and accuſed him onely of the ſame injuſtice whereof ſhe accuſed her ſelf.

As for Sitalces, he had no other ſorrow upon his ſoul but for being at ſuch a diſtance for her he loved: the truth is, his ſorrow proceeded more from ſparks of jealouſie, than love, though he knew not whom to be jealous of: and this was his very reaſon why he could not be abſent from her he loved.

As for Agatherſes, he was in a worſe condition then all the reſt; for his Love, his hatred, his jealouſie, and his thirſty deſire of revenge, would not let him enjoy one minute of reſt: and which is ſtrange, he did what he could to hide his love unto Elibeſis; and to perſwade all he talked to, that he hated his Rivall and ſlighted his Miſtreſs: yet at laſt, I made him confeſs he loved her, and made him confeſs in a very odd way. For telling him one day that I thought he was ſtill in love with Elibeſis, he ſharply interrupted me as if I had done him the greateſt injury in the world.

How Anabaris (ſaid he unto me) can you think I am ſtill in love with Elibeſis, ſince ſhe hath preferred Ariantes before me? Since you know very well (ſaid I unto him) that it is not the perſon of Ariantes which ſhe prefers; and that it is onely the gliſtering of that Crown which he hath promiſed her, which dazels her eyes, you need not be ſo angry; but look upon her rather as weak than inconſtant: I look upon her, (replied he angerly) as inconſtant, as weak, and as perfidious both: I look upon her as one, whom I am ſorry I ever loved; as one whom I never love, or to ſay better, as one whom I never loved at all: Should you hate your Rivall any leſs, replied I, I ſhould think you loved your Miſtreſs leſs: but as long as I ſee ſuch hot ſparks of hatred and ſuch ardent deſires of revenge, I ſhall ever-think that you either diſſemble your thoughts when you ſay you do not love Elibeſis, or that your ſelf doth not know them: for as ſoon as love ceaſeth, jealouſie will ceaſe alſo: and that hatred which it cauſeth will at leaſt grow leſs, if not quite extinguiſh. When any diſputes againſt me (replied Agatherſes) they muſt not alledge generall rules, for I declare I ſhall except againſt them all: Since it is certain I do not build upon any thing but my ſelf, eſpecially in matters of love. So as without examining whether jealouſie ceaſe in the hearts of others when love ceaſeth, and whether hatred diminiſh, I onely know, that though I do not love Elibeſis, yet I do ſo extreamly hate Ariantes, that I wiſh his ruine, and that I were in a condition to go and ask Elibeſis, whether it were more advantagious to be overwhelmed under the ruines of a ſhattered Throne, then to wait quietly at the foot of that Throne: And mauger her ambition, I would there were in her heart one ſpark of that fire which once I kindled, and that it might flame higher and hotter then ever, to the end I might have the pleaſure of being revenged upon her weakneſs and inconſtancy, by telling her ingeniouſly that I will never love her again. Time will tell you (ſaid I unto him) which of us two are in the right; After this, I ſaid no more unto Agatherſes, becauſe I was reſolved to put a trick upon him, and make him ſee that he did love Elibeſis ſtill, though he did not think he loved her. And indeed about four dayes after this diſpute, as I was one evening in his Tent, I cauſed a letter to be brought unto me by one of my men, which [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] I my ſelf did forge, and which I received in his preſence, and which after I asked his leave, I did read in a Corner of the Tent: He knowing that I had a way to receive intelligence from Iſſedon, he asked me if it came from thence, and I being then alone with him, I told him, that it did, and added with a ſerious countenance, that I wiſhed all he told me foure daies ſince were true. I had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but he earneſtly asked me why I ſaid ſo? Before I give an anſwer, (ſaid I unto him) you muſt tell me whether you are ſure you do not love Elibeſis, for if you do not, then you may read this Letter; but if you do love her, never read it, unleſs you have a deſire to die with grief: If only that aſſurance be requiſite (replied he haſtily) give me the Letter; and as he ſaid ſo, he took it, and began to read theſe words.

Sir,

WE know not here yet, whether or no Fortune will have Ariantes to be King; but in all likelyhood the Gods will not let Elibeſis be a Queen, for ſhe is extreamly ſick, and I cannot tell whether at this houre I write, death hath not driven all ambition out of her heart: Some ſay, that her ſorrowes to ſee ſo much incertainty in the Fortunes of that Prince whom ſhe hath preferred before Agatherſes, is the cauſe of her malady and death: But for my part, I think her mind hath no ſhare in the malady of her body; and I can aſſure you, few men know whether ſhe grieves more for the loſs of a Crown, or for the loſs of Agatherſes. However it be, you ſhall receive further upon the firſt occaſion.

I obſerved him all the while he was reading this Letter, and ſaw that he changed colour twenty times as he read it, yet having a high and proud Soul, though a lump of ſorrow did hang like lead upon his heart, yet he gave me the Letter, and would not ſeem ſo much as troubled, but told me that now he began to be revenged, after which he was ſilent, and began to walk. But he no ſooner took a turn in his Tent, but forgetting I was there, he began to lift up his eyes unto heaven in a fury, to ſtamp his foot upon the ground, and to walk ſomtimes faſt, and ſomtimes ſlow, and to ſhew all the ſigns of a moſt diſtempered man, when any thing diſquiets his ſoul. But ſince I had a mind to pleaſe my ſelf with my own trick, and deſired he ſhould know I perceived his ſorrows, I told him that I was very ſorry he was miſtaken, and that I had ſhewed him the Letter which cauſed ſo much ſaddeſs.

I had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but he told me that I was much miſtaken in him, if I thought his ſorrows proceeded from any tenderneſs unto Elibeſis; and ſince I muſt explain my ſelf; know, that my rage proceeds rather from this, that it is not Ariantes in lieu of Elibeſis which is going to the Grave: I believe it, replied I, but ſince Ariantes may alſo die in this War, I ſee no reaſon why you ſhould grieve now, for yeſterday you were not at all troubled; and therefore I muſt conclude, that it is the malady of Elibeſis which troubles you: Yes cruel friend (ſaid he then unto me in as much anger as ſorrow) it is the malady of Elibeſis that troubles me, ſince you will dive into my heart, and ſince I cannot hide it: Yes, yes, it is the malady of Elibeſis which goes neer my heart, and her death will certainly be mine: And I muſt confeſs, that as weak, as inconſtant, and as perfidious as Elibeſis is, I muſt follow her to the grave as ſoon as I have my Rival thither: I had much a do to live and not love her, but I cannot ſee her die without renewing my flame. After this (pittileſs friend) you may triumph over my weakneſs, and with reaſon upbraid me as the weakeſt man alive. I ſhall not Sir upbraid you with your weakneſs (ſaid I unto him) but I ſhall chide you for keeping it ſo ſecret from me: Yet Sir (added I and ſmiled) I muſt confeſs I was deceived as well as you, for if I had thought you had loved Elibeſis, I ſhould never have put ſuch a trick upon you, as to forge the Letter which I ſhewed unto you: How (ſaid he) is not Elibeſis extreamly ſick? No Sir, replied I, but I am ſure you are ſick of that diſeaſe which hath ſo long tormented you: Oh moſt cruel friend, ſaid he unto me, tell me truly what I muſt truſt unto, and deceive me not again, for it concerns me to know in what condition Elibeſis is, that I may regulate my thoughts accordingly; for if Elibeſis die, I plainly perceive that my paſſion will revive, and I muſt die with her, but if Elibeſis be living and in health, I muſt hate her if I can, or at leaſt ſeem as if I did. I muſt confeſs, I could not chuſe but laugh to hear Agatherſes talk ſo: Truly Sir, ſaid I unto him, if you do love Elibeſis, you will love her living as well as dead, and if you hate her, you will hate her memory as well as her perſon: No, replied he, you are but a Novice in love, if you know not how to make a diſtinction between theſe two things; for Elibeſis [Page] in her grave can never be enjoyed by my Rival; ſo as pity molifying my heart, I ſhall look upon her as one who ceaſed to be perfidious in ceaſing to live; as one who loved me, as one who loved not Ariantes, nor ever could love him. But Elibeſis living as an unconſtant woman who hath forſaken me, and one whom I ought to forſake, one who may make my Rival happy by his fruition of her, and one who to ſatisfie her ambition and vanity cares not if ſhe make me miſerable; and therefore I conclude, that I can love Elibeſis in her grave, and hate her living: You may conclude what you pleaſe Sir (ſaid I unto him) but if you will ſpeak truly, you do love Elibeſis living, and you do know it as well as I do. 'Tis true (replied he haſtily) I do love her more then I thought I did, and I am ſo angry both againſt her and my ſelf, that ſhe ſhould have ſo much power over me whether I will or no, that I hope very ſhame will cure me, and chaſe her abſolutely out of my heart; and though I had no other reaſon but to hide my weakneſs from you, yet I were obliged in point of honour to cure my ſelf, to let you ſee my generoſity is above my love: Yes, yes, you your ſelf ſhall cauſe me to cure my folly, and hold me for the weakeſt and baſeſt of men, if before the War end you do not ſee me hate Elibeſis: If the War ceaſe not before your love (replied I and laughed) it will be long before we ſhall have peace. After this, I ſeriouſly asked pardon for cauſing ſo much ſorrow in him, and he very earneſtly entreated me not to tell any living that he ſtill loved Elibeſis, for truly, ſaid he, my affection to her is of ſuch a nature, that though I had turned Ariantes out of his new erected Throne, though I had killed him, though I had taken Iſſedon, and though Elibeſis were in my power, yet I had rather die then give her any teſtimony of my love, though I ſhould love her better then ever I did. I do believe you think as you ſpeak Sir, replied I, but for my particular I do not believe you, for whoſoever loves, would be loved again, and do any thing in the world to obtain it; therefore I aſſure my ſelf with much reaſon, that if Fortune do make you the Conquerour of Ariantes, yet ſtill you will be a Slave unto Elibeſis. After this Sir our diſcourſe ceaſed, and ſince that day I have been the Confident of his moſt ſecret thoughts, though he knew I was a friend unto Adonacris. 'Tis true, he was not abſolutely out with him [...], for he knew very well that Elibeſis did not follow the counſel of her Brother in all things, and that ſhe only truſted to her ſelf.

But not to be over-tedious in particularizing this War, let me only tell you Sir, that the year being far ſpent, both ſides endeavoured to take up their Winter Quarters in their Enemies Country; and in purſuance of theſe endeavours, there was more blood ſpilt, then in all the year before. The conteſt Sir was ſo ſharp at the paſſage over a little River which Spargapiſes would maintain, that the very water ſeemed as if turned into blood; but at laſt Ariantes was forced to leave the paſſage unto his Enemies, and to retreat with his Troops towards Iſſedon: Yet ſince this victory did coſt Spargapiſes very dear, and ſince he had more men killed then Ariantes had, he ſaid, that true it was, he had loſt his baggage and the River, but yet that Spargapiſes had loſt ſo much blood in gaining it, that ſuch another gain would ruine him: 'Tis true, maugre this rallary, that this paſſage which we got, was the cauſe of this Prince his ruine, becauſe this obliged him to quarter himſelf ſo neer Iſſedon, that all about it were undone; the Inhabitants murmured, and this cauſed us to ſeek for better quarters, and a more firtil Country.

In the mean time Sir, Adonacris was taken Priſoner by Agatherſes, and Sitalces by Ariantes. Ariantes ſent Sitalces unto Iſſedon, and Spargapiſes ſent Adonacris unto a Town called Typanis, where that Prince would quarter in the Winter, for he would not return to the Tents Royal, becauſe it was too far from his Army. Thus Sir, Fortune brought Adonacris and Noromata together, who as I told you before, had orders from her Husband to ſtay there until the end of the War: I being the friend of Adonacris, did him all the good offices I could; 'tis true, he ſtood in no great need of me, for Agatherſes moved Spargapiſes to treat him ſo well, that he was ſuffered to go about upon his parol as ſoon as he came to Tipanis: You may well conceive Sir, that Adonacris did not think his confinement very rigorous, ſince he was ſo neer his dear Noromata; and on the contrary, you may well think that Sitalces who loved his wife very well, and who was of a jealous temper, did reſent his with abundance of grief. Yet Adonacris was much vexed at the loſs of his baggage, becauſe all the Letters which Noromata writ unto him before ſhe was married, were amongſt it; yet ſince he had found her, he cheered up himſelf, and could not imagine the Souldiers could do him any ill office. Argiriſpe alſo was much troubled at the impriſonment of Adonacris; but as for Noromata Sir, I muſt needs tell you a little more [Page] preciſely how ſhe knew that her Husband was Priſoner unto Ariantes, and her Lover unto Agatherſes, for truly this ſtrange chance did produce ſuch a fine adventure, that I think fit not to omit the leaſt circumſtance. Be pleaſed to know then Sir, that the news of this great fight being carried unto Tipanis, it was there publiſhed, as commonly they uſe to do all great actions, to wit, with a thouſand falſe circumſtances; ſomtimes men are killed who are ſtill alive, ſome are mortally wounded, who are only Priſoners, and ſome are reported to be Priſoners who are at liberty, and ſome again who are never ſpoken of are Priſoners wounded & dead: Inſomuch as after the rate of ſuch confuſed uncertain news, where truth and lies are ſo all mixed together, that nothing is certain: As ſoon as it was ſaid in Tipanis that the Armies had fought, it was reported that Sitalces was wounded and taken Priſoner, and that Adonacris was dead: You may imagine Sir how this news ſurprized and grieved Noromata, ſhe that was all virtue, of a moſt tender ſoul, poſſeſſed with a violent paſſion, could not hear her Husband was wounded and a Priſoner without ſome ſorrow, though ſhe did not love him, nor hear Adonacris was dead with extream grief, yet it was ſome advantage unto her, that ſhe had now ſome pretence for her ſorrows, and an apparent cauſe to ask news, and ſatisfie her ſelf in all circumſtances, which indeed ſhe did with extream earneſtneſs: So that ſince there was no place where ſhe could ſo ſoon and certainly know news from the Army, then from the Wife unto the Governour of Tipanis, whoſe name was Eliorante, and who was one of the moſt accompliſhed Ladies in the world, and the moſt generous, ſo ſhe went immediately unto her: Yet ſince ſhe was not fully ſatisfied of what ſhe deſired to know, ſhe reſolved to go thither every day until certain news came from the Army: But ſhe durſt not ask any thing concerning Adonacris, and though ſhe knew that their affections had been carried very cloſely, yet ſhe had not the boldneſs to inquire, but hoped that in asking of all the dead, the Priſoners, and the wounded in general, and of her Husband in particular, ſhe ſhould hear ſome certainty of him ſhe deſired to hear: So as in this hope, ſhe went, as I told you before, unto Eliorante, not only the ſame day the news was divulged, but the next day, and the day after that.

As ſhe was with this Lady, there came a Poſt, which confirmed the news of the fight, and of Spargapiſes Victory; and who aſſured Noromata that her Husband was a Priſoner, but not wounded: So that Eliorante in rejoycing with her, told her ſhe had reaſon to be glad it was no worſe with her Husband, ſince the worſt half of the bad news was not true. Since Noromata was very rational, ſhe would have conſented unto what Eliorante ſaid, if nothing elſe had diſquieted her mind; but being moſt ſenſibly troubled at what ſhe durſt not make appear, ſhe was glad ſhe had a colour for the molancholy which ſhe could not baniſh from her eyes do what ſhe could; and therefore ſhe told Eliorante, that though ſhe was very glad to hear that Sitalces was not wounded, yet ſhe could not chuſe but grieve at his being a Priſoner: However; ſhe cared not ſo much what ſhe ſaid unto Eliorante, as ſhe hearkened with an attentive ear unto what the Poſt ſaid unto the Governour of Tipanis, whoſe name was Aritaſpes, and who was then in his Wives Chamber: And ſhe confuſedly heard him ſay, that the Priſoners were coming, and that there was one whom Spargapiſes would have let go about the Town upon his parol, and be uſed very well. But as ſoon as ſhe heard this, there was heard a great noyſe of men who talked loud in a great Plain before the Governours houſe: Preſently after, the noyſe drew neerer, and paſſed from that Plain to the Court, from the Court to the Stairs, and from the Stairs unto the outer Chamber, at laſt they came to tell Aritaſpes, that the Priſoners which Spargapiſes had ſent were come, and that there was ſome men of Quality amongſt them, who were in the outer Chamber. As ſoon as this was ſaid, all the Ladies that were with Eliorante, except Noromata, preſſed her to deſire Aritaspes that the Priſoners might come into the Chamber. But as for Noromata, ſince ſhe alwayes feared to hear of Adonacris his death, ſhe was not deſirous of it; but on the contrary, not daring to truſt her conſtancy, ſhe offered to go away; ſaying, She had no intereſt in the news, ſince ſhe knew of Sitalces as much as ſhe deſired to know: But Eliorante ſtayed her; and told her very gallantly, that it belonged unto her more then any other to entertain the Priſoners very well, ſince her Husband was in the ſame condition: For ſaid ſhe, It's credible that the ſame uſage we ſhall ſhew unto thoſe which are ſent unto us, the ſame will the Prince Ariantes ſhew unto thoſe under his power: So that Noromata not daring to reſiſt any longer ſtayed: And Eliorante deſiring Aritaspes to ſatisfie the curioſity of all the Ladies who had a deſire to ſee the Priſoners, he told them ſmiling, that though he ſhould [Page] thereby more expoſe them to be their Priſoners, then the Priſoners of Spargapiſes, yet he would ſatisfie them. And then commanding them to enter, the Lievtenant of Spargapiſes Guard who conducted them appeared firſt; after him, Adonacris entred in the head of ten or twelve Officers, and he entred with ſo good a grace, and ſuch a noble ayr, as it was eaſie to know he had ſold his liberty very dear, and that his captivity was no ſhame unto him: You may well think Sir, how Noromata was ſurprized at the ſight of Adonacris, whom ſhe thought dead; to ſee Adonacris whom ſhe had not ſeen ſince they were ſo kind together, ſince they were both married, and ſince they thought never to write unto each other again, nor ſee one another as long as they lived. The ſurprize of Adonacris was as great, for though he knew Noromata was at Tipanis, yet he did not think to find her in that place. Moreover, ſo it chanced, that the firſt perſon who ſaw Adonacris, was Noromata, and alſo he ſaw her very ſad: And though he knew not the true cauſe of that ſadneſs which appeared in her countenance, yet he was well ſatisfied that ſhe ſeemed diſpleaſed at her fortune; for he did not then think that ſhe could be ſo melancholy for the impriſonment of Sitalces; but thinking to make this moment of happineſs to himſelf, he interpreted that bluſh which appeared in the cheeks of Noromata when ſhe firſt ſaw him unto his own advantage; and indeed I underſtood by a Lady who was my friend, and preſent at this enterview, and who knew all the ſecrets of this affection, that Noromata bluſhed in ſuch a manner, as it was eaſie to perceive, that ſhe who bluſhed was not diſpleaſed, for her eyes grew more lively, and ſuch a joy did ſpread it ſelf ſo all over her face, that it preſently made a deep impreſſion upon the heart of [...]donacris: Indeed Sir, there was ſomthing ſo paſſionate, and ſo ſignificative in the looks of theſe two perſons at this unthought of meeting, that they told each other without deſign, that they loved one another ſtill, that they would love alwayes, and that they were both very miſerable: However, the firſt unpremeditated thought which laſt not long, being over, the virtuous Noromata, after ſhe had bluſhed for love, did blush again for shame at her weakneſs, and did ſo ſtrive with her ſelf, that she shunned the eyes of Adonacris, and aſſumed unto her own the ſame ſadneſs which appeared in them before he came in; and it was the more eaſie to be done, becauſe her joys to ſee Adonacris living, whom she thought to be dead, were tempered with her ſorrows, that she could not innocently either love him, or be loved. And this thought did ſo imprint it ſelf upon her ſoul, as it coſt her many a ſigh. Think upon it Noromata (ſaid she then unto her ſelf) Conſider well what thou wouldſt do, and what thou oughteſt to do: Adonacris is amiable, it's true, and thou doſt love him more then thou oughteſt to do: But for all that, ſince thou doſt love him without power of doing otherwiſe, thou loveſt him without a Crime, provided he know it not, and provided thou never lets him know it; but on the contrary shun him, as if thou didſt hate him. Conſider Noromata, that it concerns thy glory, and to preſerve thy virtue, conſider that thy Father knows Adonacris loved thee at Iſſedon, and that if thou doſt ſuffer him to ſee thee at thy own houſe, he cannot chuſe but have thoughts which will be diſadvantagious to thee: But eſpecially conſider, that Adonacris will eſteem thee leſs, if thou shouldſt give him any teſtimonies of thy affection, then if thou beeſt only upon terms of indifferency with him: And out of a more Noble reſentment conſider, that thou wouldſt eſteem thy ſelf leſs, and that whoſoever does not eſteem themſelves, can never he happy, nor merit the eſteem of others.

Whilſt Noromata was thus reaſoning with her ſelf, one would have thought she ſtudied ſo profoundly, that her ſtudy had no object, and as if her mind was far off any thing about her: So that after Aritaſpes had ſpoken unto all the Priſoners, and told Adonacris that he had orders to lodg him at his own houſe, and to give him all the Town of Tipanis for his Priſon, and to let him paſs upon his parol, he turned towards Noromata, who as I told you, ſeemed to be in a deep ſtudy: For ought I ſee Madam (ſaid he unto her) you care not for ſeeing the Priſoners of the Prince Spargapiſes, but I believe you think more upon thoſe that are priſoners unto the Prince Ariantes, and think more upon Sitalces whom you ſee not, then upon Adonacris whom you do ſee, though I think you knew him at Iſſedon: 'Tis very true Sir (replied Noromata with a trembling heart, though not ſeeming ſo) that I am thinking upon Sitalces: And I am thinking alſo upon Adonacris (added she with incredible reſolution) but it is how to get an exchange between him and Sitalces.

The diſcourſe of Noromata did ſo much ſurprize Adonacris, that he knew not what to anſwer: 'Tis true, his ſilence was not obſerved, for Eliorante beginning to ſpeak, she [Page] gave him time to recollect himſelf. The deſign you have Madam, of releaſing two ſuch gallant men at once (ſaid ſhe unto Noromata) is ſo noble and worthy your ſelf, that I believe there is none but will do you what ſervice they can unto Thomiris, and Spargapiſes: And if the friends of Adonacris will ſolicite with yours, it is to be hoped you will very ſhortly have the joy of ſeeing Sitalces, and the ſorrow of parting from Adonacris. If his impriſonment be no worſe than mine (ſaid Adonacris) a liberty which will be diſadvantagious to his ſide, is not to be wiſhed: So that Madam, ſince Sitalces is more conſiderable in the party of Thomiris, than I am in Ariantes, I ſhall not murmure though I be not exchanged for a man, who may more hurt my ſide by his valour, than I can ſerve it by mine. And therefore I ſhall never ſolicite for my liberty, but leave it unto the conſideration of the Prince whom I ſerve.

This anſwer is ſo modeſt, ſo generous and ſo gallant (replied Aritaſpes and ſmiled) that you could not be more ingenious if you were a priſoner unto one of theſe Ladies: However Sir, (added he, and gave him no time to reply) though the fetters you are to have will not be ſo heavie, as thoſe which they perhaps would impoſe upon you, yet I think its fit I carry you unto a place where you may reſt your ſelf: And accordingly Aritaspes preparing himſelf to go out, did put Adonacris before him, though a Priſoner, and conducted him into a very noble room.

After which, he took all requiſite orders for the reſt of the Priſoners, who were not to paſs upon their Parol▪ as Adonacris was. But Sir, I forgot to tell you that Noromata did hold her countenance ſo reſolutely, when Adonacris ſaluted her in going out of Eliorantes chamber, that he ſaw no more in her eyes than when he firſt entred; onely a cold and ſerious civility, which had ſtruck him into deſpair, had he not remembred her paſſionate tenderneſs which he ſaw a quarter of an hour before. Alſo he thought that perhaps the preſence of ſo many perſons made her reſtrain her ſelf: but he was quickly deprived of that conſolation: for being lodged in a Chamber which opened into the Court, wherein was a Balcone not very high, he ſtayed in it in hopes to ſee Noromata as ſhe went out: And indeed his hope was not deceived; for ſhe having more diſquiet thoughts than ſhe imagined ſhe could maſter; ſhe went out as ſoon as Adonacris came into the Balcone: But though he ſaluted her with all imaginable reſpect, and followed her with his eyes, not onely till ſhe was in the Coach, but alſo till the Coach was out of the Court; he could obtain no more from her, but onely a civill congie without any looks of her eye or ſign with her head, or wagging of hand, which he could interpret to his advantage: ſo that he went out of the Balcone very ſadly. However, the firſt looks of Noromata made ſuch a ſenſible impreſſion in him, and ſo well perſwaded him that ſhe did not hate him, that he knew not what conſtruction to make upon this laſt coldneſs. Let it be as it will (ſaid he to himſelf, as he told me ſince) the beſt I can think of it is, that Noromata would not have me know ſhe doth not hate me.

But alas, my dear Noromata (added he) If I be ſo happy as not to be hated, all your hollow cold treatments will be in vain; for I ſhall diſcern whether your expreſſions of hatred be cauſed by a reall averſion, or by prudence onely. After this, Adonacris began to caſt about how to ſee her, and to ſee her in private; for he ſtill found her ſo fair, that his love ſtill augmented; yet this love as violent as it was, ſtill was all purity: And Adonacris was ſo well acquainted with the vertue of Noromata, that he ſet moſt ſevere limits unto his deſires; ſo that being full perſwaded of the innocency in his affection, he thought Noromata might and ought to anſwer him: And imagining an unexpreſſable joy, if he could once in his life hear from the mouth of Noromata, that he was not hated, he thought upon nothing elſe but how to ſpeak with her, when none could hear but her ſelf. But whileſt he was contriving how to bring this to paſs, Noromata was thinking how to avoid all converſation with him: as for ſeeing her, ſhe ſaw ſhe could not. And indeed ſhe could not go out of Tipanis, during the war: nor could ſhe leave off her viſits unto Eliorantes and the reſt of her friends, without giving them cauſe to ask her reaſon: All ſhe had to do was, not to ſee Adonacris at her own lodging, and to ſhun him if ſhe met him any where elſe: yet ſhe found ſo great a repugnancy to take this courſe, that any other vertue beſides hers would have ſubmitted unto a Paſſion ſo tender and ſtrong. However Noromata did ſurmount her ſelf, but not her inclination, though ſhe did all ſhe could to overcome it: untill now ſhe only indeavoured to love Adonacris; but now ſeeing the danger greater, ſhe indeavoured to force her heart unto a love of Sitalces, but alas, ſhe could not.

[Page] But her vertue finding an ample Subject to make it ſelf appear, ſhe reſolved to do as much for Sitalces, as if ſhe had loved him better than her ſelf: but to do nothing for Adonacris: And ſo neglect no means which might procure an exchange for her husband, though his preſence was moſt grievous, and the preſence of Adonacris moſt agreeable to her. Noromata did not reſolve upon this raſhly and tumultuouſly, but upon mature examination and conſideration of it a whole night together without a wink of ſleep, untill at laſt, the wearineſs of her ſpirits compelled her. But when ſhe waked, ſhe received in one quatter of an houre, three letters of different ſtiles, which came from three different Perſons: For a Poſt from Agatherſes which came to advertiſe Aritaſpes, that the Prince Spargapiſes and himſelf would ſhortly come unto Tipanis, did bring her one from Sitalces at Iſſedon, whether Agatherſes had ſent the man to inquire of one of his friends, who could not be found either amongſt the wounded or dead, or amongſt the living on his ſide: the ſecond was from Argiriſpes, who conceived her to ſolicite as zealouſly at Tipanis for the liberty of Adonacris, as ſhe would do at Iſſedon, for the liberty of Sitalces. And the third was from Adonacris, which a ſervant unto this priſoner had given unto one of her women by another name, than that of his maſters, and without ſtaying for an anſwer: for Adonacris feared leſt Noromata ſhould ſend it back ſealed as ſoon as ſhe ſaw the character of the ſuperſcription. So that the vertuous Noromata finding all at once, a letler from her Lover, one from her husband and another from Argiriſpe, ſhe was in a ſtrange perplexity; had ſhe honoured her own inclination, ſhe had opened that from Adonacris and had looked upon that from Sitalces the laſt: Yet this virtuous Lady ſurmounting her ſelf, reſolved not to open the letter from Adonacris at all, to reade that from Sitalces, and, then that from Argiriſpes: So throwing upon the Table, that letter which came from the hand of him that was moſt dear unto her, ſhe opened her husbands, but opened it with a ſigh, and was long before ſhe was able to read it, ſo ſad was her ſoul: but at laſt having read it, ſhe found ſome expreſſion of affection, and ſome of civility: but Sitalces having no polite faculty in writing, though he had wit enough, theſe civilities had neither any tenderneſs nor gallantry in them; only as much as might come from a husband, who naturall was not gallant, and from one who valued his liberty more than any thing elſe; yet indeed there was ſome expreſſions of Love in his Letter, but truely very little obliging: for he bluntly intimated unto her how he was troubled that Spargapiſes and the whole Court would winter at Tipanis, and that ſhe was like to have ſo much good company: Adding afterwards ſeverall directions concerning his liberty and his eſtate, with as much familiarity as if they had been married ten years, though God knows, they had been only three poor dayes together.

So after Noromata had read it with many a ſigh, and looked upon the Letter from Adonacris which lay upon the Table; Alas (ſaid ſhe to her ſelf) what a difference is there between that Letter and this I have read? yet I muſt not look into it, but do all which this I have read appoints me: Upon ſecond thoughts, ſhe found ſome danger in truſting any one to carry it back unto him; and thought it more convenient to give it hanſomly unto him her ſelf, the firſt time ſhe met him at Eliorantes, where ſhe imagined to meet him ſooneſt: So that taking up the Letter, ſhe put it in her pocket, and began to reade that from Argiriſpes. But as ſhe confeſſed ſince, ſhe read it with a trembling heart; for as oft as ſhe found the name of Adonacris, ſhe bluſht, and could not chuſe but entertain ſome thoughts which had ſomething of hatred and jealouſie in them; and wiſhed that Adonacris loved Argiriſpes no better then ſhe loved Sitalces: yet in a minute after, ſhe condemned theſe thoughts, and not ſhrinking a jot from her virtue and beſt reſolution, ſhe went unto a publick ſacrifice which was that day offered upon a little hill full of trees which was within the Town: For you know Sir, we never uſe to ſacrifice but under the great Canopy of Heaven; our Fathers believing that men cannot build a Temple worthy of the Gods: nor do we uſe to ſacrifice ſo often as other People; it being only once a moneth that theſe publick acts of Piety are performed: So that Noromata going that day unto the ſactifice, and principally to ask the Gods power to overcome the paſſion of her ſoul; ſhe came unto the foot of the hill, about which was built great magnificent Galleries, under which the Ladies uſed to ſhade themſelves from the heat of the Sun: our Religion requiring only the ſacrificers, and thoſe who aſſiſt them to be under the open Heavens: Yet ſome of our Ladies who are of a preciſe Piety and ſcrupulous Conſciences never go into theſe Galleries, but when it is either exceſſively hot, or exceſſively cold: So that Noromata, who was very full of devotion, placed her ſelf that day amongſt the multitude with many [Page] other Ladies of quality. Her devotion was not diſturbed by the preſence of Adonacris, for Aritaſpes kept him with him: but ſhe prayed unto the Gods with ſo much ſerenity of ſoul and tranquility of ſpirit, that ſhe thought ſhe obtained from them a new ſtrength, and went home with intentions to go unto Eliorantes as ſoon as ſhe had dined, purpoſely to find a fit opportunity of giving back the Letter unto Adonacris; and accordingly as ſoon as ſhe did riſe from the Table, ſhe commanded her Coach to be made ready: And to the end Adonacris ſhould not think ſhe had the leaſt deſign of kindling any flame in his heart, ſhe went in a very careleſs and negligent dreſs, pretending the impriſonment of her husband; But though her habit was ſimple; and though ſhe wore onely five or ſix careleſs curles of her hair on either ſide, yet ſince ſhe could not chuſe but be handſome, ſhe appeared to be as handſome without, as with a dreſs: But as ſhe looked her ſelf in a glaſs, to ſee if ſhe was as negligent in her dreſs as ſhe would be, ſhe did hide ſome of her curles under her hood, thinking them too gallant for one who had a deſign not to pleaſe, though ſhe wiſhed in her heart that Adonacris would not hate her.

But whileſt ſhe was conſulting with her Mirror to ſee her ſelf dreſt careleſly enough, ſhe ſigned, remembring how circumſpect ſhe had formerly been at Iſſedon to pleaſe Adonacris. But at laſt, ſhe left her glaſs, and went into her cloſſet, to ſee out of the obſervance of her women, whether ſhe had the Letter in her pocket; and found that the ſeal had been cruſhed open in the preſs during the ſacrifice: ſo that ſhe could not reſtore it unto Adonacris ſealed. At the firſt, ſhe was extreamly vexed at her ſelf, and held it a long while in hand before ſhe would read it: But at laſt, conſidering though ſhe ſhould reſtore it back unread, yet he would think ſhe had read it, therefore ſhe reſolved to reade it. But firſt, ſhe examined her ſelf what reaſon ſhe had ſo to do? For (ſaid ſhe to her ſelf) canſt thou think Noromata, that Adonacris would ever have writ unto thee to tell thee of thy injuries, and to give thee cauſes of hating him? Haſt thou not ſeen in his eyes, that the ſame paſſion which is in thy heart againſt thy will, is alſo in his? Why then ſhouldeſt thou reade his Letter? wilt thou thy ſelf tempt thy own virtue? Thou knoweſt, that thou haſt reſolved to dye a thouſand deaths, rather than to do any thing unworthy of thy ſelf; and yet thou art ready to reade a Letter from a man whom thou knoweſt doth love thee; and which is ſtrangeſt, from a man, whom thou knoweſt thou doſt not hate. After this, Noromata fell into a deep ſerious ſtudy, afterwards reſolving to keep cloſe unto her former principles, what tenderneſs ſoever ſhe found in the Letter, ſhe did reade it, and found theſe words:

ADONACRIS unto NOROMATA.

Madam,

DId I not know that I have not the leaſt thought which is unworthy of your vertue, I ſhould never aſſume the boldneſs to beg a private audience, that I may tell you what my heart thinks upon the injuſtice which you have done me.

But being ſure that I do not entertain one thought that can offend you, I conjure you Madam, to grant me ſo much favour as once before I die, to tell you what I have ſuffered, and what I do ſuffer for you. And to oblige you, not to deny me, I do ſolemnly proteſt unto you Madam, that I love you without any deſires or hopes; and if you pleaſe, I will never ſpeak unto you of that paſſion, which is and ever will be in my ſoul, as long as I live: Provided you will give me leave, onely to put you in memorie of what it was, when once you thought it innocent. Thus asking you nothing, neither for the preſent nor the future, and deſiring no other favour, but onely to talk with you of a thing thats paſt, doubtleſs you would be unjuſt, if you ſhould deny me. But Madam, If you will deny me, I beſeech you forbid me your ſelf from telling you that I do love you ſtill, more then ever any did or could. For Madam, I muſt profeſs, that if you ſhould by your ſilence make me underſtand, it is not your pleaſure I ſhould tell you as much, I would not obey you. No Madam, though your fair eyes, as powerfull as they are, ſhould tell me as much a thouſand times, in that mute and rigorous language. The truth is Madam, it is ſo difficult a thing, not to ſpeak of a malady unto the Perſon, for whoſe ſake it is endured, that I had need to receive this Commande [...]en in ſuch a manner as may force me to obedience. You know Madam, what power you ever had over me: I proteſt it is not leſſoned; and whatſoever you command me, I ſhall obey, provided I receive the command from your own mouth, and provided you do not forbid me to love you, untill the death of

ADONACRIS.

[Page] This Letter being full of tenderneſs and reſpect, Noromata could not reade it without a ſigh; and ſhe hath told me ſince that ſhe was never in all her life, in a greater perplexity than after this: But for all that, this Letter which at firſt ſhe would not reade, ſhe now read it thrice over; and read it with ſuch reſentments as ſhe was never able to expreſs: for ſhe was extream ſad after the reading it, but it was ſuch a ſadneſs, as had ſuch a ſatisfaction in it, as made the ſame thing which grieved, not to diſpleaſe her. However, after ſhe had ſpent a quarter of an hour upon the Love of Adonacris, ſhe revived out of her weakneſs, as out of a Lethargie of Spirit: And tearing the Letter in pieces; I would to the gods, ſaid ſhe, I were as well able to tear my tenderneſs unto Adonacris out of my heart, as I am to tear this teſtimony of his affection.

After this, altering her deſign of going unto Eliorantes, ſhe ſaid, that ſhe would not go abroad, nor ſee any body, having no mind to expoſe her ſelf ſo ſoon unto the ſight of Adonacris. But to vex her, one came to tell her from Eliorantes, that if ſhe would write unto Sitalces ſhe could ſend her Letter, ſo it was written preſently. Thus Noromata, whoſe fanſie was filled with the conceit of a Letter from her Lover whom ſhe loved, was forced to anſwer her husbands, whom ſhe loved not; and did ſo with much ado. She began her Letter five or ſix ſeverall times before ſhe could end it: for though ſhe had Sitalces letter before her, purpoſely to give a punctuall anſwer unto every Article; yet that from Adonacris was ſo imprinted in her thoughts, that ſhe writ rather unto Adonacris, than Sitalces: but at laſt being angry againſt her ſelf, ſhe overcame it, and writ unto her husband with much reſpect; alſo anſwered Argiriſpes with much civility: After which ſhe undreſt her ſelf and went to bed, as a pretence of ſeeing no body, no not ſo much as her own women. And to that end, ſhe ſaid ſhe was troubled with an extream pain in her head, which ſilence, darkneſs and ſleep would cure. So as her women ſhut up all the windowes and drew the curtains very cloſe, and ſo left her at liberty to think upon the malady which tormented her: To tell you Sir, all that Noromata did both againſt her ſelf and Adonacris, would be a very hard task: For truly all that a Perſon of a great Spirit, of a great courage and of a great virtue could think or do to quench the flames of a violent paſſion, Noromata did; and carried her ſelf ſo towards Adonacris, that he could not ſo much as gueſs ſhe deſired he ſhould love her.

In the mean time, ſince ſhe thought it not expedient to let him know her mind at the firſt by her proceedings; ſhe ſhunned ſeeing him, and told it the next day that ſhe was not well, and that ſhe would ſee no body: ſo that by this means Adonacris came many times to ſee her, and miſſed of his aims, nor could he ſo much as know whether or no, ſhe had received his Letter. And he feared extreamly, that he was deceived when he believed that Noromata did not hate him. On the other ſide Aritaſpes being advertiſed that the young Spargapiſes would come the next day, he went to meet him with all the Gallantry of Tipanis: But though all the honours of the victory were done unto Spargapiſes, yet it was Agatherſes who deſerved them: for Spargapiſes was ſo young, as he was abſolutely uncapable of any high actions on commendations for them, but onely followed the advice of the wiſe Terez and Agatherſes: So that as ſoon as he came to Tipanis, Agatherſes who to oblige Adonacris the more, and to make Elibeſis the more aſhamed, he preſented him unto Spargapiſes, who as he was adviſed, received him very civilly. Thus the conqueror, and the conquered, lived together with extream civility; and Adonacris was more obliged unto that young Prince than if he had given him his liberty: for be pleaſed to know Sir, that Agatherſes telling him it was fit he ſhould viſit Noromata, whoſe husband was priſoner in his cauſe, he went the ſame hour unto her, and offered unto her his beſt ſervice in geting the liberty of Sitalces.

And Adonacris having that evening had a great deal of diſcourſe with Agatherſes, and letting him know that he never contributed unto the ambition of Elibeſis, there was ſuch a correſpondency between them, that Agatherſes asked him if he would wait upon Spargapiſes unto Noromata: Adonacris joyfully accepting the offer, did accompany this young Prince unto this fair one, who faining to be ill, did ſit upon her bed to receive this viſit, little thinking Adonacris had been th [...]re: But when ſhe ſaw him, and had looked him in the face, her diſorder was ſo great that ſhe changed colour, imagining that he would interpret all her thoughts into his own advantage. But being a perſon of a moſt reſolute ſpirit, and a great ſoul, ſhe inſtantly recollected her ſelf: And ſeeming to take no notice of Adonacris ſhe anſwered unto the civilities of Spargipiſes concerning the impriſonment of her husband. But to do it in ſuch a manner as might let Adonacris know, (whom ſhe [Page] ſaw hearkning very attentively) that ſhe had all the thoughts, which a modeſt wife ought to have upon the like occaſion, ſhe thanked Spargapiſes with a moſt reſpective civility, for all his offers; conjuring him with abundance of earneſtneſs, to do all he could for the liberty of her husband.

But Sir, added ſhe, it is not here I ſhould make this Petition to you; the firſt day I ſtir out, ſhall be to beſeech you, you would be pleaſed to grant me one of your Priſoners, that I may propound an exchange unto the Prince Ariantes between him and Sitalces. You need not ſtay ſo long Madam, replied Agatharſes (ſeeing Spargapiſes knew well how far he ought to ſatisfie Noromata's requeſt) for I ſuppoſe the Prince hath already granted your requeſt. Spargapiſes then imagining by what Agatherſes ſaid, that he ought not to deny her, did confirm what Agatherſes ſaid; and asked her the name of that Priſoner whom ſhe deſired to propound unto Ariantes in exchange of Sitalces. Sir, ſaid ſhe then, and bluſht, I ſhould have ſome hopes of my husbands liberty, if you would be pleaſed to grant me Adonacris, ſince it is very probable Ariantes will not let the brother of the fair Elibeſis, be a Priſoner: As Noromata could not name Adonacris, without a bluſh, ſo Adonacris could not hear himſelf named without a bluſh alſo, eſpecially upon ſuch a croſs conjecture. However, he knew not how to oppoſe his liberty directly; and his expreſſion of gallantry which he uſed in Eliorantes chamber when Noromata ſpoke of his exchange for Sitalces, was not fit to be ſpoken ſeriouſly. Yet being a buſineſs which he could not conſent unto, nor indeed reject, unleſs in Rallery: he addreſſed his diſcourſe unto Noromata; Truly Madam, ſaid he unto her and ſmiled, I believe that Sitalces will not be pleaſed at your motion, and he had rather be a Priſoner than be exchanged for me: This modeſty is ſo ſtrangely exceſſive (replied Noromata but looked not upon him) that I have reaſon to think you ſpeak by contraries: but be it as it will, ſince the Prince is pleaſed to grant me my deſire it ſhall be the Prince Ariantes who ſhall decide the matter, who I believe will decide it according to my wiſh; ſince it is not credible he can deny the fair Elibeſis to break off your fetters at the inſtance of one, who doubtleſs hath zealouſly importuned him to it: So as I beſeech you give me leave to hope that you will very ſhortly be at liberty, and that I ſhall very ſhortly ſee Sitalces return.

After this, Spargapiſes not uſing to make any long viſits, eſpecially when they are only Ceremonious, he did riſe up without giving Adonacris any time to reply unto Noromata: and he went to view ſome places in the Town which Agatherſes thought fit to be fortified: And Adonacris not thinking it fit for him to follow him unto that place, he ſtayed with ſome others at the door of Noromata's houſe: But ſince it was the cuſtome of men to part without any Ceremony in ſuch occaſions, thoſe who ſtayed talking with Adonacris, having ſome buſineſs to go about, they left him alone with his own men at the gate where he was, ſo that ſeeing it ſtill open, and imagining that Noromata might expect his re-entry, and that ſhe would not deny him enterance into her chamber, he went in boldly, and going up the ſtairs he ſaw the door of Noromata's chamber open; ſo that without any more delay he went towards the bed where ſhe was ſitting. But to delude her women, and indeed her ſelf conſenting, Madam, (ſaid he upon his firſt addreſs) The Prince Spargapiſes hath ſent me back unto you, to talk of ſome things which concerns you to know, before he ſend unto Ariantes concerning the exchange of Sitalces: and therefore I beſeech you, Madam, permit me a quarter of an hours audience. Noromata did ſo wonder to ſee Adonacris again, as in that diſorder ſhe had not handſome pretence of denying that requeſt: And fearing that her women would think her not zealous for her husbands liberty, if ſhe did not hear him, ſhe was forced to anſwer him as though ſhe did believe him, though indeed ſhe did not: And indeed I'am perſwaded that Noromata for all her vertue, was not very ſory ſhe had found an occaſion of talking once again in her life in private with Adonacris, her ſelf not contributing unto it. So that ſeeming as I told you before to believe Spargapriſes ſent him, ſhe made him ſit down and prepared her ſelf for audience. And to make this conference more free, her women who were extreamly deſirous to tell others, that Spargapiſes had promiſed to ſet their Maſter at liberty, went into their Miſtreſs Wardrobe to talk with other women who were there. So that leaving the door open that they might hear Noromata if ſhe called; Adonacris ſaw them go into the Wardrobe, and that he had all the liberty he could deſire of talking with his dear Noromata; who not taking notice of her women, had ſuch a trembling at her heart, that ſhe neither knew what ſhe ſaw, nor what ſhe ſhould think of her ſelf.

But at laſt, after Adonacris had ſilently looked upon her with as much grief as love: I [Page] hope Madam, (ſaid he unto her with a ſigh) that ſince Fortune hath brought me unto you, you wil not baniſh me: I beſeech you Madam conſider of your injuſtice to me, and treat me not ſo. If I were ſtill the ſame I was at Iſſedon (replied Noromata modeſtly) doubtleſs I ſhould be unjuſt in doing ſo; but Sir, ſince I am not now what I was then, no nor you your ſelf the ſame, certainly I muſt do nothing but what becomes my duty: and if I have any power over you, I both conjure and beſeech you with all my heart to go away, to come no more at my houſe, to ſhun ſeeing me any where elſe as much as you can, and to indeavour your liberty with as much zeal as I ſhall: Your power over me Madam, is ſuch, replied he, that if it be your poſitive pleaſure to do as you ſay, I ſhall indeavour to do what I can to obey you: But firſt Madam I beſeech you hearken unto all my reaſons: Let me acquaint you with the preſent ſtate of my ſoul; examine your own a little, and by calling to memory what is paſt, you may the better know what to do in the future. Moreover Madam, I beſeech you deny me not what I ſhall ask; for if you do, I profeſs though I would yet I cannot obey you: Then you have writ me a lie, replied ſhe when you ſent me word that provided I did my ſelf forbid you ſeeing me, you would obey: I ſay it again Madam, (added he) but before you do forbid me any thing. I beſeech you hear me: upon condition that this ſhall be the laſt time (replied ſhe) I will hear what you pleaſe. I ſhall tell you then Madam, replied he, That you have done me the greateſt injuſtice in the world in forſaking me for Sitacles; for truly Madam, I am fully perſwaded, that when I had the honour to ſee you at Iſſedon, you did not then diſſemble your thoughts, when your goodneſs was pleaſed to teſtifie, that thoſe thoughts which I had of you did not diſpleaſe you: Alſo I remember very well, that the laſt day I had the honour to ſee you, your eyes did then beſtow more obliging glimpſes upon me than ever before; inſomuch as their language permitted me to hope for happineſs: But when Fortune once ſeparated me from you, you Madam, made me the moſt miſerable man alive; and Sitalces who certainly knows not the excellency of that Treaſure which he injoyes, was preferred before me. Had I voluntarily preferred Sitalces before you Sir, (replied ſhe) certainly I had been much to blame; though you had been much his inferiour in all accompliſhments; for then I ſhould have been branded with inconſtancy and perfidie: But alas, Adonacris (purſued ſhe and ſighed) I am not ſo; ſince ſurely I ſhould be much happier than I am, if I were more blameable; and I am afraid that if I were more blameable towards you, I were more innocent: For truly, you have no reaſon to upbraid me, and I obeyed my Father with ſo much unwillingneſs, and married Sitalces with ſo much repugnancy, that I may very well doubt, you had a little too far ingaged my heart; and I have the more reaſon to chide my own weakneſs, by how much I know you have been charmed by the fair Argiriſpes: Alas Madam, ſaid he, can you blame me for marrying Argiriſpes after you had married Sitalces? I do not accuſe you Sir, of any crime (replied ſhe): But truly I do accuſe my ſelf, leſt you ſhould; Nay, nay, Madam, replied he, I will not excuſe my ſelf; but confeſs that I did not love Argiriſpes when I married her, and that I did not marry her untill you had firſt married Sitalces, and was ſo civill as to forſake me.

I do ingeniouſly confeſs (I ſay,) that I ought not to have married her, but ought to have diſobeyed both Ariantes and my Father, and rejected the advice of all my friends: I confeſs alſo I did you wrong, in hoping that the injoyment of Argiriſpes could never comfort me for the loſs of you, but ought ever to continue deſperate of all comforts: But for all this Madam, though I have failed in my duty, yet I failed with abundance of ſorrow, and have failed without any inconſtancy or perfidiouſneſs. However it be Sir, (ſaid Noromata and interrupted him) ſince you are now the husband of Argiriſpes, and I the wife of Sitalces, I ought not to entertain the leaſt ſpark of your affection, nor give you the the leaſt glimpſe of yours: but ought if it be poſſible never to ſee you again. Oh Madam, (cried Adonacris) you never did love me, if you be able to do ſo.

To teſtifie unto you, replied Noromata, that I exact no great difficulties from you Sir, I will with a bluſh confeſs that I did love you more then ever I did tell you, and that you are ſtill not ſo indifferent unto me as you imagine, or as you ought to be: But let me tell you after all this, that though I loved you more than ever any did, and though I hated Sitalces worſe than a toad, yet I ſhall do what now I am reſolved upon, out of a reſentment of honour; and indeed I ought to do it out of another reaſon than it: for truly Adonacris, what ſweetneſs can you find in ſeeing me eternally miſerable? and what pleaſure can I have in ſeeing you for ever unfortunate? and therefore it is much better to do what I ought, than otherwiſe: for ſince it is the pleaſure of Fortune, that I muſt never be [Page] happy: yet let me however be innocent, and let me know that I did not deſerve ſo ſad a fate. To hear you to ſpeak Madam, (ſaid he unto her) would make one think that you ſuſpect my affection to be of ſome vitious ſtrain: but know Madam, I beſeech you, that my ſoul is not capable of any ſuch thoughts: know that I do really love you without the leaſt pretence or hope, but only not to be hated. I am contented, if you pleaſe that your affection to me only be only a little kind of tender amity, provided only you will let me love you more zealouſly then ever any did: Live ſtill eternally happily with Sitalces, ſince it is the pleaſure of the Gods, you ſhould be his, and if I can, I will live well with Argyrispe, ſince my croſs fate hath obliged me unto it: But Madam, ſince I can never give her my heart, let me keep it for you: Let me do that, I ſay which you cannot hinder me from doing, and put me not to a neceſſity of diſobeying you. What I deſire Madam, is, me thinks, but a ſmall thing, ſince I am contented with your being only my friend, with a proviſion of letting me to be eternally your lover. You may phraſe my love by what Epithite you pleaſe; call it eſteem, friendſhip or tenderneſs, if you will, provided you will let me ſee you, let me love you, and let me think it my chiefeſt felicity to be near you. Of ſo many beauties which Sitalces enjoys in you, I ask only ſome of thoſe favourable looks which heretofore were wont to afford me ſo many ſweet minutes: Oh Madam, I beſeech you conſider well upon what I ask, your eyes by looking favourably upon me will not be leſs ſweet unto Sitalces, and when he looks upon you, he will never finde my image there; if I ſhould happily deſire any thing that were criminal, you may have ſome handſome pretence of ſome denying; for truly if I ſhould deſire often occaſions of talking with you in private, any ſuſpitious meetings, though happily innocent, you might then tell me that I did hazard your reputation: But alas Madam, I deſire nothing from you, but that you will not hate me, that you will not diſſemble your thoughts, that you will let me love you, and that you will not turn away your fair eyes when they accidentally look upon mine: In ſhort Madam, do not ſeek me, nor do not ſhun me, ſuffer me only to ſee you, and do not complain againſt me: Let me, I ſay, ſee you without any affectation, as a thouſand others do, and that I may talk to you when chance lends me an occaſion: If you will, I will not ſo long as I live tell you that I love you, onely content my ſelf with ſaying, that once I did love you: But truly Madam, if you ſhould turn me to diſpair, I may happily do ſuch things as will diſpleaſe you; therefore I beſeech you be not ſo zealous in your ſolicitation for my liberty, in exchange for Sitalces, for it would be a piece of inhumanity to break thoſe Chains which fetter me as a Priſoner of War, ſince you can break thoſe Chains which fetter me as a priſoner of Love: Leave the buſineſs unto fortune, and oppoſe not my comfort of ſeeing you: You have already done enough as the wife of Sitalces, and if you will do as you ought, you muſt not negotiate any more for him, ſince you cannot ſolicite for him unleſs with ſtrange inhumanity you ſolicite againſt me: The truth is Madam, I ſhall die if you deliver me; I much more deſire death, then liberty, ſince I cannot have it without loſing you.

Whilſt Adonacris was talking thus, Noromata looked down with her eyes, and was in a moſt unconceiveable torment of thoughts. However, ſince glory did exceedingly quaſh the tenderneſs of her ſoul, ſhe would not be perſwaded, and ſhe told Adonacris ſo reſolutely, that ſhe would earneſtly ſolicite for the delivery of Sitalces, that he plainly perceived he could not prevail with her: But Madam, ſaid he then, ſince you will have Sitalces releaſed, I beſeech you ſolicite for his liberty and not mine: There are ſo many other Priſoners in your Party, for whom you get his exchange, that unleſs you be obſtinately reſolved to deny me all things, you will not deny me this. Ah Adonacris, replied ſhe, I perceive you do not know the depth of my heart; for truly (if I could ſpeak it without a bluſh) I ſhould tell you, and confeſs, that if decency would permit it, I would ſolicite your return unto Iſſedon, without bringing Sitalces back unto Tipanis, and would eaſily be out of his ſight, ſo I might never ſee you again. However, you ought to be ſo far from murmuring at what I ſay, that you are much obliged to me. But Adonacris, after I have confeſſed that your preſence is terrible to me, and that it is a matter moſt hard to ſee and to hate you, I muſt reſolve never to ſee you again, as long as I live, but when I cannot prevent it, and therefore I muſt even now begin to conjure you to be gon: Let me tell you Madam (ſaid he unto her) that I cannot go until you have promiſed not to ſtifle your light inclination to me, and until you promiſe not to be offended if I do not endeavor my liberty ſo earneſtly as you do. But Sir, ſaid Noromata, if you do not endeavor it, people will have great reaſon to wonder, and dive into a cauſe ſo extraordinary, therefore Adonacris [Page] you muſt endeavour it: Ah Madam, ſaid he, you can never move me to it: And ſince by denying me all, you give me a right to deny you ſomething, I aſſure you that in this I cannot do as you deſire; and if I be releaſed, or to ſay better baniſhed, it ſhall be onely your Act not mine. After this, Adonacris expreſſed himſelf ſo tenderly unto Noromata, as that fair and virtuous perſon, not being able to hear him without much tenderneſs of heart, ſhe began to be angry with her ſelf, and commanded Adonacris ſo peremptorily to retire, that he was conſtrained to obey her: But Madam, ſaid he (as ſhe roſe up) when will you give me leave to ſpeake unto you? I will give you leave to bid me farewell (ſaid ſhe unto him) the ſame day you are to depart from Tipanis to Iſſedon in exchange of Sitalces. Oh Madam, ſaid he, the limits of your virtue are too harſhly narrow, and you are all cruelty in ſaying ſo. I know not whether it be cruelty to ſay ſo, but I am ſure my thoughts tell me that I ought to ſpeak as I do. Then Madam, ſaid he unto her, tell me how I ſhould interpret your words: interpret them as you pleaſe, replied ſhe, ſo you will be immediately gone, ſo you will not return hither again, and ſo you will never ſeek for me any where elſe.

I promiſe you Madam, replied he, to do you all I am able to obey you; but in promiſing that, I promiſe nothing: for I cannot chuſe but court all opportunities of ſeeing you. After this Noromata did ſo expreſly command him to go out of her chamber, that he did obey her. But he obeyed not till after he had looked Noromata in the face a long while without giving one word; and till he diſcovered in her fair eyes, that her heart and tongue did not agree, and that ſhe baniſhed him with much ſorrow. But away he went the ſaddeſt Lover in the world, and left her alſo in the ſame condition: For the truth is, ſhe loved Adonacris more than ever: But for all that, having a high and virtuous ſoul, ſhe checked the tenderneſs of her affection; and the next morning ſhe claimed promiſe of Spargapiſes, and ſolicited Agatherſes to ſend immediately unto Ariantes about the exchange of Adonacris for Sitalces. And the amorous Adonacris, ſeeing how earneſtly Noromata ſolicited, his grief increaſed.

But ſince Love is a paſſion which can find expedients for all occaſions, Adonacris found one out to hinder his own and Sitalces liberty: for it was a grand cordiall unto his paſſioonate ſoul to be near Noromata, though he never ſaw her but incenſed: ſo that to hinder the happineſs of Sitalces, and to make himſelf a little leſs miſerable by hindring his liberty he ſent ſecretly unto Iſſedon, and writ unto Ariantes, to tell him that Spargapiſes would addreſs himſef unto him, and offer him in exchange for Sitalces; but his zeal unto his ſervice would advice, not to releaſ him till the ſpring when the Army was in the field where he might fight in his quarrell. For conſidering the juncture of affairs, he thought that if he remained a priſoner all this winter time, he ſhould be able to diſcover many of the enemies deſigns, much to his advantage. He told this Prince further, that he hoped to make him ſome Creatures in Tipanis: adding that it concerned him not to releaſe Sitalces untill the end of the winter, becauſe if he were preſently releaſed, he knew that being very rich, he would make new levies to recruit the Army of Spargapiſes: Furthermore, he told him, that he was well able to do him this ſervice, becauſe his impriſonment was not harſh; but to the end his plot might better take, he told him alſo, that Argyriſpe and Tyſſagette ſhould not have any knowledge of this ſecret, and that his beſt way would be onely to draw the buſineſs out at length without either conſenting or infuſing. Thus the winter being very long in that Countrey, Adonacris hoped for much comfort from the length of his impriſonment: and indeed his plot did take admirably well as I ſhall preſently tell you. Again, he writ unto Argyriſpes, as if he were in ſome hopes of his ſpeedy releaſe, though he had indeed ſome fears that it would not be ſo ſoon as he deſired: But whileſt the man whom Spargapiſes would ſend unto Iſſedon was preparing for her departure; whileſt Noromata was ſoliciting from her husbands return, and the departure of Adonacris, ſhe was extreamly grieved: for asking two things ſo contrary to his own inclinations. Whileſt Adonacris was doing all he could to hinder his own releaſment, and Sitalces alſo, Agathirſes, whoſe paſſion was ſtill violently high, was buſie in making all the world believe that he was not in love with Elibeſis, to the end the fame of it might reach as far as Iſſedon, and that Elibeſis might not think he loved her; thinking it a thing unworthy of himſelf to continue loving one who had preferred her ambition of being a Queen before her affection. So that he was extreamly buſie in giving inſtruction unto him who was going unto Iſſedon, leaſt he ſhould contradict his reſentments: and in order to that, he made choice of a man who depended abſolutely upon himſelf. But at the ſame time whileſt he was inſtructing [Page] him to ſpeak nothing which might make it believed that he loved Elibeſis; and that he did not act againſt Ariantes, but onely as a true ſubject unto Thomiris, he ordered him alſo to enquire very circumſpectly, in what manner Elibeſis behaved her ſelf towards Ariantes: However, not thinking his revenge upon her to be enough in perſwading her that he loved not her, unleſs he made her alſo beleeve that he loved another, he reſolved upon a full ſatisfaction unto his revenge, in ſeeming to be deſperately in love with ſome Lady in Tipanis. And there being no beauty of a greater luſter then Noromata, nor more fit to raiſe a belief that he was in love, he determined to counterfeit addreſſes to her, and all the winter long to court this beauty with continual Feaſts, and to cloſet up all his real reſentments; in his own heart, that the leaſt ſign of any ſorrow ſhould not appear in his face. In order to which, he began his frequent viſits unto Noromata, and to make many addreſſes unto the Governors wife of Tipanis, at whoſe houſe all the Ladies did rendezvouz.

In the mean time, Noromata thinking it unfit for a wife, whoſe husband was a priſoner to be frequenter of ſo many diverſions: ſhe would needs excuſe her ſelf from them; but ſince Spargapiſes at the ſolicitation of Agatherſes, was very importunate with her, ſhe was forced to be leſs ſolitary than otherwiſe ſhe would: For all the friends of Sitalces told her that there was no prudence in the world in incenſing a Prince, who might hinder the releaſement of her husband: So that Noromata, as melancholly as ſhe was, yet was obliged to be in pleaſant company. And thus though Adonacris could not ſee her at her own houſe, unleſs when he went with the young Spargapriſes: yet he ſaw her very often in other places whether ſhe would or no, ſo as he received ſome conſolation: Alſo he carried the matter ſo handſomly, that ſhe not contributing unto it, he found wayes how to talk with her a quarter of an hour together, when no ears but her own could hear: ſo that though ſhe ſaid nothing unto him, but what was worthy of her vertue, yet he did oftentimes break into expreſſions of his paſſion.

But the counterfeit paſſion of Agatherſes, ſeemed the greater wonder unto Adonacris: for ſince he took that fancy up, he was almoſt perpetually with Noromata: and by conſequence it was very hard for Adonacris to talk with her in private.

Again, as fair and charming as Noromata was, yet Agatherſes took no other delight in ſeeing and talking with her, then his thoughts of ſpighting Elibeſis: For he knew very well it would vex her to the very heart when ſhe ſhould hear her loved any other after her. Thus Agatherſes diſturbed the minds of theſe two perſons without receving any great ſatisfaction unto himſelf, or at leaſt any tranquile ſatisfaction. But (ſaid I one day unto him, ſeeing the conſtraint wherein he lived) I cannot underſtand why you ſhould ſo diſſemble; for what matter is it what Elibeſis thinks of you? what matter? (replied he ſharply) why it doth ſo much concern me, that ſhe ſhould believe I do not now love her, that I ſhould be even deſperate if he ſhould not think me in love with Noromata. For truly I cannot endure ſhe ſhould ever ſuſpect me of any puling weakneſs; but on the contrary, I had rather ſhe ſhould think me a thouſand times more in love with Noromata, than ever I was with her.

But (ſaid I unto him) in ſatisfying your fancie, you do but ill ſervice unto the ſide you have taken: for do you think that Sitalces when he is releaſed will take it well, that you you ſhould be in love with his wife? Provided Elibeſis take it ill (replied he very ſharply) I care not a ſtraw how Sitalces takes it: Yet (added he) I had never made choice of Noromata, had there been any other in Tipanis, whoſe beauty was fam'd enough to make Elibeſis fully believe I quit her for the other.

But ſince there is none ſo fair and charming as Noromata, ſhe muſt be the object of my pretended love, which muſt ſatisfie my revenge: And more then this (added he) I will do all I am able to perſwade my ſelf, that I do love Noromata. Noromata being moſt virtuous (ſaid I unto him) I am perſwaded that you will not be a jot the happier if you ſhould be really in love with her: Ah my dear Anabaris (ſaid he unto me) that rigour which is cauſed by the virtue of the perſon loved, will never fill a ſoul ſo full of ſorrow as will the inconſtancy of an ambitious woman, who loves nothing but a Chimera of grandure which ſhe fancies: So that though Noromata ſhould treat me ill, yet I ſhould be leſs miſerable then I am, and ſhould have this ſatisfaction at leaſt, to know that ſhe whom I loved did deſerve to be ſo, whereas by continuing my love of Elibeſis, I ſhould continue loving one, who deſerves not ſo much as my eſteem: If you do not eſteem her (ſaid I unto him) you do not love her, for I cannot ſee how Love can ſubſiſt without eſteem: [Page] I did eſteem her when I firſt began to love her (purſued he) and did ſince long eſteem her; but let me tell you withal, that now I do not eſteem her, nor ever will, though I am ſtrangely afraid, that I ſhall love her ſtill: I ſee ſhe is as fair as fair can be, that ſhe hath as much wit as is attributed unto the very Gods, and that ſhe hath ſuch a ſtrange kinde of engaging charms, when ſhe pleaſes, that it is a matter moſt difficult to defend ones ſelf againſt them. But for all this, it may be ſaid, that I eſteem in her what is eſtimable, but cannot truly ſay that I eſteem her; for truly when I look upon her as a perſon blinded with grandure, one who would prefer a man that is defective both in body and minde ſo he be upon a Throne, before the moſt accompliſhed man, I cannot eſteem her: But Sir, ſaid I unto him, the Prince Ariantes is no ſuch man as you ſpeak of: 'Tis true, replied he, but ſhe does not value his merits no more then mine: Then Sir, replied I, if ſhe be ſuch an ambitious piece, Can you think ſhe will care whether you love her or no, or will be ſorry if you ſhould love another? At the leaſt, ſhe will not be glad if I love another (replied he) So that though I cannot make her grieve, yet I ſhall deprive her the pleaſure to think that I can love none but ſhe; and therefore though Sitalces ſhould change ſides, I would not change my thoughts: And indeed Sir Agatherſes began his gallantry in ſuch perſpicuous manner, as it was impoſſible but to make a great noyſe in the world; but yet in the midſt of all, he had ſuch inward frettings of heart, which he was not able to Maſter, as that they appeared in ſpite of his teeth: For my particular, I have ſeen him when all the Ladies were aſſembled to dance, to ſtand all the night in the corner of the room, never ſo much as minding what they did, no not Noromata her ſelf. However, this did not undeceive thoſe who thought him in love, for they thought his ſadneſs proceeded from Noromata's not anſwering his affection: She her ſelf thought as much, and whilſt his minde was all upon Elibeſis, they thought that Noromata's rigour racked his thoughts. On the other ſide, Adonacris was ſo grieved at this high kinde of gallantry, that had not I given him ſome cordial, I think he had died: but being his intimate friend, and might impart the ſecret of Agatherſes without any prejndice to him, I did let him know that Agatherſes did not love Noromata, but only did ſtrive to love her: Ah my dear friend (ſaid Adonacris to me) if Agatherſes would love Noromata, certainly he will, for ſhe is too too fair and lovely, not to anſwer the deſires of all that would love her. As you cannot love Elibeſis, though you would, as fair as ſhe is (ſaid I unto him) though ſhe were not your Siſter, ſo Agatherſes cannot love Noromata, though he deſire it. I wiſh it with all my ſoul, replied he, but I am afraid my wiſh will not prevent it: But Sir (ſaid I unto him) I muſt confeſs, that I cannot underſtand this ſtrain of jealouſie which now poſſeſſeth you; for methinks when one is in love with a perſon who hath a husband, he never need be jealous of a Lover which is not loved: Alas Anabaris (ſaid Adonacris) you are an ignorant in matters of love, if you do not know the difference between being jealous of a Rival and jealous of a Husband: I cannot tell whether I am an ignorant in amorous matters (replied I) but I beleeve I am in the right when I ſay that it is a much greater vexatious matter to ſee the Perſon whom one loves enjoyed by a husband; then to ſee her only loved by a Rival. If the husband were her lover when he married her, replied he, I muſt confeſs nothing is more hard to be endured; And when a lover becomes a husband the caſe is altered: for a Rival who is not loved troubles me no more if I ſhould ſee him talke with Noromata, then Sitalces doth by enjoying her; for a husband who is not loved, will never be, but a hated lover, may be hereafter loved: Thus you ſee a vaſt difference between a husband and a Rival: Therefore I think my ſelf infinitely obliged unto you for acquainting me that Agatherſes is not my Rival. Thus Sir, you ſee what the reſentments of theſe three perſons were: Agatherſes loved Elibeſis ſtill, and would ſeem as if he loved Noromata, and not her: Adonacris ſtill loved her whom he loved at firſt, but durſt not either ſay or be ſeen ſo to do: And Noromata, though ſhe could not chuſe but ſtill love Adonacris, yet ſeemed as if ſhe dearly loved Sitalces and not him.

In the mean time, the man whom Agatherſes ſent unto Ariantes in the name of Spargapiſes, not arriving at Iſſedon untill after the meſſenger which Adonacris ſent unto that Prince, he did not ſpeed ſo well as he hoped; for the Prince Ariantes really beleeving Adonacris, did protract the buſineſs, and diſmiſſed the Envoy from Spargapiſſes without either a denial or a conſent unto his demands. So that Argyriſpe hearing that Ariantes did not conſent unto this exchange ſo readily as he hoped, ſhe addreſſed her ſelf unto her Siſter in law, and deſired her favor in obtaining her husbands liberty of this new King: [Page] But Elibeſis told her that, that ſhe had already ſpoke unto Ariantes, who ſaid he would firſt conſider upon it: Adding that ſhe did ſolicite in her behalf, with all imagineable care. But Sir, you muſt know, that Elibeſis indeed had ſpoken unto the Prince Ariantes for the liberty of Adonacris, and he fearing to deny the liberty of her brother without telling her the reaſon, he ſhewed her what this priſoner had writ unto him, upon condition ſhe ſhould not ſpeak of it unto Argyriſpe or any other: She ſeeing this, that her brother deſired not to be releaſed, that his ſtaying at Tipanis, would advantage to the new Kings affaires, and prejudice the Queens; ſhe deſired Ariantes to deny her very peremptorily, as often as ſhe ſhould at the inſtance of her Siſter in law, ſolicite him for the liberty of Adonacris: So that by this means the deſign of this lover and priſoner, did take admirable effect.

On the other ſide, Sitalces underſtanding that the Prince Ariantes did make it ſome difficulty of exchanging him for Adonacris, was much perplexed at his being abſent from his wife at a time when ſo many Gallants were at Tipanis: So that jealouſie obliged him to write in anſwer to his wives letter, that he had appointed her to offer Agatherſes any thing which much conduces unto the continuation of the war, ſo he would procure his liberty. Furthermore, Argyriſpe not coutenting her ſelf with the anſwer of Elibeſis, did write unto her Husband that ſhe was reſolved rather to offer the half of all her eſtate to procure his liberty, then to let him lye a long winter in priſon; for ſhe being naturally of a jealous and unquiet temper, and loving her Husband very dearly, his abſence was intollerable to her. So that Sitalces not knowing that Adonacris was in love with his wife, or that his wife did not hate him, alſo Argyriſpe not knowing theſe things neither, they were both of them in a moſt unquiet condition, and they partly ſhewed it; for Sitalces being upon his parol, as well as Adonacris, he went ſomtimes to viſit her, and confer upon the beſt expedients, for the recovery of her Husbands liberty and his own: And thus the equality of their intereſts did beget a confidence in each other: But whilſt theſe two were plotting for expedients to advance their deſigns, Elibeſis was a little perplexed in reſiſting the Prince Ariantes, and refuſing to marry him without angring him. However, being reſolved not to marry under a King, and ſeeing his Throne yet in a tottering condition, ſhe held him ſtill cunningly in hand, but ſtill intended, that if Ariantes were not King, then to renew with Agatherſes, not doubting but that he would return to her, if ſhe would rereturn to him. And indeed ſhe tempered ſo cunningly with Ariantes, that he beleeved the reaſon why ſhe would not marry him during the war, was in reſpect of his own intereſt: for having wit at will, ſhe told him that ſince her quality was inferior to his if he ſhould then marry her, it would give the adverſe party a collour for ſaying many things prejudicial againſt him: So that ſhe going thus ſubtily to work, Ariantes thought himſelf obliged unto her for denying him.

On the other ſide, the meſſenger which Spargapiſes ſent to this Prince, being returned to Tipanis, with an anſwer nothing ſatisfactory; Noromata was not a little aſtoniſhed; for ſhe could not imagine why Ariantes would not releaſe the brother of her he loved, by releaſing Sitalces: ſhe began to ſuſpect that Adonacris was himſelf an obſtacle unto his own liberty; but ſince ſhe could not imagine which way he ſhould do it, ſhe could not poſitively beleeve it. However, though ſhe ſhuned meeting with Adonacris as much as ſhe could, and ſolicited hard to ſend him further from her by releaſing him: yet ſhe was not ſorry in her heart that Sitalces (ſhe not contributing to it) was ſtill at Iſſedon; and Adonacris yet at Tipanis. Yet notwithſtanding all this, as ſoon as ſhe received her Husbands Letter which appointed her to offer any thing in the world unto Agatherſes, to obtain his liberty, ſhe reſolved upon obedience.

Furthermore, Adonacris ſeeing his Plot did ſo happily hit, he was infinitly joyed it. But to the end Ariantes ſhould not diſcover his drift, but ſtill let him continue a pr [...] ſoner all the winter, he did really ſpie ſo narrowly into the deſigns of Agatherſes, an [...] all the Cabinet intricaſes of Tipanis and likewiſe of the Tent Royal, that he did of [...]e [...] ſend intelligence of great importance unto that Prince; in ſo much as there was no nee [...] of giving any new reaſons why he ſhould not be releaſed: becauſe the intereſt of State was reaſon enough.

On the other ſide, Agatherſes in continuing his mask of love unto Noromata, he was nothing ſo circumſpect as he might be in hindering Ariantes from the Throne: But his greateſt grief was, that Thomiris during her languiſhing diſeaſe, did ſend ſuch ambiguous Orders; as it was eaſie to know that her ſoul was troubled at ſomething elſe then at [Page] the War, and that She had ſome other deſign, ſince She would not hazard her Forces; and indeed Noromata's Father, who was with that Queen, did one day write, that he heard her ſay, She had rather looſe the Kingdom of the Iſſedons, then her Army: However, ſend what orders She would, Agatherſes was reſolved to give battel as ſoon as Winter was done, or elſe to force Ariantes into Iſſedon. But Winter being very long in that Country, he muſt endure a long torment; yet it was ſome conſolation unto him to hear from Spargapiſes his Envoy, that the reports in Iſſedon was, Elibeſis would not marry Ariantes until the end of the War. But ſince the paſſion of his ſoul was ſuch as uſeth ordinarily to inſpire him with thoughts quite oppoſite unto one another, he would ſome daies wiſh that Ariantes had married Elibeſis: Yes Anabaris, (ſaid he one day unto me) I ſwear unto you by all the Gods, that if I were ſure to vanquiſh Ariantes to morrow, I would have him marry Elibeſis to day; for it would be the greateſt delight in the world unto me, to ſee a Scepter fall out of the hand of this perfidious woman; and my revenge would not be to the full, if the fall of Ariantes Throne did overwhelm only himſelf; and if I did not ſee Elibeſis a Queen without a Crown, or to ſay better, the Widdow of a vanquiſhed Uſurper, and by conſequence without honour, without rank, and without ſupport, in neceſſity to have recourſe unto me, to obtain for her ſome ſmall corner in that Kingdom which She hopes to poſſeſs: Should you ever ſee her in ſuch a deplorable condition (ſaid I unto him) I am confident your joys would be mixed with much pity: Fie Anabaris (ſaid he unto me) I cannot pity thoſe who cannot pity me, and as my miſeries never moved Elibeſis, ſo hers ſhall never move me, or if they do, it ſhall be only out o [...] meer generoſity, and out of my ſatisfaction to let her know, that ſuch a Subject as my ſelf does better merit her affection, then ſuch a Soveraigne as Ariantes.

In the mean time, Noromata in obſervance of her husbands orders did ſpeak unto Agatherſes, according as he deſired her; but ſince he ſeemed to be in love with her, he thought fit to anſwer her in ambiguous terms, though he did intend to do what he could to releaſe Sitalces. And ſince he would have her think him to be really her Lover, to the end, that ſhe being firſt deceived, others alſo might be the ſooner; he told her very wittily, that her deſires of ſeeing Sitalces releaſed had blinded her, ſince ſhe made ſuch Propoſitions as were diſhonorable to him: For truly (ſaid he) if it ſhould be known you offer ſo much for his liberty, it would be thought, that his ſide did not much value him; and therefore it is requiſite to manage his honour a little better, and give Ariantes time to adviſe upon it; for his anſwer was not ſo clear, but that it was requiſite to ſend a ſecond time unto him, without making any new Propoſitions: Therefore Madam, have a little patience, and let time bring that deſign to paſs, which perhaps would be ruined with haſte.

This Sir was the anſwer which Agatherſes gave her, who being glad of a pretence to ſend again unto Iſſedon, that he might hear news of Elibeſis, and publiſh it, that he was in Love with Noromata, he moved Spargapiſes to ſend thither the ſecond time: So that Noromata writ unto Sitalces all that Agatherſes ſaid unto her: Adonacris alſo anſwered Argiriſpe, and wiſhed her to be wary in her offers for his liberty, becauſe if things changeed not, he had an infallible way of getting his liberty, which now he could not write. In the mean time, whilſt theſe deſigns, which had ſo many ſecret obſtacles, were in agitation, Adonacris was very vigilant, to take all opportunities of ſeeing and talking with Noromata [...] who, for his part, ſhunned him as much as ſhe could, though ſhe did very tenderly love him. But when chance only brought them together, and when Adonacris could not ſuſpect that ſhe gave him any opportunities of talking with her, then ſhe could not chuſe but be much joyed, and take great delight in hearing him talk to her; yet theſe delights and joys, had ſome bitter mixed with their ſweets, for ſhe was ſo extreamly careful of being over-obliging in her language, that ſhe ſo ſtifled the thoughts of her heart, as put him into a cruel qualm, ſhe was ſo fearful it ſhould be known, that he did, and ſtill doth love her, as ſhe oftentimes did contradict the moſt juſt things; and if he at any time did hold an argument with another, ſhe would alwayes take his adverſe part, ſo ſcrupulous and careful was this vertuous Lady of her reputation; yet Adonacris knew very well, that whenſoever ſhe was oppoſite to him, She did it not out of harted. But as the great prudence of Noromata did deprive him of a hundred innocent delights, in depriving him of all private conference with her; ſo he chanced one day to argue againſt Eliorante in the preſence of Noromata, upon a Subject, which obliquely had ſome coherence with the adventure [Page] which grieved him: For be pleaſed to know, that there was two Ladies in Tipanis, whoſe vertues and reputations were very different: For one, whoſe name was Menopea, was poſſeſſed with a moſt violent paſſion in her heart, and ſecretly held correſpondencies of Gallantry with a very bravely accompliſhed man; but She carried her ſelf with ſo much prudence, ſuch ſtrickt reſervedneſs, and ſo modeſtly, that except very few who knew the truth, all the world thought Menopea to be the moſt vertuous perſon upon earth, and the leaſt capable of any correſpondencies of Gallantry with any one. There was alſo another Lady, whoſe name was Orique, who was as really vertuous as ever any was, yet extreamly expoſed to ſcandal, becauſe She had a conceipt, that it was ſufficient to be vertuous without ſeeming ſo. So that being only cautious leſt any of her actions ſhould be eſſentially ill, and never caring for appearances by which the world in general uſeth to judg, She expoſed her reputation unto ſo much ſlander and envy, that all the Town (except a few who knew her very well) did think that all men were her Lovers, yes, her favoured Lovers. Thus She who was the Gallant, paſſed for ſevere and vertuous, and She who was the vertuous, paſſed for the Gallant, & ſeemed to do many things againſt the Rule of Vertue Falling then into diſcourſe of theſe two Ladies whom ſo few did rightly know; Eliorante, Noromata, and Adonacris being together, and Agatherſes coming alſo in, Noromata began to blame that vertuous Lady, who truſted too much unto her own goodneſs, and who was not enough obſervant over her actions. I could never have thought (ſaid Adonacris and ſmiled) that of two perſons, the one only ſeeming vertuous and not being; the other being vertuous, and not ſeeming, that the fair Noromata would take her part who was not vertuous: I do not take her part, replied Noromata, and yet I am againſt her who is vertuous, and is not careful of ſeeming ſo alſo: For truly if a woman love not her reputation, I cannot be well ſatisfied with her vertue, nor know I well whether She truly merits the name of Vertuous: It is moſt dangerous to ſubject ones ſelf unto cenſure, and I will maintain, that though one be not vertuous, yet they ought at leaſt to endeavour to appear ſo, and much more She who really is vertuous: For my part, replied Adonacris, I am perſwaded it is ſufficient if one do nothing againſt vertue, and one needs not to inſiſt ſo preciſely upon endeavours to take away all manner of pretences of ſlander; for as thoſe who are moſt aſſiduous in frequenting ſacred duties, are often accuſed of hypocriſie; ſo it muſt be concluded a thing impoſſible to prevent all ſcandal and cenſure: And ſo ſince malicious and envious people will be talking and belching out their venome, do what one can, it were a piece of unjuſtice unto ones ſelf to be all their life long rigid and ſevere, for fear of being talked of: Much better it is, to let ones mind ſore above all that malice can ſay, then to ſtand eternally upon a watchful guard againſt all tongues: For my particular (ſaid Agatherſas then) I think Adonacris to be in the right: For to carry ones ſelf ſo, as nothing can be ſaid againſt them, is a thing moſt impoſſible: And indeed, we ſee every day, that one and the ſame action both commended and condemned, according to the ſeveral humours of men; and to juſtifie what Adonacris hath ſaid, hypocriſie is commonly called piety: They do ill who do ſo, ſaid Noromata and interrupted him: But for all that, what is good muſt appear to be ſo, and ill habits ought to be concealed: Your opinion ſeems ſo reaſonable, replied Eliorante, that I cannot believe any is able to contradict it: Yet I ſhall Madam, replied Agatherſes; for there is nothing worſe becomes an heroique ſoul, then to ſtudy how the world ſhould ſee all their good qualities; yet according to your Tenents, a man muſt never do any brave action, but firſt he muſt call for ſome witneſſes unto it, he muſt never be liberal but in publique, and he muſt do all the good he can, only becauſe people muſt know it, and talk of it: No; no, replied Noromata, you put an ill expoſition upon my words: How then muſt I expound them, replied he? To underſtand me rightly, anſwered She, I would not have any do good with a deſign it ſhould be known; but in things which may reflect upon ones reputation, I would have one never to do any thing which may ſtain it: For example, I would have a man ſo regulate his life, as none can think but that he is valiant: I would have a woman live ſo prudently, that none can ſuſpect her vertue; and not to content themſelves only with being vertuous, but be careful to avoid all things which may make her believed otherwiſe: Alas Madam, ſaid Adonacris, your Rule is moſt ſevere, for all the pleaſure of life conſiſts in ſuch things as may be ill interpreted according to ſeveral humours: I do confeſs it, ſaid She; but ſince they cannot be done without hazarding reputation, I will affirm, that the ſorrow for loſing it, is greater then all the delights that can be found: But Madam, (replied Agatherſes pleaſantly) you muſt do nothing as long as you live, but in your Chamber; [Page] nay, I know not whether ſuch a retreat would not be alſo ſubject unto ſcandal; for it would be ſaid, that you would never live ſo, but becauſe Sitalces would otherwiſe be jealous: 'Tis true, ſaid ſhe, and ſmiled, but they would then ſay that I did not give him any cauſe of jealouſie: By your rules, added Agatherſes, a Lady muſt carefully avoid all private conference with men, whom others do think do love her; She muſt never walk under a hundred women at once, and in a Garden be alwayes in the throng of company, and never go aſide to talk with any friend about any buſineſs; She muſt alwayes talk aloud, and never talk of the Beauties of the Time, or of ſhadows, or walks, leſt it ſhould be thought you talk as if you were in love; certainly She muſt talk more with men She hates, then with men She loves, leſt otherwiſe ſhe ſhould be ſcandaled: So a Lady who is ſo cheary of her reputation, muſt live ever without any friends of either Sex, leſt it ſhould be ſaid, they are either her Lovers, or her Confidents: None of all this, replied She, for I allow her friends of both Sexes; but I would have a Wife live ſo, as none can accuſe her of having any favoured Lovers; and therefore as ſoon as ever a Lady knows that any man is in love with her, She muſt carefully avoid both ſaying or doing any thing, that he may take any advantage to himſelf by it, but live ſo reſervedly, that none can ſo much as ſuſpect her favourable to him, and to avoid all occaſions of his ſpeaking to her, leſt it ſhould be thought he ſpeaks of his love: For my part, I whom as little apt to ſlander as another, I muſt confeſs, that I cannot ſee a Lover hold long diſcourſe with his Miſtreſs, but I muſt needs think, he is talking neither of State affairs, nor martial matters. So that ſince She may draw a great inconveniency upon her ſelf, for a little pleaſure, I muſt conclude, She ought never to run the hazard of it. To inſtance in the fair Orique, for an example. All the world knows that She it moſt horribly ſlandered with keeping private conference with a Gallant in a Garden, yet I do know of a moſt infallible certainty, that all the while he was with her, he only related his affection that he bore unto a Lady who was with Thomir [...]s. Do you think that the pleaſure of the ſtory did merit the hazard of her reputation, in paſſing away a whole afternoon with a man whom She loved not? I muſt confeſs, ſaid Adonacris then, that ſince Orique did not love the man, and ſince he had nothing to ſay unto her which concerned her ſelf, She had better to have let that meeting alone.

But ſtill I muſt ſay, that when a woman eſteems a man in an extradinary manner, it were weakneſs in her to deprive her ſelf of the pleaſure of talking in ſecret, only becauſe perhaps ſhe may be talked of, and it's enough if She do nothing againſt the Laws of vertue; for if She do love very well the pleaſure of free diſcourſe with him She loves, 'twill be above the talk of ſpiteful tongues. One that hears you talk, would ſay, replied Noromata, that you do not value honour, and that you do not underſtand the ſorrows of ſuch as are injuriouſly diſhonoured; yet I aſſure you, there is nothing more hard to be endured, then ſtander, when it reflects upon ones honour; as that which reflects upon ones wit or beauty, I am one who of all the world am leaſt concerned; for truly ſhould they ſay of me that I am ſimple, or ugly, it would not anger me at all; but ſhould they ſay of me, that I was addicted to Gallantry, and a Goſſiper, this would moſt ſenſibly grieve me, nor could I endure to be the Subject of any injurious Rallary: To live after your mode, (replied Agatherſes) were to live more unto others then themſelves: It ſeems (replied Noromata and laughed) that in all your actions you would ſtrive only to pleaſe your ſelf, without any ſatisfaction unto others: Since others care not for contenting me (replied he) I never trouble my mind with contenting others; for ſetting the intereſt of her I love aſide, and the intereſt of my friends, which is ever dearer unto me then my own, neither thoſe who are above me, nor thoſe who are below me, ſhall never hinder me from doing what I have a deſire to do, provided it be but honeſt; and it is the greateſt folly in the world to do every thing according to the fancy of all our acquaintance, for Courtiers and Citizens ſee things with different eyes, old men and young the like, melancholy and merry men are of ſeveral minds: Such as we call Libertines, and pious people, have thoughts quite contrary; women who are fair, and ſuch as are ill-favoured, have often very various thoughts. So that whoſoever will content all ſorts of people at once, will certainly ſpend their time to very ill purpoſe: For my particular; replied Noromata, I ſhould ſpend it much to worſe purpoſe, if all theſe ſorts of people you ſpeak of ſhould unite themſelves to wound my reputation, as doubtleſs they would, ſhould I give them cauſe; for certainly there is a kind of malignity that raigns in the minds of all the world in general, which makes them apt to interpret in an ill ſenſe, all things that may receive [Page] an expoſition of that nature: But Madam, replied Adonacris, what hurt doth any ill expoſition of any of your actions do you, when it is ſpoken out of your preſence, and never to your face? Though I ſhould have no other grief, replied She, but to think that people will ſay the worſt they can of me; and to think they will ſay of me as they do of others, it were enough to blaſt all the pleaſures I ſhould take in the preſence of that perſon I loved beſt in the world: However, ſaid Agatherſes, Do we live for others, and not our ſelves? Yes ſure, for our ſelves in the firſt place; if ſo, Why are we not contented with the ſecret teſtimony of our own conſciences, and never torment our ſelves at any people who love us not, nor eſteem us, nor whom we know not, let them think or ſay what they will. The reaſon why I will live as I do intend to do, replied Noromata, is becauſe we are to live for our ſelves: for it is the ſtrangeſt thing in the world, that one ſhould looſe their reputation without a cauſe; and my humour is ſuch, that I would ſooner pardon the misbehaviour of a perſon, whoſe manners are really irregular, then I would the misbehaviour of one who is vertuous; and truly I cannot conceive why one ſhould manage their reputations careleſly▪ when they know they deſerve well, nor why one ſhould not take a little pains to appear ſo, ſince it is eaſie to be done, and dangerous not to be done. Though you ſhould appear never ſo good, (replied Agatherſes) yet all appearances are no armour againſt ſlander: For as you know by experience, that Menopea with all her vertuous appearances, yet is not ſo: So I could ſay, if I would, that all your actions are but diſſimulations, and that I know ſome things which do give all your actions the lye: When I have done all I can (replied She) I cannot chide my ſelf if my reputation be ſcandalized, nor ſhall I be expoſed unto a thouſand dangers, as thoſe are, who think themſelves above all that can be ſaid or thought; for thoſe who deſpiſe the thoughts of others, will in time come to deſpiſe the thoughts of themſelves: However, I muſt tell you Madam, (replied Agatherſes) your life will be extreamly tedious to you, if you ſhould live alwayes in a conſtrained courſe. The example of Menopea and Orique do clearly ſhew it unto you, for though Menopea doth both love, and is beloved; and by conſequence enjoyes all that is requiſite to make the happieſt perſon in the world, and enjoyes all imaginable pleaſures, yet her cloſe reſervedneſs, which ſhe obſerves to hide her correſpondency with her Lover, doth daily bring a thouſand inconveniences upon her, for ſhe dares neither look nor ſpeak unto her Lover, but with moſt intolerable pre-caution; and as She lives, I am confident that She has not one hour of a thouſand which is abſolutely agreeable unto her wiſh; but on the contrary, Menopea, though not in love, nor in any particular correſpondency with any, yet She lives the moſt pleaſant life in the world, only becauſe what She does, She does without conſtraint: If you be more a Lover of your Liberty then your glory, replied Noromata, you then had good reaſon for what you ſay; but for my part, ſince I value my honor above my liberty, I have good reaſon for what I ſay, and to maintain that a woman who cares not for her reputation, but is contented with the eſteem of her ſelf, not valuing the eſteem of others, She does deeply expoſe her ſelf to do things againſt vertue, more then one who ſets a prize upon her honour. Truly Madam, ſaid Agatherſes, you would have our Ladies more reſerved then ſome of our Goddeſſes, for—I would you not ſpeak thus againſt the reverence which is due unto the Gods, (replied Noromata, not giving him time to tell on) and if it be poſſible, leave off that ill cuſtom of uſing the name of the Gods alwayes to juſtifie every trifle: I had rather you would ſwear by Agatherſes and by Eliorante, ſaid She and ſmiled, then by Mars, and by Hercules, were I of the opinion which many of our young Court Gallants are, who ſcarcely think they were ever men, much leſs Gods: For ought I ſee Madam (replied Agatherſes and ſmiled alſo) you think me an abſolute Libertine: No, replied She, for if I did think you ſo, I promiſe you that ſhould not be any friend of mine; but I blame you, and with reaſon, for accuſtoming your ſelf unto an ill habit of ſpeaking overſlightly and irreverently of things in our Religion, yet truly in my opinion the argument is but weak, to ſay we ought to believe no further then we underſtand, ſince there are a thouſand things in nature we cannot comprehend. I have heard ſay, that Croeſſus amongſt his rarities had a Stone, which made thoſe who wore it inviſible: Yet it is a much harder matter to believe what is ſaid concerning the power of our Gods, then what is related concerning the vertue of this wonder the Heliotrope. Commonly thoſe who jeſt moſt at ſacred things, do but imperfectly know what it is which hardens the hail, and whitens the Snow; nor know they at all what that boyſterous winde is which often diſroots the ſturdieſt oaks (though it touches them, and ſomtimes blows them over) yet theſe men muſt [Page] be prying and medling with the Cabinet ſecrets of Eternity, they will be Reformers of the beſt eſtabliſhed Religions, and out of their capritious fond fancies, deſtroy all the Temples and Altars of the world; and all this, becauſe not believing that there is a God, they think all that pleaſeth them is permittable: But as for you Agatherſes (added Noromata) whoſe manners are both innocent and virtuous, and who is not of their opinion, who think that the Gods do neither puniſh nor reward, only becauſe they may live in more liberty; I adviſe you as a friend, not to be carried away with the ill cuſtomes of the world: Your zeal Madam, replied Agatherſes, makes you ſo eloquent, that I cannot tell how to deny you, but will promiſe you, (moſt charming Noromata) that I will do as much as I can to believe, that Mars is jealous, that Vulcan is a Cuckold, and that Venus did equally delude them both.

As Agatherſes ſaid ſo, the young Spargapiſes entred, who broke off this diſcourſe, and hindred Noromata from anſwering Agatherſes. But ſince he ſtayed not long with Eliorante, he carried Agatherſes with him, and Fortune was ſo favourable unto Adonacris, that one having ſome buſineſs with Eliorante, ſhe went into her Cloſet, and deſired Noromata as her intimate friend, to entertain Adonacris until ſhe returned. At the firſt Noromata told her, that She deſired her excuſe, becauſe She was to be gone her ſelf; but She ſaid this in ſuch a faint manner, that Eliorante imagining She had no reaſons which really induced her to be gone ſo ſoon, did tell with all freedom of friendſhip that She would not bid her adieu, and that if She found her not with Adonacris at her return, She would quarrel with her: So that Noromata, who indeed could not part from Adonacris without ſorrow, She had not power to deny Eliorante, who not ſtaying for her anſwer, went unto her Cloſet, and left her alone with her Lover. But Eliorante had no ſooner left them but Adonacris began diſcourſe.

I wonder Madam, ſaid he unto her and ſmiled, that you will not rather venture a quarrel with Eliorante, then ſtay with a man who infinitely adores you: Certain I ſhould do ſo, (replied She, and both ſmiled and bluſht) if I did not fear Eliorante would conceive ſome ſuch thing if I ſhould quit you: Oh Madam, ſaid Adonacris, as long as your care of your glory obligeth you to things of this nature; I ſhall never murmure: But Madam ſaid he (and aſſumed a moſt ſerious aſpect) to loſe no more of this precious time, but to ſpeak more ſeriouſly, I beſeech you; why are you ſo reſolute of my baniſhment by your getting my releaſe? Alas, Sitalces will ſee you all the daies of his life; but I, heavens know perhaps ſhall never ſee you again, after I am releaſed: Allow then Madam of a thing which Fortune hath brought to paſs without your conſent, for truly Madam, you ſhall not releaſe me ſo ſoon as you imagine: Therefore I beſeech you, let me not have any cauſe to complain againſt you for any rigour as long as I am with you; I deſire only to ſee you, and talk to you when none hears but your ſelf, do not anſwer me if you pleaſe, and let me only tell you that I did love you, and not that I do ſo ſtill: Since I can talk this day unto you (ſaid ſhe unto him) and not upbraid my ſelf for giving you any occaſion, I will conſent unto your deſires; but Adonacris, it ſhall be ſtill to tell you the ſame things over again, and to aſſure you, that ſince I cannot baniſh you from my heart, I will do what I can to baniſh you from Tipanis. Since I hope Madam, replied Adonacris, that Fortune will be more favourable unto me then you are, and not baniſh me ſo ſoon, I am contented you ſhould continue your ſolicitations for the liberty of Sitalces, and by conſequence for mine: But Madam, that which I do requeſt, and requeſt with abundance of zeal, is that you will be pleaſed as long as I do ſtay here, to let me talk to you, and ſee you often: I do allow it but too much (ſaid ſhe unto him) and if you did but know how I chide my ſelf for my indulgency towards you—Alas Madam (ſaid Adonacris and interrupted her) If you call your behaviour to me indulgency, I wonder what you will call your rigour? What I do (replied She) is certainly more then I ought to do; for truly Adonacris, that affection which might have been innocent at Iſſedon, is now become vicious at Tipanis, that I am now more faulty in ſuffering you to love me, then I was before in loving you: And truly I intend (added She and ſighed) to conjure both you and my ſelf to do ſo no more; but Adonacris, I muſt confeſs, I know not whether I have power to execute my intentions.

As he was going to reply, Eliorante returned, who gave Noromata as many thanks for ſtaying there, as Adonacris did unto her in his heart for ſtaying her. The truth is, her ſo ſoon return did a little take off the good offices She had done him, and as he had a deſire to thank her, ſo had he alſo to complain againſt her. But Sir, whilſt theſe things [Page] paſſed at Tipanis, other accidents fell out at Iſſedon, which put new faces upon things: For be pleaſed to know, that when Adonacris was taken Priſoner, he thought, as I told you before, that all his baggage was plundered by the Souldiers: So that though he was very ſorry for the loſs of his dear Noromata's Letters which he valued above his moſt precious jewels; yet he hoped, that they would be loſt unto all the world, as well as unto himſelf; and that thoſe who plundred the baggage would never trouble themſelves with ſuch trifles as would not be worth any thing unto them, but would either tear or burn them: So that though they were never like to be any comfort unto him, yet at leaſt they would never hurt him. But Fortune did otherwiſe diſpoſe of them, and cauſed unhappily for him, that one of his ſervants, who was moſt zealouſly devoted unto his ſervice, who ſeeing the Army routed, and baggage like to be loſt, reſolved to get his Maſters things into ſome ſafety, and to execute his deſign, he ſaved the carriage, by ſeeming to be of the other ſide: Yet as ſoon as night was come, he fell extreamly ſick, and the Inhabitants of the Town where he quartered, did pillage him of all he had, and left him nothing conſiderable, but a little Cabinet of a Fiſhes Skin, which was both handſom and rich, and in which was Noromata's Letters.

This ſervant after his recovery believed, that ſince he was much neerer Iſſedon then Tipanis, it was beſt for him to go thither, and ask Argiriſpe what ſervice She would command him, and whether he ſhould return to his Maſter, or take ſome other courſe. This deſign of his being very reaſonable, he did execute it, and returned to Iſſedon; and to let Argiriſpe ſee his fidelity, he ſhewed this Cabinet unto her, not knowing what was within it; and it is to be ſuppoſed, that thoſe who ſtole all the baggage from this ſervant, finding this Cabinet to be but little and light, and thinking no matter of money in it, did either ſlight or forget it, as a thing of no worth. But Sir, as it is the nature of all jealous perſons generally to be full of curioſity, though there be no reaſon for any jealouſie in the world: So Argiriſpe had a ſtrong natural inclination to open this Cabinet, and to read theſe Letters, yet not knowing any reaſon why: And indeed, I have heard one of her friends ſay, that She never was in the Chamber of any one whom She viſited, but if She were alone, and found any Letters upon the Table, She would open them, or at the leaſt had a great deſire unto it: You may eaſily imagine then Sir, conſidering the humour of Argiriſpe, as I have deſcribed it, that She could not ſee this Cabinet, but needs muſt open it. But Sir, the worſt was, Sitalces, whom I told you, was a frequent viſiter of Argiriſpe, was then preſent with her, and She being naturally of an impatient temper, She opened this Cabinet in his preſence, and he who opened it, being forced to uſe ſome ſtrength unto it, it broke all in pieces, and the Letters opened in falling out, and one of them falling unhappily upon Sitalces, he took it up to preſent it unto Argiriſpe, not thinking it was from his Wife: But he was ſtrangely ſurprized when he ſaw the ſuperſcription, and knew it to be the hand of Noromata, his diſorder was ſuch, that altering his intention of giving it unto Argiriſpe, he now deſigned to keep it, though he knew not any handſome pretence for it.

But Argiriſpe ſaved him the labour of ſeeking out for an excuſe, for She ſeeing and knowing the hand, was alſo much ſurprized, and jealouſie beginning to rouze up her heart, She was as full of curioſity as Sitalces: I never knew (ſaid She unto him) that ever there was any ſuch intimacy between Noromata and Adonacris, as to write Letters unto each other, but I believe Sir you know more then I do. Sitalces hearing Argiriſpe ſay ſo, was much puzled for an anſwer, but at laſt did ingeniouſly confeſs, that he was as ignorant as her ſelf of any Letters that Noromata writ unto Adonacris, but he ſpoke with ſuch trembling of heart, that he ſcarce knew what he ſaid. But in concluſion, theſe two jealous perſons agreed to read theſe Letters, and to ſee of what nature they were: For truly Sir, ſaid Argiriſpe, ſince theſe Letters were written by your Wife, it is but juſt you ſhould ſee them, and juſt alſo, that ſince they were written unto my Husband that I ſee them. But Sir, I beſeech you admire a little at the oddneſs of deſtiny in this buſineſs, and to add unto your wonder, be pleaſed to know, that though all Noromata's Letters were only matters of civility, yet they ſo indited, as if they had ſome Characters of love in them. Moreover, they were not dated, ſo that Sitalces and Argiriſpe knew not whether they were writ before, or after their marriages: So that by this means Sitalces and Argiriſpe thought that they had matter of accuſation enough againſt Noromata. But to return from whence I digreſſed, Argiriſpe and Sitalces beginning to read them, with ſuch reſentments, as you may well imagine: The firſt Letter was thus indited.

[Page]

NOROMATA unto ADONACRIS.

SIR,

IT ſeems I am not ſo ſincere as you are, for I would not that you ſhould be able to Divine my thoughts, as you ſeem to deſire I ſhould yours; yet do not think that I do entertain any which are diſadvantagious to you, nor any which are much to your advantage, but I am of an humour, which perſwades me to let none have ſo much power over me, as I my ſelf have, but be conteſted with ſo much as I do give you, and without diving into my thoughts: Let it ſuffice I give you leave to interpret all my words in the moſt obliging ſenſe you can.

NOROMATA.

Though this Letter was indeed only civil and gallant, yet it ſo netled the ſoul of Sitalces, that it turned it all at once into jealouſie, hatred, and fury; nor did it move leſs diſorder in the ſoul of Argiriſpe, when She read another Letter, which if my memory fail not, contained theſe words.

NOROMATA unto ADONACRIS.

SIR,

Could I write that I do conſent you ſhould love me, and not tacitly tell you at the ſame time, that I do love you, doubtleſs I ſhould do it: But ſince my permiſſion may be interpreted ſo, I will not allow it; all the favour you ſhall receive from me, is this, That I do leave you at liberty to love me, or not to love me, as you pleaſe, without any permittance or forbiddance from

NOROMATA.

After the reading of this Letter, Argiriſpe looked upon Sitalces, and ſaw his thoughts ſo well in his eyes, that ſhe thought it unneceſſary to ask him. I underſtood ſince by a woman who was with her, and who ſtood in a corner of the Chamber during all the conference which ſhe had with Sitalces, that both of their countenances changed, their eyes were ſo full of fury, and their ſouls ſo troubled, that it was eaſie to ſee their hearts were diſordered with more then one paſſion. I ſhall not trouble you Sir with a relation of what they ſaid unto each other, though this woman made an exact relation of all unto me; for indeed their conference was ſo full of anger and fury, that it would be no great pleaſure unto you to hear it: However, they read all Noromata's Letters, and though they found none more engaging then theſe two which I have already related, yet they drew out of them very vexatious conſequences. As for Sitalces, he told Argiriſpe in the heat of his tranſport, that knowing Noromata ſo well as he did, he took all theſe her civilities to be ſo many ſigns of Love: And Argiriſpe alſo told Sitalces, that knowing her Husbands diſcretion ſo well as ſhe did, ſhe was ſure he had burned the moſt obliging of Noromata's Letters, and kept only ſuch as were moſt indifferent: Somtimes they concurred in their opinions of things, and ſomtimes again they differed, and their exceſs of vexation made them ſomtimes jar with one another; and indeed Argiriſpe did almoſt down-right tell Sitalces, that his wife had ſtoln the heart of her husband from her, becauſe he had not merit enough to get hers: And Sitalces told Argiriſpe, that Adonacris would never have loved Noromata, but becauſe he did not think his own wife amiable: Yet ſince their intereſt were alike, and ſince they were both wholly bent upon revenge, after the heat of fury was a little cooled, they agreed to make thoſe two perſons miſerable who cauſed their ſorrows. And at laſt they began to conſider why Ariantes ſhould make ſuch a difficulty in accepting upon the exchange which they had propounded, to conſider the ſlight ſorrows which Adonacris expreſſed in his Letters at his not being releaſed; and thereupon concluding, that it was Adonacris who had writ unto his Siſter to retard his releaſement; and afterwards [Page] concluded, that Noromata was of the plot, and conſented unto it, and that Adonacris and ſhe did ſpend whole daies together in laughing and mocking at their ſorrows, and at all the pains they have taken to procure the exchange. Sitalces for his particular, did not now doubt of the reaſon why Agatherſes did not ſolicite Spargapiſes to make any large offers unto the Prince Ariantes for his exchange, for he knew it was his Wife who hindred him, and who did not negotiate as he deſired her: And Argiriſpe alſo believed, that the reaſon why her Husband ſent her word not to offer any thing for his releaſement, becauſe he knew an infallible way to procure it, that the reaſon was, becauſe he deſired not to be at liberty: So that both of them being in one minde, there was no violent courſe which they did not both of them reſolve upon: And after they had well examined what courſe to take, they concluded it beſt to let Adonacris and Noromata know, that they were not ignorant of their affections; and to drive the nail ſo home, that this their intimation to them ſhould oblige them to remove thoſe obſtacles which hindered their exchange, reſolving after this to proceed further, when they ſhould ſee their anſwers. So that the ſecond Meſſenger from Spargapiſes being ready to depart from Iſſedon, without doing any thing more then at firſt time, they writ by him. But Sir, I forget to tell you, that ſince this meſſenger from Agatherſes, had private orders from his Maſter to publiſh at Iſſedon, How it was reported in Tipanis, that Agatherſes was in love with Noromata, to the end Elibeſis might know it; ſo it chanced that the poor Sitalces came to the knowledg of it alſo: So that believing then his Wife had two Lovers in one place in lieu of one, he was in a moſt miſerable condition: But though this was very ſad news unto him, yet it was not ſo unto the Prince Ariantes, but on the contrary; he much rejoyced at it; and thinking it to conduce much unto his advantage that Elibeſis ſhould know it, he made her a Viſit, purpoſely to acquaint her with it. But Sir, his deſign did not hit ſo happily as he hoped, for Elibeſis could not hear that Agatherſes had left loving her, and that he loved another without abundance of grief; and Ariantes told it unto her in ſuch a ſurprizing manner, that he plainly perceived how this new paſſion of Agatherſes did trouble her; and not being able to forbear ſome expreſſions of his thoughts: If I ſhould believe your eyes Madam (ſaid he unto her) I ſhould think that your loſs of Agatherſes his heart doth as much trouble you, as if I had loſt a Battel, or as if you had loſt a Crown: If my eyes have diſcovered any ſorrow unto you (replied Elibeſis wittily, and bluſht) they have very ill interpreted the thoughts of my heart, ſince I aſſure you Agatherſes hath not any ſhare in them: But I muſt confeſs, that ſince I do not love Noromata, I am not very glad, that a man whom heretofore I have communicated ſo much unto, ſhould now go and tattle all our paſſages unto her: Yet Madam (replied Ariantes) I could never diſcover the leaſt falling out betwixt you and Noromata all the while ſhe was here: 'Tis true (replied Elibeſis, a little non-pluſt) there was no viſible quarrel between us: But Sir (added ſhe with a marvellous vivacity of Spirit) When two are neer of the ſame age, of the ſame quality, pretend unto the ſame eſteem, and the ſame commendations, and when they are neither old nor ugly, it is not a queſtion to be asked, whether there be any quarrels between two ſuch: For though they live together in all civility, yet believe it Sir, if you look well into their hearts, you will find but little friendſhip there to each other: Oh Madam (ſaid Ariantes in looking fixedly upon her) your cares to perſwade me that you are capable of envy, makes me ſuſpicious: I am fearful to diſcover, that all your affections are upon Agatherſes, and that you only held me in hand out of ambition: Truly Madam, I conceive it not juſt, that ſince I became a Rebel unto Thomiris, only out of love to you, ſince I began a War, only to Crown you, that I ſhould looſe your eſteem by looſing a Battel, and that if I ſhould looſe a Crown, to looſe alſo all hopes of enjoying you: I beſeech you Madam, ſince Agatherſes does not now love you, but loves another, let me have the happineſs to poſſeſs his room: Be not ſo unjuſt, as to love him who loves not you, and not to love a Prince, who loves you more then himſelf. I have already told you Sir (replied ſhe) that Agatherſes hath no ſhare in that anger which my eyes againſt my will diſcovers unto you; but to ſtop all your complaints, let me tell you, that if you had told me Agatherſes had been in love with any other then Noromata, you ſhould have ſeen leſs diſorder in my looks: I wiſh I could believe you Madam (replied he) but if I be not much miſtaken, I do rightly underſtand the language of your eyes, and unleſs you give me ſome more obliging language then yet you have, but will ſtill perſwade me that I am not loved, I ſhall give over all matters of War, and ſtrive [...] no longer to crown a perſon, who grieves more for a Slave that hath broke his Ch [...] [Page] then for me, who hazards my life to ſet her upon a Throne: Truly Sir (replied Elibeſis craftily, whoſe ambition revived in her heart) you are moſt ſtrangely earneſt: But ſince it is fit I ſatisfie you, I will acquaint you with the true cauſe of all the ſorrow you ſee in my eyes, though I ſhall hardly do it without a bluſh; for truly Sir, ſince you will needs have me confeſs the truth, I muſt tell you, that I cannot hear of Agatherſes his ceaſing to love me, but I muſt needs think that perhaps the Prince Ariantes will one day do the like, and conſequently muſt extreamly grieve at the very thought of it; and judg, I beſeech you, if I have not good cauſe for it: Your language Madam is ſo favourable (replied Ariantes) that I had rather accuſe your eyes of an untruth, then not to believe you, and Madam, I had rather believe what pleaſeth me, then what grieveth me, though I be deceived by it. However, ſay what Elibeſis would unto Ariantes, yet ſhe was extreamly vexed that Agatherſes did not love her, and her hopes of his being one day her Subject, did not countervail her ſorrows for his not being her Slave, though then ſhe had no intentions of making him happy. But whilſt Elibeſis had more thoughts then ſhe was able to Miſtreſs, and whilſt both love and ambition did tear her in pieces almoſt with equal violence, ſhe knew not that Agatherſes in counterfeiting not to love her, did yet love her with extream zeal, and he ſuffered more in loving her, then ſhe could do in thinking he did not. But as great as her ſufferings were, they were but ſmall, in compariſon of what Noromata endured when ſhe received her Husbands Letter. And indeed Sir, this Letter was writ in ſuch a cruel ſtile, as never did Letter contain more bitter marks of extream jealouſie and anger, for he did not only hint unto her that he knew of the correſpondency with Adonacris; but he told her alſo in moſt tart expreſſions, that ſhe hindered his releaſement, purpoſely to be out of his ſight, and with Adonacris. After this, he mentioned ſomthing concerning the pretended Love of Agatherſes, mixing ſomtimes amongſt his injurious hints, ſome reſentments of love, and ended his Letter with a Declaration, That if ſhe did not find out ſome wayes that Adonacris might be within a few daies at Iſſedon, and that he might return unto Tipanis, he would never ſee her again; but make it known to all the world, that the reaſon of it was becauſe ſhe loved Adonacris: You may judg Sir, how this Letter troubled the virtuous Noromata, and how a perſon who loved her glory with ſo much paſſion, could not ſee her own in ſuch eminent danger without extream ſorrow. Then did ſhe plainly ſee, that to be innocent was not enough to have tranquility of mind, ſince though ſhe never did any thing againſt the Rules of virtue, yet was ſhe extreamly troubled that her Husband ſhould ſuſpect her, and that he would publiſh her ſuſpitious, and ruine her reputation. But her greateſt torment was, that maugre all theſe unjuſt aſperſions, ſhe ſtill loved Adonacris moſt tenderly, who for his part was as angry as Noromata was grieved; for Argiriſpe in her Letter to him, did intimate, that ſhe knew of his affection unto Noromata, that ſhe had ſome Letters of that fair ones writing in her hands, that ſhe believed him to be moſt tenderly loved, that ſhe thought he had been an obſtacle unto all her endeavours for his releaſe, and that he choſe rather to be a Priſoner with Noromata, then at liberty with her; adding further, a thouſand inducements to repent of his infidelity, and as many menaces to be revenged upon Noromata, for making Sitalces uſe her hardly, if he did not change his mind. But that which moſt pinched him was, Argiriſpe intimated unto him, that Sitalces knew he loved his Wife, and that he had ſeen her Letters; for ſince he loved her in as Noble and Honorable a way as was poſſible, and ſince he was none of thoſe Lovers who care not for the reputation of thoſe perſons whom they love, it grieved him to the ſoul that Noromata's honour ſhould be brought in queſtion for his ſake: But that which put his patience to the higheſt teſt was, that the virtuous perſon who was ſo ſevere, and had carried her ſelf with ſuch cautious reſervedneſs; when ſhe had none to ſatisfie but her ſelf, would not now ſo much as ſee him, when ſhe underſtood her husband knew of his affection to her. Moreover, he feared that ſhe would moſt horribly hate him, becauſe her Letters had fallen into ſuch dangerous hands; ſo that as pleaſing as the ſight of Noromata was unto him, yet his fears of ſeeing her incenſed againſt him, did fill him full of ſtrange apprehenſions. On the other ſide, Agatherſes having received a Letter from one of his friends at Iſſedon, which intimated unto him, how Elibeſis was extreamly angry when ſhe heard that he did not love her; he was as much joyed at this, as heretofore he had been, when ſhe gave him the greateſt teſtimonies that his affection pleaſed her. And indeed, as I came unto him the next morning after he received this Letter, he no ſooner ſaw me, but coming towards me with a pleaſant aſpect: Come my dear Anabaris (ſaid he unto me) [Page] I am now arrived at that point I would be, and have received the beſt news in the world: Is it (ſaid I again) that we ſhall ſhortly have peace or victory? No, no, replied he, I aſſure you neither peace nor war have any ſhare in what I am about to tell you. It is only matters of love which I ſhall relate: Then aſſuredly, replied I, you will tell me that the Prince Ariantes is fallen out with his Miſtreſs, and Elibeſis is perſwaded, that the Crown which he would give her, is not comparable unto the affection you bear unto her: No; ſaid he, but Elibeſis believes I love her not, and is vexed at it to the heart. But Sir (ſaid I unto him) if her anger ſhould turn unto hatred, would you be ſo well pleaſed as you ſeem to be? If it ſhould, ſaid he, I know not what I ſhould be, but ſure I am, that it joys me much She is angry, and I never took more pleaſure in perſwading her that I love her, then I have in making her believe, that I do not love her: And if after all this, I can throw down the Throne which ſhe hopes to aſcend, and have ſo much ſatisfaction as to ſee her without a King, without a Kingdom, without Subjects, and without a Slave, I ſhall be the happieſt man alive: Yes, yes, Sir, replied I, ſo you would, if you could bring your ſelf once to that paſs, as to hate her or at leaſt not to love her, for if you think to be revenged of her by ſtill loving her, believe me Sir, the revenge will light upon your ſelf: Though it ſhould (ſaid he to me) yet I ſhould do as if I were happy; for I do profeſs, that I would die a thouſand times, rather then Elibeſis ſhould ever know that I do not hate her: So that if I could be as happy as I could wiſh, and could not conceal my ſelf, rather then tell her that I loved her, I would hide my ſelf; and to be ſincere with you, I have long time ſince reſolved, that as ſoon as I have revenged my ſelf upon my Rival, to begin a new form of life, and leave off the company of all ſuch as Fortune hath been pleaſed to ſet above me, for I am ſo weary of ſeeing my ſelf below them, that I cannot endure it; indeed I can neither flatter them, nor crouch unto them. Moreover; there is one ſtrong fancy in my mind which mightily torments, and ſince I muſt diſcover my weakneſs unto you, I will tell you what it is: Know then, that I cannot ſee a man Superiour to me, do any thing ill-favouredly, but I am infinitely angry at Fortune for placing them in that condition they are; it is not out of any tenderneſs that I do intereſt my ſelf in their imperfections, but on the contrary, there is an Antipathy in my nature againſt all that are above me, which is the reaſon that I cannot endure to ſee Princes either weak, or timerous, or covetous, or fooliſh, when I ſee ſuch, I cannot chuſe but curſe Fortune, becauſe She did not rank them according to their merit: Truth is, I am ſo unable to endure that ill-favoured men ſhould be placed above me, that I cannot brook Vulcan ſhould be ranked amongſt the Gods: Judg then, whether I can allow ſuch as have the hearts of Slaves, the ruſticity of a poor Fiſherman, the language of a baſe Tradeſman, ſhould be ranked in the Catalogue of Princes: If Elibeſis Sir (ſaid I unto him and ſmiled) did hear what you ſay, She would, according to her cuſtom, accuſe you of prophanation, and I think She had good reaſon for it: I know not what reaſon She hath (ſaid he unto me) but I am ſure I have reaſon to take it ill She ſhould betray me, and to be glad that I have vexed her.

But Sir, to return unto Noromata, give me leave to tell you, that this purely virtuous perſon; after She had ſpent the whole night in ſorrow, and ſeeking remedy againſt ſuch an important miſery, She had a new cauſe of grief, for She received a Letter from her Father who was with Thomiris, and who knowing that Adonacris was at Iſſedon, and not being ignorant of his correſpondency with Noromata before her marriage, did ſend her word, that if ever he heard She let Adonacris come into her houſe, he would make her the moſt miſerable woman of her Sex. So that being on all ſides overwhelmed with ſorrows, She took the moſt generous reſolution in the world, maugre all her tenderneſs to Adonacris, and her averſion to Sitalces. For Sir, ſince She did apprehend it not handſome to exchange a Lover for a Husband, She reſolved to juſtifie her ſelf in her Husbands opinion, and to let him ſee She was no obſtacle unto his liberty; She reſolved, I ſay, to ſteal out o [...] Tipanis, and to return unto Iſſedon to Sitalces: But alas Sir, this reſolution waſ not without [...]ny a [...], and much ado to execute? yet ſince there was no other [...] to redeem her reputation, She fully determined upon it (maugre her repugnanc [...]) [...]ve him She loved, and to go unto him She hated: The tender affection of her heart unto Adonacris, moved [...] [...]o wiſh that She could ſpeak once more in her life unto him, to know by what ſad [...] her Letters came into her Husbands hands, but She could not find a [...]it op [...] S [...]e ſhould do him ſuch a favour as She ſhould upbraid her ſelf withal, therefore She never went about it; but Fortune having no mind they ſhould [Page] part in ſilence, did bring it to paſs without her medling in it, as I ſhall hereafter tell you. In the mean time Noromata contriving a way how to get out of Tipanis, and to paſs the Guards and Spargapiſes ſafely, She did at laſt hit upon one which did happily hit. She went unto Eliorante, and told her, as She might truly, that her Husband had a ſervant whom he loved very well, who was taken priſoner with her, and who was married a little before he was taken. But to advance her deſign, She added a lye unto this truth, and told her, that the Wife of this ſervant hearing that her Husband was fallen ſick at Iſſedon, and earneſtly deſired to ſee her, She was very deſirous to go thither unto him. After which, Noromata aggravating the ſorrows of this wife, deſired Eliorantes favour to procure a paſport for her, conjuring her to ſolicite her Husband for it, and not let any know that She did meddle in the buſineſs: For (ſaid She unto her with much ſubtilty) I have ſo many things to ask of Spargapiſes, and Agatherſes, concerning my Husbands liberty, that I ſhould be unwilling to trouble them with the buſineſs of others, eſpecially in a buſineſs which is of no great importance. Eliorante being glad of any importunity to oblige Noromata, did never examine her reaſons any further, but told her, that if ſhe would ſtay half an houre in her Chamber, She would give her an accompt how ready She was to ſatisfie her deſires: She had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but Adonacris, as if he deſtined to ſpeak unto Noromata no where but at Eliorantes, did enter: So that Eliorante ſeeing him; Sir, ſaid She, I once before entreated you to entertain Noromata whilſt I retired unto my Cloſet; and I beſeech you once again to make the time ſeem leſs tedious unto her, whilſt I go a little and execute ſome of her commands: I know not Madam, replied Adonacris, whether I ſhall be able to fulfill your commands; but I am ſure, that though I do not divert her as I deſire, yet my intentions are to do nothing that ſhall diſpleaſe her: After this, Eliorante went out to mediate unto her Husband in Noromata's buſineſs: So as theſe two perſons who had moſt violent inclinations to love each other, and who yet had thoughts very different, had the freedome of talk together; yet they ſaid not what they thought, for Noromata never acquainted Adonacris with her deſign of going unto Sitalces, leſt he ſhould hinder her: And Adonacris never acquainted Noromata with the Letter which Argiriſpe ſent unto him, leſt it ſhould grieve her. Noromata on her ſide would not tell him of thoſe Letters which Sitalces had ſeen, though ſhe had a great deſire unto it; for She conſidered, that though his baggage was loſt, and was the cauſe of it, yet the fault was not in him. Alſo ſince She could not tell him of it, without making him the Confident of her Husbands jealouſie, ſhe could not do it, thinking it would oblige Adonacris too much, and conſequently reflect upon her honour: But conſidering, that though She had now the liberty to talk unto him, yet She was never like to have it again, She could not chuſe but ſigh. Adonacris obſerving it, and ſeeing her eyes full of curioſity: I know Madam (ſaid he unto her) that I ſhall very ill acquit my ſelf of that Commiſſion which Eliorante hath given me to divert you; and I know too well by that ſigh which I heard, that my company is not pleaſing enough to keep you from ſome angry thoughts: Doubtleſs Sir, replied She, my thoughts do not pleaſe me, but I will be ſo juſt as not to accuſe you for it, and ask your pardon that I do not force my ſelf unto more complacency. Oh Madam (ſaid Adonacris) It is moſt injurious to ask this pardon; and I have more reaſon to complain that you will not tell me the cauſe of that ſigh, then complain of you for ſighing: For truly Madam, methinks the leaſt part that I can pretend unto in your confidence, is that of your ſorrows: But Madam, to ſhew that I am eaſily contented in my paſſion, I will ask of you leſs then ever any Lover did, and declare unto you, that if you will be pleaſed to grant it, I will never complain of you. Though you may ask it Sir, replied She, as my Lover, yet you ſhall never obtain it: I will ask then as your friend Madam, replied he, ſince the name of Lover is offenſive to you; but I beſeech you let it be as a friend who loves none elſe but you, nor ever will: I only ask the favour to know all your griefs; conceal all your joys from me, but I beſeech you make me a Partner in your ſorrows, and let me know why you ſighed. After this, I am confident you will not ſay I ask too much, and that my affection is hard to be ſatisfied, ſince I only ask to be a ſharer in a ſigh, and to know the cauſe of it. In demanding that Sir, replied Noromata, you ask perhaps more then you are aware, and more then I can grant: The truth is, there are ſome ſorrows which one cannot impart without being too much engaged, and my humour is ſuch, that the moſt engaging thing which I can do for thoſe I love, is to truſt them with mine, and to make them ſharers with me. Then Madam (replied Adonacris) I beſeech you tell me what it was which made you [Page] ſigh, for I muſt confeſs I cannot underſtand the cauſe of it? Without further examination of cauſes, replied She, I aſſure you I neither can nor will tell you; for the truth is Adonacris, reaſon will not permit me to put confidence in a man whom I ought not to ſee, and unto whom I ought not to ſpeak as I do, if I ſhould keep my ſelf to the limits of exact virtue: And this is the laſt day I intend to hold any private conference with you, and to behave my ſelf ſo, as you ſhall have none with me, for I will never upbraid my ſelf with doing more then I ought to have done: Alas Madam (ſaid Adonacris) if you do now no more then you ought, it may be ſaid that you do nothing; for it is impoſſible one ſhould do leſs then you have done: But Madam, if it be your reſolution that I ſhall never talk with you in private after this day, then you muſt this day regulate all the reſt of my life, and tell me what is your pleaſure I ſhall do: I do profeſs I will never either do, or ſay, or think any thing which ſhall diſpleaſe you: If ſo, replied Noromata, I will once in my life make uſe of that power which I have over you; but Adonacris, it ſhall be in commanding you to live as well with Argiriſpe, as I am reſolved to do with Sitalces, and in conjuring you not to tell ſo much as your ſelf, that ever you loved me, nor to think any more of any thing which may renew the memory of our friendſhip. Alas Madam, replied Adonacris, if you would be obeyed, you muſt command ſuch things as can be done; but here you command me three things, two of which are abſolute impoſſibilities, and the other an extream difficulty: I muſt Madam, maugre you command, tell my ſelf, that I do love you, ſince it is not your pleaſure I ſhould tell you of it; I muſt needs, I cannot chuſe, but think of you, ſince you will not give me leave to talk to you. Yes, yes Madam, I muſt both think and ſpeak of you, ſince I can neither think or ſpeak of any thing elſe, not but that I have done all I am able to forget you: But alas, I have done it in vain, for whereſoever I go, and whatſoever I do, my imagination is all on you: I have been in the Wars, and in the very heat of fight, and moſt dangerous occurrencies my mind hath ſtill kept to its ordinary object: if I come into any company where you are not, I preſently lament your abſence, and value not their preſence: I never walk out but my mind is pleaſingly fill'd with a thouſand thoughts of what you have done, and of what I have heard you ſay, and my ſleep is nothing but dreams of you: And Madam, if I could tell you without hinting my crimes unto you, I would ſay, that I did not marry Argiriſpe without a thought of Noromata, as perfidious as She hath been unto me; and if I could ſhew you the true ſtate of my ſoul, when after your example I did for ever engage my ſelf you would ſee that my heart diſavowed all the words of engagement which my tongue pronounced, and I thought more of what I loſt, then what I got; yet for all this, you are ſo unjuſt as to command me not to think any more of you: But let me tell you Madam, that if the Gods be juſt, they will force you to think of me, and they will grant me ſo much favour, as to cauſe you many an angry minute by my being much in your minde: In wiſhing as I do (replied She) that the Gods will give you the ſame tranquility of mind which I wiſh unto my ſelf, I am more juſt then you are; and conſequently have reaſon to believe, that they will rather hear my prayers then yours: But Madam, I beſeech you (ſaid he unto her) what hurt can a pure innocent paſſion do you, when it is locked up in my heart? And what matter is it when I am out of your ſight, whether I think of you or no? So I could think that you do not think of me (replied She) doubtleſs it would not at all concern me, but ſtill it would concern you, that you might be more at reſt. Then Madam (ſaid he unto her, and looked upon her with amorous eyes) I may hope when I ſee you not, that you will think to gueſs whether I think upon you or no, and conſequently I am not ſo miſerable as I imagined; for it is ſome conſolation to know, that you have not baniſhed me out of your memory, though out of your heart. Oh Madam, for heavens ſake (added he with moſt paſſionate earneſtneſs) do not deny every thing to a Lover, who is not of their humours, which think felicity conſiſts in the higheſt favours, but on the contrary, he knows how to multiply the delight, by the price which he will ſet upon the meaneſt favours, Permit me Madam, I beſeech you, only to think of you, and to believe, that ſomtimes you do me the honour to think of me, and I ſhall not murmure at your exceſſive rigour: I ſhould think that what I ask cannot offend you, nor would it be a grand crime, if I beſeeched you to pronounce the name of Adonacris ſometimes: For my part I do proteſt unto you Madam, that the name of Noromata is very often in my [...]th, and it is a ſound ſo agreeable to me, that I cannot hear it without abundance of [...]ght: But Madam, I aſſure my ſelf that mine is not ſo to you; and you can hear it pronounced a thouſand times without the leaſt alteration in your colour.

[Page] As Adonacris ſaid ſo, Noromata (who was vexed at her ſelf in ſecret that She was not ſo inſenſible as he ſaid She was) could not chuſe but bluſh. So that Adonacris obſerving it, he was now as full of curioſity to know the cauſe of that bluſh, as he was before to know the cauſe of the ſigh: But ſince Noromata's modeſty would not give her leave to tell him, She only left him ſo much ſubject, as whereby he might gueſs that her heart entertained no diſadvantagious thoughts of him; for he importuning her to tell him her thoughts, and She thinking upon her deſign of going unto Sitalces, and parting from Adonacris, the tenderneſs of her ſoul did appear more in her eyes then She deſired it ſhould, and her very words did utter ſomthing to him againſt her mind; for as he did importunately preſs her to tel him her thoughts a little more clearly, and what her pleaſure was to command him, ſhe gave him an anſwer much more favourable then She intended one quarter of an hour before: You are ſo very importunate (ſaid ſhe unto him) that becauſe I would be rid of you, I will confeſs ingenuouſly, that I am not ſo abſolute a Miſtreſs of my heart, as of my actions, and that my thoughts and my words do not agree, and that when I command you to forget me, yet I ſhould not have been very glad if you had obeyed me; all I can ſay unto you Adonacris is, that what reſolutions ſoever I have taken, to do alwayes what I ought to do, yet I perceive I ſhould more eaſily pardon you if you do not forget me, that I ſhould my ſelf; if I do not. In the mean time, whether I baniſh you out of my heart or not, yet I will ſo behave my ſelf towards you, as if you had not the leaſt ſhare in it, and after this Adonacris, ask me no more; I know that I do give you more obliging language then I would, and the words which I pronounced do make me bluſh as oft as I remember them: But for all that, the infidelity which my obedience to my Father did make me commit againſt you, doth merit doubtleſs that I ſhould puniſh my ſelf, and comfort you; and therefore, though I have ſaid more unto you then did become me, yet I do not repent of it, though I know I ſhall repent as ſoon as you are gone. You have reaſon Madam, replied Adonacris, to repent of what you have ſaid, for it is ſo little obliging unto me, that I conceive you have great cauſe of repentance.

As Adonacris pronounced theſe words, Eliorante returned; ſo that Noromata fearing that She would ſpeak before him of that office which She was to do for her, and fearing leſt his Love ſhould gueſs at her ſecret intention, She went towards Eliorante, and underſtood from her, that what She deſired ſhould be effected before the day was done, Eliorante aſſuring her that it reſted only upon this, That the wife unto the ſervant of Sitalces who was to go and viſit her ſick Husband, was not to depart until the next morning. Noromata having obtained her wiſh, thanked Eliorante for the favour, and took her leave immediately, but when ſhe turned towards Adonacris to ſalute him, and it coming into her thoughts that perhaps She ſhould never ſee him again, ſuch a deep melancholy did ſeize upon her Spirit, that tears ſtood in her eyes. But ſhe no ſooner perceived this weakneſs in her ſelf, but ſhe haſted out, leſt it ſhould be obſerved: So pulling her Hood haſtily down, She did the better hide thoſe impreſſions of ſorrow which came from her heart unto her face: But though She had wit enough to hide, yet She had not power of overcoming her ſad reſentments, but paſſed over all that day and the night following in ſuch tranſports of violent ſorrow, as She confeſſed ſince, that She was never in all her life in ſo ſad a condition. However, her virtue being above her ſorrows, ſhe kept cloſe unto her reſolution of going unto her Husband, and to perſwade him that She did not obſtruct his liberty, nor deſire the ſociety of Adonacris. And in order to this, ſhe made choice of two ancient ſervants unto Sitalces to conduct her, and a woman to go with her, giving order that a Coach ſhould be ready by break of day, but not her own Coach, leſt her deſign ſhould be diſcovered. And to the end her departure ſhould not be known until ſhe was gotten far enough from Tipanis to be overtaken, if Agatherſes ſhould ſend after her, this virtuous Lady commanded her women which ſhe left at Tipanis to let none come into her Chamber for three daies after, and to tell all the reſt of her Domeſtiques that ſhe was ſick, having to this end imparted her deſign unto an old Phyſitian her friend, who promiſed to come unto her Chamber, as if ſhe were really ſick. And to the end he ſhould not be ill treated by Spargapiſes and Agatherſes when the thing was diſcovered: It was agreed upon that he ſhould ſay he was deceived, and that one of Noromata's women did counterfeit her voice, and lay in her bed, and the Curtains being drawn, he thought it to be her Miſtreſs, and that ſhe was ſick. Moreover, ſhe writ a Letter unto Eliorante, giveing orders to deliver it three daies after her departure. To be ſhort, the buſineſs was carried [Page] ſo well, that none of her ſervants knew it, except thoſe who were of the conſpiracy. So that putting the woman which was to go with her in the beſt place of the Coach, She cauſed her to ſpeak unto the Keepers of the Gates, and ſhew them her Paſport, which was to let her paſs out with one woman, and two men to conduct her. Thus it being very early, and not light enough to know one another, She eaſily got out undiſcovered, but not without much ſorrow; for when She was out of the Town, and began to think that perhaps She ſhould never ſee Adonacris again, whom She ſo tenderly loved, and that She was going to abide eternally with Sitalces, whom She loved not, her ſadneſs was above expreſſion, and her journey was the moſt melancholy that is imaginable, yet ſomtimes She rejoyced in the doing of an act of ſo much heroique virtue, but ſomtimes again this joy did coſt her very dear: However, She paſſed over her journey without any obſtacle, for all the Troops of Spargapiſes obeyed the Paſport, and when She came into the Quarters of Ariantes, She diſcovered her ſelf unto the Commander in Chief, and deſired a Guard to be conducted unto Iſſedon, where She arrived ſooner then She deſired, though her reſolution was yet to go unto it.

But Sir, before I tell you how Sitalces received her, I muſt acquaint you with ſome paſſages at Tipanis, be pleaſed to know therefore, that Noromata's orders were ſo well obeyed, that every one believed her to be at home, yes Adonacris did believe it more really then any other; ſo that he paſſed over theſe three daies well enough; yet at the end, Eliorante received Noromata's Letter, which deſired pardon for deceiving her, and concealing her deſign, and which intimated unto her, that She was gone to her Husband and to ſolicite Ariantes for his liberty. But when Eliorante received this Letter, Adonacris was with her, and She not being able to conceal her admiration, did acquaint him with the cauſe of it. You may well imagine Sir, that the admiration of Adonacris was above Eliorantes, and he cried out ſo loud when he heard that Noromata had not been in Tipanis this three daies, that Eliorante who had a moſt ſharp wit, began to ſuſpect that he had a far greater intereſt in this departed Lady, then ever She imagined. How Madam (ſaid he unto her) is not Noromata here? You will ſee that by her Letter (ſaid She and ſhewed it him) and you will doubtleſs ſay that Noromata is the beſt Wife in the world. Adonacris taking the Letter did read it with as much grief as wonder, and with as much wonder at Noromata's virtue, as at her beauty. When he had done reading the Letter, Agatherſes came in, who underſtanding how ſquares went, did think it ſtill convenient for him to make a ſhew as if he were much troubled at Noromata's departure, purpoſely to make Elibeſis believe that he loved Noromata: So that expreſſing much grief, he was much more zealous then Adonacris, who durſt not expreſs his. However, the buſineſs had no remedy, for in all probability before Noromata could be overtaken, She would be in the Quarters of Ariantes, where he could not ſtay her. So that Adonacris ſeeing he had nothing elſe to do but lament, he retired to his Chamber, but with ſo ſad a ſoul, that I am confident never was ſuch a ſudden alteration ſeen as was in his face; indeed he was not the ſame man he was before, and ſorrow was ſo apparent in his eyes, and he had ſuch a deadly paleneſs in his cheeks, that any one would have ſaid he was not only ſadly afflicted, but that he would not live, and yet his condition was worſe within an hour after he was gone from Eliorantes.

And Sir, to acquaint you with the cauſe of the augmentation of his ſorrows, give me leave to acquaint you, how by an unparallelled example of Fortune, the very ſame time that Noromata out of her virtue went unto her Husband, Argiriſpe out of her jealouſie, came to hers.

Thus when Noromata came to Iſſedon, Argiriſpe came to Tipanis, and came juſt in the height of Adonacris his ſorrows for the departure of Noromata; and being conducted by an Officer of Spargapiſes his Army, who brought her to Tipanis, and made her known unto that Prince and Agatherſes, they did receive her with much civility; and thinking that Adonacris would be very pleaſingly ſurprized at the ſight of her, they cauſed her to be conducted unto his Chamber, before he was acquainted with her coming. I being then with the grieved Adonacris, am able to relate their meeting as an eye-witneſs: But Sir, I am not able to repreſent unto you the wonder of this ſad Lover, when he ſaw her enter; Truth is, it was ſo great, and his ſoul was in ſuch a maze, that he was not Maſter of his own thoughts; ſo that in lieu of hiding that ſorrow which appeared in his face, and anger meeting with his melancholy, he ſeemed more deſirous to quarrel with her, then to ſalute her. Yet bethinking with himſelf, that in relation unto Noromata's intereſt, his beſt [Page] way was to force himſelf, Love did more then his reaſon could to perſwade him, and he did ſo ſtrive with himſelf, that he almoſt made his ſorrows to ſeem only wonder, and endeavoured to perſwade Argiriſpe that his ſadneſs was only an effect of his impriſonment: Therefore he ſaluted her very civilly, and expreſſed himſelf as handſomly as was requiſite at ſuch a meeting.

But Argiriſpe being witty and jealous alſo, She dived ſo far into his heart, that as ſoon as She ſet her eyes upon him, She ſaw, that She was the cauſe of his grief, and Agatherſes telling her at firſt, how Noromata's deſign and hers did ſtrangely parallel, She eaſily apprehended that her Husband grieved only for the abſence of that fair one. So that though the departure of Noromata did leave her thoughts in ſome doubt, yet the ſadneſs of Adonacris did confirm her in her jealouſie: And I can aſſure you, that this meeting had nothing of ſweet & pleaſingneſs in it. In the mean time, ſince Eliorante came to offer Argiriſpe all the accommodations within the compaſs of her power, Adonacris took that time to go unto ſome place where he might lament. And taking me aſide, we went preſently after unto a Cloſet, in which we no ſooner were, but he broke out into moſt ſad expreſſions of the pittiful condition wherein he was; his greateſt perplexity was, that being a man excellently qualified, he could not be imperious over Argiriſpe, nor could he rid himſelf that way from the cruel perſecution in which he was; and certainly he gave it a true Epithite of perſecution; for Eliorante was no ſooner gone, but this jealous woman twitted him with all imaginable malice: Truly (ſaid She unto him) if you had fallen in love with Noromata after our marriage, you could be accuſed only of weakneſs and unconſtancy; but being in Love with her before you may (and with abundance of reaſon and Juſtice) be charged with perfidiouſneſs, with treaſon, and with indiſcretion: Pray tell me, how could you ever think to live happily with one you loved not? Do not deceive your ſelf, and deny your love unto the Wife of Sitalces, for I have in my hands all her Letters to you, and I know very well that you are a Priſoner unto Spargapiſes, only becauſe you are the Slave of Noromata. Alſo I know very well, that you did with a premeditated deſign abſent your ſelf, only to be far off from her you loved not. To teſtifie my ſincerity (anſwered he) I will ingeniouſly confeſs that I did love Noromata, and that I do ſtill hold her virtues in the ſame admiration; but I proteſt Madam, that I do hold no private correſpondency with her, and thoſe Letters you have of hers to me were written before her marriage, and conſequently before you were. I further proteſt, that ſince that, I never received any more from her but common civility, and in all likelyhood it will be long before I ſhall ſee her again, perhaps never. Moreover, though it were ſo, that ſuch a paſſion had ſeized upon my ſoul, as I could not maſter, yet were I not too blame, ſince I was not able to overcome it, and ſince I ſhould behave my ſelf never the worſe towards you: Therefore Madam, ſince I am able to aſſure you, that I never received the leaſt favour from Noromata, and ſince you never receive any rudeneſs or incivility from me, I hope I may well beſeech you to reſt ſatisfied, and let me be at reſt alſo. But Argiriſpe did not do as Adonacris deſired her, but went from him in a chafe, telling him ſharply, that ſince he went about to delude her, She would carry her ſelf as one that would not be deluded, but as one that knew all his weakneſſes and infidelities; but that which moſt netled her, was to ſee, that all She ſaid unto Adonacris did not anger him, and to ſee his Spirits ſo taken up with ſorrow for the departure of Noromata, that he hardly minded what She ſaid. So that She being vexed more and more, She vented ſuch bitter expreſſions unto Adonacris, that he was forced to go into another Chamber. In the mean time, ſince he had no minde to be a Priſoner; but only becauſe Noromata was at Tipanis, ſo now, he deſired his liberty, ſince She was not there. So that the next morning he ſent ſecretly to the Prince Ariantes, beſeeching him now not to obſtruct his liberty, becauſe now he did very punctually know of all the deſigns of his Enemies, and conſequently he would be uſeleſs at Tipanis Now Sir, I have acquainted you how Adonacris received Argiriſpe, give me leave to tell you in few words how Sitalces received Noromata. I aſſure my ſelf Sir, that you will think her action generous enough to oblige her Husband unto a good reception of it and her, but it did not, for on the contrary, he received her very ill, and not putting any good conſtruction upon her reſolutions, he twitted her with the Letters which She had writ unto Adonacris; he told her She had not ſolicited for his liberty, and that She would not have come from Tipanis, but becauſe She knew that Adonacris would not long continue there, and would releaſe himſelf ſome other way then by the exchange which was propounded. All this while She took this unjuſt accuſation ſo patiently, that She was not ſo [Page] much as moved againſt Sitalces, only ſaying without any bitterneſs, as much unto him as might juſtifie her ſelf, though her ſoul was full of grief as ſorrow, to ſee her innocency ſo unjuſtly injured: But Sir, to abridg my relation as much as I may, the Prince Ariantes having received the Letter from Adonacris, he did no longer retard his releaſe; and Agatherſes deſiring ſtill to perſwade Elibeſis that he was in love with Noromata, did preſs on the exchange between Sitalces and Adonacris, to the end he might make her believe that he did it only to ſee her again, and indeed Elibeſis did not onely believe that he did it for Noromata's ſake; but alſo She thought that Noromata, whoſe virtue She was well perſwaded of, had not come out of Tipanis, but only to avoid the trouble which She was put unto by the affection of Agatherſes: So that being extreamly grieved, She would willingly have oppoſed her Brothers liberty, purpoſely to hinder Sitalces from carrying his Wife to Tipanis: But ſince handſomneſs would not allow her to do ſo, She diſſembled her reſentments, leſt Ariantes ſhould gueſs the cauſe of them. But all things being concluded upon on both ſides, it was reſolved that Sitalces and his Wife ſhould that ſame day depart from Iſſedon unto Tipanis; that Adonacris and Argiriſpe ſhould ſet out of Tipanis to come for Iſſedon; and for an equal ſecurity of both ſides, theſe four perſons were to meet in a place, which was juſt between the Quarters of both Armies, to the end that the Convoy which brought Adonacris and Argiriſpe from Tipanis, might carry Sitalces and Noromata thither, & that Convoy which brought Noromata & Sitalces from Iſſedon, might carry Argiriſpe & Adonacris thither. So that by this means Sir, theſe four perſons ſaw each other, and talked together. In the mean, Sitalces & Argiriſpe were extreamly vexed at this adventure, yet dine all together they muſt, for he who was to ſee this exchange performed on the part of Ariantes, being a man of a generous mind, he made theſe Priſoners and Ladies a very ſumptuous Feaſt; ſo that the conſtraint of Sitalces and Argiriſpe continued very long; and it was the greater, becauſe they durſt not talk together, leſt they ſhould give Adonacris time to talk to Noramata; and yet they needed not to fear it, for Noromata did not only carefully ſhun talking with Adonacris, but even looking upon him alſo; [...]et ſhe could not be ſo careful, but he would ſomtimes look in her eyes, and find much ſorrow in them, and he carried it ſo cunningly, that whilſt he who treated them was talking to Sitalces and Argiriſpe, he ſpoke unto Noromata in a low voice, and conjured her to confeſs that Fortune was extreamly unjuſt in not letting Sitalces carry Argiriſpe unto Tipanis, and him her unto Iſſedon. But Noromata being reſolved to be neither ſweet nor ſharp with him, would not give any anſwer, and ſeeming not to hear him, She changed place, not ſo much as looking upon him, yet Adonacris made no queſtion but that She heard what he ſaid, and conſented to it in her heart, for She could not chuſe but bluſh and ſigh in changing her place. In the mean time, the hour of their parting being come, Adonacris, who did not love Argiriſpe, but loved Noromata, did take the way to Iſſedon; and Noromata, who did not love Sitalces, but loved Adonacris, took the way to Tipanis, waited upon by her perſecutor, and parting from the moſt reſpective Lover in the world; and She parted from him with ſo much ſetled reſolution, that She did not ſo much as turn her head aſide to look after him, but it was not ſo with Adonacris, for though he intended to reſtrain himſelf, leſt he ſhould incenſe Argiriſpe, yet he looked after Noromata as long as ever he could, and turned his head after her above twenty times when She was out of ſight. I ſhall not any longer inſiſt upon any aggravations of the various thoughts in all theſe perſons, ſince it is ſufficient to know the ſtate of their ſouls by the ſtate of their Fortunes. But give me leave to tell you Sir, that the end of Winter being come, both ſides began to think of taking the Field. Agatherſes had ſtill the diſpleaſure to know that Thomiris would have him ſtill be wary of his Troops, and not to give Battel unleſs he was forced unto it, becauſe She had ſome grand deſign which She would not publiſh; and Agatherſes in his head of hatred unto Ariantes, he deſired to tumble him preſently from his Throne, and not to protract the War. And he ſo wrought upon the wiſe Terez, who had a great prevalency with Thomiris, that he perſwaded him there was no way to ruine Ariantes but by Battel; ſo that this Princeſs did at laſt permit him to hazard a fight, if occaſion was favourably offered. Agatherſes not willing to looſe a minute of time, cauſed Spargapiſes to draw his Troops firſt out of their Winter Quarters, and draw towards Iſſedon, which began to ſuffer much; becauſe the Army of Ariantes had been cloſe under the Gates of that Town all that ſharp ſeaſon.

Ariantes alſo ſeeing his Enemies in ſuch haſte, did take the Field alſo, and went to take his leave of Elibeſis with extraordinary melancholy, which was no good omen unto [Page] him; the greateſt cauſe of his ſadneſs was, becauſe he knew almoſt of a certainty, that Elibeſis did not value his love, but out of ambitious ends; ſo that his mind being filled with this thought, he could not chuſe but expreſs ſomthing of it at his bidding her adieu. Since I know not Madam, ſaid he unto her, whether fortune will ſmile or frown upon me, I muſt tell you, that I know not how you will look upon me when I ſhall return, nor know I Madam, whether you know it your ſelf, ſince my good or bad fortune depends upon the Fate of Arms: However, ſince it is not your pleaſure I ſhould be happy before the War be ended, yet I beſeech you aſſure me, that I may looſe a Battel, and yet not looſe you: If you will be pleaſed to honour me with this favour Madam, I aſſure you, I ſhall not be eaſily overcome: But if you will not, alas ſorrow it ſelf will vanquiſh me before I fight: Methinks Sir (anſwered Elibeſis very wittily) that I could anſwer you in not anſwering, only by beſeeching you to anſwer your ſelf all that I would anſwer, if I ſhould utter all the thoughts of my ſoul: Therefore Sir, ſince it is ſufficient for you to imagine what I would ſay, if I would ſatisfie you it is better to imploy that little time which I have of ſeeing you, in aſſuring you, that I ſhall ſpend the time of your abſence in making prayers for your return, and in wiſhing moſt zealouſly, that I may ſoon ſee you return victorious over all your Enemies. More then this Sir do not ask me, unleſs you would have me think, that you ſeek out for a pretence of quarrelling with me: No Madam, I do not ſeek for any pretence of quarrelling with you, but it is you that ſeeks for a pretence of not giving me a direct anſwer. However, ſince it is your pleaſure I ſhould be kept in ignorance until the end of the War, I muſt obey, though I can tell you it is with much ado. After this, Ariantas left Elibeſis, who to keep him upon ſuch terms as She deſired, did permit her eyes to tell him more then his mouth, to the end, that if he were victorious, he might be ſtill her Slave, and She a Queen. In concluſion, She did ſo cunningly manage the mind of Ariantes, both by her looks, and the manner of her bidding him adieu, that he did almoſt repent of his ſuſpitio [...]s, and parted from her not ill ſatisfied, though She did not ſay any thing that could engage her ſelf to follow his Fortune, if it was not good. But in concluſion Sir, that Prince Ariantes departed from Iſſedon, and went unto his Army, which was not far off, and Adonacris had the comfort of being abſent from Argiriſpe by following him; and well may I call it comfort, for She was perpetually twitting him, though he carried himſelf very civilly towards her, for all her jealouſies of him. On the other ſide, Noromata had the pleaſure of ſeeing Sitalces depart, and go unto the Army, and rid her from the moſt terrible perſecution that is imaginable; for ever ſince She came from Iſſedon, until he left her at Tipanis, there was every day ſome jars paſſed between them: But Sir, not to trouble you with the jealous thoughts of Sitalces and Argirispe, nor with the tender and virtuous thoughts of Noromata, nor with the amorous imaginations of Adonacris, give me leave to tell you, that Agatherſis having ſtill a deſign in his heart to ruine his Rival, he neglected no occaſions of it; for he did not only husband every advantage which the fate of Arms did give him, but alſo he held private correſpondencies within Iſſedon, purpoſely to move the Inhabitants of the Town to rebel againſt Ariantes, during his abſence. Fortune alſo was ſo favourable unto him, that at the firſt drawing into the Field, he put the Vanguard of Ariantes to the rout; and though this firſt occaſion was not deep in blood, yet this firſt advantage ſerved to quell the hearts of that Princes ſide, and to incourage the oppoſite Party, not but that Spargapiſes loſt as many men of Quality as Ariantes did; but yet he being the Maſter of the Field, Fame did Trumpet him victorious: But Sir, the moſt remarkable paſſage of this encounter was, that Sitalces was killed in it; and Noromata behaved her ſelf ſo, as if She had no cauſe of rejoycing at his death; yet truly She did not mo [...] in the deepeſt blacks, but kept ſuch an even temper in all her actions, that no one living could lay any fault to her charge. She alſo had the happineſs to know, that it was not Adonacris who killed [...]italces, for he was not in the fight; indeed it was the wi [...]e Terez, who commanded the Reſerve Brigade that day, and it was Terez, who with his own hand killed Sitalces: 'Tis true, he revenged his death by the laſt blow he ſtruck, for it wounded him ſo deep and dangerouſly, that this wiſe and experienced Captain was ſtonied, and could not get up on horſeback. But Sir, though the death of Sitalces did at firſt give ſome ſatisfaction unto Adonacris, becauſe he thought that now Noromata would be at reſt and liberty, yet afterwards it did double his torment; for when he conſidered, that had he not married Argiriſpe, he had married Noromata, his mind was moſt lamentably tormented; but to eaſe himſelf, he intended to let Noromata know his mind: So that ſending one of his ſervant [...] ſecretly [Page] unto Tipanis, hoping that Noromata, now having no jealous Husband to fear, ſhe would not ſtartle at a Letter from him, ſince now all decency did allow her to receive any Letter from an abſent friend: But his hope was ill bottomed; for Noromata was ſo far from receiving or anſwering it, that ſhe refuſed it and was angry at him, though ſtill ſhe retained much tenderneſs towards him. On the other ſide, Argiriſpe was ſo extreamly troubled at the death of Sitalces, that ſhe was almoſt ſtarke mad; reſenting it as a moſt conſiderable loſs, ſince ſhe whom Adonacris loved, had loſt one of the moſt jealous husbands in the world. But the wonder of all is, Argiriſpe being a little ill when ſhe heard of Sitalces his death, ſhe was then in ſuch a fear of death, leaſt then Adonacris ſhould marry Noromata, that ſhe fell into a very violent feavor, and died in earneſt: I ſhall not tell you Sir, how Adonacris took her death, for having deſcribed him before, to be a very accompliſhed man, you may well imagine that he would not expreſs any joy; but having alſo deſcribed him in love, you may well think he was no great mourner.

In the mean time, Agatherſes making his beſt uſe of his victory he did ſo negotiate by his councels that Spargapiſes was adviſed by him in all things, and therefore it was reſolved to give a deciding battel: And though it did not concern the intereſts of Ariantes to hazard any thing lightly; yet give battel he muſt, becauſe he underſtood from Octomaſedes, that if he did not vanquiſh preſently, the people of Iſſedon would revolt, for they grew weary of the war. But Sir, though this Prince did as much as any great and valient Captain could, yet he loſt the battel, and was forced to hide himſelf in a poor Sheperds hut; in the midſt of a thick wood: intending to ſave his perſon from the victory of his Rival, and in the night time to get into Iſſedon. And to do it more ſafely, he ſent one of his ſervants to ſpie out the pathes of the wood, to ſerve him as a guide: But Sir, the return of this ſervant brought him abundance of grief; for he brought him an Officer whom that Prince had left in Iſſedon, and whom this ſervant did accidentally meet: This Officer told him that at the very ſame time the battel was fighting, there was a ſedition raiſed in Iſſedon by the friends of Agatherſes: And that his enemies were become maſters of the Town after a ſharp diſpute; After which they ſent unto Spargapiſſes to tell him, that if Thomiris would pardon their rebellion, they were ready to enter into her obedience: So that I am confident Sir, (added this Officer) that Spargipiſes is at this very hour the maſter of Iſſedon; for I ſaw a far off, ſome of his Troops marching that way.

Ariantes hearing this ſad news, was extreamly ſad: but love being ſtill above his ambition, he never asked any particulars of this diſorder, but asked him very haſtily what news of Elibeſis: Sir, anſwered the Officer, the Father of Elibeſis no ſooner heard how ſquares went, but he departed the Town with all his houſhold, and conſequently carryed his daughter with him, fearing doubtleſs to fall into the power of Spargapiſes, until things were better ſettled. Afterwards Ariantes asked him whether he knew which way Elibeſis went; and the Officer telling him that he thought unto a Caſtle which belonged unto Tiſſagettes ſome three hundred furlongs from Iſſedon. This Prince having neither Army nor place of retreat, reſolved to go whether his love invited him, beleeving that the father of Elibeſis would not deny him reception into his houſe which was very ſtrong; and where he might rally together ſome part of his ſhattered Army: But Sir, this Prince was deceived in his hope [...] ▪ For Elibeſis would not receive him but upon condition he would depart the next morning, telling him, that this houſe was not ſtrong enough to reſiſt a victorious Army, and therefore would not expoſe her and his family unto ruine: But Sir, the thing which ſtruck him even dead with ſorrow, was That when he ſaw Elibeſis, he found her much different from what ſhe was at Iſſedon; and far from following his fortunes when ſhe ſaw it ill. Yet this Prince did accoſt her in ſuch an humble ſubmiſſive manner (as I underſtood ſince by one of her women) that the heart of any but hers would have melted. Now Madam, (ſaid he unto her, with a moſt melancholy look) I am come to know whether I have loſt your affection in loſing the battel; and whether you have chaſed [...] out of your heart, as they have chaſed me out of Iſſedon. Truly Sir, (replied ſhe) my ſoul is ſo diſturbed with fears, that I cannot tell you what to think and as the ſtate of your fortune ſtands, I do not think my affection can do you any good, for when you have overwhelmed me under the ruins of that Throne upon which you intended to ſet me, you will be never the better: Therefore Sir, let me adviſe you to think upon your own ſafety, and think no more of me: Fie Madam (ſaid he and looked upon her with wonder) are you ſo inhumane as to diſcover the neutrality of your ſoul unto me [Page] upon ſuch an occaſion as this? I begun the war only to make you a Queen, and will you forſake me as ſoon as fortune forſakes me? will you not favor me ſo far as to diſſemble part of your thoughts? Ah Madam, this is ſo ſtrange that I cannot beleeve I rightly underſtood you, and therefore I beſeech you explain your words, and tell me what I muſt truly think of you; you may think Sir, that I would do any thing in my power to make you mount a Throne (replied ſhe) But you muſt think withall, that ſince I am not able to alter your fortune, I will not fooliſhly and to no purpoſe follow it: nor can I ſee which way your propoſition to me can any way advantage or oblige me: I cannot tell whether it can any way oblige you Madam (replied he) but I am ſure your expreſſions have not much generoſity in them; And unleſs I be the baſeſt of men, I ſhall hate you as much as ever I loved you: You may do even as you pleaſe Sir, (anſwered ſhe) for truly my humor is to comply with the times, and change as they do: Then Madam, replied he, I ſee you know how to change with fortune, I know not Sir, how you can blame me for it, replied ſhe, but I do think it commendable and wiſdom ſo to do. Madam, ſaid he, is it poſſible you ſhould not apprehend that this act is ſo unworthy of your ſelf, that if Agatherſes knew it, he would certainly eſteem you much leſs? and I am moſt confident that as furious as he is, he would treat me better then you have done, if I ſhould fall into his power, though he be both my enemy and my Rival. But Madam (added he to vex her) ſince his example tels me that it is not impoſſible to ceaſe loving you, I ſhall hope to imitate him, and though I ſhall not be a King, yet I ſhall have ſome advantagious hopes of not being your ſlave, and I think that I ſhall be as great a gainer by getting out of your power, as I am a [...] loſer by loſing a Crown. After this, Elibeſis wiſhing him heartily out of her fathers houſe, leaſt Agatherſes hearing he was there, ſhould come and ſeek him, and leaſt he ſhould fall into the power of a man who loved her not, ſhe talked to him ſo ſharply, that Ariantes not being able to endure it, did abruptly leave her, and going out of the Caſtle went to ſeek a Sanctuary with Octomaſad [...]s his Couſin, or at leaſt to ſtay a while with him conceal'd, to ſee if any remedy for his misfortune was to be found.

In the mean time, the ambitious Elibeſis, being vexed to the heart that ſhe had loſt Agatherſes, and that her ambition did thrive no better, ſhe could not avoyd that miſery which ſhe feared, which was, that Agatherſes would hear the Prince Ariantes had been at her fathers houſe, and would come thither to look for him, as a puniſhment upon her for her inconſtancy, for her ambition and hardneſs of heart unto Ariantes. Agatherſes hearing he had been at the father of Elibeſis Caſtle, he had no ſooner carryed Spargapiſes unto I [...]edon whoſe Inhabitants opened their Gates, but he went thither with ſome of his forces fancying high ſatisfaction in getting both his Rival and his Miſtreſs into his power, and was in hopes of full revenge for all the miſeries he had endured. But he was much ſurprized when coming to the Caſtle, and by a Herald demanded the Prince Ariantes, he was anſwered, that he was not there. At the firſt he would not beleeve it, but at laſt he was forced unto it, for Tiſſagettes being retired unto this Caſtle in the tumult, he ſell very ſick, and was not able to defend it if it were aſſaulted. So that conceiving the ſooner he yeilded, the better it would be for him; he reſolved to treat, and to obtain liberty for himſelf and his daughter: And to that end thinking it was not poſſible that a man who had once loved Elibeſis, ſhould have any inveterate quarrel, he commanded her to parle with Agatherſes, ſince he was in bed and not able to do it, deſiring her to uſe her beſt ingenuity to move Agatherſes not to bring him under the power of Thomiris. After which, giving notice unto Agatherſes, that he would parle, and Agatherſes conſenting unto it, the Troop retreated, to make a void place before the Caſtle gate, before which, was a kind of Portal, which the Courts of gaurds in time of war made uſe of: And this place being choſen to treat in, Agatherſes with a very ſmall number of his men, advanced. But he was much ſurprized, when in lieu of ſeeing Tiſſagettes appear, he ſaw only his daughter, accompanied only with ſome few men and women: for he loved her ſtill in ſpite of his teeth, and could not look upon her, without ſome agitation of ſpirits. Yet he was ſo fully reſolved not to ſhew any ſigns of love unto her, that the better to hide his weakneſs, he ſeemed to be a little arrogant; and he was ſo glad at heart to ſee Elibeſis in lieu of being Queen, to ſtand in need of his protection, that eaſily ſurmounting the tenderneſs of his love, he carryed himſelf as if he would guſt his revenge with full delight: and after he had ſaluted Elibeſis, there appeared ſuch a kind of inſolent joy in his face, as was enough to vex her: but that which moſt vexed [Page] her was, he would not give her leave to ſpeak firſt: Madam (ſaid he, and looked ſternly upon her) you ſee I was not miſtaken, when I told you heretofore, that Fortune would never do juſtice unto your merit in making you a Queen; but the worſt is, in lieu of being a Queen, you muſt now be a Subject unto a Princeſs whom you have incenſed. Since Thomiris is a Debtor unto your valour (replied Elibeſis) for the Victorie which her Son hath gotten, I hope She will not deny you any thing; but I will hope that you will obtain of her liberty for my Father, and all his Family.

Since it were a moſt cruel thing to make a Queen a Slave (replied Agatherſes to vex her) I will promiſe you Madam to move Thomiris ſo far, as that She will give me leave to ſet you at liberty, that you may follow the Fortune of Ariantes, and conduct you unto the place where he is retired; therefore Madam, if you know it, as I doubt not but you do, I beſeech you acquaint me, that I may appoint a Convoy for you thither: Fie Agatherſes (cried She) your revenge goes too far in ſaying ſo: Why Madam (replied he with a counterfeit wonder) do you take it ill I ſhould offer to convoy you unto a Prince, for whoſe ſake you forſook me? 'Tis true, he is no King, nor ever ſhall be, and in all probability is like to wander from Kingdom to Kingdom amongſt ſtranger Princes; but for all that, it is to be thought, that when you contracted friendſhip with him, when you ſlighted my love to accept of his, you then conſidered what the ſequel of his fortune might be, and reſolved to follow it: For I muſt tell you ingeniouſly, it were unworthy if you ſhould forſake a Prince becauſe Eortune hath forſaken him, as you did me, becauſe you ſaw him more hopeful then my ſelf: If you did not love Noromata and hate Elibeſis (replied She) you would not ſpeak thus unto me, you would forget a weakneſs which ambition only cauſed, and endeavour to regain what you have loſt: Since Madam this enterview is upon a buſineſs of War, wherein love has no part, I ſhall not now make any exact explanation of my thoughts, it will be enough to tell you what I writ unto you before, that though I ſhould love you more then ever I did, yet you would not accept it for the love of me; and though you ſhould repent of what you have done, yet I am not beholding to you for it, ſince you changed only, becauſe Fortune changed; and truly Madam, I deſire not to be taken as the moſt happy, but as the moſt loved, and loved for ſomthing which is purely my own, and not for any collateral reſpects and reaſons, which do not really relate unto the perſon: Therefore Madam, without any informing you whether I do love you, or whether I ever will love you, or without enquiring whether you love Ariantes, or whether you have caſt him off, I only ask you what Tyſſagattes demands of me: Had you been a little more inquiſitive Sir, (replied She) perhaps you would not have repented it; but ſince you are not, let me tell you from my Father, that he deſires Thomiris would pardon him, and that Spargapiſes would do the like, and permit him to live in quiet at his own houſe with his Family. Since Madam, replied he, his houſe is too ſtrong to be in the hands of a Rebel, that muſt not be, but Tyſſagettes and you muſt go to Iſſedon, and ſtay there till Peace be fully ſetled in the State, unleſs, as I told you before, you had rather follow the fortunes of Ariantes. Since we are not in a capacity to reſiſt you, replied She, we muſt ſubmit unto your will. Ah Madam, ſaid he, had you gone out of Iſſedon when I deſired you, you would have entred with more delight then now you are like, but ſince what's paſt cannot be recalled, the future muſt be diſpoſed according to my mind, and that you Madam ſhall have no more power in my heart, then Ariantes hath in the Kingdom of Iſſedon. It plainly appears, replied She, that I have none at all, ſince you inſult ſo over one that is miſerable, and will not ſo much as ask whether or no I am capable of repentance: I do never intend to inquire Madam (replied he) becauſe though you ſhould repent, yet I would not alter my reſolution never to love you: Since it is ſo (ſaid ſhe, and would have left him in a fume) then I pray let me have your hatred, and with the ſame hand you tumbled Ariantes from his Throne, pull down, if you can, the Caſtle into which I enter, that burying me in its ruines, I may find an end of my miſeries: No, no Madam (ſaid he and ſtayed her) I will not do ſo, and as violent as you are, I will never pull down that Altar unto which once I ſacrificed: So Madam, though I am fully reſolved never to give you any ſigns of my love as long as I live, yet you ſhall taſte of my generoſity; and to revenge my ſelf in a more noble way, I will ſo highly protect you, that perhaps I will force you to repent as long as you live of your behaviour to me; and to begin it Madam, I beſeech you let Tyſſagettes know, that provided he will let me conduct him [Page] to Iſſedon, and that you wil accompany him, he ſhal ſhortly be readmitted unto the favor of Thomiris, and Spargapiſes, and ſhall not looſe the leaſt jot of his eſtate: So that Madam (except the heart which you have reſtored me, and which I will never render again) you may be in the ſame condition you were before you knew Ariantes. As that heart eſcaped me, replied Elibeſis, ſo it may eſcape Noromata: No matter, replied he, whether Noromata keep it or no; but I tell you, that though it were abſolutely in my own diſpoſe, yet it ſhall never be yours: For Madam, ſhould I render it unto you, perhaps when ſome other Uſurper would come, and promiſe you a Crown, you would reſtore it me again: I could never have believed (ſaid She) that you are able to be ſo tart; but ſince to my ſhame, I muſt confeſs, that I have merited ſome part of it, I will endure it as patiently as if I were altogether innocent; Yet I muſt tell you, that they have ſo much incenſed my ſpirits, that I wiſh my Father would rather periſh in his houſe, then to be obliged unto a man, who does things only out of revenge upon me. After this, Elibeſis retired, though Agatherſes would have ſtayed her: However, ſince Tyſſagettes was of a milder temper then his Daughter, he accepted of the Propoſition which Agatherſes made, and accordingly the next morning, by reaſon of his ſickneſs, he took Coach and went towards Iſſedon, Elibeſis following him with her women. But Sir, I forgot to tell you, that before their departure, Agatherſes who gave them a Convoy, and took command of the Caſtle, had private conference with Elibeſis; but the wonder was, he found her changed ſince he ſaw her laſt; for be pleaſed to know, that Ariantes having received a Letter from Octomaſades which gave him ſome new hopes, and that he had gathered together ſome Troops of his ſhattered Army, he writ unto her; That ſince he had not loſt all his hopes, he beſeeched her, ſince ſhe was capable only of ambition, to look upon him yet as in a poſſibility of making her a Queen: So that Sir, this Lady, being now of another mind, She talked more ſharply unto Agatherſes then She did before, yet She ſtill talked ſomthing, which made him ſee that it vexed her to think he did not love her. But as good Fortune for Agatherſes would have it, as She went unto her Coach, Ariantes his Letter fell out of her pocket, Agatherſes took it up unſeen, and read it as ſoon as the Coach was gone; and imagining that theſe new hopes of Ariantes cauſed the arrogant alteration which he found in her, he was ſo extreamly incenſed, that had he followed the firſt motions of choller, he had ſent after Tyſſagettes and Elibeſis, and had ſent them Priſoners to the Tent-Royal; but I being then with him, and he acquainting me with the cauſe of his fury, I hindred him from following them; and told him, it was a better courſe to leave loving Elibeſis any longer: I can do no more then ſtrive, (replied he haſtilie) but I do profeſs this laſt weakneſs of hers, hath quaſhed all my love to her, and hath brought into my heart ſuch a kinde of hatred and ſcorn of her, that if I be not much miſtaken in my ſelf, theſe paſſions will be as violent in me, as ever my love was: Methinks I ſee Elibeſis now with other eyes then I was wont; and I begin to think She hath not that beauty and ſpirit which methoughts She had. But Anabaris, though She were fairer then ever Venus is painted, and had more Charms then ever any had, yet for all this, I ſhould hate her: You are now (ſaid I unto him) in ſuch a height of cholor, that you do not know whether you do love or hate Elibeſis. Ah Anabaris, ſaid he unto me, it is not now with me, as heretofore it was, when you made me confeſs I loved her, though I thought I did not; and to teſtifie it unto you, I profeſs, I wiſh ſhe were as ill-favoured, as if ſhe were a hundred years old, and I think I ſhould wiſh her dead, were I not perſwaded that Death is a remedie againſt all ſorts of miſerie, and thereby She would eſcape all thoſe I deſire may fall upon her.

I ſhould never make an end Sir, if I ſhould relate all that Agatherſes ſaid in his anger; and therefore to abbreviate the ſtory, let me only tell you, that to give Ariantes no time of recruiting his forces, Agatherſes went ſtreight unto the place where he was, and did ſo abſolutely quaſh him, that he was forced, as brave as he was, to ſave himſelf with Octomaſades, Adonacris, and ſome ſervants in a thick Forreſt, where they found a little houſe. In the mean time, after they had conſidered what to do, they reſolved to ſtay hid in that place for a while, and to ſend to enquire the ſtate of things.

But Sir, they ſoon heard that all obeyed Spargapiſes, and as things ſtood, there was no hopes left for them; yet they underſtood, that moſt people murmured [Page] much againſt Thomirss, becauſe of her amorous paſſion, which they ſaid her Soul was ingaged, and that they had ſtill a diſpoſition to revolt: But ſince that conjuncture was not then fit to be made uſe of, and ſince in all probability She would not continue long in that minde, they reſolved, that knowing Tyſſagettes had made his Peace, Adonacris ſhould ſecretly render himſelf to his Father, and afterwards, as occaſion ſerved, put all his friends at Iſſedon into a diſpoſition of a new Rebellion.

They reſolved further, that Octomaſades ſhould go to the Prince of Callipides, and obtain freſh Forces when it ſhould be time, and that Ariantes, who knew how ill the Queen his Siſter had treated you Sir, ſhould come unto your Army, and help you to deliver Mandana, who was then reported to be in Armenia, to the end, that obtaining eſteem and amitie, he might afterwards obtain ſome aid from you, in caſe Adonacris could bring things into a condition fit for a new Rebellion. But ſince it did neerly concern the Prince Ariantes, that Thomiris ſhould not know where he was leſt ſhe ſhould diſcover his deſigns, and hinder you from aiding him, he reſolved to change his name, and take upon him that of Anaxaris, and the rather, becauſe he was ſure, that neither you Sir, nor any in the Court, could know him; for as Scithians are ſeldom ſeen in the Court of other Nations, ſo other Nations are ſeldom ſeen in the Court of Scithia.

Thus Sir Ariantes became Anaxaris, and he met with you in Lidia. Octomaſades, he went unto the Prince of the Callipides, and Adonacris went unto his friends houſe, until he had made his Peace, which would eaſily be done. For to pacifie things the ſooner, a General Act of Pardon was granted unto all Rebels, except the Prince Ariantes, and Octomaſades, who were the firſt beginners of this Revolt. But Sir, I forgot to tell you, that whilſt Ariantes was hid in that Forreſt I ſpoke of, he writ un-Elibeſis, who ſeeing his Fortunes deſperate, did return him ſo ſharp an anſwer, that this Prince began to cure himſelf of his paſſion towards her. And he told Adonacris, when he ſaw the Princeſs Mandana neer the Caſtle of Hermes (as I remember) where he ſaid that Princeſs delivered you Sir, that he then began to hope he had abſolutely left loving Elibeſis, and that he was ſo charmed with the beauty of Mandana, that he thought her a thouſand times fairer then Elibeſis.

How's this, (ſaid Cyrus and interrupted him) did Ariantes, who then called himſelf Anaxaris, and who was a Priſoner as well as I, when Mandana releaſed me neer the Caſtle of Hermes, did he begin that very day to love Mandana? He did not ſay Sir, that he began to love her that very day, replied Anabaris, but he ſaid, That he began that day to leave loving Elibeſis.

However, to return from whence I digreſſed, and to acquaint you with the ſtate of Ariantes, and his Affaires, I muſt tell you, that Agatherſes hating Elibeſis in his very Soul, would needs, as ſoon as he came at Iſſedon, (ſay what I could unto him) go and carry Ariantes Letter unto her, which She let fall as She took Coach; and which now he would needs reſtore, as an excuſe of his laſt time of ever talking to her. And indeed, ſince he knew how to hate her, with as much violence as ever he loved her, he went unto her very early: So that Elibeſis, who ſtill loved him for all her ambition, imagined, that perhaps he would return unto her; for though ſhe knew very well, that ſhe had loſt the Letter of Ariantes, yet ſhe could not imagine that he had found it. But ſhe was not long in that errour; for as ſoon as ever he accoſted her, he gave her the Letter: I beſeech you pardon me Madam (ſaid he unto her) for reſtoring it no ſooner: But ſince in reading it, I found my Soul diſpoſed to hate you, as much as ever I loved you, I deſired to read it very often, to the end I might love you no longer; for as weak and ambitious as you were, I loved you, even when I told you that I did not. But now, thanks unto my own ſpite, I am come to that paſs, as I do not onely not love you, but I do hate you, and hate with as quiet and calme a hatred, as ever any was capable of. And I aſſure you, I never had more pleaſure heretofore in telling you that I loved you, then I have now in telling you that I hate you, and ever ſhall do, as long as I live. Moreover Madam, never think that this is ſo, becauſe I love Noromata; for I do proteſt, I neither do, nor ever did love her, for you were the cauſe I never loved any; for I looked upon all fair women in general, onely as beautiful objects, without any capitulation. But now I look upon you in particular, as one of the [Page] weakeſt, the moſt ambitious, and perfidious perſon in the world: And now Madam, I have no more to ſay unto you: I wiſh, ſaid ſhe, that you had ſaid leſs; but ſince you tell me plainly that you hate me, I muſt do the like, and hate you: Agreed Madam (replied he, and did riſe up) But if you know not how to hate, better then you know how to love, your hatred will never do me any great harm. Upon theſe words Agatherſes left her, and went from her ſo well ſatisfied with what he had ſaid, that it was very apparent he did not love her.

Thus this woman, who would needs entertain both love and ambition at once, did not ſatisfie either of thoſe two paſſions; and it may well be ſaid, that ſhe did not [...]gn in the heart of Agatherſes, but only becauſe ſhe would needs raign over Iſſedon. And thus, after ſhe had loſt two Lovers, the ſame paſſions ſtill remained gnawing in her heart, ſo as She became ſo melancholy, and ſo unhealthful, that ſhe became extreamly ugly Moreover, Adonacris hath chid her a thouſand times for her behaviour, both towards Agatherſes and towards Ariantes: So that her her own fault did bring all ſorts of miſery upon her. In the mean time, Adonacris was no ſooner at liberty to do what he would, and all the Kingdom quiet, but he prepared himſelf for Tipanis, yet that labour was ſaved: For Noromata having ſome buſineſs of importance at Iſſedon, ſhe came thither juſt as he was ready to depart it: You may well imagine Sir, that the meeting of theſe two perſons was no more pleaſing at Iſſedon, then when Fortune brought them together at Tipanis: for then Adonacris was Husband unto Argiriſpe, as Sitalces was unto Noromata; but now, they were both free, yet Noromata made ſome ſcruple of marrying him ſo ſoon

But her Father having changed his opinion of Adonacris, becauſe now he thought him unlooſed from the intereſts of Ariantes. This Marriage was made as ſoon as they returned to the Tents Royal, and ſolemnized in mighty magnificence. Thus the adventure of Agatherſes and Adonacris, did both end very happily; for that of Agatherſes ended with the recovery of his liberty, and that of Adonacris in the enjoyment of his Miſtreſs; Agatherſes bragged, that he thought himſelf more happy in enjoying himſelf, then his Miſtreſs.

After this, when all was quiet, Spatgapiſes ret [...] to Tho [...]ris, and Agatherſes after a voyage to her, and was Crowned with Lawrels of that Victory which he had obtained, he returned to Iſſedon, where he lived as he did before the War, to wit, not caring for any above him, or any thing elſe, but to enjoy his friends, and pleaſe himſelf. On the other ſide, Adonacris amidſt all his joyes did not forget his promiſes unto the Prince Ariantes, but on the contrary, he tranſacted with ſo much wiſdom (after Spargapiſes was returned to Thomiris, and Terez carried away in his Coach) that he had laid a plot, and carried it ſo juditiouſly, that nothing was diſcovered. The truth is, there was much more facility in the matter, becauſe both the Iſſedonians and the Maſſagettes did extreamly murmure to ſee how careleſly Thomiris diſpatched the affairs of her two Kingdomes, ſince her paſſion was above her reaſon; and that which moſt incenſed the people was, becauſe they ſaw continual preparations of War, and could not ſee an Enemy that Princeſs had to fight with. So that Adonacris cloſing with ſuch a favourable opportunity, did not depart from Iſſedon to come unto Ariantes, until after he had brought things into a condition of commanding in one day the Metropolis of the Kingdom, and Tipanis, and until an Army from the Prince of Callipedes entred, which Octomaſades had negotiated, and levied men under another pretence. So that by this means Ariantes will hazard to ſpoil all the deſign, by carrying away Mandana; for he told Indatherſes, that if he did not find the deſign of getting upon a Throne infallible when he came upon the Frontiers of the Maſſagettes, he would negotiate with Thomiris, knowing very well, that conſidering her affection to you, he could certainly make his peace with her, by bringing the Princeſs Mandana into her power, and by demanding her protection to marry her, and to defend her againſt you Sir: And certainly Sir, I make no queſtion but this negotiation takes; for that Princeſs is ſo fully bent either to make you change your minde Sir, or elſe to be revenged of you, by declaring War, that ſhe hearing I condemned ſuch an unjuſt enterprize, was ſo incenſed againſt me, as for the ſecurity of my perſon I came out of her Dominions. And ſince Fame Trumpets the glory of your Armes Sir through the whole earth, I reſolved to imploy the time of my Exile, in being a witneſs of all thoſe glorious actions, of which Renown makes a noyſe through all the world. But as Fate aſſembles and ſevers friends and enemies as ſhe pleaſeth, in coming hither, I met the ſervant [Page] of Adonacris, who carried me to the place where his Maſter was, from whom I received the knowledg of theſe laſt Occurrences, after we had renewed our ancient acquaintance.

Anabaris having ended, Cyrus ſaid he was much obliged to him for acquainting him with many things, which might help him to prevent the deſign of Ariantes. Alſo he deſired him, to aſſure Adonacris that he would be glad to ſerve him. After which, to make uſe of this intelligence, he diſpatched another Poſt to Gelonide, to inform her of all, that might hinder Thomiris from having Mandana in her power.

The End of the Firſt Book.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. The Nineth Part. Book. II.

[Page]

AFfter Cyrus had well examined all the intelligence concerning Ariantes, which he received from the friend of Adonacris, he concluded, that his beſt courſe was to execute his former reſolution, and to march towards the Maſſagettan Country, to the end he might fall upon Themiris, if ſhe received Mandana with intentions of keeping her, or upon Ariantes, if he carried her to Iſſedon. So that the next morning betimes giving out all requiſite orders, and himſelf ordering the ways which every Troop was to take, he departed two daies after: But before he went, he viſited Adonacris (Indatherſes being with him) with whom he had ſo much diſcourſe, as let him ſee, that Anabaris gave a true Character of him, when he ſo highly commended him. This viſit was more then a viſit of civility, for Cyrus told Adonacris, that being acquainted with his virtues by Indatherſes, he deſired him to go unto the Prince Ariantes, and endeavour to bring him unto reaſon, and make him repent of that unjuſt reſolution which he had taken: Sir, replied Adonacris, though you had not made this Propoſition unto me, yet I would have addreſſed my ſelf unto you for liberty to do as you command me. But Sir, ſince the high eſteem which I know the Prince Ariantes hath of you, and the obligations upon him, as Anaxaris could not diſſwade him from following his paſſion, I fear I ſhall not prevail with him; yet I am reſolved to do what I can, both for your ſake and his, as ſoon as my wounds will permit me. After this, Cyrus imbraced Anabaris alſo, who offered to do him all the ſervice he was able in delivering Mandana, knowing that the liberty of that Princeſs would prevent the deſolation of his Country. As for Indatherſes, though he had cured himſelf of his dotage upon Thomiris, yet for all that he was not altogether [Page] neuter and indifferent; but on the contrary, he could not chuſe but wiſh as generous as he was, that nothing might ſucceed happily unto her. So mixing a thought of revenge unto the intereſts of Cyrus whom he highly honored, he followed him with much joy.

This march having much wearied his Army, he thought it convenient to make a halt before he advanced any further towards Thomiris, whom he knew had a hugely numerous Army. Alſo not yet knowing where Mandana was, he thought good to get more intelligence before he went any further; but he ſtayed not long for it, becauſe the third day, as he was talking with the Prince Mazares, and the Prince Myrſiles, Feraulas returned, who by his looks made Cyrus to know that he had ſome news concerning his Princeſs. For heavens ſake, dear Feraulas (ſaid he at firſt unto him) tell me quickly what news of Mandana? For I know by your eyes that you have ſomthing to tell me of her. 'Tis trne Sir, replied he, I can tell you ſomthing which you deſire to know: but the worſt is, I can tell you nothing that will pleaſe you: Be pleaſed to know, that in obedience to your orders, I went unto the next Port to the place where I left you; but Sir, in lieu of finding many Ships to follow Ariantes, I found but one that was fit to ſail the ſame hour: So that imbarquing with twenty of thoſe men which you gave me, I left the reſt to get into other Ships which were preparing; and I told my Pilot, that my deſign was only to croſs the Sea towards Colchides, in hopes to hear ſome news of a Ship which I was in queſt of: Indeed Sir, I was ſo fortunate as to underſtand from ſome Fiſhers, that they ſaw ſuch a Ship as I enquired after, which though it had not a favourable winde, yet ſtill made forward: So that hoping it was the ſame I deſired to find, I deſired my Pilot to ſteer that way, and to follow it. To ſay the truth Sir, it plainly appeared, that the Gods were pleaſed you ſhould know where Mandana is; for after this, I ſtill met with Barks or Ships which met with that I followed: That which did confirm me in my opinion this Ship was Ariantes, was, becauſe the Captain of a Ship I met with told me, that he ſaw upon the Deck of that which I enquired after, two very fair Ladies, which ſeemed to be much troubled, and a third, whoſe face he could not ſee, becauſe ſhe was alwayes wiping her eyes as if ſhe wept. This Sir made me very glad; but gladder I was when he told me, that the Pilot which guided this Ship I enquired after, had conference with him I met, and asked him whether he might ſafely Land neer that place where the River Phaſes empties it ſelf into the Euxine Sea; and this Pilot aſſuring him that he might, provided he took the water at full tide, and avoided one Rock which the water covered neer that place. I made uſe Sir of all this, and made immediately unto the place where Ariantes would land, but he having much the ſtart of me, make what haſt I could, he was landed before I came there: But 'tis true, I underſtood that he had carried the Princeſs Mandana unto a Caſtle not above ſix furlongs from thence, and which is ſeated upon the River Phaſes. But now my greateſt fear was, that if I ſhewed my ſelf, I ſhould be known by thoſe who followed Ariantes, and Andramites. So that to hear more certainly, I ſent thoſe to Land whom I brought from the Port where I firſt imbarqued, but they being a company of dull fellows, I was not a jot the better informed; all they could tell me was, that it was a thing impoſſible for me to attempt the delivery of that Princeſs, for Ariantes and Andramites did ſo carefully guard her, and the Caſtle was naturally ſo very ſtrong, that all would be in vain: So that having only twenty men, I could do nothing more then as a Spie. Then after many daies patience, I could deviſe no better way, then to endeavour the getting one of Ariantes men into my Ship, that I might out of him get ſome light of Ariantes his deſign, and to keep him there.

So that making choice of three reſolute Souldiers, I put them into the habit of Marriners; after which, they went and fell in conference with them of a Ship upon that Port; for being all of them idle, when they are off their Guard, they have nothing to do but to walk, and hunt ſome of thoſe birds which Phaſes gives a name unto, and of which there are a great abundance in that River. So that after they were landed, and had walked and hunted together, and talked of ſeveral indifferent things, thoſe of Ariantes Ship deſired thoſe I ſent to come into their Ship, and they to render civility for civility, invited them into theirs. So it chanced that almoſt all thoſe who were invited, were called away upon ſome buſineſs, and only one of them ſtaid behind them. Here Sir may the order of Providence be wondered at, for this man who ſtayed behinde, chanced to be one of Mandana's Guard, and a man beſt able to ſatisfie me in all I deſired to know: So that as ſoon as he was in my Ship, I ſhewed my ſelf unto him, and ſo amazed him, that imagining you [Page] were there alſo, and would throw him over-board, as a puniſhment for his crime, he threw himſelf at my feet: For heavens ſake Feraulas, ſaid he, I beſeech you ſave my life; for if our Prince will ſpare me, I ſhall inform him of ſuch things, as may perhaps deliver Mandana. You may well imagine Sir, that I promiſed his life unto him, upon condition he would be as good as his word, and indeed I made ſuch uſe of his fears and hopes, that he told me all he knew. And Andramites having loſt his man after the Combat, he had entertained this fellow to wait upon him, until he found his own, or got another. So that this man being very intimate with him, he often heard the diſcourſe of Ariantes and Andramites concerning their deſigns. Pray Feraulas (ſaid Cyrus and interrupted him) tell me quickly if you know them: I ſhall tell you Sir, replied Feraulas, how I underſtand by this Guard, that though the Prince Ariantes has a great minde to make himſelf King of Iſſedon; yet he had rather preſerve Mandana, then conquer a Kingdom, and hazard the loſing of her, not doubting but both you and Thomiris will fall upon him, if he carry her unto Iſſedon.

So that caring for nothing but how to keep Mandana, he was no ſooner aſhore, but he writ unto Thomiris, and to all his friends about her, beſeeching her to forget what was paſt, and he would ſolemnly renounce all his claim unto the Crown of Iſſedon, and pretend unto nothing but the quality of her Subject, provided ſhe would receive Mandana into her Court, that ſhe would promiſe never to render her unto you Sir, but uſe her beſt endeavours that he might marry her. Thus Sir, you may well conceive, that Thomiris would not refuſe a Propoſition which would aſſure her of a Crown, and which would bring that perſon into her power, whom ſhe believed was the only cauſe why you Sir did not love her. Alſo this Guard told me, that Ariantes received an anſwer as favourable as he could wiſh; that Thomiris would forget all that was paſt, and offered him what ſecurity he would deſire for the ſafety of his and Mandana's perſon; and that ſhe would ſolemnly ingage her ſelf never to reſtore her unto you Sir. And indeed this Guard further told me, that Thomiris ſent two men of Quality unto Ariantes, to tell him, that if he deſired her Son in Hoſtage, ſhe would give him, provided he would let Mandana be in her power. But Ariantes knowing very well that Thomiris had ſuch an intereſt as would make her keep promiſe, as to Mandana, he thought it his beſt courſe abſolutely to truſt her; therefore the next morning he went by Land unto Colchides, and from thence to Thomiris.

At the ſame time he ſent unto one, who as I think was called Octomaſades, to tell him, that now he had no further deſign of making himſelf King: He ſent alſo unto Iſſedon, to all them that had ſtirred in his behalf, to tell them the ſame. I heard all this I tell you from the mouth of Ariantes and Andramites, as they talked together, not thinking that I heard them, for Love had ſo blinded them both, that they hardly knew who was preſent. After this Sir, I believed this Guard could tell me no more, and I thought my beſt courſe would be to gain this fellow, and to ſend him back, purpoſely to hear more news of Mandana. And indeed, I inſpired him with ſo much horror againſt the perfidiouſneſs of all them that had betrayed you, that I am confident he will prove a faithful Spy; yet I ſent him not away, until I had asked him how Ariantes behaved himſelf towards the Princeſs, and he told me, that he was ſo full of reverence and reſpect, that ſhe had no reaſon to complain of any thing but his carrying her away; yet he aſſured me, that ſhe was extreamly troubled, and that if ſhe had not the comfort of Marteſia's company, he knew not what ſhe would do, for Doraliſa was ſo full of ſorrow and anger againſt Andramites, that ſhe was not in any capacity of a Comforter. But Sir, not to truſt too much unto this fellow, I hoiſted Sail as ſoon as I had ſet him on Land, leſt he ſhould betray me, and cauſe me to be ſtayed, and ſo hinder me from coming to advertiſe you: Yet ſince I was very deſirous to know certainly whether the Prince Ariantes departed the next morning according to this fellows relation: I put a good way into the Sea, and ſent one in a Cock-boat to enquire the truth; being extreamly ſorry, that I had not men enough wherewith to hinder him from carrying Mandana with him: But ſince I had men too few to have any ſuch thoughts, I conceived it a better courſe to come immediately and acquaint you Sir with what I heard, then to attempt things impoſſible; yet I could not make ſo much haſte as I deſired, becauſe the winds were contrary: But if Gelonide, who heretofore was very kinde unto you, have a mind ſhe may let you know all the news of Mandana. But Sir, I forgot to tell you that this Guard, who vowed fidelity, did alſo promiſe me to acquaint her that I had ſpoken with him, upon the firſt opportunity [Page] that he found. And that he would aſſure her, you would deliver her out of the Power of Thomiris, very ſhortly, as well as you had done out of the King of Aſſirias, and the King of Pontus. Indeed Feraulas (ſaid Cyrus) you have done me moſt notable ſervice, in cauſing him to ſpeak of me unto my Princeſs: But (ſaid he and turned towards Mazaree and the Prince Merſiles) I do not ſee any thing we have to ſtay for; as he ſaid ſo, Ortalques appeared, and Cyrus admiring his haſt, received him with joy, in hopes of hearing ſomthing concerning Mandana, and indeed his hopes were not deceived: for Ortalques told him that ſince he went all the way by land, he came not to the Tents Royal until the day before Mandana arrived, and was there received in huge pomp: How (ſaid Cyrus) have you been in the very ſame place where Mandana was? Yes Sir, replied Ortalques, and Gelonide unto whom I gave your Letter that night, would needs have me ſee that Princeſs enter. Myrſiles then, could not chuſe but enquire of her he adored: ſo that he engaged Ortalques to ſpeak of Doraliſa, and to tell him that ſhe and Marteſia were ſtill with the Princeſs, But I pray (ſaid Cyrus) what ſays Gelonide? you ſhall know Sir, replied Ortalques, when you have peruſed what I ſhall preſent unto you. In ſaying ſo, Ortalques gave Cyrus a packet which was ſo big as filled him full of curioſity to open it in all haſt: as ſo he did: But he was pleaſingly ſurprized, when he ſaw Gelonides Letter which accompanied with two others, the one from Mandana, the other from the Princeſs Araminta: And firſt he read Mandana's, wherein he found theſe words.

MANDANA unto CYRUS.

SIR,

IT is by the goodneſs and wiſdom of the virtuous Gelonide, That I have ſo much liberty as to tell you, that if I did not remember the great Acts you have already done to deliver me, I ſhould deſpair of ever being free; But ſince I have not loſt the memory of them, I ſhall ſtill hope to ſee you break thoſe chains which impriſon me: yet mannage well your life, and do not expoſe me by expoſing your ſelf too far, unto the greateſt of all misfortunes. Ortalques will tell you how I have been received by the Maſſagettan Queen: but let me tell you, that I have abundance of comfort in finding the Princeſs Araminta here; for ſince ſhe cannot yet meet with happineſs, I am glad that we are miſerable together: for truly I love her ſo well, that I was to blame in accuſing you for the ſafe. This is all that one can ſay who hopes ere long to be delivered by you; if fortune will but be juſt unto your valor, as I will be unto your virtue and your affection.

MANDANA.

The reading of this Letter made Cyrus both glad and ſad, he was joyed to finde ſome expreſſions of tenderneſs towards him: but grieved that ſuch an Illuſtrious perſon ſhould be under the power of an incenſed Queen, and of a Rival who had an Army more numerous then his: but after a whiles reſentment both of joy and ſorrow, he opened Aramintas Letter, which gave him theſe words.

ARAMINTA unto CYRUS.

SIR,

I Perceive that fortune will ſtill have me delivered either as the Princeſs Mandana, or as a ſlave with her, However to acknowledge my obligations to you Sir, I aſſure you that I will do all is poſſible to make her priſon leſs tedious unto her, and will be as careful to eaſe her miſeries, as my own: In exchange of which, I conjure you Sir, to have a care of Spitridates, in what part of the world ſoever he be; and oblige the Prince Tigranes to chide the unjuſt Phraartes for his violent reſolutions. I ask your pardon Sir, for ſpeaking of any thing but the Princeſs Mandana, at a time when I know ſhe takes up your whole minde: but ſince I know you will meaſure the miſeries of others by your own, I ſhall hope for a pardon, and the rather becauſe I ask it in the name of the Princeſs Mandana, whoſe merits and virtues I admire, and in whoſe Name I hope you will not deny.

ARAMINTA.

What eſteem ſoever Cyrus had of this excellent Princeſs who writ this Letter, doubtleſs he had read it in haſt, as the ſtate of his ſoul then ſtood, if ſhe had not both begun [Page] and ended it with the Princeſs Mandana: But finding things which related both unto his Miſtreſs and his friend, he read it both with leaſure and ſatisfaction: Afterward he opened Gelonides, and found what follows.

GELONIDE unto the Invinceable CYRUS.

SIR,

SInce I conceive it better to truſt Ortalques then this thin Paper, with what is worthy your knowledge, I will not therefore write it: Only tell you Sir, you may be aſſured I will ſerve the Princeſs Mandana in all things. For ſince it is good ſervice unto the Queen whom I ſerve, to oppoſe whatſoever ſhe would do againſt you; and ſince it is a good office unto you without betraying her, beleeve it Sir, I ſhall do it with all the wit I am capaple of, and with all affection poſſible.

GELONIDE.

As Cyrus ended the reading this Letter, Chriſantes and Aglatidas came to him: and this Prince knowing they writ unto Gelonide he asked Ortalquis whether ſhe had returned any anſwers to them? And after he ſaid that ſhe had anſwered them, he bad him deliver the Letters unto him; for ſince they writ only concerning Mandana, he had more intereſt in her anſwer then they had: And it was apparent by thoſe two Letters that ſhe really intended to do all good offices ſhe was able, for that Princeſs. However after he had read them aloud, and given them unto whom they were written, he commanded Ortalques to tell him all he knew concerning Mandana, and to ſpeak in the preſence of Mazares, Merſiles, Aglatidas, Chriſantes and Feraulas. Sir, Replied Ortalques, I do underſtand by Gelonide, that the Prince Ariantes after he had carreed away Mandana, did land as Cholchides: and afterwards had negotiated ſo well with Thomiris, that ſhe to get Mandana into her power, promiſed him to forget all paſt paſſages: never to reſtore that Princeſs back, and to endeavor a marriage with her to him. As I have gotten her out of the power of the Aſſirian King, and the King of Pontus, replied Cyeus haſtily, ſo I hope to get her out of the power of Thomiris: Her Tents are not ſo hard to be ſcaled, as walls of Sinope, Babylon, Sardis and Cumes. But Ortalques, go on (ſaid he) and tell me all I deſire to know, eſpecially how the Queen of Maſſagets doth treat Mandana, and whether you have ſeen her? Sir, replied Ortalques, to ſatisfie your curioſity, I muſt tell you, that as ſoon as the Treaty between Thomiris and Ariantes was ended: there appeared more joy in the face of that Queen, then ever appeared ſince you parted from her, and the very thought of having the Princeſs Mandana in her power, was a moſt incredibly ſatisfaction unto her: But to the end this Treaty might be the more ſolidly concluded, there was an enterview, between Ariantes and Thomiris, upon the Banks of the River Araxes; that Prince having left Mandana under the Guard of Andramites whileſt he went to meet the Maſſagettan Queen: Moreover I underſtand by Gelonide who was preſent at this Enterview, that there was a Solemn reconciliation made between them: yet Ariantes carryed it ſo cunningly, that he ſpoke not a word unto Thomiris of her affection unto you Sir, and ſhe carryed her ſelf ſo demurely, maugre the violence of her temper, that ſhe told him that the reaſon why ſhe treated him ſo well, was not becauſe he was her brother, but becauſe he was Rival unto you Sir, yet they underſtood each other very well. But in concluſion, the more eaſily to make the Princeſs Mandana diſpair of liberty, and not to greeve Ariantes, they reſolved to bring her through all the Army of Thomidis: And accordingly Sir, when Mandana was conducted by the Prince Ariantes to the Queen his Siſter: Thomiris cauſed her Army to be drawn up into Battalia in a great plain; So that Mandana (unto whom ſhe ſent a ſtately Charriot, and a Complement by one of her Officers) did paſs through the midſt of all theſe Troops, whoſe multitude and magnificence made that Princeſs extreamly melancholy, as Marteſia told me ſince. However, Ariantes and Andramites did ride on horſe-back after Mandanas Charriot, which was conducted into a moſt Stately Tent, next unto that belonging to the Princeſs Araminta, for whom Phraartes after he carried her away, asked Sanctuary, and protection from the Maſſagettan Queen: But Sir, ſhe was no ſooner there, then they placed Guards upon her, and within an hour after, Thomiris came to viſit her; for the Prince Ariantes upon the Treaty obliged her to do all imagineable honors unto her: and [Page] it is to be beleeved, that though ſhe had no other reaſon for her viſit unto this Princeſs, but only the ſatisfaction of her own Curioſity, yet that was enough.

To give you Sir, an exact relation of all the paſſages at this enterview, will be a difficult task: For Marteſia, told them unto me in ſuch haſt, that perhaps I may forget ſome circumſtances, though I did my beſt to remember all: But Sir, give me leave to tell you, that when Thomiris came in, Mandana was lamenting with Doraliſa and Marteſia, the cruelty of her fortune, and as ſoon as ſhe knew that Thomiris was coming, ſhe went unto the door of the Tent to meet her, and received her with as much ſadneſs in her countenance, as civility in her language: but Sir, for all her ſadneſs, Thomiris was amazed at the beauty of this Princeſs: at leaſt thoſe who were preſent obſerved, that as ſoon as ſhe ſaw her, ſhe bluſht, and ſuch admiration appeared in her eyes, that Doraliſa beleeved ſhe repented of her injuries unto a perſon of ſuch rare beauty: Mandana alſo, found Thomiris ſo fair (though ſhe had not the freſhneſs of ſixteen upon her cheeks) that Marteſia charged me to tell you Sir, that Mandana thought her ſelf obliged unto you, for refuſing the affection of ſo fair a Queen as ſhe. The truth is Sir, Thomiris ſeemed to be not above two and twenty, or three and twenty at the moſt. But to return from whence I degreſſed, the Maſſagettan Queen no ſooner ſaw Mandana, but this Princeſs began to ſpeak. I know not Madam (ſaid ſhe unto her in the Aſſirian Tongue, knowing Thomiris could ſpeak it) whether I ought to complain againſt, or commend you, for the honors you have done me; yet ſince fame ſpeaks ſo loud in your advantage, I ſhall hope that for your honor and my ſatisfaction, you will protect me: I will beleeve that theſe Gaurds which you have placed about me, are more for my ſafety, then to keep me Captive: I am almoſt perſwaded, that your reaſon Madam will ſatisfie Ariantes, and that he will repent of his unjuſt courſe: As he is my brother Madam, replied Thomiris, It would not be juſt in me to be againſt him abſolutely, but give me leave to tell you Madam, that as ſoon as you have ſet him at liberty, I will do the like to you, and I promiſe, that when he is no more your ſlave, you ſhall be no longer my priſoner; and this is as much as I ought to promiſe you: But Madam, the chief cauſe of my coming hither, is to tell you that your Captivity ſhall not be harſh, and that you ſhall be waited upon with all reverence and reſpect, due unto your quality and merit: Though this be very civil and obliging, replied the Princeſs, yet I cannot chuſe but think it infinitly harſh; for I beſeech you Madam, tell me what right had Ariantes to bring me hither, and what colour of right have you to keep me here? By the right of force and Arms Madam, replied Thomiris, which is the very ſame right Cyrus hath to be Conqueror of the greateſt part of Aſia. However Madam, let us not now examine my brothers reaſons, nor let us talk either at this time of liberty or impriſonment: victory is ſo uſed to follow Cyrus, that though you ſhould not be free until after he hath vanquiſhed me, yet doubtleſs you will expect it very ſhortly: for truly what likelyhood is there, that a Queen can reſiſt a Prince who hath Conquered ſo many Kings? for I have neither walled Towns, nor fortified places, nor no Sanctuary but the valor of my own Subjects: therefore Madam. it is very improbable that a Princeſs whom Cyrus eſteems not, can long defend her ſelf againſt him: Indeed Madam, (ſaid Mandana very prudently and interrupted her) I cannot agree unto all you ſay, for I know that Cyrus doth infinitely eſteem you. I know better then you do Madam, what he thinks of me (replied Thomiris, and bluſht for ſhame) But for all that, I aſſure you Madam, as weak as I am, and though the Maſſagettans have no ſtrong Towns, yet they are not eaſily vanquiſhed. For they fight only for glory; and never fear that a long war will ruine their Towns and houſes, becauſe they have them not, they will fight reſolutely, and never ſubmit till the laſt gaſp. But Madam, added ſhe, I beſeech you let us talk no longer of victory or of war: let us leave the future to the Gods, and let us at this time think upon nothing that may diſpleaſe you: and to that end Madam, I will ſuffer the Princeſs of Pontus, who is here, to ſee you; for ſhe being of that Country where there is more politeneſs then you will finde in ours, I beleeve ſhe will more divert you, and will think her ſelf very happy in the ſociety of ſuch a one as you.

Mandana wondering to hear that Araminta was there, could not chuſe but expreſs her wonder, and ask how ſhe came thither. So that Thomiris who was not ſorry to change the diſcourſe, told her in few words, that the Prince Phraartes brought her thither, and deſired protection for her. After which, Thomiris not being able to ſtay longer with a perſon whom ſhe found fairer then ſhe wiſhed, did retire, after a civil complement [Page] unto Mandana. She was no ſooner gone, but the Princeſs Araminta [...] by him who guarded her, did enter into the Chamber of this Princeſs. But [...], this enterview was more pleaſing then that of Mandana and Thomiris; for though theſe two Princeſſes had never ſeen each other yet they accoſted each other as if they had been ancitent friends; and the ſuitableneſs of both their fortunes together, with the high eſteem they had of each other by the reports of ſuch as ſpoke of their merits, did preſently contract a moſt intimate league of love between theſe two admirable Ladies.

The ſame alſo was between Heſionide and Marteſia: And as for Doraliſa, her deſtiny was ſo happy upon this occaſion, that ſhe became a great conſolation unto theſe two Princeſſes; for though ſhe was extreamly grieved at Mandana's miſery, and to ſee Andramites ſo neer her, yet a kind of ſpiteful ſorrow (if I may ſo phraſe it) made her expreſs a thouſand pleaſant paſſages, ſince ſhe came to that place. But Sir, to conclude all I know, be pleaſed to underſtand, that the virtuous Gelonide carried the matter ſo handſomly, that the next morning ſhe brought me to the ſpeech of Marteſia, who ſhewed me a glimpſe of the Princeſs, who commanded me to acquaint you with all I knew. So Sir, Gelonide thinking it convenient that you ſhould preſently be acquainted with the ſtate of things, did give me a packet to preſent unto you, ſhe bad me ſet forward the next morning, and procured me a Guide, leſt I ſhould be ſtopped at the paſſage over the River Araxes: But as I took my leave of her, ſhe commanded me to tell you Sir, that ſhe would do all that ever ſhe could to infuſe reaſon into the minde of Thomiris and Ariantes, yet adding, that ſhe feared all would be to no purpoſe. After this, Ortalques was ſilent, and Cyrus put many queſtions unto him, unto which he anſwered according to his knowledg or ignorance, and after he had ſufficiently ſatisfied his Maſters curioſity, he retired. But as for the Prince Myrſiles, though he durſt not interrupt them, yet he was extreamly deſirous to be ſatisfied of all paſſages concerning Doraliſa; and therefore upon the firſt occaſion, he left Cyrus, and went to talk with Ortalques at more leaſure. In the mean time, ſince no further intelligence was to be expected, Cyrus reſolved with Mazares to advance to the River Araxes, and afterwards to carry things fairly towards a Queen, whoſe injuſtice proceeded only from her too much affection to him; he ſent a perſon of good quality to her, to demand the Princeſs Mandana, and the Princeſs Araminta, before he proceeded to the laſt remedy of War. In the interim, he took order for ſo many Boats as would make a Bridg over the River Araxes: So that calling a Councel the next day, more for form then need, it was reſolved upon as he propounded, and accordingly his Army began to march, and marched without any obſtacle unto the River Araxes, where it encamped.

He was no ſooner there, but he underſtood that the Princeſs Oneſile, Wife unto Tigranes, was come unto a little Town which was one of his Quarters, and that from thence ſhe would come unto him, to enquire news of her Husband from his mouth. Cyrus having a high eſteem of this Princeſs, and knowing how ſorry Tigranes was for her, and ſhe for him, he would needs go and viſit her, ſince he had time enough to do it without prejudice to his deſign; for ſince he could not ſend to Thomiris until the next day, he had that day entire to render civilities unto the Princeſs of Armenia: And certainly Cyrus had abundance of reaſon for his high eſteem of her, for indeed ſhe was a Princeſs of a moſt extraordinary merit: The very truth is, Oneſile had all the excellency that could be wiſhed for in women, either for graces of body, or qualities of ſoul. Oneſile was big, of a tall ſtature, and a moſt excellent preſence, ſhe had brown hair, black eyes, pure complexion, delicate skin, lips red and ſmiling, and the whole compoſure of her face pleaſing, though of a very particular cimitry, for one could not ſay that it was either abſolutely oval, or abſolutely round. Moreover, her noſe was rightly ſhaped, neither too great, nor too little, but it and every part ſo fitly proportioned, as made her the faireſt and moſt charming beauty in the world, for ſhe was not only all that I have already deſcribed, but moreover, there was ſuch a ſplendent luſtre in her eyes, ſuch a fineneſs of ayr, and ſo noble and ſprightly a phyſiognomy, ſuch a particular beauty in her mouth, a neck ſo admirably fair, and ſo brave a Character in all her geſtures, as did infinitely pleaſe: So that though ſhe had no other graces but thoſe of her perſon, yet they were enough to beget both love and wonder, yet her mind did ſhine more gloriouſly then her eyes, for it was moſt penetrating, moſt knowing, moſt pleaſing, moſt ſolid, and of a moſt vaſt capacity: For though her fancy was ſo ready and quick, that ſhe did anticipate the thoughts of all who talked unto her, and though her manner of conceiving things [Page] might be called ſomtimes a divination, yet it is moſt certain, that as quick as her fancy and imagination was, yet it did never go before her judgment, which alwayes gave a true judgment upon every thing: 'Tis true, ſhe might ſomtimes ſeem blameable for not being alwayes ſo, for the truth is, there were ſome few men in the world which could ſo much take up her mind, that ſhe could not for a long time think upon any thing but what they ſaid unto her; but ſhe would return ſo handſomly and pleaſingly out of theſe little diſtractions (for which her intimate friends did chide her) that ſhe would anſwer ſo juſtly unto what they thought ſhe did not hear, as it was apparent, that that which ſeemed diſtraction and ſtudying, was only an effect of her vaſt mind which could not be confined to one ſingle object, but divided it ſelf into ſo many ſeveral, as it was not poſſible, whilſt it was ſo divided, but ſomthing muſt appear, either in the tone of the voice, or in the eyes, or in ſome of the actions, and I think, that her generoſity may as well be accuſed, for often when ſhe hath been hearkening unto one friend, ſhe hath been thinking how to ſerve another.

Thus it may without flattery be ſaid, that whatſoever the Princeſs of Armenia can be accuſed of, does conduce to render her more amiable, and more perfect, and are only pure effects of the greatneſs of her ſoul and goodneſs; and when ſhe talked in good earneſt unto any, her diſcourſe was the moſt pleaſing in the world, and able to give full ſatisfaction unto the moſt delicate and difficult queſtions, there being nothing ſo high unto which ſhe could not give a good accompt, nor nothing ſo low, unto which ſhe would not Nobly ſpeak. Moreover, it may be ſaid, that never any ſerious perſon would be ſo wittily merry when ſhe had a mind, nor ever any had ſuch a fine mixture of modeſty and Gallantry together, as this Princeſs, nor who better underſtood the ſubtilties and intriques of the world.

As Oneſile was eloquent in her language, ſo was ſhe as excellent at her pen; few women ever writ comparably to her, yet for all this, her eloquence, her wit, and her beauty came ſhort of her generoſity, of her goodneſs, and of her virtue; never any had a ſoul more ſolidly generous then Oneſile had, nor did ever any know how to oblige in a more noble way, for ſhe would not only do ſuch favours for her friends as they deſired of her, but ſhe would do ſuch offices for them, as they never did, nor durſt ask her. Moreover, whoſoever was virtuous, was ſure of her protection, and ſhe was ſo much taken with any extraordinary merit, that ſhe could never ſee any man of parts miſerable without much ſorrow, though they had no relation to her: Indeed, Oneſile had ſo great and noble a heart, that though ſhe was deſtined to ſit upon the Throne of Armenia, yet it may truly be ſaid, that ſhe was below her fortune and merit; and all the world who knew her did ſo pity her want of health, that they did moſt zealouſly pray for it. Moreover ſtill, Oneſile was as liberal as ever any was, and the very truth is, ſhe had all the virtues in a high degree, and ſhe was ſo reſpective, and ſo tenderly loved of every one that had the honor to come unto her, as it was no wonder the merit of ſuch a perſon ſhould make a deep impreſſion in the mind of Cyrus, and move him to all poſſible civility in going to her; as ſoon as he heard ſhe intended to come unto him; and he went with Indatherſes, and ſix more only.

As ſoon as Oneſile heard that Cyrus was coming to her, ſhe went to meet him; but he going very faſt up the ſtairs, ſhe was no further then the door of her Chamber, where after the firſt complements were over, and that Cyrus had ſaluted a Cozen of Oneſiles which was with her, he preſented Indatherſes unto her, and in few words acquainted her with his quality and merit: After which, Oneſile expreſſed her ſorrows for the actions of her Brother-in-law Phraartes, and that ſhe could not hear where Tigranes was, whom ſhe heard went with Spitridates to ſeek his Brother, and to move him concerning the Princeſs Araminta: I am confident Sir (ſaid ſhe after many other things) that you will think my ſorrows not without good cauſe, and that hearing Phraartes was gone to ask retreat from Thomiris, I had reaſon to undertake this journey, to the end if Tigranes came hither, I might prevent thoſe two Brothers from killing each other; for Phraartes alwayes expreſſing much friendſhip to me, I had ſome hopes of reducing him to reaſon if I could ſee him: I wiſh unto the Gods Madam, replied Cyrus, that you could perſwade both Phraartes and the Prince Ariantes to ſet thoſe two Princeſſes whom they carried away at liberty, and that the reports of ſuch a noble adventure might bring Tigranes back to you. But Madam, not to ſpend time in vain wiſhes, give me leave to tell you, that I make no doubt but you will ere long ſee the Prince Tigranes here: for ſince it is impoſſible, [Page] but fame muſt needs tell him that the Princeſs Araminta is with Thomiris, and that I am at the River Araxes, it is very credible that I am not deceived in ſaying you will ſee him very ſhortly.

Whileſt Cyrus was thus talking with the Princeſs of Armenia, Indatherſes and other men of quality who came with Cyrus, did talke unto the coſen of Oneſile, whoſe name was Telagene, who was one of the moſt noble families in all Armenia. This Lady underſtood Greek, and Indatherſes having got that Language very perfectly, in his queſt of Anacharſis, he much delighted to talk with her; and certainly not without great reaſon, for ſhe had many attractive and pleaſing quallities. Telagene was of a mean ſtature, but well made: She had eyes great and blue, of a ſweet and languiſhing luſtre, which pleaſed infinitly: Her complexion was ſmooth; her face oval, and her hair ſo fine, that one may call it fair without doing her a favor. Moreover Telagene, had not only much beauty, much ſweetneſs; but her memory was furniſhed with all the excellencies of Greece; And from Heſiode unto Sapho, nothing of all that the Muſes produced, eſcaped her curioſity: Her reading gave her a moſt excellent faculty in writing, and that ſo gallantly, as that might with reaſon be ranked amongſt thoſe which rendred her moſt amiable: Her diſcourſe was ſweet and complaiſant: Her ſoul was tenderly inclined unto friendſhip; and all her inclinations ſo noble and diſpoſed unto virtue, that it was no wonder if Indatherſes took delight in talking with her, and thought the time not a quarter of an hour, when Cyrus went from the Princeſs of Armenia, who was reſolved to ſtay in that place, in hopes of ſeeing the Prince Tigranes: For the Town where ſhe was, being an allie both unto the King of Armenia, and the King of Medes, ſhe was ſafe enough there: Alſo Cyrus being Maſter of the Field on this ſide Araxaes: And all the Forces of Thomiris being on the other ſide: ſhe might ſafely enough ſtay there.

In the mean time, as Cyrus returned back along the River, with thoſe who accompanied him, he ſaw a good way before him, a man who went into a Boat, which was ſo little, as not being able to hold his Horſe, he let him go, and beckened unto another man on hor [...]e-back, as if he deſired him to make haſt. Cyrus obſerving this, the looſe Horſe came towards him, and ſeeing him to be a very handſome horſe, he conceived the maſter to be a man of quality. Cyrus being full of curioſity to know who he was, did gallop as faſt as he could to the place where this Boat was. But when he was within fifty paces, and he in the Boat knowing Cyrus, he changed his intentions of ſtaying for the man he beckened unto, and rowed in all haſt from the River ſide: And indeed the two fiſhers who undertook to paſs him over, did row ſo faſt from ſhore; that there was no ſtaying of them. Cyrus did not know this Man, for he ſo turned his head from the Shore, that he could not ſee his face; yet he know whom he was; for the man who was coming towards him, ſeeing his maſter ſtayed not, he turned back and endeavored to ſhun meeting with thoſe whom he ſaw: But Cyrus being ſtill fuller of curioſity, he made towards him ſo faſt, that the man being amazed at the ſight of him, had not power to fly away. But lighting haſtily from his Horſe, he fell on his knees before Cyrus, who at firſt knew him not; but preſently recollecting his memory, he knew him to be one of thoſe forty Caviliers who heretofore had conſpired againſt him, and whom he had pardoned.

In the mean time, this wretch ſeeing himſelf in the power of a Prince unto whom he owed his life: and whoſe life he would have taken away, began to ſpeak in a trembling tone: I may be aſhamed Sir, (ſaid he unto him) to appear before you, and may ſeem ungrateful: But Sir, if you will be pleaſed to conſider by what a pitiful adventure I came to ſerve a Maſter who is your enemy, I beleeve you will pardon me; For Sir, I was born a ſubject unto the Prince of C [...]mes, and I returned unto that Town when you beſieged it: And being choſen one of the guard of the Caſtle, when Anaxaris made himſelf maſter of it, and drove out the King of Pontus, that unfortunate Prince commanding me to follow him in his flight, I did ſo, and never forſook him ſince. How (ſaid Cyrus, and looked towards the River) is he who is in that Boat, the King of Pontus? yes Sir, replied he, and I am not afraid to tell you that he is the moſt miſerable Prince upon Earth. After this, Cyrus looked both up and down the River, to ſee if he could [...]ind a Poat to execute a deſign which he had in his minde; but ſeeing none, he turned towards the man again: Though after I have ſaved your life (ſaid Cyrus unto him) I might eaſily puniſh you for bearing Arms againſt me, yet I will once more promiſe a pardon, provided you will truly tell me, what the King of Pontus hath done, ſince he went from the Tombe of Meneſteus, and what his deſign is in going into the Country of Maſſagettes: [Page] Sir, (replied the man very glad to hear Cyrus ſay ſo) to inform you truly of all this, be pleaſed to know, that the unfortunate King of Pontus miſerably wounded, departing in the night, and going along a Terrent, was in a hundred dangers of loſing his life; but at laſt, day beginning to break, as weak as he was, he went ſo faſt, that he got into a thick wood, and lighted from his Horſe, then lay under a Tree, becauſe he could not go any further. As ſoon as he was layd, the loſs of blood had ſo weakened him, that he ſwounded; ſo that then I was in a moſt pittiful caſe: But hearing accidentally ſome Cock crow, I concluded that ſome houſe muſt need be neer; ſo that going to the place where I heard the Cock, I found a Shepherds Cottage ſome two hundred paces from the place where the King of Pontus lay, and finding in it a good charitable old man, I told him in what condition my Maſter was, but did not acquaint him with his quality. This honeſt officious Shepherd calling up all his family, went with me to the root of that Tree where I left the King of Pontus in a ſwound; and being moved with compaſſion he did not only carry him to his Cottage, but he dreſſed his wounds, telling him that it was his fortune in his youth to receive a wound, and an old Shepherd ſhewed him an herb that grew in the wood, which would both ſtop blood and cloſe up the wound. Truth is Sir, this wiſe Shepherd having dreſſed the King of Pontus, he brought him out of his ſwound, and was ſo careful over him, that he ſaved his life. However, falling into a Feavor, he was not able to go out of this Cottage until he heard that Mandana was carried away, and that you Sir, was marched towards the Maſſagettans. So that making no queſtion but the place unto which Cyrus went, was that where Mandana was, he made that way, travelling only in the night, till he heard of certainty that the Princeſs Mandana was with Thomiris, and then he reſolved to go thither. But Sir, I aſſure you he had much adoe to take this reſolution; and though I am not worthy to be a confident of ſo great a Princes ſorrows, yet I did know ſome of his thoughts: And indeed he took my diligence about him, ſince he came from Cumes ſo kindely, and having none elſe to talk unto rather then not talk, he would ſometimes be moan himſelf to me: And after I acquainted him where the Princeſs Mandana was, and who carryed her away, I ſaw the perplexity of his mind. Then ſeeing he was put to the neceſſity of chuſing one ſide, he was ſo perplexed, that he knew not which to chuſe. Sometimes his minde was to fight againſt that Prince who took Mandana away; but ſince he could not finde a heart to be in your Army, he could not reſolve upon that courſe, but choſe rather to take the part of Themiris; with a reſolution to ſerve in her Army unknown: And in caſe he were diſcovered then to tell the Prince Ariantes that he pretended not now unto Mandana, and all he aimed at, was to hinder Cyrus from enjoying her: For being perſwaded, that the Princeſs would never conſent that Ariantes ſhould marry her, he thought that in yielding him all, he yielded him nothing: Thus he went thither, without any hopes but only of ſeeing Mandana before he died, and to meet with death in that war. This Sir, is the deſign of the Pontean King, whom I have heard a thouſand and a thouſand times ſay, that when he remembred his obligations unto you Sir, he could not chuſe but complain againſt the violence of his paſſion which forced him to be both unjuſt and ungrateful. After this, Cyrus ſeeing the man could tell him no more, he pardoned him: And I will give you leave (ſaid Cyrus) to paſs over the River, and to return unto your Maſter, and tell him from me, that it is the part but of a bad lover, to ſide with the Raviſher of his Miſtreſs. Tell him further, that if he be truly generous, he will come and imploy his valor for her liberty, and fight in my Army: Tell him, that I offer him all that the Princeſs Araminta his ſiſter offered him in Didia: And ſince the Gods are not pleaſed that his merits ſhould move the heart of Mandana me thinks he ſhould rather yield her unto me, then unto the Prince Ariantes. Tell him that Mandana will hate him if he fight for her Raviſher, and will be his friend if he fight for her liberty.

Cyrus having ſpoken theſe words, he left this Cavilier, and as he marched on, he complained unto Indatherſes, that fortune ſhould ſend ſo violent a man amongſt his enemies. When he came near his Tent and lighted from his horſe, ſome Caviliers brought four men unto him which they had ſtopped as they endeavored to get over the River. As ſoon as he caſt his eyes upon the eldeſt of them, he knew him to be no ordinary man; yet his clothes were mean and careleſs, and his face rather illfavored then fair; yet for all this, there was ſuch a ſprightlineſs in his phiſiognomy, and ſuch fine tranquility in his looks, that Cyrus was moved thereby to that opinion; the reſt of his companions were hanſome, and in the prime of their age; but as for him, he ſeemed to be above fifty.

[Page] Indatherſes being with Cyrus, knew him to be Anacharſis; ſo that this worthy Nephew of ſuch an illuſtrious Uncle ſpoke firſt unto Cyrus: I hope Sir (ſaid he unto him) that theſe priſoners will find a favourable reception, as ſoon as you ſhall know, that the famous Anacharſis, whom I ſought ſo all over Greece, is now in your power. Since my Souldiers (replied Cyrus moſt obligingly) ought to take none but my Enemies Priſoners, and ſince I do not take the wiſe Anacharſis to be one of that number, I declare him free, and am ſo far from thinking him my priſoner, that I ſhall think it a great honour if he will give me leave to be his friend: Sir, replied Anacharſis, you have no reaſon to rank me in the number of your Enemies, ſince I have made too publique a profeſſion of being a friend unto all ſuch as are owners of any extraordinary merit, not to eſteem my ſelf in being yours. But Sir, I deſire you as a ſingular favour to believe, that I do not at all give you my friendſhip as you are the Conquerour of Aſia, but as you are the Conquerour of Vices, and a Profeſſor of all the virtues. Did you know me Sir, replied Cyrus, and ſhould then commend me as you do, I ſhould think my ſelf the moſt glorious of men; but ſince you know me only by Fame, which has long uſed to flatter me, I cannot take any great delight in the commendations of a man who merits them the moſt of any man liveing.

After this, that place being unfit for any long diſcourſe, Cyrus took Anacharſis by the hand, and carried him unto his Tent; as ſoon as he was there, he asked him who thoſe were which were with him; who ſeemed more like Grecians then Scithians? Sir, replied Anacharſis, he who is next you is indeed a moſt illuſtrious Greek, called Cherſias, a moſt excellently accompliſhed man, and one who is young as he is, is thought worthy as well as Meneſiphiles and Diocles to be at that famous Banquet of the Seven Sages, where it was my happineſs to meet them, and of which all the world hath ſo much talked. To be born a ſubject unto the Sage Bias, (replied Cyrus) to be the friend of the wiſe Anacharſis, and to have been in the ſociety of Periander, Cleobulus, Solon, Pittacus, Thales, and Chilon, is ſo great an advantage, as it is eaſily believed that Cherſias does merit that honour. I aſſure you Sir (replied Cherſias) if all thoſe you have named ſhould often make ſuch ill choice of their friends as they have done of me, they would not merit the names of wiſe; but to ſay truth, certainly they had never done it, but in advantage unto me; I am moſt ſure, that Solon in chuſing Meneſiphiles, whom you ſee there, was not deceived in his choice, no more then the King of Corinth in loving Diocles, whom you ſee there next that generous Athenian: For my part, replied Diocles, I am obliged in memory of that great Prince of whom I had the honour to be loved, to ſay, that it was my zeal unto his glory which made him excuſe all my faults: And I may alſo ſay (added Menoſiphiles, that it was my love unto my Country which moved Solon to be my friend: However it be Sir, ſaid Cyrus, I do already much eſteem you all, though I have not yet had the honor of knowing you: But I beſeech you, what cauſe did move three famous Greeks to come into Scithea, which doubtleſs is nothing ſo pleaſant a Country as Greece? Sir (replied Anacharſis and ſmiled) theſe famous Grecians would perſwade me, that they came hither more for love of me, then out of any curioſity of travelling, but I cannot tell whether I ſhould merit the friendſhip of ſo many wiſe men if I ſhould ſuffer my ſelf to be ſo eaſily deceived: For my part (replied Diocles) the ſtrongeſt motive of my making this journey was to ſee the Country where the man was born whom the Sages of Greece admired. As for me (added Cherſias) I cared not ſo much for ſeeing the Country of Anacharſis) as for ſeeing Anacharſis himſelf, and for bettering my ſelf by his wiſdome: I muſt ſincerely acknowledg Sir, (ſaid Meneſiphiles) that the reaſon of my croſſing the Seas, and paſſing out of Europe into Aſia, was not only to follow Anacharſis, but alſo to have the honour of being a witneſs to ſome of thoſe great acts which Fame ſpeaks ſo loud of through all the world; and to ſee in your perſon Sir, the man whom of all people in the world the famous Solon moſt eſteems; and he charged me to tell you Sir, how joyed he was when he heard of your generous act in ſaving the King of Lydia from the fury of the faggot: I am extreamly glad, replied Cyrus, that Solon can remember me; and I aſſure you I will omit no opportunity of letting you ſee how much I honor the virtue of that wiſe man. After this, Cyrus uſed a thouſand obliging expreſſions unto that famous Scithian, who anſwered him with all imaginable civility; and though there was a kind of natural ſeverity in his diſpoſition, and though he was a profeſſed Enemy unto all frivolous ceremonies which paſs for the complements of the time, yet his travels through Greece and Egypt had a little ſweetened the ſeverity of his nature, and [Page] ſomthing civilized his Phyloſophy: So that though he was a little auſteer, yet he was alſo ſweet and pleaſing, and Cyrus did him all honors imaginable; he would have them in one of his Tents, he cauſed his own Officers to wait upon them, and he treated Cherſias, Diocles, and Meneſiphiles ſo well, that they were charmed with his generoſity. In the mean time, ſince the mind of Cyrus did run continually upon the intereſts of Mandana, it came into his thoughts to deſire Anacharſis that he would be a Mediator betwixt Thomiris and him, for having a deſign to ſend unto that Princeſs before he entred into her Country, he conceived this wiſe Scithean to be fitter then any other to perſwade her. This thought no ſooner came into his head, but he imparted it unto Mazares, who approved of it.

So that to loſe no time, he went unto the Tent where Anacharſis was lodged, and took him aſide to propound his deſires unto him: To teſtifie unto you Sir, ſaid Cyrus, how much I honor your virtue, and how well I am perſwaded of all that Fame ſpeaks concerning your ſufficiency and honeſty, I beſeech you, wiſe Anacharſis, to arbitrate the buſineſs betwixt me and the Queen of Maſſagettes, I deſire you would go unto her, and move her to releaſe the Princeſs Mandana, who ſhe cannot detain without a groſs violation of all Laws; for I will render ſo much reſpect unto that Princeſs, as I will not make any War upon her, until after ſhe hath denied me what with all Juſtice I ſhall demand: Sir, replied Anacharſis, I know not how to be an Arbitrator of your differences; for ſince I can never take any unjuſt ſide, I declare unto you, that though I be a Scithean, I cannot ſide with Thomiris, but am abſolutely all for you; yet if you pleaſe Sir to honor me with the Quality of your Ambaſſador, I ſhall with all my heart go unto that Princeſs, and endeavour to infuſe ſome reaſon into her ſoul, and prevent a war which cannot chuſe but prove deep in blood: For Sir (added this wiſe Scithean very modeſtly) I believe I do underſtand the language of Thomiris better then any about you doth; alſo I have Greek enough to underſtand your meaning. After this, Cyrus to loſe no time, acquainted him with the ſtate of things, and without telling him how Thomiris was in love with him, he inſtructed him in all reaſons and expedients to perſwade that Queen. Cyrus alſo ſpoke to him concerning the Princeſs Araminta, that he would endeavour her liberty; and after he had talked above two hours in private with him, it was reſolved that Anacharſis ſhould paſs over the river the next morning, and accordingly this reſolution was executed. Cyrus would have ſet Anacharſis forth in an equipage befitting his worth; but he told him, that thanks be to the Gods he had long ſince left off all manner of vanities; and therefore beſeeched him to let him go by himſelf without any other company; for Cherſias, Diocles, and Meneſiphiles being Greeks, and the Maſſagettans not loving that Nation, he thought it not convenient to carry them; yet Cyrus would not ſuffer him to go ſo, but would needs have Ortalques and two ſervants go with him, and the reaſon why Cyrus made choice of Ortalques was, becauſe he intended to write by him unto the Princeſs Mandana, to Araminta, and to Gelonide, unto whom he was already known: But to the end the voyage of this Sage Scithean might the better proſper, Cyrus ſent Adonacris another way to perſwade Ariantes not to perſiſt in his unjuſt courſe: Anabaris alſo gave Ortalques many Letters for ſome friends he had about the Tents-Royal, whom he deſired they would move Thomiris to reſtore Mandana. So that thus many men negotiating at once, there was ſome reaſon for hope that the voyage of Anacharſis would not be in vain. In the mean time, this wiſe Scithean having wafted over the River in a Boat, he was ſtopped by ſome Souldiers on the other ſide, who after they knew his buſineſs, conducted him to Thomiris.

But whilſt Anacharſis was going to this Queen, Cyrus was making prayers for the happy ſucceſs of his voyage, and that Thomiris might be as much moved by his reaſons, as he was by o [...]s virtue: However, Cyrus knowing that in the beſt hoped for expeditions, was [...] be looked unto; ſo he gave all neceſſary Orders for making a Bridg of Boats, and he divided his time ſo well, that he had ſome to ſpend in viſiting of theſe three friends unto Anacharſis, who ſeemed unto him to be worthy of that honor: Somtimes he would t [...] [...] of the late Corinthean King, and of the Queen his Daughter; ſomtimes ag [...]n he would ſpeak of Sol [...] concerning Policrite, and of Piſiſtrates unto Meneſiphiles; and ſometimes he would deſire Cherſias to diſcourſe concerning the wiſe Bias, unto whom he was a Subject: But he taked principal unto them all three concerning Anacharſis, for ſince [...] upon the [...]tion of Mandana's liberty, he thought it his duty to [...]ſt in him, the [...] any elſe.

[Page] So that one morning having Indatherſes, Cherſias, Diocles and Meneſiphiles with him: He conjured them all to tell him what they knew concerning him. Indatherſes then told him, that Anacharſis was wiſe even in his very Cradle: That indeed he never was a child, that he knew almoſt all things before he was taught them; That his manners and behavior was all innocency, and that his way of life, was ever very far from all that can be named voluptious. That from his infancy he ſcoffed at grandure, and would never admit of any difference between men, but what virtue made. This Sir, added Indatherſes, was Anacharſis before he went out of the Country of the Thauroſcites, judge you what he is now after ſo many years travel in Egypt and Greece, which are the places where all the virtues and ſublimeſt Sciences are moſt practized; and after the friendſhip of ſo many excellent men.

For my particular, ſaid Meneſiphiles, I can aſſure you that Solon was charmed with the virtue of Anacharſis, when he came to Athens: And beleeve it, their firſt meeting was ſomething extraordinary: For Anacharſis beleeving that it was enough to be what he was, to be well received by Solon, he never ſought out for any man to preſent him unto him, but went himſelf upon his firſt viſit; So that having clothes meaner then theſe you ſee him wear, and Solons minde being poſeſſed with ſome ſerious thoughts, he asked him roughly what he was? I am, anſwered he, a poor ſtranger, who came to Athens only to be acquainted with you, and to get your friendſhip. I cannot tell, replied Solon, what advantage you may get, by being acquainted with me, but I know that it is better getting of friends in ones own Country, then in a ſtrange one; If ſo, anſwered Anacharſis and ſmiled, then you that are in your own Country and your own houſe, muſt be acquainted with me, and make me your friend. This quick anſwer did much ſurprize Solon: ſo that looking better upon Anacharſis, he ſaw in his phiſiognomy a kinde of grandure, which made him repent of the manner of his reception; ſo that embracing him, he asked pardon for his incivility: And to repair his fault, he would needs have him lodge with him: But Sir, whileſt he was there, he uttered a thouſand excellent things, which made his capacity apparent: for Anacharſis being altogether for Monarchical government he ſhewed a Million of inconveniencies in any other; and ſaid boldly in a full Aſſembly (when he ſaw publique affairs conſulted upon by a multitude) that he thought it very ſtrange, that wiſe men ſhould propound things concerning the publique good, and fools decide them, hinting at the abundance of young men who over-voted the old in all great Aſſemblies, and who for want of old experience, are unable to reaſon juſtly in the manage of great affairs. In ſhort Sir, Solon found Anacharſis ſo admirably knowing in all things, that he conſulted with him, and relied upon his judgment in things of higheſt concernment, and made him known unto all his friends; Truly, ſaid Cherſias, it was Solon who writ unto Bias, what Anacharſis was: And it was he alſo (ſaid Diocles) who cauſed Periander to invite him unto that famous Feaſt, at which, except my ſelf who by their favor was permitted, there was none but perſons of moſt illuſtrious fame: and indeed, this Feaſt for the excellency of it, was called the Banquet of the ſeven Sages, not comprehending the reſt who were there, becauſe indeed it was prepared only for them; As Diocles ſaid ſo, one came to acquaint Cyrus that the Princeſs of Armenia was coming, ſo that deſiring to do her all poſſible honors, he went to meet her at the door of his Tent, where he received her with much civility, telling her that if ſhe had any ſervice to command her, ſhe did him much wrong not to command him to come & wait upon her. Since it would not become me Sir, ſaid ſhe & ſmiled, to command him, who comands moſt of all Aſia, I thought it more fit to come my ſelf to tell you that I have heard newes of Spitridates and Tigranes. Oneſile had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but Cyrus being very impatient to know what they had done ſince their departure, and where they were, he deſired her to tell him. So that this Princeſs acquainted him how ſince Tigranes embarqued from Gala [...]ia, with the Prince Spitridates to follow Phraartes who had carryed away Araminta, they wandred continually from Sea to Sea, & could hear nothing of her, until at laſt landing at Cholchi [...]es, they underſtood that Phraartes had carried Araminta unto the Dominions of Thomiris, and that Mandana was there alſo, and that he would march with his Army towards that part of the River Araxes which limits the Maſſagettes on that ſide. And Tigranes who writ all this unto me, further added, that as ſoon as their Equipage which was in making, was ready, they would come unto you Sir: and Tigranes told me further, that he would think himſelf obliged unto me, if I would come unto this place whither of my ſelf I am come.

[Page] Cyrus hearing this, ſeemed to be much joyed that Tigranes and Spitridates would ſo ſhortly be in his Army: For truly Madam (ſaid he unto her) I do value thoſe two Princes as good as ten thouſand men, and I do not doubt but I ſhall deliver Mandana, ſince they will fight for her: They would think themſelves very happy Sir, replied ſhe, if they can contribute any thing towards the delivery of ſo famous a Princeſs; at leaſt I am able to anſwer for Tigranes, that he deſires nothing more zealouſly, then to have the glory of ſerving you Sir.

After this, Cyrus acquainted Oneſile how he had ſent to Thomiris; and ſince he knew Oneſile to be of a very illuſtrious houſe, originally a Greek Republique, he preſented thoſe three Grecians unto her, with whom he was talking before ſhe came in, and preſented them as men who were eſteemed by all the Grandees of Greece: So that this Princeſs being very civil, ſhe received them with the ſweeteſt grace that was poſſible; the fair Telagene who was with her, did no leſs, and they were all three ſo happy in this diſcourſe, that at the very firſt meeting they got the eſteem of this Princeſs, and her lovely Cozen. In the mean time, it being dinner time, Cyrus told Oneſile, that he left it to her choice whom ſhe would be pleaſed to have dine with her, not excepting himſelf. I have already told you Sir, replied ſhe, that it becomes not me to preſcribe any thing unto the Conquerour of Aſia. 'Tis true Madam, ſaid he unto her, But I anſwered alwayes that you might command me any thing. Thus both Cyrus and Oneſile did ſo vie civilities, that they could not excel each other.

But whilſt they were talking, moſt of the company there being withdrawed out of reſpect, there was none remaining but Indatherſes and thoſe three Grecians, who dined with Cyrus, Oneſile, and Telagene, and two other Ladies of Quality who followed that Princeſs in her travels: So that the laſt thing which Cyrus talked on with Diocles, Meneſiphiles, and Cherſias, being the Banquet of the Seven Sages, as ſoon as they did riſe from the Table, he turned towards them: Though there be not ſo many Sages at this dinner (ſaid he unto them) as at that Feaſt in Corinth; yet I believe we had one advantage which they had not. Since theſe Ladies who are here, replied Diocles, were not there, nor you neither Sir, doubtleſs there wanted the greateſt ornaments of the world: But Sir, I aſſure you, that Feaſt was more gallant then you imagine it, for it was not only an Aſſembly of grave Phyloſophers, but alſo a moſt pleaſant meeting of Ladies, for the late Queen of Corinth was there, ſhe who raigns at this day alſo, and the Princeſs Eumetis, who otherwiſe is called the Princeſs of Lindes, ſhe was alſo there with the wiſe Cleobulus her Father. Moreover, there was an Embaſſador from the King of Egypt, called Niloxenus; the intimate friends of Periander were there alſo; the merry Eſope, who at his departure from Lidia came to Corinth, he was there; and indeed this Aſſembly was ſo mixed, that there was enough to find in it all that would ſatisfie any humor. The truth is, added Meneſiphiles, all manner of things was diſcourſed upon, queſtions were argued upon all imaginable ſubjects; Policy, Morality, Oeconomy, Pleaſures, Riddles, and Muſique were treated upon, abundance of pleaſing rallary, a million of queſtions in matter of love were put, many an amorous hiſtory was related, the adventure of Arion was told, who alſo was there: Indeed Sir, this Feaſt deſerved the Fame it hath gotten over all Greece: For my part, ſaid Oneſile, I have had the greateſt deſire in the world to know all the particulars of it, ſince a Grecian once coming to Artaxates told me ſomthing of it, but not being preſent, he told me only as much as filled me fuller of curioſity, but nothing to ſatisfie me: Since ſo Madam (ſaid Cyrus) you ſpeak it in a happy hour, for Meneſiphiles, Diocles, and Cherſias were all three preſent at it, and are able to ſatisfie you: Now Sirs, ſaid he, I know not how time can be better imployed, then in hearing the ſayings of theſe Sages of the world, and of the moſt meritorious Princeſſes upon earth: For truly Madam, the Princeſs Cle [...]buline is a perſon compoſed of wonders, and the Princeſs of Lindes hath been deſcribed unto me ſo amiable, that the time will be very well ſpent in hearing their wits. After this, Oneſile importuning Diocles, Meneſiphiles and Cherſias to acquaint them with all that was done and ſaid at this famous Feaſts, theſe three friends did in civility diſpute amongſt themſelves, who ſhould have the honor to relate it. But in concluſion, it being agreed that Meneſiphiles ſhould begin it, and that Cherſias ſhould end it, the firſt began to ſpeak in theſe terms, addreſſing his Speech unto Oneſile, according to the orders he received from Cyrus.

The Banquet of the Seven Sages.

[Page]

BEfore I begin the deſcription of this famous Feaſt which the Greeks do call Simpoſia, it's fit I tell you Madam, that though I have related it a hundred times in my daies, yet I cannot deliver it in the ſame terms, though I never did vary from truth in any, when I told unto men of knowing capacities I never mentioned any thing but what paſſed among the Sages, and of things ſuitable to their underſtandings, but never told them of any paſſages in the Garden amongſt the Princeſſes, Cherſias, Eſope and my ſelf, whilſt the Seven Sages were diſcourſing in high points of Phyloſophy with Anacharſis, Niloxenus, and ſome others. But ſince I am now to make this relation unto you, I think it convenient not to omit the pleaſing paſſages of the day preceding this Feaſt; give me leave therefore to tell you Madam, that ſince nothing was then talked on in Corinth but of theſe famous men who were met there at one time, and of that Embaſſador from Amaſis; who they ſaid was ſent unto the Seven Sages of Greece, every one was fill'd with curioſity to know what he would ask of them from the King his Maſter: Great talk was alſo of an extraordinary foreſight in one of thoſe Sages called Chilon▪ who ſmelling ſomthing of the Lacedemonian ſeverity, being of that Country, he was nothing of Salons humour, nor of the other Sages, who ſuited their Philoſophy according to the mode of the world; as for Chilon, he would have all the world conformable unto him: So that ſquaring all the actions of his life by the ſtraight rule of reaſon, he was as careful as he could be to converſe with none but ſuch as he eſteemed, and none elſe; and to prevent his being in any other company, whenſoever his friends invited him to eat at their houſes, he would firſt ask who would be there, before he would make any promiſe, ſaying, That a man who travelled at Sea might be in the ſame Ship with men who pleaſed him not, as well as a valiant Souldier might be in the ſame Tent with a Coward, becauſe neceſſity of travelling and encamping with ſuch as Fortune brought together, did allow it without any imprudence: But the caſe was otherwiſe in going to Feaſts, and the man was out of his wits that would venture himſelf wilfully amongſt a miſcellany of all ſorts of ſeveral people: So that according to his humour and cuſtome, when Periander invited him to be at this famous Banquet, Chilon asked before he would promiſe to make one, who would be there? As they named unto him Thales, Solon, Pittacus, Bias, Cleobulus, and Anacharſis, he was very well contented, and was well pleaſed alſo that Eſope was to be there; but when he was told there would be ſome Ladies alſo, he refuſed to go, and had abſolutely abſented himſelf, if they had not been named unto him; yet ſeeing there was to be but three: The firſt Meliſſa, Wife to Periander: The ſecond, the Princeſs her Daughter; and the third, the Princeſs of Lindes; and that theſe three were the Wives and Daughters to as wiſe men as himſelf, he promiſed to be there. As for Diocles, Meneſophiles, and my ſelf, he did us the favour not to refuſe our company: Yet ſince he had never ſpoken unto the Princeſs of Lindes, Eſope underſtood that he inquired of her very inquiſitively, he was full of his Rallary all that evening with the Princeſs of Lindes, playing upon the ſeverity of Chilon in the wittieſt and pleaſant manner in the world, affirming boldly, that nothing in the world was more dangerous then being over-wiſe: For my part (ſaid he and ſmiled) it plainly appears that I am not of Chilons humour; at leaſt, the Fable which I compoſed of the Country-Mouſe, which came to ſup with the City-Mouſe, makes it appear: I am not ſo ſevere as this Lacedemonian: But (ſaid Eumetis then unto him) your Country-Mouſe do ſo much repent the leaving of her Achorns whereon ſhe lived, and her coming for better cheer, when ſhe heard the door open where the City-Rat feaſted her ſelf, that I cannot tell whether Chilon or you have greater reaſons for your opinions, and whether he have not more reaſon to be at home in quiet, then come unto ſuch ill company as mine: However, I ſhould be very angry with my ſelf, if I ſhould be the cauſe of his not being at the Feaſt to morrow; for I have heard ſay, that though he be ſevere, yet he is a moſt excellent man; and though he be melancholy, yet he is ſenſible of joy: Since now it is very late, replied Cleobuline, he cannot ſee you before the Feaſt: Yet I have heard ſay, replied ſhe, that Chilon never judges upon any thing by reports, nor ever truſts any but himſelf Then it were requiſite (replied Cleobuline) that the Princeſs Eumetis did write ſome piece of wit, which may be ſhewed unto him, and that ſhe compoſe one of thoſe pleaſant Riddles which ſhe uſed ſo happily to invent, and ſend it unto him, that he may know ſhe has as much wit as himſelf.

[Page] As ſoon as Cleobuline ſaid ſo, all the company concurred in her opinion, and moved Eumetis to compoſe a Riddle: So that Eſope, who had alwayes a Table-Book about him, did take one out of his pocket, and offered himſelf as Secretary unto that Princeſs, who being excellent good at Rallary, told Eſope, that ſhe would let him be her Secretary for once, provided he would let her be his another time: So that ſeeming to ſtudy a while, ſhe writ in Eſops Table-book a Riddle which formerly ſhe had made, and which none ever yet ſaw, but in lieu of addreſſing it unto Chilon, ſhe addreſſed it unto Cleobuline. Then after ſhe had written it in Eſopes Table-Book, ſhe gave it unto Eſope, and he did read theſe words in a diſtinct voice.

A Riddle unto the Princeſs of Corinth.

What is it?

Which flatters not Kings more then Beggers.

Which ſerves to correct the faults of others, yet knows them not.

Which is Dumb, and yet gives Counſel.

Which when, in the right is not believed, but when it flatters, is alwayes credited.

Which one part of the world makes uſe of, to conquer the other.

Which is multiplied by its own ruine?

For my part (ſaid Eſope and ſhrugged his ſhoulders) I muſt confeſs that I better underſtand the language of my Crows, then the words of the Princeſs of Lindes, though their voices be nothing ſo charming as hers; and I confeſs to my ſhame, that I cannot reſolve this Riddle: And I will not ſay for my ſelf, as I made my Fox ſay, when he ſaid, That the fruit which he could not reach was too green, and therefore would not reach them: So I will not ſay I will not unty this Riddle, but ingeniouſly confeſs, that I cannot, but am confident that it would puzzle all the Seven Sages of Greece: Really Eſope (ſaid the Princeſs of Corinth, and took the Table-Book) it is a great ſhame unto you not to underſtand this Riddle, ſince you could underſtand that which none elſe could without you: Since my ſhame is a glory unto the Princeſs Eumetis, ſaid he, doubtleſs you will rejoyce at it: I muſt confeſs it (replied She) but I ſhould rejoyce much more, if I could have the honor of finding that out which you cannot: However, replied Eumetis, I would not have you find this Riddle out, until Chilon hath tryed what he can do, ſince I writ it only to get his good opinion of me: If you pleaſe Madam, ſaid Eſope, I will ſhew it unto him immediately, for I know he is in Perianders Chamber. At firſt Eumetis was againſt this, but Cleobuline being of Eſopes opinion, She bad him ſhew it unto Chilon; yet he would not, until after all the company confeſſed they underſtood it not: However, Eſope went, and found Chilon in Perianders Chamber, unto whom he ſaid he had ſome buſineſs of conſequence to impart: He being uſed to the pleaſant humours of Eſope, and expected ſome diverſion of wit from him, he hearkened unto him, though he had then with him Solon, Thal [...]s, Chilon, and Pi [...]tacus: So that after Periander had given him leave to ſpeak, he told Chilon, that knowing he loved not to go unto any Feaſt, unleſs he were acquainted with all the Gheſs, and not being ignorant how he had never ſpoken unto the Princeſs of Lindes, he had brought him one of her Riddles, to the end he might ſee ſome of her wit, and not refuſe her company the next day. After which preſenting the Riddle unto him, and Chilon as ſevere as he was, loving Rallary, at the deſire of Periander he began to read it aloud; after which, he confeſſed that he did not underſtand it, and that if it proved as true as it was obſcnre, it was an admirable good one: For my part, ſaid Periander, I ſay as much as Chilon: And for my part added Thales, I ſhould be leſs troubled in obſerving the courſe of the Sun, and regulating ſeaſons and years, then I am in finding out this Riddle. As for Solon, he found it out as ſoon as ever he heard it, but being naturally civil towards all Ladies, and Gallantry, not being incompatible with his Phyloſophy, he would not make it known that he had found it out, purpoſe to glad the Princeſs of Lindes that her Riddle was undiſcovered: So that Eſope by the order of Periander returned to bring back the interpretation of this Riddle: For till then, ſaid he, it cannot with Juſtice be commended, ſince it is not enough to be good, but it muſt be underſtood alſo, and be found true in every part, and that when the thing is known, one ſhall admire one did not underſtand it. So Eſope returned, [Page] and told Eumetis She had puzled all the Sages, and that none of them did underſtand it: Since ſuch things as theſe (replied the Princeſs of Corinth modeſtly) are ſomtimes found out more by chance then wit, perhaps I have done that which ſome more able then my ſelf could not: And truly Eſope (ſaid She) if you will caſt your eyes upon that glaſs which you ſee upon the Table, I am confident you will find that it does flatter the Princeſs of Lindes no more then the Slave behind her, and therefore it was juſt to ſay it does not flatter Kings any more then Beggers; and that it's true, it doth correct the faults of others, yet knows them not, at leaſt I am ſure it hath done me a good office a thouſand times, yet knew not what it did: It is alſo as true (purſued She) that this Mirror Counſels, but ſpeaks not, ſince it hath told me that Carnation colours better becomes me then Green. It is alſo as true, that a Mirror is alwayes believed when it flatters, and not believed when it does not. Moreover, the Princeſs of Lindes, that half of the world makes uſe of a Mirror to conquer the other, could not be enough commended; for all Beauty who would make Conqueſts, do it by the advice of their Mirrours, and add freſh Graces unto their Beauty; ſo that She could not expreſs her thought more nobly: And if you will ſee how the laſt part of my Riddle holds true (ſaid She and ſmiled, you may let my glaſs fall, and find twenty glaſſes, and twenty Eumettiſes for one, ſo that it might well be ſaid it was multiplied by its ruine. Really, ſaid Eſope, I know not who merits moſt commendations, She who made this Riddle, or She who found it out: For my part, ſaid Eumetis, the Princeſs Cleobuline deſerves moſt, for the interpretation is more ingenious then the Riddle it ſelf: However it be, ſaid Eſope, I will go preſently and tell Periander, that the Princeſs his Daughter hath done more then he could do, and indeed ſo he did; but he expounded the Riddle unto the King of Corinth after his own mode, to wit Rallary; for as ſoon as Periander ſaw him: Well Eſope, ſaid he, What's that which flatters Kings no more then Beggers? It is a thing Sir, ſaid he, which let's the Princeſs of Corinth, ſee every day when She dreſſeth her ſelf, that She is the faireſt Princeſs in the world, and which ſomtimes lets me ſee that I am the uglieſt fellow upon earth. As ſoon as Eſope had ſaid ſo, Periander, Solon, Thales, Pitticus, and Chilon began to laugh, and confeſs that the Riddle was moſt ingenious: After which, Eſope began to commend the interpretation which the Princeſs of Corinth had made upon it, and to ask Chilon whether he thought Eumetis worthy to be at the Feaſt with him: Doubtleſs She hath a moſt rare wit; (replied he) But Eſope, I hope you can aſſure me, that the Charms of her ſoul will pleaſe as well as the Beauty of her wit: After this, Eſope broke out into a hundred pleaſant expreſſions, twitting at the ſeverity of his Phyloſophy, and the exceſs of his prudence; and afterwards he returned to the Princeſſes whom he did entertain ſo pleſantly, that it was late before they retired.

However, the next morning Periander went unto the place where he intended to make this great Feaſt: For to the end, it might be more pleaſing, he would have it out of the Town, at a place called the Lecheon Port, neer the Temple of Venus: And indeed it was the moſt beautiful place in the world: Firſt the Houſe was a moſt magnificent ſtructure, and had a huge vaſt Hall Arched, and fit for ſo great an Aſſembly: Then there is a moſt rare Garden, and a moſt pleaſant Grove along the Sea ſide, with ſuch goodly walkes, that a fitter place could not be found again in the world, to entertain ſuch a company as Periander intended, and to paſs away a day in pleaſure. But ſince he was to treat men that were wiſe in the moſt Soveraign degree, he would not uſe all his magnificence, left he ſhould offend their moderation: The truth is, he baniſhed ſuperfluity, but had abundance, kept order, and was neat: Alſo he had excellent Muſique, and after dinner, he had a Masque of Dancing for a repaſt. But to do all things with ſplendor, he ſent a Coach unto every one of his invited Cheſts, and he received them at the Gate of the houſe where he was to treat them, as if he were only a private man, declaring unto them all as they came, that he would not be a King that day; and that the laſt Act of Authority which he would uſe all that day ſhould be to command them, to look upon him as their friend, and not at all as the King of Corinth. Had I given ſuch a King unto my Frogs (ſaid Eſope and ſmiled, ſpeaking in a low voice) they had not diſobeyed him, when he diſpleaſed them. Ha Eſope (replied Periander and ſmiled) Though you had made me King of your Frogs, yet they would have been Rebels: But you do know the nature of people ſo admirably well, who uſe to murmure both againſt clement and ſevere Princes, that you with much reaſon do merit to be this day a companion unto them that Greece hath moſt admirable.

[Page] As Eſope was ready to anſwer, the Queen of Corinth, the Princeſs her Daughter, and the Princeſs of Lindes came in: Preſently after, Solon, Chilon, and all the reſt of the company aſſembled, for Thales, Pittacus, Bias, Cleobulus, Anacharſis, Niloxenus, M [...] les, Cherſias, a man of Corinth called Cleodemus, Ardales that famous Muſitian, and my ſelf were there before.

I ſhall not now tell you Sir the firſt complements which all theſe illuſtrious perſons uſed, ſince by ſuch things they cannot be diſtinguiſhed from ordinary men; nor will I deſcribe the Feaſt unto you, it will be ſufficient I tell you that all was exquiſite, the Muſique excellent, the Dances admirable, and the diſcourſe raviſhing: The truth is, there was ſuch a ſpirit of joy which did ſo ſpread it ſelf through all the company, and which did much baniſh all ſeriouſneſs, yet this jollity had nothing in it which was not worthy of thoſe whereof the company was compoſed; the company played upon Eſope, and he played upon them after his uſual rate of rallary, and Anacharſis himſelf was ſo good at it, that no Grecian was better at rallary then he: The Princeſſes alſo did much contribute to the pleaſure of this mixed converſation, which changed ſubject according to the humour of thoſe who ſpoke; and Periander would have the Princeſs his Daughter with her own hand give Chaplets of Flowers unto every one of the Gheſs, according to the cuſtom of that place. In the mean time, ſince this was not an aſſembly of Gallants, but of Sages only, Cleobuline and Eumetis were not dreſſed as if they were going to a Ball, yet ſo handſome, that I never ſaw them better then that day. But Madam, as ſoon as they were all riſen from the Table, Niloxenus the King of Aegypts Embaſſador, who was ſent onely to conſult with the Seven Sages upon certain Propoſitions which the King of Aethiopia made unto his Maſter, he changed the diſcourſe: For after he had read that Kings Letter, and Bias had given a pleaſing anſwer unto the odd Propoſition which the King of Aethiopia made unto him, and which I ſhall not repeat, becauſe all the world knows it, they fell upon more ſerious things: They began to examine what would render a King moſt glorious: Solon ſaid, If my memory fail not, that a King cannot render himſelf more glorious then in communicating his Authority: Cleobulus ſaid in his turn, that he was a wiſe Prince who never truſted unto any: Pittacus ſaid, that the greateſt glory was for a King to make all his Subjects fear him; and Chilon ſaid, It was moſt glorious to love honor above all. As for the reſt of the Sages, I muſt confeſs Sir, I do not well remember what they ſaid: But as for Eſope, I do remember very well he ſaid, that King was alwayes moſt glorious, who had the valour of a Lion, the ſubtilty of a Fox, and to his Subjects the love of a Pelican to her young ones: And for my part (added he with an admirable action) I moſt uſe my Beaſts and my Birds as well in my compariſons, as in my Fables.

But after every one had anſwered ſomthing to the rallary of Eſope, they fell into diſcourſe concerning Republiques: And Thales ſaid, That to govern a Commonwealth well, men muſt be kept neither too poor, nor too rich: Anacharſis ſaid, That the beſt way was to make virtue and vice the only diſtinction of the Inhabitants: Pittacus ſaid, That Commonwealth was in beſt order where the virtuous commanded, and the vicious had no Authority: Cleobulus ſaid, That Commonwealth was happieſt where the people feared Infamy more then the Law: Solon ſaid, They were beſt, where thoſe who were not oppreſſed, protected them who were, and proſecuted the oppreſſors as their own Enemies: Bias ſaid, Where the people feared the Law as a Tyrant: Chilon ſaid, Where ambition was baniſhed: And Periander affirmed, that there the State was happieſt, where the publique Intereſt of the Country was above all private intereſts: After which, they diſcourſed upon ſeveral other theams; and indeed, after they had talked of Monarchies and Republiques, they diſcourſed concerning the Government of private Families, and Chilon maintained, That to be the beſt governed, which moſt reſembled the ſtate of a Monarchy, whoſe Authority is in one only: For my particular, ſaid Eſope, I take moſt delight in being like to the King of Bees, to wit, ſole Maſter of my houſe: But I muſt confeſs, that when I was a Slave, I had rather have been in my Maſters houſe, as Ants are in theirs; to wit, with equality in all things: After which, the Embaſſador of Amaſis falling upon the moſt ſublime Subjects, they began to define what Time, what Light, and what Truth was, and to ſpeak of Death, of Fortune, and of the Gods. So that the three Princeſſes having in modeſty no mind to meddle in ſuch diſcourſe, they retired, and went to walk in that pleaſant Grove I told you of, which was by the Sea ſide. Thus they left the Seven Sages with Anacharſis, Niloxenus, Cleodemus, and Diocles, to talk concerning [Page] the moſt ſublime Sciences. In the mean time, Eſope naturally loving the company of Ladies better then mens; and Cherſias and I being obliged to wait upon the Princeſſes, and to ſpeak truth, ſince we were not ſo wiſe and knowing men as thoſe we left, we were not ſorry to wait upon theſe amiable perſons: Our company alſo encreaſed, for many in Corinth being full of curioſity to ſee theſe Seven Sages of Greece together, and alſo to ſee that famous Scithean who was ſo highly ſpoke of, the Princeſſes, with Perianders leave, gave orders to thoſe who kept the Gates of the Garden, after Dinner to let in ten or twelve Ladies of Quality. So that the Princeſſes in their going out of the Hall ſeeing them, theſe Ladies followed them into the Grove, Cleobuline aſſuring them, that She would let them ſee thoſe illuſtrious men whom they ſo longed to know; but ſince they were then very buſie, they muſt ſtay till they went out of the Hall. After which, going to this Grove, they came to a place, which towards the Sea ſide reſembled a Half-Moon, having round about it ſeats of Graſs, and theſe ſeats being at the feet of Trees, a great number might ſit very convenient, ſince the place was ſhaded. Theſe Princeſſes then being come to this place, they ſat down, and cauſed all thoſe to ſit alſo who were of Quality befitting their preſence; the reſt either ſtood behind, or elſe lay upon the ground. As for Aeſope, he ſtood behind the Princeſs Eumetis, leaning againſt a Tree, at the root of which was a ſeat of Graſs, upon which She ſat with the Princeſs of Corinth. As for Miliſſa, She was ſeparated from them, and was talking in private with two of the new-come Ladies So that it was a pleaſant ſight to ſee the head of Aeſope between the heads of thoſe two fair Princeſſes: Yet certainly, as ugly as he was, he made one delight to look upon him; for maugre his uglineſs, there was ſuch a kind of ſubtilty in his phyſiognomy, and all his actions were ſo ingenious, and ſo pleaſing, that I aſſure you he pleaſed as much by his perſon, and well by his way of ſpeaking things, as by the things themſelves. As for Cherſias and I, we ſtood before the Princeſſes, with ſome others which they had let enter with them, and the Ladies I ſpoke of.

As the beauties were in this poſture, one of the Ladies began to ſay ſhe was exceeding ſorry that a Prince called Baſilides was not then at Corinth, another greeved that a gallant named Myrinthus was abſent alſo, wiſhing he had ſeen that which perhaps they ſhall never ſee again, it not being poſſible fortune ſhould aſſemble ſo many great men together. For my part, ſaid the Princeſs Eumetis, I am vexed at the Egyptian Embaſſadors being here this day, for though he be a well accompliſhed man, yet I wiſh he had been abſent ſince if he had not come in with his queſtions, the converſation had not been ſo ſerious; for I muſt confeſs that I am very much pleaſed with the reading of many things which I do not like in converſation, perhaps it is an ill grounded niceneſs of minde in me, but for all that, I would he had in lieu of talking of time, of light, and of truth, propounded ſome queſtions of gallantry unto the Sages: As for Solon, replied I, I aſſure you he would have pleaſed you upon ſuch a ſubject, eſpecially if he had talked of love. As for love, replied Cleobuline, I confeſs I ſhold not care to hear it ſpoken of before ſuch pieces of gravity; for though it be a paſſion as well as the reſt, and though it ſtands in as much need of the Sages help, as any of the other paſſions, to regulate the minds of ſuch as are poſſeſſed with it: yet certainly none is able to ſpeak upon that ſubject hanſomely, unleſs he were in a capacity either to love, or to be beloved. I beſeech you Madam, replied Cherſias, did never any tell you that no wiſeman could ever be in love? For my part, (ſaid Eumetis to the Princeſs of Corinth) I wiſh Anacharſis were in love with you, that he might not return into Scithia, but ſtay always in Greece: were he in love with me, and ſo old as he is, replied the Princeſs of Corinth, you would never deſire he ſhould ſtay here; for if he did, certainly he would not be ſo wiſe as he is: to ſpeak rationally (ſaid the Princeſs of Lindes) love is a ridiculous thing in an old man: And more in an old woman, replied Cleobuline: Doubtleſs itis, anſwered Eumetis, but yet this is the difference, ſince the he lover is obliged unto more ceremony then the ſhe loved, he is put to the neceſſity of appearing more ridiculous. Eumetis had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but all the company concurred with her, and an old lover was blazed in his ridiculous collors; for my particular ſaid one of the Ladies, methinks I ſee him a thing out of faſhion, one that will walke as if he were young, yet do what he can, is old and walks ſo: he will be talking of ſuch matters of gallantry, which none can underſtand; he cannot tell how, and yet he will talk of love, and can talk of nothing elſe. I would fain know, ſaid Eumetis, whether there be any Lady that deſires to hear ſuch a one talk? If there be, replied Cleobuline, queſtionleſs it is to gear him: But yet (added ſhe and turned towards Aeſope) what ſay you unto all this? I ſay Madam, [Page] replied he, as my Wolfe ſaid unto the Shepherds who were eating mutton in their Cottage, (what a noiſe would be made, if I ſhould do as you do.) I am confident Madam, added he, that you know how to make the application; for if I ſhould ſay as much as you do, I ſhould preſently be branded with the name of a maker of biting and Satirical Fables; but becauſe you are great Princeſſes, you are allowed to devour a poor man alive, with more cruelty then the Shepherds devoured the mutton. I think (ſaid Eumetis and laughed as well as all the company) that you intereſt your ſelf in this old mans buſineſs, becauſe you do intend to be in love your ſelf: Never queſtion it Madam, replied he; but you do not conſider that I have a greater advantage then others have; for ſince I was an ugly fellow at fifteen, and can be no worſe at a hundred, I ſhall not be ſo ridiculous as another, though I were in love with a leg in my grave. Since you are perſwaded (and with reaſon) replied Cleobuline, that the pleaſingneſs of your wit will get you more love then your perſon can, certainly you have more priviledge for being long in love then any other. But added Eumetis, ſince we talk of love, and talk unto Aeſope, I muſt needs ask, whether he be ſtill in love with the famous Rhodophe, whom they ſay is now in Egypt? No Madam, ſaid he unto her, I am not in love, ſince the brother of the famous Sapho is: and I wiſh that all the beaſts I ever made ſpeak, may devour me, if ever I do love her again. If it be really true you do not love her, replied Cleobuline, you need not make ſuch cruel imprications againſt your ſelf; for I am fully perſwaded one cannot love one perſon twice, and that it is eaſier to love twenty one after another, then to love one, with whom he was quite broken off. This Rule, replied I, is not ſo general but will admit of an exception in a friend of mine, which loved one woman twice, with equal flames. But are you ſure, replied Cherſias, that your friend does think ſo himſelf? for perhaps he never loved but once, whom he thought he loved twice, and happily never left loving her; for ſometimes anger makes ſuch a bluſter in the heart of a lover, that love lies lurking in it, though he know it not, and the truth is, he often thinks he hates, when he loves, and thinks he has forgotten her whom he always thinks upon: So that when I ſay it never happens that one loves one perſon twice, I mean that he did really ceaſe to love her, and not leave the leaſt ſpark unextinguiſhed, which may revive again; for if it do, the fire never went out. For my part, replied Cleobuline, I do not think there is any ſuch impoſſibility for one to love the ſame perſon twice, as you imagine, for though a cinder be extinguiſhed, and has been ſo long, certainly it will take fire ſooner then if it had never been lighted. And ſo I conclude, that the firſt Love makes a diſpoſition for a ſecond, and that it is more eaſie to love one whom he loved before, then another: For my particular Madam, replied Cherſias, I know by experience it was the caſe of a Nephew unto the wiſe Bias, who was as bravely a qualified man as any in the world, and as far from erecting ſhattered Altars as ever any was, or from Sacrificing one heart twice unto one and the ſame Divinity. This is ſo nice a queſtien, replied the Princeſs Eumetis, that to imitate the reſt of the company whom we dined withal, we muſt argue and examine as they do the higheſt and difficult points in Phyloſophy: If an example will make good my opinion, replied I, I will eaſily prove that one may twice love one and the ſame perſon: Nay, if an example will do it, replied Cherſias, I ſhall get the better of you, and make it evident, That one cannot begin again to love a Lady, after he had once abſolutely given over loving her. As Cherſia ſaid ſo, Melliſſa riſing up to walk, and becking to one whom ſhe would have follow her; the Princeſs, and all the reſt of the Ladies ſtayed ſtill with Cherſias, Eſope, ſome others, and my ſelf. So that the Princeſs of Lindes, who was pleaſed with this queſtion which was worthy of her curioſity, obliged Cherſias and me to relate the two examples of which we ſpoke, and afterwards to make good our opinions with the beſt reaſons we could produce; adding afterwards, that the major Vote of the company ſhould decide the controverſie: With all my heart, ſaid Cleobuline, But methinks it requiſite, ſaid Eumetis, that Aeſope have a double voice: If ſo, ſaid he, I ſhall give them on his ſide, who holds that one cannot love one perſon twice. Fie Aeſope (replied Eumetis and laughed) you give your opinion too ſoon, ſince you will pronounce Judgment before the cauſe be pleaded: I have been ſo frequently familiar with ſome certain babling Birds (replied he and ſmiled) that you need not wonder if that be my fault. But truly Madam, I am ſo fully perſwaded of what Meneſiphiles will ſay, and that one cannot love one perſon twice, that I thought it not amiſs to declare at the beginning, what I knew I ſhould ſay at the end, maugre all the reaſons of Meneſiphiles. However it be ſaid Cleobuline, I pray lend your audience, unleſs you will have me think you leſs [Page] wiſe then thoſe Birds, who carry ſtones in their throat to ſtop their garrulity. After this, the two Princeſſes having commanded Cherſias and me to relate our examples, and afterwards our reaſons, it was reſolved that I ſhould firſt relate the Hiſtory of my friend, which I did in theſe following terms, addreſſing my Speech unto the Princeſs of Lindes by the command of Cleobuline, as I do addreſs it now unto you Madam, by the command of that great Prince who is preſent.

The Hiſtory of PHILIDAS; and of ANAXANDRIDE.

SInce it is not convenient at this preſent Madam to make any long relation, I will not mention who were the Fathers of thoſe whoſe ſtories I am to relate, only aſſure you, that Philidas and Anaxandride, whoſe adventures I ſhall relate in a few words, were both born at Megares, and were extracted from the moſt illuſtrious Families of that famous Town; and fortune hath not only made them equal in their births, but alſo in their merits and perſons, for Philidas is as handſom as Anaxandride is fair, and Anaxandride hath as fine a wit as Philidas, though his be high and admirable. Moreover, there is a marvellous Sympathy in their humours, and their age alſo is proportionable, for Anaxandride is at this preſent not above nineteen years of age, and Philidas twenty: Beſides all this, be pleaſed to know, that they have ſeen each other from their cradles, their houſes joyned, and their Fathers were intimate friends. After all this Madam, I aſſure my ſelf, that when I ſhall tell you how Philidas fell in love with Anaxandride as ſoon as he was capable of Love, and how ſhe did not reject his affection, you will think him the happieſt Lover in the world; and I can aſſure you, that as long as his firſt paſſion laſted, he met with Roſes, and no prickles in them, but taſted all the ſweets of Love without any bitters, for he was as much eſteemed as he did eſteem, and I think no leſs loved then he did love; he ſaw her, and talked with her when he would; their Parents ſaw their inclinations, and did not croſs them; and if any thing kept Philidas from motioning a marriage with his Miſtreſs unto his Parents, it was only becauſe he would not think of Marriage as long as an Unkle whoſe Heir he was to be, was abſent; and this Unkle being gone to travel, and not to return until a year was over, Philidas thought upon nothing but how to divert his Miſtreſs. In the mean time, this condition of his was too happy and too tranquile, and this hope, which never had any mixture of fears, did ſo glut the mind of Philidas, that he hoped for the enjoyment of his Miſtreſs without any delight, and he was ſo ſadded with her ſweetneſs and civilities, that he became inſenſible of all her favours, not but that he loved her ſtill, and ſaw her often, but thinking himſelf ſure of her affection, and that he never needed to ask that queſtion, he therefore had nothing oftentimes to ſay unto her; and indeed he has told me, that he has been fain to talk of news, and of meer indifferencies when he hath been alone with her, becauſe his Love gave him no new ſubject of diſcourſe: Indeed Madam, this quiet hope, and this equality of happineſs, together with the certainty of being loved, did by degrees infuſe ſuch a lue-warmneſs of affection into Philidas, that being to go into the Country, he was more joyed at his going to ſee the Country dreſt in her freſh green garment, then he was ſorry to part from his Miſtreſs. However, though there was a great Sympathy of humour between Philidas and Anaxandri [...]e, yet there was a notable difference in their hearts upon this occaſion; for as the love of Philidas leſſened, that of Anaxandride encreaſed; and to vex her more, when he came to take his leave, ſhe perceived he ſpoke with too much indifferency; yet ſince that was not a fit time to quarrel, ſhe ſhewed no ſign of diſcontent at the alteration of his mind: So that he left her without any quarrelling, and without any vexation ever ſince he firſt fell in love with her; yet ſince he asked leave to write unto her, and obtained it, he did write accordingly to her, but his Letter was only a bare deſcription of the Country, and his delights in ſitting under a ſhade, and hearing the Birds ſing in a wood; yet at the end of his Letter, he wiſhed her where he was but it was in ſuch a faint manner, as made it evident, that he wiſhed her there more to hear Nightingals, then to talk to her of any Love matters: Yet Anaxandride being perſwadeed, that it was dangerous to quarrel with an abſent Lover, as long as he had a minde to keep him, ſhe writ unto him, as if there were no alteration in her heart: But all this her goodneſs working its ordinary effect in the ſoul of Philidas, he waited without any impatience for the day on which he was wont to hear from Alexandride, and I received it from his own mouth, That his love to her did ſo cool, that he received a Letter from this fair one [Page] in the morning, and never did read it till night when he went to bed. Philidas being then thus coldly indifferent, after ſo much hot affection as chance would have it, his father writing to him that he ſhould go unto Salamine about ſome buſineſs, there he ſaw a great Beauty called Timoxenes, and the Father of this fair one being to go and dwell at Megares, he was very glad to contract friendſhip with a man of his Quality: So that in a few daies Philidas had all poſſible freedom in his houſe. But Madam, as the too much ſweetneſs of Anaxandride, and the too much happineſs of Philidas, had glutted and cooled his affection, ſo the fantaſticalneſs of Timoxene cauſed his inconſtancy to her. For Madam he found in her all things contrary to the other; for certainly, never any was of a more unequal and peeviſh humour, nor who loved better to wrangle with her Lovers, and fall out with her friends; for it was the common talk, Timoxene ſaid ſuch and ſuch a thing, Timoxene ſaid ſuch a one told her ſo, Timoxene complains againſt ſuch a one, or ſuch a one complains againſt her; Timoxene is fallen out with him, or [...] with her; and the truth is, Timoxene out of her perverſe inequality of humour, did ſo intangle things, and trouble both her ſelf and all the world, that ſhe baniſhed almoſt every one from the place where ſhe was, for ſhe made every one to fall in love with her, or elſe ſowed ſeeds of diviſion between thoſe who intended to contract moſt ſolid friendſhip, all this out of her unequality of humour: For ſome daies ſhe would tell whatſoever was told her for the greateſt ſecret, and on others on the contrary; her beſt friends could not ſcrue the leaſt ſillable out of her; and ſomtimes ſhe would care ſo little what ſhe ſaid, that ſhe would ſpeak againſt her own intereſt. However, Timoxene was amiable and loved; but the truth is, ſhe had more lovers then friends, yet as fantaſtical as ſhe was, ſhe won many to love her, and though ſhe was moſt unequal in her humours, yet it may be ſaid; ſhe did what ſhe could to anger love, but not to ruine it, for her fantaſmes laſted not long, and when ſhe was in a good humour, there was not a more charming, cheriſhing, and ſweeter perſon in the world. Indeed ſomtimes one would ſwear, ſhe was ever all ſweetneſs and pleaſiug: So that in this good mood a man would give her more power over his heart, then he was able to recal again.

Timoxene being as I have deſcribed her, ſhe was in one of thoſe pleaſing fits, when Philidas firſt ſaw her. So that ſince his love to Anaxandride was extinguiſhed by her too much ſweetneſs, and his too much happineſs; her Idea did not hinder him from thinking Timoxene very fair and infinitely witty. Moreover, he learned that very firſt day, how ſhe had many Lovers; and he knew alſo, thrt ſhe was one whoſe affection was the moſt difficult in the world to be gotten, and the hardeſt to be kept when it was gotten. But Madam, without further aggravations of this fantaſtical adventure, let me tell you, that Philidas being weary of being happy, or to ſay better, not reſenting his good fortune, becauſe he was too much accuſtomed unto it, he ſought to make himſelf miſerable in thinking to find felicity, for he ſaw Timoxene ſo often, that he fell in love with her, and by conſequence left loving Anaxandride; So as it cannot be ſaid he loved her ſtill, ſince the greateſt ſign of not loving a perſon, is to love another. But to tell you truly, Philidas was no ſooner the lover of Timoxene, but he was rouzed out of that amorous Lethargy, in which the ſweetneſs of Anaxandride had lulled him, for from the very firſt day he began to love this fantaſtical perſon, he was as full of jealouſie as love, and as full of anger as jealouſie: However, that which in all reaſon ſhould have leſſened his paſſion, did encreaſe it, and he became as faſt fettered in the chains of Timoxene, as ever he was with Anaxandrides.

But as Fame commonly carries ſuch news, ſo that the fair one at Megares quickly heard that her Lover was perfidious, and that he was fallen in love at Salamine: So that ſince ſhe really loved him, ſhe was incredibly ſad at the news, yet it was a very glorious, ſorrow; for reſolving to ſlight him who ſlighted her, ſhe endeavoured all poſſible ways to quiet her own minde: But to tell you truly, the hatred which ſucceeded her love, did put her to as much pain as her love had done. In the mean time, ſince as I told you before, the Father of Timoxene intended to go and dwell at Megares; ſo he went thither with all his Family, and Philidas returned with him. And as it is the cuſtome of the place, that when any ſtrange Ladies come thither, all the Ladie of the Town uſe to viſit her. So Anaxandride went to Timoxene with her Mother, and to perform a piece of civility unto a perſon who had taken the heart of her Lover from her, ſhe was ſo unfortunate as to find Philidas there; yet I have heard her ſay ſince, that ſhe took more pleaſure in this viſit then ſhe expected, for ſince ſhe had no deſire to find Timoxene fair, her imagination [Page] did ſo flatter her paſſion, that ſhe fancied Timoxene otherwiſe then ſhe was, for ſhe thought her hair too red, though it was the paleſt fair in the world, ſhe thought her colour too high, though it was well compoſed, her eyes ſhe thought too ſharp, though they were rather languiſhing, her lips pale though vermilion, and her making ill-favoured, though it was very handſome: So that aſcribing doubtleſs as much unto her own beauty, as ſhe detracted from her Rival, ſhe fancied her a thouſand times leſs fair then ſhe was, and believed her ſelf to be fairer then ever ſhe did; at leaſt, ſhe told me, that She thought ſo: But the thing moſt obſerveable was, her joyes in being perſwaded that Philidas had no excuſe for his inconſtancy, and that he was a loſer by his change: And truly (ſaid ſhe one day unto me) I verily believe I ſhould have died with ſpite, if I had not found Timoxene much inferiour to me in every thing. Methinks (added ſhe) that ſpite hath ſo altered my heart, that Philidas is not ſo handſom as he was when he loved me; and I wonder that I ſhould be then ſo mad, as to think him amiable: But now Philidas, ſeems unto me to be another man, methinks his mind not ſo noble, his wit duller, his action more forced, his very accent as changed, and methinks he hath gotten ſuch a kind of clowniſhneſs at Salamine, as it is a ſhame unto all Iſlands. The truth is, added She, I thought my old Lover ſo little pleaſing that day, his Miſtreſs ſo far from lovely, and my ſelf ſo far above them both, that I went away from this viſit leſs troubled then ever I imagined. But after all this (purſued ſhe) though I had no deſire that Philidas ſhould ſtill love me, yet ſtill I was vexed ſtrangely that he ſhould love Timoxene. In the mean time Madam, out of a reſentment of honour, Anaxandride reſolved never to twit Philidas with it, but contented her ſelf only with ſhunning to meet him, and to treat him very coldly in what place ſoever ſhe found him: And indeed ſo ſhe did for a long while. But Madam, ſince Timoxene had not changed her humors in changing places; ſhe was the ſame at Megares, which ſhe was wont to be at Salamine, and made there much more diſorder, for being there unknown, all the men and women were ſooner trapped, and the half of her life being very amiable, they kept her company as a perſon whom they all eſteemed, and doubtleſs they ſaw her in the good vain, but were ignorant of her fault, that ſome daies She could not conceal any thing: So that it being uſual in thoſe who would contract friendſhip with any new comer, to acquaint them with all the news of the Town, to the end She may not be any longer a ſtranger; there were ſome men and women who did her that office, but were ill requited as well as Philidas, for in one of thoſe daies when ſhe could not conceal any thing She knew, She ſet all the the Town ſo together by the ears, that never the like was heard of, nor ſo many jars in ſo ſhort a time. The worſt was, ſince She uſed often to hear all things without right application, She confounded them by her repetition of them

Thus ſhe cauſed to be told unto Philidas what another did ſay of him, and to that other what Philidas ſaid of him: So that quarrel upon quarrel did ariſe; but the ſtrangeſt thing was, Timoxenes did no more care for any of thoſe quarrels She had cauſed, then if She had no hand in them at all, and She knew ſo well how to make her own peace, that She did eaſily reconcile her ſelf to all; but the worſt was, She could not ſo eaſily reconcile others. Philidas being excellently accompliſhed, and a man of a clear ſpirit and wit; as amorous as he was, he ſaw that Timoxene had ſome ill qualities amongſt her good ones, but being of an humour to ſurmount all difficulties, it may well be ſaid, that the Prickles made him think the Roſes ſweeter, ſince the unequality of Timoxenes did for a long time augment his paſſion.

But at laſt, this inequality produced a very vexatious effect, for now her inequality had got into the thoughts of her heart, and ſhe was not only ſomtimes merry, and ſomtimes ſaid, but thoſe whom She loved to day, were not ſure to be ſo to morrow: So that She did not look upon Philidas neither as her lover, nor her friend, but looked upon another more favourably then upon him: So that after Philidas had tryed alwayes to get again into her favour, he would ſee whether jealouſie would work upon her: So that making a ſhew, as if he would renew with Anaxandride, he endeavoured for an occaſion of ſeeing her, and went unto her houſe with one who was a Cozen unto that fair one, who was much her friend. But Madam, the ſtrangeneſs of this adventure was, that when Philidas returned to Anaxandrides houſe, he was extreamly in love, and extreamly jealous of Timoxene, and had no tenderneſs at all to the firſt: The reaſon why he would ſeem to love Anaxandride rather then any other, was, becauſe it was moſt likely. Moreover, he alwayes found her ſo ſweet, that he thought he could quit her when he pleaſed, and [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] nothing would happen of it but as formerly; yet he found it otherwiſe, for ſince Anaxandride was noble as well as ſweet, She reſented the inconſtancy of Philidas ſo bitterly, that had it not been more in love to her ſelf then him, She would have made it appear: But when he came to her again, and would have ſpoke in private with her, he was amazed when he found her upon other terms then he expected, for he believed that Anaxandride would have received him with all joy, at any time he pleaſed; yet She ſpoke ſo very ſharply unto him this firſt viſit, that he plainly ſaw himſelf abſolutely loſt, and that it was a harder matter for him to regain the heart of Anaxandride, then the heart of Timoxene: So that as his love was cooled by the facility of her being happy, ſo She began from that day to rekindle it, by the difficulty he found in being ſo again: The truth is Madam, though I cannot underſtand the reaſon of it, yet it is moſt certain, that the ſharpneſs of Anaxandride began to work that in the heart of Philidas, which her too much ſweetneſs had taken away: Yet he did not paſs from one extream to another in an inſtant, but in a very few daies he left loving Timoxene, and began to love Anaxandride again with more hot flames then ever he did: Then did he remember his happy condition formerly, and thought himſelf the more unfortunate, and he thought himſelf ſo much too blame for being inſenſible of his happineſs, that it made him much the more miſerable.

On the other ſide, Anaxandride, though She did not now love Philidas, yet in point of glory She could not chuſe but be glad to ſee him fettered in her chains again: and finding that rigor was the way to raiſe his paſſion, She ſhewed it in ſo high a manner, as was enough to make love die in any heart but his, In the mean time, the worſe Anaxandride treated him, the more was he in love with her, and more repented of his inconſtancy: Pray Sir (ſaid I one day unto him, ſeeing him melancholy) Why did you leave loving Anaxandride without any cauſe? And why did you renew it without reaſon? For truly when you quitted her, She was as lovely as ever; and when you repented, She was no more amiable then when you caſt her off; and therefore I have good reaſon to ask you why you did leave loving her, or elſe why you began to love her again? I left loving her, replied he, becauſe I was ſo accuſtomed to be happy, that I did believe I could not be more; and I began to adore her again, becauſe I was weary of being miſerable, and knew that I could not be happy without her: But Sir, replied I, She is the very ſame She was when you loved another, and the ſame She was when you forſook her: Ah Meneſiphiles, (ſaid he unto me) I would it were true that Anaxandride were the ſame She was when I forſook her. No no, She was then ſweet, but now cruel, She did then love me, but now hates me: I muſt tell you Sir, (ſaid I then unto him and laughed) this difference doth not ſeem to me very fit to cauſe love, but it had been more reaſonable to have continued loving her when ſhe was kind, and when She loved you, then to begin loving her again when She is cruel, and hates you: I muſt ſadly confeſs all this (ſaid he unto me) But alas, ſince I am not Maſter of my own heart, what would you have me do? Yet I find it ſome ſweetneſs, to think that Anaxandride would not have hated me, but be [...]auſe I did not love her, and muſt hope, that as She paſſed from love to hatred, ſo She may paſs from hatred to love again: Had you fallen in love with any other, replied I, and that after you had loved Anaxandride and Timoxene, you had loved a hundred, I ſhould not have wondered ſo much, as that you ſhould love Anaxandride again. I know, ſaid I, That one may fall out with a Miſtreſs, and renew again: I know that believing her perſidious, one may hate her, and afterwards finding her to be innocent, may begin to love a new; but I muſt confeſs, I cannot conceive, that having left Anaxanarine without any cauſe, it can be poſſible you ſhould ever love her again: Yet truly ſo it is (replied he) That never any man loved any woman more then I do her, and I do now hate my ſelf as much as I do love her. When I conſider upon the happineſs I have fooliſh [...] loſt, and upon the incertainty of ever regaining it again, I think my ſelf the moſt miſerable Lover that ever breathed; other Lovers do only deſire ſuch favours as they never taſted, and therefore know not the ſweetneſs of them; but the caſe is much more miſerable with me, ſince I do deſire a happineſs which I have enjoyed, the greatneſs whereof I know: But Sir (ſaid I unto him) you found ſuch ſmall happineſs in the enjoying of it, that I know not why you ſhould ſo earneſtly deſire the fruition again: I deſire it, replied he, becauſe now I know better the price of what I have loſt, then I [...] when I enjoyed it.

To tell you Madam that Philidas loved Anaxandride twice, is not enough to prove th [...] [Page] one may love one and the ſame perſon twice, unleſs I tell you alſo, that Anaxandride did love Philidas twice alſo. But certain it is, that this revived Lover did ſtrive ſo violently to reconquer the heart he loſt, that at laſt Anaxandride ceaſing to hate him, did begin again to love him, and at this very hour do love with ſo much tenderneſs, that they are to be married within a few daies. Thus Madam I have furniſhed you with an example, that one may love the ſame perſon twice; and certainly there is more probability, that one ſhould begin again to love her whom formerly he found amiable, then to love a freſh Miſtreſs. Though there be much delight to be taken in hearing you ſpeak (ſaid the Princeſs of Corinth unto me) yet I muſt needs interrupt you: for I do conceive it fit before you give your reaſons, that Cherſias relate us an example oppoſite to yours, to the end that arguing afterwards upon both, the queſtion may be better cleared, and the diſpute more pleaſing. Since what the Princeſs of Corinth ſaid was very reaſonable, Eumetis and all the company approving of it, ſilence was impoſed upon me; and Cherſias relateed his promiſed adventure: So that after all the company had renued their attention, Cherſias began in theſe terms.

The Hiſtory of AGLATONICE, and of IPHICRATES.

Madam,

BEfore I begin the adventure which I am to relate, I conceive it not impertinent to our purpoſe, that I acquaint you with the manner of living in our Court, leſt you not imagining the Town of Prienes to be ſuch a one as it is, you ſhould ſuſpect the truth, when you ſee me introduce ſo many gallant perſons in my relation: Therefore Madam, be pleaſed to know, that the wiſe Bias, who governs our ſtate as chief head, hath made it ſo famous as little as it is, that it is conſiderable unto all our Neighbour States, and I dare boldly ſay, that of ſo many famous Greek Collonies, which paſſed into Aſia, and there rendred themſelves potent, there is not one which hath in ſuch purity preſerved the politneſs of its original, as ours. Moreover, the wiſe Bias having no children, he hath looked upon a Nephew of his as his Succeſſor. This illuſtrious Nephew, whoſe name is Iphicrates, being a moſt admirably accompliſhed man, he hath rendred our Court full with men of excellent parts; for as the Unkle did attract many knowing men, ſo the Nephew by the example of his valour, hath drawn many brave men thither, and by his generoſity many generous men.

As for our Ladies, I can aſſure you confidently, that few Aſiatique Towns have more fair ones, or more amiable; but that which makes the Court compleatly gallant is, Bias hath a Niece, who as rarely accompliſhed as Iphicrates, is yet not more then She, though She be not his Siſter, for She is Daughter unto a Siſter of Bias, and he a Son unto his Brother; it is at her houſe where all the men of Quality rendezvouz, both all the Ladies, and all the wits and gallants. Moreover Madam I can aſſure you, that the Court of Policrates is not more gallant then ours, and one cannot find more diverſions at Milete or Lesbos, then at Priene. Give me leave to tell you further Madam, that Iphicrates is not only rarely accompliſhed in reſpect of his valour and Spirit, but alſo becauſe he is the moſt ſincere man alive. Moreover, his perſon doth extreamly pleaſe, for he is of a handſom ſtature, a good behaviour, and his greateſt Enemies cannot charge him with any fault: 'Tis true, that his ſincerity cauſes him ſometimes to ſpeak things a little drily; but for all that, he is eſteemed by all the world, and loved by all thoſe who know him except of that perſon, whom of all the world he moſt deſired to be. After this Madam, it is requiſite I tell you, who this fair and unjuſt perſon is of whom I ſpeak, be pleaſed to know therefore Madam, that Iphicrates after many years abſence; returned unto Priene one evening when there was a Ball kept at the Princeſs of Lanthes houſe, Niece unto Bias, and as one of his age never uſes to let ſlip ſuch an occaſion, he made himſelf ready in all haſt to go unto this meeting, which doubtleſs was worthy of his curioſity; for I never ſaw all our Ladies more fair, then they were that night, ſince there was not one ill dreſſed; and indeed one amongſt them, who was moſt knowing in ſuch things confeſſed, that they never had a more glorious meeting then this, for it had not the preſſing croud of great feaſts; nor was it one of thoſe petty Aſſemblies, where the men have no choice of Ladies to dance withal. Moreover, the Hall was as light as day, and the Muſique was in an excellent humour.

[Page] Iphicrates then being entred into the place where they danced with all the gladneſs of a man who found ſuch diverſions, the firſt hour of his arrival: he went to the end of the Hall, where he ſaw three or four of his ancient friends, talking with ſome Ladies who danced not at that time. So that being extreamly glad to ſee them, a thouſand civil complements paſſed amongſt them: The Princeſs of Lanthes, for her particular ſeemed to be much joyed at his return, and all the gallants who were dancing, made ſigns either with hand or head, that they longed for the end of the dance, purpoſely to tell him that they were glad of his return. But after the firſt civilities were over, Iphicrates had the liberty to view all the beauties of the Ball, and found one amongſt the reſt very lovely, whom he could not remember he had ever ſeen at any meeting before he went from Priene, and the truth was, he was in the right; for ſhe was then ſo young when he went away, that ſhe never went to any Balls: and ſo it chanced that he never ſaw her in her infancy; So that wondering to ſee her, he asked me who ſhe was, I being one of thoſe who was next her? and certainly it was no wonder that this Lady whoſe name was Aglatonice ſhould raiſe his curioſity, ſhe being one of the moſt charming beauties in the world: her compoſure was ſo noble and handſome? her Air ſo gallant and free, that though ſhe was a brown beauty, yet ſhe dimmed the luſters of all the fair beauties in Priene. Doubtleſs there was thoſe who had many features, and as good as hers, and perhaps better; but there was not one who could be truly ſaid a more perfect beauty, ſince none did compareably pleaſe ſo much as ſhe.

Aglatonice being as I tell you, Iphicrates asked me (as I told you before) who ſhe was? and whether I ever ſaw her at her own houſe? I ſuppoſe (ſaid I unto him after I had told her name) that you would never ask this laſt queſtion, but becauſe you intend to be acquainted with her; but let me tell you Iphicrates (added I) Aglatonice, is a moſt dangerous perſon to be ſeen. I know very well, replied he, that ſuch a beauty as ſhe cannot be ſeen without ſome danger: Though that be true as you mean it is, replied I, yet that is not my meaning: What do you mean, replied he? I mean, ſaid I, that this Lady who is ſo infinitely lovely and born to be loved, is one of the leaſt loving creatures that is in the whole univerſe, as thoſe ſay who think they know her beſt; but for my part I am perſwaded they do not very well know her, and that there are ſeveral ways to penetrate her heart which they never found out. I pray, ſaid he unto me, do me the favor to give me the Charracter of this Lady: ſhould I give it without flattery (ſaid I and ſmiled) you would never fall in love with her, though I ſhould with all give her a thouſand commendations: I pray do then (ſaid he and ſmiled as well as I) for I am much miſtaken in my ſelf, if I have not already ſome light inclination in my heart to love her: I ſhall then tell you (ſaid I unto him) that though Aglatonice be a Lady of an infinite witt and ſpirit yet of all that come unto her, ſhe makes no diſtinction between men of mean parts, and men of higheſt accompliſhments, nor between them and ſuch as are of no qualities at all: ſo that I aſſure you, Aglatonice as virtuous as ſhe is, yet never put back any adorer. And yet the world cannot ſay ſhe is light; but ſhe has found out an art of having a thouſand lovers, and never denies any without being further taxed then to be a lover of pleaſures and gallantry in general, and cannot to this hour be accuſed of loving any gallant in particular: Alſo there is always ſo great a croud of ſervants about her, as I cannot tell how to mention them; She will allow all to look upon her, and to ſigh, nor will ſhe forbid any to love her; ſo that ſhe has always an infinite number of Rivals about her, who becauſe one is not favored more then another, they live lovingly together without any quarrels, and almoſt without any hatred, and as long as the eyes of Aglatonice does not put any difference between them, they do not envy one another. Since then I muſt be miſerable if Aglatonice repulſe me (replied Iphicrates and laughed) you make me very glad for it is ſome ſatisfaction to be ſure not to be treated ill at the firſt: 'Tis true, replied I, but it is a ſad ſtory that after ten years courtſhip, you cannot hope for any more [...] from her, then you had the firſt day: and to be upon no better terms with her, then a hundred others, who have neither merit nor handſomeneſs in them. But is it poſſible (ſaid he) that ſuch a one as ſhe ſhould ſuffer her ſelf to be loved by ſuch as are altogether without merit? I proteſt unto you Sir, (ſaid I unto him) I know ſome who love her that have no merit at all: and I do proteſt further, that ſhe has lovers of all ſorts, even from the Philoſopher, to the fool, and from the valiant man even to the very varlet. Though only out of curioſity, replied [...], yet I pray carry me unto her tomorrow: unleſs by great chance (ſaid I unto him) this curioſity will coſt you very dear; [Page] for though I have told you enough to keep you from loving her; yet I am confident, that unleſs you do love ſome other, you will love her; for ſhe will pleaſe you above any other and more then any but her ſelf can. So that ſince you are of a temper quite oppoſite to hers, you will be if I be not much miſtaken, the moſt miſerable man alive, if you ſhould fall in love with her. You ſet her forth in ſuch a rigorous Charracter; replied he, that I cannot ſee any ſuch cauſes of fear: how Sir, ſaid I unto him, do you not think it the moſt cruell thing in the world to love one who will confound you with a thouſand others? and from whom you can expect no more then what you find the firſt day; for ſhe will harken unto all: but ſhe will anſwer none ſo kindly as to render them happy; nor ſo ſharply as to make them deſpair. However, ſaid he, ſee her I muſt, and you will do me a favor if you will carry me unto her to morrow.

This Sir, was the firſt diſcourſe I had with Iphicrates concerning Aglatonice, unto whom he could not ſpeak that night, though he would; for ſhe had no ſooner done dancing, but ten or twelve were at her feet; and they no ſooner came off, but as many more took their places. But Madam, not to ſpend time in trivials: I carryed Iphicrates the next day unto Aglatonice, who received him with that gallant and univerſal civility which ſhe ſhewed unto all her viſitants: So that ſince ſhe had the beſt grace in the world in every thing ſhe did, and ſince it was impoſſible but ſhe muſt pleaſe, he was charmed with the ſight of her, and he parted from her more in love, then all they he left behind him: yet he did not then tell me as much; but I plainly perceived it, and fearing he ſhould be too far engaged, I uſed all my arguments to diſſwade him, though I could ſay no worſe of Aglatonice, then what I had before: for the truth is, ſhe is one of the moſt rarely accompliſhed women in the world: yet Madam it was in vain for me to attempt hindring him from loving Aglatonice; for I underſtood ſince, that this love had its cauſe from the Stars, againſt which all reaſons were too weak. And indeed, had it not been ſo, Iphicrates had not loved Aglatonice ſo long; but would have left off, as ſoon as he ſaw the horrible injuſtice ſhe did him, and that you may know it, it is requiſite I acquaint you with ſomething that proceeded it. Be pleaſed to know then, that Iphicrates after his firſt viſit, went afterwards by himſelf to Aglatonice, and went ſo often, that at laſt he could go no where elſe. Yet it is not eaſie to underſtand why he ſhould: for this Lady who never in all her life refuſed any Adoration, or any Adorer, did not accept of that declaration of love which Iphicrates made her; but on the contrary found ſo much ſcorn in her eyes, and ſuch neutrality and faint indifference in her anſwers, as ſurely had choaked his paſſion, had he not been in that condition he was. But his heart being already too far engaged, to retreat upon the firſt repulſe, in lieu of cooling his love became more hot: and as till then, he loved her only by inclination, now he loved her with reſolution, and determined to oppoſe all that oppoſed his happineſs. At the firſt, he found ſome advantage in being worſe treated then a thouſand others, and he thought the reaſon was becauſe he was more feared then any other: The truth was, he flattered himſelf as one that would continue loving her, and indeed as one who could not chuſe: yet ſometimes her harſhneſs to him, did almoſt drive him into diſpair: And one day, being alone with her, becauſe he would needs be the laſt man, he began to chide her, and to complain of her rigor towards him: for truly Madam (ſaid he unto her, after many other things) I muſt needs wonder how you can be ſo inhumane as to forbid me loving you, ſince you admit of ſo many Rivals as your beauty hath made me. If amongſt this great number, you had made choice of one which was really worthy of your choice, and had baniſhed all the reſt, doubtleſs I ſhould have much greeved that it was not my fate to be choſen; but yet I ſhould have made a retreat among the multitude: and if I had complained, it ſhould have been in ſecret, and it ſhould have been more at my want of merit, then at you. But Madam, the caſe is otherwiſe, you have made choice of none, but admit of a thouſand, and amongſt this thouſand, you make choice of me, to treat me the worſt of them all: yet I do not ſee they are more ſubmiſſive nor reſpective then my ſelf. I beſeech you Madam, doe one of theſe two things; either forbid them to love you as you have done me, or let me love you as they do: yet this propoſition was not accepted, though juſt: for Aglatonice maugre all his complaints, did ſuffer all to love her but him, but him ſhe did forbid: So that his own heart not being able to hold all his ſorrows, he made choice of me for the confident of his paſſion. At firſt, I would not pitty him, but upbraided him for neglecting my advice: but at laſt, he moved me to ſo much compaſſion, as I became a ſharer in his ſorrows.

[Page] Is not my ſtory ſad (ſaid he unto me) and wonderful, that She ſhould treat me the very worſt of my Rivals, and yet I know no remedy? Had I but one Rival or two, I could finde out wayes to be rid of them. But now, unleſſe I will fight above a hundred combats, and aſſemble ſo many friends as Aglatonice has Lovers, I cannot ſee it a poſſible to be rid of all my Rivals; and though I had rid my ſelf of them all, I believe that it would not have any more ingratiated me? Since its credible it would have vexed her to the heart to loſe her croud of Adorers, and it would have troubled her more to have ſeen me alone with her, then when I was in the company of ſo many men whom I loved not: But Sir, ſaid I unto him, ſince you cannot overcome your Rivals, let me adviſe you to overcome your ſelf: Ah Cherſias (ſaid he unto me) I did not follow your counſel'; but to tell you truly, I did ſtrive, but it was in vain; and Aglatonice for all her indulgency to others, and cruelty to me, has ſo great a power in my heart, that I am out of all hopes to leave loving her: After this, Iphicrates paſſing from one thought unto another: Yet this is ſome comfort (added he) that Aglatonice makes no choice of any whom She ſuffers to be about her; for if She ſhould do that unto one which She does unto all, I ſhould think my ſelf a thouſand times more miſerable then I am; for then I ſhould believe She did really love him with whom She ſhould live in a particular and obliging manner, but ſince She hearkens unto all, it is evident She loves the Gallantry more then the Gallant, ſo that I am half ſatisfied: If She did only love Gallantry in general, replied I, Why does She not admit of yours as well as of the reſt? Fie cruel friend, ſaid he, Why would you blaſt that little conſolation which I had in deluding my ſelf? Becauſe (ſaid I to him) I will not flatter up a diſeaſe which I deſire to cure. No, no, (ſaid he to me) never think of finding wayes to make me leave loving Aglatonice, for I do profeſs and declare I cannot hate her, nor ever will. Then do love her, ſaid I; But let me tell you, that to love, and not be loved, or without hopes of being ſo, is a thing which I will never adviſe you unto. This Madam was the mind of Iphicrates when his miſery augmented, which I think I told you was like to drive him into extream diſpair. Be pleaſed to know, that as Aglatonice did almoſt every day make a new Conqueſt, ſo there was a man of Rank, who yet was never in love; but becauſe it was the mode to love Aglatonice, he would be in faſhion, and tell her he loved her, and encreaſe the number of ſuch as offered incenſe unto her: But Madam, be pleaſed to know alſo, that this freſh Lover of Aglatonice, whoſe name was Chriſippus, was the very pooreſt parted fellow of all her Lovers, his wit had neither height, nor depth, nor conceipt, nor quickneſs, nor pleaſingneſs in it; it might truly be called a trifling wit, which ſported it ſelf in ſuch pittiful poor things, and was ſo far from any Gallantry, that unleſs to very ill taſts, it was intolerable to all accompliſhed men. However, Chriſippus being as I have deſcribed, and Iphicrates alſo, yet there was a huge difference in their deſtinies, as there was in their deſarts: For Aglatonice as full of excellencies as She was, yet was moſt extreamly unjuſt, not only in denying her affection unto Iphicrates, but alſo in accepting of Chriſippus much more favourably then any other. Thus out of an unparallelled fantaſtical fate, the moſt rarely accompliſhed man of all her Lovers was only ſcorned, and the pittifulleſt poor parted fellow of them all, was really preferred before all the reſt. The injuſtice of Aglatonice was not at firſt perceived, for it was ſuch an unlikely thing that Chriſippus ſhould ever be preferred, that none could ſuſpect her of ſuch extream weakneſs. But as an ill-treated lover uſeth to obſerve his Miſtreſs neerer then any other, ſo Iphicrates quickly ſaw that Chriſippus was not only permitted as others were, but preferred before them: For ſince Aglatonice had as gaeat an inclination to him, as She had an averſion unto Iphicrates, She expreſſed more Symptoms of her affection to him She really loved, then to him She did only ſuffer: So that the unfortunate Iphicrates was grieveed beyond all expreſſions.

Then began he to do all he was able not to love her, but as there was ſome predominate power which forced him to love her, and likewiſe the like power which forced Aglatonice to hate him, he was conſtrained to love her whether he would or no. In the mean time, ſince he ſaw this new Slave every day more like to raign Soveraignly in the heart of Aglatonice, and that reports of it began already to fly abroad, he reſolved to talk with her, and once in his life to tell her his mind plainly, ſo that he watched an opportunity of privacy, yet it was a long time before he could find it: For Chriſippus, who naturally made a buſineſs of every trifle, was perpetually about her; but at laſt Iphicrates having communicated his deſign unto me, I promiſed to rid him from the perſecution [Page] of Chriſippus for tomorrow; and in order to that, I did engage him to be at a hunting meeting, which kept him, until it was very night: So that Iphicrates, who went betimes unto Aglatonice, had all the conveniency of talk with her he could wiſh.

When he firſt entred into her Chamber, She was reading, but not daring to read on, She laid the Book upon the Table negligently, but did not ſhut it, as if She intended to read preſently again; and She laid it down in ſuch a manner, as Iphicrates perceived that She was diſpleaſed at his interrupting her, ſo that it confirmed him in his reſolution of complaining againſt her: Yet ſince he would not begin his diſcourſe with complaints, he ſaluted her very reſpectively: What book ſoever that is you laid by Madam, (ſaid he unto her) I am ſure my company does not pleaſe you ſo much as the reading of it did. Truly Sir, ſaid ſhe, I was not weary with reading it, for it is not with a bad book, as it is with a weariſome friend, ſince one may when they will lay the Book aſide, but not ſo eaſily berid of troubleſome company. Since I am perſwaded that you have more Lovers then friends (replied I and laughed) I think Madam you were never put to the tryal of that trouble: Though I do agree to what you ſay, replied She, yet this does not conclude but I may be troubled, ſince there are troubleſome Lovers, as well as troubleſome friends. I know Madam, replied he, how neerly I am concerned in what you ſay, but I know withal, that there is a Lover ſomtimes with you, who ſhould not be thought troubleſome, and another alſo who ſhould, at leaſt is ſo to all that know him, except your ſelf. Iphicrates had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but Aglatonice bluſhed for anger and ſhame, for it was impoſſible, maugre her averſion to Iphicrates, and inclination to Chriſippus, but ſhe muſt needs know there was a vaſt difference between thoſe two men. So that Iphicrates perceiving he had netled her, he grew more bold, though he was reſolved not to tranſgreſs the limits of civility and reſpect; ſo that not giving her ſo much time as to anſwer: I beſeech you Madam, ſaid he unto her, Pardon the exceſs of my ſincerity and plainneſs, and as you know it is a virtue which I neither can nor will leave off, ſo I beſeech you let me now tell you my mind fully. So none hath any right to take more liberty then they ſhould give unto another (replied Aglatonice coldly) I ſuppoſe you will alſo let my tongue take the like liberty of telling my mind if the fancy take me. You may well think Madam, replied he, that a man unto whom you deny every thing, cannot think he hath any right to impoſe any Laws upon you: Therefore Madam, when I have uttered my mind, you may freely tell me what you pleaſe, declaring unto you before hand, that the worſt you can tell me ſhall not ſurprize me.

But not to loſe ſuch precious time, the thing I have to tell you is, that as violent as my paſſion is unto you, I have taught it how to ſuit it ſelf unto my bad fortune, and to ſubſiſt without any hope: Yes Madam, purſued he, I can continue loving you, without any hopes of ever being loved again; and the exceſs of my affection is able to do that, which no other Lover but my ſelf ever could: You know Madam, there was a time when I deſired you to hearken unto me, as you did unto a hundred others, or elſe not to hearken unto thoſe others more then you did unto me: But now, being grown more reaſonable, and knowing it was not juſt to impoſe harſh Laws upon her from whom I was to receive them, I am contented Madam you ſhould hearken unto all thoſe whom before I deſired you would not hearken; and I am contented alſo you ſhould not hearken unto me, and to carry my moderation a little higher: I do declare unto you, that all the ſervices which I have done you, and all thoſe I ſhall do, and all thoſe I have a deſire to do; all I ſay will never as long as I live deſire any other recompence, but only this, That you will never hearken unto Chriſippus; I conjure you unto it with all imaginable reſpect, and all poſſible affection; for truly Madam, he does not merit your ear: I leave you all the reſt of my Rivals; ſo you will but treat him ill; and I do proteſt Madam, it concerns your honor as much as it doth my tranquility, to do as I deſire: You think then (replied She) that Chriſippus is much in my favour: Doubtleſs I do, replied he, and much better then he deſerves, ſince he is not ill-treated, of this truth I am not confidently perſwaded. You have ſo little to do in any thing that concerns me, anſwered She, that I adviſe you to ſave your labour of preſcribing Laws to me, for I conceive my ſelf to have right to hearken unto whom I pleaſe, and to impoſe ſilence upon whom I pleaſe, without any thing to any one, I am ſatisfied my ſelf, and I care not a ſtraw whether you be or no. But Madam, ſaid he then unto her, is it poſſible you ſhould not be ſenſible of your injuſtice, in hearkening unto Chriſippus more then unto me? What does it concern you, replied She, whether I hearken unto him, or any elſe, ſince I am fully reſolved never to hearken unto [Page] you? And to ſpeak truly, the difference between thoſe you would have me hearken unto, and thoſe you you would have me not hearken unto, is only in this, I can hear them without loving them, and I am ſo good as to ſave you the labour of telling me a hundred things to no purpoſe: Alas Madam, cryed he out, all this might well have been ſaid unto one who did not love you, but to me, who adores you with infinite devotion, and who can think of nothing but you, it is impoſſible you ſhould deceive me; for though you ſhould diſſemble your thoughts, yet I could diſcover the happineſs of Chriſippus in all your actions; and to tell you truly Madam without flattery, he has not comparably ſo much wit as you have; therefore I beſeech you for your own honors ſake, make not choice of him, for I profeſs I cannot endure you ſhould endure him: Though I did not love Chriſippus more then any other, replied She, yet I aſſure you, that you have done him a very good office, in telling me that you hate him, for though it be only to ſpite you, I will treat him more civilly then ever I did; for the truth is Iphicrates, I do intend to be free, and you ſhall have nothing to do with the carriage of my ſelf: I have as much right to make choice of my acquaintance, as I have of the cholors I am to wear; and it concerns you as little whether I ſee Chriſippus, or ſee him not, as it doth whether I wear Carnation or Green. Since Carnation doth better become you Madam, then green (replied he & ſmiled) the choice of what cholors you wear is not ſo indifferent to me as you imagine: for ſince I do intereſt my ſelf in the glory of your beauty as well as of your wit, I ſhould be gladder to ſee you wear what doth become you, then what not. So Madam it does concern me whether you ſee Chriſippus, or ſee him not, ſince though I had no intereſt directly of my own, yet ſince I am extreamly concerned in your honor, I ſhould be ſorry you ſhould blemiſh it in ſuffering ſuch a Lover. I pray Iphicrates, ſaid She unto him, put not my patience to the utmoſt teſt, for I am ſo fully reſolved that all your ſayings cannot perſwade me; and the truth is, if it be your deſtiny never to be loved, you cannot alter your fate; and if the fate of Chriſippus be not to be hated, he ſhall not, ſay you what you can; therefore ſet your mind at reſt concerning that matter, and to do you all the juſtice I am able, I will ingeniouſly confeſs, that I know there are ſome thoughts of you in my heart, which are not altogether juſt, but ſince I am not juſt in it unto my ſelf as well as you, you have no cauſe to complain: How Madam, ſaid he unto her, would you not have me complain of your preferring Chriſipus before me? Alas Madam, that is not in my power, and not to lye unto you, my mind is ſo incenſed at it, that I ſhould rejoyce with all my heart if you ſhould love any one of all my Rivals, and not him. Since it will do you no good to ſpeak ſeriouſly (replied She with half a ſmile) I ſhall confeſs more then you would have me; for I do aſſure you, there is not one of all thoſe whom you call my Rivals, which I do not love a thouſand times better then I do you, no, not excepting Chriſippus: Had you excepted him, replied he, I ſhould have lamented my misfortune in ſecret, but ſince you do not, my complaints ſhall cry aloud, ſo loud, that perhaps you will be forced to confeſs, that you did me wrong in driving me to diſpair.

As Aglatonice was going to anſwer, one of her deareſt friends entred, who did her the greateſt courteſie that could be to break off this conference, and She no ſooner ſaw her, but She went to meet her with extraordinary civility. Iphicrates being then in no humour to talk of things indifferent, retired, and with ſo many marks of vexation in his face, that the Lady who entred, whoſe name was Parthenopea, perceived it, and asked Aglatonice the reaſon of his going out: For heavens ſake (anſwered She) preſs me not to tell you why I jarred with Iphicrates, for I cannot think upon it without anger: I do not uſe to ſcrew out the ſecrets of my friends (replied Parthenopea) But to teſtifie that I am more really yours then any elſe, and conſequently may challenge a more particular priviledge then any other of your friends, I muſt give you ſome advice which perchance will diſpleaſe, and tell you, that there are ſome reports fly abroad which are diſadvantagious to you, yet it is a thing only whiſpered, and not ſpoken as an abſolute affirmative: But for all that, I would it were not ſpoke of at all, and I did even this day affirm confidently unto thoſe who told it unto me, that they were miſtaken, and that what they told me was abſolutely falſe, yet I muſt confeſs I am a little afraid it was too true: Since I have not the art of divination (replied Aglatonice and changed colour) I know not what you mean, nor do well know whether I ſhould deſire to know it: But ſince I am armed againſt any thing the world can ſay, I beſeech you tell me what it ſayes of me? Since you give me leave (replied Parthen pea) I ſhall tell you, that ſuch reports go as you ought to diſavow, for its ſaid, That out of the great number of Lovers which your beauty hath [Page] made, you have made choice of two to be the objects of two different paſſions, That you hate Iphicrates who is the beſt accompliſhed man of all your Lovers, and that you love Chriſippus who is the worſt. Judg Aglatonice whether I have not reaſon to ſay, that you ought to diſavow this for truth: Doubtleſs, replied She, I ſhall not acknowledg that I love Chriſippus, but I ſhall eaſily confeſs, that I do not love Iphicrates. Since you are ſo unjuſt (replied Parthenopea, and looked earneſtly upon her) as not to love the beſt accompliſhed of all your Lovers, I ſhall extreamly fear that you do Love him that is the leaſt worthy: For truly, whoſoever does injuſtice unto true merit, may as well be favourable unto him that hath more: You ſpeak ſo home, replied Aglatonice, that though you were the intimate friend of Iphicrates, you could not ſay more in his behalf: I am no intimate friend unto Iphicrates, (replied Parthenopea) but I am unto you, and under that notion, I conjure you to open your heart unto me, that I may know whether I ſhould juſtifie or accuſe you; but ſince we may chance be interrupted here, if you pleaſe we wil go and walk in ſome ſolitarie Garden.

So that Aglatonice taking her at her word, they went both in Parthenopea's Coach to walk in a Garden which is by the Sea ſide: But though Aglatonice was naturally of a merry humour, yet now She was verie reſerved, and walked the length of that long walk in the Garden without ſpeaking one word, and when ſhe came to the end of it, they ſate down upon ſeats of graſs; after which, Parthenopea ſpeaking firſt. Had we come hither only to look upon the Sea (ſaid She unto her) and to hear the pleaſant murmure it makes againſt the Rocks, you are rightly fitted; for you look and hear ſo attentively that I believe you think upon nothing elſe: I aſſure you (replied Aglatonice) I think, it better to hearken unto the noiſe of the Sea, then unto you. I think not ſo (replied Parthenopea) for I had much rather you would hear me then the Sea; therefore I pray tell me truly what are your thoughts, both of Iphicrates and of Chriſippus. And to begin with the firſt of theſe, tell me your reaſon if you can, why you hate him, or at leaſt why you do not love him? Truly, anſwered Aglatonice, I cannot tell my ſelf, for I am forced to confeſs, that he hath a thouſand good qualities, and no bad ones; but for all that, as there is ſomthing in it which makes me that I cannot love him, ſo alſo there is ſomthing, though I know not what, which makes me hate him: Though I ſhould conſent to what you ſay (anſwered Parthenopea) yet I cannot conſent that there is any reaſon for your ſomthing, and I know not what you mention unto which you aſcribe ſuch power to regulate your hatred, or your love: For my part, if reaſon told me that Iphicrates had a thouſand good qualities, and Chriſippus a thouſand bad ones, I ſhould ſooner believe it, that all your ſomthings and your I know not whats, which are of ſuch ſubtil natures, that done knows where to find them, or how to define them. You ſpeak ſo pleaſantly of theſe, I know not whats, replied Aglatonice, that it is to be believed none was ever troubled with them for you, ſince you know not the power of them.

To ſhew you that I am not ignorant (replied Parthenopea) I acknowledg that there is an I know not what kind of ayr in your perſon, and I know not what kinde of excellencie in your Spiris which doth pleafe and charm me; but for all that, I know very well that you are in the wrong, and if I were in the place of Iphicrates, I am ſure, that this I know not what you ſpeak of, would make me leave loving you. But ſince he cannot hate me, replied ſhe, Can he think much that I cannot force my affection to him? There is as much reaſon for the one, as for the other, and as one may love by reaſon, ſo one may hate by prudence. For my part (replied Parthenopea) I am perſwaded one may and ought, but when reaſon is not ſtrong enough to rule all the thoughts of your heart, yet however it ought to be powerful enough to regulate all your actions: And ſo, ſince all the world condemns your rigour unto Iphicrates, doubtleſs you ought to force, and change your way of behaviour towards him. Then, replied She, I muſt change my heart and my minde, or elſe change Iphicrates, otherwiſe I aſſure you I ſhall behave my ſelf towards him as heretofore I have done. As for Iphicrates, replied Parthenopea, what would you have changed in him? Which of his qualities would you have him leave? I aſſure you, replied Aglatonice, I ſhould be much puzled to tell you; for when I do well examine Iphicrates, and find him handſom, that he is a man of courage and wit, that he ſpeaks elegantly, that he is ſincere and generous: I find alſo, that every one of theſe qualities in particular doth pleaſe me; but I do finde alſo, that being put all together, they do not pleaſe me; and that though Iphicrates be an excellently accompliſhed man, yet is not ſo as he ought to be to make me love him. But (replied Parthenopea) [Page] as you have ingeuiouſlie told me what you think of Iphicrates, ſo tell me I beſeech you what you think of Chriſippus? But by all means tell me ſincerely. Since perhaps you would think more then is true, if I ſhould make a myſterie of it (replied Aglatonice) I will confeſs unto you, That as I do not well know what it is which cauſeth my averſion unto Iphicrates, ſo I know much leſs the cauſe of my inclination not to hate Chriſippus. And to ſhew you that I am not blinde (added She and bluſht) I know verie wel, that when I examine all that is good in Chriſippus, I cannot finde one ſingle excellent quality, but find that there is many things in him which I wiſh were not: But for all that, when I look upon him without examination, I muſt confeſs that he doth not diſpleaſe me ſo much as many others, who are much more eſteemed in the world then he is I do proſeſs Aglatonice (replied Parthenopea) this is intolerable; for if you were not altogether prejudicateed, and if you did not know the good that is in Iphicrates, and the ill that is in Chriſippus, I ſhould then pitie you in lieu of accuſing you: But to ſee that you ſhould ſlight that, which by your own confeſſion you know to be worthie of eſteem, and to ſee you love that which you know is not amiable, this is a thing ſo ſtrange, that I do hate you ſhould be capable of it. Yet endure it you muſt, replied She, for I do proteſt I can do no otherwiſe. Then you do the greateſt piece of injuſtice that ever was done (replied She) Since I do what pleaſeeth my ſelf, replied Aglatonice, I will never trouble my ſelf any further. But then, anſwered Parthenopea, I muſt not any more deny that which I did ſo earneſt deny before, and you muſt dictate unto me how you would have me anſwer thoſe who accuſe you for hating of Iphic ate, and loving Chriſippus; As for Chriſippus, replied Aglatonice ſharply, I will not acknowledg that I love him, for you know I do not uſe to avow any ſuch things; all I would have you do for me is, to keep me from being blamed for my averſion u to Iphicrates. To avoid that blame, replied Parthenopea, you muſt treat Chriſippus leſs favourable then you do, and muſt not hearken any more unto that croud of Lovers which preſs about you, for then the world will ſay you have changed your humour, and hath baniſhed all Gallants in general, becauſe you affect not Gallantrie. But that you ſhould ſuffer a hundred to love you, and out of this hundred you ſhould chuſe the leaſt deſerving man, and dot endure Iphicrates the moſt meritorious, this is the moſt unreaſonable thing that ever any did. However it be, anſwered Aglatonice, I ſhall not follow your counſel, for I do love the world, and hate ſolitude; and ſince thoſe who throng about me do onlie make a noiſe, it is a diverſion to me, and to tell you trulie, I delight not in ſilence unleſs in a Forreſt; and yet I had rather hear the croaking of Crows, as harſh as the noiſe is, the [...] hear nothing at all, and therefore I will continue ſeeing thoſe I uſe to do, and I aſſure you I will not abſolutely thwart my ſelf; and I am fully perſwaded, that ever ſince there were any men, there hath been continuallie ſome who have loved more out of fancie then reaſon, and therefore though I did love Chriſippus more then I do, yet I were not ſo blameable as you make me. Alſo ſince I wil never do any thing for Chriſippus againſt what I owe unto my ſelf, ſurelie it were unjuſt I ſhould go and trouble the tranquilitie of my life onlie for the ſatisfaction of Iphicrates; and therefore my dear Parthenopea, let not this piece of injuſtice wherewith you upbraid me, make me loſe your eſteem or friendſhip. As for my friendſhip, replied She, I ſhall leave it with you; but as for my eſteem, I muſt confeſs you have a leſs ſhare in it, then you had when I came to you: for trulie when I I conſider, that you ſhould ſlight the moſt deſerving of your Lovers, and prefer the verie worſt, I ſhall think you capable of being unjuſt in matters of friendſhip, as well as in matters of Gallantrie, and to prefer the worſt woman in all the Court before me, ſince there can be no greater a difference between her & me, then between Iphicrates & Chriſippus. That which doth moſt comfort me in your anger is, replied Aglatonice & ſmiled, though out of ſpite, becauſe I perceive you do not think I love Chriſippus very well, for if you did think ſo, you would not ſpeak ſo ſcornfullie of me. On the contrarie, replied Parthenopea, I ſpeak as I do, becauſe I think you do love him, for if I did not think ſo, I ſhould not ſpeak at all. But I muſt needs confeſs, that ſeeing you ſo amiable as you are, I cannot endure you ſhould love below your ſelf, and ſcorn a Lover who indeed is worthie of you; and therefore, that I may no more upbraid you with theſe two things, I beſeech you ſtrive with your ſelf either to leave ſcorning Iphicrates, or to leave loving Chriſippus. Trulie Parthenopea, ſaid She and bluſhed, I ſhould be verie much puzled ſhould I offer it, to make choice of one of thee two, for they ſeem unto me both equallie difficult, and ſince I cannot endure any difficulties, I beſeech you pardon, if I do not attempt either.

This Madam was the conference between Aglatonice and Parthenopea, which yet did not [Page] end thus. For be pleaſed to know that the Garden wherein they were having three doors, Iphicrates to entertain his own melancholy thoughts did enter in at one, where Parthenopea's Coach was not; and not ſuſpecting Aglatonice to be there, he began to muſe upon the oddneſs of his fate, and ſo went on in his ſtudie, until he came to the place where Aglatonice and Parthenopea did ſit. But to render this accident more extraordinarie, Chriſippus returning from hunting ſooner then I wiſhed, I made the motion when we came to the Gate [...] this Garden, to light from our horſes, and take a turn in it: For ſaid I, hunting habits are not fit for the viſit of Ladies. So that Chriſippus not dreaming of my deſign (which was to keep him from interrupting my friend) and being unwilling to diſpleaſe a man who had diverted him all that day, he lighted from his horſe, and went firſt into the Garden. We had not gone thirty paces, but we ſaw Aglatonice, Parthenopea, & Iphicrates altogether, and yet they ſaw not us. I ſeeing this, though I could not do my friend a greater pleaſure, then to ſtave off his Rival all the reſt of the day: So as I perſwaded Chriſippus, that ſince theſe Ladies ſaw us not, our beſt way was to retreat, ſince it was not handſom to ſhew our ſelves in ſuch rude habits. But Chriſippus being in love, and of a haſty Spirit to execute what ere he had a fancie to, in lieu of anſwering me, he went ſtraight to Aglatonice, caring no more for me, then if I had been none of his company. But Madam, in his addreſs to her, he uſed ſuch trivial expreſſions, which had neither ſeriouſneſs, or Gallantrie, or delight in them, that Parthenopea looking ſlily upon Aglatonice, She made her bluſh: But on the contrarie, Iphicrates ſpoke ſo exactlie, and played ſo handſomlie upon his Rival, that Aglatonice in her averſion to him was no leſs vexed, that Iphicrates did ſpeak well, then She was aſhamed Chriſippus ſpoke ill: So that not to be forced to commend Iphicrates in ſecret, nor blame Chriſippus, She talked on continually.

Parthenopea having a ſubtil wit, and perceiving that Aglatonice talked only to make others ſilent, did whiſper her in the ear and chide her: All will not do (ſaid She unto her) for though you hinder Chriſippus from talking of trifles, and Iphicrates from ſpeaking excellently, yet you cannot hinder, but that there will be ſtill a vaſt difference between them; for indeed you need onlie to obſerve, how they hearken to you, and how they underſtand you, to make the diſtinction. I profeſs Parthenopea (ſaid She as loud as She could) you are this day one of my cruel perſecutors: Have I not good reaſon? (replied Parthenopea) For my part (ſaid Iphicrates to contradict Aglatonice, though he knew not of whom they ſpoke) I am perſwaded, that Parthenopea is in the right: For my part (ſaid Chriſippus to contradict Iphicrates) I think Aglatonice is in the right. I aſſure you, (replied Parthenopea and ſmiled) you do her the greateſt wrong in the world to think ſo, and there were never any thoughts more unjuſt then hers. Then I am verie happie in taking your part, replied Iphicrates, for ſince I cannot be of Aglatonices. I muſt be on reaſons ſide. Though Parthenopea's ſide be the moſt juſt that can be, replied Aglatonice, yet you are very unjuſt, becauſe you take her part, and know not why. After this, Chriſippus would have ſaid ſomthing, as if he would have given the moſt convincing reaſons in the world to prove, that he was more juſt then Iphicrates, but all his arguments were as light as ayr, and Parthenopea could not forbear laughing; And Aglatonice not being able to ſtay any longer ſaid, That She feared it would rain, and ſo retired. But to the grief of Iphicrates, this inhumane perſon, notwithſtanding the great difference which She ſaw between him and Chriſippus, She turned verie obliginglie towards the laſt of theſe, and giving him her hand: Since you took my part; ſaid ſhe unto him, it is but juſt I carry you to the garden door, and let Parthenopea do that office if ſhe pleaſe for her Champion Iphicrates. I aſſure you, replied Parthenopea, and laughed, ſince Iphicrates was with you before Chriſippus came in, he ſhall not loſe the pleaſure he would have had, if Chriſippus had not come; therefore he ſhall lead you as well as Chriſippus, and for me. I hope Cherſias will do me the favour to conduct me; and indeed Madam ſo it was, Iphicrates and Chriſippus both of them did lead Aglatonice, and I preſented my hand unto Parthenopea, who as long as we were in the walk which led us to the Gate where her Coach was, She did very handſomly twit Chriſippus with his follies, and applaud Iphicrates, but at laſt we parted.

Parthenopea carried Aglatonice to her houſe, Chriſippus went home, and I went with Iphicrates, who as ſoon as we were in his Chamber, related unto me all his diſcourſe with Aglatonice. Well, ſaid I unto him, after I had heard him out, What do you now reſolve upon? To be, replied he, the moſt miſerable man alive. For my part, ſaid I unto him, Methinks you ſhould take a more generous courſe, and it is much better to ceaſe [Page] loving Aglatonice, then thus eternally to ſerve her. I do confeſs it, ſaid he, but I muſt do as I can. It is ſo natural, replied I, not to love thoſe who love not us, and to hate thoſe who hate us, that I wonder you ſhould ſtill love Aglatonice, who you know can never love you: Oh cruel friend (ſaid he then unto me) be contented to tell me that She does not love me, and do not ſay ſhe never will. Since I know no better way to extinguiſh Love then to extinguiſh hope, replied I, I ſhould be ſorry to give you any falſe grounds for it, but would gladly cure you at once of a diſeaſe, which none [...] adminiſter any remedie unto, but only your ſelf: All you ſay, replied he, is full of reaſon? But for all that, there is ſuch a ſtrong inclination in my heart towards Aglatonice, that I am perſwaded I ſhould love her, though in the arms of my Rival, and muſt love her, though ſhe drive me to the Abyſs of diſpair: Indeed I do not love that Aglatenice ſhould have ſuch an unmeaſurable love unto all that can be called pleaſures and diverſions, nor do I affect ſhe ſhould have ſuch a croud alwayes about her, and leſs, that ſhe ſhould receive incenſe for all that offer it; I am alſo vexed to the ſoul, that ſhe ſhould never refuſe any heart but mine, eſpecially that ſhe ſhould treat Chriſippus with a thouſand favours above others, but for all this I love her; and if I be not much miſtaken, ſhall love her as long as I live. But I am ſo bafled in my adventure this day, that I am reſolved to try all remedies which are uſed to adviſe ſuch as are in love: And ſince I have heard ſay, that abſence is a moſt excellent one, I will get me further off Aglatonice, and will depart without bidding her adieu.

Iphicrates had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but to incourage him in his deſign, I uſed all my arguments to perſwade him to leave Priene for a time, and accordingly, within three daies after, he did depart, and departed without taking his leave of Aglatonice. Yet I am ſure that he repented a hundred times of his reſolution; but for all that, he did put it into execution in ſpite of his love, and went to paſs away his exile in Samos, to the end that being in a Court of high Gallantrie, he might the better cure himſelf of his paſſion. Moreover, during his abſence, I did write unto him all that I thought expedient to chaſe Love out of his heart, for Aglatonice entertained no freſh Lover, but I ſent him word of it, nor ſhe conferred no new favour upon Chriſippus, but he had it in a Letter from me: She ſpoke alſo many bitter invictives againſt him, which I did let him know; and indeed I omitted nothing which might conduce to his cure. For all this Madam, my remedies were in vain, and abſence, as powerful as it is, could not change the heart of Iphicrates. So that finding himſelf as deep in love as ever, and ſince abſence did but make him more miſerable at Samos then he was at Priene, he writ me a Letter, which I will relate, becauſe it is not long.

IPHICRATES unto CHERSIAS.

TRuth is, my dear Cherſias, I kn [...]w to my [...]ame, that I am the baſ ſt [...]man alive, ſince I do plainly ſee, I am not able to leave loving Aglatonice; and ſince ſo, I muſt content my ſelf with the miſery of loving her without hopes of being loved, and not be ſo miſerable, as to love her and be abſent too; therefore within this three daies I ſhall imbarque, and come to ſeek ſome comfort in doing ſome ill office unto Chriſippus, and in acquainting you with the miſeries of your friend.

IPHICRATES.

I muſt confeſs Madam, that as well as Floved Iphicrates, I received his Letter without any joy, and heard of his return with much ſorrow; for I having contracted an intimacy with Parthenopea, and ſhe being extreamly vexed at the injuſtice of Aglatonice, I underſtood by her that Chriſippus was daily more and more happy, not that there was any thing in him to ſtave off other Lovers from his Miſtreſs, but it was becauſe he was incomparably better in her fancy and opinion then any other, though ſhe had no reaſon in the earth for it. So that when Iphicrates returned unto Priene, he found things in a worſe condition then when he left it: And certainly he found it ſo, for when he went upon his firſt viſit unto Aglatonice, ſhe received him with a ſtrange coldneſs, and returned ſuch faint anſwers to all he ſaid, and turned matters ſo to other ſubjects, that Iphicrates could [Page] not underſtand her. But he having an excellent wit, he preſently perceived the malice of this unjuſt woman, and having no minde to be bafled into ſilence before ſo many Rivals, as ſoon as he ſaw his opportunity he began to ſpeak▪ and talked as faſt upon things which paſſed at Samos whilſt he was in the Court of Policrite, as Aglatonice talked of paſſages in Priene, during his abſence; but the difference was, he told all his ſtories in a pleaſant merry manner, for being deſirous to let her ſee he underſtood her deſign, he talked for an hour together the moſt pleaſantly that is imaginable, but all was of things ſo far out of the knowledg of Aglatonice, that ſhe had no greater ſhare in his diſcourſe, then he had in hers before; and the better to facilitate his deſign, there was one at that time with Aglatonice, who had been in Samos: And ſince there happen'd a moſt ſtrange accident concerning a Ring which Policrite let fall into the Sea, at a Feaſt with Ladies upon the water, and which was found again a few daies after, he addreſſed his diſcourſe continually unto this man, and intermixing in his diſcourſe the names of Alcidamia, Meneclides, and Acaſta, who were Ladies of that Court, he talked of ſtately Edifices, and compoſed things and his talk into ſuch an ingenious miſcellany, that Aglatonice could not catch an opportunity of handſomly interrupting him, as he had interrupted her. But at laſt, ſhe being put beyond her patience, and not being able to endure that Iphicrates ſhould return malice for malice, ſhe cut him off ſhort: I have often heard ſay (ſaid ſhe unto him) that the firſt viſits of a man returned from travel are very dangerous, but I never tryed it till now: For (added ſhe in a twitting rallary) here is Iphicrates, who hath been no further then Samos, yet he is as greedy to tell all he has ſeen, as if he had been in Perſia, Aegypt, Babylon, Ecbatan, and Scithea, and he talks, as if he had ſeen ſuch ſtrange things as never were talked of before. Being perſwaded Madam that you know moſt exactly all. Rules of Civility, replied he half ſmiling, and never uſe to fail in the leaſt circumſtance, I did believe, that ſince you thought good to talk a whole hour of things which I underſtood not, ſo you will not take it ill, if I talked of things which you did not underſtand; and the rather, becauſe thoſe who return from travel have a peculiar priviledg for being heard: For my part, replied Chriſippus, I know not why they ſhould have that priviledg, for I do not care for knowing things which happen not in the place where I live: Doubtleſs Sir (replied Iphicrates) it is an argument of great moderation of minde, to confine ones curioſity to the place where he dwells, and it is the only way to get good information: Though it ſeem you are not of opinion with Chriſippus, anſwered Aglatonice, yet I muſt tell you, that I fear nothing in the world more, then to meet with theſe makers of journeys, and tellers of ſtrange prodigies, who will make it a whole daies work in telling you, that in ſuch a place is a River which empties it ſelf into a Gulf, and riſes again a hundred furlongs off; and in another place he found Mountains higher then the Clouds; that in Aegppt the High-Prieſts Surpleſſes are with Fringe and Taſſels upon it, that the King of Medes Throne is all of gold, that in Phrygia the Gordian knot is the ſtrangeſt thing that ever was ſeen, and a hundred ſuch: But I pray, ſaid ſhe in the prettieſt rapture of wit that ever was ſeen, What have I to do with this River, that Mountain, the High-Prieſt, the Throne of Gold, and that Knot which none can unty? Is it not better to tell of things within the compaſs of our knowledge, and of ſuch things as concerns us, then of ſuch things of which we have no need? Yet there are a ſort of men who are extreamly ignorant in any thing that concerns them, and knowing enough in things which concerns them not: For my particular, purſued ſhe, I know a man who can number up all the Monſters about the river Nilus; and knows, as he ſayes, how the Phoenix is produced, and the Halcions, who for all that does not know half the creatures of his own Country.

Though the mind of Iphicrates was netled at the diſcourſe of Aglatonice, yet he could not chuſe but think it pleaſant: Yet I being preſent at the conference, and was deſirous to turn all into rallary, I began to ſpeak, and told Aglatonice, that if ever I travelled, I would be ſure of never ſeeing her, until I was weary of relating unto others all that I had ſeen abroad: Truly, ſaid ſhe, you would do me a pleaſure in it: Yet truly, ſaid I unto her; what you ſay is not ſo full of reaſon as you think it; for I am perſwaded, that to confine ones knowledg only unto the things of ones own Country, is the way to limit our knowledg into too narrow a compaſs, and there is much pleaſure to be taken in being acquainted with things that are excellent in all other Countryes: I confeſs it, replied ſhe, and I believe that thoſe who travel have very much ſatisfaction; but yet I would not have them at their return, tire thoſe they meet withal with continual relations of it, but tarry [Page] till fit opportunities to talk of what they have ſeen, does naturally offer themſelves, and and not to catch at all opportunities of talking thereupon. For my part, ſaid Chriſippus, I wonder how any one can finde any ſatisfaction in being in a ſtrange Country where they do not underſtand the language, to be put to the inconveniency of changing their lodgings every night, and often put to many a hard ſhift: Since you did never travel Sir (replied Iphicrates coldly) doubtleſs you are ignorant of the pains and the pleaſures of thoſe who have; yet you may think your ſelf happy that can ſit at eaſe with Aglatonice, and hear what others have learned with ſo much wearineſs and fears: For my part (ſaid Aglatonice, purpoſely to hinder Chriſippus from ſpeaking impertinently) I am not at all ſorry to know how they live in other Courts: But to tell you truly, it is an argument of great defect in judgment, to be alwayes relating what one hath ſeen: Since I am juſt Madam, replied Iphicrates, I do concur with you; for it is very true, one ought to chuſe then perſons unto whom he ſpeaks of ſuch things, and never to be long and tedious in his relations, unleſs he be ingaged by the particular curioſity of thoſe unto whom he ſpeaks, for in ſuch a caſe one may deſcribe a whole Country without any abſurdity: But my meaning is Madam, that the moſt pleaſing ſtudy one can follow, is travels; and the faire [...] diverſion in the world is, to be acquainted (eſpecially from a man of ingenuity) with what is rare, and worthy of obſervation in all places he hath been, provided it be told without affectation, and without inſiſting upon ſuch things, as are neither diverting nor neceſſary; for I muſt confeſs, when men will trouble themſelves and the company with telling a thouſand impertinent circumſtances, which relate nothing to the purpoſe, but are tedious, it were to be wiſhed, that ſuch had never ſtirred from home; for ſuch, if they had known leſs, they had ſpoken leſs.

Moreover, there are another ſort of men, who uſe to obſerve nothing but what they ſhould forget, and never minde ſuch things as are moſt worthy of conſideration. But however, though I deſire to know nothing but what is worthy to be known, yet I had rather one ſhould tell me ſome frivilous things, provided there be any diverſion in them, then that they ſhould tell me nothing at all; and beſides all this, it is oftentimes more agreeable to company, to talk of what is far off us, then what is neer; for there is ſuch ſtrange news abroad here at this time, that it is better to talk of any thing elſe: Since I do as much deſire to know the paſſages of Priene, replied Chriſippus, as I do hate to know what happens any where elſe, I would you would tell me what this ſtrange news is? Another time I ſhall Sir, anſwered Iphicrates, but now I will not tell it unto any but Aglatonice, if She pleaſe to hear it.

Chriſippus hearing Iphicrates ſay ſo, was very importunate with Aglatonice to know it, in hopes to know it himſelf afterwards: But She having as much wit as he had little, did know very well, that She was concerned in what he would tell her, ſo as ſhe told Chriſippus, that She was not ſo full of curioſity as he was, and therefore would not deſire of Iphicrates any thing he would not tell unto others. But the more ſhe denied Chriſippus, the more he importun'd her, and was ſo earneſt with Iphicrates to impart this ſtrange news, that She to ſtop the fooliſh importunitie of Chriſippus, did ſuffer Iphicrates to tell it her in a low voice, and the beſt jeſt was, whilſt he talked with her, his Rival was the gladdeſt man in the world, imagining that whatſoever was told unto Aglatonice, he ſhould know it before night, but he was miſtaken, for the buſineſs was of another nature then to be imparted unto Chriſippus: And indeed Madam, as ſoon as this Lover had obtained leave to ſpeak low, he whiſpered Aglatonice in the ear: The ſtrange news I heard as I came hither was (ſaid he unto her) that you do ſtill continue unjuſt; and that Chriſippus, though an Aſs, is more in your favour then ever he was, but that I on the other ſide am far worſe.

Iphicrates had no ſooner ſaid this, but Aglatonice with a ſtrange inhumanity, and incredible boldneſs began to ſpeak, and told Iphicrates aloud, that all this he told her was no news at all, and that She knew all he ſaid long ſince, and that nothing in the world was more true then it: I leave you to judg Madam, whether or no this cruel anſwer did incenſe Iphicrates, yet it did not much move him, but he contented himſelf with telling Aglatonice, that he was very ſorry She knew it, and ſhould have been very glad if ſhe had not; after which, not being able to ſtay any longer there, he went out, and I with him; and ſo we left Chriſippus importuning Aglatonice to tell him what Iphicrates had ſaid. But Sir, this unfortunate Lover had a mind ſo unquiet, that I never in all my life ſaw ſuch ſigns of fury in the face of a man; and as ſoon as he came into his Chamber, he talked to me, [Page] as if he would run out of his wits: But, ſaid I unto him, Why do you not make uſe of all theſe paſſages to hate Aglatonice? I do proteſt, ſaid he unto me, My heart begins to reſent that which it never did before, for till now, I thought that I ſhould love Aglatonice even in the very Arms of my Rival; but now I begin to think, that if She ſhould marry him, I ſhould hate her: If you be very certain of what you ſay, replied I, I would do your Rival ſervice in lieu of hindering him; for ſince you cannot be loved, it is better to hate, then love her who cannot love you, and to cure your ſelf by hatred, then to be eternally miſerable, in ſuffering for one that will neither care nor comfort you. Though I make no queſtion (replied he) but that remedy would cure me, yet I do proteſt I will not ſeek it, but on the contrary, will hinder my ſelf from uſing it as much as I can, not but that my minde deſires a cure, but yet my heart reſiſts it; and the truth is, I am the moſt miſerable Lover that ever was. After this Madam, I uſed a hundred ſharp invectives againſt Aglatonice; and I perceived ſo well, that if Chriſippus married her, he would not love her, as I reſolved to uſe my utmoſt endeavours in haſting the happineſs of Chriſippus.

Thus to ſerve my friend; I ſerved his Rival, and did as much for his Enemy, as I could have done for him. But in concluſion Madam, not to be over-tedious, let me tell you, that to ſatisfie his paſſion by his revenge, he fought with Chriſippus, and diſarmed him: But vanquiſhed as he was, Aglatonice ſtill preferred him before Iphicrates, whom She hated much more then before the Combat: So that I reſolved to negotiate the buſineſs with one that was Cozen unto Aglatonice, whom I was well acquainted with, and was ſo happy in my tranſaction, that the Marriage between Chriſippus and her was made up; yet I underſtood ſince from Parthenopea, that though Aglatonice loved Chriſippus, yet yet She could hardly reſolve to marry him: But at laſt Madam, ſhe did marry him without any ſeeming repugnancy. In the mean time, it was no ſooner reported that Chriſippus was to marry Aglatonice, but it was again reported, that he had already married her, for the marriage was not above four daies in compleating: So that Iphicrates, who was gone a daies journey out of Priene, knew nothing of all this: But Madam, he received the news of it in ſo ſtrange a manner, as I think you never heard the like; and I being accidentally at his Gate when he returned, as ſoon as he lighted from his horſe, and both of us come into his Chamber, he told me how he paſſed by the lodging of Chriſippus, and there was ſuch a croud of people, that he believed there had been ſome qnarrel, asking me if I knew between whom: I know not (ſaid I unto him) whether Chriſippus have been quarrelling or no, but I know very well that he married Aglatonice yeſterday, and that there are a great croud of people at his houſe: How (cried out Iphicrates) Aglatonice married to Chriſippus, Yes, replied I, and I muſt ſummon you to be as good as your word; and ask you if you will hate her? Yes, yes, (replied he very ſharply) I will, I will hate her, and hate her ſo heartily, that if I do not hate her, I will hate my ſelf: For truly Cherſias (ſaid he unto me) I muſt not by any means continue loving a fooliſh woman; that hath wholly beſtowed her ſelf upon the pooreſt parted fellow that lives amongſt men: Had She only treated me ill, ſaid he, I proteſt I ſhould ſtill have loved her as long as I lived; or had She only preferred Chriſippus before me without marriage, I ſhould have ſuffered her injuſtice without hatred: But to caſt away her ſelf, to ſatisfie the paſſion of ſuch a man as Chriſippus, this is a ſin ſo ſimple, that I can never pardon it: Yes, yes, Cherſias, ſaid he, hold me for the baſeſt of men if ever I be either an Adorer or Lover of her that is Wife unto Chriſippus.

At theſe words Iphicrates ſtopped, as if he would ask himſelf whether all this was true, then ſaid he upon a ſudden; No, no, I ſhall quickly leave loving Aglatonice, for I find in my ſelf a great diſpoſition to ſcorn her: You may well imagine Madam, that I confirmed him in this minde as much as I could, and indeed he was ſo fully reſolved to drive Aglatonice out of his heart, that in a few daies he found his anger to be higher then his Love: And as a great help to his cure, he never came in any place where Aglatonice was not much condemned; ſo that curing himſelf by a reſentment of ſpite, he paſſed from anger to hatred, and a while after, from hatred to indifferency, and at laſt not to endure the very ſight of her. In the mean time, this unjuſt perſon was juſtly puniſhed for her injuſtice, for the ſhallow capacity of Chriſippus reaching no higher then a terreſtrial and groſs love, and being of as light a ſpirit as ever was known, as ſoon as Aglatonice was his Wife, he was no more her Lover. So that ſince ſhe could not ſee this without ſorrow, and that a perſon who was uſed to receive offers of incenſe, now to receive ſlights and [Page] ſcorn, ſhe was not only angry and grieved at this, but ſhe was aſhamed alſo of being the Wife unto ſuch a Husband; yet ſtanding upon her honour, ſhe would not expreſs her reſentments, but carried it very fair to the world, as before. All her Lovers, except Iphicrates, continued their viſits to her, and though now under the notion of friends, yet ſtill were her Lovers.

But Chriſippus, though a man of a very narrow ſoul, and not capable of any deep diſcernment, yet he began to be jealous: The truth is, it was no jealouſie of Love, which amidſt of all its fantaſmes, preſerves ſome reſpect unto the perſon of whom he is jealous, and may be truly called the jealouſie of a Lover; but it was a jealouſie of honour, which commonly cauſes all thoſe who are capable of it to be extravagant with a noyſe: So that the unjuſt Aglatonice did ſee her ſelf expoſed unto all manner of miſeries: I alſo underſtood from Parthenopea, that She began to be ſo ſenſible of her injuſtice in preferring Chriſippus before Iphicrates, that according as She did drive the firſt of theſe out of her heart, ſhe received in the ſecond, and repented her ſelf for treating him as ſhe had done; yet She being indeed virtuous, all this paſſed in her minde without being perceived, yet She was not altogether ſo miſerable as another might have been in her caſe, for being a Lover of pleaſures, for all the fantaſtical humours of Chriſippus, She did divert her ſelf. But now every one of her Lovers began to fall off, and to do what they could to diſpleaſe her, and at laſt, did hate her, as much as before they loved her: So that Madam, Iphicrates had the ſatisfaction to ſee his Rivals revenged upon his Miſtreſs, and his Miſtreſs revenged upon his Rivals; and he had this advantage, to guſt his revenge with tranquility, and to finde his heart ſo freely diſingaged from that paſſion which did before tyrannize over it, that he could not poſſibly be freer then now he was. But Madam, to come unto that which will prove, that it is not an eaſie matter to love the ſame perſon twice, be pleaſed to know, that Chriſippus did engage himſelf in a quarrel, did fight, and was killed, ſo that Aglatonice was rid of an odd husband, and in a capacity to do juſtice unto Iphicrates, if Iphicrates was in the ſame mind as before; And indeed Madam, after ſhe had left off mourning, ſhe changed her lodging, and chance did ſo fall out, that her lodging was directly over againſt that of her ancient Lover. So that civility obliging him to ſee her, he did viſit her, and the rather, becauſe he found his heart ſo abſolutely diſingaged, that it was all indifferency, and had neither hatred nor affection to her: In this tranquil minde, Iphicrates did venture to ſee Aglatonice again, and ſaw her, without the leaſt diſturbance of his tranquility, yet Aglatonice was as far as ever, and he knew very well, that if he would he could ſucceed in the place of Chriſippus, yet he did not finde the leaſt motion of Love, but was ſo far from it, as I have heard him ſay, he would rather marry an ugly old witch, then begin again to love Aglatonice, and his ſoul was ſo ſetled in inſenſibility, that he would often talk to her of old paſſages between them, and rally at them. In the mean time, I muſt confeſs unto you, that I was nothing pleaſed at theſe viſits; but was afraid leſt he ſhould re-ingage himſelf, for he being a man of ſtrong and violent paſſions, I wiſhed for his own reſts ſake, that he ſhould never fall in Love again with her. So that one evening, preſſing him to go no more unto Aglatonice, I pray Cherſias (ſaid he) never trouble your ſelf, nor fear that I ſhall ever re-ingage my ſelf; but yet▪ She is ſo fair, (ſaid I unto him) and ſo ſweet as ever ſhe was before, that I muſt needs fear it: 'Tis true, ſaid he, But Cherſias know, that my love of her being once extinguiſhed, all her art can never kindle it again: Since I hate her now, I ſhall never love her again, it is a thing abſolutely impoſſible, for hatred is a paſſion as violent as love, Love may change it ſelf into hatred when Love precedes, but when Love paſſes into hatred, from hatred to ſcorn and from ſcorn to dead neutrality, be aſſured, one can never love again: And indeed Madam the event ſhewed, that Iphicrates was not miſtaken, for he could never love Aglatonice again, though he ſaw her a thouſand times after the death of Chriſippus; but on the contrary, I have ſeen him become a Confident nnto one of her Lovers; and I have ſeen him marry another, though he was certain that he might have married Aglatonice if he would. After this Madam, I aſſure my ſelf you will think this example ſufficient to prove, that one cannot love one and the ſame perſon twice, and is as ſtrong an example, as that which Meneſiphiles related to prove, that one may be twice inſpired with love of the ſame perſon.

When I had ended my relation, the Princeſs of Corinth, and the Princeſs of Lindes, both confeſſed, that theſe two examples were extreamly contrary: But reaſons being alwayes more prevalent then examples (ſaid Eumetis to the company) it were good to examine [Page] and know whether thoſe of Cherſias have more ſolidity in them, then thoſe Meneſiphiles.

But Madam, as I was going to anſwer, all the Sages were ſeen to come in, accompanied with Niloxenus, Diocles, and Cleodemes, who after they had argued upon high and excellent queſtions, came out of the Hal [...] where the Princeſſes left them, and came to take the ayr where they were: However, ſince the Princeſſes had a deſire to hear the reaſons of Meneſiphiles and my ſelf, Eumetis addreſſed her ſelf unto Periander, and told him, that he came very opportunely to be judg of a queſtion of Gallantry, unto which all the company were to give their opinions: For Sir (added She) though it be no queſtion concerning Government of Kingdoms, or ruling of Commonwealths, yet I think it not unworthy the curioſity of the Sages, ſince it is concerning all the odd effects of ſo powerful and general a paſſion.

Periander then being acquainted with the queſtion, Solon whom it concerned did think it ſo nice, that he ſaid he was ready to give his opinion, and turning towards the reſt, one out of inclination, another out of complacency, and all diſpoſed themſelves to give their Votes: So that Meliſſa being come, and every one taking their places except Aeſope, who left his, Cleobuline commanded me to give my reaſons, permitting Meneſiphiles to interrupt me when he pleaſed: So that after I had a little thought upon what to ſay, I addreſſed my ſelf unto Meneſiphiles, as againſt whom I was to diſpute: Methinks (ſaid I unto him) to judg rightly upon the queſtion in hand, and to know truly whether it be not a thing extreamly rare (if not impoſſible) to love one Lady twice, it muſt be conſidered what cauſes love, to the end it may be ſeen whether it be found in a perſon whom one loved before: Since it is the ſame perſon, replied Meneſiphiles, it muſt of neceſſity follow, that the ſame is to be found in her the ſecond time, which was in her the firſt; to wit, the ſame beauty the ſame Spirit, and the ſame agreeableneſs; and therefore ſince theſe did invite the firſt time, they may alſo the ſecond. Not at all, replied I, for though all theſe be the ſame, yet they may want one particular charm which highly ſets them off, and that is novelty; for that luſtre which at the firſt did dazle the eyes, and beget admiration, by being well acquainted with them, they become but ordinary, uſe and cuſtome does glut the ſenſes, and it is with beauty as with perfumes, which after the firſt time, loſe their ſmells, and conſequently cannot beget a ſecond liking, or make a new Conqueſt. Moreover, as there is a neceſſity of hopes growing up with love: So I hold it a moſt difficult thing for hope to revive when one leaves off loving out of reaſon, or diſpair, or when Love of it ſelf doth extinguiſh, and I am perſwaded that when one leaves off deſiring a thing, becauſe he doth think it not worthy to be deſired, it is not an eaſie matter to renew that deſire again: However, it is impoſſible that hope ſhould grow without deſires, and that love can ſubſiſt without hope. I do very well grant, there may be ſome quarrelling, during which one may imagine that he does not love, though ſtill he do, but I cannot conceive that when one doth really ceaſe to love, one ſhould ever begin again to love the ſame perſon. Yet it is moſt commonly ſeen, replied Meneſiphiles, that a Candle extinguiſhed will be more eaſily lighted again, then if it had never been lighted; and though there be no heat at all left in, yet there doth remain a kinde of diſpoſition, which makes it more capable of taking fire; and I am verily perſwaded, that when one hath vehemently loved a perſon, there does ſtill reſide ſome light touch of heat in the heart of that Lover, which makes him more diſpoſed to be moved at the charms of her he loved before, then at the charms of any other; for it muſt be granted, that ſhe has ſuch charms as will pleaſe him, becauſe they pleaſed him before, and therefore is more fit and likely to ingage him the ſecond time, then any other perſon. For my part, replied I, I muſt confeſs I cannot underſtand how a perſon, whoſe charms had not power enough to keep a man from ceaſing to love her, ſhould have power to make the ſame Lover love her the ſecond time: For I am perſwaded, that as it is eaſier to keep the fire from extinguiſhing, then it is to light it; ſo it is more eaſie to preſerve Love, then to recreate it: So that in my opinion, as ſoon as a Lady ſees that her beauty cannot hold her Lover, ſhe never need to think of ever fettering him again, if once he really broke her chains: But commonly thoſe who are ſaid to begin to love the ſame perſon again, did never really leave loving her, though they thought they did, and queſtionleſs ſome ſparks of the old fire lay hid in the Embers, and ſeeming dead, did deceive their own thoughts: Indeed there are ſome jealous Lovers, who are ſo bold in their raptures, as to ſay they do not love, though all the world knows there can be no real jealouſie without love: There are others alſo, who becauſe [Page] they have ſome ſparks or effects of hatred in their minde, preſently they think they do hate: For ſomtimes one ſhall ſee them in an angry mood, make cruel imprications againſt thoſe they adored, yet it often happens, that they would not curſe them, but becauſe they love them. But beſides theſe two ſorts of Lovers, who love and know it not, and who think they begin to love upon a new ſcore, when as they do only continue the old; there is a third kinde, who think, as the reſt, that they are not in love, becauſe their Love cools, and ſlacks a little for a time, and they are not ſenſible of it, either in point of joyes, or point of ſorrows; but for all that, their affections are but aſleep, not dead: And when this kinde of Love begins to quicken by any accident, it muſt be ſaid only to waken, not revive. So that I do not wonder, many are perſwaded one may love the ſame perſon twice, ſince the very ſame perſons, who have theſe kinds of paſſion whereof I ſpeak, are deceived themſelves firſt, and then they deceive others, and yet it holds moſt conſtantly true, that (without a prodigy) one cannot love one beauty twice, yes I muſt confeſs, that when love ceaſes by reaſon of any ſtrange or unjuſt cauſe, one may ceaſe and begin again to love: For example, if a man in love thinks he is betrayed, and in the heat of his reſentment he paſſes from love to hatred, and a while after he finds that he was miſtaken, I believe it will be an eaſie matter to revive that paſſion in his heart which he baniſhed, becauſe he finds her to be the ſame She was when he loved her, this is rather a continuance, then a recommencement of love; but for any other manner, for which a man may break off with his Miſtreſs, I hold it impoſſible he ſhould ever love her twice. Since it hath happened ſo in Philidas, replied Meneſiphiles, it may again happen ſo in another. And ſince it did not happen ſo in Iphicrates (replied I) it is not likely it ſhould happen ſo again, for every thing did invite him as much as poſſible to begin again to love Aglatonice. The intereſt of his fortune did ſuit with that of his love, if he could have loved; ſhe was fairer then ever, ſhe was nothing ſo cruel, Iphicrates was ingaged no where elſe, he ſaw her every day, he talked with her every hour, his ſoul was naturally amorous, and he had loved as violently as ever any did, and yet for all this, he could not love her the ſecond time, and doubtleſs the rule holds true in love as in all things elſe, that when they are once deſtroyed and gone, they never return to be the ſame they were again. But Cherſias, replied Meneſiphiles, I have many reaſons more ſtrong againſt you; for I believe that the moſt eſſential cauſe of love, is that inviſible band that tyes hearts ſo faſt together, and is called Sympathy; and I do believe alſo, that this Sympathy can never end: Since we ſee all natural inclinations never change, either amongſt Inanimates, animals, or men; for the Loadſtone will love to draw iron to it as long as it is a Loadſtone, the Lion will fear that Bird which is called the Herald of the day, as long as he is a Lion; men do keep the firſt inclinations which nature gave them, even unto death; and indeed a covetous man will never be liberal, without a ſtrange violence upon himſelf, the envious man never commends any without regret, and an ambitious man will never ſubmit without ſorrow; and in my opinion, all theſe ſeveral inclinations are not more ſtrong in our hearts, then that Sympathy is, which makes us love one perſon more then another: So that as all theſe inclinations do ſubſiſt, as long as we ſubſiſt our ſelves, it follows of abſolute neceſſity, that the Sympathy which makes us love, doth ſubſiſt alſo: 'Tis true, our inclinations are ſomtimes forced by reaſon, though we ſtill have them; and the effects of this Sympathy whereof I ſpeak, may be ſuſpended by ſome accident; but for all that, it cannot ceaſe being, and conſequently I conclude, that there is ſtill a great diſpoſition to love what formerly one loved, ſince the cauſe never ceaſed: And as there are ſome certain things which hinder the effects of the Loadſtone, ſo there may be which hinder the effects of Sympathy, but removing thoſe obſtacles, the Sympathy begins again to operate, and I am ſo verily perſwaded of what I ſay, that I do much more wonder to ſee one leave loving what he loved before, then to ſee one love one and the ſame perſon twice.

Cuſtome and habitude which is ſo ſtrong in all things, makes alſo the minde to have a natural propencity of loving again that perſon whom it loved long: The boughs of trees tatched to a wall, are ſo accuſtomed to that poſture they are put unto, that of themſelves they ply unto it, though untatched, ſo powerful is habit and cuſtome in every thing. So that it is no wonder at all, if there be a great facility of loving the ſecond time that perſon whom one loved before, ſince they do no more then what before they had done: And indeed the example of Philidas, and Anaxandride, makes it apparent, that the reaſons I have given are good, for had there not been a powerful Sympathy between them, they [Page] had never renewed their Love: Philidas had too much wronged Anaxandride ever to think of becoming her Lover again, had he not been forced unto it, and Anaxandride had too unjuſtly forſaken him; ever to truſt his affection; yet they loved more zealouſly the ſecond time, then they did the firſt; and whether Sympathy or habilitude, or both together, were the cauſe they ſtill do love with as much zeal as fidelity, and in all likely-hoods will continue ſo eternally.

After this, Meneſiphiles being ſilent, the Princeſs of Lindes who was the cauſe of this diſpute, deſired all this illuſtrious company they would be pleaſed to give their opinions in the matter; and there being men too much knowing to give their opinions without their reaſons, theſe wiſe men did make the moſt pleaſing definition of Love that ever was. But in concluſion, the plurality of Votes was on the ſide of Meneſiphiles, for they did not only conclude, that one might love one and the ſame perſon twice, but alſo, that it was much much more eaſie for a man to return unto his firſt Miſtreſs, then to love a new one; yet they acknowledged that it does not happen ſo often as it ought, adding, that moſt of thoſe who ceaſe to love, did doubtleſs never love very much: For my part (ſaid Aeſope, who was of a contrary opinion to theirs) I am ſure that I loved Rhodope as well, or better then ever any did or could love, and I am as ſure that now I do not love her, nor ever ſhall, I fortifie the ſide of Moneſiphiles by my example, nor do I like that men ſhould be leſs rational then the Tirtles, who never love but once. After this, paſſing from one ſubject to another; the Queſtion was asked, Why beauty did not neceſſarily produce Love in the ſouls of all thoſe who beheld it alike? Why ſome women who were not at all fair, yet raiſed great and violent paſſions, inſtancing alſo many examples of its odd effects. Solon ſaid, that as hope nouriſhed love, ſo jealouſie did augment it, provided it was not over violent, and it grounded. Periander on the contrary maintained, that this paſſion was an Enemy to love, though it was inſeparable companion. Bias takeing a third ſide ſaid, That a Lover might be capable of jealouſie, yet never jealous. Pittacus affirmed, that one was never jealous, but when the party loved did give ſome cauſe of it, and if that cauſe was given he ought to hate her: Cleobulus and Thales on the coutrary ſaid, that love without jealouſie was but faint and cold: And Chilon according to his natural ſeverity ſaid, That one ſhould not be jealous of any thing but his own glory: As for Anacharſis he ſaid, that one ought to be jealous of every thing he loved, affirming, that one cannot love any thing dearly, but they will fear to loſe the enjoyment of it, and that one cannot fear the loſs of it without ſome ſparks of jealouſie. As for Aeſope, he uſing his Beaſts and Birds to ſet forth his Phyloſophy, he ſaid, that as the Pelican gives life unto thoſe who give her death, ſo jealouſie is a paſſion that murders the love which gave it being As for the Princeſſes, they confined themſelves to the modeſty of their Sex, and ſubmitted to the opinions of the Sages.

As they were thus diſcourſing, one came and acquainted Periander with the accident that befell Arion, and Periander cauſing the man to relate it unto all the company, this wonderful adventure was an admirable diverſion to them: For he deſcribed how the Dolphin ſaved Arion ſo admirably well, and how he brought him to the Port of Tenarus, that it was as pleaſing as if they had ſeen it. But this accident being known to all the world, I ſhall not trouble you Madam with the relation of it, only tell you, how Periander remembering he had heard Thales ſay, that men ought only to tell probabilities, but never any thing which is not, though it be true; therefore he asked him pardon, for cauſing a relation to be made which ſeemed almoſt impoſſible: 'Tis very true, ſaid the wiſe Bias, that was one of Thales his Maximes; and I have heard him alſo ſay, that one ſhould never believe their Enemies in things which ſeemed moſt credible: But to believe their friends in things incredible: And therefore you need not fear that he will accuſe you. After this, divers examples were related of the love of Dolphins towards men: Solon related that of Heſiode, whoſe body a Dolphin carried to Land neer the Town of Molicry, and which was a cauſe that they who murdered that famous Poet, were puniſhed. Pittacus alſo related an example of the goodneſs in Dolphins to one whoſe name was [...]nalus, Son unto the Founder of Mytilene, whoſe life the Dolphins ſaved. Well then (ſaid Aeſope and laughed) Since Dolphins do ſuch wonders, Why do you mock at my Gayes and my Crows for ſpeaking? For my part (ſaid Cleobulin) I do not mock, for they ſpeak ſo well. that it is hard for any to ſpeak better: Though you do not Madam, replied he, yet there are men who judg of things according to appearances, and who becauſe they ſee they are but Beaſts, which I introduce, do never [Page] think that it was a man that made them ſpeak; not that they are much in the wrong (added he) for one cannot know the truth by appearances: Then you have forgot your Fox (replied Anacharſis very pleaſantly) for when you made him enter into conteſt with the Leopard, to know which of them two had the moſt ſpots, he deſired his Judg not ſo much to conſider the exteriour ſpots which the Leopard had upon his skin, as thoſe he had in his head, aſſuring him, that if he did well conſider his, he would find greater variety then in his who diſputed ſo much which was beſt ſpotted: 'Tis true (ſaid Eſope) I did contradict my ſelf: But to tell you truly, added he and laughed, I have made ſo many Beaſts to ſpeak, that I fear by teaching them my language, I ſhall at laſt learn theirs, and by making them become what I am, I ſhall my ſelf become what they are: Ah Eſope, ſaid Eumetis, what Spirit ſoever you have inſpired into your Beaſts and Birds, you have yet much more then you have infuſed into them.

After this, every one according to their inclinations, parted into ſeveral companies in that pleaſant Grove: Chilon he went walking with Anacharſis, Periander with Thales, Niloxenus, Bias, Pittacus, Cleobulus and Cleodema: But Solon having a natural inclination unto Gallantry, he ſtayed with the Ladies, and made the converſation more pleaſant then ever any I knew in all my life: Indeed this man ſo wiſe, and ſo highly prudent, did know ſo well how to comply with the times, and perſons unto whom he ſpoke, that he could ſpeak upon every Subject: The truth is, it argued no baſeneſs of ſpirit in him, for being with the Princeſs of Corinth, and the Princeſs of Lindes, he might well talk of the moſt ſublime matters without any fear of being not underſtood, and he related all that was ſaid amongſt the Sages, ſince the Princeſſes came out of the Hall, and did it with ſo much, and in ſo few words, that he did epitomize all their excellent diſcourſe, to wit, all that morality or policy could teach. Afterwards Solon told the two Princeſſes, that they ought to think themſelves infinitely happy in being ſo much above all the reſt of their Sex, and yet to have ſo much moderation as to keep within ſuch limits as modeſty required all Ladies ſhould in matters of Sciences, and not to ſhew any ſuch weakneſs as women are commonly charged with: For truly, ſaid he and ſmiled, there are but a very few who are not ſo weak as to wiſh themſelves loved by more men then they would love. For my part, ſaid Cleobuline, I believe one may without a crime wiſh to be eſteemed by all the world, but I cannot allow any ſhould make more men in love with them, then they would love: Yet I aſſure you Madam, replied Solon, it is the general mind of moſt beauties, and a mind more dangerous then they imagine: Yet there are many, replied Eumetis, who do only out of vanity, and do not wiſh to be loved, but becauſe they think that the eſteem of Beauty is love: 'Tis true (replied Solon) it is often ſo; but yet for all that, few Ladies would love, if they were never loved, and when they wiſh that men ſhould love them, they then begin to love alſo: For my part, ſaid Eſope, I cannot think it neceſſary to love a Lady before ſhe loves him; and as there are an infinite number of men who love firſt, ſo I believe there are an infinite number of women who loue firſt alſo; and though all the Sages ſhould ſay the contrary, I ſhould hardly believe them. Ah Eſope (ſaid Eumetis) What injuſtice do you unto our Sex? Believe it Madam (replied he) I am not ſo unjuſt as you imagine: For I beſeech you, what reaſon have we to love before we be loved, more then you have? Have Ladies hearts different from the hearts of men? Is not love a paſſion in their ſouls as well as in all mens? Is it an act of their will to love, or not to love? The reaſon why it is not ſo often ſaid that women love not, and are not beloved more then men, is becauſe only decency has eſtabliſhed ſo a Law, that it is leſs ſhame for a man then a woman to love, and not be beloved: But the truth is, all the difference betwixt us is, when women love and are not loved, they ſay not a word of it, nor make any complaints, and men do tell it, and complain aloud; for ſince they have eyes, and wit, and hearts capable of being moved, it muſt be concluded, that they can love before they be loved, as well as men, and to prove it, there need only be conſidered, that love alone, be it as zealous as it will, does not oblige them to love, but the lover muſt alſo pleaſe them, for if he do not, all his love will not be worth a ſtraw.

As Eſope ſaid ſo, and Solon was ready to anſwer, all the ſeveral companies which were parted, did accidentally meet in a place which ſix walks joyned, ſo that the company rejoyned again. And Solon finding the queſtion which Eſope put to be worthy of curioſity, did propound it unto the illuſtrious company, who prepared themſelves to give their opinions. For my part, ſaid the Princeſs of [...]indes, I think it ſo ſtrange to love before I be loved, that I cannot endure to hear our Sex accuſed of any ſuch weakneſs. But Madam, [Page] ſaid Eſope, it muſt be one of the two that muſt begin to love, and if ſo, why not the woman as well as the man-lover: Becauſe (replied Eumetis) decency will not permit it: But Madam, ſaid Eſope, ſince the Law of Nature is more ancient then the Law of Decency, that argument is but weak. It is certain, ſaid Solon, that to ſpeak truly, a woman may love before ſhe be loved as well as a man, yet it is as certain, that it is not ſo, ſo often, and the beſt reaſon that can be given for it is, becauſe women are fairer, and all the ornaments both of body and minde more attractive, and more engaging then mens, and conſequently their merits does produce a more quick effect then ours, ſo that commonly men do love them before they have leiſure to be loved again. Moreover, women are born with more vanity, and ſo have leſs diſpoſition to be firſt in love; and as they are brought up, they are not permitted to follow the pure courſe of nature, becauſe from the very Cradle they are ſo told and taught not to love before they are loved, that they keep a continual Guard upon themſelves; yet for all that, I am perſwaded it is not impoſſible, but it may be ſo ſomtimes: I aſſure my ſelf, replied Eſope, that Chilon with his auſterity would think himſelf diſhonored, if he ſhould read ſuch a Lecture upon Love as Solon hath done: Truly, replied he, I find him to be very knowing in matters of Gallantry, to be a maker of ſuch excellent Laws, at leaſt I know there is none in Lacedemonia, who knows ſo much as he: Since the Athenians, replied Solon, are nothing ſo wiſe as the Lacedemonians, I can confeſs without ſhame, that I do underſtand what love is, as well as the reſt of the paſſions.

But to return to the queſtion in hand, what is the opinion of the company? For my part (ſaid Thales) I think a woman may love the firſt, but I think withal, that few women can love long unleſs they be loved, and not paſs from love to hatred: For my particular, replied Periander, I think it may be ſo, but I think alſo, that a Lady is not very amiable, if in loving ſhe does not ſoon make her ſelf loved: I am ſo fully perſwaded, ſaid Cleobulus and ſmiled, that Ladies are more fit to be loved then to love, that I am ſo far from thinking they ſhould love firſt, that I can hardly think they will love when they are loved: I am not of that opinion (ſaid Bias) for I do think that when they are loved, they will love more earneſtly and firmly then men; but I muſt confeſs, I can hardly think they can love firſt, becauſe there is not one of a thouſand women who does not love thoſe teſtimonies which▪ love uſeth to produce, better then the Lover who gives them; and ſince theſe teſtimonies cannot be met with, if ſhe love firſt, I am perſwaded they are not capable of it. For my part, ſaid Pittacus, I think that love not being an act of the will, it grows in the heart of a woman before She be loved, as well as in the heart of a man: For my part, ſaid Anacharſis, I know not what the power of love is in Greece, but in Scithia neither men nor women do love before they be loved, or at leaſt before they finde a diſpoſition, and hopes of being loved ere long, for I do not think it poſſible love ſhould ſubſiſt without thoſe conditions, not but that there may be ſome exceptions, but to ſpeak in general, it is as I ſay: Though Egypt, replied Niloxenus, be far different from Scithea in all things, yet they think as you ſay. Well, ſaid Solon, it muſt be granted, that it is not impoſſible but Ladies may love before they be loved: Truly, ſaid the Princeſs of [...]indes, it is not impoſſible, but yet it is very difficult: Yes Madam, ſaid Solon, to ſuch as have ſuch ſouls as you have: But that would be too great a favour unto your Sex, and to ſet you too much above us, if we ſhould attribute ſuch thoughts as yours unto all women.

As Eumetis was going to anſwer the civility of Solon, a ſweet Conſort of Muſique was heard in the midſt of the Grove, which impoſed ſilence unto all the company, unto which after they had hearkened a while, they parted again into ſeveral companies; but as the Sun was ready to ſet, and Thales uſing to obſerve the heavens, he ſtayed to look upon that glorious Planet, which having ſpread its golden rayes upon the Sea, did ſeem to communicate a part of its light unto it. As for Solon, he ſtaying to hear the Muſique with the Ladies, by chance he ſp [...]ed at the root of a tree cloſe by, a long file of A [...]tes, which with wonderful earneſtneſs, order, and affection, did work for their publique utility: So as admiring the order which they kept in their works, he contemplated upon them very ſeriouſly; but Eſope who was next him, knew well enough what he thought, and what it was which invited his ſerious looks: Confeſs the truth Sir (ſaid he unto him and ſmiled) would you not be glad the Athenians would obſerve your Laws, ſo well as theſe obſerve theirs? I muſt needs confeſs it (replied Solon and laughed, as well as all that heard him) and I confeſs it to the ſhame of my Country: Since your Country hath a [Page] man who gives them ſuch juſt Laws (replied Cleobuline) it muſt needs be very glorious: It would be much more, if they would obſerve them, replied he, then in giving birth unto a man, who perhaps keeps them not himſelf.

After this, Solon entring into diſcourſe of the Government of people, he was full of rare expreſſions, and all the company aſſembling the third time, the diſcourſe grew all ſerious, each of them reporting the moſt commendable cuſtoms of his City. Thales ſpoke of the Mileſian Piety: Pittacus of the Martial inclination of the Militenian Inhabitants. Bias of their politneſs which dwelt in Priene: Cleobuline of the Lindean honeſty: Periander of the ambitious people in Corinth: Solon of the ſtirring and ſeditious humour of the Athenians, and Chilon of the auſtere and virtuous inclination of the Lacedemonians. After which, examining the virtues and vices of all theſe ſeveral and different people, they diſcourſed ſo long upon it, that it was full time to return to Corinth: And indeed the diſcourſe of theſe great wits did ſo much win upon the Spirits of all who heard them, that Eſope had not obſerved abundance of birds, which came to take up their lodgings in the woods, and had not ſhewed by them unto all the company what time of the night it was, it had been too late for them to have returned: And he came to all the Sages, telling them very pleaſantly, that theſe birds were wiſer then they, and better knew the time of the night then they did. In concluſion Madam, all the company concurr [...]ed with Eſope, that it would be night before they reached Corinth, if they tarried any longer; and ſo all departed fully ſatisfied with the daies diſcourſe: Yet Madam, do not judg of it by my imperfect relation, for I muſt confeſs my unworthineſs to be a relator of all the paſſages at this Banquet of the Sages.

Cherſias having ended, he received a thouſand thanks from Cyrus, and as many civilities from Oneſile; the like did Meneſiphiles. After which, ſaying ſhe would make uſe of that advice which Eſope gave unto the Sages. She did riſe up to depart, leſt it ſhould be dark before ſhe came to that little Town where ſhe lodged. But Cyrus deſiring her to take part of a collation before ſhe went, ſhe ſtayed; and during all that time, nothing was talked on, but on what Meneſiphiles and Cherſias had related; and I cannot tell whether the diſcourſe of Cyrus and Oneſile during the collation, was not as admirable as that of the Sages during theirs: Telagenes alſo had a thouſand quirks of a pleaſant wit. After which, Oneſile taking Coach, ſhe departed with a Convoy, and left Cyrus in a ſtrange impatience, to hear ſomthing of the happy ſucceſs of Anacharſis. In the mean time, though he would willingly have taken ſome hours to talk with himſelf, yet he ſpent it all in keeping up that Noble heat in the hearts of his Commanders and Souldiers, which had gotten him ſo many glorious Victories. So that talking ſomtimes to one, and ſomtimes to another, he inſpired them all with that heroique heat which was in his own heart: Mazares alſo did much help him in diſpoſing the Souldiers to fight gallantly when time ſhould call them to it, though the ſmall intereſt he had in all theſe Victories did procure him many a ſad hour, and truly his virtue ſtood in need of all its ſtrength to reſiſt his love. Myrſiles for his particular was not leſs zealous then Mazares, though he had no ſurety of Doraliſa's affection; yet he had this ſatisfaction to know, that though he was not loved, yet no other was, and that Andramites was hated. In the mean time, after he had with much impatience long looked for the return of Anacharſis, that famous Scithean returned without obtaining any thing from Thomiris, and without Ortalques his being able to get a ſight of Mandana, becauſe ſhe was then more ſtrictly guarded then at the beginning; yet ſince heſaw Gelonide, the Princeſs received his Letter, and returned an anſwer, but the anſwer was in ſuch a moving ſtrain, as it did more grieve then comfort him. Araminta alſo anſwered in a way ſo fit to incite ſadneſs, that Cyrus was much more miſerable after the return of Anacharſis, then he was before. But I pray (ſaid this grieved Prince unto that Noble Scithean, after he ſaid he could obtain nothing) What can Thomiris ſay to colour the War which ſhe brings upon her ſelf, by detaining the Princeſs Mandana? She ſayes Sir (replied he) as much as any can ſay that will not tell the true reaſon why ſhe acts with ſo much injuſtice. Indeed ſhe hath publiſhed a Manifeſt to the people, and in the Courts of both the Scitheans, by which ſhe declares that you aſpire unto Univerſal Monarchy, and that the Princeſs Mandana is but the pretence to colour your ambition: That when this fails you, then you will finde another, and that's her reaſon ſhe will not reſtore her unto you, ſince it is ſome ſecurity to her ſelf to have her in her power. After this, ſhe conveens all the people, and all the Princes who are ignorant of your authority, to unite themſelves couragiouſly, and to give a ſtop to your Victories.

[Page] Thus Sir, your great Conqueſts giving ſome colour to her reaſons, this Manifeſt is doubtleſs very well taken by the people, who ſeeing She is reſolved to make War with you, do begin to think out of their dull capacities that now it is not in her paſſion which incites her unto her undertakings; ſo that the Maſſagettans ſeem as if reſolved to defend her to the very laſt man. The reſt of the Scithean Kings do combine againſt you, and not one of them but makes Levies, and joyns with Thomiris againſt you. But Sir, the worſt I have to tell you is, Ariantes having been in your Army, and being moſt knowing in all paſſages, he conceives, that when you have paſſed over the river Araxes, you cannot get to the Tents Royal, but by ſuch a way as where one file can but paſs at once: So that to give a ſtop to your paſſage, he hath built a Fort which is now almoſt finiſhed, purpoſely to defend that paſs, knowing that if your Army do take that way of the Plains, it will periſh, by reaſon of the abundance of waters: So that conceiving you muſt come by that place which he hath fortified, he thinks you not in a condition to do any good; and indeed, Thomiris cares ſo little for guarding the paſs over Araxes, that ſhe charged me to tell you, that ſhe will have no peace but what victory will give her; and to make it appear ſhe has no minde to protract the war, ſhe conſents if you pleaſe, that you ſhall enter into her Country, and in order to that, her troops ſhall retreat three daies journey from Araxes: Yes wiſe Anacharſis (replied Cyrus) ſince the Maſſagettan Queen will have it ſo, I will enter into her Country; and though the Fort ſhe has erected be more difficult to take then Babilon was, it ſhall not ſtop my deſigns: Sir (replied this Sage Scithean) though Thomiris ſeemed to be very high and obſtinate in her reſolutions, yet I diſpair not, but to ſee her change her minde, if the firſt accidents of this War ſhould ſucceed ill, and therefore Sir diſpair not.

After this Sir, Ortalques told Cyrus, that one of Mandana's Guard (who ſaid he had ſeen Feraulas on the banks of Phaſes, and had promiſed to acquaint him with all he knew) had charged him to tell him, that Thomiris would never have offered to let him paſs over the river Araxes, but to engage him in a battel upon an advantagious place, that ſhe would never have offered it, but in a belief he would not accept it; and that unleſs he could take that Fort which Ariantes had built, it would be a hard matter to overcome her, or come neer the Tents-Royal. But to take this Fort, ſaid Cyrus, I muſt paſs over the river Araxes, and be perfectly acquainted with the ſcituation. Moreover Sir, replied Ortalques, Gelonide charged me to tell you, that Ariantes did what he could to hinder Thomiris from ſending you word by Anacharſis, that ſhe would let you paſs over the river Araxes, becauſe he ſaid that it was the worſt that could befal him: But this Princeſs deſiring no more but to ingage you Sir in her Country, intends (as Gelonide ſayes) That when you are entred into her Conntry, to break or burn your Bridg of Boats by which you paſſed over the River, to the end ſhe might be ſure to have you in her power if ſhe got the victory, as ſhe hoped ſhe ſhould, by reaſon of thoſe difficult paſſes you would be ingaged to take; and that's the reaſon (as ſhe told me) why Thomiris does not advauce with her Army, but will ſuffer you to paſs over, and come to ſeek her: She told me further, That Aripit▪s, who is ſtill in love with that Princeſs, does bring her great aid: But never was the like reports heard, as of their unequalled pains which built the Fort which Ariantes erected, and which is called the Fort of Sauromates, becauſe it was the Sauromates which made it; for that people being uſed to work in the Mines in their own Country, they can carry and remove the earth with ſuch eaſe and haſte, that they will do more work in one moneth, then others can do in four. Moreover Gelonide told me how ſhe had diſcovered, That not long ſince Arſamones had ſent ſecretly unto Thomiris, and was negotiating ſome buſineſs of great importance with her. And Sir, ſhe had told me further, if one had not told her that Thomiris ſent for her; and doubtleſs there had been ſome combat between ſome perſons of note; for the Meſſenger from Thomiris to her ſaid, That there had been ſome diſorder about a quarrel; but ſince he did no further explain himſelf, and ſince I was to leave him, and depart the ſame hour with Anacharſis, I could know no further. But ſince Adonacris does ſtay a day or two longer, in hopes to work upon Ariantes, you may happily at his return know whether this great diſorder will any thing advantage you Sir, or no: And Anabaris can alſo by him ſend you word what he can gather from his friends, for he hath conferred with them, and will ſend their anſwers by him.

After this, Cyrus deſiring the advice of all the able men about him, upon a buſineſs of ſuch importance, he held a Council of War, at which he entreated Anacharſis to be preſent, [Page] but that Sage Scithean told him that he would be ever ready to execute his orders, but deſired excuſe from medling in myſteries of ſo high a nature. So then Cyrus aſſembling Croeſſus, Artamas, Mazares, Myrſiles, Intaphernes, Gadates, Gobrias, Indatherſes, and all the reſt who uſed to ſit in Councel, he propounded the ſtate of things unto them. At the firſt, the plurality of voices was, that Cyrus ſhould ſend unto Thomiris, to tell her he was ready to retreat three daies journey from Araxes, ſo ſhe would her ſelf in perſon come over in the head of her Army to meet him, ſo ſhe would bring the Princeſs Mandana with her, and ſo ſhe would promiſe to reſtore her if ſhe was overcome, and ſo ſhe would engage her ſelf to give battel within three daies after ſhe had paſſed over the river. But Cyrus not being accuſtomed to go back, and not being able to ſtir a foot further from the place where he was to deliver Mandana, it was evident that this Propoſition did not pleaſe him; and he was very glad to ſee that Croeſſus and Mazares were not of that opinion, but of his. And the truth is (ſaid he to all the Aſſembly) to go back before a Queen after our vanquiſhing ſo many valiant Kings, were to diſhonour our Army. Moreover, who knows whether after we have overcome them they will yeeld unto us the fruits of our Victory, though they ſhould promiſe it? And whether in coming over the river whereof they are Maſters, they will not defend it with the remnant of their broken Army, and hinder us from delivering Mandana? So that to act prudently, and with glory both, I conclude it beſt to accept of the offer which Thomiris makes of leting us paſs over the river Araxes, for paſs we muſt, though ſhe ſhould defend it: But Sir (ſaid Indatherſes to him) the advice which was given you does merit very good conſideration: For your Army cannot advance towards Thomiris by the Plains, by reaſon of water; and to paſs through the woods where ſhe hath built a Fort, the paſs is ſo narrow, that I dare not anſwer for the event, if you paſs that way with your Army: When we are on the other ſide of the river, replied Cyrus, then will we finde out which paſs is beſt; for indeed it is to no purpoſe to capitulate with Thomiris, and to tell her that if ſhe be overcome then ſhe ſhall reſtore Mandana, but if ſhe be, that will follow of it ſelf, and therefore it need not be demanded: And though I ſhould be beaten, and my Army ſhattered, I would fetch another and renew the war; and as long as there is a man left in all the Countryes I have conquered, or in the Countryes of Ciaxares, or my Fathers, I will ſtill fight for Mandana's Delivery; and therefore over the river Araxes we muſt paſs ſome way or other. I underſtand this morning that Boats and all things neceſſary to make a Bridg are ready, and without ſtaying for any anſwer from Thomiris, they ſhall begin the Bridg this very day; in the mean time, I will ſend Chriſantes to tell Thomiris, that I will ere long come and bring my anſwer my ſelf in the head of my Army.

Cyrus ſpoke this with ſuch a reſolute voice, that none durſt oppoſe his will: So that every one conforming themſelves thereunto, this Prince aſſured them that his reſolution would ſucceed happily; and indeed he made his words good, for he beſtirred himſelf with ſo much diligence, and gave out orders with ſo much judgment, and they were executed with ſo much quickneſs, that the Bridg over Araxes ſeemed to be made by enchantment; for the Boats were brought ſo ſuddenly, and tyed unto one another in ſo ſhort a time, that the Troops of Thomiris did not know the Bridg was made before the Van-guard of Cyrus his Army was over. 'Tis true, to deceive them, this Prince cauſed ſome Boats to be brought unto a place over againſt them, and began to work, as if the Bridg was to be made in that place. And whilſt they were amuſing themſelves about this feigned Bridg, Cyrus was making another much below the other, in a place where on the other ſide there was no houſes. So that this Bridg being made without any obſtacle, there was two Brigades drawn up into Battalia by break of day on the other ſide of the river, to facilitate the Paſs of the Army, if any oppoſition come: But Cyrus needed not to fear that, for there was ſuch a terror amongſt the men of Thomiris when they knew of certainty that the Army of Cyrus had paſſed the river, as they knew not what to do; yet the Commanders after they had a little heartened their men, they forced them to march towards the place where this Army paſſed over: But when they came there, they would not permit them to attempt any thing, for the whole Vanguard of Cyrus being all over, and drawn into Battalia, they were in a good poſture of defence: Yet the Maſſagettans made ſome skirmiſhes, but they ſucceeded ſo ill, that they were forced to retreat, and ſend Poſt haſte unto the Tents Royal to acquaint Thomiris with the paſſage of Cyrus over the river.

In the mean while, this Prince having ſpent all the night and all the day in paſſing over [Page] the reſt of his Army, and had given orders for their incampment, he reſolved, without giving ſo much time unto Thomiris as to be acquainted with his paſſage, to ſend ſome Troops towards her, and himſelf to go in perſon and view thoſe narrow paſſes which was ſo much talked of; for knowing that this Princeſs intended to guard the paſſes, and not advance with her Army, he would ſee whether there was any poſſibility of ſurprizing the Fort of Sauromates, before ſhe had ſtopped the advenues in the Wood, and before the Fort was finiſhed. So that taking ſome guides, he went with Mazares, Indatherſes, Araſpes, Aglatidas, Ligdamis, and twelve or fifteen others, to view theſe paſſes. So that ſetting out at midnight, and making towards the Fort of Sauromates, he got to the entrance into the Wood by break of day, without any obſtacle, or any fear of any; for conceiving Thomiris to be ſtill at the Tents Royal, where Anacharſis left her, ſhe could not ſo ſoon hear of his paſſage, or guard the narrow paſſes which he went to view, ſince ſhe thought him to be on the other ſide of the river.

Thus truſting to his own prudence and good fortune, he entred into the wood by the conduct of his guides. But he was no ſooner got a hundred paces within it, then he heard upon his left hand a noyſe of horſes. Preſently after, he eſpied the Queen of Maſſagettes on horſeback in the head of thirty Cavaliers, coming towards him. This ſight ſo ſurprized Cyrus, that in lieu of advancing towards her, his firſt thought was to check his horſe from going ſo faſt, yet indeed he could not wel tell what his thoughts were at that time. As for Thomiris, as ſoon as ſhe ſpied Cyrus, fury did ſo raiſe her heart, that ſhe turned fiercely towards thoſe who followed her. Valiant Maſſagettans (ſaid ſhe, and ſhewed them Cyrus with her hand) you would this day end the war, and revenge your Queen, if you could bring into my fetters that terrible Enemy which I ſhew unto you.

Upon theſe words, thoſe who followed Thomiris, advanced towards Cyrus; and this fair incenſed Queen having that day a Sword hanging in a Chain of Gold, whoſe Buckles were ſet with Diamonds, ſhe drew it fiercely out of the Scabbard, and by a menacing action made a ſign unto Cyrus, that ſhe thought her ſelf now able to be revenged upon him for his ſcorn. On the other ſide, this Prince, who out of an heroique ſhame to draw his Sword againſt a woman, and a woman who heretofore had loved him, and ſtill did, as angry as ſhe was, he ſeeing her men coming to aſſault him, and conſidering that if he could get Thomiris into his power the war would not be ſo long, ſince Ariantes had not ſo much power over the people, and ſo conſequently Mandana would be ſooner delivered, he turned towards thoſe who followed him, and after many incouragements, and charging them not to kill Thomiris, but endeavour to take her, he advanced towards them alſo, and fell on ſo ſharply, that though they were more in number, ſtronger, yet the firſt ſhoke made them believe they had the worſt of the bargain, and Thomiris ſent one of her men in all haſte unto Ariantes, who was viewing on the other ſide to come and help as ſoon as he could. In the mean time, the fight was fierce, and Cyrus made his way through the firſt rank of his Enemies, and breaking through the reſt, but getting neer Thomiris, fury and jealouſie together obliged her to draw her Sword. Cyrus no ſooner ſaw this, but letting the point of his Sword fall, and ſuſpending his valour: For heavens ſake Madam (cried he) force me not to uſe my Sword againſt a Queen, whom I would have ſerved were ſhe not unjuſt. Thomiris no ſooner heard theſe words, but ſhe commanded her men to ceaſe fighting. Cyrus did the like; and both being obeyed, an object both terrible and glorious, both was to be ſeen in the wood, for eight or ten men might be ſeen dead upon the ſpot, and thoſe who were alive had ſuch a fierce grimneſs in their looks, as expreſſed abundance of terror. As for Cyrus, though there was fierceneſs in his eyes, and anger and fury in his ſoul, and had a Sword all bloody in his hand, yet his action was ſo full of reſpect, and it was ſo apparent, that his deſire was to deliver Mandana without ruine unto Thomiris, that there was none but plainly ſaw it, and the generoſity of his heart. As for Thomiris, ſhe was ſo fair that day, as none but Mandana in the world could come in compariſon with her. This Princeſs was that day mounted upon a goo [...]ly black horſe, whoſe trapping was pure gold; the habit of Thomiris was cloth of Gold with borders of green, mixed with Carnation, and it was made after the mode of Pallas when painted armed; her Gown being tacked with buckles of Diamonds, made her Buskins to be ſeen, which was ſuitable to the reſt of her habits: The dreſs upon ber head was adorned with precious ſtones, and a Carnation white and green plume did hover over her fair hair, which waving at the pleaſure of the winde, did confuſedly [Page] mix with the feathers as ſhe turned her head, and a thouſand negligent, but lovely curls, gave a rare luſtre unto her beauty. Moreover, her ſleeves being turned up, and tacked higher then her elbows, and ſhe holding the Bridle of her Horſe in one hand, and her Sword in the other, the faireſt arms in the world were to be ſeen quite bare. Fury alſo had put ſuch a freſh Carnation upon her cheeks, that ſhe was now far fairer then ordinary. Alſo her joy to ſee Cyrus, and to find him in ſuch a reſpective poſture towards her, had ſo quelled that fury which was a little before in her aſpect, as ſhe ſeemed infinitely amiable and charming Alſo her hopes of taking him if Ariantes came ſoon enough to aid her, did fill her full of delight, and moved her to ſpeak leſs ſharply unto him, purpoſely to ſtay him the longer: So that after the combat was ceaſed, and Cyrus had let fall the point of his Sword, and deſired her not to force him to ruine a Queen whom he deſired to ſerve: This fair Souldier, anſwered him, that ſince it was he who began the war, ſhe might continue it without injuſtice: The war Madam (ſaid he unto her) ſhall quickly end, if you will be pleaſed to deliver the Princeſs Mandana: Doubtleſs (replied ſhe) Mandana will be quickly delivered, if you pleaſe; for provided you will become a priſoner in her room, I will ingage my ſelf to make Ariantes to deliver her, or elſe I will do it without him. When you have ſent her back into my Camp (replied Cyrus) I do ingage my ſelf to come into yours Madam, provided Mandana conſent unto it: For I do proteſt Madam, I would do any thing in the world to procure her liberty and your favour. To procure my favour (anſwered ſhe, and leſſened her tone) you know that the way is not to be Mandana's Lover: For as long as you are (added ſhe, and raiſed her voice again) She ſhall be my Priſoner, and I will be revenged upon her for all the injuries you did me, in departing out of my Dominions without my permiſſion. Oh Madam (cried out Cyrus) if you keep Mandana Priſoner only to be revenged upon me, I beſeech you deliver her, and I will promiſe you to puniſh my ſelf for the crime whereof you accuſe me, and of which I cannot repent. At theſe words, Ariantes accidentally appeared with his Troop, though he had no orders from Thomiris.

This Princeſs ſeeing him before Cyrus did, and not doubting but now Cyrus would be in her Fetters as well as Mandana, ſhe told him, That it was not now a time to talk of Mandana's liberty, but to ſurrender his Sword, and become her Slave. She had no ſooner ſaid theſe words, but Cyrus and all his company ſeeing Ariantes and Andramites coming in the head of fifteen or twenty horſe, they then gave themſelves for loſt. In the mean time, Cyrus ſeeing no delay was expedient, and that he was ſo far from taking Thomiris, that he was himſelf in danger to be taken, he took upon the right hand for fear of being compaſſed about; one paſſage at this incounter was excellently remarkable, for Cyrus as he parted in an inſtant from Thomiris, it was in his power to have killed her, & he ſaw the thing ſo eaſie to be done, that it was his virtue only which reſtrained his arm; he was ſo abſolutely Maſter of her and himſelf at this time, that imagining it would be a ſhame for him to kill a Queen, he uſed not the leaſt action which might raiſe ſuſpition he had any ſuch thought; but on the contrary, as he left her. Learn Madam (ſaid he unto he▪) by the reſpect I bear unto you, to reſpect the Princeſs Mandana, and do to her what is fit, ſince I do not to you what I could. On the other ſide, Thomiris who ſaw that Cyrus by his reſpect gave her an opportunity to give him a blow, did upon the firſt brunt of her fury lift up her arm, but a ſecond thought reſtraining the firſt, ſhe negligently let fall her Sword, and looked whether Arian [...]es was coming. In the mean time, this Rival unto Cyrus, ſeeing that this Prince by reaſon of his quickneſs could not be compaſſed about, he joyned his Troop unto that of Thomiris; ſo that now he overnumbered his Enemy by more then half. 'Tis true, his repugnancy to fight againſt a Prince unto whom he was obliged, did ſomthing leſſen his ordinary valor, and made him fall on more faintly. But Thomiris charging her men not to kill Cyrus, but to take him, and promiſing great rewards if they did take him, ſhe did ſo incourage them, that the Conquerour of all Aſia was never ſo neer taking Priſoner ſince he was at the Caſtle of Hermes, as now. But his great heart being bravely ſeconded by Mazares, Indatherſes, Aglatidas, Ligdames, Araſpes, Feraulas, and others which followed him, they did ſo cloſely unite themſelves, and kept a paſs in the wood where they could not be compaſſed about ſo well, that they ſtood the firſt charge of Aria [...]tes ſo vigorouſly, as thoſe who would have broken them were broken themſelves So that Cyrus falling violently into the body of his Enemies, he met with Ariantes. As for Thomiris, ſhe only gave orders, and fought not, ſtill chargeing her men continually not to kill Cyrus, but to take him In the mean time, when this [Page] Prince was neer enough Ariantes to be heard: Oh thou perfidious Anaxaris (ſaid he, and fell upon him) reſtore me that Princeſs whom I truſted thee withal: I cannot tell whether Anaxaris will reſtore her unto you (replied that Prince, and warded the blow which Cyrus made at him) but I am ſure Ariantes will not, though he knows he does you wrong, and is ungrateful. After this, theſe two fierce Enemies talking only with their hands, the combat became hot, and if their numbers had been a little more equal then it was, Cyrus had certainly defeated his Rival, as brave as he was. But ſince he ſtill retained his judgment, he perceived that if he ſtrive only to vanquiſh Ariantes, himſelf would be overcome by his men, and fall into the power of Thomiris: So that after he had very dangerouſly wounded Ariantes in the left ſhoulder, and ſeeing there was no way but to retreat, he diſingaged himſelf from amidſt his Enemies, and rallying all his men together, he ſtill retreated fighting, and ſo bravely, that his followers began to faint upon it: For ſince Ariantes by reaſon of his wound did not follow, and ſince Thomiris would not follow any further for fear of an Ambuſcado, Cyrus by his wiſdom and rare valour made good his retreat; with the loſs only of three Cavaliers. In his return he perceived that he had received a flight wound in his right ſitle: So that ſeeing no more Enemies to fight with, he haſted his march that he might be dreſſed, and came very happily to his Camp, where he was expected with much impatience, and ſo he left Thomiris in moſt inſufferable diſpair.

The End of the Second Book.

ARTAMENES, OR The Grand CYRUS. The Nineth Part. BOOK. III.

[Page]

AS ſoon as Cyrus was come unto his Tent, he altered the orders which he had given Chriſantes of going to Thomiris, and he took a ſhort accompt of the ſtate of things whilſt his Chyrurgions were ſent for, and gave his orders for every thing in ſo ſhort a time, that he had nothing to do when they came, but to ſearch his wound, which they found to be very ſlight, and without any danger: But yet they told Cyrus, that it was abſolutely neceſſary for him to keep his bed two daies, and to be ſeven or eight before he ventured on horſeback, becauſe his wound being neer his hip, it could not cloſe in a ſhort time, unleſs he gave it reſt; adding, that if he did not take that courſe, it would be in danger of a Gangreen, and make him much worſe. At the firſt, Cyrus would not obey them, thinking ſeven or eight daies, as ſo many ages; for he knew that as long as he could not ſtir, his Army could not attempt any thing. Yet at laſt, conſidering that their advice in ſuch things was to be followed, he obeyed them; yet he had ſcarce reſted himſelfe two hours, but Adonacris, who ſtayed in the Tents Royal after Anacharſis returned, and came to give an accompt of his voyage: Truth is, Cyrus was not hugely haſty to ask him news, conſidering the tempers he had left Thomiris and Ariantes in: However, he had a deſire to know what made him ſo ſoon quit the Tents Royal, and what moved Thomiris [Page] and Ariantes to go into the woods where he met them, for he knew they could not have any intelligence of his paſſing over Araxes. So that as ſoon as Adonacris came to him; I do not ask you generous Adonacris (ſaid he unto him) How you have prevailed with Ariantes; for having talked with him when he had a Sword in his hand, I know what anſwer he made you: But I ask you, what moved Thomiris to come into the wood on this ſide the Fort of Sauromates? Sir (replied Adonacris) to ſatisfie your curioſity, I muſt tell you of many important paſſages; and therefore though my negotiation proved ineffectual, yet I beſeech you give me leave to acquaint you with what I have done, to the end you may better underſtand what I have to acquaint you withal: I ſhall tell you then Sir, ſince your ſilence ſeems to give conſent, that true it is, I have not prevailed with Ariantes; yet moſt certain it is, that once I ſaw his mind ſtagger, and when I remembred him of all his obligations to you, I found in him as much ſhame as love. Yes my dear Adonacris (ſaid he then unto me, when I preſſed him very earneſtly) all that you tell me is moſt true, and I muſt confeſs that Anaxaris is a baſe ungrateful and perfidious man, ſuch a one as Cyrus has reaſon to hate, and that he is equally unworthy, both of the friendſhip of Cyrus, and of Mandana's love. But Adonacris, though Ariantes had a deſire to repair the fault of Anaxaris, that it would be in vain if he ſhould attempt it; for Mandana is ſo little in his diſpoſe, that Thomiris will hardly ſuffer him to ſee her, and therefore he is far from any ability of rendring her unto Cyrus: Therefore, ſince I ſhould repent in vain, becauſe I cannot releaſe her if I would, I had better not repent at all: Alſo I am perſwaded, that I ſhould ere long repent that ever I repented: And therefore, I beſeech you do what you can to make my Rival hate me without ſcorn, and endeavour to leſſen the greatneſs of my crime, by inſtancing the greatneſs of my love.

After this Sir, I redoubled my reaſons and my prayers, and I dare aſſure you my affection at that time made me ſay much more then a more able man then my ſelf could have imagined at that time, and upon this occaſion. But as I was with this Prince, one came from Thomiris, to acquaint him, that the Prince Phraartes going to ſee the works at the Fort of Sauromates, did meet with a ſtranger and fought with him, and that he was mortally wounded as well as his Enemy: So that Phraartes being high in the eſteem of Thomiris, ſhe no ſooner heard in what condition he was, but ſhe went from the Tents Royal unto the Fort of Sauromates, where they had carried him, becauſe he fought neer that place: So that ſetting out about two hours after Anacharſis, and carrying the Prince Ariantes and Andramites with her, I followed them, hoping that my importunity might happily work with Ariantes.

Thus I came with them as far as the Fort of Sauromates, where we were no ſooner arrived, but Thomiris and Ariantes went to viſit Phraartes, whom they found at the laſt gaſp, yet having his intellects perfect, he deſired to ſpeak with them in private, and ſo he did for half an hour: After which, he growing ſpeechleſs, they left him; but it was very obſerveable, that as ſoon as they had talked with Phraartes, they conſulted a long time together, the mind of Ariantes ſeeming to be diſpleaſed at ſomthing. After this, Thomiris left him, and went to ſee him whom Phraartes had fought with, whom they brought into the ſame place. So that it is to be imagined this unknown man was ſome very conſiderable perſon: However, I could not know any more of him; all I can tell you is, they are both dead, and the ſame honors were done unto them. But Sir, to end my relation, Ariantes and Thomiris having a deſign to ingage you amongſt thoſe narrow paſſes which are in the woods about the Fort of the Sauromates, went to view them, and to ſee where they ſhould place their men, in caſe you came over Araxes. But ſince it would be too much to view them all in one day, if they went together, Thomiris and Ariantes took ſeveral wayes into the woods to view theſe paſſes, not knowing that you had paſſed the river; and thoſe who watched the river, thinking her to be at the Tents Royal, it's probable they ſent their intelligence thither; and I can aſſure you they knew nothing of it at the Fort of the Sauromates, until the return of Thomiris and Ariantes. In the mean time, though Ariantes was wounded, he would needs ſend news of it unto the Tents Royal, where the body of the Army lay, but he would not let me ſpeak with him: So that I returned to you Sir, very ſorry I was not able to do you any better ſervice, no more then the friends of Anabaris, who have all promiſed me to let ſlip no opportunity which Fortune ſhall preſent unto them, to endeavour the liberty of Mandana. When Adonacris had pronounced theſe words, one came and told Cyrus, that the man to [Page] whom he ſpake unto neer Araxes, when he returned from ſeeing Oneſile, asked very earneſtly to ſpeak with him. So that Cyrus thinking it to be the ſame man whom he ſent to the King of Pontus, to tell him it was better fighting on his ſide, then for the Raviſher of Mandana, he commanded him to enter. So Adonacris being retired, and this man entred, Cyrus asked him, What he had to ſay from the King his Maſter? Sir (anſwered he and ſighed) I beſeech you pardon me that I cannot conceal my ſorrows for the death of a Prince who was your Rival; but what he hath commanded me to tell you, will perhaps render me excuſeable, and oblige you to lament the misfortune of ſo great a Prince. How (cryed out Cyrus) Is the King of Pontus dead? Yes Sir, replied he, and died with thoughts very contrary to the Prince who gave him his death. This is ſuch a wonder to me (replied Cyrus) that you muſt relate the accident with all its circumſtances before you can make me believe it: Which to do Sir (anſwered the man) I muſt tell you, that after I left you, I went over the River at the next paſſage, and I was ſo happy, that the next morning I met with the King my Maſter, who ſtayed at the firſt houſe to get a horſe. But Sir, though I told him all that you charged me withal, and though he was much moved at it, yet he continued his journey three daies after; and being told, that the way through the wood was the neereſt way to go unto the place where the Army was, he took it, and went unto the Fort of the Saumorats, where enquiring of news in general, he underſtood that Phraartes (whom he knew at Cumes) was in the Tents Royal; and he heard further, that he was to come that very ſame day unto the place where we were I cannot tell you Sir the thoughts of this much to be lamented Prince upon this occaſion: Ah Fortune, Fortune, cried he out, thou art too fully reſolved to perſecute me, and my conſtancy muſt ſubmit, muſt I be overwhelmed with ſo many diſgraces all at once? I love, heavens knows, and I am not beloved; I have loſt two Kingdoms, and my Enemies poſſeſs them; I am obliged unto the Rival who is preferred before me; I do infinitely eſteem that Princeſs who prefers him, and him alſo as much as ſhe doth; I do hate Ariantes, both as my Rival, as the Raviſher of Mandana, and as my Vanquiſher; yet for all this; I am reſolved to fight for him, rather then for Cyrus, and to compleat all my miſeries, I do find the Raviſher of Araminta in this Court: Will honor ſuffer thee to ſee a Prince that ſtole away thy Siſter, and not be revenged for that affront? No, no, ſince thou art not capable of any ill, but what Love forced thee to commit, thou canſt never be excuſed if thou doſt.

After this Sir, this great Prince was ſilent, and making ſigns unto me that he would be alone, I retired. But as chance would have it, next to the Tent where I was, there happened to be two ſtrangers, whoſe language was not unknown unto me, for I had been ſo long in Pontus and Bythinia, that I very well underſtood▪ the language which they ſpoke, it being the ſame. I heard theſe two then ſpeak aloud, becauſe they did not think I did underſtand them; and one of them told the other, that Arſamones would be extreamly glad to get Araminta into his power, and that he doubted not but that the Princeſſes which he would give as Hoſtages, would ſhortly bring it to paſs: 'Tis true, replied the other, Arſamones would perhaps be glad, but Spitridates would be ſorry if he knew it; and I cannot tell whether it be wiſdom or no in us thus blindly to ſerve Arſamones in all his violences, and when the Prince his Son comes to raign, he will make us repent it. After this Sir, theſe two men changing place, I could not hear any more what they ſaid: However, I thought it fit to let my Maſter know what I heard, and therefore went to tell him, and he having a longing deſire to know more, and not doubting but thoſe I heard talk were his Subjects, he reſolved to ſhew himſelf unto them: And indeed without more conſulting with himſelf, he went out of his Tent, and went to the place where theſe men were, who were ſo amazed at the ſight of him, that though they ſaw him in a condition far different from what they had formerly ſeen him, yet now they trembled, and were infinitely reſpective to him: He knowing their thoughts by their actions, took advantage of the diſorder in their ſpirits, and ſpoke with ſuch Majeſty, that he obliged them to tell him what they did in that place: So as he underſtood by them that Arſamones (who heard Phraartes went towards the Maſſagettes) had ſent unto Thomiris, and offered her a very conſiderable diverſion of Ciaxares by a powerful aſſaulting him, and by raiſing a party in Aſſiria, provided ſhe would put Araminta into her power, ingageing himſelf alſo to let her marry Phraartes, and offered her for ſecurity of this Treaty, to put the Princeſs his Daughter, and the Princeſs his Niece into his power, upon condition ſhe would promiſe alſo, that if ever Spitridates came into her power, during the Wars ſhe [Page] had with Cyrus, ſhe would put him unto his. After this, theſe two men who were of Heraclea, told him, that Thomiris accepted of the offer, and Phraartes accepted and conſented unto it alſo, thinking he was more ſure to marry Araminta in the Court of Arſamones, then in the Court of Thomiris: Theſe men alſo added, That they came into that Country and ſtayed in it, to keep things in the ſame condition they are, and that ere long the Princeſs of Bythinia, and the Princeſs Iſtrina would arrive. Then they ſaid that they came to ſee this Fort out of curioſity only, and they underſtood that Phraartes would be there alſo that day. And indeed Sir, theſe Subjects unto the King of Pontus told him as much as he deſired to know, and when they told him that Phraartes was gone to view the works without, the King of Pontus charged theſe two men not to tell what he was, and charging them with as much authority as if he were upon the Throne: Afterwards he took horſe, none knowing his deſign. But Sir, not to trouble you with too many impertinencies, he went to the place where they ſaid Phraartes was, yet he did not ſhew himſelf at firſt unto him; but as ſoon as he ſpied him, he galloped a little into the wood, and gave me a Letter in which he had written ſomthing, which he charged me to give Phraartes who was looking upon the workmen; but not to tell him whom he was: I in obedience to my Maſter carried the Letter, Phraartes read it, then asked me in a low voice who ſent it, and where he was? Sir (ſaid I unto him) he is within two hundred paces of this place, but as for his name he hath charged me not to tell it, and I dare not diſobey him.

After this, Phraartes being brave, and his valour a little queſtioned, he ſtood no longer in asking the name of him who deſired to ſee him with a Sword in his hand, but thought of contenting this unknown man who demanded ſatisfaction for a wrong; and imagining (as he ſaid afterwards) that perhaps it was Spitridates, he would not any longer defer the giving him his deſired ſatisfaction: So that ſending away all his men upon ſeveral pretences, and after he had ſent me back to tell my Maſter that he would be with him preſently; he followed me within a quarter of an hour after, and came to the place where I appointed, without any other company but one Page only, and without other arms then a Sword: For my Maſter, as I underſtood ſince, did ſend him word, that a Sword only ſhould decide their difference. But Sir, he wondered much when he came to the place where his Enemy was, and knew him not, but this wonder was quickly vaniſhed by the entrance of another; for as ſoon as the King of Pontus ſaw him, he drew his Sword, and advancing towards him: 'Tis now a fit time to tell you (ſaid he unto him) that I am the Princeſs Araminta's Brother, and am able to hinder you from putting her into the hands of the Uſurper of my Kingdoms. If you be the ſame you ſay (replied Phraartes and drew his Sword) you need not complain againſt a Prince who would take Araminta from Spitridates, whom you love not. 'Tis true, I love him not (replied he) but I do eſteem him, which is more then you do. To be a Raviſher away of Mandana as you are (replied Phraartes in a ſurely manner) you are very ſenſible of a carrying away. At theſe words, the King of Pontus with out any anſwer advanced towards him with incredible fury and valour: Phraartes on his ſide he fought like a man that was ſorry to fight againſt the Brother of his Miſtreſs; yet his valour being a little clowniſh, as they who knew him ſaid, he fought with the King of Pontus with as much animoſity, as if he had been his Rival: For my part, I was forced to be a Spectator of the Combat, for Phraartes having but one Page with him, I could do no otherwiſe. But Sir, after a long and ſharp diſpute, and both mortally wounded in ſeveral places, the King of Pontus ran Phraartes through the body, ſo that he fell from his horſe, and let his Sword fall, which the King of Pontus lighting in an inſtant, ſeized upon.

Thus was he the Vanquiſher of Phraartes; but he no ſooner ſaw himſelf victorious, but he fell alſo within four paces of his Enemy: So that I being forced to make uſe of the Conquereds Page to help the Conquerour, I ſent him to acquaint them in the Fort with this accident. So that many people coming in, they carried theſe two wounded perſons into the Fort of the Saur [...]mates, and ſent to acquaint Thomiris and Ariantes with the paſſage. In the mean time, though a Chyrurgion ſaid my Maſters wounds were mortal as well as Phraartes, yet I told not who he was, leſt they ſhould arreſt me, and haſten his death by that violence. But when Thomiris and Ariantes came, I underſtood that Phraartes told them, and deſired them to promiſe they would hold on the Treaty with Arſamones, to the end that Araminta being once in his power, ſhe might never marry Spitridates. But Sir, as ſoon as Phraartes had made this unjuſt deſire unto Thomirs and [Page] Ariantes, he loſt his ſpeech, and a little after his life. In the mean time, Thomiris knowing from Phraartes the quality of my Maſter, ſhe came to ſee him, followed only by one man of quality, called Andramites: As for Ariant [...]s, it is to be imagined, that he would not viſit his Rival: But Sir, this miſerable Prince, into whoſe minde the approaches of death had infuſed more juſt thoughts both of youSir, and Mandana, he uſed ſuch moving arguments to oblige that Queen to reſtore the Princeſs unto you Sir, and to perſwade Ariant [...]s unto a repentance of his violence, that ſhould I relate them to you Sir, you would be charmed with his virtue: yet for all this, I plainly ſee Sir, that Thomiris will not be perſwaded; nor ſtayed ſhe long with him, but though an enemy, yet ſhe promiſed to have a care of him. I have ſo ſmall a ſhare in life (ſaid he unto her) that I will not aske you Madam, any thing for my ſelf; no not ſo much as a Tombe, for I do not deſire to eternize the memory of my miſeries. But Madam, (ſaid he and ſighed) I beg all things of you for Mandana: After this, Th [...]miris going out, without any direct anſwer, and this miſerable King perceiving he could not live long, commanded me to let the Princeſs Mandana know, as ſoon as I could, that he repented of his violence to her, though he could never repent of loving her, and conjured her, not to hate his memory. As for you Sir, he charged me to tell you, that he was extreamly ſorry he died ungrateful, and that he could not chuſe but dye your Rival: and deſired you to have a care of the Princeſs Araminta; alſo to tell you, that he would dye the friend of Spitridates, and commanded me to tell him as much. After this Sir, his reaſon beginning to rove, he ſpent the whole night in talking continually of Mandana, but without any cauſe or moving thereunto; afterwards growing weak upon a ſudden, he dyed about break of day: and thus both Conquered and Conqueror dyed almoſt ot one munit: and after their deaths they received the ſame honours by order from Thomiris.

In the mean time, that Princeſs being upon the place, ſhe would needs go and view the woods about the Fort, before ſhe returned: and in the m [...]an time, and whileſt you Sir, was fighting with Ariantes, a ſervant unto Andramites, whom he had left there upon ſome buſineſs, came and addreſſed himſelf unto me out of curioſity to know who it was I ſo much greeved for his death: For Sir, I forgot to tell you, that Thomiris did not publiſh his quality after his death, and I imagine her reaſon for it was, becauſe the news of the King of Pontus his death ſhould not be carried unto the Princeſs his Siſter, before ſhe returned to the Tents Royal; But Sir, as ſoon as this ſervant unto Andramites had accoſted me, we knew each other, and remembred that we bore Armes together at the Sieg of Epheſus, when the Prince Artamas, went under the name of Cleand [...]r: So that embracing each other with joy, we began to relate our adventures, and to renew our old friendſhip which formerly was very great: But to tye the knot more faſt between us; he imparted unto me his intententions of ſerving you Sir, and I told him alſo who was my maſter, and what he had charged me to tell you, upon his death bed: So that encouraging each other in our intentions of repairing the faults we had committed againſt you, and of doing you ſome conſiderable ſervice, we walked together about the Fort; and obſerved that at the place which is not yet finiſhed, it is ſo eaſily to be ſurprized, that with five hundred men only, one may become Maſter of it: So then wiſhing earneſtly that you had paſſed over the River Araxes, to attempt this enterprize, we thought our wiſhes had been in vain, becauſe we then knew not that you had already paſſed it. But Sir, when Thomiris and Ariantes returned wounded we quickly underſtood that you were neerer then we imagined. So that now this ſervant of Andramites and I, looking upon this buſineſs as a thing very feaſable, we carefully examined the matter again: and to facilitate our deſign, Thomiris and Ariantes departing, Andramites, as good luck was, did leave this ſervant in the Fort, by orders from Ariantes, with orders to come and acquaint them when it was finiſhed: and he left him there alſo as a Surveyor over the workmen; for this man the better to further [...]his deſign, had ſo inſinuated with his Maſter, that he made him be [...]eeve he had ſerved the Prince of Cumes, in the Fortifications of his Town, and that he underſtood the art of it as well as any man: Then Sir, after the departure of Thomir and Ariant [...]s, this man and I conſidering the Scituation and preſent condition of the place, we reſolved, that I ſhould come and acquaint you, how, if you would be plea [...]ed to ſend five hund [...]ed men ſpeedily, by ſuch a way as a guide I have provided will ſhew you, you may preſently become Maſter of it: But Sir, this muſt be done preſently, for it is reporte [...], that as ſoon as Thomiris is returned to the Tents Royal, and hath taken all orders for the ſecurity of t [...]e Princeſs Mandana, and for the departure of Araminta, [Page] whom ſhe will ſend unto Arſamones as ſoon as the two Hoſtage Princeſs are come, ſhe will then return with her whole Army to make good the paſſes which he hath viewed, and to ingage you to fight in a place which will be very diſadvantagious to you. Therefore Sir, haſt muſt be made, and no greater number muſt be imployed then I mentioned, leſt the Fort ſhould have intelligence. You tell me ſo many ſtrange things at once (ſaid Cyrus) that I know not which to anſwer firſt; yet I muſt tell you, that I do much lament the pittiful fate of the Pontean King, I do commend your fidelity to him, and I will recompence your zeal to me.

After this, Cyrus enquiring of him the true ſtate of the place, he found him talk ſo pertinently, that he ſaw there was great probability of doing ſome good in the deſign, ſo it were ſpeedily executed; and he ſent for Mazares and Indatherſes only to confer with them about it, having no minde to impart it unto a Council of War, leſt it ſhould be known. So having broke it unto them, and told them that he thought it worth the hazard of five hundred men, they concurred with him in opinion: So that Cyrus makeing choice of Feraulas for this bold attempt, he ſent for him; and afterwards he called out the Troops which he was to command, and giving him all neceſſary inſtructions, it was reſolved he ſhould ſet out in the beginning of the night, and when he was neer the Fort to make a ſign by fire, which would advertiſe the ſervant of Andramites of their being there, and he according to agreement would anſwer them by another, and let them preciſely know the place where they were to ſurprize the Fort; and in order to all theſe reſolutions, thoſe Troops which Cyrus made choice of to be under the command of Feraulas, departed in the beginning of the night, guided by the man whom the King of Pontus his ſervant had provided. But after they were gone, Cyrus began with leaſure to conſider the lamentable death of the Pontean King, and to deplore the miſfortune of a Prince whom Fate had ſtrangely perſecuted all his life long. Afterwards calling to memory the death of the Aſſirian King, he was full of compaſſion for theſe two illuſtrious Rivals, as he was of amity to Mazares. So that contracting all the hatred he ever bore unto them againſt Ariantes, he hated him alone as much as ever he did them all together; yet it was ſuch a hatred as was accompanied with eſteem for all the high acts he had done at Sardis, and at Cumes: But the greateſt grief of Cyrus was, that he was not to ſtir yet for ſome certain daies; but in the mean time he gave orders for every thing, and ſaw all thoſe who had any thing to ſay unto him: 'Tis true, the deſire he had to hear the ſucceſs of this enterprize did take up much of his mind, ſo as it was not entirely at liberty; yet he talked unto all his friends, as if his ſoul had no extraordinary cares upon it, and to inquire very obligingly of all their intereſts: He asked Artamas how Palmis did; Agla [...]idas of Ameſtris; and Ligdamis of Cleonice: But as for Intaphernes, he would never acquaint him with the Treaty between Arſamones and Thomiris, becauſe it ſhould not grieve him: And he commanded all the Officers whoſe Quarters were neer Araxes, that if they met with any Cavalry conducting Ladies, that they ſhould uſe them reſpectively, and bring them to his Camp: Truth is, Intaphernes was not long in this ignorance; for being one morning at that Bridg of Boats which Cyrus had made over Araxes, to view ſome Troops paſs which were newly come, and which Ciaxares had ſent unto Cyrus, he eſpied the Prince Atergatis, and as ſoon as ever he ſaw him he went to him, and without lighting from his horſe, becauſe the place would not permit it, they ſhaked hands, and confirmed their friendſhip: But having many queſtions to ask each other, they went further from the Preſs; and Intaphernes finding much melancholy in the eyes of his friend, his heart began to fear, and he had a great mind to ask how the Princeſs of Bythinia did, but he durſt not; yet being able to hold no longer: Well my dear Atergatis (ſaid he unto him) Are you baniſhed from Arſamones for doing me any good offices unto the Princeſs his Daughter? Alas, alas, (replied Atergatis and ſighed) You would much wonder did you know the cauſe of my journey, and you would both wonder and grieve if you knew that the Princeſs of Bythinia, and the Princeſs Iſtrina, are either now in the power of Thomiris, or will be very ſhortly, and that the Princeſs Araminta will be ſhortly in the power of Arſamones: How's this (cried out Intaphernes) Can there be any truth in this you tell me? For heavens ſake tell me, how comes this ſad adventure to paſs? After this, Atergatis told him as much as Cyrus knew concerning it; to wit, the Treaty between Thomiris and Arſamones. But (ſaid Intaphernes unto him) How could you ſuffer ſuch an unjuſt thing without oppoſition? Had I known it, I ſhould have thwarted it, replied Atergatis, but Arſamones [Page] did negotiate the buſineſs ſo ſecretly, as all was concluded before I knew any thing, and to prevent any obſtacle in the departure of the Princeſſes, he ſent me to Heraclea whilſt he ſhipped them for Chriſipalis, to ſend them unto Thomiris. But as ſoon as the Princeſſes knew their deſign, they were ſo ſad at it, that moving the heart of one in the Ship to pity them, he promiſed to come and acquaint me as ſoon as the Ship came to Land; and the next morning the Ship came aſhore, becauſe the Princeſs of Bythinia deſired to ſend and offer a Sacrifice at a Temple which was by the Sea ſide, and this man came then out of the Ship and never returned, but come immediately to me, and acquainted me in few words with all the paſſage: So that conceiving I could not poſſible overtake the Princeſſes, nor ought to return unto Arſamones, nor ſtay about that buſineſs he had imployed me, I came in all haſt unto you, and about three daies march hence, I met theſe Troops with whom I came: But in my way I underſtood that the Princeſs are carried by away far off, to the end they might ſhun the Camp of Cyrus, when they paſſed over Araxes.

Intaphernes hearing this ſad news, was all ſorrow: But at laſt he told Atergatis, that hoping well in the valour of Cyrus, who in delivering Mandana, would deliver theſe Princeſſes alſo, he prepared to carry him into his Tent, after he had ſent to advertiſe him of his intentions: So as Cyrus not being ignorant of his name and quality, nor of his merit and adventures, nor of the friendſhip which was between Intaphernes and him, he received him with all poſſible civility: But when Intaphernes would have acquainted him with the Treaty which Arſamones had made, he ſtopped him, and ſaid he was not ignorant of, but kept it ſecret, becauſe he deſired to ſave him ſome ſighs; adding, that as ſoon as ever he heard of it, he gave orders to all his Officers, that if they met with any Ladies to reſpect them, and bring them to his Camp. After which, theſe two Lovers being both ſatisfied with the cares of Cyrus, they thanked him with equal civility: Atergatis for his particular did it with ſo good a grace, that Cyrus ſaw he merited that excellent Character which he who related his hiſtory had given of him. But to begin their friendſhip by a confidence, they condoled their misfortunes together, and Cyrus made ſuch a pathetical abridgment of all his miſeries unto theſe two Lovers, that he ſuſpended their ſorrows for their own, becauſe they found his caſe worſe then their own. For truly (ſaid he unto them) you have no Rivals who hold your Miſtreſſes Captive, and Thomiris hath no intereſt to treat them ill: But as for Mandana, ſhe is under the power of a Lover, and under the power of a Queen, who thinks ſhe has reaſon to hold her from me. In the mean time, Cyrus underſtanding more preciſely the way which theſe two Princeſſes would take in coming from Bythinia, he commanded ſeveral Parties to ſcout about the River Araxes, as far as there was any hopes of meeting with them, or at leaſt the Princeſs Araminta, whom Thomiris was to ſend unto Arſamones, when the other Princeſſes came unto her; and he imagined that She would ſend her with the ſame Convoy, and by the ſame way. So that Intaphernes and Atergatis having a great deſire to go themſelves in perſon, Cyrus conſidering their intereſt, permitted them, telling them moſt obligingly, that he was very ſorry he could not go himſelf, and help them to deliver their Princeſs, as he hoped they would help him to deliver Mandana. In the mean time, Anacharſis being charmed with the virtue of Cyrus, did viſit him very often, telling every one he ſpoke unto, that hitherto he had learned to talk of wiſdome, but by the actions of Cyrus he would learn to practiſe it. This Prince alſo for his part did finde ſuch a real ſincerity in the converſation of this Sage Scithean, as did infinitely pleaſe him; and ſuch a grandure of thought, as did much move his inclination. Alſo the diſcourſe of Anacharſis did much help to drive away his melancholy and ſorrows that he was not able to act, and made him expect with much leſs impatiency the ſucceſs of his enterprize. But at laſt, better news came then he durſt hope for, and that Guard of Mandana's, who was become Andramites ſervant, alſo who had plotted the buſineſs, came to beg his pardon, and told Cyrus that his enterprize was effected, and that he was Maſter of the Fort; and to particularize this great attempt, he told him that Feraulas conducted by the King of Ponts man, did march ſo faſt and happily, that thoſe within the Fort had not the leaſt knowledg of his coming, and that the ſign by fire was ſo well given and taken, and the aſſault ſo ſurprized the Garriſon, that they were damped with fear, and cut in pieces.

Moreover, that Feraulas after he was Maſter of the place, had ſo incouraged the workmen, and promiſed ſuch great recompences unto them if they finiſhed the work, that thoſe men having heard of Cyrus and his liberality, did fall on work, and promiſed to [Page] finiſh it within two daies. This great and good news infuſed as much joy into this Prince, as if he had been in a condition to advance with all his Army. But beſides that his wounds would not give him leave, another accident fell out which hindered him from thinking of it; which was, That the river Araxes by reaſon of great winds which toſſed the water, had broken his Bridg, and the current of the river was ſo impetuous, that moſt of the Boats were broken, and ſhattered in pieces one againſt another. So that ſince the Army of Cyrus could get no ſubſiſtance but from the other ſide of the River, his whole care was to repair the Bridg, that he might ſend over victual and ammunition to his Army: All they could do, the Bridg being broken, was to ſend over every day as much as thoſe Boats which remained could carry, to make them ſubſiſt. Thus Cyrus was of neceſſity forced to wait and attempt nothing till he could get on horſeback, and until the Bridg was made again, and alſo till victual and ammunition neceſſary for his march was paſſed over. In the mean time he took incredible pains to repair the bridg, and ſent him who brought the news of the Fort being taken, to tell Feraulas, that if he were aſſaulted to defend himſelf, in hopes of a ſpeedy relief: But after he had kept his bed four daies, the Chyrurgions permitted him to riſe, ſo he would not go out of his Tent of four or five daies more. So that being one morning with Mazares, Artamas, and Myrſiles, one came to tell him that the Prince Intaphernes, and the Prince Atergatis were coming, and that they brought ſome Ladies with them. This news did extreamly ſurprize Cyrus, yet upon better thoughts he imagined, that perhaps they had met with their Princeſſes, and got them out of the hands of thoſe who would have carried them unto Thomiris: So that hearing thoſe two Princes deſired leave to bring thoſe two Ladies unto him, he was well contented. But this Prince was much ſurprized when Intaphernes and Atergatis brought in the Princeſs Araminta and Heſionide, in lieu of the Princeſs of Bythinia and Iſtrina, whom he expected. 'Tis true, he ſaw her ſo ſad, that thinking ſhe knew of the King her Brothers death, he durſt not expreſs any joyes, nor begin to treat her as Queen; and beginning to think that Mandana had loſt a great comfort in loſing the company of this Princeſs, he could not retain his firſt joyes of ſeeing her, but he let her ſee by his eyes, that he would perform all he had promiſed: Yet this Princeſs having as much judgment as ſpirit, did think Cyrus would be much troubled to tell her of the King her Brothers death, ſhe reſolved to ſpeak unto him firſt; and indeed ſhe was no ſooner come into his Tent, at the entrance into which he received her, but beginning to ſpeak firſt: Give me leave to tell you Sir (ſaid ſhe unto him) in juſtification of that ſorrow which ſirs upon my cheeks, that though I have reaſon to rejoyce of my liberty, and at the honor of ſeeing you, yet my Brothers death is the cauſe of my ſorrow; and to juſtifie his memory, I muſt acquaint you, how I underſtand from Thomiris, that he repented of all his violencies unto the Princeſs Mandana, and though he have perhaps merited no pity from you, yet he has merited your permiſſion to let me lament him: I have done it my ſelf Madam (replied Cyrus) and have extreamly pittied the ſad deſtiny of ſo great a Prince; and I thank the Gods with all my heart, that though he hath been my Rival and my Enemy, yet that you Madam cannot charge me with his death: And I aſſure you Madam, that if I could revive him, though with the ſame Love unto the Princeſs Mandana, yet I ſhould joyfully do it to ceaſe your ſorrows, and ſtop your tears. But Madam (ſaid he, being forced by the violence of his love) Why did you not bring the Princeſs Mandana with you? That I might have been obliged unto the Prince Intaphernes, and the Prince Atergatis for delivering her, as I am for ſetting you at liberty: Alas Sir (replied ſhe) I need not anſwer this queſtion; but after I have commended your generoſity in lamenting the death of your Enemy, I muſt tell you, that the Princeſs Mandana is now guarded with ſo much exactneſs, that there is no delivering her but by the overthrow of Thomiris, yet ſhe is waited upon with much reſpect, and ſhe knows ſo well how to make her Raviſhers fear her, that the Prince Ariantes trembles as oft as he comes neer her, and ſpeaks unto her as humbly as if ſhe were not in his power. But Sir (purſued ſhe) the news of taking the Fort of Sauromates hath extreamly amazed the Queen of Maſſagettes, and if the Prince Ariantes had not been wounded, it had been ere now beſieged; but that Prince being unable to act; by reaſon of his wounds, I believe the deſign is deferred for ſome certain daies: After this Sir, I muſt needs (maugre my ſorrow) tell you of the Prince Intaphernes, and the Prince Atergatis their generoſity, who knowing that thoſe who conducted me were carrying me unto Arſamones (a mortal Enemy unto the King my Brother) did fight them, and brought me unto you Sir: When [Page] you know them well, replied Cyrus, you will finde that you are more obliged unto them, then you imagine; for as you are a Debtor unto them for your liberty, ſo are you unto the Prince Atergatis, for the liberty of Spitridates: When one hath done no more then what was their duty to be done (replied that Prince) there is no obligations owing; and by the ſame reaſon (added Intaphernes) I do declare, that ſince I have done no more then what I ought to have done, I cannot pretend unto any right of obligation: However it be (ſaid Cyrus) you will give us leave to think what we pleaſe. But Madam (added he) I can ſtay no longer before I tell you, that we expect the Prince Spitridates his being here very ſhortly: Do you know Sir, replied Araminta, and both bluſh'd and ſigh'd) where that unfortunate Prince is? I do not directly know in what place he is Madam (replied Cyrus) I know he will arrive here ere long, and that he was at a Port in Cholcides, when the Prince Tigranes did write unto the Princeſs Oneſile, and ſo I know he will ere long have the happineſs of ſeeing you. After this Sir, Cyrus asked Intaphernes and Atergatis, in what place they met this Princeſs: And after they anſwered, that they found her as ſhe was paſſing over the river, he asked Araminta whether the two Princeſſes which Arſamones gave as Hoſtages unto Thomiris, were come or no? To which ſhe anſwered, as ſhe had before Intaphernes and Atergatis, that they arrived the day before ſhe came away, and that ſhe was extreamly ſorry ſhe could not obtain ſo much leave as to ſee the Princeſs of Bythinia, whom ſhe had long loved. After this, Cyrus told her, that though the unfortunate King her Brother had only left her the Title of a Queen, yet he would treat her as Queen in poſſeſſion of thoſe two Kingdoms which he had loſt: For Madam (ſaid he unto her) I know that the Prince Spitridates will reſtore them to you, and I am ſure he will never enjoy the uſurpation of Arſamones; but as ſoon as he comes here, will treat you as Queen of Pontus, though his Father poſſeſs the Kingdom. And Madam, if it be the pleaſure of fortune that I ſhall deliver Mandana, Arſamones ſhall render Juſtice unto ſuch as it is due unto. Araminta charmed with the civility of Cyrus, did anſwer him with as much generoſity and ſpirit, and with as much ſorrow as generoſity.

After which, Cyrus ordered that ſhe ſhould be waited upon unto a ſtately Tent, and to ſtay there until Boats were ready to convey her unto the Town where Oneſile was, where ſhe might be more conveniently and ſafe. At the firſt, though Araminta did infinitely eſteem that Princeſs, yet when it was propoſed to be with her, ſhe could hardly conſent unto it, becauſe ſhe was Siſter in Law unto Phraartes; but Cyrus ſatisfying her that this Princeſs did highly condemn the violence of Phraartes, and that Tigranes was a dear friend unto Spitridates, and a great Enemy unto his Brother for carrying her away, ſhe was well contented to be with her: Alſo ſhe ſeeing but two wayes to chuſe, either to ſtay in an Army, or to ſtay with a moſt virtuous Princeſs, ſhe quickly reſolved with her ſelf, and was conducted by Chriſantes unto her the day following: Cyrus firſt ſending to acquaint Oneſile with the King of Pontus his death, and with the death of Phraartes, alſo with the arrival of Araminta, to the end ſhe might know how ſhe ought to receive her.

The meeting of theſe two Princeſſes was very tender, and they ſpoke ſo excellently unto each other, as it was moſt evident they had both of them as much judgment as ſpirit, and as much virtue as judgment. In the mean time, the Bridg being repaired, and Cyrus being ready to go out of his Tent, he reſolved to paſs over with all poſſible ſpeed all ſuch proviſions as were requiſite during his march, and to diſencamp as ſoon as they were over, giving ſeveral orders for a continual ſupply of ſubſiſtance for his Army. So that being to depart within two daies, he reſolved to imploy one of them upon a Viſit unto the Queen of Pontus, and to bid adieu unto the Princeſs of Armenia. Since Cyrus loved the company of Anacharſis very well, he obliged him unto this viſit with him. So that Cyrus ſetting out betimes in the morning, accompanied with that renowned Scithean, Indatherſes, Araſpes, Ligdamis, Aglatidas, Meneſiphiles, and Cherſias, it was early when he arrived. Since Araminta was in mourning, and moreover ſince he would treat her as a Queen, he went firſt unto her, and afterwards unto the Princeſs Oneſile. But he took no notice at his entrance, that Anacharſis did not follow him, but ſtayed at the bottom of the ſtairs with a ſtranger: 'Tis true, as ſoon as he was in Araminta's Chamber, he miſſed him, and asked for him: But Cherſias telling him that he ſtayed with a man who ſeemed to have much buſineſs with him, he went on with his viſit, and did ingage himſelf ſo deep in talk of Mandana with Araminta, that he forgot Anacharſis; for [Page] ſince ſhe had ſo lately ſeen his Princeſs, he could talk of nothing elſe; and it was ſo great a pleaſure to him to talk with one who had ſo lately ſeen and ſpoke with her, that he never thought of his going unto Oneſile: yet at laſt he left her, and went unto the Princeſs of Armenia, and in paſſing from one Chamber to another, he ſaw a man of a handſome preſence who ſeemed to be a Grecian, walking in the outer Chamber with Anacharſis, and who no ſooner ſaw Meneſiphiles, but he came unto him; yet Cyrus being neer Oneſiles Chamber, he entred without ſtaying, his minde being ſo full of Mandana, that he would not interrupt his own thoughts by asking Anacharſis why he did not follow him: But when he was in the midſt of Oneſiles outer Chamber, Anacharſis overtook him, and beſeeched him to let a friend of Solons, of Meneſiphiles, and his (whoſe name was Silamis) have the honour to kiſs his hand: So that Cyrus ſtaying, and the Grecian being neer him, he ſaluted him very civilly, and told him, That ſince it was impoſſible to be a friend unto ſo many rare men, unleſs himſelf were excellently accompliſhed, he was very deſirous to be acquainted with him. After which, asking him what was the cauſe of his voyage, Silamis anſwered, That having ſeveral reaſons to be abſent from Athens, he reſolved for Aſia, and to come unto Artaxates to ſee Oneſile, unto whom he had the honour to be allied: And Solon having obliged him to ſee Anacharſis, who he knew came unto Aſia with Meneſiphiles, Diocles, and Cherſias, and to tell him from Solon, that he had good reaſon to ſay as heretofore he did, when he compoſed his Laws; and he was very glad to hear from the Princeſs of Armenia, that this Sage Scithean was in the Army: Did I not fear, ſaid Cyrus; That I make this Princeſs ſtay too long, I ſhould entreat you to tell me what it was which Anacharſis ſaid unto Solon; for certainly ſince he thinks it worthy of his memory, ſo long it is ſomthing that is worthy the knowing: It is ſo Sir (replied Silamis) And ſince he ſaid it, all the world makes uſe of it, when they talk upon the ſame ſubject. What I then ſaid was yet ſo ſimple, replied Anacharſis, that it does not deſerve the honor of remembrance: Since the Princeſs of Armenia is a Lady of an admirable wit, replied Cyrus, and began to walk, ſhe ſhall be judg, and I will entreat Salamis to tell it in her preſence: And indeed after Cyrus had ſaluted that Princeſs, after he had preſented Anacharſis unto her, and told her of Silamis, whom ſhe ſaid came the day before, he beſeeched her to judg whether Solon and all the accompliſhed men of Athens, had reaſon to remember ſome words which Anacharſis had ſpoken unto that wiſe Legiſlator when he was at that famous City. The Athenians (replied Oneſile) have a reputation of ſuch excellent wit, as it is to be believed, that whatſoever they think worthy of remembrance, certainly does merit to be ſo by all the world.

After this, Cyrus turning towards Anacharſis, preſſed him to tell what it was he ſaid to Solon: Truly Sir, ſaid he unto him, What I then ſaid unto him, ſeemed then ſo unreaſonable, that there muſt needs happen ſome great change before he could change his opinion; Such a change hath happened at Athens, replied Silamis, that you need not wonder he ſhould change his opinion, & that he ſhould ſee that you knew better then he did the nature of the people, whom he pretended to govern by the ſole authority of his Laws: Truth is Sir, replied Anacharſis then, that ſeeing what the manners of the Athenians were, and alſo conſidering all the men in general, I thought it ſtrange, that a man ſo wiſe as Solon, who well enough knew the impetuoſity of all paſſions which diſorder the lives of men, and who alſo knew how audacious and ſtupid the multitude is, that he ſhould pretend to eſtabliſh order amongſt ſo great a people, and to make Concord and Virtue raign amongſt them only by his Laws: So that when he alledged unto me his Laws, as remedies againſt all the evils of his Country. Ah Solon (ſaid I, and looked earneſtly upon him) Laws are but ingenious Nets which catch the little flies, and let the great ones eſcape, being eaſily broken by force: So that I do foreſee by all the certain conjectures that Science can give, that weak ones only obſerve Laws, and ſtrong ones break them, and at laſt bring them unto ſuch a contemptible condition as they are kept by none, unleſs the Law of Armes, and fear compel them to be obſerved more then Juſtice can. I wonder not at all, ſaid Cyrus, that theſe words ſhould be remembred, and as for my part I ſhall never forget them. Doubtleſs, ſaid the Princeſs Oneſile, they are moſt worthy to be remembred, And the more, replied Silamis, becauſe the event doth ſhew that Anacharſis was in the right: For truly the Laws of Solon were very ill obſerved in his abſence, and ſince his return, things are grown into ſuch diſorder, the Piſiſtratres who was only a Citizen of Athen, is at this day the Maſter of it. Then is he not the friend of Solon (replied Anacharſis.) [Page] Pardon me Sir (replied Silamis) But I cannot tell whether Solon be his or no, though he ſee him ſomtimes, and give him counſel. This ſeems to me, replied Oneſile, very ſtrange news, that Athens ſhould not be free: And to me more ſtrange (replied Cyrus, that Piſiſtrates ſhould ſubject it: For when I knew him at Athens, he was of ſuch an humour, that I could not think him a man ſo much applied unto buſineſs, as to bring about ſo great a deſign, for when I ſaw him, he was wholly devoted unto pleaſures: 'Tis true, I ſtayed but a while at Athens, and ſo am not able to judg rightly of him: Sir (replied Silamis) Piſiſtrates cannot be ſo eaſily known as another man may, for certainly it may moſt truly be ſaid of him, that he is three or four ſeveral different men. However, though thoſe who are moſt zealous for liberty do call him the Tyrant of Athens, yet I muſt needs affirm him to be a man of as much merit as any in the world; and ſince the Commonwealth hath loſt her liberty, it is advantagious unto it, to be ſubject unto Piſiſtrates, whoſe life is ſuch a miſcellaneous myſtery, that one may make ſeveral relations of him, all true, and yet not reſemble one another: For he who will relate only the actions of his valour, will give an Idea of Valour it ſelf: To report all his intrigues and factions he hath been in, is to make a deſcription of a turbulent, unquiet, and ambitious man: To relate his ſweetneſs, his ſincerity, his generoſity, his liberality, and his magnificence, is to make the picture of a true man of Honor; and to tell of his Loves and Gallantries, is to make a model of a moſt pleaſing Lover, and great Gallant.

This Character of Piſiſtrates, replied Oneſile, fills me full of curioſity to know all his adventures: Silamis is ſo well acquainted with them, replied Meneſiphiles; that he knows them as well as Piſiſtrates himſelf. Since ſo (ſaid Cyrus) I ſhall entreat him, as he deſires me to be his friend, ſo that he will relate it unto the Princeſs of Armenia: Sir, ſince Fame long ſince did wholly devote me yours, replied Silamis, you may command me any thing: Since I uſe only entreaties to my friends, anſwered Cyrus, I ſhall not command you, but I ſhall entreat you in the name of the Armenian Princeſs, to relate the life of Piſiſtrates. But ſince it is likely that the wiſe Anacharſis would think his time ill ſpent, in hearing a hiſtory of Love, I will adviſe him to go and viſit the Queen of Pontus.

At firſt Anacharſis would not go, ſaying, That whatſoever was worthy the ear of Cyrus, was worthy to be hearkened unto by all the world. But Silamis having given him a Letter from Solon which he longed to read again, becauſe he read it haſtily before, he was not ſorry for having that pretence of going out. So that obeying Cyrus, he retired. And as ſoon as he was gone, Oneſile ſolicited Silamis to keep his word, and Cyrus preſſing him alſo, he prepared himſelf to ſatisfie their curioſities: And after he had a while recollected his memory, and digeſted into a method what he was to ſay, he began his relation in this manner, ſpeaking unto Oneſile by the order of Cyrus.

The Hiſtory of PISISTRATES.

SInce I know Madam, that I ſpeak unto one who does not only know the paſſages of that Country where ſhe lives, but alſo knows as much as is requiſite for any great Princeſs, I ſhall omit many things in my relation which I ſhould have inſerted, had I ſpoken unto a perſon ignorant in the affairs of Greece. Alſo ſince it is the Hiſtory of Piſiſtrates which I am to relate, and not the hiſtory of Athens, I need not inſiſt long upon the General Affairs of our Commonwealth, but ſhall only ſay what it pertinent unto Piſiſtrates. But Madam, ſince Noble Birth is a great advantage when virtue adorns it with its luſtre, I muſt tell you, that his is as worthy of him, as he is of them from whom he is deſcended, for he comes from the right line of one of the Sons of Ajax, called Philaeus, who was a Citizen of Athens with his Brother named Euriſaces, who gave the Iſle of Salamine unto the Athenians. And I can aſſure you, that his heart is higher then his birth, and there are few men in all Greece of greater qualities then he. As for his perſon, it did infinitely pleaſe, and he had all the features of a ſweet face: 'Tis true, his Noſe was a little with the biggeſt, and raiſed in the middle, but no more then was an ornament; and certain it is, [...] could not have a more Noble and finer Ayr then Piſiſtrates had, eſpecially when he was not in his negligent garb, or on one of thoſe daies when he was ſo different from himſelf, that one could hardly know him; and then, when he was in one of [Page] thoſe melancholy and ſl [...]ggiſh humours, he would not be only negligent in his habit, but alſo ſeemed to be another man, his hair which was fair ſeemed brown, and not curled; his making which was handſom, was leſs pleaſing, and there was ſuch a ſtrange careleſneſs in every part of his perſon, as one would have ſaid his ſpirit was no more in his body, then he was Piſiſtrates. But on one of thoſe daies when he was himſelf, a man of a more high carriage, and more noble and ſweet ayr, could not be ſeen. Moreover Madam, he was not only wont to be different from himſelf, at ſome certain times and daies, but alſo his very heart was full of contrarieties, and oppoſite inclinations; for he would be merry, and he would be melancholy, and he was of a hot temper, though he loved idleneſs. Moreover, it muſt needs be ſaid in his commendations, that he had wit in abundance, a wit in faſhion, a cultivated wit; but it muſt be ſaid alſo, That though he was of a ſluggiſh humour, yet he was the moſt active man alive, when the fancy took him, for he was able to turn the whole courſe of his life, to ſleep when he ſhould wake, and to wake when he ſhould ſleep, yet naturally he loved reſt; and when he took it, he took it with more tranquility then another; yet this love of reſt was no hinderance, but he could eaſily throw himſelf into the tumult of buſineſs, and he had ſuch a delicate and ſharp ſpirit, that he could not endure the Government of any one, but would be continually complaining againſt thoſe who had the adminiſtration of affairs whatſoever they were: So that though he had the publique good for his object, and though his own intentions were very good, yet ſomtimes he would act as if they were not, and be converſant with ſuch as were the moſt turbulent fellows in the Commonwealth: Yet for all this, he loved all manner of pleaſures, not only thoſe of a high and Noble ſtrain, but alſo the moſt ruſtique and childiſh: It pleaſed him extreamly to ſee Shepherds dance after a ſhawm, under a ſhadow in a green Meadow; he would play for pins with a boy, and rather then fail, divert himſelf with the meaneſt things. Moreover, cuſtome was ſo prevalent with him, that ſomtimes it held the place of reaſon, merit, and beauty: And indeed, he did ſo accuſtome himſelf unto the places where he dwelt, to the ſtreets he walked, to the houſes he went unto, to the Porters who opened the Gates, to the Slaves he met, and to the perſons he did viſit, more then ever any man did accuſtome himſelf: And this cuſtome was ſo ſtrong in him, that ſome ugly eyes which he hath accuſtomed himſelf to look upon, hath pleaſed him better then the faireſt eyes in the world which he ſeldome ſees, and is out of the Quarters he uſes to inhabit; yet ſomtimes he would be very variable in his pleaſures, ſomtimes limming would be his predominate fancy, and he did nothing elſe but go from Painter to Painter, from Cloſet to Cloſet, and to diſcourſe of that Art: Otherwhiles Muſique would have its turn, and he would wholly devote himſelf unto harmony; another while dancing was all his fancy, and his imagination was filled with Balls and meetings: Then again, he would be in Love with Books, and Poetry was his Miſtreſs, and he had ſuch an excellent memory, that he was able to quote all that was excellent in any Author he had read.

Thus paſſing from one paſſion to another, Solon told him one day merrily, in chiding him for his inconſtancy, that he had loved all the Muſes one after another, even from Melpomene unto Pterſichore. Moreover Madam, Piſiſtrates was not onely a Lover of Verſe, but alſo he compoſed them moſt excellently and gallantly, Solon himſelf applauded him; but the moſt commendable quality in Piſiſtrates was, that he was as good, as zealous, and as faithful a friend as ever any could be, he was magnificent and liberal, he was brave and generous, and though he was more ambitious then he thought himſelf, yet he had an unintereſted ſoul; and the greateſt fault that could be laid in the diſh of Piſiſtrates was, that he was too much wedded to his own opinions, and to believe too eaſily, that whatſoever he thought, would happen as he did imagine it. Moreover, Piſiſtrates had one quality which I forgot to mention, which was, that when he was accuſtomed unto any one, abſence could never unaccuſtome him, and though he had not ſeen one of his friends for ten years, yet whenſoever fortune brought them together, he would ſpeak to them with as much familiarity, as if he had ſeen them every day, and would talk of things paſt, as if he could not live without them; yet for all this, he could be long without ſeeing or ſorrowing for them; So I think, that I had reaſon to ſay at the beginning of my diſcourſe, that there was a hundred things in his humour, and way which ſeemed to be incompatible. And yet for all that, he was a moſt excellent compleat man; and I am confident Madam, that after this diſcription of Piſiſtrates, you will wonder he ſhould ever think of making himſelf Lord of Athens, ſince it is not likely a man ſo much devoted [Page] to pleaſures, of an unbyaſſed ſoul, one who loved Solon ſo well, ſhould [...] of uſurping Soveraign Authority. But Madam, when I have related his adven [...] will wonder much more, and admire how one heart could contain ſo much amb [...] ſo much love. I ſhall not trouble you Madam, with relating the beginnings of Pi [...] his life, though they were with much glory; for he did ſignalize himſelf at the enterprize of Salamine, and did many other Noble Acts: But let me in few words tell you [...] that at ſeventeen years of age his Father forced him to marry, and within three years after his Wife died.

This Marriage being made by force without love, and only an act of obedience unto his Father, no paſſages happed whilſt it laſted worthy to be related unto you. But Madam, after he had ſacrificed his liberty this firſt time unto his family, he would ſacrifice it unto himſelf the ſecond time, as you ſhall know by the ſequel of the ſtory; yet its fit you know, that his Mother and Solons being neer Cozens, he received the Sapient Documents of this famous man even from his very cradle, yet this was no hinderance unto his matter of Gallantry: For beſides that, Solon was no Enemy unto love, he affected and deſired that the youth of Athens might more ſet their minds upon matters of Gallantry; then matters of ambition, and it would more conduce to the liberty of his Country: For truly (ſaid he one day unto Thales when he was in our City) as long as Piſiſtrates, and all the reſt of his volley are Slaves unto our Beauties, they will never think of makeing us theirs. So that Madam, Piſiſtrates being naturally gallant, and not being reſtrained from it any manner of way, no not by the Councels of a man whom he thought (and with reaſon) to be Soveraignly wiſe, he devoted himſelf wholly unto pleaſures, and laid hold upon every occaſion of diverting both himſelf and others: 'Tis true, there were ſome that ſaid, that at that time he thought upon making himſelf Lord of Athens, and that he carried it ſo only to colour his deſigns: But Piſiſtrates himſelf ſaid, that Fortune brought him to that height he was by her own fancy, without any long premeditation. However it were, Piſiſtrates was no ſooner abſolute Maſter of himſelf, but he ſeemed to think upon nothing but paſſing away his time merrily; and certainly he was in a place the fitteſt in the world for it: For Madam, though commonly the Courts of great Kings are more proper for great diverſions, then Republiques are, becauſe the Palaces of Princes does more invite men of admirable parts, then they can be in a place where the power is divided; yet I aſſure you, Athens was then in ſo high a luſtre, that there were few places in the world where one could more fully divert themſelves: For beſides, that the buſineſs of whole Greece was done at Athens, which cauſed a huge concourſe of ſtrangers, there was alſo by a favourable conſtellation abundance of moſt lovely women, and ſo many wits of both Sexes at that time, as if the Gods had ſent them all at once to honour our Country: Alſo peace and tranquility looked as if it would laſt for ever. The Laws of Solon were then religiouſly obſerved, though there happened ſome diſorder in his abſence; peace, plenty and abundance flouriſhed then in Athens more then in any place of the world; yet the Cylonian Conſpiracy, which made ſuch a ring in the world, had yet left ſome ſparks in the embers, and ſerved for a pretence of all our diviſions: Not that by reaſon of all the paſt diviſions there was not any diſpoſition to any new ones in the minds of moſt men; but ſince it was lately ſince the firſt diſorders were appeaſed, there was ſo great a calm in appearance, as put all thoſe who loved quietneſs in hopes that it would laſt long: So that now nothing was feared but that ſleeping peace would ruſt us: But amongſt the youngſters of higheſt rank, Piſiſtrates was the moſt conſiderable: Licurgus and Theocrites who were men of the firſt form, and ſons unto one called Ariſtalas, were alſo in high eſteem, though of different humours; and there was another, whoſe name was Ariſton, who was infinitely pleaſing. As for the Ladies, amongſt that multitude of ornaments unto our City, Cleorante who was Daughter unto a man very conſiderable in Athens called Megacles, held the firſt rank as well as Cerinthe, daughter unto Philombrotus, and Euridamia, the Kinſwoman of Solon. But Madam, I beſeech you, give me leave to let you know them according to the order, as Piſiſtrates came to know them, and in order to that, I muſt tell you, that though our City was under the protection of Minerva, yet ſhe held Cere [...] in particular veneration; and indeed, ſhe had a very famous Temple in Athens; and every year there was celebrated two Feaſts unto her honor, which we called Theſmophoria, where women are the principal actors of the ceremony: For beſides ſeveral other auſterities, they would watch nine nights together in the Temple of this Goddeſs, and in honour of Ceres, they would there be dreſſed as if they [Page] were going to a Ball: So that this Temple being very beautiful and enlightened with a thouſand Lamps, it was a moſt glorious ſight to view theſe Ladies when they watched nine nights until after midnight; and there was not a man of any quality but he was there; men of age came only to honor the Goddeſs, and the young men came more in devotion to the Ladies then to Ceres. One of theſe nights then, Piſistrates, unto whom I was a piece of a friend, made a motion to go thither, and I having nothing elſe to do, went with him: Piſiſtrates then had no particular Engagement upon him more then I had. But as ſoon as we had placed our ſelves by chance, more then out of any affected choice, the lovely Cerinthe, Daughter of Philombrotus, who followed her mother, came and ſat next us, and was ſo very pleaſant, that though ſhe ſpoke not unto us, yet ſhe ſeemed by the ayr wherewith ſhe received our ſalute, that ſhe was not ſorry we were ſo neer her: For Madam, you muſt know, there was not any perſon in the world who had ſuch ſignificant actions as ſhe; and indeed with a wink of her eye, a nod of her head, or ſign with her hand, ſhe could commend or diſpraiſe, and make others underſtand a thouſand ſeveral things. Moreover, Cerinthe though brown and little, yet ſhe was infinitely amiable, all the features of her face were delicate and fair, her cheeks freſh, her eyes quick, her ayr ſprightly and pleaſant, and for her bigneſs majeſtical; her phyſiognomy did not deceive one, ſhe had wit in abundance, and was infinitely merry.

She being ſuch a piece as I have deſcribed, you may imagine Madam that we were not ill placed ſince next her: But her mother being a mighty preciſe piece of auſterity, as ſoon as we began to ſay ſomthing concerning our good fortune, ſhe impoſed ſilence, and ſaid nothing, but it was in ſuch an obliging manner, though ſhe ſpoke only in the language of her eyes, that yet we eaſily perceived, if ſhe had not ſtood more in fear of her Mother then the Goddeſs, ſhe would have gladly anſwered us. Thus this firſt ſight of her being paſſed, Piſiſtrates and I retired, murmuring much againſt the mother of Cerinthe; for we knew well enough, that but for her, we ſhould have had ſome diſcourſe during the intervals of the ceremony: However, though Cerinthe was very fair in the eyes of Piſiſtrates, yet he never ſo much as thought upon her the next day, nor went he unto the Temple.

But the third day going thither alone, and betimes, he chanced to ſit next Cerinthe again, though not in the ſame place where he ſaw her firſt, and to his happineſs her Mother was not then with her, but there was with her a Kinſwoman which was not of ſo Puritanical a temper. Piſiſtrates no ſooner ſaw her next him, but coming very reſpectfully to her ear: You did ſo cruelly forbid me Madam the other day to expreſs my joyes of being need you (ſaid he unto her) That I cannot tell whether you permit it now: It is ſo great a happineſs (replied ſhe) to be in a multitude, and ſit next a man of excellent parts, that I believe Ceres will pardon me if I ſhould imploy one minute in receiving your civilities unto me. A minute Madam is ſo very little (replied he) that if you allow me no more, I ſhall be but ill ſatisfied: Should you ſpend a whole day here (replied ſhe and ſmiled) perhaps you would think minutes very long: Yet Madam, I finde ſomthing in your eyes (replied he) which makes me think I could ſpend my whole life here with much delight: Fie Piſiſtrates (ſaid ſhe turning her head aſide, and impoſing ſilence upon him with her hand) I will not hear you any longer: Yet Cerinthe was not ſo good as her word, for ſhe ſtill liſtned from time to time unto what Piſiſtrates ſaid: 'Tis true, ſhe did not anſwer, but ſtill charged him to be ſilent: But Madam, from that night Piſiſtrates did accuſtome himſelf to ſee Cerinthe, and did it with abundance of care as long as the nine daies ceremony laſted: So that at the end of this Feaſt they were grown intimate friends. Piſiſtrates was extreamly vexed, that as long as this ceremony laſted, Ladies received no viſits: So that as great a deſire as he had to ſee Cerinthe at her own houſe, he muſt wait until the nine daies were paſt. But as ſoon as they were over, Piſiſtrates went unto the wife of Philombrotus, who received him very well, and deſired that her Daughter ſhould alſo receive him with much civility, for ſhe knew that her Husband was deſirous to get ſuch friends as Piſiſtrates.

Cerinthe being of a very merry compoſition, and naturally loved Rallary, Piſiſtrates and ſhe fell into great familiarity the firſt viſit. And ſince ſeveral ſerious perſons came in, who took up the mother of Cerintae, Piſiſtrates talked much more freely then he had done, if the company had been more general, he engaged himſelf into no diſcourſe but with her, not that he thought himſelf in love with her, nor indeed was he very much; but the truth is, he had that kinde of amorous accuſtomancy towards her, of which I [Page] told you before he was apt for; and ſhe had towards him that firſt favourable inclination which is often ſeconded with a violent paſſion: So that Piſiſtrates being that day in one of his merry fits, and Cerinthe being (as uſually ſhe was) frolique, they were not weary of one another.

At firſt they diſcourſed of all they had ſeen in the Temple during the nine daies Feaſt: Of ſuch Lovers as were wrong placed in being far from thoſe they loved, or of ſome jealous husbands which they had ſeen, who had never been there but to ſee who was with their wives: So that after many an innocent Satyre, and manya pleaſant diſcription, Piſiſtrates upon a ſuddain interrupted Cerinthe, and ſaid unto her, I pray Madam, after you have talked of every one you have ſeen in the Temple of Ceres nine daies together, why do you not ſpeak one word of me? I profeſs Piſiſtrates, ſaid ſhe and ſmiled, you are the ſtrangeſt man in the world to ask ſuch a queſtion, for what can I ſay of you, but that you very ill obeyed me when I did forbid you talking? and you were the leaſt devout in all the aſſembly. All this is true Madam (replied he) but this is not all you can ſay of me; for I am confident that as you ſaw ſome Lovers who could not ſit next their Miſtreſſes, and ſome Husbands looking who were with their wives, ſo you ſaw as well, that you were already very deep in my heart: I do proteſt unto you, ſaid ſhe and laughed, I did not ſo much as ſee my ſelf in your eyes: It was not long of me Madam, replied Piſiſtrates, for I looked in yours as much as poſſibly I could, and endeavoured to let you ſee in mine, that I did you Juſtice, and thought you far fairer then all I could ſee beſides: Your eyes Sir, replied ſhe, may tell lyes as well as your tongue can ſlatter: And to puniſh you (added ſhe and laughed) I could almoſt wiſh all you ſay were true, and that you were deeply in love with me, for I have had a long longing curioſity to ſee a man really in Love: Oh Madam, ſaid he unto her, certainly you are not ſincere, for it is impoſſible but that you have ſeen many Lovers, ſince you are neither blinde nor inviſible: But to ſpeak in your own terms, I am the moſt miſtaken man alive, if your curioſity be not quickly ſatisfied; for if I be not yet in love with you, yet I dare ſwear that it wants ſo little of it, that two looks more will fully do it: Do not think Sir, ſaid ſhe being excellent at Rallary, that when I ſay I long to ſee a Lover, I mean ſuch Lovers as ſay they are in Love, but are not, for I have no deſire to ſee ſuch a one: But on the contrary, I mean ſuch a Lover as is able to do all that the moſt violent paſſion in the world can make one do: What do you mean Madam, ſaid he? I mean, ſaid ſhe, that he ſhould (if occaſion preſent it ſelf) kill himſelf, throw himſelf down a precipice, and poyſon himſelf for very diſpair. But Madam, replied Piſiſtrates, I pray tell me which one of theſe three teſtimonies of Love would you have a man give you, if you ſhould make him in Love? For, ſaid he and laughed, a man cannot kill himſelf, throw himſelf down a Precipice, and poyſon himſelf all at once. But Madam, to tell you truly, added he, methinks I ſee too much joy in your eyes, to deſire any ſuch tragical teſtimonies as theſe: And I am the moſt miſtaken man in the world, if you would not take more delight in ſome muſique which a Lover ſhould preſent unto you, then in ſeeing him kill himſelf; and therefore Madam be pleaſed to make an ingenious confeſſion, that you do not deſire any ſuch ſad ſigns of Love; for I muſt needs confeſs, that I take ſuch infinite pleaſure in ſeeing you, as if you ſhould require it, I ſhould not obey you. Truly Piſiſtrates, ſaid ſhe, your ſincerity does pleaſe me; yet I muſt tell you, that then you muſt be no other then my friend, for if I ſhould wiſh you my Lover, I ſhould wiſh you alſo to be ſuch a one as I mean; to wit, pale, ſober, grave and melancholy, ſomtimes unquiet, diſordered, and reſerved; and indeed to be the moſt miſerable man in the world, I would not have you one of thoſe who can play with a Feather, and divert themſelves at every thing: However Madam, ſaid Piſiſtrates, I beſeech you receive me as your Lover, and afterwards I will try if I can become conformable to your deſires. But Madam, you muſt not think I can grow pale, lean, ſober and melancholy in four and twenty hours: No, no Sir, ſaid ſhe and laughed, I am not ſo unreaſonable, I will allow you fifteen daies to fall in love with me, and fifteen daies more after that to become ſuch a pittiful Lover as I deſire out of curioſity to ſee; for ſince I am none of thoſe great beauties who wound in an inſtant, you will ſtand in need of all this time to become only a little reſerved: But if at the expiration of this moneth which I allow you, added ſhe, you are not become the moſt pittiful puling Lover in the world, you muſt give me leave to think you will never be ſuch a one: But Madam, ſaid he unto her, ſince it does depend wholly upon you whether I muſt be happy or miſerable, it is not in me to promiſe whether I ſhall, or ſhall not be ſo; but I am able to ingage my ſelf, to be more in Love with you then ever any was; and to be ſincere with you, if my Love ſhould encreaſe as it hath [Page] done this laſt quarter of an hour, I ſhall not need halfe fifteen days to become the moſt paſſionate lover upon Earth. Seriouſly Piſiſtrates (ſaid ſhe unto him) I ſhould be very angry, if you ſpeak truly; for to diſcover the very bottom of my heart unto you, I care not for ſuch real lovers, as for ſuch as think they are ſo and are not, and yet make much more noyſe of it then thoſe who really are: for I think it does reflect much upon a womans honor, to admit of ſuch a croud of Adorers, as many moſt vainly do. Yet me-thinks Madam (replied Pi [...]ſtrates) It is a honor to Reign Sovereignly over the hearts of ſo many men. I do aſſure you Sir, much leſs then you do imagine (replied Cerinthe) for to tell you truly, I am confident that when one is young, and not altogether ugly, one may with a very mean merit, ſo they have any hanſomeneſs, make themſelves followed, and get a Troop of moſt aſſiduous lovers: ſince certainly that is not any effect of great beauty or wit; but depends only upon ſome certain petty effected indulgencies, and a kind of Air which is moſt fit to attract, which makes men ſeem more then friends, and dare not ſee ſuch women without applauding their ſweetneſs: On the contrary, I dare affirm, that without this attractive behaviour, the faireſt perſon in the world and the moſt charming, ſhall never have this multitude of lovers: So that ſince I think, many lovers are no effects or arguments of extraordinary merit in ſuch as have them; but rather of their weakneſs, I ſhould be very ſorry to have any ſuch: And though I tell you I long to have one, yet I had much rather never ſee him, then to be perpetually importuned with ſuch complaints, as I can never ſatisfie: and I am ſo afraid to meet with any ſuch, that I dare not make my ſelf any friends, leaſt they ſhould afterwards change the nature of friendſhip into love at laſt. For ought I ſee Madam (replied Piſiſtrates) my deſtiny is changed in a ſhort time, ſince within this quarter of an hour, you deſired to ſee a lover, and now forbids me being your friend. I aſſure you Sir, (ſaid ſhe and laughed) I think it ſo good to have no acquaintance, that I think it would be a very ill office to make me alter my opinion. For my part Madam, (replied Piſiſtrates) I ſhall not oppoſe your humour of having no friends, and of not affecting to have an infinite number of lovers; but I muſt confeſs I cannot endure that you ſhould not entertain one, or that I ſhould not be that one.

As Cerinthe was ready to reply, thoſe Ladies who were talking with her mother, being gon, their diſcourſe was interrupted. Yet Cerinthe being of a merry nature, and one that loved Rallary, ſhe knew ſo well how to carry the matter, without ſaying either yea or no, unto Piſiſtrates, that he continued ſeeing her he much delight; for he was ſo deeply in love with Cerinthe, that he took a greater pleaſure in talking with her, then in any other in the world; yet not ſo far as to have all the inquietudes of a violent paſſion; but on the contrary was always much joyed; for he ſaw Cerinthe every day, who chuſing him for her companion in Rallary, made him the gladeſt man alive, by her thouſand pleaſant conceits, which ſhe told him upon ſeveral ſubjects. But Madam, that you may the better underſtand what did moſt contribute unto their diverſions a long time, be pleaſed to know, that Theocrites of whom I ſpoke before, who was ſecond ſon unto Ariſtolas, was extreamly in love alſo with Cerinthe, but in ſuch a manner, as made her extreamly merry, and acquaint Piſiſtrates with a hundred of her conceits. Not but that Theocrite was very hanſome and had ſpirit enough: but being naturally of a grave, Sage and ſerious temper, he talked of love, as if he were upon ſome politique negotiation, and he loved as if he were in Print. Indeed, Madam, he was one of thoſe lovers, who would ask a pardon if he did but ſigh a little too loud; you may imagine that ſuch a man was ſport enough to Cerinthe. In the mean time: as frolique as ſhe was, the Lady who of all the Town, did moſt viſit her, was Euridamia, kinſwoman unto Solon, who was a perſon ſo ſerious, and cold, whoſe eyes were always in a languiſhing melancholy, which was one of her greateſt charmes, though ſhe had many others; for Euridamia was fair, and had abundance of wit, and of a ſweet and pleaſing ſpirit. So it ſeemed as if fortune took delight to oppoſe the ſeriouſneſs of Euridamia, and the gravity of Theocrite againſt the Gagety of Cerinthe, to make it ſeem the more: And that ſhe had alſo infuſed into Piſiſt [...]cates, ſeveral things, which did ſympathize with the ſeriouſneſs of Euridamia, and the merrineſs of Cerinthe: and he did equally accuſtom himſelf to ſee them both, and they were both more or leſs pleaſed with him, in their turnes, according to the humour he was in; for when he was melancholy, then he would ſit by Euridamia, and when he was merry, he was all for Cerinthe: However, certain it is, that at firſt, he made a further progreſs into the heart of the melancholy one, then into the heart of the merry, though ſhe alſo eſteemed Piſiſtrates more then any other. For my part, I was every day in their company, [Page] and I took a ſtrange delight to ſee how odly love had ordered things between theſe theſe four perſons. For it ſeemed as if Theocrites had been purpoſely cut out to love Euridamia, by reaſon of the ſutableneſs in their melancholies, it ſeemed alſo that Cerinthe ſhould be moſt moved by the merit of Piſiſtrates, and not Pi [...]ſtrates with hers: yet it was the pleaſure of Cupid, to make the melancholy perſon love the merry: That Piſiſtrates ſhould almoſt love both the ſerious, and the jocond; and that the merry one ſhould almoſt love none. For my part, I was the happieſt in the company; for I was in ſuch favour with all theſe perſons, that they made all their complaints unto me as occaſions fell out: Indeed, Piſiſtrates would often complain that he thought Theocrites was too often with Cerinthe: Cerinthe alſo ſhe complained againſt the too frequent viſits of this over ſerious lover, becauſe he ſaid, that ſhe did not give her time to rally after her own way, againſt love: Theocrites on his ſide, he complained that he was forced to love a perſon, whoſe humour was ſo oppoſite unto his own: And Euridamia alſo accuſed Cerinthe for geering at all ſorts of men, not ſparing her very friends: 'Tis true, ſhe did ſo, even before her face as well as behind her back: and I remember one day when Cerinthe was in one of her pleaſant humours, ſhe began to counterfet Theocrites, and to act his manner of ſpeaking and action, even to his very looks: So that Euridamia perceiving how ſhe pleaſed Piſiſtrates, ſhe could not chuſe but check her Rallary, perhaps as much out of a reſentment of jealouſie, as Juſtice. I profeſs Cerinthe (ſaid ſhe unto her) you comit a moſt horible piece of injuſtice, in treating Theocrite after this manner; I do profeſs (replied Cerinthe and laughed) you are much more unjuſt then I am, in offering to do an ill office both unto Theocrites and me: For I ſwear, if I ſhould not laugh in his abſence at a hundred of his actions, I ſhould not endure his preſence. Therefore if you think he loves me, and that my preſence pleaſeth him, you muſt let me laugh at his melancholy; for when all is done, ſtill I will ſay that Theocrites is a man of much honor; but to think that when I ſee him all gravity from morning till night: or to harken a whole day to his ſerious ſighs, and that I ſhould not laugh at them and pleaſe my ſelf: This is the way to be neither friend unto Theocrite nor me, ſince you would make him much more melancholy, and deprive me of much delight. For my part (ſaid Piſiſtrates then) I think the fair Cerinthe in the right: and for my part, (added I) I am of Euridamia's opinion, and thinks there's nothing more inhumane then to gear a poor lover. To ſpeak ſeriouſly (ſaid Euridamia then) I think no Rallary to be innocent: then am I very often to blame (replied Cerinthe) for I muſt confeſs, that I find no company ſo pleaſing as that where there is a kind of agreeable malice mixed in it, which makes it more merry and full of life; and to ſpeak ſeriouſly, if any Rallary be innocent, it is at a ſerious and grave lover: gallantry without mirth and jocundry is a thing ſo extravagant, as I wonder every one ſhould not laugh at it; for certainly it were no odder thing to ſee the general Counſel of all Greece to fall a dancing when they ſhould talk of State matters, then to ſee a lover and a gallant of a ſevere and grave garb: ſince you are not ignorant that you can Rally hanſomely (replied Euridamia out of ſpite, ſeeing Piſiſtrates laugh at what Cerinthe ſaid, you think that you may without any ſcruple Rally thus as you do: And I am confident you think all that can be pleaſing, muſt be ſpoken in Rallary. Fie Euridamia (replied ſhe) that's too far; yet I muſt confeſs, it is a piece of difficulty, to keep up any pleaſant thought in ones mind, which one knows they can well vent; and to tell you truly I think it argues more delicacy of wit to Rally handſomely, then to do many things which ſeem more difficult. It muſt needs be confeſſed (added Piſiſtrates) that it argues much wit to turn things hanſomely as they pleaſe: and it is ſometimes more delight to be geared by you, then to be applauded by another. It is certain (added I) that Cerinthe is admirable good at it when ſhe pleaſeth: but it is as certain alſo, that many perſons will be medling with Rallary, who ought not. For my part (ſaid Euridamia) I will go further then you, and ſay again, that almoſt no Rallary can be innocent; and whoſoever gets a habit of it, are in great danger to loſe all friendſhip, all honeſty and all goodneſs. Really (ſaid Cerinthe and laughed) you uſe me very cruelly: I uſe you according as you deſerve (replied Euridamia) not but that I know very well there is a kind of Gallant Rallary, which hath leſs; malignity in it then others have: but I will maintain, that whoſoever uſeth to Rally often, does walk upon precipies: and it is the bardeſt thing in the world to walk even, and do it well without danger or wronging the Laws of friendſhip and goodneſs, and without wronging themſelves alſo: For it is a thing almoſt impoſſible to uſe it without hatred or at leaſt feared, and the very truth is, none are [Page] allowed to uſe it; alſo I do know very few men who are juſt ſubjects of Rallary. How? (ſaid Cerinthe) will you defend all men in the world? I aſſure you (replied Euridamia I would have none forſake you.

For firſt, purſued ſhe, I would not have one jeſt, not only upon their particular friends, but alſo not upon their acquaintance: Firſt chuſe them well, and be as nice as you pleaſe in the choice, but when you have choſen them, by no means play upon them, I cannot allow of their opinions, who will not ſpare thoſe whom they love beſt in the world: For in my opinion it is moſt dangerous to divert ones ſelf at the expences of ones friends. However, ſaid Piſiſtrates, you will give Cerinthe leave to play upon her Enemies; Truly, replied Euredamia, I cannot allow that more then upon friends, for Rallary is the pooreſt kinde of revenge that can be rendred: For ought I ſee (ſaid Cerinthe) you will not allow one ſo much as to rally with ones ſelf: I aſſure you, replied ſhe, though that be the moſt harmleſs Rallary that can be, yet if it be not done with abundance of judgment, it will be found no great diverſion, and ſurely it is a more difficult matter to play upon ones ſelf, then upon any other. Moreover, added ſhe, I cannot allow any rallary upon ſuch as are men of mean or no merit, for it is never handſom; nor do I allow it upon men of parts, becauſe it were injuſtice to deſcant upon one ſlight fault, in prejudice of a thouſand good qualities: But if one will needs be rallying, let it be upon ones ſelf, but never ſpeak any thing that may anger, or any thing that will do more then a little animate converſation, for in that caſe I confeſs it is allowable to chide ones beſt friends. But Cerinthe, how few men are there who knows how to rally either wittily or innocently? And truly I do not wonder at it, for the talent muſt be born with them, no art can infuſe it; and whoſoever will force his naturals, will be ſo far from diverting others with his Rallary, that he will be the ſubject of Rallary himſelf: It is not ſo in any other pleaſing qualities of wit, ſince they may be all acquired by pains and ſtudy; but as for the gift of rallary, Nature only muſt give it, and Judgment muſt guide it: It is not enough to have many pleaſant thoughts, but there muſt be alſo ſuch an expreſſion as muſt render them agreeable; the ayr, the aſpect, the tone, and every part in general muſt contribute. I ſhould never have thought, ſaid Piſiſtrates, that a perſon ſo ſerious as Euridamia is, could ſpeak ſo well of a quality ſhe never practiſeth: On the contrary, replied ſhe, I ought to be more believed becauſe I rally not; for having no intereſt in it, I ſpeak without any paſſion, and examine of kinds of Rallary without injuſtice unto any: But to tell you truly, except one of my friends who hath a moſt admirable delicacy of wit and fancy, I know none but Cerinthe whom I will allow to rally: Truth is (ſaid I then) there is nothing more inſufferable then ſuch men as are alwayes ſlandering, and whoſe whole thoughts are rallary, who think becauſe they groſly rub upon the faults of others, therefore they are good at rallary: There are another ſort of ſcurrilous men, replied Piſiſtrates, who make me mad when I meet with them, for all their delight conſiſts in a Popular and baſe way of talk, which fills the imagination with nothing but villanous things, and which make it apparent unto all who hear them, that they have ſpent the greateſt part of their lives in the very worſt company of the world. Ah Piſiſtrates (ſaid Cerinthe) you delight me extreamly to hear you hate ſuch men; for though I do defend Rallary in general, yet I ſhould forſake all manner of Jocundry, rather then ſuch ſhould be permitted, eſpecially this you ſpeak of in particular; for the truth is, I would have Rallary to be gallant, and have a little touch of malice; but yet I would have it modeſt and delicate, that it wound neither the ears, nor the imagination, and that it make one bluſh only for anger: There are yet another ſort of Jeſters, replied Euridamia, who tyer my patience when I meet them; for their fancy is to play upon all, ſo that racking their wits to finde an occaſion, they bring out a thouſand tedious things for one of any conceipt in it; and for three or four happy Jeſts which they had broken in all their lives, you ſhall hear a hundred thouſands bad ones from them: For my part; replied I, I met once with a man who madded me with his continual repetitions of what he thought he had wittily ſaid, and it was ſuch a jeſt, as I dare ſwear I have heard above a hundred times before: I cannot endure thoſe Tale-tellers, added Piſiſtrates, who alwayes laugh firſt at their own tale, and who ſhould laugh alone if they never told them unto any but me. After all this, ſaid Euridamia, there is another ſort the moſt tedious of all, ſince in my opinion nothing is more unhandſom, then a certain kinde of faint cold Rallary which is good for nothing, ſuch as when they ſee thoſe they talk with have a deſign to be pleaſant, yet they will not be ſo, nothing can be more tyerſom then this. Theſe tellers of long tedious ſtories, replied I, who [Page] bring in a hundred impertinencies for one pleaſing paſſage, are a moſt troubleſome ſort of people, though they themſelves are very pleaſing, and it is ſo hard a matter to ſpeak neither too much nor too little, in telling a long ſtory, that few men can do it well. Theſe great men of old Proverbs, replied Euridamia, are very impertinent, not but that when a Proverb is aptly applied, it is very pleaſing, but when the Proverb is nought or ill applied, it has a contrary effect. For my part, added Cerinthe, That as errant fools as they are, yet they ſerve to divert me; for though they talk much, and laugh at what themſelves ſay and think, though they make a great noyſe, and talk harſhly, I can laugh as heartily at them as if they were the beſt company in the world: But the reaſon why you laugh, replied Euridamia, is becauſe you are naturally merrie, and finde an ample matter of Rallary upon thoſe who do it ill-favonredly. However, added Piſiſtrates, we ought to be all of Euridamia's opinion, for ſince Rallary is a thing ſo difficult to be done well, ſhe has good reaſon to ſay that it is very dangerous to uſe it often. I do agree, ſaid Cerinthe, that bad Rallary is to be condemned, and that the Satyrical, the groſs, the cold, and the extravagant is not to be endured; but as for the gallant, delicate, fine, and witty, I ſhall oppoſe her, and defend it as far as I am able, and Euridamia muſt either be abſolutely of my opinion, or elſe directly tell me what ſort of Rallary ſhe will permit me to take delight in: I have already told you, replied Euridamia, that there is none which I approve of, though there be ſome which pleaſeth me: Tell me then which pleaſeeth you, ſaid Piſiſtrates, for I do believe what pleaſeth you will pleaſe all the world, and though it be only to correct Cerinthe, I beſeech you eſtabliſh the Law of Rallarie, proteſting unto you, that I will obſerve it as exactly as the Laws of Solon. For my part, ſaid Cerinthe and laughed, I will not ſay ſo much, and if I am not much miſtaken, the ſame may be ſaid of the Laws which ſhe ſhall make, as was ſaid by Anacharſis of our Legiſlator. However (ſaid Euridamia) Since Piſiſtrates ſayes he will obſerve them, I will venture to make them: And I do promiſe alſo never to break them, ſaid I unto her, provided you give them unto us preſently. The word Law does ſo much fright me, ſaid Euridamia, that I dare hardly pronounce it; and therefore to ſpeak a little more modeſtly, I will only tell you my opinion, and ſubmit unto your own judgments. I ſhall tell you then, added ſhe, that I would have Rallarie natural, not forced, I would not have any to ſeek it; for certainly if it come not of it ſelf unpumpt for, and without pains, it will never come well and pleaſingly off. Moreover, there muſt be ſuch a great interval and difference between Rallarie and Satyriſm, that one may never be taken for the other. I know very wel ſome ſay, That if Rallarie be not a little biting, it will never take well, but for my part, I conſider it otherwiſe: Truth is, I would have it ſurprize, and ſenſiblie touch him to whom it is addreſſed, but I would not have the wounds it makes to be too deep, nor prick the hearts of thoſe who reſent it, otherwiſe then thoſe are pricked who gather Roſes, and finde a ſweet ſmell to make amends: I would have Rallarie raiſe the fancie, and quicken the imagination with a wit full of fire, which retaining ſome part of its original, may ſhine only as the ſtars do, but burn not. Again, I would not have one be alwayes in a vein of Rallarie, few long continuances in Rallarie but are naught: But above all, I would have everie one know his talent of wit, and be contented; and therefore thoſe unto whom nature hath not given a nimbleneſs and quickneſs either in their actions or feature of face, or in their expreſſions, are never to meddle with more then ſhe hath given them, for art commonly mars all, let him follow only his own Genius, and not anothers: It is not with Rallarie as with pictures, which ſomtimes are copied ſo like the original, that one cannot know the copie from its original; but in matter of Rallarie, there is no imitating another, and therefore let him never attempt it. But to ſpeak ſomthing concerning thoſe ill Jeſters and tellers of tales which we have condemned, I would have ſuch as tell a tale, never to ſay it is delightful before hand; I would have the tale to be either very natural, or elſe verie witty and pertinent, that the beginning be not more pleaſant then the ending, and above all things, I would have it new and ſhort. Thoſe who are to make long ſtories, I would have them do it with art and method, that they ſuſpend the minds of their Auditors, and if it be poſſible to deceive them, in ending their diſcourſe contrarie to their expectations: But principallie let them not uſe any impertinencies, let not their eloquence be either intricate or drailing, but on the contrary, let them paſs from one thing to another without puzzle or confuſion, and not to interrupt themſelves too often, in ſaying, I had forgot to tell you, or by ſaying, I ſhould have [Page] told you, and a hundred ſuch like with ſuch uſe, as have no method nor order in their thoughts.

Furthermore, I would have them be ſure to ſpeak in the language of compleat men, not like thoſe whom Piſiſtrates did moſt wiſely mention, unleſs in caſe he be to imitate how a Slave ſpoke unto his Maſter, or ſo; for then, ſince imitation is his aim, the neerer he imitates, the more commendable it is. Moreover, I would not have them be too covetous of their thoughts, but to take a care as much as poſſible not to repeat any thing twice. As for ſuch as are full of old Proverbs in their Rallarie, I have already ſaid, that they may be pertinent; and I ſay again, that if they be natural, pat, and applicative to the buſineſs, they much illuſtrate. But to ſpeak upon that which is poſitively called Rallary or jeſting, I ſay, that to rally right, is requiſite to have a wit full of fire, a quick fancy, a delicate judgment, and a memory full of variety to be uſed upon all occaſions; he muſt know the world, and pleaſe it, he muſt have a natural nimbleneſs of wit, and a kinde of bold familiarity, which without any ſmack of inſolence muſt pleaſe, and impoſe ſilence upon others. Ah Euridamia, replied Piſiſtrates, What abundance of wit is requiſite to make up ſuch a one as you deſcribe? For my part, ſaid Cerinthe, I believe if ſhe would lay aſide her ſerious humour, not one in all Greece could rally better then ſhe: Seriouſneſs, replied Euridamia, is not ſo great an obſtacle unto fine Rallary as you imagine; for I once knew a man, who had ſuch a languiſhing ayr with him, ſo melancholy and ſo dull a garb, as I never ſaw the like; and yet he was the fulleſt of pleaſant wit and gallant Rallary, that ever I ſaw man in my life like him. Now though I have hinted unto you how one ought to rally, yet I muſt repeat what I ſaid before, and maintain that one ought to have a great care how he rallies, eſpecially upon his friends, yet there is one general rule which will never fail, which is, to ſay nothing of ſuch as one would not willingly have them underſtand, and never to ſay any thing of themſelves ſo biting as to hinder the delight of ſuch as hear him; for it is not juſt to ſay any thing of your friends which will pleaſe others more then them, nor to put them into ſuch a neceſſity as to reply ſuch things as will pleaſe you leſs then the company, for friend is ſo nice a matter, that one cannot too much fear the wounding it; and indeed to ſpeak rationally, theſe biting quiblets do not make the beſt rallary. The delight any takes in them, proceeds more from the malignity of their own inclinations, then from any right art of Rallary; and certainly a trifle handſomly retorted, is more fit for pleaſant Rallary then a Satyrical invective, whoſe name is only changed and called Rallary: It is no fault to be ill at Rallary, but it is a grand one to loſe ones friend rather then his jeſt: All you ſay, replied Cerinthe, is ſo like the Cozen of Solon, that I think he left you all his wiſdom when he went out of Athens. I am ſure, ſaid Piſiſtrates, She has ſpoken all according to the rule of good and ſound reaſon: I know but too much for my ſatisfaction (replied Cerinthe) for if I ſhould regulate my ſelf according to her documents, I ſhould never ſpeak as long as I live: It would be too great a loſs to impoſe ſilence upon you Madam (replied I) ſince few can ſpeak ſo well.

As I ſaid ſo, Theocrite entred in Querpo, with a moſt majeſtique gravity, which turned the diſcourſe, and preſently parted the company; for Euridamia going away, Piſiſtrates whom ſhe had pleaſed very well that day, preſented his hand unto her, and I following preſently after, we left Cerinthe with her melancholy Lover, whom She ſuffered only to divert her ſelf, and to tell us the next day how grave and ſeriouſly he Courted her.

In the mean time, Piſiſtrates not well knowing whether he was Lover or friend unto Cerinthe or Euridamia, whether he was in Love with one, and a friend to the other, or loved both, he placed himſelf almoſt equally poized between theſe two Ladies: Truth is, it was (as I told you before) according to the humour he was in: As for examyle, on one of thoſe daies when he found fault with all the evils in the Commonwealth, then he was all for Euridamia, and never looked at Cerinthe, but he would complain unto Euridamia of all the ill management of Affa [...]rs, examining them to the bottom, obſerving all their defects, and ſeeking out all remedies, as if what he ſaid unto Euridamia were to be followed: Indeed his Spirits and imagination was as zealous, as if he were perſwadeing all the people in Athens, and driving the nail more home; he foreſaw all the benefits and all the miſeries of the Commonwealth according to his thoughts, and made ſuch a ſubverſion of things, that if Fortune had executed his will, none in Athens could have ſtayed where he was.

[Page] In the mean time, Piſiſtrates mixed ſome matters of Gallantry with his policy: So that Euridamia lent a pleaſing ear unto him, and he was very glad of it. But then in one of his merry daies, he would ſpend it all with Cerinthe, with whom he plotted projects of pleaſure and diverſion more then policy, walks, balls, muſique where the principal deſigns, whole afternoons were ſpent in Councils how to contrive them, and imagining a thouſand other delights: Yet during all theſe daies of ſport, Theocrite and Euridamia were out of tune; yet this grave Lover was much more unhappy then this ſerious Lover; for ſhe having an infinite wit, knew well enough that Cerinthe had no more power upon the heart of Piſiſtrates then ſhe had: But as for Theocrite, he knew ſo well that he had no ſhare in the heart of Cerinthe, that he was troubled to the ſoul; and yet he ſaw that this Lady was not capable of any great compliance with any one: But ſince Piſiſtrates pleaſed her more then any other, he grew extreamly jealous: But Madam, if Cerinthe had reaſon to ſay that a ſerious Lover was a very odd thing, I am ſure that I have more reaſon to ſay that a jealous grave lover is no leſs; and the truth is Madam, a ſtranger ſight could not be ſeen then Theocrite when he was jealous; for it being a paſſion which of it ſelf carries melancholy along with it, judg I beſeech you what he was, who was naturally ſo before; but the ſtrangeſt thing was to ſee this man ſo ſerious, and whoſe actions were wont to be alwayes ſo in print, now full of all frivilous cares, and impertinent curioſities, that jealouſie could inſpire unto a man moſt apt for it. In the mean time, I delighted my ſelf in the ſadneſs of others, and in their joyes alſo; for being then much in favour with Piſiſtrates, I ſhared iu his diverſions; and ſpeaking unto him one day concerning Cerinthe and Euridamia, I preſſed him to tell how his minde ſtood affected unto them; They are both of them ſo much in my minde (replied he) That did I know but one of them, I am perſwaded I ſhould be extreamly in love with her, but becauſe I equally eſteem them both, my heart is not reſolved what to do: And I think I may well ſay, that I do love them much better then I do any other of my friends, and leſs then a Miſtreſs unto whom I ſhould wholly devote my ſelf. This anſwer is ſo ſtrange, replied I and laughed, that I think you give it rather as good conceipt, then as your real thoughts: I do proteſt, ſaid he unto me, I tell you really what my heart thinks; for if Euridamia had not come unto Cerinthe, when firſt I knew her, I had then fallen down right in love with her; and if I had known Euridamia and never been acquainted with Cerinthe, I bebelieve I ſhould have loved her moſt tenderly: Truth is Silamis, ſaid he to me, The jocundry of Cerinthe does ſo much pleaſe me, and the melancholy of Euridamia does ſo ſo much charm me, as I am confident if either of thoſe two ſhould go into the Country for one moneth, I am fully perſwaded that I ſhould fall deeply in love with her who ſtayed in Athens. I profeſs, ſaid I, this is moſt admirable: Be it what it will, ſaid he, what I ſay is true: But Sir, ſaid I unto him, How can your minde be divided ſo between two perſons of ſuch oppoſite humours? Theſe two perſons of humours ſo oppoſite, replied he, have each of them in their way abundance of merit, and therefore no wonder my minde ſhould be unſetled, and the wonder is the leſs, becauſe they do not reſemble one another, for if they were both merry, or both melancholy, doubtleſs I ſhould make choice of her whoſe mirth or melancholy moſt pleaſed me: But becauſe I do finde that in the one which I do not finde in the other, I am forced to part my eſteem and my affection: And ſo it may alſo be ſaid, that I do love them both, or at leaſt have an equal diſpoſition to love them: And indeed Madam Piſiſtrates lied not, ſince had it not been for his inclination towards Euridamia, he had in all likelyhood fallen in love with Cerinthe, and had it not been for his inclination to Cerinthe, he had fallen alſo in love with Euridamia.

However; theſe two Ladies at laſt perceiving that they themſelves were equally obſtacles, to keep the heart of Piſiſtrates from each other, they began to love one another much leſs. Inſomuch as Cerinthe who was uſed to ſpeak of Euridamia, and to ſay only, that ſhe was very ſerious, did now ſay upon ſeveral occaſions, that ſhe was lumpiſhly melancholy; and Euridamia on her ſide, who was wont only to ſay that Cerinthe loved Rallary a little too well, accuſed her now of ſlandering, and as a lover of miſchief; inſomuch as this petty diviſion produced divers quarrels between theſe two Ladies, which ſtrangely perplexed Piſiſtrates; for they would both of them be forcing him to take their parts, yet he carried it ſo handſomly, that ſomtimes condemning the one, and ſometimes the other, he became a Judg of their differences, and did not declare himſelf.

[Page] But in the interim of all theſe ſquabbles, Theocrites continuing ſtill the gravity of his humour, made no further progreſs into the heart of Cerinthe then ordinary, and conſequently was more miſerable then he was uſed to be. Things ſtanding upon theſe tearms, and Piſiſtrates ſtill ſaying, that but for Euridamia he had loved Cerinthe, and but for Cerinthe he had loved Euridamia; I underſtood that Philombrotus was to go into the Country with his whole family: I no ſooner heard this, but I went unto Piſiſtrates, and addreſſing my ſelf unto him: Well Sir (ſaid I unto him and laughed) We ſhall ſhortly ſee whether your words be true or no, and whether you will fall in love with Euredamia as ſoon as Cerinthe is out of your ſight, for I underſtand ſhe is going into the Country: How; ſaid he, Cerinthe into the Country? Yes Sir, anſwered I, and I underſtand Philombrotus reſolves upon it to morrow: Then am I in a miſerable caſe (ſaid he to me) for I underſtood yeſterday thar Euridamia goes away alſo to morrow; and as you were coming to me, I was ſaying to my ſelf, That I muſt prepare to fall in love with Cerinthe during the abſence of Euridamia, but for ought I ſee I am out of that danger ſince they both go. Since it is not likely (replied I and laughed) that the ſame chance which cauſed them to depart both in one day, will make them return alſo both in one day, I ſhall not diſpair but to ſee my curioſity ſatisfied ere it be long, and we ſhall ſee whether you will fall in love with her who returns firſt. In the mean time, Piſiſtrates thought himſelf extreamly concerned in the abſence of both theſe Ladies; yet ſince he had rather only a bare amorous inclination towards them, then any real love, he comforted up himſelf; and being obliged to take a journey himſelf a little after their departure, change of place helped to diſſipate melancholy thoughts: But Madam, I being he of all his friends with whom he held moſt familiarity, he ingaged me to go this journey with him, telling me the more to induce me to it, that he was to go neer thoſe famous Bathes which are at the foot of the Mountain Thermopiles, and that we ſhould go thither and divert our ſelves ſome daies after he had finiſhed his buſineſs: For Madam, be pleaſed to know, that theſe Bathes are ſo famous, that for three moneths an infinite number of perſons of greateſt quality in all Greece reſort thither: Not ſick, languiſhing, and diſeaſed perſons: But the opinion of thoſe beſt known in the virtues of theſe Bathes, is, that they are more proper to preſerve health, then to cure diſeaſes: So that all thoſe who reſort thither are in a fit condition for diverſions. Moreover, Ladies having a fancy that theſe Bathes do augment their beauty, or at leaſt preſerve it, there is every year a huge reſort of them thither under pretence of preventing diſeaſes, though really only to keep longer fair, or at leaſt to divert themſelves, for this is a rule in all Bathes, that melancholy is by all means to be baniſhed, and mirth muſt be made as much as may be: So Madam, ſince I had never been there, but often heard excellent diverſions to be there met with, I accepted of the offer which Piſiſtratss made unto me. I ſhall not inſiſt upon telling you what buſineſs carried Piſiſtrates unto Thermopol [...], for I muſt confeſs he kept it ſecret from me, yet I thought it was to confer with ſome who were baniſhed from Athens, which might be uſeful to him in the change which he hath ſince brought about, though he would not confeſs ſo much unto me: However, I went this voyage with him; and after he had left me two daies with one of his friends whilſt he diſpatched his unknown buſineſs, he returned, and we went unto Thermopiles, which was not above half a daies journey off us. But Madam, it is very requiſite I acquaint you both with the place, and the manner how they live at theſe Bathes for three moneths in the year: Be pleaſed therefore to know Madam, that very neer this mountain of Thermopiles, which parts Greece, and leaves but one narrow and difficult paſſage by which one can paſs from one part of Creece unto the other: Here ſtands a Town called Alpenes, wherein are many houſes commodious for lodging, ſuch as reſort to the Bathes; but the place where the Bathes ſtand, hath in it ſomthing both ſalvage and pleaſing: Indeed when one is at that ſtrait paſſage by which men come from one part of Greece into another, one ſhall ſee a moſt inacceſſible mountain, environed with affrighting Precipices, which reach as far as Mount E [...]na towards the Weſt; and on that ſide towards the Eaſt may the Sea be ſeen, and a kinde of Mariſh ground, ſo full of ſources and bogs, as there is no going: 'Tis true, that deſcending a little lower towards that ſide which looks towards Artimiſion, there is a moſt pleaſant Meadow, and though it be in the view of this hideous mountain, and on the other ſide the Sea, yet there are an infinite number of trees growing about it. Moreover, ſince it is there where theſe Bathes are, they have drained away the bogs and mariſh waters, and conveying them away by ſeveral channels, theſe famous Bathes are preſerved: There are alſo made at both ends of the Meadow [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] above a hundred, all bathing tubs of Marble, unto which when they pleaſe they can convey the water; and ſince every one who comes unto this Bath brings with them a magnificent Tent to cover over the bath they imploy, theſe ſeveral Tents ſtanding in this Meadow do make a moſt delighting object. But Madam, I forgot to tell you, that the reaſon why this is ſo, is becauſe theſe waters being naturally lue-warm, do loſe their virtue if tranſported, and therefore they muſt of neceſſity bath in the ſame place where they ſpring: Yet here the Ladies have every one their bath in private, as well as if in their Chambers; and the Tents appointed for the men are at the other end of the Meadow in reſpect unto the Ladies; yet there is a Gallery between them, where Guards are kept during the hours of bathing, ſo that the men do wait upon the Ladies ſo far only as this Gallerie; after which they go into their own private Tents, where they are at full liberty: Alſo the men do never bathe at the ſame hours they do, for they bathe mornings, and the Ladies evenings: So that after they have waited upon the Ladies to the Gallery, they afterwards walk in the Meadows, and wait until they have done bathing, and then to conduct them unto their coaches which ſtand in ranks in the Meadow, and this year was a moſt rare year for abundance of company: Indeed there was Ladies from all parts of Greece; ſome from Athens, ſome from Thebes, others from Magares, Argos, Corinth, Chalcis, Delphos, and a hundred other places; and I do verily believe, except from Lacedemon, there was company from all the principal Towns in Greece. Moreover, there was Muſitians from all places in the world which had any fame for excellency: Indeed there was no pleaſure, but it was there to be found, and more pure then in any other place, for there was not a man who had the face of buſineſs or domeſtique occaſions upon him, all their care was only to divert, But Madam, be pleaſed to know, that the hours of the womens bathing being an hour before Sunſet, as the mens was an hour after the riſing, Piſiſtrates and I came to Hermopiles when the Ladies were in their Tents: So that Piſiſtrates having been there formerly, he knew the cuſtome of the place, and we alighted from our horſes at the ſide of the Meadow, then went to walk as the reſt did; for ſince we had not come far, we were in equipage well enough to appear before the Ladies: Alſo Piſiſtrates (who as good luck was) was not in one of his negligent humours, he had on a Country habit, the moſt magnificent and gallant that poſſibly could be ſeen: But we had no ſooner walked twenty paces in the Meadow, but an Athenian man of quality called Ariſt [...]n, named us unto the company with whom he was, and came to meet us with them; and it being the cuſtom of the place for thoſe who came firſt to do honors unto ſuch as come after, they received us very civilly. For my part, being altogether a ſtranger, I viewed theſe ſeveral Tents with much delight, and informed my ſelf from Ariſton of all I deſired to know.

But after the firſt civilities were over, Piſiſtrates and I being parted from the reſt with Ariſton, we asked him if there were any beauties of Fame there that year? And after he had told us, that there was many who were very fair, others leſs fair, others leſs then they, and others not fair at all: I ſpied among the Tents of the Ladies, one walking alone very reſervedly, whoſe garb was extreamly noble, and habit very gallant: Indeed Madam I forgot to tell you, that they uſe to dreſs themſelves after a very particular manner in that place, which truly is very pleaſing and delightful; for the habit of the [...] is reſemblant unto that which Painters dreſs the Nymphes of Diana in; and the r [...] the cuſtome is, that ſince they muſt undreſs themſelves to bathe, ſuch a dreſs was in [...] ▪ as was both gallant and convenient for that purpoſe.

But to return from whence I digreſſed, I told you that I ſaw one walking alo [...] not ſeeing her face, I asked Ariſton who ſhe was? Though you know her no [...]r walk (ſaid he unto me) yet ſhe is one of our Athe [...]ian beauties. At theſe wo [...] [...]iſiſtrates looking more attentively upon her, and ſhe turning her face towards us, [...]w her to be Cleorante, of whom I ſpoke in the beginning of my diſcourſe, and [...] was Daughter unto Megacles, a principal Athenian. He no ſooner knew her, but [...]ed her, though he had never ſpoke unto her; for ſince there had been an oppoſite faction between their Fathers, there was no familiarity between their Families: Yet [...] Athens was then all in tranquility, Piſiſtrates and Megacles were upon civil terms, though they uſed not to viſit each other: But Megacles not being at the bathe, only his Wife called Erophile, this did facilitate the acquaintance of Piſiſtrates and Cleorante. In the mean time, ſince this fair one returned her ſalute ſo civilly, ſhe obliged Piſiſtrates to talk longer of her, and to ask Ariſton how long ſhe had been at the bathes: So little a while, replied [Page] he, that if you had been ſeen privately at Athens with her, I ſhould have thought you had held intelligence together, for Erophile and ſhe have been here only two daies. But how comes it to paſs (ſaid I unto Ariſton) that Cleorante does not bathe? For I finde her fair enough to preſerve her beauty: The reaſon is (replied he) becauſe ſhe is ſo fair, as ſhe think ſhould wrong her ſelf ſhould ſhe uſe a thing which has a reputation of imbelliſhing it. I thought indeed, ſaid Piſiſtrates then, that Cleorante was very fair; at leaſt I remember very well, that in the time of our diviſions at Athens, I ſaw her one day in the Church at a neerer diſtance then now I do, and I ſaid unto one, that I was very ſorry Megacles had ſo fair a Daughter. You ſpeak of this in ſuch a pleaſant manner, (replied Ariſton) as would move one to ſay you had no eyes: I aſſure you (ſaid he unto us) that I have not eyes alwayes for that which I look upon, for if my minde and my eyes do not hold intelligence together, I know not well what I ſee.

As Piſiſtrates ſaid ſo, we ſaw many Ladies coming out of their Tents after they had bathed themſelves, who meeting with Cleorante, began to walk together towards the Gallery; and ſince we were very neer them, we ſaluted them. But as they turned back ſtaying for other Ladies to come out from bathing, Ariſton at the requeſt of Piſiſtrates ſpoke unto her: I beſeech you Madam (ſaid he unto Cleorante) do not ſo ſoon deprive us of the happineſs in ſeeing you, but give me leave to preſent two Athenians to you, who are ſorry they have need of my mediation to make themſelves known unto you, and that they have not hitherto the honor to be acquainted. Ariſton being a particular friend unto Cleorante, ſhe ſtayed, and kept one of her friends with her named Cephiſe, and coming then out of the Gallerie with as much grace as civility: If theſe noble Athenians, ſaid ſhe, would know me better then they do, they muſt diſclaim from thoſe civilities you tell me of: It appears very plainly Madam, replied Piſiſtrates, that I have not the honor to be known unto you, ſince you think I can diſclaim from what Ariſton hath ſaid unto you. For my part Madam, added I, I think it is ſufficient that the fair Cleorante does know her ſelf, not to doubt, but that as ſoon as any ſees her, they muſt needs be ſorry they ſaw her no ſooner: At leaſt I am ſure, ſaid Ariſton to her, that Silamis thought you ſo fair, as he wondred why you ſhould not bathe your ſelf, ſince the bathes have a reputation of preſerving beauty. Since I do know my ſelf very well, replied ſhe and ſmiled, I have good reaſon to think that your friend finding ſo little of beauty as I have in my face, he thinks I ſhould wrong my ſelf if I ſhould hazard the loſing of it, in a thought, that if I ſhould loſe any, there would not remain ſo much as would let me be endured: I profeſs Madam, ſaid the Lady who was with her, you do wrong unto ſo great a beauty as yours is: I beſeech you, ſaid Cleorante and ſmiled, do not ſmother me with commendations, for ſince Piſiſtrates and Silamis do hardly know me, they will think I love to be commended, hearing one of my friends flatter me ſo highly; and I pray know that I do not love to be commended to my face, though I muſt confeſs I love it well enough in ſpeaking unto others, behinde my back. But I beſeech you Madam, replied Piſiſtrates, what ſatisfaction will thoſe commendations do you which you hear not, and very often will never know of. As for example, added he, I am confident, that though I ſhould depart to morrow and never ſee you again as long as I live, yet I ſhould ſpeak above a hundred times of you, and you never know it: Perhaps you Sir would ſpeak ſo little in my advantage, replied ſhe, and ſmiled, that it would be better for me not to know what you ſay of me: I aſſure you Madam, ſaid I unto her, if you did well know Piſiſtrates, you would eaſily believe that he never ſpeaks ſo oft of one that does not pleaſe him; and ſhe would know alſo, added Piſiſtrates, that I am alwayes ſpeaking of her who pleaſeth me. As Piſiſtrates ſaid ſo, Erophile, and almoſt all the Ladies being come out of their Tents, Cleorante left us, and went unto her mother, who doubtleſs had been one of greateſt beauties in all Athens, and ſtill was very well: Thoſe who had ſeen her young, yet ſaid, that ſhe was never ſo lovely as Cleorante, who indeed was one of the moſt charming Beauties upon earth; for beſides that her Beauty was a Beauty of great luſtre, ſhe had alſo ſuch rare ayr of youth, ſuch a pleaſing and merry modeſty, and ſuch an inviting power, that it was an impoſſibility to reſiſt her.

But Madam, as ſoon as ſhe had left us, we went, as all the reſt of the men did who walked in the Meadow, to wait upon the Ladies at the door of the Gallery, and to preſent our hands unto them; for in that place men have as much liberty as at a Ball, where it is not neceſſary to be acquainted before they ſpeak, or dance together. In the mean time, Ariſton being next the door, and (as I ſaid before) being a particular friend unto Cleorante, [Page] when ſhe went out, ſhe tendred her hand unto him; but as ſoon as he took it, he turned towards Piſiſtrates, and told him, that as a teſtimony of his friendſhip he would ſurrender his place unto him: And (added he, ſpeaking unto Cleorante) as he deſerves it better then I, ſo I beſeech you Madam let him have it: It ſeems you are weary, replied ſhe and laughed, and deſiring Piſiſtrates ſhould be ſo alſo, you would have him go away to morrow: No Madam, anſwered Piſiſtrates, but on the contrary Ariſton deſires my ſtay here, and therefore he lets me have the honor of ſpeaking to you: However it be (ſaid Ariſton in leaving them) I hope you will tell me what you talk of at the end of the walk. After this, Ariſton preſented his hand unto another Lady, and I mine unto Cleorantes friend, of whom I ſpoke: So that the evening being very fair, they walked a long time; Piſiſtrates and Cleorante had ſo much leiſure as to talk enough to let one another know, that they had both of them moſt admirable wits. But the hour of returning unto Alpene being come, Ariſton came to them, becauſe the Lady whom he waited upon went firſt away, and as ſoon as he had put her in the Coach, he came and asked Cleorante and Piſiſtrates how they liked one another: For my part, ſaid Piſiſtrates and laughed, I muſt tell you, that I was never in all my life ſo taken with any, as I am with Cleorante, and me-thinks I have been acquainted with her ever ſince ſhe began firſt to live: For my part, ſaid this fair one, Piſiſtrates is ſo little a ſtranger unto me, that I believe if I had any ſecrets, I durſt truſt them unto him. To teſtifie unto you (added Piſiſtrates) that we were not at any non-plus, as ordinarily thoſe are who are firſt acquainted: I aſſure you we talked all the while, and yet not of any beauties of the time, or that of the place, nor of any ſuch kinde of things as people uſe to talk of when they have nothing elſe to ſay. As Piſiſtrates ſaid ſo, Erophile being returned to call her Daughter, Ariſton advanced towards her, and told her at the deſire of his friend, that Piſiſtrates had a deſign to go with her to her houſe: So that ſhe ſtaying, he ſaluted her, and ſhe received him very well; for ſhe being a Lover of peace, quietneſs, and pleaſures, ſhe was very deſirous to contract an amity between Megacles and Piſiſtrates; yet this converſation was not long: For ſince it was very late we only waited upon the Ladies to their coach: After which, Piſiſtrates, Ariſton, and I, we walked a little longer.

In the mean time, they had no ſooner left us, but I ſaid unto Piſiſtrates in a laughing manner, that I found he would ere long be accuſtomed unto Cleorante: But be ſure, ſaid I unto him, whilſt Ariſton was taking order for our lodging, that firſt you have unaccuſtomed your ſelf from Cerinthe, and from Euridamia: We ſhall ſtay ſo little here, replied he and laughed, that I ſhall not have leiſure to accuſtom my ſelf in earneſt with Cleorante: And we ſhall return ſo ſoon unto Athens, that I ſhall not have leiſure to unaccuſtom my ſelf from Cerinthe and Euridamia: But Euridamia and Cerinthe, ſaid I unto him, will not be there when you return, for they are both in the Country: 'Tis very true, ſaid he unto me, I profeſs I had forgotten that: Really, ſaid I unto him and laughed, this is a moſt infallible proof that you are not in love with them: For it is without example, either in a Lover or a friend, that they ſhould forget they bad adieu unto their Miſtreſs or friend, and not remember whether they be abſent or preſent: Since I laughed ſomthing loud, Ariſton coming towards us, asked what I laughed at? But Piſiſtraees not well knowing any reaſon why, forbad me to tell him ſo earneſtly, that indeed I did not: After which, we began again to talk of Cleorante, and we asked him, whether ſhe had as much goodneſs as ſhe had beauty: Doubtleſs ſhe hath (replied Ariſton) but ſhe hath one good quality which is very particular, for ſhe is unequal humoured, without any fantaſticalneſs, and ſhe is at that very ſame time one of the moſt equal humoured perſons upon earth, in many things. This is a thing, replied I, which cannot be eaſily comprehended: Yet it is moſt true, replied he, for moſt certain it is, that Cleorante is alwayes one of the beſt perſons in the world, and loves her friends with the moſt even, conſtant, and equality of humour. In what then is ſhe unequally humoured? replied Piſiſtrates. In this, anſwered he, that ſhe is ſomtimes merry, and ſomtimes ſerious, and yet her jocundry never makes her too merry, nor her ſeriouſneſs too melancholy, but for all that, ſhe is of a very different humour, though ſhe be alwayes equally good. Moreover, the very ſame pleaſures will not equally delight her; for ſome daies it is a torment unto her to talk of going to a Ball, and ſomtimes ſhe is wholly intent upon it; and yet, whether ſhe be merry or ſerious, ſhe is alwayes equally amiable to all her friends, for ſhe never has any pettiſh humours towards them, how different ſoever ſhe be to her ſelf; and indeed it may well be ſaid, that ſhe is only different and unequal, to the end ſhe may the more pleaſe, and make it appear ſhe [Page] has all the charms that can be found in two tempers ſo oppoſite to each other: You ſet Cleorante out by ſuch a Character, as fills me full of curioſity to know her more particularly, replied Piſiſtrates, and I think that if I had no buſineſs at Athens, I ſhould ſtay here as long as ſhe did; but ſince I intend my time here to be not above ſeven or eight daies, I deſire to imploy that time in ſeeing her as much as I can: If that be your deſign, replied Ariſton, then we muſt retire; for it is this very night that all the Ladies met at her mothers houſe to dance.

Ariſton had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but Piſiſtrates went towards our horſes, at the ſide of the Meadow with Ariſtons: After which, we went unto Alpenes, and lodged at Ariſtons houſe, who gave his own Chamber unto Piſiſtrates, and divided another between me and himſelf, for there was this year ſuch a multitude of people at the Bathes, that without him we ſhould have been puzled for a lodging. In the mean time, Piſiſtrates having his men and equipage with him, he put himſelf into a habit for dancing, and did it doubtleſs without having the leaſt thought of falling in love with Cleorante; on the contrary, when I came unto his Chamber, he talked with me of Cerinthe and Euridamia as we were wont, and he wiſhed them in that place, asking me, which I thought would firſt return to Athens, adding, that as ſoon as he returned thither, he intended to write unto them of all the paſſages at the bathe, and to make an ample relation of them. After which, Ariſton alſo entring, to tell us it was time to go, and acquainting us with the mode of their Gallantry, to the end we might not ſeem as ſtrangers, we went unto Erophiles houſe, who with Cleorante, received us with much civility, and Cleorante putting her ſelf into another dreſs after her return from the bathes, with an addition of Jewels thereunto, ſhe was a freſh luſtre of beauty in the eye of Piſiſtrates. Again, ſince he was better acquainted with her then any of the reſt, and ſince ſhe was the only Lady of all the company except Cephiſe, unto whom he ever ſpoke, therefore he applied himſelf more aſſiduouſly unto her, and took her out to dance ofter then any other. Both of them chancing that night to be in their frolique humours, they danced ſo well together, that all the company admired them: Truth is Madam, it may well be ſaid, they paſſed away that night together in private amidſt a great multitude, ſo ſeldom were they ſeparated; for my part, though I applied my ſelf to Court Cephiſe, yet I obſerved by the countenance of Piſiſtrates, that he was not weary of his imployment, and by Cleorantes, that he was welcome to her: Alſo I plainly ſaw, that all the great Feaſts of Athens did never divert Piſistrates ſo much as this Aſſembly, and indeed it was ſuch as would delight any, for the Ladies were very fair, they were in more Gallantry of dreſs then ordinary, and there was a kinde of greater freedom then at thoſe Balls which are kept in Towns. But the hour of retiring being come, and the company parting, we parted as the reſt did, and in our return I obſerved, that Piſiſtrates was extreamly gay and pleſant: So that coming to him, whilſt Ariston was talking to ſome other men: Doubtleſs, ſaid I unto him, you are extreamly well ſatisfied with your viſit of Cleorante, ſince you are ſo merry and lively at ſuch a time when every one deſires to ſleep, and is weary with dancing or waking: Alas Silamis (ſaid he unto me) did you but know my adventure, you would wonder? What in the name of the Gods may it be, ſaid I unto him? It is, ſaid he, that I have found Cerinthe in Cleorante: How Piſiſtrates, ſaid I unto him, they are nothing alike, for Cleorante is tall and fair, and Cerinthe is little and black: But it muſt be confeſſed, ſaid Piſiſtrates, that the tall and fair is a greater beauty then the little and black, and all the charms of wit and jocundry which are in Cerinthe, are likewiſe to be found in Cleorante, only here's the difference, Cleorante rallies with leſs malice, and if I be not much miſtaken, ſhe has a ſoul more tender then Cerinthe: But Sir, ſaid I unto him and laughed, As when we were at Athens, there was nothing but the preſence of Euridamia which hindred you from loving Cerinthe, ſo I ſhall think that nothing elſe will hinder you from loving Cleorante, ſince you finde the charmes of Cerinthe in her: Since we are to tarry here but eight daies, replied be and ſmiled, I ſhall not be perfidious either unto Cerinthe or Euridamia, yet ſince Cleorante makes me remember Cerinthe, I know not whether ſhe will have the advantage of the other. As I was ready to reply, Ariſton coming to us, he asked Piſiſtrates, whether what he had ſaid unto him before they went unto the Ball, did any thing profit him? And whether he obſerved how cloſely a man of Cerinthe had Courted a Lady of Argos? and many other ſuch queſtions: You might do well to ask Silamis whether he ſaw any ſuch, replied Piſiſtrates: As for my part, I ſaw none but Cleorante, who ſeemed unto me ſo fair and ſo lovely, as I underſtand not why I ſhould not be on the ſide of Megacles, that I may be a friend unto his Daughter. [Page] Since it is much a more eaſie matter to be her Lover then his friend, replied Ariſton, perhaps it had been better for you, if you had never ſeen her, or at leaſt not ſo ſoon: No, replied Piſiſtrates, but on the contrary, for if it be my fate to fall in Love with Cleorante, I would have it at the very firſt ſight of her, for then I ſhall ſooner find a recompence to my million of ſervices, or at leaſt ſtave off the more Lovers, and hinder Rivals: Yet ſhe hath one very reſolute Lover, replied Ariſton. I believe, ſaid I, it is the Brother of Theocrite, called Lycurgus. The very ſame (replied Ariſton) and he hath ſo long loved her without being loved again, that I think he will love her as long as he lives: Provided it be alwayes ſo, ſaid Piſiſtrates, he will not much prejudice his Rivals: Yet I aſſure you, replied I, that a Rival is alwayes a mote in ones eye, though he be hated. As I ſaid ſo, we came to Ariſtons lodging; ſo that it being very late after we had waited upon Piſiſtrates to his Chamber, we went into ours. In the mean time, Piſiſtrates being very Noble, and his dancing fancy continuing, he told Ariſton at parting, that he deſired to give a Ball, and Cephiſe being Ariſtons Cozen, he entreated him to oblige her that it might be kept at her houſe, and Piſiſtrates reſolved to go himſelf and imploy the afternoon following in entreating that favour from her, and in inviting moſt of the conſiderable Ladies: But ſince he would needs begin with Erophile, becauſe of Cleorante, we made not ſo many viſits as we intended, for the viſit laſted almoſt all the day. In the mean time, I obſerved that Cleorante and he were nothing ſo frolique as the night before; but on the coutrary, ſhe was all ſerious and grave. The truth is, I never in my life ſaw a melancholy perſon ſo ſweet and lovely, nor a modeſty more charming then hers: I had need to coyn a word to expreſs the ayr of her aſpect rightly when ſhe is not in that frolique humour which ſomtimes takes her; for the word melancholy is too much, the word ſerious alſo gives an Idea of too grave a perſon; but ſuch a phraſe it muſt be, as will ſpeak Cleorante neither directly ſerious, nor melancholy; but ſomthing that is ſo languiſhing, ſo ſweet, and ſo modeſt, as infinitely pleaſeth, and imprints reſpect. But Madam, after we had waited upon the Ladies to their Coach, and came to the Meadow, we walked whilſt the Ladies bathed. Piſistrates drawing me aſide very earneſtly: Did I not fear (ſaid he unto me) that you would mock me, I would tell you the ſtrangeſt paſſage that ever happened unto any. For truly (ſaid he) yeſterday I found Cerinthe in Cleorante, and to day I proteſt; I found Euridamia, an Euridamia without melachonly, an Euridamia a thouſand times more charming then the other: I profeſs unto you Sir, ſaid I unto him and laughed, this is a great happineſs, to find two friends or two Miſtreſſes that are abſent in one perſon, and this one more amiable then they both: It is ſo, ſaid he, for Cleorante ſerious is Euridamia, and Clerante merry is Cerinthe, and this is ſo true, that if you will obſerve her, you will finde I am in the right. The thing is ſo worthy of curioſity, replied I and laughed, that I ſhall be ſure to obſerve it.

But in the mean time, ſaid I, I do not ſee Sir how you can reſiſt a perſon who hath the charms of two, the one of which had overcome you, if you had not ſeen the other: I told you yeſterday, replied he, that we ſhall ſtay ſo little here, as I ſhall not have leiſure to tye my ſelf unto Cleorante, or untye my ſelf from Cerinthe, and Euridamia. As I was ready to anſwer him, we were interrupted by ſeveral perſons, and all the reſt of the day I could talk no more with him; for as ſoon as the Ladies came out of the Gallery, he preſented his hand unto Cleorante, and never left her, until ſhe took Coach. Moreover, as ſoon as ever we were riſen from dinner, we went unto a Ladies houſe of Argos, with whom the company was to paſs away the afternoon, and as ſoon as we came there, Piſiſtrates applied himſelf to Cleorante.

At our going from thence, he aſſembled all the Muſitians in Alpenes to play (as he ſaid) unto all the Ladies; but to tell you truly, we began at Cleorantes, and were ſo long before her Window, that the Sun was ready to riſe before we returned to our lodgings: And I aſſure you it may well be ſaid, that we rather waked then diverted ſome of the Ladies. But at laſt, Piſiſtrates being every way Noble and magnificent, his deſign of the Ball was executed, he went to prepare Cephiſe, who undertook to invite the Ladies, and to the harmony he added a moſt rare banquet; and he did ſo often ingage himſelf in ſuch Feaſts whilſt he was at Al [...]enes, as I ſaw it would be longer then eight daies before we ſhould depart; and indeed Madam I was not miſtaken, for in liev of eight daies, we ſtayed there two entire months. However, that eight day being come, I ſaw that in lieu of dreaming upon my departure, Piſiſtrates taking order for a great Feaſt which he intended to make: So that not being able to forbear chiding him: I ſee, ſaid I unto him, there is no ſign of our [Page] return to Athens; but I pray Sir, Do that which you ſaid you would: Then put me in memory of it, replied he, for I muſt confeſs I have forgotten what it was I ſaid unto you. How? ſaid I, Do you not remember how you ſaid you would write unto Cerinthe and Euridamia? And make them ample relations of all your diverſions at the Bathes, and of all you ſaw there? When I had that deſign, replied he and laughed, I knew not that I ſhould find Cerinthe and Euridamia at Alpenes; and truly Silamis, to ſpeak more ſeriouſly & ſincerely both, I cannot tel whether I ſhould much pleaſe them in relating all paſſages here, eſpecially the paſſages in my heart: For truly Silamis, I never ſaw my ſelf ſo neer not being my ſelf as now. To ſpeak the truth, replied I, it would he ſtrange news to ſend them, that you are in love with Cleorante; for I am ſure both of them had hopes of captivating you themſelves. However, ſaid he, whether I fall in love with Cleorante or no, I do think it very expedient that you do write unto them a true relation of all the paſſages at the baths, and that you ſend them word (as great news) how you believe I am in love with Cleorante; for if I do fall in love with her, the thing will not ſurprize them when we return to Athens, and if I do not fall in love with her, we can turn it into Rallary. I would with all my heart, ſaid I unto him: But why ſhould I write unto thoſe two Ladies unleſs you write alſo? Then do not write, ſaid he, for I cannot write any thing to them at this preſent, not but that I do very much eſteem them; but Cl [...]orante is ſo much in my fancy, that I can think upon nothing elſe. And the truth is Madam, he had ſo accuſtomed himſelf to ſee Cleorante, that he could not endure to be from her; yet he did not plainly tell her that he loved her, but all his actions ſpoke it for him, and there was not one at the bathes which did not ſee and ſpeak of it. On the other ſide, Cleorante did very much eſteem Piſiſtrates; and it was apparent no man did pleaſe her ſo well as he did. The truth is, his whole care was to divert her, and it was he alone who made all the diverſions ſince he came to the bathes. Since there was that year many more women then men, I underſtood by Cephiſe, that when we came, the Ladies intended to be at the charges of the Muſique and all the diverſions, becauſe there was ſome men who ſought for ſome poor pretences, to be excuſed from it; but after Piſiſtrates came, none ever medled with it but himſelf. In the mean while, ſince the inequality of humours in Cleorante and Piſiſtrates did not every day hit alike, there happened the pretieſt diſputes in the world between them: But when they jumped both in one humour, it was the rareſt ſight imaginable to ſee them together. For my part (ſaid I one day unto Piſiſtrates and laughed) I ſhould think it much better to have a ſerious friend and merry friend ſeveral, then to have them both in one perſon, for when Cleorante is in her languiſhing humour, and you not, then cannot you tell where to be merry, whereas if they were ſeparate, you might be either merry or melancholy according to your own humour: You do ſo much divert your ſelf at my follies, ſaid he to me, that I ſhould do you a very bad office if I ſhould ſee Cleorante no more, and therefore me-thinks you ſhould be glad I love her.

Pi [...]ſtrates ſpoke this in ſuch an angry ayr, that I plainly perceived the merry humour was not upon him that day, and I ſaw he was ſerious, and reſerved, and angry, even before Cleorante; and I had the pleaſure to ſee two perſons which infinitely eſteemed each other in oppoſite opinions: Truth is, this did not happen very oft; but when Piſiſtrates had a fancy of Poetry, and Cleorante a fancy of Muſique, they would compoſe moſt rare Elogies and Satyres of thoſe two arts; and ſo of all the reſt, as occaſions were offered: But one day, policy and publique Affairs was their conteſt; for as we heard that morning there had been ſome ſtirs in Athens, ſince our departure, Piſiſtrates being then in his lumpiſh humour, and fancy of regulating the Commonwealth, he bolted out a hundred quibbles againſt ſuch as had the Authority in our City: So that Cleorante being in her merry fit, and unwilling to ſpend all the day upon matters of policy, ſhe began to contradict him; and the rather, becauſe Erophile being buſie in her Cloſet writing unto Megacles, there was none but Cephiſe, Pi [...]ſtrates, and me with her. So that after ſhe had ſuffered Piſiſtrates to inveigh againſt the diſorders of the Commonwealth neer half an hour, ſhe abruptly interrupted him: Is it poſſible Piſiſtrates, ſaid ſhe unto him, you ſhould not conſider that ever ſince any force or Laws were, and ſince they made difference of men, there has ever been ſome who have ill commanded, and ſome who were ill obeyed? And therefore time is but ill ſpent in continual complaints, which will do no good: Why? ſaid he, Will you not give me leave to complain that ſo many things ſhould be done againſt all reaſon? And to ſee, that the Ath [...]nians who thought themſelves free becauſe they had no King, ſhould now be Slaves unto a hundred Tyrants who have all the Authority in [Page] their hands? And who do nothing but inrich themſelves, and impoveriſh others? Is it poſſible one ſhould endure, and ſay nothing, a thouſand injuſtices every day? And that Athens which is the moſt famous City of all Greece ſhould be ready to periſh, becauſe the Governours do govern it ill: I aſſure you (ſaid ſhe unto him) rather then torment my ſelf as you do, I would do any thing elſe; for if you can govern it better, do, and you would do well: But ſince it is not the pleaſure of fortune to caſt the conduct of Affairs upon you, believe me Piſiſtrates it is better to let them alone: And be confident, that as what others do doth not pleaſe you, ſo what you would do would not pleaſe others, if you were in their places. If it did not pleaſe them, yet it ought to do (replied he) for I am ſure that I would do nothing but what was juſt. Though you did nothing but what was juſt (replied Cleorant?) yet they would complain of you; for indeed whether Kingdom or Commonwealth, complaints will be; and therefore ſince (to ſpeak generally) theſe kind of complaints do better become the heard of people, then men of Quality: I would complain as little as I could I aſſure you (replied Cephiſe) Piſiſtrates is not the only man of his quality who complains, but there are many others. Were he the only man replied Cleorante, I ſhould not find fault with his complaints; for being my friend I ſhould impoſe ſilence upon him, or elſe deſire him not to ſee me till his politique humour were over: But all men of his Volley have of late got ſuch a cuſtom of eternal talking concerning the Publike good, and matters of State, as that they are become inſupportable. Some of them we ſee no ſooner come from School, but preſently they pretend to be Reformers of the Commonwealth.

Some women there are alſo, who having only as much wit as to dreſs themſelves, will as boldly give their opinions upon the moſt difficult buſineſſes of State, as if they had the wiſdom and experience of Solon. In the mean time, it would be nothing ſo abſurd to ſee the Seven Sages of Greece buſie themſelves in the choice of Ribons or Faſhions, as to ſee theſe young people of both Sexes meddle with matters of Government: Truth is (ſaid Cephiſe, and laughed as well as Piſiſtrates and I) Policy is ſo unfit a ſubject for a whole afternoons diſcourſe amongſt Ladies, as I will not meddle with it: For my part, (added I, to carry favour with the Ladies) I will never talk of it with women unleſs I be forced. And for my part (ſaid Piſiſtrates crabbedly) I will talk of it as often as the mind takes me, for I am a declared Enemy againſt all manner of injuſtice, and moſt zealous for the publique good. But I pray Sir, replied Cleorante, What good will theſe complaints do you, or any elſe, be they never ſo juſt? For when you have ſpent a whole day in talking, all your talk does nothing. Alſo you often reaſon upon falſe grounds, added ſhe, becauſe you know the things, and do not know the motives: you propoſe a hundred expedients which can never be followed; and therefore time is ill ſpent in talking of evils which cannot be remedied by talking; and though it were poſſible to find remedies by changing the Government, yet I have heard many able men ſay it were better to live in a diſordered Government, then to alter it: And therefore Piſiſtrates, the beſt courſe is to pray unto the Gods, that they would be pleaſed to place able men at the Stern of Affairs, but if it ſhall not be their pleaſure to ſend ſuch, let us ſee their faults, but not do them, and not ſpend our whole lives in talking of policy, and making needleſs complaints; Unleſs, added ſhe and laughed, you have ſome ſecret deſign which you will not impart unto us, and unleſs by vilifying the Government you would incite the people to Rebellion, and make your ſelf the Tyrant of Athens. Since I cannot be ſo, but I muſt be yours alſo Madam, replied he ſharply, I have almoſt a mind to endeavour it: For to have ſuch a Subject as you, I would not think the name of Tyrant odious: But I ſee Madam, ſaid he, you are not ſo zealous for the liberty of your Country, but that you would hate me if I ſhould ſet it free. Truly, ſaid ſhe and laughed, provided that in four and twenty hours ſpace you could make a calm in Athens, that there ſhould be neither Civil nor Forraign War, and that you would make a Law forbidding talking againſt State matters, eſpecially young Gallants and Ladies, I ſhould not much care if you had the Government, becauſe I am perſwaded that there is much more ſafety and leſs faction in a Monarchical eſtate, then in a Common-wealth. But ſince this will never come to paſs, and ſince you cannot raign without abundance of trouble and diviſion, keep your ſelf contented, I conjure you, and let us rather talk of dancing, muſique, Poetry, Painting, or any thing, then of policy. Since you will not talk of what I would have you, replied Piſiſtrates, I will not talk of what you deſire, but I will ask you which you would rather chuſe, I ſhould be the Tyrant of Athens, or yours, as your Lover, or as your Husband? Cleorante is ſo generous, replied Cephiſe, that [Page] I can gueſs what ſhe will anſwer: For my part, replied I, I cannot ſo eaſily gueſs: And yet you eaſily may (replied Cleorante) for you may imagine I had rather all the Athenians were Subjects unto Piſiſtrates, then that I were his Slave? But Cleorante, ſaid Cephiſe to her; Where is your love to your Country? But Cephiſe, replied Cleorante, Where is the love unto my ſelf? No, no, added ſhe, let us not deceive our ſelves, our particular intereſt is dearer to us then the general; and all thoſe Zelots for their Country aim moſt at their own good: Therefore I declare unto you, that I had rather a thouſand times Piſiſtrates were the Tyrant of Athens, then mine. I am ſo far from being ſo, replied he, and looked upon her with abundance of Love, as I think nothing more impoſſible: If you take not good heed Madam, ſaid Cephiſe and ſmiled, as ſhe turned towards Cleorante, In your forbidding Piſiſtrates to talk of policy, you will perhaps oblige him to talk of love. Though I do not much love any ſhould ſpeak unto me of it, replied Cleorante and laughed, yet ſo one talk gallantly of that Subject, I had rather be obliged to hear it, then to hear talk of State matters, eſpecially ſome certain men in the world, for there are ſome whom it concerns not who governs, becauſe they have no intereſt, yet do trouble themſelves as much, as if they had as much right to pretend unto it, as Piſiſtrates hath. But Madam, replied he, Is there any who have no intereſt in the Government? Can ſervants themſelves be happy, when their Maſters are not? I know not, ſaid ſhe unto him in the pretieſt fret in the world, Whether they can or no; but I am ſure there is no great pleaſure in ſeeing you when you have your politique humour in your head: If you will Madam, ſaid he unto her, I will never ſpeak of it again as long as I live. If you can do ſo, replied ſhe and ſmiled, you will do me a great pleaſure. But Madam, replied he, I will not ingage my ſelf but upon this condition, that I may ſpeak whatſoever I pleaſe both of you and of my ſelf. Piſiſtrates had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but Cephiſe and I condemned her for accepting his offer, yet for a while ſhe did forbid him; for ſhe ſaid, What can he ſay of me and himſelf? If he tell me of my faults, he will vex me; and if he commend me, he will not much divert me, for I do not love to be commended to my face. Moreover, if he commend himſelf, I ſhall eſteem him leſs, and if he diſcommend himſelf, I ſhall think it a diſguized pride. So that not ſeeing what pleaſure I can have in ſuffering him to ſpeak often both of himſelf and me, it muſt be concluded that I do hate policy in accepting his Propoſition. Thus Madam this Treaty ended, and Piſiſtrates ingaged himſelf to talk no more of State matters unto Cleorante, and Cleorante promiſed Piſistrates to let him ſay what he pleaſed both of her and himſelf, yet not to have this liberty but when he was in his humour of policy: But Madam, ſince this I aſſure you, he made uſe of his priviledg in telling her ſhe was the faireſt that ever he ſaw, and gave her good cauſe to believe he loved more then ever any did: So that Cleorante having a pretence for letting him ſpeak thus; without taking the thing as ſerious, ſhe mannaged the matter ſo handſomly, that when Erophile talked of returning unto Athens, Piſiſtrates had no more to ſay unto Cleorante, but that he was in good earneſt, when he ſaid he loved her. However, ſince Piſiſtrates ſtayed at the bathes, only becauſe Cleorante was there, he offered himſelf unto Erophile to be her Guard, ſo that we returned with her. Cephiſe and Ariſton alſo returned with us. But Madam, be pleaſed to know, that an accident happened which ſtrangely perplexed Piſiſtrates; for it chanced unhappily, that when we were neer Athens we loſt our way, and to compleat the diſaſter, night being upon us, Erophiles Coach broke, and broke juſt before the Gate of a baſe Court which ſeemed to belong unto a houſe of good capacity: So that ſince we had no courſe but to deſire the aſſiſtance of the Maſter of the houſe, we lighted from our horſes, and the Ladies came out of the Coach, and began to walk, whilſt Piſistrates went and deſired a lodging for all this good company in the great houſe. So that going yn foot to the Gate of this baſe Court, to know whoſe the houſe was he knockt, and the Gates were opened. And they were no ſooner open, but within four paces of him, he ſaw Philombrotus his Wife, Cerinthe, Euridamia, and Lycurgus, who came out to ſee them; & having a deſign to walk into the fields, took that way where the Coach was broken. You may imagine Madam, how Piſiſtrates was ſurprized at this ſight; yet ſince he was ſo neer Philombrotus, that he had no leiſure to conſider; and ſeeing [Page] there was no altering his deſign, he went on very confidently, and ſaluted him and all the Ladies. After which, acquainting him with the accident which had befallen Erophiles Coach, Philombrotus prevented him in the requeſt he intended to make, and offered very nobly to lodg all that good company, toward [...] whom he was walking with his. So that theſe two companies meeting, you may conceive Madam in what a vexed condition Piſiſtrates was; for beſides his loving Cleorante incomparably better then ever he loved either Cerinthe or Euridamia, the ſight of Lycurgus diſpleaſed him, becauſe he underſtood by Ariſton that he was deep in love with Cleorante; alſo he had an obſervant eye over this enterview: Truth is, he had ſo much ſatisfaction as to ſee, that Cleorante received his Rival very coldly. In the mean time, ſince Cerinth [...] and Euridamia had no relations to the bathes which had acquainted them with Cleor [...] Conqueſt, they both of them looked upon Piſiſtrates as their own; So that they were both of them in their wayes [...]gely civil unto him. Piſiſtrates on his ſide was the ſame, but he knew then very well [...] that theſe two Ladies whom heretofore he thought to have fall [...] in love withal, ſhould now never be but in the degree of friends; and he perceived alſo by the thoughts he had of Lycurgus, that he needed not to ask him of what nature the affection was which he had unto Cleorante, ſince he needed not to queſtion but it was Love. In the mean time, Cerinthe and Euridamia finding Cleorante admirably fair that day, becauſe they knew not that ſhe had taken Piſiſtrates from them, they could not [...]uſe but commend her, whilſt Philombrotus and his Wife were talking unto Erophile. Truly Madam, ſaid Cerinthe unto Cleorante, I do find you are ſo much imbelliſhed, that you perſwade me the bathes have indeed that virtue which is attributed unto them. No, no, Madam, ſaid Piſiſtrates boldly and interrupted her, Never aſcribe more unto the Baths then what's their due, for Cleorante returns and never bathed, and that freſhneſs which you ſee upon her cheek, is only an effect of her youth and her own beauty; and I do proteſt, that out of a multitude of high beauties which bathed every day, there was not one whoſe luſtre ſhe did not dim: Since you went not to bathe your ſelf, replied Cerinthe, and bluſht for anger at the commendations which he gave Cleorante, it is to be thought Madam you went thither only to perplex the hearts of all thoſe who ſaw you there. But you ſee Madam (replied ſhe, and pointed at Piſtſtrates, Ariſton, and me, that I have ſpared thoſe of my own Country; for they are too merry to have their hearts wounded: Thoſe wounds are ſo ſweet, replied I, ſeeing the non-plus of Piſiſtrates, that one may be glad to have them, and that joy which appears in the faces of Piſiſtrates, Ariſton, and me, is a convincing proof that you have not very much wounded us: On the contrary, replied Euridamia, and looked upon Piſiſtrates, I think it ſo glorious to be wounded by ſo fair a hand, that it would be a difficult thing not to be joyed at it. However it be (ſaid Cephiſe, not knowing the intereſt which Cerinthe and Euridamia had in Piſiſtrates) I aſſure you there was not ſo many men this year unto whom the Bathes have done good unto, as there are whom the eyes of Cleorante hath done hurt unto: For my part, ſaid Cerinthe in way of Rallary, to try whether her ſuſpition were rightly grounded, I care not what hurt they have done unto the men of Thebes, Delphos, Argos, or Megares, ſo the Athenians be free; but for them, I muſt confeſs, I would not have her bring them back Slaves. Piſiſtrates, Ariston, and Silamu do agree ſo well together, replied Euridamia, that there is no likelyhood of their being Rivals: For my particular, ſaid Ariſton, I do declare openly that I dare not be in love with Cleorante, and am but only her friend: For my part, ſaid Piſiſtrates, I will not ſo directly tell what I am, for methinks it is not handſom to tell before all the world, whether one be in love or no.

This anſwer which Piſiſtrates made was not interpreted after the ſame manner, for Cerinthe flattering her ſelf, did alter her opinion, and thought that Piſiſtrates ſaid only ſo, becauſe he thought it not civil to tell a fair Lady to her face, that he was not in love with her. Euridamia for her part, ſhe ſeeing no ſhare ſhe had in the anſwer of Piſiſtrates, knew not whether the hidden ſenſe of his words related unto Cleorante or Cerinthe: But as for Lycurgus, the looks of Cleorante did clearly evidence unto him the obſcurity of Piſiſtrates his diſcourſe; for this fair one turning her eyes accidentally towards Piſiſtrates, L [...]curgus ſaw ſhe took them off again in ſuch a manner, as made him [Page] judg, ſhe knew Piſistrates loved her more then he would tell: So that the very ſame words which extinguiſhed jealouſie in the heart of Cerinthe, did kindle it in Lycurgus: They put Euridamia into doubt, and aſſured Cleorante of Piſiſtrates his diſcretion.

In the mean time, Philombrotus and his Wife who were talking with Erophile, beginning to walk towards their houſe, and commanding ſome of their Servants to get the broken Coach mended, Cephiſe, Cleorante, Euridamia, Cerinthe, Piſiſtrates, Lycurgus, Ariſton, and I, did follow them, and chance did ſo favourably order the buſineſs for Piſiſtrates, that without any exceptions; he helped Cleorante to walk, for it was the cuſtom of the Country, for the ſtrangers alwayes go firſt: So Lycurgus led Cephiſe, Ariſton, Euridamia, and I Cerinthe. Truth is, ſhe ſpoke not much unto me, for ſhe had alwayes ſomthing to ſay unto Piſiſtrates, or unto Cleorante: Euridamia for her part, ſhe entertained Silamis no better, and Lycurgus did not much divert Cephiſe. Truth is Madam, as things ſtood, if we had ſtayed longer, we ſhould have been all weary: For though Piſiſtrates was not where he would be, ſince he was not at freedome, he thought himſelf nothing happy; and the preſence of his Rival, and thoſe two friends who pretended to be his Miſtreſſes, did damp all his pleaſures.

But being come into the houſe of Philombrotus, they carried Erophile, Ciphiſe, and Cleorante into a very fair Chamber where they left them for a time at liberty to reſt themſelves. So that by this means Piſiſtrates was ingaged to be with Cerinthe and Euridamia, without Cleorante: Yet he carried himſelf well enough in this diſcourſe, for ſince he alwayes eſteemed them, and ſaw them both together, he ſpoke nothing which might make them think he was changed; and if they had ſeen him only out of Cleorantes company, they would have believed him to be the ſame he was when he went from Athens. But they continued not long in theſe thoughts, after Erophile, Cephiſe, and Cleorante came out of their Chambers, and went into a Parler which looked into a lovely Garden where Cerinthe, Euridamia, and all the reſt of the company were: For as ſoon as Cleorante appeared, Piſiſtrates went to her, and had ſo quite forgotten that Cerinthe and Euridamia obſerved him, as though ſhe had not been above half an hour out of his ſight, yet he ſeemed as glad to ſee her again, as if he had been moneths from her: So that now the melancholy and merry Ladies began both to think one and the ſame thing, and concluded certainly that Piſiſtrates was in love with Cleorante, for Cerinthe was vexed, and Euridamia was ſad, yet both of them had one equal conſolation in the adventure, for Cerinthe had rather loſe Piſiſtrates by Cleorante then by Euridamia, and Euridamia had rather Cleorante ſhould get Piſiſtrates from her, then Cerinthe ſhould: Yet this poor conſolation did not ſo much cheer them up, but that it might be eaſily obſerved there was ſomthing in their minds which did not pleaſe them, for Cerinthes Rallary was a little too tart, and Euridamia's melancholy would not give her leave to ſpeak: So that Cleorante having a diſcerning wit, ſhe quickly perceived that theſe two Ladies pretended ſomthing to the heart of Piſiſtrates; and being full of curioſity to know the certainty, alſo knowing I was intimate with Piſiſtrates, ſhe o laid her plot after Supper, that ſhe engaged me to talk with her, purpoſely to pump ſatisfaction out of me: On the other ſide, Cerinthe and Euridamia having a burning deſire to know all paſſages at Thermopiles between Piſiſtrates and Cleorante, they began to communicate their deſign, and to ſeek out wayes to be informed: So that ſeeing Cleorante talk with me, Cerinthe fell into diſcourſe with Ariſton, intending to ſqueeze him, whilſt Euridamia talked with Cephiſe with the ſame deſign: And ſince Philombrotus and his Wife talked low with Erophile, Piſiſtrates and Lycurgus were forced to talk together, though they had no great inclination to it, for Lycurgus knew well enough that Piſiſtrates was his Rival: And Piſiſtrates knew from Ariſton that Lycurgus was his: So that I do verily believe Madam, never was night paſſed with leſs agreeableneſs, where all the company were rarely accompliſhed perſons: As for Piſiſtrates and Lycurgus, they were ſtrangely weary of one another: Cleorante was not over well pleaſed, becauſe I would not impart as much as ſhe deſired to know: [Page] Cerinthe and Euridamia were worſe ſatisfied, becauſe Cephiſe and Ariſton told them particularly many things, which made them think Piſiſtrates in love with Cleorante: But Madam, the ſtrangeſt paſſage was, Ariſton had no ſooner told Cerinthe that he thought Cleorante had conquered the heart of Piſiſtrates, but this malicious Lady, who knew not what Cephiſe had ſaid unto Euridamia, had a ſtrange impatience to let her know what Ariston had told her, purpoſely to vex her, and to make her believe that ſhe cared not for it; and indeed locking up all her anger in her own heart, and aſſuming into her eyes her natural blithneſs, ſhe took Euridamia apart, and told her as very good news, that ſhe knew by Ariston, Piſiſtrates was in love with Cleorante.

But to drive her malice a little further, ſhe ſpoke ſo loud unto Euridamia, that Lyourgus heard her, and if Piſiſtrates had not been in a deep ſtudy, he had heard her alſo; for I heard her to the place where I was, though it was further off her then he was, In the mean time, Euridamia knowing well the mind of Cerinthe, ſhe returned malice for malice, and did ſo aggravate unto her what Cephiſe had ſaid concerning the love of Piſistrates unto Cleorante, that ſhe netled Cerinthe, more then Cerinthe had her.

Thus theſe two Rivals in revenging themſelves upon one another, were revenged alſo upon him they had loſt; for Lycurgus ſo well knew that Piſiſtrates was his Rival, that his heart ſwell'd with jealouſie and hatred. In the mean time, after all theſe particular conferences, a general converſation began, which was no more pleaſing then the reſt, for ſince none ſpoke what they thought, it was very dull and drooping: Nor did it laſt long, for as ſoon as Philombrotus made the motion unto Erophile of retiring betimes, becauſe ſhe ſaid ſhe would be ſtirring betimes in the morning, none did oppoſe it, but every one willingly parted except Piſiſtrates, who could not ſo willingly part ſo ſoon from Cleorante. However, to compleat the adventure, the Sun was no ſooner riſen but Theocrite arrived, with intentions to dine with Philombrotus; but in coming he met his Brother (whom jealouſie had waked) walking in the way by which Erophile came the day before: So that lighting from his horſe, he asked how Cerinthe did, whom ſtill he loved extreamly, though ſhe jeered him as much for his gravity and ſeriouſneſs, as ever ſhe did. So that Lycurgus having his mind full of his own vexations, and not being ignorant that his Brother had ſome jealouſie of Piſiſtrates, before he went to the bathe, he began to tell him who was in the houſe. How? cried out Theocrites, extreamly vexed to find a man there whom he thought to be his Rival, is Piſiſtrates here? Yes (replied Lycurgus) he is, but it has pleaſed Fortune to make him more my Rival then ever he was yours: Then you are fallen in love with Cerinthe ſince I was here, replied Theocrite with as much wonder as grief: No, no, replied Lycurgus, but Piſiſtrates is fallen in love with Cleorante, whilſt he was at the bathe with her, Alas Brother, replied Theocrite, I muſt needs ask you pardon for not being able to grieve at your misfortune, for I find it ſo great a happineſs to hear that Piſiſtrates is not my Rival, that I am not able to grieve at anything: For a melancholy man (replied Lycurgus churliſhly) you are the moſt ſenſible of joy that ever I ſaw ſince you can rejoyce at my miſery: When Piſiſtrates hath been as long your Rival as he hath been mine, anſwered Theocrites, you will pardon my joyes to find none. The truth is, perhaps you will not be ſo miſerable as I was, ſince he may chance find Cleorante, not ſo kind as he did Cerinthe. Alas Brother, ſaid Lycurgus, there is a great difference between Cerinthe and Cleorante; for the firſt is capable neither of hatred nor love, and you had no reaſon to fear that Piſiſtrates could win any more upon her then any other, further then diverting her, which you could not do, becauſe your humour was oppoſite unto hers. But as for Cleorante; though ſhe have ſome ſuitableneſs of ſpirit with Cerinthe, yet ſhe has not ſuch a heart, for I am ſure ſhe knows how to love and hate, and I am in danger to be the moſt miſerable man in the world.

As Lycurg [...]s ſaid ſo, Piſiſtrates, Ariſton, and I, came where they were: So that we were obliged to ſalute Theocrite, whom we had not ſeen before. But Madam, [Page] the wonder was, this grave and melancholy man accoſted us with a ſmile, and I obſerved it as a thing ſo extraordinary, as I came to Piſistrates and told him, that certainly Theocrite hath divined that he ſhould not be his Rival. In the mean time, ſince we knew that Erophiles Coach was mended, and that ſhe would go betimes, we took the way towards the houſe, where we found all the Ladies together, whom Theocrite ſaluted with ſuch a kind of ayr, as was much leſs grave then was accuſtomed; yet I think Cerinthe had took no notice of him, had not I told her (as a thing extraordinary) that I had ſeen him almoſt laugh: Truly, ſaid ſhe, in the humour I am in, I ſhould be very glad if Theocrite could become as merry as Piſiſtrates, and Piſiſtrates as melancholy as Theocrite: Fie Madam, ſaid I unto her and ſmiled, I beſeech you why would you wiſh Piſiſtrates to be melancholy? Truly Piſiſtrates, replied ſhe and laughed alſo, hath done nothing that concerns me: But I am ſo much obliged unto Theocrite, that the leaſt I can do for him, is to wiſh him merry and joyful: Seriouſly (ſaid I unto her) if you would once make him ſo by marrying him, I think he would be no longer melancholy: But the worſt for him is (replied ſhe) my affection muſt precede his mirth, and I would have it contrary, and ſee his good humour precede my affection: But Madam, it was very obſervable, Theocrites was the leaſt melancholy of all the company, though he was as melancholy a piece as ever lived, for Cerinthe being vexed at the change of Piſiſtrates, ſhe was not as ſhe uſed to do: Euridamia her melancholy was double, Cleorante was angry to ſee that Lycurgus ſhould by his looks and words give out ſome expreſſions of jealouſie, nor was Piſiſtrates in any joy, not only becauſe he was a little gravelled between Cerinthe and Euridamia, but alſo becauſe Lycurgus continued his affection unto Cleorante. As for Cephiſe, Ariſton and my ſelf we were ſo afraid to diſoblige any one by laughing too much at all paſſages, that to avoid it, we put on faces of gravity and ſorrow as much as poſſibly we could. But at laſt we parted, yet not without Lycurgus, who faining ſome earneſt buſineſs at Athens, returned with us, and was ſtrangely troubleſome unto us, though he was a man very well accompliſhed, yet we were weary of him, becauſe he hindred us from laughing at all our obſervations. Moreover, Piſistrates and he being never in the ſame opinion, they were ſo ſharp once in their arguments, as we feared they would have quarrelled. But at laſt, the Cloud being blown over, we came to Athens, and after we had carried the Ladies to their houſes, were all parted. In the mean time, ſince Euridamia and Cerinthe were long abſent, the love of Piſiſtrates to Cleorante did grow ſo violent, and he ſo accuſtomed himſelf to ſee her, to love her and none elſe, that it had been a very hard matter to have made him change his courſe of life: But Madam, it was very obſerveable, that Cerinthe being returned to Athens before Euridamia, and hearing that Piſistrates ſtirred not out of Cleorantes houſe: That he made her many great Feaſts, and that all the world believed him in love with her, ſhe became the moſt indulgent friend that ever was unto Euridamia: For ſhe writ unto her the next morning, and ſo continued every Poſt whilſt ſhe ſtayed in the Country, and certainly ſhe wanted not matter, for not a day paſſed, but Piſiſtrates preſented Cleorante with ſome notable diverſion or other, or elſe that he had not ſome wrangle with Lycurgus: So that Cerinthe thinking (and with reaſon) that ſhe could not get better information then from a jealous Lover; ſhe treated Theocrites as kindly as ſhe could, purpoſely to make him her Spy, and tell her all he knew of his Brother, colouring her curioſity with her deſire of knowing all Cleorantes wayes: So that Theocrite being very glad of ſuch a Commiſſion, did tell her, not only all he knew concerning his Brother, but all that he could imagine expedient to ſet Piſiſtrates further from her heart.

Thus by this means Cerinthe did daily make great relations unto Euridamia of all paſſages between Piſiſtrates and Cleorante ſending her a moſt exact deſcription of every thing, even to the very leaſt circumſtance, purpoſely to be revenged upon her, ſince ſhe could not be revenged neither upon Cleorante nor Piſiſtrates; for conſidering that had it not been for Euridamia, ſhe had captivated Piſiſtrates before he went unto the Bathes, ſhe was a moſt extream ill wiſher unto her, not that [Page] Cerinthe was of any humour of ever loving much, or grieving much for ſuch a loſs; but yet ſhe was ſo ſorry for it, ſo vexed, and ſo aſhamed, as one may almoſt ſay, that without either love or jealouſie, ſhe carried her ſelf, as if ſhe had two paſſions at once in her ſoul. In the mean time, ſince the return of Cleorante, Piſiſtrates, took many occaſions to ſpeak of his love, and ſince he pleaſed her infinitely better then Lycurgus or any elſe, ſhe did not treat him unkindly, and though ſhe did not receive his affection ſo well as he wiſhed, yet it was not out of any averſion, but only out of modeſty and prudence; for certainly ſhe did infinitely eſteem him. Moreover Madam, you muſt not imagine Piſiſtrates one of theſe eternal ſighers, who do nothing but pule and complain, and torment themſelves; nor one of thoſe who are continually talking of their love, and nothing elſe; but on the contrary, he never talked of it long, nor but in two faſhions, either in bare Gallantry and mirth, or in making ſuch earneſt proteſtations, expreſſed in ſuch affirmative terms and paſſionate, as there was no doubting of what he ſaid, ſo ſincere and vehement was he alwayes in his diſcourſe.

In the mean while, as ſoon as Euridamia was returned out of the Country, Cerinthe gave her a viſit, purpoſely to ſee whether the news ſhe ſent her had wrought her deſired effects upon her cheeks and eyes: Yet ſhe did not receive the pleaſure of her hopes; for Cleorante being come thither, ſhe ſeemed ſo fair that day, that I do believe both her Rivals would in their hearts confeſs they ought to yeeld unto her, and that Piſiſtrates had a good excuſe, though they had ſome right to accuſe him of inconſtancy. However, though doubtleſs they knew that Cleorante was worthy of Piſiſtrates his love, yet they thought him blameable, though to ſay truly, he was not; ſince he never had more then a good inclination to love them, but never had profeſſed any particular affection unto either of them. On the other ſide, Cleorante diſcovering at laſt the thoughts of theſe two Ladies, ſhe thought her ſelf the more obliged unto Piſiſtrates, whoſe love ſhe now received, both out of honor, and out of acknowledgment; yet in her talk to him, ſhe did not acknowledg either that he loved her, or ſhe him; and I do think that ſince the firſt time there was ever any Lovers, there was never diſcourſe like that they had one day, and which Piſiſtrates told unto me the day after.

For Piſiſtrates being one day after Dinner alone with Cleorante, proteſting that he loved her beyond all humane expreſſions: Truly (ſaid ſhe and interrupted him) I do not think you know well whether you love me or no: For to tell you [...]uly, ſome daies I think you love me much, and other daies you make me believe you neither do, nor ever did love me: I ſee Madam (ſaid he unto her) that you ſpeak this only becauſe you take delight to vex me: But Madam, let me tell you, that what you ſay in Rallary, I can ſay in ſeriouſneſs: For truly I muſt confeſs (if I may without preſumption) that ſomtimes I think you do eſteem me, and I ſee in your eye a kind of amorous glance which bids me hope: But ſomtimes again, I think you to be abſolutely indifferent; & therefore Madam you would do me the greateſt favor in the world, if you would be pleaſed ſeriouſly to diſcover the ſecret of your heart unto me, that I may ſee upon what bottom I ſtand: Did I certainly know (replied ſhe and ſmiled) upon what term I am in your heart, I could eaſily acquaint you upon what terms you are in mine; and to tell you truly, my thoughts do ſo abſolutely depend upon yours, that I do not know whether I have any affection unto you, or only indifferency; and therefore I muſt firſt know what affection you have unto me, before I truly tell you what affection I have to you. The way to know it Madam, replied he haſtily, is to examine all my actions▪ all my words, and even all my looks, and ſee whether all theſe do not tell you that I love you: For I do proteſt Madam, I will not go out of your Chamber until you have poſitively told me whether you think I love you or no, and told me alſo, how I am in your opinion. To teſtifie that I will do you Juſtice (ſaid ſhe and laughed) I will examine all that you have done, and do you examine all that I have done, to the end we may both know what to think of one another: And indeed Madam, they began to ſpeak of themſelves, as if they had ſpoken of ſome in whom they had no [Page] intereſt, and to examine their own thoughts as really, as if they had not known them.

But after Piſiſtrates had forced Cleorante to confeſs, that ſhe had cauſe to think he loved her, yet ſhe would not ſay ſhe loved him, but ſaid, that though ſhe did think he loved her, yet he loved her only for himſelf, and that his affection was byaſſed, and not unintereſted. Ah Madam (ſaid he) I am eaſier to be contented then you are, for I proteſt I ſhould be ſo far from taking it ill you ſhould love me for your own ſake, that I ſhould think it much more glorious to love me ſo, then if you loved me for my ſelf only: You are ſo ſimple, ſaid ſhe, that I know not why I ſhould anſwer you: You are ſo pittileſs Madam (replied he) that I can ſay nothing, but tell you; That if you will not tell me upon what terms I am in your minde, I will do all I can to delude my ſelf, and think that I am not upon ſuch bad terms as I imagined. But Madam, without any further repetition of this conference. In concluſion they agreed not to hate one another, and Cleorante not point blank ſaying ſhe loved him, yet made ſuch a handſome choice of her terms, that ſhe let him underſtand ſhe was glad he loved her; yet they had many little jarrings, during which, he would ſeem, as if he would return unto Cerinthe or Euridamia, but he quickly turned again to Cleorante; and though he gave ſome minutes of jealouſie unto Theocrites, he gave whole moneths unto Lycurgus. In the mean time, Cerinthe having a drafty wit, did ſo contrive the matter, as ſhe infuſed ſome ſparks of jealouſie into Piſiſtrates, for ſhe had got Cleorante to a Feaſt, and ſpoke not a word unto her; and the Lady who invited her kept the buſineſs very ſecretly. In the mean time, Lycurgus was the man who made the Feaſt, though Cleorante knew not of it, when ſhe promiſed to be there, yet Cerinthe had not that full ſatisfaction which ſhe expected: For Madam, though Piſiſtrates was for ſome hours a little jealous, yet out of a kind of pride, he would not ſeem to be ſo; for he was perſwaded, that whoſoever is jealous long, muſt of neceſſity have an ill opinion either of themſelves, or the perſon loved. But Madam, the oddeſt thing in Piſiſtrates was, I made him confeſs that his jealouſie was daily, and without any new accidents either from his Rival or his Miſtreſs, he was daily and hourly jealous, more or leſs, according to the ebb [...]low of his humour. Moreover, the quarrels which Piſiſtrates ſomtimes had with Cleorante were ſo ſhort, that he had no ſooner declared War, but he negotiated for peace, and he was ſo accuſtomed to love Cleorante, and to ſee her, that oft-times he would go unto her without any intention, and when he had buſineſs in another place: But Madam, to aggravate this accuſtomancy, as far as imagination can go, I muſt tell you it is certain, that the leſſening of his jealouſie was his accuſtoming himſelf ſo much to the ſight of his Rival, that he was hardly jealous at all, and that which would have augmented it in another, did leſſen it in him. However, though one ſingle paſſion was not enough to oblige Piſiſtrates to hate his Rival Lycurgus, with whom Cleorante charged him to live civilly; yet two paſſions did unite themſelves together, to move him unto it; for he underſtood that Lycurgus did afreſh endeavour to ſtir up the old troubles of Athens, which had put all the Attique Country in diviſion: So that ambition being joyned to his love, Lycurgus became intolerable to him, and to oppoſe him both in the one and the other, he cajoled and bandled with thoſe of his faction, who were no ſmall number: For Madam, be pleaſed to know, there was alwayes three Factions amongſt the Attique people, which were alwayes ready to rebel as ſoon as they found Commanders to countenance them: Thoſe towards the Sea alwayes made one body by themſelves; thoſe of the Plain made another, and thoſe of the Mountains and Tradeſmen did alwayes unite themſelves as ſoon as there was any diviſion in Athens. But Madam, that which moſt perplexed Piſiſtrates was, that endeavouring to diſcover how Lycurgus cajoled amongſt thoſe of the Plain, he underſtood alſo that the Maritine parts were alſo up, but all his care could not finde out what moved them thereunto. Beſides [Page] this, there was another thing which did much diſquiet him: For though he did much endeavour to reconcile himſelf with Megacles the Father of Cleorante, yet he could not oblige him to renew cordially with him, though he did live civilly enough: So that he knew not how, either to enjoy his Miſtreſs, or to ruine his Rival. But his greateſt fear was, leſt Megacles ſhould unite himſelf with Lycurgus, for if he had, then he had been unhappy both in his love, and in his ambition, ſince his Party would have been thereby more weak, and he ſhould have loſt his Miſtreſs. You may imagine Madam, whether that Piſiſtrates had not buſineſs enough. On the other ſide, Lycurgus being reſolved to get Piſiſtrates baniſhed, purpoſely to ſend him further from Cleorante, he did ſecretly inſinuate into the minds of the people, that Piſiſtrates aſpired unto Tyranny; and Theocrites, ſet on by Cerinthe, did hinder him as much as he could. As for Euridamia, ſhe being more prudent then Cerinthe, ſhe diſſembled her thoughts, & cured her ſelf of her weakneſs by that of her friend. In the mean time I perceived Piſiſtrates had ſomething in his mind which he would not impart unto me; yet he told me all that related unto Cleorante, but I could not ſee he had any reaſon to be unquet at thoſe paſſages, but was upon rather better terms with her then ever; yet for all that, he would not diſcover the bottom of his heart unto me; and though I was the Confident of his love, yet I was not of his ambition; for knowing that I loved the tranquility of my Country very well, he did not think I would approve of his thoughts. Furthermore, ſince he knew I was ignorant of deſigns he ſoreſaw, that if once things came to extremity and Arms, then it would be no fit time to marry Cleorante: So that deſiring to diſpatch that before things were more imbroyled, he went unto her and asked her leave, he might imploy all the friends he had in Athens, to perſwade Megacles unto his Marriage with her: As for Erophile, he was ſure ſhe would willingly conſent unto it: And to prepare the mind of Cleorante unto his demands, he ſpoke unto her with as much tenderneſs as love it ſelf could inſpire, and ſo earneſtly, that indeed the heart of Cleorante was moved; and ſhe confeſſed that his affection had moſt ſenſibly obliged her, and would anſwer him as far as decency and modeſty would permit: But when he preſſed her to conſent he might preſently marry her, ſhe changed colour: Alas Piſiſtrates, ſaid ſhe unto him, What do you ask? I ask Madam, ſaid he unto her, to be happy: Say rather (replied ſhe) you ask not to love me any longer, but voluntarily to loſe all the ſweets that that my converſation can give you: For truly Piſiſtrates, Love may go beyond the Grave, but not beyond Marriage; and therefore I am perſwaded that whoſoever would love alwayes, ought not to marry the perſon loved; and there is no more reaſonable obſtacle to hinder the thoughts of Marriage, then to know one loves: Eſteem in marriage doubtleſs is neceſſary, but there needs no violent paſſion: Love may grow between people who marry, and may laſt after their marriage, but it cannot long ſubſiſt, when as it is Love before Marriage; experience hath ſhewed it a thouſand and a thouſand times, that fruition gluts; and therefore Piſiſtrates ſince you love me, and ſince I ſhould be glad you ſhould alwayes do ſo, talk no more of marriage, at leaſt ſtay until my Father will force me to marry another; for in that caſe, come what miſery will, I had rather hazard the ſeeing your love die, then to live with any other then you: Your language Madam, replied Piſiſtrates, hath ſomthing in it, both ſo ſweet and ſo ſharp, that I know not whether I ſhould commend your goodneſs, or complain againſt your rigour: Truly, ſaid ſhe, you have no cauſe to complain, ſince I do not entertain one diſadvantagious thought of you: But I muſt confeſs, I am ſo fearful to ſee that change in you, which I ſee in all Lovers once married, that I cannot fear any thing in the world more, for all men that ever I ſaw, no ſooner become Husbands, but they ceaſe to be Lovers: And I have known ſome alſo, who have ceaſed to be civil unto thoſe who formerly they adored, [Page] and who care not a ſtraw for their miſtreſſes, as ſoon as they are their wives. I know Madam ſaid he unto her, that it ſometimes happens as you ſay, but I am ſure it will never happen ſo to me. So every one before they marry, think, replied ſhe; and therefore you can give me no ſecurity of your affection. I muſt confeſſe, ſaid ſhe unto him, that I am perſwaded you will love me as long as we are in the ſame condition we already are: but I am perſwaded alſo, that you would not love me either more or leſſe, if you ſhould marry me: yet I doe not tell you, that I will never marry you, for I have already told you, that rather then marry another, and be obliged to break with you, I would hazard the loſing of your affection. Moreover, though I were not in this mind, yet I would not adviſe you at this time, to make any ſuch propoſition to my Father, for he is of late ſo froward and unquiet, that I think it would be a hard matter to make any Propoſition which would pleaſe him. Since this laſt reaſon Madam, replied Piſiſtrates, is full of ſoliditie, I cannot gainſay it; but for the other, I will oppoſe it with all my ſtrength, and proteſt unto you with as much ſinceritie as love, that whenſoever I ſhall be ſo happie as to become your Husband, I ſhall then vow my ſelfe your eternal Lover. However, Piſiſtrates for all this, was forced to obey Cleorante, and not ſpeake unto Megacles in a time when he was ſo melancholly, leſt he ſhould receive a perverſe anſwer. But Madam, things being in this condition, Solon returned to Athens, where he was not ſorrie to find Piſiſtrates in love, becauſe he hoped that paſſion would cloak his ambition. Yet he was extreamly ſad, when going to viſit Euridamea (who as I told you was his Cozen) he ſaw Cleorante: For Madam, be pleaſed to know, Solon found her ſo prodigiouſly like a Daugher of his, named Policrite (who maried unto a Prince of the Iſle of Cyprus, called Philoxipe) that her mirrour could not repreſent a more near & lively reſemblance. Now Madam, the cauſe of his ſadneſſe was, becauſe on a time when the famous Epimenedes was at Athens, he told him by a Spirit of Divination, that his wife who was then great with Child, ſhould be delivered of a Daughter, and that he ſhould not educate her at Athens, becauſe if ſhe lived there, he would be in danger of ſo much ſorrow, as to ſee her make the Tyrant of her Countrie fall in love with her. So that Solon ſeeing Cleorante at Euridamea's, and ſeeing her great reſemblance with Policrite, he was extreamlie ſurpriſed at the love which Piſiſtrates bore her; or he conjectured, and with reaſon, that ſince he loved Cleorante, he would alſo have loved Policrite, whom ſhe ſo perfectly reſembled; ſo that beginning to feare that Piſiſtrates would make himſelfe Maſter of Athens, he began to have a vigilant eye over his actions. Yet he ſpoke not then of his feare, nor of the cauſe: but ſince that, he expreſſed himſelfe unto many of his intimate friends. However, this famous man commended the beauty of Cleorante very highly: and as ſome told him, that his Lawes had united the hearts of the Athenians a long time; he turned towards her, They have done you wrong Madam, (ſaid he unto her) for I am perſwaded, that to keepe the peace of Athens at this preſent, is to have all the brave and ambitious Gallants to think of nothing, but how to Conquer your heart, and not to think of ſowing ſeditions amongſt the people; therefore (added he, and prepared to goe away) I commit them all into your cuſtody, in hopes to finde them all more amorous then ambitious, and no other diſorder in the Towne, but betweene Rivalls: And I doe proteſt unto you (ſaid he, and ſmiled) that if you doe not inſpire them all with the love of their Countrie, I will attribute unto you, all the evils they ſhall commit; and complaine againſt you, more then they ſhall of your ſeveritie. Solon ſpoke this with ſuch a noble Aire, and ſo becomming ſuch a man as he was, that none could comprehend that there was a double ſence in his words; And Cleorante anſwered as unto a bare Civilitie, proteſting unto him, that ſhe had not ſo much vanitie as to thinke ſhe could doe that which his Laws could not. However Madam, Solon went from her, and went away, in a deep ſtudie, for he had ever found Epimenides ſo true in all his predictions, as he extreamly feared he would not faile in this. Moreover he was very inquiſitive into the actions of Lycurgus, Theocrites, and Piſiſtrates; and underſtood how thoſe of the Plaine, thoſe of the Sea-ſide, and thoſe of the Mountaine, were up in Armes; ſo that he plainly ſ [...]w all humane prudence was moſt uncertaine; for he now apprehended that the love of Piſiſtrates, of Lycurgus, and of Theocrites, was the true cauſe of all the Athenian Diviſions, though it did not appeare ſo in the eyes of the people, and conſequently that he was in the wrong, when he rejoyced to heare that Piſiſtrates was in love, and that he had ſaid, that as long as the Gallants of our Citie were ſlaves to the beauties, they would never thinke of becomming our Maſters. The worſt was, his Travels had weakned him, and his age would not let act with the ſame vigour [Page] for the common good, as formerly he had; for he had not ſtrength enough to make ſpeeches in publick, yet he was as induſtrious as he was able to calm this ſtorm, which threatned the common wealths, and in order to that he ſpoke unto all the Ring-leaders of the parties, and addreſſed himſelfe firſt unto Piſiſtrates, to perſwade him unto quietneſs, and not to aſpire unto any higher glory, then to be the protectour of the Athenian Liberty. Piſiſtrates did outwardly receive the admonitions of Solon ſo well, that any other but he would have thought he had no hidden ambition in his heart, nor any further deſign then to oppoſe Licurgus; yet old birds are not catched with chaffe, nor could Solon be deceived, for he made no queſtion, but either out of the hatred to his Rivall, or love to Cleorante, or elſe ambition, he aſpired to be Maſter of Athens; ſo that Solon uſed all the arguments that eloquence and reaſon together had moſt prevailent and perſwaſive to diſſwade Piſiſtrates from it, who not directly oppoſing what he ſaid, he aſſur'd him only in generall without any particularizing, that he would never do any thing which would hurt the Athenians, proteſting that all his aime was to thwart Licurgus. On the other ſide, Solon who knew the bottom of the buſineſſe, did ſpeak unto the Rivall of Piſiſtrates, perſwading him to think no more upon Cleorante, but to ſacrifice that paſſion for the tranquillitie of his country, aggravating ſo eagerly the grandure of the crime in thoſe who begin ſedition in a ſtate, as it was impoſſible for any man to ſay more: For (ſaid he unto him) the fire which you kindle, will not extinguiſh when you would have it, and the heartburnings which are between Piſiſtrates and you, paſſing into the hearts of all thoſe who follow your ſeverall factions, will divide Brothers againſt Brothers, Fathers againſt Children, Servants againſt Maſters, and make ſo great a diſorder in Athens, that you cannot chuſe but abhor your own actions, when you ſhall ſee the ſad conſequences of them. Moreover do but conſider that one of theſe two muſt needs follow, you muſt either prove a ſlave unto your Rivall, if his party prove ſtronger then yours, or elſe you muſt be the tyrant of Athens, if your partie prove ſtronger then his: Judge then I pray in the choice of theſe two, Tyrant or Slave, it be not much better to continue a good honeſt Citizen. Cleorante (added he) is not the only fair one in all Athens: If you do but well conſider all the miſeries which fall upon a ſtate divided, you will find the enjoyment of Cleorante (who loves your Rivall better then ſhe does you) will never recompence the vaſt number of crimes which are commited during the diſorders which you have cauſed. The truth is Madam, Solons arguments ſo wrought upon Licurgus, as he told him, provided Piſiſtrates would renounce the poſſeſſion of Cleorante as well as he, then he would ceaſe being his enemy. But Solon knowing very well that Piſiſtrates would never be brought to that, he thought upon another expedient, which was to go unto Megacles, and perſwade him to make a publick declaration, that he would never give his daughter either unto Piſiſtrates or Licurgus. But Megacles having ſome hidden deſign, received the perſwaſions of Solon ſo ill, as it was eaſie to ſee he had a ſhare in the diviſions of Athens; and indeed he diſcovered that it was he who was the Patron of the Maritine Rebels, but for all his diſcovery, things grew higher and higher. In the mean time Piſiſtrates was extreamly perplexed to find out who it was that made the third party in Athens, for though Solon knew it, yet he told not him, conceiving better to have three revolted factions, then one; and he uſed all his witts to keep any two of them from joyning, he could not apprehend that Piſiſtrates and Licurgus would ever comply, becauſe Rivalls will never be of one ſide, but his fear was that Megacles ſhould fall into one of them, yet after better information of things, that fear was alſo frivolous, for he underſtood that though Megacles would, yet the Maritine people would not conſent, but forſake him; and the truth was, there was ſuch a feud between the Maritine people, and the plaines, as they would never unite, for being a duller ſort of people then the other, and more mutinous; the Maritines have a fancy, that they are men who hold up the glory of Athens, and are able to do it by force; ſo that ſcorning the other, there can never be any good correſpondency between them, ſo that Solon though not able to reunite all the Citty, yet had this conſolation at leaſt, that none of the three factions could correſpond and unite with one another. On the other ſide, Cerinthe ſtill put Theocrite upon Licurgus, purpoſely to be revenged upon Piſiſtrates; an I ſince his gravity did better ſuit with that imployment then with gallantry, his negotiation with Licurgus better pleaſed him, then diſcourſing of his Love. Furthermore, Philombrotus who knew not the ſecret deſignes of Piſiſtrates, and who thought that he ſtirred only in oppoſition of thoſe who diſturbed the publick peace, he went unto him, and offered himſelfe with all his friends, and to acquaint him, that Megacles was [Page] the chiefe of the Maritine Faction; adding, that he was ſure, they were more oppoſite unto him, then unto Lycurgus. You may judge Madam, how Piſiſtrates was ſurpriſed, when he underſtood by the Father of a Lady whom he loved not, that the Father of her he did love, was the Patron of a Faction oppoſite unto his: and what a ſtrange Combate there was in his heart, betwixt his love and his ambition: At firſt, he would not believe it, but afterwards Philombrotus did ſo particularize things upon him upon his owne knowledge, that he did not doubt the truth: He hath told it ſince, that his firſt thought was, to ſacrifice his ambition unto his love, and to lay aſide all faction; but when hee conſidered that his Rivals Partie was puiſſant, and that it was impoſſible to joyn his faction with that of Megacles, he thought it more expedient, that his ambition ſhould ſerve his love, and ſo he would not contend any more with himſelfe; yet making it a ſcruple of generoſity, to make uſe of the Father of Cerinthe and his friends, conſidering upon what termes he was with his Daughter, he did not accept of that offer which Philombrotus made him, nor did he flatly refuſe it, leſt he ſhould fall in with one of the either two Factions, and entreated him to give him all intelligence he could. But after he was gone, Piſiſtrates was extreamly affraid that Cleorante ſhould take it ill, when ſhe knew the truth. However, he would not tell her, that he was of a faction contrary to Megacles, and Lycurgus both: But to take a middle Courſe, that Cleorante might not be incenſed when ſhe knew the paſſages, he employed one of his Confidents, to propound unto Megacles an union of their two Factions, though he knew it a thing almoſt impoſſible to be effected; but he did it only to have ſome excuſe for himſelf, if Cleorante ſhould offer to accuſe him.

And indeeed, this Propoſition unto Megacles ſerved onely to make him think that his ambition was the onely meanes to ſatisfie his love: for Megacles told the man who made the motion, that he had no faction, nor did he thinke Piſiſtrates had any, but ſince it ſeemed he had, he would deſire him to come no more at his houſe, becauſe hee would not have it ſaid, he had any friend who was a troubler of the Common-Wealth. You may eaſily imagine Madam, how ſad Piſiſtrates was, when he was debarred from ſeeing Cleorante, eſpecially when meeting him at a friends houſe the next morning after by chance, ſhe told him that her Father had charged her not to ſee him, and asked him the reaſon of it: but after he had acquainted her with the Propoſition he had made, and the cruell anſwer he had received: I beſeech you Madam (ſaid he unto her) be not ſo unjuſt as Megacles, and doe not hate me. Certainly I ſhall not hate you, unleſſe you give me cauſe (replied ſhe) but let me tell you, I ſhall extreamly complaine againſt you, if you be an enemy to my Father: I wiſh to the Gods he would not bandy any faction in Athens; but ſince I cannot hinder him, I muſt conjure you not to oppoſe him. I doe not deſire you ſhould unite with him; but I deſire you to doe any thing that may preſerve peace. Alas, Madam, (ſaid he unto her) ſince Lycurgus ſtrives all he can to embroyle the ſtate, and ruine me, I know not what to ſay; all I can promiſe is, onely to oppoſe my Rivall without any thoughts of hurt unto Megacles: But withall, let me tell you Madam, That if Fortune doe ſo imbroyle things, that I cannot enjoy you, unleſs I be the Tyrant of Athens, I ſhall endeavour it, rather then ſuffer Lycurgus to enjoy you. Ah Piſiſtrates, (ſaid ſhe unto him) theſe are ſtrange expreſſions: my caſe is ſo (replied he) that the moſt innocent wiſh I can make is, that I were powerfull enough to be revenged upon Lycurgus, and to force Megacles to let me love you: But as for him, Madam, I beſeech you fear nothing, ſo wil you only leave Lycurgus to my revenge. I cannot allow it, replied ſhe, but content your ſelfe that I doe not defend him; carry your ſelfe towards my Father, as you may not drive me to the neceſſitie of never ſeeing you againe, and of ſeeming to hate you, though I doe not; for Piſiſtrates, deceive not your ſelfe, but be confident that I will never become yours, without the conſent of him who hath moſt due to diſpoſe of me. Perhaps I have engaged my heart unto you a little too far without his permiſſion; but believe it, I will not make good my faults by ſeconding them: And though I did love you more then I ought, yet I can take up and doe ſo no more. Thus Madam, the meeting of Piſiſtrates and Cleorante paſſed. Much more had they to ſay unto one another, but ſince Cleorante came out without her Mothers knowledge, they parted ſooner then they deſired, and with much ſorrow. On the other ſide, Cerinthe hearing that Philombrotus offered to comply with the faction of Piſiſtrates, ſhe was exceedingly grieved; for ſince ſhe had much contributed by the meanes of Theocrite, to make Lycurgus powerful, and to animate him againſt Piſiſtrates, ſhee ſaw ſhee had tranſacted againſt her owne Father, and conſequently, wrought her owne raine. But though to ſee her Father [Page] ſerve Piſiſtrates, was very much againſt her minde; yet ſhe knew not whether ſhee ſhould forbid or command Theocrite to goe on: for to tell him he ſhould continue on as he doth, is to work her Fathers and her own ruine; and to forbid him, was to fortifie the faction of Piſiſtrates, or at leaſt weaken his enemies; ſo that ſhe was as much perplexed as Cleorante, who had at leaſt ſo much ſatisfaction as to know, that ſhee had no hand in the diſorders which were readie to break out.

Furthermore, Theocrite very deſirous to ruine Piſiſtrates, ſince thereby he was more in the favour of Cerinthe, and did his Brother ſervice; yet he began to feare, that if Lycurgus ever married Cleorante, Piſiſtrates would then returne unto Cerinthe, and ſo from his Brothers Rivall, he would become his. As for Lycurgus, all his plots were how to ruine his Rivall. But whileſt the ſoules of all theſe were ſwelled with theſe tumultuous thoughts, I did ſometimes viſite Euridamea, who being cured of her weakneſſe, did ſpeak of things paſt unto me with as much ſinceritie, as ſhe did of changes preſent with confidence. At firſt, ſhe thought that I knew of all the plots of Piſiſtrates: but afterwards I told her ſo ſeriouſly, that I was onely the confident of his love, that ſhe believed me, and talked to me afterwards, as unto one who loved the tranquillitie of my Country; ſo we condoled together the miſeries which wee imagined it was like to fall unto. For every one whiſpered that ſome ſad ſtory was plotting, and which ere long would breake out: and there was then ſuch a ſtrange diſmayedneſſe in the mindes of all thoſe who took none of theſe three ſactions, that they could not endeavour the remedie of thoſe miſeries they foreſaw. They imployed whole dayes in telling one another all were undone, and that Common-Wealth was ready to be ruined, but they went no farther: And whileſt all the Factions did cavill with every one of their Parties, all thoſe who were of no faction, lockt themſelves up in their owne houſes, unleſſe they went ſometimes to condole with a friend who was of their opinion. As for my ſelfe, ſince I ſaw Piſiſtrates was not willing to open his heart unto me, and knowing Ariſton was the onely Confident of his ambition, as I was of his love, I asked him no farther, nor did he impart any farther, not talking any more with me concerning Cleorante, becauſe as the ſtate of things then ſtood, he could not talk of her, but of other paſſages alſo, which he would not have me know, becauſe he knew I was an enemy to all Novelty, and had often heard me ſay, that I had rather obey a Tyrant who raigned peaceably, then begin a Warre to ruine him. However Piſiſtrates being a man of huge parts, of all thoſe who ſtirred in the Common-wealth he ſeemed leaſt buſie, yet acted as high as any other: 'Tis true, the Grandees of each Faction, had their meetings more in the night then the day, ſo that I can aſſure you, Piſiſtrates, Lycurgus, and Megacles, hardly ſlept all the while.

Things ſtanding on theſe termes, Piſiſtrates having reſolved upon a conference ſecretly, with ſome new ſeditious perſons who were out of the Towne, he intended (after hee had paſſed away moſt of the night in going from houſe to houſe, to make ſure of his Faction) to goe out of Athens in a Coach by break of day, and ſo he did, without any with him but one ſervant. But Madam, when he was about fifteen furlongs from the Towne, he was ſet upon by four men, againſt whom he did ſo couragiouſly defend himſelfe, that they could not kill him, for they eſpied ſo many comming towards them afar off, as they durſt not ſtay it, and ſeeing Piſiſtrates bleed ſo exreamly faſt, doubtleſſe they thought his wounds mortall, though they were not. But a Country fellow who ſaw the paſſage ſome hundred ſpaces off, did tell me ſince, that Piſiſtrates did doe even miracles at that time: But he ſeeing himſelfe all bloody, and perceiving he was not dangerouſly wounded, he would if he could, draw ſome advantage from the miſ-fortune: ſo that taking his Coach, he went back to the Towne, in a fit condition to move the people, for he was bloody from top to toe. And he came unto the Towne very luckily, for there was a great number of people gathered together in a great place within Athens which he croſſed over, all which were of his faction. So that when Piſiſtrates had told the people, that that his, and the Common-Wealths Enemies, had brought him unto that condition: there began a great murmuring againſt Lycurgus and Megacles, amongſt the people. Many of the two contrary Factions turned on Piſiſtrates his ſide: and the Object was ſo pittifull, and moved the hearts of the people ſo much, that in a quarter of an hours ſpace, Piſiſtrates had abundance of men of all ſides, ready to take up Armes in his defence. In the meane time, when he ſaw the people much moved, he went home to get himſelfe dreſſed, but he was followed with a huge herd of people, who encreaſed ſtill, every one relating the accident according to his fancie or paſſion. Some ſaid, Megacles wounded [Page] him with his own hands, other ſaid it was Licurgus, and others again that it was Theocrites: yet there were ſome who ſaid that Piſiſtrates blooded himſelfe, only to move the people to compaſſion; but his own party were ſo farre from believing this, that they gave no faith to the witty quibble which Solon put upon him when he met him in that pickle, and ſaid that he played the part of Vlyſſes in Homer but very ill, for you (ſaid he) wound your ſelfe to delude your own Cittizens, but he wounded himſelf to deceive his enemies.

But Madam, neither Solon nor any elſe was harkened unto; and this wife Law-maker did ſtrive in vain to lay the ſtorm, yet he did cauſe an aſſembly at Pritunea, the place where they uſed to conſult upon publick affairs: there he alſo conſulted to ſee whether there was any remedy againſt ſo great a tumult: as for Licurgus and Megacles, their care was to keep themſelves from heing ſurprized, and to purge themſelves of an act that was imputed unto them; ſo that Megacles was at the Pyrean Gate in the head of a great number of his faction, and Licurgus was by the Temple of Minerva with many of his friends. In the mean while the general Councell being aſſembled, Ariſton who was there, ſpeaking very [...]emently againſt thoſe who would have killed Pisiſtrates, and rehearſing all the good ſervices he had done for the common-wealth, particularly the taking of Megares and Nyſea, he ſaid after all this, that it was but fit that the Common-wealth ſhould allow him a guard for the ſafetie of his perſon, which motion being approved of by the major vote, yet Solon did moſt eagerly oppoſe it by Orations unto the people with incredible vigour, yet all his oppoſition was in vain; and the Councell not having the boldneſſe of Solon, durſt not be againſt the people, who ſaid Piſiſtrates ſhould have a guard, and that without any limiting him to any number; and indeed ſo he had that very ſame hour, and Ariſton made choiſe of them. But Madam, you may well imagine in what a condition Cleorante and Corinthe were, during ſo great a tumult; as for the firſt of them, ſhe was ſo much troubled as one poſſibly could be; for one of her women had told her, that her Father had killed Piſiſtrates, and that he himſelf was like to be ſo by the friends of Piſiſtrates, and therefore Madam, it may well be conceived how ſad a perſon ſhe was, whoſe Lover was dead, who though her own Father had killed him, and was alſo in the ſame danger himſelfe, yet ſhe was quickly better informed concerning Piſiſtrates; but ſince ſhe heard he was wounded, and knew not what would become of her Father, ſhe ſtill remained much troubled; yet ſhe could never believe that her Father would ever be a murtherer, nor did ſhe much ſuſpect Licurgus: and I am verily perſwaded, that this wicked act was done by ſome reſolute men whoſe zeal to liberty became fury; and Piſiſtrates himſelfe was of that opinion. As for Cerinthe you may alſo imagine, that ſhe had many diſquieted thoughts, for ſhe knew that Philombrotus was gone to Piſiſtrates, whoſe partie ſhe was an ill wiſher unto, though ſhe would not have Piſiſtrates periſh in it: In the mean time the wounds of Piſiſtrates being but ſleight, though he had loſt much blood, he preſently appeared in publick, but he appeared with guards, whoſe number did every day increaſe, and hearing that Licurgus and Megacles were treating together, and perhaps would unite, and make him loſe at once both that ſoveraign authority unto which he aſpired, and Cleorante alſo, he prevented them, by ſeizing upon a Caſtle which commanded all the Town. But Madam, ſince he thought no leſſe of being Cleorantes Maſter, as Maſter of Athens; he gave order, that aſſoon as ever he was in the Caſtle, ſome men ſhould go into the houſe of Megacles, and ſeize upon his Miſtreſſe with her Mother: but Eropbile, and Cleorante being quicker in their courſes then the men who had that employment, they were not to be found; for Megacles no ſooner heard that Piſiſtrates had ſeized upon the Caſtle, and that all his friends were up in Armes, but he thought of flying, and ſent in all haſt to his wife and daughter to come unto the Pyrean Port, where then he was, yet ſhe did not obey him; for the tumult was ſo great in the Town, that her Coach could not paſſe, and therefore ſhe reſolved to take Sanctuary in the Temple of Minerva, where ſhe might be ſafe, and where ſhe and Cleorante ſtayed amongſt the Nunnes; and indeed there ſhe was received with Cleorante, and ſhe ſent to acquaint Megacles with her reſolution, ſo that ſince he could do no otherwiſe, he retired. Licurgus for his part, he hearing that his Rivall was Maſter of Athens, went to the houſe of Megacles to ſeize upon Cleorante, but not finding her there, he was grieved to the ſoule that his Miſtreſſe was in his Rivalls power; and Theocrites was no leſſe, ſince he was to be abſent from Cerinthe by his going out of Athens: However, both Licurgus and he had no other courſe to take, but to retire, for the diſmay was ſo great through all the Town, as never was the like known; all the men who were of the oppoſite [Page] parties did flie with equall haſt; thoſe of the victorious party ſeized upon all the publick places, and all the Cittizens who loved peace, did ſhut themſelves up in their own houſes, and durſt not oppoſe the loſſe of their liberty; yet Solon in the heat of this great tumult went into the ſtreets, exhorting the people to take up Armes, and prevent their ſlavery, and ſhake off the yoke which would be impoſed upon them; he chid them for their baſe tameneſſe of ſpirit, and neglected no argument which might move them to oppoſe Piſiſtrates, but all was in vain, for the people were more willing to enter into fetters then take up armes for their liberty: So that after this Solon went home, and told all he met, that after all his endeavours he had gotten this ſatisfaction at the leaſt, that he was the laſt man that would enter into the Athenian ſlavery; ſome of his friends adviſed him to fly, but he would not, ſaying, he could never ſerve his country in flying, but might happily by ſtaying. In the mean time, though Piſiſtrates might well have reſt ſatisfied with ſeeing his Rivall fly, and all his enemies out of Athens, yet for two daies he thought himſelfe very miſerable; for he thought Megacles or Licurgus had carried Cleorante with them: but at laſt having diſcovered that ſhe was in the Temple of Minerva, he went to viſit her, aſſoon as he had taken all neceſſary orders for the ſecuritie of Athens, and to let her ſee that though he had uſurped Soveraign authority, yet he did not intend that his government ſhould be Tyrannicall; and he ſent to ask permiſſion to ſee Erophile and Cleorante, as if he had been only a ſimple Citizen: alſo he ſent unto Solon, and aſſured him, that the alteration of Government ſhould not change any of thoſe Laws he had made, but that he would be the firſt who would obſerve them. But Sir, Solon anſwered Piſiſtrates ſo generouſly and ſharply both, that one of his friends ſaid he did himſelfe wrong in ſpeaking as he did; for truly ſaid his friend, what do you truſt in, that you ſhould ſpeak ſo boldly? In my age (anſwered he) for I have ſo ſhort a time to live, that I hazard little in hazarding it; and I ſhould loſe much more if I ſhould loſe my honour, by flattering my old friend in his humour of Tyranny. In the mean time Piſiſtrates being then in a condition not to be denyed any thing, the Governeſſe of the Nunnes in the Temple of Minerva conſented to his requeſt: 'tis true he ſaw none but Cleorante, for Erophile was not well. At firſt Cleorante made ſome ſcruple at ſeeing Pisiſtrates, but her Mother commanding her, to the end ſhe might ſpeak for her Father, ſhe willingly obeyed. To give you an exact account of all theſe two ſaid, Madam, is more then I can do, for they ſaid ſo much, that I believe themſelves would have a hard task to remember all; yet I underſtood that Cleorante received him very faintly, ſhe chid him for his ambition, and ſaid, had he been more in Love, he would have been leſſe ambitious. Madam (ſaid he unto her) you do not well underſtand things if you believe all you ſpeak, for truly though I was weary of obeying ſo many bad commanders, yet I do proteſt, if Licurgus had not made any attempts, I had reſted in quiet: But Madam, when I ſaw my ſelfe in a condition to loſe you, and to become a ſlave to my Rivall, it was time to flie unto the laſt refuge: Moreover Madam, it was not long of me that Megacles ſtayed not in Athens, for I uſed all means poſſible to comply with him, and had I not known that he fell in treaty with Licurgus, and that you were to be the hoſtage in the hand of my enemy, Athens had yet been in the unhappy condition of being governed by a rude multitude. However it be, ſaid Cleorante, my Father is exiled Athens, he ſpeaks of you as of his enemy, and looks upon you as a man who hath ruined the liberty of his Country; therefore without further examination of the matter, I require three things from you, firſt, not to attribute what you have done unto that affection you had unto me; the ſecond, to let my Mother and me go out of Athens unto my Father: and the third, to content your ſelfe with driving out your enemies, and not to take away the liberty of the Athenians. I ſhall think my ſelf exceedingly miſerable to deny you any thing Madam (anſwered he) but truly ſo it is, I cannot conſent unto any of theſe, for truly I cannot without a groſſe lie ſay, that it was my ambition more then Love which made me Maſter of Athens, nor can I permit you to go out, ſince then you would certainly fall under the power of my Rivall, with whom Megacles hath doubtleſſe concluded the treaty which he began, nor can I put my ſelfe out of that authority which the Gods have put into my hands, ſince there is my only hope of moving Megacles, to conſent unto my happineſſe, in letting you be the partaker▪ of it: So Madam, though I had no ambition, and though I were not perſwaded as I am, that the alteration of government is advantagious unto the Athenians, yet my Love only is enough to deſire things ſhould be as they are; for to be ſerious, I had rather be the Tyrant of Athens, then to loſe my hopes of enjoying you, or to ſee you in poſſeſſion of my [Page] Rivall. But to teſtifie, that my love tranſcends my ambition, ſince you are ſo zealous for the Athenian liberty, I am ready to goe out of it, upon condition it may be with you. Yes Madam, after I have made my ſelf maſter of the moſt famous City in all Greece: after I have driven out all my Enemies, and put my ſelfe in a condition to make all the Athenians happy in governing them better then they were before: yet I will forſake all, provided you will follow my fortune, and let us live together in ſome Aſian Kingdome: for I confeſſe Madam, I have ſuch an averſion againſt all divided Authority, that I had rather bee the ſlave of a great King, then to be the greateſt Citizen in any Common-wealth: and therefore Madam, it reſts onely upon you, what I muſt reſolve upon. The remedy which you propoſe, replyed ſhe, being worſe then the Diſeaſe I deſire to cure, I will not accept of it, for thanks be to God, I have no hand either in my Fathers miſery, or in any of your actions: But I ſhould have a great ſhare in them all, if I ſhould follow your fortune, without the conſent of thoſe who have a right to diſpoſe of me.

In the mean time, I have a great deal of reaſon to complaine againſt you, for denying me every thing. Aske me any thing, replied he, which will not hazard the loſing you, and if I doe deny it, be it what it will, hold me for the baſeſt of all men living. But Madam, if it doe not conduce to the keeping of you, I cannot hearken unto it. Moreover, I beſeech you Madam, let not this title of Tyrant which my Enemies have aſperſed upon me, hinder you from thinking me worthy the being your ſlave, promiſing you to uſe all my endeavours to bring Megacles unto Athens: And I will aske no other condition, but his conſent into my happineſſe.

After this, Cleorante uſed all her arguments to perſwade Piſiſtrates, not onely as the Daughter of Megacles, but as a Citizen of Athens. But the love and ambition of Piſiſtrates being in that buſineſſe inſeparable, ſhe could obtaine no farther of him, but libertie to ſtay where ſhe was, until Megacles changed his minde. But when Piſiſtrates afterwards asked leave to ſee her every day, ſhe denyed him, and ſaid, ſhe would not bring her ſelfe into ſuſpition of knowing his deſignes: and indeed ſhe was in ſo good earneſt, that as much a Maſter of Athens as he was, obey her he muſt; but yet as it was with an ill will; yet ſince he feared nothing ſo much as to diſpleaſe her, he contented himſelf with hearing from her every day: And indeed, Piſiſtrates and Cleorante did carry themſelves ſo prudently in their affections, that the General voyce of all Greece did not attribute any love unto the uſurpation of Piſiſtrates, nor unto the hatred betweene Lycurgus and him. In the meane, this new ſoveraigne of Athens behaved himſelfe with ſo much moderation, as if he had never deſired any ſoveraigne Authoritie, but onely to make the Lawes of Solon better obſerved, and to render Juſtice unto all according to their demerits. Solon alſo went often to viſit this Great Man, and he confeſſed, that he wanted nothing, but the being borne the Sonne of a King, to have made him one of the greateſt Princes in the world. And Solon afterwards ſaid, that if the people of Athens could but forget that they been long without a Maſter, they might be the happieſt people upon earth.

Piſiſtrates ſo carryed the matter, that Solon after aſſiſted him with his Counſels; and an accident fell out, which made Piſiſtrates voluntarily ſubmit to be puniſhed for infringing one of his Lawes. In the meane time he remembred the eſteeme which he ever had of Cerinthe and Euridamea, and highly favoured of all thoſe of that Family. On the other ſide, Megacles and Lycurgus united themſelves together, and ſo carryed the matter by bribes, that one night, one of the Gates ſhould be delivered up unto him: After which they ſurprized the Caſtle, and forced Piſiſtrates to goe out of Athens, though he did as much as any brave and valiant man could. Thus the Conquered became Conquerours, and the Conqueror was the moſt miſerable man in the world: 'Tis true, his Rivall was not ſo happy as he hoped, for as Megacles did intend to call for his Wife and Daughter out of the Temple of Minerva, purpoſely to marry Cleorante the next day unto Lycurgus, Cleorante with her mothers leave (who hated Lycurgus, and loved Piſiſtrates) claimed the priviledge of the Temple, which is a place inviolable for all thoſe who retire thither. And Cleorante ſent her Father word, ſhe was reſolved to ſtay there. Many men thought that Megacles conſented to it, and would never have promiſed his Daughter unto Lycurgus, but becauſe he ſtood in need of him. But however is was, Lycurgus might complaine as long as he would, and preſſe Megacles [...] keep his word, yet Cleorante would ſtay in the Temple. In the meane time, Theocrite went to Cerinthe, and asked a recompence for having brought her deſignes ſo well to paſſe, but ſince the diſorders of Athens did not pleaſe her, ſhe entertained him as coldly as if he had not done what [Page] ſhe had deſired him. On the other ſide, Megacles and Lycurgus did ſo ill agree together, and their government was ſo Tyrannicall, that they horridly hated each other, and ſo did all the people, inſomuch as all the people ſaid aloud, that if they muſt obey any one, it ſhould be Piſiſtrates, and repented of the change: Megacles hearing this, and being advertiſed that Lycurgus intended to take Cleorante out of the Temple, and that he intended to get, Piſiſtrates baniſhed for ever, and to render the antient liberty to the Athenians, he was almoſt at his witts end.

On the other ſide, being retired with a great number of his friends about Athens, he was in a deſperate condition: yet he was much comforted by the reſolution which Cleorante had taken: but for all that, he was as much perplexed as any ambitious Lover could be when all ſucceeds ill: For my part, I being ſick during the time of theſe diſorders, I was of no ſide, but reſted in quietneſſe to ſee how Fortune would decide ſo great a difference. In the mean time, not a day paſſed, but ſome quarrell, or ſome diſorder or other happened in ſome quarter of Athens; for beſides the inclination of the divided people thereunto, certainly the friends of Piſiſtrates did much contribute to them: For my part, I underſtood that Ariſton came diſguiſed into Athens, and cauſed many commotions, in one of which Theocrites was killed; but it was very obſervable, that Cerinthe was ſo little grieved at it, that when Euridamea came to comfort her, ſhe cruelly ſaid, that ſhe was glad of it, for ſhe gained more by his death in loſing his viſits, then ſhe did loſe by loſing his affection.

But diſorders encreaſed every day Megacles and Lycurgus jarred more and more, and all things were in ſuch a pittiful condition, as every one had great fears that the Town would be Cantoned, and the people fall to kill one another. In the interim, Erophile who wiſhed with all her heart that her daughter were married unto Piſiſtrates, did not loſe the leaſt opportunity to effect it, and perſwaded her Husband to comply with him: Megacles having no other ſide to take, conſidering the ſtate of his affairs with Lycurgus, he complied with her deſires more eaſily then ſhe imagined; for Megacles knew, that though he ſhould force his daughter to marry Lycurgus, yet he could never endure he ſhould ever raign in prejudice of himſelfe; nor was he ignorant, that being deſcended from Alemeon whom the Athenians never loved, it would be a hard matter for him to raign, conſidering the ſtate of things: In the mean time, ſince be knew how to recant from that extream averſion which he ſeemed to have againſt Piſiſtrates: ſome ſaid, that to have a colour for it, he gave out that Minerva had inſpired him with ſuch a thought, and in order to that, he hired a huge big woman, who was very fair, to dreſſe her ſelfe like unto Minerva, and to fit in a gilded Chair ſome few furlongs from Athens, that afterwards ſhe ſhould come unto the Walls at Sun-riſe, which is the time that moſt people uſe to goe and come out of the Town, and the four Trumpets going before her Chariot, ſhe ſhould tell every one that ſhe was Minerva, and that ſhe commanded all the Athenians to receive Piſiſtrates, and obey him. However it were, or whether this were true or no, yet it is moſt certain Madam, that a great talk went one morning about the Town, that Minerva had appeared unto many Athenians, and had commanded them to receive Piſiſtrates, and obey him: Megacles himſelfe ſaid ſhe had appeared unto him aſwell as unto others. This fancy working upon the ſpirits of people more then reaſon could, it united the people of the plain, them of the Mountain, and them of the Maritine places altogether; ſo that then all the people asked for Piſiſtrates, and thoſe who ſome daies before called him Tyrant, and had baniſhed him as ſuch an one, did now look upon him as a Legitimate Prince, ordained by Minerva. In the mean time Megacles ſent to treat with Piſiſtrates, though Lycurgus oppoſed him, and the very ſame day that Piſiſtrates entred into Athens in triumph, his Rivall went out at another Gate, and he was received with ſo many acclamations of the people, and ſuch joy, as I could not chuſe but admire at the lightneſſe of men: But to compleat his happineſſe, he became both at one time the Lord of Athens, and poſſeſſor of Cleorante, whom the next day he married with much ſatisfaction, and within eight daies he ſetled Athens in ſuch a quiet condition, as a ſtranger newly come could never believe it was in ſuch a pittifull condition as it was; nothing was to be ſeen but feaſts and thankſgivings, all the diſcourſe of the Town was upon the generoſity, liberality and goodneſſe of Piſiſirates, for be was an honourer of all the Arts, and of them who practiſed them: He founded a huge Library at Athens, he gathered together the books of Homer, which time had a little diſordered; he Married Cerinthe unto Ariſton, who was fallen in love with her, and Euridamea unto a Coſen of Ceriuthe's, ſo that all the diſorders which [Page] his love and ambition had cauſed, being appeaſed, Athens was more quiet then ever' and Piſiſtrates the happieſt man in the world: eſpecially in that his greateſt Enemies confeſſed, that he did deſerve his happineſſe.

SIlamis having ended his Story, he was highly applauded by all his Hearers: After which, they diſcourſed upon the inconſtancy of things, and the lightneſſe of the people, who never ſpeake of their owne minds, which alwaies depends more upon the opinions of others then their owne, or elſe more upon their giddy fancies, then upon right reaſon. But ſince it was late, and ſince Cyrus intended to take his leave of Araminte before hee reeurned to the Camp, he left Oneſile, and went to the Queene of Pontus, where he found Anacharſis charmed with the ſoliditie of her wit, to whom Cyrus alſo bad adiew very quickly, becauſe his love required that he ſhould goe in all haſt, to give orders requiſite for the March of his Army. Yet he left her not before he had ſome diſcourſe concerning Spitridates, and concerning Mandana, which ſo much tooke up his minde, that he never wanted matter to talke of: However, Silamis being brave and gallant, he left Oneſile and followed Cyrus, who ſeemed much obliged unto him, for ſtrengthning his Army with ſo brave an accompliſhed man as himſelfe.

But this Prince was no ſooner come to his Tent, then Hidaſpes entered as Gobrias was with him. As ſoone as Cyrus ſaw him, he wondered where he had beene, and at his long abſence, for ſaid he unto him, I was ſtrangely amazed to ſee the King of Aſſyria without you, when after you had delivered him, he came unto me at the Tombe of Abradates, and told me he knew not what was become of you: and therefore you muſt acquaint me with all paſſages. Sir, replyed Hidaſpes, I ſhall ſay nothing of what I did with Arſamones, nor of the ſurpriſal of the Caſtle, where the King of Aſſyria was kept, for I doe believe you are not ignorant of them. But give me leave to tell you, that after this Prince was delivered, and we going towards Cames where we thought you were, and comming upon the Frontiers of Galatia, we went through a wood before it was day, for the King of Aſſyrias impatience, cauſed him to ſet out above three hours before Aurora appeared: ſo that wandering in this wood which was very thick, when the Sun roſe, I was all alone by my ſelfe: and I had not gone above a thouſand ſpaces, but I heard a noiſe on my right hand, immediately after I ſaw two women, one ſeeming to be miſtreſſe unto the other, in whoſe face much feare and griefe appeared; ſo that going gently towards them, I ſaluted them as civilly as I could, intending to aske them, whether they ſtood in any need of my helpe. But ſir, this faire lamenting Lady, gave me no time to doe it; for knowing me, ſhe ſpake firſt, and asked helpe: as ſoone as ſhe ſpake, her voyce made me know her much better then my owne eyes, So that then knowing her to be the faire Arpaſia, Daughter to the wiſe Gobrias, before whom I ſpeak, I lighted haſtily from my horſe and went to her with all due reſpects: How (ſaid Gabrias, and could not forbear) did you find my Daughter in the Wood, whom I left in a Caſtle with an Aunt, who hath lately writ unto me, that Arpaſia was with her? Is Arpaſia (ſaid Cyrus) that Daughter whom I found with Gobrias, at the beginning of the Aſſyrian Warre, who I thought to be one of the greateſt beauties in the world? Yes, ſir, (Replyed Hidaſpes) the very ſame you meane, who no ſooner ſaw me light from my horſe, but ſhe acquainted me in ſhort, that ſhe had beene carryed away by one called Aſtidamas, who being purſued by his Rivall which had fallen upon him, was forced to leave her under a Tree with her woman. And whileſt they fought with extreame animoſity, ſhe got into the thick of the wood unſeen, and happily ſhe found a Cave into which ſhe entered, and ſtayed a whole day and a night there, during all which time, ſhe ſtill heard a noiſe: But never any ſtirre ſince the Sun did riſe, fearing leſt ſome wild beaſts and famine ſhould force them out; they came to the high way ſide where I was, and covered themſelves with leaves, waiting till any came whom they thought would helpe them, and they thanked the Gods for ſending me thither.

Is it poſſible (ſaid Gobrias) that Aſtidamas ſhould carry away my Daughter, the Son of my Siſter in law, he who hath a million of Obligations upon him? and who could never commit ſuch an act, unleſſe he were the moſt ungratefull and baſeſt man in the world? Yes ſir, (anſwered Hidaſpes) but he is puniſhed for his crime, by another who is no leſſe innocent then himſelfe, for he was killed by a man of good ranck, named Licander, with whom he was fighting, when the faire Arpaſia got into the wood: yet ſhe was ignorant of his death ſtill after ſhe ſpake with me, but came to know it preſently after; for being in [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] a ſtrange amaz [...]ment to imagine how I could ſecure her perſon, being alone, and having but one horſe; as good luck was, as I was talking with her, an empty Coach came by, and talking with the Coachman, I underſtood that it belonged to a Lady of Quality, who had lent it unto one of her friends, and was returning back, and that this Ladies houſe was not above fifteene furlongs diſtant from the place; ſo that without more adoe, I deſired Arpaſia to goe into the Coach with her woman, and to entreate a lodging with the Lady who owed it, until ſome courſe was reſolved upon. Since no better courſe could be thought upon, ſhe willingly conſented, and I promiſed ſuch recompence to the Coach-man, as he was very glad of the imployment: So, the faire Arpaſia went into the Coach, and I promiſed her to dye, rather then ſhe ſhould receive any wrong. But ſir, after wee had gone three or foure furlongs, we ſaw five or ſix dead men, and amongſt them, Aſtidamas. The faire and ſad Arpaſia grew pale at the ſight, who turning her head aſide from this ſad ſpectacle, ſhe told me that her Raviſher was amongſt thoſe dead men: ſince he is dead (ſaid I unto her) you need not feare him: Alas Hidaſpes (cryed ſhe) though Aſtidamas be dead, yet all my Enemies are not. And indeed ſir, ſhe had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but a very handſome Man, followed by foure others comming out of the thick Wood, no ſooner ſaw her, but comming up to the Coach: Why Madam, ſaid he unto her, doe you ſhun your deliverer? If you will merit that name ſir, (ſaid ſhe unto him) let me paſſe under the conduct of Hidaſpes, and follow me no farther; for truly Licander, I would not be under your power. Since I have beene a long time under yours Madam (replied he) you have no reaſon to feare me, but may well permit me to be your Guard: And indeed Madam, (added he, and looked fiercely upon me) I am reſolved that a Perſian ſhall not rob me of that glory, nor will I let the King of Aſſyrias Conqueror obtaine that honour which you have denyed me, ſince I have at this preſent more right unto it then he: ſince all the King of Aſſyria's ſubjects (ſaid I unto him) are onely ſlaves unto the Prince whom I ſerve, you have no right unto the Daughter of the valiant Gobrias, who is at this time under his protection: and therefore I muſt tell you, that I will not leave her, until I have conducted her unto the place where ſhe deſires to go.

Since you are ſingle, ſaid he unto me, and I have company, I know not how to anſwer you; but I am ſure you ſhall not follow me long. If the faire Arpaſia doe not forbid me (replyed I) I will follow you as long you follow her: At theſe words Arpaſia being ſo good, as to feare leſt he ſhould make uſe of the Advantage he had of me, and fearing alſo to fall under his power: ſhe began to uſe all her Rethorique to perſwade him unto her deſires, but all in vaine. So that comming to a part of the wood, where were ſeveral waies, Licander would needs force the Coachman to drive the way he deſired, and not that way which went to his Ladies houſe. And not being able to ſuffer the violence which this unjuſt Lover offered unto the faire Arpaſia, though I foreſaw my certaine ruine, yet I drew my ſword, and went ſtraight to Licander, whom I ſlightly hurt in the left arme the firſt thruſt I made. Licander ſtanding in a poſture of defence, did very gallantly charge his man to ſtand ſtill, ſaying he himſelfe would conquer me. But ſir, he was ſo ill obeyed, that for all his charge, they fell all upon me at once; yet I was ſo happy and quick, that in charging through them, I wounded one ſo dangerouſly, that he fell amongſt our Horſes feet: but yet I had three upon me, and Licander ſeeing one of his fallen, did not charge his men then from falling upon me; all I was able to doe, was to wound another of my Enemies, for whileſt I was making at a third, Licander gave me ſuch a blow, that I fell downe as dead: After which, I could onely heare the cryes of the faire Arpaſia, and could not ſee any farther of the paſſages: Yet I underſtand ſince, that Licander forced the Coach-man to drive the way he deſired. In the meane time, my loſs of blood, and my ſorrow, was ſuch, that I was not able to relieve Arpaſia, that it made me inſenſible; and I returned not to my ſelfe, till ſome ſhepheards finding me in that pittiful condition, carried me unto that Ladies houſe, unto whom the Coach belonged. She being a woman of great virtue, ſhe had a great care of me. But my mind running moſt upon Arpaſia, after I had thanked her for her favours, I told her in ſhort all the paſſages, acquainting her with the quality and merit of Arpaſia, and deſired her to ſend ſome of her ſervants and relieve her if poſſible: or if ſhe had not upon a ſudden men enough to doe it, yet at leaſt to ſend one to follow them, and know the place where the Raviſher carried her, confeſſing ingenuouſly to you, that I had then no thoughts of the Aſſyrian King. But ſir, This Lady not being able to ſatisfie my firſt deſire, yet ſhe did the ſecond, and immediately made choice of a witty and bold fellow, whom I informed which way the Coach took, and ſo away hee [Page] went with intentions to follow, till he had lodged them in ſome place where they were likely to ſtay. After this Sir, I ſuffered incredible miſeries, for my wounds being very great, and being in a place where the Chirurgeons were not very good, I was in a hundred dangers of death; yet I ſent unto you Sir, but ſince you have not received my excuſes why I did not follow the King of Aſsyria, certainly ſome accidents have befallen the meſſengers I imployed. But yet (ſaid Cyrus interrupted him) do you know no more concerning Arpaſia? And have you no intelligence (added Gobrias) of the place where Licander carried her? yes Sir, replied Hidaſpes, for the man whom the Lady ſent after them, did play his part ſo well and cunningly, that he got himſelfe ſome daies into the ſervice of Licander: But to be ſhort, the man returned, and I underſtand by him, that Licander being heretofore acquainted with the Prince Atergatis in Aſsyria, had at firſt a deſign to chuſe the Court of Arſamones for his recreat, becauſe Atergatis was there, but hearing that there were ſome diſorders about the King of Aſsyria's liberty, he altered his mind, and embarqued on the Euxine Sea when the Tempeſt did caſt him upon Colchides, where he ſtayed, and where he ſaid he would [...] a long while; alſo the fair Arpaſia falling ſick, it was unlikely he could [...] though he would. So Sir, hearing this, and ſince I had ſome hopes of being able ere long to ride on horſe-back; alſo preſently after hearing of the Princeſſe Mandana's carrying away, and of the King of Aſsyria's death, and alſo of your march towards the Maſſagetts, I confeſſe my deſign was to go towards the place where Arpaſia was, to ſee if I could get her out of Licander's hands, knowing Sir, that to do any ſervice unto thoſe you loved, was to do ſervice unto your ſelfe: But when I came there, I heard to my ſorrow, that Licander reſolved to go unto Thomiris, and paſſe over Araxis and indeed I followed him as farre as I could, unleſſe I would be taken by the enemy, and untill I ſaw there was no hopes of delivering Arpaſia, but by delivering the Princeſſe Mandana; for I underſtand ſince, that Licander and Arpaſia, are now with Thomiris. I am very glad replyed Gobrias; that there is any hopes my daughter may be delivered by the Conqueror of Aſia. I aſſure you anſwered Cyrus, that I look upon this advantage as one of the ſweeteſt fruits of my Victory if I get it, and next after the liberty of Mandana, Arpaſia's ſhall be my greateſt joy. In ſaying ſo, Cyrus obſerved Hidaſpes, and remembring that he had heretofore ſuſpected him of being in Love with that fair one, he thought now that he was not then miſtaken, for he thought that it was more then only generoſitie which made him ſo zealous; yet he had no leiſure to make any reflection thereupon, for having many Emiſſaries abroad, and ſpies amongſt the enemies, one of them returned and acquainted him, that the Army of Thomiris did dayly encreaſe, that Terez an old experienced Souldier was there, though very lame of his old wounds; that Octomaſades was come up with thoſe Troops which the Prince of the Callipices permitted him to levie in his Country, when his deſign was to make Ariantes King of the Iſſedons: and now ſince Ariantes had made his peace, he brought them for the Service of that Queen: He further told him that Agatherſes came to him with a huge aid from Iſſedon; that the Scythian Kingdomes had alſo ſent in very gallant Regiments, and that Aripithes came up with an Army the more conſiderable, becauſe the Sauromites were a warlick people: But the worſt of all was, Ariantes was ſooner ſound of his wounds then was hoped, and in all likelyhood, the Fort of Sauromates would be ſooner ſet upon then Cyrus could hinder them; and indeed the very next morning he had certain information that the enemy began the Siege; alſo he received intelligence at the ſame time out of the frontiers of Medea, that Ciaxares was dead, though this newes did extreamly trouble him, yet he thought it of ſuch importance, as not to divulge it, leſt it ſhould damp the conrages of his Souldiers, ſo that he ſhut up all his ſorrowes in his own breaſt: In the mean time he took order for every thing, and deſired Anacharſis to ſtay with the Queen of Pontus, and the Princeſs of Armenia, to the end if he had any need of him, he might ſend thither to him: But Cyrus knowing very well that bold reſolutions ought to be taken up with very few, he conferred only with Mazares, and opening his heart unto him, and told him that though he did not call a Councell of of Warre, yet he was reſolved to give Battle; ſo that Mazares being of his opinion, and deſiring no more but to know more certainly the Paſſes which Cyrus had not viewed, becauſe his meeting with Thomiris hindered him to go farre enough into the Wood: this Prince reſolved to march as if the deſign only were to relieve the Fort of Sauromates, and that in the mean time Mazares ſhould march on with ſome troopes, not only to view the paſſes, but alſo relieve the place if he could, and enable Feraulas to hold his enemies in play awhile, and in [Page] order to this, the day following, the whole Army of Cyrus began to march, as if only to relieve the Fort of Sauromates, which truly was a difficult buſineſſe, becauſe this Fort, though near a Forreſt, yet ſtood in the midſt of a plain, invironed with wood, ſo rugged and boggy, that it was impoſſible any waies to avoid theſe long narrow paſſes: 'tis true, that ſide towards Araxes the wood was not above twelve or fourteen furlongs thorough, but after a very narrow and difficult paſſe, it did inceſſantly enlarge it ſelfe, and one might diſcover the plain, yet this way was very naught, for the plain being all bogges, by reaſon of abundance of Waters which flow from ſeverall parts, it was impoſſible to march in ranks, and would be very difficult to paſſe by files, it is true, in coming near to the Fort, all theſe difficulties ceaſe, for the place is more ſandy and dry, and there was room enough to draw up two great Armies into Battalia. In the mean while Mazares following the reſolutions which Cyrus and he had taken, he marched ſo haſtily with his commanded party, that the Prince Ariantes was but new ſet) down before the Fort of the Sauromats, when he came to the beginning of the Woo [...] Now did the Prince call into his heart the Love of glory, and the Love of Mandana, and reſolved to carry in reliefe to the place, to the end Feraulas might hold his enemies in play, till Cyrus forced them either to fight or retreat; yet ſometimes when he thought that the happy ſucceſſe of the enterprize would reflect more upon his Rivall then himſelfe, and that victory would make him the poſſeſſor of Mandana, he would give a ſtop unto his Horſe and go ſoftly; but thinking better upon it, and his vertue ſurmounting his Love, he recollected himſelfe, and by extraordinary haſt regained the time which that ſpark of jealouſie cauſed him to loſe, and indeed he did that, which almoſt none other but himſelf could do, and he was no ſooner come unto the entry of the wood, but he drew a hundred and fifty horſe out of that little party which he commanded, and appointed them to get into the Fort, and in order to that, he commanded them to go on the back ſide of the Wood, that they might be unſeen, and expreſly forbad them to attempt getting in, untill they heard him give a hot alarum to the enemies Camp with all his Troops, and then to take that time to get into the Fort if they could; and indeed Mazares did ſo happily paſſe the narrow way which the enemy could not have time yet to guard, that in the midſt of the night he fell upon the main guard of the Maſſagetts, and ſo ſharply, that he drive them as farre as their Camp, where the Alarum was ſo high and generall, that the hundred and fifty horſe in ambuſh, did eaſily get into the Fort: 'Tis true, there was a ſmall guard of Maſſagetts which did oppoſe them, but they eaſily forced through them, and into the place, into the which they entered without the loſſe of one man. In the mean while, aſſoon as Mazares underſtood by the ſignall, which the Fort of Sauromates made, according to appointment betwixt them, that the relief was entered, he began to think of making his retreat, and the ſooner becauſe he knew that all the Cavalry of Thomiris Camp were in armes: Doubtleſſe this retreat was very difficult to be made, and certainly had been full of danger, if Mazares had not made extraordinary haſt, but in retreating, day beginning to break, he obſerved the importance of the paſſage, and moſt prudently judged, that upon this difficult paſſage, did depend the good or bad ſucceſſe of the Warre. Thus the deſign of Mazares being happily executed as it was boldly attempted, he went to give Cyrus an accompt, who received him with a thouſand Welcomes, commending him as highly for what he had done, as it was poſſible one Rivall could commend another, as (maugre all his power) Mazares was unto him: But after Mazares had given him an account of his actions, Cyrus acquainted him, how ſince his departure he underſtood, that Thomiris had left Mandana in the Tents royall with a very ſtrong guard, that the Princeſſe of Bithinia, and the Princeſſe Iſtrina had liberty to ſee her, that Thomiris was come into the Army, that Ariantes commanded under her orders, that the valiant and wiſe Terez (as ill as he was of his wounds which he received in the Battle which Agatheris heretofore got againſt Ariantes) was Lieutenant Generall of this Army; that all the flower of bravery amongſt all the Maſſagetes and experienced Officers were there, and were hugly numerous: He told him farther, that Ariantes had divided his troops into ſix quarters round about the Fort of Sauromates, that he had placed his greateſt ſtrength on that ſide toward Araxes, and that he never offered to draw any Lines, or caſt up any ditches about the Fort, becauſe he hoped he ſhould carry it in a ſhort time: He told him that Ariantes had placed his courts of guard very judiciouſly, as he might judge by that which he found at the advenue of the narrow paſſage towards Araxes; adding that this Prince had ſo well ordered his Sentinalls and Scouts, that it was impoſſible to [Page] enter into the plaine which was compaſſed about with Wood, but he would be acquainted with it. But after Cyrus had told Mazares all he knew, he added, that without more adoe, he abſolutely muſt give battel: and indeed, calling a Councel of Warre that very houre, he told all the Officers of his Army what Mazares had done, and what farther he knew, telling them afterwards, that he was abſolutely reſolved to relieve the Fort of Sauromates: And to that end, he thought it abſolutely neceſſary to advance in all haſt unto that Paſſe, by which they muſt goe unto their Enemies: for truly ſaid he unto them, if the Maſſagettes ſhould attempt to defend it, they will be forced to unfurniſh their Quarters, and by conſequence leave us one paſſage free to relieve the Fort; and if they doe let us paſſe without fighting us, wee ſhall then get into the plaine without any difficulty, and ſhall be able to give battel upon equall termes and advantages, Alſo (added he, to bring them to his opinion) though we ſhould not then thinke it convenient to give battel, yet we ought to doe as I ſay, ſince thereby we ſhall be ſtill gaining ſeveral Quarters, and fortifying them, and thereby force the Enemy to change theirs, and leave us ſome paſſage to relieve the Fort: After this, Cyrus to bring them more eaſily to his minde, acquainted them with the intelligence he had revealed concerning the death of Ciaxares: adding, that this ſad newes was a great reaſon to induce them unto a quick diſpatch of the buſineſſe: for truly (ſaid he with an admirable grace) his death if it bee poſſibl [...], ought not to be known unto our So [...]liers, but upon the place of Combat, after the victory is gotten; at leaſt I am ſure, we muſt not ſuffer the Fort of Sauromates be taken in ſight of our Army, but rather hazard periſhing, then receive ſuch an affront, and retard the liberty of Mandana by being too wiſe. Cyrus having done ſpeaking, all his Hearers were of his opinion, and Creſſus himſelfe was of that opinion alſo, though at the paſſage over Araxes, he apprehended much danger in hazarding battel: But ſince hee thought that the Maſſagettes would be maſters of the ſtrait paſſage, ſince the Action of Mazares, and would diſpute it, he did not oppoſe the opinion of Cyrus, becauſe hee thought it would never come to a deciding battel, but onely ſome great skirmiſhes at the enterance into the wood, during which, they might perhaps put ſome conſiderable reliefe into the Fort; and ſo the whole Army not being engaged on this ſide the difficult paſſages, Cyrus himſelfe would be conſtrained out of his own prudence to retreat, and not engage his Army to ſight in diſadvantagious Quarters. So there being no conteſt, Cyrus reſolved that his Army ſhould advance that very hour unto the place which the Inhabitants of the Country call the plaine of Gelons, (becauſe a people of that name were once heretofore there beaten) and the day following he marched ſtraight towards the Enemy. But before he departed, he began to give out all requiſite orders, to regulate the march of every Regiment, to diſtribute the ſeveral Quarters unto his Officers, to reſolve upon the general order of the battel; and exhorted all his men to fight ſo couragiouſly, that they might come off with Glory, from a buſineſſe of ſo much danger, that all they had gone through before, were nothing in compariſon it, by reaſon of thoſe difficult paſſes where the Enemy was to be ſought withall: 'Tis true, the joyes which Cyrus ſaw in all his Troops when he departed from the plaine of Gelons, ſeemed to preſage a victory: for certainly, though all his Souldiers had been aſſured of victory, they could not have marched with more cheerefulnſſe, then they did now in going to ſhare in the dangers unto which the greateſt Prince in the world was going to expoſe himſelf unto. In the mean time, Cyrus was reſolved that his Army ſhould fight in two Brigades: that theſe two Brigades ſhould be ſeconded with a body of Reſerve, which Hidaſpes was to Command; that Aglatidas ſhould be in the Head of the Infantry, that Creſſus and the King of Hircania, ſhould command the Left-wing; and Mazares under him, the Right; where the Prince Artamas, Intaphernes, Atergatis, Gobrias, Gadates, Merſiles, Intathyrſes, Perſodes, and all the reſt of the Heroes, who had no employment, ſhould fight neare his perſon. But Cyrus, who was as great a Captaine as valiant Souldier, he believed, becauſe in all likelihood he ſhould fight the Maſſagettes in thoſe difficult paſſes, therefore it was expedient to line his Cavalrie with ſome Infantry; and to that end, betweene every ſquadron, he placed a hundred Archers, appointing afterwards all the reſt of the Archers to be the Guards of Creſſus, the King of Hircanius Guards, and his own, alſo the Aſſirian Cavalry to be upon both ſides of the Right and Left wings. But to the end nothing might clogge him, he ſent his Baggage to the ſide of Araxes, and afterwards marched in the Head of his Army, which ſeeming to be guided by one ſoul in every part, came to the entrance of the Wood; and Orders were ſo wiſely given, and exactly executed by all, [Page] that not one Souldier was to be an inch out of his ranck. Cyrus began now to be in hopes of happy ſucceſſe, and the Idea of Mandana did ſo wholly take up his minde, that feares of any approaching dangers had no roome in his thoughts. But whileſt this great Prince was advancing with all poſſible Heroique heat, and employing all his Cares for reliefe of the Fort, Ariantes under the Order of Thomiris, was vigorouſly endeavouring to take it, before his Rival could arive: And indeed he followed on ſo cloſe, and aſſaulted it ſo often, that is is to be imagined, that without the reliefe which Mazares had gotten unto it, it could never have held out ſo long, as to give Cyrus time enough to execute his deſignes: For it was ſo ill furniſhed with all manner of neceſſaries to ſuſtain a Siege, that it was impoſſible for the valour of Feraulas to have defended it: Alſo Ariantes thought it ſo inconſiderable, that he would never trouble himſelfe with making any workes about it, though he had learned very well under Cyrus; how to make formal Sieges. Moreover, ſince the Maſſagettes have no Townes, but live all in portable Tents, Thomiris and Ariantes, could not get any information of Cyrus his March, nor of his Number: for all the people about Araxi, fled away as ſoon as Cyrus paſſed the River; ſo as there could not be any certaine intelligence given, nor was the Army of Cyrus thought to be ſo numerous as they were: and they were ignorant of his ſtrength, until they heard the Army was entered into the wood; and ſeemed reſolved to paſſe through thoſe ſtraits, ſo as they were forced to be tumultuous in their reſolutions, and knew not well whether they ſhould defend the thoſe paſſes, or expect their Enemy in the plaine, and there end the difference by a deciſive battel. Ariantes opinion was to give a ſtop unto Cyrus in theſe paſſages, and in order to that, to line the woods with part of their Infantry, and to back them with a good body of Cavalry, for by this courſe it was impoſſible that Cyrus ſhould come to execute his deſignes: alſo whileſt they were thus amuſing his Army, they might eaſily take the Fort with a few Forces, for he had certaine intelligence, it could not hold out above two dayes. The ſage and valiant Terez; concurred with the opinion of Ariantes, Agatherſes, Octomaſades, and all the old experienced blades were of the ſame minde: But Thomiris thinking it better to fight Cyrus in her Country, then to defend theſe paſſes; ſhe was not of their opinion, but ſaid the deſigne was diſhonourable, and it was as good as nothing, for her Army to doe nothing but take a poore Fort, ſince they were in the head of a puiſſant Army: ſhe ſaid it was much better for them to give battel preſently, then to ſtay till the Maſſagettes were more informed of their Enemies valour: And that it was more advantagious for them to fight farre off Araxis, and in a plaine in the middeſt of a Wood where the Enemy was ignorant of the paſſes, then neare the place where they had a boate-bridge over the River. Ariantes yet oppoſed her as much as ever he could but ſhe without any farther hearing or giving any reaſon, ſhe told him peremptorily it ſhould be ſo: and accordingly it was reſolved, to let the whole Army of Cyrus paſs into the plaine without any ſtop or oppoſition. Truth is, though this reſolution of Thomiris had not been followed, yet, they had been forced to take it; for whileſt the intereſt of Thomiris and Ariantes moved them to different opinions; and whileſt they were debating what to doe, or not d [...]e, the Forlorne hope of Cyrus his Army, appeared cloſe by the Maſſagettan Campe: ſo that then Ariantes ſeeing no way but to aſſemble all their Quarters, and to thinke of nothing but fighting; and to loſe no time, Thomiris and Ariantes ſent in poſt haſt to Aripithes to make haſt, and joyn with them. But to omit nothing which a great Captaine could doe upon ſuch an important occaſion, you muſt know, that Cyrus, when he departed from the plaine of Gelons, towards the entrance into the wood, he marched in battalia upon two banks, until he came to the entrance of the ſtrait Paſſes, and to [...] into nothing raſhly, he ſent Mazares to view them, and hee made choice of him for that imployment; becauſe he had been already in the woods, when he relieved the Fort: But this generous Rival unto Cyrus, finding theſe paſſes defended onely with a Guard of fifty Horſe, he eaſily beat them off, and returned to tell this Prince, that he might eaſily be maſter of theſe paſſes, provided he made haſt. So that now it was apparent there would be a battel, ſince the Enemy did not guard the Paſſes, and ſince Cyrus would engage them beyond the wood. Creſſus now was of another opinion, and uſed all his argument to alter the deſigne. But Cyrus having told him in few words his reaſons why he would fight, commanded him to goe immediately unto thoſe Forces which he was to command. The zeale which Cyrus had to fight, and quickly to deliver Mandana, was ſo high, that fearing ſomething ſhould be an obſtacle unto his reſolution of fighting, he would not follow what the dictates of his prudence hinted unto him: but on the [Page] contrary, out of his exceſſe of Love, and deſire of glory, would needs advance ſo near the enemy, that it ſhould be impoſſible to diſengage himſelfe from a generall combate. Tis true, ſince Myrſiles, Intaphernes, and Atergatis had their Miſtreſſes with Mandana, they did not contrary a deſign which would haſten their liberty, nor did Artamas and Indatherſes thwart it. Cyrus then having fixed upon this bold and generous reſolution, he went with all the Cavalry of his right wing, unto a little hill which was neer the enemy, and there he ſtayed: aſſoon as he was there, he diſpatched order upon order to the reſt of his troops, to make all poſſible haſt after him. In the mean time, Cyrus knowing the rules of Warre very well, he alſo knew that his Love of Mandana, and deſire of glory having drawn him ſo near the enemy before his army was joyned, he had extreamly endangered himſelfe and all his army; for it is moſt certain, that if the Maſſagettes had at that time fallen upon him with all their Cavalry, it had been impoſſible for him to have withſtood their force; but to carry the matter as well as he could, and avoid the danger in which he was with glory, this great ſoule ſtood in ſuch a reſolute poſture, and ſo handſomely placed thoſe few forces he had, that he wholly covered the top of that hill on which he ſtood, ſo that by this means the Maſſagets could have no knowledge of what forces he had behind, and not imagining that ſo inconſiderable a party as appeared, ſhould ever advance alone ſo near them, they conceived that it was ſeconded with the whole Army, and therefore had no mind to give the aſſault: yet they did intend to charge through the body, to ſee what was behind it, and therefore they made ſeverall ſkirmiſhes, but all being with bad ſucceſſe, they gave over and reſted, untill they had aſſembled all their ſeverall quarters into Battallie. Chriſantes who was next Cyrus, wondered at his deſign, and was in perpetuall fears till the reſt of the Forces came up, for he plainly ſaw, that if Ariantes had known in what condition he was, he were utterly ruined; when he looked towards the enemies Army, he ſaw them ſo hugely numerous in compariſon of his ſmall party, that it might well be ſaid, Ariantes might have vanquiſhed them with a wiſh; and when he ſaw the Forces of Cyrus ſo farre off, that there was no appearance of them, he was even deſperate: But at laſt, Fortune being reſolved that this great Prince ſhould never periſh by an act of courage, wherein yet ſome prudence was, things happened better then his hopes; ſo that both ſides ſtaying till their forces came up, they both drew into Battalia: The forces of Cyrus paſſed the ſtraits without any diſorder, thoſe of Thomiris came up and joyned, and both ſides choſe their ground with equall advantage: That ground which Cyrus choſe to make his Camp of Battle, was large enough to range his whole Army in that order he was reſolved they ſhould fight; indeed he had choſen a riſing ground which looked over all the plain, eſpecially from the mariſh grounds which was upon the left hand unto the entry into the wood, which not being thick in that place, his ſquadrons might well enough range themſelves in it: on the other ſide, there was another riſing ground oppoſit unto that which Cyrus was poſſeſſed of, of an equall height, where the Maſſagetts quartered, ſo that between theſe two armies there was ſuch an equall deſcent, which made a kind of a little plain, as thoſe who were experienced in the art of Warr did know, that the firſt aſſaulter was in danger to be overcome: Moreover, before the right wing of the Maſſagettes, by a little River, was a very high and thick wood, which reached to the bottom of the valley; ſo as it was to be imagined, that Ariantes to make uſe of that advantagious ſcituation, would place there ſome Archers, which would extreamly gall Cyrus when he came to fight. Thus you ſee what ground Cyrus and Ariantes choſe for the two moſt warlick Armies in the world to fight upon, and where the poſſeſſion of the rareſt Princeſſe upon earth was to be diſputed: In the mean time they had leiſure enough to poſt themſelves, and did draw up in great order and quietneſſe; for both being reſolved to give Battle, they never skirmiſh [...], but thought only of the main Battle.

Thus theſe two great Captaines drew up their armies and forces as they came up, as if they had been agreed ſo to do; yet the truth is, the Artillery of Thomiris her Army, did much more hurt unto the Army of Cyrus, then that of Cyrus did upon hers, becauſe ſhe had many more of them; and indeed the invincible Cyrus could not diſplay the wings of his Army, nor ſtretch out his Battalions without great danger of the enemies Artillery and engines; yet his high reſolution made all his Troops ſo ſtout, that Maugre all the miſchief of theſe engines, they ſtood firm to their ſtations, though they ſaw many of themſelves kill'd and wounded, amongſt which the valiant Araſpes received a hurt uphis thigh; but after incredible toile, and indefatigable vigilancy, Cyrus had the ſatisfaction [Page] to ſee that his whole Army had paſſed the ſtrait paſſages, that the body of his reſerve, after they had got out of the woods, went to poſſeſſe the place which he appointed them, and that he had time enough to fight, ſince the Sun was above two howers high; ſo that though this valiant Prince knew very well, by reaſon of the deſcent into the valley, it was more difficulty to aſſault, then to be aſſaulted, yet his impatient zeal of fighting for Mandana's liberty, and his own glory, perſwaded him, that it was not advantagious to give his enemies any longer time to make good their ground, but that it was much more glorious to aſſault then to be aſſaulted.

So that alwaies uſing to follow the dictates of his own great heart, when they were not flatly againſt the rules of prudence, he gave orders to advance and fight; yet for all this and much againſt his mind, he altered his intention, by reaſon of ſuch a ſtrange accident as was like to have proved fatally ſad unto his whole Army, and caſt him into ſuch a danger, as all his valour and prudence could not repair; for the raſh headlong valour of the King of Hircania, had like to have cauſed ſuch a misfortune, as was not poſſible for him to foreſee, for ſince the left wing of Cyrus his army was towards the boggy grounds, this Prince could not believe but that it was there ſecure, and that the enemy would make no attempts upon it, ſo that he himſelf was alwaies in the right wing, as in the place where he expected moſt danger: Moreover ſince he knew himſelfe to be the Soul of his army, and would truſt none but himſelfe with things of higheſt importance, he was extreamly buſie in obſerving the motions of the Maſſagettan Army, that he might regulate his deſigns accordingly: Creſſus for his part ſeeing there was nothing like to be attempted upon the left wing which he was to lead, he came to be with Cyrus, and relyed wholly upon the King of Hyrcania: but this King being extreamly vexed that Creſſus ſhould be preferred before him, becauſe he thought him to be a vanquiſhed King, he had a great deſire to ſhew ſome high exploit in his abſence; alſo he bore an ill will unto Mazares, becauſe he thought Cyrus by his means treated Creſſus ſo well, and bearing a huge envy unto him for that noble enterprize of relieving the Fort of the Sauromates, he reſolved to perform ſome ſuch glorious act, as ſhould tranſcend all others.

In theſe thoughts he imagined, that if the left wing which he was to command could croſſe over the boggs, he ſhould be able to do great ſervice, by getting behind the Wood; being perſwaded that the Maſſagettan Army being in fear of Cyrus, could not oppoſe his deſign: ſo that being prepoſſeſſed by his paſſions which tyrannized over his heart, he never conſidered the dangerous conſequences of that march, but went towards this mariſh ground with all his Cavalry, and a great part of his Infantry, not ſo much as ſending Cyrus any word of it. Thus by this raſh attempt, which was againſt all military orders, he did hazard the glory of the greateſt Prince upon earth, and likewiſe endangered the loſſe of Mandana's liberty for ever. Cyrus who knew nothing of what the King of Aſſyria had done, had given the generall order to march toward the enemy, and being alwaies accuſtomed to be immediatly obeyed, all the ſeverall bodies of which his army was compos'd did even begin to move, when he was acquainted with what the King of Hircania had done; however, he no ſooner heard it, but without any uſeleſſe complaints which could not remedy ſo great an evill, he cauſed his army to make a halt, and went himſelfe with incredible haſt to ſett things in order again: But in his going, O how vexed was he againſt that Prince, and what diſturbance was in his thoughts, who one minute before was full of hopes to conquer, and now in danger to be conquer'd, and that eaſily: and indeed, during this croſſe conjuncture, Cyrus had reaſon to fear that the Maſſagettaus would take advantage of this great diſorder; for a huge Army might be ſeen upon a ſudden to ſtagger, and one might here ſee the Maſsagettans found their Trumpetts and beat their Drums, and move in Battallia, as if they intended to fall upon the Army of Cyrus.

Now did he think the diſmall anſwer of the Sihill would be fulfilled; that he ſhould infallibly fall into the Power of Thomiris: That Mandana's Liberty would be loſt, and that his Rivall would preſently enjoy her. Yet ſince his great ſoul did not ſink under the burthen of this injury, he beſtirred himſelf to remedie the diſaſter; and to that end, he cauſed ſome Troopes of the ſecond Brigade to advance, and ſupply the place of thoſe whom the King of Hircania had carried away and left void. But though Cyrus did beſtirre himſelf with as much Prudence as quickneſſe; yet certainly, if Ariantes had then aſſaulted the Army Cyrus, that Prince who never before had bin Conquered had now loſt the Victory, and perhaps hIs life. But the Heavens did more favour him, then to let him [Page] loſe his Glory by the fault of another. And fortune, who uſes to favour great and Heroique attempts, would not let the Maſſagettans ſee the advantage which was offered them, for they did not perceive what the King of Hircania had done: And the incomparable Cyrus had ſo quickly filled up all the void places which thoſe Troopes who went into the boggs had quitted, that not one of the Commanders of Thomiris Armie did ever obſerve it; and the motion of their Army was cauſed onely becauſe they would enlarge their Battalia, and make room for their ſecond Diviſion to draw up more conveniently; So that making a ſtop within four hundred Paces of Cyrus his Army, it was evident they had no deſign to fall on. On the other ſide, this great Captain, deſiring at any rate to reduce things into right order, did ſend to the King of Hircania, ſuch expreſſe and poſitive orders to return in all haſt with his Troopes, and cauſed it to be ſpoken ſo earneſtly in the preſence of his men what danger the whole Armie was expoſed unto, that whether hee would or no, they would obey: and ſo they did; for the Troopes which he conducted, did ſo quickly obey, and croſſed the boggs ſo haſtily, that they were preſently on their firſt ground. Thus by the wiſe conduct of Cyrus, the whole Army was in ſuch order as he deſired, before 'twas night. This Prince had ſo much Command over himſelf, that hee received the King of Hircanias excuſe extreamly ſweetly, leſt if he had not, he ſhould not be ſo well ſerved the next morning, as he deſired to be. Yet he was vexed to the ſoul to ſee this croſſe adventure had retarded fighting: But ſince there was no remedie, he took care for the ſafety of the Camp, as Ariantes did for his. So that both ſecuring themſelves, by ſeverall Courts of Guard; A huſht ſilence was in both theſe huge Armies which were overſhaddowed with night: yet the common darkneſſe was leſſened by reaſon of many fires which the Souldiers made in both Campes, which were ſo near each other, that thoſe who ſtood upon the hills a little diſtance off, could not perceive any interval which parted them: But the wonder was, the night was not diſturbed with either true or falſe alarum from either ſide; but all were in as calme a ſilence, as if it were in the moſt ſolitary deſart: yet the Camp of Cyrus ſaw through the Enemies Army ſome artificiall fires, which thoſe who defended the Fort of Sauromates did continually caſt up, which made it manifeſt that they were aſſaulted; and that the ſilence which then reigned was not a ſilence of peace, which would not be broken after Sun was up, unleſſe by the harmonie of Birds. Truth is, there was not a ſouldier in both Armies which did not certainly know that there would be a generall Combate the next day: for the ſcituation of both Camps was ſuch, as was equally impoſſible to retreat without the danger of defeat by being forced to fight in diſorder and confuſion. For being both incloſed within a Plain compaſſed about with wood, one might well ſay that both Nature and Fortune did contribute unto a neceſſity of fighting. But Cyrus, being incomparable in all things, did teach his men by his own example, that brave men muſt expect great dangers in ſilence, & without unquietneſſe. Therefore as ſoon as he had viſited all the Courts of Guard, which he had placed for the ſafety of his Camp: he paſſed the reſt of the night in a Tent, which ſtood in the head of his Infantry: he commanded alſo that they ſhould wake him, an hour before day; as if he had thought his deſire of Glory not enough to do it: yet his men could not obey him; for as haſty as they could be, he was before them. And Mazares, Myrſiles, Intaphernes, Atergatis, and Artamas, were no more ſluggards then that valiant Prince whom they followed. But though the night had been huſht and quiet, yee Aurora was tumultuous: The fires of both Camps extinguiſhed as the ſtarres did; And there was then in both Campes a noiſe compoſed of ſo many ſeverall noiſes, and ſuch an Ecchoing Murmure as all the field was fill'd with it. The Birds themſelves, (except ſuch as live upon what death allowes them, and alwaies follow Armes) did forſake the Woods all about: and as the night ſpake the ſoft language of Peace, the break of day ſpoke in the thunder of War, with as grim as it looked; yet had ſomething of delight in it. In the mean time, as quick as the Suns Courſe is, yet Cyrus had given his laſt orders before it apeared in our Horiſon: and gave them with ſo much judgement, and made thoſe who received them, to underſtand them ſo well, as if he had inſpired both ſpirits and hearts fit to execute them: his whole Army moved together in an inſtant all at once, and kept ſuch evenneſſe, as they came cloſe to the Enemy without the leaſt diſorder, though they went with ſuch an impetuoſity, as the preſence of Cyrus uſed to inſpire into all his Troopes; and which without any raſhneſſe, onely made their vigour and impatience of fighting to appear. In the mean time, on that ſide towards the right wing, there was a [Page] tall and thick Wood, which the valiant and experienced Terez had lined with a thouſand Archers, who began to fight; yet found he not that advantage which he expected: for Cyrus foreſeeing that the Maſſagettans would not leave that place unlined, he cauſed a party of Horſe to fall upon that thouſand Archers, and placed ſome foot alſo amongſt his horſe, between every ſquadron. So that theſe Archers being vigorouſly charged, they were forced to yield: yet ſaved not themſelves by flying, for they were every man of them killed upon the place where they lay in ambuſcado. But the prudence of Cyrus moving him to think that his Troops might be ſquandered in the Wood, he commanded Mazares to wheel about the Wood to the right hand, with his firſt brigade, to prevent that diſorder. So as this Generous Rivall obeying him, Cyrus in the head of the ſecond brigade, and towards the left ſide of the Wood he advanced to the Enemy, with all the Gallants of his Army: and advanced with the ſame valour, wherewith he had vanquiſhed others. In the mean time Mazares, who was as valiant as amorous, and who was well knowing in the art of War, wheeled about the Wood without any diſorder, and to loſe no time, he cauſed the body which he commanded to draw towards the right hand, to the end he might aſſault the Maſſagettans on the flank, whilſt Cyrus aſſaulted them in the Front.

The ambitious Octomaſades who commanded the left wing of the Maſſagettans, was extreamly ſurpriſed, when contrary to his expectation he ſaw himſelf aſſaulted on two ſides; for he was confident in the thouſand Archers which Terez had placed in the Wood, through which he knew any muſt paſſe before they could come and aſſault him on that ſide: yet for all his ſurpriſe, hee behaved himſelf like a man of courage: and though he might be taxed with want of a little foreſight; yet could not be accuſed for want of valour; And indeed he did very gallantly reſiſt ſome ſquadrons which aſſaulted him: but without ſucceſſe: For as there is nothing ſo dangerous as to alter the orders of Troops, in the face of a terrible Enemy. So upon the very firſt ſhock Mazares broke many ſqudrons of Thomiris; So that the Troops of Octomaſades tumbled one over another as ſoon as Cyrus charged them in Perſon; and fled with ſo much precipitation, as never was the like diſorder ſeen.

But ſince th is valiant Prince knew that flying Enemies are already overcome, he never followed them; but deſiring to find a more noble ſubject unto his valour; he appoined Mazares to vanquiſh the Cavalry which he had already ſquandered, leſt they ſhould rally again; and went himſelfe ſtreight unto the Enemies Infantry, againſt whom he did even miracles, as afterwards you ſhall hear; But that you may better ſee, how victory followes Cyrus and none elſe; It chanced that whilſt he had put to flight all that ſtood in head againſt him, and thought it not fit to follow them, and whilſt he wheeled about his ſquadrons againſt the Maſſagettan Infantry, not one of his men being out of Ranke, he conceived himſelf able to go behind the Army of Thomiris, and advantagiouſly fall upon that victorious wing which had routed Creſſus, whoſe Brigade indeed was the deciding point of the Battle.

Thus it may wel be ſaid, that his Prudence and his Valour were almoſt equal gainers; and forced Fortune to render Juſtice unto the equity of his cauſe; & he routed them. However the eternally renowned Cyrus did not quietly enjoy this greet glory which he had gotten and vvell deſerved: for ſince his Rivall vvas yet living, and Mandana not releaſed, he [...] thought himſelf not at al happy. Yet he was joyed to hear that his intelligence concerning Ciaxares was not true; yet thoſe reports did not riſe without ſome ground: for doubtleſſe, the King of Medes was ſo extreamly grieved at this laſt carrying away of Mandana, that he fell ſo extreamly ſick, as all in Ecbatan feared his death, and all the Kingdome thought him dead. Cyrus was not joyed at this newes only, becauſe he loved Ciaxares, though he had held him Priſoner; but alſo becauſe the Princeſſe ſhould not be grieved at her Fathers death at a time when ſhe was deprived of all conſolation, and loaded with all miſeries. And that ſhe might hear nothing of it, he made continuall skirmiſhes upon all favourable occaſions.

But after Cyrus had entirely defeated the left wing of his Enemies (as I told you had aſſaulted the Infantry of the Maſſagettans, and aſſaulted them in ſuch order and vigour without the leaſt diſorder in his owne, hee alſo routed the Infantry of Callipides; thoſe of the Iſſedons; and quite defeated thoſe of the two Scythian Kings.

[Page] But when he was in this glorious condition, wherein hee might well hope to be quickly Conqueror, he ſaw upon a ſudden the pittifull-ſtate unto which his left wing was brought; and plainly ſaw, that all did abſolutely depend upon thoſe Forces which were with him. So that to loſe no time, in following thoſe whom he had already Routed; he thought onely of Conquering thoſe, who had Routed his men. So that after he had by his looks put freſh hearts into his men, he forſook his new got Victory and went to fall upon that part of the Army of Thomiris which had routed his; and finding them all careleſſe, and in ſuch a negligence as Victory uſeth to put them into, who know not how to uſe it after it is gotten, he entirely defeated them without much pain. And ſo it happed, that thoſe who eſcaped the Victory of Cyrus by flying, were met withall by Mazares. Thus the illuſtrious Cyrus had the glory to vanquiſh thoſe, who vanquiſhed his; Entirely to defeat the two wings of his Enemies Army; and to have vanquiſhed a great part of Thoniris her foot. There remained now, none but a huge body of Infantry to fight with, which being compoſed onely of Maſſagettans, were placed near the Artillery of that Army: and who ſeemed to ſtand in ſuch a reſolute Poſture, that it was eaſie to ſee that they would defend their lives and liberties, with the laſt drop of that blood; the valiant Terez commanded this body: but being very lame by reaſon of the former received wounds, hee could not ride; but alwaies was carried in a little Chariot. This old experienced Captain, being thus in the head of theſe Maſsagettans, Cyrus aſſaulted them; and he made the more haſt, becauſe hee underſtood by ſome Priſoners which were taken, that the Prince Aripithis was coming up with a Puiſſant Army of Sauromates, and that hee was already in the Wood; alſo underſtanding that Mazares (who was in purſuite of thoſe whom he routed) had not met with Aripithis, hee thought it beſt to fall on this Enemy before the other was joyned. Yet he had but few horſe with him, for they were all buſie in Pillaging after the laſt Victory. But for all that, or without ſtaying for the body of his Reſerve, he couragiouſly charged the Enemy, though hee had but few horſe to back him. But after he had beaten all the ſeverall bodies of Thomiris Army, and not finding Ariantes, he charged this in hopes of meeting with him. However Terez ſeeing Cyrus come in with ſuch fury, yet moved not: but commanded his men not to draw an Arrow untill all their Enemies wree within leſſe then Arrow-ſhot; But when Cyrus was vvithin that diſtance, Terez that old Souldier, opened his Battalions, and gave ſuch a volley from their Engines, and Bowes, that the Aire vvas obſcur'd, and the Army of Cyrus extreamly galled; and if the extream valour of that Prince had not held up their hearts, thoſe vvho vanquiſhed others had novv been vanquiſhed themſelves. But as good luck vvas, Terez had no Cavalry to repulſe them, and ſo ſince he could make no advantage of their diſorder, they did not recoyl: but Cyrus did ſo enharten them, that he led them on again. But Terez having time enough to charge his Engines again, this ſecond aſſault had no better ſucceſſe then the firſt. And it was the third time before the Conqueror of Aſia could break theſe fierce Enemies, though he did things which were abſolute Prodigies; and though the Princes with him did ſignalize themſelves by a thouſand acts of courage. Yet all this reſolute valour of theſe Maſsagettans, was uſeleſſe to them; for Cyrus having cauſed the body of his reſerve to advance; and ſome other Troops whom hee had ſent in purſuite, being returned, he compaſſed about this valiant Infantry on all ſides. So as theſe couragious Maſſagettans, having no way left but to render themſelves, and ſince they might do it with honour, they made ſuch ſignes as thoſe uſe who demand quarter, and the illuſtrious Cyrus deſiring to ſave the lives of ſuch brave men, advanced towards them to take their words, and to give his; but ſince he advanced without making any ſign of giving quarter, they thought he came to aſſault them, ſo that diſcharging their engines and Arrows afreſh, all thoſe who followed Cyrus, ſaw that Prince in ſuch imminent danger, that out of their loves to him, they fell upon theſe valiant Maſſagettans without any orders, and ſo aſſaulted them on all ſides at once, that they quite broke them, and diſperſed their Battalions: In the mean time, Cyrus moved with a generous Paſſion to ſee ſo many brave ſouldiers like to periſh, his action was as glorious, in ſtriving to ſave them as it was a little before in [Page] killing others; for maugre all the tumult and confuſion, hee ran into the midſt of the Conquered, and Conquerors, crying as loud as ever he could that quarter ſhould be given to the Maſſagettans, menacing with heroique fury, all thoſe who helped him to get the victory, if they did not pardon the Conquered and obey him. This command was no ſooner heard, but preſently the Souldiers of Cyrus ceaſed killing, and the Maſſagettans charmed with the clemency of their Conqueror, threw down their Armes, and flocked all about him, looking upon him then as their Protector, whom a minut before they fought againſt as their enemy: Indeed their was not an Officer, who did not deſire the honour of rendring himſelfe unto that Prince, and not a common ſouldier who at leaſt longed not to come near him, and they ſeemed not ſorry for loſing the Battle, ſince ſo great and clement a Prince had gotten it; and their actions were ſo ſignificative to expreſs the high thoughts they had of this Hero's clemency, that words needed not to expreſs them; for maugre the tumult which could not be appeaſed in an inſtant, they acknowledged that their joyes to ſee their illuſtrious Conqueror did much comfort them for being Conquered.

In the meane time, Cyrus knowing that Conquerors muſt never ſleepe in the Armes of a Victory, as ſoone as he had ſaved the live of theſe valiant Maſſagettans, had given Orders for the ſafety of the Priſoners, and had commanded to have a care of the body of the valiant Tlerez, who was killed at this bout, hee intended preſently to Rallie his victorious Troopes, purpoſely to relieve Mazares, in caſe he had met and were repulſed by Aripithis; and to goe himſelfe and fall upon the Prince of Sauromates, if he durſt come out of the Woods unto the Plaines. But as he was buſied in Rallying them together, Mazares who had been in purſuite of his Enemies, arived, and acquainted Cyrus, that Aripithis not daring to engage him in the Plaine, kept ſtill in the Woods, where he had received into the narrow paſſes, the Troopes which he had broken; adding, that for all this, he purſued them haſtily, and underſtood by ſome priſoners taken in the Woods, that the Forces of Aripithis which had not fought, were retreated in ſuch confuſion, that one could hardly diſcern them from thoſe who defeated them. But can you not learne from thoſe Priſoners (ſaid Cyrus, after he had in few words commended Mazares for what he had done) the reaſon why I ſhould not meet with Ariantes all this day, though I have moſt carefully ſought for him? nor can you not learne where Thomiris was during the fight? or in what place the Prince her Sonne fought? As for Ariantes ſir, replied Mazares, you were not likely to meet him, for whileſt you ſir were defeating the Left-wing of his Army, he fought in the Right, and routed your Left-wing: ſo that whileſt you were aſſaulting his Infantry, he left the wing which he commanded, to helpe thoſe whom I purſued; but ſeeing he could not, and knew by thoſe whom you routed, that you had vanquiſhed his victorious wing; he went to joyne with Thomiris, who ſtayed in that part of the wood where Aripithis was to come. So that ſeeing no likelihood of victory, they ſent Orders to thoſe Forces which were before the Fort, to retire, and they themſelves alſo are retired: Aripithis ſtaying farre in the wood with his forces, I did not think good to engage him in the narrow Paſſes, but came to you ſir, to tell you, that there is none who can diſpute the victory to you, but as for Spargapiſes I know nothing. Mazares had no ſooner done ſpeaking, but Cyrus deſiring to teach his men by his example, that all bleſſings come onely from heaven, he fell downe upon his knees, and looking up to the Sunne, which is the adored Deity of the Perſians, he gave thanks for the victory: Thus he was ſeene victorious in the midſt of a field full of dead and dying men, under the homage of his valour unto the God whom he adored. All his Troopes after his example did the like, and every one according to the Religion of his Country, did the like gratitude for ſuch a ſignall victory: indeed never was any more compleat, the whole Army of the Enemy was vanquiſhed, not a ſquadron unſcattered and undiſperſed. Few of the Officers, but what were either kil'd or priſoners: the valiant Terez dyed in the head of that couragious Infantry which fought the laſt: All the Enemies Engines and Batteries were taken, and ſerved for a Trophie of Glory unto the Conqueror; their Baggage enriched all the Souldiers of Cyrus his Army; and in teſtimony of this great [Page] Conquerors victory, he incamped in the Enemies Campe; but his greateſt glory was, that Myrſiles, Artamas, Intaphernes, Atergates, Gobrias, Gadates, Indathirſes, and all that were at this great dayes worke, did publiſh aloud, that Cyrus alone wonne the bat [...]el.

And it is moſt certaine, without any flattery of him, that the prudence by which he guided his valour, did get him the day; for had he not reſtrained the impetuoſity of his courage, and the forwardneſs of his Troopes, when he had broken the Left-wing of his Enemies, things had not ſucceeded ſo happily. For Creſſus having led on his Troopes with a little too much precipitation, they were preſently routed; not but that hee did ſignalize himſelfe upon that occaſion, and ſhewed much courage; but yet after he had received a great wound in his right Arme, and was carryed out of the fight, he had the ſorow to ſee that wing which he commanded quite put to flight; many battalians of his Infantry torne in pieces, all his Engines taken by the Maſſagettans; and indeed to have ſeene all his men periſh, had not the body of Reſerve advanced in the Areare to their reliefe. Thus one would have ſaid, that the victory had been on both ſides; for the Right-wing of Cyrus, where he himſelfe was, did rout the Left-wing of Thomiris: and the Right-wing of Thomiris, where Ariantes was, did rout the Left-wing of Cyrus.

But whileſt this double victory was on either ſide, the Infantry was not idle; for that of Cyrus advanced againſt that of the Maſſagettans. After all, the moſt pleaſing of his thoughts upon this occaſion was, to imagine that the noiſe of his victory would reach Mandana; and that ſhe would thank him for what he had done to deliver her.

As he was thus enjoying the ſweet fruits of his victory, in thinking upon his Princeſs, Chriſantes came haſtily to him, and told him, that one of the Priſoners who had the honour to be taken by his own hand, was the Prince Spargapiſes. How? (ſaid Cyrus) the Son of Thomiris my Priſoner? Yes Sir, (replyed Chriſantes) But thoſe unto whom you committed all the Priſoners in guard, having obſerved that this Prince whom they knew not, had made more endeavours to eſcape then any of the reſt, and ſeeing that they had a great number to guard, they bound him for the more ſecuritie; but a Maſſagettan who had ſeen me heretofore with you at the Tents Royall, not being able to endurethe Son of his Queen to be in that condition, and conſidering that I could not know him, becauſe he was at Iſsedon, when you Sir were with Thomiris, he acquainted me who he was, in hopes of better uſage: but Spargapiſes hearing and obſerving that I underſtood his language, he called unto me: Since I cannot conceal my ſelfe (ſaid he unto me) I pray let Cyrus know how his men uſe me like a ſlave, and I deſire ſo much favour from him, as to be treated as a Priſoner of Warre, and not to be tyed up as I am. This Prince had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but going to him, I endeavoured to let him know that you would be extreamly ſorry for the uſage he had received, and I would preſently have cauſed him to be unbound, but he who had the chief command of the guard not being there, the Souldiers who underſtood not what that Prince ſaid unto me, would not loſe him, ſo that I came in all haſt to acquaint you Sir, that you may give orders for it. Cyrus no ſooner heard what Chriſantes ſaid, but he imagined that Mandana would be loaded with the ſame chains Spargapiſes was, and that Thomiris would revenge upon her the hard uſage her Sonne had received, ſo that being both griev'd and vexed at what his men had done, though he was very glad of ſuch a Priſoner, he ſent Hidaſpes with Chriſantes to cauſe him to be delivered, and to bring him to his Tent, commanding them to tell Spargapiſes, that he had rather have been bound himſelfe, then to ſee ſo great a Prince as he in ſuch a condition.

Hidaſpes and Chriſautes, according to the orders of Cyrus, went to Spargapiſes, and unbound him with their own hands, after they had told him what Cyrus had ſaid: As long as they ſpoke, this young Prince (who was very lovely, though of a ſurly deportment) did hearken to them without any interruption, but he hearkened unto them with ſuch a fretting look, as made it ſeem he took his misfortune with much impatiency, ſo that deſiring to comfort him, they added unto what Cyrus had [...] [Page] alſo charged him with a Letter to Doraliſſa, Feraulas another to Marteſſia; Hidaſpes and Gobrias deſired him to enquire very carefully whether a Lady came unto Thomiris, whoſe name was Arpaſia, conducted by a man whoſe name was Licander. Adonacris alſo writ by him unto Agathirſes, who he knew was with Thomiris, and thereby moved him to compoſe things as much as he could: And Anabaris alſo writ unto all his friends which he had in that Court to do the like. Thus Ortalgues was charged with ſo many different commiſſions, that he ſtood in need of all his wit to acquit himſelfe well of them all: Mazares had a good mind to ſend one unto Mandana, but he Maſtered himſelfe, and contented himſelfe with thinking upon her, without moving her to think upon him. In the mean time, Cyrus talked a long while with Anacharſis in private; after which, that ſage Scythian went with the Envoy of Thomiris, who went next the Chariot which carryed the Corps of Spargapiſes: But aſſoon as they were gone, Cyrus gave himſelfe wholly to fitt his Army for an advance towards the Tents Royall, in caſe Thomiris did not change her mind, as there was no great likelyhood ſhe would. In the mean time Cyrus was in ſuch a miſerable condition, as no ſignes of any victory was to be ſeen in him. Thomiris and Ariantes ſuffered incredible torment of mind; and Mandana, though a Captive, yet had more ſweet minutes then they all had; for ſince the fame of Cyrus his victory had reached her ear, maugre all the oppoſitions of Ariantes, ſhe was extreamly well ſatisfied, and talked merrily with Doraliſſa: and Marteſſia. The Princeſſe Iſtrina, and the Princeſs of Bithina, were joyed beyond meafure, for they verily believed that it was advantagious for them that Cyrus ſhould be Conqueror; and the fair Arpaſia, whom Licander had brought unto Thomiris, was in the ſame mind.

In the meane time, Ariantes uſed all his endeavour to Rallie that Army which Cyrus had Routed: and gave all requiſite orders for ſecuring and guarding the narrow paſſes in the Wood, that his Rivall might not advance towards the Tents Royall, untill all the Forces of Thomiris were joyned. Aripithis who bore a deadly hatred unto Cyrus, becauſe he was perſwaded, that if Thomiris had not loved him, he ſhould have been happy; therefore he endeavoured all he could to give a ſtop unto the Victories of that Prince. Yet he wiſhed with all his heart that Mandana were out of the Power of Thomiris, and his mind was ſo ravelled that he knew not himſelf what to wiſh. Since his Troopes did not yet fight, he ſtayed at the entry into the wood, to ſtop Cyrus if he advanced. So it happed, that when Spargapiſes was killed a Priſoner eſcaped, for this accident made ſuch a noiſe, as the Priſoners were more careleſly guarded; their ſouldiers lurking ſome nights in the woods, at leſt came to the place where Aripithis was. This Prince knowing hee had been a Priſoner unto Cyrus, asked him what newes; The ſouldiers having but a confuſed knowledge of Spargapiſes death, ſaid, that that Prince was taken: That the ſouldiers of Cyrus bound him, and carried him into a Tent ſeparate from theirs, and that a little time after it was ſaid he was dead, Yet adding afterwards, that the ſouldiers of Cyrus ſaid he killed himſelf. Aripithis deſiring no more, then to drive Cyrus out of the heart of Thomiris, made uſe of this report, to that end; Not that he did ſuſpect Cyrus would ever kill Spargapiſes: but knowing that Thomiris was of a violent ſpirit; and that the tale of this ſouldier was ſomething probable, and enough to make that Queen think that Cyrus had treated her ſon very ill; he moved this ſouldier by large promiſes of recompence, to tell Thomiris the ſame tale he told him, and to chuſe his time when he ſhould be preſent. At firſt, this ſouldier dorred at it: for the valour and clemency of Cyrus having gained his heart, he was unwilling to infuſe any ſuſpitions of cruelty into Thomiris. But at laſt, Aripithis telling him, that it highly concerned Thomiris to know it, and joyning menaces with his promiſes, he undertook it. So that as ſoon as Aripithis came to the Tents Royall and was with Thomiris, this ſouldier preſented himſelf, and told the Queen what he had told Aripithis: to wit, that the Prince her Son was taken Priſoner; that they bound him; that he was carried into a Tent by himſelf; and that preſently after it was reported he was dead, which made ſuch a hurley burley, that in the interim he eſcaped. Thomiris no ſooner heard this from the ſouldier, but Aripithis [Page] added, that he knew as much from two others, though he durſt not tell her. Is it poſſible (cryed out Thomiris) That my Son ſhould be dead? Dead by orders from Cyrus? Is Cyrus capable of ſuch a bloody Act, againſt all the Lawes of Honor or War? Is his hatred of me ſo high, as it makes him violate all manner of Rights? Since ſo, I muſt and will be revenged. As ſhe pronounced theſe words, one came and told her, that Anacharſis was come with the meſſenger ſhe ſent to Cyrus; and brought the body of the Prince her Son. She no ſoooner heard this, but all in a fury, ſhe went out, and paſſed from Tent to Tent, untill ſhe came unto one which opened into a great Plain, as if ſhe would her ſelf go ſee whether this was true or no: But as ſoon as ſhe came into this great Tent, ſhe ſaw the Coffin in which the Prince her Son did lie. This ſad object both grieving and amazing her, and her mind being alſo highly incenſed to think that the man whom of all the World ſhe loved beſt, ſhould kill her Son, ſhe was almoſt ſtarke mad. She no ſooner ſaw the Coffin, but after ſuch a ſad cry; as would have tendered a heart of ſtone, ſhe addreſſed her ſelf unto Anacharſis: How durſt you (ſaid ſhe unto him with eyes ful of fury) bring me any thing from the murtherer of my Son? who certainly would never have ſent me his Corpes, but becauſe hee hoped it would be my death. The Phraſe you give Madam unto that great Prince who ſent me to you, doth ſo ill and ſo little ſute unto him, (ſaid Anacharſis to her) that I am forced to interrupt your Majeſtie, and to hinder you from wronging the Generous, and moſt illuſtrious Prince upon Earth. Ah Anacharſis (cryed ſhee) I muſt interrupt you: For I cannot endure to hear a Prince commended who has treated my Son ſo ill, who cauſed him to be bound like a ſlave, and who has moſt inhumanely ſtabbed him. I beſeech you Madam (replyed Anacharſis) be pleaſed to receive the truth from my mouth, and harken not unto thoſe Lies which are belched out by the Enemies of Cyrus. For believe it Madam; confidently believe it, that Cyrus never treated Spargapiſes ill: But on the Contrary, ſent in all haſt to unbind him; and was grieved to the ſoul when he heard that young and generous Prince had ſtabbed himſelf, as ſoon as ever he was unbound. Since I was not in the Tent where that unfortunate Prince dyed, replyed ſhe, I cannot directly tell the paſſages: But I am ſure that in all likelyhood, Cyrus cauſed him to be killed. For he was bound, and none of the Priſoners beſides; he was carried into a Tent by himſelfe: and as ſoon as two men came to him from Cyrus, his death was preſently publiſhed. Alſo though it bee as you ſay; yet Cyrus is not innocent: for though my ſon did not die by any order from him, yet the rigour which was uſed to him, did cauſe his death: and therefore I charge you to ſay no more in his behalf; but command you to tell him from mee, that I declare eternal War with him: That in revenge of my ſons death, I will loaden Mandana with more Irons, then that unfortunate Prince carried. And that within a few daies I will ſend him back the Corps of that Princeſſe whom he adores, in the ſame Coffin which brought my Sonne. As ſhe ſaid ſo, the Prince Ariantes coming to her, and hearing theſe words, hee grew pale with fear and wonder; So that his love of Mandana moving him, he was neceſſitated to juſtifie his Rivall, leſt the violence of Thomiris ſhould become dangerous. Alſo ſhee had no ſooner pronounced terrible words, but Ariantes ſpoke unto her with as much reverence as ſorrow: you know Madam (ſaid he unto her) that Fate hath brought me into that condition, as I can never be a friend unto Cyrus: but have many reaſons to hate him; Yet for al that, honour bids me tell your Majeſty, that I can never believe that Cyrus did either uſe ill or kill the Prince Srargapiſes; for he is one that ſtands more upon his glory, then to have his hand in any baſe act; and I muſt tell you Madam, that Mandana being in your hands, it is not credible he ſhould ever do ſuch a thing. I know (ſaid ſhe unto him) that this Prince had no reaſon for it, but I know better, that howſoever it was, he was the cauſe of my ſonnes death, and if I cannot be revenged upon him, yet I ought, and will upon Mandana, and therefore (added ſhe, tranſported with fury) I take it ill you ſhould ſet limits to my vengeance, and juſtifie the murtherer of a Prince in preſence of his Corps, and unto whom you ſhould have been ſubject. For Heavens ſake Madam (ſaid Atacharſis then) ſtifle all theſe thoughts, and let your reaſon ſurmount your ſorrows; for I am moſt confident, that [Page] to morrow you will repent of this daies thoughts. I have already told you (replied ſhe) that I will hearken no more unto you; yet tell Cyrus, that if within three daies he will come and put himſelfe into my fetters, I will ſpare Mandana's life, if he will not, I will take my courſe, and in lieu of ſeeing her in triumph, as he hoped, he ſhall ſee her in Spargapiſes Coſfin. Anacharſis and Ariantes ſeeing her ſo incenſed, would have ſaid ſomething to appeaſe her fury; but abruptly left them, after ſhe had given three commands. The Firſt, to ſet the Corps of Spargapiſes in one of her Tents, in the hands of Religious men: the ſecond to double the guards upon Mandana: and the third, that Anacharſis ſhould depart that very minute, and not ſpeak unto any one living. And indeed this wiſe and victorious Scythian, was forced to obey this unjuſt Princeſs, and carry unto Cyrus the ſaddeſt news that ever he received, ſince Mazares told him at Synope, that Mandana was drowned.

The end of the Ninth Part.

§

ARTAMENES, OR THE GRAND CYRUS. THE TENTH AND LAST PART.

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BOOK I.

SINCE Ortalgues was not with Anacharſis when he had audieence from Thomiris, becauſe he was buſied in diſcharging himſelfe of thoſe Letters which he took upon him to deliver; Thoſe who were to ſee Anacharſis depart that very houre from the Tents Royall, never thought upon him: So that Anacharſis with thoſe who waited upon the Corps of Spargapiſes, went away without Ortalgues. But when Anacharſis came to the laſt guard of the Maſſagettans, which was at the ſtrait paſſage in the wood; and began to think upon the Gulfe of ſorrow which the ſoule of Cyrus would be plunged into, to reflect upon all the miſeries of this life, and to conſider the ſad conſequences which do commonly follow all violent Paſſions: How happy did he think himſelfe, in that he had wholy ſubdued all his paſſions unto his reaſon? and that he was above the reach of fortune, in ſcorning all that ſhee was able to do unto him, and in applying himſelfe only unto the love of vertue, and ſtudy of Philoſophy; yet he ſtood in need of all his wiſdome, to keep himſelf from murmuring againſt the gods whom he adored, for expoſing Cyrus unto ſo many diſaſterous adventures; But his greateſt care was, to find out ſuch words as might ſweeten that meſſage which he was to deliver unto him from Thomiris: yet that labour was ſaved; for this revengfull Princeſſe imagining that Anacharſis would not deliver her meſſage in ſuch tearms as ſhee expreſſed, did ſend an emiſſary of her own unto Cyrus; not only to ſee that her meſſage was fully delivered, but alſo to know his preciſe anſwer. So that though this envy from Thomiris did ſet out two hours after Anacharſis, yet making more haſt then he did, he overtook him, before he came to the Fort of Sauromates, where Cyrus was. Thus this wiſe Scithian had not power to leſſen his ſorrows, by concealing a little, the fury of Thomiris; for he was ſure that this meſſenger would ſpeak her meſſage in [Page] her own words. However, this great and miſerable Prince no ſooner knew that Anacharſis was returned with a meſſenger from Thomiris but his heart and ſpirits did begin to beat a turbulent and diſordered pulſe: hopes and feares did ſucceſſively raiſe and deject him. There was then preſent with him, Mazares, Artamas, Atergates, Intaphernes, Hidaſpes, Araſpes, and Aglatidas. But though much inquietude and impatience appeared in all their faces; yet it was eaſie to diſcern, that Cyrus and Mazanes had ſuch a curioſity to know the buſineſs of this envey from Thomiris, as could not poſſibly proceed but from one and the ſame paſſion. Indeed, they had both of them ſuch a deſire to heare how that Queen received the news of her Sons death, and were ſo affraid leaſt ſhe ſhould have ſome revenging reſolutions upon Mandana, as they expreſſed their ſorrows and their feares in every wrinkle of their faces. They did communicat their ſadneſſe and impatiency by their very looks: Though Mazanes did ſtill ſtrive as much as ever he could to hide ſome part of his reſentments, purpoſely to hide his love from his generous Rivall, with whom he neither could nor would diſpute for Mandana, yet he had much ado. But at laſt Cyrus commanded that Anacharſis ſhould enter, and the meſsenger from Thomiris to [...]ay in the next Tent untill he was a little inſtructed what to ſay unto him. Come wiſe Anacharsis, (ſaid Cyrus to him, as ſoon as he appeared) how has Thomiris received you? Alas Sir, (replyed he and ſighed.) I would the fidelity that I owe unto you would permit me to diſguiſe ſome part of that Princeſs ſury from you: But ſince you muſt know it, and ſince this meſsenger will not mince it, I muſt tell you, that this unjuſt Queen did receive me ſo unworthy both of you and her ſelfe, that even the very worſt is to be feared, and nothing that is good is to be hoped for Alas Anacharsis (cryed Cyrus out) ſo there be nothing to feare concerning Mandana: Let fortune do her worſt, any way elſe, and I will freely abandon my ſelfe unto the furie of Thomiris: But what's her greif? and what unjuſt revenge does ſhe draw from the death of Epargapnes? Sir (ſaid Anacharsis then) ſince it is not impoſſible but her mind may change ſince I left her, I conceive it fityou know what this meſſenger will tel you, before I impart what ſhe commanded me to ſay unto you, for upon ſecond ſerious conſideration, I canot beleeve ſhe can continue in ſuch unjuſt thoughts, but will even abhorre her own injuſtice. Since you will not tell me what Thomiris ſaid (replyed Cyrus) you give me ſome cauſe to think that ſhe does intend the moſt horrid cruelty in the world; And that ſhee intends to loaden the Princeſſe Mandana with the weight of her Irons. Anacharsis, being deſirous to make him feare the very worſt, did returne him two or three (ſomething) indirect anſwers; to the end that fearing the worſt, he might apprehend leſs fears, afterwards. So that Cyrus imagining, that perhaps Thomiris intended to put Mandana to death broke out into ſuch ſad expreſſions, as Anacharsis thought it time to tell him the truth: and ſo in few words he accquainted him, that Thomiris did accuſe him for killing her ſon; and commanded him to tell him, that if he did not render himſelfe within three dayes under her power, ſhee would ſend back the body of Mandana in the ſame Coffin, in which he ſent the body of her Son. Yet to your comfort Sir (continued is Anacharsis) I muſt in all tell tell you, that the Prince Ariantes does all he can to juſtifie you in the opinion of Thomiris, and you may be aſsured his diſpoſition is ſuch, as that he will oppoſe the fury of this incenſed Queen, as much as ever he can. Alas Anacharsis (cryed out Cyrus in a ſad diſpaire) nothing can ſtop the reveng of ſuch an humour as, Thomiris is off: And, I ſee my ſelf in the ſaddeſt condition of any man in the world. For my particular (ſaid Mazanes with much ſadneſs) I am perſwaded that Thomiris for her own intereſt will not put Mandana to death. But I am fully perſwaded (replyed Cyrus) that ſhee will; only be revenged upon mee, unleſs I will ruine my ſelfe: And I am fully reſolved to do it, rather then hazard this moſt excellent Princeſs. However I muſt heare what the meſſenger from this cruell Queen will ſay: Then commanding he ſhould enter, this Maſſagetan told Cyrus, that Thomiris fearing Anacharsis ſhould not fully deliver his meſſage ſhe ſent him, to let him know that if within three dayes, he did not render himſelfe unto her, ſhe would put Mandana to death, and ſend him her Corps. Will you unjuſt Queen, (replyed Cyrus ſternly) that within this three dayes ſhee that have my anſwer: and tell her alſo; that if ſhee offer any violence unto the Princeſſe Mundana, I will not pardon one of the Priſoners who are in my [Page] hands; and laying aſide that reſpect which hitherto I ever bore her, though ſhee was my enemy, I will moſt hotly purſue her, untill I have revenged the Princeſſe whom ſhee ſhall wrong; Yet I will hope, that you will find the mind of the Maſſagettan Queen changed when you are returned to her; and that ſhe will repent of her Injuſtice and cruelty, againſt a Prince who never offended her: But once more, I charge you to tell her, it is her beſt to take heed of injuring the Princeſſe. Mandana: aſſure her, it concerns the lives of all the Priſoners which are, or ever ſhall be in my power. After this, Cyrus having diſmiſſed the meſſenger, he was a while ſilent, conſidering what to reſolve upon. At firſt, he thought it beſt to march immediatly to the Tents Royall, to force the paſſes; and in the head of his Army, to ſave the life of his Princeſſe: but afterwards conſidering that the more he preſſed upon Thomiris, the more reaſon he had to fear Mandana, and than the nearer the Maſſagetan Queen was unto her ruine, ſhe would the ſooner haſten Mandanas, he knew not what to reſolve upon. But as his great heart adviſed him to fight, ſo his love perſwaded him, rather then to hazard his Princeſſe, to put himſelfe into the hands of Thomiris: Provided ſhe would releaſe Mandana, yet ſince it was not likely ſhe would releaſe her, though he ſhould put himſelfe into her power, he rejected that thought as well as the reſt. In the mean time, conſidering the ſtate of things, he muſt either ſubmit himſelf her Priſoner, or endanger the life of Mandana. So as not knowing what to reſolve upon, his mind was ſo turbulent, as not being able to encloſe his ſorrows in his own heart; for heavens ſake (ſaid he unto all the company) tell me each of you, what you think to be my beſt courſe, and what I ſhould do, not to hazard the life of my Princeſſe? But I beſeech you, conſider only her, and never care what becomes of mee: Adviſe me what I ſhall do to ſave her, and never conſider my Army, nor my Conqueſts, nor my life, for I am ſo farre from all theſe conſiderations, that I do not value my own Glory, in competition of her ſafety. And though it be a ſhame for the Conqueror of Thomiris to take her fetters upon him; yet I am moſt ready to do it, unleſſe you can find out ſome other way to keep my Princeſſe from periſhing. I know ther's none amongſt you who dare tell me, it is requiſite to receive fetters from the hands of a Queen whom I have conquered, but unleſſe you find me out ſome better expedient, I ſhall tell it unto my ſelf: For my part Sir, (ſaid Anacharſis) I conceive the beſt expedient is to draw the buſineſſe out at length, by returning a dubious anſwer, and ſo gaine time for the Prince Arcantes either to perſwade Thomiris unto reaſon, or elſe til he get himſelfe into a condition able to give a ſtop unto her violences. Alas wiſe Anacharſis (ſaid Cyrus) It ſeems you are ignorant of the height of that paſſion which poſſeſſeth me, ſince you think it poſſible I ſhould love, even but a few dayes, in ſuch a cruel incertainty. The truth is, (added Mazones moſt ſadly) minuts wherein the life of Mandana is feared, ſe [...]m very long unto thoſe who are neerly interreſted in her. Since I am well acquainted with the power of Love, replyed Intaphernes, I do eaſily underſtand your meaning: but to ſpeak unto the buſineſſe (as I do think) I can never beleeve that Queen who had never made warre, but only to make her ſelf loved, will ever give ſo great a provocation of hatred unto him of whom ſhee deſires to be loved, as this, to put the Princeſſe whom he adores to death.

Since Thomiris is reported to be of a moſt haſty and violent temper, replyed Atergatis, what you ſay is no ſecurity for Mandanas life: But my greateſt hope is in the love of Arcantes: for ſince his paſſion hath been ſo high as to make him forget his duty unto the illuſtrious Cyrus: and ſo violent as to attempt ſo bould an act, as to carry her away before his face, doubtleſſe he will be as forward and ingenious as to preſerve Mandanas life, and to find out away of ſtopping the violence of Thomiris. Though he ſhould not, replyed Hydaſpes, yet I cannot beleeve that Thomiris will offer to make any attempts upon the life of the Princeſſe Mandana: For being freſhly defeated.

It were the moſt ſenſel [...]ſſe peece of imprudence in the world, to incenſe her Conqueror, by any ſuch cruelty, and therefore I cannot beleeve shee will ever offer it. Since shee receives freſh forces from ſeverall places, replyed Araſpes, the conſideration of the Battell loſt will not hinder her revenge: But, as the Prince Atergates moſt wiſely ſaid, Ariantes will give a ſtop and doubtleſſe oppoſe her with good ſucceſſe: for his Cauſe will appeare ſo juſt, that I doe beleeve all the Subjects of [Page] Thomiris would turne Rebells, if ſhe ſhould command them to put the Princeſſe Mandana to death. For my part (ſaid Aglatidas, and addreſſed his ſpeech to Cyrus) I am very well acquainted with all the reſentments that, either love or jealouſy can infuſe, and I cannot beleeve that the Maſſagettan Queen will ever put the Princeſſe Mandana to death, but only gives out this thundring threatning, to keep you Sir, from advancing towards her, untill her freſh forces be come up, and joyned unto the reſt of her ſhattered Army. I muſt confeſs, if ſhe were too hard preſſed upon, diſpaire might perchance move her unto any thing: And I do beleeve that if you were in her power, the life of Mandana would be then more in danger then it is: But as the ſtate of things ſtands, I cannot think ſhe dares revenge her ſelfe upon a Princeſſe, whoſe death would turne all rationall men living to be her enemies. I ſee, replyed Cyrus, that you give me your opinions, of what I am to fear or hope for, but I do not ſee that you tell me, what I ought to do; yet ſomething I muſt do: I am engaged to anſwer this unjuſt Princeſſe; and I muſt anſwer ſo as may not endanger Mandana. The propoſition which the wiſe Anacharis made, replyed Artamas, ſeems to me moſt expedient, for a dubious anſwer will give you time to argue with this furious Queen, and will give the Prince Ariantes alſo leaſure to contrive the ſafety of Mandana. Oh Heavens, (cryed Cyrus out) unto what a miſerable condition am I brought? ſince I muſt expect the ſafety of my Princeſs from a Rivali whom I would have killed, and who muſt periſh unleſſe I periſh my ſelf: No no, I cannot reſt in this condition: I muſt uſe more violent remedies unto the miſery which torments mee: For though I ſhould give an ambiguous anſwer unto this unjuſt Princeſſe, yet after all, I muſt make it cleer, and ſtill returne unto the ſame point where I was. Tis true Sir, replyed Anacharſis; but to bring you unto my opinion, let me tell you Sir, than to ſtop the execution of any wicked act, eſpecially an act of cruelty, there needs no more but to defer the firſt motions of it, for I am confident that there are very few people in the world who are ſo extreamly wicked, as to c [...]e long obſtinate in the intentions of any unhumane action Moreover, be ple [...] conſider that Thomiris is not naturally wicked: The furie that is now in her mind is but a ſtranger, and therefore its likely, that if one give her leaſure to examine the buſineſſe ſhe will not do what you do feare, ſince it is a thing oppoſite to her own intereſts. For if Mandana were out of her power, what ſurety had ſhe, if ſhe ſhould fall into yours? whereas, ſhe having her, ſhe can make her peace when ſhe pleaſeth, and whenſoever ſhe is pleaſed to reſtore that Princeſs ſhe is able to diſarme you: Therefore Sir, let it not too much trouble you: Doe all that Prudence dictates unto you, and leave the reſt unto the godds, who will never ſuffer ſo vertuous a Princeſs as Mandana to dye a death ſo tragicall. Alas, wiſe Anacharſis (replyed Cyrus) As great a confidence as I have in the Juſtice of the godds, yet I dare not truſt them with the life of my Princeſs, for their wayes are above the reach of all men: and we do ſo often ſe the innocent become miſerable, and the wicked proſperous, that all Mandanas virtue, is no ſecurity to me againſt the injuſtice of Thomiris: yet I will follow your Counſell, and when the time comes give ſuch an anſwer as you adviſe. After this, Cyrus ſeeming as if he deſired to be alone, all the company retired, and left him at liberty to digeſt his own ſorrows. Yet they were no ſooner gone, but this terrible menace of Thomiris coming into his mind, it did ſo diſcompoſe all his thoughts that hee knew not what to reſolve upon, and ſometimes he could ſee no way but to put himſelfe unto the power of the incenſed Queen: for when he fancied Mandanas body in Spurgapiſies Coffin, his reaſon roved and th [...] ſad imagination, made him think Mandana really dead: yet his love ſuggeſting many [...]multuous thoughts, he no ſooner reſolved upon one thing but he preſently condemned it, and ſince he could find no way which was infallible ſafety for Mandanas life, he could not ſtay long in any one thought: and the nicenes of his [...]aſſion made him think that Mandana had great reaſon to upbraid him hereafter if he did not put himſelf in Priſon to releaſe her: But the greateſt difficulty was how he ſhould be ſure of her ſafety, if he did aſſume her Chaines: for Thomiris would not releaſe her untill he was in her fetters, and there was not reaſon he ſhould aſſume them before ſhe was at liberty. But alas (added he) this unjuſt Princeſſe did not ſay ſhe would releaſe Mandana if I put my ſelfe into her power, but only ſaid, that ſhe would not put her to death: Fie, fie, cruell Thomiris (purſued [Page] hee) can you threaten a Prince ſo cruelly, who when he could have killed you, did let fall the point of his Sword? and who out of his reſpects to you, did injure his love? unjuſt Princeſs! Can Mandana be in your power and you not love her? Can you think me culpable for being faithfull to her? Can you know her and threaten her life? Is it poſſible any ſhould be ſo cruell as to obey you, if you ſhould command them to take away her life? yet Anacharſis heard this diſmall menace from your own mouth: and I have heard it from your Emiſſarie. After this, the ſoule of Cyrus being ſadded with this diſmall thought, his mind was full of confuſed fancies, which refuſing and diſordering all his faculties be had not ſo much liberty, as to reaſon the matter aright for a long while: But at laſt, theſe dull Clouds beginning to diſſipate, and the eyes of his reaſon ſeeing cleerer, he looked upon things as he ought to do, and ſaw no way more rationall then that which Anachareſis adviſed him unto. Yet ſince this Councell did more ſatisfie his reaſon then his love, he did ſomewhat more then it; and ſent Teraccles ſecretly unto Arcantes, to tell him, that he committed the life of Mandana unto his Guard; Proteſting unto him that his own Perſon ſhould anſwer for hers, if Thomiris put her to death: And to ſhew the height of his love, he fully reſolved, according as Thomiris ſhould ſay after the ambiguons anſwer which he would make her, to put himſelfe into the power of that Queen, Provided ſhe would both ſpare the life of that Princeſs, and releaſe her: So that his heart being at ſome reſt after this reſolution taken, he found himſelfe able to think upon what anſwer he ſhould ſend unto Thomiris, which might ſpin out the time to a length. And after he had well thought upon it, he reſolved to ſend Chriſantes the third day, to tell this unjuſt Princeſs, that before he would put himſelfe into her hands, it was requiſite he ſhould know what ſecurity ſhe would give him for the life of Mandana, declaring unto her, that there was no other, then to ſet her at liberty, and ſend her to the King of Meades. But to have two ſtrings unto his Bow, he intended to advance with his whole Army, the ſame day which Chriſantes departed, and quarter himſelfe at the very entrance into the wood, to the end, the anſwer of Thomiris might be more moderate. But though this Reſolution was the moſt reaſonable which he could take, yet he was not ſatisfied with it: and he thought that there was a better courſe to be taken, though he knew not what it was ſo as relapſing into his complaints he was in a very miſerable condition. Mazares for his part, his ſufferings were incredible, and they were the more ſharp, becauſe he durſt not let them be ſeen, leaſt by ſhewing his ſorrows, he ſhould ſhew his love. Intaphernes and Atergatis were full of inquietudes; for they conceived that if buſineſſe were more intangled, the Princeſs whom they loved would not be overſafe in the hands of Thomiris. Gobrias and Hidaſpes, had the very ſame thoughts for Arpaſia, the firſt, concerned as a father, the ſecond as a lover. Myrſyles, in his affection unto Doraliſa, had much ſorrow, for ſince he knew Mandana loved her, his love made him fearful, that the revenge of Thomiris would fall alſo upon her: So that, whether out of intereſt and concernment, or out of compaſſion upon the myſeries of Cyrus, There were very few in the whole Army who were not ſufferers, and full of ſorrows. But the time when Cyrus was to returne his Anſwer being come, Chriſantes and Feraulas, being ready to depart, the firſt unto the Maſſagettan Queen, and the other ſecretly unto her brother, It was told Cyrus, that a man, taken at the entrance into the wood, deſired to ſpeak with him, from Ariantes: At this very word, Cyrus trembled, not only out of hatred to his Rivall, but out of feares to heare ſome ſad news from the Princeſs Mandana.

So as being extreamly impatient to know what his enemy had ſent unto him for, he commanded him to be brought in, and as hee was in this fearefull impatience deſiring to know what he feared, This meſſenger from Ariantes came unto him, and ſpeaking in a low voice, did with much exactneſs and reverence, deliver his meſſage. Sir, (ſaid he unto Cyrus) The Prince Ariantes knowing your affection unto Mandana, was afraid [...]eaſt you ſhould do as the Maſſagettan Queen deſires, out of your feares to hazard Mandanas life. Therefore, in acknowledgement of his obligations to you, and out of his deſire to ſerve the Princeſs whom he adores, he hath commanded me to tell you, that you muſt be ſure to keep your ſelfe out of the power of Thomiris, and as long as you did ſo, he would anſwer for the life of Mandana: But on the contrary if you did not, then perhaps, he ſhould not be able to [Page] ſave her, but Sir, Leaſt my meſſage ſhould be ſuſpected, I beſeech you keep me in your cuſtody, until the ſervant of yours called Ortalgues, returnes from the Tents Royall, and acquaints you with the ſtate of things, and what the Prince Arcantes hath done for the Princeſs Mandana. Since he is to returne this night (added he) I ſhall not be long in cuſtody, but will aſſure you that when you ſee him, you will not doubt of the ſincere advice which the Prince Arcantes gives you, though he be your Rivall and your enemy.

Since I may very well doubt the honeſty of a Prince who once deceived me, in carrying away the Princeſs Mandana, (replyed Cyrus) I will take you at your word; and ſince Ortalgues in to returne this night, I will ſet you at liberty againe to morrow morning, after this, Cyrus committing this Maſſagettan into the cuſtody of thoſe who brought him in, reſolved to ſtay the ſending of Chriſantes and Feraulas unto Thomiris that night, there being yet time enough to returne the anſwer hee had promiſed. Though this Meſsage from Ariantes might well have been a comfort unto him, yet his inquietude redoubled: for beſides his miſtruſt of a Rivalls Meſſage, he was in extream unpatience, untill Ortalgues returned, ſo that he could not reſt in any place: And certainly, he had great reaſon to deſire the knowledge of what he longed for, becauſe paſsages at the Tents Royall might very well alter ſince the departure of Anacharſis and the meſsenger from Thomiris. And indeed, that unjuſt Queen, had no ſooner commanded Anacharſis to depart without ſpeaking unto any, but Mandanas Guards were doubled: Ariantes unto whom the life of that Princeſs was ſo deere, had rather Cyrus ſhould enjoy her, then to ſee her dye, and therefore, he went immediatly, and made ſure of her Guards, and went to work ſo handſomly and happily, that unknown unto Thomiris, he was more Maſter of Mandanas Guard, then Thomiris was a Miſtris. That which did much facilitate the deſign of the Prince, was becauſe he who commanded thoſe forces which were deſigned for Mandanas Guard, had a brother who was Priſoner unto Cyrus: So that being concerned in the preſervation of this Princeſs life: Ariantes made it appeare unto him, that his brother was loſt for ever, if Thomiris put Mandana to death: ſo that either out of a reſentment of honour, or compaſſion, or intereſt of his Brother, or friendſhip unto Ariantes, or all, he promiſed rather to dye, then Thomiris ſhould put Mandana to death. Ariantes being well ſatisfied with this, he went and plotted with all his friends, and endeavouring to make ſure of ſome of thoſe Captains whch had eſcaped from the Battell, he told them all that was poſſible to make them abhorre this diſmall intention of Thomiris, and juſtified Cyrus as much as ever he could concerning the death of Spargapices, to the end that the deſign of his Siſter might appeare the more unjuſt. Furthermore Ortalgues who was concealed in a friends Tent, all the time he was in the Tents Royal, he ſaluted the friend of Anabaris and Adonacris, to oppoſe Thomiris. So as there was a great hurley burley in their Court. Moreover, Ortalgues going to viſit Gelonide, he incited her to ſerve Mandana. But yet ſhe could not deliver thoſe Letters which he had for that Princeſs, only promiſed him to perſwade Thomiris unto reaſon with all the Arguments ſhe was able to produce. Ortalgues in this great diſorder, could not deliver any of the Letters which he undertook, except thoſe unto Adonacris and Anabaris. And the preſervation of Mandanas life did ſo wholly take up his mind, that he could not think of any thing elſe. In the mean time, this unfortunate Princeſs wondered at the doubling of her Guards. Doraliſa and Marteſia, no leſs then ſhee. Yet they were greeved much more, when enquiring of one of the Guards the Cauſe, he told them, ſo as expecting every minute when Mandanas throat ſhould be cut, theſe two generous minded Ladies were greeved beyond all comforts. On the other ſide, the Princeſſe of Bythinia, and the Princeſſe Iſtrina, having not the liberty to ſee Mandana, and enquiring the ſtate of things, they were exceedingly ſad. Arpaſia for her part, ſhe found her ſelfe in a miſerable condition, by being in the Court of a Queen who was capable of ſo great a peece of Injuſtice. And Aripithis himſelfe, who was the cauſe of all this tumult, was extreamly vexed to ſee Thomiris as full of love as fury, and to ſee that the meaſure of the one was the meaſure of the other.

Though all theſe ſeveral-Perſons did ſuffer very much, yet all was nothing in compariſon of what Thomiris ſuffered. For Love, Hatred, Revenge, Jealouſie, and [Page] all Paſſions, did ſhiver her heart with ſuch violence, as I aſſure you ſhe was in a moſt ſtrange Condition. The truth is, after the firſt fury was over, ſhe ſaw there was no Coulor to ſuſpect Cyrus of killing Spargapiſes, yet ſhe was very Cautious of not divulging this thought: for having a Deſign to revenge her ſlighted love upon Mandana, ſhe would ſtill have this ſad Pretence for her Revenge to blind the eyes of the People: So that though ſhe could not ſee the hands of Cyrus ſtained with the blood of her Son, yet ſhe would ſhed the blood of Mandana, purpoſely to take away the cauſe of that Princes Love; yet ſometimes ſhe doubted of his innocency, and looking upon him as the Murtherer of Spargapiſes, ſhe would make himſelf a Sacrifice upon the Coffin of her Son.

But after theſe tumultuous Motions had ruffled her mind, thinking ſomtimes that perhaps Cyrus would put himſelf into her Power, part of her Fury cooled, and ſhe began to conſider what ſhe ſhould do to juſtifie Cyrus before the People, and juſtifie her ſelf before Cyrus. So that being ſomtimes ſurprized with thoughts of Revenge and hatred, and ſomtimes with thoughts of Love, ſhe was aſhamed at her own weakneſs, and abhorred her own Cruelty; but theſe good Intervals came not often, but commonly Fury was the Miſtreſs of her Reaſon. Conſider Thomiris, (would ſhe ſay) and be carefull to keep up the great Pretence thou haſt to be revenged of thy proud Enemy, who hath ſo cruelly affronted thee: and though thou art ſure, he did not kill thy Son, yet ſtill look upon him as the cauſe of his death; for though he were innocent, yet he is Culpable of ſo many others, that he deſerves thy hatred. Truth is, he is a trouble to thy tranquility, he hath cauſed the to loſe all the innocency of thy life, and he hath made the do things againſt thy own Glory. Purſue him therfore to death, and be revenged upon a Princeſs who is the cauſe of his ſcorning thee. Conſider that the Paſſion which he raiſed in thy heart, hath ſent thy Son to his Grave: and that the fire of thy love hath kindled ſuch a Warr, as nothing perhaps will extinguiſh, but the blood of all thy Subjects. Sacrifice therfore Mandana as the firſt Victim of thy Revenge, and ſtay till Cyrus be himſelf in a condition to be Sacrificed as a Victim unto thy Reſentments. But what am I doing (ſayd ſhe, and reprehended her ſelf) and what do I ſpeak in my Fury? I talk of Sacrificing a Prince who whether I will or no, does Raign in my heart, and who no ſooner would be in my power, but I ſhould be abſolutely in his? Can I ſee Cyrus a Priſoner and look upon him with eyes and heart of hatred? yes, yes I can, for ſince he comes into my Chains only out of his love to Mandana, doubtleſs I ſhall hate him more then ever I loved him: After this, Thomiris being reſolved to give way unto her fury, intended to move the hearts of the People by the Funerals of Spargapiſes; to the end ſo ſad an Object might animate the Maſſagettans to revenge the death of their Prince, And indeed this ſad Ceremony moved many tears. Aripathes in particular was deep in mourning, and ſo was Ariantes: But after the Ceremony was ended, Ariantes followed Thomiris to her Tent, and having made ſure of many friends, particularly of Octomaſades and Agathiſes, he talked to her very boldly in favour of Mandana, moving her to ſend her back unto Cyrus: So as this Princeſs being exaſperated ſhe anſwered him very ſharply: but Ariantes was reſolute and cared not; therfore: he went on, and told her all that was fit to be ſpoken, both for her own Glory, and the Preſervation of that Princeſs whom he loved. For I muſt profeſs unto you, Madam, ſayd he unto her, that ſince ſhe never had been in your power but for me, I will do all that I am able to get her from you, if you offer to attempt any thing againſt her. Since you are able to do but little, (ſayd ſhe very ſharply to him) I ſhall not much value what you do: In the mean time. I charge you to ſee me no more till I ſend for you, I will obey you, Madam, replyed Ariantes, but I pray take it not ill if I do ſtop you in all you ſhall attempt againſt Mandana. If Cyrus do put himſelf under my power (replyed ſhe) you need not fear that Princeſs: If he do not I ſhall follow my own advice, and not yours.

After this, Ariantes having left her, ſhe went into a Tent which was her Cloſet, and called for Aripithes, purpoſely to give him ſeverall Orders for oppoſing Ariantes, if he ſhould attempt any thing: but it was to late; For this Prince had not only got almoſt all the Officers and Sou [...]s on his [...], but he had alſo ſent unto thoſe Forces which were coming up, to make ſure of them alſo, if need were. Moreover; [Page] Aripithes though glad to be imployed by Thomiris, yet he was very fearfull leaſt Cyrus ſhould become her Priſoner; imagining that if ever Thomiris ſaw him, all her fury would dye. Alſo he being advertiſed that Ariantes had many friends, and that this reſolution of Thomiris to put Mandana to death, did incenſe all men of any honour; he plainly ſaw that he was Maſter only of that body which was under his Command: And this act of cruelty ſeemed ſo horridly ſtrange unto all the World, that he durſt not abſolutely truſt unto that neither.

In the mean time, the wiſe Gelonide knowing that there was no thwarting the fury of Thomiris at firſt, yet now thought it time to ſpeak, and endeavour to reduce her unto Reaſon: Therfore ſtriving to inſinuate her ſelf handſomly into the mind of the enraged Queen, ſhe did not vehemently contradict her, but on the contrary excuſed her violencies by ſome ſhallow reaſons; ſo that ſhe might afterwards without incenſing her, produce more ſollid Arguments to perſwade her. And indeed, when ſhe was alone with Thomiris, ſhe complained againſt the lamentable condition into which Fortune had brought her, and pittied her that ſhe ſhould be brought unto ſuch a cruell neceſſity, as to be revenged upon ſo great a Prince as Cyrus was. For though Gelonide did wiſh with all her heart, that Thomiris did not love that Prince, yet as the caſe ſtood, ſhe thought no way better to reſtrain her hands from the blood of Mandana, then by the intereſt of her love. Therefore fetching a compaſs the better to arrive at her end, truly, Madam, (ſayd ſhe unto her, after much other diſcourſe) you are much to be pittied in your ſeeking revenge upon a Prince who is ſo much in Fortunes favour, and ſo much eſteemed by all the World: For though they ſay, Revenge is ſweet, yet I am perſwaded that a Soul truly generous cannot ſeek revenge without abundance of Repugnancy, eſpecially when it muſt be ſteeped in blood. However, Madam (added ſhe very cunningly) I hope your Soule hath changed its Paſſion, and though it be troubled with the diſquiet conſequences of Hatred, yet it is freed from the conſequencies of Love; Alas Gelonide (replyed ſhe) I am more miſerable then you imagine me, and this firſt Paſſion hath not driven the other out of my heart. But I beſeech you, Madam (replyed Gelonide) what likely-hood is there you ſhould love Cyrus ſtill? for if you did you would never ſtrive to make him hate you, by perſecuting Mandana, for I am moſt confident that Cyrus would hate you much leſs for perſecuting himſelf then for perſecuting her whom he adores: and therfore, Madam, if you do not hate that Prince, think ſeriouſly upon what you do, and if you will be adviſed by me, in lieu of menacing the life of that Princeſs, you ſhall protect it, and force that Prince by your generoſity, to confeſs you merit his Eſteem, if not his Affection. But I am moſt ſure, Madam, that if you ſhed the blood of this Princeſs, and do not hate Cyrus, you will make your ſelf the moſt miſerable woman in the World: and therfore conſider well upon it, if you do hate him, then I grant you may ſatisfie your revenge by the moſt cruell and fatall wayes: But if you do not hate him, give a ſtop unto your fury, and conſider that if you do put Mandana to death, Cyrus will do the like to you. And though tis poſſible the love of Cyrus may dye with this Princeſs, yet he will be ſure to be your Enemy if you did put her to death. Honour doth ſo engage him to make Warr upon you, that though he ſhould hereafter love you, yet he durſt not entertain any peace with you. Therfore, Madam, ſound your heart to the bottom, and take he [...]d leaſt thinking to entertain only hatred, you find it to be all love. I have heard ſay indeed, that theſe two Paſſions, as oppoſite as they are, yet do ſomtimes ſo diſguiſe themſelves in ſuch fallacious ſhews, as they cannot be known from each other; and when one hath thought he acted by dictates of Hatred, it was indeed by dictates of Love. Alas Gelonide (ſayd the Queen) I have to my ſhame found all this to be true: For I muſt with a bluſh confeſs that Cyrus is not out of my heart, and if I did not love him ſtill, I ſhould not ſeek revenge upon Mandana: However I do carry it, as if I would revenge the death of my Son, though to ſpeak truth, my heart doth not accuſe him for it: Yes, yes Gelonide, ſince I muſt open my heart unto you, I do look upon him as ungratefull towards me, and not as if he were the Murtherer of Spargapiſes. Thus at the very ſame time, whilſt I taxe him in Publick with this horrid Crime, I do juſtifie him in the Cloſet of my heart as much as I can. Since it is ſo, Madam, replyed Gelonide, you muſt carry it otherwiſe, and not put yourſelf into ſuch a State, as it will be impoſſible [Page] for you to be happy, if Fortune ſhould wheel about: For, Madam, if you do not proceed to the very laſt Extremity, who knows but you may hereafter have Cyrus in your Power: he may chance be your Priſoner of Warr, and may perchance become fettered in your Chains by Love, if you uſe Mandana well; at leaſt this Prince will eſteem you more, and may happily in the end do juſtice both unto your Merit and your Affection: Who knows alſo whether thoſe Forces which are coming up to joyn with yours, may not get you the advantage over Cyrus, as now he hath it over you? and whether Ciaxares may not be brought to demand Peace upon no other condition, but to exchange Cyrus for Mandana? And who knows whether this happy Peace may not ſatisfie the Paſſion of Ariantes and you both? There is ſo little probability in all you ſay (replyed Thomyris and ſighed) that I cannot flatter my ſelf with any thoughts of it: However, Madam, replyed Gelonide, though it be not probable, yet it is not impoſſible. But if you put Mandana to death, it is abſolutely impoſſible that Cyrus ſhould either love you, or make any Peace with you? Ah Gelonide, replyed ſhe, you are a great ſtop unto my Revenge: Why will you hinder me from the enjoyment of the only Pleaſure that I can ever hope for? yet I find your words make a deep impreſſion in my heart, and my fears to incurr the hatred of Cyrus, reſtrain me from hating Mandana. I wiſh with all my heart, Madam, replyed Gelonide, that I were able to eaſe your Majeſty of your ſufferings, but ſince I cannot, yet I would perſwade you if you love Cyrus, not to provoke him to hate you, by Sacrificing Mandana unto your Revenge. For by that means I ſhould preſerve your glory, and perhaps ſomthing ſatisfie the paſſion which raigns in your Soul. As for my Glory, replyed Thomyris, I value it not, for ſince I do not eſteem my ſelf, I care not whether others do eſteem me, or no. As Thomyris was ſpeaking this, an old Officer of hers, who had ever been very faithfull and affectionate to her Service, came to tell her how he was very certainly given to underſtand that Ariantes was Maſter of all her Forces, and that he had ſent unto thoſe who were coming up, that he, who guarded Mandana was wholly at his Command; and that the People in generall began to fear the anger of the Gods if ſhe ſhould put this innocent Princeſs to death; that they began to murmure, and perhaps would Rebell, if ſhe perſiſted in her Deſign.

Since this adviſe came from a man whom ſhe knew moſt faithfull, it made ſome impreſſion upon her Spirits: and Gelonides diſcourſe having prepared her Soul to receive it wel, ſhe thanked him for it; and after ſhe had diſmiſſed him, ſhe began to conſider unto what a miſerable condition ſhe had brought her ſelf, and to examine ſeriouſly what Gelonide had ſayd: Alſo conſidering that if ſhe ſhould put Mandana to death, it would then abſolutely be impoſſible Cyrus ſhould ever love her; her heart began to relent, and repent of what her Fury had hurried her unto: yet ſince ſhe did not think it impoſſible but Cyrus might ſubmit himſelf her Priſoner, to deliver his Princeſs, ſhe did not repent of the Meſſage which ſhe had ſent; yet ſhe reſolved that if he did not, then to ſeek out for ſome pretence to moderate her fury, though ſhe did not very well know how to recall things, ſince they had gone ſo far. She asked Genolide how ſhe ſhould follow her adviſe, in caſe Cyrus ſhould not ſubmit himſelf her Priſoner? Alas, Madam, ſayd Gelonide, Violence, and Vices need Pretences; but an act of Vertue and Goodneſs never needs any: And therfore if your Majeſty reſolve to change your mind, you ought to undeceive Ariantes immediatly, before things break out into a flame: For who knows whether that Prince having a pretence to accuſe you of cruelty againſt the perſon he loves, will not make uſe of thoſe whom he armes againſt you, to pull the Crown from off your head, as formerly he would have done? Diſarme your ſelf therfore, Madam, that you may diſarme him: and if you will follow my advice, tell him plainly that you never had any intentions, to do as you ſeemed, but only to get Cyrus into your Power, and ſo ſooner end the Warr, and better ſecure the Poſſeſſion of Mandana unto him; you may alſo tell him, Madam, that the reaſon why your Revenge is not executed upon Mandana, is only in conſideration of him. No, no (ſayd Thomyris unto her) I cannot tell him ſo, for I have already told him the contrary: All I can ſay to him, is, that for the love of him I altred my mind. But Gelonide, when I have told the Prince my Brother ſo, what ſhould I ſay unto Cyrus, and all thoſe who know I have ſent unto him? you may ſay, replyed Gelonide, that you never would have uſed ſuch ſharp menaces, but [Page] only to procure peace unto the people, but ſince you found not your expected effects, you never intended to ſtain your reputation, by any action of cruelty: Thus, doing nothing againſt the intereſt of your own paſſion, you will get much glory unto your ſelfe. I know not whether I ſhall get any or no (replyed Thomiris and ſighed) but I am ſure that I deſerve none; and ſee, I am the moſt culpable, and moſt miſerable perſon upon the earth. In the mean time, ſince I have already ſaid, that I thought Cyrus had killed my ſon; How can I now ſay, that I have changed my opinion? ſince you only ſayd it in the heat of your paſſions and ſorrowes (replyed Geloniae) no ſollid heed will be grounded upon your words, and all the world is ſo perſwaded, that it could never be, that though ſuch a thing were, yet they will never accuſe you. After this, Thomiris falling into a deep ſtudy; and ſeriouſly conſidering the danger unto which ſhee was expoſed, eſpecially what Gelonide ſayd, concerning the hatred of Cyrus if ſhe put Mandana to death, ſhee reſolved to ſend for Ariantes immediatly. At firſt, this Prince was amazed at this command, and ſome would have perſwaded him from obedience, out of their fears this Princeſſe ſhould arreſt him: But Ariantes being confident in his friends, eſpecially in him who guarded Mandana, went unto Thomiris with much boldneſſe. When he came to her, he askt her, whether ſhee ſent for him, to tell him that ſhee had changed her mind? and ſhe anſwered him ſo cunningly, that any but himſelfe would have been deceived by her diſcourſe; and would have beleeved that ſhe had no other conſideration in reſtraining her revenge, but what ſhe ſaid ſhe had. Yet Ariantes underſtood well enough, that it was her paſſion which was the principall cauſe of the alteration in her mind, but he made no ſhew of it unto her, and was willing to take upon himſelfe all the obligation. Alſo ſhe added, that ſhe never had any intentions to put Mandana to death, but only to oblige Cyrus to ſubmit himſelf under her power. However, though ſhee ſpoke with abundance of ſeeming ſincerity, yet Ariantes knew very well, that ſhe bore an extream hatred unto Mandana: and that though Cyrus ſhould ſubmit himſelfe, yet ſhe might ſacrifice the Princeſſe whom he adored, if ſhe were not hindred by force. So then fearing leaſt Cyrus in a rapture of his paſſion ſhould do as Thomiris deſired, he reſolved to prevent him. However, a reconciliation was made between Thomiris and Ariantes, and before they parted, they reſolved upon what ſhould be ſayd unto the people, what Cyrus had anſwered, and upon what their expected forces ſhould do, when they were come up.

After which Ariantes leaving the Princeſſe, he went immediatly unto his Tent to diſpatch away a meſſenger unto Cyrus, but as he was inſtructing him, what he ſhould ſay unto his Rivall, he was told Ortalgues deſired to ſpeak with him: Indeed, this truſty ſervant, by the adviſe of Gelonide, came to tell the Prince, how he had ſtayed in the Tents Royall, and deſired him for a paſſe, to return unto his Maſter, beſeeching him, for his own glories ſake, to do him ſo much honour as to give him ſome aſſurance of the Princeſſe Mandanas life: For truly Sir (ſayd he) knowing already what you have done for her, I have ſome reaſon to hope that though you did it not, for the intereſt of that great Prince unto whom I belong, yet you will give me leave to carry the joyfull news unto him, of your being he [...] Protector. Ariantes being much taken with the boldneſs of Ortalgues, he received him very well, and very obligingly told him, that he ſaw Cyrus was every way happy, even in his Domeſtiques: Afterwards told him, that though Cyrus was both his Enemy and Rivall, yet he would neither be ungratefull nor wicked, but would ever acknowledge the Obligations upon him, ſince the time he was Anaxaris, by the aſſurance he would give him of Mandanas ſafety, as long as ſhee was under the Queen his ſiſters power; and the better to perſwade him unto a beleif of it, he told him as much as in any handſomeneſſe he could, what he had done for the preſervation of that Princeſſe, he alſo told him that he might go unto his Maſter, but to avoid ſuſpition, the man whom he intended to ſend with him ſhould go by himſelfe.

In the mean time Ortalgues after he underſtood that the meſſenger of Thomiris was returned, and underſtood from Gelonide, the good ſtate of every thing, he departed without rendring the Letters which he took upon him to deliver: But he went in the Maſſagettan habit, and with an order from Ariantes, leaſt he ſhould [Page] be ſtayed by his forces. So as this faithfull ſervant arriving juſt as the meſſenger from Ariantes was telling Cyrus that he would come, he overjoyed that Prince when he told him all that Gelonide and Ariantes ſayd unto him; and when he ſaw Mandanas life was in no danger: So that deſiring to ſhare his joyes amongſt his deareſt freinds, eſpecially unto Mazares, though his Rivall, he ſent for him, alſo for Anacharſis, Artamus, Myrſiles, Intapharnes, and Artagatis: yet the three laſt were very angry their Letters were not delivered, but for all that were very glad to hear that their miſtreſſes were well. In the mean time Cyrus altred the anſwer which he would give unto Thomiris, yet he did not alter it without ſerious examination, whether he ſhould build upon Ariantes and Gelonide or no: But when he conſidered that Ariantes was in love with Mandana, he concluded upon an abſolute neceſſity of beleeving him, becauſe he was concerned in the life of this Princeſs, ſo that being confirmed in this reſolution, he told Ariantes meſſenger, as he diſmiſſed him, and rewarded him with a rich preſent, that the proceedings of his Maſter were ſo generous, that he would for ever eſteem him; and did not diſpaire, but hereafter he ſhould be beholding to him, for ſetting the Princeſs Mandana at liberty, but in the mean time he conjured him for his own Glories ſake, to continue her Protector: and to acquaint him with any thing which may ſecure the life of that Princeſs: For truly (ſayd he unto the meſſenger of his Rivall) I do ſo highly eſteem Ariantes for what he hath done, as if he ſhould ſend me word, that Mandana were in danger, unleſſe I came and aſſumed the Fetters of Thomiris, I think I ſhould take his word. On the other ſide, this great Prince charged Chryſantes to tell the Maſſagettan Queen, that he had more confidence in her virtue, then to fear Mandanas life, and that he was confident of her ſafety, under her power, nor ſhould he doubt his own, were he under her power alſo; which if ſhe deſire, ſhe muſt firſt remit Mandana into the King of Medeas hands, adding, that what ſhe before ſent to him, he beleeved was ſpoken in the height of her ſorrowes: and could never think that ſhe had any bad intentions againſt the life of that Princeſs, and therefore he had no more to ſay, but to crave pardon for not beleeving her meſſenger; and to make amends for that fault, he would ingage himſelf by oath, to treat all his Priſoners as well as if they were in his own army. Chryſantes having received theſe inſtructions went unto Thomiris, but though Cyrus anſwered Ariantes by his meſſenger, yet he would have Feraulus accompany Chryſantes, to deliver his mind unto his Rivall, and ſo theſe two faithfull ſervants unto a moſt illuſtrious Maſter, went to acquit themſelves of their charges. The anſwer of Cyrus unto Thomiris being all ſweetneſs, and civility, and ſhee not knowing how that Prince had been informed of the true ſtate of her ſoul, either from Ariantes or Gelonide, ſhe was exceedingly joyed, eſpecially becauſe the paſſion of her ſoul made her beleeve, that Cyrus was not ſo much in love with Mandana, as ſhe imagined, ſince to redeem her, he would not hazard himſelf: So as this imagination flattering her mind, ſhe received Chryſantes very favorably, and told him, that ſhe began to think that Cyrus was not culpable of her Sonns death: adding that ſhee would indeavour to cleer him, and if ſhee found him innocent, he needed not to fear Mandanas life. In the mean time, ſhe hoped ere long to have him in her power, and within this few dayes to have as great an advantage over him, as he had got over her. But ſhee having a deſire to gain a little time untill her forces were come up, ſhee propounded unto Chryſantes a ceſſation; to treat (as ſhee ſayd) concerning the liberty of ſome priſoners, hinting of many things in her diſcourſe which induced him to think, that perhaps ſhe deſired this time to conſider and overcome her ſelfe, and to reſtore Mandana to liberty, ſo that he parted with promiſe to acquaint his Maſter with all ſhe ſayd. Feraulus for his, part went unto Ariantes, who gave a very civill anſwer unto the meſſage of Cyrus, but as cunning as Feraulus was, it was impoſſible for him to get a ſight either of Mandana, Coraliſa, or Marteſia, yet ſhe ſaw Gelonide, and ſhee was as favourable to him as poſſible. But ſince the Captaine of Mandanas guard was more the creature of Ariantes then unto Thomiris the Princeſſe was moſt ſtricktly guarded: yet he underſtood that they were ſerved with much reſpect, and that ſhee had no other trouble but her ſolitude, and the viſits of Ariantes, which were very tedious to her, though he behaved himſelfe with as much ſubmiſſion as if he were her ſlave: But though Feraulus had not leave to ſee [Page] Mandana, yet he ſaw the Princeſſe of Bythinia, the Princeſs Iſtrina, and the faire Arpasia, unto whom he preſented commendations from Gadotes, Intaphernes, Atergates, Gabrias and Hydagres, in whom they had ſeverall concernments. Yet they had not liberty to write; but they charged Feraulas which ſayd many things by word of mouth, that he ſtood in need of a good memory to return them all. The Princeſs of Bythinia enquired very much concerning the Princeſs Araminta, being much joyed that Spitridates, would be at the Camp of Cyrus very ſhortly. But the time of departure being come, Chriſantes preſſed Feraulas, to make haſte, and ſo he left them, after he had obſerved that there was a great intimacy between Serpacia, and thoſe two Princeſſes. In the mean time Cyrus followed his firſt reſolution, and marched to the entrance into the wood as ſoon as Chryſantes was gone; and quartred himſelf ſo neer the Enemies Guard, that they had continuall skirmiſhes, ſo as it was in that Place where Chryſantes and Feraulas gave an accompt of their voyage. The propoſition which Thomiris made, did much perplex Cyrus, for he beleeved it was only to gain time; but Chryſantes thinking he had diſcovered the thoughts of Thomiris, aſſured him, that there was ſomething in her mind which would be advantagious to him, if he gave her leaſure to ſurmount her paſſion. Yet Cyrus for all this, could not reſolve upon this truce, but had continued, forcing the paſſages which the Sauromates guarded, if a certain Ingeneer had not come into his army, who was famous for many admirable ſecrets. Indeed ſince this paſſage was very long, and difficult to be forced, Cyrus had a hard task to attempt it, and ſince it was likely to weaken his army very much, he gave care unto this Ingineer, who propoſed a way to paſſe theſe ſtraits, with leſſe loſſe, provided he made a truce for ſome few dayes, during which time; he could prepare all things neceſſary for his deſign. But Cyrus, being unwilling to hazard any thing upon the prudence of others, he would have this Artiſt firſt ſhew him the way which he intended to work. This ingineer thus told him,

That having obſerved two great paſſages in the woods which were not above fifteen furlongs from each other; and that they were the only places by which there was any paſſage, he further perceived that the enemyes guarded the one of theſe much more carefully then the other, and where they had many more men, becauſe they were perſwaded that they ſhould be aſſaulted. Moreover he ſayd, that whilſt the truce was, when ſouldiers have liberty to go and come into the Camps, then ſome of Cyrus ſouldiers, commanded for that purpoſe, ſhould ſeeme to walk in the wood between theſe paſſages, and through againſt all the trees, a certain compoſition prepared with ſuch art, as it ſhould ſtick unto any thing it touches, and which hath ſuch a diſpoſition to burn, that the leaſt ſpark given to the firſt tree, will ſet the whole forreſt on fire, provided that there be trees from diſtance to diſtance prepared with this compoſition to receive the fire and communicate it ſelfe. So Sir (ſayd this Ingineer to Cyrus) when trees at their ſeverall diſtances are prepared with this compoſition, which will never be diſcovered, becauſe its of the colour of the bark and moſſe, you may make choiſe of a night when the wind is up, as always it uſeth after ſun ſet till ſun riſe, to ſet fire to the firſt tree, and to advance towards that paſſe which is weakeſt guarded, and in the heighth of their fears, begin your aſſault: Thoſe of the one paſſe dare not paſſe through the flames, to releive the other. Your men Sir will not be affrighted, becauſe they know the plot; but ſayd Cyrus, will not this be as dangerous for us as for our enemies? No Sir (replyed the man) For the wind commonly blowing one way at that time of the year, thoſe trees muſt be prepared only which ſtand one way, and not that ſide of the way which you are to take, ſo as your troops taking the right ſide, may paſſe without danger, & wil not at all be affrighted as your enemies, but take freſh courage, becauſe the flames do fight for them. Cyrus after this, put ſeverall queſtions to the man, and would needs ſee the experiment of this ſtrange compoſition, whoſe cheife materiall was the mud of a lake which is in Comagines, neer a town called Samoſate, and which is ſo gluttinous, that it will ſtick unto any thing it toucheth; and hath ſuch a naturall diſpoſition to burn and conſume that unto which it ſticks, that the leaſt ſpark will make a great blaze, this fire is the moſt dangerous, becauſe water will not quench it, nor any thing elſe, but much [...]arth thrown upon it. Thus this Ingineer aſſured Cyrus, that it had done prodigies, and ſayd that Medea made uſe of it to put [Page] Creuſeus to death. This great Prince adviſed him not to publiſh ſo great a ſecret, leaſt it ſhould put the honeſty of many a man to the Teſt. However, ſince Cyrus hearkned unto this propoſition, at the ſame time, when Chryſantes told him that Thomiris deſired a truce, he was the more willing to hearken unto it, ſince in lieu of retarding his deſignes, it would forward them, yet his great heart had ſome repugnance againſt all manner of truces in war: But Mazanes did ſo preſs him to make uſe of this invention to ſhorten the war, that fearing leaſt Mandana ſhould accuſe him for being over ſcrupulous in point of honour, when perhaps her life depended upon it, he reſolved upon it: So as calling a Counſell of war about it, it was concluded that he ſhould not deny this truce, and thereupon Cyrus ſent Chryſantes to Thomiris, and the peace was concluded for eight dayes, and publiſhed in both Camps. Thomiris made many propoſitions concerning the Officers of her army that were taken priſoners, at the laſt battle which ſhe loſt: Alſo to delude the people and make them beleive that her paſſion was not the cauſe of the War, ſhe made ſome propoſitions of peace, which truly were not altogether unreaſonable, except in that ſhe demanded Mandana to ſtay three years in her Court as as hoſtage. In the mean time Cyrus deſired Anacharſis, to go unto Thomiris and tell her, that he could not give any direct anſwer, unleſſe ſhe would permit him to ſee Mandana, and know from her own mouth whether ſhe would conſent unto his propoſitions: But do what Anacharſis could, ſhe would not permit that; So as all the eight daies were ſpent in frivolous negotiations: Yet there was an uncertain kind of a hope that there would be a change in the heart of Thomiris, and the rather, becauſe that Queen prompted by her paſſion, deſired to treat with Cyrus himſelfe, in a fancy that her preſence might perhaps move the heart of the Prince, who not daring to refuſe this interview, though it went againſt his mind, deſired that he might ſpeak with Ariantes, though they would not let him ſpeak with Mandana, doubtleſs Cyrus had no mind to ſee Thomiris, nor did Ariantes deſire the ſight of Cyrus: But their intereſts were ſo odly mixt, that neither of them durſt deny the motion. Thus they prepared themſelves for theſe ſeverall interviews; which was reſolved to be in the midſt of the wood between both armies. Atergates and Intaphernes demanded to ſee the Princeſſe of Bythinia, and the Princeſſe Iſtrina: Hidaſpes and Gabrias demanded to ſee the fair Arpaſia: but though their demands were no leſſe juſt then the other, yet Thomiris refuſed them, but it was at the inſtance of Lycander: So that the fair Arpaſia had the ſorrowes, not to ſee either her father or her Lover, ſo that ſhe greived moſt extreamly at it.

The Princeſſe of Bithinia and the Princeſſe Iſtrina, who did infintely eſteem her, did indeavour to comfort her, and offered her to tell thoſe two Princes, whom they were to ſee within a day or two, whatſoever ſhee would pleaſe to have them know: And certainly theſe two Princes had good reaſon to intereſt themſeves in behalf of Arpaſia, who queſtionleſſe was no ordnary perſon. She was big and tall, though her Grandure was no more then ſo much as to pleaſe. Her hair was a lovely dark brown as ever was ſeen, and was ſo apt to curl, that the leaſt whiffle of wind did turne it into handſomer rings then any art could do. The modell of Arpaſias face was ovall, ſhe had gray, full, and paſſionate eyes, and the corners of her mouth had ſuch a particular kind of ſmile, that it was enough to ſee the lower part of her face, and to know her, her lips were ſo even and perſect carnation, that her beauty was ſo incomparable, her cheeks were ſo pleaſingly round, and had ſuch an amiable freſh plumpneſſe, that though the complexion of Arpasia was not of the cleereſt luſter, yet was ſhe a great beauty, becauſe there was an exact uniformity in every part, tis true, her noſe had not ſo much regularity as the reſt of her face, yet it was not ſo, as did blaſt the reſt of her feature, and if it were any defect, it ſerved as a foyl to ſet the reſt of her excellings better off, who beſides all theſe, having moſt pure white teeth, and faire neck and armes, was doubtleſſe one of the moſt charming Ladyes of the world; her Garb was ſo high, her aire ſo noble, and her walking agreeable, that none could look on her, without a diſpoſition to love her, She danced with as good a grace as ſhee walked, and had ſuch a nature of mirth and gravity together, as did infinitely pleaſe: her humour was as charming as her beauty, for ſhee was alwayes ſweet, civill, and affable ſhe had a good inclination to Rallary, or at leaſt to love thoſe who did it well, but ſhe gave a check unto [Page] her inclination, and commonly ſeemed more grave then merry: Yet notwithſtanding ſhe loved pleaſures, eſpecially company, and company a little gallant, ſhe could not ſpend a whole afternoon with one freind in private without being weary, for ſhee had a kind of active ſpirit which was an enemy to all l [...]mpiſhneſſe, and which made all ſhee did delightfull. Moreover, ſhee was naturally magnificent, liberall, and good, and had a ſoul ſo tender, as would make one almoſt aſſured not to be hated, though one ſhould tell her that they were in love with her, yet ſhe was not capable of any violent paſſion, & the pleaſure of being loved made her ſometimes ſuffer her ſelf to be ſo, rather then out of any real inclination. She was not at all fantaſticall, & that deſire to pleaſe which was in her heart, proceeded from a more further noble cauſe. Furthermore, ſhee had a witt ſo ſharp, and ſhee could ſo cunningly pumpe the minds of thoſe, whoſe deſignes ſhee deſired to know, as it may be ſaid ſhee had a key to open their hearts, and look into their ſecrets; and all this without any ſeeming of ſubtiltie: indeed her temper was ſo oppoſite unto any guile, that ſhee never had any freind whom ſhee once deceived: but was apt to a kind of generous confidence which had rather be expoſed to be deceived by others, then to be ſo ſubtle as to prevent being deceived. This Arpaſia with her Beauty, Wit, and goodneſſe, did ſo pleaſe the Princeſſe of Bythinia, and the Princeſſe Iſtrina, that they were deſirous to know her adventures, eſpecially ſince ſhee would imply them in ſome buſineſſe unto thoſe Princes whom they were to ſee; For truly (ſaid Iſtrina to her, after much other diſcourſe) It is not poſſible wee ſhould be able to do you any right ſervice, unleſſe we do know the ſtate of your misfortunes. They are of ſuch a nature (replyed ſhee) that I can expect no advantage from you by telling of them, but only your pitty. Though you cannot Madam, replyed the Princeſſe of Bithinia, yet I beſeech you tel them unto us, for truly as for my part, I do finde great caſe unto my miſeries, by being pittied. Doubtleſs its true Madam, (replyed Arpaſia) But I am ſo unable to relate all the accidentes of my life my ſelf, that if you would know them, it muſt be from her who has a ſhare in my misfortunes, for beſides her knowing of them as well as my ſelfe, I cannot relate ſuch things with any order, which have ſo much diſordered my mind. I know tis ſaid that the remembrance of miſeries is ſweet: but I muſt be happy firſt before I can take any delight in remembring my paſt misfortunes: And therefore ſince I am not in that condition, I beſeech you diſpenſe with me. We ſhall willingly diſpenſe with you Madam (replied the Princeſſe of Bithinia) provided the amiable Niſide who is with you, will undertake it in your roome. I am contented, anſwered Arpasia; then I beſeech you (ſaid Iſtrina) let it be this day; for ſince we do not directly know when wee ſhall goe and ſee thoſe Princes, unto whom you will imploy us: It is requiſit we ſhould be knowing in the ſtate of your fortune as ſoon as you can. To teſtifie how willing I am to diſcover my misfortunes unto you (anſwered ſhee) I will go unto Niſide and give her orders to acquaint you with all my weakneſſes: ſhee is a woman whoſe hard fortune cannot deject, by dejecting her houſe and familie; and who has ſuch a ſhare in all that relates unto me that shee knowes all my thoughts: And therefore you may give credit unto all that shee will ſay, excepting in any commendations which perhaps ſhee will give me: For happily her friendſhip to me may byaſſe her. When wee have heard her, replied the Princeſſe of Bitihnia, wee ſhall give you all juſtice, and ſhall beleeve as wee ought to doe. After this Arpaſia retyred, and Niſide ſtayed with the Princeſſes, asking them pardon before hand▪ for her want of any art to relate what they required; Then after many civilities, they preſſed her to begin the relation, which ſhe did in theſe termes, addreſſing her ſpeech unto the Princeſſe of Bithinia.

THE HISTORY OF ARPASIA.

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THough I am perſwaded, you have ſo good an opinion of Arpaſias judgment, as to think, that ſhe would never have comamnded me to relate her adventures, if ſhe had not known that I was able to make a perfect relation of things paſt; yet I muſt tell you, Madam, that none upon earth knows them better then I do, and I dare almoſt ſay, that I know them better then her ſelf: For the truth is, that the heavy burthen of her ſorrowes, hath hindred her from obſervance of many which I have ſeen with leſſe trouble, though I was ever a ſharer in all her miſeries: For fortune having ruin'd the family from which I deſcended, which heretofore kept my ſelf in a good rank, and having loſt thoſe who gave me life, when I was very young, I was put unto Arpaſia, as having the honour to be allied unto her, by my Mother. And having continued with this excellent Lady ever ſince my infancy, I have not only ſeen her adventures with my own eyes, but further, I have known her moſt ſecret thoughts. I ſhall not trouble you Madam with a relation of Arpaſias birth: For you are not ignorant that Gabrias her Father hath a little Dominion, which depends only upon the Gods and himſelfe; and that Gadates and he were two Grandees, who heretofore pretended to marry Nitocris. Nor ſhall I aggravate the miſeries of the fair Arpaſia, which began by the death of her elder Brother, who dyed after ſo ſad a manner at Babylon, by the violence of the late King of Aſſyria, that it is not poſſible that you ſhould know it, and Arpaſia was then ſo young, that ſhe was not capable of any long ſorrowes for it. But Madam, it it is requiſite you know, that Gabrias, even ſince the loſſe of his Son, did wholy decline the intereſts of the Aſſyrian Prince. Yet he did conceal his Reſentments, out of his Reſpects unto the Queen Nitocris, who then lived: But as ſoon as ſhe was dead, and that Prince had brought the Princeſſe Mandana to Babylon, his deſire of revenge began to break out, and his whole imaginations were how to ruine the Aſſyrian King. And to that end, he did not only enter into league with all his neighbour Princes againſt him, but alſo united himſelfe with all the Malecontents of that Court. But Madam, before I go any further, I muſt tell you, that Gabrias having loſt his Wife as well as his Son, did ſet his whole affection upon the amiable Arpaſia, and ſhe was then upon her 15 year, and he loved her the more, becauſe he looked upon her as a perſon who would contribute unto that revenge which he would take upon the King of Aſſyria, as afterwards I ſhall tell you in the ſequell of my diſcourſe. In the mean time be pleaſed to know, that there was a Governour of a Province which belonged to that King, who knowing that he loved him not▪ and that he would certainly take his government from him, he ſought an occaſion to revolt; ſo that not being ignorant, that Gabrias had cauſe of complaint, he ſent a Nephew of his to him purpoſely to ſound him, and he ſent him preſently after the death of Nitocris. But Madam, ſince he of whom I ſpeak whoſe name was Aſtidamas was the cheife cauſe of all Arpaſias miſeries, it is requiſite I make a deſcription of him unto you, as he was when he came to the town where Gabrias did moſt commonly reſide, and where Artaſia did infinitly delight, and to tell you truly, it was not without cauſe. For it was exceedingly pleaſant both in its ſ [...]ituation and the country about it, and alſo in reſpect of a ſtately Caſtle which was its principall ſtrength. Moreover, though this little Court had no great tumults, and thro [...]ging, [Page] yet was it veryagreeable and delightfull, and hugely pleaſed Aſtidamus as ſoon as he ſaw it: But to deſcribe him as I intended, I muſt ſay he was of a meanſtature, but handſome and well made, his hayr and eyes black, and without either extraordinary handſomeneſs or uglineſſe. It may be ſayd, he was paſſible enough, eſpecially becauſe he knew the mode of the world, and a free merry way which much pleaſed. Moreover, he was rich and handſom in his cloathes, and he knew ſo well how to ſuit and fit himſelf, that he was never ſeen in ill ſorted colours. Moreover, his company was good and pleaſing, and he had ſuch a kind of way with him, that he did not need to ſtrive for excellent things to pleaſe; for his manner of way and aire, in ſpeaking the moſt commune things, did make them paſs for excellent. Yet he was a man better at generall converſation then private diſcourſe, for having a kind of a merry unquietneſs of ſpirit, which made him perpetually paſs from object, to object; he could nor indure to talk long upon one thing, or to one perſon: So as the greater the company, the merrier was he. He danced with a good grace, and for a man of his quality, ſung paſſing well; Now Madam, after all the good qualities of Aſtidamus, give me leave to tel his bad ones, and acquaint you that his manners were not very innocent. In point of valour, he could not be queſtioned, but he had a moſt voluptuous ſoul; and took his pleaſure in ſuch an odd way, as one could not know him and love him. As for his matter of love, it was ſomthing particular, for ſomtimes he would ſeem inconſtant, and ſomtimes deeply in love, yet to define him rightly, he more deſired to be loved, than he loved thoſe who loved him though upon ſome occaſions, he hath ſeemed really to love.

Truth is, Some things he did, are attributed to that paſſion which ought not to be ſo. For if he had a mind to do a thing, he would go through with it at any rate, not for any love to the thing it ſelf, but becauſe he had undertaken it, yet he appeared very civill, affable, and ready to court the firſt Lady that he met, in the way of gallantry, Aſtidamus being ſuch a one as I have deſcribed, did come, as I told you from his Uncle to ſound the depth of Gabrias and his thoughts, and to move him unto ſome attempts againſt the now King of Aſſyria, ſo as he was received with much joy and magnificence. He commanded Arpaſia, to ſhew himall the Ladyes of her acquaintance, yet there was no great aſſemblies, by reaſon of the Queens death: But they often walked & ſomtimes hunted, and only common pleaſures were the diverſions. At the firſt all the Ladyes, liked Aſtidamus, except Arpasia, for whether ſhe ſooner found out his ill qualities than the reſt, or whither it was out of a naturall averſion to him, ſhe was fain to force her ſelfe unto a commendation of him, yet this did not then appear, for knowing the mind of her Father, ſhe ſhewed all imaginable civility to Aſtidamus. As for him he ſeemed to be ſo taken with the beauty of this excellent Lady, with her wit and merit, that none made any queſtion but that he was in love with her: And Arpasia her ſelf thought ſo as well as the reſt, and though ſhe entertained not one thought which was advantageous to him, ſhe ſaw this growing paſſion without giving any check,

For firſt, ſhe could not foreſee that his love could prejudice her, ſince ſhe was to be gon within a few dayes.

And ſecondly; Her age might well excuſe her, for ſhe was not ſorry for making any new conqueſt.

Thus Arpasia not repulſing Aſtidamus, nor ſeeming to take notice of his paſſion, did go very civily towards him, and he being apt to flatter himſelf with hope, he was a Lover without any miſery, though he had no reaſon to hope for any happineſſe.

However, all the world talked of Aſtidamus love unto Arpasia; And I think others ſpoke of it more then he himſelf did, and they talked ſo much of it, that the made uſe of theſe reports, to diſcover his affection unto Arpasia; and indeed he did it very gallantly, and in a particular manner, though ſhe was a little ſharp with him. He chanced to be there one day when all the company did ſeperate themſelves into couples, and it was Aſtidamus his good fortune to talk with Arpasia. And cloſing with this opportunity, he fell into talk with her, and commended her, knowing very well that commendation is the beſt preparative, to make a Miſtreſſe receive a declaration of love favourably. But ſince Arpaſia would needs out of modeſty change the diſcourſe, leaſt ſhe ſhould go further then ſhe deſired: and after [Page] ſhe handſomly defended her ſelf againſt her flatteries, ſhe obſerved, how chance had brought ſo many thither, as made even couples, two and two. But that which I moſt admire at (added ſhe) is, that every one of theſe couples hath ſome privacies together, and that fortune ſhould ſo well place them, as that they may talke in ſecret together. I wiſh with all my heart Madam (ſayd Aſtidamus, who heard two Ladies next him talk of his paſſion to Arpasia) that after your admiration as what Fortune hath done, you knew what every one in the company ſayes, and that you would command them to tell you preſently: I aſſure you Sir, replyed ſhe, that if they have any humours to ſatisfie my curioſity they would do me a great pleaſure in it. And me more then you Madam (replyed he) not that I think you to be of a more inquiſitive nature then I am; but I can eaſily gueſs by their faces what they talk of, and think that it is upon ſomthing which you deſire to know, I profeſs Aſtidamus, replyed ſhe, you are very excellent at the ſcience of conjectures and ſince you can tell what people do ſay when they ſpeak low, I pray tell me. To ſhew you that, I am not much miſtaken (replyed he) I will tell you what thoſe two Ladyes next me did ſay, and afterwards you ſhall ask them whether I was far off the mark or not; I will (anſwered ſhe) But it ſhall be upon condition, that if you fail in your gueſſes you ſhall never meddle with Divination again, I will willingly ingage my ſelf (replyed he) becauſe I am ſure, that I am not miſtaken. Then tell me replyed ſhe, what thoſe two Ladyes ſayd, they ſayd Madam, (anſwered he and looked ſtedfaſtly upon her) that I am deſperatly in love with you, and therefore you need not think it ſtrange, that I ſhould gueſs what they ſay, as well as they gueſs what I have moſt truly thought: Fie Aſtidamus (replyed Arpasia and bluſht) you are a very bad Diviner, and ſo are thoſe Ladyes alſo, if they do think as you ſay: I beſeech you Madam (replyed he) let me deſire them to confeſs what they ſayd, and what they thought: As for the laſt of theſe (replyed ſhe) it will be a hard matter for you to make them confeſs it, and as for the other, it is to no purpoſe. Provided Madam ſayd he, you will beleive me upon my word, I ſhal I not need the teſtimonies of thoſe Ladies; but if you will not, I muſt intreat all thoſe who talk of my love, to talk of it unto you, as they do unto others, And I beſeech you Madam, be no more offended at me, and to what I ſhall ſay, than you will be at them when they ſay any thing unto you. Your language (replyed ſhe) will paſſe for ſuch a pleaſant peice of raillary, that I ſhall not take it ſeriouſly. Provided Madam, anſwered he, that you will think my Raillary to be really true, you may let it paſſe for what you pleaſe. If I ſhould thinke ſo, (replied Arpasia) it would be ſo little advantageous to you as you had better not deſire it: however I do profeſſe that I doe not love ſuch [...]aillarie. And if I thought you had any intention to uſe it any more, I would never talke in private with you as long as I lived. This is extreame unjuſt Madam (ſaid he unto her) that you ſhould ſuffer all the world to tell you that I doe love you, and not to allow me, who knowes the truth of it better than they, I aſſure you (replied ſhee) none ever told me that you were in love with me; or if they had, it had been no great pleaſure to me. Then am very unhappie (replied he for ever ſince there were any Ladies I am confident non would be ever offended when they were told that they had made a new conqueſt, though they will ſeem angry when they are told of it: and it is a moſt horrible Injuſtice in all women. Since I am not of your opinion I ſhall (replied ſhe aloud purpoſely to make the company generall) deſire all the company to Judge whether it be Juſt in you to condemn all Ladies as you do; Every one hearing what Arpaſia ſaid, broke of their private conferences, and began to harken unto her, and aske what the Injuſtice of Aſtidamus was? hee confidently affirmes (ſaid ſhee,) that all women are well pleaſed when they are told of any new conqueſt they have made. You Madam were ever ſo Juſt (replied one of thoſe Ladies to whom ſhee ſpoke whoſe name was Stenobira) that I am ſure to be on the right ſide, if I be on yours; you are ſo able your ſelfe Madam to maintaine an ill cauſe (added another of the Ladies) as you are able to vanquiſh Aſtidamus without any aſſiſtance of mine. For my part (ſaid a man of qualitie called Tirimenes) I do conceive the complaint which Aſtidamus makes of Ladies is ſo reaſonable, that I have a thouſand times murmured againſt their injuſtice: truth is, ſaid Aſtidamus, to ſpeake in generall all women are unjuſt in making men to love them, and not let them ſpeake of it to them: But if any Lady have any reaſon to take it ill from a man who is in love with her, to tell her of it; [Page] ſhee hath much more reaſon to take it ill from men who are not in love with her, to talk other conqueſts; yet cuſtom hath made this Injuſtice almoſt a Law, and one may tell a woman ſhee ever makes all men miſerable; that her eyes kindle fire in the hearts of men; that ſome are ready to dye for her, & ſuch like; In the mean time if a man do but open his mouth and tell her that he loves her, ſhe is ready to baniſh him; to treat him ill; to impoſe eternall ſilence, and to threaten everlaſting hatred. This rule is not ſo generall as you imagine (replied Stenobira and ſmiled) for I doe know ſome weomen, who will be more angry with a freind for chiding them, for making any in love with them, than they will be with their Lovers for telling them they are in love: tis true, it happens ſo ſomtimes (ſayd Terimone) but you never heard of it; but when a Lady hath contracted amity with him who is ſo plain with her, ſo that her anger is not cauſed by any exceſſe of ſeveritie: Tirimenes is in the right (ſaid Aſtidamus) but I cannot endure that they who ſuffer themſelves to be told a 1000. times in the year that this man is in love with them, & that man is in love with them; yet wil not ſuffer him who adores them, to tel them ſo much as once how many miſerieshe endures for their ſakes, if there be anyreformation to be made in the cuſtom (replied Arpaſia ſharply) doubtleſs it is to be only in this, that weomen ſhould never harken unto their lovers, nor let their freinds chide them for making any in lovewith them. Not but that women might hear men without any anger if they would leave off all flatteries: but when they will be talking of ſuch things as they themſelves do know ought not to be hearkned unto, their anger in that caſe hath a moſt juſt ground. Madam replied Aſtidamus, you defend a bad cauſe, with ſo much wit, that as long as you are ſpeaking, I am ready to ſubmit unto your arguments but as ſoon as ever you are ſilent, I returne unto my firſt opinion, and declare, that if it be a crime to make men in love with you, than you have no reaſon to take it well that your freinds do tell you of it: but if it be not, than you may very well permit him whom you have captivated, to tell you of it as well as others: For there is no Juſtice that thoſe who endure no torments nor inquietudes from the paſſion they ſpeak of, ſhould have liberty to ſpeak of it unto you: Whilſt thoſe who ſuffer moſt miſerable tortures, are not permitted to complain and tell where their pain doth lie. For my particular (replied Arpaſia and bluſhed) I have no concernment in this diſpute: For I am none of thoſe who uſe to hearken unto their Lovers with delight or who are angry with their friends, nor do I remember that any ever told me, any was in love with me. Fie Madam (replied Stenobira) who knew nothing of the paſſages between Aſtidamus and Arpaſia) you are not now ſincere: For I have told you that I do know ſome men, whom your beauty hath tormented. Then is my memory very bad (replied ſhee faintly) But if that be true and that I may make ſome profit of what Aſtidamus hath ſaid, I muſt be angry with you and truly Stenobira, I could eaſily be ſo, if I could believe you. After this, Arpaſia making a motion to walk, the converſation changed, and during the walk theſe two Ladies being next Aſtidamus, he over-heard what they ſaid, and how Stenobira told Arpaſia that Aſtidamus was in love with her: however Arpaſia having a naturall averſion to him, ſhe was as much vexed to think that Aſtidamus ſhould love her, as ſhe would have been to hear that one whom ſhe loved had hated her. But to exaſperate her averſion it was diſcovered that at the very ſame time he ſeemed to be in love with her, he alſo was very frequent with another Lady of quality who was very fair, but of ſo bad a carriage, that ſuch as were any thing cautions of their reputation, never frequented her. So that Arpaſia extreamly diſliking all ſuch as could carry themſelves equally compliant unto all weomen, ſo they were fair: ſhe conceived ſuch a kind of averſion towards Aſtidamus as did very neerly reſemble hatred, ſo that if ſhe had not been full of reſpects unto her Father, ſhe could not have concealed it. But Aſtidamus being moſt agreable unto all ſuch as did not perfectly know him, moſt of the Ladies did much eſteem him. At laſt, Aſtidamus after he had been a month with Gabrias he returned to his uncle, who looked upon him as his ſon, ſince he had no children, and he returned without any reaſon of much commending, or much complaining againſt Arpaſia: For ſhe carryed her ſelf with ſo much prudence out of feare to anger her father, that her averſion to Aſtidamus did not appear ſo much as unto me, whom ſhee was pleaſed to honour as her Confident. Some dayes after his returne to Alfenes, there came a meſſenger from Protogenes, the Uncle of Aſtidamus; and for many dayes together it was underſtood that Gabrias ſent unto Protogenes and Protogenes unto Gabrias yet none did wonder at it. For ſince the carrying away of [Page] the Princeſs Mandana had then put oll Aſia into an univerſall diſorder: And ſince the death of the Queen Nitocris had wrought a great change in the minds of all ſuch as were tyed to the intereſts of the Aſſyrian King, it was conceived, that every one thinking of their own ſafety; & examining which ſide to take in a war which was apparantly fore ſeen, that there was ſome negotiation between Gabrias and Protogenes, yet the ſecret of the affair was not ſeen, but ere it was long, we found it out: For Madam be pleaſed to know that Gabrias having treated with Protogenes purpoſely to be revenged upon the king of Aſſyria, they both reſolved to take part with Cyrus but not to declare themſelves until that Prince had an army in the field, and was advancing towards Babylon, as it was likely he would. But that their intereſts might be the more vnited, & their treaty more ſolidly made, a marriage between Arpaſia & Aſtidamus was reſolved upon. So that one morning, when this fair one little dreamed of it, Gabrias came to tell her that ſhe muſt prepare her ſelf to go unto Alfenes & within eight dayes to marry him. You may imagine Madam, how ſad Arpaſia was at this news: but ſince ſhe ſtood in fear of Gabrias, ſhe durſt not let the horrid Antipathy between the marriage & her appear: knowing very well that if ſhe did ſhew her averſion it was to no purpoſe: For her Father would not breake a treaty of that nature, though ſhe ſhould imploy all her tears to win him unto it: So as forcing her ſelf with a ſtrange violence to conceal the exceſs of her ſorrowes, ſhe told her Father, that ſhe was all obedience, but ſhe told him it with ſo much ſadneſs as betrayd her heart, & let him know more than ſhe would have ſhewed, yet notwithſtanding Gabrias being too deeply engaged in his deſigns of revenge, would not take any notice of her repugnancy: But gave all requiſite orders that the voyage ſhould be very magnificent. For ſince he deſired to cloak the league from all ſuſpition; he publiſhed the marriage of his daughter with Aſtidamus, purpoſely becauſe none ſhould wonder at his going unto Alfenes, nor beleive that it was to confer with Protogenes. So that the marriage of his daughter being the pretext of his voyage, the preparations for it were with all magnificence & noiſe; and Arpaſia was conſtrained to receive the viſits of all thoſe who came to rejoyce with her, for a thing which was the ſaddeſt news in the world unto her, ſo that ſtanding in need of all her patience ſhe was forced to eaſe her heart unto me, and complain againſt the rigor of her fortune. In the mean time, as the ſtate of affairs ſtood, they required all haſte in the buſines, and all things requiſite for the voyage were in readynes; & we departed ſooner then wee expected: Almoſt all the young gallants of any note about Gabrias did wait upon him; and this little Court Errant (that I may phraſe it) had been very pleaſant, if the heart of Arpaſia had not been ſo full of ſecret ſorrowes; ſhe was alſo obliged by her Fathers command to anſwer a Letter which Aſtidamus ſent her; and to anſwer it with all the civility of a perſon who looked upon him as her husband, though truly the letter which ſhee received from him was none of the moſt oblidging, the letter yet was well written and full of wit: Every word was full of civility and reſpect, and yet ſo couched that they were not at all obliging; For there was ſuch a kind of faint luke-warmnes in it as made it neither tender nor paſſionate, but as if it were writen by a man who was not in love, only writ a love letter, becauſe he was obliged, or forced unto it.

You may eaſily imagin what kind of diſcourſe Arpaſia, and I had, during this voyage and ſhe would have none in the Coach with her, but only me, purpoſely to have the liberty of talke; and pretending the heat of the weather, ſhe ſent all her other weomen into other Coaches. ſhe, and I were a whole day together, talking of nothing but her misfortune: and the neerer we drew unto Alfenes, the more her melancholly increaſed. So that being within two dayes journey, ſhe ſeemed as if ſhe were nothing but a lump of ſadneſs. Yet ſhe had the comfort to underſtand that Gabrias would ſtay ſome dayes at a town by the way; untill he were better ſatisfied from Protogenes, in ſome points concerning the treaty, which he would have ended by negotiation before he advanced any further. Yet we were ignorant of the true cauſe of this ſtay; but Gabrias told his Daughter, that the reaſon of it was, becauſe all things for her magnificent reception were not yet in readines. However it was, Arpaſia was glad of the ſtop, though ſhe was ſorry to be ſo neer a place where ſhe was to be miſerable. But Madam, it is requiſite I acquaint you with a paſſage which hapned that day when we were ſo ſad, before we came to the town where we were to ſtay; neer unto which there was a River, over which there was a bridg only of plancks for foot people, but not for coaches, becauſe [Page] it was too weak and narrow: We underſtood alſo from ſome Country people, that the Ford over which the Coach was to paſs, was much obſtructed by rubbiſh which a ſtood had brought with it: and was very dangerous untill it was a little ſcoured; ſo that we came out of the Coach to go over this foot bridge: Gabrias going himſelf to ſee whether the men ſayd true, we ſtayed a long time upon this bridge, beyond which, we eſpied a man of a moſt admirable preſence walking on the other ſide of this River, and who aſſoon as we ſtayed, ſtopped and looked upon us alſo. Arpaſias mind being full of melancholly, ſhe no ſooner ſaw this handſom ſtranger, but imagining him to be ſome friend unto Aſtidamus whom he had ſent unto her Father, ſhe chang▪d her colour, and turning towards me: Alas Niſide, (ſayd ſhe unto me) I ſhould be very ſorry if this ſtranger, who ſeems to be ſo handſom, ſhould proove a meſſenger from Aſtidamus: For I muſt confeſs my averſion to him is ſuch, as I wiſh him only to have fools unto his freinds, and I wiſh my ſelf ſuch a one for his ſake; that he may have a wife worthy of himſelf: Your wiſh, Madam, is ſo unjuſt, (ſayd I unto her) and the execution of it ſo impoſſible, that you make it altogether in vain: But as for this ſtranger, there is no liklyhood that he ſhould be any friend unto Aſtidamus: For if he were, he would advance; and I am confident that he ſtayes only to have the pleaſure of ſeeing you at a neerer diſtance when you have paſſed the bridge: For as we can diſcern him to be very handſom, ſo may he diſcern enough in you to invite his looks, and perhaps (ſayd I unto her laughing, purpoſely to drive her out of her melancholly) if he look upon you but one quarter of an hour longer, he will become a Rivall unto Astidamus: At leaſt his Garb ſpeaks his condition to be worthy of it. I wiſh with all my heart he were (replyed Arpaſia ſuddenly) and I wiſh this man, who ere he be, were ſo far in love with me, as to prevent the deſignes of Aſtidamus, upon condition that I ſhould not love him ſo much my ſelf as to diſturb the quiet of my life. I had thought Madam (ſayd I unto her) that your hatred to Aſtidamus was ſo great, as that you would have gone on with your wiſh without any condition; and that you would rather have been the Lover of this ſtranger, than the wife of the other: Truly, (replyed ſhe) if there were any poſſibility in the propoſition, I ſhould be ſtrangely perplexed if it ſhould be made unto me; for I would do almoſt any thing in the world to keep me from marrying Aſtidamus: As we were talking thus, I ſaw that this ſtranger looked upon Arpaſia very earneſtly, & coming inſenſibly neer the end of the bridge, where he thought ſhe would paſs, he ſeemed as if he liked her a far off, and deſired to ſee her neerer; ſo that we continued talking of him, untill we came out of the Coach, to paſs over the bridge. But Madam, the proſpect being admirably good, eſpecially when we were upon the midſt of the bridge, Arpaſia ſtayed a long time there to delight her ſelf with ſo fair an Object; thinking that ſhe deferred her miſeries ſome munits, in not making any haſt over. Indeed, the place was very delectable: One ſide of the River looked towards the ruines of a ſtately Caſtle, which ſet limits to the eye that way: On the other ſide, the river did ſo turn and wind it ſelf through a great and pleaſant meadow, that one would have thought there had been five or ſixe ſeverall Rivers in one place: But that which rendred the proſpect moſt delightfull, was a rank of mountains beyond the meadows, which riding upon the back of each other, ſeemed to reach the Clouds, and barracado up the Country that way: On the other ſide, towards the town, which ſtood neer this little River, the eye was unlimited, but pleaſingly invited to look upon ſeverall plumps of wood, many pretty hamlets, abundance of Shepheards Cottages, milions of flocks and heards wherewith the plains were covered, ſo as Arpaſia ſtanding in the midſt of this bridge and viewing theſe ruſtick beauties, ſhe ſtayed there, as I told you before; and ſhe ſtayed the longer, becauſe a cloud having masked the Sun, ſhe might do it without any inconveniency: So as by this means, the ſtranger who ſtood at the end of the bridge had time enough to admire her beauty, who being unmasked appeared fairer than ever I ſaw her before: She being a little hot, her complexion was higher than ordinary, and the winds whifling her hair negligently, ſhe often ordred it with her fair hands, ſo as this ſtranger might ſee both them, and her arms incomparably white.

But after a long ſurvey of this beautifull proſpect, Arpaſia paſſed the bridge, the ſtranger never taking his eyes off her, for I confeſſe to you Madam, that I eyed him [Page] as much as he did Arpaſia, though out of a different reaſon: For I looked upon him, only becauſe his admiration at her beauty pleaſed me, and he looked upon her doubtleſs, becauſe he found her the faireſt peice, that ever he had ſeen in his life. However, as ſoon as Arpaſia came neer him, he very reſpectfully ſaluted her; and did his complement ſo handſomly as it was eaſy to perceive that he was a man of quality, and one who had ſeen the world. But after Arpaſia had paſſed the bridge, ſhe ſat down upon a pillar, which time had tumbled down, and half ſunk into the earth, ſince it firſt fell, and the [...]e ſhe did ſit untill her Coach had found out a more convenient ford, and came unto her: All the men went over on horſe-back with Gabrias, and went with him to the town which was cloſe by, and two or three only ſtaying with Arpaſia, ſhe began to talk of ſeverall things: All this while the ſtranger ſtaying in the ſame place with his freind, he ſtill looked upon her, as if he had a great deſire to come neer her: And indeed, fortune favoured his deſign; for Arpaſia being naturally of an inquiſitive diſpoſition, ſhe inquired of every thing that was deſerving it, and wondred to ſee ſuch a goodly pillar as that whereon ſhe [...]ate, in a place where ſhe ſaw no ruins of any building: For the old defaced Caſtle which was one of the beauties of the Country was a great diſtance of it. So that ſhe ſent one of her ſervants to enquire of two men who were neer this ſtranger, for what uſe this ſtately pillar had been? But the two men being only Merchants, they knew nothing of it; but anſwered they were ignorant, yet the curioſity of Arpaſia was fully ſatisfied, for ſince they were neer this ſtranger, he heard what was asked them and what they anſwered. So then he being very glad of an occaſion to talk with one whoſe beauty he ſo much admired, he told Arpaſias Officer that he would come and ſatisfie her curioſity, and after he had asked her name and quality, he addreſſed himſelf very reſpectively unto her.

Madam (ſayd he unto her) I think my ſelf very happy in being yeſterday ſo inquiſitive as to ſatisfie my ſelf in what you deſire to know, becauſe I ſhall this day have the glory of ſatisfying the curioſity of the greateſt beauty in the World. Sir, ſaid ſhe and roſe up to ſalute him, I do ſo little deſerve the commendations which you beſtow upon me, that I cannot chooſe but think you to be a flatterer, at leaſt I can ſee ſo much in the river as I paſſe, as makes me bluſh at the applauſe which you are pleaſed to give me: But noble ſtranger, (ſayd ſhe and gave him not ſo much time as to reply) ſince you know the meaning of this ſtately column whoſe deſtiny is ſo much changed, I beſeech you inform me; I thought to have told you Madam, replyed he, that the deſtiny of this pillar is much greater than perhaps you imagin, for it is a memoriall of the victories of the great Seſoſtris, who heretofore made greater conqueſts then ever any of his predeceſſors did, and whoſe cuſtome was to erect ſuch columns in the Countryes where he obtained his victories, and to ingrave not only his name and country, but to inſculp the valour or the cowardize of thoſe he vanquiſhed: Thus was he wont to eternize the ſhame, or the glory of his enemies, according as they did more or leſs, withſtand his valour, by erecting ſuch columns as here you ſee and ſit upon: He made alſo other ſtatues of himſelf, for two of them are to be ſeen hewed out of moſt admirable ſtone; one of them ſtands in the way between Epheſus and Phoceus, and the other between Sardis and Smirna: But as old time is the ruin of all things ſucceſſively, ſo this pillar hath leſs reſiſted its fading ſtroke, than thoſe ſtatues, which are yet very freſh; however Madam (added he moſt gallantly) the happy fate of this column hath not abandoned it; for ſince it hath the honour to ſerve you for a ſeat, it hath deſerved a freſh erection, to the end alſo, none other ſhould profane it, by ſitting upon it after you: And I know not, (added he and ſmiled) whether if your conqueſts were alſo ingraved upon it, they would not appear to be greater than thoſe of Seſoſtris. Had you reſerved this laſt peice of flattery, Sir (replyed ſhe) I ſhould have told you that I am very ſorry for meeting with ſo nobly accompliſhed a man as you are, becauſe I am ſo ſoon to part from him; but now I muſt tell you, that I think my ſelf happy in parting ſo ſoon, leaſt I ſhould have loſt that right opinion which I have of my ſelf▪ However I give you many thanks Sir for the favours you have done me, in ſatisfying my curioſity. After this, Arpaſia looking better upon the Pillar, ſhe found an old inſcription, which this ſtranger did interpret, and ſo neatly, as it was apparant, he was a man of an excellent wit: And Arpaſia being deſirous to teſtify the [Page] good opinion ſhe conceived of him, ſhe asked him, who he was, in a very obliging manner, It would ſeem very ſtrange Sir, (ſaid ſhe unto him) if I ſhould be inquiſitive concerning this Column and not be as full of curioſity to know the man who hath ſo well informed me, of what country he is, and of what name, and therefore I beſeech you acquaint me with both: Madam (replyed he very modeſtly) I have done ſo little honour unto the country which gave me birth, that I beſeech you give me leave to ſtay untill I have well deſerved from it, before I make it known unto you: And let it ſuffice to acquaint you Madam, that men call me Meliantes without any further knowledge of my Country. Be your Country what it will Sir, replyed ſhe, you deſerve much commendation, and though I have known you but one poor quarter of an hower only, yet I am ſure I ſhall never ſpeak of you but ſhal applaud you. As Arpaſia ſaid ſo, her Coach came up, and Meliantes having anſwered as one who had ſome reaſon not to deſcribe his country, ſhe urged him no further. But Meliantes underſtanding that ſhe was to ſtay in the town, he begged the honour to viſit her, and ſhe was willing to ſatisfie his deſire; ſo that parting very civily from Meliantes, ſhe took Coach, and I with her. But Madam, all the way to the town we talked of nothing but Meliantes and commended his Behaviour, his Garb, his Aire, and his Spirit. Alſo I underſtood ſince, that all the reſt of that day he talked of nothing unto his companion, but of Arpaſias beauty, and after he had a long time talked and walked by the river ſide, he returned to the Town, with his freind, and returned thither with intentions to enquire more particularly of the cauſe of Gabrias his voyage; and indeed he met with a fit opportunity as I ſhall tell you afterwards. On the other ſide, Arpaſia was ſo hugely ſatisfied with Meliantes that ſhe told her Father whom ſhe had met withall, relating how he had informed her concerning the pillar of Seſoſtris: Alſo ſhe enquired of the man at whoſe houſe ſhe lodged, whether he knew ſuch a ſtranger as ſhe deſcribed, but he anſwered that he knew him not, further than that, he had been three dayes in the town, & that he ſeemed to be a man of very good rank adding that the next morning after he came, he ſent a ſervant ſome whither, and ſince that, he did nothing but walk continually with his freind and enquire very particularly concerning the Country. But Madam, whilſt Arpaſia was enquiring concerning Meliantes, Meliantes was alſo enquiring very diligently concerning Arpaſia, and fell in with a ſervant of Gabrias, whom he met in a great plain before the Temple of that town: for ſince all ſtrangers have a particular right to fall into diſcourſe when they meet in a country, in which they are equally ſtrangers, it was an eaſy matter for Meliantes to fail into diſcourſe with this ſervant, who naturally loved to talk, and who told him more than ever Meliantes asked: For he did not only acquaint him, that Gabrias was going unto Alfenes; but he told him alſo, that he was going to marry his Daughter unto Aſtidamus: Further, hinting to him that Arpaſia did not love him, nor was pleaſed with the marriage, and out of his exceſſive zeal to Arpaſia, to juſtify her averſion, he acquainted him with the irregular demeanour of Astidamus.

Thus Meliantes did as perfectly know the ſtate of Arpaſias fortune, as if he had known her from her Cradle: And underſtanding that Gabrias would ſtay ſome dayes in that place, he intended to viſit him the next morning; & accordingly did ſo with his friend whoſe name was Phormion. Since Arpaſia had ſpoken very advantageouſly of Meliantes unto her father, hee entertained him very civily: and his perſon was ſo fitt to pleaſe, and his way was every way ſo noble, that he got a good opinion at the very firſt ſight: For he was bigge; of a noble ſtature; and of an admirable deportment.

Moreover his haire was cheſt nut colour, his face ſomthing long his eyes brown: Teeth white, mouth handſom, and his phyſiognomy ſo ingenious, that it ſpoke him witty before he ſpake: yet he ſpoke moſt excelently well though his accent was ſomthing different from ours▪ and though Meliantes was already knowing in ſo many ſeverall things as it was a wonder conſidering his age, how he ſhould attain unto it; yet his converſation, was naturall and eaſy: and ſpoke with ſuch facilitie, that one might ſee he ſpoke no more than what he knew, though he ſpoke of every thing▪ at leaſt I am ſure, I never heard him ſpeak any thing which I would have unſaid again, alſo he compoſed verſe excellently, and writ admirable proſe; he had a quick fancy, a ſparkling witt, A pleaſant humour; a noble heart, and moſt generous inclinations [Page] he courted all perſons of any extraordinary merit with a ſtrange deſire of acquaintance: and could ſo finely inſinuate himſelf into their ſpirits, that they no ſooner were acquainted with him, but he got their eſteem and affection: All that knew him, knew him to have a moſt tender heart, and paſſionate ſoul: And when he had any deſigne to oblidge any one, he uſed ſuch expreſſions, as when he ſpoke of friendſhip, one would have thought, he ſpoke of love.

Meliantes then being thus amiable did exceedingly pleaſe Gabrias, who deſired his company as long as he ſtayed in that place; he would by all means have him at dinner with his freind Phormion, who without all doubt was a man of much merit: and to compleat his good fortune, Gabrias deſired him to viſit Arpaſia, who dined that day in private: and Meliantes willingly obeying where his own inclination invited him, he went unto Arpaſias chamber, who was glad to ſee him. Since they had already ſo much eſteem of each other, as to deſire an augmentation of it, it ſeemed by their converſation, that they had no deſignes to conceale their wits; & they ſhewed them without any affectation: their diſcourſe were ſo pleaſing & diverting that all the company had ſhares in their joyes of confirming that eſteem which they had of each other. The principal ſubject of their converſings was that univerſall chain of all things in the world; which if one linke be but changed a hundred thouſand linkes will change alſo. For truly (ſaid Arpaſia unto Meliantes very ſweetly) if Seſoſtris had never paſſed out of Affrica into Aſia, perhaps I ſhould never have ſpoken to you: For then he had never erected that pillar upon which I ſate, which was the commencement of our acquaintance: and if old time had not def [...]ced it, I ſhould never have known you; for had the inſcription bin faire, my father would have underſtod it, and I ſhould not have had any need of you. So that I am a debtor unto two very different things, for the pleaſure which I have in your company Firſt unto that illuſtrious conqueror, who erected that Columne. Secondly to time, which did ruin it, and which made me ſtand in need of your help to ſatiſfie my curioſitie. I beſeech you Madam (ſaid Meliantes and ſmiled) remember what you ſay, that if ever my acquaintance ſhould become troubleſome to you, you may ſtill accuſe Seſoſtris and not me: And I ſhould be very glad you ſhould think, there is a fatall neceſſitie upon all things in the world, to the end you may complain aagainſt deſtiny, if ever my viſits become tedious to you. I cannot tell Sir, replied ſhe, whether I ſhould have any cauſe to complain, againſt that which firſt made us acquainted, but I am ſure I ſhall complain againſt you, if you will not acquaint me more preciſely who you are. I have already told you Madam, replied he, one of the reaſons which hinders me, and I ſhall not deſpaire; but hereafter I may tel you the reſt, if I do not acquaint you with what you deſire to know: you ſpeak Sir replied ſhe as if we were to live out all our lives together: and yet in all probability we ſhall quickly part. Since you neither know who I am Madam, replied he, and ſmiled) nor what my buſineſſe is, for ought you know, my buſineſſe is to the place unto which you go. my wiſhes do ſo ſeldom happen (replied ſhe) that I cannot believe that, and I am perſwaded that accompliſhed men are ſo farr from coming unto the place whether I go that I ſhould rather baniſh all that are there. your language Madam, is ſo obliging (replied Meliantes) that though I had no buſineſſeat Alfenes, yet it is my duty to go thither only to make my ſelfe worthy of theſe honours, you have done me. But Madam, to tell you ſomthing of my fortune, be pleaſed to know, that being in an humour of travell, I have ſeen all Greece and having contracted an intimate amity with Phormion my friend unto whom I am obliged for all the pleaſures I have found in his country, I came to ſhew him all Aſia, as he hath ſhewed me all Greece: therefore Madam, having no other buſines but to ſhew him what Aſia hath moſt rare and admirable, I cannot do better than follow you, ſince there can be nothing more excellent then your ſelf: But truly Madam (added he) ſince I finde you to be as full of modeſty as beauty; and that your own deſerved prayſes make you bluſh. give me leave to tell you that I go unto Alfenes only to ſee the ſtrange and admirable lake of Arethuſus which the Tiger croſſed. This being a buſines more rationall than the other (replied ſhe) I ſhall be glad you intend it, and ſhall hope to have your good company the longer. Since Phormion had not the language which Arpaſia ſpoke very perfectly, he ſaid little this firſt viſit: but that little he ſaid, ſpoke him worthy to be the friend of Meliantes.

In the mean time, night drawing on, Arpaſia went to walke in a pleaſant garden [Page] and Mediantes waited upon her, ſo as he ſaw her, and talked with her a whole afternoon together. He returned the ſame night unto Gabrias, and went the next morning unto Arpasia, with whom he was exceedingly charmed, and unto whom he was very welcom: Alſo ſhe ſpoke of him unto me, with many teſtimonies of eſteem. Her averſion to Aſtidamus was a great advantage unto him, and ſhe thought it ſome ſweetneſſe that ſhe eſtemed others more than ſhe did him; But Niſide (ſaid ſhe unto me one evening when Meliantes had ſpent the whole day with her) what think you of this ſtranger? am I not very unfortunate to meet with excellent men for my freinds, and with a husband whom I hate? But alas, my fate is ſad, in meeting with Astidamus in lieu of Meliantes? the one is infinitly agreeable to my mind, The other is a man between whom, and me there is an invincible Antipathy, and yet I muſt paſſe away all my dayes with him: This, this is a rigour which I am not able to endure. Me thinks, this would be a revenge upon this injuſtice, if I ſhould beſtow my eſteem upon Meliantes: and I have every moment a fancy to meet with men whom I can eſteem and love; to the end that when I come unto Alfenes, I ſhould have ſo diſpoſed of all my eſteem and amity, that I ſhould not be able to eſteem or love any I ſhall find there. As for amity Madam, replied I, I conceive that it is limited unto a certain number of perſons, beyond which it cannot go: But as for eſteem I am confident that you being juſt, will, whether you will or no, eſteem all you ſhall think worthy ſo to be; you will eſteem even in Aſtidamus, all that is eſteemable: Truly Niside (ſaid ſhe to me) my thoughts of him are ſuch, as I am not able to do juſtice unto the goodneſſe that is in him: Not but that I do much condemn my ſelf for it, but yet I cannot chooſe and am ſo little miſtreſſe of my ſelf, and the motions of my own heart, that I beleive Meliantes had good reaſon to tell me that all muſt be attributed unto deſtiny: For I am perſwaded that many things which we think we do out of choiſe, are yet indeed done out of a compulſive neceſſity, This then Madam, was the temper of Arpaſias mind, all the while we ſtayed at that place where we met with Meliantes, and our ſtay was longer than we imagined: for many meſſengers and meſſages paſſed between Protogenes and Gabrias concerning buſineſſe which was altogether unknown to me: and which had no relation to any thing but the league which they made againſt the King of Aſſyria, upon which only the marriage of Arpasia did depend. Thus Meliantes did enioy the ſight of Arpasia more in twelve dayes that we ſtayed there, than poſſibly he could in three monthes in a great town: Alſo it may very well be ſayd, that he knew her ſo well that he knew her too much for his tranquility, For he fell as deſperatly in love with her as ever man was, with any: Yet he told none of it at that time except Phormion unto whom he was forced to confeſs his growing affection: leaſt he ſhould thwart his deſign of ſtaying longer at Alfenes then they intended; and as we underſtood ſince he was put unto a pittifull plunge: For Madam, be pleaſed to know, that Meliantes was really called Clidaris, of a family very noble in a Province of Aſſyria, and departing very young from the houſe of his Father, he had travelled ever ſince. But the better to underſtand this adventure, I muſt alſo tel you, that when he departed, he had a ſiſter whoſe name was Cleonide, who at three years of age was ſent to Alfenes by her Father, who had loſt his Wife; and who ſent her thither to be educated with one of his ſiſters, who was married there, ſo as Meliantes had both a ſiſter & an aunt in that place unto which we were to go; but ſuch a ſiſter and aunt as unto whom he was unknown; for his aunt was married in Alfenes before he was born, and his ſiſter was ſo young when he departed, that he could neither know her nor be known; But his greateſt plunge was, that in his ſhewing Aſia unto his friend Phormion, he had been at Samoſates, where his friend fell ſick: And the worſt was he ſtayed there a long time in courting the affection of a ſiſter unto Aſtidamus whoſe name was Argeliſe. For ſince the mother of Aſtidamus loved her daughter very wel, ſhe ſtayed there with her, ſo that Meliantes having made a further progreſs into her affection then ever he hoped, when he firſt began to court her, he now found himſelf put to a cruell plunge, conſidering the preſent ſtate and paſſion of his ſoul. Phormion alſo was much ſurpriſed when he diſcovered his friends love; I beſeech you friend, (ſaid he unto him) do but conſider a little the ſtate of things, ponder upon the ſad ſequells of your paſſion, and the ſmall hopes you have to have in it: For you love a Lady, who within theſe eight days is to be married unto a man, whoſe ſiſter beleives that you will eternally love her: And the truth [Page] is Madam, Argeliſe was of that opinion. Yet thus much muſt be ſaid in Meliantes defence, that ſhe did more contribute unto his Errour than he did; for I have perfectly underſtood ſince that when he firſt ſaw her at Samoſates, his courtſhip was onely a certain particular civility which many would never have phraſed love, though ſhe did ſo interpret it.

But the reaſon why this Lady did ſo eaſily believe people loved her, was, becauſe ſhee knew very well ſhe was amiable, and was perſwaded all men were apter for Love than amity; and that if any man was aſſiduous in his viſits, preſently ſhe thought him to be in Love with her: So that ſince ſhe pleaſed Meliantes, hee ſaw her oft enough to perſwade her he was in Love: and ſhe having a ſtrong inclination to him, ſhee entertained him as a man both loved, and in love with her. But ſince ſhe could not carry it ſo, without Meliantes knowing her thoughts, he complyed very much with her, and did himſelfe thinke he was in Love: For he ſaw that ſhe was faire, that ſhe pleaſed him, and that then he loved none but her. Yet upon ſerious examinion of his thoughts, that kind of affection which he bore unto Argelyſe, was rather a gallant kind of friendſhip, than a violent Love: And yet he hath acknowledged, that when he was ſeparated from her, he beleeved himſelfe in Love, and was never out of that opinion, untill he fell in Love with Arpaſia.

In the meane time, moſt certaine it is, that when he left Argeliſe, he gave her very obliging language: And I am perſwaded that if he had never ſeen Arpaſia, he had continued loving Argeliſe. And indeed, when he reſolved to goe unto Alfenes, and ſhew the Lake of Arethuſus unto Phormeon, his deſigne was to Court the affection of Astidamus, though he had no intention then to make himſelfe known; not thinking it fit to appeare in the place where his Siſter dwelt, untill he was in better equipage. Alſo he left off his right Name, and aſſumed that of Meliantes, purpoſely to diſguiſe himſelfe from Cleonide, untill hee had a Traine proportionable to his Quality: As for his face, ſhe could not know it, for the reaſons aforeſaid.

But Phormion having lamed his Horſe by leaping over a d [...]h, the pretended Meliantes ſent his ſervant unto the next good Towne to get another; and whilſt they ſtayed for his return, the meeting with Arpaſia, made ſuch a ſtrange revolution in the heart and deſigns of Meliantes, that Phormion could not chooſe but wonder to ſee his friend ſo wrapt beyond all reaſon with his paſſion: So as he uſed all his perſwaſions, arguments and reaſons to avert him from this growing paſſion. I had rather never ſee the Lake of Arethuſus (ſaid Phormion unto him) than to go unto Alfenes, and ſee you become the moſt miſerable man alive: And I had rather be the moſt miſerable man upon Earth (replyed Meliantes) than be ſeparated from Arpaſia: But do not think friend (added he) that I have ſubmitted without reſiſtance: No, I have tryed all wayes to quench my flames, and to revive my affection unto Argeliſe. Furthermore, I plainely ſee the odneſſe of my deſigne, and the alteration in my heart towards Aſtidamus is the ſtrangeſt thing in the world: For men may love or hate others whom they do know, and alter their minds, but I think it was never heard, that one ſhould love, or hate a man whom he never ſaw: Yet my deſign was to purchaſe the Love of Aſtidamus, and I have changed my mind before I know him. For though when I came hither, my intention was to love him, yet now I have a diſpoſition to hate him: Truth is, there is a great alteration in the cauſe; for when I firſt ſaw the faire and tempting Arpaſia, I conſidered him as the Brother of my Miſtreſſe, but now look upon him, as my Rivall.

But friend (ſaid Phormion) without any arguments drawn from Argeliſe to cure your new-taken-up paſſion, I will only aske you upon what bottom do you ground any hopes? I ground my hopes (replyed he) upon Arpaſias hating Aſtidamus, and this thought affords me more delight than I am able to expreſſe. But friend, replyed Phormion, though ſhe do hate him, yet ſhe intends to marry him. 'Tis true, ſhe doth ſo, anſwered hee, but ſhe intends it with reluctancy: But if you would have me tell you how ingenious my paſſion is to frame a chimericall hope which hath no foundation but only upon the greatneſſe of my Love: I muſt tell you, my deare Phormion, that Arpaſia cannot chooſe but hate Aſtidamus, and [Page] that ſhe hath done all ſhe is able, to love him, but cannot: and it is not impoſſible but I may be that happy one whom ſhe may deſire to hate, but cannot. Alas Meliantes (ſaid Phormion) that heart muſt needs be too much ſtung with Love, which can forge any ſuch falſe-grounded hopes as theſe. I confeſſe it friend (replyed he) and my folly is not yet ſo great, but I can ſee it: Yet there is no other remedy for my miſery, and therefore I muſt love Arpaſia, and wait upon her to Alfenes. In ſo doing (replyed Phormion) you waite upon her to her Marriage, and perhaps you will ſee Argeliſe there: Oh cruell friend (ſaid Meliantes then) do not blaſt me with ſuch dire predictions, but let me reaſon the matter after my own way: But I pray friend, reylyed Phormion, how can you reaſon it to your owne advantage? Thoſe who never knew how to love (replyed Meliantes) are not able to finde out ſuch reaſons as one that is in Love can: And I believe it is a more eaſie matter for an Aegyptian to underſtand the Language of a Perſian untaught, than it is for a man who is not in Love, to underſtand the thoughts of a Lover: But be it as it will, I will love Arpaſia untill I know that ſhe loves Aſtidamus. But what though ſhe ſhould hate him as long as ſhe lives (ſaid Phormion to him) you yet are not a jot the better. I know not what I ſhall be (replyed he) but I am ſure I cannot do what I would: and though Argeliſe ſhould be there, yet I ſhould not change my mind: Not but that I know very well, my paſſion has a very ill foundation: but yet I will love the faire Arpaſia, though it be only to make it appeare that Love is able to grow and ſubſiſt without any hopes; at leaſt I am ſure the grandure of her beauty will be a good excuſe for my weakeneſſe: and to ſpeake rationally, it is a great injuſtice to deſire any one unto more than he is able; wiſdome would ceaſe to be wiſdome, if it ſhould move one unto impoſſibilities. And therefore my deare Phormion, ſince I am not able to overcome my paſſion, I beſeech you humour me in my weakneſſe: and to make me leſſe miſerable, help me to delude my ſelfe. This Madam, was the ſtate of Meliantes ſoul: Phormion ſeeing it was in vaine to check the love of his friend, and that his diſeaſe did every moment encreaſe, did a little yeeld unto him, and according to his firſt deſign reſolved to goe unto Alfenes.

In the mean time, Meliantes being all complacence unto Gabrias, he quickly got his love: So as making uſe of that amity, and deſiring to be as inſeparable as he could from Arpaſia, he beſeeched Gabrias to let him waite upon him to Alfenes, and that Phormion and he might paſſe in the number of thoſe who waited upon him in this voyage, either to honour him, or to ſatisfie their Curioſity. You may well think, Madam, that Meliantes was not denyed; for ſince his requeſt was agreeable unto the deſire of Gabrias, and an honour unto him, he granted it with much joy. Meliantes alſo carried the matter ſo handſomely, that none could ſuſpect he had any ſecret thoughts in his ſoul: And Arpaſia did thinke that the drift of his requeſt was only to be better received in that petty Court, in which Arpaſia her ſelfe was the faireſt Starr. However, ſince ſhe eſtemed him very much, ſhe was glad of his deſign: and now looking upon him as a friend, whom ſhe was not like to looſe ſo ſoon, ſhe behaved her ſelfe more obligingly towards him; and likewiſe he towards her ſo reſpectively, that ſhee could not chooſe but be very well ſatisfied with him: Alſo ſhe began to ſpeak more ſincerely to him, and forcing her ſelfe leſſe than ordinary, ſhee would ſometimes ſigh before him; and not telling him the cauſe, ſhe would ſhew him ſome of her ſorrows.

But Madam, how joyfull was her ſadneſſe to him? thinking it to be onely an effect of her hatred unto his Rivall. And it often fell out, that this faire one would ſpeake unto mee in his preſence concerning her averſion to Astidamus, thinking that he did not underſtand the meaning; but hee was better informed than ſhe imagined, for he underſtood all as well as I did, and hee was ſo joyed as it may be ſayd that Arpaſias hatred of Aſtidamus was one cauſe of Meliantes Love unto Arpaſia.

But in concluſion, all the Negotiations between Protogenes and Gabrias being ended, Gabrias told his Daughter one Evening, that they muſt depart in the Morning, and that Aſtidamus would meet her half way between that, and Alfenes. You may well imagine how Arpaſia reſented this news, for ſhe had ſome far fetched hopes that perhaps Protegenes and Gabrias would jarr during this long Negotiation, [Page] and that her Marriage with Aſtidamus would break off. Meliantes was alſo as ſad as ſad could be, but he did ſo handſomly palliate the Cauſe, that Arpaſia obſerving him, did imagine that her Sorrows only was the cauſe of his: yet ſhe did force and temper her Grief by her Vertue and Prudence. But when I was alone with her, ſhe would eaſe her heart by complaining: Meliantes alſo for his particular did the ſame, when he was in private with his Friend Phormion.

In the mean time, the Servant of Meliantes being returned in good time, with a very fine Horſe, which he had bought for his Maſters Friend, he prepared to wait upon Gabrias and Arpaſia, and to advance towards his Rivall. It would be extream raſhneſs in me, Madam, to attempt the relation of all Meliantes and Arpaſias thoughts upon this occaſion; for I think it is impoſſible for any to expreſs them, unleſs they were Sufferers in the ſame Predicament with them.

The Miſeries which Arpaſia apprehended drawing neer, and deſiring to eaſe her Soul by Complaints, ſhe would have me only with her in the Coach: Yet I was rather an Aggravater than an Eaſer of her Sorrows; For ſince I verily believed that ſhe muſt of neceſſity marry Aſtidamus, I endeavoured to perſwade her that thoſe good Qualities he had might very well excuſe his bad ones: For truly, Madam, ſayd I, unto her, doubtles he is handſom, he has a good wit, and brave carriage, his company is pleaſant and merry, and if one did not know the irregularity of his behaviour, all things deſirable might be found in him. Moreover, Madam, ſince it is not the cuſtome for Perſons of your Quality to have the liberty of choſing your Husbands, Fortune commonly choſeth them better for you than your Reaſon can. Alas Niſide (ſayd ſhe unto me) your Arguments are but weak Conſolations; I know Aſtidamus hath ſome good perſonall Qualities, and ſo far I could willingly let ſome good ones excuſe the bad ones, but ſince all his Excellencies conſiſt in his Perſon, and ſince all his bad Qualities are in his Inclination and Soul, I cannot poize one againſt another to comfort my ſelf; and there is ſomthing ſo Antipatheous between Aſtidamus and me, as I cannot tell whether the intereſt of mine own Glory be prevalent enough to make me ſacrifice all the Joyes of my life unto him. This, Madam, was the diſcourſe of Arpaſia and me, as we travelled.

As for Meliantes he was in a worſe condition, for Gabrias talked with him all that day, and told him as a great favour that he would preſent him unto Aſtidamus as ſoon as ere they met. At laſt we entred into a great Plaine, and ſaw a body of Cavalry coming out of a Wood towards us: Arpaſia making no queſtion but that it was Aſtidamus, the very ſight had like to have broken all her Reſolutions of conſtraining her ſelf, and if the Plain had been ſhorter, certainly ſhe had wanted time to recollect her ſelf. On the other ſide, Meliantes being upon the point to ſee him who was to enjoy her, he loved; his heart did beat a moſt ſtrange diſorderly March; yet he had one more ſtruggle with himſelf, and endeavoured to look upon Aſtidamus rather as the Brother of Argeliſe, than as the Lover of Arpaſia: but alas all in vain. He no ſooner ſpied this body of Cavalry which appeared, but he looked towards Arpaſia, and endeavoured to obſerve her thoughts, and finding nothing in her face but ſad Meiancholly, he was extreamly well ſatisfied. In the mean time, Gabrias not heeding either the ſadneſs of Arpaſia, nor the Inquietude of Meliantes, he ſayd he would mend his pace, to meet him who was coming towards them, and ſo he did, ſo as Meliantes followed as the reſt did, and made haſt to ſee a man whom he had deſired never to ſee. The Interveiw of Gabrias and Aſtidamus had all the Civilities and Ceremonies uſuall at ſuch meetings: Aſtidamus alighted firſt from his Horſe, and Gabrias after him, and walking towards one another, they embraced with many expreſſions of ſatisfaction. After which Gabrias turned him about, intending to preſent Meliantes unto Aſtidamus, thinking he was behind him. But this concealed Lover deſirous to defer the Embraces of his Rivall, had mixed himſelf with the reſt of his Retinue; ſo as by this means, he was conſtramed to preſent them all as they came up: But when he came unto Meliantes, Gabrias made a more particular Eulogy concerning him, purpoſely to render his Merit the more recommendable unto Astidamus, who received him moſt civily: So as this unfortunate Lover was forced to render unto his Rivall, Civility for Ciuility. Phormion alſo was well received by Aſtidamus, and this Interview paſſed better betwixt Arpaſia and him.

[Page] But to tell you how it was, be pleaſed to know, that whilſt Gabrias was preſenting all his Retinue unto Aſtidamus, our Coach was ſtill advancing, ſo as we came to the place where theſe Complements paſſed, juſt as Aſtidamus had ended: and coming then towards Arpaſia, doubtleſſe it was expected ſhe ſhould command the Coach-man to ſtop: but her mind being extreamely troubled, ſhe ſaid not a word, ſo as the Coach-man went on: And I think, if Gabrias had not cryed out unto him to ſtay, Arpaſia would have let him to drive on, though ſhe ſaw Aſtidamus well enough coming towards her.

On the other ſide, there appeared ſo much diſorder in the Countenance of this Lover, that in all my life I never ſaw the like: For my part, I believe it was an effect of his anger, that Arpaſia would not command her Coach to ſtay; and becauſe he found ſuch a faint coldneſſe in the face of that faire one.

In the meane time, as I deſired to come out of the Coach, to let him have the more liberty of talke with Arpaſia, he would not permit it, but told Gabrias, who preſented him to his Daughter, that Protegenes expected them with much impatience, and that he would not retard him from a benefit which he wiſhed ſo much to receive one, which he did not deſerve. Aſtidamus, Madam, ſpake this with a kind of forced Civility, though naturally he had a free way, and aire with him: ſo as it was eaſie to perceive that his minde was perplexed. Many who obſerved the agitation of his ſoule, did believe this to be an effect of the Grandure of his paſſion: but for my part, I always believed it to be an effect of his anger.

In the mean while Meliantes, who ſlunk away when Gabrias ſhould have preſented him unto Astidamus, he drew as neer as he could poſſible, to ſee the meeting of Arpaſia and him; and indeed he got ſo neer, that he could obſerve every motion in their countenances, eſpecially in Arpaſias, whom he eyed more then hee did Aſtidamus: for preſuppoſing him to be in love with her, hee never looked in his eyes: But hoping to find ſome ſparks of averſion in the eyes of Arpaſia, he obſerved her with ſo much attention, that whoſoever ſaw him, might plainly perceive that he was deeply concerned in the buſineſſe. At leaſt Phormion told me ſo ſince; for my part, I looked upon none but Aſtidamus only, and wondred to ſee ſo much diſcontent in his face at a time when he ſhould have been all joy, that I know not what to think. However, after ſome ſhort and ſlight Complements the Coach went on: Gabrias, Aſtidamus, and all the reſt took Horſe and went before: So as I being at liberty to ſpeak my thoughts unto Arpaſia, I told her ſhe did not well in not commanding the Coach to ſtay: Alas Niſide (ſaid ſhe to me) I never thought upon any ſuch command: and had I followed my owne inclination, I ſhould have given a command quite contrary: But Niſide (ſaid ſhe to me) I think it very ſtrange, that in lieu of upbraiding Aſtidamus for his faint and hollow accouſt, you do accuſe me, and not him. Since Madam, your incivility did precede his faintneſſe (ſaid I very boldly unto her) I muſt heare him ſpeak, before I can wonder at his proceeding: For I do verily believe, that his anger at what you did, was the cauſe of his cold behaviour. However it be (ſaid ſhe) hee did me a very great pleaſure in receiving me no better; yet I am very angry at it. To be pleas'd and angry both at one thing, replyed I, is very ſtrange: Yet I am both (replyed ſhe) for my joyes at what he hath done, proceeds principally from his angrying me. Truly Madam (ſaid I unto her) you move mee to abundance of pitty, to ſee you ſo carefull to hate a man with whom you are to paſſe away all your life. Since I am ſure (anſwered ſhe) that it is abſolutely impoſſible I ſhould ever love him: my beſt courſe is to finde ſome comfort in my hatred of him, and that I do perſwade my ſelfe it is juſt, leaſt I ſhould be conſtrayned to accuſe my ſelfe.

In the mean time, being come to the River Tigris, Aſtidamus by orders from Protogenes, did make us take upon the left hand, purpoſely to ſhew Arpaſia the Lake of Arethuſus, through which the Tigris paſſeth, and never mingles waters. Afterwards, turning towards the Towne, we entred at a Port towards the Plaine, where Gabrias and Arpaſia received many Complements from Protogenes, I ſhall omit the tedious relating how all the Inhabitants of the goodly Towne were in Armes; how all the ſtreets were full of people, how the windows were adorned with Ladies of quality, and how Protogenes ſtood expecting at the gate of his [Page] Palace, not being able to goe any further. Since this meeting had nothing obſervable in it, I ſhall paſſe it over: Yet I muſt tell you, how Aſtidamus having recollected himſelfe out of that diſorder of mind, the cauſe of which we do not know, he helped Arpaſia out of her Coach; and after Protogenes had ſaluted her, did waite upon her to her Chamber, ſo as now the Torments of Meliantes and Arpaſia did begin to double. Yet Aſtidamus did not trouble her that night: for ſince ſhe feined her ſelf to be very weary, he left her to the liberty of her reſt: But the next morning ſhe muſt prepare her ſelf to receive the viſits of all the perſons of quality in Alfenes of both ſexes. It was ſome comfort unto her that Aſtidamus came not neer her all that day; for ſince Protogenes could neither goe nor ride, by reaſon of ſome infirmities, it was the Office of Aſtidamus to ſhew Gabrias all the Town: but in exchange, Meliantes ſpent all the day with Arpaſia, and was a witneſſe of all the viſits which ſhe received: So as knowing the names of his Aunt, and ſiſter, which dwelt in Alfenes, though he knew not their faces, nor they him, he care ully asked the names of all the Ladies which came into Arpaſias Chamber, and long he aſked in vaine: But at laſt towards evening, there came a grave Lady well in yeares, and a young one following, admirably faire, whoſe names hee alſo enquired: and preſently he was told that the ancient Ladies name was Ferinte, and the young ones Cleonide, ſo as now he knew the one to be his Aunt, and the other his Siſter. Yet he would not make himſelfe known unto them; nor truſt himſelfe unto two perſons whoſe tempers he did not know: nor would he tell Phormion which were they, nor could Phormion know which were they vnleſſe Meliantes told him, becauſe he knew not their names, only knew that he had an Aunt, and a Siſter at Alfenes. However Cleonide being the faireſt and moſt lovely of all that Arpaſia had ſeen in Alfenes, ſhe received her with as particular civility, as if ſhe had known her to be the ſiſter of Meliantes.

This Lover flattering his paſſion, and obſerving the ſweetneſſe of Arpaſia unto Cleonide, he imagined that it was rather an effect of a ſtrong inclination than of beauty: So as making this application unto his advantage, he hoped that perhaps ſhe might have the ſame inclination unto the Brother which ſhee had unto the Siſter. But the very truth is, Arpaſia did only render juſtice unto the merit of Cleonide: And indeed Madam, a more amiable perſon could not be upon earth than ſhe; for not only all the features of her face were ſo many particular beauties, but alſo ſhe had the Aire of a high beauty; and all the charmes which ſweetneſſe it ſelfe could infuſe into faire eyes, were queſtionleſſe in hers: Shee had alſo ſuch a kind of paſſionate Languor, as whoſoever ſaw her, could not chooſe but thinke themſelves bleſt in her Love: Moreover ſhe ſpoke admirably well, and was ſuch a profeſſed Enemy unto all kind of detraction, that ſhee would give even her Enemies a good word when they deſerved it: And if any fault could be found in Cleonide, it was in having a ſoul too apt to truſt ſuch as promiſed amity; for as ſhe would deceive none, ſo ſhe thought none would deceive her: and yet this fault did make her appear much more amiable, becauſe ſhe was the very Embleme of ſincerity, and that confidence which ſhe had in others, did make her much more charming: Yet ſhe was a little ſad the firſt day Arpaſia ſaw her: And Aſtidamus after he had carryed Gabrias unto the Chamber of Protogenes, he entred into that of Arpaſia, who redoubled her commendations when ſhe ſaw him, telling him that ſhe admired he ſhould never ſpeak of Cleonides beauty, when Protogenes ſent him unto Gabrias. Arpaſia wondred alſo he ſhould never mention her unto her. This obliging civility of Arpaſia did not only make her unto whom it was addreſſed to bluſh, but alſo it made ſome alteration in the face of Aſtidamus; and made him anſwer as if he were a little non-pluſt. Yet thoſe who tooke notice of it, believed that the reaſon was, becauſe he was unwilling to commend one beauty in the preſence of another. As for Meliantes, he conceived (as he told me ſince) that had he been in the room of Astidamus, he ſhould have been anſwered otherwiſe; for my part (ſaid he, and ſpoke unto Arpaſia) I am fully perſwaded Madam, that ſuch a beauty as yours does ſo much take up the thoughts of thoſe who behold it, that they have not the liberty of remembring any other. You have very good reaſon, Sir, to ſpeak as you do (replyed Cleonide) being a little netled) and I aſſure you, I ſhould think my ſelfe much obliged unto that perſon who ſhould think of me in the preſence of Arpaſia.[Page]Meliantes knowing that Cleonide was his Siſter, and that it would be known to all hereafter, he valued not his ſiſters anger, at his under-valuing her beauty, and attributing all unto Arpaſia, imagining that when ſhe knew him to be her Brother, ſhe would pardon him.

In the mean time, ſince ſhe knew it not, ſhe could not chooſe but contradict Meliantes in all his diſcourſe. As for Aſtidamus, he was ſo backward in any obliging expreſſions unto Arpaſia, that every one took ſpeciall notice of it: She herſelfe alſo perceived it as well as the reſt, and better: So that after all the company was gone out of her Chamber, ſhe ſpoke unto me with ſo much anger, as made me pitty her. Would not any one ſay that heard Aſtidamus ſpeak (ſaid ſhe unto me) that he was already my Husband? and conceiving it fit not to commend the beauty of his Wife, he durſt not ſpeak to me at all: Judg I beſeech you what he would do, if I ſhould marry him. I profeſſe he behaves himſelfe ſo oddly, that if a ſtranger were in the company; and were told that I had a Lover amongſt them who was to marry me, he would never gueſs it to bee Aſtidamus, but would rather think it Meliantes: And to ſpeak the very truth, Aſtidamus looks like a Husband daſht out of countenance with the commendations that is given to his Wife: and Meliantes talks like a brave and civill Gallant, though he be none of mine.

For my part Madam (ſaid I unto her, though I thought it not) I think Aſtidamus is ſo deeply in Love with you, that he is out of his wits, for he was no ſuch man the firſt time I ſaw him, Fie, fie, Niſide (ſaid ſhe unto me) if Aſtidamus were out of his wits for the love of me, and did commit any incivilities, they would be of another nature: and hee would ſooner diſoblige all at the beauties in Alfenes then diſoblige mee as he hath done, in commending mee ſo faintly as hee hath done. As ſoon as Arpaſia had ſaid ſo, ſhe received very welcome news from Gabrias, for a ſervant of his came to acquaint her from him in ſecret, that Protogenes and he were reſolved not to proceed unto the Marriage of Aſtidamus and her, untill they had ſent to ask the new King of Aſſyria's leave, & not to break off with him till the Armie of Cyrus was in the Field, which was not yet neere them enough to declare without danger: adding, that in the mean time they would give ſecret orders to make ſure of the Souldiers, to the end that when they did declare they might be conſiderable unto that Prince whoſe part they ſhould take. Arpasia hearing that her miſery was at leaſt deferred, ſhe was joyed beyond all expreſſion.

On the other ſide, Meliantes learning to know the paſſions of others by his own, he thought that Aſtidamus was not in Love with Arpasia: ſo that applying himſelfe to diſcover his thoughts, he obſerved him with all vigilancy: and the truth is, when Aſtidamus did ſtraine himſelfe to ſpeak Arpaſia faire, one might plainly ſee that his ſpirit had not its ordinary liberty, but was in a continuall conſtraint. Moreover, the preſence of Arpaſia was no hinderance unto him from ſpending moſt of his time in ſuch diverſions and recreations as moſt ſuited with his own inclination, as much as if ſhe had been abſent; for he played both night and day at thoſe ſports and games which the Lydians invented: Alſo hee uſed many obſcure and unknown viſits, and none knew how he ſpent halfe his time, nor what he did. But though Aſtidamus was very ſlow in his viſits of Arpaſia, yet Meliantes was very aſſiduous, and was continually with her, with whom he was grown a moſt intimate Confident.

However, Protogenes being noble and magnificent every way, he made continuall Feaſts and Banquets; and amongſt the reſt, he prepared one moſt gallant, to ſet forth the variety of the Arethuſean Lake: And the better to deſcribe it unto you Madam, give me leave to ſpeak ſomething of the courſe of that famous River which runs by Alfenes, and croſſeth the Lake of Arethuſa; for indeed Madam, the River Tygres hath this particularity, that one little ſpring which riſeth from the Mountain Nithates is the Mother of this River. Truth is, it doth not all the way own the ſame name; for being very gentle in its firſt ſource, the Inhabitants of the Countrey do call it Diglito, as much as to ſay, ſlow, and lazie: and it doth not take the name of Tygres, which ſignifies an Arrow, untill by falling from ſome grounds which it doth water, it hath gotten the rapidity and ſwiftneſſe of an Arrow; and when it comes to Alfenes, where that great and famous Lake of Arethuſa is, it runs through it with ſuch impetuoſity, that its waters doe not mingle with it: and the [Page] Fiſhes being carryed by the violence of its courſe, do not mingle with thoſe of the Lake; nor thoſe of the Lake, with them of the River.

On the contrary, this turbulent water is ſo oppoſite unto the nature of thoſe Fiſhes which the Lake doth nouriſh, that they never come neer the place where the River runs: ſo as it may very truly be ſayd, the Lake and the River are continually together, and yet always ſeparate, ſince they never mingle. This River hath beſides many ſingularities which are worthy of curioſity: but I muſt not inſiſt upon them, becauſe it is my buſineſs to ſpeak of the Lake and the Feaſt which was made upon it: and only to let you know, that Protegenes having a deſire to make it appeare that all the wonders of the Lake were true, his deſign was to make a very noble Feaſt upon it, ſince it had more variety of diverſion than any other. 'Tis true, that Aſtidamus was very buſie at this Feaſt, and took great care of it: and had he behaved himſelfe towards Arpaſia, as he ought to have done when he ſpake unto her, ſhe had good reaſon to be well ſatisfied with this magnificence. Yet juſtice muſt be done unto Meliantes upon occaſion, for he did contribute much unto the inventions of this: And the better to deſcribe unto you, Madam, be pleaſed to know; That as ſoon as Dinner was done, all the Ladies accompanied with thoſe men who were to wait upon them, came unto the banks of the Lake, the Ladies in Coaches, the men on Horſes: Yet before I tell you what wee found there, and what we ſaw, I muſt repreſent unto you that Noble and lovely Proſpect which that place did offer unto the eye. Imagine that you ſaw a Lake of ſo large an extent as it ſeemed to be a little Sea; but a Sea moſt ſerene and calme, where no waves or billows were toſſed by the windes; and where the waters were only frizled by ſuch a gentle gale which did not threaten any ſhipwrack. And imagine alſo you ſaw afarr off a great and pleaſant Countrey watered by the River Tygris; which coming with impetuous force enters into this Lake which croſſeth it, and as I told you before, keeps ſtill its naturall ſwiftneſſe: So as in the midſt of this quiet and ſleeping water, may be ſeen this turbulent River, rowling its waves one after another with ſuch precipitation, as if it would over-flow a pleaſant Meadow, neer which ſtands the Town of Alfenes.

The very colour of the waters are ſo different, as it is moſt apparent they doe not mingle: But that which renders this object the more beautifull, is two ſtately Pavillions built at the entrance; and at the iſſue of the River, into, and out of this Lake, purpoſely to ſee more conveniently the wonderfull paſſage of this River, and to view the pleaſant proſpect. But Madam, to return from whence I digreſſed, give me leave to tell you, that when all the company was come to the Lake, there was thirty little Barques painted and gilt with ſtately Tents and Canopies, to umbrage the Ladies from the Suns heate, ſo as ſince every Barque would hold eight or ten perſons, beſides thoſe who guided it; there might be in each ſo much good company as not to trouble one another: and as commonly every one ſtrives to ſuit their company to their beſt content, it is to be believed that every one was well pleaſed that day. For none was forced into any particular [...]arge, but every one culled themſelves as they beſt liked, without any Ceremony, or conſideration of Ranke. Yet it was not altogether ſo: for ſince ſome out of their Prudence do conſtrain themſelves, there were ſome who were not placed where they deſired to be.

Arpaſia being much taken with Cleonide, ſhe would needs have her and two others in her Barge, where alſo ſhe was pleaſed to have me. Alſo ſhe deſired Meliantes to be there; and as for Aſtidamus he muſt be there for more reaſons than one. As for Protogenes and Gabrias, they were in another, with others ſutable to their gravity and age. But when theſe thirty Barges were all filled, and the pleaſant Fleet began to ſaile upon the Lake, it made the moſt delightfull object in the world. Beſides theſe thirty Barges which were deſigned for the Company, there were many others which held Muſitians and Servants, which made a moſt melodious harmony upon the waters. Beſides theſe, there were other deſigns for Fiſhers in the River, that it might be apparently ſeen, the Fiſhes which were taken in the one, were not the ſame with the other, although the River run through the Lake. And indeed Madam, the wonder is without any doubt: For our Fleet being ſometimes upon the Lake; and ſometimes upon the River Tygris, we ſaw their Nets full [Page] of fiſhes twenty ſeverall times, and never found one fiſh of the lake in the nets that were caſt into the river, Nor one fiſh of the river in any net that was caſt into the Lake. though the nets were thrown at a very conſiderable diſtance, ſo as the ſight ſeemed to be incredible. but it was extream delightfull to be ſomtimes in the calm, and ſomtimes upon the rough waters: For when we were upon the Lake, we moved unperceiveable, and it might be tearmed rather a ſliding than a ſailing, but when we paſſed from the lake on to the current of the river, we perceived the motion as if it were upon the ſea, ſo as we were moſt of our time upon the lake where we found moſt pleaſure and moſt ſafety: and yet there was not one perſon who was not deſirous to be upon both. But after variety of delights upon the waters, we rowed towards the ſtately pavilion which was erected at the entrance of the river Tigris into the lake of Arethuſus. After landing, all the Ladyes were conducted into a great and ſtately chamber, open on four ſides, the better to enjoy this goodly proſpect: As for the men, after they had waited upon the Ladyes into this chamber, they mounted themſelves upon horſes which waited for them upon the banks of the river and in a hunting equipage, they prepared themſelves. For Protogenes had cauſed ſeverall wild beaſts to be taken in Toyles and brought thither, and let looſe; purpoſely to divert the Ladyes. Thus all the gallants were turned hunters, and the Ladyes out of windows ſpectators, the chaſe began, but could not run out of the Ladyes ſight, becauſe the Lake and the river did bound them on both ſides, & Protogenes had ſtopped the paſſages on the other ſides with toyles, and armed men: So as the Chaſe ran twenty times under the window of the Ladyes; all the men being admirably well horſ'd, their habits rich and handſom, this hunting moved much delight. But after the hunting and the fiſhings were ended, and after the hunters and Fiſhers had offered the fruits of their labour unto Arpaſia, the Ladyes were conducted a ſtory higher, where to our wonder we found a moſt rare collation full of magnificence and variety: yet this was not the concluſion of the diverſion; for after we were riſen from the Table, we went down again into the room where we viewed the hunting, and where a Ball began. I ſhall not make any preciſe relation of the Paſſages there; nor how unquiet Aſtidamus appeared: but give me leave to tell you Madam, that Arpaſia appeared moſt admirably fair; and that Cleonide appeared as ſhe was, for though it be very difficult to find two great beauties together, and the one not ecclipſe the other, yet the beauty of theſe two being very different, they both preſerved their own Luſters. But as for all the reſt of the Alfenian beauties, though very ſair, yet they muſt all ſubmit unto Arpasia and Cleonide. Amongſt the reſt of this aſſembly, there was one who muſt needs have a ſhare in my diſcourſe, who though ſhe had no pretence in the earth unto any beauty, yet medled with all the beauties that ever came within the compaſs of her acquaintance: for I do verily beleive Madam, that ſince the time that detraction, and ſlander firſt began, there was never any ſo excellent at it as ſhe: and conſidering the univerſall hatred which ſhe bore unto all her acquaintance, one would ſay, ſhe would be revenged upon all mankind; becauſe the Gods had made her no fairer than ſhe was. She would deſcant as boldly upon the faults of others, as if ſhe had none her ſelf. Yet moſt certain it is, ſhe was very neer of reſemblance unto all that was uglyand diſagreeable; yet ſhe had ſuch a kind of bold confidence as made men hardly dare to think of her, as ſhe deſerved.

And yet for all that, there were ſome men, even rationall men, who both ſaw her, and courted her, though I am perſwaded there was ſome ſecret malignity of ſpirit in them which made them to take delight in thoſe continuall backbitings and ſlanders, which ſhe vented. Moreover, all the malicious minded men in Alfenes did ſo flock unto her with ſuch tales, as was fewell to her detracting humour, that none had better intelligence than ſhe. Moreover, as there were many men in reſpect of their own honours would not ſpeak ſo ill of others as ſhe did, becauſe they had an appearance of virtue; ſo they arrived at their deſired end by contracting confidence with this perſon, whoſe name was Alcianipe: Thus ſparing themſelves the labour of detracting they did as much hurt by ſetting her on, as if they themſelves had vented the ſlander, yes and more; for ſince it was the accuſtomed practiſe of Alcianipe to ſlander, ſhe was grown wonderfull ingenious in it: And for my part, I cannot chuſe but wonder at her memory of things: For Madam, if [Page] there were any family in Alfenes, which pretended unto Antiquity, ſhe would frame their Genealogy after her mode, and ſo as ſhould make you beleive it was otherwiſe than as they pretended. Moreover, if any one of a family had committed any fault, though three ages ſince; yet all the family muſt be branded with it, and ſhe would ſay it was a vice hereditary to all the houſe, As for the beauty of women ſhe never commended any, but when it might ſerve her turn to make her paſs for a gallant, or make her husband jealous. If ſhe were to be credited, there was not a rich man in all Alfenes, nor any one that was noble nor a man that had not betrayed his freind, nor a woman that had not ſome private correſpondency of gallantry.

Again, ſhe would play at ſmall games, rather than ſit out, and exerciſe her ſelf in trivall ſcandalls, every woman if fair, was alwayes five or ſix years elder with her than with any elſe, and ſhe had a wit ſo fit for ſuch ſlanders, that ſhe would make any almoſt beleive her. For ſhe would dreſs up her lyes with ſuch probable circumſtances, as none could think ſhe could invent them: And though ſhe was known unto all the world to make open profeſſion, of ſpeaking all upon all, without any exception, yet there were a ſort of men who did beleive her: Furthermore, ſince ſhe had made her ſelf to be extreamly feared, many women would viſit her, although they knew well enough, that as ſoon as they were out of her houſe, ſhe would give a Character to all thoſe that remained: Yet ſince, they had a conceit that ſhe would ſpeak worſt of them, if they did not viſit her, they did ſee her though they never eſteemed or loved her: And ſince many women are more joyed to hear ill ſpoken of ſuch as they love not, than they are greived to hear ill of themſelves, they came to receive that ſatisfaction from Alcianipe, at the hazard of expoſing themſelves unto her Satyricall laſh; ſo as by this means ſhe was as much viſited, as if ſhe was the beſt woman in the world. For my part, I confeſs, I have grumbled at my friends a thouſand times for going to her, and I never went, but when I was forced, for I do hate, as I do the Devill ſuch perſons as ſpit all venome, and never ſpeak any truth but when it may do hurt. Moreover, Alcianipe, did ſpeak exceeding well, and made choiſe of ſuch good phraſes to ſet out her lyes, that none living would imagin ſhe forged them.

This Alcianipe was at this feaſt, but ſhe came thither with deſign to make falſe Deſcriptions of all that were there, unto Meliantes, who as chance would have it, ſate next her; whilſt Astidamus took out Arpaſia to dance, and he hath ſince told me, that ſhe had a laſh at every one in the company, not excepting Arpaſia, who ſhe ſaid was ſcurvily dreſt that day, though heaven knows ſhe was never better in her life.

In the mean time, all the men of quality who followed Gabrias, being very deſirous to know all thoſe of that petty Court, there was one whoſe name was Pelinthes, who as any man took any Lady out to dance, he asked [...]heir names and qualities; and ſhe anſwering alwayes according to her humour, Meliantes being one on ſide, and he on the other, they put a thouſand queſtions to her. I beſeech you (ſaid Pelinthes, ſeeing a Lady of a good preſence and quality) tell me who that Lady is? If you ſhould judge of her by the Grandure of her air (replyed ſhe) you would think her to be ſome kin to the Gods, and to ſay the truth (added ſhe, to palliate her ſcandall) ſhe is a very admirable Lady, for every action and word of hers ſpeaks her of a royall race, yet heavens know, her grandfather was no better than a poor ſtranger, whoſe Originall the Gods do know and none elſe, and thoſe who are acquainted with her can tell you, ſhe ſmells of the buſineſſe of her anceſtors in all her inclinations, and though ſhe looks more like a Queen than a Subject, yet ſhe ſpeaks as if her education were amongſt the baſeſt ſort of peſants: her carriage alſo diſpleaſeth, ſhe cannot ſo much as make a curteſy as others do, and has a moſt ill favored gate: yet truly to ſpeak truth, ſhe is a very good woman. I beſeech you (ſayd Meliantes and interrupted her) what man is that who is in the corner of the room, and ſeems to be ſo melancholly? and what makes he here at a feaſt of joy, in ſo ſad a poſture? Truly Sir (ſaid ſhe) it is no wonder he ſhould be ſo ſad, for there are very few men who can indure their wives ſhould love all the World; and as gallant as you are Sir, if you were in his room, confident I am, you would be as much perplexed as he is, for that gay and frolik Lady who you ſee at the other [Page] end of the room, and courted by ſo many men is his wife. I do verily beleive her virtuous (added ſhe) but yet ſhe lives very ſuſpitiouſly. The truth is, ſhe cares not for her husband, ſhe is perpetually from home, and co [...]r [...]ed continually by a croud of gallants, whilſt her poor husband for his honours ſake dare hardly ſhew himſelf, but ſleeps at home.

In the mean time, Tis he who pays for all the entertainment the wife makes unto her gallants, and for her rich dreſs which invites them to her, and I beleive alſo pa [...]es for the pictures which ſhe beſtowes upon her Adorers, and ſhe is as jolly a Lady as ever lived unto thoſe who viſit her, and will take no notice of her behaviour, or her husbands miſery.

I am ſure (replied Pelinthes, and ſhewed her another Lady, who appeared very melancholly) that yonder Lady does not put her husband unto any ſuch ſorrows, at leaſt ſhe hath not the garb of gallantry. Truth is (ſaid ſhe) ſhe does not make him jealous; but ſhe torments him as bad another way: For ſhe being a well accompliſhed woman, ſhe thinks him too highly obliged unto her, and puts him to abundance of torment, for ſhe is ſo jealous, as that ſhe hates all the women ſhe ſees, and puts incivilities upon them, yet truly I think ſhe cannot be accuſed of gallantry, for I beleive her virtue was never put to the teſt. I ſee another, next her (replyed Meliantes) who looks high enough to ſcorn her husband if ſhe have one, you are not miſtaken Sir (ſaid ſhe) for ſhe being of a better family than him ſhe married, ſhe treats him more like a ſlave than a husband, and the worſt is, becauſe he is inferiour unto her. ſhe admits of gallants inferiour unto him. Her Injuſtice is ſo great (repli'd Pelinthes) that I wil no longer look upon her; but had rather ask you who the man is which is behind her, & is ſo magnificent? would not any one think, ſaid ſhe, that he was the owner of all the riches in the coffers of Craeſus? and yet he is only a man of fortune witbout any Eſtate, nor can any tell how he lives: Some think that his expences are at the coſt of other men, and I beleive the man who ſtands next Arpasia, prays for it, However, he whom you ſee next Protogenes, is hugely rich, but extreamly covetous: The other next him is abominably prodigall though poor; that young Lady not far off him, is as very a goſſip as ever lived, ſhe in the blew is as crafty as ever lived, and that other in the carnation ribands, is the moſt envious woman a live; for ſhe is vexed to the heart if any other have any thing that is good. After his, Alcianipe looking upon all the company, and without any intreaties from Meliantes or Pelinthes, ſhe began a moſt bitter invective and falſe, Satyricall Character of every one there.

Meliantes, ſeeing ſhe had a good word from none. reſolved to ſpeak of his rivall, and Alcianipe after a hint upon the ill dreſſe of Arpasia, ſhe began to commend her highly, on purpoſe to have a better occaſion of blaming Aſtidamus: For (ſayd ſhe unto Meliantes) Conſidering his behaviour unto her, one would ſay that he did not think her fair, but tis no wonder (added ſhe) for he is one of the moſt irregular minded men in the world; and had I been acquainted with Gabrias. I would have hindred him from giving his daughter unto a man of ſuch a temper, then did ſhe begin to tell him of all the extravagancies of Aſtidamus, [...]g a hundred things more than ever were true, but I am the moſt miſtaken woman in the world, (ſaid ſhe) if Aſtidamus have not ſome ſecret haunts which withdraweth his mind from Arpaſia: for he ſom [...]imes goes out very early, and comes in very late and none knows where he hath been, and ſomtimes an unknown meſſenger brings him letters, but tis no matter, I ſhall know the intrigue of the buſineſs within this eight dayes, and ſhall ſet ſo many ſpies upon him, that it ſhall be hard for him to eſcape me.

Oh I beſeech you let me a have ſhare in your confidence (ſaid Meliantes then unto her very earneſtly,) with all my heart ſaid ſhe, upon condition that in your obſervation of Aſtidamus, you will acquaint me with all your diſcoveries. You may well imagin Madam, that Meliantes did willingly promiſe her what ſhe deſired, ſo their treaty ended, they parted, and all the company broke up. And the ſame barges which brought us thither, carried us back, for the Moon being at the full, and the heavens cleer and ſerene, Protogenes foreſaw it would be the moſt pleaſant returning in the night: And indeed Madam, I do not think there ever was a more pleaſant voyage than this of the night, the day being nothing comparable [Page] unto it, and univerſall ſilence raigned all over, and was not interrupted by any thing but only the no [...]e of oares, a gentle waft of wind brought the perfumes of the meadowes upon the water: The Moon and the Stars were as well in the Lake as in the Firmament. But queſtionleſs, the greateſt pleaſure was in the converſation of Arpaſia, Cleonide, Meliantes and Aſtidamus, for all returned in the ſame Barge in which they came. When we had put off from ſhoar, and diſcourſed a little upon the fineſſe of the night, Arpaſia having already heard enough concerning Alcianipe, and taking notice how Meliantes talked a long time with her, ſhe began to ch [...]de him, and tell him that ſhe could hardly pardon the choiſe he made: For to make uſe of a compariſon which the place affords me, ſaid ſhe, The fiſhes in the river Tigris mingle not themſelves with thoſe of the Lake, nor they of the Lake with thoſe of the river, even ſo would I have all the world do, for though the good and the bad be promiſciouſly together in the world, yet I would never have them to mingle; but after the example of theſe fiſhes keep apart: Let the virtuous never have any commerce with the vicious, let the good be with the good, and the bad with the bad, the angry with the angry, the merry with the merry, wits with wits, fools with fools, and ſo like to like will ever be moſt ſutable: I would not have Meliantes who is the freeſt man alive from detraction, hold conference with the moſt ſcandalizing woman upon earth. I give you thanks Madam (replyed Meliantes) for your wiſe advice; but perhaps Madam (ſaid Cleonide, who owed Meliantes a ſpite ſince the firſt meeting) your are not ſo juſt as you imagin your ſelf, for I can put very ſmall difference between him that can with delight hearken unto detraction, and her who doth detract, and therefore ſince Meliantes made choiſe of Alcianipes company, you do him too great a favour to ſay he is the freeſt from detraction of any man alive; for had he been a hater of it, he would have changed place, and betook himſelf unto better company than hers, he applied himſelfe unto.

Perhaps (replyed Meliantes and ſmiled) the fair Cleonide will repent of the wrong ſhe does me, when ſhe knowes me a little better; and in the mean time, I muſt tell her, that it was chance only, that brought me unto that place, where I met Alcianipe: And my curioſity to know, whether all the reports of her were true, made me hold diſcourſe with her. However, replyed Aſtidamus, I beſeech you tell us, how you found her? Though to ſay, that Alcianipe was a little free in telling me her thoughts of every thing; does not imply that ſhe is detractive (replyed Meliantes) yet I muſt not tell what ſhe ſaid; but I had rather commend what the fair Arpasia hath ſaid, than to blame Alcianipe for what ſhe ſaid: And the wiſh which the fair Arpasia made is altogether juſt, for fortune is moſt injurious in indiſſoluably linking the intereſts of perſons who are of an oppoſite humour together, and forcing them to live miſcelaniouſly together when they may finde others, who are more ſutable to their humour. I am confident (added Arpasia,) that there is no town in the world where ſuch an equall partition may not be made, and where every one may pleaſe himſelf in his own Quarters, without going unto others. Where on the contrary, as things are diſpoſed, there are few men who are not weary of what they are obliged to do, and of the the perſons whom they are obliged to ſee, ſo it would be better if every one might pleaſe themſelves. Tis true, replied Aſtidamus, it were very well if it could be ſo, and if it could, I beleive few would ſtay in the place where they are, I beleive (ſaid one of the Ladies in the company) there would be a change in moſt of the barges upon the Lake. Truly, I am ſo little worthy to be where I am (replyed Meliantes moſt modeſtly) that I ſhould fear abaniſhment. Indeed you have talked with Alcianipe ſo long, (replyed Arpasia and ſmiled) that you do almoſt deſerve it: but ſince, I am perſwaded you talked with her, only to convert her from ſpeaking ill of others, I aſſure you by my conſent you ſhould not change your place. For my part (ſaid Aſtidamus, not ſo much as looking upon Arpasia) I am ſo well where I am, that rather than paſs into another, I would throw my ſelf into the lake, that teſtimony of affection which you expreſs unto the company (replyed Cleonide and both ſmiled and bluſht) is not ſo great as perhaps the fair Arpasia imagines; for ſince iron will not ſink if it be thrown into this lake, you would not be in any danger of drowning, if you ſhould throw in your ſelf: And therefore to render the teſtimony of your eſteem more valuable, you ſhould ſay that you would throw your ſelf into the river which hath [Page] not that wonderfull virtue that makes the Lake ſo famous. The Lake is ſo neer the River (replyed Astidamus and laughed) that you need not quarrell with me about it, unleſs you would have me underſtand by it, that I ſhould go out of the barge, if Arpasias wiſh ſhould come to paſs, and yet (added he upon ſecond thoughts) I am perſwaded, that if all the good were with the good, all the wicked with the wicked, all fooles with fools, and all wits with wits, the world would not be ſo pleaſing as it is: For that univerſall miſcellany of ſo many different humours in it, is a great part of its beauty. I aſſure you replyed Arpasia that if diverſity of men do make the beauty of the world, I am ſure its beauty is oft times a puniſhment unto all men of accompliſhments: For there can be no greater torment than to be always with perſons whom they eſteem not, and yet as things are ordered, half of our lives are ſpent amongſt the people whom we wiſh we never ſaw I muſt confeſs (replyed Aſtidamus) that we are not alwayes where we would be, and at this very houre, if a change were permitted to be made amongſt all the barges which are upon the Lake, what hath already been ſaid, would be found to be true. But I beſeech you, (replyed Cleonide,) who do you imagine would change their places? After this, Aſtidamus anſwering only to ſatisfie his curioſity, he went from barge to barge to ſee who were in them; ſo as viſiting all the reſt, they were all highly pleaſed, that the perſons might divide themſelves according to their fancies. But ſince Aſtidamus, Cleonide, and the Alfenian Ladyes did beſt know the ſtoryes of their town, they were to appoint who was to ſhift into this barge, and who into that; ſo as changing all the order of the company in generall, there was ſcarcely one in all the company who had not their places aſſigned them but only Alcianipe: Arpasia obſerving this, earneſtly beſeeched Cleonide, not to place her in her barge. for I do proteſt ſaid ſhe, I do ſo abhor detracting perſons, that if you ſhould bring her hither, I ſhould rather wiſh my ſelf in the bottom of the Lake, than in her company. I had rather ten millions ſuch as ſhe were thrown into the river Tigris, replyed Meliantes) than that you ſhould expoſe your ſelf into the lake: Truly (added ſhe) ſcandalizing people are worthy of the worſt puniſhments: and of all Detractors, a woman is moſt odious; I could endure it with more patience from the mouth of a man than from a woman. For as there are ſome virtues more neceſſary in a woman than in a man, ſo there are ſome vices more tollerable in men than in women: For one cannot ſcandall, but one muſt lye, and one cannot lye, but one muſt be inſolent and bold, which is a quality moſt unbecoming a woman: men are permitted to be bold, & therefore more allowable to ſcandall than women, who if they will keep within the limits of modeſty ought never to act any virtue with too much boldneſs, and therefore I muſt conclude a woman ſlanderer, to be a monſter; and that ſhe who will wound the reputation of another, cares not for her own, but may well be ſuſpected of all the crimes which ſhe faſly brands upon others. I ſee, (ſayd Aſtidamus) that we cannot all tell what to do with the poor Alcianipe, but that we muſt leave her in ſome barge by her ſelf: It had been well, anſwered Arpasia, if we had left her at her own houſe; but the worſt is, almoſt all the world takes more delight in hearing others ſlandered, than in hearing them commended.

As Arpasia ſaid ſo, ſhe did not only ſee the barge where Alcianipe was coming neer hers, but underſtood how that Lady beſeeched her leave to ſpeak a word or two with Meliantes, ſo that as much as ſhe hated her for her ſlandring, yet ſince ſhe could not be uncivill before ſo much company, ſhe could not deny her: but conſented ſo coldly, as made it apparant ſhee was diſpleaſed.

In the mean time Meliantes was pittifully non-pluſt, yet ſince he could not deny ſpeaking unto a perſon of her quality, and ſince his promiſe ingaged him, he leaned towards [...]he barge where Alcianipe was, who leaning alſo towards him, told him in his ear, that ſince he left her, ſhe had learned ſome things which did oblige her to promiſe him the ſecond time to diſcover the buſineſs within theſe eight days, wherof ſhe told him ſhe had ſome ſuſpition. Meliantes could not chooſe but thank her, & beſeech her not to fail of her word, and he ſpake ſo loud, that Arpasia heard, and could not chooſe but chide him. Aſſoon as Alcianipes barge was parted from hers. On the other ſide Aſtidamus who underſtood better than any what they ſaid, hearing that Alcianipe had promiſed Meliantes, to diſcover a buſines unto him, he told Arpasia of it, little thinking that he himſelf was concerned in it. After this they began ſo [Page] unanimouſly to importune him to tell what it was which Alcianipe had promiſed to him. Whatſoever ſhe ſaid (replyed he and ſmiled) it was a ſecret of no great importance if I ſhould tell it in the preſence of ſeven or eight perſons at once. Then chooſe one amongſt all the company (replyed Arpasia) unto whom you may impart the buſineſſe you have with ſuch a dangerous perſon, and ſo juſtify your ſelfe.

If it be ſo that ſhe keep promiſe with me (anſwered he) perhaps I ſhal be as deſirous to tell you, as you are deſirous to know it. The company is not extreamlybeholding to you, replyed Cleonide, ſince you do not think one in it worthy to be truſted with a ſecret which cannot be of any great importance, ſince Alcianipe, is a partner in it with you. Since the barge came to land, juſt as Cleonide had ſpoken, Meliantes returned her a ſhort anſwer of civility, & preſented his hand to conduct her to her coach; for Aſtidamus being obliged to wait upon Arpasia, reaſon did bind him to ſubmit, and help Cleonide, who knew not that he was her brother. But Madam, not to trouble you with trifles, let me only tell you, Meliantes grew into ſuch favour with Arpaſia, that at laſt ſhe told him of her averſion to Aſtidamus, and complained unto him of his behaviour, towards her, yet ſhe told me ſince, that ſhe would not have done ſo, had ſhe not perceived that he had diſcovered the thoughts of her ſoul, ſo as conceiving it better to truſt him with a ſecret, and ſo oblige him, ſhe did impart it to him. And chance did ſomthing contribute unto this confidence, for Meliantes talking a whole afternoon with her, a hundred odd diſcourſes paſſed between them which they never thought on at the beginning, Yet Meliantes mentioned not the leaſt hint which might move her to ſuſpect he was in love with her; but he uſed his beſt Rethorick to purchaſe her eſteem and amity, for he did moſt ingeniouſly inſinuate into all her thoughts, and pi [...]tied her in ſuch an obliging manner, that ſhe did not conceal the leaſt thought of her heart from him.

In the mean time, Phormion ſeeing the love of Meliantes to increaſe every minute, he endeavoured to bring Argeliſe, into his thoughts purpoſely to take him off from Arpaſia, but all his endeavours were fruitleſs: For Arpaſias averſi on to Aſtidamus and her confidence, did ſo flatter his paſſion, that though he had no reaſonable hopes, yet he thought it injurious to reſiſt his paſſion. Again, the promiſe of Alcianipe coming into his memory, he went unto her the laſt of the eight dayes, which ſhe prefixed, yet he could not be ſatisfied in what he deſired to know, and yet he underſtood enough to augment Arpaſias hatred of Aſtidamus: For Alcianipe told him of an infallible certainty, that Aſtidamus had long ſince contracted his affection with a Lady of quality, and moreover, that ſhe knew he had promiſed her, never to marry Arpaſia, aſſuring him, that within the compaſs of four dayes more at furtheſt; ſhe ſhould be able to tell him, her name. You may imagin Madam, how welcome this news was unto Meliantes; yet ſince he knew Alcianipe to be a moſt horrible backbiter, he feared extreamly, leaſt all this ſhould not be true.

But ſince one is apt to beleive any thing which flatters a violent paſſion, he did verily beleive that Aſtidamus was in love with ſome other beſides Arpasia; and the rather, becauſe he ſaw no reaſon in the earth, why he ſhould behave himſelf as he did, with that moſt admirable Lady: So as conjuring Alcianipe moſt earneſtly to finde out the name of her with whom Aſtidamus held ſuch private correſpondency, ſhe promiſed him to ſatisfie his deſire.

In the mean time, Meliantes being come from her houſe unto Arpasias, he underſtood that Aſtidamus, had not been there all that day, nor the night before: So that he began to accuſe him of moſt horrible injuſtice, for applying himſelf with no more aſſiduity unto her.

For my part (replyed Arpasia) his preſence doth ſo little pleaſe me, that if I were not condemned to live all my life with him, I ſhould be very glad never to ſee him again. But ſince I muſt marry him, tis very ſtrange he ſhould behave himſelf towards me, as he doth. Tis a great misfortune not to love one, whom one is to marry, but it is a greater to be ſlighted and ſcorned by ſuch a one: Did Aſtidamus love me and I not love him again? I ſhould think that my averſion might in time wear away, but both hating him, and being hated, what likelyhood is there, I ſhould overcome my hatred? For nothing in the world is more naturall than not to love thoſe who love not us, eſpecially when they do not ſeem amiable.

[Page] Meliantes ſeeing her in this mind, would needs perſwade her to acquaint Gabrias with her averſion to Aſtidamus, and to intreat him not to oblige her to marry him, but ſhe told him again, that ſince her Father made that match only to confirm the treaty with Protogenes, purpoſely to be revenged upon the King of Aſſyria, it was not probable he would break it off upon a bare averſion, having no other ground but that Aſtidamus does not expreſs any affection. But Madam, (ſaid he) being tranſported by his paſſion) if you did know that Aſtidamus was far in Love with another, and did promiſe her every day never to marry you, would you not let Gabrias know it alſo? Doubleſſe I ſhould, replyed Arpaſia; but what probability is there, that Aſtidamus ſhould let his Uncle ſend to the King of Aſſyria, if he did not intend to go on with the marriage? Since they ſend only to that Prince, rather to amuſe him than to ask his leave, ſaid Meliantes, Aſtidamus cares not for it; And ſince he can be ſo unjuſt as not to love you, but to love another, it is not ſtrange if he be as irregular in point of Prudence, as in point of Love. But I beſeech you Sir (ſaid Arpaſia to him) what moves you to ſpeak thus? is this the ſecret buſineſs which Alcianipe promiſed you to diſcover? For Heavens ſ [...]ke Meliantes, I conjure you by our amity to conceal nothing from me that may be prejudiciall unto Aſtidamus. This conjuration is ſo prevalent Madam, (replyed he) that I cannot withſtand it; and then he began ingeniouſly to tell her all that Alcianipe told him, and what ſhe had further promiſed to tell him. Alas, alas Meliantes (ſaid ſhe) ſince Alcianipe doth not more particularize things, nor tell the name of her unto whom, ſhe ſaith, Aſtidamus hath promiſed never to marry me, I cannot) put my Father out of conceit with him, and Alcianipe hath ſuch a reputation for lying, that what ſhe ſaith will never perſwade Gabrias unto what I deſire: Not but that I do veryly beleive Aſtidamus is deeply in love with ſome, or other; who is in Alfenes, for when I firſt ſaw him, he did not behave himſelf as now he doth to me, and therefore I conclude; that it is the preſence of this perſon who ere ſhe be, that obliges him unto it: But however it be (added ſhe) we muſt endeavour to know more. and therefore though I do extreamly hate Alcianipe, yet I deſire you to continue ſeeing her, and oblige her to tell you the name of this pretended Miſtreſs unto Aſtidamus, for when we know it, perhaps we ſhall diſcover all the reſt without Alcianipe.

Meliantes raviſhed to hear Arpasia ſpeak thus, did moſt willingly promiſe, what ſhe deſired, and waited with abundance of impatience for the day which Alcianipe appointed to tell him the name of her, whom Aſtidamus loved.

Since I was very intimate with Arpasia, I was not ignorant of the confidence which ſhe put in Meliantes, and he knew alſo, what thoughts ſhe had of me: ſo as when we and opportunity met together, we diſcourſed of all that related unto this moſt admirable Lady: We endeavoured to gueſſe who it could be; that Aſtidamus ſhould prefer before her; but all our conjectures were ſo wide of the mark, that we could not ground any reaſonable ſuſpition of the perſon. But at laſt the day which Alcianipe had aſſigned being come, he went to challenge her promiſe, but could not meet with her, yet at her going out, ſhe left order to tell him that ſhe was gon unto Cleonides Aunt, and that ſhe referred it to his choiſe, whether he would come unto her, or ſtay till ſhe returned, which would be very ſhortly. Though Meliantes did not fear being known by his Aunt, or his ſiſter, with whom Alcianipe was, yet he would not go thither, but choſe rather to ſtay till ſhe returned, conceiving that if he made that viſit, it would be longer before he could be ſatisfied in what he ſo much deſired to know; ſo as he going into a garden which belonged unto the houſe of that Lady, he walked there in a long [...]ng expectation of he [...] return: But when he ſaw Alcianipe return with a blith, and merry countenance, he doubted not but that his curioſity would receive a full ſatisfaction.

Well Madam, (ſaid he as ſoon as he ſaw her) Do you know the name of that fair one, who has ſo much power as to make Aſtidamus unjuſt unto the moſt admirable Arpaſia? I know it ſo well Sir, replyed ſhe, that none can know any thing more certain, but my greateſt wonder is, that we ſhould no ſooner diſcover the intrigue of the buſineſſe: for the very name of Cleonide, was no ſooner mentioned, but a hundred paſſages which I had ſeen did come ſo freſh unto my memory, that [Page] I was ſure, there is a moſt intimate correſpondency between Astidamus and her. How Madam, (ſaid Meliantes, much amazed to hear the name of his Siſter [...]s it Cleonide, with whom Aſtidamus holds a correſpondency of gallantry? Yes, (replyed ſhe) and I no ſooner heard it was ſhe, whom he loved but I went to her, purpoſely to obſerve her countenance very exactly in talking of Aſtidamus, and her Aunt not being preſent, I had ſo much diſcourſe with her, as hath fully ſatisfied me of the truth; for I made her bluſh a hundred times in talking of Arpaſia, and I am ſure ſhe is not only in love, but ſhe is jealous alſo: And ſhe has not ſo much confidence in the promiſes of Aſtidamus, as ſhe has fears, leaſt the beauty of Arpaſia ſhould make him inconſtant, or at leaſt, though he ſhould not be unfaithfull, yet his reſpects unto Protogenes will oblige him to obedience.

But I beſeech you Alcianipe (replyed Meliantes) are you ſure that it is Cleonide with whom Aſtidamus holds correſpondency? for I have heard ſay, that ſhe is a very ſollitary perſon; and I perceive ſhe rather flyes the world than courts it: Tis true, (replyed ſhe▪) that Cleonide ſhuns all company; but her reaſon for it is, to remove all cauſe of jealouſy from Aſtidamus: Moreover, it is not a new taken up affection; for he was in love with her before ere he ſaw Arpaſia: and yet his heart was much moved with her beauty the firſt time he ſaw her; but as ſoon as he was out of her ſight, and returned to Cleonide, this vapour of love vaniſh'd, and his firſt to Cleonide became more violent, and he told Cleonide when he returned, that Arpaſias beauty had charmed his eyes, but not his heart; or if ſhe had, one favorable look from her, would have diſſolved the inchantment. How is it poſſible replyed Meliantes, you ſhould come to know all theſe particular circumſtances? nay I know more yet (added ſhe) for I know that it is at the houſe of one of her freinds, where ſhe meets with Aſtidamus, and ſhe meets him at ſuch houres, as they cannot be interrupted, becauſe commonly it is late. But Madam, (replyed Meliantes) Cleonide paſſeth for a perſon of virtue and honour. As for virtue Sir, (replyed Alcianipe) I beleive ſhee is the owner of it, and though not naturally, yet out of prudence; ſhee knows Aſtidamus ſo well, that ſhee perceives to be auſteer is the only way to be loved long; for my part (replyed Meliantes) I muſt give a more noble motive unto the virtue of Cleonide, and beleive, that though Aſtidamus, were not of that humour, yet ſhe would carry her ſelf towards him as the doth, However it be (ſaid Alcianipe) Cleonide cannot be accuſed for managing the affection of Aſtidamus; for as I ſaid before, ſhe meets him every evening at her freinds houſe. I muſt confeſs replyed Meliantes, I cannot well comprehend how this can be. You will better comprehend it Sir, (anſwered Alcianipe) when I have told you that her aunts garden and her freinds are cloſe together, that there is a dore out of the one into the other; that her friend is a widdow, and that her aunt ſuſpecting nothing of the league between Aſtidamus and her Neece, permits her to walk every evening with her friend, and never thinks much, though it be late before ſhe return. Thus Aſtidamus ſees her when he pleaſeth,: And that he may ſee her unſeen or unknown, he goes through the houſe of one of his freinds who lives in another ſtreet, and who hath a back door opoſite to that garden door of Cleonides friend, Aſtidamus his ſervants ſtand waiting at the fore-door of his friend with whom people think he is ſo that there is almoſt none but his confident and her confident, who know any thing of the buſineſs. Than it muſt of neceſſity be, replyed Meliantes, that one of theſe confidents, have betrayed their truſt, ſince you do know it: No (ſaid ſhe) but it is a maid whom Cleonides friend turned out of her ſervice, which maid is ſiſter unto another, who ſerves me; it is ſhe who knows all the paſſages, not only out of her own knowledge and ſight, but alſo by another maid ſervant unto Cleonide, who told her all theſe Circumſtances. And yet I aſſure you that Cleonide did what ſhe could to hinder her friend from turning away her maid, leaſt ſhe ſhould tell tiles, but ſhe would not be perſwaded: And certainly (added Alcianipe,) they expoſe themſelves to much danger, who truſt their ſervants with their buſineſs of gallantry; for when ſuch perſons know any ſecret of that nature, their miſtreſſes are their ſlaves: and I know Cleonide ſtands in ſtrange awe of her ſervant, becauſe ſhe knows of her affection, ſo that it muſt be concluded, ſhe loves either her honour, or Aſtidamus very well, ſince that ſhe dares not turn her away: However, her friend, wanting her patience, and [Page] not being ſo much intereſted as ſhe was, ſhe diſcharged her maid, from whole mouth I know all this that I tell you.

Perhaps (replyed Meliantes) ſhe added more than is true; no, no, (replyed Alcianipe after her detracting manner) I know ſhe hath not told me all: and that there is yet much more behind; yet ſhe told me, that ſhe is fully perſwaded that Aſtidamus, though he do love Cleonide, and not Arpaſia▪ yet he will deceive the firſt of theſe, and marry the ſecond, becauſe he dare not diſobey Protegenes, from whom he expects all his fortunes, ſo as it may be thought, he will deceive both and himſelf too.

After this, Meliantes ſeeing he could get no more out of Alcianipe, he left her, after many deſires not to publiſh what ſhe knew, pretending that his deſign was not to prejudice Aſtidamus, but indeed his reaſon was, leaſt the reputation of his ſiſter ſhould be ſtained. As ſoon as he quitted Alcianipe, he met Phormion whom he found ſo ſad and unquiet that he was ſure ſomthing troubled his mind.

Meliantes then was in a great perplexity, for on the one ſide he was much joyed to ſee that he was able to prejudice Aſtidamus, but on the other ſide, he was very ſorry to know of the League between his ſiſter and him: A reſentment of love, and a reſentment of honour did ſo divide his ſoul, that he was not able to reconcile ſo great a difference by himſelf, and therefore he reſolved to impart his greif unto his friend, who already knew all the ſecrets of his life. So that after Phormion had asked him how he did, they ſate down together in a place fit for diſcourſe, and then he told him all he knew, and afterwards told him, how not foreſeeing how this Lad [...] whom Alcianipe ſaid was miſtreſs unto Aſtidamus, could be his ſiſter, he had ingaged himſelf unto Arpaſia, to acquaint her with her name, as ſoon as Alcianipe had informed him. Unto what a ſtrange dilemma am I driven (ſaid he) for to prejudice Aſtidamus. I muſt tell Arpaſia that he hath promiſed Cleonide; never to marry Arpaſia: And to ſalve up the reputation of my ſiſter, it is fit I ſhould conceal the gallantry of Aſtidamus to her: However, to argue rationally, though honour forbids me to break off the marriage of Aſtidamus with Arpaſia, yet doubtleſſe I ought to acquaint her with all paſſages, purpoſely to oblige her not to marry him, and to force him to marry Cleonide. But by what right, replyed Phormion, can you force him to marry Cleonide, ſince you have had as great a correſpondency with his ſiſter as he hath with yours? Ah Phormion (ſaid Meliantes) there is a great difference between Aſtidamus and me; for he loves Cleonide, and I do only eſteem Argeliſe, and therefore it is much more obligation for him than for me, to keep promiſes; than for me I ſay who am ſo deeply in love with Arpasia, that I am not able to anſwer the affection of Argeliſe, And yet to ſpeake truly, I know, that if Aſtidamus was acquainted with all paſſages at Samoſates, he had almoſt as good reaſon to complain againſt the correſpondency which I held with his ſiſter, as I have againſt him for holding correſpondency with mine. I know alſo that it becomes me not to publiſh the gallantry of a perſon who is ſo neerly allied to me; but I know withall, that loving Arpaſia as I do, I muſt conſider the ſatisfaction of my love; and without any reſpects of Juſtice, Honour, Intereſt of a ſiſter, or Argeliſe, I muſt reſolve to act according to the dictates of my love; and therefore my dear Phormion I muſt acquaint Arpaſia, with the love of Aſtidamus to Cleonide, and alſo tell her ſhe is my ſiſter, as the greater teſtimony of my affection, and the more to oblige her unto ſecrecy. Then I ſee (ſaid Phormion) that you are reſolved to acquaint her with your quality, and more than that, (replyed he haſtily) for I am reſolved to acquaint her with my love: Truth is, I know not well whether I can or no; for I am ſo full of fears to offend her, and oblige her to change her way of living with me, that I cannot tell whether I have power to tell her. For my part (replyed Phormion) I ſhould think it better to ſtay, untill her marriage with Aſtidamus, was quite broken off: ſhould I follow your adviſe (replyed Meliantes) ſhe would think I croſſed the deſigns of Aſtidamus, only as the brother of Cleonide, and not in any conſideration of her intereſt. Were it my caſe as tis yours (replied Phormion) I would not yet mention any thing unto Arpaſia; but ſh [...]uld conceal both my being her Lover, and Cleonides brother: So that thinking you to be only her friend, ſhe will give more credit unto your words and not thinking you to be the brother of Cleonide, ſhe will not imagine you have any concern [...] [Page] but her own in the buſineſs. Meliantes finding the advice of Phormion to be very rationall, he reſolved to follow it. This being reſolved upon, Meliantes went unto Arpaſia, with intentions to acquaint her with the affection of Aſtidamus to Cleonide, yet intending to conceal what might be diſadvantagious to himſelf, and to ſpeak more of the affection of Aſtidamus to Cleonide; than hers to him. Yet he could not ſpeak in private with her, ſo ſoon as he hoped, becauſe he found both this unfaithfull Lover, and his ſiſter there.

As ſoon as they were ſet down, Aſtidamus told Cleonide in a low voice, that he had received a Letter from a friend of his at Samoſates, which let him underſtand, that ere long be ſhe would know her dear brother, whom ſhe ſo much deſired to know. Arpaſia hearing what Astidamus ſaid, ſhe began to ſpeak, and adreſſing her words unto Cleonide, though I think (ſaid ſhe) that Aſtidamus did intend that you only Madam, ſhould hear him, yet I beſeech you, give me leave to intrude into your diſcourſe, and ask how it comes to paſs, you ſhould have a brother whom you know not.

Since I was not above three years of age Madam, (replyed ſhee) when I left the Province where I was born, to come and live with my aunt at Alfenes; and ſince I never ſaw my brother, but at that age, I may very well ſay I know him not; for certainly he is much altered ſince that time, and though Clidaris was very like me, yet I beleive I ſhould not know him: Yet by his letters, I ſhould know him very well, for I have received many Letters from him, yet for all that I ſhould not know his face if I ſhould meet him. If he be ſuch a man as my friend deſcribes him, replyed Aſtidamus you have reaſon to deſire the ſight of him; for his Letter tells me, that he is one of the moſt handſomeſt men, and beſt wits in the world: It tells me alſo, that he is very kind with one of my ſiſters, who dwells in that place, and ſpeaks ſo highly in his commendations, that I am already his friend before I ſee him, You may imagin, Madam, how Meliantes was non-pluſt, when he heard himſelf thus talked of in his own preſence; yet he was afraid, leaſt he ſhould render himſelf ſupect, if he ſhould put in nere a word; and therefore he asked Aſtidamus very confidently when Cleonides brother would come thither? I cannot tell you (replyed he) for the Letter beares no date.

For my part (replyed Cleonide) I wiſh that none had writ ſo much in his commendations; for commonly high commendations raiſe high expectations, and the perſon muſt be highly meritorious, that can anſwer them. It is ſo very likely, that the fair Cleonide hath a moſt deſerving man to her brother (replyed Arpaſia very obligingly) that I have a great dſpoſition already to eſteem him whenſoever he comes, Your expreſſion Madam, replyed ſhe, is infinitely obliging, but to know whether I may in reaſon beleive what is writ concerning my brother, I muſt aske whether he, who gives this Character of my brother, be a competent Judge of true merit? or whether he be not one of thoſe common commenders, who uſe to make no difference between perſons of inferiour parts, and perſons of extraordinary merits? No on, (replyed Aſtidamus) he who writ the Letter gives the ſame Character of Clidaris, and therefore I dare anſwer for him, for if my freind have any fault, it is in being too niggardly in his commendations, and in his eſteeming over few perſons, and therefore I am moſt confident that Clidaris is a moſt excellent man, and has a million of moſt admirable parts, ſince my friend commends him: For he who writ this Letter is ſo curions to be pleaſed, that there are ſcarce four men in the Province where he lives, who are ſufficiently accomplished for his pallat, and to define him in few words, he is one of thoſe nice and delicate men who uſe to anatomize the the hearts and ſpirits of any before he will commend them, who examines all the words and actions of thoſe he ſees, and who will ſee into their very thoughts before he will ſpeak either good or bad of them. Judge then, whether I have not reaſon to be confident, that Clidaris, is worthy to be Cleonides brother.

After this, Aſtidamus according to his cuſtom turned the talk, of which Meliantes was very glad, and was very frolick in diſcourſe; yet what ſoever he ſaid, ſtill he was nothing at all appliant unto Arpaſia.

Preſently after, Cleonide going away, Aſtidamus went alſo, So that Meliantes remaining alone with Arpaſia, he looked upon him very ſeriouſly; for reflecting upon what Aſtidamus had ſaid concerning the brother of Cleonide, she imagined (conſidering [Page] the place where she met him, and his deſires to conceal his country) that Meliantes might be he; And the rather, becauſe the Character which was given of Cleonides Brother, did fit him. Yet not deſiring to make her ſuſpition appeare untill further certainty, ſhe rouſed her ſelfe out of her ſerious ſtudy, juſt as Meliantes intended to interrupt her to tell her what he had underſtood from, Alcianipe, and beginning to ſpeak: Conſidering the ſtate of things, I am very ſorry Madam (ſaid he unto her) that I cannot ſpeak as well of Aſtidamus, as they have written unto him concerning Cleonides brother; But Madam, the fidelity I have vowed unto you, and the zeale that I have unto your ſervice, forces me to tell you that I do know the name of her whom Aſtidamus hath long loved, and unto whom he hath promiſed never to marry you: I wiſh with all my heart (replyed ſhe) that he would keep his promiſe. But Meliantes (added ſhe) who who is ſhe that hath ſo captivated the heart of Astidamus? It is Cleonide, Madam (replyed he) and I know ſuch circumſtances of his affection to her, that I muſt needs ſay he is infinitely too blame to be ſo engaged as he is; How (cryed out Arpaſia) is it Cleonide, with whom Aſtidamus holds intelligence? Yes Madam (anſwered he) it is Cleonide; and Alcianipe hath ſo particularized things unto me, that I cannot make the leaſt doubt of the truth.

Alcianipe is ſo ſcandalous (replyed ſhe) that there is no great heed to be taken unto what ſhe ſaith: But ſince I know how to diſcern truth from lies (replyed he) I dare aſſure you Madam, that Aſtidamus doth love Cleonide.

After this, Arpaſia was a while mute: and reflecting upon her former ſuſpitions, they all vaniſht, and ſhe thought no more that Meliantes was Brother unto Cleonide, ſince he told her of the intelligence which ſhe had with Aſtidamus. Afterwards calling to memory a hundred paſſages which formerly ſhe took no notice of, ſhe found, that indeed there was good cauſe to think that Aſtidamus loved Cleonide: But maugre her averſion to him, ſhe could not chooſe but beare him a kind of ſpight for loving that faire one: Yet her ſlight reſentment of it quickly vaniſht, and in a moment after ſhe was extreamly joyed, in hopes that this love of Aſtidamus would break off her Marriage: and ſhe gave ſo many teſtimonies of it unto Meliantes, that hee was fully ſatisfied. Yet notwithſtanding, ſince ſhe was reſolved to ſtay untill Aſtidamus did himſelfe break off, becauſe ſhe was afraid to anger her Father, Meliantes was forced to tell her that though Aſtidamus did dearly love Cleonide, and had promiſed her to break off his Marriage for her ſake; yet becauſe all his fortunes did depend upon Protogenes: and becauſe he was afraid to looſe them by looſing his favour, he was reſolved to marry her, and to deceive Cleonide. How (ſaid Arpaſia then) does Aſtidamus intend to marry me, and not to love me? and to love Cleonide, and not marry her? Oh Meliantes, I am not able to endure this double treachery: And ſince I ſhould be more miſerable in marrying a man, who neither loves me, nor I him, than Cleonide would be, in not marrying a man who both loves her, and ſhe him. it is my office to prevent ſuch a misfortune: For truly, though I had no averſion to him, yet his very infidelity to Cleonide is enough to hinder mee from marrying him: therefore I beſeech you Meliantes, help me out of this extream ſtrait, and endeavour to get ſuch convincing proofs of the promiſes which this Impoſtor hath made unto Cleonide, that I may ſhew them unto my Father, and afterwards declare unto him, that I never will marry Aſtidamus.

Meliantes hearing what Arpaſia ſaid, began to ſtudy upon it, and to imagine how he might give her ſatisfaction: After which, he deſired ſome dayes of conſideration, conjuring her in the interim not to ſpeak a ſyllable of what he had told her for feare (ſaid he) that if Protogenes ſhould heare of Aſtidamus his love, he ſhould haſten his Marriage with her.

Thus Meliantes gloſſing the reputation of his ſiſter with a plauſible pretence, he beſtowed a thouſand obliging and tender expreſſions upon Arpaſia; who conceiving her ſelfe infinitely beholding unto him, began to preſſe him a little more earneſtly to tell him who he was. I beſeech you Meliantes (ſaid ſhe) what juſtice is it, that you ſhould know all the ſecrets of my very ſoule, and that I ſhould not know ſo much of the Country which gave you a birth? When Madam I have done you any conſiderable ſervice (replyed he) I promiſe you to tell you who I [Page] am: And to ſet a more certain limit of time unto your ſatisfaction, I promiſe to tell you whatſoever you ſhall deſire to know of me, upon the day that your Marriage with Aſtidamus ſhall be broken off. But in the interim Madam (added he being tranſported by the violence of his paſſion) I beſeech you honour me ſo farr as to believe, that my birth is ſuch, as that I am not altogether unworthy to be ranked in the number of your friends: And if Astidamus had ſuch thoughts in his heart as I have, he had never loved Cleonide. Though this expreſſion was a kind of declaration of Love, yet Arpaſia did not take it in that ſenſe, but believed that he ſaid ſo only to expreſſe his eſteem, ſo that she anſwered him very civily: At firſt, he was angry ſhe did not underſtand him; but in a moment after, he was glad of it: So that after ſeverall obliging expreſſions on both ſides, they parted. But Madam, whilſt theſe things paſſed thus, Protogenes having obſerved, that Aſtidamus did not behave himſelf towards Arpaſia as he ought, he ſpake very ſharply unto him, and charged him to carry himſelf better, & to prepare himſelf to marry her very ſhortly: For (ſaid he) whether the King of Aſſyria conſent or not conſent, you ſhall marry her. Aſtidamus who had ſpirit enough, and was really reſolved to betray Cleonide, and marry Arpaſia, told Protogenes very confidently, that he did not think he was obliged to live with one whom he was to marry in that way of Gallantry, as if he Courted one whom he knew not whether he ſhould marry her or not: but be aſſured Sir (ſaid hee) that I ſhall obey you when you pleaſe. But Madam, be pleaſed to know, that a Servant unto Protogenes who was acquainted with Alcianipe, having heard this Conference, he told it unto her, and ſhe made it known unto Meliantes, who was extreamly perplexed at it. Was ever miſery equall unto mine? (ſaid he unto Phormion, who ſince told it unto me) For all other Lovers are commonly miſerable, either becauſe they are hated, or becauſe they have Rivals loved: And yet moſt certain it is, Arpaſia doth eſteem me, I have no Rivall: and he who pretends to marry her without a dram of Love, is hated: And yet for all this, I am the moſt miſerable of men, ſince I am like to ſee the man whom I do hate, enjoy the perſon whom I do love, and to betray and forſake my Siſter: So that by this meanes he will blaſt both my love & my honour, if I do not give a check unto his deſigns: and yet it is not an eaſie matter to effect: For Aſtidamus will obey Protogenes; Protegenes will have him to marry Arpaſia: And Gabrias deſires it as much as he, unleſſe I do let him ſee the treachery of Aſtidamus towards Cleonide, and Arpaſia.

But ſhall I my ſelfe publish the intelligence which he holds with my Siſter before I am ſure I can oblige him to marry her? And can I have the confidence to quarrell with him for caſting off my Siſter, when as I did the like to his? Truth is, I am not ſo inconſtant as he is, becauſe I loved her leſſe; but this excuſe is not ſufficient to excuſe me. What ſhall I do my dear Phormion (ſaid hee unto him) Truly (replyed his friend) I am as much to ſeek for advice as your ſelfe: But the beſt Councell I can give, is, to overcome your paſſion, as Aſtidamus hath his. For he is in Love with Cleonide, yet is reſolved to marry another: Therefore I pray Sir, call Argelyſe into your memory and heart, and quit Arpaſia, as he hath Cleonide. As for the intereſt of Cleonide, unleſſe you knew how to force Aſtidamus to marry her, it were better to ſmother all reports of her intelligence with him, than to divulge it. But that cannot be, replyed Meliantes, ſince I had never known of it but by Alcianipe, who never knows any thing that may wound anothers reputation, but she tells it to a hundred ſeverall perſons; and I am told, that if ſhe do know of any ſuch buſineſſe, if company come not in quickly unto whom she may impart it, shee will goe out and ſeek them. Alſo I am credibly informed, that if she be ſick, nothing will ſooner cure her, nor make her quit her Bed, than to have ſome ſuch tittle-tattle or other to carry unto ſome whom shee thinks it will pleaſe or ſpight; for she tranſacts by ſeverall motives, though all equally ill: and can you thinke she will not tell all men the ſame she hath told me? Yes yes, Phormion, Alcianipe is ſilent in nothing but in Commendations: Nay perhaps she will draw out an innocent correſpondency to become a great Crime: And to be ſincere with you, though Aſtidamus did not betray my ſiſter, yet [Page] should I hate him no leſſe than I do, it is enough that he is likely to marry Arpaſia, to make me ruine him if I can. But Sir (ſaid Phormion) Arpaſia does not ſo much as know that you do love her. She knows that I do viſite her, and that I admire her (replyed he) and I hope that ere long she will know that I love her, though I never tell her, for my paſſion is too violent to be ſmothered: and she cannot chooſe but ſee it. All I have to do, is to poyſon Aſtidamus, in the opinion of Arpasias father by acquainting him with his love of Cleonide, and by producing ſuch circumſtances as shall make Aſtidamus appear what he is, to wit, an impoſtor, and perfidious; I perceive by your looks (added he) that you think it ſtrange I ſhould give ſuch terrible names unto Aſtidamus, having an opinion that I do merit them as well as he: But Phormion be not deceived, for if there be any equality in our crims it is not in our proceedings, when I thought my ſelf in love with Argeliſe, it was becauſe I knew not then what Love was, but now I know, that it was only eſteem and friendſhip, which I profeſſed unto her, and if I did quit her, it was, becauſe a moſt violent paſſion forced me unto it, and ſhe is beholding unto me for doing all I could to keep my heart from her, but the caſe is not the ſame with Aſtidamus, for he is deeply in love with Cleonide, and maugre this love he quits her for his intereſt of fortune.

Moreover, he is ſo unjuſt, not only to forſake her, but to betray her by diſſembling his inconſtancy, leaſt ſhe ſhould hinder him in his deſigne of marrying Arpaſia but tis far otherwiſe with me, for if Argeliſe were heer, I ſhould reſent her miſfortunes as my own, Ah Meliantes (ſaid Phormion and interrupted him) you ſay ſo, becauſe Argeliſe is not at Alfenes: for I aſſure you, it is a greater difficulty than you imagin; for any brave man to tell a woman whom once he ſeemed to love that now he does not love her; and if ſhe were here at this preſent, you would be driven into an extream perplexity. No doubt of it (replyed he,) but that I should be extreamly ashamed at the ſight of her, yet for all that, rather than betray her as Aſtidamus doth my ſiſter, I would diſcover my weakneſs unto her, I would confeſs my fault, & ask a pardon for it: But ſince I perceive you will not give me any adviſe. I will follow the dictates of my own thoughts. So Meliantes after he had ſtudied a while, went out, and went to give Cleonide a viſit with whom he had often been, as well as with all other Ladies of quality, in Alfenes. Yet he could not ſpeak with her ſo ſoon as he deſired, becauſe much company was with her aunt and her, but they being gon all, except one man who ſtayed about ſome buſineſs with the Lady of the houſe, he had all the liberty of talk, he could wish, and as ſoon as he was alone with Cleonide, he took out one of thoſe Letters which heretofore she had writ unto him, and asked her if she knew the hand: Cleonide took it and began to read it, little thinking it to be of her own writing, but when she read a line, she knew it to be one which she ſent unto her brother, at firſt, she looked ſeriouſly upon him, but he had an air ſo unreſemblant, unto all his family, that not knowing why her brother should conceal himſelf, she did not think her ſelf to be his ſiſter, but imagined him to be only ſome freind unto her brother, I beſeech you Sir, ſaid she unto him, do you know him unto whom this Letter was written? if you do, pray tell me where he is, and why he gave it unto you? I shall ſatisfie you in all your demands (replyed Meliantes) yes, and more, provided you will promiſe me not to ſpeak a ſillable of any thing I shall tell you, no not unto Aſtidamus, (added he, and looked earneſtly upon her) At theſe words Cleonide blusht, and doing ſomthing about her head, purpoſely to hide her blushes, I do not wonder (ſaid she unto him) that you should deſire me to tell no body what you ſay, but I have reaſon to be offended at you, for particularizing Aſtidamus, and that you should ſpeak of him, as if I could know nothing, but I muſt impart it unto him. All I can do at preſent for your ſatisfaction (replyed Meliantes) is to aſſure you, that when I have told you all I have to ſay, you will ſo cleerly ſee, that I have no intentions to offend you that you will repent your ſuſpition of it. But unjuſt Cleonide, (purſued he) the buſineſs is of ſuch a nature, that you muſt be ſure none come to interrupt us; and oblige you unto a private conference, I ſwear unto you by all that is ſacred, that you will be the moſt miſerable perſon of all your quality and ſex, if you do not hearken unto me, and poſitively beleeve all that I shall ſay, when you have heard me.

[Page] You expreſs your ſelf ſo very ſtrangely, replyed ſhe, that though you ſhould tell me nothing but ſad ſtories, yet I muſt confeſs my curioſity ſuch, that I cannot chooſe but hear you, and therefore if you pleaſe, we will walk into the garden, where we ſhall not be interrupted, for I will appoint if any come in, they ſhall be carried into my aunts chamber, with all my heart (replyed Meliantes,) but firſt you muſt promiſe me not to ſpeak a word unto Aſtidamus, of any thing I ſhall tell you; and indeed you muſt promiſe me moſt ſolemnly and ſeriouſly. If I do promiſe you to tell no body (anſwered Cleonide and ſtill bluſhed) I do tacitely imply, that I will not tell Aſtidamus, and therefore why do you inſiſt ſo peremptorily upon ſuch a frivolous ceremony, which in my opinion is an affront put upon me: Nay, nay, never inſiſt upon ſuch nicities, (replyed he) nor ruine your ſelf upon imaginary punctilioes. Cleonide hearing Meliantes ſo plain, ſhe began to be angry in good earneſt, and would not give him audience; but ſince the ſame thing which angred her, did alſo ſwell her with curioſity, ſhe ſurmounted her reſentments and told Meliantes, that there was never any ſuch League between Aſtidamus and her, she would promiſe him never to reveal what he should tell her.

After this, Meliantes took her by the hand, and carried her unto a ſeat in an Arbor; when they were ſet, Cleonide firſt began; well Meliantes (ſaid ſhe) I pray tell me who gave you that Letter which you ſhewed me? before I give you direct anſwer (replyed he) I muſt moſt ſeriouſly proteſt unto you, that all I shall ſay unto you is as certainly true, as that you are my ſiſter, is not more ſure, nor more certain, that Aſtidamus intends to betray you; at theſe words Cleonide ſtood in amaze, her colour went and came a hundred times: Firſt she looked upon Meliantes, then looked off him with abundance of shame. Somtimes she wished all he ſaid were true, and ſomtimes deſired all might be falſe; being vexed to the ſoul she should begin acquaintance with her brother, by ſuch a shamefull adventure. But at laſt, to cleer her doubts, the names of Meliantes and Clidaris, are ſo unlike (replyed she) that I could not take the one for the other, ſince names are not eſſentially fixed to the bearers, ſaid he, but that they may shift them as they pleaſe, your reaſon is not at all convincing, but to come neer the ſubſtance of the buſineſſe, I will ingage my ſelf to shew you all the Letters which ever you writ unto me, and more than that, I will tell you the ſubſtance of all that ever I writ unto you, and to cleer my ſelf more manifeſtly unto you, I will write in your preſence what you shall pleaſe, that you may compare my writing with thoſe Letters which Clidaris writ unto you, and ſo plainly ſee, that Meliantes and Clidaris are the ſame without more delay he pull'd out of his pocket, both Pen, Ink, and Paper, and began to write ſome lines which he gave unto Cleonide, but she was more amazed than ever, when she found written, that if she would follow his counſell, she should never marry Aſtidamus: she ſaw enough by the hand, to aſſure her, he was her brother. But before she could recover out of h [...] wonder, Meliantes told her ſo many particulars concerning her family, as put her out of all doubt, but to cleer the matter more fully, she asked him how it could come to paſs, the freind of Aſtidamus should write word that he had ſeen you at Samoſates? Then Meliantes began to relate unto her, his travells into that place, and how it was his fortune to meet Gabrias and Arpaſia. I beſeech you (ſaid Cleonide then) why did you change your name? and why would you not make your ſelf known to me at firſt? your queſtions (dear ſiſter) replyed he, are of ſuch importance, that I muſt not anſwer them untill that after you have ingeniouſly confeſſed unto me, that Aſtidamus, is in love with you, that he hath promiſed you never to marry Arpaſia, & that you do beleive him: Alas, brother (ſaid she and blusht,) I am not able to confeſſe ſuch things of that nature: that you may no longer diſſemble the matter (replyed Meliantes) know, that I am not ignorant in any thing that hath paſſed betwixt you; and to inſtance in ſome, I do know, that you uſe to meet Aſtidamus in a garden of your friends, which joynes unto this, in which we are, eſpecially ſince Arpasia came hither, & that it was there he ſwore a thouſand falſe other unto you: and indeed I know of a moſt infallible certainty, that if you do not follow my counſells, he will marry Arpasia.

Moreover, to induce you unto an abſolute confidence in me, I will truſt you with the only ſecret of my ſoul and life, and acquaint you, that I am as much concerned [Page] in this marriage as you are, for to tell you truly, I am in love with Arpasia in love ſo deeply, that if the life of Aſtidamus be dear unto you, you muſt help me to make him faithfull unto you, and do as I shall direct you to hinder him from marrying her whom I do love and adore: for I do profeſs unto you, that if you do not, you will endanger either to ſee your brother kill your Lover, or your Lover kill your brother, think ſeriouſly upon what I ſay, and be confident that you have as great an intereſt as I have in the advice which I shall give you. You fill me ſo full of wonder, (replyed Cleonide) that I know not what anſwer to return. The buſineſs is of ſuch a neer concernment (replyed he) that you muſt anſwer, and that you may more ſincerely open your ſelf, I deſire you to conſider, that I do not offer to reprove you for your affection to Aſtidamus, for I have a ſtrong confidence in your virtue, and I know experimentally, that love is not a thing voluntary, and I were unjuſt if I should expect more force from you than I have my ſelf; but excuſing your imbecilities, as I expect you should do mine, you muſt ſincerely acquaint me with all the paſſages betwixt Aſtidamus and you, to the end I may force him to fidelity, and keep him from making me miſerable; if you do not, I vow unto the Gods, that before you can ſee Aſtidamus, to tell him what I have ſaid unto you, I will ſee him, and tell him ſuch a ſtory, as may become fatall to one of us: And therefore my deareſt ſiſter, I do conjure you by your own honour, & by the affection you have unto Aſtidamus to prevent both your own and my miſery, and not to deny a thing, which I do know as certainly as you do your ſelf. You preſſe me in ſo ſtrange a manner, (replyed Cleonide) that I have not power either to deny or confeſſe what you ask; yet you muſt do the laſt of theſe (replyed Meliantes) if you will preſerve your own Honour, and your Lover, and not hinder the happineſs of a Brother, who will be a debtor unto you for all his felicity, if you will but think upon your own.

After this, adding a thouſand tender and obliging conjurations, unto what he had ſaid before, Cleonide confeſſed that Aſtidamus had long loved her, and ſtill told her every day, that he continued the ſame, and after the firſt Ice was broken, ſhe told Meliantes as much as he deſired to know. But as a juſtification of her ſelf ſhe aggravated the Courtſhip and cares, which Aſtidamus had taken to win her heart, and told her brother, that he had writ Letters unto her, every day: Meliantes preſſed her to ſee his Letters, and ſo importunately, that ſhe fearing if ſhe ſhould deny him, he would think them of another nature than they were, and knowing that they would rather juſtify than accuſe her, ſhe pulled two of them out of her pocket, the one received laſt night, the other in the morning, and gave them unto Meliantes, who opening them, did find in them as much as he could deſire; and if my memory do not much fail me, they were to this effect following.

To the Incredulous CLEONIDE.

Madam,

WILL you not beleeve me, when I promiſe and proteſt, that I do not love Arpaſia, and that I love none but you? but it ſeems you are reſolved to be as unjuſt as you are rigorous, in doubting the ſincerity of my words. I beſeech you, be not deluded by fallacious appearances; but be confidently perſwaded, that I will never marry Arpaſia and that I will eternally love the fair Cleonide.

ASTIDAMUS.

You may imagin Madam, that Meliantes was not a little glad he had got this Letter into his hands; and in hopes to finde another, as pertinent to his purpoſe, he opened it in all haſte and found theſe words.

[Page]

To the Ʋnjuſt CLEONIDE.

Madam,

I Wonder why you ſhould not, but I am ſure you may beleeve me when I proteſt, that Protogenes with all his power over me, ſhall not be able to make me perfidious, unto my dear Cleonide: Beleeve it, that either by the King of Aſſyria's means or my Mothers, who will be ſhortly here, and I will break off my marriage with Arpaſia, and if you be as conſtant as I am faithfull, we will love one another for ever.

ASTIDAMUS.

Though this ſecond Letter was as fit as the firſt, to be laid in the diſh of Astidamus, yet it did not pleaſe Meliantes ſo well as the firſt, becauſe it mentioned the arrivall of his Rivalls mother, and becauſe he made no queſtion but Argeliſe would come with her. So that this news brings ſpurrs to haſten on his deſigne of preventing Aſtidamus, he was reſolved not to reſtore theſe two Letters unto his Siſter, but to keep them, and ſhew them unto Arpasia, that ſhe might ſhew them unto Gabrias, and ſo break off the marriage: Not but that he knew all that Aſtidamus ſaid in his Letters was falſe, and he mentioned the coming of his Mother to his marriage, the better to delude her.

But after a tumultuous reflection upon all theſe things, in ſtead of reſtoring the Letters to his Siſter, he put them in his pocket, and told her, that upon them depended both his good fortune, and hers. At firſt Cleonide oppoſed his deſigne; no no ſiſter (ſaid Meliantes) I will not reſtore them, for they are ſo neceſſary to preſerve Aſtidamus for you, and yet Arpasia for me, that I ſhould do both you, and my ſelf very ill ſervice if I ſhould part with them. For as I told you before, Aſtidamus intends to deceive you, and he poſitively promiſed Protogenes, yeſterday to marry Arpasia whenſoever he pleaſed, and he carries fair with you, leaſt you ſhould obſtruct his marriage with her. After this, Meliantes, making a more exact relation of all paſſages unto her, he told her to bring her to his mind, that there was no courſe to be taken but one of theſe two, either he muſt fight with Aſtidamus, or elſe break off his marriage with Arpaſia by making uſe of theſe Letters.

Cleonide liking the laſt of theſe wayes better than the firſt, ſhe conſented he ſhould have the letters, after his promiſe that he would ſhew them unto none but Gabrias and Arpasia, and it was her wiſeſt courſe to conſent, for ſhe knew not how to hinder him. However, he made her promiſe him, not to diſcover unto her Lover who he was, untill his marriage with Arpasia, was broken off. And he did ſo plainly demonſtrate unto her, that ſhe would ruin her ſelf and honour, if ſhe did not prove faithfull unto him, and likewiſe that ſhe would put the life of Aſtidamus in danger, that he did not fear, but ſhee would keep promiſe with him; ſo that parting upon mutuall promiſes of fidelity, Cleonide ſtayed in the garden contemplating upon the adventure.

And Meliantes went unto Arpaſia, with intention to ſhew her the Letters of Aſtidamus; and indeed, as ſoon as they could talk in private together, ſhe gave him an opportunity of ſhewing them unto her, and asked him, what news from Alcianipe? he having no mind to let her know, that Cleonide was his ſiſter, leaſt ſhe ſhould think he had ſome ends in perſecuting Aſtidamus, he let her go on in her opinion, that he knew all from this woman, ſo that he gave her the Letters to read, the hand ſhe knew; but Madam, Arpaſia read them with different thoughts, for they made her both glad and angry: And her averſion to Aſtidamus, did ſo increaſe, that Meliantes had been very happy if ſhe had loved him, as much as ſhe hated Aſtidamus. I proteſt Meliantes, (ſaid ſhe unto him) the infidelity of Aſtidamus unto Cleonide makes me hate him more than his inſenſibility unto me doth, and I ſhould ſooner pardon him for ſlighting me, than for betraying her. For my particular (replyed Meliantes) I am not of your mind, for I think the greateſt crime of Aſtidamus, is his not loving you, and next to it, his infidelity unto Cleonide; [Page] but to ſee you and not to love you is a crime incredible: Could it ever be imagined that a lover of Cleonide, would be the husband of Arpaſia? or could it enter into the heart of a man to marry Arpaſia, and not love her? theſe are ſo far above my beleife, that had not Aſtidamus given his inſenſibility under his own hand in thoſe two letters, I could not have given any credit unto it.

I think it leſs ſtrange (replyed ſhe) that he ſhould be inſenſible towards me, than that he ſhould be unfaithfull unto Cleonide. But I beſeech you Madam (ſaid Meliantes) what courſe do you intend to take? I intend to ſhew theſe Letters unto my father, (replyed ſhe) and to tell him, that I will never marry Aſtidamus, and to open my heart unto you, as unto a man whom I dare truſt, above any one in the world, I will aſſure you, that if he will force me to marry him, I ſhall not obey him, but I ſhall hope that ſince he is ſenſible of honour, he will have better thoughts. Doubtleſſe, he knowes that I do not love Aſtidamus, but I beleive he does not know my reaſon for it, he thinks it is only an averſion in nature, which time and reaſon might ſurmount; but I am confident, when he ſhall ſee theſe Letters, he will be of another mind.

Perhaps madam, (ſaid Meliantes) reaſons of ſtate will be his greateſt conſideration, No, ſaid ſhe, I hope to perſwade him by theſe Letters, that Aſtidamus does not intend to marry me; and to put an open affront upon him, though Protogenes ſhould preſs him to it: And I hope to perſwade him to anticipate Aſtidamus, and break off with him, before he break off with ns; in concluſion, Meliantes, I hope to tranſact the matter ſo, that it ſhall not be long of me, if the fair Cleonide do not marry Aſtidamus, and if I do not quit Alfenes, never to come into it again, the truth is (added ſhe moſt obligingly) I ſhall depart with much ſorrow, ſince I ſhall thereby looſe you. Since I ſtay at Alfenes, only for the love of you, Madam, (replyed Meliantes) I ſhall depart when you do, and if Fortune do not thwart my intentions, I think Madam, that I ſhall go whether you go; for you have ſo great a power over me; that I am not able to live far from you. If I have ſo much power over you (replyed ſhe) as you would make be beleive I have, then tell me who you are, and acquaint me with the ſecrets of your heart, as I have you, with mine. I would the Gods, Madam, (ſaid he) and looked fixedly upon her) that you could gueſs them without my telling you: For the truth is, there is nothing in my ſoul which I would not have you know, yet I cannot without much pain tell you all the thoughts of my heart.

For Madam, I dare not diſcover all my imbecillities, I dare not tell you how I Love a moſt divine perſon without all hopes, I dare not for my life aggravate all the miſeries which this paſſion hath cauſed me to endure, eſpecially unto you Madam, whoſe actions are all guided by ſolidity of reaſon, not but that the perſon whom I adore, hath ſo many excellencies, as will well excuſe all my imbecillities, For ſhe is beauty in the very abſtract, her wit tranſcends all capacities, ſhe hath virtue & goodneſſe in the ſuperlative degree, & ſhe doth a little eſteem me, but for all this Madam, I dare not be ſo bold as to tell you of my paſſion. The worſt is (replyed Arpasia not ſuſpecting his love to her) I have heard you ſay, that one cannot be in love, but one muſt be miſerable alſo, and therefore for my own intereſt, I muſt needs grieve for you, ſince it is not likely we ſhall be long together in one place. However added ſhe, not giving him time to anſwer her) ſince the perſon whom you adore, hath ſo much Beauty, Wit, Virtue, Goodneſs, and Eſteem of you, I cannot ſee you are much to be pittied: I ſhould not indeed be very unhappy (replyed he) if ſhe did know without being offended, that I did love her, but ſince I never told her, I am in continuall fears, leaſt she should diſcover my paſſion; and yet at the ſame time I am greived that she doth not divine it, and yet she muſt divine it, if she do know it (added he) for I never dare tell her that I do love her.

Meliantes ſpoke this with ſuch a paſſionate air, as made Arpasia blush, and was conſtrained to applyit unto her ſelf, and ſince she could not have any ſuch thoughts without ſome appearance of it in her countenance, Meliantes ſaw that he was underſtood, ſo as fearing to ſay too much, and thinking he had ſaid enough to make her ſuſpect what he would have her know, he turned the diſcourſe and began again to talk of Astidamus, Cleonide, and Gabrias, and ſo freed both her, and himſelf from [Page] a non-plus: And this cauſed her not to be offended at this half dec laration of his Love:

However, she was no ſooner retired, But she did me the honour to impart all the paſſage unto me, and to tell me her opinion: which done, I told her that I had obſerved a hundred paſſages from Meliantes, which moved me to beleive as ſhe did, for truly (ſaid I unto her) he hates Aſtidamus, only becauſe he loves you, and he hates him in ſuch a manner, as perſwades me that his condition is worthy to be his rivall. As for his quality (replyed Arpaſia) I doubt much leſs of it, than of his love. For all the thoughts of his ſoul are ſo noble, and there is ſomething ſo high in all his proceedings, that I am moſt confident his quality is great; but for all that Niſide (ſaid ſhe unto me) I muſt look upon him only as a freind which fortune gave me, and which she will quickly take from me, and I ought to be well ſatisfied, if fate will only keep me from marrying Aſtidamus.

After this, Arpaſia changing diſcourſe, we talked of nothing, but what ſhe ſhould ſay the next morning unto Gabrias: And indeed, as ſoon as ſhe awaked, and had dreſſed her ſelf, ſhe went unto her father, unto whom ſhe addreſſed her ſelf with ſo much Prudence and Reſpect, that after he had read the Letters, and knowing the hand, he ſeemed to conſent, that ſhee ſhould not marry him, who writ them, yet he told her, that to break off with a ſpecious pretence, it was expedient to ſtay untill the meſſenger which Protogenes and he had ſent unto Babylon, was returned, becauſe in all probability the King of Aſſyria would not approve of this marriage, and would give a pretence both unto Protogenes and him, not to proceed unto a concluſion of marriage; though they were once reſolved upon it, whether the King did conſent unto it or no. Daughter (ſaid he unto her) I am confident that as ſoon as Protogenes ſhall ſee theſe two Letters, he will confeſſe you have reaſon to be againſt your marriage with Aſtidamus, and if our other intereſts will not unite us without this allyance; I ſhall break off with him when it is convenient time.

In the mean time, it is pollicy to diſſemble as he doth, untill the time be ripe, and fit to teſtifie our reſentments: For the truth is, Protogenes is maſter of Alfenes, and if I ſhould go imprudently to work, he might make his peace with the King of Aſſiria when he pleaſed, by delivering me up unto him.

This ſpeech of Gabrias unto Arpaſia, ſeeming reaſonable, ſhe thanked him for it, and expreſſed her ſelf in the moſt tender and obliging Language ſhe could deviſe, to confirm him in his opinion. So that not daring to preſſe him unto a reſtitution of the Letters, becauſe he ſaid, that he would ſhew them unto Protogenes, when it was fit time, ſhe left them in his hands and went unto her Chamber with much ſatisfaction: and yet ſhe had no great cauſe; for be pleaſed to know Madam, that Gabrias ſpoke ſo unto her, only to amuze her, and keep her from divulging her reſentment, of ill treating Aſtidamus, For Gabrias having a full deſign to be revenged upon the [...] King of Aſſiria, his mind and conſiderations ran only upon that, and not the ſatisfaction of Arpasia, ſo that intending to accompliſh this marriage, he ſent to Meliantes, and deſired him to come and ſpeak with him; who coming in all haſte, he found him in his cloſet, holding the two Letters in his hand.

To teſtify unto you (ſaid Gabrias unto him) how I eſteem your Wiſdome and friendſhip, I will truſt you with the greateſt ſecret of my family, and try if it be poſſible to make you ſide with that party which I am raiſing againſt the King of Aſſiria.

After this, Gabrias aggravated all his cauſes of complaint which he had againſt that Prince, then told him of the Treaty which he had with Protogenes, acquainted him, that the marriage of Arpaſia was concluded upon, only for that reaſon, and told him all that Arpasia had told him before, and all her anſwers; But you Meliantes (ſaid he unto him) being a man of underſtanding, I know will eaſily conceive that I anſwered my daughter as I did, only to gain time, for it were a groſſe abſurdity, to break off with Protogenes, becauſe Aſtidamus loves Cleonide, and is not in love with my daughter: For the marriages of perſons of her quality are to be made upon ſollid grounds, never inſiſting upon ſuch trifles as conduce nothing to the eſtabliſhment of families, And though Aſtidamus do love Cleonide, and not Arpaſia, no matter, for his mind may change; and though it do not, it is but according [Page] to that order, which Nature and Cuſtome hath eſtabliſhed; for very few husbands are Lovers of their wives. And therefore ſince Aſtidamus hath courage and ſpirit enough and can ſerve to execute, my revenge, Arpaſia muſt reſolve to marry him yet ſince I deſire that Aſtidamus would apply himſelf unto her rather by fair means th [...]n by my abſolute authority, I have made choiſe of you to perſwade Aſtidamus unto a little more compliance with her, and that he may ſee how he is obliged unto me, for my diſcretion in the knowledge that I have of his Love unto Cleonide, ſhew him theſe two Letters which I put into your hands. In ſaying ſo, Gabrias gave Meliantes the Letters, who ſeeming to read them, as if he had never ſeen them before, afterwards told Gabrias, that ſince Aſtidamus, had promiſed Cleonide, never to marry Arpaſia, he could not beleive it was in his power to perſwade him to live better with her: Nay nay, never think ſo, ſaid Gabrias, though Aſtidamus promiſed Cleonide never to marry Arpaſia, yet he promiſed Protogenes to marry her when ere he pleaſed. And indeed, to diſcover the ſecret of the buſineſs unto you, I muſt tell you, that the man who was ſent unto the King of Aſſiria is already returned, although it be not publiſhed, becauſe a ſuppoſed anſwer of that Prince muſt be contrived, as if he had conſented unto the marriage, although he did not; and I muſt tell you alſo, that as ſoon as the mother and ſiſter of Aſtidamus are arrived, the marriage is to be celebrated. Therefore in this Interim which willnot be long, I would have you tell Aſtidamus, that I am acquainted with his being in love with Cleonide, and that my daughter knowes of it alſo: For ſince I do know of an infallible certainty, that although he do love Cleonide, yet he will marry Arpasia, I am perſwaded that to avoid her perſecution after marriage, he will ſtrive with himſelf and break with Cleonide ſooner then he would, if he thought that this gallantry was not known, either to me or my daughter; tell him that I will carefully conceale it from Protogenes, provided he will apply himſelf to appeaſe Arpaſia, and tell him on the other ſide, that if he will not do as he ought, I will diſcover him both unto Protogenes, and all the world

I leave you to imagin Madam, how Meliantes reliſhed this imployment, whether he conſidered himſelf as the Lover of Arpaſia, or as the brother of Cleonide: And yet he was forced to accept of it, leaſt Gabrias ſhould beſtow it upon another who would ſtickle in the buſineſs more than he would; therefore he promiſed Gabrias to obey his commands, yet he would not perſwade him to expoſe Arpaſia to ſo much miſery, as to marry Aſtidamus, ſince ſhe had a moſt invincible averſion to him.

But at laſt, Meliantes ſeeing he could prevaile nothing with him, he left him, and went away with more ſorrow then he was able to undergoe: Underſtanding that much company was with Arpaſia, he was in no fit tune to enter; but he went unto Cleonide, whom he found alone, to aske her whether ſhe had ſeen Aſtidamus the night before, in the place where ſhe was uſed to meet him? Alas brother (ſaid ſhe unto him) I have ſeen him but too often; for ſince you have opened my eyes I have ſeen his infidelity ſo cleer in this, that I make no queſtion of it: It was but yeſterday that he promiſed me not to marry Arpaſia, but he ſpoke more faintly than uſuall: and he did ſo harp upon the imperious humour of Protogenes, That I know he prepares himſelf for obedience: Trueth is, dear Brother, Astidamus is a moſt perfidious man, one who hath ſto [...]n Arpaſia from you, and will take his heart from me, unleſſe you find ſome means to prevent your miſfortune and mine: He told me yeſterday (added ſhe) that his Mother and his Siſter would perhaps arrive to morrow: but he feared extreamly, that his Mother would not be able to oppoſe the Marriage, as he hoped and wiſhed. How (ſayd Meliantes) will Argelyſe be at Alfenes to morrow? if ſo, I muſt have recourſe unto the moſt extream remedies.

Cleonide ſurprized at her Brothers ſpeeches, asked him why he ſayd ſo? But Meliantes not being willing to tell her the Cauſe, did ſay that his ſorrows were ſo great, that he knew not what he ſaid: ſo that after about a quarter of an hours ſtay, he returned to Arpaſia, to ſee if the company was gone: and underſtanding that there was none but Alcianipe, two other Ladies, and a man of good account in Alfenes, named Meroſus, he thought they would depart preſently, and therefore he entred, but he was deceived; for Alcianipe was in ſuch a [Page] talkative humour that day, as he thought ſhe would never give over. Not but that Arpaſia did civilly expreſſe her ſelfe to take no pleaſure in detraction: Yet ſince ſhe imagined that Meliantes knew of the gallantries of Aſtidamus only from her, therefore ſhe endured her with moae patience then ſhe would, if ſhe had not thought that it was by her meanes that her Marriage with Astidamus was to be broken off.

Moreover, ſince the Language of Gabrias had filled her full of joy, Meliantes found her as pleaſant as he was ſadd: and ſhe expoſed her ſelfe unto Raillary with Meroſus and Alcianipe. But Meliantes ſpoke not a word all the while, and was ſo reſerved, that Arpaſia took notice of it, and imagined that her ſuſpitions of his being in Love with her, were not ill grounded: ſo that after Alcianipe, Meroſus, and all the reſt of the Ladies were gone, ſhe avoyded talking in private with him, as much as ſhe could. And to that end ſhe called all her women one after another: but Meliantes having buſineſs of concernment to impart unto her, beſeeched her to let him have an hours Audience, and that preſently: For Madam (ſaid he unto her, and ſighed) I aſſure you it imports all the happineſſe of your life that you do heare me, and that immediately. Arpaſia knowing that Meliantes had ſome croſſe adventure or other to tell her, ſhe changed colour, and deſired him to acquaint her what misfortune had of late happened? So then haſting to tell her all that Gabrias had told him, leaſt any ſhould come in to interrupt them, he acquainted her in few words with all the Conference he had with her Father, and with ſo many ſignes of ſorrow in his Countenance, as it was plainly to be ſeen that the intereſt of Arpaſia did neerly concern him. How Meliantes (ſaid ſhe) is my Father ſo inhumane as to make me a ſacrifice unto his Revenge? Can he finde a heart to make mee the moſt miſerable woman upon Earth, onely to ſatisfie his ambition? Would he marry me unto a man who can betray the beſt of women? Can Aſtidamus quit Cleonide whom he loves to obey Protogenes? and muſt I marry Aſtidamus who loves me not, to obey a Father? and yet Religion bids me not diſobey him, although all my Prayers and my teares cannot move him.

How's this Madam (replyed Meliantes haſtily) can you ever finde a heart to marry Aſtidamus? Queſtionleſſe I ſhall ſooner find a heart to dye (replyed ſhe) and yet I think I shall reſolve upon it, rather than incurre the shame of diſobeying ſuch a Father as Gabrias: and yet all remedies muſt firſt be tryed: and I cannot tell whether it would be expedient to acquaint Cleonide with the infidelity of her Lover, to the end, that ſhe uſing her endeavours to prevent being betrayed, ſhe may prevent my being miſerable alſo. Alas Madam, (replyed Meliantes) that is already done, and to no purpoſe, why (replyed Arpaſia,) hath Alcianipe ſpoke unto Cleonide, no Madam, (anſwered he) but I have ſpoke unto her my ſelf, and ſince it concernes you as well as my ſelf, that you know who I am, be pleaſed to know Madam, that I am Cleonides brother. Are you Cleonides brother? (replyed Arpaſia with much aſtoniſhment) are you he, of whom the friend of Aſtidamus gave ſo noble a character? Yes Madam, (replyed he) I am the unfortunate Clidaris. under the name of Meliantes, whom Cleonide never ſaw ſince ſhe was two years old.

I am very glad (replyed ſhe) that I was not miſtaken, when I thought your quality ſutable to your merit? alſo it joyes me that being Cleonides brother, it concerns you almoſt as much as me, that I do not marry Aſtidamus: When you ſhall know me, well Madam, replyed he, perhaps you ſhall ſee, that it concerns me more than you; and that though Cleonide were not my ſiſter, yet my concernment would be the ſame, For truly Madam, not to diſguiſe my ſelf and my ſoul any longer, I muſt tell you that I became your captive in ſpeaking of the conqueſts of Seſoſtris, the very firſt day, that I had the honour to ſee you.

Yes Madam, the very firſt minute of your ſight, was the firſt minute of my paſſion; and I have ever ſince loved you in ſuch a reſpective manner, that you need not be offended if I aſſume ſo much boldneſs to tell you of it, in ſuch a time when I would not have you attribute all I ſhall do againſt Aſtidamus, unto the Intereſt of my ſiſter.

I am in ſuch a miſerable condition already (replyed Arpaſia) that you ſhould [Page] not ſpeak thus unto me, and deprive me of the conſolation which I had in opening my heart unto you Why Madam (ſaid he) will you ſhut up your heart from me, becauſe I give you my own? and will you not be ſtill my friend, becauſe I love you Truly Madam, if ſo, I muſt needs ſay, you are both unjuſt and Rigorous: For Madam, my affection unto you is not incompatible with your virtue; ſince I ask nothing of you at preſent, but only that you will give me leave to love you, and that I may oppoſe my ſelf againſt the deſigns of Aſtidamus, I have ſuch a pretence as that you need not be ſeen to have any ſhare in it; and if I be not the moſt miſtaken man in the world, I will prevent your marrying him, without putting you to the neceſſity of diſobeying Gabrias, though all this be very advantageous to me, (replyed ſhe) yet though you have offended me, I would not have you take any courſe that may prove fatall unto either of you, and I had rather be the wife of Aſtidamus, than be the cauſe of any ones death, I would not hazard the life of Aſtidamus, much more yours.

Moreover, (added ſhe) to teſtifie unto you, that my eſteem and amity is very great, ſince it can ſubſiſt after a declaration of love, I will pardon your boldneſs upon condition that hereafter you will not ſpeak unto me, but under the notion of a friend, and as Meliantes.

Yet Madam, I beſeech you (replyed he) Let Clidaris hope that he ſhall have a favourable acception from you, whenſoever things are in ſuch a condition, that he may let Gabrias know what thoughts he hath of you. I will permit him to hope, (replyed ſhe) that if he can oblige my father to be as favourable to him, as he is unto Aſtidamus, that then, I ſay, I will not be ſo averſe to him, as I am unto that perfidious Lover: And more than this Meliantes do not move me unto, unleſſe you deſire I ſhould break quite off with you; though all this be almoſt nothing (replyed he) yet I ſhall be ſatisfied with your goodneſs, provided you will give me leave to tell you that I do love you with a more fervency than ever any did; that never Lover ſuffered more than ever I have, nor was ever any love more violent, and more ſolid both, than mine to you.

For beleive it Madam, I love you with a certainty never to leave off loving you, and I love you without the contribution of any hopes, and without any complacency from you to increaſe it, ſince you did not ſo much as ſuſpect that I was in Love with you.

And the love that flames in my ſoul having its fewell rather from the ſtars, than from reaſon, ſo that nothing can quench it, but muſt not be extinguiſhed, except in my grave, I beſeech you therefore admit of it; and let all I ſhall do againſt Aſtidamus, have a favourable reception from you. As Meliantes was ſaying this, Astidamus with three others entred into Arpaſias chamber, ſo as ſilence being forced upon both, the talk muſt of neceſſity change; and Aſtidamus being that day in a pleaſant humour, and moreover, having a deſign to marry Arpasia, he reſolved to change his way of behaviour towards her, and to win upon her mind, he applyed him unto her, and every one with all imaginable agreeableneſſe; but as I remember, I told you before how he paſſed from one ſubject unto another, without arguing any thing to the bottom, ſo I may now very well ſay, that within the compaſſe of one houre he talked of a hundred ſeverall ſubjects: For he had up, not only all the news at Babylon, but alſo all the paſſages at Alfenes, he talked of every thing hee did that day he related what was ſpoken, in all the places where he had been▪ and he asked Arpasia what ſhe had been doing, then did he chide Meliantes for his ſilence: afterwards he talked of muſick and of painting, and brought in ſo many ſeverall things, that one of the company taking notice of this great variety, did hint it into others by way of commending Aſtidamus, for (ſaid he) there is nothing in the world more tedious, then begin in company with ſuch people as dwell upon the firſt ſubject they begin to ſpeak upon, and do ſo rip up the very botome of a buſineſs, that for a whole afternoon together, they will never change diſcourſe, for ſince talk ſhould be free and natural; and every one in the company to have an equal Liberty of changing as they think good, it is a groſſe absurdity to ſtop the mouthes of any one, or to interrupt them.

For my part, ſaid Meliantes very faintly) I do not underſtand your rule to be generall, for I do know ſome perſons who can make much better diverſion in [Page] talking upon one ſubject, than in relating all the novelties of the World. If you ſpeak of Love unto any perſon (replyed Aſtidamus) I think you have good reaſon not to change diſcourſe; and yet unleſſe you paint your paſſion with variety of col [...]ours, you will but tyre the perſon and your ſelf too: Thoſe who know how to love (replyed Meliantes) are not ſo ſoon weary, as others who know not; And Love hath this peculiarity unto it ſelf, as it doth ſo ſweetly take up the minds of thoſe it doth po ſſeſs, that ſilence often is a diverſion; and two perſons in Love, provided they may be together, will ſit, and gaze, and never be weary, though they ſpeak not a word unto each other.

However it be, (ſaid Aſtidamus) I love variety in all things, variety of flowers in a meadow does very well (ſaid Arpaſia, in a languiſhing tone) but I do not love it in other things; and whether it be out of ſlowneſs or barrenneſs of wit, I know not, I uſe to talk long upon a ſubject which pleaſeth me.

After this, Meliantes driving the buſineſs a little further, he moved Aſtidamus to anſwer him ſomewhat tartly, ſo as if Arpasia had not carried her ſelf very diſcreetly, they had quarrelled in her preſence, and yet they parted very civilly, and every one went home with different thoughts. Arpaſia for her part was much diſquieted, for ſince ſhe had concluded nothing with Meliantes, ſhe was afraid leaſt he ſhould take ſome violent courſe; and the more, becauſe ſhe knew he had no other way to break off her marriage; and becauſe ſhe ſaw moſt perfectly that he was in love with her, ſo that calling me into her cloſet, ſhe acquainted me with the cauſe of all her ſorrowes, ſhe told me what Gabrias ſaid unto Meliantes; and all that Meliantes had ſaid unto her, both of his birth and paſſion, and afterwards ſhe did aggravate her misfortunes with ſo many ſighs, tears, and ſignificative expreſſions, that ſhe inſpired me with all her ſorrowes, yet Madam, (ſaid I unto her to comfort her) you have this advantage, that Meliantes is both Cleonides brother, and your Lover: Doubtleſs it is (replyed ſhe) to prevent Aſtidamus from marrying me; but Niſide, it is an advantage which much diſquiets me, for I eſteem Meliantes more than to wiſh h [...]s ruin in my ſafety, and I eſteem him more than to deſire that his eſteem ſhould be ſeconded by a greater obligation. Since Meliantes is of ſo good a quality, (replyed I) you need not fear being obliged unto him: and if by breaking off your marriage with Aſtidamus, he ſhould come to marry you I ſee no reaſon you have to complain againſt your fortune. Not ſo haſty, good Niſide, (ſaid ſhe unto me) let us entertain no ſuch ill grounded hopes, Meliantes doubtleſs hath as many charmes both of ſoul and body, as any man in the world; yet for all that, though I conceive well enough of him as a friend, yet I know him not well enough to wiſh he were my husband; though I know very well he loves me, and though I have a very particular eſteem of him, and ſince I know my ſelf to be moſt unfortunate, I dare not wiſh it, leaſt I ſhould wiſh ſomething to my own diſ-advantage.

Whilſt Arpaſia was thus reaſoning upon the matter, the ſoul of Meliantes was reſtleſly unſatisfied, for knowing that Astidamus was reſolved to marry Arpasia, that Gabrias would force his daughter to obey him, and that ſhe, ma [...]gre her repugnancy, had a diſpoſition unto it, he ſaw that there was no remedyes againſt his miſeries, but ſuch as were moſt violent.

Moreover, knowing of a certainty that Argeliſe would come, he foreſaw, miſery upon miſery, and knew nor how to untwiſt this ravelled clew of fortune: So that after he had paſſed over a whole night without ſleep, and without imparting his inquietudes unto Phormion becauſe he thought him too wiſe to give ſuch violent counſell, as that which he gave himſelf, he got up in all haſte, and without any with him but a page, he went to the place where he knew Aſtidamus uſed to walk in the mornings, who lodging on that ſide of the town towards the Lake, he went every morning to take the freſh air, at ſuch an houre, when men of his age have leaſt to do, becauſe it was no time for viſits, nor a time when the Ladyes go into the Temple.

But Meliantes being there very early, Aſtidamus was not yet come; ſo as he had time enough to examine what he had to do; but the more he examined the preſent condition of his ſoul, the leſſe alteration he found in his reſolution. Think well with thy ſelf Meliantes, (ſaid he to himſelf, as he told me ſince) conſider [Page] what thou art about; Aſtidamus is brother unto Argeliſe, unto whom thou art obliged; whom thou doeſt eſteem, for whom thou hadſt a kind of amity which thou didſt think to be love, and ſo did that lovely but unfortunate Lady, think alſo: content thy ſelf therefore with being perfidious, and do not quarrell with one who is ſo dear unto her. But alas, (ſaid he, and reprehended himſelf) how can I conſider Aſtidamus only as Argeliſes brother, ſince he is to marry Arpasia, and betray Cleonide? yet as for this laſt crime, I ſhould be ſo juſt as to pardon him, ſince I am guilty of the ſame my ſelf; but for the other, I am not able to endure it: No no, I am not able to endure that Aſtidamus ſhould ever marry Arpasia; and ſince I cannot prevent it, unleſs I take ſome violent courſe, I muſt reſolve upon it, and put it in execution with all boldneſs and conſtancy.

As he was in this mind, Aſtidamus appeared, having none with him, but one page alſo, ſo that going towards him, he ſaluted him, to the end their Pages ſhould take no notice: After which Aſtidamus began to ſpeak; how comes it to paſſe Meliantes, (ſaid he unto him) that I ſhould meet you in a walk which I thought had been frequented by none but my ſelf? You meet me here, (replyed hee) becauſe I came to ſeek you, and tel you, that I have a buſineſs of importance to impart, which I beleive will be agreeable to your Minde; For conſidering the thoughts which I know you have of Cleonide, I make no doubt but you will be glad to know that I am her brother, and that you will make uſe of thoſe expedients which I ſhall adviſe you unto, by not marrying Arpasia whom you love not, and by marrying Cleonide, whom I know you do love.

How (replyed Aſtidamus, much aſtonied) are you Clidaris who paſſed by Samoſates? Yes, (replyed he) I am the ſame Clidaris of whom you received an advantageous Character, and who comes to ſummon you unto a performance of your promiſe unto my ſiſter, Not that ſhe is my intelligencer, but ſince the generall vogue of the Town is, that you are going to marry Arpasia, I ſhould be very glad (for my own honours ſake, which links me with hers iu this buſineſs) to underſtand from your own mouth, the truth of your intentions.

But to the end you may not beleive I aſſume a name which belongs not unto me (ſaid he, and ſhewed him the two Letters which he had written unto Cleonide) ſo here your own hand, which I could not have but from the hand of my ſiſter, and anſwer me punctually unto what I ſhall ask you When I writ theſe two Letters unto Cleonide (replyed Aſtidamus ſharply) I did intend to do what I writ, but now I ſee ſhe doubts my promiſes that ſhe ſends to me for a more cleer manifeſtation, and that ſhe hath concealed from me your being her brother, her infidel [...]ty [...] all diſpence with mine, nor ever was my engagement ſo great with Cleonide, that her reputation ſhould be at ſtake, I loved her, and ſhe allowed me, but never was any noiſe made of it in the world, and though it ſhould be known I was in Love with her; and was not hated, yet would ſhe not be diſhonored by it, whether any know it or no, replyed Meliantes it is no matter, its enough I know it, to make me move you unto a performance of your promiſe which you made unto her.

I had performed it, (replyed Aſtidamus craftily) had ſhe truſted unto my word, but now I do not think it fit to incenſe Protogenes, loſe all my fortunes, and put an affront upon Gabrias and Arpaſia, to ſatisfie a perſon, who hath put an affront upon me,

Will you not then marry Cleonide, (ſaid Meliantes coldly) and do you intend to marry Arpasia? ſince reaſon requires I ſhould, I will (replyed Aſtidamus) and I know not who or what can hinder me. Should I follow my own inclination (replyed Meliantes) my ſword ſhould force you to that, which the conſideration of Juſtice will not. But a prevalent reaſon, beſt known to my ſelf forbidding me to uſe that extream untill I be forced, I will acquaint you further. that I am no [...] only Cleonides brother, but alſo the Lover of Arpaſia, ſo as though I could conſent you ſhould ſlight my ſiſter, yet I cannot let you marry my miſtreſs: And therefore having a double intereſt in the affair, I adviſe you to examine the matter, and reſolve coragiouſly to do what becomes you, ſince as I th [...]nk there is no great difficulty in it, for ſince you do not love Arpaſia but do love Cleonide you may moſt eaſily ſatisfie both me, and your ſelf.

Since I value my honour above all things (replyed Aſtidamus ſharply) I need [Page] not ſpend more time in deliberation; and therefore let the difference be terminated by Combate, to let you ſee that it is not your ſword can force me to keep promiſes, to that end let us ſend our ſervants further off: So theſe two Enemies began to fight with as much Courage as animoſity: But ſtriving to vanquiſh, and when they were ready to kill each other, a Coach full of Ladies, and many men on horſe-back appeared very neer them: and they came ſo happily, that neither of them were wounded when they were forced to end their Combate.

But the wonder was, who ſhould be in the Coach but the Mother of Astidamus, and Argelyſe? So that the firſt object of this faire one was to ſee her Brother with a ſword in his hand fighing againſt her pretended Lover, of whoſe infidelity ſhe was ignorant. As ſoon as ſhe ſaw them, ſhe cryed out in teſtimony of her wonder and ſorrows; ſo as being parted, they knew her voyce, and turned their heads to the place from whence the voyce came. Meliantes looking upon her, and ſhe upon him, he was ſo aſhamed to think ſhe ſhould know of his new paſſion, that he had much ado to endure her looks. Yet he ſaluted both her Mother and her very civilly: and asking pardon for his being found in that Condition with her Brother, he told her in two words, that it was an effect of his misfortune and miſery which deſerved pitty.

In the mean while, Aſtidamus and Meliantes ſeeing much company come in, and their Pages appearing, they ſaw that they could not prevent their being carryed to the Town, from which they were not diſtant above two hundred paces: and in which they no ſooner were, but Protogenes ſet Guards upon them, untill he knew the cauſe of their Quarrell, and had ſeen Gabrias: For ſince Meliantes came with him, he thought it not expedient to do any thing in the buſineſs without him. You may imagine Madam, what a noiſe this Combate made in Alfenes, and in what a Condition all thoſe perſons were who had any intereſt in the buſineſſe.

When Arpaſia heard the newes, and thought upon the danger unto which Meliantes had expoſed himſelfe, and what a noyſe this quarrell would make, ſhee was extreamly troubled, she was afraid, leſt they ſhould think that ſhe had contributed any thing to the Combate, alſo feared that this quarrell in lieu of breaking the Marriage, would haſten it. In the mean time, ſhee knew not how to be ſatisfied of the truth, but was forced unto patience, till time did ſatisfie her curioſity. On the other ſide, Cleonide was as angry both againſt her Brother, and againſt her Lover: She thought the firſt of theſe did not care for her, ſince he would kill a man, whom he knew ſhe affected with much tenderneſſe: Alſo ſhee thought that Aſtidamus did not love her, but was a moſt perfidious man, ſince he would kill her brother. So that being angry ſometimes againſt one, and ſometimes againſt another, ſhe was in a moſt impatient deſire to know more circumſtances of the Combate. Aſtidamus for his part, he was not a little perplexed, for he ſtood in extream feare of Protogenes, becauſe his fortunes depended upon him, and therefore was extreamly afraid leſt he should be offended at his engagement with Cleonide; the love he bore unto her never troubled him, nor made him aſhamed; and that eſteem which he had of Arpaſia made him loath she should know of his inconſtancy and double dealing.

Meliantes for his particular was in a moſt reſtleſſe condition, out of feare leſt Arpaſia ſhould be offended at what he had done, and that he had told Aſtidamus how he was in Love with her: The preſence of Argelyſe was no ſmall griefe and ſhame unto him, though he had ſome ſmall Conſolation out of a far-fetcht hope that he ſhould break off the Marriage of Aſtidamus with Arpaſia.

But as for Argelyſe, ſhe knew not what to thinke of the Combate between her Brother & Meliantes, & ſhe was very diligent to find out the truth of the buſines: And though Aſtidamus was under guard, yet ſhe could ſpeak with him, becauſe ſhe was not a perſon ſuſpected. Argelyſe then taking her Brother aſide, whilſt her Mother was with Protogenes, negotiating for a reconcilement of the buſineſſe, ſhe preſſed him to tell her the cauſe of his quarrell with Meliantes: And Aſtidamus being willing to ſatisfie her, he began to relate his love unto Cleonide, his voyage unto Gabrias, his affection unto Arpaſia, his renewing with Cleonide after his return, his fears of diſpleaſing Protogenes if he ſhould confeſſe his paſſion, and his ambitious deſign of forſaking Cleonide, and marrying Arpaſia.

[Page] Is it as the brother of Cleonide (ſaid the impatient Argelyſe and interrupted him) that Meliantes fought with you: Doubtleſs it is (replyed he) and more, for he fought with me as the Lover of Arpaſia. As the Lover of Arpaſia? (ſayd Argelyſe and bluſhed) it is impoſſible. Since I had it from his own mouth (replyed Aſtidamus) I need not doubt it. Is it poſſible brother (replyed Argelyſe) that Meliantes ſhould love Arpaſia, and fight with you rather as her Lover, than as Cleonides Brother? I am ſo certain of it (replyed he) that you need not queſtion it any further: But Siſter (ſaid Aſtidamus, and looked earneſtly upon her) why doe you think it ſo ſtrange that Meliantes ſhould be in Love with Arpaſia who is one of the greateſt Beauties in the world? Did he perſwade you whilſt he was at Samoſates that he loved you? and have I the ſame intereſt of honour to be revenged upon him, as he pretends to have of me? I beſeech you tell mee whether I conjecture right, as the alteration of your Countenance doth perſwade me that I do. Speak, dear Siſter (ſayd hee) I conjure you to tell mee truely.

Alas dear brother, what would you have me tell you? ſaid ſhe, I would have you tell me the truth (replyed he) but then I muſt hold my hand before my eyes when I tell it (replyed she) I meane when I tell you, that Meliantes is perfidious, who perſwaded me that he loved me, and told me that his chiefe deſigne in coming to Alfenes was to get your Love, but I perceive he hath changed his mind: yet I do not ſee what advantage I ſhall get by acquainting you with his infidelity, and my weakneſſe: For truly brother, as long as you are reſolved to forſake Cleonids for Arpaſia, you cannot upbraid him that he ſhould forſake me. 'Tis very true, replyed Aſtidamus; but he hath not ſo much right to pretend unto the Love of Arpaſia, as I have: And though I receive no other advantage from his flighting you, but that it will hinder him from being the Lover of Arpaſia, yet that is very great, and you have reaſon to think your ſelfe happy in coming ſo opportunely to be revenged on him: Alas brother, ſaid ſhee, you will be more revenged upon me than him, if you publiſh the innnocent affection which I have unto that unfaithfull man. However, replyed Aſtidamus, I muſt make him appeare as culpable as I am to Cleonide; and to that end I conjure you to acquaint me with all the teſtimonies of his affection which ever he gave unto you. Alas (ſaid ſhe and ſighed againe) ſince I am not in a Condition to receive any, I will not remember them any more.

As they were thus in diſcourſe, they were interrupted by ſeverall perſons of quality who came in a Complement unto Astidamus after his Combate: So as Argelyſe being forced to retire and hide her ſorrows, Aſtidamus remained alone with them who came to viſit him. But as ſoon as ever they were gone, he employ'd all his endeavours to get one of the Guards to carry a Letter unto Meliantes, by which he intimated unto him, that ſince he had begun a quarrell with him as he was the brother of Cleonide, and the Lover of Arpaſia, he thought good to tell him from the brother of Argelyſe, and from him that was to marry Arpaſia, that he ſhould endeavour to eſcape from his Guards the night following, as he hoped to do from his, to the end they might finiſh their Combate in a Place which he appointed, unleſſe he would yeeld Arpaſia to him, and marry Argelyſe.

But Madam, this Letter was not delivered unto Meliantes; for ſince Protogenes cauſed him to be guarded more cloſely than Aſtidamus; the man who was to deliver this Letter unto Meliantes was ſtopped and ſearched by the Guards: and this Letter being found about him, he was carried unto Protogenes, when Gabrias and the Mother of Argeliſe and he were together. You may judg Madam, what diſorder this Letter cauſed, for by it Protogenes knew that Aſtidamus was unfaithfull unto the Siſter of Meliantes, and that Meliantes was unfaithfull unto the ſiſter of Aſtidamus. Gabrias for his part, he ſaw more plainly than before, that his Daughter had good reaſon for her averſion againſt a man who did not love her: And the Mother of Argeliſe underſtood that the heart of her Daughter was more engaged than she imagined.

In the mean time, ſuch an adventure as this was not to be kept ſecret, for the letter was read aloud by thoſe who took the man which should have given it unto Meliantes: Two dayes were ſpent in the examination of the buſineſſe, before any thing could be reſolved upon: Such an univerſall report was ſpread over all Alfenes, that nothing elſe was talked of. You may imagine, that Alcianipe was as buſie [Page] as the buſieſt, in giving advice; and tumbling truths and lyes together, ſhe compoſed a moſt ſtrange hiſtory of all thoſe perſons. But Madam, it is fit I ſhould tell you how ſadly the fair Arpasia reſented it, when ſhe heard that Meliantes was accuſed of Infidelity to Argeliſe, though he was unfaithfull, only becauſe he loved her.

However, ſhe alwaies affirmed to me, that her ſorro w [...]s proceeded only from reſentments of eſteem and freindſhip.

But Madam, (ſaid I unto her) Since the infidelity of Meliantes is advantageous to you, me thinks he deſerves to be excuſed, and that you ſhould not be greived, eſpecially ſince you are in good hopes not to marry Aſtidamus; and ſince it may ſo come to paſſe, that you may marry Meliantes, who is one of the beſt accompliſhed men in the world. Meliantes replyed ſhe, moſt certainly is a very excellent man, but ſince he can be unfaithfull, he can never be my Lover with any hopes of being loved, my friend indeed he may be, and under that notion, I can both pitty and excuſe him, but he muſt never pretend any further.

On the other ſide, Meliantes knowing that Arpaſia did know of all his adventure with Argeliſe, and that Argeliſe knew of his love to Arpaſia, he intreated two different things from Phormion, for he deſired him to go and make excuſes for him to her, unto whom he had been unfaithfull, and alſo unto her, who made him commit the infidelity.

Since thoſe who guarded him, had orders to let Phormion come to him, becauſe it was known he carried himſelf very moderatly, he had the liberty to vent all the variety of his thoughts unto him. I beſeech you dear friend (ſaid he unto him) uſe all your Rethorick to ſweeten the ſharpneſs of Argeliſes mind, provided you mention nothing which may offend my love unto Arpaſia; but when you talk with that divine perſon, who raigns Soveraign in my ſoul, imply all the faculties of your ingenuity ſo, that ſhe may not deprive me of her eſteem. Were Arpaſia a common perſon, I ſhould hope ſhe would thank me for my infidelity, but knowing her as I do, I fear ſhe will ſuſpect my paſſion; tell her then I beſeech you, who knowes my heart, that I am leſs unfaithfull than ſhe imagines, ſince I was never in love with Argeliſe, ſo far as ſhe beleived: Yet do not inſult upon that unhappy perſon, but proteſt unto Arpaſia, that though Argeliſe was firſt my affectionate freind, yet ſhe was not my firſt Love, tell her my heart deceived me, when I thought I was in love with Argeliſe, and that the young experience which I had in that paſſion, made me tell harmleſs lyes, when I aſſured Argeliſe that I loved her, ſince it is a moſt certain trueth, that the power of Arpaſias charmes hath prefectly taught me that I was never really in love with any, untill I firſt ſaw her, and ſince it is ſo, I ought not to be looked upon as an unfaithfull man, whoſe love muſt be ſuſpected.

Phormion would have endeavoured to avert him from the Love of Arpaſia, but he was not able.

In the mean time, this wiſe and faithfull friend, who in that little time he had been in Alfenes, had gotten a Language which was not naturall unto him, did very exactly execute that imployment which Meliantes did put upon him, but he found Argeliſe ſo chollerick, that do what he could, he was not able to qualifie her incenſed ſpirit. As for Arpaſia, he found her very ſweet and civill, and ſhe told him, that ſhe thought her ſelf much obliged unto Meliantes, for hazarding his life in her behalf, though ſhe could have wiſhed he had not applied ſuch violent remedies, but ſhe deſired him to tell Meliantes from her, that ſhe wiſhed, he would not any longer continue obſtinate in loving her, ſince he did but looſe his Labour. Then Phormion for all that, did perſwade her withall the reaſons which his friend had furniſhed him withall, but ſhe told him again ſo reſolutely, that ſhe would never entertain a Lover whom ſhe could ſuſpect of inconſtancy, that he plainly ſaw, Meliantes had no hopes.

On the other ſide Cleonide ſeeing infallibly, that Aſtidamus forſook her out of ſelf intereſt, ſhe was ſo incenſed againſt him, as ſhe declared that though he ſhould return again unto her, yet he ſhould return in vain. for ſhe would never marry a man, who had more ambition in his heart than love.

This example of Cleonides generoſity, wrought ſo upon the heart of Argeliſe, that ſhe being out of hopes Meliantes would ever become her ſlave again, ſhe ſaid [Page] as much as Cleonide did, ſo as the reſentments of theſe three perſons, being quickly known unto Protogenes, and Gabrias, they did not think the buſineſs ſo difficult to be compoſed; yet were they very ſorry to ſee, that the marriage of Arpaſia and Aſtidamus could no be conſummated; but ſince they ſtill united their intereſts againſt the King of Aſſyria, they made the beſt of this adventure they could: So that [...] Meliantes and Aſtidamus, were almoſt equally culpable to each other, and their ſiſters, and that Cleonide and Argeliſe, would not pretend unto their Lovers, nor Arpaſia, unto Meliantes; they conceived that there was nothing elſe to be done, but to prevent a ſecond combate: And imploying the perſwaſions of all their friends, theſe two enemies did ſeem to yeild unto the deſires of their freinds purpoſely to be rid of their guards; and they con [...]ented to imbtace each other, promiſing to quarrell no more: But for all that, hating one another with an inveterate malice, as they imbraced each other, there paſſed a reciprocall challenge between them, and they carried it ſo cunningly, that none perceived it.

They both went out of Alfenes the night following, and fought the next morning by break of day, where none was preſent to part them, Meliantes wounded Aſtidamus very dangerouſly, and diſarmed him, ſo that ſeeing he could not enter into Alfenes, after this combat, conſidering the condition of his enemy, he retired, after he had put him into the hands of his page, who waited upon him, and that he ſent his own page unto Phormion, to acquaint him with the place where he would ſtay for him, giving him a Letter alſo for Arpasia.

Thus Madam, immediatly after this fair one underſtood, that Astidamus was brought in much wounded, this page found an opportunity to give her his Maſters Letter, wherein was writ theſe words, if my memory fail me not.

To the Fair ARPASIA.

Madam,

I Have oft heard ſay, that one may treat a perſidious Lover ill; but I cannot think it juſt, to uſe a faithfull Lover ſo, I conceive Madam, that Argeliſe cannot hate me without ſhee be unjuſt; and I conceive you cannot hate me unleſs you be cruell. However, though perhaps you beleive not this, yet I cannot chooſe but conjure you to remember, that had it not been for my love to you, you had been the wife of Aſtidamus, and beleeve, that in what part of the world ſoever I am, I ſhall be eternally your Lover, and ſhall be more faithful under the name of Meliantes, than ever I was under that of Clidaris.

I being with Arpaſia when ſhe read this Letter, I obſerved ſhe could not read it without ſome diſorder, yet ſhee would not anſwer it, only intreated Phormion when he came to bid her adue, to tell his friend, that ſhe was ſo juſt as never to forget her Obligations to him, conjuring him to think of her as a perſon, who could not be any more than his friend.

But Madam, after Phormion had met with Meliantes, ſince it was eaſy to foreſee, that Gabrias would very ſhortly return, he would not go very far from Alfenes, purpoſely to know the paſſages there, and being reſolved to ſpeak with Arpaſia ſay what Phormion could, he would meet Arpasia upon the way.

In the mean time, whilſt we were at Alfenes, Gabrias was much perplexed; for ſince Meliantes did firſt come with him, and ſince it was he who preſented him unto Protogenes, this man greiving to ſee his nephew in danger of death, pretended that Gabrias muſt needs know where Meliantes was, and that it was fit he ſhould inform him.

Gabrias for his part, being perſwaded, that this Duell was fought without any foul play, and with equall advantage, and thinking it againſt the Laws of honour to purſue Meliantes, he told Protogenes, that he knew not where he was: But though he did know, he would not tell him, unleſs his thoughts were better than he ſaw them. So as growing inſenſibly very bitter one againſt another, though their [Page] intereſts required an union, they parted upon ill terms, and much animoſity one againſt another.

But I do verily beleive, the black tongued Alcianipe did blow the bellowes of their anger very much, for ſhe divulgd a report, that Protogenes had a deſign to diſcover the intentions, which Gabrias had of taking part with Ciaxares; and to make his own pe [...]ce with the King of Aſſiria, intended to ſend both him and Arpasia unto Babylon, and at the very ſame time, ſhe told others, that Gabrias thinking to betray Protogenes, had ſecretly conveyed ſome ſouldiers into Alfenes, and that Arpaſia did ſet on Meliantes to fight with Astidamus, but the wonder was, that ſhe thinking to tell a lye did tell a truth, for ſhe affirmed, that Meliantes was to meet Arpaſia? upon the high way, as ſhe travelled. Moreover, ſhe ſaid, that ſhe was ſure there was moſt intimate affection between them: Again, ſhe would not allow that this duel was fought with fair play, and vented ſuch invectives, both againſt Cleonide and Argeliſe, that her venemous tongue did become odious, unto all that had any intereſt in theſe two Ladies, or had any ſparks of virtue in them; & ſhe had drawn ſuch an univerſal hatred upon her ſelf, when we came from Alfenes, that all the Ladies intended to forbear any more viſits unto her, as the moſt dangerous and deteſtable perſon upon earth.

In the mean time, after our departure was reſolved upon, and that Gabrias and Protogenes, though they defied one another, yet carrying it as if they were good freinds, all the Ladies came to bid adieu unto Arpaſia, and to teſtifie their ſorrows to looſe her, yet Argeliſe muſt be excepted; who faining to be ſick, could not find in her heart to viſit a perſon, who had taken the heart of her Lover from her, and who ſhee thought, had cauſed her brother to be in that condition he was, but as for Cleonide, ſhee came, and had much diſcourſe with Arpaſia, in a ver y obliging way.

However, Arpaſia telling her, that ſhe beleived, Aſtidamus would return unto her as ſoon as he was recovered; Cleonide anſwered her, that thanks be to the Gods, her recovery had preceded his, for Madam, (ſaid ſhe unto her) if Aſtidamus had caſt me off, only ou [...] of love to you, than your rare beauty, and excellent merit, might have excuſed him; and I ſhould have eaſily pardoned him, but that he ſhould quit me out of ſelf intereſt, thisisa thing which moves me to ſ [...]orn him and to rejoyce that I have thrown him out of my heart. And indeed Madam, this fair one deſiring to be out of that place where ſhe had received ſuch a moſt ſenſible injury, deſired her aunt, that ſhe might go back unto her Father, where ſhortly after, ſhe was very advantageouſly married.

However, we underſtood before our departure that Aſtidamus would not die of his wounds, and we underſtood further, how it greived his very ſoul, that he could not ſatisfie neither hisambition nor his Love, and therefore conceived a moſt horrible hatred againſt his Conquerour, for Protogenes was much incenſed againſt him: Cleonide, ſhe went away, and he ſaw there was no likelyhood of ever marrying Arpaſia.

But in concluſion Madam, we parted; and not dreaming of Meliantes, we met him upon the road. Tis true, Gabrias did not ſee him, and it is as true, that Arpaſia had not ſeen him but for me: For be pleaſed to know, that as we came to the Town, where he ſaw her the firſt time, and informed her concerning the Column which was erected by Seſoſtris, a man unknown unto me brought me a Letter from Meliantes, which conjured me to help him unto an opportunity of bidding Arpaſia adieu, and that ſince he had been inſtrumentall, in breaking off her marriage with Aſtidamus, ſhe would not deny him that favour, upon which conſideration, I thought it not fit to deny him what he asked, and knowing Arpasias mind ſo well as I did, I did not think ſhe would be ſorry to ſee him. Yet I thought it expedient not to ask her permiſſion, ſince perhaps her ſcrupulous virtue might dorr at it, ſo as returning an anſwer unto Meliantes, who was concealed in the town where he lay, I told him, I would uſe my beſt endeavours of getting Arpasia to walk in a garden belonging to the houſe where we lodged, and if he would be at the dore of the garden which was towards the River, I would open it unto him, when Arpasia was there And accordingly it was carried; for it being an eaſy matter to perſwade Arpasia unto a walk when it was fair, becauſe ſhe loved it extreamly, I moved [Page] it unto her as ſoon as ſhe did riſe from Supper: Arpaſia then went whether I deſired with very little company, and Meliantes ſaw her, and ſpoke to her in an Alley where none but I was with her, and without her contributing unto it: for ſince it was her cuſtom to talk often in private with me; as ſoon as ſhe called me all the reſt of her women withdrew. I need not tell you, Madam, how ſhe was ſurprized at the ſight of Meliantes; but I will tell you, that as ſoon as he came neer her, he addreſſed himſelfe, I beſeech you Madam (ſayd he unto her) permit me to receive ſo much ſatisfaction, as to hear from your owne mouth, the reaſons of my condemnation, and to know by what motives, the beſt and moſt ſweet Lady upon earth is become the moſt rigorous; for truly Madam, as long as I paſſed under the notion of the ſtrange Meliantes, you eſteemed me and was very freindly, but as ſoon as ever you knew who I was, and knew that I did infinitely love you, then you began to be unjuſt. To teſtifie that I am not ſo (replyed Arpaſia) I aſſure you that I do remember all my obligations to you, and will never forget the good ſervice you did me in preventing my marriage with Aſtidamus; and to manifeſt my ſincerity, more then it may be, I ought, I will ingeniouſly tell you, that if you had never loved Argelyſe, or at leaſt had not promiſed eternall affection unto her, perhaps I ſhould have permitted you to love me in ſuch a way as you deſire; ſince ſetting your infidelity aſide, I do finde you a man every way worthy of my Fathers choice and mine. The truth is, your birth, your wit, your courage, your goodneſſe, your generoſity, and a thouſand other good qualities, are very complaiſant; but ſince you have been ſo perfidious unto Argelyſe who is infinitly amiable, you may as well be ſo unto Arpaſia if ſhe ſhould permit you to love her. Alas Madam (ſayd he unto her) I never bore unto Argelyſe more than tender friendſhip: By excuſing your ſelfe one way (replyed ſhe) you accuſe your ſelfe another, for if you were in love with Argelyſe, then you were onely an inconſtant man, and if you were not in love with her, then you were worſe then inconſtant, in not telling her as much, but ingaging her heart without ingaging yours alſo: if Phormion told you at Alfenes, what I deſired him (replyed Meliantes) he told you that indeed I thought my ſelfe in love with her, but yet it was onely amity, and therefore ought not to paſſe for a perfidious man in your opinion, though I may paſſe for an unconſtant man in Argeliſes. However it be, replyed Arpaſia, I muſt never rank you in any other forme, than in the degree of friendſhip; and therefore I pray you regulate your minde accordingly and beleeve that it is ſo impoſſible I ſhould ever be ſure of your affection, as you would be a very unhappy man if I ſhould ſuffer you to love me: For Argelyſe is faire and charming, and ſince ſhe was not able to returne your heart, it is unlikely I ſhould; and to tell you truly, as the ſtate of things are, I ought to diſpoſe of my ſelfe; for ſince my Father did once intend to ſacrifice me unto his Revenge, he may perhaps do the like againe, and in all probability I am deſtined to make the moſt advantageous treaty for him; and I conſider my ſelfe as an Hoſtage, not knowing into whoſe power I ſhall fall.

If I would oblige you unto many things Madam (replyed Meliantes) then you had reaſon to uſe theſe arguments againſt me, but alas I do not Madam; all I deſire is, that you would let me love you, and that you would be pleaſed to refer the knowledg of my fidelity to time, which is the beſt Judge of faithfull affections: and I begg this of you before the beginning of a moſt rigorous abſence, and my love will be put upon a moſt dangerous teſt, ſo as if I prove an inconſtant man, I ſhall never trouble you againe, ſince I ſhall never ſee you any more; and if I prove faithfull, I ſhould be unjuſt if I did not deſire the honour of ſerving you againe. Therefore I beſeech you Madam, grant me the liberty to love you, and conſider how ſmall a thing it is I aske, for though you ſhould not grant it, yet I could not chooſe but ſtill adore you, and though you ſhould forbid me, yet I muſt diſobey: But though I ſhould love you whether you will or no, yet I ſhould imagine it a great happineſſe if I could obtaine your leave for it; therefore deny it not I conjure you Madam, ſince I begg it without condition. I freely conſent (ſaid ſhe unto him) that you ſhould ſtill continue my Freind, but as for matter of Love, never looke for any leave from me: If you do drive me into deſpaire Madam (ſaid he unto her) you will force me to follow you and never leave you, untill I have [Page] obtained what I now beg, I think you more generous Meliantes (replyed Arpasia) than to expoſe my honour. And ſince the venomous tongued Alcianipe hath given it out, that I obliged you to fight with Aſtidamus, it would be beleived, if you ſhould take that courſe, and therefore I conjure you not to thinke of it, nor deſire any thing which doth croſs my inclination. Let us part therefore ſince reaſon requires it, and ſubmit to your deſtiny, without deſiring to be the arbitrator of your own fortune.

If the Gods be reſolved you ſhould love me, and that I ſhould change my mind, they will do it by ways unknown unto us, and if they will not, you will trouble your ſelf in vain.

Do therefore I pray you what prudence requires you ſhould, and without any complaints againſt my rigour, be aſſured that you have more of my eſteem and confidence than ever any perſon had; alas Madam (ſaid Meliantes then) how little do I want of being happy? for you need but add four or five words more unto what you have ſaid, to make me moſt compleatly happy.

After this, he uſed many tender expreſſions, which indeed did tender the heart of Arpasia, but did not make her reſolutions ſtagger, ſo as ſhe parted from him, without giving him leave, either to love or follow her, and his fears of incenſing her, made him reſolve upon a patient departure the next morning, ſo he returned home with a violent paſſion, and without hope, and Arpasia returned unto her father, having a very great eſteem of Meliantes.

In the mean time, thoſe who are tyed unto others by ſuch intereſts as are mutable and various, are never well united, longer than the reaſon which united doth continue, and therefore Protogenes thinking it better to ſit ſtill, than ingage himſelf in a doubtfull war, he broke off with Gabrias, ſo that he alone gave juſt ſuſpitions of revolt from the King of Aſſiria, and prudence requiring, that he ſhould do what his deſire of revenge had inſpired him withall, he fortified his pall [...]ce, and made it a garriſon, and prepared himſelf to take part with Cyrus, (as ſoon as that Prince, who then went under the name of Artamenes) ſhould approach.

In the mean time, we underſtood Aſtidamus was ſtill very ill of his wounds, and kept his bed a long time; alſo we heard that Meliantes was not yet cured of his paſſion, for he writ very often unto Arpasia, though ſhe did never anſwer any of his Letters: Tis true, ſhe ſuffered me ſomtimes to write unto him, but ever commanded me to forbid him writing any more unto her, unleſs he could better regulate his mind: And at ſometimes me thought, that I had ſome reaſons to think, that if Meliantes were but with Arpaſia, and were obſequious in courting her, ſhe would forget his infidelity unto Argeliſe, but ſo many ſeverall occaſions obliged Meliantes to ſtay in his own country, that he could not poſſibly leave it: for beſides his fathers unwillingneſs to part with him, he was engaged in a buſineſs which would not allow him with honour to depart from the place, where his enemies would draw an advantage from his abſence.

In the mean time, All Asia being up in arms, either for the illuſtrious Artamenes, or for the King of Aſſiria, nothing elſe was talked of, and the name of Artamenes was ſo famous, that it was continually in the mouthes both of his friends, and enemies, with equall admiration. Gabrias, being reſolved to take his part, he heard to his great greif, that his army was not ſo ſtrong as the King of Aſſiria's, but he heard alſo to his great joy', of the happy Omen which he had, when in begining to march, he ſaw a great Eagle flying upon his right hand, which making towards Babylon, ſeemed to teach him the way he was to take; and he heard further, to his great ſatisfaction, that he had repulſed the firſt troops of his enemies, and forced his paſſage over the River Gnides. But Madam, a few dayes after, we heard with wonder, of the invention which the famous Artamenes had to make his army paſs the river, dividing it into threeſcore ſeverall channells, alſo we heard further to our hearts joy, how he had diſordered the Aſſiryan troops, after he had paſſed the river, and how great a terrour he had ſtruck into the body of the army, ſo as Gabrias now ſeeing nothing but a River between him and Artamenes, from whom he looked for protection, he prepared to go and ask it himſelfe in perſon, He went then in the head of three hundred horſe only to meet this Hero, to offer him all that was in his power, I need not tell you Madam, how the renouned [Page] Artamenes received Gabrias, for you need not doubt of the goodneſs of that Prince, nor with what magnificence Gabrias entertained him at his pallace; and yet there hapned ſome paſſages ſo pertinent, unto the Hiſtory of Arpasia, that I muſt not omit them, I ſhall therefore tell you Madam, that the firſt day Artamenes ſaw the fair Arpaſia, an i [...]luſtrious Persian called Hydaſpes, was then with him; ſo as after the firſt civilities, Artamenes being obliged to talke with Gabrias, who had mentioned unto him ſomthing concerning a negotiation which he had with the Prince Gadates, to engage him in the intereſt of Cyaxeres, It was Hydaſpes only who talked moſt unto the fair Arpaſia but her wonder was to hear him ſpeak in her own Language very exactly.

I being an eye witneſs of all paſſages at this interview, muſt needs confeſs, that I thought Hydaſpes to be infinitely lovely, yet he was not very tall, being neither too high nor two low, he was very handſome. Moreover, all the features of his face were excellent, and his air infinitely noble; though he was highly brave, yet there was no feroſity in his humour, or behaviour, but on the contrary, he had a marvailous charming ſweetneſs in his phyſiognomy, his wit was nimble and ſmooth, and indeed fortune could not bring a more dangerous Rivall unto Meliantes than he.

Not that I intend to commend the merits of the one above the other, for I muſt ingeniouſly confeſs, I am unwothy to be a Judge between two ſuch ſuperlative men; but I am confidently perſwaded, that none but Hydaſpes could ever becom a competitor with him, in the heart of Arpasia, ſo it chanced, that their firſt diſcourſe was ſomthing diſavantageous unto Meliantes, becauſe it was advantageous unto Hydaſpes, for the conference between Artamenes and Gabrias being very long, the diſcourſe between Hydaſpes and Arpasia was not ſhort, but they had time enough to talk of many ſeverall things: So that after Hydaſpes had elegantly commended the beauty of Arpasia, and that ſhe had rejected his applauds, with much ingenuity and modeſty; they began to talk of the alteration and revolution which war brings upon all things when it continues long, for it often happens (ſaid Hydaſpes) that war makes ſtrange ſubverſions in the dominions of Love, ſince it ſeperates many Lovers from the perſons loved, and many do either cure themſelves of their paſſions, or change their miſtreſſes by changing places, but as for the laſt of theſe, it never befalls any Persians; perfidiouſneſs in Love, is a crime which they can never be upbraided with in any Juſtice. Since it is naturall for every one, to be Lover of their own countries (replyed Arpasia) I do not wonder, to hear you commend your own; but I beleive Sir, that there are Infidells of that nature in all countries of the world.

Truly Madam (ſaid he unto her) I know none in Perſepolis, and the whole court of Cambyſ [...]s cannot produce an example to convince me of a Lye, doubtleſſe there are ſome who ceaſe loving ſomtimes, out of reaſon, either becauſe their miſtreſſes are too rigid, or for ſome other good cauſe, but never was any found who changed their affection out of any naturall inconſtancy, or becauſe they found other Ladyes more fair than thoſe, they firſt loved; and they are ſo fully perſwaded, that changing without a good cauſe is p [...]rfidiouſneſs, that they make it a point of honour not to change affection out of fantaſticallneſs, but to reſiſt their own inclinations, if they offer to change affection without very good cauſe,

As Hydaſpes ſaid ſo, the remembrance of Meliantes made Arpasia bluſh, at leaſt ſhe told me ſo ſince, ſo as to hide this little diſorder, the cauſe whereof ſhe knew very well, ſhe begun to ſpeak, and told Hydaſpes (who ſhe ſaw obſerved her) that to keep her ſel [...] in his good opinion ſhe would tell him the cauſe of that alteration in her face, for truly ſaid ſhe unto him,) I cannot hear you blame infidelity, but I muſt needs be ſorry for a freind whom I do accuſe alſo.

For my Particular, (ſaid Hydaſpes) were I a woman, I ſhould never love a man who had taken his affection from another, for who ſoever will be perfidious to one will alſo be perfidious to two, and conſequently to all the world. I ever had that opinion Sir, replyed Arpasia, but to go rationally to work, I conceive it beſt neither to truſt thoſe who are perfidious, nor thoſe who are not, ſince though they be not yet they may be.

Indeed Madam ſaid Hydaſpes you muſt alwaies except Persians, and of all Perſians, [Page] you muſt put Hydaſpes in the firſt Rank of thoſe who are uncapable of any change in their affections. Truth is, Madam, I do ſo reſolutely love what I do love, that I know not how to retreat: what I think once fair I ſhall think it ſo as long as I live, and I am ſo extreamly jealous of my own thoughts, that I can never change: And I dare aſſure you that as I have this day begun to eſteem you, ſo I ſhall eſteem you till death; for I cannot think I ſhall ever diſcover any thing in your Soul which is not as fair as your face, nor do I doubt but that you have as much generoſity as wit.

After this, they talked of many other things which I remember not, but I remember very well that Arpasia talked of nothing but Hydaſpes all the reſt of the day; and I underſtood ſince [...]hat Hydaſpes talked of nothing but Arpasia after he left her. The day following he ſaw her again and applauded her more than the day before, and to perfect their acquaintance, Gabrias intending to put his Pallace into the hands of Artamenes purpoſely to purchaſe his confidence; Artamenes left Hydaſpes in it, untill Gabrias had finiſhed his treaty with Gadates, and then both to come unto Cyrus before he gave any Battel.

Hydaſpes was not a little joyed to remain in a place where Arpaſia would be under his power; for the t [...]uth is, Madam, there was ſuch a powerfull ſympathy between theſe two perſons, as I may very well ſay that never was grea [...]er progreſs of affection made in ſo ſhort a time. In the Interim, Gabrias left a Siſter in Law of his with his Daughter during his abſence, for he followed Cyrus, and never left him ſince: What inclination ſoever Arpaſia had unto Hydaſpes, yet ſhe was troubled to ſee him Maſter of the houſe where ſhe was: but he did uſe his power with ſo much ſweetneſs and diſcretion that ſhe had all the reaſon in the world to commend him for the reſpect he uſed to her; And indeed as it is impoſſible for a Lover to be without reſpect, ſo his awe of her is not to be wondred at, ſince he fell in love with her at the very firſt ſight; y [...]t he durſt not give her any teſtimonies of it, leaſt ſhe ſhould imagine that his boldneſs was an effect of that authority which he had upon him. Thus he ſighed and durſt not tell her, untill ſome happy Accident would give him an opportunity of manifeſting his love. Not but that he ſaw her at all hours when handſomneſs would permit; for ſince he had very little to do in that place, and ſince he took extream delight in ſeeing her, he was almoſt inſeparable from her, but for all that his fears ſeal [...]d up his mouth. Yet to acquaint you how he came to diſcover his paſſion: be pleaſed to know that Hydaspes being very carefull of keeping the place which was of a very great conſequence, the Guards were very exact, ſo as a man who was uſed to bring Letters from Meliantes coming to the Gates he was ſtayed, and ſince he did not give a very good account of his buſineſs, he was ſearched, and they found about him a Packet without ſubſcription, which Hydaspes opened as ſoon as it was brought unto him. But in lieu of finding any deſigns againſt the place, he ſaw it concerned the poſſeſſion of ſome fair ones heart, and ſo far from Martiall ma [...]ters that the Letter treat [...]d all of love, and a Love unſatisfied and worſe recompenced, ſince the ſtile of theſe Letters were full of reſpect, Hydaspes imagined that they were intended unto Arpaſia; So as the growing paſſion of his Soul being full of curioſity, he would ſee him who brought this Packet, unto whom he put many Queſtions, purpoſely to make him confeſs from whom he brought thoſe Letters (for there was one unto him) and unto whom he was to deliver them. But, Madam, Hydaſpes was ſo over joyed to know by this Letter that Meliantes was treated ill, and that he had hopes Arpaſia was not in love with any as he grew more in love with her than before, yet he knew not what to do with this Letter: for he conceived that Arpasia would hereafter know how it fell into his hands; ſo as he told him who had confeſſed from whom it came and to whom they were addreſſed, that he ſhould take ſpeciall care of not bettaying the ſecrets of his Maſter: After which he went to ſee Arpasia having theſe Letters in his Pocket.

After ſhe had talked with him of ſeverall things, ſhe asked him whether he heard any news from Ciaxares or from Artamenes? No, Madam (ſayd he unto her) but I have this day received a Packet which is not directed unto me, which I will impart unto you, in ſaying ſo, he took the two Letters from Meliantes out of his Pocket, and telling her how the Guards at the Gate had ſtopped him who brought them, he told her afterwards that ſince the man would not tell unto whom he was [Page] to carry them, he would firſt before he reſtored them unto him know whether ſhe was that fair ſevere One unto whom they were intended: for certainly, Madam, ſayd he and gave them unto her, that it muſt be unto ſome perſon of Quality: Arpasia was exceedingly perplexed at this, becauſe as ſoon as ever ſhe ſaw the Letters ſhe knew they were from Meliantes to her: ſo as to get out of this perplexity, ſhe told Hydaſpes, that ſhe was ſo ſcrupulous in point of Letters, as ſhe would not ſee wh [...]ther they were to her or no, nor did ſhe think it honeſty to ſee too far into the ſecrets of others; yet Arpaſia ſpoke this after ſuch a manner, as let Hydaſpes know that ſhe knew them to be the hand of Meliantes: but he was ſo joyed that ſhe ſhould think her ſelf ſo little concerned in thoſe letters, that he could not chooſe but let his joyes appear in his eyes: yet notwithſtanding ſince Arpaſia did not think he knew ſhe had any intereſt in them, ſhe would have been very glad that they were out of his hands, for ſhe perſwaded him to reſtore them back to the m [...]n, or elſe to tear them in peeces: Since, Madam, you give this adviſe before you know what they contain, replyed Hydaſpes, I think that as much as I do reſpect you, yet I ſhall not follow it; If reading them will oblige you to burn them (ſayd ſhe and took them) I had rather ſee them, and indeed, Arpaſia having really a deſire to know what was in them, ſhe took them, and turned towards the light to read them as if ſhe had not well enough ſeen, purpoſely to hide her bluſhes: Yet all would not do, for Hydaſpes turned as ſhe did and looked attentively upon her as long as ſhe was reading theſe two Letters which I can ſhew you; for by chance having them about me the ſame day Arpasia was carried away, I kept them ever ſince: and therfore not to truſt unto my memory I will read them unto you, that you may the better know what thoughts Hydaſpes and Arpasia had, that unto me was thus directed.

Ʋnto the moſt cruell Confident of my PASSION.

Madam,

I Wonder not ſo much at the cruelty of that moſt admired Perſon whom I adore as at yours, nor do I wonder ſo much that ſhe ſhould never anſwer me, as that you ſhould write unto me, to aſſure me that ſhe will never write; for ſince I cannot leave loving her, I would delude my ſelf and live leſs miſerable, and not run into mad deſpair as you would make me: I am reſolved to come ere long and ſee whether your words will be better than your Letters.

In the Interim, be ſo good as to ſhew this unto her who raigns in my heart, and tell her that it is ſo abſolutely impoſſible for me to be only her friend, as I ſhall diſobey her as long as I live, if ſhe continue obſtinate in ſo unjuſt a command.

As long as this Letter was in reading, Hydaſpes all the while looked upon Arpaſia, who ſeeing there was nothing in it which would admit of an ill conſtruction, did ſo well recouer her diſorder, that ſhe began to read this which I ſhall read unto you, without any agitation of ſpirits, though it was intended unto her in theſe words.

[Page]

Ʋnto the moſt fair but moſt inhumane Perſon in the World.

Madam,

YOu are ſo very unjust, that no Patience can indure it without complaint, for you are pleaſed not only not to anſwer me, and to cauſe another to write, that you will not write any more unto me; but you command me by her that my love ſhould turn it ſelf into friendſhip, and if I do not, that then your friendſhip would turn it ſelf into hatred: I cannot tell, Madam, whether your Soul be capable of ſuch a Prodigious change or no; But I am ſure my love cannot become friendſhip and no more: Beleive it, Madam, I beſeech you, that all your tranſcendent Merits are not able to work this change in me; But on the contrary know, that be as rigorous as you can unto me, yet I cannot chooſe but ſtill love you.

After Arpaſia had read this Letter, ſhe told Hydaſpes that ſince it appeared it was intented unto ſome virtuous Perſon, it was pitty it ſhould be made publike, & therfore to prevent it, ſhe would be keeper of it, for (ſayd ſhe and ſmiled) ſince ſhe unto whom it is intended does not anſwer him who writ it, I have changed my opinion, & do not think it fit to be reſtored unto the man who brought it, leaſt ſince it hath been opened he ſhould abuſe it: Alſo it is fitter to remain in my hands than yours, Sir, for ſince ſhe unto whom it was meant, is very virtuous & reſerved, I will ſpare her the ſorrows of any ever knowing that any is in love with her. I do imagine, Madam, replyed Hydaſpes, that you do know who this fair and virtuous Perſon is, and if it be as I do imagine (added he and looked her in the face) I am contented to leave theſe two Letters with you, upon condition you will promiſe me that ſhe ſhall never return any anſwer to them, or at leaſt not anſwer them favourably. I profeſs Hydaſpes (ſayd Arpaſia and laughed) I do wonder you ſhould ſpeak thus, for you know not who writ thoſe Letters, nor unto whom they were written, and yet you would intereſt me in this innocent buſineſs. Indeed, Madam, replyed he, I do intereſt my ſelf more in this buſineſs than ever I did in any other, and therfore I conjure you to honour me ſo far as to promiſe me that ſhe unto whom this unknown lover hath written will not make any anſwer: All I can do, replyed ſhe, is to promiſe you that if I do come to know her, ſhe ſhall not anſwer with my conſent: I ask no more, Madam, replyed he, for ſo ſhe will never anſwer. But, Madam (purſued he and would not give her time to reply) I beſeech you ask her, whether all who ſhall pretend to love her muſt expect to be as unhappy as this Lover, and whether ſhe will not anſwer unto words ſpoken no more then ſhe will Letters? There is ſo little reaſon in your demands, Sir, replyed ſhe, that I know not what to anſwer, for you cannot tell whether ever I ſhall know her unto whom this Letter is intended, nor do I know her my ſelf, and yet you would have me diſcover the ſecrets of her heart, and tell her your thoughts, and that I almoſt think you are in love with her. As for the laſt of theſe, Madam, replyed he, I beſeech you never doubt it, but be confidently perſwaded that I am more in love with her unto whom this Letter was written, than he who writ it can be. As Arpaſia was ready to reply, her Aunt entred; ſo that the conference being broken, the Letters remained with Arpaſia who gave them unto me before Hydaſpes, to teſtifie unto him that ſhe did not value them, for ſhe knew by his laſt own words that he either knew or ſtrongly ſuſpected that it was ſhe who had the greateſt intereſt in them: But, Madam, to avoid being tedious after ſo long a relation, Hydaſpes carried himſelf ſo well and reſpectively unto Arpaſia, and he ſo fully perſwaded her that he had never been unfaithfull nor ever could be, that he was more happy than ever Meliantes was ſince the fair Arpaſia permitted him to love her. Thus this fair Perſon dividing the tenderneſs of her heart, ſhe kept all her friendſhip for Meliantes, and all her love for Hydaſpes, who was more obſequious unto her than ever any other Lover was. But Madam, one ſtrange Accident chanced: for be pleaſed to know that Hydaſpes having [Page] ſent back the man who brought the Letters from Meliantes; this Lover was ſo grieved at the adventure, that haſting his Journey he came diſguiſed unto the Palace: But ſince none was permitted to enter without very ſtrick inquiſition, and ſince he had a noble Aire which he could not diſguiſe, he was ſtayed, and known who he was by ſome men who waited upon Gabrias at Alfenes, and who beleiving him to be one of the King of Aſſyrias ſide, advertiſed Hydaſpes, who in lieu of being glad to ſee his Rivall in his power, was very ſorry for it, for he found him ſo handſom and amiable, that be feared his being loved.

In the mean time, Arpaſia quickly hearing that Meliantes was ſtayed by Hydaſpes, ſhe beleived that her Obligations to him for breaking off her Marriage with Aſtidamus, and her reall eſteem of him, did require that ſhe would intreat Hydaſpes to uſe him well, but to do it and not make him jealous, ſhe deſired him to ſet him at liberty and ſend him away with a Convoy, leaſt he ſhould fall into the hands of Artamenes, who might perhaps take him for an Enemy, though he had not yet declared himſelf. On the other ſide, Meliantes who had wit at will, did know very well by the proceedings of Hydaſpes, that he was in love with Arpaſia; for when he was ſtayed, as having ſome deſign upon the place, Meliantes deſired he might be carried before Arpaſia, that ſhe might anſwer for his innocency, aſſuring himſelf that as ſoon as ſhe ſaw him, ſhe would cleer him of any ſuch deſign: Hydaſpes anſwering him ſomwhat nicely he gave Meliantes ſome cauſe of ſuſpition that Hidaſpes loved her, and that he knew of his love alſo, ſo as he thought himſelf in worſe condition than before, and the worſe when he knew all the certainty of it by a man of his acquaintance who belonged unto Arpaſia; But he thought himſelf worſt of all when Hydaſpes told him, that at the requeſt of Arpaſia he might go whether he plea [...]ed, and that he would let him have a Convoy to Guard him; but he would by no means depart untill he had ſeen Arpaſia, and was ſo reſolutely obſtinate: The Arpaſia hearing of it, and fearing he ſhould make too great a blunder in the buſineſs, ſhe intreated Hydaſpes to let him ſee her. Untill now Hydaſpes was ſo reſpective unto her, as he ſeemed to be ignorant of Meliantes his love; but when ſhe de [...]red to ſee him he could not chooſe but hinder him, yet he did it with ſo much reſpect, as he was ſo far from offending her, as he obliged her to confeſs all her Adventure with Meliantes, and not to diſguiſe her eſteem and amity to him. But, Madam (ſayd Hydaſpes) what ſecurity can I have againſt ſuch an accompliſht Rivall as he is, if you ſhould grant him the honour to ſee you? you, I ſay, who have done nothing for me but what friendſhip may require you ſhould do for him. I pray Hydaſpes (ſayd ſhe and bluſht) oblige me not to tell you what difference I make between Meliantes and you; content your ſelf with this that I deſire of you a Favour which h [...] can never enjoy without looſing me, ſince if you give him that liberty which I ask for him he muſt go far enough from me.

In concluſion, Hydaſpes commanded that Meliantes ſhould be brought unto Arpaſias Chamber, before he was conducted out of the Town: But ſince ſhe did not think that Meliantes had any ſuſpition that Hydaſpes was in love with her, ſhe was not afraid to ſee him: but on the contrary, did deſire it in hopes [...]to perſwade him to think no more upon her. But after the firſt ſalute ſhe told him he was beholding unto Hydaſpes for ſetting him at liberty and not acquainting Artamenes: Alas, Madam, ſayd he unto her, though I do not acknowledge the liberty which he gives me for a Favour, yet I ſhall not be ungratefull: But I think that I have more reaſon of complaint againſt his baniſhing of me, than to thank him for my liberty: For, Madam, I ſee Hydaſpes loves you, & if I be not much miſtaken, Hydaſpes is much more fortunate and happy in your favour than ever Meliantes was. All that I can ſay unto you, is (replyed Arpaſia) that I will do juſtice unto you both, and what place ſoever you had in my heart, you ſhall hold it as long as I live; nor is it ſo bad a one as you imagine, for I hold you in the degree of eſteem, Acknowledgment and Friendſhip: how glorious ſoever that honour be, Madam (replyed he) yet would [...] moſt willingly exchange with Hydaſpes; however I am moſt ſure he cannot love you with a Zeal comparable to me: However it be Meliantes, ſayd Arpaſia, ſince [...] look upon you only as my friend, it will not concern you whether Hydaſpes be my Lover or no, but if you value my friendſhip, it concerns you to ſpeak nothing which may offend me; and therfore I conjure you for your own [Page] ſake to confirm your mind unto mine and to be perſwaded of two things; the firſt is, that your friendſhip may preſerve mine as long as I live: The ſecond is that your love may procure you my hatred; for Meliantes do not deceive your, ſelf, and know that I did never deceive you, but as ſoon as ever I knew of your fidelity to Argeliſe, I alwayes told you, that neither I would nor could truſt your affection. But I beſeech you, Madam (replyed Meliantes) who ever told you that Hydaſpes who is a perſon hath not committed as great a peece of Infidelity as this wherwith you upbraid me? yet Meliantes may talk and complain as long as he will before he can change the heart of Arpaſia: ſhe tells him indeed that ſhe doth infinitely eſteem him, but ſhe tells him withall that his love muſt never find recompence nor be indured, and he muſt part from her without ſo much leave as to love her without any hopes, although ſhe doth promiſe friendſhip as long as ſhe lives. Hydaſpes being extreamly deſirous to know how his diſcourſe with Arpaſia had thriven, he would be ſatisfied by ſeeing him, and gueſs by his eyes whether he had been well or ill received; and indeed it was apparant by the ſadneſs of Meliantes, that Hydaſpes had good cauſe to rejoyce. The interview of theſe two Rivalls was very hollow hearted, and never Priſoner received his liberty with fewer ſigns of acknowledgment. Thus, Madam, the amiable and unhappy Meliantes went much againſt his will from a place where he left his Miſtreſs in the power of his Rivall; Tis true, ſhe was not long there for preſently after we heard that Gabrias had finiſhed the Treaty of Gadates with Artamenes; that the King of Hircania and the Prince of the Caduſians having received ſome diſcontents from the King of Aſſyria, took part with Ciaxares. That the King of Cyprus had ſent Forces unto Artamenes under the command of the two famous Grecians, the one named Themocrates, the other Philocles, and that within a few daies after a Battel would be fought which in probability would be deciſſive: So as Hydaſpes being perſwaded that Artamenes would ſend for him, he began to prepare himſelf for a ſudden departure, as ſoon as ever he ſhould receive orders for it, and he knew that love and honour do not alwaies require the ſame things; for he had a good mind to go whether his honour called him, and he had a good mind alſo to ſtay where his affection invited him.

In the mean time, Artamenes having now a full confidence in Gabrias who had linked Gadates unto his Intereſts, would needs out of his generoſity give back the abſolute Authority of his Palace unto him; So as we were much ſurpriſed one morning when we heard that Hydaſpes had received commands to go unto the Army: That the Forces which Artamenes had left in the Town, had orders alſo to go out, and that Gabrias ſent a Couſin of his to command there in his Palace. I ſhall not inſiſt upon any relations unto you Madam, what Hydaſpes and Arpaſia thought upon this occaſion, for you will eaſily conceive them ſince I have already told you that Hydaſpes was infinitely in love with Arpaſia, and Arpasia had a ſtrong inclination towards Hydaſpes, yet ſhe would not ingage her ſelf further than to permit her Lover to love her, and to ſend her news during his abſence.

But Madam, preſently after, fame ſpoke loud in the glory of Artamenes, and very advantageouſly of Hydaſpes, for we heard, that the firſt of theſe gained the battell againſt the King of Aſſyria, and the ſecond, having orders to fall upon the King of Phrygia, had overcome him, and took him priſoner, and which added to his glory, in writing to Arpasia, he mentioned not a word of himſelf, nor any thing but of Artamenes only; in whoſe applauſe he told ſuch wonders as was hardly credible the valour of a man could reach ſo high, as he did ſet him out.

Af [...]er this Madam, ſuch was ſtill the affection of Hydaſpes unto Arpaſia, that in what place ſoever either he or ſhe was, ſhe was never above ten dayes without a Letter from him. During the ſiege of Babylon, ſhe received one conſtantly every four days; and whilſt he was at Synope, ſhee received one oftner than ordinary, becauſe he had matter enough to ſend her.

Indeed Madam, during all the Armenian and the Lydian war, there was a conſtant commerce of intelligence with out any interruption, until the renowned Artamenes left that name for that of Cyrus, and ſent Hydaſpes from the Camp at Cumes to releaſe the King of Aſſyria.

But Madam, I forgot to tell you, that when Cyrus went into Armenia from Synope, there was a moſt peſtilent infection in the place where we were, ſo as the [Page] Aunt of Arpaſia, with whom we then were, was conſtrained to go out into another ſtrong Caſtle belonging unto Gabrias, purpoſely to avoid the contagious air, and in that place ſhe continued untill that accident hapned, which cauſed her to be at preſent under the power of Thomyris. And to acquaint you with this miſfortune in few words, be pleaſed to know, that this Aunt unto Arpaſia had a ſon by a former husband, who had been a long time from her, and returned juſt when we came to that Caſtle: He was no ſooner arrived, but he fell in Love with Arpaſia, but durſt not at firſt acquaint her; not but that this man whoſe name was Aſtidamus, was audacious enough naturally, but Arpaſia being then very ſollitary. ſhe would not give him any occaſions of talking in private with her; for I being ſhe, who knew all the ſecrets of her ſoul, ſhe was never better pleaſed, than when ſhe could freely talk with me without any witneſſes, and indeed, we had alwayes a hundred things to talk of, though we had nothing to do. That which moſt did amaze us, was, that we never heard any thing of Meliantes, and to increaſe our wonder, we heard afterwards, that he was not in his own country, nor knew any where he was. As for Aſtidamus the Nephew of Protogenes, we had better information concerning him, for we heard, that after he was recovered, he ſought for Meliantes to fight with him, and not meeting with him, he returned unto Alfenes, where he carried himſelf ſo, that he ſo much offended Protogenes, as that he would not acknowledge him for his ſucceſſor, but baniſh'd him his preſence, ſo as leaving Alfenes, he went to travell, ſo as when the other Aſtidamus fell in love with Arpaſia, we knew not were Meliantes, nor his ancient Rivall was.

In the mean time, ſince the paſſion of this freſh Lover augmented, ſo that it was impoſſible for him; but if ever he ſaw Arpaſia alone, to diſcover his paſſion unto her, but he did diſcover it in ſuch an arrogant manner, that Arpaſia was extreamly angry with him, and anſwered him with ſuch authority, forbidding him to make the leaſt mention of any ſuch thing, as he ſaw there was little hopes of ever being loved, yet the ſlenderneſs of his hopes did not quench the flames of his paſſion, but on the contrary, they blazed out more violently, ſo as deſpair made him take up a reſolution, as unjuſt as violent.

For Madam, his deſign was to ſuborn the guards of the Caſtle, and ſeize upon it, afterwards to force Arpaſia to marry him: But Madam, whilſt he was plotting this deſign, the other Aſtidamus plotted another alſo, for being out of favour both with Protogenes and alſo his Mother, he knew not what courſe to take ſince he had heard ſomthing how Hydaſpes was in Love with Arpaſia, he could not find a heart to take that ſide he was on, nor could he attempt any thing for the King of Aſſiria, who was out of all hopes to get upon his Throne again. So that in this perplexity of mind, knowing Arpaſia was in this Caſtle, his deſign was to ſurprize it; and make himſelf maſter of it, and to be revenged upon Meliantes whereſoever he was, by poſſeſſing Arpaſia, of whom he had ſuch a miſcellany of thoughts, as I think no man living is able to deſcribe them.

But Madam, to let you know more than our ſelves did at that time, give me leave to tell you that Meliantes, who was not heard of in any place, had alſo a very odd deſign.

As I remember Madam, I told you that Hydaſpes had given him a convoy to conduct him whither he pleaſed, when at the requeſt of Arpaſia, he was releaſed. But as fate cannot be avoided, ſo it hapned, that Meliantes wandring from one place to another, he was met by ſome forces belonging unto Artamenes, who was not then known to be Cyrus, ſo as by this means he was made a priſoner, and as chance would have it, this accident hapned juſt as Hydaſpes had orders to go unto Artamenes, and upon his way, did meet thoſe who took Meliantes. whom he knew as he paſſed by, ſo that he being a Rivall unto whom he ſtood in fear of, he was very glad to ſee him in ſuch a condition, as that he could not make any uſe of his abſence, nor go diſguiſed unto Arpaſia: Alſo it chanced, that the Officer who commanded that party which took Meliantes, was his very particular, and ſingular good friend, ſo as coming to him, he asked him, what he intended to do with his Priſoner? & the other anſwering, that all priſoners belonging to thoſe who took them, he ſhould go into a little caſtle under his command, and ſtay there untill Artamenes did know the quality of the priſoner: As ſoon as he had ſaid ſo, a Reſentment [Page] of Love and jealouſy, moved Hydaſpes to tell his freind, that this Priſoner was his Rivall; and leaſt he ſhould take any advantage of his abſence, he was glad he was a priſoner: and would be glad he did continue ſo untill the war were ended, obligeing him notwithſtanding to treat him very well, during all the time of his captivity which ſeemed would be long.

Meliantes was accordingly conducted unto this little Caſtle and left there under the keeping of him who commanded there in chief; but Madam, to return unto the laſt Lover of Arpaſia, and unto the Nephew of Protogenes, give me leave to tell you, that the deſign which Aſtidamus of Alfenes had of ſurprizing the Caſtle, and the deſign of the other Aſtidamus alſo, was to make a mutiny in the Garriſon, againſt him who commanded it, to the end they might become Maſters of Arpaſia, and they were ſo ſtrangely conducted by the deſtinies, that the execution of both their deſigne was to be in one and the ſame night, and alſo in one and the ſame houre: So as Madam; never was diſorder like unto this, in which we were, for whilſt the ſouldiers which this new Lover had gained, went unto the chamber of him who commanded in chief, with intentions either to turn him out of the place, or to kill him, if he reſiſted. Aſtidamus of Alfenes in the head of three hundred men, which the Governour of a neighbour Garriſon (who was his freind, and called Lycander) had given him, he came and ſet Ladders againſt the walls of the Caſtle.

You may eaſily imagin, how the Commander in chief was ſurprized, to ſee himſelf aſſaulted by his own ſouldiers; Alſo you may imagin, how the other Aſtidamus was aſtoniſhed, to ſee that the Caſtle ſhould be ſtormed by men whom he knew not, however, be they who they would, he muſt think upon defending himſelf: but ſince he would not have enemies both without and within al [...]o, he cauſed him who commanded the Caſtle for Gabrias, to be ſtabbed, and alſo all the ſouldiers who were of his intelligence to be killed.

But ſince the execution of this cruell Command required ſome time, it gave ſo much time unto Aſtidamus of Alfenes, as to get many of his men into the Caſtle, then there began ſuch a horrid combate, as the very memory of it makes me quake, we no ſooner heard this hideous noiſe, but we got up in all haſte and not being able to do any thing elſe, we fell unto our prayers.

But Madam, whilſt Aſtidamus of Alfenes did his beſt to make himſelf Maſter of the place, and whilſt the other Aſtidamus did reſolutely defend it, they heard a noiſe of armed men approaching, ſo as both ſides taking the allarum, both Aſti, mus of Alfenes and the other Aſtidamus, thought how only to get away Arpasia, ſo as both of them underſtanding where her chamber was, they both went unto its but by two ſeverall ſtayres.

Imagin I beſeech you, in what a pittifull caſe we were in, for on the one ſide, we heard a voice of the ſecond Astidamus, who we heard had killed the Commander of the Caſtle, and all his Souldiers, and on the other ſide, we heard a voice which we knew not, for Astidamus of Alfenes did not ſpeak or if he did, wee knew not his voice. But our greateſt amuze was, to hear on both ſides the name of Aſtidamus called upon, ſo as we would not open the dore unto either of them. But at laſt Aſtidamus of Alfenes firſt breaking open the dore, we ſaw him enter with a drawn ſword in his hand, and immediatly after, three of his men forced Arpasia to go down the great ſtayres, and I following her very cloſe, we were carryed into the Court, we were forced upon horſe back, thus they carried us away, maugre all our complaints and cries, before the other Aſtidamus could oppoſeit, for he being in a ſtrait ſtair caſe, Aſtidamus of Alfenes ſet ſom of his men to hinder his coming out, untill he himſelf was got out of the caſtle.

In the mean time, thoſe armed men which were heard, and who haſtned the carrying away of Arpasia, were not ſuch as he ſuppoſed them, for he underſtood by Lycander, whom he met, that the inhabitants of the town, no ſooner heard that the garriſon was weakned; but they took up arms, and forced him to go out of their town, with the remnant of ſouldiers which he had.

Thus Madam, it was he who came to Aſtidamus of Alfenes, who underſtanding how he had cauſed a misfortune unto his freind, and by this means had no place of retreat neer, he thought himſelf in a ſad condition.

[Page] But Lycander and Aſtidamus were in a worſe ſtate, when at break of day they perceived that their ſouldiers had left them, and having now alſo ſome twenty horſes remaining, they forced us to make all imaginable haſte, wee not knowing whither they would carry us.

But Madam, the ſtrangeſt thing was that Aſtidamus of Alfenes in carrying away Arpasia, out of reſentments both of revenge and intereſt, was more in love with her than ever, and had been culpable of being moved by adulatory language, had ſhe pardoned this unjuſt Lover.

On the other ſide, Lycander his friend who had never ſeen Arpasia before, was ſo taken with her beauty, that it was impoſſible for him to look upon her without wonder.

Mean time, we marched on ſtill, not knowing whither they carryed us, but at laſt we came to a wood where we ſAw the other Aſtidamus appear in the head of ten or twelve horſe, who came to aſſault that Aſtidamus who carried us away. As for Lycander, he was parted from us, with four or five of his men to find out the way through the wood, through which we were to paſſe: The combat Madam was feirce and bloody; the two Aſtidamuſes were driven to ſuch a neceſſity of thinking upon themſelves, as I do not think they thought upon Arpasia.

She and I alighted whilſt thoſe who looked unto us, went to defend the lives of their maſters, and the other Aſtidamus was ſo buſie in fighting with his enemy, that he took no notice of us. So that taking this opportunity, we ran into the thick of the wood, whilſt they were fighting. In the mean time, as we underſtood ſince the ſecond Astidamus was killed by the other, and Lycander turning back at the noiſe which he heard was accuſed by his freind for carrying away Arpasia whilſt he was fighting; for the affection of Lycander unto that fair one was ſo viſible, that he perceived it: Yet this accuſation was falſe, for there was no appearance of it, ſince Lycander returned home with his men; but for all that, they quarrelled and fought, and Lycander killed him with his own hand. After this victory, he ſought us all the day and all the night, and all in vain, for we had hid oyrſelves in a cave, which at this time ſerved us for a Sanctuary, but the fear of wild beaſts and famin together forcing us out the next morning, we were ſo happy as to meet Hydaſpes, who after he had delivered the King of Aſſyria, whom he accompanied unto Cyrus at Cumes, he loſt his way in the wood where we met with him.

Niside making here a ſtop, related more particularly what Hydaſpes had done for Cyrus, and the joyes which Arpasia expreſſed to meet with him, telling afterwards how an empty coach came accidentally by, in which Hydaſpes put her: How they had ſeen men lye dead in the wood amongſt which Arpasia knew her raviſher to be one likewiſe, ſhe related the arrivall of Lycander, the conteſt between Hydaſpes and him, their combate; and all that Hydaſpes did untill he fell dead cloſe by the Coach of Arpasia. Afterwards ſhe told the Princeſſes, how Lycander having formerly an acquaintance with Atergatis in Aſſyria, intended to carry Arpasia into that Court as his retreat, but afterwards when hee ſaw that ſhee was troubled at it, he altered his deſign, and imbarqued upon the Euxine ſea, and how by tempeſt they were driven unto Cholcidis, where Arpasia fell ſick of ſorrow.

The truth is Madam, (purſued Niside) ſhe was ſo extreamly grieved at the croſneſs of her fortune, and at her feares of Hydaſpes his death, that her health was much impaired; She did nothing but talk unto me of all her misfortunes among which ſhe reckoned this for one, that ſhe knew not what was become of the unfortunate Meliantes. But when ſhe was a little recovered, we underſtood, that Lycander hearing of Cyrus his approach, reſolved to take part with Thomyris, and obtained her Protection. But to our wonder, I thought one morning at the firſt opening of our Tents, that I ſaw the miſerable Meliantes diſguiſed in the habit of a Meſſagettan; ſo that Madam, ſince Arpasia hath three Lovers living, and all brave men, I cannot think her at the end of her miſeryes, nor that you can add any comforts unto her, but to pitty her and to let Gabrias hnow the miſerable condition in which ſhe is, and to intereſt your ſelf in her misfortunes.

Niside having ended her Relation, the Princeſſes expreſſed much ſatisfaction from her, and thought it convenient, that as ſoon as they ſaw, Intaphernes and Atergatis to make known by them unto Gabrias and Hydaſpes the true ſtate of Arpasias[Page]Arpaſias fortunes. But whilſt they were preparing for their great interview which was to add conſolation unto them, they knew not, that the heart of Thomyris entained ſuch thoughts as were like to prevent them. The truth is, this Queen who her ſelf deſired this truce, and who wiſhed for a ſight of Cyrus being upon the point of meeting, her heart began to tremble, ſo that ſhe could not maſter it, and as all paſſionate perſons are more apt to change their opinions than others, becauſe they are wholy guided by the motions of thoſe paſſions which poſſeſs them; ſo Thomyris now feared, what before ſhee deſired, and began to be quite of another mind. For (ſayd ſhe) what is it I would ſay unto Cyrus? and what can I hope he will ſay unto me? ſhall I ſpeak unto him concerning hatred or concerning love? ſhall I appear unto him as a Lover or as an Enemy? is it poſſible I ſhould ever think he can change his thoughts of me, ſince I cannot change my thoughts of him? Am I now more amiable than I was, when he ſtole out of my Court? No, no, but on the contrary, I am ſo unlike what I was, that I can hardly know my ſelf: when I look in my Glaſs I find mine eyes are not ſo much changed as I imagined, but yet my Glory is ſtained, and I am ſo diſhonoured, that it is impoſſible Cyrus ſhould now eſteem me, though I am not culpable of any other fault but too much loving him: And therefore ſince there is no manner of likelyhood that I ſhould change his heart, by ſuch an interview as this, I will not ſee him, or at leaſt untill after Ariantes hath ſeen him: For if he ſpeak ſtill with much affection of Manodna, I muſt not ſee him at all; for if I do ſee him. I cannot afterwards treat him as the murtherer of my Son: I know very well that I can ſay I have learned ſome things which I knew not off before; but I know again, that I ſhall expoſe my ſelf by ſeeing him unto the moſt cruell adventure that can poſſibly befall any one that is in Love, which is, to find hatred and ſcorn in the eyes of the perſon loved. Stay therfore I will, untill Cyrus hath ſeen his Rivall, and I will not expoſe my ſelf to be ſcorned by a Prince whoſe glory is ſo firmly grounded, that all the world will think whomſoever he ſcorns is worthy to be ſo.

After this, Thomyris being ſettled in her reſolution, gave all requiſite orders for the interview of Cyrus and Ariantes, for that of Intaphernes, Atergatis, Iſtrina, and the Princeſs of Bythinia. Cynus on his ſide, prepared to ſee his Rivall, and endeavoured to perſwade him, not to be her Pe [...]ſecutor after he had been her Deliverer.

But to looſe no time in the interim of this Truce, in caſe that all perſwaſions proved fruitleſs, that Ingeneer with whom Cyrus had agreed, was ſo diligent in his buſineſs, that he had prepared ſo many Trees as were requiſite to burn all the wood between the two narrow paſſages, and he did it ſo cunningly by the help of thoſe Souldiers which Cyrus appointed to follow his order;, that not one of either-ſide knew of the buſineſs, excepting thoſe who were neceſſary for the execution of it.

In the mean time, the day and houre for this interview being come; both ſides prepared themſelves for it, yet theſe two interviews were performed ſeverall waies, for Intaphernes and Atergatis were conducted by the Officers of Thomyris unto a Tent where thoſe two Princeſſes whom they were to ſee ſhould be brought: That of Cyrus and Ariantes was to be on Horſe-back between the two Frontier Guards of both Camps, and in a place where the wood being divided into three ſeverall diviſions, there was a great Plain between for this Interview.

In the mean time, Intaphennes and Atergatis went unto the place which they longed to be at, and they had undertaken ſo many ſeverall buſineſſes that if they had diſpatched them all, they would not have had any time to talk of love unto their Princeſſes; for Cyrus deſined them to talk unto them concerning Mandana: Myrſiles conjured them to enquire of Doraliſa; Gabrias obliged them to know all circumſtances concerning Arpasia: Hydaſpes alſo conjured them unto the ſame, by the ſenſibility of their own Paſſions: So as ſince all Lovers do more willingly ſerve ſuch friends as are in love, than others, they were more ready to do a good Office for Arpaſia in conſideration of her Lover than in conſideration of her Father, but they thought principally of thoſe joyes which they were going to receive, which were ſo great, that when they entred into the Tent, where their Princeſſes were permitted to meet them, they could not expreſs their thoughts by their words. As for the Princeſſes they were more Miſtreſſes of themſelves than the Princes: for [Page] though the Princeſs Iſtrina perhaps had as great a deſire to ſpeak unto Atergatis, as unto Intaphernes, yet ſhe went to her Brother before ſhe went unto her Lover.

Atergatis for his part without any conſideration of the Princeſs of Bythinias rank, he ſaluted Iſtrina firſt, and went where his love invited him: The diſcourſe of theſe four Perſons a firſt was generall, for ſince they were acquainted with all the ſecrets of each others hearts, and ſince their fortunes were ſo twiſted that they could not ſever them, they repeated all the misfortunes which hapned ſince they ſaw one another: They ſpake of Spitridates and Aramenta of Gadates and Gabrias, of Cyrus and Mandana: Atergatis remembred the requeſt of Myrſyles, and Intaphernes that of Hydaſpes, and the Princeſſes told them all that they thought conducing to the ſervice of Arpaſia. But afterwards failing inſenſibly into particular talk without changing of places, Intaphernes talked in private with the Princeſs of Bythinia, and Atergatis with Iſtrina: So as in this hours private diſcourſe they renewed their affections and tyed ſtronger knots of love than ever.

On the other-ſide, the hour of the interview between Cyrus and Ariantes being come, theſe two Rivals with equall numbers of men met in the Plain which I ſpoke of before in the Wood, and according to the agreement they met on horſ-back; yet they might very well talk in private, becauſe all the company kept purpoſely at convenient diſtances.

In the mean time, the ſpirits of theſe two Rivals were very different: for Ariantes knowing he had betrayed Cyrus, he was much aſhamed to look him in the face, and if he durſt have diſobeyed Thomyris he would not have conſented unto this interview; yet love being a Paſſion which excuſeth all things, he conceived that his Crime being cauſed by exceſs of love he was not ſo criminall as he thought himſelf; and he no ſooner ſaw Cyrus, but looking upon him as a Rivall, and a Rivall loved, his anger did diſſipate a great part of his ſhame. As for Cyrus, he looked upon Ariantes as that Traitor, and ungratefull Anaxaris, who had robbed him of all his felicity in carry [...]ng away Mandana, yet conſidering how he had her in his power, his exceſs of Love did cool his reſentment, alſo the laſt generoſity of Ariantes, diſpoſed him to look leſſe fiercely upon him. Cyrus at this time, was waited upon by Mazares, Myrſiles, Araſpes, Aglatidas, Sylamis, Mneſiphiles, Chyrſias, Chryſantes, Lygdamis, and many others. And Ariantes was followed by Octomaſades, Agathirſis, Andramites, and all the moſt conſiderable men in the Court of Thomyris, except Aripithes, who could not endure the ſight of Cyrus, but with a ſword in his hand; for being perſwaded, that if Thomyris had not loved this Prince then he had been happy, he hated him moſt extreamly. But at laſt, Cyrus and Ariantes being met, and having ſaluted each other, only out of complementall generoſity, Cyrus began to ſpeak firſt.

Before I begin to ſpeak unto you, (ſaid he unto him) I would gladly know from your own mouth, whether I ſhould look upon you as the valiant Anaxaris, whom I moſt dearly loved, or as the Raviſher of Mandana, whom I am obliged to hate: Were it poſſible (replyed he) that I could be the ſame Anaxaris, I was in Lydia, or when I was priſoner at Cumes, I ſhould wiſh your friendſhip; but ſince, it is impoſſible for me to be any other than the Lover of the Princeſs Mandana; I beleive that I ſhall hardly be the freind of Cyrus, not but that I am extreamly ſorry, fortune ſhould force me to be ungratefull; but ſince Sir you know the power of Mandana's charmes, I have no excuſe for my paſſion, but that it is above my reaſon. Though I were the moſt in love of any man living, (replyed Cyrus) yet Love ſhould never make me do any thing which I ſhould repent of, nor which ſhould bring reproach upon me. It is ſo eaſie a matter to be juſt, when one is happy (replyed Ariante's) and ſo difficult a buſineſs not to be unjuſt when one is miſerable, that it is no wonder at the difference betwixt you and me in this buſine [...]s: ſince you have no mind, (replyed Cyrus) that I ſhould conſider you as a man which will hearken unto Reaſon, Juſtice, or Generoſity; but as a man whom Love muſt diſpence with all the duties of rationall ſociety, I muſt tell you, that looking upon you ſimply as the Lover of Mandana, I muſt look upon you as a man who does even the very worſt he can do: For (added he without ſpeaking a word of Thomyris his paſſion) in keeping Mandana in the power of the Meſſagettan Queen (who moſt unjuſtly accuſeth me of her ſons death) you expoſe her unto all the Rigours [...] [Page] which revenge is capable of, and you are the moſt unworthy Lover in the world, if you prefer your own intereſt before the life of her you love; and therefore to do juſtly, let not Mandana be in the power of Thomyris, make choice of ſuch a Sanctuary for her as may be inviolable, in any place of the world: And then not to ruin your protectors by an unjuſt war, let us end our difference by ſingle combate: It was a thing which [...]ing [...]ged my ſelf into with the King of Aſſyria, though he was a priſoner, and I have more reaſon to offer it unto a man who is in the head of an army. For (ſaid he) out of his high generoſity, to ſhew that Love does not make me ſo unjuſt as you are, I do confeſs, that if my moſt faithfull paſſion had not ſet me above all my Rivalls, or if death had made me quit the right which I have unto the poſſeſſion of Mandana, then there were none in the world but Mazares who could diſpute with you for her. To give you a direct anſwer unto the propoſition which you make (replyed Ariantes) I muſt tell you that I am not in a condition to accept of it, for doubtleſs, I am ſtrong enough to hinder Thomyris from attemting any thing againſt the life of the Princeſſe, but not to get her out of her hands.

Moreover, to make it appear that I am unjuſt only in matters relating to my Love, I do declare, that in conſideration of thoſe obligations upon me when I was Anaxaris, I will never fight againſt you, but in the way of war, unleſs fortune ſhould bring us together as it did in the wood, neer the Fort of Sauromates, ſo as all I can ſay unto you is, that I wil defend the life of Mandana, againſt the Queen my ſiſter, as if ſhe were my utter enemy, and I will keep the poſſeſſion of that Princeſs againſt you, as if you had never ingaged me by your obligations, provided you will defend her againſt Thomyris, (replyed Cyrus ſharply) I care not what reſolutions you take againſt mee, for ſince the war I make is juſt, and ſince the Gods are ſo likewiſe, and ſince my armes uſe to be fortunate, it may ſo come to paſſe that the Meſſagettan Queen may come to repent of her injuries, and you alſo repent of what you have done. Fortune replyed Ariantes, is ſomtimes weary with alwaies favouring the ſame man; I know not whether fortune be weary (replyed Cyrus) but I am ſure the Gods are never weary of being juſt, nor will I ever be weary of perſecuting the perſecutors of Mandana all the world over: Think therefore of what I propoſe before we part, I offer once more to fight with you, and to lay aſide all thoſe advantages which war hath given me, provided Mandana may be ſafe, yes (added this Illuſtrious Prince) I will engage my ſelf, to ſurrender the Fort of Sauromates, to carry my forces beyond Araxes, and never to make more war upon Thomyris, provided you will oblige her to put the Princeſs Mandana in ſome place of ſafety. I have already told you (replyed Ariantes) that I am able to defend the life of Mandana againſt Thomyris, but I cannot get her out of her power, than theres an end of the truce this very hour (replyed Cyrus very angerly) nor will I ſee Thomyris; for ſince you cannot perſwade her, I am ſure I cannot: however, be you the Protector of Mandana againſt Thomyris, and to give you an example of my equity I declare unto you, that if Mandana do prefer you before me and have a mind to make you happy, I do declare, I ſay, that I will lay down armes, and without any thoughts of revenge either upon Thomyris or upon you, I will only think to cure my ſelf by death, but yet I will hear her declaration of it from her own mouth.

Alas, alas (ſaid Ariantes) you know too well, that Mandana will not pronounce ſentence on my ſide, and therefore I can ſay no more unto you, than what I have already: Since it is ſo, (ſaid Cyrus ſharply) I muſt retire and prepare my ſelf to fight with you in the head of my army, ſince you will not otherwiſe. When I meet you ſo, (replyed Ariantes,) I ſhall defend my ſelf as I have done, and perphaps I ſhall vanquiſh you, as I have done (ſaid Cyrus and retired) As this Prince pronounced theſe laſt words with much haſte, ſo Ariantes did not well underſtand them, but returning a doubtfull anſwer which Cyrus underſtood not neither. They both of them retyred looking fiercely upon one another, and ſaying no more. Yet a very notable difference might be ſeen in the fiercenſſe of theſe two Princes: for there appeared in Ariantes a mixture of ſhame and melancholly amongſt the fierceneſs of his countenance, but in Cyrus, nothing could be ſeen but great and Heroick: For though the the fire of his anger ſparkled in his eyes, yet he had a majeſty in his countenance, and ſuch a kind of nobleneſs and grandure in his carriage, and ſuch a [Page] ſprightly activity in his looks, as his anger appeared to be very terrible, He turned himſelf twice or thrice towards his Rivall, after he was parted; but as for Ariantes he had not power to do the like, for he having virtuous inclinations, he had a ſtrange repugnancy in himſelf, as oft as his love did force to things or thoughts againſt virtue:

However, as ſoon as Cyrus ſaw Mazares and Myrſiles, he told them all the diſcourſe which Ariantes and he had, for ſince they ſtood at diſtances in the wood they had not heard what they ſaid: but he ſpoke unto them with ſuch a ſprightly countenance, as made it apparant to them, that he thought of nothing ſo much as to be fighting. On the other ſide, Thomyris who waited impatiently for the return of Ariantes, that ſhe might deliberate after that, whether ſhe would ſee Cyrus or no, and ſhe no ſooner ſaw the Prince her brother, but ſhe deſired an account of this interview. Since Ariantes could not faithfully relate all the conference, leaſt he ſhould move her unto ſome violent reſolutions againſt Mandana, he would never touch upon that ſtring, but though out of a reſentment of love unto his miſtreſs, he durſt not incenſe Thomyris, againſt his Rivall; yet that Princeſs having a peircing apprehenſion, plainly perceived, that there was no hopes Cyrus would not ceaſe loving Mandana, ſo that having no diſpoſition to ſee him, ſhe colloured it with a pretence, that ſhe had received ſome Letters which adviſed her that it was not expedient to expoſe her ſelf unto that interview, which ſhe reſolved upon with Cyrus, ſo as by this means, that Prince was delivered from this trouble: Yet he had the con [...]olation to underſtand by the return of Intaphernes and Atergatis, that Mandana was not ill treated, and excepting the [...]ollitude in which ſhe lived, ſince the death of Spargapiees, ſhe ſuffered under no notion of violence. However, the truce being ended, Cyrus be thought himſelf of executing his deſign; ſo as giving all requiſite orders for it, he was ready the next night to try the rare ſecret of the Ingeneer, which would burn all the wood between the two ſtrait paſſages and cut off all communicat [...]on between the enemies quarters. Cyrus then having made choiſe of ſuch troops as were to aſſault the enemy at that place which was moſt weakly guarded, he prepared himſelf for the execution of this enterprize which was of ſo great importance.

Yet he did not quit that quarter which he poſſeſſed neer the other paſs, leaſt the enemy ſhould diſcover his deſign.

In the mean time, the project of the Ingeneer did take admirably well: For he judiciouſly foreſaw, that the wind would riſe to favour his enterprize, and would riſe ſo, as would blow the flames towards thoſe Enemies which would releive thoſe which Cyrus aſſaulted, and not towards the troops of that Prince. Night being come, Cyrus ordered his men fit for an aſſault; but before he marched, he acquainted the officers with the fire, which would be on their left hand, and they acquainted their ſouldiers, ſo as the thing paſſing from mouth to mouth, every one was prepared in a quarter of an hour, not to wonder at an accident ſo extraordinary, but on the contrary, to beleive that the victory would be certainly theirs, almoſt without any danger.

This being the ſtate of things, Cyrus in the head of his troops, began to march towards the paſs: But leaſt the aſſault ſhould precede the burning, aſſoon as that Prince began to march, the Ingeneer according to his firſt deſign, did ſet fire unto twelve trees which he had prepared to receive it, and ſo judiciouſly, that thoſe twelve trees being in ſeverall places, and in the midſt of many others which were rubbed with the ſame compoſition, immediatly all that wood which ſeperated the two paſſes was in a flame, Cyrus making his aſſault at the ſame time that the fire began, the enemy was ſtrangely ſurprized, yet ſince he who commanded that paſs, was a very brave and gallant men, he made a ſtout reſiſtance, in hopes that the fire would not run through the wood, and in hopes he ſhould be releived by Aripithes who was at the other paſs, but he was deceived in his hopes, for the conflagration was ſo great, that never was object more full of terrour and aſtoniſſiment.

In the mean time, ſince the wind wa [...]ted the flames towards that ſide on which Aripithes was they never hindred the march of Cyrus his troops, ſo as they had all fire on their left hand without any trouble unto them; but on the contrary it helped them in their way with light, and was a terrour to the enemy they were to fight [Page] withall Not but that this valiant Commander who had the Guard of that paſs, and was a Sauromate by birth, did moſt couragiouſly oppoſe Cyrus; And Aripithes on his ſide being advertiſed of the Aſſault which was made upon that Paſs, he would needs come in perſon to defend it: but the flames being an obſtacle unto him, he was forced to go a great way about to oppoſe the paſſage of Cyrus: but this great Prince did not give him any time for it; for ſeeing that the valiant Sauromate whom he had before him, would rather periſh then forſake the Paſs which he guarded, he would needs make the aſſault in perſon, and fell on ſo couragiouſly, that he forced him to give ground. And as thoſe who fight retyring do not alwaies preſerve their uſuall judgment; ſo this valiant Sauromate retyred towards the Wood which was on fire, yet ſince Cyrus conceived that by driving him further, he ſhould leave the paſſage ſo open unto his Troops, that Mazares & Myrſiles might paſs whilſt he was fighting; he did force him on ſo vigorouſly, as it might in ſome ſort be ſayd he did drive him too far. And indeed this couragious Sauromate ſeeing himſelf and his men in a moſt terrible extremity, he turned his valour into deſpair, and did ſuch prodigious Acts of Valour, as Cyrus was never in all his life in ſo much danger as now: And that you may the better know into what danger this great Prince was expoſed; be pleaſed to know that driving thoſe valiant Sauromates towards the inflamed Trees, in hopes to force them to yeild themſelves, he alſo had engaged himſelf in the fire; for ſince the Souldiers who did according to the commands of the Ingeneir, he unluckily prepared ſome Trees to receive the fire in a place where he did not command them, and where Cyrus did not think any had been prepared, ſo it chanced that the fire took hold of theſe Trees, inſomuch as Cyrus who was fighting with the Sauromates, was upon a ſudden in the midſts of fire and flaſhing flames; yet he was ſo fully reſolved to vanquiſh this va [...]ant Sauromatan Commander, that he ſtill purſued him: Never was Combate more terrible then this; the great light which was in all the Wood, did make a ſtrange fury appear in the countenances of the Combatants: Their Arms did gliſter exceedingly, and the fire and ſmoak together did ſo alter objects, as Cyrus was hardly knowable; But though he could not be known by the colour of his Complexion, yet he was by his valour. In the mean time, the flames increaſed, and the blows of Cyrus falling thicker, the Sauromates to avoid them, did run into that part of the Wood which was moſt in flames, and thinking therfore to avoid his purſuit, a huge Tree did fall and gave a ſtop unto their flight, ſo as they dyed in a moſt horrid manner. Moreover the horſes being frighted at this fall of fire, they carried their Maſters into the moſt dangerous places of the Combate, theſe miſerable Animals chooſing rather to avoid the flames then their Riders Enemies: The rumbling of the wind which blew the flames a [...]ded unto the crackling of leaves, the falling of fiery Trees, and to the ſcrikes of dying and vanquiſhed men, did make a noiſe more hideous and terrible then the murmuring of the enraged Sea and moſt loud thunder together could do. Cyrus thus being in th [...] condition, at laſt ſaw all his Enemies dead, except that valiant Sauromate whom he deſired to overcome and one other, and he ſaw himſelf abandoned by thoſe few men which followed him, not that they were fled, but the fall of an enflamed Tree having ſeparated them from Cyrus, they knew not how to come at him again; ſo as this great Prince was alone in the midſt of fire and flames, againſt two moſt terrible Enemies. However in lieu of being aſtoniſhed, he became more valiant and hardy, and fought it out with ſuch ſtrange vigour, that he vanquiſhed the two Sauromates, for he ran the one thorough the body, and wounded the other in his right arm and thigh, and came with ſuch fury upon him, that he overthrew his horſe, which to avoid the flames left his Maſter wounded and diſarmed, for his Sword broke in the fall, ſo that getting up again with much [...]do, he ſaw himſelf at the mercy of this Conquerour, and at the mercy of the fire. But Cyrus being infinitely admired for his valour and clemency: when this Sauromate had yeilded himſelf, and Cyrus ſaw him without Armes, or Horſe, or power to walk, he let him get up behind him, purpoſely to ſhew him the way through this enflamed Wood and Laborinth of fire (as I may call it) in which he was engaged. So this valiant Priſoner accepting the offer of his illuſtrious Conqueror, he got up behind him, and turning ſomtimes to the right hand, and ſomtimes to the left, to avoid the flames [Page] and fall of Trees, they came at laſt to the place where Mazares and Myrſiles had drawn up their Troops, not taking any care for him, becauſe they imagined that he was returned unto the entrance of the Wood, as ſoon as he was aſſured of the paſſage: But he was no ſooner with them, then they underſtood from the mouth of his Priſoner what Miracles he had done, and how generous he was in ſaving his life. However the better to merit the Commendations which his Priſoner had given him, he cauſed him to be ſet on horſ-back behind Ortalgues who had orders to carry him unto the Fort of Sauromates, to ſee him dreſſed, and to have a great care of him: Afterwards this great Prince left Mazares and Myrſiles to bring all the Troops through the paſſage, whilſt he himſelf went beyond the Wood, and drew them up into Battaglia as they paſſed, leaſt Aripithis or Ariantes ſhould come charge them in diſorder. And to act with as much Prudence as Courage he did not disfurniſh that Quarter which was neer the other paſſage, but guarded that which he had already paſſed, that he might make uſe of it upon all occaſions.

In the mean time, he had no reaſon to fear his being aſſaulted; for the fiering of the Wood and the noiſe of Cyrus his paſſage had put the Enemy into ſuch a terrible diſmay, as they were not in any condition to make any attempts; ſo that within two hours after the Sun was up, Cyrus was gotten on the other ſide of the Wood in the head of his Army, drawn all up into regular Battaglia, with the loſs of a very inconſiderable number of men.

The end of the firſt Book.

ARTAMENES, OR, THE GRAND CYRUS. THE TENTH AND LAST PART. AND SECOND BOOK.

[Page]

AS Fortune is pleaſed to entail happy Events upon ſome, and Miſeries after miſery upon others, after her own Capritious humour; So Cyrus had not only the advantage to paſs his Army, but he had alſo the joyes to know that Ciaxares had ſent him a very conſiderable body both of Horſe and Foot; and he underſtood alſo that Tigranes and Spitridates would arive within three daies at the Town where the Princeſs Oneſile and the Princeſs Aramenta Quartered, and by conſequence to have two of the moſt valiant men in the world in his Army. But whilſt he had theſe Conſolations, Thomyris who was come unto her troops which were not far off from the Vanguard of Cyrus, was in a moſt incredible deſpair, when ſhe ſaw the Army of an Enemy whom ſhe could not chooſe but love, and when ſhe ſaw it had paſſed thoſe ſtraights which ſhe hoped to have kept untill all the reſt of her Forces were come up which ſhe expected, ſo as never thinking of defending or guarding the Paſſes ſhe called back the Troops of Aripithes, and was extreamly offended at him, though he was in no fault, yet ſhe chid him as if he could have kept the Wood from being burnt; or as if he could have marched through the flames to releive them whom Cyrus aſſaulted.

In the mean time, the wood continued ſtill burning, and Thomyris beheld the flames from off a little Hill, thinking all the Horizon that way had been circled with a girdle of fire. The truth is, the Conflagration was ſo great that if the wind had not ceaſed upon a ſudden, it had not been ſo ſoon exſtinguiſhed. But at laſt, the [Page] Air being ſerene and calm the fire did not communicate it ſelf, but as ſoon as thoſe trees which were on fire were conſumed, the fire extinguiſhed of it ſelf, ſo that after this, that wood which was ſo pleaſant and delightfull, was become one of the moſt affrighting objects in the world; for beſides the great heap of cindars, and extinguiſhed coales, which might be ſeen, one might behold ſome trees ſtanding, but without leaves or branches, only ſtumps blaſted though not burnt down, ſo as it was become a terrour to the pritty birds which harboured in it, and could not faford them the branch of one tree for an umbrage. Cyrus alſo could ſee the Fort of Sauromates from his camp, and indeed the place was ſo altered, that it ſeemed not the ſame it was

In the mean time, Though Cyrus had a great deſire to march towards Thomyris, yet he durſt not advance any further, untill he had ammunition for his army, and though he was not far off from Thomyris, yet he knew he could not force her to fight, becauſe of a little river which favored her retreat. And indeed, Ariantes thinking it not expedient to fight until all the [...]orces which Thomyris expected were joyned, he ſet ſome troops to defend the Ford over that river, and retired himſelf neer the Tents Royall, intrenching himſelf ſo advantageouſly, that it was very dangerous to aſſault him: After which they held a counſell of war, wherein it was reſolved, to hazard a battel, as ſoon as thoſe forces which they expected were arrived.

On the other ſide, Thomyris and Ariantes were like to fall out again, for that Queen ſeeing that Mandana's guards were more affectionate unto Ariantes then unto her, ſhe intended to change them; to the end, that if ſhe loſt the battel, yet ſhe might have that Princeſs in her power, and to make uſe of her, either for her revenge or for her ſafety. But ſince Ariantes was no leſſe afraid that Mandana ſhould fall under the power of Thomyris, then under the power of Cyrus, he did ſo earneſtly oppoſe her deſign of changing him who commanded Mandana's guard, that ſhe durſt not perſiſt in her reſolution, in a time when the leaſt diviſion in her army might make them eaſily overcome.

However, ſince ſhe [...]ent ſeverall orders to haſten up the troops, they made ſuch haſt, that they came unto the generall Rendezvouz, before Cyrus was in a condition to advance, and arrived without any danger, for being beyond the [...]ents Royall, Cyrus could not hinder them from joyning But this great Prince was ſo extreamly impatient of fighting, that as ſoon as all things neceſſary for the ſu [...]iſtance of his army were ready, he marched toward the Enemy, who for a time diſputed the paſſage over the river, but at laſt they left it, and Cyrus cauſing immediatly, many bridges to be made with faggots and planks, for the paſſage of his Infantry, he got over all his army in a day and a half, and put them into battle array. But as he was juſt ready to march, the wiſe and virtuous Anacharſis came unto him who ſeeing things at the very laſt extreamity beſeeched Cyrus to let him go and feel the pulſe of Thomyris once more: For Sir (ſaid he unto him) I conceive that Mandana will be in more danger if ſhe loo [...]e the battell, then if you loſt it. Could you perſw [...]de me of that (replyed Cyrus) I think that I ſhould ſuffer my ſelf to be overcome. However it be Sir (replyed Anacharſis) I conceive [...]hat to make the gods propicious unto you it is requiſite that you take ſuch a courſe as that you may not be accuſed of all the blood which will be ſpilt in this battell, which you are going to fight, and therefore I beg of you three days to try what my laſt endeavours can do: I muſt confeſs wiſe Anacharſis (replied Cyrus I cannot chuſe but wonder you ſhould have any hopes that Thomyris will [...]g her mind: But ſince I cannot deny ſuch a man as you I am contented you ſhould [...]ee Thomyris, though I conceive it is againſt my honour to talk of any peace, after ſuch advantages as I have gotten. On the contrary Sir (replyed Anacharſis) Conquerours may make propoſi [...]ions of peace with honour it is only the conquered who can demand it with ſhame, nor would I go unto this Queen as an En [...]oy from you Sir, but only as a bare Mediatour, and as a man who ſeriouſly conſiders the loſſe of ſo many brave men, as muſt needs be loſt in the battell; ſo paſſing for no more then a Mediatour, between you and Thomyris, you may both of you deny what I ſhall propound if you have a mind, but however I will never be upbraided with neglecting any thing that may ſtop the effuſion of ſo much innocent blood as needs muſt [Page] be ſpilt, be the War never ſo juſt After this Cyrus being unwilling to deny Anacharſis who ſayd he would not retard his deſign above three dayes, he told him that he conſented unto it; And commanding a Herald to conduct him, this wiſe Scythian went unto Thomyris. As ſoon as he came unto the firſt of her Troops he was ſtopped and that Princeſs being immediately advertiſed of his Arrival, ſhe imagined that this virtuous Scythian was come more at the inſtance of Cyrus then his own, ſo as flattering up her ſelf in a falſe grounded hope, ſhe commanded he ſhould be very civilly uſed and brought unto her.

In the mean time, Anacharſis knowing that things difficult are never brought to paſs at firſt, he reſolved to behave himſelf ſo as that Queen might imagine that he did not tell her all he had in commiſſion to impart, to the end that ſtill hoping for more ſhe might not ſuddenly ſend him away as ſhe was wont, but might give him time to tell her all his reaſons, and might let him ſpeak with Ariantes alſo: And indeed this Sage Scythian carried himſelf with ſo much Prudence that Thomyris did hearken unto him very plauſibly, and he tempered her ſpirit, that he wanted but a little of perſwading her, that if ſhe would ſet Mandana at liberty ſhe might hope Cyrus would change his mind; yet he ſpake nothing which mig [...]t poſitively be ſo interpreted; but telling her in generall, ſhe could never be happy as long as ſhe was unjuſt; Her prepoſſeſſed imagination did ſo deceave her, that ſhe demanded a Truce the ſecond time: So that Anacharſis returning unto Cyrus, and coming back again unto Thomyris. A Truce was concluded for five daies before any of either ſide knew why it was made, or upon what they would treat. How [...]ver, made it was, and all well meaning perſons about Thomyris and Ariantes were buſier then ever to inſpire their thoughts with more juſt reſentments then thoſe which love gave them. As for Cyrus there was no queſtion but he would yeild unto peace with Thomyris, provided ſhe would reſtore Mandana.

But whilſt all theſe uſeleſs Negotiations were tranſacting, Spitridates and Tigranes came unto the Town where Oneſile and the Queen of Pontus were; And Fortune at laſt as averſe as ſhe had been, unto Araminta and Spitridates permitted them the joyes of ſeeing each other again: yet the interview of theſe four perſons had ſome ſadneſs mixed with their ſatisfactions; for it was impoſſible for them to meet without remembrance of the King of Pontus his death, and of that of Phraartes, and that with thoughts ſuitable to the cruelty of their F [...]tes. But the Princeſs Oneſile did ſo manage the matter that their joyes were above their ſorrows. After they had talked along time in Oneſiles Chamber, Araminta going unto her own, Spitridates waited upon her, and had private conference with that Princeſs, whom he had never ſeen, ſince he cauſed her to get out of Cabira whether Artanus had carried her and from whence ſhe intended to go into Armenia, where ſhe thought the King of Pontus her brother was: He not being able to expreſs his joyes at the ſight of that fair, virtuous, and charming Princeſs, after ſo many misfortunes he made his complaints unto her in a moſt paſſionate manner. I ſee, Madam (ſayd he unto her) that miſeries are inſeparable from Spitridates, ſince I am extreamly grieved that my words are not able to expreſs my joyes that I have the honour once more to ſee you I aſſure you, Sir (replyed Araminta moſt obligingly, that to imagine your joyes, I need only meaſure them by my own Ah, Madam (ſayd Spitridates) as obliging as your Language is, yet I am ſure it is unjuſt; for it is not poſſible you ſhould he ſo glad to ſee me again, a [...] I am to ſee you, and to have the liberty of telling you all the Torments that I have endured: you have had one Sir, (anſwered ſhe and half ſmiled) which I adviſe you not to remember me of, for after ſo many reaſons of commending you, I have no mind to complain againſt you I underſtand you very well Madam (ſayd he unto her) you would know all the Torments which the unfortunate Spitridates hath endured when he was a Wanderer, a Fugitive, a Priſoner wounded and abſent; but you would not hear of the Torments which he endured when he was ſo b [...]d as to be jealous: And yet he hath been more miſerable by reaſon of his jealouſie then by all the reſt of his misfortunes: But, Madam, ſince it is your pleaſure to have it ſo, I will ſubmit, and will not excuſe my weakneſs, but ask a pardon for it, and will undergo any puniſhment you ſhall pleaſe to inflict.

Afterwards theſe two illuſtrious perſons calling unto memory all the adventures [Page] which had befallen them from their Infancy untill now, they found the number of them ſo great, that they admired how they were able to endure them, and they had ſeen ſo great an example of giddy Fortunes inconſtancy, as they durſt not aſſure themſelves of any long continuance of the happineſs which they then enjoyed; yet upon ſecond thoughts they beleived that ſince they had now met together, there could not any fortunes befall them worſe then before: So as confirming that innocent affection which they had formerly promiſed, it may very well be ſayd that the knot was faſter tyed then ever before. Spitridates not knowing that Cyrus treated Araminta as Queen of Pontus ſince the death of her Brother, he ſpoke unto her as acknowledging her ſo, although her Father was in poſſeſſion of that Kingdom which gave her that Title; and indeed he behaved himſelf like a Prince who was worthy to reſemble Cyrus, and who indeed did reſemble him as neer in the Qualities of his Soul, as in the Features of his Face. On the other ſide, the particular diſcourſe between Tygranes and Oneſile was with as much tender, ſolid, and ſincere affection, as could poſſibly be found in two perſons who loved moſt deerly: For Tigranes had not renounced all the Civilities and reſpects of a Lover, though he was the huſband of the admirable Oneſile: The fair Telagene had alſo a ſhare in the joyes of theſe two illuſtrious Perſons; and the wiſe Heſionide was ſo glad to ſee Spitridates again, that Araminta her ſelf could not be more.

In the mean time, ſince Spitridates and Tigranes underſtood that there was a Treaty in agitation, they made no ſuch haſt in going unto Cyrus: But Oneſile conceiving that if the Army of this Prince ſhould move further off, Araminta and ſhe ſhould hear ſeldomer from thoſe who were ſo dear unto them, ſhe propounded unto the Queen of Pontus, to go unto the Fort of Sauromates of which Cyrus was Maſter, and there wait the Succeſs of the War: Araminta liking the motion, they propounded it afterwards unto Tigranes and Spitridates, who not thinking of any danger unto the Princeſſes in that place, and finding it very convenient for them if the War continued, they thanked them for their intentions, and prepared to wait upon them thither; and ſo they departed the next morning: But to the end they might be received unto the Fort without any ſtop, Tigranes ſent to acquaint Cyrus with the intentions of the Queen of Pontus and the Princeſs Oneſile, ſo as that Prince being very glad of the news, he gave all neceſſary orders for their fit reception into that Fort, preparing himſelf to make a viſit unto theſe Princeſſes, ſince the Treaty would permit him, and ſince it was not above four hours riding between his Camp & the Fort; and he was ſo quick in his buſineſs, that Tigranes and Spitridates intending to come unto the Camp, were not ſet out of the Fort when he arrived; ſo as being much aſhamed they ſhould be thus prevented, they went to meet him, and aſſured him that had they not thought he had been buſie about the Treaty, they would not have ſtayed ſo long before they had kiſſed his hand. I come not hither, Sirs, (anſwered that Prince) to receive excuſes for a buſineſs which deſires none, but only to participate of your joyes which you have both given and receiv [...]d to and from the moſt excellent Princeſſes in the world. Afterwards Cyrus asked them why they ſtayed ſo long in the Port where they landed, and they told him that at firſt, it was to put themſelves into an equipage fit for coming into the Army, and that afterwards they ſtayed there a while, to know whether the great reports of a Rebellion in Bythinia were true or no, but hearing no certainty of it came at laſt to the place where love and honour did invite them.

After this Cyrus and Spitridates making a ſhort repetition of both their misfortunes, Cyrus moſt obligingly told that Prince how he was very glad that he did not reſemble him in one thing. It is ſo glorious, Sir, to reſemble you in all (replyed Spitridates) that I wonder you ſhould ſay ſo: Doubtleſs you will agree with me (ſayd Cyrus) as ſoon as I have told you that you have great reaſon to be well ſatisfied in being no further off the Princeſs you love as I am off her whom I adore, but that you may be no longer from her (ſayd he moſt ſweetly) let me carry you unto her, and ſo Cyrus went unto the Chamber of that Princeſs with whom was Oneſile: The ſight of this Prince did ſo ſurpriſe Araminta, that ſhe could not chooſe but bluſh in remembrance of that unjuſt Jealouſie which Spitridates apprehended; yet ſince ſhe knew him to be perfectly cured, ſhe preſently recollected her ſelf, and the converſation was that day very agreeable.

[Page] The Prince Indatherſis, Atergatis, Silamus, Mneſepherſes, and Cherſias, did wait upon Cyrus this little journey, ſo as it was impoſſible that ſo many excellent wits ſhould be together, and their diſcourſe not be infinitely pleaſing. Spitridates and Intaphernes imbraced each other by the orders of Cyrus, and ſo did Atergatis and Spitridates, from whom that Prince underſtood that it was they, who had delivered Araminta.

But Cyrus intending to dine at the Fort, after he had made his firſt viſit unto the Princeſſes, he would make a ſecond unto the King of Hircania, who was brought thither after he had received his wounds in the laſt battell; afterwards he would go and ſee the valiant Sauromate alſo, whoſe life he had ſaved after he had vanquiſhed him, by carrying him out of the flames, in wh [...]ch he had periſh [...]d, had not his generoſity ſaved him. but in go [...]ng thither, one of the Guard belonging to the Fort, brought two men unto him, who ſaid they were ſent thither. And Cyrus was very gladly ſurprized to ſee that one of them was the jealous Leontidus: Alſo he no ſooner [...]pied him, but he went and very kindly imbraced him.

Dear Leontidus, (ſaid he unto him after the firſt complement) I pray tell me whether I muſt owe my joyes of ſeeing you, unto your jealouſy, or unto my good fortune? Truly Sir (replyed he) I know not well unto whom I owe the honour I have to ſee you, but I come hither, becauſe the Prince Thraſibulus ſent me, becauſe my own inclination invited me, and becauſe my bad fortune hath driven me from Alcidamie, before I have had experience of the worſt kind of jealouſy, and yet I think replyed Cyrus, that you have had experience of all ſorts that are, for you have been jealous of Policates, who was your ſuperiour, and of Hyparchus who was your inferiour in all things. I think (I ſay) you have been jealous of a man who was your friend, and of another who was your enemy, and had tryall of all ſorts of jealouſy under the ſ [...]n.

There was only one kind (replyed he) but ſince it is the moſtterrible of all, I have no mind to expoſe my ſelf unto it. When we are in a place more convenient (replyed Cyrus) and when I have more leaſure, you ſhall inſtruct me with the concluſion of your adventure, but in the Interim I pray tell me how fares the Prince Thraſibulus, and the fair Alcionide? they are both of them ſo happy in each other, replyed Leontidus, that nothing can trouble their felicity unleſſe the thought of your miſ▪fortunes, and of that, they are very ſenſibly greived; alſo they both of them charged me to tell you, how ſadly they think themſelves concerned for you, and the Prince Thraſibulus in particular commanded me to make a tender unto you of all that is in his power, & I left him in a reſolution of coming to ſerve you in perſon, if he underſtood from me that the war was like to laſt long, and to ſend him word how the true ſtate of things doth ſtand, was his chief reaſon of his ſending me unto you.

After this, and after Cyrus had returned a very obliging anſwer, unto the kindneſs of Thraſibulus he thought upon his deſign of viſiting that valiant Sauromate, whoſe life he had ſaved: So as Leontidus followed him with the other who was with him, whom he preſented unto Cyrus as his friend, whoſe name was Democedes, and they were witneſs of the diſcourſe between this generous Conquerour and this brave priſoner, and they took greater delight in it, becauſe it was in Greek, their naturall language. As for Cyrus, it was no wonder to them, he ſhould ſpeak it, as well as his own but they were extreamly aſtoniſhed to hear a Sauromate ſpeak Greek and they could not chooſe but expreſs their admiration unto one another. Cyrus half hearing them, and half gueſſing what they ſaid, he told that valiant Priſoner who ſtill kept his bed; that he was much honoured in being commended by Grecians, and ſuch as were the moſt accompliſhed men in all Greece; for I contidus is ſuch a one of my own knowledge, and Democedes in being his friend muſt needs be the like. If Democedes had no other advantage then in being my friend (replyed Leontidus) he would have gotten that great opinion which is due unto his merit; But Sir, when I ſhall have acquainted you that he is the intimate and particular freind of Saph [...], and that he is brother unto the deareſt friend of that famous Lesbian, I beleive you will think the commendations which he gives, are of a far greater value than mine. How ſaid Cyrus, is Democedes the freind of Saph [...], and brother unto the fair Cydnon, whom I ſaw at Mytilene: yes Sir, (replyed Democedes) [Page] I am the brother of Cydnon, and the freind of Sapho, who h [...]d a thouſand times of the Illuſtrious Artamenes. For you know Sir, that when you [...]anded at Lesbos, you went under that name. I beſeech you do me the favour (replyed Cyrus) to tell me in what condition that illuſtrious perſon is? Sir, (replyed Democedes) I cannot well tell, for I come into Scythia to ſee if I can hear any news of her: If you only deſire to know how ſhe does (replyed the priſoner) I am able to ſhorten your journey, for it is not long ſince I ſaw her, you do both of you ſo much ſurprize me, (replyed that Prince) as I cannot tell what I ſhould think: For Democedes, ſayes he, came into Scythia to ſee Sapho, and at Sauromates, ſayes he) I, ſaw her not long ſince, and if the laſt of theſe be true, (ſaid Democedes,) I ſhould be very glad of it. and if what you ſay be true, replyed Cyrus, I ſhould think it very ſtrange: For how could Sapho leave her own country, and come unto one ſo far diſtant? The adventure of that admirable Lady is ſo extraordinary (replyed he) as nothing can be ſtranger; yet her life is not filled with ſuch great events, as commonly happen unto perſons of a higher fortune than ſhe is of. But for all that, there is ſomthing ſo ſingular and particular in her fate, as that it may very well be ſaid, ſuch things have hapned unto Sapho, as never hapned unto any: Happen what will (replyed that valiant Sauromate, whoſe name was Mezontes, I am able to tell you of ſome things which you cannot know without me.

Cyrus was extreamly deſirous to know what both of them knew, but ſince he was afraid of making the Queen of Pontus and the Princeſs Oneſile ſtay over long, he left Democedes with Mereontes, conjuring him to tell at better leiſure, what he had heard and knew concerning Sapho; after which he went unto the Princeſſes. Oneſile who was giving an excellent judgment upon a queſtion in diſpute, the Princeſs Araminta to commend her ſayd, that ſhe did not think that the famous Sapho who was ſo talked of over all the world, could judge better upon verſes, than ſhee could do of every thing, ſo this giving Cyrus an occaſion to ſpeak of her, he told them all that he heard of that illuſtrious perſon, and commended her ſo highly, that they were confident ſhe did merit that reputation which ſhe had: So as much deſiring to know her adventures, they beſeeched Cyrus, that he would intreat Democides to relate them; ſo as coming with Leontidus and many others into Arimintaes chamber, preſently after dinner, Cyrus acquainted him with the curioſity of the Princeſſes, and deſired him to give them that ſatisfaction. yet ſince there is a neceſſity of my returning to the Camp, (continued he) I muſt needs ask you whether the relation will be long and whether it will be told in the compaſs of two houres? Sir, (replyed he) one may if he pleaſe, Epitomize the largeſt hiſtory into that time, and I will ingage my ſelf Saphoes ſhall be no longer, though there be many long diſcourſes which I ought not to omit if you deſire theſe Princeſſes ſhould very well know the life of this excellent perſon. Since time is ſo pretious ſaid Araminta, let us not looſe it; but to the end this ſtory may be better heard, let us go into my cloſet, So Araminta, Oneſile, Cyrus, Telagenes, Spitridates, and Indithyrſes, went into a little Tent, which ſhe uſed as a cloſet, and all the reſt ſtayed with Intaphernes, and Atergatis, and Tygranes, who diſcourſing upon this conflagration which helped the army of Cyrus unto an eaſie paſſage, they never thought of following them.

However, theſe ſix perſons were no ſooner in a place with Democedes, but Cyrus intreated him to begin his relation; but I beſeech you (ſaid he) ſince theſe Princeſſes do not know Sapho, only by reports, tell them exactly who ſhe is, before you acquaint them with her adventures; for doubtleſs nothing doth more attract the ſpirits of thoſe who are to hear the hiſtory, than to make them well acquainted with the perſon whom it concerns. The commands you impoſe upon me Sir, replyed Democedes, are very hard to be obeyed; for it is not ſo eaſie a matter to draw the picture of the heart, and mind; and all the inclinations of a perſon, as it is to draw the picture of her face, ſince there is requiſite a certain ſpirit of diſcernment, which does know to finde out a difference between things ſ [...]mblable, and things reall, and without which, one cannot make a true reſemblance: He ought to know how to diſtinguiſh all the ſeverall degrees of melancholly, and mirth, and not content himſelfe to ſay in generall, that ſuch a one is ſerious, or ſuch a one is merry, as many men do; for certainly there are a thouſand petty obſervations [Page] to be made, which make a great difference in tempers which ſeem not oppoſite, yet that it is which makes the reſemblance true: For as all women, who have great, gray, and ſweet eyes, do not reſemble one another, ſo there are a million of perſons of whom the ſame things may alſo be ſaid, which yet do not reſemble one another, neither in their minds nor faces, and therefore as I ſayd before, it is requiſite to have the art of putting a difference, between the melanchollick and the ſerious, and between the diverting and the merry, when one will draw ſuch a picture as requires neither penſills nor colours, I perceive by what you ſay (replyed Oneſile) that when you have ſhewed us the picture of Sapho, I ſhall know her better than I do my ſelf. Though I have the advantage to know that admirable Lady, (replyed Cyrus) yet I am confident that you will know her better by Democides than I do.

To ſpend no time in commending the painter, who muſt draw this fine peice, (ſaid Spitridates) I beſeech you oblige him to begin his work. Araminta ſeconding Spitridates, Democedes began his relation, addreſſing his ſpeech unto the Queen of Pontus,

THE HISTORY OF SAPHO.

SINCE it is very naturall for every one to commend ſuch things in which themſelves have intereſts, I think Madam, it will plead my excuſe, if in commending the admirable Sapho, I alſo commend her country, becauſe it is my own; and if in obſerving unto you all the advantages of her birth, I tell you, that ſhe was born in one of the moſt delectable places in the world. The very truth is Madam, The Iſle of Lesbos is both ſo pleaſant, and ſo fertile, as the Egean ſea hath none comparable unto it: This Iſle is bigg enough in ſome places to make one think it is joyned to the Continent, but it is none of thoſe which are ſo mountanous as they ſeem to be, only a huge maſſe of rocks in the midſt of the ſea: Nor is it like ſome of thoſe which having no riſing ground in them, ſeem alwayes expoſed unto fury of the waves, which inviron them: But on the contrary, the Iſle of Lesbos, can boaſt of all the varieties which any great kingdome joyned to the continent, can produce. For towards the Eaſt, it hath mountains and great woods, and towards the Weſt, meadows and pleaſant plaines. The aire there is pure and healthy, the goodneſs of the ground produceth plenty: commerce is great and free, and the Continent ſo neer towards Phrygia, that in two houres one may when they pleaſe ſee a forraigne Court. Moreover, Mytilene the Metropolis, is ſo excellently well built, and hath two ſuch goodly ports, that ſtrangers admire them, and find much delight in ſtaying there.

This Madam, is the place of Sapho's birth, The wiſe Pittacus is the Prince of it, and attracts an infinite number of accompliſhed men. He had a ſon called Tyſander, a man the moſt rarely qualified in the world, and who did contribute much to the pleaſure of the place, yet ſince it is long ſince he dyed, I ſhall ſpeak no more of him, though he was one of Saphoes Adorers.

Now Madam, after I have acquainted you with the place of her birth, I will ſay ſomthing of her quality, ſhe was the daughter of a man of note, called Scamandogenes of ſo noble a race, that no family in Mytilene could ſhew a longer or more unqueſtionable pedegree: Sapho again had the advantage to be the daughter unto a Father and Mother, who were perſons of great ſpirits and virtue, but ſhe was ſo unfortunate as to looſe them ſo ſoon, as ſhe received from them only her firſt inclinations unto goodneſs, for ſhe was but ſix years of age when they dyed, tis true, they left [Page] her under the tuition of a Couſin, who had all requiſite qualities for the education of a young perſon, and they left her an eſtate much below her ment, yet enough, not to ſtand in need unto any; nay more, to appear very decent and handſomely in the wo [...]ld.

Yet ſhe had a brother called Charaxes, who was left very rich: For Scamandrogines when he dyed, divided his Eſtate very inequally, and left much more unto his ſonne then his daughter, though, to ſay truth, he did not deſerve it, and though ſhe deſerved a Crown. Indeed Madam, I do not thinke all Greece ever had a perſon ſo comparable unto Sapho, yet I ſhall not now relate unto you any paſſages of her infancy: for ſhe was ſo very little while a Child, that at twelve years of age, ſhe was ſpoken of as a perſon whoſe beauty, ſpirit, and judgment were already [...]pe, and made all the world to wonder: only thus much let mee tell you, that never was in any found, inclinations more noble, nor a greater aptneſſe to learn any thing ſhe deſired to know.

However, though Sapho was charming even from her very Cradle, yet I will draw you the picture of her perſon and mind, only as ſhe is at this preſent, to the end you may the better know her.

Give me leave to tell you then Madam, that though you here ſpeak of Sapho as the moſt charming perſon of all Greece, yet you muſt not imagine her to be one of thoſe, in whom Env [...]e cannot finde a fault: But yet you muſt know, that though ſhe be none of thoſe which I ſpeak of, yet ſhe is able to inſpire greater paſſions then the greateſt beauty of the Earth: And thou [...]h ſhe ſayes ſhe is very low, when ſhe would detract from her ſelfe, yet ſhe is of a reaſonable ſtature: but ſo noble, and ſo well made as poſſibly can be deſired. As for her Complexion, it is none of the higheſt Luſtre, yet ſo well, as none can ſay but that ſhe is very faire: But her eyes are ſo unexpreſſably lovely, ſo fine, ſo ſweet, ſo qu [...]ck, ſo amorous, and ſo ſprightly, as the luſtre of them ſtrikes to the very heart of thoſe she looks upon: The truth is, they ſparkle like fire, and yet have ſuch a paſſionate ſweetneſſe, as shews that Vivacity and Languer are not things incompatible in the eyes of Sapho: That which made their greateſt luſtre was, that there never was a greater oppoſition then was between the black and white of her eyes, and yet this great oppoſition did not cauſe any harshneſſe to appeare in them: but there was ſuch an amorous kind of ſpirit which did ſweeten them in ſuch a charming manner, as I do not believe there was ever any perſon, whoſe looks were more dreadfull. Moreover, she had many things which are ſeldome found together: For her phyſiognomic was both ſubtle and modeſt, and yet she had a kind of g [...]andure and haughtineſſe in her Garbe and Aire: Her face was ovall, her mouth little and redd, an [...]her hands ſo admirable, as if they were made to take hearts; o [...] if you knew how dearly ſhe loved the Muſes, you would ſay they were worthy to gather the faireſt ſlowers of Pernaſſus. But Madam, theſe are not they which make Sapho moſt amiable: For the charms of her wit do infinitely tranſcend thoſe of her beauty: And indeed it is of ſo vaſt an extent, as it may moſt truly be ſaid, that what ſhe underſtands not; cannot be reach'd by any other: And ſhe is ſo wonderfully apt to learn any thing, that ſhe hath made it her owne, before you would think ſhe began to learn

Firſt, ſhe had naturally an inclination to compoſeverſe; and ſhe has ſo happily improved her ſelfe, as none whoever excells her: And ſhe hath invented ſuch ſingular meaſures, as Heſiode and Homer were ignorant of; and have found ſuch an approbation in the world, as they that bear the name of the inventor unto this day and are called Saphiques.

She wrote alſo moſt admirably in Proſe, and there was an amorous Character upon all the works of this rare Lady, that ſhe moved and ſoftned the hearts of all ſuch as read what ſhee writ. I have ſeen her compoſe a Song upon a ſudden, which was a thouſand times more moving then the mourning Elegie could b [...]and her wit had ſuch an amorous way with it; as none other beſides her ſelfe ever had. She expreſſed her ſelfe in ſuch things as were moſt difficult, moſt delicately: And ſhe knew ſo well how to read an Anatomy Lectur upon an amorous heart (fit be lawfull to ſay [...]o) that ſhe could make an exact deſcription of all its jealouſies, all its inquietudes, all its impatiencies, all its joyes, all its diſguſts, its murmures, [Page] its diſpairs, its hopes, its feares, its revotls, and all the tumultuous imaginations of it.

Moreover, the moſt admirable Sapho did not only know what belonged to matters of Love, but alſo much better what belonged to matters of generoſity: Indeed ſhe knew ſo perfectly how both to write and ſpeak of every thing, that there was nothing which did not come within the compaſſe of her knowledg; and yet one would not imagine it a knowledge infuſed: for Sapho had ſeen all that was worthy of ſight, and took much p [...]ines to be inſtructed in all that was worthy of curioſity.

Moreover ſhe played upon the Lute, and ſung paſſing well, ſhe danced with an excellent grace, and would divert her ſelf and others moſt admirably in a harmleſs Rallary; and which was moſt admirable in her: This perſon who was ſo knowing in ſo many ſeverall things knew them without the leaſt ſpark of oſtentation or pride, and without ſcorning thoſe who knew them not; her diſcourſe is ſo naturall, ſo free, ſo eaſie, and ſo gallant, as one ſhould never hear her talk in generall Company, but of ſuch things as a perſon of a good wit might talk of without having ſtudyed for what ſhe knew: Not but that knowing men might ſee that Nature alone could not arrive at that height ſhe did; but it was becauſe ſhe was ſo carefull to keep her ſelf within the Sphere of her own Sex, as ſhe almoſt never ſpoke of any thing but ſuch as was within the compaſs of a Ladies knowledge, and it was to her very ſingular good friends, that ſhe would impart the depth of her knowledge unto: yet it muſt not be imagined that Sapho affected any groſs kind of ignorance in her Converſation: But on the contrary, ſhe was full of witty and pleaſant conceits.

Moreover, ſhee could ſpeak ſo ſingularly well, both unto things ſerious, and things gallant and Airie; as it was admired one perſon ſhould have talents ſo oppoſite. But what is moſt worthy of commendations in Sapho is, that in the whole world there was not a Perſon fuller of goodneſſe then ſhee; nor more generous, nor more officious, nor leſſe intereſted. Againe, her friendſhip was full of fidelity: her ſoule was ſo tender, and her heart ſo paſſionate, that queſtionleſſe, it was aſupream felicity to be the friend of Sapho: for ſhe had ſuch an ingenious ſpirit, and ſuch a witty way of inventing new means to oblige thoſe whom ſhee eſteemed, and to: make them know her affection, that though ſhee ſeemed not to do any extraordinary thing, yet ſhe perſwaded them that ſhe loved them deerly: ſhee was abſolutly incapable of envie: And ſhe would do Juſtice unto any merit, with ſo much generoſity, that ſhe took greater delight in commending others, then in being commended. Beſides all this, ſhee was full of complacency, which without the leaſt dram of baſeneſſe in it, was infinitly agreeable: and if ſhee at any time denied her friends, ſhe did it with ſo much civility and ſweetneſſe, that ſhe obliged them by her deniall: and imagine, I pray, how ſhe would oblige them if ſhe ſhould grant them her friendſhip and confidence. This Madam, is the compoſition of the rare Sapho, whoſe Brother is fraught with inclinations far different from thoſe of his admired Siſter: Not but that Charaxes hath ſome qualities which are good, but with all, he hath many bad ones.

He had courage indeed out it was a beſtiall courage, ſuch as makes a Dog more valiant then a Deer, and not ſuch a generous valour as is requiſit in a compleat man. But Madam, this rare woman being ſo accompliſhed as I have deſcribed her, ſhe made ſo great a rumour in Mylitene, notwithſtanding all her modeſty, and care to conceale her knowledge that fame carried her name throughout all Greece, and that ſo gloriouſly, that untill then, never any of her ſex had ſo great a reputation.

The greateſt wits of the world were greedy of her Verſes, and all Greece preſerved them with care and admiration, yet ſhe did impart them with ſo much difficulty, and ſeemed to value them ſo little, that it augmented her glory▪ Moreover, one could never know what times ſhe took to make them, for ſhe was a daily viſitor of her friends, and one ſhould hardly ever ſee her either read or write: and ſhe was ſo good a diſpoſer of her time, that ſhe had ſome [...]r her ſelf, and ſome for her friends. Moreover, ſhe was ſuch an abſolute Miſtreſſe of her own mind, that what care [...] ſoever were in her ſoule, they never appeared in her eyes, unleſſe [Page] it was her mind they ſhould. But Madam, I have not ſaid enough yet of the moſt admirable Sapho; for I muſt furt er tell you to the end you may the better perceive her judgment, that there were ſome Perſons whom ſhe honoured with her Amity. And amongſt the reſt there were foure who had the principall ſhares in her diverſions: The firſt was called Amithone: The ſecond Erinne: the third Athys, and the fourth Cydnon my ſiſter.

However, though [...]t be not handſome to commend ſuch as are neere allyed unto us, wi [...]h he ſame ſincerity and applauſe as others, yet to the glory of Sapho, I ſhall ſpeak of them all very advantageouſly. For ſince Cydnon was her firſt friend, it is but juſt I ſhould juſtifie her choice.

And to begin the deſcription of theſe four, give mee leave to tell you, that Amithone, was a very big woman, of a very advantageous ſtature, and a goodly preſence; who though not rarely faire, yet ſhe attracted looks, and pleaſed infinitly: her hamour was ſweet and agreeable, ſhe ſpoke moſt elegantly, and without any learning but what ſhe gleaned from the diſcourſe of Sapho, and ſuch accompliſhed men as talked with her, ſhe underſtood things of moſt deep and difficult knowledge. And the great naturall parts which the gods had given her, together with the ſociety of learned people, enabled her to ſpeak with much judgement.

As for Erinne, it was otherwiſe with her, for her wit and ingenuity was all cultivated with abundance of care: ſo as though her naturall endowments were not ſo great as thoſe of Amithone, yet Art had ſo ſuppli'd the deficiency of Nature, that her company was infinitly charming. Her fancy would not reach ſo high as Amithones, yet ſhe would compoſe good verſe; and if the modeſty of Sapho may be credited, they are to be preferred before hers.

As for the faire Athys, it may well be ſaid, that ſhe had all the goodneſſe of the other two: for ſhe had naturally abundance of wit and did polliſh it by many noble ſciences, and the converſation of all the accompliſhed men in Mytilene. Sapho alſo had inſpired her with that Aire of modeſty which rendred her ſo charming, inſomuch as ſhe could not endure any ſhould tell her, that ſhe knew any thing more then other Ladies did: nor would ſhe ever confeſſe that ſhe knew any thing, but by the guid onely of common ſence, and the uſage of the World. Her Perſon was infinitly charming: Her ſtature good, her Haire flaxen [...]o light, that it may well be termed faire: The wh [...]le proportion of her face was infinitly agreeable: her mouth was a wonder: her noſe well proportioned, he [...] eyes ſparkling, her Aire modeſt, and her humour ſweet.

However though theſe three Ladies were moſt admirable, yet Cydnon was more loved by Sapho, then they all three. And further then this Madam. I know not how to give you my own Siſters Picture: and yet I think it is allowable to commend her though only in juſtification of Saphoes choiſe, and therefore let me tell you, that all thoſe who uſe to ſpeak of her beauty, do report her faire and handſome, though she be little and brown, but ſince it is not by the handſomneſſe of her Perſon, that she got the amity of Sapho, I will ſpeak more of her humour and witt, then of her beauty. Be pleaſed to know then, that Cydnon is naturally merry, gay, ſweet, obſequious and complaiſant: she has a certaine ſpirit of expedition which makes her never find any difficulty, in doing any thing for her friends. Doubtleſſe, she was knowing enough in all excellent Sciences, and verſed her ſelf in ſuch things as moſt ſuited with the humour of Sapho. The mirth of Cydnon, is not exceſſive, nor at all given to Rallary, unleſſe it be in a moſt innocent manner.

Theſe four Perſons, dwelling near Sapho, they were ſo often together, that they were inſeperable. Not but that they viſited other Ladies alſo, but not with ſuch Aſſiduity as they did her: And the union betwixt them was ſo great, that none uſed to invite any one of them unto any feaſt unleſs they invited all.

You may imagine Madam, that theſe Ladies were followed and courted by all the Gallants of the time, which I aſſure you were no ſmall number, eſpecially when the Prince Tiſander the ſon of Pittacus was in love with Sapho, Since this Prince was her firſt conqueſt, I know not whether I shall keep within my preſcribed compaſs, and be a little longer in my ſtory then I reſolved, yet I shall not ſtand to make any exact deſcription of his merit: for ſince he is dead, that will but ſerve to [Page] move pitty for his ſad fate, only let me tell you thus much, that he was a man who merited the eſteem of the Illuſtrious Cyrus, and his ſorrows for him alſo after death. Tiſander then, being a moſt rarely accompliſhed man, and in the prime of his youth, there was a great meeting at Mytilene about the marriage of Amithone, who married a man hugely rich, and who for certain reaſons of ſtate was much looked upon by Pittacus: who honouring the Feaſt with his preſence, and with the Prince his Son. Tiſander then ſpoke unto the faire Sapho the firſt time. But his wonder was to find her ſo ſad, though at a Wedding, and the Bride her friend. So that taking occaſion at that lovely melancholy which appeared in her eyes to begin acquaintance with her: Perhaps you may think me very bold lovely Sapho (ſaid he unto her) for beginning my diſcourſe with you, as if you had as great a confidence in me as I wiſh you had, yet I cannot chooſe but ask you, why you are more ſerious this day, then I have uſed to ſee you in the Temple, where ſometimes I had the honour to meet you, for truely, having a long time deſired the happineſſe to ſpeak unto you, I ſhall now be exceeding glad to know whether I ought to pitty you for any misfortune which hath fallen unto you, to the end I may at the firſt beginning of our acquaintance, render you ſome teſtimony of affection by my ſenſibility of whatſoever concerns you. Your language Sir is ſo obliging, replyed Sapho, that it deſerves I ſhould acquaint you with the cauſe of my ſadneſſe, which perhaps you will find ſo ſlight, that you will not be much troubled to be a ſharer in it, for truly Sir (ſaid ſhe and ſmiled) I muſt acquaint you that I never was at any marriage feſtivall without melancholy, and my mind is ſo very irregular, that I cannot rejoice at the happineſſe of Amithone though ſhe be one of my deareſt friends, and though I am as ſenſible a perſon as any is in the world of any joyes which happen unto thoſe I love. Doubtleſſe Madam, replyed Tyſander, then you do not look upon marriage as a happineſſe. The truth is Sir, (replyed Sapho) I look upon it as a ſlavery. Then Madam (replyed Tyſander) do you look upon all men, as Tirants? I do look upon them (replied ſhe) as men that may be ſo, as ſoon as they become husbands. This Imagination comes alwayes into my mind when I am at any marriage, and I am ſure, that a melancholy will ceaſe upon me, by reaſon of that little intereſt which I have in the happineſs of that perſon who is to be marryed. I am extreamly afraid Madam, replyed Tyfander that this your hatred of marriage in particular, ſhould proceed from your hatred of all men in generall, and yet, beleeve me, you would be very unjuſt, if you ſhould advance your own ſex ſo much above ours. The truth is (continued he) if there were many ſuch women as your ſelf, you had ſome reaſon for it, nay if there were only two or three ſuch in the whole world, I should conſent unto it. But lovely Sapho (purſued he) ſince you are the only one in the whole world, who hath found out the Art, to unite all the virtue and all the good qualities of both ſexes, in one ſingle perſon: I beſeech you content your ſelf to be eſteemed or envyed by all weomen, and ſo to be adored by all men without hating them in generall.

Since I cannot be unjuſt (replyed ſhe) I know very well, that I ought not to aſſume unto my ſelf any ſhare in thoſe Praiſes which you give me, and I know that there are many men ſo excellently accompliſhed, as they deſerve all my eſteem and may obtain ſome ſhare in my friendſhip: But as ſoon as ever I look upon them as Husbands, then I do look upon them as Maſters, Maſters ſo apt to become Tyrants, as I cannot chooſe but at that time to hate them, and to thank the Gods, that they have not given me any great inclination unto that fatal thing, which they call marriage. But, Madam (replyed Tiſander) when ſome happy and rarely accompliſhed man ſhould move your heart, perhaps then you will change your mind. I cannot tell, Sir (replyed ſhe) whether I ſhall change my mind or no; but I am ſure, that I had rather even loſe my wits then ever loſe my liberty; and I am fully reſolved never to make my Slave my Tyrant. I am ſo far from conceiving (replyed Tiſander) that there can be any one in the world who dares be ſo bold as to ceaſe obaying you, that I am confident none dare command you. For how can it be imagined that a moſt admirable Lady who is knowing in all things; Nay, I beſeech you. Sir (ſayd Sapho and modeſtly interrupted him) do not ſpeak thus, for I know ſo very little, that I know not whether I have any reaſon for what I ſay. As ſoon as [Page] ſhe had ſayd ſo, one calling away Tiſander about ſome buſineſs, he was forced to leave Sapho, but he left his heart with that fair One, nor was this love long concealed; for Tiſander being young, and of a quality which attracted many eyes upon him, every one did preſently perceive his love unto Sapho, for he went unto her the next day after the marriage of Aminothe and was obſequious and Courtly to her, as there was no doubt but that he was in love with that moſt admirable Lady. At that time all manner of Pleaſures were in their higheſt Luſtre at Mytilene, and every day had its freſh diverſions.

In the mean time, Tiſanders Fate being not to get the love of Sapho, and her Fancy could not comply that way, ſhe only eſteemed him; and acknowledged the favour of his affection, but could not follow the councels of her brother who adviſed her to ſacrifice her liberty unto Fortune by anſwering the love of that Prince. But Sapho naturally hating Marriage, and not affecting Tiſander, ſhe would by no means conſent unto it, though ſhe were ſure ſhe might marry him with the conſent of Pittacus. However, ſince he was ſtill in hopes to win her affection, He courted her with a thouſand Entertainments, and filled the Town full of Diverſions, inſomuch as the little Court was ſo full of Gallantry as none could be more. Indeed the admirable Sapho had inſpired ſuch a ſpirit of politenes into all that converſed with her, which alſo did communicate it ſelf unto thoſe who never ſaw her, as it was a wonder that it ſhould not ſpread it ſelf through all the Town of Mytilene, and alſo throughout all the Iſle of Lesbos, but it did not; for Envy, Ignorance, and Malignity kept almoſt half the Town from being benefited by the Converſation of Sapho and her friends. But to ſay truly ſhe was no looſer by not ſeeing theſe kind of people, unto whom the Grandure of her ſpirit and wit was a terrour. Few ſtrangers ever came to Lesbos, who went not immediatly unto the admired Sapho, and who went not out charmed with her diſcourſe? And certainly they had reaſon, for it was impoſſible for any to talk two hours with her without a high eſteem of her, and without a great inclination to love her. Alſo there was a knot of five or ſix of us men who were inſeparable, and who alwaies waited upon Tiſander when he went unto Sapho, and who ſomtimes went unto her without him, when her ſeverity made him ſo melancholy, that he would not go.

In the mean time, the ignorant and envious Caball which was oppoſite unto ours, did talk of us in ſuch pleaſant manner, as I cannot think upon it without a little wonder: For they ſayd, we never talked of any thing at Saphos but Poetry Philoſophy, and myſterious queſtions, and I think they ſayd, that we taught Magick there alſo. The truth is, theſe profeſſed Enemies unto all Wit, Sence, Reaſon, and Virtue are a moſt dangerous ſort of People; for I found that the moſt rationall amongſt all thoſe who ſhunned Sapho and her friends were a ſort of young fine, ſturdy, and merry Fellows who made it their brag, that they were no Schollars, and whoſe ignorant vanity made them ſo bold as to cen [...]ure and judge of what they knew not, and who were perſwaded that men of parts and wit did nothing but talk of things which they underſtood not: Thus did they talk of theſe Perſons whom they ſhunned with much care, and made ſuch extravagant Tales of them, as were moſt ridiculous unto ſuch as were in their Senſes. But beſides this generation of people who are capable only of a Vapory and diſordered kind of Jollity, there was alſo a ſort of women which I rank together with them who ſhun the company of Sapho and her friends and who are alſo full of their own frothy Rallary: Truth is, they are a ſort of women who think it their duty to know nothing unleſs that they are fair, and how to dreſs themſelves; Women I ſay, who never talk of any thing but Faſhions, whoſe Gallantry conſiſts in eating the Collations which their Gallants beſtow upon them, and whoſe diſcourſe is nothing but moſt egregious folly.

There was alſo another generation of Women, who thinking that exact Virtue requires a Lady ſhould know no more than how to be wife unto her Husband, Mother unto her Children, and Miſtreſs of her Family, they think Sapho, and her friends ſpend too much time in Converſation, and that they ought not to diſcourſe ſo much upon things which are not of abſolute neceſſity.

There are alſo ſome of theſe men who look upon their wives as the chief Servant in the houſe, who forbid their Children to read any books but Prayer-books, and [Page] who will not allow them upon any terms to ſing one of Sapho's ſongs.

Again, there was ſome both men and women who ſhunned us, and who, without Injuſtice cannot be counted amongſt the dull herd of beaſtly people, ſince they are perſons of quality. And indeed, there were ſome men of ingenious parts, being prepoſſeſſed with a falſe imagination, who beleived our way of living was ſuch, as theſe ignorant men reported; and who not endeavouring to un-deceive themſelves, reſted in their errour. Truth is, there was one thing which did much contribute unto their implicite beleife: For Madam, be pleaſed to know, that there was a woman in Mytilene, who having ſeen Sapho when ſhe was very young, ſhe took up a fancy to imitate her, and ſhe thought that ſhe did imitate her ſo well, that changing her lodging, ſhe pretended to be the Sapho of her quarter.

But the truth was, ſhee imitated ſo ſcurvily, that never were two perſons more n nlike. You may be pleaſed to remember Madam, how I told you, that Sapho, though ſhee was admirably knowing in all things, yet ſhee would not make a ſhew of it, and that her diſcourſe was naturall, eaſie, free, and gallant. But alas, it was quite contrary with this Lady, whoſe name was Damophile, for all her pretended imitation of Sapho.

But to make a deſcription of her, and to let you ſee the difference between theſe two perſons, be pleaſed to know, that Damophile taking a toy in her head to imitate Sapho, ſhe did not attempt to imitate her in every particular, but only in being as knowing as ſhe was, & thinking ſhe had found out a moſt myſterious way of getting more reputation than ſhe had, ſhe did all that the other did not. Firſt, She had alwayes about her, five or ſix ſeverall maſters, the leaſt learned of all which, I think did read Aſtrology unto her, ſhe was continually writing Letters unto ſuch men as made profeſſion of profound learning, and knowledge: She ſcorned to caſt an eye upon an illiterate perſon; fifteen or twenty books were alwaies upon her Table, and when any came into her chamber, one of them was alwaies in her hand, and I am moſt certain ſhe had many more books in her cloſet than ever ſhe looked into, and ſhe read more than ever Sapho had. Moreover, Damophile was all fuſtian and bigg words, which ſhe pronounced with a grave and imperious tone, though ſhe ſpoke but of a trifle, whereas Sapho on the contrary, lapped up the moſt ſublime learning in the loweſt language.

Moreover, Damophile not thinking that knowledge and learning was compatible with Oconimick affairs, ſhe never medled with any family affairs, but Sapho ſhe looked into every thing, even of the meaneſt conſequence: Again, Damophile did not only ſpeak in the ſtile of books, but ſhee would be alwaies talking of books themſelves, and cited Authors in her common talk, as faſt as if ſhe were a profeſſor in ſome famous Univerſity. But the rareſt paſſage of all was, that ſhe was ſuſpected to have promiſed a very favourable ear unto an ill favoured fellow, who had expreſſed ſome kind of tender affection to her, upon condition, that he would compoſe a copy of verſes, and let her paſs for the Author of them, to the end ſhe might reſemble Sapho, ſhe ſought all manner of opportunities of publiſhing what ſhe knew, and even tyred people with a relation of her learning, ſo as I aſſure you, that as there is nothing more taking and charming than a woman whoſe mind is furniſhed with excellent knowledge when ſhe knows how to uſe it; ſo there is nothing ſo ridiculous nor troubleſome, than a woman that is fooliſhly learned.

Damophile, being then ſuch a one as I have deſcribed, ſhe was a cauſe why thoſe people who ſhunned Sapho and her friends, did imagin that our converſation was like unto that Damophile, who was ſaid to imitate Sapho, ſo as a thouſand odd reports were divulged concerning us, at which we laughed when we heard of them, thinking our ſelves very happy, that the opinion which theſe men had of our ſociety, did keep them from troubling us by their preſence. As for Tyſander, ſince he was in love, he had much ado to endure theſe fooliſh reports; but puniſhed two or three of theſe wicked ſcoffers at wit, and handled them ſharply that they were forced to quit the Court.

But Madam, To inſiſt no longer upon the love of that Prince, I will only tell you, that after he had tryed alwaies poſſible to winn the heart of Sapho, the Prince Thraſibulus his friend came unto Mytilene, after he had loſt his Dominions & all his fleet, having nothing left in the world but only two ſhips. Yet that Prince [Page] having a great and reſolute ſoul, after he had been a while at Mytilene, was very deſirous to ſee the admirable Sapho, whom he eſteemed very highly.

But Madam, Since Tyſanders love is not the principall ſubject of Sapho [...]s hiſtory. I will not inſiſt any longer upon it; but to tell you, that ſhe could not love him, and that he was in ſuch a deſperate condition, that he reſolved to imbarque with the Prince Thraſibulus when he went from Lesbos, and try if abſence could cure him, but he did not depart before he bade adieu unto the admirable Sapho.

Since my ſiſter did know all her ſecrets, and ſince ſhe imparted all unto me after his departure from Leſbos, I underſtood all the paſſages between them, and how this ad [...]eu was taken with the fineſt diſcourſe that ever was. For Sapho carried herſelf ſo ingenuouſly, that ſhe perſwaded Lyſander ſhe was nothing to blame in not anſwering his affection, and that ſhe had taken almoſt as much paines in forcing her heart to affect him, as he had to winn her affection: Inſomuch as he parted from Sapho without complaining againſt her, though he parted from her the moſt ſad ſoule that ever breath'd.

When he was gone from Mytelene, he left a man behind him whoſe name was Alces, a man of a ſubtle wit, who alſo had a notable faculty in Verſe, with orders to ſpeak of him as oft as he could unto the moſt admirable Sapho, and in his abſence to give him an exact accompt of all paſſages, to the end he might return if occaſions required. To ſay truth, he could never have choſen a man more aſſidiouſly diligent, then he was with the faire Sapho: For he being in love with the charming Athys who was continually with her, it was an eaſie matter for him to be a faithfull ſpie unto Tiſander; and the fitter for that purpoſe, becauſe Alces had a nimble and witty boy, and one that was a notable prier into privacies.

In the mean time, Sapho only eſteeming Tiſander, his abſence was no hinderance unto her Diverſions, and our ſociety was within a few dayes as jocund as ever it was, and more, for the diſcontents of Tiſander did ſometimes make it melancholy. Then were we a knot of five or ſixe of us, who had nothing elſe to do, but to ſee Sapho every day: Not but that we made many other viſits; but to tell you truly they were ſhort ones, and we always returned betimes, to the end we might meet at Saphoes, where Amithone, Erinne, Athys, and Cydnon alwayes were. When the weather was faire, we went to take the Aire, either upon the Sea, or by the Sea ſide: And when the weather would not permit us, wee ſtayed at the houſe of the admirable Sapho, which was as pleaſant a ſeate as was in the world, for her Chamber, her outer Chamber, and her Cloſet were upon one floore, and looked towards the Sea.

However, to tell you the very truth, few men ever looked upon Sapho, but they loved her, or at leaſt eſteemed her above the degree of a friend: And though Alces was in Love with the faire Athys, yet I hav [...]ard him confeſſe, that the eſteem he had of Sapho was of a higher nature then that he had of me, though he loved me exceeding well: but certainly there is a kinde of ſubtle and penetrating fire in the eyes of Sapho, which at leaſt heates, if not burnes all hearts.

Moreover, it muſt not be imagined that our ſociety was full of Ceremony, for it was all naturall and full of freedome: and if there was any conſtraint, it was in that we had a continuall deſire to commend Sapho, but durſt not, becauſe it was offenſive to her. Sometimes we ſhould mutinie againſt her, becauſe ſhe would neither give us, nor ſhew us any of her verſes, but were put to a thouſand devices before we could obtaine them.

For my particular, I had the advantage of all the reſt; for ſince ſhe truſted my ſiſter, I ſaw the excellent works of the admirable Sapho by her meanes: And I did ſo admire the rarities which ſhe ſhewed me, and the freeneſſe of her illuſtrious friend from all manner of vanity, as I thought it a thing impoſſible to over-eſteem the moſt admirable Sapho. For Cydnon ſhewed me Elogies, Songs, Epigrams, and a thouſand other peeces of rare wit, ſo as I could nor chooſe but wonder that a womans capacity could poſſibly reach the height of them; for her verſe was ſo true, her expreſſions ſo even, her fancy ſo noble, and paſſions ſo tender, as to think them incomparable was the leaſt I could do. However, this excellent woman whoſe knowledge was ſuperlative in all things, was more modeſt than thoſe [Page] who knew nothing: And an accident one day chanced which did plainly evidence the truth of this unto all thoſe who were together in a place where Sapho and Damophile met.

But Madam, the better to acquaint you with the accident, I muſt tell you, that there was in Mitilene a moſt rare confort of Muſique which the whole Town uſed to goe and heare at a Lady of qualities houſe, whether Sapho and all her company went, with the reſt of the Ladies: It was an Aſſembly where the gates were open to all, where acquaintance was not requiſite, and where one might ſee a hundred perſons whom they never ſaw before, nor perhaps ever ſhould ſee again, and where all ſorts of company reſorted: Chance had ſo contrived it, that Sapho ſate next Damophile, ſo that untill the Muſique began, ſhe was conſtrained to hold diſcourſe with her, and with thoſe about her. Damophile never being without two or three half witted perſons about her, ſuch as make themſelves more able then really they are, Sapho was moſt terribly perplexed, for ſhe ſtood in fear of none more then that ſort of people: and certainly it was not without reaſon that ſhe feared them that day: For ſhe was no ſooner ſet, but one of Damophiles friends put a Grammaticall queſtion unto her. Unto which Sapho negligently anſwered; and turning her head the other way, ſaid, that ſince ſhe never learned to ſpeak but only by cuſtome, ſhe could not give him any anſwer.

As ſoon as ſhe had ſaid ſo, Damophile told her in a low voyce with intolerable impudence, that he would conſult with her upon a doubt concerning a verſe in Heſiode, which ſhe did not well underſtand. I aſſure you (replyed Sapho very modeſtly and ſmiled) you would do much better to conſult with ſome body elſe; for I never uſe to conſult with any but my Mirrour to know what worſt becomes me, and therefore I am far unfit to conſult upon difficult queſtions. As ſoon as ſhe had ſaid ſo, one came from the other other end of the Room very haſtly, and asked whether it was ſhe who made the ſongs which were going to be ſung▪ I aſſure you (ſaid ſhe, and bluſht for anger) that I have done nothing this day but weary my ſelfe with vexing; for I am ſo impatient till the Muſique begin, that I never wiſhed for any thing in my life more earneſtly.

For my part Madam (ſaid one of Damophiles friends) I had much rather heare one of your ingenuous Epigrams than all the Muſique: As Sapho was ready to anſwer unto this, another came with a paper in his hand, and d [...]ſi [...]ed her ſhe would be pleaſed to read that [...]logie, and give her opinion of it: So as ſince ſhee had much rather read the verſes of another, then to heare others talk of hers in ſuch an odd manner, ſhe began to read them to her ſelfe, or at leaſt ſeemed to do ſo; for ſhe was ſo vexed at her place, as that ſhe could not judg of verſes though ſhe had attempted it. But that which cauſed the greateſt diſtraction, was to heare both men and women behind her, talking of her wit, of her verſes, and of her learning, ſhewing her unto others, and every one ſhooting a fools bolt according to their fancies: One ſaid ſhe did not look like a learned perſon, others ſaid that ſhe knew more then ſhe would ſpeak: and one man amongſt the reſt ſaid, that he would not have his Wife ſo wiſe as ſhe was: and a woman wiſhed that she had but ha [...]f her knowledg, ſo as every one according to their inclinations commended her, or diſcommended her, whilſt she ſeemed to be intent upon the paper of verſes.

In the mean while, Damophile talked with two or three of her half-witted Companions and ſpake ſuch thundring words, which ſignified nothing, that they being at laſt deſirous to heare two ſuch oppoſite perſons as Sapho and Damophile talk together, I was the firſt who deſired her whether she would or no to give back the Elogie unto him who gave it unto her, purpoſely to force her unto this Conference. And indeed Sapho being glad to ſee me ſo neer her, becauſe she hoped then to [...]a [...]k unto none but me, she reſtored the Elogie unto him who made it, unto whom she ſaid that she had not wit enough to judg, and therefore durſt not commend him.

After which, turning her ſelfe towards me; well Democedes (ſaid she unto me in a low voyce) Though I was very unhappy in ſitting ſo neer Damophile and her friends, yet I am very glad you came to my reliefe: Nay, nay Madam (ſaid I unto her and laughed) I came not hither to that end; for in my opinion it concerns your honour to talk, to the end the wo [...]ld may know that you uſe not to talk like [Page] unto Damophile: And indeed, after this I intruded into the company of Damophile and thoſe ſhe talked unto; addreſſing my ſpeech alwayes unto Sapho, as angry as she was.

In the mean time, there was one man amongſt thoſe that were with Damophile, who indeed ſpoke very well, and began to talke of harmony, and of the nature of Love very eloquently. But Madam it was admirable to ſee the difference between Sapho and Damophile, for the laſt of theſe never left interrupting him who ſpoke, and making impertinent objections, which ſhe underſtood not her ſelfe, nor could any elſe make any ſenſe of them. As for Sapho, ſhee never ſpake but when a queſtion did abſolutely require an anſwer from her: And though ſhe alwayes ſaid ſhe underſtood not the thing in diſcourſe, yet ſhe ſpoke as one who underſtood better than ſome that would undertake to teach: And for all her modeſty and vexation, and maugre the ſimplicity of her expreſſions, it was apparant ſhe underſtood all things, and that Damophile underſtood nothing. The laſt of theſe, in ſpeaking much, ſaid little; and the other in ſpeaking almoſt nothing, yet ſpoke enough to make her ſelfe admired. At laſt the Muſique begun; and as ſoon as it was ended, Sapho did riſe up in all haſt; and pretending ſome earneſt buſineſs, ſhe removed from Damophile, who no [...] being willing to let her goe before ſhe had given her ſome other freſh diſguſt, ſhe told her, that doubtleſſe her buſineſſe was to finiſh a Song which was yet in her Chamber unperfected: Sapho underſtood very well what Damophile ſaid, but ſhe would not trouble her ſelfe ſo far as to anſwer. On the contrary, ſhe took me by the hand, and went on the other ſide of the room where Amithone, Erinne, and Cydnon were placed.

They were no ſooner met, but ſhe preſſed them very earneſtly to be gone, and indeed forced them to go ſooner than otherwiſe they would: I pray Madam (ſaid Cydnon, ſeeing her bluſh and all in diſorder) what accident hath hapned which make [...] you deſire to be gone ſo haſtily? When wee are all in my Chamber (ſaid ſhe) I will tell you; for I muſt have a little time to recollect my ſelfe, after my adventure: however (ſaid Amithone unto me) I pray tell us what hath hapned unto Sapho, for you were with her? For my part (ſaid Athyes, and gave me no time to anſwer) I cannot deviſe what it ſhould be: Perhaps replyed Erinne, that Democide doth know no more then you do [...] Pardon me, replyed I, for I do know, but I will not know, unleſſe the faire Sapho be pleaſed to give me leave to impart it. I would not only have Amithone, Erinne, and Cydnon know it (replyed ſhe) but I would have all the world alſo know (if it were poſſible) how I do hate Damophile and all her friends, and how ſorry I am to finde ſo many fools in the world.

Sapho expreſſed her ſelfe in ſuch a pretty chife, that ſhe made me laugh: and as we were thus diſcourſing, Alces (who I told you was a man who paſſed for a good witt in Mytelene, and who was ſo) came unto us with another man of good note named Nicanor: And they came to Sapho's gate, where alſo we met a Lady called Philire who entred alſo. As ſoon as wee were entred into the Chamber, and ſet, all the Ladies asked me what the matter was: when Sapho heard this queſtion asked me, ſhe turned towards them: No no (ſaid ſhe, it is not Democedes which can tell you what I vex at: For there is none who knows it but my ſelfe: I beſeech you tell us then, ſaid Nicanor, who was a well-accompliſhed man, and who had none of thoſe faul [...]s which moſt young men of his quality uſe to have. The thing you aske (replyed Sapho) is not ſo eaſie to be told as you imagine: But ſince I muſt tell you, it is that I am ſo weary of being thought a wit, and of paſſing for a Schollar, as I begin to make it my chief felicity neither to read, nor write, nor ſpeak; and if it were a thing poſſible to forget them, I proteſt I would begin this very hour to be dumb, and would forget to read and write, and ſpeak as long as I lived: So weary am I of the fooliſhneſſe in people, and of the perſecution which inſeparately is upon ſuch as have a reputation of more w [...]t or knowledge, then how to curle their haire, and make choiſe of their Ribbands.

Sapho ſpoke this in ſuch a lovely fret, and with ſuch a ſprightly aire, that her handſome anger did cauſe more love, more liking, and more amity in the ſoules of all her Auditors But I beſeech you (ſaid Cydnon) tell us a little more preciſely what's the cauſe of all this? How is it poſſible (replyed ſhe) that you ſhould ſee [Page] me ſit ſo long, ſo neer Damophile and her pack of quarter witted perſons, and not pitty me, and think that I ſpent my time very ill? had you been of the ſame ſide where I was (replyed Phylere, and laughed) you would not have been troubled with any over wiſe Ladies: I aſſure you (replyed ſhe) I know not where I ſhould be; for I ſaw about you four or five women, who making an open profeſſion of hating every one that has any wit, and who affect ſuch dull groſs kind of ignorance, as hath vexed and wearied me, but had you been, where I was (ſaid Nicanor) you had found better entertainment, and more complacency; for there were none but ſuch men about me as would have highly commended you, happily they might (replied ſhee) but perhaps not after my mode; for Nicanor, moſt men of your quality do ſo little know how to ſpeak unto ſuch a one as I am, that they do [...]anger me when they think to oblige me: And except theſe who are preſent with me, I know very few who have ſpoken any thing which hath pleaſed me, and yet there are ſome here alſo who have ſomtimes vexed me; at leaſt I have reaſon to complain that they will not acquaint every one, how I deſire to be treated. As for Alces (added ſhe) I am ſure he knows my mind better than all the reſt of the company. Tis true, (ſaid he and laughed) that this profeſſion of wit is very troubleſome.

How can it be troubleſome (replyed) Phylire?) and what hurt can that reputation which Sapho hath over all the world, do unto her? has ſhe not great reaſon to rejoice, that all the wits of Athens, Corinth, Lacede [...]on, Thebes, Argos, Delphos, and in all Greece, ſhould talk of her with admiration? As for ſuch men as know me not (replyed Sapho) I am contented they may talk as they pleaſe; but I am very ill ſatisfied with moſt of thoſe who daily ſee me, and if you pleaſe, I will make all my complaints unto you, to the end Nicanor may inſtruct the Court how they ought to behave themſelves towards wits, and to the end Phylixe may acquaint the Ladies of her neighbour-hood how to live withthoſe of ours, and alſo to the end that Amithone, Erinne, Athys, and Cydnon may not accuſe me of being fantaſticall in my complaints.

Therefore to ſpeak unto the point in generall, I muſt tell you once more, that there is nothing more troubleſome than to have a good wit, and to be treated accordingly; if one have any birth, and nobleneſs of heart: For this is an infallible Maxime, that when one gets an applauſe from the multitudes by the flaſhes of that wit, or any reputation above another by writing verſes or proſe, they do loſe half of their nobleneſs, and are not like any of their family or kin if they meddle with writing any books, and indeed they will be treated after another manner, than thoſe are, who never meddle with any writing; and it will be ſaid, that ſuch were deſtined only to pleaſe others and are obliged by a Law to be ſtill writing peice after peice; and if they leave writing, they will be no longer regarded: If they be rich, it will hardly be beleived, and if they be not, it is the worſt of fortune, a poor man who is not guilty of any wit, is better uſed, than if he were. Yet I ſee (replyed Nycanor) that all the Court doth very much cheriſh thoſe who are addicted to writing.

I do aſſure you (replyed Sapho) that they are cheriſhed after a very ſtrange manner, for almoſt all young gallants uſe to treat thoſe, who are addicted to writing, as they uſe to treat their Taylors and ſhoomakers. Indeed they think that they have rendred all that is due to their merit when they have curſularly commended them: For my part; they cannot do me a greater diſpleaſure, than to talk impertinently of thoſe verſes which I writ only to pleaſe my ſelf. I cannot endure that one ſhould come unto me, and deſire me to make an Elogy for him, another a ſong, and a third come and ask me whither ſuch an Epigram was mine; I cannot endure that they ſhould not ſpeak unto me, as they do unto others, ſince I deſire to be as others are, and cannot be diſtinguiſhed after ſo odd a manner: They do not ſpeak unto me as they uſe unto others if they would make an excuſe for not ſeeing me, they tell me it was becauſe they were afraid to interrupt my ſtudy, if at any time they accuſe me of being too reſerved, they tell me that I am never well but when I am by my ſelf, if I ſay my head akes, they tell me it is the diſeaſe of all good wits: Nay my Phyſitian when I complain of any little pain, he muſt be telling me alſo that the ſame temper which cauſeth my good wit, cauſeth my diſeaſe. The truth is, Verſes, Wit, [Page] and Knowledge, are ſuch troubles unto me, that I begin to look upon Ignorance, and ſtupidity as the only happineſſe.

The truth is, replyed Alces, the fair Sapho hath great reaſon for her complaints: and were it not for the ſatisfaction which her writing does give unto her ſelf, ſhe had never uſed her pen, though never ſo learnedly, for my part I have ſeen many Courts in the world and I have obſerved moſt horrible Injuſtice done unto all writers, Every Grandee deſires to be commended but they receive the incenſe which is offered, unto them as a tribute due, without any regard unto the hand which offered: For my particular I once preſented a poem unto a Prince, who took it and liked it, but never did ſo much as ask to ſee me; yet to tell you truly, Conſidering how he uſed me, I took heart and loved the Author, better than I did the Prince: And my mind better ſatisfied in having a heart more genuine than his, then if fortune had ſet me as much above him as he was above me. Oh! my dear Alces (replyed Sapho) how infinitely do you joy me? for nothing gives me greater ſatisfaction than that I am able to tell my ſelf, my ſoul is more noble than thoſe, whom giddy fortune has ſet above me. But for all this I cannot chooſe but oftentimes be very ſenſible of thoſe diſguſts which my reputation of wit doth cauſe unto me, for I obſerve both men and women when they talk unto me are much perplexed becauſe they have a fancy, that they muſt not ſpeak unto me as they do unto others, and they are ſo perſwaded, that I conſtrain my ſelf in ſpeaking unto them, that they conſtrain themſelves alſo to go beyond their laſt, inſomuch as I wiſh that I could Ʋn-Sapho my ſelf; and if my heart could be ſeen, it would manifeſt, that nothing could more vex me than to take me for a witty and underſtanding woman. And therefore I conjure all the company, to eaſe me of this perſecution, by publiſhing to all the world, that I am not as I am taken to be, but that it is Alces who compoſed thoſe verſes which paſs under my name, and that I have nothing in me which is worthy of eſteem; to the end all ſorts may let me alone in quietneſs, without either ſeeking for me, or ſhunning me: For I muſt confeſs, I would neither be courted, or ſhunned as a woman of wit.

As ſoon as ſhe had ſaid ſo, much company▪ came in, who cauſed the diſcourſe to change,; but as for Sapho, ſhe ſpoke very little all that day (as my ſiſter told me) for I went out as the company encreaſed, becauſe I heard of the arrivall of two of my old friends, who had been long abroad in Travels. But, Madam, ſince one of them whoſe name is Phaon, hath a great ſhare in the Hiſtory which I am relating, It is requiſite I ſpeak of him a little more particularly then of the other who was called Thimiſtogenes, yet I muſt acquaint you that they were both of them Lesbians, that were practiſed in one exerciſe together, and that during ou [...] firſt years I did equally love them, & yet at their return me-thought I had loſt the one, though I ſaw them both: And to explain this Riddle, be pleaſed to know that when Phaon and Thimiſtogenes departed I loved the laſt of theſe a little better then the firſt, becauſe indeed he was then more amiable both in his humour and in his Perſon: But at their return I found a very great alteration, for the one was grown very ill-favoured, and the other much more handſom; the wit of Thimiſtogenes was not at all improved, but Phaon was ſo mended, that I aſſure you he much excelled him, and few men could be found more amiable then he: As for his Perſon, doubtleſs it was incomparable, for he was extraordinary fair, but ſuch a fairneſs as does not reſemble the beauty of Ladies, though he had all the good deportments of his own Sex, and all the beauty of others, his ſtature was tall and noble though not of the higheſt pitch, his hair very brown, his eyes black and lovely, his cheeks plump, his Teeth white, his Noſe even proportioned, and his Aire haughty; moreover for a man, he had moſt fair hands, a ſprightly look, a promiſing Phyſiognomy, and I know not what kind of paſſionatneſs in his aſpect without any affection which ſpoke him very apt to become a moſt compleat Gallant. Indeed, Madam, Phaon is ſo fair and every way ſo handſome, that the people of Lesbos invented the oddeſt Fable of him in the world: Fo he being the Son of a man in great reputation at Mytilene who had commanded Navies in ſeverall Was: The dull people ſay, that when he was very young and playing in a little Boat neer one of his Fathers [Page] Ships Venus came to him, and deſired him to carry a meſſage for her in that Boat unto a certain [...]ſl [...]d: And in recompence of his Service ſhe made him ſo fair as he was. Thus without any other ground for this Fable (unleſs becauſe Phaon contrary to cuſtom of men was not ſo fair when he was a Child as ſince he became a man) all the people of Lesbos do beleive this Fable, as really as if it were a very truth. But, Madam as Phaon is amiable in his Perſon, ſo is he alſo in his humour and ſpirit, for he is very civill ſweet and affable, and without too much mirth, or too much melancholy, he is all that is imaginable to pleaſe: beſides this, his Aire is naturall eaſie and agreeable, he ſpeaks well, and home to the purpoſe: moreover he had a naturall inclination of Gallantry, and there was ſuch a ſutableneſs between his Perſon, his Humour, and his W [...]t, as one would ſay, they were made for one another. As for Thimiſtogenes he did not at all reſemble him, not that he was very ill favoured, but becauſe he did not pleaſe, and becauſe his Aire was forced and conſtrained: Nor was it that he is without any wit at all, but becauſe that wit he has is wrong biaſſed, and he was very ſeldom in the right, but is ſo accuſtomed to be in the wrong, that one may be almoſt aſſured to chooſe well if they only take that which he chooſeth not; And he is very much addicted to love all excellencies, and to Court accompliſhed men, though it is beyond his reach to know them.

Theſe two men whom I have deſcribed had long travelled together without any great affection, or without much Society together: for as ſoon as they came into any Town their inclinations parted them, and that which pleaſed the one did never pleaſe the other. Thus they wree together upon the high-waies, but never in any other place; According to this their cuſtom, as ſoon as they arrived at Mytilene, they ſevered, ſo as I alſo ſought them ſeverally, but could not find them; for as I ſought them they were ſeeing others, inſomuch that it was the next morning before I ſaw them: But as ſoon as I found the difference between Thimiſtogenes and Phaon, I changed alſo as they had done, for I loved Phaon better then I did Thimiſtogenes: However, ſince I was not the firſt whom they had met with in Mytilene I found them already informed of the great beauty in Sapho, yet not by men who knew how to commend her according to her Merit: For they had only told them that ſhe was a great Wit, and underſtanding Perſon, and one that had a moſt admirable faculty in compoſing Verſes. But the wonder was, that though the ſame Character was given unto them both, yet it produced ſeverall effects, for Thimiſtogenes out of the curioſity to ſee all Excellences, was extreamly impatient of ſeeing Sapho. And Phaon on the contrary who had ſeen Damophile the night before as ſhe came from the Muſick houſe had no deſire at all to be acquainted with Sapho, and indeed he was ſo far from deſiring it, when I ſpake unto him and offered to carry him thither, that he refuſed the Viſite, in lieu of deſiring it.

But Thimiſtogenes was ſo eager, that he was extreamly importunate with me to carry him unto Sapho, though I would not, becauſe I found him unworthy of her acquaintance: And I was as importunate with Phaon to ſee her, though he would not, out of a conceipt he had that it was a thing almoſt impoſſible for a woman to be learned and not ridiculous, or at leaſt not troubleſome: Alſo the little experience with Phaon had in matters of Love, had ſuffered an error to grow in his mind (which was quickly rooted out,) That it was better to be in love with a faire foole than a woman of a great wit: So as one day when I had preſſed him to goe and ſee Sapho, and he obſtinatly had refuſed, I was very angry with him for not giving credit unto what I told him; For (ſaid I unto him) what reaſon can you give me, why you will not ſee Sapho? Firſt, (ſaid he unto me) they ſay that Damophile is a Coop [...]e of Sapho. Secondly, I profeſs, that if ſhe be, it is impoſſible the Original ſhould ever pleaſe me, for I have found Damophile ſuch a ridiculous piece of foll [...], that I would run from Country to Country rather than meet with her whom ſhe reſembles. Oh moſt unjuſt friend, (ſaid I unto him) did you but know what wrong you have done unto the moſt admirable Sapho you would abhor your injuſtice, and repent of the injury done unto me in accuſing me of ignorance in true merit: I accuſe you not (ſaid he unto me) but friend you know every one has a ſeverall guſt, and a ſeverall fancy: and for my part I deſire only the ſight of ſuch Ladies as will divert me, and not teach me, for I am moſt terribly afraid of ſuch as ſwell themſelves into bigg words, for ſmall matters; ſuch as are alwayes [Page] upon the top of Parnaſſus, and never talk unto men, but in the language of gods: And if you will needs have me diſcover the ſecret of my ſoule unto you, I muſt confeſs, that in Sicily I was in love with a faire foole; and I will not run the hazard of being in love with a faire wit, who perhaps will make me deſpaire. Therefore I conjure you to trouble me no more; For if Sapho be ſuch a one as I do imagine her, ſhe will make me moſt horribly hate her: And if ſhe be ſuch a one as you ſay ſhe is, perhaps I ſhall love her too well to keep my ſelf in quietneſſe. But is it poſſible (ſaid I unto him) that you could fall in love with a foole; The truth is (replyed he and laughed) I was not in love with a foole but I muſt confeſſe, that there was ſuch a faire foole whom I did not hate.

I perceive then (ſaid I unto him) that one may love beauty whereſoever it is, though in a fair woman without any wit, but I cannot imagine one ſhould love her perſon be ſhe never ſo faire: Alſo I perceive you do not know all the delicate delights of rough paſſion, ſince you never loved any but a faire foole: I know not whether I knew all the delights, replyed Phaon) but I am ſure that I know all the torments: Alas my deare friend, (ſaid I unto him) you are but a Novice in love, for none are ever happy in it, unleſſe they be firſt miſerable. Thoſe doe not deſerve the ſweet which will not taſt the bitter; a thing muſt be deſired with inquietude before it can be enjoyed with delight: and before one can know all the ſweets of love he muſt love a woman that hath wit. For my part (continued I) I love a faire Picture which cannot talk fooliſhly, better then a faire woman, who tattles and committs a thouſand impertinencies. As we were thus talking, Themiſtogenes came in, whoſe mind being oppoſite unto Phaons, he entreated me to carry him unto Sapho, telling me he had a very earneſt deſire to ſe her: and adding, that in all likely-hood he ſhould fall in love with her, if he found her ſuch a beauty as he imagined. If ſo ſir (ſaid I purpoſely to prevent him) I muſt not carry you thither, for you would be extreamly miſerable if you ſhould become a lover of a perſon, who has ſo many others. Thus I not being able to perſwade Phaon, and Themiſtogenes not being able to perſwade me, we parted, but I wondred when after dinner being at Saphoes, ſhee ſhould tell me that Nicanor and Phylire who had ſeen Phaon, did give him ſuch a noble Character, as though it was not her uſe to affect freſh acquaintance yet ſhe could not chooſe but deſire his. The very truth is Madam, (replyed I) Phaon is a perſon, of very extraordinary merit, ſince he is your intimate friend (replyed ſhe) I ſhall hope he will come and viſit Cydnon, and ſo happily I shall ſee him at her Chamber.

I believe Madam, (replyed I) that he would ſee you at your own houſe before any other place, did he not ſtand in feare of you: Alas Democedes (ſaid shee unto me) why should any friend of yours ſtand in feare of me; but to be plaine with you, I shall think you have infuſed a bad opinion of me into him, if he do not come and ſee me, you may imagine Madam how this expreſſion of Saphoes perplexed me, knowing the mind of Phaon as I did; but I engaged my ſelf to bring him unto Sapho, and accordingly I went very ſeriouſly unto Phaon, and deſired him to make this viſite for my ſake, if not for Saphos; but I had much ado to perſwade him, yet being affraid to fall out with me, he yeilded: but told me withall, that I muſt take this Complacency as a great argument of his friend-ſhip, and afterwards promiſed me to go the next day with me unto Sapho: But that which moſt troubled me was, that I durſt not carry him unleſs I carry Themiſtogenes alſo, becauſe he would be very angry with me if I had not; ſo that to carry a very pleaſing man unto her, I was conſtrained to carry a very ill Companion alſo. I advertiſed Sapho of this intended viſite, and ſhe acquainted all her dear friends with it, ſo that Amithone, Erinne, Athys, and Cydon were all with her, when Phaon, Themiſtogenes and I came thither, Sapho being one of the moſt pleaſing Perſons in the world at the firſt ſight, and the moſt obliging when ſhe pleaſed; ſhe received us extreamly kindly, and in ſuch a gallant manner, that I ſaw very well Phaon was much ſurpriſed, and that he did not expect to find her Aire ſo free, ſo amiable, and ſo naturall.

As for Themiſtogenes, I obſerved that he was aſtoniſhed as well as Phaon, but it was in a different manner, yet being both of them prepoſſeſſed with an opinion of Saphos knowledge, and conceiving they ought to ſpeak in an Elevated ſtile, they begun their diſcourſe in a grave, ſerious, and very ſolemn Tone. And though [Page] I told Phaon there needed no ſuch ſetting off himſelf in Print, yet he did not beleive me; ſo that thinking he ought to commend her as a Perſon extraordinary, and in the higheſt Phraſes, he began his Encomium with a very eloquent Exordium. But Sapho ſtopping his Oration, and turning towards me, I profeſſe Democides (ſaid she) I have great reaſon to complaine againſt you: Againſt me Madam (replied I with aſtonishment) Yes (replied she) againſt you; for ſince Phaon does not know me, it were injuſtice to complain againſt him: and therefore I do poſitively accuſe you for all theſe applauds which he beſtows upon me; for had you acquainted him that I do not affect any Commendations, I believe him to be a more accomplished man then to turn his Complacency into, ſuch flatteries as cannot chuſe but diſpleaſe me. I aſſure you Madam, replyed I, I adviſed him not to offend the modeſty of your humour: Then 'tis apparent hee does not know me (replyed Sapho) But Phaon (continued she and turned towards him) ſince I do not love to be beholding unto Fame, I shall take it as a very ſingular favour if you would judg of mee onely by your own knowledg: Let time and experience give you the knowledg of me: For it would be very unjuſt in you to judge of me upon the reports of others. Madam (replyed Phaon, and ſmiled) I do admire your Modeſty, and that's all I dare ſay; for to acknowledg that you merit more commendations then Fame doth give you, is to tell you that you merit more then ever any did. Can fame give you better report (added Themiſtogenes, thinking to hit the naile upon the head) then that a Lady can make better verſes then ever Homer did? and that ſhe is wiſer then all the ſeven Sages of Greece? However Sir (ſaid Sapho) I cannot endure that any should tell me of any ſuch things; and the greateſt injury my friends can do me, is to think that I love to be commended: For ſince I know that I am not wiſe, I cannot endure to be told that I am: and though I were ſo, yet ſurely I ſhould hate flattery: I cannot deny but that I have made ſome fooliſh verſes; but Poetry being only an effect of a natural inclination, as muſique is, I ought to be no more commended for making verſes, then for ſinging.

After this, Sapho turning the diſcourſe upon ſome other ſubject very ingeniouſly, ſhe was extream carefull to talk of nothing that might ſmell of too much wiſdome: but on the contrary, ſhe paſſed away all the afternoon in a pleaſant Rallary with her friends, twitting them with a thouſand petty paſſages concerning their Caballa, which yet were ſo intelligible, that Phaon and Themiſtogenes did take as much delight in them as thoſe did who were acquainted with the paſſages.

Afterwards Alces and Nicanor coming in, Sapho began to chide the firſt of them for a cuſtome which he had, and which he always uſed when occaſion preſented it ſelfe. For Madam, be pleaſed to know, that Alces had ſuch a fancy of a faire woman, that he could not endure thoſe who were not ſo, and he would alwayes be ſure to change place whenſoever Chance had ſet him neere any ill-favoured perſon: So it hapned, when he was in Sapho's Chamber, that a Woman came in, who indeed was very ugly; he according to his humour went out, and went ſo abruptly, that the woman plainly ſaw, that he vvent out purpoſely to ſhun her. Sapho being deſirous to turn diſcourſe another vvay, began after a gallant manner, to condemn his niceneſſe, and in his perſon to blame moſt young Gallants of the time vvhoſe Cuſtome was to do the like: Truly Madam (ſaid Alces unto her) I had not gone out at that time from your Chamber, but becauſe I deſired to go unto the faire Athys, and I do proteſt not upon any other reaſon: I pray Alces, replyed Athys, make not your viſit unto me your excuſe, for you came not to me that day: Then I went unto Amithones (added he) no replyed that faire one, for both Erinne, Cydnon, and my ſelfe did ſee you out of the window of my Chamber walking about two hours with a friend of yours, who is one of the uglieſt men that ever any eye beheld, and who queſtionleſſe is more ugly then the Lady who you ſhunned. I profeſſe it is very ſtrange (replyed Sapho) you ſhould have ſuch irregular thoughts: and I would gladly know why you should more tolerate an ugly man than an ugly Woman: and why you should shun an ugly Woman as much as you would the Plague: This is an injury unto our Sexe, and as if Women were made for no other uſe then Colours are, to pleaſe the eye. This Alces, is moſt unjuſt; for if you love that only which is faire, and hate that which is foul, why have you not faire friends, as well as faire Miſtreſſes? [Page] and why are you not as carefull to shun ugly Men as ugly Women? Women as well as Men that are ill favoured, may have a thouſand charms of wit, and a thouſand beauties of ſoule, and therefore why more hated? Yet I ſee moſt young Gallants are guilty of this injuſtice: yes there are ſome men who are extreamly ugly themſelves, yet cannot endure a Woman ſo: They deſire the faireſt eyes should look favourably upon them, and yet they will look upon none but faire Women vvith the uglieſt eyes under the Sun. I knovv one vvho looks upon himſelfe in a glaſſe, as if he vvere the handſomeſt of all men living: and though he can look upon his ovvn deformities vvith delight, yet he cannot with any patience endure the deformities of others: You expreſſe your thoughts Madam ſo excellently, replyed Phaon, that I believe Alces with all his wit will have much ado to anſwer you. I aſſure you (replyed Alces) that I had rather acknowledg a fault in me, then go about to juſtifie my ſelfe, ſince I cannot do it, unleſs I should ſpeak many things againſt Ladies in generall. You expreſs your ſelfe with ſo much malignity (replyed Amithone) that you deſerve (as a puniſhment for ſhunning ſuch women as are not faire) all faire ones ſhould avoid meeting with you.

Provided one faire one will not fly me (replyed he, looking upon Athys) I ſhould not much grieve if all the reſt did. Though I were faire (replyed Erinne) yet I ſhould be none of thoſe who would give any comfort unto you: And ſince [...] am not (added Athys, and bluſhed) I have nothing to do but to comfort my ſelfe that I am not in the number of thoſe who can comfort Alces: For hee is ſo nice, that he cannot endure thoſe (who like me) are neither faire nor ugly. This is ſo unjuſt (replyed Alces) as I wonder that the faire Sapho who uſeth to be juſt unto merit, can endure it. The reaſon is, replyed ſhe, becauſe it belongs not unto me to commend the beauty of Athys in your preſence: For ſince you have ſuch tender and delicate eyes as cannot look upon any uglineſſe in women, I am perſwaded they are alſo judicious enough to know true beauty, and that you can commend her better then any other. However (continued ſhe) I would gladly know, whether Phaon and Themistogenes be as nice as Alces is: As for Nicanor and Democides, I know they have ſome friends who are none of the faireſt. For my part Madam (replyed Phaon) though I am a great adorer of beauty, yet I should think it a great wrong unto Ladies, if I should look upon it as the only advantage of their ſexe: And I can aſſure you, I am ſo farr from the opinion of Alces, that I am perſwaded it is not a thing impoſſible to be in love with a woman who hath no beauty at all, provided she be not extreamly ugly: For there are women who have ſuch rare beauties of mind, and ſuch engaging graces in their humours, that they may infinitely pleaſe, and be very amiable. For my part (ſaid Themiſtogenes) I should much better love a woman who is knowing in all high and excellent things, though she were not handſome, then I should an ignorant faire one. For ought I ſee (replyed Sapho and laughed) I can never be loved either by Alces, or by Themiſtogenes: For I am not faire as the firſt would have his Miſtreſſe, nor am I knowing, as Themiſtogenes deſires his to be: and therefore it is my beſt courſe to make Nicanor, Phaon, and Democedes my friends: But if in ſeeking to make them your friends (replyed Cydnon, and ſmiled) you should finde a Lover of any of them, what would you ſay then? Doubtleſſe I should ſay, replyed she, that I have found more then ever I did, or more then I do deſire.

As Nicanor, Phaon, and I were ready to reply, Cynegira entred into her Chamber, whoſe preſence made our diſcourſe to change, and Nicanor, Phaon, Themyſtogenes and I went preſently out. Yet Madam, ſince there was a very pleaſant Plain before Sapho's Lodging, we walked there: And after one turn, Phaon began to ſpeak in a low voyce unto me, becauſe he vvould not have Nicanor knovv his opinion of Sapho. Ah dear friend (ſaid hee unto mee) vvhat an Enemy had I been unto my ſelfe, had I not ſeen the moſt admired Sapho? Well (ſaid I unto him) have you found her over-wiſe? does ſhe much reſemble Damophile? was there any neceſſity of talking concerning high matters as you imagined you ſhould? For my part (ſaid he) I am ſo charmed with the ſight of her, that I cannot think any one in the world comparably ſo amiable: For ſhe is ſo ſweet, ſo ſociable, and ſo gallant, as I find her all ſuperlative; and when I conſider how this excellent Woman who is verſed in the moſt ſublime knowledg, did divert her [Page] ſelfe ſo pleaſingly in triviall things, I begin to feare I ſhall fall in Love with her, if I ſhould continue ſeeing her: and yet I think it is impoſſible for me to forbeare. I thought you would change your opinion of her (ſaid I unto him) as ſoon as you ſaw her: But I would gladly know (ſaid he) whether ſhe be alwayes ſo amiable as ſhe was this day; and whether she have no tincture of that pride, which is almoſt inſeparable from ſuch as have any extraordinary parts? Tell me friend, does she always ſpeak with ſo little aflectation or sharpneſſe as she did now?

All I can ſay unto you is, replyed I, that she is ſometimes as much above what you ſaw her now, as you found her now above what you expected: Oh Democedes, replyed he, it is not poſſible: The faire Sapho cannot, no it is moſt impoſſible she should appear more amiable than she did this day.

After this, Nicanor began to talk with Phaon, and Themiſtogenes began to addreſſe his ſpeech unto me very faintly: I muſt confeſſe unto you (ſaid he unto me) I have been much aſtonished this afternoon: Why (ſaid I) are you not pleaſed with the ſight of Sapho? So little, replyed he, that were I not perſwaded she concealed her knowledg becauſe there was many Women in the company, I should lay aſide the high opinion which I had conceived of her: For truly I heard her not ſpeak any thing this day which any other Lady did not know as well as she, & might ſpeak as well. Yet you muſt confeſſe (replyed I coldly) that though she did ſpeak like a Lady, yet it was like a Lady who ſpoke very well.

I muſt needs confeſſe, ſaid he, that she uſed no barbarous words; but to tell you truly, I expected much more from her then I found: Perhaps you expected (ſaid I unto him) that she should have read a Phyloſophy Lecture, reſolved ſome difficult queſtions, and explained ſome obſcure places in Heſiode and Homer? I expected at leaſt (ſaid he) that nothing would have come out of her mouth but high matter, w [...]ich should have made her knowledg appeare: And for my part, I tell you ingenuouſly, that I am perſwaded she will ſometimes shew her knowledg, for it is not poſſible she should get ſuch a reputation over all Greece, if she talked of nothing but trifles, ſuch as I heard her ſpeak of this day.

You may imagin Madam, how I wondred at the difference of opinion between Phaon and Themiſtogenes. In the mean time, Themiſtogenes ſpoke ſo loud, that Phaon confuſedly heard what he ſaid, ſo that being now one of the moſt jealous admirers of Sapho, he came unto us, and asked me of what Themiſtogenes talked? He told me (replyed I and ſmiled) that he could not ſee how Sapho ſhould deſerve all thoſe applauds which are attributed unto her; but that he expected from her, a thouſand excellencies, which ſhe never ſo much as mentioned. I perceive, (replyed Phaon faintly) that the fair Sapho cannot get the eſteem both of Themiſtogenes and me, for I do infinitely eſteem her. After her diſcourſe upon all theſe trifles, where with he upbraids her; but I ſhould ſcarcely have eſteemed her, had ſhe only talked of ſuch high matters as he imagined ſhe would; ſo that it follows of abſolute neceſſity, ſhe cannot pleaſe us both: I confeſs it (replyed Themiſtogenes faintly) but the difficulty is to know whether it were not more advantageous for Sapho, to ſatisfie me than to ſatisfie you. If you pleaſe to let Nicanor and Democedes be our Judges, replyed Phaon, I ſhall conſent unto it.

Since I am altogether on your ſide (replyed Nicanor unto Phaon) and directly againſt Themistogenes, I am not a competent judge: it is no wonder, ſaid Phaon, that Themiſtegenes and I ſhould differ in Opinions, for it is not above two years ſince, we were both of one mind, in any thing: ſo as it is not ſtrange that as ſoon as I began to admire Sapho he ſhould not admire her; but prefer Damophile becauſe I preferr Sapho before all the women I ever ſaw: and indeed I have abundance of reaſon ſo to do, for to write as ſhe writes, and to diſcourſe as ſhe doth, are two qualities ſo admirable, that ſhe deſerves the eſteem of the world. But yet I pray tell mee (replyed Themiſtogenes in ſuch a pelt as made us laugh) what hath ſhe ſaid which hath excellency in it? ſhe ſpoke elegantly and gallantly (replyed Phaon) and ſhe ſpoke with modeſty, and in ſuch a diſcreet manner, as ſhe hath merited my admiration; but not mine (replyed he) for I never uſe to ad [...]ny thing but what is extraordinary: I once knew a man at Athens (replyed Phaon) who was of the ſame humour with Themiſtogenes, for he knew not how to put a difference between things which men admire, and things which make [Page] men aſtoniſhed; I cannot tell you whether I am of his humour you mean, or no (replyed Themiſtogenes very [...]iercely) but I am ſure I cannot ſee any difference between Sapho and other women of Mytelene, by any diſcourſe I heard her utter, and in the humour I am in, if ſhe do not elevate her Muſe to a higher ſtrain than I heard her this day, I ſhall beleive ſome hath made her verſes and publiſhed them in her name.

Phaon hearing Themistogenes ſay ſo, began firſt to laugh, and afterwards to be angry in good earneſt, ſo as replying very ſharply upon one another: they ſell to quarrell: Nicanor and I ſhould have had much ado to part them, if Alces and two more had not accidentally come in.

However, ſince this quarrell could not be taken up upon the ſudden, it was the next day before they were reconciled; ſo as it was divulged all over the Town. But Phaons advantage was, that I related all the paſſage unto my ſiſter, and ſhe unto Sapho, inſomuch as the very firſt day that he ſaw Sapho, ſhe underſtood that ſhe was obliged to him.

This reconciliation had one Circumſtance in it which was very remarkable; for Phaon would not be [...]eind [...] with Themiſtogenes, untill he had acknowledged himſelf too blame in judging ſo raſhly upon Saphoes merit, ſo as this excellent Lady hearing of all theſe paſſages did think her ſelf very much beholden unto Phaon, and the next time ſhe ſaw him, ſhe received him very obligingly, and ſhe no ſooner ſaw him enter into her chamber, but ſhe went to meet him moſt civily, and acc [...]ſted him with ſuch ſingular and gallant complements, that it deſerves a reherſall: For looking upon him with a ſmiling countenance: Sir, ſaid ſhe unto him, you have ſo commended me for not talking of high matters, that I care ſcarcely thank you for the favour leaſt contrary to my cuſtome I ſhould uſe any ſuch big phraſes as might purchaſe the eſteem of Themiſtogenes, and looſe yours.

Your language Madam (replyed he) is ſo full of wit and gallantry that I cannot repent of my diſguſt againſt Themiſtogenes, for he who does not admire you, deſerves an immortall quarrell from all rationall men, when you are well acquainted with me Sir, (replyed Sapho) you will ſee that I am not ſo jealous of my honour: And that as long as they do not aſperſe my virtue and my goodneſs, I care not what they ſay.

Afterwards Sapho, cauſing Phaon to ſit down, the company were very pleaſant, for not only all her intimate friends were there, but Phylire, Nicanor, and I were there alſo, And after much diſcourſe upon the Errour of Themiſtogenes, who thought every one to be ignorant, if they do not talk of high things, Phylire ſaid that though groſs ignorance was a moſt odious fault, yet ſhe thought it better all women were ſo, then to be overwiſe, for do but imagin, ſaid ſhe, what a peſtilent perſecution it would be, if we had but two or three damoſells more in Mytelene, But I beſeech you imagin alſo on the other ſide replyed Phaon, what a felicity it would be if there were but five or ſix Saphoes in the whole world, and if Athens, Delphos, Thebes, and Argos, could boaſt of that honour as well as Mytelene. Oh Phaon replyed Sapho, and bluſhed) I beſeech you do not leſſen my Obligations by overcommending me, and remember that I do not affect it, nor would I paſs for wiſe. For the truth is, that though I do know ſome things, which all women do not know, yet I am ſure I know leſs, than all women ought to know.

Truly Madam, (replyed Cydnon and laughed) you do engage them unto a great task, and to ſpeak ſincerely, you know ſo much, that I cannot tell how you ſhould conceal your knowledge from them, nor how you ſhould infuſe it into them. I am very certain (replyed Sapho) that I know ſo very little, that if all women, would imploy that time well which they imploy idely, they would know a thouſand times more than I do. Your expreſſions Madam, are ſo ingenious, ſo modeſt, and ſo noble, (replyed Phaon) that though what you ſay as relating to your ſelfe be not poſitively true, yet I cannot for my life chooſe but commend you: For it is moſt certain that moſt Ladies are much to blame in ſpending many a moſt precious houre, which might be much better imployed than they uſe to do.

For my particular (ſaid Phylire) I cannot tell how Ladies can learn any thing though they would; for often times, I have not ſo much leaſure as to go unto the temple, and I have a friend who is every day ſo long in dreſſing her ſelf, that the ſun is ſet before ſhe can get out of her Chamber.

[Page] I have often thought (replyed Amithone) that Sapho could not afford her ſelf ſo much time as to ſleep and do all shee did, untill I went a journey with her into the Countrey; But ſince then, I have been convinced of my error, by ſeeing her order her time ſo well, that she had leaſure to do a thouſand things, which I could not do: for she found as much time to ſleep as kept her complexion fresh, and her eyes in Luſter: she had time enough to dreſſe her ſelf as gallantly as any did: she had alſo her times of reading, writing, ſtudying, walking, and ſtill time enough to look unto her buſineſſe, and to enjoy her friends. And all this without being troubled, or being buſie. I would she would teach me the ſecret (ſaid the faire Athis) for could I learn it, I would ſtrive to know more then I do. But before you oblige her to impart ſo great a ſecret (replyed Erinne) I would all women here would wel examin whetherit be expedient that women generally, should know more then they do. I think that Queſtion will eaſily be reſolved (replyed Sapho) for I muſt confeſs that though I am a declared enemy unto all women who are alwayes in their Altitudes of knowledge and wiſedome, yet I cannot chooſe but extreamely condemne the other extreame, and be aſhamed to ſee ſo many women of quality ſo groſely ignorant, as in my opinion, they diſhonour their ſex. Nor know I any thing more injurious unto our ſex, then that any ſhould ſay a woman is not obliged to learn any thing: for if ſo, then would I alſo have her forbidden to ſpeak, and not taught to write: for if ſhe may write and ſpeak, it is but reaſon ſhe ſhould uſe all helps to better her underſtanding, to informe her judgment, and to learne how to ſpeak and write well. And ſeriouſly it is the oddeſt thing in the world to obſerve how women commonly are educated: They muſt not be any Goſſippers nor Gallants, and yet they are taught with abundance of care every quality that belongs to gallantry, but never any thing that will fortifie their virtue, or improve their wits: Dancing, ſinging, and playing, are parts that muſt not by any means be neglected, but are never inſtructed in any thing which may make them ſpeak well, or carry themſelves in any buſineſs with diſcretion: And conſidering how ſome Ladies lead their lives, one would think, that they were forbidden all reaſon, or wit, for they doe nothing in the world but ſleep, grow fat. and make themſelves faire, and never do or ſay any thing but fooliſhly. And I am ſure there's none in the company but knows ſome unto whom what I ſay is applicative: For my part, I do know one who uſeth continually to ſleep above twelve houres: who ſpends three or foure in dreſſing her ſelf, or to ſay better in undreſſing her ſelf, for ſhe ſpends half the time, in undoing what ſhe did before, afterwards ſhe imployes two or three more in her repaſts and collations, and all the reſt of the day is ſpent amongſt men unto whom ſhe knowes not how to talke: Judge I beſeech you, whether the life of this Lady is not well ſpent: I muſt confeſſe, replyed Alces, many Ladies, do live as you do ſay.

For my part, replyed Cydnon, I am not at all concerned in what ſhe ſayes, for ſince I ſpend my whole time in her company, I cannot be charged with any miſpending it: Oh Cydnon, replyed Amithone, I hartily thank you for finding out ſo good a reaſon, to make my ignorance excuſable, ſince I have as much right unto it as you (added the faire Athys) I may make the ſame uſe of it.

Were I as knowing as you are, (replyed Erinne) I ſhould not ſtand in need of any excuſe: For my part, (ſaid Phylire) I have no excuſe for my ſelfe: For I have ſo ſeldome the happineſſe of ſeeing Sapho, that I cannot make it my excuſe to have imployed any of my time in her company. And I muſt ingeniouſly confeſſe, that ſometimes I trifle away a whole day, and yet cannot ſay that I had any conſiderable buſineſſe: For my part (ſaid Sapho,) to ſpeak in generall, the reaſon why women have ſo little time, is becauſe they ſpend it idely, and make a great buſineſs of every trifle: one miſplaced Curle is an hours rectification, and takes up more time, then a thing both of profit and delight would do, yet I would not have it thought (added ſhe) that I am at all againſt any womens ornaments or dancing, ſinging or playing or ſuch accompliſhments: no, on the contrary, I allow them all delights and recreations: but to tell you truely, I would have them take as much care in dreſſing their minds as well as their bodies. And between being knowing and ignorant, I would have them take the middle between theſe two extreams, which will keep them from being troubleſome, by their ignorant ſtupidity [Page] or impertinent audacity. I aſſure you, replyed Amythone, this way is very hard to be found out. If any living can find it, and teach it, replyed Phaon, it muſt be Sapho. For my particular (replyed Philire) I ſhould be infinitly obliged unto her, if ſhe would be pleaſed to tell me how far a woman ought to be knowing: Doubtleſs it is very difficult (replyed Sapho) to give a generall rule for what you aske: for there are ſuch variety and difference of ſpirits that no Law can be ſo univerſall, and not unjuſt.

Yet I conceive this for an infallible Maxime, that though I would have women to know more then generally they do, yet I would not have them talke as if they were knowing at all I would have them give others leave and cauſe to ſay, that they know more then they will vaunt of, that they have good wits, that they can ſpeak well, and write elegantly, but I would not have it ſaid of them, that they are learned: Not but that thoſe who are not called learned may know as much, and perhaps more then thoſe unto whom they give that Title: yet I would have them conceale their knowledge and witts: Then I perceive (ſaid Philire) That there are ſome things which either they muſt not know, or elſe they muſt not ſhew them though they do know them. It is moſt certainly true, (replyed Sapho) that there are ſome ſciences which women ought never to learn, and that there are others which they may, yet they ought never to confeſſe they know them though they may let people gueſſe as much. But, I beſeech you, unto what purpoſe is it for them to know ſuch things as they muſt never be known to know? (replyes Philire) it wil help them to underſtand what thoſe who are more learned then them ſelves do ſay (replyed Sapho) and to ſpeak alſo to the purpoſe, without ſpeaking bookiſhly, but only as if naturall ingenuity inſtructed them. Alſo there are a hundred delectable Sciences, which are not neceſſary to be kept ſecret, for they may very well ſpeak forraigne Languages, they may confeſſe that they have read Homer, Heſiod, and the excellent works of the illuſtrious Ariſthius, without any ſhewing too much Schollerſhip: Alſo they may give their opinions in ſo modeſt a manner without any unbecommingneſſe to their ſex, as they may thereby make their witt, their knowledge and their judgement to appeare. They may and ought to know, all the helps unto writing well for in my opinion, it is a moſt groſſe error, to ſay they would have women ſpeak well and write ill, and the priviledge of ignorance which they pretend unto is ſo ſhamefull unto all their ſex in generall, that if they underſtood it they would bluſh. The truth is, ſaid Nicanor. There is ſo little coherence in the letters of Ladies, and ſuch odd Orthographie, as if they writ them purpoſely not to be underſtood, yet thoſe very ſame Ladies (ſaid Sapho) and laughed, who commit ſuch groſſe faults in their writings, and have ſpent all their ſtock of wit in the firſt line, they will mock a whole day together at a poore ſtranger, who hath only miſtaken one word for another, yet it is much more ſtrange to ſee a witty woman commit a hundred faults in writing her own naturall Language, then to ſee a Sythian ſpeak all Greek. Alas, (ſaid Philire and laughed) how deeply am I concerned in your diſcourſe? yet you ſpeak ſo very well (replyed I) as I cannot think it poſſible but you muſt write well alſo. I do beleeve (replyed Sapho) that Philire writes as well as ſhe ſpeakes: but by your leave, there are ſome women who ſpeak well and write ill, and all merely by their own negligence: I would gladly know how that comes to paſſe (ſaid the faire Athis) The reaſon is, (replyed Sapho) becauſe moſt women do not care for reading, or elſe they doe not read applicatively, but run on without any reflection upon what they read: So that though they have read the very ſame words which they write a thouſand times over, yet they viſite them wrong, and miſlocating the letters they patch up confuſed nonſence by a cuſtome. All this is moſt true, (replyed Erinne) For yeſterday I made a viſit unto one of my friends who is newly returned out of the Countrey, and I caryed all the Letters which ſhe had writ unto me, that ſhe might read them unto me.

Tis plaine therefore, replyed Sapho., that I had good reaſon to wiſh women would uſe to read much, and to read with application: And when they are a lone to make choiſe of ſome merry or ſerious book according to their humour, for it is moſt certaine that reading doth ſooner, and better refine wit, and informe the judgment, then converſation alone can, for truely Converſation doth only give us the [Page] firſt thoughts of thoſe who ſpeak, which often are tumultuous, and ſo undigeſted that the ſpeakers do condemne them within a quarter of an hour after; But reading gives us the concocted Opinion of thoſe who writ the books we read. So that though they read ſimply for their delight, yet it will imprint ſomething in the mind of the Reader, which will better it, and preſerve them from falling into many groſſe errors which ignorance would plung them unto: For my part (ſaid Alces) I know one of thoſe bold Ignorants, who will be talking of every thing though ſhe know nothing, who talking the other day unto a ſtranger which was relating his Travells, ſhe diſcovered her ignorance ſo farre, as it appeared ſhe thought the Caſpian Sea greater then the Egean and that the Euxine Sea was beyond the Caſpian. And that the Egean Sea was the leaſt of all others. I would adviſe all women, replied Sapho, not to talke much of what they know well, and not to talk at all of what they know not.

And indeed, I would have them, never to be very knowing nor very ignorant, but only to manage well thoſe advantages which nature hath given them. I would have them (as I ſaid before) be as carefull to beautifie their minds (as their Perſons. But I beſeech you (ſaid Phylire) how can women find leiſure to read and learn any thing? That time which Ladies loſe in doing nothing, or in doing things nothing to any purpoſe (replyed Sapho, would ſerve to let them know enough, to conceale their ignorance. Moreover, do not imagine, I would have any woman ſuch a perpetuall Reader as never to talk: No, (but on the contrary) I would have her read only ſo much as will teach her how to ſpeak well. And would adviſe them to Converſation, as well as to the other, provided they never tranſgreſs the modeſtie of their Sex. But I wiſh with all my heart that women were not ſuch ſluggards as they are, and I wiſh that I my ſelfe may apply theſe Councells unto my ſelf which I give unto others. Madam, replyed Phaon your modeſty goes too farr, and you need not ſay that of your ſelf which none does think. The truth is, ſaid Nicanor, the fair Sapho is very unjuſt unto her own merit. She is ſo juſt unto the merit of others, (replyed Athys) that it were ſtrange ſhe ſhould not be ſo unto her owne.

Her advantage is (replyed Cydnon) that every one renders her that juſtice which ſhe denyes her ſelf; And though ſhe conceals her ſelf as much as ſhe can, yet her excellencies are known unto all Greece: You clip the wings of Fame (replied Phaon and ſmiled) For I am certaine that the name of Sapho is famous throughout the whole World. For Heavens ſake (ſaid the moſt admirable woman interrupting him and bluſhing) ſpeak not thus in my preſence [...] for I cannot endure it ſhould be thought I take any delight in ſuch high Applauds, ſince I am moſt confidently perſwaded (and I ſpeak it with all the ſincerity of my heart) that I do not deſerve them: if that be true Madam, replyed Athys, it is very ſtrange, that you ſhould be knowing in ſo many things, and yet be ignorant of your own merit: Seriouſly (replyed Sapho) in a lovely ch [...]e) unleſſe you do unaccuſtome your ſelves from commending me, I ſhall unaccuſtome my ſelf from ſeeing you any more. Oh Madam (cryed Phaon, Nicanor, Alces and I all at once. For Heavens ſake do not threaten us with any ſuch ſad affliction. But after this, Sapho continuing her diſcourſe with her accuſtomed modeſtie, ſhe told us a hundred pleaſing ſtories, and knew ſo well how to charm the company that we parted not till night:

At our going from Saphos houſe, we ſaw Thimiſtogenes leading Damophile: and the next day we heard by one of his friends, that he preferred her a thouſand degrees before Sapho: So as wondering at his extravagancie we both of us promiſed to ſhun him as well as Damophile. In the mean time, I began to perceave, that Phaon in all likelyhood would fall in Love with Sapho, if he were not ſo already. On the otherſide, I underſtood by my Siſter that Sapho did infinitly eſteeme him, and that he pleaſed her more then all the men ſhe ever ſaw. Alces who was Tiſanders ſpie did alſo perceive this growing love of Phaon, and the inclination of Sapho, for he hinted as much unto the faire Athys with whom he was in Love: Nicanor who was one of Saphoes adorers, had ſome ſlight ſuſpition of it. And both Amithone and Erinne did perceive it as the reſt did. As for Sapho, ſhe knew that Phaon was in love with her before he ever told her; for she had ſuch a ſuitable and delicate ſpirit of diſcernment into every thing, that she perfectly knew what thoughts [Page] every one had of her, and ſometimes knew them before they knew themſelves: As fervent as the friendſhip was which any bore unto this charming Lady, ſhe would never take it under any notion of Love: And how faint and cold ſoever this paſſion was in the hearts of ſome men who were not capable of any zealous fires, by reaſon of their frozen tempers, ſhe would never take them under the notion of Friendſhip: ſo that it is moſt certain, ſhe preciſely knew in what degree any one loved her: and it was ſo impoſſible to conceale it from her, that it was abſolure folly to attempt it; for ſhe could ſo well diſtinguiſh between the lookes of friendſhip and the looks of Love, that ſhe was never miſtaken.

Moreover ſhe did not only know of what natures the affection of any was unto her: but alſo ſhe knew what thoughts every one who uſed to viſit her, had unto one another: So as this diſcerning knowledg of all hearts enabled her to manage matters ſo cunningly, that ſhe made all Rivalls live in peace, and ſhe augmented or leſſened the affection which any bore unto her, almoſt as ſhe pleaſed. And yet this laſt quality had more difficulty in it then the other, for ſhe is ſo very lovely, that it is a very hard matter for any Lover to go leſſe: yet ſtill ſhe would ſo temper them, as that they would tell her no more then what ſhe had a mind to heare.

Sapho having ſuch a diſcerning eye, ſhe quickly ſaw that Phaon was in Love with her: and the ſight of it did not offend her, but found ſuch a ſweet reliſh of it in her heart, as ſhe plainly ſaw, that if ſhe would ever defend her ſelfe againſt Phaon, ſhee muſt begin betimes, ſo as ſhee reſolved to overcome her ſelfe: But ſhe could not reſolve to hinder Phaon from ioving her, and contented her ſelfe with never anſwering his affection by the like. However, Cydnon being her grand Confident, they held a Councell together about it, which I intend to relate unto you, that you may the better know the temper of Sapho's ſoule.

My ſiſter being then with her one Evening, and both leaning upon a Balcone which opened towards the Sea, ſhe ſaw by Moon light ſome ſhips coming to My [...]elene. I wiſh theſe be not the Ships of Thraſibulus, which bring back Tyſander unto us (ſaid ſhe, and ſmiled): For that Prince being of very much merit, I wiſh for his own tranquility he may not return unto a Place where he would be more miſerable then when he departed: I cannot ſee (replyed Sapho) that any great alterations have hapned here ſince his departure: For I hold him in the ſame degree of eſteem as I did, and my heart has the ſame reſolutions of never loving him: if that were all, replyed Cydnon, he would not be ſo miſerable as he is like to be; but I know there is ſomething more in it, I wonder (replyed Sapho) why you ſhould ſay ſo. Since you would needs have it (replyed Cydnon) I muſt tell you, that Phaon is here: Cydnon you are always ſo full of your Querks (replyed Sapho and bluſhed) that I need not wonder at them. I aſſure you Madam, replyed Cydnon, there is no Quarks in what I ſay; for it is ſo apparant Phaon is in Love with you, as it is impoſſible to be one hour in his company, and not perceive it: And when he is in your preſence, they muſt be blind who do not ſee it, and deaf who cannot underſtand it by his words; for he ſpeaks always with ſuch cordiall earneſtneſſe, that his thoughts cannot be doubted: However, replyed Sapho, they do not ſee mee anſwer him with the ſame earneſtneſſe. You Madam (replyed Cydnon) doe know ſo well how to regulate all your actions, that your thoughts can never bee knowne by your Actions: Yet I who know you better then any others, I am moſt confident you do not hate Phaon, and that if Fate have reſolved you muſt love any, it muſt be him: I perceive Cydnon (replyed ſhee and ſmiled) that you think you have ſtoln from mee the Art of knowing the thoughts of others by bare conjectures: but I believe that you are now miſtaken in your Conjectures and Predictions: 'Tis true (added ſhe) That Phaon was very glad to find that I did reſemble Damophile: and (to be ſincere with you) I know he loves me, or at leaſt hath ſome inclination to it: But I muſt profeſſe unto you, that I have no intentions to anſwer his Love. For ſince exact decency requires one ſhould not only defend themſelves againſt criminall affections, but from the moſt innocent alſo, I muſt obſerve it, and not expoſe my ſelfe unto ſcandall, although I am perſwaded that it is not impoſſible but one may love very innocently. I do believe it is not impoſſible (replyed Cydnon): And ſince there are many [Page] men have honeſt hearts, there can be no great danger in engaging with them. It is ſo dangerous (ſaid Sapho) that ſince I knew the world, I never knew two whom I could think capable of any complyance of ſuch a nature as I imagine.

But to ſpeak unto you as unto my ſecond ſelfe, though decency hath ſo eſtabliſhed it a Law, that Women ſhould not love any by reaſon of the bad conſequences which Love may cauſe when it is in bad minds and hearts, which have only groſſe, brutall, and terreſtriall thoughts: yet let me poſitively tell you, that it is unjuſt, and without derogation from ſolid virtue. I believe one may make ſome diſtinction between ſome men, and contract a pure affection with one whom one ſhall make choiſe of.

And indeed, the Gods who never made any thing in vaine, did not create in vaine a certain inclination in our ſouls to love: But Cydnon, the grand difficulty is to regulate this affection, to make a good choiſe of him whom one would love, and to carry it ſo diſcreetly, that ſcandall it ſelfe cannot cavill at it: And when all is done, it is moſt certain that nothing is comparably ſo ſweet as to be loved by a perſon whom one doth love. Doubt not but that I do condemn all the irregular extravagancies of Love, but I do not condemn the paſſion it ſelfe which cauſed it: And the truth is, thoſe extravagancies proceed rather from the diſtempers of thoſe who are in Love, then from Love it ſelfe: and it muſt be confeſſed, that they who do not know, that I know not what which redoubles all delights, and has the art of giving ſweetneſſe unto inquietude, they do not know how far joys can reach. As for thoſe Ladies who take delight in being loved without loving again, they have no other ſatisfaction then what their own vanities affords them: But I do comprehend that there are a thouſand ſweers which are all purity and all innocency in a mutuall affection. This agreeable exchange of thoughts, of ſecret thoughts, this communion of ſouls which is made between two perſons who love each other, is a pleaſure unutterable, unconceivable. And to ju [...]g of Love by Friendſhip, I aſſure you my deare Cydnon, that I am now more joyed in opening my heart unto you, then I ſhould be if we were together at the moſt glorions Feaſt in the world.

Then Madam, to taſt theſe joyes more fully (replyed Cydnon) I conjure you to open your moſt ſecret thoughts unto me, and confeſſe unto me ſincerely, that if you find in Phaon all that is deſirable to contract ſuch an affection with him as you imagine, that you would have much ado to defend your ſelfe: And to carry this cond [...]i [...]nce as far as it will go, tell me truly the nature of this affection, and in what manner you imagine it. Ah Cydnon (ſaid ſhe unto her) you engage me very far: Yet ſince I will not deny you any thing. I will anſwer to your queſtion, and tell you that I am not of their minds who ſpeak of Love, as of a thing which cannot be innocent, unleſſe they intend to marry: For my part, I muſt confeſſe unto you that the delicacy of my mind, of my fancy, and of that Idea which I conceive of this paſſion is ſuch, that I do not think that kind of Matrimoniall Love to be pure and noble enough; And if I found in my heart only a bare deſire of marrying any one, I ſhould bluſh as for a crime, upbraid my ſelfe as with a thing unworthy of my ſelfe, and ſhould be more aſhamed then other women uſe to be of a criminall gallantry.

But I beſeech you Madam (replyed Cydnon) would you have any love you without any hopes? I would have him hope to be loved (replyed ſhe) but I would not have him hope any further; and it is the greateſt folly in the world to love any one unleſſe with intention to love for ever: but to love any other way then as I intend, is to expreſſe ones ſelfe to fall from Love unto indifferency, from indifferency to hatred, and from hatred to ſcorn.

But I beſeech you tell me (replyed Cydnon) how you intend one ſhould love you, and how you do intend to love? I expect (ſaid ſhe) that one ſhould love me ſervently, that he ſhould love none but me, and love me with all imaginable reſpect: I would have his love ſo tender and ſenſible, as to think the leaſt trifle from me a delight, I would have his love to have the ſolidity of friendſhip, and [...]ounded upon eſteem and upon inclination. Moreover, I would have this Lover to be moſt faithfull and ſincere: yet would I have him to admit of no confident of his paſſion but my ſelfe, but ſo lock up his Love in his heart, that I may [Page] brag of being the only one who knows it: I would have him alſo tell me all his ſecrets, impart all his ſorrows unto me: I would have the ſight of me to be his chief felicity, and that my abſence may be a moſt ſad affliction to him: That hee never mention the leaſt ſyllable to me, which may make me ſuſpect his love, and that he fully perſwade me that it is fervent and eternally durable: In ſhort, my deare Cydnon, I would have a Lover, and not a Husband: I would have him ſuch a one as contenting himſelfe with the poſ [...]eſſion of my heart, ſhould love me till death and if I cannot find out ſuch a one, I will never have any. Well Madam (replyed Cydnon) ſince you have told me how you would be loved, ſo I beſeech you tell me how you do intend to love. In telling the one, replyed ſhe, I have told you the other: and there ought to be no other difference of thoughts, then ſuch as cuſtome hath eſtabliſhed, which requires that the man muſt be more complaiſant, more obſequious and more ſubmiſſive: As for matter of tenderneſs and confidence, doubtles they ought to be both equall: and if any difference be to be made, it is in this, that the man ought to give teſtimonies of his love, and the woman to let him only gueſs at hers.

If Phaon be ever ſo happy (replyed Cydnon) as to give you any teſt monies of his love, and that you permit him to gueſs at yours, doubtleſſe he will be the moſt worthy of all mens envy. If he be worthy of rnvy replyed Sapho. I ſhould much feare I ſhould not be worthy of pitty: For conſidering the conſtitution of my heart, if I ſhould once love, I should love ſo tenderly, and in ſuch good earneſt, that it would be hard for any one to pay me back love with uſury. Yet I am fully perſwaded that to be happy in loving, one muſt at leaſt believe that they are as much loved as they love; for otherwiſe one should be ashamed of their own weakneſſe, and vexed at the neutrality of the other. Therefore Cydnon, though I doe believe one may innocently love, and though I think Phaon to be amiable, and that he hath an inclination to love me, yet I am reſolved to do what I can, not to love him.

But Madam, whilſt Sapho was talking thus with my ſiſter, Phaon was talking with me of things very particular; and we two being always inſeparable, we walked that Evening upon a Tarraſs, the end of which was towards the Sea, by which one goes to Sicily: So as after we had walked a while, he leaned upon the Rayls by himſelfe, and fell into ſuch a profound muſing. that I knew he never thought I was there. I had formerly obſerved many paſſages, which induced me to believe that he was in Love with Sapho, and therefore I knew he thought more of her then me. And to twitt him with it, I believe (ſaid I unto him) that ſince you look ſo earneſtly towards Sicily, you are thinking of that faire foole whom you loved there: Fie cruell friend (ſaid he unto me) mock not at my miſery, it is enough you have been the cauſe of it, without inſulting upon a wrerched man who hath changed his mind. Why (ſaid I unto him) do you not think it better to love a faire foole, then a faire wiſe One? No no, Democedes (ſaid he unto m) I think it ſo ſtrange that I ſhould ever love a witleſſe woman, that I am perſwaded I was out of my own wits, or never had any untill I came from Sicily: But deare friend (added he) before I diſcover the ſecrets of my ſoule unto you, tell me truly how you ſtand affected unto the faire Sapho; for if you be my Rivall, you are not fit to be my Confident. Doubtleſſe I am a very great admirer of Sapho, replyed I, but I never durſt be her Lover: Then friend I am bolder then you (replyed he) for I do love that divine Lady in ſo high a manner, as I thinke I ſhall looſe my wits. When I firſt carried you thither, replyed I, and ſmiled, you did not believe you could ever fall in love with any learned woman: Ah Democedes, ſaid he unto me I did not think ſhe had learned the Art of charming hearts but alas was miſtaken: and I find you had good reaſon to ſay, that every one muſt be miſerable before happy in Love: For ſuch is the ſtate I am in, that I find more delight in only meeting the eyes of Sapho, then I did in being loved by my fair fool: I found no difficulty in obtaining her eſteem, and I wonder now that I did not ſcorn her. She looked upon me indeed very favourably, and looked upon me with eyes very faire: but they ſignified ſo little, and underſtood my mind ſo uery ill, that I wonder how I came to think her faire.

The truth is, Democedes, I am now very far from loving a faire [...]ool, ſince I love [Page] the fair Sapho, but alas, the grand difficulty is, to tell her as much, and to tell her that I would be loved; ſince friend, you have all accompliſhments requiſite to merit her eſteem (replyed I) how know you but you may winn her affection? I have been conſulting with her eyes above theſe eight daies, (replyed he) and endeavoured to diviue my deſtiny, and whether I am ſo much in her favour as to diſcover my love unto her, but to tell you truly, I know not what to think; ſomtimes me thinks her eyes do give me ſome kind of far fetch hopes; and ſomtimes again they bid me deſpair, but however, all her looks augments my love, my heart trembles at every glance of her eye, which inſpires me with ſuch kind of I know not what delights, as I cannot expreſs them; when I am with her, I can do nothing elſe but look upon her, wonder not therefore at my muſing, (my dear Democedes) for my ſoul is ſo wholy taken up with this divine Lady, that though I ſpeak, yet I cannot think of any thing but her. I can think of nothing, but what heavenly delight it would be to be beloved by ſuch an Angell as ſhe, & what an honour it would be, to infuſe ſome weakneſs into ſo great a wit, as that of the moſt admirable Sapho, I am thinking of all that I can ſan ſay unto her, and when I am alone by my ſelf, yet I have long conference with her: The truth is, I do find the fair Sapho, to be very Civill, Sweet and obliging to me; but for all that, ſhe truſts me with no ſecret, and I could never oblige her to ſhew me any of her verſes. This moſt admirable Lady is ſo modeſt, (replyed I) that her denyall need be no wonder unto you, for you have not yet been ſo long acquainted, as to come unto the honour of ſuch a ſingular priviledge.

But however, you have this advantage (ſaid I unto him) that unto this hour ſhe never ſuſpected you of ever loving any, though ſhe knows you have a very paſſionate ſoul.

After this Madam, we retyred, taking no notice whilſt we talked, that the moon was in an Ecclips; but in our retiring we met Themiſtogenes with five or ſix men learned in Aſtrology; whom, he was carrying unto Damophile, purpoſely to argue with them in her preſence upon this Ecclips: And we underſtood afterwards, that they ſpent almoſt all the night at her houſe in talking of the earths interpoſition between the Sun and the Moon, and many other things of that nature; ſo that all the noble company who uſed to meet at Saphoes, did much divert themſelves at this adventure, for ſince Cynegere (with whom Sapho dwelt) did very well know her wiſdome and diſcretion, ſhe permitted every one to go into her chamber, though Cynegire was not preſent, ſo that Amithone, Erinne, Athys, Cydnon, Nicanor, Phaon, Alces, and I, being all with Sapho, we made the converſation very pleaſant, by having up all the follies which were in agitation at Damophiles, and though Sapho did not affect any Rallary in her preſence yet ſhe did not contradict this, but on the contrary, was the firſt which twitted Damophiles, to the end it might the better be known how great the difference was between them; ſo as making a very pleaſant deſcription of a confuſed company, ſhe did extreamly divert all her own ſociety. However, ſaid Cydnon, we get this advantage from the fooliſh converſation of Damophile, that it ſerves to render ours more diverting, by the excellent diſcription which Sapho made of it; I wiſh ſhe would alſo deſcribe unto us, (replyed Phaon) all other kind of fantaſticall converſations which are to be found in the world: Indeed ſaid Athys, it would be very pleaſant if ſhe would be pleaſed to take ſo much pains, as to obſerve all their impertinencies.

You put me upon a hard imployment (replyed Sapho) it would be much better and ſhorter, if every one in particular would deſcribe that converſation which hath moſt wearied them: For my part (ſaid Erinne) I am very glad of that; for I was yeſterday in a company which I thought would have talked me to death, for I was in the midſt of ten or twelve women, who talked everlaſtingly; but of no other ſubject than triviall domeſtique buſineſs, the fault of their ſervants, the good qualities of their children, and there was one woman amongſt the reſt, who ſpent an hour in repeating ſillable after ſillable, the firſt pratling of her ſon, who was three years of age, judge I beſeech you, what a fine time I had of it. I aſſure you (replyed Nicanor) that I ſpent my time no better than you did; for I was much againſt my will engaged amongſt a troop of women, who ſpent a whole day in talking of nothing but the goodneſs or the badneſs of their cloathes, telling or asking [Page] what they coſt, ſome out of vanity ſaid they, coſt more than they did: Others to ſhew their skill in buying, ſaid leſs: ſo I wiſhed my part of the day out of the Callendar: For my part (replyed the fair Athis) I was within theſe five daies with a company of Ladies, who though they had wit enough, yet were extreamly troubleſome, for they were Ladies who were gallants by profeſſion, who had every one their buſineſs, and buſineſs which did ſo wholy take them up, as they thought of nothing but taking one anothers gallants from them, by al [...] manner of ſtratagems, ſo as though one were not of their intrigues, yet one ſhould be engaged with them or elſe either be driven to a non plus, or non-plus them.

Indeed as long as I was with them, I heard them alwaies talking, but never underſtood what they ſaid, for there was one on my right hand, who told her who was next her, that ſhe knew ſuch a one was broken off with ſuch a one, and that this man had renewed with that woman, never naming any: And there was another on my left hand who talking to a Lady next her, the moſt fooliſhly that ever was heard, for (ſaid ſhe in a mighty fret) ſhe you know of, need not to brag of taking my Gallant from me, ſince ſhe had never gotten him from me, but becauſe I had caſt him off, and if the toy take me, I can call him again, and ſhe ſhall never be the better for him as long as ſhe lives, and the very truth is, I never was in all my life put ſo much out of all patience, as that day.

For my part (ſaid Cydnon) had I been in your room, I would have laughed at them who wearied me, but I could not do ſo three days ſince at a man and a woman whoſe whole diſcourſe was of two things, either of Mytelenian Geneulogies, or of the eſtates belonging to families; for what delight can be taken in hearing tell a whole day together; that Zenocrates was the ſon of Tryphon, Clidemes ſon to Lenophantes, Lenophantes was deſcended from Tyrſeus, & ſo they begot one another: Alſo what pleaſure is to be taken in hearing one talk of ſuch a houſe wherein you have no intereſt, nor ever had, no nor is ever like to have as long as you live; how it was built by ſuch a one, bought by another, and exchanged by a third, and that it is now at this preſent in the poſſeſſion of a man whom you know not? this queſtionleſs is not very pleaſing (replyed Alcaes) but it is not ſo tedious as to meet with a man who has ſome peeviſh buſineſs in hand, and will not talk of any thing elſe: For I once met a Sea Captain, who pretended that Pittacus ought to make him recompence for a ſhip which he had loſt, who held me three long and tedious hours in relating thoſe reaſons which he had for his pretence; and who will anſwer and reply and object and anſwer Pro, and Con, as if the caſe were pleading before a Judge: And the better to underſtand his loſs, he would tell me by peece meale what he was forced to caſt out of his ſhip, and would name every perſon in it, one after another when it was to no purpoſe in the earth.

Tis true ſaid Amithone, that this is a very great perſecution; but I muſt tell you, that grave and ſerious converſations, where every word is delivered in Querpo, and where the leaſt ſmile is not permitted, hath ſomthing ſo tedious in it, that I am never amongſt ſuch, but my head akes, for one muſt alwaies ſpeak in one tone never laugh, but be as compoſed as in the Temple; ſuch company is very tedious (replyed Phaon) but there are a ſort quite oppoſite unto thoſe who are infinitly againſt the ſtrain of my fancy; for I was one day at Syracuſe, with five or ſix women, and two or three men, who had a fancy, that to make the company more merry, could be continually laughing ſo that as long as they went together, they laughed at every word which one ſaid unto another, there was no jeaſt or pleaſant conceit in it, but made ſuch a mad dinn as deafed one another, and laughed, only becauſe others laughed without any other reaſon; but what is moſt ſtrange is, that laughter has ſuch a contagion ſometimes in it, that there is no Antidote againſt the diſeaſe; but being one day amongſt theſe eternall laughers, they ſo infected me, that I laughed untill tears trickled down my cheeks, and knew not any reaſon in the world for it: But to tell you truly, I was ſo aſhamed at my ſelf, that within a quarter of an hour after my joyes were turned into ſorrows. Though it be much folly to laugh without any cauſe, (replyed Sapho) yet I ſhould not be ſo much weary, with being in the company of ſuch merry people, as with thoſe whoſe diſcourſe is nothing but tel [...]ing ſuch pittifull; and ſad, long winded ſtories, as would tyre out Patience it ſelf, for I know a woman who knows all the tragicall adventures which [Page] ever hapned; who will ſpend a whole day in deploring the miſeries of life, and in relating lamentable accidents in ſuch a ſad and languiſhing tune, as if ſhe had been hired the ſing to dolefull ditty of the worlds miſery. Yet I do know a houſe where their diſcourſe uſeth he be as irkſome as poſſible (replyed Erinne) for they never talk of any thing but the trifling paſſages of their neighbour hood, of which Courtiers, unleſs by great accident, I never ſo much as heard of, or have any thing to do with, I have heard them name a hundred perſons in one day, whom they know not; and they would talk of a hundred obſcure paſſages, the noiſe of which never went out of the ſtreet where they were done, and which in themſelves were ſo ſilly and ſo far from any delighting, as that they were very troubleſome.

It is a great affliction, replyed Nicanor, to be in a great company where every one hath a ſecret, eſpecially unto one who hath none nor any thing to do, but to heare that humming murmure, which they make who are talking in low voyces, yet were there whiſpers upon reall ſecrets, replyed Sapho my patience would allow it: but often times they are only upon a triviall buſineſſe no better then a Childs Rattle bought at the laſt faire. I know ſome people (added Alces;) who in my opinion are very weary ſome, though ſometimes they are a little pleaſing; for they have ſuch a vaine of telling great News, as they never talke of any thing under a great Battle, on the ſeige of ſome conſiderable Town, or ſome grand revolution in the world: and they would have you to know, that the gods did not alter the face of the Univerſe, but only to furniſh them with diſcourſe: for excepting theſe high ſtories, they have nothing to ſay, nor can endure any other talke: So as unleſſe you know the very bottome of Policie, and have Hiſtory at your fingers end, there is no talking with them of any thing. The truth is replyed I, It is very tedious, to harken unto ſuch people: but ſuch kind of People as without any care of the generall buſineſſe of the world, will heare of nothing but privacies, are very troubleſome for you ſhall ſee them alwayes as buſie as if they had a thouſand great weighty affaires in tranſaction, though they are of no other nature then medling in other mens matters, and running from houſe to houſe with this or that tittle tattle, as publique Spies, who are every where, and deſire not the knowledge of any thing to any other end then to tell it again. All theſe kinds of people (replyed Sapho) are very obnoxious unto Civill ſocieties, and the principall Rule of all Companies ought to be, never to utter any thing againſt ſound judgmen [...]t. I would gladly know (ſaid Ni [...]a [...]or) how you would have our Converſation to be regulated. To ſpeak in generall, replyed ſhe) our diſcourſe ought to be more of things ordinary and gallant, then of any high matters, yet I conceive, that nothing but what is diſcreet muſt intervene: Our talke ought to be free, pleaſing and pertinent according to the times, places & perſons we talk of. To ſpeak alwayes nobly of inferiours ſimply of high matters, very gallantly of things gallant, and all without any affectation, or earneſtneſſe. And though converſation ought alwayes to be naturall and reaſonable; yet I muſt needs ſay, that upon ſome occaſions, ſciences may be handſomly brought in, and triviall follies may alſo have their place, provided they be ingenious and gallant. So as to ſpeak rationally, I conceive there is nothing but may be brought into Converſation ſo it have wit: and judgment in it. But the moſt neceſſary quality to render it ſweet and pleaſant is a kind of Politneſſe of wit which abſolutly excludes all manner of biting je [...]ſt [...] and ſuch as may offend a chaſt eare.

I would have every one to have the Art of turning things ſo ingeniouſly as that they may without offence ſpeak of gallantry unto the moſt Auſtere Nun in the world, and to tel a trifling tale unto the graveſt and moſt ſerious men: to talk of Sciences and ignorance if they be forced; and to vary ones wit, according to the things talked of, and Perſons to whom they talk: But above all, I would have a certain ſpirit of mirth to be predominant, which without any tincture of the follies in thoſe Eternall Laughers who make a great noiſe upon a little matter may inſpire into the hearts of all the company, a diſpoſition to divert themſelves at any thing, and to be troubled at nothing: and I allow them to talk of greater matters provided ſtill they talk well, and without any pumping for their words, and of ſuch things as are fit to be talked of.

The Laws Madam, which you gave unto Converſation are ſuch (replyed Phaon) [Page] as whoſoever ſhall admire your wiſdom, and carry themſelves as you do, will merit the admiration of the whole Earth, for never any had ſuch an Art of pleaſing of charming, and of diverting, as your ſelfe. I would all you ſay were true, (replyed ſhe and bluſhed) and that I could beleeve you more then I do my ſelfe, but to ſhew you that I cannot, and that I know my ſelf often faulty, I ingeniouſly declare that I have ſpoken too much, and that in lieu of telling you all my Conceptions concerning ſociety, I ſhould only have ſaid as much of all the company as you have ſaid of mee. After this, every one oppoſing the modeſty of Sapho, we all commended her ſo highly that we more then half angred her, but afterwards the diſcourſe was ſo gallant, ſo free, ſo pleaſant and merry, that it continued til night when we all parted. Phaon who more fettered in the netts of Love then before, would needs ſtay the laſt with Sapho, and his paſſion was ſo fervent that he reſolved to give it a little vent, and not to leave her untill he had given her ſome glimps of it: So that after we were all gone, he asked pardon for troubling her ſo long, but Madam (ſaid he unto her) when I ſaw you only in company, me thought I did not ſee you enough. Tis true, I am much bettered by your Elegant diſcourſe, and I do admire it more then any, but for all that, I am more joyed when I heare you in preſence of none elſe; and two or three words only which are interrupted only by my ſelfe, do give me fuller ſatisfaction, and would more raviſh me, then al your excellent Language wherewith you have charmed all the company this day, were you in Love with me (replyed ſhe and ſmiled) I ſhould think theſe expreſſions very gallant, but ſince I entertaine none but friends, and will never look upon any Lovers, I much chide you, for profiting no better by my diſcourſe concerning Converſation. Since this your Language would be very ſutable unto a Miſtreſſe, but not unto a friend. I beſeech you Madam, (ſaid he) do you think my Language very ſutable unto a Perſon whom I loved? you know I am alwayes ſincere, replyed ſhe) and therefore you may beleive I ſpeak my thoughts. Then Madam (replyed he and looked upon her) my Language is moſt ſuitable unto you, for I do not ſpeak it only unto afriend, but unto one with whom I am moſt deſperatly in love: and that in ſuch an humble and reverent manner, that you cannot be offended at me. If decency would allow me (replyed Sapho, and bluſhed) not to be offended at a declaration of Love, I believe I ſhould not be offended at you: But Phaon it will not, and therefore I muſt either be angry with you, or elſe not believe you: Oh Madam (cryed out Phaon) never make any queſtion between theſe two, but be certaine, that I had rather be treated ill, then not believed.

Since you never ſaw me angry (replyed ſhe very gallantly) you know not what you ſay, but ſince I know what is good for you better then you do your ſelfe, I will neither be angry with you, nor believe you. Oh I beſeech you Madam (ſaid he unto her) believe me and be angry too, if you cannot beleeve me without being angry: for as I told you before, I had much rather ſee you angry then incredulous. Since beliefe is a thing not in our own power (replyed ſhe) we cannot believe what we would: And therefore when I ſaid that it was in my choiſe whether I ſhould believe you or be angry with you, I conceive that I ſpoke improperly, and had better ſay, That it being impoſſible for me to believe you, it is alſo impoſſible for me to be angry with you. But I beſeech you Madam (ſaid he unto her) why cannot you believe that I love you? Is it becauſe you think your ſelfe not fair and charming enough to captivate harts? Is it becauſe I have not wit enough to know your tranſcendencies? It is becauſe my ſoule is frozen, and my heart incapable of any tender paſſion? Is it becauſe my eyes never yet met yours, and told them what my heart thinks? Or is it becauſe the moſt admired Sapho does think the unhappy Phaon ſo unworthy to beare her Chaines, that ſhe had rather think him inſenſible, then ſuffer him to weare them? But Madam; ſay what you pleaſe, I can never believe that a Perſon who is ſo ſuperlatively knowing in all things, should not know, that I adore her. I aſſure you (replyed Sapho gallantly) I am ſo farre from knowing it, that I am perſwaded you do not know it your ſelfe. Therefore to do you all the favour that I can, I will give you three Moneths time to examine your own thoughts without mentioning the leaſt ſillable of any ſuch thing unto me, and if after that you think ſtill that you love me, I shall adviſe upon it whether I should believe you and be angry: In the mean time, let us both live, I conjure [Page] you as formerly we uſed, Sapho expreſſed her ſelfe with ſuch a gallant aire that Phaon making no queſtion but that she believed he loved her, he thought himſelfe very happy, in that he had ſaid ſo much, and was no worſe treated: And Sapho being unwilling he should force her to be angry with him, she diſmiſſed him, and kept ſuch a ſtrict decorum in all her words; that if her eyes had not betrayed the ſecret of her heart, Phaon could not have gleaned any hopes: But ſince queſtionleſſe ſhe had a very ſtrong inclination to him, her looks aſſured him, that his paſſion did not diſpleaſe her: So as he went away well ſatisfied, and very extreamly fettered in love.

In the mean time, Sapho was not ſo well ſatisfied, for my Siſter told me, that ſhe was very unquiet. Not but that ſhe had all the advantageous thoughts of Phaon that was poſſible: but it was, becauſe knowing the tenderneſſe of her own heart, ſhe was afraid of being engaged to Love, and her feares were the more, becauſe ſhe perceived in her ſoule ſuch a favourable opinion of this Lover, that ſhe feared her reaſon was too weak for her inclination. And ſhe ſaw ſhe had more reaſon to feare it, becauſe ſhe obſerved that. All which Alces ſaid unto her in behalfe of the Prince Tyſander, did much more diſpleaſe her then before: and ſhe obſerved that ſhe did leſſe divert her ſelfe amongſt her friends, then ſhe was wont before Phaons acquaintance. She could not chooſe, when the fancy of compoſing Verſes was upon her, but think upon Phaon, and he did ſo much run in her memory, in her heart, and imagination; that ſhe would often name him for another: So that Cydnon did often in a jeſting way ask her what progreſſe ſhe made in the heart of Phaon? and what progreſſe Phaon made in hers? At the firſt, Sapho was wont to anſwer in merriment, as ſhe asked the queſtion, but afterwards her anſwers were more ſerious, and at laſt, her anſwers were ſo peeviſh, that Cydnon for a time gave over asking any more. But after a two Months ſilence concerning that ſubject, ſhe who would not anſwer then unto any queſtions which were asked concerning Phaon, did now begin the firſt to ſpeak of him. But the truth is, ſhe began not to till after the conſequence of an adventure which I ſhall acquaint you with.

Be pleaſed to know then, that a moſt admirable Limner whoſe name was Leon, coming unto Mitylene, all the friends of Sapho were importunate with her to let her Picture be taken, and they were ſo very earneſt with her, that she was forced to ſatisfie them in a very particular manner, for she was reſolved to let every one of her friends have one, both women and men, ſo that her Lovers, to obtaine this honour, did all shroud themſelves under the notion of friends, and they pretended unto this honour in ſuch a gallant way, as she knew not how to avoid it, for Nicanor, Phaon, Alces and my ſelfe, being one day at her houſe: And Amithone Erinne, Athys, and Cydnon being there alſo; we all began to oblige Cynegire to ſolicite Sapho for her Picture, every one acquainting her with the rights they had to pretend unto it, ſo that Nicanor and Phaon, though the Lovers of Sapho, yet pleaded as if they were only her friends: And Alces though Tyſanders Solicitor, ſued for this Picture, unto a pretence of Tyſanders friendſhip, ſo as there was only I who ſaid what I thought. It was worth obſervation, to ſee how Nicanor was vexed that he could not obtaine Saphoes Picture without Phaon had it as well as himſelf, and to ſee how ill ſatisfied Phaon was that Nicanor should have a Picture, which as he thought, he only deſerved. Alces wished that neither of them might have it, and he merrily ſaid that if Sapho would be ruled by him, she should give it unto none but himſelfe, for (ſaid he unto her) ſince my heart was engaged before I had the honour to ſee you, you may very well give me your Picture without feare of any dangerous conſequences, but as for Nicanor and Phaon ſince none can ſee into their hearts, it is to be feared, that in thinking to give your Picture unto your friends only, you may give it unto your Lovers. As ſoone as Alces had ſaid ſo Phaon and Nicanor looked upon one another, as if they had been at a ſtand for an anſwer unto Alces, yet that trouble was ſaved then, for I ſpeaking as for my owne intereſt ſince every one is for himſelf only (replyed I, in ſpeaking to Alces) I neither ſpeak for Nicanor nor Phaon, but I dare boldly affirm, that I may very well demand the Picture of the moſt admirable Sapho, only as the Brother of Cydnon.

[Page] And I affirm, (added Phaon) that Alces is not in a condition worthy of it, though his merits are enough for ſince he is in love with another, and ſhould be ſo happy as to get the picture of his miſtreſs, then the picture of the moſt tranſcendent Sapho, would be placed below another. Since perhaps he ſhall never obtain that favour from his Miſtreſs, (replyed Athys and bluſhed) I cannot think that reaſon ſufficient to hinder Sapho from granting her picture unto Alces, who I beleive can never have a miſtreſs, whom he will ſet above her. However it be (ſaid Phaon) I think it not expedient that the fair Sapho, ſhould give her picture unto any, but ſuch friends as are not in love as Alces is: If ſo (ſaid Nicanor unto Phaon) who can aſſure the fair Sapho, that you deſerve to have her picture? For ſince you are but new come into Mytelene, and have been long in Scicily, it is probable you have a miſtreſs there; but it is otherwiſe with me, for it is well known, that I uſe to viſit none aſſidiouſly, but the fair Sapho, and that I was never guilty of any gallantry which might render me unworthy of her picture.

Since I came unto Mytelene, without any invitation of buſineſs, (replyed Phaon) it is to be thought I was not in love where you mentioned, ſince I left it upon ſuch eaſie tearms, but without any pumping for reaſons to juſtifie my ſelf, I do conſent that the fair Sapho refuſe me her picture, if ſhe think I was in love with any in Scicily.

For my part (ſaid Amithone) if I were to be credited, none ſhould have the fair Saphocs picture but my ſelf. And if my advice would be taken, (ſaid Erinne) I would have it ſent over all the world, ſo I had it (replyed Athys) it ſhould be done as ſhe pleaſed. And provided my brother had one (replyed Cydnon) I ſhould be contented ſhe ſhould deny it unto Alces, unto Nicanor, and unto Phaon, I conceive my beſt courſe is (replyed Sapho) to give it unto none. No, no (ſaid Cynegere) you ſhall not be miſtreſs of your ſelf: But leaſt you ſhould diſ-oblige any, you ſhall give it unto all your friends without exception, for if you ſhould except any one, perhaps you would do him a greater favour than in giving it. Though what Cynegere ſaid might well have pleaſed all the company, yet Nicanor, and Phaon did argue the buſineſs between themſelves; but at laſt, leaſt they ſhould looſe the Picture of Sapho, they agreed upon the matter, ſince the one could not have it, unleſs the other had it alſo, ſince Sapho knew what Phaon had ſaid unto her, ſhe thought it expedient not to yeild ſo ſoon, but to take ſome particular exceptions againſt him, ſo as taking Nicanors part, ſhe told Phaon, that perhaps he had twenty pictures which he would place before hers and there paſſed a very gallant diſcourſe between them: For though he ſeemed to have no other deſign in proteſting that he loved none in Scicily, but to obtain her picture, yet he made a thouſand proteſtations of love unto her, which ſhe underſtood very well, though ſhe ſeemed as if ſhe did not. Yet ſhe did vere gallantly put him to the puzzle, when he was to anſwer. For (ſaid ſhe unto him) you think you have ſaid enough when you have ſworn that you loved none in Scicily, but beleeve me you have not; for you muſt ſwear alſo that you are in love with none in Mytelene.

Madam, (ſaid he unto her, to get himſelf out of this great plunge) ſince I have ſeen none but you, me thinks it is not neceſſary to ſay any more then what I have already told you, for you know the courſe of my life ſince I came hither, as well as my ſelf, I know ſo many lovely friends (replyed ſhe and ſmiled) that though you go no further than my Chamber, yet it is not impoſſible, but you may be in Love.

For my particular (replyed Amithone) I ſhall not hinder Phaon from your picture; for I do declare that he is not in love with me: I can ſay ſo much of my ſelf (replyed Erinne) I can ſay more than that, (ſaid Athys) ſince I dare anſwer for Cydnon, and my ſelf. Though all this ſhould be ſo (ſaid Alces,) yet all's not enough to oblige Sapho to give her picture unto Phaon, for perhaps he is in love with her, and ſince ſhe will beſtow her picture only upon her friends and not her Lovers, it is requiſite he ſwear, that he is not in love with her, if he would have her picture.

As for that replyed Sapho, I wil diſpence with him, for I am perſwaded his heart has no ſuch thoughts of me, as may hinder me from giving him my picture. Since it is ſo (ſaid Cynegere, and gave Phaon no time to anſwer) there need no diſputes [Page] upon a thing reſolved upon: Therefore let the Artiſt begin his work to morrow: And indeed ſo Leon did, for he began to take the Picture of Sapho the next day.

Thus were the friends, the Lovers, and the Rivals of Sapho equally favoured, yet Phaons ſoule found abundance of ſweetneſs in thinking that Sapho ſhould know he loved her, and yet permit him her picture: But theſe ſweet thoughts were moleſted by others which followed a little after: For he could not have any thoughts that Nicanor ſhould be favoured as well as himſelf without a heart-burning: Yet ſince he did not know whether his Rivall had diſcovered his paſſion unto Sapho, he ſoothed up his ſoule with hopes. He knew alſo that Alces was Tyſanders Confident, and they ſo aſſured him that there was no cauſe of any feares this way, that the picture which he was to have never troubled him.

On the other ſide, Sapho out of her violent inclination unto Phaon, was not ſorry that Chance had given her ſuch an innocent way of beſtowing her Picture upon him: And ſhe carryed her ſelfe in ſuch an obliging manner towards him, that it was impoſſible ſhe ſhould be ſorry for it.

He ſtill keeps himſelf within his preſcribed bounds, he hinted not the leaſt ſyllable of his paſſion to her: But yet he made it appear unto her by ſo many ſeveral other wayes, that never any had a more ſubtle art of loving without ſpeaking then he; and he did it ſo curiouſly without any affectation, that where ſoever ſhe was, ſhe could not chooſe but ſee it, and none elſe but ſhe: if at any time ſhe had any accident of Joy, he did ſo participate in it, that ſhe judging of his love by his ſatisfaction, ſhe judged aright: if on the contrary, and chance did ſeparate him from her, he made his ſorrows ſo diſcreetly appear, that the judging of his love by his Grief, ſhe could not chooſe but think it great: The truth is, he ſpoke unto her, and was never heard; and he ſpoke in an Aire ſo diſcreet, ſo gallant, and ſo paſſionate, that ſhe underſtood him as well as if he had uſed his tongue: if he looked upon her, his eyes told her what his heart thought, and I have obſerved a hundred times by a lovely bluſh which dyed the cheeks of Sapho, that ſhee underſtood the Lauguage of his looks: and though ſhe had no deſire to anſwer him, yet her faire eyes did it for her whether ſhe would or no. When her Picture was taking, and we looked on, ſhe would look fixedly upon Phaon: and her thoughts of him being very advantageous, ſhe had ſuch a languiſhing and amorous Aire, though without any affectation, that Nicanor not being able to endure his Rivall ſhould be ſo favourably looked upon, told her, that ſhe looked not enough upon the Painter, to have her Picture well drawn, and that if ſhe continued in that deep ſtudy, it would be taken too melancholick.

Nicanor had no ſooner ſaid ſo, but Sapho bluſht, for ſhe underſtood well enough out of what thoughts he ſpoke it: Yet ſhe knew how to give him an anſwer ſo to the purpoſe, that ſhe perſwaded all the company it was impoſſible to have her Picture taken without being ſubject unto thoſe kind of muſings, which proceed (ſaid ſhe) from the conſtraint of not ſtirring.

As for Phaon, he was ſo vexed at Nicanor, that he contradicted him all the reſt of the day. If Nicanor ſaid that the Painter had happily hit upon the reſemblance of Saphos eyes, Phaon would ſay, he thought not ſo, but that he had much better taken the ſmile of her mouth. If Nicanor ſaid the picture was too pale, Phaon would ſay it was rather too high-coloured: and if the Painter ſhould have wrought according to the various opinions of theſe two Rivals, they had had but a bad picture of their Miſtreſs.

But that which was moſt pleaſant in the contradicting humour of Phaon was, that after the Picture was firſt rudely taken, Nicanor ſaid that it wronged Sapho, becauſe ſhe was a thouſand times fairer then it: Phaon durſt not contradict him, becauſe if he had, he had ſaid the Picture was fairer then her for whom it was made; but his eyes made it evident, that he was vexed becauſe he could not contradict him: and becauſe he would oppoſe him in ſomething, he began to flatter the Painter.

Therefore (ſaid he) it is no wonder if no picture can be abſolutely reſembling the moſt admirable Sapho, becauſe there are ſo many Angelicall features in her face, and fire ſuch in her eyes as is unimitable: and that he was perſwaded Leon had done it as well as any other Artiſt could, though ſhort of the Originall. All the [Page] company knowing what the reaſon was which moved theſe men to thwart one another, we tooke much delight in hearing them; for ſince their diſpute was not very bitter, becauſe they reſpected Sapho more then to quarrell in her preſence, we made our ſelves admirable good ſport at them, and Sapho her ſelfe was not ſorry to finde a new teſtimony of Phaons love, by his obſtinate contradicting of Nicanor.

At the end of this Converſation, we had another diverſion: For as we asked the Painter when he would be at leaſure to take the pictures of the other Ladies, who intended to give Sapho their pictures, as ſhe would give them hers; the Painter anſwered that it could not be the day following, nor the day after that, becauſe he was very buſie in finiſhing a great piece of Damophiles, which had abundance of work about it.

But why (ſaid Sapho to him) is there more work about her picture than mine? becauſe Madam (ſaid he unto her) ſhe will have drawn beſides her, a great Table, full of books, a Lute, many Mathematicall inſtruments, and a thouſand other things which may repreſent her learning and knowledg. I think alſo ſhe intends her dreſſe to reſemble the Muſes, ſo as I aſſure you her peece will require much time before it be finiſhed. For heavens [...]ake Leon (ſaid Sapho and laughed) dreſſe me like unto the ragged Shepherdeſs Onone, that my picture may nothing reſemble Damophiles: and ſhe was ſo earneſt upon it, that to content her, he promiſed to draw her in the habit of a Shepheardeſſe, whereas before ſhe reſembled a Nymph. After which ſhe did ſo pleaſantly and innocently play upon the picture of Damophile, that we ended the day very pleaſantly.

But Madam, to abreviate my ſtory as much as I can, be pleaſed to know, that Sapho's picture being finiſhed, it was one of the moſt admirable peeces in the world. The habit of a Shepheardeſs did ſo become the Aire of her face, that never any was more amiable: ſo as all the Copies which ſhee was to give unto her friends being taken, and the pictures of Amithone, Athys, Erinne, and Cydnon being alſo taken, all theſe ſeverall pictures were diſtributed: Sapho gave hers to her friends, and they gave theirs to her. But as for Nicanor, Phaon, Alces, and my ſelfe which were in the catalogue of her friends, we only thanked her for her moſt precious preſents, but it was in a very different manner; for Nicanor who durſt not ſpeak of his paſſion, but thanked her, but under the notion of a friend, who durſt not tell her that he was her Lover.

As for Phaon, he thanked her in ſuch paſſionate Language, that though he did not pronounce the word Love, yet Sapho did hearken unto his Complement more then unto a Complement of amity. As for Alces, ſince he was ſtill an officious Solicitor for the Prince Tyſander, he told her in a low voyce, that he alone would not thank her for her precious liberality, but would ſtay untill a perſon of more merit joyned with him. So as I was the only one who payd the tribute of thanks out of pure amity, and common gratitude.

In the mean while, while Phaon being the moſt aſſiduous in his merits; hat day which he thanked her for his picture, he ſtayed the laſt with her. So as looking upon the Originall of the picture which yet lay upon the Table, he began to talk of the extravagant Damophile, who would have her picture drawn with ſo many Emblemes of knowledg about her: And afterwards he talked of what Sapho ſaid, when ſhee deſired the Painter to dreſſe her reſemblant unto the Shepheardeſſe Onone.

However Madam (ſaid he unto her) you may be ſure you ſhall never have her deſtiny as you have her dreſs; for it is moſt impoſſible, if ever you love any, that he whom you love ſhould forſake you. Though the Goddeſſes ſhould every day have a freſh conteſt about their Beauties (replyed ſhe and laughed) yet perhaps when I am in the humour of loving a Shepheard as Onone was, he ſhould never be their Judg: and his conſtancy would not be put unto ſuch a difficult Teſt as her Shepheard was: Oh Madam (cryed out he) if that happy Shepheard whom you ſhall chooſe have but the heart of Phaon, he will never hearken unto the promiſes of the faireſt of all the three Goddeſſes, though ſhe ſhould ſhew him as much of beauty as made Paris perfidious: For really Madam, you are to me the only beauty in the whole world: I find none in it amiable but you; and my heart is ſo [Page] wholy yours, that you deny it unto all other Ladies upon earth: And I think alſo (added he) that you keep it from all my friends; for I am ſo ſenſible of you, that I am abſolutely inſenſible of any elſe. I pray Sir (ſaid Sapho and interrupted him) conſider well what you ſay; for if you go beyond the degree of a friend, you muſt reſtore my picture, for I will not be upbraided with beſtowing it upon any Lover. No, no Madam (ſaid he) I can never reſtore your Picture, I muſt loſe my life before any have it out of my hands: and though you ſhould be angry, baniſh me, and treat me with the worſt of rigour, yet as long as I can do it without any witneſſe, I muſt tell you that I do love you, and muſt beſeech you not to hate me; for the very truth is, I cannot live unleſſe I love you, and I cannot love you without telling you; and I cannot tell you, unleſſ [...] I conjure you to do juſtice unto the grandure and fidelity of my of paſſion by preferring it before the quality and merit of all my Rivals. I perceive Madam (continued he) that you prepare your ſelfe to give me an angry anſwers, but I am reſolved to endure it with all imaginable reſpect, yet will not obey you if you forbid me, telling you how I love you: This is a new way (replyed Sapho): will you profeſſe diſobedience, before the command be given which it is expected you ſhould obey? However it be Madam (ſaid he unto her) I am grown to that height that I cannot live as I have done; You muſt either let me love you, or command me to dye. Since I have no right to regulate your love or your hatred (repyed ſhe) I have nothing either to forbid or command you: and ſince you are a man of too many excellent parts for any to deſire your death, I will lay no command upon you which ſhall oblige you to ſeek it: But I muſt tell you, that though I am perſwaded, that without any offence of decency I may permit you to love me, yet out of generoſity I ought to acquaint you, that I am the moſt difficult perſon in the world to be pleaſed: and therefore it is better not to engage your ſelfe in an affection which perhaps will not be durable, though at preſent it be very violent; for indeed there is in all men ſuch a naturall propenſity into inconſtancy, hat though I were a thouſand times fairer then I am, yet it were fond imprudence in me to believe I ſhould find one abſolutly faithfull: Yet if ever I do admit of a lover, he ſhal be ſuch a one as upon whom time and abſence can have no power: Indeed I would have ſuch a one as is not to be found in the world, and therefore I adviſe you to content your ſelfe with the quality of my friend; for if I do allow you to love me, perhaps you will finde a moſt miſerable taske of of it, or elſe you will give over loving me. Oh Madam (ſaid he unto her) do what you can, I ſhall love you as long as any life is in mee, and the matters reſts upon nothing, but to know whether you will let me tel you that I do love you, and whether there is any hopes of my being loved.

Since it is not forbidden to be curious (replyed Sapho) I ſhould not be ſorry if I knew in what manner you are able to love: and therefore without engaging my ſelfe unto any thing, I am contented you tell me what thoughts this paſſion does infuſe unto you, for untill this houre I never knew any man who had not a thouſand groſſe conceits of this paſſion, which I conceive of in a more pure and delicate manner. All I can ſay is, Madam (replyed he) that you are ſo abſolute Miſtreſs of my heart, my mind, my will, and all my faculties, that you cannot but inſpire my thoughts into me: Yes Madam, you need only let me know the way how you would have me love you, and you ſhall find in me a blind obedience unto your will; for the perfection of love is to will the ſame which the perſon loved doth will.

But Madam, without any tedious repetition of every circumſtance of this Conference, I will only in ſhort tell you, that Sapho without granting any thing unto Phaon, did not plunge him into any deſpair: And Phaon without obtaining any thing from Sapho, parted from her with a mind full of hopes; for though ſhe ſaid nothing to him that was very favourable, yet ſhe ſaid nothing that was diſpleaſing; but her eyes gave her ſuch ſweet Language, that he could not chooſe but think himſelfe very happy in the convicture: Yet he would have eſteemed h [...]mſelfe much more happy, had hee heard the diſcourſe which Sapho had the next day with my ſiſter, for ſhe opened her very heart unto her. Ah Cydnon (ſaid ſhe) how ill do I wiſh Democedes for acquainting me with Phaon? For he ſtill continues conſtant in loving me, and I am affraid I cannot refuſe his affection: I finde my [Page] reaſon doth but weakly defend my heart, and that it is ſo little my own, that if Phaons be not more mine that it is, I am in a moſt ſad condition.

Moreover, I know not what my deſign is in diſcovering my weakneſs unto you: For ſomtimes I think it is to the end you ſhould chide me, and make me repent, and ſomtimes on the contrary, to the end you ſhould ſooth me up in my ſollies. However, I am extreamly vexed at the reſentments of my ſoul, not but that I do find much ſweetneſs in my inquietudes; but ſtill my reaſon being yet not altogether prepoſſeſſed, it doth ſhew me the danger unto which I am expoſed, by permitting the affection of Phaon to find entertainment: For it is almoſt impoſſible he ſhould love me as I deſire to be, and as impoſſible I ſhould love him leſs than I do.

The truth is Madam, (replyed Cydnon) that if you would have Phaon to love you, and never to think of marrying, it will be a hard matter for him to obey you, and yet he muſt (replyed ſhe) if he would have me love him, he muſt content himſelf with hopes of being loved, without pretending unto any further.

Theſe Madam, were the thoughts of Sapho, and though ſhe had a great inclination unto Phaon, yet ſhe bridled it a long time, and would neither ſuffer him to tell that he did love her, nor to hope that ſhe would love him, and yet lived very civilly towards him, and to that point, as ſhe did not any longer conceal her writings from him, ſo that he and I being one day with her alone, we importun'd her to ſhew us all her verſes, and ſo earneſtly, that at laſt ſhe conſented to ſhew us part of them; but ſince her modeſty would not let her read them, ſhe gave them unto us, and went into her cloſet to anſwer a Letter which ſhe had received from one of her Cozens, but Madam, I am very ſorry I cannot ſhew you what there we ſaw, not only becauſe it would be exceeding delightfull unto you; but becauſe alſo you might ſee what a ſtrange effect, the reading of theſe verſes wrought in the heart of Phaon.

In the mean time, ſince I have not theſe excellent verſes to ſhew you, I muſt endeavour to let you underſtand it ſome other way; imagin therefore Madam, that after Sapho had given us her verſes to read, and was gon into her cloſet, Phaon began to read an Elogy, which formerly ſhe had made unto my ſiſter during her long abſence; he found them to be ſo apt, ſo moving, ſo tender, and ſo paſſionate that his heart melted at the reading them, and ſtopt above a hundred times to admire them. Afterwards, he read a ſong which ſhe had compoſed upon my ſiſters return; where he found in few words all the raptures of joy, which the moſt fervent affection could infuſe into an amorous ſoul, at the reſeeing of a loved perſon, after a long ſeperation: Then Phaon read another little peice of Saphoes Genius which ſhe had writ to expreſs her joyes upon her unexpected meeting of a perſon which ſhe loved, her expreſſions were ſo ſignificative as it was apparant they were her own: She admirably deſcribed the ſweetneſs of Looks, the trembling of Heart, which a ſudden ſurprize uſeth to cauſe, the diſorder of the Countenance, the agitation of the Spirits, and all the motions of a paſſionate Soul. But Madam, after Phaon had read theſe verſes aloud, he read them again in a low voice to himſelf, and when he had done, he looked earneſtly upon them without a word ſpeaking, or ability to read others.

I being deſirous to ſatisfie my curioſity, rowſed him out of thoſe muſings which I thought his admiration only had cauſed, and forced him to read thoſe Verſes which Sapho had made upon a jealous amity which had been betwixt Athys and Amithone: But Madam, This jealouſy had the right Character of Love, and all the violencies which that tyrannicall paſſion could poſſible inſpire into an amorous heart, were ſo admirably expreſſed, as it was abſolutely impoſſible to mend them.

For my part I did nothing but applaud and admire the genius of Sapho, all the while Phaon was reading that peece, but as for him, he read it with attention ſo full of penſiveneſſe as I began to wonder; yet to loſe no time in asking him the cauſe I ſet my ſelf to read ſome Verſes which Sapho had made in the Country, during a little journey of eight hours which she went alone with my Siſter unto a very pleaſant houſe of Saphoes, by theſe Verſes she repreſented the felicity of two Perſons who love one another, and thereby proves that they ſtand in need of none but themſelves to live happily, deſcribing afterwards the tenderneſſe of their affections; their ſincerity one unto another, their delights, their recreations, their diſcourſes, [Page] upon the ſweetneſſe of amity and friendship, and a thouſand ſuch like. And Madam, all that the moſt delicate love could invent of ſweetneſs was deſcribed by theſe lines, though it aggravate only the ſweets of amity, and never in my life, did I ſee any ſo full of Wit, ſo gallant, and ſo paſſionate: But as excellent as they were, I could not read them out, for Phaon who harkned unto them with extraordinary attention, interrupted mee with theſe words. Ah Democedes (ſaid he unto me) Sapho is the rareſt Perſon in the world, but I am the moſt miſerable Lover upon Earth, and you the moſt ſubtile of all men living: As for the firſt of theſe you mention (replyed I) I concurre with you, but I do not underſtand the ſecond nor the third, for why are you the moſt miſerable Lover in the World? and why am I the moſt ſubtile of all men living? I am the moſt miſerable Lover (replyed hee) becauſe Sapho is moſt certainly in love with ſome one: And you the moſt ſubtle, becauſe you aſſure mee ſhee is not in Love with any. But I beſeech you (ſaid I unto him) upon what doe you ground your opinion that ſhe loves any one? I ground it, replyed he upon what I have read: For Democedes it is abſolutely impoſſible ſhe ſhould write ſo paſſionatly and tenderly, unleſſe ſhe had experimentally been paſſionate.

As Phaon ſaid ſo, Sapho returned, expecting a thouſand applauds from Phaon, But Madam, if I had not commended her ſhe had gone without a debt which was due unto her merit: for Phaons mind was ſo ſtung with a cauſeleſſe jealouſie which ſprung in his heart, that he could hardly ſpeak. Yet after I had given him time to recollect himſelfe, by my commending of Sapho: The ſame jealouſie which cauſed his ſilence, made him break it, to ſee if he could diſcover in the eyes of this exellent Lady, whether he had any ground for his ſuſpitions. What I ſee here Madam is ſo ſurprizing (ſaid he unto her) that you muſt not think it ſtrange I ſhould not be able to expreſſe my admiration: Since Sir anſwered ſhe) you have now been long enough acquainted with me to know that I do not love to be commended in my preſence, you would do me a pleaſure if you would ſpeak no more unto me of what you have ſeen.

Oh Madam (ſaid he haſtily) I muſt needs ſpeak ſomething, and ask you bouldly, what you do with all that tenderneſſe, wherewith your heart is filled? for I have read ſuch paſſionate expreſſions, that the heart of the Writer muſt needs be well experienced, and capable of Love: It is ſo, with the merit of my friends (replyed ſhe and bluſhed) and my affection to them is ſo tender, that if I had as much wit as amity, I ſhould have written more paſſionatly than I did. Phaon eying Sapho very attentively, he obſerved her bluſh, yet he could not divine that it was in his advantage, and that Sapho had not changed colour as ſhe anſwered him, but becauſe ſhe ſecretly chid her ſelf for having too tender thoughts of him.

But on the contrary, interpreting her bluſh another way, he thought that Saphoes ſoul was paſſionate for ſome of his Rivalls, and this beleife did raiſe ſuch a diſordered damp in his ſpirits, that he was ſilent upon a ſudden: And if company had not come in, doubtleſs his ſilence had ſeemed very odd unto the fair Sapho; but ſince Nicanor, Phylire, and ſome other Ladies came in, Sapho made haſt to hide thoſe Verſes which ſhe had ſhewed unto us, ſo as ſhe took no notice of Phaons ſilence.

In the mean time, perceiving his mind much unquiet, he made a ſign unto me, that we ſhould go away: and indeed, whilſt Sapho was entertaining theſe Ladies, we went out without taking leave, and we went to walk by the Sea ſide. We were no ſooner there, but Phaon began to complain againſt me; for (ſaid he) how can it be poſſible you ſhould be brother unto Saphoes beſt friend, and not know that ſhe is in love? for moſt certainly ſo ſhe is, or has been, for it moſt abſolutely impoſſible that any ſhould expreſs themſelves ſo paſſionatly, as ſhe hath done, unleſs ſhe had experimentally been poſſeſſed with that paſſion: There is ſuch odd, tender, and paſſionate phraſes in thoſe lines which Sapho ſhewed us, that friendſhip alone could not ſuggeſt them unto her, but abſolutely ſhe either is in Love▪ or hath been, for my part (ſaid I unto him) I have known Sapho from her Cradle; I have known all her acquaintances, I am the brother of one who knows all the ſecrets of her heart, and I do ſolemnly proteſt unto you, that I am moſt confidently perſwaded, though Sapho was loved by every one that ſaw her, yet ſhe never was [Page] in love with any; but withall let me tell you that I think her very capable of that paſſion, and if ever it enter into her heart, ſhe will love with more tenderneſs and fidelity than ever any did: Alas Democedes (ſaid he unto me) you do either deceive me, or elſe are deceived your ſelf; for Sapho could never write thoſe verſes unleſs ſhe were in love with ſome or other. But friend (ſaid I to comfort his mind) if you had ſeen any of thoſe lines which Sapho writ upon a victory which Pittacus obtained, you would ſay ſhe can write as well upon war as upon Love, and by her writings you may as well infer that ſhe is a ſouldier, as in love, Alas Democedes (ſaid he unto me) the caſe is not the ſame, for the very reading of Homer, is enough to teach one how to ſpeak of war, but it is Love only which can teah one how to ſpeak of Love.

For my part, replyed I, I know not how you argue, but I am ſure Homer ſpeaks of Love as well as War, and Sapho might learn to ſpeak as he did. Ah Democedes, (ſaid he with a penſive look) gladly would I beleive it was you who taught Sapho to write ſo paſſionatly as ſhe doth, for if you did not, you would ſay as I do, and ſwear that it is impoſſible any ſhould write well of Love, and not be in Love, if you do but compare thoſe expreſſions of Homer, with thoſe of Sapho, you ſhall find a vaſt difference, honeſt Homer does better ſet out the friendſhip of Patroclus and Achilles than he doth the Love of Achilles and Priſeus,: had Sapho only uſed ſuch high expreſſions as Love doth cauſe, and not uſed them paſſionatly, I ſhould have beleived as you do, that ſhe might have writ of Love, and not have loved any.

But Democedes, ſhe has ſuch delicate, tender, and paſſionate fancies, as are impoſſible to proceed from any heart, but ſuch a one as is in love, the truth is, I know it by my own experience, for when I returned unto Mytelene, I muſt ingenionſly confeſs, that I did not know what Love was, but in ſuch a groſs manner, as I ſhould never have underſtood the depth of Saphoes lines: And that fair fool whom I loved in Scicily, did inſpire me with thoughts only propotionable into her own wit: Therefore my love of Sapho, hath taught me to know infallibly, what is in her heart, and I have now nothing elſe to do, but to learn who that happy one is whom this fair one loves, and inſpires her with ſuch tender, and paſſionate thoughts. Therefore my dear Democedes (added he) if it was not you who taught her this Art, then help me to diſcover whom it is ſhe loves, to the end I may of two courſes, take the one of them; either to cure my ſelf, or elſe to ruin my Rivall. Seriouſly (ſaid I unto him once again) I cannot poſſibly beleive that Sapho is in love with any: for it is moſt certain, that ſhe neither loves the Prince Tyſander, nor Nicanor: For theſe two Lovers kept ſuch jealous eyes upon one another, that they would have found it out, had there been any cauſe of ſuſpition given them; and therefore friend, you have no cauſe to trouble your mind with any ſuch fantaſticall and ill grounded jealouſy. I know not Democedes (ſaid he unto me) how its poſſible you ſhould think as you ſay: For my part, though I had ſeen with my own eyes, and heard with my own ears, a thouſand paſſages which might perſwade me, that Sapho either is, or hath been in Love, I could not more confidently beleive it then I do: Therefore if it be ſo, that you are not in love with this fair perſon; nor have any manner of hidden intereſt, in ſaying as you do, I conjure you to imploy all your ingenuity, in diſcovering what I deſire to know: Cydnon loves you ſo dearly, and you have ſo much wit of your own (added he, and flattered me) that if you will, you may quickly finde out, who that happy one is, which raigns in the heart of Sapho, and inſpires her with ſuch paſſionate thoughts. Oh! Heavens (ſaid he) how worthy ſhould I think my ſelf of envy, if the moſt admirable Sapho had ſuch thoughts of me, as ſhe has of ſome other; the greateſt wonder to me is, that he ſhould have the honour to make her in love with him, and that their correſpondencies ſhould not be diſcovered, and how is it poſſible he ſhould conceal ſo great a felicity?

After this, Phaon uſed a hundred expreſſions, which made both his Love and his Jealouſy equally apparant, and I did promiſe him to be as carefull in enquiring of what he deſired to know, as if i had been as fully perſwaded of it as he was. In the mean time, I was certain that Sapho loved none, unleſſe ſhe loved him, and that her writing ſo paſſionatly, proceeded only from a naturall tenderneſs of her Soul. Yet for the ſatisfaction of my friend, I asked my ſiſter the queſtion, as if I [Page] had doubted it: But I asked her in vain, for ſhe did not ſo much as tell me that ſhe began to love Phaon, ſo as telling Phaon that I could not diſcover any thing, he was extreamly diſquieted, and confeſſed ſince, that ſomtimes he beleived Sapho loved me, and that her friendſhip unto my ſiſter was but her umbrage to ſhroud her affection unto me.

In the mean time ſince he could not diſvcoer any thing which might confirm him in his beleife, he durſt not make it appear unto me, and yet he could not ſo conſtrain himſelf, but that I perceived his ſoul was in a very Hell: And indeed, this fantaſticall jealouſy did torment him in ſuch a cruell manner, that all the world perceived it as well as I, that he was extreamly troubled. Sapho her ſelf, asked him the reaſon of the alteration in his humour, but he durſt not tell her, nor durſt he ſpeak any more to me by reaſon of his jealous fancies, ſo as he did live a melanchollick life.

Moreover, ſince it was not poſſible for him but to hear many of Saphoes verſes repeated every day, this was a dayly freſh torment unto him, for he could not hear them without a tremble of heart: Again, he kept an obſervant eye upon all the men which uſed to come often unto Sapho, and alſo he was very vigilant over ſome who never came there: And jealouſy did never torment any perſon more than it did Phaon; though he had no cauſe, but was the only one that was loved of all Saphoes Lovers. He knew not what to do, no [...] what to think, to clear ſuſpitions: So as he reſolved to go into the Country for a while, and try if that would cure him, both of his Love, and of his jealouſy, he took up this reſolution without imparting it unto any, inſomuch as I was much ſurprized at his departure: Sapho alſo murmured much, that he would not bid her adue before he went, and all the reſt of his friends did nothing but ask the reaſon.

In the mean time, ſo it chanced, that I had ſome buſineſs which called me into the country, and I went two days after Phaon, I was no ſooner out of Mytelene, but the Prince Thraſibulus landed there, to leave the Prince Tyſander in that place, whom the invincible Cyrus, who then named himſelf Artamenes, had wounded in ſeverall places, when both falling into the ſea, they had a combate together ſo admirably ſtrange, and extraordinary, that the Prince Thraſibulus, who was then called the Famous Pirate, had as great a deſire to ſave the life of his enemy, who had ſo bravely reſiſted him, as the life of a friend, who was infinitly dear unto him: But Madam, to wave this paſſage, the Prince Tyſander returned to Mytelene yet worſe of thoſe wounds, which the eyes of Sapho had made in his heart, than of thoſe he received from the illuſtrious Artamenes, who honoured the fair Sapho with a viſit, which ſatisfied her ſo well, that ſhe ſpoke of none but him for a long time.

But at laſt, the Prince Thraſibulus went away, and left Tyſander there, I alſo returned to Mytelene, and Phaon hearing of his Rivalls being returned alſo; but his jealouſy was it which cauſed his return: imagin, that perhaps it was the Prince Tyſander whom Sapho loved, though none ſpoke of it. When he was returned, every one did chide him for his ſudden departure; but he did ſo little hearken unto their Rallary upon it, as they gave over talking any more of it. Sapho, ſhe gloomed, and would not ſpeak to him. Alſo ſhe being perſwaded, that his ſolitarineſs was an effect of his Love unto her, ſhe pittied him, and would not twit him with it.

In the mean time, Alces was a cloſe Solicitor for the Prince Tyſander, but all his ſollicitations would not do, for ſhe would not give him any favourable countenance: And indeed, ſhe was not in a condition for it; for ſhe did already love Phaon very tenderly, or at leaſt had a ſtrong inclination to him. Yet ſince the merit and the quality of Tyſander did oblige her to look well upon him, ſhe denied him her heart without any incivility, and without denying him her eſteem; yet ſhe had a great quarrel with Alces, for giving unto Tyſander, that picture which ſhe had beſtowed upon himſelf, yet he knew ſo well how to excuſe himſelf, that ſhe did pardon him in her heart, though ſhe alwaies ſaid, ſhe would never pardon him.

On the other ſide, Sapho having many envyers, there were ſome Ladies who told Tyſander, that Sapho had given her Picture unto ſo many, only as a ſhroud to cover her giving it unto Phaon, and they ſpake ſo highly of this freſh Lover of Sapho, that jealouſie joyned it ſelfe with love to torment him.

And as fewell to the fire, Tyſander found that Phaon was ſo amiable, as he was [Page] apt to believe him beloved: So as both of them were a like jealous. Nicanor for his part, hee was not exempted ſince he was jealous both of him that was loved, and of him that was not, for he feared leaſt the Quality of Tyſander ſhould win much upon Sapho, and he feared no leſſe, leaſt the extraordinary merit of Phaon ſhould make him miſerable.

In the mean time this beloved Lover who made all his Rivals unhappy, was no more happy then they were, for often ſeeing the tender and paſſionate Verſes of Sapho, his jealouſie augmented every minute. Alas (would he often ſay) how great would my felicity be, if in reading all theſe paſſionate expreſſions, I could hope to be Loved by a Perſon, who knows ſo well how to love? and who by the tenderneſſe of her heart does aſſure all thoſe ſhe loves of a thouſand felicities, which others are ignorant of, and which the greateſt beauties of the World knows not how to give.

For beauty only hath no further attraction, but what the grace of novelty doth give it. But the tenderneſſe of an amorous and paſſionate heart is an unexhauſtible ſource of freſh delights, which ſpring newly every moment, & which augments love with Time, whereas commonly Time doth diminiſh it. But the worſt is, the tenderneſſe of Sapho, being for another, ſhe makes me as miſerable as ſhe makes that other happy. And all her tender and paſſionate Lines which would be ſo many joyes unto me if I were Loved: do now moſt horridly afflict me, becauſe I am not loved.

Phaon then being thus reſtleſſe, not knowing what to do, nor truſting any more in me, he thought that if he could ſee all that Sapho had written, perhaps he might pick ſomething out which might ſatisfie him, and come to know who it was which inſpired her with ſuch tender and paſſionate thoughts: So as after this, he asked every one he met for the Verſes of Sapho, and was importunate alſo with her, when he was alone with her: Alſo when he was with her, he uſed to look continually upon her table, whether ſhe had left any papers upon it: In the end, he reſolved to ſuborne one of Saphoes women, under colour of curioſity only to ſee her excellent Verſes, to ſteale them out of her Miſtreſs Cloſet, but do what he could, he could not corrupt her: But as laſt an accident chanced without which perhaps he had never ſeen them, and which cauſed a great diſorder and reſtleſnes in his mind.

Be pleaſed to know then Madam, That the Prince Tyſander being recovered, he came to ſee Sapho, and came with abundance of company; ſo as this viſit affording no fit opportunities of making his complaints unto the faire Sapho, the diſcourſe was only upon things indifferent: And ſince Cynegire, with whom ſhe lived, had much repaired, and beautified her houſe, ſince the departure of that Prince, they talked very much of what ſhe had done, eſpecially of Saphos Cloſet which had been much adorned with painting ſince Tyſanders departure. This Prince, deſiring then to ſee it, and ſhe not daring to deny him, ſhe opened the Dore, and all the company went in. So that Phaon entring amongſt the reſt, he obſerved that Sapho ſeeing ſome Papers upon the Table ſhe bluſht, and haſted to put them into a Box halfe open, which her haſt perhaps made her forget to ſhut againe. And Tyſander having drawn her to the window (under pretence of a fine proſpect to talk a little in private with her) ſhe had not time to ſhut it cloſe, Phaons jealouſie was upon the Rack to ſee theſe papers which made her bluſh, and which ſhe was ſo haſty to put up. So that to loſe no time, whilſt Tyſander was talking with Sapho, and whilſt others were looking upon the Pictures in her Cloſet, he went gently to the Box, and took out the papers. After which not being able to ſtay in that place he went into the Chamber againe, to ſee whether he ought to keep them, or put them where they were.

He no ſooner opened the Paper, but he ſaw they were Verſes, and verſes written with Saphoes own hand So as not judging he could have conveniency of reading them in that place without interruption and ſeeing by the firſt words that they deſerved his curioſity, hee went out of the houſe, and went to walk alone in a Garden which was by the Sea ſide, and which was alwayes open to all Commers, as ſoon as he was there, he opened the paper, and there read theſe verſes, which I am [Page] now going to ſhew you, for I had them, as he had them that is, without the name of that Perſon for whom they were made, as you may perceive by the Copy.

My paine is great; extreame is my delight:

I muſe all day; I ſleep not in the night:

To ſay I am in Love, I cannot yet,

But yet I'me ſure, this doth reſemble it.

One only object takes up all my mind;

In nothing elſe can I a pleaſure find:

If this be it, to have a wounded heart,

Ther's none can be more ſenſible of ſmart.

My ſoule is ſet on fire by certaine Rayes;

The Sun leſſe pleaſeth in the chilleſt dayes:

No eye as yet doth ſee my flame; but ſure

Fire has no heat in't more then I endure.

When I ſee—then my ſoule's at eaſe

He out of ſight, ther's nothing can me pleaſe:

Perhaps he is my vanquiſher; but yet,

I will be ignorant of my defeat.

All that he ſayes, ſeemes full of charms to mee;

And in his ſilence, no felicity,

Haſt thou laid down thy Armes, oh heart ſo brave?

I cannot tell, but I believe I have.

After the Queen of Pontus had read theſe lines, ſhe reſtored them unto Democedes, conjuring him to tell her what operation theſe verſes had in the ſpirit of Phaon.

I underſtand ſince from himſelfe, Madam (replyed Democedes, and continued his relation) that theſe verſes did raiſe ſuch a ſtorm in his heart, that He was halfe an hour before he could begin to read them againe, though he had a great deſire unto it: for though he did believe that Sapho either was then in Love, or had been in love, yet he did not believe it ſo confidently, but he was ſtrangly ſurprized to ſee it under her own hand: But at laſt beginning to read theſe verſes over againe, and finding them more amorous the ſecond time then the firſt, he was ſo tranſported with furie, that he thought to have torne them all in peeces and thrown them into the Sea. And as he was juſt ready to doe it, a fancy came into his head which prevented him, which was, to conſider whoſe Name of all thoſe who uſed to frequent Saphoes company, did moſt concurre and ſute with the verſe, in that blank which was left for it. For he conceived (notwithſtanding his furie) that if Sapho would have given him any other name then his owne, ſhe would have writ it down in her verſe. So he concluded, and rationally, that the name which would fit the verſe was the name of him for whom they were made: therefore looking againe upon thoſe foure verſes where it was written.

When I ſee—then my ſoule's at eaſe;

He out of ſight, ther's nothing can it pleaſe:

Perhaps he is my Conqueror, but yet,

I will be ignorant of my defeat.

He began to conſider what name would make up the verſe: but he was there at a great puzzle. For that of Tyſander was too long a ſyllable: That of Nicanor the like, and mine was longer then either. Phaon fond, that the name of Alces was the juſt length for the verſe, but his love of the faire Athys was ſo well known unto all the world, and it was alſo well known that he was Tyſanders confident, that [Page] this made no impreſſion upon his mind. Afterwards, he examined the Names of all the men of Rank which uſed to viſit Sapho, but found none which fitted the verſe, becauſe they were all too long, alſo he examined the names of all thoſe who did not viſit her, neverſomuch as thinking of his own. For ſince he knew that Sapho had made thoſe verſes which cauſed his firſt jealouſie before he knew her, he never dreamed that thoſe which had cauſed him ſo much ſorrow, would have cauſed much joy, had he known the cauſe: and he was farre from any ſuch thoughts as that he had never examined whether his own name did fit the verſe, when I accordingly came unto him. But Madam, the wonder was, to ſee Phaon, who ſince his fantaſticall jealouſie looked very much a ſquint at me, now become very kind againe, becauſe my name did not fit the verſe, ſo as he accoſted me with his accuſtomed freedome; and took me for his confident as familiarly as if I had never cauſed any of his jealouſie. And he no ſooner ſaw me, but comming to me, ſince we are both in the wrong (ſaid he unto me and embraced me) I beſeech you my dear Democedes, let us forget what's paſt, and begin our amity a new, for now I plainly ſee I was in the wrong in thinking it was you who had taught Sapho to know all the delicacies of Love, and I can make it appear unto you that you were in the wrong to believe, ſhe was not in love. Is it poſsible (ſaid I unto him) That you ſhould have ſuch clear teſtimonies of it, as cannot be doubted? You ſhall quickly ſee that (ſaid he) by reading theſe verſes which I ſtole from her, you know her ſtile and her hand, and happily may gueſſe at the name of him for whom they were, made, for my mind is ſo full of perplexities, that I confeſſe I cannot gueſſe at him; After this, I begin to read Saphoes verſes, but in reading them I found at the very firſt, that the name of Phaon fill'd up the verſe, and I remembred ſo many paſſages which had made me believe that Sapho did not hate him, as I made no doubt but that they were made for him, and I did the more believe it, becauſe I could not find any name except that of Alces which did run right in verſe, and as for Alces I knew it could not be him, ſo as intending to comfort him, for my part (ſaid I) I ſee no ſuch difficulty in finding out a name which will fitly fill up the blank in the verſe, and I am confident the fair Sapho did intend it thus.

When I ſee Phaon then my ſoul's at eaſe

He out of ſight, ther's nothing can me pleaſe

Perhaps he is my vanquiſher, but yet

I will be ignorant of my defeat.

Ah Democedes (cryed he out) Tis true indeed, my name does fit the verſe, but the verſe fits not me, and I cannot chooſe but wonder how you ſhould ſo ſuddenly think upon my name. As for my part, did not ſo much as think upon it whether or no my name was Phaon. However this accident ads no comfort unto me, for all theſe excellent, tender, amorous and paſsionate Copies of the faire Saphoes were all written before I ever knew her, and therefore it is to be thought they were made for ſome other happy one who has the felicity to teach her all the tenderneſſe of Love, in making himſelf Loved.

For my part (replyed he) I know not whether I be miſtaken; but me thinks thoſe Characters do not look as if they had been long writ. But I am the moſt miſtaken man in the world if theſe verſes were not made for you, and if you in lieu of being the moſt miſerable, are not yet the moſt happy Lover in the world.

How? (ſaid he) do you think Sapho could love me and I not perceive it? and that a man who looks upon her every minute; obſerves all her Actions and all her words, and does all he can to gueſſe her thoughts, ſhould not he ſee ſhe loves him? Ah Democedes, this is impoſſible, and it is but too true, that theſe verſes were never made for me. As he ſaid ſo, we heard a great noiſe of many people talking, and turning about, we ſaw comming towards us, the Prince Tyſander, leading Sapho who had with her all her friends, Nicanor, Alces and many others. So as reſtoring back the verſes unto Phaon, he haſtily put them in his pocket. But Sapho having obſerved that Phaon left them abruptly, ſhe began to chide him, and chid him in ſuch a gallant manner for preferring ſolitude before ſuch good company, that he was obliged to walk along with them, and ſo we both did, though we had [Page] no great fancy unto it, for ſhe was very penſive, and I had ſome other buſineſſe. But at laſt, we came unto the end of the Garden which was towards the Sea, where we found a Barque, into which we went, and chance placing Phaon very neere Tyſander and Sapho, he plainly ſaw the verſes were not made for that Prince, for Sapho did not anſwer him with ſo much as one favourable look, but was ſo cold and hollow towards him, as it was eaſie to ſee there was no great ſympathy of hearts. In the mean time, he was ſo taken up with his own thoughts, that he had no ſhare in the generall converſation.

That which I had ſaid unto him comming often into his imagination he often ſweetly flattered up himſelf, but preſently after beginning to think upon the amorous expreſſions which Sapho uſed, and that they were written before he knew her, his jealouſie revived; So as paſſing from hopes to fears, he entertained himſelfe, and talked unto none, he fell into a deep ſtudy and leaning over the Barque, hee looked attentively upon that bubbling froth which is alwayes at the Prow of thoſe Barques which ſaile ſwiftly. Phaon was too dear in the eſteem of Sapho, for her not to obſerve his penſiveneſſe, ſo as ſhe both took notice of him, and cauſed others to take notice alſo. But amongſt the reſt, Tyſander who knew Phaon was in love with Sapho, and that Sapho did not hate Phaon, he kept a very obſervant eye upon him, endeavouring to find out, why he was ſo melanchollick, and if it were poſſible to find what the cauſe was, becauſe he was in Saphoes disfavour, or elſe whether it was only becauſe he was too much in love with her. So as looking upon him no leſs then upon Sapho, It unhappily fel out that Phaon in taking ſomething out of his pocket, not knowing what he did, and without interrupting his muſing, he puld out Saphoes verſes alſo which fell at the feet of Tyſander, who ſeeing them fall, ſtoop'd and unperceivedly took them up: But Madam after he had read them, he was no leſſe penſive then Phaon, for in a thought that he was his Rivall, he feared to find that which he would not have ſought, but in hopes not to find it.

In the mean time, Cydnon ſeeing that Phaons muſing troubled Sapho, ſhe began to ſpeak unto him, and and aske him the cauſe, which you may well imagine hee would not tell her. But Sapho's verſes running much in his mind, he put his hand in his pocket to feele whether they were there; though he doubted it not; for it is very cuſtomary for thoſe in Love to do many things which they would not do, were their reaſon free: Phaon then finding them not in his pocket, was ſtrangely amazed when he ſaw that he had them not: Yet he durſt not expreſſe his wonder, nor ſay he had loſt them; for if he had, he had acquainted Sapho with his theevery, and ſhould have been extreamly aſhamed. Moreover, not knowing certainly whether he loſt them in the Garden, or in the Barque, or whether they were faln into the Sea, he durſt not make Hue and Cry after his loſſe, eſpecially for Sapho's ſake, and her concernment: For though he was very jealous, yet he was very reſpective of her, and her glory was more conſiderable unto him, than his owne tranquility: ſo as he contented himſelfe with looking all about him, not telling what he looked for: but as he was very earneſt in it, though he did endeavour to do it without any affectation, Tyſander knew very well that what his Rivall had loſt did wring him at the heart, and that what he had found would perhaps be a ſad ſatisfaction of his doubts. But at laſt, our Maritime diverſion being ended, we waited upon the Ladies home, and conducted alſo the Prince Tyſander unto his Lodging; who as ſoon as he was there, went into his Cloſet, opened the Paper which he found, and read thoſe verſes which troubled him, as much as they had his Rivall.

But Madam, he was not ſo much puzzled as his Rivall was, to find out the name which was to fill up the imperfect verſe; for he never doubted, but that Phaon was the name, and he beleived alſo, that Sapho had given theſe verſes unto his Rivall, with her own hand, and that the knot of affection between them, was already ſo faſt tyed, that nothing could unlooſe it: You may imagin Madam, how vexatious were theſe thoughts unto him, and he ſaid ſince, that never any thing in his life did more trouble him: Phaon on the other ſide was far from any quietneſs of mind; for maugre his jealouſy, he was extreamly ſenſible of Saphoes reputation, who was in as great a perplexity as he was: For Madam, this excellent Lady did ſo repent [Page] of leaving thoſe verſes in danger of being ſeen, that as ſoon as ever ſhe returned home, ſhe went into her Cloſet with intentions to burn them, and never to make any of the like nature again; but ſhee was much ſurprized and afflicted, when ſhee could not finde them in the place where ſhe put them: She would not truſt unto her memory, but ſearched in all other places, where there was any poſſiblity of their being, but at laſt concluding that queſtionleſs they were ſtoln from her, ſhe was ſo extreamly afflicted, that never in all her life ſhe was the like.

However, in this perplexity of ſpirit, she could not imagin a wiſh more ſweet, then that it might be Phaon who had taken away theſe verſes, though ſhe was much aſhamed he ſhould ever ſee them, for being ignorant of his jealouſy, ſhe imagined he would apply them unto himſelf, but though ſhe wish'd it, yet she could not hope it was Phaon who had them, becauſe she ſaw him ſo ſad, she could not ſuſpect him.

And remembring that he went from her houſe immediatly after Tyſander came into her Cloſet, she could not think he had time enough to commit the theft, ſo that not knowing whom to ſuſpect, she was infinitely troubled.

On the other ſide, Tyſander ſeeing by theſe Verſes that Sapho loved Phaon, and not doubting but that his Rivall had received theſe verſes from the hand of his Miſtreſs, and that the knot of their affections was undiſſolvably tyed, he reſolved to overcome his paſſion, but to carry his reſpects of Sapho as far as poſſible: And though Alces was his Confident, yet he did not shew him theſe verſes.

Tis true, he was three whole dayes in conſulting upon this reſolution, during which time he did not ſee Sapho, who for her part avoided all company as much as she could for fear of hearing of theſe verſes.

On the other ſide, Phaon durſt not ſee her; for he perceived, it would be impoſſible for him not to give her many teſtimonies o [...] his troubles, penſiveneſs, and jealouſy. Nicanor, he was ſo puzled to finde out the reaſon why theſe two Rivals and his miſtreſs should be all ſo ſollitary at one time, that he was no leſs unquiet than they were.

But at laſt, Tyſander ſtriving with himſelf, he was Conquerour, and ſent unto Sapho, to deſire a private Conference, about ſome buſineſſe of concernment; Sapho not daring to deny him by reaſon of his quality, conſented; but it was with regret, becauſe ſhe feared his buſineſs was about the Verſes: Not but that ſhe thought it impoſſible it ſhould be him who took the Verſes out of her Cloſet, for ſhe had him alwaies in her eye, but her fear was, ſome other had given them unto him.

In the mean time, this hour of audience being come, Tyſander went to Sapho, without any one to wait upon him; but in Lieu of accoſting her as uſually, he ſaluted her with a faint, and ſerious civility, though with much reſpect, which did infer unto her, that he had ſome angry buſineſs to impart: None but they being in the Chamber, Tyſander had the freedome of talk, ſo as looſing no time, I come now Madam, (ſaid he unto her) to render you the greateſt teſtimony of my love that ever any did, by reſtoring unto you thoſe verſes which Phaon loſt, and which you gave unto him: And truly, any other beſides my ſelf would in revenge of your cruelty, have ſhewed them unto all the world; but my reſpects of you are ſo great, that notwithſtanding your rigour, I am afraid to diſpleaſe you, and would gladly preſerve your eſteem, though I cannot obtain your affection.

In ſaying ſo, Tyſander gave Sapho thoſe verſes which ſhe made for Phaon his Rivall, he gave them open, and let her ſee how he had ſupplyed the blanck with the name of Phaon. You may well imagin Madam, that Sapho did not take theſe verſes without a bluſh, yet after a little recollecting her ſelf, ſhe attempted to do two things at once: The firſt, abſolutely to diſ-engage Tyſander from her affection: And the ſecond, to perſwade him, that theſe verſes were made, neither for Phaon in particular, nor for any other in generall.

But all her Sophiſtry, her Rethorick, and her Arguments, could not reach half of her deſires, for though ſhe did diſ-engage Tyſander from loving her, yet ſhe could not make him beleive, that theſe verſes were made for any other then Phaon. She could not perſwade him, but that ſhe gave them unto Phaon with her own hand though ſhe told him true, when ſhe ſaid he ſtoln them from her. No, no Madam; [Page] (ſaid Tyſander to her) you can never perſwade me to it, for ſhe who can give a heart, may well give verſes; one may ſomtimes give a heart (replyed Sapho) and yet give nothing elſe: And this circumſtance which you ſo much undervalue, is ſo conſiderable to me, that there is no compariſon between my making verſes for Phaon, and giving them unto him with my own hand: Suppoſe I had a very ſtrong inclination to him, it would be no ſuch wonder, if I ſhould tell my ſelf the thoughts of my own heart; and though it be a weakneſs, yet it thwarts not the Laws of modeſty, ſince none ſhould know it but my ſelf: But Sir, you have done me ſo great a wrong in accuſing me, of giving theſe verſes unto Phaon, and you think ſo ſtrangly of me, that I wonder you have not divulged them unto all the word, for if I were ſo indiſcreet as to give theſe verſes unto Phaon, I were alſo unworthy of ſo much diſcretion in you.

However, I give you thanks for reſtoring them, and conjure you to tell me truly how you came by them, for ſince I hold no particular correſpondency with Phaon, I cannot know it from any but your ſelf: Oh Madam, replyed Tyſander, my actions do not merit this incredulity: yet ſince perhaps Phaon will not tell you that he loſt thoſe verſes which he ſhould ſo carefully have kept, I will tell you that I ſaw them fall out of his pocket, that evening when we took the air upon the Sea, and I took them up, not knowing they included the ſentence of my death. Phaon was ſo ſad that evening (replyed ſhe) as me thinks you may be perſwaded, I did not give theſe verſes unto him, and that he did not think they were made for him. For to tell you truly, the conqueſt of Saphoes heart, is not ſo eaſie a matter, as that he ſhould have the vanity, to think he hath done it: or to be joyed at it.

However it be Madam, (ſaid Tyſander) I am moſt confidently perſwaded that Phaon is as much loved as I am hated, and if I had not more reſpective thoughts of you than ever any ill treated Lover had, I ſhould find means how to ſend back Phaon into Scicily.

But ſince it would be in vain to baniſh him out of this iſle, becauſe I cannot baniſh him out of your heart, I will not, Madam, be your Tyrant, after I have been your Slave: But Madam, in acknowledgment of my reſpects, I beſeech you be ſincere, and ingeniouſly confeſs the true ſtate of your Soul, as I have▪ mine unto you, to the end I may leave you at reſt, and endeavour to recover mine. Sir, (replyed Sapho and bluſht) if I were able to give you my affection, as I am my eſteem, doubtleſs I ſhould, in acknowledgment of your generoſity; but to be ſincere with you Sir, there hath been ever ſuch a powerfull obſtruction in your deſign of obtaining my Love, that do what I can, I shall never be able to remove it: And after this Sir, be ſatisfied, and ask me no more, for ſince I cannot love you, it concerns not you whether ever I love Phaon or no. I do not ask the queſtion for any further clearing of my knowledge Madam, (replied he) for I do not at all doubt it; but I ask it only, that I may once more in my life commend you, I beſeech you Sir (replyed Sapho) do not perſiſt in a thing ſo unjuſt, and impertinent; but content your ſelf, that I tell you, I cannot love you, and that I do not perceive in Phaon the ſame impoſſibility of loving him, as I do of you: That is enough Madam, (ſaid he and riſe up,) to make me the moſt miſerable of men, yet ſince I am fully reſolved to reſpect you for ever, I will not do what I am able to break down violently that wall which ſeperates me from your affection: I will only wiſh in parting from you that you may hereafter know, though you have given your heart unto the moſt accompliſhed of all your Lovers, yet you have not given it unto the moſt faithfull, and moſt amorous.

After this Madam, Tyſander, went away, but with ſo much ſadneſs in his looks, that Sapho, as inſenſible as ſhe was to him, did feel her heart was a little moved. But ſince there were then ſuch things in agitation. as did move it much more, ſhe thought more of Phaon, than Tyſander, and ſhe had a freſh ſubject for thoſe thoughts, by a viſit which my ſiſter made unto her.

For be pleaſed to know Madam, hat I ſeeing Phaon in ſuch a gulph of ſorrows, and having my ſelf a great deſire to know truly whether theſe verſes which had cauſed ſo much diſorder, were made for Phaon, as I thought they were, I went unto Cydnon, with whom I lived; not only as with a moſt dear ſiſter, but as with a moſt faithfull friend, and as a great ſecret, I told her of my friends jealouſy; of [Page] the adventure of the verſes, and conjured her to tell me whether they were made for Phaon. If they were made for any one, replyed she, certainly they were made for him: but Brother, I know nothing of them, nor did Sapho ever shew mee the verſes you ſpeak of. However (ſaid I unto her) the poor Phaon who thinks they were made for ſome other, is ſo extreamly jealous and ſad, that I think he will dye, unleſs you help me to aſſiſt & comfort him. Truly brother (replyed she) it is not an eaſie matter to be done, for Sapho who ſeldome keeps any ſecret from me, never mentioned this adventure: And I do not ſee how I can ſpeak unto him unleſſe he ſpeak unto me: 'Tis true (added she) that I have hardly ſeen her two minutes ſince we were upon the Sea: But I will promiſe you to ſee Sapho, and do Phaon any good Office I can.

After this I did aggravate the jealouſie of this Lover as much as I could, purpoſely to make them pitty his miſery: but the more I ſpoke, the more I ſaw ſhee had a mind to laugh; for ſhe knowing all Sapho's thoughts of Phaon, ſhe was ſo tickled to thinke that he himſelfe ſhould be the beloved Rivall which ſo much afflicted him, as for her heart ſhe could not forbeare. Cruell ſiſter (ſaid I unto her) I did not acquaint you with the miſeries of my friend for you to laugh at them, I aſſure you he deſerves more pitty then laughter. If I thought ſo brother (replyed ſhe) I ſhould not laugh: But ſince I know Phaon has no Rivall whom be need to fear, I muſt confeſſe I cannot chooſe but laugh at his ill-grounded ſorrows: For it is as good ſport as poſſible can be, to obſerve the follies of the wiſeſt men, when they are once engaged in a buſineſſe of this nature: And therefore I pray pardon this naturall diſpoſition of mirth, when I meet with ſuch occaſions as this, and believe that I will do Phaon all the offices of a friend I can. And indeed Madam, as ſoon as ſhe was gone, ſhe went unto Sapho, and came thither about a quarter of an hour after Tyſander went away: ſo as Sapho's mind being ful, and deſirous to unburthen it unto her ſiſter, ſhe called her into her Cloſet: and giving orders that none ſhould come unto her, ſhe conjured Cydnon to pardon her for with-holding a ſecret from her three dayes together; for truly my deare Cydnon (ſaid Sapho unto her, after ſhe had told her the adventure) never any thing in all my life did ſo cruelly vexe me: and nothing was more intolerable to me, then that Tyſander ſhould ſee any verſes of ſuch a nature: nor nothing more terrible to me, than to think that Phaon ſhould have read them.

For my part (continued ſhe) I do not think I ſhall be able to ſee him: and I have ſeen none theſe three dayes, purpoſely to avoid meeting with him; not but that I ſometimes wished it might be he who should find theſe verſes; but I wished it when I thought he had them not: Yet now it is otherwiſe with me, and I had rather a hundred others had ſeen them then Phaon, for how dare I ever look him in the face after ſuch a peevish adventure? The truth is, I have reaſon to fear, that his truſting unto the affection which I beare unto him, will now talk to him with leſſe reſpect, and will think his Conqueſt ſo eaſie, that it is no glory unto him. If you have any cauſe of fears (replyed Cydnon) it is not at any thing you have ſaid: And to teſtifie how abſolutely I am devoted yours, Madam, I will betray a ſecret unto you which a Brother hath entruſted mee withall. And acquaint you that Phaon is the moſt miſerable, and the moſt jealous of all men living He is not then in Love with me (replyed Sapho and blushed) he is more in Love with you (replyed Cydnon) than ever any was: but he is ſo jealous, and in ſuch a fantaſticall manner, as I know not how you can cure him. This Aenigma is ſo obſcure, anſwered Sapho, that it paſſeth my underſtanding when I have expounded it (replyed she) you will better underſtand it, but your aſtonishment will not be a jot the leſſe: For on that day when you ſhewed Phaon and Democedes your verſes, Phaon found in them ſuch paſſionate expreſſions, as he concluded moſt certainly you either were in Love, or had been, and that it was impoſſible any living should write ſo tenderly, unleſſe they had been in Love; ſo as this odd fancy being in his head, he hath ſince ſuffered moſt incredible afflictions, and hath done nothing elſe but hunt out after this ſuppoſed Rivall, who hath inſpired you with ſuch tenderneſſe in your verſes.

But I beſeech you Cydnon (ſaid Sapho and interrupted her) tell mee ſeriouſly whether all this you tell me be not ſome quibble of your own wit? No no, replyed [Page] ſhe, there is nothing truer then what I tell you: For the miſerable Phaon is ſo poſſeſſed with this imagination, that in lieu of applying them unto himſelfe, or rejoycing at his good fortune, he is carefully examining what names ſutes beſt with that blanck which was left in a verſe: and for my part, I have ſuch merry Conceptions upon this paſſage, that did I not ſee you very penſive, I ſhould laugh heartily: However I beſeech you ſeriouſly to find out ſome way how to cure poor Phaon of his jealouſie; for my Brother repreſents him in ſuch a miſerable condition, that he deſerves ſome help and ſuccour. I perceive then (replyed Sapho) that Democedes hath ſeen theſe cruell verſes which make me ſo aſhamed: And that though I have told Phaon a hundred times, if ever I admitted of any Lover, he ſhould never have any Confident; yet I ſee that I am like to have as many Confidents of my weakneſſe as there are men in Mytelene. Not but that I know very well (continued ſhe very obligingly) Democedes is very diſcreet: but for all that Cydnon confeſſe the truth, did not he gueſſe at the name better then Phaon? He did not tell me (replyed ſhe) but I aſſured him that either theſe Verſes were intended for none, or elſe that they were intended for Phaon. For he being his particular friend, I thought thereby the more to engage his diſcretion, and to keep him from further enquiry into a buſineſſe of which I promiſed to give him an accompt.

But Cydnon (replyed Sapho) what accompt can you give him which will be advantageous unto me? For to tell him that I love Phaon, is horrid unto me: To ſwear that I love him not, will make him believe I love another: and to proteſt that I love none (conſidering the fancy which Phaon hath in his head) will augment his jealouſie and not juſtifie me: However I wiſh I could find out an expedient which would prevent his jealouſie which would preſerve his affection, which would hide mine from Democedes, and which would only let Phaon gueſſe at mine: For my part (replyed Cydnon) conſidering the language of my brother, I think it will be a very hard matter to cure Phaon of his jealouſie, unleſſe you will acquaint him with your tenderneſſe of him: Fye fye Cydnon (replyed Sapho) I had rather he ſhould continue eternally jealous, than that he ſhould ſee all my weakneſſe.

Then you care not for preſerving his heart (anſwered Cydnon) for you know better than I do, that long jealouſie ſmothers love. The foundation of Phaons jealouſie hath ſo little ſolidity in it (replyed Sapho) that I cannot thinke it will laſt long. Nay on the contrary (anſwered my ſiſter) ſince it hath no foundation, it is harder to drive away: As for example, if Phaon were poſitively jealous of Nicanor, then there no way but to treat Nicanor ill, and ſee him no more, to make his jealouſie ceaſe: but ſince hee is jealous onely becauſe you have written your verſes in ſuch tender and paſſionate ſtraines as might perſwade one a little that you are in love, it is impoſſible you ſhould ever cure him; but by giving him ſome cauſe to think you have none but him, and to let him think that the verſes he hath ſeen belongs to him. As I did gueſſe at his affection to me before he told me of it (anſwered ſhee) ſo let him gueſſe if he can at the tenderneſſe I have to him: For if he do not, he ſhall never know it for me. But yet (ſaid Cydnon) muſt he not know any thing more concerning that verſe which wants a name? Is it not enough (replyed ſhe) that he ſayes that the names of all others (who are in any likelihood of loving me) does not ſute with it, and that his doth? is not this enough to make him underſtand, that either they were made for none, or they were made for him?

If his fancy were not prepoſſeſſed (replyed Cydnon) doubtleſs what you ſay were ſufficient: but as the conſtitution of his mind is, if the conſervation of Phaon be dear unto you, ſomething elſe muſt be done, and you muſt permit my brother at the leaſt to give him ſome comfort and hopes in his miſery. Provided hee could doe it without giving any ſuſpitions of my conſent (replyed Sapho) Democedes may tell him what he will to perſwade him I am not in Love with any; for I had rather Phaon ſhould think I love him, then to think I will permit any other to love me.

After this, Sapho told Cydnon all that Tyſander ſaid unto her: Thus you ſee (ſaid ſhe unto her) that Phaons Rivall is better informed of my ſorrows for him, then [Page] he himſelf is. The truth is Cydnon (continued ſhe) my fate is very ſtrange, for Tyſander knows that I do love Phaon, and he knows it ſo certainly that he hath abandoned me upon it: And Phaon on the contrary is ready to quit me, becauſe he thinks I love another and not him, ſo as being, (as if it were) a Rivall, unto himſelfe, he doth himſelf more hurt then all his Rivalls, and hath brought in unto the moſt ſtrange conjecture that ever a perſon of my humour could be. For women ought never to ſay that they are in Love, but only that they are loved. Therefore Cydnon we muſt ſubmit the adventure unto fortune. But take heed Madam, replyed ſhe, you do not repent of what you have ſaid. If I do repent of what I have ſaid (replyed ſhe) I ſhall not do any more then what I have done a thouſand times ſince I firſt knew Phaon, for I have repented I ever deſired Democedes to bring me acquainted with him, I repented that ever I ſpoke unto him, that ever I loved him, and that ever I compoſed thoſe unhappy verſes which cauſed this laſt diſorder, and to tell you my thoughts plainly I repent of all I ever ſaid or did ſince I was firſt taught to ſpeak; And if I ſhould keep Phaon by any endeavours which are unworthy of my ſelf, I ſhould repent eternally, and to tell you truely if I ſhould loſe him by my too ſcrupulous ſeverity I ſhould repent it till my death.

This Madam was the temper of Saphoes mind when my Siſter talked with her, ſo as knowing very well that ſhe would give her conſent unto Phaons cure of jealouſie; by any wayes which might not engage her too farre, ſhe would preſſe her no further, and as ſoon as ſhe ſaw me, ſhe told me that Phaon was to blame, that I ſhould adviſe him to ſee Sapho as ſoon as he could, and that moſt certainly he had no reaſon to feare any Rivalls. But Madam, the ſtrangeſt paſſage in all this renconuter was, that Saphos mind was taken up with ſo many various thoughts, that ſhe never thought of any anger againſt Phaon, for being ſo bold as to take theſe verſes out of her Cloſet.

However Cydnon tranſacted ſo well with me, and I with Phaon, that though he did not poſitively believe all I told him, yet he reſolved to go unto Sapho, and to go with intentions of telling her the very bottom of his ſoule: yet in the interim, a chance happened which changed his mind.

For an univerſall report went about all Mytilene, that Tyſander was reſolved to ſee Sapho no more. Phaon imagining that the Prince would never have quitte▪ her, unleſſe he had diſcovered that ſhe was in love with ſome one, his, jealouſie renewed, and broke of his firſt deſign. Not but that he had reaſon to believe of Tyſander as he did, but he did not know that it was himſelf who diſ [...]engaged that Prince from the love of Sapho: But at laſt after he had paſſed over two dayes in this uncertainty, he reſolved again to go unto Sapho, and diſcover unto her the▪ grandure of his Love, and the violency of his jealouſie: and indeed he went unto her the next day ſo early, that he found none with her.

It is an eaſie matter to tell you Madam, the reſentments of theſe two perſons: For Sapho was aſhamed of her own weakneſſe and pittied the weakneſſe of Phaon: and this Lover had ſo many ſeverall reſentments, as it is impoſsible to repreſent them, for he told me that his love and his jealouſie re-doubled, and yet alſo he had ſome reviver of his hopes. But at laſt, having ſaluted each other with equall agitation of ſpirits, Phaon asked Sapho pardon for being ſo long from her. But Madam, (ſaid he) I know not, whether after I have asked pardon for not ſeeing you, I ſhould alſo ask it for ſeeing you: For I am come with a reſolution to talk of ſo many things, as that I am afraid of talking ſomething which ſhall diſpleaſe you, though I am reſolved to ſay nothing that ſhall be unworthy of that love and reſpect which I have unto you.

Sir, replyed ſhe, we have had ſo few occaſions of any quarrells ſince we were acquainted, that I know not what you can ſay otherwiſe. I muſt ask you Madam, replyed he, whether I was not much to blame in being the moſt jealous man alive? I muſt conjure you to talk ſincerely with me; I muſt beſeech you to have compaſſion upon my weakneſſe; To examine well the paſsion which cauſed it, to ponder all the reaſons which may excuſe my jealouſie, and if it be poſsible, not to drive me unto deſpaire.

All theſe, replyed Sar [...], do argue, that there is ſuch a great diſorder in your mind, as I ſhould out of pitty do that, which in reaſon I ought not to do, if I did [Page] hearken unto the exact Rules of Juſt [...]ce and decency. And therefore I will harken unto your complaints, and let you ſpeak of your jealouſie though I cannot endure you ſhould ſpeak of your Love. Speak then Phaon, (ſaid ſhe againe unto him) and tell me of whom you are jealous? I know not Madam (ſaid he unto her) but I am ſure, that ſometimes I think I have all imaginable cauſes. For Madam you have ſuch paſſionate expreſsions in your writings, as you muſt of neceſsity have been ſenſible of them yourſelf. And you have made ſuch verſes which I was ſo bold as to ſteal away, as have coſt me a million of ſighs, and perhaps will coſt me my life, if you of your goodneſſe will nor apply a remedy to cure me: But what remedy (ſaid Sapho) will cure you? you muſt perſwade me (replyed he) that you have loved none, and that if ever you love any it ſhall be the unfortunate Phaon. But Madam, ſince this is an impoſſibility, I will not ask it, but will poſsitively ask you the true ſtate of your ſoule, and will ask you the name of him for whom you made thoſe verſes which I was ſo preſumptuous as totake out of your Cloſet.

To anſwer in generall unto all you ask, (replyed ſhe) I muſt tell you, that I did write ſo paſsionatly, becauſe naturally, I have a tender ſoule, and I aſſure you afterwards, that if I have made any jealous, yet certainly it ought not to have been you. For I will tell you for mine own honour, as much as for your tranquility, that I loved none, the ſame day you came unto Mytelene, and I aſſure you further, that I have done nothing ſince which ſhould make you jealous: And to teſtifie the truth of what I ſay, I will give you leave to obſerve all my actions, all my words, and all my very looks, and if after that you find any cauſe of jealouſie, then be ſo, even unto furie; and be perſwaded that in permitting you to be jealous I have done more for you, then ever I did for any.

Since Madam, you cannot permit me to be jealous (replyed he) unleſſe you permit me to be in love, I muſt give you moſt humble thanks for that permiſſion, as for the greateſt favour in the world; yet I ſhould be much more obliged, if you would be pleaſed to tell me whom you are pleaſed I ſhould love, then to give me leave to be jealous? And therefore, tell me Madam, I beſeech you, whether I may hope, that you will ever be ſo tender unto me as you know moſt admirably well how to expreſſe? ſhould I not be too preſumptuous in pretending unto thoſe verſes which ſo cruelly have made me jealous? But Madam, before I can believe ſuch a glorious aſſurance, you muſt be very ſincere: you muſt tell me more then what yet you have; you muſt ſhew me your heart, as I have ſhewed you mine; and you muſt not keep back any ſecret of your ſoule, before I can know you. Though you have loved one before I had the honour to be known unto you, yet I have no reaſon to complaine: Not but that I wiſh with a moſt paſsionate deſire, that I were the firſt who entred into your heart: but yet if that happineſſe be not poſsible however I ſhall eſteem my ſelf very happy in being the ſucceſſour of that moſt happy Rivall.

Speak then, Divine Sapho, and tell me whether I muſt be jealous? whether I muſt be happy? or whether I muſt be miſerable? and to tell me in two fatall words, whether muſt live or dye? Phaon expreſſed himſelf in an Aire ſo full of reverent reſpect, he had in his voice ſuch a kind of Rethoricall tone; and hee looked upon Sapho in ſuch a ſubmiſſe and paſsionate manner, that this faire one not being able treat ſuch a Lover ill whom ſhe had a mind to preſerve, ſhe ſpoke unto him ſo diſcreetly that without telling him ſhe loved him, ſhe did re-animate his hopes, did diſsipate his jealouſie, augment his paſsion, and fild his ſoule full of joy.

Indeed theſe two Lovers, who in beginning their diſcourſe knew hardly what to ſay, and who had a thouſand thoughts in in their hearts which they thought ſhould never be revealed, yet at laſt imparted all, and made ſuch a ſincere exchange of all their moſt ſecret thoughts, that all in the heart of Sapho, paſſed into the ſoule of Phaon, and all that was in the ſoule of Phaon paſſed into the ſoule of Sapho. Alſo they agreed upon the Articles and Conditions of their Love. For Phaon promiſed Sapho which deſired it, never to deſire any thing of her, but the enjoyment and poſſeſsion of her heart: And ſhe promiſed him alſo, never to receive any unto her heart, but him.

After this, they told each other all the particular paſſages of their Lives. And [Page] ever ſince Madam, there hath been ſuch an admirable union between theſe two perſons as never were their equalls ſeen; the love of Phaon augmented with his happineſs, and the affection of Sapho became more violent, by the acquaintance ſhe had of the greatneſs of her Lovers Love. Never were two hearts ſeen more united; nor ever did Love joyn two together, with more purity and zeale.

They communicated unto each other all their thoughts, and they underſtood one another without telling them; they ſaw in each others eyes, the motions of of their hearts, and ſaw them all ſo tender and paſſionate unto each other, that the more they looked, the more they loved: yet the peace between them was not ſo ſollidly eſtabliſhed but they had ſome amorous wars, and though they loved as much poſſible, yet they would ſometimes complain that they loved not enough, but there was never any ſuch civill wars as did diſturb the Halcyon Serenity of their Loves.

In the mean time, ever ſince this conjunction of hearts between Phaon and Sapho, Nicanor hath been in a miſerable condition, and Tyſander eſteemed himſelf as happy as prudent, in diſ-engaging himſelf from his paſſion. The truth is, he cured himſelf by another beauty; for Pittacus being reſolved to marry him unto the fait Alcionide, he went to Gnides, where ſhe was, and where he fell as much in love with her as with Sapho, but for his love to the one, he ſtill preſerved much eſteem for the other.

In the mean time, Charaxes the brother of Sapho, who took it ill ſhe ſhould refuſe the affection of Tyſander, and admit of Phaons, went to travell, and departed without taking his leave, or bidding adieu to any. On the other ſide, though Nicanor did ſtill moſt paſſionately love Sapho, and horridly hated Phaon, yet he offered no violence unto either: For ſuch was the admirable diſcretion of Sapho, in keeping every one within the limits of their due reſpects, and in uniting the moſt divided ſpirits, that though ſhe could not make them perfect friends, yet ſhe kept them from down right quarrelling. All this while Phaon being aſſured, that he was preferred before all his Rivalls, he was not jealous of any: And indeed he was highly happy in it; for Sapho cauſed ſo many to be in love with her, that Alces himſelf, as deeply in love as he was with the fair Athys, began to waver and divide his heart: And except Themiſtogenes, who could not love any which did not reſemble Damophile, there was not one man of any ſoul or quality, who had not ſome ſparks of Love unto Sapho.

For my part, being Phaons choice, and particular friend, I ever defended my ſelf againſt her Arrows, and was never down right in love with her, but I had ſo much affection unto her, as kept me from loving any other.

In the mean time, this univerſall approbation of Sapho, incenſed all the Ladies who pretending unto high beauty, had hardly any adorers, whilſt Sapho, whoſe modeſty would not let her think ſhe had any, was invironed with a croud of them. But the wonder was, that this moſt rare woman, without the leaſt digreſſion from that fidelity ſhe owed unto Phaon, did ſtill maintain her ſoveraignity in the ſouls of all her Lovers: For behaving her ſelf ſo diſcreetly, that none of them ever ſaid any thing unto her, which ſhe would not have them, ſhe never had any cauſe to complain againſt them, and by conſequence had no cauſe to baniſh them from her: Not but that Phaon would ſome days complain a little againſt ſuch a croud about her, but when ſhe gave him to underſtand; that prudence required he ſhould hide himſelf among the croud, becauſe if ſhe ſhould baniſh them, ſhe ſhould baniſh him alſo, or elſe her glory would ſuffer diminution, then Phaon was contented to endure all the Lovers of Sapho, who durſt not appear under any other notion than that of friends.

For my part, I have wondred a hundred times at that power, which Sapho had over her ſlaves: For though there was not one of them, who did not know that ſhe loved Phaon, and Phaon only, yet there was not one of them who was out of hopes, though ſhe gave them not the leaſt ground: And though they all hated Phaon, yet they neither durſt, nor could hurt him: Nor did they jar among themſelves, for ſince they could be jealous of none but Phaon only, they grew into a kind of confidence together.

Thus, the Loved, the Lovers, the Lover loved, and the ill treated Rivalls, all were together, without the leaſt conteſt that was troubleſome unto our ſociety; [Page] and which was moſt admirable, Sapho in the midſt of this croud, did find out waies to give Phaon a thouſand teſtimonies of her affection to him, and unperceived to ſacrifice all his Rivalls unto him. Thus, without doing any thing againſt the exact rules of civility, and without any allurements, Sapho had the glory to have an infinite number of adorers, and without any of that ſeverity of thoſe faithfull Lovers, who conſtrain themſelves ſo much, that they almoſt become ſavage, Phaon and ſhe enjoyed all the ſweets of a moſt pure and innocent Love; for they were none of thoſe who as ſoon as they are certain of their miſtreſſes, and ſervants, do uſe to renounce almoſt all manner of Gallantry, as if they had been married many a year, for Phaon was as Courtly as humble, and aſſidious, as if he had yet to conquer that noble heart which he already enjoyed: And Sapho was as exact, and as regularly civill and complaiſant, as if her conqueſt were uncertain. Moreover, Feaſts, Pleaſures, and Joyes, did inſeperably follow them: And though they were moſt aſſured of each others eſteem, yet they did ſtrive with all imaginable cares to preſerve it.

This Madam, was the life which Phaon and Sapho lived, whilſt they were happy: yet as the Empire of Love is as ſubject unto great revolutions, as others are; ſo this calme, and ſilken peace, which was in the heart of Sapho, was not perpetuall, though it ſeemed as if it would be eternall For moſt certain it is, that never Lover had a more perfect heart of expreſſing much love, then Phaon had, he never ſaw any in Mytelene, but Sapho: And indeed it may almoſt be ſaid, that he did ſcarcely ſee thoſe who were friends unto his Miſtreſs, though he was continually with her, for his eyes and mind were ſo wholly fixed upon the admired Sapho, as ſhe could not doubt, but that ſhe was the only ſoul of his thoughts, whereſoever he was. And ſince there is nothing more obliging, than to make a difference of a perſon in the midſt of a great company, he knew ſo well how to oblige Sapho this way when any occaſions were offered, as I never in my life, ſaw his like. Moreover, when he was with her, he ſeemed ſo happy, ſo contented, and ſo ſenſible of the leaſt of her favours, as ſhee having abſolutely the moſt tender ſoul in the world, did think there was nothing deſirable which was not in her Lover: She was infinitely charmed with the delicacy of his wit; he had ſomtimes a certain kind of ſweet and melancholly blithneſs, (if I may ſo call it) which furniſhed him with ſuch diverting conceits, as that they cannot be repeated without derogation.

Moreover, being naturally curious and inquiſitive, they had alwaies ſome amorous wrangle or other which made their diſcourſe more ſweet: For ſomtimes Phaon would needs know why ſhe bluſhed, ſomtimes why ſhe muſed; and his exceſſive curioſity went ſo far that one day, there hapned a tender amorous diſpute between them, becauſe Phaon asked Sapho, why ſhe was more ſweet unto him that day than any other? afflicting himſelf as much, becauſe ſhe would not tell him, as if ſhe had treated him ill. But Sir, (ſaid ſhe, having no mind to ſatifie his obſtinate curioſity) ſomtimes you ask me ſuch triviall queſtions, with ſo much good earneſtneſs, that I muſt needs ask you in my turne, what is the cauſe of this generall curioſity, which cauſeth us ſo many petty quarrells? I ſhould not think ſtrange at your curioſity in things eſſentiall, and of concernment, but your humour is ſuch, that you are inquiſitive of every trifle: Yes Madam (ſaid he unto her) I am ſo, and ever ſhall be, of every thing that concerns you, and if I could, I would oblige you to give me an account of all your thoughts, and of all your looks, for Madam, as you have given extream ſtraight limits unto my deſires, and as you have permitted me to aſpire no further, than the enjoyment and poſſeſſion of your heart: how can you think I ſhould be aſſured of it, if I did not know all the paſſages in it? and therefore think not ſtrange, I cannot endure you ſhould deny me what I ask; for by acquainting me ſometimes why you bluſh'd, why you ſtudied, & why you did not look upon me: you put me into poſſeſſion of that heart which you have promiſed me, and you joy me beyond my expreſſions: And indeed I ſet a greater value upon one of thoſe little hidden thoughts, which obligingly diſcover your heart unto me than ſome would of greater favours who are not capable of all the nice delicacies of Love, therefore Madam I beſeech you deny no more, the ſatisfaction of my curioſity though it ask only trifles of you, and trifles, which ſeem unto you unreaſonable.

For indeed Madam, (added he, and ſmiled) Love is a Child, which delights himſelf in toyes, and has innocent fataſmes, ſo that looking upon my too much cuſitie [Page] is an effect of the grandure of my love, I hope you will comply with my weakneſſe, and rather then afflict me by telling me nothing, you will tell me all I shall aske.

You may judg Madam, after this, that the Love of Phaon was very tender, ingenuous, and gallant: and that loving one who knew the beſt in the world how to love, and who had a ſuperlative witt, you may imagine they enjoyed a thouſand delights, which thoſe of a dull and groſſe capacity in matters of Love, are ignorant of: Yet ſometimes when Phaon conſidered that Sapho would not marry, and that ſhe was the moſt vertuous woman in the world, [...]he would be ſomething penſive upon the matter: but ſhe knew ſo well how to diſſipate thoſe muddy miſt [...] of melancholly, the cauſe of which ſhe quickly diſcovered, as he was forced to confeſſe that he was the happieſt Lover alive.

In the mean time, as I told you before, Nicanor being ſtill in love with Sapho, and Alces wanted but little of it, Jealouſie did ſo ſeize upon the heart of the faire Athys, and of Nicanor, that in the end it much moleſted the felicity of theſe moſt happy Lovers.

And the better to let you underſtand the cauſe of this alteration, I muſt acquaint you with a kind of a Feaſt which Sapho made at a houſe of hers ſome hundred furlongs from Mytelene, and which without diſpute was the moſt pleaſant leat in the Iſle: And indeed, all that was deſirable in a Countrey houſe was there to be found; for it was cloſe by the Sea, and yet was full of the moſt rare freſh Springs and Fountains that ever were ſeen. Moreover, it had ſeverall lovely Groves, Meadows, Gardens, and Grotto's: The ſtructure alſo was very ſtately, ſo as every Summer Sapho went with Cynegire unto it, and all their friends came to viſite them.

We being all there in that delightfull ſeaſon, which may be termed the youth of the yeare; and when the firſt greenneſs of the hearbs and leaves renders the Countrey moſt pleaſing, Sapho with Cynegire invited all her deare friends, to paſs away a whole day with them. But though ſhe invited only friends, yet others alſo came: For Nicanor, Alces, Phaon, and I waited upon Amithone, Athys, Erinne, and Cydnon: And Chance ſo ordered it, that the very ſame day Philire with her two friends and two Adorers of Sapho came thither in the afternoon, not knowing that we were there, ſo as the company were very frolick that day.

I ſhall not relate unto you Madam the particulars of this Feaſt: only tell you, that though Sapho and her Couſin were dreſſed only in white, decked with flowers, yet were they ſo gallant, that a prettier ſight could not be ſeen.

When we came to Sapho's houſe, ſhe met us with two of her women in a little thick Grove, in the midſt of which is a moſt admirable Spring, running by the foot of a huge Tree, whoſe branches were ſo large and thick, that they did not only over-ſhadow the Fountain, but many ſeats of Graſſe alſo which were about it. Sapho meeting us in this place in ſuch a dreſſe as I mentioned, ſhe received us with ſuch a gallant Aire, and in ſo noble a Garbe, that in my life I never ſaw her ſo lovely: For ſhe had the fragrancy of the whole Spring in her face, her eyes had the luſtre of the riſing Sun, when firſt it appears without a Cloud: and her joys which ſhe expreſſed at the ſight of us, did ſo viſibly glance it ſelfe upon us by her lovely looks, as preſaged a very pleaſing paſſing away of that day: There was not one in all the company upon whom ſhe beſtowed not a very obliging Complement, and who did not thinke that ſhee was ſweeter unto them then unto others.

But I, who always had an obſervant eye upon her, was not ſo much miſtaken as they were; for in the very midſt of this tumultuous joy which ſhe expreſſed at the ſight of us, I ſaw in her faire eyes ſomething ſo ſingular towards Phaon when ſhe made her Complement to him, that thoſe advantageous thoughts which her heart harboured of him were very apparant unto my eye. However, all this jolly company deſiring to ſtay a while in that place, our Coaches went behind the Grove unto Sapho's houſe, and we ſtayed to enjoy the delight of that pleaſing ſhade, the agreeable murmure of the Fountain, and pleaſant noiſe of the leaves which an eaſie gale of winde did whifle.

This firſt converſation was ſomething miſcellaneous, and paſſed from object [Page] to object: At the firſt, thoſe Ladies which came from Mytelene, began to commend the beauty of Sapho, and admired how ſhe kept her ſelfe from being Sunburnt: Conſidering that as long as she vvas in the Country, she vvas perpetually abroad. Sapho on her ſide, she gave them ſuch ſvveet adulatory Language, as cuſtome hath introduced amongſt ſuch Ladies as knovv the World, and are both young and faire.

After she had asked us all the nevvs of Mytilene, We in our turns asked her all the paſſages of her ſolitude; Cydnon chid her for not writing unto her, Erinne for not remembring her, Athys for going avvay vvithout bidding her Adieu; and all of us together told her that she affected ſolitude ſo much, and her abſence vvas ſuch an affliction to us, that we could not any longer endure it, To prove that what you ſay is true (replyed Sapho very ſweetly) you muſt acquaint me how you have ſpent your time this eight days ſince I came hither: For if you can make it appeare that you do really regret my abſence, I believe I ſhall return with you: but to tell you truly, I am perſwaded that you were all full of diverſions, notwithſtanding my abſence. For my part (ſaid Nicanor) I went no whither but unto Pittacus about buſineſſe of much importance, concerning a friend of mine: And the faire Athys knows very well, that though I am her neer Neighbour, yet I never ſaw her; it is very true indeed (replyed ſhe) Nicanor hath been very ſolitary ſince your departure: And for my particular (added ſhe very crafcily) I have not been ſo, for I have ſeen much company, and walked abroad very often, but for all that I was extream weary of your abſence, and wiſhed for you a hundred and a hundred times: I am ſure Phaon who was with me twice when I walked to take the Aire, does know that I expreſſed as much, and that I chid him for being no ſadder then he was at your abſence.

I muſt confeſſe (replyed Phaon) that yeſterday you chid me, but it was unjuſtly. For thoſe joyes which then appeared in my eyes, were only cauſed becauſe I was to come hither this day. You have very cunningly recovered your ſelfe out of that net which the faire Athys unawares had like to have entangled you in (replyed Alces) but I know not whether you can ſo well get out of that which I ſhall put you into, when I ſhall tell you that the very next morning after Sapho departed, we made five or ſixe viſits together, and you were not at all diſcontented. Sapho, replyed hee, hath ſo well taught mee to be civill, that I had rather viſite none, then ſay nothing to them: Yet Cydnon whom I ſaw ſome 2 or 3 days after, can tell you, that ſhe ſaw me very melancholly. 'Tis true (replyed Amythone) but I know not whether it was at the abſence of Sapho, for you were very merry the day before, and was at play, and loſt much. Since the faire Sapho knows very well (replyed he) that I have no covetous ſoule, I do not feare ſhe will ſuſpect me for being more ſadde for what I loſt at play, then for the loſſe of her ſight.

However it be (ſaid ſhe, and both bluſht and ſmiled) I perceive that you had no time to be much diſcontented; for you have frequented walks, you have made viſits, you have been at play, and doubtleſſe have kept your Court with Pittacus, therefore being your friend, I muſt rejoyce you have ſpent your time ſo well, but I have little reaſon to thank you for thinking ſo little of me. Oh Madam (ſaid he unto her) condemn me not before you heare me: I ſhall heare you another time (replyed ſhe) as for this day, let us, after your example, think upon nothing but jocundry.

Sapho ſpoke this with ſo free an Aire, that Phaon was not troubled at it: And indeed, though at the firſt ſhe thought that Phaon was not much troubled at her abſence, yet ſince ſhe received every day a Letter from him ſince ſhe came into the Country, ſhe conceived that he did it rather out of prudence then any defect of Love, ſo as this was no hinderance to her from being very merry all the reſt of the day.

But after this good company had reſted themſelves a while, & after I had given Sapho an accompt of what I had done during her abſence, she carried us through this pleaſant grove unto a garden door which opened into a long walk, which led us unto the porch of the houſe where Cynegire received us. I shall not make any relation of the furniture in this houſe, nor of the neatneſſe of our Repaſt, or of the Aromatique ſmels which perfumed the rooms, for I will not inſiſt upon ſuch [Page] trivialls: But give me leave to tell you, that an howre after we were riſen from the Table, and were removed into a very pleaſant withdrawing Room, next the dining Chamber, Phylire and her Company arrived: So as this encreaſe of good Company, augmented the joyes of Sapho; and ſhe behaved her ſelf ſo nobly unto all in the houſe, that Phaon being charmed at the ſight of her, and not being Maſter of his paſſion, he expreſſed his admiration ſo openly, that Sapho made a ſigne unto him, to ſhut up his wonder in his heart, for he applauded her with ſuch aggravations, he approached her with ſuch earneſtneſſe, and looked upon her with ſo much love, that indeed there was ſome cauſe to think (conſidering his joyes in ſeeing her) that if he had been out of her ſight he would have run mad.

In the meane time, a little after Phylire was come, and had preſented all her company unto Sapho; This moſt admirable Lady told them all that ſhe would ſhew them a place more pleaſant then that they were in. And indeed, Cynegere and ſhe carryed us throug [...] ▪ a long cloſe walk in a wood, which appeared ſo wild and ſo farre from any habitation, as one would have thought it a deſart: And at the end of the thickeſt part of this wood, there was a great Grotto, which nature had begun, and which Art and Saphoes ingenuity had finished; And which indeed is one of the moſt delightfull things in the world. For it was large, it was coole, it was deep, and yet it was light enough; The Rock, had rarity of all Colours, and that which was added unto it, was ſuch an excellent imitation of Nature, as one would think, Art had no hand in it.

Seats were contrived round about this Grott, and in ſuch a ruſtique manner as if chance only had been the Contriver, yet were they very eaſie and handſome, for by a ſingular artifice one is made believe that the moſſe which growes there, are Cushions: The little Purling Rivolet which runs through it, by its coolneſſe, renders the place more delectable.

Beſides all this, there were ſeverall openings into a ſecond Grott inviſible to this other, through which ſuch Voco-ducts were placed, as one might eaſily heare what one ſaid unto another.

The place being thus pleaſant, Cynegire and Sapho conducted us thither, we were no ſooner ſet, but upon a ſudden we heard a moſt admirable harmony, which came from the ſecond Grott into that in which we were, and which filled it with ſuch Seraphique Aires, as never was a more charming ſurpriſe. At firſt, we thought it was Sapho who appointed this diverſion, but ſhe was ſo aſtoniſhed alſo that we quickly perceived it was not ſhe.

In the mean time, all the Company looked upon Sapho, and ſhe looked upon all the company, but to tell you truely, ſhe no ſooner looked upon Phaon, but ſhe knew it to be a piece of his gallantry. He yet would not openly acknowledge it, but it paſſed for a piece of enchantment all the day, and furniſhed the Converſation with a very pleaſant Subject. But Cynegire being moſt curious of all the Company, ſhe went out of that Grott with one of the Ladies which came with Phylire, intending to go into the other Grott, and know from the mouths of the Muſitians, who ſent them, after which, ſhe walked in a ſolitary Alley not farr off. In the meane time, this gallantry of Phaons, cauſed every one to extoll it, and him both, though he ſaid ſtill, that he did not merit any ſuch applauſe, and that his Gallantry came ſhort of ſuch an entertainment. Phaon (ſaid my Siſter unto him) if we ſhould believe you, you were notably trapped; for thoſe who really have gallant ſoules, do know they have ſuch, and take it ill any ſhould think they have not, and indeed they have reaſon to inſiſt upon ſuch qualities as makes them prized above others.

One muſt have gallant inclinations, (replyed Alces and ſmiled) that can ſpeak as you do, one ought to have Rationall inclinations as wel as gallant (replyed ſhe) for it men do things no otherwiſe then as I intend they will never pleaſe very well. For my part, (replyed Amithone) I would very gladly know, in what, this kind of Gallantry conſiſts of which Cydnon ſpeaks: For my particular, (ſaid Phaon and interrupted her) I had much rather we ſhould talk of this then any thing elſe, for I muſt confeſſe, I meet with ſo many ſcurvy Gallants in this world, who yet do make great progreſſe in the hearts of ſome Ladies, that true, and really noble Gallants, make not ſo many conqueſts as they do. And therefore I would have [Page] us begin here a deſcription of bad Gallantry, to the end, that at our returne unto Mytelene, we may infuſe our Maxims into the minds of all the Town.

Then it is alſo requiſite (replyed Phylire) that you give Lawes and Rules unto the noble kind of Gallantry: for it will ſignifie nothing if you ſhould only blame the one, and not teach us the other.

For my part (replyed Sapho) I am ſuch a profeſſed enemy unto all bad gallants, though I do love a gallant Aire in all things, and ſhould be ravished with ſuch converſation if it were not in this place; but to tell you truely, (added she and ſmiled I would not it ſaid in Mytelene, that we aſſembled here, to make Lawes for Love.

For my part, (replyed Phaon) I will talk of nothing elſe this day. And for my particular (ſaid I) I believe I cannot ſpeak of any other ſubject. It is indeed ſo pleaſing) (replyed Nicanor) that it would be difficult to change it into a better. It is alſo ſo neceſſary (ſaid Alces) that I know not what we ſhould talk of, if not of this.

We talked of all the news before Dinner, (replyed Phaon) we commended the beauty of the place, and we have talked almoſt of every thing, ſo as we ſhall have nothing to do (ſaid Phaon unto Sapho) unleſſe you will let us eyther commend you, or let us talk of Gallantry. Believe me (replyed ſhe) I had rather you ſhould talk of Gallantry, then commend me. Then Madam, replyed Phaon, I beſeech you give us leave to talk of it all the day, for as my ſoule is now diſpoſ'd, I think my ſelf almoſt as witty as you are when you are out of your good humour. If you be no more (replyed ſhe) you would be leſſe gallant then you are. But I beſeech you (ſaid the faire Athys unto Supho) tell us how you came to be the moſt gallant perſon in the world. I do not intend to accuſe you of any Gallantrie (continued ſhe craftily) when I ſay ſo, but to commend you becauſe you neither do, nor ſay any thing but with a gallant Aire: Though I have not ſo much vanity as to believe this you ſay is applicative unto me, (replyed Sapho) yet I do think, I know your meaning, and that there is a kind of gallantry without any love, which is ſometimes to be uſed in moſt ſerious matters; and which gives an excellent charme unto all that one does, or ſayes.

In the meane time, this gallant Aire I meane does not altogether conſiſt in much wit, much judgement, and much knowledge, but is a thing ſo particular, and ſo difficult to be acquired when one hath it not, that one knowes not how to learne it, or where to ſeek it. For I know a man whom all the Court knows, who is very handſome, hath wit enough, who is very magnificent in his attendance, in his houſe and in his habit, who is able and ſpeaks well, who hath done all that ever he can to get a gallant Aire, and who is for all that, the leaſt gallant of all men living, But pray you (ſaid Amithone) what is this gallant Aire which is ſo pleaſing? It is I know not what (replyed Sapho) which is compounded of a hundred ſeverall things: It is a work of Nature infuſed into the Perſons who have it; moreover, much comerce with the World and Court doth help, the Converſation of women alſo, doth much contribute: And I dare maintaine, that never any had an Aire of gallantry, who ſhunned diſcourſe with perſons of my own ſex; and if I durſt, I would ſay, that before a man can attaine unto this gallant Aire, he muſt once in his life have ſome ſmall inclination unto Love: But take heed, (replyed Amithone) that you do not engage your ſelf to farr by ſpeaking as you do, for if it be neceſſary to have been in love before they can attaine this Aire of gallantry, it muſt follow by neceſſary inference, that a Lady who hath this gallant Aire hath loved ſome or other. No, replyed Sapho, for though I do maintaine that a man muſt have hi [...] heart a little engaged before he can attaine this Aire, yet I maintaine alſo, that for a Lady to acquire it, it is ſufficient if ſhe receive a favourable diſpoſition unto it, from Nature, that ſhe hath ſeen the World, that ſhe be acquainted with men of parts, and that ſhe have a deſigne to pleaſe all in generall without loving any in particular. For all that, me, thinks (ſaid the faire Athys) that the word Gallant is too much abuſed: for I like it well that one ſhould ſay this is gallantly thought: or this is gallantly ſaid▪ and a thouſand ſuch like, whoſe wit [...] beares a part in it; but it is not ſo to ſay, this habit is very gallant, or that man is very gallantly dreſt.

[Page] For my part (ſaid Phaon) I make no ſuch difficulty of it, for it is that gallant air which Sapho, hath in her minde, and in all her perſon, that makes the dreſſe ſhe weares become her ſo well; and to prove the truth, one ſhall ſee ſome Ladies at a Ball, who are rarely dreſt, and who yet are but ugly in compariſon of that ſimple dreſſe which hath its gallantry from the Perſon who weares it.

For my particular, (added Sapho) I think one may put a gallant Aire upon all, and that any may keep it as long as they live; but to tell you truly, and to ſpeak in generall, this kind of gallantry is the work of another, and muſt either be in love, or have a naturall deſire to pleaſe before it can be gotten. Not but that as I ſaid before, there are ſome perſons of great rank and quality, who cannot have it, for they want that naturall Mould, which puts I know not what kind of ſpirit, which pleaſeth unto things leaſt capable, and infuſeth into the moſt common talk a ſecret charm which ſatisfieth, and diverteth: There is I ſay, I know not what kind of gallant ſpirit infuſed into the perſon which poſſeſſeth it, both in his Wit, in his Speech, his Action, and in his Habit: This is it which doth accompliſh men, which renders them amiable, and which makes them loved.

Indeed, there is a kind of Byas or faculty in telling of things, which ſets a value upon them, and thoſe who have this faculty, may oftentimes ſpeak of that, which others dare not ſo much as think, but in my opinion, the gallant Air in converſation, conſiſts principally, in ſpeaking of things in an eaſie and naturall manner: To incline unto more ſweetneſs, and mirth, then unto the ſerious and ſharp, to ſpeak eaſily, and in apt terms without affectation, there muſt be alſo a kind of inſinuating and flattering ſpirit, to ſubdue the minds of others, and if I could expreſs my meaning well, I would confeſs unto you, that one cannot be compleatly amiable without this gallant Air.

Tis true, ſaid Alces, that it is difficult to pleaſe without it; but yet it muſt be confeſſed, that thoſe unto whom it is abſolutely neceſſary, are thoſe who make profeſſion of gallantry.

It is moſt certain (replyed Sapho) that a Lover without this air of gallantry, is a moſt pittifull thing. And the worſt is (continued he) there are an infinite number of young men who are but newly ſtept into the world, which beleive all gallantry to conſiſt in the moſt fantaſticall mode, which ſome fond fooliſh Taylor invented, and in being bold and talking much: In going unto all houſes whoſe gates are open, having no buſineſs there but to talk of trifles, without either Gallantry, Paſſion, or Wit.

There are ſome (replyed Cydnon) who think themſelves very gallant men, if they can but ſay, they have ſeen all the gallant women in the town, and brag, that I was yeſterday with ſuch a one, and the day before with that Lady: I preſented a third with a Serenade, I treated Sapho, and all her company with a banquet, I was with another troop of Ladies the day following, and ſo of the reſt.

Theſe ſort which you mention (replyed Sapho,) are not in the number of good Gallans for certainly they are very ſhallow witted, and full of folly; but I am much more afraid of thoſe eternall languiſhors, who are alwaies telling ſmooth tales, who are deeply in love with the gray, the black, the brown eyes, with equall fervency: who think they are hugely diſhonored, if they have been an houre with a woman, and not ſighed: For my part I cannot endure them, and I am confident, they ſay nothing unto him which they had not ſaid a thouſand times unto others, ſo as I am not able, either to hearken unto them, or to return an anſwer. I muſt confeſs replyed Phaon, theſe univerſal ſighers are a ſort of ſtrange men but we do know ſome brisk and fiery Lovers, which are no more than they, and all the company knows one, who is in love with a great beauty, who ſweares all the oathes under heaven, that he loves her more than ever any did or can, that he will dye a hundred deaths to do her ſervice, that he will kill all thoſe who dare diſpleaſe her, and would take it for a great favour if ſhe will bid him go, and kill any man for her ſervice.

This man is ſo brutiſh, (replyed Erinne) that he deſerves not to be ſpoke unto; but I would gladly know, what one ſhould think of certain merry gallants, who never talk of Love but in rallary, and yet are alwaies talking of it, who being neither buſibodies nor Lovers, are continually walking from place to place, to vent their jocund gallantry, without any other deſign.

[Page] Theſe greggs ſeldome ſtay long in a place, nor do they much trouble me when I meet with them, for ſome of them divert me; but thoſe who moſt anger me, are ſuch reall buſi-bodies as have ten or twelve ſeverall intrigues and plots, without a dram of Love in any of them, who have a hundred ſeverall buſineſſes, and yet not one.

I aſſure you (replyed Phylire) thoſe obſtinate Lovers who are alwaies melancholly, are never pleaſing to me nor themſelves; and I know one who is always ſo ſadly ſober, that I think him jealous, or that he is thinking of killing his Rivall, or poyſoning himſelf. Doubtleſs there are ſome ſuch gloomy Lovers, (replyed Phaon) who are as diſpleaſing as you think them: But amiable Phylire, there may be ſome faithfull Lovers as ſad, who yet are not ſo troubleſome. This is moſt conſtantly true (replyed Cydnon) that there are very few men who are deeply in love, and very gallant, and who are leſs pleaſing unto others, than they are unto thoſe they love: And though love ſeems to be but a trifle, yet it is the rareſt thing in the world, to find a Lover who can trifle it handſomly. But yet (ſaid I, and addreſſed my ſpeech unto Sapho) it is not juſt to examine only the gallants, but it is better to talk of gallantry in generall, to the end that the gallantry of Ladies in particular, may alſo be talked of.

I aſſure you (replyed Sapho) there are ſome who are groſs in their gallantry, that it would be both a favour and an honour unto them, not to talk of it. Yet I muſt needs confeſs, that women are to be blamed for the ill gallantry of men; for if they did but know how to make uſe of thoſe priviledges▪ which belong unto their ſex, they would make men right gallants, and would never ſuffer them to fail in their due reſpects: Indeed, they would never ſuffer a hundred uncivill familiarities, which moſt new gallants would bring into the world, for there is a great intervall between a conſtrained Ceremony and incivility; and if all gallant Ladies did but well underſtand of the myſtery of behaving themſelves, their gallants would be more reſpective, and more complaiſant, and by conſequence more pleaſing. But the worſt is, thoſe women who have taken a crochet of gallantry into their heads, do imagine, that unleſs they be indulgent unto their gallants, they cannot keep them, and all thoſe I ſpeak of do neither care for their own reputation, nor for the advantage of their own gallantry, but only how to take off a Lover from this Lady, to attract this gallant, to preſerve another, and to engage a thouſand if they could: There are ſome alſo (continued ſhe) which do worſe, and who keep a hundred private correſpondencies [...]n lieu of one.

Tis true, (replyed Amithone) I know ſome women whoſe gallantry is a very horrour unto any of any virtue, and behave themſelves ſo impudently, as it may truly be ſaid, that they make it their glory, which ſhould be their ſhame; but I am ſure their Gallants themſelves do ſcorn them, and as they behave themſelves, they will never have any who will eſteem them, for men will not hazard their reputations for them. Yet we uſe to ſee many men (replyed Erinne) who never care for the reputation of thoſe Ladyes they love; ſince they care not for their own (replyed Cydnon) I know not how they ſhould care for others. But I beſeech you (ſaid Nicanor) is it impoſſible you ſhould find nothing to ſay of gallants, and gallantry, but what is ill? I aſſure you (replyed Sapho) it is much eaſier to ſpeak ill then good of them, conſidering what a great number of men there are, which will be medling with things they underſtand not; yet certain it is, that if Ladies in generall, did but know how to manage, it would be poſſible, to bring into the world ſuch a ſprightly, pleaſant, and innocent gallantry, as ſhould never be offenſive, neither unto prudence nor virtue. Indeed, if Ladies would not value their Lovers, but according to their merits, and not according to their flatteries and favours, the conqueſt of their hearts being more difficult, then men would be more complaiſant, more obſequious, more humble, and more reſpective then they are; women would be alſo leſs intereſted, leſs cheaters, leſs ſimple, and leſs diſhonored than they are. So as every one being in their right Sphere, Miſtreſſes Miſtreſſes, and Servants Servants; delights would abound in the world, Politeneſs would floriſh, and true gallantry would be ſeen in its right colours, then ſhould we never as now we do, hear men talk of women in generall with much ſcorn, nor ſhould we hear them brag publikely of their favours. Then we ſhould not ſee any women caſt [Page] off all modeſty and ſhame, though they be the charms of right gallantry; we ſhould never ſee Ladies quarrelling about a Lover, nor out of mercenery thoughts, ſell their hearts as if they were Diamonds: For indeed, if gallantry be at any time allowable it muſt be, when the gallant cannot be upbraided with anything, but this, that they could not chooſe but love another, better than themſelves.

As Sapho ſayd ſo, Cynegire, and the Lady who was walking with her, being returned, the diſcourſe was interrupted, and an humour of walking coming into the generall fancy, all the company went out of the Grotto, and went to walk in a ſhady, long, and large Arbour, and the muſick following, the ſpirit of dancing came on them for an houre, which was performed moſt excellently.

In the mean time, though it was not likely that Phaon could find any opportunity of privacy with Sapho, at a time when ſhe had ſo many Complements to perform unto ſo many ſeverall perſons as did her the honourof this viſit, yet he met with an occaſion; for as every on [...] had an occaſion to walk a little after their dancing, ſo he preſented his hand unto Sapho: And by this means, going more ſoftly then the reſt, they did inſenſibly ſeparate themſelves ſome eight or ten paces from all the company, and talked unto her of his paſſion, and in ſuch vehement raptures, that Sapho, as difficult as it was to pleaſe her in matter of tenderneſs, was well ſatisfied with him that day. Indeed, he told her ſo directly all that ſhe thought he would tell her, and that in ſuch an obliging manner, that ſhe thought him worthy to ſhew him her Joyes which ſhe had in his loving her, and yet ſhe chidd him for being ſo pleaſant in her abſence: but he anſwered ſo well, that ſhe did not think his jocundry proceeded from his inclinations: and indeed he was ſo extreamly joyed at the ſight of her, as ſhe could not imagine but he would grieve for her abſence: but as ſweet as Phaons company was unto her, ſhee left it, and went unto the reſt of the company, who were ſo well pleaſed with the place, that they could not part from it untill the evening after Supper. Sapho kept Cydnon with her, and the reſt promiſed to write unto her: ſo that after we were gone, theſe two Ladies talked a long time together. But on Sapho's ſide more ſadly, becauſe ſhe could not well brook the abſence of Phaon, yet was it ſo ſweet a kind of ſadneſſe, and did not deject her, nor hinder her from a moſt excellent diſcourſe unto my ſiſter upon the tenderneſs of Love.

The truth is, my deare Cydnon (ſaid she unto her) Love is a moſt phantaſticall paſſion: For though one doth wish nothing more zealouſly then the happineſſe of the perſon they love, yet I should at this time be extreamly ſorry if Phaon should not as much grieve at his being out of my ſight, as I do for being out of his: and ſometimes I am ſo vexed when he is abſent from me, that I cannot tell what he does, and what he thinks, that it makes me almoſt as ſad as if I knew certainly that he never thought upon me at all, yet perhaps he entertains ſuch thoughts as would even ravish me with joy if I could know them, and finde in Phaons heart ſuch as are in my own.

But Madam, whilſt Sapho was thus talking with my Siſter, all our company were returned unto Mytelene, and returned with ſuch a ſpirit of joy as I am not able to expreſſe, except Nicanor, who was not able to frolick it like the reſt, becauſe he was out of hopes of Sapho's love. Perhaps Madam, you will think I was miſtaken when I excepted only Nicanor, and that I should have excepted Phaon: But Madam, I muſt acquaint you how he had ſuch a Fancy as I thinke never any Lover beſides himſelfe had: For Phaon, though he had a moſt tender and paſſionate ſoule, and did love with an inconceivable zeale, yet was his ſoule ſeldome ſenſible of any ſorrow; and abſence, as harsh as it is unto all other Lovers, ſeldome much troubled him, though he was as much joyed to be with her he loved, as one knows how to imagine: Indeed I have ſeen him ſometimes with Sapho in ſuch raptures of delight, as were very neare an extaſie, and I have ſeen him abſent from her without any exceſſive ſorrow: Not but that hee loved her both preſent and abſent, more then ever any was able to expreſſe: but the reaſon was, becauſe his ſoule was more ſenſible of joy then ſorrow; and becauſe as ſoone as he had loſt his greateſt delight, he would ſeek out leſſe to comfort himſelfe.

Indeed his ſoule was ſo addicted to follow all that could pleaſe him, and to shun any thing that would make him melancholly, as hee was ſometimes able to [Page] be abſent from her he loved moſt, vvithout being very miſerable. Yet this did not hinder, but when he ſaw the perſon he loved again, he vvould think himſelfe as happy as if he had never been afflicted: ſuch joyes vvould ſparkle in his eyes, and ſuch an unexpreſſable ſpirit vvould ſpread it ſelfe over all his Countenance, as ſufficiently teſtified the ſatisfaction he had in ſeeing her vvhom he adored: ſo as one could not imagine that a man vvho could enjoy a happineſs vvith ſuch high delight, could part from it vvithout abundance of ſorrovv.

Sapho alſo is excuſable for being ſo long ignorant, that Phaon taſted only the ſvveets of Love, vvithout the bitters, for shee ſavv him ſo tranſported vvith joyes when he was with her, that ſhe might eaſily imagine him full of ſadneſſe when he was from her: For my part, I thought at firſt, that he did it only out of prudence, the better to hide his love unto Sapho, and that his frolick humour all the way as we returned to Mytelene, was only to blind the company.

In the mean time, the jolly humour of Phaon encreaſed the ſullen humour of Nicanor, he thought that that mirth of his Rivall proceeded from the obliging behaviour of Sapho, and therefore he could not hide his joyes. As for Athys, her jealouſie begetting in her fancy a deſire to diſquiet Sapho, ſhe remembred the diſcourſe which Sapho and the company had concerning Sapho's diverſions during his abſence: ſo as negotiating the buſineſſe with as much wit as malice, ſhe ſent two dayes after her return, a ſervant unto Sapho, with a Letter which I needs muſt acquaint you with, for if I be not much miſtaken in it, it was in theſe Terms.

ATHYS unto SAPHO.

MADAM,

SInce I cannot forget my promiſe of writing unto you all the newes, I am deſirous to acquit my ſelfe: But ſince Mytelene affords little, I muſt acquaint you with our Journey, which was no leſſe diverting in our return, then in our coming to you; for Phaon and Alces were in the blitheſt humours in the world: and except Nicanor who was very melancholly, all the reſt of the company thought the way very ſhort. Truth is, Phaon and Alces were ſo full of their Jollities, that I ſhould fill my Letter full of mirth, and ſwell it into a volume if I ſhould write them all: But ſince I thinke it not good to divert you too much in the Countrey, leſt it ſhould keepe you too long from ſatisfying the wiſhes of your friends by your preſence, I will not mention them: Alſo I am forced to finiſh my Letter, becauſe I have promiſed to divert my ſelfe in walking with Phaon and Alces, and they do ſtay for me: I ſaw ſo much blitheneſſe in their faces this morning at the Temple, that I have reaſon to believe they will be in a very pleaſant humour; but for my part, I aſſure you, I ſhall take delight in nothing more then in ſeeing you againe.

ATHYS.

This Madam, was the Letter of Athys, which doubtles contained in it all imaginable malice; for it hurt Alces, it diſquieted Sapho, and it was prejudicial both unto Phaon and Alces, by the good office it did Nicanor. However, this Letter perhaps had not met with its intended ſucceſs, if Amithone, Erinne, Phylire, Alces, Nicanor, and Phaon, had not written, and mentioned ſuch things as confirmed what Athys had written; for Amithone, after many paſſages in their Caballa, mentioned that Phaon was more pleaſant than ever he was in his life: Erinne for her particular, to prove the tenderneſſe of her affection, did ſend her word how ſhee could brag, that ſhe was the moſt melancholy of all the company who had been with her, except Nicanor: And Philire writt, that if the merry humour of Phaon had not been a comfort unto her in her abſence ſince her return, ſhe ſhould have been out of the world. Alces not ſaying directly that Phaon was either merry or ſad, only filled his Letter with many pleaſant conceits of Phaons: And as for Nicanor, his [Page] Letter was ſo melancholly, though yet a very pleaſant ſatyre of all our jocundry, that he confirmed what all the reſt had written. But the wonder of all was, that Phaons own Letter was againſt himſelf: For though he ſhrouded his Joyes under a pretence of Love, yet he found not his expected effect, as I ſhall tell you, when you have heard Phaons Letter, which was thus written.

PHAON unto the moſt charming SAPHO.

MADAM,

DOubtleſſe you have a moſt ſtrange power over me, & your words, when you pleaſe, have greater force in them then any inchantments: For your obliging expreſſions a little before I parted from you, did infuſe ſuch joyes into my ſoule, that all the harſhneſſe of abſence from you cannot hinder me from remembring them with extream delight: Judg how I ſhall be raviſht when you return hither.

Moreover, I hope you will take my joyes as greater teſtimonies of my Love, then if I had been onely a lump of ſorrows; for I conceive it better to receive favours with ſo great a ſenſibility of them as ſhall comfort in abſence, then to endure abſence with ſo much inquietude as makes favours forgotten: Nor can I well tell which is the greater argument of love, to be ſenſible of favours, or to be ſenſible of that miſfortune which ſevers us. Yet I deſire with all my ſoule to heare from your owne month, what I ought to believe, and that I may ſoone proteſt unto you upon my knees that I am the moſt devoted yours.

PHAON.

This Madam, was the Letter of Phaon: As for mine, it was the only one which did him neither good nor hurt, becauſe it did not ſo much as mention him: For ſince I thought him too merry for an abſent Lover, and ſince I was reſolved not to prejudice him, I choſe rather not to ſpeak of him at all, then to ſpeak in his diſ-advantage. But whilſt theſe Letters were coming from Mytelene, to the place where Sapho was, ſhe and Cydnon were talking together with all the freedome which the Countrey and friendſhip would allow: But they talked of things very far off any thoughts of Phaon; for indeed both of them being ſitting by the Fountaine which I talked of before, diſcourſed upon the bitterneſſe of abſence, and the ſorrows which it cauſed in the ſoules of all ſuch as are ſenſible of it. For my part (ſaid Cydnon) I am ſo ſenſible of it, that ſince your departure from Mytelene, I have enjoyed no delights with any tranquility; for when I made any viſits, I was wiſhing you there: if I went any walke, I regretted your not being there; if I heard any good news, I was vexed that I could not impart it unto you: and indeed I neither did, nor ſaid, nor thought any thing wherein you had not ſome ſhare, and which did not make mee melancholly in thoughts onely of your abſence. Indeed (ſaid Sapho then) I am much obliged to you; for in my opinion, the moſt certaine teſtimonie of the tenderneſſe in any affection is ſadneſſe in abſence. But Madam, as ſoone as ſhee had pronounced theſe words, that Servant who brought the Letter from Athys, arrived, and preſented it unto Sapho, who read it halfe aloud, to the end Cydnon might heare: But when ſhe read that part which intimated the pleaſant humour of Phaon, ſhe bluſhed, and her heart trembled. Yet recollecting her ſelfe, ſhe appointed the Servant to ſtay for an anſwer, and did riſe up with intentions to write unto Athys: and ſhe was no ſooner riſen, but another Meſſenger from Phaon arrived, with all the other Letters except that of Nicanors, and as for his he ſent it another way. But Madam, my Siſter ſince told me that never was the like diſorder, as in the heart of Sapho; for after ſhe had read that Letter from Athys, with ſuch reſentment as I told you, ſhe read that of Amithones with more agitation of ſoul: that of Erinnes with more wonder: that from Phylire with more vexation; that [Page] from Alces, with more penſiveneſſe; that from Nicanor with more shame, and that from Phaon with more ſorrow, though she kept it the laſt, in hopes of greateſt delight. Imagine I beſeech you Madam, what effects theſe Letters might worke in the mind of a Lady who could not endure the abſence of Phaon without much ſorrow, & who had ſpent a whole day with my ſiſter in diſcourſing upon the bitterneſſe of abſence, and upon the ſorrows which a Lover endures when he is out of her ſight whom he loves. Cydnon told me that there appeared ſo much vvonder in the face of Sapho upon the reading of theſe Letters, as shee thought ſome ſtrange accident had hapned at Mytelene; for Sapho had read the Letter of Athys only aloud unto her, but she vvas not long ignorant of Sapho's vvonder; for as ſoon as that fair one had read over all thoſe Letters, she gave them unto my ſiſter, and vvith a deep ſigh, See (ſaid she unto her) hovv little Phaon reſembles you, and hovv friendship in you does more then Love in him can do.

After this, Cydnon began to read theſe Letters, and vvas not ſo much aſtonished at them as Sapho vvas; for she obſerved alvvays, that Phaon did divert himſelfe at every thing, and vvas never ſad upon any occaſion. But ſince she knevv that I loved Phaon very vvell, she vvould endeavour to excuſe him: And in order to that, she told Sapho she had no ſuch reaſon to trouble her ſelf ſo much at any thing vvhich had been vvritten: For truly (ſaid she unto her) vvhatſoever Athys, Nicanor, and Alces vvrit ought to be ſuſpected; and you ought to read vvhat Phaon vvrit, as a thing vvhich he had never vvritten, but becauſe it ſeemed unto him as acceptable unto you; alſo you ought to conſider vvhat Amithone, Erinne, and Phylire vvrit vvithout any inquietude, ſince it's probable that Phaon at his return, ſeeing hovv they obſerved him, did only out of his prudence ſeem more pleaſant then really he was: Ah Cydnon (replyed Sapho) I thought to be as prudent as Phaon, and yet I was not able to be merry within an houre after his departure: all I was able to do, was not to appeare very melancholly, and therefore I pray never offer to excuſe him, for I cannot: I know Phaon is an intimate friend unto Democedes: but Cydnon, methinks he ſhould more have thought upon me then him: Did I think him culpable (replyed ſhe) doubtleſſe I ſhould condemn him; why (replyed ſhe) can you think it poſſible Phaon ſhould be ſo pleaſant as to make ſo many ſeverall people ſpeak of his jollity, but it muſt needs proceed from his want of Love? Ah Cydnon, it can be no otherwiſe: and I find him ſo little ſenſible of my abſence, that I could find in my heart to baniſh him out of it: For my deare Cydnon, I am not able to endure, that whilſt I am grieving my ſelfe for his abſence, he ſhould divert both himſelfe and others with as much freedome of ſpirit as if he had never ſeen me: For my part (ſaid Cydnon) I ſee him ſo full of joy when he ſees you, as I cannot believe but he is full of ſorrows when he ſees you not: Reaſon and Love doubtleſſe would have it ſo (replyed ſhe) yet all theſe ſixe ſeverall perſons depoſe againſt him, and indeed he condemns himſelf by his own Letter.

Appearances may ſo deceive (ſaid Cydnon to her) as it would not be rationall in you to be much troubled at a thing which you know only upon uncertainties. To know it better my deare Cydnon (replyed ſhe) I will intreat you to return unto Mytelene, I will borrow Cynegires Coach for you, and you may give it out that you are returned upon ſuch important buſineſſe which called you thither: I in the interim will ſtay here fifteen days in expectation to heare from you, whether Phaon continue his jollity as he begun: But my deare Cydnon, I conjure you to let me have every day from you a moſt faithfull and true relation of all his mirth, of his humours, and of his diverſions; for the very truth is, if he love me only when he ſees me, I will ſlight his love, and if I can I vvill quench my ovvn. Cydnon then employed all her rhetorick to appeaſe her, but ſhe thought it ſo ſtrange that Phaon ſhould be merry vvhilſt she vvas ſad, as all my Siſters eloquence could not alter her mind, ſo as she muſt do as she vvould have her, and return to Mytelene, upon promiſes of ſuch fidelity as ſhe durſt not faile her. In the mean time Sapho anſwered all thoſe Letters ſhe received, taking no notice of any diſcontent againſt Phaons jollity: but not being able to hold out long, ſhee hinted theſe few lines unto Phaon.

[Page]

SAPHO unto PHAON.

SIR,

I Make no queſtion, but joy may ſometimes be a ſigne of a very tender affection: but I queſtion whether it be ſo as you intend it. When I ſhall come to Mytelene, I ſhall ſee, whether yours be worthy of being valued as teſtimonies of that affection which you had rendred unto me.

SAPHO.

Though this Letter was ſomething ſhort and dry, yet Phaon never feared that Sapho was angry with him, but thought that ſhe had ſo many anſwers to write, that ſhe could not have time to write any longer unto him: ſo as never changing his way of living, he behaved himſelfe after Cydnons return as he did before, which was, in ſeeking all occaſions of cheering up himſelfe in the abſence of Sapho. In the mean while ſhe ſent every day a ſervant unto Mytelene in ſecret, to know from Cydnon newes of Phaon, ſo as ſhe received every day ſomething which afflicted her; for Phaon was of ſuch an humour, that he could not deny himſelfe any one pleaſure, as if the reaſon why he was ſo continually with Sapho whilſt he was in Mytelene, had been only becauſe more delights were to be met withall there then in any other places. But this was no hinderance to him of taking up with meaner pleaſures when he was out of her ſight whom he loved: So as Sapho having engaged my ſiſter by oath to ſend her word of all that Phaon did, ſhe underſtood that he haunted all the diverſions in Mytelene, and that he ſeemed as if he had no diſcontents at his being there: ſo as her mind being extreamly incenſed againſt him, ſhe could nor find a heart to ſee him, before ſhe had let him know that ſhe was diſpleaſed: To that end ſhe ſent unto him the day before her return unto Mytelene, an exact memoriall of all his delights which he had during her abſence, hinting unto him every particular dayes viſit which he made, the pleaſant walkes which he took, all the diverſions which he took; and in a word, all that hee did: and to this Diurnall ſhee joyned a Letter which was very neer theſe words,

SAPHO unto PHAON.

SIR,

SInce it is not to be believed that the ſight of me will not adde ſo much unto your pleaſures as my abſence, I conceive that my returne will perhaps be but a diſturbance unto your delights: You may perceive by this Diurnall which I ſend you, that I have a very exact accompt of all your diverſions: but the queſtion is, whether it be to puniſh or to recompence you. For to tell you truly, I believe we are not both of one opinion; and I am perſwaded that you are not ſo ſorry for diſpleaſing me, as you joyed in my abſence, and therefore you have no ſhare in the affection, or eſteem of

SAPHO.

Since Phaon was really moſt extreamly in love with Sapho, and knew that ſhe was to return the next day, he did reſent this Letter vvith much agitation of ſpirit, but hoped to make his peace at the firſt ſight of her. Yet to the end he might ſee her before ſhe came unto Mytelene, he came unto me, and after he had ſhevved [Page] me the Letter, he intreated me to go with him, and meet her at a very rugged uneven place, where all thoſe who come in Coaches muſt come out of them, ſo that Phaon and I ſtayed under ſome willowes, in that rugged place; as ſoon as we were alighted from our horſes, and ſtayed in expectation of their coming, I began to chide Phaon for his humour: For (ſaid I unto him) how is it poſſible you ſhould be much in love with Sapho, and be ſo little ſenſible of ſorrow in her abſence? when you are with her, you are ſo raviſhed with joyes, as perſwades me you would die if you were out of her ſight.

The truth is (ſaid he) one cannot have a more violent paſſion, than is in my Soul, and my hopes of ſeeing Sapho this day, does at this very houre ſo joy my heart, that could you but ſee into my ſoul, you would confeſs that I do love Sapho better than any loved; but yet I muſt needs confeſs, that ſetting my jealouſie aſide, there are few things can make me very ſad. I do profeſs (ſaid he) if I feared Sapho would not love, I think I ſhould run into deſperate madneſs, in what place ſoever I were; but when I have reaſon to hope I am loved, when I hear of her being well every day, and when I know ſhe will ſhortly return, and I muſt ingeniouſly confeſs, that I cannot be penſive and melancholly without a cauſe: And my ſoul is ſo propence and inclinable to court all delights, to ſhun all ſorrows, that I uſe all the beſt means I can to ſweeten the harſhneſs of abſence: But for all that, as ſoon as I ſee but Sapho again, you ſhall ſee me eternally with her, and ſee me the moſt amourous of all men living.

Ah Phaon (ſaid I unto him) to love as you do, is enough to make one beleive you love your ſelf more than your miſtreſs: But yet it is moſt certainly true, (replyed he) there is none in the world would undertake more difficulties for Saphoes ſervice than I would, I would blindly obey her in any thing, I am more carefull, more exact, and more ſubmiſs, than ever any was; I have a heart more tender, than ever any had; I delight in the leaſt of her favours, one favourable look ſwells me with joy, I have a million of tumultuous thoughts when I am with her, I eſteem her, I admire her, and I adore her with as much reverence as I do the Gods; and my joyes are ſo full when I talk in particular with her, as never any Lover in poſſeſſion of his miſtreſs, had a fuller teſentment of delight. And after this, I pray judge whether I be not in Love, and whether you have reaſon to accuſe me for want of it.

Tis true, my ſoul doth naturally ſhun ſorrows, and affects pleaſures, but what does it concern the perſon loved, whether her Lover be ſad or merry, ſo he never fail in any reall duties of a faithfull Lover.

As he ſayd ſo, we ſaw the Coach of Cynegire appear a far off, ſo as Phaon and I took horſe, and in a rapture of Paſſion, went as faſt as ever he could to meet Sapho, and he was ſo extreamly earneſt, as that it could not be queſtioned but that he was moſt deſperately in Love: And if the fair Sapho had ſeen him, doubtleſs ſhe would have repented of what ſhe writ; and he accoſted her with ſo much joy, and love in his heart and eyes, that had ſhe not wholly truſted unto Cydnon, ſhe had doubted of her intelligence, and beleived that Phaon had ſighed all the time of her abſence. But for all that, ſince ſhe could not doubt of what my Siſter had written, ſhe received Phaon but with a hollow and faint Civility, and had received him worſe if Cynegire had not been preſent: However after theſe firſt Complements were paſſed, the Coach went on untill it came to the rugged place which I mentioned, where the Ladies muſt go on foot. I being Phaons friend, I preſented my hand unto Cynegire, purpoſely that he might have the opportunity of talking with Sapho; for this rugged way was above two hundred Paces, before it was fit to take Coach again: and the Coach not being able to go ſo faſt as we, we reſted under ſome Willow Trees, where I drew Cynegire apart, under pretence of talking with her concerning a great deſign which Pittacus was negotiating.

Thus Phaon had an opportuniy of talking with Sapho, but ſhe intending to chide him; no ſooner ſaw him in that paſſionate poſture, but her heart began to relent, whether ſhe would or no; yet ſtriving to retain her anger, ſhe asked Phaon how he was able to quit his diverſions to meet her: but ſhe asked the queſtion with a bluſh, ſo as Phaon by her looks ſeeing ſhe would be appeaſed he was well ſatisfied: why, Madam, doe you aske ſuch a queſtion (ſayd he unto her) and [Page] what cauſe have I given you to write to me as you did? ſince I harboured no joyes but what you cauſed? for I beſeech you, Madam (ſayd he unto her) how can you think a man who had hopes in your favour, can ever be ſad? Therfore, Madam, when I was abſent from you without ſorrows, it was upon no other reaſon, but becauſe I knew you had not baniſhed me your heart: And indeed, Madam, this thought was ſo ſweet, and filled my Soul ſo full of joyes, that as long as I was happy in your love, I defied Fortune to make me miſerable: Yes, Madam, provided I may enjoy your affection, I can be contented to part with all my Eſtate, be an Exile, a Priſoner, and loadned with all manner of miſeries, and be merry. Therfore I beſeech you, Madam, I beſeech you blame your ſelf for thoſe innocent joyes which you have cauſed. As for my part, I am perſwaded that it would argue want of love and reſpect, if my joyes of being loved by the Divine Sapho, were not infinitely above any ſorrows that can be for her abſence. Moreover, Madam (ſayd he with a moſt tender and paſſionate Aire) to judge how ſenſible I am when I am out of your ſight, I beſeech you conſider my ſenſibility when I ſee you: Look in my eyes, moſt charming Sapho, and ſee them tell you that I think you fairer then ever, and that I am more joyed at the ſight of you then ever any was, and am the moſt in love with you of all men living; but if they do tell you that I love you more then ever any other heart was capable of, then I beſeech you never trouble your ſelf with enduiring what I do when I am out of your ſight: but conſider only, that never any Lover did proſtrate himſelf at your feet with a Paſſion more violent and tender then mine is; for I beſeech you what matter is it how I do teſtifie my love when you are not in preſence, ſo you do ſtill find in me the ſame zeal and the ſame paſſion. For my part, I wiſhed you all manner of diverſions in the Country, and I hoped that the jocund humour of Cydnon would keep you from thinking your Solitude tedious. Oh Phaon (cryed Sapho out) you know not how to love, if you can deſire that your abſence ſhould not trouble me: and for my part, I do declare unto you that I ſhall never be pleaſed at you, if you be not the moſt melancholly man living, when you are abſent from me. Then, Madam (ſayd he unto her) I muſt forget that you do love me, for if I do not, I cannot poſſibly be miſerable: No (replyed Sapho) but on the contrary, it is the memory of that which I conceive ſhould make you the more miſerable; at leaſt I am ſure that the melancholly which your abſence cauſeth in me, is, becauſe I am abſent from a perſon whom I thought loved me: Oh, Madam, replyed Phaon, your opinion and mine ought to be very different in this, for it is not poſſible that you ſhould rejoyce for being adored by me, ſo much as I ſhould for being loved by you, ſo as it is no wonder if the memory of my paſſion do not comfort you in my abſence, nor is it ſtrange that the memory of your goodneſs to me, do leſſen thoſe ſorrows which your abſence cauſeth; for Madam, I muſt ſay again, I cannot be melancholy as long as I am ſure you love me. Queſtionleſs there is much wit in your Language (replyed Sapho) but not much love; and if your eyes did not help out your words, I ſhould think you do not love me; for to be abſent from her, one loves, and not melancholly, is one of the greateſt ſigns of luke-warm indifferency that can be. Oh, Madam (ſayd he unto her) How can you think I do not love you? could you ever ſuſpect either any of my actions or my words? All I ſee of you (anſwered ſhe) does doubtleſs ſpeak your paſſion, but all I ſee not, ſpeaks your indifferency; for in my abſence you can make many Viſits with delight, you can walk abroad in company, you can be frolick and pleaſant, and not the leaſt wrinkle of melancholly appear in your countenance: and yet that which makes me moſt wonder, you can have delicate and tender thoughts, and expreſs your ſelf ſo paſſionately as if you grieved for being abſent: And yet I cannot conceive how one can poſſeſs a thing with any joy which he can part with without any ſorrow: And ſometimes I think that you are not at all joyed at my preſence, ſince my abſence never makes you melancholly. Oh, Madam (ſayd he unto her in ſuch a paſſionate manner as made her bluſh) I dare defie you in this, do your worſt, and you cannot chooſe but beleive, that when I am in your preſence, I am the moſt deep in love with you of any living: Yes, yes, Divine Sapho, though you have been told that I hanted Balles every day during your abſence, that I entertained all the beauties in Mytelene: and though you have been told perhaps that I am inconſtant, yet I am moſt confident that when you look into [Page] my eyes, you will ſee my heart loves you beyond the expreſſion of any tongue; and indeed never any Lover had more reaſon to love then I: For firſt, you are without exception the faireſt in the world, I have a more propenſe inclination to love you than ever any had; I eſteem you beyond all admiration, and I do love you the more, becauſe both my inclination and my reaſon adviſeth me unto it, and alſo becauſe my gratitude exacts it from me: Nay, as for this laſt reaſon of your love (replyed Sapho) I would never have it mentioned; why, Madam (replyed Phaon) would you not have me gratefull and acknowledge your goodneſs and all your favours? I would have every one gratefull (replyed ſhe) but I would not have gratitude the only cauſe of affection, and if one ſhould love me only becauſe I love him, he would do me a moſt ſenſible injury: For indeed I would have one love me for ſo many other reaſons, that though he were naturally ungratefull yet he might moſt zealouſly love me: And therefore never ranke your gratitude amongſt the cauſes of your paſſion, if you would perſwade me that you love me as I would be, for that is neither civill nor gallant, nor paſſionate. Gratitude indeed may beget amity but never Love: I would willingly you ſhould tell me, that it faſtens the knot which ties you, but as I told you before, I would not have you number it among the cauſes of your paſſion, for then, of conſequence my favours muſt preced your a ffection, and on the contrary, I hoped, your affection had preceded my favours: and that if I aſcribed your Love unto any cauſe, it ſhould have been unto your own inclination, and my own merit, for my humour is ſuch, as I cannot endure one ſhould love me for any other cauſes. I remember (continued ſhe) that once I hated a very lovely woman, becauſe I diſcovered, that all her ſemblances of affection to me, did not proceed from any tenderneſſe unto me; but only in hopes that happily I ſhould bring her name into ſome of my verſes, and deſcribe her Character.

Judge therefore Phaon, whether I ſhould take it well you ſhould love me for any other reaſon, then becauſe you think me amiable, and becauſe you cannot chuſe but love me. When Sapho had ſaid this, and the Coach being over all the rugged way, their diſcourſe was forced to end as well as mine with Cynegire; with whom I held a long diſcourſe concerning the Politiques, purpoſely to give Phaon time enough to expreſſe his love unto Sapho, and make his peace with her.

However, this faire one parted not from him without ſome teſtimonies of her anger, for as they were parting, ſhe asked him in what pleaſant company he would paſſe away the evening, as for us (added ſhe and pointed unto Cynegire) we ſhall ſee none this day? I ſhall paſſe it away (replyed he) only with Democrates, and talk only with him of my joyes for your Returne, you had done much better, replyed ſhe, if you had talked with him before, of your ſorrows for my abſence. But afterwards, taking Coach, Phaon preſented his hand to help her, ſo reſpectively and his eyes had ſuch amorous looks, as Sapho could not chooſe but repent of her accuſation, and indeed, the very truth is, it is impoſſible that any ſhould be more extreamly in love then Phaon, though he could not be very ſenſible of ſuch ſorrows as abſence cauſed, but on the contrary, did comfort himſelf with the pleaſure of one thing for the loſſe of another: However, this chiding of Saphoes, made him paſſe away that night in ſolitude, and indeed, he was ſo glad that he had made his peace with her as hee needed no other delights. Not that ſhe did ſay, ſhe would pardon him, but they uſed to underſtand one another ſo well without ſpeaking, that looks betwixt them were as good as words. And though Sapho had chidden Phaon very much, yet he ſaw by her eyes, that he was ſtill in her heart as he was wont to be. And indeed, going betimes the next morning unto her, he concluded his Peace, and they were an hower together with all the joyes which the reconciliation of fallen out Lovers, ever cauſeth But at laſt their pleaſure was interrupted by Alces, who now loving Sapho no leſſe then the faire Athys, was very diligent in waiting upon her. Tis true his Miſtreſſe came preſently after but you may be ſure, it was Jealouſie more then love which cauſed her viſit: and though ſhe knew Sapho did not love Alces yet ſhe could not chooſe but be jealous. Nicanor alſo was none of the laſt in paying his devotions to Sapho: And Amithone, Erinne and Cydnon comming in alſo, the Aſſembly ſwelled into their uſuall number. At the firſt; Athys, Amythone and Erinne began to talk of their [Page] Journey and their returne, which was no pleaſing ſtory unto Phaon. And they had harped much more upon that ſtring if Phylire had not come in, and brought with her a ſtranger of a very handſome preſence whom ſhe preſented unto Sapho, and who was Brother unto that valiant Priſoner called Moriontes, whom the invincible Cyrus had ſaved from the flames in the wood, after he had vanquiſhed him. But Madam, this man ſeemed ſo unlike a ſtranger, that none queſtioned but that he was o [...] ſome of the moſt Civilized Townes in Greece, and did not ſuſpect him to be a Scythian, yet his complexion and haire did not ſute with the mode of Greece, for both were very white, and he very faire, but that rule being not generall, every one notwithſtanding thought him a Grecian, for he had not only the Aire and Garbe of a Greek, but alſo he ſpoke the Language very elegantly, his perſon was very pleaſing; his ſtature was not very tall, but noble and gracefull, his action was free and jolly. The features of his face were agreeable and lovely, his eyes a little languiſhing and he had the department of a man of a high quality. Moreover his wit was both ſharp and diſcreet, and his Aire both gallant and ſprightly: his Conception of things and his expreſſions of them was neat. And indeed, this illuſtrious Scythian is a man as amiable and of as admirable parts, as any man in the World.

Sapho having alwayes a particular Genius to honour all ſtrangers who came to viſit her, ſhe received him with that gallant civility which was naturall unto her, and to teſtifie how glad ſhe was to ſee him, ſhe complained againſt all the company, for not telling her that a ſtranger of ſuch excellent accompliſhments was in Mytelene. It was but yeſterday Madam, replyed Phylire, that a Brother of mine who hath been abroad in travells and now returned, did bring him unto me. Since he hath not been in a condition to preſent himſelfe unto you, becauſe he hath been a little ſick, and ſince he ſtood in need of me to preſent him unto you when who was recovered, he deſired it might be by my means that Clyrantes might know that admirable Lady of whom he hath heard talk of with ſo much eſteem throughout all the Grecian Cities where he hath travelled. Did I affect Glory more then my own ſatisfaction. (replyed Sapho) doubtleſſe I ſhould be very ſory to ſee a man who queſtionleſſe will eſteem me more before he is acquainted with me, then afterwards. But ſince I value not an ill gotten eſteem, I will run the hazards of loſing his, and ſee if I can purchaſe ſome part of his friendſhip in lieu of it. To deſtroy that eſteem I have of you Madam (replyed this welcome ſtranger and ſmiled) is but an ill way to get my friendſhip: But Madam you are ſo aſſured to keep my eſteem and purchaſe my friendſhip, that you care not what you ſay: And though you have yet ſpoken but little, yet that little is ſo well, as I am moſt confident that you ſpeak alwayes ſo. Wave your commendations of me Sir (replyed Sapho very gallantly) until you find ſome reaſon for it: And therefore I beſeech you, favour me ſo farre as not to flatter me until you ſhall find me worthy to be flattered by ſo well accompliſhed a man as your ſelf, you are very froward Madam (replyed Clyrantes) in giving that glorious attribute ſo ſuddenly upon a Scythian. I have ſuch a Reputation of knowing the merits of men at the firſt (replyed ſhe) that a friend of mine ſometimes ſaies, that I uſe to divine them, and therefore Sir do not ſuſpect me of being too haſty in giving my judgment, ſince it is a peculiar Talent which I have, never to be miſtaken in the choice of thoſe, whom I think worthy of my commendations.

After th [...]s, all the company having part in this diſcourſe, it was very pleaſing. And ſince Sapho could not chooſe but wonder at the politneſſe of Clyrantes, ſhe aſked him, how it was poſſible the politneſſe of the Scythians ſhould not be as much fam'd as of the Grecians, if they were all ſuch as he was. My Country Madam, replyed he, is indeed ſo neare Scythia that ſome do take us and Scythians to be al one: However, I am not only a Scythian, but originally a Sauromate which is a Country ſomething more rude, for the cuſtoms and manners of the Sauromates were ſavage, yet true it is, that though I am a Sauromate, yet I am of a Country which hath no tincture of their cuſtomes: And in diſtinction from the other, we are called the new Sauromates; yet we hold no commerce with them, for it being our policie to hold no correſpondency with any Neighbours, leaſt ſtrange cuſtoms ſhould [Page] corrupt our manners, we do all we can to live upon what our Country affords us, and not be beholding unto the commerce of other Nations.

This (replyed Sapho) hath ſome reſemblance unto the Lacedemonian Conſtitution, which took extraordinary care, that no ſtrange cuſtoms ſhould be introduced unto their owne. But when you tel me, that you hold coreſpondency with no Neighbours, I muſt confeſſe, that I cannot underſtand, how that can be and queſtionleſſe, it would be very delightfull unto all the company, if you would be pleaſed to take ſo much paines as to make us underſtand it, and to relate the Originall of a people, and the manners of their Country which muſt needs be very pleaſant, if it produce men like unto your ſelf. I beſeech you Madam, (replyed Clyrantes) do not judge of my Country by me. And to render that Juſtice which I ought to pay unto it, I will tel you what it is: Be pleaſed to know Madam, that the Sauromates in general, which ſome do mingle with Scythians, and others diſtinguiſh, do ſtil retaine ſuch odd cuſtoms, that their very ſacrifices do ſpeak the ferocity of their Nature. For in Lieu of building Temples unto Mars who is the God whom they adore, or erecting his ſtatue, they heap up together a huge pile of wood, which they ſet on fire; and when it is conſumed, they ſet a Sword in the midſt of this great heap of Aſhes, before which, they ſacrifice thoſe Priſoners which they take in Warre; yet the people have been much more cruel, and ſavage then now they are; for the Prince who at this day governs them, hath infuſed much civilitie into their Natures: But in thoſe dayes, when they were more barbarous: Fortune having brought amongſt them ſome Greeks, from whom the Challipides do ſay they are deſcended. they ſeated themſelves in a place which borders upon the banks of the River Tanais, and they did ſo well indoctrinate ſome of the principall Sauromates, as they made them abhorre their own cuſtoms, and embrace theirs; in ſo much as one of thoſe Grecians did inſenſibly get ſuch Authority over all their Country, That the People did acknowledge one of them for their head. And the buſineſſe came to that height, as when the Prince who then raigned over the Sauromates would oppoſe this Junction; he found it a very difficult buſineſſe, for the commotion was ſo great and ſudden, that it came to blowes. And this Greek being both valiant and prudent, the Sauromattan Prince could not vanquiſh him, but on the contrary, he was forced to let them have a petty Dominion, in the midſt of his own Kingdom, and could not help it. For Madam, this famous Grecian aſſembled to gether all ſuch as would voluntarily be his Diſciples and Subjects, he drew them towards the confines of that place which he made choiſe of for their habitation, and waſted the Country ſo al about, that al ſeemed to be a deſart Thus, after he had maintained Warrs, five or ſix years with much glory. the Prince of Sauromates was forced to make a Peace, and to ſuffer another Dominion to be in the heart of his own Kindome which was become a deſart all about this new Dominion. But one of the conditions of this Peace was, that it ſhould be equally forbidden both unto the ancient ſubjects of this Saucromatan Prince, and to thoſe of this new Soveraign, to till the Lands which the laſt had laid waſt, or to build any houſes or Cotages upon it. And indeed Madam, this was ſo ſtricktly obſerved by our forefathers, that at this day it is three great dayes journey at the leaſt over this Wilderneſſe: So as one of the beſt cultivated Countries in the world, is hedged in with another which is not at all inhabited. And it may be well ſaid, that your Iſle is not ſo without Neighbours as my Country is, though it be joyned to the continent. For it is an eaſier matter to paſſe between Mytilene into Phrygia then out of my Country unto any habitable place.

This deſcription is ſo very particular, replyed Sapho; And the Idea of this little Dominion which hath no Neighbours, doth ſo pleaſe me: That if women were as well permitted to travell as men, I ſhould be full of curioſity till I ſaw it. Your curioſity Madam, replyed Clirantes would be much better ſatisfied then you can imagine. For that illuſtrious Grecian our firſt Prince, did hedge about his Dominions with a deſart, only to hedge in all the virtues, and the ſecrecies, which he would infuſe into the ſoules of his Subjects, and to hinder the vices of his Neighbours, from ſpoiling his deſign: And having many able men with him, he eſtabliſhed ſuch good orders amongſt them, as in a ſhort time their manners were wholy changed: So as this Prince living unto a great age, he had time enough to [Page] eſtabliſh his Lawes, and left a ſonne prudent enough to maintaine them. He lived to receive ſo much ſatisfaction, as to ſee all the Arts and Sciences flouriſh in his Dominions, and his memory is ſo deare unto us, that we accompt our years, from the time of his raign. But I beſeech you Sir, (ſaid Sapho then unto him) ſatisfie us a little better concerning your cuſtoms. Since Madam (replyed Clirantes) they are almoſt all Graecian, I ſhould but be tedious, ſince you know them better then I do. It will therefore ſuffice if I acquaint you with what we believe. And therefore be pleaſed to know Madam, that we think of the gods as you do. That except ſome reliques of ancient Sauromatique Ceremonies which our firſt King would not out of policy aboliſh, our ſacrifices are like unto yours, our Townes, our houſes, or Villages, are much reſemblant unto yours here, but I muſt tell you that our Dominion is not ſo large; for there is but one great City, fifty Towns, and two hundred Villages: The truth is, that the City is one of the moſt pleaſant places in the World; and if ſtrangers were permitted egreſſe and regreſſe, its reputation would be fam'd over all the World, but ſince it is our cuſtome to debarre them, the reputation of our Country is confined within its own limits, and the deſarts which environ us; and we think our ſelves ſo happy in neither envying nor being envyed by others that we value not the Worlds ignorance of our happineſſe. But I beſeech you, (replyed Amithone) when one comes into your Country, are they not ſuffered to go out againe? They never admit of any but upon that condition, replyed Clirantes: For there are Guards kept at all the advances, and none are ſuffered to enter unleſſe they be thought worthy. Indeed when any one hath a deſire to dwell in our Country, the Guards ſtop them, and carry them to the Prince who transferres them unto certaine Officers appointed for that purpoſe, to be examined three Moneths together, to ſee their manners, and whether they know any thing worthy to be received amongſt us, and after all this, they are to ſweare never to go out of the Country without the Princes leave, who uſeth very ſeldome to grant it. They are alſo to ſweare inviolably to obſerve all our Cuſtomes, after which they give them eſtates proportionable to their qualities and merit. But when any deſires to travell who is a Native (replyed Sapho) muſt they have Licence alſo from the Prince? Yes Madam, replyed he, and much adoe to obtaine it, but when it is granted, and they returne againe into their Country, they muſt alſo ſubmit unto the ſame examination for three Moneths, to try whether their travells have not corrupted their manners.

This conſtraint indeed is very vexatious, and once there was a rebellion about it, which ended not without a civill Warre: But at laſt the Prince then raigning baniſhed all the Rebells out of his Dominions, and this great Collonie went and inhabited towards a River which is called Danabins, where they eſtabliſhed the very ſame cuſtomes which cauſed their Rebellion, for they made a Deſart alſo about their Dominions like unto ours.

But Madam, not to tyre you with tedious relations of the Pollicy and government of my country: Give me leave to acquaint you only with the preſent condition of our Court, for indeed Madam, we are governed by a young Queen, who hath only one Son, and who is one of the moſt rarely accompliſhed Princes in the world. Since the Arts and Sciences are amongſt us, it cannot be otherwiſe imagined that our Court is well refined; for ſince we have long lived in peace, Gallantry is in its greateſt luſtre, Lawes are made peculiarly for Love, and there are puniſhments ordained for unfaithfull Lovers as well as for rebellious ſubjects: Indeed, fidelity is held in ſuch veneration amongſt us, as it is kept untill death: Thoſe who marry for Love, have not Liberty to marry again, but are cauſed to make a publick declaration againſt it.

Moreover, it is as cuſtomary to go and comfort an abſent Lover, as it is here to comfort one in mourning, and if one ſhould frequent any diverſions in the abſcence of his Miſtreſs, it would be ſo layed in his diſh, as it is never ſeen amongſt us.

We know ſome amongſt us (replyed Sapho and bluſhed) who would think that cuſtom to be very harſh: It is ſo generally uſed amongſt us (replyed Clirantes) that there are none but do obſerve it; for ſince the firſt founder of our ſtate intended to keep his Subjects in their Country, he would enchain them by Love.

[Page] Thus is Gallantry amongſt us preſerved as an effect of policy, our cuſtomes of Love are as ancient as our State; and almoſt as inviolable as our Religion: Thus cannot one change his Miſtreſs, before he plead the cauſes of his inconſtancy; nor can the miſtreſs caſt off her Lover, unleſs ſhe declare the reaſon of her change. And ſince Peace, Idleneſs, and Plenty, do alwaies abound amongſt us, nothing but Love is diſcourſed of in our converſations, ſo as thoſe who come into our Country, muſt needs paſs through the Country of the ancient Sauromates, they wonder, after they have ſeen ſo many ſalvage people, to find us ſo civilized and gallant.

Moreover, ſince our Founder was a Graecian, the Greek tongue is preſerved amongſt us in its purity, not that it is the vulgar language of the people; but there is not any of quality who underſtands it not, and there are ſome wits in our Court, whoſe lines the fair Sapha would not think unworthy of her reading. You have deſcribed your Country after ſuch a pleaſing manner (replyed Sapho) and you do ſo well confirm all you have ſaid in its praiſes, by your own preſence, that were it not ſo far diſtant from us as it is, I think I ſhould quit my own, and go dwell there: After this, all the company had their voices in this diſcourſe, and Clirantes did acquit himſelf ſo excellently well, as he got the eſteem of every one. But Sapho knowing with a ſtrange foreſight, whatſoever paſſed in the hearts of ſuch as ſhe obſerved, ſhe foretold at this very firſt viſit, that Clirantes ſhould fall in Love with Phylire, and Phylire ſhould not hate Clirantes, if he ſtayed in their iſle: And indeed, what hapned afterwards, did evidence that ſhe was not miſtaken.

In the mean time, though Sapho and Phaon were ſincerely reconciled, yet there was ſtill in Saphoes mind a ſtrong diſpoſition to ſuſpect, that Phaon did not love her as ſhe deſired to be: Athys, Alces, and Nicanor, were not wanting to blow the coales of anger between them, for Phaon could not ſtirr any whither, but they informed Sapho, and if he was at any time pleaſant out of her preſence, ſhe was immediatly told of it. And ſince it was not poſſible for him to alter his humour, he ſtill diverted himſelf every where, and was grieved for nothing. When he was with Sapho, doubtleſs he thought himſelf the happieſt man in the world, and joy did ſo viſibly ſparkle in his eyes, that one might eaſily ſee, that ſhe was Queen Regent in his heart, but for all that, when he did not ſee her, he did not grieve, and ſince it was not poſſible he ſhould diſguiſe his humour, eſpecially having the eyes of ſo many watchfull ſpies upon him, who did him all the ill offices they could, Sapho could not reſt in any quietneſs. As ſoon as ever Phaon was out of her ſight, ſhe ſtill enquired what he did, and hearing commonly, that whereſoever he was, ſtill he was very merry, ſhe grieved more than I am able to expreſs, though my ſiſter told me ſome of her complaints againſt Phaon: Was ever any deſtiny comparable unto mine (ſaid ſhe one day unto Cydnon) for one would imagine, that I ſhould be very happy in being loved by one of the moſt accompliſhed, and moſt amiable men in the world, yet I ſhould be much happier did he hate me; for his hatred would cure me of that affection I have unto him: But in this condition into which I am brought, I can neither hate him nor love him with any tranquile delight, and the worſt is, my miſery is without remedy; for if Phaon did not love me I ſhould hope he might hereafter love me as I deſire, if he were abſolutely inconſtant, I ſhould hope he would return unto me, and if he hated me, I ſhould hope his hatred would not be immortall; but he loves me certainly as much as he is able to love, and were he the ſame when he ſees me not, that he is when he doth ſee me, then I ſhould deſire no more; yet for all that ſervent love which appears in all his Actions, in all his Words, and in all his Looks, I am nothing ſatisfied with him, ſo as I am the moſt miſerable perſon in the world; for ſince the cauſe of my diſlike can never change, it muſt of neceſſity follow, that I ſhall be alwaies miſerable.

But (ſaid Cydnon unto her) ſince you are pleaſed with him as long as he is in your ſight, therefore I would adviſe you to ſee him and marry him, to the end he may never part from you.

Ah Cydnon (replyed Sapho) though I never had taken up a conſtant reſolution never to marry, yet the humour of Phaon is enough to make me reſolve it; for if in this condition we are, I be not able to make him greive when he ſees me not, [Page] I ſhal not be able to do it, in a time, when perhaps I cannot make him pleaſed with the ſight of me.

But Madam, (replied Cydnon) what remedy can you finde? I will endeavour (ſaid ſhe) to make Phaon as full of ſorrow as my ſelf, which if I could bring to paſs, I ſhould be more joyed, than I am able to expreſs: I have ſeen him ſo ſenſible of jealouſie (replied Cydnon) that if you would give him any cauſe of it, I am confident you would have thoſe joyes you wiſh for. It is reſolved upon (replyed Sapho) and I will from this day, begin to treat Nicanor ſo wel that ſince he cannot grieve when he ſees me not, I wil perhaps make him grieve when he doth ſee me. And indeed Madam, the fair Sapho took up this reſolution, and did put it in execution ſo handſomly, that Phaon grew extreamly jealous, and as ſad as ſhe could deſire him to be.

At the firſt, ſhe was much joyed, and all the complaints which he made unto her were ſo ſweet and pleaſing, that ſhe would not ſo ſoon cauſe them to ceaſe.

In the mean time, Nicanor could not tell from whence this his good fortune proceeded, and Alces did ſo wonder to ſee Sapho change for the worſe, that he did abſolutly return unto the fair Athys.

However, Phaon whom the pangs of jealouſy tormented, knew not how this alteration in Sapho ſhould come to paſs, yet I told him, that his humour was the cauſe, but he would not beleive me; and he began to hate Nicanor ſo horridly, that he could not endure him. Thus was this poor Lover, both hated by his Rival, and not loved by his Miſtreſs: And his miſery was the more, becauſe having a piercing Wit, he perceived, that indeed Sapho did not love him, but ſtill loved Phaon, ſo as then looking upon her favours, as an artifice to augment the Love of his Rival, he grew more angry with Sapho then with Phaon, and this miſcellany of of reſentments produced ſuch pleaſant effects in the hearts of theſe three perſons, as the like was never known. But at laſt theſe two incenſed Lovers, not being able to hold out any longer, they quarrelled and fought, none knowing who got the advantage, becauſe they were parted beſore their combat ended: But Pittacus being a wiſe Prince and much grieved at the news of Tyſanders death, he was ſo angred at this quarrell; that he baniſhed them both for a year, to prevent any dangerous conſequences: So as Phaon having dwelt more in Sicily, than in any other place, he reſolved to ſpend the time of his Exile there, and Nicanor intended for Phrygia: But Phaon was ſo earneſt with me to negotiate ſo for him, as Cyanon might help him to the ſight of Sapho in private, before he departed, that I did what I could to ſatisfie him. Nor did I find much difficulty to effect it, for as Saphoes violent paſſion cauſed her to repent of making Phaon jealous, and ſhe had as great a deſire to pardon him, as he had to be pardoned, for knowing his humour, ſhe thought that nothing could be more dangerous for her than abſence▪ But at laſt, having intreated Cydnon to mediate with Sapho, and having obliged her to diſcover unto me that her friend had never favoured Nicanor, but only to make Phaon jealous, I told this welcom and important ſecret unto my friend, who at firſt would not beleive it, but as it is impoſſible to be long unperſwaded of a thing which one wiſheth, he thought that ſuch a thing might be, and he reſolved to clear his doubt by looking in the fair eyes of Sapho.

But at laſt their meeeing being to be at Cydnons houſe, their amity was renewed in the moſt tender manner in the world.

Well Madam (ſayd Phaon unto her at firſt meeting) after you have made me the moſt jealous and moſt miſerable man alive, do you now think me the moſt amorous of all your Lovers? and though my joyes in being loved by you could not perſwade you, yet will my ſorrows in being forſaken, work with you? had you been forſaken (replyed ſhe) you ſhould never have had opportunities to make your complaints unto me, for I would never have ſeen you: But Phaon, if you have ſuffered any torments thank your ſelfe, ſince if you had known how to Love, I ſhould never have taught you by any ſo vexatious a courſe as jealouſie:

Truly madam, ſaid he unto her) your invention was moſt cruell. But I beſeech you tell me? Did you never love Nicanor? and did you ſtill love me? Let me tell you only half of what you aske (anſwered ſhe and bluſht) and gueſſe your ſelf at the reſt.

[Page] After this, Madam, theſe two incenſed Penſons being inſenſibly pacified, they expreſſed themſelves unto each other, in as paſſionate and tender termes that Love could invent: yet Saphoes joyes were not compleat, for the thought of this long and cruell abſence did ſo diſquiet her, that ſhe did not fully enjoy the ſweets of this pacification. (For ſaid ſhe unto Phaon) what can I expect from you and your humour? you I ſay, who are never moved but with what you ſee, and not at all with what you ſee not, for though it were poſſible you ſhould continue faithfull during this long abſence, yet it is impoſſible you ſhould ſuffer as much as I do: and ſince you are capable of joyes and delights, within two dayes after you have left me, what will you do when you have been whole Moneths out of my ſight, have, I not reaſon to feare the looſing of you, for in a long abſence, I know nothing but ſorrow which can be a faithfull guard over the heart of a Lover. Indeed love is ſo accuſtomed to grow amongſt pleaſures as it may well be ſaid that joy is the firſt neceſſary diſpoſition unto its growth. And ſince queſtionleſſe your mind will be all upon delights as ſoon as ever you are out of my ſight; I have reaſon to believe, that ſome new Love will take poſſeſſion of your heart, and drive mine out.

Since Madam I never loved any comparably ſo much as you (replyed Phaon) becauſe I never found any comparably ſo amiable as to merit my affection, I muſt ingeniouſly confeſſe that I never had any great commerce with Love, untill I ſaw you. The truth is, I have a hundred times perceived a paſſion begin to flaſh a little and extinguiſh againe in the very preſence of her I thought to have loved, and indeed I have ſome dayes been ſo unlike my ſelfe from my firſt entrance into company untill I went out againe, that I knew not my ſelfe. I muſt confeſſe I had ſome deſires which begun both to live and die, in one and the ſame day, not knowing well why I had them, nor why I had them no longer.

But as for you Madam, your power has a greater influence upon me, I love you after another manner, and when I do apprehend the bitterneſs of this horrid abſence, I begin to prepare my ſelf for infinite miſeries, for this bitter abſence is unlike all the reſt; indeed, when you were in the Country. I alwaies expected your return ſo ſhortly, that it was no wonder if my hopes of ſoon ſeeing you ſhould diminiſh my ſorrows, and that my beleif of your loving me, was ſo joyfull unto me, as to keep me from grieving: But alas Madam, a whole year looks like a little eternity to me, and I ſhall go away in fear, that you are not fully perſwaded of the great neſs of my Love.

But Madam, I beſeech you judge me not by what is paeſt, ſince certainly I never loved you, ſo much as I now do. Yes divine Sapho, I do love you more than ever, and more than ever I ſhall any other, and more than ever I can hope to be loved, I beleive it, (ſaid ſhe, and interrupted him) but for all that, in all appearances you do love me leſs, then you thought you did after you had been fifteen dayes out of my ſight.

After this, returning a very plauſible anſwer, he made a million of proteſtations of fidelity unto the fair Sapho, and in ſuch a paſſionate manner, as ſhe was perſwaded that the heart of Phaon was changed, and that he would reſent this long abſence with abundance of ſorrow; ſo as both of them uſed the moſt delicate and paſſionate expreſſions, that Love could poſſibly infuſe into the hearts and tongues of two perſons deeply in Love, and ready to depart from each other: Thus Sapho and Phaon parted, infinitely ſatisfied and reconciled: Phaon imbanqued the next morning; and Sapho went in the country, carrying my ſiſter with her; but ſhe went not thither, ſo much to enjoy the ſweets of ſollitude, as to hide the ſorrows of her ſoul, and to avoid bidding adieu unto Nicanor who know too weH, that all the favour he received, belonged not unto him. But Madam, ſince Phaons departure, Sapho was all melancholly: Tis true, at her return unto Mytelene ſhe contracted a very great league of friendſhip with Clyrantes, who was ſo extreamly in love with Phylire, as none could be more.

In the mean time, the company at Saphoes was nothing ſo pleaſant as heretofore, becauſe ſhe was grown to very melancholly that ſhe ſhunned as much as handſomneſs would permit her all occaſions of delight, ſo all the good company broke up: For Alces at laſt married Ashys, who ſince her marriage did not frequent Saphoes.

[Page] Erinne, ſhe fell ſick of a languiſhing diſeaſe: my ſiſter went into Phrygia with my Mother, who was of that Countrey, and Amithone went into the Country, ſo as I was the only One left, unto whom Sapho could talke with any confidence: And yet ſhe had one deare friend whom I did not mention at the beginning of my relation, becauſe ſhe was abſent from Mytelene during all the time of this long love: but ſince ſhe returned the ſame day my ſiſter departed, it may well be ſayd ſhe took her place: And certainly ſhe was worthy of Sapho's friendſhip, though her fortunes were not ſo high as the reſt of her friends.

Indeed, this Lady who was called Agelaſte, by reaſon of her melancholly temper, had moſt rare qualities: her perſon did pleaſe much more then ſome could who were fairer then ſhe: She was not tall, but handſome, her hair was brown, her eyes gray and ſweet, her face a little long, her noſe ſomething high, her mouth pretty, her complexion well, but a little pale; her teeth white, her neck admirable, her hands and arms faire, and her Phyſiognomy ſo wiſe and modeſt, that every one had a good opinion of her at the very firſt ſight.

Agelaſte alſo played upon the Lute moſt admirably: But I alwayes moſt eſteemed her for her wit, her diſcretion, her goodneſſe, and her fidelity were ſo great, that one might truſt her with any thing in the world: Moreover, though ſhe was naturally melancholly: Yet ſhe would be very pleaſant in company, eſpecially with her intimate friends, for unleſſe with them ſhe ſpoke little: Agelaſte then, being as I have deſcribed her, ſhe was inſeparable from Sapho, ſince all the reſt of her friends had left her: And Phylire alſo did viſit her much oftner then ſhe did before: The truth is, Sapho ſtood in need of ſome comfort at that time, for you muſt know that Cynegire with whom ſhe lived, and to whom ſhe was much obliged, dyed: and a few dayes after ſhe heard that her Brother, of whom ſhe alwayes heard bad newes, was faln in love with a Slave called Rhodope, whom Eſope alſo had loved, and that the paſſion of Charaxes had been ſo extream, that after he had enfranchiſed her, his love of her had quite ruined him.

Alſo Sapho underſtood that Rhodope, whoſe beauty and art had rendered her more famous in Aegypt, then her vertue had, ſhe ſent him back to Mytelene in a moſt lamentable condition. Moreover, the death of Tyſander had ſo altered the Court of Pittacus, that people did not live in that Citie as formerly they did; yet Sapho was ſo happy as to finde a ſatisfaction in her ſelfe without ſeeking it in others.

In the mean time, the greateſt inquietude which ſhe had being Phaons abſence: ſhe was forced (though ſhe did not affect to have any Confident) to let me talke unto her ſometimes, for I was the conveyer of all the Letters between Phaon and her; yet it was not poſſible to have many Letters from him, which was no ſmall addition to her inquietudes: But Madam, ſhe was much more reſtleſſe and unquiet a little after, when ſhe receiving a packet from Phaon which I brought in all haſt unto her, ſhe found beſides her Lovers letter, a Note directed unto him, written with a womans hand; but ſo ſcurvily writ, that it was evident, she who writ it was not guilty of over much wit. In the mean time, it appeared by it that Phaon had writ many Letters unto her, that he was much in her favour, and that he had given her ſeverall Serenades: And indeed Madam, I underſtood afterwards, that though Phaon did love Sapho moſt paſſionately, yet he would ſometimes ſolace himſelfe with that faire Foole whom he had formerly loved in Sicily. Not that there was any compariſon between thoſe thoughts which he had of Sapho and this faire Sycilian; for his paſſion was moſt zealous and ſervent to the firſt of theſe, and his engagements to the other might rather be called a muſing, then any reall affection. However, he did divert himſelf as much as if he had not been abſent from that perſon whom he loved with moſt paſſionate tenderneſſe. But to return unto Sapho, you may imagine Madam, how ſhe was ſurprized to find in Phaons packet this note directed unto her, and a Note ſtuffed with the moſt fond, ſimple gallantry in the world: indeed, I think that never ſuch a piece was ſeen, yet the Character was faire enough, but that ſerved only to render it ridiculous; for the Orthography was ſo bad, the ſenſe ſo ſhallow, the expreſſions ſo poor, and the order of words ſo confuſed, and oppoſite unto all rules of eloquence and reaſon, as it is a wonder how any woman of quality could poſſibly write after [Page] ſuch a rate. But the oddeſt thing was, that the Letter which Phaon writ unto Sapho was the moſt elegant, the moſt gallant and paſſionate peece that ever was ſeen: ſo as it was not credible, that any man who writ ſo well, could hold any particular correſpondency with a woman who writ ſo ill: Yet it appeared by this Note, that Phaon did often ſee her, and that he had given her ſeverall Serenades as I told you before: And I aſſure you Sapho was ſo ſadly aſtoniſhed at this cruell adventure, that not being able to hide her ſorrows, ſhe communicated them unto Agelaſte, and me.

Did ever any ſee ſuch unparalled weakneſſe as this in your friend? (ſaid ſhe unto me) I know that when he ſees me, he loves me as much as he is capable of: I know alſo, that then he thinks himſelfe unable to take delight in the company of any other perſon: and yet it appars by this Paper, that he bears ſome kind of affection unto the veryeſt fool in the world, and that hee mingles her Letters and mine indifferently together, though I think mine have ſome order of ſence in them, and thoſe of his new Miſtreſs none. Since I knew the humour of Phaon better then Sapho did, I did my friend the beſt office I could, and endeavoured to perſwade this admirable woman, that the heart of this Lover had no ſhare in any of theſe pleaſures which he took during his abſence, and that Phaon lived as he did, rather to look upon theſe trifles, then to divert himſelf in them.

Ah Democedes (ſaid ſhe unto me) a grieved Lover cannot find a heart to look upon ſuch trifles: And if Phaon loved me as he ſhould do, the moſt pleaſing Serenades would never divert him: he would be ſo indiſpoſed to give them unto others as he doth, that he wouold ſhun the place where others give them: And therefore I am reſolved to love him no longer, but will hate my ſelfe▪ if I cannot hate him. It was in vain for me to proteſt unto Sapho that Phaons love did not change, and that it was only an effect of his humour, wherein his heart had no ſhare, for ſhe would not believe it: ſo as in the rapture of her ſorrows, ſhe anſwered Phaon in a very ſingular manner, for ſhe ſent him back the note which he had unawares ſent unto her, and writ only theſe words.

SAPHO unto PHAON.

SIR,

SInce you have contracted amity with a Lady, whoſe Letter I have ſent you backe, reſolve to breake off ours; for I thinke it an unworthy thing in me, to let a man have any ſhare any longer in my heart, who hath withdrawn his owne from mee to give it unto another, ſo much unworthy of himſelfe.

SAPHO.

This Letter doubtleſſe was enough to enforce ſorrow into the ſoule of Phaon: but to tell you truly, I writ him another which grieved him to the very heart of his ſoule; for I chid him ſo home for his levity, and did ſo terrifie him with his likelihood of looſing Sapho's affection, that as ſoon as he had read her Letter and mine, he became a Convert: when he conſidered that Sapho perhaps would withdraw her heart from him, he eaſily reſolved to quit the leſſer delights to preſerve the greater: ſo as knowing no better way to reconcile himſelfe unto Sapho, then by quitting Sicily, and coming to her, he reſolved to come diſguiſed unto Lesbos, and accordingly he came in a Merchants Ship: And landing at a Port in a corner of our Iſle, he concealed himſelfe with a friend who had a houſe very near unto that of Sapho's in the Countrey. He was no ſooner there, but enquiring where ſhe, and I was, but he underſtood that I was gone a journey of fifteen dayes, and that Sapho was at her own houſe vvithout any other company then her dear Agelaſte: ſo as loſing no time, and knovving her uſuall hours of vvalking unto that Fountaine [Page] vvhich formerly I mentioned, he vvent and hid himſelfe in a little thicket of Trees vvhich grevv about it, leaving his horſe ſome fifty paces off vvith a Lacquey: he had not vvaited there a quarter of an houre but he favv Sapho and her friend appeare; and ſavv her ſo ſad, that as inſenſible as he vvas of ſorrovv, his heart was tendered: 'Tis true, the thought of being ſo tenderly loved by the moſt excellent woman in the world, did make him more joyed at it, then Sapho's ſadneſſe made them melancholly. However, he would give her time to ſit downe before he would ſhew himſelfe, to the end he might a little digeſt thoſe ſorrows which this fight cauſed in him. But as it chanced, theſe two Ladies did ſit down upon a ſeate of Graſſe with their backs towards Phaon, ſo as he could eaſily hear what they ſaid; for the Grove was very thick in that place, and he crept ſo gently, that they could neither heare nor ſee him. They were no ſooner ſet, but Sapho began to ſpeak.

But my deare Agelaſte (ſaid she unto her) there is ſo little appearance in what you tell me, that I know not whether I ſhould believe it, and therefore I deſire to know all the particulars of this adventure. They are very eaſily known (replyed she) For yeſterday in the afternoon I underſtood from the mouth of Phylire, that Clirantes (whoſe quality is ſo great that he is neer Couſen to the Queen of Sauromates) is ſo much in love with her, as that he will marry her, if ſhe will follow his fortunes, and go into his Country. So as Phylire who loves him no leſs than he her, and is freely in his own diſpoſtion, ſhe is reſolved upon it, and ready to follow this Illuſtrious Sauromate. But ſince ſhe deſires the buſineſſe may be done without any noiſe, ſhe imparted the ſecret unto me, and willed me to deſire that you would be pleaſed to let them be married in your houſe; which done, they would preſently after depart, and go into that Countrey, where there are ſuch ſevere Laws againſt unfaithfull Lovers. I wiſh with all my heart (replyed Sapho) that the inconſtant Phaon were there alſo, that he might be puniſhed for his levity. And Agelaſte (continued ſhe ſighing) ſince I know you have no great buſineſſe at Mytelene, but all places in the world are alike unto you, why may not we two follow Phylire into the happy Country of Clirantes? For I muſt confeſs I cannot endure living in Mytelene.

But Madam (replyed Agelaste) as long as Phaon is in your heart, I would not adviſe you to go into a Country where he cannot be admitted: As long as I am not in Phaons heart (replyed Sapho) I ſhould be glad to be in any place where I may never ſee him: and therefore my deare Agelaſte, if you be able to follow my Fortune, we will both of us follow Phylires: For truly there is nothing in Mytelene which doth not diſpleaſe me: Charaxes is come to perſecute me, all the world wearies me, I ſhall never ſee Phaon there: Or if I do, I ſhall ſee him inconſtant, ſo as I ſhall think him unworthy of my affection. Oh Madam (cryed he out, and came out of the place where he was hid, and kneeling down before her) Do not uſe the moſt faithfull Lover alive ſo unjuſtly: and to teſtifie that I am ſuch a one, I beſeech you let me go with you into that happy Countrey where all unfaithfull Lovers are ſo ſeverely puniſhed: For ſince I ſhall never be abſent from you there, I ſhall not feare the Laws which are made againſt ſuch as divert themſelves in the abſence of their Miſtreſſes: Is it poſſible Phaon (ſaid Sapho) that you ſhould be ſo impudent as to ſpeak thus after your laſt crime? Yes Madam (ſaid he unto her) the love of my ſoule unto you hath taught me ſo much impudence, that I dare beſeech you to do unto me as I do underſtand Phylire intends unto Clirantes: For Madam, it is as certain as that the Heavens are above us, that I am the moſt faithfull Lover upon Earth: Carry me into any place where I can never go from you, and you will find me the moſt conſtant Lover that ever lived: I can never confeſſe that my weakneffes did ever merit the name of inconſtant: For Madam, I have adored you every minute of time ſince I firſt knew you: I muſt confeſſe that I have a ſoule which is addicted unto pleaſures, and vvhich flies from any ſad thoughts: But for all that, ſince I had any apprehenſions of loving you, I have quitted all that you can imagine may ſteale avvay my heart, and upon my knees I beg the favour never to let me leave you againe: I knovv that I cannot vvith ſafety appeare in Mytelene, and that I am to continue yet a long time baniſhed: But if it be ſo that you do love me, you will alſo baniſh your ſelfe [Page] for the love of me: For the very truth is Madam, I will never be abſent from you againe; and I am ſo fully reſolved upon it, that though I were ſure Pittacus would arreſt me to morrow, yet would I not ſtirre, for I had rather be his priſoner then not your ſlave Madam, and I would endure any torment in the world, rather then hazard the looſing you. Try Madam (ſaid hee unto her) whether you are able to undertake a bold reſolution: I have left Sicily you ſee, as ſoon as I ſaw there was a neceſſity of juſtifying my ſelfe in your opinion: Quit therefore Lesbos Madam without regret, to the end you may be as ſure of me; I will not limit you Madam, unto any place upon earth, ſince there is none wherein I cannot finde a happineſſe, ſo I may ſee you, and ſo you be unto me as formerly you have been, and as I hope you will be ſtill, notwithſtanding all my imbecilities. But Phaon (ſaid Sapho then) is it poſſible you ſhould think what you ſpeak? and can I ever think that a man who is ſo familiar with ſuch a ſimple perſon as ſhe whoſe Letter I ſent you, can ever affect me who does nothing reſemble her? Tell mee Phaon, did you love her? Did you ceaſe loving me? Do you love me yet? or do you now now begin to have ſome affection to mee? muſt I look upon that love which I ſee in your eyes as a faithfull love? as a feigned love? or as a newly revived love? Look upon it Madam (replyed he) as a Love mortall which may ſometime hide it ſelfe, but can never extinguish: And therefore for your owne tranquility Madam, and for my happineſſe let us make our fortunes inſeparable.

After this, Sapho deſired him to make an ingenuous confeſſion of his laſt weakneſſe, and to relate all his adventures in Sicily, which he did with ſo much ſincerity, that Sapho was ſatisfied. Yes Madam (ſaid he unto her) I will confeſſe, that finding there a perſon whom I loved before I knew you; but Madam, ſhe did afford me only imperfect joyes, and my heart was never wholly engaged: I have alſo received from her ſome ſignes of tender affection; but I was without any trouble, ever ready to quit them as ſoon as you called me back.

The truth is Madam, I was a little weak, but not inconſtant: my eyes 'tis true did find that you were not the only faire one upon Earth; but my heart never found any whom it could truly love but only the moſt admirable Sapho. And to give you ſecurity againſt any future weakneſſe, I beſeech you make choiſe of what deſart Iſle you pleaſe where we may live together: For my part, I profeſſe that you are my All: and ſo I may ſee you, I deſire nothing elſe. Though I did nothing but heare you ſpeak, yet would my felicity be great: the charms of your wit, without being ſeconded by thoſe of your beauty, are enough to render me moſt happy: All other perſons that ever I met withall are ſo ill practiſed in the Art of obliging, that their greateſt favours are but trifles in compariſon with the leaſt of yours.

After this, Phaon uſed many more moſt tender and paſſionate expreſſions unto the admirable Sapho▪ who anſwered him a long time as if she would not pardon him: but at laſt her anger cooling whether she would or no, she did not make him diſpair: but taking a medium between theſe two extreams, she permitted him to hope for a pardon & promiſed to meet him the next morning in the ſame place.

But Madam, why should I hold you ſo long from the end of this adventure? Sapho ſpent the whole night with Agelaſte in conſidering what to reſolve upon; and upon ſerious debate she concluded that she could not live happily upon the earth without the love of Phaon, and that ſhe could not aſſure her ſelfe of his affection as long as he was from her: So that after she had well conſidered how to order all her buſineſſe concerning her eſtate, she reſolved to put Phaon unto a great tryall of his love by obliging him to follow her in her deſign of going with Phylire, and by obliging him to follow her upon certainties never to marry her: And haſt being requiſite in the buſineſſe, becauſe Phylire was to be marryed within eight dayes, and to depart the morrow after the ſolemnization; Sapho acquainted Phaon the next day with her reſolutions: At the firſt he liked the propoſition of going with her into the Countrey of the new Sauromates very well, but he found it a hard chapter to promiſe he would never importune her unto marriage: But at laſt, ſince she gave him leave to love her, and promiſed to love him, he promiſed to do what she pleaſed: ſo as after this, Sapho thought her ſelfe the happieſt perſon in the world, and Phaon alſo thought himſelfe the happieſt Lover [Page] upon earth, ſince Agelaſte had neither Father nor Mother living, but had loſt all which could render Lesbos delightfull unto her, ſhe followed the fortune of Sapho who left her own Country with as much joy as Phaon had, to be in her favour And they both of them ſo ſatisfied each other by this reſolution, that they were moſt glad to be quit of it. I was not at Mytelene when this paſſed: My Siſter was in Phrigia, and though we had been with Sapho, I believe ſhe would not have imparted her deſign unto us, leaſt we ſhould oppoſe it.

The greateſt motive unto her forwardneſſe in this deſigne was, that knowing there was but one City in all this little Dominion of the new Sauromates, Phaon could not be often from her, ſo as being ſatisfied with his love in her preſence, ſhe hoped that place would yield her much content, ſince he could not poſſibly be long abſent from her.

In the meane time, Agelaſte having acquainted Phylire and Clirantes with the deſigne of Sapho and Phaon, they were extreamly glad of it, for that Illuſtrious Sauromate, did know, that all thoſe Perſons would eaſily be admitted into his Country. Alſo conſidering the credit which he had with the Queen, he made no queſtion but all this good company would be extreamly well entertained. There great comfort in this journey was, that they had no thoughts to take for their ſubſiſtance. For Clirantes firſt aſſured them, that his eſtate was ſufficient to maintaine them all in full luſter, and beſides this, It was the cuſtome of the Country for the Prince to give ſuch eſtates unto ſuch ſtrangers as are received, as is fitting for their quality and merit, and all this, Philires brother did know of a certainty.

In the mean time, ſince Sapho did depart with intentions never to returne againe, ſhe diſpoſed of her eſtate as if ſhe were going to dye, and left Letters which contained her will, in the hands of an old Kinſwoman ſhe had with orders not to open them untill a month after: After which, the marriage of Clyrantes and Philire was ſecretly ſolemnized: And the next morning all this good company embarqued, with intentions to paſſe the Boſphorus of Thrace, and to enter into the Euxine Sea afterwards to land about the Maeotidan lake. But they were no ſooner imbarqued, then there did riſe a Tempeſt which changed their courſe, for after it had toſſed them from place to place, and from ſhore to ſhore, it caſt them upon Epirus at the foot of a great Rock which is beaten upon by the Leucadian Sea, and upon which is built the Temple of Apollo; This Rock hath alſo another thing very obſervable, for it is ſaid that there and from thence Deucalion, when he was in love in Theſſalia did throw himſelfe into the Sea, and cooled his paſſion.

However, after all this good company had rendred thanks unto the gods there adored, and after their ſhip was repaired, they imbarqued and ſteered their courſe very proſperouſly, as Meriontes told me. But Madam, before I tell you any further what he related unto me, I muſt acquaint you with the wonder of all them in Mytelene when Saphoes Coſen opened the Letters, in which ſhe had declared how her Eſtate ſhould be diſpoſed of: For when ſhe was gon; ſhe colloured her journey with the accompliſhment of a vow to Diana, who had a Temple ſome three days journey from Lesbos.

But when they ſaw ſhe diſpoſed of her Eſtate as one who would never return again, they kew not what to think.

In the mean time, out of her generoſity, ſhe left almoſt her Eſtate unto Charaxes, though they were at great difference; as for all thoſe things which were in her cloſet, ſhe bequeathed them amongſt her friends, not mentioning her deſign, nor the place unto which ſhe was gone: So as every one thought and ſpoke according to their fancies. Since ſome reports went a broad, that ſhe was diſpleaſed with Phaon for fallingin Love in Scicily. and ſince they knew not that he was returned unto her, ſome beleived that ſhe was gone unto him, others ſaid that ſhe caſt her ſelfe away, and indeed this laſt beleif was the moſt generall, though not the moſt probable. For ſince it was known that Sapho was at her houſe in the country, before ſhe imbarqued; the Plebeans, who always love wonders, and often beleive them ſooner than probalities, did ſay, that as ſhe was by the ſide of that pleaſant Fountain which I mentioned a Nagade appeared unto her, who did bid her go unto Epirus, and that ſhe ſhould throw her ſelf into the ſea, in a place where a Ducalion formerly had thrown himſelf, and that ſhe ſhould there be cured of her paſſion, [Page] as he was of his, adding afterwards, that Sapho did immediatly obey the Nagade, that ſhe went unto Epirus, that ſhe did precipitate her ſelf, and that death in the end cured her paſſion. But the truth was, the more underſtanding ſort of people, did not credit any ſuch far fetcht unlike ſtories; for Sapho was known to be wiſer than ſo: Alſo after I was returned unto Mytelene, I made ſuch exact inquiſition, that at laſt, this friend of Phaons with whom he had concealed himſelf ſome certain dayes, did diſcover unto me that Phaon had been with him, that he had ſeen Sapho very often, and that he was gone away with her, but ſince he knew no further, I was ſtill ignorant of my friends deſign: However, I was ſo far ſatisfied, that I knew Sapho was not dead, and that Phaon was happy in her favour, for I might well imagin, that they would never have gone together, unleſs they had been very well reconciled. But the paſſage moſt obſervable was, that though Phylire, her brother, and Agelaſte were vaniſhed as well as Sapho, yet they were not ſo much as mentioned; for Saphoes adventure did ſo take up their ſpirits and minds, that they talked of none but her.

In the mean time, the poor Nycanor was a gainer by this accident; for when he heard that Sapho had drowned her ſelf, becauſe ſhe thought Phaon perfidious he cured himſelf of his paſſion, thinking it not fit to love the memory of one whoſe love was ſo extream to another:

As for Damophile, ſhe was the only one who rejoyced at Saphoes ruin, becauſe then ſhe thought her ſelf the only wiſe woman in Mytelene.

But Madam, after my ſiſter was returned from Phrygia, we diſcovered that Clirantes had marryed Phylire before they departed, ſo as remembring we heard from Clirantes an admirable deſcription of his Countryes Laws, we imagined, that it was thither unto which Sapho, Phaon, and Agelaſte were gon, and ſo confidently, as to ſatisfie my ſelf, I underdertook this voyage with Leontidus, whom I met.

In the mean time, I may ſay that this journey did proſper neither well nor ill: For I underſtood by the valiant Meriontes, that Sapho and Phaon were received by the Sauromartan queen, with more honours than ever were done unto any ſtrangers, that ſhe was lodged in the Queens own Pallace, that Phaon was lodged in Glirantes his houſe, that they were both of them the delights of that Court, that Phylire is there in high eſteem, and that Agela [...]e hath gotten the hearts of all the Gallantry. But that which is moſt conſiderable, Phaon is at this preſent, the moſt faithfull Lover in the world, and Sapho the happieſt perſon upon Earth, for ſhe is adored by all the Court, it is ſhe who diſtributes all the favours which the Queen of Sauromates confers upon any; and ſhe ſees Phaon continue conſtant in moſt ſervent and everlaſting affections. And yet they had a little quarrell ſince they came thither, for ſince there are Laws and Rules for Love, and ſince there are Judges who ſtudy nothing but what relates unto that paſſion, Phaon commenced a ſuit againſt Sapho, becauſe ſhe would nor permit him to hope ever to marry her: Sapho, ſhe put in her anſwer, and pleaded her own cauſe, as Phaon did his, and both did it moſt admirably well: But in concluſion, Sapho did make it ſo evidently appear, that the way to love eternally with equall flames, was never to marry, that the Judges gave ſentence againſt Phaon, and condemned him not to urge her any more by way of ſuite; declaring, that it was a favour which he ought to expect from her ſelf, and that he would eſteem himſelf the moſt happy Lover in the Earth, and being loved by the moſt excellent perſon in the world, and by a perſon who would not deny him the enjoyment of her ſelf, but only becauſe ſhe would always enjoy his heart; ſo as after this, they lived in the ſweeteſt tranquility that is imaginable: But what is moſt cruell for me, is, that Meriontes told me, Sapho and Phaon were ſo afraid, leaſt any ſhould come from Mytelene to diſturb their happineſs, as they have obliged the Queen, ſtrictly to forbid the reception of any ſtrangers into that country for ten years, ſo as my journey is ſtopped. Thus whilſt Sapho is enjoying the good fortune which ſhe deſerves, ſhe is beleived to be dead throughout all Greece, and will ever be ſo beleived; for I underſtand that the ſhip which carried them, did periſh in its return.

Thus whilſt this famous Lesbian is doubtleſs every day compoſing moſt gallant, and paſſionate fancies in Verſe, all the illuſtrious wits of Greece, are writing Epitaphes unto her glory.

[Page] Democedes having ended, all the company was ſo full of wonder, that none were able to impoſe ſilence upon themſelves, and if the buſineſs of the invincible Cyrus had not urged his return, the applauds of Sapho had taken up all thoſe illuſtrious perſons a longer time. But as the fervent love of Phaon and Sapho did revive his Love of Mandana in his heart, he haſted away, to ſee if Anacharſis had ſent any good news from Thomyris, therefore after many a complement unto the Queen of Pontus, and the Princeſs of Armenia, he bade them adieu, but to the great grief of thoſe Princeſſes, Tygranes, and Spitridates followed Cyrus, and had not time enough to ſhew the ſorrows which they had to leave them, yet Spitridates took an opportunity to draw Araminta aſide, and expreſſed ſo much aflection unto her, that ſhe could not chooſe but ſhew ſome of her tenderneſs unto him. I perceive Madam (ſaid he unto her after many other things) that I never find you, but I preſently looſe you again, and I no ſooner begin my joyes at the ſeeing of you; but I muſt grieve for parting from you. But my comfort is (added he) we ſhall be ſo neer, that I ſhall every day let you know my ſufferings, as I ſend you the victories of Cyrus.

Since there is no victory, but may coſt too dear, (replyed ſhe moſt obligingly) I ſhall never be at reſt: For truly Spitridates, we are both of us born under ſuch unhappy Planets, that doubtleſs our Fears ought to be greater than our Hopes, However Madam, (ſaid Spitridates) I ſhall not looſe my hope, of being loved by you, if the Gods be pleaſed I ſhould live after the victory of Cyrus, or elſe of being lamented, if they are reſolved I ſhould periſh in the War, ſo death not forbidding my hope, you Madam I hope will give me leave to preſerve it: For I find it ſo ſweet to be aſſured I ſhall receive teſtimonies of your affection living or dead, that no thought can be more pleaſing unto me. And therefore Madam, that theſe thoughts may never abandon me, do me the honour to tell me, that I have reaſon to entertaine them: you may be ſo aſſured of them Sir, anſwered ſhe, as you would do me an injury to ask me new aſſurances. Hope therefore Spitridates, as muchas you can for happineſſe (ſaid ſhe and bluſhed) and I will in your abſence both hope and wiſh the ſight of you againe.

After this, Cyrus having done all his civilities, Spitridates muſt leave A [...]iminta; And Tigranes muſt content himſelfe to tell his faire Oneſile in two words, that his heart was full of ſorrow to part ſo ſoone.

Cyrus in his returne to the Camp called Leontidus to him; with whom he thought that he had not talked enough concerning Thraſibulus, yet he talked not to him all of that Prince, for he sked him of his love, and asked him the meaning, of that which he ſaid, when he aſſured him, that he had no mind to expoſe himſelf unto the moſt dangerous of all jealouſies; Sir, replyed Leontidas, I can quickly give you ſatisfaction in that: For after I had been jealous of my friends, of my enemies, of my equalls, of inferiours of ſuperiours, I found that Alcidamea who had loſt her beauty, did recover it againe, and I found her ſo favourable, that I ſaw I could marry her But Sir, when I ſaw my ſelf in this condition I perceived alſo, that I ſhould be ſtill jealous after I had marryed her, for ſeeking about for her reaſon why ſhe ſhould ſo ſuddenly change her thoughts of me, I found out that ſhe lodged very neer one of her ancient Lovers. Alſo I was reſolved, that if I did marry her, to carry her into the Country the very next day. So as perceiving in my heart a diſpoſition to be a jealous Husband, as I had ever been a jealous Lover. I conceived that I ſhould have lived a moſt miſerable life, if I had married Alcidamea, therefore out of my feares of hating her and being hated my ſelfe, I thought it better not to marry her; for I may ceaſe to be jealous in ceaſſing to love, but when I am a Huſband and jealous, then Jealouſie will not ceaſe with the paſſion which cauſed it; but this thing cal'd Honour which cauſeth ſo much jealouſie as well as love cauſeth jealouſie to laſt till death, and would never let me live in quiet. For there is no reconciliations of Husbands and Wives, as there is between Lovers and Miſtreſſes, the one hath a thouſand ſweets in it, and the other nothing but quarrells and perſecutions. And therefore Sir, having had tryall of all ſorts of jealouſies, and apprehending this kind to be the worſt of all, I am reſolved never to try it but have broke off with Alcidamia, never to renew againe.

If you had bin as much in love as you were when you thought Policrates loved your [Page] Miſtreſſe (replyed Cyrus) you would not have been ſo foreſeeing, nor would you have refuſed the enjoyment of her: But certainly ſo many ſeverall ſorts of Jealouſies have damped your paſſion, and being then more prudent then amorous, perhaps you knevv that Alcidamia vvould alvvays give you cauſes of jealouſie.

However it be Sir (added he) I am fully reſolved never to love any thing but glory: and knowing I could meet with it no where ſo ſoon as with you, I am come to dye in your ſervice, or at leaſt to fight for the liberty of the Princeſſe Mandana.

Cyrus having returned a very civill anſwer unto Leontidus, he talked a little with Democedes concerning the moſt admirable Sapho, and ſo afterwards unto every one which followed, eſpecially unto Spitridates and Tigranes, whom he lodged next unto his own Tent: And to teſtifie his confidence in them, he ſhewed them the next mornnig the manner of his Encampment; and conferred with them of his deſign to aſſault the Enemy as ſoon as the Truce was ended: In order to that, he obſerved unto them the ſcituation of the ground, & all the advantages which might be taken, every one giving his opinion and his reaſon for it. But ſince the opinion of Spitridates did not concur with that of Cyrus, who thought it better to go unto the Enemy another way then that which Cyrus ſhewed him, he intended ſilently to go and obſerve the ſeverall Quarters neareſt hand, and the rather, becauſe the Truce did afford him the liberty.

On the other ſide, whilſt Anacharſis was negotiating in vain with Thomyris and Arcantes, Aripithes was extreamly angry, becauſe the Queen of Maſſagettes did uſe him ſo ill, ſo as his fancy was full of violent reſolutions. And indeed, the Prince conceiving that if Cyrus were dead, then he might ſooner gain the heart of that Queen, he reſolved that either he, or his Rivall ſhould periſh. In order to this, he ſtole away in the night from the Camp of Thomyris, and went towards that of Cyrus, diſguiſed in the habit of a Perſian, the better to paſſe un-obſerved amongſt the Troops of that Prince: For knowing his generoſity and courage, he was perſwaded, that as he had fought with the King of Aſſyria, and offered the like unto Ariantes, ſo he would not deny him the ſame honour: So as taking his way, he came about Sun-riſing unto a little hill which was between the two Camps, where Spitridates was alſo arrived, the better to obſerve the ſeverall grounds which he thought moſt fit to ſeize upon to fight the Enemy with advantage, and to the end that afterwards he might better perſwade Cyrus. In the mean time this Prince having none with him but one Squire, as Aripithes had, they met upon equall termes.

Spitridates ſeeing Aripithes in the habit of a Perſian, did not at firſt take him for an Enemy: But Aripithes being miſtaken by the reſemblance which Spitridates had with Cyrus; he no ſooner ſaw him, but ſuppoſing him to be his Rivall, he was ſo tranſported with fury, that his eyes were not able to diſcern the little difference which was between thoſe two Princes. Indeed, he thought that Cyrus had ſomething more high and noble in his Aire than Spitridatee had, though Spitridates had as brave a preſence as any man in the world. The ſoule of Aripithes then being ſwelled with all the animoſitie of a deſpiſed Lover, he drew his ſword; and advancing towards him whom he looked upon as the only Eclipſer of his glory and felicity: Though I never ſaw you ſince you bore the name of Artamenes (ſaid he unto him in the Aſſyrian Language, which Spitridates underſtood) yet I can know you to be Cyrus, and vvill look upon you as one that ſhall be a Victime offered unto the love of Aripithes, who cannot be happy as long as you are living.

Were I indeed Cyrus (replyed Spitridates, and went back apace to draw his Sword) the event of the Combate would not be dubious, but your defeat would be infallible: Yet though I am not ſo valiant as he, yet perhaps I ſhall let you ſee that I ſhall eaſily overcome any Enemy of his: Aripithes being all fury, did but confuſedly underſtand what Spitridates ſaid: but in lieu of anſwer, he fell upon that Prince who received him with ſo much vigour, that Aripithes had not leaſure to undeceive himſelfe of his errour, that it was Cyrus whom he fought with:

Spitridates looking upon his Antagoniſt as an Enemy unto Cyrus, he fought [Page] with as much feare as if he had been his own particular Enemy, ſo as Aripithes found his valour too weak to vanquiſh ſuch an Enemy: inſomuch as fury being the abſolute miſtreſſe of his mind, he expoſed himſelfe in ſuch a deſperate manner as it was eaſie to ſee, he was reſolved either to vanquiſh, or dye, and wiſhed for no more but either victory, or death: Yet he fought ſo valiantly, that he moved Spitridates to eſteem him, though he knew him not; for he ſaw, that if this fierce Enemy had managed all his advantages well, he had found him a hard taske to overcome: Not but that the blows of Aripithes did hit, and pierced the armes of his Enemy in many places: but Fortune did enfeeble the arme of Aripithes, purpoſely to preſerve Spitridates, who had only one ſlight hurt in his left arme; whereas on the contrary, Spitridates could not touch Aripithes, but he ſangu [...]h'd his armes, and wounded him in ſo many places, that he ſaw the victory was not like to be his; nor could he hope for any help from his Squire, for he was alſo vanquiſhed by him who belonged unto Spitridates.

Things being thus, Cyrus knowing that Spitridates was gone to view the places which raiſed their Conteſt: and deſiring to ſee them again, he arrived at the place where this Duel was fought: ſo as knowing Aripithes at firſt, and doubting but that he was miſtaken in the reſemblance of Spitridates unto him, he went haſtily to them to let this Sauromate Prince ſee his errour, and to make him repent his aſſaulting a Prince who was not his Enemy. And adding words unto his Preſence, Aripithes knew him; and was ſo aſtoniſhed, that he recoyled ſome paces back to conſider upon the ſtrange adventure. After that he plainly ſaw his miſtake, had I ſeen the blood of my Enemy (ſaid he unto Spitridates) I ſhould not repent had I let it out as I do of yours; nor ſhould I ever have complained of that which I have loſt, or of my being vanquiſhed: I am ſo fully perſwaded, valiant ſtranger (replyed Spitridates modeſtly) that it was the name of Cyrus which vanquiſhed you, that I do not pretend unto the glory of our Combate, ſince it is rather the fortune of that Princes Arms which are invincible, then my own valour which kept me from being vanquiſhed. No (ſaid Cyrus) ſince you have ſupplyed my place, the valour of Aripithes found greater reſiſtance then he could have from me: But valiant Enemy (ſaid he and turned towards him) ſince you have a deſire I ſhould be yours, I am well contented to bee ſo, though I am not your Rivall. And to ſtay untill you are in a condition to finde the difference between the valour of Spitridates and mine, let me conduct you into one of my Tents, that you may be dreſſed with as much care as if you were the beſt of my friends: No, replyed Aripithes fiercely, for generous Enemies ought not to receive any thing from each other but death. And becauſe I will not leſſen my hatred by receiving of benefits, I will refuſe your offer, and deſire no other favour from you, but to let me return unto the Camp of Thomyris.

Though I might very well treat you as a Spye (replyed Cyrus) ſince you are found in a diſguiſed habit during the Treaty: Yet I will not, but will let you have a Coach to carry you where you pleaſe. Aripithes at firſt refuſed this laſt favour, but at laſt perceiving he was not able to ride, he was forced to accept of it: And Cyrus ſent immediately to ſeek a Coach and Chyrurgeons, and left one to helpe his Squire to hold him up, for he was not able to ſtand by himſelfe. Spitridates at parting gave him a very civill Complement, unto which the other anſwered with a kind of ſurly civility. After which, this Prince followed Cyrus, to perſwade him unto his opinion concerning the ground which they had viewed.

In the mean time, ſince he had received a little hurt in his left arme, Cyrus would ſee him dreſſed, though Spitridates would not have him: and ſince the armes of that Prince were cut in ſeverall places, Cyrus ſent him thoſe rich Armes which he wore the firſt time when the forty Cavalliers conſpired to kill him, and ſince wore upon ſeverall great occaſions. Since they were very rich and magnificent, the Preſent was worthy both of the giver and Receiver.

In the mean time, the five dayes of Treaty being expired, and Anacharſis had effected nothing, this ſage Scythian was forced to leave Thomyris unto her bad deſtinies, and came unto Cyrus. But it is obſervable, that before he departed, he underſtood how that Queen hearing how Aripithes was returned wounded, and that he went from the Camp with a deſign of killing Cyrus, ſhe was ſo incenſed againſt [Page] him, that ſhe commanded him to retire; for though ſhe much complained againſt Cyrus, yet ſhe did not wiſh his death: ſo as not being able to hide her angry reſentments: and Aripithes hearing of them, he was ſo grieved, that he dyed within twenty four hours after. But Thomyris was not long in this mind; for ſo it chanced, that on the laſt day of the Treaty, Cyrus writ unto Mandana, and ſent her Letter by a diſguiſed ſervant, to the end Gelonide might convey it unto that Princeſſe: This Letter in lieu of coming to the hands of Gelonide, did fall into the hands of Thomyris; for the ſervant being ſtopped by the way by ſome accident or other, he came not to the place where the Queen was untill an hour after the Treaty ended: but it did ſo perplex the heart of this Princeſſe, that hatred took the place of Love: For Cyrus thinking this would be the laſt Letter which he ſhould write unto Mandana, before the end of the Warre, which could never end before either his death, or the liberty of his Princeſs, he writ it with un-imaginable paſſionateneſs concerning her, and with extream bitterneſſe concerning Thomyris.

The truth is, all the moſt tender expreſſions which the moſt zealous love could invent, were included within this Letter, which came to the hands of this Queen whoſe ſpirits were ſo much incenſed at it, that if Cyrus had promiſed her ſome eternall affection, and had by this given her ſome teſtimonies of his inconſtancy, ſhe could not poſſibly have been more incenſed againſt him: So as thinking upon nothing but Warre and Revenge, and all her Forces being in as good a poſture as ſhe could wiſh, ſhe prepared for a Combate.

Ariantes on his ſide, ſeeing that a Battle muſt be fought to decide this great buſineſſe upon which depended the happineſſe or miſery of ſo many illuſtrious perſons, began to think upon all manner of ſtratagems which might ruine Cyrus: and finding that it would be a marvellous diſadvantage to him, if Thomyris could get the Fort of Sauromates into her power, becauſe then if the Army of Cyrus were engaged on this ſide the woods, he had no place of retreat in caſe he were overcome: and therefore he imagined all manner of wayes how to bring this great deſign about.

Cyrus on the other ſide being much perplexed that Thomyris by her frivolous Negotiations had retarded his deſigns, he did begin to think how he might by his diligence gayn that time which had been loſt: Yet he had the ſatisfaction of being commended by the wiſe Anacharſis, who declared him free from all the ſadd conſequences of this War. After which, he went unto the Queen of Pontus, and the Princeſs of Armenia at the Fort of Sauromates.

In the mean while, how deſirous ſoever both ſides were of fighting, yet it was a long time before any aſſaults were given; becauſe each ſide watching for advantage, and unwilling to hazard a definitive Battle raſhly, they would not fall on without ſome appearance of it.: But in the interim of all theſe great preparations, Mandana lived in ſuch a generall ignorance as that ſhe knew nothing; For neither the Princeſſe of Bythinia, nor Iſtrina, nor Arpaſia did ſee her, ſo as ſhe had no other conſolation but what ſhe had from Doraliſa and Marteſia. Yet ſhe had ſo much ſatisfaction as to imagine, that if things went not on the ſide of Cyrus, they would tell her: For Thomiris and Ariantes uſed always to let her know the worſt, but concealed the beſt news from her: And ſince it was many dayes ſince they told her any thing, ſhe concluded by infallible conſequence, that the ſide of Cyrus had the advantage: Thus her hopes that Cyrus would be victorious, and ſhe ere long releaſed, did afford her ſoule much tranquility.

But at laſt, after long watching for advantages on both ſides, both Cyrus and Thomyris reſolved to give Battle: And though Cyrus could have wiſhed a little longer delay, becauſe he knew that a very great force vvhich Ciaxares ſent him vvas very nigh: Yet ſince he never in his life refuſed fighting vvhen any occaſion vvas offered, he could not novv recoile: ſo as every one in both Armies preparing for a Fight, one might have ſeen the very ſame ſpirit, and the ſame zeale in tvvo huge Armies. On the one ſide, Thomyris and Ariantes omitted nothing which might conduce to obtaine the victory. On the other ſide, Cyrus and Mandanes were as vigilant and circumſpect as poſſible, to vanquiſh and releaſe Mandana. Myrſiles, Intaphernes, Atergatis, and Hidaſpes exaſperated by intereſt of [Page] Love, they did contribute their whole aſſiſtance unto Cyrus, and to get the victory: And the laſt of theſe had a new reaſon to deſire it, for he underſtood that Meliantes was in the Tents Royall, and that Lycander did not know him to be his Rivall.

Moreover, Artamus, Tygranes, Spitridates, and all the reſt of the brave Ones in this Army, prepared themſelves for victory or death. But though Cyrus at other times when he was ready to give battell, was wont to be all joy, yet now his ſpirits were not ſo tranquill as he was wont, and he perceived in himſelf ſuch a ſecret melancholly (the cauſe of which he knew not) as ſeemed a bad Omen unto him. Yet he did diſſemble it as much as he could, and tempered his ſad thoughs with reaſon: Indeed, he was as active as if he reſented no ſuch thoughts, yet that day he would weare only a a common ſuit of Arms; but as for Spitridates, he wore thoſe which Cyrus gave him, and he wore them with ſo good a grace, and ſo noble a Aire, as he was much more reſembling that illuſtrious Hero; Indeed many ſouldiers who knew not that Cyrus had given thoſe rich arms unto Spitridates, did take him for Cyrus, and were deceived by that marvelous reſemblance which was between them. However, though Cyrus had only common Arms, yet he had ſo high an Air, and ſuch a Princely command, that it was eaſie to ſee, that it was his admirable preſence which was his only ornament, and which attracted the looks of all about him: But at laſt after Orders were given in both Armies, ſome certain ſpies which Cyrus had in the Army of Thomyris, returned unto his, who acquainted him that in the morning, there had been a combate betwixt two ſtrangers who were with that Queen, the name of the one was Meliantes, and the other Lycander; that the firſt had killed the [...] ſecond, and that the Conquerour was ſtill in favour with Thomyris, and would be in the battell, relating afterwards, all they knew concerning the Enemies Army.

Hydaſpes being then with Cyrus, heard what the ſpies ſaid, for he commanded them to ſpeak aloud before Hydaſpes, ſo as being exceedingly grieved that this amiable Rivall was not killed by the Raviſher of Arpaſia, he made a hundred vows to meet him in the battell, and to have a particular combat with him in the generall battell, for he alwaies had obſerved that Meliantes was ſo much in Arpaſias favour that he could not chooſe but be jealous, yet ſince that place was not fit for the expreſſing the reſentments of his Soule, hee ſaid not a word unto Cyrus, whoſe mind was ſo taken up with deſires of vanquiſhing, that he took no notice of Hydaſpes.

In the mean while, the fatall moment deſtined for the beginning of this bloody battle being come, the two Armies which were drawn up, almoſt with equal advantage, advanced; and as ſoon as ever they were within bow ſhot, a cloud of Arrows began to dusk the Air: But when their Quiers were emptied, and that all their other Engins had done their Execution, the ſword undertook to decide this great and terrible dayes work, which did nothing reſemble the battells which Cyrus formerly ſought: For in other battells he alwaies fought his Troops in order, but in this he could not poſſibly, and there was ſuch a confuſion in both Armies, that the ſouldiers hardly knew their own colours.

However, the fight was ſharp and bloody, and there was ſuch an animoſity between the Combatants, as there appeared the ſame cruelty in both of them. As for Cyrus, his actions were this day ſo prodigious, that were they particularized, they would be incredible, for in the midſt of this great diſorder, where death looked grim on all ſides, he helpt the feeble, rallied thoſe which fled, and going continually from place to place, it may be ſaid, that he run through all the dangers of the battell, yet his care could not bring him to meet with Ariantes, but he killed the valiant Octomaſades with his own hand, and he made his way through all places where his ſword did glitter: Indeed, this great Prince being ſeconded by the valour of Mazares, and ſo many valiant Commanders and brave men, that he had put his Enemies ſo to rout, as the victory had been his without diſpute, Thomiris and Ariantes had been ruin'd, and Mandana releaſed, had it not been for one peice of ill news which he received. For as he was in this glorious condition, intelligence was brought him, that Andramites had ſurprized the Fort of Sauromates, that he had ſent the Queen of Pontus, and the Princeſs of Armenia, unto the [Page] Tents Royall; that Anacharſis and the King of Hyrcania, were in the Fort very ſlenderly guarded; that Andramites told Meriontes that he was free, and that Meriontes told him again, he would not be ſo, but would return unto Cyrus as ſoon as he could take horſe, for he would not be delivered by any hand, but that which had ſaved his life: Adding, that Andramites was with his Troops, between the Fort and the Wood which was burnt.

This news doubtleſs did much trouble Cyrus, but ſince the bringers of it, had told it confuſedly unto all they met, it had ſuch ill conſequences, that it intirely changed the deſtiny of the battell, for things were told and heard in tumult, they are never rightly underſtood, ſo as paſſing in a ſhort time from mouth to mouth, in the very midſt of the Combat, the tale was ſo changed, that it was told the Van-guard, that the Rearguard was routed, that the Army of Cyrus was ſet about on all ſides, and that Thomyris her ſelf in perſon, was at the Fort of Sauromates, to hinder Cyrus in his retreat.

This falſe news did ſo blunt the valour of the ſouldiers, that from hopes of being Conquerours, they fell to fears of being conquered, and indeed were like to be ſo; for they were ſo full of Pannick fears, that the flying Enemy perceiving it, did rally again, and the deſtiny changing, [...]they ſhrunk before thoſe whom they put to rout: Spitridates, who was gon to the left wing, after this ill news was known, he was ſo compaſſed by thoſe whom fears had moſt put into confuſion, that he did what he could to infuſe courage into them, and to bring them to fight, but he could not, yet he reaſſembled a little body, with which he kept his ground, but it was ſo inconſiderable in compariſon of that vaſt body which was before him, that as brave as he was, he thought it impoſſible to retreat without diſhonour, but this Prince wearing thoſe rich arms which Cyrus had formerly ſo gloriouſly worn, he thought himſelf obliged to do ſomthing extraordinary, and therefore he incouraged thoſe whom he had rallied to ſecond him in his deſign, and by his example, to move thoſe who fled to return, ſo as in this dangerous occaſion he did things worthy his reſemblance of Cyrus.

In the mean time, Ariantes being in the head of thoſe who were before Spitridates alſo knowing thoſe arms, and being miſtaken by the reſemblance between Cyrus and that Prince, he verily thought him to be his Rivall, ſo as he made totowards him, and aſſaulted him with ſuch vigour, that it was apparant, he was perſwaded; if he could overcome this terrible Enemy, he ſhould overcome the whole Army.

On the other ſide, Spitridates ſeeing himſelf ſo hotly ſet upon, did defend himſelf in ſuch an heroick manner, that if the little body in which he was, had been able to held up againſt that which Ariantes commanded, he had not been overcom, but being extreamly [...]nequall in number, they were intirely broken, do what Spitridates could, who was already wounded in ſeverall places.

However, ſince he was parted from Ariantes, by the tumult in the combat, he thought that he might retreat; but as he was endeavouring it, he was compaſſed about you with fifteen or twenty Maſſagettans or Gelons, who thinking him to be Cyrus, and thinking to end the war by ending his life, never endeavoured to take him priſoner, leaſt his valour ſhould then become maſter of theirs, but falling all at once upon Spitridates, this great and unfortunate Prince, did ſee himſelf in moſt extream danger: However, though he had none with him but a very few of his own men, yet he encouraged them to do as he did, and indeed they did ſo bravely ſecond him, that if a Javelin which run him through, had not made him fall from his horſe, he had been able to have vanquiſhed his vanquiſhers. But as ſoon as this illuſtrious Prince was fallen, ſome of his men coming to him; and deſiring to ſtay with him: No, no my companions, (ſaid he unto them,) you muſt not ſtay with me, for it is here where I muſt dye, but it is not here where you muſt vanquiſh, and get that Princeſs whom I adore, out of the power of the cruell Thomyris: Theſe generous words being heard by the enemy, they wer more perſwaded that Spitridates was Cyrus, for they thought that the Princeſs whom he ſpok of was the Princeſs Mandana, though Spitridates doubtleſs meant Araminta, whom he heard Andramites had ſent unto the Tents Royall, ſo as falling upon him all at once, they killed him out right though his men did as much as men could do to hinder them, and then began ſuch [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] a reſolute combate for his body, as never was the like, for ſince a report went among the ſouldiers which fled, that Cyrus was on that ſide, ſome of them rallied, and fought with more courage to revenge their Prince whom they thought dead, and to defend his corps, than they had done to obtain the victory. But Ariantes ſide being the ſtronger, they carried away this illuſtrious Corps, and ſlew all thoſe who made reſiſtance: All this while, Cyrus ſeeing the generall terrour in all his Troops, and not being able to be every where, he ſent about his friends ſeverall ways, to try if they could infuſe heart into them, whilſt he endeavoured to rally thoſe who were about him.

He ſent therefore Mazares on one ſide, and Artamus on another, and likewiſe he diſperſed Intaphernes, Atergatis, Indatherſis, Hydaſpes, and all the brave ones of his Army, ſo as ſending them away one after another, as he thought moſt expedient, there ſtayed not one man of command with him, and there remained none but his very ſelf to rally all his diſperſed Troops. Indeed he aſſembled together a few ſcattered ſouldiers, and drawing them into a little body, he did not only hold a great one in play, but routed them, and killed abundance with his own hand: Thoſe whom he ſent unto ſeverall places to do the like, did ſo well obey him, that they each of them rallied a little body of men, with which they ſlew abundance of their Enemies, ſo as they did not looſe ſo many men in the laſt battell which Cyrus won, as they did at this time. Yet ſince all theſe petty diviſions did fight only particular combats, and did not joyn, Cyrus could not ſee any hopes of vanquiſhing; but however, he had hopes of not being overcome, if the noiſe of his death had not been divulg'd amongſt the Enemy; who taking freſh hearts, and crying out unto thoſe they fought with, that Cyrus was dead did ſtrike a great terrour in thoſe places where that Prince was not, ſo as night coming on, the Maſſagettans remained upon the field as Maſters.

Cyrus ſeeing himſelf in this pittifull condition, bethought himſelf how he might, not fall into the hands of Thomyris, ſo that he with only twenty did moſt prodigiouſly diſ-engage themſelves from at the leaſt two hundred who had ſet them about; but in his retreat, he met with another body of men, in the head of whom was the young and valiant Meliantes, who 'was ſeeking all about for Hydaſpes, and could not meet with him; ſo as to comfort himſelf by the defeat of thoſe he met withall, he fell upon them. Since his number was very unequall, and he a brave man without cruelty, he offered to give them quarter if they would lay down Arms. But Cyrus being unaccuſtomed to receive any ſuch favours from any with Arms in their hands, he anſwered them only with blows, and defended himſelf in ſuch an heroick manner, that he ſtood the laſt of his own men in the midſt of his Enemys without one wound. But ſince his courage made Meliantes admire him, he charged his men not to kill him, but to take him, which they could hardly have done, if the ſword of Cyrus had not broken.

But at laſt, when he ſaw himſelf ſingle and without arms, he did not make any vain reſiſtance; but ſtill preſerving his Judgment ſound in the midſt of all theſe dangers, he bethought himſelf how to render himſelf unto ſome Officer who was not a Maſſagettan, leaſt he ſhould be known, and having obſerved by the commands which Meliantes gave, that he had the tone of an Aſſyrian, and that he was no ſubject unto Thomyris, he rendred himſelf unto him.

Meliantes thinking himſelf obliged unto him for his choice, he promiſed that he ſhould bee uſed according to the meritt of his valour, and to teſtifie (ſaid hee unto him) how much your bravery hath purchaſed my eſteem, though it be almoſt night, yet you ſhall not be bound as other priſoners uſe to be, only I require your word that you will not eſcape.

Cyrus conſidering his condition, accepted his civility, and Meliantes deſiring him to ride next him, and hearing a retreat ſounding in all quarters, he took the way towards the camp, but in the way, Oh Heavens, what did the miſerable Cyrus think? what ſorrows did he not ſuffer? for he ſaw his army defeated, he ſaw himſelf a priſoner and he could not hope to paſs as unknown long Yet ſince he unto whom he had rendred himſelf did not know him, he had ſome comfort, and carried himſelf ſo well all the way that he confirmed him in his intention of treating him well.

And indeed, though Cyrus had that day very meane Armes, and did [Page] not affect to ſpeaks like a man of any extraordinary parts, yet Meliantes after he ſaw him in his Tent, did make no queſtion, but that he was a priſoner of ſome great quality, and remembring how long he himſelf had been a priſoner when he was taken by the Troops of Cyrus in Aſſyria, he would render the ſame civilities which he received: For ſince Hydaſpes did impriſon him only out of jealous reſentments, he was treated very favourably, ſo that Meliantes being charmed with the valour, the Spirit, the handſom Preſence, and the conſtancy of his priſoner, he carried him into his Tent, and cauſed all his men to be as reſpective to him as to himſelf: Nor was he (out of a generous reſentment) very forward in divulging what he thought of his priſoners quality untill he knew it a little better, intending not to diſcover it unto Thomyris, if it proved to be as great as he did imagine it: Unleſs his quality was ſuch as might oblige that Queen to put Arpaſia into his power; for ſince he had no dependance upon Thomyris, he was reſolved to do his priſoner no ill office, if the intereſt of his Love did not oblige him unto it: Thus Cyrus not knowing any thing, Meliantes was thinking how he might beſt keep his priſoner from being known who he was.

In the mean time, Cyrus being ignorant of Meliantes his thoughts, and judging by his Air, and Phyſiognomy, that happily he might be in Love, he thought it expedient to tell him in obſcure tearms, that the intereſt of a paſſion which was predominate in his ſoule required that he ſhould be unknown in the Camp of Thomyris, and that afterwards he ſhould conjure him to do him that good Office.

And indeed Cyrus did expreſs himſelf ſo ſweetly, that he obliged Meliantes to promiſe him any thing. And though Meliantes knew very well that his Priſoner would not diſcover all his ſecret; yet ſince he doubted not but that he was in love, he added compaſſion unto his eſteeme; and expreſſed himſelf ſo generouſly unto Cyrus, that this great Prince was charmed with his virtue. Yet the ſoule of Cyrus was not ſo tranquill, as to ſet his mind wholly upon any thing which did not relate unto the preſent ſtate and intereſt of his love: But when he remembred all the Victories which he had gotten, and conſidered the pittifull condition wherein he was, he could not chooſe but wonder at the fickleneſs of fortune, and grieve for his owne miſery.

For indeed it now depended wholly upon Meliantes, whether he would preſent him unto Thomyris, or put him into the hands of his Rivall; nor did he know whether his whole Army was defeated: whether Mazares was dead or taken Priſoner, and whether ſo many Princes as were his friends, might rally his Troops, and joyn them with that puiſſant relief which Ciaxares ſent him, nor did he know how they could joyne, if it was true that Andramites had conſiderable forces between the Fort and the Wood. But his greateſt perplexity was the thought that they would preſently acquaint Mandana with his defeat: So as fearing leaſt the alteration in his fortune ſhould work upon that heart of that Princeſs, he ſuffered unexpreſſable torments: And he thought his condition ſo deplorable, that he believed the anſwer of the Sibill would preſently be fulfilled, and that he ſhould periſh by the cruelty of Thomyris.

But whilſt he was in all theſe melancholly cogitations, all his men were in a ſtrange inquietude. For ſince he appeared no where, they thought him either dead or taken Priſoner. So as never was ſuch a dolefull murmure heard.

Creſſus, Mazares, Myrſiles, Artamus, Gdbrius, Gadates, Intaphernes. Atergatis, Indatherſis, Hidaſpes, and all thoſe who had any command in the Army, endeavoured to perſwade their Souldiers, that Cyrus, was not dead, leaſt after they had rallied them, they ſhould run away againe: Likewiſe they did not think it expedient, to ſay that they thought him a Priſoner, nor to ſend unto the Camp of Thomyris to enquire of him; leaſt if he ſhould be there unknown unto the enemy. So that all theſe Princes ſaid, that Cyrus ſeeing in what a bad condition the Army was, was gone to the Auxiliaries which Ciaxares ſent, ſo that being in the head of a freſh Army he might vanquiſh his vanquiſhers: Adding, (ſince Spitridates appeared not) that they were both gone together: For the truth was, they knew not what was become of either.

However Chriſantes and Feraidas who were grieved beyond meaſure, that nothing [Page] was known concerning their illuſtrious Maſter, they diſguiſed themſelves in the habit of Maſſagettans, to the end they might the better paſſe through the enemies Camp, and heare what they ſaid of him.

Thus, whilſt Creſſus and Mazares by the conſent of all the Princes did take upon them the command of the Rallied Troops, untill it was known what was become of Cyrus; Theſe two faithfull ſervants, went not only unto the Camp of Thomyris, but alſo unto the Tents Royall which were very neare, whether they underſtood the Queen was gone, preſently after the Battell: Indeed, a chance happened, which cauſed this incenſed and amorous Queen to take that Reſolution. For ſince thoſe who killed Spitridates took him for Cyrus, and ſince one of thoſe who commanded the Gelons in that Army, had a moſt feirce and cruell ſoule, he had cut off the head of that unfortunate Prince; and being followed by his companions, who carried the Corps upon croſſed Lances, he did preſent it unto Thomyris, whoſe mind being extreamly incenſed againſt Cyrus, by reaſon of the laſt letter which ſhe ſaw, ſhe received this ſad preſent, in a moſt inhumane manner. Yet at the firſt apprehenſion, ſhe thought to turne away her eyes from ſuch a terrible object, but recollecting all her rage and the animoſity of her heart, ſhe beheld it afterwards, without any ſymptoms of compaſſion, though her mind was much perplexed. And the more when this Captaine who preſented this glorious victime, told her the words which Spitridates ſpake, when being fallen, he bad his men go away, becauſe that was the place where he was to dye, but not where they were to vanquiſh and deliver the Princeſſe whom he adored, by forcing her out of the power of Thomyris. Then did her hatred double. For thinking this to be the head of Cyrus, thoſe laſt words did ſo revives and augment her choller, that ſtifling all thoughts of love, humanity and compaſſion, ſhe was inflamed with jealouſie, hatred and fury, ſhe renounced all the tenderneſſe of her ſex, and dignity of her birth, and yet for an umbrage of her inhumanity, ſhe ſeemed to be much troubled: So that without a word of her Paſſion, ſhe began again to ſpeak of Cyrus as the murtherer of her ſonne, and as a Prince who to ſatisfie the guſt of his ambition, did quench it with Rivers of blood: She gave the Captaine of the Gelons as many thanks as if he had wonn her a hundred Battles, ſhe made him huge promiſes of large recompences, and commanded him to follow her with that illuſtrious head in his hand. So that after ſhe had ſent to acquaint Ariantes (who was rallying his Troops which were much weaker then thoſe of the Rivall) that Cyrus was dead, & that he ſhould ſtay in the Camp, ſhe took horſe being attended with her Guard, and two hundred Archers, this Captaine going behind her, and carrying the head which he had preſented:

But the obſervation was, that thoſe who ſaw this Queen ride in this cruell manner, were all moſt horridly aſhamed at her, and pittied him whom they imagined dead. For all the Maſſagettans did ſo well know, that the Warr which Cyrus made was juſt, and that Thomyris was in the wrong, that they were much grieved at this tryumphant Tragedy.

However ſince it was night, and ſince ſhee had found out a way to perſecute Mandana, though ſhe could not be revenged upon Cyrus in a manner ſo ſenſible, ſhe would ſtay untill it was day to act a piece of cruelty wherein ſhe hoped for great delight. So that commanding that a great Baſon ſhould be filled with blood, and ſet in the plaine which was before the Tents and eſpecially before Atandanas whether they had brought Ariminta and the Princeſs Oneſile, ſhe came thither the next morning with all her Guard, and all thoſe who were in the Tents Royall. Yet ſhe had paſſed away the night in moſt terrible and ſtrange apprehenſions, for ſometimes, the image of Cyrus living, made her pitty his death, and ſometimes the conſtant love of that Prince unto Mandana made her rejoyce he was not living, yet it was a moſt reſtleſs and tumultuous joy, which left ſuch ſmal ſignes of delight in her eyes, that nothing was to be ſeen in them, but ſignes of fury and rage.

Thomyris was that day dreſſed, as when ſhe went into the Warres, and ſhe held a ſtaffe of command in her hand which ſhe alwayes uſed with a menacing action, though ſhe had no enemy neare to fight with all. Yet to be more ſenſibly revenged upon Cyrus in the perſon of Mandana, This incenſed Queen cauſed the Tent of that moſt excellent Princeſs to be ſet open with whom was Araminta,[Page]One ſile, Doraliſa, and Marteſia, to the end they might behold the ſaddeſt ſpectacle that their eyes could look upon.

Since it was not known, what Thomyris intended to do with this great Baſon full of blood, which ſhe had cauſed to be ſet before Mandanas Tent, curioſity had flocked together a huge croud of all manner of people, who all talked of what was intended, with much incertainty.

But at laſt, Thomyris comming out of her Tent, and the Captaine of the Gelons following her with the ſuppoſed head of Cyrus, all the people fixed their looks upon this ſad object. And Mandana and Ariminta looking on as the reſt did, had thoughts which others had not, for though this head was disfigured, yet it kept a great reſemblance of Cyrus. So that Mandana not queſtioning, but that it was the head of Cyrus whom ſhe loved with a moſt pure and innocent affection; her ſorrows did ſurpriſe her in ſo ſtrange a manner, that after ſhe had made a moſt dolefull ſcrike, her voice failed her upon a ſudden: As for Ariminta, though ſhe could not ſuſpect that this was the head of Spitridates, becauſe ſhe knew not why Thomyris ſhould be ſo cruell againſt him, yet the death of Cyrus, the griefe of Mandana, and the cruelty of Thomyris did much move her.

However, this incenſed Queen, after ſhe had cauſed the head to be ſhewed unto the people, and told them in few words that now Peace was like to enſue ſince ſhe could ſhew them the head of him who had cauſed the Warre and murdered her ſon ſhe commanded him who held this illuſtrious head, to plunge it three times in this Baſon full of bloud; To the end, (ſaid ſhe being tranſported with fury and jealouſie) that he whoſe thirſt of it could never be quenched whilſt he lived, yet he might have enough of it when he was dead.

This terrible command was no ſooner given, but this Gelon Captaine whoſe nature was cruell, did plung this head, three times in the Baſon of blood, and took it out againe in ſuch a condition as cauſed horrour in all thoſe who had any humanity in them.

This ſad ſpectacle dejected the eyes of all the Spectators, and the cruell Thomyris her ſelf, could not chooſe but turne away her head, lifting up her eyes towards Heaven, rather as curſing then imploring the gods. But as for the ſad Mandana, when ſhe ſaw the blood run down from all parts of this head as ſhe loſt her ſpeech by the firſt ſight, ſo ſhe loſt her ſight and underſtanding at the ſecond; and ſwounded between the Armes of Doraliſa and Marteſia.

In the meane time, Chriſantes and Feraulus comming juſt as this cruel Executioner did plung this head into the Baſon of bloody, they shared with Mandana in her ſorrows, for ſince they did not ſee the Armes of Cyrus, they thought it to be the head of their illuſtrious Maſter, Feraulus tranſported with griefe and rage, would needs throw himſelf into the Preſs, and take it out of their hands, or elſe be killed: But Chriſantes with holding him by ſhewing him Mandana, and telling him that he would do Cyrus better ſervice by his life, he had not time to do it; for as ſoon as the Captaine had plunged the head three times in the Baſon, The cruell Thomyris perceiving the horrour, which this action cauſed in the faces of all her people, she commanded it to be carryed unto the body from whence it was ſevered, and both carryed into a Tent untill further orders: After which, cauſing Mandanas Tent to be ſhut, ſhe returned to her own, with ſuch rage and tumultuous thoughts, that ſhe hated her ſelf no leſſe then ſhe did Mandana.

The end of the ſecond Book.

ARTAMENES, OR, THE GRAND CYRUS. THE TENTH AND LAST PART, AND THIRD and laſt BOOK.

[Page]

THOMYRIS was no ſooner returned into her Tent, but this ſad object which ſtruck horrour into all the beholders, and had made ſome impreſſion in her owne heart, did ſo ſting her conſcience and ſpirits, that ſhe knew not what ſhe did, or what ſhe ſhould do. Indeed, now and then ſhe thought that this action of Cruelty was but a poor piece of revenge: and her mind paſſing from object to object, ſhe fancied the Illuſtrious Artamenes, as he was the firſt time ſhe gave him Audience as Embaſſador from Cyaxares: and conſidering alſo the pittifull condition ſhe did now ſee him in; ſhe grew pale, and trembled for horrour, and ſome ſparks of compaſſion entring into her heart whether ſhe would or no, they revived in it ſome thoughts of tenderneſſe and love, which did more cruelly torment her then all her fury, her ra [...]e, and her jealouſie: How Thomyris (ſaid ſhe) is Cyrus dead whom thou didſt paſſionately love? and canſt thou ſee his head ſevered from his body without exceſſive ſorrow? Couldſt thou find a heart to command it to be plunged in a baſon full of blood▪ Fie, fie, thou doſt merit his hatred, but art worthy of the Epethite of cruell Thomyris, which he gave thee in his Laſt Letter, and with his expiring breath. Yes, yes, inhumane Princeſs that thou art, is it pitty he ſhould be unfaithfull unto that Princeſs whom he loves; thou doſt deſerve he ſhould be as cruell unto thee, as thou art unto him. Though thou doſt keep Mandana in thy power, yet he did let the point of his Sword fall when thou didſt meet him in the [Page] wood of the Sauromates: Though he might eaſily have killed thee, yet thou triumpheſt in his death: Yes mercileſſe Thomyris, though this Prince was infinitely in love with Mandana, yet he would not deprive thee of life: Thou who haſt vaunted to have loved him better then ever any elſe knew how; canſt thou look upon him dead, without any reſentments of ſorrow? and haſt thou nothing elſe to do but invent ſuch Cruelties as will make thee odious unto thy very ſelfe, and all the world? After this, Thomyris being ſilent, ſhe had a thouſand ſeverall imaginations upon this adventure: and ſhe did ſo particularly call to memory all that ever Cyrus had done or ſaid in her Court, when he carried the name of Artamenes, that her heart beginning to melt, ſhe grieved for that Prince, whoſe death did at the firſt news of it fill her full of joyes; and ſhe grieved with more apprehenſive ſorrow, then ever her ſoule was before ſenſible of. And though as oft as ſhe remembred his laſt words, ſhe could not grieve for the death of him who pronounced them: Yet Love being the moſt prevailing paſſion of her heart, ſhe ſometimes thought that ſhe ſaw Cyrus ſenſible and living, yet was an object leſſe grieving, then Cyrus was in that condition which ſhe ſaw him. So as tormenting her ſelfe all manner of wayes that an amorous heart could be tormented, ſhe was as great a ſufferer as any could be. Her moſt ſenſible perplexity was, that knowing how Ariantes loved Mandana, ſhe thought that ſhe had not liberty enough to treat her ill, and to be revenged of her, both for the death of Cyrus, her own cruelty, and for her own misfortunes: So as her ſoule having ſo many torments to endure at once, that for ſome days ſhe was unable to order the generall affairs of her Eſtate, but ſent all thoſe who came unto her about any buſineſs, unto the Prince her brother: And that you may ſee the inequality of her thoughts; for all this act of cruelty ſtruck horrour into all beholders, yet ſhe commanded that all due rights ſhould be done unto the Corps of Cyrus, and that they ſhould be performed as not coming from her orders.

But to return unto Mandana, and to ſay ſomething of her reſentments, when ſhe ſaw the bloody head of Spitridates, which ſhe thought to be Cyrus, be pleaſed to know that ſhe continued ſo long in her ſwound, that this ſad Scaene was not only ended when ſhe recovered out of it, by the cares of Araminta, Oneſile, Doraliſe, and Marteſia: But the Tent was ſhut, and all the people diſperſed before ſhe recovered her ſight and ſpeech; when ſhe firſt opened her eyes, ſhe turned away her head and ſhut them again, for her imagination being ſtill filled with that terrible object which cauſed her ſwounding, ſhe thought that ſhe ſaw it ſtill.

But after her eyes were a little ſetled, and her reaſon recollected, ſhe knew that ſhe ſaw nothing but people mourning, with faces and eyes all ſwelled with teares, both for her grief, and for the death of him who cauſed it: Indeed, the unfortunate Araminta not knowing what a ſad share she had in this fatall loſſe which thus grieved Mandana, she was moſt ſenſibly troubled, and yet she endeavoured to give all the conſolation she was able, not knowing that she her ſelfe ſtood moſt in need of it: And therefore beginning to ſpeak; In the name of the Gods Madam (ſaid she unto Mandana) make your conſtancy and patience appear, rouze up your ſelfe, and conſider, that if you should kill your ſelf with grief, your death and his perhaps would be without revenge: but if on the contrary you endeavour to live, all Aſia will take Arms for your liberty, and for revenge of Cyrus his death.

Alas (ſaid the ſad Mandana) how hard a thing is it to follow your counſell? and therefore Madam (continued she, beginning to flow in tears, which the exceſs of her ſorrow had til then reſtrained) before you give me any more of this advice, I pray conſider whether your ſelfe were able to live, if you should ſee Spitridates in that pittifull condition which I have ſeen Cyrus. But oh heavens (continued she, and would not give Araminta time to anſwer) is it poſſible that I should live, and ſee Cyrus dead? But moſt illuſtrious Prince, though I am yet living, yet I would thou couldſt know, it is againſt my will, and that I look upon death as the only thing deſirable: Indeed, what have I elſe to do but to dye? For ſince Cyrus is dead, victory is not to be looked for. It were folly to think that any can now either revenge his death, or deliver me, ſince he could not releaſe me: And though they should, what should I do in a world wherein is nothing that can [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] pleaſe me? I should do nothing but continually lament the death of Cyrus, and should not have ſo much ſatisfaction as to shed my teares upon his Tomb: For conſidering how the cruell Thomyris hath uſed his ſacred Corps, certainly she will cauſe it to be torn in pieces by wild beaſts: ſo as it is better to dye preſently, then to live in ſuch an eternall ſorrow, which would brand me with ingratitude to the greateſt Prince in the world; for alas, how great is my debt unto Cyrus? and therefore I were moſt unworthy of that conſtant affection he bore unto me, if I could think upon any thing but death.

After this, Mandana being ſilent, becauſe a flood of tears would not ſuffer her to ſpeak, Doraliſa & Marteſia in their turns did uſe all their perſwaſive arguments of comfort. As for Araminta, it coming into her mind, that perhaps Spitridates was alſo killed, her ſoule was ſo troubled that she hardly minded what Mandana ſaid: and the certain death of Cyrus, together with the incertainty of Spitridates his life, did ſo diſquiet her mind, that she could not continue comforting Mandana as she begun: And indeed, conſidering the ſad condition of that Princeſs, it was a hard matter to find any apparant reaſons by which they could perſwade her that she was not in a moſt miſerable condition: and all thoſe about her could do nothing elſe but shed bitter tears, and lament the loſſe as well as she: All were in tears at once, and they wept as if they would all weep continually.

On the other ſide, Chryſantes thinking the death of his Maſter certain, he reſolved to carry this ſad news unto Mazares, and all the Princes in the Army, leſt if reports of it should be divulged amongſt the Souldiers any other way, they would not be ſo forward to revenge his death: But as for Feraulas, he would ſtay upon the place, to know what they did vvith the Corps of Cyrus, and to try if he could ſee Marteſia, to lament vvith her the misfortune of this Prince, and to receive ſome orders from Mandana; for he imagined that ſince Cyrus vvas dead, they vvould not guard her ſo ſtrictly.

In the mean time, it may well be ſaid, that the ſuppoſed death of this great Conqueror did more illuſtrate his glory when it was known on both ſides, in being lamented both by his friends and Enemies. Thomyris her ſelfe grieved, Ariantes did pitty, though not grieve: All the Maſſagertans lamented him, all his friends deſired no life, but to revenge his death: Mazares lamented his death, as if he had not been his Rivall: All the Souldiers grieved for him as their Father, and ſome of thoſe who fled from the Battle did kill themſelves for very ſhame and ſorrow, that this Prince ſhould ſuffer for their baſeneſſe.

Moreover, beſides thoſe who grieved for him out of affection, generoſity, and compaſſion, there were many who were engaged to it by particular intereſts: For Intaphernes and Atergatis did ſee that their Princeſs could not be ſo ſoon releaſed, Gabrias and Hydaſpes had the ſame concerning Arpaſia: Tigranes had the ſame thought for the admirable Oneſile. Again, the Princeſſe of Bythinia, Istrina, Oneſile, Arpaſia, and Telagene did ſee that their chains would not be ſo ſoon broken: But whilſt all the world were lamenting the loſſe of Cyrus, and were ignorant of Spitridates his deſtiny, Cyrus underſtanding by Meliantes that he was thought to be dead, he was both ſad and glad of it: Yet he had many more reaſons to be ſorry; for when he heard of this Tragicall Ceremony of Thomyris, he verily believed that Spitridates was dead, and that they were miſtaken by the great reſemblance betwixt him and that unfortunate Prince, ſo that beſides his own miſeries, he was extreamly ſenſible of his loſſe, and Araminta's ſorrows.

Moreover, he was not only ſenſible of Mandana's reſentments, in a beliefe that he was dead, but he feared leſt her reſentments ſhould prejudice him in another manner: For (ſaid he in himſelfe) though ſhe did never change her thoughts of me, is it not to be feared that this ſuppoſed death will make her change thoſe thoughts ſhe had of me; for (ſaid he out of ſome jealous apprehenſioos) one may be faithfull unto a living Lover, when one is not ſo unto a dead one. Few carry their affections further then to the Grave of the perſon loved: ſo as ſince the belief of my death may either cauſe her death, or cauſe her to be inconſtant, it doth more concern me that Mandana do know that I am living, than that Thomyris ſhould be ignorant of it: In the mean time, I know no more how to ſhew my ſelf unto Mandana, then I know how to hide my ſelfe from Thomyris; for ſhould I [Page] aske Meliantes any queſtions concerning that Princeſſe, he would perhaps not only ſuſpect who I am, but would imagine it concerns Thomyris and Ariantes to know that I am in his hands: So that Cyrus not knowing what to reſolve upon, either to procure his liberty, or to let Mandana know he was not dead, his ſoule was in a moſt ſad condition. Yet upon ſecond thoughts, he conceived it expedient to ſay nothing unto Meliantes for ſome dayes, leſt his too much earneſtneſſe ſhould render him ſuſpected: and that afterwards he would aske ſo much favour from him, as to ſend to one of his friends to acquaint him that he was a priſoner, and to let this friend of his come diſguiſed into the Camp of Thomyris, and confer with him about ways for his releaſement.

But during this little intervall, things went reaſonable well; for Mazares after he had rallyed his Troops, he entrenched them very advantageouſly, in expectation of thoſe Forces which Ciaxares ſent: And Ariantes having a moſt earneſt deſire to ſee Mandana, and ſtill fearing the violence of Thomyris, he alſo entrenched his Army, and went unto the Tents Royall; for though it was victorious, yet the victory had coſt him ſo dear, that he was not in a condition to attempt any thing againſt Mazares, conſidering the ground he had choſen for his intrenchment: Yet did he find no great ſatisfaction in his voyage; for he found the mind of Thomyris ſo incenſed and unquiet, that no propoſition could be made which did not vex her, eſpecially any thing which related unto Mandana. On the other ſide, having viſited the Princeſs whom he adored, he found his entertainment ſo bad, that he was forced to retyre, and ſtay till her forrows were a little over.

The truth is, ſhe gave him ſuch ſharp Language, ſhe charged him ſo oft with the death of Cyrus; ſhe proteſted ſo earneſtly that ſhe would not live, but only to the end the King her Father, and the Prince Mazares might continue the War againſt Thomyris, to deliver her, and be revenged for the death of Cyrus; and ſhe did ſo fully aſſure him, that ſhe hated him as much as if he had killed Cyrus with his owne hands, that this Prince did think himſelfe in a worſe Condition by the death of Cyrus, then by his life.

In the mean time, the Princeſſe of Bythinia, the Princeſs Iſtrina and Arpaſia were alwayes together, not having the liberty to ſee Mandana, with whom Araminta and Oneſile continually were: For ſince they were put there in the abſence of Thomyris, when Andramites ſent them to the Tents Royall, Ariantes durſt not incenſe the Princeſs ſo far as to take them away: Alſo, ſince it was believed that Cyrus was dead, they did not ſo much care if company came to her, and the Princeſs of Bythinia, Iſtrina, & Arpaſia had leave to ſee her in the preſence of him who commanded her Guard: 'Tis true, they had no great comfort in ſeeing her, for they ſaw her ſo full of ſorrows, as they did not think ſhe was able to endure them long.

Again, Arpaſia hearing that Licander her Raviſher was killed by an unknown hand: and underſtanding from Niſide who was with her, that ſhe ſaw Meliantes in a diſguiſe, ſhe made no queſtion but it was he unto whom ſhe was obliged for it: but ſhe knew not whether ſhe ſhould be ſad or glad at it; for though ſhe did ſtill much eſteem him, yet ſhe had ſtill much tenderneſſe and inclination unto Hydaſpes: But ſince the matter was not hard to ſee Arpaſia, and ſince Meliantes his paſſion was always in his mind, he took this opportunity, and came one morning unto Niſide, unto whom he had addreſſe without much difficulty.

Niſide being always his friend, she was glad to ſee him, and to heare from his own mouth, that it was he who killed Licander. He told her then how he came diſguiſed unto this Court, leſt Licander should induce Thomyris to arreſt him: and that he was in hopes to rid himſelfe of one Rivall by particular Duell, and of the other by generall Combate: After which, he deſired Niſide to help him unto the ſight of Arpaſia: and indeed, she being deſirous to do him any favour, she procured him the opportunity without telling Arpaſia, who was ſo ſurprized at the ſight of Meliantes, that she knew not how she should receive him.

But ſince Niſide had cunningly hinted unto her, that certainly it was he who killed Licander, and moreover, that Meliantes was more amiable than ever he was; her affection to Hidaſpes could not hinder her from receiving a man whom she much eſteemed, very civilly, eſpecially ſince she had very tender thoughts of [Page] him, before she knew of his affection unto Argeliſe: And though Arpaſia did colour this civility to him, for that he had ventured his life in ruining her Ravisher; and though her expreſſions might well give him to underſtand that her mind was not changed, and that she could hold him in no other degree than that of friendship; yet for all that, she expreſſed her ſelfe, and he anſwered her ſo tenderly and paſſionately, that he engaged her whether she would or no to be very obliging towards him: Alſo he obtained leave to viſite her, yet upon condition never to mention any matter of Love: ſo as he thought himſelfe very happy in his misfortune; for ſince he believed Cyrus to be dead, he did not think that Hidaspes would be in any condition to diſpute with him for Arpaſia, ſo as he returned to his priſoner with much ſatisfaction: And as ſoon as he was with him, he fell into diſcourſe upon the power of Love; he told him what was ſaid of Thomyris, of Ariantes, of Mandana, and of all their paſſions.

But whilſt things paſſed thus in the Camp of Thomyris, in the Tents Royall, and in the Camp of Mazares, the news of Cyrus his death being carryed unto the Fort of Sauromates, Meriontes having no mind to be releaſed by Andramites; and ſeeing Cyrus who had ſaved his life was dead, he would not go unto the Camp of that Prince as he intended: and being able to ride on horſ-back, he beſeeched the Commander of the Fort to let him go unto the Camp of Thomyris: But it being late when he came thither, and having intimate acquaintance with Meliantes, he asked an Officer whom he did accidentally meet with, whether he knew Meliantes his Quarters, and underſtanding by him that he was within fifty paces of it, he went to deſire a nights lodging with him. As ſoon as he ſaw Meliantes, he talked of nothing but the valour of Cyrus, of his high ſoule, of his generoſity, and how he ſaved his life; how he treated him during his impriſonment, and was ſo high in his commendations, that Meliantes thinking to do a favour unto his Priſoner, in letting him ſee a man who ſpake ſo highly of a Prince whoſe part he took, he brought him into the Tent where he was: For though he knew that his priſoner did not deſire to be known, yet he made no difficulty of bringing in Meriontes, becauſe he could not imagine that he ſhould know him, ſince they were of contrary ſides, ſo as in this thought he carried Meriontes into the Tent where he was. At his firſt entrance, both Cyrus and Meriontes were ſo aſtoniſhed, that they were not Maſters of their firſt thoughts: Meriontes no ſooner ſaw Cyrus, but cryed out, oh Sir (ſaid he unto him) can I believe my eyes? Is it poſſible that Cyrus, whom two hundred thouſand men believe to be dead, ſhould be alive? At theſe words, Cyrus ſeeing there was no longer any concealing himſelfe from Meliantes, he was forced to have recourſe unto thoſe who knew him: You ſee valiant Mereontes (ſaid he) how inconſtant Fortune is, ſince ſhe hath reduced me unto the moſt miſerable condition of men, if you do not oblige the generous Meliantes not to diſcover me.

Mereontes having leaſure whilſt Cyrus ſpake, to recollect himſelf out of his wonder, repented of his haſtineſſe: But knowing Meliantes to be a man of a moſt generous ſpirit, and of quick apprehenſion, he ſaw there was no remedy. However, Mereontes thinking himſelfe infinitely obliged unto Cyrus who had ſaved his life in an heroique way, he turned towards Meliantes, and told him, that if he did not behave himſelfe towards his preſence as he would have done, had he not known him, he would become his mortall Eenemy. But there was no need of all this; For Meliantes having no dependance upon Thomyris, was ſo glad to ſee himſelfe maſter of the Deſtinie of the greateſt Prince in the world, he interrupted Mereontes, and aſſured him that Cyrus needed not to feare any thing: Alſo a ſecond thought coming into his mind, he conceived that it would be advantageous unto him to oblige Cyrus, ſince he might thereby oblige Hidaſpes to ceaſe his pretences unto Arpaſia: ſo as continuing to ſpeak, ſince Sir, I am no Subject unto Thomyris (ſaid he unto Cyrus) only a Voluntier in her party: and ſince Love only brought me hither, I think it would be no blemiſh unto honour, if I did ſet you out of her power.

For my part (added Meriontes) I ſhall go further then you: For though I were her Subject, and in your place, knowing her in juſtice and cruelty, by her late horri [...] act, I ſhould think it my duty to free this illuſtrious Prince out of her hands [Page] and ſhould think my ſelf a more Enemy unto that Queen than he is; if I ſhould give her any occaſion to commit an act ſo baſe.

But generous Meliantes, whether you be ſubject unto Thomyris or no, you are obliged not to diſcover that Cyrus is in your hands. However ſince I am a priſoner unto your priſoner, I will never forſake him, for ſince my life is his, I will looſe it rather, than let him come into the hands of his Enemies. Sir, (ſaid Meliantes) though there was no generoſity in my nature, yet ſure I ſhould be ſo by the examples which the illuſtrious Cyrus and you have given, and therefore Mereontes take no thought for your illuſtrious Conquerour, for ſince now I know enough of him, I am ſo far from thinking him my priſoner, that I and my deſtiny is more in his hands, than he or his in mine: Oh generous Meliantes, (ſaid Cyrus) if there be any thing within the compaſs of my power, wherein I may ſerve you, tell me I conjure you, and to teſtifie that I am not unworthy of your generoſity, I declare that I would not deſire to oblige you unto this, but only for the intereſt of Mandana, and let me tell you alſo, (to ſhew that I had conceived a great opinion of you) that I have ſeverall times intended to truſt your generoſity and diſcretion; not knowing well what thoughts you had of me.

After this, Meliantes anſwered Cyrus in ſuch a manner, as did evidence unto him, that he might expect any thing from him; and Mereontes ſhewed himſelf ſo zealous for the ſafety of his deliverer, that this Prince had great reaſon to put much confidence in the affection of two ſuch men as had both wit and courage enough: Meliantes acquainted alſo Mereontes with one thing which much confirmed him in his thoughts; for he told him that Aripithes, upon whoſe ſcore he became engaged on Thomyris ſide, did dye ſo much diſpleaſed againſt her, that he commanded ſeverall of his ſervants, to tell all his Officers, that he would not have them fight any longer in her ſervice: So as theſe two virtuous men finding no ſcruple in their deſign of ſerving the greateſt Prince upon Earth, againſt the moſt unjuſt Princeſs in the world, they promiſed ſo much fidelity unto Cyrus, that he had reaſon to eſteem himſelf happy in his miſery, in finding two friends of ſo much virtue: And to oblige them unto a more affectionate devotion to him, he uſed all the heroique expreſſions that was inventable; yet he had ſo high an opinion of their virtue and quality, as that he would not intereſt them by any ambitious hopes; but thought that in promiſing them his friendſhip, he promiſed them all, and he did that in as noble a manner, as if he had promiſed Kingdoms unto them.

After Cyrus had ſaid all unto Meliantes and Mereontes, which he thought fit to engage them in his ſervice, the firſt of theſe moſt humbly beſought him, he might impart one thing which concerned him to know: And Cyrus conſenting, Sir, (ſaid Meliantes unto him) to teſtifie my ſincerity in my promiſing of ſerving you and delivering you as ſoon as I can without danger, I muſt acquaint you that I am a Rivall unto Hydaſpes whom you moſt dearly love, and I conjure you in conſiration of what I will do for you, that you will ſtand neutrall between him and me, if ever fortune put us into a condition to diſpute for the poſſeſſion of Arpaſia: How (ſaid Cyrvs) are you a Rivall unto Hydaſpes, and have I the misfortune to be friend unto one who is your Enemy?

After this, Meliantes told Cyrus in two words, the ſtate of his fortune, not concealing from him that he had ſeen Arpaſia ſince the battell: After which Cyrus ſaid in deſiring me to be neutrall between Hydaſpes and you, generous Meliantes, you deſire me much leſs than I will promiſe you: For I will faithfully promiſe, that if ever it be my fortune to ſee him again, I will conjure him to ceaſe loving Arpaſia, and will be as earneſt with him, as if I were his Rivall, as well as your friend; but after this I will not promiſe you any more, for my humour is ſuch, that I will never abſolutely command my friends, eſpecially in matters of Love. But I will promiſe you to ſpeak both unto Gabrias and Hydaſpes, as much as I can in your behalf: Then Sir, (replyed Meliantes) I have no more to ſay, but to aſſure you that though you had denied me, yet I would have done all I could to ſerve you.

The worſt is (added he) that it is not an eaſie matter to get you from this place where we now are unto your own Camp, without danger of being taken by ſome who may know you: Therefore it is beſt to go in the night time unto the Tents [Page] Royall; for were you there, and diſ-engaged from the quarters of the Army, it would be much more eaſie to take a compaſs, and meet thoſe Auxiliaries which Ciaxares ſends you, and otherwiſe I confeſs I can ſee no likelyhood of getting you unto your Camp.

Mereontes concurring with the opinion of Meliantes, and Cyrus apprehending much danger if he ſhould be known, he concurred alſo; but the main difficulty is in going ſafely into the Tents Royall, and getting out: At laſt, Meliantes reſolved to faign himſelf ſick, and under pretence of heat, not to go in the day, but would go in a Coach cloſe up, to avoid the humidity of the night.

Thus it was reſolved, that Cyrus ſhould go in the Coach with him, that Mereontes ſhould guard them with his friends, and that they ſhould not ſet out untill it was dark.

But ſince it was requiſite that Meliantes ſhould have a little time to counterfeit himſelf ſick, and ſince Mereontes who would not forſake his illuſtrious Conquerour, would not ſhew himſelf, they ſpent that day all three together, for it was told at the Entrance into the Tent, that Meliantes was ſick, and therefore would not be ſeen; ſo as having time enough to entertain themſelves with diſcourſe, and having now nothing to talk of but themſelves, Meliantes and Mereontes were along time in lamenting Cyrus, and admiring all the wonders of his life. But Cyrus knowing that nothing was more obliging, than to ſeem deſirous of knowing the fortunes of friends, he was very earneſt with Meliantes, to particularize the paſſages of his life a little better to him, and afterwards he preſſed Mereontes to tell him his: For truly (ſaid he unto him) after Democedes told me your Country, after I have ſeen you fight, and after this your laſt act of generoſity, I cannot chooſe but be very deſirous to know what moved you to leave ſo good a country: Sir, (replied Mereontes) my adventures have been ſo poor, and there hath been ſo few extraordinary Events in my life, that indeed there is ſome reaſon to wonder, why I ſhould voluntarily baniſh my ſelf from a Country ſo pleaſant, if it were not an ordinary thing to ſee that Love can make men miſerable, without the power of Fortune: And there paſſeth many ſtrange and extraordinary thoughts in the heart of a Lover, which ſeem nothing in the eyes of the world, ſo as he can be miſerable when nothing appears unto other men why he ſhould be ſo.

Alas, ſaid Meliantes, I know this to be true by Experience: The moſt tranſendent perſon whom I adore, ſhe eſteems me, and is very friendly unto me; but for all that, I am yet the moſt miſerable Lover in the world, ſince her affection unto my Rivall is of another nature, though ſhe does nothing more unto him than unto me.

The miſery which I complain of, (replyed Mereontes) ſeemes doubtleſs leſs than yours; but I have a ſoul ſo nice, and I do love in ſuch a tender manner, that it is intollerable to me: ſince we can do nothing better (in a time when we can do nothing for the Princeſs Mandana) ſaid Cyrus, then to know the life of a man who is willing to ſerve her, I beſeech you acquaint us with it. I muſt tell you again Sir, (replyed Mereontes) my adventures are too poor for the knowledge of ſuch a Prince as you are, though I muſt confeſs your deſtiny ſeems to be ſomthing dubious. However Mereontes (replyed Cyrus) I beſeech you ſatisfie my deſire, but to the end Meliantes may have the knowledge of your adventure, tell him in (I beſeech you) few words, the cuſtomes of the country of the new Sauromates.

Mereontes in obedience unto Cyrus, told Meliantes in as conſice a manner as he could, the Originall of the new Sauromates, their Lives, their Cuſtomes, and all that Democedes mentioned in Saphoes hiſtory, and began his diſcourſe in theſe Termes.

THE HISTORY OF MEREONTES, AND DORINICE.

[Page]

ISHALL not need to tell you Sir, that I am deſcended from a family which holds a conſiderable Rank in my country; for ſince Democedes hath related the hiſtory of Sapho, I am ſure he hath told you of Clirantes, who is my brother, and by conſequence who I am. Nor am I obliged to acquaint you with the life of our Court: For ſince you do know it to be gallant, that there are Judges eſtabliſhed to determine all the differences of Lovers, and that the moſt admirable Sapho is very happy there, you will eaſily beleive what I ſhall ſay.

But Sir, ſince the beauty and merit of one whoſe name is Dorinice, is the foundation of this adventure, and the cauſe of my misfortune, it is requiſite I deſcribe her unto you, to the end you may the better know the violence of my paſſion, and the greatneſs of my miſery: Since it was not the quality of Dorinice which made me love her, I ſhall tell you only by the by, that her family from whence ſhe is deſcended is very illuſtrious; but let me tell you that ſhe is adorned with a thouſand qualities which attract Love.

Indeed ſhe is of a very handſom ſtature, her Complexion is rare, her Eyes black, and full of ſpirit; her hair is fair, her ſmile charming, her Teeth white, her Air both gallant, noble, and modeſt, and her neck and hands moſt fair.

Moreover, her Wit is ſuperlative, her humour alwaies equally the ſame, and there is ſuch a juſt mixture of mirth and ſeriouſneſs in this perſon, that ſhe doth infinitely pleaſe and ſuite with all the world, both the melancholly and the merry. She ſeemed to be a very good friend, and indeed ſhe was ſo, though to my ſorrow I found her heart but hollow, yet it was a diſguiſed hollowneſs: For when one firſt ſees her, and ſees the freeneſs of her looks, her civility and ſweetneſs, one would ſay, that for the time he had made a far progreſs into her ſoul, and yet one ſhould not be one ſtep further in her favour at the end of three months, than they are at the end of three dayes, and the like at the end of three years, all imaginable ſervices and courtſhip will not work upon her heart.

Then Sir, I muſt tell you, that though we have but one City in our State, yet Dorinice was eighteen years of age before I ever ſpoke unto her: For beſides the bigneſs of our City, which is ſo large, that one may eaſily be long there and not particularly known, ſo it was, that ſeverall trifling paſſions did take up many of my young dayes, and as chance would have it, I fell into a Caballe oppoſite unto that of Dorinices Mother, ſo as it may be ſaid, I knew her and I knew her not. But ſince ſeverall changes chanced, which abſolutely diſ-engaged my heart, I chanced one day to meet this fair one in an aſſembly at the Queens. Thinking I ſhould much ſpite thoſe Ladies whom I had broke off withall, if I did entertain Dorinice, whom I knew they loved not, I began diſcourſe with her.

[Page] Thus I entertained her the firſt time more in ſpight to others then to pleaſe my ſelf, not but that I found much pleaſure in her company, for ſince ſhe was glad to ſee I had quitted the Ladies whom ſhe loved not, ſhe received me better then when I was in favour with her Enemies, and yet ſhe chid me when I began to tell her, that I thought my ſelf very happy in her company. Before I give any direct anſwer unto your Civility, Sir, replyed ſhe, and ſmiled, I beſeech you give me leave to examine a little, whether I ſhould take you as a Spy or as a deſertor of your friends, or as one who hath changed ſides. Oh moſt lovely Dorinice (ſaid I and interrupted her) I am neither a Spy nor a Deſertor of my friends, but I have changed my ſide with ſo much reaſon, that you cannot in any juſtice blame me; yet leaſt you ſhould have an ill opinion of me, I will not ſpeak any ill of your Enemies, but ſince I have ſo much good to ſpeak of you, time is better imployed in that then in the other: Were you to talk long, replyed ſhe, and ſmiled, you would both trouble me and your ſelf, for I have ſo many faults and ſo few good qualities, that you would find it, Sir, a hard task to talk of ſuch things only as ſhould pleaſe me: But ſince, Sir, it is probable you will tell me more of my good then my bad qualities, I ſhall hope you will not tell me any thing which will diſpleaſe me: At the leaſt I am ſure, Madam (ſaid I unto her) I ſhall ſay nothing but truth, when I tell you that you are the moſt faireſt and lovelieſt perſon in the world.

As Dorinice was ready to reply, they came to take her out to dance, ſo as all that night I could not talk any more with her. But ſince ſhe had infinitely pleaſed me, and ſince I obſerved that I had ſufficiently vexed thoſe Ladies whom I intended to ſpite, I went the next day with one of my friends unto the houſe of Dorinices Mother, whoſe name was Elicrate, and, Sir, I was ſo much taken both with the Mother and the Daughter, that I repented I had been ſo long unacquainted with them, for the truth was, their ſociety was infinitely more pleaſing then that I had quitted; for thoſe Ladies whom I had left off were perſons who admitted all ſorts of men without exception or choice, which queſtionleſs goes againſt the grain of thoſe who have nice and delicate ſpirits, and not at all advantageous unto ſuch as frequent them: But, Sir, it was otherwiſe in the houſe of Elicrate, for almoſt none frequented it, but men of excellent parts; and Dorinice had ſuch an art of wearying thoſe who were not well accompliſhed, that if any ſuch came once there, they were ſure not to come twice; and yet there was alwaies much company with her, becauſe there was men more of excellent parts in our Court: And, Sir, you muſt know that this Lady, though never capable of love, nor ever will as long as ſhe lives, yet is ſhe the greateſt fondling in friendſhip that is in the world, for ſhe has friends of all ſorts, and the wonder is, ſhe gets them every day, and looſes none, and does ſo well keep all ſuch ſecrets as are intruſted to her, that ſhe never injures any, but as far as ſhe is able, is ready to do any ſervice for thoſe whom▪ ſhe hath promiſed any place in her friendſhip: Yet as I ſaid in the beginning of my diſcourſe, ſhe hath this particular quality, that ſhe hath ſet bounds about her heart, beyond the limits of which none whoſoever can ever go; for one ſhall be as high in her favour at three months as they can be in three years.

Dorinice being as I have deſcribed her very amiable and engaging at the firſt, I thought my ſelf the happieſt man alive in her acquaintance; and I preſently perceived, that my thoughts of her might be phraſed Love, and not at all Friendſhip: yet I thought my ſelf not at all the more miſerable; for ſince I knew that I had ſome ſhare in her eſteem, and that ſhe promiſed me her friendſhip, I thought that I might pretend unto her love: But to carry it according to the common Maximes of all prudent Lovers; I did not declare my ſelf at the firſt, but ſtayed untill her heart was a little engaged, before I openly told and divulged that I was in love with her. However I was very aſſiduous in my Viſits, and courted her with all imaginable ſubmiſſions, for the friendſhip which men held with her did exact from them the ſame ſervices almoſt that Love did, and I was ſo happy in my behaviour, that in a ſhort time ſhe did me the favour to admit me into the catalogue of her friends; yet I muſt confeſs, this rank did not altogether pleaſe me; for ſince ſhe was ranked higher in my heart, I could not be contented with that rank which I had in hers. The truth is, I flattered up my ſelf with hopes, that as ſoon as ſhe knew I loved her, [Page] ſhe would then diſtinguiſh me from the reſt; and though I know ſhe made open profeſſion never to admit of any Gallantry: yet as one is apt to flatter ones ſelf with what they love ſo I thought that I might happily be excepted out of that generall rule: So as not being able to endure this cruell incertainty, I reſolved to diſcover my paſſion unto her, and I reſolved upon it, after I had ſpent a whole day with her in extream melancholy; for I was perſwaded that all her friends would at other times be ſo much about her, that I could not find a fitter opportunity: So as I ſtaying the laſt with her, I began to ſpeak unto her, and deſired her to tell me whether I was as much in her heart that day as I had been in her Chamber? Doubtleſs you are, replyed ſhe, as all my friends are: Oh, Madam (ſayd I) there is no juſtice I ſhould be thronged with ſuch a croud of friends in your heart, ſince you are ſingle and alone in mine; and therfore, Madam, I muſt either be excluded out of your heart, or elſe all thoſe men you croud with me in it, muſt; for otherwiſe I muſt confeſs, that I cannot be at any reſt there: Alas, Madam, continued I, and would not give her time to anſwer me, it is extream injuſtice to mix me with them, for I am not of their rank, nor are my thoughts like theirs: Indeed, I am ſo far from entertaining you (as ſome of them do) with my ambition, that I do declare the height of my ambition I: to be loved by you; I am ſo far from telling you of any Intrigues and Caballs (like theirs) that I will never be of any, in which you are not: I have ſo little to do with domeſtick buſineſs and cares, that I never think of any but what you have cauſed in me, and ſo far am I from talking of any love which I bear unto others. that I can talk of nothing but my love to you: and therfore Madam, I beſeech you judg whether it be juſt you ſhould rank me amongſt ſuch men as nothing reſemble me? Doubtleſs it is not (replyed ſhe and ſmiled) for if you be ſuch as you ſay, I muſt exclude you from my heart, and admit another in your room; for it were not juſt (added ſhe by way of rallary) that I ſhould baniſh a hundred out of it, to admit of one, but much better it is to baniſh the one and keep the hundred, and therfore Meriontes, It is in your own choiſe, if you be my friend, as I ever thought you) be quiet in my heart, as all the reſt of my friends are, but if you be not, take it not ill if I do exclude you: However, ſince I do not well underſtand you, nor will take ſo much pains as to examine whether what you ſay be true, I will beleive you upon your word.

Since it is ſo, Madam, replyed I, I beſeech you beleive that I am not only your friend, but your Lover alſo: for I profeſs, that I am not able to live in ſuch a preſs of friends. Since it is ſo (ſayd ſhe) you muſt out of my heart, and you would do me a pleaſure, if you would drive me out of yours. for ſince I am there alone, it is very likely conſidering my humour, I ſhall be very weary of being there. Madam, (ſayd I unto her) you anſwer me with ſo little ſeriouſneſs, that I beſeech you neither look upon me as your Lover nor as your friend. Seriouſly, replyed ſhe, I know not well what to think; but Mereontes if you will beleive me, you will content your ſelf with the Rank of a friend, for I muſt ingeniouſly tell you, that otherwiſe you muſt looſe me: were it a thing which were in my own choice (anſwered I) I would chooſe rather the quality of a friend then of a Lover; for I ſee all that are under that notion are well pleaſed, ſatisfied and at reſt: But alas, Madam, it is otherwiſe with me, and though you ſhould rank me in the firſt Sphere of your friends, yet I muſt, whether you, or I will or no, be your Lover, and be ſo until death; Since, Sir (replyed ſhe) you may happily be miſtaken in your affection to me, and think of it more then it is, I will not yet exclude you out of my heart, but will ſtay a little untill you be better ſatisfied whether you are only of a temper in friendſhip ſomthing different from others, ſuch a temper as being neither love nor friendſhip, yet ſo like unto both that either name, without injuſtice may be attributed unto either of them.

Oh, Madam (ſaid I) my affection to you is not of that nature, for I ma moſt certain that friendſhip hath never any deſires, nor inquietudes, nor jealouſie in it; Oh Mereontes (ſaid ſhe unto me) I plainly ſee that you know not what a tender and gallant friendſhip is, for ſuch friends as I deſire will deſire to be loved, they will be unquiet when they have been long abſent from their friends, and be jealous to ſee any others about them. But, Madam (ſaid I unto her) ſince you cauſe jealouſie, and have ſuch abundance of friends, I wonder they ſhould [Page] not quarrell. The more you ſpeak of this tender and gallant friendſhip which I mean, Sir (replyed Dorinice) the more you ſeem to be ignorant; for the jealouſie which it inſpires is not of the ſame nature as that which Love d [...]t [...] cauſe, is, but on the contrary, it is a ſweet pleaſing and ingenious Spirit, which helps diſcourſe, which augments friendſhip which is never melancholick, lumpiſh or ſad, and which produceth no other effects but ſuch as make men more courtly, more neat, and more complaiſant, ſuch as rather makes others jealous of them then they of others: So as it may be ſaid, that the friendſhip of which I ſpeak, hath all the ſweets of love without any of the bitters: Moreover (added ſhe) I mean not ſuch a kind of friendſhip, whereof there is not above two or three examples in a whole age; nor of ſuch men as have but one only friend in the world: The firſt of theſe muſt be able to dye for their friends, and be as full of generoſity as tender friendſhip: And as for the other who are ſo nice and delicate that they can find but one only in all the world that they think worthy of their friendſhip; certainly they are neither pleaſing to themſelves nor others: For ſince they cannot be merry with any but thoſe they love, and ſince there is but one Phoenix in the world which they can find, certainly they find their diverſions very ſeldom. Nor do I require that ſolid friendſhip which is found in the grave Sages of the world, for they are too cold, too dry, and too tyring melancholick; Such men as theſe will content themſelves with loving you in the depth of their heart, with ſerving you upon extraordinary occaſions, and to ſpeak well of you when it highly concerns you, but will never tell you that they do love you: They neglect all petty Complements and duties of friendſhip, and are alwaies ſo ſerious, that they cannot endure any mirth: yet truly my opinion is, that for the moſt part it is the triviall Civilities and Complements which makes the moſt friendſhip; as for great and high Services they are ſo rare, as it is impoſſible they ſhould both beget and nouriſh friendſhip. For ought I ſee, Madam (replyed I) the friendſhip which you deſire hath ſuch a neer reſemblance with love, that I begin to think my ſelf more miſerable then I did imagine, and to look upon all your friends as my Rivalls. Since I have friends, Sir, (replyed ſhe) who are in love with ſome Ladies whom you do know, you are much miſtaken if you think them my Lovers: However, Madam, replyed I, I would gladly know how you do rank all your friends; To begin (replyed Dorinice) I muſt tell you, that my amorous friends are alwaies of the loweſt rank in my heart though I am often very much delighted to hear them tell their folly and fond adventures: And if you will name unto me any, I will ingeniouſly tell you in what degree they are in my opinion▪ Then tell me, Madam, ſaid I, in what Sphere you place a friend of yours, whoſe Soul is ſo ambitious, that I think it enjoyes not one minute of reſt? As for him (ſaid ſhe) he is neither in the firſt nor laſt, but in in the rank of thoſe from whom I hear many ſecrets, but whom I would not truſt with any of my own if I had any. You have another friend, Madam replyed I. who indeed is a man of much merit, but he is ſo rude and feirce, that I cannot tell what ſweetneſs his friendſhip ſhould afford you, nor in what rank you can place him, for you have none who reſembles him. I aſſure you (replyed ſhe) that this feirce friend of whom you ſpeak, as irregular in friendſhip as he ſeems unto you, yet he is not one of the loweſt rank in my heart, and ſhould his feirceneſs a little mollifie, he might perhaps be in the firſt: for he does not ſeem as if he were deſirous one ſhould love him, though there be nothing more like to cauſe it, then that.

But M [...]dam (ſaid I unto her) you have another friend whoſe name is Artimas, and who if he be not in the firſt rank, yet he will be ere long: For indeed he has all quilities that are requiſite to pleaſe, and I do obſerve that he doth already very much pleaſe you: 'Tis true (ſaid ſhe) that he whom you mention is according to your deſcription; for he is handſome, and he has a moſt excellent and pleaſing wit: He writes well both in verſe and proſe: he can be both merry and ſerious, and he began his friendſhip in the moſt ingenuous way in the world. He ſeems ſo tender, ſo ſweet, ſo civill, and ſo affable, and has ſuch an obliging way with him, as would perſwade any one he loves them better than ever he did any. Moreover, he ſeems ſo extreamly glad to ſee you; he is ſo hugely ſenſible of benefits, and ſo deſirous to be loved, that one cannot chooſe but have a diſpoſition to love him: but let me tell you withall, that whether he is ſo weary of his friendſhip, or [Page] glutted with accuſtomacy of favours, or not ſenſible of them; or whether it be inconſtancy in his nature, he is ſo un-equall in his amity, and ſo negligent, that though he were ungratefull, or coldly indifferent, he could not be worſe than ſometimes he is: Sometimes he will be a whole day together with you, and not ſpeak a word: he will ſee you as if he ſaw you not, and will be of ſuch a ſluggiſh faint ſpirit, as he will both amaze and vex any that have any intereſt in him; for nothing doth more ſurprize him then to ſee men who have held a correſpondency, become as cold and indifferent, as if they were not acquainted. Yet ſince I have not been long enough acquainted with him you ſpeak of, to paſſe any definitive judgment of him; all I can ſay unto you is, that moſt infallibly he will either be in the firſt or laſt rank in my opinion: Nor can I directly tell you what place he will have in my heart, ſince that depends more upon him then me; for if he thus continue unequall and luke-warm, perhaps he will be in the loweſt rank of my friends: and if he become as he was when I firſt knew him, and not ſo troubleſome as almoſt all the young Gallants of the Court are, who thereby render themſelves incapable of any illuſtrious Conqueſt, either in Love or friendſhip, then he ſhall be in the rank of my deareſt friends.

But I beſeech you Madam (replyed I) tell me more poſitively what degree is a Couſen of mine, who uſeth to viſit you oftner than any other except my ſelfe: as for him (ſaid ſhe) I muſt confeſſe he is in the ſame degree that you are, for indeed I ſee nothing in our friendſhip which doth now pleaſe me: The beginning was gallant, the ſequell was obliging, and I have obſerved him very carefull to pleaſe me: He ſeems more tender and more ſenſible then he was at our firſt acquaintance: he is more glad to ſee me, and we divert our ſelves better then when we talk together, then in the infancy of our friendſhip. You have alſo another friend (replyed I) who loves to talk with you in private, as if he were your Lover. And I have obſerved, that when any came to you, he would always make a third: He whom you ſpeak of (replyed ſhe) is none of the leaſt in my favour, for indeed it is one of the greateſt ſigns of a good wit to hold particular diſcourſe; and the greateſt proof that one can give that he is pleaſed with his friend, is to court in private: and did you know the good will I beare unto him you mean, becauſe I think he is better pleaſed when he finds me alone, then with much company, you would ſee that I do much prefer him before ſuch vapourers that are out of their element, unleſſe they be in a great tumultuous company, where they muſt ſpeak loud before they can be heard, and who had rather be in the very worſt company of a Town, then ſpend an afternoon in civill diſcourſe with two or three rationall perſons. Yet they are the greateſt looſers by it; for I am ſure, that commonly ſuch men get ſuch ill habits as renders them leſſe amiable, and leſſe inclinable to love.

But Mereontes (continued ſhe) to ſave you the labour of naming of any more, I wil aſſure you that there is but you & three or four more who are in the firſt form of my friends: and as for the reſt, I imagine you will not much care for them. Why Madam (replyed I) do you think that I am ſatisfied with your admitting three or foure Co-equalls in your heart? When you conſider (replyed ſhe that I have a hundred friends, and that I think but three or four of them your Equals, me thinks you ſhould be well ſatisfied, and think your ſelfe happy. Alas Madam, replyed I, were I only your friend, I ſhould not be contented with it; for I am of ſuch an humour, that I would be the firſt of the four; and therefore being your Lover, I cannot eſteem my ſelfe happy in my conviction with ſo many friends. To teſtifie (replyed ſhe) that I will do all I can for you, I will tell you, that you are the firſt, provided you will not ſpeak any more of your pretended love. Alas Madam (replyed I) I find no great ſecurity in all this, ſince you have a friend who may be in the firſt rank, and another whoſe place you know not, therefore this laſt may exclude me and all the reſt: Since I know not what is to come (anſwered she) I will ſpeak of the preſent: And therefore all I can ſay unto you is, that if he of whom you ſpeak doth continue as he hath been of late, it is not all his merit, all his wit, nor all his handſomneſſe that can obtain him the firſt ranke of my friends: and I will tell you after, that of all thoſe who have any place in my friendship, you shall have the firſt ranke if you will. Alas Madam (ſaid I) a [Page] Lover can never be contented with the firſt quality of a friend; and I had rather be in the loweſt rank of your Lovers, than in the higheſt of your friends. However, Mereontes (ſaid she) this is all I can do; Conſider ſeriouſly upon it, for if you should refuſe the firſt ranke of my friends, perhaps I shall become your Enemy: As I was ready to anſwer, one came in, and ſaid her Mother did aske for her: ſo that I left her, not accepting the quality of her firſt friend, and she not permitting me to be her Lover.

Yet ſince I had diſcovered my paſſion, my heart was ſomething more at eaſe: and my greateſt hope was, in knowing certainly that Dorinice did hold me in the notion of friendship, ſo as imagining it not impoſſible but her affection might change its nature, and believing it a more eaſie ſtep from friendship to love, then from indifferency unto that paſſion, my hopes did keep life in them: ſo as I paſſed over ſome dayes without any great inquietude, thinking it but fit I should give Dorinice ſome time of conſideration before I could expect any recompence: Yet there was not a day in which this multitude of her friends did not perplex me, and in which I did not feare that this which ſome of them called friendship, may be called by the name of Love: and indeed I underſtood at laſt, that there were at leaſt two Lovers in this diſguiſe of friendſhip: ſo that with jealouſie and love together, I had many a vexatious hour. Yet after I had vvell obſerved theſe concealed Rivalls, I was not ſo jealous of them, as of ſome other of her friends: Not but that one of them was very handſome, and likely to prove a very dangerous Rivall, for his perſon was very pleaſing, and he had a delicate wit: and ſince his firſt affection was unto a perſon of great merit and wit, this did infuſe ſuch a politeneſſe into his converſation, as made him ſo accompliſhed as he was; for it is moſt certain that nothing is more pernicious unto young men, then firſt to engage them ſelves in Love with fooliſh perſons: and indeed, this ſecond Rivall made this apparant which I ſpeak, for he was better born than the other, alſo he had wit and ſpirit enough: and yet it was his misfortune to fall at firſt into intimacy and familiarity with many women of mean merit, who were unfaſhionable, and knew not the world, ſo as he blaſted his wit by their ſociety, and did inſenſibly accuſtome himſelfe, to be ſuch a one as his company were, ſo as I had no cauſe to fear him: And for the other, though he had wit, merit, and manners enough, yet I did not feare him neither; becauſe Dorinice ſuſpecting him in Love with her, did treat him worſe than the reſt of her friends. I ſaw alſo very clearly, that theſe two R [...]vals had not ſo great a part as my ſelfe in the heart of this faire one; for ſhe was pleaſed to tell me what they ſaid unto her: But as for her friends, ſhe would not impart the leaſt ſyllable of what they ſaid, though I vowed ſhe was moſt abſolute Miſtreſs of my hear, and told her, that though generoſity required that I ſhould never reveale the ſecrets of my friends: Yet ſhe had ſuch a power over me, that I could not keep my own: But this aggravation of my Love cauſed a great quarrell the next day; for be pleaſed to know Sir, that both of us meeting the day following in a place where one of the Ladies who formerly I loved was with much other company, Dorinice very craftily began to talk of the power which a Miſtreſs hath over the heart of her Lover: and hearing that ſome reports of my paſſion were divulged in our Court, ſhe would needs be ſo pleaſant as to twit me with it. And to that end ſhe told me very openly, that as I was talking the day before with her, I ſaid, that as ſoon as ever I became a Lover, I would ſacrifice all my own, and my friends ſecrets unto my Miſtreſs, and that I had already told her all the paſſages of my firſt Love: So as being driven to the neceſſity either of contradicting what ſhe whom I then loved had ſaid, or elſe diſpleaſing her whom I loved not, I made choiſe of the latter, and would rather anger my old Miſtreſs then my new one; yet I turned the matter as well as I could: Indeed I ſaid (replyed I unto Dorinice) that when one is in love, one hath nothing which is their own: but I did not ſay I would relate the ſecrets of friends and former loves unto my Miſtreſs, what I ſaid was this, that if ſhe would needs know them, and command me peremptorily to tell them, I ſhould have much ado to diſobey her. Yet (replyed one of Dorinices friends vvho alvvays told her every thing) I do not think that ought to be; for if I did, I vvould never tell any thing unto my friends: For my part (ſaid the Lady vvhom I loved) I think he is a perfidious Lover, vvho [Page] reveals the ſecrets of his Friend unto his Miſtreſs, and that ſhe is an unvvorthy Miſtreſs vvho shall deſire it.

For my particular (replyed a friend of Dorinices vvhoſe name vvas Nirtile, unto vvhom ſhe made ſigne to contradict that Lady vvhom I loved) I do not underſtand your meaning, but I am ſure that the greater ſvvetneſſe of love is the abſolute empire of a Lovers heart: and if I had one who ſhould conceale any thing from me which I deſired to know, I would never look upon him again; for he did not love me, if he did not blindly obey me, right or wrong: and I would not only have a Lover tell the ſecrets of his friends, but I would alſo have him commit an unjuſt act if I ſhould command him: he may as well do the laſt (replyed a friend of Dorinices, whoſe name was Oxaris) as reveale the ſecrets of his friends, which of all things in the world ought moſt inviolably to be kept: and for my part, who does not think that Juſtice and generoſity are incompatible with love, I cannot think it allowable to be perfidious, but am ſo much againſt it, that had I a Miſtreſſe who vvould exact this teſtimony of my love, I ſhould no longer eſteem her, and conſequently be no longer her Lover, and ſo ſhould never tell her my friends ſecrets.

Did you knovv vvhat Love vvere (replyed I) you vvould not have ſaid ſo: For though a Miſtreſs ſhould command unjuſt things, yet for all that one cannot leave loving her for it: for if love vvere a thing voluntary, it vvould of neceſſity follovv that all the vvorld vvould love none but admirable perſons, ſuch as there is not perhaps three in a vvhole Kingdome, and in a vvhole age: and there vvould be ſuch a croud about them, that there vvould be no approaching: Yet experience ſhevvs us every day, that there are men of great vvits, parts, and ſpirits, vvho fall in love vvith perſons that have faults, and faults vvhich they knovv of, and vvhich yet vvill not cure their paſſions. I knovv very vvel (replyed Oxaris ſharply) that one may find his Miſtreſs a little pale, or a little ſvvarthy complexioned, and yet not leave loving her: and one may knovv that there is ſome unequality in her humour, and ſome levity in her ſpirit, and yet not change, yet I cannot underſtand how one ſhould continue loving a woman without honeſty and vertue. And I dare boldly affirm that the perſon who reveals the ſecrets of his friends, is as great an offender againſt the rules of vertue and honeſty, as any Traytor is; and there is nothing in the world more odious then to betray thoſe who truſt them. Were I to judg only of the thing it ſelfe (replyed Nyrtile) I ſhould condemn it: But however I muſt needs affirm, that if a man be in love, and will not tell his Miſtreſſe all he knows i [...] ſhe deſire it, he does but love by halfes; for he is not ſo much obliged in point of honour, to conceale the ſecrets of his friends, as he is in point of love to tell his Miſtreſſe what ſhe deſires to know: For he is not to examine whether her deſires be juſt or no, but to give her a teſtimony of his love, he is to obey her blindly; ſince there is no greater than that of obedience, and without obedience there is no love nor delight in loving.

For my part (replyed my former Miſtreſſe) I know not how to comprehend this: and for my part (replyed Oxaris) I ſee no reaſon in it: Fer I beſeech you (ſaid he unto Dorinice, though he did not diſpute the matter with her) may there not be many juſt cauſes of ceaſing to love: Doubtleſſe there may (replyed ſhe:) if ſo (replyed he) why is it more juſt, that jealouſie ſhould make love dye, then when you diſcover your Miſtreſs is not truly vertuous; as ſhe is not, if ſhee would have you perfidious; is there not much more reaſon to break off with her for that, then becauſe ſhe did not caſt an eye a little favourably upon a Rivall? ſhould I look upon you as a Phyloſopher: you have reaſon for what you ſay (anſwers Nirtile) but when I look upon you as a Lover, I cannot think you ought to deny your Miſtreſſe any thing. Truth is, i [...] you deny her any thing that is unjuſt, you are to be looked upon as a wiſe man, whoſe paſſions are all in his own command.

But for all that, the Lady who required the injuſtice from you, will charge you with being a bad Lover: For though ſhe be in the wrong, to deſire any thing that in unreaſonable, however you have no reaſon to deny her, and you can expect nothing, unleſſe whilſt your friends do ſay you are diſcreet, your Miſtreſſe will ſay you know not how to love. The beſt of it is (replyed I) not to grieve the [Page] Lady too much with whom I had former correſpondency) There are but few Ladies who are ſo unjuſt, or who will trouble themſelves with knowing a thouſand trifles which they have nothing to do withall.

For my part (replyed Dorinice very maliciouſly) were I in the humour of having a Lover, my chief delight would be in making him relate all paſſages of his paſt love. As for the ſecrets of his friends, I would not deſire to know them: but as for trifles of gallantry which are ſuch fond follies when they are paſt, and ſeem always ſo to them who have no intereſt in them, I ſhould take the greateſt pleaſure in the world in hearing them exactly related unto me: and if any reaſon induce me to admit of a Lover, I think it will be in hopes of this delight, in which I fancy ſuch great diverſion: And if I do make choiſe of a Lover, it ſhall be of ſuch a one who hath loved many others; for though they ſay firſt paſſions are moſt violent, yet I would not be his firſt Miſtreſſe, leſt I ſhould looſe the pleaſures which I mentioned before. If Madam, the knowledg of many ſecrets do ſo much delight one (replyed I) then if you ſhould admit of a Lover who were of Nirtiles humour, he would have a fine time of it, if you ſhould reveale all the ſecrets of your friends unto him: You I ſay, who has ſuch a multitude of them, that they can hardly be numbred. I cannot tell whether you jeer me in this or no (replyed ſhe and ſmiled) but I conceive the greateſt commendations that can be given me is, that I have ſo much wit as to get and keep ſo many friends: But Madam (ſaid I unto her to turn the diſcourſe) do you think it any honour in admitting ſo many of them? and do you believe that under colour of this gallant kind of friendſhip you ought to have a thouſand at a time? if ſo, I muſt needs confeſſe, that I think it a great conveniency for a Lover to have many Miſtreſſes, as for a Lady to have many Gallants. I am ſo fully perſwaded (replyed Dorinice) that one may have as many friends as they will, that I look upon my friendſhip as a thing infinite: and when I have purchaſed any new friend, and payd him my friendſhip for it, after the rate that I think he eſteems me, yet I find my ſelfe as rich within a quarter of an hour after, as if I had given him nothing for it: Then I perceive (ſaid I unto her) that it is not according to merit that you grant your affection. No (replyed ſhe) merit is the meaſure of my eſteem, and friendſhip the meaſure of my friendſhip, and thus I aſſure you I uſe to diſtribute my ſelfe very equally.

For my particular (replyed I) I cannot conceive that one can much love ſuch a number of men, nor know how any man can content himſelf with the hundred part of a heart; for if I had not a whole one, I ſhould never think my ſelfe happy. Then you ſhall never have one (replyed Dorinice and ſmiled) for I will never give all mine unto one man. After which, ſhe riſing up, and I going with her, I complained againſt her for her malice, and afterwards in a low voyce uſed all my Rhethorick to perſwade her unto a permiſſion of my paſſion: But all to no purpoſe, and all my arguments and perſwaſions could obtaine no more from her, then the firſt of her friends: ſo as ſeeing no other remedy, I would try, if I could content my ſelfe with that rank ſhe gave me in her heart: And indeed, I muſt needs ſay, that Dorinice was as good as her promiſe unto me, and I had no cauſe to think that ſhe was more favourable unto any friend than unto me: For ſhe ſpake to me with much confidence, ſhe was always very glad to ſee me, ſhe diſcourſed with delight, and ſhe would ſincerely give mee her opinion in any thing we talked of. Moreover, ſhe did intereſt her ſelfe in my fortune; if I were ſicke, ſhe would ſend conſtantly to ſee how I did: if by chance I were two dayes from her, ſhe would have me tell her what I had been doing: She took my part always ever againſt her deareſt friends: ſhe would highly commend me: ſhe would have all her acquaintance eſteem me, and was every way very obliging. So as it may be ſaid, that I enjoyed all the ſweets and pleaſures of a moſt ſollid, tender, and gallant friendſhip. Yet all this while I was nothing contented, and the moſt favourable looks of Dorinice made me more angry then pleaſed; for though I never ſaw her eyes incenſed, yet I could never ſee them as I deſired: The truth is, ſhe looked upon me, as people uſe to look upon all indifferent objects which are in their ſight; her eyes were all tranquility, and I could never ſee in them the leaſt languiſhing glance which is the true character of Love.

[Page] I never ſaw them troubled, tranſported, or paſſionate; they had no language of Love in them, nor did they underſtand me when mine ſpoke in that dialect: So as I could never think my ſelf happy.

Moreover, though ſhe was alwaies gladder when I talked with her, than any other of her friends, yet I could never perceive that my converſation made any deepe impreſſion; for if any who had any private buſineſs came unto her, ſhe would leave me to talk with him, and leave me without any Regret: alſo be at ſeverall diverſions wherein I had no ſhare without any inquietudes, and all the priviledge I had by being her firſt friend was, that ſhe would ſomtimes be a little freer with me than with others, and knowing that I did love her though I did not often tell her ſo, ſhe uſed all waies imaginable to make me beleive, that her Amity would never be any other than Amity, and indeed ſhe did ſo well perſwade me of it, that I thought my ſelf the moſt miſerable man alive. So as not being able to contain my ſelf any longer, I fell into a continuall courſe of complaints and complained ſo much that I was troubleſome unto her: And the very truth is, my complaints were excuſable, for there is nothing upon Earth more intollerable then to be extreamly in Love with one who retturns only friendſhip: And there is no compariſon to be made between that miſery, and to love without being loved again: For in this caſe one is perpetually neer a happineſs, and never is like to enjoy it, and all ſervices are to no end further than what one already knows, which can never give any content for it is a moſt undoubted truth, that the moſt fervent friendſhip in the world, is not comparable to the loweſt degree of Love: Yet Dorinice would needs one day perſwade me, that my complaints were unjuſt, for (ſaid ſhe) were my affection to you of another nature than it is, I ſhould do leſs for you then I do: I ſhould think Madam, (ſaid I unto her) that in doing leſs, you did more, and I am ſo confident of what I ſay, that I ſhould think my ſelf more happy if I could ſee you ſometimes turn away your fair eyes for fear of meeting mine, than to ſee them ſo full of tranquility as they are; and to ſhew you how little my Love is ſatisfied with your friendſhip I do declare unto you Madam, that your indifferency would be much leſs intollerable. This is ſo very fantaſticall (replied ſhe) that I almoſt think you are out of your wits; were you in love Madam but one quarter of an hour, (replyed I) you would quickly finde that the moſt miſerable condition of a Lover, is to be perſwaded that he muſt never be loved; ſo that Madam, beignning to think that it is is an eaſier ſtep from indifferency unto Love, than that a long continued friendſhip ſhould become that paſſion, you need not wonder I ſhould think my ſelf the moſt miſerable of men, in that I ſee all my Love, all my Cares, and all my Services can never alter the nature of your affection to me. And yet Madam, me thinks it is ſo eaſie a matter for you to make me happy, that I know no reaſon why you do not: For I am contented you ſhould love me leſs than you do, ſo you will but love me in another manner, and otherwiſe it is impoſſible I ſhould ever be ſatisfied, for Love is never ſatisfied but with Love again, and all your tender, gallant, and ſolid friendſhip is not comparable to the loweſt degree of that paſſion, and therefore I beſeech you judge, whether it be likely to ſatisfie the moſt violent paſſion that ever was: For all this (replied Dorinice) I muſt tell you again, that if I ſhould love in that manner as you mean, you would be leſs happy th [...]n you are; for now I ſhew you all the tenderneſs of my heart, I communicate my very ſoul unto you, and I have a thouſand obliging cares for you; whereas if I ſhould love you as you deſire I ſhould, I ſhould then conceal all the tenderneſs of my thoughts from you, I ſhould make choiſe of the moſt indifferent words to expreſs my affection to you, and I ſhould ſhun the place where you are, and therefore I pray judge whether you would not be more miſerable in my Love than in my friendſhip: And to tell you truly, it is my friendſhip unto which you are beholding, for this my indulgency in ſuffering you to ſpeak thus unto me of your paſſion, for did I not perceive the conſtitution of my heart ſuch, as it is impoſſible I ſhould ever love you in any other manner, I ſhould never ſuffer you.

Oh Madam, (ſaid I) this is the extremity of cruelty; how ignorant are you in the ſweets of Love and of being loving, a hundred and a hundred thouſand friends cannot afford one ſingle guſt of it. I beſeech you conſider, that you have not an [Page] abſolute power over any one of your friends; there is not one of them but are able to deny you ſomthing: Whereas your power over me is abſolute without any exception, you are miſtreſs of my deſtiny, you can frame all my good fortune, and all my bad, and you have ſuch an abſolute Empire in my heart, that you muſt raign in it as long as you live. But Madam, to raign with delight, you muſt take ſome care for the preſervation of your authority: Caſt off therefore Madam, this multitude of friends, amongſt all which, perhaps there is not one who truly merits the name of friend, or are realy worthy of your friendſhip: But if you will not rid your ſelf of this croud which are troubleſome both to you and me, yet I beſeech you make ſome difference in your Love betwixt me and them, for I do affect ſingularity ſo much in matter of affection, that I cannot endure to be loved in the ſame degree with others. Put ſome difference, I beſeech you Madam, betwixt me and your friends, and know that if you do not, I muſt infallibly either looſe my life, or my reaſon and wits, for I am moſt certain I can never looſe that affection which I have unto you.

Me thinks Mereontes (ſaid ſhe unto me) that in telling you I eſteem you as the cheif of my friends, and ſo diſtinguiſh you, that this ſhould content you: Alas Madam (replyed I) though you ſhould tell me that I am your only friend, and though I am a Lover of ſingularity, yet ſhould I not be contented; for your affection is ſtill friendſhip, and before I can be ſatisfied, your friendſhip muſt either become Love or my Love friendſhip, and therefore ſince it is an eaſier matter to add ſome degree of heat unto your affection, than it is to quench the flames of mine, I beſeech you and conjure you to ſtrive a little to love me in another manner then you do.

But Mereontes, (ſaid ſhe unto me) do you not conſider that if I ſhould love you as you deſire, you ſhall receive no favours from me? and that I cannot be ſo indulgent to you as now I am, for I ſee you, and I talk as long as you pleaſe: Yes Madam (replyed he ſharply) you do ſee me, and you do talk with me; but you do them not with the ſame joy which you would, if you loved me as I deſire: There wants that mutuall exchange of pleaſures which does nouriſh and augment Love, and which is the cheif felicity of Lovers And therefore Madam only out of curioſity, I beſeech you try the difference between Love and Friendſhip, and do not deprive your ſelf of lifes greateſt delight, by making me the moſt miſerable of men.

Yet all theſe intimations in the ſweets of Love unto Dorinice were to no purpoſe, for Sir, ſhe was unalterable, and I could not obtain the leaſt hope of ever changing her mind: So I was in a moſt miſerable condition, nor could I make any appeal to the Judges and Laws of Love, becauſe they were eſtabliſhed only for ſuch as do or did love one another, and I bring the only party that ever loved, I could not have any remedy for them. Yet was I not able to incloſe all my ſorrows in my heart, but complained in ſuch a ſad manner unto Doronices friend whoſe name was Nyrtile, that I did mollifie her heart, and moved her to ſpeak in my behalf unto her friend.

And as they were walking one day in a Garden, ſhe ſevered her from the reſt of her company, and told her ſhe did not well to mixe me among the number of her other friends, and that ſhe had no reaſon to entertain ſuch a croud of them as ſhe did. For truly, (ſaid Nyrtile to her) my humour is ſuch that I had rather make choiſe of ſome man of accompliſhed parts, than to love a hundred or two. Alas Nirtile, (ſaid ſhe than unto her) can you think I do love all thoſe who tearm themſelves my friends? I cannot tell (anſwered Nirtile) but you ſeem as if you did, and as if you thought them all the moſt faithfull, and ſincere friends in the world.

The truth is (anſwered Dorinice) I am juſt unto all my friends, for I know how to diſtinguiſh betwixt thoſe who viſit me out of vanity, or for intereſt, or out of cuſtome, or out of inclination: And I have unto thoſe who love me, ſuch a kind of civility as befits ſuch as are to be eſteemed; for if I had not, I ſhould deprive my ſelf of a thouſand delights, which the converſation of ſuch men afforded it but for all that, I only love thoſe who love me very well, and I am able to make it my boaſt, that I am the juſteſt perſon in the world unto all thoſe who uſe to ſee [Page] me▪ You muſt except Mereontes Madam, (replied Nyrtile) for certainly he has no reaſon to be pleaſed with you.

Perhaps he hath more reaſon than you imagin, (replied ſhe) for I aſſure you, I have been ſtriving as much as I could theſe two months together, either to love him as he would be, or elſe to hate him: The one half of this had been enough to have told me (replied Nirtile) doubleſs it had (replied ſhe) but I could not unleſs I had lied; for the truth is, Mereontes doth every day move me unto both thoſe thoughts, though they be very oppoſite to each other: When I look upon his reſtleſs inquietude, and conſider his Merit, his Affection, and my own Friendſhip to him, I wiſh I were able to make him happy by loving him as he deſires: But on the other ſide, when he ſmothers me with his complaints, upbraids me with my many friends, and permittance of many Lovers, this unjuſt perſecution makes me deſire to hate him, and yet I find an equall impoſſibility in both; and therefore I muſt remain as I am, and if he be not contented, I cannot help it.

However Madam (ſaid Nirtile to her) though you cannot love him, yet I beſeech you be leſs friendly unto others, and leſſen the number of ſuch friends as do ſo neerly reſemble Lovers, that truly I wonder Merontes doth not look upon them as Rivalls. Nay, as for that Nirtile, (replied Dorinice) indeed I cannot do it, and to tell you truly, that was as much as I could do, did I love Mereontes? for theſe kind of triviall amities of gallantry do render converſation ſo agreeable, and ſo ſweetly amuſe the mind, without diſquieting the heart, as I cannot part with one of them.

Truly Madam (replyed Nirtile) you are very unreaſonable, I know not (ſaid Dorinice) whether I be unreaſonable; but I cannot think it any imprudence; for as I do behave my ſelf, I do enjoy a thouſand pleaſures without hazarding my reputation, and I do enjoy them without any inquietudes of melancholly, and therefore I pray tell Mercontes, (if he did intereſt you to ſpeak unto me) that his beſt courſe is to reſt in quiet, and to let me reſt ſo alſo. For it were a moſt cruell thing that one who enjoyes all the delights of innocent gallantry, ſhould expoſe her ſelf unto all the perſecutions of Love, when ſhe is not capable of that paſſion.

After this Nirtile had no more to ſay, but as one that was very ſincere, ſhe told me the next morning all the diſcourſe, with intention to perſwade me, either to comply with the humour of Dorinice, or to quench my flames of Love, but to tell you truly, I could do neither.

In the mean time, the ſeaſon of the year came on, in which we were wont to celebrate a great feaſt of thanks, unto the gods for ſeperating us from the ancient Sauromates, this was the time when Dorinices croud of friends did more perplex me then uſuall, for ſhe was continually taken up with ſome peice of courtſhip or other, ſo as I may ſay, I ſaw her and ſaw her not; and to my grief I obſerved every day an addition of new friends which others brought unto her: And as ſoon as the admirable Sapho came into our Court, Phacn, and the brother of Phylire were alſo admitted into the number of her friends. I wiſhed that I could make my ſelf as many friends as ſhe did, to try if any ſuch delight could be found in a multitude, but it was impoſſible for me, yet I ſaw Sapho and Agelaſte very often, and complained of my miſery unto them; for my paſſion was grown ſo publick, that every one knew of it. And truly I muſt needs confeſs, I found much comfort from them; for both of them did ſo penetrate into the depth of my thoughts, that I perceived they knew them as well as my ſelf. And ſince they did not think it expedient to flatter me, they ingeniouſly told me, that they did not think ſo ancient a friendſhip as that of Dorinices unto me, could ever become love, ſo Sir, knowing Sapho to be one, who knew every one that came into her company, the ſooneſt and moſt perfectly of any one in the world; I grounded as much upon what ſhe ſaid as if ſhe had been one who could infallibly tell the future fate of things: And though I found much comfort in complaining unto her againſt the unalterable coldneſs of Dorinices heart, yet ſhe made me much more miſerable, by telling me her thoughts. But in the confidence that I had in the depth of her wiſdome, I deſired her ſhe would be pleaſed to take ſo much pains as to ſound the depth of Dorinices mind, and to tell me then her opinion; ſo as I obliged her to promiſe me her beſt endeavour, and to report unto me the truth of her imaginations: And after ſhe had held much diſcourſe [Page] with Dorinice ſeverall times: After a ſerious conſideration of her behaviour, and after extraordinary paines to know her throughly, and had ſpoken of me unto her with much affection; ſhe told me that there was no hopes that Dorinice would ever change her mind: and that if I could not be contented with being the firſt of her friends, ſhe would adviſe me to be no longer her Lover: Alas Madam (ſaid I unto her) it is not the quality of Dorinices friend can ever ſatisfie me: and yet were I the only one who had that title, perhaps I ſhould preſerve all my Love unto her, provided ſhe beſtowed all her friendſhip upon me: But Madam, ſhe adds every day unto the number of her friends, and therefore ſince Dorinice cannot love me, nor let me have her entire friendſhip, I muſt endeavour to quench my flames: For it is not poſſible I ſhould long continue loving one whoſe ſoule is ſo rocky, that ſhe had rather make me miſerable, than part from the leaſt of her friends: And ſince I am not able to leave loving her as long as I ſee her, I muſt quit my Country. Sapho honouring me with her friendſhip, did at the firſt oppoſe my deſign: But at laſt, ſhe ſaw I was ſo miſerable, that ſhe confeſſed baniſhment would be more ſweet unto me, then Dorinices preſence. Yet ſince ſhe would not omit any thing which might conduce unto my tranquility, ſhe brought it ſo to paſſe by the negotiation and diſcretion of Phaon, that though the Judges appointed for the determination of all differences in Love, could not by their Law meddle with any things but ſuch as paſſed between perſons who had once contracted affection, yet they would take conuſance of this difference between Dorinice and me. At the firſt it did much incenſe her: but ſince Sapho procured the Queen to countenance the matter by her Authority, ſhe was forced to put in her anſwer, and I alſo preferred my Complaint before the Judges.

Then they began to put ſeverall queſtions of much curioſity, for they asked whether a Lover could content himſelfe with the friendship of one, who did not love any other? They asked alſo whether a Lover had any reaſon to be jealous of the friends unto his Miſtreſs? and whether theſe two things were a cauſe of legall complaint, and a juſt reaſon to change affection? Time will not allow me Sir, to particularize the whole matter unto you who have no intereſt in it: But give me leave to tel you in short, that after ſerious conſideration of theſe two queſtions, the judges ſaid, that as to the firſt it was out of all doubt, that Friendship could never come in compariſon with Love, nor give it ſatisfaction: And they declared that a Lover might accuſe his Miſtreſs of ingratitude, and complayn as of a high piece of injuſtice, if she doe not anſwer his ▪affection with an affection of the ſame nature. For beſides (ſay they) that Love is a paſſion which in all things requires equality of hearts. They ſaid further, that a Lover can never be in ſecurity as long as his Miſtreſs is only his friend; ſince he is in danger every moment to ſee her fall in love with another: ſo as they declared that I had good reaſon not to be ſatisfied with the friendship of Dorinice.

Afterwards they ſaid, that as to the ſecond thing in queſtion, That jealouſie was of ſo large an extent, that poſſibly it might be ſo, as one might be jealous without any Rivalls, ſince one might be jealous of any thing, which too much took up the heart of the perſon loved; and (ſaid he who reported the opinion of the aſſembly) ſince one is not ſo jealous of thoſe thoughts which others have of the Lady whom one loves, as they are of thoſe thoughts which ſhe hath of others, it follows, that one may be jealous of any thing which engageth her heart any manner of way: If ſhe affect any ſolitude too much, a Lover may without extravagancy be a little jealous: Judg therefore I beſeech you then, ſince Dorinice having a hundred Friends who may become her Lovers, or who at leaſt take up a great part of her heart, and who fill up her time ſo, that Mereontes can hardly ever ſpeak unto her: whether I ſay, ſuch a Lover hath not reaſon to entertain ſome thoughts which may be termed jealouſie, and whether he have not reaſon to complain of her, ſince ſhe is ſo eternally taken up with her friends, and ſuch friends as ſo nearly reſemble Lovers, that one may eaſily miſtake the one for the other.

As ſoon as this was ſaid, a friend of Dorinices who pretended unto the firſt Rank, ſtood up, and ſaid that it was great injuſtice to think friends could be jealous: That this was the way to violate all the priviledges of friendſhip, which [Page] of all things upon earth ought to be moſt inviolable: And that it would put a great diſorder and confuſion amongſt all men, if love and friendſhip ſhould be declared incompatible; for as friendſhip cannot be without love, ſo love and friendſhip may conſiſt together.

Then ſhe inſtanced many examples out of antiquity, to make it appear that one may be a zealous Lover and a zealous Friend both at one time: And amongſt the reſt that of Achilles, who though extreamly in love with Briſeis, yet loved Patrocles with abundance of tenderneſſe: And after this, he deſired it might be declared, that Dorinice might admit of as many friends as ſhe pleaſed, without being ſubject unto any complaints againſt her: But Sir, after this friend of Dorinices had ſaid all he could, and after I had anſwered all his objections againſt me, the Judges ordained, that Dorinice ſhould make her choiſe, either to anſwer my affection with the like: Or if ſhe could not, and would yet preſerve me, to exclude all the reſt of her friends, to the end I might ſolely remain in her heart: declaring, that if ſhe would do neither of theſe two, I might lawfully quit her without inconſtancy, or being accuſed of ingratitude. So Sir, Dorinice being unable either to love me, or renounce that multitude of friends which diverted her, she publiquely declared that ſhe was ſo far from doing either of theſe two things, as ſhe was fully reſolved upon two other things quite contrary: For (ſaid ſhe) I am reſolved never to love as long as I live, neither will I faile to admit of more new friends. You may eaſily imagine Sir, how this cruell Declaration of Dorinices went to my heart: But that which finiſhed my deſpair was, that ſhe ſent unto me ſhe would never ſee me any more, and yet the very ſame day ſhe ſent this rigorous meſſage, ſhe admitted of two freſh friends: ſo as reſolving upon abſence, I employed the illuſtrious Sapho to obtain a licence from the Queen, to go out o [...] her Dominions: And ſo I did, without bidding adieu unto any but Sapho, Agelaſte, and Phaon.

As ſoon as I had paſſed thoſe Deſarts which environ our Country, I came into the Territories of the ancient Sauromates, where I found Troops ready to depart, which Aripithes had levyed for Thomyris: So as I conceiving War the beſt remedy againſt Love, I followed them without any other deſign but to forget Dorinice. But though I am not able to do it, yet I am ſo fully reſolved never to ſee her again, that I will voluntarily baniſh my ſelfe for ever out of the moſt pleaſant Countrey in the world. But Sir, if you will be pleaſed to give me leave to devote my ſelfe inſeparably unto your ſervice, I ſhall hope for more tranquility and ſatisfaction then ever I had: And my joyes in finding ſuch an illuſtrious Protector will be above my ſorrows for the loſſe of an unjuſt Miſtreſſe.

Mereontes having ended his Relation and his Complement, Cyrus returned a very obliging anſwer unto this illuſtrious Sauromate. After which, entring into deep Cogitations of his paſt misfortunes and preſent miſeries, he ſpake little all the reſt of the day. But night being come, and all things ready, Cyrus entred into this cloſe Coach which Meliantes; and Mereontes being their Convoy, they got out by the favour of the night, none obſerving that Cyrus was in the Coach: And as they got well out of the Camp, ſo they arrived at the Tents Royal; and as good luck for Cyrus was, the Tent of Meliantes being one of the very firſt, Cyrus was preſently in a place where none could ſee him unleſſe Meliantes would, and where it was unlikely any would ſeek for him; for his death was ſo generally believed on all ſides, that it was divulged over all places in the world. The Grecians which were in the Army writ into Greece, the Perſians ſent unto Perſepolis; the Medes made it known in Media; Intaphernes writ into Pontus and Bythinia; The Aſſyrians ſent into Babylon: Thraſimedes writ it into Lycia: Ligdamis unto Epheſus, Myrſiles unto Sardis, and ſo all the reſt into their ſeverall Countreys: And the noiſe of his death was ſo univerſally divulged in all remote places, and ſo generally believed, that many excellent Hiſtories were deceived by the miſtake, and Hiſtorians have left this ſuppoſed death of Cyrus in their Hiſtories, as true, though the truth is, it was the unfortunate Spitridates who loſt his life, and paſſed for this illuſtrious Conqueror.

In the mean time, Feraulas in this generall belief of Cyrus his death, endeavoured all manner of ways to find out his Corps: And having many friends ſince the time that Cyrus was there under the name of Artamenes, hee employed all their [Page] helps in the diſcovery: But in his Queſt of one thing, he diſcovered another, which made him extreamly joyed; for he underſtood by accident, that the Gelon Captain who preſented the head of Spitridates unto Thomyris, as the head or Cyrus, did endeavour to ſell thoſe rich Arms of gold which that unfortunate Prince did wear the laſt day of his life, and which Cyrus gave unto him after his Combate with Aripithes: So as Feraulas knowing that Cyrus wore a very common ſuit of Arms that day, he concluded, that of neceſſity it muſt be the head of Spitridates which Thomyris plunged in blood, and not of Cyrus: ſo as much hope and joy began to revive in his ſoule, and ſo as the death of Spitridates which before made him full of ſorrow, now filled him full of joy.

On the other ſide, as ſoon as Cyrus was got ſafe into the Tent of Meliantes, where Mereontes was cloſe concealed with him, Meliantes began to contrive wayes for his deliverance: and yet he would not be ſeen in two dayes, leſt his Counterfeit ſickneſſe should be ſuſpected: And during theſe two dayes, Mereontes and he did bethink themſelves whether there was any poſſibility of releaſing Mandana, as well as Cyrus: For ſince there was many Sauromates in the Army of Thomyris, who ſince the death of their Prince, had no affection unto that Princeſs, they thought it no hard buſineſſe to move them unto a mutiny. And ſince it was Mereontes who had commanded them under Aripithes, it was moſt fit for him to negotiate with the reſt of the Captains over thoſe Forces. So as Meliantes and he communicating their thoughts unto Cyrus, he did ſo concur with them, that he deſired them to endeavour the execution of this deſign, before they thought any more of getting him out of the Tents Royall. And truly ſaid he unto them, if you can bring the buſineſſe unto that paſſe, as that there muſt be any fighting for Mandana, I will be there in perſon, and not be a debtor unto your valour only for her Liberty.

That which did further the deſign of Mereontes was, that there were many Sauromattan Captains in the Tents Royall, who ſtayed there to aske the leave of Thomyris for their departure. So that to looſe no time, after Meliantes had kept in two dayes to diſguiſe his ſickneſſe, he went out; and ſounding the minds of the Sauromattan Captains, who were all intimate friends unto Mereontes, he found their pulſes to beate according to his wishes: So as obliging them very handſomely to come one Evening unto his Tent, he let them ſee Mereontes, unto whom they did as much vow their obedience, as unto their Prince, expreſſing ſo much deſire to revenge his death, as they wished Cyrus were living, that they might fight under his Banners: Yet Mereontes did not think it expedient to tell them that their wishes were accomplished, untill their deſign was riper: but he deſired them to diſpoſe the minds of their Souldiers, ſo as they might obey them upon any occaſion whatſoever, aſſuring them, that if they did make themſelves Maſters of their Troops, he would very shortly give them a brave occaſion to ſignalize their Valours, to revenge the death of Aripithes, to get much glory, and to enrich themſelves if they would. After which, ſome of them returned to the Camp, to do as Mereontes deſired them, and the reſt ſtayed ſtill to confer about the correſpondency betwixt Mereontes and them.

After this, Cyrus being acquainted with the promiſes of theſe Captains, he reſolved that when they had made ſure of their Souldiers, to give ſecret intelligence of this unto Creſſus and Mazares, who commanded his Army, to the end that when the Sauromates did ſever themſelves from the Army of Thomyris, to fall upon the Tents Royal, they might at the ſame time fall upon the Camp of Ariantes: And that thoſe great Auxiliaries which Ciaxares ſent him under the name of Aglatidas his Kinſ-man, might attempt to joyn with them, and enforce thoſe Troops which Andramites had ſet to guard the paſſages: So as Thomyris and Ariantes having ſo many things to do at once, they might be the more diſmayed, and eaſier overcome.

But ſince he would not attempt any thing raſhly, untill he heard the Sauromattan Captains were a [...]ured of their Souldiers, Cyrus was in a ſtrange perplexity, for he durſt not make it known unto Mandana that he was alive, leſt the way of his conveying that news unto her ſhould miſcarry, and ſo he ſhould both ruine himſelf, and deprive her of his aſſiſtance. Doubtleſſe he might have obliged Meliantes [Page] to have made it known unto Arpaſia, and by her, have conveyed it unto Mandana: But as oft as he conſidered, if he ſhould fall into the hands of Thomyris, both he and ſhe were for ever ruined, he choſe rather to let her be ignorant of his being living, then to hazard their being for ever miſerable. Yet ſometimes he was ſo extreamly deſirous ſhe ſhould know he was living, that he was ready to run through all dangers, and would hazard all for one ſingle ſight of Mandana. That which moſt augmented his deſire of it was, becauſe he ſaw no great difficulty in it; for he underſtood by Meliantes, that the Tent wherein ſhe was, was not now ſo ſtrictly guarded: and that Thomyris and Ariantes were ſo fully perſwaded of his death, that they feared not the ſpeaking of any unto her, and yet the Guards were ſo ſtrict, as to hinder her from making an eſcape: Ariantes alſo was very circumſpect to hinder Thomyris from executing any revenge upon that Princeſs: but it was no difficulty to obtain ſo much liberty as to ſpeak with her, ſince the death of Cyrus was believed: So as this great Prince who had never ſeen Mandana, ſince Ariantes under the name of Anaxaris carryed her away, had now a moſt unmeaſurable deſire of ſeeing her, ſo as he could not chooſe but expreſſe as much unto Meliantes and Mereontes: but they made it ſo full of danger unto him, that they diſſwaded him: For Sir (ſaid Meliantes unto him) ſhould you be known, it would not be your life that would be in the danger, for the affection which Thomyris has unto you, would keep her from being ſo cruell unto Cyrus living, as ſhe was unto Cyrus dead: But what cruelties will ſhe not inflict upon the Princeſſe Mandana? therefore I beſeech you command mee no ſuch ſervice, as you may repent of it as long as you live, and which may render you the miſerableſt of men.

So Cyrus being convinced both of his reaſons and his prayers, he reſolved to give over all thoughts of ſeeing Mandana, and think of nothing but how to conceale himſelf in expectation of this great attempt which Meliantes and Mereontes was plotting; for as Mereontes had great credit amongſt the Sauromates, ſo Meliantes endeavoured to gain ſome of Mandana's Guard, with whom he was in very good eſteem, yet he could not do any thing againſt Hydaſpes: and if he did get any new credit in the heart of Arpaſia, it was without diminiſhing of the reputation of his Rivall. However, flattering himſelf, and knowing very well that A [...]paſia eſteemed him very much; he believed that if he could once deliver Mandana and Cyrus, Hydaspes then durſt not diſpute with him for the poſſeſſion of Arpaſia. But ſometimes the violence of his Love would put his Vertue unto a moſt difficult tryall; for when he thought, that if he ſhould put Cyrus into the hands of Thomyris, he ſhould eaſily oblige her to put Arpaſia into his, his heart did a little ſtagger: Yet for all that, Meliantes was both juſt and generous, and would not buy the poſſeſſion of Arpaſia at ſo unworthy a rate as the ruine of the greateſt Prince, and moſt victorious Princeſs in the world. So as tranſacting upon noble Principles, and chooſing rather to be unfortunate, then to be happy by any baſe wayes, or by the miſeries of illuſtrious perſons, he ſeconded the valiant Mereontes, who had negotiated the buſineſſe ſo happily, that all the Captains of his correſpondency aſſured him their Souldiers were at their command, and they at his, demanding yet ſome days to get the Gelous unto their ſide, who exceedingly murmured that it ſhould be a Captain of their Nation, who in hope of recompence ſhould preſent the ſuppoſed head of Cyrus unto Thomyris; though they ſaid, that without them he had never conquered that Prince.

In the interim, Cyrus heard by Meliantes, that the Armies were ſtill in their Trenches: That the Reliefe which Cyaxares ſent, drew neer: that Arſamones was killed by a Rebellion of the people: that the Princeſs his Daughter was extreamly troubled, and that both ſhe and Araminta grieved that they could not hear what was become of Spitridates: But the moſt obſervable of all was, Meliantes underſtood by Arpaſia, that theſe two dayes Mandana was nothing ſo ſad as ſhe was: her tears did ſtop, her ſighes were not ſo frequent, and ſhe could talk of any thing. Cyrus asking every day how Mandana did; and Meliantes uſing to ſhew him the greatneſſe of her ſorrows, becauſe he ſaw it was ſome ſweetneſſe unto him to know the fidelity of her he loved, he was much put to it, how to anſwer him that day: yet ſince he would not diſquiet him, he told him that he knew [Page] not how ſhe did that day, but being ſomthing ſlow in the return of his anſwer and the ſpirit of a Lover being more penetrating than any others: Cyrus did know that Meliantes had not anſwered him ſincerely; ſo that imagining Mandana to be very ſick with grief, his ſpirits were ſo ſtirred, and he expreſſed himſelf ſo ſadly unto Meliantes, as he acquainted him ingeniouſly with what Arpaſia had ſaid, adding to qualifie the matter, that doubtleſs, Mandana did moderate her grief at the hearing of the relief which the King her Father had ſent: And therefore hoping to ſee his Death ſhortly revenged, and her ſelf delivered, the Exceſs of her ſorrows did ſomthing diminiſh.

Alas Meliantes (cryed Cyrus out) if Mandana can ſo ſoon forget my death, Mandana will never think upon revenging it; No, no, Mandana is unfaithfull: Ariantes triumphes over my misfortune, and I am the moſt miſerable of men. Oh I beſeech you Sir, (replied Meliantes) do not thus afflict your-ſelf at what I tell you, untill you know whether you have any cauſe, for you have ſo many reall cauſes to greive at, that me thinks you ſhould not build upon any appearances which are often fallacious, No, no Meliantes, (replyed Cyrus) the conſolation of Mandana can have no cauſe which can be advantageous unto me, and I am ſure that if ſhe had not changed her affection to me, ſhe could not beleive me dead, or receive her Liberty without Tears: And therefore I muſt ſadly conclude, that ſince ſhe can ſo ſoon clear up her ſorrows, I muſt deſpair; but yet Meliantes, I deſire to dy at her feet after I have killed Ariantes. Sir, (replyed he) when our deſign is ripe then perhaps in delivering Mandana, you may kill your Rivall, but in the mean time, I beſeech you be not too raſh. Is it poſſible unjuſt Princeſs, (cryed out Cyrus, and addreſſed his ſpeech unto Mandana, as if ſhe had heard him) that you can ſo ſoon forget the Death of a Prince, who valued his own life not at a ſtraw, when he thought you dead at Synope? and who had moſt infallibly killed himſelf, had he been certain that you were not living? you I ſay, who has made me a promiſe of immortall affection, and whoſe ſoul alwaies ſeemed unto me, ſo high and generous. Oh moſt ungratefull Princeſs, have you forgotten all I have done for you? can you retain in your imagination that bloody head which you thought to be mine, and be able to talk of things ſo indifferent? Oh Mandana, Can you think me dead and not grieve? if it be ſo, then am I the baſeſt of all men living, if I continue ſtill my Love unto you.

As Cyrus was in this extreamity of grief, and as Meliantes was endeavouring to comfort him, they heard a great noiſe; and a little after they underſtood, that fire accidentally hapning in Mandana's Tents, they carried her, and all the reſt of the Ladies Priſoners unto other Tents, and in their paſſage to them, they muſt of neceſſity go by the Tent where Cyrus was. This ſadly afflicted Prince, would needs ſee Mandana with his own eyes, though Meliantes did what he could to hinder him: But Meliantes and Mereontes both got neer him, purpoſely to hinder him from ſhewing himſelf as Mandana paſſed by, and indeed they had good reaſon for their foreſight; For when Mandana paſſed by, when he ſaw her in a Coach guarded by Ariantes, and when he obſerved in the Countenance of that Princeſs, a grave ſadneſs without any extream ſorrow, his reſentments were beyond all imagination.

But to compleat up the totall ſumm of his ſorrows, Mandanas Coach was forced to ſtay, becauſe one of the horſes in that Coach wherein Araminta was, being lame upon a ſudden, and that Coach going before Mandanas, it was alſo forced to ſtay: And as chance would have it, ſtaying juſt before the Tent where Cyrus was, that Prince had better leaſure to obſerve the motions of Mandanas face; he could not diſcover either any joyes or myrth in her, nor could he ſee any greif or exceſſive ſorrow, but he ſaw one thing which made him almoſt mad and needs would he go and upbraid Mandana with a thouſand reproaches: And if he had had any Arms, it is to be believed he would have ſet upon his Rivall for all his great number of armed guards. The cauſe of his exceſſive rage was, becauſe Mandana having Doraliſe and Marteſia only in the Coach with her, and turning her head towards a multitude of people on her right hand which looked upon her as ſhe paſſed by; ſhe whiſpered Marteſia in the ear, & ſhewed unto her ſome body whom Marteſia alſo looked upon, and as Mandana ſhewed her, a little collour came into her Checks, [Page] which preſently diſſipating part of her ſadneſs, did bring into her eyes ſuch an inclination unto joy as appears in the aſpects of ſuch as ſmile, yet this diſpoſition laſted but an inſtant: For preſently after, Mandana lifting up her eyes unto Heaven, as if ſhe prayed for ſomthing, returned unto her former aſpect of ſerious ſadneſs; but though this little ſmile did laſt but an inſtant, yet it raiſed a great and long ſorrow in the ſoul of Cyrus.

But as good fortune for him was, he was ſo ſurprized at this ſight, as his wonder did for a time deprive him of his ſpeech, otherwiſe certainly his complaints had been ſo loud, that Mandana might have heard them from the Tent where he was, and as good luck was, Meliantes and Mereontes were with him, to hinder him from ſhewing himſelf as he intended.

But the Horſe in Aramintas Coach being recovered, both it and Mandanas began to put on, and Cyrus looſing the ſight of this Princeſs, he remained in a moſt miſerable condition. Is it poſſible (ſaid he, after he had recovered himſelf) that Mandana can ſmile under the power of my Rivall? and in a beleif that I am in my Grave? Since I have ſeen ſuch a prodigious alteration in her heart, I ſhall not deſpair, but I can ceaſe loving her. But alas the worſt is, I do ſtill love her and ſhe loves not me; miſerable wretch that I am (added this afflicted Prince) I did foreſee it was an eaſier matter to be unfaithfull unto a dead Lover, than to a living, and yet I would not let Mandana know that I was not dead: But alas (continued he) how could I ever imagin, that a Princeſs who has ſeen the greateſt Princes in the world at her feet, and yet preſerved her fidelity, ſhould now be perfidious? How could I ever think that ſhe, who for the Love of me, had rejected the King of Aſſyria, the Prince Mazares, the King of Pontus, and Ariantes himſelf, ſhould the very next day think me in my grave, exclude me out of her heart, and memory, and become the moſt ungratefull and moſt unjuſt perſon in the world? But Sir, (ſaid Meliantes) I do not underſtand why any thing I have ſaid unto you, or any thing you have ſeen, ſhould ſo exceſſively trouble you: No, no Meliantes, (replied Cyrus) I cannot be miſtaken, I know the very bottome of Mandanas heart, and I am ſo ſure that ſhe had ſome pleaſing thoughts in her mind when I ſaw her, that it is impoſſible but I ſhould be infinitely grieved. I thought that after all I had done for her, ſhe ſhould not ſo ſoon forget me, but that ſhe ſhould acknowledge my ſervices by a long continued ſorrow for my death, and yet I find her thoughts far different, and in ſuch a condition, that if our deſign be not ſuddenly executed, I ſhall hear of her being at ſome publik Diverſion, and that ſhe has recovered all her joyes and pleaſant humours again.

Oh Heavens! that I ſhould ever ſee this day? is it poſſible I ſhould outlive the ſight which I have ſeen? Yes, yes (added he upon ſecond thoughts) I will live to be revenged upon her that does not lament my death, and to kill my happy Rivall who hath driven me out of the heart of that unjuſt Princeſs, and who thinks himſelf my ſucceſſor in her affection: But perfidious Anaxaris, as long as I live, thou ſhalt never enjoy Mandana. Afterwards this afflicted Prince fell into many bitter expreſſions, and was ſo inſtant with Meliantes and Mereontes to haſten their deſign, that he inſpired them with freſh zeal to the Execution of it. And indeed they did tranſact their buſineſs ſo well that all the Sauromattan Captains did not only aſſure him of all the Sauromates but of the Gelons alſo. So as now having nothing to do but to make it known unto Creſſus and Mazares that Cyrus was living, and to agree with them upon an hour of theſe ſeverall aſſaults which they thought fit to be made all at once, they propounded it as the ſafeſt expedient, that Meliantes ſhould deſire a Herauld of Ariantes, to go and ſee a friend of his, who was really a priſoner on the other ſide, and that in the mean time, he who went with this Herauld ſhould ſpeak in private with Creſſus and Mazares, or if that could not be, then to Chryſantes or Feraulas, and acquaint them that Cyrus was living, and inform them of the ſtate of things. But all the difficulty being to find a faithfull man for this imployment whom they might truſt, and finding none, they changed their intentions, and reſolved that Mereontes ſhould diſguiſe himſelf, and go into the Camp of Mazares: For ſaid he, I can do it without any danger, ſince if any of Thomyris ſide do ſtop me, they will know me and take me to be one of their own ſide, and if any of Cyrus his men take me, they will carry me unto Cr [...]ſus [Page] and Mazares: After this Mereontes without more delay, diſguiſed himſelf; and after he had received all neceſſary inſtructions from Cyrus, for the Execution of the work, he departed.

But that thoſe Princes might give the more credit unto what he ſhould tell them, Cyrus writ a little note of three lines only unto Mazares, which Mereontes might tear, or ſwallow, in caſe he were ſtopped by any of Thomyris men; and before he went, Cyrus maugre all his ſorrows, courted his fidelity with a million of obliging expreſſions. But they were needleſs, for Mereontes of himſelf was wholly devoted unto the ſervice of this Prince, and did negotiate the buſineſs with ſo much ingenuity and fidelity, that though he was ſtopped ſeverall times, yet he happily went his journey; for his habit being of that Nation of which there was ſome in both Armies, he was able to tell any ſide that he was of theirs, and he went through all the difficulties ſo fortunately that he got unto Creſſus and Mazares: the truth is, he did not ſo much ſurprize them as he expected. For Feraulas an hour before, was returned from the Tents Royall, and had told them, that certainly the head which Thomyris had plunged in bloud was not the head of Cyrus, but of Spitridates: So has Mereontes giving Mazares that Letter which Cyrus wrote unto him, they had noe reaſon to doubt any thing he told them afterwards, alſo they knew him to be that valiant Sauromate, whoſe life Cyrus ſaved from the flames, after he had overcome him.

But it was very obſervable, that though all the hopes of Mazares did dy, by the reviving of Cyrus, yet he was ſo generous as to rejoice at it: The truth is, that to uphold his virtue, he had recourſe unto his Love, and his hopes of ſeeing Mandana ſoon delivered; made him rejoyce that Cyrus lived. And to let the height of his generoſity appear, he endeavoured all manner of waies to haſten the execution of a deſign, which he thought being retarded, might ruin Cyrus, who being in a place where he might be diſcovered he was in abundance of Danger. So as conſulting with Creſſus and finding it expedient to impart the buſineſs unto the moſt conſiderable friends of Cyrus, they ſent for the Prince Artamus, Myrſiles, Tygranes, Intaphernes, Gabrias, Gadates, Atergatis, Indatherſes, Hydaſpes, and Chryſantes.

But in the interim, Creſſus and Mazares cauſed Mereontes and Feraulas to tell them all they knew concerning Cyrus and Mandana, both of them ſadly bewailing the ſad reſentments of that Princeſs when ſhe heard of the ſuppoſed Death of Cyrus. Sirs (ſaid Mereontes) there is more need of bewailing that great Prince, than that Princeſs: At leaſt he thinks her two much comforted after his ſuppoſed death; for he ſaw her in a Coach before his Tent, and ſaw ſo few ſigns of ſorrows in her face, that he ſaw her ſmile as ſhe talked unto Marteſia. And to tell you truly, I know not how ſhe can excuſe her ſelf for being ſo ſoon comforted; but I am ſure never Lover was ſo afflicted as the illuſtrious Cyrus was when he ſaw it, Alas, alas (cryed cut Feraulas) it is with much injuſtice, and the joyes which he ſaw in the face of that Princeſs, ought infinitely to oblige hm: For generous Mereontes, that ſame day when Cyrus ſaw her, was the day when her Tent was on fire, and when they carried her into another, and that ſame day in the morning, I did let her know by Marteſia, that it was the head of Spitridates wkich ſhe ſaw, and not of Cyrus; ſo as it is no wonder if having ſome hopes of that Princes life ſhe was not ſo ſad as when her own eyes told her that he was dead: And when he ſaw her ſmile a little, doubleſs it was an effect of her affection to him: For Marteſia telling her how I was diſguiſed, and amongſt the multitude to ſee her paſs by, ſhe knew mee, and ſhewed mee unto Marteſia, making a little ſigne with her head unto me, to teſtifie ſhe was glad of the good news which I ſent her, and not being able to think that Cyrus was living without the appearance of ſome joy in her eyes, me thought indeed I ſaw her ſmile a little: Oh Feraulas, (ſaid Mereontes) how welcome will this news be unto Cyrus? for I am fully perſwaded that from the firſt day of his loving Mandana unto this houre, nothing hath hapned which ever made him half ſo miſerable as this accident: Sir, (replyed he) I can ſo eaſily juſtifie this great Princeſs, that I have a great deſire to return withall the haſte I can to undeceive my illuſtrious Maſter of this Errour. Indeed, I think it requiſite (replyed Creſſus) that you return with Mereontes: For conſidering the depth of his reſentments, perhaps he will imagine that Mereontes flatters him. Then whilſt [Page] Creſſus, Mereontes, and Feraulas were thus talking, and expecting the coming of thoſe Princes whom they had ſent for, Mazares was entertaining himſelfe with his own thoughts, and carefully examined them, leſt his love should be too ſtrong for his vertue.

At laſt, all the illuſtrious friends of Cyrus being come, and hearing with incredible joy that he was alive, they loadned Mereontes with a million of Carreſles, and thanked him as heartily as if he had rayſed him from the dead. But Mereontes being all generoſity, ſtopped them, and ſaid, that it was not he who had ſaved the life of Cyrus, nor that would ſet him at liberty, but that it was an illuſtrious Aſſyrian called Meliantes. At the very name of Meliantes, Hidaſpes changed colour, and could not chooſe but teſtifie his a ſtoniſhment. How (ſaid he and Gabrias both) is it Meliantes who was heretofore of Alfenes, is it he unto whom Cyrus is a Priſoner? Yes (replyed Mereontes) he who hath the Deſtiny of Cyrus in his hands is the ſame Meliantes, who I underſtand did meet the faire Arpaſia upon the banks of a little River, and who began his acquaintance with her, by relating how Seſoſtris had heretofore erected a ſtately Collumn unto his glory, upon which Collumn Arpaſia did ſit. Hidaſpes being extreamly vexed that Cyrus should be ſo obliged unto his Rival, his reſentments of it were beyond expreſſions: but being generous, he aſſured the Princes that ſince he had promiſed fidelity unto Cyrus, he would keep it.

After which they reſolved to ſend in all haſt unto Artabatis, who brought up the puiſſant Auxiliaties which Ciaxares ſent, to the end that things might be ſo contrived, that at the very ſame time the Sauromates and the Gelons departed from the Army of Thomyris unto the Tents Royall, to try if they could deliver Mandana, they might fall upon Ariantes in three places at once.: And that Artabatis dividing his Troops, might fall upon Andramites with one part, and ſend another to encamp themſelves between the Tents Royal, and the Camp of Thomyris, and ſo cut off communication between theſe two places, whilſt Cyrus was fighting with the Gelons and Sauromates againſt the reſt, with orders to relieve, if need required.

But ſince all this would require ſome time, Mereontes did not return, untill it was known that Artabatis had received theſe orders, and promiſed exact obedience; and untill he had taken a punctuall meaſure for the march of thoſe Troops which were to encamp themſelves between the Tents Royall, and the Camp of Thomyris. The difficulty was, that Myrſiles, Intaphernes, Atergatis, and Hydaſpes, who had each of them a Miſtreſs in that place, would by all means joyne themſelves with Cyrus, and fight next him: And indeed, though Creſſus told them it was not expedient they ſhould go, leſt they ſhould be taken, and prejudice that Prince, and diſcover him, yet they were reſolved upon it. Yet the laſt of of theſe could not take that reſolution without great agitation of ſpirit, in a thought that he ſhould there meet with a Rivall unto whom Cyrus owed his life and liberty. Artamas alſo had a great mind to go unto Cyrus, if he could have gone without prejudice to his ſide: but ſince he thought that he ſhould do better ſervice in the Army then in the Tents Royall, he reſtrained his deſires.

As for Indathirſes, he much deſired he might fight in the ſight of Cyrus, but a generous thought made him reſolve to go, and aſſault Thomyris even in her very Tents. As for Feraulas, he was reſolved to go with Mereontes, and ſo did Chriſantes.

But whilſt theſe things thus paſſed, and whilſt all theſe brave and gallant men were preparing themſelves to go and fight for Cyrus, for Mandana, and for all the reſt of the illuſtrious Captives, there paſſed things of great importance in the Tents Royall. Thomyris, the more ſhe conſidered the ſtate of her fortune, the more miſerable ſhe found her ſelfe: and the death of Cyrus taking at once from her the object both of her love, and of her revenge, her ſoule conceived a moſt horrid hatred both of Mandana, and of her ſelfe, which did in ſuch a cruell manner torment her, that her intellects were not very free. As for Ariantes, ſince he ſaw Mandana was ſomewhat leſſe melanchollick, he was abundantly joyed, ſo as he was in greater hopes, and Mandana in leſſe perſecution. Yet ſhe being of a generous ſoule, ſhe was extreamly ſad at the misfortune of Araminta, when ſhe [Page] heard of Spitridates his death: Alſo, not knowing yet where Cyrus was, and not being ſo much joyed as not to doubt his death, ſhe was far from thinking her ſelfe in any happy condition, although Feraulas had put her in great hopes by Marteſia, ſo as ſhe ſtood in need of Doraliſa's conſolation, who for her particular had the comfort of Andramites being far from her.

As for Meliantes, ſince he had ſometimes the liberty to ſee Arpaſia, and hoped for much protection from Cyrus, he was in a happier condition than ever he was, ſince the time that Argeliſe arrived at Alfenes, to interrupt his felicity. But for Cyrus, he was in a worſe condition then ever; as oft as it came into his imagination that Mandana ſhould ſmile when ſhe thought him dead, and ſo ſoon after the barborous act of Thomyris, he thought that he had all the reaſon in the world to grieve. Truly (ſaid he one day unto Meliantes) had Mandana changed her affection when ſhe had ſome ſparks of jealouſie of the Princeſſe Araminta, and had beſtowed it upon the King of Pontus, I ſhould have thought her more excuſable. But that ſhe ſhould ſmile the very next day after ſhe knew of my death, in a time when ſhe was ſatisfied with my paſſion, and believed that I loſt my life becauſe I would continue faithfull, and ſlighted a great Queen becauſe I would be conſtant unto her, this adventure is ſo ſtrangely terrible, that if theſe eyes of my own had not ſeen it, I could never have believed it, and yet alas now I cannot doubt it: Oh heavens! what a ſtrange alteration is in her heart, ſince ſhe was in Sinope, and there thought me dead? In thoſe happy dayes ſhe lamented me, ſhe ſighed and ſhed teares, and ſeemed to refuſe all comforts; Yet then, I had ſcarcely done any thing for her, I had not ſo much as told her that I loved her, and yet ſhe did all that reaſon required ſhe ſhould. But alas now, when I may juſtly demand a recompence for my million of ſervices, and when I have thus long loved her the moſt fervently and conſtantly that was poſſible, ſhe can ſmile, and perhaps ſo quite forget me, that ſhe never thinks upon the miſerable Artamenes, or the unfortunate Cyrus.

Ah Mandana, unjuſt Mandana! is it poſſible I ſhould ever have ſuch cauſe to upbraid you? Can I live, and not go into the midſt of your Guards? and in the very preſence of Thomyris and Ariantes, proclaim you the moſt ungrateful perſon in the world? No no, Meliantes, I cannot live, unleſſe Mandana know that I am living, and unleſſe ſhe know that I ſaw her ſmile when ſhe thought me dead: I am aſhamed that I ſhould have more prudence then love, and my paſſion muſt this very day make it appeare that I am fuller of Love, then Prudence. Oh Meliantes (continued he) you muſt needs invent ſome way to convey a Letter from me unto Mandana; for if you do not, I will go my ſelf and chide her extreamly for her poor affection to me. Meliantes did what he could to avert him from this deſign; for ſince he could not deliver this Letter to Mandana's owne hand, becauſe he never uſed to ſee her, he feared leſt ſome unlucky accident ſhould happen which might ruine this Prince, and ſpoile the great deſign which was ready almoſt for execution, which moſt apparantly would ſet both Cyrus and Mandana at liberty, and which would ruine Thomyris and Ariantes, ſo as he uſed the utmoſt of his arguments and perſwaſions to turn his intention: but ſince the love of this Prince was above all theſe conſiderations, and his reſentments above his love, he he would not follow the advice of Meliantes, though he knew it reaſonable: ſo as Meliantes fearing leaſt he ſhould ſteal out, and go unto Mandana himſelf, he promiſed to do his beſt to deliver his Letter unto her.

So Cyrus calling for Pen and Paper, he writ preſently unto Mandan, but he writ when he was ſo full of tumultuous thoughts, that his wit was never ſo confuſed as then; he never ſo much as ſtopped nor ſtayed to give it any method, but writ ſo faſt, that his hand had much ado to follow his fancy; and not at all conſulting with his heart, he expreſſed himſelfe in all the terms that both an incenſed and reſpective Lover could invent. After which, ſealing up this Letter, he gave it unto Meliantes, who went the very ſame hour unto Niſide, and entreated her to deliver it unto Marteſia, to the end ſhe might give it unto Mandana with all poſſible ſecreſie. Niſide ſhe gave it unto Marteſia, and Marteſia unto Mandana. But ſince Niſide knew not who ſent it, becauſe Meliantes thought it not expedient that ſhe ſhould know how Cyrus was alive, though he knew her very diſcreet [Page] ſhe could not tell Marteſia, ſo as Marteſia gave this Letter unto Mandana in the preſence of Araminta: And betwixt them two all manner of Ceremonies were baniſhed, unleſs upon certain occaſions when their qualities would not diſpenſe with them: So that Mandana receiving this Letter in preſence of Araminta, ſhe was extreamly impatient to ſee whether it came from Feraulas, and whether he had heard any thing which might confirm her hopes of Cyrus being alive: ſo as after ſhe had asked Araminta leave to read this Letter, ſhe did ſo, not bethinking her ſelf that she had never ſaid any thing unto this Princeſs of all that Feraulas had acquainted her withall.

On the other ſide, Araminta thinking this Letter could be nothing but ſome advertiſement concerning Mandana's delivery, she deſired that she might ſee it, in hopes that perhaps ſomething was ſent unto Mandana concerning Spitridates. So that fixing her eyes upon this Letter which Mandana haſtily opened, with an earneſt deſire to ſee what was in it. It was no ſooner opened, but Araminta knew it to be the hand of Cyrus: and judging at the very firſt that if Cyrus was living, Spitridates muſt be dead, and that there was a miſtake in their reſemblance, she gave ſuch a dolorous and loud ſcriek, that the Guards which were at the other end of the Tent, did believe that ſome ill accident had chanced unto this Princeſs, ſo as coming to her as well as Heſionide, Doraliſe and Marteſia, they found her ſo perplexed, that they knew her ſorrow was exceſſive.

But the worſt was, Mandana knowing at the very firſt the hand of Cyrus as well as Araminta, ſhe was ſo pleaſingly ſurprized, and her mind was ſo wholly taken up, that taking no notice of Araminta, ſhe began to read, and read on untill the Guards were come up unto them: Then recollecting her ſelfe, ſhe preſently put up the Letter, yet ſhe could not put it up ſo ſoon but the Guards ſaw it.

In the mean time, Araminta ſeeing ſo many men about her, did make a ſign unto them that ſhe was not well, and that ſhe would have them retire, which according to their reſpects they did: but ſince what they had ſeen had filled them full of curioſity, they obſerved theſe Princeſſes very cloſely, each of them with intentions to report what they had ſeen and heard, unto thoſe upon whom they depended; for there was ſome of them who were more for Thomyris, than Ariantes, and ſome alſo who were more for Ariantes, then Thomyris.

After they were gone out of the Tent, they began to liſten and hearken very attentively: and to tell you truly, they might eaſily know that this Letter contained ſome matter of great importance: For as ſoon as ever they were retired, the ſad Araminta after a deep ſigh, turned towards Mandana, and holding out her hand; I beſeech you Madam (ſaid ſhe unto her) let me ſee whether I muſt live, or dye, by ſhewing me the Letter which you received; for if my eyes have not deceived me, I muſt dye, and there is nothing which can hinder me.

Mandana was much unreſolved what to do: for ſhould ſhee ſhew her the Letter, ſhe ſhould as good as tell her Cyrus was living, and by conſequence, that Spitridates was dead. On the other ſide, should she not shew it unto her, she did as good as tell her the ſame, ſince conſidering the familiarity that uſed to paſſe between them, it was not likely Mandana should hide any thing from Araminta, unleſſe ſome ſuch thing as would afflict her. Alſo Mandana ſeeing that she knew it to be the hand of Cyrus, it was all one, as if she shewed her the Letter. However, she muſt return an anſwer unto the great and unfortunate Princeſs, and ſo she did, with as much diſcretion as poſſible.

The condition wherin I ſee you are (ſaid she unto her when she asked a ſight of the Letter) does move me unto ſo much pitty, that I would do any thing to leſſen your ſorrows: therefore I muſt not put my ſelf to the hazard of aggravating them; as perhaps I might by shewing you this letter: for ſince I have not yet read it over, I cannot tell whether it intimate unto me that the Army of the King my Father is cut in pieces, and whether we are expoſed unto perpetuall Captivity: and therefore I beſeech you let me read this Letter in private, before I shew it unto you; and reſolve with your ſelf if you can, to let me forbear the reading of it untill it be night; for ſince you ſee the ſcriek you gave, did put the Guards into ſome ſuſpition, and mooves them to watch us more narrowly, therefore it is diſcretion to forbear a while.

[Page] Alas Madam, replyed Araminta, you may as well tell me that I muſt dye, as refuſe me what I aske. For if the writing which I ſaw was the hand of Cyrus, that's enough: And therefore Madam, I have no more to ſay unto you, but that ſince I am not able to govern my ſorrows, I will go and hide my ſelfe in my own Tent, leſt I should prejudice you.

In ſaying ſo, the ſad Araminta roſe up, and went into a Tent which joyned unto Mandana's, whether that Princeſs followed her: And they were no ſooner there, but Araminta giving her ſelfe over unto ſorrow, her expreſſions would have tend [...]ed hearts that were as hard and pittileſſe as ſtones. Mandana now would have done her the ſame office which she received from her, when she endeavoured to comfort her, when Thomyris shewed her that Tragicall ſpectacle: But alas, Araminta's ſoule was not in any condition of receiving Conſolation; and therefore Mandana conceived, that ſince her ſorrow was ſo exceſſive, it was better to let her know the truth now, then leave her in a languishing ſuſpition of that which she muſt one day know: So as no longer oppoſing her ſorrows, but condoling with her, Araminta was confirmed in the opinion which she had before, that Spitridates was dead: ſo as being out of all hopes, her ſorrow had no bounds and her ſoule was ſo over-ſwelled, that never thinking it might prejudice Mandana, she cryed out ſo loud, that all thoſe who were in the next Tent, might heare her complaints.

Alas (ſaid she) could I ſee the unfortunate Spitridates dead, and I live? Is it poſſible ſo great, and ſo virtuous a Prince should be ſo cruelly treated both by Fortune and by Thomyris? After this Araminta was ſilent, and her Teares did flow in ſuch abundance, that not being able to weep, to ſigh, and to complain all at once, ſhe ceaſed her complaining: and during her ſad ſilence, it was eaſie to ſee ſhe ſuffered abundance of paine; and there was to be ſeen in her face ſuch ſigns of exceſſive ſorrow, that ſhe would have moved the moſt inſenſible ſoule unto pitty: her face was wholly changed, a mortall paleneſſe was in her cheeks, her looks ſad enough to draw tears from the hardeſt eyes; and the greatneſſe of her grief did ſo appeare in all her actions, that Mandana was afraid leſt ſhe ſhould take ſome ſad reſolution in hand: For Araminta being naturally as wiſe, and prudent a perſon as any in the world, the diſorder of her ſpirit ſeemed the more ſtrange: For after ſhe had been a while ſilent, ſhe began to call to memory the things which had hapned unto Spitridates, and to ſpeak of them very earneſtly: ſo as heaping up all the misfortunes of that Prince, ſhe accuſed the King of Pontus, though dead, for the loſſe of Spitridates: Preſently after, ſhe would accuſe Arſamones, and ſometimes ſhe would accuſe her ſelfe. The truth is (did ſhee ſay) I ſhould either not have ſuffered the affection of this Prince, or elſe ſhould have better acknowledged it; for unfortunate Araminta hadſt thou been more prudent and conſiderate, he had not died, nor needeſt thou to have been put to the neceſſity of dying with him.

But for all that (continued ſhe) It is fit thou ſhouldſt make it appear that thou art worthy the love of Spitridates, and make thy own grief enough to take away thy life, without recourſe either unto ſword, or poyſon: think upon the grandure of his affection, of his generoſity and conſtancy. Remember it was for thy intereſt that he ſuffered ſo many impriſonments, forſook ſo many Crowns rather then forſake thee: and for the love of thee, had exiled himſelfe from a place where he might have been happy, hadſt not thou made him miſerable: Conſider, that though thou didſt deny him all things, yet his paſſion was ſtill the ſame: and ſince thou haſt been the cauſe of his death, courageouſly follow him, and the more to incite thee unto it, conſider that it is a ſhame for thee to live. But I beſeech you Madam (ſaid Mandana unto her in a low voyce) call to memory thoſe reaſons which you gave me, when we beheld the ſad ſpectacle which Thomyris ſhewed us. Ah Madam, cryed out Araminta (not conſidering ſhe ſhould not ſpeak of Cyrus ſo loud) I muſt needs reject your Councell as you rejected mine, and I beſeech you pardon me, if I grieve at the life of Cyrus, ſince ſuch is the will of Fate, I cannot heare of his being alive, but I muſt at the ſame time heare of Spitridates being dead: I beſeech you Madam (ſaid Mandana) ſpeak as little of that Prince as you can, leſt you ſhould diſcover his being alive unto ſome who may do him [Page] hurt; for you know that there are many eyes and ears over us, and they may hear what you ſay unto the next Tent. I beſeech you Madam pardon me, ſaid the ſad Araminta) if I have ſaid any thing which I ſhould not: For alas I cannot govern my grief, but I muſt needs complain my ſelf to death, and yet I think I cannot complain long: For after all theſe misfortunes which are fallen upon my family; after the loſſe of the King my Brother; and after I have ſeen Spitridates dead, I ſhould deſerve theſe misfortunes, if I did endure them.

After this, Mandana gave a thouſand tender, obliging, and diſcreet expreſſions unto Araminta, and that miſerable Princeſſe did anſwer her ſo ſorrowfully, that ſhe took away from Mandana much of her joy to ſee that Cyrus was living. But at laſt, Mandana conceiving Heſionide to be the moſt fit to give any comfort unto Araminta: and thinking it not good to make the Guards over curious, ſhee came into the Tent again, ſhe left her, and went into her own Tent again: But as ſoon as ſhe was there, ſhe could not chooſe but read the Letter which Cyrus writ: yet ſhe was as carefull as poſſible, leſt the Guards who ſtood at the entrance into her Tent, ſhould ſee her read it: And to that end ſhe deſired Doraliſe and Marteſia to ſtand before her whilſt she read theſe words.

MADAM,

SInce my death hath been very indifferent unto you, I doubt not but my life will be ſo alſo: and I am confident you will be as backward in your joys, that I am living, as you were forward in comforting your ſelfe after you thought me dead. I must ingenuouſly confeſſe unto you, that it is more to be revenged upon your infidelity then for any other reaſon that I acquaint you, Cyrus is not dead as you believed. The truth is, his life is no happineſſe unto him. For having ſeen you ſmile that day you changed your Tent, Death will be much more ſweet unto him, then a life in which he lives not in your heart. For Madam, one is not ſo ſoon comforted after the loſſe of a perſon whom one loved: and the little thought which you had of my death makes me ſo ſenſible and ſad, that doubtleſſe I ſhall ere long give you an occaſion to rejoyce the ſecond time at my Ruine: Yet I will do what I can to live, that I may hinder my Rivall from triumphing over my misfortune, and thriving by your inconſtancy; and doubtleſſe I ſhall do all this by rendring you into the hands of the King your Father. When this is done, Madam, my only buſineſſe is to dye; for I have no reaſon to believe, that a man whoſe death is ſo indifferent unto you, can ever give you any ſatisfaction. Yet I will keep my reſpect & my Love unto the laſt of my days, and I will be revenged of your ingratitude only upon my Rivall, and your Enemies. Theſe Madam are the reſolutions of the revived Cyrus, who I thinke did merit to be longer lamented by her, of whom he ever had ſuch tender thoughts, and to whom (as unjuſt and perfidious as ſhe is) he alwayes paid the whole devotion of his heart.

CYRUS.

The reading of this Letter did ſo much ſurprize Mandana, that ſhee called for Doraliſa and Marteſia to ſhew it unto them: and they obeying her, they did not ſo well hide the Letter, but the Guards did ſee it; and thinking it to be the ſame which cauſed Araminta to cry out, ſome of them went to acquaint Thomyris, and others to acquaint Ariantes with it, not doubting but that there was ſomething of extraordinary conſequence in it.

Moreover, ſince there was ſome who confuſedly over-heard the complaints of Araminta, wherein the name of Cyrus was brought in, they added this which [Page] they heard unto that which they had ſeen. Thus were Thomyris and Ariantes both at one time acquainted, that Mandana ſome way, or other had received Letters which were in all likelihood of great importance: For the Guards neglected not the leaſt circumſtance, but told them of the great ſcriek which Araminta gave at the ſight of it: The exceſſive ſorrow wherein ſhe was: her complaints after ſhe was in her Tent, the name of Cyrus pronounced, and the earneſtneſſe wherewith Mandana read this Letter after ſhe was returned into her own Tent: So as making no queſtion, but there was ſome buſineſſe of conſequence in this Letter, they began to conſider upon the buſineſſe.

The Queen preſently after ſent for her brother; he came, and they began to conſult what might be the cauſe of Araminta's ſorrow. At the firſt Thomyris came neer the truth, for ſhe thought this Letter imported that Spitridates was dead. But Ariantes conſidering that Mandana was of late leſſe ſad then ordinary, he told it unto Thomyris, though he could not deviſe why Araminta ſhould thus redouble her ſorrows: Yet knowing that there was a reſemblance between Cyrus and Spitridates, a thought came into his head which ſtrangely troubled his heart: Yet ſince hee knew not that Cyrus had given Spitridates that rich ſuit of Arms, which this Prince wore, and which made him to be taken for Cyrus; he was more quiet.

As for Thomyris, ſince ſhe only ſought for a pretence to perſecute Mandana, ſhe told Ariantes, that abſolutely ſhe would ſee that Letter which that Princeſſe had received, and would know the cauſe of Aramintas ſorrows, and whether that would give any light unto the reſt, ſaying that ſhe would go immediately unto the Princeſs under colour of a civill viſit: And Ariantes concurring with her opinion, Thomyris did go unto Aramintas Tent, that Prince waiting upon her; where they found Mandana was returned, and where Arpaſia was come alſo upon reports of her ſorrow.

In the mean time, this ſudden coming of Thomyris and Ariantes did ſo ſurprize Mandana, as was eaſie for them to imagine that there was ſome conſiderable thing in the wind.

On the other ſide Araminta, whoſe mind was all upon Spitridates, whoſe head Thomyris had plunged ſo in blood, ſhe no ſooner ſaw this Queen, but the fancy of this fearfull object coming into her mind, her grief was ſo great, that never thinking upon either Cyrus, or Mandana, shee was not Miſtreſs of her firſt thoughts: but giving a great ſcriek, she turned away her head from the ſight of a Queen who was ſo full of cruelty: So as Thomyris who ever found Araminta very civill, and diſcreet in all her actions and words, she was extreamly ſurprized at her behaviour. Yet drawing neer the Bed on which she lay, and beginning to ſpeak; Madam (ſaid Thomyris unto her) you receive my civilities in ſo ſtrange a manner, as I cannot chooſe but aske the reaſon of it? Since I do not value life (replyed Araminta in a violent manner) I have nothing to care for: and therefore Madam I will not tell you neither what afflicts me, nor what makes my ſorrows ſwell at the ſight of you, nor why I reſolve to dye: But to acknowledg your Civilities, I will tell you, that if you do not give over your thirſt after illuſtrious blood, nor deliver the Princeſſe Mandana whom you detain by a moſt unjuſt and cruell War, you will make your ſeife the object of mens hatred, and the Gods revenge. More then this Madam, expect not from the miſerable Araminta: Let her alone with the ſorrows of her ſoule without further diving into the cauſe of them, and let her expect that death which she deſires, as the only thing that can give her any comfort.

Araminta having ſpoken theſe words, was ſilent, and was ſo drowned in ſorrows, that though she had deſired to ſpeak more, yet her teares and ſighs did ſo ſtifle her, that it was impoſſible.

In the mean time, Thomyris, who was not uſed to ſuch entertainment, blusht for anger: And turning towards Mandana, after she had looked upon Ariantes: It is you Madam (ſaid she unto her) that muſt acquaint me with the cauſe of this Princeſs ſorrows; for I know that you received the Letter which brought her the news which afflicts her: Therefore Madam, never offer to deny a thing which I do moſt certainly know, but shew this Letter unto me, for I will ſee it, ſince I have power enough to make my ſelfe be obeyed.

[Page] Mandana hearing Thomyris ſay ſo, was in a ſtrange perplexity, for ſhe knew very well the danger that there was in ſhewing this Letter unto Thomyris, or in telling her that Cyrus was living, and in the Tents Royall: So as in this urgent neceſſity of an anſwer, ſhe would endeavour to to try if ſhe could take this Letter out of her pocket, and beginning to anſwer: As for the Letter you ſpeak of (replyed Mandana) I cannot ſhew it unto you, becauſe I gave it back unto the man of the Guard who brought it unto me; but leaſt we ſhould aggravate the ſorrows of the Queen of Pontus, if it will pleaſe your Majeſty to go into my Tent, I will acquaint you with the cauſe of them.

Since Mandana ſpoke this with a confident and pleaſant look, Thomyris beleived that ſhe ſpoke ſincerely: And Ariantes deſiring to keep Thomyris from doing any thing which might diſtaſte that Princeſs, he deſired her to do ſo. So as the Queen of the Maſſagettans, paſſed from the Tent of the ſad Araminta, unto that of Mandana's.

But in paſſing from one Tent unto another, Mandana, who followed Thomyris, and who obſerved that Doraliſa and Marteſia were at the dore of the Tent, ſhe haſtily took the Letter out of her pocket to give it unto one of them. But as ſhe took it out with much haſte, and would have given it either unto Doraliſa or unto Marteſia, theſe two, not knowing unto which of them ſhe would give it, becauſe ſhe made no ſigne to ſignifie her intention, they both advanced to her at once: So that Mandana parting from the Letter a little too haſtily and ſoon, in Lien of leaving it in the hands either of Doraliſa or Marteſia, it fell down; and fell ſo unluckily, that when theſe two Ladies ſtooped haſtily to take it up, Thomyris turning her head to ſee whether Mandana followed, ſhe ſaw it in the hands of Marteſia, and [...]ei [...]ed upon it immediatly.

As ſoon as Mandana ſaw this Letter in the hands of Thomyris, Oh Heavens! how vexed ſhe was? but there being no remidy, ſhe reſolved to take this croſs adventure patiently, and pray to the Gods that this accident might not bring Cyrus under the power of Thomyris, ſo as ſhe did ſtrive to reaſſume her confidence of ſpirit, and to follow that Queen into her Tent; where ſhe was no ſooner come but ſeeing Thomyris ready to open the Letter, and by conſequence to know the hand of Cyrus, (as well as Ariantes, who had often ſeen his hand) ſhe began to ſpeak with much Courage, Magnanimity, Prudence, and Diſcretion. I cannot tell Madam, (ſaid ſhe unto her) what thoughts you will have when you underſtand that Cyrus is not dead; but before you do underſtand it by this Letter which is written unto me. I do proteſt before all the Gods, that you ſhall never know by me, from whom I received it. How (ſaid Thomyris, and haſted to open the Letter) is not Cyrus dead? It is poſſible (ſaid Ariantes) that Cyrus ſhould be living? if ſo Madam, is it many dayes ſince you knew it: And that conſolation which I hoped for, in Lieu of rejoycing me muſt afflict me.

Whilſt he was ſpeaking thus, Thomyris was read [...]ng the Letter which Cyrus, writ unto Mandana, and ſhe read it with ſuch tumultuous and oppoſite thoughts that it was a great difficulty to reconcile them; for it filled her mind full of wonder, Joy, Anger, Sorrow, and Jealouſy. So as being leſs able to endure the ſight of Mandana, when ſhe knew that Cyrus was alive then when he thought him dead, ſhe ſhut up the Letter before ſhe had read it out, and turning towards Mandana, though you are reſolved Madam (ſaid ſhe unto her) not to tell who brought you this Letter, yet I ſhall find out away to make you confeſs it: You may eaſily find out many waies to perſecute me Madam (replyed Mandana) and to make me dy; but you can never find out any way to make me con eſ▪ any thing that may prejudice Cyrus: And you ſhall never ſee me do any thing (replyed Thomyris in a great rage) that ſhall pleaſe Mandana.

Afterwards, this Queen told Ariantes, that he muſt double the Guards upon this Princeſs, and upon all the reſt of the Ladies: Alſo to let no communication be between them: And accordingly this order being obſerved the very ſame hour they parted all the Princeſſes, for Araminta remained alone with Heſionide inin her Tent: Mandana in hers with Doraliſe and Marteſia, and all the teſt with their own women. So as by this means, it was impoſſible for Niſide, unto whom Meliantes had delivered the Letter of Cyrus, to ſend back unto him, and to advertiſe [Page] him of this great diſorder, of which he was ignorant, becauſe he was then verybuſie in a ſecrec conference between him, and the Sauromattan▪ Captaines, with whom Mereontes, and he had treated.

In the mean time, Thomyris and Ariantes were no ſo ſooner parted from their Tents, but they opened this Letter, and read it with ſtrange agitation of ſpirit, though with different reſentments. For Thomyris out of ſome reſentments of Love, was very glad that Cyrus was not dead, and that he complained againſt Mandana, though otherwiſe ſhe would have been very ſorry for the reſurrection of ſuch an Enemy, and that he ſhould be ſo tender towards her Rivall. But for Ariantes, though his generoſity had moved him to compaſſionate his Rivalls death, yet he was extreamly ſorry to hear he was living, and all the complaints he made againſt Mandana, did not comfort him.

However, both Thomyris and Ariantes finding by this Letter, that Cyrus was alive, and that he either was, or had been in the Tents Royall, ſince he told Mandana that he ſaw her ſmile, that day ſhe changed her Tent, they endeavoured to ſecure his perſon: but the great difficulty was, how to know where this great Prince was.

The truth is, fortune favoured their deſign, for as they were thus conſulting three priſoners were brought in which Agathyrſis had taken and ſent unto Thomyris: The one of them was the Prince Atergatis diſguiſed in a Maſſagettan habit. The ſecond was Intaphernes, and the third Feraulas, who had a Letter about him from Gabrias unto Meliantes. So as now not doubting but that Meleantes knew where Cyrus was, Thomyris commanded the Captain of her Guard to go that very houre and arreſt him, and to ſearch his Tent very wel to ſee if they could find Cyrus; for the Letter from Gabrias, gave ſome ſuſpition of ſuch a thing: But ſhe gave ſtrict Commands, that whatſoever he did to bring him alive, and if he did reſiſt, yet none to kill him.

After which, ſhe commanded that Intaphernes and Atergatis ſhould be ſtrictly guarded; as for Feraulas, ſhe would ſee him, and examine him what he knew concerning his Maſter: And the ſooner to induce him unto a confeſſion ſhe ſpoke unto him at firſt with all imaginable ſweetneſs: Afterwards ſhe threatned him, and at laſt did ſpeak unto him in ſo much fury, that Feraulas was extreamly afraid leaſt Cyrus ſhould fall into the hands of a Princeſs, whoſe paſſions were ſo violent. But whilſt Thomyris imployed all her unprofitable menaces upon Feraulas to make him diſcover where his Maſter was, and whilſt Ariantes by order of Thomyris was gon to ſet double Guards about the Tents Royall, that none might go out, or in without expreſs permiſſion from the Queen; Cyrus and Meliantes were not without their ſhares of trouble; for though Niſide could not advertiſe Meliantes of all paſſages, and though Meliantes had been ſo buſie that he ſaw none that could inform him, yet one of his Domeſtiques telling him that Thomyris and Ari- had been in Mandana's Tent, and that Orders were given for a ſtrict guard upon that Princeſs, he feared (and with reaſon) that the Letter which Cyrus w [...]it was diſcovered, and that it was known he was living; ſo as not conceiving it fit to conceal his fears from that Prince, he told him all his thoughts to the end he might prepare himſelf for going out of the Tents Royall the night following, or at leaſt to change his Tent, and to go into the Tent of one of thoſe Sauromattan Captains who were of their intelligence. But ſince it muſt be night before this could be done, they had not time enough for it, for as they were in conſultation what to do, the Captain of the Guard came with fifty followers, ſo that ſince they could not defend themſelves in a Tent as in houſes, all that Meliantes could do was to go towards the Captain of the Guard, who asked for him from Thomyris, aſſuring Cyrus that the would ſooner dy than diſcover him, and hoping that the Captain of the Guard would be contented with arreſting him, but it was otherwiſe: For in Lieu of being contented with Meliantes, they would enter into the Tent from whence he came. Meliantes ſeeing this, he got between the dore of the Tent and the Captain of the Guard, and drawing his ſword, and ſtopped him purpoſely to give Cyrus ſo much time as to get out at another dore of ſhe Tent, and get into the Tent of that Sauromattan Captain, of which they had ſpoken: For as luck was, Cyrus was diſguiſed in a Maſſagettan habit ever ſince he came to [Page] Meliantes could hope for no more, then to gain ſo much time, as till Cyrus got out. But as that Prince would have done ſo, he found that the Captain of the guard had beſet the Tent round about; and it chanced ſo, that the Prince Ariantes paſſed accidentally that way as Cyrus was going out. So as ſeeing an impoſſibility any way to eſcape, he choſe that place to get out at, where happily he might kill his Rivall before he was killed himſelf; for being in the mind he was, and conſidering what minds Thomyris and Mandana were in, he had much rather dy, than be a Priſoner unto that Queen, or his Rivall: ſo as this being his reſolution, he drew his ſword; and calling Meliantes unto him, that they might fight both together, he went out of the Tent, accompanied with that generous Aſſyrian, and four or five of his men; and ſo ſharply fell upon Ariantes, that though the Captain of the guard had beſet the Tent round, yet thoſe who were on that ſide where Cyrus went out, could not hinder him from having a blow at that Prince, after he had ſeverall times called him ungratefull Anaxaris, Perſidious Anaxaris. Ariantes being on horſeback and Cyrus on foot, the blow which he made at that Prince did not hit as it was intended, for the Horſe of that Prince being curvetting as the blow was made, it was the Horſe which received his blow in the flanck, and who not being able to endure the fury of the ſtroak, did violently bound, and broak the ſword of Cyrus. Meliantes ſeeing this, out of his heroique generoſity, he gave his unto this illuſtrious Hero, and took another from one of thoſe who followed: After which Ariantes having time to know him to be his Rivall, he went towards him, with intention to end all the differences by his death; but his horſe being much wounded, he fell, and his Rider alſo fell under him, who perhaps ſaved the life of his Maſter by his own death For in this Interim, the Captain of the Guard with all his companions came out of the Tent, and ſo ſurrounded both Cyrus, and his brave Aſſyrian, that they hindred them from falling upon Ariantes.

In the mean time, ſince Cyrus would not render himſelf, and ſince the Captain of the Guard would not let him be killed, becauſe Thomyris had expreſly commanded to bring him alive, Cyrus ſeconded by Meliantes, killed ſo great a number of them, that when Ariantes was diſ engaged from under his horſe, he did not think it fit to inſiſt upon ſuch ſtrict orders from Thomyris; ſo as thruſting in among thoſe who would have taken Cyrus, he fell upon him with much vigour; Cyrus warded the bl [...]w which he made at him, and returned another ſo ſharply that he was forced to ſtep back. But whilſt things were in this condition, and whilſt Cyrus and Meliantes could hardly avoid death; conſidering the number of their aſſaulters, and their reſolution not to be taken; Thomyris, whoſe impatiency and inquietude brought her out of her Tent▪ appeared on horſe back: So as ſeeing this combate, and hearing the cauſe, ſhe advanced into the midſt of the tumult, forbidding her men from killing Cyrus, and commanding Cyrus to render himſelf: But Ariantes being ſtrangely incenſed againſt the obſtinate reſiſtance of this Prince, valued not the command which Thomyris gave; but fell again upon his Riyall who had laid the captain of the Guard dead at his feet: But when Thomyris ſaw this, and obſerved that Cyrus did not ſee Ariantes: She cryed out, take heed of your ſelf Cyrus, and guard the blow which one of my rebellious Subjects is making at you.

At theſe words, Cyrus who knew well the voice of Thomyris, turned himſelf about, and ſaw that Ariantes was making a moſt furious blow at him, ſo as he warded the blow: But in the mean time, three or four of thoſe who came with the Queen, fell upon him and layd hold of his Arm, and hindering him from continuing his combate with Ariantes, they preſented him unto Thomyris, who was more joyed to ſee Cyrus in her power, then if ſhe had won a hundred battells, and conquered as many Kingdomes.

In the mean while, Meliantes ſeeing Cyrus taken, he fell upon Ariantes, who being vexed to the heart that he had not vanquiſhed his Rivall, he made a Paſſe upon the Aſſyrian: Theſe two, then like two who would have either death or victory, maintained a fight moſt courageouſly: Thomyris ſeeing it, and being extreamly angry againſt the Prince her Brother for diſobeying her, and for perpetually oppoſing of her when ſhe offered to perſecute Mandana; ſhe commanded them both to be ſeized upon, and that both the Prince her Brother, Cyrus, and Meliantes ſhould be carefully guarded: ſo as ſince it was an eaſie matter to take [Page] two men who were ſtriving one againſt the other, they were both of them eaſily arreſted: Yet there were ſome who were friends unto Ariantes, that would have made ſome ſtir, but the preſence of Thomyris hindered them.

In the mean time, this Queen not knowing well what thoughts to have of Cyrus, ſhe would not ſpeak unto him, but commanded he ſhould be carryed into one of her Tents, and ſo ſtrongly guarded as that there might be no feare of his eſcape. As for Meliantes, he and Intaphernes and Atergatis were put together, that one Guard might ſerve them all. So that when Mereontes, Myrſiles, Chriſantes, and Hydaſpes returned unto the Tents Royall diſguiſed like Maſſagettans, they found Cyrus a Priſoner, that Meliantes was the like: That Ariantes was arreſted: that Intaphernes, Atergatis, and Feraulas were taken, and that Mandana was more ſtrictly guarded than ever: That Thomyris ſince the impriſonmet of her Brother had changed the Guards of that Princeſſe: and indeed they knew not how all this ſudden alteration came about: So that to have a little time of conſideration what to do, they went & concealed themſelves in a Tent of one of thoſe Sauromattan Captains with whom Mereontes had treated.

In the mean time, the report of Cyrus being alive did make ſo great a noiſe, that the impriſonment of Ariantes did not make a greater. For nothing almoſt was talked of but Cyrus, and it was ſo much the talke of every one, that Mandana heard of it by her Guards. The Princeſs of Bythinia alſo underſtood from hers, that Intaphernes was arreſted: Iſtrina heard that Atergatis had the ſame Deſtinie: And Arpaſia was not ignorant that Meliantes was a priſoner. So as then looking upon him as more miſerable then Hydaspes, the tendernes of her heart augmented towards him, and ſhe was ſorry to think that ſhe was the cauſe of ſuch an excellent mans misfortune, who had killed two, which had rendered her moſt miſerable if they had lived: Marteſia alſo for her particular heard that Feraulas was in the hands of Thomyris: and Fate had ſo diſpoſed of things, that nothing but ſorrow and deſpair was on all ſides.

When this News was heard in the Army of Cyrus, there was an Univerſal murmure: And when it was known in the Army of Thomyris, all thoſe of any reaſon did apprehend that ſhe would by her violencies againſt Cyrus, againſt Mandana, and againſt the Prince her Brother, force her owne Subjects to arm themſelves againſt her, and joyn with her Enemies.

In the mean time, the great Deſign which was juſt ripe, was now not fit to be executed: For this change had made an alteration in their meaſures; and this great Revolution did ſo blaſt the ſpirits of every one, as that they talked of nothing but what had happened, and what was like to happen. But if perſons indifferent were thus perplexed, what is to be thought of perſons intereſted, and amongſt them, the Princeſſe Mandana: For after the ſight of that cruell action of Thomyris, when ſhe thought Cyrus was dead, might she not well feare the ſame now while he was living, and in the power of this incenſed Queen? The moſt pleaſing thought she had, was in hopes to ſee Cyrus unfaithfull; for (ſaid she unto Doraliſa and Marteſia) ſince Cyrus is diſcontented at me, and ſeems by his Letter to believe that I was not grieved at his death, is it not likely that he will not think himſelfe obliged to be faithfull unto one whom he thinks perfidious? and ſo ceaſing his ſcorn of Thomyris, he may perhaps begin to hate me? But alas (added she) this is the greateſt advantage I can expect unto my ſelfe, if he should do ſo; for if this unfortunate Prince ſay true, he loves me ſtill as perfidious as hee thinks me: So as if he continue obſtinate ſtill againſt the cruell Thomyris, perhaps ſhe will cauſe him to be ſtabbed in my preſence: ſo as I am in ſuch a condition, as I muſt inevitably either ſee Cyrus unfaithfull, or dye: Oh moſt cruell neceſſity (cryed ſhe out) oh rigorous Fate! unto what miſeries have you reſerved me, and vvhat ſtrange Torments have you prepared for me? But oh ye moſt juſt gods! never let Cyrus accuſe me of any inconſtancy or ingratitude: Cleer up his ſpirits I beſeech you; open his eyes, and let him ſee that he wrongs the moſt faithfull perſon in the world by ſuſpecting her of any infidelity. But alas (ſaid ſhe, and reprehended her ſelfe) in wiſhing that Cyrus ſhould know the conſtancy of my affection, perhaps I wiſh his death, and make prayers againſt his life, ſince the more he belives me faithfull, the more he will incenſe the cruell Thomyris. Madam [Page] (ſaid Doraliſa unto her) there hath hapned ſuch wonderfull alterations in your life, that me thinks you ſhould not deſpair of any thing: For Cyrus was thought to be dead in the Bythinian War; He thought you ready to periſh in the Conflagration of Sinope; he believed you drown'd when he found Mazares ready to expire; Mazares himſelfe thought ſo a long time; Cyrus was believed ſo over all Aſia, and you your ſelfe thought you ſaw him dead with your own eyes.

'Tis true Doraliſa (replyed Mandana) that all theſe ſo fell out: But it is a much greater difficulty to imagine how I ſhould come happily out of this miſerable condition wherein I am: For Cyrus is in the power of a moſt cruell perſon, who ſeemed to rejoyce at his death, vvho locked upon that bloody head of Spitridates vvhich ſhe thought vvas his, vvith much delight: and vvhoſe ſoule is inſpired with ſuch a violent and furious paſſion as is ready to prompt her unto any thing.

For my part Madam (replyed Marteſia) I cannot imagin that Thomyris will be ſo cruel unto Cyrus living, as ſhe was to Cyrus dead: For when she thought he had loſt his life, perhaps a ſecret ſorrow for his death cauſed all her rage: and thinking him dead in thoughts of ſcorn unto her, ſhe was cruell unto him after his death, but I cannot believe ſhe will be ſo inhumane unto him living; for hopes both flattering and ſweetning her ſpirit, it will allay her cruelty: Alſo (added Doraliſa) when I conſider how you got out of the power of the King of Aſſyria, of Mazares, and of the King of Pontus, you have reaſon to hope that both Cyrus and you will get out of the power of Thomyris: Alas Doraliſa (ſaid Mandana) Cyrus cannot be his own deliverer, as he might have been mine? And though the Prince Mazares ſhould be as happy as he is brave, and though he ſhould have more generoſity then love, yet I have no grounds for any hope, becauſe I believe that if he attempt any thing, the life of Cyrus will be the more in danger, ſince Thomyris had rather ſee him dye then delivered. Alſo it grieves me that his Rivall is a priſoner as well as he: For he being obliged unto him, being generous, and having ſome power over his own ſpirit, I might hope if he were at liberty, that he would prevent all ſad conſequences of Thomyris her paſſion: But alas! it hath pleaſed the Gods to deprive me of all relief, and to take all hopes from me.

As Mandana was talking in this ſad manner, Heſionide all in tears came, and beſeeched this Princeſs to go into Araminta's Tent: For though Thomyris had commanded that all the captive Ladies ſhould be ſevered, yet Araminta was not, by reaſon of her exceſſive ſorrows.

As much grieved as Mandana was for her own intereſts, yet ſhe would not deny aſſiſtance unto a Princeſs whom ſhe ſo much eſteemed; but went into he [...] Tent, and found her in a moſt lamentable condition, for ſhe would never eate any thing ſince ſhe knew of Spitridates his death: She was grown ſo weak, and yet had ſuch a violent Feaver, that it was eaſie to ſee that her grief would ſoon eaſe her of all her payns: Yet her reaſon was very perfect; and though her voyce was very faint, yet ſhe could expreſſe her ſelfe moſt ſenſibly unto Mandana: I beg your pardon Madam (ſaid ſhe unto her) for augmenting your ſorrows by a ſight of mine; yet ſince I have but a few minutes to live, I hoped that you would give me leave to make one requeſt unto you. Alas Madam (replyed Mandana) My condition is ſo deplorable, that there is nothing in my power but to lament your misfortunes, and weep with you: Yet I aſſure you Madam, that there is nothing but things impoſſible which I would not do for you. My requeſt is (replyed the miſerable Araminta) that by the power you have with Ariantes, you will obtain from him that Spitridates and I may have but one Tomb: That you will let the illuſtrious Cyrus know I leave him all the right which I have unto the Kingdome of Pontus: And that I conjure him to keep in memory that unfortunate Prince who had the glory to reſemble him, and dye in his ſervice. But above all Madam, I beſeech you, ſo contrive it, that Death may unite what the cruelty of Fate hath ſevered, and that Spitridates and Araminta may have but one Grave. I hope Madam (replyed Mandana) that you will not ſtand in need of my help, and that you will live to erect a Monument unto that Illuſtrious Prince, for whom you grieve. But if you do not, alas Madam I ſhall not be able to do that Office [Page] which you deſire: For the Prince Ariantes is arreſted by orders from Thomyris: The miſerable Cyrus is in Fetters, and I am in as great a deſire of death as you are. Do thy worſt, Fortune, do thy worſt (replyed Araminta weakly) and after thou haſt taken two Kingdoms from me, deny me a Grave, and deprive me of the only ſatisfaction which I had left, which was my hope that the Prince whom Spitridates reſembled, might be happy. As for you Madam (added ſhe, holding Mandana by the hand) I have nothing to ſay unto you, ſince you have occaſions enough for your own Tears, and your afflictious deſerves them. After this, Aransinta was ſilent, and turned to the other ſide: And about two hours after she fell into ſuch a profound Lethargy, that she never recovered out of it, but only to pronouuce the name of the miſerable Spitridates, and dyed patiently. Such a ſad augmentation of ſorrow as this, filled the imagination of Mandana vvith all the horrours of death: Yet that of Araminta vvas moſt vvorthy of life, and of that paſſion vvhich poſſeſſed her ſoule: For during that quarter of an hour vvhich she recovered, she vvas full of high expreſſions: She told Mandana that she did not ſtand in need of all her patience & conſtancy to ſuffer the loſſe of tvvo Kingdoms, to ſuffer Exile and impriſonment: but she ſtood in need of more then all she had, to endure the death of Spitridates. She ſpoke moſt obligingly of the Bythinian Princelle: She recommended Heſionide unto her: She beſeeched the Gods to pardon her vveakneſſes and exceſſe of ſorrovvs: Alſo she prayed them to unite her ſpirit unto the ſpirit of Spitridates. After vvhich, she dyed quietly vvithout any ſtrugling, or loſſe of that beauty vvhich rendered her the moſt charming Princeſs upon Earth, though that vvas the lovveſt of thoſe rare qualities vvhich made her admired.

In the mean time, Mandana endeavoured to do her that office vvhich she deſired, and entreated the Phyſitian of Thomyris vvho ſavv her dye, to be a mediator unto this Queen, that Aramintas Tomb and Spitridates his might be all one: And this man being much moved vvith compaſſion, he obtained of Thomyris vvhat Araminta deſired. Thus Death united vvhat Fortune had ſeparated, and theſe tvvo illuſtrious perſons vvho could not ſit upon one Throne, did lye both in one grave. But all this while Ariantes was in moſt incredible torment, in fears leſt Thomyris ſhould take any violent courſe againſt Mandana: and his fears of it were ſuch, that hee almoſt wiſhed her in the power of Cyrus, rather than of Thomyris.

On the other ſide; Myrſiles was extreamly grieved at his Arreſt, and that he was not able to do any ſervice unto Mandana, Cyrus, or Doraliſa. Intaphernes and Atergatis were as much grieved as he, but Feraulas was incomparably moſt of all dejected. Meliantes alſo was vexed that Hidaſpes was not a Priſoner, as wel as ſome of thoſe who came upon the ſame deſign. The Princeſſe of Bythinia grieved for the death of her brother for Araminta & for the impriſonment of her Lover. Iſtrina alſo was ſadly concerned in the affliction of that Princeſſe, & in the misfortune of Atergatis: And Arpaſia was very ſad, becauſe Meliantes was a priſoner, and becauſe ſhe knew not where Hydaspes was. But put all the miſeries of all theſe perſons together, they were all incomparable to that of Cyrus: For when it came into his thoughts, that his Rivall was a priſoner, becauſe he ſhould not defend the life of Mandana againſt the fury of Thomyris, his grief was beyond all expreſſion: which way ſoever he turned his thoughts, he could find no conſolation. For if he conſidered Thomyris as his Enemy, he could not endure his fetters: If he thought upon her as his Lover, ſhe was more odious unto him: If he remembred all his victories, he remembred them with ſorrow, ſince his Fate was changed: I [...] he called to memory the cruelty of Thomyris unto the dea [...] Spitridates, when ſhe took him for himſelfe, he prepared himſelfe to dye in the ſame cruell manner: And if he thought upon Mandana, he thought upon her with unimaginable ſorrow, ſince he thought upon her to be unfaithfull, or at leaſt too little ſenſible of his death, and too ſoon comforted at it. And yet this ſad thought did not leſſen his tenderneſſe, nor his affection; but by a moſt cruell and ingenuous device of Fate, he was all at once both full of anger, tenderneſſe, jealouſie, pitty, love and fury: For ſometimes he would complain againſt Mandana, and ſometimes he would complain againſt himſelf in lieu of her. Preſently after, he would curſe Ariantes, and inſtantly after that, he would wiſh him at liberty: Then would he make imprecations [Page] againſt Thomyris, and ſometimes againſt himſelfe, charging himſelfe with all the miſeries of Mandana, with all his own, with all the violences of Thomyris, and alſo with all the affection which his Rivals bore unto the Princeſſe whom he adored: ſo as paſſing continually from one ſad thought unto another, he was in perpetuall torment: But the ſharpeſt part of all his miſeries was, his opinion that Mandana did love him, or at leaſt did not love him enough. The cruelty of Thomyris did not ſo much grate upon his ſoule, as the want of affection in Mandana did; for he was accuſtomed to ſee Death in his grimmeſt look, but he was never uſed to ſee Mandana perfidious, or indifferent. Alſo he had one addition of ſorrow more, when he heard of Araminta's death by one of his Guards, and he ſet that upon the ſcore of his own misfortunes, and began to number them all up. Is it not enough, oh cruell Fate (cryed he out) that I ſhould be miſerable in my own perſon? but I muſt alſo be ſo in the perſons of thoſe whom I love? Muſt Spitridates dye becauſe he reſembled me, and was my friend? Muſt Araminta looſe her life, becauſe I profeſſed friendſhip to her? Muſt Meliantes be impriſoned becauſe he protected me▪ Muſt I be miſerable becauſe Thomyris loves me? and alſo becauſe Mandana loves mee not? Fortune makes uſe of all this variety to torment me, and yet I could ſupport them all, were I aſſured of the affection of my Princeſſe: But alas I am far from that happy condition; for ſince ſhe can ſoon comfort her ſelfe after my death, it muſt needs be concluded that ſhe values not my life, and therefore why ſhould I, unleſſe againſt all reaſon, in hopes of revenge; I had indeed ſome hopes that the Oracle had been fulfilled in Spitridates: but Heavens! I feare it is not, ſince I am under the power of a loving, and yet of an enraged Queen: Mandana is under the power of a proud Rivall, and I am out of Mandana's heart; and therefore I were abſolutely out of my wits, if I ſhould hope for any reſt, but in Death, yet thanks he unto the Gods, I am not capable of ſuch a weakneſſe.

But whilſt Cyrus was reaſoning with himſelfe in this ſad manner, Thomyris was ſo full of unquiet diſtempers, as ſhe was not half a quarter of an hour in one mind. Gelonide knowing the very bottom of her heart, ſhe diſcovered all the tumultuous thoughts of her ſoule unto her. I perceive Gelonide (ſaid ſhe unto her, ſeeing her look earneſtly upon her) that you deſire to dive into my thoughts, but let me tell you, it is very difficult, for they wander upon ſo many ſeverall ſubjects, as they continually ſmother one another: and ſuch is the agitation of my ſoule, that it would ſuffer much leſſe if I were in the condition of Cyrus: And yet (replyed Gelonide) that Prince is in a very ill condition; and I believe that if your Majeſtie conſider it well, you will find a great difference between your fortune and his. Were I at peace with my ſelf Gelonide (replyed Thomyris) you were in the right: but alas, there is ſuch a Civill war in my heart, that ſhivers it into pieces; For when I think how this Prince ſlighted me both under the name of Artamenes and Cyrus, I cannot chooſe but hate him: And I am reſolved to put Mandana to death, to let him ſee her dead, and then to put him to death alſo: For if I conſider him upon that account, I cannot think upon any puniſhment which he deſerve not, he has ſcorned me enough to merit a thouſand deaths; he hath blaſted my glory, he hath made the blood of my Subjects run like Rivers, and he hath cauſed my ſons death. So as looking upon him upon this accompt, and having him in my power, I am often in a mind to taſt the ſweets of a full revenge.

But alas, theſe thoughts laſt but a while: and when I conſider Cyrus as the greateſt Prince upon Earth, and as the moſt excellently accompliſhed man in the whole world, my revenge dyes, and I am ready to excuſe him. Yes Gelonide, ſometimes I tell my ſelfe that he loved Mandana before ere he ſaw me; that he does no wrong unto me in not loving me, and that I am obliged unto him for ſparing my life, when he might eaſily have killed me in the Sauromattan wood: But after all theſe Conſiderations, my ſoule is never the quietter; for the leſſe reaſon I find to accuſe Cyrus, the more I find to accuſe my ſelfe: But Gelonide, my greateſt grief is, that Cyrus doth moſt horridly hate me, eſpecially ſince the time that the violence of my Love and Jealouſie did prompt me unto that act of cruelty, which vet I only did, becauſe he had been cruell unto me. But as oft as I thinke upon Cyrus, unto whom I have expreſſed a thouſand teſtimonies of Love, and [Page] that he ſhould know of this terrible effect of my hatred, I am vexed beyond my expreſſion: For the truth is, I have a deſire to ſee him, and yet I dare not, after this act of cruelty whereof he is not ignorant. 'Tis true, that if he do me juſtice, he wil excuſe my cruelty, and Cyrus living doubtleſs ought to think himſelf obliged unto me, for what I did againſt Cyrus dead, ſince my inhumanity was as wel aneffect of my Love, as all thoſe teſtimonies of tenderneſſe which I gave him upon a thouſand occaſions. Truly Madam (ſaid Gelonide unto her) ſince Cyrus can never be unfaithfull unto Mandana, as long as you give him ſo many cauſes to hate you: It is not probable he ſhould love you now, he may charge you with more hatred than love: And therefore your Majeſtie would do very well to re-eſtabliſh your glory by ſome great and high action, ſuch an Act as would regain the eſteem of Cyrus. If you ſhould now ſet Cyrus and Mandana free, and ſend them to the King of Medes, you would do an Act which would render your glory immortall. Ah Gelonide (ſaid Thomyris and interrupted her) I know very well that I ought to love my glory above Cyrus: But I have found by long experience that I cannot, and therefore without any conſideration of generoſity, or reaſon, or virtue, I muſt take ſuch a courſe as Cyrus may Reign in my Dominions, and in my heart: And when all hopes of that is gone, then ſhall my fury have no limits: and if I cannot ruine Cyrus and Mandana, unleſſe I ruine Ariantes and my ſelfe alſo, I will not ſtick to ſacrifice all unto my revenge.

But Madam (ſaid Gelonide) I beſeech you conſider, that though you have Cyrus in your power, yet you have a formidable Army to fight againſt: Mazares is a brave man, the Reliefe which Ciaxares ſends, is puiſſant, and the Prince Ariantes is not in the head of your Army. I value not my own ſafety (replyed Thomyris) and therefore Gelonide without any further conſideration of theſe dangers wherewith you threaten me, which perhaps are not ſo great as you imagine, I will think upon nothing but to get ſo much boldneſſe as to ſee Cyrus. But Madam (ſaid Gelonide unto her) I would gladly know what you do aime at in ſo doing? I intend (replyed Thomyris) to do all things poſſible both juſt and unjuſt, which may induce Cyrus to quit Mandana; and anſwer my affection: and if I find there is no hopes of any good upon him, I will puniſh Ariantes for his old Rebellion, to the end that he may be no obſtacle unto my Revenge: Then I will have Mandana ſtabbed before the eyes of Cyrus: I will mingle the blood of Cyrus and Mandana together, and perhaps I will kill my ſelf, if I finde this revenge not ſweet enough. Alas Madam (cryed out Gelonide) what ſtrange thoughts are theſe? Alas Gelonide (replyed Thomyris) what ſtrange thoughts may not a Queen have, who loves a man which ſlights her.

After this, Gelonide offered to ſay ſomething, but Thomyris commanded ſilence, and without more delay ſhe went unto the Tent of Cyrus, waited upon by the Lieutenant of her Guard, and ſome of his company which ſtayed at the Tent door, and kept Centinel with the reſt of that Princes Guard: This Queen having no other women with her but Gelonide; for though ſhe did not approve of her opinion, yet she loved her, and alwayes carryed her with her, becauſe she was the only perſon unto whom she diſcovered her love. But in her way thither, Thomyris as fierce as ſhe was her heart was ſtrangely aſhamed, yet the force of her paſſion overcoming all; She entred into the Tent of Cyrus, without giving him any notice, ſo as he was ſtrangely ſurprized at this viſit: Yet having a great ſoule, a reſolute ſpirit, and a generous heart, there appeared no diſorder in his Countenance, but he ſhut up all his reſentments in his heart: And indeed, he no ſooner ſaw Thomyris, but he ſaluted her with all reverence that was due unto the Queen of Maſſagettes, and it was with all the coldneſſe that was due unto the Enemy of Mandana, and a Queen that had given him ſuch a publique teſtimony of her hatred, as to plunge that head in a baſon of blood.

As for Thomyris, ſhe no ſooner ſaw Cyrus, but ſhame at her own inhumanity made her bluſh, and hindred her from ſpeaking firſt: So as that Prince coming towards her, is it to demand my head Madam (ſaid he unto her with a moſt hero [...]que boldnes) that you have taken this pains to come hither? to the end that ſeeing it cut off with your own eyes, you may not be deceived the ſecond time as you were at the firſt? When I reſolved to ſee you Sir (replyed ſhe, and carryed him [Page] to the other end of the Tent) I prepared my ſelfe for your reproaches, that I might have ſome right to retort them: For unjuſt Prince, there is a notable difference betwixt the cruelty which I have uſed unto you, and that which you have uſed unto me. For that terrible Act which ſeems unto you ſo full of inhumanity, was only a rapture of my deſpair, in a beliefe that your laſt words were ſigns of love unto Mandana, and of your hatred unto me. But though I was inhumane unto you, when I thought you could not be ſenſible of my cruelty; yet you were inhumane and cruell unto me, when I was ſenſible even of the leaſt of your ſlights: and though I only plunged in blood the head of Cyrus ſuppoſed dead, yet you teare my heart in pieces living, yet unjuſt Prince, you were the firſt that began the cruelty: and if I was ſo, it was after you had made me looſe my patience, and diſordered my reaſon. Yet though you are my priſoner, and by the right of Conquerors I may diſpoſe of you as I pleaſe, yet I will only tell you, the ſooner to induce you to quit Mandana: That unleſſe I comfort my ſelf ſo ſoon after your death as ſhe did, ſhe hath wronged you more than I have done by that act of cruelty, wherewith you upbraid me, and wherewith I upbraid my ſelfe: For truly my fury and my hatred was an effect of my paſſion, but her forgetfulneſſe was an effect of a light ſoule, and faint feeble affection.

Therefore without asking, or beſeeching you to love me, I will only beſeech you not to love her any longer: That you will give your conſent ſhe should marry Ariantes whom she hates not: that I may ſend her unto Iſſedon with the Prince whom she shall marry. And that you will promiſe me never to ſee her again, upon theſe conditions, I will deliver you, and will not oblige you unto any acknowledgment of my affection. If you should peremptorily command me to love you, Madam, replyed he, though you have given me reaſon to hate you; yet it would be leſſe impoſſible for me to obey you, then it would be for me not to love Mandana, though ſhe were perfidious unto me: For the truth is Madam, you are a great Beauty, you have a great ſoule, a high heart, and a thouſand excellent qualities, which as great an Enemy as you are, does move me to eſteem you: So that without infidelity to her whom I love and adore, I could be very friendly and eſteeming of you: But Madam, I can never leave loving Mandana, nor conſent ſhe ſhould marry Ariantes, nor promiſe you never to ſee her again.

The truth is; though I ſhould know of a moſt infallible certainty that ſhe had left off loving me, yet I could never leave off loving her, without leaving off to live, nor endure ſhe ſhould be enjoyed by another, without doing my utmoſt to prevent it, at the hazard of a thouſand lives which I ſhould never value above my glory, or my Love: And therefore Madam, never expect I ſhould promiſe you more then I am able to perform: For I know, that though I ſhould be ſo baſe as to make ſuch a promiſe unto you, yet I ſhould be no ſooner at liberty, but I should Arm all Aſia the ſecond time to pull Mandana out of the arms of my Rivall.

Therefore Madam, I beſeech you for your own tranquilities ſake, never think that I have ſuch a kind of ſpirit as can ſubmit and crouch unto any ill fortune; but on the contrary, be confident that if I were in the head of two hundred thouſand men, and you my priſoner, I would do more for you, than now I am in your fetters: The truth is Madam, ſince I am perſwaded that it is glorious not to grant that which cannot be denyed without danger, I will not promiſe you to leave loving Mandana, or conſent ſhe ſhould marry Ariantes, nor promiſe to ſee her no more: Since of theſe three things which I ask (replyed Thomyris ſharply) there is one of them which depends abſolutely upon me and not at all upon you, I cannot tell whether it be prudence in you to incenſe any by your arrogant generoſity, for I need not your conſent to hinder you from ever ſeeing Mandana; nor need it in Ariantes marriage of her, for ſince if I will, I can look upon you as the murtherer of my Son: If the fancy take me I ſhall lock you up eternally in my chains. As Fortune hath brought me hither into them againſt my will (replyed Cyrus) ſo ſhe may chance to take me out againſt yours: And therefore Madam without any regard unto your needleſs threatnings, I will tell you with all poſſible ſincerity, that could I ever have been unfaithfull unto Mandana, your charms Madam would have made me ſo, when I was in your Court under the name of Artamenes. And I muſt ingeniouſly confeſs, that I gave her a greater teſtimony of my Love in not loving you, than in [Page] the taking of Babylon, Sardis, and Cumes: Since certainly it is a more eaſy matter to win battells and take towns than to defend ones heart againſt ſuch a perſon as you were when I had the honour firſt to ſee you. For to tell you truly Madam, Though you be as fair now as then you were, yet you are leſs terrible to me now than you were than: For truly as ſoon as you began to perſecute Mandana, as ſoon as ever you began to be cruell, and would needs make your ſelf loved by terrour, you loſt all that would make you amiable. I cannot tell (ſaid ſhe, and in a rage interrupted him) whether I can make my ſelf Loved, but I am ſure I can make my ſelf be obeyed. And I perceive if I will ever have any reſt, I muſt hate you living as I did when you were dead, and ſeek out my ſatisfaction in revenge.

After this Thomyris went away and ſtayed not for the anſwer of Cyrus, and ſhe carried with her more thoughts of fury than Love, ſhe was vexed at the Soul, becauſe ſhe had not ſaid enough, to tender his heart, ſhe repented of every word ſhe pronounced, and ſomtimes ſhe thought that if ſhe had gone the mild way, ſhe had better effected her deſires. And ſometimes again ſhe thought that if ſhe had menanaced him with the death of Mandana, it would have ſtaggered his conſtancy: So as being unſatisfied with her ſelf, both at what ſhe had done, and what ſhe ſhould have done, ſhe was moſt inſufferably tormented.

On the other ſide, Cyrus was in a miſerable condition; for not knowing that ſhe had ſeen that Letter which he had writ unto Mandana, he thought that what ſhe had ſpoke concerning Mandana's Levity, had a right ground, and was greived to the very ſoul at it.

But whilſt the ſouls of Cyrus and Thomyris were thus diſquietted, Mereontes who wasconceal'd amongſt the Sauromattan Captains, with Myrſiles, Hydaſpes, & Chryſantes, they continued the ſame deſign on foot, which once was ready for Execution: The [...]ends of Ariantes alſo bethinking themſelves how to deliver this Prince, and knowing how the Sauromates were diſcontented, did make a propoſition to joyn with them, and get Ariantes out of the hands of Thomyris: The Sauromattan Captains without giving any poſitive anſwer unto thoſe who made this propoſition, acquainted Myrſiles, Hydaſpes, Mereontes, and Chryſantes with it: Who all conceived, that if they could unite the friends of Ariantes unto theirs, that Thomyris would be infallibly loſt, and that Cyrus and Mandana would be delivered: The reaſon why they hoped this was not impoſſible, was; becauſe they knew that the friends of Ariantes were afraid Thomyris would put that Prince to death; for ſince he once went about to take a crown from her, they thought that ſhe would ſeek for a colour to palliate her revenge upon him: So as imagining that if this union could be made, it would make much for the advantage of Cyrus, theſe Sauromattan Captains entertained the motion, and brought things to that paſs, that the friends of Ariantes conferred with the friends of Cyrus: But ſince neither ſide could anſwer for thoſe Princes for whom they tranſacted; they agreed that both ſides ſhould endeavour to make known the ſtate of things unto them: And in order to that, Myrſiles, and Mereontes found out meanes to ſend word unto Creſſus, and Mazares, that they ſhould attempt nothing untill they heard further from them.

In the mean time, there paſſed not a day in which Thomyris had not ſome new perſecution for Cyrus and Mandana. For ſhe obliged all the priſoner Princes to ſee Cyrus one after another, and to perſwade him not to pretend any more unto Mandana: Alſo ſhe would have all the reſt of the Captives in their turns to ſee Mandana and move her to marry Ariantes, and ſhe ſpoke her ſelf unto the Prince her brother, (and perſwaded him not to think any more of marrying Mandana, but to give her over unto her vengeance; for this violent Queen was come to that paſs that ſhe thought no more of making Cyrus love her, but only to take his Love off her whom he adored. So that when ſhe ſaw it a thing impoſſible to perſwade Mandana ever to marry Ariantes; ſhe had a fancy to perſwade Ariantes to let her be put to death. That which I deſire of you Brother (ſaid ſhe unto him) you ſhould me thinks ask me, and ſhould deſire to be revenged of a ſtrong hearted perſon who ſcorns and hates you: And though you had no other advantage by it, but to imagin the ſorrows of your Rivall, yet that were enough to move your conſent unto it.

[Page] If you will ſuffer me (replyed Ariantes rough y) to go and ponyard Cyrus, I ſhall perhaps conſent that you ſhall poyſon Mandana: I agree unto your propoſition, (anſwered Thomyris ſuddenly.) Oh moſt cruell Princeſs, (ſaid Ariantes then) what a moſt abominable Love is yours? No, no (added he) deceive not your ſelf; I am the Enemy of Cyrus, but I will never be his butcher. And moreover I do moſt ſolemnly proteſt, that if you attempt any thing againſt the life of Mandana, yours ſhall infallibly anſwer for it; for though I cannot get out of your chains, yet I have friends who will revenge your cruelty, and I doubt not but all the world will arm themſelves and ruin you.

Thomyris ſeeing with what an Aire Ariantes ſpoke this, was aſhamed, but it was a ſhame accompanied with anger, which made her expreſs her ſelf infinitely angry at that Prince: You think perhaps (ſaid ſhe unto him) to get upon that Throne which once you rebelliouſly mounted: But let me tell you, that I will keep you in my fetters as a vanquiſhed Uſurper, and as a rebellious Subject.

After this, that enraged Queen left him, and left him with thoughts of hatred, as great and violent againſt him as againſt Mandana, and her reſolutions were as cruell againſt him as againſt her, ſhe knew ſhe was in the wrong; but that knowledge did not induce her to repent, but rather increaſed her fury. Yet in the midſt of all theſe turbulencies▪ ſhe ſent orders unto all the Officers of the army and endeavoured to diſpoſe of things that ſhe might be the commander of Cyrus and Mandana's deſtiny: She had a thouſand deſires to ſee that Prince again, and try if ſhe could overcome his mind by a thouſand teſtimonies of tenderneſs and affection, but the arrogant pride of her heart, and ſhame together, would not give her leave, but contented her ſelf with cauſing him to be told that ſhe asked no more then that he would pretend no more unto Mandana. So as by this means Cyrus ſaw himſelf delivered from the neceſſity of any conference with her, nor could this Queen ever tell Mandana. any more that ſhe requi ed of her to yeild Cyrus unto her, but only that ſhe ſhould marry Ariantes: Thus Thomyris thought to hide ſome part of her weakneſs and conſerve of her modeſty a little more. Yet ſomtimesſhe would expreſs ſuch viſible reſtimonies of her paſſion. that all about her could not doubt it; for ſhe would continuall be asking what Cyrus did, and what he ſaid? whether he did not murmure againſt her? whether he ſpoke of Mandana? and a thouſand ſuch like, And what was moſt ſtrange, ſhe wouldſomtimes men who neither did, nor could know any thing; for none except the Guards, and ſuch as ſhe commanded, ever ſaw him. So as it was impoſſible for Myrſiles, Hydaſpes, Mereontes, and Chryſantes, to acquaint Cyrus w th the treaty which they had with the friends of Ariantes, who alſo on their ſides could not make their intentions known unto their Prince; ſo that aſſembling one night in the Tent of one of the Sauromattan Captains, where Myrſiles, Hydaſpes, Mereontes, and Chryſantes were concealed, they reſolved, knowing the generoſity of thoſe two Princes, to go on with that treaty as if they conſented; aſſuring themſelves that they would not be againſt it.

Whilſt they were aſſembled to that end, Meliantes eſcaped his guards, and came thither; much augmenting their hopes by ſeeing their ſide ſtrengthned by ſuch a valiant man who had intelligence of many things which Mereontes had not known but for him: Yet Hydaſpes was troubled to ſee his Rivall the Protector of Cyrus, and Meliantes was aſtoniſhed to ſee Hydaſpes in that place: yet conſidering how the caſe of Cyrus, and all things elſe ſtood, he looked upon him in this buſineſs; as the friend of Cyrus rather then as the Lover of Alpaſia; ſo as telling him the ſtate of affairs, he was of their opinion and conclnded that there was an abſolute neceſſity of uniting themſelves to deliver Cyrus and Ariantes. He who negotiated moſt for Ariantes was a Maſſagettan called Otryades, who had been the friend of Aripithes, and who had a great deſire to ſee Ariantes King; ſo as excepting againſt nothing which the friends of Cyrus propounded ſo Ariantes might be delivered and out of the power of Thomyris, the Treaty was quickly concluded and agreed upon. They promiſed a mutuall aſſiſtance to execute this great deſign; they ſwore they would fight joyntly againſt thoſe that would oppoſe the Liberty of Cyrus and Ariantes, and when thoſe two Princes were free, they would addreſs themſelves unto them to know what they would have them do, every one then [...]o have the Liberty to take which ſide they pleaſed, in caſe thoſe Princes could not continue friends: [Page] Yet there was one difficulty which Otryades dorr'd at, for the friends of Cyrus would have the firſt attempt that was made upon the Tents Royal to deliver Cyrus, and the other ſide would have Ariantes firſt delivered: Then there was an expedient propoſed to reconcile the matter which was to go, and fall upon the Tents Royall of Thomyris and ſecure her perſon, for (ſaid he who made the propoſition) by aſſuring your ſelves of that Queen you will deliver both Cyrus, Ariantes, and Mandana: But though there was ſome colour of reaſon in this propoſition, yet the friends of Cyrus would not accept of it, becauſe they ſaid that if they ſhould fall upon Thomyris at firſt they ſhould hazard themſelves to be overcome, ſince it was impoſſible but the people would arm themſelves for the defence of their Queen, wheras on the contrary, if their deſign appeared to be only to deliver Cyrus, they wil not ſtir, ſo as finding no reſiſtance, the thing will be more eaſily executed: Adding that if once they had Cyrus in the head of them, then victory would certainly be theirs. Otryades anſwered unto this, that its true the Liberty of Cyrus was more eaſily gotten that way, but not the Liberty of Ariantes, ſince it depended after that upon the will of his Rivall. So as finding out a middle way between theſe two extreams, Myrſiles propoſed to make two aſſaults at once, ſo as to amuſe Thomyris the more, who would be forced to divide her Forces. So then it was reſolved that this expedient propounded by Myrſiles ſhould be followed, and that the Tents where Cyrus and Ariantes were guarded ſhould be ſet upon both at once: That they ſhould not go unto that of Mandana, becauſe they would leave the glory of delivering her unto the two Princes: That in the mean time they ſhould promiſe each other, that they who did firſt execute their deſign, and had effected it, they ſhould go immediatly and aſſiſt the other to execute theirs, and that they ſhould oblige the Prince whom they had delivered to go and help to deliver his Rivall. Theſe things being thus reſolved upon, they waited for the day, and houre of Execution. They ſent away immediatly unto Creſſus and Mazares, to the end they might fall upon the Camp of Thomyris; when the Sauromates came to the Tents Royall to joyn with the friends of Cyrus and Ariantes, and to the end they might ſend unto Artabatis to fall upon Andramites with part of his forces, and ſend the reſt to entrench themſelves between the Tents Royall and the Camp of Thomyris: Thus it was reſolved that after four daies, and juſt at midnight after, this great deſign ſhould be executed: But at the end of this conference, Mereontes knowing upon what termes both Meliantes and Hydaſpes were, he came unto them, and very diſcreetly obliged them to refer all their difference untill Cyrus was delivered, ſo as both of them being perſwaded unto it with equall generoſity, they unanimouſly tranſacted together for the intereſt of this great Prince as if they had never been Rivalls. Thus Meliantes looked upon Hydaſpes as the friend of Cyrus, and Hydaſpes looked upon Meliantes as the Protector of this Hero.

In the Interim, thoſe, for whom this great deſign was in tranſaction, were not a jot the leſs miſerable, but ſaw ſo little likelyhood of any alteration in their fortunes, that they did not only ſuffer under their preſent afflictions, but alſo under the fears of thoſe which would infallibly fall upon them in the future: Yet Thomyris was in a worſe condition then they, becauſe her hopes were leſs then theirs; And all the ſweetneſs that ſhe had in life, was only in the long torments which ſhe was preparing for thoſe who rendered her ſo unhappy. But her principall drift was, to put off that Winter without fighting, to the end that the Army of Cyrus might be forced to retreat on the other ſide of A [...]axes, it not being poſſible it ſhould ſubſiſt in an Enemies Country, by continuall ſupplies ſo far fetched.

As Thomyris was in this mind, and in order unto that, ſending order upon order not to hazard a fight, at leaſt, unleſs upon ſome great advantage, there chanced an accident, which much augmented her inquietudes: ſo as it is a hard matter that a great ſecret known unto many men ſhould be long undiſcovered, eſpecially when it is amongſt perſons of ſeverall ſides; ſo there was one of Ariantes his friends, kinſman unto Otryades, who ſeeing this great deſign ripe, and that it would be executed the next day at midnight, he began to repent; for ſince he knew not how far the generoſity of Cyrus might extend, he imagined that when this Prince was delivered, he would load Thomyris with the ſame Chains wherein he had been fettered: that he would ruine Ariantes; that he would make all [Page] the Maſſagettans Tributaries, or elſe in revenge would quite extirpate them. So as wondering that he ſhould have theſe thoughts no ſooner, he repented of his engagment with Otryades, and his repentance went ſo far, that he intended to betray all thoſe unto whom he had promiſed fidelity. Tis true, he thought that by acquainting Thomyris, he ſhould oblige her to deliver Ariantes: So, without more delay he went unto the Queen ſecretly in the night, and deſired private conference: At the firſt, he deſired of her a promiſe of Ariantes his liberty, in caſe he acquainted her with ſuch things, as ſhould let her ſee he had done her the beſt ſervice that ever any did. But ſince that Queen would not engage her ſelfe unto any ſuch promiſe, he then told her that he would impart no further unto her: Thomyris being incenſed at him, ſaid, that it was not his duty to capitulate with her, but bad him know that he was in her Tent, that ſhe was Miſtreſs, both of his liberty and life, and therfore ſhe would make him tell all he knew, without any conditions.

This man being terrified by the fury of Thomyris, he told her all he knew concerning the deſign which was to be executed the night following; alſo he did ſo punctually circumſtance the buſineſs, that ſhe did not doubt of any thing he ſaid, [...]o as ſhe was infinitely amazed and perplexed; and to confirm her beleif, Agathirſes ſent to acquaint her, That part of Artabates his Troops draw neer them, and that he could not dive into the deſign of it: That he underſtood alſo by ſome Priſoners which he had taken, that there was ſome great enterpriſe preparing in the Camp of Cyrus, and that he thought himſelf obliged to tell her how he underſtood that there was a Confederacy amongſt ſome Officers in her Army. Thomyris finding a Concurrence with what the Kinſman of Otryades had told her, her Soul was ſo perplexed, that ſhe knew not what to reſolve upon.

At the firſt ſhe intended to arreſt Myrſiles, Meliantes, Hydaſpes, Mereontes, and Chryſantes, in the Tent where this Kinſman unto Otryades ſaid they were: But upon ſecond thoughts ſhe conſidered, that though they were arreſted, yet they were but five men; that this would not hinder the Sauromates from ſevering from her Army, and from coming to the Tents Royall; nor would it hinder Creſſus and Mazares from falling upon her Camp, nor Artabatis from aſſaulting Andramites, not the reſt of his Forces from encamping between the Tents Royall and her Camp; And that ſo ſhe ſhould only make a great noiſe to no purpoſe, and perhaps haſten the Execution of that deſign which would ruine her: So as not knowing neither what to do, nor what to think, ſhe was almoſt out of her wits; But ſince her greateſt care was to hinder Cyrus and Mandana from ever being happy together, her deſign was to make ſure of them, and that their lives might be in her power, in caſe ſhe was forced to fly: And in order to that, ſhe commanded that Mandana ſhould be immediatly removed out of that Tent where ſhe was unto another, neer that where Cyrus was kept; to the end, that if her Party proved the weaker, ſhe might put them to death before ſhe fled. For ſhe conceived that if the deſign of her Enemies did take, ſhe could not be in a condition to carry them unto Iſſidon, as her intention was to retire her ſelf if ſhe was forced. Alſo ſhe gave orders▪ that double Guards ſhould be ſet upon Ariantes? She commanded the Tent wherein Myrſiles, Meliantes, Hydaſpes, Mereontes, and Chriſantes were concealed to be ſet round in the evening; She commanded all the Caval [...]y ſhe had to be ready upon a minutes warning: And ſhe acquainted all the Officers of her Army with what the kinſman of Otryades had told her; alſo ſhe ordered all the Souldiers to be ready in Armes, and ſhe her ſelf made choiſe of him whom ſhe intended for the Murtherer of Cyrus and Mandana▪ and accordingly ſhe ſent for that Ge [...]on Captain, who preſented her the head of Spitridates in lieu of the head of Cyrus, and propounded this cruell act unto him, for knowing him to be a man that was void of all humanity, and ſo corrupt, ſhe beleived he would obey her in any thing; and indeed ſhe was not deceived in him, for this barbarous Ge [...]on promiſed her to poyniard Cyrus and Mandana, whenſoever ſhe gave the word: And to that end ſhe gave him abſolute command over all thoſe who guarded them, and permitted him alſo to have many of his own Souldiers with him, in whom he truſted more, then in the former Guards of thoſe two Illuſtrious Perſons, who plainly perceived by this change, that ſome bad intentions [Page] were towards. This Gelon Captain being naturally harſh and cruell, he treated them in a manner much different then they were before: For Mandana durſt not ſo much as whiſper unto Doraliſa, or Marteſia, or H [...]ſionide, who now waited upon her, and Cyrus had not ſo much liberty as to ſpeak unto any of the Guard.

But whilſt Thomyris was diſperſing her ſeverall Commanders, the night came on, and all thoſe who laboured for the liberty of Cyrus, Ariantes, and Mandana▪ prepared themſelves for the execution of the deſign; Myrſiles, Meliantes, Hydaſpes, Mereontes, and Chryſantes, were much ſurpriſed when they heard that Mandana's Tent was changed, and that there were ſome men in Armes who beſet the Tent wherin they were. Otryades alſo wondered that he did not ſee his kinſman, and the more when he heard that he was ſeen to go into the Tent of Thomyris, and being a man of much honeſty, he ſent ſecretly to advertiſe Myrſiles, Meliantes, Hydaſpes, Mereontes, and Chriſantes of his fears: So as they began to conſult what they ſhould do to get into ſome place where they might ſafely wait untill they heard that the Sauromates, who were to quit the Camp of Thomyris, were come and had made an aſſault upon thoſe who guarded the Tents Royall, and conceiving there was no ſafe ſtaying in that Tent wherin they were, they got the Habits of ſlaves upon their own, and as ſoon as ever it began to be dark, they went out at ſeveral dores unto another Tent where Chryſantes carried them, and where he and Feraulas lay [...]id when they diſguiſed them like Maſſagettans, and came to enquire of their Illuſtrious Maſter: Otryades alſo, ſhifted his Tent, and aſſembled ſo many of his friends about him, as it had not been an eaſy matter to take him, thought [...]t had been attempted.

In the mean time, Thomyris was in a ſtrang perplexity as ſoon as the night came; for conſidering the intelligence which ſhe had received, ſhe had a deſire to be in the head of her Army: but not being able to be far from Cyrus and Mandana, ſince ſhe would be ſure to diſpoſe of their lives, therfore ſhe would ſtay in [...]ke Tents Royall: and in the midſt of all her violent thoughts, ſhe found ſome ſweetneſs in thinking, that though all her Army were defeated, though the Tents Royall were forced, and though ſhe were forced to fly, yet ſhe could prevent Cyrus and Mandana from being delivered, ſince it was in her power to put them to death as ſoon as ſhe ſaw no other hopes. To that end, ſhe would not go to bed that night, but be in readineſs to give orders as ſhe ſaw occaſion, and to fly if forced. But at laſt the fatall time of diſturbing the ſerenity of that quiet night being come, every one from ſeverall Quarters began to act their buſineſs at ſuch a juſt hour, that almoſt at the very ſame inſtant Artabatis fell upon Andramites at the entrance of the Wood; Creſſus and Mazares aſſaulted the Camp of Thomyris, The Sauromates came to the Tents Royall, half of Artabatis his Force [...] got between the Camp and the Tents Royall, and the friends of Cyrus and Ariantes met in the place appointed: And indeed as ſoon as the Sauromates began the Aſſault, the friends of Cyrus and Ariantes divided themſelves; one went to the Tent of Cyrus, the other to that of Ariantes, each of theſe courageous Troop [...] conſiſting of about a hundred ſtout Souldiers, which they had ſecretly made ſure of: So as Thomyris hearing by ſeverall waies at one time that her Camp was aſſaulted; That Forces had got betwixt and cut off all Communication, that others would fall upon the Tents Royall, and that ſome alſo would aſſault the Tents of Cyrus and Ariantes, ſhe was more perplexed then is imaginable. In this great diſorder, ſhe commanded that they ſhould defend that Tent wherein Cyrus was as her own, and indeed that wherin the Prince was, and that wherin Mandana was, were ſo cloſe to hers, that they all made but one

In the mean time, according to the Maſſagettan cuſtom in popular tumults, or in ſurprizalls of War, every one began to ſet a light upon the Tops of their Tents, to the end they might diſtinguiſh between friends and Enemies: So as hard by this huge multitude of Tents having every one a Lamp like a guilded apple wherewith the Maſſagetts uſe to adorn the tops of their Tents, they made ſuch a pleaſant ſhew▪ and gave ſuch a light as on [...]might eaſily know friends from fo [...]s. The Tent of Thomyris ſtanding in the midſt, and the higheſt, ſhe might diſcern from thence the noiſe which the Sauromates made in aſſaulting the Tents Royall. The noiſe [Page] which Otryades made in aſſaulting the Tent of Ariantes; that which Myrſiles, Meliantes, Hydaſpes, Mereontes, Chryſantes and their company made in for [...]ing thoſe who guarded a [...]bar which was before the firſt dore of the Tent where Cyrus was, which Tent was ſo contrived, that they muſt paſs through three Tents before they came into that wherein he was, and by conſequence they had three Courts of guard to force.

Thomyris hearing ſuch a tumultuous hurly burly from all parts, did prepare her ſelf for flight, and indeed there were horſes ready behinde the Tent, and thoſe who were to wait upon her were ready alſo; and ſhe called for a ponyard, to the end ſhe might be miſtreſs of her own life as well as of the lives of Cyrus and Mandana, and never become a Captive to her Enemies.

Every minut ſome came to acquaint her with the ſtate of things, and every minut ſhe received a freſh affliction: Creſſus and Mazares having faln upon the Camp of Thomyris at the ſame time when the Sauromates fell upon the Tents Royall, they had put them to ſuch great diſorder, that all the valour of Agatherfis and of all the reſt of the high Officers, could not keep their men from ſinking under their own fears: So as thinking it fit to acquaint Thomyris with the ſtate of things, Agatherſis was ſo plain with her, as ſhe knew that ſince ſuch a valiant man as he deſpaird of victory, ſhe might well fear the worſt.

On the other ſide, the Sauromates who aſſaulted the Tents Royall fighting as well to revenge their dead Prince as to deliver Cyrus, their animoſity was ſo great that their valour was terrible, ſo as Thomyris ſaw all went wrong with her: But her greateſt greif was, thoſe who would force the Tent where Cyrus was were maſters of the firſt barr, and were fighting for the firſt Entrance into the Tent. Her greateſt aſtoniſhment was, that the people would not ſtir againſt the Sauromates, nor offer to releive her: For ſince they thought the impriſonment of Cyrus to be unjuſt, they wiſhed that he, and Mandana both were at liberty, in a thought that then the war would ſoon be at an end.

Thomyris ſeeing her ſelf in this extremity, had but the choiſe of theſe two waies before her flight, either to leave Cyrus and Mandana happy in their liberty, or elſe to put them to death. A thought of Juſtice, Generoſity, and Love gave ſome repugnancy unto ſuch a [...]tragicall reſolution, but on the other ſide, Love being accompanied with Jealouſy, Deſpair, and Fury, ſhe thought that ſince there was no hopes of enjoying the party loved, there was no way but revenge: Yet ſhe ſtood and ſtudied a while; as unreſolved, and would tarry till the very laſt extreamity, before ſhe did execute her cruell Reſolution. She intended to ponyard Mandana before ſhe killed Cyrus, and ſhe intended, during this great tumult, to try once more if ſhe could tender the heart of that Prince: But as ſhe en [...]red into his Tent, ſhe heard him name her, ſo as ſtaying to hear what he ſaid, ſhe changed her mind: For Cyrus being in a ſtrange inquietude to know the cauſe of ſo great a noiſe which he heard, he asked that cruell Captain of the Gelons whether Thomyris had deſigned him for his butcher, and he anſwering him as arrogantly as if he were to ponyard him preſently, Cyrus could not hold from ſpeaking ſharply unto him, I plainly ſee (ſaid he unto him) that you are fit to be the murthering miniſter of that cruell Queens Injuſtice, and who had never been in a condition to perſecute Mandana, if I had killed her as I eaſily could in the wood of Sacromates. That thou mayſt not upbraid me for letting thee live, (cryed out the fierce Thomyris) as thou doſt upbraid thy ſelf in ſparing my life, I will cauſe thee to be ſtabbed as ſoon as Mandana has given up her laſt breath; and all the favour that thou canſt expect is to dy by the ſame hand that ſhe did, and that the dagger which peirced her heart ſhall peirce thine alſo.

After this, ſhe called for the Captain of the Gelons, and went to her Tent leavving Cyrus more greived at her menaces againſt Mandana then ever he was before, as for his own life he did not value it; nor could he anſwer unto what that unjuſt Queen ſaid: for he did ſo wonder to hear her voice, and to hear that ſad ſentence againſt Mandana, that before he could recover himſelf out of his aſtoniſhment, and be ſure that he underſtood how ſhe was gone; yet he could not chooſe but ſpeak out of the abundance of his greif as if ſhe were preſent, and vented ſuch moving expreſſions, as if the Guards had underſtood him, doubtleſs their hearts had [Page] been mollified; but ſince they did not underſtand that language wherein he expreſſed himſelf, they were not at all moved; For being almoſt all Gelons, they underſtood not the Perſian, Armenian, Grecian, Cappadocean, nor the Medean Language, ſo as all the complaints of Cyrus before them, were but wind.

However, the tumult ſtill increaſing, Thomyris underſtood that the Sauromates had forced thoſe who reſiſted them. So as foreſeeing that Cyrus and Mandana would infallibly be releived, if ſhe did not put them to death, and that ſhe her ſelf would be taken if ſhe did not fly; ſhe commanded that barbarous Captain of the Gelons whom ſhe had brought into her Tent, to go and ponyard Mandana and afterwards Cyrus; appointing him to let the death of that Princeſs be firſt known unto him: This horrid Officer began to prepare himſelf for obedience, and he had not gone two paces but ſhe called him back, and told him in a ſhaking voice, that ſhe would have him kill Mandana, and not Cyrus: but one of the Guards coming in and acquainting her that the Tent wherein he was would be quickly forced, ſhe called for the fatall Executioner again: Go (ſaid ſhe) and execute my firſt commands, and be ſure you firſt acquaint Cyrus with the death of Mandana, for I ſhall not be revenged enough, unleſs he do alſo know of her death, as ſoon as you have done, return back unto me and bring me word of the end of their lives, who have ſo troubled the tranquility of mine, to the end I may ſee whether I muſt dy, or fly. The inhumane Thomyris having given this moſt horrid command, he who was to execute it, went into Mandana's Tent; as ſoon as he was entred all the women were heard to cry out moſt lamentably, and preſently after, this bloody man came out with a dagger all bloody in his hand, and entring in that Equipage into the Tent of Cyrus; he went ſtraight towards that illuſtrious Prince, with intentions to ſtrike him to the heart, and thought that his companions would help him in the aſſaſſination, if his firſt blow miſſed, but ſince he would exactly obey the Commands of Thomyris he told him in broken Aſſyrian, that his dagger ſtill wreked with the blood of Mandana, and as ſoon as he had ſaid ſo, he lifted up his Arm to ſtabb the greateſt Prince upon Earth, but as he thought to have ſtruck him to the heart, Cyrus having heard of Mandana's death, and deſiring revenge, he did envigorate his valiant ſtrength and ſnatched it out of his hand, and without more delay ſtruck him to the heart, and made him fall at his feet. This heroique action was done ſo ſuddenly, and deſpair had made the viſage of Cyrus ſo terrible, that his guards were all affrighted and knew not what to do.

But at laſt one of them falling upon him, and by his Example, ſhewing others what to do, Cyrus was in greater danger then ever, but fighting now in revenge of Mandana, more then in defence of his own life, his valour appeared more than ever.

He got a ſword from one of the Guards, as before he got a Dagger from the Gelon Captain, and did things ſo prodigious, as to relate them in particular, would ſeem incredible: For he did not only kill three or four of the Guard, wounded many, & made the reſt to fly, but he came boldly out of his Tent, & went [...] that of Thomyris, to ſeek for ſome more noble victory to ſacrifice unto Mandana, then thoſe he had in his Tent: So as all making way for ſuch a terrible enemy, he went juſt unto the doore of that Queens Tent, who expected the return of him whom, ſhe had commanded to kill both Mandana and Cyrus.

Her wonder was not a little, when in Lieu of him, ſhe ſaw Cyrus himſelf holding a Dagger in one hand, and a Sword in the other, and who by a menacing action made thoſe who guarded the Tent to let him enter.

Thomyris ſeeing his Action did think he came with intention to kill her, ſo as taking the Dagger which ſhe had: No, no Cyrus (ſaid ſhe, and ſhewed it unto him) thou ſhalt not be maſter of my deſtiny, ſince I have not been Miſtreſs of thine, and if thou comeſt a foot further, I will let thee ſee, in ſlighting Death, that I was not worthy of thy ſcorn.

Thomyris pronounced theſe words with ſuch a reſolute voice, that the Grandure of her courage, equalling that of her cruelty, did a while ſuſpend the intentions of thoſe who heard her, for Cyrus did not advance, the Guards of the Queen did not fall upon that Prince, and for a while all was ſilent, as if amazed.

[Page] But at laſt, the great Soule of Cyrus not permitting him to have any hand in the blood of a Queen as cruell as she was: Since I cannot kill thee (ſaid he unto Thomyris) without polluting that hand which ought to revenge Mandana, ſacrifice thy ſelfe unjuſt Queen unto her, whoſe death thou gaveſt, whilſt I go and beſtow it upon my Rivall. At theſe words Cyrus making his way through all that would ſtop his paſſage (for hee knew not that Ariantes was priſoner) he heard the ſame Queen who before commanded him to be killed, now forbid thoſe who aſſaulted him, and she came in perſon to forbid them.

As things were thus, another great noiſe was heard which made Cyrus believe, that now he should shortly go unto Mandana, and dye before he had revenged hers by the death of his Rivall. But he was ſtrangely ſurprized to ſee that they who made that great noiſe were Myrſiles, Meliantes, Hydaſpes, Mereontes, Chriſantes, and thoſe who followed them; who after they had cleared their way, and forced unto the Tents of Cyrus, which they found empty, went afterwards unto Mandana's, where they found the unfortunate Heſionide dead, whom the Gelon Captain had killed in lieu of Mandana; for she being of the ſame ſtature, she had put on Mandana's cloaths, and Mandana hers, in hopes to eſcape during that great hurly burly which they heard: So as Myrſiles and the reſt having no mind to leave Mandana in that Tent, did bring her along with them with Doraliſa and Marteſia, when they found Cyrus at the entrance into the Tent of Thomyris. This great Prince ſeeing his Princeſſe amongſt his friends, was ſo tranſported with joy, that hee never thought upon the ruine of that cruell Queen, who would have ruin'd her ſelfe.

But on the contrary, his firſt rapture of joy being over, he perceived that Thomyris did lift up her arme to kill her ſelfe, he cryed out unto thoſe who ſtood neareſt to prevent her: For ſeeing Mandana was not dead, though ſhe had given orders for it, yet did he moſt generouſly pardon her.

But during this tumultuous minute when friends & enemies were ſo mingled together without fighting, another great and ſtrange noiſe was heard: ſo as Cyrus thinking now upon nothing but how to preſerve Mandana; he never thought upon Thomyris; who being hindered by her own men from killing her ſelfe, did take that opportunity to go out of her Tent by a back door: ſo as taking Horſe, ſhee with thoſe who were to convoy her, forſook the Tents Royall, and did abandon her ſelfe un [...]o more horrid ſorrow than ever ſoule was ſenſible of.

But whilſt ſhe was flying away, it hapned that thoſe who made the great noiſe were the Prince Intaphernes, Atergatis, & Feraulas, whoſe Guards being affrighted at this great diſorder, had left them: So as being got out, they went to the Tent of the Sauromates, who were to fight for Cyrus, and afterwards unto the Tent of Thomyris where they found them: But when the firſt apprehenſions of joy were paſſed, Chryſantes not ſeeing Thomyris in her Tent, asked Cyrus whether he would not follow her, and bring her captive back? But this generous Prince underſtanding from Myrſiles and Mereontes, the conditions of the Treaty which they held with the friends of his Rivall, he told Chriſantes that it was better to keep promiſe with his friends in delivering Ariantes, than to purſue an unfortunate Queen, whom, queſtionleſſe the Gods would puniſh, without his medling with her. And indeed, Cyrus, after he had taken all requiſite order for the ſafety of Mandana, he went himſelfe to help the friends of Ariantes and his own in the delivery of that Prince, but there was no need: For in going thither, he met with Otryades, who told Mereontes, that Ariantes was dead. How (replyed Cyrus) is Ariantes killed? Yes (replyed Otryades) and killed by an ancient Rivall of his, yet the truth is, that unfortunate Prince did urge him unto it: But I pray (ſayd Cyrus) let us underſtand in few words how Agathyrſes came to kill Ariantes? Sir (replyed Otryades) when your Army had entirely defeated that of Thomyris, maugre all the valour of the Maſſagettans, Agathyrſes thought it his beſt courſe to come with that ſmall remnant of his Cavalry, and joyn himſelf with Thomyris. But Sir, in his way thither, all thoſe who followed him, forſook him, except only five or ſixe. However, his great heart would needs go through unto that Queen: but in this way he was to paſſe before the Tent of Ariantes, and came juſt thither, as we had delivered that Prince, unto [Page] whom we had given Armes, to the end he might come according to our promiſe to your friends, and help them to deliver you. So as Ariantes ſeeing Agathyrſes (whom he had never ſeen ſince their laſt difference) and his mind being exaſperated by his ill fortune, he ſpoke ſomething unto him in an arrogant way, as if he had upbraided him with all the misfortunes of his life. Agathyrſes having a high and ſenſible ſoule, anſwered him in the like: Upon which Ariantes without any reply drew his Sword, and fell upon him ſo ſuriouſly, that Agathyrſes who out of his reſpect was alighted from his Horſe, was forced to defend himſelfe: And indeed ſo he did, in ſuch a manner, that before we could part them, Ariantes was mortally wounded, and Agathyrſes in the throng eſcaped: So ſince Ariantes was the firſt who aſſaulted, honour would not permit us to follow him: However, as ſoon as Ariantes was fallen, I thought hee ſhould dye: therefore beginning to ſpeak, and looking upon me, 'Tis paſt Otryades (ſaid he unto me) and I have no more ſhare in life, only ſo much as to entreat you to tell Mandana that none ever gave her a greater teſtimony of love, than my ſelfe in being ungratefull unto Cyrus.

After this, Ariantes growing weak, upon a ſudden he expired: ſo as having layd his Corps in the next Tent under the guard of ſome friends, I came with the reſt, to keep my promiſe unto the Prince Myrſile, Meliantes, Hidaſpes, Meriontes and Chryſantes. Otryades having done ſpeaking, Cyrus according to his cuſtome behaved himſelfe with all imaginable generoſity; for he ſpoke very worthily of the valour of Ariantes, and ſeemed to lament his death very much, ſince he had taken from him the glory of uſing him kindly.

After which, this great Prince received news that Creſſus & Mazares were advancing toward the Tents Royal, & were joyned with thoſe Forces which quarteder between the Tents, and the Camp of Thomyris: That Artabatis had defeated Andramites, who dyed at that bout: and that at the ſame time he had re-taken the Fort of Sauromates, and conſequently delivered the King of Hircania and Anacharſis. So as ſeeing no more Enemies to fight againſt, he had nothing to do but to appeaſe the great tumult which was in the Tents Royall, and to prevent plunder. Thus cauſing Proclamation to be made, that Thomyris was fled, that Ariantes was dead, and that hee would pardon all the Maſſagettans, ſo they would lay down their Arms: In one hour all was quiet, all the Maſſagettans layd down their Arms, and kept within their Tents: The Sauromates left plundering, and went under their Enſigns unto all the advenues of the Tents Royall, unto the publique places, & before the Tent where Mandana was: After which, Cyrus permitted Intephernes, Atergatis, Meliantes, and Hidaſpes to go unto the Princeſſe Oneſile, the Princeſſe of Bythinia, Iſtrina, Arpaſia, and Telagenes, to bring them unto Mandana: Yet he would not have given this permiſſion unto Meliantes and Hidaſpes to ſee Arpaſia, but upon condition they ſhould carry themſelves in this buſineſſe as friends, and not aa the lovers of Arpaſia. And indeed they obeyed Cyrus, who after he had given all requiſite orders for all things, he went unto Mandana, unto whom all the captive Princeſſes were come: And ſhe received him with ſo many ſignes of joy in her countenance, that he thought himſelfe richly recompenced for all the miſeries he had endured ſince firſt he began to love her.

And to render his happineſſe more compleat, Feraulas gave him to underſtand in few words, how much too blame he was in ſuſpecting the fidelity of Mandana, and upbraiding her with thoſe joyes which ſhe ſeemed to have after hee had acquainted her with his being alive: ſo that his ſoule being fully ſatisfied, and his mind in perfect tranquility, he accoſted her with unexpreſſable delight: Oh Madam (ſaid he unto her after he had ſaluted her, and done all his befitting complements unto the reſt of the Princeſſes with her) I begin now to hope that Fortune has done her worſt, and that the Gods will render juſtice unto your merit and virtue, ſince Creſſus and Mazares have vanquiſhed our Enemies, ſince Artabatis hath done the like, and ſince the Fort of the Sauromates is taken.

My greateſt hope is (replyed Mandana moſt obligingly, unto whom Feraulas had ſpoken enough to juſtifie Cyrus for upbraiding her) that you do ſo well deſerve to be happy, as I need not fear being unfortunate, ſince you have perſwaded [Page] me that you will never think your ſelfe ſo if I be miſerable: But for all that Sir, I have ſeen ſuch great and ſudden alterations in my Fortune, that ſometimes my feares are above my hopes; Yet when I conſider how the King of Aſſyria, the King of Pontus, and the Prince Ariantes are all dead: That Thomyris is fled: that I am in the ſame place where I was a Captive: that you are abſolute Maſter of the Tents Royall, that your Armies are victorious, that the Fort of Sauromates is is taken, that the paſſage over the River Araxes is free, and that the Prince Mazares is more vertuous then amorous, me thinks I am much too blame if I fear any thing, but have all the reaſon in the world to hope that the end of my life will be much more happy than the beginning was. Doubtleſſe Madam you have reaſon to think ſo (replyed Cyrus) But for me, whoſe deſtiny is in your hands more than in Fortunes, I have ſtill more reaſon to feare, than hope.

As long as you believe me to be juſt (anſwered Mandana moſt obligingly) doubtleſſe you have more reaſon to hope than to feare: and therefore ſince I believe you will do me juſtice, I do not think it neceſſary to give you any new teſtimonies of my acknowledgments: Alas Madam (ſaid he) how ill does the word acknowledgment ſute with my expectations? my ſupream hopes is in the honour of your affection; and I look upon it as a thing ſo precious, that though I had done you millions of ſervices more then I have, yet I ſhould think my ſelfe infinitely ungratefull, if I did not deſire to do you much more, and to employ every minute of my life in doing you new ſervices, and giving you freſh teſtimonies of my affection.

After this, the night being ſo far ſpent, that day was ready to break, Cyrus thought it fit to leave the Ladies to their reſt: And therefore left them in the Tent of Thomyris, whilſt hee went into another, with all the Princes who had been ſharers with him in his miſeries, and now were to be partakers of his happineſſe. However, ſince Mandana in the midſt of her joyes was ſtill grieved for the death of Heſionide, ſhe appointed all honours ſhould be rendred unto her Funerall, and Feraulas had it in charge to have an eſpeciall care of it. On the other ſide, Cyrus whoſe eye was upon every thing, he took ſingular care, that all the women of Thomyris who did not follow her, ſhould receive no wrong: As for Gelonide, though ſhe did not approve of that Queens paſſion, yet ſhe followed her as a comforter in her miſerie.

In the mean time, ſince it was impoſſible to think upon any ſleep that night, and ſince Cyrus was accuſtomed to wake without any prejudice to himſelfe, he employed that little time between his leaving Mandana and the break of day, in thinking of departure the next day from a place where his Princeſſe and he had endured ſuch miſeries: For ſince the Battle which Creſſus and Mazares fought was not deep in blood, becauſe the Sauromates diſſerting the Maſſagets, the Army of Thomyris was put into diſorder, he thought it not impoſſible, and much leſſe when he heard that his Army was encamped within twelve furlongs of the Tents Royall; and that Creſſus and Mazares ſent to him to know what his pleaſure was: ſo as ſeeing no obſtacle unto his deſign, ſince his Troops were reaſſembled, and encamped ſo neer; as ſoon as he thought that the Ladies had ſufficiently reſted themſelves, and quitted all their feares, he ſent to aske Mandana whether ſhee had rather be in the Camp or in the Tents Royall? And her thoughts being his, he began to give out his laſt Orders. But firſt, the piety of Mandana moved her to begin her journey with a ſacrifice of Thanks unto the Gods: So though the Maſſagets had no Temples, yet ſhe offered a ſacrifice of Thanks by an Ecbatane Prieſt, who was come into the Army of Cyrus, and who came into the Tents Royall alſo, to ſee whether it was true that the Daughter of his King was at liberty.

After this, Cyrus told Otryades that it was fit that all Funerall honours ſhould be done unto the Prince Ariantes, and he left him wherewith to build a ſtately Sepulchre and Monument for the Prince Spitridates and Araminta: and he commanded that one alſo ſhould be erected next theirs for the faithful Heſionide. Afterwards he ſent ſome to follow Thomyris, and to tell her from him that though all the Countrey of the Maſſagettes might be his, as the reſt of his Conqueſt, were, yet he would not purſue her, but generouſly reſtore it unto her; declaring that he had never made War but for the liberty of Mandana, he would look no [Page] further, but would turn back over Araxes, without taking away any thing that was hers, only ſome Coaches, which he could not get elſe-where, in which all the Princeſſes & Ladies did get, and Cyrus riding on Horſ-back, accompanyed with Myrſiles, Intaphernes, Atergatis, Meliantes, Hydaspes, Mereontes, Chriſantes, Feraulas, and ſome other Sauromattan Captains which took his part were their Convoy, and carryed them to the Camp, cauſing all his Troops to quit the Tents Royall, and march in Battalia behind Mandana. And whilſt ſhe was advancing tovvards the Camp of Cyrus, Creſſus and Mazares prepared themſelves to receive her with all the honors which ſo ſhort a warning would permit. To that end they drew out all their Troops in their Arms, and making a Guard of ſixe furlongs in length, they went to meet them, accompanied with the Prince Tygranes, Artamas, Gadates, Indathyrſes, the Prince of Paphlagonia, Gabrias, Silamis, Araſpes, Aglatidas, Ligàamis, Adonacris, Mneſiphiles, Cherſeas, Diocles, and many others.

The truth is, Mazares was not without new agitation of ſoule: For in the time when he thought Cyrus dead, hope had a little revived in his heart, and there kindled new flames, ſo as there was a new Combate between his virtue and his love: yet in the end virtue got the predominancy, and he had ſuch a power over himſelfe, that nothing appeared in his countenance but a quiet joy, when he ſaw Cyrus and Mandana together, and ſaw them in ſuch a condition, as in all probability they might hope for happineſſe together, and he received them hoth with many ſigns of eſteem and amity: For after Creſſus had ſaluted them, they gave a thouſand commendations unto Mazares, and afterwards unto all the men that accompanied them. Gadates, he was very glad to ſee Iſtrina again, Gabrias was joyed at the ſight of Arpaſia, and he could not chooſe but be glad alſo to ſee Meliantes, though he knew not well how to carry himſelf between him and Hidaſpes. Indathyrſes was much ſatisfied at the ſight of Telagenes, unto whom he had a ſtrong inclination: Tigranes was as much rejoyced to ſee Oneſile, as if he were her Lover, and not her Husband. Intaphernes ſpoke unto the Princeſs of Bythinia, who was more ſad than any of the reſt, becauſe ſhe mourned for the death of her Father and Spitridates. Myrſiles he entertained Doraliſa, who according to her humour complained againſt him for not comforting her after the death of Andramites, of which ſhe was very glad. As for Meliantes and Hidaſpes, they both ſpoke unto Arpaſia and Gabrias, keeping moſt exactly within the limits which Cyrus had preſcribed them: So the way not being very fit for long diſcourſe, the entertainment of theſe excellent perſons quickly ended, and continuing their march, they were received into the Camp with ſuch acclamations of great joy as never was the like heard.

In the mean time, as impatient as Cyrus was to be far off the place where his Princeſſe and himſelfe had been Captives, yet there was a neceſſity of lying in the Camp; for before all the Officers of the Army had expreſſed all their Joyes and Complements, it was ſo late as there was no thinking of departure: So as Mandana and the other Princeſſes lodged in the Tents of Creſſus and Mazares, Cyrus in that of Artamas, Creſſus and Mazares in thoſe of Gabrias and Gadates, and all the reſt of the Princes in their own. Cyrus was no ſooner diſ-engaged from that abundance of men who teſtified their joyes, but he went unto the Tent of the Princeſſes, where he paſſed away the Evening in ſuch great delight, that he quite forgot all his paſt miſeries; for ſince there was not one Lady there who had not ſome particular friend to entertain, except Oneſile, who entertained Mazares, Cyrus applyed himſelf wholly unto Mandana; and in ſuch a moſt agreeable manner, that in lieu of accuſing, he was forced to juſtifie her: For though Feraulas had told him that he was obliged unto her for that ſmile which he ſaw in her eyes as ſhe paſſed before his Tent, yet he was extreamly glad to hear from the mouth of his Princeſs, that ſhe grieved for him, and was not comforted after ſhe heard of his death: And ſhe did ſo obligingly aggravate her griefe that day ſhe beheld the diſmall ceremony of Thomyris, that his joyes were unconceivable. And vvhen he looked upon the faire eyes of Mandana, and conſidered that they ſhed teares for him, all the love of his heart appeared in his ovvne: and he thanked her for it in ſuch a paſſionate manner, that Mandana thought him worthy of thoſe tears which ſhe ſhed, and that he did merit her affection: So as laying aſide that exact and [Page] ſevere reſervedneſſe, which alwayes obliged her to hide the tenderneſſe of her thoughts, ſhee did him the favour that night to diſcover part of her mind unto him, and to let him divine the reſt.

But whilſt theſe two illuſtrious Lovers were making mutuall exchanges of love, Intaphernes did what he could to comfort his Princeſs in her mourning: Atergatis alſo entertained Iſtrina with abundance of ſatisfaction; for ſince the King of Aſſyria was dead, he believed Gadates would be no hinderance of his happineſſe. As for Myrſiles, though he was very much joyed in his talk with Doraliſa, yet he was leſſe happy then the reſt; becauſe her humour was ſuch, that though ſhe had loved that Prince as well as he loved her, yet he would find ſuch a ſweet inequality in her, as he would often complain of her rigour, even when ſhe intended to give him cauſe to commend her: For though ſhe was always equally generous towards her friends, yet ſhe was alwayes very unequall towards her Lovers: So as though Myrſiles was much joyed in being with her, yet it was with a mixture of many bitter minutes.

But as for Meliantes and Hydaspes, they were the leaſt content of all; for ſuch was the temper of Arpaſia's mind, that endeavouring to carry faire unto both, ſhe obliged neither. Yet Meliantes was happier than Hydaſpes, becauſe Hidaſpes thought Meliantes more in Arapaſias favour than he was; ſo as though Meliantes was not altogether content with his Miſtreſs, yet he was very glad to ſee the ſadneſſe of his Rivall, though he extreamly grieved that he enjoyed but halfe that heart of her he loved. But as for Hidaſpes, ſince he hoped to have enjoyed all; and ſeeing it divided into two, his ſorrows were above his expreſſions; for in point of glory, he concealed his vexation from his Rivall. Meliantes alſo on his ſide, out o [...] the ſame motive he made it appear that he was more joyed than he was; and to get him ſome advantage over Hidaſpes, it chanced when the diſcourſe was generall: and when Cyrus was ready to retire, that he ſpoke very advantageouſly of Meliantes unto Mandana, and entreated her very obligingly to let him have the honour of her eſteeme and friendſhip: Alſo Meliantes thought himſelfe highly recompenced for the ſervice he had done that Prince, ſince he had given him ſuch commendations: For truly Madam (ſaid Cyrus unto Mandana) I aſſure you that Meliantes hath more conquered me by his virtue, than his valour, though his valour be ſuch as made me his priſoner: and ſuch is his merit, that doubleſſe he deſerves your acquaintance.

Oh Sir! (ſaid Meliantes) I cannot endure you ſhould ſay you were my Priſoner; for I have ever endeavoured to obey you ſince the firſt time I had the honour to ſee you: 'Tis true (replyed Cyrus) but however, by the laws of War, you might have commanded me, and in not doing it, your generoſity the more appears. Alſo I aſſure you, that you have loſt nothing by it; for my acknowledgment gives you more power over me, than the right of Conquerors can over the conquered.

After this, Cyrus making himſelf ready to go away, Meliantes could not reply, and all the company parted. But Mandana did not yet go to bed; for ſince Cyrus had told her that he would ſend away Poſts unto Ecbatane and Perſepolis in the morning, that Princeſſe would write unto Ciaxares; ſhe writ alſo unto the Queen of Perſia: And accordingly, Cyrus by break of day diſpatched Araſpes towards Cambyſes, and Aglatidas towards Ciaxares, making choiſe of the laſt of theſe to carry this great news unto the King of Medes, to the end he might ſee his deare Ameſtris. However, to looſe no precious time, as ſoon as all the Princeſſes were ready, they departed, and all the Army marched: For though there was no Enemy appeared in a body, yet Cyrus would have his Army march in Battalia, untill he was on the other ſide of Araxes. And when he came unto the entrance into the wood which had been burned, Artabatis came and met Cyrus, who received him as a man who had much contributed unto his liberty, by the victory he had gotten over Andramites, and by thoſe Troops which he ſent unto the Tents Royall. It was in that place alſo where the wiſe Anacharſis did meet Cyrus, and did infinitely commend the moderation which he ſhewed towards Thomyris: But Cyrus deſiring to render juſtice unto the virtue of this illuſtrious Scythian, he preſented him unto Mandana, in a moſt obliging manner, [Page] and in few words acquainted her with the merit of this excellent man. This Princeſſe alſo did him all imaginable honour, and rendered as much unto his vertue, as unto his quality, which vvas great.

Since the Fort of the Sauromates was in their way, and a convenient dayes journey, all the Princeſſes did lye there, and were received by the King of Hircania, who was well recovered of his wounds, and able to meet Cyrus and Mandana at their entrance into the Fort, making many excuſes that he came no further to meet them: After which he told Cyrus, that he would give him more than a Kingdome, if he would be pleaſed to render him what hee had loſt, and what ſo few ever knew that he had. This diſcourſe is ſo dark unto me (replyed Cyrus) that I cannot return an anſwer before you inform me what it is which you have loſt, and which I can reſtore unto you. When you are in a more fitting place, Sir, to tell it in (replyed the King of Hircania) I ſhall more preciſely tell you, how I am this morning aſſured that I have a ſonne in your Army, though none ever thought that ever I had a ſucceſſor, or was ever marryed: And therefore Sir, when I have cleered unto you ſome circumſtances which I ſhall this day know, I ſhall beſeech you to reſtore him unto me.

You may well imagine Sir (replyed Cyrus) that I ſhould be very glad if I could contribute any thing unto your ſatisfaction: You Sir, I ſay who was the firſt that came in to my ſide, and unto whom my firſt acknowledgments are due: After this, the King of Hircania returning a civill anſwer, without particularizing any thing of his adventure, Mandana was ready to come out of her Coach, and Cyrus left him to go and preſent his hand unto her. All the reſt of the Princes did the like unto the Princeſſes whom they adored: But Arpaſia having two adorers who would equally ſtrive for that office, they were ready to quarrell about it: And if Arpaſia had not wiſely carryed her ſelfe, doubtleſſe they had faln foule upon one another.

In the mean time, Cyrus being advertiſed of the paſſage, and underſtanding that Hydaſpes was more in the wrong then Meliantes, he drew him apart: And after he had told him how he did not take it well that he ſhould no better comply with a man unto whom he was ſo much obliged, and unto whom hee might attribute the name of his Protector, he acquitted himſelfe of his promiſe made unto Meliantes, in deſiring Hydaſpes with all affectionate perſwaſions, to thinke no more upon Arpaſia, but to yeeld her unto his Rivall. Sir (ſaid Hydaspes) I moſt humbly beſeech you, do not command me peremptorily, leaſt I ſhould ſhame my ſelfe in my diſobedience. But Sir, to teſtifie how I reſpect the [...]end of the illuſtrious Cyrus in the perſon of my Rivall, I will promiſe, that if Arpaſia make choiſe of him, and reject me, I will never diſturb his enjoyment of her, but will ſooner reſolve upon death, than moleſt a man who hath had the glory o [...] doing you ſuch conſiderable ſervice, and hath obtained your friendſhip.

Since you believe that Arpaſia will prefer you before Meliantes (replyed Cyrus) you will in this do nothing which will oblige me. Alas Sir (replyed Hydaſpes) I am much leſſe happy than you do imagine: For ſince my Rivall hath delivered Arpaſia from the hands of Licander, he hath gotten ſo much of her heart, that I know not which of us hath the greateſt ſhare. Since it is to (ſaid Cyrus) me thinks you may the more eaſily yeeld him your halfe; for I cannot conceive there is any great happineſſe to be found in the enjoyment of a divided heart.

However it be, Sir, (replyed Hydaſpes) I ſhall looſe that ſatisfaction which I have, and which I cannot voluntarily yeeld. Since it is ſo (ſayd Cyrus) the Princeſſe Mandana ſhall take the paines to negotiate the matter with the faire Arpaſia: For I ſhould be exceeding ſorry, if any misfortunes ſhould befall unto two men who are ſo deare unto me. After this, Cyrus went immediately unto Mandana, and entreated her to ſpeak with Arpaſia, to the end ſome courſe might ſpeedily be taken in the buſineſſe, leſt theſe two Rivalls ſhould quarrell about her. Yet firſt he would talk with Gabrias; who having given unto Cyrus all the power he had over his Daughter, he enabled that Prince to do an act of Juſtice between theſe two men whom he exceedingly loved.

In the mean time, Mandana talked with Arpaſia in private: and telling her the ſtate of things, alſo how ſhe was the Miſtreſs of her own deſtiny, ſhee was at a [Page] ſtrange Dilemma. At the firſt ſhe ſaid that ſhe would refer her ſelf unto the diſpoſition of her Father. But Mandana being very importunate with her to explain her ſelf cleerly, ſhe was more puzled: For truly Madam (ſaid ſhe, being reſolved to t [...]ll her plainly) I cannot give you any anſwer, all I can ſay, is to acquaint you in two words with the condition of my ſoul, to the end you may, though I cannot well without a bluſh, that my firſt inclination was towards Meliantes and that I eſteemed him, and was as tender towards him as poſſibly one could be: I muſt confeſs alſo, that I was infinitely beholding to him, inſomuch as but for him I had married a man whom I did moſt horridly hate, and ſhould have been conſequently the moſt miſerable perſon upon Earth.

I muſt further confeſs, that I was not ſorry he did love me at Alfenes, and that had I never heard of his infidelity unto me, whoſe name was Argeliſe; I had loved him again as he deſired to be; but for all this Madam, I muſt alſo tell you, that being fully reſolved to be only upon tearms of friendſhip with Meliantes, I came afterwards acquainted with Hydaſpes, whoſe humour and diſpoſition I found ſo agreeable unto my own, as at the firſt I believed there would be a great affection betwixt us: And I muſt tell you more than ever I did him, that my ſecret deſign of diſ-engaging my heart from Meliantes, did make me receive the Love of Hydaſpes, ſooner than otherwiſe I had done, ſo as not to diſſemble with you, I did did permit him to hope, and a while after promiſed him my Love: Since this Madam, there hath hapned many ſtrange revolutions, and not to inſiſt upon any but the laſt, I will tell you Madam, that notwithſtanding all my coldneſs to Meliantes, he came diſguiſed unto the Tents Royall, and was ſo generous as to hazard his life in being the death of my laſt Raviſher, and I may truly ſay Madam, that in killing Lycander, he hath received part of that affection which formerly I had unto him; ſo as I am now in the moſt peplexed condition in the World. For I know, that none can be more perfectly loved than I am both by Meliantes and by Hydaſpes. The firſt of which hath done me the moſt conſiderable ſervice, and the ſecond hath the Engagement of my promiſe, which I am not able to keep unleſs I be ungratefull unto Meliantes, nor can I beſtow my ſelf unto Meliantes, unleſs I be perfidious unto Hydaſpes.

Thus can I give my ſelf unto neither of theſe two, unleſs I ſhould greive for him whoſe I am not. And I am ſo unreſolved what to do, that doubtleſs, I ſhould repent it, if I ſhould make my choiſe of either. For truly, I do no ſooner entertain an advantageous thought of Hydaſpes, but preſently I have another which blaſts it: And therefore Madam, to be ſincere with you, I am not able to make him whom I ſhall chooſe, or my ſelf happy, in my choice.

After th [...]s, Mandana endeavoured to diſcover whether all this proceeded from the reality of her mind, and indeed ſhe did ſo plainly find that it was ſo, as ſhe could not chooſe but wonder.

But the great difficulty was, to make Arpaſia conſent that her thoughts ſhould be made known unto Meliantes and Hydaſpes, yet reſolve upon it, ſhe muſt: For after Mandana had given an account unto Cyrus and Gabrias of her conference; they could find out no better courſe, then to tell both Meliantes and Hydaſpes ingeniouſly how the caſe ſtood. So as ſending for them both, Mandana did ſo diſcreetly acquaint them with Arpaſias mind, and carried the matter with ſuch artifice, as ſhe almoſt infuſed an equall deſire in them both, to yeild her unto one another by the impoſſibility which ſhe made them ſee in making eithe themſelves or her happy; yet they could not reſolve it ſo upon a ſudden, but deſired two things. The one, that Arpaſia would in their preſence confirm all that the Princeſs Mandana had told them, that they might ſee there was no poſſibility of changing her mind The other, that they might have time given them untill the next day before they gave their anſwer. Their demands were granted, and Arpaſia was brought unto them, though much againſt her will: But when they ſaw her, they found all that Mandana told them ſo exactly true, that they equally thought themſelves moſt miſerable, yet Meliantes leſs than Hydaſpes: For after an abſolute deſpair, he found ſome ſweetneſs, in ſeeing that he had made ſome Entrance into Arpaſias heart, ſince he had gotten half of it from his Rivall, yet this partition was a great affliction unto him as well as unto Hydaſpes, and they were in a hundred minds, to [Page] give over all thoughts of a perſon who could not tell what to reſolve upon: And thus they paſſed away that night in a reſtleſs perplexity.

However, Meliantes being as generous as amorous, the very thought that Hidaſpes would ſtill be in a corner of Arpaſias heart, though he ſhould marry her; he was in a mind to quench his flames, but ſince generoſity told him it was againſt the haire to yeild her unto his Rivall, he was reſolved not to do it, when one came to tell him that Cyrus was very deſirous to ſpeak with him, and ſtayed for him in Mandana's chamber, He remembring his promiſe of giving an anſwer, did think it was that for which he ſent for him; but he was much ſurprized when in entring into the the Chamber of that Princeſs, where there was only Cyrus and the King of Hyrcania, and he heard Mandana ſay that ſhe had ſuch good news to tell him, as ſhe deſired none ſhould acquaint him with it but her ſelf: For Meliantes (ſaid ſhe unto him) you are Son unto a King, and to a King who was the firſt friend of Cyrus when he begun the Warr: But the worſt is, that in giving a Crown you muſt looſe a miſtreſs; for the King your Father before whom I ſpeak hath acquainted me, that according to the Laws of his Kingdome it is not lawfnll for the ſucceſſor unto that Kingdome to marry a ſtranger Princeſs. Madam (replyed Meliantes, much amazed) what you are pleaſed to tell is ſo far from any probability that not daring but to beleive your words, I muſt needs think I have not rightly underſtood them: No, no (replyed the King of Hyrcania) neither the Princeſs Mandana nor you are miſtaken; for you are really my Sonn, though you do not know it. And to teſtifie that I do know all that ever you have done, ſince you left the name of Clidaris and aſſumed that of Meliantes, I muſt tell you that you were brought up in a Province of Aſſyria, that you were beleived to be Son unto a man of quality there, that you thought Cleonide was your ſiſter, and that you have travelled all Greece.

In the mean time thoſe from whom you thought you had your birth, were only the confidents of my marriage with a perſon whom I eſpouſed ſecretly during the Life of my Father, and who dyed preſently after you were born: But I beſeech you Sir (ſaid Cyrus and intterrupted him) what is the reaſon, why after the death of the late King of Hyrcania, you did not declare your marriage & recall home the Prince your Son? The reaſon of it was Sir, (replied he) that having conſulted with the Oracle of Jupiter Belus in Babylon concerning the birth of my ſon. I was anſwered that if I did not conceal his quality, untill he had taken the greateſt Prince upon Earth Priſoner he ſhould become the moſt miſerable man in the world, and if on the contrary I did not divulge it untill he was maſter of a Princes deſtiny who had the deſtiny of all Aſia in his hands, he ſhould be able to cure himſelf of a paſſion which then would torment him, and afterwards be very happy all the reſt of his days. So in obedience to the Gods, I ſent my ſon to travell into Greece, in expectation of their promiſes which now are accompliſhed, ſince my Son hath had the Glory to ſee the illuſtrious Cyrus his priſoner: So as alſo the man who did educate him, and when the men who did educate him, and when he beleived me to be his Father being come hither to tell me he underſtood that my ſon under the name of Meliantes was in the Party of Thomyris, and that he thought it fit to avert him from it, I therefore do know of infallible certainty that Meliantes is my Sonn: But ſince under that name he hath had the Glory of doing ſome ſervice unto ſo great a Prince, I would not have him own any other.

As long as the King of Hyrcania ſpoke, Meliantes had many different thoughts ſometimes he was glad that his birth was as great as his heart, and ſomtimes when he thought his condition would blaſt his pretentions unto Arpaſia, he was ſad.

Thus Love and Ambition ſtrugling in his heart all the while the King of Hyrcania ſpoke, he knew not whether he ſhould be ſad or glad. But as ſoon as that Prince had done ſpeaking. Nature beginning to prevail with his Soul, he rendred unto the King his Father all poſſible reverence in the preſence of Cyrus and Mandana.

After which, the King of Hyrcania by the permiſſion of Cyrus, cauſed the man whom Meliantes thought to be his Father, to enter, who confirmed all that he had ſaid. So as it being out of all queſtion, the King of Hyrcania told Meliantes he was very ſorry that the Lawes of his Kingdome were againſt the Lawes of his Love; but for all that, he hoped that a Crown would comfort him for the loſſe of [Page] Arpaſia. So that without requiring any preciſe anſwer, but ſuppoſing that he would conform himſelfe to the Law, he told Cyrus in a low voyce, that hee was very impatient, until Meliantes was known unto the world for whom he was, hoping that the Complements and Addreſſes which would be made unto him upon the advantageous alteration of his condition would vvine its mind from its ordinary object, and hinder him from exceſſive grief at his loſſe of Arpaſia. So Cyrus beſeeching Mandana to let the people enter into her Chamber, the happy adventure of Meliantes was quickly divulged: For the Prince Mazares, Artamus, Intaphernes, Atergatis, and many others came in, and were informed of it. Yet Meliantes, as ſoon as he could diſingage himſelfe from the company, and being prieked on by his paſſion, he went unto the Tent where Arpaſia was, who knew already who he was; for Marteſia had ſent to tell it unto Niſide, who told her: therefore ſhe received him as ſonne unto the King of Hyrcania, to wit, with much more ceremony, and reverence.

But Meliantes at firſt perceiving it: No no, Madam (ſaid he unto her) I beſeech you do not change your way of behaviour unto me: For if you pleaſe, Meliantes will be the very ſame he was yeſterday, ſince Fortune will needs have it ſo, that he cannot be both ſon unto the King of Hyrcania, and Husband unto the fair Arpaſia. After this, Meliantes acquainting her how the caſe ſtood, he proteſted that if ſhe would give him her whole heart, he would with joy renounce all pretenſions unto the Crown of Hyrcania, and would eſteem himſelfe much more happy in reigning there, than in a great Kingdome: But Madam (ſaid he moſt paſſionately) you muſt do it in all ſincerity and Juſtice: and conſider, that Hydaspes perhaps would not quit a Crown to enjoy you.

Arpaſia was now much mooved at the expreſſions of Meliantes: But being both full of generoſity and ſincerity, ſhe thought it not fit to diſſemble her thoughts, nor to let a Prince ſo generous looſe a Crown, ſince ſhe ſaw it as great a difficulty for her to diſoblige Hidaſpes, as him. But though ſhe vvas as ſvveet in her expreſſions as poſſible, as poſſible, yet he thought himſelfe ſo vvronged, that all theſe teſtimonies of his Love ſhould not oblige her vvhole heart, that he proteſted he vvould never pretend more unto her; and that he vvould do all that ever he could to make ambition ſupply the place of his love, and vvould never affect any thing but glory, ſince he could never affect any but her, and ſince he could not obtain her Love: And accordingly, hee vvent from her in this mind: and meeting Hidaſpes by the vvay, he told him that he vvould yeeld Arpaſia unto him; and aſſured him, that though he could never ceaſe being his Rivall, yet he vvould ceaſe all pretentions unto the enjoyment of his Miſtreſſe. Hidaſpes received this Declaration vvith ſo much joy, that Meliantes began to repent: but the anger of his ſoule coming into his reliefe, he did not change his mind; but on the contrary vvas ſo confirmed, that he hoped vvith time to cure himſelfe of his paſſion, and vvithdravv his heart from one, vvho could give him but halfe of hers.

In the mean time, Cyrus had his ſhires in the inquietudes of Meliantes, though he did not ſhew it: For the Hircanian law, which did forbid the ſons of their Kings to marry ſtrange Princeſſes, was alſo the Law of the Cappadocians: ſo as Mandana, as Queen of that Kingdome, could not marry Cyrus. Yet this Prince did conceale his ſorrows, and would believe, that as Ciaxares might deny the Princeſs his daughter as Qu: of Cappadocia, yet he might give her to him as Princeſſe of Media only. Not that this obſtacle was new unto this Prince; but he had ſo many other more weighty, that he never thought of it, untill the King of Hircania did mention the Law of his Kingdom, and untill Mandana told. Meliantes, that in gaining a Crown, he muſt looſe a Miſtreſſe. However, he diſſembled his inquietudes, and appeared the next day as pleaſant, as poſſible.

In the mean time, Mandana having a great deſire to be on the other ſide of Araxes, ſhe entreated all the reſt of the princeſſes to riſe betimes, ſo as they went ſo early, that the Troops could not follow them: But after they had paſſed over Araxes, and the Army alſo, the wiſe Anacharſis who had waited upon Cyrus ſo farre, did take his leave of him, and carryed In [...]thyrſes away with him. [...]eſiphiles, Cherſeas, and Diocles accompanied him, and continued their Travels, as they began.

[Page] But this wiſe Scythian, at parting from Cyrus and Mandana, did give them ſuch high Elogies, as they had great reaſon to be as well ſatisfied with him, as he with them. As for Indathyrſes, he left Cyrus much againſt his will, as well as the faire Telegenes: and had he thought ſhee could have left Armenia, to go into the Countrey of the Sauromates, he would not have parted ſo ſoon: but he choſe rather to cure himſelfe of a growing paſſion by abſence, than vainly augmenting it by his ſtay.

In the mean time, Cyrus and Mandana continued on their journey; but out of prudence, he would not let the King of Hircania goe unto Ecbatane, for it was apparant, that Meliantes had need to be far from Arpaſia, to quench his flames. So as Cyrus making that his pretence, he moved the King of Hircania to go into his own Kingdome with the Troops which he brought: And in parting from Meliantes, he gave him ſuch high applauds, inducing him to love glory only, as he had good reaſon to be well ſatisfied. Mandana alſo teſtified ſo much eſteem of him, and ſo did all the Princeſſes and Princes which followed Cyrus, that he had all the reaſon in the world to be infinitely ſatisfied. But his greateſt ſatisfaction was to ſee, that Arpaſia at parting did looke ſo ſadly, that Hydaſpes was angry at it.

Thus he departed with all the glory that he deſerved, and with as much ſatiſfaction as his mind was capable of: For though Arpaſia was infinitely amiable, yet every one murmured againſt her; and though Hydaſpes was a man of as excellent parts as any in the world, yet they thought ſhe was injurious in not giving her whole heart unto Meliantes.

However, when Mandana came near Media, Cyrus ſent Orders unto Arianita and all the reſt of the women whom he had left with Lycaſte, to be at Ecbatane. And that day they entred upon the Frontiers of Medea, Harpagus, and Pactias, who were gone unto Mytelene after the ſiege of Cumes, becauſe the firſt durſt not ſhew his face unto Cyrus, and the other unto the King of Lydia, they now returned; and addreſſing themſelves unto Hydaſpes they informed him, that in their deſign of travelling, they embarqued in a ſhip which a tempeſt had driven into Mytilene, and that they went afterwards into the Iſle of Crete, ſo famous for the wonderfull Laborinth which is there to be ſeen: That being there, the ſhop in which thoſe whom the Prince of Phoceus and Bomilcar had ſent unto Cyrus, did there land: So as underſtanding that they had Letters from that Prince, and were going into a Countrey which was commended for its beauty, they followed them and came to Marſeilles, where they ſaw the admirable Cleonisbe, and were preſent at her Marriage with the Prince of Phoceus, of whom they ſpoke all Imaginable good: Adding that not being able to live longer out of their own Countrey, they implored the aſſiſtance of Cleonisbe and that Prince; who being glad to meet with an occaſion of thanking Cyrus for the happineſſe which they enjoyed, had writ a Letter of thanks unto him; and in it beſeeched him to pardon Harpagu [...], and to mediate Creſſus for a pardon of Pactias. So as Hydaſpes taking upon him that buſineſſe, he ſpoke unto Cyrus, who not being able to deny any thing in a time when fortune gave him all things he could hope for, he conſented that Hidaſpes ſhould preſent Harpagus unto him, and deſired Creſſus to pardon Pactias: This Prince being extream glad to heare by them that the admirable Cleoniſbe and the valiant Prince of Phoceus were happy together, though he was very ſorry this caſe was not ſo with the generous Bomilcar.

Afterwards Cyrus took all requiſite order for Mandana's arrivall in Ecbatane, in an Equipage proportionable to her quality: And to that end he reſted in a little Towne in a Province of Medea, which is called the Province of Sapires. During their ſtay there, all that Love could invent, which was tender, ſweet, and gallant, was uſed by Cyrus, by Mandana, Intaphernus, the Princeſſe of Bythinia, Atergatis Iſtrina, and by Myrſiles. As for Doraliſa, ſhe followed her old humors, ſince certainly tender and paſſionate expreſſions were not her cuſtome: all that ſhe was able to do, was to let the Prince Myrſiles uſe them.

But when all things were ready, both for the Train of Mandana, and the Equipage of Aſias Conqueror and for all the reſt of the Princes who followed him: This Hero leaving all his Army upon the Frontiers, except onely five hundred [Page] Horſe, he advanced towards Ecbatane, where Cyaxares expected them in impatience, proportionable to the joy which he hoped to receive in ſeeing the Princeſs his Daughter. But Cyrus and Mandana were pleaſingly ſurprized, when they heard that Cambyſes and the Queen his Wife were come unto Ecbatane, the cauſe of their voyage being unknown unto them.

In the mean time, the day of their triumphant entrance being come, the ſight was both unexpreſſible and unimmaginable: And though the King of Aſſyria had prepared a very magnificent Triumph for the reception of Mandana into Babylon, when the Prince Mazares by that Kings orders preſented her with the keys of it; yet it was nothing in compariſon of this. The truth is, the Prince Mazares did not contribute any thing unto it; for he made no preparations for it, becauſe he remembred that it was at ſuch a Ceremony that he loſt his liberty: So as looking upon Mandana that morning when ſhe had dreſſed her ſelfe; Take heed, Madam (ſaid he unto her) leſt you ſhould this day make ſome other as miſerable as my ſelf: For you may remember it was at ſuch a Ceremony that I had the misfortune to fall in love with you: I was ſo ſad and miſerable that day (replyed Mandana and ſmiled) as it was no wonder your compaſſion of my misfortunes ſhould molifie your heart: But ſince I am this day in a happy condition, I need not feare any ſuch adventure will befell me: And if I have any cauſe of feare, it is to looſe your friendſhip: Oh Madam! (ſaid Mazares and ſighed) did you but know my heart, you would ſee there was greater danger of my looſing yours, than you mine: and yet I aſſure you Madam, you cannot deprive me of your friendſhip, unleſſe you be unjuſt. Then I ſhall never take away mine (replyed Mandana) for it is not my cuſtome to be unjuſt: ſo that as long as you keep your ſelf as you are, I ſhall be ſure to be the ſame I am, and will never change, unleſſe you do.

Your expreſſions Madam (replyed Mazares) ought to be received with fulneſſe of joy: and though it do not appeare in my eyes, yet my heart is moſt ſenſible of it: But Madam, I beſeech you pardon an unvoluntary melancholly which perhaps will appear in my face againſt my will, ſince it is the only thing which you ſhall ever have any cauſe to chide me for: Since it is ſo (replyed ſhe) I will pitty, in lieu of chiding you, but do not think it ſtrange if I never aske you the cauſe of your ſadneſſe. As Mandana ſaid ſo, one came to tell her that all things were ready for her departure; and preſently after, Oneſile, the Princeſs of Bythinia, Iſtrina, Arpaſia, and Telegenes came into her Chamber, and ſo dreſt, and ſo fair, as it was evident that joy is a wonderfull advantage unto beauty, Yet the Princeſs of Bythinia was in mourning, but ſo, that her beauty appeared not a jo [...] the leſſe.

As for Mandana, ſhe was never ſo faire as that day: And when Cyrus came into her Chamber to preſent his hand unto her, and to conduct her unto her Coach, he was ſo ſurprized and dazled at her beauty, that he ſtood a long while gazing, and adoring it: For ſince he had never ſeen her ſo dreſt, nor ſo merry, ſince his departure from Cumes, hee thought her more charming than ever, and hee was more in Love than ever: and by conſequence the diſquiet of his ſoule was the greater, though hee did ſometimes flatter himſelfe in a beliefe that it was ill grounded,

At laſt all the glorious Train departed; The Ladies all in rich Chariots of Triumph, and all the Princes on moſt excellent Horſes, and there was not the meaneſt ſervant who had not ſome marks of his Maſters magnificence. When they were within two hundred furlongs of Ecbatane, Ciaxares and Cambyſes met them in the head of all the Perſians and Medes of quality who followed them, and ſtayed for them cloſe by a tryumphant Arch which they had erected unto the glory of Aſia's Conqueror, and Mandana's deliverer, where the Inſcriptions and paintings were ſo ingenuous, as they extolled and repreſented all the victories of that Prince. But Cyrus being as modeſt as valiant, he would not paſſe under this Arch, which they had erected unto his glory, but left that honour unto Mandana as the true cauſe of all his Conqueſts.

This interview had all the circumſtances which could poſſibly render it delightfull; for there appeared ſo much joy in the Countenances of Ciaxares and Cambyſes, when they ſaw Cyrus and Mandana; and Cyrus and Mandana were ſo [Page] glad to ſee them, as they did communicate the ſame unto all that ſaw them, ſo as never was ſuch acclamations upon Earth as then. But being impatient to be in a place where they might talk, they went towards Ecbatane; and all the way there were ſtill new marks of magnificence to be ſeen either in the troops which were ranked on the right & left hand, or in other tryumphant Arches erected to the glory of Cyrus and Mandana, or in the infinite number of men of all qualities, who came far and neer to meet them with Garlands and Crowns of flowers which they preſented unto them and caſt at their feet in homage to them

At the Gates of the town ſtood all the Magiſtrates who made Orations to them: Likewiſe at the Gates of the Temple were all the Magi of Ecbatane, ready to offer ſacrifices of Thanks unto the Gods.

But as ſoon as all theſe Kings, theſe Princes, theſe Princeſſes, and men of quality had taken thoſe places in the Temple which were aſſigned for them, the ſame accident which hapned in the time of Aſtiages, did now happen again: For the Temple did ſhake, the Lamps extinguiſhed, all except one over the head of Cyrus, which burned ſo clear and full of Luſtare, as if all the reſt had united their lights unto it.

At the ſame time alſo, for a quarter of an hour together, was a noiſe heard in the vaults of the Temple which reſembled thunder, and the roaring of the ſea, and which ſtruck fear into the ſouls of all that heard it. This prodigy did amaze all the aſſembly; the Magi themſelves all except one were were affrighted and ſo were all except Cyrus, in whoſe countenance was not the leaſt ſemblance of fear. When they offered to begin the ſacrifice, they could not end it, for all the victims eſcaped from thoſe who held them, and the Sacrificers aſſured Ciaxares, and Cambiſes that of neceſſity they muſt defer it til another time, and appeare the Gods unto whom they would ſacrifice.

As for Cambiſes, he did imagin according to the Religion of his Country, that if the Gods were angry, that men ſhould be ſo bould as to adore them in Temples built with prophane hands. But as for the Magi, that there was ſomthing of importance which the Gods would make known unto them by it.

The chief of them who was he which was leaſt amazed, did very well remember the interpretation which was formerly given upon thoſe Lamps which redoubled their light over the head of the Queen of Perſia: Sa as imagining that the Gods required this accompliſhment of that prediction, he told Ciaxares that he muſt retire unto his Palace, and that he muſt give him time to obſerve the ſtars, and turn over his books, and to penetrate into the ſecrets of the Gods; and accordinly all this great company went out of the Temple into the Pallace; but this was ſadly reſented by the Queen of Perſia, and every one talked of this prodigy according to their ſeverall fancies. As for Ciaxares who was moſt perplexed his reaſon why the Gods were ſo angry, was, becauſe he would marry his Daughter againſt the Laws of the Cappadocean Kingdom, which would not have her marry a ſtranger Prince So that not being able to keep his fears within the compaſs of his own heart he told them unto very many, and they became ſo publick that they were the common talk, and they made ſuch deep impreſſion upon the mind of Ciaxares that he ſent Aglatidas unto Babylon in his name to conſult with the Oracle of Jupiter Belus. But in the Interim of this voyage, and whilſt the Magi were conſulting with the ſtars and their books; Cyrus was extreamly troubled, and Mandana for all her prudence could not chooſe but be very melanchollick. Is it poſſible (ſaid ſhe unto Marteſia) that the deſtiny of Cyrus ſhould be yet doubtfull? can it be that after be hath been impriſoned at Synope for the Love of me, After he hath ſaved the life of the King my Father in the war againſt the late King of Pontus, after he hath won two battells in one day, after he had gloriouſly ended that War, by bringing that King into captivity: After he hath beaten the King of Aſſyria, taken Babylon, ſurprized Synope, ſubdued Armenia, won the battell of Thyburra againſt Creſſus, taken Sardis, put the King of Pontus to flight, after he had delivered me by taking Cumes: after he has vanquiſhed Thomyris and Ariantes, and gloriouſly brought me home to Ecbatana. Can Cyrus I ſay, doubt of a recompence for all his Conqueſts and Travells? he who above all this hath been thought twice to be dead, who was mangled almoſt in peices after the combate of two hundred, who has received [Page] ſeverall moſt dangerous wounds beſides in ſeverall Encounters, who hath been priſoner both of War, and State for the Love of me, and who hath given me a million of teſtimonies of his Love, muſt he be now ſlighted? whilſt Mandana was thus complaining, and whilſt Marteſia was comforting her, all the town were at their prayers to appeaſe the Gods.

But at laſt Aglatidas returned from Babylon, who after he had conſulted with the Oracle in the name of Ciaxares, whether he might give his Daughter unto Cyrus, ſince he was a Perſian, and ſince the Cappadocian Laws did prohibit that Princeſs to marry a ſtranger, he was returned this anſwer.

The Oracle ☞

Out of your thoughts expell

All fears of any danger.

Who can all Aſia quell,

In no place is a ſtranger.

This favourable anſwer did ſo rejoice the hearts of Ciaxares, Cambiſes, the Queen of Perſia, Cyrus, Mandana, and all that heard it; that it may be termed a publick joy; eſpecially becauſe it concurred with the Dooms of the Magi, who rendred an account unto Ciaxares, and Cambiſes of all their obſervations before all the Princes in the Court: For the cheif of the Magi addreſſing his ſpeech unto the two Kings, told them a thing which made him the more wonderfull, becauſe it concurred with the ſecret thoughts of their own ſouls, although they did not impart them unto any.

Sirs (ſaid he unto them) upon a recollection into my memory of things paſt; and when I think upon that prodigy which hapned, when the Lights of ſeverall Lamps united themſelvs unto that which was over the head of the Queen of Perſia; after I ſay a compariſon of that with this which wee have ſeen over the head of the illuſtrious Cyrus: I examined the interpretation which was then upon it; I have conſulted with the moſt learned books we have, I have ſeriouſly obſerved the ſtars, I have ſo cleerly read in Characters of Gold, and light, the will of the Gods, that I cannot make any more doubt of it.

And ſirs (continued he and looked upon Ciaxares and Cambiſes) that which the Gods do require of you is, that you refer the the whole cares of your Kindoms upon the Government of the invincible Cyrus, and that you leaving off ſoveraign authority, he may be the ſole ſoveraign over all Aſia, ſo many Kings as he hath ſubdued, do teach us that the Gods would have all obey him, and this is the interpretation of all the Lights extinguiſhing and re-uniting again in one over the head of Cyrus, as thoſe were heretofore over the head of the Queen his Mother: yes, ſirs I dare aſſure you, that if you do, as I now ſay, you will ſatisfie the Will of the Gods, your ſacrifices will be acceptable unto them, and you will ſee no more prodigies to aſtoniſh you.

But on the contrary, you will peaceably enjoy all the pleaſures of Life under the ſhadow of Cyrus his palms and Trophies, you wil raign in his perſon, and without your being his Subjects, he may yet be the ſole Soveraign over all Aſia.

Conform your ſelves therefore unto the Will of Heaven: And that you may both conjunctly raign in the perſon of this great Prince, make up the marriage immediatly between Mandana and him.

This Magi had no ſooner done ſpeaking, but Ciaxares and Cambiſes declared their will, unto him, and told him that they were ready to conform themſeſves unto the will of the Gods.

The modeſty of Cyrus was ſuch, that he refuſed to accept the ſoveraign power, which the Kings would have yeilded up unto him; but they were ſo urgent upon him, and the Magi told him ſo peremptorily that the Gods would have it ſo, as without any more delay Ciaxares and Cambiſes made a publick declaration the next day by which they made it known unto all the world that they did voluntarily inveſt their authorities in the hands of Cyrus, and accordingly the cheif of the Magi in Ecbatane in the Preſence of all the court, and in the midſt of as many people as that Temple was able to hold, did inveſt him with all the ceremonies and ſigns of [Page] Soveraign Authority, that is to ſay, with a Scepter, a Royall wreath, and all other things which diſtinguiſh the Kings of Perſia, and the Kings of Medes from other Princes. Ciaxares would haue thrown at his feet as many Crowns as he had conquered Kingdoms, and made Tributary Kings: But Cyrus would not have it ſo, not only out of modeſty, but in conſideration of Creſſus and Myrſiles, whom he highly eſteemed and ranked as his friends. The moſt obſervable was, that the Sacrifice which was offered after Cyrus was declared King, was very acceptably received: And the Magi aſſured Cyaxares and Cambyſes, that the Gods whom they adored, were never better pleaſed.

But after this magnificent Ceremony was accompliſhed, Cyrus had a moſt impatient deſire to ſee Mandana, that he might offer unto her all the Crowns which he had taken upon him: And diſ-engaging himſelfe as ſoon as he could, he went unto her to tender that Homage, and to aſſure her that he thought himſelf more glorious in being her Slave, than in being Maſter of ſo many Kingdoms.

In the mean time, the day of Marriage being ſet downe, nothing was thought upon but preparations for that glorious Ceremony: And Cyrus being a moſt dear lover of his friends, he thought alſo of their ſatisfaction. Therefore hee perſwaded the Princeſſe of Bythinia, who had full power over her ſelfe, to make Intaphernes happy: As for Gadates; he did voluntarily conſent unto it: And Cyrus after that perſwaded that Prince to give Iſtrina unto Atergatis. As for Arpaſia, ſhe was in a ſtrange condition: For ſhe did ſo reſent the abſence of Meliantes, that Hydaſpes was hardly pleaſed: and ſhe was in many minds to recall Meliantes thought, at the rate of Hydaſpes his baniſhment: and yet ſhe was reſolved to marry him, becauſe Gabrias her Father did ſo command her: But certain it is, ſhe had much ado to carry her ſelfe between her love, and her friendſhip, ſince ſhe neither made herſelfe, nor any of her friends happy, for Hydaspes was but half contented, after he had marryed her.

But when Cyrus went about to ſatisfie the love of the Prince Myrſiles, he found himſelfe a little puzled, not that Creſſus was againſt the affection of the Prince his ſonne: For though the quality of Doraliſa was inferiour unto that Prince, yet conſidering the ſtate of things he did not inſiſt upon it: But the main difficulty was, how Myrſiles ſhould be aſſured of her Love before he marryed her; for Doraliſa would never confeſſe it, though thoſe who knew her beſt, believed that ſhee did not hate Myrſiles. However, ſhe ſpoke always either ſo lightly, or ſo ſharply, or ſo negligently of it, that none knew well what to think; and which was rare, Cyrus did ſooner perſwade her to marry Myrſiles, than he could perſwade her to confeſs that ſhe loved him: but after ſhe was reſolved upon it, ſhe did this favour unto that Prince in a very pleaſant manner: For (ſaid ſhe unto him) I know not why you ſhould complain Sir. 'Tis true, I tell you that I do only eſteem you, but it is not that I do no more; but the reaſon is, becauſe I want words to expreſſe the thoughts of my heart, and therefore I had rather have you gueſs at my minde, than down-right tell you what it is.

But at laſt, after the modeſty, and humour of Doraliſa together, had made her ſay yes, and no, unto all the propoſitions which were made unto her, whether ſhe would marry or not marry; at laſt ſhe explained her ſelf that ſhe conſented to marry the prince Myrſiles: And theſe foure marriages being reſolved upon, it was alſo reſolved that they ſhould be ſolemnized three days after that of Cyrus, to the end that the joyes of that Court might the longer continue: And certainly that Court was the moſt glorious that ever was ſeen, for there were not a man nor woman of any quality in all Medea who was not there. The lovely Amiſtris alſo had quitted the ſolitude wherein ſhe lived, during the abſence of her deare Aglatidas, and came to Ecbatane, whereof ſhe was ſtill one of the greateſt Ornaments.

But the day deſigned for the compleat felicity of Cyrus being come, the Temple where the Ceremony of his Marriage was to be celebrated, was illuminated with a thouſand glorious Lamps: All the ſtreets of Ecbatane were hung with rich Sydonian Tapeſtry, Arches, Pyramides, Obeliſques, and Garlands were erected and hung up to the glory of Cyrus and Mandana, all between the Palace and the Temple, whoſe Inſcriptions being a mixture of Love and War, did embleme as well the grandure of his paſſion, as the grandure of his Conqueſts. Moſt admirable [Page] Muſique made the Roof of the Temple eccho all the while of the Ceremony: Never vvere ſeen ſo many Kings and Princes in one place, us [...] that: and never did a Royall Chaplet become any head ſo vvell, as that of Cyrus.

As for Mandana, the Majeſty of her deportment vvas ſuch, as vvould have been an Ornament unto the vvhole World: And her beauty appeared ſo ſplendent that day, as ſhe ecclipſed all the reſt of the Ladies, as much as the deportment, the ſpirit, the valour, and the virtue of Cyrus did ſurpaſſ [...] the merits of all other men upon earth. Both of them vvere the objects of admiration unto all [...] vvho be held them upon that ſtately Throne vvhich vvas erected in the middle of the Temple: Yet this Ceremony vvas not honoured vvith the preſence of the Prince Mazares; for he finding his ſoule not reſolute enough to behold the felicity of his Rivall, he returned into his own Countrey the night before the Marriage of Cyrus: but before he went, he left one Letter for Cyrus, and another for Mandana, in which he uſed ſuch noble expreſſions of himſelfe, as did ſo double the eſteem which they had of him, that could he have ſeen their thoughts, hee had been well ſatisfied. Indeed he did very well deſerve their eſteem; for he asked them pardon for his weakneſſe, he aſſured Mandana that he would never [...]rry; he told Cyrus, that ſince he was never like to have an Heir, he intended that all his Subjects hereafter ſhould become his, to the end Mandana might reign over the Saces, as well as in his heart.

Yet their ſorrows for the departure of Mazares did not hinder, but that they eſteemed themſelves infinitely happy, in that the Gods had made their Fortunes inſeparable, and that they had tyed ſuch an indiſſolvable knot, which nothing but death could unty. The three dayes after this great Ceremony were ſpent in Feaſts and Jollitie: and the fourth was the Marriage of Myrſiles, Intaphernes, Atergatis, and Hidaſpes celebrated, and for a whole moneth after, there was nothing but publique rejoycings, and diverſions in this great Court.

Cyrus had then information that Thomyris was returned unto the Tents Royal, and that Agathyrſes had poſſeſſed himſelfe of Iſſidon, whilſt Thomyris was ſo ſunk in ſorrow, that all the Maſſagettans were preparing to diſ-inthrone her, and that Elibeſis was become a Subject unto him, unto whom ſhe had been unfaithfull, in hopes of being a Queen.

After this, Cyrus received Deputations from all the Kingdoms which he had Conquered: from all the principall Cities which were under his obedience, and from all the Princes who were his Tributaries; from Babylon, from Suſa, from Sardis, Epheſus Cumes, Sinope, Themiſeire, Artaxates, Apamea, Gnide, & mothers, he received Homage. Thoſe who were riſen againſt Arſamones, ſent alſo their Deputies to offer unto him the Crowns of Pontus and Bythinia: Alſo he had particular Deputies from Heraclea and Chryſopolis. The King of Phrygia ſent unto him his Embaſſadors with rich Preſents: The Queen Tarina, Mother of Mazares did the like: The Prince of Cilicia as much; the King of Armenia the ſame: The Prince Philoxipe alſo ſent to rejoyce with Cyrus, that the Ora [...] which the Princeſſe of Salamis had received, was ſo happily accompliſhed in his perſon.

Amaſis King of Aegypt, the Prince Seſoſtris his ſon, and the faire Thimarette ſent to congratulate his Marriage: The Prince Thraſibulus ſent his Complements: The King of Hircania, and the Prince Meliantes did the like. Pittacus as much, and all the Sages of Greece writ unto him to teſtifie their joy, that Fortune had done juſtice to his virtue.

After all this, Cambyſes and the Queen his wife returned unto Perſepolis, where they did nothing but devote themſelves unto prayers unto the Gods, though Cyrus commanded A [...]aſius whom he ſent to command in Perſia, to take their Counſels in all things. Tygranes and Oneſile returned unto Artaxates, admiring the virtue both of Cyrus and Mandana: Silamis their Kinſman followed them. Intaphernes with the Princeſs of Bythinia went unto Chriſipolis with the quality of a tributary King. Atergatis and Iſtrina followed, Gadates, Hidaſpes, and Arpaſia went with Gabrias. The Prince Artamas returned unto his dear Palmis: Creſſus, Myrſiles, and Doraliſa ſtayed in the Court of Cyrus: The Prince of Paphlagonia marryed Telegene, and returned into his Country. Chriſantes had the government of Lydia, Aglatidas that of Babylon, Ligdamis that of Epheſus, and returned [Page] towards his deare Cleonice: Araspes that of Cappadocia: Thraſimides that o [...] Curia, for th [...] Curians did voluntarily ſubmit themſelves unto Cyrus: Feraulas he waited ſtill about his perſon, and marryed Marteſia a while after: Megabiſe was ſent into part of Arabia, which gave it ſelfe up unto Cyrus: And this great Prince was ſo well able to recompence out of the greatneſſe of his Conqueſts, that there was not one of thoſe who had done him any ſervice, which were not fully ſatisfied with his libera [...]y. Ciaxares himſelfe was well contented to be without Soveraign power, though ſuch an act is ſeldome unaccompanied with repentance

Thus, this greateſt Prince in the World, after he had been the moſt miſerable o [...] all L3370overs, became now the happieſt man upon Earth: For he was the poſſeſſor [...] the greateſt Beauty in all Aſia, of the moſt virtuous perſon in the whole World, and a perſon whoſe great ſoule tranſcended the excellency of her beauty, and one who loved him, as well as he loved her. Moreover, his Dominions were bounded on the Eaſt with the Red Sea: On the Weſt with the Iſle of Cyprus and Aegypt: On the North with the Euxine ſea, and on the South by Ethiopia. Againe, he had the advantage to ſee himſelfe Maſter of all the Treaſures of David, Salomon, and Creſſus, and he ſaw himſelfe at a higher pitch of glory than ever any other Prince did. Alſo he enjoyed his pleaſures with ſo much Art, that paſſing away his Autumns at Ecbatane, his Winters at Babylon, his Summers at Suſa, it was an eternall Spring unto him without the inconveniency either of too much cold, or too much heat. Moreover, this great Prince did with abundance of glory ſettle ſuch orders in his Dominions, and eſtabliſhed ſuch excellent Laws both for War and Peace, that he merits to be propoſed as a modell for all enſuing Princes to imitate. And to compleat his felicity, the Heavens did not moleſt him with the leaſt miſfortune all the reſt of his life: And let both Fortune and Love conſpire together to make a man as happy as ever they could, it was impoſſible they could make him more happy than Cyrus was, ever ſince the day that he aſcended ſo high a Throne, that all others on the Earth were much below him.

The end of the Tenth and laſt Part of Cyrus le-Grand. FINIS.

[Page]

Information about this book

Title statement

Artamenes, or, The Grand Cyrus an excellent new romance / written by that famous wit of France, Monsieur de Scudery ... ; and now Englished by F.G., Gent.Artamène. English

Scudéry, Madeleine de, 1607-1701.

Edition statement

1653

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A70988

ID [STC]

Wing S2144

ID [STC]

Wing S2162

ID [STC]

ESTC R2914

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

12412836

ID [OCLC]

ocm 12412836

ID [VID]

61581

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A70988)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 61581)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 292:2 or 579:2)

Source

— Artamenes, or, The Grand Cyrus an excellent new romance / written by that famous wit of France, Monsieur de Scudery ... ; and now Englished by F.G., Gent., Artamène. English, Scudéry, Madeleine de, 1607-1701., F. G., Gent..

Extent

10 pts. in 5 v. ([4], 155, 208; [4], 359; [6], 206, 188; [4], 195, 166, 46, [2]; [4], 186, [2], 232 p.)

Printed for Humphrey Moseley ... and Thomas Dring ...,. London :: 1653-1655.. (Each volume has special t.p.) (Reel 579:2 has v. 3 only.) (Advertisement: p. [1]-[2] at end of vol.4.) (For key to the characters in book, see Drujon. Les livres à clef. Paris, 1888, columns 88-91.) (Reproduction of original in Newberry Library and Huntington Library.)

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